(Inside the vortex path.)

Starlight had not expected this. The last time she went through a portal, she was barely able to stay upright. Now she was standing on some kind of road or bridge that seem to be leading to several different opening. She would like to go further, if not to escape the vertigo causing swirl of the portals walls, but Fruit Flower was led away by the Silent One. They started to follow but were told by Fruit to wait for her, which was almost a half hour ago.

She also felt like something was watching her, stalking her almost. She kept looking over her shoulder, expecting to see something staring at her but was only seeing the walls of the portal. What it was, it seem to fill Starlight with dread but something else. A kind of rage was building in her chest. An angry she haven’t felt in a while but was there. She felt it building and could almost hear something in her ear. Telling her do things, awful things.
They were about to go back home when a portal on their left flashed and Fruit, follow by two other ponies came out. One was the Silent One and the other one was a pony in a white robe with a golden mask of a pony face that look sincere. Fruit look scared and Starlight notice the fur on the back of Fruit’s neck look a little rough up. Fruit bowed and turn to the golden masked pony.
“I present her holiness, the Compassion One.” Fruit said, moving out of the way. The Compassion One step forward and Starlight starting to study her, ignoring the voices. The mask that hide her face unnerved Starlight on a multiple levels. The fact she won’t show who she is or what her expression was disturbed her but Starlight had a feeling that there was a reason behind Fruit’s fear.
“Welcome, ambassadors. I’m the Compassion One and I welcome you on the Pathways of the Plains. We build these roads in order to trade and transport items across them. We find it a lot easier than being thrown. I already know about you and your friends, Starlight.” Compassion said. “Well, except you two.” Pointing to Record Keeper and Sky Watcher. “But I have important business to attend to. My faithful student, Fruit Flower, will be your tour guide.” Compassion turn and started to walk to one of the many other opening on the path way. Before she left, she lend over to Fruit.
“Remember our talk, if you don’t want to be next.” She whisper into Fruit’s ear. Fruit try hiding her emotion but Starlight caught a glimpse of fear in her eyes. Starlight didn’t know what was said but she doubt it was words of encouragement. Compassion walk into a portal with Silent One right behind. Fruit turn back to the group and cleared her throat.
“I have permission to take you to our more productive plains, the Music and the Machine plain. Which one would you like to go to?” Fruit said, pointing to two different portals. Record Keeper raised his hoof and Fruit nodded in his direction.
“What is the name of that plain?” He asked, pointing to the portal the Compassion One walked into. Fruit look nervously and shuffle her hooves anxiously.
“That is the Omega plain. I’ve mention about the crime element that have grown in several plains. It was decided by the Holiness and her followers that in order to keep ponies safe, we made a plain that served as a holding ground.” Fruit explained.
“You mean a prison?” Record cut straight to the point. “You discover an incredible power and you used it to make a prison?”
“You don’t understand.” Fruit said sharply. “These ponies aren’t regular criminals. They are the most blood thirsty killers and gangs. We can’t have them in a regular jail. Now which plain should I take you to?” The group look at each other than final, Starlight answered.
“I believe we can start with the Machine plain.” She said. Fruit nodded and started walking to the portal on the furthest left side to them. “Wait, before we go, why is it call the Machine plain?” Starlight asked.
“We establish this plain to help invent and create new things. It how we made these.” Fruit said, holding up her Hoof-Claw for them to see. “Also were we invented the leg for Luna and so much more. Would you like to see?” Fruit said, gesturing at the portal

(Machine Plain)

The first smell that hit Starlight nose was a strong odor of something burning. She coughed a few times and heard the rest of the group do the same. The air was thick with a black mist that seem to almost block out their sun, leaving the area in a dusk like setting.

“My word, what is that dreadful stench?” Rarity said, fanning the air.

“It smell like when I burn these rock cookies I was going to send to Maud.” Pinkie said, trying not to gag. Fruit seem to be the less effected and turning to face the group.

