Artificial Harmony

Chapters

Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 1

Chapter 2

The ringing alarm bells could be heard throughout every room of the compound warning of the impending invasion. The magic charges running along the ceiling bathing the halls in a sickly green light. Not wasting a moment the master dawned his lab coat and took the strange blue vial from his desk shoving it into the pocket of his lab coat. He reached for a microphone that dangled from the ceiling above his desk and placed it to his mouth, continuing to monitor the invaders all the while.

"Attention!" the microphone carried his voice to every room loud enough that the alarms were mute in comparison. "Canterlot guards are invading the compound. All exits are blocked. Everypony should make their way to the emergency evacuation chamber immediately. Do not engage the enemy or stop for any reason. Do not wait for me! Head straight there and follow procedures. I'll contact you all as soon as I can!" With his announcement over he hastily got to work.

Even as his plans seemed to be falling to ruins, he managed to move with the steady and quick hooves of a surgeon. Undaunted by the urgent situation. He grabbed all manner of gizmos and gadgets from his shelves and shoved them into his coat pockets. He loaded research samples and papers into a satchel that he swiftly threw around his shoulder. Any papers he couldn't carry or believed unnecessary were left burning on the lab floor in mystic green flames. With that, there was only one more thing to take care of.

He looked to a door dead center in the back wall. A large iron slate, sealed tighter than a banks vault. Locks and bolts ran down the side protecting whatever lied beyond. One by one the unicorn unlocked each of them and shoved the door ajar. As it came open a current of ice cold air rushed out as if trying to escape whatever was inside. The room was pitch black only illuminated by the light that leaked in from the lab.

He took a step forward, nopony had set hoof in this room for years and what lied inside was of such importance he didn't even allow his creations to enter. Despite this, the room only held a single object. A black square box roughly the size of a refrigerator. A heavy chain coiled around it covered in its own series of locks. He was forced to choke down his hesitance as he knew it must be done. His green magic gripped hold of the box and lifted it into the air. With a heavy heart, the master sent it away with a teleportation spell. In an instant, the box was gone along with its contents. No matter what came next he could relax knowing what was inside wouldn't be found.

Preparations complete, he returned to lounging in his desk chair to wait. He knew he wouldn't make it to the evacuation chamber without encountering the soldiers and thus decided to wait for his guests to arrive. In the meantime, he would keep an eye on things with the use of his monocle. He made himself comfortable as he watched the events in the compound unfold.

The Compound Upper chambers.

Parallel to his master, the earth pony named Disaster was currently at the peak of the compound inside the elevator room. It was the only room that offered enough space while also being private enough for him to train/play with his new toy. He had spent the last hour kicking the ball against the chamber wall and chasing after it. He enjoyed the game but always told his brothers it was a training exercise, he wasn't about to admit to something as whimsical as playing catch with himself. It wasn't until his master sounded the alarms that he broke away from his game.

“The evacuation chamber?" Disaster scoffed as the elevator gears sprang to life behind him heralding the soldiers' arrival. "sounds like the fun is right here." Regardless of his master's instructions Disaster wasn't about to pass up the opportunity for a real fight with trained soldiers. He'd take out the first wave of troops and then evacuate. That way he could have some fun and still keep the master happy.

The elevator finally reached the bottom bringing with it ironclad ponies baring swords and spears. Upon seeing the earth pony they sprang into action. Leaving the elevator and taking a crescent formation before him. Uncertain as to how this one would respond to them the captain spoke up.

"We are the Equestrian-"

“Soldiers right?" Disaster rudely cut him off. The captain narrowed his gaze as he watched the pony before him, brandish an eager smile that managed to send a shiver down his spine.

“Surrender peacefully and-"

"Surrender?" Disaster threw his head back in laughter. "Haven't gotta smash a soldiers skull in." The words came as a warning to the attack force who braced themselves for battle."Better not disappoint me!" his voice came loud and roaring like thunder with such a passionate intensity it forced the soldiers into a pause.

In the second they were frozen Disaster made his move. He leaped forward with enough force to launch his body much quicker than any normal pony and was upon the guard captain in an instant. Using nothing but his muzzle to knock away the spear. He slid to the captain's side and bit down on his neck. Blood spewing from his mouth as his teeth dug their way into his skin ignoring his armor. The captain was helpless as Disaster lifted him from the ground and brought him down smashing his body onto the cold floor. Disaster raised a hoof and quickly brought it down onto his head. The helmet offered no defense against the ponies sheer might and the captains head caved in under his force. With a final "Snap!" the captains head splattered like an egg

It was over in an instant, to quick even for other soldiers to defend their distressed commander. As soon as they realized what had happened they simultaneously converged on their opponent ready to strike. Disaster prepared himself but was slightly taken off guard when he found his body illuminated by a unicorns telekinesis. Before he could be pulled from the ground he slammed a hoof down onto the floor. The loud bang reverberated from wall to wall until it became a strident roar. It was such a bellowing sound the other ponies couldn't help but stop as their ears began to bleed. Unable to focus the unicorn lost control of its magic and Disaster was free.

Straight away Disaster turned his attention to the unicorn, ramming his head into its own. Despite its sharp point, the earth pony seemed unphased as he pushed it harder and harder until he finally pressed the unicorns horn into the it’s own skull skewering its brain.

The fellow soldiers stood next to them, hooves covering their ears they could only watch in horror. However, seeing the horn jutting out of his allies head gave him the strength he needed. His resolve hardened he uncovered his ears and returned to his hooves. Sword in mouth, he lunged quickly bringing the blade down on his opponent's neck. Jubilation filled his body as the blade connected he couldn't help but feel the relief of the battles end, the glee of avenging his comrades.

The sword struck his target and exploded into small fragments, shattering his will along with his weapon. He couldn't make sense of it. This pony, it moved faster than they could react, was strong enough to break their armor and its hyde was as strong as steel.

“W-What are you?" he shouted out loud and Disaster responded by uppercutting him with a front hoof. His bottom jaw broke to pieces and he was launched into the air doing an entire flip until crashing to the ground with a loud thud.

"Enough!" Called out the First Lieutenant who had just taken up the mantle of captain.

"Givin' up already?" Disaster mocked spitting out a mouthful of the captain's blood.

"I'm going to deal with this one. The rest of you press on with the plan, make for the center of the compound to regroup with the other squads. If there are more ponies like this one you'll need more numbers." As much as they hated the idea they knew their new captain was right. They knew nothing of this adversary, his weaknesses or what he was capable of. If things kept going like this they'd all end up dead. Without argument, they each bolted for the door as their captain covered them he gripped the sword tightly in his mouth as he placed himself between Disaster and his comrades as they disappeared from sight.

He stood still as a statue awaiting Disasters next move. He was assured in his decision ready to face this opponent in his comrades stead. However, when Disaster took a calm slow step forward he found himself stepping back. He never moved his eyes from his adversary awaiting his next attack but as he glared into the ponies eyes the eager brash smile seemed to fade leaving a look of emptiness.

“This is just pathetic." Disaster gritted his teeth, looking to the three corpses slumped on the ground. "You said you were soldiers right? Like military soldiers?" Disaster asked. He got no response as the guard stared at him not daring to blink.

"C'mon if you're a soldier than why don't you come at me? Too scared?" The guard didn't answer, he merely stood silent and motionless.

"Pft, that's what I thought." he scoffed before charging. As he came upon him the captain swung his sword in a vain attempt to win but Disaster grabbed hold of the blade in his own mouth. He jerked tearing the hilt from his opponent's mouth and a few teeth along with it. The next thing he knew Disasters body smashed into him forcing him to the ground. Body limp and vision quickly becoming foggy he could do nothing but flail his limbs to keep Disaster away.

"Is this really how Equestrias strongest warriors do battle?!" Disaster shouted at the top of his lungs as he made his way around the captains thrashing hooves.

"Wheres your advanced combat training!?!" Disaster towered over the crippled pony like a mountain, his voice strong and thundering as an eruption. Raising his hoof Disaster brought it down hard on the soldier's front leg. The force wasn't only strong enough to sever the limb but hurl it feet away. The captain let out a blood-curdling scream that echoed through each dark corner of the compound.

"Wheres your military tactics!?!" He howled fiercely as he brought down another hoof disconnecting the second limb and forcing out more painfilled cries. With the captain relieved of his arms Disaster turned his attention to his legs.

"Did I scare them out of you!?!" he brought down another hoof.

"Protect and serve right!?!" he repeated the action leaving the pony with nothing but bloody stumps. Disappointed he left the moaning pony to bleed out. "No big deal. Not even worth evacuating." The blood-soaked pony leisurely strolled over to retrieve his ball, not bothering to clean the blood and bits of flesh from his body. He wasn't in the mood to continue his game. He had always imagined what it would be like to face the Equestrian royal guard. He imaged a fierce battle that would push him to the brink of his limits and the let down had left him in low spirits. "Guess I'd better get moving before the master gives me an earful." he gripped to himself.

Just as he began to leave a yellow light pierced the shadows behind him. What began as a small glow gradually grew larger and brighter until it was as if the sun itself had descended the shaft. Disaster twisted around to see a radiant figure standing behind him. A tall white pony displaying an impressive wingspan and horn, her rainbow hair flowing like the wind. Her mere presence demanded respect and attention.

Disasters eyes lite up just as the room did. Filled with a newfound vigor he smiled bracing himself for a real battle. Despite never seeing this pony before he knew exactly who she was. Since their very creation, the ponies of the compound had heard stories of the famous ruler of Equestria.

"Now that's more like it." He laughed getting into a fighting stance. He pushed off the ground lunging for her but was quickly subdued by a bolt of gold magic that shot from the Princesses horn. The magic constricted his front hooves as it twisted and contorted into a pair of golden shackles. Gold chains branched out from the cuffs and grabbed hold of the floor pulling Disaster to the ground.

"What!?!" he growled as a matching set restrained his legs. "Bitch fight me with your hooves, don't use some cheap tricks!" she proceeded to strike his mouth with the same magic sealing it shut. Disaster struggled the best he could but even with all of his strength, he was no match for her alicorn magic.

The Princess approached remaining silent as she took in the grizzly scene. Eyes filled with righteous fury she didn't even grant Disaster a passing glance as she walked by intent to apprehend the rest.

Further down, the fleeing ponies had made great progress thanks to their companions sacrifice. Deeper and deeper they traveled guided by the murky light. Desperate to reach the central chambers of the compound where the other squads would be heading. They rounded a corner and came face to face with the bright purple unicorn Madness who had just set hoof outside the cafeteria.

"Oh hey. You guys are those intruders," he said rather casually. A small slender frame and bright colors made this one much less intimidating but the soldiers weren't about to take chances.

A brash young pegasus soldier took charge. Brandishing a sword in her mouth she lifted off as high as she could within the confines of the compound. A quick dive brought the blade swiftly down on Madness's head but seemingly in an instant he had vanished.

She landed on her hooves confused about seeing Madness suddenly sitting and waving to her from further down where the hallway forked into two.

"Missed me."

"Slippery aren't you," she said angrily.

"You're a real go-getter. I like that, bet it makes for good party leaders." Madness
laughed wickedly before trotting down the hallway to his right.

"Careful." warned the Second Lieutenant coming up beside her. "We don't know what this one capable of."

"Right." she agreed, taking a breath to calm her nerves. The squad carefully approached the forked path where Madness had just been sitting. Now they found him in the right side hallway as far as back as they could see, sitting waiting patiently for them. His mouth pulled back in a sickening twisted smile, showing off rows of razor-sharp teeth. Oddly Madness could also be found in the left hallway at the same distance in the same position.

"Hey, would you guys like to play a game? I've had this idea for a fun game for so long but no one ever wants to play with me." The matching unicorns spoke in unison.

"Copies?" asked the pegasus.

"Maybe." the Lieutenant looked from one Madness to the other. "If this one is anything like the last we must be on guard. I want four of you to attack the one on the right, I'll lead the rest of you against the one on the left. Prepare yourself for offensive spells and bizarre powers. If anything should go wrong we should fall back here and take up defensive positions." he instructed.

His soldiers nodded in understanding before they broke off. The pegasus led the charge down the right hall as the Lieutenant took three others down the left.

She didn't fly this time, instead, she stayed low allowing her hooves to carry her to her target. The gleeful look in Madness's eyes never faded as they attacked. She watched for the unicorn to disappear again but this time he simply quick-stepped back as she ran to him.

"Fell for it!" Madness laughed as she came to where he had been sitting. The floor beneath her began to tremble as if about to cave in. Reacting purely on instinct she kicked off the ground just as Madness did, barely avoiding an instant death as the floor beneath her shot skyward smashing into the ceiling. She tumbled into a fighting stance only to see her target seemingly vanished once again leaving her alone in the empty dark hall.

"Are you ok?!" The muffled voice of her teammates could be heard from the other side of the concrete pillar.

"Y-Yeah I'm fine," she responded, backing against the new wall.

"Good. I don't think we'll be able to get past this."

"Whats the status of the Lieutenant?"

"Same thing. Seems that unicorn led us into a trap. We don't know if any of them made it to the other side or not."

"You guys work on finding another way around and regrouping with the team, I'm pursuing the unicorn and join you all as soon as I can."

"Be careful. This one seems to have some tricks up its sleeve." warned her teammates before the soft pitter patter of their leaving hoofprints could be heard.

She began pursuit. Dim light and Madnesses steadily rising cackles led her down the hallways. Every twist and turn seemed to just give way to more halls that stretched on into an endless maze, showing no signs of ending. It was that moment that she wished she had taken more time memorizing their copy of the compound map they had received, which was currently nestled in the pack of their dead captain.

"Alright!" Madnesses voice echoed from somewhere far ahead. "All the players are in place. Let's start the campaign!"

"Campaign...?"

"Lost in a deep dark dungeon, separated from your party members. Now you must press on in search of the exit! clinging to the faint hope of seeing the light of day." he set the scene.

"Is this some kinda game to you?"

"Kinda, yeah," he replied nonchalantly showing he could, in fact, hear her while remaining out of view

"All this destruction and killing. Was just you having fun!?!"

"Dang, I thought Death was a downer." groaned Madness. "Anyways better get ready. Funs about to start," she prepped herself for whatever trick he would throw at her as she continued her way forward to find a way out of the maze.

"The black abyss stretches on infinitely before you, yet you press on undaunted by the odds. All that changes as you encounter a wall of light!"

"Wall of light?" she inspected her surroundings and noticed something peculiar. She had just stepped through what looked like a black frame and for a split second, she could have sworn she saw a beam of twisted light jump from the bottom of the wall to the top.

Something was wrong. She rushed forward pulling the rest of her body through the frame uncertain as to what she was running from. Just as she cleared it, bolts of pure light arched from the top of the frame to the bottom creating a wall of electricity behind her. She vaulted forward making certain she was out of harms way.

She turned to look at the frame, imagining herself being turned to ash in an instant if the unicorn hadn't given her a heads up. Then from the corner of her eye, she saw a quick streak of light bounce around the wall. A quick glance revealed she was standing inside another frame.

Frantically she twisted and flapped her wings to lift off. Another wall of light erupted behind her so close she felt the heat on the end of her tail. She never stopped flying staying in the air as she pushed on through another frame revealing a long series of lightning walls before her. The lightning seemed to chase her down the halls as the frames were positioned closer and closer together the further she got. Eventually, they lighting faded for the last time, she continued flying at high speed for a while longer certain that the unicorn would plant one as a trick somewhere down the line.

The trap never sprang, so she finally worked up the nerve to stop and land to catch her breath.

"Good job, you've got some high DEX," Madness chuckled.

"shut up!" she shouted.

"Hey don't go losing your cool yet, that was only the first obstacle."

She took his words as a warning of more traps to come. She continued, now making sure to keep low carefully examining the entire environment around her before quietly stepping forward.

"Better get ready. You're coming to the next encounter!" proclaimed Madness. She slunk around the corner to a horrific sight. Three hairy black spiders as large as a pony, pulling themselves along the compound floor by their jagged bony legs. The leading one reared back throwing its front legs in the air threateningly. In all her years of service, she had never seen or heard of such creatures. All she could think to do was retreat and gain some distance to think of how to approach them.

"You've encountered three giant spiders! So whatcha gonna do?" asked Madness. The spiders gave chase as the pegasus bolted back around the last corner.

"Fleeing? That's no fun...." Madness moaned. She flattened herself against the wall, lying in wait for the creatures to come close. "Ohhhh, going for an attack of opportunity!" Madness chuckled.

She closed her eyes listening for the pitter patter of the spider's needle-like legs against the metal floors. She stood completely still, listening, envisioning them coming down the hallway as the sound gradually grew louder. Once she was certain they were just around the corner she sprung. Eyes wide open she twisted sending the blade between the leading spider's eyes. Its front legs twitched as it hissed in pain. She pulled the blade as far to the right as she could ripping the right half of the spiders head off and sending the entire thing toppling over. The other two backed up as if intimidated. She didn't hesitate to leap at the next one as it back away from her.

With a flap of her wings to bring her up above the beast, she brought down her blade on the spider's thorax. This attack connected, however, it only pinged off its body as if striking a wall. She had to change plans since the spiders seemed to have a hard protective shells. With another flap of her wings, she landed behind it and twisted, dragging her blades tip along the ground hacking off the back legs. Its body dropped like a rock allowing her to bring her sword down like a guillotine relieving the spider of its head.

Left with only a single adversary. The last one stood motionless, watching her through its eight beady-eyes. She wasn't going to give a chance to attack she swung and the spider lifted a leg as they clashed together. The spider pulled back its leg and thrusted. Seizing the opportunity she moved to dodge as the spider's leg scrapped her side just under her armor, deep enough to draw blood. She dropped to the floor and slide up under the monstrous creature injecting her sword between its fangs and up through the head. She removed the blade from its fleshy sheath dragging a fountain of blood out with it.

She gritted her teeth trying to ignore the pain in her side. She could only hope to reunite with her team soon enough to get treatment before infection.

"Good job. Don't forget the loot," Madness reminded. A small bright green glow appeared on the ground before her, blooming into a flash of light. Once it faded a long gold spear, the same kind used by Equestrian soldiers was left in its place.

"Loot?" she said through panted breaths. "This really is just some game to you." she looked down to the weapon that seemed to have materialized from nowhere. If this unicorn could conjure weapons like this it made her wonder just how much more control he held over this place. With such power he could very well kill her anytime he wanted if he grew bored so she'd best play along. She sheathed her sword and took the spear in her mouth. If this weapon had indeed been crafted by the unicorns magic she didn't believe it was very reliable. The unicorn could very well remove the blade mid fight as a cruel joke so she prepared herself for that possibility. "So is this game of yours almost over?"

"Just about, you still gotta beat the boss."

"Boss huh?" She took one more deep breath before continuing through the maze leaving the spiders curled up corpses behind.

"Ya know ya don't seem to be having any fun."

"How in Equestria is this suppose to be fun?"

"You're a soldier. Fighting monsters, escaping traps, defying death. You guys love that stuff."

"I didn't become a soldier because I find it fun! I did it to keep Equestria safe and to get rid of crazy anarchists like you."

"Eh, safe sounds kinda boring."

"Yeah, I suppose somepony like you would see it that way." she didn't feel like having a conversation with a pony who was clearly deranged but by keeping him talking she hoped to get a clue to where he might be.

"Alright! So you've overcome the lightning walls and managed to slay the spiders but there's still one obstacle between you and freedom." Announced Madness. She took another step forward until a deep growl froze her body. A large orange paw stepped into the light at the end of the hallway before pulling the rest of its body into view. The front of its form was that of a large orange feline but the back-end was that of a goat, complete with a goats head protruding from its back until the body ended in a scally snake tail. The three heads moved to look at her as if each possessed an individual consciousness.

Though initially shaken she found this more welcoming than the last trial. She knew chimeras, she had faced them before. She'd need to avoid the front paws. A single strike could prove to be fatal. Doing so, however, was going to be much more difficult since its body filled the entire hallway. She would need to create an opening to get behind it.

She stood ready for the creäture to lung giving her an opportunity to slip behind it but it stood in place merely looking and growling at her. She started to consider another plan of attack when the beast took a couple of steps towards her. She took that as a chance hurled the spear through the air like a javelin aiming for the goat's neck. A powerful flap of her wings carried her up and towards the creäture as she sent the spear soaring. In the corner of her eyes, she watched it soar into the goats neck but seemingly passed through it, she was puzzled. She was certain she saw it connect but she passed it off as one of the unicorns tricks. She flew over the tiger head and passed the goats noticing another opportunity. She pulled her sword from its sheath using it to slice the snake tail clean off as she passed. Twisting as she landed the beast seemed rather unphased by all the damage. Normally cutting off the tail would at least spark a roar but the beast remained quiet.

It turned around to face her something that didn't even look possible for it. It remained stationary and silent as if not sure what to do. She wasn't going to make the same mistake. She took to the air again. With the snake head gone she had much more room to maneuver in the air. Once above the beast, she dived striking its back, this attack prompting a roar from it and forcing it into action. It swiped at her in the air but she managed to avoid the attack with an aerial back flip and bringing the sword down on its back once again hacking another chunk of flesh off. As the beast came again she maneuvered around the paw down to the floor right in front of it, placing her in the prime spot for a shot at its chest. She thrust her sword but the chimera leaped back away from her much faster and further than one should be able to jump.

"Somethings off," she thought. Not only was this chimera much more nimble than it appeared but its behavior was off. Why did it hesitate to attack her? Why did it dodge her attack? Chimeras don't plan out fights they attack like the towering wall of muscle they are. She couldn't think about that now she had to focus on the fight.

A small glitter of light caught her eye. Between the two of them the spear she discarded set on the ground twinkling in the lanterns glow. The chimera was hesitating once again as it set breathing heavily. The pegasus rushed it causing the beast to follow suit and charge for her. She waited until it came within feet of her to launch her blade. The chimera lifted a paw to knock the blade away and in that same instant, she flew over it to grab the spear.

She thrust the blade as the chimera twisted around falling right onto the tip digging its flesh into it.

"Got...it.." she blew a sigh of relief. She let go of the spear letting the limp body flop onto the floor.

"Hey, good job! You didn't get ripped to pieces," Madness laughed.

"Ok I played your little game so-" she stopped as the chimeras body seemed to melt into a bright green smoke leaving behind the dead corpse of her squads lieutenant in its stead, the spear jutting from between his eyes just below his helmet. "W-What?" her jaw dropped and she took a few steps away from it. She was baffled. Had she been fighting him the entire time? Did the unicorn turn him into a chimera?

"I knew you would be a good player," laughed Madness who seemed to come out of nowhere to playfully nudge her. "You should give Death some pointers." with his playful demeanor it was as if he saw her as a friend.

