My Little Witch

by PoisonJoker09

Rating: teen
Tags: Main 6, Original Character, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Comedy, Cutie Mark Crusaders, Slice of Life, Dark, Alternate Universe
Length: 105193

As a new pony settles into the life of Ponyville, we have a peek into her strange life and activities, as she observes and causes some of the problems that happen in the area.

As a new pony settles into the life of Ponyville, we have a peek into her strange life and activities, as she observes and causes some of the problems that happen in the area.

Miss Scry Fortune takes the stage, with an assortment of mysteries and secrets to uphold.

AN: This is a comment driven story, take up a name, a style and become another voice in the head of Scry Fortune.

Published 2015-01-22 03:00:02 UTC
Last updated 2016-01-23 02:58:06 UTC

View Brew

Light…

Why’d there have to be light.

I glared at the glaring sunshine that filtered through the rather crude curtains I had bothered to put up, and sighed.

I suppose the next choir for today, moving furniture, and by moving furniture, I mean the tacky painting over the window to block out the light, it would be easier than trying to budge this heavy bed.

I kicked off the heavy clothing and blinked away the drowsiness from my eyes, Celestia; I really hate your inconvenient morning hours.

Still feeling off center, I knew that the current occasion called for something a little more drastic.

I walked towards my familiar fireplace and set the fire alight again, this time it was a simpler case of getting some water boiled and grinding together a number of beans together, a few minutes later and presto.

We have some coffee, sweet, sweet coffee.

*slurp*

Now I’m ready to take the day!

…

Is what an outgoing pony would say, for me it is more like 'Now I am ready to survive the day'

How I lived without my magical brew I will never know.

I then made my way to my discarded saddlebags, opening one up and pulling out a familiar book, old and weathered, yet its cover was still black and well kept, I placed it on the floor and then swiped with my hoof, the pages tumbling over each other and landing on a random page.

So... Dimensional Beacon Brew? That was certainly a new one... and it certainly seems like an interesting potion to cook up as well.

A number of ingredients are not with me right now... they are common yes but.

I needed to buy them in the Market Place for that. I sighed rather unhappily, I've been here for two days, and now I have to go back again so soon.

I took my cloak draped over my creaky chair and put it on, within a few minutes, I was walking out the door, reluctantly moving towards civilization.

The activity in the town had increased since my absence, now it was entire groups of ponies walking around from one place to another, it was clear that whatever holiday they were celebrating was certainly a big deal, nothing to care about at the moment however so I'll just make my way to the market.

It was a rather fine art to walk around a town unnoticed, for one, its best you have a dark color for yourself, my dirty gold coat manages to do I well enough, but in this candy tinted wonderland known as Equestria, dark colors stand out, so it is likely I will have to get a lighter shade of brown for my cloak , I suppose a dye or something will help with that.

The carelessness is rather quaint to be honest, being under the rule of a goddess must help that fact, the land which she claims is free from Griffin military and Changeling drones, the closer you are to Canterlot they say, the closer you are to Elysium.

I wonder if anypony here has had a day of true tragedy and hardship, wait, that is of course exaggerating, there has to be a number of problems present here and there. It's just that they have more good than bad.

My eyes were then drawn to a certain collection of red special shapes, that looked juicy and tender, and my stomach growled in response.

Apples... were quite the delicacy.

Not to say you won't find a tree out in the dark parts of the world, and Equestria always had bundles of such produce, but it always perked me up to see a the lovely fruit, as it was always my favorite treat as a little filly.

I then dipped the right side of my body, and then swung my left in practiced ease, a single Bit came out of my bag and I caught it in my mouth, placing it on the counter of the stall, not giving the owner a glance as I picked out one of the better looking ones in the back of the box holding them, and started walking away.

"Excuse me miss, you ain't from around here are you? New pony in town?"

I shut my eyes briefly and breathed slowly out my nose, as my mouth was occupied with the delicious apple in my mouth, I turned towards the face with my head, and properly looked at her.

She had a bright orange coat, Earth Pony and freckles on her face, a old hat perched on top of her head similar to the type I saw on some wandering desert ponies, she was a farmer obviously, due to how it was a stall that you pushed and worked with, and the defined muscles in her legs.

I tossed the apple in my mouth slightly behind my head, and caught it within my bag, I would have to save it for later.

"Yes... just moved in." I stated, she waited a few seconds before realizing I had nothing more to say, but didn't seem awkward and instead gave a large smile.

"Well that's just swell, always glad to see a new neighbor in Ponyville, nice trick by the way." she tilted her head towards my bags, I shrugged at the compliment.

"Well, my name's Applejack, proud Apple farmer of Ponyville, whats yours?"

"... Scry." I said back, I knew I would have to give a clear sign I would have to leave to shake off this conversation, "I actually currently have business to take care of at the moment if you mind..."

"Ah, suppose you'd need some new furniture or the like then right?" She nodded at her own words, "Don't let me keep you then, and what a time to move in, after all the Summer Sun Celebration, a lot of ponies likely be off to help with the festivities."

Great... I suppose it makes sense for people to take time off on such an activity, my mindset was blurred by the fact there was hardly ever any time taken off for running a business in other towns.

I nodded back and simply went on my way, I had conversation with another person, I was rather careless to not think that the stall owners would be socially active, I should just get those ingredients and be done with this.

I usually didn't complain about price, mostly because people were usually fair and I didn't really want to cause a scene, didn't want to draw attention, and even when somebody did try to up the price, you'd be fine because ponies were always generous to a point, so it would only be a Bit or more.

But I was sure this colt was ripping me off.

"That is at least twice as much as what I'd get an actual regent shop which can guarantee the quality, are you seriously trying to sell a clove of Perenze for thirty Bits?" I looked at the market stall herb seller who simply gave a smug grin, I suppose with every collection of plants, there is a weed hiding among the pretty flowers.

"Now that is where this delicacies are plentiful, in a small town place like Ponyville, you need to balance the profit you know..."

I rubbed my head with my hoof, the start of a head ache coming on, it seems he only researched this herb partially after getting what he wanted to argue with customers.

"You DO know that the Perenze root is poisonous in almost any way you try and cook it, and the only way it is a food is for Dragons who can handle the product." I stared him straight in the eye and he flinched, perhaps because I am determined not to get swindled, "I should question the Guards you know, you trying to advertise such a plant as produce likely will cause some unsavory reputation around any business you conduct..."

He was horribly sweating at the threat and gulped, "Eh... d-don't be so hasty, I'll just bring them back down to fifteen alright? No need to call the Guards on this."

"I think I see one around the corner now, I think I'll go speak to him-

"ALRIGHT ALRIGHT, Half price, seven Bits, just please don't say anything..."

A moment later, I was walking away cheerfully with a bag of decent herbs, the seller slumping on the ground in depression.

Although I said I don't like causing a scene, I like to put some ponies in their place, maybe this will teach him to do his research properly from now on.

I then took out the list I had written down, all the ingredients I written down from the book, I had nearly all of them now, all that was left was... simple refined sugar?

I never liked sugar, stuck to my gums awful and the sickly sweet sensation was ever present, cakes and candy were hardly a favorite food of mine.

Now market stalls might sell a cupcake or two, but I would need to find a bakery for this...

I looked around, there wasn't a bread sign or anything indicating so...

I looked around again, this time for anyone looking my way, once I confirmed there wasn't, I took out a pendant from my bag.

"Bakery." I uttered, and immediately it glowed a dull blue, all my directional assisting pendants were shaped in a cross to clearly indicate which direction I should go, it was currently indicating the left, a few degrees of spin, and it then made the forward arrow glow.

And off I went...

...

This can't be it... can it?

I looked down at the pendant, and shifted it left and right, sure enough the arrow was still pointed towards the... building.

I sighed and looked back up at it, it looked more like something that would be served in a bakery, if it wasn't for the fact it would melt otherwise I would daresay the walls were made of chocolate, the decoration was so much different from what I'm familar to seeing in a normal town.

And... I felt my teeth just ache looking at it, it was painful.

Still, I put away the pendant and simply trekked inside, my bits already ready to be given to whoever owned this bizzare store.

A tinkering bell sounded as I entered, and I was greeted by the INTERIOR even being filled with the same ghastly theme, I held in my sudden desire to gag and simply made my way to the counter, where a rounded blue Earth pony stood with a smile.

"Hello, this is Sugarcube Corner, are you here for the celebration? I don't think I've seen you around Ponyville before."

I simply grunted and flung a few Bits on the counter, "I need a bag of refined sugar if you please."

She frowned slightly, but nodded, "A bag of sugar? Are you in the mood for cooking something or just general use."

I shrugged, "Cooking." Of course it involved a lot more than an egg beater and oven, but she didn't need to know that.

A small bag soon found itself on the counter and she took the amount of Bits needed, I put the rest of them into my bag and soon the bag of sugar was safely in my saddlebag, I turned without another word towards the door.

And it was only raw instinct that saved me as I jumped back as the door exploded open, but it didn't help me much as a pink blur slammed into the right of me, I felt the world spin a few times until I landed flat on the ground, my head still twirling around horribly like it wanted to catch up with the revolutions my body had made.

I closed my eyes quickly, and opened them to look at the back legs of another pony, the pony who I am sure had to have been a force of nature because that was WAY too quick to be a living creature, let alone a pony.

"Mrs Cake! There's a new pony in town so it's time for a WELCOME PARTY! We need to get cupcakes, big cakes, strawberry cakes, chocolate cake, OHOHOHOH and also those hot sauce cakes, I bet she'll get a KICK out of them, and I need to dip into my party supplies for the decorations! And I need to invite everypony in town as well, there is so much to do! And also the invitations, I NEED TO KNOW THE PONY'S NAME-

"It's alright Pinkie Pie, we'll save a decent amount for her to enjoy, you don't need to worry." 'Mrs Cake' said, and then said a little softer, "But I think it's best you don't talk about such parties in front of the one you plan to throw it to."

I had just managed to pick myself off the ground when a startling image of a pair of blue eyes came into my personal space, I took a quick step back out of sheer shock at the mare's proximity, she stared at me for a few seconds before a shocked look crossed her face.

"HuaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAA!" I stumbled back with the loud gasp that issued from the pony known as 'Pinkie Pie', and she flipped backwards in the air, and landed behind the counter, the older mare Mrs Cake was startled, but that was the last I saw of her face until she was pulled from sight by Pinkie Pie behind the counter.

I stared for a few seconds, stunned beyond all belief.

"That's a new new pony Mrs Cake!" A whispered shout sounded from behind the counter, I honestly wondered if she really knew that I could hear her perfectly well, "There's TWO new ponies in town, that makes TWO Welcome to Ponyville parties! Ohmygosh this will be the BEST Welcome to Ponyville times TWO party EVER!"

I managed too get the gist of what this situation was about, it seems like whoever this... pony was, liked throwing parties for anybody new in town.

Great, come in for one round of shopping and suddenly everything is going to Tartarus.

I quickly exited the shop, and made my way to the outskirts of town, and back to my shack.

When I was finally inside, shut the door and peeked outside the window, there was no incomprehensible pink blurs of sound and speed, so I suppose I managed to avoid her.

I breathed a deep sigh of relief, it was a bad idea to walk into town so soon, the celebration they are having might be able to ward off any memories of me, unfortunately I had a bad feeling for that pink pony, she had that VERY persistence air about her, I should probably lay low for a week or two, maybe that will exhaust any of the enthusiasm she has in her system.

I then moved my eyes toward my bags, a quick thought came to my head on how to get my mind off the near interest somebody took in me.

I struck a match, I placed it to the wooden pile under the cauldron, soon enough, the pot was heating up, the particular mix needed has to have a base heat and not to have a second touching a cold surface, I learned that lesson the hard way.

I brought up my book again, and looked through the necessary steps, first I waited till be cauldron was heated up, and then filled it halfway with a mix of Hail-merry and Jun-bug berries, along with some Slime Sludge I had been saving.

Another one was the color of a rainbow, that was particularly potent due to it's high magic potency, soon enough the single scale of a dragon was put in, my last batch unfortunately, powerful spells needed it as the stock, I haven't been able to find a dragon since coming into Equestria.

Finally, the blood of a Manticore, with a mix three-quarters clockwise and eight a half anti-clockwise.

Sure enough, the colors swirled and stayed separate, rainbow recipes were very distinctive because the colors never mixed, this one however was quite unique, the colors had turned to a perfect pinwheel pattern, it spun and twirled as I watched.

I took a pair of cloths and lifted the hot cauldron from the fire, it was bubbling, this was good, bubbling usually meant the mixture was a success...
Or it was about to explode, but that is only when you get it tragically wrong, and I made no mistakes.

I blinked slightly, and looked at the window, it was dark outside, making potions always did seem to make the time pass quicker, it was 2:00 PM the last I checked.

It was now... about midnight, hmm.

I turned my attention back to the brew, that last of the steps indicated was a strand of fur, plucked from the head of the one who wishes the spell to focus on.

I suppose that would be me, I pulled down my hood, realizing I was still wearing the cloak, and shook my mane until it was in front of my mouth, I gripped some in my teeth and pulled sharply down, ignoring the twinge of pain that came with it.

Carefully, I positioned my head above the brew, and let go.

Slowly, several strands of my mane, blue, silver and green floated down, and hit the surface of the mixture, suddenly, the swirling colors stopped their twirling pinwheel movements.

Then, it started expanding, orange, pink, shades of all blues and greens started appearing next to each other, the color scheme getting more and more varied, until eventually it was one entire wheel of color that went through all the primary colors and what they can turn into between them.

Then, it started spinning again, but quicker, so much quicker that it turned black with the fusing colors coming together, then it.... disappeared.

I blinked, and looked deep into the cauldron, but it was the same story, nothing at all was inside.

Was it a failure? No, if it was a failure, it would have fizzed, burned, exploded or came alive, sometimes at the same time, it must have done something...

This was too grandiose of effect to have been nothing...

I suppose it does feel a lot, different somehow, more open... Hmm...

Hmm?

I stared at the presence that took up a space nearby me, it felt like something was watching... what did that damn book say?

I looked through the notes more carefully this time, and a finally a certain piece jumped out at me.

Allows for dimensional oddities to view and comment on the world the brewer inhabits, at times, they can be helpful guides and ponies that can give advice to problems, other times they can be burdensome and annoying, and others they can be the devils whispering for your darker side to be unleashed, a useful brew for those you lack perspective other than their own

I looked back and forth to the 'presence' and the book, and merely sighed.

I should really read these before brewing, my dad always said I leap before I look.

Well, I suppose it can't be worse than the frog incident, I should probably get some sleep in, it's been a long day.

Too Late For This...

Too Late For This Shit...

I looked out at the sky, and frowned.

Something was weird... really weird in fact.

I was settling to bed, after the possibly failed mixture, and then I realized something strange, it was now one in the morning, and the sky hadn't changed in the slightest, it was still very dark, like the middle of the night, but also, the stars are different.

... Oh, and the moon doesn't have the Mare on the Moon on it anymore, that's also rather disconcerting.

The Mare on the Moon was an old ponytail that spread out of Equestria and eventually to me in a little tattered book, it is actually what helped me learn about Equestria in the first place, the legend of two goddesses, one controlling the sun, the other the moon, then to devolved to basically the moon one living in the shadow of the sun, hahaha, getting jealous that most sentient creatures weren't nocturnal, and then decided to rule Equestria for themselves.

The sun goddess then banished the corrupted goddess to the moon, and it has been that way for one thousand years since then.

A nice story, and it would have stayed a story if it hadn't been for tonight.

I originally hoped that my potion must have had an unintended side effect, causing the moon to become blank was a stretch, but it was possible, but no, the shift of atmosphere I feel in the air is quite the bit... different, something I need to investigate myself.

And so comes out my final direction pendant, this time glowing a shade of red, it pointed towards the nearest powerful entity in range.

Unfortunately, it shined a sinister crimson rather quickly, and pointed forwards.

So much for a peaceful sleep I suppose...

I found that the path I had to take was deep within the Everfree Forrest, which I had yet to explore and take regents from, and I regret not making the time when I passed several useful looking flowers and herbs, and even a few more I don't think I have had the pleasure in collecting, perhaps I will make the time after finding what is causing this unnatural feeling in the air.

My pendant was unfortunately getting a fuzzy reading, whatever this entity may be, it was moving around the area rather quickly, I had the general location, but it was frustrating for it to blink left and right before settling back to front.

I suppose this entity would need to rest somewhere, maybe it was searching for something, so many questions and so little time.

"... none have you have been here before?" I cursed slightly at the voice and made my way off the path immediately, my secretive ways imploring me to stay hidden till they pass, but of course, my curiosity made me watch for who ever it was who would be in such a place at such a time, as dense as most ponies are to the hidden aura of magic, this one was quite powerful, perhaps they were the same as me, looking to fix the problem.

"H-heavens no! I mean just look at it, it's simply dreadful!" A rather high class accent? That is rather strange, likely a unicorn the first two, they had some bearing of formality in their speech.

"And it ain't natural, folks say it don't work the same as Equestria." My ears flickered irritably, that voice was familiar, the farmer earth pony I had met briefly, soon enough, the entire group came into sight from the trees, two unicorns, one purple and the other spotless white, the purple one was very powerful... it was clear she was well versed in magic, likely took training from a very capable teacher.

Clearly a prodigy, the other, average for the typical pony.

Another two were earth ponies, and I suppressed the urge to groan, as they were both the two that I had met personally that day, the farmer I could live with, but being within the proximity of that mare just... didn't make me feel right.

Even now she was causing my mind to frown at her very posture, being relaxed, happy and even ecstatic in such a setting, she was the complete opposite of me, taking joy in life and not taking anything seriously, I could tell because she was simply wearing her heart on her hooves, it was clear to see her personality quite clearly.

The orange one was a simple farmer, she had the right muscles and seems to be rather powerful, more so than the typical earth pony I daresay, and it was clear that she had a powerful back to her kick, but still, unremarkable overall.

The last two managed to round up the pony race as two pegasi, a cyan blue with a rainbow mane... indeed that is quite the oddity, it is likely that one is destined to be something good in the future, rarely so does one become born with such an important color set.

The yellow one looked demure and socially awkward, it was clear her pink mane was styled to cover her face and she seemed she was more frightened of the large gathering of ponies than the dark woods, however, she indeed had a rather natural aura about her, it seems she might be close to Mare Nature in some form.

Apart from a few clear signs of powerful individuality, I didn't see this as an official group to be going on a dangerous mission, and it was too much coincidence that they were here for a moon light stroll, maybe they were taking it upon themselves to find what has been causing this atmosphere once their apparent leader, the purple unicorn, sensed the entity.

It was all very theory based, but I have no interest in them at the moment, they wouldn't just jump into a forest so there must be something they are looking for, and since my pendant won't be able to track down the threat immediately, I best follow from the shadows to where ever they are going.

It was turning out to be an interesting outing.

Already I have found two instance where the Entity has meddled with the progress of these ponies, it was subtle at first, a rock-slide happening out of nowhere however was still something to note, the Manticore was something a little surprising, I suppose the ingredients I used today had something to say for the future, I usually don't rely on the Fortune of the Ingredients, they can be too subtle and only said elements of events, hardly something to divine from.

A Manticore attacking upon sight is not heard of, of course they can be easily provoked, but not out of nowhere, I was tempted to throw a crew to defuse the situation, as they were taking oh so long to try and beat their way past, the demure yellow one, known as Fluttershy from what I overheard, sure enough demonstrated a natural gift with wildlife, managing to calm a adult Manticore enraged is a near impossible task, and she didn't flinch, very impressive...

They still progressed despite this, and I finally managed to get a sight of the perpetrator behind them.

The pendant glowed it's ruby tone quite brightly, the creeping cloud of dark night and stars had been behind those acts to thwart their journey, meaning they were going in the right direction. I was confused at it's attempts at subtlety, it was clearly powerful, why not confront them directly?

Of course, one can not live a life trying to predict the acts of powerful beings, they are quite strange in behavior and motives.

"Urrrrrhhh, my eyes need a rest from all this icky muck!" I had quickly learned that the white unicorn was quite the fussy personality, she would fit in with a number of unicorn nobles, it was amazing she wasn't wearing any clothes however, nobles believe to always year the best of fashion and hardly ever go natural.

However, her wish was granted quite quickly, as the forest thickened and their path was dark without the rays of the moon lighting their way.

"Well I didn't mean that literally..." I held in a snort at the statement, I was not immune to the humor of contradicting situations.

"That ancient ruin could be right in front of our faces and we wouldn't even know it..." The one known as 'Twilight' spoke up, ancient ruin hmm, well that is the location, but what is the target?

Soon enough they were tripping over each other, I had no problems myself traversing the dark, I took a Carrot Eye Drop for a reason when it became an unnatural night, it helped to be prepared.

"AHHHHHHHH!" I was on guard immediately as a scream sounded off, and then several protrusions appeared from the nearby trees, gruesome faces beyond any sight know, the eyes, the eyeswerestaringintometheTEETHOHBYCELESTIATHE-

Hold, close my eyes.

I breathed in, and out, in, and out.

Celestia, that was the name of the regions goddess, why would I call out her name in panic? Something was falsely implanting suggestions of fear into my mind.

It was another ploy from the Entity, when physical threats were trumped, it went for a more mental approach, it was rather ingenious, unfortunately for her, only tied to visual sight.

I didn't have any mind block remedies in my saddlebags however, I would likely be walking blind until-

"*Snrk* HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!"

...

Sorry, what am I hearing?

I pulled in my nerve and opened my eyes.

Sure enough, the laughter was from the pony know as Pinkie, who was right next to one of the numerous trees that had been affected by the Entity, she was laughing, snorting and all other forms of enjoyment, without a care in the world.

It was then I knew, that Pinkie was abnormal

She was a simple earth pony, how could she override the alteration across this forest? It just wasn't...

Urhhg, she's now pulling faces at them I mean- WHAT?!

"Oh, when I was a little filly and the sun was going DOWWWWNNN!"

Ah... a Song Shift hmm?

That happened hardly at all in other parts of the world, I suppose the peace in Equestria causes them to become much more frequent, sure enough, the world helped the song along and music started playing out of nowhere.

Moments where strong emotion and need to express are pushed out into the harmonious synergy's of the air, and cause an increase of productivity, unity and mood.

"She isn't..." Twilight asked wearily, normally I would agree with her, however this situation is quite the bit in need of a Song Shift, if anything it will get them to stop fearing this spell.

"The darkness and the shadows, they would always make me FROWWWWNNN!

"I'd hide under my pillow, from what I thought I saw,

But granny pie said that wasn't the way, to deal with fears at all...

Hold on a second... could it be that simple?

Any spell that tried to implant a feeling of fear is meant to keep that effect as soon as ponies trip a sort of trigger to have it affect their minds directly, and would stop after they stop stepping on the trigger, or get out of range, however, if one has a positive enough mind...

"... Just laugh to make them disappear!"

"Ha, Ha, HA!"

In an instant, the gruesome face disappeared from the tree and was blank once again.

A clear vocal contradiction to the implanted steps placed on the trees such as a laugh is sure to dispel it!

Soon enough, everypony of the group joined into the Song Shift and laughed at each tree in the area, all of them smoothing out to clearly show an ordinary tree, I meanwhile watch from the bushes, ultimately surprised at the spectacle.

Soon enough, all was finished and they collapsed on the ground, still laughing from their work.

I merely kept staring at Pinkie, a great iota of respect now in her direction, she treated a spell that nearly thwarted me and dispelled it just as quickly, it is almost incredible how strong her fortitude is.

I looked towards one tree they had missed, it was turned away from them and far back down the trail, so it wasn't their fault.

I just stared at the demonic eyes that threatened to swallowmewholeand-

I blinked slowly and looked at it again.

I then kept my mind on a single thought, the pink mare that had annoyed me to no end, came up with the most unorthodox way of defeating a spell set by a powerful Entity, all by a little song and laughter.

A grin appeared on my face, and I couldn't help a little giggle that came unbidden from my mouth, with a flash, the tree was it's normal self again.

It seems that all of these ponies are rather unique in a number of ways, I suppose I relied to much on what they appeared to be.

"I KNEW you had a cute laugh!"

I then felt every strand of fur on my body rise and a choked gasp caught in my throat, for a mane of wild pink hair, and bright blue eyes came into my vision, as she clearly didn't realize the concept of personal space.

And she was looking at me, with a wide smile and I couldn't help but do you reasonable thing in this situation.

I shouted in surprise, and fell to my back from overbalance on my back hooves as I tried to back away as fast as possible.

Any finesse you expected? I have a theory anything around that pink pony breaks something for the split second she appears.

The Reluctant Tag-along

The Reluctant Tag-along

I was careless I admit, maybe not so much as others could be, but I was.

Taking my attention off the group had allowed Pinkie to sneak up on me, to think such a brightly colored thing could be so stealthy, I shudder to think of what she could do with less than hospitable intentions.

But because I was found by the group and in my surprise had drew attention with my shout, I was now currently wrapped in a rope and tied to a tree, while they discussed what to do with me.

Again, I was careless, but I suppose this isn't the worse captivity I've went though, the griffin dungeon was surely the top of that list.

No, the fact that hurts the most is that I was outwitted by six ponies that haven't had a lick of military experience what-so-ever, I could have easily run, but after being stunned by an annoying oddity, a lasso was thrown around my body and Rainbow Dash, the fast one had looped it around the tree efficiently, if I was observing this happening to someone else I would have praised their teamwork.

Now it was just bad luck.

"I done greeted this pony barely a dog gone day ago Rainbow, if she was an agent of that Nightmare Moon then she wouldn't be so blooming obvious." Applejack was speaking on my behalf, despite being the one to provide the material for the imprisonment.

"Well I don't buy it, some creepy pony appears out of nowhere and apparently was following us the whole way? If she WAS a good one, why was she snooping in the shadows, huh?" I was already aware of the brash manner of Rainbow, but she took it to a new level, exaggerated stories such as being a agent for Nightmare Moon, the name of the Entity I presume.

"Look, we have to get the the ruins as quickly as possible to find the elements, we don't have time to sit around talking about some weird pony." You know, I would have been generally hurt by that statement, but currently I was debating on how a bunch of ponies tying up me to a tree was saying I was the weird one, if anything it was strange that they decided to take the fate of the world within their hooves.

Ah yes, something I found rather amusing, they had no sense of secrecy and managed to say more about their mission than they had when they didn't know I was here, the gist of it was that Nightmare Moon is planning to make the whole of Equestria fall to eternal night, which would be rather strange considering my view point.

There was a great many needs to fulfill when it came to the welfare of a nation, sun was integral to the very survival of a rural species that survived primarily off a herbivore diet, but I suppose powerful entities didn't need either rhyme or reason when it came to their goals. I have heard a great many different plans from people that didn't make sense in the long run.

I mean, if she floats she's a witch and sinks she is innocent? What if they needed to check EVERY pony in town, not so clever when your under the mallet.

The three arguments placed forward was Applejack for my innocence, Rainbow for my guiltiness, and Twilight being the middle mare who simply wanted to continue with the quest, the others were rather just watching on. The white unicorn know as Rarity did throw in a few comments of my cloak being tacky however.

"Honestly it is such a waste for a nice shade of gold, and that hair so, ghastly, if only I had my care products with me dear I would spruce you right up, those different colors could be put to good use." In fact, she seemed to take the time to try and converse with me, the one known as Fluttershy shuffled awkwardly and Pinkie just bounced in place, never tiring despite doing so for five minutes, with a stupid grin on her face.

Honestly, my laugh was cute? It was hardly even a chortle or a chuckle.

My thoughts were snapped into the current as Twilight stepped up to me.

"Look... I'm sorry for treating you like this, but you have to be aware that we are kind of... on edge at the moment." I raised an eyebrow, a 'No really?' look was what I pulled off best, I think that she was more thrown off by my nonchalant attitude than anything else.

"Just a clear question, what exactly are you doing out here? Following us?"

I sighed deeply, and looked at her, "I was simply investigating a few things that have been off around here lately, and then I overheard from a young group of ponies that there is a terrifying creature that needs to be dealt with walking into here, I decided to follow up a lead and so here I am, tied to a tree."

She flinched slightly at the blunt accusation and smiled awkwardly, "S-sorry, after facing a Manticore we kind of decided unanimously to not hesitate."

"Yes I saw how well that went, nearly getting swallowed whole when all it had was a thorn in it's paw, have you ever read 'Behavior and Habit's of the Common and Uncommon Carnivore's'? it depicts a clear example of how contradictory that behavior is."

She winched slightly before looking curiously at me, "I... don't believe I've heard of that book, who was it written by."

I snorted, "Grant Gobbledygook, a griffin if you can believe it, they usually prefer to do chicken scratches on the dirt or INTO animals than write books about them, but I suppose he was a special case."

She nodded, "That does sound familiar... did he also write the fictional story 'A Fickle Flight'?"

"Yes, he is mainly a informative writer however, usually about his own species and anything that digests meat," I shrugged, "ironically enough, he's a vegetarian."

"How do you know that? Seems rather personal."

"In fact it WASN'T, he takes a personal style of writing in his books, and mentioned he was more partial to fruit than beef."

"Well that is interesting... do you know any other-

"LAAAAAAMMMMEEE!" A loud shout from above us, I didn't have to look to know it was Rainbow, who swooped down landed between us, "You remember that thing we were meant to do, you know? The fate of Equestria and the like? Seeing as you two eggheads are caught up in your BORING talk about books."

Twilight then took on an interesting tint of red through her coat, "Ah... yes, sorry I rarely get to talk about my interests so easily with other ponies..." She cleared her throat and looked at me directly, "Do you intend to harm anypony if we release you?"

I rolled my eyes, "If I intended to harm you, I would have done it when you WEREN'T aware of my presence."

She gave a rather dull look, "That isn't really helping your case..."

I held my tongue to lash about and took a deep breath, "You have a S-Class level magic reserve and five more ponies to boot, it would be unlikely I would be able to harm any of you anyway."

"Again, not helping my idea of letting you out."

"I think she's just sayin' it in a round about way Sugarcube," Applejack stepped in with a level look at me, "I think she's sayin' that it would be right stupid to do anythin' bad to us all, and she isn't a stupid one."

A rather simple way of saying it, but I acknowledge her reason with a nod.

Twilight looked between us before giving a sigh, "Alright then, hold on a second."

The ropes glowed a deep purple and then unraveled from around my chest, I picked myself of the ground and scratched the barrel of my chest for the itch that had been bothering me because of the chaffing rope.

"Alright, so don't you think that because your free means you've been cleared of all suspicions." Rainbow stared me right in the eyes, and pointed her hoof at her eyes and then straight at me, "I'll be watching you..."

"Careful, I might actually be scared." A hard sarcasm had entered my voice, although the childish filly was clearly blessed with the color of her main, she had many problems in her own personality beyond the obvious.

"This is so GREAT!" I pulled back again when SHE came into the conversation, it was a needed precaution as would have likely broken her face against mine the speed she was going, and yet, she was still too close for comfort, "HI! Remember me, I was in Sugarcube Corner and you were buying sugar and then when inside and say you I went 'HuaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAAAAAA!' and flipped backwards and I was going to orginise your party, so I asked around Ponyville where you lived, but nopony knew where you lived, so I went to Mayor Mare to ask where you lived, but SHE didn't know where you lived, and so I decided to find out tomorrow so I could throw you a party and huaaaaaAAAHAHH!" She then got closer, and the space I had attempted to make between us was void as her muzzle pressed against mine, "So what do you like better, toffee or caramel?"

I blinked, and drew up a hoof, and placed it against her chest.

And pushed her as faraway as the length of my leg could possibly go, and let it drop.

She stared at me expectantly.

A hoof barely was restrained to slap against my face in frustration, "I don't like sweet food, at all."

Her face took on a shocked, near mortified expression.

"You... don't like toffee, or caramel?"

A familiar frustration build up, "Yes... I don't like-

"What about taffy?" She pleaded with that same strange pitiful expression.

"I said I don't like-

"Pudding? Chocolate? Banana-split? *gasp* ... ice cream?"

I now felt a vein in my head, "I don't like any type of swee-

"Blancmange? Cake? Doughnut? Eclair? Mousse? Fudge? Knickerbocker Glory? Milkshakes? Lollipops? Roly-Poly? Sherbet? Sponges? Sorbet? Sugar Cube? Syrup? Treacle? Trifle? Tutti-Frutti? Yogurt? Raspberry Rip-

"NONE OF THEM!" I finally shouted, she finally pulled back her head and I enjoyed the space I was finally getting from her.

I breathed in long, calming breaths.

Long... calm... serenity.

"... Muffins?"

"FOR THE LAST... muffins don't necessarily have sugar." I finished off in a pathetic note, I then really did slap my hoof to my face, "I don't like sugar, I don't like sweets, and that is the END, of this conversation."

She looked at me for a second, before regaining her smile, like none of her grief was real in the first place.

"Okie-Dokie-Loki! So we're going to have muffins at the party!" I couldn't help but realize a deep groan that was trapped inside my chest, there was none of the previous genius and bravery i thought I saw as she stared right into a fear spell, there was only a bubblegum-brained idiot who increasingly made me want to leave this expedition.

"Okay... so shouldn't we move forward now." I actually held in a slight jump when Twilight spoke up, because of the annoying conversation with the pink menace, I had nearly forgotten everypony else there.

"Yes... we should." I answered back shortly, and then turned towards the direction threat they were proceeding before down the path.

"Sorry, Scry correct? I think we should lead, just because, well, we don't really know you and-

I merely gestured to her to go ahead.

"Ah... yes, of course."

One by one they moved ahead, Twilight gave me a nervous nod, Applejack a tipped hat in greeting, Rainbow simply glared again, Rarity looked at me with a certain expression of 'we'll meet later' and Pinkie a dumb smile, Fluttershy was the last and simply avoided my eyes entirely.

With that, I follow the conga line towards out destination, all the while surprised at the nativity of keeping a previous suspicious pong in the back of the line without anyone clearly watching her, I could run, take the weak one hostage, yet they are so very oblivious of this fact.

They wouldn't survive a second in the real world.

"So how are we going to get past this?" Indeed, it did present a rather troubling issue, the river was wildly out of control and it was unlikely we would be able to cross it safely.

My question about ow exactly a river had gotten out of control this quickly were rather moot at this point. Nightmare Moon as she is known as, likely influenced the water currents to block our way forward... however, it seems more like a stalling method than anything, I doubt that she could keep it going this fast throughout the... night?

With it being eternal night right now, would that mean a lot more if I were to say one single long night?"

I digress.

Of course, I had my answer a minute afterwards, with a crying water serpent.

Of course it was... I think this powerful entity is toying with us.

The cliff was a sure sign to kill, as well as the Manticore, but now it was devolving from the harsh tactics and giving us pitiful obstacles, weren't ponies supposed to escalate when their enemy is getting closer to their goal?

Of course, I've said before not to question what powerful entity's dabble in, but there is limit in poor planning.

"...that was when this tacky little cloud of purple smoke just wisped past me and tore half of my beloved mustache off!"

Yes, this was just poor, poor planning.

"What a world, WHAT A WORLD!" He then proceeded to slam into the lake in a dramatic fall, which promptly soaked us.

"... I may not be the one to talk about facial hair, but it isn't something to cry over isn't it?" I questioned seriously.

"That's what all this fuss is about?"

"Why of COURSE is is, how can you be so insensitive?" Rarity questioned us, with a shake of her head, her hair bounced back to it's flawless shape again and strutted closer to the serpent, "Oh just look at him, such lovely luminescent scales!"

"*sniff* ... I know" He agreed as he snapped out of his crying fit.

"Your EXCELLENTLY cropped mane!"

"Oh I know I KNOW!" He then smoothed down his hair with a content expression.

Alright, so he has a lot of pride in his looks, don't know why exactly, did this river lead out of the forest to other female sea serpents?

"Your fabulous manicure!"

"It's so TRUE!"

Yet again, he might just be very vain.

"All ruined by the loss of your beautiful mustache!"

"It's TRUE I'm hideous!" he screamed out in tears again.

"I simply cannot yet such a crime against fabulosity go uncorrected!"

And with that, she pried a scale off of the sea serpents stomach, causing a cry of pain.

She then turned her head, and a quick chop made her tail fall off.

Which in turn, made the serpent fall dramatically to the riverbank.

...

I had no idea how these events were connected.

Rarity's tail then floated off the ground and drifted towards the snout of the serpent, and would itself around and around the stub of his old torn mustache, and affixing it on to the side of his snout.

"OH! OHohohoho! My MUSTACHE! How WONDERFUL!" He cried out happily, I couldn't help but stare in utter disbelief.

"You look smashing." Rarity smiled up at him, I merely looked on with the others, not comprehending exactly why it was any better than before.

"But Rarity, your beautiful tail..."

"It's alright dear, short tails are in this season. And... it'll grow back." She smiled awkwardly.

"... So would the mustache." I deadpanned, Rainbow following not far behind, I restrained a smirk on my lips as she glared at me angrily for 'stealing her line', "And he does know that the sides are asymmetrical correct?"

"I do darling." The serpent said from above us, still widely smiling, "But for such a lovely young mare to present a gift of her own sacrifice in my time of NEED? I couldn't complain at all, I can make a few dyes from some coral I can find anyway, so it isn't a problem."

With that, the river calmed and we were able to get across, helped along by the serpent.

But I stopped slightly and looked back at him, and he looked inquiringly back.

"Look... I might have something that can help the mustache..." I tilted my head a little, "But it is a rather hard to obtain brew, so would you donate a few of your unneeded scales in exchange?"

"Really darling? I shouldn't impose because some FABULOUS dyes can really put a dent in a serpents funds..."

With my confirmation, he scooped up a hand of his shed scales, saying that he commonly went out of sight from other serpents in order not to be seen in such a compromising position.

And in exchange, I took out a clear bottle.

"Please can you take one strand of your hair and give it to me?"

He reluctantly, and VERY slowly plucked out one hair, and whimpered slightly like he was having a post-dramatic flashback.

I took the strand, and thread it through the neck of the bottle, I had too cut it short because it was several feet long, and put the cork back on, a couple of shakes and the brew now how a deep orange tint.

"There, just mix with into your hair with some water and leave it to dry for five minutes." I was lying about the five minutes part, just to keep it realistic.

"Oh THANK you again dear, you saved me the ICKY job of scraping barnacles out of my nails." He then quickly slavered the mixture on Rarity's substitute tail and mixed it with a few drops of the lake, I didn't bother watching the procedure and gathered a number of the scales that were in excellent condition.

I rejoined the group, and Twilight gave me a look, "Uh, why do you want scales anyway?"

"I've an interest into aquatic ingredients." I answered back.

"I don't think I've heard of a scales cake before, I've heard of diamond cakes, cloud cakes, rock cakes, rainbow cakes, sprinkie-

"Not for a cake." I interrupted quickly, "I a soup maker, you can be surprised how many unusual things can be used to make a delectable stew."

"Now that doesn' sound righ'..." Applejack interjected, a slight frown on her face.

"Don't we have a world to save?" I answered rhetorically.

She kept her stare on me, and I waited...

"Twilight?"

"Oh, uh yes, lets move on girls." She then lead the group again, and I followed on behind.

It seems that Applejack was an expert in body language, there are some things that not even the aura of the world can tell us.

I should be careful what I say around her...

"What's with you and falling off cliffs today?" Rainbow snarked as she pulled Twilight back from her potential death, the fog was rather hard to see through, and of course, an undercurrent of sinister energy crackled around it, the fog is likely being concentrated into one place and limiting out vision, was it her plan to kill us through falling off the cliff? No, seems too much up to chance.

"So what do we do now?"

A smug grin found itself on the cyan blue pegasus's face, and flapped her wing pointedly, "Duh."

With a quick takeoff, she went down under the misty landscape, and right back up again with the ropes to the bridge grasped in her mouth.

Out vision was obscured however when she disappeared to the other side.

"Ah... so that's her game."

"What'cha mean?"

I nearly jumped from the voice next to my ear and scowled at the blue eyes curiously looking at me.

A irritable flick in my ear was the only inner signs of frustration and exasperation I had toward her.

After several seconds I realized she wanted an answer.

"... I was curious to why a thick mist such as this had suddenly rolled out of nowhere, it seems to be the work of that Nightmare Moon from before."

"Before?"

I gave a deadpan look, "There has been several signs by now, the cliff suddenly collapsing on itself, the Manticore getting agitated, "She seems to be trying to stop out progress, perhaps she finally got wise and started separating us."

"You... don't actually think that do you?" Twilight had been eavesdropping, great...

"An evil entity who wishes to plunge the world into darkness, there is few things I wouldn't accuse her of." I rolled my shoulders casually, "Like getting a sun tan."

"PFFFFF! HAHAHAHAHAHA!" Again, I felt my face strain as the loud voice beside me laughed loudly, "That was a GOOD one! Ooo Ooo! Me next, what holds up the moon? Moonbeams!"

I again put a hoof on the loudspeaker she calls a mouth and pushed her out of my space again.

I caught sight of something, "Ah... now she has resorted to asking us to join the dark side."

"Snrk! Oh man where do you get all these zingers! Alright me now, when is the moon not hungry? When it's FULL!"

"Would ya'll quit it with the jokes? This is a serious problem right now."

"No seriously, look." I pointed thought the fog which had thinned out, and it showed Rainbow surrounded by several dark costumed ponies, their presence certainly suggested that they were in fact constructs of some kind.

"Rainbow! Don't listen to them!" Twilight shouted in fear, it was all in vain as the fog thickened instantly, and cut off our view.

"Oh... my..." Fluttershy uttered in worry, I myself simply looked on in boredom.

"Aren't you in the least bit worried!" Applejack rounded on me, "You seem awfully calm in this kind of situation..."

I simply looked on in the wispy thick clouds, "For all her brashness, I doubt your pegasus friend's need to be recognized overrides her logic... most of the time, seriously, this Nightmare Moon has been going into a downwards spiral with all these obstacles, I expect the next will be a key under the doormat when we get to the castle."

"You were really just following behind us the whole time... I am really questionin' who you are Scry, ponies don't just pop out of nowhere with little to no reason explained."

"Have you considered that not every pony wears their heart on their hoof?" I drawled, and fixed her with a look, "I can tell you are a very forward one, don't much care for beating around the bush and hiding a few secrets, but in the REAL world, there are ponies that just don't wish to give their life story to everypony who has the time and ears to listen."

At that time, nothing else existed, there was only me and Applejack, our conflicted opinions causing us to scan each others faces, for a sign of weakness or indication of what we were both thinking, I didn't rightfully know.

But as quickly as it started, the fog parted, and the cyan blue feathered figure of Rainbow landed gracefully.

"Bridge is up!" She cheerfully reported, and looked between us all, "Uh... did I miss something?"

"Just having a healthy chat is all." I turned away from the orange pony and made my way across the bridge, "Hope you don't mind if I test if first, the thing looks awfully unstable."

It was a lie of course, despite how much disrepair it could have been under, it looked alright, despite it having been lying at the bottom of a hole.

No one complained however, and so I took the lead, I suppose with the castle is sight, I could hardly mislead them as such.

"The Elements of Harmony! We've found them!" Twilight exclaimed as the stone shapes were lifted off their respective pedestals and placed on the ground with assistance from Fluttershy and Rainbow, after so much work, I found the discovery of such 'legendary' powers rather... lackluster.

There was certainly something present in the rock, but it was near empty, like drops of water from a carelessly emptied bottle, it certainly held potential for power, but it has been a long time since it ever held onto such.

"There's only five!" "Where's the sixth one?" Pinkie and Rainbow asked respectively, I likewise was curious, things such as elements were rather out of my area of expertise, numbers were within my field however.

"It is said, that once all five elements are present, that a spark will cause the sixth element to be revealed."

Ah, so a concentration of the powers hmm? From what I gather, the Elements were a set of qualities long since revered in Equestria. Honesty, Loyalty, Laughter, Generosity and Kindness, other than that, not much else into suspected folklore and stories.

But again, a simple spark would not be able to ignite any power, it would be like setting fire to an empty pot, perhaps we are looking at this wrong.

"Seems rather strange such a simple phrase could unlock the power hmm?" I commented, stretching my senses to look around the area in depth, great power much have walked these halls some time ago, it leaves behind a distinctive footprint.

"What do you mean Scry?" Twilight had a small edge to her voice, looks like trust was a quickly depleting commodity here.

"Twilight Sparkle, I have lived a well traveled life, so I know what a Unicorn would think of a tree, and a pegasus around a mirror, and an Earth pony about the clouds, you just learn several perspectives of the world as a whole." I brushed the gathered dust off a groove, a switch was underneath, better keep this in mind for later.

Covering it up again, I turned to look at the group, "After so many years being dormant, a 'spark', would indicate something on the unicorns expertise, a powerful spark or resonance maybe, I am surprised that no other unicorn has attempted to find and activate these elements for themselves..."

"Then maybe it isn't something strictly to do with magic..." Twilight nodded at my words thoughtfully, "I suppose if Princess Celestia could not unlock them... maybe you're onto to something."

I looked up at the sky, despite it being hours, there was not a single stretch of yellow sky to be seen, "It would be wise not to use all possible interpretations however, we may have all night, but it is a long night."

"I think I can try something... just an idea, step back, I'm not sure what could happen..." Her horn glowed a purple aura, and her eyes closed in concentration.

It was clear she was connecting to the vessels, but they were still dull and without power.

"C'mon ya'll, she needs to concentrate." With that, the others started to leave the ruins, I suppose it was a wise choice, something this experimental and uncertain would need every ounce of focus.

"I will stay, it is best we do not split about once again." Applejack gave a reluctant look, but nodded and walked slowly out.

To think she took my side before.

I sat opposite of the circle of stones, watching the powerful unicorn do her best to feel something with the inert elements, I could feel her reach stretching in many ways, and testing each and every possible trigger point.

Magic... was defined by many categories, there is said to be the best example, unicorns with their spells, pegasi with their weather manipulation, and Earth ponies with their natural connection to the earth.

Many other forms exist beyond that however, chaos, order bound, granted by higher beings, bound my hellish scum, and each and every one was unique, to my senses, Twilight radiated an unending power, which unknowingly poked and prodded everything in it's immediate vicinity like a curious child.

It showed she was a knowledgeable mare of course, but it also shows she has much to learn.

If I plan to stay in this town at all, it would be better to keep tabs on her.

Of course, after becoming an obvious participant in the events transpiring I might find myself more known throughout the world than I would appear.

It is rather a shame, after all I already was settling into my new home, and it took a lot of work to move everything where I wanted to.

Perhaps I need to disappear once all of this is done, not stick around for the celebration after it is all said and don-

I eyes snapped open when another presence made it's way to my senses, I swung my head to the right, and saw nothing...

But I knew that just because one couldn't see in the dark, didn't mean monsters were not creeping inside of it.

It just meant they were creeping up from-

Suddenly, I felt something impact with my back and I suppressed a yelp as I flew through the air, I quickly tried to adjust myself as I flew, and managed a sloppy roll on the ground for my troubles.

I looked back towards Twilight and the stone elements, and saw the same shapes of night sky and stars suddenly merging itself with the elements, and suddenly they moved under her power, spinning like a tornado.

Without wasting anytime, I stood up my tail went into my bag like a reflex, pulling out a vial from my bag, but as I turned back to the powerful being, Twilight was jumping after her, and they disappeared a second after.

"Buck..." I cursed out, and placed the potion into my saddle again, and instead took out a pair of goggles.

I ignored to exclamations of the others as they ran back inside, likely from the commotion, and instead placed the gear over my eyes, and started looking around, soon enough, a distinguishable line made it's way and pointed out of the window, towards a tower in plain sight.

I pushed them up my head and started galloping towards the entrance, where a orange mare stood in my way.

"Now hold on there, what are you-

I didn't answer, time was of the essence, so I simply leaped over her head in the same stride and landed on the other side, outside into the woods I went.

Taking a sharp turn right, I went straight towards the abandoned castle with my steps fast and sure, soon enough, luminescent glowing purple lights made its way out the holes of the construction, I grit my teeth, and simply soldiered on, hoping I was not too late.

"Now hold on a minute!" I turned head briefly to see the rest following quickly behind me, Rainbow was leading the pack with an above average speed but didn't go faster, likely to let the others keep up, again I question exactly the well-being of these ponies, if they have any chance of living after whatever Nightmare Moon decides to do.

I don't dwell on it however, and simply sprint even faster.

I skipped each and every step, the others were still far below, and I looked into the room where the power was originating.

There, stood Twilight as she stood her ground in front of a powerful foe, it glared at her with equal contempt, her body had the traits of a unicorn and pegasi, which meant she was an Alicorn, if I remember right that is a status of legends and gods.

I growled and my tail swung into what I had in inventory, a flask of ice blue appeared and I flipped open the cap.

I then paused in hesitation, revealing my talents was always a last resort, of course the safety of the world depended on this moment, but I couldn't help but freeze up.

I hated myself, and instead charged in inside, bringing attention to me as I came into sight.

"My... another foolish mare who tried to usurp my beautiful night? All of you ponies are so... meddling" The entity known as Nightmare Night glowered at us, I merely breathed a little harder and placed the flask of blue back into my saddle, and instead took out three spheres.

"Well... I wouldn't say usurp, more like, strongly disagree with the arrangements of the current living environment." I tapped my chin in thought, "Protest perhaps?"

"Well aren't you an insolent one..." She muttered darkly, "However, you do feel different from the regular pony, feels rather... familiar."

I being that is a millennium old has likely met a few witches, maybe made a pact, or they passed her by one day.

I don't really care as I tilted my head towards Twilight, "Any ideas?"

"I don't know... she destroyed the elements, I don't know what could be done now..." She looked devastated, and her fast paced breathing wasn't helping matters.

"First, we need to stall for time, regroup or something of that nature."

"Do you think I can't hear you from here?" Nightmare Moon interjected, a wicked grin spread across her features, "Listening into a conversation is the least an immortal being such as myself can achieve!"

"And a braggart, you know out of all the bad qualities you have, I think that is the worst to show for."

Stretch. Twist. Aim...

Her eyes took on a dark tint of anger.

"How DARE you-

RELEASE!

My tail launched forward as I lowered my head to launch its artillery towards her, they impacted the barrel of her chest and face, and exploded into an angry shade of red sparks, she shook and twitched and her body took on every body spasm possible, her teeth chattered within her head as her body tilted and tipped in the new found imbalance she had to deal with.

"We should make our exit, now." I say, and Twilight nods in numb disbelief, and we quickly turn towards the exit...

Which soon became a problem as a dark cloud blocked us halfway there.

"YOU! INSOLENT FOUL LESSER BEING!" Nightmare shook her face furiously, her eyes blinking rapidly and not within sync with one another, "You shall FEAR ME YOU-

I threw my hip forward, and another glass ball shot out of my pack, it impact right under her nostril and exploded into an explosion of green gas.

"GO LEFT!" I shout to Twilight as I took the right, she immediately complied as we circled the powerful being you was coughing and choking on the new air that surrounded her, the neon gas was interrupting her thought process, making any multitasking impossible, and by that, I meant not being able to breath and walk at the same time.

She will be fine... as long as she stops coming after us.

Twilight and me met again on the other side, her eyes looked at me in gratitude.

"Thank you... I didn't even think you cared about us."

I tossed my mane irritably as we kept on running to put distance between us and the entity, "To be caring is not part of the question, it is more to the level of what creature would I be if I shut my eyes during the bad times and pretended they didn't exist, I WILL face these threats, and I will drag them back from Tautarus if need be, to help others along the way is simply natural."

A small whisper in the air made me pause mentally, what was that? But just as quickly as it spoke, it was interrupted-

I felt a pulse of dark energy build up and quickly grabbed Twilight around her neck, bringing her to the ground.

A blast of sound erupted around us, and the walls shook and broke apart as the frustrating shrieks of the dark mare filled the room.

"NO MORE OF YOU'RE TRICKS!"

I felt myself lift off the ground, and quickly brushed my tail over the medallion on attached to the right corner of my bag, it glowed a deep azure, and I bent my knees as the ground came back to me again.

I tried to throw another vial out my bag, but then I looked up to see the dark eyes of Nightmare-

I heard a crunch, and I flew back, and heard another crunch as I stopped, and then I found myself facing the floor.

"SCRY!"

My eyes... they are blurry... I feel numb...

"Twilight!"

"Are you there Sparkle?!"

"TWILIGHT!"

Need... to get... up...

I tipped into my back, even the hair of my tail felt painful, and found it's way into my medicine bag.

A round vial of crimson red, I pushed it as far in front of me as I could, and my hoofs pitifully grasped it to move in front.

I felt a spasm as my neck tried to tilt my head back, I ignored it and tipped the bottle as far back as it could go.

The soothing taste of healing made it's way down my body.

It mixed and churned and multiplied, soon enough smaller slurps and pops came into my ears, my skeleton was putting itself back together again.

I had feeling back into my legs again, and stood up, my eyes finally adjusting and looking at... well...

Wow...

My aura senses were filled to the brim with indescribable essences, there were so many connections, so much in the making... it was rather empowering.

There stood the six I had come here with, there were shards making their way around them.

"And with the, spark, it creates the SIXTH element, the element of, magic!" Twilight shouts in victory, and the power doubled, tripled, so much so that I had to shut my 'eyes' to the hidden world to not be blinded by it all, I watched on as the shards condensed and turned into necklaces for them all, watched as they came together and the ever shining beacon of light glowed.

Nightmare was a sharp contrast to her previous authority, in fact, she was about to run, already turning to try and escape the threat-

And she was faced with me.

"Night night Nightmare." I intone, and from the folds of my mane I took out a glowing yellow charm, it pulsed as I ran a hoof along its edges, and yellow lightning shot out and paralyzed her legs in place.

She could only look at me in deep shock as I walked out of the blast radius.

"THAT'S for interrupting my sleep." It was the last thing she heard before she was engulfed in a swirling rainbow spectrum, I didn't even pay it any mind and made my way to the exit, I knew when a situation was over and done with.

Maybe I'll come back here later, there is usually interesting things to be found in such strange places.

It was morning as I walked out the Everfree, a small sactual filled with numerous herbs and plants I gathered on the way, it will be interesting what I can cook up with this.

I heard a lot of noise and cheering from a little away, and looked to see indeed, a celebration was being made for the defeat of Nightmare.

From the current distance, I could already feel the familiar power from Twilight and a ever GREATER entity, only this one was not malicious, so I suppose it must have been the other goddess, Celestia?

Not my problem rightfully enough, I turned my back towards it and simply made my way towards my home.

I wonder how long they will look for me until they give up?

A number of failures were brought up with the ingredients I brewed, every now and then I would get a favorable result, but this test and taste ordeal with become tiring sooner rather than later, i wonder if there are any books detailing the specific qualities of the plants here...

Again, that would require going back into town, I would prefer to wait until everything has cleared up, of course, if the six ponies had told the town about me... I might need to leave again.

...

Again, I am looking to much into the future, if they know ABOUT me, then it is best to wait until they DISCOVER something before thinking of escaping.

I looked out of the window once again, the bright sky was a welcome change due to the events of before, i wouldn't be surprised that ponies would be nervous when night falls again for the next few nights.

And speaking of the events, that whisper, it was not from Nightmare, it was something much more intimate and personal, as well as having a specific connection to a point. It is something to look into once I get the time to investigate, from what I could tell from what the six pony friends were saying, the Everfree is rarely ever entered so it would be alright to visit as such.

I would need some scrying tools of course, as well as some form of enhancement to my natural senses, after all, it was a rather subtle connection.

Hopefully it isn't ill or something else, I have had enough for this week thankfully-

KNOCKKNOCKKNOCK!

I blinked, and turned my head towards the door...

KNOCKKNOCKKNOCK!

... I coached low, hid from the windows, and kept as quiet as possible, and made my way to the neon green liquid I had in a tall thin glass, a quick sip and I blinked towards the door again.

Outside was a headache, a very big headache.

"Hey Scry-Scry! I know your in there because when we looking for you we asked ponies in town and I found the assistant of Mayor Mare and SHE sad she sold you a house and I was like 'YAY!' because now I could throw you a 'Welcome to Ponyville' party but I thought you didn't like surprises and didn't come out enough to make a surprise party in your house so I thought, I WOULD SURPRISE YOU AT THE DOOR!" I paid attention to the wagon, filled with party hats, cakes, balloons and an assortment of items.

I debated this very annoying and complex issue in my head, bu naturally, I sigh as only one thing comes to mind, first, take away all the unnatural ingredients. All the glowing potions and so on and so forth.

Hide them in the small cellar I have.

Go towards the door, where she was waited patiently, and optionally, heave a sigh.

Open the door, results not determined afterwards.

Pinkie Scry!

Pinkie Scry!

Throw advice to Scry sometime, it is nice to hear opinions and such, mine is, Greet Pinkie with a SMILE!

I blinked... and stared... and sighed.

"What'cha dooooing?" Pinkie intones as she bounces in uninvited, I simply looked at the text in front of my eyes.

"... Nothing... nothing at all." I then grabbed her shoulder and pulled her back, "Please, detach the wagon before you come inside, I don't need you breaking down walls to decorate it with streamers."

"Okie-Dokey-Loki!" She then took off the harness and continued inside, I simply pushed it back outside until I could close the door.

