The Sins of Our Father

In spite of his earlier reservations Greed wasted no time in setting off at a gallop towards the small settlement that lay in front of them. With a sigh from Lust and a groan from Sloth the rest of the homunculi moved to follow him at a more lax pace. While the town was within seeing distance it would still take them all a few minutes of walking before they reached it proper.

"I suppose we shall see if I was correct in my assumption."

Wrath apparently took note of Lust's comment.

"Oh? And what would that happen to be Lust?"

"That this world may, in fact, be inhabited by others similar to us."

"Homunculi?"

"No, Envy, I mean ponies."

"Pfft, ha! Yeah, sure, I'd believe just about anything at this point."

Wrath hummed thoughtfully.

"That would certainly be interesting. Perhaps it could be to our advantage."

"I was thinking the same."

"Pride could you help us gather intel on these inhabitants?"

"Of course d- Wrath."

"I'm counting on you."

With one last nod the group descended into silence once more as they continued their trek towards civilization. Within a few minutes they could see that Greed had stopped upon reaching the village and was now just sitting there staring.

"What's that idiot doing?" Envy questioned, "I know for a fact that he didn't stop so he could wait on us."

As they came closer to the grouping of buildings Lust allowed a small smirk to grace her face.

"It seems I was right."

Envy found himself gaping at the impossible situation before them.

"No way. No fucking way."

As Lust had predicted the town was bustling with various types of ponies of all shapes, size, and color. The streets were littered mostly with ordinary ponies like Greed with a smattering of unicorns like herself and Pride. One or two pegasi could be spotted amongst the throngs of ponies but it seemed that, for the most part, they stayed in the air.

"Anything you want to say Greed?" Lust questioned upon moving beside him.

Greed mumbled something under his breath.

"What was that?"

"I said you were right okay!"

"Glad to hear it."

"You know," Envy spoke up, "We never actually planned on what we were going to do once we got here."

"Yeah," Greed nodded, "What's your brilliant idea now Lust?"

"I suggest that we first find a library so as to learn more about the land we have found ourselves in."

Greed groaned in exasperation.

"A library, of course. Why the hell didn't I think of that?"

"Cause you're an idiot."

"Shut it Envy. You brought it up."

"You wanna go?!"

"Bring it on you bastard!"

Wrath intervened before the two could start anything.

"Stop it you two you're making a scene."

As Wrath had stated several ponies within the town had taken note of their altercation and were now observing the group of homunculi with interest. The two harumphed but stopped fighting and after realizing nothing else was going to happen most ponies continued on their way, though a few continued to stare at them.

"What?!" Greed barked, scattering the remnants of those whom had stayed behind, all except for a way too pink pony.

"Heya!" she greeted as she bound over enthusiastically.

Envy growled at the newcomer.

"What do you want?!"

"I wanted to welcome you all to Ponyville! I mean I've never seen you before and if I've never seen you before that means that you're new to Ponyville so that means that I need to welcome you."

"Yeah, well you can take your greeting and shove it up your-"

"Envy!" Lust cut him off, shooting him a glare before smiling at Pinkie, "Thank you for the welcome Miss-"

"Oh right! My name's Pinkie Pie, though most ponies call me Pinkie! What're your names?!"

"Hello Pinkie it's nice to meet you. My name is Lust, and these are Gluttony, Greed, Envy, Pride, Wrath, and Sloth."

"Those are some funny names," Pinkie giggled.

"Our names are weird?" questioned Envy, "What kinda name is Pinkie?"

"It's my name silly."

"This place is already getting on my nerves."

"For once I agree with you Envy."

"Hush Envy," Lust spoke, "You too Greed. Anyways as you so pointed out we happen to be new here. We would appreciate it if you would kindly tell us the location of this town's library."

"Sure can do! It's thataway! Keep an eye out for the big tree and tell Twi I said hey! Now if you don't mind I have to go plan your surprise party!"

With that Pinkie Pie seemingly zipped off in a blur leaving the homunculi alone and confused.

"Jeez, she might move almost as fast as you Sloth." Greed commented.

"Moving is a pain." Was the only response Sloth gave.

