A Faint Hope: When Darkness Breaks

Chapters

Chapter One: Uncharted Territory.
Chapter Two: Reconnaissance.
Chapter Four: An Unforeseen Incident.
Chapter Five: The Albatross.
Chapter Six: Encounter at the Citadel.
Chapter Seven: Acceptance at the Citadel.
Chapter Eight: Plans and Paths.
Chapter Nine: Dangerous Threads.
Chapter Ten: An Old Foe Defined.
Chapter Eleven: Chasing Prophecies
Chapter Twelve: Chilling Encounters.
Chapter Thirteen: Capture.
Chapter Fourteen: A Decline of Hope.
Chapter Fifteen: End of the Beginning.
Chapter Sixteen: Old Tricks at the Old Palace.
Chapter Eighteen: Renewal.
Prologue
Chapter Three: Brewing Unrest.
Chapter Seventeen: Hope is Lost in the Labyrinth.

Chapter One: Uncharted Territory.

Mac blinked.

Or, at least he thought he did. Soon, however, he discovered that no matter how hard he tried: he could not yet move a muscle.

He could, however, hear almost everything going on around him. There were… voices? Yes, several voices, in fact. He had trouble distinguishing between the different voices at first. But once he was able to, most of the chatter’s purpose became somewhat clear:

“Will he be okay?” said a female voice. One which he found surprisingly soothing to hear. “Ooh, I hope he wakes up soon!”

“He should be up any minute now.” Said a high, yet gruffly masculine voice; “You see? He relaxed just now when he heard your voice, so at least something's normal."

"You know, you really should be more careful, Broad Feather!” The sturdy voice said, fading slightly on the last bit as if the owner had turned his head to the left.

“I’ll apologize to him when he comes to, but I’m serious, man! The poor guy came out of nowhere!” said a plainer voice, with a bit of an accent that Mac couldn’t quite place.

There was a lot more chatter going on in the background, but he didn’t even bother trying to decipher all that. He was too busy trying to figure out who the heck they were all talking about. If he could just open his eyes, he might be able to see what was going on.

But, before the conversation could finish, Mac felt a jolting pain both on and in his head. He cried out, limbs bolting every which way. Instantly, his eyes were barraged by waves of vibrant color and stunning light, even a cool summer afternoon such as that day seemed like staring into the surface of the sun with a headache such as his. And he soon found himself wondering how many pints he'd had the night before.

But it wasn’t long before reason returned, and he realized that the crowd was referring to him. So when his sight readjusted, and his headache cleared, he was at least in a less pained state when he started to rise.

He lifted his head with a blink to clear his vision, and froze when he saw three creatures of the oddest sort sitting in front of him: a young, white-coated mare, an auburn stallion with a slim beard decorating his chin and upper lip, and the third looked to be a teenager.

Interestingly enough; after a sizeable knock on the head, it was hard for Mac to tell whether the last one was male or female.

Mac looked down to his hand, only to find he had none. In fact, he found two blunt limbs in place of each hand. He had, much to his current surprise, become a pony...

... like you do.

When his eyes made contact with the mare’s, he thought he saw two dark shapes fan out behind him. But, when he turned to see what they were, they seemed to have moved out of the way: staying just out of his sight.

After turning back, and staring blankly at the three- trying to remember not only where he was, but how in the heck he got here -he looked directly at the stallion, and decided to risk a conversation:

“Pardon me, sir, but I seem to have had quite a... erm... clout on the head. If you could direct me to the nearest restroom: I would be most grateful.”

He shook his head to try and decipher the odd accent he had just used, and why he had used it. He was distracted yet again when he began to feel a strange sensation on his back, as if there was a pair of limbs that were not there before.

The brown-haired pony scoffed.

“You must've hit him harder than I thought, Feather.” He mumbled, before gesturing to a large building reminiscent of a wedding cake: “Nearest public bathroom is at the boutique.”

Mac thanked him and walked off.

As he walked awkwardly down the dirt street- after getting somewhat used to being four-legged, which didn’t take as long as one would think –memories started flashing into Mac’s head:

“It is a world you are most familiar with.”

“When do you think you’ll be home?”

“Do you think it’s time for us to turn?”

“You can’t tell a friend from a foe in the dark.”

“The fate of both worlds lies in your hands.”

Mac looked up at the sky after hearing that last voice in his head: cooler and cleaner than all of the other memories.

‘I didn’t hear that before…’ he thought, before shrugging it off as a trick of the mind. Most of the memories surging into his mind consisted of the events before he came into this world. But some, more recent, seemed… odd now that he thought about them. He wondered if all the things he had read and seen about Equestria were true.

And then there was the world itself, it was all too colorful: the gentle, rolling hills to his left were a vibrant green, that slowly faded to a light blue in the distance. The sky was a variant of cyan that could only be described in one word: passionate. And the sun shone like a golden globe in the sky, its warm rays bringing comfort to all that felt them.

It was also too peaceful: as a soothing summer breeze flitted through the leaves around him, and wafted into his face with a refreshing coolness. The seasonal heat was intense, but strangely not unbearable. Birds chirped form the branches, squirrels chittered and chased one another, and even the commotion of ponies walking back and forth was nearly melodious.

As he looked around him, Mac saw that even the inhabitants were indeed mostly candy-colored.

Mac observed a Unicorn with whitish-blue hair walking out of a nearby wagon. And to his right, he spotted a caramel-colored Earth Pony with spiky brown hair walking beside a grey mare with blonde hair; and her fierce yellow eyes were lopsidedly crossed.

Mac felt a presence behind him: he turned around and saw that the strange Pegasus teen- whom he recognized from when he awoke in the middle of the street -was following him. He now noticed that this pony's coat was a darker blue than he had first thought.

The teen paused when he saw Mac turn, then swallowed hard and trotted up. Mac looked behind his shoulders and saw a pair of feathery shapes.

“Clearly a Pegasus… by the wings.” Mac said plainly.

As the teen walked up, Mac gave a suspicious growl: “What do you want, kid?”

The boy looked away for a moment, making Mac feel unsure of what to make of him.

“The name’s Feather. Broad Feather, actually, Mac.” The foal said, now told as a colt by the muzzle, and voice. He looked Mac in the eye, “I’m sorry I rammed into you back there, I should have been more careful. But… the sky was clear, and I hadn't spotted you. So forgive me if I'm rude in asking this: but, where in the hay did you come from?”

Mac softened his glare, “I am sorry if I seem to have forgotten you, Broad Feather.” He said calmly, “But I’m sure it’s not your fault. I just need time to clear my head of this… amnesia.” He nodded towards the structure which he had been told was a boutique. The colt nodded, and walked back down the street.

Mac stood there, and watched him for a short while. But soon, he finally turned and walked up to the odd building. He noticed a sign above the door: it was black, and read “Carousel Boutique” in bright, fanciful pearl lettering. Mac opened the door casually, and walked in.

He was instantly taken aback by the sheer scale of the interior: it had clothes of all different styles, and textures, and seasons, and colors, and patterns, and occasions, and sizes, and genders, and races, and length.

After what seemed like hours of standing there marveling at all the complex uniqueness of each single piece, Mac heard a proper voice that flowed like a rolling brook off to his left:

“Can I help you in any way, Mac?”

He turned his head, and saw a purple-haired Unicorn mare with a faint ivory hue to her feathers fitting a dress onto a dummy. She had combed her hair into a flat spiral that ran down her left shoulder.

His train of thought was interrupted, however, when she tied up the back of the dress. It was average enough at first: she took the two sides of the back and held them together. But then an odd blue glow arose from the depths of her horn, and danced around the outside of it. Six silver strings attached to the lower back became enveloped in a similar glow, and slowly rose: braiding themselves into two ropes, as if dancing to a silent melody. The ropes then wove themselves, loop by loop, until they secured the dress firmly in place. The mare looked back over towards Mac as the ropes tied into a knot, and the light faded from her horn.

“Miss Rarity..?” Mac said; he was dumbfounded by what he had just witnessed. He deduced that she was indeed able to use magic, like the popular show back home predicted.

“Miss?” Rarity scoffed, before noticing his awestruck facade.

“Mac, are you feeling alright?” she asked: giving him a confused smile.

‘Holy Celestia! Rarity knows my name?’

“Sorry about that... I’m… err... dealing with memory problems.” Mac stumbled, avoiding eye contact. “Is… is there a bathroom nearby?”

Rarity cocked her head at him slightly and gave him a concerned grin. She slowly pointed at a staircase, and stated: “First door on the right.”

Mac thanked her hastily as he turned, and walked off.

As soon as Mac went into the restroom, he darted to the nearest sink, and splashed water on his face: activating the device concealed in his ear.

A familiar voice crackled through the speaker: “H-hello? D-d-d-d-does it work?” it said, slowly clearing from the static.

“Well, Orion!” Mac exclaimed joyfully, his usual optimism returning. “So the Prophet trusts you after all!”

“No, he just knew that you wouldn’t be comfortable working with anyone else.” Orion chuckled.

Mac chuckled, before his eyes finally landed on the mirror before him. He groaned audibly as his smile vanished.

“What happened?” Orion chortled gleefully; “You look in the mirror?”

Mac rolled his eyes. “Why do I get the feeling you knew about this?” he asked indignantly.

"Since you walked up to the mirror." Orion chuckled, slowly descending into a fit of laughter.

In the mirror: Mac saw a Pegasus who somehow resembled his old self slightly, but had some significant changes. It had a blackish hue to its coat, while its slick mane was a deep purple, with two magenta stripes. Even his wings were black as tar.

He had no chin speak of, and therefore could easily be mistaken for a mare. But to him, the most striking features were the eyes: they were crimson. Not just red as blood, but a most deep and dark crimson. And they were not aided by glasses as his old ones were. In fact, he could easily pick out the scratches and notches in the wall's reflection.

Mac rested his forehead in his hoof and drew an obvious conclusion from Orion’s choice of words:

“You can see me, can’t you?” he asked, his voice quickly displaying his annoyance at the idea. Just how well could that horse-assed jerk see him across the worlds?

"Well, only your reflection.” Orion said after taking a few breaths. “But alas, no time to tease you on your masculine look: it's time to get to work. You’ve already met Rarity, right?”

“Yes, and someone named Broad Feather.”

“Excellent!” Orion said, still a little short of breath from his laughing fit: “You have six more people to meet- let me see their names- ah, here’s a full list of people you need to meet on the first day: Broad Feather, Patient Silence, Myra Evershy, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, and Applejack. I’m responsible instructing you on what to say, if you don’t hear any instructions; just be yourself.”

“I got it.” Mac said coolly, starting to enjoy the idea of conversing with the old show's heroins. He stood straight and walked to the door. When he was walking down the stairs, he was surprised to nearly trip over a short, bipedal dragon.

“Oh, and there’s Spike, of course: Twilight’s errand-boy of sorts.” Orion said. He, apparently, was also startled by the drake’s sudden appearance.

Spike was about a foot short of being eye-level with Mac, though he seemed to be only a few years younger. He was a bright purple with belly scales that shone like emerald. And his green eyes searched Mac’s crimson ones thoughtfully.

“Well, Spike!” Mac said, “How’s it been?” he asked nervously, wondering just how much the reptile could see in his eyes.

“Mac… Is there anything I should be concerned with?” the dragon inquired slowly.

“No.” Mac shrugged, “Nothing to worry about. Why?”

Spike nodded bluntly. “You've been out of town for quite a while," he stated, walking off. "Perhaps you should go home and get some rest in, or something...”

“Well, that was awkward.” Mac laughed to himself as he watched Spike saunter outside.

“Indeed. Walk over to Rarity and see if you can get another conversation going.” Orion suggested. Mac nodded, and walked up to the seamstress as she floated a rose dress to a customer. Mac waited until the exchange finished before he walked up to her.

“Miss Rarity?” he asked again. Rarity rolled her eyes, and looked over at him with a sad smile.

“I take it you still don’t remember me.” She sighed.

“Looks like you already took care of your excuse.” Orion chuckled.

Mac shrugged, and flattened his ears; “Sorry, no.”

“Suggest going to the library, Twilight should be there.” Orion advised.

Mac offered a weak smile. “I do seem to remember a library, maybe that’ll jog the rest of my memory?”

Rarity gave him a knowing grin, and all but screamed: “That should do it!”

She quickly cleared her throat, and regained her composure. “You and Myra were always hanging out at the Golden Oak, and then at Twi’s palace. I suppose if anything will work, that will!"

Mac stared blankly, and raised a brow. “Myra? Uh… sure?”

Rarity shook her head: a frown of concern becoming ever so apparent across her face.

“Disappointing, I thought that at least her name would jog your memory, considering how much time you two spend there.” She sighed, before waving him towards the door. “The Castle is down at the end of the street, you can't miss it.”

Mac offered her another apologetic smile, and walked out of the store, looking ahead.

Chapter Two: Reconnaissance.

After subsequently leaving the fashion emporium, Mac decided to take in the local scenery. Mainly focusing on the numerous houses lining the sides of the street.

These were, as he noted, rather consistent in appearance: with thatched straw roofs, and mortar walls. Ponyville was indeed a rather pleasant town, and charmingly primitive. He found himself refreshed by the simple ways, and warm atmosphere. Until, at the end of the street, he was reminded of the crystalline palace that all but dwarfed all other structures in town:

“Almost like a fortress.” He caught himself saying ruefully, as the architecture seemed to stick out like a sore thumb, yet also compliment the town in an odd way.

“That’s the idea of a castle, sugarcube!” said a familiar voice with a heavy, southern drawl.

It was then that he paid heed to an orange mare standing on the other side of the street: she was looking at him with a curious, straightforward smile, and had her head cocked to one side. Her golden hair waved slightly in the breeze, and her iconic stetson was perched on the back of her head. She walked up to him and stuck out a hoof:

“Name's Applejack! But y'all usually call me AJ.” she said, giving him a more 'howdy-do' type of smile. Orion’s voice came crackling over the mike again.

“You’ll want to say ‘howdy’.”

Mac restrained from planting his hoof between his eyes, yet took the advice: smiling awkwardly.

“Am I supposed to say ‘howdy’?”

The orange mare’s green eyes widened with joy as she let out a loud whoop:

“YEEEEEEA-HEE!”

She threw her hat in the air, only to catch it again with a little flair and stick it back on her head. Obviously, Orion had made the right call once more.

“Ah heard you was havin' memory issues, so Ah was wonderin' whether you’d remember anything ‘bout me yet!” She spoke cheerfully, giving him a full-faced grin. Mac just stood there in silence for a minute, smiling oddly.

“Okay,”

Applejack’s smile drooped. “Still not rememberin', huh?”

“Nope. I’m sorry.” He said plainly.

Applejack shook her head sadly, and walked ahead to the palace with a sigh: “Tarnation, you just get to know a guy, and bam! He goes off and gets amnesia... he's even worse than Big Mac...”

Mac couldn’t help letting out a quiet chuckle as he started walking again, wondering how well his alternate self knew these ponies. And, interestingly enough, also how well he did as well. Each pony, each personality, even the colors of their eyes: they all seemed… slightly familiar. They each seemed to just- for lack of a better term -fit with him.

When he got to the castle entrance, Mac cautiously knocked on one of the doors. And, much to his surprise, it opened as soon as his hoof made contact, making him feel both more and less comfortable with just waltzing in. But, as soon as his other hoof made contact with the castle floor, his concentration on semi-stealth was shattered by a piercing voice:

"AMY!"

Suddenly, he was tackled from behind by a flash of pink: and it felt like an anaconda had clung herself around Mac’s neck in a tight hug: knocking the wind out of him.

“I knew you’d come back! I knew you would!” The assaulter squealed with excitement.

Mac turned his head to see that it was a rather peculiar mare- who looked like she was born from a mix of curly fries and pink hair dye -who was clinging to him, and preventing him from exercising his right to breathe. Just when he thought he'd be seeing spots, he once more heard the soothing voice that greeted him to this world: as it calmly spoke to the living pink vice.

“Pinkie, what is it we talked about earlier?”

Almost instantaneously, Pinkie released Mac, and proceeded to brush him off with a hoof.

"Sorry," she offered with a sheepish smile, stepping back enough to let Mac stand with a slight cough.

"It's alright," he assured her as he stood up. He froze when he unexpectedly came face-to-face with a certain attractive, white-coated Pegasus mare once again. Nearly muzzle-to-muzzle. Her long, silky mane was a pale blue, which faded into a glowing aquamarine at the ends. And her chocolate eyes glimmered with gentle care.

“M-Myra?” He guessed slowly, struggling to steady himself from the sudden weak feeling in his knees.

The Pegasus giggled as his stupor. “You remember me?” She asked fondly, brushing her hair back on one side with her hoof: and fluffing her wings.

Mac stood in a bashful silence for a few seconds, before smiling with a small bow. “With fondness, Myra: my dearest of friends.”

“Smooth.” Orion chuckled.

“Oh, shut up.” Mac growled.

“Well, I'm flattered, to say the least.” Myra sighed in relief, grinning.

“What about me?” Pinkie said, jumping up and down in excitement.

“Say: Bearer of Joy.” Orion said quickly.

“Of course I remember the Bearer of Joy!” Mac said, picking the hyperactive pony up and spinning her around, provoking her to near uncontrollable laughter.

He heard a soft giggle behind him: “Okay, Pinkie, tone it down a little so that we can have a talk with Mac.”

Mac turned, and saw yet another Pegasus approaching. This one was a clear cyan blue, with bright red eyes: and a uniquely prismatic mane. Mac raised an eyebrow at this, and by now he was confident in his ability to make educated guesses.

“Is that the amazing Rainbow Dash?” he shot, emphasizing the name. The mare seemed to appreciate this, as she gave a bright smile, and shifted her weight to one side.

“Nice to know I’m still appreciated around here!” she said, casually dusting her chest with a hoof before checking it for dust. “How’ve you been?”

“Honestly, I don’t remember.” Mac said with a sad shrug.

“Yeah, sorry about that. I heard about your little run-in with my cousin.” Rainbow said cockily.

“It was he who was responsible for the ‘running into’.” Mac quipped: granting everyone a laugh.

“You never change do you?” A merry voice said to the left. Mac looked to see Rarity, Applejack, Spike, Pinkie, and a purple-hued Alicorn that he assumed was Twilight Sparkle, all walking up to him. And Fluttershy trotting up from the side to join them.

Once they got close, Mac saw that Twilight was slightly taller than the rest of them; and her wings were more ornate somehow. Her mane at this point was wrapped up in a little bun, and a small pencil was tucked behind her ear. A pair of fake reading glasses rested on her snout, completing the 'I was just doing some filing' look.

"I wouldn't say that," Mac replied, "a lot can change in a second, let alone an hour."

Twilight quirked her brow at that, but otherwise let her face remain neutral. She looked around, and nodded for them all to follow. Only saying: "There's something I want you to all to see..."

Mac decided on exploring the palace as the seven mares walked off, seeing as how he was clearly welcome. He was about to wave goodbye when he saw that they had stopped, and were looking at him.

"What?"

"You coming?"

Mac wrinkled his brow. "Isn't this something just for you mares?"

As Twilight lifted a hoof to rub her forehead, Mac heard Orion start to chuckle. "Dude, you're being openly invited to hang out with several females, and you're staying behind? Did the orientation come with a lobotomy?"

Mac rolled his eyes with a smile. "No, nor did it come with the additional skill of me being able to read females." He hissed, keeping his voice low.

"You're an idiot, you know that?" Orion laughed. Mac was about to respond when Twilight spoke up again:

"Look, I have a feeling this concerns you, too. The Map isn't just showing our marks, it's showing..."

She back at Mac, and froze in place, her eyebrows slowly rising into an expression of concern and bewilderment. “Mac, where is your Cutie Mark?” Mac was puzzled by the panic in her voice, until he once again heard Orion’s voice through the speaker.

“Oops.” The centaur said, giving a nervous laugh. “Could you, uh, check around your rump, please?”

Mac looked down at his flank, and saw was he was expecting: a backside as bare as a young foal’s.

Then it clicked.

'Aw, shoot...'

“I didn’t even consider that.” Orion groaned; “In this world, your Mark is a sign of who you are: it displays either your greatest talent, or the symbol of your--"

"I know what they are!" Mac snapped as Twilight approached. "Care to explain?"

"I'm not sure!" Orion called back, his tone betrayed his nervousness. "I never considered that the portal would not generate one on you...”

He paused for a second, as if thinking. “Here, this might get you out: try staring blankly for a few seconds, and then shout out in agony while holding your head.”

Mac considered this, and with a cry of pain fell out of his chair, causing the group to rush to his side.

“Are you okay?” Rarity gasped.

“Ten to one says he’s faking.” Rainbow snorted, causing Myra to shoot her a look of disbelief.

Mac rubbed his head and sat up. “I-I’ll be alright.” He mumbled, selling it as best he could. “My- my head’s still kind of fuzzy.”

'Vaudeville lineage, don't fail me now!'

“Maybe his shock is finally kicking in?” Spike suggested, bringing some tea in from the next room. “Some of this might help a little.”

“No fooling!” Applejack said, shaking her head. “Y’all better get on home to rest.”

Twilight, however, was still stuck on a single point:

"His Cutie Mark..." She mumbled, "Not one month ago, the Map's first call was Starlight Glimmer, and the stolen Marks. Now, one of our dearest friends comes back from his disappearance: no Mark, and no memory of anything..."

As the Alicorn was stuck in her own mind, Applejack helped Mac to his hooves: and was about to lead him out the door when he decided to speak up.

“Rest’s probably a good idea,” Mac started, “but… I seem to remember someplace called ‘Sugar Corner’, I’d like to go there first.”

The farm pony stared blankly at him for a while, then rolled her eyes and slapped a hoof on her face: “A bakery known for its sugary treats immediately after suffering memory loss and a dizzy spell…" she sighed irritably, waving a hand for the rest to follow. "Why not?"

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

When they arrived at the inn, Mac was the first to rocket to the nearest booth, and sit down on it with a bounce. He found the seats to be amazingly comfortable, much to his amusement: soft and firm at the same time, and candy-colored as a bonus. The leathery texture provided a sense of relaxation as soon as his flank hit it. A cream-colored stallion with tangerine hair walked up to them as soon as they sat down:

“What can I do for you?” He asked, rubbing a glass with his striped apron while looking at the group expectantly.

“Eight milkshakes: one chocolate, two vanillas, one red velvet, three strawberries, and one caramel, Mr. Cake!” Pinkie said, The others simply nodding in agreement.

“Eight Milkshakes: coming right up!” Mr. Cake said, heading off to the counter.

"Hey, they got you a milkshake!" Orion chuckled. "Which one are you gonna hold hooves with?"

Ignoring the jibe, Mac decided to try and pick up a conversation:

“Why don’t some of you tell me a few tales of your adventures?” He offered, half hoping to get some more information, and half that he’d be able to see if the representations of this world in his own were accurate.

“You mean you've forgotten us entirely?” Rainbow scowled, growing slightly impatient.

“Sorry.” Mac said; gesturing for someone to start a story.

Twilight smiled as Mr. Cake returned with a tray of glasses: “Well, let’s start at the beginning…”

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

After countless tales were told- and after Orion tuned out for the day out of boredom- from the squabbles at the Sisterhood Social to the defeat of Lord Tirek. It was getting near evening, and Mac was starting to feel the effects of interdimensional travel.

“Uh, I’m feeling kind of… woozy.” He muttered: swaying from genuine dizziness.

“Ah’m not surprised, after whatever made ya lose your memory like that, and then you going on and downing a whole milkshake!” Applejack stated: standing from her seat and helping Mac up.

“It’s not like I guzzled it!” Mac protested. “It’s been five hours!”

“Nevertheless, it's sugar." Rarity affirmed. "why don’t you go on home, and rest for the evening?” she offered, walking him out the door.

“That sounds good, but… where’s home?”

The others looked around their group with concern, and in unease. Applejack just rolled her eyes in frustration and pointed a hoof to a nearby cloud.

“You usually just put one of those in a nice, warm sunbeam and take a nap.” She said, before Rarity stepped out from under him.

Mac was still leaning on her, and was not expecting her to move. So naturally, he fell over like a bicycle, bruising his wing.

“Oh, go on!” Applejack groaned, helping him to his feet. “Fly on up there!”

Mac didn’t need to fake incompetency for flying: he had, after all, only had his wings for a few hours, and was not quite used to them. He tried flapping them but, instead, he just ended up just flailing them around uselessly. And even smacked Applejack in the face quite a few times.

“Sorry!” He squeaked before trying again: this time his wings worked properly, and he went off the ground. He ended up three feet in the air before his left wing popped like a stretched knuckle, and he fell on the grass with a thud, causing him to hiss in pain. He stood up, and was about to try again when he felt six hooves lift him gently off the ground and into the air. He looked over his shoulders and saw Rainbow, Twilight, and Myra hoisting him up.

“Looks like I need a little practice.” He grinned sheepishly. They just smiled at him, much like a mother would smile at a struggling foal.

They bore him up to the cloud, before then dropped him unexpectedly. Mac was about to let loose a startled scream when he felt a gentle poof break his fall, and he looked down: he was actually sitting on the cloud.

'Pegasi can really sit on the clouds!' He thought, dumbstruck. he ran his hoof through the airy material like a curious filly.

“It feels like silk, but it’s as warm as cotton!” He marveled. Within a second, and much to the surprise of the others: he stuck his head into the cloud, and poked it out the bottom. As he thought, he could see 'his friends' clearly, standing on the earth beneath him. And yet, the cloud still supported his weight.

“And... it’s not solid?” he whispered to himself.

Myra gave a little laugh. “What the heck are you doing?”

Mac was too amazed to answer plainly.

“Cloud—w-weight—all the way through!” he babbled. Then, a curious- and slightly mischievous- grin spread across his face. He looked up, narrowed his eyes, and with a whisper of “Soon...” sank slowly into the cloud. Rainbow rolled her eyes and chuckled.

Once he was inside, Mac then tried picking up a section of the cloud, and found himself unintentionally holding an armful of the fluff. He then tried to shape it into a ball, and again, it worked. Soon, he found he was able to mold the cloud into any shape he wanted: a pole, a pony, a cube, or a perfect sphere. And, much to his pleasure, he was actually able to move it so it was anywhere he wanted it to be: whether floating freely in the air, or resting on a larger section of the cloud.

Now that he had an idea of what he was doing, he circled the cloud numerous times: with a poke here, a pull there, and a prod to the side. And within nine minutes, he had shaped out a little beach scene. Complete with a palm tree, coconuts, a sun chair, a beach ball, and a small table: each meticulously carved from the cumulus. With a content sigh, he leaned back on the chair, and closed his eyes: basking in the warmth of the late afternoon sun.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

The black stallion woke up a few hours later, and saw that the sun had moved over a mountain range in the distance. A darkened forest flowing from the twilit mountain roots, and stretching all the way to the outskirts of town.

“What are you?” he wondered aloud, his voice barely a whisper.

“Those mountains are called the Spires, Mac.”

The sudden intrusion of the voice caused Mac to jump out of his thoughts with a yelp. He stood up, and looked around the cloud a few times until he spotted Myra leaning against the cloudy palm tree. It was no wonder to him that he didn't notice her earlier. For her ivory coat caused her to blend into the cloud, so that Mac would not have seen her if she had not spoken up again:

"Feeling any better?"

“W-What are you doing here?” Mac asked in alarm, scrambling to get into an upright position.

“I stayed behind to make sure you were alright.” She said soothingly. “According to Twilight, your mark might have been stolen. In which case, I just need to do the best that I can to stir your memory, which includes making sure you get enough rest.”

She stood up and walked over to him, the sun reflecting off her eyes in a way that gave them a mysteriously fascinating glow. She molded herself a cushion, and sat down beside him, pointing towards the forest: “The Everfree marks the eastern border of our town, whereas the Spires mark the border to the kingdom of Equestria.”

She heaved a deep sigh, “Our outermost villages, between the mountain ranges, used to be known the Shadowlands. Those were severed from our protection when the Deceivers attacked half a millennium ago. The Princesses have tried again and again to reach them. But, as of yet, there is no news of your kin.”

"My kin?" Mac questioned. The bewildered tone in his voice gave Myra pause, before she continued:

"Your grandparents were the last of the Shadow to escape the Decievers, Mac. Along with them, they brought their son and his wife. Who then had their children years later: your sister, your brother... and you."

At the end of the tale, she looked over at Mac. “What are you doing?” she asked plainly.

Mac’s face reddened when he realized that he was staring at her. “Just wondering why you’re telling me all this, I guess.” He offered.

Myra’s eyes sullenly drifted upward, as she let out a sigh. “I was hoping to stir your memory a little more. The Shadowlands are your favorite things to study. Ever since I first knew you, you’ve dreamed of going back to them someday.”

Mac nodded his head sadly, as he was starting to regret having to lie to these ponies.

“I really am sorry about this... this memory issue.” He offered sympathetically. Myra replied with a warm smile, and stood up.

“I have to get home now, my parents might wonder where I am.” She said, walking back to the 'tree', and picking up a silvery book in her teeth. Mac looked at the shining tome, and noticed the pattern on its front: an image like that of a stained glass window. Beneath the pattern was a title: Painted Wind. Mac was about to comment on this, when another thought popped into his head:

“Wait!" He called, stopping the mare before she took off. She looked over her shoulder, assuring him to continue:

"Aren’t my parents going to wonder where I am, if I spend the night on this cloud?” Mac asked curiously. Myra stiffened at the request, and looked at him with a dejected, yet sympathetic, expression.

“I thought you would remember that, if you remembered anything, Mac." She choked slightly. "Your parents… they..."

She removed her eyes from his curious stare, trailing off in a low tone. "Well… they…”

“‘They' what?” Mac inquired, letting a hint of concern stain his voice.

“I hope you sleep well tonight, Mac.” Myra said quickly, offering him a sad grimace before she took to the skies.

Mac pondered the strange hesitation for a moment, but decided it wasn't important as he shrugged it off. It couldn’t be all that vital if she couldn’t tell someone she thought she knew for her whole life. He took Myra’s chair, and molded it into a blanket: closing his eyes once more as he drifted back into the warm, comforting embrace of sleep.

And that’s when it fully hit him: he knew the Mane Six!

Chapter Four: An Unforeseen Incident.

The brown stallion walked alone through the dusty outskirts of his hometown, his Cutie Mark bearing the symbol of a bow and arrow. He glanced up at the town hall’s clock: Twelve-thirty am. He shook his head and unlocked the door to his house.

“Hope I don’t wake anypony.” He mused, opening the door with a creak. He flicked on the light, and stepped back in shock at what he saw before him.

The furniture was thrown across the living room: and several shattered lamps and vases decorated the floor, with several books and cooking utensils also scattered about. The pony’s head reeled with several different possibilities: either some creature or other from the Everfree might have crept in, looking for an easy meal. Or maybe, by some twisted fate, there was a…

“Where is it?” hissed a voice from the other room: the sound of it reminiscent of a chill winter wind.

“… A burglar…” The stallion whispered, breath hitching in his throat. He dimmed the lights, creeping towards the room in which he heard the voice. His heart was beating at an accelerated rate by now: for a pony who would commit a crime such as this was a rare and dangerous breed, and not usually a threat to take lightly. He grabbed his bow and quiver, and jumped into the room: aiming the weapon towards where the voice should be.

“Don’t move! Else you find an arrow in your--!”

Before he could finish, he felt a sharp, icy pain in his side; and collapsed on the floor with a shout of agony.

“Sorry, old friend.” Said the raspy voice, seeming coldly pitiful. The stallion would dare say the tone it took was compassionate, even, as a hooded creature walked around from behind him:

“I wasn’t expecting you to be back until tomorrow. I thought she would trust you to keep the gem in here... yet I have not found it anywhere.”

The pony shivered from a cold that seemed to penetrate his essence as the cloaked being stooped over him like a shadow: spheres of burgundy fire shone where its pupils should have been.

"Where are my wife and tenant?” the wounded pony demanded, fearless in tone and strong in spirit. The creature's eyes locked gazes with the stallion’s, and it let out a chuckling hiss.

“They’re… incapacitated.” It said, the flame weakening. It saw the horror in its victim’s eyes, and decided to speak again: “They are merely comatose in the next room, they’ll live.” It reassured before standing straight, and walking towards a window.

The man was strangely comforted by the being’s words, albeit suspicious whether what it was saying was true. He tried to push himself up, but his hand slipped in something warm and he hit the ground with a crack. He looked down and was stricken with horror to see the floor slick with his own blood.

“You’re leaving me here to die?” he cried after the shadow, hoping against hope for aid from the beast.

The being looked back to him, and produced a bow from inside its cloak. “Of course not.” It assured, sadly, before diving out the window: and shooting a shimmering arrow into the sky.

A blinding light blazed up and lingered- as if a star had fallen from heavens above- as several voices cried out in surprise. The crippled pony opened his eyes once more in shock, and looked around: the shadow long gone.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Mac was awakened by a blinding whiteness that penetrated his eyelids, and seared his eyes: which was followed only a moment later by a horrified scream.

“Rainbow Dash!”

Hearing his friend’s name said with such fear snapped Mac into reality like a slap to the face: he looked towards the blazing light with concern in barely enough time to see a Pegasus falling out of the air.

Fearing the worst, and giving no second thought: Mac leaped off of his cloud, and took to the air. He swooped down like a hawk, leaving behind a smooth arc of black and purple, and caught the pony with all four hooves before pulling her back to his cloud.

Once he was certain that the mare he snatched would not roll off, Mac rolled her over to check er for a heartbeat, and was astonished to find that it was Myra that he had snatched from an early obituary, instead of Rainbow. He looked back to see the blazing light grow dim, and then vanish completely in a puff of green smoke.

He heard noises coming from his left, so he looked down, and saw Rainbow Dash and two others he didn’t recognize being hauled off on white chariots, with several ponies in white hats following close behind.

Just before he turned back to his friend, however: he though he saw a hooded shadow watching from a nearby alley. But once he looked again, the shape was gone, leaving him to attribute it to a nighttime illusion. At that moment, Myra woke with a start: nearly kicking Mac off the cloud.

“Where am I?” she gasped.

Ignoring her question, Mac ushered her to the edge of the cloud, and showed her the scene below. “No time for that now, who are they?” He asked in concern, pointing to the group beneath them. Myra, much to his relief, just let out a thankful sigh.

“Oh thank the King!” she smiled, “It’s the Hospital!”

Mac had returned his attention back to the crowd below when he heard Myra say something that caused him to freeze: “You remembered how to fly! And you… just… saved my life!”

When Mac’s muscles relaxed, he searched his head for an appropriate answer. His duty of thought was relieved by a nearly forgotten voice speaking into his ear:

“Say someone else did.” Orion stated.

Mac contemplated the options for a second, wondering if this was an appropriate time to blow his cover. But he ultimately decided against it, deciding Orion knew when to move.

“No.” Mac said, trying to focus his gaze on anything other than her kind eyes. “No, I didn’t. Somepony else did.”

Myra's eyebrows rose, and she grew concerned: she could even swear she saw his colors shift slightly for a split second. She glanced down at the empty space on his rear. Slowly, she sat up, keeping a watchful eye on Mac the entire time: a look of horror on her face. She went pale, even for her, and the next thing Mac knew: she was unconscious… again.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

That afternoon: Mac lingered in the waiting room. Laying on a bench, and stirring at the floor with his hooves. Expecting news on the well-being of his friends: both Rainbow and her landlady had been cuffed over the head with an old trophy. And the Landlord was with the Emergency Crew for a dagger wound to his side. A Nurse Redheart had taken charge of their care, and now walked out of a pair of double doors, looking for him.

“Mac Senseipony?” she asked.

Mac gave a nervous smile. “How’d you guess?”

Redheart looked around. “Let's see... you're the only one here, and we’re not usually this busy on weekdays.” She said dryly: pointing the way with her forearm. "Now come on: your friends want to see you."

Nodding slightly, Mac followed the nurse through a few short corridors. As soon as Mac went into the room where he heard Rainbow was placed, however: he was blinded by a purple light.

“OW! What the f--?!”

“Be careful of retinal scarring, Twilight!”

When the light passed his eyes, he rubbed them painfully while his vision cleared. Once he opened them again, he was stunned to see what looked like a miniature laser show emanating from Twilight’s horn. It probed over him several times before a lilac projection of a pony that resembled himself greatly rose from the floor and stood beside him.

Twilight walked up to the projection, and looked it over. “No signs of makeup, cloning, false personification, or other such Witchcraft.” She sighed, sounding partly disappointed. “Are you sure of your suspicions, Myra?”

Mac turned, and saw Myra sitting on a chair beside Rainbow’s bed, glaring daggers at him. “Rainbow was right: he's not who he says he is.” She shouted. “Mac would never deny saving a life! He might avoid answering, but he would not deny it!”

“Calm down, Myra.” Said a cool voice from behind Mac, he turned to see a cyan-hued Pegasus with an orange-and-brown mane standing behind him. She had a small bandage on her head, but otherwise she seemed uninjured.

“Sapphire, let her rave.” Said the same voice that Mac heard when he awoke, he turned again and found that the auburn stallion from when he first arrived was lying in another bed: a red splotched bandage was attached to his side. “She’s obviously thought this through, and we all heard of what's happened to him lately.”

“Well, I just don’t see—“

Twilight interjected as she looked back to the projection: “Wait a minute, Sapphire. There’s something... different up here.” she said curiously, drawing everypony’s attention as she pointed at the head. “The neural passages are indicating a memory network: but why is this area highlighted? It’s almost entirely… the… same… as…”

Everypony looked at her in unison as she trailed off, her expression unreadable: “Whoa…” she started, before her voice faded away again.

Mac walked over to her and glanced where she was looking, only to see a visual presentation of his memories playing like a home movie in front of Twilight’s eyes: it was a particularly haunting memory, one he hoped he would never see in video form Only, much to his bitter amusement, this one was… ponified.

He was confronted by the image of a young colt, clinging for dear life onto a hoof that came from the left; Mac recognized it as his own. The youth was dangling over a churning river.

“Help me!” the lad screamed, over and over in a ghostly, childish voice. Another arm reached in from the left and grabbed Mac’s own, the vision shifted to see an Alicorn clothed in white: it nodded reassuringly and pointed to the stormy waters below.

Mac looked back down at the colt in desperation, and noticed that its face suddenly resembled his own. He then cried out in horror, “You want me to let myself fall?”

A voice as calm as the summer sky, spoke. “You will not fall, if you but release yourself from your own fears. You will see what truly awaits you at the end.”

Mac knew instantly what he was seeing, and held up his hoof. “Hey, hey, hey! My nightmares are my business, no one else’s.” he said, waving dismissively at the image.

Twilight stared blankly: “I-I-I had… no idea.” She said slowly, raising a hoof to her head, “I-I-I just, never knew that you struggled with these.” Her eyes were wide with curious admiration.