It didn't matter that her target was only inches from her. She was trapped in her mind. Unable to accept the truth of what had happened. Her body froze in place.

"I.....I D-Did I..... killed him?" She had to force the words from her mouth.

"Yeah you killed them, but hey on the bright side you know you're the best fighter in your squad now." Madness chuckled.

"S-Squad?" her mind flashed back to the spiders she faced earlier. There were three of them, just like the squad she was separated from. She imagined their smiling faces at seeing her come around the corner unharmed, chasing after her as she ran away in terror only for her to turn on them, cutting each of them down one by one before finally prying the spear from their dead hooves.

"W-What have I done." Tears welled up in her eyes as she had to face this harsh reality. Madness couldn't help but feel a bit awkward talking to the unresponsive pony.

"Aaaaaanyways, you won the game so you'll just want to keep heading straight then go left, right, right, left, left, left, right, right then take another left at the fork, head down the stairs and you'll find an exit tunnel. But I imagine your pretty messed up about murdering your teammates and all so, you may also wanna go left then take three rights and trigger the trap door in case you can't deal with it. Anyways thanks again for playing. It was a lot of fun." He sounded genuinely happy as he strolled away whistling to himself, leaving the stunned pony where she stood.

"I hope masters not gonna be too mad." Madness muttered to himself as he wondered the halls. His game had drug on a little longer than he had planned and his master wasn't one to appreciate slacking. He sighed as made his way to the evacuation chamber, dreading the long walk.

The Compounds bottom chambers

Deep down in the Compounds depths, Famine sat in the study reading over the screenplay he collected. Whatever the rooms intended purpose was it was now used as an educational facility where the ponies would go to study the outside world. Books laid in piles around the room, some of which were halfway to the ceiling and almost all of which he had collected himself. He was only partway through the script when the alarm sounded.

Famine closed the text and left it where it lied. Hastily exiting the study he was fully prepared to make for the evacuation chamber but stopped when something caught his eye. His brother Pestilence darting past the hallway clearly in a hurry but moving away from his supposed destination.

It had occurred to Famine that his brother had been acting peculiar recently and he didn't think it was a coincidence this invasion had begun around the same time. Overwhelmed with curiosity he had to place his escape on hold and decided to see what Pestilence was up too.

Faster than he had ever moved before, Pestilence rushed to the pump-room. Leaping down the stairwells and twisted around the winding corners. Heart pulsing he came to the door to the pump-room. To find the hallway infested with soldiers.

It seemed that the guards were making progress much faster then he had expected but he didn't panic. It was only a minor set back.

"Hey, good job finding the place." Pestilence sarcastically clapped his hooves together.

The guards readied themselves at the sight of him. On guard but not expecting much of a battle from an unarmed pegasus.

"Surrender peacefully and we won't need to hurt you." declared the squad captain stepping forward. Ignorant to the violent butchering that had occurred higher up, these soldiers were still operating on the initial orders.

"Sorry Pal, Not happening." Pestilence wasn't sure what would happen to him if he allowed himself to be taken, he imagined he'd just end up in another cage or worse. Pestilence opened his mouth letting a cloud of green smoke flow forth like a fog machine. The sickly colored mist rolled over them overtaking the oxygen.

"Unicorns!" screamed the squad captain. "Do something about this fo-" He stopped as the gas entered his body filling his chest. His whole body felt heavy and he could no longer stand on his wobbly legs. He felt unable to move as the gas set his lungs ablaze. It was agony beyond anything he had imagined as if his inside were trying to force themselves out of him. He opened his mouth to scream or cry for help, yet all that came out was a bucket full of blood and vomit. His legs grew stiff as his joints locked in place leaving him as nothing but a twitching husk of a pony.

It made no sense. He was a pegasus. How did he manage to unleash such a miasma? This was the work of magic. Did he use some sort of concealed weapon?

Pestilence returned his sights to the pump-room. With his obstruction cleared he only needed to step over the trembling soldiers as they writhed on the ground.

"I-It, it burns. Can't move." one soldier pleaded with the last of his strength.

"Yeah, botulisms a bitch," said Pestilence as he pushed open the door to the pump-room and walked inside.

Close behind him, Famine arrived too late to find his brother but he recognized his work. The once proud guardians of Equestria reduced to foul twitching lumps of flesh. Had Famine been a less composed pony he may have broke into tears. Deep yellow light flowed from the end of his horn wrapping itself around him in a magic barrier to fend off the lingering miasma. Now protected, he moved to the closest pony to examine the damage.

He saw the captains eyes roll over to look at him causing him to rattle in fear. He struggled to reach the weapon he dropped during his coughing fit. Unable to move he could only extend his tongue into the pool of body fluids in an attempt to nudge to sword back to him.

"Shhh, easy now." Famine tried to offer the dying pony some comfort but it was difficult since he had the appearance of death itself.

Famine had seen the effects of the miasma before. He knew these soldiers were beyond help. All he could do now was grant them a swift and peaceful end. Using his magic he commanded the captain to sleep. He ceased flailing and his moans faded to silence. With a quick slit of the throat, he made sure his suffering was over.

He went from one pony to the next, performing the same process until each of them were at peace. Even if they were mercy killings Famine saw himself more as an executioner as he ended their lives. He could only hope knowing they died in the line of duty would offer them some comfort in the afterlife. Unpleasant as it was, it was over and he was free to move along into the pump-room.

Inside, Pestilence had shut off the machinery emptying the pipes of their contents.

"C'mon! C'mon!" he chanted tapping a hoof as he waited for the water to vacate the pipes. Once enough time had passed, he pressed his tongue firmly against the largest pipe and ran it from one end down to the other. His acidic saliva trickled down, pulling metal strips along with it. Peeling away its side.

"Pestilence." beckoned a voice from behind. His ears perked up and he twisted around ready to defend himself. He was relieved to see the familiar figure of his brother, who seemed to have slipped into the room like a ghost. He couldn't help but feel self-conscious knowing his brother had just seen him rubbing his tongue all over the pipe.

"We were instructed to head to the evacuation chamber, but it seems you've managed to improvise your own means of escape," said Famine. Pestilence stood silent for a moment realizing he had been found out. He wasn't going to be able to lie his way around this.

"So what? You gonna knock me out and drag me back?" He growled. A small stalk of miasma rising from one side of his mouth. He was prepared to fight for his freedom even against his own brother if he had too.

"Quite the contrary." He suddenly launched a bolt of magic into the pipe shattering its side. Speeding up his escape plan.

"Well alright!" Pestilence cheered. It was one of the few times Famine had seen him genuinely happy. "So what? You tagging along?"

"The ever-present allure of the world is certainly intoxicating." Famine repeated himself. Pestilence wasn't interested in asking any more questions. He squeezed himself inside, the pipe was large enough that only his wings were uncomfortable as he began his long crawl to freedom.

Famine began to follow suit. He set a single hoof inside when something crossed his mind. He imagined his brothers waiting for him in the evacuation chamber unable to leave. Even if they had the ability to leave without him, War wouldn't allow any of them to be left behind. How would he be able to live with himself if they were captured or worse executed, while he did nothing but flee for his own gains.

"So is this the plan? Escape down the pipes leaving the others to their fate?"

"They can take care of themselves," Pestilence's voice echoed back to him.

"I see. In that case, I wish you safe travels," Famine replied stepping away from the pipe, making his way to the door.

"Getting cold hooves already?"

"Not all cages are built of stone Pestilence," he advised a somber look in his eyes.

"Whatever," Pestilences voice echoed through the pipes. Famine took a deep breath realizing he was giving up his only chance at freedom before he pressed on to find his brothers.

One hoof after the other Pestilence pulled himself along through the darkness. The light of the compound was far behind him and all he could think about now was going forward. Time rolled on and he had no way of knowing how far he had gone or how much further he had to go. Occasionally slivers of doubt crossed his mind. What if I get stuck? What if the water comes back and I drown? Should I just go back? But he always managed to fight them off. This is what he had to do. He would die in that compound sooner or later, and spending his life in it wasn't one worth living.

He continued his decent, hoping with every step forward he'd reach the pipes end only to be met with more darkness. He had lost track of how long it had been and he couldn't help but wonder how his brothers were fairing. He wondered if the master had realized he was gone. It didn't matter to him now, all he had to worry about was putting one hoof in front of the other.

He continued until finally, he extended a hoof only to find the ground before him had vanished. He felt around the interior of the pipe to find that it took a dip. It was here the pipe reached down into the nearby river to pull up the compounds water supply, and where he'd be making his escape from.

Preparing himself to take the plunge was nerve-wracking. He stood there waiting much longer than he had planned to. With no light, he'd be forced to use his sense of touch to navigate his way around. He knew if he couldn't reach the pipes end and the rivers surface fast enough he'd die. Plain and simple. Regardless he couldn't go back, nor did he want to. He took the deepest breath he could before diving down the pipe, hoping it wouldn't be his last.

After squirming his way down he was meet with a facefull of ice cold water. First, he pressed his front hooves against the pipes sides. He used the sides to push himself through the freezing water. He continued hoping every time he outstretched his hooves that he would no longer feel the pipe, yet time after time it was still there. Panic began to set in as he frantically pushed himself down deeper and deeper as his air supply continued to dwindle.

"C'mon, C'mon." he kept repeating in his head. Before he realized it his lungs began tightening up. Begging him to breath. He couldn't believe this was how he was going to die. After all his years of living in a cage, only tossed out for a taste of freedom before having it ripped away. His life was over before he even had a chance to start it. He'd spend eternity wasting away at the edge of his prison cell, mere moments from freedom.

His hope drained Pestilence was ready to give up when something pushes him away. He couldn't see but he felt his body being shoved and spun around. The river's current. At last, the pipe had spat him out into the river, and now he was being pushed along like a piece of driftwood.

He reacted quickly spinning in the water in a desperate search for the surface. The air in his lungs was almost gone, his chest continually growing tighter and tighter. All around him was nothing, nothing but cold wet blackness. Until he finally saw it. The twinkle of sunlight dancing across the water's surface.

With his destination in sight, Pestilence swam as fast as his limbs could carry him. The burning in his chest pushing him forward, while the water in his wings drug him down. Finally went it felt as though his chest was about to rip itself open he finally broke through the surface.

He breathed in all the air he could, as life returned to his lungs and the burning faded away. His limbs had begun to burn from how fast he had swam and he had a feeling he'd be sore in the morning. He wasn't going to worry about that right now. He swam to the riverbank and threw himself onto his back to rest.

He laid there for a moment, doing nothing but breathing and looking up at the clear blue sky. Welcoming him to his new life. He lifted his braceless hoof, he was free from his master's control. Without a prison cell keeping him locked away, he was free to roam wherever he saw fit. He couldn't help but laugh aloud, patting himself on the back for a job well done.

He got to his hooves and took his first steps into his new life. However, it seemed with every step the forest just seemed to get further away, as well as the ground. Pestilence had found himself being lifted from the ground in a magic blue aura.

"What!?!" he snapped as he fought against the magic holding him in place. Whoever had him twirled him in the air to get a look at his face. A slender painted alicorn with a dark coat. Her starlit mane and moon cutie mark revealed her as the twin princess Luna. She wasn't alone armed soldiers were lining the riverside, each hatefully glaring at him. It seemed while he chose an escape route his master couldn't track, it had placed himself directly in the enemies camp.

"Let me go!" he knew fully well who she was, but he was so rage stricken he couldn't care.

"Calm down." Said Luna, he voice as soothing as a lullaby. As she spoke her horn glowed a faint blue light that seemed to calm his nerves and rock him to sleep.

"N-No..." he continued to protest and struggle against her, but it was useless against her magic. His eyes grew heavy, and with every wink more and more soldiers were surrounding him placing him in chains. "Y-You...can't..." tears filled his resting eyes. His freedom torn away just as soon as it was grasped.

With the raging pony sedated and securely hauled away. Princess Luna could return to her duty of running the camp. Which seemed to be in a commotion as a Pegasus was rushing through it at top speed. She was dirty and sweaty but seemingly unharmed as she dashed to the Princess.

"Princess Luna," she tried to speak between her gasps for breath. Medical Ponies came to her side quickly sanitizing and patching up her cut. "You're needed inside!" she took a few more breaths. "These ponies are dangerous. They wiped out my entire Squad. You have to send in the army."

"Of course," Luna replied trying to settle down the pegasus. Her eyes showing she was still in shock from whatever she witnessed inside. Luna turned to face her forces.

"Everypony!" she called to them. "We have received a report from inside." the soldiers gathered their weapons ready for their orders. "We're storming the compound!"

The Compound Central Chambers

War wasn't one to disobey the master if he could help it, but this time he'd make an exception. His brother Despair was still recovering from the surgery and he wouldn't be able to make it on his own. The master would be angry he held up the evacuation for the one creation he could do without, but to War, his brothers came first.

"Despair," he called as he entered the stable area. He found his brother already up out of his stable, leaning awkwardly against the wall.

"Can you walk?" War asked. Despair cautiously moved away from the wall to stand up on his own legs.

"Yes," he said taking a few steps forward causing his legs to give out and topple to the ground. "However I do not seem to be able to walk well." War rushed to his brother's side to help him back onto his legs.

"I'll support you. We have to hurry. so stay with me."

"Don't fret over me, I'm more concerned with how we're going to coax Death from his stable."

"Death?" War asked and looked at his younger brothers stable. The young earth pony laid inside on his hay bed. His face buried behind his hooves, curled up into a fetal position.

"Death. We've got to go." insisted War but Death defiantly shook his head. "We don't have time for this. The soldiers will be here any minute."

"He wants me to go outside, but I'm not going. I can't go back outside." It always seemed that his desire to stay inside the compound was the only thing Death was ever certain of. War had to be quick, every moment the invaders grew closer. Still, in thought, War looked to the pictures Death used to decorate his stable with. While it was hard to make out many details from the crude crayon drawings, it was clear the majority featured Death standing with a smile on his face in the middle of a crowded town filled with smiling ponies. Death never explained the meaning behind the drawings, just asking made him go silent as the dead. The only clue to their origin was the fact he only started drawing them after that day.

Death, along with Despair had never been sent out of the compound. He had only seen the outside once in his short life when his curiosity got the better of him and he snuck outside the compound. War still remembers seeing his brother coming down on the elevator. His body broken and covered in blood, only half alive. War had never been so furious as he had been that day. He imagined finding whoever was responsible, he imaged stomping them into a messy red puddle. Ever since he began drawing those odd drawings and barely speaking at all.

"Death, look at me." said War but his brother sat as still a corpse."Look at me." he said sternly. Forcing the nervous pony to lift a single hoof. "You trust me, don't you?" Death only nodded unable to muster the strength for words. "There are bad ponies coming. I know you don't want to go outside again but I promise it's safe."

"Y-You, You Promise...?" Death gave his brother a pitiful look.

"Would I lie to you?" Despite his enormous stature and harsh color scheme. War always seemed to have the warm reassuring smile that Death always needed.

"Touching. But might I suggest a more physical solution." said Despair leaning against the wall of Deaths stable. Despair shuffled around inside the medical bag he kept with him at all times and retrieved a case of shots.

"What are you planning?" asked War.

"Mild sedative, good for calming the nerves. Painless and fast acting."

War didn't like the idea of using drugs on his brothers, but it seemed this time the situation called for it. They needed to move and he trusted that Despair knew what he was doing.

"There are no harmful side effects?"

"He may suffer some drowsiness, nothing we can't deal with."

"Ok Death, hold real still. This might sting a little bit." said Despair. They could see Death tense up as the needle was inserted into his neck and the medicine into his bloodstream.

Thanks to Wars moral support and Despairs medicine, Death worked up the nerve to get up on his hooves.

"Ready to go?" War asked.

Death took one last look at his stable walls. He couldn't hold back his tears knowing that this would be the last time he ever saw them. He tore a single drawing from its mount, one of the many depicting him in the mysterious town. He would take it with him as a memento of his time there, of the happy and safe life he lived with his brothers.

"The evacuation chamber isn't far, but if they're coming in from all entrances it's safe to assume they'll have this section covered soon. We'll need to stay on guard. Death you'll need to stay with Despair, keep him on his hooves and make sure you don't fall behind. I'll take point and keep the path clear. If we're lucky then we'll run into some of the others along the way."

War took the lead, staying low slipping by each corner making sure there were no enemies. Once he was certain the path was clear he'd signal his brothers to follow. Death walked close behind, Despair leaning on him for support as they marched along. The sedative managed to get Death moving but he was still anxious by nature. A fact Despair was well aware of and thought he'd appreciate a distraction.

"So how did your game with Madness go?" he asked making sure to keep his voice low as to not give away their position.

"I...died." Death droned

"Oh, well that's unfortunate." Despair winced, feeling he had only worsened things.

"Well did Famine remember to get you some new crayons? If I remember correctly your old ones had been rendered nearly unusable."

"Yeah, b-but I, left them in my stable." Tears were once again welling up in his eyes.

"Right... well."

"Shh!" War stopped in his tracks forcing his brothers into silence. What began as a deep rumbling steadily grew into the booming sound of hoof beats closing in from behind. "Soldiers."

Death lowered himself, panic setting in as the sound crept closer and closer.

"Easy, now is no time to lose our heads." said Despair trying to lift Deaths spirits back up.

With his brothers helpless in a fight, War knew he'd have to stay behind. It was the only way to give his brothers a chance to get away.

"Get up Death," he commanded as softly as he could. "I need you to carry Despair," War said slowly trotting past his brothers, preparing to face the incoming threat before it could reach them. "Go ahead and go on, I'll catch up once these intruders have been dealt with."

"While I'm all for staying out of the fight, might I remind you that if we run into any other intruders we wouldn't stand a chance on our own."

"You can make it to the training hall, take that passage. It'll keep you hidden."

"W-War I...I"

"Don't worry." War looked back to his timid brother. "I'll be right behind you."

Death had to nervously drag himself forward, Despair still leaning on him for support. With a heavy heart, War could only watch as his brothers disappeared into the darkness, to an unknown future. They were going to make it, they'd reach the training hall then be out of harm's way. Telling himself that over and over was the only way he could bring himself to walk forward.

He headed towards the sounds of the hoof beats. It took only a few steps to make contact with the incoming forces. A single look at War told the soldiers not to take any chances. Blood red color, enormous stature and a full suit of blacken armor made him a threatening foe.

"I know you have your orders, but I will offer you a chance to turn around and leave with your lives." The soldiers were bewildered that their foe, who they understood to be a murderer was willing to show mercy. It had to be some sort of trick.

"Suppress him." ordered the captain as the unicorn troops in the back came up beside him. Wars body lite up in their magic light that lifted his hooves from the ground.

"I don't know what kind of trick you're trying to pull, but we've been ordered to take you all in." stated the captain. As he and the rest of the unit approached their prisoner, readying the chains to subdue him.

"Sorry, but I can't let that happen." small glittering embers lifted from Wars body, before erupting into a large flame that engulfed the large Pegasus. His flames leaking out of each and ever break in his armor giving him an appearance like that of a monstrous demon. War opened his muzzle and released a breath of flames as if he were a dragon. The fire rushing towards the unicorns. Their flesh was overtaken by fire causing them to lose grip on their magic in their flailing.

War’s hooves hit the ground and began his charge, Trampling the unicorns in his wake. The soldiers were staggered by the sight, giving him a chance to thrust the horn on his helmet right under the captain's. With his brain skewered, War was able to easily snatch his sword away. Arming himself as the rest of the squad came at him.

Unlike his brother Disaster who prefers to fight like a feral animal. War chose a more strategic and technical approach to finding and exploiting his enemies flaws and weaknesses. Clashing blades gave him the perfect chance to analyze their form. They managed to stay in formation despite the confined space and were clearly experienced with their weapons. It was a pity as they were clearly capable combatants faced with the misfortune of battling opponents with a deadly advantage. Not only were they in their territory but he and his brothers had studied the royal guards relentlessly. Their weapons, armor, tactics and fighting styles were logged away in each of their minds for the inevitable day that they'd face off against Equestrias finest.

Outnumbered, War would have to keep his distance from the flurry of blades. As soon as one attack ended the next followed, and there was always a group standing just behind them ready to collapse on him after a single misstep. He'd have to wait for an opportunity or make one.

An opponent lunged, War quickly stepped back and with a quick twist of his head, the sword was hurled through the air. The blade raced past the attacking soldier and into the incoming one behind it. This gave him ample time to grab a hold of the attacking spear. He tugged the blade forward, dragging the soldier to him. Using the sheer force of his body he managed to crush the soldier beneath his hooves and rearm himself with the spear.

While dodging War couldn't help but notice something odd. Standing before him was a small group of soldiers, only around eight including the deceased. Given the havoc, he and his brothers have brought on Equestria sending a group this small to their compound seemed impractical. War deduced that this must be one of a few infiltration squads. Sent inside ahead of the main attack force to test for traps, get a sense of the enemies defenses. So that meant it was only a matter of time before the main forces move in and swarm the compound. It would only take a fraction of Equestria's forces to overrun the entire compound. Regardless of their numbers, they'd be safe as long as they could reach the evacuation chamber. He could only hope his brethren would make it in time.

Further down the compound, the time War had given them allowed his brothers to reach the training hall.

Death inched the door open, wrapping his head around to peek inside. A large room with training equipment outlining the walls, leaving a large center space for physical activities. Despair propped himself against the wall so his brother could work. He crept his way to the corner of the room. What appeared to be a conventional corner tile was, in fact, the entrance to one of the compounds hidden passages. All one needed to do to access the tunnel was apply enough pressure.

Despair propped himself against the doorway, acting as the lookout while Death opened the door. The young earth pony pressed against the secret door but his small frame made it a daunting task. No matter the force, his tiny brother didn't seem to be able to muster the strength to move it.

"No need to strain yourself." Despair began to limp his way over to him. "Seems it'll take both of us," he said carefully balancing his steps. "Let's push on three."

"Are you-"

"Don't concern yourself with me. Just focus on the door," he said as they got into place. "One, Two, Three." He counted down and the two pressed against the floor. Pain surged through Despairs arms as he pressed against the floor, within a second he found himself plummeting forward face first onto the door. It seemed to work however as the tile sunk with an audible "click."

"Despair are-"

"Eureka!" Despair proclaimed pulling himself up before practically falling against Death. "That'll hurt in the morning, but it worked." The tile slide itself out of the way, crackling and snapping from its years of slumber. A freezing cloud of dust drifted up the stairwell into the training hall, causing the two to cough feverishly.

"Well, best be on our way." said Despair and Death replied with an apprehensive nod.

With the door sealed behind them, they began their walk. The daunting silence weighted heavily on Deaths mind. He imagined more soldiers coming from the darkness ahead. He was terrified and the only thing he had to look forward to was safely reaching the outside world, and that only frightened him more. It would be ok though, War promised him that. But War was gone now, would he see War again? Was he even still alive. His racing thoughts brought his body to a halt.

