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Immaterial Puppets ~ 106 Days
Things to Come. (Even though it's not a lot.)
Immaterial Puppets
Prologue
4 Hours.
Twilight Sparkle and Pinkie Pie leaped out of the room and landed on the floor with a small thump. The doors behind them suddenly shut with a faint click of a lock right after. Twilight takes a breath and runs back to the door.
"NO! Rainbow Dash!" the purple unicorn screamed as she hears the explosion behind the doors. It shook the ground beneth them for a moment, and then it stops.
"First Applejack, then Rarity, then Fluttershy, and now Rainbow Dash..." Twlight cried, "We are being separated one by one!"
Pinkie Pie walked over to Twilight and patted her on the back. "Don't worry Twilight!" Pinkie comforted.
"I'm sure our friends are just alright and taking a break somewhere! I mean, we had adventures like this and we always turned out ok!" Pinkie confendently said.
"But, there is only two of us left. How do we stand a chance against her?" Twilight questioned, there is just two of them, how are they going to beat her? Pinkie shook Twilight.
"Oh come on! Everypony depends on us to come back and have a 'We Saved The World' party with all of us! We Pinkie Promised, remember?" Pinkie said without removing her smile from her face.
Twilight smiled. "Your right... They're fine, I hope." Twilight stood up and looked straight a Pinkie Pie. "We are almost there. The sooner we find her, the better." Both of them starred down the black, darkened hall. The hall was large in size, like a football field. On the other side, a massive door lies ahead. It's bigger that all the other doors they have passed.
"Come on Pinkie, I bet she is behind that door."
Pinkie nodded as both ponies began running to the door. "Everypony... please be safe." Twilight thought to herself as she reached toward the door. They both take a breath and slowly opened it.
73 Days
"Where is it?!" Twilight yelled as she threw one book after the other. "Come on! Come on!"
She had it somewhere in her library, why can't she find it?
"No! No! No! NO!!!" she shouted out of frustration. She threw her head down at a wall.
"Calm down Twilight, it's just a book. Why do we need it?" Rainbow Dash said as she floated down next to Twilight. She was losing it fast.
"Rainbow Dash! That book is the key to finding where she is hiding!" Twilight stood up can ran to the next shelf. "We only have about a month left! Yet no matter we get a clue on where she's hiding! Twilight emptied the shelf to only find the book was not there.
Rainbow Dash just stood there watching her friend get even more frusterated as she threw books everywhere. The library was starting to look like a mess.
Suddenly, a voice spoke out.
"Is this what you're looking for?"
-3 Days .
A figure sped pass building to building, not stopping for anything. The night's darkness makes a good blanket to cover the figure as it nearly made him invisible. In this district of Canterlot, not many ponies wander around here. Perfect.
The figure was very odd if you saw him. He was equiped with a cape that covered his entire body and a colorful jester hat that is slighty off an angle. The figure was taller than any average pony and a bit skinny. A sack could be seen bouncing with each step on his back.
This figure had a mission. If everything goes accordingly, then this will work perfectly.
The figure took a left and went straight towards a post office.
A mare stood infront of the building, waiting for the figure.
The figure stopped right infront of the mare.
"Is everything set?" His voice sounded raspy.
"Yeah, Yeah. Just give it here and I'll make sure it's in the package." replied the mare. She glanced at the sack.
The figure gave the sack to the mare. "You'll get your pay when I know things went sucessful. Now if you excuse me, I have a tea party to plan." The figure jumped away from the post office and sped into the darkness.
The mare stood there for a moment and went inside. "That is one odd pony that's for sure. But I don't mind if I'm going to to get paid for this." the mare said as she stopped next to a crate. She opened that sack. Inside was two things, a box with a lock on it and a old leather book.
The mare then opened the crate next to her and gently placed the book inside, making sure nothing looks off. She quickly put the lid back on and nailled it shut.
"There." she said. Her attention was now focused on the box.
"Now what is this box? He never said anything about this bo-" she stop abruptly as the box made a click. It startled the pony as she dropped it to the ground. She noticed a lock on the box faded away. A conclusion appeared inside her head.
"Are my bits in here?" she said as she curiously opened the box.
A scream broke the quietness of the night. The figure was waiting for that single scream.
"Ahhhh... Nothing is better than a scream of terror from a single mare. Or was it a scream of death? No matter. She was a loose end of my thread." The figure said to himself. "Oh I wish I could play with the locals some more, but I better get back before she wakes up. She's always so cranky in the morning."
With a clap of his hoofs, the figure dissapeared in a flash of light.
Within a few days, the countdown begins.