"WOW Scry! You're REALLY messy, there are chips of stone here and EVERYTHING!" She looked right and left, taking in my home with an excited eye, and then focused on the fireplace, "Oooooo, were you making food? Can I have some? What is it?! Tomato? Garlic? Beans? Broccoli?"

Actually poison mushrooms, I forgot to put away my last few experiments, "No Pinkie... it is simply dish water."

"Dish water? Why is it a cauldron then silly?"

Twitch, I couldn't suppress the twitch, "It was to CLEAN out the POT Pinkie, I will find a river or something else to properly get rid of the contents, now I suppose you want me to... party am I right?

"YES! It would be SO COOL! We can play lots of games like pin-the-tail-on-the-pony, we can have lots of treats, like cupcakes, candy, caramel appl- wait you don't like sweet food, OHOH! I heard from Applejack you like apples, we can have apple strudel, apple pie, apple fritter, are you drooling?"

I wiped my mouth quickly, "You're imagining things." Damn my love for the natural produce of the land.

Have a :moustache:

I blinked, and stared off at the text again.

Who even was that?

"HeeelllllllooOOOO?" I snapped back to the pink party pony, "You space out a lot ya-know?"

You would too if you were jest getting used to dimensional contact with another world.

"Well... I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I am not enthusiastic about noise... or crowds... or any energetic activity what-so-ever, so a party in your head, is the complete opposite of my idea of fun."

"Oh... so what IS your idea of fun?" She didn't show a second of discouragement, what was with this girl?

"I am very much a quiet person, who more so enjoys a relaxing afternoon and curling up to a book, perhaps long walks in the woods and... cooking up a meal I suppose." Brewing a new concoction is more so accurate.

"But you like BALLOONS right?" And out of nowhere, she pulled out a number of the round inflatable decorations.

I rubbed my eyes and stared hard at her, she smiled back.

"You... where did you get those?"

"From the wagon of course!"

...

"The wagon is outside."

"Yeah it is, pointing out the OBVIOUS much Scry-Scry?"

"Don't called me Scry-Scry."

"COME ON Scry-Scry, it's a cute nickname!"

"Nicknames are meant to be shorter, and even if I wished for one, my name is short enough, it needs no abbreviation."

"Whatever you say Scry-Scry~"

Hoof, meet face, repeatedly.

"Look... I do not know the exact custom there is, but I doubt you can throw a party for anyone who happens to move here, it is rather tiring and not very economically intelligent."

"Oh COURSE I'm being careful with how I pay for supplies! I can easily recycle all the decorations, and the bakery gets LOTS of business because of the popularity it is getting, and-

"Alright alright, your smart with money." Again, I suppressed the thought that Pinkie was clearly having the upper hand here.

I felt the 'presence' again, obviously the brew had worked alright, but the first snippet was annoying and the second was just plain confusing, I suppose the description did show what was to happen, didn't much like it however.

Yet, there should be a reason why this spell was recorded, the inane advice doesn't seem to fit the usual practical spells within the book, this was just another headache of the day, I thought I was done with Pinkie after the venture from before, but it seems I was mistaken.

"Look... has any of your group said about my involvement fighting Nightmare?"

"Oooooo! You mean like what Twilight said how you took on her yourself and-

I placed a hoof across her mouth, all to just end the long babble she would likely dispense, "Yes... Pinkie, THAT, I suppose Twilight had told you... Look, I am a, how you say, private pony, I prefer just to go unnoticed in the grand scheme of things, understand?"

She nodded hurriedly, not at all bothered with my blockage of her speech patterns, "Now... as much as your... enthusiasm, in the matter is appreciated, I do not want some random group of ponies intruding in my home to party and suddenly become become interested in my activities, as I've said before, I like my privacy."

This time, she gave a slower, perhaps thoughtful nod, I decided then was the right time to let her talk again.

"So... can we have a PRIVATE party?" Her grin had not moved, and I wondered if anything truly stuck in her head or did it go through some funnel connected to both ears.

Yet again, I not exactly sure about her question, "And be private party... who would you invite?"

"Well just Twilight, Applejack, Dashie, Fluttershy and Rarity of course!" She obliviously listed off the list and I sighed.

I suppose they ARE the only ones who knew of my presence in town personally... and if they were indeed asking around town for me, it would be best to smooth their fears out in case it became an organised search or something similar.

My eyes then curiously looked back to Pinkie, I didn't pay attention to my senses before, but now I realize that she had a, aura, that was not unlike the natural field emitted from a unicorn, that was certainly not there before.

In fact... it felt like a bubble, a bubble and quivered and shook in so many directions it was hard to tell which before it swung in the next, it was airy and carefree in it's movements, but it always stayed in the same point.

It fit the energetic mares personality certainly, but it was the presence and sheer SIZE that caused me an amount of pause, whatever the elements were, they had certainly managed to influence Pinkie to a startling degree, not anything to be seen, but certainly something that can be influenced by some forces under the radar.

"Soooooo?"

I snapped out of it and gave her a look with my actual eyes, she was again, looking at me with anticipation, I merely braced myself, "Okay, you can organize the part-

"YEEEEESSSS!" She pumped her hoof in victory and then sprinted to the door, "I've got to invite the girls and set up the decorations and get some non-sugary food-

"You... can get some if you wish, there is no need to change the pallet of the event because of my personal taste." I interrupt her, she smiled back at me.

"Don't you worry silly-filly, I'll make some apple treats as well, Applejack will sure be happy to hear somebody likes her produce, OH!"

She bounced over to me and looked me in the eyes, "Can you promise to act surprised when we come, I mean it can't be a surprise party if you aren't surprised and expecting it and I always throw a surprise party for new ponies in Ponyville and it would be SO MUCH help if you can do that, please?"

I shrugged, "I suppose I could... to be honest you are surprising enough as it is, I doubt I could fake something of that nature if you should come around again."

She squealed, "This is going to be the BEST PRIVATE PARTY EVER!"

She then paused... "Well, next to my FIRST party ever with my family, but that was a special occasion, and does it count as a private party or a family party?"

A few seconds of silence made me realize it wasn't rhetorical, "... I suppose it would be the..." I internally kick myself for the words I am to say, "Best private party among ponies other than your family, ever?"

She then let out a giggle, a amused little giggle.

"Aw Scry-Scry, can't you just say friends?"

I blinked, and looked into her eyes, confused.

"... friends?"

"Yes filly-billy! We'll be the best-est, greatest and most awesome friends EVER!" She then, hugged me, and I froze up for a seconds before she let go and bound out the door.

"See you at ten! OH! I mean SOMETIME in the FUTURE... FOR THE SURPRISE YOU WON'T KNOW ABOUT!" She then slowly winked at me, like there was anybody to fool in the first place, "Seeya Scry-Scry!"

And she was gone, the door shut behind her, focusing with my eyes, the last minutes of the brew ticked away as I watched the pink pony gallop with the wagon full of supplies back to town, I took a deep breath, and turned towards my work place.

If I was going to have a 'party' here, I might as well clear some room for such a thing.

...

What an infuriating mare.

Author's Note

I admit it, I ship them!

It didn't really go through my mind when making her, but I guess their banter kind of got that way.

And before you know it, Pinkie Scry!

Here's to the first note of the story, WOO!

Q and A at the Par and Tay

Q and A at the Par and Tay

"Please, come in..." I gestured inside and with a moments hesitation, they trotted in, the last to come in was-

"HONKHONK!"

I resisted the ever so frequent urge to jump and stared blankly at Pinkie, who had the wagon again, and a horn of some kind in her mouth, likely the one that made the noise.

"... Come it, Pinkie." She unhooked the wagon and started taking several items in the wagon and then mumbled something supposedly resembling speech.

It took me a moment to decipher it.

"You don't honestly need everything from the wagon, do you?"

Her eyes went wide and she ran inside, threw some streamers over the ceiling's raters, a plate of pastries on a table and a picture on the wall... of pin-the-tail-on -the-pony if I'm not mistaken.

And then she ran back to me, and spit out the party horn she had in her mouth, and then I suddenly had her arms around my head, and her violating my personal space, again.

"Scry-Scry! When it comes to a party you NEED this kind of commodities to have a SUPER-FUN-STUPENDOUS time! I mean, you can't NOT have cake, or other party treats, or party decorations, or party games, or party music, or party ponies AT a PARTY! It wouldn't be a party and I want you to have the BEST PRIVATE PARTY EVER!"

She paused, and I simply looked at her, we stared at each other for several seconds in silence.

"Very well... then who is the infant dragon?"

"Infant?" The question was asked by the dragon himself, as he looked back at us.

"Oh! That's Spike! He's Twilight's assistant and her couldn't come with because he was sleepy-weepy from all that stuff during Black-Snooty's stuff."

"... Very well." I sighed and stepped aside for her to get more items from the wagon, and turned to the rest.

This time, was a rather awkward silence, for a while we just sat on the floor, and some of them avoided eye contact...

"Well..." Twilight cleared her throat, "I want to be the first to say, thank you for helping me at the Everfree forest with, Nightmare and everything." she looked towards the others and gave a sort of 'Get on with it'. kind of tilt in her head.

"Aye... I heard from Twilight how you held of Nightmare and all, good work." Applejack said cordially.

"Yeah, I guess you're cool if Twilight says, not as cool as me tho." Smugly Rainbow degrees.

"Umm... hello..." Fluttershy uttered, hardly able to hear her from her whispering tone of voice.

"Yes darling, and you MUST come by the Boutique sometime, I can get you some patterns to, *ahem* spruce up the place."

Well, I certainly managed to predict her behavior at least... I hope they won't poke around too much, but I suppose it doesn't matter/ I've placed a powerful charm on the trapdoor to hide it from a pony's sight, so it should be fine.

"Yeah uh..." I looked down at the dragon, known as Spike, who awkwardly scratched his head, "Thanks for helping Twilight, don't know what could have happened if you weren't there..."

I nodded firmly, "I did what I could, that's all anypony can do."

"Uh... thanks then."

The awkward air was then filled with sound, as music began playing, I looked to see Pinkie turning on a gramophone, it immediately started started a cheery little jingle that caused the silence to lift and everypony nearby relaxed a small fraction.

I suppose I should thank convenient timing.

In the short introduction, Pinkie had managed to fill all the possible surfaces with plates of food, somehow managing to take up every space... and have the perfect number to do so. That is rather impressive.

I stepped back on reflex when she jumped in front of me, a pastry in her hoof.

"HERE! I got you the best-est apple strudel of the bunch!" She then put it in my hoof and bounced away, to talk to her friends who were currently around the place, mingling among each other.

Hubble, bubble, toil and trouble... best beware, potion-brewer, the pink one is more unpredictable than even you think...

I drew back and quickly read the new ghostly text that floated in from nowhere, now THIS was a little better, of course I knew she had a perchance to be a little out of the norm, but when forces beyond the rift state it...

Then I should be more careful from now on.

... However, I feel that somepony is putting me in a stereotype just from looking at this...

"Hey... Scry." I looked over at Twilight, who again, looked rather awkward as she walked up to me.

"Twilight."

"... Well... yeah..."

... No, it's just sad how much they are failing to hold a conversation at the moment, I might as well keep it rolling...

"So... were you unharmed from Nightmare after destroying her?"

"OH, nonono, not DESTROY her really just..." I tilted my head in curiosity, she sighed and started again, "You see, Nightmare Moon was actually Celestia's sister, we aren't exactly sure what happened, but we believe something may have, possessed her, she was overcome with hatred that somehow led to her being controlled by an outwards force, the Elements managed to purify whatever it was from her body."

Interesting...

"Really now... I had to leave before I actually saw the process." Purifying ones hatred and jealously, or getting rid of a powerful spirit possessing their bodies, now that was certainly something to look into...

There certainly has to be some residue essence somewhere in those ruins.

"Umm... hello?"

"Yes?"

"I wanted to ask if YOU were okay, I thought you had hurt yourself really bad when you got knocked into that wall... but here you are! Standing and walking just fine, how is this possible?"

"It was likely shock of the moment, my injuries were superficial at worse, I healed just fine after yesterday's debacle."

"Are you sure... I mean I would have thought..."

"It is fine, this is hardly the first time I have gained a few scrapes and cuts."

She looked at me curiously, and then around the house, "That's the thing isn't it... did you move here recently as well?"

"As well?"

"Oh! Well Princess Celestia gave me the task of living here in Ponyville and learning the the magic of friendship so now I am officially a Ponyville resident and well, you're new too so..."

More and more questions seem to pop up...

"Magic of friendship?" there was a deal of great and strange magics out there, but this kind just sounded VERY cheesy...

"Oh... well, there are six elements, Honesty, that is Applejack's element." She gestured to the farmer who was taking a look over my fireplace, likely looking for something sticking out from the rest of the house, "Then there is Kindness, Fluttershy's element."

The withdrawn pegasi looked over at the sound of her name but then looked away just as quickly.

"Then Laughter, that is of course Pinkie Pie's-

"Yupyupyup! And it was REALLY FUN!" She giggled as she appeared right beside us, "I mean, I was like HAHAHAHAHAHA and the trees were like 'poof!' and we were all like HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! And then we heard you go HAHAHAHAHAHA! And we tied you up against your will and talked about what we were going to do-

"YES... I get the idea Pinkie." And I will pointedly NOT mention how strange your last sentence was.

She nodded, and sped off in the other direction, and so I turned back to Twilight.

"I've read the story slightly, so then I can only assume Rarity is Generosity and Rainbow is Loyalty." They were currently not in sightly troubling, but it was unlikely they could do anything worrying.

"Yes, and I am the sixth Element, Magic."

I tilted my head questionably, "That... is rather far removed from those other qualities isn't it?"

"Well... I suppose, but you see, friendship is actually considered such a magic, the bonds that I've made with them all became my power and managed to be channeled into the Elements themselves."

"Hmm... so you took down a corrupted goddess, with friendship?"

A second delay, and a snort rose unbidden from her mouth.

"Heh... you know it's funny, not too long ago, I had said to Spike that the fate of Equestria did not rely on me making friends... by Celestia wasn't I wrong." She fondly looked around the room, "I don't think I could have done it without them."

"... Well, I suppose I should say something about me and chopped liver?"

"OH! I mean, you were helpful as well I mean-

"It's alright, all I did was stall for time." I then spied Applejack go off into another room, she is really in the nosy mood that mare.

"It seem's your friends are quite adventurous even after that Nightmare debacle." She blinked and looked back, three of her friends of course missing.

"Oh... I'm sorry they kind of have minds of their own... well of course they do I mean they are their own ponies but, well I am just saying that... well..." She cleared her throat nervously.

"It's alright... I'm sure they are just enjoying the party... in another room." A blur of pink shot across and Pinkie, even if I wasn't able to keep track of her before, was surely in whatever room the others were in.

"HELLO!" A round of screams and surprised yelps sounded out and I was sure that she had managed to catch up with them.

It seems that Pinkie in like a guided spell missile, the right words should be enough to choose the target...

Hopefully that should keep them occupied.

I looked over at the other pony in the room, Fluttershy, who was trying to make herself as small as possible.

"It is rather strange that such a frightened mare had enough courage to face a angry Manticore..."

"Oh... yeah, Fluttershy loves animals so it is kind of a switch to her otherwise." She shrugged helplessly, "She'll get used to you... you just have to be patient until then."

I wasn't really worrying about getting her to like me however...

"In fact, you even have similar houses, Fluttershy has a rather secluded home as well, just next to the Everfree."

More than likely it is because I prefer to be alone, her choice was likely because of her social problems.

Oh, and the fact without my practiced and deliberate distance I make between me and ponies, I would have likely been burned at the stake by now.

"OH, I got sidetracked, so you just moved in correct?"

"Yes... A few days before the Sun Celebration."

"I'm kind of surprised nopony in town knew about you, it is such a small town I thought someone moving in would catch everyponies attention."

"I simply gave the bits for a house and moved in here, I like my privacy."

"Ah... alright."

Rarity and Pinkie Pie then trickled back in, with Rainbow slowly coming back in as well.

Applejack didn't follow, as expected.

"If you excuse me, I think I left something in the back."

I walked forward and was blocked by Rainbow.

"Heeeeyyyy... Spy, wanted to talk to you." That was such a sad attempt at distracting me I won't even comment.

"It's Scry, Scry Fortune."

"Yeah that! So I just wanted to hear, uh, about you taking on Nightmare by yourself! I mean I heard a bit from Twilight and I thought it sounded pretty AWESOME, I mean, not as awesome as me but..."

"It ended with me being punted in the wall, I don't think it was that impressive."

"Well, STILL, you managed to walk away and beat her pretty bad, I want to hear EVERY detail!"

We stared at each other, Rainbow gave a nervous twitch in her wings, an obvious sign she was stalling for time. And it was rather sad the only attempt in conversation happened to be for her friends own gain.

I sighed deeply, and looked over my shoulder, "Pinkie, I think Rainbow wants a hug."

Rainbow's eyes widened comically, "Now that's just playing dirty-

"DASHIE!" She then hit the floor, with Pinkie now crushing her torso with a happy smile on her face, I walked by the two bodies and walked into the kitchen.

Where Applejack was holding up the trapdoor I had enchanted to not be noticed and preparing to go inside.

...

Wait a minute, how was that possible?

Honesty is not MY Policy

Honesty is not MY Policy

If I wasn't a calmer being, I would have been vastly insulted and violated that my privacy had been disturbed by somepony I had invited into my own home.

But, I came to expect that everypony had that curious edge about them, when something is strange or unusual, they can't help but peak through a window or glance inside an open door.

It wasn't being disrespectful, or spiteful in any way, it was a reaction, a habit that seemed to be the corner in anypony's mind.

You could certainly say that Applejack, with her blatant violation of my secrecy, deciding to investigate an obviously private sanctum, would be the obvious exception.

But again... I have come to accept, that no matter what town I come to, there won't ever be a pony that truly trusts me, even then, not for long.

"Applejack." She froze, and muttered what I could tell had Rainbow's name in it, likely 'praising' her efforts to distract me.

"Pinkie is having a celebration... I think it would hurt her feelings if you were to not in attending."

She grit her teeth and turned to me, and pointed at the trapdoor.

"And what does this here door lead to?"

"It goes to my extra soup supplies, a musty place where I would prefer you didn't mess in, some of them are expensive, hard to procure and also fragile. I don't trust you enough to handle them in any way, so I would appreciate you not going down there."

"If it's just your supply cellar, why is the entrance all tucked away under a carpet like ya'll have somethin' to hide?"

"Maybe because I don't like ponies going into it because they think they are so important and the paragon of truth that they have to investigate every bit of my private life." I walked up next to her and looked into her eyes, "Or maybe I should just leave it open, it certainly doesn't seem to prevent the ones lacking in common decency and sense."

She glared back, and for the moment we locked eyes for a time...

My hoof came up and closed the door.

"Now let us go back to the festivities, Pinkie will be missing us."

She held her gaze on me for a second more, and then brushed past me, I watched her go as she went through the doorway, she didn't give a glance back as her tail disappeared.

I looked back at the trapdoor, and immediately placed the carpet (folded up against the wall) over it.

The color seemed to dull, and my eyes suddenly drifted away from it unbidden, as long as you didn't know it was there, you shouldn't be able to see it as anything but the last thing you were looking for.

So how did Applejack...

Element of Honesty, magical force that subtly affects the aura of the bearers...

And the element are already becoming a rather strange problem, it is no coincidence that Applejack with Honesty was able to see through an illusion I created to hide the truth.

That is going too be troublesome if I need to conceal something, i suppose the traditional 'stuff it into a floorboard' could work.

For now... it is time to 'enjoy' the-

"PARTY!"

I jumped, the loud voice in the other room had broken into my thoughts, confused, I stared at the wall.

"... Pinkie Pie is throwing a-

"PARTY!"

I jumped again, and stared at the wall even longer.

...

Indeed... Pinkie Pie is a very unpredictable pony... that much is easy to tell.

And I think I won't ever be able to truly understand her.

Yet again, with so many other forms of magic in the world, perhaps Pinkie is a unique type, I am willing to put that under as the official explanation until something else says differently.

I walk back into the room and I could tell from the rather challenging look directed from Rainbow that she was clearly on Applejack's side, the rest seemed oblivious there actually was a conflict what-so-ever.

I simply breathed in and began to endure the next few hours of Pinkie Pie and tense atmosphere.

Surprisingly, it was only the former, since Pinkie seemed to have a sixth sense when it came to unhappy moments, and interrupted them immediately.

I don't know whenever to be grateful or exasperated.

"This was nice, thank you for letting us into your home, the Summer Sun Celebration after Nightmare Moon was alright, but there was so many ponies there saying thank you that I didn't really get to enjoy myself." Twilight gave a large smile, "A small party like this was very enjoyable."

"It is nothing, thank you for being a good guest Twilight Sparkle," I formally bowed to her and she awkwardly laughs.

"Please, I get enough of that being Celestia's student, call me Twilight."

"Very well Twilight."

She shook my hoof and walked away, Spike not far behind, he turned to me and gave a small wave, and walked back after Twilight.

"YES! It was the BEST PRIVATE PARTY EVER!" Pinkie jumped out with a grin, "And don't you worry! I'll make sure to invite you to any other big PARTY I'm planning, doesn't matter if your all out here by your lonesome!"

"Joy... thank you for the bother Pinkie."

"No bother at all Scry-Scry, anything for a friend!" She then hopped away happily, and then turning mid jump, continuing her movement backwards to wave at me as she disappeared over the hill.

"That goes for me too darling, I can not simply let you live in such a plain setting, I will be sure to come within a week with the new decor for your home, it will look marvelous when I'm done with it."

"Thank you... just make sure it isn't so, aesthetic that it isn't comfortable to live it."

"Ah... very well then, I suppose diamonds wouldn't be the best material for practical living."

And with that, she disappeared.

Rainbow flew out and gave me a glance.

"Seeya." And then she was gone, a strong breeze hitting my face on the way out.

"T-thank you for everything..." Fluttershy said, her face downcast, "And... I hope you'll fit fine in Ponyville... if you want to that is..."

"... Thank you for your concern."

"...eeee." With a small squeak, Fluttershy walked off slowly.

And when her pink tail went over the hill, I breathed in, and exhaled, and turned to look at the orange mare who purposely stayed behind. Her face was set and she was giving me a scowl, we simply stood there for a few seconds, simply sizing up each other.

"I suppose you have something to say? After all, nearly causing a disruption in the middle of your friends... gathering, all to get my attention and talk to me after the... event. I would be disappointed if you didn't."

She gave a rough snort and looked me in the eye, "Now look here Scry, I have a good judge of character, and even if you seemed like an alright pony then, I just can't trust one that keeps her hoof to her chest so much that it looks like it was stuck on with sap. So I'll say this once..."

Her forehead presses against mine aggressively, "If I see ya do anything to the ponies here in Ponyville, and especially to any of ma' friends, then I can tell ya that there ain't no forest thick enough to hide you when I come after you, ya got that?"

It stayed like this for a second, and I took the moment to relax by feeling her aura and closing my eyes from the world, it was a leisure like activity and habit I picked up, it always managed to sooth me.

Her own aura was smooth and shiny, crisp and sturdy, from the outside it was appealing, going deeper showed nothing different, it's vessel never shifted and never moved from it's place. Showing she was stubborn and honest.

"I assure you Applejack, that if I was to ever run, and you were to ever to chase after me." My eyes snapped open, looking fiercely into her own, the nerves of my face felt stained, I felt... irritated, she flinched, I didn't care "I would not take you lightly... and I will not show any mercy... don't call me a pony ever again, if you aren't going to accept me as such."

She stepped back a few steps, shocked slightly from my hostile attitude, I settled my face into a cold icy glare. Applejack turned away and walked off, trying to preserve her dignity, and disappeared over the hill.

I stood outside my house, for a few seconds... and simply walked inside.

I needed to sleep... it was too late for this.

Author's Note

Thought I'd add some emotion, WOOOOooooooOOOOOOO!!!
Did it work? Red color means anger I think

Hope you enjoyed this chapter, next time, we will be going about Scry's daily life in Ponyville, any questions you want to ask her? Well now that the pace of the story is casual, she should be able to relax and, well, answer anything you ask...
Not ANYTHING however, spoilers get it?

Scry, The Ponyville Soup-Maker?

Scry, The Ponyville Soup-Maker?

I was within a collective of color, sounds brushed over me lightly as I walked across the green glen.
It was peaceful... quiet... secluded...
And also, not real.

Complete control over the subconsciousness of one mind is imperative for a witch, or anyone who walks the way of the subtle forces of the world. Being so intertwined to that great world can have some negative effects on dreams after all. Any seer worth their salt would not restrict their mind so, for vagueness and mystery are the only ways for predictions of the future to truly go back in the river of time.

Seer's... I always found telling the future a waste of time, of course, this is ironic on account of my name, most ponies seem to fall into their lives as their names dictate, however I have never been like that.

Fortune telling was unreliable, any sort of prediction from the future was shaky and unsure, and half the time you could translate random gibberish from your sixth sense if turns out you were following a certain path by simply making preparations in the worst possible outcome.

I found that out several times in my life, things seemed to fall into place whenever I tried so hard to change them.

So I eventually grew to dislike ever resorting to such things.

However... the Viewing Brew as I've come to call it is a little more reliable, it hasn't spoken so much over the course of a few days I've had it, but when one message warned me of Pinkie Pie, it was clear how this charm could be useful in the near future.

It is higher beings that have no rhyme nor reason, surely the timeline is their's to shape like putty, why not toy with a mortal and tell her of the fates that await her?

I came to a tree, it was tall, and the only one for miles around, the sky was never there, the tree's leaves were replacing the blue sky with rich green.

I preferred this type of serene setting, no troubles or surprises.

I settled against the tree and look at the shifting leaves in the breeze, I was the only living being in this vast green wasteland. No birds could be heard tweeting among the branches.

It was a long wait, but dreams had a funny thing about them, they always seemed to be longer or shorter than they actually were, I thought I had spent a year travelling in one direction out of curiosity, but I awoke in a few hours in reality.

I suppose some things in dreams can not be controlled.
I slump on the nonexistent bark and closed my eyes, it was time-

-To wake up.

I lay there, eyes closed as my ears were the first to hear the slight breeze coming through the window, my fur prickling from the slight chill.

I should have closed that window...

I then opened my eyes, I was greeted with the musty walls of my room, smudges of dirt clearly present, and as well as a pair of hoof-prints clearly shown side by side imprinted into the wall.

No points guessing how THAT happened.

I placed a hoof on the ground and simply let it sit there for a second, testing and putting pressure on it to make sure I didn't slump on the floor, eventually I was on all fours and sleepily stretched my head and tail far away from each other.

It was a new day... and I wanted to go back to sleep already.

I thought back to Applejack a few days ago, losing my temper was not a good thing. The orange farmer might keep quiet about me, yet again, she is the Element of Honesty, I doubt very much she would keep our conversation between us if anypony was to ask...

I suppose I'll have to avoid her for now, shame, her apples were quite delicious.

I walked into the Brewing room and looked on at the empty tables, I wished to start on something to clear up my head, but now I will have to go through the bother of finding the right ones in the cellar below.

A Nutrition gel should be able to help me get by for a few days, however, I used up the last of the Slime membrane in order to make the base, so it will be a problem unless I can synthesize another... I suppose with the right ingredients I could make a substantial substitute, I would need some jelly, Jerkin leaves, Belladonna blossoms and finally a cup of salt water.

It could work... But again, I was having trouble with the recent familiarity the citizens were giving me, getting some salt water should be simple enough however...

Perhaps a lake is nearby that has such a commodity.

I rummage in my bags for a second, and pull had a bottle for the the said bag.

But now... the jelly.

I have to go into town... hopefully their is a market stall that has it and I could just leave.

By Elysium and Tautarus, please let me have enough luck not to run into that crazy pink airhead.

As I entered town, I found that the town was rather relaxed despite the events of the night before. Everything was at peace and everypony was going about normally. There was a lack of activity compared to the last time I came into town of course, the celebration was over and so I would likely stick out more.

Perfect...

I already saw a few give me a courtesy glance or look from the corner of my eyes, the cloak wasn't helping in a town were most prefer to be natural I suppose.

I came across a pony selling brightly colored jars, I managed them from her and went on my way.

It went surprisingly uninterrupted so far, of course the moment of peace I had was doomed to be disrupted the moment I moment I thought it would go peacefully...

"Oh, Scry, it's been a while." I suppose I should be thankful it wasn't Pinkie...

"Good morning Twilight Sparkle, I am simply in town to pick up some items." She was currently with her assistant, Spike, and had a book or two in her saddlebags.

"I see that, blueberry jelly? A didn't think you were into snack foods, you had a rather humble living space from what I could see."

"I dabble in a little casual eating." I commented, all there was to do is find a salt lake, Twilight hasn't been here for long enough to know where any water reservoirs may be, so I'll keep quiet for now.

"Okay then, I was just called on by Applejack myself, she's asking for some help at the apple orchard right now."

"Hmm, I wish you good luck then."

"Thanks... you're still wearing that cloak?"

"... I have a hair problem, it gets chilly."

"OH... okay then... um, if it really is that much of a bother, I know some hair growth spells that I could use to help."

"It s fine, it's more to my backs inability to keep the hair, I would just be dropping turfs of it otherwise."

"Okay then, if your sure..."

"I've lived this long with a naked back, I can survive with it."

With that, we parted ways and I sighed.

I still stand out even now, why did every pony here have to have such a extravagant color scheme?

I looked around to see if anypony was looking in my direction, and took out my blue amulet, it glowed briefly, and then pointed north.

"Good, so that means it's nearby..."

And so, I pressed on forward, my stomach was hungry and so it was time to get a those ingredients.

... I should hurry as well, there seems to be a shower coming soon.

Author's Note

Alright, this is a calm day (for Scry at least) as she goes around Ponyville, she will be removed from some plotpoints in the story for now unless it is REALLY dire... so, basically in a few episodes when the the Ursa Minor comes stomping into town... and the dragon nesting in the mountain... and the Parasprites after that...

Wow, is Ponyville actually worse than our world in terms of natural disasters?

Ruffled Feathers

Ruffled Feathers

I followed my amulet to a lake as quickly as I could walk, that same tingle up my spine meant it was going to be a downpour, I'd rather not be out for as long as necessary in such weather.

I noted briefly from the pegasi that flew above me that the rumors of Equestria being completely in control of the weather was true. All pegasi could do it of course, but outside it was another story, the elements were incredibly untamed and there wasn't a large quantity available in towns to team up and make such practiced bouts of rain and other elements.

Here, it seems that the Harmony effect, that is what I'm calling this naturally clean and safe territory in Equestria, makes the weather much more tame.

An exception being the Everfree, it is positively filled with chaotic energy, everything there works independently on it's own, which is strange from even outside Equestria, even trees need a little help from ponies presence to properly grow.

Here however the air is humming with that energy, thus leading to everything from docile clouds to rapidly growing trees.

And now at the lake, I had managed to find the source of water, and crouched down with the bottle.

After it filled to the top I only need to get a Belladonna blossoms, a florist should have them available somewhere.

It was halfway there when I heard music nearby, filled with cheer and happy giggling.

I knew the warning signs as the song came to a close after some lyrics I couldn't make out. So I quickly turned the other direction, and made long and decisive strides in taking an alternative path from whatever the amulet was going.

I was not going to get interrupted by Pinkie this day, hopefully whatever she is wrapped up in keeps her busy enough.

I sat down in front of the florist, looking at all the different plants on display, Belladonna wasn't among them.

It was a long shot I suppose, the flower after all wasn't pretty enough for display reasons, I would have through it have been included for its raw taste at the very least.

I'll have to scavenge it from nearby I suppose, it will take a little digging till I find the right heard, is worse comes to worse, I might actually need to get some actual food.

"Hello there, getting something specific?" I turned my head to see a pegasus, grey coat and blond hair looking at me with a smile, her cutie mark a sun covered by a cloud.

"I was looking for a particular herb, it doesn't have it." I turned away and walked in the general direction of the Everfree through town, of course, it seems that Pinkie isn't the only one who was nosy.

"Well a mare like yourself doesn't seem like the flower type." She observed as she walked beside me smiling, "You look more like the kind with ropes and discipline."

I paused slightly, before pressing on.

Innuendos were hardly something to expect from these ponies, I suppose she was the odd one of the bunch.

"No such items, and discipline is more for those in an Army, I have no command, control or responsibilities over certain individuals or pets, I have neither as such." Ignore the comment and she might go away.

The smile on her face was less than innocent, "Well well, you sound like a lot of fun, so may I have your name? Or would you prefer beautiful?"

Breath... exhale, "Scry Fortune."

"Really?" She flapped her wings till she was hovering slightly in the air, "So does that mean you can read my mind then?" As she drifted behind me.

Not without a Mind-link Mew-dew, "Likely it has something to do with 'what is under my cloak' considering how you are staring at my flank." She guffawed and I simply walked on forward.

"Your pretty funny you know that," She bumped my shoulder as she kept pace with me, "Mine's Cloud Kicker by the way, and what is it that your so focused in looking for hmm?"

I will never have a peaceful day, "It's Belladonna blossoms, and it's fine, I can simply find them near the forest."

"Oh those? I grow a batch outside my house."

... fates, why are you so cruel?

"... Very well, I only need a hoof-full and I will be fine."

"Heh, alright then, so what exactly are you planning on using them for?"

"I'm a soup maker by trade, I'm planning to add them for flavoring."

"Really... so are you planning to share it with a special somepony?"

I raised an eyebrow, that smile suggested less than savory ideas, "It's for myself."

"Hmm... so, you like to do it alone then? Alright."

My jaw dropped open, and closed immediately, I flipped through the conversation I had and tried to figure out how exactly we got onto this topic.

"I... don't believe I know what you are talking about."

"Heh, you don't know what Belladonna is?"

It was a flower I commonly used for substituting meals with a Nutrition Brew, I don't believe I really delved into other possible uses."

"I just don't have any idea how you jumped to this topic, I really don't."

"Belladonna has a building sensation of heat if taken in large quantities, it's pretty much a homegrown aphrodisiac."

I blinked, and thought back to the time I had decided to test some of the plant ingredients raw to see any personal effects came to fruition. Belladonna had been strong, and spicy, I think I distinctly remember it being much warmer that I had previously before eating it.

Oh by Tautarus...

"I... don't use it for such an effect." I turned my back towards her, for I was sure that my face would be struggling not to frown discontentedly. "If anything, I have never even learned of such a use of the ingredient."

"Hmmm? Alright then, if you say so." The ever so casual tone suggested she thought otherwise, I let it go.

"Will you... please, let me purchase some of your stock of Belladonna."

"Don't worry, it's pretty much on the house, of course you can tip me however." I was already aware of what such 'tip' that would be. "I mean making out of course." And sure enough the blunt confession threw my mind in a loop.

"Sorry, I'm not that generous."

"Fair enough, this way madam!" With an exaggerated attitude, she pointed in a direction, I followed behind.

The attitude was annoying, but I could put up with it for now.

Surprisingly, she lived in a house, usually pegasi like to craft their own out of clouds.

Every three minutes I spent with Cloud Kicker, is another I'm flirted with or hit with some form of innuendo. I might seclude myself but that doesn't mean I'm oblivious to some of the things she said to me.

Needless to say, I am likely going to be put off by donuts more than I would have by my dislike of sugar.

Finally, we found ourselves in a unruly field filled the red Belladonna blossoms, I was filling a sactual, as much as I could.

I would put off coming back here as long as I can.

"So Scry, whats with the cloak."

"... I am a private person, I don't particularly like ponies stopping me in the street because I seem to be open." I took a moment to glare pointedly at her, but she shrugged it off.

"If anything your kind of drawing other ponies attention, especially to the parts exposed..." I resisted the urge to twitch at her very true statement., and the licentious comment that she sneaked into the sentence.

"It is a more practical piece than anything, it offers protection against the elements and gives a layer of protection against pests."

"Your in the middle of town, no 'elements' are going to be hurting your pretty little head." I jumped as I felt something touch my flank, "But seriously, this end isn't bad either-

I pulled the string on the bag and sealed it up, and started my way towards my home, "Thank you for the herbs, I'll just be-

"Hold on, there's a storm going to happen for the next hour, I can't very well let you go out in the rain right?" She smiled and I had the very powerful urge to kick her teeth in. I knew there was a storm, I didn't care.

But of course, I was dragged inside by hospitality seemingly common in every ponies bloodstream.

Is it wrong that I prefer the distrusting and less generous attitude of ponies outside of Equestria.

I watched outside, Cloud Kicker was part of the weather team, so she had to go out and put up her section of clouds across the sky.

Soon, she came in and shook her main of the small drops that had managed to hit her on the way in.

"So, what do you think? Do I look better dry, or soaking wet?" She asked me, not ten seconds since she walked in.

I knew it was coming, I think I already had her down to a formula.

"How long did you say the storm would last?"

"About an hour, give or take a couple minutes."

I simply stared out the window as the rain fell, I counted one for each second that passed, soon a silence filled the room.

Before I could actually believe she had given up, I heard the sound of plates clinking in another room. She was in the kitchen.

To take up the time, I recounted the other types of plants I had tested in order to balance out exactly what could have which effect.
Heat inducing flora? You would think the Brewing Book would tell me something about that, was that a commonly known effect among the pony populace?

For as long as I live, I would not share this experience.
Not as if that's anything new.

"Hey! I have some nice daisy sandwiches, want a piece?" I turned my head around to see her peeking from outside the kitchen door.

"... Okay." I finally relented, no point in refusing an offer I suppose, she disappeared into the kitchen and I was left with my thoughts.

And counting raindrops.

Author's Note

Cloud Kicker's personality is inspired by Chengar Qordath and his story of 'The Life and Times of a Winning Pony' which is one of my favorite interpretations of a background pony. (Sorry Derpy).

Here's to the Cloud Kicker charm, and keep in mind this isn't copying her character from the story, I am thinking of incorporating some normal info like a old friend of Rainbow and so on, not the deep ties to Fluttershy however.
Otherwise, happy, banging, Cloud Kicker.

Nothing Happened...

Nothing Happened...

"So, favorite color?"

"... And that came up because?"

"So I can get the right linguine for the occasion~"

I resisted the powerful urge that overcame my face, to twist into a glare, and instead ate my sandwich in silence.

"... So?"

"I don't really have one, pick either gold, green or blue."

"Well that's pretty narcissistic."

"Or I have zero interest in this conversation."

"That too."

The silence stretched on... for five seconds.

"So I heard from Dash that you were on their whole 'Beat Nightmare' quest, that's pretty cool."

... Ah, so that's why she talked to me.

"Ah, so that's why you spoke to me." I reiterated from my thoughts, the pieces were falling into place.

"Nope, it's what picked you out from the crowd, as I said, that flank was what got me interested."

"Very funny, so I suppose you want me to talk about my role in the events."

"Heh, no thanks, if it's anything like Dash's it was mostly filled with 'awesome', 'cool' and so on, I'm kind of surprised you didn't become a Harmony Element yourself considering how you tagged along."

I felt a brief amount of amusement at the clearly accurate description of Rainbow's character.

"Just because I happened to 'tag along' with their group does not automatically make me as such, there is only six in the first place, there would be one left over anyway."

"So your not jealous? Not even a little?"

"... Why would I be jealous?"

"Well, Dash and her group are pretty much big heroes, they wiped out Nightmare Moon and brought back Princess Luna, so they became big celebrities in the area, course we knew everybody but Twilight long before so it is a kind of casual admiration, quietly..."

"So... you all praise them, but not show it fully?"

"As I said, we know them all too well, Rarity might like the attention from Canterlot and preening her for it is kind of awkward, Applejack is really humble and it would disrupt work on the farm, Fluttershy... have you seen her? She would wilt at the attention, Dash doesn't need anymore of an ego boost then saving Equestria can give her and Pinkie... is Pinkie, she already is pretty much a cultural landmark of Ponyville."

"Yes... I am familiar of her attitude." I say shortly, and finished off the sandwich in one bite.

"Then why not Twilight?" The mare was as new as me to this town if I recall

"It's a small town... think about it, before becoming pretty much the leader of the entire Harmony deal, she is also a big Unicorn from Canterlot's best school for Unicorns, and Princess Celestia's prize student... to be honest, its kind of intimidating for some." She stretched her limbs out with a yawn, "Man, organizing a rain shower is a lot of work."

"I suppose it would."

"No really, a lot of work, you have to make sure all the clouds mesh well, and pull the entire blanket that we create like a chariot, they can get surprisingly heavy like that. You wouldn't mind giving my wings a massage would you?"

And so, she becomes depraved again, "No thank you, would it be too much for you to stay talking normally for at least five minutes?"

"Can't blame me for trying, you look like you would be good with your hooves~"

"Please lets keep the next forty minutes clean of any and all innuendos."

"Wow your a good timekeeper."

"It is good to be attentive time wise," I say shortly, disregarding when I was caught up in potion making, "Otherwise I wouldn't have been able to pace myself properly."

"Pace hmm? So you're really big on travelling?"

"I wander at times." Feeling thirsty I took out a drink of water.

"I kind of guessed that from all those heavy duty saddlebags your carrying around, those things are made to last."

"... Your rather observant." I noted as I took a quick sip.

"You kind of notice things like that, especially when a pony actually carries around a canteen of water."

I paused... and put the canteen back into my bag.

"... Point taken."

She broke out into a wide grin and chuckled, "You're surprisingly air-headed in situations aren't you Scry?"

I chose not to dignify that with a response and turned my head away, that didn't stop her from laughing a little louder however...

"I can walk back to my home myself you know." I say as I walked down the moist dirt road towards my home.

"I thought I could play the part of a gentlemare you know? I figured if being blunt wasn't to your liking, I could use a diabolical scheme to hop into bed with you."

"Well, your 'plan' was ruined the moment you explained it to me."

"Oh how cruel! And it had so much planning put into it!"

"An hours worth?

"Actually it's been a backup plan whenever the old Cloud Kicker charm didn't break down defenses." She shamelessly admitted, it was obvious this mare had no reservations of subtle.

"I am surprised you actually succeed in your pursuits, does you blunt way of seduction actually work?"

"You'd be surprised how many ponies here just want a roll in the hay." She commented smartly, and pointed towards a house, "Berry Punch lives here, ten years she has been taking care of her sister, and the only early pleasure she gets is getting tipsy on some her her own wine. That's till this mare right here," She placed a hoof on her chest, "Met her at the local bar, within the hour we were banging in bed." She paused and rubbed her chin, "We kind of traumatized her sister..."

"You certainly seem able to leave such an impact, I'm surprised you haven't been arrested for sexual harassment." We then found ourselves on the familiar dirt road, leading towards my home.

"Heh, that did actually happen once..."

"Ah, so there is justice in the world."

"But, I got out by promising I would become their marefriend for the week while their parents were visiting."

"And then that justice burns from an individuals selfish desires." I shook my head sadly.

"Hey, it wasn't a bad gig, I got free chocolate cake, the banging was great,, and all I have to deal with now is threatening letters sent by his sister," She leaned in with a look of conspricy, "Now don't tell anybody, but I think she has a complex for him, you don't stare that long at your brothers hindquarters, he's adopted so it isn't that bad but..."

"You haven't even told me their names so I wouldn't be able to utilise such informaton anyway."

"Oh, it's Written Script, he's the cutest little stallion who has a really nice tong-

"Oh, we're here." I interupted as we found ourselves at my abode, "I must prepare my dinner if you don't mind, i suppose a thanks is in order of guiding me here, even if I didn't really need it."

"Hmm? Well, time flies when your talking with a friend am I right?" Friend? In the past two hours she had been vulgar, harrasing and nosy, and now fully believes we are friends? Something must be in the water around this town, it's good I filter any natural sources before I drink from them.

I opened the door and dropped my bags on the floor, and turned to the pegasi taking up the doorway.

"... I suppose it would." I answered shortly, "Now, if you excuse me I would like th rest here and-

BZZZZZZZZ

I blinked, and turned around at the familiar sound of a teleportation spell, as well as the equally familar aura of Twilight Sparkle and her form appeared in the middle of my house. Her assistant dragon, Spike, was next to her, slightly smoking and covered in soot.

"W-Where..." Twilight spun around until her eyes dropped on me, she then practilly jumped towards me, "SCRY! You have to hide me! Everypony in Ponyville is after me and-

She then caught sight of Cloud Kicker when she nearly screamed, "AH! Their already here!"

"Twilight... why are you here." I asked, half in curiousity, and half in bewilderment, the powerful unicorns mane was frazzled, and her fur was matted in sweat, she was in a lot of panic.

"Ah, well," She glanced nervously at me, and back at Kicker, whom was looking very amused.

"She's an annoyance, but nothing to put you in danger... unless you consider your virtue as important enough to warrant as being in 'danger'" A snicker was the only form of protest I heard from Kicker.

"Ah... it started at Applejacks, I got a letter from Princess Celestia that invited me to the Great Galloping Gala and I also got two tickets, then Applejack wanted one, then Rainbow, Pinkie Pie, Rarity AND Fluttershy found out and wanted it as well, then they all tried to win me over with gifts and favours, and I still couldn't decide, then Pinkie announced I had the ticket to the town and now EVERYPONY wants the ticket and have been chasing me everywhere!" She took a deep breath and looked back up at me, "Please... help?"

"... Very well, you can hide under my bed."

"THANK YOU!" She then ran away, into my bedroom, the door slamming shut behind her.

I stared... and looked down at her dragon, "Is this... common?"

"Twilight freaks out sometimes, I think it's a compensation for how level headed she can be because when she freaks out, she really freaks out." He rubbed at his scales, "If you mean Ponyville, we've lived her for less than a week and it's already too much for her, I don't have much hope for the future."

"... Maybe it would be better if I plan to move sooner." I contemplate out loud.

"Whoa! Cloud Kicker... you're here?" I resisted the urge to face-hoof, the rest of the menagere was here.

"Oh no... don't tell me you an' Scry are..."

"Hehe, well-

"Don't answer that Kicker or I swear I will track Writen Script's family down." Her muzzle shut, but she still had that annoying look in her eyes.

"So wait, you are doing it!" Rainbow shouted loud.

"Oh... my..." Fluttershy commented.

"Nothing... happened... at all." I punctuated clearly, and stared at each of them pointedly, Applejack looked away for a second, and thankfully nopony called me out on anything.

"Now... I can only assume your here for Twilight Sparkle... but what I don't get is why you chose to come here, and not at her own place of residence."

"Well... Pinkie kind of lead us here." Rainbow shrugged, "Sometimes she knows, you know?"

Of course... the mare I don't want to talk to has the answers, perfect.

"Just... she's currently hiding under the bed, do with that what you will."

With that, the five of them trotted in and made their way there, I took a deep breath... and exhaled.

"Heh... your one interesting pony you know that?" I grit my teeth a little, and looked back at Kicker, my face smoothing out the moment I looked at her. Something must have been wrong with my face however, as the grin slightly lessened on her face.

"I just need them to talk it out and they can finally leave." I couldn't help an exasperated sigh build up, "Why does it have to be where I sleep escapes me however."

"Uh, yeah, I'd expect that from Pinkie, she likes coming in unannounced all the time." Great, now I will have to lock my doors to get any privacy...

Kicker looked towards the bedroom which was currently sounding like muffled shouts of protest, "You think everything is okay in there?"

"I don't know, and I honestly don't care. I'm still hungry as well."

"So? Why not make that food you wanted my herbs for?"

Because it's illegal to use it the way I want to, "They will want to eat what they smell I expect, and I haven't got enough for a crowd of ponies."

"Eh, wouldn't blame you for thinking that of Dash... or Pinkie, but I think the others would reign them in a little." She waggled her eyebrows,, "If you want~ I could say we plan on banging to have them leave-

"No... just, no."

"Can't blame a mare for trying."

"Yes, yes I can."

"Spike! Would you come in here please!" The dragon, who was wiping his scales clean, perked up and then went into the bedroom at the sound of Twilights voice, a few moments passed.

"Well... that is one kinky combo, six mares and a drag-

"Your mind is literally just one-track isn't it? Seriously, can you talk about dresses of something?"

"And become Rarity?"

"It would be better than imagining such a thing going on in my bedroom."

"So you are thinking about it..."

"Shut up."

Then, all six of the Element bearers same out, each hold onto a ticket. All of them was smiling as they trotted forward.

"Thank you Scry, for, well, hiding me I suppose, and letting my friends in." Twilight said to me, my eyes drifted to the extra tickets, and back, "Ah... well, I kind of forgot that Princess Celestia was, well, the Princess and... forgot she could possibly spare extras." She blushed in embarrassment.

"... No, I got why you have more, I managed to connect the dots myself, I can only assume that your assistant has some method to sending messages." I held up a hoof from her nod, "What I don't get... is why she didn't give you six in the first place, it is obvious you have new friends and would want them all to come to the Gala with you."

"... Uh, well, that is... huh." Twilight titled her head in confusion.

... Something tells me the Princess is very clueless, or has a good sense of humour.

"Well... uh... I'm sure she was just mistaken? I mean when Spi- AH! That's it, Spike, she isn't used to me having more friends so she sent to ticket for me and Spike, assuming that we would be coming!" She nodded proudly at her working out the supposed problem.

"... If that's so, then why did she give exactly four more tickets, if she truly intended for you and Spike to come, then shouldn't she have gave an exact five?"

She blinked, and her hoof came up to her chin again, deep in thought.

"... Never mind, it's late, I'm tired, your tired, and I say we just call this whole experience a night."

"... Agreed." She nodded and walked out the door, as well as the rest of them that had small grins on their faces.

"... Okay. Now that is over." I turned inside and shut the door with my tail, walking up to the cauldron to-

I closed my eyes, and turned around to see Cloud Kicker.

"... You were also on the list of 'Lets call it a night'"

"Hehe, well I figured that you were sending me a signal by not mentioning me..."

"... Please, get out of my house."

Interlude: A Rough Day

A Rough Day

I looked at the tree... it was a tilted tree, so much so that I was worrying about my continued safety.

As that tree, was tilted towards my house.

If I had known that tilted tree and what tremendous trouble it would cause to the townsponies of Ponyville, then I would have let that tree tilt, near tipping of balance, because honestly, a tipping, tilted tree taking a trip into my house would have been a better outcome than the troublesome troubles that would lie ahead.

And it was all because of me.

"... And so the meadow of grass did wither, as the mare on his resting place did cry, and once she paid her dues to her lover, she had moved on... to greener pastures."

...

"That... was deep."

"Eeyup." The large pony added, and pulled on the large wagon carrying a bountiful amount of apples, each looking more succulent that the last...

Hold it in Scry, you're here for a reason, do not get distracted.

"So, ah... Big Mac was it? There is actually a problem I need your help with."

He nodded as we went down the dirt path, the apple farm was coming into sight so I didn't want to linger much long-

Oh, we stopped.

"I heard that you and ma' sister don't get along well, so ah thought I'd talk to you here."

... This stallion is more insightful than I had originally thought, "It doesn't bother you that I've come to blows with your sibling?"

"Nnope." He shook his head, but didn't elaborate further. I suppose he preferred to give simple answers... which begs the question, what started that amazing philosophy discussion? I can't exactly remember how we led into that...

"Okay, well you see, it was just a little earlier when Pinkie... visited me... unannounced... again..."

Mix one quart of Jenix, then a half hoof sprinkle of Mox Moss, then another three turn stir and... perfection.

I took a bottle and held it my the string attached to it's neck, dunking it into the new mixture and pulling out a full bottle. I smiled as the enhanced concoction swirled in an attractive display of ribbons and light. I could see lumps of blue and green smashing into each other, thus giving the illusion of mini fireworks exploding inside the small glass bottle.

"I was cooking... what exactly? Sunflower Stew"

Another successful brew! And a very potent one as well.

Let's see... I forgot to look at what exactly is does didn't I? I was sure it's not the typical tinkering that I usually do... I had a good reason for it.

I looked at my open book again, I must have lost the page, this doesn't look like anything I put into the brew. The damn wind must have messed up the pages.

I flickered through the pages a few times till I came to what I was looking for.

A natural Essence Enhancer Elixir, 'pour down the throat or onto item you wish to use with, and have it's strongest quality increased ten-fold!'

It was good for three hundred and six doses, considering the ingredients were in an abundance I didn't have to water it down to help the process, thus making it a very strong mix.

One drop should be able to help with a great deal of weak ingredients I acquire on the road...

Sure enough, one drop used, and the test subject, a Sunflower, managed to suddenly bloom incredibly well, it's colors were the brightest yellow, a quick bite confirmed it, it was like sunbeams took the time to grave my tongue with what they taste like.

They were also kind of spicy, nothing I couldn't handle.

I nodded at my success and turned around...

And there she was, staring at the mixture... Pinkie Pie!

"I was sure I locked the door, I usually do that when I'm... cooking, and I felt my privacy was violated, and of course, Pinkie being Pinkie, she asked...

"Hey Scry-Scry! What's this thing?"

I was anxious, I was actually anxious beyond belief that a pony managed to find herself in my workplace, but, I kept a level face. Panic just makes things worse, panic makes you think irrationally.

"It's... alcohol, I use it to disinfect cuts and bruises." It was one of my weaker lies, but I was flustered at the moment.

"Why's it look like punch then? It looks like really tasty punch!"

I should have seen what was coming, she already had it to her lips and started slurping it down-

"She... got out of control, I have no idea what exactly happened, all I remember is that things went... crazy...

"... Tautarus..." I muttered as I tightened the rope even harder, Pinkie was currently... twitching. A lot. She was twitching so much that the visible jerks in the rope I was holding made it all the more worse.

I managed to measure it out, she took exactly twenty-two drops, about an eighth of a dose, but it was more than enough for her to suddenly go off her rocker. It was like a spell was designed to explode in the most non-lethal yet chaotic way possible!

I looked over at my home, which currently looked like a kindergarten's battlefield, streamers, balloons, wrapping paper and sweets everywhere I looked, it was like Pinkie was trying to make the hovel look like a redone Sugarcube Corner.

"Hey... Scrylicious?" I shivered as yet another nickname spouted from the pink abominations mouth, "Come on, can't we play some MORE I mean, we haven't played games like PINTHETAILONTHEPONY WAIT, nevermind, there are other ways like, OH WAIT didIever tell you about the story of my Cutie Mark?! There was RAINBOW anditwaslike BOOM! and I was like WHOA! and then thats when I noticed people staring out the screen... and splitting, so many PINKIES EVERYWHERE! There were MEANIE PINKIES but there was also cutie pinkies and I was like WHA?!"

"And then... I noticed all the other ponies who weren't ponies and there were so many watching! ITWASTHESCAIESTMOSTAWESOMEEXPERIENCEEVER! And then... and then... and then..."

"P-Pinkie, calm down... it's best if you just calm... down." I tried an obvious futile attempts at stopping this madness, but I was only answered my a grin... and she stared blankly somewhere.

"Hey... readers... I know that PJ has been gone for a while, but he means well, he'll try to write chapters as quickly as possible but also, I have to ask something, on a personal level..."

WHYhaven't you asked Scry-Scry more questions!? Don't you know the author truly appreciates other ponies input into the story, and you just blow him off like that!? YOUR ALL MEANIES, ALL OF YOU ARE MEANIES! And so help me if I don't see some comments I am going to SMASH that fourth wall and kick your flanks so hard that NIGHTMARE MOON would have less of an altitude problem than you, I KNOW YOU CAN HEAR ME YOU-

"And after she stopped shaking so much that the tree nearly came uprooted... she fainted, and woke up with amnesia the next morning..."

"..."

"..."

"..."

"... Yeah... so can you help me get rid of the tree that is dangerously tilted towards my house?"

"Eeyup."

Author's Note

... I think this is the first time I violently broke the fourth wall.

Here's to Pinkie... and I think I scraped the fifth wall a little while I was at it.

Watch Out For That-

Watch Out For That-

I look up at the tree once again, it's dangerous tilt was worrying... but it seemed stable as of the moment.

I was currently waiting for Big Mac to gather whatever necessary tool would be needed for righting a tree. And so I was alone for a while.

I looked down at Ponyville, I hadn't noticed before how good the view actually was, and took a few moments to guess at what buildings were what from a distance. The tree house however was a mystery that I actually think I'll visit sometime later.

Then, my mind drifted off to, Pinkie Pie... I knew she was irresponsible but to suddenly drink some unidentifiable liquid? Even if I did say it was alcohol, she immediately assumes it's punch and-

THAT, happens.

Thankfully, saying that she went crazy and made my house look like a party threw up on it was just seen as 'Pinkie being Pinkie', it's like a universal phrase around here to help peoples heads from trying to wrap around the concept that is Pinkie Pie. I think I will be guilty of using it myself in the near future.

I tapped my hoof again, and just as I was scanning the village again, it popped up.

ah... *ahem* h-hello?

I've no intention of incurring the wrath of Miss Pie, so may I say, hello again? I was the one who warned you of her before. Apologies if my choice of wording caused any... discomfort on your part?

Hmm... ah yes, it was that one that went 'Boil and Bubble' before if I recall...

