Masks Lie and Nightmares Never Die

/

“Man o man! Why does this have to happen in the lobby!” shouted Dully as her body held to her for comfort, “At this rate they’re going to wreck it!” True to what she said the battle going on over the counter was intense with sounds of breaking objects in the air.

As for the combatants in the battle itself they were feeling worse for wear as the battle went along. Both sides feeling fatigue from the constant clashes, more for the pony than Panic’s side however, “Wow you girls and guy are much more stubborn than I thought,” Panic said as he took a couple of breathes as another of his illusion clones went flying past his head.

“As long you have my sister captive I don’t care how many of you I have to go through; I will save her!” shouted Shining as he struck down another Panic clone with a magical slash.

“Yeah for Twilight!” Pinkie Pie added as she brought out a pie and smacked another Panic clone with it.

“Nein! You ponies are going to give me a migraine,” Panic said as he rubbed his temple with his claws delicately, “Grr…if you want to play hard ball then I’ll play hard ball!” Panic then spin himself around at a rapid pace, changing his outfit into a baseball player’s uniform bat included.

“The heck? How did he do that?” Applejack shouted as she bucked a clone right behind her into the wall.

Panic in response to her question charged a ball of dark magic and tossed it into the air as he got his bat ready, “FORE!!!” he shouted as he smacked the ball with the bat and launched it at the pony group.

“Incoming!” Pinkie shouted as the group got out of the way to avoid the ball. The ball then crashed into the lobby floor causing a small explosion.

“Dang it! Foul ball!” Panic exclaimed as he smacked another ball, this time aiming at Shining Armor.

“Shining heads ups!” Applejack shouted causing Shining to look up and charge his magic in order to grab the ball.

“Got it!” he said with a smile until he felt someone tapping on his shoulder.

“Uh…pal? Does that count as out? Or is the ball still in play?” Shining turned around to source of the voice only to be met with a face full of hard wood as he was smacked away from his position, “Heh…I guess was still in play after all. Ah ha ha ha!!!” Panic laughed manically as he smacked the ball again as it fell down this time aiming at Luna who was busy shooting at three Panic clones.

“Luna lookout!” Pinkie shouted.

Luna upon hearing Pinkie Pie’s warning immediately grabbed the ball with her magic and threw at the Panic clones bothering her.

“Oh Fudge!”

“Oh Dang!”

“Oh Sh-“

*Boom*

The ball exploded on the three clones and engulfed in a dark explosion that left nothing behind but a scorch mark on the ground.

“Thanks for the warning Pinkie,” Luna said with gratitude.

However, Panic after seeing this misshape face palmed, “Dammit…that just happened didn’t it?”

As if to answer his own question he unintentionally created a clone, “Yep that happened” the clone said bluntly.

Panic narrowed his eyes at the clone before they glowed red with anger, “Well? Don’t just stand there! Get them!” he shouted while creating another batch of clones.

“Sir, yes sir!” the clones shouted with a salute as they charged into battle with Panic himself changing back into his original clothes to join with clones.

“Great just great! He gone off and made more of himself!” Applejack said as she gritted her teeth.

“I’m getting a sense of déjà vu here,” Pinkie added as she helped Shining off the floor who was still recovering from the blow to the head Panic caused.

“Princess Luna I’m not sure how much longer we can hold him off,” Rarity said as she tried her best to grab the one of the Panic clones in her magic.

“Then we have to find the original Panic if we can defeat him then the clones should disappear,” Luna said as she scanned for the real Panic.

“Easier said than done,” Applejack said as she lassoed one of the Panics and tossed him into another.

“There has to be something that differentiates the clones from the original,” Luna continued to scan for the real nightmare only to feel a couple of presences behind her, one of which was fileld with murderous intent. She turned around in order to find the source, but found nothing, “Huh? I swear I felt something behind me,” she trailed off until she felt something tap her on the head along with a voice.

“Hey mensa we’re behind you just not directly behind you,” Hearing the voice Luna turn her head around to see three Panic clones riding on her back smiling and waving their hands. Luna upon seeing this narrowed her eyes in anger and launched the clones off her back and promptly blasted them with her magic.

“Aw…Princess don’t be like that they just wanted a ride,” whispered the sinister voice of Panic.

Luna’s eyes widen with horror as not only did he managed to avoid being detected, but the murderous aura she felt belonged to him. It was far different then the aura he emitted earlier in the fight, “How did you?”

“Shh...Fear’s wasn’t the only one who was holding back,” was all he said as he plunged his claws into Luna’s body.

