Cinematic Adventures: The Conjuring

by extremeenigma02

Rating: mature
Tags: Sunset Shimmer, Horror, Violence, Princess Celestia, Crossover, Death, Twilight Sparkle, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark
Length: 45048

The Mane Six are off on another adventure, but this time it is one that they may not come back from. This time they find themselves on an adventure into the world of the paranormal as they attempt to help a poor family battle a centuries old witch

The Mane Six have found themselves in many different battle in their lives. They have faced many terrifying creatures, dangerous foes, and all forces of darkness. This time, however, they will find themselves facing the most dangerous situation they could ever think of. They find themselves helping a poor family that is trapped in a battle for their lives living in a house that is cursed by a witch. Will they be able to survive this nightmare, or will they fall victim to this malevolent demon. (Rated M for horror and violence)

Published 2020-08-21 13:50:01 UTC
Last updated 2020-11-19 13:24:55 UTC

Visions of Evil

Another miraculous, sun-filled day blessed the peaceful kingdom of Equestria. The solar frame of the sun shined along the capital city of Canterlot. In the throne room of the mighty castle, Princess Twilight Sparkle sat upon the celestial throne with her mentor, Princess Celestia, at her side. After many adventures as of late, followed by word of the emergence of Equestria’s new threat, the diarchy of the sun decided it was time to train her pupil the ways of ruling over a nation.

After all, Twilight alone would rule over all Equestria by herself when Celestia and Luna fully step away from the throne. The two had already retired from a majority of their royal duties. But for the time being, they decided it was best to remain until Twilight Sparkle was fully capable to rule on her own.

Today’s lesson was to see if Twilight could run day court. Sure, Celestia was there should she need help. But mostly, she was going solo. Currently, a Pegasus mare, Snow Breeze by name, had tears streaming down her face as she stood at the foot of the stairway to the throne addressing the Princess of Friendship herself.

“So, Miss Snow Breeze, what brings you here today?” Twilight asked sweetly.

Snow Breeze steps forward, bowing lightly before responding.

“You see Princess,” The poor mare began, sobbing. “I come before you today in hopes that, with your permission, you’d be able to say a few kind words at my father’s funeral.”

Twilight could feel the pain and sadness radiating off the poor mare. Truth be told, it made Twilight feel a slight upset too. However, she knew as ruler she had to keep calm and collected for her subjects in order to maintain peace.

“I am truly sorry to hear of your father’s passing,” Twilight said apologetically.

“Thank you, your grace,” Snow Breeze sniffed. “He was a very simple pony who didn’t have many friends or even close acquaintances. But he always kept a smile on his face, always believed in your legitimacy as a Princess. It was always his hope you would speak at his funeral when he passed.”

Twilight pulled her glance away from the crying mare, turning over to her mentor as if silently asking ‘What should I do?’. Celestia just gave a smile and nod, to which Twilight nodded back. She turns back to Snow Breeze, offering a warm smile.

“I would be very happy and honored to speak at his funeral. You need only provide me the information about when it is, and I promise to be there.”

More tears streamed from Snow Breeze’s eyes, but this time they were of joy rather than sadness. Once again, she bows to the Princess of Friendship.

“Thank you ever so much, Princess Twilight. I truly feel you will make an excellent ruler.”

A Pegasus guard escorts the young stallion from the throne room as two more closed the large doors as they depart. When the doors finally close, Twilight released a huge sigh before slumping back in the throne. Today’s day court had been a long one so far and Twilight was drained, physically and emotionally. She turns toward one of the royal guards to her left with half-closed eyes.

“How many more patrons are left?” She asked tiredly.

The guard produced a clipboard, flipping a few pages before looking back at the young lavender Princess.

“After that one we are left with one hundred and sixteen to go,” He informed.

Twilight sighed again, slumping even further into the chair. Celestia released a giggle off to the side.

“How did you do this for the last thousand years?” Twilight groaned.

“It takes a great deal of practice and patience to handle as many patrons as we must on a daily basis,” Celestia explained. “As a Princess, it is your duty to assist all the ponies of Equestria in whatever way you can. Whether it be passing judgment on others for the greater good or simply allowing them a few moments of your time, there is no small measure of help you can offer.”

Twilight slowly turned toward her teacher with a half-smile and a rather tired expression.

“Sorry, I just never expected day court to be so exhausting.”

Once again, Celestia merely giggled.

“It can be quite tiring at times. Just wait for the days when I will no longer be here to offer my assistance.”

Though she would never actually admit it or even try to show it, Twilight Sparkle dreaded that day when her mentor would not be around to help her anymore. Ever since she was a filly, she looked to Celestia for guidance and wisdom. Through all that time, Celestia was always there to give it to her. Now with her and Luna retiring, soon enough Twilight will be left to deal with everything alone and she only hoped she’d be able to deliver.

“But if it makes you feel any better, I say you handled today’s court very well,” Celestia praised.

“I’m sure there were a few mistakes I made along the way,” Twilight chuckled.

“That’s why we began this training in the first place. I wish to see what you still need improvement on and what you are already capable of.”

Just then, the door to the throne room opened and another royal guard trots up to the throne, bowing before their presence.

“Princesses Twilight and Celestia,” He spoke. “You have a visitor.”

This caught both the princesses by surprise because apart from the regular patrons of the day, they didn’t expect a ‘visitor’ in a sense. Naturally, they both faced each other with confusion before responding.

“You may escort them in,” Celestia said.

The guard bowed and trotted out of the room. After a moment, he enters again but with a very familiar face. Walking beside him was a yellowish-orange unicorn mare with teal blue eyes and a fiery mane. It was a face Twilight and Celestia both knew well, as they both smile at the sight.

“Sunset! It’s so nice to see you again!” Twilight smiled.

Sunset Shimmer walks toward the throne as Twilight and Celestia climb down the stairs to meet her at the bottom where they all nuzzle each other.

“Nice to see you again too, Twilight,” Sunset smiled, turning to Celestia. “Hello, Princess Celestia.”

“Hello Sunset,” Celestia smiled. “I’m so glad you could come.”

“How are things going in Canterlot High?” Twilight asked curiously.

“Eh, their going alright I suppose,” Sunset shrugged. “The Pinkie Pie from that world decided one day that the best way to get the school ramped up for the big pep rally was to hop on her bike and literally “ramp up” a giant ramp over the school and into a vat of chocolate frosting.”

This caused the three mares to burst out laughing at the very image. True, crazy things happen in Equestria on a daily basis. But sometimes, the human version of their world provides some very peculiar and hilarious mishaps.

Which is why ‘Pony Life’ will probably never measure up with their TTG style comedy.

Eh… Let’s not talk about that program here.

*Clears throat* Anyways, soon the ponies were finally able to stop laughing.

“And what of your studies, my student?” Celestia asked.

“A lot of them are going great so far,” Sunset answered. “I’ve taken this new class, Paranormal Research 101, which I admit is pretty cool so far. Although I really have to question what that has to do with preparing for the future. Anyway, what’s happening here?”

“Well, today I’m training Twilight the means to govern all of Equestria on her own,” Celestia responded. “At least until Luna and I fully retire shortly.”

Sunset looked over toward Twilight, with a smirk and a raised eyebrow.

“Twilight Sparkle, training to be future ruler of Equestria are you? Hmm… May I add a suggestion your highness?”

Twilight chuckled a bit at her friend’s teasing tone.

“And what would that be?” Twilight asked.

“How about outlawing any and all forms of video game competitions? Everyone in Canterlot High knows I’m the best at gaming. Why should I put my title on the line all the time?”

Once again, the entire group burst out laughing. Soon enough, the laughing ceased once more as Celestia placed a wing over her former apprentice.

“It’s always nice to have you visit Sunset, and I really must say that I…”

Then, for some strange reasons, Celestia found her words cut off as some weird sensation ravaged her body. All at once, the Princess started feeling searing pain rocket through her entire being and she would have screamed if not for the fact she felt completely frozen.

“Princess, are you okay?” Twilight asked concerned.

“Princess Celestia?” Sunset asked.

But no response came from the sun princess. All that happened was that she toppled over to the side and started convulsing violently. Twilight and Sunset both screamed, rushing to her side as her magenta eyes started rolling to the back of her head.

“Guards! Get a doctor quickly!” Twilight shouted.

The royal guards ran rampant from the hall to fetch a doctor, as Twilight and Sunset stayed beside their mentor. Celestia’s seizure increased, as her vision quickly began to leave. The last thing she saw before losing consciousness were the concerned faces of her two students, looking at her with fear and concern. And then… Everything went black…

<>

Slowly and groggily, Celestia regained consciousness. Her eyes opened slowly, as her vision came back to her. The first thing her cognitive brain was able to ascertain was complete, utter darkness. Absolutely nothing to be seen as far as the eye could see. Celestia looked around, to see if there was something for her to find with no success. She slowly climbed back to her hooves, taking a few cautious steps about her surroundings.

Suddenly, a bright light shined through the entire area and Celestia had to shield her eyes with one wing. Dropping the wing, she was finally able to get a good look at where she was. She appeared to be in a basement of some house, with clutter everywhere. An old piano sits off in the corner, near some old bookshelves, and many household furniture covered in old sheets.

“How did I get in this bizarre place?” Celestia asked herself.

The sound of creaking is heard and Celestia slowly turns her head toward the source. At the top of a flight of stairs, a door seemed to open on its own. As eerie as it was, Celestia slowly ascended the wooden steps and peeked her head out through the door. Assured that no one else was around, she steps out of the basement and takes a look at the house she was in. The house is clearly old if the peeling paint and rotting wood didn’t give it away.

“Whoever owns this house could stand to repaint and reupholster it.”

Celestia took a step forward and ending up slipping on something slick. She gave a cry, as she fell to the wooden floor with a ‘thud’. Groaning, she slowly got back up and looked down to see what she slipped on. When her eyes landed on what it was, she was so horrified her eyes bugged out of her head and her hoof flew to her mouth to keep from screaming. What she slipped on was a large pool of blood flowing from the lifeless bodies of a poor woman and a little child. Celestia looked in horror at the dead bodies, noticing the little boy’s body appeared to have been suffocated while the woman had her wrists slit thus explaining the blood.

What happened next was perhaps the most frightening thing the sun Princess had ever seen in the thousands of years of her life. The woman’s dead body slowly ascends to an upright position. Celestia slowly backed away in fear, as the woman’s head slowly turned to look her right in the eye.

“Look what she made me do…”

Having seen enough, Celestia ran from the room as fast as her legs could carry her. Thankfully, at the end of a long hall, there appeared to be an open door leading outside. She bursts out the front door and skids to a halt. Looking around outside, she noticed all the dead trees littering the grounds of the house. There was also a lake that sat alongside a large oak tree. However, the landscape around the house was not what caught Celestia’s attention. What she saw was much more horrifying and morbid.

The grounds were also littered with the dead bodies of many other men, women, and children. Many of them appeared to have recently died, while others were decaying. Tears freely flowed down Celestia’s angelic face at the tragically horrible sight. When she lifted her head, so as not to see the many bodies on the ground, she was even more horrified to see another body hanging from a large branch of the dead oak tree. The body was that of a woman in a dirty white nightdress and ragged looking hair. All Celestia could do was look toward the hanging body, as her tears fell.

Suddenly, the body slowly began to spin on the rope until it faced her dead on. Celestia screamed at the horrid, demonic looking face staring back at her. Then the rope holding the body snapped and it fell to the ground. Only the body didn’t fall lifeless as she expected it to, but rather it stood high on its feet. It let out an ear-piercing demonic roar as it ran towards her. All Celestia could do was scream as the demon lunged at her.

<>

Princess Celestia bolted straight up in bed, screaming at the top of her lungs. This caused all the other ponies in the room to jump from their seats in shock. Celestia breathed heavily, looking around and realized she was lying in her bed in her personal chambers at Canterot Castle. Surrounding her were the Mane Six, with Spike, along with Sunset Shimmer, her sister Luna, Shining Armor, Cadence, Flurry Heart, a few royal guards, and a doctor. The doctor and Luna rushed to her side, attempting to get her to lay back down.

“Princess, you really shouldn’t be sitting up so soon,” He said seriously.

“Listen to him sister,” Luna said concerned. “I’ve never heard of you collapsing and experiencing a seizure before.”

Celestia laid back on her pillow, allowing the doctor to place an ice pack on her forehead. He begins running a few more tests, just to ensure she’s truly alright. All the while, Celestia kept crying.

“It was so horrible,” She sobbed. “Absolutely horrible.”

“You’ve had quite a traumatic experience Auntie,” Cadence assured. “It’s completely natural to feel that way.”

“No Cadence, this wasn’t a traumatic experience. It was far worse than anything I’ve ever seen.”

This drew every pony’s attention, as they leaned toward Celestia’s bedside to see what she meant.

“What do you mean Princess?” Twilight asked.

Celestia turned to her student, looking her straight in the eye. Twilight could see genuine horror and fear in her mentor’s gaze.

“When I passed out, something strange happened to me and I woke up in this horrible place,” Celestia explained. “At first, I was just in the basement of an old house. But when I made my way upstairs, there was a woman and a child laying in a pool of blood. I ran out the house, only to find dead bodies littered on the grounds. There was a woman hanging from a tree and when I looked at her, all I could sense was hatred and evil.”

As Celestia explained what she had seen, every pony look horrified. Cadence had to cover Flurry’s little ears, so she wouldn’t have to hear such horrible things.

“That sounds absolutely awful,” Shining gasped.

“Having governed the dream realm for thousands of years, I’ve seen many horrible nightmares,” Luna pointed out. “But even I dear sister have never experienced anything as terrible as the events you described.”

Celestia nodded, slowly sitting up from bed.

“The only thing is that it didn’t feel like a dream, Lulu,” Celestia confessed. “It felt completely real.”

“Goodness!” Rarity gasped.

“What do y’all mean by that?” Applejack asked curiously.

“Sister, are you saying that you believe all these events actually occurred?” Luna asked. “You don’t mean…”

“Indeed I do Luna,” Celestia nodded. “I believe I’ve just had a vision and if what has taken place is true, this must be investigated at once.”

“How could we possible investigate something you’ve only seen in your head?” Twilight asked.

“What I saw seems to have originated in another universe,” Celestia suggested. “I believe our best bet is to use the television to travel to this dimension and stop whatever’s happening there.”

Every pony turned to each other, concerned with the idea. If this strange force were strong enough to cause the all-powerful goddess of the sun to endure a horrible seizure, this could be the most dangerous foe they’ve encountered on their journeys. But they also knew if they didn’t do something, who knows what will happen? Twilight was the first to step up to the Princess’ side.

“You can count on us, Princess,” Twilight said determined.

The other five mares, especially the baby dragon, turned to her as if she is the craziest mare in Equestria. The only pony who didn’t was Sunset Shimmer, who steps up to her side.

“If you’re going to do something about it, I’m coming along with you.”

“Are you sure about this Sunset?” Twilight asked. “I should warn you these journeys can get very dangerous. If what Princess Celestia says is true, this could be the worst one yet.”

“Well, I believe this is a good opportunity to put those supernatural studies I’ve been doing to good use. Besides, Celestia is my teacher too. If this truly makes her upset, I want to do whatever I can to fix this.”

Twilight smiled at her fiery friend’s determination and willingness to help. True, when they first met, they didn’t get along and formed a huge rivalry in Canterlot High. But once the dust settled and they actually formed a friendship, these two stuck together through thick and thin.

“How can I say no to a pony willing to help?” Twilight smiled.

“You can’t…” Sunset smirked.

<>

The very next day, Twilight and Sunset were in the library of her palace working on the television. While Twilight collaborated with the machine, Sunset worked on the location settings to which they’d be traveling to.

“You guys seriously got sucked into this thing?” Sunset asked. “And you’ve been on five different adventures to other worlds so far?”

“You bet!” Twilight responded.

“Wow! The most exciting thing I’ve done these past few months is helping human Fluttershy catch an escaped ferret at the animal shelter.”

Twilight laughed a bit, just before the rest of her friends walked in. She noticed many of them sharing concerned, if not frightened, looks. She stopped working for a moment and approached her friends.

“You guys ready for this?” Twilight asked.

The others turned to each other nervously before responding.

“Look Twilight, the girls and I have been talking,” Spike spoke honestly. “We don’t think this is such a good idea.”

“Why not?” Twilight frowned. “We’ve already had five adventures. This shouldn’t be any different.”

“True, but none of those adventures ever caused the princess to have a seizure,” Rainbow points out.

“Yeah, that was super-duper scary when we first got your message to come to Canterlot,” Pinkie said dramatically. “I was in such a hurry I almost dropped my fresh batch of cupcakes.”

Fluttershy didn’t say very much, merely hid behind Rarity who did her best to comfort her frightened friend.

“If it helps ease your minds, you won’t be going alone.”

The group turns to the door, where the voice came from. Before their eyes they saw none other than Princess Celestia entering the library looking much better than she did the other day.

“Princess Celestia!” Rarity gasped, in shock. “What are you doing here?”

“Shouldn’t you be recovering?” Twilight asked seriously.

“I am here because I’ve decided to accompany you on this journey,” Celestia smiled.

“No Princess, I really don’t think that’s a good idea,” Twilight shook her head.

“Just yesterday, y’all almost died from this thing,” Applejack agreed. “We don’t want y’all comin’ along if it affects yah that much.”

“I appreciate your thoughtful concern for me every pony,” Celestia nodded. “But I am more than capable of accompanying you on this trip.”

But Twilight Sparkle just shook her head again.

“I’m sorry, Princess. I still don’t think it’s a good idea; I don’t think even Princess Luna would want you to go.”

Princess Celestia, on the other hoof, merely scoffed.

“The amount of things I’ve done, even against Luna’s wishes, would surprise you all,” Celestia chuckled.

Celestia then approaches her student, placing a hoof upon her shoulder.

“Twilight, I saw the horrors in these visions and I most certainly will not allow you to go without me. If you’re to battle the powers of evil, you will need all the light you can get.”

Twilight thought of what her mentor was saying. She couldn’t deny her mentor was absolutely right. Here they were about to enter another world, against some unknown force of evil they couldn’t even understand. If there was any hope of survival, they need all the help they can get. Twilight looks up toward her teacher with a half-hearted smile.

“Alright princess,” Twilight nodded. “You can come with us, so long as you promise you’ll be careful.”

Celestia gave Twilight a nod and a smirk before leaning down to give her an affectionate nuzzle. The rest of the ponies, Spike included, stood beside the two princesses as the machine sparked to life and a familiar portal whirled up. The princesses, Spike, and Sunset all faced each other before they slowly stepped forth into the portal.

Little did they know, there were horrors waiting for them. Horrors far worse than anything they’ve ever imagined…

https://m.

The Investigation Begins

While the ponies busily caught up, after a lengthy period apart, the Warrens and the Perrons discuss their next course of action. Whatever was causing this family such a huge amount of trouble is certainly something needed to be dealt with soon. It’s unclear, at this moment, exactly what the source of the disturbances Carolyn spoke about was, but from the way she described it, this disturbance is clearly very powerful.

Carolyn calls the Perron sisters into the kitchen, so they can meet the esteemed paranormal researchers themselves. Lorraine immediately takes a liking to each of them.

“Oh, my God!” Lorraine said adoringly. “Look at all of you. Who are these beautiful young women?”

“That’s Andrea, the oldest,” Carolyn introduced. Nancy, Cindy, Christine, and April.”

Ed and Lorraine shake all the girls’ hands, and they in turn give warm smiles of welcome.

“This is Mr. and Mrs. Warren,” Carolyn introduced the girls.

The Perrons lead the Warrens into the living room where Celestia, Twilight, and all the other ponies, including Spike, were in the midst of their reunion. Upon seeing the arrival of the family, who took them in, as well as the couple, whom had been so kind to them, every pony backs up and stands before them. Lorraine smiles brightly, kneeling a bit to be at their height.

“I’ve already met a few of your friends,” Lorraine began. “Now who else do we have here?”

“Well, this is my faithful student, Twilight Sparkle,” Celestia motioned to the injured alicorn. “And the others you haven’t met are Applejack, Sunset Shimmer, Spike, and of course…”

Celestia’s word is cut off when she noticed one of her little ponies no longer with them.

“Has any pony seen Pinkie Pie?” She asked curiously.

Every pony shrugged, all confused as well.

“HERE I AM!”

Everyone jumps in fright, as the fluffy pink party pony literally burst out of nowhere from in-between the Warrens and scared the daylights out of them. Pinkie looks toward both Warrens, her eyes bug out of her skull and a huge smile spreads across her face.

“Hi there, I’m Pinkie Pie!” She said excitedly. “It’s so nice to meet new friends, like the good kind of friends who smile and play and have fun—”

Both Warrens smile awkwardly toward the party pony, offering slight waves of welcome. Pinkie grabs Ed’s head, observing him up and down. Ed turns toward the others for an explanation. They all just shrug before Pinkie finally pulls away with a huge gasp.

“Raoul?!” She gasped loudly. “Is that you?!”

Ed looks back and forth, even behind himself, to see if she’s talking to someone else.

“Are you talking to me?” He asked confused.

Pinkie nods excitedly, her head bouncing like a bobble-head doll.

“How have you been?! How’s Christine?! Do you guys have any kids yet?!”

Finally, Twilight pries Pinkie Pie off of Ed Warren with her magic and set the overly excited party pony down beside her.

“Pinkie, what are you doing?” She asked.

Pinkie turns back-and-forth between Twilight and Ed Warren.

“Don’t you see it Twilight?”

“See what?”

Pinkie walks right back toward Ed Warren, climbing onto the chair right beside him. She pulls a picture of ‘Raoul de Chagny’ from her mane, the very same ‘Raoul’ from a previous adventure at the opera, and holds the frame beside Ed.

“Doesn’t he look exactly like Raoul?” She asked.

Rarity is especially intrigued, seeing as how she remembered the events of that adventure very well.

“You know darling,” The fashionista observed. “For once you might actually be right. He ‘does’ bear a striking resemblance to Raoul.”

“I think so too!” Pinkie nodded. “Except he’s got dark hair, not dirty blonde—”

“Guys, I really don’t think this is the time!” Twilight interjected.

“Oh yes, please continue describing your experiences, Mrs. Perron,” Lorraine instructed Carolyn.

Carolyn nods, as the ponies and Spike step aside and allows her to continue her explanation.

“We, um… we’re all sleeping down here now. The girls feel safer and its warmer. I’m constantly turning up the heat, but the house is always freezing.”

“It’s true,” Applejack nodded. “It’s colder here than a glass ah lemonade on a hot summer day in Appleloosa.”

“It’s not the problem with the furnace though,” Roger continued. “I mean, not that I can find.”

Ed and Lorraine search the entire living room before Ed starts walking out with Carolyn following him.

“It’s gotten a lot worse the past few nights,” Carolyn explained. “There’s this… awful smell, like rotting meat, that moves around the house.”

Lorraine and the rest of the ponies walk alongside Ed, who ponders what Carolyn just told him.

“Uh…”

“What? What is it?”

“Well, rancid smells could indicate some type of demonic activity.”

“Oh, my God!” Carolyn gasped.

Celestia wanders about the downstairs area, while the Warrens and the Perrons discuss the issue. As she explores, she noticed the door leading down to the basement. She could feel a strange energy emanating from the locked door and it certainly wasn’t good. She thought to herself how something seems eerily familiar about this house, as though she had been here before.

As Celestia was fixated on the door, Ed and Lorraine continue their search through the house with the Perrons and the others. Ed tries to open the door next to the stairs, but the door handle has been tied with ropes.

“Oh, that’s to keep those doors from banging at night. Otherwise it’s like…”

Roger bands his hand against the wall, indicating the banging noise they’ve been hearing at night.

“All night long, just like that.”

He bangs three times on the wall again to indicate what happens.

“Does it come in threes?” Ed asked.

“Yeah.”

“Stops at dawn?”

“Uh-Huh.”

“Well, sometimes it’s meant as an insult to the Trinity,” Ed explained. “The Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”

Carolyn and Roger leads the Warrens upstairs to the second floor of the house. Twilight and the others follow closely.

“You know, it’s the damnest thing,” Roger continued. “But we also get all kinds of birds that will just fly against the side of the house and break their necks.”

“Hm, really?” Ed questioned.

“And the clock stops at 3:07 AM,” Carolyn added.

“All of them?” Lorraine asked.

“’Every’ one,” Carolyn nods.

As they walk through the upstairs hall, Lorraine notices one of the family photos had crashed to the floor.

“Oh, we were hanging those along the stairs,” Carolyn explained. “Something just kept knocking them down, so we stopped hanging them up.”

Lorraine puts the framed photo down, as Carolyn takes them to Andrea’s room and shows them the wardrobe.

“That’s what I was talking about. It was here when we moved in. There’s also a lot of stuff in the cellar.”

“Show me the cellar,” Lorraine said.

Carolyn nods, as she and Roger lead the ponies and the Warrens down to the cellar door, which Celestia still looks at intently. Twilight cocks her head to the side in confusions, as she slowly approaches her teacher’s side.

“Are you okay, Princess?” Twilight asked.

Celestia shook her head quickly, the sound of her student’s voice ringing in her ear, as she looks down toward Twilight.

“Oh yes, Twilight,” Celestia nodded. “I’m alright.”

Twilight and Celestia walk behind the rest of the group, as they all proceed to work their way down the dark cellar. One by one, they slowly creep down the stairs. Fluttershy clung closely to Rarity, who tries her best to offer comfort despite quivering with fear herself. Once they all get down into the cellar, Lorraine stood right in the dead center and froze completely in place. She feels something strange about the basement, much like Celestia had before, and whatever she felt was not good.

“You picking up anything in here, hon?” Ed asked Lorraine.

“Something awful happened here, Ed,” Lorraine said sorrowfully.

“What is it Lorraine?” Celestia asked. “What happened here?”

“I don’t know,” Lorraine shook her head. “Whatever it was, it occurred with much pain and suffering.”

This made all the ponies clutch each other tightly, fearfully, and sad. Clearly, something very bad happened in this house. As Celestia looks around the basement, she realized where she had seen this place before. She looks down, toward Twilight Sparkle, who can clearly see the worry in the magenta eyes of her teacher.

“What is it princess?” She asked.

“I’ve seen this place before Twilight,” Celestia answered.

“What do you mean?”

“That vision I had back in Equestria. This is the place I envisioned.”

<>

A short while later in the kitchen, Carolyn pours coffee for the Warrens, who sits at the kitchen table with a tape recorder. Celestia, Twilight, and the rest of the ponies sit off to the side as Celestia explains to them her vision.

“The vision I had before we came here showed me this very house,” Celestia explained. “I walked through the cellar and when I came back up, the entire floor was completely coated in blood. There was a woman and a child laid in the middle of the floor and they were both dead. I ran from the house and when I got outside, the entire ground was littered with dead bodies. There was one hanging from the tree and I could this evil energy surrounding her.”

As Celestia told the story, the others can’t help but feel slightly more than spooked over what the princess said. These frightening images of horrible events scared them beyond belief. Poor Spike and Fluttershy clutch each other for dear life, shaking like leaves.

“That’s the vision you saw before you had your seizure?” Twilight asked.

Celestia closed her eyes tightly, nodding her head which makes Twilight shiver fearfully herself. Celestia, always so strong and powerful, clearly whatever was affecting her here does not bode well for any pony. As Carolyn makes the coffee, Ed noticed the bruises on her arm.

“Those bruises,” Ed observed. “Are they from something that happened here?”

“Oh, it’s some iron deficiency thing I have,” Carolyn assured.

“You know, with all that’s been going on, why haven’t you just moved out?” Ed asked.

“I have nowhere we’d move to, we got all our money tied up in this place, I had a lot of repairs on top of that,” Roger explained. “And I don’t know anybody who’s gonna take in a family of seven indefinitely.”

“Not to mention a bunch of talking ponies,” Sunset butted in.

“It’s why we tracked you down,” Carolyn said desperately.

“We’re glad you found us,” Ed assured. “Alright, let’s get started.”

Ed loads a cassette into a tape recorder, hitting the record button. They take turns speaking into the microphone of the tape recorder.

“My name is Ed Warren. It’s November 1st, 1971. I’m sitting here with Carolyn Perron, who with her family, has been experiencing supernatural occurrences.”

Ed puts the microphone near Carolyn.

“Okay, go ahead.”

“Where do I start?” Carolyn asked.

“From the first occurrence.”

“I guess it was the clocks.”

As they proceed with the recording, Lorraine stood up from her chair and approaches the group of ponies sitting along the floor. She kneels beside Celestia, as the princess looks toward her.

“I think we should let them continue in private,” She whispered.

“Good idea,” Celestia nodded.