"That was most certainly an interesting first interaction." Wrath spoke.

"Tell me about it." Agreed Envy.

"Regardless," Lust started, "We were able to acquire the location of this town's library and it seems this Pinkie character is a friend of its owner."

"How could anyone be friends with that annoying spaz?"

"I liked her!"

"Of course you would Gluttony. Just make sure to keep her away from me, I have enough trouble with Greed over there."

"You're making it sound like I'm the one who's the problem."

"Because you are!"

"What was that you bastard?!"

"Enough," Pride interjected, "Both of you are more trouble than you're worth. I'm amazed that you even consider yourself homunculi."

"What was that you prick?" The two said in unison.

"Now now, settle down." Wrath spoke calmly, "Pride try not to rile them up more than usual, that just causes more problems for us."

"Yes fat- Wrath."

Wrath nodded.

"Good. Now I suggest we make haste lest we make another scene. We're already starting to attract attention again."

As Wrath had pointed out a few of the town's residents had turned their attention back to the group.

"Alright" Greed agreed while Envy merely gave a grunt.

With another nod Wrath took off in the direction that the pink mare had indicated and the others made to follow him. As they made their way through the village the homunculi found themselves observing their new surroundings. It seemed that modestly sized cottages made up a large portion of the buildings that surrounded them, not too unlike a few of the smaller towns and cities that dotted Amestris.

As Lust studied the unfamiliar environment she found herself especially drawn in by the locals. While the populace did hold all three species of pony she noted that the spread was most certainly not even. A bulk of the masses appeared to consist of regular ponies while the second most abundant happened to be pegasi.

Unicorns, however, looked to be something of an oddity what with only three or four dotted around the immediate vicinity.

I wonder why the distribution of the species is how it is. Is it a cultural thing or are unicorns just that rare?

There was one other thing she happened to take notice of as they passed by what appeared to be a market of sorts. Any and all produce was being exchanged for small coins that looked to be made out of gold, or at least coated in it. Inwardly Lust smiled to herself and chuckled.

Wait until Greed learns about that.

With nothing else to observe Lust focused her full attention on locating the library. While it was rather unlikely that they would find a way to get back she still wished to try. If it turned out to be futile then at the very least she could study up on the new lands they now inhabited, in hopes of being able to forge herself a new life.

A few minutes of searching had yielded no results in trying to find a building that could have functioned as a library and it was obviously taking it's toll on the two most impatient of the group.

"Ahhhh!" Envy wailed in annoyance, "I'm starting to think that pink idiot had no idea what she was talking about!"

Greed nodded in sympathy.

"I'm starting to feel the same. Maybe we should've asked someone else for directions."

"Does it look like anyone else wishes to speak with us?" Lust inquired.

"Dunno," Greed answered, "They sure seem like it though with the staring and all."

"They are staring at us, yes, but have you noticed any of them try to actively approach us?"

"I suppose not."

"Then just keep an eye out for..."

Lust trailed off as she found herself at a loss for words upon taking notice of the structure in front of them. After a couple of seconds Greed broke the silence.

"That is one big tree."

"Indeed it is," Lust spoke, "I do not believe that any such trees existed in Amestris."

Greed took a moment to observe the sign hanging above the doorway that lead inwards before he groaned and face-hooved.

"Figures. I know she said it was in a tree but I didn't think she meant literally."

"This just keeps getting worse." Envy griped.

"Quit whining you two," Wrath interjected, "That won't get us anywhere. Right now we need to focus on learning as much as we can."

"Agreed," Lust concurred, "There's no point in complaining, we simply have to make the best of the situation at hand."

"Fine." The two agreed in tandem.

"Very good, now let us be on our way."

"After you old man."

Wrath shot a glare at Greed but made his way over to the colossal oak before he reached out a hoof and stopped.

"That's strange."

"What's strange?" Lust inquired.

"This door has a knob. If this world's primary inhabitants are ponies then why would they create something difficult to manipulate using hooves?"

Envy sneered.

"Who cares. This place doesn't make any sense to begin with, let's just get this shit over with."