"Des-Despair, I wanna go back." he whimpered.

"Oh, that's just the anxiety talking. I could give you some more of the sedative if you like?"

"I-I... I don't want any more medicine."

"Understandable, but the option is always open. Speaking of which Famine fetched me a medical journal a while back. If memory serves it had some exercises that calm the nerves naturally if you're interested." Before Death could respond they heard a familiar sound, hoof beats coming from up ahead. Too many to be their brothers and from the sounds much more than before.

"D-D-Despair!" Death shrieked. They both could only stand speechless. It made no sense, even if they found the compound this passage was hidden. Only those with inside knowledge of the compound knew of it. Did they stumble upon it by pure luck? It didn't matter now.

"Death we gotta go back." Despair snapped but his brother could only stand frozen, fear holding him in place like a statue.

"Death. I understand you're frightened, but you're really not helping the situation."

They suddenly found themselves coated in the magic light of a unicorn soldiers telekinesis. The unicorns forced them down, violently smashing them against the cold floor with a hard bang. They were violently drug across the floor until they were swarmed by soldiers. Chains and locks were fastened around every inch of flesh they could fit around, sealed together painfully tight.

The horde of ponies seemed to stretch on infinitely. It seemed the main forces were finally making their move and quickly overrunning every inch of the compound. After the report from what was left of the infiltration teams, they were no longer taking a diplomatic approach and definitely weren't holding back. The brothers could only lie helpless as the soldiers forcibly jerked them about, applying more and more locks. The last thing they saw was the hilt of a sword smashing into their faces.

The Compound Evacuation Chamber

The two weren't the only ones who never made it to the evacuation chamber, currently, Madness sat alone as the only resident. A small, cramped space. The only thing of note inside was a wall of magic at its end. A mystic essence that seemed to be acting as a barrier blocking off the back end of the room. As Madness waited alone all he could do was wallow in his boredom. As a practical joke, he had suspended himself above the doorway, hovering in a bright green glow. Waiting for whoever stumbled inside.

He had to dedicate himself since he floated for what seemed like hours until the door finally creaked open.

"BOO!" Madness shouted from his perch above. The sudden sound startled War enough he almost sent a hoof through the unicorns skull. Giggling, Madness descended to the floor. War didn't find it nearly as funny, he was already jumpy enough from everything that had happened.

"Oh you should have seen your face!" laughed Madness taking a seat on the floor. "but congrats on coming in second."

"Second?!" War looked around the small room in disbelief. "Nopony else has arrived?"

"Nope, just me."

War cursed himself for being so careless. He shouldn't have left his brothers alone if anything had happened to them. He shook the thought from his mind. Time was running out, they had to move fast.

"Madness." he snapped prompting his brother to rise to his hooves. "We're going to find the others." Madness questioningly scratched his head.

"But they're coming here aren't they?"

"I'm worried they've run into trouble." Death and Despair was his major concern. He believed that the other three could take care of themselves, however, the fact that they hadn't arrived in such a long time was cause for concern. "We're going to find them, and we're going to start with the hidden passage from the training hall. No matter what happens I need you to stay right next to me," he commanded. Intent not to make the same mistake again.

"Well alright then," Madness cocked his head to the side. "But what about them?"

War wasn't even given the opportunity to turn around. His body fell over limp as the energy escaped him. A desire to sleep fought against his will to get up. Eyelids heavy, he saw the fuzzy image of Princess Luna and her troops file inside the room. Her horn casting the spell that had put him into a lethargic state.

War fought to stay up as the guards surrounded him, he could barely see Madness laying motionless on the ground. Seeing his brother wrapped in chains, being harshly drug across the floor. The sight ignited the anger within him as he forced himself up.

"Let go of him!" he shouted. His thunderous voice brought the guards to a pause. He hoisted his body onto a single hoof as he fought to get up, using his upper body to fight off the guards around him.

The Princess focused her magic on the raging pegasus. No matter how hard he resisted, War promptly found himself on the floor once again. Helpless against Alicorn magic.

"Shh, rest now." her voice was finally enough to put him down. He felt the cold chains constricting his body as his vision finally faded into black.

The Compound Laboratory

The master could only watch as his creations were captured and hauled away, one by one. The main forces had moved in, each of his monocles showing nothing but soldiers filling every room and hall. The place that had sheltered them for years was left dilapidated. The soldiers ransacking every inch as they descended further and further towards his laboratory.

Surprisingly, as he watched the invasion unfold he had never caught sight of Famine or Pestilence. He understood Famines decision to remain hidden but Pestilence was a different story. He imagined that he must have been captured in the lower levels where he had less vision but there was another possibility. He had learned just how cunning Pestilence could be in his attempts at freedom, but he had to admit he never imagined he'd go to such an extreme. To put his own comrade's lives in jeopardy to escape, had Pestilence of really orchestrated this invasion than he'd overestimated his creations sense of morality. If he made it through this he wouldn't make that mistake again.

While he considered himself an intrepid pony, he couldn't help but feel a shiver run down his spine as he observed the soldiers closing in on the lab. What worried him most was the ruler of Equestria herself, Princess Celestia was leading them. Dealing with her would be tricky, to say the least.

He watched as the alicorn reached the magic wall, camouflaged as a dead end. He knew the mirage wouldn't fool a pony as magically inclined as Celestia for long. Sure enough, the lab door began to melt away by a golden glow with Celestia and her guards filling its slot.

"Princess Celestia." he greeted the radiant figure in the doorway. She didn't reply to him with words. Instead, she urgently launched a containment spell, the same kind she had used on Disaster. The bolts of gold magic flew through the laboratory but startlingly they shattered feet from their target as if splattering against a wall. Her unicorn guards also attempted to pull him from his chair, but their spells seem to have no effect on the pony. The master noticed a quick rise in Celestia's eyes, startled her magic seemed powerless. She squinted looking over the unicorn sitting before her, sparking a memory in her mind.

"Cross Stitch? Is that you?" She asked. Upon entering the room, she could feel a sickening sensation in the air. The lab was coated in an oppressive atmosphere and for some reason, she had a constant ringing in the back of her mind. She wasn't sure as to why but she had to remain on guard.

"I prefer just Cross now." he insisted. He had changed quite dramatically since their last encounter. His body had become sickly pale and he had acquired a collection of scars. As if his body had fallen to pieces and been stitched back together. "So to what do I owe the pleasure?" His voice was cheerful as if speaking to a close friend. Celestia could tell it was only a mask, covering the manic rage fighting its way to the surface. She had detained his soldiers, laid waste to his base and his plans were crashed all around him. She knew she had won but he wasn't going to give her the satisfaction.

"You know why I am here. You and your followers are guilty of heinous crimes all across Equestria, including killing my soldiers."

"Ah yes, I imagined that's what all this was about. You'll have to forgive my experiments. I told them not to attack your guards but you know, boys will be boys." he merely shrugged.

Celestia averted her gaze from him, taking a glimpse of the laboratories twisted machinery. Large industrial appliances were strung about the room, decorated with blades and needles some still dripping with fresh blood. What was more disturbing was the beakers and jars on the shelves. Eyeballs, organs and other unrecognizable fleshy chunks swimming inside.

"What have you been doing in here?" she couldn't help but ask.

"Ha." he let out a startling laugh. "I'd love to go over the details but I'm afraid we don't have the time," said Cross. Unknown to those watching him, Cross slipped a hoof beneath his desk to flip a small hidden switch. While Celestia didn't see him, she did notice a change in the room. As the ringing in the back of her head seemed to fade away.

"What do you mean?" Celestia asked sternly. She didn't feel comfortable speaking with Cross as long as he was free, but as long as her magic was useless she didn't have a choice. She refused to send in her guards, fearing for their safety. Cross sat patiently at his desk as if taunting them into coming at him, he must have laid some sort of trap.

"Well," Cross answered opening his desk drawer to retrieve a mechanical orb, its color a mix of green and black. Every few seconds the orb throbbed, expanding and retracting much like a heartbeat. He gripped the device in his mouth before continuing. "I'd say this whole place will be gone in about...." In an instant Cross vanished in a flash of green, reappearing directly at Celestia's side. "5 seconds."

Reacting on pure instinct she through him away with her magic. She didn't stop to consider her magic not working or to wonder how Cross had managed to get around it. Fortunately, it seemed to work, as he was thrown back across the room smashing into the back wall.

She didn't know what kind of device he had, but it was clear it was so sort of weapon. By what he had said it contained enough power to destroy the entire compound and everypony inside. She wasn't going to allow that.

With the weapon tightly in Cross's grasp, she had limited options. All she could do was wrap the bomb and him along with it, inside a barrier strong enough to contain the blast. Within seconds the device detonated, releasing a series of green flashes. It was as if an entire fireworks display was being contained inside. The magic inside swirled, howling and screeching as it churned. Searching for an exit so it could engulf the compound. This continued for a good few minutes as Celestia focused to keep the barrier going and the danger contained. Then strangely there was an odd reaction. The barrier seemed to shrink, growing small and smaller until it finally shrunk into a speck of light and faded away.

Nopony was certain as to what had happened, it must have been a reaction from all the magic mixing with an alicorns barrier. Regardless, there was no way a pony could have survived something like that.

With Cross removed, the soldiers barged inside the laboratory to do their search. Celestia couldn't help but feel disheartened. Everypony in the compound had been spared, but she wanted to resolve this without any further bloodshed.

"Search everywhere, we can't let anypony escape," Celestia ordered as more and more soldiers rushed inside to haul away the machines and reluctantly collect the samples. Celestia breathed a sigh of relief. Equestria had suffered many loses but at least now the ones responsible had been brought to justice. Now, the madness was finally over.

Chapter 3

The sound of hoof beats resonated from the manor walls. Stone walls, high enough to rival a castle and wider than a city street. The master of the estate, the red pegasus War was currently marching down the halls in search of his younger brother. A glance at the interior made it obvious that the building belonged to War. The carpet and drapery matched his deep red color, and the walls were adorned with military equipment. Swords and shields were up on display and empty armor suits stood guard at every corner.

War approached the entrance to his brothers room. A pair of grey double doors blocked the path, a nameplate mounted just above with the name "Death," calligraphically inscribed upon it. War gently knocked on the door before pushing it open. Peeking his head in, his brother was nowhere to be found.

For it to only serve as a bedroom it was an immense space standing as tall and wide as a ballroom. While Deaths room held all the usual amenities what made it truly stand out was the walls and ceilings. They were a tapestry of colors. Ponies, Landscapes, symbols and all sorts of Equestrian wildlife were painted onto the stone. The artistry was on par with the famous murals of Canterlot castle.

"Death?" War beckoned to his absent brother.

"Oh hey, perfect timing." called a familiar voice from above.

A quick look upward and he found Death at the very top of the room, sitting on a ladder he had propped against the wall. Brush in mouth, he covered the stone before him in a coat of green paint.

"I just finished," he said gleefully. He descended the ladder as quickly as he could before holding a hoof out to present the newest addition to his gallery. "So, what do you think?"

War already knew his answer. He'd never tell his brother one of his paintings was bad, but with Deaths record he never had too. He still took time to examine the new piece. The painting was of a massive green serpent-like creature. The long slender body wrapped itself around the other paintings, twisting and circling over itself until ending in a snake head that seemed to come off the wall and strike the viewer.

"Impressive, as always," War responded.

"Thanks." Death looked at the ground sheepishly as he normally did when receiving a compliment. "I tried to contrast the dark green of the snakes back with a bright gold for the underbelly. I think it really makes the colors pop. The hard part was the shading on the head. Still, don't think it's my finest work though."

"Well, it'll take something pretty incredible to top that one." The two looked up to the center of the ceiling, to what they all considered to be Deaths magnum opus. A large full body image of an alicorn, it's body a pale color and flowing mane was decorated in faces just like Deaths own. Divided down the ponies center the ceiling split into two, one side a bright sunny day and the other a dark starlit sky.

"It was a hard one, hope the others like it."

"I'm sure they will," War assured him. "We should ask them to come see it."

"I don't know. I'd hate to bother them."

"Come on, knowing them they're not doing anything important."

"Well I don't think its that big of a deal, but if you insist." said Death as he giddily strolled past War.

War couldn't help but chuckle to himself. Death had been acting modest but his speedy exit told a different story. He quickly followed behind to find his brothers but something caught his attention.

"So this is what you desire." a voice spoke behind him. The sudden noise triggered Wars reflexes. He twisted around into his fighting stance, ready to face the unseen pony. However, he found himself standing alone, only dozens of lifeless eyes staring back as if the paintings were watching him.

"Hey, you coming?" Deaths voice called from just beyond the doorway.

"Yeah, right behind you." War uneasily turned his back on the empty space, brushing off the voice as just his ears playing a trick on him.

Wars Mansion, Game Room

They could hear the sounds of clanging swords and crushing bones long before they entered the game room. Upon entering the chamber one would step onto a balcony that stretched around the entire square room. Seven chairs were situated evenly across the balcony with a larger one on the far side of the room, parallel to the door. Before them, was the stairwell leading to the lower level. Currently, the lower level was filled with ponies. Half white and half black but each one wearing armor and armed with weapons. They stood on a checkered pattern floor, evenly spaced enough that only one stood on each of the black and white squares.

Their unicorns brothers, Famine and Madness. Sat across from each other on the balcony overlooking the scene.

"Knight to A7." Said Famine. At his command one of the black ponies on the lower level charged, sliding past the ponies standing in his way until coming to a black square towards the top left corner of the room.

"Rook to A7." Just as Madness ordered a white pony charged to the black one's spot. It ran straight across the floor driving it's spear into the black ponies neck, taking off its entire head in the process. As the white one took its place the black ponies headless body dispersed into green embers. Revealing itself to be nothing more than an illusion, just a product of Madness's magic.

"So who's winning?" War asked upon entering.

"I am!" Madness proclaimed proudly.

"He has taken the most pieces," stated Famine. "Now I shall send my bishop to D4." Madness had the counterfeit pony move to Famines desired space. "And I believe that is checkmate."

"Hm?" Madness leaned forward moving his head to observe the white pony serving as his king from multiple angles. "Awww, that sucks." moped the unicorn. Simply for the fun of it, Madness had the three pieces surrounding his king all rush the crowned pony at once, tearing his body into bloody pieces. Madness laughing all the while. With the game over, Madness called off his illusion causing the remaining pieces to disappear. Even the checkered floor evaporated leaving behind a sleek red carpet.

"Care for a game War?" Asked Famine extending a hoof of invitation. "Testing my skills against a pony who actually utilizes a strategy would be a welcome change of pace." His comment made Madness chuckle sheepishly. It was true winning or losing didn't matter to the young unicorn, he only played so he had an excuse to conjure ponies to dismember and brutalize one another.

"Sounds like fun." smiling, War took Madness's seat with Death in the next one.

"Ok let the fun begin." Cheered Madness as he reset his illusion. The checkered floor reappeared along with the pony soldiers. The white ponies standing in formation.

"May the best pony win," said War courteously.

"Of course." Famine replied confidently. Before the game could get underway there were three loud knocks coming from the doorway. Their earth pony brother Disaster stood with their other brothers standing close behind him.

"Hey Famine, it's your night to make dinner!" he shouted.

"My apologies," replied Famine not taking his eyes from the board. "Time simply slipped away from me. I'll start dinner as soon as we're done here."

"Well hurry it up! I'm starving." Disaster growled as he and the rest entered the room to wait for their brothers game to conclude.

As Pestilence took a seat next to War he couldn't help but notice how messy the pegasus's hair was along with the sluggish look in his eyes, at least more sluggish than usual.

"Did you just wake up?" War asked.

"Yep." Pestilence said before letting out a big yawn. "Couldn't sleep last night, too busy."

"Busy doing what?"

"Probably napping." snickered Madness.

"Something like that." Pestilence said closing his eyes and placing his hooves behind his head. Not yet awake enough to come up with one of his usual witty responses.

"Sounds like you've had a productive day, speaking of which Death has added a new painting to his wall."

"It's nothing special." Death shrugged.

"Don't be so modest, you have quite the talent." stated Despair.

War smiled as he looked at his brother, who had taken on a bashful smile from the compliment. His brother's company allowed War to forget his worries, and his thoughts of the disembodied voice to fizzle away. He had everything he needed right here. A home, peaceful life and most importantly his brothers safe and sound. He knew nothing of the world outside this manor nor did he ever care to find out. However just as he managed to shake his nerves the voice spoke once again.

"You desire a life with your brothers. Free from danger, free from care." Chills ran down Wars spine as he turned his attention to the ceiling. Frantically searching for something, anything that could have spoken to them.

"Did anypony hear that!?" he asked but his voice was only met with silence. He turned to face his brothers again only to find each seat vacant as if they had all vanished into thin air, or had never been there at all.

"Show yourself!" he roared getting up and smashing his hooves into the stone floor before him.

"Calm yourself." said the voice but it offered him no relief. The loss of his brothers had put War into a rage that no voice could calm.

"You took them, didn't you!? Bring them back!?" he commanded bringing a front hoof down smashing a hole in the floor.

"As you wish, I won't keep you here any longer." despite the violent threats of the Pegasus the voice seemed genuinely compassionate. It never spoke again after that. Instead, a shimmering blue ember lite up in the center of the ceiling. Immediately large cracks of light seemed to branch out from it, like the roots of a tree spreading across the plaster. War could only watch as the cracks reached the ceiling's edge and crawled down the walls. At first, it appeared as if the cracks were in the manor walls but as they grew larger it was becoming increasingly apparent that wasn't the case. The cracks were in the air as if reality itself was ripping apart.

War fought to move but his limbs refused his commands. His entire body stood frozen in place. Unable to move, unable to speak. As his world seemed to crumble before him he was at a total loss. Even with his combat training and military tactics, he was powerless against such an otherworldly threat. Just as the last pieces of his mansion crumbled and faded away everything around him was enveloped in a bright light, and War found himself snapping awake in his prison cell.

In an instant War found himself thrashing about in a worn out bed. As his consciousness returned he began to remember where he actually was, and what was actually going on. The tranquil life he and his brothers had lived was nothing more than a dream. Freezing air and iron bars reminded him of the harsh reality they found themselves in. Taken from their home and stripped of their possessions. They were now condemned to this dungeon, nothing to do but wait for an unknowable future.

"Another bad dream?" asked Despair. His cell being directly across from Wars had given him a perfect view of his thrashing and moaning.

"Yeah." War straightened himself up before trudging his way over to the sink. He gathered some water in his hooves and splashed it on his face. The ice cold water was refreshing in his ragged eyes. Sleeping had become strenuous since being locked up. The nights were filled with dreams that felt so odd, yet so real. They had quickly deduced that Princess Luna was meddling with their minds, but her reasons for doing so was still a mystery to them.

"Ok soooooooo I spy, something grey," said Madness from the cell next to him. "Anypony know what it is?" he asked but they didn't seem eager to answer. "Hey Pest, know what it is?" but Pestilence just lied silently on his bed. His hooves tucked behind his head as he faced the wall, doing his best to block out the noise. "How about you Death?" Death continued to sit in silence. Using a pointed rock he found in his cell to carve his drawings onto the walls. "Despair, do you-"

"Knock it off!" Disaster growled. He smashed his back hooves into the bars with enough force to make them shiver and light up, showing off their magical reinforcement.

"Leave him alone Disaster," War commanded. He wasn't enjoying Madness's games either but the only alternative was being left in silence.

"Pft." Disaster grunted and returned to angrily stomping around his cell. Hot-headed as he was, Disaster had become increasingly aggressive over his time spent behind bars. He had gone through many sleepless nights, only resting when his body could no longer take it. Currently, his only defense to keep Princess Luna out of his mind. "I'm tired of just standing around! Pest, try licking the bars again," he ordered but Pestilence just lied motionless with his head facing away from him.

"Pest!" Disaster shouted and struck the bars again, making sure his brother heard him.

"It won't work." Pestilence asserted pessimistically. One of only a handful of times he had recently spoken.

"Well do it anyway, I can't take this anymore!" he growled but Pestilence didn't move from his spot.

During their earliest hours of captivity, they attempted every escape route they could think of. War's flames, Disasters Strength even Pestilences acidic spit but nothing could escape the confines of their cells. Powers such as Madness's magic or Pestilences miasma was trapped inside, unable to pass the bars. Even extending a hoof or any body part far enough outside prompted a magic shock, painful enough to force them back inside. Now left with no means of escape or any windows to the outside world, their perception of time blurred as the moments continued on seemingly without end.

The dungeon grew still, no sound besides Deaths occasional stone scribblings. In these quiet moments of reflection, War was reminded of just how grim they're situation truly was. As daunting as things may seem he did remind himself of their one sliver of hope. His brother Famine was absent. While this initially worried him to no end, he never could think of a reason Famine would have been executed while the rest of them had been spared. It was possible he was simply killed during the raid on the compound, but knowing Famines skill in stealth it seemed much more likely he had managed to somehow slip away. War didn't cherish the thought of one of his brothers being left alone out in the world, but if one had to be he was glad it was Famine. He was the one War most trusted to take care of himself and knowing him as well as he did, he knew Famine wouldn't just leave them for dead. He must be planning their escape right now. However, as time went on his faith was slowly dwindling.

The stillness was broken by a piercingly loud pounding from down the hall. The inmates recognized it as the sound of the heavy metal doors being pushed open and scrapping themselves against the stone floor, ending in the heavy thud of the doors hitting the back wall. It was followed by another familiar sound, the hoof beats of the guards who routinely brought food for them only this time it was different. Along with the hoof beats, there was something else, a quiet screeching as if something was being drug behind them accompanied by a slight jingle like that of wind chimes.

The guards came into view as they rounded a corner pulling behind them a rack, similar to something a pony would hang their clothes on only this one bore a set of seven large golden rings.

"Hey Dinner time already!? Wha'd ya bring us?" Madness asked poking his head out from the bars as far as the magic would allow.

"Quiet!" barked one of the guards. There were two guards standing outside the bars. A tall brown earth-pony and a bright green unicorn, clearly neither one was in the mood for conversation.

Without any warning, the unicorn lifted the rings from their resting place and they glided through the air. He sent two through the bars of Madness's cage, one latching uncomfortably tight onto the ponies neck as the second one latched onto his horn. After tending to Madness the unicorn set his sights on Death. A single ring passed through the bars as Death did all he could to avoid its grasp. In the end, he could only scurry to the corner where the collar quickly clasped around his throat. Next was War and Despair, the two knew full well there was no escaping it in such a limited space. So they stood still as the collars latched around they're necks.