Immaterial Puppets ~ 106 Days
Morning Mail and a History Lession
Morning Mail and a History Lession
It was a very nice day outside. The birds are singing, the trees were swinging, and the sun was shining without a cloud in the sky. Of course it's a nice day outside, why wouldn't it be? Ponies outside are living out their normal lives without a care in the world. Sadly, you aren't here for a description about a nice day in Ponyville so let's continue on.
Twilight Sparkle was sitting on her couch reading a history book alone. Spike was outside doing a task for Rarity today so Twilight gets the library for herself.
Twlilight closed her book and shelfed it away. She just finished rereading that book the fifth time this week. The purple unicorn sighed.
"Hmm... I wonder if my shipment of books from Canterlot has arrived." Twilight said as she headed for the door.
The books she ordered are not just any random book. There are mostly connected to the upcoming Puppet Fesitval tomorrow. Nothing really special, just like any other festival. Twilight is more interested however, how it came to be.
Twilight Sparkle pushed a crate through the door and right next to a table. She removed the lid and gently placed it on the side of the crate. Inside, are a stack of books, spines uncracked and ready to be opened and read. Twilight smelled the fresh books as she slowly leviated them out. They smelled quite nice.
"Good! All in nice shape. Now which one should I read first?"
"No Fluttershy! It's supposed to be red! Not green!" Rainbow Dash yelled at Fluttershy.
"Eeep.."
Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash were inside Fluttershy's cottage. Rainbow Dash was standing up with a hoof on her face while Fluttershy held a brush in her teeth.
In between them is a small, wooden pony puppet painted green with even a darker green on the tail and mane.
Rainbow Dash sighed. "Look! When you painted the mane and tail green instead of blue, I said to paint it red. Red! R-e-d, red! Instead, you painted it a lighter green! It now looks like some kind of green vegie pony!" Rainbow Dash picked up the puppet. It did look like some kind of vegetable.
Fluttershy dropped the brush from her teeth and spoke quiety.
"Um... well, there hasn't been a vegie puppet yet." Fluttershy picked up the puppet. "I mean, um, it's better than that scary tree puppet from last year..."
Last year, both Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy made a puppet out of a regular oak tree. It was Fluttershy's idea and since Rainbow didn't had any ideas, that's what they did. What they did not expect however, that a puppet that can spit out fire was somehow right next to the tree puppet. What happened next was one of the most calming and peaceful looking puppet turned into something that looked like it came from the depths of Tartarus itself.
This year, they both decided to create something a bit smaller and less scarier. This time, they decided to make a regular pony puppet.
Sadly, mistakes seems to be common place during this time of the year.
Fluttershy painted the puppet green, which was originally going to be blue and red.
Rainbow Dash hovered to Fluttershy and landed right next to her. "Okay! Here is what we do! Since the festival is taking place tomorrow, we'll just enter this 'plant' pony."
A look of suprise appeared on Fluttershy's face. "Really?"
"Yeah! We'll just add a few awesome things to it and who knows? We might just win first place!"
"What do you mean? We won't finish before the festival and there is not that much wood left to use." Fluttershy pointed her hoof at the pile of broken sticks and unused planks. "There's not much left."
Rainbow Dash grined evily.
"Hm, so if I'm able to focus on this leg, the other should move as well."
Twilight Sparkle spoke to herself as she lifted her childhood doll, Smarty Pants.
Twilight has been trying to work puppet magic on Smarty Pants for quite awhile now. After she finished reading Basic Puppet Magic for Eggheads , she has been trying to make Smarty Pants move on his own.
Twilight slowly focused on one of Smarty Pants hoofs. The hoof tilted to the side and was ripped off. Stuffing flew out of Smarty Pants like a gushing wound as he fell to the floor. Twilight Sparkle walked to Smarty Pants and filped him over so he was on his back.
"Smarty Pants, it looks like you need a repair job."
On cue, Rainbow Dash charged straight threw the front door and into Twilight. Both of them went straight into the crate of books Twilight ordered. Fluttershy flew inside with the green puppet to see both of them in a mess.
"Whoops, sorry Twilight!" Rainbow Dash flew out of the pile of books and wood spikes. Twilight gave Rainbow Dash a 'you shouldn't have done that' look.
Fluttershy flew over to Twilight and pulled her out of the pile.
"Can you at least knock? This is the third door this month you smashed right through." Twilight said irrtatingly.
"Oh worry about that later. We have a problem Twilight!" said Rainbow Dash as Fluttershy dropped the green puppet in front of Twilight.
Twilight stared at the green puppet.