Celestia silently motions the rest of the ponies and Spike to join them, as they proceed to walk back into the living room where little April sits with the music box. Lorraine smiles at the little girl, as she kneels beside her.

“Mom and Dad tell me that you have a friend,” Lorraine said sweetly.

“His name is Rory,” April nodded. “He lives here, too.”

“You know April,” Twilight said. “Ever since you mentioned Rory to us, we haven’t been able to see him anywhere.”

“That’s because he’s always said,” April told the lavender princess.

“Why is that?” Lorraine asked.

“He won’t tell me, but I think something happened to him.”

“Do you mind if I try to see Rory?”

April nods, as she hands the music box to Lorraine. She opens the lid, twists the handle to play the box, and as the music starts Lorraine stares into the mirror and spots what’s being reflected behind her. All at once, a figure of a ghost boy stands behind her, but quickly disappears. Rarity approaches Lorraine, seeing the fear on her face.

“Did you see something darling?” She asked.

Giving no answer, Lorraine steps out of the house and walks toward the large tree by the lake. Ed sees her from the doorway, as he and the others walk over to her.

“Lorraine?” Fluttershy asked softly. “Are you okay?”

But answer there came none, so Ed gives it a try.

“Hey!” He called out.

And still, Lorraine doesn’t turn. But she can sense an evil presence.

“What is it?” Ed asked.

Lorraine slowly turns back toward Ed and the ponies, only to see a pair of dirty feet dangling behind Ed from the tree. Lorraine looks away fearfully, nearly fainting. But Ed catches her just before she falls. The others quickly run up to her, making sure she’s alright.

“What happened Lorraine?” Sunset asked worriedly.

“You’re about as white as a sheet man,” Rainbow added.

<>

Eventually, Ed and the ponies lead Lorraine back into the house. The Warrens sit in the kitchen with Carolyn and Roger.

“We bought it at auction from the bank,” Roger explained. “So, you know, we never knew who had lived here.”

“Well, Lorraine and I both feel, uh…” Ed answered seriously. “That what your house needs is a cleansing. An exorcism.”

“What?” Roger asked confused. “Exorcism? I thought that was… I thought that was something that you do to people.”

“No, not necessarily,” Lorraine told him. “No.”

“We have to get out of here,” Carolyn urged Roger.

“I’m afraid that’s not going to help,” Ed shook his head. “Uh… Lorraine say something. Why don’t you go ahead, hon?”

Lorraine nods before turning back toward Carolyn and Roger, a great deal of concern pasted upon her face.

“I’ve been seeing the dark entity that haunts your house and your land. I saw it first when I came through your door, it was latched to your back. And then I saw it again with the girls when we walked into the living room. And it doesn’t matter where you go, this dark entity has latched itself to your family and its feeding off you.”

Hearing this information made Carolyn and Roger very concerned.

“Even if we… leave?” Carolyn asked.

“Sometimes when you get haunted, it’s like stepping on gum,” Lorraine explained. “You take it with you.”

Carolyn looks very upset over Lorraine’s response. Knowing no matter if they try to leave or whatever else they could do won’t matter. This entity will follow them wherever they go.

“Look, I gotta tell you,” Lorraine continued. “You have a lot of spirits in here, but this is the one that I’m most worried about, because it is so hateful.”

“Okay, so what do we do?” Roger asked. “Do we call a priest?”

“I wish it were that easy,” Ed responded. “Performing exorcism is an archaic procedure, requires years of training and… and even then, I have seen it go horribly wrong. But before we can get that far, the Church has to authorize it first. It means we got to investigate, gather evidence, and provide proof. And that’s the hard part.”

Hearing Ed talk about investigating and gathering evidence made Twilight Jump with an idea, or at least as far as her condition enabled her to. But even so, she herself is great at research and investigation. If they can help with this case, maybe they can be on their way home.

“We can help you if you’d like,” She volunteered.

Everyone in the room looked upon the alicorn Princess. Her friends in disbelief, the Warrens and Perrons in confusion. Even Celestia didn’t know what to say. In the end, Ed shook his head.

“I really don’t think that’s a good idea…”

“Oh trust me Mr. Warren, I’m a master of research and investigation,” Twilight assured. “Besides, we’ve been here about as long as Roger, Carolyn, and the girls. And since we’ve seen a great deal of things ourselves, who better to help on this case?”

Ed and Lorraine look at each other, beginning to discuss the possibility. Celestia and the ponies, meanwhile, pull Twilight to the side.

“Have you completely lost your mind, Twi?!” Rainbow whisper shouted.

“Ah gotta agree with Rainbow on this one,” Applejack nodded. “We’re dealin’ with something that we ain’t never seen or dealt with before. Maybe we should leave it to the Warrens on this one.”

Practically every pony in the group, including Spike, nod in agreement. Even Celestia looks as though she’s about to agree.

“Come on guys,” Twilight encouraged. “Who better to help than us? We’ve faced creatures of all shapes and sizes before, with many different powers. If we can stand up to them and win, we can win this too.”

“But Twilight, your back’s still mangled from being attacked by this thing,” Spike pointed out.

Twilight couldn’t exactly deny that herself, seeing as she needed a great deal of help just to get around today. However, she still won’t give up on a family that needs their help more.

“I’m not giving up on the Perrons,” Twilight declared determinedly. “We’ve never backed down from a challenge before and we shouldn’t start now. No matter how this spirit may be, we can win.”

She put her hoof in the middle of the group, waiting for others to do the same. It takes a moment or two, until eventually Sunset puts her hoof in.

“I’m with ya on this one, Twi,” Sunset smiled. “You helped me when my demons tried to take over my body and that wasn’t an easy task. I’m with you to the end.”

One by one, every pone, including Spike, slowly put their hooves/claws in. Of course, it takes a great deal of encouragement for Fluttershy before she finds her courage to step up. Finally, Celestia sticks out her golden horseshoes in as well and smiled upon her student’s determination. It was then they look back, seeing the Warrens look at them.

“If you guys think you can help,” Lorraine stated. “We could use all we can get.”

As the Perrons show Ed, Lorraine, and the ponies out of the house, Ed turns back for a moment to mention one last thing.

“Have your children been baptized?” He asked.

“Uh… no,” Roger shook his head. “We never got around to that. We’re not really a church going family.”

“Well, you may want to rethink that. Our presence here could make things worse.”

“Why?” Carolyn asked.

“Because we’re a threat, and whatever you’re dealing with here isn’t gonna like us. So far, it hasn’t done anything violent, and that’s a good sign. So we’re gonna have our guy do some homework on the property though to see what we’re up against.”

<>

Later that night, everyone returns to the Warren estate. Lorraine tucks Judy into bed when she noticed the little girl hiding something.

“Judy, what are you up to?” She asked.

“I got you a present,” Judy answered.

Judy lifts her pillow revealing two lockets.

“Me and Nana got these at the Church’s yard sales.”

“Honey!” Lorraine gasped.

“One for you and one for me.”

Lorraine opens her locket, showing a picture of Judy inside it.

“I put a picture of you and Daddy in mine,” Judy added. “Nana said this way we’ll always be together. You’ll be with me and I’ll be with you.”

Lorraine smiled brightly, genuinely touched by her daughter’s gift. She pulls the little girl into a big hug, which she greatly returned. She finished tucking Judy in and gives her a kiss goodnight before heading into her and Ed’s office. Ed and the other ponies are hard at work searching for information.

“Hey, hon!” Ed said, as she walked in.

“Yep?”

“You’re not gonna believe this. Carolyn’s voice didn’t record.”

Ed places the tape recorder on the table, as Lorraine sits down, and the others walk beside them.

“What do you mean?” Lorraine asked.

“We played it over time and time again for the last half hour,” Twilight answered. “There is absolutely nothing of Carolyn in the entire tape.”

“It’s the weirdest thing,” Sunset added. “It recorded everything else except Carolyn.”

“Listen,” Ed said.

He hits play and the tape begins to play out.

“My name is Ed Warren. It’s November 1st, 1971. I am sitting here with Carolyn Perron, who, with her family, has been experiencing supernatural occurrences. Okay, go ahead.”

A long silence follows over where Carolyn had spoken when the recording took place.

“From the first occurrence.”

Once again, another long pause is in place where Carolyn originally spoke. Ed stops the tape recorder, turning toward Lorraine completely confused.

“Nothing… the whole time,” Ed says. “I don’t know, you find anything?”

“Lots,” Lorraine nodded. “I mean, it’s no wonder they’re going through what they are.”

Lorraine approaches the desk, grabbing a folder filled with documents. She pulls out an old picture, which she hands to Ed. The picture depicts the Perrons’ farmhouse, but it seems much different than it currently was.

“There’s the original farmhouse,” Lorraine explained. “It was built in 1863 by a man named Jedson Sherman, who was married to a woman named Bathsheba. Ed, she’s related to Mary Town Estye. She’s one of the women accused of witchcraft in Salem, she was hung during the trials.”

Hearing this information made the ponies and Spike gasp collectively.

“Wow!” Ed said amazed.

“You can say that again,” Spike agreed.

“So, after Bathsheba married Jedson, they had a baby, and when the baby was seven days old, Jedson caught her sacrificing it in front of the fireplace.”

Once again, every pony and Spike gasped over the new information. Fluttershy is already crying from all the sad news she’d heard, but this one sent her over the top.

“T-T-That’s h-horrible!” She trembled.

“To think a mother could do something like that to her own child,” Rarity added appalled.

“I’m a little afraid to ask,” Twilight spoke apprehensively. “But what happened next?”

“She ran out to that tree by the dock, climbed up, proclaimed her love to Satan, cursed anyone who tried to take her land, and hung herself,” Lorraine continued. “Time of death was pronounced at 3:07 in the morning.”

“Well, that explains a few things,” Ed surmised.

“Yeah, so does this,” Lorraine said.

She hands him another picture, this one depicting a woman and a young boy.

“Her last name is Walker, she lived there in the 30’s. She had a boy named Rory, who mysterious disappeared in the woods. Then she killed herself in the cellar.”

As Celestia looks upon the picture, she can’t help but look horrified. Twilight looks up, noticing the Princess’ expression.

“What is it Princess?” She asked.

Celestia raised a shaky hoof, pointing towards the picture.

“That’s the woman and child I saw in my vision,” She stated horrified.

“And that’s not all,” Lorraine continued.

Lorraine takes out an old map, showing it to Ed and the girls.

“So what was the original two-hundred-acre farm, has since been subdivided and sold off. There was another boy who drowned in the pond here, he lived in the house over here. And a woman who worked as a maid in the neighboring home, she committed suicide too.”

“People who took her land,” Ed realized.

Suddenly, Ed’s tape recorder turns on by itself and plays back his interview with Carolyn.

“I am sitting here with Carolyn Perron who, with her family, has been experiencing supernatural occurrences. Alright, go ahead.”

Where there was silence before is now filled with haunting moans and tortured cries. Everyone looks at the tape recorder in complete disbelief and terror.

“From the first occurrence.”

The morns and tortured cries continue, as all the clocks in the entire room, as well as the one they brought from the Perron house, simultaneously show 3:07.

“Oh… great!” Spike muttered horrified.

Don’t Scream

After Lorraine’s discovery, everyone gathered into the living room. Ed, Lorraine, and Celestia joined them as well, with Twilight and the other ponies rushing toward their princess’ side.

“Are you alright Celestia?” Twilight asked worriedly.

“Yes Twilight,” Celestia assured. “I am quite alright.”

“Wut happened?” Applejack asked.

“As it turns out, Lorraine and I discovered something in the cellar.”

“Bathsheba Sherman possessed the bodies of anyone that lived in her land after her,” Lorraine added. “She forced them to kill their children and then themselves as well.”

“We must stop her before it happens again,” Celestia said urgently.

Suddenly, a slight tremble rolls around the house as one of the crosses Ed placed on a shelf fell. Everyone staggers and stumbles about trying to keep their balance. Suddenly, Christine noticed Nancy’s hair lifting on its own.

“Uh… Nancy?” Christine trembled.

Suddenly, Nancy’s head is yanked by her hair and she’s thrown around the room, screaming. Roger, Ed, and Brad try to grab hold of her, but Nancy is continuously thrown around and about. Thankfully, Twilight and Celestia grabbed her in a magical grip keeping her from being pulled around. Lorraine grabbed some scissors and managed to slice off Nancy’s hair, releasing her immediately. Ed turns toward Drew, who’s standing with the camera filming all of this.

“Did you get that?” He asked.

“Yeah,” Drew responded.

“We need to get the girls out of here right now!” Celestia demanded.

Roger takes Nancy out of the house, walking her toward the car.

“I’ll have the footage developed and get it over to Father Gordon,” Ed said, walking behind them. “He’s our liaison at the Church. I imagine we’ll get a pretty fast response.”

Thankfully, Twilight and the others already got the other girls out of the house and the kids sat waiting inside the car.

“Okay, everyone all packed up?” Twilight asked.

“Now y’all just make sure to get these girls bout as far away from here as possible,” Applejack instructed.

Roger nodded in approval. He’s just about to get into the car when Ed stopped him.

“Listen, Roger?” Ed spoke

“Yeah?”

“Listen, when we get the exorcist I’ll be back, but Lorraine, I…”

“Yeah, I understand.”

“Good.”

The two men shake hands when all is settled.

“Until then, Drew is going to keep an eye on you,” Ed assured.

“Hey, Ed, thank you for everything,” Roger thanked.

Roger soon got into the car with his daughters, driving off and away from the house. All the while, Lorraine waited for Ed to load the van. As she stands along the water’s edge, she hears a child’s voice in the distance.

“Mommy?”

Lorraine walks along the small dock at the edge, hearing the voice again.

“Mommy?”

Lorraine walks onto the edge of the deck and peers into the water. Looking down, she is horrified when she sees Judy’s body floating under the surface.

“Judy?” She gasped. “Oh, God! Judy?”

Lorraine paddles the water to grab hold of Judy, but her body disappeared. Lorraine runs into the house, picking up the phone to make a call. Celestia noticed the frightened woman running into the house and quickly went after her.

“Lorraine, what’s wrong?” She asked curiously.

In that moment, Ed too ran in.

“Lorraine?” He spoke.

Lorraine, completely ignoring the both of them, waited on the phone and prayed for someone to pick up. Finally, much to her relief, her mother picked up on the other line.

“Mom, it’s me,” She said urgently. “Is Judy okay?”

“What?” Ed asked worriedly.

“Can… can you go check, please?” Lorraine asked, almost in tears.

She waited for a moment or two for a response, all the while growing visibly more concerned.

“Dammit, Mom, just check, please!” She snapped.

“Lorraine, please talk to us!” Celestia urged.

“Are you gonna tell us what’s going on?” Ed asked impatiently.

“It’s… it’s Judy,” Lorraine choked out.

“What’s wrong with Judy?” Celestia asked concerned.

“What?” Ed asked. “What do you mean? What?”

Finally, her mother came back, picked up the phone, and assured her Judy was alright. Fluttershy was tucking her into bed and nursing Rarity. This finally made Lorraine relax and take a breath.

“Oh! Thank God. Mom, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you. I’ll explain later, okay?”

Lorraine hangs up the phone, turning back toward the still-confused Ed and Celestia.

“Seriously Lorraine, what is going on?” Celestia asked again.

“What the hell happened?” Ed added.

“I had a vision of Judy in the water,” Lorraine cried. “I know it was some kind of warning. I know it.”

Ed quickly pulled his wife into a hug as she cried. Celestia knew she must be absolutely right. Perhaps this was a warning; if Judy is in danger, perhaps Fluttershy and Rarity were as well.

“You must return to your home immediately,” Celestia urged. “She needs your help.”

Ed nodded as he continued to hug and comfort his crying wife.

“Okay,” Ed declared. “Let’s get out of here.”

“We’ll come with you,” Twilight added.

Twilight and the others rush alongside them, showcasing their support.

“We’re with ya tah the end,” Applejack said.

“You got that right,” Rainbow Dash added.

“Absoposilutely super-duper definitely!” Pinkie smiled.

Ed and Lorraine turned toward the little ponies and couldn’t help but feel happy, if not inspired, by their determination and courage. Despite being stacked against practically impossible odds, they were still willing to assist anyway they could.

“First things first,” Ed said. “We need to bring this information to Father Gordon at the church.”

<>

A short while later, Ed and Lorraine Warren sat on the opposite side of Father Gordon’s desk. They played all the information they collected from the Perron house. Currently, all the ponies and Spike waited in the car as the Warrens explained the case to the priest.

“Yeah, well, you weren’t kidding,” Father Gordon said.

“No,” Ed shook his head.

“Look, Ed, this is complicated because the kids aren’t baptized,” Father Gordon explained.

“I understand…”

“And the family, they’re not members of the Church.”

“Oh, come on.”

“And the approval would have to come directly from the Vatican.”

“Father, we’ve never seen nothing like this,” Ed argued.

Father Gordon picks up one of the photos taken of Cindy sleepwalking with Rory’s ghostly hand on her shoulder.

“Yeah, well, neither have I,” Father Gordon spoke honestly.

“Father, they don’t have a lot of time.”

Finally, Father Gordon sighed and nodded his approval.

“Alright,” He relented. “I’ll push it through myself.”

“Thank you,” Ed and Lorraine said together.

“Alright, we’ll wait for your call,” Ed said thankfully.

The Warrens both made their way back out of the church, stepping into the car where all the ponies sat waiting in anticipation.

“What did he say?” Twilight asked.

“He agreed to push the exorcism through,” Ed answered. “But the approval has to come straight from the Vatican.”

“The ‘what’ now?” Rainbow asked.

“The Vatican is the oldest and most holy of churches in the entire world,” Lorraine explained. “It is the ultimate power of the church.”

“So, nothing can happen until they approve?” Spike asked.

Both Warrens shook their heads, as every pony groaned knowing this meant they’d have to wait even longer to help the Perrons out of their situation. It didn’t last long, however, as Sunset gasped, her eyes shot open, and they glowed white. After it finally passed, everyone looked at her in concern.

“What is it Sunset?” Celestia asked.

Sunset took a few deep breaths before finally responding.

“We need to get back to the Warrens house… now!”

<>

At the Warrens house, later that night, Judy slept in her room. Her matching locket is draped over a lamp and it starts swinging by itself. Suddenly, Judy’s body is tugged forward. When she wakes, she gets out of bed and walks out of her room.

“Mommy?” She called out. “Daddy?”

She turns on the upstairs hallway light, opening the door to one of the bedrooms.

“Mommy? Daddy?”

“Judy?”

Judy jumped at the voice behind her, turning around to see Fluttershy standing behind her. The timid yellow Pegasus jumped and squeaked herself when Judy suddenly whipped around. Seeing the Pegasus, Judy breathed a sigh of relief.

“Sorry Fluttershy,” She apologized.

Fluttershy calmed herself, patting Judy on the back with her hoof.

“It’s okay sweetie,” She said kindly. “What are you doing out of bed?”

“Something pulled my leg in my room,” She said frightened. “Are mommy and daddy home yet?”

Fluttershy shook her head but was also frightened herself hearing something happened to the little girl.

“N-No but I’m sure it was nothing,” Fluttershy said, trying not to sound scared.

Judy turns away, walks downstairs, and turns on the hallway light. She noticed the door to the room where Ed keeps the strange artifacts is open. Judy peeks inside the room.

“Dad?” She called again.

“Um J-J-Judy?” Fluttershy spoke shakily. “Y-Y-You probably s-shouldn’t do that.”

Judy walked away from the room, completely oblivious to the fact the Annabelle doll glass case is now empty. As just returns upstairs, the hallway light turns off by itself. Fluttershy squeaked in fright, jumping down the stairs, and hugs Judy close.

“Nana?” Judy called fearfully.

Suddenly, a dark shadow surrounds the house sending Judy and Fluttershy running towards the study. Judy runs right inside, but the door slams behind her before Fluttershy could enter. Fluttershy bangs on the door, trying to get Judy to open up.

“Judy, open the door!” Fluttershy called.

Judy hears a banging noise, screaming in terror. Suddenly, the dark shadow overtakes the room as Judy turns and sees a woman sitting in the rocking chair with Annabelle on her lap. As the woman stops rocking, Annabelle’s face suddenly turns toward Judy, who screams in terror. She pulls against the door, struggling to get out only to find the door is locked.

“Fluttershy!” She screamed.

“Judy!” Fluttershy yelled back.

Suddenly, Fluttershy felt an invisible hand grab her hind leg and yanked her to the ground. She yelped in fear, as the hand drags her across the floor.

“HELP!!!” She cried out.

https://m.

Her pleas fell on deaf ears, as she was pulled across the floor into another room. After the hand finally lets go, she jumped up and made a mad dash for the door. However, the door slammed shut and locked before she could reach the doorknob. She pounded against the door, hoping someone would hear and get her out.

“Help!” She cried. “Someone please help me!”

As she pounded on the door, she suddenly had a scary feeling someone was watching her from behind. Slowly, Fluttershy turned her head around and gasped in horror at the sight. Instead of one of the rooms of the Warrens’ household, she was in a dark and desolate attic that was falling apart. But what really frightened her most were the many display cases lined along the wall, with over a hundred ventriloquist puppets inside. Fluttershy shut her eyes tightly, silently crying to herself.

“It’s not real…” She whimpered. “It’s not real… it’s not real…”

She slowly opened her eyes, hoping it was just a really bad dream. But she saw the same dark attic and all the creepy dolls. Then, one by one, all the dolls slowly twist their heads towards the frightened Pegasus mare. They were all staring at her, as Fluttershy hid in her mane and prayed this nightmare would end. Then all the dummies’ mouths move entirely on their own, chanting a creepy rhyme all at once.

"Beware the stare of Mary Shaw
She had no children only dolls
And if you see her in your dreams
Make sure you never ever scream
Or she’ll rip your tongue out at the seam.”

They all began to laugh maniacally, filling the room with frightening laughter. Fluttershy stayed hidden in her mane and silently cried… until the laughter stopped altogether.

Fluttershy slowly peeks from under her mane, her eyes seeing all the dummies assuming their original position and completely still. She felt a very cold, slender hand coarse slowly along her back. Fluttershy held her mouth shut tightly trying with all her might not to scream. The hand makes it way between her wings and slides around her face. She slowly turns to the side and almost broke down right then and there. She stares right into the dead, cold eyes of the most horrifying, evil face she had ever seen in her entire life.

The dark, solace eyes of Mary Shaw herself, staring right into the terrified teal eyes of Fluttershy. A wicked grin forms upon her face, as she looked down upon the frightened Pegasus. The ghost reached out with one of its decaying hands toward the trembling mare, brushing its long spindly fingers through her mane.

“Please…” Fluttershy croaked quietly. “Please don’t…”

The wicked woman merely chuckled darkly toward the Pegasus’ pleas. She then spoke with a voice that would make the mightiest manticores cower like little kittens.

“You have such beautiful hair,” Shaw said sinisterly. “You would make such a ‘perfect’ doll. Sometimes, you have to use existing parts to craft the perfect one.”

Fluttershy quickly found her will to keep quiet dwindling greatly, fighting hard not to scream. Mary Shaw reaches behind her, pulling out the most fearsome looking knife one could possibly possess and raised it high above her head.

“Once you scream my dear, your voice will make a wonderful addition to my… collection.”

Mary Shaw’s mouth fell open, revealing a horribly grotesque giant tongue seemingly made of many other tongues slithering out. Fluttershy was on the verge of screaming as Shaw was ready to bring the knife down. Suddenly, the door burst open and Mary Shaw was shot backward by a beam of magic. Fluttershy looked up as the vile woman was sent flying, as she turned to see Rarity standing in the doorway with her horn glowing.

“Don’t… you… dare… touch… my… friend!” Rarity growled.

“Rarity!” Fluttershy cried.

Fluttershy raced toward Rarity and wrapped her hooves around her. The unicorn had difficulty keeping her balance, still reeling from the big effects of the coma. But somehow, she had just enough strength to wrap her arms gingerly around Fluttershy trying to console her weeping friend. Mary Shaw slowly got back up, glaring fiercely at the two ponies standing in the room’s doorway. She let out an evil laugh which rang deeply in their ears.

“I’ve no need to waste my time here,” She said evilly. “I have other matters to attend to. But rest assure, I will return, and when I do… you will scream!”

She slowly turned her head to look at a quivering Fluttershy one last time and gave a haunting smile.

“Now...who’s the dummy?”

The lights of the room suddenly flashed, the dark attic was no more, and instead replaced with the empty bedroom in the Warren house. With Mary Shaw now gone, Rarity consoled Fluttershy to the best of her ability.

“It’s alright Fluttershy,” Rarity said soothingly. “You’re safe now. I’m here… I’m here…”

<>

In that moment, Ed and Lorraine entered the house and heard Judy and Georgiana yelling. The Warrens rush directly towards the study.

“What’s going on in there?” Georgiana cried. “Judy!”

“Move, move, move, move!” Ed yelled. “Judy, get back, honey! Get back!”

As Ed tries to open the door, inside the room, the rocking chair suddenly turns itself towards Judy.

“Help! Dad!” Judy screamed.

“Get away from the door, Judy!”

As Ed bursts the door open, the rocking chair is thrown with full force across the room towards Judy. Ed managed to grab Judy as the chair hits and breaks against the wall.

“Oh, God!” Lorraine gasped. “Are you okay?”

“There was a woman rocking in the chair with Annabelle!” Judy wept.

Lorraine tries to comfort Judy, as Ed rushed into the room with the artifacts. He turns on the light and approached Annabelle’s glass case finding her sitting inside, with the glass door locked. Ed comes out of the room and looks toward Lorraine.

“She’s still in there,” He said.

Lorraine just continued to comfort Judy, kissing her.

“It’s okay. It’s okay, it’s okay.”

Just then, Celestia and all the other ponies ran inside. They noticed Ed and Lorraine trying their best to console their frightened daughter. But this was not what caught their attention. In the other room, they saw Rarity, now fully awake, hugging a crying Fluttershy.

“Rarity!” They all yelled.

They rushed toward the marshmallow unicorn, embracing her in a gigantic group hug. Rarity groaned in pain, trying to get them to step back a bit.

“Oh girls, please don’t squeeze,” She groaned. “I’m still feeling a lot of pain.”

Hearing this, the girls and Spike took a step back allowing the fashionista to catch her bearings and recover.

“Sorry Rarity,” Twilight apologized. “It’s just when we found you last you were nearly dead.”

“You were in a coma that the doctor said you might not wake from,” Sunset added.

“How did you wake up?” Celestia asked.

Rarity thought for a moment, finding it difficult to explain. She decided to tell them what she could remember to the best of her ability.

“I don’t know exactly how I woke up,” She admitted. “The last thing I remember was staring into the blood eyes of that horrid witch. The next thing I know, everything goes black. I could hear everything that every pony was saying, but I could not more or speak.”

She then looked down toward poor Fluttershy, who slowly started calming down.

“Then for some strange reason, I could feel in my heart poor Fluttershy was in danger. As if something just exploded and for that reason shot my eyes open. I stumbled out of bed, down the hall to where my heart was leading me. The door to the room was locked so I used my magic to blast it open and that’s when I saw Flutershy attacked by some horrible ghost woman… Mary Shaw.”

“Mary Shaw?” Celestia asked.

“How’s that even possible?” Rainbow asked. “Ed and Lorraine said that story was from a town called Raven’s Fair.”

Sunset pondered over the question when a thought came to her head. She recalled reading about that during one of her paranormal classes back at Canterlot High.

“I think I might know,” Sunset answered.

Every pony and Spike faced her, waiting for her to proceed.

“I remember reading from one of my textbooks that some spirits call upon others of equal power to assist them,” She explained.

Everyone faced each other in confusion, but slowly pieced it together.

“You’re saying Bathsheba summoned Mary Shaw to torment Fluttershy,” Rarity asked.

“That’s exactly what I’m saying,” Sunset nodded.

Finally, Fluttershy found her words and stammered them out.

“S-S-She said s-she’ll be b-b-back!” Fluttershy stuttered.

Rarity, meanwhile, just consoled Fluttershy with as much comfort as possible.

“Don’t you worry now Fluttershy,” Rarity said. “Even if that wicked ghost returns, she’ll have to deal with all of us.”

Just then, the telephone rings at the house. Ed quickly rushed to pick it up.

“Hello.”

“Ed, it’s Roger. There’s something going on with Carolyn. Andrea was here and she said that Carolyn took off with Christine and April. The girls said she smells like rotten meat.”

Hearing Roger’s concerned voice over the phone, Lorraine made a stunning realization about the entire endeavor.

“She possesses the mother to kill the child. That’s what she does, she’s taken them back to the house.”