“Now I’m convinced he’s not Mac!” Rainbow said, crossing her arms and staring at him, “If our Mac suffered from nightmares constantly, he would have told at least one of us!”

Twilight ignored this, and looked out the window: “I’ve got several books on dream interpretation in my personal library, maybe one of those might help?” she offered.

“You’re not really thinking of comforting this jerk, are you?” Rainbow rolled her eyes.

“Who’s to say he’s not Mac? He was gone for six weeks! Do you know how much change can occur in six weeks?” Twilight retorted.

“But that dream…” Fluttershy said softly, “When is the earliest incident?”

“Okay, fine. That might be worth checking into.” The Alicorn admitted, before running her horn through the projection of Mac’s neurology.

After three minutes of deathly silence: Twilight opened her eyes, and immediately shot them icily at Mac. “Eight weeks ago.” She hissed, glaring at him with mistrust. “You're right: He’s a fake.”

Mac raised an eyebrow. “Is it time?” he asked, remembering the discussion from before he went on his mission.

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked, angry and still disordered by the vision.

“It’s not like we have a choice!” Orion laughed wholeheartedly: unable to withhold his enthusiasm.

“Good!” Mac grinned. He looked over at his friends, who were all staring at him in confusion.

“Twilight," he barked, "alert the Princesses: I’ve got a tale to tell that’ll tie their tails in a knot!”

Chapter Five: The Albatross.

About three hours later, Mac found himself confined into a cramped chamber in a rather uncomfortable position. It was so cramped, in fact, that he thought when the others came back to retrieve him: they might have to pry him out with a shoehorn.

“Rocky Rhodes didn’t even get this cramped…” Mac mused as he tried to maneuver his hoof to scratch his chin, and failed. “I’ve got to watch some newer movies…”

After a few more minutes feeling like the innermost layer of a turducken, he finally heard hoofsteps, and saw a vague light from the door down the hall opening.

“… but there might be things he could clear up for us!” He heard Twilight speculating in the distance.

“That might be,” said a gravelly, masculine voice that he really hoped he wasn’t mishearing, “but he needs to be kept under professional watch until you can get him to Canterlot.”

“I’ll have him under control, Shiny!” Twilight said reassuringly. “Just enjoy your Empire, we’ll be fine!”

Mac chuckled to himself, for her now knew who this was: Shining Armor, Twilight’s big brother, and the former captain of the Royal Guard. Now the Prince in charge of a nation of shining ponies. Mac almost slapped himself for all the cheap crystal jokes he wanted to make right now.

“Well, we should probably get him out of there, he might be getting stiff.” He heard Twilight say in concern.

After a few seconds of silence, Mac heard her speak again in a giggle: “Brother, please! Control your mindset!”

“I wouldn’t need to if I trusted the guy, and your unintentional innuendos aren’t helping!” Shining shot back. If Mac wasn’t scrunched into a balled-up pretzel, his hoof would’ve met his face. He decided to settle for screaming at the top of his lungs.

“I know I’m not exactly the most trustworthy character right now, but come on!”

He heard the door opening from the opposite end of him, and saw light on the wall. Or, was it the floor? He really had no idea which way he was facing at this point. He felt a strong hoof reach over and grab his throat, and next thing he knew: he was face-to-scary-as-hell-face with the Captain of the Royal Guard, Shining Armor.

Mac leveled his eyebrows into a dry expression and smiled evilly, flicking his tail slightly:

“I heard you needed a flyswatter a few years back, sorry your order was so late, I just—”

*THWACK!*

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Even after a whole afternoon, Mac was still nursing his swollen eye. But finally being able to make that joke was so worth it!

At the moment, Mac found himself standing on the lounge deck of an airship sent from Canterlot, dubbed the Albatross, which was headed towards a large mountain about sixty miles away. Due to the ship normally being used as a luxury cruise vessel, Capt. Warp never truly went full speed ahead.

Twilight Sparkle and the group stood behind him: each one agreeing to take a turn to watch him. They had let Pinkie try about an hour back, but she kept trying to play games with Mac.

“Don’t you guys normally travel by train?” Mac questioned.

Twilight gave him a cold look. “It’s that peculiar omniscience you possess that prevents me from entrusting in your honesty…” she snorted.

Mac decided to have some fun with this:

“Is this going to be like that time with Zecora, is it? Where nopony trusted the oddly smart one?”

Silence.

"I mean, it's not like you're poisoned by blue flowers, or anything..."

No sound, nothing audible. But if looks could speak, her expression would be screaming countless blasphemies at him.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Pinkie Pie, despite the biases her friends showed, thought this stranger was not that much different than the Mac she knew. At least, other than the total ignorance of the way their world works, his almost complete incompetency towards flying, the fact that he didn’t always want a poppy-seed muffin, his utter disrespect for the absence of his Cutie Mark, the fact that even Twilight doesn't know where he came from, and his oddly optimistic attitude while faced with several angry mares.

Other than that, there really wasn't anything suspicious about him!

She could tell that mealtimes were usually very disquieting for Mac: even though whoever was watching him would leave momentarily to get him whatever he ordered from the ship's menu, and he always paid out of his out pocket. That wasn’t the bad part, though. Oh, no: the bad part was that every lunch break happened to be during Rainbow’s watch. And each time she set the plate down, Pinkie could hear her hissing something threatening into the stranger's ear: things like “Stay out of dark alleys.” “Never wander alone.” or, his personal favorite: “Your next nap might last for eternity.”

Pinkie tried her best to provide a sharp contrast to this, however, at his first breakfast on the 'Tross: she was always bouncing around like a month-old foal, and singing some obscure tune or other. At first, she could tell the stranger found it to be slightly annoying. But after the first day, he must have thought it would have been a welcome exchange for the disapproving scowls he got from Rarity.

She really didn't like the way her friends were treating this peculiar pony.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

It was Myra’s turn to watch on the second day when Mac had gathered enough courage to speak:

“They’re dead, aren’t they?” He asked soberly.

Myra looked at him in shocked confusion. “What?”

“Your Mac’s parents, I mean.”

“What do you care?” Myra asked sternly.

Mac could all but read her suspicions on her forehead. She must have thought this a trick, a con into receiving her trust. He let himself drift into silence, and remained that way for a few minutes until venturing to speak again.

“How did you get these names?” he asked.

“What do you mean?”

“Well: Mac Senseipony, Myra Evershy? These aren’t exactly Equestrian names. So, how did you two get them?”

Myra looked out to the scenery. “They’re nicknames, Stranger. Self-assigned. Our real names are simple: Mac's name is Amethyst Dawn, and I’m Whitelight Evershy. But most people use our nicknames: like Twi, Apps, Oddity, Pinkie, Flutters, and Dashie.”

Mac nodded, and let silence reign for the rest of the day.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

On the fourth day, during Rainbow’s watch: the Pegasus was giving Mac the Death Stare. One which, understandably enough, made him very uncomfortable. In fact, he was starting to prefer the constant threats.

“Uh… can I help you?” He asked, trying to avoid eye contact.

No reply, just the intense glare from her pained eyes.

“Tell you what, I know a neat trick!” Mac said; trying to lighten the mood. He grabbed his glass of ice water, took a gold bit, and threw it into the water: then peeling that same bit off the bottom of the glass.

Now that got a reaction. With eyes blazing: she snagged his collarbone with both hooves, and rammed his head into the table. When he came up, the bridge of his nose was bleeding; and her vice-like hooves had now seized his neck fully.

“Who are you? And what did you do with Mac?” she screamed, not realizing her grip on his throat was preventing him from answering.

When he didn’t reply, that seemed to put the icing on the cake. “Answer me! Or else you’ll take a one-way flight to Tartarus!” she screamed, tightening her grip even more. The sound of his head repeatedly denting the table, however, must have attracted attention.

To this day, he wonders what tipped them off to this new definition of pain.

“Rainbow, stop!” Myra screeched from another table. It was hardly a second before she ran up to seize the wrathful mare, with Twilight and Applejack in hot pursuit. They restrained Rainbow and held her back: granting Mac a desperate gasp for air.

“I’ll kill him!” Rainbow bawled, swiping her forearms towards his neck.

“Hey, he already promised to tell us everything he knows when we get to the citadel.” Myra said softly, shifting her stern glare between Rainbow and Mac.

“And Celestia can tell us if he lies.” Twilight stated plainly.

“Yeah, Martha, calm down!” Mac said, absent-minded.

Everypony froze, and Mac stared blankly at the group for a few seconds: his eyes nearly bugged out of his head. He finally realized how he recognized almost everyone in the group, they were the alternates of his friends back in his own world. Granted, some of them were gender-swapped, and there were even some people he probably had yet to meet, but they were all there.

“What did you call me?” Rainbow Dash asked in indignation.

“I-I-I’ll explain at the palace.” Mac answered quickly. He was again beginning to hope he could figure out just how to explain the whole ‘Interdimensional’ thing to them, when he didn’t fully understand it himself.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“I’ll never understand him!” Rarity huffed indignantly, glaring back at the impostor that was currently being watched by an especially angry Rainbow Dash at a table to their right. “We were right about him all along, darling! He is out of place!”

Twilight listened, with a mistrustful face aimed at the… whatever it was. It’d been four days since they left, and she was still trying to figure out exactly how this all was possible, or how it was even conceivable that there was somepony—neigh, something in the entire universe that could resemble the ‘Black Stallion’ so well.

‘I mean, a black-colored coat is so rare… in fact: it’s only once even been heard of before Mac! How is this disguise achievable?’ She strained, rubbing her aching head. ‘There were no signs of dark magic, cloning, or sorcery. How did he even-?! Hold on... wait a minute…’

She shot up a victorious smile: “Technology!” she beamed, loud enough to cause all seated at their table to jump.

“What’s a ‘heck-re-toll-logy’?” Applejack asked, shocked out of her thoughtful trance by the shout.

Rarity cocked her head slightly at the confused farmer. “She said ‘Technology’, Applejack!” she said quietly.

“Oh, sorry. Ah must’ve been thinking again.” The farm pony shrugged.

“If you don’t mind my asking… what exactly have you been zoning out about these past few days?” Rarity asked. “You’ve been increasingly distant lately.”

“None of your-”

“Anyway,” Twilight interjected: “I think he might have used some form of technology to get into that disguise!”

“Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me.” Applejack protested, “You’re still speculating on this? He said he’d tell us everything he knows at-”

*THUD!*

She was cut off by a loud noise: like someone accidentally flew into the hull of the Albatross.

“What was that?” Myra asked, breaking her thoughtful silence and looking over the side.

“Sounds like its five-o-clock somewhere!” Applejack said contemptuously.

*THUD! THUD! THUD! THUD! THUD!*

“That must have been quite the party.” Rarity huffed. “And to think, they didn’t invite me.”

*THUD! THUD! THUD! THUD! THUD! THUD!*

“Rainbow, stop it!” Myra screamed suddenly. She had looked over in time to see the peeved cyan Pegasus slamming the impostor's face into their table: his head leaving a new crack, or dent, each time it hit.

The others joined her in racing over to the brutal scene, helping her to restrain the enraged pony.

‘It’s going to be one of those weeks.’ Twilight mused, struggling to maintain her grip on the writhing Pegasus. ‘Just gonna be one of those weeks.’

Once they had successfully calmed Rainbow Dash, Twilight stayed behind to talk with her while the others went to take the stranger to the ship's infirmary.

"What the hell, Dash?!" She fumed, whirling around until she was muzzle-to-muzzle with her old friend. "We're trying to get information out of him, not give him blunt force *trauma***!"

"Well, I'm trying to accomplish both of those at once," Rainbow retorted, "so sue me."

"I know you, Dash. You never act like that without a reason. What did he do?"

"Well, let's see: he replaced our friend, lied to our faces, complains when we treat him like we should... shall I go on?"

"Yes," Twilight stated firmly.

"Why?"

Twilight furrowed her brow. "Because we're all as scared for Mac as you are, Dash. We're all on the same track, and none of us trust that... thing in anything."

"In fact: the thought of snapping his miserable neck and sucking the memory out of him has crossed my mind more than once!" The Alicorn boomed darkly: flaring her wings out, and cornering her startled friend. "But he's our only link to Mac, he might know what happened to him. And even if he doesn't, he knows more than we could hope to gather without him!"

Once she saw Rainbow cowering from her, though, she folded her wings: and lowered her head in shame. "As you can see, this is taking a toll on all of us, but we need to behave. It's our only chance to get our friend back."

With that, she turned away, feeling her eyes well up with tears held back.

"It was that trick he did..."

Twilight stopped, and looked back at Rainbow.

"What?"

"His trick. It was one of the last tricks that Mac showed me before he disappeared." Rainbow said, walking up to Twilight, and wrapping a wing around her. "Seeing that... that impostor doing a trick he had just developed... and he did it so well… I was just... I just lost it..."

Twilight nodded in understanding, before stretching her jaw in a wide yawn. She looked up as Rainbow chuckled, only to see a warm smile on her face.

"Cone on, Egghead," Rainbow said softly, "let's get some sleep."

Chapter Six: Encounter at the Citadel.

On the fifth day, Mac was looking off the side of the airship towards the mountain while Twilight was keeping watch. He noticed that their airship had swerved back to the southeast, after mostly journeying northeast since they left. This was no surprise to him, however, as he imagined high-security prisoners like himself were usually kept out of the public eye.

“Pardon my ignorance.” He ventured after a while, still holding his nose with a hoof and looking at what he thought was a simple watch tower. “But when exactly are we going to reach this so-called citadel?”

Twilight raised an eyebrow, and smiled. “We’re already there.” She said, pointing off-deck. “Welcome, whoever you are, to the Golden City: Canterlot!”

Mac turned, and was instantly struck dumb by what he saw: they had just rounded to the north side of the mountain, and carved into the south was a great citadel. It was seemingly hewn from the mountainside itself, and shone with gold and marble. A great palace ran through the city, and rose what seemed to be miles above it: as though the city was molded around it. The barbican Mac saw from the west turned out to be the city’s main overlook. And the citadel‘s blue-and-deep blue banners shone from every tower; each bearing the signs of the sun and moon. It was the most beautiful work of architecture Mac had ever laid his eyes on.

Twilight studied his reaction: from his slackened jaw to his enlarged pupils that shone with liquid admiration. “It is strange to us that you so quickly agreed to this meeting.”

Mac, stirred from his trance, shook his head. “If I remember correctly, I’m the one who suggested it.” He said, giving her a cocky smirk.

“Nevertheless, it amuses us to think that there could be anypony who could be as good at impersonating Mac as you.”

Twilight looked over her shoulder, and smiled. "Myra? You're up early."

Myra smiled tiredly, yet only greeted Twilight with a nod as she walked up beside them. Mac raised a brow as she leaned on the rail, and shook her head somberly.

“Fact is, if you hadn’t denied saving my life, I might still have believed you were him.”

Mac felt a pang of guilt well into his throat as he looked between the two of them. It was so thick a feeling, in fact, that it felt like he had swallowed a log. Had he really caused this much pain to them? It only makes sense, now that he thought about it, but that didn't make it any easier for him to swallow: he never even wanted to hurt anyone, let alone scare the crap out of them.

He felt the lump in his throat turn to stone as it retreated back to his stomach: no use beating himself over the head now, not when he's already working to make it right.

“A rose of a different name smells the same.” Mac assured, thinking too hard to display any emotion beyond an assuring smile. “All will be clear in time.”

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

It was a few silent hours before the Albatross glided towards a large outcrop at the highest level of the city. Several other airships were crowded into the port, but the helmspony seemed to have no difficulty finding a dock. He maneuvered the pale hull over gentle as a feather, and set it perfectly in its place.

As they each walked off the ship, two Alicorns walked up to them with regal ceremony: both very tall and delicate. One was pearl-coated, with a thick, transparent, semi-prism mane flowing over her right eye. While the other was a dark blue, with hair like a shining midnight sky running like a mountain's mist beside her head.

The pearly one spoke first. “I’ve been notified of your… interesting find.”

To Mac, hearing her voice in person was like listening to the hymns of a gentle morning choir. He was startled from his thoughts, however, as she raised an eyebrow and leaned towards him: “He seems no different to me, though I expect you all know something I don’t.”

The other Princess laughed with a voice as soothing as the evening breeze: “I should expect they do, sister! They have had his company for days, while your observations lasted merely a second!”

“Pardon me, Princess Celestia,” Twilight interjected, “but should we not talk about this somewhere more-” she gestured to the throng of ponies walking back and forth around them, “- Secluded?”

“Right, forgive me.” Celestia nodded, raising her head back into the air. "It has been quite a while since we've dealt with an issue this... unique."

With that, a light flashed, and they all found themselves inside a grand marble chamber: with white pillars stretching up to a blue ceiling. A particular zebra came walking up from the side, carrying a tray of glasses in her teeth:

“About time our friends got here! The punch is getting warm, I fear. If anyone can eat a bite, I’ve cooked some of my Dandelion Delight.”

She placed the tray on a large table, and set out ten glasses.

"Zecora?" Twilight blinked. "What are you doing up here?"

The zebra smiled warmly: "The Princesses wished to speak to me about my work in the Everfree. But once we heard of your peculiar trial, they decided to first deal with the matter more vile.

“I decided to stay for the discussion most frightening, as I am sure to find it enlightening.” She added before taking the pitcher in her teeth.

“Does she really always talk like that?” Mac said, leaning towards Applejack.

“She sure does, almost all the time. Kind of amusing, ain’t it?”

Mac raised an eyebrow. “Yes… well, I—!” He leapt to the side as he switched his attention back to the table, only to find that Zecora was suddenly standing next to him.

“If it annoys you that I speak in rhyme, maybe I can cut it down to thirds of the time?” She chuckled, a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

Mac let out a dramatic gasp as he clutched his chest. “Good gracious, lady! You should wear a bell!”

Zecora smiled jokingly, and walked over to her seat.

“How does she do that?” Mac wondered aloud.

“No one knows for sure, sugarcube.” Applejack said with a grin, “Ever since we met her, she’s been a mysterious one.”

Once everyone had taken their seats, and the pleasantries were out of the way, Mac took it as his cue to speak:

“My friends, I am sorry to say I am not the pony you all know. And yet, I think it would be safe to say that I am him at the same time.” This caused many confused looks to be exchanged around the table, as even the Princesses lifted their brows.

“What dost thou mean?” Luna asked.

“I am about to tell you all a tale you will undoubtedly find strange. But, I assure you that each word I speak will be the truth.” Mac stated, trying to sound noble.

“Perhaps the imposter we wish to berate, we should instead accommodate?” Zecora suggested.

“Go ahead, then.” Celestia beckoned, curiosity dancing in her voice as she leaned back in her throne. “We have plenty of time.”

“We may not have as much time as you suppose, but I shall get to that later.” Mac said cautiously, before recounting the events of the day before he came to Equestria.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“… And that is as much as I know, your majesties.” He concluded.

The entire group exchanged looks of skepticism and confusion. Well, all except for Pinkie: she just nodded with a disinterested expression, toying with a bit of lint on the table.

Mac removed the device from his ear, clicked a small button on its side, and threw it into the middle of the table: “Go ahead, Orion.”

After a few seconds, and some worried looks from Pinkie Pie and Rarity, a voice once again crackled over the speaker. This time, however, it was loud enough for all to hear:

“Hello? Is it working?”

Luna smiled slightly at the sound of the voice.

“Loud and clear, buddy!” Mac smiled, before turning back to Celestia.

“Orion, here, was responsible for my discovery: he advised me on what to say when I couldn’t figure it out on my own, so I can assure you of his loyalty." Mac said, receiving several surprised gazes. "He, as well, will do his best to help us stop the creature in charge of this operation, before he can destroy any more lives.”

"Can someone fill me in on what's going on?" Orion asked.

Mac smacked himself on the forehead. “Right! Sorry: I just finished telling them all they need to know about the whole... erm... 'doppelganger' situation.”

“Very well,” Orion said, “we’ll need to go over the plan for defeating the Prophet, and quickly: he went in there yesterday.”

“Well, then we don't have much time at all. Not if he's making his move now.” Mac groaned.

"Forgive me for distracting from this... ominous banter," Luna interjected, "but who is this 'Prophet'?"

"I don't know any way to truly identify him, as I've never heard of him by any other name." Mac stated apologetically. "But he's hard to miss: big, bulky, black cloak with crimson detailing, not much else..."

He paused in thought as he remembered a few things. “However, I did catch a glimpse of his true self... not much, though. Lion’s paws where his fee- err... hooves should have been, and the head of a brown gator. Antlers of a kudu.”

Celestia’s eyes popped open at the description.

“Kietelethar?” She questioned sternly. “That vagabond devil hasn't hexed Equestria for thousands of years! I thought he had retreated to his homeland for good after Starswirl banished his Sirens."

“That night Patient was stabbed..." Myra spoke up. "I saw a hooded being that looked like Mac jumping out of a window. Could that have been him? Kietelethar, I mean?"

"No," Orion asserted through the speaker, "he only left his quarters yesterday."

"Oh, I was just wondering, because of the strange magic it held." Myra offered, shrinking slightly. "It jumped off their balcony and shot an arrow into the sky, it soared up about thirty feet and burst into a flaming glory!”

Now it was Luna’s turn to raise an eyebrow.

“A Spectral Arrow? Impossible! Those haven't been in use since before my sister and I rose to power!”

“What Myra speaks is the truth.” Mac assured, a concerned look on his face. "I remember that's what woke me up, even before I heard her scream."

“I didn’t say she was lying.” Luna said irritably. “I just find it amusing, Kietelethar knows we only use them in times of extreme peril nowadays. He would never use one- or allow any of his servants to use one –because of a simple… uh…”

She turned to Rainbow Dash cautiously, “… pardon the expression, my friend: run-in with some slight bloodshed.”

Rainbow nodded slowly, while Myra’s eyes widened. “You don’t suppose… it was really Mac?” She choked with horror.

Twilight reached a hand over and stroked the shocked mare beside her. “I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation. And—“

“He stabbed Rainbow’s fa- landlord!” Myra cried, interrupting herself mid-sentence.

“Yeah, about that…” Said a voice that caused all to turn to the entrance. The auburn-maned Stallion was standing in the doorway, with the red-stained bandage still clinging to his side.

“Wood, what- ?” Rainbow cried, soaring over to him. “What are you doing here? How did you get here?”

“Wood?” Mac asked.

“Wooden Steel,” Applejack replied, “he owns the place RD’s staying in while her home’s being checked for a Twittermite infestation.”

Mac nodded, despite him only being more confused.

“I was stowed away on the Albatross, with Captain’s help.” He shrugged. “But you're getting me off track here, if it wasn’t for that shadow’s call for help, I’d be dead. At least, that’s according to the doc.”

Myra looked up at him. “What?”

“What are you saying, Wood?” Luna asked.

Steel looked up at the ceiling, before taking a deep breath. “What I’m saying is this: before he disappeared, the shadow assured me that my family was alright. And when I asked him if he was going to leave me for dead, he replied with one thing...”

He turned his gaze back to the table and smiled warmly. “...'Of course not'.”

Applejack’s hoof flopped out from under her chin, and hit the table with a thud: her face looked like she just swallowed something too big for her throat. In reflex, she spat her drink out onto the table.

Spike groaned, and walked off to fetch a towel.

“That’s Mac’s signal!” Myra screeched, looking like she’d seen a ghost.

“Whoa, wait, my what?” Mac said, beckoning a glare from Rainbow Dash.

“Sorry," He raised a hoof apologetically, "still getting used to this.”

“He never said why, but Mac always told us that if he was ever in trouble, he would leave behind some form of those three very words.” Wood said with a smile. “The hunt is on!”

Mac stared at him in confusion. Seeing this, the stallion smiled.

“We are going after that monster. And this time: we’re going to get him!” He limped over to the table and sat down, gesturing for Rainbow to return to her seat.

“How can I help?” Mac, Wood, and Orion all said in unison.

Celestia grinned. “Time will come for the hunt. My sister and I must think on this, but be assured we will give you all tasks in the morning. For now…” she and Luna stood, “I bid you all to enjoy the rest of today.”

They were about to depart when the younger paused, and turned her head.

“By the way, Mac.” Luna started, looking directly at the suddenly nervous Pegasus. “Your friend there: he wouldn’t happen to be Orion Winterguard, would he?”

“Yes... that’s him.” Mac stated slowly, unsure of how Luna knew his friend.

“Good, then we have a mutual colleague, indeed.” Luna added, taking her sister’s hoof. With that, the rulers of the land disappeared with a flash: leaving the group alone in the hall.

“Well, this certainly was an eventful day.” Twilight groaned dryly, stretching her wings.

"At least we got a few answers," Spike offered, "kind of..."

“What did they mean by ‘enjoy the rest of the day’?” Mac asked curiously.

“Well, I could guess that they want us to show you around. Since you’re new here and everything.” Pinkie said, bouncing at the idea of showing Mac all of the amusement parks.

“Oh I don’t think-”

“Yeah, maybe that’s a good idea.” Rainbow Dash offered, cutting Mac off before he could finish. He gave her a curious look.

She grinned bitterly. “Look, I may be loyal to a fault, and I may not completely trust you. But I’m willing to give you a chance to show us you’re one of the good guys before I…” she paused, pounding one hoof into the other threateningly, “… get the picture?”

Mac nodded soberly, rubbing his nose: which began to ache slightly from recalling the incident on the Albatross.

Myra gave a sympathetic laugh. “I’d mind her if I were you, she can get pretty fierce where the safety of her friends is concerned.”

Mac lifted his head. “Really? I couldn’t tell.”

Wooden Steel gave a grim smile. “You haven’t seen anything yet! There was one time… she… took on… a… oh.” he stopped himself when he saw the expression on Mac’s face: such an odd mixture of pride and mortal terror. Indeed the representation back home was appearing to be more accurate by the minute.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

It wasn't long at all before they left to show the Stranger around the city, and Applejack smiled at the assurance she'd finally be able to do something for her friends. She'd always been one to wait for instruction, sure, but standing by without knowing who or what is planning this? No, no she was glad to finally get some answers.

It did strike her as odd, however, that this villain pieced in perfectly with almost each one they've dealt with before: big, scary, and somehow managing to be both clever and dumb. It seemed too clean a fit for her tastes. But then, she was far from having the full picture, so she'd just have to keep her mouth shut.

“So, what do you call yourselves?” The Stranger asked, stirring her from her own mind. She looked at him, only for him to avoid eye contact.

“I mean: after you returned the Elements. Did you form, like, a club or something?

Applejack smiled, and gave him a confused look. “What do you mean?”

The Stranger rolled his eyes, yet seemed to understand her confusion. “Sorry, it’s just… you guys are pretty popular back in my world.”

Th farmer grinned knowingly. “Well, then, what do y'all call us?”

His face heated slightly as he hesitated. “Well… back home we call your group... well, never mind.” He concluded: staring at the ground with embarrassment.

Applejack looked back ahead at the path they were all taking. “Have it your way, Stranger. But o'er here, we're pretty much referred to as the Bearers. Ah bear Honesty.”

“I bear—“ Twilight started.

“I know what Aspects each of you bear, as well as which of you bear them. I just wanted to know if the name was the same as in our world…” Mac said, cutting her off. Twilight glared daggers at him for his interruption.

“Amazing…” Applejack smiled, shaking her head. “Absolutely amazing.”

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

After the small tour of the city was nearly done, Twilight decided it was time for them to stop by an amusement park. Though, Mac figured it was to keep Pinkie out of her ear for a few seconds. He stopped dead in his tracks when he saw a peculiar stallion staring him down.

“Who are you?” He asked, not entirely sure how to react.

The stallion winked at him and walked up. “That’s no way to greet an old friend, now is it?” He said in an all-too familiar voice.

Mac’s eyes widened, and his broad smile threatened to split his face in two as he ran forward and embraced the pony.

“Orion! How did you…? Why do you…?”

Orion held up a hand for silence: “First off: I sabotaged our equipment so that it would seem that your mic conked out, then I alerted the Prophet, and he sent me here after you. Second: I recalibrated the portal to take me here, into Canterlot, and I went in once I had cleared it of any bugs. And third: my looks can be attributed to the way I calibrated it. Some of the locals might not react too well to a giant Centaur walking around, seeing as how the last being they saw that looked like I do… well…” He finished, drifting off.

Mac was about to laugh at the joke when a flurry of black and white crashed to the ground beside them. The next instant, Zecora was standing right next to them: hood up, eyes glowing, and fanning her brown cloak out as she glared at Orion.

“Who are you, which dares to come near? This is a guarded stallion over here! Step aside and state your purpose, else you risk yourself to irk us!” She snarled, guarding Mac like a lost puppy. Mac rolled his eyes, and grabbed the zebra by the rings around her collar with a forehoof.

“Zecora, this is Orion.” He said, calmly lifting the surprisingly light pony and setting her aside, “I don’t believe you two have met?”

Zecora folded back her hood and glared at the black Pegasus.

“You did not alert us our ally was here, can you blame me for trying to interfere?” She snapped, before returning to her pleasant self. She extended a hoof: “Nice to meet you, Orion! I am glad we have another pair of hooves on our side.” She added with a smile.

Mac held up his wings. “Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold on!” He demanded, waving his hooves in front of him. “Why wasn’t that a rhyme?”

The zebra grinned mischievously at him: “Did Nopony tell you of my tendancy to rhyme? I can only do so if I can think quick at the time.”

Mac slowly drew his hoof up to massage his brow. “Of course, why not?”

The others came walking up, ready for a fight. But when they saw Zecora shake hooves with the stranger, most of them undoubtedly guessed who he was.

“You must be Orion!" The white unicorn chirped as she introduced herself. She offered a hoof, expecting Orion to shake it.

“Charmed, I’m sure.” Orion said in a cool tone: kissing her pearly hoof instead.

Spike rolled his eyes as Rarity blushed slightly.

“Well!” Rarity said, giggling like an schoolyard filly, and toying with her hair with her free hoof. “What a gentlecolt!”

Rarity left her hoof up long after Orion had let go, and eventually stared at it fixedly: the pink hue on her cheeks becoming increasingly obvious.

“Simmer down, girlie.” Applejack chuckled, holding her own hoof out for a shake. This time, expectations were met as the former Centaur took her hoof, and gave it a sturdy shake.

Twilight walked up, and instantly started scanning him with her odd light show.

“What in Tartarus?” Orion yelled, covering his eyes.

“Sorry!” She said in a squeaky voice. “I’m just curious-”

“Not now, Twi!” Rainbow scoffed. “We already know who he is, snoopy! So there’s no need to probe any deeper.”

Twilight hung her head sheepishly. “Sorry, Orion.”

Orion removed his hooves, and tried to focus on the swirling purple blob squirming tirelessly before him. “It’s alright, you just give me some warning before you do that again, okay?” He said calmly.

“Well, at least you got a similar greeting to mine.” Mac chuckled.

"Shut up."

Pinkie Pie bounced up to the blinded pony, grabbed the side of his arm, and spun him around like a top: startling everypony present.

“Pinkie, what the heck are you doing?!” Screeched Rainbow, rushing to their new ally’s side.

“Well, now if anypony wonders why he’s having trouble seeing, we can say he’s drunk!” Pinkie claimed happily. Just then, Orion chanced to walk into a streetlamp.

“Pardon me, sir!” He saluted, before stumbling into Mac. “Crud, I think I just ran into one of the Royal Guard!” He gasped, trying to stand up.

“Yup, that’ll work!” Applejack guffawed as Orion fumbled around.

“Glad I’m helping you all somehow.” Orion said sarcastically before hitting the lantern again, “Haven’t you ever heard of stepping two feet to the *right***?!” He screamed, playing up to the part.

By now everypony present was roaring with laughter, and Mac couldn't help but think it must have been a sight to anyone not in on the joke: a small crowd laughing at what looked like a drunken colt stumbling around, yelling at streetlamps and striking up conversation with concert posters.

After barely a quarter hour of tomfoolery, however, the novelty finally wore thin.

“Who wants to hit the carney?” Rainbow asked, doing a bad job of hiding her excitement. “I’d like to see if Clone Boy is as good at Bumper-Suits as Mac!”

“’Bumper-Suits’?" Mac questioned. "What’s that?”

“You wear padded armor, and pound each other for fun!” Rainbow said offhandedly.

“Why am I not surprised that you got into that sport?” Twilight sighed heavily.

“What?” the cyan mare scoffed. “Cadence suggested it after AJ and I ran into her at the last Roller Derby in Manehattan!”

Twilight looked confused. “Should... I be wondering what Cadence was doing at a Roller Derby?”

“That sounds doable!” Mac interjected with an eager smile.

“I’m in!” Pinkie squealed.

“I’ve just got to see this!” Orion laughed, picturing the upcoming scenario.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“Hey! Stop hitting so hard!” Mac panicked as the 'Pain-Bow' nearly knocked him over for the third time.

The game called Bumper-Suits was quite the intense activity, and the suits were well made: being crafted uniform for all three races of ponies. The goal of the game was essentially to knock other ponies over, with no actual scoring unless you turn it into a competition. Mac noted that it was basically Bumper-Cars, only entirely absent of the ‘car’ part.

“Stop being such an easy target, then!” Rainbow jeered playfully as her other opponent- a pink mare who decided to call herself 'Blood Sugar' -wobbled around like a guinea pig on roller skates. She was openly enjoying getting to thrash the person who she saw as responsible for her friend’s disappearance, and being quite clever about it, as Mac could easily admit: playing Bumper-Suits was a way to do it without getting into any trouble.

Plus, he was mostly enjoying it, himself...

*BAM!*

... mostly.

“Alright: no more Mr. Nice Guy!” Mac yelled at he regained balance.

Rainbow charged at him yet again: planning to ram him into the wall when he nimbly jumped aside, causing her to crash into the cushioned barrier instead. She turned around and was about to regain her feet when Mac brought his padded hoof down on her head like a hammer, she hit the ground with an intensified thud.

“How’s that for ‘easy target’?” He laughed. After a few seconds without a response, however, he quickly became concerned. Was he really that strong?

“Rainbow?” He asked, leaning down towards the motionless mare.

Suddenly: she grabbed Mac’s head and slammed it to the ground in front of her: “That’s for knocking me down!” she said before standing up and helping him to his feet. She then gave him a fierce upward jab to the stomach, causing him to fly backwards a few feet before he crashed into the ground.

“And that’s for taking it easy on me!” She yelled indignantly.

Mac stood and faced the infuriated mass of rubber that stood before him. “No more taking it easy? Alright then…” He slammed his hooves together in a loud, floppy clap, “… Let’s dance, hero!” he cried before charging right into the middle of the Pegasus’s form.

A sudden two-legged kick from another rubberized pony knocked Rainbow out of the way, causing Mac to miss his tackle, and then tumble across the arena into the gate.

“Y’all just got Apple-d!” Hooted the newcomer, standing back on her hind legs and moonwalking to the corner. "Apple Smash is back in business!"

“How… did I not see that coming?” Rainbow groaned, brushing herself off.

“Same way you didn’t see this.” offered a voice from behind. Rainbow looked straight ahead, her pupils shrinking into pinpricks.

“Oh, crap!” She squeaked before going for an unscheduled flight into the nearest wall.

Pinkie did a little victory dance where she was standing. “Finally!”

She was sent back to the corner by a hoof to her mask.

“Never close your eyes in this game, bud!” Applejack laughed.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

After two hours of getting pounded tirelessly, yet retaining no more damage than being out of breath- Mac asked Twilight to remind him to compliment the designer of the padding- they decided to head back to the Palace, as it was starting to get dark out.

"Well, I certainly am glad we already know where we'll be staying..." Mac sighed in relief as the cold began to nibble at his hooves.

“Indeed," Orion seconded, "it would be nice to sleep in a palace for once.”

Rarity snickered. “Oh, come on! You don’t really expect me to believe that a gentleman expert in espionage like yourself has never rested in the lap of luxury?” She cooed, poking at him with her hoof.

“Nope, never needed to.” Orion shrugged.

“My, my, aren’t we rugged?” Rarity chortled, a schoolgirl blush slowly covering her muzzle.

“Rugged? I don’t know if I’d characterize myself like that.” Orion said with a shrug.

“Oh, brother..." Spike huffed, "here we go again.”

Chapter Seven: Acceptance at the Citadel.

It was late in the night when they had finally gotten inside, and went back into the Meeting Hall. Soon, everyone had even casually wandered into their own activities, even those still skeptical of their new partner decided to relax. After a few minutes of debating with himself on what he might be doing, Mac walked over to Twilight- who was one of the ponies looking leisurely through several bookshelves- and decided to try and get some answers.

“So... can you... fill me in on the whole, uh, ‘friend’ situation over there?” He asked slowly, gesturing vaguely towards the others. Twilight gave Mac an all-too-eager grin that made him nervous.

“Sure,” she said quietly, “Myra and Rainbow are our Mac’s two oldest, best friends. Even from before Rainbow moved from Cloudsdale! And since the rest of us are already friends, Mac became our friend after he moved here, too. Myra followed shortly afterwards.”

She scratched her chin thoughtfully, and looked up to the ceiling. “Quite the interesting testimony to the mysterious power of friendship, once you think about it.”

“Yeah, okay. But…” Mac started. He paused briefly, as if he was thinking on how to phrase the next sentence. He swiftly looked around to make sure no one was listening, and then turned back: “How about the whole… Spike-Rarity situation. Is... is that like what I think it’s like?” he asked in a low tone. Twilight rolled her eyes.

“Oh… that.” She groaned tiredly. “Well… he seems to like her… a lot… but she’s rather… manipulative of him. And she seems totally ignorant of what this whole ‘crush’ thing might do to him later on, once he learns more.”

She began to rub her head. “She wouldn’t willfully harm the little guy, but she lets him volunteer for a lot of potentially harmful things.”

“What do you mean?” Mac asked in a whisper.

“Well… she uses him as a pincushion…”

Mac winced. “Oh, yeah…”

“She makes him take out the trash…”

“Right…”

“She lets him recover ancient books with spells of unspeakable consequences…”

“What?! I must’ve missed that episode…”

“…uh… I’ll ignore that. The point is, she plays him like a fiddle, and he enjoys every moment of it!” She ended with an exasperated sigh.

“That’s just sad, I mean, he spends so much time focused on her-”

“AHEM!”

Mac jumped when Applejack coughed suddenly, and noticed she was glaring at him with a face that bore almost every shade of red.

“Oh… never mind!” Mac said cautiously before backing off.

When Twilight- looking rather confused- had turned towards Applejack, she had completely recomposed herself and was putting on a perplexed face.

“What in the hay was that about?” The farmer asked.

“I… have… no idea.” Twilight said slowly, not noticing her friend sigh with relief, as she turned back.

‘I don’t know how he figured it out… but if he embarrasses her in front of everypony… I’ll kill him!” Applejack huffed inwardly.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Sometime later, Mac was venturing back over to the rows of bookshelves that ran along the walls.

“So... what kinds of books are popular around here?” He asked Twilight: who was, herself, still perusing the endless stacks of books.

