"Nightmare we beg of you."
"It was a rainy afternoon at Summer Sun Primary school, like the one we see today..." A feminine voice cooed out,falling slightly deeper than normal. She peered out of the shadows, her tan skin and strange rainbow hair illuminating in the candle's light-yet the darkness created such a bubble that allowed her to have some dramatic effects. With this at her side, her magenta eyes blazed when the light hit. A smile crossed her features as she tapped the wooden flooring beneath her.
Clonk...clonk..clonk.
"A teacher was staying later than normal to catch her bearings. She was just leaving when she heard foot steps behind her-similar to these." She smirked as the pounding grew more intense, her hand pounding the ground to show emphasis as the story progressed. "She started running down the stairs when the kindly teacher lost her footing, making her fall...and then..." A small whimper came from the darkness, a girl gave it out.
"A-And then..w-what happened?" The first teen smirked wider as she smacked both her hands down with a walloping SMACK.
"She died." She leaned back as the gasps erupted from the room, her work is coming to fruition. The first teen simply soaked this up, sure she could pull off everything with her charm. "As everyone here knows, Summer Sun was the first school here...before Starswirl Academy was around. The principal was devastated by what had happened. She cared for this school like a mother would for her child, you see. Eventually, as expected, the school had to be shut down because of what happened here. This principal was so upset about losing her only child.."
A purple haired teen spoke up, glaring as she inched closer to the candle. Her purple eyes were just mere feet away from the magenta's. She stared at her for a second, trying to get her bearings. She didn't plan on confronting her; but the overwhelming urge seemed to make her. It was a compulsion, really. "You really want us to expect someone actually liked a building in a manner like that? Bordering on ecophilia?" She spat out. "I can't believe you spouting nonsense, Rainbow! At least make some sort of sense! Plus, I'd like to add-"
"Why's we invite Miss.Party Pooper, again?" Rainbow shook her head, careful not to get any closer to the candle. She certainly didn't want a repeat if THAT incident once more... Twilight furrowed her brow, ready to argue the point, but was pulled back. She fell, landing in the embrace of the pinkette next to her. She smiled down at Twilight with her own ray of sunshine illuminating. She blushed, breathing finally as she escaped the embrace. Twilight wasn't certain when she held her breath just watching the teen, but she did.
"Stay calm, Twilight!" The Pinkette smiled still. Twilight couldn't hear a word she said though. "Its a party, telling weird stories is the main attraction!" Rainbow snickered as Twilight didn't bother looking in her direction, still blushing as the other spoke.
"Certainly you must know everything can't be always accurate, " A high, prim and proper voice answered after the Pinkette. "Surely fiction has its own uses, besides - you hang around Pinkie, I doubt 'accurate' is a term you'd describe her as." Twilight still refused to turn from where she was perched, a blush heading into deeper shades of pink.
"I think something a bit more suitable would be, 'cute' instead," Another chipped in, this time with a southern drawl. She held onto the prim and proper teen. From what Rainbow could tell, would be because she didn't want her uniform to get messy from something off the ground.
"Shut it, Rarity!" Twilight snapped, glaring. Pinkie hoped over to her, granting her a hug. For the first time in a while, she didn't care it existed. The blonde holding Rarity from the dirt was clearly laughing at her. "You too, Applejack!"
"Don't get your skirt in ruffles!" Pinkie chided, the same smile never fading. "Its no big deal, really." Twilight spattered, her mind going blank for a moment. The right words were never easy to find with her, this was not an exception. She fumed but couldn't fight back, unable to pick a fight against Pinkie's antics.
"Can we move forward?" A monotone voice cut out, ignoring the drama. It sounded dull as if the events weren't lovely enough for her. "We can't waste time." Rainbow seemed to agree, sticking her tongue out.
"I agree with Maud!" Rainbow's voice grew a bit louder. She made a gagging noise at the end of it. "Any more mush and I'm going to gag. I swear, it makes being the principal look good."
"Fine then, clearly it's too good for your unrefined tastes." Rainbow mentally gagged at the statement, as if Rarity had true defined tastes. What load of barf. She took a breath in, trying to figure her location in the story. It took a few minutes to figure out her spot. She grew nervous by the minute, hoping that despite the little mess up, she would continue the flow the same way as before. However, confidence came back as she tried sounding stronger than prior.
"..she jumped off the roof on the day of its closure. That is how the urban legend goes, however." It didn't have the dramatic effects she wished it had. She cursed Twilight's name under her breath for that. However, it still came about nicely. The flicker of the lights changed the tone of the message as the lights finally turned back on. It was a relief for one pink haired teen, but the relief quickly escaped as realization dawned.
"Oh no.." A horrified gasp left her mouth. Her blue green eyes filling up with tears as she fell back, ruffling up her uniform as she scooted away from Rainbow Dash.
"Called it," Twilight muttered. Her voice didn't show much much like her expression. Her hand supported her head as her eyes drooped down. Rainbow scrunched her face.