“Roger, get back to the house now!” Ed said through the phone. “I’ll meet you there.”

Ed quickly hangs up the phone, making his way towards the door. But Lorraine quickly follows.

“I’m going with you,” She said.

“No way!” Ed shook his head. “You stay here with Judy.”

“The only way to protect Judy is if we stop this where it started,” Lorraine retorted. “Otherwise, she’s just gonna latch on to us again!”

“That’s exactly why I am going.”

“You think I’m gonna let you walk into this alone?”

“I can’t lose you.”

“You won’t. Let’s finish this together.”

Celestia, Twilight, and all the others walked toward their sides with fighting faces.

“We’re going back with you,” Twilight said determined.

“We’re ending this tonight,” Rainbow added.

“One way or the other darling,” Rarity concluded.

“Are you sure you’ll be alright Rarity?” Spike asked concerned.

“More than anything in my life, Spikey Wikey,” Rarity smiled.

Ed and Lorraine Warren stood with the ponies by their side, all of them standing tall. Ed nodded his head in approval as he looks over the assembled group.

“Alright,” He nodded. “Let’s end this.”

One by one, they all exit the house and climb into the Warrens’ car. They sped off back toward the farmhouse with intent of ending the curse once and for all. One way or another, this ends tonight.

Exorcism of Carolyn Perron

Ed, Lorraine, and the ponies are all now in the car speeding quickly back to the Perron house. After the ordeal Judy and Fluttershy went through, they knew they had to end this horrible nightmare now. Now with the knowledge that Carolyn, under possession by Bathsheba, has taken Christine and April back to the house to potential kill them, they needed to hurry. Soon enough, the pulled into the driveway of the Perron House with Officer Brad pulling right behind them. They immediately jumped out of the car, rushing toward the house as Ed tried to open the door but couldn’t.

“It’s locked,” He said struggling.

Lorraine goes around knocking on a few windows trying to reach anyone on the inside.

“Carolyn!” She yelled.

“Roger!” Ed yelled, as he tried to pry open the door.

“Ed, stand back!” Twilight shouted.

Ed quickly stepped to the side as Twilight’s horn started to glow brightly. She then shot a huge blast of magic at the door, only to have it bounce off and start heading back at them.

“Hit the deck!” Rainbow yelled.

Every pony and Spike fell to the ground, as the magic beam soared over their heads and impacted the huge tree down by the lake. Looking back, they noticed the magic created a giant hole right through the middle of the tree.

“Okay, that was too close,” Pinkie pointed out.

Every pony else nodded in agreement, as they quickly got up.

“Bathsheba must be keeping it locked with dark magic,” Twilight concluded.

Officer Brad rushed back to his car, pulling out a shotgun before rushing back towards the door.

“Get out of the way!” He yelled.

Everyone leapt out of the way, as Brad aimed at the door and shot the handle right off. The door swung open and they proceed to run inside where they could all hear screaming.

“Roger!” Ed yelled.

“Carolyn!” Celestia cried out.

“The screaming is coming from the cellar!” Rarity said urgently.

Everyone quickly raced down the cellar steps, where they saw Roger trying to pry a screaming Carolyn off of Christine.

“Carolyn, don’t!” Roger yelled.

Christine was screaming bloody murder, as her possessed mother tried to stab her with a sharp pair of scissors. Ed, Lorraine, Celestia, and Twilight ran forward and tried their best to pull Carolyn off. Finally, they were able to free Christine and knock the scissors out of Carolyn’s hand.

“We have to get her to the car!” Ed said.

“And bring her where?” Roger asked.

“To take her to the priest for the exorcism!”

“Will the Vatican even approve it?” Celestia asked.

“They will!”

The whole group joined together trying to drag the screaming, struggling possessed Carolyn out of the cellar. As they dragged her out, Roger noticed something.

“Wait! Where’s April?”

The thought hadn’t even occurred to anyone in the group seeing as they were far too focused at making sure Christine wasn’t killed.

“I never saw her downstairs,” Twilight replied.

“Me neither,” Celestia added.

“Neither did any of us,” Applejack spoke up.

“Don’t worry,” Sunset spoke. “We’ll go look for her.”

“Just be careful!” Twilight warned.

With that, the ponies and Spike, minus Twilight and Celestia, all rushed throughout the house in an attempt to locate the youngest Perron girl. Meanwhile, the other group proceeded to continue dragging Carolyn out of the house.

“Come on!” Ed yelled.

Just as the group were about to drag Carolyn out the front door, Carolyn screams in pain as her flesh starts to burn.

“What is going on?!” Twilight cried.

As Lorraine looked at Carolyn, watching her scream and suffer, she realized exactly what this meant.

“She won’t let her leave her house,” She said.

“What?” Roger asked. “What do you mean?”

“If we take her out, the witch will kill her,” Lorraine explained.

Suddenly, Carolyn is ripped from Roger and Ed’s grasp and thrown back into the house, dragged down the hallway. Carolyn tried to hold onto the wall but was quickly losing her grip.

“Roger!” She screamed.

The supernatural force yanked Carolyn off the wall, dragging her back into the cold cellar.

“Carolyn!” The group all yelled.

They quickly ran back down into the cellar, seeing Carolyn tossed around by the unseen force before their eyes.

<>

Meanwhile, the other ponies and Spike searched every square inch of the house in order to find April. Sunset checked everywhere in her bedroom, Rainbow searched through Andrea’s room, Rarity and Fluttershy combed through Christine and Nancy’s room, and Pinkie and Spike both ran amuck downstairs.

“April!” Spike called out.

“Come out April!” Pinkie yelled. “I’m all for a good game of hide and seek, but this is most definitely positively not the time!”

“You guys find her up there?” Spike yelled upstairs.

“Not yet!” Sunset responded.

“Negatory on my end too!” Rainbow added.

“Where could that little child have possibly gone?” Rarity asked.

At that moment, Drew came running into the house looking right toward the pink party pony and little baby dragon.

“You guys find her yet?” He asked frantically.

To which they both shook their heads. Drew gave out a big sigh, but quickly got back in the swing of things.

“Well let’s keep looking!” He said.

“Is Christine alright?” Pinkie asked.

“I left her out in the car and told her to stay there until one of us goes to get her.”

“Then let’s keep at it!”

<>

As the group upstairs searched for April, downstairs the mayhem grew worse. After being thrown around the area, Carolyn dropped to the ground. Concerned for his wife, Roger took a cautious step toward her.

“You okay?” He asked her.

Then, in the blink of an eye, a possessed Carolyn starts hitting him with unnatural strength. She jumped up and managed to grab Ed, strangling him.

“No! Brad! Brad!” Ed yelled.

Brad goes to grab Carolyn off Ed, when she suddenly turned and took a bite off the side of his face making him yell in pain. Lorraine and Celestia finally managed to put a sheet over Carolyn’s head, dragging her off Ed. Twilight pushes a chair forward, while Ed and Roger drag Carolyn to her feet.

“Let’s get something to tie her up!” Ed said.

They place Carolyn in the chair with the sheet on her head, as Lorraine grabbed some rope and starts tying it around Carolyn while Ed and Roger hold her still. Brad managed to cuff one of her hands to the chair. He then sits on one of the old chairs, as Twilight tried to help him stop the bleeding.

“Wow, that’s gotta hurt,” She cringed.

“Yeah, no shit!” Brad spat.

“No need for the harsh language!” Twilight argued back. “I’m only trying to help!”

“Well excuse me if a crazy possessed woman bit part of my face off and forgive me if I’m not exactly in a good mood!”

“Will you two just stop?!” Celestia yelled.

The two quickly hushed up, as Twilight continued to administer some air for Brad. Ed and Roger kept hold of the struggling Carolyn in the chair.

“I gotta call Father Gordon!” Ed exclaimed. “We gotta get Father Gordon out here!”

“He’s too far away, she won’t make it, look at her!” Lorraine cried, gesturing Carolyn.

Ed took a step back, watching Carolyn struggling and screaming under the sheet.

“Then you need to leave,” He said seriously.

“What are you talking about?” Lorraine asked.

“I have to do it,” Ed explained. “The exorcism.”

“What?” Roger asked. “I thought you said we need a priest! You’re not a priest!”

“Well, you got a better idea?”

“He can do it,” Lorraine said confidently.

She turns toward her husband, with all the confidence and trust in the world.

“You can do it.”

“You gotta get out of here,” Ed said.

“I’m not leaving you!”

“Dammit, Lorraine! I’m not doing this with you in here!”

“God brought us together for a reason, this is it. I’m gonna get the book.”

Before Ed could protest further, Lorraine quickly raced upstairs and out the front door to get the Bible from their book. Ed looked over toward Twilight and Celestia.

“You should both go.”

But both ponies shook their heads in defiance.

“There is no way in Equestria we are going to run and abandon our friends!” Twilight replied.

“Not to mention,” Celestia began. “You need all the light magic you can get against the force of darkness. As the Princess of the Sun, I am as light as it gets. You need my help!”

Ed thought for a moment. He really didn’t want them down here anymore than he wanted Lorraine here because he wanted no harm to come to them. However, he had to admit they were right. He couldn’t expect them to turn their backs on friends and if Celestia is truly as powerful as she says, she would certainly be a big help.

“Do you think you could help me perform the exorcism?” He asked Celestia seriously.

Celestia, a bit taken aback by the question, realized that Ed just asked her to aid in performing such an archaic act as an exorcism. But as she looked at Carolyn’s possessed form, struggling and screaming, then at everyone else in the room. Knowing she had to, Celestia stood tall and regal in response.

“Of course I will!” She declared.

https://m.

Eventually, Lorraine returned with the Bible and some holy water, handing them to Ed as he pulled out the cross he wore around his neck. Ed quickly scrolled through the pages until he found the point he needed. Before continuing, he turned toward Celestia who took her place at his side.

“I’m going to need you to focus as much of your light magic as you can,” He instructed. “More than enough to vanquish the evil spirit while I read.”

Celestia nodded, as they both turned back toward Carolyn… and the exorcism began.

“In the of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit,” Ed read.

He and Lorraine both dress the cross across themselves with their hands, as Celestia charged her horn with all of her light magic. She focused it entirely on banishing Bathsheba away from Carolyn’s soul as Ed started reading from the Bible in Latin.

“Vade retra, Satan. Sancte Michael Archangele, defend nos in proelio.”

Ed throws the holy water at Carolyn as he read, making her scream as the whole room shook. As Christine waits in the car, a bird suddenly flew towards the car window and smashed it. Back in the house, Drew and the others searched for April around the house.

“April!” He called.

“April!” Spike called as well.

“Where are you kid?!” Rainbow yelled.

Every single one of them rushed back to the same place to meet up.

“Anything?” Drew asked them.

“Nothing,” Rarity shook her head.

“It’s like she done up and vanished!” Applejack said.

Suddenly, they hear a noise and something thudding against the house. Together they all look outside and see a bird fly by them and the bird smashes through the window. Spike quickly looked outside the broken window, seeing the house surrounded by birds and one smashes straight into the cellar window.

“Holy mother of Tirek!” Spike shuddered. “What are they doing down there?!”

<>

Meanwhile, Ed kept reading from the Bible when he sees Carolyn moving the chair.

“Hold her still! Hold her still! Come here! Hold her still!”

Roger and Lorraine held onto Carolyn from each of her sides, as Ed continued reading from the Bible.

“Carolyn!” Lorraine said loudly. “Carolyn don’t give in! Don’t let her take you!”

“Ed, you gotta stop,” Roger said. “You’re killing her.”

“No, he can’t!” Lorraine yelled.

“Roger, help me!” Carolyn screamed.

Suddenly, Carolyn vomits, and blood explodes onto the sheet across her head. Twilight had to hold her hooves over her mouth to keep from vomiting at the horrible sight. Roger rushed over to Ed and Celestia.

“Ed, Goddammit! Stop it!”

Lorrain jumped from the ground, preventing Roger from stopping them.

“Understand this, we are now fighting for her soul!” She yelled at him.

Ed and Celestia both ignored the bickering between the two and Ed continues to read while Celestia worked her magic.

“In the name of Jesus Christ, the saints and all the angels, I command you to reveal yourself!” Ed shouts.

Suddenly, the sheet across Carolyn’s face ripped revealing Bathsheba’s face. This caused everyone’s mouths to drop and their eyes widen as the evil witch quickly took over Carolyn. As Bathsheba revealed herself, the whole room starts shaking as Caroyln’s face reappeared.

“Roger, help me!” She yelled in pain.

Not wanting to waste any time, Celestia concentrated even harder with her magic and Ed continued reading from the Bible.

“Ah omni visibili et invisibili et ubique in hoc saeculo liberetur…”

Suddenly, the room stopped shaking and Carolyn stopped struggling. The chair with Carolyn in it rose up as everyone looked at her in shock. Ed shook his head, as he continued reading the Bible.

“Omnes fantasma, omnis legio, in nominee Domini nostril lesu…”

Suddenly, Carolyn’s chair flipped upside down and rose with the legs of the chair hitting the ceiling and the chair itself slamming against the ceiling.

“Put her down!” Ed commanded. “Put her down! Put her down!”

Then the chair dropped to the floor and broke, which freed Carolyn and Roger rushed to help her.

“Carolyn!” He yelled.

Brad goes to check Carolyn’s heart when suddenly the shelving unit behind Ed moved and starts to fall on Ed.

“Ed, look out!” Twilight yelled.

Twilight used her wings to propel herself forward, quickly pushing Ed and herself out of the way just before the shelf crashed onto the floor. Ed took a moment to catch his breath before facing Twilight with a tiny smile of gratitude.

“Thanks Twilight,” He thanked her.

“No problem,” Twilight replied, breathing heavily.

Lorraine quickly rushed to her husband’s side and Celestia rushed toward Twilight’s. The concerned monarch nuzzled up against her prized student and she was clearly worried.

“Are you alright, Twilight?” She asked worriedly.

Twilight took a moment to answer but nodded at her teacher with a smile.

“Yeah, I’m alright,” She said. “I’m one tough cookie huh? Like my teacher?”

Celestia smiled with a tear in her eyes, as she and Twilight embraced strongly. Meanwhile, Lorraine worried for Ed’s well-being.

“Are you okay?” She asked.

As Lorraine is making sure Ed is fine, Carolyn sits up and cackles like a witch.

“Hold her still!” Ed yelled to Roger. “Don’t let her up! We’re gonna lose her, Roger!”

Roger and Brad held Carolyn down, as she kept cackling. Roger removes the sheet from her head.

“Damn you!” Roger snarled at the witch. “You leave my family alone! You hear me? I don’t know what you are, but you leave my wife alone! Goddammit! Let her go! Do you hear me? Let her go!”

As this is going on, Ed regained his composure and read while Celestia started up her magic again.

“Let her go, Goddammit!” Roger kept yelling. “Let her go!”

Carolyn stopped laughing, slowly turning her face, which now resembled Bathsheba much to Roger’s horror.

“She’s already gone,” Bathsheba spoke wickedly. “And now you’re all gonna die.”

Suddenly, Brad’s shotgun in the corner of the cellar moves, aims, and shoots at Ed. Celestia quickly shoved him out of the way with her wing, but the blast hits her right in the wing. Celestia fell to the ground crying in the pain.

“Celestia!” Twilight screamed.

Twilight rushed to her teacher’s side, trying to help her up. Back in the kitchen, Drew smashed through the floor and found April hiding under the kitchen.

https://m.

“I found her!” He yelled. “She’s under the house, under the kitchen!”

Everyone heard Drew from the cellar. Suddenly, Carolyn heaved up, grabbing the scissors from the floor and crawled under the workbench.

“Carolyn, don’t!” Ed yelled. “Don’t! Get her!”

They tried to grab her, but she slipped away and crawled under the house searching for April. Ed and Roger quickly crawled after her as Lorraine rushed up the stairs. Twilight used her magic as best as she can trying to remove the shot from Celestia’s wing. She is successful but all the while Celestia cried out in excruciating pain.

“I’m so sorry Celestia,” Twilight apologized.

Just then, all the other ponies and Spike quickly ran downstairs and saw their princess collapsed upon the ground bleeding and Twilight trying to nurse her to health.

“What the hay happened?” Rainbow asked loudly.

“There is no time to explain,” Celestia groaned. “Just get me upstairs!”

“Celestia you really shouldn’t…” Twilight began.

Celestia just covered her muzzle with her hoof, shaking her head.

“I know what must be done,” She said weakly. “Now let’s finish this!”

Every pony nodded, and very gingerly helped Celestia back to her hooves. They proceed to help her climb the stairs as quickly (yet safely) as they could. They managed to make it back to the kitchen where Lorraine peered through the hole in the kitchen where April was. She then looked toward the others, knowing what must be done.

“Now you must combine the power of the elements,” Celestia instructed. “Let the energy flow through me so we may have enough power to vanquish the spirit!”

“Do you really think that will work?” Fluttershy asked.

“It has to dear Fluttershy,” Celestia responded. “It is our only chance.”

<>

Back under the house, Carolyn/Bathsheba managed to find April and the little girl screamed in horror. At the same time, Roger and Ed managed to catch up to her but were unable to squeeze into the small area where they were.

“She’s in the hold, right there,” Ed spoke loudly.

They watched hopelessly as Carolyn snatched a hold of April with the scissors in her grip. She raises the scissors high above her head and both Carolyn and April screamed loudly.

“No, Carolyn!” Roger shouted. “Don’t! No!”

“Carolyn, don’t!” Lorraine screamed through the kitchen hole.

“Bathsheba!” Ed shouted.

Suddenly, as her head whipped to face Ed, Carolyn’s face disappeared and only Bathsheba is present. The evil witch roared demonically as Ed Warred stared her down intensely.

“By the power of God, I condemn you back to Hell!”

Bathsheba screams, as Lorraine placed her hand on her head through the hole in the kitchen floor.

“This is your daughter!” Lorraine yelled. “You can’t give in!”

Carolyn yelled, struggling to escape from the torment as Ed turned over to Roger.

“Roger, we need to get her to fight from the inside!” He instructed.

Roger nodded, turned toward his possessed wife and reached out to her.

“Don’t let her do this to you, okay? Don’t let this thing do this, you gotta fight it. I know you’re stronger than she is. You gotta fight it!”

“Keep it going, Roger!”

“You gotta stay with us, alright? Come on back, Carolyn!”

As Carolyn kept fighting through her possession, Twilight and the others combined their powers together and let it flow through Celestia. With the combined powers of the Elements of Harmony and the Princess of the Sun, a bright white light resonated throughout the entire room. That power flowed down to Carolyn as Lorraine kept talking to her.

“Remember what you showed me!” She said.

The powers resonating to her allowed the images of the day she and her family had are at the beach to flag through her mind.

“Remember that day that you said you would never forget!” Lorraine continued.

As the memories flew through her head, slowly the real Carolyn came back. She started weeping at the memories she loved so dearly.

“You said they meant to world to you. This is what you’ll be leaving behind.”

Carolyn starts remembering more and suddenly she topples over as something changes in her. She starts coughing, vomiting up the strange essence that possessed her. She looked up, her face clearer and more like herself as she looks at April.

“Mommy?” April said hesitantly.

Carolyn looked down as she continued to weep. Up above, Twilight and the others finally released their power and they all fell to the ground completely exhausted. Twilight slowly lifted her head to look at Celestia.

“Is it over?” She asked tiredly.

Celestia used her magic to scan the air for any further traces of dark energy in the area. When she saw there was none, she smiled down toward her pupil.

“Yes Twilight,” She nodded. “It’s over now…”

<>

The next morning, after everyone had been stitched up and their injuries mended, things really seemed to feel brighter in the house. Roger walked Carolyn out the front door, holding her hand out towards the sun.

“It’s over!” He said thankfully.

Carolyn bent down toward April, who stood next to her.

“I’m so sorry!” She said tearfully, embracing April. “I love you so much. I love you so much. I love you so much.”

Carolyn held Roger and April close to her as she cries, then Andrea, Nancy and Cindy arrive and raced toward Carolyn who rushed toward them holding out her arms.

The ponies all emerge from the house, Celestia’s wing now stitched up and wrapped in bandages. They look out at the beautiful sight of the Perron family finally having a wonderful moment. It felt good to see them knowing that they helped them reach that point. Ed and Lorraine watched the Perron family as they embrace each other. Brad then stepped out of the house clutching the wound on her face. He sat down along the porch steps, as Drew approached him.

“That draft do that to your face?” He chuckled.

“I’d take a guy with a gun any day,” Brad answered.

Drew smiled, sitting next to him as Ed and Lorraine held onto each other as they watch the Perrons reunite.

“You did good,” Ed smiled at Lorraine.

“No, you did,” She smiled back.

They share a loving kiss, holding onto each other as they watch the Perron family hug each other. Then April approached Lorraine, handing her back the locket Judy gave her. She smiled and walked back to her family as Roger looked at Ed, giving him a silent nod of thanks. The ponies and Spike all walked down the porch and stand beside the Warrens.

“We really need to thank you for your help,” Ed smiled.

“You don’t need to,” Twilight responded.

“No, we do,” Ed spoke honestly. “Having you guys here really helped us and them. You know, I was dead set against helping them after what happened to Lorraine. But you guys convinced me and I cannot tell you how thankful I am that you did.”

Lorraine nodded, smiling at the group of ponies and the baby dragon.

“We might not have met you all first, but when we did, we saw you were all willing to do whatever it took to help us and the Perrons. You helped drive one of the most evil forces we have ever seen out and saved a family from destruction.”

Celestia stepped forward before the group, holding her hoof out toward the two investigators. They both shook her hoof one by one as Celestia smiled at them.

“It was our pleasure to help,” She said kindly.

“It’s kinda what we do,” Rainbow said smugly. “We’re just that awesome… no demonic witch can take us down.”

Everyone chuckled at Rainbow’s cocky attitude, but she was absolutely right.

“We never give up on our friends darling,” Rarity said.

“No matter wut gets thrown at us,” Applejack added.

“We fight to the end for anyone that needs us,” Spike smiled.

Then Pinkie Pie popped between both Warrens and placed a hoof around each of them.

“Yep, and we do it with a big smile on our faces,” She said, smiling big. “Because when you meet new friends you always want to help them be happy. And what better way than with a smile?”

The Warrens couldn’t help but laugh at the party pony and neither could the others. Finally Pinkie dropped down and stood back beside her friends. Then a sudden wind picked up and they all watched as the green vortex opened up again. Every pony and Spike all smiled brightly.

“Looks like we’re going home,” Twilight said happily.

They all turned around to look at the Warrens and the Perron family all came alongside them as well. Everyone smiled at one another, as the Warrens hugged each of the ponies and Spike one by one.

“Thank you again,” Lorraine thanked them.

Then the Perrons all hugged them as well, even shed a few tears.

“We’re really going to miss you,” Carolyn smiled.

“Thanks for everything,” Roger thanked them.

They all nodded, as they slowly turned back to the portal. Taking a deep breath they slowly walked forward and allowed the portal to consume them.

<>

When the portal opened back into Equestria, the princesses and the others were immediately bombarded with hugs from all their friends. Discord scooped Fluttershy up hugging her closely, Sweetie Belle and Erik hugged Rarity, Applejack hugged Big Mac and Apple Bloom, and Sunset hugged her brother Sunburst. Everyone was back with the ones they loved, even Princess Luna ran toward Celesta hugging her so tightly she winced in pain.

“Ouch,” She winced.

“Oops… sorry Celly,” Luna apologized.

Celestia just placed her hooves around her sister, holding her closely.

“It’s okay Lulu,” Celestia said. “I missed you so much.”

“I missed you too,” Luna said backing up. “Never again will you go on one of these adventures without me. Is that understood?”

Celestia giggled at the fact her little sister was giving her orders. But she understood her reasoning entirely and nodded her head.

“Alright Luna,” She agreed. “I promise.”

The two royal sisters hugged each other tightly again, as every pony celebrated being together again.

<>

Back at the Warren house, Ed was in the process of approaching the artifacts room. He held the music box in his hands, about to put it away with the other dangerous items.

“I’ll call Father Gordon and let him know what happened,” Lorraine told him.

“Sounds good,” Ed answered.

Ed walked into the room toward one of the shelfs that had a bit of space on it. He gently placed the music box there as Lorraine stood in the doorway.

“The Vatican approved the exorcism.”

“Nice timing,” Ed chuckled.

“And if we can, then he’d like to meet with us tomorrow. There’s a case in Long Island he’d like to discuss.”

The Warrens both walk out of the artifacts room, closing the door behind them. It is only after they left the sound of music could be heard. The music box was open, the small window spun. When the window stopped moving, the ghost of Mary Shaw stepped onto the frame and smiled wickedly. She reached behind her, pulling out a large family album and flipped through it.

On the many pages were different pictures, mainly of all dead families with their tongues ripped out. She stopped at a blank page, slowly placing a single image of the ponies and the little baby dragon on the page. She looked up from the page, smiling sinisterly.

“Now... Who’s the dummy?”

The End…?

Diabolical forces are formidable. These forces are eternal, and they exist today. The fairy tale is true. The devil exists. God exists. And for us, as people, our very destiny hinges upon which one we elect to follow

Author's Note

In memory of the real life Ed and Lorraine Warren.

Ed Warren: Sept. 7th, 1926 — Aug. 23rd, 2006

Lorraine Warren: Jan. 31st, 1927 — Apr. 18th, 2019

The Warrens and Annabelle

As the vortex opened again, the group emerged from the void between time and space. One by one, they step onto the ground below looking around to see where they just arrived. From what they could see, they appeared to be in a room of sorts. All assortment of items scattered throughout the entire floor from top to bottom. Every pony turned to each other, trying to figure out where they had just come to. Then, they suddenly realized something that frightened them. Their group consisted only of Celestia, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash.

“Where are the others?” Celestia asked, with panic.

“I don’t know,” Rarity answered nervously. “They were all with us when we left.”

“Twilight always warned us from the start that this sometimes happen after stepping into that machine,” Rainbow explained. “That we won’t always come out the same way together.”

“When did she ever say that?” Rarity asked.

“It was back after we first started these adventures,” Rainbow answered. “She said something about ‘space-time continuum’ this and ‘multiple portals’ that and all kinds of egghead mumbo jumbo.”

“Surely they can’t be far,” Celestia assured.

Fluttershy, who had hidden herself in her mane beside Princess Celestia the whole time, finally looked out from behind her mane toward her friends.

“Guys…” She spoke meekly.

The others turn toward her, as Princess Celestia knelt to her level.

“What is it Fluttershy?” She asked sweetly.

“H-H-Have y-you s-s-seen where we are?” She shook.

The group once more looks around the room, this time taking in the many mysterious rarities within the room. There was a giant wooden idol depicting some monstrous beast, a menacing looking suit of armor, and shelves upon shelves of other weird trinkets. This was certainly one of the strangest places they have ever seen. Rainbow Dash wasn’t paying attention to where she was going, as she floated about the room and bonked into something.

“Ow!” She groaned, rubbing her head.

“Are you alright Rainbow darling?” Rarity called.

“Yeah I’m cool. Just hit my head on this—WAAAAAHHHHHH!!!”

Her shout was brought on the moment she turned her head towards what she bumped into and came face-to-face with the scariest looking doll she had ever seen. Her cry of fright drew the attention of the rest of the group, who all stared wide-eyed at the doll as well. It was a very old wooden doll wearing a white dress. It’s red hair was done up in braids, and it had the creepiest looking smile on its face. The doll was kept in a giant glass case with a sign that read, 'Positively Do Not Open’. Princess Celestia stepped ahead of the group, leaning slowly for a closer look at the doll.

BANG!!!

The entire group all nearly jumped out of their skin when they heard the loud crash. They all slowly turn their heads toward the direction the sound came from.

“W-W-What w-w-was t-t-that?” Rarity quaked.

“I’m not sure,” Celestia said. “But we must find out.”

Slowly they walk toward one of the large shelves. All was absolutely silent in the room, so quiet they could hear their own heartbeats. They slowly peek behind the corner of the shelf… spotting a little girl hiding in the corner.

The girl appears to be perhaps ten years old with dark hair going just below her shoulders. She was bunched up into a ball with her little hands covering her eyes.

“Please don’t hurt me,” She pleaded.

Celestia smiled down upon the child, stepping before the rest of the group, and knelt down toward her.

“You don’t need to be afraid little one,” She spoke kindly. “We mean you no harm.”

The little girl slowly slid her hands down her face till her bluish green eyes glanced right into Celestia’s warm magenta gaze. Celestia reached out her hoof and the girl recoiled a bit. A moment passed before the girl slowly reached out, grabbing the offered hoof. Celestia pulls the girl to her feet and placed a comforting wing over her back.