"C'mon. I dare ya!" Disaster growled and stomped his front hoof threateningly. The guards were unphased, sending another ring through the bars just as they had done before. Disaster swung his front hoof to knock it away but the unicorn maneuvered around it with his magic. The collar suddenly dived under the attack before rising up and latching around Disasters neck, the guard making sure to make his extra tight.

Lastly was Pestilence, who had sat up on his bed watching them through narrowed eyes. As the collar came at him, he jumped from his bed at the very last second. He dodged it, but it didn't stop coming at him. When the collar came close again he flapped his wings, carrying him up as high as he could. The collar changed direction once again and with limited room in the air it finally snapped around him. Pestilence knew as well as War and Despair that he couldn't avoid wearing the collar but if the guards were going to take him, he'd at least make them work for it. He floated back down to the floor, scratching at the device as he descended.

"Yeah, Golds not really my color." Pestilence huffed sarcastically. "Got any in blue?" the guards didn't grace him with a response. Instead, the earth pony guard went on to explain the situation.

"The collars around you're necks have been specifically designed to keep you in line, Not only are your powers rendered useless but you'll be unable to take any actions considered hostile or unnecessary."

"Ohhh, so it's like the ring of silence." Madness interrupted earning him a disgruntled glance from the guards.

"You should feel honored that the Princess was willing to devote so much time and effort into their development, its only because of that we can let you all out today." the statement made each of their ears perks up. They had begun to believe they'd never see the light of day again, and now they were being told they were about to be freed. "Don't get too excited. You're only being released temporarily on Princess Celestia's orders. Your presence is requested in the throne room." With the use of his magic, the green unicorn unlatched the cell doors and they began to move out of the way.

As the cell doors slowly opened Pestilence began piecing together his escape plan. He looked to Disaster, Pestilence knew that his brother would attack as soon as the opportunity presented itself regardless of the circumstances. He could tell by the look in his eyes. Pestilence also noticed War had gotten up and was as close to his door as he could be. He didn't know if War was planning on launching an attack of his own or not but he didn't dwell on it, he just needed them to buy him the time he needed. He looked at the collar around his neck, it reminded him too much of the brace the master had built. He had to be ready for whatever kind of effect it had on him, but as long as he could run he had to try.

Just as predicted. Once the path was clear Disaster lunged, thirsty for blood. However what Pestilence didn't account for was War bolting from his own cell at breakneck speed. Placing himself between Disaster and the guards, forcing his brother to a halt.

"Stand Down," War ordered. It seemed as if War had anticipated Disasters actions just as he had, but instead decided to stop him before he managed to make things worse for himself. Regardless it served as a suitable distraction. Pestilence slipped through his door and ran down the hall as fast as his legs would carry him.

Pestilence hadn't pieced together a full plan yet, he wasn't even sure of where he was running. All he could think about was getting as far from the guards as he possibly could. Before he even made it halfway down the hall something seemed to grab him by his neck and jerk him backward. The force strong enough to pull his entire body off the ground onto his back. A quick look and he noticed a gold chain of magic had materialized, reaching all the way from his collar to a set of gold rings around the unicorn guards hoof.

"Not so fast." the unicorn taunted. At that moment a fierce golden light came from the ring on his hoof that ran down the length of the chain into Pestilences collar. The magic filled his body with a blazing sensation, like fire running through his veins. He let out a painful cry as he twitched and jerked on the ground until finally going as still as a corpse. It was as if all the energy in his body had been sucked away in an instant.

"Pestilence!" War snapped. As he watched helplessly as his brother lay motionless on the ground. Death couldn't even bring himself to watch, he could only hide his face behind his hooves.

"I have to admit I wasn't expecting you all to try something so soon." remarked the earth pony guard. "but it's for the best," he added as he approached the steaming pegasus and pointed to him with a hoof. "Now you all get a good look at what will happen if you try to resist." He said and turned back to the rest of them. "But just in case you need a little more convincing." he nodded to the unicorn guard.

The unicorn activated the collars, materializing a magic chain between one of the rings around his hoof to their corresponding collars. Magical energy flowed through them sending them into crippling pain, they couldn't move and even the weakly constituted Despair toppled over unable to pick himself up until the pain subsided. War looked upon the guards with anger building behind his eyes. He couldn't stand his brothers being in such pain while he stood by doing nothing, but fighting back would only make things worse.

"Now enough wasting time, you're all needed in the throne room." ordered the unicorn guard as the brothers fell in line before them. They marched until they came upon Pestilence still lying motionless on the ground.

"Get up! Time to go!" the unicorn commanded. Pestilence struggled to pull himself up but his limbs didn't want to follow his commands. "Want another shock?" Pestilence had to push against his muscles, he finally managed to get up on a single hoof cursing them all the while. He wanted nothing more but to see these guards melt in a cloud of his miasma. Yet no matter how hard he tried the collar kept his poison breath locked away.

Halfway to standing his brother War leaned against him to help him onto his hooves but Pestilence could barely manage to stand and hardly wanted to. He had sacrificed everything and risked his very life to gain freedom, but now not only was he still a captive but things had become far worse. As if fate had decided to play a cruel sick joke. He'd rather the Princesses have executed him on the spot than spend another moment like this. However, with a heavy heart and a deep breath, he managed to carry himself along beside his brothers.

The brothers traveled with their heads low, the guards herding them like cattle down the halls and up the stairs into Canterlots Castle. Such powerlessness was a foreign feeling to the brothers, they were use to always being in control and always coming out victorious. This crushing defeat was weighing heavy on them, the only one who seemed to have any cheer was Madness.

He had never been to a place so regal and immaculate as Canterlot castle. Even under such harsh constraints, the vigorous pony saw fit to explore the new environment.

"Hey whats that?" he asked pointing to a ceramic bust sitting upon a pedestal.

"Quiet!" the unicorn gave Madness a quick shock like a crackling whip to prod him into silence.

"Ya know I've never seen ceilings so high. Hey, Disaster have you-" he received another shock. It was untelling if these quick small shocks didn't bother him, or if his curiosity simply outweighed his fears.

"Oh, do you think we could -" he earned himself another shock. War eventually had to use one of his stern looks to quiet him down, knowing very well the unicorn would never do so on his own.

As they neared the throne room a faint noise could be heard in the distance. It started as a mere light buzzing but seemed to be steadily growing.

They came upon a wall lined with windows, allowing the warmth of the sun to wash over them. The sight of the sun hanging high in the sky, its rays warming their freezing bodies. It managed to rekindle their feeling of hope, ever so slightly. More importantly, Despair took note that the sound they had been hearing grew much louder by the windows. Being closest to them he managed to get a full view of the grand city. His eyes drawn to the castle gates where hundreds if not thousands of ponies had gathered, he could understand what the sound was. All the ponies voices shouting in unison left incomprehensible by the distance.

"Whats going on down there?" he asked aloud forgetting for a moment that any questions would only be answered with a shock.

"Quiet." the guard reminded sending a shock up Despairs spine. "Nothing to concern yourself with now eyes forward. We're almost there."

Canterlot Castle, Throne Room

Princess Celestia sat on her throne, watching the ponies as they entered. A cold feeling seemed to creep into the room as well, as the last time she had seen them they were covered in the blood of her valued followers. Even with the brothers under the collars control, Princess Celestia saw fit to place a line of guards on each side of the rooms long red carpet. Her sister Luna was currently absent.

The brothers took in the beautiful sight. Until now they had only heard stories of the beautiful Canterlot Castle. Every square inch of the structure shined with regality. From the pristinely kept floors to the ceilings that seemed to reach up to the heavens. Integral moments of Equestrias history were frozen in stain glass windows that displayed proudly on the walls.

Once the brothers reached the throne, a single guard stepped forward ready to read the accusations.

"Followers of Cross Stitch." said the guard, not knowing their names it was all they had to call them by.

"Cross Stitch....?" Madness said in a hushed voice. "Was that the master's name?"

"You stand accused of committing heinous crimes all throughout Equestria. Including countless murders, trespassing, theft, kidnapping, arson, criminal damage, and association of a known criminal." he finished.

"Princess Celestia." Addressed War before anypony else could speak.

"Quiet!" the guard snapped once again administering a painful shock to the pegasus. "You will speak only when the Princess allows you."

"It's alright." Celestia raised a hoof "Let us hear what he has to say." War bent over into a bow of respect, diplomacy wasn't Wars strong suit but he was the leader of their small band and thus served as the group representative.

"I am the one at fault," he announced taking even his brothers off guard. "My brothers are innocent, the crimes they carried out were done entirely under the orders of our master and myself. As such I am willing to accept any punishment you see fit. But I beg of you, please pardon them. Don't let them suffer for my crimes." While Wars attempted sacrifice struck a chord with some of his brothers the guards didn't seem so touched. They huffed and scoffed as they watched on with scornful eyes. Celestia sat in silence for a moment, shutting her eyes as she took in the pegasus's words.

"The is very noble of you." she opened her eyes to gaze upon the murderous ponies once more. "But I do not accept your offer."

War gritted his teeth as the last glimmers of hope faded from their eyes. Wars pleading was their last defense and it did them no good. Now all they could do was wait, wait for Celestia to make the announcement. They'd finally know if this was the end of their lives or if they'd carry out the rest of it behind bars.

"I cannot accept, for what we have decided on cannot be considered a punishment." She announced. While the vagueness of her words made it difficult to tell if this was good or bad news. They couldn't help but get a slight sense of relief knowing at the very least, they might not face execution.

"While these crimes are beyond forgiveness I have decided that the blame lies with Cross Stitch, and he has already paid for them." Celestia's gaze took on a sorrowful look.

"Are you saying you intend to let us go?" Despair asked.

"Not quite, while Cross is the one accountable your involvement in carrying them out is something that I cannot ignore. But with the creation of the collars, we can begin the rehabilitation process." The guards groaned, clearly displeased with this decision but Celestia stood firm.

"What do you mean by reformation?" asked War.

"You and your 'brothers' shall go to the nearby town of Ponyville, where you will study our ways under the Princess of Friendship. Once you have proven to us that you no longer pose a threat, we will begin inducting you into our society." War wasn't certain about this situation, in his travels he had learned a lot about Equestrian society and it was hard to imagine his brothers fitting in. Regardless he was satisfied, given the circumstances, this was the best possible outcome.

Perhaps it was the stressful situation or the days without sleep, or perhaps it was just in his nature but Disaster had finally grown tired of holding himself back and couldn't help but explode.

"Are you bucking kiddin' me!" his screams seemed loud enough to shake the walls. "So what? Got you all shaking so bad all you can think to do is dump us on some Princess. Can't figure out what to do so you're just gonna make us somepony else's problem!?"

"Hold your tongue!" the guard shouted striking him with a magic shock, intense enough to make the earth pony let out a cry and stumble forward.

"Disaster, calm down," War said through his own gritted teeth. Trying to stay civil with his brother even though he was clearly not helping things.

"No! Buck that idea, I could level this whole castle in a minute if I wanted too, you think I'm gonna take orders from some stuck-up Princess just so I can waste my life actin' buddy buddy with you sorry excuses for ponies." Disaster was shocked once again this time much more intense. All the air was sucked from his lungs and he dropped onto his front hooves, desperately trying to catch his breath. He turned his head from his brothers, unable to face them in such a pitiful condition. It crushed War seeing him like that, While he was always brash and loud. Disaster was also beaming with confidence and spirit. He wanted to help his brothers out of this but right now all he could do was grit his teeth and bear it.

"Princess Celestia, I apologize on my brother's behalf. We thank you for showing mercy on us," said War bowing once again, causing Disaster to shake his head disapprovingly. It was embarrassing seeing War act like a frightened foal just to get on the Princesses good side.

"Now then, we have a zeppelin ready to take you all to Ponyville, you shall depart immediately," stated Celestia. The unicorn guard shook his head before causing all the magic chains to materialize and tugged on them.

"You heard the Princess, now get moving," he called.

"I promise you have nothing to worry about Princess," War assured but Celestia only nodded hoping his words were true. The brothers turned one by one to follow the guards out of the throne room. The large doors slamming behind them as the exited.

With the brothers gone and the guards returning to their duties, Celestia finally allowed herself to let out a sigh of remorse. Her eyes motioning to a certain stain glass window, it showed a young purple alicorn proudly extending her wings with a smile on her face. Gazing upon that window was the only times she began to feel doubt but she had no choice but to swallow it and hope she had made the right decision.

The brothers found themselves once again being guided down the silent hallways. None of them dared to speak and neither of their guards seemed in the mood for conversation. As they roamed it was becoming increasingly apparent just how dead the castle was. They'd hadn't seen a soul wondering around since stepping out of their cells. Perhaps the castle denizens were actively avoiding them.

All of sudden they found themselves at the end of their chain, unable to move forward. Behind them, the unicorn guard responsible for controlling their collars had stopped in his tracks.

"Is something wrong?" asked his partner. The unicorn was noticeably distraught. His eyes were wide and his entire body was shaking.

"What are we doing?" he asked. "Are we really suppose to just let them go?"

"I don't like it any more than you but it's Celestia's orders." reminded the earth pony.

"But they're criminals!" the unicorn raised his voice. "After everything they've done. The murders, the kidnapping.... what happened in the bunker." He lowered his head, unable to face his partner. "I was dragging my friend's mutilated corpses out of that place for hours." He said. They could hear him grinding his teeth together and saw the tears dripping from his eyes onto the floor. "And now that we finally found the ones responsible, now that we can finally put an end to all this. Celestia says to just let them go!?"

His partner let out a heavy sigh. He empathized with his feelings but at the same time, he understood their duty.

"The Princess has declared that-"

"Then the Princess has gone crazy!"

"That's enough!" his partner cut him off before he said something he'd regret. "I understand how you feel, but there is nothing we can do."

"....Maybe there is." muttered the unicorn lifting the hoof that held the control braces. The magic chains rematerialized with a bright golden glow.

"What are you proposing?" his partner narrowed his eyes. Wary of his partner's actions. He was clearly upset but it was becoming apparent he may be on the verge of a full breakdown.

"These collars could do it. It would only take a second and all this will be over."

The brother's eyes widened at the realization that the one holding what was essentially their kill switch could go rogue at any second.

"W-W-W-War..." Death lowered himself as the panic set in.

"Now I realize that tensions-" Despair began his attempt at calming the unicorn but War quickly cut in.

"Stay quiet," he commanded in as low of a voice as he could. It didn't matter what they said they'd only make him angrier. Luckily his partner seemed to at least be on the side of letting them live, he was their only hope of reasoning with him. Otherwise, they were helpless, if they tried to fight him they'd surely be killed and running wasn't an option. They could only stand in silence, tense as they could be while the guards debated.

"That's enough." said the earth pony guard. "The situation is under control, I don't want to hear any more about this."

"But what if something happens! What if somepony else gets killed because we just stood by and let them walk away!?"

"Princess Celestia knows what she's doing." advised his partner. "The criminals are contained and we can all go back to our homes. It's over. But if you go through with this then it will never be over, not for you. You'll be another murderer just like them and you'll never see the ponies you've been protecting ever again. So just forget about it, go home and don't worry about this again while it's still an option."

The unicorn stood still for a few moments, weighing his options. Finally, he held out his hoof.

"Just take them," he muttered somberly. One by one the collars lifted themselves through the air, latching onto the hoof of the earth pony guard. The unicorn was disgusted with himself for going against orders, and insulting the Princess in the process.

"Good choice, now why don't you go. I'll find somepony else to help escort-"

"No, I want to be there if they try to make an escape." The unicorn moved his bloodshot gaze to the brothers.

"Pft." Pestilence finally got the spirit to speak up. "You know I'm starting to think these ponies don't trust us."

"Alright, that's enough dilly-dallying. Let's get a move on." their new captor ordered as the brothers moved forward, happy to still be breathing.

Aboard the Zeppelin

The airships interior was reminiscent of a hotels suite. The room was filled with glossy furniture and fancy decor. Violet colored drapery bounced off the deeply colored walls. The air permeated with the thick scent of potpourri.

"This is a ship for transporting prisoners?" asked Despair skeptically.

"We don't build ships for transporting prisoners." asserted their guard. "But since we can't use the train we're making an exception, you should feel honored. Most ponies pay top dollar to travel like this."

"The train?" Despair raised an eyebrow.

"Nothing for you to concern yourself with. Now Ponyville isn't far so don't worry about getting comfortable."

Pestilence didn't bother to listen to him. After dragging his pained body around all day he was more than eager to lie down for a rest. He threw himself onto the sofa, allowing himself to be overcome by the coolness of the silk as his muscles finally relaxed.

"No, No, off the sofa." commanded his guard.

"Quit being so freaking paranoid." Pestilence gripped. "Trust me if I could've killed you I would have by now," he assured.

"That sofa is for paying passengers." the guard pointed to an open space by the windows. "The floor will suit you all fine. Stay close together, I don't want any of you where I can't see you."

Pestilence groaned once again as he lifted himself back up and trudged over to the open space. He flopped onto the floor as the rest of his brothers adjusted themselves around him, getting as comfy as possible.

"I've never been to Ponyville before. Whats it like in Ponyville? Hey, Disaster you ever been to Ponyville before?" asked Madness leaning much closer to Disasters face then he would have liked.

"Piss off." Disaster grunted as a response, still upset from earlier events. Rather than to go on bothering his brother, Madness stood up and gazed out the window to the outside world.

The cabin began to rock back and forth, a clear sign they were taking off as the ship steadied itself.

"War." Despairs voice was faint, eyes still fixed on the guard making sure not to earn himself another shock. "Seeing as we have some time to kill, I want to ask you about something."

"Something on your mind?" War asked.

"About what Celestia said, about our master paying for his crimes." Wars could see Despairs heart sink as his gaze lowered to the floor. "You don't think..."

"I don't know..." War could only shrug. It had seemed that either their master had already been killed or imprisoned. War couldn't help but feel sorry for his master, while not quite a father figure he had given them all life and raised them to be what they are. For that, War would always be immeasurably grateful. At the same time he wondered if it was for the best, it had become clear that he saw them as nothing more than weapons, tools he could implore to further his own goals.

Regardless he found the idea hard to accept. The master always seemed like a towering immortal figure to them. The image of him being struck down seemed like an illusion. Despair also seemed to be struggling with that reality. For if the master was gone, so was any chance he had of being fixed.

"Hey, guys! You gotta check this out." said Madness who had his face and hooves flat against the window. Each of the brothers stood up to see what he was making such a commotion about, save for Pestilence who was content with staying on the floor.

They gazed out the window to see the land of Equestria stretched out before them. The land seemed to go on infinitely. Covered in dense wilderness, rivers, waterfalls, even the clouds gushed with vibrant multicolored rain. A railroad could be seen cutting its way through the trees, reaching out to every corner of the land.

"It is pretty...." commented Death.

"Look at all the trees! Can we see the compound from here? Are those ponies? There so small from up here!" Madness was giddy with excitement at seeing the land in all its glory.

"So this is where we have been living all this time." Despair smiled looking out at the world. The first time he had laid eyes on anything outside the compound.

War looked out to the land wondering if his brother Famine was still down there searching for them.

"Is that a city on the clouds!?" Madness grabbed the sides of his head dumbfounded. "War, War, hey War." he grabbed his big brother with both hooves and began shaking him with excitement. "C'mon let's go, Can we go there? I wanna walk on clouds." War gave his brother a smile, he knew he couldn't make any promises but still wanted to reassure his brother, Right now they needed all the joy they could get.

"Sure. We'll all go sometime," he said with a chuckle. Looking out upon the horizon it was clear that in one way or another, they're lives were about to change drastically. All War knew was that he was going to do everything in his power to make sure it was for the better.

Chapter 4

Ponyville (Three days prior to departure)

Ponyville, a small quaint little town. Nestled between Canterlot and the Everfree Forest, its
buildings were that of a medieval sort. A typical home consisted of timber-frames and
thatched roofs. Brisk yet cordial, as the rest of Equestria descended into chaos Ponyville
retained a lustrous glow of jubilance. Some believed it was due to not suffering a single
incident, while others said it was the Elements of Harmonies presence that kept the ponies
in high spirits, most believe the two were connected. Regardless of the reason, Ponyville was
in an especially joyous mood on this day.

The news spread through Equestria like wildfire. Once Celestia announced that the
murderers had finally been locked away, safe and sound in Canterlots dungeon. It only took a
matter of days for word to reach the furthest stretches of the land. From Apple Loosa to the
Crystal Empire, ponies all over rejoiced. They could finally leave their homes without the
ominous cloud of imminent death looming over them, replaced with the bright shining new
day. It seemed as if Equestria could finally go back to normal.

With such a cause for celebration, there had been an influx of orders at Sugarcube Corner,
Ponyvilles local bakery. A building that's outer appearance was reminiscent of the
confectionery treats it served. To meet these hefty demands, the frizzy-haired Pink pony
known as Pinkie Pie was darting about in preparation for the upcoming parties. Boxes stuffed
full of decorations and party supplies sat on tables and littered about the floor. At the sound
of the ovens buzzer, the peppy young earth pony removed its contents filling the air with the
sweet fragrance of freshly baked goods, before quickly replacing them with a fresh tray. It
seemed as if everypony in town was celebrating and Pinkie Pie was more than happy to
supply the festivities. Her labors continued from the time the sun rose until it was late in the
evening. It took nearly all day but she finally managed to finish her responsibilities. She was
just about ready to give herself a pat on the back for a job well done but there was still one
matter that needed tending too. However, before she could begin there was a knock at the
door.

"Coming!" She called inappropriately loud before making her way to the door. Choosing to
merrily bounce rather than plainly walking. Upon opening the door she found her friend
Fluttershy, a yellow pegasus waiting patiently on the other side. Currently accompanied by
her pet angel, the rabbit sat in a basket around her neck. His sagging eyes and faded
expression told Pinkie Pie he was feeling awfully under the weather.

"Hello Pinkie-" Fluttershy began but quickly stopped, tilting her head slightly too gaze into
the bakery. "Oh, I hope I'm not interrupting you."

"Of course not!" said Pinkie Pie happily. "You're right on time."

Pinkie Pie placed her hooves on Fluttershy's shoulders and before she knew it the earth
pony had drug her inside, sitting her down at the table before a towering white cake standing
before her. It stood in three circular layers sitting atop one another each one coated in white
frosting.

"It's lovely," Fluttershy commented.

"Yep." replied Pinkie Pie popping up next to her. "Mayor Mare insisted on going all out for
the party in the town hall, but it still needs decorating!" she announced cheerfully. "Wanna
help?"