"What's wrong with it?" Twlight questioned.
"What's wrong? Let me tell you what's wrong, it's plain!" Rainbow Dash exclamed. "It does nothing but look green, and being green is nothing special!"
"Rainbow Dash, puppets don't have to have some special feature. It more of how it's designed and what it's supposed to represent." Twilight sighed.
During the Puppet Festival, a contest is held to see who can make the best puppet in Ponyville. Winners get a free vacation to Canterlot for a week. All services paid for. Also, they will be staying in one of the most talented hotels in Equestia, which is also where some of the Wonderbolts stay during this time of year. For Rainbow Dash, you should now know why she is entering.
"Pfft! Your kidding right? That's something Rarity might say, right?" Rainbow Dash said.
Twilight ignored her. Instead, she levitated the fallen books from the wheck and put them in a stack.
Fluttershy noticed the top of the stack and read it out loud.
"The Life of the Puppet Master ?" Fluttershy picked up the book. "Are you studying him?"
"Why yes Fluttershy." answered Twilight. "Since I was curious about how the Puppet Festival was founded, I found out it was because of The Puppet Master, creator of puppet magic."
Rainbow Dash glanced over Twilight.
"Puppet magic?"
"Yes, magic that controls puppets."
Rainbow was getting into it.
"So this 'Puppet Master' used magic to control puppets for this bidding? Awesome!" exclaimed Rainbow Dash.
Twilight rolled her eyes.
"It's not that simple Rainbow Dash. It takes a very huge amount of focus just to even move a limb slowly." Twilight took the book from Fluttershy and began to search through the pages until she stopped at the right page.
"Ahem."
The Puppet Master was born in a manor on the outskirts of Ponyville. It was uncommon for a manor to be close to a town back then, but the manor was built before Ponyville was established. Before The Puppet Master was 'The Puppet Master, he spent his years in this manor for most of his foalhood until he was enrolled in a advanced class at Canterlot. He later became a student of Princess Celestia herself.
One day while at a carnival, The Puppet Master saw a puppet show. The Puppet Master was interested and came up with an idea. After days of study, he was able to build a puppet of himself. It was a day after that, The Puppet Master became the first ever pony who used puppet magic. Everypony was suprised to see two of the same pony. After a few years, he moved out of Canterlot and returned to his manor. Since then, The Puppet Master has made numerous puppets (Ch.9 for a list). Nopony ever matched The Puppet Master to this day in his skill and mastery today.
Twilight paused and said,"Now, any questions?"
Rainbow Dash was trying to stay awake while Fluttershy was just sitting and saying nothing.
"Yeah, yeah, he was some important guy." Rainbow Dash said, feeling bored. Then Rainbow Dash had a lightbulb moment.
"Hey! Does it say where he lived?"
Twilight looked over the book.
"Why yes. Right here."
The Puppet Manor, which it was called, was the home of The Puppet Master. Inside in not quiet as big, but enough to be considered weathy. Not much is really known about it since The Puppet Master really didn't invite ponies inside. It is known however that a workshop of puppets is build inside. A library, four bedrooms, and a underground basement is confirmed. The manor is located south of Ponyville, on the edge of Everfree Forest, at the rocky hills.
Because of being right next to Everfree Forest, ponies never approched the manor since The Puppet Master passed away. Nopony has enter in forever. Rumors that puppets that reside in the manor still roam around the halls to this day. Some say the manor is haunted. Others say that The Puppet Master turned himself into a puppet and is still living. Of course, such rumors should not be taken seriously. However, some ponies who has entered, only a few never came back.
Twilight closed the book.
"Are you going there?" said Twilight.
Rainbow Dash flew up to Twilight, making her wide eyed.
"Of course! I bet somewhere in the place, we could find out how he makes his puppets! If we do that, then the free trip is mine!"
"But... what about the living p-p-p-puppets?" Fluttershy quivered.
"Oh that's a bunch of cloud puffs." Rainbow said confendently.
"Hey Twilight! Want to come?"
Twilight thought for a moment.
"...I guess it couldn't hurt. I'm curious about this manor. Just let me get prepared."
After a few minutes, Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy, left the library and onwards to the manor.
What will they meet there? Will Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy get a winning puppet? Find out in the next exciting chapter. of Immaterial Puppets ~ 106 Days!
Immaterial Puppets ~ 106 Days
Magister, Cheerful Jester.
Magister, Cheerful Jester.
Outskirts of Ponyville
Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy treaded up the path to the manor. The road hasn't been used in for years and much of the path is mostly faded out. Plants of diffrent sizes and shapes grew out of the road, almost covering it.