“Welcome to the Machine plain. Where progress is more than just a process, it’s inevitable.” Fruit said with pride. “All ponies who invent, build and create items our allowed to work here. It allows for some the most advance magic and technology in all the plains and it grows stronger every day. The holiness created this after discovering the Sacred word, a plain that allowed the builders to build as long as they want without fear of destroying their homes.”

Fruit motion for the group to follow her. They look up at tall buildings and large factories, all producing smoke out of chimneys. They saw droves of workers, so eating food while other walking to and fro buildings. All them were stallions, dirty with grim and dust, that were eyeing the group the entire time. As they walk into one of the building, the group entire into a small hallway and were greeted by a unicorn in a lab coat. He had spikey black hair and had a brown fur coat. He smiled as the group approach and raised his hoof to wave them over.

“Ah, this is Swift Vision. He the head of our invention department and is going to give us a tour of this facility.” Fruit said as they approach him. He flash a smile and then turn his attention on the group.

“Aw, is that all you have to say about me?” He asked. “Well, I guess I better impress these visitors. Counting Coin promised so much more.” Swift turn quickly and started to head down the hall to a set of doors.

“Now the first room is going to be a bit loud but luckily we had a bunch of spell casters to put muffling spells on, so it won’t be deafening.” He warn as he open the door. A loud boom blast into the room as soon he open it. “That much.”

The room was a large arena with a few ponies behind a large wall. There were piles of apples and scrolls next to them. The group look over the wall and then darted back down to write on the scrolls.

“This is our explosion room. Here, we test things that could cause or supposed to create massive damage. This way, we can test them out without ponies being in danger. I’m really proud of this item they are testing out now.” Swift said as they walk over to the ponies. He pick up an apple and hold it for the group to see. It look like a regular apple except for the fact the stem had metallic look to it.

“It called a Bomb Apple. Inside the core of this is a mechanism that allow us to fill it with flash powder, pepper spice or anything really.” Swift toss it in the air and caught it in the opposite hoof. “The neat thing is it completely harmless, as long as you don’t pull the stem. If the stems pulled, it triggers a chain reaction and well…” Swift pull the stem and a loud click was made. He threw it over his shoulder and it flew over the wall. The group watch as it fell in the middle of the arena. After a few seconds, the apple flashed and a loud bam echo in the area.

“Boom.” He said calmly. Record Keeper look at the piles and saw that they were labels under them. It was label as stun, blind, paralyze and lethal. He pointed at the lethal and looked up at Swift.

“Why do you need a lethal version?” Record asked Swift. Swift look around for a second and then lend over to the group.

“There are plain that is overrun with monsters and beastly that tend not to be stun by a flash bang. These ones will slow them down but to our kind? It will rip you apart and anyone in about five feet area.” Swift explained. “Any more question?” Pinkie Pie started jumping in place and making noise to get attention. “Yes?” He pointed at her.

“Is there a way we could fill it with confetti and used it in party? Imagen how much cooler it would be if I threw that into a party.” Pinkie eyes went wide with excitement at the thought. Swift was a bit shocked and taken a bit back from this.

“I guess if we tone it down, we will be able to but it could possible blind them so no.” Swift answered. Pinkie whimper in disappointment and sink down to the back. “Alright any more question?” The group stay silent and Swift nodded. “Alright let continue the tour.” Swift headed for the door and the group follow after him, well most of the group. Record was still standing by the pile of lethal Bomb Apple, looking at them with a face of concern.

“Record, you coming?” Sky Watcher called back.

“Yeah, I’m coming.” Record answered and followed after them into the next room. This room look like a long hallway with windows on one side and several ponies were leaning out the windows holding some kind of metal stick and aiming at a bunch of bull’s eyes. A couple of ponies his there stick and a loud crack came from it.

“This our weapons testing room. We have come a long way from swords and crossbows. What they are testing now are something called Boom Sticks. They can fire small metal pellets or darts fill with knockout potion. The guards rarely have used the pellets but it happens. Alright, let keep going.” Swift barely look at the room and continue to walk down the hallway. Record Keeper quickly walk over to Swift and started to talk to him, in a whisper so the other don’t hear.