"Gosh Pinkie, I'd love to, but it's angel." Fluttershy sorrowfully glanced down at the rabbit.
"Twilight was supposed to come with me to get some herbs for him, but I haven't seen her all
day." She couldn't stand watching Angel in such a state, he looked so pitiful as he wallowed
in his carrying basket. However all she could do was wait, as the herbs she needed could only
be found in the Everfree forest, but trekking through the enigmatic woods could be arduous
which is why Twilight had promised to accompany her along the way. "I was actually
wondering if you'd mind coming with me but, I can see you're really busy and-"

Pinkie Pie listened intently to Fluttershy speak, gathering some sprinkles, icing bottle and
everything else she'd need for decorating the cake all the while. She only took a pause when
she mentioned Twilight had missed out on helping her today.

"Wait a second!" she snapped. "Twilight had promised to help me organize the parties this
morning." She recalled mentioning the avalanche of orders to Twilight yesterday, and she
had promised to assist her. Despite her not showing, Pinkie Pie wasn't upset or even
hindered, she was versed in her job enough that she could handle it easily on her own.

"Twilight missed two appointments in one day!? Something seems fishy." she rubbed her
chin in deep thought.

"Well with everything that's going on, I'm sure she must be busy," Fluttershy assured but
Pinkie Pie wasn't so convinced. Twilight was far too organized, too coordinated to let two
appointments slip her mind in a single day. At least without saying anything to them.

"Maybe... or maybe Celestia's sent her out on a super secret mission, maybe she's out
battling a dragon or finding some ancient lost treasure or- " she listed off her outlandish
imaginings.

"I don't think-"

"Let's go find out." Pinkie Pie shouted, enthusiastically rising onto her hooves.

"Oh, uhm. I don't know if that's a good idea." Fluttershy lowered her gaze. "I'd hate to bother
her." her voice grew softer as she spoke. "Besides what about the cake?"

"I can handle it when I get back, won't take a second." As Pinkie Pie hopped over the boxes
of decorations littering the floor on her way out, Fluttershy glanced down to angel having a
coughing fit in the basket.

"It's ok, we'll get you feeling better soon." she comforted him. Just then Pinkie Pie appeared
behind her in a bright pink flash as she moved.

"Come on slow poke," she said practically pushing the yellow pegasus across the floor. "Let's go visit Twilight." The smile never left Pinkie Pies face but she was motivated by a genuine concern for her friend. While not as directly involved in Equestrian politics as the other Princesses, Twilight did play a key role and she wondered if the stress from recent events was beginning to take a toll on the young princesses mind.

Ponyville, Twilights Castle

Twilights Castle was only a short distance from Sugarcube corner. A purple stone keep that
sat atop a crystalline tree-like structure. Reaching higher than all other buildings, it silently
stood guard over the entire town. The two ponies ascended the golden stairs in their search
for their friend, only stopping to give Angel time for another fit of coughing.

"We'll get you some medicine, it's just going to be a little longer," Fluttershy told the rabbit.
She hoped this detour would have a swift end, at this point all she wanted was to get those
herbs for Angel even if she had to go herself.

"Twilight! Oh Twilight!" Pinkie Pie promptly knocked loudly upon the golden castle doors.
They stood patiently waiting for the doors to open, only to find themselves in anticipation for
minutes on end.

"Maybe she's not home?" Fluttershy suggested and Pinkie Pie prepared to knock again. Then
there was a slight twitch of the doorknob. Every few seconds the knob would twist ever so
slightly and seemingly as slow as it could. Once the knob turned as far as it could, the
rightmost door slide open about half an inch. In the space between them, a green slit eye
filled the slot.

"Phew." Spike, the young dragon who lived alongside Twilight blew a sigh of relief at seeing
the two familiar faces. "It's just you guys," he said happily opening the door to greet them.
The two ponies looked at each other puzzled before returning their attention to Spike.
"Uhm, is Twilight home?"

"Oh, uh, yeah." Spike almost seemed like the question took him off guard. "But uh, shes uh,
busy. With Princess stuff. You know how it is." Spike tried to seemed composed as he could
be but whatever his shaking voice was trying to hide his shivering scales gave away.

"Can we see her?" Pinkie Pie stuck her head in through the crack in the door while Spike did
his best to hold her back.

"Uh, no not right now. She's uh." Spike looked away seemingly scrambling for an excuse.
"She's too busy to see anyone right now."

"Well we were-" Fluttershy began but was cut off by Pinkie Pie.

"Ok, well if she's busy then we'll just be on our way." She wrapped a hoof around Fluttershy
and twisted around to leave. Spike closing the door behind them as they left the castle
doorstep

"But weren't we-"

"Did you see that!?"

"Uhh, see what?"

"The way Spike was acting?" Pinkie Pie twisted around to face the castle pulling Fluttershy
around with her. "Somethings going on in there," she stated looking at the castle through
squinted skeptical eyes. "And we're gonna find out what."

"Oh, I don't know if-" Fluttershy couldn't even get her point out before Pinkie Pie had drug
her back up the steps and knocked on the door.

"You keep Spike here," she said leaping over the right side of the railing, peaking her head
up, she moved her squinted eyes from side to side stealthily. "I'm going in." Pinkie Pie said
lowering herself to sleuth her way around the castle.

"Oh, uhm." Fluttershy thought aloud trying to think of what to say to distract Spike. Did she
even want to? Twilight and Spike are her friends and she didn't feel right deceiving them
while she let Pinkie Pie practically break into their home.

"Oh hey. Did you forget something?" Spike greeted her once again as he opened the door.
"Where'd Pinkie Pie go?" he asked. Fluttershy looked at him not sure what to say. She didn't
want to lie to him and say that Pinkie Pie was trying to slip inside the house with him
knowing but she also didn't want to upset Pinkie Pie by telling him. She didn't know what she
could say to him, leaving the conversation as nothing but awkward silence with Spike
standing in wait for her to speak as her eyes darted around while she tried to come up with
an answer.

As Fluttershy held Spikes attention at the front door. Pinkie Pie made her way around the
castle in search of a way inside. She redundantly had to sneak around the entire length of the
castle to find a window hanging open on the left side of the castle steps. Quietly as she could
she jumped up and grabbed hold of the window sill and pulled herself inside.

Managing to slip in unnoticed. The pink earth pony moved as a quick pink blur as she dashed
from object to object staying out of sight. She pressed on down the familiar halls of Twilights
castle only stopping when she took notice of an open door. Keeping herself low she tilted
her head letting one of her eyes take a glimpse inside.

What was strange about this particular door being open was that the castle only had three
occupants, so there was quite a bit of space left unused. This room, in particular, was mostly
left untouched. However, as Pinkie Pie inspected the room she could tell they had taken
sometime cleaning the room up. The walls and floors were blank but some furniture had
been added complete with a bed.

"Hm, is she expecting someone?" she asked herself placing a hoof to her chin. Before she
could ponder further she could hear a faint voice in the distance. Quiet as it was she could
instantly recognize it as her friend Twilights voice. She carefully followed the voice, noticing
some similarities. All of the excess rooms of Twilights castle had been turned into makeshift
bedrooms. "It's a slumber party!" Pinkie Pie threw her hoof up into the air in realization.

"Alright that should be the last of them." she heard Twilight say, her voice growing clearer as
Pinkie Pie got closer. She inspected the sixth room to find the purple Alicorn Princess putting
on the finishing touches of the last room.

"Twilight!" snapped Pinkie Pie. Twilight let out a surprised shriek before turning around. She
immediately noticed the run-down look on her friends face, especially in the bags under her
eyes.

"Oh hey Pinkie Pie," she said with an apprehensive look in her eyes. "When did you get
here?"

"Ok Twilight!" Pinkie Pie said accusingly, glaring at the Princess disapprovingly. Twilights
eyes fell, upset with herself as she was face to face with her friend's shameful look. "Why
didn't you tell me you were planning a slumber party!?" Pinkie Pie cheered leaping from the
ground with her hooves shaking in the air. "I totally woulda helped you clean up, and set up
the decorations, and plan the-"

"No Pinkie, it's not a slumber party," Twilight responded.

"Oh." Pinkie Pie came back down to the ground. "Well then, what is it?"

"Well, you see..." Twilight seemed to trail off as she searched for the words.

"You don't have somepony coming over you don't want us to know about do you?" Pinkie
leaned over Twilight with one eye widened as she prodded her for answers.

"No, it's nothing like that... it's just." Twilight assured. Pinkie Pie began to take note that
Twilight seemed to be acting rather nervous. She initially took it as her being tired, but her
words conveyed that it was something more.

"Hey, whats gotcha so down?" Pinkie Pie asked her voice taking on a less playful and more
comforting tone.

"You see it's just.." she couldn't bring herself to lie to her friend but she didn't want to reveal
the truth to her. She had locked herself away in the castle since getting the news from
Celestia. Partly to make preparations while also trying to find out a proper way to tell her
friends. Up until now, she had been trying to put it off until she knew exactly how to explain
the situation. In a way she was glad Pinkie Pie had shown up, it now forced her into revealing
it and deep down she knew the longer she put it off the harder it would be.

"Ok I'll tell you the truth, but not just yet," she said raising her head up. "Give me the rest of
today to prepare. Then let's get everypony together in the throne room in the morning. You
all need to hear this."

Twilights Castle, Throne Room(The next day)

It was a quiet morning in Ponyville, the suns light had only begun to peak over the horizon
and could barely be seen through the trees of the Everfree Forest, heating the white snowy
blanket that covered the ground. Normally a pony would be sleeping through these early
hours of the day however a certain group of five had to pull themselves from bed in order to
make it to their get together. They each recalled how late yesterday their friend Pinkie Pie
came to them informing them that Twilight was holding a meeting between the six of them
in the throne room first thing in the morning. It was a chore for most, all except for Applejack
whos upbringing had her waking at the crack of dawn since her youth.

"Good Mornin' everypony," she said as Spike opened the door for her. The rest of her
friends were each sitting on their designated thrones around the map that served as their
table. The other members of her group were still in the process of waking themselves up.
Rubbing their eyes or yawning while in wait for their host.

"Morning," grumbled Rainbow Dash as Applejack took a seat at the throne engraved with her
cutie mark.

"So anypony know what this is all about? Pinkie Pie?" She asked the pony who had delivered
the message to meet up in the first place. The pink earth pony sat with her head down on the
table snoozing away. She was especially drained of energy from a taxing day. After dealing
with work she then had to go and spread the word to each of her friends before helping
Fluttershy collect the herbs she needed. The poor pony was having trouble keeping herself
awake.

"Hm, Huh?" she suddenly snapped awake when Applejack questioned her.

"Well whatever it is I don't see why it couldn't wait until sunrise," said Rarity. The classy
white unicorn held a small mirror out in front of her to make sure her mane and makeup
was in order, worried she had overlooked something after waking up in such a drowsy state.

"Sudden changes in sleep is horrible for the complexion."

"Well If Twilight asked us to come it must be important," added Fluttershy.

The minutes rolled by until Twilight showed herself. She came into main room mustering a
smile as she saw her friends although the look in her eyes made it clear something had her
on edge. Every so often her eyelids would fall under the weight of her fatigue. Her mane and
tail were unkept which was out of place from the composed pony they knew her to be.

"Twilight, what happened? You look dreadful," asked Rarity who was ready to jump into
action with her mirror.

"Have you been up all night?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"I'm ok. Really." Twilight assured. "But there is something I need to tell all of you, and I've
been putting it off too long," she said taking her seat.

"Is something wrong?" asked Fluttershy worried after seeing just how distraught Twilight
seemed to be.

"Well... It's just." Twilight started before looking at Spike for some support. He didn't seem
to have any answers as he only averted his gaze from her and scratched the back of his head
nervously.

"Twilight, whatever it is we promise we'll understand," said Rarity.

"Yeah so come on, spill it." Rainbow Dash insisted.

Twilight breathed heavily as she retrieved a letter and sat it on the table. She realized she
would have to come out with it. It's what she should have done from the beginning but
couldn't bring herself to do it.

"There is no easy way to say this so I'll come right out with it. I received this letter from
Celestia yesterday." Twilight then began to read the letter aloud for everypony to hear.
Deciding there wasn't better words to describe the situation than Celestia's own.

-Dear Twilight

I hope this letter finds you well, and I am sorry I cannot come and see you but I cannot leave
the castle in light of recent events. As I'm sure you have heard the enigmatic organization
that has been terrorizing Equestria has been defeated. The mastermind behind the attacks
has been dealt with but there is still a matter that needs tending too. A group of stallions
serving as his followers have been apprehended and are currently being kept in the Canterlot
dungeon undergoing subconscious interrogations by my sister. After much interrogation and
much more deliberation, we've come to the conclusion that they are not inherently to blame
for their actions. While we cannot ignore their involvement in carrying out these actions we
believe that they have a chance of rejoining our society and becoming normal citizens. That is
why I have decided to send them to stay in Ponyville under your care. Given the nature of
this matter, I ask that you try to keep it between only your closest friends. I realize this is a
heavy burden but if anypony is capable of undoing the damage their master has done and
teach them the ways of harmony it would be you. I understand that this sounds dangerous
but we are currently working on a solution to keep them under control, it should be ready
within the next few days and we will send them to Ponyville as soon as its ready. Even so, I
ask that you be on your guard while dealing with them. I know this sounds like a daunting
task but with your record for reformation, I have no doubt that you will succeed.

-Princess Celestia.

As Twilight read over the letter each of their spirits sank and they instantly understood why
Twilight had been so out of sorts. All the ponies sat silent for a moment looking to the others
uncertain of what to say until Pinkie Pie finally spoke up.

"Do you all know what this means?" she said softly. "We get to have a welcoming party!" she
shouted jumping up in excitement. Inappropriate as the idea sounded her friends knew she
was only trying to keep their spirits up. Yet Applejack still felt the need to sternly interject.

"We ain't throwing a party for a buncha criminal." She responded. "Twilight, she can't be
serious about this."

"She is," Twilight responded. "I'm sorry for missing all my appointments yesterday, but as
soon as I received this letter I got so busy cleaning the castle, scheduling and thinking of what
to do that everything just got away from me."

"Wow hold on." Rainbow Dash interrupted. "So you're telling me that Celestia's got a bunch
of ponies whose been going around tearing down buildings and cutting ponies limbs off and instead
of locking them up she's decided to send them here to live with you?" She asked out of
disbelief.

Twilights eyes rolled away as the rest of the ponies looked to her for an answer.

"Well, when you say it like that..."

"A group of stallions no less, honestly how does Celestia expect us to deal with a group of
such, savages?" asked Rarity.

"Twilight, I know Princess Celestia is just tryin' to do the right thing, givin' these ponies a
second chance but don't yah think this might be a tad bit much?"

"I know it sounds bad but Celestia wouldn't send them here unless she was certain that they
were capable of changing. So I think we need to give them a chance. " while her words
seemed certain there was dismay hidden behind them. She seemed to be battling with
herself. She trusted Celestia, almost to a fault but her own instincts had been sent into a
panic. These aren't normal criminals but murderers. Spending their days ripping ponies lives
away, reveling in the destruction they left behind as they tore the peaceful land of Equestria
apart.

"Even if Celestia believes that, I think we need to sit down an think about this," said
Applejack.

"Whats there to think about? Can't you just tell Celestia you don't want a bunch of psychos
living in your house?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"I agree, there is no need to put you and every other pony in Ponyville in such a perilous
position," said Rarity.

Fluttershy had been sitting quietly, taking time to listen to each ponies thought on the issue.

She shared the same concerns as her friends did, they knew nothing of these strangers
beyond that they had committed the most heinous crimes imaginable and now they're being
sent to live in their town. At the same time, however, it didn't seem unfair to forsake these
ponies when they had never turned away a pony in need of reformation.

"I uhm." she started before nervously retracting her words, concerned about how her
friends would react. "I think, we should do it," she uttered. The statement drew her friends
attention as they looked at her. "Well, its just nopony believed in Discord and he changed, so
did Starlight and the Changelings."

"Well they never killed anypony," stated Rainbow Dash.

"Maybe not, but even after all they did Celestia thinks there's hope for them. That makes me
think theres more to them than just being criminals."

The others paused thinking it over once again.

"I suppose it isn't fair to judge them so harshly before we've even met," said Rarity.

"Well if its a request from the Princess, then I guess yah can't just turn it down anyways,"
Applejack added.

"Are you guys serious?" asked Rainbow Dash putting her hooves up on the table. "You all saw
those headlines from Canterlot, these ponies are obviously out of their minds, they're
dangerous," she stated.

"Well, the letter did say something about keeping them under control," said Fluttershy.

Twilight nodded.

"And if anything gets out of hand we can always use the elements of harmony." She added.
Rainbow Dash huffed realizing they had decided to go through with this. She was ready to
pack up and wait it out in Cloudsdale if it didn't mean leaving her friends to deal with it on
their own.

"Fine." she rested her head on her right hoof as her tail whipped back and forth irritably.

"Well Twi, we still think this plan might be one straw short of a haystack but if you're going
through with it, we're with yah."

"Thank you," said Twilight looking to each of them. "This may seem more extreme than
before but we just have to treat it like it was any other case and I'm sure we'll get through
this," she said reassuringly. Deafly silence fell over the room once again as nopony was sure
what to say next. The future seemed so uncertain. All they knew was that some of Equestria's
most infamous criminals, the ones that stalked the streets at night, the ones they feared
would climb in their window as they slept would now be welcomed right into their own
homes. It was an absolutely dreadful thought but they had to face this. No other ponies in
Equestria were capable of a reformation like this. They sat quietly until Pinkie Pie began to
look to each of them intent to lift their distressed spirits.

"So, I guess that is a no on the welcome party?" she asked.

"Something tells me these ponies aren't the partying type," said Rainbow Dash.

"Actually." Twilight thought deeply for a moment with a hoof to her chin. "I think that might
be exactly what we need." she smiled as the rest of them looked at her puzzled.

Ponyville(Present)

It took only a matter of hours for the zeppelin to reach Ponyville. A white arrow like ship
suspended in the air from an armored blue and purple balloon. It soared high in the sky,
casting a shadow over the small town before finally descending to touch down just off the
town proper.

"Alright everypony line up." the guard ordered. The brothers were forced into a single file
line as they stood in wait for the ramp to descend, forming their exit. "Move it!" he
commanded managing to usher them forward without the need for a persuasive shock. War
had to admit, he was thankful that the earth pony guard was much more lenient than his
unicorn counterpart. It seemed as if the unicorn used every word or action as an excuse to
give them a harsh punishment. Under the care of the earth pony, they were given room to
move and speak as long as they didn't get too out of line.

A cold rush passed over them as they stepped outside into the chilling winter air. The
unicorn guard led the group down the steps as the earth pony following close behind to keep
the brothers stuck between them. Everything moved smoothly until it was finally Deaths turn
to leave the ramp. The instant Death reached the bottom of the ramp, his entire body tensed
locking him in place.

"C'mon whats the holdup!?" barked Disaster as him, Madness and their guard were halted
behind him. Death didn't answer. He stood in place, eyes as wide as they could be fixated on
the ground before him.

"What are you waiting for? Get him moving." said the unicorn.

"Give him a second." his partner responded.

War seized the moment the guard granted him. Bending down onto his front hooves to
Deaths level.

"You're ok Death, nothings gonna hurt you," he said but it seemed to be of no use. Death was
stuck in a lock, staring at the ground as if entranced by some horrific sight. Pestilence rolled
his eyes, it was an annoying roadblock but on the other hoof, he didn't cherish the thought of
reaching their destination. He turned his attention away from that and took note of his other
brother Despair. He had wondered off a decent distance and seemed to be in a world all his
own. His eyes wandering in every direction as he took in his new surroundings.

It took Pestilence a moment to realize that this was a completely new experience for
Despair. Standing in the light of day with the feeling of the wind blowing against him. It must
be like stepping into an entirely new world.

"Havin' fun?" Pestilence asked taking a step towards him. His younger brother began to rake
away the soft white blanket on the ground until quickly retracting it after experiencing the
freezing touch of snow.

"Something like that," he commented. Despair placed a hoof on a nearby tree trunk taking in the
sensation of the bark rubbing against his hoof. "So this is a tree," he said to himself as he
turned his gaze up to the leaves above. "I imagined they'd be taller." He took his hoof down
and placed it firmly on the ground. Turning his attention to the town of Ponyville nearby.

"And those are buildings, I definitely imagined them bigger." he chuckled. The homes
seemed so small compared to the compound he had spent his life in. They were so small he
couldn't imagine more than four or five rooms per house. A far cry from the numerous
chambers and rooms he was used to. "I never realized the compound was so roomy" He
looked upon the town with hesitant vigor. Ponies could barely be seen slipping past
buildings as they wondered about their business. "I must admit, even if we're still prisoners
I'm excited to see what the world has in store for us." he smiled but Pestilence just looked on
apathetically. "Well that's enough of that, I shouldn't be contemplating existence while
Deaths in distress."

"Whatever you say." Pestilence shrugged not even sure what he meant by that.

"How's he doing?" he asked. "In need of another sedative?" he suggested even though
Canterlot had relieved him of his medical supplies.

It seemed that in those moments Death had snapped from his stupor but still wasn't any
closer to moving.

"I-I can't," he said nervously.

"Five seconds and I'm pushing." Disaster grunted from behind.

"Just don't look at the ground, can't be scared of it if you can't see it right!" Suggested
Madness.

"You don't want him to shock you again do you?" War asked, extending a supportive hoof. "If
you don't hurry then they'll shock you again," he said bluntly. Death took some time to
compose himself before grabbing onto War who helped him along.

"Finally." Disaster growled quietly. With Death out of the way, the group could all reconvene
on the ground. The brothers got their first look of Ponyville, the town that would be serving
as their home. Most of them had traveled all across Equestria in order to perform their duties
to Cross but this was their first time in the pleasant little town. It wasn't quite as impressive
as Manehatten, or as rural as Dodge City. It found itself somewhere in between.

"So now where are we off to?" asked Despair.

"Give ya one guess." Pestilence said eyeing the castle that peaked up over the other town
buildings. With its staggering height and beautifully crystalline design, it appeared as if the
building had been plucked from the crystal empire and dropped into town.

They remained information as the guards escorted them through town. It was filled with
ponies of all races, colors and sizes. Roaming the streets happily, each going about their
business. Filling the cold air with laughter and conversation.

"So who exactly is this Princess we're being assigned to?" asked Despair.

"Keep your voice down." said the unicorn leading them. "We're trying to remain
inconspicuous.

"I think you threw that out the window when you landed an airship next door." Pestilence
remarked.

"You weren't the only ponies on the zepellin who were coming to Ponyville, with luck we'll
just blend into the crowd."

Their plan didn't seem to be working. Everypony in Ponyville dropped whatever they were
doing to inspect them as they passed. Even amongst the crowd, the brothers stood out. From
Wars imposing stature, to Despairs sunken black eyes, Madnesses razor teeth or Deaths
expressive flowing mane, they each stood out. Their armored escorts only making them more
obvious.