Wrath rolled his eyes but didn't speak up as he contemplated how he would tackle the current problem in front of him. After some consideration he raised his right foreleg and pushed firmly against the knob before twisting. The handle thankfully turned but the amount of force he was using meant that the instant the door was free it swung inwards.

As the door opened it glanced a bell hanging from the wall which caused it to chime and alert those inside of their arrival. Though the room it lead to appeared to be devoid of ponies a feminine voice could be heard.

"Coming!"

The striking of hooves against wood sounded throughout the enclosure as it grew ever closer. Finally a purple figure made it's way into sight revealing itself to be a winged unicorn. The mare, obvious by her body build, opened her muzzle to speak.

"Welcome to Golden Oaks Library."

The group was quite when Greed took initiative.

"What the fuck?! Why does she get both wings and a horn?!"

The mare had flinched back at his outburst, her ears flattening against her head.

"I'm sorry?"

Seeing the potential disaster that was letting Greed continue to talk Lust stepped in.

"Please excuse him, he's an idiot."

"Hey!"

"Anyhow, would you happen to be the caretaker of this fine collection?"

That appeared to snap the mare out of her reverie.

"Ah, yes I live here and take care of this library. How may I help you?"

The seven of them all exchanged looks before turning back to her.

"It's a long story. Perhaps we could come in before we discuss it."

"Of course! The library is open to everypony."

The mare moved aside and ushered the group in one by one, though Sloth did have some trouble getting through the small door. Once they were all situated inside she closed the door behind them before focusing on the group once more.

"Ah, how rude of me I haven't even introduced myself yet. My name is Twilight Sparkle."

"Greetings Twilight Sparkle, you can call me Wrath. My comrades here are Sloth, Pride, Greed, Envy, Lust, and Gluttony."

Each of the members gave their own greeting as they were introduced by Wrath so as to ensure there would be no confusion.

"If you don't mind me asking where are you from? You certainly don't appear to be average ponies."

Wrath hmmmd as he contemplated how best to explain the situation to this pony.

"You would be correct in asserting as such. In fact if our supposition is right we might not even be of this world."

Twilight tilted her head to the side.

"Not of this world? That would certainly explain a few things, like how your cutie marks are the same."

"Cutie marks?" Lust spoke up, "I presume that you are talking about these images imprinted on our flanks. I noticed that several others also happened to have them as well, however they often differed."

"That's right! Whenever a pony finds out what it is that they're best at their cutie mark manifests itself."

"That's all very well and interesting," Greed assured her, "But could we hurry it up to the part where you actually tell us if we can get back or not?"

"Hmm, dimensional spells aren't really my forte, however from what I've read if there was a way for you to get here there's likely a way for you to get back."

"Is that so?" questioned Wrath, "Well then we would be particularly grateful if we could have your assistance in looking for a way back to our world."

The purple mare smiled kindly at them.

"Of course I'll help. I wouldn't be the Princess of Friendship if I turned away ponies in need."

At this Greed felt his interest piqued.

"A princess you say?"

"Yes, I wasn't always an alicorn though, once I was a regular unicorn. Through the magic of friendship, however, I managed to earn my wings and title."

Greed was practically salivating at the mere prospect of the kinds of riches the pony in front of them had when Wrath let out a cough.

"Ahem, anyhow is there any place we can stay at until this is all sorted out? Or at the very least until we can start earning money?"

"You can stay here for tonight, I'll contact Princess Celestia and tomorrow we'll work on figuring out more permanent arrangements for you."

"Are you sure?" Lust questioned, "We wouldn't want to inconvenience you."

"Of course! Like I said before I wouldn't be a Princess of Friendship if I just ignored ponies in need. Plus learning about an entirely new world is, in itself, payment enough. You wouldn't mind if I asked you a few questions would you?"

"Of course not, that is if you wouldn't mind answering a few of mine."

"Of course, it's only fair after all. First I need to write a letter to the Princess so that we can request a meeting then we'll exchange information. Spike!"

"Coming!"

As whomever Twilight had called for was coming down they all heard the distinct pitter patter of feet as apposed to the clopping of hooves they were accustomed to. From a set of stairs appeared a small purple lizard standing on two legs at whom Greed's eyes widened.

