The Perfect Job

I: Discord

Discord did not speak these words, nor did he think them. Instead, he felt them, implanting them deep into the children's subconsciouses. He was hypnotising them .

Into his mind came the names of each of his victims, as happened whenever multiple ponies were in his control: Twist . Apple Bloom . Snips. Snails. Sweetie Belle . Sunny Daze. Peachy Pie. Scootaloo. Pipsqueak. Featherweight. Rumble. Zipperwholl. Button Mash.

He smiled and went on with his orders.

He allowed himself a moment's glance at Cheerilee, not risking too long in case the connection broke. As expected, she looked extremely perplexed, for she could not sense the words. To prove his worth to her, he added,

"It's working," chorused fourteen voices. All was going as planned.

Wait a minute. Fourteen voices? But he had only heard twelve names! In fact, now that he thought about it, hadn't Cheerilee called fifteen names during role? Who was he missing?

He stopped giving connections and snapped his fingers. He was a ghostly white figure looking out on the classroom, which he could now see. He listened to the roll call and matched up the names.

Apple Bloom . Apple Bloom .

Button. Probably Button Mash.

Diamond Tiara. Diamond Tiara ?