Wait, they managed to realize my discomfort, I shouldn't underestimate how they seem to spy on the workings of this world. He seems a little... timid for an out worldly being however. And I quickly latched onto the part about Pinkie Pie, incurring her wrath? I don't think that ditz has had an angry moment in her life... wait, did this have something to do with the potion she drank?

I read on.

...curses, I don't really know what to say. Look, uh... we can't exactly talk like this, not easily at any rate. If I had to compare our situations, it would be akin to a series of letters between us. If you want to ask things of me, please do, either clearly speaking or thinking what you wish to know, but please understand that I cannot answer immediately.

Hmm... that's fair enough actually, I did wonder why it took so long between responses, very well then, I can understand that. But I didn't like the reading minds part, makes me wonder if that brew I made is more trouble than I thought. Of course it could only mean my immediate thoughts on the matter at hoof...

Yours, an acquaintance (and hopefully a friend) from across the divide.

PS. Ask Miss Pie about her promises. I get the feeling they will help you in the future.

Hmm... a friend? I suppose it isn't the weirdest thing to be friendly to a faceless writing floating in the air. And since your so-

I cleared my throat, "Very well... out-worldly being, I'll ask a few questions I suppose, but I doubt any about your world would be interesting, they are the equivalent of stories since I can not see whatever is in yours."

"But you seem to know some expanse of knowledge of where I am now, since I've opened a window, so I would just ask for you to... help how you can whenever you see me in a particular situation. Also... what is this matter on promises? I don't actually want to spend any length of time with that hyperactive, disruptive form of Chaos."

"... But, you of course know better than me, since you know the world far beyond what I can hope... so I'll take it under consideration."

I glanced around... nothing appeared. If the 'letter' analogy was a truthful statement, then that would mean it would take time for my message top reach... him? Her? It?

Maybe I should look into the description of the view brew again, perhaps that would give me answers about what exactly to do with this.

My eyes then locked onto a shape closing in, he was large and had a distinctive red coat, pulling a wagon up the hill towards me. I put the voices issue to the back of my mind and walked forward to greet Mackintosh.

"So... I suppose from the fact it took you so long, you were held up by your sister."

"Eeyup." That was bound to happen.

"And I also suppose you couldn't lie to her about where you were going."

"Eeyup." Again, that Element of Honesty is a problem.

"And so you had to put your hoof down and come down here despite her wishes."

"Nnope." ... what?

I raised an eyebrow at him, "Applejack doesn't like you all that much, but she ain't spiteful to deny me helping another pony in need."

"... Well, at least she has some sense of values." I stiffly reply, and instead look at the tree, "Are you sure you'll be able to pull this out of the way, it's a big tree."

"Eeyup." Did I detect a certain amount of pride in that tone?

"Very well... good luck I suppose."

I went into my house... and kicked a streamer off the path, even when I managed to get the worse of it off the outer building, I could still find the odd balloon and colorful decoration in the most unlikeliest of places. And I haven't got a single clue where that alligator came from, I let it wander off to wherever Pinkie picked it up from.

I shut the door behind me... and looked back at my cauldron. It still had a lot of my previous brew within it, considering what happened the last time I left my things alone...

I quickly went onto my task of scooping up every drop and bottling them, and then I put them into the Cellar. I don't know whenever that would ward the girl off, Applejack is the only one to know of it's existence so I can only hope. It did cross my mind to simply do the Apple family a favor and dump it into their orchid, and it would certainly remove another threat of Pinkie pandemonium, but I just couldn't help but keep them around. They could be useful someday.

I walked to my window and looked out at the clear skies above it.

It was only a rare experience that I would ever be able to see a clear blue sky outside of Equestria, sometimes the weather patterns manage to grace me with a peaceful day. Otherwise it could be chaotic as anything in comparison. Here, the only reason why the weather would deviate from the norm is because it was scheduled to.

Heck, I saw a pair of teenager pegasi sculpting a cloud into a number of shapes when I was walking through town once. If that wasn't a sign that Equestria was carefree, I don't know what is.

As I gazed out into this perfect weather... my eyes caught a speeding object above the clouds.

I blinked... and focused my gaze on it a little more, it was a pegasi, too big to be a bird and too small to be a griffin. It was also on a... very unusual speed and vector...

I mentally calculated and soon knew that from their current velocity, they would have to be going over my house... or going to crash land somewhere around my house.

... And that looping and strange flying position was not fit for flying.

As she came even closer, she was obvious with her rounded features, and made another estimate to where exactly-

Oh no.

I rushed to the front door and aimed my head over to Big Macintosh, who had an array of ropes slung around himself and the tree.

"Macintosh! Watch out for the-

And just as I tried to warn him, a whoosh sounded through the air, and a quick thud followed it. I closed my eyes... and the sound of cracking wood made me open them again.

And the tree came down... hard.

"Waaha!" I surprised shout from the stallion was all I heard, and a tree replaced his image.

I stared for a few seconds... and rushed to where he was.

"You know... I don't think it's helping my reputation if I'm pulling two unconscious ponies down to the hospital in a single day." I commented out loud as I trudged along, I borrowed Big Macintosh's wagon to help him down to Ponyville.

I took a moment to glance at the culprit, who I managed to apprehend from the bushes nearby, her wall eyed stare put me off a little... as did her seemingly clumsy and destructive nature.

"So... what do you have to say for yourself?"

The pegasus merely scratched her head sheepishly and one of her eyes drifted to the left, "Uh, I just don't know what went wrong?"

Hospital and Back Again

I... had no words.

"You were flailing your hoofs like a windmill, your tail was never within it's proper flight pattern and to I don't think rapidly extending their limbs in and out from their torso ever helps ones balance. From that, I think what went wrong was that you never had proper schooling in flying lessons, or you deliberately fly that bad which would make more sense than having such a poor flying posture."

"... Uh, well now I know what went wrong at least." She smiled like a dope a second later... and I merely face-hoofed.

"You really have no idea what I said? You flying is so bad that if I tossed rocks off a cliff, they would know better than you to go towards the ground to land."

"Heh, yeah, I never did do well when it came to landing... or taking off... and everything in the middle." She tapped her chin thoughtfully, "And everything unrelated to flying too now that I think about it...

"... Just, go, I'll take Macintosh to a clinic and you..." I struggled with a phrase, "Don't crash into more unstable trees... I'm rather amazed you managed to find two with one crash landing."

"Heh, thank you."

"That wasn't a- *sigh* Just, go." I then turned away and made my way to the hospital. Macintosh was rather heavy to be sure, but I could bear with the strain fine as I followed the path towards the clinic.

"No, I don't beat up ponies that come up to my house for no reason, I already told you a tree fell on him." I nursed the upcoming headache that was present in my head as I explained the situation to the nurse at the counter, "I assure you that Pinkie also likewise an accident... I'm just not sure exactly what happened that caused her to lapse in a coma for twelve hours."

"Uh hu..." She gave me that eye that she was clearly not buying it.

"Seriously, it wasn't my fault, in fact, Manintosh wasnt even a complete accident, it was due to some pegasus pare flying through the air and-

"Wait... pegasus?" She placed a hoof over her eyes, "Please... did she have a grey coat and yellow mismatching eyes?"

"... This has happened before."

"Injuries? Not much, and she always tries to make it up to the pony she inconveniences. Accidents? It is like a tradition next to Pinkie Pie's parties, you need to have witnessed at least one of Derpy's... mistakes." She shook her her head, "It isn't that she means it, she has a heart of gold really, just, be careful whenever she is flying overhead. And I absolutely understand it whenever her description is given."

"... Ah... are you sure it isn't a-

"The only medical condition is her eyes, which is pretty much the reason why she can't fly right. I think it's also because she has two left wings whenever she is flying which only adds to the problem, but again, she really doesn't mean it, she's a sweet mare after all."

"... While we're at it, did you get any results from Pinkie's-

"Yes... and no, we couldn't find some extra gland in her body that stores sugar and turns it into a self sustaining power source." She shook her head, "Again, can't blame you for asking that."

"... I'll just be leaving then."

"Right."

I sat down, and looked at my brew.

It was sitting inside the drawer I had thrown it in during Pinkie's rampage before, and contemplated exactly it's purpose.

It did say it was really powerful at what it did, and could affect ponies so much so that their special talent is increased twofold, and of course an energetic increase is expected along with an increase in physical abilities. But i still had no idea how it had made Pinkie so... Pinkie.

Her strange abilities aside, her special talents were making parties, it was clear from the confetti I still find in corners of the house that she had attempted that, but jumping around like a spring attached to a Parasprite, as well as moving like a hurricane had stopped going around in circles, not to mention that amount of semi teleportations she had managed...

... I needed help on this, thankfully, I had a source.

I felt out to this... presence again.

"Look... I was wondering exactly what about Pinkie-

I then heard a heavy thud echo out in the air, and my senses picked up a familiar aura.

"SCRY FORTUNE! If you don't come out 'ere this instant I'm bucking your door down!" Applejack had arrived.

And she was angry about her brother being injured, great...

I heard another thud and the door of my home cracked a little.

"... Alright, new question since your so eager, how would you take care of an angry Earth Pony who is as stubborn as a mule? I await any and all contributions from outside the Rift."

Author's Note

So... going to give her advice?

And also, if your not answering her questions, could you ask some? The comment boxes are kind of dusty from not being used a lot...

Angry Apple

First of all, just tell Applejack the truth, she knows when ponies lie. Second of all, maybe you could apologize to Big Mac for his injuries by taking him to dinner. 'Wink Wink'.

... Okay, the first part is useful, the second sounds like it's treading the line of Cloud Kicker. I doubt Macintosh would hold a complete accident against me... however, I will agree on the fact that I need to make it up to him somehow.

I concur, truth at this point would be best, but only say as much as is necessary if you wish to still keep some things secret.

Hmm, at least your all being helpful now, there was more, but I didn't have time to read it before my for was kicked in rather violently.

It is rather underwhelming to see the orange earth pony herself walk through the door in anger however.

"Scry! What is this I hear about ma' brother Macintosh sporting a collection of broken rips after havin' came up to your house!"

"Tree fell on him, it was an accident."

"Tree fell on him ma' flank! How in the sam hell does a pony cart down two cases to the hospital in two days!? It can only be an accident so many times before it becomes suspicious!"

"Look Applejack, I'm aware of your obvious distrust in my demeanor but acting out in impulsive and judgmental anger is hardly-

I stepped back when she took a small swing at me, "Don't you go playin' off that this is all ma' fault comin' 'ere and confronting you, I said it once and I'll say it again Fortune, there is somethin' your hiding!"

"Well then, care to tell me your how about we trade stories on every skeleton we keep in the closet as well as what stallions we have a crush on, I'm sure we would be able to have a bonding session over that!" I snarked out, I both glared at one another momentarily before I sighed, "Look... Applejack, twice is strange, I'll admit. But... I assure you, honestly, there was no foul play intended when I asked for your brothers help this morning."

She looked into my eyes as I stated this, and her features scowled briefly, "Fine... I'll believe you there... then how'd it happen then?"

"Well, from my understanding a pegasus called Der-

"Nevermind, I can guess the rest from there." her features had suddenly fell into an exasperated and near exhausted mold, she then hit her hoof against her face, "Derpy, that is the fifth tree she's toppled in two months..."

"... She actually hit a second one on the way down."

"Sixth then." She gave a slight crack of a smile... and then looked behind her at...

My door, which was hanging off one hing-

CRACK!THUD!

... on the floor, both it's hinges broken.

"Ah... uh..." For the first time, she managed an obviously sheepish expression, "I'll pay for that, ah promise."

I gave a sign, "It is alright, I have enough bits to do it myself."

"Nah, seriously, I mean it, don't you go making a liar out of me, it was all ma' fault anyway."

"You needn't feel guilty over it, you were only responding in irrational anger, it clouds judgement."

"Look, I mean it I'll... and we're fighting again..." She trailed off immediately and gave a long suffering breath, "I think we've been going at this long enough..."

"I only count a week, since the Nightmare incident."

"Still, it ain't right-" She stopped, and started once again, "Look Scry... Twilight had been talking with me a bit back, and she was worried about the two of us and, well, not getting along," She shook her head. "I couldn't say to her a thing I honestly disliked about you, and the only reason I could think about was 'your hiding something', and I realized... your right."

We stood in silence for a second, and she continued, "Your right... it ain't rightly my business to be pokin' into another ponies business, whenever I don't like them or not... for that, I'm sorry."

She looked down at the ground, and I regarded her for a second...

"... Your forgiven... I didn't blame you much in the first place." I was following the advice the Entity had given me, honestly seemed to resonate with this mare, "Ponies are naturally suspicious of something new within their midst, if it wasn't you there would likely be one in town who didn't feel comfortable about my appearance, for that I apologize not setting your assumptions straight."

"Yeah... it's kinda hard to just make up after all of that huh?" She scratched the back of her head, "Ah mean, we were kind of at it with each other for a while..."

My eyes flickered to the right, taking in a certain piece of information

Oh, while we're on the subject of Pinkie, her promises, yes. I did mention them before. Anyone can make a Pinkie Promise, but NO-ONE breaks a Pinkie Promise. Do not try. Please. Might that be beneficial for keeping your secrets, well... secret?

Hmm...

"I heard that Pinkie has some sort of... promise system, that she holds dearly?"

Applejack's eyes flickered up and nodded hesitantly, "Well... sure, she is very particular about them as well, and... Pinkie likes to make them from time to time, you saying we should make one?"

"Yes, I suppose it would be beneficial to take trust in each other with her, well, promises... I'm not sure how one is made however."

"It goes like this, 'Cross ma' heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in ma' eye'." She made the necessary motions and ended with her placing a hoof over her eye, "But what would you think we should promise ta' do?"

"Well... on my end, I promise I do not seek to harm or hurt any ponies from this town, as that is where your suspicions lie..." She looked guilty for a second and I continued, "And you will not try seek out who I am or what I may do, that way, you get my assurance, and I get my privacy."

"... Yeah, I suppose that would just about do it, ah promise not to intrude in on you, and you can keep your secrets to yourself, whenever you wish to share them." She went through the necessary motions and finished with a hoof over her eye.

"I likewise promise to not harm nor hurt anypony in Ponyville, you have my trust." I crossed the barrel of my chest, and placed a hoof over my eye, "I however don't see exactly how these are so life binding, I am a stranger here, would it really bind me to my word so closely?"

"Well... heh..." Applejack now looked a little worried, "You promised not to hurt nopony, so it ain't a problem... but just to tell you, Pinkie is... Pinkie, she has an uncanny sense or somethin' and well." She looked around and sighed, "Breaking a Pinkie Promise is the fastest way to losing a friend-

"For-EVER!" I stiffened when a familiar voice sounded behind me, I turned around, and looked at the familiar head poking out of my cauldron.

"... Pinkie... how did you get in there?"

"Secret~ Now play nice you two!" She then ducked out of sight, the lid slamming down afterwards.

A few seconds of silence went by...

I quickly ran up to the pot and opened it, there was not a pink hair left of the mare.

"That... I... what..."

"*snrk!* That's exactly the face Rainbow pulled when Pinkie did that in one of the clouds she was nappin' in." A wide grin then entered the farmers face.

"... Glad to see your taking pleasure in my utter bewilderment..."

An uproarious laughter sounded out in the house, I could only grumble discontentedly in return, after all, we made up.

After Applejack left, and insisted in paying me back for the door, I was left on my own...

It was certainly a productive day I suppose, despite the circumstances, the tree was brought down away from my abode, and Applejack no longer had a vendetta against me. That should keep unwanted attention away at the very least.

... Hmm, seems like these Entity's are much more helpful than I had thought.

I went back to reading the script that was left over, not having disappeared yet, hmm, interesting, perhaps it worked off a full reading to disparate fully.

Back to your brew. I wonder... perhaps it didn't work to amplify Pinkie's talent, at least singularly. You recall the notion of the Elements of Harmony, yes? and that rainbow that enveloped the Nightmare? The mares you were with that night caused it. The elements are no mere idea, and now each of these magical artifacts is tied to one of them. I wonder if you can guess which belongs to whom. They certainly embody their Elements well enough, it shouldn't be a challenge...

But, back to my point. Perhaps the brew amplified the Element of Laughter within Pinkie, thus making her...even more Pinkie than normal? Oh, while we're on the subject of Pinkie, her promises, yes. I did mention them before. Anyone can make a Pinkie Promise, but NO-ONE breaks a Pinkie Promise. Do not try. Please. Might that be beneficial for keeping your secrets, well... secret?

Huh... this one is very intelligent indeed,my mixture mixing with the Elements of Harmony... again, what an interesting effect these artifacts had.

I really want to test what effects they can have that I haven't observed, it is rare one can find such powerful examples of alternative magic.

... it could even be a written set of notes about the subject... something to put in my generation of the Potion Manuscript...

It looks like I will be staying here for a while.

"Also... Entity's, thank you for the contribution, it managed to get me into a more favorable position than before, I can't repay you... but I suppose since you give me information, I can give you some as well, ask what you wish, I have a wealth of knowledge after all."

"But hold for now... I need to get some rest, it's been a long day..."

And with that, I slipped away to my bedroom, and fell to unconsciousness the moment I hit the bed.

Author's Note

Hehe, telling Applejack the truth, GREAT advice good sir!

Now onwards, fill the comments with your questions! Let me hear all of your curiosity!

And bring some cookies, I'm feeling hungry.

A Bad Week

I sighed as I looked over the rest of the herd of Cows that were loitering around in front of Ponyville, I managed to escape without serious injury when they ran past, but I was surprised to see them sitting around outside of the town like this. I managed to ask around them and found that Applejack had diverted the entire herd from accidentally hurting anypony from town.

With my curiosity satisfied, I made my way back home.

I noted a crowd of the ponies in town talking about something, but filed it away for another time.

I awoke to hear a knocking din at my door, I managed to catch a tail end to a rhythmic set of knocks through the woodwork... and it started up again in another short skip of beats and I was already fully aware who was likely outside the door.

I picked myself up from bed and made my way to the infernal noise and opened it before it could continue anymore.

"Hey Scry-Scry!" Pinkie smiled happily, "Watch'cha doooooing?"

"... Sleeping."

"Then why are you talking to me silly? OH WAIT! Does that mean your sleeping walking and talking? Wow that is so great, what is it like too sleep walk and talk at the same time? Is it like sleep walking, or like sleeping talking, or is like a mesh of both and-

"I just woke up Pinkie... why are you here?"

"Oh right, you see, there is this celebration and the town is awarding Applejack a reward for her help with the stampede the other day and-

"Not interested."

"Ahhhh, come on Scry-Scry, there will lots of apple related desserts~"

"Don't assume that I will jump into a situation because of tempting treats," I cut her off quickly, "I may have managed to make peace with Applejack just yesterday Pinkie, but that doesn't mean I have to take time out of my day to go to a ceremony she is attending, I'm sure a number of other ponies have better things to do at the moment than watch someone else get a medal."

"Och don't be silly Scry-Scry... She is getting a trophy!"

Apply hoof to forehead, and tussle own mane in exasperation, "You're not getting it Pinkie, I don't-

Well well well what do we have here?

hmmmm….

You are an interesting little creature now aren't you?

I breathed in... and out.

"Pinkie, I have a lot of work to be doing right now, testing out recipes, perhaps opening a stall for my soup business as well. I don't need to come down for every party, celebration or circus show that comes into town."

Then, an impossible thing happened that made me blink, the edges of her smile... fell.

Actually, her mouth was now in a thin straight line, it only happen for a second before they lifted back up but it was certainly a smile again... only, it looked more awkward.

"Alright then... maybe next time?"

"Uh... perhaps." I safely state, she stood outside the door for a few seconds.

"So... is that all?"

"Yup! I'll just see you after the party Scry-Scry, have a good time... alone..." She then bounced off, and I was left feeling... kind of strange.

Actually, I think I felt rather worried.

Was this pony so strange that when she finally had a normal expression it made me uneasy? It doesn't make sense that it would bother me so much. As if I poked a Ursa Major in it's side while it was taking a nap. I was currently flipping through my book full of different brews for a new thing I could possibly make.

I distracted myself with the rest of the message that had appeared when Pinkie had appeared.

Well you want some help so I give you this little tidbit for free be careful when you look into the eyes of one of your new acquaintances particularly if they’re angry.

If you want to know which one please answer this simple question.

What can not happen without laughter?

Any future help will require you to answer some form of riddle. I do like my riddles.

Yours sincerely Prophet.

P.S I will be extremely annoyed if you get any help from those of us from the beyond to answer my riddles.

Hmm, well, he was certainly a little different from the normal ones I had received, and more annoying as well.

Riddles, 'what can not happen without laughter', you are aware that I know what their elements are correct? This is a reference to Pinkie.

So perhaps Pinkie Pie... but I suppose I'll answer your little thing to keep you entertained. There are many perspectives to it however so it might be 'celebration', or it might be 'joy and happiness' among idealistic ponies. For me, it doesn't matter much if laughter is gone or not, the only thing that wouldn't happen because of it is noise and interrupted peace of mind.

Also... he gave a name, or title, not exactly sure what, it certainly helps towards distinguishing him from the masses.

Prophet however... again, I dislike Seer's, always thinking they should give their information to others despite it likely being false, or if genuine, know fine well what they say will not change anything in the slightest.

Or maybe they are telling me things in order to get some entertainment from my efforts, either way it is all rather strange.

KzzzKSZZZ!

I looked up as a sudden flash of thunder sounded out... and a line of black clods formed out of nowhere.

There wasn't any scheduled rain days-

And then suddenly, I was covered in water, rain trenching my mane.

I knew it was a bad day to keep my hood down.

"Oh, hello Scry, it's nice that you paid... uh, why is your mane wet?"

"I think it had something to do with the reports of Rainbow Dash soaring through the sky haphazardly, hitting several clouds on the way with her pegasus magic in confusion, and finally making them turn into rampant storm clouds that covered half of the town in hail, rain and snow. Now whenever this is a prank or just gossip, I would like to know, as well as the location of Rainbow if the former proves true."

"... Yeah, that might have something to do with it."

I walked through town and this time, with my hood over my head, Applejack had apparently been the cause of Rainbow's accident, something was in error with the planning or setup of her new stunt. I still remembered being drenched so I was being cautious this time.

I decided that in order to learn all I can about the elements, that it is best I would observe Pinkie for closely with my aura sensing abilities. Hopefully it would reveal something about her connection with the elements.

I opened the door to Sugarcube corner, and observed a crowd of ponies taking up the space inside it.

I breathed a sigh and took my place in line, it wasn't until I was second in line did I realize I didn't know what exactly to say to her.

"Oh! Scry-Scry! Your here?" She smiled at my presence as the pony in front of line walked away with a muffin of some sort, Pinkie herself was munching on one, and likely it wasn't the first one she was sampling.

"Yes... I thought I would... um... apologize for not coming to Applejack's ceremony." I suppose an apology would be the best way to start, "And I thought I would make it up to you and... have a walk around town?"

If it was possible, her grin grew wider, "Okie-Doki-Loki! Just let me- no wait a second," She took a deep breath and stood up, "Hey Everypony! Consider the rest on the house! I'll pay this out of my own pocket, consider the rest of these goodies ON THE HOUSE!"

A widespread cheer sounded through the store, and the pink mare zipper around the counter to my side.

"So? Lets go!" She then bounced forward towards the door, I followed behind, dodging a crowd of ponies as they hurried to the free treats.

"So... you are saying that your Element only attaches to those who have the strongest affinity for it."

"Yup! I mean, I'm Laughter and I love making parties, Applejack is Honesty and she never told a lie, Rainbow is Loy-

"I get it Pinkie... so I suppose they were destined to be your elements?"

"I guess so, I mean, it's pretty funny that six ponies with the same attributes managed to go on a trip to the Everfree and perfectly match said elements and become friends along the way but, eh, convenience is what helps the plot move along."

"... Is that some expression I don't know?"

"Eh, I don't know." I stopped, and stared at the mare, there was clearly something wrong, she had stopped bouncing a few minutes ago, and was now concealing a frown on her face, her smile was a little strained.

"Pinkie... are you really that bothered I didn't participate in the award ceremony?"

"What do you mean silly-filly?" She turned to me, still having that strange look on her face.

"I mean it Pinkie, look, you seem to take an interest in my well-being but, you don't have to be so hung on the idea I need to mingle, it's just something you have to accept."

"Uh hu..."

"That's not to say I don't appreciate the thought but the fact is that sometimes I would rather slip between the cracks as it is."

"Uuuu... huuuu..."

"Now, I would like you to stop, well, not being you and tell me what is upsetting you because, this tension has become bothersome and... what is wrong with you?" I asked this directly upon looking on Pinkie's face, which was now clenched in illness.

"Scry-Scr-URRRG!" She lurched, "I don't feel so-BLERG!"

And that is when my hooves were covered in vomit.

"Now, I know what your thinking but-

"She ate something bad didn't she?"

"... hospital room full of patients?"

"Yes, lucky you, another excuse to prove your innocence."

"I'm having a bad week."

"..."

"..."

"... So... you want to talk about it?"

"No."

"Ah... because it isn't embarrassing it really isn't, I mean ponies all around town were put on the spot when they came along."

"Twilight."

"Y-yes."

"Where is Applejack at the moment? Because I would like to give a try at, convincing her."

I walked away, satisfied up the lane, the apple orchards I passed were empty on the left, but not on the right. I breathed a sign as I made my way back home.

I caught sight on a familiar figure.

"Ah, Big Macintosh."

"Ee'yup." He nodded towards me, I took note of his condition, bandages around his torso and looked back at him.

"Are you better?"

"Ee'yup."

"So... your likely going up that hill to confront Applejack."

"Ee'yup, abou' time that filly see what trouble she done been causin' around town." He nodded in concealed determination.

"Ah... well it's best you let her sleep first, when she is in better shape."

"... Why?"

"She fell asleep, suffice to say, there is this special herb soup that causes somebody to become drowsy, and perhaps make them sleep for around twelve to ten hours. I guess she must have been really tired."

"... Ee'yup." A small smile, nearly unnoticeable crossed his features.

"I suppose I can count on you getting her to bed."

"Ee'yup."

"Also... you wouldn't mind I got you something, as a get well gift."

"Nnope."

"Very well, good meeting you again Macintosh."

"Ee'yup."

We then went our separate ways, and I got a decent nights sleep.

Riddle Me This~

Oh! This is so exciting you’re willing to play with me.
Well then let lay down some rules.
Rule 1: As stated before no getting help from other beings from the beyond but help from those in your world is allowed.
Rule 2: To submit your answer to my riddles please write them down, then say them out loud and then burning the item on which you wrote your answer on.
Rule 3: You can have three guesses per riddle.
Rule 4: When you guess the correct answer to a riddle you can either ask a question or ask for help with a problem and will help you to the best of my ability. You may hold your request for as long as you like. The only exception to this rule will be this first riddle as I have already stated your prize if you answer it correctly.
I do apologize for these steps but I have certain rules I must follow myself.
But I can give you a clue to the first riddle. It has very little to do with the Elements of Harmony.
Yours sincerely Prophet
Oh I almost forgot. If you want give up on a riddle just say out loud "I give up Prophet" I I will send you the next riddle.

Hmm... well, I suppose that's fair enough.

So, I solve a riddle, and you give a favor, very well then Prophet, I don't have much else to do as of the moment... And I suppose that favor could come in handy for the future, telling future events is unlikely, unless the event itself is

And since there is no mention of my previous attempts at answering, he won't accept them until I do this method of his.

I rummaged around in my bags and found some parchment, smoothing it on the table I thought on what my answers would be.

It wasn't about the Elements, and not about the Element bearers either now that I think about it, so I suppose Pinkie is off the possible suspects.

1#: Noise

That is my personal answer, I know it is likely not in line with another's perspective likely, but with two slots left it could be worth something. With the loophole Prophet had given me, I set out of the house towards Twilight Sparkle, a educated girl such as herself would likely have some form of opinion to it.

After that... Pinkie, even if she wasn't the answer, she could be a good reference point being the element of it.

Hopefully it will go better than our last conversation with her vomiting her guts out.

"What cannot happen without laughter..." Twilight repeated as she drew her eyes closed in thought, "Well, that is kind of a philosophical kind of question Scry, what exactly made you want to ask this?"

"I have been exercising my brain reading up on a few things." That happen to float by my face from time to time, "The riddle stood out to me and I decided a needed an extra opinion."

"Hmm... well, I suppose there has to be a book around her somewhere that looks into the issue..." She walked around the bookshelves and took them down in several bundles, flickering through a few pages occasionally and glancing at the covers.

For a few minutes I sat down and enjoyed the tea that her assistant dragon Spike had poured for me, and then Twilight came back with short piece called a 'Planet Without Laughter', the book itself had no title. Looking into it I found it was a alternate world where laughter did not exist, and what exactly would happen if it was introduced in small quantities. Towards the end, it was found that laughter had spread across the world at large and suddenly there was no one who didn't know of such a thing as laughter.

Scanning through the piece, I found the likely answer to it, there were several possible ones, but one seemed to ring true. So I hurridly wrote it down.

2#: Happiness

It's the closest message I can get from the passage, predictably, it's also the one I had guessed would be the general opinion.

"Does that help?" I turned to Twilight as she looked at me expectantly.

"It might, still it is better I get going now, sorry to have dropped in so suddenly."

"No, no, there's no trouble at all, anything for a friend."

Again, I find that these girls are rather east to jump to conclusions, I don't correct her however since she seems to believe what she is saying. I leave and make my way to Sugarcube Corner.

"Hey Scry-Scry! You're back again... hold on a second."

She then picked the candy she was about to eat, and smelled in suspiciously.

"... Pinkie, what are you doing?"

"Ever since the Baked Bad's incident, I've been watching these confectionery pieces with a careful eye. It won't be long, till I catch them red hoofed!"

"... Pinkie, you remember it was Applejack's fault in the first place that your muffins were spoiled correct?"

"Yeah... but you never know... I'M WATCHING YOU!" She shouted all of a sudden, and the candy dropped back in it's place again.

"... Pinkie, do you think you can give your answer on a certain question?"

"Sure Scry-Scry! Lay it on me!"

"It is 'What cannot happen without laughter'"

Her face suddenly screwed up, and she she shook her head, "Well, that's easy silly, it's Smiles."

"... Smiles?"

"Yup, and chuckles, guffaws, giggles, parties, jokes, pranks-

"Pinkie, I meant one thing, personally what cannot happen without it?"

"I just told you!"

"I can't put all of that as an answer, put it all under one word in general." I breathed a sign at her troublesome attitude. She responded after balancing on her back legs and pointing at me.

"Well I don't know! There's just so much Laughter has done for other ponies, you can't just pick one!" She fell back onto her hooves, "it's like picking your favorite pony, there's so many great ones out there that arsonists bring words of fire into their never-ending war!"

"... What?"

"In fact, if it is only one thing... then it would be Life!"

"Care to explain that?" I asked, intrigued at the rather interesting choice.

"Well... for one, without laughter, I would have never gotten the Cutie Mark I have today!" She spun around to show it clearly on her side, "Without laughter, nopony would have been able to enjoy my parties! Without laughter, I wouldn't be so close to my family as I am now! Without laughter, I wouldn't have my friends..." She drooped slightly at this, and looked back up, "Laughter is life, you can't truly live until you laugh! And everypony needs to laugh, because if you can't laugh with your friends, all the silly and funny moments in life, then life would be... empty."

I regarded the pink pony for a second, and gave a nod.

"Very well then... thank you for your assistance Pinkie, I'll take what you said under consideration."

"Alright Scry-Scry, and you don't worry, I'm sure you'll do your best with your riddle thing, and I hope you get it right!"

I stopped, and looked back at her.

The way she phrased it... how exactly did she know I was asking a riddle? Let alone that I was looking for the answer myself.

"Alright! I got-to-go now, I need to see Rainbow, I want to hang out with her." She then bounced away before I could pose a question, I groaned a little.

No matter how long I stay here, I still can't understand Pinkie Pie.

3#: Life

I found myself back at my home, with all of the choices written down.

I looked them over, judging their value.

Mine was of personal preference, but I suppose it was rather pessimistic... still, the only thing I can change it to at this point is-

1#: Humor

Again, rather lackluster, but better to cover my bases.

I looked at the 'presence' that connects me to the entity's, and cleared my throat.

"These are my answers I found for your riddle. Number one, Humor, number two, Happiness, and number three, Life."

I make my war to the fireplace I had previously lit up.

"Do with this what you will." I then threw the parchment into the fire where it began to burn.

Nodding my head, I stepped back and watch it twist upon itself...

And promptly burst into ashes all of a sudden.

I blinked, and watched as the ashes suddenly levitated and flew through the air, disappearing all of a sudden once it has reached the entity's connection...

I stared after it a few seconds, and shook my head.

"You really have a flare for the dramatics don't you all?"

I then decided to just experiment on some more brews today, and soon enough the riddle was out of my mind to the end of the day.

I stared... as the bucket perched above my door.

And the not too obvious giggles coming from a nearby bush.

Well, looks like Pinkie found Rainbow at least.

I kicked open the door, and stepped back as the bucket fell to the floor.

"Very funny you two, however, you should learn to less obvious with your-

As I stepped out, my hooves stuck itself to the ground, I tried to lift one of them but I found... it was difficult.

I looked down, at the hardened glue which had stuck me to the floor.

"PFFFFF-BHAHAHAHA!"

"*Snrk* Hehehehehe!"

The open laughter of those two made me sigh even deeper than before.

... I will admit, that was rather clever at the very least.

Lasting Impressions

Well now you came up with some interesting answers here.
All of them have some form of truth and one could be consider the answer to my riddle, but alas none of them are correct in this case.
The answer to this riddle is slaughter or to be more precise the word slaughter as you cannot have slaughter without laughter.
All well maybe you will do better with this next riddle.
What do you own but other use it more?
better luck with this riddle.
Yours sincerely Prophet

... Ah, so I suppose I shouldn't expect deep or meaningful riddles from your end hmm?

Word play is hardly a thing to take into consideration.

And this has put in a rather foul mood as well, considering it took me half an hour to pry myself off the ground from Rainbow's and Pinkie's prank yesterday, and now I have to find my glue removed to get rid of the mess at my entrance.

And this riddle is at least a little more understandable.

1#: My Name

It is something I own, and something others use more than I would myself, as I only introduce myself as that and others use it in conversation, identifying myself from the crowd and so on.

I must admit however, that is rather dark in pony standards if one were to take your answer literally, slaughter and laughter are a dreadful combination. The entity must be from a darker place than Equestria is.

"So here is the answer, My Name, I can't be bothered to add a second or third response."

I then burnt it, and the ashes made their way out of this world.

I left my house afterward, having to climb out the window to avoid the mess in front of the door.

Again, Ponyville is in dire need of a map or at the very least signs, I suppose since the town is so close that it isn't that focused of advertisement, but they could do so for tourists at the very least. If I didn't have an enchanted necklace to point to a location of my desire I would have never found it.

After I bought the anti-adhesive I walked around the town for a while, mentally mapping out the area for the foreseeable time that I am here. Unfortunately I was discovered by a certain pegasus.

"... and so, it was agreed that me plus Raindrops and two gallons of cider led to some pretty sexy results." She hovered back to the ground and turned to me, "Got any of that?"

"... Sorry, were you saying something?"

"Ouch! Sure know when to make a mare feel welcome do you Scry?" She flirtatiously winked at me, her enthusiasm not at all dampened by my apparent disinterest, "How about this, you tell me something about your life and I'll promise to ignore it, make sure you don't feel left out."

"Well gee, you shouldn't have." I rolled my eyes as we both walked down the road, "Don't you have somepony else to bother? I am sure that Rainbow would much more appreciate you advances than I do."

"What? Me and Dash? Hah!" She swung her hoof in humor, "I know what your saying, that hair and her attitude, you totally think she's into mares, truth is she is born with a really unlucky color, you should have seen the reaction when I told her about gay pride." She chuckled, "She nearly begged Rarity for a dye job until I talked her out of it."

"Well the point still stands, you seem good friends with her."

"Ah well... we're not really that close actually." She tilted her head side to side, "I mean sure, me and her and Flutter's go way back to flight camp, but other than that not much, besides... she is kind of hanging out with Gilda right now."

I blinked, and turned to her, "A Griffin? Here?"

"Well yeah... how'd you know it was a Griffin?"

"Griffins have a distinctive difference in their names, not named after already existing words and take from the ancient Griffin language, they have their own meanings once translated. Other species also have names the same way here and there, but it's been know that Griffin's always have a particular fondness for the letter 'G', so most Griffins have a name starting with the letter."

A Griffin... just perfect, that's all I need.

"Don't like Griffin's much?" She asks me, I immediately smooth my features and quickly think up an excuse, I decided to tell the truth.

"Griffin's are also know for their rather aggressive behavior, and it is deeply ingrained in their culture and upbringing. Because of that, in my travels you would find that they are predatory and violent at worse, and mean spirited at best."

"Well... I guess I can't agree with you there, I only met her briefly here and there, and she was always kind of angry." She shrugged, "But since she's Rainbow's friend I thought she was alright."

... Well, I suppose since she is an Equestrian Griffin it isn't likely she has any ties with the ones outside the country... best avoid her anyway.

"... Actually now that I think about it, when she was angry she looked kind of hot." Cloud continued, nodded her head sagely.

I simply turned my back and walked away, the giggling nymphomaniac trailing behind.

It was not meant to be however, when a pink blur came into view.

"Hey Scry-Scry! Got a party to invite you to, hope you come, have a nice day BYEBYE!" And then she zoomed away, leaving an invitation in her wake.

I blinked, and turned to Cloud, "Is this a common occurrence?"

"Yeah, whenever Pinkie wants to throw a party she makes preparations fast." She picked up the card given to her and read through it, "Well what a coincidence, looks like she's throwing a party for Gilda."

"... Perfect, hope you have a good time." I walked by, stepping over my own invitation.

"You sure you don't want to come? Pinkie's parties are pretty great."

"They can be tolerable, Pinkie's idea of a party is noise and celebration, I much prefer to clean my house and enjoy a quiet afternoon."

"Didn't she throw one for you coming here to Ponyville?"

"That was an unavoidable exception, I don't even know who this Gilda is."

"Eh, you see I know you have a point there, but that's not going to mean much to Pinkie. Nopony misses out on a party by Pinkie, so I'm pretty sure she's going to notice."

I thought on this a second, considering the pros and cons, and shrugged.

"Fine, I suppose she would drag me there anyway." It might ward off her attention if I just attended a few and got on with life.

We made our way to Sugarcube Corner at a sedate pace.

"... You do know I am prolonging the inevitable, and you could have gone to the party before if you hadn't stuck to my walking pace right?" I say to my walking companion as the shape of Sugarcube Corner came into sight.

"Eh, Pinkie's parties go one for a while, I don't even think they got to the halfway point yet." She smiled good naturally, "And you can be fun to talk to as well, plus, I don't mind a long walk if it means some eye candy~"

"Urg, why don't you jump into a cold river?" She was starting to sound decent with that sentence.

"I would make it a heated bath with how hot I am." I rolled my eyes for perhaps the fifth time that day.

"Sometimes I wonder how you fly with that over sized ego."

"Years of practice, plus learning from somepony worse off. Rainbow can get a really big, bloated ego at times."

When we got close enough to the entrance, we heard a loud voice growling at the other side.

"Come on Rainbow Dash, I said we're LEAVING!"

We exchanged a glance, and looked through the open door, there was the Griffin, Gilda, faced with all the ponies in town.

Seems we both appeared at an inopportune time.

"You know Gilda... I was the one who set up all those weak pranks at this party."

"What do you think is happening? Look's kind of tense." Cloud whispers to me.

"It's just a Griffin's temper on the rise, best just stay out of the way for now." I observed a few details here and there, and manged to place together a few details, 'pranks' were likely what were the main cause of the Griffin Gilda's distress, more than one or two also judging from the toy snakes and broken furniture on the floor, and so she is acting out in anger because of it.

Tuning into the conversation, it seems that Rainbow was telling her off at acting so aggressively, and how she was being very disruptive and rude towards her friends in Ponyville.

"Yeah!? Well- you... YOU are such a- a Flip-flop!"

I couldn't help a hoof to the face, "Really showing creativity there..."

"Yeah, I think she's really thrown off by the hostility here." Cloud Kicker commented beside me, and quickly back away, "Watch ou-

-Decide not to be lame anymore, give me a- UUMPH!" She bumped straight into me, and looked around confused for a second, before glaring down at me.

"Seriously!? Another dweeb pony bothering me again?! That's all I need." I stepped back out of her feathery chest and spat out one.

"Well sorry, I came late to your party..." I commented dryly, she only gave a death glare in response, her claws flexing in rage.

"That's no excuse you feathering PONY..."

"How about, 'sorry, you should have looked where you were walking', or maybe I should drop the pleasantries, I've not known many Griffin's who even know the word sorry." I answered coldly, my eyes irritability staring into her eagle ones, as she continued talking, my ears were twitching in a very... very active manner, "Now, how about you clear the door, before I clear it."

"Why you!" She outstretched her claws and they were making their ways towards me, I hardly noticed the shouted warnings from my side and behind the wrathful Griffin, all I did was dip into my sactual, and another potion came out.

I ducked the swipe aimed at my head, and my back spring forward, muscles tensed, and my tail swung over my head, the glass of the bottle was smash safe, not intended to give injuries. The potion inside has a non-lethal effect as such.

As it cracked and shattered on the beak of the Griffin, she immediately stepped back and coughed and sputtered in protest.

"ACK! Ha- GAK! What the- *cough* feather wa- wuz... zat..." She unsteadily wobbled on her legs and slumped against the side of the door, looking more and more confused by the second.

"... What was in that thing?" Cloud asked in curiosity, I simple breathed in a little, regaining by temper.

"A special mix, should calm her down for a bit-

I pulled back quickly as a rainbow colored blur was the next to swipe at me.

"What the HELL are you doing!"

I put a hoof to my face, this day was not turning out what I liked it to be...

Loyalty vs Logic

I reviewed by situation.

It was of course, not going to end very well on either side, but I suppose that was to be expected. I had lost my temper again, I could have walked around and swallowed my bitterness, but even when I meet a Griffin for less than twenty seconds, they seem to push all of my buttons the wrong way, and repeatedly.

Now since I was not the one who attacked first, it was possible I wouldn't be blamed, however there was one factor preventing that.

The hot headed many spectrum colored pony known as Rainbow Dash, and she still clings to loyalty despite it.

Her aura brushed across me in waves as she projected her mood clearly and loudly, it was filled with energy like Pinkie Pie, but more controlled and aiming in my direction. It was so filled with this energy that it nearly charge the air with invisible electricity. The energy also extended and became solid and gas like wherever it reached, like chains it clung to several ponies in the vicinity, one being Twilight, to a lesser extent Cloud, but right now the one that was blazing was the on connected to Gilda the Griffin as she lay slumped, sleeping on the floor.

Even without this intangible and underlying power, it was obvious to see that the speedsters expression was furious.

I then chose to answer her question, a mere three seconds after she has shouted it at me.

"I was calming a violent dispute, and also talking with one who plans to start another one."

"NO! Buck you trying to turn this in your favor, ponies don't just smash bottles on other ponies heads! That was way out of line!"

"Please, even if that was a real bottle it wouldn't have done more than annoy a regular Griffin, they are known for their hardheadedness." I stretched my leg nonchalantly, "And if I recall, she was the one who swiped at me."

"After you egged her on! Look G isn't really winning any stars on best behavior today but you're not going to say this was all her fault!" She grinds her hoofs into the dirt, a clear sign she was working up some traction, likely to pounce on the moments notice I would do something. "And why is she bucking unconscious if your so sure she could have shrugged that off?!"

"Because, she's getting up now." I drawled, Rainbow blinked in confusion, before looking behind her at her companion, who was blearily looking around, her eyes unfocused.

"Gilda! Are you alright, look I can get you to the clinic to check that out-

"Heeeeeyyy... Waaainbow!" She drawled near happily as she unsteadily sat up, "You look purdy... colorful... laik, RAINBOWS!" She giggled uncontrollably, her voice was harsh and made it sound strange, but still it was unmistakably an amused sound.

"Uh... G? Are you alright?" I was tempted to leave already and get back home, but I was sure that Rainbow would track me down anyway even if I did. So I instead sat down and observed the pair.

"Wha? What you mean Wainbow? I'm laik coo, chill... I'm chill." She mumbled incoherently, "Like, I'm walking on clouds yet, I'm not, you know?"

"... Are you drunk?"

"Heh, maaaaybeee." She giggled again, as she looked off into space.

"Okay, what the buck did you do to her?" Rainbow looked in my direction again, her previous anger was hot and furious, this one was simmered down a little as she was concerned about the Griffin.

"It's a simple concoction, meant to put the user into a dreamlike and harmless state and ward off any aggression, anypony can make it with the right mix and ingredients, she will be fine in a few hours."

"Hey... hey... Wainbow... got'cha tail, heh." We both looked back at Gilda who had grasped a hold on the speedsters tail.

"... So she's going to be like, this? For another few hours?" She now looked slightly relieved, but also bewildered.

"Maybe sooner, Griffin's are known to have stronger metabolisms." I then turned away, "Now if that's all, I need to be getting home."

"Hrm..." Rainbow looked at me, with that little bit of discontent in her eyes, "Don't think this is over, there is something fishy about you ever since I met you. Watch yourself from now on..."

"As if that is anything new..." I muttered under my breath, and simply walked away without a glance back, I spoke up a little louder, "It is a good idea to look after her, she has no concept of self preservation in that state, it's better is you keep her safe, if your such a close friend." I knew that part of me was just being rather petty, but I honestly didn't care.

I wanted to make something to get my mind of this experience.

POV CHANGE: Rainbow

This was so not cool, this day was getting worse by the second.

I thought it was going to an awesome day hanging out with my old friend Gilda, Pinkie was even making a party for her and everything. Things were going downhill the moment Gilda acted up in that party.

I knew she wasn't really the most behaved of fliers back at the Junior Speedsters, but I was kind of a brat then too, I got into every fight she was in, and she did the same for me and so I never questioned how it happened. We liked the same things and she was the only one who could keep up with me most the time in the air. And when she came into town i thought it would be great to hang out like the old times, and also meet with Pinkie later after we caught up.

But now... I had a my old friend who blew up and shouted insults at me, my friends and caused so much trouble. She didn't fit with the new friends I made in Ponyville, it was hard letting her go like that and I thought it would be the end.

Then that weird pony Scry Fortune bumped into the way.

I didn't care about her that much, sure, I helped out Applejack when she thought something was wrong, but not that much. And when she dropped the issue it seemed to disappear into the background.

But now she was totally up to something, the moment she hit Gilda over the head she was on my radar again.

Applejack might have washed her hooves of her suspicion, but I'm not letting up.

And the final end to a bad day, is the fact I have to look after Gilda, the ex-friend I had told to leave, until she wasn't all, clingy and giggly again. I don't even want to be here when she's one hundred percent again, but I couldn't leave her like this.

"It is a good idea to look after her, she has no concept of self preservation in that state, it's better is you keep her safe, if your such a close friend."

I grit my teeth in anger, those words had stunk deep, it was like she was guilt tripping me into this! And I was still hurting over the whole thing.

I currently had Gilda in my hooves as I flew up to my cloud house. Twilight offered to help but this was something for me to take care of, G was sure heavy not that I was carrying her. But I promised to myself I would take care of her and that was that.

"Purty... rainbows..." She muttered again, it was like the sixth time in the last few minutes she did that. Man this would be a funny thing to tell her when she... wakes up...

Celestia damn it, I'm still thinking of her as a friend, what the Tautarus am I going to do when she wakes up for real?

Eventually I got to my cloud house. Walking through the door, I couldn't bother to open it, I put Gilda on my coach and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Okay G... just sit there till your better, alright?"

"Kay Wainbow... your the boss..." She looked at me again, her eyes were all relaxed and unfocused, nothing like I knew her to be, she was always focused and determined, a little less heated when it was just the two of us. But other than that she never did settle down.

I was just about to turn away, maybe get myself something to eat when she spoke up again.

"I'm going to miss you Dash..."

I froze, before turning my head back towards her.

"Huh?" That was the best thing I could say in this situation, Gilda never said a sappy line like that.

"Mizz you..." She yawned loudly, "Moving..."

"Wait, hold up G, what are you saying?" She had my full attention now, "What do you mean moving? What's the matter?"

"Pop's wants to... move to the Griffin Kingdoms... it's far away..."

"I... why didn't you tell me this before?"

"I was gonna... do it... Pinkzy Pai got in the way... a lot..."

"Heh... yeah, Pinkie's like that... wait, was that why you were getting angry?"

"This waz... the last day, Pop's was packing stuff already... I didn't want to leave till..." She yawned again, she was getting a little better, but still out of it, "It was only meant to be the two of us..."

"... It's alright G, I'm sorry for everything that happened... when you wake up, let's go flying again, another race. This time to end them all." I felt a familiar grin slot into place as I looked back at her.

She gave a small grin in return, "Rad..." Her eyes closed, and within seconds, she drifted off.

I looked at her a few seconds, and walked off back to the kitchen, looking forward to the rest of my day.

And the funny thing is, I would have never seen Gilda again afterwards and never knew where she went, if it hadn't been for that weird mare called Scry Fortune.

B-Major, If You Please

Promises haven't been kept.

Even when I managed to answer the riddle sent to me, it seems that Prophet lost interest, I haven't had a response in a while.

On the other end of the spectrum, as well as the barrier between existences, Rainbow hasn't been spying on me like she promised. Whenever I haven't noticed her, which is unlikely, or she was simply venting steam is unknown. But I found that my brief scuffle with the Griffin has managed to give me a reputation.

Thus, I find an obvious promise I had broken, two to be exact. One was my temper, I had lost it over a petty few insults, or more precisely what I was addressed as. Two was my attempt to keep in the background, I suppose it was failing due to my reputation in bringing ponies to hospital, and maybe even the pleasantries I exchange with the Element bearers, still the incident with Gilda had managed to put me in the local grapevine.

I had a special crystal that allowed me to know when somepony was talking about me, my name or general appearance being described would activate it and let it glow a deep amber. Then the crystal would filter out background sound and play back clear voices in the conversation taking place, it only worked in a five mile range as I wished it, there was many a species who talked about me out of Equestria, so I would only know those in the immediate vicinity who talked about me behind my back.

It also seems that the stories had gotten all the more twisted than it seems a couple of days ago, in one I had not disabled her, but instead I had beat her bloody with my two hooves, in another I was the one who was knocked unconscious. Sadly enough I had picked up the obvious voice of Cloud Kicker saying how attractive I looked when I was 'kicking flank'.

I'll be avoiding her for a few days until she gives up her new enthusiasm to 'seeing how her aggression translates to bed'.

The more worrying one however was that of Twilight speaking to Spike, commenting how she found it strange that there was such thing as a quick acting chemical agent that disappeared upon use and only affected one creature, not to mention so quickly, effectively and with no traces of magic.

She had also been speaking about how she had compared this to when I had thrown my lesser brews at Nightmare, how strange it was that a soup maker was making such creations for use of anything but consumption.

I would need to put on a front for the rest of my time here, I was on shaky ground to be sure, but nopony was calling me out on misdeeds yet.

So, the next day was my new job as a merchant.

I had gathered a cast iron pot which wasn't my cauldron, as well as a ladle from the kitchen, last of all I spent some of my Bit's on normal ingredients to make some edible soup. After all of that, I simply had to occupy a empty stall in the marketplace and set up shop.

A Witch that was working in such an obvious looking scene, oh how my ancestors would laugh at this if they could see me now.

Several ponies had actually stopped by, and sampled the food and left the bit's, I was pleasantly surprised at my success. Of course I was good at regular cooking, my Cutie Mark covers the category of anything that is brewed, cooked, stewed and otherwise, I was rather proud that I could play the part of a salesmare however. Shows potential skills for later in my life.

Cloud Kicker had stopped by, suggested a uniform not entirely wholesome, and she talked for a bit while sampling the stew. Derpy the pegasus had crashed nearby and took a small bowl, which she promptly tripped and had it spill onto the ground, I don't even think she recognized me. And of course, Pinkie had to make a stop, long story short, it was Pinkie being Pinkie. How relaxing it felt when I could simply say that phrase and leave headache for another day. After all the different ponies had appeared and bought their fill, I had a decent income from the experience.

I was then, when I was soon running out of ingredients, that some form of sound soon was heard over the market clamor.

I lifted a ear to pinpoint it, it sounds like a classical strong instrument of some kind, I wasn't well versed in the different names or kinds.

Coincidentally, it was in the house right behind my stall.

Music... now, Song Shifts are the only music I see truly as practical, speeding up both productivity and unity, also it can trump threats and obstacles when utilized right. But I could agree that the gentle notes of whatever instrument was playing was rather good, and since I don't know music that well, that was an achievement.

I was what followed the performance afterwards that grated quite heavily on my ears.

Several synthetic sounding noises burst from the walls, while the strong instrument has carried itself quite lightly and softly through the walls of the house, this din was loud and deep, I swore that the walls of the house were now trembling in protest at the disruptive noise.

Strangely enough, even if this sound was quite chaotic and obvious, none of the ponies in the market place gave it a second glance. I could only assume this was something that had long been accepted in town, like Derpy and her flying mishaps and Pinkie pies exuberance.

Faintly, I heard some shouting from under the strange noises that had torn the relatively quiet street to pieces, and a few seconds later the loud din had ceased. The shouting still continued unhindered. I heard a few choice words such as 'racket' and 'a bunch of meaningless' and so on, this continued for a few minutes and then all became silent.

The front door opened, and out of curiosity I peered at the one who exited.

She had a white coat and was a unicorn like Rarity, but her mane was bright blue and spiky, with red highlights on the ends. She also had a large pair of sunglasses perched on the end of her nose as she walked past my stall it was clear she had a rather put down face. Her Cutie Mark was a musical note of some kind.

I looked over the the open door to see an earth pony with an exasperated face, she has a grey coat and neatly styled black hair and worse a collar with a pink tie around her neck, as she turned and shut the door, I caught a sight of a similar cutie mark, another musical note like the unicorn who left.

After that the rest of the day passed without incident, and I sold the rest of my brew easily.

I suppose that it should have been obvious to use a different tactic when it came to the more accepting towns in Equestria.

With all the the ponies here thriving on an age of peace and unity, it should have been obvious that somepony who didn't try to associate with others to be suspicious, with how the Elements could be my newest research potential I should hardly exclude myself from the public as a whole. If I were to isolate myself I would likely become a topic of discussion, especially considering how my accidental incidents had risen my infamy.

Now that I was working like any other in town would, it seems to have cooled down a number of problems... however, it seems that the foals of town had taken interest in me.

"Did you really take on a Griffin by yourself?" The squat blue unicorn colt asked me, I sighed a little as him and his friend followed my down the street.

"Yes, I simply managed too knock her out before she became volatile, anypony else in my position would do the same." I rolled my eyes discreetly, "And haven't your parents told you it's not safe to talk to strangers?"

"Hmm... Not really." The brown, taller and lanky one stated, his eyes blinked slowly, "Most ponies in Ponyville... are niiiicccce..."

Naive, this town is filled with very idiotic parents. Maybe this isn't unwarranted, after all even the worst of ponies here likely only do petty theft and other such things, but I am sure I look strange and intimidating enough to rung some form of warning bells.

"Look..." I looked at the two of them uncertainly.

"Ah! My names Snips, and this is Snails!" The blue one, Snips, answered me. To be honest I didn't really mind their names, I was just wondering exactly what I was going to say.

"I think it's best... that you find another idol to look up to, the Griffin incident is a one time thing, I think it is best that you look to another more, how to say, interesting pony in town." I nodded around, "There has to be a more interesting one in town for you to... express your enthusiasm for."

"Well, I suppose so, there is this unicorn magician in town! But we don't know where she is!"

A stage performer? That is a simple distraction.

"It's likely she is in the center of town if that's the case, to get more people to watch her show, for instance, next to town hall." Their eyes lit up in joy.

"Thanks miss Fortune! Come on Snails, lets get going!" He then ran, and was followed a few seconds later by his companion.

I meanwhile sighed in relief, I hope those children learn to respect their limits, a magic show sounds harmless at the very least...

Wait, a magic show? With a unicorn?

I thought on this for a second, weighing the very strange connection of these words.

An earth or pegasus magic show would of course be more interesting because it is obvious they can't use magic, but a unicorn one was kind of, redundant. I was naturally filled with curiosity over the prospect of a performer that would likely have a degree of disinterest towards her acts from this simple distinction.

... But there will likely be a lot of ponies there anyway to admire the act...

I looked at the Entities presence again...

"Okay, should I go or should I not?" I asked it, and awaited an answer.

Major Problem

I ran down the hill that my house sat on top of, avoiding the path that went towards town.

The aura was elsewhere, I needed to intercept it, NOW!

URSA. RUN.

"What do you think I've been doing?" I snapped back at the text, I dodged a fern that was in my way and aimed towards the trees.

*ahem* sorry, I panicked a little. The beast in question is an Ursa Minor, specifically. Stay back, distract it only if necessary to get it away from other ponies, and avoid causing injury or pain - I'd hate for its mum, the Ursa Major, to come after you in retaliation. With that in mind, try and consider it an unruly toddler, anything you can do to soothe or calm it is recommended.