“We have several different kinds, Stranger: Sci-Fis, Thrillers, Mysteries, Comic Books, Informational Texts, Siege Dramas, Historical Dramas, Multi-Book Epics, Documentaries, Romances, Nature Books, you name it: we’ve got it.” She was getting that ‘somepony’s interested in reading’ look that he knew, and dreaded.

“Well…” Mac pondered slowly.

“We have several titles that our Mac seems to like: Shirt-Stock Homes, Granule Boom, Robin’s Ton Cruiser, Apple Dumpling and Gang, Lord of the Kings, Hardy Colts, and The Twenty-Thousand Legions of Thunder the Sea.” She offered again, oblivious to his discomfort.

“How about Romances?” Mac blurted, before covering his mouth with a hoof. Twilight froze.

“What?” she said in a monotone.

Mac’s face reddened. “Well…” Then he shook his head, and showed some resolve: planting his hoof firmly. “Hey, as long as they’re clean: I’ll read what I like!”

“I didn’t hate on your hobbies: I’m just still trying to cope with how similar you are to the Mac we know.” Twilight said, holding up her hooves. “He would ask the same thing… if whoever he was asking knew him well, of course.”

Mac hung his head. “Sorry, I’m not used to this world, either.”

“Hey, no sweat!” she laughed; clipping him on the back with her wing, “Try this one! Our Mac likes it, in fact: it’s one of his favorites!” She chirped; levitating one of the leather-bound books towards him.

Mac looked at the title, then raised an eyebrow at Twilight, “It looks a bit too girly.” He said flatly.

The Princess squinted at him: “Look who's judging a book by it's cover!” She snapped.

“Touché, Twi.” Mac smirked before opening the book and walking off.

After a few hours of reading the Archives with intense interest, and making weird comments, and odd noises, he eventually noticed the others were all staring at him: causing him to flush slightly.

“That book must be pretty interesting.” Orion said flatly, sitting beside Mac on the couch. He leaned over to see if he could find something interesting amongst the plethora of pages. Finding nothing after three milliseconds, however, he flipped his head back in defeat.

“Seriously, I’ve read that same book, and even I didn’t find it that exciting!” Rainbow scoffed.

“Hey! It’s a good book!” Mac defended. “It’s about a futuristic space cruiser called the Ir-!”

“I said I read it!” the Pegasus interjected with a hoof raised for silence. “So there’s no need to explain it to me.”

“Besides,” Applejack started from across the room, “Ah don’t really approve of the main pairing. Ah’ve met the kid who wrote it and all, and he made some good points, but Ah don’t think androids can be capable of that level of love…"

"... though the crush thing with those two foals is cute…" She added, giving a weird grin.

After staring at her friend in concern for a few seconds, Rainbow returned her gaze to Mac. “Look, it’s not the… ‘pairing’ that’s my issue… unlike others…” she cast a sidelong glance back to Applejack, “… but just the overall story…”

Mac gave her a steely glare. “We shall debate this matter… later…” He growled.

Across the room, Twilight rolled her eyes up from her stack of books. “Yeah, that was a bad idea to show that book to him.” She stated blandly.

Myra laughed. “I think it’s fun to watch. He makes the same noises our Mac did when he read that book!” Blood ran to Mac’s face in embarrassment, and he was about to say something defensive when an appalled grunt from across the room distracted him from his thoughts.

“Would you stop referring to Mac in the past-tense like he’s dead or something?” Rainbow growled, suddenly inches from her friend’s face. “I mean, these… things, whoever they are… promised to help us find him!” she said, pointing to Mac and Orion.

“It’s not that he’s similar to Mac, I’ll admit that much.” She said, hanging her head. “But there’s a dynamic that our Mac brings to our lives that a clone can never fill.”

“We will indeed find him, though the thought seems grim.” Zecora said sadly.

“What are you saying?!” The prismatic pony screeched, her forehead now pressed against zebra’s own as her eyes shone icily: locking intensely with Zecora’s. Her suspicions of what she might mean were clearly thundering in her mind.

“I say only this: our Mac might be missed. When we find him, he may be greatly changed, and his mindset wholly, and truly, rearranged.” Zecora added somberly. She recoiled when she saw that Rainbow’s clenched hoof was mere inches from her snout.

Rainbow and Myra then both teared up at the implications of that last statement. Myra slumped on a couch while Rainbow flew out the window. Everypony else just stopped what they were doing, and stared off solemnly at the new implications of their mission.

“Well, that went well.” Mac said ruefully. “Which one should I talk to?”

Zecora looked out the window. “I’ll take this one, you take the other. But if I hurry back, go and quickly find cover!” She warned before leaving through the door.

“That’s great advice, Zecora.” Mac said, raising an eyebrow and walking towards Myra. He sat down besides both her, and Fluttershy: who was already trying to comfort the despairing mare.

“Hey, don’t worry about it. I promise we’ll find your friend.” He offered, trying his best to be soothing.

“But what if he’s right?” Myra panicked, looking up at Mac with tear-stained eyes that made him wince. “What if he’s different? What if he’s changed? What if he’s…?” Her eyes squinted as tears ran down her cheek, “… e-… e-evil?” She said painfully, before collapsing back into a saddened heap.

Fluttershy started to tear up also, but she managed to keep most of her tears inside. Her eyes were struggling to remain calming, and steady. Mac’s eyes, however, drifted out the window: for a darkness was creeping into his blood, and heating it to boiling.

‘That putrid demon, Kietelethar, is going to have hell to pay for causing this much distress to the innocent!’ he thought. ‘He’ll be picking his bloodstained, broken teeth out of the dirt before I’m even halfway done...’

Then, as his inward fuming started to calm after a deep breath, he looked back at them. Determination shone like neon on his face:

“Then we’ll have to change him back.” He snorted in rage. Applejack swore she saw steam huff from his nostrils as he did so.

“C-can you do that?” Myra sniffed, lifting her head slightly. “I-I mean… is it possible?”

Mac was resolute. He stood up, and walked over to a nearby windowsill.

“Even if it takes a thousand years of journeying, I will help you. Even if I die trying, I’ll get your friend back.” He said in a voice of cold stone, slamming his hoof on the hardwood.

Fluttershy and Myra looked up in shocked admiration, while all others present turned towards him in wonder, and hesitation.

“You’d do that... for us?” a voice to their left asked, cracking with tearful skepticism. Rainbow and Zecora had returned in time to hear those last few words, and they were both perched on a windowsill across from him, frozen with their thoughts lost in curious realization.

Mac gazed at them all, lust for the blood of the creature responsible for this mess shining in his eyes.

“I-…”

he looked around, his true purpose here clearly ringing in his head.

“The Fate of both worlds lies in your hands” The voice had said: the voice he heard on the first day here, he understood those words now: Kietelethar should-- no, would fall.

“… Yes.” He said simply, steadfastness clear in his tone.

After a few seconds of deafening silence, there was an instantaneous flash of color: and Mac found himself in the middle of a group hug. His wings sticking straight up in a defensive posture, with everyone in the room- even Spike and Orion- wrapping their arms around him.

“Thank you, Mac.” Twilight said quietly.

“Way to go, little buddy.” Orion assured.

This was a new sensation to Mac: never before had so many people hugged him at the same time. Nor had any embraced him with such kindness, passion, or meaning. He was stiff as a board for a short while, trying to wrap his head around the intense sign of respect, admiration, and friendship that he was receiving. Soon, he beamed a warm smile, and returned in the embrace.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“What do you think of him now, dear sister?” Luna asked from a terrace on a nearby tower, looking at the regal figure beside her.

Celestia smiled wisely. “You were right, Luna. He is trustworthy, though inexperienced.” She said, turning slightly. "It might be a while until he is ready for our proposal..."

The Twin Princesses observed group in the accepting embrace for a long time: watching them simply enjoy the comfort and reassurance they brought to each other, and share an intense feeling of warmth that spread from their bodies to their very soul. For Mac had shown two signs of true Friendship that night: beginning to show his whole self, and a willingness to sacrifice for others. And he was now fully trusted by all.

Chapter Eight: Plans and Paths.

The next morning, the group had gotten a good night’s sleep in the guest rooms, and were headed up to the conference room. Mac stayed in the back for a while, thinking to himself about all that had transpired the previous night. That hug especially. Part of the sensation still lingered on his shoulders:, almost like a pleasant itch: peacefully and endlessly tickling his relaxing flesh.

As Mac looked up from the floor, he noticed that a certain dragon was being watched thoughtfully by the pony directly behind him. Mac, deciding to get some more answers, walked over to Applejack.

“Why don’t you tell him?” He asked quietly, nodding his head towards the dragon in front of them. Applejack just looked away from Spike, letting out a deep, sad sigh:

“He’s so infatuated with Rarity, Ah can’t say anything without it bein' harmful to him.” She stated sadly. “Ah jus' don' know how t' handle it, so Ah won’t tell him… Ah just have to let it be… for now.”

Mac nodded. “I’m sorry, let me know if I can help in any way.”

Applejack laughed ruefully. “Y’all are just like Mac, you know that?”

“Hey,” Mac shrugged, “anything to help somepony with a crush.”

Applejack froze in her tracks, hooves skidding slightly on the floor, prompting Mac to do the same as the group pulled ahead.

“What’s the matter?” he asked.

“Wait a minute. Y-you actually thought that it’s me that has a crush on Spike?” She stuttered, face starting to turn pink.

“Well… yeah?” Mac said, raising an eyebrow.

“Oh, for the love of…! He’s, what, Five years my junior?” Applejack shrieked quietly, making sure nopony else was listening in.

“Oh…” Mac smiled sheepishly. “I guess I didn’t figure that that amount of time would be significant to a race that lives up to a few hundred years…”

"Only when they're that young, Sugarcube." Applejack scoffed.

“Well, then... who is it?” Mac asked slowly. Applejack gave him a somewhat antagonizing smirk.

‘Scratch Applespike,’ He thought. ‘Maybe there are other salvageable good ones…’

“Figger it out for yourself!” The flustered mare snorted, before walking off towards the head of the group.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

After a long, silent walk, they had all re-seated at the conference table: with the Royal Sisters back in their throne-like seats at the head. Orion and Mac were sitting on equally comfortable, though not as grandeur, chairs at the opposite end. And Spike, who’d been up with Fluttershy reading on the matter at hand for half the night, was having trouble staying awake. Mac considered this to be a testament to Twilight’s unconscious influence on the young dragon.

“My sister and I have discussed what needs to be done, and have come to a decision as to who does what.” Celestia said slowly. “There will be three teams--”

“I call their team!” Wooden quickly yelled: pointing at Mac and Orion.

“Yes… well…” Celestia hummed patiently, thinking for a second. “So be it! We cannot risk separating the Bearers of the Elements, so that is acceptable.”

She looked to Spike, who had started to doze off again: “Spike! You and Zecora will take these three buffoons to the Barrier Sierra, and will search the towns there diligently and thoroughly.”

“Yes Ma’am!” Spike answered, snapping upright.

“Wait… these three what now?!” Orion asked, shooting a glare in the Princess’ direction.

“The Bearers of the Elements will search the Everfree, and the many ruins within.” Celestia continued, ignoring the remark.

“No, seriously, what did you call us?” Mac insisted, earning a snicker from Rainbow.

“Luna and I will search the towns and villages silently and invisibly, so as not to attract attention to ourselves. And we will instruct all Unicorns in the Royal Guard to do the same.” She ended, seemingly oblivious to the three ponies glaring at her from the other side.

“Oh, never mind!” Orion growled in frustration, crossing his forearms.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

After several hours, Spike was arranging the burdens among his teammates. “Listen up, Maggots! I was assigned by our Princess to take charge of this team, and by Starswirl's beard, I will do so. Any arguments?” He swiveled his eyes from face to face as Mac, Orion, and Wooden stood in an almost military line: the former trying desperately not to laugh.

Seeing no for this decision, he continued. “Good, I will divide the responsibilities evenly and accordingly. I am in charge of the fires on this search, and for setting camps.” He stated, breathing a quick spark from the corner of his mouth for emphasis.

He then leveled a finger at Wooden and Zecora: “You two are in charge of food, and making sure that our meals are well-cooked.”

“Yes sir.” Wooden responded. He was rather amused by the fact that one as young as a colt was placed in command of him on this mission, though he knew Spike to be quite capable.

The reptilian moved his finger to Orion: “You are on sentry duty, I’ve heard your kind almost never sleep.”

Orion nodded in agreement, but his face showed concern. “I am not questioning my position, kid, but I am not sure whether this new form will affect my sleeping habits or not.”

“A valid concern, Orion, but I’ve found that the change of bodies doesn’t have much of an effect on our habits or our mannerisms.” Mac stated quickly.

“Now that we’ve got that cleared up, let’s continue. You will be our scout, being the fastest flier among us." Spike said, claw finally landing on Mac. “And you are to carry your friend there for us whenever we find it necessary to fly.” He added with a gesture to Orion.

“A-are you sure that’s possible?” Mac stammered, looking over at his hulky associate. “I mean, it took three Pegasi to hoist me up into the air… I can only imagine how many it would take to lift him.”

“HEY!” Orion shouted.

“It took so many to lift you because of your strength." Twilight cut in from across the room. "If you're anything like Mac, Stranger, you may not look the part: but you’re as strong as an ox when you need to be.”

“Alright, everyone, listen up!” She called to her group, assured that the Stranger had gotten her point. She was once again taking her continually undisputed role as team leader, as everypony present respected her organizational skills.

“Rainbow: you’re in charge of weather conditions, make sure you do your best to keep us dry during our trek through the Everfree. I know you can’t fully manipulate the weather in there, but I want you to do your best.

"Fluttershy: you’re in responsible for taming any wild animals that come our way. Keep them from destroying us by any means.

"Myra: you and Applejack will attend to the cooking and the setup of our camps. That includes finding clearings, caves, and the like when the need arises. Pinkie and Rarity will find us supplies, and suitable…” she shot a glance at Rarity, “and reasonable barding for us.”

The white Unicorn’s smile drooped. Satisfied, Twilight continued. “I will be in charge of maps, charts, research, and organization." she concluded. "Any questions?”

“Ooh! Ooh! Do we want to take any apple cider or hot coco mix flavored like peppermint or cinnamon or sugarcane or dandelion or daisy or crabgrass on our trip?” Pinkie asked in a high pitched voice, raising her hoof in the air: her words almost sounding like some sort of verbal machine gun.

Twilight looked around. “All votes yes?”

Everyone raised their right hoof.

“There’s your answer, Pinkie!” She chuckled.

Pinkie leapt into the air as confetti exploded from behind her: “AAAWWESOOOOMME!” She cried, before landing in a perfectly thoughtful sitting position on a chair. A chair which Mac would’ve sworn wasn’t there before.

The stallions in the other group watched the entire scene: three with slack-jawed expressions, while Spike and Zecora merely raised their eyebrows.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“So… how, exactly, do we plan on getting her down?” Rainbow asked, looking up at Pinkie Pie: who had been sitting on a chandelier for the past hour with her pack opened up on her hind legs.

“I don’t… how did she even get up there?” Orion asked; the vessel of his mind lost in an ocean of confusion.

“I’ve learned to stop asking.” Mac said with a shrug. He too was looking up at the hyperactive pony, dangling forty feet off the ground.

“Well, as soon as she stops talking, Ah’ll get her attention.” Applejack offered, holding a cookie.

“…It’ll be a long journey and I want to make sure I’ve packed everything I need...” Pinkie Pie giggled, keeping in her rapid-word style as she ruffled through her pack. She pulled a sink out of the topmost pocket, eyed it carefully with her lips pooched out to the side, and threw it to the floor with a shrug.

“I’ve got everything!” She called down.

“Great! Can you come down here now?” Rainbow said supportively.

“I am down here.” a high-pitched voice stated from behind them.

Everypony turned to see Pinkie in full camping gear: including an overstuffed backpack, camo binoculars, pale safari clothes, several multi-tools strapped to her belt, a compass, a wristwatch, green scarf, and a pale pith helmet standing behind them with a confused expression. Orion shuffled his focus between her and the previously occupied chandelier, starting to sweat a little as his mind raced.

The Stranger smiled at him. “Welcome to Equestria!” He said simply, “I’ve only been here for five days, but I was a fan of this world for years… it took me less time to adjust.”

Orion shook his aching head. “I- I need to lie down for a while… I think I sprained my psyche.” He moaned, walking over towards a couch in the corner.

Suddenly, a thundering laugh echoed in through the window: shuddering the glass and quaking the floor. The very sound of it halted all in their tracks.

“Uh, g-g-guys? What was t-that?” Fluttershy shuddered, turning her head to look out of the window.

“Kietelethar,” Mac said worriedly, “he knows we're hunting for him.”

“Then we shouldn’t dawdle any longer...” Twilight ordered.

“There!” Spike declared, closing the final backpack. “We’re all packed for our journey, Twilight!”

“Excellent! We’ll leave immediately.” The Princess barked. “We mustn’t waste any more time.”

“Load up, people!” Applejack yelled, grabbing her pack. “We’re moving out!”

"But it's almost sunrise!" Rainbow protested. "Shouldn't we at least get some sleep?"

Twilight looked out the window soberly. "Right now, Rainbow, I'm not we can afford the luxury..."

The Bearers climbed into the Albatross, while the others placed their packs on their backs and took flight towards the south. The Princesses assigned their Unicorn Guard to search the cities and towns of the kingdom, silently and invisibly, and hey informed all the Inner Royal Guard that Prince Armor would be in charge while they, the rulers of the land, did the same. all they were to tell anyone who asks, serf or noble, was that the Princesses were taking a respite.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

A dark shape stood in the night: watching all that was being done in preparation for the hunt from a concealed ledge on the mountainside.

“Well, now...” It grinned, grasping at its camouflaged cloak with an armored fist. “The Bearers will be searching for us in the Old Palace, my faithful slave.”

It looked down with blazing eyes at the smaller shape beside him, and with a fling of its arms, cast off its cloak: revealing a large crocodilian head, two black kudu antlers, and a long, black mane like that of a lion that ran down his muscular, scaly back. His torso rose from the dark body of a lion, with a dragon’s tail slithering on the ground behind him. Scaly, black-stained silver armor was worn by him: with a single sapphire shining in the center of his breastplate. The Prophet, Kietelethar, stood over Canterlot: sturdy in all his wicked glory.

His accomplice had also shed his cloak, unveiling a dark-coated stallion. His mind was enslaved by the dark lord beside him. And a red, fiery hatred burned where his eyes should have been. Kietelethar pounded his metal-clad fists together with a mighty clang, and grinned deviously.

“Let’s not disappoint them!” He shouted, bursting into a fit of laughter that echoed down into the city below, invoking fear into every pony that heard it.

A great, red sphere encircled them. And with a flash: they were gone.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

The journey back to Ponyville took another three days, but the Bearers arrived there in plenty of time to search the forest while there was still daylight out. They were now tramping through the forest, with wary eyes watching the surrounding wood.

“I think we’ve done enough searching for today, we should really set up camp.” Rarity suggested, shivering nervously.

“If we make camp, we’ll still be in the forest.” Twilight pointed out. “Besides, we don’t really have anything to worry about as long as we stick together.”

“Ah swear, Rarity! If any Timberwolves try to attack us, Ah’m sure we’ll be able to fight them off. What with seven of us, and they usually attack in numbers of eight.” Applejack added, rolling her eyes.

“Still… I think we should rest up, at least for now anyways.” Rarity pleaded, pointing towards a clearing. “Look! Over there’s a nice spot!”

“Y’mean where that pack of Timberwolves nearly chomped the hay out of me and Spike a few years back?” Applejack said with an amused stare. “What a wonderful idea!”

“At least it’s a clearing.” Rarity defended.

“It’ll do.” Twilight interjected. “Each one of us has a different memory of horror connected to each area of this forest, and yet we still venture into it whenever we need to."

She looked around nervously. "It’s supposed to be in the safe season, but it’s still a sentient wood: we should post a guard.”

“Besides,” Rainbow added. “we all know there are worse things than Timberwolves… hiding in these woods.” She finished, holding Fluttershy close with a dramatic whisper.

The cream Pegasus’ eyes grew immensely as they darted back and forth: surveying her surroundings in mortal terror. ‘Hydras, dragons, Bark Spiders…’

“Oh, you’re very helpful there, Rainbow.” Myra said flatly.

“Ah, c’mon, I’m just teasing!” Rainbow said, nudging the trembling Pegasus playfully.

Fluttershy just sat there like a rock, hardly daring to breathe as her unfocused pupils shrank to the size of pinpricks.

“Fluttershy?” Rainbow asked in concern: waving a hand frantically in front of her frightened female friend’s frozen, unfocused face.

“Nice alliteration.” Pinkie said with a smile, staring into the starry sky.

Uh... thanks?

“Snap out of it!” Myra yelled, frightening Fluttershy out of her stunned silence. “You’ve got to get a hold on yourself! So what if the forest holds monsters beyond imagination? Have you forgotten why we’re here?” She whispered, regaining her usual calm attitude.

“Mac is our friend, too." Fluttershy snapped back, retreating slightly. "But if we get ourselves killed, we won’t be much help to him.”

“As much as I’d love to hear you two argue about which way to best save your coltfriend, Myra: Rarity’s right, this is a good time to make camp.” Twilight said flatly.

Myra was about to protest: first about the 'coltfriend' comment, and second about them having to stop. But, she decided to save it for later as she walked over to Applejack. And after about twenty minutes, the two of them had the camp set up, and a warm fire blazing at its center.

“That should do it.” Applejack said with satisfaction, looking at her simple green tent.

“Indeed.” Rarity added, looking at her own tent. Which was, surprisingly enough, a deal more humble than the rest.

“Ah’m glad you gave up that fancy old tent of yours.” Applejack said approvingly, “But you didn’t need to get one that poor.”

“I assure you that I chose this tent because of its unsurpassed warmth!” The white Unicorn said with a huff.

The corner of Applejack’s mouth twitched slightly as she remembered hearing a small detail of their 'shopping trip' from Pinkie. “Are ya sure it wasn’t because a Mr. Orion~ recommended it?”

Rarity’s face turned a bright shade of red. “I’m certain!” she squeaked before throwing her bag inside.

Applejack watched with a smug expression as the newly embarrassed unicorn dove into her tent, zipping the flap without hesitance. She turned to see Twilight glaring at her.

“What?” She asked defensively.

The Alicorn rolled her eyes. “You shouldn’t tease her so much, Applejack.” She scolded. “I don’t think it would kill you to try getting along with her.”

“Oh, we get along fine most of the time. And she’s done more than her fair share of the teasing and heckling.” Applejack added with guarded reason. “As the Princess of Friendship, you of all ponies should know that there’s more than one kind!”

“It’s true!” Rarity’s muffled voice called from inside the rag-like tent, still a little squeaky from her recent flustering.

Twilight just raised an eyebrow at how quickly they agreed on this. ‘Maybe they get along better than I realized.’ She thought.

“Nevertheless, you two might want to work on your ‘friendship’, or at least tone it down a little: you tend to sound like a couple of whiny nags.” She said defiantly before walking off. Rarity poked her head out, and stared at Twilight in offended disbelief.

“I must say!” She scoffed, “She’s got some nerve! Saying we sound like a couple of nags. Whiny nags, nevertheless!”

“Ah dunno, Ah can kind of hear that.” Applejack said thoughtfully. When she saw the insulted look on her friend’s face, she rolled her eyes. “Ah’m ref'rrin to myself as much as Ah’m ref'rrin to you.”

Rarity thought for a moment, then nodded: accepting the response, and ducked back into the tent.

“Goodnight, Applejack.” She called warmly.

“Goodnight, Oddball.” The farm pony said playfully, walking off to join the others by the fire.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“How much farther must we fly? I feel near ready to drop and die.” Mac asked halfway through the flight, the baby dragon riding on back of him.

Zecora turned her head around in annoyance: glaring at him past Wooden Steel’s hooves. “Don’t steal my bit, my dear little twit! And do not bother to worry so, a we don’t yet have far to go.” She retorted, turning her eyes back to her map.

Orion, in the meantime, looked as if he was about to empty whatever remained in his stomach onto the sand dunes below.

“I don’t feel so good.” He moaned, the effect of the swaying motions were visible on his greened face.

“What are you complaining about? I’m the one shuttling your sorry butt across the skies.” Mac snapped, adjusting his grip.

“Sorry,” Orion quailed, “I’ve never done well with flying.”

“That explains the mess you left two miles back.” Wooden said, gesturing backwards with his free hoof.

“What?!” Orion cried in disbelief.

“I see a town on the path up ahead. There we will search, and then take to bed.” Zecora called, loud enough to stop the soon-to-be unpleasant conversation.

“You had me at ‘land’!” Mac and Orion said in sync. Mac dashed down to the town, leaving a streak of black and purple behind him as Spike shouted in a panic at the sudden increase of speed.

Zecora and Wooden quietly followed suit: each landing with a clumsy tumble in the street, each sending up their own personal cloud of dust. They got up, and began subtly searching the town’s shops and stores.

When that failed, they searched the hotels.

And after they each turned up with nothing: they met on the south side of town and set up camp.

Compared to the Bearers’ camp, this group’s bivouac seemed incredibly humble: some patchwork tents that were surprisingly warm, a minuscule fire- courtesy of Spike- and some small sticks to mark the barrier of camp.

However, after an unsurprisingly uneventful first day, they had trouble falling asleep. And as a result: they each found themselves one-by-one stepping out of their tents, and sitting beside the growing fire.

“What towns are we scheduled to search next?” Wood asked.

“We’re to search Conjunction Junc., Dodge City, Mexicolt City, and Neighvada. If they are not yet reduced to carnage…” Spike said, looking at the aged, yellowed parchment map in his claws.

“I hope we find that beast before the girls do.” Mac said with a hint of hope.

Orion looked at him smugly. “I didn’t know you were into the ‘Boys vs Girls’ way of thinking, little buddy.” He said with a playful grin.

“Huh? No!" Mac corrected hurriedly. "I mean… if any of us are going to find the greatest enemy Equestria has had thus far, I’d rather it be me in harm’s way instead of her- them.”

Zecora and Wood exchanged knowing smiles. “Seems you are indeed like our own Mac, Stranger.” Wood said. “You seemed to have ‘warmed up’ to Myra rather quickly.”

Mac stiffened as blood rushed into his face, his widened eyes shot up and darted between the ponies, trying to figure out how to say that he was defensive because he knew the ‘her’ in his world.

Zecora noticed this and smiled. “We do not mean romantically so, maybe because her alternate you know?”

Mac’s muscles relaxed. “Yes, exactly.” He said, both relieved and confused that someone understood.

“Well, I’m certainly glad I’m not the only one concerned about the Bearer’s safety.” Wooden said in a relaxed tone.

“I am greatly concerned for our friend’s safety as well, but worry is little reason for you to put yourself through hell.” Zecora said reassuringly.

Mac got up, walked to his tent, and reappeared dragging a pitiful excuse for a sleeping bag out of his tent with his teeth: before dropping it near the fire: “I’ll watch the flames tonight, guys. If they get out of hand: I’ll feel it first.” He said calmly.

He was fairly certain of what would happen if the flames did get out of hand: he would wake the others after bursting into bright flames and screaming for his life. He had thought about this possibility and took note of a nearby lake, as he figured that at the speed he’d be going, the fire would be out by the time he reached the lake. But, the cool waters would still be a welcome sensation to his charred flesh...

… Pleasant thoughts…

After Mac had crawled into his… whatever it was... a gunnysack, maybe: he dozed off. The other four repeated his actions, and soon they were all asleep. Each one was close enough to the fire to suit them.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“Are you sure this is wise, dear si-- brother?” Luna asked the deep blue Pegasus to her left. She was seated in a café in a shady corner of town, and beginning to fidget impatiently.

“I think so.” The Pegasus replied in a masculine tone, looking up from his menu. “These disguise spells don’t only hide our looks, but they can change our voice as well.”

“Pity they don’t hide that accent, though.” He mumbled inaudibly, taking a sip from his drink.

“Yes, but we’re talking about this!” Luna snorted: pointing to her now red coat, silky green hair, blank flank, and her annoyingly smaller Pegasus wings. “What idiot am I supposed to be?”

The disguised Princess of the Day looked rather amused by the question. “I had to disguise you as someone who’s not very well-known, else you attract attention.” She said simply.

“Well, what about you?” Luna asked quizzically. “You look like one of those B-Grade toothpaste commercials!”

“I take this persona whenever I informally visit our subjects.” Celestia said flatly, flipping back a wisp of 'his' red-and-ivory hair, and taking a sip of the cappuccino.

“Whenever you vis- how often do you do this?” Luna asked, giving her elder sister a suspicious look.

“Usually? Once a week.” Celestia said casually. “Though I’ve spent a month amongst other townsfolk before.”

Luna was agape as possible reasons for the Princess of the Morning’s newfound secrecy were flowing like a river through her head. Finally, she was able to find her tongue.

“Why, sister?” She asked in a somewhat pathetic tone.

Celestia downed 'his' coffee, and grinned with satisfaction.

“Good joe.” She sighed. After noticing her younger sibling’s face becoming insistent of an answer, she continued. “I like to see how our charges behave themselves: it’s an interesting study to help me relate to the general public.”

Luna rolled his eyes at her sister’s response. “Must everything be a study with you, dear sister? I do believe you’ve turned into quite the bookworm.” She paused for a moment, then continued. “I do think that that student of yours has affected you a little.”

“Nevertheless, we must continue our search. I’ll have to change my disguise for the next town, as the inhabitants are... unusually friendly towards this persona.” Celestia said, ending the conversation by slapping the menu down on the table.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Within the following week, the Bearers managed to gain substantial progress through the Everfree: getting ready to search the ruins that they’d undoubtedly have to come across. Mac’s ensemble, meanwhile, was able to search nearly all of the Barrier Sierra’s villages, also to no avail. The Twin Princesses and the Unicorn Royal Guard searched all the big cities and small towns in the kingdom’s heartland, and yet they too turned up with empty hooves.

Chapter Nine: Dangerous Threads.

In the morning, Pinkie Pie woke up with an intense shiver: one that shook the ground of the camp, awaking the others.

“T-t-the P-p-palace o-of t-the R-r-royal P-p-p-pony Sis-is-is-isters-s!” she screamed: trembling like a Chihuahua in a blizzard.

“What?” Applejack snorted, wiping the drool off her bottom lip: awakened by Pinkie’s sudden outburst. “Ah wasn’t asleep, an’ y’all can’t prove it!”

“What in the Hay?” Rarity said, poking her head out of her tent again. “Are we taking turns making random comments again, dearies?”

Myra stepped up to Pinkie, and tried to hold her still for a second. “What’s at the palace, Pinkie?” She asked calmly.

“Key-whosa-meanie…” Pinkie shuddered, slowing herself down so she could sit still.

All froze. Twilight especially looked concerned:

“It… it can’t be that easy… can it?” She asked. “Your Pinkie Sense didn’t warn us about Tirek… why is it working now?”

“I dunno,” Pinkie shrugged, “I don’t have control over it, silly!”

“Should we contact the others?” Rarity offered, lighting her horn.

“Yes,” Twilight confirmed, “we’re going to need all the help we can get to capture this villain.”

“What about that big rainbow thing we did to Tirek?” Pinkie asked. “Can't we do that to this meanie?”

“I’m not entirely convinced that we can summon that at will, Pinkie,” Twilight explained, “the rules on those powers are still unexplained to us…”

“Plus, we tend to unnerve ponies when we go around looking like that.” Rainbow said dryly. “We nearly gave poor Spike a seizure!”

Twilight nodded to Rarity, who shot a flare spell into the air.

The group then headed towards the old palace, hoping to meet the others on their way.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Mac’s party landed in the dark wood just before the next daybreak, weary and sweaty from nineteen hours of straight flight.

“Why… didn’t we… slow down… even once?” Wooden panted, resting on his knees. Steam hissed from his nostrils with each breath.

“We’ve… got… too much… at stake…” Mac replied, his heaving breath resembling the growls of an angry bear. “Too many…are… in danger… for us… to rest… like… tired foals.”

“We are… tired foals.” Wooden groaned again, massaging his left wing. “We’ve been flying across… plains and forests all day, a little rest will allow… us to go further later than we could now.”

“Wait.” Orion hissed in warning. “Does anyone else see that?”

He didn’t need a verbal answer to know that they were seeing the same thing he was once they looked: numerous serpentine shapes, like slimy tree roots, slithering across the underneath of the floor of the clearing that they had landed in. They could see them moving across the mud like snakes under glass, and they knew what came next…

‘Never trust a clearing in the Everfree.’ Mac thought, laughing inwardly. ‘By God, what unholy mess have we gotten ourselves into?’

The answer to his silent question soon became apparent to them as twenty-five dragon-like heads emerged from the mud that surrounded them: each head supported by a thick, writhing neck.

“Hydras,” Orion scoffed, “looks like it’s gonna be a close one, boys.”

The Hydras did not attack, however: they just stood there, glaring at the four ponies who had so rudely interrupted their sleep.

“Figures,” Wooden sighed heavily, “the minute we land after hours of flight, we’ve immediately got to start wrestling monsters.”

A dark voice cackled from the thickets: it's tone and laughter so deep and confident that it took the four aback.

“You seem to have discovered my little hideaway… how unfortunate.” the racking tone chuckled as an armored being stepped out of the shadows of the trees.

“Kietelethar,”

Mac had just spoken what they were all thinking as the monster stepped into the sunlight: Kietelethar now wore a large, steel helmet that seemed to amplify every putrid and fear-inducing feature on his scaly face. He carried a large spear of reddened steel, and a staff of similar metalwork was clenched in his remaining hand. He made no effort to hide the disappointed look on his face, however, when he saw the four battle-ready creatures that were in the center of his trap.

“I was expecting—“

“You were expecting us?”

All turned to see a circular formation of six Ponies floating in midair: colorful energy circling through the five on the outside.

“Oh…” Kietelethar started, raising an eyebrow.

Arcs of white, yellow, pink, orange, and blue light funneled from the five into the one in the center, before shooting forth from her horn in a rainbow-like arc: and barreling straight for the unflinching demon.

“... brother.” He finished, turning his back on the approaching ray of raw energy. It hit him hard enough to cause him to stumble forward, and a fierce white light surrounded him. Mac let out an excited cheer, but stopped himself short when Kietelethar laughed from behind him.

“Did you really think I would go down that easy?”

Mac whirled around in time to narrowly dodge a sweeping blow from a ridiculously large black sword by leaning back. An intense stinging sensation like fire burned at the tip of Mac’s nose, and a warm liquid was flicked across his right cheek as he fell on his back. His opponent raised the massive weapon above his head: ready to cleave his former student in two. Suddenly, a burst of green flame assaulted the looming figure from the side.

Mac clenched his jaw at the agonized shriek that followed. He stood up, nodded to Spike, and waited for the next assault.

Sure enough, his attacks kept coming:

Mac was soon dodging two massive hammers, while the Bearers were kept busy firing rainbows at every Prophet that popped up. The others were engaged in battles of their own, ducking blades and fleeing fireballs.

“This little game is far more amusing than I thought... I was sure at least two of you would have fallen by now.” The villainous voice said from above, as the latest Prophet dove from the sky: twin swords aimed directly at Spike.

Spike narrowly dove to the side in time to dodge the attack, and the enemy simply vanished into the mud. A cry that sounded as if it came from the earth itself resonated through the clearing:

“Take care of them, my minions! I have more pressing matters to deal with.”

The Hydras then lunged in to the conflict heads-first: waving their necks to and fro in an attempt to either trip up anyone slow enough to encounter them, or swallow any who were unfortunate enough to come near their jaws. A few of the heads snagged some of the Prophet’s clones while others lunged at the ponies in their thirst for blood.

The Bearers simply dove in and out of the fray: snagging their comrades out of the ugly scene before any major injuries could occur. The Hydras spat and snapped at the fleeing ponies as they trampled after them.

Mac looked back in time to see that one of the Main Images of Kietelethar had been turned to stone, and looked like he was about to laugh. While another was merely a shaped pile of ash and charred bone. Their cruel weapons were sill gripped in their hands. The third rose from the mud as if he were riding an elevator, smiling evilly. Several smaller images in similar ruin were strung across the mud, along with a few empty scorch marks on the ground.

As soon as Mac’s head ceased reeling, at least enough for him to remember what the feathery limbs on his back were for, he took off on his own: and they had soon reached the outside of the forest.

Then: Pinkie's knee pinched.

“Look out!”

Everyone wheeled around in time to see Pinkie Pie become encased in… something black, and almost abyssal. They all froze in terror, for on the hill underneath them was something shaped like a Pegasus, but it looked like a massive solution of tar, ink, and smoke. It raised its ‘hoof’: summoning a forest of black tentacles of similar construct that shot out of the earth, and looped themselves like snakes around the pitch-like sphere that had encompassed their friend.

“Your sacrifice… is greatly… appreciated.” Groaned a shrill voice, sounding like it was as horrified as they were. And it was heavy with effort.

“Sorry,” Mac yelled, pawing a hoof on the earth. “But you can take that idea, and screw it u--”

Everypony was glad that no foals were around to hear the slew of indecent language that followed, and Myra covered Fluttershy’s ears.

Mac charged the inky shape, and gave a tremendous leap. Soon, two black shapes went tumbling across the field: leaving behind an empty, Pegasus-shaped shell of black ooze still standing on the hill. Mac opened his eyes, only to find himself looking in a mirror. But his reflection had its eyes closed.

“What the--?”

Mac was cut off by a surge of pain that instantly overtook his right eye. He lifted his hands up to nurse it, but next thing he knew: he was rolling across the dirt, his entire face aching from the vicious blow.

“Foolish human.” Said the voice again. I was clearer now, but sounding more pained than threatening. “You should have stayed in the citadel!”

Mac recognized that voice, but he couldn’t place where from. He stood up, only to find the same reflection he saw earlier.

“Alright, dispense with the mirror, you coward!” He screamed. “Fight like a warrior, not like a sulking snake!”

When his reflection didn’t mimic his screams, Mac became aware of the lack of a scar on it's nose, as his still burned. Instead: it tilted its head and gave him a sad scowl, eyes still closed. Black tendrils emerged from behind it, surging like an oily flame as its mouth moved: but this time, Mac realized the voice as his own.

“Take our friends, all of them, and run.” He hissed.

The black shapes lunged at Mac, only to suddenly stop: quivering and jerking like they were being pulled back by chain. He looked up, and saw Pinkie racing back to the others, who were all looking at the unfolding scene in horror. He looked back to the… whatever he was, and saw sweat dripping from his brow. His teeth were clenched so hard from the strain, Mac swore he heard cracking. The stallion opened his eyes, revealing two balls of fire blazing in their place, and focused directly on the Stranger:

“I can only hold these things off for so long, you moron!” It hissed, causing Mac to jump back at both its tone, and the eerie echo that it held. “This fight is for another day..."