"Holy shit! Is that a dragon?! Forget horns and wings why couldn't I have been one of those!"

Twilight and Spike both found themselves cringing at his harsh language.

"Spike could you please write a letter to Princess Celestia."

Spike nodded in affirmation as he pulled out a quill and parchment paper from wherever he might have been hiding it and prepared to transcribe Twilight's musings.

"Dear Princess Celestia,

I have recently met a group of ponies who claim that they may be from another world and have asked for my assistance in returning home. However dimensional spells are not my forte so I wish to request an audience with you tomorrow so that we may discuss possible solutions to this problem.

Your most faithful student, Twilight Sparkle."

"Aaaand done!"

With that Spike rolled up the piece of parchment before letting out a breath of green fire which quickly burnt away at the scroll.

"Interesting," Lust hmmm'd in thought, "Tell me what was the purpose in burning that parchment? There must be some kind of reason behind it."

"Yes, in fact, there is. You see dragon flames are magical by nature and the parchment I use for writing letters happens to be enchanted with a spell that will send it directly to Princess Celestia when burnt by Spike's dragon fire. Actually I'm quite surprised, you're the first person I've had ask me about that."

"One can never have too much knowledge."

Twilight perked up at that.

"I agree! I love my friends, but you would not believe how often my friends make fun of me for being an 'egghead'. It's nice to find somepony who appreciates knowledge like me."

Lust spared a glance at Envy and Greed who had literally started butting heads.

"Same."

It was at that point that Gluttony's stomach decided to growl and he looked up at her.

"Lust I'm hungry. Can we eat now?"

"Twilight, is there perhaps a place nearby where we could get some refreshments? It's been quite a long day and I'm sure that some of us would like to eat."

Twilight looked thoughtful for a moment.

"Actually there is! My friend works at a bakery called Sugarcube Corner, we could go there for lunch and I could introduce you to my friend."

Lust gave a bright smile at the mare and Twilight's cheeks appeared to tinge pink.

"Why thank you Twilight that is a lovely idea. We would very much appreciate that."

"It's no problem Lust, as the Princess of Friendship it's the least I can do."

"Very well then, lead the way. Envy, Greed, save the fighting for later," Envy and Greed gave a 'Humph!' but stopped butting heads, "The rest of you come on."

"Oh goody, we get to eat now."

"Eating, what a pain. When can I sleep?"

"Later Sloth," Wrath spoke up, "That sounds like a lovely idea Princess, please lead the way."

"Please just call me Twilight."

"Very well Twilight, lead the way then."

With that Twilight walked out into the not so bustling streets of Ponyville, followed closely behind by Spike and then the seven homunculi. As they traversed the trodden paths Lust took note that there weren't nearly as many pony on the streets as there had been before hand. She chocked it up to everyone being out to lunch.

Eventually the group found their way to a strange confectionery house that looked like it was made of gingerbread, though if it had it likely wouldn't have lasted long, but that wouldn't stop Gluttony from trying to eat it.

"Lust can I have a bite?"

"No Gluttony, it's not nice to eat someone's house."

"Not even a nibble?"

"I wouldn't try it if I were you," Twilight interjected, "I know it looks like a gingerbread house, but that's all wood."

"Trust me Princess," Greed said, "Fatty over there has eaten way worse things before without ever getting a stomach ache. I'd advise you to keep him away from anything precious to you."

Twilight shook her head, not even willing to try to figure that one out.

"Never the less this is the place I was telling you about, they've got the best baked goods in Equestria. However my friend can be a little... overbearing so please brace yourself."

Without further adieu Twilight led the way into the bakery while the others closely followed only for them to stop and look around in confusion at the sheer darkness of the bakery.

"SUPRISE!"

The door slammed close behind them just as the lights flooded the room revealing a number of ponies scattered throughout the room as well as several tables upon which lay food and a banner hanging from the ceiling stating 'Welcome to Ponyville!'.

Sloth and Pride were nonplussed, Lust and Wrath held small smiles on their faces, Greed looked smug at the idea of a party thrown in his honor, Gluttony was bouncing up and down like an excited puppy, however Envy was in a defensive stance growling at the crowd of ponies surrounding them.