"Her baby is here as well? The advice is appreciated, but if it was as simple as an Ursa Minor then I'm sure the town can take care of the problem without any causalities." I finally reached the treeline, swerving through the wooden obstacles as they tried to slow down my path.

Stay safe. Yours, Scholar (well, you have Prophet, so I figured a suitable pseudonym was in order as well).

"Thank you, also good to have a name." I jumped a small river, nothing was going to inhibit me, "And as I was saying, an Ursa Minor isn't that big of a problem, it likely is irritable if it's up this late at night and I'm sure that the town has the good sense to not stand in it's way, and it isn't big enough to step on buildings by accident so it should be fine."

The presence was just ahead now, I broke through the bushes obscuring my vision and looked up.

"It's the single parent I'm more concerned about..."

Above, standing on it's hind legs, a enormous figure was looking high above the forest, it's claws were digging easy into the dirt and stones that were under it's mass. It's fur was a tinge of dark purple that glowed with stars of the night sky, it's eyes were sunken, canines pronounced, and I didn't have to be this close the recognize it's distress as it swung it's head back and forth. Behind it was a large cave, the entrance was much too small, so she likely only sleeps nearby.

Scholar, your message wasn't in vain at least, I know why it is like this, female Ursa Major pick up the left over parental concern from the father and particularly get agitated if their baby leaves their sight.

Now... to face the dilemma of persuading it not to go near town on it's search. And for that matter how I was going to get her attention.

Thankfully I was a good climber, step one, get on top of a tree.

Step two, shout.

Side note, gravity is absolutely biased.

"HELLO!" I shouted, it didn't seen to have much effect, "EXCUSE ME! MISS URSA MAJOR!"

I grumbled at my lack of response, and instead put my joint to my mouth and blew hard in a very high whistle.

Her ears flattened and finally her head came to look in my direction.

I was less confident of my plan to distract her when her nose came close to me, her teeth were nearly as tall as my house.

"Ah, yes, miss Ursa, you are aware that being near a pony settlement is not going to end well, I am aware of you being distressed but you must practice more caution."

She snorted, and several growling sounds issued from her maw.

"Um... excuse me for a second."

I took out a small vial that was a murky brown and silver and screwed the top off.

Placing it to my ear, I tilted my head and let the cool liquid solidify inside my ear cavity, it wasn't as painful as one might think, just rather strange.

I then looked back at her.

"Sorry, can you repeat that?"

"I said that there isn't two thoughts about it, if my baby is there, I'm getting her, I'm sure his scent is that way." Her expression, however hard it was to judge from how close and large the expanse of her muzzle took up my eyes, but it was annoyed, at me.

"I get that, but don't worry, there aren't any dragons or dangerous creatures in the area that in anyway would dare to hard a newborn Ursa Minor, let alone one that is mature enough to walk and venture out on its own." I gauged her reaction carefully, "And I assure you, that the ponies in Ponyville are rather, how to say, naive. There won't be any form of injury on her because I'm sure it would go against their beliefs."

"I'm still not budging on this, it's not likely my little Teddy will be hurt, but he could be scared out of his wits." She had a concerned look about her, the aura she exerted agreed. I briefly wondered about how the ponies back in town would react if the Ursa Minor was actually more scared of others than they could be of him.

"I accept that, but it is a good life lesson for him not to leave the cave unattended right?" Ursa were very particular about teaching their young about the world, since there wasn't much that could harm one of them they were very lax about safety if it meant their young learned something from it.

"I suppose it might, but I didn't plan this out, I should be there right now for him, why am I even talking to you." She made a move to pull away, and I grit my teeth in desperation, and launched myself forward to land on her snout, I suddenly found myself clinging on as I found myself hundreds of feet above ground, more than I had been in years.

I ignored the dangerous height to look at the glaring eyes of the mother bear, who was currently looking cross eyed at my face, the large blue star adorning her forehead was particularly striking "Get. Off."

"That isn't an option, and your being irrational."

"My baby-

"I will FIND HIM!" I proclaimed, "Please, I will be sure to find him and bring him back to your cave immediately, an hour at the very most, I assure you that he will be there. Just don't walk within sight of Ponyville and I can promise you this."

She regarded me, and I stood in her gaze for a moment, seconds ticked by.

"... Fine, but one hour, and if he isn't back I'll be going to that town myself."

She then lowered herself down until her head was level with the trees around her, I jumped off and breathed a sigh of relief.

"Remember your promise Cursed Blood." She then turned away and walked through the trees, her large back still easily present as she passed the trees, several loud snaps indicated they didn't inhibit her process much.

With that over, I started running once again, my feet a blur as I made my way to the general direction of town, pulling out my blue amulet, I tried to keep it level as I dodged the hanging branches and jumped over the troublesome roots.

"Ursa Minor." It lit up immediately and pointed ahead, with a direction now present, I followed it forwards, mindful of my deadline.

I looked up... up at the floating Ursa Minor who was currently sucking on a improvised bottle of milk.

As in, floating above in the air kind of floating.

And Ursa Minor might not have the raw magical resistance an Ursa Major has, but it still has a little, not to mention it's raw size...

Twilight, no matter he levels of power, could NOT have enough to do this.

I walked up the the unicorn, who was currently straining holding the load, I let my blue amulet fall underneath my cloak.

"Twilight?" She glanced at me, and back at the Ursa Minor, apparently she needed to really focus to keep this up.

I took think moment to read her aura again, and this time it was a far contrast to when I last looked into it.

When before it was indeed nearly a limitless power which stretched far beyond her body, now it was more concentrated, all coming together in a very strong and shining appearance. Like a beacon of pure power.

Of magic.

I filed this away for later.

"There is a cave, about half a mile inside the forest, it's the only place a Ursa Minor would live, so..."

She nodded, acknowledging she heard me, and with a great push of her abilities, the ever giant spectrum around her horn glowed brighter, and lazily the Ursa floated with purpose backwards... over the forest... across the sky... and into the cave.

I breathed a sigh of relief, and started walking off.

"W-wait! How did you know-

Twilight was interrupted by the loud screaming of the crowd, I made use of this distraction to make my escape. Hopefully the crystals in my ear will not take too long to wash out.

I carefully stripped off a leaf from the Taw Yale plant and began to grind it with the mortar, adding some clear water each time to make it a soggy paste. After that it was simple to add the Remember-Me-Yet flowers afterwards, and last of all a drop of Queenfish blood.

And voila, a new translation potion for the future, always glad I carry one of these with me.

I stopped, and looked at the ingredients I used, grimacing slightly. Ever since I've come here there seems to be a large amount of fortune telling within my brews, even if I couldn't decipher the meaning from these, I just know it will be troublesome.

I stretched my limbs, yawning softly, the night was getting long, and I was feeling very tired, I think Ponyville has become much for exciting than I could give it credit for... with this ordeal at least, I managed to grab a little fur from the Ursa Major when I was on top of her snout.

Quite the profitable day if I say so myself.

A Day Of Peace Part 1/3

I do wish to voice one bit of concern I have.
Knowledge of future events can be a dangerous thing. One could learn of events yet to come, and feel the need to intervene. Such efforts can be disastrous if mishandled. Take that earlier tip about Zecora, for example. The ponies of this town fear her.
They fear her because some believe her to be what you are. Granted, those fears are unfounded, but it will result in an incident none the less. At the very least, it will be resolved quickly, and everyone involved will be much better off, but I would recommend avoiding tossing out any brews while the ponies are on a Witch hunt. I tell you this because our method of viewing events in your future is not perfect.
We can only see Twilight, her friends, and those closely related to them. We can not, however, see you when we look to the future. I cannot say whether or not this means your presence has any importance, but what it does mean is that you have the ability to change events that we can not see.
In any case I'll stick to the background for the most part. You should only expect to hear from me if somentity else tells you something of what's yet to come, and yet forgets the important details.
Until then,
Machina.

Hmm, and so another enters the list.

I appreciate the input... so to see a future where I am not part of the equation.

Not that is definitely the kind of fortune telling that I can accept, one where they don't see down a single river, but accept their are likely divides between them all. Maybe its because I had been the one to link with this brew? I makes me different from any other pony in the timeline.

Perhaps your methods of seeing the future erased me from the equation altogether... However, the very strange location it builds upon is strange. Of course the Elements are a strong force to be fought, but they appeared after I had cast the brew, so why exactly is it latched to their timeline?

Now, the downside to this is that since you only see the unaltered future, if I were to for example, walk up to a pony and knocked them unconscious, whatever their part is in an event you foresee would be gone, thus making any information you say limited at best.

I'll tread carefully then.

Now this Zecora, the sentence you saying is worrying, 'like me' you say, what? Is she like a Witch because we have similar magical creations? A monster because of the alien mannerisms and belonging we come from? That is a hard to determine sentence.

And Machina... machine perhaps? Sounds like an old dialect, thank you for your help, it seems more and more messages are helping me understand this better.

On one side note, difference in language is the 'anyone' and 'somentity', obviously a difference to 'anypony' and 'everypony', makes me wonder how it is possible you speak the same language, but still it is interesting to point these small details out. It actually does seem like an address that would better fit the numerous sentient species in the world however, more general than 'pony' when I think about it...

Anyway, right now I was simply relaxing in my house... and waiting for something to happen.

With the number of things that have indeed happened in the brief period I've been here, I have managed to theorize that this play must be inflicted by some form of chaotic magic, for a corrupt moon goddess, an Ursa Major and Pinkie to bother me in the short span of days I've been here, it seems rather strange that I would actually be having a... quiet day.

I admit, I might be exaggerating, there were more days that paced without incident, but after the Ursa Major I was sure that there was something wrong with this place.

Excellent my dear I’m glad you have accepted my offer, but first here is the riddle you requested.

Hmm? Prophet again, very well.

The one who makes it sells it.
The one who buys it doesn't use it.
The one who's using it doesn't know he's using it.
What is it?

Huh... this is trickier.

What does one make but sell the product every time? Likely the production of a number of items, so that doesn't narrow it down. But who would buy one but never use it? Maybe a decorative sword? The last one however doesn't make sense, who doesn't realize they use something day to day...

Hmm, I'm looking at this wrong, if I remember the first riddle correctly, it was rather darkly themed for a pony. Of course he is an entity, it would be strange if he was just like one. So maybe I need to think of this in a morbid view, because the only way one cannot realize they are using something is in death.

Now, what is involved for the dead? Candles, friends and family, a religious book if it fits the situation.
All of these can be gained from somewhere, but the dead isn't using any of them, so closer to the body, funeral clothing that they are put inside, flowers for the departed... the casket...

Hmm, seems like I've solved this one.

I took up a note and wrote down my answer #1: Casket, and to keep my options open, another one was 2#: Coffin.

I spoke aloud each answer I had written and threw them into the fire, I started reading the rest of the message.

As for the trade I will need to send you something to make sure that our packages can be sent safely. I’m sure you are quite aware of how fragile or dangerous some ingredient can be when handled incorrectly.
So my dear I have two options for you. I can send you a chest that will be able to send the packages back and forth but will be too heavy to carry around so it will need to be stored somewhere safe were others can’t get to it by accident.
The other option is for me to send you a familiar of mine which could travel around with you. It would require you to take care of it but when you use one of the favors that you have earned I will be able to help in a greater capacity. It would also be a lot smaller than the chest about the size of a small cat.

Hmm... I'm faced with a dilemma.

It is rather worrying that the entities observing me could affect so much in my world, yet again, entities effect so much in the world as it is, Celestia moves the sun it I recall correctly.

The problem here is, an unwieldy chest that makes be stuck to one place, or a animal that will likely cause me bother...

I weighed each option, ingredients this rare, from across the divide would be a once in the lifetime gift, I could make new potions never conceived within my family, so I would want something more convenient to be with me on my travels...

I sighed and wrote up another letter, I turned to the fireplace and read from it.

"Dear Prophet, I wish for the familiar option, I would also like to be notified what exactly the animal is for it's needs to be met... and can it be one that flies? For whenever we become separated I need assurances it will find me easily."

Another round of burning and the message was sent. I continued reading the res of his message.

Once you have decided on which option you want please contact me by our usual method. I will send it to your house with a list of the ingredients/items I am looking for and what I willing to trade for them. The list will be dived into three categories based by their value and will update itself when I require new items or no longer need a certain ingredients/items. I will explain more on how to select the ingredients you want to trade for when you have made your decision.

Hmm, so then I shall wait for it to arrive then.

Yours sincerely Prophet
P.S Riddles will still be required to be answer in the same manner.

With that finished, I stretched my limbs outwards, the day was very peaceful, no knocks on my door from other ponies, no disasters from what my aura feels.

If anything is happening, it is small enough that it doesn't involve me.

Purrr I do believe I have found a new mouse to watch. Some warning be wary of the "Prophet" I have a feeling he seeks to use you. Good idea with Pinkie Pie but take note dear Twilight once her curiosity takes hold on something or pony she doesn't give up until she finds what she seeks.
The Cheshire Cat
p.s. I'm always watching the events you live as they happen.

... And another worry becomes present, I've been trying to ignore the possibility myself.

Twilight I think would try too respect my privacy, but eventually all of these little things will add up and I will have to be on my guard.

And also another entity makes himself know, The Cheshire Cat, no doubt that isn't just a fancy name for the situation at hoof, I am rather glad we are separated by barriers of reality, it would be rather worrisome if I were to meet some... one, who refers to themselves as a cat and me as a mouse.

I settled into my familiar place in front of the cauldron, not making anything. The thing is that being here at my workplace is an enjoyable pass time, almost sentimental even if I only have lived here for about a month. I looked into the depths of the cast iron pot, images of swirling liquid colors, strange smelling gasses filled my head.

It was a place I was truly comfortable.

Author's Note

Decided on a bit of a lazy day, no events happening for about 2 to 3 chapters, just so anypony can ask a question or two, maybe a little advice.

I already have some great contributions story wise, so yeah, awesome.

A Day Of Peace 2/3

I poured my attention over the grimoire, listlessly looking through the numerous recipes, I know many off by heart of course, not most or some, many. The book was quite expansive, and I suspect it must have some form of magic to it, because despite reading it cover to cover over the years, it still surprises me when I open it.

Ah, riddles and puzzles, questions and enigmas. Love 'em. Speaking of such, the riddler's riddle from the one called prophet.

Hmm?

I much prefer a different phrasing, same question, same answer, just fits into the cracks of my mind easier. It goes as such.

'The one who makes it never uses it.
The one who buys it hates to see it used.
The one who uses it never sees it.
What is it?'

I suppose that he could have phrased it as such, but to each their own I suppose, it makes sense your own. But I'm sure that it would have made it easier to figure out, likely why Prophet said it in the first place.

Fun yeah? Anyway, Wanted to clear something up. Ask a question if you will.

Very well, I did after all give the permission to ask.

Why are you known as a witch? Where I'm from people are labeled as witches for making a deal with the more... unsavory, of the evil spirits. And frankly, you strike me as being far too intelligent to trade your soul for something silly like immortality or supernatural powers.

Hmm, you flatter me, truly you do.

Witch's aren't immortal for one thing, we could live very long lives with the right brews, but it would become a chore, and likely live half of out extended time to gather the regents to make it longer. Supernatural powers... well, I suppose that can be the case, the only true power we have is the connection to all other sources of hidden power in the world, which allows as perspective and manipulation of said powers.

Now for your original question, why am I known as one? Well witch's are certain different from your world must be a different breed entirely, making a deal with evil spirits, whenever savory or not is the one thing a true Witch takes caution in, and usually says no to.

The linage of a Witch takes place about 1200 years ago, it is not exactly known how we came about, my ancestor, Moss Reign the Fey. When she had opened her eyes to the world hidden from the mortal plain, she had dedicated her life to researching and working with the forces beyond our world, that didn't stop her from conceiving a child however, who also managed to be able to see the world her mother saw.

We are always in the background in history, for when Moss had tried to explain her greater powers, the unicorns of the time called her a liar, for she herself was an Earth pony, it disrupted the balance that ponies had thought should be. And so to silence the bloodline, unicorns had tried to send soldiers after her discreetly as to not rouse suspicion that Moss Reign was anything but a delusional pony.

And so she fled, away from civilization and traveled the world with her daughter, after one hundred and fifty years she finally passed on when her family had grown on the trail, all with the gift passed down from her, on the road like gypsies. And so it has been that way ever since.

She was a healer and mother to the group, yet history has obscured her existence as anything but a madmare who wished to disrupt the world and cite a rebellion among the common Earth ponies, usually with some form of corruptible black magic from her 'unicorn followers'. I doubt anypony even knows the name right now, unless they were digging into the deepest depths of the oldest libraries.

Ah, and yet another thing, seeing as the others are giving you names to refer to them by, and it seems quite silly to not to in any case, please call me Daideo should you ever find yourself referring to myself specifically.

Hmm, I will keep the name in mind Daideo.

I hope that my description satisfied you, in truth we do not know how it happened, it just manifested itself in Moss Reign and continued down our family line. It has caused much discrimination in my families life, even in this place of Equestria there are many distinctions to be found between the Earth, Unicorn and Pegasus ponies, maybe not in a majority, but you hear things when on the road.

Ah no need to worry about me I watch many of the off branches that make up this area of the multiverse sadly most see Twilight and her friends as the main view. It is possibly we all ready have crossed paths, how many cats have crossed your path only to vanish when you next blinked? Don't count on Twilight respecting your privacy, if you do get her curiosity pined on you as she well become obsessed with finding the answer, if she does go to her friends for help.

Hmm... It is rather hard to understand what you are saying here and there, is the spell causing a warp in grammar? And I suppose your right, that is rather an uncanny event in my life... I suppose that is one mystery solved.

And you needn't worry, I have dealt with a number of curious and nosy ponies in the past, they may have chased me out of the village, but that's because it was easier than having to deal with their questions. Here I will do my best to throw off her new found interest in me.

Of course... she has the connecting element to all of the others, so I can't put off investigating her for too long.

But, before any research on the element bearers is to commence, I should look into the area in which they were used first and foremost. I plan to make a scheduled trip back to the ruins that Nightmare Moon was vanquished; from there it should be a simple job of examining the world for what it truly is.

It should well be traversed in a day, otherwise I might find some ponies would be suspicious of my disappearance.

Maybe even take the chance to look into the local plants and fauna? I will likely be lucky to get some more ingredients there... I might even visit this zebra spoken about from the entity before. If she is on the way there of course.

A Day Of Peace 3/3

I was organizing several ingredients within my cellar when more messages came. I held them off however until I finished with the familiar chore that I knew the importance of.

Not only were these regents an important part of my lifestyle, they were also my burden, I carried more ingredients sorely for making potions than I do food, they are also my secret, as many don't have a place in anywhere but a dark cave or dangerous forest. And in many ways, they were my prize as I found each one, some were difficult to procure and so felt all the more rewarding to be in my possession.

I remembered my initial revulsion when it came to parts of living animals that needed to be harvested for some. I held out surprisingly longer than most, but it became obvious that a number of the potions in the grimoire needed some form of animal within it. Sure it was a book made by herbivore ponies, but we knew a lot of horrors of the world, in comparison, ending one life is hardly a bad thing if in exchange for ones survival.

And indeed, the potions I made have helped not only my own, but many other ponies survival.

With that final thought, I finished placing everything in it's correct place and made my way outside the cellar, shutting it firmly. After that I turned my attention to the further messages given.

Well since everyone else seems to be offering their services in one way or another i suppose i shall as well.

It sounds like the lot of you are treated this like a competition.

I am a bit of a collector of knowledge and artifacts and as such should you come across anything of interest i am willing to offer something in return. For example nightmare moons helmet would an interesting object to obtain and I would be more then willing to trade one of my own artifacts for it. An example of what I would trade for it is an amulet that provides increased healing and protection from magic at night (its effectiveness does wax and wane with the phases of the moon though).

Hmm, very well then, on one side I have ingredients, on another artifacts? I am sure to find a number of such things around the ruins, after all if it held the elements, it's likely it holds more items of power. A similar theme should also be present I imagine, since the examples you give her moon related.

If you obtain these items just give me an idea of what you would wish in return and a courier should appear on your doorstep within 48 hours to make the trade assuming the inter-dimensional courier is prompt. Oh and don't worry as couriers will appear as normal denizens of your world to anyone else but the clients.

... I am rather worried that the book describes only that you comment and view the world, yet it's become increasingly obvious you have much influence into it's workings. I suppose if I have no personal use for them, I will be sure to pass them over for something better. Also, you say that these couriers are... different? How would you go about describing how 'different' they are, just to brace myself if what visits my door is certainly one of your own.

With Hope

Professor Killjoy

... Unique name.

P.S. I will say that I do currently have a particular interest in books pertaining to Primals and am willing to part with some very...extensive books on potions and/or magic for them.

Primals? I am unfamiliar with the topic, I would appreciate a description of this thing, group? Creatures? Before I seek out any information about the them. It isn't as easy to get books without them being missed as well, Twilight has a library, but I doubt she wouldn't notice one missing here and them. I am confident she has some form of OCD of a sort, and very detail orientated at the very least.

Either way, I wish for no more suspicion on me, stealing books won't make me any better of a model citizen than I am already.

I am happy that such a number of different roads are opening up, it's a wonder none of this was mentioned when the first brew was made. Certainly I would think so many different possibilities of priceless items to be traded would find it's place in my book.

I settled back in my bed, the only comfortable space to sit at, maybe I should try to find some furniture later in the week, maybe a comfortable chair at the very least. Of course the bed is good enough, but I might consider it.

I was flicking through the pages of the grimoire, and it stopped on a particular page.

The Inverse Curse brew, it was the opposite of the Essence Enhancer Elixir, it takes the greatest quality of whatever it is used on, and reverses it completely. I took a second to remember Pinkie... a quiet Pinkie... a calm Pinkie...

No Scry, bad, don't think like that.

... Okay, it's impossible not to think about.

I was interrupted from my thoughts when another message appeared before me, I turned my attention from my book and read it.

Once again my dear Miss Fortune you have provided the correct answer to my riddle and thus have earned another favor from yours truly.

Good, I actually wish to use one of the favors now, at the moment I need one lead, I expect to go to the ruins in the Everfree forest soon, and so that I am not wandering aimlessly, I wish for help on the matter. If there is any place inside the castle that has artifacts in it, I wish to know where they are inside.

If you cannot tell me all of them, one will suffice.

I unfortunately have no flying familiars at the moment instead I will be sending my familiar called Smokey, he is a chameleon who can travel through shadows, so as long as there is a shadow, he will be able to find you.

Hmm... very well then, if that is what you can spare then I will accept it.

Also he is excellent at hiding, so when you want him near but not seen just tell him to hide and he will do so. He needs about 1 kilogram of food mostly insects or small animals. He also needs about 2 litres of water for both drinking and bathing. When you want to send some of the ingredients from the list to me, just ask him to take the packages and he will deliver them to me. Please attach a letter with the name of the one item that you require as payment from the same tier as the item sent. It will take him about one day for him to complete the delivery.

I will assume that the lizard will come with said scroll then, I will look forward to it.

While you wait for him here is another riddle.

Very well.

A pony walks into a party and pours some punch and ice into a cup. He was really thirsty and drank it really fast. Then he left the party. Later he hears that everyone at the party died. There was poison in the punch. How did the pony not die if he drank the same punch?

Your Sincerely Prophet
P.S I have added a fourth tier to the list

Hmm, a fourth tire? I will worry about it when your familiar gets here.

Now... the riddle, I took out a piece of paper and thought on it for a second.

I decided to answer it like I did the first riddle, thinking with a different mindset.

Now, examining the words closely... perhaps the ice cube is a anti-poison, and thus countered the spiked punch, or maybe it watered it down enough to make it less lethal.

So that made #1: The ice cubes counteracted it

Another possibility... maybe a humorous approach, maybe because he drank it fast it didn't work, because it was a 'Slow acting poison', maybe, it's worth it as a guess I suppose. #2: It was a slow-acting poison, he drank it too quickly.

And the third... I looked over the text a few more times, and noted the use of 'pony' as the central figure, and 'everyone' yo imply the other party goers. Maybe, the poison was only lethal to the 'ones' at the part, but not to ponies themselves, the party could have been filled with griffins or other species who were affected by it. #3: Ponies are not affected by particular type of poison.

I walked back and forth from the fireplace, after saying my answers and burning the note, I found myself back at my bed, patiently awaiting further messages as I read from my book.

Well looks like you have things in hand so I will not speak up as much as I have unless I see something the others missed. Before I leave, 3 gifts to I give my mouse, the first can be found where you fix meals, seek out the drawer that has been marked. Second, I made a modification to your travel bags so they well hold a bit more then they normally could. Third, if you ever find yourself lost or unsure of the path to take, stop, sit and look around for a feline, he or she will lead you to the right path. Oh and I wrote down the limits for the first gift on the note that is under it.
The Cheshire Cat.

... I took a second to read the message again, and looked inside the kitchen.

Nothing looked different what-so-ever, from the naked eye it wasn't clear if any of the drawers here were marked, however...

I shifted my sight higher up the spectral plane, and one of the kitchen drawers immediately lot up colorfully, now sporting a number of cold colored stripes, purple, blue and green in succession.

I opened it immediately, inside was the bag transcribed, it was smaller than I expected, a darker brown and a buckle which kept the lid of it closed, I took out the note from under it and read the following message.

Dear Mouse
To use the pouch all you needed to do is picture the item you want then pull it out.
The limits are as follows.
1. You must know the name and seen the item in person. (sorry drawings and pictures don't count)
2. Nothing Living (plants and such)
3. The item can only be as wide as your hoof.
4. Only Tools (flint and steel, scrolls,ink, est.)
5 Nothing more magically powerful then a light emitting gem.
6. Nothing can be put into the pouch, if you do put anything inside it, it will vanish forever.
7. You and only you can pull items from the pouch.

Hmm... fair enough, it would be too much of a gift if it were not so heavily restricted.

If the pouch is ever lost, stolen, given away you can find it again in the marked drawer. Oh and no you can pull any Bits out of it silly Mouse can't have you running around with unlimited Bits.

Fair enough, I would have exploited that feature if it were possible.

I took out the small bag and tested to test it, my hoof dug deep into the inside of it, and I pictured something I remembered... and pulled out.

It was a ladle... a very old one, chipped and old.

I smiled slightly, placing it next to the sink, I put the bag's strap around my neck, leaving it hang in front of my barrel.

Thank you Cheshire, this is a valuable gift.

I paused, and look towards the corner of my room, something that looks like a dark stain pulses on the wall, slowly a shape emerges and lands on the ground. I looked up with it's small beady eyes, a shine of intellect was clear in it's eyes. It's body was slightly smoking, likely where it got it's name, it's body was actually hard to make out, the scales of it was blending into the background easily.

I could make out three horns perched upon it's head, it was surprisingly long from head to tail, as well as a decent height from the ground, it moved forward and scampered up the bed to sit across from me. On it's back was an old scroll with a red wax stamp sealing it shut. On the wax was an insignia, a star of some sort.

"Well... looks like we will be associates for a while, keep in mind, any unnecessary trouble won't be tolerated her." It tasted the air with it's forked tongue, regarding me silently.

I reached forward and took the scroll from it's back, it didn't so much as flinch as I pulled it away and unrolled the old and tattered parchment
Requested Items Items for Trade

Tier 1 Tier 1
The seeds from 12 Poison Jokes 1 vial of Trolls blood
1 barrel of Sweet Apple Acres cider 1 bottle of spirit wine
1 jar of liquid rainbow 10 Magic Mushrooms

1 bottle of ghost saliva

1 sun stone

Tier 2 Tier 2
I bottle of Timbre Wolf blood/sap 1 vial of Frost Giant blood
A lock of Pinkie Pie’s hair when naturally straight 1 bottled Banshee scream
The eyes of a Cockatrice 1 bottled Sirens song

1 Basilisk tooth

1 vial of Murloc sperm

Tier 3 Tier 3
1 vial Manticore venom 1 vial of elder fire drake’s blood
4 primary teeth of a Cragadile 1 bottled nightmare
1 bottle of water from the Mirror Pool 1 dried lust demon phallus

1 Beholder's central eye

1 celestial feather

Tier 4 Tier 4
The Alicorn Amulet The Corner Stone of Reality

I few were familiar from my end, I would be able to gather them with a little effort, but some I never heard of before. Mirror Pool? Poison Joke?

And some were rather... confusing, and strange, such as Pinkie's hair when naturally straight? Sweet Apple Cider?

What was given in exchange was a number of ingredients I had not had the pleasure in knowing, I knew of the basilisk and drakes, but other than that there were new and wondrous ingredients ready to try and use. I smiled lightly, my mind already set in retrieving the exchanges for them.

It was a peaceful day to be sure... but it was certainly exciting, full with new potential for the future. I look forward to the next week coming.

Author's Note

Okay, it should be noted here that sometimes, there is going to be problems putting every comment into the story. I edit spelling and grammar here to help the ones I put up make sense to others, however, sometimes the grammar can be very troubling for me to work out myself. So can I ask that you check your comments before posting.

Now, the note that you can't find in the comments for Cheshire Cat was send to me through PM, if you want something put into the story and want to conceal the surprise, then just PM me about any details.

The Castle

I walked down from the hill, with my bags back on their familiar places on either side of my saddle. They were empty in preparation for any and all salvage I should obtain when I got to the ruins.

It was early in the morning, so that I wouldn't have to worry too much about others coming to look for me.

But the real reason I woke up at a strange time was because of the sound of screaming that had somehow erupted from out of nowhere, it went on for thirty seconds until it stopped suddenly. I managed too find that it had come from the entities. Looks like it wasn't only test that could be transferred in their messages.

I also had a number of new messages when I was preparing, I decided to save answering them for the road, to keep my mind occupied, my amulet was glowing brightly as it helped me find my way to my destination.

Dear Scry Fortune

The couriers looks tend to vary due to them being recruited across multiple dimensions and as such can appear rather mundane or incredibly bizarre.

Hmm, well then, if it is so 'mundane' it will likely be very strange for me, after all, different species and different attitudes. I suppose as long as they just do their intended job I will be sure to not be too surprised at their appearance.

As for Primal's... they are essentially a manifested aspect of the world. When a being with an extraordinary amount of power come into contact with an energy that matches their affinity they can...evolve for lack of a better term.

Manifested Aspects? Those are actually a form of entity in a way, a very highly powered one for that matter, I did not know there was a particular name for such, you see, there is this plane called the Spirit in which near everything has an element to it, many different spirits inhabit the different elements and can be influenced in some way.

The strongest of these elements... I suppose would certainly be the Primal's that you speak of.

The most common types of Primal's are ones that represent land, sea and sky but others have been known to appear. Primal's are what they represent and have a connection to their aspect that is similar to you and your foreleg and can feel and/or manipulate it as such. It should be noted that Primal's are singular existences in that there is only one per aspect per dimension and once they become a Primal there is no going back or finding replacements till the end of that dimension.

I would want to meet them in the flesh, they could certainly have seen a great number of things in their lifetimes.

I suppose a pony that became the Primal of the land's appearance might change to where their mane/tail becomes molten stone and have magma running through their veins. While it does sound like they would be grotesque in appearance judging from the one i met briefly many years ago their appearance changes to the point where it looks natural to have magma instead of blood flowing through their body.

So even a mortal being can be one, that is quite the tale, however I wonder how a pony can have so much of an affinity with the land to be granted such power, anymore than it's own kin should. But yet again, if they never came into contact with this energy, or didn't have enough power it is uncertain that they could gain this.

Due to the rarity of such beings it is unlikely you will find any such books at your local library so no need to worry about a rabid Twilight chasing after you for missing books, hehe.

Hilarious... you wouldn't be laughing if you were the one at risk.

With Hope
Professor Killjoy
P.S. As a side note the Primal's from the information i have gathered so far retain most of their personalities from before their evolution and can regain a more mortal appearance if they suppress their energies.
P.S.S. Celestia and Luna are not Primal's although they would be considered among those beings of extraordinary power mentioned earlier.

Hmm, well if the position was not taken, it is possible that they could become Primal's if they came into contact with the celestial bodies they control, Princess Luna was however banished to the moon... or maybe the presence of the entity controlling her managed to disrupt any possible connection of the sort happening.

It is possible, but not likely if it took one thousand years and nothing happened.

I found myself at the entrance to the Everfree, ducking my head under the low hanging bushes I made my way to my destination, many I still had a distance to travel, and hopefully the sea serpent from before is not throwing a fit over something.

I looked at another message soon after as the trees spaced out enough to walk through them without much focus.

I see, I was a bit skeptical at first as to whether or not we would even be capable of transferring physical items across the realms. It would appear that the powers that be are fairly lenient in this regard. I am glad for you that the others did not mindlessly make offers that were impossible to keep.

Hmm, the powers? I suspect that is a more general term about what is separating the world from yours and mine, I am pleasantly surprised at the effect you have, the advice given to me by the others was useful, but I didn't physical help.

As a side note, I would avoid perusing anything called a Cornerstone of reality. If it's name is anything to go by, it could have disastrous effects in anypony's hooves. Especially the pink one's. She's out of touch with the laws of physics in her natural state, and you saw firsthoof what happens if her awareness of things beyond your plane expands any further. Furthermore, acquiring the Alicorn amulet needed for the trade would place you under very high scrutiny by Twilight and her friends.
Machina.

I wonder, indeed the name Alicorn likely shows an amount of power, as well as the Cornerstone of Reality, at the moment I don't know the location of the amulet, and I will pay close attention to wherever it should be.

Now, about the item in trade, the Cornerstone... I must admit I am worried about the possibilities if the name turns out literal, I will have to weigh exactly how dangerous one or the other is before making the trade.

Hmmmm, yes I dare say your explanation satisfied, and I must agree that our definitions of witches are vastly different.

Please to be of assistance Daideo. It isn't everyday that I actually can speak to another about my families life, so it was my pleasure.

The biggest difference, I think, is probably the difference in priorities. Your ancestors went out of their way to avoid conflict, I assume, to live their lives as peacefully as they could, my worlds witches, for the most part, did not. They instead sought it out to occupy their puppeteers with the blood of others rather than their own.Then there was the difference in retaliation. Burning, stoning, the water test, and the weight pallet in Salem...

... Well, punishments might be more accurate than you think, ponies in Equestria are too mild to consider such a thing, but there are those out there that blame us heavily for the bad conditions in the world. I think I mentioned the water test, it was a weird process that came up in one town that my family had passed several hundred years ago, did it have something to do with floating or sinking depending on whenever you are a witch?

It was also a very prejudice one, not a single unicorn lived there because the residents didn't distinguish from magic and dark magic. I unfortunately managed too see first hand how many bodies were at the bottom of that lake.

If your witches are affected by dark spirits, it should be a simple process of putting them near raw magic and watch if it becomes corrupting or not, you see, raw magic is simply power, and if it doesn't have a affinity to some form, then dark magic naturally takes over it to assert dominance.

Anyway! I was wondering about something else, or two something elses rather. What's your favorite kind of muffin? And might you have heard about a little thing called the Crown of Zudulameir?

Hmm... can't say that I have heard of such a crown, and I suppose any muffin can do, with some type of apple zest present.

Mmmmm, oh yes, one more thing, don't be surprised if you meet Zecora and she knows exactly what you are as soon as you're within a few meters of her. She might not, but the zebra has a way about her that leads me to think that she will know, and probably know enough about you and yours as well to not immediately persecute you.
~ Daideo

That is a very optimistic view, and also a scary thought if she could work out exactly what I am.

My kind haven't had that many interactions with Zebra's in the last century, and we don't have any distinguishable signs of out body or aura.

And I said I might visit her, I don't know the exact location of her home.

At the moment I was leaving the dense forest canopy and came across the lake once again, the serpent wasn't insight so I moved ahead again, through the shallow water. Not ten minutes later I found myself at the bridge, looking up at the large structure that was in ruins.

As you wish my dear I can provide you with the location of most of artifacts that lie within Castes of the Two Sisters.

Ah, good, it's convenient you appear when I need your services. Before I read anymore, I crossed the bridge and entered the door, looking around at the crumbling structure. It was humming with energy, none of it present when I had first came.

... I suppose it's because the Elements were used nearby.

Hmmm. From what I can tell there are a couple of small magical artifact in the treasury, two in the bedroom formally occupied by the solar princess and one in the lunar princess's old room.

I also can detect three artifacts that are of greater value.
The first is in the library of the castle; pull on a small brown book with no name on it to open the passage to it. However be warned this item is not benign in nature.
The second will show itself when the arms of the pedestal which held the Elements of Harmony point to the rising sun.
The last can be found in the kitchen cellar; through an old giant ale barrel and into the abandoned lair of The Pony of Shadows.

Hmm... a number more than expected. You would think the princesses would take out such things. Well, I should get to it then I suppose.

I turned my attention to the pedestal, it was the time critical part of the list so I should start with that.

I tried to push the arms, it didn't do much and so they stayed locked in place, I looked around the chamber and couldn't find any signs of levers or switches that could operate the device, so that lead to the thought that it was magic that was the item needed to turn them.

I didn't have that of course, so I decided on that next best thing.

I still had one bag that held a number of potions on me, ones to clear rubble and others to protect myself from any threats in the forest. This jar held a number of small shapes, black and oily in nature. I opened it and took out a number of them, sticking them to each of the arms of the pedestal in a certain position. I stepped back and tipped a hoof into the small bag that Cheshire had given me, a single match was pulled out.

Lighting it, I aimed and threw it accurately towards one of the black sticking lumps, in an instant, a expulsion of power erupted out and the arm swung away from it's position, likewise, several more activated once the sudden pressure caused them to burst, expertly putting them closer to the direction of the rising sun.

I took a few more out and repeated the process, making them slide perfectly into place.

A second later, the large base of the structure shivered and shook, a panel suddenly slotted open neatly.

Inside was a single compass.

I took it out, it was a shining gold color, and larger than a normal one, it didn't have any bearings to it, and instead of one compass arrow it was six with several small pictures on them, of a star, an apple, a balloon- it was the cutie marks of the element bearers.

It had a very strong magic presence to it, flitting my vision slightly, I saw golden tendrils of some kind pointing in the direction of town, so this gives the obvious deduction that this compass points to the element bearers.

Now the next order of business is your answers to my new riddle, you were very close to the right answer. The answer is that the poison was in the ice cubes and since the pony drank the punch quickly the ice cubes did not get a chance to melt and release the poison into the punch. So unfortunately you were incorrect this time.

Hmm, fair enough, that one was actually quite clever at least.

I will give you another riddle next time I send you a message.
Yours sincerely Prophet
P.s You might want to go to the library first and read Princess Celestia’s diary first it has some useful information about getting around the castle. But I ask you to not take it out of the library as another will need that book in the future.

The library you say? I guess that is the next location on the list. I put my new compass inside my bags and make my way towards it, I stopped suddenly when a new messages appears in front of me.

Heh. What do we have here. A story in the making.
Fascinating. Fascinating miss Fortune. I will see how it goes.

I am uncomfortable already, I know that you entities see yourselves as superior but I can't help but feel a little bound to my path when I am seen as a book to read the pages of.

Who I am? I am Voidwalker. Why I am here? Your...story interested me.
I will only watch and not interfering much aside from the matter of death.

... What?

I am...as you can say a Necromancer...Not those idiots who are hell bend on destroy the world with undead or silly things like that...
I'm telling you this because I have an offer that you may or may not need. It will work at all times as soon as you accept.

"I am not interested, malevolent spirits hardly call themselves evil when trying to procure a host." I spoke out loud to empathize my point, Necromancy was never an art without drawbacks.

I can bring you back from the death. You will be at top condition and all the negative effects will disappear. You will be dropped at random location away from the spot you died in the radius of 1 miles. And no, this will only work if the cause(s) is/are considered unnatural (or in other word: caused by any entities be it mortal or immortal and from inside the universe or outside the universe through passive means or active means.

"I have lived for most of my life alone, why in the world would make such a deal?" I ground out, moving forward again to explore the castle, "And I used to live outside of Equestria, the badlands are much less friendly than here."

You have caught quite a bit of attention in the Void and not all of them want to see how a mortal life plays out due to your...communication with those who are outside and they might heavily influence those that are within to do generic bad things only on a much more nightmarish scale.

...

While about 80% of them just want to kill you for whatever stupid reason. I have been holding them back for a while but better safe then sorry).

I suppose I should be thankful...

The price will be...What? Oh yeah, I will take them out and make them plead mercy while I rip them apart for the sins they have commited, don't worry...Sorry, ahem! Personal business...

"Of course, because that makes you all the more reliable to trust." I sarcastically state, I glanced behind me, a familiar habit I hadn't felt since I passed the Equestrian border.

Right. The price will be a dozen poison joke flowers, 1000 bits, 1 small bottle of liquid rainbow and a small lock of your...hair (About as big as a marble). You can give them to me by wrap them up and say "Cold as the Void Eternal" and they will simply pop out of your little world. It equal 1 life each time you offer them and you can have 5 at any given moment.

"Necromancy must be less strict in your world, it usually is a lot more severe..." I was wary of my limited supply of supplies as of the moment.

Other than that...I will remain silent and keep a watch on both you and those...interested.
Here is some music for your ear...

A classical piano then sung it's song through the empty hallway, it was eerie that it had no echo in the empty place. More instruments and a vocal entered it, and I would have enjoyed it as well.

Unfortunately, I was too busy planning the extra measures to enforce once I had got back home.

"Killjoy, if your listening to this, any artifacts here that may be of use to you, I expect you to make a note of it to let me know if you are willing to trade. I need some assistance for the coming days." My perception already heightened into the other realms, quickly scanning over anything that may be spying on me.

It was a tense search for the library, with music only for my ears breaking the silence, the warning is appreciated Voidwalker.

Whenever it rings true will be for myself to find out.

The Artifacts

I was currently in a library, a very large one for that matter.

It was a trove of information, stacked with literature to the brim. Instead of crumbling books which I had expected, it was a pleasant surprise that each one was intact, if a little dusty.

Since the diary of Celestia was not immediately obvious, I guessed it was likely hidden, a rulers personal thoughts would unlikely be stored in a library, even if this is her personal one. I am rather surprised that Prophet said it was here, why would she leave it behind?

I managed to narrow down that this was the previous place of rule of the two sisters before Luna was corrupted, with help from all the entities hints and 'the castle of the two sisters'. Leaving behind anything of value seems strange.

And half of the castle is even destroyed in some places, this was not simply wear and tear, I don't know why it would get like this. And why in the middle of the Everfree forest? Seems strange to place it in such a place.

I paused from my train of thought to lock onto a lone book on one shelf, I pushed against the side of it to try and slide it to the end of the shelf, but it didn't budge. I took a hold of the binding and pulled from the wall, a click, and a whirl, several gears going off inside of the walls, I looked over at the stone wall that slid out of place to reveal a iron gate.

Past the gate was a dark pathway leading up to a stand, where a ominous book sat.

I briefly wondered if my world really was a book as Voidwalker described it, it would explain the tragically obvious foreshadowing that this is an evil or dangerous item of power.

Dear Scry Fortune
For the first artifact of greater value mentioned by Prophet I believe it may play a role in the future of the timeline in your world and as such it would be best to ask Machina about it. If it doesn't then I would be willing to give an Alchemists Unending Flask. This flask can reproduce the last potion placed in it every 24 hours until a new potion is placed inside it.

Well if it plays a role in the future, you can be assured I'll be taking it out of the equation, it is obvious looking at it with my alternate eyes that it is harboring a corrupting influence, items of power are usually like that, great magic in exchange for loss of sanity.

But if it is that important... I will hold onto it until Machina gets back to me, until then I will be keeping it, make sure to send a courier in the future anyway Killjoy, I want to keep my options open.

I went up to the gate and glared at the small lock, wondering what was the point in adding a secret passage if somep- someone could easily force it open, if it had any security spells there is no evidence it would have been much of one considering how flimsy this door is. I rummaged through my pack pondering what to exactly use.

I made my decision when a deceivingly warm and smooth bottle came into view, inside the black tar like liquid bubbled and popped in enthusiasm. I held my breath, and twisted off the cork, a small brush was attached to the bottom of it, coated in the same potion. With careful movements, I applied a thin layer or it onto the lock, making sure to have it completely covered.

I put the cork back on and put the bottle in my back, I took a deep breath, and blew a breath onto the potion covered lock, the results were immediate.

A sizzling sound was first present, and then a burning, and a fizzling, eventually the lump of metal didn't resemble anything like it was before, the dripping slag eventually became a puddle on the ground, before hardening immediately.

Opening the gate I carefully craned my neck at the surroundings, it was very dark, but I could tell that the stairs were not stable.

Testing it with a hoof, it creaked ominously.

...

"Smokey?" I slithering sound, and out from the dark recesses of one of the book shelves the lizard made itself seen, "Collect the book if you please."

With a slight not, he dissolved again, only to appear in the dark gloom behind the book, he took a hold of it, and pulled it behind the stand, where he appeared again exactly from where I spotted him on the bookshelves.

"Thank you." I took the offered book and stared at it cautiously, it was a very grounded spirit, with likely very specific instructions in order to escape it's confines. I opened the book slightly and looked at the text, the spirit struggled inside trying to set itself free. But it couldn't move an inch, maybe it was limited by how open it's pages are, or maybe this magic can only be learned by unicorns, 'bringing imagination to reality' certainly seems like something a unicorn spell weaver would create, a dark one given the bound and corrupting spirit, but a unicorn none the less.

I packed it away in my inventory and nodded at the familiar who dissolved back into the shadows, likely going back to my home.

As for the second as much as i would love to get a hold of that compass I would suggest you keep it for now as I believe you will need it in the future if my hunch is correct.

Thank you, I will be sure to make good use of it, I have no doubt of the important events those six will find themselves it, now... where would that diary be? With the likely special devices hiding it in passages...

I looked around the room, another being a book would have to be tried another time, for now I pulled carefully at the torches, stamped on a jutting out piece of floor, and it wasn't until I found myself pulling at the chairs did one open up another, this time to a much smaller library.

On a pedestal, there was a much better looking one, on it was the recognizable visage of the two Princesses.

'The Journal of the Two Sisters' A quick flick through the book managed to confirm my suspicion of it being personal, nothing to do with Luna's problems with her sisters rule, or any anxieties in the slightest. It did detail a number of different things they had added to the castle, as well as several rooms.

And the third... judging by its location i doubt its of a kind nature and will gladly take it off your hooves. In return I will part with a Cloak of Baldarian which allows the wearer to assume the form of a wolf at will. I'll even form a clasp that makes it so only you and those you wish can use it.

'The Pony of Shadows' is name that sounds like it was made to scare colts and fillies, 'Nightmare Moon' was the scariest one I remember within these halls.

as for the smaller artifacts ill give a list.
For the one in Luna's old room ill give Elune's Tear (the amulet i mentioned earlier).
For the ones in the Celestia's room Solarion's faith (The counterpart to Elune's tear in that it increases magic regeneration and protects against physical attacks. It is strongest when Elune's tear is weakest aka during the new moon and vice versa) and Solarion's Sightstone (allows the wearer to see an object or persons true nature when held close to the users heart. Unfortunately due to Solarion being a solar deity it has a reduced range to about 5 meters at night.)
As for the ones in the treasury I can trade a number of rings, pendants and gemstones that can reproduce a spell that was used on them up to three times before needing another spell to be applied.

Hmm, seems like a fair number to trade, however the last one may be a problem, do you mean spells as in Unicorn magic? Because if so then it will be a problem for me as I don't have such close associates. Now if I could apply a charm is could be a little more useful, but since those are continuous magic applied to have an effect, it would likely not be apply to be used with the charms like a single use spell can.

Good Luck
Professor Killjoy
P.S. I am familiar with Voidwalker's brand of necromancy and I do believe he can be trusted to do what he says...at least for the bringing you back part. Also I will keep an eye out for these dangerous entities he has mentioned and try to ward off as many of them as i can for you.

I appreciate the help, I need as much of it as I can.

Thankfully it seems that they can only affect the world as much as you can, brought on by the View Brew no doubt, it will become a problem as long as they have the connection... I can only hope that the things they can manipulate will be easy enough to deal with.

Hope is becoming an unreliable quality.

Professor Killjoy is correct the first item can indeed play a role in the future. However, even if this item is taken the events that I believe Professor Killjoy is referring to will still happen with or without it. But it is your choice to make dear do what you feel will benefit you the most.

Now time for the promised riddle.

With thieves I consort, With the vilest, in short, I'm quite at ease in depravity; Yet all divines use me, And savants can't lose me, For I am the centre of gravity! What am I?

Yours sincerely Prophet

Hmm, thank you for the advice then, I don't see how events could transpire without this powerful artifact.

Hmm... it isn't a physical object I can say that much, the clear overuse of the letter 'V' is quite a lot.

And 'In the center of gravity' was the biggest tip-off, I'll be sure to send the message to you once I get home.

Right now, I was examining the several large wine barrels that took up the space in the cellar, it was all rather grand. Looking inside the sisters book, a small part was written by Luna, in a regal midnight blue ink, of a passage way she had built into the large wine casket in the back left. The instructions were simple to puzzle out, two turns left, three turns right on the squeaky tap and it popped open.

The room, was black, dark velvet drapes hung from the ceiling, carpets of great extravagance were lining the floor.

And a satin black bed... the color was certainly being drilled into ones head wasn't it?

A quick 'look' and I managed to locate the devices in question, in a small chest there lay a black and white set of daggers, the common insignia of the sun being eclipsed by the moon present.

This was likely made during Nightmare Moon's identity came in, this 'Pony of Shadows' was likely an assassin hired by the alter ego. Why Luna would write where this place was is a theory, perhaps some part of her was fighting the control.

Too little, too late.

The effects... hmm, one could say they were linked, but have different effects, I couldn't see exactly what it was, both show with power in the amount of perspectives I look at them with.

It's hard to say.

For now I put them into my bag and move on, the day was already running thin on me, and so it is time to investigate the Princesses rooms.

"Hmm... well, I must say the princess certainly was well dressed..." The artifact in Celestia's room was a helmet, one which wouldn't look out of place on a set of battle armor, bearing resemblance to Royal Guard armor from what I observed of Equestrian's military. Only a lot more regal and... powerful than a normal gold set.

It was clear this was made for the user, tapping directly into the affinity of Celestia it is meant to... enhance her visually, don't know exactly how.

The other was a sword, but it certainly wasn't used much, and a great deal longer and heavier than the normal pony can use. It didn't have anything besides a long running 'never dull' spell, and can harness the power of Celestia quite nicely.

Both useless to me.

In Luna's room there was a l locket of some sort, with a half moon that had a face, beads made up the necklace, I was unsure of what it did... but it was clear that it had a fading connection to the moon. If focused just right it would likely be able to move it.

With all of those settled, I made my way to the treasury.

Well, I find optimism to be a good way to keep one's sanity when faced with a vast wasteland of nothing but darkness and decay, but to each their own I suppose. Still, I believe Zecora could be a great friend to you.

Good for you, I wish we could switch places, then I wouldn't have to deal with poni- people.

Speaking of the stripey one, I noticed that quite a few of the others are asking for a certain flower in exchange for various thing, the one called 'poison joke'. And yet none of them thought to give you a description of it, nor a wa--ing of its e----s.

What? I didn't get that last part.

I suppose I may as well then. The flower known as Poison Joke is a breed of lily, its stem is a dark blue, it's leaves are light blue, a vein of a blue the same as the stem running down the center of them and its bulb stalks sharing the coloring of the leaves.

Sorry, go back a little, I think some of the message skipped.

As for its effects, as far as I ca--------th it causes a magical ---------hat affects t------- value the most. I suspect the r------those that touch it is that its m-----------ollen, please don't take my word for it though, a---------nal botanist, scholar of magic, nor even from Equestria.

Great, and just when I thought your messages were useful, this happens.

And a--------ws the recipe------- of its eff-------aturals: Natural Remedies and -----er' a copy of which is in the G------s library.

I caught library, and recipe, that means it can be brewed at the very least.

But back to witches. My condolences for your ancestors, as well as the other innocents, that suffered similarly to the witches of my home without cause. That aside, our water tests seems to be very similar from the little you mentioned, the minor details may differ, but the basis is that the accused is thrown into a lake, should they float they're innocent, if they sink they're left to drown as a witch, the same for if they start smoking and dissolve. Though I've heard that elsewhere the process was reversed, which seems incredibly silly as the one being accused would die either way.

As I said, they were very backwards, I managed to escape by chewing through my ropes and confusing them by shouting 'what if one of you were the magic user, who didn't tie my ropes straight', you can imagine relationships went sour.

I can assume that the link with out messages became frayed somehow...

As for another point of yours, the raw magic detection method you mentioned, well, it's moot. In my world magic resides in its own plane, when it's drawn out without direction it returns to where it came from immediately, immediately being unfortunately literal in this case.

Hmm... fair enough, I suppose with such difficult magic fields it is not easy to draw magic on ones own accord.

And as for the things beyond the veil that want you dead. I apologize, I'd offer my help, but I'm kind of... Stuck, at the moment.
But on to happier things. Like a crown! Which is actually more of a helmet with a face and a crown set onto it, but in anycase please keep an eye out for an ornate full headed mask with a crown on it, it could prove useful to one of your... profession. I promise I'll tell you the story behind it later.
~Daideo

I appreciate the thought, and I will make sure to look into the 'crown' when I can.

With the last few trinkets gathered, mostly a cup that holds twice its amount of water, and some set of soul mate wedding bracelets, I was finished with my looting of the castle... nearly.

I put away the diary, and was about to leave when, I found the place the elements were used.

Pieces of Nightmare Moon's armor were left, so I took them with me, only a few shards were left but it seemed appropriate to gather pieces of a soul anchor, they can come in useful later on. I was back on the trip to the forest when the next message came.

Hello Mouse having some fun I see. Word of advice when it comes to the library look all you wish but take nothing much within that are linked to Twilight and her friends. I can not speak on the others but I don't see my self as any better off than you or any other entity, I'm just happy when I can lend a helping paw.
The Cheshire Cat

I will be sure to, I don't dare take something that looks like I'm researching them.

Another long one came, and the familiar style I recognized.

Of course I will keep my words on bringing someone back from the death dear Killjoy.

"Voidwalker..."

And it happens automatically so I don't have to monitor all the time. As for the entities. Well, you might want to use something with 'crowd control' ability. These entities are not dangerous because of their power...after all, they have to influence. Unlike the more dangerous ones who can directly alter certain aspects which I have to deal with before and let me tell you, they are a pain to deal with. But, what make them a danger in the first place were their numbers...As of this moment, I have put up a...universe shield with the ability to remove those with...unsavory intentions from existence.

So, the worst ones aren't likely to bother me, but the subtle and crafty ones are. That's a delight to know, why not take out all the dead lions and leave vampire jackalopes to run into my door.

And to you miss Fortune...You don't have to worry much about me you adorable little thing :pinkiehappy:.

What is with you entities and using that insufferable pink mares face?

You can expect me to comment here and there but nothing too...Huh? Oh, you can shut your mouths you xenophobic fanatic zealots Inquisition. You call me an abomination for using necromancy while you done very immoral things. And you! Your soul is mine!Oh! where was I?

Apparently, claiming souls.

Ahem, so you can expect me to comment here and there but nothing too much...Think of me as a reader who will probably comment on things as the story progress.

I've been told this before, only in the context of letters.

The price of a life was like that because honestly, you cannot give me anything that I don't already have...Those were just some ingredients that when combine with MY magic, will help create a new life for you. Though that 1000 bits were actually to pay Death...He can get pissy when you bring someone back from his realm. Oh? I can bring you back from the death without those ingredients...But, I want you to make a little bit of effort in getting them. It show your acceptance.

Acceptance? You are getting more and more words that make me feel uncomfortable to use. Acceptance as in the inevitability I will use your powers? Makes you seem sure of my death.

You don't really need to trust me like I am your Guardian Angel or lover...I am after all, an outsider that 'read' the stories from many realms...like yours...It help make my immortal life less dull.
Best regard, Voidwalker.

... Just because your immortal, does not mean mortals can't have boring days.

A quick message pops up and somehow, I am able to recognize this as Killjoy.

I have more then a few ways to control large numbers and I'm also gonna call in a favor that Cthulu owes me since I helped out his wife and daughter 5 years ago.

... Ignoring that.

And with that final message of the day, I returned home, eager to rest, it was approaching noon already as I exited the forest with my items inside my bags or slung around my back...

And it was then i noticed a large amount of smog from far off in the mountains, it's taste slightly spicy as it drifted slightly to the ground.

"... It's official, when it isn't gods it's griffins, when it's not griffins it's Ursa, when it's not Ursa it's dragons." I breath a long sigh, "I'm just going to sleep and hope it doesn't decide to rain fire and brimstone later one..."

And THAT, was the end of my day, that's it, went to sleep.

Author's Note

Alright, with Prophet and Daideo agreeing, it was decided to censor the Poison Joke explanation... hehehe.

Please enjoy the future, because it will be funny...

Or maybe not, some jokes can be cruel... or funny!

Who knows?

To the Rainy Season

I had been busy for a while since the castle.