"Shush!" Twilight glared back, rolling her eyes as Pinkie sat beside her. It was only because Pinkie was near her that she held her close. It kept her from boredom, or at least she hoped it came across as such. She silently fumed, Rainbow couldn't really scare anyone. Unless you're-
Nope, Pinkie seemed terrified, Twilight could bring herself to calling her a horrible name. It didn't fit right. Her attention snapped from the quivering pink form to the center of it all as she spoke with such firmness, Twilight was almost certain that Rainbow actually believed the lies she spouted.
"Many people thought Summer Sun Elementary was haunted because of the other events that took place there..not just the teacher's demise. HOWEVER!" She exclaimed as she watched some of the scared forms' eyes widen as they heard her exclaim. She always knew when getting a bit louder would gain attention and, perhaps an audience. "They say that very teacher who fell down doesn't know she has passed on, even to this very day..and on rainy days like this at the close of the school's doors, she roams these very halls. Still...believing them to be...of her very own."
Twilight slowly clapped her hands, not caring whether her friends simply disagreed. "Really intense there, Rainbow." She bowed as Rainbow continued to stare at the candle for a bit, closing in on it. "That tale has got to be so-"
"In fact, its just about time for her to make the rounds..She always appears with a round of flickering lights, leading to a blackout that leaves this school dark as night just around this time." Her head snapped to the doors. Twilight watched as the lights started to flicker and flicker they had. The lights flickered then landed in plain darkness. She turned to the pink haired girl immediately after who simply kept shaking as she teared up. She only knew so by the flickering of the candle light by this point. "Why don't you get the door tonight Fluttershy, I'm sure she'll go easy on you."
"Hold up, I'm pretty sure she pulled the alarm, Rainbow, "Applejack glared a bit. "Nice try Dash, we seen it all."
"I've been sitting right here this whole time, AJ," She stuck her tongue out to prove her point. "Besides, it's just a little story, if you're scared to check it out, then you must be a chicken." Applejack nearly pushed Rarity aside to stomp over to the brash teen, but was halted by the small hands of Fluttershy. She looked down, scared and shivering.
"I don't want to see you two fighting.." She said meekly, fidgeting before coming up the solution. "I'll..uh..answer it..." Twilight shook her head, unable to stand it any longer.
"We'll both go then, I have to simply prove a point." She sighed as she watched Fluttershy follow near her, trying to muster up the courage to go to the door. Just as she had with Twilight, she suddenly screamed, her voice louder than anyone has ever heard it before. Twilight turned to face her, worried for her friend before shivering at the sight she saw. A face peered through, but it was hardly seen.
"Is...anyone..still..here?" A voice asked, echoing softly as the door creaked. Fluttershy rolled backwards, hitting the podium in her wake before Twilight had a chance to warn her. An eruption of laughter roared from the students and the voice itself with the exclusion of Twilight. Switching the light on was an easy task-for it wasn't an actual blackout. When done, it was revealed a Starswirl Academy teacher was in its place with her normal school attire, three smiling flowers adorning her dual pink hair. Light green eyes shimmered as she approached the crying girl, moving past Twilight in the process. "Fluttershy, its all right dear."
"It was nothing but a harmless prank!" Rainbow laughed out, beside her Pinkie bounded over. She giggled a bit, straightening her uniform as she did so. She took the fear somewhat well, in fact.
"A good joke isn't going to harm anyone silly!" She snorted at her silliness as she helped Fluttershy up. Twilight sputtered, everything seemed so wrong. A teacher helping a trouble maker with a silly prank was less than what was expected.
"I-what--huh?" She barely didn't figure what words made sense.
"Ms.Cheerilee.." Fluttershy blushed a bit. "Thank you Pinkie." Odd enough, she gave her a smile that could light up the room. She walked away towards Rainbow Dash to help her gather her belongings from this new session. Twilight cleared her throat, figuring she found her words to use now.
"I believe that was pointless, everyone knows curses aren't real," Twilight retorted, shaking her head. She was over a hundred percent certain of that, she triple checked curses. "I checked myself. " Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes.
"Relax Twi, jeez, no sense of humor much. How did you check it, experiment it or something?" She laughed before noticing Twilight's shifting. She smiled sheepishly. She wasn't aiming to call her out or anything, so she explained instead. "We wanted a celebration before Pinkie Pie's sister has to head to that fancy school near here. What was it called? Moonbeam Academy for girls? Whatever, we just wanted to see her off." At this revolution, Pinkie Pie herself grew a bit sadder. Twilight s hushed her, holding Pinkie back a tad. It was a tricky subject on hand-and many didn't really have the right to know. Despite Rainbow's closeness, she truly lacked the knowledge. Twilight was sure she can make sure she knew that. Rainbow Dash realized her mistake, giggling a bit before buttering an apology. Twilight softened, smiling at the scene, mentally checking off the need to physically show her the error of her ways.