"Anyways, if you must know the Princess of Friendship has become a prominent figure in
Equestria as of late." the unicorn said in a hushed tone trying his best not to make eye contact
with any of the ponies around them.

"Can't be too important, or we'd of killed her." Pestilence snickered earning him one a shock,
a weak quick one. The earth pony didn't want him making a scene in the town square.

"You'd be wise to think carefully when talking about royalty," he warned him.

"Yeah, yeah." Pestilence shook it off.

Once they reached their destination the earth pony guard joined the unicorn at the top of
the steps to face the brothers below them.

"Alright listen up." the earth pony addressed them, his eyes narrowed harshly and voice as
serious as it could be. "You're about to be turned over to Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of
Friendship. She's a civil and understanding Princess but make no mistake. She takes her
position seriously so don't go expecting any leniency. You will be just as much a prisoner
under her as you were with Celestia. Your stay in Ponyville will be a long trek of discipline,
this will not be an enjoyable experience, its a very serious undertaking so prepare yourselves
for an arduous road to reformation."

After the small speech, the brothers ascended the stairwell to follow them inside. Upon
opening the door they were meet with an unexpected greeting.

The blaring sound of cannon fire erupted, sending confetti to every inch of the floor. The
smell of snacks and freshly baked pastries rolled over them like a wave. The castles main hall
was festively decorated with a large banner hanging overhead with a sparkling "WELCOME!"
written across hit.

"Welcome!" the castles seven occupants recited, some much less cheerful than others.

The unicorn guard was overcome with a mix of irritation and confusion. He looked to his
partner who stood stiff and straight-faced as if everything he had said didn't just fizzle away.
The brothers were behind them in the doorway each looking as confused as the guards apart
from Death who scurried behind War for protection as soon as the canons went off.

"I love this place already!" laughed Madness throwing his hooves up, giving them a large
razor-sharp smile.

"You can't be serious." snapped the unicorn stepping forward but his partner held out a hoof
to stop him.

"Princess Twilight," he said. "I do hope you understand the gravity of the situation."

"Yes, I do." Twilight stepped forward. Smiling with confidence in her decision despite the
guards showing they were clearly displeased. "Regardless, we wanted to make sure they felt
welcomed to Ponyville just as we would any other pony."

"That's noble of you but-"

"But these aren't normal ponies." interrupted the unicorn. "They're cold, heartless, cutthroat
criminals," he grunted.

"Standing right here," mumbled Pestilence.

"While I agree with my comrade on this, I shall stand by your decision." the earth pony
bowed his head slightly as the unicorn could only turn away with a huff. "Now then, onto the
matter of the prisoners." The guards stepped out of the doorway giving them a full view of
the restrained ponies. "As you can see they are each wearing a collar. Not only do they keep
their powers in check but they'll keep their actions in check."

"Powers?" asked Twilight. The two guards averted their gaze from her as they recalled the
awful memories from the compound.

"While attempting capture, they displayed abilities beyond their races. They're certainly
dangerous but don't worry. It's nothing to worry about now." he assured. The earth pony held
out his hoof equipped with the rings that gave him control over the brothers. "The collars
prevent them from taking any action their controller deems unnecessary, so even if they
could use their powers the collars would stop them before they have a chance to hurt
somepony. And so, I will now turn them over to you Princess." The top ring snapped off his
hoof, drifting through the air until finally reattaching on the front hoof of the Princess.

She brought her arm up to inspect the brace. It was cold to the touch and just tight enough to
be uncomfortable, but obviously, efficiency came first.

"Should any of them act out of line or wander out of a certain range, the collar will
administer a paralyzing shock. However, you can also command it to do so manually. Would
you like try it out?" offered the earth pony.

"That won't be necessary," Twilight responded.

"Don't let your guard down." Warned the unicorn. "They're crafty and will do anything to get
out."

"Don't worry, we'll be careful." She assured him. The guards glared to one another, still
unconvinced that this was the right thing to do. Either way, it was up to Princess Twilight
now.

"Since you have everything you need, we best report back to Canterlot." said the earth pony
pulling away as he returned to the door with his partner following behind. "We wish you the
best of luck Princess, be careful," he said.

"Thank you," Twilight replied as they shut the door behind them leaving the two groups
alone inside. The brothers were a bizarre sight, while some more otherworldly than others
there was something about each of them that wasn't quite right. Initially, after the guards
departed the room fell into a rather awkward silence. It seemed nopony was eager to step up
and initiate the conversation. Seeing as nopony wanted to speak, War naturally took it upon
himself to take charge and at least introduce them. He prepared to step forth however it
seemed the Princess had decided to take the initiative.

"So uhm, you're the uh..." she paused trying to find the right words.

"The murderers." Rainbow Dash finished. Her statement returned the room to its state of
silence. It wasn't until Pestilence, surprising stepped forward to speak.

"Yeah. Guess that's our bad," he said it so casually it might have been humorous if it didn't
feel so insulting. "Look I'm sure you have all kinds of 'fun' things planned for us but,"
Pestilence took a deep breath, still in deep pain even though he was doing his best not to
show it. A painful heat still lingered in his muscles from the terrible shock he had endured
earlier. "I've had a really long day, so I'm just gonna call it a night. If somepony could show me
where I'll be sleeping that'd be great." Wars let his ears down, relieved. He was worried
Pestilence was about to say something to antagonize them and just make the situation
worse.

Twilight took a moment to think. She could tell by looking at him how fatigued he was. He
appeared to be struggling to hold his eyes open and his legs were shaking. She had no qualms
with letting the pegasus rest. Spending all that time in a dungeon, going on trial, and possibly
suffering from any of the shocks. She could understand him needing some rest. But then she
had to remind herself she was dealing with a murderer. A murderer who had spent the last
few years slaughtering and kidnapping Equestrian citizens. As much as she didn't like the idea
of leaving him alone after only a few minutes, she realized she had to eventually and forcing
him to stay when he seemed to be on the verge of collapsing wasn't a good impression. She
told herself it would be fine. As long as the collar was around his neck it wouldn't allow him
to escape, even if she wasn't there to witness it.

"Ok." Twilight agreed. "We have some bedrooms made up for each of you upstairs, I'll show
you the way." She turned her head to look at her friends. "While I'm gone, you all should try
and get acquainted," she instructed.

"Do we have to?" groaned Rainbow Dash. Applejack gave her a quick nudge, reminding her
they needed to at least try and make this work.

"After you." Said Pestilence. Twilight took her leave, Pestilence dragging himself behind her
as she showed him to his new quarters and within seconds the group was out of sight.

"She seems nice." commented Despair. Then in seemingly a blink of an eye, the blue
pegasus mare was in the air and mere inches from their face.

"Ok listen here." she started. "If any of you do anything, anything! To hurt Twilight or
anypony else. I'll-"

"Alright Alright, that's enough." Applejack interrupted. "I don't think that's what Twilight
meant by 'get acquainted'." Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes as she descended to the floor.

"Don't worry," said War. "We realize we are in no position to fight back, you have nothing to
fear from us." He bowed his head slightly trying to hold onto the respectful diplomatic
persona he had been displaying.

"Pft speak for yourself..." Disaster huffed. He turned away, isolating himself in a lonely space
away on one side of the room.

"If anything we're thankful for you showing us such hospitality." War continued. "We
certainly weren't expecting a welcoming party."

"Indeed, so what are we suppose to do at one of these parties?" asked Despair rubbing his
hooves through the colorful stringy bits of paper on the ground. Confetti maybe a normal
celebratory tradition, he found it quite odd that a pony would willingly pollute their own
floor.

His question gave Pinkie Pie the chance she needed to leap into action. With such an
argumentative atmosphere she had been waiting for a good chance to jump in and lighten
the mood. This was a party after all.

"Oh we do lots of stuff, like dance, eat cupcakes and play all sorts of games." she zipped up
to the group, jumping up and down as she spoke.

"Games!" Madness snapped. "I like games! What kind of games do you play?" He seemed to
be the only one in the room able to match her excitement.

"I'll show you pin the tail on the pony, it's my favorite." She hastily pranced off with Madness
giddily following behind.

From there they each seemed to break off, neither group seemed interested in mingling
with the other. Despair and War went off one way, the younger pegasus inquiring about the
fancy decorations and all the colorful foods, as the group of mares gathered around the
punch bowl.

Madness followed Pinkie Pie across the room where she had set up a game station. A
clumsily drawn image of a yellow pony was stuck up on the wall, a needle sat nearby with
long strands of hair straying from one end reminiscent of a ponies tail.

"Hmm, never played a game like this before." Madness scratched his head with his hoof. His
eyes scanning the drawing.

"It's easy," stated Pinkie Pie. She passed the pointed tail to Madness who grasped it in his
mouth. "Just put this on," she said tying a thick cloth around his eyes, blocking his vision.
"Now all you gotta do is try to pin the tail on the pony."

Madnesses teeth widened in a smile. Stabbing ponies with sharp objects was a skill of his
and if he treated this game like a battle than it would be child's play. Even without the use of
his sight his combat trained mind and body easily worked around it. He remembered the
picture hanging on the wall just slightly lower than his head. The sheet of paper was much
taller than it was wide and he remembered staring directly at it before the blindfold took
away his sight. Using this information he quickly pinpointed his target and thrust the needle.

"You nailed it!" Pinkie Pie announced, confirming his victory. He peeled off the blindfold to
see the nail drove right at the edge of the ponies flank.

"Cool! That's pretty fun." he chuckled.

"Yeah! It's one of my favorites!"

"Ooh, ooh ya know what would make it more fun! You should like, fill a sack or something
with blood and put it behind the drawing. So when you stab the pony it looks like it's blood
bleeding down the wall." Madnesses words made Pinkie Pie stop bouncing as she was at a
loss for words.

"Oh, uh. Ok." she put her smile back on as she tried to tried to regain her pep. "I'll try that
next time," she said throwing in a fake laugh.

"Oh or even better, we could use a real pony. We could cut its tail off and try to pin it back
on. So when they miss they'll stab the other pony, it'll really encourage the player to think
before making a jab at it." he chuckled pulling the needle from the wall. He swung it like a
dagger using the pointed end to cut the drawing, like hacking away at the fake pony. "It's not
very exciting when the players got nothing on the line, stabbing an unresponsive drawings
doesn't really inspire any emotions." he shrugged.

Looking upon Madnesses twisted eyes and jagged smile. It was then it really hit her just who
she was dealing with. This pony was a psychopath, one who didn't just enjoy excessive
violence but saw it as his form of entertainment. For a second she saw herself dying on the
floor with that twisted look on his face as the last thing she would ever see. He tilted his
head, gazing at her with those hypnotic yet spine-chilling eyes that seemed to cut through
her like a knife.

"Got any other games?"

"Oh, uhm." Pinkie Pie sprang back to life. She tried to maintain the cheerful attitude she was
known for but her spirits had quickly faded. "No, but you can keep playing. I'm just gonna go
see what the others are up to." she quickly walked away leaving Madness to continue
sending her drawing to tatters.

She wondered over to her friends gathered around the punch bowl sipping from goblets and
partaking in small conversations. Concern overcoming them as they could tell there was a
dime sense horror in her eyes.

"Are you ok?" Fluttershy was the first to ask.

"What did he say to you?" Rainbow Dash jumped in. "He didn't threaten you did he?"

"No, not really. He's just got a different idea of fun." She said heavy heartedly. The offbeat
look of dread never faded as Pinkie Pie poured herself some punch. "I think I'm all partied
out." the words sounded foreign coming from her.

"Yeah, I dunno bout that one," said Applejack glaring at the purple pony who seemed to be
growing bored tearing the picture to tatters.

"Oh I agree, you can tell a lot about a pony by the way they carry themselves." inserted Rarity
as she set her sights on the rambunctious young unicorn, taking note of his insane features
and lanky structure, paying close attention to his cutie mark. A circular symbol that was black
in color with arrows jutting out in every direction. "Clearly he isn't in the right mind." She
then turned her eyes upon Disaster standing off in the corner. He had his eyes narrowed and
teeth gritted making it clear he didn't want to be there. "And let's not forget that one, his
posture and mannerisms show he's clearly a brute."

"Yeah, that about sums it up." chuckled a nearby voice. A glance over showed the pale blue
pegasus with solid black eyes. He seemed to be glancing around the snack table overhearing
their conversation.

"Do you want something?" Rainbow Dash asked in a harsh tone.

Even with limited knowledge of any forms of socialization, he could tell they had been put
on guard and were a bit standoffish to his presence.

"Oh sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop but your assessment was pretty spot on." he chuckled.
His voice rattling as his nerves began to get the best of him. "So this is regular pony food." he
looked at the spread of snacks on the table before him. The cutie map was covered in a thin
tarp with the assorted food forming a ring outlining the rim of the table. He eyed the
collection of cupcakes, chips and the other kinds of snacks they had assembled. "A lot more
colorful than anything we had at the compound." he chuckled. "I honestly wasn't expecting
you all to go through so much effort to make us feel welcomed."

"Yeeeah, just don't go around trying to cut other ponies limbs off," warned Rainbow Dash.

"Oh that's not really my thing." he brushed it off. "Actually up until now, I've never set hoof
outside the compound. I have to say Equestria seems like a very nice place, I hope we
manage to get along well with everypony." he smiled.

They weren't sure what to make of this one. He seemed nice enough even coming up to try
and make conversation with them. Could it be an act? A ruse to lure them into a false sense
of security? That is what Rainbow Dash believed and she wasn't going to stand for it.

"Ok, you can drop the nice guy act. noponies falling for it," she growled.

"That's not." He paused as his heart began to sink dragging his gaze down to the floor along
with it. "Right, my bad. I suppose somepony in my position shouldn't be trying to join in," he
muttered before turning away to wander off on his own.

His finals words resonated with Applejack, who shared Rainbow Dash's view but realized this
was exactly what Twilight was trying to prevent. This entire party was put together to help
bridge the gap between them and now the cold-hearted criminals had made more of an
effort to connect then they had.

"Now hold it there." she hollered taking a few steps towards the rejected pegasus. "Sorry
bout that, we're all just kinda on edge on account of ya'lls... reputation. So hows about we
start over," she said putting on a big smile for him and extending a hoof as a greeting. "Nice
to meet yah, names Applejack," she stated. He examined her outstretched hoof. Moving his
head to get a clear view from all angles as he tried to decipher what he was supposed to do.

"You're suppose to shake it." Applejack instructed as he nodded before following her
commands.

"Despair," he replied.

"Despair? That's your name?" she asked raising an eyebrow.

"Well we don't exactly have names, we just go by what out master called us," he replied.

"What do ya mean master?"

"The one who created us."

"So you mean, like your dad?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"I suppose... oh that's right, most ponies are created through more organic means," he
smirked as they looked at each other not sure what he meant by that.

"Anyways. This is Rainbow Dash." she motioned to the blue pegasus with rainbow colored
hair, who only rolled her eyes as a response. "Fluttershy." the yellow pegasus hide her face
behind her pink hair, choosing to remain quiet. "Pinkie Pie." The earth pony remained
strangely quiet as she was introduced. "and Rarity."

"Charmed." The white unicorn added.

"Well it's nice to meet you all," he said. "That's my older brother War." he gestured to the tall
red pegasus. "Our eldest brother Pestilence left with the Princess, the one off brooding in his
lonesome is Disaster."

"And I'm Madness." the young purple unicorn practically leaped over him to get at the snack
table. Making the mares jump at his sudden approach as Pinkie Pie even took a step back
away from him. "So we get to just eat all this? As much as we want?" he didn't hesitate to
begin stuffing his face with all the mysterious food he could find. "Hey Disaster!" he shouted
with a stuffed mouth. "Come over here and try this stuff."

"Shove off." Disaster barked as loud as he could from across the room. He wasn't in the mood
to be talked to but his aggressive nature seemed to prompt War to march over to give him a
talking too.

"Ya'lls quite colorful bunch." Applejack smiled awkwardly.

"Likewise." Despair laughed. "Death should be around here somewhere." he glanced around
their room, as the pale earth pony seemed to have vanished from sight. His absence was no
cause for alarm, the collar wouldn't allow him to get far but Despair did wonder where he
was. It wasn't like him to wander off unless something had him shook up. However the room
was too large and open for hiding, the only place suitable would be to hide under the table
with the tarp concealing him.

Curious Despair skimmed the cloth hovering just above the ground to see the bright off
green tail of his brother barely poking out.

"There he is." Despair made his way over to the spot and lifted the tarp up, revealing Death
curled up below it. The faces in his mane and tail seemed to wince as the light shined upon
them. "Death, what are you doing down there?" he asked but speaking with him seemed to
only make it worse, as he scooted away as close to the table as he could get.

"Parties up here Death, get up here and try some of this stuff." Madness laughed shoving a
cupcake into his mouth.

"Is he ok?" asked Applejack as she and the others gathered around to see what was going on
beneath the cloth. Death was a mysterious sight, to say the least. His body was ordinary
enough on its own but what made him such an oddity was his mane and tail. They flowed
through the air much like a Princesses, however, black splotches lingered inside them that
resembled faces. Even stranger they changed. One moment a face might be silently laughing
before changing into a face of rage. However, each of them gave a threatening hiss as the
mares looked upon them.

"He'll be fine, I'd say all the commotion just has him spooked."

"Dang, and I thought Fluttershy had a shyness problem." inserted Rainbow Dash.

"Well he isn't really shy, he suffers from severe anxiety." explained Despair dropping the
cloth allowing it to cover Death in the darkness he desires. "If I had my medical bag then I'd
administer a sedative to calm his nerves, but I don't have it. So I guess we'll be relying on War
to coax him out." he looked for the larger red pegasus.

Across the room, War had joined Disaster in his lonely space. The brutish earth pony not
even offering him a glance as he stood beside him, he kept his eyes on Despair fraternizing
with the group of mares.

"Look at him acting all friendly with them, pathetic." Disaster growled through gritted teeth.

"He at least seems to be making progress, where has all your pouting got you?" War asked.

"Quit acting so ok about all this!" he turned to his brother with narrowed eyes. "We've got all
this power inside us. I could level this whole castle in a minute if I wanted to. We should be
the ones in charge but instead were stuck here sipping tea and eating cake with a Princess
and her friends. Buck this." he growled.

"We're not in a position to fight back, believe me, if I could get us out of this situation I
would."

"Yeah, well you're always acting all high and mighty. If you're so tough and so smart then
how did we get in this mess in the first place!?"

"We got careless and made some mistakes." claimed War, although he had already begun to
come to a different conclusion as to how they were found out. "regardless, we're stuck here
under their control. Shouting and throwing insults around isn't going to get you anywhere."

"Buck you!" he growled. "I'm not wasting my time sitting here like some caged dog. I'm
gonna get this collar off and when I do." his mouth pulled back in a smile, both joyous and
fierce. Thinking about moment back at Canterlot cause the blood in his body to boil with
rage. He remembered the embarrassment he felt as the guards brought him to his knees, so
easily and in front of not only the Princess but his brothers. He would never forgive them for
that. He imagined the rush of satisfaction of smashing their skulls beneath his heels. "I'll
make everypony in Canterlot pay for making me look like a weakling," he said with twisted
glee.

"War." called Despair as he strolled over. "There seems to be a problem. Deaths holed up
under the table, we need you to get him out."

War sighed as he began to follow Despair over to the crowd at the punch bowl.

"Just tread carefully Disaster," he warned but his brother only scoffed and turned away from
him. He could already tell Disasters attitude was going to be a problem for all of them during
this reformation process, he could only hope Pestilence wasn't giving the Princess any
trouble.

Twilights Castle, Hallway

"Nice castle you got here." Pestilence whistled to show his faint amazement as he followed
the Princess down the hall. His eyes darted back and forth looking at his surroundings, not
interested in admiring the perfect craftsmanship that went into the architecture but rather
checking for any escape routes. Still intending to escape no matter how tight of a grip they
had on him. "Must have cost a fortune."

"Actually, it grew out of the ground."

Pestilence took a pause, genuinely taken off guard.

"Well that's convenient," he said before picking up the pace. "So, you're the Princess of
Friendship?"

"Yes. I am."

"So being a Princess and all, guess that makes you a pretty big deal?"

"I suppose." Twilight couldn't help but feel at odds with herself. Her better judgment told
her to speak with him as little as possible. She also knew that it was her duty, to get to know
him, to understand him so that he may come to understand her. How else could he and the
other prisoners be accepted into society? "I mostly just help the ponies of Equestria with
their friendship problems." she continued.

"Friendship problems huh? Is that why you decided to take us in?"

"Well, no."

"You did volunteer for the job didn't you?"

"No I didn't, but I'm happy to help you and your friends on your friends on the path to
learning the ways of Equestria."

"Well you were at least at the meeting weren't you?"

"That doesn't matter. What matters is getting you all settled in."

Pestilence smirked. He'd weaseled his way around enough conversations to know an indirect
answer was the best way to confirm a hunch. It seemed the Princess had as much of a say in
this as he did. Knowing this he now had an angle.

"Gotta say, seems kinda selfish of Celestia to just dump a bunch of dangerous criminals on ya
without so much as asking first. I mean you're a Princess just like she is right?" Pestilence
shrugged.

Twilight halted in her tracks before twisting to face the pegasus, eyes slightly narrowed.

"I am a Princess but not like Celestia," she assured him, her voice just as calm as before even
though she did seem put off by him insulting her mentor. "And you shouldn't talk about
Princess Celestia like that." Persistence stopped noticing he had clearly struck a nerve even if
she was good at hiding it.

It seemed that the young Alicorn had far too much respect for Celestia, it would be
impossible for him to convince her to disobey her. He'd need to go for a softer approach.

"Yeah, I guess you're right," he said taking a hoof to whip the hair from his eyes. "After all,
she was nice enough to send us here instead of keeping us locked up in the dungeon, oh
thanks by the way."

"Thanks? For what?" she asked to which Pestilence promptly pointed to the rings around her
front hoof.

"Well its been about ten minutes and you haven't shocked me, back when the guards were
controlling them seemed like it happened every time I took a breath," he stated. "Fact that
you haven't shows you're a lot more reasonable than they were. So thanks."

"Oh, you're welcome."

"Well guess there's still someponies out there that believe in us. Guards sure didn't."

'Well, you are a criminal." Twilight reminded.

"Am I?" Pestilence asked casually strolling up to her. "Celestia didn't see it that way."
Twilight raised an eyebrow as she kept pace with him as they traveled.

"But you have committed crimes."

"I was just following orders." He corrected putting on a presumptuous smile. "What would
you do if Celestia asked you to kill somepony?"

"Celestia would never ask for something like that." Twilight sped up. Her voice was a good
indicator she had been offended by his question. Pestilence smirked once again, her
ambiguous answer telling him everything he wanted to know.

"Plus you got all those soldiers and police, they kill ponies too. Don't see why they get off
free."