First I had learned through the town gossip the next day that a dragon was indeed sleeping above the mountains yesterday. The element bearers had been the one to deal with the issue thankfully enough, leaving me free to enjoy the air.

It was a heavy rain coming soon, another one in the long list of scheduled rainstorms, it signified the coming of winter as the rain was rather colder this time of year.

I was currently staring out the windows of my home, at the darkening clouds were clear on the horizon, I turned my attention away from the dreary scene to focus on my newest batch of Quick-Acting-Acid and drew in a breath once again. Several bottles with assortments of brushes sticking out the bottom of their lids lined the table, I started pouring ladles of the concoction with a carefully set pace, soon enough all of them were filled with the bubbling brew and sealed air tight.

It had been a while since I focused sorely on my craft, but I was determined to refill my supplies, as low as they were, to the brim.

Cleaning out the cauldron again, a new assortment of ingredients lined up to be used, I glanced toward the window once again.

It was likely going to be a difficult time in the future... but I was prepared for it.

Thunder sounded overhead, as if planning to prove my prediction.

Dear Scry Fortune
I can indeed modify the rings and pendants to allow for a charm as well as the active spell feature and shall do so. The courier carrying the items should be by soon to make the trade and I hope you find the items useful.

Good, then I shall expect the delivery then, and I am rather curious what the courier will look like.

With Joy
Professor Killjoy

Hilarious...

P.S. Good News! Cthulu was more then happy to help! It doesn't hurt that his family has settled on your world and his daughter attends the school in Ponyville either (he is very protective of his family apparently). This might actually explain why so many strange things happen around that town now that I think about it...Meh it just makes it so things are less boring.

... Ignoring that, ignoring that, ignoring the fact a monster abomination is possibly living among the populace... with a family.

Okay, plans to move out of Ponyville sound very good right now.

Unfortunately for Voidwalker, you will not have to resort to his "offer" any time soon. I have seen the effects of several different methods of "returning" something from the dead. It's never pleasant. Best case scenario, your life would literally belong to Voidwalker. Worst case, you would be caught in a Schrödinger paradox. Both dead and alive, fully aware as being both. Luckily I have assurance that that you will never be in a state that requires such measures.

Yes... I have already said so, this is simply another thing to deal with, it needs no other special efforts.

I won't make it my job to tell you which path is most in line with the future we see. If you bind yourself to fate, you'll never be able to live as you please. At most, I'll watch the road ahead for danger, and only directly intervene if truly necessary. However, if you feel that you truly need to know what lied ahead, you can always ask, and I'll answer to the best of my ability, if the fates allow,
Machina.

... I still don't trust fortunes.

If the fates allow would be the way of saying to 'tell me this so I go out of my way to complete the future anyway', if I were to choose between knowing what route I would take or going down it through at least an illusion of my own actions, I'll be happier.

I will hold off Voidwalker's deal as long as possible, I feel no desire of anything pertaining to my revival, if he stays true to his word, I would likely be revived anyway and would have to work off the dept placed upon me.

My dear Machina...As you probably known...She cannot give me anything I don't already have. Why would I need anything of her except for the story which she's creating herself? Her body? Please, I can create it myself although I'm not sure why I would need it. Her soul? Why would I need a soul? Sure it is potent but much less powerful than what I already can do. And I take one's soul usually because they are nonredeemable or I have my own plan with it...

Good to know, because I plan to safeguard it likewise, I only have one.

Good news indeed Mr.Killjoy. Glad to have more help.

I will pretend you mean the couriers coming here soon.

Oh, miss Fortune...I have no doubt that you have already figured who am I by my style alone now...

Don't flatter yourself, it is the equivalent of knowing there is a termite infestation from the woodwork.

To answer a few of your...thoughts (It will not follow any order). You have no idea how boring it can be for an immortal who have seen the creations and destruction of many universes.

Well that's the thing, I don't have many universes to worry about, only one, the one I'm living on is what I have to worry about. And I doubt it would get boring if I were to ever lose this one.

That pink mare face...Well, I have no idea how that even got there...Damn magical physic breaking pink pony of pony land.

... I am caught between the thought of making fun of your predicament, or sharing pity of our combined worries.

Acceptance about death? Well, everyone die...Including me...If I can find the way that is...I tried everything to kill me from magical weapons to big teraton strong nuclear weapons during the early days after I learnt about my Immortality (My age is about 7 digits at the time). Heck, I 'stood' right in front of a super nova and it still can't kill me. My offer is just there as an option.

... I am suddenly very glad only a portion of entities might can get into this universe. And if so, then it will likely stay as an unused one... thank you for offering I suppose.

Also, advice in dealing with that Pink Chaos goddess of party and celebration who can make planet destroying entities wet their metaphorical pants. Huh? What? Wrong universe? Ok.

... Pinkie is a goddess, that makes so much sense and makes me positively scared beyond all belief.

Ah, well. Advice on how to deal with that Pink Physic breaking pony...Remember this quote from some of the most powerful beings that exist inside a universe that I know of: "My dear, sanity is overrated." 10 Points for any of you other entities who can recognize this one.

Sanity is all I have left to brave to storm, so I'll keep it to at least have something to hold onto while I drown.

A little advice about living in Ponyville. It is a crazy town and magnet for many troubles in Equestria. You really should prepare for random things to happen.

You seem to be giving a lot of advice... I have accepted it to this point, I won't be able to get used to it just yet however.

But after a goddess, Ursa, and world destroying insane gods that may or may not exist, I can handle it.

-Voidwalker-
"HIYA! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?" Holy tree! Gotta cut the connection now, my version of pink pony, BYE!

It was at this point I was hiding under the table, purely for precaution of course.

"Pinkie... your terrifying."

A knock on my door, I cautiously looked into the aura of whoever was on the other side, for several seconds I caught glimpses of a solid and moving block of unstoppable power, yet muted significantly, risking the chance, I opened the door to be met with-

A statue... of a winged pony stallion.

I say 'winged' because the wings on the stone make were exaggerated far beyond the normal pegasi, and they weren't fully extended, instead cradling it's body. The aura was still present, the one who opened the door was this statue.

I looked down at it's extended hoof, which held a letter, I opened it and read quickly.

Sorry, I can't move unless you don't see me.
I have everything for the trade in my bag so, would you mind terribly putting them in front of me?

I gazed into the unresponsive eyes of the statue, and turned back to where I kept the numerous artifacts I was holding onto.

"Alright, if you can hear me, put your hoof on the ground when I turn." I turned to look at the unsettling sight of the stallion having changed it's stone posture. "Very well, I have only a few items to trade, first and foremost there is the treasury items." I pulled out the random assortment of lower tier magic pieces in front of him, "The trade was certain jewelry that could store spells and charms in them so I recall."

I turn my head away and heard several sounds like the rustling of a bag, and several objects dropping to the ground.

When I turn back he was in the same position, and several rings and bands were on the floor.

I picked them up and examined them closely, it did feel like they were 'empty' for the lack of a better term, certainly at least them held the potential for using power. I made a note to test them out in the future.

"Likewise I wish for the exchanges of Celestia and Luna's items, here they are." I dropped the pieces on the ground and looked away again, a moment later I turned back to see the same thing had happened. Only this time the items left behind were a pair of amulets with gold and dark blue colors between them, and a golden stone and seemed to shine from where it sat.

I picked up the stone first, a great EXPANSE of knowledge in the short area around me, and the stone stallion was a kind and mischievous individual, who dutifully does his job to the best of his abilities... his name is also Stone Cold.

True nature plus name, very well then.

"That will be it for now, the minor objects I am giving outright, however I am going to examine the major ones until I find their exact uses." I stared at him for a second and then remembered he couldn't leave till I looked away, I did so... and looked back.

There was only an empty doorway left.

For my first meeting with a being from another world, it was certainly tame at least.

I closed the door after him and gathered up the items of power that were on the floor, on an impulse I put the both of them around my neck, they weren't heavy thankfully enough, and tucked behind the folds of my cloak, hidden from sight. I would not wish for anyone to see me with such a gaudy piece, wooden amulets are what I look for.

I thanked Killjoy silently, and began writing a letter.

Due to the exhausting day I hadn't posted the answer for the riddle, so I quickly wrote 1: The Letter 'V' Into the answers and threw it into the fireplace, where it disappeared with a poof. Prophet was getting a new letter.

I then made my way to bed, tidying away the excess ingredients and instruments I was using beforehand. After shedding my cloak I settled into the warm and musty blankets, and began drifting off to sleep...

...

I sat up immediately, my ears twitched and rotated from the top of my head, I held a breath.

There was something not right...

I got up from bed and donned my cloak once again along with my bags, slowly I walked around the edges of the walls, trying to listen carefully as I sneaked around the doorway.

I peeked through into my 'cooking' room, the fireplace smoldering after I had put it out. My ears perked again, straining to listen in suspicion... The loud pelt of rain was obvious, but there was something happening, dull thuds echoed throughout the night, hidden by the storm enough that a normal being would likely have forgot about it.

I was not a normal one, I had paranoia shaped from a world of prejudices, and a mind sharp from my continued experiences.

My instinct was the only premonition I placed my faith in.

I turned my head slightly towards the dull thump of something out in the night, and yawned-

I bit down on that thought, as my mind was beginning to get weary, I lifted a hoof to my chest in order to touch one of my many amulets, only to slump to the ground before I could...

The last thing I saw before my eyes closed was my door being broken open, and figures moving towards me...

And then, darkness took me.

The Not-so-Great Escape

My mind awoke, and for several seconds I worked towards getting my mind fully operational, the memories of before came into my mind in an instant. I heard the sound of far away hoofsteps echoing in a cave, it was when they trotted out of hearing range did I open my eyes.

I was in a underground, that much was obvious, the hard and slightly damp floor showed I was near some water source. I tried to move my limps, they were tied up with rope.

I am sad to say that this isn't the first time such a situation has happened, it's just the first time somebody has tied me up THEN threw me in a cell.

There was nothing inside my cell except a door, made of hard oaken wood and reinforced with solid metal.

A barred window was the only thing letting any show of light through, illuminating my surroundings.

-Voidwalker-

Well, that happened...

Shit flying and it's about to hit the fan soon.

I told you to prepare, miss Fortune.

"Yes, because I could prepare for an organised attack on my home late at night. Anyone can attest to the fact of being caught off guard, and in case your omnipotence is failing you? I was preparing, I just didn't expect it to be so soon..." I began pulling and testing at my bonds as I listened carefully to my surroundings.

You have a few options in your current predicament, miss Fortune.
Stay for a bit to figure out what the hell is happening and then think of a way to escape or try to escape right at this moment with somewhat low chance of success on both. Your choice. The third option...Well, it's you yourself that will be in the known about it...if you can figure it out that is.

"Right now I would rather leave, but at the moment I'm tied up..." I looked around the small cell carefully, "At the moment I have no choice but to stay and figure out what is happening."

It's Adorable to try and act tough. But, it is not really all that beneficial...

"Who said it was helping? That was just a natural side effect when it comes to surviving." I snapped out, the next roll of text was occupied by a running image.

Until you have faced something like this, then I will consider you're tough enough.

It was another world, creatures with strange bodies who I could only assume were the 'Swarm' from what the voice was saying, killing off armored troops quickly and violently. At the end stood a bipedal being who called herself the Queen of Blades.

I stood unimpressed.

"That is meant to frighten me... you may have seen one hundred forms of terrors beyond the reasoning of a mortal, in comparison I likely haven't lived a fraction of the monstrosities you've seen. I usually am polite to entities when they are friendly, because they usually know me more than I know myself, but..."

"Don't you dare assume I haven't suffered enough be hardened by the experience, I may have not lived through an event of unimaginable horror, but I have a life of hardship making up for it, like right NOW, being foulnapped by others because of you beings intruding in my lifes, so don't DARE assume that this is an act..."

I breathed in... and out... and in... the thudding of my mind and heart slowing to a halt...

I opened my eyes, and turned my attention away from the disappearing message, instead focusing on another Prophet.

Oh bugger! This is not good my dear, not at all, it seem you’re in a bit of a pickle.

"A pickle is rather a strange description, its more like I'm a pickle inside a very sturdy jar..." I dryly state, I began breathing out until I had no air in my lungs, and began pulling and testing my bonds again.

Well you have earned another favor when you answered my last riddle so if you want I can guide you along towards the future with the best chance of escape, but that will use up both your remaining favors. It will also include getting you out of the bindings you find yourself in as well as one potion to help you out from the following list.

"I would rather save one favor for another more desperate time... I can get out of these ropes easily enough, they aren't as properly knotted as the ones from outside of Equestria, it's like they haven't kidnapped anyone before."

1. Potion of Frost
2. Potion of healing
3. Potion of invisibility

Simply nod your head and then say which potion you want. Also Smokey cannot help you due to the nature of the true foe you face. You will have to earn another favor to find out more about that thou I’m sorry to say.

Hmm... I suppose it couldn't hurt to get one of these on the way out, I am guessing this is a 'two for three' special that he is offering.

So? An escape route or a potion?

It wouldn't be so much of a problem if I...

...

I am sure if anyone were to see me now, they would see a disbelieving look on my face as I felt my bags of potions still strapped around my torso. I shook my head sadly.

"Equestria... even the supposed villains are incompetent." I mean sure, at first glance a bunch of vials and so on are rather nonthreatening, but they didn't take a thing off of me? They must have thought something was strange about the numerous objects I was holding.

"Loose ropes, no confiscating anything from my body, and leaving me alone in a cell... there has to be a trap in this, or I will be sorely disappointed." I held my breath one more time and pulled and stretched by body forwards, the ropes then came undone and around my legs just as quickly.

I took an unrestricted breath of air and looked back at the door, thankfully my favorite weapon for the job comes into play.

I still had some acid on me after all...

I kicked opened the door once the lock dissolved completely, I carefully listened for any sound of running or clanking armor, when none presented itself I walked out, eyes flickering back and forth down the long hallways, torches hung between each of the barred doorways, I was in a prison of course so likely they had other prisoners.

There wasn't any kind of alarm system, they just left me here like a bag of flour? Not expecting me to leave?

By Moss, they could have left a guard at the very least!

I can't believe it, when your own prisoners are criticizing your security measures, you know that you are failing.

I walked down the hallway, my hoofs clopping on the stone floor, the only form of problem made towards prisoners in the slightest, wish I had a bottle of 'soft shoe oil' on me, it would have made this easier... well, more so than it already is.

My eyes flickered to several perspectives, trying to highlight any subtle attempts to inhibit me in some way, yet still nothing present.

Maybe this is some elaborate prank from Pinkie and Rainbow, that could be the only other reason I can think of these incompetent measures to ensure my capture. I stopped suddenly as the sound of nearby hoofs sounded out, suddenly and nearby, but it wasn't down the hallway.

No, this was next to me, in one of the cells.

"Hey! Look dude, you and your mates foulnapped me, dumped me here, and the only time I saw your smelly flanks is when one of you walked past ignoring me, so I'm going to tell you right now to get me the buck out of here or I'll-

I turned my head to look at the voice obviously from the context she was a victim like me, I was met with a mane of blue hair, and a furrowed brow over her sunglasses, I recognized her...

"You are from Ponyville?" I asked her, my head tilted as she snorted angrily.

"Oh yes, yes I'm from Ponyville? What, your bucking plothole friends didn't think to tell you that lady?!" She turned away and the door shook slightly, likely from her bucking it, "Not to mention sticking this weird, I don't bucking know, THING on my horn!"

"I am not part of these people, I was captured myself." I patiently state, she stops suddenly, and looks at me suspiciously.

"... You sure dude? Because you kind of wear cloaks like them."

Again with my choice in clothing...

"Just because we share tastes in apparel does not mean we're connected in anyway, I would have thought that be obvious since I am talking to you as of the moment."

"... Alright, if your not with them plotholes, then would you kindly bust this bucking door open? I got this killer gig tomorrow and I need to catch some z's the day before."

Her speech was... unique, but I obliged and took out a pair of lock picks from the special bag of Cheshire's, I quick twist turn, using my tail to accurately handle the instruments, the lock opened with a click.

"Thanks dude, I've slept in worse but I don't really fancy these digs..." She looked around, "Well I've been in some dungeons before, but those usually have hundreds of my adoring fans and glow sticks... or just me in Tavi."

"... You mean you and Tavi, right?" I could only assume 'Tavi' was a friend of hers.

"I know what I said." She grinned cheekily, and I resisted the urge to slap my face, she wasn't hitting on ME at the very least.

Now with her head fully in view, I looked up to see some clasp of metal that was clamped around the unicorns horn, it was suppressing her magical abilities, I could tell that much from the way it disrupted the flow of magic from her horn to her brain.

"We need to get you out of that, we need to be at full fighting ability if we intend to escape this place."

"Good luck dude, I've been trying to break this thing off my head since I got here hours ago."

I looked at it carefully, and looked into the unicorns eyes.

"I want you to keep quiet about what you see here, understood?"

"Huh? What, we got to kiss or some-

"Don't be a Cloud Kicker."

"Hey! I'm not THAT loose."

I ignored her comment and rummaged inside my bag, the acid came out, but I knew it wold be too dangerous to use on it, so close to her horn and face, but thankfully enough I took out an extra water bottle, I always kept at least one in my bags for emergencies.

"Hold your breath." She gave me an odd look, but complied, I did the same and uncorked the acid, and then tipped drops of water down the neck of it, simply looking at it, I could tell the exact amount needed to dull the mix, however, it was just enough so that it wouldn't be so bad.

With that, I then wiped the excess acid on the wall nearby, and dipped it into the balanced mix, and finally painted it on the device on the unicorns horn. I breathed out, making the unicorn breath out as well since I seemed to give the go ahead.

"Alright, what was in that-

She stopped herself when the sound of sizzling reached her ears when I had given my breath to it, her eyes went cross eyed, trying to see what was happening, in twenty seconds the metal broke and fell too the ground with a clank. She rubbed her horn in relief.

"Man, you have no idea how much of a relief that is, by Celestia's bloody crack it's like I lost a hoof and it appeared again." She demonstrated her abilities by using levitation on a nearby torch, turning to me, "Ready to blow this apple stand?

"... Sorry, what?" I didn't get the metaphor she used, she arches an eyebrow.

"Uhhh... you know, get out of here?"

"Oh, of course."

"Names Vinyl Scratch? What's yours?"

"Scry Fortune."

She nodded and we turned to go down the corridor... it wasn't three doors down that another voice made itself known.

"AH! I knew it! Only you could be behind this Scry Fortune! The Great and Powerful TRIXIE! Commands you let her go at once!"

I couldn't help it, my hoof met my head with a painful, yet well understand, thud.

And now...Music for you. Don't worry, it won't prevent you from listening to anything important around you.

That extra line, that could only be Voidwalker popped up, and a set of drums, like a military like march music rose up, neither of the mares reacted to the sounds of war in the making. I myself simply ground my teeth at the upcoming conversation.

Cult Classic

Hmmm, so Mouse, looks like you found a new friend however you most likely will not care for the music she makes. Oh ready your self just in case your rather poor jailers are changlings. Now on the other paw can't wait to see how you deal with the loud mouthed Trixie. If I could, I would be patting your head in sympathy, good luck Mouse, show the rat jailers a thing or two.

I will try to do that Cheshire... and no, Changelings have a distinct trait about them, even if I haven't seen them yet I doubt they would be so sloppy with their measures, and the caves, although are usually the place where Changelings would nest, are lacking any trace of their usual adornments such as hivecomb, and a number of other byproducts of their continued residence.

And... well, I would be able to tell one from a glance.

Right now I was in the midst of making Trixie... comply. It was hard enough persuading her that I wasn't involved with the people you foulnapped us, not to mention making her hold her breath so that my diluted acid could burn the inhibitor from her horn.

Vinyl was simply on the sidelines, making jokes in the form of 'my expense'.

"You great and powerful Trixie does not need the help of other ponies for her escape." The magician sniffed as I suggested teaming up to escape.

"Look... Trixie, I am not going to even mention how you needed help in getting out of your cell, or in fact to get that inhibitor off your horn, let me just ask you, if you were so 'great' and 'powerful', why did you get caught in the first place?" I was keeping my temper rather well in all circumstances.

"Trixie was going to escape! She-she just needed a well deserved rest and, Trixie was caught when she was off guard!" She looked flustered as she tried to defend her position, Vinyl leaned towards me.

"Sure we can't just leave her here boss lady? I didn't see much of that 'Ursa' incident but I think she hasn't learned anything from it." It was hushed in the form of a whisper, yet loud enough so that it was obvious to Trixie what she had said.

"Y-you insolent pony! Trixie have you know that it wasn't Trixie's fault that Ursa Minor strolled into town! And Trixie is much more impressive than that purple unicorn, she will never be as great and powerful as Trxie!"

"How about Trixie switches out 'Great' and Powerful' for, 'Quiet' and 'Cooperative'." I shot back at her, and then turned my head to the blue headed mare, "And Vinyl, no matter how much her personality grates on you, I have to ask that you don't encourage her anger."

Both mares huffed and looked away from one another, well, Trixie did, Vinyl just smiled like it was no problem she was told off.

Something tells me she is used to it.

"Now, Trixie, if you are indeed so confident in exiting this place, then we won't stop you. But think on how we will be having a hard time getting out of here without you expertise." I was pulling on the right strings as the mare's ears perked in interest, "I am sure that the title of 'The Brave and Heroic Trixie' would fit well with you."

"... Very well! Consider yourself lucky, for The BRAVE and HEROIC Trixie shall offer her assistance in your escape from this prison!" She struck a pose and I resisted the urge to roll my eyes.

In an actual attempt as secrecy, Vinyl whispered to me, "Are you sure feeding her ego is the best idea?"

"In life, no, it won't help at all, but right now we just need her to stay on until we get out of here." Personally I was confident in getting out by myself, but now that there was Vinyl and possibly others throughout this place, I needed a larger number in order to break out of here, otherwise I would never sneak out with this large number of ponies.

Umm, yeah, so that's happening. I apologize that I haven't been able to message sooner, I was actually in a situation not so different from yours. Though that brings to light a new bit of information, it seems our relative times run at different paces.

Hmm, I suppose that would be inconvenient, maybe you should ask one of your other entities friends to forward the messages to you if it has such a large gap between each other, it's been a while Daideo.

Granted, my captors were a fair bit more competent than yours seem to be, seeing as you broke your bindings in what, fifteen minutes? Whereas mine were able to hold me for a few days. Which actually brought me to the idea of the whole 'time-pacing' thing. You see, I was unable to check up on you during my 'stay', and several days after I was cut off, I see you in an underground cell. So I check back and it turns out the last day I'd messaged you, on your end, was just ending.

I am sad to say that I would have preferred you position, all of this is too easy for me, they didn't think to steal my possessions and just took me out of my home. The unicorns here were obviously inhibited... hmm... wait a second.

"Weren't you tied up by our captors?" I asked the pair of them, I looked at them curiously.

"Uh, yeah, but I've been here for a while, managed to shrug out of them things with a lot of tugging." Vinyl commented.

"The Smart and Experienced Trixie is easily a master of bindings, she was able to escape from the amateur knots placed around her body minutes."

That makes no sense, why would they tie up us so messily, it is like binding us had no purpose in the first place.

Speaking of your situation. I've a bit of my own help to offer. I got... A brick, a few nails, a glass of some weird black water, and a pretty neat hat that I'd be willing to part with.

... Good, I feel so special.

Now, these things might seem useless, and they may very well be. hat aside, but remember, they come from a plain of darkness and despair, so who knows what effect they may have on the fabric of your reality.

Uh... okay, removing sarcasm, thank you for your contribution.

Though I can assure you that your universe won't explode, implode, or any other 'plode should you want a brick for some reason and not have one on hoof.

As I wondered what else could have 'plode' in the name, my bags suddenly felt heavier, I internally wonder with the reach and accuracy they had in dropping items into the world, they had to come up with such elaborate systems of couriers for other deliveries.

Also on the topic of your situation. Do you have a muting potion, or the ingredients to make such, on your person? I ask because should you not shut miss 'great and powerful' up the best case scenario is you get a splitting headache and the urge to cause bodily harm on your way out, worst case being her noise getting you caught on top of the best case scenario. As I assume you've already figured for yourself.

Yes, I've been tempted, but unfortunately a Mute Mixer is a rather useless potion in most circumstances I find myself in, it can only work by going into the body and is too weak in gas form, and even if I do get someone to swallow it, what use does it have? It only has an effect on the voice. If you however mean a general sound one, Soft Shoe Oil is the only one I came across on, it takes away the general 'clop' of ponies shoes on rock surfaces.

Also, also on the topic, I wouldn't be too worried about them being changelings as the cat suggested. Granted the whole underground bit is very changeling-esque, but seeing as you were bound with rope instead of a sort of hardened green goo, were kept in a cell rather than a cocoon that the changelings are known for, And miss Scratch had an actual magic suppressor rather than her horn being amputated or encased in the previously mentioned goo.

Exactly, all previous points I've mentioned, also as a side note, they always amputate the extra parts off of unicorns and pegasi once they are brought to their hive, it makes it harder for them to initiate an escape you see. Since they wouldn't likely kill the pony off more than stripping them of their legs would, their resin can be stripped off with outside help.

This all leads me to believe that, well, I don't know, all it really tells me is that your captor isn't a group of changelings, knows how dangerous unicorn magic can be, and yet at the same time is completely ignorant of the possible lethality of alchemy.

Changelings have a very testy history with Witch's, so you are right. Also, another reason why I knew this wasn't Changelings? Witch's are never brought to the hive, they are usually killed on sight, and they would have learned that from the bags.

Alchemy however is different from witchcraft, it works with the scientific side of certain chemicals and magical ingredients, I already said that witchcraft can use existing ingredients and a witch's presence to turn into something illogical with said materials when not used by a witch.

All that aside, I have a question for you, a very important question, very important indeed.

It is going to be something stupid isn't it?

What, is your favorite kind of tea?
~Daideo

... I never really got to experience much forms of tea, so I couldn't say, I suppose black was kind of good.

I then held out a hoof to stop my companions.

"Ah! What do you think you are doing, trying to impede the way of the-

"Shh." I said shortly, and point forwards, on the wall of the flickering fire, a shadow of a pony made itself seen, coming around the corner.

I traded looks with the two, and we split apart, opening the empty cells and ducking inside them.

I held my breath as the hoofsteps came closer, my tail already snaked into my bag grabbing a paralysis potion... and realizing I didn't have one.

Dammit, I must have left my enemy one back at home, I am getting too relaxed in this place...

Dear Scry Fortune
Seeing as you are dealing with a dangerous situation (although with how incompetent they are i use the term loosely) I will give you a few items which you should find in a nearby unlocked cell.

Convenient.

1 wand of sleep with 3 charges (the blue one and useful for single targets and lasts for a full hour)
1 wand of charm with 3 charges (will make the target think you are a friend for 5 minutes)
3 plasma grenades (Just press the button and throw! preferably away from self and allies. Great for dealing with big tough targets or large groups of small ones!)

... Whats a wand? And for that matter, a grenade?

Nevermind, I can guess from their effect there is some magical effect to them.

I looked down at two pieces of wood, and three round lumps of metal carved into a certain shape.

Now, for the situation at hand.

Knocking out the guard would be the best thing, but how am I going to explain how he just dropped unconscious to Vinyl and Trixie? Letting him walk by isn't as good either, the situation here suggests that since there were no other turns while we were going down here, that this one is trying to check on us. He will definitely try to run back and we'll find ourselves likely hit from the back.

So... I needed to put on a performance.

Gathering all the equipment in my bag except for the one I needed, I picked up the green 'wand' and... didn't know how to exactly use it, so I just tried to focus on 'the intent to use' and push it into the stick, all the while whipping it around and pointing it at the passing head of the figure.

A glowing spectrum around the wand and the guard immediately stopped, I opened the door smoothly, hiding the wand as well.

"Good evening." I said, the door shutting behind me.

He turned to me partially, and underneath his hood I could make out a smile, "Well hello, good evening to you."

He looked me over, and nodded, "Nice cloak, but I prefer black."

"Yes... anyway, you wouldn't mind mind drinking this do you?" I held out a small vial of dark blue.

"Well sure, is it punch or something?" He grabbed the vial out of my hand and brought it to his lips, I didn't even answer him as he gulped it down.

"Hah, well that hits the spot, you know,, you look quite familiar you know..."

He hell to the floor with a thud, and I looked at his body with a neutral expression.

"Uh... boss lady? What did you do?" Vinly asked as she poked her head out of her own cell door, Trixie not far behind.

"Well, for one I finally managed to estimate how stupid out captors are... and how sad it is we got caught by them."

"Wait... you're saying, this guy didn't know who you were, thought you were one of them because of the cloak, and drunk some sleeping medicine and... went unconscious, and stuff?" She incredulously asks, poking the stallions body.

"Yes, pretty much." More accurately it was 'Deep Coma' which will cut off any attempts of trying to wake up the drinker, and won't wake up until one full day has passed, or he is dunked in cold water.

"... Well, I guess I won't be making you pay for drinks at the bar when we get out." She answered with a decisive nod.

"... The bar?"

"Hey, we are breaking out of a crazy lunatics place, I think that calls for drinking." She paused, "Or do you want to do this like a Dizzy-Hay movie and kiss-

"A drink would be preferable." I answered quickly, "But to be honest, I am not big on alcohol, you can count me out on that."

"Trixie is not really welcome back at Ponyville..."

"Well I can't just celebrate with a drink ALONE can I?" She shook her head, "Hey look, lets just wear this guys cloak, find another poor plothole to fit number three, and we can stroll out of here-

"This time was just lucky, I doubt we would actually be able to leave without some checkup, it would be best we not attempt so." I put a hoof to the stallions cloak, "First lets see what we're dealing with." I then took off the fabric covering his face... and grit my teeth.

"What... the buck..." Vinyl utters as we look at his face.

On it, carved into his very skin, is a picture of the moon, painstakingly in detail, what it looked like before Nightmare Moon had escaped. It was obviously not a professional or likely painless process, it was a scar, not a marking.

"... Well buck, cultists, moon cultists actually, and I thought all those movies were a bunch of horseshit." Vinyl shook her head at this, "Tavi always said 'nothing in movies is real' but HAH! Shows what she knows."

"Trixie doesn't know what moon cultists are..." The magician nervously states as she glances back and forth to the pony on the floor.

"From what I know, they are just on Nightmare Moon's side of 'eternal night' and all of that, and that's that tame stuff, you don't even want to know the REALLY messed up situation we could be in if this turns out like 'The Foul's of the Moon', we're lucky there's no corn fields around..."

While they panicked over that, I was looking at a rather worse threat, my eyes were in a higher dimension, the thread that ran down the base of his skull and came out somewhere through a wall was concerning. It was the fact that his entire visage was dark, and I mean dark as in a void of shadows, like the space he occupied made light not exist that made this a problem.

And entity has likely affected them, and in fact is influencing them.

"We must not dawdle, with one of them gone they will likely send others here to check on him, put him into one of the cells and hope they fail at roll call as well." I stared at them as silence reigned for a few seconds.

"... Did you seriously say 'dawdle'?" Vinyl asks, and I slap my face soundly.

These will only stay in your dimension for 24 hours and all i ask in return is a written down copy of one of your spells, charms or potions for each time you use one of them (just place them with objects left over that i sent and they should be taken along for the ride once the 24 hours are up).

I should be out of here before then, so good.

Good Luck

Professor Killjoy

P.S. If your ever in trouble and you are not able to get a hold of me just tell Scootaloo to tell her father that your the friend of Professor Killjoy that I told him about and Cthulu should be able to get a hold of me (and there is no need to fear her at all since she really isn't all that different from other fillies her age...well except for being a magnet for trouble and immunity to insanity or any form of mental manipulation aka mind control.)

... I am never going to be able to forget the fact a being of utter destruction of life as we know it lives and breaths inside my realm will I? Not with you always reminding me.

"So... you knew me from Ponyville?" Vinyl asked as we walked down the corridors.

"Yes, I saw you walk down the street on one occasion."

"I don't really remember you all that much, moved in recently?"

"A month or so, yes."

Silence held up for a second...

"How'd you get to keep your stuff anyway?"

"I only had a few harmless ingredients, but that shouldn't have excused them from taking everything, to be honest they should have had more thought about this whole situation."

"What? You actually want these dudes to do better?"

"No, I just wish they could be better so I am not embarrassed by the fact I was caught by them."

"Alright... so how about the moon cult thing, you seem to be taking this well."

"I assure you, I am trembling inside like a frightened filly."

She snorted in good humor, "That's bullshit and you know it... geeze, nothing fazes you? Like, at all?"

"... Pink-

"Celestia her freaking self would say the same thing, don't try it." She grinned widely and glanced over at Trixie, "I was just going over to a club to set up my equipment for a gig, and these guys just came up to me like that, knocked my out, woke up here, how about you guys?"

"... Trixie may have, stumbled across them and their hideout, they didn't appreciate Trixie's presence so they locked her up. They were lucky of course! If Trixie hadn't been taking it easy on them, they would have been terribly sorry for meeting me."

"They kicked in my door, and took me from my home." I answered shortly, "I mean, Applejack did it as well, but they could have at least did something that didn't involve me fixing that door when I came back."

"Applejack? You mean, wait are you saying that Applejack, nicest farmer of Ponyville actually kicked down your door?" Vinyl asks incredulously, a smile adorning her face once again, only this time with a cheeky gleam to it.

"She wasn't having the best day... and I paid her back by knocking her out when she was becoming unreasonable during Apple Buck Season." I answered shortly.

"Man, when did boring Ponyville get so crazy?" She asked as we came up to another bend, "Derpy and the flower sisters are the biggest collection of drama and excitement we've had in a long time, now we've got moon goddesses, Ursa Minors, dragons, and this was all in a month!" She looked at me, with a slight arch in her brow, "You sure you didn't do something? Because you kind of moved in a month ago as well."

I opened my mouth to snap something back, and then stopped, shutting my mouth and thinking on that thought.

"... Uh... well."

"*snrk* You can't even answer that yourself?" She actually raised a very legitimate point, Nightmare Moon attacking happened nearly the same time I moved into Ponyville, and trouble has been happening ever since.

-Voidwalker-

Oh great, what do you want?

I'm very unimpressed by your "rage" if I can call it that...But, I don't care either way. It is not in the now.

Hmm, it wasn't meant to impress, it was the must subtle way I could give anyone a indication I want them to buck off.

Those...ehh...Guards? certainly are very incompetent...The Inquisition soldiers whose souls I just ripped apart are a lot more competent...Like comparing a newborn foal to a professional Master Assassin from The Order...

A story behind that likely, and these are poor guards, in any standards present.

How can you prepare for something like that and that soon you said? Well, I've seen and done so myself...A lot of blood had flown that day...*cackle*

Hmm, thrilling, are you going to talk about 'the good old days' and lean back in your armchair with a vacant and senile expression

*BONK* Ow. "No, you are not allowed to cackle! Cackle is a very worrying sign among magic users. Instead, you should smile. Like this!"

"Hmm, Trixie things that Scry Fortune is finally getting scared of this place, look at that fearful expression in her eyes."

"Hey, you alright boss lady? You kind of look like you saw a ghost or something."

"It is nothing... just a sudden draft."

"... You're wearing a-

"I have a furless back."

"Oooookay, dropping conversation." Vinyl replied quickly, and looked forward without another word.

A song suddenly came up, which I focused not to react to, as the voice of Pinkie Pie appeared again, this time singing the song.

It personified her element certainly, talking about how she liked to make everyone happy, in the end it had several other voices joining in happily with a rising speed and tone to the entire piece. Eventually it ended and it left me eternally sighing, I wondered if any good would come out of Voidwalker's posts with this kind of thing happening.

"Got that, mister! Yes, dear. "Now return to your thingy, honey!"

... What?

Ehem...Eh, lots of things happened...Alrighty then...Where was I?

... Please, just... go on, I don't care anymore.

Out of all of the insane, crazy things that have happened lately, this is one of the-

I then was interrupted from my thoughts when a door opened from up ahead, a trio of guards popped out of it.

"And so, there were these crows pecking at my eyes, bunnies nibbling at my hoofs, and I think I heard a moon damned bear coming around the door! I quickly grabbed her and teleported back, needed a bloody break after that hogwash.

"That ain't nothing, you should have seen the unicorn I brought in, she kicked so much dirt into my face it took an hour to wash it out afterwards."

"You think you two had it tough? I needed to catch an Earth pony, and they could kick HARD like a damn..."

He trailed off as all three of them locked onto us, for several seconds, we simply stared at one another. My tail then whipped around and threw a Instant Fog Grog to the floor, the entire passage was now filled with an impenetrable thick mist, limiting all sight.

"Quickly, aim all your attacks forward, no prejudice." I whispered to the two mares, I heard a couple of near silent affirmatives from the both of them, and then the yelps of surprise shouted from the side as flashes of ruby and purple flew above my head, I was crouched low to the floor and moved ahead with an average speed towards the three ponies.

Since it seem many things will happen during the times to come. I will give you this little combat knife...That have been made to adapt to your anatomy.

Convenient.

It is a standard magical blade. Very hard to break but when it does break, it regenerate itself. Take about 10 seconds to regenerate the entire thing. Never dull, the sharpness is as sharp as a knife can get and since it is magical, there are things like cutting and damaging immaterial things like ghost, specter...etc.... Silly things like sharp enough to cut an Atom in half are in fantasy or in some very weird worlds where lady physic isn't all there.

The blade had a picture, and I tried to skip to the part where to use it...

It can be summoned at will and when you don't need it anymore it will disappear. I have already bonded it to your soul. So, it should be there, you simply need to will it. It will be useful to cut ropes and stuff, while in combat, I think you should stick to what you were doing...It is a knife created for combat but it is only a last resort in many cases.

I managed to pick up the general idea from reading that line quickly, the image of a blade already in my mind, it appeared, it was strapped around my hoof securely, but I wasn't interesting in the blade, I wasn't planning to use it the lethal way.

I opened my eyes to the next dimension, the struggling figures of the three stumbled over each other, I lifted my weapon above their heads and brought the blunt handle down on their heads. I thud and one went down cold. The two were alerted to my close proximity however and tired to rush me blindly, I dived to the other side of them as they crashed against the wall together, comically they mistook themselves as enemies and gave each other a powerful punch into each others head.

One was knocked unconscious, the other was winded, my mist cloud had then chosen at that moment to clear up, revealing the scene to the world, I quickly willed the blade away before anyone could see it.

I looked down on the stallion, who spat out blood on the floor from his recent scuffle, I offered assistance in his companions intentions my kicking him into the wall.

"GAR!" He screamed out as he collided with the wall again, his front legs bruising likely from the impact.

"Alright... so here is how it's going to work, you are going to tell me the exit of this place. Next, you are going to tell me the location of the other mares you stole. And finally, your going to lie there and think about what you have done, and you might keep your teeth if you corporate now."

"You better listen dude, my mare is serious and shit." Vinyl commented as she walked up to us, "Just before we came here, she flattened a guy twice your size in half the time."

"Trixie heard a lot of pleading 'not the face' while it was happening." Trixie interjected.

While I appreciated the backup, they were laying it on rather thick. And seriously, 'my mare'?

"Ah- Ah noh afrai' oh yo'!" The man shouted, his nose was apparently broken.

"Too bad, time to do my job as the anti-dentist." I comment with a monotone, drawing back my hoof.

"WAI WAI! Ah kno' wey they ahh! They at da' cera-mon-ee! Froo da door!" He cringed terribly at my stance as he pointed meekly, I didn't relax my position.

"And the exit?"

"I don' kno! O-nee high rank me-ba's can kno the way out!" The minion shivered terribly, I meanwhile looked at him closely.

"Good boy." At that, my hoof shot forward, and knocked him hard against the wall, he slumped down a second later.

"Dude, remind me to not get on your bad side." Vinyl says as I walk up to the door the stallion had pointed out, "Seriously, like, stone cold."

"Trixie could have handled it better." The arrogant unicorn sniffed, "She would have used her skills of persuasion to nudge the truth out of him."

"Quiet... we have a lot ahead of us for the way up ahead." I silenced them both, and turned to the cell.

Or to simply look cool while you massacre your enemies with a tiny knife while they use big and advanced weapons...Hehehehehehe *BONK* Ow, again. Pink, why?

It goes to show that words of caution only last so long as I take read between paragraphs... And for the first time, I am actually thankful for Pinkie as of the moment.

"Good. No need to thanks me. Oh, hello Scry-ny! Say hello to other me for me!"

I... I don't know how that conversation will go exactly...

That girl...Why did I marry her?

Why, what, or how never turns out well around her, personal experience speaking.

Oh, right. To keep me from losing all my feelings and love of life in general in my immortal life.

... I would expect immortality would make you care for life more, seeing it as fragile and short. I suppose it is different for most cases.

Well, that's it for today. Good luck.

"So... everyone ready?" I asked as we gathered around the door.

"Yeah... but who is a 'everyone'?"

I cringed slightly, but breathed out.

"It's a more general term used outside of Equestria, since not many ponies live out there."

"Hm, alright, ready as I'll ever be." She shook her shoulders out and bunched up her muscles, slight nervousness in her stance

"The Great and Powerful Trixie shall show these impudent ponies what happens when they try to imprison her!" Her horn charged up in preparation, already a number of spells likely in mind.

Well would you look at that.
It looks like might not need to use a favor, but just in case I will leave the potion part deal from the last time, if you want a potion just say "prophet I request" and then add what every potion you want from the previous list and it will only cost a single favor. I don't know if you'll need it but it it will be there just in case. I will also send smokey to you once you completely out of danger to let you know your safe from your captor and not being pursued. I will also send you a riddle once you and the other are safe and had some rest.
your sincerely Prophet

Good to know... that is enough messages, I need to focus on the upcoming fight.

With that, I open the door... into another corridor.

"... Did that guy lie to us?" Vinyl asks in slight disappointment.

"No, this is just a preparation room, it's simply up ahead." I then walked forward, now mindful of a slow and subtle tune that came from Voidwalker's essence, it was rather catchy, and also unnerving at the same time.

We piled up on the door again, this time we could hear chants and voices from the other side clearly.

There were no other words, we simply charged into the room with a determination in our minds, to break free from our captors.

And they were going to realize, you should not leave a witch, to her craft...

The only thing I worry about, is the dark drop in the atmosphere, the cold and encompassing feeling that fell upon me.

And also the twelve foot tall creature that only was seen by me, his body black as the very void.

And looking straight at me.

Author's Note

Alright! Lots of stuff to work through, I think eventually there is going to be SO many comments I will have to leave some out, or leave them till later, i will make sure to tell you when something like that is considered, but you know, can't very well write a big story if I stop the chapter for comments all the time.

See you! And CLIFFHANGER!

The Dark One

He was not seen by the others, he was a being of power that made the room feel like it was a pit of cold void, but it was more likely it was because I could feel the room in such a way.

But I could tell from the synchronized shivers from the two unicorns on either side of me that it did something to them.

The being tilted it's head in my direction, the curtains of blackest void wrapped around him and left in place two lights, likely making up an image of his eyes. It was as if the sun never shined on his body, like light was sucked in and never left.

I tore my gaze away, and closed off all connections to the other world, I could still see him from the corner of my eyes, but I couldn't deal with him right now, I needed to deal with the problem at hand in the physical realm.

Insignificant, you have saved the time on bringing you here, good, now my arrival can begin.

Of course it couldn't be that simple, it's not the first thing today.

Hmmm... Twelve foot tall void thing that only you see for some reason.
Well, first I'd assume, should I be in that particular situation, that it can strike both yourself and your companions as if it were solid, and that you could not do the same to it.

If it could, or wanted to do that, it would have done it by now.

"You have saved the time in bringing you here at the very least, now stand still and let us prepare you for the ceremony to begin." The unicorn ahead repeated the general idea, it was a large and empty chasm of a room, a stone alter shadowed from sight stood on the far end of the room from us, the lone figure, the unicorn with the same cloak as the ones before, stood in front of it.

"Well buck, I really didn't think those cult movies got their facts straight, even I thought those scenes were kind of out there."

I ignored Vinyl's comment and tried to adopt a relaxed posture, yet prepared to tense at any given moment.

Next, I'd also assume that the ones that either created it or summoned it have fail safes in place should it try to attack one of them for some reason. Perhaps not due to their own intelligence, but I get the feeling that the one that 'owns' them for lack of a better term doesn't consider them especially disposable.
As well, trying to bait the thing into attacking its summoners is a silly thing to do anyway.

Trying to change an entities opinion is like making a mule go over running water, a number of them have superstitions on the matter you see. So yes, I doubt I could trick one into attacking it's own minions, I'm hardly the person to change his opinion because of it.

"I don't suppose you can tell me exactly what you hope to accomplish?" The question was two ways, thankfully most entities are full of themselves, enduring long and ego filled monologues is an occupational hazard to saving the world.

Or being in the company of Rainbow Dash.

"We plan to bring about the TRUE future of Equestria! Our Queen unfortunately was taken down by the element bearers, but NOW with the messenger of the night's blessing, we shall finally bring ETERNAL NIGHT!"

You have opened the way into this realm Insignificant, and so you are the portal which allows my entry, this world shall know of my power...

Great, keep talking so that I lose the rest of my non existent respect for the evil in the world. On the bright side it seems that he is powerless in this state.

Unfortunately, as you are the only one that can see it your companions would be less than useless in this particular battle. Unless of course you have some sort of 'void sight' potion on you that they can use.

It's a natural gift, and most spouses are either on the road or simply accept their Witch partners gifts and move on, why would a Witch have use for a potion in the first place, especially me who prefers to be alone.

Should you not, I would suggest having them focus on taking out the ones behind the monster as removing them from the picture might un-summon it, or otherwise get rid of it.

It has had it's presence lodged here by it's own power, they aren't strong enough to bring something like this to the world.

In conclusion, if I were to be in your situation, I'd throw the void brick at it to see what would happen, and pray to all things holy that the thing doesn't just get stronger from it.

P.S. Would you mind if I dropped by for tea sometime? Or invite you over to this side of the veil for said tea should I not find a way into your world that doesn't kill everything?
~Daideo

Hmm... I don't deal with uncertainties, I'll call that plan 'W'. And if I live through this, sure, I'll need relaxation after all this.

"Trixie does not like this place... it's too dark." The magician speaks up, "There is a dozen torches but... it's too dark."

"What is your name?" I call out, my tail was already gripping onto a number of disabling properties for the occasion, animal control mainly, they could be used differently thankfully.

"Shadow Stalker, the leader of this movement, for long I have led these TRUE believers of Nightmare Moon's vision, and tonight, YOU shall open the door to the future! Eternal night, the vision of our lady, shall come TRUE!"

Many names fit me, the one who follows your every step, the one who you see when you close your eyes, the one who creeps across the world, and the shroud that shall always cover the land. My last one was 'Dark', for it was the one that accompanied the description of every realm I gained entry into, just as yours shall.

"... Dude, you are tripping some serious balls." Vinyl deadpans, "Look, just let us and the other mares go and we can leave and you... can keep being crazy, I don't know."

"We're not alone." I told her, just as I did, several more of the cultists appear from the shadows, each wielding a wicked weapon.

We cautiously strayed to the center of the room as they pushed us towards it, back to back we carefully watched them.

"H-hey, dudes, be careful of those things, I was kind of on with the whole crazy comment, but that's no reason to get crazier." The blue haired mare called nervously.

"T-Trixie agrees, this is not something t-to resort to violence about."

"This group has lived for one thousand years, we have SEEN THE SIGNS that this century our ruler shall escape her infernal prison above the clouds and come back with a VENGEANCE upon the Sun Tyrant! But she fell... and so, we must do our part to assure her legacy shall still live!" Shadow shouted out, "Any means necessary for our true goddess."

"Buck, these plotholes are crazy." Vinyl mutters to us, "Murder hasn't happened in Equestria for... I don't know, a really bucking long time."

"There's always a time to break the record I suppose." I muttered back, "I'll keep him talking, try to find out a way to beat them off."

"I'm a disk jockey, Trixie is a ego bloated magician and your... I don't know, a magic mushroom maker? How exactly am I going to take care of thirty crazy cultists with weapons?"

"Okay, I'll take care of the left of the room, you and Trixie takes care of the other."

"Trixie doesn't think that's a plan, Trixie thinks it's more of a goal, or a step to a plan." The blue mare whispers back harshly.

"Just do it!" I whisper back just as harshly, before turning back to Shadow and the 'Dark' one, "What have you done with the other mare's you kidnapped?"

"Oh dear, aren't you so blind, can't you see they are right here?" He extends his arm and gestures to the alter, a couple of torches light up and reveal the two.

One was a Earth Pony with a pink and blue mane, and yellow coat, she was the picture of terrified as she looked around, the other...

Was Fluttershy, element of Kindness, who was the description, biology and personal interview of horrified, her eyes simply glued to the dark proceedings, and shivering all over.

Both of them were tied to the alter, unfortunately from this distance I could tell that the ropes used to bind them were a much better set of knots than the ones back at my cell.

I looked back at Shadow, "What do you plan on doing to them?"

"Why, they are part of the ceremony of course, once we sacrifice you, and three of every pony tribe, THEN we shall bring upon Eternal Night to the world!"

They will be the lifeblood that fuels my proper entrance into this realm, with your soul and living essence upon this sacred stone, I shall finally regain my true power and bind the word with my being.

Of course, harmony magic is known to happen with different magics of the tree tribes cooperating together, so it stands to reason that blood sacrifices are much more effective with the three together, because with all three of the races together they are nearly as powerful a sacrifice as Alicorn blood.

With my own as the link to the other worlds opening, I doubt that there is much chance of this failing.

"Hmm... very well, this may be a shock to you, but you have one too many Unicorns to make that work. Also one too many Earth's if you count me, wouldn't an extra pegasi make more sense under the circumstances?"

"I... uh, what?" The leader asked in confusion.

"It's a legitimate question, after all you have said you had to sacrifice me and three of the other tribe, but there isn't much special about myself so why exactly are you doing that? Also there is two unicorns so that makes the distribution and distinction between us all rather confusing."

"I... well I... huh..." He scratched his head as he pondered my view.

"Psst!" I inclined my head to show I was listening to Vinyl, "What the hay are you doing? Are you trying to get him to kidnap ANOTHER pegasi somewhere?"

"I said I'm stalling, how is your end holding up?"

"Well when you left me I had no clue, and now I have a bit of a plan, I just don't know how to do it without friendly fire coming up."

"What's the problem?"

"Well... uh, actually never mind, just cover your ears when I give the signal."

"... Very well."

"Trixie just wants to say, that if they plan for only one unicorn, Vinyl can take my place."

"... Jee, I feel so loved."

"Trixie has known you for less than an hour and your mocked her for most of it, forgive me if I show some self preservation!"

I simply left them to their argument and turned back to the leader.

Do not become afflicted by her words, she is simply delaying the inevitable, carry out your mission and sacrifice them immediately.

... I tilted my head back to my companions.

"Vinyl, we may have ran out of time." I spoke back.

"Already?!"

"SEIZE THEM!" Shouts Shadow, influenced by the words of his master, his minions immediately followed his words and moved forward to restrain us.

"ALRIGHT! TIME TO DROP THE MOTHERBUCKING BASS!" I took the nervous yet bravado filled voice as the signal to place my hooves over my ears, a flash of ruby light lit up the cave, signifying she had activated a spell.

In the dull thrum of silence at my self deafening of sound in the world, I heard a very faint and distinct pitch of something, it then grew louder and louder, and while it was the cultists around us were trying frantically to reach for their own ears but cringed in pain and most stumbled to the floor in pain.

Ten seconds later the faint noise stopped, and I took it as my sign to go.

My tail whipped out of it's bag, and three pellets found themselves rolling on the floor underneath the cultists in front of me, they broke apart right after settling to a stop, great clouds of green gas rising from them.

Deafened by the noise before, they now founded themselves blind as the moisture of their eyeballs became as painful as acid, they screamed as it assaulted their eyes and tried frantically to wipe off whatever was affecting them.

I knew the gas was quick to act and disappear, so after five seconds I moved in and acted with extreme prejudice.

My hooves fell into the crowd, if they were slumped on the ground in pain, I stomped their muzzles to the ground painfully, when they tried to face me with bloodshot eyes, I kicked them in the stomachs and knocked them off balance.

Some were getting up however, so I needed to more aggressive.

I didn't store more than three 'Tear Acid Bombs' in my bag however.

My mind turned to Daideo's gifts however...

My tail was already pulling out a brick that was marked with black soot and white ash, I wasn't sure of it's effect, but it was heavy and solid, so that might work.

Just as quickly, a knife materialized on my hoof and I got to work.

I ducked a sloppy swing of a curved blade from one and the handle of my knife connected with a 'thwack' to his head, his eyes rolled up and he was unconscious immediately, another tried to attack me from behind, my tail swung up above him, and crashed down on his cranium, like the knife it connected solidly...

And his entire body smashed into the ground like a cement block had fallen on him.

I paused for a second, before having to round back to another group of mares and stallions tried to surround me.

Thinking quickly, I divided my tail, half of it still holding the brick, while the other half crept into my bag again to pull out a lump of metal, it tightened around it enough to press down the button of it.

With that I dropped it to the floor, and quickly twirled around to bludgeon someone else with my brick of smashing, crumbling to the floor I leaped over the body quickly.

A few seconds later a loud explosion sounded off behind me, the bodies of them flying from the center.

I took a second to glance over at the unicorns I came in with, Vinyl was currently doing her best with basic unicorn magic, floating weapons out of reach and attacking them with the blunt ends, Trixie was going big with large explosions of light and sound, disorientating crowds of them at a time, the two of them worked together as best as they could in that regard.

I took out the sleep wand next with the split hairs my tail, pointing to the trio of stallions approaching my position, they all slumped to the ground noiselessly and no longer presented a threat.

I suddenly felt myself in a coil of telekinesis, another hooded unicorn was trying to disable me, I touched the amulet hanging around my neck the moment he was beneath me, so my front hooves landed onto his face, I kicked him under the chin with my left foreleg to continue the point.

With that, there was ten knocked to the floor our cold.

The rest were above me reading to dive bomb from above.

With a flap of feathers one swooped down to tackle me, I dodged out of the way completely, another did the same and I had to duck his swing at my head.

Desperate times call for...

I reached into my bag... and took out the hat, and if that last ditch effort didn't work, a jar of one glowing blue sphere.

The hat... I put it on my head.

I didn't really no what else I could have done with it really, I looked back up at my enemies to see them diving at me, but suddenly doing a 180 and slamming into their companions. I breathed a sigh in relief, hiding away my most volatile concoction back in my bags.

It went like that for the next few as well, trying to attack me but ending up slamming into their allies, two crumbled within reach of my hooves to disable them. The others from that point drew back and avoided attacking, cautious about the same happening to them, thankfully with less to worry about I could prepare more time sensitive measures to disable them.

I deposited the brick back inside my bags, and brought out a jar of familiar shiny spheres, this time with fuses present.

Already I was drawing out a set of matches, it was a simple process of lighting them and putting them back on my tail, timing it was tricky.

But soon they were eye level between the different pegasi and with a displacement of air, they came crashing down in pain, their wings now at strange angles due to the tumble, and with that I finished them off my crunching their heads to the ground.

I looked back over at Trixie and Vinyl, who both managed to take care of their own, they were painting in exhaustion, but they managed to work out the issue thankfully enough.

We all turned to Shadow, who was seated in front of us, he had not moved from his spot whatsoever.

"Well... now that is over, let's proceed with the matter at hoof shall we?" I said as we all walked forward, "Now I would appreciate that you quietly accept the face of defeat and leave it at that..."

I felt my eyelids droop once again, and two thumps on the ground managed to let me know my allies had already succumbed to the spell. I however was not caught by surprise late at night, and so my hoof was already enclosed around the amulet around my neck.

However, I still allowed myself to slump to the ground in a faked sleeping state, I heard the clop of hooves as he drew close.

"Dear dear... you don't honestly think it would be that easy did you?"

I couldn't move with him analyzing me, and I don't want to test his his gloating could last before we are hoisted on the alter.

Good, now place her on the pedestal, it is time for my full awaking.

But then the answer came as my hoof was pressed against the bag around my neck, Cheshire's bag, it was out of sight and I could use it... but I didn't know a tool that could fit the job at the moment.

But then another part of the message included with the bag came to mind.

Nothing can be put in to the pouch, if you do put anything inside, it will vanish forever.

I already was springing up from my faux sleep.

I had the bag up and raised above my head.

I opened the lid, and found itself slamming on it's target.

The sickly black glowing horn of Shadow Stalker.

Despite the bag being half the length, the entirety of his horn slipped inside, for several seconds nothing happened.

Then I pulled away, leaving the stub of bone that used to be the unicorn's horn.

He stood there, mute all the while, now up close I could see that rolling waves of dark energy were leaking out of his tear ducts, and his pupils and whites were replaced with the same all encompassing black like his master.

I didn't take the time to bother with him as I walked over to the alter where Fluttershy and the other mare were watching, they shrunk slightly back from me, but I didn't mind as I took the blade from Voidwalker and slashed through their bindings.

I then walked past Shadow once more towards the slumped bodies of Trixie and Vinyl, I unceremoniously kicked them awake.