"I'm..sorry to hear that, Pinkie," Rainbow said honestly. She shifted uncomfortably, emotions weren't her strong suit. Fluttershy dealt better with emotions than her. However, Maud didn't seem to mind, though she rarely ever seemed to mind much.
"I won't be gone long," Maud promised, hugging Pinkie tight. "I'll still be here for you - You're still my baby sister." Pinkie shook her head.
"B-But.." Pinkie teared up at the notion of leaving her sister, still not caring if it wouldn't be for long anyway. "You..you're...my sister though..." Maud didn't show her emotion much, which left her seemingly cold. Onlookers might not see the emotion, but Pinkie Pie knows. Seeing her face in a different way seemed to make Pinkie Pie smile, returning to a happier self.
"What exactly are you here for, Ms.Cheerilee? I wasn't expecting you to be here at this time, teachers need their beauty rest after all." Rarity voiced up. She eyed Dash for a moment before addressing her directly. "How'd you manage to rope her into your little..fiasco?"
"Not everyone's like you, Rarity." Rarity fumed at the statement, huffing a bit in retort, but Rainbow didn't bother caring for that. "I just asked and she seemed eager to participate. Anyway, thanks Ms.Cheerilee for the prank."
"That's why you students were here so late?" Cheerilee inquired, faking true involvement . She sighed with a smile as she answered. "Youth today and their pranks. I couldn't resist. I just has to stop by anyway, it couldn't hurt to pull a prank." She leaned on the podium as she spoke, watching the others carefully.
"You seemed very convinced with the stunt, Rarity.."Applejack couldn't hold back a laugh or to as Rarity glared at her, but no anger was directed behind the glare. She simply stood up, walking away from her while crossing her arms.
"As if, I was just...humoring them!" Applejack smirked at the lie. Having the ability to hear lies never did fail her.
"Right, right, so holding onto me after she first made the noise was because you 'humoring' them," Rarity face brightened at the concept alone before she stomped. "That makes total sense, sugarcube."
"Hardy har har." She huffed. "I'm not humoring you, so you do get an answer." Applejack didn't need an answer, knowing what that meant in Rarity-lingo. Cheerilee smirked at the bickering couple, sighing at them as they fought. It was lovely in her opinion at least. It brought back a few memories of her own. Though, she figured, now certainly isn't the time to argue. She cleared her voice.
"Anyway, I think you all should leave immediately, a storm's brewing out and its going to be a big one today," Cheerilee warned, watching the fighting disappear as they watched the teacher. "You don't want to get wet now, do you?"
"It can't be seriously raining harder?" Rarity squeaked out. Applejack sent her a firm glare to keep her in line. She simply sighed in defeat. "Good thing that these curls...didn't take.." Rarity knew her years in advanced, it was a fine art of manipulation that certainly made a transaction that would benefit her available. Applejack, however, knew where to end in defeat. Defeating Rarity's tactic were fruitless almost as futile as her little sister's puppy eyes. It was hard to resist the temptation, then again, Rarity was a temptation.
"I have an umbrella for you," Applejack sighed. Rarity smiled a bit warmly as she hugged her "savior". A blush crossed the farmer's cheeks, but she didn't say anything to deter the teen's embrace.
"Don't worry, we'll be going soon, we just have to finish up something." Fluttershy gave a warm smile her way, just barely glancing at Rarity's performance. "We just have to clean up a bit from the Celebration, then we'll be heading back.." She searched her bag hearing the notion of rain to make sure that she has the belongings to secure her trip home wouldn't leave her wet. She sighed out as Rainbow Dash wrapped her arm around her neck. She blushed a bit.
"Forgot again huh?" She shook her head, though it was a clear lie. Pinkie Pie giggled at the scenario, heading back towards Twilight.
"I'm sure it won't be THAT bad." Pinkie cheered, her smile faltering. Maud tapped the pinkette's shoulder.
"Its supposed to be a doozy, raining harder than recorded for this time of year," Maud reminded her. Pinkie Pie gave a small giggle with a sheepish smile to Fluttershy's discomfort. So much for comforting.
"Though, Pinkie won't have to worry," Twilight smiled. A blush drew itself on her. She shook her head. "I - I mean I tutor her! T-that..that's all. " Rarity giggled as Maud stared at the purple teen's remarks. She was skeptical, but she didn't speak up. She never had a chance to if she did. Fluttershy screamed out, diving behind her in a panic. Within a second, Rarity was clinging to Applejack as pounding radiated from the door.
"Is anyone in here?" A voice called out. "Anyone?" Cheerilee simply rolled her eyes as she was ready to answer.
"D-Dash.."Fluttershy whimpered out, crying from behind Maud. "Did..did you mean to prank us again?"
"No, not this time." Twilight tapped her desk at the behavior as Pinkie silently hugged her waist.
"I doubt its anything big," Twilight muttered, holding the pinkette close, securing her. A small smile formed from it.
"R-Really Twilli?" Pinkie Pie's voice came from Twilight's waist, wanting an answer. Twilight flushed red, clearly taken back. However, a response came barely perking Pinkie up.