Upon seeing Envy's expression most ponies fell silent and stared worriedly at each other. Greed was the first one to dare break the silence.

"Jeez Envy, calm down a bit. You're bringing down the mood."

"Calm down?! After what these idiots just pulled they're lucky I don't kill any of them!"

"Jeez, okay, we get it you don't like surprises, now shut up so the rest of us can enjoy this party."

"You're just begging for me to kick your ass. Wanna take this outside?"

"Sure, I'll be happy to use you for stress relief."

"Greed, Envy, settle down you're causing a scene."

"Shut up Wrath, I don't have to listen to you. Don't forget I've been around longer than you."

"Then what about me," Pride's cold voice cut through, "I'm only going to tell you this once, settle down."

Envy certainly didn't seem happy at being told what to do, but he didn't try arguing with Pride. He was hard headed, not suicidal.

"Fine, enjoy your stupid party or whatever, I'll be outside."

With that Envy stormed his way outside, slamming the door behind him.

"Sorry about him," Lust apologized, "He's not exactly the most sociable person."

"C'mon why's everypony all downy frowny? This is a party!"

The six remaining homunculi plus one Twilight turned to look at the pink newcomer.

"Ugh," Greed groaned, "Not her again."

"Hello Pinkie, I'd like you to meet Lust, Pride, Gluttony, Greed, Wrath, and Sloth. The one who just left is Envy. Everypony I'd like you to meet my friend Pinkie."

"We've met." Lust stated.

"Hiya there Lusty. How do you like this party I set up for you guys?"

Lust felt a grin work its way onto her face, "Why yes Pinkie, it's quite lovely."

"Aw, thanks Lusty. Welp it was nice talking to you but I've got other ponies to make happy so I'll catch up with you later!"

Lust giggled into her hoof, and out of the corner of her eye she could see Twilight blush.

"My, she's quite... energetic isn't she?"

"Yeah, that's Pinkie Pie for you. Why don't I introduce you to my other friends?"

"That sounds like a wonderful idea Twilight, please lead the way."

"O-Of course!"

Twilight stiffly walked towards a group of multicolored ponies which consisted of a white unicorn, a yellow pegasus, a blue pegasus, and a regular orange pony.

"H-Hey," Twilight cleared her throat, "Hey girls I'd like you to meet the newcomers. These are Pride, Gluttony, Sloth, Wrath, Greed, and Lust, and the one outside is Envy. Everypony these are my friends, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack."

"It's a pleasure to meet you darlings."

"The pleasure's all mine Miss Rarity."

Rarity blushed and waved her hoof.

"Please Mister Greed you flatter me."

"It's nice to meet Twilight's friends, say hi Gluttony."

"Hi!"

"Well howdy!" Applejack exclaimed taking her hat off and holding it to her chest, "It's mighty nice to meet y'all."

"Agreed." was all Wrath said.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm Rainbow Dash, the fastest, and awesomest pegasus in Ponyville."

"I'm Pride."

"I'm Fluttershy."

"What was that dear?" Lust questioned.

"I said I'm Fluttershy."

"One more time please?"

"I said I'm Fluttershy. Eeep!"

"What's yer name big guy?"

"Sloth. Meeting people... is such a pain."

"Oh my, I understand how you feel, I always get so nervous about going out and talking to ponies."

"Lust can I go eat now?"

"Of course Gluttony, just be sure to save some for others."

"Yay!"

Lust smiled at Gluttony's child-like behavior before switching over to a more charming one as she turned towards Twilight.

"If you don't mind I'd like to discuss some things with you Twilight."

"O-Of course, I'd love to!"

The two trotted off into the crowd of ponies discussing some matter.

"I'd like to talk to Sloth, that is if you don't mind."

"What a pain." was Sloth's response, never the less he followed Fluttershy away towards a quieter part of the party.

"If you would be so kind I'd like to speak to Miss Dash for a while."

"Hay yeah! You gotta tell me where you got some of those sweet scars!"