“Ahh!!!”

“Let’s see how tough you are without any lungs to breathe out of?” Panic said coldly before leaping off the princess.

“Princess Luna!” everypony shouted as they ran over to Luna to tend for her save for Shining who just recently recovered from the blow to the head. He quickly noticed the commotion and quickly rushed over to Luna as well while Panic quickly dispel the clones and leapt towards the stair landing perfectly on his rear.

The nightmare only laughed as he licked the blood off his claws, clearly he is aiming to kill them, “Ah yes…I can taste the sins off this blood. It’s old, but when it comes to lies there is no statute of limitation for me.”

Everypony could look on with disgust as the manic laughed with glee. Applejack and Rarity were pondering why he mentioned lies of all things while Pinkie was looking over to Dully who was trying call someone on the phone. However, Shining was the only one who was not letting the nightmare run his mouth any longer.

“Monster!” Shining shouted as he charged at Panic while firing multiple magical shots. However, Panic only smiled at his anger and just as Shining was about to hit Panic with his barrage of magical blasts he quickly disappeared leaving Shining dumbfounded, “What?!”

Before Shining knew Panic reappeared behind him and spoke “Heh…you’re the 567,890th person who tried bum rushing me in anger,” Panic then grabbed Shining from the back of his head and threw him down the stairs, “And just like the others before you it was a futile effort.”

Shining slowly got up from the bottom of the steps clearly injured from the tumble, “Grr…”

“Yah know? It will be a real shame if one of your beloved Princess’s dies right here. I hope one of you know how to replace vital organs! Ah ha ha ha!!!” The nightmare continued his maniacal laughter as the group could do nothing but slow the bleeding on their beloved princess as her blood began to stain the floor.

“Oh no, oh no, oh no! Sir Panic has entered a blood lust frenzy!” Dully shouted.

“Blood Lust Frenzy? What are you yapping on about?” Applejack asked, but before she could get an answer, Panic cut the headless girl off.

“There’s nothing wrong with me…don’t spread lies Dully,” Panic said with venom in his voice.

This was enough to silence the poor girl as she hid behind the counter; the group could only wonder what was going on as the nightmare looked back at them with piercing eyes. They were filled with anger, hate, and insanity as his former prankster personality took a time out and made way for this sadistic and bloodthirsty one. The group knew they had to beat him, but how they were going to do that while Princess Luna lay dying? They were trapped and only a miracle could get them out of situation now.

“Ah ha ha ha! There’s the look I’ve been waiting for! Hopelessness, and despair! There is nothing you could do to win! Ah ha ha ha!!!”

“Hey Freak!” yelled a voice causing Panic to stop his laughter and turn around where the source of the voice was, but as he turned around he felt something being stuffed into his mouth causing him great confusion.

“Mmmfff?!” was all Panic yelled out as he was caught by surprise by the sudden assault. He then looked who responsible for the attack. However, once he looked his eyes widen as he recognized the beings standing before him is Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy, but the others with them he did not recognized.

“Spike now!” yelled Rainbow Dash as the baby dragon in question leapt into the air and breathe his emerald green flames to light the objects stuffed in Panic’s mouth.

Panic raised a brow at their actions and immediately started to suck on the objects causing them to disintegrate like a cigarette, “Hey thanks for the smoke, but next time I’ll pass that stuff tastes horrible and not to mention this smell,” he said as he puff out a few more smoke clouds. This surprised Rainbow Dash and the others for they did not expect Panic to react this way they even began to worry. However, they relaxed as they saw Panic having trouble walking, “H-huh? *Gack* what’s H-happen *Cough* happening to me?!” he said as he realized that the smoke wasn’t going away.

Rainbow Dash gave a triumphant smile before responding, “What’s the matter can’t take nightmare’s bane very well?”

Panic eyes widen in horror and quickly narrowed them in anger, “Nightmare’s bane?! *Cough* W-where t-th *Gack* the hell d-did you get n-nightmare’s bane?!” he shouted as he slowly made his way towards them only to stumble on his feet and fall to the floor, “I-I’ll *Cough* k-kill you!” Panic then started to swing his arms wildly at the empty air expecting to hit Rainbow Dash or the others not knowing that they already walked passed him in order to help their friends, “W-why can’t I-I *Gack* hit you?!” Panic screamed before finally succumbing to the effects of the plant’s essence.

“Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Spike? How did you guys get here?” asked Shining as he was helped off the floor by Grey and RedHeart, “And you brought a nurse and a doctor with you?”