"I bet Rainbow's done something...." Applejack muttered, earning a glare from said teen.
"I told you its not me!" She fumed. Cheerilee shook her head.
"Why, Scootaloo, what brings you to the Academy?" Cheerilee warmly asked. There stood a rough appearance of a child, shorter than the other teens, but not an elementary student-though she could pass for one if need be. Magenta eyes lit up at Cheerilee's hospitality as she bounded in.
"Shy forgot her umbrella and I came to give it to her," She spoke with such confidence. She was holding a yellow and pink umbrella with butterflies floating on the top with blue bodies. Rarity sighed.
"Only Scootaloo..."
"She scared you good though!" Applejack laughed, earning a hit from the other. Fluttershy ignored this was she took the umbrella from her sister's grasp.
"Thank you, little sis," Fluttershy smiled as she rubbed her head. Scootaloo tried to shake the advances away.
"I'm not a baby!" She huffed. "I'm not a dog either!"Twilight smiled at the scene before shaking her head.
"I knew it wasn't something big." Rainbow had this opportunity and she took it. Raising from where she perched, she lifted up a piece of paper from the bag. The paper in and of itself was in the shape of a person, plain but still a person.
"Rainbow Dash?" The brash middle schooler asked, her attention turning to the paper in her idol's hands. "What the heck is that?"
"Seeing that we're all here," She sat down on a desk itself while holding the paper out. "We should do something that will show how connected we are, and this will do just that." Twilight looked skeptically at her.
"How can a piece of paper connect us?" She questioned lightly, it didn't seem scientifically possible. Rainbow Dash already knew this outbreak out happen. So, she baited her curiosity.
"This is called the Nightmare Ever After charm. You say the chant for everyone in the room while you hold a piece. When done, you tear your piece and everyone has their own piece. If done correctly, it will help keep us together. " Rainbow concluded with a smile. Twilight shook her head at the theory.
"Are there any tests for this theory?" Twilight questioned her, eyeing her down. "Hypotheses, data collected, experiments-" Putting a hand out, she watched as the purple teen's face fell when she answered.
"I just found it on a blog, why don't we simply test it out first?" Rainbow smirked, waving the paper in Twilight's face before she attempted to snatched it.
"You can not simply test data like that! Hasn't anyone told you that?" Twilight demanded, fuming as she found no answer.
"What's wrong with a little game, I thought you liked experiments and fun mixed together, guess I was wrong," Rainbow smirked as Pinkie became the first to become curious.
"One last celebration, then sis?" Pinkie asked Maud, Maud simply nodded, holding one part of the paper piece. Twilight glared at Rainbow, swearing that she'd pay her back for that dirty trick of hers. Using Pinkie? So low.
"This is for scientific purposes only, but I doubt that this will work for anyone here," Twilight concluded holding a section herself, not letting the rainbow haired girl get the better of her. "The sentiment that counts, I suppose." Cheerilee didn't give a response, she managed to have a section herself, though.
"A sentiment certainly counts, does it not?" Rarity smiled, holding a piece. She glanced at Applejack, urging her to follow suit. She mumbled a few defeated words, not believing much like Twilight, however a section managed to find itself for her. She glanced as Scootaloo jumped up at the idea. She peered at Rainbow Dash.
"Rainbow.." Rainbow, however just absently nodded, waving off the concern as she watched the middle schooler grow excited.
"Come on!" Scootaloo urged. "Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom are doing the same things I think. They wanted me to join them and the others, but...I promised to give you the umbrella!" Fluttershy looked to the others and shrunk back before answering her sister's plea.
"D-Don't rush, but ok..."She gave a small smile as they joined. Soon the group had all latched onto the piece of paper, waiting for Rainbow's instruction to go further.
"What chant do we have to say, exactly?" Twilight asked, already sounding bored. Rainbow ignored her and closed her eyes, starting the chant.
"Nightmare, we beg of you!" She started the phrase until it came back at her. Nine times until it was done, then she indicated that they had to break the piece to show the end.
"Everyone have a piece?" Ms.Cheerilee asked, laughing. Scootaloo nodded, holding her piece.
"Of course!" Rainbow Dash, however, started again, standing at the podium. "You oughta keep that close, in your ID bag or something. Then you'll stay close." If only she knew the real meaning behind what she said. Instead, she never had a chance to really think of the what that entitled. The ground suddenly shook from underneath them, and before it could be registered, they fell.
Author's Note
Fluttershy as Satoshi Mochida: She's a kindhearted individual of Starswirl Academy and she's known for being rather soft hearted. Any pranks on her usually come out to be more mean spirited than intended. She's the eldest of her family and a bit of a coward. However, she's determined, or she hopes to be, to push herself forward for the sake of her friends and her sister, Scootaloo. Depending on her ending, the possibilities are endless.
