Masks Lie and Nightmares Never Die

/

Sometime later after the world’s most tense breakfast, Twilight was waiting patiently for Fredrick’s return, but she was also worried what could he be talking about to her friends.

“Lady Twilight, there’s no need to fret over your friends. I assure you Lord Fredrick doesn’t plan on hurting them despite current relations,” He said in a attempt to comfort her.

“I know. But, to see all my friends there and not be there for them just bugs me.”

A portal then opened up in the middle of the room causing Twilight and Paranoia to take a few steps back for the two nightmares Fredrick and Boog as they stepped out of it.

“Paranoia, you are dismissed,” Fredrick said with a small nod. Paranoia returned the nod before melting into the shadows and disappearing from sight, “Okay Twilight, are you ready for your first lesson?”

Twilight’s answer was obvious, “I am.”

“Good, now with Boog here watching, let us go over your current abilities,” Fredrick then took off his hat then pulled out a piece of paper, “Judging from our first bout, I recorded that you are capable of using magic missiles, arcane beams, short range teleportation, magic bubble shield, magic focus telekinesis, flight, limited physical combat knowledge, and lastly impressive amount of natural Mana.”

“Mana?”

“Oh? You don’t know what Mana is? Color me surprised, well to put it shortly; it’s the magical force that allows beings who can tap into it to cast spells. Each and every living being has a connection to Mana, some greater than others. In my world there is a god who has great control over magic and is the protector of the Mana stream.”

“Oh you mean Arcaneius?”

Fredrick paused for a moment before continuing, “That’s right…look likes someone been doing their homework. Anyway the Mana stream is the originator of all magic in our world, and to our current knowledge the Mana stream has existed since the creation of life in the waking world. Every magical being including myself, gained a set amount of Mana when we are born and if said beings train themselves they can hold more Mana and become more in tune with the magical forces. The stream itself is rumored to be limitless, but Arcaneius hasn’t figured out if there is anything or anyone that can survive touching it.”

Twilight raise a brow, “Why would Arcaneius want to know that?”

“Because so far, one unfortunate soul fell into it and exploded.”

Twlight’s eyes widen in surprise, “Someone died!”

“No I said exploded, the poor sap is alive, but it’s taking a while to put him back together again. That’s one billion particles to glue back together don’t you know? Anyway that’s enough magic history; let’s actually get to the lesson shall we?” Fredrick then extends his right arm only for it to burst into bright crimson flames. “Lesson one elemental magic. As you probably already know, there are various elements that make up the world and these elements are; fire like what I’m showing you right now and,” During the small pause the fire that covered Fredrick’s arm dissipated and was replaced with an arm covered in rocks.

“Earth…”

The rocks then fell off, only to be covered in different elements as he goes along.

“Water…”

“Air…”

“Lightning…”

“Light…”

“Darkness…”

“Life…”

“Arcane…”

“Soul…”

“And so much more…”

Fredrick then turns his arm back to normal, “But to save time, we are going to focus on the elements you are more in tune with; Arcane and Fire.”

Twilight raised a surprised brow when she heard fire is one of the elements she is in tune with, “I understand Arcane, but how am I in tune with fire?”

“Okay I may have exaggerated your association with fire, but during my observations of you and your adventures with your friends, there was one instance you unleashed the power of fire.”

“Wait I remember! It was when I learned to accept Pinkie Pie’s Pinkie sense as it is. Did I really just use fire magic there?”

“My best guess; unintentionally, but if you didn’t notice at the time your mane was singe after the experience.”

“That would make sense, but how did I use it?”

“Well fire related spells can be unintentionally cast if the pyromancer in question is frustrated or angered, and, on a side note the spell you used is called immolation, normally using the immolation spell doesn’t really hurt the user too badly especially, if they are new to Pyromancy, but if mastered the fire will not harm the caster at all.”