“Yeah these two are Doctor Grey Suture and his new marefriend Nurse RedHeart. They decided to come along with us and well we need all the help we can get,” explained Rainbow Dash.

“Grey Suture…? I heard of you before, but there’s no time for small talk. Luna has been seriously wounded and I don’t know the depth of the damage that was done to her, so please help her,” Shining pleaded.

“Nurse, let’s assess the situation,” Grey said as he got his mask and goggles ready.

“Right,” she responded as the duo made their way to Luna where the others were doing their best to help Luna, but to no avail.

“Everypony stand back,” he said simply to the group gathering their attention. When Grey saw that their hoofs were covered in blood he knew how serious Luna’s wounds were, “Not good…” he muttered under his breath. He then looked at Luna herself and noticed eight holes in her chest four on each side, “Nurse, get the supplies ready. We have punctured lungs and I’m not sure how much time the patient has.”

“Both lungs are punctured?! Her chances of survival are slim to none!”

“Under most circumstances yes, but I’m no average Doctor,” Grey then took small box out of his bag and threw it to the side. Once it landed it exploded into a puff leaving behind an operating table. This of course stupefies Nurse RedHeart and the others, but also gains the attention of Dully who finally managed to gather enough courage to peak out behind the counter.

“Is it over?”

“Whoever you are it’s far from it,” Grey said to Dully, “Now would you be a dear and help us bring Luna’s body on the operating table?”

“Uh…sure,” she said as her body placed her head on the counter. Dully’s body then walked up to the dying body of Luna and with the use of both arms picked her up almost effortlessly and placed her on the table.

“Thanks. Nurse get the supplies ready,” Grey said to RedHeart, “We’re going to save a royal’s life,” Grey then place the goggles over his eyes and his mask over his mouth as he threw a couple of more boxes that turned into objects you’ll find in a operating room such as curtains, lights, a sink, and two smaller tables next to the main one. Grey then went to the sink and washed his front hoofs, RedHeart also followed his example after she placed the necessary equipment for the emergency operation, “Now…time for the operation!”

/

After completing his day’s work Boog found himself waiting for either his apprentice or his guess to wake up and for once he found himself worried. He remembers the group of ponies he helped gets to the mansion. He can’t help but feel worried for them as the Nightmare Brothers are sometimes known to answer the door. Looking back on what Luna said he recalls that she and her group are looking for an alicorn named Twilight. Last he checked, an alicorn is essentially a winged unicorn. With this in mind Boog then turn his gaze upon anthropomorphic alicorn in his guest bed and begun to wonder if this is the Twilight Sparkle those pony spoke of? Fredrick did told him that he found the one person that can help cure him of his ailment and through process of elimination when he first lay eyes on this girl he assumed that this alicorn is the person he put much faith into. Boog always put his faith in his apprentice’s judgment, but worries that this girl is willing to help him despite the dangers that surround him especially with the dream society breathing down their necks.

Boog continued pondering with his thoughts until he heard a voice, “Huh? Where am I?” said the voice drowsily. Boog looked to the source of the only to see the alicorn rising out of bed and rubbing her eyes. When she finally rubbed the sleepiness out of her eyes she stopped in place as if she remembered something, “Wait Fredrick! He had one of his fits and I tried to help him, but he almost killed in return until somepony stopped him,” The alicorn then looked around only to stop when she saw Boog, “Are you the one who stopped him?” she asked.

Boog, knowing that the girl needed answers didn’t hesitate to respond, “Yes milady I stopped Fredrick from snuffing out your lights.”

“Wait you know his name? Hold on, are you by any chance Boog?”

“Yes that would be me, but I would also like to know the name of the lady my apprentice put so much faith in.”

“Oh my name is Twilight Sparkle, recent ascended Princess of Friendship.”

Boog gave a deep sigh, “That’s what I feared.”

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked, confused by the nightmare’s words.

“A group of ponies came by here before looking for you, but I already sent them to the mansion a while ago.”

“Wait my friends were here?”

“Not only them, but also your brother and a Princess named Luna.”

“Wait what! My brother and Luna are here?!”

“Yes, but like I said I already sent them to the mansion.”

“So they just missed me.”

“It’s unfortunate as if I knew you are the one they’re looking for then I would have gathered all of you together and put an end to this tom foolery, but I digress. If it’s okay with you, I would like to ask a question.”

“Oh okay what is it?”

“Now that you’re aware that your friends are here to save you will you go with them?”

“I would’ve, but now I can’t.”

Answer genuinely surprised the nightmare, “Hmm? Why?”