Twilight was up front with Rainbow Dash behind her and Fluttershy at the back with a paranoid look on her face. Twilight, who noticed, decided to start a conversation.
"Hey Fluttershy? Why do you have that green puppet with you?" Twilight asked
Fluttershy looked at the puppet on her back, safely tucked between her wings.
"I didn't want to leave him, he's just like a sleeping animal. Besides, I feel attached to him all of a sudden." said Fluttershy.
"He's just a puppet Fluttershy. I don't think he minds staying behind." said Twilight.
They continued on the path discussing about the green puppet...
Puppet Manor, Gate
"...and maybe, he could play with the small animals that are still young, if they don't bit him."
Fluttershy went on about how she is going to use the green puppet as they approched the gate to the manor.
"This must be it." Twilight said.
The gate is rusted and vines covered the walls. The gate is opened slighty ajar. Behind the gate is the manor itself. It's a three-story building with many cracks and vines everywhere. Some windows are broken and the front door is also slighty ajar. The wood is darkened from the years and most of it's color is almost washed away. The manor that might have be a wonder, is now a new kind of wonder, now has aged to an abandon house, full of secrets waiting to be uncovered. Yet, it does have a scary image.
"Uh... Ok! Time to to go!"
Fluttershy flew away like a speeding bullet, away from the manor.
"Hey! Get back here!" Rainbow Dash yelled as she flew in the direction of Fluttershy.
Twilight sighed as she took a look at the worn out manor.
"I guess I expected to look old." said Twilight. "I should go on ahead to see if there is anything in the yard."
Twilight opened the rusted gate slowly and went through.
The yard is barren and grey. A dead tree looms over the path to the front door. Twilight walked over to a old wooden bench under the tree. The bench is still in good shape after who knows how many years it has been here. Twilight sat on the bench and stared at the manor.
"I wonder what we'll find here?" Twilight said to herself.
In her opinion, there might not be much inside. After a hundreds of years, it's most likely looted from collectors or historians. However, there could be something inside since not many ponies never seem to know about it. Yet what if something happens like the roof falling or a wall collasping? Was going inside was a good idea?
"You look worried."
Twilight Sparkle jumped at the sound of the mysterious voice. She turned around to the direction of the voice. There, she saw a small pony that is wearing a brightly colored with a dark green and red cloak. It wore a jester hat that is also green and red with a yellow star on top of it. The pony's face is covered with a mask that has two blue eyes showing. A dark grey mane is draped around the pony's neck.
"Suprised?" He spoke a with a male voice, not rough, but more slenderish. Both the pony and Twilight stare at each other. The pony broke the silence.
"Oh ho ho ho ho! A pony enters the yard! The yard! The yard!" the odd pony laughed as he began to bounce around Twilight.
Twilight just gave the pony a weird look. The pony reminds her of Pinkie Pie a little bit. Why was this pony even here?
"Excuse me." Twilight asked.
The pony stopped bouncing and jumped on the bench, right next to Twilight, making her startled again and falling off the bench. The pony just stared. Twilight got up and cleared her throat.
"Who are you, and why are you here?" the purple unicorn asked.
The pony gave her a funny look.
"You asked me? Oh yes, questions to greet a stranger. I forgot what this age was. But if you must know, I am called Magister, the illusion. I would have added more titles after that, but I remembered I had none but that one to share!"
The pony called 'Magister' laughed loudly again. Twilight took a step back, thinking the jester in front of is insane.
"Now for your second question, I can't tell you or I'll spoil the suprise! He he! It could be ehhh... deadly." Magister begins laughing again.
Twilight was now about a three yards away from Magister. This colt was a major nutcase, and what does he mean a 'suprise'? Before Twilight was about ot ask him, he suddenly his laugh turned into a giggle. Magister hopped up the tree and jumped inside a open window.
Before he closed it, he stuck his head out and waved his hoof and closed the window, making it silent.
Twilight took time to comprehend what crazy event just happened.
"Okay, a jester appeared, laughed like a crazy pony, can jump really high and fast, and is a lunatic," Twilight thought.
Why was that jester is even here of all places? Aren't they supposed to be in courts or throne rooms peforming? Twilight pushed the thoughts away, she had other things to focus on.
Twilight heard the rusted gates open and turned around to see who was opening them. She saw Rainbow Dash dragging Fluttershy on the ground with her teeth.
"Comfh on Fluffershy!" muffled Rainbow Dash as she struggled to pull Fluttershy, who was trying to pulling away furiously.
Twilight Sparkle let out a breath in relief. She thought that nutcase came back.