Rainbow Dash as Ayumi Shinozaki: The school's prankster, she's the class representative and she's loyal to her duties. However, she is also prideful and won't admit to being scared when she really is scared. She strives to prove that she is loyal and honest with what her ego says despite being just as terrified as Fluttershy is. Has a bit of a crush on Fluttershy. (Though, never say it.)
Twilight Sparkle as Sakutaro Morshige: Twilight Sparkle always obeys the rules and never goes against it. She firmly believes something and will firmly try to prove her outcome correct. She came from a distant town that tends to act snobby, many people don't like her attitude-however, she has a heart of gold. She's in for the ride because Pinkie Pie is and for whatever reason, she cares deeply for Pinkie Pie-apparently knowing her more than the others.
Maud as Yoshiki Kishinuma: Maud has an emotionless facade that doesn't always help when it comes to meeting people. She, however, has many friends that understand her-though it doesn't exactly help her still. Her sister is Pinkie Pie and she's leaving for another school in the near future. She sees that the situation is rough, qualifying her for handling the situation.
Pinkie Pie as Mayu Suzumoto:She's very cheerful and energetic. She tries looking for the bright side of a situation despite it being dim. She's part of the Academy prank duo. She's the younger sister of Maud and has a crush on Twilight, although she never actually tells her. She has a child like innocence that later harms her in the process, at this point she is distressed that her sister is leaving her behind at the Academy.
Scootaloo as Yuka Mochida: She's Fluttershy's younger sister and she's in middle school. She came in to help her sister despite her friends testing something out. She's outgoing, stubborn and impatient. She idolizes Rainbow Dash, however she is also scared of whatever she spills out ghost stories. She does love Fluttershy deeply and wants to protect her when necessary. (Though, it seems that Fluttershy is better at it than she is)
Ms. Cheerilee as Yui Shishido: A young teacher with great promise. She's determined to prove that she is a good teacher and is willing to protect her students at all costs. She has a pranking side of her that she shows earlier on because of her youth. Depending, she will pass in different ways.
Applejack as Seiko Shinohara: Applejack is a home girl-her family works on a farm and she's proud of helping her family. Her father and mother died young, giving her a somewhat motherly instinct at a young age. She cares deeply for Rarity, but won't say much on it. However, she supports Rarity's affections for Fluttershy, understanding her. She meets a sad end fast, sadly.
Rarity as Naomi Nakashima: Rarity is a bit prissy to start, but she's not so bad when you know her long. She's the eldest sister and she loves her family deeply. She's known Applejack for years on end and considers her a best friend and has a major crush on Fluttershy, but can't seem to confront her on it. She wants to be a fashion icon in the future.
*Note: Supporting characters will be added with a new chapter because they don't appear anytime soon.
Discord, the former ruler of chaos, and-well, discord itself, was reformed by the bearers of harmony. Many doubt such a claim, especially after the Tirek period of time, but many ponies that lived near him, disagreed with these claims. Discord, for all purposes, was a reformed spirit. Many will doubt the reality of the reformation, and for the most part, that was ignored by them. Though, if he was reformed, why was Twilight receiving reports of the contrary?
Today was supposed to be peaceful, or, as peaceful as one would get living in Ponyville. All she was supposed to do was read a few books in the castle. Though, who was she to wish for something as mundane as that when living in this quaint town? She sighed, trotting towards the exit of the castle.
"Discord really wanted me to find you," Fluttershy insisted as she walked along said the grumpy princess. Her eyes following the crystal flooring as she calculated. Fluttershy sighed out, resolve growing despite being nervous. "Says its important."
"Of course its important!" Fluttershy cowered instantly at the voice, despite it being her best friend. The cyan pegasus fluttered a bit, trailing behind the mares, rolling her eyes in the process at Fluttershy's careful wording. "He's starting somethin' at Town Hall!" Fluttershy gave a quick glare her way.
"Yes, but I'm sure there is a plausible explanation behind it, he's reformed, Dash," Fluttershy quietly reminded. Rainbow crossed her arms.
"He's starting something-"
"Can you both be a bit quieter?" Twilight warned through grit teeth before flicking off with a teleport, taking both with her. Fluttershy's stomach twisted as she tried gaining her bearings. Teleporting still was harsh-especially on her. Her eyes were dizzy, but she could make out Twilight's figure inching closer to Discord-or perhaps something else, given the angle.
"Discord!" Twilight yelled, getting on level with him. With a click of a claw, she was sitting down on the floor. The creature in question popped back out, slinking past Twilight and Rainbow Dash.
"Consarn it!" Applejack yelled from the crowed, marching up. "What are you up to this time?" Discord waved them off, a smile appearing, then fading fast.
"Oh, why hello friends!" Discord announced, bowing slighting as a tux appeared on his person and a cane being held in a paw. "Nice for you to make an appearance, I'm glad you made it."
"Discord, what is it that you're up to?" Twilight glared, feeling betrayal inch up her stomach. Discord shook his head, gesturing towards the screen.
"Why, I'm not doing anything, you see," Discord said with honesty. "Well-not exactly of course. I'm reformed now, and I shall never do anything too evil again, of course." He knocked on the projection wall he made, gesturing towards it with little care.