"Urg, no Octi... I like the spandex..."

"Yes Princess Celestia... Trixie would be honored to preform for you..."

I kicked them again, this time jolting them properly into waking up.

"Come now, we must leave immediately." groggily they stood up and I led them towards the only other exit to the room, I turned to the pegasus and Earth pony of the room, "I suggest you follow us, or we may find ourselves back at square one in our cells."

That startled the blue and pink maned pony, who went through the door first, while Fluttershy merely stared at me.

I looked back.

"Why... why did you do that?" She asked, trembling, I took a courtesy glance over at Shadow, who was now kneeling on the ground with his head bowed low.

I looked back at her, and merely shrugged, "It was simply how things went."

I then turned away from the scene, and supported a unsure Vinyl as she tried to reach the door, the Element of Kindness wavered slightly, and I heard the slightest whisper that caused no end of befuddlement for her situation.

'I'm so sorry...'

Kidnapping, planning to kill her for a sacrifice ritual, and so many other offences, yet she still forgives them.

I felt her aura, it was by far the most fragile, it was light like Pinkie Pie's, yet it seemed to glide in space more than it floated, if anything several presences seemed to be around the room extended from herself. Even if it was fragile however, it had an inner strength that was not intimidating, not noticeable, not even that strong.

Yet, it was there, never pushing, never harsh, simply a presence that supported all in it's wake.

The Element of Kindness shedding a tear for the wicked, it's no wonder how she gained her title.

As I walked to the door, I turned my head towards The Dark One for a few moments, he regarded me the same.

His eyes were murky, they would have been glowing with hatred if it hadn't been for all the shadow that had manifested around him.

Mark my words Insignificant, this is not over, my hands in this world may be limited, but darkness allows comes, it will always be there, and I will always be watching, ready to take what is mine.

I snorted, my connection to the otherworld opened and I simply spoke my mind within it.

"Then I will be sure to keep a nightlight on during the evenings."

I left the dark abode, not looking back.

We found ourselves outside the cave complex that was thankfully not far from Ponyville, we made a short hike and I learned through brief interaction between Vinyl and the Earth pony that her name was BonBon, but conversation was relatively small because the shock hadn't hit yet.

The sun shined over the horizon, and we all found ourselves just outside of town.

"... Well shit, we actually did it." Vinyl uttered, she then broke into a smile, "HA! We actually escaped a bucking cult! Oh won't old Tavi get a shock when I come home late this morning, she'll be like 'Where were you?' and I'll be like 'Kidnapped by Moon Cultists' and the best thing of all, I WOULDN'T BE LYING!" She laughed loudly and full of regained energy.

"Trixie certainly did not enjoy the experience herself." The magician huffed, "... But she will admit that it was a very exciting tail afterwards, it will certainly fit Trixie's show when she gets back on the road! The Brave and Heroic TRIXIE!" She stomped her hooves in glee.

"I need to go check on Harry, I hope he's alright..." Fluttershy whispered in worry.

"I just hope Lyra hasn't broken something when I was gone." BonBon grumbled, a slight quirk of a smile working into her features.

"... I just need to take a long nap for the day." I put in my opinion, I then turned back to them, "Now, I would like to say that this is to your own discretion, but I think it's best we leave each other outside of our own stories about escaping that situation. I say this because a number of us would not enjoy the attention, so I ask that if you want to talk about this experience with anyone else, provided you leave the rest of the unwilling out of the story."

"Eh... alright then, I can get behind that." Vinyl shrugs, "So, we just go back to life like this never happened?"

"Well certainly I would inform the guards of the situation and direct them to the slavers, but I am too tired as of the moment, I think we all deserve a rest, but I live far away from town limits, one of you will have to inform the guards." I then turned away and began heading towards my home, "Be safe."

"Wait!" I stopped, and turned my head back towards Vinyl and Trixie, who dropped their hooves simultaneously, looking at each other and back at me.

"I just wanted to say... thanks, whenever you're at the local club in Ponyville, be sure to swing by, I think I could pull the strings for a entry." The 'dick jockey' smiled back, "Hay, what am I saying? I'll buy you a drink myself."

"Trixie could have gotten out of her bindings herself... but she supposes she couldn't not have a tag-along to witness her greatness, so... Trixie is thankful for the assistance." She looked away to look aloof, yet glanced towards me a few times to gauge my reaction.

I looked at the two of them... and I simply nodded, "It wasn't much, any creature would do the same, be it friend or foe, stranger or hostile acquaintance." I saw Trixie flinch slightly, "The way I see it, it would be a sad event to not help, for who can simply walk away when others are in need." I then pulled back my hood, exposing my scalp to the moisture of the air, "To do anything less is out of the question."

I then turned away and followed the path back home, the first thing I would do was collapse on that bed...

"Also, what's with the hat! Didn't think you needed to be in fashion for the occasion!"

I scowled slightly at the white unicorns remark, and reached up to pull the forgotten garment off my head.

I hope that I won't have to use it in the future, it was honestly a uncomfortable piece of headgear now that I remember it.

Just as I walked through my wrecked doorway.

A new Entity has arrived!!!

Great, thanks for coming just the moment I don't want to accept any mail.

Riclamin Glittergaunt
Archmage of the 12, Founder of the Masked Mages, Slayer of Yeehognu, Lord of Winter, Heir of the Primordial Gods and currently bored out of his damned mind.

... Impressive, and juvenile.

Let's see if you can change that.

I think I've had enough excitement for one day.

Well. I suppose you would like to know a bit about me eh?
I'm a Wizard, and a Sorcerer, and a Storm Mage, and a Cleric. I'm bored. I go around the multiverse watching mortals and their daily lives. It's fun at times but it can get tedious.

I can't imagine, but I can imagine a tedious situation, I seem to be treading into one every time I put my hoof down.

YOU however, are going to have a very interesting life in the next few chapters *cough* I mean months.
There are lots of powerful forces watching you and they all want to watch you and your life. By the way, don't think about anything too private, we'll see that.

Thank you for the advice... but keeping a lid on my thoughts twenty four seven will wear down on me, it's best if I just continue on my life regardless.

Well, I have a few small gifts for you.
1x Scroll of Teleport
1x Wand of Magic Missile (CL 80th) 50/50 Charges Remaining
1x Pebble of Potions (Place it in your cauldron, it won't affect the brew and will repair up to 3 mistakes you make while brewing)
-The Archmage

Hmm... these will certainly be useful I suppose.

Again, thank you for your contribution.

P.S And don't bash on Necromancy, it's not necessarily evil. I have friend made of necromantic energy who sacrificed himself to prevent the collapse of a pillar of reality. It was insane, I'm pretty sure I saw a pink pony fly out of the resulting explosion.

... Okay, ignoring that last part, it is usually a bad thing where I come from as of the moment, because the only necromancy I know of is reanimated corpses.

P.P.S I'll also assist with any extra-dimensional eldritch evils.

...

NEXT MESSAGE! Might as well answer them all before I can rest.

Nice head bash use with my knife miss Fortune...The knife have a lot of potential and abilities that you will need to discover for yourself. What I said was just a tiny part of what it could do, there is so much more that the knife is capable of and... well, I think it would be interesting to see you figure it out.

It was useful certainly... and I suppose I shouldn't expect any less.

And about that being...Well, shit. It seem at least one of them got passed...there may be more.*sigh* And so, it all starting again...Another world, another time. Although, that thing seem rather weak compare to what they normally was. Do what you can miss Fortune...Use everything that you have and around you to your advantage and do what you think must be done.

I will, I was unprepared for the treat, but now I can make countermeasures to any possible attack that may happen.

For one, an investment into that sun stone of Prophet's might yield some results.

Oh, I almost forgot. Pink said th- "It should only be a bit EXCITABLE when the other me received my greeting...Some of me have the ability to see the future like a true seer or having the ability to communicate or at least know of other me out there so it shouldn't be 'out of control'.

... Great, ANOTHER reason why that mare is infuriating.

Also, if you're wondering. I am a Goddess of Chaos here. I dethroned Discord when he failed to prove he is worthy and understanding of his power.

...

He is now a normal ageless Earth pony, courtesy of the residue chaos magic he had.

...

I am acting rather tame right now is because as a goddess, my influence is a bit...'more' and I don't want the balance between chaos and order to goes out of whack.

I might need to take Vinyl up on that offer of a drink...

Also, if you think that having immortal life will make you appreciate it more then you obviously haven't met those that see mortal life as nothing more than dust, trash, worthless, inferior...etc...and need to be remove from sight. It got bad when they cut their contact from all mortals.

Well of course, any being that thinks find themselves detached and place labels on some status, such as mortality, how a immortal sees them as inferior is beyond me, unless they also procure great power, then is where the distinctions comes into play. It doesn't matter if you can't age or die, if you have the same strength as a mortal then there is unlikely a chance one would look down on mortals.

Unless they are just naturally an idiot.

Happened quite a lot. Starting with losing few too many love ones and doesn't have the willpower to continue with it. Instead, isolating oneself and losing said oneself.

Isolating oneself I understand, the hatred and believing oneself superior is another.

Now, back to ya, o' Lord of Life and Death.

*sigh* Well, that is that. Now I have to go find where are the weaknesses in my shield so I can repair while wiping out several more waves of Void's horror.

Why not ask your wife to patrol? I'm certain that no one will try to get in then.

You can expect more trouble to come...I know my shield isn't perfect but this is a bit too soon for my taste...I guess they learnt quite a bit...
Good luck on your journey.

I suppose if that's the worst that can come after me, then I should be thankful, it seems that he has relied on his full powers before coming here, and in order to unlock his full powers he may need the support of his controlled group, no doubt he is moving them out of that cave as we speak.

-Voidwalker-
P.S. Music. Because why the hell not? The title is 'Infernal signs'.

A slow tune started, and then it took on a heavy and rather dark tone as it played on, giving it a very atmospheric feel to the air.

And that is part of the reason why the pink one scares me. That chaos magic has a tendency to lack through to other versions of her.

One of the many reasons, yes.

The gates of possibility have opened wide, We are flying blind with regards to what lies in the immediate future. There is not much I can offer you in material assistance either I'm afraid, you would be unable to use anything I can give.

You needn't worry, the things that were donated from other entities have helped my rather well in the present.

However, I can leave you with one bit of advice. All beings from outside the Physical realm are bound by certain rules. If you can decipher these rules, you can easily best even the most powerful of entities.

Indeed, I have tried to find the way that most witches in my line have manipulated the world through their connection, it is nearly like unicorn magic when altering the properties of the world, but it always runs a risk of possession or danger. I suppose I might need to learn certain properties of beings outside the physical realm in order to use them or direct them in the way I wish.

Since your foes saw fit to capture you alive, it implies that they need you for some purpose. They will not likely risk your life in a confrontation. Use this to your advantage.
Machina.

Indeed, the dark one needs me due to my connection to the outer world, without me he wouldn't be able to stress that connection and bring himself here.

What I need right now is something... some way to harm the immaterial entities, The Dark One will be a difficult for to face in the coming days, so i need to find a way to end him or evict him in some way. Anything in order to stop his efforts and make sure that this world isn't bound by the darkness he wishes.

And so, let it be said that this is where I prepare for a very long and grueling campaign. I can only hope that the timidness of Fluttershy help towards her silence, while my statement may leave me out of the truths that the other ponies of the group may tell. Leaving this town was always to be expected in the future, but it would be a problem to be on the road with a being of greater power wishing for my blood.

I paused as a great yawn then erupted from my mouth, my eyes were fogged and disorientated.

I was up all night, being put forcefully unconscious didn't hep my sleeping patterns whatsoever, so I then dragged myself to bed, the long day having worn down on me.

As I crawled under my blanket, my mind turned to the 'tea party' that I was invited to, during the tense situation I didn't process it as I should have, how he was exactly going to do so would be the question...

I surrendered my mind to sleep, deciding I would worry about it when I awoke.

... Also after getting a new door, I found a chicken under the bed clucking.

The Tea Party

I looked across the glade, I was back in the world of my dreams once again, I chose to come because of the events of the night before weighed on my mind.

The same scene unfolded in front of me, the long and unending grass fields, the sky covered in leaves, and the single tower of brown, wooden bark in the horizon.

With my mind now resting, I could get to work.

With a mindful push, the air and ground warped around me, swirling dark colors shifted into blurred shapes before snapping into focus as silhouettes, and finally turning from black and white to colored pictures and images.

I walked up to the first few, it was the ponies I’ve met and allied myself with.

Vinyl Scratch with an easy grin and relaxed posture, and Trixie with a smug look and head poised in superiority.

They were not the first of course, it times of shared desperation I managed to ally with others because they too needed help, afterwards we’d part for our respected directions…

I would get a thank you, maybe even a gift, and we never saw each other again afterwards.

It was better that way, the longest I’d ever spent in close company with another is a week, and that was because we were going to same direction. Here… would be a difficulty, since it is likely, being the temporary leader of the escape, they would assume a shared feeling of ‘escape’ and therefore wish to greet me and…

The same thing already happening in Ponyville, so I suppose it isn't much of one, Vinyl is outspoken however, she might let it slip… Trixie would likely make the story centered around herself and forgo my description and name entirely. Trixie however travels, I don't know how easy that will be, if I recall correctly she has a travelling stage, I wonder if she had lost it.

Either way, I suppose I should move on.

I looked at the next two, the ponies who I didn't really have a connection to, Fluttershy and BonBon, the hostages who I only knew in passing, other than Fluttershy’s connection to the Elements of Harmony of course. BonBon was indifferent, yet looks slightly annoyed, likely because I hadn't seen enough of her personality to make a judgement, Fluttershy had a gentle, if somewhat frightened face.

Pity was the main thing I could make out from her eyes. Whether it was pity for me, or for the stallion I crippled, I couldn't tell.

Maybe it was both?

I shook my head of those thoughts and moved on.

They would be a bother, Fluttershy’s connection with Twilight, who I already have trouble with as of the moment, may be problematic… BonBon was an unknown, the only thing I could tell was that she liked a normal life, so maybe she wouldn't speak up about this.

I then moved onto the next group, robed figures, and looking under their hoods, their faces were partially black as night, showing boney smiles and empty sockets.

These were the ones I fought, a great number of them, all with a corruption that was shown deep within their souls.

They were directed of course, but they were still enemies until a time I can deal with their master.

I then moved to the next… a lone figure.

He was kneeling before me, his hood drawn back to reveal his face, not corrupted despite it being so in real life, the only sign of his body being changed was the slightly bleeding stump sprouting from his forehead.

He used to be a unicorn.

These were the ones I hurt.

They didn't have to be enemies, those were always likely to be hurt, it had to be ones I hurt worse than it is accepted.

I stared into his empty eyes for a while… his expression was the very example of loss.

I moved on, no further thought than ‘it was necessary’.

It didn't make me feel better.

The last was a colossal being, it took up a great space in front of me, filling up the very air he inhabited with a dark and dreary shadow, he looked down at me with an expression I was not able to decipher, because of his skeletal and and alien structure.

This, was the foe I was truly worried for.

It named itself the ‘Dark One’, rather unimaginative, but for one who seeks to rule the world you can't expect much creativity

It had a very unique appearance… already my mind was recalling the information I had trouble grasping.

Primals… hmm.

It seems that this one is likely a ‘Primal’ of shadow, since his very appearance revolves around such, or maybe darkness, death?(No, not death, this primal was dark, not cold.)

I frowned.

“Go away, you're input is not needed.”

(… Fine... I'll tell the others to leave you alone too.)

There was a warp in the air, and I turned back to the matter at hoof.

He was a larger entity than what I’m used to, the ones I knew were bound to a location, restricted by some form of rules.

Didn't much care for anything on a physical plane of existence.

This one is a conqueror, it wishes to ‘cover this world in darkness’ or something like that.

And it is likely one who controls all darkness… so he could end life with whatever is within it’s presence.

Reason why he could not fight me? He wasn't able to establish a power base, he likely only just came to this place and hadn't gotten a chance to collect a sizable amount of power yet.

Hmm… ways to dispel him? To banish him? Did it even count as a ‘him’ at this point.

Too many questions, not enough answers.

… A brief moment of of my subconscious churning managed to reveal a possible fact, could the entities I made connections with through the View Brew offer answers?

In an instant, another question came to mind, could I receive messages in my dreams?

I looked over, and a space opened up in the green glade, as the images behind me were snuffed out.

A familiar block of text appeared in front of me.

Dear Scry Fortune

Hmm… well, that answers that question.

Seeing an entity like this so soon is very concerning as it implies that either the creatures of the void have had their sight on this world long before you met us or that one of our number has...tipped them off.

Well, I suppose there isn't much I can do if it was indeed one of you, I have trouble dealing with the entity in my realm as of the moment.

Either way it is very concerning.

It is apocalyptic on my end.

As for Machina’s mention of rules that these entities must abide by while true, there ARE exceptions and while rare enough that you are unlikely to meet one during your lifetime under normal circumstances (especially with all of us keeping watch) this development means that it is more likely for one to appear. And while I would love to send more help, I very much strained my connection to your world by not sending those packages earlier through the courier.

Well, great, another problem likely on the horizon, like I needed anymore problems in my life.

I will though send a token to you in the morning via courier. This token is something very important and should only be used in the event you encounter one of those entities i mentioned earlier as they tend to be very powerful. Do not waste it as it is a one time deal and as for what it will do... well I will tell you in a more private message should you wish to know.

With Caution

Professor Killjoy

A token by courier, this morning? Then they will likely have to wait, I haven't slept all night and getting up will strain my sleep deprived brain, and yes, I would like that message because I would have no idea what I would do with it otherwise. I then looked at a second message, which made itself known.

-Voidwalker-

Ah, of course you would be here, what else do you wish to criticize?

Eh...You said something about harming immaterial entities...Wasn't the little description of my knife included that?

...

Granted you don't have much reach with it so you should probably find a way to unlock more of its power…

And so the mocking of my power begins, and here I thought you were being new with the whole helpful sentence.

And since you've opened a possible option… I will agree with the assessment at least, the knife will need some testing to see some of it’s capabilities, also, I need to be more adept with my knife in the first place.

I haven't had much in the way of ‘weaponry’ in a while.

Why I don't bring my wife to deal with them? Eh...As of now, they are assaulting my world because I 'interfere' with 'their world' and she is defending it while keeping certain things in balance.

… I guess that they aren't having much in the way of success in pushing her defense back.

Also, some Void horrors are immune to the effect that my wife and many versions of my wife is having on you. That or you are just simply not equipped to deal with THE PINK ONE.

... I suppose you think you're superior when you yourself was startled by your wife’s antics?

Well, I don't have much to say and I will have to resume finding the head of the stream of Void Horror that is attacking my world and cut it of...then hopefully, I can focus on your world defense again.

… Good luck on that front I suppose…

The shield is repaired so I think it will hold for a while...hopefully long enough for me to get back and repair any damage that was dealt to it. Goodluck, Ms. Fortune.

You too Voidwalker.

"My loyal soldiers, Dark Templars! We will tear them apart and let the Void Eternal consume them! We will rid our current homeworld of these abomination! Move out!" *Many voices shout* "OORAH!"

… Well then, that seems to be the end of-

All of a sudden, a rush of air build up and several synthetic ‘beeps’, a build up of marching soon followed it with the sound of a hammer striking iron in the background.

I furrowed my brow in confusion, and that’s when it happened.

The sound of a stallion raising his voice over a megaphone, and a loud CRASHING of soUNds echOEd throughout my dreAMscape, making it literally shake the very air and ripples through space quickly appear from random points in the leave filled sky. I tried to regAIn my BALanCe as THe grOUnD shoOK unDERneATh me.

(My, now THAT is quite the energetic tune… the beats, the rhythm, the EXOTIC flow is so… fulfilling.)

(The magephone guy’s really into it, and the beat just get the heart pumpin’ dunnit!? I luvs this song!)

(Oh by the bloody fields of TARTARUS! That’s what I’m talking about! We need better music around here, this is my ‘jam’!)

I grOWLed inTERnally, aNd in an insTAnt my eyes clOSed-

I shot up from bed, my eyes blinking slowly in the gloom of the morning.

Damn Voidwalker, damn him to whatever the equivalent of Tartarus may be in his realm.

I got up, slowly, I did not go to sleep the required number of hours, and I doubt I would now with that thumping racket still in my ears.

I shook my head and headed towards the kitchen, hopefully I could whip up something to calm my nerves. I stumbled out of bed and headed towards my ended location.

I stopped… just short of reaching towards the coffee beans I managed to pick up, there was a rolled up parchment, instead of yellowed with age however, it was more blackened with soot.

I gazed at it for a second, and picked it up, there was a message inside, I read it.

Dear Scry fortune,

While I earlier offered to take tea at your house, that is, unfortunately, no longer an option. So, as an alternative to that scenario I am hereby sending you an invitation to my home, where I will serve the finest of teas, cake that is of a slightly lesser quality than the tea as I am no master baker, and a tour of my realm should you wish it. When you wish to come, merely weigh this letter down and throw it and I will open a portal to my side of the veil where it makes contact.

Please make sure that there is no one in the immediate area of the target zone when you you activate the portal as it will be extremely uncomfortable for the concerned party and I would feel bad.

Warmest regards. Daideo.

… I looked at it, and considered…

I looked at the pot of coffee, and remembered that I had ran out of the beans needed to make it yesterday, and I was meant to get extra yesterday…

I sighed, and reached for the heaviest thing in reach, the empty coffee pot.

With a slight amount of aggression, I threw the container against the walls, wrapped around it was the burnt looking parchment.

Immediately there was a sound not unlike the tearing of cloth before a violent wind whipped up in the direction of the wall I had struck with the parchment-pot combination, before too long everything settled and before my eyes a black spot appeared on the exact point I had hit, slowly expanding until it was easily large enough for three of me to enter walking abreast of myselves. The portal on the wall literally smoked shadows and I could feel that the room had dropped from the original temperature from before.

Now, I was substantially less sure about entering.

I stared at the swirling mass for a while…

Before giving a sigh, “I swear, I just woke up from escaping one life threatening entity, please be at least a little accommodating when I arrive.”

I stepped forward, and the portal in front of me, was now surrounding me.

And then, it was behind me.

I blinked, and looked back at the still swirling portal, it turned and twisted from my recent entrance and exit through it before it settled down once more. I then took in my surroundings, it was a cobblestone castle, not unlike the dungeon I had escaped from less than twelve hours ago.

This dungeon however, was different from the ones the moon cultists had used in that there had actually had been color in some places inside it, here, the standing chandeliers were revealing nothing but various shades of gray no matter what they actually illuminated, black, I noticed was where it was expected, as well as a cloud of a thick, roiling black fog obscuring where there may have been a ceiling, or floor for that matter.

My attention was caught by the muted sound of horribly screeching hinges in need of oiling, My attention turned to the grayscale ironbound double door to the side of the room I was in, which may well have actually been the front entrance to the castle.

And through that door strode a thin, tall, bipedal figure, it’s actual form hidden beneath its grayscaled clothes. It really was very thin, so much so that it shouldn't have been possible to support it’s body. Yet here it was, striding closer on its disproportionately long legs, covered in a pair of light gray cloth trousers tucked into a pair of iron gray leather boots, the tops turned down on themselves over its twiggy calves, the ends of the laces tightening the slit in the front of the boots swaying under the silver buckles at the top of each one with each of its steps.

Around its waist was a dull grayed length of leather about a hoof wide fastened in the front by an intricately engraved silver buckle, tucked in behind that was a simple light gray shirt, almost white actually, it’s collar split and laced in front of its neck, and over the shirt there was a long overcoat, opened in the front showing me its shirt, a line of silver buttons running down one side of the opening, nearly blending into the light gray material were it not for the gleam of the metal, measured holes on the opposite side.
The coats collar, folded over itself and held in place by a silver button, gave way to squared shoulders that were obviously not its own that lead its sleeves that were about twice as big around as its arms judging by its pasty white, spidery hands, Either of which was about a quarter of the length of its arm given the length of its elongated, thin claws.

The kicker though, was the mask situated where its face would be, the mask was colored a near black, above its throat I could see the edge of its bony jaw, white skin stretched over the bone, the mask itself covered its face near completely, where its muzzle would be on a pony it had the edge of a wedge that ran from either side of it below its eyes to the point that covered the point of its jaw, above its ‘muzzle’ it suddenly angled back towards its head to for the piece between its tiny angular eyeholes, nothing but more shadows behind them.the area above its eyes was a flat space over its forehead that went under the tricorn it was currently wearing on top of everything else.

All in all, rather bizarre, yet sadly, it doesn’t really compete with the month I’ve been having thus far. As I thought this, it stopped stepping and bowed to me from the waist, one of its hands on its chest, when it straightened I spoke

“Hello… I would hazard a guess that you are you one who invited me, Daideo correct?”

“You hazard that guess quite correctly Miss Fortune, I am, in fact know as Daideo, and I did invite you to tea. Speaking of, would you care to follow me to where I have a room prepared for such? I must admit, you caught me slightly off guard with how soon you arrived, I’d have brought you straight there had you given me but a few more minutes.” His voice was soft, yet easily understood and seemingly as immaterial as the shadows on the ceiling.

“Well… to be honest, I was half asleep, I didn't have much patience.” I looked around, “Why is this place so… colorless?”

Daideo made a flicking motion with one of his claws, I recognised it as a ‘follow me’ from, the Diamond Dog’s back at the Griffin Kingdom’s, then he began walking to the opposite door from the one he entered.

“Because my dear Miss, this realm was originally designed for the punishment of the less, deserving, of worse fates. Those that didn't go out of their way to either help, or harm. But the architect of this place didn't approve of the final product, and so, I offered to take it off his metaphorical hands. It was at once the best, and worst decision of my life up to that point.” He spoke as he strode, his arms coming to rest and the base of his spine, one set of spindly fingers wrapping around the other to keep them in place.

“... Very well.” I trotted behind him as he walked out the door, I took a moment to look around the passing hallways, again it had the same color scheme of grey and black, not much white whatsoever.

“... So, I suppose this was your motive to asking what my favorite tea was before?”

“Indeed it was, I hope you are able to imagine just how, lonely this place can get. When your spell found me, I was overjoyed that I had contact with another, even if it was merely a system to watch and give advice through Scholar’s ‘letters’.”

“That suggests not much contact with others here I suppose?” I glanced outside of a window that we passed by, it’s angle only allowed me to look into the sky, which was cloudy, fitting in with the general dark feel of the world.

“... That, my dear, is an understatement. There has only been myself here for so long that I started counting the centuries rather than the years, Though with your company, I think I may be able to count in mere days again. And I truly hope that the lack of, variety, in companionship will not put you off.”

“I am hardly one to speak about what companionship I have Daideo.”

“But then, who is anyone to speak of what company they keep? To merely have company at all, to some, is all that matters.”

I considered these words as carefully as I could, but again, there came that impenetrable wall that always seemed to form when I tried to empathize with an entity, I simply didn’t know how to understand a being that has been alone for most, if not all his life.

We found ourselves at another door, when Daideo then reached forward and pulled it open once again, following after him, I looked around to see a long table, various biscuits and other forms of snacks lining the plates there. A fireplace set into the wall on one side roared with barely a crackle, and illuminated the room in all its grayscaled glory, the wall on the far end seemingly made of glass, a few lengths of iron running through it to keep it in place.

There were two seats on either side of the table, I took the one on the left, away from the fireplace.

Daideo sat himself on the other end, with a slight clink of cups on saucers, he arranged his palette in front of himself, I tried to follow suit by dragging my own plates across the table to myself.

“Hmmm? Oh, dear. Please, let me get that for you.” He said, a little slowly as if he were distracted by some all consuming thought. Before easily reaching his arms across the table to push, pull, grab, and arrange the dishes in front of me, I was struck slightly how at ease he did it, so quickly.

“... Those claws are certainly useful.” I mutter faintly.

He didn't give any sign of hearing, and simply finished by placing my cup in front of me, filled with a steaming pool of tea, and leaning back into his chair, his own cup already in claw.

“So… I suppose I should question the well kept tea set or how you have tea despite you being the only one here.” I thoughtfully comment, I took my own cup in hoof and took a sip.

“The tea set, my dear, came with me when I first came to own this realm, and I have taken great pains to ensure they survived the years as well as possible, the tea itself, came from my garden.”

“Oh, then I suppose it isn't always cloudy as the weather thus far suggests?” I gestured to the window behind me.

“Oh, no my dear, the weather, is as constantly dark and dreary as the lack of color. It merely has no negative effect on the plant life. Why that is? I have no idea, the one who would know is the Architect, and I doubt he even remembers this little creation of his.”

“Hm, you already said something about this ‘architect’ before, can I ask who he is?”

“That you may, Miss Fortune. The Architect, is a god, both greater, and weaker than all others. His power, the domain of creation, revolves around the creation of world, realms, universes, and even mere abstract ideas that strike his fancy.”

I gestured around me, “And so, this place would be?”

“A failure, in his eyes.” His eyes didn't show much depression, or sadness, only acceptance as he stirred his tea, his claws strangely suited to the spoon as he held it delicately.

“... Very well, then I should ask who you are exactly, being in this world alone.” I took a cube of sugar and place it into my own cup, it had become rather bitter.

“I am the god that is greater, yet weaker than The Architect. but before that, I was a mortal that sought nothing more than to have absolute solitude. The Architect came to me, and offered what I thought I wanted. A world to myself, so that I could accomplish all that I wanted to. The Architect did this, because of his weakness, he cannot stay behind to look after his creations, he must pass them onto others to care for them.”

“I thought you said he saw this one as a failure…” I implied, taking the spoon and swirling it around in my drink, I realised just how inefficient hooves were.

“The Architect looked for someone to care for his ‘failure’ as any father would look to someone to care for his ‘failure’ of a child. Even as failures,every child should be precious to their parent, as every world was precious to this god of gods. He knew he would forget this world, as he does all others, yet even in its failure, he couldn't leave it to collapse on itself, because to him, it was as a child is to any mortal.”

I nodded to this, an entity gaining attachments to the living is rare, but when things can be immortal as themselves, it is easy to feel invested in something one has created.

“Then I suppose you regret your decision, agreeing to come here and having become alone for so long.”

Daideo let out a sigh, finally raising his cup to take a sip through the mask. “Not at first, no. I created, discovered, learned, I did all any man would do in my place. And then, I found I would never be able to do two things, I would never be able to share all I have done and accomplished, and I would never be able to leave.”

He didn't continue, I felt I asked enough since meeting him for the first time, so the silence continued as we drank in silence, it wasn’t long until I reached the bottom of my cup.

“.... Miss Fortune. Thank you for letting me share my world with you, if only for a little while. But, it is already past noon in your own, and I would hate to inconvenience you.”

I considered his words, “I would have likely still been sleeping through noon anyway, it was a long night after all.” I looked up as he reached forward with a teapot, I let him refill my cup and draw back again.

“Then please, allow me to show you for a little while longer.” He said, a slight crease appearing in his mask where his mouth would be. It was like the classic ‘the mask we wear’ to hide our emotions in a way, I was amused at how fitting the expression seemed here.

“And please, I suppose if I am to ask questions, you yourself would be curious of my own lifestyle.” I decided this was a ‘give and take’ scenario, I might as well let him know a bit about myself to keep this relationship mutual.

“Then, Miss Fortune, I would be beside myself if I did not take your offer to satiate my own curiosity. now, I must ask, what is your prefered style of music?”

I couldn't help but sigh a little, “You know, you have me at a disadvantage, you have already told me much about yourself, yet you still ask these inane questions that don't seem to exchange well with what I asked myself.” I reached forward to grab at one regular biscuit and took a bite, it had a rather bad aftertaste but I didn't say anything about it, “To answer the question… I suppose it would be a slower tune, maybe classical, but I never am able to book a ticket to a concert hall that plays it, so I only hear one rarely.”

“Thank you for indulging me, Miss. After so long of looking into the deeper mysteries of life, the inane, is refreshing in a way. But, to ask a question that may not rankle you so much. What, brought you to the relatively peaceful land of Equestria, you being as you are?”

“... Because of the name.” I answered shortly, I took a slight sip of my tea before calming down, “Sorry for the short answer, the name itself does explain it however, ‘Equestria’, in another, older language it means ‘land of horses’ or a primitive way of saying ‘ponies’. You know that a land with that name would be filled with ponies because of it.”

“You traveled to the land of Equestria, because it translates to ‘land of ponies’. Is this, perhaps, because you had limited interactions with your own species before then? I apologise if the implication offends, but I am rather curious.”

“I had… interactions, with them before, not many went particularly well.” I took another sip before continuing, “It may puzzle you to know that for most of my life I traveled most of my life by myself, for many years I have known of Equestria, I knew it’s direction, and everything else. In short, the reason I came to Equestria was actually the reason I didn't want to go to it before, that it was primarily a country of ponies.”

I breathed in the aroma presented by the tea itself, “I had understandable reservations to support my reluctance.”

Daideo looked to the cup held in his hand, a sigh escaping him before he spoke again. “Traveling wherever there were the least of your own kind, in an effort to stave off their attentions. A story all too similar to my own, and yet, the ending is so very different.”

I involterly snort, “The reason is different as well I suspect, where you wished for isolation, I wished for segregation.” I stared at my own cup, memories churning, “Myself, from ponies. Staying away was easy, becoming another species was not.”

I took another biscuit and tried dunking it into my drink, to get rid of the grittiness that was present and maybe the sugar would make it better.

“Then, you looked into becoming something else?”

I couldn't help it, an odd chuckle rose up.

(“Hehehe, the mask man is real funny-)

I scowled, and clamped down onto it, pushing it back into the recess of my mind.

“A-are you alright Miss?”

“It’s nothing, an unwelcome thought came about.” I looked back up at him, “I did not look into it so much in the literal sense, no, it was more like I didn't want to identify my species as a pony, I do it to fit into towns in order to gain a residence and rest for a few days at the least. But I will admit when I was younger I looked into all books about ‘transfiguration’ and the like.”

“I see. Our tales seem to get more and more similar the further they grow apart. In my youth, I as well looked into becoming another species, I knew I would never be able to with my own power, but a few coins in the right pockets convinced someone that had that power to change me into a bird for a week. That was the best money I had ever spent before, or since.”

“... Why did you turn back?”
“Because a man is a man, I chose him because he could be bribed into doing it for me, to have an effect like that be permanent, one must ask a god, and what would a god want from a mortal child?”

“Well, I didn't wish to become a simple bird or animal.” I commented, “I would have chosen to be a Griffin, a Diamond Dog, even a Zebra would be preferable despite the resemblance.”

“Yes, I see where you come from, but I was yet young, I knew little of things such as griffons or zebras other than they were valuable and I feared being hunted, so I chose what would give me the most freedom, at the least risk. A small bird”

“We seem to have a cultural gap here.” I said idely, “Griffins and Zebra’s are sentient species, yet your world hunts them for valuables? I can only assume it was because they didn’t display any intelligence otherwise.”

“It was all an effort to escape being a pony… yet again, I saw that it was a young fantasy, now laid to rest.”

A small crease appears in the mouth area of his mask again.“Yet again you assume correctly, Miss. the griffins and zebras of my home world were little more intelligent than the average animal, and fantasy though it may be, it should be cherished, for when reality leaves us with nothing, what have we but our dreams? ... Now… That aside, I simply must know. How much time must pass before ponies are declared missing in Equestria?”

“I wouldn't know the exact time for Equestria…” I answered slowly, “But with an innate herd instinct as all ponies have, not coming back to bed for ponies who live together is considered… rather… worrisome.”

“I see. I ask, because it is now well into the afternoon there, and I truly would be inconveniencing you if you were considered a ‘missing person’ after less than a day. What say you we continue this for a little bit, and have you home before you've been missed?”

“That would be appreciated, but I am not worried for myself, as I've said, it’s a herd instinct so it is unlikely anyone will know I am missing, what I am worried for is the fuss that will be kicked up when it’s found the others who were rescued from the cultists were found to be ‘missing’ all night.”

There was likely going to be a lot of panic if the word ‘cultist’ slips out of their mouths, I can only hope I will not be included.

“... So, it may be better for you to stay here until that fuss passes then.” Daideo said more to himself, staring into a recently refilled cup of tea that he twirled with a spoon.

I considered this… and shook my head, “I thank you for the offer Daideo, but if the possibility of my name slipping out and they come to my house is correct, then I would like to be there as to gather my ingredients and plan an escape route. Besides, if I am not mentioned, then it would pass away peacefully while I am up in my home, far away from the commotion.”

“Then I had better get you home soon, nightfall’s coming quickly.” He said, setting the cup on the table, the spoon soon joining it.

I would ask how he knew of what time it was in my realm, but that would be like asking what an entity does, asking him how he does it would be just as bad. It was amazing how time seemed to fly with the conversation, it was intriguing like that.

Daideo slowly stood from his chair, stalking around the table in his bipedal fashion, he spoke as he walked. “Now, before you go, I have something I'd like to give to you.” he said, picking up one of the spoons he has set to the side. “This spoon, like the rest of the tea set, came through to this realm with me so long ago, and I have built a, connection, with it and its brothers. When next you wish to visit, merely tap the spoon where you want the portal opened, and I will oblige.” He ended, kneeling at the side of my chair, holding the spoon’s handle between two of his claws.

I took it tentatively with my tail, and placed in in my bag, “Thank you, I'll be sure to schedule a visit in the future.”

“No, thank you Miss, for humoring an old man. Now, let’s get you home.” He said, softly clicking his boot on the floor as he stood, another pitch black dot appearing and expanding on the wall. This time without the wind and sound effects.

I waved goodbye to the entity, before stepping through to exit out, back into the middle of my living room.

I looked back at the closing portal, but it was already gone once I looked back, a speck, and then nothing else.

I found the air a little more breathable, it seems that whatever Daideo’s realm was, it was rather, suffocating in a way. In fact, it actually drew out a lot of my energy from being there.

In fact, it felt like I would have to sleep…

A lot, until it was morning once again.

Small mercies.

I then flinched as my hoof struck something, I looked down to see a small package, with a letter attached. I picked up the letter and opened it.

You were not here, so I left this for you to trip on.

Don't leave your damn messengers hanging.

Also, screw you and I hope your first born foal winds up mutilated.

XOXO

Jaco, you Bitch.

… Well, can't say that Killjoy’s couriers don’t have personality at least.

Author's Note

This is the first colab chapter I've done on request of Kamachakta, user of the character Daideo, now before you rush to put in your 'visit me now details', remember to exercise caution, and keep in mind if you want your character saying lines YOU want say, then you will either have to work with me on it in a google doc, or accept whatever monstrosity of writing I come up with. :pinkiehappy:

Other than that, you shouldn't worry much, and I will try to make sure every viewer gets his dose of fanservice, just remember, I'm pretty much a god here, but I'm also just one guy, don't dump TOO much on me.

Also, to Mr Killjoy, would you PLEASE tell me what is in the package you sent? I need it for the next chapter and, you know.

Cleaning Up

Ya know, it isn't nice to say those things about my husband, Fortuney.

The moment he stops annoying me with his very presence I'll consider being cordial... and don't call me Fortuney, at least stick the the 'nickname' your counterpart gave me.

I was currently tidying up from the mess that the cultists had managed to do to my door by collecting the star pieces of wood that splintered from their forceful entry into my home, I would need to get a new one again... and put up a few protective wards to help with defending it better.

But, still, I am sorry for the interruption of your sleep with one of his troop's theme...It's called 'Hell march' (number 2 to be exact) or also known as 'Marching to hell' (The equivalent of Tartarus).

It's fitting for him and his demeanor at the very least...

He forgot to turned off the...feed...to your world off. Here is something nicer...

A quiet, and gentle tune then filled my mind, with a range of instruments present that I didn't attempt to identify, I simply closed my eyes and experienced the music as it came, the stress of the morning lifting off me, I was thankful of the song being longer than the others as it played.

Eventually it stopped and I breathed a sign of relief, "Thank you, I needed something calming for a while."

Also, to say I am sorry on his behalf. Here is the box of 12 specialized cupcakes.

I jumped a little when a small box suddenly appeared out of nowhere in front of me, I looked down at the box as it fell to the floor and found 12 pictures, all thoughtfully with a picture of my Cutie Mark on the top.

Made just for your taste buds. They cannot be spoiled and can heal you of any sort of injuries and illeffects immediately and temporarily boost all of your ability by the triple for about 1 hours. It is one of our special military rations.

Hmm... I suppose they should be useful for the future, I'll be sure to keep one or two at hoof.

Bwahahahahahaha! So the bitch of Void is alone and defenseless, You will gain me a great favor of the glorious Dark One!

I blinked as an obviously different text appeared underneath, judging from the context it seems he wasn't friendly.

*sigh*...They never learn, do they?...I deny your existence! Argh! No, it is impossible! I am immortal! I am unending! You was not suppose to be able to affect me! Bitch! I am Pinkie Pie! Goddess of Chaos, Queen of United Terran Empire, Reality warper and a novice Voidwalker. You DO NOT question me!

I frowned as the distinctive sound of an explosion echoed faintly through the link to the messaging entities, meaning that this text was likely being sent in real time, or whatever equivalent across dimensions.

Retreat!

Oorah! We won! All hail the queen!

I sighed, it seems that no matter the dimension, Pinkie Pie reigns as one of the scariest entities in it.

Hmmmp! It's rude to interupt someone. These followers of The Dark One have no manners.

I wonder if it is because you are wiping their allies instance in the multiverse away.

Now, where was I? Oh, and that's how I got my cutie mark...wait...wrong story...Ok, I can give you another object that you might find useful...

Very well, I was due for another artifact of immense power.

'The hoof ring of travel' I know it is not creative but I am not the one who named it. Basicly, same thing as the knife. I bonded it with your soul, It will let you teleport with no flash of light and sound to anywhere you have seen already,

Hmm... that would certainly be useful... in fact, very much so, there are several places of which I remember on my travels I would like to get back to, all in which have special herbs and ingredients around the area...

just need to think about it...cool down is about 10 minutes between jumps. Range is about 10 Kilometers (The range can be increased at the cost of cooldown time and of course the shorter the range, the shorter the cooldown time). It was infused with an enchantment from an Echonarchmage so it can bypass any sort of shield and ward.
Hope it will prove useful.

Ah, that makes it a little less useful, yet again, Unicorn teleportation of course has it's limitations as well.

That makes my future plans rather useless... but it can certainly be just the thing needed if I wish to appear at a certain point in the Everfree forest, maybe the castle, somewhere else.

And it could certainly be a useful escape route.

As I thought this, a small ring materialised on the table on the right of me, I slipped it on without a second thought.

Thank you Pinkie, I will make good use of it.

P.S. I also left a small cupcake sample next to the box that hold same type of specialized cupcake, tell me what do you think about it.

I looked to the side, and indeed there was a mini cupcake on the side, I put it in my mouth, and indeed the small bruises I had managed to receive as a result of last night's problems disappeared, leaving a soothing tingle through my coat, I felt myself frown as a few twitches went through my body, an unintended side effect perhaps.

P.P.S. You look so cute when you're asleep. :pinkiehappy: Totally not creepy at all.:pinkiegasp:

Urg, I really didn't need to hear that, me and any comment about my visual attraction while I am unconscious needs to be put to rest, I would not hear that so early in the morning.

P.P.P.S The song at the beginning is also a lullaby so if you want to play it again, just will it to play. It has a calming effect... and will be listened by those you want to...Like little foals...*wink* *wink*

I waited... and when no other text presented itself, I let myself sigh.

"Thank you... I suppose this will help me when things get stressful... and I hope you mean foals of Ponyville, if they are anything like Snips and Snails then I suppose toning down their enthusiasm would be a gift. It would be difficult explaining where the music came from since no one nearby was going through a Song Shift."

I then managed to gather up the rest of the door's splinters and gaze upon the pile leftover.

"I wonder if I am going to visit the carpenter more than the hospital at this rate..." I looked at the open doorway, thankfully it was still warm despite winter coming soon, so it wasn't unpleasantly cold.

Tak, tak, tak... Certainly a busy one, aren't you?

... Well, busy is a term used for when I myself with to do something, I get pulled into them more so I suppose you can say I am, accident prone?

Dark cultists, creatures beyond what any would call horrific and entities whose origin stretch further than the purview of your world... Interesting, to say the least.

Then I hope it becomes a lot more boring, to stay in this town for any longer I would prefer not to be sacrificed or something else equally unwarranted.

I wish you the best in such stressing endeavors, hopefully they will not plague you too terribly. If it is any consolation, I will make a note to keep an eye on you.

Thank you... red words.

Hmm, no name this time, very well.

Hello Mouse I left two new items in your kitchen one is a coffee & tea maker all you need to do is keep its tank full of water and tell it what you wish to drink and how much to make from a cup to a pot full.

Hmm... I suppose I could do with a pick me up, I had a bad night so something energetic would suffice.

I walked into my kitchen and was met with a large metal... thing, taking up space on one of the counters, I watched it warily for a moment.

"... Coffee, one cup full." I heard a whirring sound emanate from it, and then a part of the machine slid open, revealing a small sup filled with steaming coffee.

I took a sip from it happily, giving a satisfied nod.

The other is simply what some call a "stress relieving ball" with all that is going on I figured you could use one.

Hmm... that seems more for anger problems than anything, but I will keep that in mind.

I saw the ball itself was a green and red striped colour, sitting next to the machine.

Truly sorry I'm not as helpful or vocal as the others but I get the feeling you are getting a bit overwhelmed with all that is going on. Any way have a good day Mouse.

The Cheshire Cat

Overwhelmed... I suppose I was for a while, but I've adapted so far with what I had been through.

And don't worry, while not in the realms of being useful in a bad situation, it still is refreshing to have one or two trinkets that simply are interesting instead of useful in the urgency sense.

Hmm, I wonder.....
It would seem I am still unable to form my own conduit to your world at present. I would require a stronger beacon than we presently have available.

Hmm? Well that is unfortunate, I need to ask what the 'beacon' you speak of is exactly.

Ironically, this places me in much the same position as the Dark One.

Not exactly, while the Dark One is technically 'here', he is severely weakened or disconnected, you are in another dimension and simply can't travel here yourself.

However, I find ritual sacrifice to be a quite distasteful means of accomplishing anything, therefore I shall default to remaining a voice of reason for the time being.

Machina

I hope to stick to that statement, worrying about one incident of blood magic is enough for the month.

I then finished my cup of coffee and left it in the sink, and continued the task of cleaning the entrance by placing the errant splinters outside, to be burned later.

As I was walking through the empty doorway, another message appeared.

Dear Miss Fortune
I'm glad that you have safely escaped from your captors and wish you luck for future confrontation with them or any problem you may have.

Luck has nothing to do with it, if luck had any factor then it would be that I wouldn't have to deal with them again.

I have noticed many of the entities that you have been in contact with have been quite open with you and since we have entered into a bit of business I thought it would be polite to give you more information about myself.

Hmm?

But as I have told you before I'm bound by rules so I can not tell you out right so instead I will give you a question to ponder on that may give you some insight.

The question is what separates the title of Prophet from other such titles such as Seers or Oracles?

If you can get the right answer or at least close to you can earn two favors. Give your answer in the same way you answer my riddles.

... Well, it would have be that prophet's are actually a proxy from beings from another plane, otherwise known as god's, spreading words of the future is not exactly accurate, they simply are passing on the word of their own gods and what they degree is truth.

So I suppose you must be part of a religion to be referred to as such.

Speaking of riddles here is the one a promised you before
This old one runs forever, but never moves at all. He has not lungs nor throat, but still a mighty roaring call. What is it?

Hmm... that is another tough one.

Something that runs yet doesn't move... that would have to be a technical way of saying it, what 'runs'? Maybe a machine or some sort.

... Running of water? Seems like it, now the second part, 'a mighty roaring call', what roars and is connected to water, a waterfall, as in a waterfalls sound when it hits the bottom of the river.

I took out a piece of paper and wrote down my answer for the normal riddle, a Waterfall, spoke it out loud, and threw it into the fireplace as per usual.

And then the second I worded my answer as such, The difference between a prophet and other titles such as seer and oracle is that they have religious connections with their gifts, they don't see their future, they see the future their god's tell them.

I burned it like the last and sat down on a nearby stool to rest.

best of luck Miss Fortune
Yours Sincerely Prophet
P.s You might want to feed Smokey before he eats one of Fluttershy's Pets

... I thought you fed it...

"... Smokey?"

Shadows became solid in the corner, and the lizard appeared once again.

"What have you... been eating since you came here?"

He tilted his head at me because, he's a lizard, why did I expect an answer.

You're getting literal answers and questions from thin air dim witted bucking idiot.

I made a mental note to make another Psyki Coolant, it seems that the last must have worn off earlier than I anticipated.

I'm here you bucking bitch, ignoring me isn't going to help.

"Look, you are intelligent, can you nod and shake your head?"

He did so, his head going through the necessary motions.

"Good, did you eat anything in this dimension?"

He nodded.

"Hmm... was it another animal?"

He nodded...

"Was it small?"

Shake.

"Large?"

Nod.

"In the forest?"

Nod.

"Good, make sure any meals that you have stay there."

He nods once again, and before I can say he can leave, he does so.

"Well, there's no danger of that at least."

Fluttershy is on shaky grounds in terms of trust for me, she is very withdrawn, but I won't mistake that inner strength that she likely has, she wouldn't have traveled with her friends into the Everfree forest otherwise.

I won't have any other interactions with her, and likely she will be too put off by the other night that she'll stay away likewise.

Dear Scry Fortune
Due a recent book on Primals I just acquired I believe that you may be correct in assuming that this being you've encountered is one.

Good, to encounter one so early after learning of their existence is unsettling, I wish I had more knowledge from your end Killjoy...

I looked at the parcel that was send from her, having forgotten about it from cleaning around, I decided to look into it now.

Inside was another letter enclosed within it, I took a moment to read it and realise it wasn't actually from Killjoy, but infact from another entirely, a formal scrawl that professionally told it's message.

Dear /Scry Fortune/
The token allows the user to summon the entity known as /Professor Killjoy/ for 1 hour with all their power. Unfortunately it has a very high price for using it that varies with each entity. The good thing is that the price can be paid by either the summoner OR the summonee.
If /Professor Killjoy's/ is the one to pay after the 1 hour is up, the price is almost everything so /Killjoy/ would volunteer to pay it since it will have the least impact for the future. The result is all of /Killjoy's/ power and most memories would be lost, being changed into a young being of the summoners species and gender, the case being /Miss Scry Fortune/. They would also be stranded in the others world as well.
/Killjoy would only retain limited immortality (not aging once maturity is reached and that is it) and the ability to access the private library (which exists in a pocket dimension attached to Killjoy's soul)./
Please note that this is specific to /Killjoy/ and not to any other entity. If you wish to know the price for the others (if they wish to be summoned) you will have to ask them, as well as gain a contract and their own token needed for the task.
Sincerely
President of the Inter-Dimensional Courier Service.

I took a few seconds to go over the message...

Thank you Killjoy... for the offer to help as such, a drastic price such as this however... it doesn't seem likely I would call upon you and your abilities lightly.

The token itself was a medallion of some kind, it was a swirling design of silver dragons in a circle of swirling lines likely representing the sea.

I took a moment to look over it... and placed it carefully into one of my bags, for a later time.

I then returned to the message sent by Killjoy herself.

In fact I may know which world this Primal may belong to specifically.

Hmm? Do tell, seems like something worth noting.

One chapter of this book talks about observations made about another dimension and the apocalyptic event that occurred in it. Apparently the inhabitants of that dimension managed to summon one of the most powerful beings in existence...The Primal of the Void

... Oh by Tartarus...

A being of pure nothingness...suffice to say the dimension didn't even last an hour before being erased from existence (don't worry about this happening to your universe as the requirements to summon it are insanely difficult one of which is to know the Primals true name.)

I would snap the neck of any who would know of such a name, to bring a being of such... utter encompassing... nothing is... insane.

The Void is a presence that is entirely meant to be separate from the world, it is everything that doesn't exist, if it were to cross the boundary and somehow leak into the real world, other objects will also join it and become non-existent. There have been several cases where the presence of a being was wiped from memory both in the mind and in physical evidence, only high level magics as well as being able to see the Void's presence in the world itself, like me, is able to remember them being here.

It is terrifying...

But then it makes a reference to a Primal of Darkness that managed to escape before the end. The entries after this are sketchy but from what i can tell the destruction of his dimension had a massive impact on his mental state (as i said a primal is literally part of their aspect so having the darkness of his dimension erased would be akin to being torn apart in a way unimaginable to mortal minds). Whether this is the same Primal I cannot say definitively but it does look likely.

It seems likely, entities hardly stray off the path of neutrality, as degreed before. So it is likely he was affected terribly from the event.

To look directly into the Void... is like having hundreds of years stripped from your mental state, going insane and sane again, it's an unending cycle of existence and nonexistence.

...daddy, I'm scared.

... I screwed my mind into a meditative state, breathing out calmly and shutting out any worry.

I opened my eyes to the world and simply moved onto the message, I will not worry about problems far out of my control.

With much interest
Professor Killjoy
P.S. Just to note that Primals aren't normally malevolent just neutral and sometimes apathetic but never evil as being bound to an aspect keeps them level headed. It takes extreme circumstance to make them that way.

Just as I said, extreme cases indeed... I almost feel pity for him.

I'm not going to get out of his way however.

Hello Miss Fortune, it's me Archmage again!

... Well, I needed a change from the serious atmosphere I suppose...

*sigh* Keeping my domains dimensionally stable has been a lot of work lately. I've been finding a lot of oddly pink rifts.

Are all of you simply trying to play off my cautiousness of Pinkie Pie by making everything dangerous become the colour of pink? By now you are simply making me immune to such provocations.

Anywho, I have a gift for you.

I blinked as another weight managed to wedge itself around my neck, I frowned and looked down to find a beaded necklace of stones, which I identified as Onyx, and a larger Onyx medallion sitting on the end, it had numerous stars shining inside it's depths, showing it's magical wavelength.

Your very own pocket dimension!

... I think I am going to be spoiled or go insane from the amount of items you give me that are out of the ordinary to the point of being dangerous.

I know how nervous you've been about getting caught so I made a universe you can access by saying "The Academy". Only you, I and people/entities we choose may enter. To get back say "Home".

Thanks for the forward advice, I would rather not be stuck there when I do decide to go.

Anyways, it is in the design of one of the Alchemist's guild halls back in my home universe.

Out of preference I suppose, I hope it is not all too complicated how you mapped it out.

It comes with over 100 select varieties of potion-making components, including but not limited to Dragon heart, Bezoars, Solid Mana, Faeirie wings, Balor Heart, Gold Dust, Fire Rubies, and much much more!

Are you selling the place or giving me it?

It also has many books detailing the Alchemical process.
Here's a nice recipe:

I took out a piece of paper to write down the text that was appearing.

1 ounce of dragon heart, mixed with a 1/2 ounce of finely ground mana, poured into 5 gallons of quickgold, stirred 5 times counter-clockwise, and 2 times clockwise, left to boil at 250 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes. Add 1/2 cup of Basilisk venom and 3 ounces of beetle juice and you get the Scars-Be-Gone. A potent healing serum that can heal injuries in a matter of seconds, All the ingredients for this is in the main lab.

Another healing potion... I can't help but feel worried.

It's like being given bandages and medicine with every corner I progress around, like people are expecting me to get harmed.

I couldn't not be excited however, a pocket dimension? With an array of different ingredients I could experiment with?

Not only that, ingredient books that could show the official uses in those ingredients, that's not counting how I could experiment how they will react with my natural connection to unlocking their potential.

Bye bye!

P.S Miss Pie is quite correct, you do look extremely adorable when asleep.

I thought I had established that would be better unsaid, do you entities even have an idea of what personal space is?

P.P.S In case we use different systems in the main entrance hall (The Golden Arch) there are some books detailing my measuring and time systems and a map of the complex. I also have had the measuring cups, scales, dials, levers, and timers very clearly labeled.

Good to know I suppose.

I took a second to glance at the pocket dimension necklace, considering...

But then I shook my head, I had already been to Daideo's one not to long ago, I am sure the Archmage wouldn't mind holding off a visit until I get myself orientated for the day.

Being kidnapped before certainly added weight to the argument.

I find myself envying Archmage. Casual interdimensional teleportation may be easy for many of us, but it's always been reaching the right destination that has been a problem for me.

Hmm, I suppose it is something to be envied about...

Entertaining at times, but still a problem. Relying on random chance has never helped. Such is the curse of any who chose to defy the fates. They are easily offended, and have a twisted sense of humor. If you ever see three elderly mares at a spinning wheel, politely turn around and leave the area as fast as possible.

Seems like an interesting story is behind that, I will be sure to ask about it the next time I visit.

On the other limb, the places I do end up in by happenstance have always proved useful, if not also painful. Ah to hell with it, I'll try anyway.

...

... and door number one literally lead to hell. How poetic. And they even left a golden pair of shears for me as a calling card.
This may take a while.
Machina.

Ah... well, good luck to your endeavors then, I can only hope for the best.

Now... what to do...

I suppose number one is to make a trip to the carpenter, it is rather a pressing concern with winter coming closer-

knock...