“See my dear, we’re not going to hurt you,” Celestia smiled.

The little girl was amazed at the fact she was looking upon an alicorn Princess right before her eyes. She reached out and ran her fingers over the soft feathers of Celestia’s wing.

“Are you really an alicorn?” She asked curiously.

Celestia giggled at the question but nodded her head.

“Indeed I am young one.”

That’s when the rest of the girls stepped out from behind the sun goddess, making their presence known. The girl’s eyes widened more as she stepped towards them. Rainbow was the first to fly right up to her with a smirk.

“How’s it going kid?” She asked. “My name’s Rainbow Dash. The fastest, bravest, and all in all most awesome pony you’ll ever meet!”

The little girl giggled at the brash, cocky attitude of the cyan Pegasus mare. Then, a marshmallow unicorn and a butter-yellow Pegasus walked up.

“Charmed darling, my name is Rarity,” The unicorn greeted.

The yellow Pegasus just swiped her hoof across the floor.

“Um I-I’m F-Fluttershy,” She greeted shyly.

One by one, the little girl shook each of their hooves in greeting.

“So, what’s your name kid?” Rainbow asked.

“Oh, my name is Judy,” She introduced herself. “Judy Warren.”

“We are ever so sorry if we frightened you, Judy,” Rarity apologized.

“Oh no, it wasn’t you. It was… it was um… her.”

She shakily points a finger, as the ponies all turn to see she was pointing directly back at the doll.

“Whatever do you mean young Judy?” Celestia asked.

The girl’s face completely drained to the point her cheeks were almost pure white as she started to shake. She hid herself under Celestia’s wing fearfully, to which the diarchy rose her eyebrow curiously.

“I don’t get it,” Rainbow scratched her mane. “What’s so scary about the doll?”

“Other than the obvious need of a serious fashion change,” Rarity said seriously.

Judy poked her head out from under the wing. Her eyes were as wide as saucers.

“She’s not just a doll…”

“What do you mean?” Celestia asked.

Judy looked right up into the Princess’ eyes and Celestia could clearly see the pure terror they held.

“She’s evil…”

Just then, the door to the room swung open and they all jumped in shock.

“Judy, honey, I’ve told you a thousand times that you can’t be coming…”

Everyone froze as a man walked into the room, staring wide eyed at the ponies and the little girl. The man himself seems to be in perhaps his late thirties or so with dark brown hair and sideburns. He just stood there, staring in disbelief at the ponies.

“Lorraine!” He called out. “You’re going to want to see this!”

Within a moment, a woman walked into the room. She was a little younger than the other man, with shoulder length brown hair. When she walked into the room, to see what her husband was talking about, she caught sight of the ponies and stared at them in shock.

“Mom, Dad?”

Judy nudged her way out from under Celestia’s wing and walked toward the two older humans who knelt down to her height.

“Are you okay, Judy?” The woman asked concerned.

“You’re not hurt, are you?” The man asked.

Judy just shook her head ‘no’ before turning back to the ponies with a smile.

“They’re my friends,” She said happily.

The three ponies and the alicorn Princess all smile when the little girl called them ‘friends’. The two adults still maintained their shocked expression, as they cautiously approach the ponies.

“This can’t be real,” The man remarked.

“It’s impossible,” His wife added.

“Oh, I’m afraid it’s quite possible,” Celestia replied.

Hearing the creature speak made the adults back up a bit in surprise. Of course, given how previous encounters with new humans began with fright and almost screams, this was going rather well.

“Before you freak out on us, let us explain,” Rainbow spoke.

Celestia nodded her head and began explaining the situation to the couple.

“We come from another land called Equestria, where ponies of all kinds live in peace and harmony. We’ve recently been on a series of adventures across multiple worlds and our latest one called us here. We can’t return until we stop some great evil from wreaking havoc. We’ve been separated from the rest of our friends and need to find them. We mean none of you any harm whatsoever.”

The explanation from the large white alicorn seemed odd and certainly not one this couple was expecting or wanting to believe. It honestly seemed far-fetched and quite impossible. Yet here stood four very real talking ponies and if they were to believe it, more elsewhere. They really didn’t know how to deal with the situation, but they seemed friendly enough.

“Well, I suppose introductions are in order,” The man stated. “My name is Ed, and this is my wife Lorraine.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you all,” Lorraine greeted kindly.

They both offered them all handshakes, which the ponies gratefully returned.

“I am Celestia, Princess of the Sun,” Celestia introduced. “And these are Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity.”

“Sup,” Rainbow waved.

“Charmed, I’m sure,” Rarity bowed.

“Hi,” Fluttershy said softly.

“Can I ask you guys what this creepy looking room is?” Rainbow asked.

Ed and Lorraine Warren both look at each other, then back to the ponies with serious expressions on their faces.

“Well you see, Lorraine and I are paranormal investigators,” Ed explained. “This room here is filled with many items we’ve taken from each place we’ve investigated.”

“That’s right,” Lorraine nodded. “Every item in this room has either been cursed, enchanted, or used in some form of ritualistic activity.”

Fluttershy squeaked in fear, hiding herself behind Rarity who wasn’t fairing much better. To think everything in this room was haunted and quite possibly holding evil made them very uneasy.

“What about the doll?” Rainbow asked, gesturing to the case.

The Warrens look at the case, they both stare intensely at it. Their focus rest solely on the doll inside.

“That’s Annabelle,” Ed said lowly. “She’s the worst item in this room.”

“What happened?” Rainbow asked.

“Well, it all started about a year ago…” Lorraine began.

<>

The Warrens were in the process of interviewing two young student nurses, Debbie and Camilla, as well as Camilla’s partner Rick. The group all look to the side seeing the Annabelle doll sitting in the chair and just looking at them as the interview began.

“It scares us just thinking about it,” Debbie explains. “When you hear it, you’re gonna think we’re insane.”

“Try us,” Ed smirks. “Please, from the start.”

Debbie and Camilla both let out deep sighs before looking over toward Annabelle sitting on the chair. Then Debbie started to recount their terrifying encounter to the Warrens.

“It started out small, like a hand or a leg was in a different position. And its head was looking up instead of down. And then one day it was in a completely different room. It was moving around by itself.”

“Did you ever think that maybe someone had a key to your apartment and was just playing a trick on you?”

“That’s exactly what we thought, but never once did we find any sign or evidence of intrusion.”

“And these led you all to believe that the doll was possessed?” Lorraine asked.

“Yes,” Debbie nodded. “Camilla got in touch with a medium. We learned from her that a seven-year-old girl named Annabelle Higgins died had died in this apartment. She was lonely and took a liking to my doll. All she wanted was to be friends.”

“When we heard this, we felt sorry for her,” Camilla said sadly. “I mean we’re nurses; we help people. So… we gave her permission to move into the doll.”

This caused both Warrens to look at them in shock.

“Wait. You did what?” Ed asked.

“She wanted to live with us by inhabiting the doll,” Camilla explained. “We said yes.”

“But then things got worse,” Debbie added.

They start reliving their memories of what happened afterwards. One night, when Debbie and Camilla returned home from work, as they open the door they find a note on the floor which has the message “Miss Me?” written on it in red crayon. They look up and see the doll placed on the floor down the hall.

“When we came home, she was sitting in the hallway,” Debbie continued. “But we had left her in the spare room.”

The girls notice red crayons in the doll’s hand, the girls enter the spare room and find the room trashed and the walls covered in red crayon with the words “Miss Me?”, Debbie picks up the doll and starts walking out of the apartment.

“Debbie! Debbie, wait!” Camilla called out.

Debbie throws the doll and the note into the garbage dumpster; later that night the girls are woken by a loud banging on the front door. Debbie opens the door but finds no one there, only the note they had found earlier. Then they hear a loud banging coming from the spare room. Camilla goes to open the door and has a horrified look on her face as she sees what’s inside.

“We were beyond terrified,” Debbie spoke. “We don’t know what’s going on or what to do. Can you help us?”

Ed Warren felt sympathy for the two young girls and nodded his head.

“Yes, we can. But firstly, there’s no such thing as Annabelle. And there never was.”

Lorraine nodded her head as she continued following her husband.

“Ghosts don’t possess such a power. I think what we have here is something extremely manipulative. It’s something inhuman.”

“It was a bit mistake acknowledging this doll,” Ed added. “And through that the inhuman spirit tricked you. You gave it permission to infest your lives.”

“What’s an inhuman spirit?” Camilla asked confused.

“It’s something that’s never walked the earth in human form,” Ed explained. “It’s something demonic.”

“So, the doll was never possessed?” Debbie asked.

“No, no,” Lorraine shook her head. “It was used as a conduit; it was moved around to give the impression of possession. Demonic spirits don’t possess things, they posess people. It wanted to get inside of you.”

<>

“So, we got the church to send a priest over to perform a blessing on the house and the occupants. Whatever was oppressing that apartment was no longer with them.”

After hearing the Warrens explain the story of the Annabelle doll, all the ponies shivered. To think this one doll could cause such fear and anguish, it was enough to make anyone scared. Even the cocky and arrogant Rainbow Dash, who was clinging onto Fluttershy.

“D-D-Don’t worry F-Fluttershy,” Rainbow shook. “I g-got you.”

“Aren’t you scared Rainbow?” Rarity asked.

Rainbow just turned away, trying to hide her embarrassed blush.

“No, I just don’t want Fluttershy getting too scared because you know how sensitive she is.”

Celestia slowly walked back toward the box, looking at the evil doll. It seemed to look right back at her.

“I’ve never heard of something as evil as this before,” She said softly.

“Is she the only evil doll out there?” Rainbow asked.

“I’m not so sure she is,” Ed replied honestly.

“Whatever do you mean darling?” Rarity asked.

“Well you see, we have this friend who lives in a small town called Raven’s Fair,” Lorraine explained. “He works as a mortician.”

“I don’t think I’m going to like this story,” Fluttershy whispered.

“You’d be right,” Ed replied. “He had his own terrifying encounter when he was a young boy about a woman named Mary Shaw, who was believed to be responsible for the murder of a young boy many years ago.”

This caused the rest of the group to gasp in both shock and fear. Fluttershy hid further behind Rarity as Ed continued the story.

“After the boy went missing, the people of Raven’s Fair blamed her immediately, forced her to scream and cut her tongue. In her will, she asked that all one hundred and one of her dolls be buried with her. The most disturbing part of what he’d told us about his encounter was her other wish. Not only did she wish to be buried with her dolls, but she also wanted to become one. Essentially, she was made up to look like a human doll and ever since then, he’s felt that Raven’s Fair was cursed by the spirit of Mary Shaw.”

https://m.

After the story was over, Fluttershy broke down crying because she was so frightened, Rarity tried to keep from emptying the contents of her stomach in disgust, and Celestia was perhaps more scared in that moment than she had ever been in her thousand years of life.

“Just goes to show exactly what kind of evil there is in the world,” Lorraine said.

Celestia looked out the small window of the artifact room, silently worried to herself. If there truly was great evil in this world, she could only hope wherever the rest of the group are, they wouldn’t be cast right into it.

The Perron Family

The first thing that came to the conscious mind of Twilight Sparkle, the moment she finally awoke, she found herself lying upon the ground. She couldn’t quite recollect precisely what happened, apart from the fact that she, along with her friends, had stepped through the vortex. After that, her mind was a blank slate.

Twilight groaned as she slowly sat upon her haunches, rubbing the side of her aching head with a single hoof. Her eyes had to adjust to the sudden brightness of the morning light shining upon her field of vision. By the time she made out her surroundings, there were two things she noticed:

The first was the fact that Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Sunset Shimmer, and Spike were laid out unconscious upon the ground. The next thing is what truly made her worried. Not a trace of three of her other friends nor even her teacher could be seen. Realizing the severity of the situation, Twilight reached over and began stirring her friends awake.

“Guys!” Twilight called out. “Guys, wake up!”

“No… I don’t want to go to class today,” Sunset groaned sleepily. “Just have the group make another fake snow day.”

Cocking a curious eyebrow at that statement, Twilight Sparkle turned away.

“What exactly have you and the Equestria Girls been up to lately?” Twilight thought.

Shaking her head of the thought, thinking it wasn’t important right now, Twilight shook Sunset harder.

“Seriously! We’ve got a big emergency!” Twilight shouted urgently.

The rest of the girls, Spike included, groaned as they slowly started to awake.

“Aww Twi!” Spike whined. “I was really enjoying that nap.”

“Well I hope you enjoy where we are right now,” Twilight retorted. “Because I have no clue where we are.”

“What are you talking about?”

“Look around!”

Spike and the rest of the girls rub their eyes, adjusting to the light as they too looked around at their new surroundings. They appeared to be lying besides a small lake under a large dead oak tree. Naturally there were many other dead trees littering the surrounding region, but what truly drew their full attention was the large farmhouse sitting in the clearing.

“Uh girls… Where are we?” Sunset asked.

“I’m not so sure,” Twilight responded. “But that’s not all that’s wrong.”

“Hold on a second!” Pinkie piped in, looking around. “Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t our cast include a lot more of us when we stepped through the portal. Because I tell you, if I’m seeing a bunch of mirror ponies like that day at the mirror pool, I hope you’re ready for a whole buncha Pinkies coming out…”

Every pony looked around, realizing she actually made a point. Their other friends, along with their Princess, were no longer with them. Instead, they could be only who knows where. Pinkie meanwhile looked around in case what she said were true and an army of Pinkie Pies were bound to show up.

“No? Not a single other Pinkie but me?” Pinkie asked to herself. “Hmm… Never mind!”

“Hey guys, I think someone’s coming,” Spike pointed out.

The group turn behind them as a vehicle headed toward their direction. They quickly jump to their feet and rush behind the tall oak tree, cautiously peeking their heads out. A 1970’s wood-paneled station wagon, with New Jersey license plates, driving down a gravel driveway. The station wagon comes to a stop in front of the house.

Stepping out is the driver, Roger Perron, a lean man in his early thirties and his wife Carolyn, who’s simply dressed, and her hair pulled up – also early thirties. Hopping out of the back are their girls Andrea, Cindy, April, Nancy, Christine, and the family’s black lab, Sadie. Everyone is excited, except for Andrea – a mixture of raging hormones and adolescence. She takes in her surroundings, groaning in annoyance.

“Well, here we are,” Roger smiles.

Roger and Carolyn both step out of the car, looking around toward their new home.

“You hear that?” Roger asked.

The ponies start to panic the moment that question was asked, fearing he must have heard them, and that they would be discovered. Carolyn walks beside her husband, listening very closely.

“I don’t hear anything,” She said.

“Exactly!” Roger smiled.

“Oh, okay.”

The ponies and Spike release a breath of relief, knowing they hadn’t been discovered yet. They hoped to find the others soon; but until then, they watched the Perron family as they adjusted to their new lives.

“Okay, guys!” Carolyn called out.

The Perron girls step out of the car, the oldest daughter, Andrea, first to leave. The moment she stepped out of the car, she took one look around and sneered in disgust.

“Oh God,” She groaned. “We’re in the middle of nowhere!”

The rest of the girls excitedly ran into the house to explore, while Andrea just trudged behind rather slowly. She looked toward her parents, a look of disapproval and anger apparent upon her face.

“So, do I get to pick my own room?” She asked, with a snarky tone. “Or do I not have a choice in that either?”

Her parents watch her walk through the house, shaking their heads. No doubt she was very upset about the move, but even more upset of the fact she felt as if she had no say in the matter. Carolyn placed her hands upon Roger’s shoulders.

“Well, first cute boy she meets, she’ll forget all about Jersey,” She joked.

“Great, can’t wait!” Roger sighed.

Carolyn enters the house, as Roger starts to follow behind. But suddenly, he stops when he noticed that their dog, Sadie, refused to follow them inside. He turns back to the dog, gesturing her to come in.

“Come on, Sadie,” He beckoned.

But the dog continued to sit upon the porch, staring toward the house. She whimpers as if she could feel there was something wrong. Roger was merely getting frustrated that she wasn’t listening.

“Sadie… Let’s go!” He said more firmly.

Once again, the dog refused to budge from her spot. Roger grabs her by the collar and tries to pull her into the house. But she fought to stay firmly in that exact same spot.

“Hey, come! What’s the matter with you?”

The poor dog continues to whimper, resisting the pulling and tugging. Until eventually, Roger gives in and released his hold upon the dog.

“Alright. Suit yourself.”

He walks into the house, leaving the poor dog to lie upon the porch. Twilight and the others all watch curiously.

“Why won’t the doggy go inside?” Pinkie asked. “It’s pretty cold out here; I know I would go in.”

Every pony and Spike turned to her, noting how she was shivering, her coat turning blue, and icicles hung from her jaw. They all roll their eyes, shaking their heads at her dramatics. Twilight continued to observe the big house, as if trying to sense something.

All of a sudden, she noticed something seemingly odd. From the upstairs window, a silhouette stood at the window and looked out… directly at her. From what she could see, it appeared to be a woman in a filthy white nightgown and ragged hair. She did nothing but stare at them, for the longest time, before slowly turning away and walking off.

“TWILIGHT!”

Screaming a bit, Twilight jumped at the sudden shout of her own name. She turned toward Spike and the others, who looked at her very confused.

“You okay, Twi?” Applejack asked.

“Yeah—yeah totally fine,” Twilight answered quickly. “Why do you ask?”

“Well, you were just staring up at that house for the longest time,” Spike spoke up. “Like you were a million miles away in your head.”

Twilight shook her head, trying to shake the image of what she had just seen.

“Sorry guys I guess I just got lost for a bit,” Twilight assured.

Applejack narrowed her eyes upon Twilight’s response. She could immediately tell Twilight was lying and decided it would be a good idea to speak with her about it later. Right now though, a completely different situation was left to be dealt. That of course being they had no idea where their friends nor Princess Celestia ended up.

“Hey guys!” Pinkie shouted excitedly. “I found something super-duper neat-o!”

Every pony turned over, seeing her hold something in her hooves and observing it rather closely. The device appeared to be some form of music box, shaped to resemble a circus tent. Pinkie slowly lifted the lid of the box revealing a swirling glass window and a tiny clown figurine. When the box opened, it played the creepiest melody they had ever heard.

https://m.

Immediately, all the ponies, and even Spike, could feel there was definitely something wrong about this music box. Matter of fact, there seemed to be something wrong with this entire place. The problem was: They just didn’t know what. For the longest time, they just stood there and watched the music box as it played. Finally, Pinkie looked at them with a huge smile.

“You know what they say: Finders keepers, cupcake eaters!”

“Oh no Pinkie,” Twilight shook her head. “You are not keeping that box.”

“Aww, why not?” Pinkie whined.

“Because it’s totally creepy!” Sunset pointed out.

“Agreed!” Spike nodded.

“Hi there!”

Every pony and Spike jumped at the new voice directly behind them. They all turned fearfully toward a little girl standing behind them. Little April Perron had apparently decided to go wandering the grounds of the house when she heard the voices coming from behind the big oak tree. She had quietly snuck around the tree and saw four colorful talking ponies and a baby dragon. Being a little girl this excited her greatly.

“Don’t worry, I won’t hurt you,” She assured.

Every pony turned to each other and they couldn’t help but feel confused. Surely this little girl had seen them talking and yet she didn’t seem the least bit scared at all. Not to mention the fact one of them was an alicorn. And yet, she just stared at them not in fear, but amazement.

“You’re not scared?” Twilight asked.

April just shook her head with a smile.

“I love ponies and unicorns,” She said giddily.

Sunset Shimmer was actually the first pony to step away from the group and approach the little girl. She reached out her hoof and April reached out her little hand. Soon her fingers made contact upon the soft fur of Sunset’s leg. Seeing these ponies were indeed real made April smile even wider.

“You are real!” She squealed.

Sunset cracked a grin toward the little girl’s excitable energy.

“Yeah kid, we definitely are,” She smirked.

April turns back behind the ponies and the baby dragon, noticing the music box that sat upon the ground. She points at it, making them all turn and look.

“Can I see?” She asked simply.

Twilight was unsure about letting the little girl handle the box knowing something was not right about it. Nonetheless, she used her magic to levitate the box over toward the young girl’s hands. April smiled as she walked over, sitting beside the group near the tree. They all just sat and watched the music box play for what felt like hours.

<>

Meanwhile, back in the house, the rest of the Perron family were in the process of unpacking and setting up the furniture. Nancy ran through the house, nearly bumping into her father.

“Coming through! Whoa! Watch out Dad!”

Roger laughed as his girls ran through the house and the few moving men carried more of the furniture into the house.

“Where do you want it?” One Moving Man asked.

“Uh… That goes into the living room,” He told them.

In the meantime, Cindy was going over a couple boxes seeking for something particular. She turns over to Andrea.

“Hey, Andrea,” Cindy called out. “Where’s my wind chimes?”

“Uh… I think Nancy’s got it in the other room,” Andrea responded.

“Oh, thanks.”

Cindy runs into the living room, seeing Nancy stand there with her back turned.

“Hey Nancy, have you seen my wind chimes?”

Nancy turned around to face her sister, clutching the wind chimes in her hand.

“This?” She asked.

“Yeah, give it to me!” Cindy demanded.

Cindy tried to grab the wind chimes from her sister, but Nancy playfully holds them out of reach and laughs while doing so.

“Nancy, let go! Give it here!”

After a few moments of taunting and teasing, Nancy finally gives up the wind chimes to Cindy, who just pouts at her.

“You’re mean!” Cindy said.

Cindy then walks into the kitchen where her mother was just putting away the dishes.

“Hey mom, can I hang the wind chime?” She asked.

“Of course!” Carolyn nodded. “There is a line outside you can hang it on.”

Cindy starts to head outside to hang up the wind chimes but stops upon hearing her mother calling to her.

“Honey, have April come in, okay? It’s gonna be dark soon.”

“Okay!” Cindy calls out.

Cindy walks out the front door of the house, hanging up the wind chimes. She looks out and sees April sitting under the big oak tree by the lake looking at something. She thought she could see something else too, but thought it was her imagination playing tricks on her.

“Come on, April. Mom wants you inside!”

April turns over to see Cindy standing at the door, holding the music box up for her to see.

“Look what I found, Cindy!” She called.

Cindy didn’t pay much attention to the music box and just went back inside. April stood up with the music box in hand before turning toward the group of ponies and Spike.

“I have to go back inside now,” She said.

“Alright, but just be careful,” Twilight smiled.

“Take care now, Sugarcube,” Applejack added.

“See ya later, kid,” Sunset waved.

April turns around, heading back to the house. But then stops and turns back toward her new friends. The sun was beginning to set, and it grew rather cold outside. She felt bad for them having to spend the night outside.

“Come inside with me,” She said.

The girls and Spike turn to each other, shaking their heads.

“I don’t think we can do that April,” Twilight disagreed.

“Why not?” April asked.

“Well, y’all may have been okay with us bein’ talking ponies and what not,” Applejack explained. “But we can’t guarantee yer parents or sisters will be.”

“Yes they will,” April said happily. “They love all animals.”

The ponies still held back not wanting to take a chance. However, the wind started to pick up as a chilly breeze brushed their way. It caused them all to shake and shiver. Suddenly, the idea of a warm house didn’t seem all that bad.

“W-W-Well I d-don’t know about y-you guys,” Spike shivered. “B-B-But I won’t s-say n-no to a w-warm house.”

Twilight looked nervously toward her friends, then back toward April. She really didn’t want to just go in without first finding her other friends. But night was coming and it was only going to get colder by the hour.

“Okay April, we’ll come,” Twilight submitted.

April smiled again and began walking toward the house. Twilight and the others slowly followed her as well. This really shouldn’t be anything new, seeing as this happens literally every time they go to a new world. What was really weird though was the strange feeling of oppressiveness the moment they entered the house. April walks into the kitchen, right where her parents were, and the others held back for a moment.

“Mommy! Daddy! I’ve made new friends!”

Roger and Carolyn both face their youngest daughter, smiling.

“Oh, did you really?” Carolyn asked.

“And what are their names?” Roger asked next.

“Their names are Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Sunset Shimmer, and Spike,” April said excitedly.

Roger and Carolyn both turn toward each other, smiling widely at the idea that their daughter had imaginary friends. To them, that was just too cute.

“Well, can we meet them?” Carolyn asked.

“Oh yeah,” Roger agreed happily. “I’d like to meet my daughter’s new friends.”

April turned behind her, gesturing them to come forward. Taking deep breaths, Twilight and the others slowly walk into the opening. The moment Roger and Carolyn’s eyes fell upon the ponies and the baby dragon, their eyes widen in shock and their mouths dropped.

“Wait!” Twilight shouted, quickly holding up her hooves. “Before you start screaming, we just want to say this in advance… we mean you no harm.”

Roger and Carolyn both look at the ponies, before turning back toward April.

“It’s true!” April smiled. “They’re really nice and sweet!”

Just then, the rest of the Perron sisters enter the kitchen.

“So, what’s for dinner tonight? Because I’m thinking—”

Andrea’s sentence was suddenly cut off the moment the sisters’ eyes land upon the ponies and Spike. Just like their parents, their eyes widen in shock displaying a bit of fear. The only one who wasn’t afraid at the moment was April, who kept smiling.

“Can they stay?” She asked hopefully. “Please! They have nowhere else to go and they miss their friends.”

The first of the family to do anything upon this discovery was Christine. She slowly approached the ponies and Spike, gently reaching out with her hand. She gently caressed the smooth scales along Spike’s back, which caused the little dragon to sigh blissfully.

“Ahh, that feels nice!” He said, in a daze.

After a moment of petting the little dragon, even Christine smiled and enjoyed the idea of them staying with them.

“Come on you guys!” She called out to her sisters. “This is so cool!”

One by one, the rest of the sisters came over and pet Spike, along with the others. The ponies and baby dragon all enjoyed the rubs while the sisters merely enjoyed their company.

“I don’t know about you guys,” Andrea spoke up. “But suddenly moving here got a whole lot cooler.”

Hearing their oldest daughter say this made Carolyn and Roger turn to each other surprised. Andrea was so dead set against moving here since first hearing the news, but the arrival of these ponies and baby dragon somehow made her feel better in a matter of five seconds.

“So, can they stay?” April asked again.

“Can they?” Her sisters asked.

“Can we?” The ponies and Spike asked.

Roger and Carolyn both turn to each other, then smiled toward the group.

“Alright, they can stay,” Roger declared.

This caused the girls and the ponies to cheer happily, as Roger and Carolyn laughed. They were all so happy and jubilant at this new development none of them took notice of the mass of darkness that loomed over their heads and disappeared into the ceiling.

Hide and Clap

It was late that very evening following Twilight and her friends meeting with the Perrons, who were gracious enough to permit them to stay. Until they are able to find the rest of their friends, this group of ponies would have to rough it out a bit. In return for their hospitality, the girls, along with Spike, helped the Perrons with their move. By late evening, they decide to celebrate over pizza.

Of course, Twilight and the others would only eat the pizza provided there was no meat at all. A good thing for Spike, being the only non-pony, as he got to enjoy the meat lovers special. The sun had since set over the horizon, the sky pitch black over the farmhouse. The air was still and silent, not a single sound to be heard outside. The only noise came from inside the house, as the Perron sisters approached Twilight and the others with huge smiles.

“Wanna play ‘Hide and Clap’ with us?” Cindy asked.

“’Hide and Clap’?” Twilight asked curiously.

Pinkie’s eyes widened and a gasp escaped her lips. She was so excited, she bounced around the room like a rubber ball much to the amusement of the sisters.

“I love Hide and Clap!” Pinkie said excitedly. “It’s basically Hide and Seek except you have to be blindfolded and the ones hiding clap a few times for hints to where they are. I played it one time with Derpy back home, but she kept bumping into everything and I felt so bad—”

Applejack ended her long rant with a single apple she pulled out from beneath her Stetson hat and shoved it in Pinkie’s mouth. Pinkie just munched the apple happily, giving a tiny belch when she finished.

“Yummy!” She exclaimed,

The ponies and Spike laugh at their kooky friend’s antics, while the Perron sisters couldn’t help but laugh too.

“Alright y’all,” Applejack agreed. “We’ll play fer a bit.”

“Sounds like fun to me!” Spike nodded.

“Aw hay, I’m game,” Sunset added.

They all turn to Twilight for her response. The lavender princess just grinned and nodded her head.

“So, who’s going to do the seeking first?” Twilight asked.

“Ooh! Ooh! Pick me!” Pinkie raised her hoof excitedly. “Pick me! Pick me! Pick me!”

“Sorry Pinkie,” April told the pink pony. “But we all agreed Christine will go first.”

“Aww!!!” Pinkie pouted.