“Well I was feeling angry and frustrated when I learned that the doozy that Pinkie told me about wasn’t the hydra, but to think the doozy was me accepting the Pinkie sense as it is. Wait, I remembered reading in a book somewhere that some elements are affected by emotions.”

“Bingo, Fire is fueled by raw emotions, not just anger necessarily. This makes pyromancy easy to use for starting spell casters, but it also one of the hardest to control in later levels.”

“So, I just need to focus my strongest emotion while channeling my magic in order to cast a spell?”

“Sort of, let’s start with a simple spell; fireball. Now stick out your palm and close your eyes, I need you to focus some of your magic to your hand and imagine a ball in your hand.”

Twilight did as Fredrick instructed and close her eyes while sticking out her palm, “Okay…I’m imagining a ball.”

“Now imagine the ball getting warmer.”

The mare followed his instructions as she felt her hand grow warmer, “It’s getting warmer.”

“Now watch it as it ignites, but don’t panic when it does. Remember, control.”

Twilight, in her mind’s eye saw the ball she imagine burst into a ball of fire, but heeding Fredrick’s words she remain calm at the sight of it.

“Good…now open your eyes.”

Slowly opening her eyes, Twilight saw that the ball of fire she imagined is now real and floating in her hand, “Whoa, I’m actually holding fire in the palm of my hand!”

“And how does it feel?”

“It’s amazing…it’s been a while since I started studying new magic.”

“I mean the ball of fire in your hand.”

“Oh, it feels warm…strange since it should be burning my hand a bit.”

“That’s because I had you take it slow. Spellcasters learning pyromancy shouldn’t rush the spell until it comes to them naturally.”

“So… now what?”

“Just give it a toss,” Fredrick then pointed to a wooden target with a bulls-eye painted on it.

Seeing the target, Twilight judge her aim carefully before throwing the fire straight at the target causing it burst into flames, “I did it!”

“Congratulations, you use a fireball spell without uttering its name.”

“Why would I say the spells name? I have been using my magic without saying the name of the spell.”

“Explanation time, you see learning to cast a spell without saying its name is rather hard to most casters who have not mastered the art of magic, unlike your unicorn race where magic naturally flows through your bodies and is simple as breathing. In turn saying the name is more of a shortcut, but this of course alerts your enemies to your next move, and you will be vulnerable to being silenced.”

“Silenced? What’s that?”

Fredrick stroke the chin of his mask as he explained, “Silenced, is an ailment that renders the victim unable to speak, thus this is dangerous to spellcasters who have not learn to cast their spells without speaking, because, they would be unable to use their magic to defend themselves.”

“I didn’t know something that comes naturally to me can actually be an advantage, but how did you managed to stop from casting spells? I wasn’t silenced that’s for sure.”

“It is simple, I disabled your conduit. Using magic requires a conduit, which is something you use to give spells direction. Like your horn for example, your entire race has always used your horns as a conduit when casting spells, but as of now you were using your hand as a conduit giving the mana form and direction while your horn only helped channel said mana.”

“I see…there’s still a lot I need to learn about magic then. That means more reading needs to be done.”

“I can take care of that for you later, but first another fireball, but this time I need you cast it faster alright?”

Twilight nodded her head in agreement and focuses her mana into her hand again, but faster. She thought about a ball of fire again and almost instantly another fireball was created in the palm of hand. She cringed slightly since the fire was actually getting hotter, but she ignored the slight pain and threw the fireball at another target.

“Again.”

Twilight repeated the process faster, but the fireball created actually started to burn her hand. She held back a tear as she tossed the fireball again.

“Again.”

Twilight mentally cringed, but created another fireball regardless. However, unlike the previous fireball this one wasn’t burning her hand, but it was still hot. She tossed the fireball again with more force and to her surprise the fireball traveled faster and created a bigger explosion.

“I see your getting used to it,” Fredrick commented.

“I am. I felt the fire grow hotter in my hand as I try to cast it faster, but after the one that started to burn my hand the temperature dropped.”