"No! I'm not going in!" screamed Fluttershy. Rainbow Dash still keeps pulling on Fluttershy's tail and slowly drags her to the front door.
Rainbow Dash then randomly, released Fluttershy's tail. Fluttershy flew directly into the dead tree next to Twilight and smashed threw the tree, making her stuck in place. Rainbow Dash went up to her.
"Come on Fluttershy, I really want to win that free trip. Can you at least do this for me?" Rainbow Dash persuaded.
Fluttershy just looked at her for a few moments and said, "Ok, I'll go i-i-inside. Just this once." Rainbow Dash pulled Fluttershy out of the tree and flew over to the front door. "Great! Come on Twilight! Let's find a puppet!"
Twilight Sparkle sighed once again and followed the two. It's going to be one of those days.
Magister hopped joyfully through the dark halls of the manor with each creak on every hop. With each hop, dust floats around from the hall all around, Magister didn't care though. All he cares about is the pony he found out in the yard. No everyday somepony appears at this manor.
Magister stops right at a door on the right.
"Oh knock knock Master! I have the most wonderful news as of now! Knock knock!" said Magister in a joyful tone as he knocked loudly with his hoof. "Come out! Come out!"
"Come in." a filly's voice said behind the door. Magister did just that and entered inside. There, a pony is sitting on a scarlet colored bed. The light from a window behind her faded out most of her figure, making her unrecognizable.
"Oh Master! We have guests today! Three ponies to be exact! A two pegasi and a unicorn! Isn't this exciting?" cackled Magister, doing a little dance.
"Description?" asked the mysterious pony who still just sat on the bed.
"There is one who has a colorful, rainbow mane and tail which looks like a absolute match with her blue body. There is a yellow pegasis who is just a very scared pony until we greet her. Finally, we have this wonderful lavender unicorn who seems to be the big brain of the group! Asked a lot of questions, that one. Ho ho!" explained Magister.
The pony sat there for a moment, thinking. Finally, she said,"Prepare for our guests then, I'll be out soon. Keep them company." said the pony. She slowly let herself fall back into the bed.
Magister bounced out of the room and closed the door. The door opened after a minute and Magister came back in and powerfully flipped the bed sending the pony out of it.
"Okay! Okay! I'm going!"
"Wow! Compared from the outside, inside is like a whole different place!" exclaimed Twilight Sparkle as she let her eyes wander the main lobby. Inside was like a well kept manor with fixed wood and shiny floors. There is a bunch of stairs leading up to the second floor with three halls. On the first floor, four doors surround the area around the three ponies. A huge chandelier is hanging up on the ceiling with lights all around.
The three ponies walked over to the middle of the room, looking around with awe.
"I thought this place was supposed to be all messed up!." said Rainbow Dash. "Somepony must still live here."
"If that is true, then why keep the inside all nice and clean while keep the outside in very poor condition?" questioned Twilight as she walked to the stairs to the right.
"Um... Maybe they are afraid of how the manor looks?" replied Fluttershy who is looking at a door on the side.
"I doubt it. Anyway, who would live here next to the Everfree forest? Well, except the Puppet Master himself..." Twilight said until Magister entered her thoughts.
"Oh, I almost forgot! There was this crazy pony earlier that came out of nowhere. I'm guessing he might have resided here and fixed the place up." Twilight observed the walls in the room. It's just a light shade of red with a few picture frames of landscapes. Nothing out of the ordanary so far.
"He was strange, he wore very odd clothing and also had a mask covering everything on his face except his eyes. He called himself 'Magister'. We should be careful." continued Twilight.
"Heh! If this freak tries to mess with us, I give him a buck to the face!" Rainbow Dash kicked the air a few times to prove her point. "Anyway, let's hurry and find us a puppet! We're wasting time here!" Rainbow Dash flew up next to the glowing chandelier. "The sooner we find one, the faster we leave!" declared Rainbow.
"Isn't that stealing?" Fluttershy questioned. "If we meet this pony, he might lend one to us?"
"Nah! I bet he is keeping them for himself! He might enter a puppet so he can win the prize!" exclaimed Rainbow Dash.
Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy began a conversation on to trust the crazy pony or not. Twilight went to the nearest door, slowly opened it, and peeked inside. There she saw a masked face.
"Hello again!"
Twilight Sparkle quickly backed away from the door as Magister came through the door. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy stopped their conversation stared at the newcomer.
"Ah ha ha ha! Welcome, welcome! My master also welcomes you too, she will be introducing herself soon. He he!" giggled Magister as he bounced around Twilight happily.