I perked my ears up at the faint sound of a knock on wood, I turned my head towards the open doorway and was met by an unexpected sight.

Fluttershy, in her mouth was a small basket and she nearly hid behind the wall when my eyes met her own.

I took a brief second to sigh, these ponies were too unpredictable, maybe it's because they are in close proximity of Pinkie Pie, shes managed to affect them to this level.

"Fluttershy." I merely acknowledged her with her name, an answering mumble through her mouth was all I was given.

"Fluttershy, if you were closer I may have heard you, but not from behind the wall so quietly and especially with something in your mouth at the time." A few seconds pass, and the pink mane pops into view once again, shuffling awkwardly.

"I wu wu'dun 'f yu wu'id to..." She leaned her head down and dropped it from her mouth and started again, "I... well, if you wanted to of course... eat with me, um, well, it you want to... of course."

I did my best to hold in facehoof that was building up, and simply did my best to look like I was considering the option.

I eventually nodded and stood up from my stool, "I have been feeling rather hungry, you can come in and I'll help set the table."

"Ah, sorry for the intrusion..." She picked back up the basket and we made our way to the kitchen.

"Um... what is that?"

"A trinket I found in town somewhere, makes tea." I answered shortly, already testing the story I was going to give for future visitors.

And so we prepared for an awkward lunch.

Author's Note

Alright, I was planning to introduce another entity in this chapter, but time manged to slip away from me and I needed to half the chapter, I will get around to it but for now I have to exercise an amount of restraint.

Archmage, don't worry, I'll get around to writing up your involvement later.

Now onward! To awkward lunches!

Awkward Lunch

It was a strange affair.

I expected this, I really did, in the back of my mind I knew that kinship is the strongest emotion after a traumatizing event is shared among ponies, it's an instinct to huddle with their temporary herd because of simple instinct.

The location of my home is obvious enough, so it was likely one of them would pay a visit.

I expected Vinyl due to her abrasive personality of course, I don't know where Trixie decided to go, but I even expected her before Fluttershy.

It was obvious she wasn't affected by the herd instinct, she chose to live alone on the outskirts of the town, and away from other ponies, in fact if anything she was scared more from a large gathering in the same place. This behavior, organizing a spontaneous lunch, dropping by unannounced, it did not fit her usual way of interaction.

I sighed a little internally as I sat at the table, leaning back on the chairs as she set on the table a number of salads and small cakes, since Fluttershy came in with the intention of having a meal together, a long silence stretched between us.

I was chewing thoughtfully on the strips of lettuce in the meal, she had prepared them from the best of ingredients to be sure, and took time to prepare them with some rather gentle to the taste spices.

She came here with the full intention of simply eating here with me.

For what reason?

Hey Scry, how've ya been?

Not much more different than five minutes ago, thanks for the thought anyway.

I had a very odd experience this morning, a cupcake flew in through my window with a card labeled From P.P.
I don't suppose you would know anything about that would you?

I controlled my expression as I sipped at my drink.

I have no control over any entity, whenever it would be my Pinkie or the alternate dimensional ones.

So please, for the sake of my sanity, let me worry about one of their antics.

"Um..." Fluttershy uttered, and then closed her mouth suddenly as I looked at her.

"... What is is?" I asked, swallowing down a mouthful of lettuce topped with salted tomato, being blunt was unintended, but her very appearance threw my social thought process off a little.

Sure enough, she fidgeted awkwardly as an onset from my question, but to my surprise, it didn't stop her answering back.

"W-well... I thought you would like something, after... last night." She hid behind her mane a little, "Um... is that okay?"

It was one thing after another, Pinkie was too intrusive, Applejack was too aggressive, Rainbow was... well, I suppose I could brush her off for now, and now Fluttershy was being some form of passive-passive aggressive, to the point that I found myself constantly being pushed on by the whims of these mares. Sometimes I wonder whenever they truly realize how much I would like to keep things as strangers between us.

"It's alright Fluttershy... they didn't steal any food if that's what you are wondering, they simple... well, you saw the remains of the entrance."

"Oh, I heard t-that Applejack had j-just replaced that, are you fine without anything protecting you from the outside?" A fair amount of concern was laced into her tone, I merely waved off with a hoof, showing I didn't mind in the slightest.

"I'll be going to the carpenter and getting a new one today, for now it is a calm day all things considered." She nodded at that and the table sank into silence once again, I took a second to read Archmage's message once again.

Anywho, I don't have a gift (this time) but I do have an interesting complex concoction list
for you to choose a recipe from.
1: Eagle Eye Vial
2: Vitriol of Vitality
3: Concoction of Competency
4: Drink of Deception
5: Lick of Luck
6: Wine of Winners
7: Potion of Music
8: Breath of Life
9: Liquid of Analysis

Hmm... I would also like a description of their effect attached, for now... I've been in need of a little luck so I will choose number 5 please.

Choose wisely, but not too wisely, I'll be giving you more opportunities to get a recipe.

Thank you for saying that, I hope to see them soon, I was taking a drink of water when the next lines came into view.

Also, looks like Flutters might be trying to put the moves on you.
Go get her tigress.

...

I quickly attempted to take a a deep breath of air at the sheer audacity of the statement, when I found that my drink was interfering with it. I choked on the fluids currently running down my throat, causing an immediate pain that caused me to cough it out violently.

"A-ah! S-Scry, are you alright?" I felt her hoof tap me in the back thoughtfully, but I just focused on cursing the name of Archmage silently under my breath as I breathed in a staggering lungful of air.

Honestly, did everyone in the other universes delight in provoking me in such a blatant way? Cloudkicker would have been a better connection to this world for them than me!

"It's *cough* alright, Fluttershy, just went down the wrong hole." I coughed again to properly rid my lungs of any drop of water still present inside my throat, I then turned my attention to the yellow pegasus who was hurriedly wiping at the surface of the table in an effort to clean away the spill present after my mishap.

"... So, what did motivate you into doing this?" I asked bluntly, she stiffened a little before turning to me, "The lunch, it would have fit your personality better in a number of respects, to simply ignore me and everything that did in fact happen previously. So why are you here, trying to engage in conversation, everything that happened in those caves hardly seems like a valid reason for you to continue contact with me."

"... W-well..." She took a deep breath, "It's to thank you, and also... it's kind of my Element as well."

I quirked an eyebrow, she took it as a sign to continue.

"Kindness... is like Generosity, it's supposed to be given when it's needed most and not to anypony however... s-so, I thought you would need some as well, y-you are all alone up here, so I thought... w-well, you needed somepony else to talk to... if you don't mind that is."

I already knew, even with the awkward delivery that a form of determination was in her eyes, I found myself looking away slightly from how subtly powerful it was, "Very well... you really hadn't have worried, I am used to situations like this so any stress you expect is unlikely to happen..."

The slight droop in her tail and ears, I sighed as I looked over my words "... I appreciate the concern at any rate."

I continued as she looked directly at me, "I won't turn down a helpful gesture, just know that I am tougher that you'd think, and you needn't be so worried about my own well being, I can handle myself."

She nodded slowly at that, her eyes closed, she gave a slight smile and looked at me again, "Yes... I suppose you can."

She stood up and began clearing away the plates and other leftovers from the meal, after it was all done she looked back at me, "I... you might be fine n-now, but anytime you want, y-you can drop by my home whenever you need some help... and thank you again, I didn't thank you for releasing me from those bad ponies before... I only hope that they don't do that again, I t-told Twilight about it today and she sent a letter to P-Princess Celestia."

I curled my hoof under the table, "How much did you say about my involvement?"

"I-I didn't say anypony else's name, I thought it would be better... if you told her yourself." She took my hoof in her own and smiled warmly, "When your ready to talk to Twilight about it, at your own time."

"... Your right... I see no reason to hide anything." I sighed a little as I stood up myself, "I will get to that at a later date, for now I will simply pay for the repairs of my home and talk to her a a later point in time."

"T-Thank you, it was hard not telling T-Twilight anything." Her face scrunched up, it was quite obvious that Applejack wasn't the only one with a little honesty problems, lying outright I understand, leaving out information that is unneeded in the grand scheme of things? I was unrelated from the cult in the first place, it's only the one that is controlling them that I have to worrying about.

"Well... this was pleasant Fluttershy, I thank you for taking the trouble to talk to me."

"Y-yes, maybe we can do it another time as well? I-if you want that is..."

This mare is another type of determined.

"Maybe, I am not adept to organizing such things so please do so in my stead."

"I-I'm not so very sure myself either."

"Regardless, better than I could." I directed her to the doorway, "Take care of yourself on the way back."

With last goodbyes exchanged, she left.

... And I took a moment to appreciate how useful doors are at securing a feeling of privacy when shutting it on a visitor.

I was going to make a trip to the carpenter today, no exceptions.

After having paid for a new door and having the carpenter promise to put it in, I left and decided to buy a few tings in town, hopefully to put together a meal for later in the day.

I then hazarded a look into the Entities messages, having been put off from the last time.

Dear Scry Fortune
I should mention that the presidents letter says nothing about tribes and only species as there are few world where a species has as large a number of variation as ponies and that aspect would be completely random.

Ah, Joykill, thank you for the clarification, I suppose it would have been strange if you had the same species as me, variation is required after all.

Other then that I just thought I would check up on you to see how you were doing and-

Are you writing to that horse again?

... Excuse me?

Yes Grumpy but shes a pony not a horse and what did I say about talking while I was using the auto-write spell?

Ah, perhaps some acquaintance of yours? It seems he lives up to his name at least.

Whatever...she's still a type of equine.

No, and not learning the distinction between a naturally magical and sentient race and a bunch of muscle bound, long nosed idiots is the height of ignorance.

Oh and a ugly old fart in fancy purple robes was at the door.

One of the councilmen wanted to see me? Why?

Dunno I slammed the door as soon as I saw him.

... Charming way to greet someone.

Why?

Because I didn't like his face.

Oh of course, commendable reason.

...Sorry about that Miss Fortune but my aptly named talking cat can be... troublesome.

That is one way of describing him...

And the fact that he won an inter-dimensional stare competition where the runner up was an eight headed basilisk hydra that ran away screaming after only 10 seconds makes him more then a little worrying.

... I'm actually more surprised that a basilisk managed to procreate with a hydra to be honest.

As for why I am using a spell rather then writing by hand-

Other then because your lazy?

Hmm, Unicorns use levitation all the time, it's like using another hand/hoof actually, the only reason I know such a word by now is comparing languages so I can only assume you meant that.

...It's because there has been a recent political push to ban a great variety of magic and I am currently trying to move much of my tombs and grimoirs-

Did you get my playcats magazines?

Play what?

...I don't even want to know how you got those...Anyways I am moving them to my private library so I will be a bit busy for awhile and may not send you any letters. Do not worry as I can still recieve yours and will make the time to help in any way I can, including via the token.

Very well, I'll keep that in mind.

With haste
Professor Killjoy

Hmm, very well, I'll see you at a later date then.

With that my mind looked over the facts presented to me, being turned into my species to be sure would be a strange experience for them, I briefly wondered if I did use the token that summoned them that if they turned to a Unicorn, if their natural magical field would distort in some way.

And not only Earth and Pegasus, but maybe some other closely related creatures such as the Nightborn? Maybe even Alicorn's are an option due to their close resemblance.

Maybe even Zebra's? That are closely related to a point as well.

... I took a moment to look back at the figure that had managed to spring this thought upon me, who in turn looked at me.

We held gazes for a while.

"Hmm..." I vocalized, and took a moment to look around the market square, I only just realized how empty it was now.

This had to be... Zecora, I remembered her description from before.

"With my eyes I see a strange sight, a pony from this town not hiding in fright?" She pulled back her hood too show her form properly, a striped Mohawk made itself apparent, golden rings around her neck symbolizing her culture, I could tell from her flowing selection of words that she was indeed a Shaman.

"I am new to this town myself so I doubt I would have heard of any misdeeds which would require caution." I looked at her bag, hidden underneath her cloak, a small green planet managed to hint me at her gathering herbs.

"Ah indeed a fortunate circumstance for me, I have been quite lonely since I took a home in the Everfree." I gestured down the road and we walked side by side together as she continued, "I question whenever I did something wrong, for since I've visited ponies don't seem to want to get along."

"Ponies have trouble accepting things out the norm, they once isolated themselves from the Griffins because they ate meat." It was something that happened that ponies try to make it myth, but Griffin's hold reliable records, as militaristic as they are, they remain unbiased in matters such as history.

"Ah, so it is because of my looks these ponies are scared, it seems ghost stories must have left them impaired." She nodded sadly to this and took a courtesy glance to the ground around her.

"I suppose your here to look for urban herbs?"

"Indeed, a shaman by trade, and ingredients for my cures to be made." She took a long look at me and I sighed, "And indeed I see you have a common passion, although may be in a darker fashion."

"You Zebra are all so insightful." I sniffed a little as we passed by town hall, the empty streets surprisingly relaxing, "You know, Witch's have given up hiding from your Shaman, if you attacked, then you attacked, otherwise you would let us be."

"Indeed it's been a passed down story, of your ancestors darkness and times of glory, and you needn't worry for we take the same approach as yours, unless your aura is blackened to all of your cores, we shall not provoke your wraith, or we'd be set down a painful path."

"Ironic how some who let demons possess them to become stronger, turn out to be weaker when one knows how to vanquish them." I snorted as the Zebra gives her own amused chuckle, "I would check around the buildings closer to the nearby lake for the herbs you require, somehow it managed to filter down this far."

"I usually stray around the outskirts of town, the isolation from there is enough to bring me down." She shrugged, "But I suppose it is fine, I shall I shall make the time, and find the ingredients I seek, and brave the streets that are so empty and bleak."

I nodded to her and then we split apart, she made her way towards the east side of of Ponyville, while I made my way to the Everfree, the topic of herbs had made me interested in the exotic types to be found in the forest.

After two hours I managed to gather a good supply and made my way back home, thankfully enough the door was repaired, and now sported a dark red color.

I checked the final message and a familiar pink writing made itself present.

Well, since you seem to enjoy soft music, here's another one.

A slow and charming piece began, a string instrument of sorts, a violin? Began alone, and continued on until a soft yet strong voice sang the lyrics.

A sort of love song I suppose, singing praises of another who makes them feel stronger.

It certainly feels very fulfilling.

... Oh, right, I knew I was forgetting something.

I turned towards the coach and sat down in a familiar way, breathing in and out as the small aches of my body stood out.

But I let that thought go, and pressed on, breathing out another breath as thoughts appeared and disappeared, I pushed my mind in a certain direction and it drifted away from the random thoughts that took place.

You can't shut us out forever, you know this isn't right, stop doing this t- y--rs--------

I breathed out, once again, the slow and soothing music doing it's part to help in reaching that center.

In my mind I focused, a strong wall in my mind's eye appeared, cracks around it's surface, with a clear thought in mind I mended over those cracks, the pieces coming together and finally becoming a whole again.

With that, I opened my eyes once again and nodded at a job well done.

With that, it was getting late, I should perhaps go to bed now and rest for the day.

Author's Note

Sorry I've been lagging, today is the day we're getting a pair of kittens! So we've been preparing and all for them.

Loki, Oreo, Jinx, lots of names are popping up.

Funny Floura

I awoke with my eyes crusted over, I coughed out a stale breath that was lodged into my throat.

I didn't have the best sleep for some reason... it feels like I slept on a rock.

I yawned and immediately spat out the weirdly foul tasting saliva that had accumulated in my mouth, I frowned at this.

Did I get sick? No, that's impossible, I make sure to drink a brew every week to raise my constitution, getting something as simple as the flu is not in the realms of possibility.

Perhaps it was the close proximity of Zecora? Foreign influences sometimes lead to such things.

In fact... it might have been an adverse effect from one of the ingredients I gathered.

I lifted myself off the bed... and fell down again.

It seems like one of my legs have a limp, joy.

I tried again, this time focusing more of my strength into my left leg, allowing me to shakily pick myself up from it.

I then scanned my body for any other abnormalities, I could already see from under my fur an amount of wrinkles and boils present, from the way my face feels like it was a piece of cooked leather, I suppose it's where the changes are most prominent.

The vision in my left eye is faded, not so much as to say blind but I will certainly be having to watch where I am walking as to avoid walking into something, the limp in my front right leg was only one source of pain, several parts of my body such as my joints were also aching, I hazard a guess that this must be similar to the wear of age on an elderly pony.

Not looking closer to my fur... it has dulled significantly, and also changed in color to become a pale green, my mane from what I could see also likewise had changed color and had a noticeable greasy shine to it, like I had dumped my head into a hayburger.

I hobbled to my case where I took out a mirror.

I was right, my face was marred with a number of boils, spots and wrinkles, I looked worn down and much older than I should be, my back was also feeling rather strained holding up my weight.

My left eye was not only faded with age but also slightly lazy, not as much as Derpy but enough that it was noticeable.

And if that wasn't disgusting enough, my snout somehow manages to stick out to some sharp degree, all the while looking wizened and shriveled, looking at my hooves confirmed that they had managed to procure an array of cracks and dirt, and my tail looked like it was cut wrong in several places.

"... Wel- ACK!" My throat ceased with it's attempt at speech as an unexpected rasp combined with harsh rattle managed to issue from my lungs, I took a shuddering breath as I I tried to grow accustom to the shift in my voice box.

"... Hello?" I frowned briefly, which made my face look all the more wrong and I decided to look away from the mirror not to see anymore.

All in all, this wasn't a normal illness, it was magic related.

I gave a rasping sigh and pulled on my cloak, I didn't need to look at myself anymore than what was needed.

Time to begin with finding out what happened to me.

I managed to narrow down the recent events that could have led to my current predicament, a natural disease of course was crossed off the list, so due to the all powerful entity I had met recently I am inclined to think it might have had a hoof in this. But as he is limited I doubt he could have set upon me such a curse if he couldn't wipe me out immediately.

It wasn't a process of me getting older, because otherwise I would be having muscle degradation of some sort, I am still solidly built yet somewhat fragile in some other areas. My back aches a little more as the cold air aggravates it.

It was more like I was hit by every ailment possible from a result of allergies, poor hygiene and bad circumstance, a limp that feels like years had taken it's toll on it does not appear overnight, that's not including all the other changes on my body as well.

Tracing back my steps the only time it could have been possible was when I ventured into the Everfree, I likely fell to something that has an adverse effect on ponies.

Looking into the other world, allowing me to see through all of them, until I eventually found the problem, the blue flowers were giving off a level of chaos off them, on one hoof it's not evil so I should be thankful, on the other... it's chaos.

You can never predict chaos and what it can do, it was like putting a coin flip in every instance it changes something, and then a dice roll, one hundred leaves fluttering though the trees and how many mice live in a home. Chaos never can be predicted because of this. But it was muted thankfully, only fulfilling the effect and nothing else, if I were to use an array of potions I could get rid of most of the unsightly parts of my body, still, I would prefer to use the actual cure to this if there should be one.

The effect that these flowers seem to have is near random but there was definitely some sort of purpose behind it, I can't tell what exactly, so I simply chalked it up to 'making the infected look ugly and crippled'.

Examining them closer would take some time but I would eventually work out the problem, for now I would stay in doors and wait for it, if I need to purchase any ingredients I will simply go with my hood up.

Dear equine
Grumpy here

Ah... brilliant, just what I need.

Since Killdork "misplaced" my Playcat magazines (As for what they are here is a pony equivalent beamed right to your brain hehe)

My mind suddenly was hit by an amount of images and explanations that suddenly brought an utmost understanding to what it meant. I stopped thinking for several seconds...

...

"What? All I'm seeing are several pictures of ponies lying on silken beds or posing for camera's, I can understand this being reminiscent to posing for fashion from what I've see in some magazines but they aren't wearing anything except some forms of accessories or something else."

Filtering through the images I shrugged.

"I guess you must be feeding your need for a female figure in your life by looking at so many images of attractive females, your right, maybe Killjoy shouldn't keep you from them, it's the only thing you have to get by."

I'll be misplacing some of his stuff into your hooves via courier (no refunds or returns).

Very well, thank you.

The cloak of Balderian (he has like 10 of them since his old apprentice copied the original for his grad test...to bad he was too stupid not to tap into his life force when he did. Surprisingly he is one of only five people to graduate post-mortem though so his family should be proud *snicker*.Yours is the original by the way.)

Hmm... if I recall it had something to do with... turning into a wolf? I can't remember right now.

Mind cage ring ( It will protects the wearer from any type of mental effects. Side effect is that the wearer starts to feel "detached" from everything around them if they wear it for longer then 10 minutes.)

I need to feel some form of empathy to deal with situations... so this will likely have to be used when I'm sure other things are trying to affect my mind.

And the ring of Folly for you to give to a certain noble I call blueballs. You will know who he is when you meet him as you will hear acclaimed signature line (focus here for sample). And no it wont kill him.

Hmm... 'Silence I kill you' seems to be followed with an amount of laughter afterwards, maybe some form of joke with an audience?

Oh and if you do summon Killboy I hope he becomes some sort of fish horse so i can laugh my ass off at him.
From Proffessor Killjoy's familiar
Grumpy cat
P.S. Go to the spa. You look like hell.

Yes, because of course that is a crack at my overall appearance isn't it?

I dismissed the insulting advice and continued analyzing the sample of pollen I had cut from out of one of the flowers, under a glass tube of course.

It seems to be showing signs of instinctive intelligence, only so much as to seek other ponies to affect, so I will work off there.

After a few minutes I looked at the next message sent to me.

Ah, it is good to be hearing from you, Scry Fortune. A Flux storm cut off the connection for a few weeks, from my perspective at least. Nasty things, Flux storms. They rattle the branches of Yggdrasil in a most concerning fashion, and wreak havoc with temporal causality.

Hmm, troublesome, well you weren't missed here rest assured.

Curiously, Flux storms always seem to occur more frequently when multiple worlds are in temporal sync during their transition between spring and summer.

I would have understood if the process was Winter-to-Spring since that is the general belief of when time for the seasons stop and start, so otherwise I would not know.

If you find yourself needing to journey into the Everfree, be sure to.......on't bla....rything will be fine.

... You are likely trying to warn me about this plant I presume, well, the message came rather late as the case might be... I will be solving my predicament in the future rest assured, it will just take some time.

In other news, I've at least managed to find the general area of the multiverse you reside in. I just have to sift through 182756873569128751234^2 parallel versions of Equestria.

... Good luck...

It's like looking for hay in a needle stack.
Till next time, Machina.

I could imagine, well all the same, I hope you reach your destination soon.

With that I moved onto the next.

...One hundred and eighty two quintillion, seven hundred and fifty six quadrillion, eight hundred and seventy three trillion, five hundred and sixty nine billion, one hundred and twenty eight million, seven hundred and fifty one thousand, two hundred and thirty four, to the second power, seems like a bit more than a needle in a haystack. Maybe more like a needle in a haystack, in a field of haystacks, in a country of fields of haystacks, on a world of countries of fields of haystacks.

...That sounds like a lot of haystacks... I'm sure you would be able to feed a country for a while with such a large farmland.

That aside, it's good to see you making, friendly acquaintances, with ponies and a zebra. Any chance of you inviting them to tea somewhere down the line? I'd love to meet them face to mask rather than do.... the magical viewing thing your magic lets me do.

I would say that reaches in the realms of impossibility, Zecora as levelheaded as she is I would not ask to dabble in my affairs, just as she wouldn't ask me to help in her own, she might be more cordial than some Shaman might be, but even then we are likely to be strangers in a way.

It's just how our bloodlines conflict with one another.

On that note, I have a bit of a surprise for you the next time you visit. One I'm fairly certain you'll enjoy.
~Daideo

Hmm, I will be sure to visit eventually at some point then.

I drew my attention back to the results I had proceed through several tests done to the various parts of the flower, I managed to find that it had a much more potent and dense form of chaos than expected by putting a madman's rock next to it and gauging how many spins it made in midair before dropping down for orientation.

So that simply meant it wasn't limited to one effect, it is likely the one given to me was completely random, yet it was grounded enough to limit possibilities to simply the body being altered in some respect. I took a moment to ponder what exactly it could be that makes that small bit of Harmony magic guiding the plant to do what it does.

Heh heh heh, your reaction to my comment was quite humorous Miss Fortune. I actually hadn't laughed that hard in 252 years. If my domain wasn't so secure it could've caused dimensional instabilities or even a Flux storm.

... Ah yes... you were the reason I nearly died drinking water.

As for the recipe,
*Ahem*, 6 ounces of quickgold, 1 gram of finely ground mana, a pound of sugar, and a heart from a virgin mare...

... Excuse me?

Hehe, I'm just kidding about the last one, it's actually a 1 ounce ruby. Once you mix it all up turn the heat to 500 degrees Fahrenheit for 12 hours. This must also be made on a Full Moon.

Urg, don't joke about using sentient organs, that's the first path down using black magic.

This will net you 5 ounces (like many potions the end result is smaller than the ingredients you put in) of luck. Only use 3 ounces every fortnight or the effects may take a turn for the sour. Here's a small sample.

I heard a clink from my bags indicating something was dropped in there.

That is worth one hour of good fortune. Try using it during your next lunch with Flutters... you might get lucky. :trollestia:

... I will kick you whenever I have the time to go to your realm, you know that right?

Au revoir!
-Archmage

Urg, I suppose that the last one after this would be... Voidwalker, Pinkie doesn't seem to be in the writing here.

I hear a soft piano play, and was followed up by a voice that reminded me of Vinyl strangely enough, seemingly enough it fit me well, 'walk alone' is definitely some representation of me in a way.

I'm back! Just ripped the Thing I searched for apart on sub-atomic level. So, now the Void's Horrors are less likely to come to the universe I lovingly created.

Hmm, indeed.

Also, the song above is from one of the alternate Equestria where a great war turned their world into a post-apocalypse wasteland that I happened to passed by.
It is a rather fitting theme for the heroine of the Equestrian Wasteland. The Lightbringer to many survivors (2 centuries after the War), Littlepip to friends and friendly acquaintances.

She indeed sounds like quite the hero... but I lack the exact of the situation your speaking about with her, unless you plan to drop her story into my bag I'm not going to understand what your talking about.

Anyway...Let's go through the events and see what i missed...Huh...I didn't missed much after 10 millenia of fighting...Interesting. The time dialation is fascinating...Working on passing that...Void Eternal doesn't have the concept of time so it is rather difficult to track...Luckily I am powerful enough to do a few adjustments.

Of course you are, otherwise you wouldn't be talking to me right now.

My hip accidentally hit the edge of a table as I walked by, causing my weak joints to creak in protest as I fell to the floor feebly, I took a second to evaluate how fragile my body was now.

And you still haven't got any lovers...Meh, The Ship Gods will hook you up with one...or several...eventually.

"Even if I wanted such a thing, if I still look like this I doubt it." I muttered quietly, hoisting myself off the ground again I limped towards the door, my mind set on going to the same batch of flowers in order to research their effect once again on the normal creature. If anything it would at least do me some good to get fresh air after such a troublesome morning. "And for that matter, why in Tautarus does a god of ocean transportation have anything to do with romance?"

Hmmm...It seem something is attacking you mentally...or attacked...I will be seeing about sending a small group of combat psychics. They will help suppress that presence or eliminate it completely when it become too much to deal with normally.

... It's nothing, I have that situation dealt with.

You won't be seeing them, but you might be able to feel that they truly exist and are nearby. Because this is not my world or the worlds that I have certain privileges...I can't send them to directly assist you in many situations and solve your problems for you which to be honest, I won't do...How else are you going to learn?

I've already learned, and I needn't require their assistance anyway, it is my problem alone to deal with this.

Again, they will only assist you with mental problems...And they might watch you when you're asleep...probably...could be...maybe not...maybe yes...perhaps...perhaps not...
You don't need to worry about them my little pony...Hehehehehehe...

... Now I want them to leave for an entirely different reason, do I have to talk to your wife about encouraging such an idea among your underlings?

On a second thought, that is actually wise considering recent event. Just don't mind them and act like nothing happens. They can warn you ahead of time without alerting anyone.
They are called The Ghost by the way. You will always know that they are there, but never truly being able to tell exactly.

Of course, because everything must guarantee my safety... I've been doing fine against mental intruders for a long time, I will be fine dealing with my problems on my own.

A very atmospheric song with a deal of humming voices, and with lyrics starting off in 'The misty mountain's cold', building in voices and building and dropping in volume several times in the song.

-Voidwalker-
P.S. I don't really have much time at the moment...Pink is approaching.
Well, hello there, Pi-
*GLOMP*
You're back! I missed you!...Wait, are you being meanie-pant again? You should know better! I am ve---
System: Connection lost.
System: Attempting to recconect. Please wait.

... You know that is going to bite you in the flank later right? Especially since she can review the message you sent to me correct?

Then a quicker paced song started, the third one during his message that included a drum and managed to flow from note to note in a ferocious pitch and speed. It was quite a bit shorter than the others and ended within two minutes.

System: Attempt unsuccessful. Please, try again at later time.

... I simply opened the door of my abode and walked out, the trip down the hill was going to be torture on my newly fragile legs, but I would make the effort just to get some fresh air, I really needed it.

I took a special effort to avoid any contact in town as I moved towards the Everfree, the town was actually empty thankfully enough and I managed to move ahead uninhibited, perhaps Zecora was visiting town once again for some reason, I didn't stick around to ponder what else exactly could be happening.

Eventually I found myself at the clearing where the flowers resided, flashing through the various perceptions I managed to trace a number of new things about the plant, such as the fact that it drew most of it's chaotic potential to hold the effect on the victim from it's roots, deep into the soil... there was a large amount of chaotic poisoning in the area.

I grimaced a little at how the shifting colour and shape was from underground, I blinked back to real time view and simply stared at the floor.

I needed to find the cure of this... or it's never going to come off...

But first, what was that other signature?

I looked back up at the edge of the clearing, my eyes already shifting.

A large amount of energy... a lot of it, warped and strange, festering in the distance, it was like a foul smell the way it appalled my sight I grumbled a little and wiped my eyes with the crook of my hoof, they were getting tired and strained all too quickly.

For now it was in one place... I would have to investigate when I'm in better shape.

I took down a few notes about the damn flower, and walked as fast as I could with my lame leg back home.

Within the day I made a working antidote, but it took sometime... it was rather slow when repairing the damage so it felt very unnerving, at the end of the day however, I was back to normal, I made sure that the flower was contained in a sealed container and decided to hold off experimentation until I make more effective cure... again, the experience felt unnerving.

The day ended with the paranoid feeling that the Ghost's Voidwalker sent were still watching, I was irritated, but paid them no mind.

I spent the rest of the night reviewing the day in my mind, working out all the details and making a note to look up for any records of the flower in the local library, official records didn't even cross my mind... perhaps the flowers managed to make me temporary senile as well, it wouldn't have mattered anyway, spending any close proximity with Twilight would have not ended well.

Sometimes I wished that I could have a simple dreamless night, without even this meadow of calm and serenity bearing on my consciousness, but it would have led to normal dreams and nightmares as well... so this is preferable.

The night passed on slowly...

Author's Note

Alright, so the next chapter is going to be my coordination with Archmage and his visit, I might be lagging behind updates now but I promise I'll try to update as soon as I can.

What Life Has Become

I was lucky enough to have found the library relatively empty, Spike, the dragon assistant was the only one minding the place and was fine with me flicking through the various volumes in search for something, he didn't seem used to living in a library yet since it was usually considered normal to assist someone in finding their books.

So far I had not managed to find it, I went through the relatively likely ones, 'strange plants of Equestria' and so on, yet there wasn't enough information of it's effects or anything otherwise to tip me off other than a brief mention of 'a certain flowers effect', as if I should have known about it beforehand. Something tells me the author of this has...

Poor Foresight, what an unfortunate name.

I had been here for twenty minutes yet I hadn't managed to find what I was looking for.

Now the normal thing to do at this point was ask the librarian, but I am avoiding contact from Twilight for now and her assistant is likely to mention me in passing.

I would have thought the flower would be well known locally at least, for such a strange and visible reaction to the body.

I just discovered a pair of gold shears sticking out of the speech center of my brain this morning.

... Not something I expected to read today.

It seems the fates share the same sense of humor as that plant.

I don't know exactly the context, but I'll accept your word for it.

It's known as poison joke, by the way. Unlike mundane poison oak, which simply causes a rash, this plant plays a magic practical joke on anything that touches it, usually something to do with their personal pride or talent.

Hmm... a joke you say? Well I suppose my transformation must relate to... my Witch title, traditionally it was said from made up stories passed down from the ancestors of the Unicorns that spoke against her, commonly shown to be ugly, crippled and filled with diseases. Ironically, in the more modern and peaceful era such a pony would be rushed to hospital with all the care in the world.

I believe the herbology guidebook 'Supernaturals' could be of use for more information on plants from the Everfree. Both Twilight and Zecora have a copy.

Supernaturals... hmm, I did actually run past that, the title is misleading, I would have thought it to be a book of spirits or of unexplained events in the world, this Poison Joke seems to be a very real thing, obviously the author didn't think the name would mislead at all.

Till next time,
Machina

With that I made a new search and found the said book, inside was the complete description of the plant, and even a natural cure in the form of a special herbal bath medicine. I should be able to make this as well as I can, I don't exactly favor the normal way of creating something however.

My word, your, ah, "letterbox" shall we say, has gotten a lot more cluttered since I last spoke with you, Miss.

... Ah, Scholar, it's been a while. Yes, a number more have appeared, some more infuriating than others.

Such... characters. Such a range of skills and abilities, too, intriguing. Makes me wonder if I can send more than just these messages to you. Hmm... now where's that copy of "Dimensional Delvings for Dummies"? Codex, have you been messing with my sorting system again?
...Codex?

Well, good luck in doing that I suppose, it is good to hear some insightful opinions sometimes.

Ugh, blast. Miss, if you'd please do me a favour? keep an eye out for a black kitten with feathered wings on its back? He answers to the name Codex, and if I'm reading the tracks he left right, he may be hopping around dimensions.

Well that's unfortunate.

*sighs* Codex is the best familiar a scholar could want, incredibly bright and understands what you say even if he can't reply, but he does tend to go off exploring at the worst possible times, and yes, even through other planes of existence... if you do see him, please tell him to come home?

Well, I already seem to have a connection to cat species through Cheshire, I will make sure to send him on his way back if I ever should meet him, I can't guarantee he would listen to me however.

But anyway, cat troubles aside. Seems like you have that Poison Joke affliction in hoof, so to speak. If you're in need of more accurate diagrams and details regarding the plant in question and many others besides, check a book called "Supernaturals" in Ponyville library, and don't be put off by the name, it's grammatically flawed and as such tends to mislead any who simply read its title.

Yes, I managed to get the hint from Machina, thank you for your contribution as well, and your right, this is a very misleading mistake on grammar.

It could be that its pages hold details of other uses for the plant you might find beneficial. Given the somewhat comedic chaos around the plant, I wouldn't be surprised if it can be used to make laughing gas, or something equally surprising. At least, that's my hypothesis...

Indeed, flicking through the pages there are references to several other unique plants, some I knew already, others not so much, I'm not sure about the laughing gas idea, it is a plant that causes a natural allergic reaction to anyone who touches it and shifts their shape into something 'funny', laughing doesn't exactly factor into it's process.

Yours,
Scholar
PS. I really meant it about Codex. He likes books he hasn't read before and most dairy products.

How catlike... I'll make sure to keep my eyes out as I've said.

Books he hasn't read before? I wouldn't know what that could be exactly, the best bet I have in running into him is in the library, and I plan to spend as little time as I can here.

I managed to check over all the facts of the Poison Joke plant and also make notes of several others to look out for, and I left quietly.

On the way back home, another message pops up.

Hello Mouse.

Ah Cheshire, perfect timing, keep an eye out for a winged cat would you?

I see some of the others are getting a little over zealous with the "help" they are giving you as this is a minor problem for you I have done a little meddling on a few fronts don't worry nothing to large.

Hmm?

Firstly I have put a ward around your bedroom this well keep anything from watching you as you sleep and other things in that room, don't worry it will not effect the spell that we use to send messages.

I have enough wards in place, it wasn't particularly necessary since I'm a light sleeper. Rather strange how you are helping after complainging about the others giving me too much help.

As for the other I took care of the group of "Ghost" Void set on you that I did find most enjoyable I must say. Tho you will not care, no I didn't harm them just sent them on a bit of a trip to random realities I'm sure they well eventually make it back to him.

Well that will certainly get rid of the feeling of being watched I suppose.

Well that is all the meddling in your life I will be doing for the mean time I hope the day goes well for you.
The Cheshire Cat

You need to add more punctuation, understanding this is sometimes hard to do without reading it a few more times.

Another message appeared... and strangely enough it was linked to Cheshire's one, it was from Voidwalker.

Meh...They just reported back to me...You're lucky they were not under the order of exterminus...That usually end up with the destruction of entire solar system.

Someones bitter.

...And I won't probably send them out again...Seeing as you don't have the need for them. By the way...You don't need to be afraid of truly harming them...I have granted those that are loyal to me a certain level of immortality some pain resistance and the mind to handle it. But, thank you for dealing with them in a rather peaceful way...

He's very bitter.

As for "watching" you...You honestly think I really need them to do that? Nah...With the kind of power I possess, it is rather redundant...It was done mostly to annoy you and I suppose I succeed. Hehehehehehehe *cough* Ahem.

... Your an unpleasant creature, you understand that right?

Haven't used that kind of laughter for a while. *hack* *cough* Oh, wow. Hairball...And I'm not even related to cat in anyway.

There seems to be more cats than ever in these messages I receive, Cheshire, Scholar and now you.

That poison joke plant is rather diverse in its effect...It seem in this universe, it just plays 'pranks', in other universes, they can actually kill you in a week without a cure while others the effect simply wears of.

... I suppose I am lucky mine was the better variety.

Well, that is it for now...
-Voidwalker-
3-2-1, FIGH!...Yeah! Eat my 122mm cannon shell! *Boom*

... So many things you entities do don't make sense.

Honestly, there are only so much that can be done to keep him somewhat sane and kind...Well, sane for those that are insane...Which is most of us otherworldly entities.

I still think he is quite unstable despite how much slack your giving him.

Here is a box of 100 sleeping pills. Putting you in a dreamless and restful sleep. Basically you only need to sleep 3 hours with one pill and you are back to full strength. Both mind and body.

Sure enough, a box suddenly appears out of nowhere, with a pink exterior and red bow.

Well... the first function is actually useless because I really don't have dreams what so ever, I can shape them how I wish. But the suppressed sleep within three hours could be useful, it would certainly help in some situations.

With that I had reached to door of my house and walked inside, all the while accompanied by a piano and string instrument song from the other Pinkie, breathing in, I relaxed as I sunk into the chair, listening to the welcome soft song.

Hmm... I realize I had put off visiting Archmage lately.

He had extended to invitation a while ago, I suppose it hasn't hit me until now.

I took out the onyx medallion that was still slung around my neck, looking over it a few times, I then tried to recall exactly the phrase that was needed...

"The Academy-

I then blinked and found myself appear out of nowhere, large golden gates and giant night sky expanded overhead, I took a moment to stare blankly around the landscape, which was nothing but long stretches of land that had no mountains or hills nor end.

I breathed in exasperation, the immediate and sudden transportation defied so many laws of natural magic I was sure most Unicorn spell weavers would have their minds melt over the amount of magic required to do this without charging or signs of it happening.

Then, a sudden thunder of trumpets erupted out of nowhere, already knowing that this was going to be a long day, I turned my attention to several, creatures, who bore resemblance to Daideo with their instruments perched on their lips in a formal fashion, all in a rehearsed and organised line.

Suddenly, another appeared from the corner of my vision and straightened his posture.

"Announcing the esteemed arrival of Scry Fortune of the Moss family." My ears twitched slightly as he said that, being recognized by my lineage was hardly the thing I would expect, but it is apparent that this was a very formal thing that was set up by Archmage. No doubt to throw me off balance in some way.

He was an annoying entity like that.

They all then disappeared as quickly as they appeared, neatly dividing into two doors.

Except one.

He was covered, head to toe in a strange type of metal armor, he had his face covered like Daideo, only it was white and had a monocle and top hat, and a cloak hung over his shoulders.

If there was a time to feel under-dressed... do all the entities here see themselves as important to wear so much clothing?

He walked up to me smoothly, maybe a march with a dash of skipping included, and he held up his arm towards me.

To humor him, I raised my hoof and he took it in his claw, and kissed my hoof delicately, his mask opening enough to see his strange flat mouth and canines, the other creatures had similar and differing faces but I wasn't close enough to note their features.

"Welcome..." The mask shut before he could grin fully at me, and gestured around himself in a dramatic fashion.

"... Laying it on a little thick aren't you, I'm hardly royalty so what is with the ceremony?"

He gave a small tip of his head and chuckled, "Heh heh, hey now. You don't need to be royalty to deserve respect. So, hrm, what do you think of the place?"

"... Needlessly large."

"Well to be fair, it was made for beings that were 7-8 feet tall."

My ear gave an irritable twitch, "I meant more like the scenery behind me that is fit for a landscape drawing."

"Ah. That. Hrm, well, how do I put in a way you'll understand without giving you a 1200 hour education on the creation of pocket dimensions..." He places a hand to his muzzle in thought, "Aha! I got it! Look, imagine a pyramid, you know how they have to have a really large base and a tiny top to be structurally sound? The academy the the tiny top and the landscape is the base. Depending on certain circumstances pocket dimensions need to be built in a certain way to continue existing."

"Very well... yet I still feel it's rather unnecessary." I then gestured to the large golden gates behind him, "Enough of that however, what did you want me here to see?"

"I just wanted to give you a tour and have lunch. So... where do you want to go first?"

I gave him a level look, "I don't know anything about this place, you were the one who brought me here."

He scratched the back of his head sheepishly, "Uh... want to see the farms?"

I decided to take pity on him and simple gave a nod of agreement.

"Very well then, lead on."

"Alrighty then, onwards!"

Suddenly, I found myself in another place the moment my eyes opened from the split second blink forced upon me. In front of me was a glass plane that showed a large open area with several different kinds of plants lined up, put together, hanging in the air, hanging off trees and so on. Simply a forest of different vegetation. Also, they seemed to strangely be in different kinds of soil or different times of the day.

"Voila! What do you think? It's equipped with state of the art magitek and even some sections with applied temporal distortion tech. Any questions?"

I was able to guess two things, that this obviously ran off some form of hybrid tech from his words, and he either thought highly of my intelligence, or it didn't occur to him that what he was saying went over the heads of most normal ponies.

I decided to hold my tongue for now.

"I see you managed to separate most of them into different environments, the best one for their intended species I expect?"

"Quite, although if you want the environs adjusted you can use these labeled controls over here."

A control console made itself apparent from in front of the glass display, I walked up to the controls and looked over the number of plants I could modify.

"Cry out a quarter of the mushroom like plants there..." I pushed on a 'sun' lever and also a few buttons with the same name of plant above it. Sure enough it managed to divide and somehow add more levers for the individual batches of fields made, "Another thing, adjust the living conditions of the more sun thriving species to have less than half the amount needed, that way they 'compete' for the most sunlight given them them." Again, another few levers and buttons popped up as I adjusted them.

In the end I had a decent variation in terms of how healthy or otherwise the regents would be.

I looked behind me to see Archmage was simply standing there, nodding to the changes I was doing, taking note of them.

"So, what else is in this place anyway, this can't be the only room."

"There's the potion labs to look at, afterwards we can go to the observatory." He gestured, somewhat mockingly at the door, before we teleported once again to a room that stunk of chemicals, fumes floated off nearby pots of shining metal and advanced looking tools for potion preparation, from cutting, to grinding, to boiling and cooling.

"The labs here have a wide variety of alchemical assistance abjurations and gear. We have pots, pans, cauldrons, beakers, bottles, and fiery furnaces. There are also thermometers, decompilers, thingamajiggers, this weird metal stick and just plain useful stuff. The cabinets and desk have some useful notes for you to find and read."

This time I was sure he had no idea that most of what he said needed explaining, or at least repeating, considering how quickly he ran through his lines.

"It seems advanced to be sure, make sure to have some notes on how to work the more advanced versions of some of these tools, I need to know how to use them to their full capacity after all." I looked up and down the pots and took note at all of them being new and streamlined, "Also, would you get a pot made out of iron, it's usually required for some potions to have such their containers have that base element it it."

Suddenly, one such object appears on the nearby table.

"Done." He cheerily says...

I was tempted to ask what was the point of the door if teleporting was the only thing he did to get around.

"So... astronomy tower?"

An astronomy tower?
What would be the point in knowing the consolations in this realm?

"I don't know why such a thing would be very useful to me."

"I'll show you." And with that, I found myself appear in a room which had no roof, above showed a clearly and bright summer day. With a swipe of his wrist, the sky blended into a recognizable night sky of Equestria.

"Okay, as you may know many dimensions have potion recipes that require the planet to be in a certain position to work."

He gestured to the nearby map of different worlds, with different suns and moons in the picture, some had as many as ten circling them.

"This is a multi-dimensional planetary and stellar tracker. For example, the recipe I gave needs to be made on a full moon. This baby here can currently observe the skies of 7 distinct dimensions. It also helps to let you know how much time has passed if you spend too long here researching or brewing potions."

He then turns to me.

"Any more questions mon ami?"

"... Just one, do you have a hobby?" I found myself asking purely out of the fact I needed to know how a being would just think up all of this, for the sole purpose of appeasing one individual.

There is generosity, and then there is simply TOO generous.

Amazingly, despite the mask, the area around his face lit up red, "You know how some beings make model boats or trainsets? This is the god version of that."

"... Fair enough." I was hardly in the position to talk, considering I managed to make a brew that got me to contact entities in the first place.

"So, any questions you have, we'll have to discuss it over food." He then looked at his claw... where a watch that was realistically drawn onto his wrist with a multitude of crayons.

"... You just delight in making no sense do you?"

He simple chuckles, "Oh I make sense, from a certain point of view."

"... You could have said 'I'm not insane, all of you are' and it would have the same effect." I pulled back from my close inspection of the iron pot, and turned back to him, "So, lunch?"

"Sure."

I wasn't even surprised when not only my location, but posture shifted to accommodate the seat that had now appeared below me, he was becoming predictable. In front of me was a a empty plate, I was sitting across from Archmage who was leaning back casually.

"Forgive me for presuming but I suspect that you'll not want any meat will you? I know that many ponies do indeed eat meat but I thought I'd better play it safe."

A large bowl of several types of lettuce and tomatoes floated down in front of me, as well as a pitcher of tea that filled my empty cup.

"... There are some that decide to go with the lifestyle, but it is a rather largely troublesome mental barrier to overcome." After all, ponies are commonly a herbivore species, eating any living thing goes against the innate harmony magic within ones blood and thus rejects it horribly, it's why black magic usually sharpens the teeth to change the nature of you one it is corrupting.

"Is there any type of food in particular that you like? I can get you pretty much anything."

"This is fine, thank you." I reach down and pick out one of the crisp leaves and chew on it thoughtfully. It tasted like it was well grown, free from any sorts of pests or problems. Also, it tasted expensive.

"So, from what I know of the beings of this era we are to partake in banter during the consumption of our meal. So, read any good ancient tomes lately?" He was very animated as he spoke, his gestures as fluid and random as his topics, "I recently acquired one which detailed the necessary and massive requirements to create a runic array for self-stabilizing dimension, I can finally go on vacation and not have to worry about whether my worshipers or people under my protection will die from universal destruction."

"... It sounds like your bragging," I pop one of the smaller tomatoes into my mouth and took a moment to savor the juicy texture, I never much cared for them because I couldn't decide whenever they were more liquid than food, "And I I don't much partake in much reading besides ones to make my brews, such as the one that connected my consciousness with all powerful entities from another world."

"Hrm, well, make any good potions lately? You should be able to use the luck potion recipe I gave you this upcoming full moon."

He sips on his drink, which I managed to catch a whiff of grapes, wine perhaps.

"And I wasn't bragging, it's really hard having to always take care of people, I mean, I don't have to, but I have a conscience."

"I didn't say so, simply that you sound you are, your childish demeanor hardly helps you in that regard." I took a sip of the tea provided, it was rather gritty, yet very tasty, "And to answer your question, I haven't had time to really experiment and develop a truly great brew, other than my potion that multiplies quality, I've been mostly researching and getting kidnapped."

"Sounds like my college days... what?" I shook my head at his statement and looked back down to my meal.

"So Scry, what's your life been like? Any interesting things happen with you?"

... Seriously?

I directed a look... nay, a glare at the entity, projecting the large amounts of exasperation and not appreciating how much he is oblivious to how idiotic that question was.

"Let's assume you weren't watching my life for the last few days, can you honestly think that your question was going to yield anything you didn't already know."

He held up his claws as a sign of surrender, "Ummmm, I actually meant your past and things before you made the View Brew, anything major events?"

"... Be more specific in the future," I drank slowly, keeping my eyes on him... before relaxing and sitting back, "There have been a number of adventures I participated in my life, you will have to be more specific."

"Ooh, adventures eh? Sounds interesting. What types of things did you do? Whattypesofponiesdidyoudo? Any places blown up? Villains defeated? Apocalypses cancelled?"

... I couldn't help but feel one of those needed special notice, but he spoke so quickly that I couldn't catch all of it.

"Nothing so big as world threats... well, not immediate worldly threats anyway, in the subtle world of the other world, most anything that threatens the delicate balance of it can lead to some negative consequences."

"... Again, be more specific, there are a number of them I had managed in my life of travelling and each having it's own share of factors that you have described just now, ever since I was but a foal I have been independent."

Archmage gave a large sigh, I didn't even know he was capable of being exasperated "Why so picky Scry? Okay, here's something specific, have you ever needed to fend off a bounty hunter that specializes in tracking down those who use "evil" magic? If so, how were you able to defeat him?"

"I wiill stop being 'picky' if you stop being vague, there has been a number of times some ponies or other species have come across witches in old stories or something else, and may have become overzealous and decide it is in their best interest to rid the world of us."
I shook my head at the idea.

"Not so much bounty hunter than simple stupid, the closest thing to bounty hunter in job would be either that, or assassins from particular groups that find me troublesome to their ideas."

I looked down in the salad, trying to think of a single event...

"Well, there was this time I was trekking through Saddle Arabia, and I managed to evade an infamous thieves group that took up most of the desert, after a few weeks of them having chasing me and not succeeding, their pride as masters of their craft and environment was damaged, I hear they are still waiting for me to travel back there even now..."

"Hmm? Did there happen to be forty of them?" He asked, now consuming an collection of noodles that I was sure I didn't see before, he continued talking before I could answer, "If I had less limitations in your universe I could send you back to them with an enchanted suit of armor and a gauss rifle."

I chose not to ask what a rifle, gauss or not, would be, assuming it was a weapon of some sort, "It would be a small desert if were merely forty... and even if you could, I would rather not try and fight them again over the simple fashion of petty vengeance, I already did enough to hamper their operations as I left the region."

Yes, a couple hallucinogenic gas bombs and sand blindness gasses certainly managed to 'hamper' their efforts.

"Yeah, revenge doesn't really help anyone. But still, Saddle Arabia, what's that like?"

"Dry, arid and unpleasantly warm." I answered shortly, sipping my drink a little, "And at night, freezing cold."

"Sounds comfy." He commented casually.

"After the sandstorms had lifted temporarily I suppose I felt an amount of satisfaction."

"Heh heh, yep. Scry, I realize now that only you've been telling stories, do you have any questions about my past?" He seemed excited, like a little foal on their birthday...

"No, not really." I hid the small amount of pleasure I had once he slumped down in defeat slightly.

"Oh, okay. Hmm, wanna talk potions? I've been alive for quite a while and I have plenty of alchemical knowledge for you."

While that was a generous offer...

"... I've been meaning to mention, any sort of 'normal' way that certain ingredients are made into potions, would likely be messed up on my end, due to my ability of revealing the hidden potential of what I use to brew a potion, it can turn out different from what would have happened if you had made it." It was indeed rather a curse to any who try to use their ability in the normal world, if a normal pony had developed a sneezing remedy, a witch would develop a homemade bomb with the exact same ingredients and preparation process.

"Hmm, we do share vastly different magical signatures..."

And then, he turned to look at a VERY tall, slender figure of a pony, but through the folds of his robes I saw it was devoid of fur, yet had a completely white complexion and no face... I swallowed down my ease of it being close to the 'uncanny valley' and kept my expression schooled.

"Hmmmmmm, yep. That confirms it. Valacroix nomish virit? Oh well. I can probably appeal to an overdeity for help, maybe even speak directly to the creator of your universe. Heh heh, this reminds me of a story. Do you wanna hear it?"

Speak to the creator of my universe, as if that was as casual as he made it out to be.

//Hehe...//

"Sure, go ahead."

"Well, as you can probably tell by now, I'm not exactly the most... sane of beings. Instead of being like other beings of massive power I instead take an active role in the realm of mortals, this... has gotten me quite the reputation."

I can imagine...

"Among many I am considered a "dark" god for questioning the "holy" order of things. Ha! Any deity that believes only a select few should rule over the rest is a being that should be locked in the realm of Never."

Unfortunately, most get their way despite other's opinions...

"Anywho, some cultists from some backwater universe decided to appeal to me for help. They were going to sacrifice a virgin to me, so while they didn't exactly gain my favor, they certainly got my attention. They began chanting and one of them stepped forward to say, "Oh great Dark One, Emperor of Shadows and destroyer of worlds, we appeal to you for help in our plight."

... He shares the name with the Dark One I met before?

"At this moment I decided to make my entrance. I appeared in a cloud of flames and smoke. I stepped out wearing my bathrobes and mask and said, "Hello! Whadda ya need?"

"... You are really too casual." I criticized, "They prepare a blood ritual, and you make fun of the image of power they had been trying to summon?"

"Hey, I was taking a bath when I got the signal, and they were going to kill the sacrifice!"

You are an entity that can make a dimension that slows down time, why are you worrying about time?

"Anywho, I spoke with the cultists and heard their story. Luckily for them the sacrifice was willing to be... sacrificed."

Not surprising, if they knew half of dark rituals, then a willing sacrifice is almost more likely to summon an agreeable entity than an unwilling one, otherwise you are likely to summon a corrupting, bloodthirsty, unstable one.

"They were being oppressed by a supposed superior people that had them as slaves." He gave an earthly sigh, leaning back into his chair "It was horrible, even the children were mistreated."

Yet again, nothing surprising, a cruel government or group would likely not hold much morals over slaves and other such ranks, it's the mindset of most underdeveloped cultures that 'lesser' people are to be simply servants to their words, children were simply making sure the future generation of heirs were sure to be waited on hind and back hooves.

"Anyways, I freed a bunch of them and wiped out a couple of cities. I gave many of them knowledge of technology they could use to win. Hehe, they sent 1500 knights in full-plate armor towards our base of operations. They were torn to shreds from 2 kilometers away with gauss rifles."

... these 'rifles' power is all the more apparent.

"They had a revolution and defeated the oppressors. Peace was eventually made and in a few centuries the world united. Nowadays I watch over them and about 4 billion of them worship me. I also made sure they didn't fight among each other again. I haven't told them yet but in a few weeks they are going to make first contact with a species of similar technological levels. I'm going to leave them to fend on their own soon but I'll check up on them every once in a while."

"That is surprising, as just a minute ago you said you like to take an active role in the physical world." I noted, recently, that a pile of oatmeal cookies were piled on a nearby plate, thankfully free from sugar as tested with a cautious nibble.

"Scry, there is a difference between taking an active role and being their God-emperor."

I stopped shewing, and simply stared.

"I didn't anything of the kind, some 'deities' may have a usual motto of keeping out of mortals business, but when you say 'fend them off', that makes me thing of war, and you leaving them to 'fend for themselves' can be considered contradictory to your 'active role' title."

"Well, I'm bored and they don't need me as much anymore... I'm also lonely. It's one of the reasons I gallivant across the multiverse like I do. Many times I've erased my memory and cut off my access to my own power to once again live as mortals do. I have other immortal friends but we can't come together very often..."

"... again, I'm suddenly aware of how strange you entities all are." I shook my head as I finished the last leaf from my meal, "You are so lonely, so you say, yet you have worshipers, people to look after, and connections to other entities from far beyond. And yet you still find a reason to use the word 'lonely'."

I shrugged, "Being alone is not as lonely to me as it is to you, I find it relaxing and better to be left alone with my thoughts, of course that is just me."

"Heh heh, that's not really what I meant. I am immortal. Everyone there will die and I will not change one bit. It's lonely because I knowevery connection I make will die while I keep going. And my friends, well, we can't talk long because many times explosions happen around us from the sheer amount of power we have." He clapped his hands suddenly, springing up from his brief slump, "Right now, I'm happy because I can talk to you and mess around with while your still here. You make me happy with your misadventures."

"Again, another thing of immortals... they always think with mortal values, I understand when you outlive the connections you've made in your life for the first few hundred years, but dragons with their own longevity have managed to deal with this by making friends with the ancestors and following generations of lesser lived species."

I felt my brow twitch a little.

"And it's not like I am living my life for your amusement, you all treat this like a storybook."

//Maybe you should get into that mindset a little, set you up for the plot twist, heh, plot.//

"Oh no, not a story at all."