Mac just stood, stunned by what he was seeing, which only angered the creature more:

"RUN, FOOL!”

Mac didn’t need to be told twice: he immediately flew off, urging the others to do the same.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

After they had returned to the Albatross, the faithful ship was set for Canterlot, and each pony was absorbed in their own thoughts. None more so, however, than Twilight.

“Threads…”

Applejack gave Twilight a confused look: she was dully gazing off the side of the airship, eyeing the scenery below with a blank expression.

“You okay there, Twi?” Applejack asked, placing a hand on the entranced Alicorn’s shoulder.

“Mac, he… he used the Dark Threads… so effortlessly.”

“They were using him!” Mac snorted as he slammed a fist into the table. His anger nearly peaked when he received no more than a bunch of clueless stares. “He held them back so that we could escape! I saw the effort he was giving out to keep us safe: he even screamed at me to get out of there!”

“But… that doesn’t make any sense!” Twilight lamented. “Sombra was the last pony to channel the Dark Threads, and we all know how that ended for him!”

“Don’t say it!” Myra warned.

“Yes... they’re still trying to find his scattered remains.” Fluttershy finished, looking at her hooves in dismay. “I still can’t believe we were capable of aiding such a thing...”

“But… there has to be a way to change him back… right?” Myra protested hopefully.

“Forget it, Myers." Rainbow said sadly. "There is no way we’ll be able to detach him from that...”

Twilight nodded. “We… might have to… to…”

She didn’t need to finish the sentence: everyone knew what came next. The air on the ship grew heavy.

“You may have to what? Destroy him?” Mac snorted, drawing a shocked look from all present. “I know you all have given up a lot to defeat the powers that now possess Mac, and I’ll wager you all suffered innumerable near-death experiences, but I’ve never seen you give up on someone so easily. Let alone one of your own friends!”

He stood up as he ranted, and slammed his hoof though a nearby wall: causing the others to jump back nervously.

“I’ve failed myself too many times in my home world to back down on this, and I’m not going to give up on him so easily… he can be changed back, and I know it! I made a promise, and I’m not giving up!”

Myra walked up and stood next to him. “Then neither am I!”

Zecora and Rainbow were the next ones to cross over to his side, with cries of “Good!” and “Count me in!”

Orion and Patient were soon by his side as well, and so it was: five for and five against, with Spike indecisive in the middle.

Applejack sighed. “In all honesty, I do like Mac as much as… most of ya. But Sombra couldn’t be saved, and we had to destroy him to save the Empire.”

“Actually, that’s… um… something I’ve been meaning to bring up…” Fluttershy said, her voice unusually quiet.

“What are you talking about, Flutters?” Applejack asked softly.

“Well, we never actually tried to save him: we just… blasted him as soon as he showed his face, and before any negotiations were established, thinking he was beyond help. And the Crystal Ponies haven’t found even a hint of his remains… I think he might still be out there.”

Mac pulled his hoof out of the wall, gazing thoughtfully at Fluttershy.

Twilight raised her head up, and looked back out to the scenery. “That makes... an alarming amount of sense, actually.” She said flatly. “Maybe he’s perfected his dark transformations, and is masquerading as Mac.”

Mac shook his head, “No, I’d know if that… thing was me or not. He just felt… it felt like we had a connection.”

“What do you mean ‘A connection’, Clone Boy?” Rainbow asked, raising an eyebrow skeptically.

“I mean a similarity between our atmospheres, if you will.” Mac explained, brushing the sawdust from his hoof onto the floor. “There was something familiar about him, other than physical appearance.”

“I get that, but, how could you feel something in our world that we can’t?”

Everypony turned to the baffled boy, and his gaze dropped to the floor. “I… I don’t know, Dash… I just… I just don’t know…”

All fell into a thoughtful silence after that. A silence that lasted until they reached the citadel.

Chapter Ten: An Old Foe Defined.

Once again, Mac found himself as the center of attention. He tapped his hoof awkwardly on the table, waiting- no, hoping for somepony else to continue the meeting. When it was obvious that even the freaking rulers were looking to him for his part, he sighed in defeat: and spoke up.

“You know, you make a good argument, but I’m not fully convinced that the direct approach would be wise, your Highness.” He stated flatly, taking all seated by surprise. “Look: he somehow managed to clone himself, several times over, to the possible end of outmatching every troop of guards you could send. I agree with Twilight's suspicions, he used the mirror pool.”

“Our unit is highly trained, Stranger,” Shining Armor snorted, placing his helmet on the table, “and I doubt that any amount of clones could take all of us down.”

Mac rolled his eyes, but smiled lightly. ‘At least it’s better than Clone Boy…’ he thought. ‘Come to think of it… "Stranger" is even kind of cool!’

“That may be, Armor,” he continued, refocusing on their discussion, “but I’m sure no one wants to lose the amount of lives I know him to be capable of taking… and that would be just one of him…”

He glared intently at the Captain of the Guard, and spoke sternly: “With five clones, he wouldn’t just kill you. He’ll crush you, grind you and your precious Crystal Empire into powder, roll you all up into paper, and smoke you!”

Shining stared at him in guarded disbelief, and Cadence looked ready to faint. Pinkie was just trying her best not to giggle.

“We fought more than twenty, and we survived without injury!” Twilight shot out, glaring indignantly at the Stranger.

Mac’s glare intensified, and grew more distant. “Was a single Tirek that easy to defeat?” He finally asked after a moment’s pause, lifting a hoof to massage his lowering forehead.

Twilight winced, she knew better than to say yes. Fighting Tirek had drained her energy beyond whatever exhaustion she had felt before, even when she had been given the powers of three Alicorns.

“Then you know that defeating this monster should never have been that easy, let alone twenty of him…” He looked around, making sure they were all thinking what he had to say next. “I know him…

“He was toying with us.”

At those words, the room fell silent once again, and any hope of furthering the meeting for a while was obliterated.

“What purpose could he hope to gain by simply toying with us?” Celestia finally demanded.

“Have you learned nothing from my misadventures, Sunkist?” A merry voice chuckled from… somewhere. No one could really place its location when it spoke, but everypony knew to whom it belonged.

“Discord…”

At the sound of Luna’s disgruntled sigh: a burst of confetti fell from the chandelier above them, before it took the form of a bipedal… thing that now stood on the table before them. The thing remained uncharacteristically still, glaring daggers at Celestia.

“Discord, if you don’t mind, could you sit down?” Fluttershy asked calmly.

Discord, who begrudgingly did as he was told, was a strange creature indeed: Mac noted that he looked like a toxic waste dump spilled into a zoo, and the resulting abomination walked into the nearest costume shop. He bowed courteously and gave a pleasant- albeit unnerving –smile.

“Well pardon me for being excited, but it’s been a while since I’ve been summoned to a meeting that was so vital to Equestria’s future!” Discord practically sang.

“When exactly did anypony invite you before?” Applejack jabbed, cocking her brow at the Draconequus.

“Never in the history of ever, and always! That’s how long it’s been! Ooh, this ‘friendship’ thing is really starting to rub off on me!” Discord chortled, slowly bloating himself, and shifting colors until he looked like a taller, rounder version of Spike. "Carney the Dracosaur is ready for a meeting!"

Celestia and Fluttershy simultaneously lifted their hooves to their mouths to conceal their giggles while the others rolled their eyes.

“What dost thou mean by 'we haven’t learned anything'?” Luna huffed.

Discord summoned his old throne at another end of the table, and rested his fingertips together: “Well, Moonie, I think in your teen angst stage, Nightmare Moon missed Villain 101.” He stated dryly, smiling as Luna snorted at the reminder. “Rule One: Pickles are only to be reserved for Tuesdays!”

“Uh, Discord? I don’t think—“

“Whoops, wrong list!” Discord chuckled, waving his hand dismissively at Fluttershy's interruption. He scratched his beard with his eagle claw thoughtfully. “What was it again... oh! Here we go: Rule One! Make sure your ultimate goal is either complementary to your entertainment, or your own sense of justice.”

Twilight furrowed her brow. "Care to elaborate?"

Scoffing, Discord bent his head down slightly, smirking at the youngest of the Alicorns. "Fine, how about this?"

Without missing a beat, he reshaped his head into an egg- saying something about 'communicating on her level'- and held up a small card, before unfolding it...

And unfolding it...

And unfolding it...

Soon, he was sitting on top of a giant origami dragon that nearly took up the room, patting the head of the 'creature'. Discord looked down at his confused audience- brains just the way he liked them: scrambled -and flashed a toothy grin.

"A dragon steals gold, right?" He asked, before trailing off. "Well, gold, and gems... and nice, cold caves... and pretty mares raised by apple farmers... and they tend to be fond of kumquat sandwiches with pickled tomatoes for bread, I'll wager you didn't know! Do you know what'll happen if you try to steal a dragon's golden kumquat?! Eesh!"

“Discord," Fluttershy inquired gently, "what’s going on?”

Discord’s shoulders slumped down, and his head hit the table with a loud crack. He looked over to Fluttershy with a morose expression.

“What? Must something be wrong when I want to help?” He muttered, just barely quiet enough to be heard by all.

“What do you mean?” Luna asked.

“I mean I want to help!” He barked, setting himself in an upright position as his fists hit the table. “Is that so hard to understand?”

Everypony flinched at the uncharacteristic outburst, and watched as he slowly lowered his head.

“Forget it,” He chuckled, almost bitterly. "I've tried my good deed for the day..."

With a flash, he was gone.

“I’ll go talk to him,” Fluttershy offered, before walking off down the hall.

“Fifth door on the roof!” Luna shouted.

“I know, thank you!”

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Everypony was thoughtfully silent until Fluttershy returned two hours later, alone and somber.

“What’s going on?” Mac asked.

“He’s upset, is all,” Fluttershy stated, “and he has some thinking to do. He doesn’t want to risk going after this monster himself after… last time.” She shuddered.

“I understand, he doesn’t want to be sweet-talked again. But I assume he had something important to offer?” Celestia asked.

“Yes: he wants to tell you about what he saw during his years in the Outlands. He thinks he knows what Kietelethar is most likely looking for, and why.”

“Well?” Luna questioned, growing impatient.

Suddenly, the room grew dark, and started to morph into the scene of a palace. Discord's voice rang through the vanishing hall:

"The ride has now come to a start, please feel free to stand up and flail your arms, but don't come to me if you lose a head..."

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Kietelethar stood silently in the ruined tower, looking out to the great Citadel. His hood hid the saddened look in his eyes, and the remorseful grimace on his face.

‘I never meant for him to become like me,’ he thought miserably, ‘there was a reason I sent Scorpan in there with him…’

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“Papa, Papa!” the young creature cried out with joy, running to Kietelethar’s side. The little one’s lion-like mane bounced as he ran, and his rather pony-like face was beaming with a wide grin. He flapped his bat-like wings, and flew into the awaiting arms of his father:

“My dear Scorpan!” Kietelethar, called happily: ruffling the Imp’s mane.

I want you to wrap your tiny minds around what you are seeing here, if you can. See the regalia that adorns our latest foe? Yes? Good, now shut up and let me talk.

At this point in time, Kietelethar was the king of a distant land known as Mythos. Odd name for a place, I admit, but I think you can see why I came here. Such wonderful-looking residents...

“Are you ready for your trip, my son?”

“Yes, papa!” Scorpan exclaimed. “But…”

“Tirek?”

“He’s unsure, papa,” Scorpan said cautiously, “he says he doesn’t see what this new land would have to offer, besides resources and slave labor.”

A viewpoint I used to share, too. Oh, the foolishness of youth~.

Kietelethar’s brow hardened. “Where is he?”

Scorpan shrank at the sight of his father’s façade. “I-In the garden, papa.”

Kietelethar stood, and motioned for Scorpan to follow. He descended from his throne, set his crown aside, and walked out through the great doorway.

He found his elder son sitting beside the Grand Fountain, the centerpiece of the gardens of the kingdom, and stomped up to him.

Tirek shot up with a start when he heard the first thundering paw-step. And he looked up to his father: an impenetrable wall of scales, fur, and armor. And looked longingly at the cape which should soon fall from his own shoulders, as heir to the throne.

“Prince Tirek?”

He refocused his attention to the small Chimera standing beside him, and scowled menacingly.

“Your services are no longer required, Crystals.” He snapped, pointing away with a thick finger.

“Don’t you want to talk some mo--“

“I said you’re to leave, Chimera!” Tirek barked, causing the creature to turn tail and run off like a shot.

Kietelethar chuckled warmly.” I see you’re getting along with your future subjects?”

Tirek scowled. “I’ll bet I get more results then those weak-minded fools in Equestria!”

Kietelethar lowered his eyes from the fleeing Chimera, and to the frustrated form of his son. “What makes you think they are weak?”

Tirek snorted. “The very philosophies that their civilization is based on is a tactical weakness, father. They attach themselves to their subjects, so that if one is slain they will be distracted long enough to be taken down themselves.”

Kietelethar shook his head sadly. “You’ve been talking with Arimaspi again, haven’t you?”

“He says the Griffins are holding a treasure that could be of use to us, since it seems to be able to unite an entire race of greedy pigeons into a single nation.”

A rather interesting observation, I must admi-- Celly! Quit hogging the popcorn, you're getting butter everywhere!

Gracious me, I'm starting to sound like Rarity...

“And that applies to the equines…?”

“Those namby-pamby creatures took control of the sun and moon! That control used to be a sign of your divine rule!”

“I never had that to begin with." Keitelethar chuckled. "And even if I did, if they actually relieved me of such a tedious task, while not altering the cycle in the process, I still would’ve had no complaints.”

“Four Alicorns have even been sent to the earth, and The Alliance has fallen from the heavens, and planted itself like a seed. Truly this should be a chance for us to awaken the Allfather!” Tirek offered.

I doubt I'll have to explain what he's talking about to you, Lulu.

“Ignis was as much an Allfather as I am the mother of the High King!” Kietelethar shouted, slamming his fist into the wall of the fountain. A crack formed from where his scaly fingers struck, and the wall collapsed: letting the water spill out. Kietelethar ignored this, and continued his speech. “Waking him would be a bad idea, and returning to the King’s service should be your focus. Arimaspi may be an elder, but he is a fool if he thinks that the Rebellious is the key to our race’s destiny. The Equine are the King’s chosen, and they know his rules more than we. Offering them our allegiance is our only hope to reformation.”

“Why send us then, father?” Tirek asked.

“I want you to follow a different path then I did, son. So I am sending you and your brother to this land to negotiate a treaty. I will send Crystal with you as well if you so wish, my son. If their councils can be trusted, I will soon go there myself.”

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Oh, how he wished that was how it ended, for it is how it should have ended. But, alas, he was there: he was there on his throne when Scorpan returned; telling of Tirek’s treachery and thievery, and receiving the crown instead. He was there on his throne when Arimaspi went on his uncouth rampage into Griffinstone, and news came of him falling into the abyss. He was there when he received word that his elder son had been imprisoned in Tartarus, the Prison Eternal, and reduced to a skulking shadow of a centaur.

He did not regret giving Scorpan the throne, for he had changed the kingdom of Mythos into a thriving monarchy, set upon the same morals as that sovereign nation of Equestria: still newly born from the separatist nations of Roam, Pegasgard, and Equesus. But he did regret that he had to lose his son in the process. It had even been an eternity since he heard from his his son’s personal council, Crystals, since Tirek cast them out of the group for believing the equines to be wise.

Until, around eight hundred years ago, a possible solution occurred to him:

“The Alliance has fallen from the heavens, and planted itself like a seed.”

Tirek had said that the Alliance, the King’s Hammer, was inside the heart of the Equestian Matriarchy. And he had heard that six of its Aspects were used to defeat the Last Draconequus, Discord. And later, against one of the Four Alicorns themselves!

He had kept an eye on the movements of the King’s Hammer ever since, until he had received word that Cerberus had left his post, and his son had escaped. He immediately left his home in journey, and had arrived in time to see Tirek be blasted back into the Prison Eternal by six equines he assumed to be the new bearers of the Aspects. And thought it strange that the seventh Aspect hadn’t yet resurfaced. But, if these six were powerful enough to send his son into Tartarus, they should be powerful enough for a swap-operation.

He had long ago decided to acquire these new forms of the Alliance, which had bared the Aspectual Fruit now known as the Elements of Harmony. Then he would send Tirek home, where he could then study under Scorpan, who had grown thrice fold in his wisdom. How he hoped that his time amassing his army on Earth would amount to enough for him to get into the village known as Ponyville, and steal the Elements.

But then, his single Equestrian spy caught his attention: he failed to mention he was already in good graces with the Bearers of the Alliance. Or, rather, Elements of Harmony. That was not unforgivable, but it was enraging.

He was brought out of his mind by the sound of hoofsteps approaching from behind him as his new number two crossed the threshold, and came into the room. An invisible force set in the doorway became stained as if with black ink as the equine passed through, and it opened its eyes: revealing two fiery orbs staring blankly at him, awaiting orders.

“Is there any news on the whereabouts of the Elements, Mac?” The Prophet asked, not bothering to turn around.

“Nothing that was new to me, my Lord.” The black stallion sighed, lowering his head.

“You’ve said that before.” Kietelethar chuckled. “It wasn’t until now that I realized what you were saying.”

He turned around, and pointed menacingly at the doorway: which still held the inky substance back. “I respected your decision to spare your friend the pain of becoming a prisoner of the Threads, but you must remember that for now: you belong to me.”

“Sir?”

Kietelethar seized the unsuspecting pony by the neck, and held him up to his toothy maw. “What news of the Elements are you withholding from me?”

Mac squirmed, but complied with the will of the aged king.

“They have been returned to the Tree, sire.”

He fell to the floor with a thud as the dragon released him from his grip: mind bending as he fought against such a thought.

“That cannot be!” He roared. “I saw them use the Elements against my son!”

“The Elements were never used against you son, sir.” Mac deadpanned: his will finally broken.

“What did they use, then?”

“Pure Friendship Energy: concentrated from years of learning, experience, and faith.”

“CHYYYAARRRGGH!!!”

The false prophet plowed his fist through the wall, and used his arm as leverage to throw the barrier into the Everfree. This 'friendship' gift from the King had proved once again to be more powerful than he guessed, now being able to not only transform one of his sons: but to also punish the other. He cursed himself for still loving such a seed, even after it was turned against him more than once.

“How do I get them back?”

“You can’t, they need to be recalled by the Bearers. And they wouldn’t risk it, they fear it might kill the Tree.”

“The Tree that grew from the King’s Hammer is vulnerable?”

“Sire?”

Kietelethar looked out the gaping hole in the side of the castle. “If I’m not going to get my son back, I’ll make these fools pay for taking him away…”

“Yes, sire.” The shadow said uneasily.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“... And that wraps up our glorious high-definition presentation. Please don't exit stage right, but do feel free to leave any and all explosives under your seats!”

Celestia raised an eyebrow as the room faded back: replacing of the majestic scenery of Mythos.

“I doubt that is how the Elements work. And even if it were, they were placed back into the tree months ago.”

“Well, you know that, and I know that,” the Stranger started, “but he obviously doesn’t.”

“But Mac does!” Twilight argued. “And if our encounters can tell us anything, it’s that he has no reason to withhold that from Kietelethar.”

“Or it tells us the exact opposite.” The Stranger insisted. “Remember, he did yell at me to get out of there, with all of you.”

“But how was he able to resist the threads?” Twilight retorted.

“Mortals are stronger than you think, Twilight.” Celestia sighed. “Sometimes, they’re stronger then us Immortals…”

"Yet even an immortal's will can be broken, sister." Luna warned.

Chapter Eleven: Chasing Prophecies

Mac was looking off the side of the faithful Albatross once more. This time, however, it was under more pleasant circumstances. Myra stood beside him, leaning on the railing.

She seemed afraid. He wanted to say something, but he had no idea what to say that wouldn’t sound completely cliché. He reached out a hoof to her, but retracted it right before it made contact with her shoulder. She turned her head, and smiled at him.

“Even clichés might be helpful right now.” She said warmly, causing him to flush slightly.

“He’s going to be fine.” Mac said, trying his best to be assuring. Myra gave him a calm look, and nodded her head towards the castle they were approaching.

“I’ve only heard descriptions of that place, back before it was the dwelling of a monster crazed with grief.” She sighed. “I never liked dark places, or walking alone. I always knew something sinister was waiting for me in the depths of the world.”

“And now,” she groaned, looking back into the horizon. “I’m going to face my fear, hunting as much as being hunted. I can’t decide whether the fact that so many others are putting themselves in harm’s way alongside me makes that better, or worse.”

Mac thought about that for a second. This was the first time he’s seen her head into certain danger, since she was strangely absent from the Hydra encounter.

“Where were you that day?” He asks absentmindedly. Myra turned to him with a confused expression, causing him to come up with a hasty rephrasing: “I mean, during the attack in the Everfree. Where were you? You didn’t pop up until we boarded.”

She lowered her head, and muttered something under her breath. Mac had to lower his own head, and tilt his ear in her direction. She mumbled again, this time even quieter. It was obvious to Mac by now, from the look on her face, that Myra wasn’t really comfortable with the conversation at hand. He stood back up, apologized, and started to walk off.

“They sent me back!”

Mac froze in place. He turned his head back around to face her. “What?”

“I had no way of defending myself: no weapons, no shield, no magic, nothing! So when they heard the Hydras, and then Kietelethar’s laugh: they… sent me back to the Albatross.”

“Makes sense to me.”

“I didn’t want to go, but— what?”

“If you have no way of defending yourself, it would be a bad idea to send you in.”

Myra lifted a hoof to her chin. “I… guess that makes sense, but, what about you and Orion? You two have no weapons, no Elemental Power, no magic. Why are you here?”

Mac scoffed, and pointed to the brown earth pony- who was currently talking with Rarity- with a hoof as his wings flared out. “We’re part of why you’re even in this mess,” he stated firmly, “we need to fight in order to redeem ourselves in the eyes of our home-worlds.”

He folded his wings and tapped the deck impatiently. “Think of it as our apology to you. Plus, he might not be as dangerous as I’ve made him out to be.”

That caught her attention. “What do you mean?”

“Think about his ultimate goal, Myra,” Mac offered, “he’s here to get his son back, which is an act of loyalty, kindness and generosity. He’s one Element away from being a normal pony.”

“What Element is that?” Myra asked. Mac paused for a long time, puzzling on how to answer.

“Y’know, I’ve never heard him laugh? Like, really laugh, out of nothing but joy?” He chuckled. “That’s the Element he’s missing: Joy.”

Myra nodded, and looked over to the castle, hoping he was right.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“Are you sure this is wise?” Rarity asked, sitting down at a table beside Orion. She avoided his gaze, and instead looked off the deck.

“Isn’t this a cruise ship at heart?” Orion asked innocently, looking over to the approaching waiter. “Besides: I’m paying extra for the service.”

“Yes,” Rarity whispered, “but what if my friends get the impression that—“

“That we’re on a date?” Orion chuckled, interrupting her panic attack. “I was led to believe that is the scenario.”

He took the menus from the waiter, and handed one to her. After they had both ordered coffee, Rarity set down her menu and looked him in the eye.

“True as that may be, it might seem... uncouth to them for me to go out with someone who’s from another world, if you know what I mean. Also, a date on the very eve of a dangerous quest seems... off.”

“I can think of no time better. Besides, we’ve got three more days.” Orion shrugged, opening his menu. “What kind of food would you recommend?”

“I personally prefer their Al Forno Conchiglie with Five Cheeses, but it tends to be rather... expensive.” Rarity sighed. “If your pocket is limited, but your taste is authentic, I’d recommend their Chickpea Burgers with Mint Raita: it’s simply divine!”

“I think I’ll have that, then.” Orion affirmed, closing his menu with a snap. The waiter walked up expectantly, and took out a pen and pad with his magic.

“What can I get you?” He asked.

“I’ll take the Chickpea Burger Large, please.” Orion stated.

The server wrote something on his pad, nodded, and turned to Rarity. “And what get for you, ma’am?”

“I’ll have the Spinach Omelet with—”

She was cut off by a brown hoof resting gently on her muzzle. Orion raised an eyebrow at her, and turned to the waiter: “She’ll have the Al Forno Conchiglie with Five Cheeses,” he gave her a playful grin, “and a small Spinach Omelet on the side.”

The waiter nodded with a slight, knowing grin, and walked off.

Rarity felt the bridge of her nose heat up considerably as she stared at the hoof that rested on her snout: he was just so gentle. He didn’t shove his hoof in her face like Applejack would have done in order to interrupt her, he just set it there, on the tip of her nose, and smiled warmly at her.

And he was such a gentlecolt: he bought her favorite dish for her, even after she explained that it was expensive. She felt like her entire face was heating up by now, and it took a second for her to notice that his hoof was long gone. She looked up to his face, only to be disappointed by the sight of him chuckling like a common idiot.

“And-” she squeaked, before clearing her throat: making him laugh even harder. She tried again, this time with as serious a tone as she could muster.

“And what, pray tell, is so funny?”

“Oh, please forgive me." He said, trying to be polite through his chuckles. "You rather look like a beet.”

He only laughed harder when she scrunched her face up, and puffed out her cheeks, as now she more closely resembled a tomato.

“I still can’t believe you ordered me the Conchiglie,” She tittered, trying her best to change the subject as the color faded from her face, “it was mighty generous of you.”

“I learned from the best.” Orion replied with a wink.

‘Dammit!’ Rarity thought, her blush returning. ‘How does he do that? I’ve had other stallions say sweeter things, and they never caught my attention. Why is he so different?’

Orion merely took note of her reactions and chuckled to himself. The waiter reappeared moments later with their food, and set it on the table before giving Orion a small paper, and leaving again.

“What’s that?” Rarity asked, pointing to the document with her fork before stabbing it into her food.

Orion hesitated in answering, and put the note in his pocket. “The check,” He said casually, “but enough about me…”

He leaned in, and set one hoof onto hers, while picking up a burger with the other. “… I want to hear more about you…”

If Rarity had wings, she’d swear they would’ve been fanned out by now: his tone was so... charming, if nothing else.

“Well—” She squeaked again, only to clear her throat as Orion bit into his burger. “Well, I run a small boutique in Ponyville: Carusel Boutique, named after my father’s old business of building Carousels.”

“That answers about the name.” Orion stated, wiping some mustard from his chin in a dapper manner.

“Indeed,” Rarity continued, “it’s a simple place, drawing business solely from my work as a fashionista.”

“How do you mean?”

“I take inspiration from the personality and appearance of whoever comes in, and design a dress accordingly.”

Orion tapped his chin thoughtfully. “Do you think you could make me a suit?”

*POMF*

Rarity looked down to her suddenly frazzled tail, and picked it up in order to comb it with her magic.

“I-I-I’d love to!” She giggled, finishing with her grooming. “Do you want it after our date, or when we go back to Ponyville?”

“Whenever you want to do it is fine, milady.” He cooed, kissing her hoof.

Rarity let out a soft little sigh as everything around Orion’s face dissolved into a shiny, pink mist. Had Orion focused hard enough, he would’ve seen her pupils take the shape of beating heart. But he was too busy staring into their depths to realize that even his eyes started to take on the same shape.

“I’ll… get started… when we’re done eating…” Rarity sighed affectionately, taking a bite from her food.

“Excellent.”

“B-but enough about me,” Rarity coughed, “I’m ashamed to admit it, but I know next to nothing about you. What is your backstory? Luna seemed to know of you, Mr. Winterguard, how did that come about?”

“Please,” Orion started, “Mr. Winterguard was my father, and my father was the one Luna knew. I never saw her, but she was a close friend to him. He... might have even supplied Nightmare Moon with Thestral slaves during the Nightmare War, out of fear of losing her.”

“O-oh… I see.”

“But that was a darker time, and my personal history isn’t really that interesting. You want to see my life? Watch a sitcom, and there you go.”

“Interesting,” Rarity sighed. “But, I do have one question… what’s a sitcom?”

“A Situational Comedy, hence Sit-Com: It’s like a soap opera with comedy instead of drama.”

“Ah, but surely, you do not disapprove of a good Soap Opera?”

Orion chuckled. “Not if the acting is good, no.”

Rarity tapped her chin with a hoof. “Have you ever seen Guiding Sunlight?”

“No,” Orion shrugged.

“Would you be willing to give it a try?”

“For you,” he sat his hoof atop hers once more, gently as always, “anytime.”

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“Are you sure searching the palace without any help from the Guard is a smart move, Twilight?” Applejack questioned, setting her menu down to look at the Alicorn across from her. “Ah mean, Ah know that Stranger told us that Ki might not be all that dangerous, but what about when he finds out that there’s no way to get his son back?”

Fluttershy cocked an eyebrow at Applejack from further in their booth. “Ki?”

“You know who Ah mean, Flutters.”

Twilight set her menu down as well, nodding slowly. “I’m sure everything will be fine, Applejack. It’s a simple mission: go in, explain why the Elements won’t be of use, tell him why we can’t do the spell ourselves, make a new ally from the Land beyond the Outlands, and get out.”

Rainbow leaned over to Fluttershy. “Please tell me that she is not gonna say what I think she’s gonna say.” She said in a hushed whimper.

Twilight shrugged. “What could go wrong?”

“She said it.” Fluttershy deadpanned.

Rainbow visibly flinched at the words. “We’re dead.”

“We’re not dead yet, silly!” Pinkie chirped, hanging her head in front of Rainbow’s face. “We’re just buried under a mountain of rocks, hearing every second tick by as our breaths slowly sap life-giving oxygen from the air!”

Everypony stared at her, eyes wide with a mixture of shock and alarm. It didn’t help that her mane was slightly deflated.

“Uh, that’s awfully specific there, sugarcube.” Applejack shuddered.

“I, uh… got a letter from home the other day… accident with one of the hired hands.”

“Did he insult Limestone or something?” Rainbow asked. Her reply was a swift elbow to the ribs from Applejack.

“Now’s not the time to be cracking jokes, hon.” She hissed.

“Actually, he shot her down pretty bluntly after she asked him out. Why do you ask?”

Everypony shifted uncomfortably in their seats, and avoided eye contact. Rainbow cleared her throat.

“N-no reason.” She stuttered.

Pinkie shrugged, and dropped from the chandelier onto the table: popping up in her seat half a second later.

“What do you think will be waiting for us at the palace?” Twilight asked, speaking to nopony in particular.

Slowly: Everypony turned back to Pinkie, who looked up to them.

“What?”

“Anything happenin'? Ah mean with your Pinkie Sense, there?” Applejack inquired, lifting an eyebrow.

Pinkie shifted her sight from side to side, flexing her muscles to see if anything would pop up.

“Nope,” She sighed after thirty seconds, shrugging.

Twilight massaged the bridge of her nose with a hoof. “Why doesn’t that thing pop up when things are at their worst?”

“I can’t control it,” Pinkie sighed, “but all things happen for a reason. I’m sure everything’s going to be fine!”

“Nevertheless,” the Stranger sighed, finally speaking up after his thoughtful silence, “shouldn’t we apply some sort of strategy to the situation?”

“What do you mean?”

He glared at Twilight. “I mean this: I doubt that someone selfless enough to put himself at risk for a son that has proven to be cruel beyond hope out of belief in the slight chance that he could be changed is a vile villain. But he has killed in the past, while trying to reach his ultimate goal.” His hoof hit the table. “He is a threat, beyond a reasonable doubt. He needs to be stopped.”

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“No,”

The shadow cast his binoculars to the side, gliding down the spiral staircase, and swerving effortlessly through the following halls. He stopped in front of the largest door, and kneeled, breathing heavily from the increased weight on his mind.

“My lord Kietelethar, the Elemental Bearers are closing in on us. What is it you want done?”

Kietelethar tightened his fists around the arm of his throne, bending the steel into a knot. He turned his head just enough to let the enslaved Pegasus see his hideous maw from behind the back of his seat, and growled:

“The mechanism is not yet ready… you will buy me some time, however you see fit!”

Kietelethar turned back, watching through a large window as a multitude of his slaves hauled giant gears back and forth, and pounded metal on anvils into various shapes.

The shell of the Pegasus nodded behind him, and walked off.

“However we see fit, eh?” He chuckled darkly, remembering his words to his alternate.

“This fight is for another day!”

This time, the chuckle turned into rolling thunder, then into a hurricane of black laughter that echoed down the halls, and made the Prophet turn his head curiously.

“Well, fool.” He snorted. “That day has finally dawned!”

He flung out his wings as soon as he reached the veranda, and took to the midnight sky: heading towards the unsuspecting airship.

Chapter Twelve: Chilling Encounters.

'Finally, I get to go into action! It’s been far too long since my last victim, and he didn’t even put up a struggle: just a swift slash with a blade, and he collapsed. By the King, I hope he made it, I don’t want to actually kill anypony… that I know personally, anyways.

'I’m glad those idiotic lookouts are too busy watching those foals at the table to notice me, right up here. Now, if I can just act swiftly, and silently…

'Poor fools, that orange one’s neck snapped like a twig! I hope that wasn’t who I think it was. Wait, he’s still breathing? His pulse is fine, and his breathing is actually relaxed… how long did this guy have a stiff neck, if popping it causes him to relax this much?

'Ah, the other one looks afraid for his life, better milk this as much as I can…'

“H-halt, in the name of—“

'Knife dramatically lifted to the throat for silence, check! Now, wait for it...'

“Who… what are you?”

'Ah, he no doubt noticed my eyes. Come on dude, think of a cool one-liner…'

“I am the Shadow that flaps in the Night!”

'That’ll work. Bye-bye!

'Whee~! There he goes! I forgot how fun it is to throw somepony twice my size over the side of a railing, and I’m actually surprised he didn’t scream. Let me just make sure he fell in the lake, and I didn’t make another mess on the ground… good. He’ll live.

'Now, who were they watching? Is this airship hits an iceberg, I swear…

'Is that Rarity? And… who’s the dude? Well, my lord said to buy him some time, so let’s stop bothering about dumb crush number five twenty-three, and see what type of fun I can have in the engine room. I just have to sneak into the window when she’s not looking…'

“Stranger, what are you doing out here?”

'Aw, shit! Who’s? … Oh, right, that guy. Weird names-givers, those humans.

'Okay… just play it cool, as long as she doesn’t notice our eyes…'

“Just getting a breath of fresh air, Miss Rarity, I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”

'When did my voice get so deep? Oh, right. Nervous reaction, it seems even under command my annoying habits won’t go away. I’m just glad she doesn’t seem to notice.'

“It’s alright, darling. Just please don’t be silent as the breeze next time, I thought I was looking at a ghost!”

'Well, that was unbelievably easy. She's gone back to talking with… whoever the heck that is. Was she always that naïve? Of course she was, this is Rarity we’re talking about: falling in love with anything wearing a mane and glasses.

'Okay, keep walking: and act casual, nopony’s noticed me yet. We just wait until we get to the engine r—'

“What in the hay?”

'Shit… not again. How many ponies are on this boat?'

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“Stranger, Ah declare, you must be the fastest walker in Equestria!” Applejack chuckled after bumping into the stunned Pegasus. “Ah just left you talking with the others, and… why are you hanging your head like that?”

“I think I ate something a little… off.” The Stranger said, belching a little. “Is there a bathroom around here?”

Applejack tilted her head. 'Those breadsticks must have come in sooner than expected.' She mused. 'poor guy, dang hoity-toity cooks don’t even know how to bake anymore.'

“There’s a couple down in the engine room…” She shrugged, pointing down a hallway. “Ah just came from there myself.”

“Cool, thanks!” The Stranger said, walking past her in a rush.

“Poor fella, probably ate too many, if he took RD’s challenge…”

Applejack turned, shook her head, and stepped back into the dining room. “RD! Now look what you gone and did! Challeng'n him to an eating competition! and now the poor boy’s all…”

She drifted off when she noticed that Stranger was still seated at the table.

“… Sick?”

She glanced back at the doorway, and everypony else merely stared at her in confusion.

“Twilight,” she sighed, holding her hat over her eyes, and turning back to face the group: “incoming shitstorm…”

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

'Wow, that was unbelievably simple… how long have these ponies been complete idiots? No matter, I’ve gotten to the engine room.

'Oh, wow. That… is one big turbine. How much power does this thing need to move, again? Because that's just ridiculous.

'Bah, I'm getting distracted again: let me see what I can do with these pesky wires... Ah, here’s a wrench! This ought to take care of step one…'

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“Applejack, what do you—?”

Before Twilight could finish, the lights went out in a single pop: encompassing the group in complete darkness. Twilight shivered nervously as she felt the intense bang of the motor breaking.

“Applejack?” Fluttershy asked.

“He’s here…”

Rainbow tried to look Applejack in the eye through the blackness. “Who’s here?”

“… Mac…”

Just as she spoke, a light clicked on in the middle of the main corridor: illuminating them slightly in an eerie glow that only shone on half of their forms.

“Nine little friends, all trapped in a boat… shining in the darkness in multicolored coats.” A deep voice sang, its sound echoing through the rooms of the ship.

“Oh… my…”

There was a blur of wind to their left, and they all flinched as it passed: only for Twilight to run into a furry shape on their right.

She screamed as she let a burst of magic, only to lose track of the shadow. And they scattered across the room.

Fluttershy’s leg collided with a hoof, sending her sprawling into a table. The impact knocked a lamp off the top of the furniture, and into Twilight’s face. They were both rendered unconscious.

Rainbow, in the meantime, was head-butted in the ribs: throwing her out the window, and knocking her head on the sill on the way out. Halfway through her unscheduled flight, she took Pinkie Pie with her. At that moment, Rarity and Orion came bursting in through the door, standing beneath a lit spotlight.

“What’s going on in here?” Orion demanded. There was a grunt across the room, and the Stranger landed at his hooves, grunting in pain.

“Four little friends running ‘round in a craze… waiting to run their course in life's little maze…”

“SHUT UP!!”

Applejack roared as she sent a table flying across the room. Everypony heard it crash, but none could see what it landed on. Applejack ran to the spotlight with her friends, and they waited for the others.

“Where are Twilight, and the rest?” Orion asked. Mac stood to his hooves, and rubbed his eye.

“Four wonder where the other five are… troubling the dead will only leave a scar…”

Applejack and Rarity froze, and the Stranger looked ready to hurl. Orion stepped forward, and called out into the shadows:

“One lone shadow, standing against four… such deceiving flies should bother us no more!”

“The hunter in the stars tries to beat me in rhyme… such poor versing should be called a crime…”

Orion was about to offer a strict rebuttal, but he lurched forward, hitting the floor face-first as the ship grinded to a halt: knocking himself unconscious. The shadow had pitched the anchor over the side, snagging the forest below.

Myra came running under the light, tripping over a tendril that tried to grab her. She kicked it off, and jumped behind the Stranger.

“Is everypony here?” She squeaked.