"That's different." Twilight corrected. "They protect Equestria, you attack innocent ponies."

"If you say so." he chuckled. He followed her around one more corner until they came to a
stop before a closed door.

"Here it is," she said. "I had to use the spare rooms around the castle so you and your friends
maybe in different parts of the castle." He was impressed by how well Twilight was managing
her composure. He had clearly upset her with his comments but she maintained a friendly
front.

"Doesn't bother me any."

Twilight slide the door open allowing Pestilence to take his first steps into his new room. It
was plain small space, yet still a massive upgrade from his holdings at the compound. Holding
only the simplest of accommodations. A shelf, nightstand, and bed with little much more to
offer.

"This it?" he turned to her disappointedly. "You got this big nice castle and I get shoved in a
broom closet."

"It's not like that, It's just the castle doesn't have six spare bedrooms so we had to clean out
some storage space."

"Dang, you got a crappy castle, not a single servant and don't even call the shots. You sure
you're actually a Princess?" he scoffed.

"Yes I'm sure," she replied swiftly, seemingly to be running out of patience with Pestilences
attitude. "Anyways you should get some rest. I'll show you around Ponyville in the morning.

"Can't wait."

Once Twilight shut the door Pestilence didn't hesitate to throw himself onto the bed. He lied
still giving his body a much-needed break. As his body settled the heat in his muscles finally
began to fade away. He laid there motionless, only moving his eyes around the room to
inspect his new quarters.

"All moved in..." he moaned aloud. Pestilence knew he needed to think of his next move. He
had to get out of this one way or another. For now, though, he was content to just get some
rest.

He still considered himself as much a prisoner now as he had been his whole life. Yet lying in
an actual bed in a room he could call his own, rather than cold hay in a stable. He had to admit
despite all his criticisms, it was a nice change of pace.

Twilights Castle, Throne Room

Exhaustion was beginning to take hold of Twilight, the lack of sleep mixed with her irritating
time with Pestilence was starting to drag the young Alicorn down. Despite this, she
persevered to rejoin the party in the throne room. To her surprise as she entered she saw her
friends gathered around with a good number of the prisoners.

"Twilight." called spike. He rushed to her side upon seeing her. "How'd it go with that other
pony?"

"Not to bad all things considered." she mustered a smile. "How are things going here?"

Spike shrugged.

"Well I think one of them did something that's really freaked Pinkie Pie out, One of them is
hiding under the table and then there's, uh, him." Spike peaked over to Disaster continuing
to shoot them death glares.

"Maybe this party wasn't such a good idea." Twilight mentally kicked herself for ever
thinking this was the smart thing to do. She had hoped when seeing them bunched up
together that they were all getting along but Spikes report told a different story.

"Well on the upside, that one seems kinda friendly." he motioned to Despair who was still
with most of the others gathered at the table.

"Did you say one of them was hiding under the table?" she asked as she made her way over
to join the group. "Whats going on?"

"Death ain't coming out from under the table." Applejack informed.

"Death?"

"That's his name." she shrugged.

"Whats he doing down there?"

"He's just very skittish." Despair clarified. "Back home whenever he'd get scared he'd curl up
in his stable. I assume he has psychologically associated small dark spaces with safety."

Fortunately by the time Twilight arrived War had managed to get Death to take a few steps
out into the light.

Things didn't seem to be going well. The room was still coated in a thick tense atmosphere
and now one of their guests seemed to be having a breakdown. Even Pinkie Pie seemed to
be ready to call it quits.

"Well I think that's enough for today, would you all like to see your rooms?" she asked.
Nopony seemed to complain about ending the party early as the group quickly split apart as
the prisoners went to retrieve Disaster and Twilight was joined by her friends.

"Everything go ok?" Twilight asked.

"Much better than expected," said Applejack. 'We may be able to pull this off."

"I still don't trust them," argued Rainbow Dash.

"I agree with Applejack. While I can't speak for all of them I think there might be hope for
some of them." inserted Rarity.

"Some of them did seem nice," said Fluttershy while Pinkie Pie strangely remained silent on
the issue.

"Well, I guess we'll just have to wait and see," Twilight replied. "I'm sure your all tired after

all the preparations, I won't keep you all any longer."

"Are you sure you want us to leave? I dread the thought of leaving you to deal with this on
your own," asked Rarity.

"Yeah, sure you don't want somepony to stick around?" asked Applejack.

"Thank you but I'll be fine. I couldn't ask any of you-"

"Yeah right, Twilight you're crazy if you think I'm gonna leave you alone with them." Rainbow
Dash protested before sternly rushing to her side. "I'd love to see them try something while
I'm here." she boasted confidently

Twilight didn't argue with her. Deep down she was glad to have one of her friends nearby
while she tried to finally get some much-deserved rest. After the rest of her friends
departed, her and Rainbow Dash guided the castles new occupants to their rooms.

Despair gladly took the first room they came upon. It was closest to the throne room,
therefore closest to the entrance. Madness was assigned the next one. He spent a good while
jumping from corner to corner looking over every square foot of the space, forcing Twilight to
answer a series of questions about the functionality of even the simplest of aspects of the
small blank space. Adverse to Madnesses reaction, Disaster stormed into his room without a
word before promptly slamming the door behind him.

"And here we are." Said Twilight as they came to the fourth room which was roughly
identical to the others.

"I guess this will be yours," War said to his last brother. Death held his head low as he took a

few steps inside. He took a moment looking the room over before turning to War, his gaze
still set on the floor.

"W-War..... I-I wanna go home," he uttered under his breath.
War couldn't think of a proper response. He knew he should have been honest with him.
They were never going home, regardless of what happened now War was certain they'd
never walk through the compound walls again. Though he knew if he did, learning that would
only throw his brother into a fit of tears and he refused to let that happen.

"Don't worry," he said smiling at his distressed brother. "We'll be home before you know it,"
he said sparked a light in his younger brother who promptly smiled back.

"Well, I guess that means you'll be getting the room on the top floor." Twilight interrupted.

"I guess so, but if it's not to much trouble I'd like to make a request," said War. "I'd like to
stay with Death at least for tonight, in case he was to have another breakdown."

"Not a problem, but there's only one bed in there." Twilight reminded.

"Don't worry. I've slept on a pile of cold hay my whole life. A castle floor shouldn't be any
worse."

"Well as long as you're ok with it," said Twilight. War gave a nod as he began to pull the door
closed behind him, but came to an abrupt stop.

"Princess." he started. "That was a nice thing you did for my brothers, throwing a party for
them. It's more than our master ever did. I don't know if you'll believe me or if it would
matter to you if you did but.... thank you." he said rather somberly.

His words felt more honest and heartfelt than anything Pestilence had said to her during
their entire conversation earlier.

"Oh it was no big deal, happy to do it." she insisted as War finally pulled the door closed.

"'Thank you' yeah right." scoffed Rainbow Dash.

"I don't know, he sounded genuine to me."

"He's just trying to make you feel sorry for him so it'll be easier for him to sneak away." she
insisted as she began her march down the hall. "Now if you need me I'll be on patrol,
someponies gotta make sure they don't try anything."

"You know that's what the collars are for?"

"Yeah, but I still say they're gonna try something and I'm gonna catch them when they do."

"Well I think I'm going to bed, I'm beat," said Spike with a stretch and a yawn.

"Right there with you Spike," Twilight said as they went one way with Rainbow Dash going
off in the other direction.

She understood Rainbow Dashes skepticism but there was something in that moment. The
moment War had reassured his younger brother and thanked her for the party. It felt
genuinely kind and compassionate, something she didn't expect to see from a murderer. She
knew this wasn't going to be an easy task but in that instant, she began to think Rarity might
have been right. They aren't hopeless. Some of them at least.

Chapter 1

On the surface, the city of Baltimare was a brisk and bustling place but like all things, one didn't have to dig too deep to find it's imperfections. These faults took the form of shady streets and morally limp institutions tucked away behind a metropolitan curtain. A normal pony would find such places repulsive but others found them all too welcoming. This pertained to a young white pegasus currently hiding himself away in a downtown club. Despite the flashing lights, crowds of ponies and all around upbeat atmosphere he sat alone at the bar, a lukewarm expression etched onto his face.

"One more," he ordered as he lowered his empty cider glass. The unicorn behind the bar approached ready to meet his demand. The bartender had noticed that since the moment of his arrival the stallion had set isolated staring blankly past the bar only facing the crowd during a periodic glance over his shoulder.

"Waiting for someone?" asked the bartender.

"Not really." replied the stallion his voice as apathetic as his face. "Just trying to enjoy my last moments of freedom..."

"Getting hitched tomorrow?"

"Something like that." the pegasus smirked as he raised a hoof to examine the device strapped to his arm. It resembled two yellow bracelets with a black ring of stone connecting them. With his other hoof, he pushed against the device in a vain attempt to free himself of it and as he did the yellow sections twisted parallel to each other with an audible "tik."

He grunted before ceasing the attempt and downed his newly filled glass. With a twist of the neck, he inspected the room. The immense crowd of dancers coupled with everypony sitting at the tables kept him concealed but it was an advantage that extended to his pursuer. Anytime his eye fell upon a red pegasus or even a large earth pony he felt ready to snap into action. Especially when he noticed a large red pony take a seat at the bar just a couple stools from him.

"Back again?" the bartender turned his attention to his new guest.

"...Yeah" he mumbled. The pegasus dropped out of the conversation. Opting instead to focus on his own problems, he didn't have the time to mix himself up in the plight of others nor did he care to. However, his attention was stolen when they mentioned a name.

"Maybe you should go back to Dodge City." suggested the bartender.

"I can't the whole place makes me think of Summer Rains."

The name rung a few bells. A well-liked member of the Dodge City community who had received a lot of media attention due to her recent murder. Her body was found in her home with her horn missing. This wasn't the only such incident. Over the past few years reports had been popping up all over Equestria of pegasi and unicorns being attacked and killed with their wings and horns taken. Given Equestrias low murder rate, one was enough to cause a stir but the string of unsolved cases had shaken the population into panic.

He shot a quick glance to the satchel he had strapped around him before getting up from his seat. He didn't feel he did anything to arouse suspicions but thought it better to go.

Stepping out onto the streets it was chilling how fast the environment changed from bright and loud to dead quiet. The only noise on the empty streets was the winter winds blowing. He marched on down the street stopping only to inspect the collar around his hoof again. It twisted three more times each offering the same ticking sound. As he paused for the inspection a large black shadow flew over him.

For a second he wasn't sure if the shadow was real or a product of his own paranoia but regardless he acted. He knew the only pony who could cast a shadow of that size and if he was truly after him he'd never beat him in speed. The only shelter he could find was the darkness of a nearby alleyway. He dived between the buildings hoping he hadn't been spotted.

The shadows offered a means to conceal himself but blending with darkness wasn't a talent of his. Most likely due to the fact the only parts of his body that weren't solid white were the ends of his legs and muzzle, save for a pair of yellow eyes.

As he settled into the darkness he heard another click come from the collar quickly followed up by another than another. The device seemed to have activated itself much to his confusion as he knew he was still within its range, had it been remotely activated? Regardless the two bands were spinning fast as the brace dug into his skin. He felt the hot sting of toxin slipping into his blood forcing his body into numbness as it traveled across him. No matter how hard he fought his body refused to budge and all he could do was lay helpless on the cold pavement staring down the alley at a pegasus silhouette making its way towards him. He continued his struggle causing his vision to blur until everything finally went black.

Sometime later at an unknown location

He awoke with a twitch and a jerk to find himself staring up at a metal ceiling. The compound air was twice as chilling as the winter winds outside and the damp hay serving as his bed didn't carry any warmth. His eyes darted about taking in the view of the three walls and doorway that made up the prison cell he called a bedroom. He sighed heavily realizing his third escape attempt had failed.

"Home sweet home."

"Pestilence you're awake." said a voice across the room. The white pony pulled himself up onto his hooves still wobbling from the effect of the toxin.

"Only three days this time huh War? You all miss me that much?" Pestilence strolled from his hovel into the open circular room that housed the compounds stables each only large enough to fit the pony that lived inside.

"Now isn't the time." said the other pony whose stable was directly across the room from his own. It was the same one who had come to retrieve him. A blood red pegasus whose stature rivaled a sizeable earth pony. "Master was getting impatient."

"Yeah what else is new?" Pestilence asked sarcastically after a sudden loss of balance forced him to catch himself.

"Do you need some help?" War asked.

"I got it." Pestilence assured straightening himself back up. War didn't look convinced.

"Well, now that you're awake you should go make your report."

"Right." he moaned. "let's get this over with." He began his long trot down the compounds winding maze-like corridors with War following close behind him. Besides their master Pestilence was the oldest pony in the compound. Yet the older brother position was held by War who always took it upon himself to watch and care for the others.

"Care to explain what you were doing in Baltimare?"

"I was taking care of the target."

"Your target was in Dodge City."

"I'm not that good with directions." Pestilence shrugged with a smirk not even trying to come up with an excuse.

"You know what will happen to you if the Master finds out you were all the way in Baltimare."

"How's he suppose to find out? The only two who know about that are us and I know you won't tell him." Pestilence was right, War knew what would happen to him if the master knew he had run off and he didn't want to see that happen any more than Pestilence did.

The two came to what seemed like a dead end, nothing but a flat rock wall where the hallway concluded. War approached and placed his hoof dead center of the stone plate blocking the path. As he pulled away a spark of light erupted from the center of the wall and spread like a paintbrush on parchment. It roamed around the rock painting an image of a giant eyeball. The centerpiece that mocked the eyes pupil jumped about taking in the view until finally focusing on the pegasi in front of it. Upon seeing them the wall dissolved piece by piece granting them passage inside.

They entered into their masters quarters. An open brightly lite space littered with lab equipment and machines. The equipment was meant for research and experiments but by appearance, one would guess they were torture devices. Long and thin surgical needles and saw blades jutted out of them some still garnished with faded red stains. Their master was currently at his desk scribbling notes onto paper as he glared through a microscope at a petri dish sitting before him. He averted his gaze for a second before turning back to his work.

"Ah Pestilence, just the pony I was wanting to see." he finished up his notes before moving away from his desk to face his visitors. He was a tall slender white unicorn with a green mane and tail that he constantly kept brushed over to one side, the side of his head that was left unveiled displayed a long stitched up scar that ran the length of his skull.

"I found Pestilence," said War.

"Good work. I can always count on you." the master took a set of papers from his desk. "You may take your leave now, but make sure Famine gets these I found a new target and want him prepped and ready within the hour," he informed and passed the papers onto War.

"Right," he replied and made for the exit. He didn't feel comfortable leaving any of his brothers alone with the Master but he knew if he tried to stay he'd only cause more problems for him. As he left the wall materialized behind him sealing the two alone inside.

"So did you manage to obtain Summer Rains horn?" he asked taking a seat in his desk chair.

"Yeah, I got your horn." Pestilence unlatched his bag and tossed it on the ground before him allowing the horn to roll its way into view. "Can I go now?"

"A few questions first." the master gripped the dismembered horn in a magical green aura. He slide open his desk's drawer revealing a collection of multi-colored unicorn horns which he concealed again after adding Summer Rains to the pile. "You left the body alone correct?"

"Uh-huh."

"Where did the murder take place?"

"her house."

The unicorn continued to ask questions each painting a more vivid picture of the scene despite Pestilence giving only short responses rushing the interview along. Once he concluded writing out the report he filed it away in a cabinet.

"So is that it? Can I go now?" asked Pestilence.

"One more thing." said the master. "You left precisely three days ago. The time it takes to reach Dodge City from this location is about five hours so that would also require five hours for the return trip. Killing Summer Rains and removing her horn would only take a matter of minutes for somepony like you but I'll be generous and say you needed two hours to get her alone and into a good position. Also, a mission like this can be taxing on the mind and body so let's say I factor in an eight hour resting period. That still leaves fifty-two hours unaccounted for."

"Well you see." as Pestilence began his explanation his master's horn emitted a green glow triggering the collar around his leg. It constricted his arm to the point it felt as if it dug into his very skin. The pain forced him over onto the ground shrieking as he fell. Wrapped in pain the only movements he could muster were using his other arm trying to break free of the collar. Touching it forced it to begin twisting burning the skin that refused to budge and forced another shriek from the distressed pony.

The master pressed down on the device with a single hoof forcing it to a pause. Pestilence attempted to pull his hoof free but the unicorn had him bound with a single hoof and he could only gaze up at his captor.

"It occurs to me Pestilence. You view yourself as an irreplaceable asset that, regardless of your actions you cannot be tossed out or disposed of. Sadly you're correct, under these conditions I can't replace you, however, your limbs and organs are a different story and don't think I won't rip or tear away whatever I deem necessary to make sure you fall in line. Is that clear?" he ceased his magic and removed his hoof. The device stopped spinning and came loose enough for Pestilence to jerk his hoof out revealing a harsh red ring wrapping around his arm.

"Is that clear?" he repeated. Pestilence glared up at him with gritted teeth.

"Yeah, I got it.." he groaned. The master brandished a smile.

"Good, glad me managed to clear that up." he magically lifted the brace onto his desk. "Just know if this happens again I'll let the brace rip your leg off, I suppose I'll have to prep a new leg. Perhaps one of Despair's he's not putting them to any good use," he said and went back to his work. "Alright. You are free to go."

Pestilence limped back to his stable putting as little pressure on his front leg as he could to avoid unnecessary distress. He tossed his body onto the bed of hay and waited as the burning subsided. Abhorrent as it was what really grated on him was the twisted condescending look on his master's face. He despised that look and how he saw him and his brothers as simple machines to serve as pawns in whatever the mad pony was scheming. He had to get out of this before the master's patience ran out but he knew he couldn't get away. That brace kept him bound to a distance around the compound and if he snuck away there'd be nowhere in Equestria he could go War couldn't find him and now the brace would make sure if he tried to run he'd have no legs to run with. Escape was no longer an option. Not while his master still had control.

Pestilence rolled around his bed deciding what he could do and gathered an idea he hadn't thought of before. A plan that would either end his life or finally let it begin but either way it would put everyone in the compound in danger, but at this point, he no longer cared.

He had to move quickly. He trotted to his younger brother Deaths stable to dig up a writing utensil before rushing off to the lower chambers to find a map hanging on the wall. He tore it down and looked it over. A detailed diagram that was the only way to properly navigate the halls. The compound was specifically designed to confuse and disorientate those unfamiliar with it. He looked at the bottom of the map at the pump room that feeds into the drainage system. He tore the section off and discarded it before sneaking the map back to his stable where he'd put his plan into action.

He made sure the other stables were empty as he slumped into his own and began writing on the back of the paper.

"You don't know me but I have information on the recent murders that have shaken Equestria. I also know where you can find the ones responsible...."

With his note ready and hidden in his bag he had to move quickly. If his plan was uncovered losing a leg would be the least of his worries. He hastened to the central chambers where the armory rested. A prime position deep enough to be defended but close enough to all other areas for easy accessibility. Pestilence wasn't going to sit idly by for another mission. luckily he heard earlier that his brother Famine was being sent out and he hoped he wasn't too late to join him.

He entered the armory to find his younger brother still gathering his equipment. His brother was a unicorn yet hardly appeared like a pony and more like a shadowy apparition mocking a ponies form. A solid black body with matching mane and tail that flowed with black smoke rising from its ends, Yellow pupiless eyes and a cutie mark depicting three locusts clawing their way up his body was all that stood out against the black figure.

"Hey Famine got a second?" he asked from the doorway watching his brother dash about the room gathering his things smoke covered hooves silent even against the stone floors. "Heard you were heading out on a job, thought I'd tag along," he added taking a few steps into the room.

"Truly?" Famines voice came cold and callous but he spoke in a way it seemed more sophisticated than malicious. He glided across the room and took his weapon of choice a curved dagger from its mount and placed it into his bag. "And to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Just thought you'd like some help. Have somepony to watch your back." Pestilence replied prompting Famine to unnoticeably raise an eyebrow. He knew his brother to well to know he'd never invest his time and energy for another's sake.

"If you wish for my cooperation I believe a little candor would be the ideal first step."

Famines distinctive way of talking sometimes made understanding him a chore, much to Pestilences displeasure but he felt confident that he had just called him a liar.

"Alright you caught me, I just need to get out of the compound. Stretch my legs get some fresh air you know?"

"If I'm not mistaken you've been loose to stretch your legs for three days now."

"What can I say." Pestilence gave the shrug that usually accompanied his replies. "This place is getting old, the more I'm away from it the better." Famine grinned slightly as if agreeing with the notion.

"The ever-present allure of the world is certainly intoxicating."

"Right, so am I coming or not?"

Famines face shifted back to a cold gaze.

"Whatever your reasons I won't mind the company. I only ask you keep your distance from the target, a crowd of spiders makes for an obvious web." Famine answered as he slithered by him into the hall. "Oh, and do be sure that you get permission from the master. I do not wish to be disciplined for your rebellious nature," he added before darting out around a corner out of view.

"Don't worry." Pestilence smirked. "Masters got bigger things to worry about."

Baltimare, Grand Theatre the next night.

Baltimares grand theatre was a towering edifice of luxury. The stage, seats, and curtain all nurtured to a pristine condition. There were no empty seats tonight as one of Equestria's most acclaimed actors, Starstruck took the stage in the leading role. With all eyes focused on the performance, it left many dark corners and avenues for one to sneak through unseen. Being a ghost-like unicorn, Famine took full advantage as he crept his way through the theatres back rooms. A theatre was an easy place to sneak through especially during show time when the majority of occupants were gathered in a single open space.

Combining his stealth expertise and unicorn magic he ascended into the upper rafters of the theatre where the lights and curtains hung. The spotlights gleam painted the entire walkway black concealing his entire body. He inspected the area below and found his target. The thespian Starstruck moving about the stage, his charisma, and enthusiasm on full display. Famine could see a silent applause on the crowds face after every line. He couldn't help but wonder what such a respected unicorn could have done to draw the ire of his master.

Performing the assassination at this point would make retrieving the horn inconvenient. Far too many eyes fixated on him. Famine would have to wait until he had him alone. Until then he decided to enjoy the show. The opportunity to partake in public events was a rarity to him and he wasn't going to pass up seeing such an exceptional spectacle. He shifted into a comfortable position crossing his hooves in front of him to enjoy the show.

After the curtain call, Starstruck attended to his many adoring fans before finally retiring to his dressing room backstage. A well lite rectangular space with white walls one of which was occupied with a makeup counter and mirror. Various costumes and luxurious furniture filling its empty spaces.