“Fruit said that the Compassion was about peace, why is there two room that their whole point is to make weapons?” Record asked. Swift eyes darted quickly around then quickly whisper to Record.

“Not here. Wait to after you see the Music plain then I’ll find you.” Swift said. Record let Swift walk away further and held back until Sky Watcher was beside him.

“What was that about?” Sky asked Record.

“I guess we’ll find out later.” Record said, continuing to follow the group.

(Omega Plain, Prison yard)

In a small dusty prison yard, there sat a small pony lifting weights in the unbearable heat. She wasn’t like any other pony for two major reasons. One was her fur had mutable shades of color due to the pony dying it over a period of time. The second reason and the one that stood out the most was the two scars on her back. These where once powerful wings stood but were cruelly taken away. This pony has gone by many name but the name she was known for here was…
“Razorback!” A voice shouted out, causing her to put down her weights. She saw a shadow drape over her as two large mares stood over her while a smaller pegasi was in between the. Razorback sigh and got up off the ground, brush her fur off of dust.

“Poison Pin, is there a reason your blocking my sun and preventing my beautiful tan?” She asked the pegasi, hinting sarcasm.

“When I heard that the famous assassin was in my prison yard, I had to see for myself.” Poison said, starting to circle Razor while the two larger earth ponies stood still. “I mean, what is it they call you again? You go by so many names, the Swift Death, The Shifting Blade, The Black Hoof, oh and my personal favorite, The Screaming Banshee.”

“Aw, I’m touch. You been my biggest fan and I didn’t get you anything.” Razor said, faking a sad face.

“You’re funny.” Poison said, slowly pulling out a small, sharp stick she kept tuck under her wing. “I figure you won’t be after they clip your wings.” She flip the shiv to her other wing. “I best you miss doing this. You know I bet they call you the Screaming Banshee for something different then killing.” The two earth pony chuckle in union at her “joke” and Razor look kind of annoyed.

“You know, I think you are about to find out.” Razor said and then suddenly grab one of the weight she was lifting earlier form off the ground at one of the earth ponies. It connected with a sickling crake and knocked the pony to the ground. The other one try to jump Razor but she brought up a hoof and smash it into the pony windpipe. She let out a struggling gasp as she collapsed to the ground. Razor turn to face Poison Pin and they started to size each other up. Poison keep the shiv in her wing and were not giving any ground.

“Oh, come on sweetheart.” Razor said, wishing she had wings to motion Poison towards her. “I though you wanted to find out why they call me the Screaming Banshee. You know what, let me show you.” She charge at Poison, crashing into her chest. This took her by surprise and Poison try to stab at Razor. Razor block the wing from moving by stamping a hoof on it, causing a loud snapping noise. Poison groan in pain as Razor pick up the shiv from the wing.

“Now, I want to hear you scream.” Razor said, the shiv in her mouth. She plunged the dagger into Poison chest and kept on doing that as Poison scream in pain. After Razor practical carved out Poison’s rib cage, she sat on the ground and wipe some of the blood over her face. She look to see several guards with stun sticks surrounding her.

“Now what are the chances that you all believe that it was in self-defense?” Razorback asked. The guards all turn on their stun stick in response. Razor smiled and lift up the bloody shiv. “Alright, last time I did this, my highest was thirteen. Let’s see if I can double that.”
(Machine plain)

“And that concludes our tour.” Swift Vision said as the group arrive back at the portal entrance. After the two weapon room, the factory was mostly about ways to produce energy and how to conserve it. Swift was going on how they had the most advance energy and how it help a lot. Record Keeper was still wondering what Swift wanted to talk about but decided to wait. Swift pull out a watch and had a shock look on his face. “Whoops, I have something important to take care of so I’ll let Fruit take you to the Music plain. I believe going there will really open your eyes or at least your ears.”

With that, Swift wink at Record Keeper and turn back to the factory. Fruit waited to he left then turn to the portal.