“No.” Applejack snorted, “But never mind that now, we need to figure out how to—“

*CHUNK!*

Applejack rubbed her eyes at the sudden assault of light, and blinked a few times. She heard Myra gasp, and looked ahead to find the two Black Stallions face-to-face once again: illuminated perfectly in the dining room’s lighting. It was easy to tell which one was which, with one having blazing eyes, and the other a scar on his nose. The one with fiery eyes seemed nervous as he looked up at the lights.

“Impossible!” He snorted, “I—“

“—Need to work on your mechanical skills, kid.” The Captain said as he walked in, holding a bent wrench with his magic.

He was a tall, fit, cream-colored stallion. With a blonde mane that was combed to flow like gold, and a small, matching mustache decorating his lip. Several angry-looking crew members followed behind him, pounding their hooves together.

“Did you really think nopony would notice this after an engine failure?”

The shadowy stallion roared as black tendrils shot out from his shadow, and straight for the crew. They stopped short, and fell limply to the floor as a crack was heard, and the Shadow was seen flying out the window: landing on the deck in a pile of broken glass. A trickle of blood escaped his lips.

Applejack and Myra lowered their back legs from the synchronized kick, and the Stranget walked up with a smile on his face.

“That was impressive,” he complimented, nodding to the two mares, “now we just need to figure out a way to contain him.”

The Captain motioned for the crew to help with the unconscious ponies, and looked to Applejack. “We’ll have them up in enough time for you to interrogate him.”

“Don’t you want to question him, Warp?” Applejack asked, looking at him with a confused expression.

“I would love to," Captain Warp growled, "but my crew and I need to focus on untangling the anchor, and fixing the motor. That might take about a few days, and then we’ll resume our journey to the Old Palace.”

Applejack nodded, and walked over to help with her friends.

Chapter Thirteen: Capture.

Just as they thought, the pony that they once considered a friend stirred as soon as the spotlight hit his eyes. Applejack lowered her hoof from the switch, and glared at him. The others switched on their own lights: making sure there was hardly a shadow around him, in hopes that that was where he drew power from. They had tied him to a chair, and as all the light was focused on him: outside of the lit circle the room was nothing but shadow. He struggled to stand up, but found it impossible to get out of the rope.

“Having a hard time moving, Mac?” A compassionate voice said. Myra and the Stranger both stepped into view. The Shadow snarled: baring his teeth at the sight of the Stranger, and trying to lurch at him.

“You traitor!” He barked. “You think the Prophet didn’t plan for your arrogance? He’s already got Orion's head!”

Orion took a turn stepping into the light, wearing an arrogant smirk. “Oh, really now?”

The Shadow’s jaw hung loose, recognizing the voice. “It can’t be!”

“It can, bub,” Orion chuckled, “it seems you need to take a look around you before you make empty claims.”

The Shadow was about to retort, but was startled by a hoof slamming into the back of the chair right beside his head. He turned to see Rainbow Dash shooting him a glare that would’ve set the whole ship ablaze, were it focused elsewhere.

She grabbed his head in her hooves, and delivered a strong slap to his jaw.

“Snap out of it!” She screamed.

By slapping the Shadow around, she had unwittingly loosened the rope enough to let him wriggle a hoof free, which he then brought across her face with a violent smack: sending her back into the darkness outside his vision.

This was met by another hoof pounding into his forehead: sending sparks flying in his vision. When he was able to see again, his forearm was tied back up, and the Stranger was standing over him. He wanted to lunge at the filth, but he saw no point in fighting in this predicament.

“What do you want, traitor?” He hissed, rolling his head over lazily to look the Stranger in the eye.

The Stranger breathed deeply, and sat down calmly in front of the Shadow.

“Why are you here?”

“The Prophet wanted me to stall.”

The Shadow shook his head. He didn’t want to say that! Why did he say that?

“Stall for what?”

“More time.”

Ah, so he still had some control over his mouth, after all.

“Why are you stalling for time?”

“So the mechanism will be finished.”

The Stranger seemed to freeze, and Applejack walked in front of one of the spotlights: casting a cruel shadow across her face as she stepped towards him.

“What mechanism?” She questioned.

“The one he’s building.”

Two hooves slammed onto the chair on either side of the Shadow’s head: hurting his ears as they cracked the wood. Applejack leaned in, and breathed an impatient snort in his face. The look in her eyes was one of pity, fear, and disgust. Though she looked ready to beat this ‘dark side’ right out of him.

“What is the mechanism he’s building?” She asked again.

“I don’t know, he never told me.”

Applejack snorted. “Yeah, Ah don’t buy that for a—“

“I’m telling the truth, mud-pony!” The Shadow shouted. “Don’t you realize what happened the last time I knew his goal? I kept it from him!”

“Yeah, and look where that got us!”

All three turned to see Rainbow walking back into the light: pressing a cold cloth on her left eye. She looked close to tears,which put the others on guard.

“He’s turned friend against friend, no matter how long they’ve been together.” She hissed, lowering the cloth, and showing off a blackened eye that shone with sticky tears.

“He made one of my oldest friends… do this… to me.” She choked, hatred and distaste burning in the back of her eyes. “Screw the politeness of going to his door, knocking, and asking him not to kill us! Let’s just go get Celestia, come back, and blow the bastard up!”

“Watch you language, Rainbow!” Applejack quipped harshly.

Rainbow waved it off: “I’ve heard you mutter worse things when your sister sneezes.”

Applejack was about to protest, when Twilight’s voice came from behind them.

“As much as I’d love to break diplomacy here, Rainbow, I think we’ll be able to handle this… mechanism.” She scoffed, stepping forward just enough to bring only her front half into view.

She also held a dark look in her eyes, but it was held back by a look of sympathy. She focused directly into the Shadow’s eyes. “Fight it, Mac. I know you can: you’ve done it before, you can do it again.”

The Shadow shook his head with a hollow laugh. “That pathetic, weak-minded foal you knew as a friend is long gone, Twilight!” He barked, flinging flecks of saliva onto her face. Twilight blinked, and gently raised a hoof to brush the spittle off her snout.

“You can fight it, Mac.” She said in an assuring tone, walking slowly up to him. She laid a hoof on his shoulder, and looked him deeper in the eye.

“Fight it.”

The Shadow fought, alright, but not how she asked. He snapped his teeth to the side, boring them into the flesh of the Alicorn’s right forehoof. She recoiled, shrieking in pain as her blood dripped onto the floor.

Rainbow and Applejack both rushed to Twilight’s side, as Fluttershy ran out of the shadows with a first-aid kit. She was expecting to be using on the Shadow, after Rainbow’s turn at interrogation.

Twilight used her magic to take a small bandage from the kit, and applied it tenderly to her hoof, instantly turning a good portion of it from white to red. She looked painfully up at the Shadow, still shaking from the searing pain in her hoof.

“Why are you doing this, Mac?” She pleaded.

The Shadow smiled deviously as blood trickled across his teeth, sending chills down their spines. He spat the coppery liquid onto the floor carelessly, and spoke.

“Because it’s entertaining to watch you goody-goods tremble at the hooves of one you thought a friend...”

A hoof connected with the side of his face, and he turned his burning eyes towards the culprit.

“Snap out of it, you foal!” The Stranger shouted angrily. “He’s using you, can't you see that? As soon as you’ve ceased your usefulness, guess what’s going to happen?”

He lifted a hoof, and motioned across his throat in a single, slow sweep. He then brought the back of his hoof across the Shadow’s face: knocking the chair over, and making the Shadow’s head hit the floor with a thud.

“Stranger!” Twilight yelped in alarm.

“Relax, we have a few days,” the Stranger shrugged, shaking the ache from his hoof, “he’ll get over it.”

Myra walked up to the comatose Shadow, and laid a hoof on his head.

“We can change him back, right?” She said nervously. Twilight and the others averted her gaze, but the Stranger smiled warmly.

“No matter what it takes.” He assured her.

None of them saw the single black tendril creeping its way towards the light switch.

Chapter Fourteen: A Decline of Hope.

The spotlights went out with a click, dropping the group of ten into complete darkness. Fluttershy shrieked in terror as something long and cold wrapped around her leg, before another shape bound her neck.

“Get the switch!” Twilight yelped, charging towards where she last saw the chair. She was silenced by yet another tendril slithering around her own throat.

A rather large gathering of the dark limbs was creeping its way to Myra, Unbeknownst to her. She didn’t notice them until she had already been encompassed in them, yet her screams went unheard as they carried her further in, the lights clicked on in time for her to see the terror that she was being drawn towards:

In place of her old friend sat a creature with the body of a pony, but the eyes of all hell, and enough hatred filled him that a physical heat pounded through the room. He was suspended by a pillar formed by the Threads, and they stretched out and covered the floor, ceiling, and walls.

Myra was sweating from both her fear, and the intense temperature by the time she came face-to-face with the Shadow.

“Welcome…” the Shadow hissed, “… to your nightmares...”

“Myra!” Applejack screamed, trying to fight her way past the dark forms in a desperate attempt to free her friends.

The tentacles snaked their way back around Myra’ face until they covered her completely. There was a blood-curdling scream, and the countless arms reopened to reveal an empty space where the Pegasus used to be.

“NO!”

The Stranger’s bellow of rage echoed across the halls of the Albatross as he rushed forward. The Shadow caught sight of him before he gained much ground, however, and snatched him with black fingers.

“What did you do to her?” Applejack demanded, throwing her weight into the bars of her slick cage.

“I needed an assurance that you’d be my guests, so I sent one of you early.” The Shadow taunted.

“Be your guests?” Fluttershy shuddered, surrounded by the limbs.

“Why, yes!" It spoke again, feigning surprise. "My lord is planning a party, and you’re all invited. Of course, you won't want to leave without participating in… the games.”

“Doesn’t sound like a party I’d want to attend!” Pinkie shouted from within her own prison.

The Shadow put on a fake pout, and looked over to her. “Such a pity,” he sighed, clinging onto the eight ponies, and throwing them into his view: “because if you don’t arrive…”

He summoned up a mass of black tar, and shaped it into Myra’s form. He then used a tendril to wrap around her neck: and squeezed.

The others all watched in horror as the construct’s head rolled on the floor after a sickening squelch, and they had very little trouble imagining it as Myra’s own. The Shadow saw the fear in their eyes, and grinned in pleasure at the immense spectacle of it all. He used the Threads to fully encompass them all in a room of his own making: the floor and walls were now polished, and inky. But the lights coming through the ceiling now only illuminated the ponies in a harsh, half-lit glow.

“Mac…” Twilight choked, “what happened to you?”

Another fiery-eyed Shadow stepped out from the wall: the mass of tar sliding off of him as if he were birthed from the stuff itself.

“I started to see with great clarity, my dear Twilight.” It hissed. “I’ve seen the future laid out for me: nothing but tending to the insignificant needs of others, while I myself wither away and become weak, until I’ve faded into obscurity. While you, and all my other ‘friends’, take a ride unto infinite glory!”

Twilight was taken aback: “What are—?”

“I was trained to be a warrior!” The first Shadow screamed. “And what do I do with my time? Am I a royal guard? No! Do I ever get to help when the monsters attack? Of course not! Do I even get to go hunting, to prevent the monsters from even coming out of the Everfree? No!”

The copy screamed in agony and knelt, and half the group gave startled shrieks as its face and body started to morph: sickening crunches could be heard as the flesh and bone rearranged. By the time it looked up, its entire appearance was reformed. Before them now stood a creature with the body of a grey-coated, maneless pony. But its lower jaw- if it ever had one- was missing: replaced by a gaping hole in its face and throat. It didn’t look like it was torn out, however, more like a permanent defect. Its tail was a mass of grey strands of dead hair, its limbs were thinner than that of the average pony, and its ears ended in jagged points.

Several identical beasts peeled themselves out from the walls, and forced the ponies to retreat to a single corner. A new voice rang out from the first demon’s throat, echoing across the hall, its sound similar to an axe dragging on jagged stone.

“We are here to help you play the game, as you already know the consequences if you fail to…”

Begrudgingly, Rainbow Dash accepted the ultimatum, feeling bile build in her throat at the sight of these new threats.

“What would you have us do, fiend?”

The dark being shook his head. “Such inspiring Loyalty, the Alliance serves you well.”

Rainbow dropped her head, looking defeated. “I just want my friends back.”

The demon smiled, and backed into the wall as the others followed suit. Soon, they were swallowed back into the inky substance. Then, to the surprise of all, the Threads themselves retreated: slowly recoiling back into the form that once held the soul of a fellow pony, causing it to smile sickly.

“Catch me, if you can…” The Shadow laughed, turning on his heels, and speeding out the doorway. It barely took a second for the Elements, the Stranger, and Orion to pursue.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

They chased the Shadow up to the deck of the ship, but were confused when he simply stopped as soon as he reached the railing, and looked back at them. They paused at the sight of his hesitance, until Twilight stepped forward.

“Alright, we’re at the starting gate. What are the rules?” She asked impatiently. The Shadow smiled at her assertiveness, and looked into the sky. Seeing it was already midday, he cast his gaze back onto them.

“The Games start in the morning.” He coughed, catching them all off guard.

“Why in the morning? Why not right now?” Rainbow demanded.

The Shadow smirked, and pointed behind them. “It appears that we have some newcomers.”

All turned to see another airship gliding towards them: a blazing Phoenix gliding alongside. The lettering on the hull named it Sundrop, and its design was reminiscent of Canterlot Architecture.

“It’s the Princesses!” Twilight sighed hopefully.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Hooves down, this was probably one of the most awkward meetings Mac had been in since his adventure began. For here, at the other end of the very table he was beside, sat his alternate. He expected the Shadow to have an intimidating presence, but was surprised to see that it also seemed to be enjoying every minute of its suffering. It just... sat there: stirring its tea, and taking the occasional sip. And the presence the Shadow put out unnerved Mac more than any of the hate-filled stares he’d gotten from Rainbow Dash before.

The others seemed uncomfortable with his presence at the meeting as well, as Celestia and Luna eyed him calmly and carefully, Twilight and Rarity shifted nervously in their seats. Pinkie seemed slightly deflated, while Applejack and Rainbow glared suspiciously; yet hopefully at him. And Fluttershy was preoccupied with fretting about Myra's safety.

Spike, Orion, and himself sat at a side table. One was worried, while the other merely curious.

Capt. Warp and his crew looked ready to beat the snot out of the Shadow, and the Guards he inconvenienced looked at him in mixed wonder, and terror. The orange one looked a little more relaxed then yesterday, though. The Shadow put out an eerie smile, and lifted the tea to his lips.

“I feel I’m under closer scrutiny than the Thestrals were.” He hissed, voice oozing with a sickly smug tone. Similar to how a viper might sound before lunging at her prey. Celestia wrinkled her nose at the harsh reminder.

After a few more minutes of baited silence, the Shadow stood up. "Well, as it seems you fools are too nervous of me to converse, I feel it is time for me to retire for the night." He declared in a bored tone, making his way to the door.

At a signal from Twilight, the crew blocked his path, causing him to quirk an eyebrow.

“Are you so eager to start this game early that you’re willing to risk your friend’s life?” He chuckled, before his expression soured, and the unholy fire in his eyes lit up further. “I’ve been doing nothing but stand around and mope for three days and nights, nonstop. Even we 'Shadows' need our rest.”

“How do we know you won’t disappear again?” Twilight asked coolly, setting her tea down.

“My dear Twilight,” the Shadow replied in a mock hurt tone: lifting a hoof to his chest, “why would I invite you to play a game, only to disappear when time comes to play?”

“He has a point.” The Stranger said, gesturing vaguely with a hoof. Twilight pondered the situation, nodded, and looked to the guard.

“Flash, I’m assigning you and Trim to keep him under supervision.” She sighed.

The orange Pegasus bowed. “Yes, Princess Twilight.” He returned, causing Twilight to turn a slight shade of red.

“I-it’s just Twilight!” She stammered, but he and the other guard had already escorted the Shadow out.

"Senpai..." she muttered weakly.

When the door closed, Thorpe raised his hoof to speak, but stopped when Celestia turned to Twilight. “Tell me more of this… game. Why do you have to play?”

Twilight smiled grimly, and gestured around the table. Celestia followed the area that her hoof covered, and noticed the absence of a certain ivory Pegasus. Shivers passing down her spine, she cast a worried look to Twilight that explained her fears perfectly.

“He said he ‘sent her early’.” Twilight quoted. “She should be safe, unless we refuse to play.”

“I see,” Celestia pondered.

“What of the game itself?” Luna cut in. “What is it, and how do you play?”

“He said he’ll let us know in the mornin’ when he saw your ship coming up behind us, and he seemed right pleased with your appearance.” Applejack answered. “Makes me wonder what he has in store for us, if the appearance of somepony even more powerful makes him giddy.”

Celestia and Luna exchanged worried glances, and then cast their gazes to Twilight, who shared their bleak expression.

“Why in the morning? Why not start as soon as he can?” Celestia asked again.

“He said he was buying time for Ke-whose-his-face to build some sort of mechanism,” Rainbow added, “something for us to fight, on my money.”

“I wouldn’t be so sure…” Orion said thoughtfully, looking out a window.

Rarity trotted up to him, and set a hoof on his shoulder. “What’s wrong, darling?”

He looked over to her sadly, and stood up. “I need to go back, to Canterlot. The Portal back should be reopened by the time I get to it.” He said flatly.

Rarity drew her hoof back, and stared at him in disbelief. “You’re… you’re leaving m—us?” She asked, choking slightly. “You can’t leave us behind like this! After all we’ve endured side by side, you’re just leaving on a whim—?”

She was silenced when he gave her an apologetic peck on the cheek, before heading to the door. Her entire face flushed a deep shade of red, and her jaw hung open as she watched him walk away. He stopped for a second, and looked back into her eyes. After a few silent seconds, he turned to the Princesses.

“Is it alright if I borrow one of the Lifeboats from the Sundrop for my journey?”

Celestia nodded, and he was gone.

Rarity was frozen in the same place: her face never relenting its deep shade. Slowly, she turned around to face her friends, who were all watching her with mixed expressions.

“I-… uh…” she looked over to the Stranger, “can I go with him?”

“No,” Mac shook his head. And then he saw her expression fall.

“But, if I know him, he’ll come back: if only for you.” He added with a wiggle of his brow.

Warp started to hold up his hoof again to speak, but he stopped when Rarity sighed, and seemed to notice something stuck to her chest. She looked down to see the piece of paper the waiter had handed him last night. She took it off, and examined it:

Orion,

I’ve had a vision, and found there is a need for you back in your homeworld. I am sorry, but we need you back there: as you may have access to certain methods that could be of use in destroying *his** following.*

Luna.

Rarity sighed, and looked over to Luna. “Does he have to go?”

Luna said nothing, but nodded solemnly, prompting Rarity to let out a defeated sigh as she headed back to her seat at the table.

“What are we supposed to do now?” Rainbow asked cautiously. “I mean, Mac might think we intentionally let a player leave his little ‘game’ early, how do we convince him otherwise?”

Twilight scratched a hoof on her chin, and opened her mouth. But before she could answer, there was a loud knocking on the floor beneath them, and a familiar voice rang through the wood:

“I heard the whole thing, meatheads. Now, could you do a pony a favor, and take the meeting outside so I can get my sleep?”

“What?!” Twilight shrieked.

“I’ve been trying to bring that up,” Warp said tiredly, “that’s why we never allow meetings in the dining hall after ten: ponies need their sleep.”

Twilight was fuming at this, her face looked ready to explode. “And you let an entire drama play out over a possessed pony who could likely kill us all without blinking, without doing anyth--?!”

She was cut off as a tendril had snaked between the floorboards, and gripped her throat. Another slithered in front of her, and shaped itself into the Shadow’s head.

“I said: take. It. Out. To. The. Deck.” It deadpanned, before releasing her, and disappearing back into the floor.

The Princesses led the group outside in time for Rarity to see a small pod deploy from the Sundrop, unfurl two wing-like sails and a rather large balloon, and fly off towards the silhouette of Canterlot. Rarity’s eyes glazed a little at the sight, and she hung her head: slowly turning back to face her friends.

“What do you think this ‘Mechanism’ is, Fluttershy?” Rarity asked after a moment of silence, dying to change the subject from their friend’s departure.

“I- I think he mentioned it already, if unknowingly…” Fluttershy sighed, looking back to the doorway.

“What do you mean, ‘Shy?” Applejack asked skeptically. Fluttershy rubbed her forehead thoughtfully with a hoof.

“I don’t know,” she said quietly, “but something about those rhymes he sang when he came here… stands out. But, I can’t place it…”

“Lackluster, it appears, is my timing. What is this I hear of rhyming?” Zecora inquired, poking her head out from behind Celestia.

“Huh? Oh, yeah. Mac tried to cripple our morale with creepy rhymes, but Orion rebutted with a couple verses of his own.” Applejack said proudly.

“Indeed?” The Zebra said cryptically. “Is there no end to his skills? Surely those rhymes must have brought about chills.”

“He can’t hang-glide,” Mac shrugged.

Zecora narrowed her eyes at him. “Your bland humor fails to cause any laughing gales.”

Mac returned the gesture. “One of these days Zecora, I’ll make you break your rhyming streak. Trust me.”

“A Chaos spirit’s reign couldn’t break my mood, what makes you think that the likes of you could?”

Mac groaned inwardly, lifting his hoof to rub his head.

“Maybe we should all get our rest,” Celestia suggested calmly, “we’ll need to be ready when this ‘Game’ is to be played.”

With sober nods, everypony returned to their rooms.

Chapter Fifteen: End of the Beginning.

“Alright, Mac: we’re all here. What are the rules?” Twilight demanded, setting her hoof forth in impatient frustration.

Morning had come slowly for those aboard the Albatross, as very few had slept for long that night: their minds were still heavy with worry, and their hearts felt burdened that a life rested in their hooves. They had gathered on the forward deck once dawn reared its head. The Shadow smiled, and stepped back towards the railing.

“There are only a few rules…” He gestured off into the distance, towards the abandoned palace. “First off: we’re to be the only ones near the palace when the games commence.”

“No problem there,” Twilight shrugged, “nopony ever comes into the Everfree during its waking seasons, and it's supposed to be awake this weekend.”

Satisfied, the Shadow lowered his hoof, and gestured over to the cabins with his head. “The crew will remain to fix the Albatross, but Warp can tag along if he so wishes.”

The Captain nodded his head. “I’ll go,”

“Lastly, the purpose of the game is to either beat me to the palace, or catch me on the way there.” The Shadow chuckled, turning suddenly to leap off the deck.

“Begin!” He called as he fell into the open sky. The Alicorns and the Pegasi immediately took to the air, aiding the other races onto the ground. Together, they all raced after the fleeing shadow.

The Everfree was a thick mass of all kinds of wood, roots, vines, and anything that formed to snare life in their tricky grasps. Dodging them while jetting through the forest was never an easy feat, especially with those distracting drums in the background…

'Wait, drums?' Twilight paused.

Thromb bom bomba-dom, Thromb bom bomba-dom, Thromb bom bomba-dom...

Indeed, much to everypony's confusion, the Everfree echoed with the sound of drumbeats: carrying out a slightly Neighribbian tune. Rarity turned to see several glowing eyes staring at them through the underbrush, as the upbeat rhythm coursed throughout the entire forest. The Shadow suddenly leapt onto a large stone jutting out from the ground before the group with a "Ho!", and began to chant as he slowly backed down:

"Celestia, Luna, Gods of the sun and moon-a,

Following a shadow to an unsuspecting doom-a

Ready to fall harder than mad titan Tuma!

Are you ready to dance to this terrifying tune-a?"

The group hesitated, but pushed on once they remembered the purpose of the game. Celestia wrinkled her nose at the Shadow's description of her, as it made her feel sick. And poor Fluttershy was so startled by the outburst that she had to be carried on Luna's back as they continued forth.

"Care to come into my lair?

Do you think that I will play fair?

Time will tell, if you all get there,

So keep on running, or get out of my hair!"

Thromb bom bomba-dom, Thromb bom bomba-dom, Thromb bom bomba-dom...

“Hoot, ha… Brute-a! Hoot, ha… Brute-a!”

The forest around them quivered as the chanting of several more voices joined in. Twilight fought to stay focused as even more eyes peered at them through the darkness of the forest. Suddenly, the Shadow poked his head out of the shrubbery as he ran alongside them: directly next to Rarity, which caused a startled shriek from the mare.

"Even after I saw the truth

About how you have all used my youth

You, of all, dare to call me uncouth:

After the Sayer told me my sooth?"

He disappeared into the thickets once again before anypony had a chance to snag him: his maniacal laughter booming through the bushes around them, giving them chills.

"Run pony, run pony: far, far away!

You’ll never catch me in the wood today!

Another endless chase, or a new ceaseless slay?

Charging mindlessly into endless fray!"

That last verse sent shivers down everypony’s spines.

'Screw catching him,' Twilight mused ,'we just have to make it to the palace!'

They all picked up the pace, as the Stranger dropped back to keep his eye out on their rears.

"Evil, evil embraced my soul,

Took me from the life I knew to be dull!

My destiny is a sword and a skull,

Ending in a massive Equestrian Cull!"

"You wronged our Master, prepare to flee!

He’s going to make mighty foals of thee,

Pained screams, sharp things, terror and trial!

He’ll make you foals into his bile!"

The thunderous laughter was heard yet again, letting Twilight notice that it was sounding more and more pained with each cracked cackle. Zecora decided she had enough of the cursed beat, and looked into the wood with determination, joining the beat flawlessly.

Shadow, shod in fear,

He thinks he’s the God of tears

Got rhymes slightly odd

Won’t give the High King a nod!

If he thinks he can slow us down,

He’s a bit of a clown.

Let this game truly commence

Let this challenge get intense!

The others stared at the Zebra as her eyes fixed on the forest ahead of her, and she held an air of dignity and integrity. She smiled as the beat thrummed on, now to a tune of her own. Soon, she was lashing out lyrics like rain from a hurricane.

Thromb bom-bom, thromb bom-bom, bomba-dom!

Ever been in a situation, of constant investigation?

Your dark infatuation shall meet our confiscation!

Listen to our proud ponies roar! See the light of our spirits soar!

Your villainy is a tedious bore, now go back, and trouble us no more~!

Celestia held her head high as Zecora held the last note, and the entire group could feel their hearts alight with courage. Fluttershy stood up by her own accord, and took to the air as they all raced towards the castle: feeling themselves gather strength with each laborious step.

They could see the Shadow racing alongside them: his eyes leaking wisps of purple steam. He looked a lot more desperate after his failed attempt of scaring them off, but he still held the presence of a calculating evil. He turned to face them, and sung out a verse to the new tune:

I’ve seen where evil lies, can you see it in our eyes?

Strength comes not from truth, but lies. Even you can be victimized!

Eternal wonder hath seen my fate, it was never up to debate:

Truth can truly be a trait, of those who merely wish to hate!

His voice started to crack, and Twilight saw red tears form in the corner of his eye. She opened her mouth to sing, but Rainbow beat her to it:

Who among us hated you? What “Lies” do you think you’re seeing through?

Are you a victim of falsified truths, laying blame without substantial proof?

I can’t believe how much you’ve changed, how your outlook has rearranged

Are you running ‘long the Enemy’s Range~?

By now, they were booking it through the jungle of a wood, traveling fast enough for their sweat to pour off of them like a river. The beat slowed to a stop as they ran, and the Shadow looked on the verge of an breakdown, but preserved his calculating nature.

Suddenly, his wings flew open, and darkness started to whip from his form like he was shedding water. Soon enough, he was enveloped in the Abyss: and traveling through the forest like a tsunami.

Celestia raised her horn into the air, before aiming directly at the flowing torrent of Dark, and lighting it. She shouted angrily as a beam shot from her crest, impaling a tree in front of the Shadow, and screeching him to a halt. He cast his furious gaze towards her, but he was too late to dodge another shot as it smashed into his face with a loud crack: he hit the forest floor with a thud that made the ponies wince, and remembered no more of that day.

Fluttershy flew gingerly up to him, and laid a hoof on his chest to make sure he was breathing. Once she was satisfied, she gave a nod to the others, who sighed in relief. Applejack looked to the setting sun, and then to the castle in the distance. She looked back to the Shadow’s unconscious form, and gestured to the Stranger:

“You carry him on the way, kid.” She deadpanned.

Mac rolled his eyes: “Of course I will…”

Chapter Sixteen: Old Tricks at the Old Palace.

The Shadow opened his eyes, if not to calculate exactly where he is, then only to see the source of that nauseating rhythmic bounce of… whatever he was lying on. What was that, anyways? It felt… furry. He could feel the motion of limbs with each bob of the thing, but he only saw the roof of the Everfree cascading off the tip of his nose. He gently shook his head, trying to clear some of the leftover fog, and unintentionally disturbed the odd being he was on. The sunlight felt harsh on his dark back, and he felt the Threads convulsing in pain from it behind his soul: aching to retreat to the forest’s shadows and be unleashed for the destructive service of the master that forged them.

“Feeling restless, kid?” He said. Or, he thought he did. He turned his head, and recognized the face of the pathetic human-turned-pony that had once dared call Kietelethar master. He ground his teeth together, doing his best to glare daggers at the useless being in his hazy state. This merely caused the creature to smile back at him.

Something about that friendly smile made the Shadow feel putrid. Obviously the saccharine, goody-goody nature of this sugarcoated Tartarus known as Equestria had rubbed off on the former lanky gorilla. He coughed a couple times before managing a reply.

“Forgive me if I seem a little--… am I tied up?” He chuckled, noticing that he couldn’t move his legs. The binds felt colder than last time, and they seemed more solid.

“Eeyup,” Mac declared proudly, “even used chains this time. And I’m charged with keeping you in the daylight, so, happy birthday.”

The Shadow looked into the sky, and saw the sun slowly starting to caress the Western Spires. “You do know night will fall eventually, right?” He smirked.

Mac shook his head with a pitying smile. “Not before we reach the Palace,” he said, gesturing with a hoof towards the group below them.

The Shadow had to bend his neck back in a very uncomfortable way in order to see directly below them: where he saw that the other ponies were lazily headed towards a sunny clearing.

Once they stepped inside of it, Celestia looked up, and gave a nod. And next thing the Shadow knew, he was hitting the ground with a barking groan. He coughed, drawing the attention of everypony in the clearing as he struggled to get to his knees. He only bothered to look up when Celestia approached.

“Could you tell this buffoon to unbind me?” He said, withholding none of the annoyance from his voice.

Celestia lowered her head to meet his eyes, and her lips curved into a frown. “Why should we do that? You might try to escape, and then where would that leave us with such a tactical disadvantage?”

“Do you honestly think I’d run?” The Shadow inquired, looking up at her with distaste. He scoffed bitterly when she did not respond. “Typical of those who spend too much time in the light, they look over the rules of the dark.”

“What are you implying?” Twilight commanded, sounding peeved enough to grant the Shadow a disgusted roll of his eyes.

“He is saying to keep the rules he placed before the Game began in mind.” Luna stated, stepping between him and the others. The Shadow looked up to her, his expression somewhere between smug and sarcastic.

“Than—“

“Thank me, and you’ll find your tail shoved into your bowels!” Luna barked, before turning back to her sister. “He said we would win the first round if we caught him on the way to the castle, and we have done so. We should not fear his fleeing, he has no reason to.”

Celestia thought about this, and then nodded to Twilight. Unsurely, the former student loosened the chains with her magic, and the Shadow responded by rising slowly to his hooves: and flexing his limbs.

“Thank you,” he hissed, taking care to avoid addressing Luna directly. “I was beginning to get a cramp from those infernal shackles.”

“Tell us the next step in the games, Mac.” Twilight demanded once again.

“Were you always so forceful, my dear Twilight?” The Shadow scoffed. “I seem to remember you being more pleasant."

Twilight furrowed her brow. "Yes, but that was before one of my friends was driven mad, and the other kidnapped."

He chuckled, much to her annoyance, and shook his head. "No matter, you’ll have to be patient if you wish to win, anyroad.”

“So be it,” Twilight sighed in defeat, turning to the rest of the group, “let’s just get to the castle before dark. I don’t fancy being out here at night with the Threads still in control of him.”

The others agreed silently, and they arranged their formation: making sure to keep their possessed friend in the center. They slowed their pace down enough to keep an eye on their surroundings, and even the ones keeping an eye on him didn’t notice the Shadow reaching out with thin wisps of black steam. Nor did they see him smiling as most unwittingly inhaled the fumes.

Since they had slowed, the trek seemed to become more laborious: their sweat matted their coats with a sickly sheen, and it wasn't long until even the Princesses looked weary. Celestia and Luna looked ahead in loyal determination, for with the life of a pony at stake: they would hike until their hooves rotted.

Twilight panted heavily, and watched the path ahead bend and sway as her vision began to grow hazy. At night, she knew that wandering through the Everfree would be a refreshing jog through the woods. But in the daytime, it could be rather lagging. And, thanks in no small part to the forest’s constant shifting, the palace always seemed at a different distance every time they journeyed into this wretched place.

The very seconds of their plodding seemed to have doubled in length before they finally stumbled upon a familiar gorge. And by stumbled upon, I mean almost literally slipping into it. The sun was beginning to set, and Applejack was on the brink off collapsing when she nearly lost her footing on the side of the cliff. Luckily, Twilight caught her tail in her teeth before she could plummet into the thin valley, and pulled her up. Applejack wiped her brow, and turned back to her rescuer.

“Thanks, Twi. There just seems to be no end to this accursed forest.”

“I know the feeling, Applejack.” Twilight assured. “We just need to get across the ravine, and then we can rest at the gates. Mac won’t try and run off, will you?” She asked, leveling a glare towards the center of the group.

“I’ll try to refrain myself from fleeing, but you know how terrifying you mares can be.” The Shadow deadpanned, rolling his eyes.

The Stranger moved to respond, but apparently decided against it. The more they antagonized the Threads, the less they had a chance of getting to the next round.

“Well, at least we can fly across this time.” Rainbow commented, noticing the fallen bridge.

“Uh-uh, no way.” Applejack snorted. “Your wings have dragged us around plenty, Ah don’t think Ah’m gonna drag you down again.”

The Shadow rolled his eyes and walked up to the crevice, where he calculatingly unleashed the Threads. Fluttershy was the only one to take notice.

“Uh, girls?”

“So you’re going to make us go through the trouble of setting up the bridge to spare us the trouble of carrying you across?” Twilight asked, looking anything but amused. The Shadow clenched his jaw: concentrating as the dark matter twisted and turned upon itself, stretching with little difficulty.

Fluttershy stepped closer. “Hey, girls?”

“When you put it like that, it seems like a really bad idea, Twilight!” Pinkie stated, rolling her eyes.

“I must admit, there are more than enough of us with wings that carrying us across would be easier.” Warp suggested.

The Stranger scoffed. “Pipit, that’s just because you’re used to being in the air, I like the bridge idea.”

“Well then, you can set it up yourself!” Rainbow sneered.

“And who are you calling a pipit, you raven?” Thorpe barked.

“Why don’t you help him, Rainbow? It might benefit your waistline.” Rarity snorted, a wisp of smoke briefly leaking from her eye.

“I think it would benefit all of you idiots to just walk across!” The Shadow screamed irritably, catching the attention of all. They turned to the ravine, and saw a large, black, crystalline bridge spanning the length of the chasm. Celestia eyed it with mistrust, as did most of the others. But the Stranger merely smiled, and walked towards it.

“There, you see?” He chuckled. “A bridge,”

He turned to the Shadow, and whispered. “I owe you one, buddy.”

The Shadow smiled wickedly. “I’m sure you’ll repay me soon enough, Stranger.”

“Ah wouldn’t trust that crossing, sugarcube.” Applejack advised. “Need Ah remind you what it’s made of?”

Mac rolled his eyes sarcastically. “Yes, because somepony who’s passed five separate opportunities to kill us off would wait until broad daylight to do so. I’d forgotten to consider that!”

All fell silent.

“A little heads up, Applejack,” Celestia said, walking to the crystalline bridge, “sometimes you have to trust your enemies.”

Before she could set a hoof on the bridge, however, Applejack darted in front of her.

“Don’t think for a second Ah’m going to let the ruler of Equestria be the first to test that... thing. Anyways, who knows what types of traps he’s set up on there!”

The Shadow rolled his eyes again, and strutted over the bridge. The Stranger chuckled, and followed suit.

“You see? I’m sure it’s perfectly safe, Applejack.” Celestia said, waving her hoof towards the pair of stallions on the other side.

“You could all cross at once, if it’ll make you feel any safer.” The Shadow stated plainly.

Twilight thought about that for a moment, before reluctantly agreeing. “Well, we might as well. He’d have to attack all of us, if he attacks one of us.”

“Oh, yes, and that sounds like so much of a better option, dearie.” Rarity said in a harsh tone. “Because goodness knows he’s never taken us all down at once before!”

“Well, we’ve got three Princesses here with us, Rarity.” Pinkie said, calmly rubbing her hoof on her chest. “I think it’s safe to say we have a bit of a tactical advantage.”

“He’s more than capable of demolishing them, too. You know that, right?”

“Oh, go eat a thistle, Rainbow!” Twilight barked.

The group descended into a rich ruckus: with only Luna and Celestia communicating relatively calmly. Each was arguing with a louder voice than the last, and Fluttershy was trapped in the center of the group: cowering in confusion as her friends all but went at each other's throats.

Soon, however, she noticed the pink steam issuing from the backs of their eyes as their sclera started turning green: and each pony seemed to find a new way to make the argument harder to resolve. She flew around in attempts to warn them, but soon she was entangled in the mess as well.

“… odd that a fancy, stuck-up little pony don’t want anything to do with anything of actual quality…”

“… thinking you’re better than everypony else, just because you own a flying boat and look like Arrow Flint…”

“… kissing the plot of every noble that walks into your court, dear sister…”

“… to cross that bridge would be taboo, to ponies such as the likes of you…”

“… ditching your pride for a bratty overgrown piece of lint that calls himself an Angel…”

“… falling for everything with a funny accent, I mean seriously: if Snips was a grown noble from Canterlot, you would’ve married him by now…”

“… spending all your time kicking innocent trees who’ve never done a thing to you…”

Celestia finally grew tired of the bickering. She shook her head violently, reared back, and brought down both her forehooves in a thunderous crack.

Her magic flaring out as her shout of “Enough!” silenced all.

“… I was frozen, today!” Pinkie blurted angrily, before snapping her mouth shut.

Luna rubbed her head tenderly, and looked around with a slight blush. “Sister, what happened?”

Celestia was busy staring the Shadow down. The Shadow, however, remained unmoving. In fact, he looked rather bored.

“What was the purpose behind that?” Celestia demanded, stepping forward slowly.

The possessed pony merely smirked arrogantly. “Just a little demonstration, your highness. Think of it as a reminder that I could’ve taken you all out if I wanted to.” He said with a bow. “I placed that spell as we walked, just in case you ponies had any troubles trusting me.”