Nancy and Cindy put the blindfold over Christine’s eyes, spinning her around a few times while the ponies and Spike searched for places to hide. After a moment, Cindy and April joined them in finding a hiding spot while Christine began to count.

“One, two, three…”

“No peeking!” Nancy called out.

“Four…”

While the girls sought a place to hide, they unintentionally ran into their father.

“Are you guys don with the pizza?” Roger asked.

The girls quickly nod and run off as Christine got to ‘five’.

“I don’t want it to go to waste!” Roger called after them.

He shook his head, smiling after his girls. At least they were having fun playing with their new friends.

“It’s expensive feeding you girls.”

Before long, everyone found a pretty good place to hide. Pinkie hid herself in the chimney, trying to keep from sneezing despite all the soot and dust. Sunset hid in one of the closets on the second floor next to Christine and Nancy’s room. Applejack hid in the cabinet underneath the kitchen sink, which is where she usually hid back when she and Apple Bloom played hide and seek back home. Spike ran into Nancy and they both decide to hide in the downstairs closet. Twilight decided to hide behind the cabinet in the living just when Christine finished counting.

“… Seven, eight, nine, ten! Ready or not, here I come!”

Christine started to carefully walk around the house, searching for her sisters and her new friends. She had to be extremely weary due to not being able to see.

“Okay, clap!”

Nancy, Cindy, the ponies, and Spike clap from their positions hidden around the house. While hiding behind the cabinet, Twilight couldn’t help but snicker to herself. She had to admit she was having fun and it helped take her mind off her concern over her friends and the princess. She was still worried, of course, but she knew they’d always find each other in the end.

Just then, she felt a strange sensation which felt like a hand brushing down her back and figured Christine must have found her.

“Well, looks like you found…”

Twilight turned around… but was shocked to discover nobody was there at all. The only one in the entire room was her. But how was that possible? She knew it wasn’t just a draft or her touching up on something. She was absolutely certain someone had, but the question was: Whowas it?

“Second clap!” Christine called.

Once again, everyone clapped in their hiding spots. From the upstairs closet, Sunset waited with anticipation hoping she’d win this game. Everyone else hid downstairs and she was the only one who decided to hide upstairs as an advantage. Being the competitive pony, she was determined to win, and this was no exception.

“Get… Out!!!”

The sound of a very low, raspy voice in her ear made Sunset freeze in place. When she first stepped into the closet and shut the door, she was certain no one was in there. Yet here she sat, in the pitch black, and someone just spoke to her.

“Twilight, is that you?” She asked. “Pinkie, are you playing a joke on me?”

Once again, it got real quiet very fast. Sunset just shook her head, figuring it was her imagination playing tricks on her again.

“Look what she made me do!!!”

In the blink of an eye, a human hand clasped over Sunset’s muzzle. She tried to scream out, but she couldn’t. She thrashed all over trying to escape, but the hand kept her in place. She was able to pry her mouth out and bite the hand, which then let go. Sunset quickly lit up her horn with magic and searched the room… but there was no one there. Sunset breathed like she just ran a marathon, clutching the thundering heart in her chest.

<>

Back downstairs, Christine made it to the closet and opened the door. Spike and Nancy were huddled in there, trying not to make a sound. As Christine stood in the doorway, a smirk makes its way on her lips.

“Clap!”

Nancy and Spike were hesitant, but they both clapped signifying she found them.

“Gotcha!” She exclaimed.

Christine goes to grab Nancy when they accidentally knock into the wall and hear a crack.

“Are you guys okay?” Spike asked concerned.

“Oh yeah,” Nancy responded. “Wow, um…”

Roger came around the corner, stepping into the closet to assess what had happened.

“Alright! What did we break now?”

Spike rushed out of the closet just as Roger came in and hid behind the man’s leg. Roger looked down at the little dragon but shook his head and turned back toward the closet.

“Will you get out of there, please?” He demanded.

The two girls stumbled out of the closet, joining their father and the little dragon. About that same time, Carolyn and the rest of the girls came in as well along with Twilight and the others.

“What happened?” Twilight asked Spike.

“I think Christine got a little overexcited when she found us,” Spike answered. “She accidentally bumped into Nancy and well~”

But before Spike could finish, Sunset came rushing down the stairs as fast as she could and met with the others. Immediately, they could tell something was wrong.

“Sunset, what happen to you?” Twilight asked worried.

“Y’all look bout as pale as fresh cow milk,” Applejack observed.

Pinkie poked her head from the fireplace, her usually pink fur now coated completely black from the soot.

“Does this mean I win?” She asked with a cough.

Twilight and the others shook their head at the party pony and peered into the closet. Turning on the light, they could see what appears to be a giant hole broken into the wall.

“Oh, jeez!” Roger groaned.

“Christine did it!” Nancy pointed.

“No, I didn’t!” Christine shot back.

“Yes, you did. You totally pushed me!”

Roger sees the hole created in the wooden wall and peers through it.

“Hey, Nancy, can you go get me the matches, please?” He asked.

“I can help you with that,” Twilight offered.

She walked into the closet, lit her horn, and so this way they could both see more of the hole in the wall.

“Thanks Twilight,” Roger thanked her.

Twilight just nodded as they both peer through the hole, as Carolyn looks in as well.

“What is it?” She asked curiously.

“I think we have a cellar or something,” Roger observed.

Roger yanks off the wooden boards, opening an entrance to the cellar. He tries the light switch, but it doesn’t work. Roger, Twilight, and the other ponies walk down the cellar steps, brushing the cobwebs aside.

“What do you see down there?” Carolyn called out.

“It’s hard to tell!” Twilight called back. “There’s so much down here.”

“There’s an old piano and some garbage over here,” Applejack noted.

Everyone continued to study the assortment of junk that lay abandoned in the basement for some time. A sound of movement alerted Twilight to the corner, she turned her head to see a figure vanished. Ever so slowly, she starts making her way toward the direction it had run to determined to see what it was.

“Roger, girls come on back up!” Carolyn called.

Roger walks back up the cellar stars. As the ponies and Spike made to follow, they see Twilight slowly approaching the corner.

“You coming Twi?” Sunset asked.

Twilight turned back toward her friends, then back to the corner. Eventually, she stepped back and followed her friends upstairs.

“I don’t want any of you girls down there,” Roger told the girls. “The place is loaded with spiders.”

The girls all walk away, cringing at the mention of spiders, leaving Roger, Carolyn, and the ponies standing by the closet.

“Got extra square footage down there,” Roger pointed out. “I’ll check it out in the morning.”

“I wonder why it was boarded up?” Carolyn wondered.

“Beats me,” Pinkie popped behind them.

Everyone turned down toward the cellar one more time before Roger shut off the closet lights and closed the door.

“I think it’s about time we all head on up to bed,” Roger said.

“I agree with you on that,” Spike yawned.

“I’m all plum-tuckered out from today,” Applejack agreed.

With that settled, the Perrons and the ponies all made their way up the stairs. Twilight was the only one who lingered behind for another glance toward the cellar door. Something was definitely very off about this place. She finally pulled her eyes away from the door and climbed up the stairs to join the others.

Due to the shortage of house space, Twilight and Spike had to bunk with Andrea. Sunset and Applejack slept in Christine and Nancy’s room, while Pinkie shacked up with April and Cindy. Everyone wished each other good night before they found themselves comfortable spots to sleep for the night… a rather strange night.

<>

In the meantime, Roger just entered the bedroom where he and Carolyn were sleeping.

“Man, I’m fried,” Roger sighed.

He saw Carolyn gazing out the window as their dog was barking.

“Something’s up with Sadie,” Carolyn pointed out.

“Yeah, I don’t know what her problem is,” Roger sighed. “Couldn’t get her to come inside.”

“We can’t leave her out there.”

“She’s alright, I got her on a chain.”

But just to be sure, Roger shouted:

“Sadie! Hey, be quiet!”

Carolyn turns and puts her arms around Roger.

“Thanks for making this work,” Carolyn thanked. “I know it was a lot to pay off. It’s gonna be great, isn’t it?”

“I think it’s great already,” Roger smiled.

“Yeah.”

The two start to kiss each other fiercely, their passion ignited.

“You still too fried to Christen the new house?” Carolyn asked.

“Who said I’m fried?” Roger smirked, picking Carolyn up playfully. “Nobody here is fried.”

<>

The next morning, Twilight and Spike awoke to the most rancid, putrid smell they ever smelt in their lives. So bad they had to plug their noses and hold their breath until they were out of the room and could breathe again.

“Oh sweet Celestia!” Twilight cried. “What was that smell?”

“Certainly wasn’t me!” Spike said innocently.

Then Sunset, Applejack, and Pinkie came out from the other rooms and they were all shivering. Pinkie, in fact, was so cold her fur changed from pink to blue and her teeth chattered uncontrollably.

“S-S-So c-c-cold!” She chattered.

“Why the hay is it so garsh down cold in this here house?” Applejack asked.

Every pony shrugged their shoulders, as they start making their way downstairs. The rest of the Perrons were already awake, going about their daily business. The group just entered the kitchen while Roger and Carolyn were making breakfast. The two turn behind them seeing their pony guests entering the kitchen.

“Good morning you guys,” Carolyn said nicely.

“How did you all sleep?” Roger asked.

“Mostly alright,” Twilight shrugged. “But then we woke up this morning to this horrible smell.”

“Like a dozen piles of manure crossed with rotten garbage!” Spike added.

“That’s funny,” Carolyn spoke. “Andrea told us the exact same thing this morning too.”

Everyone turned toward each other, wondering what all these strange things happening in the house could possibly be. It was most certainly odd for sure and they just wished they could explain it.

“How about that cellar?” Sunset asked. “Any luck with that?”

“It’s gonna take some serious elbow grease,” Carolyn replied. “There’s so much stuff in there we don’t know what to do with them all.”

“We’re going to go through it later today,” Roger added. “Who knows? Some of those antiques down there may be worth a lot of money.

“Or maybe it’s just old junk the previous owner didn’t want.”

“Well it’s our junk now.”

“Brr… Any reason why it’s so cold in here?” Pinkie shivered.

“It must be just the furnace,” Roger answered. “I’ll try to fix it later.”

“Speaking of knocked around,” Carolyn said. “Take a look at this.”

She pulled back her sleeve showing bruises all over her arms. The ponies and Spike cringe at the sight because it looked as if Carolyn had been trampled by a herd of yaks.

“How did that happen?” Applejack asked.

“I wish I knew,” Carolyn answered.

“And that’s not all,” Roger added. “All the clocks around the house have strangely stopped at 3:07 am, all at the exact same time.”

Twilight walked into the hallway where the grandfather clock sat. Sure enough, the time stopped exactly at 3:07.

All of a sudden, a horrible scream drew all their attention outside. Every pony and the Perrons ran outside to see April screaming.

“April! April! April!” Carolyn cried. “What’s wrong?”

“What happened?” Roger asked.

When the group ran around the corner, they were met with a horrible sight: Sadie the dog, laid out on the ground, completely limp and lifeless. Her eyes were open, but they were completely dead and grey. Carolyn and April both cried over the lose of the family’s beloved dog, as the ponies and Spike looked down in shock and horror. Only one question haunted all of them over this:

Who or what could have done this?

History of Annabelle

While Twilight and her friends dealt with the growing mayhem at the Perrons’ farmhouse, another group of ponies faced their own dilemma at the Warren estate. Celestia currently sat on her haunches in the Warrens’ backyard, her eyes closed in deep concentration. Currently, she was trying to use the power of her mind in hopes to reach out and contact Twilight. But for some reason, she wasn’t able to trace Twilight’s consciousness. As though something was blocking Celestia’s connection to her pupil. She didn’t quite know what it could possibly be, but she knew she didn’t like it.

“U-U-Um P-Princess…”

Celestia’s eyes quickly snapped open, as she turned over toward Fluttershy hiding behind her mane. Her face poked out from her long pink locks, as the poor yellow Pegasus looked meek and frightened in Celestia’s presence. But being the kind, motherly figure she was, Celestia gave a soft smile and wrapped her giant wing over Fluttershy.

“Yes dear Fluttershy?” She asked sweetly.

“B-Being here scares me so much,” Fluttershy squeaked.

Celestia nodded in agreement, using her wing to comfortably stroke along Fluttershy’s back.

“I must agree with you Fluttershy,” Celestia nodded. “This entire situation frightens me to no end. I cannot seem to reach out to either Twilight or Sunset. There is no telling exactly where they are.”

“D-Do you think we’ll ever find them?” Fluttershy asked nervously.

“Of course we will darling.”

Both Celestia and Fluttershy turn just as Rarity and Rainbow Dash approached. The Unicorn and Pegasus reached up and hugged Fluttershy in an effort to calm her.

“Yeah Flutters,” Rainbow reassured. “No matter how many times we get separated, we always come back to each other.”

“We shall find the others and vanquish whatever foe stands in our way,” Rarity added. “Just the way we always do.”

Fluttershy was able to crack a small smile on her muzzle, snuggling against her friends and the Princess. They sat in the backyard snuggling for the longest time before Celestia felt another presence come from behind them. She turns head to look behind her and sure enough, little Judy walked toward them.

“Hello young Judy,” Celestia greeted.

“Hi there!” Judy waved.

The rest of the girls stopped their cuddling and turned toward Judy with warm smiles.

“You know, we really must thank you Judy and your parents,” Rarity spoke thankfully. “For allowing us to remain with you till we find our friends.”

“If it weren’t for you guys, we’d probably be sleeping in the street somewhere,” Rainbow nodded.

Judy’s cheeks blushed a light pink from all the praise she and her parents were given. But she quickly brushed it off.

“It really wasn’t any trouble,” Judy smiled. “If there is one thing my parents and I believe in, it is the kindness and compassion that God wishes all of us to bring onto others.”

Celestia and the other ponies smiled, nodding in approval. Ever since they met the Warrens, they’ve been told many different religious ideals and beliefs all surrounding the God that they worshipped. What they loved most was the idea of undying kindness and love from a higher power of which was bestowed upon the people, even the sinners.

“So, where are your parents right now?” Celestia asked.

“Mom’s inside knitting,” Judy answered. “Dad is having an interview with some local reporter about their artifact room.”

“Sounds pretty interesting,” Rarity said.

“Wanna sneak in and listen to the interview?” Rainbow asked mischievously.

Celestia turned toward Rainbow, rewarding her question with a disapproving look.

“Now Rainbow Dash,” Celestia scolded. “You know very well that spying is a clear violation of some pony else’s privacy.”

“Aww come on Princess. Who knows? Maybe we’ll find some information about what we’re up against here.”

Celestia had to admit Rainbow did have a point in what she said. However, being an honest alicorn, if nothing else, the last thing she wanted to do was deceive the family that had been nothing but kind to them.

“I just don’t think that will be a good idea, Rainbow Dash,” Celestia shook her head.

“I’m afraid she’s right darling,” Rarity nodded. “The Warrens have been kind to us; we shouldn’t do anything to break their trust.”

“N-N-Not to m-mention t-that room is s-s-scary!” Fluttrshy shook behind Rarity.

Rainbow Dash, however, would not be deterred so easily.

“Alright… well, what if we just listen in outside the door?” She asked. “That way we can still ‘hear’ the information and technically it’s not even spying. We just happened to hear something while we were passing by.”

Celestia and the others turned toward each other, considering the notion at hoof. In all honesty, it would be good for the ponies to know about the supernatural forces in this world. But still, they did not wish to come off as dishonest either. Then again, the need to find Twilight and the others was too mandatory to ignore. That being said, Celestia finally caved.

“Alright,” She sighed. “We’ll listen in on the interview if necessary.”

“I was going to listen in anyway,” Judy added, undeterred. “I’ll go along as well.”

The ponies all follow the little Warren girl through the house down to the artifact room. Just standing outside the room, filled with so many haunted and cursed items, made the hairs on their bodies stand on end. Judy quietly, sneakily snuck into the room while the ponies remained outside to listen in. They all leaned their heads closely, so this way they could hear everything that was being said.

<>

Inside the artifact room, Ed Warren showed the reporter the many different and spooky items he and Lorraine had accumulated over the years. The reported examined each item with intrigue and also a slight bit of fear.

“We keep everything locked in here,” Ed informed the reporter. “Feel free to look around, just don’t touch anything.”

“Wow, this is crazy,” The reporter said amazed. “So, all these are taken from cases you’ve investigated?”

“That’s right,” Ed nodded. “Everything you see in here is either haunted, cursed or is being used in some kind of ritualistic practice. Nothing’s a toy.”

The reporter looked closely at a toy monkey playing the cymbals sitting on the shelf. In his mind he thought, ‘How could something so innocent be so evil?’. Ed could see the reporter looking at the toy and smirked slightly.

“Not even the toy monkey,” He finished.

The reporter reached his hand out to touch the curious toy. But Ed quickly stopped him from doing so.

“Don’t touch it!”

The reporter quickly snatch his hand back like a kid who got caught with his hand in the cookie jar. Nevertheless, he continued to look around the room.

“Isn’t it scary or doesn’t it worry you to have all these items right in your home?” The reporter asked.

“Oh, that’s why we have a priest that comes by once a month to bless the room,” Ed responded. “The way I see it is, it’s safer for these things to be in here than out there. It’s kind of like keeping guns off the street.”

“Well, why not just throw them in an incinerator, destroy it?”

“Well that would only destroy the vessel. Sometimes it’s better to keep the genie in the bottle.”

The report nodded, searching the room for one particular item he was most interested in.

“Say, is the uh… Annabelle doll here?”

Hearing the name of the accursed doll, Ed turned toward the report with a little smile.

“Right this way. Yeah.”

Ed lead the reporter through the room until they both stood before the glass case which held the Annabelle doll inside. They both just looked at the evil doll residing inside it like a glass prison. The doll seemed to look back at them, with that same haunting smile.

“You said she’s a conduit?” The reporter asked.

“That’s right,” Ed nodded.

“What does that mean?”

“A very powerful demonic has latched itself onto her.”

As the reporter looked at the evil doll inside the box, he couldn’t help but have more questions surrounding the doll itself. Unbeknownst to either man in the room, the ponies upstairs have heard every word echoing from below. What they heard next would prove shocking and disturbing.

“So, how exactly did the evil spirit take residence in the doll?” The reporter asked.

Ed sighed to himself, shaking his head. He figured at some point he’d be asked that one question. That didn’t stop it from being less hard to tell. He looked over at the reporter, then down toward the pen and paper in his hands.

“I can’t answer that question if it’s going to be on record,” He said simply.

The reporter nodded his head understandingly, placing the pend and pad down to the side. He turns back toward Ed Warren, awaiting for his explanation. Ed took a deep breath before proceeding to relate the tale of the evil that resides in that very doll.

“It all started many years ago when the Mullins family lost their seven-year-old daughter, Annabelle. Mr. and Mrs. Mullins missed their daughter dearly and prayed for a way to see their daughter again. Little did they know that a demonic entity preyed upon that desire and took form of their daughter. It tricked them into thinking it was her, so that it could convince them to allow it to move into the doll. They accepted the offer and that’s when things really took a turn for the worse. One night, the demon viciously attacked Mrs. Mullins…”

<>

Mrs. Mullins slowly and quietly entered the room of her daughter Annabelle, as she clutched a bible to her chest and held a crucifix in her other hand. Moments before, she was in the bathroom and saw what appeared to be some dark, demonic figure in the reflection. However, when she turned around, all she saw was a quick glimpse of her little girl. Now here she was entering the room of her deceased daughter, with the knowledge that what was living amongst them was most certainly NOT their daughter.

She could see Annabelle’s figure sitting at the tiny table, having a tea party with her dolls. Most noticeable was the damned doll her husband crafter for their daughter, which they allowed this demon to inhabit. Mrs. Mullins stepped forward, holding the crucifix out towards the little girl, who seemed completely oblivious to the presence of the Mullins woman behind her… or at least, that’s what was believed.

The little girl’s body suddenly began to twist and crack, as though every bone in its body was being snapped. Her body began to stretch and twist further until it took form of a large, gangly-looking demon. Mrs. Mullins dropped the crucifix, staring in horror as the demon slowly turned toward her.

In that moment, Mr. Mullins walked into the house to hear his wife scream horribly. He quickly rushed up the stairs toward his daughter’s bedroom where his wife laid upon the ground, crying out in pain and fear. The demon had already gone, leaving Mr. Mullins to knell down to his wife. When he turned her around, Mrs. Mullins held her left eye which was bleeding profusely. Later it was discovered that the demon actually clawed out her left eye leaving her permanently deformed.

Only in that moment when the true horror of the Annabelle doll began…

<>

“Mr. and Mrs. Mullins locked the doll in the closet of their daughter’s bedroom,” Ed Warren explained. “And covered the interior with bible verses and holy water. They thought if they kept the doll contained within that room that they and everyone else would be safe.”

“What happened to the Mullins?” The reporter asked.

“… They died,” Ed said simply.

The reporter bowed his head in respect to the poor people before picking his pad and pen to continue with the interview. Upstairs, Celestia and the other ponies had stood there hearing the entire story about the Annabelle doll. While they were initially horrified by the doll’s demonic actions, they also felt sad for the family who were victims of this presence. Now of course, they had their fair share of threatening monsters before but hardly ever has Equestria ever experienced such tragic events… at least, none that the ponies ever talked about. They remained in complete silence as their ears picked up the next part of the conversation.

“So, when you guys investigate these hauntings…” The reporter began. “How do you stop them from latching onto you?”

“We have to take great precaution,” Ed answered.

“But what about your wife?”

“What about her?”

“Well, Father Gordon told me that…”

“That was different,” Ed interrupts. “What happened to my wife happened ‘during’ an exorcism.”

The sudden bit of detail, especially about Lorraine, left the ponies both stunned and just as equally confused. They were told of how dangerous paranormal studies were for the family, but Ed had failed to bring that up until just now.

“E-E-Exorcism?” Fluttershy whimpered timidly.

“What the heck happened back then?” Rainbow questioned.

“I’m not entirely sure,” Rarity replied. “Frankly, I’m not so sure I want to know.”

“Hmm… it seems this mystery has gotten darker by the minute,” Celestia pondered.

“Excuse me!”

The ponies silently gasp, with their eyes wide and their pupils turned to pinpricks. They hurriedly stepped aside as if thinking they had been discovered. But little did they know, the Reporter and Ed Warren actually heard a noise from in the room. Stopping the interview, Ed Warren investigates the noise only to find his daughter, Judy, having hidden herself behind the shelves watching them.

“Honey, what are you doing?” Ed asked. “Come here. You know better. Alright? Georgiana!”

The ponies sigh in relief, knowing they hadn’t been caught. A close on too or Celestia knows what could’ve happened. Downstairs, Ed Warren leads his daughter out of hiding and escorts her back upstairs.

“Did you touch anything?” He asked.

“No,” Just said simply.

“Alright. Come on, honey.”

By then, Ed just walked his daughter out of the room when he spots Celestia and the ponies.

“Oh! Princess Celestia! Girls!” Ed Warren greeted, rather surprised. “Can I help you with anything?”

“Oh no, sir,” Celestia shook. “Actually, we were just passing by looking for Judy and… well, here she is.”

“There you are dear,” Rarity carried on. “You had us worried to death!”

Judy, confused, looked toward Rainbow Dash who gave a ‘wink’ without Ed’s knowledge.

“Oh yeah!” Judy said. “Sorry girls, I was just…”

“It’s okay, no need to explain,” Fluttershy assured. “Just try not to wander off without us knowing.”

Just as they were finished talking, Georgiana, Ed Warren’s mother-in-law, appeared to answer Ed’s call. The ponies had initially met Georgiana sometime earlier that day, though it took her quite a while to keep herself together after discovering talking ponies in the Warrens’ house. Naturally, it took Ed quite an effort to explain how harmless they were but otherwise there wasn’t too much trouble.

“Georgiana, can you and these ladies take Judy upstairs?” Ed requested.

“Oh, sure!” Georgiana nodded.

“We’ll do just that,” Princess Celestia added.

Then Ed turns toward Judy, who sheepishly glanced toward her father.

“You can’t go into this room no matter what, remember?”

“Yes, Daddy,” Judy nodded guiltily.

“Alright,” Ed nodded, kissing the top of Judy’s head. “Go on.”

“Right!” Rainbow replied. “I don’t know about you girls, but I could go for a little snack.”

“There’s plenty in the kitchen,” Georgiana replied. “Come on.”

Georgiana proceeds to lead the group into the kitchen, as Celestia turned back slightly spotting Ed Warren make his way back into the Artifact Room. Deep down, she felt slightly guilty about lying to Ed especially neglecting to tell him what they overheard earlier. On one hoof, while it pained her to be deceitful still, she didn’t want these ponies (more than herself) to get in trouble with their hosts. On the other, they didn’t want Judy to get in any trouble either and it was fortunate that she was willing to play along to cover for them. Still, while she knew the subject would come up again eventually… hopefully the sooner she finds her students and their friends then hopefully they won’t have to answer any difficult questions.

<>

Later that afternoon, Ed Warren enters another room in the house where Lorraine, Judy, and the ponies were sharing a laugh together. Lorraine was sitting in a rocking chair brushing Judy’s hair, as their daughter sat on Lorraine’s lap. The ponies were merely lounging about in the room enjoying some quality time with the other ladies. It was during which time that Ed noticed Judy was wearing a rather beautiful dress.

“Hey! What’s going on in here?” Ed replied cheerily.

“Daddy, look!” Judy cried out, presenting herself.

“Well, you look very pretty.”

“Indeed, doesn’t she?” Rarity asked. “Your daughter was just showing me around her room and presented the most pleasant collection of ensembles. She wanted to try one on for this afternoon; I must say your daughter has good taste in fashion.”

“Eh, the dress is all right,” Rainbow shrugged teasingly. “Kind of overdoing it.”

“Aw, you’re so mean Dashie,” Judy pouted cutely.

“Well, I think it’s lovely just the same,” Fluttershy spoke kindly.

“A very generous thought Fluttershy,” Celestia smiled.

“Alright, I’m done,” Lorraine declared. “Go get dressed for dinner.”

Judy slides off Lorraine’s lap, as the ponies follow her out of the room.

“I’m wearing it to dinner!” Judy called out.

“No, you’re not!” Lorraine smiled.

Judy, nevertheless, runs out of the room laughing as the ponies shake their heads while following her. When it was just the Warrens, Ed approaches Lorraine with a hot cup of tea.

“How did it go?” Lorraine asked curiously.

“I think he may write a positive article,” Ed assured.

“Ooh, a non-skeptic!”

“Hm…”

“That’s a pleasant change.”

“Yeah.”

Ed turns toward Lorraine for a moment, the latter can see the look of concern on his face. Able to read what his thoughts were thinking, Lorraine simply offers Ed some assurance.

“Stop blaming yourself,” Lorraine spoke.

She takes a sip of her tea, only to pull a face when it touched her tongue.

“No sugar?” Ed asked, taking the cup. “Be right back.”

Ed leaves for the kitchen to add the sugar from the tea, unknowingly passing a certain pony who actually stayed behind. Princess Celestia, driven by a form of curiosity, listened in on that small talk between the Warrens. Deep down, she knew there was something neither Ed nor Lorraine were sharing and seemed determined to keep to themselves. Whatever the case may be, Celestia couldn’t help but feel concerned for their kind hosts especially the circumstance that surrounded Lorraine. The big question weighing heavily on her mind was this:

What happened with Lorraine?

Things That Go Bump

Back at the Perron farmhouse, things were not as cheery and happy as Carolyn and Roger hoped the new house would be. Night had fallen once more over the old house and the newly placed grave marker with a dog’s collar placed over it.

After the tragic death of the family’s dog, Sadie, the family had taken her to a veterinarian to determine the cause of death. The doctor ran all the tests he could at the time but could not for the life of him figure out the case of Sadie’s death. It was as if she were alive one second, then dead cold with no explanation. It broke the family’s hearts immensely and Roger had quickly dug a grave for the poor animal overlooking the lake.

Little did they know that this was only the beginning of their bad luck…

<>

Night currently fell over the old house, as the entire family and their pony friends slept. Sunset and Applejack currently laid upon a few blankets on the ground of Christine and Nancy’s room. Both sound asleep, A.J.’s snoring grew quite loudly to the point Sunset conjured some earplugs for her and the girls just so they can sleep.

As they slept, they didn’t notice that the clock in the room stopped at 3:07 am, exactly as all the clocks in the entire house. It was then Christine could feel something tugging at her foot. She tried to swat it away, but it persisted.

“Not funny, Nancy,” She said tiredly.

“What?” Nancy groaned.

“Stop grabbing my foot!”

“Shut up! I didn’t do anything!”

“Yeah, right.”

Christine laid back in bed, trying to go back to sleep. But a rancid, horrible smell penetrates her nostrils.