"Chaos was never limited to one realm, you see. What was the fun in chaos if it was simply limited on the same ponies? As something short of a God, I am granted the right to view other realms beyond the ones here. Anything with Chaos, really." He dully remarked, flashing one realm to show emphasis. Said realm in particular was one of the darker ones-only by shear coincidence.
The projection showed something straight out of a terrible myth. A small filly-no bigger than that of a school aged one, was flying with all her might. Her orange coat dirty-caked in grease and blood. Her purple eyes frantic before getting pinned down by a larger, cyan figure with the same dirty mess on her coat. Her rainbow mane shimmered and magenta eyes almost mimicking a shade of red in the dark. Her smile was predatory as she cornered her.
"Any last words?" The cyan mare said-sounding similar in nature to Rainbow Dash. The filly in question simply smiled, taking her fate as she stared into the eyes of the monster before her.
"....you have beautiful eyes.."
Click
"That was but a taste of the realms. Though, that was played coincidentally. Shame really, despite going from realm to realm, I lack real control. Whether I truly like it or not, the events play unless some characters beyond myself take control." Rainbow Dash shook, falling to her hunches.
"What--what just..?" Discord cleaned the tip of her muzzle with a feather duster.
"That was the Rainbow Factory, in that world, your the boss of the division. Failed pegasi foals earned their place in the Pegasus Device-in you're view of course. You just visited one of them attempting to escape. That is for another time. Any questions towards it will be held at a later note." Rainbow's face contorted before being waved off by the larger creature. "Surely, this wasn't what I've called upon the ponies for."
"Stop wasting time! What was it that you wanted?" Twilight asked, sighing out. She gave in, practicing her breathing exercise for a moment as Discord tapped the screen.
"While gruesome the realm I showed was, it doesn't top lists of gruesome. Some chaos is rather tasteless. I can't stomach it in one realm in particular. Perhaps its been like that-or not." Discord shrugged. "Anypony well aware of the Human mythology?"
"What has such a myth-" Rarity's proper voice started out, marching along side Applejack. "-have anything to do with us now?"
"Humans exist silly!" Pinkie Pie bounced forward. "You just can't see them right now!" Rarity rolled her eyes.
"Whatever the case, I assure you it means nothing-" Discord booped Rarity's nose with a smile.
"Beep! Wrong answer!" Discord smiled, clicking his claws. Just below Rarity was a door he just made. With the click, it opened with ease. She cried out as she fell through from beneath her. A minute passes before she shows right back up, a bit soaked but nothing too bad.
"Never.Again." She cried, shaking. Rainbow snickered.
"Humans exist, of course, but not particularly here," Discord finished. "That's why I need you here today. You..have to play a game to make sure your human equivalents don't disappear all together off the face of the planet."
"A...game?" Twilight's eyes widen at the prospect, the cogs turning. "There is no time-" Everything around her grew dizzier, spinning as she felt the ground beneath her move. Rainbow's cries were audible and Rarity's fainting sighs were too. She closed her eyes, ready to play it safe until the spinning ceased.
"Its not time to nap, silly!" Pinkie Pie smiled out, tapping her shoulder. Twilight shook her head, her stomach still dizzy as she stood. "We're in a bubble!"
"Discord!" Applejack yelled out. Her eyes following the scenery. It was a decrepit building- it didn't seem stable. She was reminded of the barn Rainbow blasted months ago. The seats wouldn't seem to move-at least by her perspective. They seemed small and stationary-glued to the floor. Too small for foals, she realized. She shook her head. That wasn't all. The flooring was just patchwork. If she were to walk on it, perhaps she'd fall through to Celestia-knows where..."Where are you?"
"Silly me!" Discord chided himself. "I forgot to say where! This is Summer Sun Primary School-where the teenage humans go to die when they chant wrong, if I'm not mistaken. Nightmare has more say in this world than I-but she lacks my powers, thankfully."
"Summer Sun Primary?" Twilight repeated slowly, scanning her memories. She couldn't remember an elementary with that name. She furrowed her brows. It must have been too old to use, clearly. Through her years of reading, however, it wasn't found on a single school building-no matter what she read. None of the Ponyville Library books contained any mention of the school name, maybe Canterlot would? "That...isn't a name in our world, is it?"
"I'm proud to say that you latch on quick, Twilight!" Discord praised. "You should be rewarded with such brilliant words. Though, I could count how many people on my claw know about Summer Sun Primary in this world as well. Its a rather old school with...a rather tasteless form of chaos if I say so myself. So tasteless it has its own nexus."
"A what?" Rainbow cocked her head. Pinkie Pie bounced.
"Ya know how Discord controls other realms? Its like having multiple realms in one realm! The school has multiple forms, which means that if everypony got separated, they, theoretically, would be in the same space, but in a different realm. Time runs differently and you COULD be in the same location as another pony if we were separated, but not see them because they are in a different space! However, items are different. They might show through to the other spaces." Pinkie Pie answered, smiling as she tapped Rainbow's nose. "Bonk!"