Applejack quirked a brow at him, and scoffed. “Ya didn’t stop to think that this little party trick might make us trust that there bridge of your'n even less, did ya, sugarcube?”

The Shadow just responded with a chuckle. “And do you?”

Applejack shifted uncomfortably. “Ah might not trust you none, but that bridge keeps on looking more and more like the better option.”

The Shadow gave a simple nod in thanks as the Stranger gave him a friendly pat on the back.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Once they were all across, the Shadow recalled the crystallized Threads, and absorbed them back into his form. Watching such inky shapes seamlessly flow into her friend’s form with a sickening slurp, further igniting the hatred in his eyes, almost brought whatever lunch Twilight had eaten onto the ground in front of her.

She hated seeing him under the control of the Threads. But thanks to his demonstration, she now wondered if he truly was in any way in control of himself, as the Stranger had said. But, she reasoned that he was a stranger to their world, so he shouldn’t be knowledgeable of their world’s magic... should he?

In fact, if he was from the human world, he shouldn’t be familiar with magic at all! Unless there’s another human universe out there with its own form of magic. That of course might explain—

“Twilight?”

“Oi!”

She jumped to the side as Luna appeared beside her, eyeing her darkly. The Princess of the Night leaned down, and looked into Twilight’s eyes with care and concern:

“Tell me you are not thinking of studying any of the new things presented to us in this quest, will you?”

Twilight swallowed nervously. “O-of course not, Luna! I-I wouldn’t dream of—”

“Twilight, we have more important things to worry about at the moment. The lives of two of your friends are a good part of it, and who knows how many more lives are resting on this… ‘game’, as he calls it. Save the studying for a later date, Twilight. We have bigger fish to fry…”

With that, she turned around, and walked up to the others. Leaving Twilight to wonder why her mind had even attempted to wander when she was fully aware of the risks.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“We can rest here, my masters.” The Shadow called once they had reached the gates of the decrepit castle. “The sun sets, and you have no need to go any further as of yet.”

“Shouldn’t we take shelter inside, in case of a storm?” Fluttershy offered, pointing a hoof towards the gates. Before anyone else could speak their protests, the Shadow was already standing in between her and the gateway, growling protectively into the darkness beyond with a sharp glare.

“I wouldn’t advise that, chickadee.” He snarled at her, slowly turning back, and backing her out to the others with each harsh step he took. His blazing eyes glowed wickedly in the Everfree night, and cast a deep red glow on the frightened filly. He curled his lip into a growl, lifted his head to address the group, and spat out more instructions.

“You all will rest here tonight, while I check to see if the next challenge is ready by morning.” With that, he lowered his head back down to Fluttershy’s cowering face, and spoke in a low tone.

“Until such time as the next stage is set, no one but me is to enter that palace, understood?”

She bobbed her head rapidly, trying desperately to signal her understanding.

“Perfect,” the Shadow grumbled, stalking off into the ancient castle.

“It’s hardly perfect!” Rainbow shouted. “It’s probably going to be freezing out here by the time we get a camp set up, the only shelter is feared by the Threads themselves, and we don’t even have anything ready for fire!”

“That’s why you have a dragon!” The Shadow croaked, his voice echoing from the inner halls as theirs undoubtedly echoed in. He obviously didn't give a flying Dutchman for their drama. Twilight perked up for a second at his comment, before she realized something.

“We, uh… didn’t bring him… at all.” She admitted.

“Whelp, we’re screwed!” Applejack yawned, stretching her limbs out. “Ah’ll see your frozen corpses in the morning, unless one of you figures out we have the guardian of the sun right here.” She added, plopping herself lazily on the ground.

Rarity was already arranging a fireplace, and was now looking to Celestia. “My dear Princess, could you kindly light a fire for us to sleep by?”

Celestia smiled warmly. “Gladly,” she said with a nod. She walked up to the gathered wood, and proceeded to light it ablaze with her horn.

Rainbow’s jaw dropped as she flopped her flank onto the grass beneath her, and lifted her hooves into the air with a cry of “D’oh, come on!"

"You could do that this whole time, and you never thought to mention it?” She shouted in disbelief.

“Rainbow!” Twilight said in concern, before standing between her and Celestia. “I’m so sorry, Celestia, I just don’t know what got into her!”

Celestia, however, just smiled patiently.

“It’s quite alright, Twilight.” She said softly, before walking past her and up to the peeved Pegasus. “One thing about being a Pure Alicorn is you have to follow certain rules, Rainbow Dash,” she stated firmly, “one of which being that we are not to act in personal matters, without being asked first.”

Twilight quirked her brow, before tapping her chin as she stared down to the grass. “I... guess that explains quite a few things, come to think of it…”

“Hey you: Jabberwockies! Sleep, ever heard of it? You foals were just complaining about lack of energy earlier, try resting for the night!” The Shadow barked, walking out of the palace, and to a secluded corner of their hill. He turned his head back away from them with an agitated groan, and flipped his ears back in a catlike show of disinterest.

The ponies decided he was right, and slowly gathered around the fire. Then, one by one, they dropped off.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Around midnight, the Shadow still sulked on his own little corner of the hill as he tried to distance himself as much as possible from those he used to call friends. He wondered if they would survive the mechanism, whatever it was, as he was never in this to kill ponies. He just wanted to harass them for using him, maybe scare them out of their wits, but not kill them.

Even if all they did for him was just so that he could be used eventually, he still hated the thought of seeing his friends- no, acquaintances- die off. It seemed a little too harsh for simply being manipulative.

No… come to think of it, they deserved whatever was coming to them. Death, dismemberment, whatever the Prophet had written as their fate was deserved. He was the judge, jury, and executioner.

Suddenly, a chill breeze blew across the hill, and alerted him to his unwise choice of shelter. He noticed a silver tear tricking down his cheek, and rubbed it off irritably. Now wasn't the time to get emotional. Still, he couldn't help but notice how cold it was out here...

He turned his lantern-like eyes towards the fire, and slowly scanned the group to make sure they were all asleep. Once he was satisfied that they wouldn't be disturbed, he carefully lifted himself with his wings, and silently glided to the campfire. He stood next to Rainbow, the smallest hint of a smile creeping onto his face. Quietly, he patted the grass down, and nestled into it.

On the other side of the fire: Luna extinguished her dimly lit horn, closed her opened eye, and smiled.

‘There are still uses for the night beyond dreams, after all…’

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Applejack stirred, and stretched out her forelegs: rearing her flank into the air and yawning like an old dog. She sat up, and looked around at the group as each of them took turns waking up. It felt warm out, and the fire was already nothing more than a memory. She looked over to the gateway, and noticed that their Mac- or, 'the Shadow', as everypony seemed to call him now- was talking to into it, and a hissing voice was responding as some sort of snake-creature with pincers clambered out.

“Oh, for goodness sake, not a serpent…” the Stranger whined, stretching his wings, and arching his back in a lazy yawn. “I’ve had enough of those idiots to last a lifetime!”

“Senseipoe,” the creature called over, “trust me when I say the feeling’s mutual. But, alas, I’m not here to dig out your eyes. I’m here to alert Amethyst to the next stage.”

The serpent turned around, and walked back into the black abyss of the palace entrance, leaving the group anxious for further instruction from Mac. Applejack readied herself to fight whatever was in there: Hydras, dragons, whatever it was, she was ready for it. She just hoped it was actionable, and not some confounded overgrown puzzle book full of brain games.

“Alright, the next challenge has been explained to me: fail this one, and your friend dies!” Mac barked, taking them all aback.

“Well, then,” Applejack snorted, “what’s the challenge, and what’s this here mechanism we’re supposed to fight?”

“The challenge and the Mechanism are one and the same,” Mac chuckled darkly, turning towards the palace entrance: “my master calls it… the Labyrinth.”

Rarity smiled. “Perfect! I’m great at solving pattern problems, when do we start?”

“This is no color-by-number hedge maze from the Ponyville Post, Rarity,” Mac warned, “this Labyrinth is designed to confuse and terrify: each turn you make will change once you pass it, and the warren will rearrange every time you turn around. No turn will be the same as it was before, and there is no guarantee you’ll make it to the end…”

He turned, and looked across the gathered few, “…let alone make it back out.”

“There are three places you’ll want to get to: the Heart, the Pump, and the Exit. The Heart is what drives the Mechanism, when it is deactivated: the Labyrinth shuts down, and you will be able to navigate it more easily.

“The Pump is the function that will supply fresh air sucked from the surface all throughout the Mechanism, once it has been activated: making it easier for you to both breathe, and think.

“The Exit is where you will find your friend. Make it there within three days, and you’ll get her back. And as a bonus, my master will leave this world, peacefully, and never return. The hourglass will only be turned once you enter, so you have as long as you want to plan out a strategy. Days, weeks, it's all up to you. Your friend will be safe until then.”

He paused to take a soft, deep breath. The sight of him preparing for more was obviously causing Twilight some concern.

“A-anything else, Mac?” She asked, sweating lightly from her brow.

“I have a feeling there’s going to be…” The Stranger started, before Mac raised his hoof for silence.

“Two more things, actually…” He sighed. He averted his eyes from the group, and seemed to be regretting what he was about to say. Causing even more worry from those gathered, and giving rise to the most weighing silence they’d experienced thus far.

“Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are forbidden to play in this next stage.”

“What?!”

The collective shout of panic from all gathered caused him to wince, before his eyes blazed up in determination, and his voice turned as deep and dark as his coat.

“You would have an unfair advantage with the strength of three Alicorns on your side, shortening it down to one would even them out. And nine ponies are all the Mechanism will hold, besides its current occupants.”

“It’s not like we have any room to argue,” Zecora sighed, “but what occupants are you referring to?”

“That’s the final rule of the Labyrinth, Zecora.” Mac said sinisterly, his flaming irises now seemed to lick his inner brow. “You’ll have to either fight, or flee from the Stumbling. They’re brighter than they look, and can hear your very hoofsteps if you’re not careful.”

“What are ‘the Stumbling’?” Twilight asked. The grim, leering smirk on his face soon made her regret her inquiry, though.

“Don’t pretend you haven’t met us before, Twilight.” A familiar, cracked wind of a voice echoed from Mac’s throat. "A day is hardly enough time to forget us..."

“Oh, no…” the Stranger mumbled.

Twilight and Fluttershy, in the meantime, were immediately frozen in terror. “It-… it couldn’t be…” they muttered in unison, taking coordinated steps back.

Before anypony else was able to speak, Mac reared onto his hind legs, and took to the air. With an ear piercing scream of pure agony: four black tendrils shot out from his form, and grappled each corner of the entrance to the palace, securing him into their desired position.

As the poor stallion continued his anguished cry, a black, ink-like substance oozed from his eyes like tears, and poured from his mouth like vomit. It collected into a small pond beneath him, until it was easily ten times his size once it finally emptied itself from him. He collapsed to the dirt, completely spent from whatever hell he had just gone through, and they all saw him gently writhe in pain.

The ooze of the pond bubbled and shifted, lifting in several spots until it took the forms of the demons they’d encountered before: the lifeless, grey, jawless husks of whatever beautiful creature they once were. Unlike the shapes before, though, these incarnations had no eyes to be seen, and their ears flopped back as if they were constantly crying.

There were also more of them.

Much, much more of them.

The countless stumbling husks then slowly paraded into the abyssal entrance, and skulked into the underground labyrinth within: leaving all alone with the weakened stallion. Applejack was the first to approach him, and she set a hoof on his side.

“He’s still breathing, but he’s not getting up anytime so--”

She was interrupted when a hoof swatted her arm away, and she found herself looking into Mac's fiery eyes once again. Their dark fire had dimmed down dramatically, but it was obvious that not all the spirits had left him alone, as there was still a window to hell in his eyes.

“I’ll get up when I need to, Applecrack.” He spat, uneasily wobbling to his feet. He started flapping his wings unevenly, and eventually bobbed into the air, disappearing around a tower.

“Alright, he said we have time to plan, how should we go about this?” Twilight asked, signaling for the group to gather around them.

“I think we should set groups, in case we get split up.” Warp offered. “Might we put Zecora, Mac, and me in one group; Twilight, Pinkie, and Miss Dash in the second; and Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy in the third: rationing out our chances of survival in there?”

Pinkie sulked around outside the circle, twitching in anticipation for the game to begin.

“Each tribe divided by three groups… nine of us… three of each tribe, aside from myself being an Alicorn…” Twilight muttered.

“What’d ya say, Twi?” Applejack asked.

“I can’t help but think on all the coincidences lining up for our advantage here, since Stranger first came here.” Twilight speculated, lifting a hoof to her chin again. “The book on Personal Energies, finding Orion in Canterlot, him leaving just in time for us to enter the labyrinth, and now having enough of each race to go into the tunnels in three groups with even odds of survival…”

Pinkie started doodling patterns in the dirt, and seemed utterly disinterested in the scheming. She looked up to the entrance, and scratched her chin, eyes narrowed.

“Now’s not the time to be thinking on how lucky we are, Twilight!” Rainbow groaned. “We might get answers someday, we might not. But we do need to go in there, and help our friend!”

"Right, right." Twilight affirmed, shaking her head of the fog. "Alright, look: Warp, your strategy is good, we'll go with that. We'll all go in together, and then split up accordingly, alright."

"Sounds good to me." Warp nodded. "Applejack?"

“Well, I jus--”

“Alright, fillies, time’s up!” Pinkie shouted, summoning a hammer and shield out of nowhere. “Let’s do this! **PIIINNNKIIIIIEEEEEE* uh-PIIIIIIIIIEEEEE!!*”

Mac lifted a forehoof to his head, and sighed. “Oh sweet Celestia, she just ran in…”

“Stick to the plan, Pinkie!” Thorpe called, running in after her. “Stick to the plan!”

Twilight groaned as they all ran into the abyss: those who survived wouldn’t see the sun out for days.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“Wouldn’t you know it?” Rainbow muttered, looking out to the forks in the tunnels before them. “The first split we see, and it’s a three-way tunnel, what are the odds?”

“Pretty high, based on past experience…” Fluttershy deadpanned.

Twilight stepped into the intersection, and looked back and forth between the paths. “Well, Rainbow, we just have to figure out which tunnel Pinkie went int—mph!”

She was cut short as Pinkie seemed to appear out of nowhere, and shoved a hoof into her mouth to silence her.

“Don’t talk once you go in there, they listen…” she shuddered, sulking back towards Rainbow with pinprick pupils darting every which way.

“Pinkie, what happened?” Twilight asked in concern.

Pinkie shivered, and pointed out into the tunnels. “I… I saw it, I saw one… I- I think it was listening for me. It just… it charged me. I ran, Twilight. Just-- don’t ever run. And whatever you do, don’t let them hear you!”

Silence encompassed the group as Pinkie’s hair deflated, and her pupils parted ways a little. She wrapped her forehooves around her knees, and rocked back and forth.

“Don’t let them hear you, whatever you do… don’t let them hear you… they’re scary in the dark…”

Even Rainbow was unnerved at the sight, as sweat dripped from her brow. She stood the shivering mare up, and propped her up over her back.

“Yeah, I’m going to say ‘no’ to us letting her run this with us, Twilight, before she snaps anymore.” She scoffed.

“The hope of leaving is no good being proposed, for the way out has been darkened and closed.” Zecora said grimly.

They all turned back to the gateway, and found it sealed shut: with no seam or sign that there was ever a tunnel there. Thorpe and Twilight seemed only slightly phased, whereas Applejack took a few nervous steps back.

“Ah don’t like this none… nopony said it would be like this.”

“He said the tunnel would rearrange whenever we turned around, AJ.” Rainbow said, lifting a hoof to her forehead to massage it.

“Ah know, Ah’m referring to this… atmosphere. It’s dark.” Applejack muttered, stepping back into the intersection. “Not just the lighting, there’s something in here that dims anything good, Ah can hardly see my hoof in front of my face… Ah don’t like this none… something’s incredibly wrong with this--”

Just as she set her hoof back one last step, a brick fell from the ceiling, and hit her tail with a crack that echoed all throughout the labyrinth.

Applejack jumped back towards the group as they all screamed from the sound, and landed in a heap. A mysterious clicking sound was heard further down the tunnel, and they could see the occasional torch dimly lighting up small portions of the Labyrinth.

Twilight sighed in defeat as she took a hesitant step forward.

“Separate into your assigned groups, ponies,” she chuckled darkly, “it’s time to enter into hell…”

"... I just hope we all leave it... alive..."

Chapter Eighteen: Renewal.

Myra’s ears perked up, her pupils shrinking as the ground below them tremored mightily, and effortlessly startled her from her restless sleep. She glanced to her left to see the reaction of her guard. Even though Kietelethar had long since left her, the cursed shell of the pony whom she had once considered a close friend was ordered to stay behind and watch her.

The Shadow had remained unnervingly stoic for hours, yet even through his possession she could see from the reaction of his eyes that he was just as startled as she was by the sudden shaking, if not more so. And that thought worried her more than anything, despite it being a possible comfort: for if he didn’t know what it was, then it must be something terrible.

“What was that?” She asked, hoping past her instincts that the Shadow might somehow have some idea of the disturbing quake’s cause. Her ears folded back, however, when his brow only furrowed as he looked over his shoulder, with an uneased grimace etched on his face.

“I’m… not sure…” He growled, his dark tone grating her nerves like hooftips on a chalkboard. “Not unless…”

Her ears perked back up. “‘Unless’, what?”

He swiveled his head back to face her, and thoughtfulness shone beneath the dark fire of his eyes. “Unless they woke it up early…”

“Woke up… what, exactly?” She asked as shiver went down her spine, and she swallowed the growing lump in her throat.

Suddenly, the Shadow’s grimace morphed into a wicked smirk that nearly made her wish she had never asked, and he cackled menacingly.

“Funny you should ask, Little Bird…” he started, his dark voice echoing eerily as a moving image of Applejack appeared on the floor when he motioned his hoof across the surface.

“Don’t you find it interesting that while you’ve been up here, in the very heart of luxury and relaxation, your friends have been fighting for their lives and yours in an endless dark?” The Shadow asked Myra calmly, his smirk still plastered on his face. “Do you want to know why you’re being coddled while they go through Hell to ‘save you from imprisonment’?”

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“C’mon, pull it together, AJ…” Applejack hissed, having to force herself to move as she slid through yet another hole in the wall. She had been ducking and weaving for too long, in her mind, as her back had started to ache mere minutes ago. Damp sweat collected on her forehead, and matted her mane to her neck. Her muscles protested each and every motion, and the lack of sleep was starting to catch up with her.

To her, the worst part of all was the hallucinations that followed her sleep deprivation, as for the third time she saw a lizard-like tail disappear into the darkness, this time down the tunnel to her left.

“You’re curious as to the master plan that the Prophet has, aren’t you? But you only want the boiled-down version, to hear that the big bad king of ages past wants nothing but to see the demise of all things good...”

Cocking her head lightly, she finally decided to follow it, and see if she could catch sight of the entirety of the thing, even if it was just a figment of her imagination after all. Plus, having a small idea of where she was going was a more welcome though than wandering aimlessly for all eternity. Without a moment of hesitance, she wandered off to the left, and followed the shape into the tunnels ahead.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Myra watched in terror as the husk of a pony lowered his head, and closed his eyes in a villainous chortle, which came out an oddly satisfied sound. “You know nothing of the truth of his desire, do you?”

His head snapped back up to glare at her, and his smile disappeared as his eyes lit enough to ignite the room into an uncomfortable heat. The white mare’s heart raced desperately, but she knew she could do nothing but watch the projection of Applejack journey through, helpless as she was to aid, she was fearful of what she would be shown. For as one friend stumbled in the dark, the taunting voice of the evil within another carried on...

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Right, walk, walk, left, walk, right, right, left, walk. The tunnel continued on and on, no intersections in sight, and only once in awhile did the farmer catch sight of the tail again. She was too focused on the phantom to notice when the path stopped, and her hoof missed the floor, causing her to fall forward into a large chamber. She tumbled down a crude stairway, possibly bruising a rib or two, and stunned herself as her stomach collided with a boulder.

“He wants to see your friends suffer for what they stole from him, he wants them punished, he wants them battered and in agony. But he doesn’t want them dead. Oh, no: what he wants is for them to live through losing their black-and-white mentality, he wants them to question their morality in ways they never have.”

Once she regained her senses, she looked at her surroundings in relief. It was still dark, of course, but not in the same way as the dreaded Labyrinth. Oh, no, this dark was far more comforting in comparison: cool, clear, and above all else, natural. There was no evil running thick in the air, no demons hunting you around every corner. It was just a cave, an organic chasm that was… intentionally linked to the Labyrinth.

“He wants to watch them scream in pure, unfiltered anguish as they lose something dear to them right before their eyes, and he wants their tears to soak the floors until the Labyrinth is flooded.”

Applejack’s ears flicked at the sound of sharp hissing. Whatever she had followed in here was definitely not a figment of her imagination, and was likely set here to lure them into its lair. Off to her right, she saw the tail move yet again, and focused her gaze on it…

“And you may ask for an explanation as to how he plans to accomplish this…”

... before immediately regretting not just backing out of the chamber.

“... but why waste energy begging to hear, when I’ve been given permission to let you see?”

The chamber was filled with snakes of gigantic proportions, easily as big around as Applebloom was tall. They slithered overtop each other in writhing masses, and many stopped to glance at the startled mare with their eerie, glowing, bulbous green eyes. Their scales shone like polished cast-iron, and glinted black as night.

What really disturbed her was the looks in their eyes: each serpent was easily large enough to swallow a grown pony whole, yet they eyed her with curious, innocent, non-malicious interest. She almost felt as if she were a fawn that had wandered into a den of wolf pups, for what scared her is that in spite of their immense sizes, these clearly were mere juveniles.

That gave rise to a question that set her on high alert…

’Where’s momma?’

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“We’ll… get you out of there… Pinks…” Rainbow panted, her voice hoarse as her throat was left dry from over an hour of crying. “I… I promise…”

She was weak, all of her energy was spent long ago on tears as she feebly pawed at the rubble beneath her, endlessly desperate to uncover her friend. Her breath came in labored heaves as her will faltered, until she limply pounded a hoof against the sand in exhaustion.

“Damn you, Pinkie… you wonderful fool…” she sobbed, “why did you do this to us?”

Twilight had stumbled off to the side in shock almost as soon as she started digging, and had lowered her head so that her bangs fell limply over her eyes. Her mouth displayed nothing as far as emotion, as all she felt was cold, and nothing else. There was no sadness in her heart, nor anger, nor anything else that could be described as actual emotion. To her, there was just a cold, emotionless void where her soul should have been.

“Forget it, Rainbow.” She finally spoke, for the first time since the cave-in. “Let’s face it, she’s gone. We should move on.”

Rainbow wearily looked over her shoulder, her nose wrinkling cautiously at the sound of Twilight’s voice. It was hollow, unnatural, and worst of all: logical. Her temper was so bitter that she didn’t even try and fight responding.

“No, Twilight.” She hissed through heavy breaths. “I’m not… I’m not abandoning her to… to her own stupidity. Not this time…”

Twilight lifted her head at an agonizing pace, eventually revealing the dead look in her tired, bloodshot eyes as she stared at the desperate mare without a hint of sympathy. “So we should just end our search for Myra, and give up on the pony that Pinkie sacrificed herself for?” She bit, albeit in a harsh monotone. “That doesn’t sound anything like the Loyalty you’re known for, Rainbow Dash.”

Rainbow sighed in weary defeat as her head fell back, allowing herself to roll to the bottom of the hill of ruin and dust. She didn’t need all these heavy decisions, not now. Not when she’d just lost yet another friend to that monster. She just needed to rest…

She saw Twilight finally collapse from exhaustion in front of her, and felt her own eyelids grow heavy as her heartbeat slowed. Just five more minutes, that’s all she needed. Just five more minutes…

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

A dead end.

That’s where Rarity was, a small intersection that was closed off on all sides, with no way out. She couldn’t remember how she got here, nor did she even know where ‘here’ was, all she could remember was running once she saw that… that… thing in the darkness after the tunnels trembled.

It wasn’t a Stumbling. No, no, not in the slightest. The Stumbling were ponies, or at least pony-sized. This thing was… well, she didn’t know what it was, because she was too busy running as soon as she saw that row of fangs glowing like sickened starlight in the tunnel ahead of her, and those hideous eyes of emerald fire. The putrid grin took up the entire tunnel, and she could tell that its mouth wasn’t even open as wide as it could’ve been.

At least in this predicament, she was safe from it. She took several breaths to calm herself, and quickly regained her composure as she leaned back to rest against the wall…

… only to tumble onto her back with a startled shriek when the barrier easily gave way.

“At it again, are we?” She shuddered as images of the eyes flashed through the front of her mind, and she stood with a shaking breath. “At least those horrid Stumbling have scattered, so hopefully I won’t have to worry about them as well…”

Hesitantly, she dusted herself off, and stepped forward into the dark unknown.

“... I’ll only have to take care to avoid whatever scared them off…”

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Warp’s group was caught off-guard when the demons they fought vanished like will-o-the-wisps. Shocked, they stood in back to back in the center of a four-way intersection: waiting for something, anything, to signal their next move.

“Did anyone-- err, anypony else feel that earthquake before the torches went out?” The Stranger spoke up, looking over his shoulder.

“That wasn’t me, kid.” Warp shrugged.

“I--... wha--... that’s--...” The Stranger sputtered, rubbing his forehead. “That’s not what I meant, and you know it!”

Warp chuckled, and turned to look at the frustrated Pegasus. “I know, forgive me if I try to lighten the mood. I don’t know what that was, but yes, I felt it too.”

The Stranger nodded, and looked over his other shoulder. “Zecora?”

“I indeed felt the ground shake like a hoof of dice,” Zecora uttered somberly, “and I fear one of our friends has paid a high price.”

The Stranger’s ears flicked. “Beg pardon?”

Zecora lifted a hoof, and gestured vaguely into the tunnels. “The air carries several ponies’ cries of pain, I fear there is one who hasn’t survived the game.” Eying the cement beneath them, she lowered her head to press an ear to the ground. “The earth also groans a song of death’s reap, for it sounds as if a friend has been buried deep.”

“The quake…” The Stranger muttered, his eyes drifting to the floor.

“What do we do?” Warp questioned, sheathing his sword. “If you’ve truly lost one friend down here already, I don’t think it’ll be long before you lose another. And we don’t have ‘long’ either way, because if memory serves: we have barely a day left to get your friend.”

The black stallion tilted his head. “Really? I could’ve sworn we had only around an hour left.” He chuckled. “Then again, I’m not that good at judging time. But, now that the tunnels have stopped rearranging, maybe we won’t be getting lost as often?”

Warp opened his mouth to speak, but shut it just as quickly when he found no argument. “I suppose you’re right, but we still need to hurry. Just because the Stumbling scattered doesn’t mean there’s not something else down here.”

Just at that moment, they felt the ground shake again as the walls trembled at the sound of the throaty, reptilian roar echoing through them.

The Stranger rolled his eyes in terrified irritation. “You just had to flap your fat gums, didn’t you?”

“Not that I need to use language most crude,” Zecora sighed, “but it appears, my friends, that we’re now thoroughly screwed.”

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Lifting a hoof in front of her own face, Fluttershy squinted as she waited for her vision to adjust to this new darkness. For once her panicking had ceased: she decided that there was nothing left to fear in the caverns since the Stumbling fled once the lights went out, and now she was feeling not as much frightened as… oddly bored.

She lowered her hoof once she felt her eyes had compensated enough, and tentatively looked back out into the tunnels. “Girls?” She called into the darkness. Tilting her head to extend her ear as far as she could, she waited for a reply. Nothing.

“Girls?” She repeated, a little louder. Again, no response came. Satisfied that she was alone: Fluttershy lowered her head, closed her eyes, set her ears forward, and opened her mouth.

*Chirp!*

Slowly, an image of varying shades of a sort of peach color flooded into her mind, enabling her to map out the tunnels ahead. It displayed two intersections, and a right turn at the end. Smiling in satisfaction, she decided to follow the right turn, and proceeded. Each time she passed a tunnel, she’d turn her head and send out another chirp, forming a short map in her mind’s eye.

She beamed in satisfaction as her experiment worked, proving that the tips from the local bats seemed to be helping her build up her… leftovers, as it were. She chuckled at the fact that she once thought side-effects were always bad, back before she actually gained experience in the matter.

Once she made the turn, she let out another chirp, and listened closely as the echoes painted another chart in her mind. She furrowed her brow in confusion as the figure of a pony appeared, completely stoic and unmoving in the passage ahead. Cautiously, she approached it, letting out numerous rapid chirps to maintain the image until she was close enough to see it. When she opened her eyes, however, nothing but the darkness could be seen.

With the hairs on her back bristling, she let out another squeak, and sure enough: the shape was still there.

‘Only one pony with a coat that dark could be in these catacombs.’

“Stranger?” She asked tentatively. Her entire coat stood on end when the only response that came was a low cackling from a voice she knew all too well as a pair of lantern-like eyes opened enough to light the Labyrinth like a torch.

‘Make that two ponies with dark coats...’ she mused as her throat went dry. Cautiously, she took a step back, only to see his eyes come closer. His legs were always the longer, and she knew that he could easily outrun her on his good days, but her instincts told her to flee as adrenaline flooded her veins.

“Why run, little foal?” She heard him say in an almost sincere tone. “I mean you no harm, you are not the one I seek.”

She tripped on a small pebble, not realizing that she was still backing up, and fell with a squeal onto her rump. Unfortunately, that squeal unveiled the image of her old friend’s form morphing into a single tendril of flesh once the lights of his eyes went out. Her stomach churned as she heard the abomination slither through the air and retake the form of her friend behind her with a putrid squelching.

It wasn’t until that moment that she realized just how weary she was, and how much her joints ached as the energy started to fade from her blood. And all at once, she felt lightheaded, and so terribly hungry as she swayed like a drunken mare.

“Rest, if you so desire,” the Shadow murmured in a soothing tone as his eyes opened once more, “no harm will come to you as long as you sleep.”

As much as Fluttershy wanted to question what he meant as he walked away, she found that his eyes left a rather homelike glow on the walls, not unlike that of a warm fireplace. In fact, a new warmth- assumedly radiating from those fiery eyes -was so comforting after two days in the cold that she could no longer resist the tempting embrace of sleep. Slowly, her eyes slid to a close, and a welcome darkness embraced her.

She didn’t even notice the great, glowing smile that rushed silently towards her.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Myra tried her best not to appear afraid as she once again found herself face-to-face with the titanic being that was Kietelethar, who eyed the world outside with an odd look that was mixed of sadness and anticipation as he gazed out the crumbling window. His massive form shone with brown scales that covered thick muscles, and his size was easily thrice that of Princess Luna. It was a wonder how he could stand upright in the room, antlers and all.

What was oddest about his appearance, however, was that he wasn’t in his iron barding, and the sight of him outside his armor- while not completely removing his hideousness -revealed that he was indeed a mere mortal being. She had heard of how he was numerous millennia old, but to her, he still somehow looked as if he was just entering the later stages of his middle age.

Without the terrible iron suit, he also somehow appeared more… real. He was still very easily told as the foreboding figure in the distance, as the figure which most evils only dream of being, yet he also appeared to her as a brother who had consciously chosen to go to war with his family out of spite. Despite his turn to darker forms of magic, he had not lost his regality as he still had the look in his eye that would once have belonged to a wise king.

The thought that he had tossed aside wisdom in favor of blind grief always struck Myra as odd, until Mac- the Shadow of Mac, that is -explained it to her. What made her stomach churn was that she could see his reasoning, warped as it was. Might it have been possible to change even the cruelest monster, instead of dooming them without a chance to the Prison Eternal?

She shook the question from her head as a tear built in her eye. This beast was trying to show them the light by selling himself to the darkness, which was the same as a guide leading tourists into a spelunking venture wearing sunglasses instead of a headlamp: he needed to be stopped before he killed somepony. Or all the worse, killed everypony.

Myra suddenly found herself worried as to why the Shadow was sent into the Labyrinth, and she was afraid as to what his mission might be.

“How does it work?”

Doubting her senses for a moment, Myra squinted to see if the immense crocodilian maw had moved, as she was unsure that the giant had spoken. She knew for certain that he had uttered the sad words once his head turned to her, and his snakelike- yet somehow gentle -silver eyes focused on her with a look akin to pity.

“How does what work?” She asked in return, trying to sound brave and polite in spite of her frightened staring. The Prophet snorted a small bout of steam as one of his immense paws kicked impatiently at the ground, signaling his irritation.

“This magic that your kind holds, these Aspects of Alliance.” He clarified. “How do you ponies acquire them?”

Suddenly, the talk with the Stranger on the bow of the Albatross came back to her, and she allowed a small smirk to form on her muzzle.

“The same way you gained them, to be honest.” She said coyly, feeling her nerves relax. She found that when she spoke, her panic was calmed as if there was no wrong thing to say.

Her wings fanned slightly as if in preparation for a speedy departure once the Prophet’s slit eyes were set on her with clear impatience, his lips- a feature that noticeably separated his face from that of a true crocodile -parted in a frustrated and confused snarl, and a growl like the hiss of an adder lingered in his throat.

“I have no Aspect borne on me, fool!” He spat. “Why do you think I sent my son here to begin with?”

Instead of sealing her mouth, as she very much wanted to do: Myra found that her lips moved faster than her mind as she began to laugh at his foolishness.

“I can’t believe you!” She giggled, confused but careless about her sudden mirth. “You travel all this way out of the kindness of your heart to sacrifice yourself, yet you don’t think you have any good in you?”

The titan opened his mouth to rebuke her words, but no noise left his throat as he found no argument. Much to his displeasure, this seemed to her all the more reason for amusement, as now she was nearly doubling over herself as she clutched her stomach in a desperate fight for breath. She bawled endlessly, blissful tears wetting her cheeks.

Kietelethar remained silent as her laughter rang in his ears, his expression morphed from frustrated curiosity into seething confusion as steam began to billow lightly from his nostrils.

Whatever befuddlement he faced, however, was nothing compared to how disoriented Myra was: she had no idea why she was laughing, and an incredibly peculiar yet immensely thrilling mixture of mortal terror and unbridled joy coursed through her body as her tittering raged on.

“You dare to make jest of me, do you?” The aged king hissed, the muscles of his arm rippling as he clenched his owl-like talon into a fist. “Very well, at least I now know what they will lose…”

By now, the mirthful Pegasus was laughing too hard to notice when he began to bend the bars back into place, sealing her in while he disappeared as quietly as a cat.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Brushing a lock of translucent pink from her face, Celestia worriedly eyed the old palace that once was the dwelling of her and her sister from the deck of the Sundrop. Two days had passed, and nopony had yet emerged.

Though Discord’s presentation answered numerous questions about this mysterious ‘Lord Kietelethar’, a disturbing thought made its nest in the back of her mind. When Starswirl took her to confront the Sirens, she remembered hearing them refer to their king fondly, and it was the same when Scorpan and his brother arrived.

She still did not fully trust Discord, but she knew he would not lie in such a matter as this: he was always a trickster, not a liar, and what he showed them of Tirek’s father displayed that he once had the same heart as any father. So surely he understood that his son must deal with the consequences of his choices?

Celestia shuddered a sigh as she lowered her head. Dealing out punishments were never her favourite part of her reign, and neither were they Starswirl’s. He tried numerous times to make peace with the Sirens, but they ignored him. They both tried to deal a treaty with the ambassadors from Mythos, and while it was eventually successful: that negotiation cost a friend his brother, and evidently it also cost a king his elder son.

She couldn’t help but wonder if it was poor luck, or by some usurping scheme that five out of six Mythosians that came to Equestria before Kietelethar had only conquest or destruction in mind. It wasn’t only Equestria either, for Celestia remembered the tale told to her of the Arimaspi attack on Griffinstone by her messengers, and the mention of the beast in the scene Discord revealed had indeed confirmed where he came from.

Ever since Scorpan left for his home, however, no more invasions by monstrous creatures had been heard of. Surely, he now led his father’s kingdom with as much wisdom as was asked?

‘Take note, Celestia, to send our ambassador on a goodwill trip into the Dark West in search of this land of Mythos.’ She thought to herself, turning back from the rails. ‘Make sure she’s well-packed… and perhaps ask if Discord wants to go, and meet their current king.’

Before she entered the cabin, Celestia cast a final glance over her shoulder at the old, forsaken palace. A thousand years ago, she left it to rot in the wilds of the Everfree. Dwelling within its walls brought far too many painful memories. And now, maybe as a result of that decision, it housed a thousand demons, a monster, and the Bearers of the Elements.

If her guess was right, there were a few despicable surprises in store for them that she could never guess, as well.

Letting out a melancholy sigh, she went through the doorway, and made her way through the passageways onboard. Each hall was lit with numerous lanterns that cast their warm glow- not unlike that of pure sunlight -into each and every corner. It wasn’t long until Celestia entered her sister’s chambers, which were more carefully designed to resemble a clear, moonlit night.

Luna looked up from the book she was reading to eye Celestia with curiosity, and obviously took note of her sister’s fuming, and guessed the reason, as she immediately set the tome aside.

“Sister, you know the King’s rules as well as I, if not better so. You and I both know that we cannot interfere if we are not first invi--”

“Rules be damned!” Celestia barked, surprising herself at the volume at which she spoke. Sheepishly, she lowered her head, muttered a mute apology, and continued in a quieter- yet still just as stern -tone.

“Forgive me if I speak my mind, but while I am unquestionably loyal to the King and his rules, this old fool Kietelethar is threatening the lives not only of the Element Bearers, but of two of their friends- innocent ponies in all this -as well. If it were up to me, I’d tear that palace apart, pull our ponies out of there, and burn all left inside with the fury of the sun!”

Her voice rose into the Royal Canterlot Voice as talked, a tone which nopony heard from her for hundreds of years. “And the fact that Twilight Sparkle is lost in a labyrinth of his making is not helping me to keep my head on. She’s been like a daughter to me, for the love of the King!”

Luna’s eyes widened slightly, as she had not seen Celestia this distraught since they were brought to Equestria to vanquish Discord. Yet, keeping her pace calm and slow, she retrieved her manuscript, seeing an opening to speak.

“I sympathize, dear sister, truly I do.” She cooed calmly. “But such rules are in place for a reason, for you and I both know what happened the last few times that Pure Alicorns acted on impulse, instead of by law…”

Celestia flinched at that. It stands to reason that Luna would use her own past actions as an example to further her point, and she likely only included Discord’s downfall as a bonus. Lowering her head in a defeated sigh, the Princess of the Sun conceded to lay on her belly and await their emergence with baited breath. She had faith in her student, but even she could not foresee how this might end.

Suddenly, and quite unexpectedly, the ship lurched slightly to the side: just hard enough to cause anypony standing a temporary loss of balance. One of the guard rushed in before either of the Rulers could stand, a worried look on his face.