“We have to hurry. The holiness expect you to see the Music plain before she returns from her trip.” Fruit urge and walk through the portal. The group exchange a weary look then follow suit.
(Music plain.)
Unlike the Machine plain, the Music plain didn’t smell of burning elements or seem to be choking on smog. Instead, the tall buildings seem to be shine with a golden gleam and the air was filled with the sound of organs. The group was amazed at the sounds of music that seem to pour out of every building in the late evening sunlight. Just like before, there was some pony waiting for them. This was another unicorn with white fur and a two color mane of purple and pink. She was about the same age as Rarity and oddly similar. She was wearing a proper dress and look kind of like a teacher.
“Hello, I’m Sweet Song.” She said, keeping her chin up and had a attune of higher class. “I’m the leader and head songstress of the Music plain. I will be showing how the holy songs are made and the instruments that are used. If you like to follow me.” She started to turn but notice a hoof in the air. This time, it wasn’t Record Keeper or Pinkie Pie, it was Sky Watcher.
“So how many genres of music have you discover?” Sky asked. Sweet Song look a little confused.
“I’m sorry, I don’t understand the question.” Sweet said.
“You know, what different styles of songs do you have?” Sky elaborate on her point.
“Ah, I see.” Sweet nodded. “We believe that we have found the only way to express our love for the Holiness and decided to stay the course, so to speak. Any other “style” of music might disrupt the message and so all other have been ban. Now if you follow me.” Sweet turn and headed towards one of the building. Sky Watcher stood in shock as the rest of the group started to follow her. Pinkie stood next to Sky and poke at her side.
“What the matter, Sky?” Pinkie asked, shaking Sky out of her stunned state.
“In the Machine plain, they made the most advance weapons and tech we ever seen. It made sense because that all they did in that plain.” Sky explain, watching the group getting a little further away. “The same case should be made here. They do nothing but write and try to create music. Why is there only one style of music and why ban other?”
Pinkie started to think of an answer and was about to but she started to feel something. A slight itching feeling behind her left back leg. She quickly turn to see a couple of dark alley were behind her and saw a figure dart behind one of buildings. Sky look down the same ally and then back at Pinkie.
“What is it?” Sky asked. She heard about Pinkie’s six sense and had a feeling that is was in action. Pinkie start to crouch to the ground and started to crawl towards the ally.
“Some pony is trying to be sneaky.” Pinkie whisper, “and I’m going to find out why.”

(Omega plain, inside one of the prison’s room)

Compassion was growing tired of waiting and was starting to get angry. She had asked the head guard, a burly stallion by the name of Dirt Grind, to bring her Razorback about fifty minutes ago. She expected him to be back by now and if he didn’t return in the next five minutes, she was going to send the Silent One to get Razorback. Just after she thought this, the doors swing open, and Dirt Grind walk in with two guards dragging something behind them.

“Here is Razorback, your Holiness. If you want my advice, kill it before its wake up.” He said as the two guards drop her unceremoniously on the ground.

“I thought I told you not to hurt her too badly. She is cover in blood!” Compassion yelled, pointing at the blood soak Razorback.

“Not her blood.” Dirt growled. “She is right now wearing what used to be twenty of my best guards.”

“Would have been twenty-four if that one didn’t sucker punch me.” Razor groan as she started to get up from the ground. Dirt raised a hoof to hit her again but Compassion motion for him to leave. He growled then spit a Razor before leaving. Compassion ignore that and turn her attention to Razorback. Razor stretch her back and turn to Compassion.

“Hey, it’s the Hypocritical One. Coming to just check up on me or is there something else you want to talk about?” Razor asked, cracking her neck and rolling her shoulders.

“I need to hire you for a job.” Compassion said. Razor raised an eyebrow at this remark. “Don’t look so shock. You thought I keep you alive for nostalgia.”

“Honestly, I thought you just didn’t like paying overtime.” Razorback responded. She walk over to the small table that was the only thing separated the two. “I mean, I killed a lot of ponies trying to kill you and you clipped my wings. Explain why I’m not jumping over this table and ripping your throat out?”