"That...was oddly specific Pinkie," Twilight nodded slowly. "That was the gist of it, I believe."
"Many of those who know---" Discord paused, clapping before finishing. "There!"
"There?" Rarity squinted. Her eyes falling on a figure lying still in the darkness before it started inching upwards. The figure rubbed it's eyes, moaning softly.
"The game is about to begin!"
Author's Note
I just REALLY wanted to get to the Corpse Party stuff! I just bought the game so I can recap everything, I think I have some of the character ideas down.
A Fallen Beacon Apple: Part 1
Rarity rubbed her head, her fingers sliding through her hair in a weak attempt at fixing the damage that was done. She groaned as the shock finally kicked in. "Ugh...my head.." She whimpered out, quickly moving her fingers as they just graced a tender spot. The landing must have harmed her more than not. Her eyes refused to focus immediately after waking, but it caught glimpses of nasty wood beneath her body. It was dilapidated with holes in a few spots. "Where..am I?"
Desks, desks surrounded her. They weren't desks that she seen prior-they were very small and outdated. The windows in particular weren't seen now in days-she would occasionally see them when passing by in better, bigger neighborhoods. They were a decoration to the Victorian style homes that the higher paid seemed to enjoy more than not like a trend. They weren't cleaned though, and at some point, the windows seemed cracked, despite the glued demeanor. Either way-it wasn't where she was before. "We..were in 2-A...Starswirl...." Rarity tried getting up, but a shock of pain jolted her before she could. She glanced down at her ankle, surprised by the reaction. "Ah, I must have sprained my ankle when I fell.."She looked around once more, finding nothing of value on her side that could help her. She cursed at the luck before standing up and sighing.
"Rainbow Dash? Scootaloo? Applejack?" Rarity called out, wobbling as she done so. The pain wouldn't subside, and walking would only exasperate the wound even more-judging by Sweetie Belle's past history of sprained ankles in her care. Though, she didn't seem to have a choice. Either stay or possibly get her-her instincts choosing the latter than the former. She stumbled in the darkness, only to feel a desk stop her in her tracks just in time. She held her breath as her eyes widened, she was lurching forward before she managed to gain her bearings enough to force herself back from the massive hole that erupted. She ignored the searing pain at that moment as she sat, wide eyed, staring at the hole she almost stumbled into. Her breath was ragged. "I-I could..I could have..." She shook her head, but her mind wouldn't stop suggesting her demise from falling.
How far..is the drop? She questioned before chiding herself. She squinted to see past the hole to the other side. There was a chalk board, something she hasn't seen in ages BESIDES in an elementary school-she recalled her teacher handing a mini chalk board for games and the like, but that was it. The chalkboard and the podium didn't interest her, though, it was the fallen figure that had. She couldn't see who the figure belonged to, the darkness shrouded it, but there were noticeable features that caught her attention.
"That has to be Applejack's ponytail!" Rarity's eyes widen at the realization. She calculated the ability to get to the other side. The gap was massive-too huge to truly cross on this side, especially in the condition she was in. Her eyes land on the door on the other side. "It must be one of those rooms with a double door..."Hopefully it was, of course. Her body was slow as she dodged the desks and headed towards the door, making sure that she wouldn't fall into more holes on the way out. The scenery wasn't any different, but that was expected. She peered out the window, pausing before leaving. The walls in the hallway seemed off, just as bad as it seemed to be in the room she was in. She creaked the door open as she walked to the hallway before turning back. Her feet dragging her to the corner, her arms forcing her to carry a loose board before completely exiting to the other side. Her eyes trace the sides. It was disgusting. She wanted to remove it from her grasp, but something drew her in, making her grab it in the first place.
"What would a board do?" She sighed out, walking through the hall. It was odd to say the least. The floor was just as bad as it was inside the room, if not more. It was full of gaps that led to no where. She stopped at the one door before the gap took it over. It had to be the door that belonged to the room. She smiled softly.
"Applejack.." She blushed a bit before shaking the feeling off. Her eyes wandered to the article on the floor before entering. Curiosity bested her in that regard as she wandered to it, reading it in the process.
[Summer Post]" 'Third Student Reported Missing..'" She read aloud. "One by one...students of Summer Sun _____have gone missing, a third child joining the ranks of the missing. Classmates testify that fifth grader __________was on her way home from school, but got separated from her friends in the hall. She wasn't seen since. Police have suspected a serial kidnapper and place investigators on the case in hopes of a fast resolution to the kidnapping spree. However, ten days have seemingly past, causing parents and students great concerns." That unsettled Rarity as she shook. A killing? A kidnapping? Thoughts raced through her mind, questioning all the outcomes possible.
Applejack first, She insisted. It just has to be a coincidence. Maybe Applejack will concur... Though, the thoughts didn't cease as she raced into the classroom as fast as her ankle allowed her to. She was right; Applejack was laying down on the stage-like area, nothing out of place on her.