"Great show tonight." praised his manager from outside. He had to stand in the hallway speaking through the open door due to the magic barrier. On account of the unsolved unicorn killings, Starstrucks agent had taken many new security measures that would otherwise be considered extreme. Along with hiring a bundle of new security guards he had skilled unicorns place a magic barrier around his dressing room allowing only Starstruck to enter. "Sure you don't want me to book you that gig in Canterlot?"

"Yeah I'm sure." called the star. "I'm wanting to take a break from acting and focus on writing," he stated.

"Speaking of which hows that screenplay coming along?"

The unicorn looked to the unfinished play sitting on a table nearby. A measly side project he had been updating between performances.

"It's coming..." was all he could think to say as he was uncertain with his capabilities as a writer.

"Well if that's how you wanna play it, just let me know if you change your mind I'll get you on the first airship to Canterlot." his agent promised as he departed leaving four large earth ponies guarding the door. Starstruck was left alone in his dressing room once again. He'd be glad when he was rid of the place. He'd spent so much time under the barriers protection it was beginning to feel like a cell. He'd just have to wait for his cart to arrive and for the unicorns to apply a barrier to it as well before finally leaving this space.

He took his eyes from his half-written script and took a seat at the make-up counter. He spun his chair around to take a look in the mirror and what he saw made his heart sink. A black mass behind his chair brandishing a dagger in its mouth. Before he could react the mass was upon him. It came over the chair and placed the dull end of the blade firmly against his neck and pulled him back pinning him against the chair. Starstruck had no inclination as to how this thing had managed to bypass the barrier but it didn't matter at this point. He tried to call out to his guards but the blade held his throat closed allowing no sounds to escape.

"If you'll permit me I'd like to ask a question." said the assailant. The unicorn was dumbstruck. The attacker not only spoke to him but was asking for his permission. He felt a small amount of relief just enough that he could force a raspy whisper.

"W-What...?"

"Why you? Of all the ponies in Equestria why were you chosen to die?" he asked. Starstruck's thoughts were clouded with anxiety but he fought to find an answer this thing would find pleasing. Like a reel of film, he went over all his misdeeds in his life but nothing came up that sounded vile enough to provoke a murder. He turned his focus to his career. He'd meet many deranged fans but this pony didn't seem to fit that bill. Uncertain he had to go with whatever answer sounded the most reasonable.

"It's my popularity, isn't it. I have millions of fans all across Equestria. You're killing me to hurt them." The shadowy unicorn averted his gaze as if possessed by thought. "P-Please.... don't do this..." he pleaded pulling the assassin from his trance.

"You gave a truly breathtaking performance, you should be proud." Famine responded. Pinned in place Starstruck could only see his attackers face in the mirror before him and as he gazed into its piercing yellow eyes he saw something strange. For a second he believed he saw a flash of contrition and doubt its horn lite up emitting a deep yellow glow. He fought to stay awake but the desire to sleep washed over him and his body fell limp.

Famine twisted the blade around and jerked ending his life instantly granting him the boon of a quick and painless death while he slept. He lifted the body from the seat and laid it out on the dressing rooms couch. He made sure to keep his clothing and mane well composed as he shifted the body into a peaceful funeral like position. Leaving the famous star limp and lifeless hanging onto a chair felt profane however he still had to finish the job. He gripped his dagger with a magic yellow aura using a single swing to sever the horn and load it into his bag. With the target retrieved all that was left was to make a hasty retreat. The magic barrier was a worthy attempt, however, Famine was also adept in magic and not being tied to Equestria's laws allowed him to study spells normal unicorns would find unsettling. He moved to a large air vent in the corner of the room just big enough for him to fit through, The vent was sealed by the barrier preventing him from using it but with a tap from the tip of his horn and a ripple appeared just large enough for him to open the vent and slip inside. The door closed behind him and the magic mended itself his presence was erased from the room as if he was never there at all.

While his brother tended to his duties within the theatre Pestilence took to the streets pondering the best way to have his letter reach its proper destination. He had never mailed a letter before so he wasn't even sure of how the process was done. Not only that but if he tried going about it the normal way it was untelling when the message would reach the capital city if at all.

He searched up and down Baltimare's streets until he found someone he was certain could help him out. A royal guard marching along vigilant of any disturbances.While commonly only a sight in Canterlot in these days of public unrest volunteers had been sent out to all parts of the kingdom to keep the citizens safe. Pestilence approached the soldier and greeted him as formally as he could.

"Yo Guard." he called. "need your help with something." The guard turned to face him.

"Is something amiss?" he asked sternly.

"Kinda, got something that needs to reach the Princesses." Pestilence said holding up the letter for the guard to see.

"I'm a soldier, not a mailman. If you have something that needs delivered you need to go through the proper channels." the guard insisted ready to return to his duties.

"Listen." Pestilence peaked over his shoulders as if checking for someone. "This isn't just an ordinary letter. There are some dangerous ponies that would do anything to keep it away from Celestia. I can't just mail it that's why I went to a guard."

"Right well if it is that important I suppose I should have a look at it." the guard insisted outstretching a hoof. Pestilence looked back once again for his fake pursuers before handing over the paper.

"If you want to go ahead but if you see whats on that paper you might not make it back to Canterlot," he warned. The guard was in the process of unfolding the letter when his words brought him to a pause. He wasn't fully convinced of the pegasus's story but didn't want to face the consequences if he was.

"Now why exactly should I believe whats on this letter was really so important? How do I know you are not just some prankster?"

"You don't have to." Pestilence began to back away. "But maybe when you get a call from the Grand Theatre you'll take this a bit more seriously." he turned and began trotting off down the street.

"Grand theatre?" the guard looked puzzled. "What about the grand theatre? Do you know something?" the guard shouted as the pegasus was making his leave.

"Hey, I'm just some prankster." Pestilence mocked before walking away out of his sight.

The guard pressed on with his patrol thinking about the letter he had received. He wasn't sure if he should just toss it in the nearest trash bin or not but he knew he wasn't about to fly off to Canterlot over a single ponies baseless claims. He eventually concluded the best thing to do was turn it over to his superiors and tell them what had happened so they could decide how to handle it however that would wait until after his patrol, he wasn't about to leave his post.

A little later in the night, the guard was surprised when another ironclad pony rushed up to him a distressed look on his face.

"There's been a murder!" he proclaimed shocking the guard.

"What? Where?" inquired the guard urgently.

"The Grand Theatre. They want all nearby units to sweep the area." mention of the Grand Theatre caused his earlier conversation to resurface and he peered down to the letter in his possession with a strikingly different perspective.

As the two guards dashed away. The white pegasus watched from up above on a rooftop. He smiled content with his plan before looking to the brace strapped to his front hoof. Freedom was so close he could taste it. A yellow light flashed behind him insisting his brother had arrived.

"Hey bro." Pestilence greeted turning to Famine on the rooftop behind him. "Looks like things went well. Guess you put the poor mule down?" he asked prompting Famine to narrow his gaze.

"A pony just lost his life. I believe that warrants a little respect."

"Yeah, Whatever. Did you get the horn or not?" Pestilence asked shaking him off. Famine didn't respond with words but he lifted the bag at his side to confirm the kill.

"Sweet. So we heading back now?"

"Why the rush? Abstaining from the joys of freedom is quite unlike you," stated Famine.

"I'm beat." He replied and through his hooves back stretching them out. "I need my hay bed."

"Very Well, I'm sure the master will be pleased to hear of our success." Famine replied before vanishing in another flash of light. Pestilence straightened up and flapped his wings to wake them up. Despite being a pegasus his wings had seen so little use he was worried he'd start finding cobwebs between his feathers. With a strong flap, he lifted his body off the roof and flew off through the night sky.

Hours Later, In the Compound.

War paced back and forth before an empty square space that occupied the compounds top chamber. Their home was hidden inside a large mountain with the compound chambers and corridors stretching through it like roots reaching down into the earth. The most commonly used entrance sat at the mountains top hidden by a large rock. At the edge of a short cave sat an old yet functional elevator. His ears perked up as the gears lining the empty frame began turning signaling his brothers return. The flat platform lowered and as he had expected his black and white brothers stood atop it.

"I'm just saying I'd quit playing errand boy, they go out let them get their own crap," said Pestilence stepping off the elevator.

"There you are!" War snapped. Whenever he was angry his voice rose to the point it became a thunderous and frightening as a war drum. "What do you think you're doing?"

"Uh, heading to bed." Pestilence replied his gaze bouncing back and forth looking at the empty room. "What are you doing?"

"I was about to come and get you! You run off for three days then I drag you back and you don't even stay an hour! Are you trying to make the master angry?" War normally had an oppressive dominating presence which was only elevated when he was angry. Yet Pestilence looked on blankly as if unphased.

"Take it easy. I got his permission." He held up an arm displaying his brace.

"That isn't the point. I wasn't about to wait around for the master to send me if he had to then-"

"Look." Pestilence interrupted. "Way I see it he's gonna get angry no matter what I do. So might as well enjoy it so stop worrying. I'm not." He smirked as he trotted past War. "By the way, if anyone's going out on a job let me know, I'd like to tag along."

War let out a heavy sigh. It was difficult caring more about someponies well being then they do.

"He didn't try to run off again did he?" He turned his attention to Famine.

"Quite the contrary." Famine replied much to his surprise. "Regardless, the mission was a success and success calls for a celebration. Should we make for the cafeteria?"

War perked up feeling like food might help his spirits.

"Sure."

The two followed behind Pestilence on their way since both the stables and cafeteria were along the same path. As the leading pegasus passed the cafeterias open door a voice called out breaking the compounds eerie silence.

"Peeeeest!" it called before a purple unicorn bearing a mane and tail of varying colors zipped into view in front of him. "Hey I'm starting up a new campaign you want in?" a drop of saliva flying to Pestilences face as he spoke. Annoyed the pegasus wiped the spit from his face.

"Yah know Madness. Fun as that sounds I think I'll pass."

"Aww come oooooon. Hey hey, I'll let you play a ranger all you gotta do is stay in the back and shoot stuff." Madness's eyes beamed enthusiasm but Pestilence didn't look like he had received it.

"Now that just sounds like a waste of time."

"Famine." Madness immediately changed targets once he noticed his brothers coming up behind. He zipped by to greet them letting Pestilence go free. Relieved to be rid of his younger brother he retired to his stable to wait and see if his efforts bore fruit.

"Hey, Famine how'd the killing go? Did he cry, squeal, piss himself.... all three?"

"Nothing so demeaning. I assure you." his brother responded as he and War rounded the corner.

"Awww." Madness moaned wanting to hear all the gory details. Being the youngest of the sibling's Madness possessed a childish mindset yet was possessed with an insatiable bloodlust and a passion for misery as shown in his cutie mark a circle with arrows darting in all directions. As his brother passed him he caught sight of the black bag strapped to Famines side over his cutie mark.

"Oh hey!" he jumped to his hooves and stuffed his head into the bag while still trotting along behind. "You bring me anything good?"

"Patience Madness." Famine commanded magically pulling his brother away.

Despite the compound only holding eight ponies including the master who hardly left his lab. The cafeteria appeared as if designed for crowds. It was as high as an auditorium and filled with rows of rectangular tables and had a kitchen in the back complete with a walk-in cooler. Most of the rooms amenities sat gathering dust, mere fossils left behind by the compounds past occupants. Nearly every meal was composed of plane oats or vitamin pills that the master collected through unknown channels. Anything else was supplied by Famine while he was out on a job which made even fruit feel like a delicacy.

Madness took a seat at the table closest to the door where he had books and papers disorderly strung about. Alongside him was another one of the compound's occupants. Death. A pale earth pony whose green mane and tail flowed like eternal winds were pushing against it. His mane embellished with black splotches that appeared like faces mocking different expressions. The two were currently engaged in a game of Ogres and Oubliettes.

One time Famine brought back a guidebook that he gave to Madness who had been infatuated with the game ever since, even if he didn't follow normal rules and mostly used it as a means of finding interesting ways to kill the characters Death drew for him. The earth pony sat across from the unicorn only half invested in the game. He focused more on the lined notebook he had in front of him and the drawing etched on it. Crayon in mouth, he dragged it along the paper putting on the finishing touches.

"Looks good. You're really improving," commented War coming up behind him.

"T-Thanks..." whenever Death spoke he often paused or stuttered as if he needed to be certain of every word.The drawing depicted a pony matching Deaths colors and look the mane even seemed to be in the same constant motion, however, there was a striking difference. Where Death was a regular earth pony this one looked more like an alicorn with massive imposing wings and a majestic horn. "Death the Brave XIX." was written above it in crayon.

"XIX? Last time you guys played it was XIV." Inquired War.

"Yeah Death the Brave XIV fell into the spike pit, then Death the Brave XV was smashed by a boulder and Death the Brave XVI was set on fire..." Madness continued on.

"Sounds like being an Alicorn ain't doing shit for him." said a voice. It belonged to the compounds other earth pony occupant Disaster. A brown pony whose blonde mane was up in a mohawk with a comic style explosion for a cutie mark. He carried his tray of food to the table and slammed it down as if his every movement demanded the rooms full attention.

"Hey, Disaster! Wanna join?" invited Madness.

"Buck no!" he shouted while shoving some oats into his mouth. "I'm going back to training. Don't have time to waste on some dumb game," he grumbled with his mouth full before moving his gaze to War. "Hey." He called pointing a hoof. "I wanna see you down in training hall when we're done."

War took a deep breath as dealing with Disaster was the last thing he needed right now. Over the years the two had built up a rivalry with each over due to how much they conflicted. War was considered by members of the compound as the group leader and Disaster couldn't stand someone thinking they were above him. War was built to be a perfect soldier while Disaster spent days upon days in an attempt to catch him.

"No thanks, not today," replied War.

"C'mon afraid you'll finally get beat?" gloated Disaster.

"No," War replied instantly. "I'm just not in the mood to deal with you today." He trotted off with Famine to get their dinner. They gathered their food and sat down with their brothers. Watching as Madness and Death went about their game.

"Ok, so you're wedged between a hydra and a spike pit. Whatcha gonna do?" Madness laughed leaning half of his body over the table staring directly into Death who was slumped onto it with his eyes down.

"Can't I just go home....?" he murmured quietly.

"Sure! But you better hope the hydra doesn't catch yah." Madness chuckled shuffling through his papers. Upset with his current predicament Death found comfort in his drawings as he used his black crayon to finish colors his characters legs that darkened at the hooves just like his own. Famine couldn't help but notice his black crayon had been reduced to being little thicker than a coin.

"Oh, that reminds me," he spoke up and lifted his bag onto the table and spilled out the contents. "I retrieved those crayons you asked for."

"T-Thank you." Death smiled and nodded while racking the crayon box to him.

"And the ball you asked for." Famine magically gripped a rubber red ball from the table and floated it to Disaster. "Do be careful not to pop this one."

"Hmph, ain't my fault the equipment gives out before I do." Disaster chuckled bouncing the ball against the floor with a hoof.

"Ew, Ew. Did ya bring me anything?" Madness bounced up and down.

"I found these in my targets dressing room," stated Famine giving his brother a hooffull of varying colored candy. "I haven't seen this kind before, given Starstruck social stature I assume they must be rather luxurious. I had an inclination that you'd appreciate there sweet taste and vibrant colors."

"Thanks Famine, you're the best!" Madness smiled and shoved as many as he could into his mouth.

"A pleasure to serve," said Famine placing a hoof to his chest. Madness swirled the candy around in his mouth for a second before noticing something else on the table.

"Hey whats that?" he asked and grabbed the small collection of stapled together papers. He lifted it to his face skimming over the words and flying through the pages. "It's like, a half book or something." Famine magically ripped Starstrucks screenplay back.

"Just a little something for myself," he explained.

"What is it?" asked War.

"It's basically a book but it's only half finished." Famine explained.

"Oh so is it like a make your own ending thing? Can I make them all catch on fire?" Madness asked reaching for the floating book.

"Actually Starstruck was writing it, but seeing as he has passed on it will remain unfinished. In its current state, it was fated to be discarded. It would be a tragedy to let such a renowned ponies ambitions end up as nothing more than trash."

"Guy can have anything in the freaking city and he chooses a book that isn't even finished, idiot." Disaster griped between bites.

War smiled watching Death perk up opening his new coloring tools. Death being in a good mood was a rare sight but drawing always seemed to raise his spirits which in turn raised his own. His eyes jumped between the group and noticed that even with Pestilence in his stable they were missing one.

"Anypony seen Despair?" he asked and Deaths perky exterior melted away forcing him to lay his head back down. Disaster remained quiet not meeting Wars gaze but Madness blurted it out like there was no problem.

"Oh, Master called him down for something."

Wars heart sunk by the answer. It was never a good sign for Despair to be called down into the laboratory. Being the only failure in the compound Despair was never sent on missions meaning if the master needed him. It was surgery or an experiment. Thoughts raced through Wars mind as he imagined what could be going on down in the bottom chamber as they spoke. He wanted to rush down there that instant to put his paranoia at ease but he couldn't bash into the laboratory without a reason, it would only make things worse.

Famine saw the frustration in his brother's eyes and offered him some aid.

"I believe I will take the rest of my dinner in the study. War." he lifted Starstrucks horn from his bag. "Would you mind delivering the horn to the master for me, he'll be glad to hear the mission was a success."

"Right," War replied taking the horn and silently thanking him as the two took their leave splitting off in different directions.

War galloped to the laboratory uncertain as to what to do when he reached it but knew he had to do something. Visions flashed from a time ago when he entered the lab to see a horrifying sight. More blood than he had ever seen. His master stood before an operating table that was covered in organs and severed limbs. The bloodsoaked operator turning; blade in mouth and a grim smile across his stitched up face.

"Oh... hey War, didn't hear you come in."

The simple words had burned themselves into his mind always replaying when he entered the room or shut his eyes to sleep. He took one last deep breath as the wall vanished before him and he stepped in to see his brothers fate.

Relief came over him like a cool breeze as he saw his the dreary blue pegasus lying on a machine still in one piece. The dark blue hair covering most of his face save for his fully black eyes peeking out. One wouldn't imagine the sight was a relief. Despair set stretched out on the table sandwiched between it and a machine above him. A flat piece of metal with a collection of needles stretching down injecting themselves all over his body. While it was a grizzly sight War knew what it was, a routine surgery they each went through every few months.

War released a breath removing his pent-up nerves, standing silently for a second forgetting his reason for being there.

"..Sir, Famine has returned. The mission was a success."

"I trust Pestilence has returned as well?" he asked. Voice monotone. Never removing his gaze from his work.

"Yes," War replied. The master hit a switch on the table. Sending electrical charges from the needles down into the pegasi's body forcing him to tense up and twitch.

"Well gotta say I'm impressed." said their master seemingly slipping into his more friendly persona. "Lucky day for you huh?" he chuckled to the pony still undergoing the operation. He placed a hoof into a pedal at the machines side and pushed it around in a circle pulling up the needle packed machine up to the ceiling with every turn.

"A surprising olive branch, maybe I actually got through to him." smirked the master magically lifting Despair and forcing him to his hooves. Dazed, he stumbled for a moment but before he fell over his brother rushed to his aid keeping him upright.

"Make sure he gets back to his stable alright, I'd hate to have to sweep him off the floor." said the master as he took the horn and added it to the collection. "Oh, and when you are done. Why don't you go sharpen the weapons in the armory, We're on the cusp of a breakthrough so we can't afford any slip-ups." He said returning to his desk while War guided Despair to his stable.

Despair walked leaning on his brother for support. His limp wings dragging on the ground doing nothing but collecting dust and constantly reminding the young pony he was a failed experiment. Failure or not that's all any of them were, Experiments. Soulless constructs build from the bits and pieces of other ponies for whatever purpose their creator required of them. None of them knew their purpose for being made as the master refused to tell. When asked he always gave the same response.

"Don't worry about it. You'll find out in time."

War helped his brother settle into his hay bed to rest giving him the most reassuring smile he could.

"You doing ok?" he asked.

"Surgery went well. I just need some rest and I'll be good to go." he returned his smile looking over his injuries. Despair reached for the medical kit he kept in his stable to bandage up the holes in his flesh. While the conditions of his artificial birth had left him talentless he was self-taught in the ways of medicine enough to make him useful around the compound. Fortunate circumstance as his body was so delicate he often found himself in need of it.

"Good, it always worries me when he calls you down."

"It doesn't worry me." Despair took a single hoof and lifted his wing slightly. "I think maybe he's found a way to fix me."

"I've told you before, you don't need fixing." reminded his brother.

"If you say so." Despair didn't look convinced but was willing to return his smile. "You should get to the armory. You know how impatient the master can be."

"Will you be ok on your own?"

"Of course, you should really stop stressing over us so much. It'll ruin your health." War nodded before setting off leaving his brother to rest. As he passed by Pestilences stable he noticed his brother was missing. Odd as napping was his usual pass time he hardly ever left it. Having other matters to tend to War decided to head off to the armory paying it no mind.

The hours rolled by as War stayed in the armory making sure everyponies equipment was in best possible condition. Famine resided in the small open room that had been turned into a makeshift study area and Pestilence roamed the lower halls by the storage area. It was the closest area to the pump room that he had an excuse to be in.

The master was in his lab slumped over his desk fully invested in his work. A vial sat before him connected to a small machine. It contained what appeared to be blue electricity bouncing around sporadically as if possessing the will to escape. He used his hooves to twist and turn cranks on the machine forcing the particles to speed up and slow down as they bounced around the space.

"Hmm, well that's some progress. If only the injector could replicate these results," he said to himself a habit he had picked up from spending most of his time isolated. The experiments continued until something broke his concentration. A strange looking device sitting on his desk corner. It appeared like a metallic headband but with a set of varying monocules attached. A small light attached to a single monocule had begun flashing and beeping. His eyes widened in alert as he strapped it onto his head and looked through the flashing monocule.

High above on the top of the mountain. A small inconspicuous rock bore a magically carved eyes ball identical to the one on the laboratory wall. Once he looked through the monocule the carving lite up with life and the pupil jumped about taking in the view. He saw what had set it off, standing just before the rock blocking the entrance was a squadron of ponies of varying races but all baring the same uniform. Gold plated armor with a blue trojan like mohawk on their helmets. Canterlot soldiers.

"But how I...." He stopped as other monocules began flashing forcing him to flip through each of them. Soldiers stood at each entrance expert unicorns shattering the magic barriers protecting them and lifting the barricades.

Furious and confused the unicorn leaped into action. Despite his confidence in never being found he'd set protocols in place for the situation. He fired a bolt of green magic into a metallic box on the wall that was connected to thin metal wires running into every room in the compound.

Nearby Pestilence was pacing back and forth waiting. He was beginning to suspect that his plan had failed but then he saw the small ball of green light traveling along the wires at the top of the hallway until it passed through a bell forcing it to violently shake.

Pestilence let out a laugh as he realized his plan had succeeded as he took off for the pump room.

"Took ya long enough."