Rainbow Dash landed right next to Twilight. "Is this the guy you were talking about?" she whispered. "Yes, he is. Be careful around him." Twilight whispered back. Magister stopped bouncing and stared at Rainbow.
"Oooh!" Magister reached out a hoof and slighty rubbed Rainbow Dash's mane. "Ahahahaha!" Magister laughed as Rainbow Dash stepped back. "How nice to meet you...and your mane!"
"Um... thank you?" said Rainbow Dash as she just backed away. Magister didn't follow, instead, he leaped in the air and slowly floated on the chandelier next to Fluttershy.
Fluttershy squeaked at the jester and fell from the air. Magister just laughed again, swinging the chandelier side to side. Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy stood together and watched the madpony.
"Yep, he's crazy." Rainbow Dash observed. The other ponies agreed, noding their heads.
"Sure is." said Twilight.
"Oh yes." agreed Fluttershy.
"I don't know why he even acts like that." said a voice.
"All crazy and... wait, who was that?" asked Rainbow as she and the others turned around to find a masked pony with a black cape and a fantastic feather hat. Her mask covers her entire face, leaving no sign of skin, her cape also covers her body. The most revealing thing however, is a warning sign that is straped behind her back. Not everyday a pony has a sign on her back.
She stepped forward and said, "So who dares disturb the house of the Puppet Master?" the pony demanded, halting in front of Twilight Sparkle.
Magister stopped swinging the chandelier and was quietly giggling. Twilight swallowed and said, "Uh, who are you?"
"Who is she? You're speaking to the Puppet Master, that's who!" answered Magister.
Immaterial Puppets ~ 106 Days
Remember to have breakfast before lunch!
Remember to have breakfast before lunch!
The caped pony grabed Magister by the hoof and threw him viciously, to the other side of the room. Magister crashed into a closed door, making splinters scatter everywhere.
"Sorry about that, Magister doesn't know what he's saying most of the time." said the pony who was now rubbing her forehoof from the throw.
Our heroes just stood there, staring at where Magister has made contact with the now-smashed entryway. They all made the conclusion to not anger this pony.
Twilight shook her head and turned toward the caped mare.
"It's okay. We know somepony who acts somewhat like that jester." said Twilight. "I'm Twilight Sparkle. This is Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. We came to explore the manor out here to search for anything left by the Puppet Master who lived here."
"In other words, you are here for his puppets?" repiled the pony. The three nodded their heads. The sounds of wood clanking is heard where Magister was thrown.
"Can I ask what for? I am a busy mare." murmured the pony who was now taping her bottom hoof, leaning on the wall.
Twilight beckoned Rainbow forward. She hesitated at first, but she sighed and said,"I need to borrow one so I can enter the Puppet Festival competition and win this year."
The pony tapped her mask. "Pupper Festival? That's the first time I have heard of such thing. Can we discuss this over a meal? I'm in the mood for lunch." invited the pony.
"Oh no thanks. We just wanted to leave soon as possible." whispered Fluttershy who was partly hiding behind Twilight. They all nodded in agreement. They both took a step to the door.
"Where do you think your going?"
Magister appeared behind the ponies, jumping up from nowhere. "I have things planed for you in this bright and sunny day! Why it's still just morning! We'll have plenty of wonderous thing do to! Come!"
Magister tighly grappled the ponies and dragged them away towards a door. Voices of protest left the door as they all went down the hall.
"Hmm... Puppet Festival eh? It must from the town near here. Ponyville was it?" the pony said to herself as she walked over to the door. "...Oh? What's this?" Right next to the door, was a green puppet.
Somewhere in Ponyviile
If one would look out from a window, they would see a bunch of decorations for the Puppet Festival. Nothing out of the ordanary really. The main plot is happening at the manor. Why are we even here?
It was then Pinkie Pie who came into our view and began to decorate the place. Rarity followed behind her, keeping her distance.
Everything was covered with streamers and strings everywhere. Ponies hurried away from Pinkie's path of decoration from being decorated themselves.
"Pinkie Pie, can you please slow down? We still have a full day." said Rarity. She was then covered with decoration of all sizes and shapes. Pinkie Pie stood in front of her.
"Don't be like that Rarity! Everypony loves decorations! So that's why we need to finish down here, so we can go to over there for decorations!" replied Pinkie Pie. She then continued her decorating frenzy, jumping everywhere she can reach.
Rarity slowly removed everything off her complete body and continued following. She sighed and showing her sign of stress. Pinkie has been always been like this when the Puppet Festival is near. Well, so has every other event, but this is more than usual. She seems more excited. Jumpy. More hyper.
Rarity just ignore it and focused her attention behind her.