“Ew and stop farting! It really stinks.”

“Don’t blame that on me, it’s you.”

The girls tried their best to ignore the smell in the room, slowly drifting back to sleep. Sunset and A.J. slept soundly upon the ground, undisturbed by their conversation. It wasn’t until a few moments later when Sunset starts to shake and squirm in her sleep. She looks as though she was trying to fight something off of her. What could she possibly be dreaming about?

<>

Sunset Shimmer walks slowly and quietly through the farmhouse. Not a single person or pony is there at all, as though the entire property was abandoned. Her green eyes practically bug out of her head, as they shift around rapidly trying to find any form of life. No matter where she looked, no matter how hard she tried, no one was there. It is eerily quiet to the point a pin could have been heard falling on the floor.

Just then, the door to the basement slowly creaks until it was fully open. Sunset stares toward the now open doorway in absolute horror. There was absolutely no one in the house, so there was no reason the door should be open. Despite how scared Sunset clearly was, her body motions on her own accord into the basement. Slowly descending the creaky wooden stairs until she stands upon the midst of the basement.

But something is clearly different about this basement; there was no longer a huge mess of clutter in the basement. Instead, there appears to be baby cribs lined along the basement walls. Not only that but there are also vials stacked upon the shelves of an old bookcase, alongside a number of ancient books.

Sunset couldn’t seem to form any words despite how hard she tries. So many questions swept through her mind and she finds herself unable to clearly comprehend them due to her fear. Just then, footsteps echo as a figure comes down the stairs. She quickly makes a break for the basement corner to stay hidden. From her position, she spies a woman walking down the stairs. Fairly skinny, pale with long dark hair, wearing a flowing white nightgown that went past her ankles, the woman enters the basement.

Sunset could immediately tell something was very wrong about this woman. The woman walks over to one of the bookshelves, pulling one of the old leather books off. She starts flipping the pages rapidly until reaching a certain point of interest. A wicked smile forms upon the woman’s face, as she walks toward one of the cribs and picks up a crying infant from inside. She walks back toward where the book rested, reading a strange incantation from the book in a very menacing way.

Despite how much Sunset wanted to run from her spot, to do something, she felt glued by her feet and unable to do anything. Sunset can only stand and watch as the woman reached onto of the tables in the basement, picking up what appears to be a large needle. As she continues to read the incantation, she raised the needle high above her head. Laughing wickedly, she brought the needle down and imbedded it into the child’s skull.

Sunset finally found her voice, screaming bloody murder at the horrible sight she had just witnessed. The woman slowly turns her head, staring Sunset right in the eyes. The woman continues to laugh and cackle wickedly as Sunset shuts her eyes tightly and screams again.

<>

Sunset bolts straight from her position on the floor, screaming. Sunset looks around, finding herself back in Christine and Nancy’s room. Both girls were still sleeping soundly, thanks to the ear plugs and A.J. snoring away. Sunset breathes in-and-out like a winded rhino, clutching her rapidly beating heart in her chest. It was, without a doubt, the worst nightmare Sunset ever experienced in her entire life. The thing is… it felt as if it truly happened and this dream was a means of telling her so.

“What happened in this house?” Sunset asked herself.

<>

Down in the living room, Roger passed out along the desk while the T.V. shows static. All at once, a noise jolts him awake. Turning off the T.V., Roger goes to investigate. He sees the kitchen door banging shut and open at least three times. He goes into the kitchen and sees the window open, thinking it’s just the breeze.

Suddenly, he hears more noises from the second floor and rushes upstairs. At the top of the stairs, he sees Andrea and Twilight stand halfway down the stairs. Twilight looks as if she’s still half-asleep, the pony trying her best to maintain balance.

“Andrea, Twilight, what are you doing out of bed?” Roger asked. “What’s that sound?”

“It’s Cindy,” Andrea responded. “She’s in my room. She’s sleepwalking again.”

Roger hurries toward the room, finding Cindy thumping her head against the closet door as she repeatedly walks into it.

“She’s been doing that for ten minutes straight,” Twilight spoke tiredly.

“I’ve never seen her do this before,” Andrea added.

“Have you tried to stop her?” Roger asked.

“I remember you saying not to wake her if she’s like this or so,” Andrea pointed out.

“But then we got worried and tried waking her,” Twilight added. “We tried pulling her back to bed, even snapping her out of it, but nothing’s worked.”

Roger approaches Cindy, placing his hand against her forehead to pat it against the banging.

“Hey, hey, sweetie. Shh. Let’s go back to bed.”

Roger slowly leads Cindy away from the path of the closet, back towards the doorway.

“She’s okay. Good night.”

“Night,” Andrea responded.

“See you in the morning,” Twilight added.

After Roger and Cindy leave the room, Twilight approaches the closet and examines it curiously, up, down, and vice versa. She couldn’t understand why Cindy was in here so late at night, walking headfirst into it for no reason.

“What are you thinking about?” Andrea asked.

“I’m trying to make sense of what happened,” Twilight responded.

“When Cindy sleepwalks, she ends up in some pretty weird situations,” Andrea shrugged. “One time back in New Jersey, she woke up in the middle of the woods in her bare feet.”

Twilight chuckles a bit, but never once took her eyes off the closet. She could feel some weird energy coming from it and certainly not the good kind. However, her eyes start to droop, and she decides it’s best to worry about it in the morning. She trots back toward where Spike is curled along the ground and lays gently beside him, as she drifts back to sleep.

<>

The next morning came rather quickly, as things seemed to get weirder. All the Perron girls were downstairs, along with their pony friends, eating breakfast. Roger and Carolyn, meanwhile, were getting ready upstairs. Roger was in the midst of brushing his teeth, while Carolyn steps out of the shower.

“She’s sleepwalking again?!” Carolyn asked her husband. “She hasn’t done that for a while.”

“She ended up in Andrea’s room,” Roger explained. “The whole thing kind of freaked her out.”

“That’s not good. “What are we gonna do?”

“I don’t know.”

Carolyn stepped out of the shower and starts drying herself off when Roger turns around and his eyes went wide. Another bruise is on Carolyn’s back, the mark much bigger than the one before.

“Honey, you got another bruise here,” Roger told her.

Carolyn tries to look over her shoulder to see the bruise. Roger ran his hand over it gently, so as not to hurt her.

“Does that hurt?” He asked.

Carolyn didn’t answer, she just moves toward the mirror for a better look. The bruise is dark purple, almost black. About the size of a baseball. It was as if something struck her on the back really hard, to the point it could’ve broken bone.

“That’s weird,” Carolyn commented.

“I don’t know,” Roger shook his head. “Will you do me a favor, go see a doctor for that?”

“Yeah, I will,” Carolyn nodded. “Drive safe.”

She turns toward Roger, kisses him on the lips then hugs him.

“I love you,” Carolyn said.

“I love you too.”

Carolyn smile as Roger makes his way out of the house and off to work. As Roger leaves for work, he hears something thump against the side of the house. He turns around the corner only to find a bard on the ground, writhing as it dies.

<>

Later that morning, Carolyn waves to the girls as they walk toward the school bus. She heads back to the house, only to find the four ponies and the little dragon standing in the doorway.

“Good morning everyone,” Carolyn greeted.

“Good morning Carolyn,” Twilight smiled back.

“Girls, I really have to thank you for everything you’ve done for us during this transition.”

“We ain’t even hardly done nothin’,” Applejack replied.

“But you did,” Carolyn told them. “You’ve been great friends to the girls and a big help around the house. We really can’t thank you enough.”

The ponies and Spike all look at each other before smiling brightly towards Carolyn.

“We are very glad to have been a help for you, Carolyn,” Twilight said kindly.

“It’s actually been kind of nice being here,” Sunset added. “Not to mention getting some time to spend with the girls.”

“Indeed,” Carolyn nodded. “By the way, have you seen April?”

“Oh yeah, I think she’s playing upstairs,” Spike answered.

Carolyn proceeds back into the house, as the ponies and Spike follow closely behind. When they reach the top of the stairs, they stop just outside of April’s room. And for some strange reason, they heard the little girl talking.

“Yes, I do. I miss Sadie a lot. She was my best friend. You’re my friend, right?”

Carolyn and the ponies turned toward each other, clearly very confused. Who could April possibly be talking to? All her older sisters just went off to school and Roger was off working. No one else could possibly be in the house… or so they think. Carolyn and the girls enter the room, spotting April sitting beside the music box opposite her.

“Who are you talking to?” Carolyn asked her.

“Rory,” April responded happily.

“Rory?”

“Who’s Rory?” Spike asked.

“He’s my new friend.”

Carolyn turns back toward the girls and Spike. They all just shrugged, having no idea what she was talking about it. Ultimately, Carolyn shrugged it off as April having an imaginary friend. Which, to say the least, is completely normal for a child her age.

“Oh, really?” She asked.

“Yeah,” April nodded. “Do you wanna see him?”

In that moment, the girls decide to join in on the conversation.

“Sure,” Twilight smiled. “We’d love to meet him.”

“Any friend of yours is a friend of ours,” Spike added.

“Ooh! I like meeting new friends!” Pinkie said excitedly.

“How do we see him?” Sunset asked.

“With this.”

Cindy picks up the music box and hands it over to Carolyn.

“When the music stops, you see him in the mirror standing behind you,” April explained.

“… That doesn’t sound creepy at all,” Spike replied. “But, what the heck?”

https://m.

Carolyn opens the music box, as the ponies and Spike came behind her to peek inside as well.

“But you have to twist the key,” April added.

Carolyn twists the key, as the music plays, a tiny clown head pops in and out of hiding, and the whole group stares into the mirror. The tiny circular mirror, inside the box, starts swirling hypnotically and the eyes of all the girls spin as they look straight at it. When the music stops, they thought they could see movement behind the, when suddenly…

“Boo, Mommy!”

Carolyn clutched a hand to her chest while Pinkie literally shot through the ceiling of the room. The other girls jump in fright, Spike leaping into Twilight’s arms, as they turn toward the girl who scared them from behind.

“Who! April, you just gave me a heart attack!” Carolyn gasped.

“Got ya!” April smiled.

“Pretty sneaky!” Applejack replied, raising an eyebrow. “But ya got us good!”

“Guess Rory doesn’t want to meet us after all,” Spike shrugged. “Ah well.”

“Can we play hide and clap?” April asked.

A loud gasp is heard as the girls look up toward the ceiling, as Pinkie stretches her neck and peeks from the rooftop.

“I love hide and clap!” Pinkie smiled, climbing back down. “Can we play girls? Can we? Can we? PLEEEASSE?!?!?!?!”

“Oh, honey…” Carolyn began.

“Hmm… I don’t know…” Twilight replied, uncertain.

“Please!” April begged. “Nobody ever lets me play.”

“Aw, how can we ignore those adorable little eyes?” Sunset smiled.

“I’m doing it too, hello?!?!” Pinkie waved her hoofs.

“Okay, okay,” Carolyn gave in.

<>

April starts spinning both Carolyn and Twilight Sparkle, the one pony who volunteered to do the seeking instead of clapping.

“One, two, three…” Twilight and Carolyn counted.

“We’re gonna go hide now!” April called out.

“You’ll never find me ladies!” Pinkie shouted, running away.

“They will if you keep shouting like that, Pinkie, “Spike points out.

By the time April and the rest of the group rushed out of the room, Carolyn and Twilight were still spinning. This gives the group plenty of chances to hide.

“Four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten!”

By the time they stopped spinning, Twilight Sparkle wobbled a bit before eventually regaining her balance. She and Carolyn slowly step out of the room, cautiously moving forward so as not to run into anything.

“First clap!” Carolyn called out.

CLAP! CLAP!

The proceed to walk forward, hindered by the blindfolds upon their eyes. Just then, Carolyn bumps right into the stair banisters.

“Ow, shit!” Carolyn muttered.

“You all right?” Twilight asked, looking around.

“Yeah… Second clap!”

CLAP! CLAP!

“I think it’s coming from over there…!” Twilight pointed.

“Follow me,” Carolyn instructs.

Twilight Sparkle follows Carolyn, as they slowly approach Andrea’s room where the clapping was heard. The two shuffle towards the room, entering ever so quietly.

“April!” Carolyn calls out.

“Applejack, we know you’re in here!” Twilight calls out. “Sunset! Pinkie! Spiiiike!”

The two girls listen to all the surroundings, when the closet slowly creeks open behind them. Carolyn and Twilight slowly turn toward the closet.

“Oh, I know where you’re hiding,” Carolyn called out. “Give me the third clap!”

A pair of hands push the clothes in the closet slightly aside, the two figures unable to see the limbs.

CLAP! CLAP!

Carolyn and Twilight chuckle as they slowly approach the closet. They could feel victory just within their grasp.

“It’s been fuuuuun…” Twilight said playfully. “But we’re gonna get yooou….”

They slowly walk close to the closet, hearing what resembles some loud breathing. Although they couldn’t see, Twilight’s ears flicked.

“They’re hiding in there!” Twilight whispered.

“We can hear you breathing,” Carolyn warned.

Carolyn reaches through the closet, inserting her hand between the clothes. Meanwhile Twilight stands but a few steps away.

“Okay guys, we know you’re in there!” Twilight called out. “You might as well come out!”

Just then, Twilight hears running feet behind her and quickly turns around. She lifts her blindfold up only to find no one there. A slight nervous, Twilight turns back toward Carolyn, who by now has removed her own blindfold as she digs through the closet. But for some strange reason, while wrenching the clothes aside, not a trace of either April or the others can be seen. The closet seems completely empty, but the heavy breathing can still be heard.

“If this is a prank, it’s not funny!” Twilight shouted nervously. “April? Spike?! Girls… Sunset?”

Suddenly, laughing is heard as Twilight and Carolyn turn rapidly scared to death. But there she is April Perron, giggling towards the frazzled pair.

“Ha-ha, you took your blindfold off!” April laughed. “I win!”

“April!” Twilight gasped.

“You weren’t even warm; I was in Christine and Nancy’s room.”

Carolyn and Twilight, freaked out beyond description, peers back toward the empty closet wondering what was up with all the heavy breathing. It’s not long before Sunset, Applejack, and Spike come into the room.

“You girls okay?” Spike asked.

“We heard screamin’ across the hall!” Applejack added. “So we came to check and see if y’all were okay.”

“Twilight?” Sunset spoke, turning to her. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost. What’s wrong?”

Twilight didn’t say anything at first, she just turns back toward the closet. She swore something is in there, the energy she felt seemed stronger than before. And yet as it seems, everything appears empty. All the more making the setting more spooky than before.

“Sorry… Guess it’s just this house,” Twilight replied, between breaths. “I think I’ve had enough games for one day.”

The girls were a bit confused at first, but they nodded in understanding. Especially Sunset, who felt sympathetic for Twilight and the way she acted. Something very unusual has been going on in this house since they arrived, and still they seemed nowhere close to finding the truth. Just then, Spike looks side to side as if something is off.

“Hey… where’s Pinkie Pie?”

<>

The pink party pony herself had been hiding under the table, in a sense literally. Surprisingly strong, all four hooves were pressed below the surface and she tried to suck in her tummy as long as she could so nothing would stick out. After a while, she looks side by side, wondering what was taking every pony so long.

“Hello?” Pinkie called out. “Hellooooooo? Did I win again?”

<>

Later that evening, Roger just returned home from work after a lengthy day. Since then, he’s been on the phone talking to someone on the other line.

“I… I gotta have some routes here or I’m lose the insurance on the rig,” He spoke, listening. “Well, that’s like half my rate, man!”

Carolyn and Twilight make their way into the kitchen, overhearing Roger’s conversation with what sounds like a client.

“Yeah, okay. I’ll uh… I’ll take it. Thank you.”

Seemingly settled, Roger hangs up the phone with a sigh. Carolyn comes over to him, caressing his arm as Twilight joins them.

“What’s the route?” Carolyn asked.

“It’s uh… Florida,” Roger answered. “It’s a week turn around. I start tomorrow.”

“There’s not a problem is there?” Twilight asked curiously.

“It’s nothing to worry about,” Roger spoke, unconvincingly. “It’s just a slight complication that’s all.

“We’ll get through this,” Carolyn assured.

But even Twilight felt unconvinced, as she can catch the troubled look on Roger’s face. Still, considering that he is going through a difficult enough time, she decided not to pursue the matter any further.

“Maybe we should all get some rest for tonight,” Twilight suggests. “Perhaps everything will make sense in the morning.”

The Perrons nod with a ‘Yeah’, as they make their way to bed to retire for the evening.

<>

In the middle of the night, inside Christine and Nancy’s room, both girls (with Sunset and Applejack included) slept as peacefully as possible. All of a sudden, Christine’s body is lightly tugged. Christine wakes up, clearly very annoyed assuming it was her sister messing with her.

“Stop it, Nancy,” She said tiredly. “It’s not funny anymore, I’m trying to sleep. Please stop grabbing my feet.”

https://m.

She turns over, pulling her legs in and trying to go back to sleep. Suddenly, her leg is yanked forward, and she sits up in bed in fear. She turns toward Nancy, who is asleep in her bed then over to Applejack and Sunset asleep on the floor.

“Sunset!” She whispered for attention. “Applejack!”

Applejack stirs a bit in her sleep, her Stetson hat over her face. Muttering in her sleep, she gives a kick to Sunset which snaps the fiery unicorn awake. Groaning over the rough awakening, Sunset opens her eyes.

“Sunset!”

Sunset turns over to her side, seeing Christine sitting up in bed clearly terrified. Rubbing the sleep from her eyes, Sunset trots over to her side.

“You okay, Christine?” She asked.

“Something yanked my leg!” Christine said fearfully.

“Hmm… must’ve been a bad dream,” Sunset assured.

Just then, Sunset felt something grab her foreleg and she jumps onto Christine’s bed with a yelp. Both pony and the girl hold onto each other fearfully, before deciding to investigate what it was. Christine peeks under the bed fearfully, only to find nothing. Suddenly, she sees the bedroom door moving… and something behind it.

“S-S-Sunset… look!” She points toward the door.

Sunset looks toward the door; her eyes widen intensely. There, standing right behind the door, a dark figure lurks… staring at them.

“Nancy…” Christine said shakily. “Nancy.”

Nancy stirs awake, turning toward Christine and Sunset sitting atop the bed.

“What are you doing?” Nancy asked.

She notices that not only Christine looks terrified, but Sunset seems rather spooked.

“Are you guys alright?”

“Do you see it?” Christine asked fearfully.

Nancy looks across the room towards the door where the two are staring at.

“See what?”

Christine points her finger towards the door.

“There’s someone behind the door.”

“What?”

“There’s someone standing over there!”

“I don’t see anyone,” Nancy spoke.

“She’s telling the truth, Nancy,” Sunset said. “It’s looking right at us.”

Nancy steps out of bed for a closer work, to find whatever it was they were seeing. As she investigates, Sunset quickly slid off the bed and approaching Applejack. She shakes the County Pony hard until she woke with a blink of an eye.

“Am I late for Apple Buck season?” Applejack asked quickly.

“No, look!” Sunset points out.

Applejack looks toward the door, just as Nancy pulls the door aside to look behind.

“Look, there’s no one,” Nancy said. “There’s no one here. See?”

Christine looks even more terrified than before, as she now stares at Nancy.

“Oh, my God!” She gasped. “It’s standing right behind you!”

Nancy feels a presence lurking behind her, slowly turning her head behind her. Suddenly, the bedroom door slams shut, and Christine starts screaming bloody murder.

Christine and Nancy’s screaming, along with Sunset and Applejack’s, woke Roger and Carolyn. The parents rush toward their bedroom, where the door is shut. Behind it, they could hear banging from the inside as the other ponies and Spike come out as well.

“Christine, Christine!” Carolyn shouted. “Christine!”

“What’s going on in there?!” Twilight asked urgently.

“Sunset! Applejack!” Spike yelled.

Carolyn and Pinkie Pie try to push the door open, but for some reason it won’t budge.

“Girls!” Pinkie shouted. “Let us in! Let us in!”

“Let us out! Let us out!!!” Applejack and Sunset shouted.

“Every pony, stand back!” Twilight shouted.

The alicorn princess quickly rushed toward the door, using her magic to swing the door wide open. They all rush inside to find Christine, screaming and crying in terror. Nancy, along with Sunset and Applejack, were huddled in the other bed.

“Christine! Christine!” Carolyn shouted.

“No! No!” Christine shouted.

“What’s going on?” Roger asked.

“Girls, what the heck happened in here?” Spike asked.

“There’s someone else in here!” Christine screamed.

“What are you talking about?” Pinkie asked.

“There!” Sunset pointed. “It’s behind the door!”

Roger checks the door, at least the corner behind it.

“Honey, there’s nothing I here,” Roger spoke tiredly. “There’s nobody in here.”

“Dad, there was someone else in here!” Christine insists. “I was just sleeping and then I felt someone grab my feet. So I thought it was Nancy.”

“Something grabbed my leg too!” Sunset added. “It felt cold like it was dead—”

“Girls, I’m pretty sure it was all a bad dream,” Roger assured.

“No, you don’t understand!” Applejack shook her head. “This ain’t no dream. I’ve seen it too!”

“It spoke to me!” Christine added. “It said… that it wants my family dead… and the ponies too!”

Roger takes her into his arms, as she sobs hysterically. The ponies and Spike approach their two friends, Twilight Sparkle coming in last. The other girls, now awake, gather by the door looking on with worry on their faces. Twilight Sparkle approaches Sunset Shimmer, who collapses onto Twilight’s shoulder showing a rare sign of fragility as she sobs. Twilight pats Sunset’s shoulder, looking toward the back door where the entity supposedly was.

Twilight Sparkle did not say it aloud, but her face said it all… something supernatural was happening in this house… and she believed them.

Author's Note

Just so you are all aware, the dream sequence that Sunset experienced is part of the actual story that happened to the real life Perron Family. The first time they ever spoke about their incident on television was on the SYFY television series, Paranormal Witness.

Demon Attack

Back at the Warrens household, Celestia and her little group of ponies helped Lorraine and Judy tend to the chickens in the backyard. Celestia still had a hard time trying to pin an exact location on the whereabouts of the rest of the group. For some reason, she still could not make mental contact with either Twilight or Sunset. What was blocking her mental connection with both students, she didn’t know ‘what’, ‘how’, or ‘why’.

Celestia knew that in order to block their magical collection, the force blocking it has to be extremely powerful. The alicorn princesses’ thoughts on the matter were quickly interrupted by the sounds of struggle. She turns to the side, catching Rainbow Dash flying rather quickly as she chased a chicken running around like its head was cut off.

“Come on, would you get back here you little—”

The chicken squawked loudly, running straight towards the wooden fence of the pen and makes a quick turn…

*WHAM*

Rainbow Dash crashes right into the fence. The cyan Pegasus slowly peels off the fence, plopping to the ground as tiny little chickens start running around her head.

“I happily accept your nomination as mayor of Donkey Town,” She said dazedly.

Lorraine, Judy, and all the ponies burst out laughing over the silly remark the tomboyish Wonderbolt spoke. The Pegasus was so dazed, she didn’t know she was currently on the Earth. They all laugh so hard, that they were surprised they hadn’t passed out from lack of oxygen. Taking advantage of the funny situation, Rarity pulls out a top hat and sash from behind her and places them on Rainbow Dash.

“Well now darling, you can’t very well take your position as mayor without the proper apparel,” Rarity joked.

Even Fluttershy couldn’t help the cute little giggles that escaped her muzzle.

“Maybe you can unite the donkeys and ponies of Equestria,” Fluttershy giggled.

As the group continues to laugh, Lorraine noticed Ed walking by. Leaving the girls and Judy with the chickens, Lorraine walked up toward her husband.

“Where are you off to?” Lorraine asked suspiciously.

Ed stopped mid-stride, realizing he had just been caught by his wife. He slowly turns to face her, trying to put a smile on his face.

“Uh, I just gotta run to the store for a few things,” He answered.

Knowing that was clearly a lie, Lorraine crossed her arms and looks at Ed with a knowing look.

“Why do you even try?” She asked.

“What? What do you mean?”

“In fifteen year,s have you ever been able to lie to me?” Lorraine asked seriously.

Ed finally sighs in defeat, knowing he really couldn’t keep anything hidden from his wife. She was exactly right: Why did he even bother trying?

“Father Gordon called,” Ed admitted. “He’s got a case he wants us to look into. I said I’d go check it out myself.”

Lorraine opened the gate of the chicken coop, about to head back into the house to get ready to go. But Ed steps into her path.

“Lorraine, myself!” Ed said firmly.

“I’m going with you,” Lorraine responded determined.

Ed turns and starts walking towards the car as Lorraine follows him. Celestia turns and sees them walking away, worried as she can sense the distress within the two.

“I know you’re worried it’s gonnna happen again.”

“Yeah, I am. I really am. Maybe it’s ust time we take a break, write that book.”

“Do you remember what you said to me on our wedding night?” Lorraine asked, smiling.

Ed acts like he’s thinking deeply on the matter, just to be funny.

“’Can we do it again?’” He said jokingly.

That actually caused Lorraine to crack a smile over her husband’s silly antics.

“After that,” She chuckled.

Both Warrens genuinely laughed for the first time in what felt like ages.

“You said that God brought us together for a reason, right?” Lorraine asked. “I’m pretty sure it’s not to write a book.”

The two just stand there, looking at each for a moment, as if reminiscing about times past before Lorraine decides to finish it.

“I’m gonna get dressed,” She said quickly.

She gives her husband a quick kiss on the cheek before heading back into the house. After a moment passed, Ed sighs and shakes his head.

“She did it to me again,” He chuckled.

He looks back over his shoulder, as the image of his wife disappears into the house. When he turns back around, Celestia and all the other ponies stand before him sharing a look of concern.

“How can I help you ladies?” He asked.

“What did Lorraine mean by what happened last time?” Celestia asked curiously.

Ed sighs again, running his hand through his hair.

“It’s kind of a long story,” He responded.

“Oh, please tell us darling,” Rarity practically begs.

“You seem very concerned for Lorraine, we understand,” Fluttershy said softly. “But we can’t help but be worried as well.”

Once again, Ed shakes his head as he looked into the group’s collective eyes.

“I really appreciate your concern and they are very much appreciated. But for right now, those wounds are still too fresh.”

Despite really wanting to know what’s troubling their new friends so greatly, Celestia could understand their need for their own privacy. If they did not wish to speak of such a delicate subject, she would not press the issue.

“We will respect your wishes then, dearest Ed,” Celestia smiles.

Ed gives a grateful smile and nod before he turns to leave. Before he gets too far, he turns back toward the group once more.

“I hate to ask you guys this,” Ed speaks out. “But is there any way we can get you to watch over Judy for a while until we get back?”

Rainbow Dash flew up, offering him a friendly hoof bump on the shoulder.

“No problem man,” She said. “We’d be happy to look after the little squirt until you get back.”

“Thank you all so much,” He thanked them.

He turns and rushes back into the house helping Lorraine get ready. As the group watch the man leave, they can’t help but wonder again what happened in the past. It wasn’t until Celestia felt a hand lightly tap her wind did she snap out of her thoughts and look down to see Judy standing next to them.

“Are mommy and daddy heading off on another investigation?” She asked innocently.

Celestia smiles at the young child, kneeling down to her level to look her in the eye.

“Yes indeed, young Judy,” She nodded. “They also asked us to keep watch over you until they return.”

“That’s pretty cool,” Judy said cheerfully. “So, what should we do?”

Immediately, Rarity’s face lit up like the night sky on a crystal clear night when a single idea came to her head.

“Ooh… how about we give each other makeovers?” She suggested.

Judy’s face lit up at the idea.

“That sounds fun!” She said excitedly.

Celestia leans down more, moving her wing out of the way so Judy could climb up on her back. She stands up to her fully height as the ponies make their way back into the house. All of course except for Rainbow Dash, who gagged at the idea.

“Blech!” She gagged. “Why does it always have to be makeovers? Why can’t it ever be a good old fashioned game of Buckball?”

<>

Ed and Lorraine, in the meantime, were investigating a case of a young couple named David and Leah. Currently, both couples were up in the house’s attic trying to discover the source of mysterious noises David and Leah reported.

“We’ve isolated the disturbances to the attic,” Lorraine explained to them. “Now I just want you to listen for a second.”

It was in that moment they all hear a noise resembling moaning throughout the attic. This clearly startles David and Leah greatly.

“Oh, my God,” Leah said fearfully. “That’s it!”

“Do it again, Ed!” Lorraine called out.

Ed steps onto a floorboard in the attic, the noise happens again before he begins explaining to the young couple.