“See? You’re starting to become more in tune with the fire element and in turn it eventually won’t burn you. Normally, for most spellcasters that are learning, it would take them at least a few weeks for the burning to stop, but since you are more experienced in the ways of magic the burning wore off faster.”

“I see.”

“Now let’s move on to easy support fire spell; Gentle Warmth.”

“Gentle Warmth?”

“It has the same process as making a fireball, but instead of letting the ball burst into flames, you stop when the ball grows warm. Give it a try.”

“Alright here I go…” Twilight repeated the process of making a fireball, but listening to Fredrick’s words she stopped when the ball grew warm. Instead of making a ball of fire, she created a small orb of faint light and gentle warmth. It almost look like a faint star, “Wow…it’s beautiful.”

“It is isn’t it?” Fredrick said as he walked in front of Twilight, “It’s one of the few spells that capture the beauty of fire. On a side note…how are your hands?”

Twilight was confused when Fredrick asked this question, but quickly looked at her hands. To her surprise the slight burn she had was healed, “What? Just was what does this spell do exactly?”

“Gentle Warmth, like I said before is a support pyromancy spell. The orb you created is used help make light in darkness, provide warmth for cold days, and most importantly; heal and sooth your wounds or injuries.”

“That’s amazing!”

“And we are just getting started. Now that you are now acquainted with fire again let’s move on to the spell immolation.”

“Oh yeah…the spell I accidently casted,” Twilight said as she blushed slightly.

“Since you are now more in tune with the element, the fire that covers your body will not harm you or your clothes, rather instead you just feel really warm.”

The word clothes helped Twilight remember the questions she wanted to ask Fredrick, “Speaking of clothes…how did you get the clothes I wore when I entered the human world?”

Fredrick paused for a moment before answering, “Yeah…I had my tailor recreate the clothes, but of course I had to take a few photos so he’ll know what they look like.”

“Wait you took photos? If I didn’t know how much of a nice guy you are I would have found this creepy…actually it’s still creepy.”

“Ah…yes well this is kind of awkward, but I did so my tailor can have an idea on how to recreate the outfit. I assure you there is nothing ill about my intentions and I only had you’re comfort in mind.”

“Well…I appreciate the thought, but one thing still bothers me.”

“And that will be?”

“How did your tailor get the measurements?”

“Actually… Paranoia is the one that got your measurements. Because you know…he’s the one that transformed you.”

Twilight gave him a glare so strong that she could imagine him getting a bit uncomfortable under the mask. It wasn’t Fluttershy’s level of the infamous stare, but it was a good effort on her end.

“Err…back to the lessons shall we?”

“Right,” Twilight said as she got ready.

“Alright explanation time, Immolation is a buff spell; this spell will cover the casters’ body in flame making you untouchable to those near you. Uses, source of heat, can light things on fire, immunity to fire hazards, and lastly anti-rape.”

Twilight raised a brow at the explanation of uses, especially the last use for the spell.

“Word of warning, the immolation can leave the user with light or heavy burns depending on experience and how long it was used, but you already knew that. Also this spell does not work in water and having heavy amount of water splashed onto you can cancel the spell. When mastered the spell will not harm the caster and the fire will remain strong even with contact from water.”

“So how do I bring out the spell?” Twilight asked.

“Well…just imagine you’re on fire. That’s pretty much the gist it, if you want to use it without speaking.”

“Okay then…” Twilight doing as she was told, closed her eyes and imagined herself being set on fire while channeling mana. At first nothing happened, but then Twilight felt her body grow warmer before suddenly going hot. She opened her eyes and saw that her thin fur and purple skin turned a yellow and orange color as flames danced around her body. She looked at her body in utter amazement and noticed that the heat that she felt fell to a simple warm state.

“Need a mirror?” Fredrick brought a mirror so she can look at herself. She saw with her currently red eyes that her mane, her tail and the tips of her wings are now roaring flames.