"Be careful what you wish for."

Rainbow Dash and Wrath trotted off followed closely by Pride.

"I so do apologize for this, but I must go mingle. A lady has a reputation to keep after all."

"It's fine, I'll catch up with you later Miss Rarity. I should probably go check on Envy anyways. Who knows what kind of trouble he's gotten himself into."

"Au revoir."

Rarity made her way into the crowd of ponies and Greed took a moment to ready himself for the inevitable onslaught of insults about to be flung his way. When he was ready, or as ready as he could be, he made his way out the door and was greeted by the sight of Envy sitting sullenly on the front steps.

Greed was taken aback, he had seen Envy sulk before but he'd never seen the homunculus this shaken. He moved to sit down by the pegasus and didn't even get a glance.

"What do you want?"

Greed was surprised to hear something that sounded like an actual question rather than a demand from the usually arrogant homunculus.

"What's got you so scared?"

"I'm not scared," Envy argued feebly.

"C'mon Envy I've known you for over a century and I've never seen you like this before. What's wrong?"

"It's just, what happened, it reminded me of Mustang, when, well you know. For a second it felt like I was back in those dark cramped corridors being hunted again."

Greed had never really seen eye to eye with Envy, and sure he had done some pretty bad stuff in his lifetime, but Greed couldn't help but feel sorry for the person besides him. It must have been terrifying to have been hunted down by the Flame Alchemist.

"I know how you feel. Remember I died two times, and one of those times was when I was dipped in lava."

That managed to get a grin out of Envy.

"Shut up Greed, I don't need your pep talk, c'mon let's get this stupid thing over with so we can leave."

Envy stood up and made his way into the ongoing party. When Greed made to follow, for a split second, he could have sworn he saw something glittering at the corner of Envy's eye.

--

After several hours the party at Sugarcube Corner had tapered off and everyone had decided to part ways, leaving only Twilight, Spike, and the homunculi to head back to the library. Once there Spike had burped out a letter and Twilight was currently reading it.

"Dear Twilight Sparkle,

I apologize for the late reply as I have been kept busy with court today. I must admit you have raised my intrigue, and I would be happy to help search for a way to send these ponies home. I shall have a guard escort sent to collect all of you and bring you to Canterlot tomorrow at around 8:00 A.M.

With regards, Princess Celestia."

"I see," Lust commented, "That was certainly faster than I expected. I suppose with any luck that we might find the solution to our problem tomorrow. Or perhaps we shall learn that we are stuck in this world with no escape. If that happens to be the case then we shall have to decide upon our next course of action when it comes to that."

"Don't worry I'm sure the Princess' can find a way to get you home!" Twilight announced cheerily then blushed, "But I'd miss you if you left."

Lust gave Twilight a smile, "Worry not Twilight, I'm sure that if there's a way out of this world then there's a way back into this world. I'll be sure to come and visit."

"Really?!" Twilight questioned, perking up.

"Absolutely."

"That is all well and good, however it is late and I suggest we all get some rest so that we can get up bright and early tomorrow." Wrath interjected.

"Right, let me show you to the guest bedroom." Twilight said before trotting up the stairs leading to the second floor. The rest of the group followed closely behind until she stopped at a door and opened it.

"Here, sorry there's only six beds."

"It's fine," Greed told her, clapping Sloth on the back, "This big guy here could sleep anywhere couldn't ya."

"So tired."

"See."

Twilight still looked unsure but didn't argue.

"If you say so, I suppose I'll see you all in the morning, good night." With that Twilight trotted off into a room of her own as the seven homunculi wormed their way into the bedroom and each claimed a bed for themselves while Sloth just curled up on the floor.

"I get to rest now? Good."

The rest of them laid down without any more words and Greed had almost drifted off before his eyes shot wide open.

"Guys!" he called out.

"What?!" Envy called out, annoyed at Greed for having broken the silence.

"I just realized something."

"And what's that dumbass?"

"We're all naked."

--

Father was pacing back and forth as he thought of a plan.

"I need to know where I am, and then I'll start anew, I'll create a new philosopher stone, and this time there will be no one to stop me. But first I need some souls."