“Right now it’s just my weight, but if you take the water coming off the pipe combined with the wind coming through the broken window, and these boards are gonna expand and rub against each other. You heard it all through the house because of these pipes linking to the radiator.”

“So this place isn’t haunted?” David asked them.

Lorraine just shook her head, smiling at the couple.

“No, it rarely is. Yeah, there’s usually always some kind of rational explanation.”

<>

Meanwhile, back at the Perron house, the dark and scary occurrences only seem to escalate. Since that night, when the girls had the scary encounter in Christine and Nancy’s room, Twilight and the other girls decided they didn’t want to be apart any longer. The ponies and Spike would all sleep in the same room together, alternating between rooms every night to keep an eye on all the sisters. This put Roger and Carolyn at east a bit knowing their girls would be watched over by the four ponies and Spike.

Currently, it was another dark, cold night in the house. All the girls and Spike slept in Andrea’s room. Carolyn was in the bathroom, noticing more bruises on her body. She reaches into the medicine cabinet, taking her prescribed iron deficiency tablets because she attributes the bruises to iron deficiency. Later on, in her room, she’s folding laundry while listening to the radio. Suddenly, she hears a child giggling, and turns off the radio only to hear the sounds of hands clapping.

“Girls, it’s way past your bedtime!” She calls out.

She goes out of the room to check it out, only to find the girls asleep in their rooms. Disturbed by the noise as well, little Spike stumbles out of Andrea’s bedroom, his eyes landing on Carolyn.

“Hi Carolyn!” He greets tiredly. “What’s going on out here?”

Carolyn looks behind herself, toward the tiny dragon, then continues trying to find the source of the noise.

“You heard the noises too huh?” She asked.

“Yeah, I did,” Spike nodded. “I thought it was one of the girls.”

“It can’t be because they’re all still asleep in bed.”

Suddenly, she hears a crashing noise. She and Spike rush to the railing, discovering the framed family pictures hanging from the wall by the stairs haven all fallen and broken. Carolyn and Spike both face each other before going downstairs to investigate. When they reach the foot of the stairs, they hear the clapping noise again. The noise actually scares poor Spike so much, he jumps up and clutched onto Carolyn for dear life. Carolyn just pats the poor baby dragon on his scaly back trying to calm him.

“Stay close to me,” She instructed.

“D-D-Don’t gotta t-tell me t-twice,” Spike shook.

“Who is that?!”

https://m.

But answer there came none. The two walk through the hallway, checking the living room and the kitchen. Suddenly, the cellar doors open, and they hear a note played on the old piano in the cellar. Carolyn walks toward the cellar in fear, while Spike hides behind her shaking like a leaf. She turns on the light in the cellar, from atop the stairs she takes a quick peek into the cellar. The lighted basement still looks as creepy as ever, but there was no one down there at all. Carolyn backs up, giving Spike a pat on the head before looking down in the basement.

“Whose ever down there, I’m gonna lock you in now!” She shouted.

“Can we please get out of here now?” Spike begged.

Carolyn nods to him. But just before they were about to leave, the door shuts in her face knocing her down the cellar stairs to the floor.

“Carolyn!” Spike yelled.

Carolyn painfully sits up, looking around her in terror as Spike quickly ran downstairs to check on her. Both sit there for a moment, as they held each other in fear. Suddenly, a small ball rolls out sending Carolyn and Spike quickly running up the stairs. The light bulb explodes, as Carolyn screams. She tries to open the door, but it’s locked.

“Help! She screamed. “Help me out! Help!”

“Twilight!” Spike screamed. “Sunset! Anybody! Help us out of here!”

Suddenly, the sound of a child’s giggling is heard. They both freeze in terror and look down. Carolyn finds the matches Roger left on the shelf and lights one, as she and Spike look around in terror.

“Hey, want to play hide and clap?”

Suddenly, from the darkness behind Carolyn and Spike, a pair of hands appear and clap extinguishing the match and they both scream in terror, trying desperately to pry the cellar door open.

<>

Upstairs, in Andrea’s room, Twilight’s ear starts to twitch as the sound of something banging caught her attention. Twilight slowly opens her eyes, rubbing the sleep away only to find Cindy once again sleepwalking toward the closet doors. Twilight stumbles to her hooves, approaches Andrea’s side, and gives her a shake. The girl groans as she opens her eyes to see the lavender mare looking at her with tired eyes.

“What is it Twilight?” She moaned.

“Cindy’s sleepwalking again,” Twilight answered sleepily.

Andrea gets out of bed and approaches Cindy with Twilight following. She puts her hand against her sister’s forehead, protecting it against the thumping.

“Alright? Alright, come on. Come on.”

“It’s alright Cindy,” Twilight assured sweetly. “Let’s just get you back to bed.”

Andrea leads Cindy away from the closet just as the other ponies all sit up and yawn.

“Wut in tarnation is with all the ruckus?” Applejack asked sleepily.

“Yeah, after a sleepless night most recently I need some rest,” Sunset groaned.

“If I can just get a few more teensi-eensie-weensie hours of sleep I promise I will make every pony chocolate chip and banana pancakes in the morning,” Pinkie yawned.

“Don’t worry about it guys,” Twilight shrugged. “You can all just go back to bed.”

Andrea leads Cindy over to her bed, sitting her down on it.

“Okay, you can uh… you can just sleep with me tonight, alright? Right here.”

https://m.

She tucks Cindy under the sheets, but suddenly hears thumping on the closet again. This caused all the ponies to sit straight up as well, now completely awake.

“Y’all heard that, right?” Applejack asked.

All the ponies nod, as Andrea turns and walks slowly towards the closet. She opens the doors but finds no one inside the closet. At the same time Cindy sits up in bed and sees something terrifying atop the cupboard. All the ponies look up as well, their eyes widen and their mouths quiver in fear. They all point to the very top of the closet and Andrea looks up to see a hideous figure in a dirty nightgown looming over her. The figure suddenly jumps down and attacks Andrea, who screams greatly. Twilight somehow manages to break herself of her frightened state and rushes toward the figure to the surprise of her friends.

“Twilight, no!” Sunset yelled.

The demon figure snapped its hideous face in Twilight’s direction, swatting the charging alicorn away. Twilight screams, as she flew across the room and crashed hard into the fell. She fell back to the floor, crying out in pain because it felt like her back had just been broken.

At the same time, as Carolyn is trapped in the cellar and Andrea is attacked by the hideous figure, Roger arrives home and hears the screams. He quickly rushes inside to help his family. Carolyn and Spike could hear him running through and they start banging on the door yelling for help.

“Help! Help! Help!”

Thankfully, Roger heard their banging and cries and opens the cellar door, letting them out.

“Oh, thank Celestia!” Spike sighs in relief.

Not wasting any time, they rush upstairs to Andrea’s room only to find Andrea alone in the room, screaming on the floor while Twilight cries in pain off the side. Spike rushes to Twilight’s side, while Roger ran up to Andrea.

“Who’s in here?” He asked. “What happened?”

Carolyn goes to hug Andrea and the other girls rush into the room looking terrified and crying. The other ponies rush to Twilight’s side, trying to help her back to her hooves. But she was in such pain, it hurt to stand.

“Twilight, are you okay?” Spike asked, concerned.

“N-N-No!” Twilight choked out in pain.

“Ah think she mighta busted her back!” Applejack states worriedly.

“Will somebody Goddammit tell me what’s going on here?!” Roger yelled.

However, no one said anything else from that point on and they all held one another in fear. The ponies held each other while being as gentle as possible with Twilight. It was very clear now, whatever they were dealing with was a very real, very evil entity. Maybe they finally found themselves in a situation where they couldn’t win.

Reunited

Back at the Warren estate, another day had come and gone with no success for Celestia. She stares out the window of the Warrens’ living room, her eyes toward the wooded area surrounding the estate. All this time Celestia spent trying to find the rest of the group, she can only wonder where Twilight and her friends are. In all honesty, Celestia herself began to wonder if they would ever be found at all. At the very least, it shouldn’t be hard to reach out to them or at the very least pinpoint their whereabouts.

But the more time passed, the more Celestia’s confidence in finding the others dwindle. The sound of hooves across the floor drew the sun monarch away from the window as Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash walk alongside her. She offers a tiny smile before turning her gaze back out the window.

“How’s it hanging princess?” Rianbow asked.

“Oh honestly Rainbow,” Rarity scolded. “You could at least ‘try’ to act in a better manner than that!”

Rainbow shoots a glare toward Rarity, who in turn glares back.

“Can you for once not feel the need to criticize everything I say?” Rainbow spat.

“I would if every now-and-then you actually say something sensible!” Rarity argued.

By this point, Fluttershy steps between the bickering ponies and extends her wings to separate them.

“Oh please stop fighting!” She begged. “My nerves are already shot worrying about the others!”

As Rarity and Rainbow turn toward Fluttershy, they can see tears welling in her eyes and her lips trembling in sadness. The two calm themselves almost instantaneously, clearly seeing how the situation is affecting their friend. They approach Fluttershy, pulling her in for a hug.

“Shh… there, there Fluttershy,” Rarity said soothingly.

“Yeah, we’re sorry,” Rainbow apologized.

Eventually, Fluttershy calms just enough to smile once more as all three mares hug it out. They sit alongside the Princess, looking toward her expressionless gaze with great concern.

“Did I ever tell you all the time Luna and I got separated in the Everfree Forest?” Celestia asked, out of the blue. “When we were both fillies?”

The three ponies turn to each other, confused over the fact Celestia brought up such a random memory.

“Uh no…” Rarity responded. “I can’t say you have, Princess.”

Celestia closes her eyes, for a moment or two, before taking a deep breath.

“It was a long time ago, after Equestria was first founded. At that time, Princess Platinum waged a long, dangerous war against the Griffin king and his armies. My mother took me and Luna into the Everfree, hoping to keep us both safe. Of course, it wasn’t long until the Griffins discovered us, and our family were on the run for our lives. My mother and I managed to get out of the forest… but Luna…”

Celestia found herself choking her words, fresh tears roll down her muzzle. She quickly wipes them away with her hooves.

“My father ordered a massive search party in the forest, hoping to find Luna,” Celestia continued. “But they never found her, and for two long weeks my parents mourned and grieved for her loss. I too nearly gave up hope until I felt something in my soul.”

Celestia places a hoof tenderly against her chest, right over her heart. A small smile forms upon her face, as more tears spill.

“Both my magical and blood connection with Luna never died, giving me all the hope I needed to know she was still alive. So… I decided to take matters in my own hooves and went back into the forest to find her myself. I combed every square inch of that forest, from dusk to dawn. Just as I was about to give up, I could faintly hear a small whimper following it toward a hollow tree stump… and there I found her. So cold, so hungry, that if I hadn’t found her sooner… she would have died.”

Finally breaking down, Celestia sobs in her hooves. The ponies around her did not know what to do or say about this. Never before had they heard such a story from Celestia nor read about in any Equestrian history book. Seeing their princess cry, they slowly step to her side and nuzzled against her. Celestia stops momentarily, her tear-filled eyes gazing upon the little ponies.

“We never knew that story princess,” Rarity said softly.

“How come you never told us that before?” Rainbow asked.

“It isn’t one of the finer stories of my life I wish to tell,” Celestia explained. “The one time in my life that I lost my sister, when we were both so young.”

“What made you bring it up now?” Fluttershy asked quietly.

Celestia sat upon her haunches, wiping her eyes once more.

“I hoped I would be able to reach out to Twilight or Sunset with that same magical connection… but I can’t!”

It was in that moment the three mares look toward their benevolent ruler with understanding.

“You fear that because you connect to them that something terrible has happened?” Rarity asked.

Celestia offers no response, no more than a tiny nod. Rarity, Rainbow, and Fluttershy nuzzle closely against Celestia, trying to ease her nerves.

“We can’t think like that princess,” Rainbow insists. “If we do, it only means that what you’re thinking is probably true. It’s better we think they’re still out there somewhere, waiting for us to find them.”

“No matter how far apart we end up, we always find each other in the end,” Fluttershy smiled.

Hearing such kind, encouraging words from her subjects, Celestia forms a smile upon her face as she leans down to nuzzle them in return.

“Thank you my little ponies,” Celestia said sweetly.

They sit there for the longest time, nuzzling one another for such time that they didn’t notice Ed and Lorraine standing there, watching with smiles on their faces. Finally, the three ponies and the alicorn stop their little love fest to acknowledge the two paranormal researchers.

“And where are you two off to today?” Celestia asked.

“We’re giving a lecture at the high school auditorium about one of our most recent cases,” Ed answered.

The two were about to turn and leave, when Celestia stops them.

“Might we come along as well?”

The couple turns back toward the ponies curiously.

“How exactly are you going to be able to come with us looking like…”

Lorraine gestures their pony appearances, as Celestia chuckles. Next thing anyone knew, her horn starts to glow brightly which causes the Warrens to shield their eyes. When the light fades, the Warrens remove their hands and stare in awe at what they saw. Celestia and the girls, standing before them, in their human forms. Along with Celestia, in a gold blazer with her cutie mark as a broach, a purple-and-white striped shirt, purple slacks, and gold shoes.

“Does this appearance work for us?” Celestia asked.

Ed and Lorraine both turn to each other in amazement, before looking back toward the now-human ponies.

“I guess that’s one way to do it,” Ed said, bewildered.

<>

Next thing they knew, Celestia and the girls were sitting in the auditorium amongst a number of people watching Ed and Lorraine give their presentation. Celestia is quite transfixed with the presentation, Rarity busily applying make-up to herself, Fluttershy hiding in her hair due to the horrifying images onscreen, and Rainbow snoozing off out of boredom.

“Fear is defined as a feeling of agitation and anxiety caused by the presence or eminence of danger,” Ed states to the crowd. “Whether it’s a ghost, a spirit or an entity, they all feed on it.”

Ed points to the man on the film footage shown from a projector. The man himself, clearly possessed, acts very strangely.

“Take Maurice here. He’s a French-Canadian farmer, had nothing more than third-grade education, yet after he was possessed, spoke some of the best Latin I’d ever heard. Sometime backwards. He’d been molested by his father, who had also tortured him repeatedly. A dark spirit made its home in this man.”

“Now, if you look into his eyes, you can see him tearing blood,” Lorraine added.

The footage shows an exorcism being performed on the man, blood pours from his eyes.

“And, like that, an upside down cross started to appear from within his body.”

The footage shows the man lifting his shirt, a cross appears upside down from beneath his skin.

“Alright, Drew, you can hit the lights,” Ed called out.

The lights in the room come on, as the majority of the audience raise their hands. Ed points to one of the students in the crowd, a girl who stands up to address the two.

“Did you personally perform the exorcism?” She asked.

“No, I’m not authorized,” Ed shook his head. “But I’ve assisted on many. See an exorcism can be very dangerous, not only for the victim, but for anyone in the room.”

“So, what happened to Maurice?”

“Well, he tried to kill his wife. But instead he shot her in the arm and then he turned the gun on himself. Maurice had a very trouble life with little to live for, and not even an exorcist could bring him back. Which brings us to the three stages of demonic activity: Infestation, oppression, and possession. Now infestation, that’s… that’s the whispering, the footsteps, the feeling of another presence, which ultimately grows into oppression, the second stage. Now this is where the victim, and it’s usually the one who’s the most psychologically vulnerable, is targeted specifically by an external force. Breaks the victim down, crushes their will. And once in a weakened state, leads into the third and final stage, possession.”

Unbeknownst to the Warrens or the ponies-turned-humans, Carolyn Perron sits in the audience listening to the Warrens’ lecture. After all the events transpiring at her home, she figured the two demonologists could be her last hope.

“So, what are you guys?” One student asked. “I mean, what do people call you?”

“Uh… well, we’ve been called demonologists, that’s one name for us,” Ed answered. “Ghost hunters, paranormal researchers…”

“Kooks,” Lorraine added.

This caused some of the students to laugh, as Ed played along.

“Wackos,” Ed added.

“But we preferred to be known simply as Ed and Lorraine Warren,” Lorraine concluded.

<>

As soon as the lecture ends, Celestia and the girls wait in the auditorium for the Warrens to wrap it all together so they can leave. During which time they waited, an old woman, perhaps in her eighties, approaches them with a smile on her face.

“Wasn’t that quite the lecture?” She asked.

“Oh, indeed it was,” Celestia nodded. “I simply cannot believe two people alone could help so many people in the ways that they do.”

The old lady nods silently in agreement.

“Are you involved with the paranormal at all?” She asked Celestia.

Celestia contemplates the idea in her head.

If you wish to call being a mystical alicorn goddess, who governs a land of talking ponies and other creatures, paranormal… then yes.

Probably not a good idea for her to bring that up.

No kidding.

“I am not,” Celestia responded simply. “What about yourself?”

“Oh yes,” The lady nodded. “I’ve been involved for the last maybe sixty years of my life and I’m still involved… I’m still involved.”

Celestia could see Ed and Lorraine make their way out from backstage, knowing it’s time to go.

“It’s been lovely talking to you,” Celestia said kindly. “But my friends and I really must be going.”

She stuck her hand toward the elderly woman, who shakes it softly with a smile.

“Alright, be safe now dear.”

With that said, the old woman slowly walks away just as Ed and Lorraine approach the rest of the group.

<>

Together, they make their way to the Warrens car in the parking lot. Just before they could enter, Drew the Projectionist ran toward them.

“Hey, Ed, Lorraine?” He calls out.

“Yeah?” Ed responds.

“There is someone here that would like to talk to you.”

He signals for Carolyn to come forward, which she does rather quickly.

“How can we help you?” Lorraine asks.

“There’s something horrible happening in my house,” Carolyn spoke, terrified. “Could you come take a look?”

“You know, uh… it’s getting kind of late,” Ed responded. “We really need to be heading home.”

“No, you don’t understand.”

“Oh, but we do. There’s usually some sort of rational explanation…”

“I have five daughters who are scared to death. I’m so afraid this thing wants to hurt us. I mean, you have a daughter, won’t you do anything you could to protect her? Please! Please can you come and take a look?”

While the Warrens determine what to do, Celestia once again tries to reach out with her magical connection to either Twilight or Sunset. Only this time, she actually manages to gain a trace on them. Quickly taking advantage, she scours the area to detect where the trace is coming from. Her magenta eyes lands upon Carolyn Perron, sensing Twilight and Sunset’s auras pulsating around her. Realizing, she turns toward the girls with wide eyes.

“I think I’ve finally found a trace of where Twilight and the others may be,” She said urgently.

The girls’ eyes widen, but with excitement.

“Oh, that’s fantastic!” Rarity said joyfully.

“Where are they?” Fluttershy asked.

“I can sense traces of Twilight and Sunset’s magic on that woman Ed and Lorraine are talking to,” Celestia pointed towards Carolyn. “If we can convince Ed and Lorraine to take her face, we can follow her back to her home and possibly find the others.”

Celestia approaches the Warrens, deciding to inject herself into the conversation.

“If I may say so myself, I believe helping this poor woman would be the right thing to do. She seems quite distressed and it would be morally wrong to deny her help.”

Before Ed can object to the idea, Lorraine is quick to throw her opinion over his.

“Of course we will,” Lorraine assured. “Of course we will…”

<>

The next thing Celestia and the girls knew, they sit in the back of Ed and Lorraine’s car heading toward the Perron farmhouse. As they drew nearer, Celestia can feel the magical connection with Twilight and Sunset grow stronger and stronger. Perhaps this indeed is the day they’d finally reunite once more.

At the Perron house, Carolyn looks out the kitchen window watching the Warrens’ care drive up to the house. The Perron sister were all in the living room watching television, while the ponies and Spike try to assist Twilight with walking. Ever since being attacked by the demonic force, Twilight could barely walk without assistance. Whenever she tried, her back gave out.

Thankfully, the Perrons were kind enough to fashion some form of back brave to ease her pain. How she wished to find Celestia and the others already.

“Hey, would you guys turn it off?” Carolyn called. “Thanks.”

She proceeds to open the front door, allowing the Warrens in. Along with the pair, four other women with strange-looking hair follows. Celestia, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Rainbow walk into the living room as the Perrons introduce themselves to the Warrens. Their eyes land upon the four ponies and Spike, as time stands still. The four ponies and the little baby dragon look toward the ponies-turned-humans, as they stare at each other for the longest time.

“P-P-Princess?” Twilight croaked.

Celestia slowly raises her hand in the air, which glows brightly. When the light fades, she and the others return back to their original state. A huge smile forms on Celestia’s face, as she nods.

“Yes Twilight,” She said happily. “It’s us.”

In the span of a second, every pony and Spike rush toward one another hugging each other tightly, as many tears fell. They are all so happy to finally find each other once again. Celestia turns toward Twilight, seeing she is limping her way toward them and her concern starts to rise.

“Oh, my dear Twilight,” Celestia gasped. “What happened to you?”

Sunset helps Twilight over to them, before approaching Celestia’s side.

“Princess, we are dealing with something far more dangerous and powerful than we’ve ever dealt with before,” Twilight said.

“There’s a demonic spirit in this house!” Sunset continued. “We fear it won’t stop till it gets what it wants.”

Celestia turns from her proteges toward the kitchen, where the Warrens and the Perrons discuss the course of action to take. From the corner of her eye, Celestia could see a dark mass of energy quickly shoot from behind Carolyn and into the basement, slamming the door behind it. This caused all the ponies to jump in fright, as they stare upon the door that seemingly slammed all on its own. As Celestia stood tall and regal, with all her little ponies and Spike back by her side, she knew one thing was very clear.

They were in for a long, dangerous ride for their lives…

Author's Note

Just so you all know, the old lady that Celestia was talking to at the end of the lecture is supposed to be the real life Lorraine Warren who made a little brief appearance in the movie.

Possession

The very next day, the Warrens, the ponies, and little Spike drove back to the Perron estate with the brand-new knowledge they now possessed. Now fully convinced the spirit of Bathsheba Sherman was terrorizing the property for the curse she cast upon the land still remained. Now Ed and Lorraine spoke with Twilight and Celestia the possibility of breaking the curse, but they ultimately knew that would only cause more problems than solve. First and foremost, they had to return to the farmhouse and gather as much evidence as possible to hand over to the church in order to exorcise the house. The idea itself would not be as easy as it sounded.

Ed and Lorraine parked their car into the Perron house lost, as they and the ponies climbed out. Coming up from behind them was the Warren’s assistant, Drew, who would be helping them throughout the entire process. Drew had been informed that the ponies would accompany them in this investigation, which he was alright with. He’d only ever met them on two occasions, the first of which he passed out from shock, but he quickly grew to like them. Drew pulled up right behind the group before stepping out from his car.

“Hey Drew,” Twilight called out.

“What’s going on Twi?” He asked kindly.

The man walked up toward the ponies and Spike, either shaking their hooves or have a few fist/hoof bumps. Afterwards, he turns toward the farmhouse and he immediately shook his head with an uneasy feeling.

“So this is the bewitched farmhouse huh?” He asked.

The girls and Spike stood beside him, nodding as they looked toward the menacing house.

“Yeah it is,” Twilight answered.

“So some of you really had experiences in this house?”

“Got that right sugarcube,” Applejack nodded.

“I felt something go down my back the first night,” Twilight explained. “Only there was no one in the room with me.”

“And then something spoke to me,” Sunset added. “It tried to attack me in the upstairs closet.”

“The worst of it was when Twilight here was attacked by the spooky ghost thingy,” Pinkie mentioned. “Almost broke her back.”

They all motioned their heads toward Twilight, who still had immense difficulty walking on her own. Sure she could support some of her weight, but her back still caused an increased amount of pain.

“Aren’t you guys magic?” Drew asked. “Can’t you just fix her with a healing spell or something?”

“I wish it were that simple dear,” Celestia said, approaching the group. “Healing magic is rather tricky even for the most advanced practitioners of magic in our world. I’ve seen ponies try to apply healing spells before, so far they have been… unsuccessful.”

“We’re hoping when we get home to Equestria we can heal her properly,” Spike spoke up.

Drew nodded in understanding before the group proceed back to the cars to unload the equipment. Minutes later, another car pulls up, this time a police vehicle.

“Oh, here’s Brad,” Lorraine said.

Officer Brad pulled the patrol car behind the other cars before stepping out. A lean man wearing brown khaki pants and a dark leather jacket. He approached the entire group, meeting up with Ed.

“You find it okay?” Ed asked him.

“Oh, yeah,” Brad nodded.

Ed motioned for the rest of the group over to meet with the man.

“Drew, girls, this is Officer Brad.”

Brad approached Drew and the girls, shaking hands with the man first. He turned toward the group of ponies and the little baby dragon. He had an intense look in his eyes, which made a few of them turn away nervously. Pinkie, meanwhile, just smiled brightly with a light wave of her hoof. Brad just shook his head before turning back toward Drew.

“Officer Brad Hamilton, Harris Ville, Rhode Island P.D.,” he introduced himself.

“Nice to meet you, man,” Drew responded nicely. “So, you’re the lucky new cop, huh?”

“Guess so.”

“You know you can’t shoot ghosts, right?”

“Maybe not with a gun, but a proton pack maybe,” Pinkie chimed in. “Only problem is making sure you don’t cross the streams.”

Every pony, even the two men, looked at the rambunctious party pony.

“What are you talking about?” Brad asked.

“Oops sorry,” Pinkie apologized. “Getting a little ahead of myself in this series.”

Before anyone could question Pinkie Pie further, Ed Warren called out.

“Take it easy, Adam Drew. Okay, so help me get this stuff unloaded. Take this.”

Ed hands Drew some equipment, then some to Brad. They head into the house to help set up. After getting almost everything in place, the ponies and Spike followed Ed and Roger down towards the tree by the lake. As they all walk over towards the large tree by the lake, they pass Roger’s old car.

“I wonder what Equestria would be like if we had cars,” Spike mentioned.

“I’ve actually been wondering that myself,” Celestia relied. “I’ve considered a need for a change in our daily transportation.”

“Just don’t put Rainbow behind the wheel,” Applejack said seriously.

The cyan blue Pegasus in question whipped around and gave Applejack a light punch to the side.

“Hey! I wouldn’t be that bad!”

“Considering ya spend most ah your time in the air crashing to the ground, it probably ain’t best to lat ha behind the wheel of a car.”

Rainbow looked as if she were about to respond but found she couldn’t. She had to admit Applejack had a point. She didn’t exactly get the nickname ‘Rainbow Crash’ for nothing. She just huffed and kept walking. As they walked, Ed looked back toward the old car and then back at Roger.

“What’s wrong with the Chevy?” He asked.

“Uh… what’s not wrong with her,” Roger responded. “Needs a new carburetor to start.”

“Oh, yeah?”

“Kind of put off fixing her up on hold for a while.

“Yeah.”

Once they down by the lake, Ed walks over to a camera-mounted tripod where Brad is putting a light on top.

“Hey, Brad, hand me the thermostat, would you?”

“So Ed darling, what exactly does all this stuff do?” Rarity asked curiously.

“Oh, when there’s an instant drop in temperature, the thermostat triggers the camera to take a picture,” Ed answered.

“You’ve actually caught things on film?” Fluttershy asked, slightly concerned.

“Well, yeah, that’s uh… the point.”

“Why, uh… why out here?” Roger asked.

“Well, this is where the witch committed suicide. She hung herself from that branch right above where you’re standing.”

Roger and the ponies slowly looked up and spot a giant branch hanging high above their heads. Just the idea that a person hung themselves right above their heads was terrifying enough. They all quickly stepped away from the spot, as they continued looking up at it.

“Well, I am officially never coming down here ever gain,” Sunset said nervously.

“Count me in,” Spike added.

“Same here,” Rarity shook.

<>

After everything by the lake is set up, everyone headed back into the house to continue. The ponies and Spike stayed downstairs to help set up the equipment, except Celestia who headed upstairs to see Lorraine and Carolyn. Walking into Carolyn and Roger’s room, Celestia noticed the women putting some of the family photos on a shelf.

“Good day ladies,” Celestia greeted.

The two women turned toward the mighty alicorn goddess standing by the door, smiling kindly at her.

“Hello Celestia,” Lorraine greeted back.

“How’s everything going downstairs?” Carolyn asked.

“Oh it is going quite well,” Celestia assured. “They’ve almost completely finished setting up the equipment, so I decided to come up here to check on you two.”

Both women smiled, gesturing her to come in which Celestia happily obliged. She starts helping by levitating the pictures with her magic. As they put up the pictures, Carolyn couldn’t stop herself from thinking about what the Warrens and the ponies found out.

“How could a mother kill her own child?” She asked horrified.

“It was never a child to her,” Lorraine explained. “She just used her God given gift as the ultimate offence against him. Witches believe it elevates their status in the eyes of Satan.”