“Amazing…”

“Honestly, I’m awestruck my dear, but I guess beauty is indeed in the ‘eye’ of the beholder. You wear the flames well; however, I could just say that about everything you wear whether it is the clothes on your back or your own natural grace.”

The flames surrounding Twilight grew brighter in response to Fredrick’s complement, but she kept her composure as she responded, “I appreciate the flattery, but if you think that smooth talking is going to get you anywhere you have another thing coming mister.”

“Well you can’t blame a guy for trying, but at least you appreciate it and that’s all I can ask for.”

Twilight then canceled the spell, thus reverting back to her normal state. She then checked her body to see if parts of her body or clothes are singed. She gave a sigh of relief when she found that nothing was burnt, “So what’s next?”

“Well…considering now that you and fire are on good terms. I say we can move to more advance spells and techniques. Are you ready?”

“When it comes to learning, I’m always ready.”

/

Meanwhile…

The sounds of screaming still echoed down the shaft as the group, who previously has been dropped down a trap door by Lord Nightmare and his cronies. They eventually hit the ground with a surprisingly soft landing. However the landing on each other was not, after getting off each other and dusting themselves off they took in their surroundings. The room they were stuck in isn’t very well lit and it was only through trial and bumping into a few walls that helped them realized that they are in a room in the first place.

“Grah! Just were the hay are we?!” Rainbow Dash yelled in frustration.

“Well…if I had to guess, this is the starting point to our first challenge,” Hopper answered as he looked around.

“Then where’s the challenge?” Rarity asked.

“Maybe it’s a waiting challenge?” Kiki said confusedly.

“I’m more worried about Princess Luna,” Applejack said as she adjusted her hat, “Those nightmare varmints trapped her in a bubble before dropping us into this here room.”

“I agree, but what about Twilight; my sister? She was with us in the dining room talking to us and catching up even though she was suppose to be Lord Nightmare’s prisoner,” Shining pointed out, “I mean it’s was nice talking to her again and seeing that she’s okay, but it was strange…whenever I asked her if she had any plans on getting out of Lord Nightmare’s mansion, she told that she can’t and it’s because there’s something she needs to do here. After that she wouldn’t talk more on the subject.”

“Why is Twilight being secretive about it? We’re her friends’ right?” Rainbow said with a quizzical look on her face.

“Maybe this Lord Nightmare guy has some serious problems going on and maybe…just maybe he needed Twilight’s help to fix it,” Pinkie said as she was tapping her chin.

“Pinkie, if there was one problem with your theory it would be the fact that Lord Nightmare foalnapped her,” Grey said plainly.

“Maybe he doesn’t go out much?”

“Well from my observation, it looks like your friend is following Lord Nightmare of her own free will, so Pinkie may not be so off the mark,” Lucain added.

“But, what would Lord Nightmare have to offer to get the Princess of Friendship to follow him?” RedHeart asked.

“Is it us? Are we the reason?” Fluttershy said as she stood closer to her friend Rainbow Dash.

“Hmm…good hypothesis, but no dice, the deal must have been made before we arrived,” Hopper explained, “If we were part of the deal then, we are simply the cherry on top.”

“Then what could it be?” Spike asked as he leaned against the wall.

“Why don’t you ask her when you meet again?” said a familiar voice causing everyone to look around the room in order to find the source of the voice. Then suddenly one of the walls opened up to reveal a monitor, and on the monitor is The Nightmare Brothers.

“Hello buddies,” Panic said with a smile.

This of course agitated the group, but they could do nothing about it, since he is only an image on the screen, “Grr…what do you want!?” Rainbow said angrily.

“Oh and I suppose you don’t need an explanation on what you will be doing for the first challenge do you?”

“Grah!”

“Panic, please stop stressing the challengers. They’re going to need a clear mind if they wish to beat this challenge,” Paranoia said as he pushed his brother back into his seat.

“Just what is the challenge anyway?” Grey asked.