“It’s Fredrick, I can’t leave him like this.”

“I see, that’s good to hear.”

“Oh my gosh! Fredrick what happened to him?”

“I wouldn’t worry about him right now… I already pacified him since the incident.”

“Can I see him?”

“Look no further as he is in that bed over there,” Boog pointed to the bed next to the mare as she got up. The look of relief on her face made the old nightmare smile as she hopped out of bed and made her way over to him. The concern she shows for him filled his shadowy heart with hope that this may turn out right in the end.

“Uh Boog?”

“Yes Twilight?”

“When I called out Fredrick’s name, blood leaked out from the eyehole of his mask. Why did that happen?”

“Ah yes that, you see Twilight even though Fredrick has a chance for one of the nightmares in his body to take over his body. His mind is still there somewhere listening.”

“The nightmare that took over said something similar to me, what does it mean?”

“It means, that even though he isn’t in control of his body he is still witness everything that is transpiring.”

“That’s terrible, to be forced to watch your body to do terrible things.”

“It happens sometimes, but most of the time he get’s lucky and isn’t conscious when it happens.”

“The blackouts right?”

“Correct.”

“But how does this explain the blood?”

“That’s not blood Twilight, it’s his tears.”

“Those are his tears?! But they look like blood!”

“I can’t explain it, but yes those are indeed his tears. Also you seem quite worried for the man who kidnapped you from whatever world you originated from.”

“To be honest, I had my doubt trusting his words considering all he has done just to get me here in your world. As a matter of fact I still haven’t fully forgiven him for what he subjected me and my friends to in those challenges. However, when he told me that he was dying I…was hesitant. Granted a part of me thought he was lying, but I personally didn’t want to risk it as I also thought what if he was telling the truth. I can see now it’s completely true.”

“Ah…I see…doubt filled your mind due to your willingness to help others in need. Best be careful with a trait like that, but you seem to have good judgment so it shouldn’t trouble you much.”

“Thanks I guess, I already decided before this incident that I was going to help him. Seeing it in person only just gave me more of a reason to help him.”

“Interesting so your path is set then Twilight, but be careful Fredrick’s time is limited and each time the moon passes the horizon his grip on his sanity grows weaker.”

“I know and that’s why I want to help him.”

“Do you even know what he wants you to find?”

“He told me he needed my help in order to find a certain star, but he never told me what kind of star. Also I don’t understand how a star can help him”

“That’s because he hasn’t told you what kind of star he was looking for.”

“Well if you know what it is can you please tell me? He hasn’t said much on what it is and what it looked like.”

“He’s looking for the Ex Machinist a wish granting star. It can only be found in the world of dreams and yet it cannot be seen by the naked eye.”

“Why is that?”

“Because the light it gives off is often overshadowed by other stars in this realm, one will need to look very carefully with a telescope in order to find it.”

“That would explain why he needs my help I studied astronomy and a few of its subfields back in my world, but I have a few questions about the star”

“I already have a feeling what these questions are, but go ahead and ask.”

“First of all when does the star usually appear?”

“It’s rather hard to say since the star is elusive in nature. Only a few managed to find the star and they said the star usually appears during a meteor shower, but it also seems to linger even after the shower. As I mentioned before the star seems to use the light of the others stars in order to hide in plain sight. Our next meteor shower will happen next week Tuesday if anything, my only advice to you is preparing your equipment in ready of the shower.”

“Thanks, I will. Now my second question; what color of light does the star give off?”

“The star, if seen, has reported to give off a rainbow aurora of light, this light has been known to be overshadowed by other stars.”

“Interesting… I think that might be the reason it’s not so easily found among the stars. Anyway my last question is how do I get the star to work if I find it?”

“Now that one I’m not sure of. Well according to one of the dreams here he said all he did is simply wish upon it, but another dream who later got a wish of their own said they chanted the name of the star in order to for their wish to be granted. However, a third individual who also had their wish granted said they gave an offering to the star for it to work. In other words there is no clear way to activate the star’s wish granting property.”

“So I guess I have to wing then.”

“Unfortunately yes.”

Boog saw the mare sigh in frustration. Clearly this is going to be a hassle for the poor girl as the task to help Fredrick is nothing short of impossible to the normal person. Granted he has faith in her to figure it out, but soon he heard her speak something in her mind. A question that most would be embarrassed to ask.

“Oh? You have another question milady? What is it?” he asked.

“Wait how did you…never mind. Well do you know what day it is it?” Twilight said as a blush crept on her face.