Compassion look over to the Silent One and nodded at it. The Silent One walk over and lean over to place its head on the table. Compassion place her hoof on the side of the Silent One mask and press down. A small whine was made and small photo pop out the mouth piece.

“What the…” Razor started as Compassion pull out the photo and place it on the table.

“I had the Silent One fitted with a few upgrades after my student disobey last time. This is who she was spotted with.” Compassion push the photo to Razor then lean back. Razor look to see it was Fruit Flower meeting three foals.

“You have got to be kidding me.” Razor said, brushing the photo off the table. “I hunted all kinds of targets and you want to hire me to kill these three. Why do you just have one of your loyal ones do it?”

“Well, to be honest, those three are just going to be a warm up act. I think you know who else I want you to kill.” Compassion said. “I need this conversion to happen sooner rather than later and they decide to send a group to explore my plains. I decide that little adventure will end in a terrible accident. I need you make sure they have to turn to us, think you do that?”

Razorback made a face of thinking it over then nodded. “I’ll do it but I need one thing in return.”

“What would that be?” Compassion asked, a bit annoyed.

“I need some new armor.” Razor said, smiling. “I know only one place to get it but it ain’t going to be cheap.”

(Music plain, at a campground.)

“If I have to hear one more version of “Compassion, the holy one.” I’m going to rip my ears out.” Rarity groan as she started to lay on the ground of the small camp they set up. They had all walk through twelve rooms of organs blasting, choir singing and they were understandable tired. Record Keeper was rubbing his head to calm the headache that started in room five and grown from there.

“I should have warn you about Sweet Music. She tend to get a little overzealous with her music and like to make it loud.” Fruit Flower said, laying on a bed with an ice pack on her head. “I should have taken some meds.”

“How you feeling, Pinkie?” Starlight asked, laying on a sleeping bag with a wash cloth over her eyes. When she didn’t hear a response, she sat up and look around the campgrounds. “Hey, did anyone see what happen to Pinkie?”

“Yeah, and for that matter, where did Sky Watcher go?” Record Keeper asked. They started to look around and Record notice some pony waving at him. Record Keeper slip away why the rest were looking. He saw it was Swift Vision standing in a dark corner and looking a little nervous.

“I see you had the unfortunate pleaser of meeting our dear Sweet Music. Anything but really.” Swift said. “Look, I just came to till you all that you need to leave. Right now.”

“What is going on?” Record Keeper asked. “Why do we need to leave?”

“Because you plain is about to become the battle field to a war that been brewing for the last ten years. You only know about the half of it but the best thing for your group to do is go back home and prey that it doesn’t bleed on to your world.” Swift said, looking down the alley while he talked. “I can get you out now if you follow me.”

“We can’t.” Record Keeper said. “Two of our friends our missing and we need to find them.” Swift groan in frustration and started to pace.

“Okay, plan b.” He said quickly. “You find your friends and I’ll head over to your world. I worry that this may happen so I made something to give your princesses a fighting chance.” He started to go down the alley way but turn before disappearing in darkness. “You better hurry, there is no telling what trouble your friends are in.”
(Five blocks away from the campsite)
Pinkie was watching as two ponies walk over to a wooden door. She spotted the two sneaking around a while back. She and Sky Watcher followed them back to this and now watch as they knock on the door but in a pattern.
Knock*
As soon as they stop, the door swing open and the two rush inside. Pinkie walk over to the door and started to raise a hoof but Sky Watcher stop her.

“We have no idea what in there. Why in the world would we go in?” Sky Watcher said. Pinkie push to the side slowly and turn back to the door.

“Because, I can sense a party.” Pinkie said dramatically and copy the knock she just heard. Sky held her breath and waited for the worst. The door open and a large, black fur stallion with five golden rings pierced on his nosed answered.

“Welcome to the rebel bar, comrades.” He said.

Author's Note

* For those of you who want to know the beat of the knock