“I’m glad you asked. Your challenge for today is this,” Paranoia then pressed a button causing one of the walls in the room they’re in to open up; revealing two blue halls that led in different directions.

“Uh…two hallways?”

“That is step one yes…but your challenge is to travel from this starting point and reach the center of this maze we set up”

“Maze?!” everyone said in unison.

“Yes maze. In the center of this maze is your beloved Princess Luna, but of course it wouldn’t be a challenge unless there was obstacles. However, in this case there is only one should worry about”

“And it’s ME!” Panic yelled gleefully.

“Panic’s illusions are guaranteed to make the maze harder than it was originally. Also just to clarify only one of you needs to reach the center of the maze, but once of you reach the center everybody else will be locked out until the one that makes it in defeats the guardian.”

“Guardian?” Spiked said confusedly.

“Essentially the boss of your challenge. I suggest you spilt up into capable groups so that you have a fair chance against the guardian,” With this said he turned the screen off and left the group to their devices.

The group looked at each other wondering how they are going to split themselves up.

“Applejack, Rairty, Rainbow Dash, Spike, and Grey you’re with me. We’re going to take the left path.” Shining said as the ponies and dragon nodded and went to his side.

“I guess that leaves me with my two friends Kiki, and Hopper, so I’m going to have to take the rest of you. Uh…so what are your names?” Lucain asked as he scratched his head. He was never used having more than two members on his team, so he actually felt nervous that he had to watch over three more people.

“I’m Pinkie Pie!”

“F-Fluttershy”

“Redheart, Nurse Redheart.”

“Okay noted. You’re coming with my group, and since Shining is taking the left path we’re taking the right. Got it?”

“Crystal…”

“Okey dokey.”

“Got it…”

After the groups huddle together, Shining started to explain their plan of attack, “Alright now that we have our teams assembled, here’s the game plan. Once we go into the maze, we stick together and keep an eye out for Panic’s illusions. Panic will probably try to separate us, but if he succeeds then try to reach the center of the maze on your own. The challenge only requires one of us to reach it, but be careful when you do; we have no idea what’s guarding Princess Luna. Everyone got that?”

The rest of the group nodded in response before gathering at the halls and readying themselves. “On the count of three, one…two…three!” Shining yelled as both groups ran into their own separate hallways.

Both groups quickly found out that going through this maze won’t be easy. There were many dead ends and many forks in the road, but they both use their best intuition to get pass most of the dead ends; however, for both groups there was a feeling of uneasiness as they traveled the halls in eerie silence.

/

Shining’s Group

“They weren’t kidding; this maze has many turns and many dead ends,” Shining commented.

“Ugh, this will be easier if I could fly. I mean there isn’t even a roof over these halls!” Rainbow Dash said in frustration.

“I don’t think that’s a good idea Rainbow…even if you did had enough room to fly, they probably have a plan to stop you; just like Discord,” Applejack warned.

Rainbow Dash visibly shuddered at the memory. It wasn’t one of her best moments; she still couldn’t believe that she listened to Discord words.

“Speaking of Discord shouldn’t he be aware of what’s going on right now?”

/

Elsewhere…in Equestria

*Achoo!* “Dear me I think someone just mentioned my name,” Discord said off handily as he ate a teacup, strangely leaving the tea itself unharmed and in the shape of the cup.

Angel looked at the being of chaos with a frown as he twitched his nose a couple of times.

“Now don’t look at me like that, Fluttershy told me to look after you and the other animals while she was away on her trip.”

Angel stomped his foot and pointed outside showing that animals were gambling with the food they were given.

“Oh…huh, I didn’t expect them to start gambling so fast. I mean I introduced to them as a way to past the time, but it looks like they may have gone too far.”

Angel could only cross his arms as he scowled at Discord as if trying to make him remember something.

“What? I’m forgetting something? Hmm…actually you’re right…I feel like I’m indeed forgetting something, but dear me it has been far too long, I’m simply having trouble remembering it.”