“Well I don’t know what day it was in your world, but in our world today is Wednesday the 15th, so you have about five days to get ready for the meteor shower.”

“Well that’s good to know, but I also have one quick question.”

Boog rolled his eyes, “And it is?”

“How long was I out cold? Because Fredrick disabled my magic temporarily during our first encounter and I’m not sure how long it will last.”

“Oh that…well with Fredrick it usually last for about an hour and you were out cold for an hour or slightly more not counting how much it took for you to get here. So…yeah you should be able to use magic now.”

Upon hearing this, Twilight started to channel magic into her horn and targeted a nearby chair to test her magic. Boog watched on with interest as she instinctively she raised her right arm and moved it slowly to the right and in turn the chair became covered in her magical aura and begun to move slowly in the direction her arm moved.

After Twilight recalled her magic and stopped moving the chair is when he finally spoke, “Interesting even thought you were simply moving a chair I could feel almost immense amount of power inside of you. Untapped potential to put it simply.”

“Well I mostly learned utility magic such as short distance teleportation, and telekinesis, but I’m afraid I don’t really know much offensive magic other than magic shots and magic missiles. And my only defensive magic is a barrier I can only use to defend myself.”

“Hmm…with a spell repertoire such as that you won’t make it very far in our world. You need to learn more offensive and defensive spells, you can only go so far on wit alone, but once you learn to use more offensive and defensive magic you will have more options to deal incoming threats.”

“I don’t know…I rather avoid a fight than get into one unless it’s absolutely necessary.”

“I understand that Twilight, but consider this ‘It’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.’”

“Hmmm…you make a good point, but I don’t know anypony that will teach me.”

“Look no further than the man who lies upon this bed. If there is anyone who can teach you these types of magic it would be Fredrick. He has learned many types of magic such as elemental, support, and translocation to name a few.”

“But what do I do if he gets one of his fits?”

“I wouldn’t worry about that. Now that I know you’re here to help Fredrick I will be staying at the mansion and help watch over the lessons.”

“That’s good to know.”

“Now if only my apprentice would wake up, but by the looks of it he may be out for a while longer. I suggest you make yourself at home until he finally wakes up.”

“Thanks…so uh…do you have any books I could read? Since I might be staying here for a while.”

“I’ll see what I can find in my collection that might be interesting to you,” after saying this Boog left the room leaving Twilight alone with Fredrick.

The nightmare could only imagine the inner turmoil the mare might be facing now. Her friends are here to save her, yet how is she going to explain to them that she does not want to be saved and she is trying to save the life of the man who ordered her kidnapping? It’s going to be a tough road up ahead for her, but there is no doubt she’ll be stronger for it.

/

Back in the lobby our group was currently resting from their encounter with Panic with Dully being the most confused about what’s going on. Since Dr. Grey and Nurse Redheart are currently operating on Luna they were left with not much to do, save for Rainbow Dash, Spike and Shining who were next to Panic’s body with Nightmare’s Bane on the side in case he would wake up. Fluttershy herself was tending to her friends Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie checking to see if they were hurt as well, however, thankfully they only had small scratches and a few bruises. As for Dully she was quickly pacing around the lobby attempting to clean up the mess from the scuffle with Panic while still processing the fact they managed to beat Panic.

It was calm and for the time the group thought they could finally take a breather, but this hope was dashed when a cold breeze flowed through the room. Feeling this put everypony on alert as the cold air was not natural. Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Grey, and Redheart quickly realize who is with them right now in the lobby as the presence that came with the cold air was all too familiar.

“My My what a mess…” spoke a voice causing everypony to flinch a bit as the air in the room grew even colder, “But I suppose that’s what happens when the mentally unfit greets the guests.”

“Paranoia! Where are you? I want to pay you back for last time!” Rainbow Dash yelled.

“Oh my, it would seem some old faces have returned for another shot at me. Sadly, I don’t have time for this, but before I explain why let me take for something first.”

A finger snap was heard and then to the shock of Rainbow Dash, Spike, and Shining, Panic’s body begun to sink into the floor while causing the air around him to grow arctic cold. Not wanting to be anywhere near the cold spot the trio ran down the steps to where their friends are. When they looked back Panic’s body was completely engulfed in darkness while a new figure rose out of the darkness and that figure is none other than Paranoia himself.