“What has happened, Sentry?” Luna demanded, rising to her full height, and instinctually flaring her wings to appear larger.

“The-the ground caved in on itself just where the anchor was resting, your Highnesses.” The Royal Guard saluted, looking rather nervous. “And the scouts from the Albatross saw evidence of another implosion on the other side of the palace.”

The Twin Princesses looked between themselves, each fretting internally at this unforeseen occurrence.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“Ow,”

That was the first remark to come from the Air-Cruiser that had haphazardly ‘docked’ through the outer wall of Celestia’s personal chambers, leaving a pile of rubble across her room, and knocking down one of her smaller bookshelves.

Several of the Royal Guard had dashed in, and now had their spears leveled at the familiar ship. At the moment, however, they were confused by the sheer lack of concern in that noise. It sounded oddly casual, as if the driver had merely stepped on an insect.

A brown hoof reached out of a hole in the upturned hull, and waved for the guards to go closer as the voice spoke again:

“I’d greatly appreciate it if one of you could help me,” Orion stated flatly, obviously not caring too much for his predicament. Two of the armored ponies rushed to get him out once they recognized the voice. And after barely ten minute’s struggle, they freed the bruised stallion, and he smiled with a dull expression as they pulled him out.

“Okay, I really should stop operating vehicles without reading the instructions first.” He deadpanned. A quick glance around revealed exactly where in the castle he had crashed, and his carefree smile hardened into a straight line as his face became blank.

“Oh that’s just peachy. I hear the moon is nice this millenia.”

Once he had dusted himself off, he apologized for the damage, and hurriedly explained his appointment to the guards: displaying a note Luna had given him before dashing out of the palace. He didn’t even pause to exchange pleasantries with the gatekeeper as he fled out of the yard in desperation to get into the Canterlot streets, disappear into his own world, reset the portal’s coordinates, and abolish the Prophet’s following in EVOLVE.

He grinned to himself as he thought of coming back to Equestria, as here was where he felt welcome. His father before him had dealt in this world, and now he would make his home in it. He felt some regrets about leaving Mac in his own world, but his purpose on Earth was done.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Applejack practically leapt back as one of the immense serpents drew closer, not attempting to hide its interest in this new creature. Its green eyes started to ripple with gold, emerald, and sapphire coloring as it neared her, and slowly lifted its head from the ground. Her heart stopped as she watched the muscles of the beast tense for a strike, she knew she’d never be able to dodge a snake that large: and for once in her life, terror had petrified her. She didn’t hear a stone fall from the ceiling, or the fleshy thud of something living impacting the stone floor.

Her blood ran cold as a sail-like frill fanned out just behind the creature’s skull, and it made a lightning fast lunge, glowing fangs on full display as she screamed a final scream: clenching her eyes shut.

There was an intense impact, and then… nothing.

She still felt the calming coolness of the cave, there was no pain, and it didn’t even feel like she was being swallowed alive. She dared to open one eye, and the sight made her jaw drop.

The serpent was rising back to its full height as beams of sunlight cast a grey sheen on the black scales, and a small pig tried in vain to squirm out of its jaws as it squealed in panic. The immense snake flicked its head back, maw open as the prey took a short flight through the air before being engulfed by the creature’s jaws.

Applejack’s head reeled at the sight of sunlight, and she desperately wanted to get aboveground and call for help.

It was then that she pulled what might just be the most stupid move anypony ever attempted…

“HEY! SCALEY!”

The great snake unceremoniously swallowed its squeaking meal as its brethren slithered away from the sunlight, and looked down at her curiously. She had its attention. Good.

Trying her best at simple hoof gestures: she patted herself on the chest, and pointed to the hole in the cave. Back, and forth, numerous times. Never breaking eye contact with the thing.

Juvenile as it was, the monster eyed her curiously as she continued the gestures, switching its gaze from her to the opening to the overworld. Slowly, it craned its neck down to her, and held its nostrils inches from the smaller pony’s muzzle as it stared her down innocently.

Applejack smirked. ’Eat yer heart out, Flutters.’

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Groggily, Rainbow Dash stirred as the scent of fresh hay penetrated her nostrils. Her eyes still felt sticky and puffy from tears, but she felt well-rested as refreshing sunlight hit her face. Yawning, she reached down to pull up her blanket, and was only mildly confused by it’s feathery texture.

Then, all the memories hit her: the labyrinth, the darkness, the weariness, the promise of finding the end…

… Pinkie’s sacrifice.

She didn’t remember anything after she fell asleep on the rubble, and that worried her as her eyes started to flutter open. If they hadn’t reached the end, where was she?

Once her vision cleared of weariness, she saw the “blanket” that she was using was actually one of Twilight’s wings, and that the dozing Alicorn was currently using her like a teddy bear: limbs wrapped around her as she nuzzled her head into Rainbow’s chest, her horn resting harmlessly on the confused Pegasus’ shoulder.

“Rainbow? Twilight?”

Rainbow swerved her head away from her seeming cuddle buddy, and spotted Fluttershy tiredly lifting her muzzle slightly as she stretched her back and limbs with several loud pops. Rainbow’s muzzle stretched wide in another yawn, and she tried to carefully ease out of Twilight’s grip.

“Where are we?” Fluttershy asked timidly, taking in their surroundings.

Rainbow followed suit, letting her eyes examine the room with interest. It was spacious, roomy, and somewhat like a suite in Canterlot. But the iron bars running through the middle of the sanctuary, separating them from the doorway, was a clear sign that they weren’t in any part of Canterlot they were familiar with.

“Girls? Is that really you?”

Freezing, the two Pegasi whipped around, pausing just long enough to recognize the owner of that voice before tackling her to the ground in a crushing embrace, a viable chorus of relieved cries and questionings echoing through the cell:

“Myra! Thank Heaven you’re alright!”

“I thought I’d never see you again!”

“You are alright, aren’t you?”

“Yes, are you alright? No injuries?”

Laughing through her joyful tears, the white mare hugged her two friends as the cacophony stirred the third from her sleep. Twilight looked up, and eyed the scene with confusion, then joy, and then concern. In the meantime, Myra stepped back from her friends, and giggled her responses: it was all she could do to keep from crying.

“Yes, I’m fine. They haven’t treated me badly at all here, really!” She said, her voice returning to its calm tone. “In fact, I wish I could get this type of service at home!”

Slowly, her smile fell, and the eyes the others in concern. “Who we should be worried about are you guys, what’s been happening down there? I was only allowed to see a few things before Mac disappeared, and then you three appear out of nowhere!”

It barely took a half hour for Twilight and the girls to fill their friend in on everything they remembered, though she did openly express some concern that her friends were now even more divided in those hellish caverns. Myra listened intently as the tales were told, and her eyes went wide with horror once Rainbow described what happened to Pinkie. Once all was said and done, the four of them sat in contemplative silence.

“What happened to bring you guys here?” Myra finally asked, breaking the somber silence. The others looked to her, looked between each other, and then realized the common denominator:

“We all fell asleep…” Fluttershy pondered, pawing at the ground. “... and then we all wake up here. But how?”

At that moment, an immense trap door lifted up from the floor: held up by the head of a great snake- black as midnight and polished as steel -that lifted out and spat a familiar form onto the floor, before retreating back into the hole. The door shut with a crack, and disappeared without even a seam left to distinguish it from the stone floor.

The three Pegasi rushed to the Unicorn, and Twilight approached soon after, relieved to see another one of her friends safe.

“That answers how we got here, I suppose.” Fluttershy sighed, confirming that their friend was merely asleep, likely from exhaustion. “Although I admit, I didn’t expect Kietelethar to bring a Basilisk into this.”

“A Basil-what?” Rainbow asked, lifting the Unicorn onto her back in order to put her on the bed.

“Basilisk,” Fluttershy corrected, flying over to prepare the sheets with Myra. “I’ve never actually see one before, as they’re supposed to live north of the Spires. Kietelethar must’ve had some sort of incentive to convince this one to go with him…”

Her thoughts were interrupted when their new guest stirred, and opened her eyes.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

As much as she hated straining herself in the darkness, Rarity tried her best to focus on the bright side of things. For instance, once she and the others made it to the end of this maze of bricks, and this dreadful adventure was over: she could return to her boutique, and make Orion that suit he promised she could make for him.

Not to mention that as much as she hated to admit it, this place was giving her a bit of inspiration for camouflaged ensembles. You never know what might come in handy when, after all. She shivered slightly, and took note that she really should start packing warm whenever she goes on these dreadful adventures.

‘Nasty, disturbing, uncomfortable things they are.’ She thought to herself. ‘I love my friends to death, but might there be any chance that just once we could get lost in the Gallopagos or some such paradise?’

Her steps slowed as weariness caught up to her, and her eyes grew heavy. Her hooves dragged on the cement floor until she fell forward onto her knees with a quiet shriek, and shook her head.

“Now, now, Rarity.” She chided herself. “Don’t be alarmed, we only need a little rest. That glowing smile is probably stuck on the other end of this Labyrinth, and there are a few… *yawn* hours to spare. Surely... a quick rest isn’t… too… much… to…”

With a final yawn, she unceremoniously fell onto her side.

Prologue

“The tall, pale, bipedal being walked leisurely down the stone hall: his thick brown hair was combed back into an elegant flip, and a lengthened curl rested above his right eye. His brown eyes glinted through his shades, and a small mustache adorned his lip. A slim, patchy beard decorated his chin, and guarded a small, loose silver chain around his neck. This was our subject: a Seventh Level EVOLVE Agent, and Reconnaissance Expert. To those that 'knew' him outside of his work, he was merely a teenage social cast-out, and useful as a porter.

He took note of the dense vegetation that had grown among the cracks since his last visit. The countless mosaics of warriors set decoratively in the floor seemed to move about, doing the same embattled dance they had always done. And yet, the corridor seemed far quieter than the last time.

Once he came to the great oak doors at the end, and twisted the knob: they glided open with a silent groan, casting a small light on the room within. He then looked through the murky entrance; and up at a faint, swirling black shape that slithered up the circular walls. He felt along the mossy stones beside the door: searching for something.

'Maybe it got moved?' he pondered after little success. 'No… no, why would they move it? There’s no reason to.’

Soon, his groping hands struck something familiar.

“Aha!” he shouted when his fingers reached a small lever. He seized it with a light, yet firm, grip: and lifted it upwards. Instantly, the room was filled with a light that blazed from the center of the room, illuminating the opening from corner to corner. The light emerged from a great chandelier that hung from the ceiling, emitting an orange glow that flowed in spirals around the chain from which it hung. A large, corkscrew staircase rolled upwards along the wall, ending before a wooden trapdoor at the top.

He strode over to a large desk in the middle of the room, and sat down with an unceremonious plop. The desk had several papers in numerous colors scattered in sorted stacks on one side, and a Newton’s Cradle next to an aged black laptop on the other. He removed a small sticky-note from his pocket and read it aloud, as he had several times on the drive over:

“Mac Senseipoe, Agent 7th Mark of E.V.O.L.V.E.: Your assistance is requested at the Darkstone Manor: a matter of the utmost importance, come ASAP, I will explain upon your arrival.

The Prophet.”

He set the letter down with a breath that sounded a mix between a sigh and a shudder, and looked up at the swirling light in wonder: “What could the Prophet want with a Level Seven?” he questioned.

“Maybe he has an assignment for you, Mac?” A deep voice suggested.

Mac looked over to the doorway to see a large, brown-skinned centaur stepping into the room. His nose was like that of a boar: with small tusks forming on the sides. And his antlers were like a gnu's set on their sides. The coat on his horse-like body shone as amber; and the mane that wrapped around his face and ran down his back was of a similar color. His youthful muscles shifted as he leaned casually against the atrium.

“Well, Orion!” Mac exclaimed cheerily: “It’s been, what, two months since last we met?” he laughed, leaning back in his chair.

“Seems like three to me.” Orion said with a low chuckle, “How’s it been, buddy?”

“Good all around.” Mac waved his hands outward, “Family’s fine, Friends are fine.”

“Do they suspect anything yet?”

Mac’s smile didn’t even flicker as he answered.

“Nope, I told them I’d be taking a vacation. The lying’s getting easier.”

Orion’s smile did falter, however, at his friend’s indifference: “I was afraid of that.” He sighed. He continued bemusedly after Mac waved off his concerns with a confident smirk. “The Prophet wanted you to have this, and to report to him when you’re done in here.”

He tossed a large envelope with a flick of his wrist, hitting the Newton’s Cradle from the edge of the desk. Mac snatched both items before they plummeted to the stone floor: saving his desk toy from an early end.

“Do you have to do that?” he scowled.

“Sorry!” Orion laughed. “I guess I’m not as good an aim as I was.”

Mac rolled his eyes. “So, wait: the Prophet himself sent you?” he asked, turning a cautious tone to his old friend.

Orion shrugged: “Yeah.”

Mac raised an eyebrow: “Doesn’t he- oh, I don’t know –hate your guts?”

“Sure, but only because I don't trust his motives.”

“Careful…” Mac warned, “You never know when he’s listening.”

“He’s not,” Orion chuckled, “he said my ‘lack of an IQ’ gives him a headache.”

With that said, he offered a wave of goodbye and a small smile before walking out.

Mac shook his head with a grin, and opened the envelope. As he glanced over the note, however, his eyebrows shot up. He leapt out of his chair and threw open the door, running after the centaur.

“Orion!” he screamed, “Who the heck are you trying to kid with this?”

Orion stopped and turned his head. “What?” he growled, raising an eyebrow. “What are you talking about?”

“This, this is what I’m talking about!” Mac said, handing the note to Orion. “You don’t seriously think I’m going to fall for this joke, do you?”

Orion took it and held it up to his blunt nose, before giving an equally shocked face. That gave Mac cause to worry: for he know Orion well enough to know he was never an actor.

“Sorry,” Orion shrugged, “no joke, I got this straight from the Prophet himself! Along with a few unpleasant insults, I might add."

He examined the inscription again, before handing it back. "It's certainly… peculiar, though.”

Mac clenched the note and read it once more: wondering why the Prophet had sent Orion to deliver it rather than one of his plodding personal pupils. He then apologized to Orion, and walked past him.

“Do you think it’s time?” Orion asked cautiously from behind. Mac stopped, and could’ve sworn he saw a flash of silver and ruby in the centaur’s hand.

“Maybe…” The boy started, “Maybe later. But not… not just yet.” He sighed, before turning around and walking off.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

When Mac had gotten to the large opening marked 'Main Hall', he was still in a state of shock over what his latest memo contained. He was so occupied by his own mind that failed to notice the tall, snake-like creature walk up behind him on three pairs of stubby legs.

“Out of papers to file, little boy?” it hissed, causing Mac to nearly jump when he heard the susurrating voice. But the lad was clever, and quickly turned around with a confident smirk:

“No, did you run out of flies to chase, scaly?”

The creature sneered. And with its red eyes squinted, he hissed: “Why, you repugnant little…”

The hideous creature drew back one of its arms: “This may be your native world, but that doesn’t mean that I cannot enjoy playing a game of slice-and-dice with a gel-for-brains creature like yourself!”

It was about to use its left claw to slash Mac’s head open when the boy held up the note he was carrying: which clearly bore the signature of the serpent's master.

“Now, I imagine our boss wouldn’t be too impressed with a decapitated operative showing up for his assignment, especially not when he clearly request me in one piece…” he said, studying his fingernails. “…and we both know who he’d immediately figure is responsible.”

He leaned forward into the snarling creature’s face and smiled wickedly: “You,”

Mac quietly snapped his fingers between the creature's eyes before turning around and trotting away, leaving the serpent to stew in its own hatred.

'I love tormenting those no-good snakes!' Mac laughed inwardly as he walked through a throng of different creatures. He soon approached a large, circular desk, and slapped the note onto it.

“Mac Senseipoe, Seventh Mark Operative. The Prophet has requested my presence for a select meeting in the Gateway Chamber.” He stated in an almost military tone.

Another peculiar creature, easily told as one of the clerks, walked up to the boy: and examined the document closely.

“You sure? It has to be a misprint.” It declared in disbelief. After examining the note, however: it hissed disgustedly at the confirmation, and looked at him.

“You’re to come here at 12:30, chimp, and no sooner.” It murmured.

“I’ll return to my quarters, then.” Mac said, before turning on his heels and strutting off.

After another walk, Mac had returned to his office, and ascended the spiral stairs to the large door. He pushed it upwards, and looked around. There were several barred windows along the rounded walls of his chambers, and an old curtain decorated each. He sat down by his bed and gazed out the window: out there he saw a vast world of jagged stones, mist, snow, and every once in a great while a clearing through the clouds that permitted him to see the rest of the mountains beyond.

“The Cascades…” he whispered to himself, “they never fail to take my breath away. It’s almost a pity I’m the only one in Darkstone that gets to see the above-ground.”

He sat there: thinking to himself in peaceful silence for a minute, before he walked over to the fridge and grabbed a small sandwich. With a content sigh, he flopped down on the bed in the corner.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“Are you sure you want to go through with this? Can you commit to this program?” Asked a deep voice from behind Mac.

The young man was standing in the middle of what looked like an abandoned warehouse: with a dull grey carpet, and neon lights decorating the ceiling.

**‘Where am I?’* He thought to himself.*

“I will do what I can, Darken.” Mac said in a near robotic tone. He felt tired, like there were a thousand anvils strapped to his soul, and every move that he made in obedience to the hated voice made the burden lighter… and yet heavier.

**‘Oh, not this again: please!’* His mind grumbled.*

“Good; your first test will begin.” Whispered the voice, sounding sickly as it faded out of his hearing.

Suddenly, two hooded beings dragged a bound man in from the opposite doorway.

“Let me go!” he screamed in protest. “You’ve got to let me see my family!”

He stopped his struggling when he saw Mac standing like a solemn statue on the other side of the room. His expression all but betrayed his surprise.

“What’s a human doing in your group? I always thought you creatures were against us!”

The whisper spoke up again.

“Kill him.”

Mac’s eyes widened in horror: “My lord,” he said in his normal tone, “what has he done against us?”

“Are you questioning your orders?” the voice shot back, thick with fury.

Mac’s resolve dissipated: for he was 'convinced' that he should never second-guess his orders. He still wore the bruises.

“But this… this is murder!” he thought aloud in disbelief.

“Your orders are to kill this man!” the voice roared.

Mac quaked slightly, before he slowly picked up a bow and quiver from the corner of the room.

“NO!” the prisoner yelled as the hooded ones dragged him to a chair in the opposite corner; “YOU MUSTN’T LISTEN TO HIM! FIND YOUR HUMAN-!”

he was cut off as a gag was shoved in his mouth, silencing his screams.

Mac hesitantly drew an arrow back on the string, and had leveled the bow towards the man’s pleading face.

“Do it.”

Mac closed his eyes and looked away, though unsure of why.

“I’m sorry.” He whispered before releasing his grip. There was a twanging noise, and a sound as if someone punched a bale of hay, and all fell silent. Mac opened his eyes and looked back at where the man had been, but in his place he saw an old scarecrow with its hands tied behind its back. And an arrow was stuck between its eyes: quivering with unspent energy.

“Very good,” the voice jeered, “our first test is complete.”

“It was only a dummy?” Mac asked, stunned in disbelief.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Mac shuddered at the memory: stirring violently from his sleep. He looked around, gladdened to find himself back in his old quarters. He sighed after a moment of silence, “Thankfully I’ve never had a field assignment…” he paused in thought, “…until now.”

“Indeed, I’d forgotten how long it’s been since you joined this abomination.” A voice said from behind Mac.

He whipped around: only to find Orion looking at a file near the back wall, “You really shouldn’t sneak up on people, buddy.” Mac said, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“I didn’t have to. You were so deep in your little nap, I just waltzed right in.” Orion chuckled. "Also, I took the liberty of cleaning your fridge. You're welcome."

Mac chuckled before a dark look overcame him. “We’ve got to destroy this... somehow!” He mused as he pounded a fist into the table.

Orion smiled slightly: “To kill a weed: you go to the roots.”

“But, how are we going to do it?” Mac asked.

“The Prophet never sends his men out on missions without someone back here talking them through it, Mac. If you can weasel me into that position on your assignment: we’ll work out the details from there.” Orion stated plainly.

Mac could’ve sworn he saw another flash of silver and ruby in Orion’s brown hands, but he told himself that the lights were playing tricks again.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“You know what to do.” Mac said pointedly, tossing the envelope back to the clerk.

The reptilian hissed bitterly, and pulled a lever: revealing a hidden door that fell downward from the floor behind Mac, and unveiled a stairway leading into a thick abyss.

“You take care, now.” the clerk jeered, glaring at Mac. “You never know friend from foe in the dark.”

Mac smiled bitterly: “You apparently don’t know one from the other in the light.” He scoffed.

Soon, he was sauntering down into the darkness: his insides churning in curious frustration.

It wasn't long before he got to the bottom of the steps, however, and he could hardly see anything in the space beyond except for a couple of dark shapes. Suddenly he was blinded by a bright light, and he heard the door slam up the corridor behind him.

When his vision adjusted: he found himself suddenly standing in the center of a circular platform. Which, in turn, levitated above a large metallic ring. A great, cloaked being stood behind a desk: holding a large lever with a heavily armored fist.

“Well, what do you think of the Gateway Chamber?” it asked, a seemingly hopeful tone shining through its voice.

Mac looked back at where he thought the doorway should have been, only to find that he was standing in a circular room with neither windows, nor doors. He then turned his attention to the hooded creature in a mixture of awe and respect: for the deep hood covered its face in a peculiar shadow, as the cloak did for the rest of the body. Two tall shapes like a crown stood out from the creature’s head: though still covered by the hood, and blazing crimson eyes with fierce, yellow slits shone out from under it. It was similar in shape to a centaur- as far as Mac could tell from the outside of the cloak -but was far bigger than Orion by several feet.

“You’re... th-the Prophet?” Mac said in honest admiration. He had an odd intuition that this was going to be his worst enemy on this quest, but there was something about this being that invoked respect for him from all that beheld him. Even those that had spoken against him openly respected him, to the end of their shortened lives.

“One and the same, so good to finally meet my first human face-to-face." The Prophet said in an eerily warm tone.

Mac wished to speak, but the Prophet raised an armored claw for silence: “Tell me, 'Mac'. How do you feel about your first field assignment?”

“I’m eager for my mission…” Mac said honestly. But he trailed off, his smile fading.

“But...?” the Prophet questioned.

Mac looked him in the eye. “Well… I’m greatly confused about the origin of this assignment, it doesn’t make any sense to me: I’m supposed to go into a separate dimension, to replace the ‘me’ in that world who’s gone missing?” he asked, mind clouded by the mere thought of it.

“You’ll understand in the end…” The Prophet said knowingly. Mac could’ve sworn that, for a split second, he saw pain in the creature’s eyes.

“Fair enough, but what’s the name of this world, anyway?” Mac added. He had his assumptions, but he still did not fully comprehend it all.

The Prophet looked back up at him and his voice blazed like a choking fire. “It is a world you know very well, and one you always wished was real...”

A dark look returned to the Prophet’s eyes: “But be wary: you will find it more savage than you had ever hoped, and more brutal towards our organization than I would like.”

Mac’s eyes widened. “You mean..?” he started.

“Yes.” The Prophet said grimly, handing Mac a small device; “You’ll need this.” he said simply.

“What is it?” Mac said, looking at the object carefully.

“It’s a communications device, so that someone can oversee the operation from here. Place it in your ear, and I’ll find someone to work it soon enough.”

Mac grinned: “Orion?” he suggested slyly.

The Prophet’s already glowing eyes suddenly burned with fury, yet his tone was still strangely calm: “Maybe, though I don’t trust that mutated fool. But, if I don’t find anyone else… yes. Yes, it will be that pitiful excuse for pond scum.”

Mac nodded, and walked back to the center of the platform: placing the device in his ear as instructed. The Prophet pressed a small lever: causing the large, metal ring beneath the boy to spin rapidly. The device rose up until it was in the air, directly in front of Mac. A swirling, transparent vortex of amethyst and ruby flowed inside the ring, lighting up the room when the lights fizzed out.

Mac turned his head back to the Prophet, and froze in fear from what he saw: the light from the portal was shining directly into the Prophet’s hood, showing a brown, crocodilian face with two thick, twirling antlers sticking out the top. Lion’s paws peered out from underneath the cloak of the beast, and a toothy grin spread across its putrid mouth. The eerie light cast from the portal threw intense shadows across the beings’ face; intensifying its already horrendous features. It shoved the lever into a gear marked in bright red letters: Equestria.

‘Congratulations, Mac!’ its voice hissed in his mind. ‘You’ve just become either my most loyal servant…’

Its eyes suddenly blazed again as it stared at him with intense warning.

‘...or my worst adversary!’

There was a blinding flash: instantly Mac felt something hit him with a thud, and all went dark.

Chapter Three: Brewing Unrest.

Twilight continued to watch Mac as he slept in the cloud across from her: she couldn’t help but sense that there was something… amiss about him. Other than his missing mark, and the fact that he suddenly hardly remembered anything before today. He just seemed so… out of place. Could he be Starlight Glimmer in disguise? Could she have kidnapped him, and taken his place? Is that why the Map showed his mark as well, floating over the outskirts of Ponyville?

She put it in the back of her mind for now, adjusted the satchel on her back, and glided down to the ground: where her friends were waiting. “Anyone still up for the concert tonight?” she asked, looking around the group.

“I… I think I’ll stay behind, just to make sure Mac doesn’t roll off that cloud.” Myra offered.

Twilight nodded. "Good idea," she stated, "if he really is suffering from memory loss: he should get all the rest he can. But if he does wake up, see if you can restore his memory."

The Pegasus nodded, and was about to take off when Twilight spoke up again:

"Oh! I almost forgot! Here's that book you wanted!" She called, levitating her copy of Painted Wind towards her friend.

Myra collected the tome with a thankful nod, and flew up to the cloud.

“Figures she’s the one to go,” Rainbow chuckled cheekily.

“Oh, knock it off, Dash!” Twilight scolded. “You hang with them the most out of all of us! You of all ponies should know that they aren’t-”

“I know, I know. I’m just teasing.” Rainbow said defensively, throwing up her hooves in mock surrender. “You girls get away with it just fine! Why can’t I?”

“I’ll just go keep my sister company, if that's alright.” Fluttershy stated quietly, before taking off after Myra.

"Well," Twilight sighed, “I guess that leaves our group with me, Rarity, you, Pink- where’s Pinkie Pie?”

“She went to help the Cakes clean up a while back.” Applejack answered.

As if on cue, a bright blur raced in front of them, screaming: “I’ll meet you later!"

Rarity looked around at the remaining three thoughtfully. “Tea at my boutique in the meantime?” she offered.

Twilight extended a hoof with an eager smile, hardly being able to wait to taste her friend’s famous tea again: “Deal!”

“I’m not really a ‘Tea’ mare,” Rainbow shrugged, “but I’ll give it a try this once!”

The other three collectively rolled their eyes.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

When they all had sat themselves in the kitchen, and had been served some of Rarity’s tea, the four friends took to discussing their latest drama. For the four had barely started drinking when Rarity spoke up once again: “Is it just me, or has there been a different… err... aura surrounding Mac since he returned?”

Twilight let out a sigh of relief. “I thought I was the only one who noticed.” She said, “Why do you think that is?”

“I don’t know, he just seems… misplaced.” Rarity said thoughtfully. "Do you think it might have something to do with his mark?"

"Maybe..." Twilight puzzled. “At least, I think it might be a side effect of whatever happened to his mark. It’s hard to explain, and I can’t find a better word for it, but it seems like he doesn’t belong here.”

Twilight levitated a large, blue book from her satchel: “I'm hoping that this book on personal energies might offer an explanation."

“Egghead alert,” Rainbow whispered to Applejack, getting a quiet guffaw in response. Twilight glared at the two, but proceeded to open the book with an eager smile anyway.

“Ignore me, I’ll just be researching.” She offered as she practically dove into the book.

“We usually do when you go into ‘The Twilight Zone’.” Rainbow snorted. The Princess just gave a satisfied nod, already too focused to realize what her friend just said.

“Let us know if you find any excerpts you find useful!” Rarity chirped.

“I was planning on it!” Twilight confirmed, placing her nose back between the covers.

After about an hour of research on the matter, and interrupting the others' conversations: Twilight got them each to agree on four auras that all described effects similar to what they 'felt' around Mac.

“Okay,” Twilight started: “we’re down to Black Memory, Molecular Transport, Time Travel, and Dimensional Lock.”

“Well, Ah’d rule out time travel and that moleca-whoosit, seeing as how he ain’t a Unicorn.” Applejack stated, pointing at the crests on the heads of both depictions.

“Fair enough,” Rarity concurred, studying the other two with an eye trained for detail: “and these ones affect all races.”

Twilight studied the remaining diagrams with agonizing focus. “I think we can rule out Dimensional Lock,” she finally stated, pointing at the depiction of a Pony hurtling through a maze of spirals. “It only lasts for two minutes, and it only applies to interdimensional travel. The Mirror only opens once every three thousand years. And the natural occurrences happen even less often!”

“That leaves Black Memory.” Rainbow said. “What is that?”

“It says it’s a curse that was cast by the old Nightmare Priests in the Everfree.” Twilight stated with concern. “When someone found out something about them that they weren’t supposed to- which was practically anything outside of ‘evil and scary’- the Priests cursed them, and remove mostly all their memory.”

“Well, that would explain quite a few things.” Rarity sighed.

“It would, if the Nightmare Priests hadn't died off hundreds of years ago!” Twilight grunted in frustration.

“But, he did say he was sent to the Western Outlands, where the majority of the Nightmare Worshipers congregated.” Applejack offered.

“By the way, Darling, how did you even attain that book on such short notice?” Rarity puzzled, setting her saucer on the table.

“Coincidence, mostly,” Twilight shrugged, “I was going to have Spike return this book to Celestia in the morning.”

Rarity lifted an eyebrow. “How… convenient?” she offered.

“I know, right? It seems like our whole lives can be described in one word.” Twilight chuckled.

“Y’mean boring?” Rainbow interjected, staring into her cup with a dulled expression.

“No, convenient.”

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

After seeing how well her friends were doing, and taking the Cake’s trash to the dump: Pinkie Pie decided to see if she could help Mr. and Mrs. Cake out in any more ways. Maybe she'd help with the baking, stir some coffee… sample tomorrow's pudding.

“Pudding….” She uttered in an excited, drawn-out, zombie-like tone. She was becoming more enthralled by that delicious pudding each working day, even to the point where she accepted twenty bits, and then ten bits’ worth of pudding for payment at the end of each day. She swore he would never, ever, ever doubt the Cakes’ cooking abilities again.

It was then that she noticed the night air seemed to have a peculiar smell to it: as if there had been a rotting roadkill hidden in the corner of town. No one else was outdoors at this time besides her, and it was very apparent why once her knee pinched.

Once, twice, thrice: three pinches in a row. Something bad was about to happen, and very soon. Next thing she knew, her entire body was vibrating intensely.

“Oh… dear…”

The pink pony was approaching Sugarcube Corner when she noticed that the strange smell was emanating from a nearby alley. Being the curious filly that she was, and after those twitchy episodes, she went closer to investigate: guard up. What she saw in the alley made her blood freeze:

A large, dark green circle: oozing lime colored steam like a sickly smoke, stood out like an ugly blister on the otherwise symmetrical pavement. And a strange, unfamiliar symbol was shining at its center.

“Dormancy term ending, reissuing the Black One.” Rasped a voice. It was barely more than a whisper to Pinkie's ears, yet it set the fur on her back on end. The very sound of it sent shudders of fear down Pinkie’s spine, and awakened something he never knew she could possess: Hatred.

A tall, black-mantled shape rose out of the pavement within the circle: treating the cement as if it were mere water. Pinkie guessed there was a living thing hidden within the cloak, but she couldn’t see anything underneath. Then two eyes- at least, she assumed those… fiery… things were supposed to be eyes- opened up like two windows into Tartarus itself.

They ‘stared’ at her for a moment, the fire in the eyes wavering as the cold air turned the creature's breath to mist. The being produced what looked like an iron quill from inside his cloak, and rushed her with a hollow screech.

Next thing Pinkie knew, she was waking up in her room, just like she would any other morning: a bright sunrise greeted her from the window, and the birds were twittering on the outside.

“That was… quite the dream!” she sighed, rubbing her temple.

She was still trying to convince himself that it was indeed just a dream when she heard Mr. Cake call for her from the kitchen. She stood up, brushed her hair into the usual curls, and tied on her apron. Mr. and Mrs. Cake were patiently waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs, with broad grins on their faces.

“It’s Half-Price Day!” They called in unison, holding up a tray of pretzels and cupcakes. This would usually get an intense reaction from the hyperactive pony, but all she offered at the moment was a decent smile.

When she took her position at the counter, the first ponies through the door were her best friends: the other bearers of the Elements.

“Are you doing alright there, Sugarcube?” Applejack asked with some concern. “We didn’t see you at the boutique last night, and you missed the concert: so we figured we’d check in on ya, after what happened last night.”

“I’m alright, I guess.” Pinkie assured, hoping to calm her friends.

“She came in last night, and went straight on up to her bed, the poor dear.” Mrs. Cake called from the kitchen. “She seemed quite pooped.”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa, wait a second!” Rainbow scoffed. "Pinkie Pie. Pinkie. Pie. Was tired? Our Pinkie Pie: out of energy? I’m not buying it!”

“It happens more often than you’d think, dearie,” The Mr. Cake chuckled, stepping out from the back. He brushed some powder from his hooves onto his apron, and set another tray of cupcakes into the display case under the counter.

“Yup,” he sighed, picking up an icing tube from one of the tables: “she may still act hyper, but she’s usually pooped out once the night hours hit. Trust me.”

Rarity lifted a hand to tap her chin: “That would explain how she falls asleep so fast…”

“Maybe,” Twilight said slowly, turning back to Pinkie, “but are you sure you’re alright? I wouldn’t consider myself a friend of yours if I didn’t make sure.”

Pinkie opened her mouth, and then quickly shut it again. She still wasn’t convinced that it was wise to tell them of her dream. She wasn't even sure if it was a dream! She didn’t remember going to bed, after all.

“I… did have a weird dream last night…” she said, unsure of how to explain it all. The speed at which that sentence was spoken captured the attention of all, being unusually slow for her.

“And I don’t remember going to bed…”

That caused some worry: though she might have been tired, Pinkie never forgot anything. She kept tabs on almost everything that happened in town, and if it was none of her- or anypony’s –business: she burned the file. That she had forgotten something even as simple as going to bed was nigh on inconceivable.

“Tell us about this dream you had,” Twilight said, ushering their friend to a nearby booth, “I’m sure we might get some answers from that.”

Pinkie opened her mouth, and then froze: something finally clicked about what Applejack had said when she walked in.

“Wait a minute!” She cried, pushing her snout into the purple Alicorn’s face: “What happened last night?!”

Chapter Seventeen: Hope is Lost in the Labyrinth.

Five minutes passed, and Twilight had not yet moved. She still stood just into the intersecting tunnels: just staring ahead as if she was paralyzed in unsure caution. The haunting clicking in the distance stopped, only to be replaced with an eerie scraping, as if a cat was clawing its way towards them. She sank back towards the group, and pulled her two companions towards her with her magic.

“The more we stick together, the more we have a chance to survive. So, we need to stay in our groups.” She stated. “Plus, I don’t think any of us want to try and walk this alone, do we?”

Everypony shook their heads collectively, and Twilight smiled grimly. Together, they stepped forward as one, and then split as many.

Twilight, Pinkie and Rainbow went straight ahead. The Stranger, Thorpe and Zecora took the left. And Rarity, Fluttershy and Applejack ventured to the right. Each hoping they wouldn't have to run into whatever Pinkie saw.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Mac looked around at the strange construction of the tunnel: from the rotting brick, linked by old cement, to the pipes running along either side of the upper corners of each corridor, and the occasional green-flamed torch that offered just enough illumination to make him uneasy. Each hoofstep echoed eerily down the passages, giving rise to a clicking sound in the distance. Mac walked further down the tunnel, fighting the urge to sulk towards the mysterious chittering. He stepped into a puddle in the dark, and retracted his hoof in disgust. He didn’t dare guess what the substance was, based off the smell alone, and tried to shake it off.

Warp wasn’t faring much better: as his eyes were used to the light of the summer sky, and he had little to no experience in the dark of the underworld. Even when he slept, a sky-blue nightlight had been lit by his bed, securing him in his home in the blue yonder. Now, however, he saw himself chained to the ground with no view of his home, or the beautiful Sun. He knew he would survive a dark maze in his head, but after seeing what they’re up against, his heart leaped at every click in the dark, and every whisper in his head. He felt the walls of the tunnels closing about him, and he was tempted to light his horn, as it was hard to see the black shape of the Stranger in the shadowy hall before him.

Zecora felt oddly comfortable, despite the dark atmosphere. She had grown up in a dark land where evils such as this were not only sought out, but worshipped, and now lived in a cursed forest that tried to blot out light. She knew the tricks of the Dark Power well, and refused to give into the same fears that took her people.

She studied the walls, and heard the whispers. With every step they took, the whispers seemed to morph into a strange chant that she couldn’t translate. She knew almost every tongue spoken across the lands, yet she never heard a cadence and tone like this before. The chants sounded strangely familiar, but she couldn’t place where she’d heard those voices before: was it back in Zegypt? Or… were they more recent?

The voices in them reminded her of a once beautiful singer, who had the power and soul removed from their very throats, turning them into a hoarse mess. They sounded like…

'Nightmares...'

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Applejack winced as she stepped further into the tunnels after Rarity: she was supposed to help keep Fluttershy from running into the blackness in fear, but she was having a hard enough time keeping herself from doing the same. The voices whispered into her head, and she tried her best to ignore each word spoken:

“You could’ve stopped it…”

“You watched them fall…”

“Remember the thunder…?”

She tried to shake them out of her ears. It wasn’t her fault: she wouldn’t have been able to stop what happened if she tried, she was too young to stop it by herself. But the voices relentlessly whispered her doubts into her very mind, and wouldn’t let out. That infernal clicking in the distance didn’t help her to calm down, either. Just kept clattering and ticking like a sped-up clock, ready to sound the alarm.

Fluttershy’s eyes were darting all around them as both she and Applejack followed Rarity through the tunnel systems. She heard the scraping of hoof against brick, and she could swear she heard skittering in the halls behind them. Oh, how she hoped those were nice, big rats…

The rearranging maze did little to keep her from panicking, for as they took a right, she turned around to see the tunnel going straight behind them instead. It shook her, not knowing where to go, or where she was going. She trusted Rarity, sure, but she knew the Unicorn was only a little more wise to their whereabouts than she was.