Angel shook his head and pointed to an empty bowl.

“Oh you’re hungry? Then why don’t you eat the salad with some carrots stuck in?”

The white rabbit shook his head.

“Now that won’t do, you need your nutrition. Fluttershy says so.”

Again the rabbit scowled at Discord much to his displeasure.

“I’m glad Fluttershy isn’t here to see this,” Discord then crackled his knuckles together before standing up from his chair and looking down on the rabbit, “Would you like to rephrase that last statement?”

/

Back with Shining’s group…

The group continued to go down each hallway until they ran into a crossroad where there were three paths before them.

“Great…which way do we go now?” Grey asked.

“This way, that way, straight ahead, or back were you came. The choice is yours folks,” Panic said as he appeared on a wall above them.

“Panic! I knew it was a matter of time before you show up,” Applejack said as she glared at the nightmare.

“Aw…you do care don’t you?”

“Everypony be careful he may have already setup his illusions!” Shining warned as he looked around.

“Of course! Because why wouldn’t a guy like me, placed in this maze with the purpose to hinder your progress would not set up illusions? Oh wait I know one reason.”

“Uh what do you mean by that?” Spike asked.

“Well you and your other friends are about to find out in three…two…one…”

Suddenly the room they were in started to shake causing the group to lose their footing.

“It’s tiiiime! It’s tiiiime! Aha ha ha!”

“Time for what!?” Rarity yelled out as she hugged a corner of a wall to keep her balance.

“Fun fact for you ponies! This entire mansion is a living nightmare! It loves to rearrange itself every once in a while, but since you’re in the maze when this is going to happen…this means even the maze itself will be shuffled. I wonder where you’ll end up. Closer or farther from your goal? I don’t know I just want to see what will happen next.”

True to what Panic said sections of the maze begun moving around, constantly blocking old paths and creating new ones in the chaos.

“Everypony! Follow me!” Shining yelled as he ran into one of the shifting paths doing his best to keep his balance. The rest of the group seeing no other option followed Shining’s direction hoping not to get caught in the chaos. They managed to avoid most of the shifting sections, but soon trouble reared its ugly head.

“Aw c’mon you should have separated by now,” Panic said as he was lightly jumping from one wall to another effortlessly, while following the group, “I know how to fix this,” Panic then jumped from one of the walls into the middle of the group surprising the ponies and dragon, “Hi!” He said as he pushed Grey into another section causing him to be dragged off by a piece of the maze.

“Grey!” Shining yelled.

“Oh don’t worry…you will be joining him later.”

Applejack attempt to push Panic into another section like he did to Grey, but to her surprise she simply went through him and fell into the section herself.

“Aw…you wanted a hug…you know, you could’ve asked.”

Applejack couldn’t respond to Panic’s taunting as she was dragged off as well.

Rainbow dash gritted her teeth, “Grr…when I get my hooves on you I’m gonna.”

“You’re gonna what? Knock my block off?” Panic then looked at Spike and smiled. The baby dragon noticed this and attempted to run faster, “Hey…where are you going? The fun just started!” Panic then grabbed Spike by his head before giving off a maniacal laugh.

“SPIKE!” Rarity yelled. She then tried to ram Panic, but like all other beings who tried to ram Panic she simply passed through him; however, she didn’t go empty handed. Rarity managed to take Spike from Panic’s grasp as he went intangible. The two then fell into a moving section and like their two friends before them were taken away.

“Well this part of my work is done, see yah!” Panic then jumped onto a nearby wall and laugh his usual maniacal laugh, “By the way! Your other group of friends suffered the same fate! Gah Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha!”

The rumbling slowly stopped with the sections stopping; setting themselves in their current place making a new maze. Shining and Rainbow then stopped running, for Shining was gasping for breath. When Shining finally regained their breath remaining duo looked at each other with determined eyes. This was only a setback for them, if The Nightmare Brothers think this is going to stop them then they have another thing coming.

/