“Nevertheless allow me to say welcome to the home of our Lord Nightmare. I assure you not all nightmares are like my brother, so I do hope you’ll enjoy your stay…it’s not like you have a choice in the matter. I must admit though, you’ve grown bolder since the last time we met my friends, but I’ll have you know there’s a fine line between being brave and being foolhardy. I mean Panic managed to wound one of your precious Princesses and by the looks of it she’s not long for this world without those two working on her,” Paranoia then begun to walk down the steps, but as he got half way down the stairs Rainbow Dash immediately rushed him while having a dream catcher hung around her neck, however, Paranoia simply teleported at the last moment before appearing next to Spike and Shining only to pick up the bag filled with nightmare’s bane.

“Hmm…you seem to have done some of your research before going into our world,” He said simply as he teleported again before Spike and Shining could react to his presence.

He then reappeared next to Fluttershy who flinched upon his appearance, “Ah…milady Fluttershy I was wondering when I was going to meet you again. Honestly, I didn’t think you were brave enough to enter the world where your worst fears become real, but I’m glad you did,” Paranoia then begun walking towards the curtain hidden operation going on in the lobby only to be stopped by Rainbow Dash and Shining.

“Hey! If you think that you can finish what your brother here started you got another thing coming! Besides I still need to pay you back for that nap you gave me!” Rainbow Dash shouted.

“It doesn’t matter who you are as long I can still draw breath I won’t let you anywhere near Princess Luna!” Shining added.

Paranoia sighed before stroking the beak of his mask, “Dully?”

The dullhan in question immediately stood attention when she heard her name, “Yes sir P-Paranoia!” she said shakily.

“What is the injury the Princess sustained?”

“Punctured lungs sir! B-Both of them!”

“My my, that is lethal especially for ageless being…Dully you’re dismissed.”

“Yes sir!” Dully after giving a quick bow quickly left the lobby in a panic.

“Hey! Just what the hay are you up to?” Rainbow Dash said as she prepared an attack on Paranoia.

“Just checking what I’m working with,” he said as the air around him once again became arctic cold, “As I said before I don’t have time to play. With this said I must put you all to sleep so I can work on this emergency myself,” Paranoia then raised his hand into the air which to everypony’s confusion seemed to do nothing that is until they heard Nurse Redheart scream.

Shining and Rainbow Dash looked in the direction of them scream only to watch in horror as they saw her slowly sinking into the ground while Dr. Grey did his best to pull her out only to be dragged into the floor as well.

“Monster!” Shining shouted as he used his magic to swing his sword at Paranoia, however, the strike stopped midway which left Shining confused until he looked at his feet which in turn caused him to curse under his breath; he was sinking too!

“Judging by the look on your face I say you’ve figured out what I’m doing.”

“Grr…”

“Shining what does he mean!?” Rainbow Dash asked before she felt herself sinking as well, “Uh never mind,” She then tried to fly herself out of the dark spot, but to no avail, “What the hay?! I can’t get out!” she shouted as she continued to struggle she then looked up to see that her friends are suffering the same fate as her as they too were struggling against the dark mass that was dragging them into the floor.

“If you’re looking for explanations allow me…you see I used your own shadows against you and they are currently pulling you into the shadow world. A dimension that I call home…and it where you’ll be staying until I’m done operating on your friend, so…ta ta for now.”

Rainbow Dash attempted to shout obscenities in response, but couldn’t as she was swallowed by her shadow. After a few seconds of screams from the remaining ponies Paranoia was left alone in the lobby in silence. He then moved the curtain to see the mortally wounded Luna who was currently unconscious and according to the heart monitor she was not far from deaths door.

“Umbra, come to me!”

In response a purple-ish crow flew out of a small dark portal and perched itself on Paranoia’s shoulder.

*Caw!*

“No time to be a bird my son I need you to be in your original form, for this is a time for you to learn how to deal with a patient in need of new lungs,” The crow nodded and immediately changed its appearance turning into humanoid crow.

“But I thought I was doing a good job father.”

“You were son…but you needed make sure the lungs were compatible with her systems. I told you what happens if the organ isn’t compatible.”

“The body rejects it and attacks it which in turn will kill the body in a form of self destruction.”

“Indeed I’ll show you how to make the lungs compatible, but first we must bring the patient into my office,” Paranoia then again raised his hand in the air and a shadowy portal appeared underneath Luna’s body and swallowed her in darkness. Once she was gone Paranoia put his hand on Umbra’s shoulder, “Don’t worry about it my son, but please watch carefully as this process in tricky.”

“Yes Father, I will not disappointment.”

“Good, now let us take our leave,” Paranoia then with a flick of a wrist created a new portal that he and his son step through and disappeared.

/