"Applejack!" She called out again, nudging the Southern teen. She groaned out an answer in response. "T-Thank god...you're alright!" Applejack, despite groaning, didn't budge much.
"W-Wake up..." Rarity cried out a bit. "P..Please don't leave me here..alone..." She whimpered softly. Applejack rubbed her head, arching forward.
"Apple..Bloom...isn't it late...?" She moaned out, shaking her head before her eyes adjusted. She squeaked as she looked towards Rarity, eyes full of concern and fear etched into her blue orbs. "Rar...it...ty..?"
"D-Don't scare me like that, you idiot!" Rarity chided with a smile, hugging her friend. Applejack gave a shaky smile back before turning.
"Where..are we?" Applejack questioned, looking around as she stood up, stretching her limbs. "We...weren't here before, right?What's going on?"
"I would love to answer your questions...if I had answers myself..." Rarity looked away, standing herself. "I don't think anything moves here. Its...unsettling." She was debating on telling her the newspaper. It wasn't a bad idea to talk to Applejack, but it still lingered as a bad idea. She didn't understand why a measly article would cause the reaction, other than the murders, of course. It was an article that, easily, could have been in the paper recently.
"Did you, by perchance, hear of something?" Applejack straightened herself, her face contorting. Rarity continued. "I know that you watch the news more frequently than I, I wanted to know whether a recent sorrowful event has partaken er..recently. I happened to come across an article just in the halls. The floors aren't connected.." Rarity was not one to bring up such a tragic event, she simply hadn't the tact for it, but it seemed like the only feasible option at the moment.
Applejack pondered for a bit, her eyes landing on the wide gap between the sides. She hadn't answered for a while; Rarity shivered, she really wasn't the one for this. Twilight or Maud had a better understanding of events of this caliber than her. Applejack sighed. "The only tragic news story that got broadcast was a rerun of a massacre. 'fraid that ain't very recent. Somethin' about a church..." She paused again to figure her words. "Bless them to pieces. Though, it didn't happen anywhere near here. Why? What was in the article?"
She was afraid of that. She shook her head. "I must have just read it weirdly. Never mind me." Rarity cracked a small smile. "Any how, we must find the exit. We can't simply stay here." Applejack nodded.
"We can't leave the others, either." Rarity eyed the door, frowning. With the dilapidated condition she saw within the hallway prior, just how difficult would finding them be? Surely, the floors could give out at any moment..She didn't press on the matter. Honestly, whatever had to be under the boards...She couldn't even complete the train of thought before shuddering.
They had to leave. She didn't want to stay there.
"Yes, we mustn't forget them. I hope we can encounter them sooner than later. Judging by location, I fear it might be later..." What room had they been placed in, anyway? It seemed similar enough, she figured.
"We should go then, right?" Applejack piped in, her head whipping to face the fashionesta. Rarity grew silent. What could she possibly state? Nodding was her final answer before walking towards the door. She became immediately familiar with the hallway system, having explored it prior to waking her apple themed friend.
"Another gap, great," She muttered, squinting to see what lied ahead. She hadn't the materials to waste, therefore she checked each location. With a single board at her disposal with god knows how much durability, the idea to waste it on the wrong location was idiotic. Seeing a staircase, she made the bet it would be safer to head that way, then check for more boards.
"Why are you carrying..a board?" Rarity ignored her, placing the board down carefully. Normally, these situations wouldn't head her way. She normally wouldn't risk herself for something so uncouth. Then again, this wasn't exactly normal, either.
"This way! "Applejack complied as instructed. Rarity had more knowledge than her, at the moment. It felt safer to let her decisions guide them for the time being. With a steady cross, they walked down the hallway, trudging into a room. The room was the only connection they had, after all the path ahead had a major gap; inaccessible if it weren't for the room.
It wasn't as though the room was fixed, of course. It was just as torn as the other rooms were. This room, however, was shocking in its own right. It was unsettling, more so than Rarity could ever assume anything could be. It couldn't be real.
Applejack raced to the corner of the room, just missing the small gap of flooring so close to her boots. Rarity followed suit, only to be pushed, thankfully, no where close to the other break in the floor. It was the first time she really saw the farmer act so strangely. She screamed, falling backward. It was almost reminiscent of Fluttershy's reaction prior: utter fear. Rarity could even swear she felt the ground tremble from her shaking.
"A-Are those..are those bones..? A-As in...HUMAN bones?"
Author's Note
While its not exactly long, I wanted the next chapter to have everything. I wanted to glance over the first part and really work the later part. Originally, I wanted the breaking point for the chapter to be the upstairs scene, but I decided that it didn't feel right.
As to why I didn't let Applejack examine the room more..that'll be stated the next chapter. I wanted it to feel as genuine as possible. Real people would assume reading an article like that is unsettling, but despite the location, its pretty normal. At the same time, its not normal to carry planks. I always picture SOMEONE asking the characters why they are carrying planks around...