"Spike! Hurry up darling, we are going to lose Pinkie in this pace!" yelled Rarity.
Spike was pulling huge crates behind his back with a rope. He was sweating buckets of body fluids and was on the verge of collasping. The only thing that kept him going was Rarity herself.
"C-can I take, a break?" croaked Spike as he fell on the dirt road, breathing intensely.
"Why yes you can!" said Rarity. Spike breathed a sigh of relief.
"After you pull the next set of crates after the ones you are pulling.." continued Rarity. Spike just stood there with a blank look on his face, and then fainted on the spot.
"Spike? I know we have a lot of time, but please get up. It's not time to relax yet." Spike didn't respond, he was in his own happy world.
Suddenly, Pinkie Pie fell on top of Spike.
"I'm done!" shouted Pinkie.
Back at the Manor
"Can I ask a question?"
"Why yes! Go ahead."
"Well, can I ask why are we are tied to a bunch of chairs?"
Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy are trying to shake off the ropes that are currently wraped tightly around them on study, wooden chairs. In front of them is a long, empty table. Magister is just busy walking around the room, adjusting the chairs in the room in different angles.
"You all had the appearance of escaping from my company so I had to take extra measures. If it makes you feel better, I didn't use iron cables." replied Magister who finally sat down on a chair. "I'm out of cables anyway. Also struggling will be uneffective so save your energy."
Magister hold up his hoof to his eyes. "Now have this question, what do you think of this place? Be true to your words." said Magister. Twilight turned her head to her friends, who gave her worried looks.
"Um... old?"
"Dusty?"
"In need of repair?"
Magister chuckled. "Indeed it fits with those words, but if that is reality, then why come? Because of hidden objects of value? Or maybe you lost something here from a distant past?" Magister leaned forward.
"Or better yet, you seek something more?" Magister tapped his hoof repeately on the table, making a steady beat.
"Can I ask why you and your partner are in this manor?" asked Twilight.
"Oh I can't answer that! It's too early in our plans to announce that openly." bluntly answered Magister."However, I'll let this piece of infomation enter your heads, the Puppet Master's life is a lie."
"Wha-what?" stuttered Rainbow Dash. "His life is a lie? What does that suppose to mean? He doesn't exist?"
"He does exist, I can inform you that. Why don't you ask his former teacher? She will know what I mean." suggested Magister. He leaned back on his chair.
"Do you mean Princess Celestia?" asked Twilight. She began to feel more uneasy. Does the princess know something?
"I wish I can tell you, it's so so early. Just wait, you'll love it."
Before Twilight could ask even further, the door to the room opened. The masked pony from before entered the room with closing the door behind her. She sat on the chair nearest to her and relaxed.
"Magister, what did I tell you about tying our guests to chairs?" demanded the pony. "I remember! 'If we have anypony enter this manor, rope them up with iron cables.' Am I right?" stated Magister.
"Correct. Yet, you didn't and tied them with regular rope." The pony sighed.
"Wait, what is wrong with ordanary rope?" asked Fluttershy nervously.
"Iron is better. Plus, we can strangle ponies without a struggle." they both answered back.
Now guess who is extremely worried.
"Also Iron Cables is good for the following; tieing heavy objects, linking rocks, lining up apples, and more! Buy them in your nearest Magister's Goods List today just for 10 bits!" advertised Magister who is showing a poster of his iron cables.
The pony ignored Magister and walked over to Fluttershy.
"I believe you dropped this." The pony reached into her cape and brought out the green puppet pony.
"Oh, um, thank you." whispered Fluttershy. She relaxed a little bit. The pony placed the puppet on the table gently and then began to clear her throat.
"I forgot to introduce myself eariler. I'm Maske, Puppet Magic Expert." she greeted. "Most likely my name should strike fear into your hearts all over Equestia."
"Well I never heard of you!" said Rainbow Dash.
"Well, of course not. I just gave this name myself." boasted Maske. "I have just came back to Equestia from up north after about four years, maybe more. Not many ponies should remember me."
Maske looked up at a clock near the fireplace. "Why, look at the time. I haven't eatten breakfast yet. I guess I'll have lunch and breakfast together," Maske clapped her hoofs together to make an echoing sound around the room. Moments past when a door opened. What came out, was a puppet holding a platter.
Back at Ponyville
"Knock knock. knock knock. knock knock, knock knock, knock knock. knock knock," repeated Pinkie as she knocked on the door to Twilight's house. Rarity was behind her and so was Spike.