He suddenly nudges the slender pony, who somehow managed to slip from my perception again, and thus made his arrival only slightly less surprising and unnerving again.

"... Well, I suddenly feel that I should feel sorry for my possible descendant's for the future." I intoned with a deadpan expression.

"Why sorry?" He says with genuine puzzlement.

"I'm sure my future generations will know the answer, ask them." I then tilted my head thoughtfully, "Now that our lunch is done... I think it would best be the time to go back to my dimension, I've seen enough for now."

To my surprise, it didn't offer much of an impact.

"Good bye Scry! Hope to see you again soon."

With a snap, I found myself back home again... instantly.

A quick look at the clock confirmed not even a minute had passed while I was away.

I sighed and simply made my way back to bed, determined to sleep away the stress build up from speaking to Archmage for an extended amount of time.

Author's Note

Sorry for the late updates lately, been trying to catch up see?

Anyway, NO more coab's for a while, need to write a little better now...

ScryTime! - SOUPMAKER!

It was a quiet forest... when suddenly, a bouncing pink pony came out from the bushes, in a old fashioned dress that was ripping a little to allow full, unfettered movement of her legs, she had a large grin on her face as she followed along a trail of strange blue flowers beckoning to her. As she followed, they disappeared one by one, only to have a number more appear ahead, leading her to a place unknown.

But she didn't care for how the setting seemed incredibly mysterious, she simply followed along like it was a game, her smile as unmovable as her bouncy pick curly hair.

Eventually, she ran out of flowers to follow, she curiously looked around, and found a curious sight. A house, overridden in moss and weeds, stood out clearly from the forest, the pink pony shrugged and bounced towards it.

She stood outside, looking over the long strands of blood red grass that grew out of the shrubs, before opening the door without knocking.

She looked around, all around the small room it had several ingredients, implements and other things that set up a very cook like look to it.

"Hello." Behind a counter, slumped and looking disinterested, was a brown pony with a messy mane of blue, green, grey and white hair, wearing a dark scratchy looking cloak, she regarded the pink one with nothing but a stare, "Welcome to 'Soup's of the Wood's', where we use all natural ingredients to ensure you have a meal that lasts throughout the day."

"Hi~" the pink one said, skipping towards the mare, her continuous bouncing as well as slightly breaking physics made the other mare tilt her head in slight confusion, before she merely shook her head and sighed.

"So what do you got~?"

"We have tomato, potato, lettuce, carrot-

"Nonono, I mean the REALLY exotic ones please!"

The mare gave a her a look, "Very well, we have local delicacies, and we have some special stock sometimes shipped in."

She walked out from behind her counter and brushed a hoof over a large purple carrot, "For instance this is 'Figglewort', a special delicacy found in a far off land, even a small part of it can become the whole flavor for the soup, thick and salty with a large undertone of beetroot and salt."

"Hmm... hey? What were those funny flowers outside?"

"No idea." The mare cuts off quickly, suddenly turning to a another part of the shop, "You see these long reed like ones? They are called 'Gillug', and make an excellent side dish to most other dishes, it has a nice tang to it that can have a degree of uniqueness, especially combined with some craaaaaaa-crackers, yes, crackers, not crab at all."

"You sure you don't know? Because they were all floaty and 'please come our way' and then they danced a little, and they lead me right here-

"Never heard of them." She swiftly abandoned mixing a bowl and went to the other side, "Now this is a special brew here, it has a nice healthy property to it, I assure you, gets rid of any, possible, diseases your possible relatives have... do you have any deathly ill people you want to take this to? Preferably now and leaving me alone?"

"Nope-erione."

"...Great..."

The pink pony looked at the pot, that was still stirring despite the ladle being left alone, "Hey look, it's a ghost pony!"

A quick stomp on the floor from the brown mare's hoof, and the ladle ceased.

"No, that was just the wind, just the wind, now, how about over here, this stew here is a rel conversation piece, you can reconnect with a friend, or lover, practically all old bonds and heartbreaks can be fixed... and it's half off, why not take it and leave?"

The pink pony then found herself looking at a black colored reptile.

"Oooo~ Who's this?"

"...That's stuffed."

The lizard hissed at her pointedly.

"Well don't deny it! How many times have I seen you sampling the stock?!"

"Oh, My, Celestia, your a Witch~!"

"No I'm not, I'm a soup maker." The brown pony said, quickly stirring at a number of pots as they fizzed away.

"That's it! I knew they were leading me somewhere important!"

"Sooooup maker!" The mare tried to remind her, this time cutting up several objects at a rapid pace, putting them into the pot beside her.

"Thank you wispy things! I finally found the answer to my problems!"

"SOUP, MAKER!" The mare near growled this time, the flames burst out all of a sudden from the cauldron she was minding.

"Well, you see, just a while ago, my mom was stopping me from having parties everyday, so I was really sad, and we had a little bit of a fight and-

"STOP!"

The pink mare stopped at the shout, and looked expectantly at the mare, breathing rather heavily.

"I am not a Witch, not anymore... too many unsatisfied customers trying to kill me afterwards." She grumbled as she set down a ladle she was carrying, "Now... if you aren't here to buy anything..." She stomped her hoof once again, causing an array of forks, spoons and knifes to collect around and aim at the pink pony, "Get OUT!"

The pink pony gulped and backed up a little as the mare walked forwards, the door opened on it's own accord as she pony was being pushed out of it.

"W-wait, the little flowers told me to come here!"

"I don't CARE, those damn things have always been infesting this place! Just get out of here or I'll-

"I'LL BUY EVERYTHING!"

The brown pony stopped dead, freezing her advancement in place, "What?"

"I'll buy everything, all your stock."

The assortment of cluttered cutlery... stayed in place, as the Witch gave her a look.

"...What?"

"Oh, I just suspected they would turn on you?"

"What kind of Witch allows her enchantments to turn against her?"

"AhHA! So you are a Witch!"

Said Witch slapped a hoof to her face.

"...Well, how are you planning to PAY for all that then?"

"Uh... with this!" The pink mare suddenly pulled out a slice of pie.

"...And... what is that meant to mean?"

The mare than quickly stuffed the pie into the mares mouth, she tried to struggled but...

"...Appplllleeesss..." She then quickly started chewing into it, before swallowing it entirely.

"...We could work out a deal."

Another facepalm happened, only this time from the lizard behind her.

The pair were the oddest business partners... but eventually, they became the weirdest lovers as well.

Author's Note

Alright, with the LONG wait, I decided to get back into this.

BUT, please don't give me so much shit to add to the thing, it gets tedious...

So, enjoy this little funny piece, since I liked the scene so much, and it fit the characters so well.

Await the next chapter, coming soon.

Green Turns to Gold

The days had been passing without much notice recently...

I had managed to put Archmage's special facilities to good use, and already had an array of ingredient's to choose from, he had promised to store them for me and offered to do that same for the ones I had on 'hand', his own words, but I couldn't let him handle them due to my better judgement. I'd rather have my them here ready to use and liable to be discovered than in another dimension and not being able to utilize them on the fly.

For now, they will stay where they are, I prefer them within reach.

Now that the continuous storms and rainfalls, it's fast approaching autumn, the leaves are dulling and dying on their branches yet still hanging on stubbornly, awaiting for the 'Running of the Leaves' to help their detachment and fall properly.

For this season I had managed to commit myself to a routine, I avoided Rainbow and Twilight respectively due to the past problems and suspicions put upon me. Applejack surprisingly has kept up to her promise of not investigating me, and even kept up the facade by trying to engage in small talk, I indulged her every now and then but it was obvious I was not the only one finding it awkward overall.

But we kept civil and away from each others business, so in the end that was all that mattered.

I was in the middle of a potion testing frenzy, as I said before, I had made an array of ingredients to choose from, already such creatures like 'goblins' and 'Werewolves' were a prime source of animal product, while other plants such as 'Death Cap Mushroom' and 'Belladona' were a promising base to start with, I had began testing right away.

First of all, I had used 'Bloodgrass', a type of weed that had a very strong iron taste around it, seemingly like blood, and unnervingly it looked like it was splattered with the very fluid it was named after. I used it in an array of healing mixtures and found that it had made them more robust when healing injuries.

Then there was something that was under a plethora of names, one being wolfsbane, and could make an incredibly powerful sleeping potion with the normal recipes applied, however under my hoofs it quickly became a very powerful poison.

It had been a long day, and with autumn coming in, I was finding little reasons to not to be inside the Everfree at one point or another, once or twice I even managed to stop by the house of Zecora, mind not exactly going out of my way, I stumbled on it the first time and we exchanged pleasantries. Nothing amounted to more than an exchange of information.

I find myself... envious at the moment. It is clear that The Archmage has reached the peak of power I once held. I almost see a small bit of my former self in him. Why is it that every near all powerful beings wears masks? for me at least, it is for a medical reason, but it is such a common trope. Perhaps it just helps us to forget what we've left behind in the pursuit of greater power.

To be honest I didn't get the impression he was hiding himself... but, I suppose it does lend to some interesting thinking. Also, hello once again Machina.

Hmmm, another parallel world where Nightmare Moon won over Celestia. And a completely barren wasteland to boot. Even the wendegos have starved to death.

That is ever so frightening of a prospect... but I think you mispelled the word, it's 'Windigoes' here. It is rather interesting you all know these different realms of existence... Nightmare Moon was vanquished here, yet in another realm she has ceded control. It makes me curious about the different words that exist already. As I ponder this, I looked outside the open window, watching as another leaf breezed inside and landed inside the pot I set out.

One down, another forty-four natural fallen leaves to go.

I always get the grim worlds when I'm in a grim mood it seems. It makes a good metaphor for my next point. Most of us higher beings, are not truly gods. We may exist at a magnitude of power greater than most mortals in the many worlds, but there are always higher beings out there. Even I, Made an honorary Deus by the fates themselves, am still mortal. Everything we make, is only ever temporary

A sad existence... I suppose in the grand scheme of things, outliving your creations is saddening, since you have a long life, all of them weigh more heavily on your frame.

I hope Archmage never has to see his worlds fall like mine did. He has done great good with his power, seeing his work destroy itself would most likely crush his spirit.

Don't think of me as callous, but I would think anything that would destroy something under his control would be the more pressing issue at hand.

I tried to solve that little problem with immortality once; having to say farewell to those you care for. I turned a wasteland into a utopia, made the residents immortal, elevated them to the same height of power I held. I believed myself to have finally triumphed over fate's hold. Others looked at my kingdom and only saw an abomination to be wiped out. My subjects, against my wishes, chose to destroy themselves, and the invaders with them. In a single night, the world of Nexus was reduced to barren ruins.

...

This level of power is a curse, and there are many who are willing to do anything they can to ease the pain of such an existence. Some chose madness, others oblivion, while I have always tried to be a voice of reason.

Hmm, indeed.

Perhaps this is why we all wear masks, because we could not bear to see ourselves as we truly are.

That is likely... such an affliction with immortals is present makes me glad that I made peace with a more mortal one.

Bah, look at me, I've gone and spouted a soliloquy, are there any cliché's I've missed using?

I think you forgot to say 'woe is me' somewhere.

I feel I have overstrained my self in trying to reach your world Scry. I'll have to cease my efforts for the time being. For now, I'll close with this. All life is a story, with everyone having their own part to play. What is fiction for one realm, is reality for another. While an author may guide the plot of a story, the characters will always have free will. We all seek good stories, to find that small bit of happiness to light the way. Be the one to give that light.
Machina.

Hmm, a good saying I suppose.

With that, there was only forty-three leaves left, they had been thankfully falling steadily, but slowly, a vast majority would still find itself waiting for ponies to help shake them off the trees.

Dear Fortuny.

What format of messaging are you going to stick to Voidwalker?

Most of us immortals thinking like mortals because we were all mortal once...or raised by mortal when we were "born".

Development trumps origin, with a longer lifespan and the right circumstances, people can change drastically from what they once were. For Immortals, the first century could be seen as their childhood.

Machina is some what right with his talk about masks and what not I suppose.

It's not absolute, but it is worthy to note there are a number of people that have such a facade to them.

Talking about Machina...Those of us who still retain some common sense will not claim to be all powerful God...That is the fastest way to fall from grace.

It's not so much as proclaiming yourself above all other mortals, as it is demanding for things, it doesn't stop at sacrifices, any type of 'god ' that asks for tributes are usually going to not turn out well. Even the benevolent ones, eventually people will ask 'why are we doing this'.

To answer your question from several previous "chapters" about what do shipping gods have to do with your love life... Here is a song. It is more about the other meaning of the term "shipping" or "I ship it".

I'm pretty sure you're smart enough to make out what shipping is and what shipping gods does aside from the usual transportation. Here's a hint: It can be both canon and non-canon to be considered shipping.

I grit my teeth as the thumping and annoying synthetic sounds pounded into existence once again, thankfully I wasn't asleep when it was inside my dreamscape directly, it grated horribly on my ears as the sounds drifted. Then the voice came in and started singing the lyrics once again.

...Late night... s-smut!?

Canon? I, whhuuuaaaaa-ah-ah-SIBLINGS?! T-TWINcesT?!

I-I, ga, UH, eh?!

O...T, P...shipping...urg...

Gay...B-bromance...uh...uhhh

I...I need a minute, I, what...uh-

//Voidwalker! You broke her mind! Dammit, now I need to reset the damn thing, hold on.//

...Was something supposed to happen?

...I feel like something should have happened...hm...well, there have been some sort of problems with these posts.

//Don't break my characters! The story needs her mind at least a little innocent and keeping the facade of stoic.//

Oh, and here is a search engine on the hard-light panel I'm giving you for the time being so you can search for the meaning of certain terms...You will know how to use it as soon as you touch it. I will take it back when I need it...

A orange square appeared on the table, I grabbed it as I walked by, no longer surprised at how these things appeared anymore. I decided to look up shipping and of course, it said how it was a method of trading goods across naval vessels... and, an internet term for wanting to see two characters, fictional or otherwise, in a romantic relationship?

...Ah...now I understand that comment made before...urg.

I prepared the 'search engine' for the rest of his message.

About Archmage and gauss rifles...Huh...Those sound a lot like C-14 Impaler gauss rifle from Starcraft universe.

...'Gauss rifles', otherwise known as 'coilguns'... projectile accelerator...electromagnet? Ferromagnetic?

...These are too advanced to describer, I lack the base knowledge to make sense of these.

'Starcraft' shows a number of results, one being a realm that takes place among the stars, with chaos and order battling one another, as well as aliens and different creatures that are numerous, attacking a race similar to Archmage and Amedo. It look like a very gory battle... that is the nature of war I suppose.

They can hit anything accurately at 2 km away...and punch through several meters thick normal steel armor and about 2 inches of neo-steel armor at 30 shots/sec and with 500 "spikes" capacity...Heck, the thing can even shoot down super/hyper-sonic fighter jets several kilometers up in the sky with a decent aiming system usually found in neo-steel combat armor of the Terran infantry...
I sound like a weapon saleman...

...I'm not searching up any of that, I'm just going to move on.

For the statement about seeing your story like a book. As stated before Scryny. Some of us view the stuff that has been happening quite literaly like a novel/book/whatever-it's-called with pictures and coversation bubbles or all text with no picture.

Grand, so it seems that life has become near casual to you entities, how quaint.

And the fact that there are several Authors from several universes writing about it now doesn't help.

...I'm suddenly growing dull to this idea of my privacy meaning nothing.

As for what we do doesn't make any sense...I'm very tempted to quote Discord and say "What fun is there in making sense?" But, the truth is...Insanity. How we handled that result in what you see.

...I'm not sure about taking advice from someone who is well known for breaking anything resembling structure or integrity. He is force of nature, and decided to be a villain, it's in his very existence to disrupt anything that might seem like it stays in one place too much, even if that means flourishing kingdoms, if they are stagnant in changes, chaos on the whole, is all about that. It isn't good, but too much of it is just as bad as too much of it can make the world fall apart.

Oh, Archmage. Since you're a "God-Emperor"...You don't happend to know anything about Eldar, Tyranid, Ork, sorry excuse for chaos gods and some other? Because that title sound extremely familiar...

More gods of chaos... thank Moss that they only have one confined to one universe usually.

By the way...I have been wondering...Is afterlife equal with being dead or is it just another life...an immortal life...and that we only truly dead when we disappear from existence...Just like this little guy here who have been chained up and about to receive his oblivion...I serve the Lord of Darkness. I die for the Lord. You will soon met your end. Your world will so-. And he is removed from existence. Welp, that is annoying. Those are rather bad last words for someone who served the big bad Lord of Darkness.

...Could you message me when you aren't in the cusp of raising an army, or in the middle of battle, or interrogation? It just makes me all the more confused at the situation at hand.

Bah! I don't have any wise to crack this time so I will just leave you with this.
-Voidwalker-

A violin and piano playing relaxing music started, I sighed and turned my attention back the the leaves.

...This... is going on for a while?

...It's, the same song... played over...and over...

...

...Two... hours...the same song...for, two, hours...

Thankfully, there happened to be a lot more leaves in the pot now... only 22 more to go...

How could relaxing music somehow get grating at some point?

I rubbed my head and got out an ice pack from the fridge, placing it onto my head and sighing.

What a very...ssspecial little realm you have here, Misss Ssscry Fortune

...Let me guess, your a snake?

It intriguesss me and my Ssslithering Kinsssmen.

Hmm, as predicted.

The Passst, Presssent and Future are all so clouded to usss that we simply mussst watch you!

...Well... I am not one to question hobbies, but that wording is...

Your tale is quite amusssing thusss far, Ssscrying one.

I wouldn't call it 'amusing' on this side of the tale.

Asss a token of our... Newfound Friendssship, let usss give you a gift.

I wasn't aware we had a friendship, I just met you... but, that isn't anything new with the ponies in this town. Suddenly, a golden flash appears on the table, I snatch it up once again, a blue substance was inside...smelled like alcohol.

All we asssk in return isss that you alwaysss keep it with you.
Upon finding yourssself in a dire sssituation, sssmash the flasssk, and you will be granted the gift of sssmoke and mirrorsss.

A useful escape route...I'll use it when the situation calls for such a retreat.

Good Wissshesss upon you, Missss Fortune.
~A

Very well 'A', I will take your gift in good will.

And with that, fifteen leaves are left. hmm, a bunch of them must have clumped together.

Now, looking through the rest of these, it would be prudent to-

I stopped suddenly, confused as a whistling sound was slowly getting loud-

I jumped back as the pot that was sitting on the counter, suddenly was flying to the other end of the room, spinning as it went. I blinked... and focused on the multicolored object that was the cause of the sudden intrusion inside my house. It was a hoofball... all the colors of the rainbow...

...And so, I have somebody to complain to for this incident, great...

I suppose I should at the very least return it.

...Is it a sad coincidence that the pony I had to blame, was of course the one that likely had the worst relationship with me, urg.

Well, no rest for the wicked.

Author's Note

Okay, I won't be able to give out updates like candy, but I can do my best to make sure they at least come out once a week or something like that. But, I've had a history of lagging...so, nag me in a PM if I do, just to get me motivated see?

Pointless Competition

Putting the eyesore of a sports implement inside my bag, and heading out in the general direction it was launched from was of course distracting me from by other pursuit of gaining naturally falling leaves. But, I simply set the pot back and conceded to myself that I really didn't need to supervise it at all. My other desire to find Rainbow and...I don't know, say something that would make her feel guilty.

I could say it hit a soup I was letting cool by the window, yes, that's a good excuse.

In part, I wasn't simply doing this out of the need to complain, with this I was cementing a personality for myself among the populace, since I couldn't remain as unknown as possible now that I found myself more than once involved in a number of problems, I need to abandon my lack of contact for a reputation, unapproachable and rough was already an easy thing to state about myself, enforcing it should at the very least make sure I don't have more hanger-on ponies like those...Snail and Snip characters, I think that's their names.

So, with this attitude and reputation, people won't approach me out of curiosity and ambiguity, but simply out the understanding that I am not one for social interactions.

...Sure enough I find myself at a crowd of ponies, cheering and looking on at something, I passed under a hastily made sign saying 'Iron Pony' competition, colored in orange and rainbow coloring...so, it doesn't take a genius to realize what is happening.

Sure enough, in the center of the crowd I managed to catch Rainbow and Applejack competing in...a lot of different physical events, I suppose, it reminded me of a few events I observed when I was travelling through the Griffin Kingdoms, I hadn't the time to look into them, but I did manage to see it for what it is, simply a contest of 'who is better'.

...I knew that I wished to become a unapproachable pony through example, but I don't think showing it to the entire town is really what I wanted to do. It seemed like Rainbow was winning, if the large scoreboard with a higher number next to the pegasi picture had anything to do about it.

I wished I could wait until they were done and do this discreetly...but then, Twilight caught sight of me and walked over, smiling, I pretended not to notice until she was right next to me.

"Good morning Twilight."

"Morning Scry, I didn't think you would be into sports."

"I'm not, I'm returning something one of the competitors send to me."

"Hmm?"

At her askance, I use my tail to reach inside and pull out the rainbow hoofball, her expression turned to confusion, yet dawning realization, "Uh...that, that is the ball that Rainbow-

"Yes, kicked through my window and upended my soup which I was leaving to cool by the windowsill, I was lucky enough not to have been near it."

"Sorry..."

"You have nothing to apologize for, Rainbow however needs to learn the problems with her actions."

"She...can't really be blamed either, she wasn't aiming for your house or anything."

"How far did Applejack kick hers?"

"Uh...33.5 metres?"

"Rainbow could have simple bested her by a few meters and won, instead, she had to be a show boat and so, it ends up with someone who needs to eat out for the evening." I slipped the ball back into my back, straightening up, "She should know as such, so she can be more careful in the future, you only need one mistake to realize when brash can be trouble for everyone else."

"...That is still rather a flimsy example, I don't think telling Rainbow...well, anything really would sink in."

"That sounds like giving up."

"I'm not saying that, just that well...she won't really 'get it' until she is shown it a little closer, or gets directed the right way."

"...Fine, take the ball and give it to her." Lost opportunity, but with that argument she was in the 'right' here, anymore pushing and it would seem petty on my part.

"I will be leaving now."

"Uh...Scry, before you leave...can I ask, what is with your tail?"

"It's naturally flexible, and I learned to manipulate it with magic when I was younger." I answered, of course, I knew it wouldn't end at that.

"Magic...but-

"Magic as in general, not strictly unicorn." I scratched at my heels as I shifted my weight a little, "It's basically a small skill that can be learned among all pony races in general, like flexing an imaginary muscle, it's just like the farming and strength capabilities of Gaian and weather manipulation and flight of a Pegasi."

"Gaian?"

"...Old term for Earth Ponies." I rubbed my head in quickly growing exasperation, this conversation was going on longer than I'd like.

"I never heard that before..."

"That is because you likely learned from books before, no matter how skilled they are, everything can't be found in a book." I explained, idly watching on as Applejack was finding herself on a losing streak.

"So...anybody could learn that tail trick?"

"With enough practice, yes, it's easier for Unicorns and Pegasi since they are used to making natural magic flow through extremities subconsciously."

"...So...how do you know so much then? If not from books themselves?" I was beginning to regret not cutting off this conversation.

"Experience."

"Eh?"

"I'm sure this has been said before, but all the learning and education in the world won't prepare you for things that are actually out there, when it comes down to it, experiencing and traveling have been my best teachers, it's trial and error, no one to turn to, and can be dangerous...but I know so much more in it, than I do safe and sound studying."

"Well...I wouldn't say that, book smarts has it's perks as well."

"Perhaps, but for me, there is no substitute."

"Hmm..."

I took a moment to stare at her...and sighed.

"Look...Twilight, I should probably stop putting off something I've been meaning to talk to you about, you are aware of the, Moon Cultists that kidnapped some members of the town before?"

"...Yes?" She seemed too have a serious cast to her features, only the barest hints of curiosity were in her features.

"Well...I had been one of the few that had been taken by them myself."

"Really? Are you okay?" Concern for me, not even knowing the exact circumstances yet, I am here so of course I am.

"Of course, I merely think I should at least put forth my involvement...keep in mind, that I was only one of the few that managed to fight to release the others from their bindings, and we managed to fight our way out, they obviously weren't equipped enough to handle escaping prisoners."

"Really...well, I'm glad your safe at least." She took Rainbow's hoofball.

"As I said before to Fluttershy, I'm tougher than that."

"Oh! Before I forget, will you be in the 'Running of the Leaves' tomorrow?"

"No, I am not particularly interested in it...also, I need to test some recipies out by myself, I need privacy."

"Well...alright...still, if you change your mind, they won't turn down another set of hoofs to help." She turns away...before looking back at me, "...Goodbye."

With that she walks away, taking a seat and watching the match continue...this time, it was some, rope, being pulled between the two fiercely...and Rainbow used her wings to fly above and win.

It seems, that she had won through natural biology while I was talking with Twilight...

...

Well, I suppose I should get back home now, hopefully I had gathered enough once again to start my 'Natures Blessing' brew, I've never missed an Autumn for five years, and I am certainly not going to let Rainbow ruin it for me.

Dear Fortune
How are you my dear? Things seem to have calmed down here for now and I have some exciting news! I managed to get a hold of a Terran ship from the Starcraft universe! With all its assets included! I might even be able to upgrade it for interdimensional travel! Here is a look at the ship in action.

...

I could do without seeing a giant fight of reality breaking proportions.

Especially one so loud and distracting while I'm currently mixing ingredients right now.

Thankfully, I am currently poring the tar in, which is a slow action with limited variation of movement, so I am in no danger of accidents.

Its not easy getting a hold of ships like this one...well legally anyways.

You say that you can modify it to travel dimensions, yet you have trouble in actually acquiring it through mundane means?

All of you entities, even when speaking about something slightly understandable, just flip it back to nonsense.

Oh and I am willing to offer a Khaydarin Crystal for a crystalized nature magic (they dont last for long so you do need to be quick about it) that should have recently formed near where you live. I believe the Crystal would be of great help to you due to its psionic and benevolent nature.

...

Do you mean-wait, different dimensions, obviously there will be some sort of difference in the elements of the world...

Crystilized natural magic, is the general description of a commonly grown material know as an 'Earthly Connection Gem'. As such, it is rather plentiful in the same land as a species naturally connected to the earth as a whole, in fact, it's so common that it is a ingredient shipped from Equestria to other parts of the world...

Of course, it's still expensive regardless, due to port from port upping the prices to the more faraway and hard to reach locations, usually that means that the place is in in dire need of them. Another thing that ponies are at fault with, they don't understand that the world outside their own is cruel and dangerous and that people will turn their generosity to their own advantage.

The gem itself is used to boost the efficiency and growth of crops, while in normal circumstances the crystal would lose it's power...in a place as abundant and as magically strong as Equestria, it recharges itself.

...I suppose if it is a rather difficult element for you to have depending on where you exist, I can pick it up. I suppose Smokey will be the one to transport it to you?

I will have to finish with this potion first...however, emerged nearby you say? It must be a vein of it that has become uncovered due to the Autumn months...

With great Joy
Professor Killjoy

P.S. Grumpy here just to tell you that the Crystal is intelligent and once you form a connection with it the thing will grow and adapt to help you in any way it can...and considering it can create and control a singularity flawlessly I would say its abilities are pretty impressive. Dunno what Killdork is thinking GIVING it away for a nature crystal... Oh and hope you like that Cloak of Balderan that the courier dropped off in your room.

I will use it eventually, turning into a wolf might be useful, but a predator discovered in close proximity of this town would be a cause of alarm, as I recall, wolves were a barbaric species that exist far in the North of Equestria, it is best that I don't use it unless I have real need of it's abilities...

...

I don't hunt for the meat I use either, it's purely from naturally dying animals.

Now...the matter of the crystal I am unsure about, I've been alone for most my life and I've never been one for pets...I suppose, I'll need every little help I can with these gifts you have been handing me. Now, maybe the sense of smell could help in a pinch...still, best wait for such a situation appear, if it doesn't then fine, if it does then good.

Well...It seem like I broke your mind when I sent you the definition of shipping through a song...and your author had to repair the damage...Then I had to send you that search engine thingy...
Probably not my brightest momment. :pinkiegasp:
Meh...What happend, happend.

...Huh?

//Shhhh...//

Alright then, I'll just assume that is your normal behavior and move on.

At least the universe was not destroyed by it...It happend once to another universe...Not my fault, I swear! <.< Really?
Ok, ok, ok! Maybe partly my fault! Uh, huh. Ok, ok! Stop staring! What do you want more from me? Say you're sorry! What? Why? You're being very rude, you know. Now apologize or you don't get any for the next decade or so. Fine, fine, FINE! Good. Now, go on. I'm sorry for all the shit- *BONK*:pinkiegasp: Language! There could be foals reading/watching/listening to this...Though, I'm not sure why would they. I'm sorry for the stuff that I did but I make no promise it won't happen again because that is just unrealistic in our immortal life. That is acceptable, I suppose. Good enough for me and probably the best that can be get from ya.:pinkiehappy: :pinkiesmile:Hi ya! Fortuna! Good luck! You're going to need it! *Giggle*

Sometimes, I wonder if they realize seeing an argument is strange for me, considering I'm seeing this in written form, it makes me think they spoke through the pen that was meant to be a letter like format...it even has the sound effects.

-Voidwalker-
Damn that Pink one...Yet, I still love her.

Yet another thing I can never understand about you, is your love life, as if I needed another.

Hello once again Miss fortune,

Daideo, good to see you.

I am uncertain if I have mentioned my theories to you or not, but this most recent happening has given me more reason than ever before to believe that our respective realities run in different time streams, that seem to fluctuate randomly, or at least in such a way that a pattern isn't apparent. My reason for this, is as you've stated it's been several days for yourself, all of which were unviewed by at least myself. Yet on the other hand, on my end it has been several months since I had any word of you. I was starting to lose hope of ever 'seeing' you again really.

Time travel will never be ones strong suits, theorizing time travel yes, otherwise you can never truly understand all the strange things that might happen in them. I'm sorry you haven't heard from me in a while, I can only assume that whatever happens, the universe can only align so much before it starts to wane in control.

My theories, and the possibly depressing answer they come to aside, I do hope you will find time to visit again soon, and I wish you luck with you dealings with Rainbow Dash.
~Daideo.

Yes, I will try, it might be a while before it does come to fruition, but I'll try.

Hey-o Scry-o!

Don't call me that.

It's a real good thing I've got an amazing memory, because for me it's been a few eras since I last saw you. Heh heh heh, I turned myself into a statue and spent some 5000 years in the same exact spot. Somehow a bunch of legends concerning the "Stone Monarch" started and spread around the world-disc. When I decided to leave, about 50,134,739.25, people were living in the city built around me.

...

...Y'know, I think I should have let them know beforehand when and how I was leaving. A lot of them thought that the world was ending, I decided to create a wormhole to get back here and it terrified them.

...

That's pretty much what it looked like, I got a small sample of Type k-135-xz-243870-1356-WH-ni7g90-40k-1 Primordial dust for you, an entire .000000000000000001 grams worth. And in case you think that's a small amount.... it is. But! There's a good reason for it. If I gave you 0.001 grams worth of it, it would probably shred your mind and destroy all life on your planet, then capture their souls and convert them into Daemons which would then spread across your universe converting planet after planet until all life was converted, afterwards they would exit your universe and join the Eternal War between Celestials, Infernals, and Primes.

...

Anywho, that's not really important, when it gets to you it'll come in a container that you can use to extract and inject small amounts of primordial dust into your concoctions add around .0000000000000000000000000001 grams worth to give your potions a little extra whoomph. Ta-ta~
P.S. Say Hi to Fluttershy for me :trollestia:

...You truly are a rarity, an oddity, and a strange member of all of this other entities, in so many ways.

I've been taking too long with this potion, I need to finish it right-

"Ah..." I quickly pulled it from the window, the number of leaves were perfect, I guess killing time really helped.

Hm...time to let it ferment for a while then prepare the right pieces...here and there...

Yes, this will take a good portion of the day to complete, it is well worth it thankfully enough.

Author's Note

I'm trying to update this, so I guess things got rushed near the end.

Thanks to encouragement I managed to pump this out, so...thanks.

Welcome to Ponyville

Welcome to Ponyville

"Daddy, why can't I have sleepovers?"

"Because little one, you can't trust even the most innocent of souls with our lifestyles."

"But they are my friends! I can promise they won't say anything bad…"

"Well, as much as that is true, being innocent also means one can be naive, young fillies and colts your age can't hold their tongue for secrets, they will see the magic of our household and I daresay they will talk about it the next morning."

"But you also said that anypony when they older become ignorant to our magic."

"Hm, already eight and making such insightful statements, indeed one becomes more skeptical about us, our secrecy has provided as such and generations of history cloud any and all prejudices, but anypony losing this also lose knowledge of such topics, and thus it becomes unknown, and nothing is more frightening than the unknown my dear. In a way, they are worse than young ones, for their lack of understanding that can clash against our lives."

"That… doesn't make sense, how can you be scared of something you don't know properly?"

"Because dear… sometimes the scariest things in existence, are those monsters we conjure from our own minds."

"… So I have to lie to my friends forever?"

"No my little Fortune… only till you can find friends that you can keep forever, and then you can be open to them."

I woke up with my eyelids seemingly gripping to my eyes, aches and pains went through my joints and I cursed to the black fires of Tartarus as I moved my limbs as much as I could seated, trying to shake away the inner drowsiness and stiffness present.

I looked around the compartment I was in, the musty air filled my nostrils and I gave an involuntary snort, I then turned my attention to the window.

The trees buzzed past as the train went past them; I internally groaned as the sunshine then filtered through the forest and went into my eyes, I hated waking up.

"Attention, next stop Ponyville, in five minutes, everypony remember to pick up your belongings on the way out, Canterlot is coming up after…"

I reached up and brought down my saddle bags, checking to make sure everything was inside it, and made my way to the exit.

The scenery was quite bright and colourful, even from the moment I stepped out it was obvious that everything was near perfect; I didn't see a single shrivelled flower or dark cloud.

Pegasus in my home town couldn't even bring about a breeze without disturbing something else in the air, I don't know how these ponies can be so happy, seems unnatural.

I quickly picked out one of my favourite trinkets from my satchel, a four pointed star and waved it around in front of me, I was met with a earthy glow from the right side of it, my head turned to look at the forest that sat a little away from town, walking distance.

But not much cover, I suppose it will be a nightly raid then, if I can settle into this place of course.

I made my way through the crowds and felt an uneasy feeling as I looked at the number of busy ponies working with each other to pick out decorations and some excited chatter, I managed to work out a celebration was coming up.

Great, hopefully places to rent weren't closed right now; don't think sleeping on the ground is going to do well for my back.

I looked up and down a few streets for anywhere that looked distinctive enough to rent a house from, but all I found was furniture, sweets and bakeries, it disgruntled me to no end and eventually I found the town hall.

I suppose a close knit community such as this would make it alright for the official leaders of the place to take up duties such as this, still would be easier just to put a sign on a building and have them work it out however...

I walked inside without any problem and was met with a waiting area, I felt rather out of place with my travelling garb so I prayed as I went up to the surprisingly lively looking mare who was minding the desk, and she gave a wide smile.

"Yes? How may I help you?"

I cleared my throat and spoke out airily, "I am thinking of moving in, so I was wondering where I could purchase a place of residence."

"Ah, well Mayor Mare usually enjoys giving ponies their homes here in Ponyville, but she is currently helping organize the supplies for the big day,"
She smiled even wider, if that was possible, "I however can help you with anything, you chose a busy day to move into Ponyville however."

Good, so no one would remember someone suddenly moving in, "Good, do you have any on the outskirts, I enjoy my privacy."

"Ah, I know what you mean, one of the other residents in Ponyville is incredibly shy, she lives near the Everfree to get away from the crowds." She then took out a roll of parchment and put it on the desk, inside was a birds-eye view of the town, "Alright, we have three empty places available, unless you'd like to build your place from scratch..." Her head not so subtly tilted to look at my flank which was covered, not to look suspicious, I hiked it up to reveal my Cutie Mark.

A cast iron pot that sits upon a flickering fire, and was stirred by a large wooden spoon, with multiple coloured fumes rising from the top.

"Soup maker," I lied, and turned my attention back at the map, only one of the locations was next to the forest so...

"I'll take this one, how big is it, and how much to rent?"

"Ah, it's a homely town so we don't charge rent other than the initial payment, Mayor Mare always enjoyed new ponies joining the town, it is two hundred bits if you please."

This town was WAY too relaxed, they just let anypony buy a house and settle down?

After fishing out the bits required, I took the key and just left.

Was this place a special case, or is everypony in Equestria this mind-numbingly care free?

I suppose I should be thankful it is as such, with a busy celebration, a secluded home and not even the real position of power knowing I moved in, I would likely fade into the background.

I looked around and properly looked at the decorations that were being arranged and ordered as I went, they didn't really call out any particular holiday I know of, maybe it was a Equestria holiday, one thousand years seems to be the substantial amount of time for a culture to derive new forms of celebrations.

Pretty soon I left the loud and plentiful activity behind and found the buildings thin out as I passed them, looking at the map given to me every now and then to remember where I was going, it wasn't long until I spied a path that was decorated with different sizes of rocks that led to my new home.

The cottage itself was quaint, it obviously looked rather decayed without a fresh coat of paint, and when I put the key in it struggled, the inside however, it made it worthwhile.

It had the basic necessities in furniture, table, chairs and so on, and a bed in a separate room, the kitchen was surprisingly modern with a fridge and cooker.

The only problem now, was the fireplace, it was too small.

I frowned at the large collection of bricks that only allowed enough room for firewood to be put in, it was far too narrow otherwise, I turned my back on it for a second...

And brought my hooves up to let out a strong kick that made something crack, and another buck made a dent, it wasn't long until I had managed to dislodge a substantial amount and widen the area underneath the chimney opening.

The old mortar and rubble was gathered up and simply thrown outside.

Now was the personalizing part, as I went around the house, I would take out the odd item and trinket and place somewhere I thought convenient, the table and end-tables were placed near the fireplace, and were covered in various plates and beakers, filled with some form of herb or liquid.
The kitchen has its drawers filled with my more sensitive materials.

My bed was untouched except for a special talisman hung over the top of it, a quick spin allowed for it to settle in place and do its magic.
And last of all, in the newly remodeled fireplace, I placed a thin metal stand, and a small copper cauldron on top, one of chairs was broken into pieces and filled the empty space under the stand.

With that, the house was complete, all I need now is a larger cauldron and I'll be back in business.

I made my way to the window, forcefully pressing on it to lodge it open, and looked out towards Ponyville, the festive decoration obvious even from so far away.

I was probably noticed by one pony, and anypony else probably glanced as I passed them and faded from memory.

And the receptionist would probably forget about me after whatever this celebration is.

What a lucky break...

Of course, this is only just moving in, I might have made my residence, but now living in it is the factor here.

It's far removed, so it is unlikely somepony will think to go all the way here to greet me, any supplies I need will be a quick trip to the market, but I will likely just pick a few things from the 'Everfree' as this forest is seemingly called.

Now all I have to do is wait for the Murky theory to screw me over.

For now... I feel in the brewing mood.

I then shut the window on that thought, and turned to my work area I had recently created.

I suppose a basic sleeping potion will have to do...

I hummed a little tune as I strike a match stick and placed it under the fire, soon enough it started up and I filled the copper pot with a base of water, one third full.

Soon enough, a number of ingredients followed, and with every Bonsoon berry dropped inside, and Licra leaf stewed, the familiar song made its way to my lips.

"A mish-mash of portions to make the potion,"
"A twisted natures gift, assistance from the outer rift,"
"So allow for trouble and make it bubble,"
"For I need a helping hand for my brew tonight..."

Ending with a three quarter stir with a second hand mixer spoon, I nodded in satisfaction as it slowly turned a purplish tint, I outstretched my tail and grabbed a special bottle, popping open the top and dumping half of the red powder into the pot, I stepped back to allow for it, explode slightly, before giving it one final 1 and three quarter turn.

I quickly doused the flames and let the mixture simmer for now, it should be ready for bottling within the hour.

I smiled briefly as the familiar pride for my talent set in, and sat down on the comfortable chair after a good half hours work.

It certainly wasn't easy being a witch, but it was well worth the effort...

Let's (wait for the) PARTY!

Let's (wait for the) PARTY!

It is currently eight O'clock, and two hours till Pinkie comes back with the quests.

I have to say, this was quite the novel experience.

Of course I suspected the ponies to question my origins, so I needed to organize a number of, changes, to my home in case they decide to snoop.

Firstly, take the carpet included with the bedroom, and place it over the small cellar door where I keep my brewing supplies, anything magical, unusual, inedible and MEAT related are to be hiding down there, and finish with a charm that makes the carpet noticeable.

Take all edible ingredients and and straighten tables, place all cooking like implements on tables and make the fireplace look like an improvised stove.

And... well, I suppose secrecy is all well and done, now it's two hours till she appears and I can't take my time out on brewing because I always lose track of time because of it, I didn't need them bursting through the door while I was surrounded by rolling, crackling and occasionally whispering chemicals.

... It would scare them away from here however...

No, bad Scry, bad.

Let us focus on more studious pursuits, I suppose looking into the dimensional brew would be a way to kill time till she came...

Alright, ingredients themselves, however strong they were, I had luckily already picked them up from my previous endeavors, so there wasn't much to seen there.

The sugar however was strange, and somehow again, fit into the situation of Nightmare Moon, introducing me to Pinkie early.

And simple sugar has never been recorded as a regent in my brews before, it was a rather mundane ingredient really.

Move past that, second is the delay.

I knew the effect was fully operational when I cast it, but it didn't give out any of the so called advice it spoke of before, only hung around in the background not doing anything.

I could have used a little advice in the LAST event really, if whoever views my life at the moment was chatty enough, i could have saved myself a lot of bother from being found out.

I suppose it takes time for people to reply, and then onto the last feature, the advice.

I knew it said that whatever was spoken should be taken with a pinch of salt, it was to be expected, not all higher beings in the multiverse needed to be helpful, but I at least expected them to be comprehensible.

Deeper analysis, he apparently wished to give me some baby dragon, with a mustache, or to get one, that much is all I could guess.

The first was... slightly revealing, saying to give me some help, perhaps they communicate among themselves?

But the advice they gave was very much a unneeded action, smiling would just encourage the pink menace, I suppose she can't really be encouraged much more at this point but...

I am out my depth, and getting a headache already.

8:34, I spent some time on that issue, now onto some others...

How is this situation going to go down?

I can at least be assured that it is an isolated incident, if I can believe Pinkie's words, she'll only bring the rest of the ponies that I joined in the Everfree, meaning I can at least predict the situation.

Twilight would likely thank me for helping her and her friends, even if my role was rather minimal, fending off Nightmare was impressive however so I suppose she would see it as something a little impressive.

Applejack would likely be suspicious around me, the farmer surely wouldn't change her opinion despite me not having ill intentions in following them, it is likely she might have more than a likely look around my home given the opportunity.

Rainbow will likewise be a little edgy around me, picking apart all that I've done in their presence, especially how I left before I could be attended to, she would find that rather strange, and for that matter, I hope Twilight doesn't mention how I could have been seriously hurt during the escapade, I could cover up the sound of crunching bones as shock of the moment... yes, lets go with that.

Now Pinkie... is just going to have to be endured, she will have this little party she so desperately wishes me to have, and then she will be gone. It isn't likely going to be the last I see of her however, she is persistent, and so I must be careful.

Rarity, well, not much to say honestly, she had eyes for decor and fashion, so I don't expect much else than a distasteful comment of my humble way of living, and maybe my clothes again.

Fluttershy... well, I don't precisely know her personality, but she certainly was withdrawn, I might get the least trouble out of her.

And that should be it... it will be a chore, but I can bear this and they won't have to come in here again.

... Unless my birthday comes up, in which case Pinkie would... No wait, I can simply lie about what date it is, the furthest possible to put it off, it is not likely I will stay here for so long after all...

Why is it, that after so many times I have managed to live quietly away from populace in other towns that this one seems oh so much more intrusive?

Pinkie... that must be it, there is no chance a pony like her lives outside of Equestria, I just was unlucky enough to have picked the same town as her. Otherwise I could have stayed out of sight from the group, I could have been undetectable if she hadn't taken an interest, and nopony expect one would know of my house otherwise...

It is rather frightening how the world seems to flip when she is in the equation.

9:11, she will be here soon...

I suppose I should be ready for them.

I pulled my cloak around myself and went about the house, checking for any sign of suspicion one would find in my house.

At precisely 10 O'clock, the door knocked loudly, in a rhythmic pattern that I didn't need a potion to work out who it was.

I took a deep breath, and opened the door once again.

Six pairs of eyes greeted me... actually, seven...

Hold on, was that a infant dragon? And why did he look familia-

...

Well, that brew certainly got something about it, it predicts others in the future, oh joy.

The Bored and Exasperated Fortune

A few seconds I waited, and several messages then popped up in my vision.

A magician eh? Its gotta be Trixie. If you do go a healthy warning for you...she has an ego that rivals rainbow dash at the least so be prepared for things to get interesting.

... Well, that was a reason not to go at least. But as long as I don't interact with her it should be fine, hopefully.

O my dear Miss Fortune

"Hello Prophet." I muttered in return, he had a distinctive style of addressing me formally so i could tell right away.

I do apologize for not getting back to you sooner. But I was, as you put it, giving out information to others despite it likely being false, or if genuine, knowing what I say will not change anything in the slightest.:pinkiehappy:

... I should watch my words around Entities from now on, even thoughts aren't safe, I suppose I am too used to my mind being my only sanctuary. Even Pinkie is invading them, I seem to be seeing others faces in this writing, the the only thing other than text, I must ponder exactly how they send these, is it passing letters through fire like I am doing? Telepathic to written word? I simply read on and forgot the wanderings of my mind.

Now then as you have already stated you answered my riddle correctly so I now owe you one favor which you may call in whenever you want.
I’m not surprised you guessed this one correctly it was an easy one. Anyway I will not be giving you any more riddles until you request for one.

Very well, I request one, a single favor is very well, but it is not as if I lose anything from the experience and it does give me something to do when the day is slow.

Now then you asked if you should go see this magician, I believe someone called her Trixie. I would recommend going to the show but not to watch it but rather watch how the crowd reacts and in particular three mares each of which will come onto the magician's stage.

Hmm... sounds like he is setting prophecies in motion, you can never tell with seers. Now Trixie, that has to be the showmare's name, very well then, if I don't have to confront anypony there I will be happy going.

One last thing before I go my dear I have been doing little searching though the world you live and I’m interested in some ingredient and items that are close to where you are if you are willing to get them for me I’m willing to trade for them with some exotic ingredient you could add to your “soups”.
If you’re interested please send me a message in the same manner you answer my riddles.
Yours sincerely Prophet

... Well... I can't say that isn't tempting...

I made a mental note to give a reply to his message as soon as I went home, I after all had a range of ingredients collected on travels already, it is likely any that he has on his list is within my inventory. Ingredients from another world as well... it's too much to pass up.

And a final message finally appeared before me.

This is completely unrelated to your current problem, but in the future there will be a zebra named Zecora and everyone will be afraid of her and hide in there homes. When that happens I won't you to go talk to her
And if you miss her she lives in the Everfree Forrest. I want you to do because she shares the same interests as you and may be a good friend to you.

... A zebra? Out here of all places?

Very well, that is an interesting kind of suggestion, and I won't lie that exchanging ideas with a Zebra would help immensely in my craft... you should know a few facts that make Witch's and likely Shamans, since you say we have similar interests.

Shamans of course have a very deep spiritual connection with the Earth and nature around them, but that is more the religious side of the craft, some Shamans can take that path or not if they wish it. The more practical side has to have a more balanced range of skills, from forging, to knowledge of different plants, and of course a deep understanding of the body, whenever it be pony, zebra, griffin and otherwise. And how the natural magical ingredients and herbal remedies can cure them of aliments or inflict them.

Witchcraft however is a lot different.

If a pony that has the 'Witch Heritage' were to mix three quarts of Ginet, a dose of Jackian powder and make it simmer for an hour while mixing it in half circles all the while, a stamina energizing potion would be made. If however a normal pony were to do so, it would be a molten, soggy mess.

If has everything to do with a underlying connection to the natural forces of the universe that each Witch holds, we are able to unlock the inner effects and reactions that some ingredients can have, my Cutie Mark is actually just showing I have a talent in the area... unfortunately. In truth anypony who has the blood of a Witch can tap into this inner connection and make the potions, they just have to have a grimoire of how to make them, or make new ones themselves.

So, as tempting as it is to drop in... there might be a problem.

Witchcraft has a baseline connection to nearly all forms of magic in the world, and even then, lesser connections are likely present through training to the rest. Because of that, we are at some risk of possession from outside forces you turn that connection back on us. Of course I take constant protection charms and cautiously interact with the world around me, so I'm safe, but Shaman might be wary since they have a spiritual connection, I might make this Zecora nervous.

But, nothing ventured nothing gained I suppose, I'll take your request under consideration.

Now, onto the current issue... this Trixie sounds like she will be a bother, and I am reluctant to go near her on the basis that Rainbow's ego has the sky to fill, if I have another one on the ground it will be too much to bear.

But... if I don't have to interact it will be fine, must stage acts prefer to take from the front for convenience, I suppose I will be fine.

And so, I made a snap decision, and made my way to the center of town, hopefully I won't-

-THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRRRRIXIE!" A loud voice reverberated around the area, and the carriage unfolded to show the showmare herself, with a hat and cloak with stars sewn into each, she struck a pose with a smug grin on her face, and determined look in her eye.

I watched from the back of the crowd, silently assessing her...

She wasn't anything special.

Twilight had a S-Class magic reserve that was likely strengthened from her bloodline and training, at most I could just this one as C-Class, other than that she wasn't particularity that impressive.

"Watch in AWE! As the GREAT and POWERFUL Trixie preforms the most spectacular feats ever witnessed by pony eyes!" She shouts loudly, she certainly has confidence at least, and a flair for the dramatic, but there wasn't anything special in particular. And nothing that really makes her stand out other than her manner and dress.

It was when the fireworks fired from the stage did I manage to gauge that there was one thing that stood out, her skill. She had an amount of control and was at ease with her magic, much like a unicorn would levitate objects without thinking, she was casting glamours and lightshows like it was second nature.

Teleportation a bunch of flowers on stage was also not as easy as one would think, because it was likely offstage once she had summoned it, thus she somehow managed to pinpoint the location of the bouquet and brought it to stage.

She managed to do the best with what she had, and that was impressive.

I then picked up conversation in the front of the crowd, the recognizable sounds of Rainbow were present, apparently booing her. I wasn't surprised, she wasn't a unicorn so she didn't realize how intricate and precise the act was.

"Well-well-well, it seems we have some Nhnhneigh-Sayers in the audience!" I twitched slightly as the familiar sound reach my ears, 'neigh' was very old and crude form of address, it made me cringe inside that this Trixie made a pun out of such an old way of speaking.

"Who is so ignorant enough to challenge the ability of the GREAT and POWERFUL Trixie!" She pointed her hoof to the sky to make her point, "Don't they know they are in the presence of the most magical unicorn in ALL of Equestria!"

Well, that was a most obvious lie, and rather easy to disprove. The act was certainly enough to draw a masses attention however.

It was then that Rainbow flew up to the stage and began confronting her, I found my hooves messaging my temples as I watched the proceedings.

Egotist Speedster vs Braggart Showmare, a fight for all ages.

"Why, only the Great and Powerful Trixie has magic to vanquish the dreaded Ursa Major!"

Now that is a definite fabrication, for even ten of the strongest unicorns in the country is unlikely to even wound such a creature, this was nearly sad in how obvious her tales were.

She then went into a tale of how she had vanquished it, but I stopped paying attention, stories aren't really my favorite thing to hear. And coincidentally enough, I see that the two colts who I had sent away had latched onto their new hero, proclaiming her the most powerful in Equestria. It was all getting rather repetitive, along with the great and powerful title.

It got to the point she was openly mocking the element bearers in the audience, claiming she was the greats pony to ever live, Rainbow seems to be losing in smugness here, and ambition.

"Anything you can do, I can do better!" It was that proclamation that started it all.

Applejack was called up to the show first. Remembering the advice from Prophet, I looked at her expression.

It was to be expected, her expression was angry, the Element of Honesty must have been tripping like wire around her with those tall tales and the combined attitude that made her rather rude and unbearable likely made her want to teach her a lesson. She had taken out a rope and was showing an amount of impressive tricks, I think it was called rodeo or something of that nature. She ended with roping an apple and pulling it down from the tree.

Trixie kept to the theme, manipulating the rope like a snake, it was impressive considering how hard it is to move it so many ways like one large muscle, multitasking just enough to shoot out the other end and grab another apple from the nearby tree, tie her up with the end opposite to that, and stuff the apple into Applejack's mouth.

It was a well done knot as well, tied rather snugly around her hooves.

Rainbow invited herself up to the stage, she was rather filled with that cocky attitude of hers as she sped off in one direction, several maneuvers through the sky later and she was back on the ground again, with a rainbow above her from the sudden moisture she had brought with her.

It was impressive, no pegasus could do that without an amount of training, she did it on the fly.

In exchange, Trixie did something that surprised me, she bent the rainbow energy, and within seconds it had captured the pony Rainbow in a tornado, depositing her on the ground afterwards. That was very impressive, her control had to be needle point accuracy in order to control the rainbow energy, it was small and young of course, but still, impressive.

Rarity was goaded to come of next, she did it in a less physical way and within the space of ten seconds, made a beautiful yet simple dress out of the curtain of Trixie's stage, and her hair was done differently as well.

In response, Trixie... messed with her hair. Rather mediocre, but still effective.

"Green hair! Not green hair! such an awful color! She then ran off past the crowd and I watched her go...

And stared at the green strands of hair in my tail.

"Is there anything about me she does like aesthetically?" I muttered in contemplation, I wrote up her reaction as 'over reacting' and looked back at Trixie.

Twilight was called upon to try herself, she was much more reluctant, made an excuse, and left.

"Now, are there any other ponies who challenge the magic of the Great and Powerful Trixie?" She looked upon the crowd with clear enthusiasm in her eyes, the crowd themselves weren't intimated, they simply stomped their hooves in delight, the show was very entertaining after all.

"Oh oh! Miss Trixie! We know this other pony who is pretty awesome in Ponyville! She is pretty cool too!" I looked across the crowd to make put Snips, the colt who did the most talking when him and his friend was talking to me- oh no.

"Hmm? So who is this mare, the GREAT and POWERFUL Trixie can no doubt take her on!"

I slowly attempted a hasty exit from the square.

"There she is! She's the one with a cloak." I froze, and slumped briefly, no doubt the crowd was looking at me right now, I sighed at the unbearable amount of attention that would now be put upon me.

"Really, and what makes you think she might be a challenge Trixie?" I simply turned around and walked through the path offered to me by the crowd, there wasn't any point in walking away now...

"Well, she took on this griffin, and in five seconds she knocked her out with one move! She's pretty-

"It wasn't much, I was rather lucky actually." I cut in, I stepped in front of the stage and faced Trixie, who's full attention was now on me, "And I honestly don't feel the need to make a contest out of this."

"Hmm, to be expected, no matter how impressive you might be, you can't stand up to the might of Trixie!"

"Whatever you wish Trixie, I will say your control over magic is impressive."

That was the wrong thing to say, as her eyes narrowed at me, "Hmm? And you think that is the only thing Trixie is good for? It doesn't sound like you acknowledge Trixie's power!"

"Power means that you like to conquer, brute force, strategical planning of batter and so on, it is better that you stick to magic like you said before."

"Stop arguing with Trixie!" She shouted back, that showmare's tone was rather aggravated, I simply sighed in return.

"Besides, I have no particular talents that can impress the sight, I'm a simple soup maker after all."

"Who took down a griffin with one move?" She was sharp, didn't let go of details.

"Suffice to say, some soups can be very intoxicating under the right preparation." I answered vaguely, she snorted.

"Very well, show Trixie what you did that, and what is your name anyway soup pony?"

I breathed deeply... "Scry, Scry Fortune, and I'm sorry but I'm out of ingredients, it's been a long day and," I looked up at her, my gaze neutral, "I would rather not participate in such a childish show."

She balked, and I simply turned away at her aghast face towards my home.

I wasn't interrupted on my way there thankfully.

"And so, I think this deal for exchange of ingredients could be beneficial, and I would like to accept your offer Prophet, from Scry Fortune" I said out loud, I then put the paper that had the written words of my message in the fire, sending it off.

It was late at night, and I rested easy after the possible problems that could have arose from Trixie calling me out.

I could have walked away completely, I should have done that, I gave up on giving up to easily.

If that made sense.

I raised a canister of tea up too my lips, taking a sip from it, and putting it back to the table...

And looked out the window, an aura had made itself apparent immediately.

It was big.

It was intimidating.

And it was VERY strong.

Before the door to my home swung shut, I was already sprinting in it's direction, it looks like my day isn't done yet.

Author's Note

Hey guys! Today is the day of my first DISLIKE!

Lets celebrate everypony! Raise your glasses for this great occasion!