And, indeed, it was true: Rarity was making pure guesses, wandering this way and that in the maze. She hoped one of the two mares behind her would question her leadership, and take charge, but she knew they were as lost as she was. She looked back, and saw something that made her wish she’d have just kept walking: Fluttershy was close to tears as she hovered slowly behind her, and Applejack was sweating feverishly from her nerves. She turned her focus back to the darkness before, and tried lighting her horn to see further in. But the darkness seemed to have a mind of its own: and blocked the light out three feet around her, so all that her horn did was make it more difficult to see in the darkness ahead.

“Ulch, this blackness is impossible!” She hissed. The clicking grew more intense as her voice echoed across the caverns.

“Rarity, don’t you think we should keep it down?” Fluttershy whispered in a shudder, keeping an eye out behind them.

“I am keeping it down, Fluttershy.” Rarity snipped in a harsh, tired whisper.

“We’re all doing our best to avoid screaming in here…” Applejack mused.

“Nevertheless, we should try not to talk, Pinkie did say that they--”

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“--they listen… they listen... they listen...”

Twilight rolled her eyes as she dimmed her horn, finding the effort useless. “I don’t doubt that they do, Pinkie. But saying that over and over again doesn’t make it any harder for ‘them' to hear us, and whatever they are: they’re probably too distracted by that weird clicking to take notice of us.”

Pinkie extended her hoof, as her eyes deadly stared out from under her flat hair. “I-I-I wouldn’t be too sure about that, Twilight…”

“Well, I wouldn’t either, under normal circumstances.” Twilight shrugged. “But literally none of our past month has been even reminiscent of normal. Even the threatening stuff has been out of whack somehow.”

Pinkie scoffed, and rolled her eyes. “Well excuuuse me, Princess!” She spat in a venomous tone.

“Look, Twinkie!” Rainbow interrupted in a harsh whisper, shoving a forehoof into both of their mouths. “If those things really are listening for us, we’re not doing ourselves any favors by bickering! So, shut it!”

Once she was satisfied that they were effectively silenced: Rainbow redacted her hooves, and gestured silently for Twilight to lead on. Twilight nodded, and continued her tour of the Labyrinth.

Three lefts, one right, one left, five straight, two rights: she led them further and further into the tunnels, before they stopped short.

All three of them stared at the mark on the wall, gesturing to the right of the group, as another tunnel turned to the left…

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“What do you suppose that leads to?” Warp asked, pawing a hoof at the arrow clumsily painted on the wall. Mac’s group had been similarly stopped at a four-way intersection, with another arrow painted on one of the corners.

“It could lead to the Pump, or perhaps to the beasts that wish to off us bump.” Zecora answered.

“Very helpful, there, stripes!” Warp snapped.

“If you think you can guess better, maybe you can lead us out of this fetter?”

“Find a rhyme for Thrackerzod, why don’t you?”

While the other two bickered by the arrow, Mac just focused on it, and pondered something.

Mac opened his eyes and looked back at where the man had been, but in his place he saw an old scarecrow with its hands tied behind its back. And an arrow was stuck between its eyes: quivering with unspent energy.

He refocused his attention down the hall where the arrow pointed, and saw two red, fiery orbs glowing through the blackness.

‘Bull’s-eye, Shadow…’ He thought, smiling.

“We need to follow it, guys.” Mac stated simply. The two arguing ponies ceased, and looked to him.

“Why?”

He slowly turned his head, and looked at them:

“Because it might lead us to the exit…”

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“What do we do now, Twilight? Follow the arrow, or not?” Pinkie asked, pointing down the blackened tunnel.

“I’m not sure, but I think it might be a trap.” Twilight reasoned. “We need to ignore them, no matter how many there are, this Kietelethar is far too clever to just map out the exit for us.”

Rainbow and Pinkie exchanged unsure glances, but relented with a shrug, and followed the Alicorn without further question.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Rarity stumbled as her foot hit a loose brick on the floor, but Applejack caught her tail in her teeth before her face could meet the ground. Rarity steadied herself, and brushed the dust off her coat.

“Thank you, Applejack.” She sighed. “This infernal damp, dank darkness is beginning to muddle my mind.”

“Do you want me to take a shift leading the way?” The farm pony asked, straightening her hat, and wiping some muck off of Rarity’s mane.

“I wouldn’t object, darling, that’s for sure.” Rarity sighed with relief, quickly asserting her position on the back of the trio.

Fluttershy looked into the tunnel ahead while they talked, and froze. When the others saw her reaction, they turned forward, squinting into the black depths. What they saw stiffened them.

There, just outside of the reach of the light, lurked the dark silhouette of a pony-like being. It was hunched over, as if it were a cat in waiting for a mouse. They couldn’t see it in detail, but it looked like one of the shapes they’d seen entering the Labyrinth. But something about the darkness magnified its presence, and made it seem deadly as a lion.

Then, the peculiar clicking sounded ahead, and it seemed to emanate from the demon before them.

“Do you think it sees us, Applejack?” Rarity questioned in a whisper.

The thing cocked its head to the side, and one of its flopped ears twitched. The dents, where its eyes should have been, gleamed putridly in the darkness. The three ponies sat there, completely stilled by the movement.

The thing slowly rose onto its hooves, and showed its darkened form. The gangly creature let out some more clicks as it slowly approached them, and they all fought against the urge to start screaming. They could hear the thing sniffling as it approached them, and felt it clicking intensely. Fluttershy trembled with the impulse to run as the thing crept up to her, and the clicking stopped.

To the horror of both her and her friends, the beast leaned its ugly maw down to her face, and snuffled as its ears flicked. If she wasn't frozen in place before, she was certainly cold as ice now as she was able to pick out individual grooves in the demon’s throat. It hung its toothless top jaw directly above her eyes, and gave a long exhale: blasting her muzzle with the putrid scent of death.

All this time, Rarity and Applejack watched helplessly as their friend was being hunted right before them, unable to move for her own safety. Rarity held back vomit as the thing breathed on the Pegasus, and a small flap of skin dangling from its jawline brushed against Fluttershy’s face.

After the longest minute of their lives, the creature snorted, and stood back up. Slowly, it turned, and skulked back into the endless darkness. Applejack and Rarity immediately ran to their petrified friend as soon as the shape disappeared. They picked her up, and comforted her as she started to sob.

They didn’t have time to recover, though, as they heard a sharp hiss from behind them. All three looked over in time to see the demon reaching out to them with a hoof as it galloped awkwardly towards them: clocking a surprisingly brisk pace. In a panic, Rarity hauled Fluttershy onto her back, and took off with Applejack in tow. The monster huffed and hissed as it pursued them, but its stumbling run was no match for their quick hooves.

Several twists and turns were expediently ducked as the frightened ponies fled their own shadows, before they finally calmed down once they felt they lost the demon. It took them a second to catch their breaths, and they were sweating bullets as they stopped, despite the chilled warmth of the Labyrinth. They took heavy pants in place of where calm breaths would normally be after such a short jog.

“Did we… lose it?” Applejack heaved: her voice sounding off as if she were ready to toss her lunch.

“Too early to… be sure…” Rarity replied, gently letting Fluttershy off of her back, “we’ve only just stopped, and I feel as if… I just ran for miles.”

Applejack gave a blunt nod, rolling her eyes, and looked to their group Pegasus. “You alright there, Flutters?”

A minute passed, and the only response they got was a blink. It would have been more unnerving, if they weren’t fighting total breakdown themselves.

Applejack lowered her head, smiled into Fluttershy’s nervous, glazed eyes, and chuckled. “Sugarcube, you’re stronger than most.”

With that, she hoisted the broken mare onto her back, and gestured for Rarity to follow as she turned around.

“You want to go back the way we came?” Rarity gasped. “But, that creature--!”

“That creature is stuck in the same endless hell that we’re in, Rarity!” Applejack shouted, walking into the darkness ahead. “Let me show you, we took a left in this last turn, right?”

Rarity cocked a brow at her. “Yes?”

“The Tunnels rearrange whenever we turn, Rarity, remember?” Applejack sighed signaling again for Rarity to follow.

Rarity heeded, and sure enough, the tunnel had switched course behind them, separating them from the demon.

“So, that’s what a Stumbling is like,” Fluttershy mumbled, her face and body remaining utterly bland as her voice. “I think it would be best to avoid speaking too much, from now on…”

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“… I tried to warn you guys!” Pinkie howled as she ran down the tunnel, Twilight and Rainbow in hot pursuit. “…They listen!”

Her hair had almost completely deflated at this point, and flew in the air as she ran.

“You’d think after her saying that a thousand times, we’d get it in our heads!” Rainbow griped as she started to tire.

Twilight now knew how diabolical the design of the Labyrinth was: for not only was it proven to change, but the stiff air made it hard for them to regain energy, and the darkness made it hard to see when the stumbling husks were in front, or behind. She hated the fact that it was unwise to speak, while also respecting Kietelethar for this design. Ponies were social by nature. and have a talent for chatting, singing, humming, and almost everything vocal. But they now faced the Stumbling: demons designed to hear everything, with sight and smell being practically useless in a constantly changing warren. The ingenuity and cunning the mad titan showed in using such simplicity was almost commendable, were it not utterly wicked of him.

Their group had run across a monster themselves a little earlier, but unlike Rarity’s group, they ran as soon as they saw it: for it had heard them beforehand, and had appeared when it was already giving chase.

Now, however, they walked the Labyrinth in an unnerving silence, knowing that it was now an unwise decision to speak too much.

*CLANK*

*HIISSSSSS*

Twilight leaped to the side with a scream as a pipe fell from the ceiling, skittering across the stone floor. Her panicked shriek echoed across the Labyrinth, alerting several ears to her presence.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“What was that?” Mac panicked, looking around for the source of the fearful cry.

“That was our dear friend Twilight! It sounds as if she’s run into a fright!” Zecora said, somehow managing to keep her calm demeanor, while also showing her concern.

Mac turned to the tunnel the cry came from, and gestured into it. “We need to get them out of there!”

“They can handle their own, Stranger, they have an Alicorn with them.” Warp scoffed. “Besides, if we chase down every scream we hear, we’ll be trapped in here even longer than if we just stayed on our own course.”

Mac was about to strike back, but he quickly decided that Warp was right. Begrudgingly, he conceded.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“Great, Twilight, just great.” Rainbow hissed. “Make it even easier for them to find us, why don’t you? Pinkie’s inches away from snapping already, and she’s only seen two of them! Who know how many are headed here now, thanks to your wimpy squeal!”

“Your endless grumbling isn’t making it any harder, either!” Twilight shot back, keeping her tone in a whisper. “Pardon me if I’m a little jumpy while walking through a dark abyss full of creatures that are trying to kill us!”

Pinkie shoved her hooves into both of her friends’ mouths, and gestured for both of them to shut it. This was going to be a long three days, indeed.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

She stirred suddenly from her peaceful slumber, and looked around. Much to her confusion, she seemed to be trapped in a cage of some kind, if you could even call it that: the floor was carpeted, the space was incredible, and there was even a table in the center of the cell. She looked down, and found herself lying on a plush bed, with a tray of top-grade hay fries and spinach leaves in front of her. The bedding was a soft pink, and the pillows were an off-ivory color.

“Comfortable?”

She jumped when the familiar voice spoke, and turned to see Mac sitting patiently in a chair across from her. He lifted his head, and his fiery eyes seemed to try and pierce her mind. She shifted her gaze away from him, remembering the pain of being tugged across dimensions, and into this cell.

“I’m sorry for any inconvenience to you,” he said softly, “but you’ll be free once more, as soon as your friends make it out of the game in time.”

This made her lift her head, and she sat up.

“The games have started?”

His mood looked downcast as he smiled weakly. “Yes, and if they get here within the next sixty hours, you’ll be freed along with them.”

She hesitated at his answer. “And if they don’t get here on time?”

“They will, Myra.” Mac chuckled, obviously avoiding the topic.

“But what if they don’t?”

Silence. It grated on her. But she could tell everything she needed to know by how his expression darkened, and he avoided her gaze.

“They will.”

“What are you supposed to do, if they don’t get here in time?”

His silence was beginning to worry her, and she could tell he didn’t want her to know the answer.

“I’ll answer your question, once you answer mine. I asked first, so it’s only common courtesy.”

“What?”

“Answer my question, Whitelight, and I’ll answer yours.”

‘Whitelight?' She thought. ‘Nopony’s called me that since…’

Myra lifted her head, and stared into his eyes. Her own were full of fear and hope, and pleading.

“I’ll answer your question, if you let my friend speak.”

He cocked his head to the side, not understanding her demand. “I can’t, they’re all in the Labyrinth. Taking one out would mean--”

“Not what I mean,”

Whitelight flexed her wings, and glided over to him. Once she landed, she reached out a hoof, and set it on his chest: placing it directly above his heart.

“I want you to release my friend, and let him speak for himself. I don’t think you’d like it if I called him out myself, would you?”

She leaned a little closer, and her teary eyes shone in sincerity. “I want my friend back, whoever you are. I know him, he wouldn’t stand for this, he wouldn’t subject our friends to whatever torture they’re in. And he definitely wouldn’t keep me locked up like a caged bird! He would go in there with them, and fight alongside them all.”

Mac’s breaths were nervous, and erratic at this point. Sweat beaded on his brow, and his burning pupils shrank. He shook his head, and batted her hoof away with a scoff, trotting to the door.

“That mindless tool of a colt you called a ‘friend’ is long dead, logic and wisdom killed him.” He chided, opening the gate.

Before walking out, though, he stopped and turned back to her: a sad look in his eye. “And the fact that a small part of him remains is what keeps you alive, like a ‘caged bird’, as you put it.” He sighed. “That’s far truer than you think, Whitelight, for what is a caged bird… if not something to admire for its beauty, and rarity?”

With that, he turned, as closed the door behind him. Leaving Myra in stunned silence, with a little more color added to her face.

'W-where did *that** come from?'*

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Fluttershy had started to regain some control over her will, little by little, after about an hour had passed. And soon, she was finally able to move her eyes, and look around consciously.

She saw that she was set across Rarity’s back like a saddlebag, and lifted her head- with great effort- to see Applejack lathered with sweat, and determinedly leading the way through the maze. She could sense something in the air, an uneasy atmosphere that she always thought would only come from her...

Fear: fear of what lurked just outside of their sight, the growing dread of the unknown. The urge to fly rather than fight. Seeing her friends in such peril, without any ability to help them, it hurt her beyond words. She felt the dread as well, but it was more for her friends than for herself. She hung her head in shame, and uttered out three simple words:

“I’m sorry, girls…”

Applejack stopped in her tracks, prompting Rarity to do the same. Her ear flicked in the dim light, and she turned her head enough for Fluttershy to get a glimpse of the sadness in her eyes.

“None of this is your fault, sugarcube.” She sighed. “We’re fighting the very weapons of the devil himself, there’s no logical way for you to blame yourself for this mess.”

She turned back forward, and lowered her voice to a hoarse whisper. “Ah just wonder what dark corners Mac’s been poking int', allowin' himself to becom'n the vulnerable slave to the creature behind this devilry. He’s opened a box that’ll take forever to close… Ah just hope we all live through it.”

Her words delivered a harsh truth, and made it impossible for them to ignore the elephant in the room any further. They all knew one of them, if not all of them, would die in this maze. But, if there was any hope in a single one of them getting through, and rescuing Myra, then it would be worth it to them.

Applejack, however, was thinking differently. Oh, she still wanted to save their friend, but she was even more determined to win this than before once she remembered what was said outside the entrance:

“Make it there within three days, and you’ll get her back. And my master will leave this world, peacefully, and never return.”

Despite keeping a calm façade as she led her group, she was beyond desperate to find the exit, or anything that was going to help them reach the end of this maze, if it meant that that monster leaves their world for good.

First, though, they’d have to survive the games: and Applejack wasn’t too keen on her chances.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Twilight walked on through the darkness, working out each possible outcome of each tunnel they crossed to the nth degree. None were good, and each seemed to be lining them up for an even crueler fate than the last.

The silence: that damned endless, noiseless abyssal void sucked all the energy from her as she fell deeper into hopelessness. She looked to her left, and to her right, as the walls just seemed to keep closing in around her, as if preparing to swallow her into their eternal cold. Her wings ached like hell, despite her never using them to fly. Her knees cramped in the humidity, and her eyes were sore from trying to pierce the blackness ahead. She shivered in the cold, and flinched every time she stepped in a puddle. The occasional torches offered beacons of hope, warmth, and light. But their warmth was limited, and their light had started to flicker long ago.

“What’s that?”

Twilight and Rainbow both jumped with a shriek when Pinkie suddenly spoke. They looked at her as she pointed a hoof towards a shape in the distance: stuck to the brick wall.

Pinkie lowered her hoof, and walked up timidly. Her flattened hair blew stronger as she approached the silhouette.

“Pinkie!” Rainbow whispered worriedly. “Get back here!”

“Rainbow,” Twilight sighed unsurely, “maybe we should just follow her. Who knows what that is, it might even help us!”

The Pegasus rolled her eyes at her. “Right, we might even discover a magical green pipe that’ll transport us straight to the Pump! Get real, Twi, the only thing we’re going to find down here is de--”

“It’s a tunnel!” Pinkie whispered, gesturing for them to follow. Rainbow, now unsure of whether or not such a device would be beneficial, decided to tag along. If they were indeed marching to their deaths, the least she could do was die fighting.

They examined the hole in the wall, and tried to figure out what it was for. It obviously wasn’t there by design: Kietelethar wouldn’t be so kind as to give them shortcuts. But then, what made it? The Stumbling didn’t seem like efficient diggers, and none of the ponies could dig through solid brick that easily. Besides, this hole resembled a rattlesnake’s borrow more than the clumsy digging of a blind demon.

“Should we try it?” Rainbow inquired, leaning towards it cautiously.

“We might as well,” Twilight sighed, “we might get that much closer to finding our way out.”

“I’ll go first, making sure the coast is clear. We’ll bite each other’s tails, so we know we’re all here.” Twilight stated. “Ready?”

The other two saluted, and they slowly crept into the tunnel. It didn't, however, go over as quietly as they would've liked:

“Hey! Not so hard!”

“Sorry!”

“That’s good, right there.”

“Perfect, let’s move.”

“…”

“Ouch!”

“What was that?”

“Nothing, my head just hit a stupid brick, that’s all.”

“…”

“It got dark in here…”

“…”

“This isn’t your average everyday darkness… this is… advanced darkness!”

“Shut it, Pinkie.”

“…”

“Hey: uh, Pinkie Pie?”

“Yes?”

“Am I biting your tail?”

“Uhh, Yeah?”

“And, you’re hanging on to Twilight’s tail, right?”

“Yeah?”

“Where are you going with this, Rainbow?”

“It’s just… if you’re at the front, and Pinkie’s in the middle, and I’m in the back… who’s biting my tail?”

“…”

“Shit…”

“Should we scream?”

“What good would that do, it’s not attacking me… yet…”

“Can you see what it is?”

“I can’t even see my nose, birdbrain.”

“Don’t attack me, attack it!”

“That’s not a bad idea…”

*Thud*

*Clitter*

*Chonk*

“Did you get it?”

“…”

“Dashie?”

“Stupid brick…”

“Huh?”

“…”

“A Brick landed on my tail, alright?”

“…”

*Snicker*

*Pomf*

“Shut it, Pinkie.”

*Pop*

*Fizz*

After a while of pushing, pulling, scraping and shoving, they finally made it to the other side: popping out of the tunnel like rabbits. Rainbow immediately took to the air out of reflex, and smashed her head against the brick ceiling. She fell to the ground with an audible crack, and muttered something no decent mare should ever say under her breath.

“This maze is going to be the death of us, Twilight." Pinkie sighed. "There’s no use in denying it anymore.”

“She’s got a point, you know.” Rainbow muttered once again. “Bricks fall from the ceiling, and we panic. Pipes break while we walk by, and we scream. Hell, when a torch flickers, we’ll run like Cerberus is on our tails. Any hope we had of surviving this was gone as soon as we stepped in.”

“It hasn’t even been a day yet, and we’re already giving up hope?” Twilight scoffed, shaking her head. “I would’ve thought the element of Loyalty would have more in her.”

In a heartbeat, Rainbow Dash was off the ground, and hovering in Twilight’s face. The sheer speed of the reaction caused the Princess to cower.

“You think I regret coming in here?” The Pegasus barked, the look in her eyes a mix between pain and anger.

Twilight looked up in confusion. “But you just said--”

“I said there was no hope for us, I didn’t say it’s not worth it. I’d have charged down here even if I already knew I would die, Twilight, I had to make an effort to save Myra! That’s just what friends do!”

By the time she had finished shouting, a little tear had formed in the corner of her eye. She landed back on the ground, all but defeated. “Just because there’s no hope, doesn’t mean there’s no honor in it. I’d rather die in this cold hell, knowing I gave it my all, before I’d live out in the open, trying to cope with the fact I did nothing to save her.”

Twilight moved to speak, but found her voice silenced. It was as if her mind wanted to retort, but her heart held her tongue. She nodded, and opted to let Rainbow lead for the next few hours.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

The Stranger had taken his turn leading the group, and run with it. He had successfully led them through fifteen intersections and seven dead ends without encountering even one of the monsters. In fact, they were the only group to not even have seen a single Stumbling yet. That changed, however, once they heard a familiar voice grunting up the tunnel they were headed through. Worried, they increased their speed, and were shocked to see Twilight limping along the passage all alone, and doing her best to keep her left foreleg off the ground.

“Twilight!” The Stranger called. “What happened to you?”

“Monsters… attacked…” Twilight muttered weakly. “… lost… Fluttershy… leg… hurts…”

“Which leg?”

Twilight eyed him as if he were an idiot, and held out her left foreleg. “The leg Mac bit, you foal!”

In a single swift movement, before anypony could react, the Stranger put one hoof under her belly, and another on the back of her head. Before she had a chance to react, he had already spun around with his firm grip still on her: and smashed her back into the wall. She collapsed in a dazed, painful heap.

Zecora and Warp stared on speechlessly as the Princess' unconscious form slumped to the ground. The Stranger simply grinned, and gestured for them to follow as he strode off. Warp rushed over to Twilight, but stopped when her colors darkened, her mane disappeared, and her lower jaw vanished completely.

“It was a demon?” He stammered in disbelief, looking up to the Stranger. “How did you know?”

The Stranger kept walking, and waited for them to catch up before he answered. “It was her right hoof that he bit, not the left.” He chuckled. “For a demon, he wasn’t very bright.”

They heard a collective hiss behind them, and turned to find five more of the lifeless husks stumbling after them.

Before a solitary thought could be crafted, Warp drew his sword with his magic and bucked his back legs, sending Zecora and the Stranger down the tunnel.

“Run!” He cried. The Stranger turned back, about to grab Warp, only to have the defiant pony shove him away once more.

“Go, find the exit, and help your friends!” He barked, barely looking over his shoulder.

“What about you?”

Warp gave a small smile, which the Stranger understood more than he knew.

“I’ll be alright.” He sighed, before his face became stern, and he barked once more. “Now get out of here!”

The Stranger and Zecora quickly obeyed, and flew into the darkness as the Captain turned back to face the Stumbling.

“Alright, earthworms…” he taunted, hanging the blade of his cutlass in front of his eyes as he stared down the approaching threat:

“… Let’s dance!”

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

“What got their tails in a twist?” Rainbow shouted as her group ran down the endless tunnels. Pinkie was running just ahead of them, and Twilight was desperately flapping her wings while running in hopes that it would give her a boost. They had heard a trample of dead hooves approaching them a few minutes past, and it didn’t take them two seconds to figure out what was causing it.

“I don’t know,” Twilight shuddered. Her pupils shrank at the sight of the dead end down their tunnel, “but unless we come across a miracle, we’re glue!”

Pinkie gritted her teeth, and her own eyes began to twitch as her hair managed to go even limper than ever before.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Rarity’s sweat flew off her brow as she ran, and she constantly checked to make sure Applejack and Fluttershy were by her side. When she was done with that, she’d look back on the shapes they were slowly outrunning, just to make sure they were getting farther instead of closer. Her hooves clipped on the cement floor as they fled, and their panting became heavier with each pull on their lungs. Their strength waned, and their hearts raced.

Soon enough, there was no left and no right for them, there was only straight ahead as they ran into the everlasting dark. They only had to make it further in before their hunters tracked them down.

Thromb bom bomba-dom, Thromb bom bomba-dom, Thromb bom bomba-dom…

“Oh, no…” Applejack panted as the familiar tune echoed through the Labyrinth, and called them down the halls.

Rarity lifted an eyebrow. “Do we follow it, or no?”

Applejack looked around for where it was coming from. “I don’t think that’s such a grand idea--”

“Follow it!”

“What?”

They both turned to Fluttershy, who soon took the lead with a beaming smile. “Trust me!”

They looked between themselves, and nodded firmly. She always knew best when they least expected it, and they knew it. Sure enough, she led them through the tunnels, and after the tribal beat: further and faster they went, until they stumbled into a large, dimly-lit room.

Inside was a large array of machinery, designed for the containment and output of some kind of fluid. What stood out beyond that were the numerous gashes, both deep and slight, across the walls.

“It’s the pump!” Rarity cried joyfully. “We found the pump!”

“Fantastic,” Applejack sighed, breathing a sigh of relief, “now we just need to figure out how to turn it on!”

Before any of them could investigate, a large knife stuck to the floor in front of Applejack, who immediately looked up to where it had come from. All she saw was a black tendril recoiling into a vent on the ceiling. Fluttershy walked up to the dagger, and noticed a paper was wrapped around the handle. Grabbing the note, she read it aloud.

“Three, Seven, and Four.”

Confused, she held it at arm’s length, and squinted at it.

“Is that all?”

“That’s all it says, Rarity.”

Applejack rolled her eyes. “Well, nevermind, let’s see if we can figure out what it means.”

Fluttershy trotted over to a large cylinder while Applejack looked to a control panel, and Rarity approached the scars in the brick walls.

Applejack tampered with the control panel, but soon found that even though it looked like a futuristic module, it worked about as much as Prince Blueblood. Only it held thrice the charm. Fluttershy only found a single button on the large piece of machinery, but she knew better than to push it on impulse. They both turned to Rarity, who was fixated on the scratches in the brick.

“What are you expecting to find on that there wall, Rare?” Applejack groaned.

Rarity brightened, and looked back to the farm pony with a smug grin. “Exactly what I found, darling: a pattern!” She lifted a hoof, and set it on a rather small brick. “Third from the floor, seventh from the entrance. And…” she paused long enough to draw her hooves across the marring on the clay. “… It has four symmetrical scratches on the surface.”

“Rarity, that’s just--”

Before Applejack could finish, Rarity had pushed the brick inward, and the pump turned on with a great grinding of metal. “What was that, Applejack?” She tittered over the roar of the mechanism.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Myra sulked on the bed, wondering if she’d end up having to fight her own way out of this if her friends didn't make it in time. She jumped slightly when she heard the sound of loud machinery powering up somewhere beneath her cell, and looked up in just enough time time to see a pool of live ink pour out of the vent on her cell wall, and take the form of a familiar, fiery-eyed stallion.

“Mac?”

He turned to her, and nodded slowly. “You were right, Whitelight, I can’t let this just happen. But I can’t completely fight it, either. You only have thirty-one hours left in here, I had to do something.”

“Fool!”

They both flinched as a massive figure smashed his fist into the bars, and glared daggers at the poor colt. “What did you do?”

Mac stood his ground, despite his quailing. “I only gave them a small hint in the pump, oh Prophet, nothing more.”

Kietelethar ripped through the cell bars as if they were wet paper, and seized Mac by the neck with one of his great, armored claws. “None of the rules have been broken, and you still found a way to go crawling back to your little friends. I can't help but respect that. However, it appears that I've far underestimated your foolish cleverness, colt: and I can’t risk you slipping up again!”

He lifted Mac to the ceiling, and slowly reached up with his other hand as a small, tarlike ball formed in his palm.

“I should have done this sooner…”

Myra watched in terror as the Prophet put a vice grip on Mac’s face, and her old friend screamed in agony. Black tar shot into his mouth and eyes from along the Prophet’s arm, surging into him like a raging river. His soulful cries growing even more anguished as the stream thickened. After two solid minutes of the horrific display, Myra could take no more:

"DROP HIM, YOU MONSTER!" She boomed, startling herself at the power and volume of her own frightened voice. As if the command was successful: Kietelethar carelessly opened his fingers, and Mac limply dropped to the ground with the sound of a deflated football. He gave a small struggle to get to his hooves: his knees wobbling slightly before he stood firm as stone, his labored breaths hardened.

“Never forget that you are mine to command, little bird.” Kietelethar barked, stomping with a paw hard enough to crack the stone floor. “You sold yourself, and it’s time for me to collect. You wished to see truth, and I have shown you all I know. You are not to resist my orders again, no matter what! Am I understood?”

Mac slowly lifted his head, and the room was filled with the heat from his blazing eyes as they opened. They burned brighter than ever before now, and yet looking into them felt darker than the coldest night. He spoke in a tone that sent chills down Myra’s spine as his expression darkened.

“I am yours to command, my lord.”

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Fresh air flowed into Twilight’s nostrils as she cowered, covering her head with her hooves. She felt herself grow stronger once the precious oxygen was pounding through her blood, and started to take courage once again. She lifted a hoof to peek at the encroaching threat, and was instantly mortified. Rainbow peeked as well, and froze at the sight that greeted the both of them:

Pinkie, standing alone in the middle of a four-way intersection, staring down a large troop of the Stumbling in the tunnel across from her. Both of the onlookers could tell from where they were sitting that she was grinning. Her cheeks barely contained the wide, unnatural grin she had gotten once before. Her flat hair blew slightly in the new breeze, and her darkened colors gave her a menacing look.

The demon at the front of the group spoke in a guttural tone, making his empty throat vibrate.

“Time hath come for to teach this mere mortal a lesson, my brethren!”

The Stumbling started laughing, and softly chanted as they slowly walked towards the intersection, stepping in tune to the foreign hum.

At that moment, Pinkie started giggling: her hollow tone halting a few of the creatures, and sending chilled shivers down her friends’ backs. She reached behind her, and pulled a small metal rod from her tail.

“A Tuning Fork?!” Twilight yelped in disbelief. “We should go get her!”

Rainbow shook her head violently, and shuddered. “No, whatever you do, don’t try and stop her when she’s like this… it only makes it worse.”

Pinkie held the instrument aloft like a great sword before smiting it on the ground, and aiming the shivering fork towards the ceiling, directly above the oncoming monsters. The tone of the tool steadily increased, cracking the walls, and making the floor tremble as if there were an earthquake. Dust and pebbles started to fall from the ceiling above the Stumbling, and several looked up in genuine fear.

Suddenly, with a deafening thunder of crumbled stone, the tunnel collapsed on top of the creatures: filling the caverns with dust as their leader stumbled forward, choking on the debris. Before he could cough out the brick lodged in his throat, he found himself face-to-face with a broken Pinkie, who he knew was staring into the face of death, and laughing it off.

Her pupils were sharp, and focused: no insane, unfocused glaze, though her unnatural grin had turned into a vicious snarl as her mane flapped loosely. She caught him by the neck, lifted him off his hooves, and looked into the dents were his eyes would’ve been:

“Lesson. Learned.”

All Twilight and Rainbow heard was a cruel snap before the smog cleared enough for them to see their friend standing over the limp form of the demon. She turned back to them with a sad look in her eyes, and started to cry, prompting her friends to rush to her side.

“I… I…” she choked, burying her head into Twilight’s shoulder as sobs wracked her being. “I hate this place! I hate what it’s making us do!”

“I know, Pinkie.” Rainbow said, laying a hoof across Pinkie’s shoulder in an effort to comfort her. “But sometimes, the only way out of hell, is through it.”

Pinkie looked up to her with wide, tearful eyes.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Rarity drank in the fresh air as eagerly as the others, and instantly felt invigorated once again: she glanced at the monsters waiting outside the room, and cast a cocky smile towards Applejack.

“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

Applejack gave a knowing smile as she looked out to the Stumbling. “Smackdown?”

Rarity nodded in satisfaction. “Smackdown,” she affirmed.

The two mares smiled at the encroaching demons, and charged.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Zecora inhaled deeply as the life-giving gas brought freshness back into her mind, and pumped life into her tired blood. “It seems our friends have found the pump, to aid us in escaping this dump!” She chuckled warmly.

Mac felt energy finally coursing through his veins, and his heart was filled with determination. He turned back, and ran the way they just came.

“Where are you going in such a hurry? The rearranged tunnels will make our navigation a worry.”

“We need to at least try and get Warp back! I’m not sure how long he’ll--”

Before Mac could finish, Warp stepped out of a hole in the wall, and smiled at them. “So, here you two are! I was beginning to think I’d find Twilight before I found you again.”

Mac’s jaw dropped. “You’re… completely unharmed?”

“Not completely, two of them managed to land blows to my stomach.” Warp shrugged. “But other than that, yeah. What about it?”

“The both of us are wondered how one eager for thrashing, you cleverly avoided a terrible bashing?” Zecora inquired.

“Well, in hoof-to-hoof, I don’t think I would’ve lasted that long. But I had Fernando here to help me out!” Warp beamed, drawing a black-stained sword.

“So, we have some means of fighting them off, it seems.” Mac though aloud, grinning to himself. “I think our chances in here just got a little better.”

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Pinkie looked up from crying on Twilight’s shoulder, leaving damp, matted fur where her eyes had been. The look in her eyes was one of steel-heartedness, and persevering hatred.

“That’s it, Ki! No more games…”

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Rarity drew her hoof back as she shoved another demon into the wall.

“We’ve spent too long hiding in the shadows…”

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Warp swung his sword over his head, charging in as another Stumbling appeared around a corner.

“We won’t run from the darkness, my fellows, not anymore…”

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

The nine ponies looked into the would-be eyes of their enemies, and each called the same thing:

“… it’s time for us to own it!”

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Twenty-Three hours left, and Myra was counting down the seconds. She had barely gotten any sleep, and she barely ate a thing. What made it worse, in fact, was that the same pony that had finally shown signs of still being the friend she knew so well now sat like a stone sentry in his chair. He was endlessly, wordlessly watching her with those creepy, burning eyes that seemed to stare through her soul.

Myra knew she had to get out of this somehow…

But… how could she?

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

An hour had passed since Pinkie made the tunnel collapse, and Twilight knew they were running out of time. They had to reach the end before all was lost. Their desperation to find the creatures intensified. Not so that they would run, but so that they would attack. She felt giddy at the change in pace: for the hunters were now the hunted, the dreadful were filled with dread, and the masters were now the rookies.

That was when she heard a faint, hopeful humming down the maze, and laughed in joy. She knew that could only be one thing…

“The Heart!”

Pinkie’s mane puffed out with a whiz as she cried out, and a broad smile was plastered onto her face. The sooner they shut down this mechanism, the easier it would be to get out of it. The easier to get out, the happier she was.

They spotted a larger demon sulking out towards them. And, before anypony could even think twice about it, Twilight’s eyes went red: and she had already pinned it to the wall.

Furious, Twilight smashed the demon's back against the brick barrier viciously, and repeatedly.

“Are you prepared to go back to Hell?” She growled, clenching her jaw as she fought.

“Have mercy!” The monster begged hoarsely. “Please, have mercy on me!”

Twilight lifted a hoof to the creature’s face, showing deep scars curved to match a pony's jaw.

“You made one of my closest friends… do this… to me...” she hissed in a guttural tone, drawing the hoof back across her face. “This thing called ’Mercy’ no longer applies to the likes of you!"

There was a loud crunch, and Twilight drew her black-stained hoof back in shock as the Stumbling fell lifeless to the floor. A large hole gaped through the back of its throat, and a dagger dropped from its hoof. Pinkie reached out a hoof in sympathy, as she knew Twilight would’ve lost her lunch had they eaten anything.

“You were right, Pinkie…” Twilight sighed. “You were right to hate this place for what it’s making us do… for what it’s making us sacrifice…”

Pinkie started tearing up again, and rushed over to embrace her friend.

Rainbow looked down, and then back the way they came.

“Something tells me we’ll all have to sacrifice something dear, Twilight, in order to save our friend…”

Twilight looked up with fear in her eyes, and nodded. Soon, they were desperately running down and around the tunnels once more. But before an hour had passed, they had stumbled across the Heart: and the many engines and gears within.

Rainbow Dash raced in, and immediately looked for something blunt to bash against the mechanism. Twilight looked for a control panel while Pinkie looked closely at the gears, an oddly sad gleam in her eye.

“How do we turn it off?” Twilight asked, finding nothing.

Pinkie’s eyes narrowed as she inspected further, and it wasn't long before a melancholy smile crept across her lips. “Twi, Dashie, please step outside…”

They both gave her confused glances, until they saw her reach into her tail again. They both blinked, and backed out.

“What exactly are you planning on doing, Pinkie?” Rainbow asked once she was outside.

Pinkie held the device high above her head, and looked back to them both with a strong, knowing smile.

“I'm sacrificing something dear, Dashie.”

With that, she gave a frightened yelp as she dove into the center of the massive gears, much to the dismay of the ponies watching. They were about to run in after her, but they had barely set hoof forward when they heard the loud twang echo through the passage again, and saw the gearbox start to shudder.

“Pinkie?” Rainbow shuddered slightly, stepping towards the large room.

The floor trembled, the walls cracked, and the ceiling shattered. And before Rainbow could set hoof inside: the entire room had collapsed into a solid wall of dust, brick, steel, and rubble.

“PINKIE!”

Rainbow’s cry of terror fell on deaf ears as Twilight was frozen in shock at the fearful scene.

‘She’s gone?’ She thought, tears forming in her eyes. ‘She... she can’t be gone… she lived on a rock farm, she could handle a few pebbles like… like…’

“PINKIE!”

The two grief-struck mares cried in unison as they charged the pile of rubble, pawing at it feebly as they desperately tried to dig their dear friend out of her dusty tomb.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Applejack snarled as the group of demons tried their best to haul her off, Rarity and Fluttershy stuck in similar predicaments as each of them was carried down a different tunnel. Soon enough, there was a massive clang that echoed through the Labyrinth, and the monsters scattered like roaches.

Whatever torches there were in the tunnels went out with a poof, and left all in complete darkness. The three immediately ran back towards the intersection, but only to find it gone, and even more turns than they remembered.

Fluttershy felt the walls closing in around her, and her breaths grew heavy as she looked into the darkness.

Rarity whirled about, and eyed the brick walls and tunnels in mistrust, knowing what possibly lurked behind each corner.

Applejack determinedly tried to get to her friends, ducking into every hole and alley she came across.

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Pinkie opened her eyes, her ribs felt close to cracking as she lay pressed underneath a mountain of rock. She could feel what precious air she had dissipate into the debris above her, and her lungs filled with dust.

“O-o-oops…” She muttered weakly, choking on the cement leaking into her throat. “T-t-they’re even s-s-sc-carier in the dar-rk…"

Little did she know that they were all coming closer to the end…

... yet, they were still far farther than they'd like.