"Uh, you know I do have the key right?" pointed out Spike with a keyring on his finger hanging. Pinkie Pie stopped knocking. "Oh whoops!" Pinkie backed away from the door.
Spike rolled his eyes and unlocked the door. Inside was a crate with books scattered around it.
"Huh. It looks like there was a new shipment today." Spike noticed. He began to pick up books and made a small pile. "I don't think Twilight is here right now, she would be already have her head in these books if she was."
Pinkie glanced at one of the covers and her eyes lit up. "Ooh! Puppets! I like puppets!" Rarity glanced at Pinkie's direction and floated the book on eye level for a better look.
"Pecullar Puppets? , I never knew Twilight would be interested with those boring wood puppets," Rarity eyed a pony puppet on the table laying down. "I mean, if they had the right accessories they would look a bit lively. Is this for the upcoming Puppet Festival?"
Spike looked up. "Why, yes! Since this is Twilight's first Puppet Festival, she got curious and ordered books to learn more about them, the puppets I mean," explained Spike. He slowly picked up a stack and moved it the pile.
Pinkie giggled and said, "Silly Twilight, puppets are to have all sorts of fun! There was this one time where one of my sisters made this small pony and made it do tricks like this!" Pinkie then did all sorts of backfilps and dance moves all around the library.
Rarity chuckled at the sight when she noticed a piece of paper right next to the puppet. Rarity used her magic to get a closer look and found out it was a note. It read:
Out to Puppet Manor with Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. Spike, organize the books in proper condition when I get back.
-Twilight Sparkle
"Puppet Manor? Isn't that the old, dusty, house just outside of Ponyville?" Pinkie Pie asked behind Rarity. She stopped bouncing all over the place. "I believe so, I heard a bunch of dreadful rumors about that place. They say an entire family who used to lived there all burned to ashes and their ghosts haunt the place to this very day, yet that doesn't make any sense why the manor is still standing," Rarity informed.
"I just wonder why Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy went along too, Fluttershy will fly away from everything dark and spooky and Rainbow Dash is too busy... Oh," Rarity remembered this year's prize was knew very well what Rainbow Dash was up to.
"Rainbow Dash still doesn't have a puppet ready? I have mine done already!" exclamined Pinkie as a sock puppet of a white and gold version of Pinkie Pie appeared on her left hoof.
While Rarity commented on how that utterly ridiculous it looks, Spike notice something odd about the last book in the crate. It was more worn out than the other books, the leather was a faded maroon and nearly torn on both sides.
Spike picked it up gently and carefully opened it.
"Huh? I-It's blank!" Spike piped up. Both ponies changed their view at Spike. "What do you mean? Twilight doesn't buy empty books." Rarity said.
"No really! It's really blank!" Spike said as he flipped each page. It was completely white.
Puppet Manor, Same Place, Different Time
If you were the great Twilight Sparkle right now, you would be bouncing around a bunch of magically animated puppets. Everypony were let free of their ropes after Maske found out ponies can't really drink eat when tied against a chair (unless you are a unicorn that is).
Twilight who has already eaten earlier, ignored the food and quickly oberserved the puppets up close. The puppets were in the shape of ponies of different sizes, all of them looked male.
Magister somehow got a hold of a viola and began playing with magic moving the bow back and forth in different strokes. Maske was facing away from everypony as she ate her breakfast of eggs.
"This is amazing! It's like they're living ponies!" Twilight said excitedly.
"Many years of training has led me to controling one small puppet to many puppets," said Maske. "These are only my servants, just wait until you see my whole collection."
Rainbow Dash zoomed in to Maske with an eager look. "Really? Can I look?" said Rainbow.
Maske just patted on her mane. "Sorry, it's off limits." Rainbow's eager face instantly vanished. Maske clapped her hoofs and the puppets exited the room.
"Now please stay here while I get something," Maske said as she walked over to the nearest door. "Come Magister!"
Magister stopped playing and threw his viola into the fire as he went with Maske.
Twilight, Rainbow, and Fluttershy were the only ones in the room.
"Hey, let's find the collection she was talking about!" declared Rainbow Dash. Twilight gave her a glaring look.
"You know that we can't do that! She's been nice to us, even though she is a bit strange." Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "From the sound of it, she might have a bunch of puppets and wouldn't even notice if one was missing for a day."
"Didn't she told us to stay here though?" asked Fluttershy. Twilight nodded. "Why should we betray her trust just for some compitition?"
"Hello? She lives in a old, spooky, house with puppets walking all around! She must be planning on doing something with us!" said Rainbow. She opened a door and beckend them to follow. Twilight sighed and followed with Fluttershy on tow. The last sound left was the door slaming shut.