Hearing Lorraine explain such a horribly sinister act that this woman, Bathsheba Sherman, committed made Celestia sick to her stomach. In Equestria, there are no shortage of villains. But not any of them had ever done anything so heinous. Celestia honestly had to hold back the bile that threated to rise up.

“You alright Celestia?”

Celestia shook her head, turning around to see Lorraine eyeing her with concern. The gentle monarch did her best to put on a smile of assurance.

“Oh yes, I’m quite alright,” She responded.

But Lorraine wasn’t convinced at all; nevertheless, she decided to let it be for now. She picked up another picture, this one really made her smile. It was a family picture of the Perrons on the beach.

“Wow,” Lorraine admired. “That’s a nice day at the beach, huh?”

“How did you know?” Carolyn asked.

“It’s an insight, it’s like a… like a peek through the curtain into another person’s life.”

Carolyn smiled fondly as she walked over, gazing at the picture. Even Celestia walked over, looking down toward the picture with a light smile.

“That day means so much to me,” Carolyn explained. “We were driving along the coast. Nancy pointed out how pretty the view was. I thought this is the perfect opportunity for a photo. We’re gonna start fresh, you know? A new house, a new beginning. You should’ve seen Roger and the girls; I’ve never seen them so happy. They mean the world to me.”

Celestia used her magic to gaze into Carolyn’s memories. She could see the image of the girls running and playing in the white sandy beach with their parents. A beautiful sunny day, just laughing and playing without a care in the world. If only it could be that way for them now, instead of going through all this hell.

<>

Back downstairs, after setting up the equipment, Drew showed the girls how it worked. Currently, he was giving them a demonstration of the UV black light.

“Put your hand flat on the desk,” He told Andrea.

Andrea did as she was told, laying her hand out flat on the desk.

“Yeah. Then take it off.”

Andrew withdrew her hand, as Drew slowly waved the black light over the spot where it had been. A glowing image of her hand could now be seen. Andrea, the ponies, and Spike were all amazed to say the least.

“See? It just reveals to us what the naked eye can’t see. Pretty far out, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, it’s groovy,” Andrea smiled.

“Totally awesome,” Rainbow chimed in.

“If we had this technology back home, solving crimes would be so easy!” Twilight pointed out.

Pinkie came bouncing up in front of the group.

“Ooh! Ooh! My turn, my turn!”

She quickly smacked her face down into the desk, everyone cringed thinking it must have hurt. However, Pinkie was completely unfazed as she lifted her head back up with an even bigger smile. Drew just smiled and shook his head as he waved the black light as a glowing image of Pinkie’s smiling face appeared.

“Look, it’s a glowing me!” Pinkie cheered excitedly. “Hello glowing me!”

Everyone burst out laughing at Pinkie’s randomness when Ed walked in ready to work.

“Drew, you get the bullets ready for Brad?” Ed asked.

“Yeah, already locked and loaded, sir.”

Suddenly, they hear a creaking noise, the jangling from one of the bells placed on the doors. Lorraine and Celestia come downstairs just as the door opened and they moved closer to the source of the noise. Suddenly, they hear a toilet flushing and Brad walked out of the bathroom. He turns and sees Lorraine, Ed, and all the ponies staring at him.

“What? I had to go.”

Everyone shook their heads, groaning in annoyance. Later that night, Ed and Drew used an amplifier to listen in on each of the rooms around the house. Little Spike sat alongside them, trying to help out as much as the little dragon could.

“All the rooms ae coming in pretty good,” Drew informed Ed.

“Good,” Ed approved.

“So, we just listen in and see if we hear anything that isn’t there?” Spike asked.

“You got it little guy,” Ed answered, ruffling the dragon’s scales.

Ed takes off his headphones, then takes out his equipment which contains crucifixes and a small vial of holy water.

“What’s in the bottle?” Spike asked.

“Yeah, I’m kinda curious about that as well,” Roger said, walking in.

“Holy water,” Ed responded simply.

Ed proceeds to take out several crucifixes and laid them all on the table.

“The presence of religious icons will get a reaction from anything unholy. Sort of pisses them off. So I set these throughout the house, see if I can stir things up a bit.”

He starts placing the crucifixes around the house, as Roger and Spike followed him into the kitchen.

“Like holding a cross to a vampire?” Roger asked.

“Yeah, exactly,” Ed nodded. “Except I don’t believe in vampires.”

“Wait a minute! Time out, time out!” Spike spoke up, in disbelief. “Lemme get this straight: You believe in ghosts and you’ve been in the presence of talking ponies, and a dragon, but you don’t believe in vampires?”

Just as Ed was about to answer, suddenly one of the bells they’ve set up rang. They look at Brad, who sat in the kitchen.

“Wasn’t me,” He said defensively.

Just then, Twilight and the other girls rushed in from the living room.

“You guys heard that, right?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah,” Spike nodded.

Roger and Ed walked down the hallway, seeing the cellar door had opened and made the bell along the door handle ring. Suddenly, the camera set up near it goes off, taking a picture.

“Brad, get the camera.”

<>

A few moments later, both the Warrens, all the ponies, and Spike are filmed through a 16mm camera. Ed placed headphones on his head, standing by the cellar.

“Okay. Right, it’s 9:18, we’re headed down into the cellar where the door just open on its own. I have Lorraine and Officer Brad Hamilton with me.”

They all start heading down the cellar stairs, with Brad filming Ed and Lorraine. The ponies and Spike followed closely behind, but also extremely hesitant. Shaking immensely, Fluttershy reached to turn the light switch when Ed stopped her.

“Keep the cellar light off.”

“B-B-But it’s s-so d-dark down there,” Fluttershy shook.

“Trust me. Having the light off makes this much easier.”

“Um… o-o-okay,” Fluttershy shook even more.

Rarity pulled Fluttershy closer, holding her tightly trying to comfort her as they descended deep into the darkness. Eventually, they all reach the bottom and proceed to search within the dark space. Ed decided now’s the time to attempt communication with the presence.

“Can you give us a sign that you want to communicate with us?”

Ed moved his microphone around the basement, turning up the amplifier.

“Everything alright?” He asked Lorraine.

“There’s definitely something here.”

“That there’s what worries me,” Applejack gulped nervously.

They waited for a couple minutes, seeing if anything responded to Ed’s question. However, nothing was forthcoming.

“Alright close the door, move something!” Ed demanded.

Once again, they wait and once again nothing happened. Brad pans the camera around the room, but there’s no movement.

“No, it’s gone,” Lorraine commented.

“I got nothing,” Ed added. “Come on, let’s get out of here.”

“Is it just me or is any pony glad we didn’t find anything?” Rarity asked.

“I’m with you there, sister,” Rainbow nodded.

“Same here,” Sunset added.

One by one, they start climbing up the cellar stairs when suddenly they hear a noise and turn to see what it is. But there’s still no movement. They continue heading up the stairs and out the cellar.

“Well, like I said, it doesn’t always work when you want it to,” Ed assured. “Yeah, maybe the camera picked something up.”

As they all turn to walk down the hallway, suddenly the cellar door bangs shut. Carolyn quickly stepped out of the way.

<>

A little while later, Brad and Drew were sitting in the living room discussing what had happened.

“For a guy who doesn’t believe, you looked a little freaked out when that door slammed shut,” Drew joked.

“It must have been a draft,” Brad rationalized.

“Oh, that’s funny,” Drew said sarcastically. “A draft never put that look on my face before.”

The clock on the table opposite the men shows the time move from 3:07 to 3:08.

“I believe the clock,” Brad said smugly. “It’s 3:08.”

<>

The next morning, everyone sat in the kitchen with Roger and Applejack making breakfast. Applejack whipped up her special apple pancakes, which everyone really enjoyed.

“Alright y’all, here’s another fresh batch for yah,” Applejack announced.

“Awesome!” Rainbow cheered excitedly. “I’ve been dying for more of these.”

“Do you really have to say ‘dying’ in this place?” Twilight asked seriously.

Rainbow gave no response, as she literally dove into the pancakes and started chowing down. Twilight shook her head, before going back to eating.

“I think I might take the girls for some ice cream later on,” Roger suggested. “What do you say about that?”

All the Perron sisters nod happily with excitement and anticipation.

“That actually sounds like a wonderful idea,” Celestia smiled.

“No kidding,” Spike agreed. “After everything that’s been going on lately, it would be pleasant to do something nice for once.”

“Ah here that,” Applejack nodded.

“Honey, you wanna come?” Roger asked Carolyn.

“No, I’m… I’m exhausted,” Carolyn said tiredly. “I’m just gonna take a nap. The late nights, they’re getting to me.”

“That’s probably a good idea,” Ed agreed. “Why don’t you get some rest, Lorraine and I will watch over things for a bit.”

“We’ll help out around here as much as we can,” Twilight added.

“Really?” Carolyn asked.

“Of course Carolyn. You’ve already done so much for us and now we want to help you relax as much as possible.”

Carolyn smiled, nodding before she heads up to her room. Brad grabbed his badge and gun, starting for the door.

“I’ve gotta take off,” He said. “I have a shift starting in an hour.”

Just as he walked out the door, Carolyn stopped at the top of the stairs and looked down at Ed, Lorraine, and the ponies.

“Oh, the house hasn’t felt like this in a long time. I think the kids feel a lot safer with you around.”

<>

Sometime later, Lorraine and Rarity were out in the Perrons’ backyard folding laundry. Lorraine took the laundry off the lines, folding them by hand while Rarity folds to perfection with her magic. Being the pony she was, she always liked to get things done perfectly.

“How’s it coming over there?” Lorraine asked.

“Quite well darling,” Rarity responded. “Quite well.”

Just then, Ed walked up and smiled brightly at his wife, who smiled back at him.

“I could get used to this,” Ed said.

“What, me doing laundry?” Lorraine joked.

“You’re funny,” Ed chuckled.

“Oh yes, I quite agree,” Rarity giggled.

Ed comes up behind Lorraine, kissing her on the cheek.

“It’s a nice place,” He said, referring to the house. “Nice, fresh country air.”

“Hmm. They have such a beautiful family, don’t they?” Lorraine asked.

“Yeah, that little one, April.”

“Mm.”

“Did you see her bring me pancakes?”

“Yeah…”

Lorraine turns, placing her arms around Ed’s neck.

“We’ve gotta help them.”

“I know,” Ed nodded. “I’ll start with the Chevy.”

Lorraine laughs a little before she kissed Ed, who walks off. Lorraine goes back to folding clothes as Rarity approached her.

“You two truly are made for each other, aren’t you?” She asked adoringly.

Lorraine chuckles a little, as she stares off after her husband.

“You can certainly say that again,” She smiled. “What about you? Is there anyone special waiting for you back home.”

Rarity blushed a light shade of pink before continuing with her folding.

“As a matter of fact I do,” She nodded. “My husband, Erik.”

“What’s he like?” Lorraine asked.

Rarity takes a moment to answer, staring off into space as she remembered the first time meeting him.

“He’s such a gentleman,” Rarity sighed in bliss. “When I’m feeling stressed or sad, he always lifts my spirits just by holding me close and dancing with me. He makes my heart soar with each new ballad he composes, just for me. There is no one like him.”

Lorraine smiled brightly toward the fashionista pony, as they both folded.

“Well he certainly sounds like a keeper,” Lorraine said. “Make sure you keep a tight hold on him because there aren’t a whole lot of those anymore.”

“I certainly plan to,” Rarity giggled.

https://m.

As Lorraine and Rarity continue to do the laundry in the backyard, the wind picks up making one of the sheets take off. As they watch it fly off, they suddenly notice a figure in a white nightgown standing behind one of the bedroom windows.

“Lorraine…” Rarity spoke, frightenedly. “Isn’t that where Carolyn is resting?”

“Oh God!” Lorraine gasped.

Lorraine rushes into the house, as Rarity, deciding to take matters in her own hooves, encased herself in her magic and teleported inside.

<>

Inside the house, as Carolyn sleeps, something grabs her suddenly and bruises her arm. Just then, Rarity appears out of nowhere spotting the ghost of Bathsheba Sherman looming over Carolyn.

“Get away from her!” Rarity yelled.

Rarity made a mad gallop towards the demon, but Bathsheba snapped her head toward the oncoming pony, who leapt into the air. Bathsheba shot her arm out and snagged Rarity around the throat in a vice-like grip. Rarity gasped for breath, kicking and flailing in an effort to escape. But the more she tried, the tighter the grip became. Staring into the cold dead eyes and hideously rotted face of Bathsheba herself, it’s the more horrifying experience in the unicorn’s life.

Suddenly, Bathsheba’s eyes turned blood red as they stare into Rarity’s cool blue eyes. Rarity’s vision starts to leave her, as her eyes rolled up and into the back of her head. Her whole body felt immense pain like she had just been lit ablaze. She tried in vain to scream, but no sound came out. Her nose and mouth start to bleed profusely. She suffered through this painful torture until finally she went completely limp, and Bathsheba dropped her motionless body onto the ground.

Bathsheba turned her attention back to Carolyn, who wakes up in pain as her body contorts and finds a hideous figure above her. It suddenly open its mouth and spits something dark red into Carolyn’s mouth. Lorraine rushes into Carolyn’s room and hears Carolyn choking in the bathroom, she knocks upon the door.

“Carolyn, are you okay?!” She called out frantically. “Carolyn, open the door! Carolyn, open up!”

Just then, all the other ponies and Spike came running up as well.

“What’s going on?!” Celestia asked worriedly.

“I saw something in here with Carolyn,” Lorraine responded.

Lorraine goes to enter the bathroom from the other doorway when Carolyn suddenly opened the door.

“Are you okay?” Lorraine asked.

“I’m fine,” Carolyn answered.

“Are you sick?” Twilight asked.

“I woke up just feeling a little nauseous, that’s all.”

“I thought I saw…” Lorraine began.

“I hear Roger and the girls,” Carolyn interrupted. “One minute.”

Carolyn pushes past Lorraine and goes downstairs, while Lorraine looks on uneasily.

“Lorraine, have you seen Rarity?” Fluttershy asked.

Lorraine looked back towards the group of ponies and the baby dragon.

“We were outside folding laundry when we saw something in here. I think she might have teleported in here.”

Everyone quickly entered the room and turned toward the side where they were met with a grizzly sight. There Rarity laid upon the floor, her eyes rolled into the back of her head. Her mane started to turn ghostly white, her nose and mouth bled. Everyone screamed as they ran to her side, trying desperately to help her.

“Rarity!” Twilight screamed. “Rarity, are you okay?!”

“Come on Rares!” Rainbow shouted. “Answer!”

“Speak to us Rarity!” Spike screamed. “Say something! Anything!!”

“Someone get help!” Lorraine called out.

They all just sat there crying, trying to help the poor unicorn who came as close to death as one could ever get. This adventure was no longer just dangerous; this adventure was extremely deadly

Paranormal Pandemonium

Twilight, Celestia, and all the other ponies, Spike included, nervously paced the floor along the Warrens’ home, just outside Ed and Lorraine’s room with great concern and fear. After discovering Rarity in the state she was after Bathsheba’s attack, Ed and Lorraine immediately rushed her away from the house and back to theirs. Thankfully, they had a Doctor friend who knew how to keep a secret and now he was currently working hard to fix their friend. Ed and Lorraine anxiously waited for the final synopsis as well.

“It’s all my fault,” Lorraine sighed sadly. “If only I had gotten to her in time, she might be alright.”

Ed shook his head, as he pulled his wife into a comforting hug trying to ease her.

“No hon, it’s my fault,” Ed said. “I knew this wasn’t going to end well, but I allowed them to go along anyway.”

“We had to help them,” Lorraine countered.

“I know, but we shouldn’t have gotten them involved,” He said, gesturing to the ponies.

Just then, the door to the room opened, as the Doctor emerged with his equipment bag. Everyone immediately started bombarding him with questions.

“How is she?” Twilight asked.

“Will she be okay?” Sunset added.

“What happened?” Applejack questioned.

Celestia encase all the ponies, even Spike, in her magic aura and pulled them away from the doctor. She sets them gently down beside her.

“Give the doctor some room,” She scolded.

The doctor gave a small nod of thanks, as he approached them with the results.

“I’ve run every test known to man to determine the cause of all this, but for the life of me I can’t seem to find one. Now granted, I’m neither a veterinarian nor know much about pony anatomy, but I will tell you this. With the internal injuries she’s sustained, it’s a miracle she’s even alive right now.”

Every pony and Spike were all somewhat relieved to hear she was alive, but also mainly concerned because they didn’t know exactly what state she was in.

“What sort of state is she in?” Celestia asked.

“Currently, she’s in a comatose sate at the moment. Not quite sure when or even if she will ever wake up from it. I have her hooked to an IV in order to keep her nourished for now and a heart monitor to keep an eye on her pulse. All we can do now is hope and pray.”

Hearing the news from the doctor felt like receiving a hard punch right in the center of the chest and having a broken chest cavity. It destroyed the two princesses, the little baby dragon, and all the other ponies hearing their friend was in such a horrible state. Fluttershy and Pinkie both collapsed upon the floor sobbing, Rainbow and Applejack held each other close trying their best not to cry, and Twilight and Sunset nuzzled up beside Celestia. As the doctor made his way out the house, one by one they slowly entered the room.

There Rarity laid upon the bed, looking almost completely devoid of life. Her chest rose and fell ever so softly showing that enough though it was labored, she was still breathing. Hooked to her forelegs was an IV bag that kept the essential fluids flowing through her body and a heart monitor that beeped loudly. She just looked so broken. Every pony approached her by the bedside, tears in their eyes as Twilight reached out and held her hoof.

“I’m sorry Rarity,” She sobbed. “I’m so… so sorry…”

Every pony walked toward her side, hugging their friend tightly as they cried. Celestia approached the other side of the bed, gently leaning in and kissed Rarity along the forehead just above the horn.

“It’s no pony’s fault but my own,” She said quietly.

Every pony and Spike looked up to her, greatly confused.

“What do you mean Celestia?” Twilight asked.

“It’s my sworn duty as your princess to govern and protect each and every one of my little ponies. Ever since we’ve been here, all we have experienced is misery and pain. I haven’t been able to protect a single one of you. What sort of princess am I if I cannot protect my own subjects?”

By this point, tears were free falling down Celestia’s face as she whimpered softly. Seeing the heartache and sorrow etched on their princess’ face, the others walked to the other side of the bed and nuzzled up to her.

“It isn’t your fault Celestia,” Sunset assured.

“But it is Sunset,” Celestia retorted. “It’s my duty to keep you all safe and…”

Celestia found her words cut off as Twilight’s wing stretched up and covered her muzzle. The sun princess turned toward her pupil, who only looked up at her with a smile.

“You are an amazing princess Celestia,” She said. “And you’ve done your duty each and every day to protect us all. But even you can’t do everything, you can’t always protect us.”

“But…”

“No!” Twilight said sternly. “There is no way you could have foreseen this coming. We all decided as a team to come here and help. We all knew the risks. Now we are going to finish this for Rarity, then we are all going home together.”

“Twilight is right,” Rainbow spoke up. “We’ve tackled the biggest and the baddest and somehow we’ve still come out on top.”

“Yur fur sure right there Dash,” Applejack nodded. “If we can do all that, we can darn sure do this here.”

Hearing the encouraging words from her little ponies, Celestia smiled and leaned down to nuzzle each of them, even little Spike. It was then the Warrens approached them as well.

“Not to mention you won’t be doing it without some professional help,” Ed said confidently.

“And we are willing to help you get through this as much as possible,” Lorraine smiled.

Everyone, including the Warrens, all joined together for a big group hug. It was Ed who was the first to pull back.

“I believe we should probably be getting back so we can finish this sooner rather than later,” He suggested.

Everyone else nodded but not before Celestia glanced over Rarity.

“I believe one of us should at least stay behind and look after poor Rarity.”

Fluttershy was the first to step up, admittedly timid but with a shred of confidence.

“I’ll take care of Rarity,” She said softly. “She’s always been there for me, now it’s my turn. You all go ahead and help those poor people. The sooner we help them, the better.”

It was decided that while the others return to the farmhouse, Fluttershy would stay behind and watch after both Rarity and even young Judy. All the others piled into the car, as they made their way back to the Perron house. Only one question lingered on each of their minds, one they dreaded thinking about:

What else could they possibly go through?

<>

Upon arriving back at the house, everyone noticed that Roger and the girls still hadn’t returned from their day out. Lorraine and a few of the girls decided to get back into the house to work. Ed decided to help in another way by fixing Roger’s old Chevy. Applejack and Spike decided to lend a hoof/claw, as they all went to work.

Finally, after some time, Roger and the girls returned home and stepped out of the car. While the girls rushed into the house, Roger noticed Ed, Applejack, and Spike working on his Chevy and approached them.

“I thought that was you guys,” He said.

“Hey Roger!” Spike waved.

“Howdy there Roger!” Applejack greeted. “Y’all have a nice time today?”

“You know, for the first time in a long time I think we did,” He smiled.

Ed, Applejack, and Spike smiled at that fact. This family has already been through so much and they really deserved a moment of peace. Hopefully, they can provide as much help as possible to keep it this way.

“How’s your friend, Rarity?” Roger asked.

This caused the smiles to immediately disappear from Applejack and Spike’s faces.

“Not well,” Applejack said quietly.

Roger’s face fell hearing their friend wasn’t doing good. He knelt down, patting both of them along the back trying to offer some form of comfort.

“I’m so sorry guys,” He said. “I hope she gets better really soon.”

“Hey, I hope you don’t mind,” Ed spoke up. “I got a good deal on a rebuild in that wrecking yard in Smithfield.”

“Well, you look like you know what you’re doing,” Roger complimented.

“Yeah, we’ll see,” Ed chuckled. “Got a nice place here, Roger. You know, Lorraine and I always wanted a spot in the country.”

“I’ll sell you this one,” Roger joked.

At that point, everyone laughed at the joke. It was good to laugh in order to make light of a bad situation.

“Hey, hand me a wrench, would you?” Ed asked Spike.

Spike reached around, grabbed the big wrench, and handed it to Ed.

“Here you go big guy,” He said.

“Thank you,” Ed thanked, grabbing the wrench.

“Hey, uh… really means a lot to us to have you here,” Roger said appreciatively. “I gotta admit I was a little skepticalgoing in. I just want to say thank you though for coming out when you did.”

“I can’t take the credit. It’s uh… it’s all Lorraine. I didn’t want to.”

“Oh, why is that?” Applejack asked.

“Whatever Lorraine sees, feels, touches, it helps people, but it also takes a toll on her. Little piece each time. Couple months ago we were working on a case, she saw something.”

“Is it that one case Rainbow Dash was telling us about?” Applejack asked. “The one where ya were tryin’ tah help that there Maurice feller?”

Ed nodded in response, reliving the horrible memory of what happened to his wife. He remembered them trying to assist in the exorcism of Maurice, then he grabbed Lorraine, and she sensed something so horrific… she screamed.

“It took a real big piece. When we got home, she went into our room, locked herself in. Didn’t talk, didn’t eat, didn’t come out for eight days.”

“What did she see?” Spike asked.

“I do not know… And I won’t ask.”

Applejack and Spike nodded in understanding at the want to keep their personal issues to themselves. Yet they couldn’t help but wonder what exactly Lorraine had seen. Perhaps it was best they didn’t know.

<>

Later that night, Drew and Brad are in the living room keeping watch. Brad looks tired, as he finishes his coffee.

“I need to reload,” He sighed. “You want some?”

“I’m good, thanks,” Drew answered.

“Alright.”

Brad rises and heads toward the kitchen to make himself more coffee. As he’s pouring a fresh brew, he suddenly hears something outside. He looks out toward the porch when a ghostly voice speaks.

“Look what she made me do.”

Brad turns on the light to the back porch and steps outside for a look. Seeing nothing, he walks back into the kitchen when he sees a young girl, dressed as a maid, holding her wrists out revealing slash marks.

“Look what she made me do…”

Brad looks at her in shock, as she turns and walks away.

“Hey!” Brad yelled.

Brad goes to follow her, but sees that she’s disappeared.

“Ed?”

All of a sudden, the girl jumps at him from the side.

“LOOK WHAT SHE MADE ME DO!”

Brad falls to the ground, yelling in terror.

“Ed! Ed!”

Ed, Lorraine, Roger, and the ponies (Who were in the other room), along with Drew, rushed into the kitchen.

“Dude, are you okay?” Drew asked.

“Hold on,” Ed interrupts. “Brad, what’s going on?

“I saw someone!” Brad said frantically. “There was a woman dressed as a maid.”

Back in the hallway, the camera flash goes off as it takes a picture of a figure in a nightgown walking by.

“Ed, we’re getting something!” Lorraine spoke urgently.

They rush back into the hallway and spot a sleepwalking Cindy climbing the stairs.

“It’s just Cindy,” Roger assured.

But Ed was adamant that they needed this for evidence.

“No, no, no, no. Wait, wait, wait, we need this.”

“Why do we need pictures of Cindy?”

As Cindy sleepwalks upstairs, another camera flash goes off.

“Because she didn’t trigger it,” Ed answered.

“What do you mean, she didn’t trigger it?”

“Somebody’s with her.”

They watch Cindy walk through the upstairs hallway towards her room. They observe her entering her room and the door suddenly slams shut.

“Cindy!” Roger yelled.

Roger rushes upstairs, as Ed follows him along with Celestia and Twilight. Roger tries to open the door, but it’s locked, and they hear camera flashes going off in her room.

“Cindy! Cindy!”

“Cindy, can you hear us?!” Twilight yelled.

In the living room, Drew puts on his headphones, turns up the amplifier and hears a voice in Andrea’s room.

“Hey, over here!”

“There’s someone else in there with her!” Drew yelled.

Lorraine and the rest of the ponies enter the living room and sit beside Drew. Lorraine puts on the other headphones to listen. Coincidentally, Rainbow Dash grabs one and puts it on trying to hear.

“I’m hearing another voice,” Drew said. “Here, listen.”

Inside Andrea’s room, the ghostly voice continued.

“Follow me, this way. This is where I hide.”

After a few moments trying to pry the door open, getting no results at all, Twilight finally decided another approached was needed.

“Everyone stand back!” She ordered.

Roger, Ed, and Brad stood back as Twilight’s horn glowed intensely. She shoots out a burst of magic so powerful it blew the door wide open and they all rush inside. The room is icy cold like a freezer and no sign of Cindy in sight.

“Cindy?” Roger called.

They searched every square inch of the room, but not a trace of the girl is discovered.

“Cindy? Where did she go, Ed?”

“Windows are locked,” Ed commented.

“She’s not under the bed,” Twilight added.

“There’s no sign of her anywhere,” Celestia said worriedly.

Roger even tried searching the giant wardrobe, but still found nothing.

“Ed, where did she go?” Roger asked concerned.

“Brad! Get the UV light!” Ed ordered.

“The what?” Brad asked.

“Just ask Drew!”

Brad immediately rushed downstairs toward Drew.

“I need a UV light.”

Drew quickly found the UV light and handed it toward Brad.

“Uh… here. That’s it, go, go, go!”

Brad quickly raced back upstairs, giving Ed the light.

“What are we going to do with that?” Twilight asked concerned.

“Turn off the lights!” Ed responded.

Twilight used her magic to flick the switch off, as the whole room was entombed in darkness. Ed spans the entire floor and spots Cindy’s footprints. He follows them towards the wardrobe, opening the doors, and discovers handprints along the back of it.

“Hit the lights.”

Brad turns on the lights and Ed finds a secret hatch door at the back of the wardrobe. He opens it, peeks inside, and discovers Cindy in the corner, still asleep.

“Found her!” Ed announced.

He gently draws her out of the hatch and hands her over to Roger. As Roger carries Cindy out of the room, he passed April and Lorraine.

“That’s where Rory hides when he’s afraid,” April said.

Lorraine enters the room, seeing everyone peek into the wardrobe. Lorraine enters the hatch into the back of the wardrobe. As she looks around, she noticed a shelf with toys and a dust free shape resembling what was left by the music box.

“Hon, could I have April’s music box, please?” She asked Ed.

Ed, sitting outside the wardrobe, turns and grabs the music box from April. Roger entered the room at the same time.

“How’s Cindy?” Twilight asked.

“She doesn’t remember a thing,” Roger answered.

Ed holds out the music box toward Lorraine in the hatch.

“There you go.”

“Thank you.”

Lorraine placed the music box on the shelf where the shape was and discovers it’s a perfect match. She then noticed a thick rope on the floor. Bending down, she starts pulling the rope up. She managed to pull it all the way out… only to find a noose at the end of it. Lorraine gasped in shock, taking a step back… but her foot cracks through the wooden boards and she falls through the floor screaming.

“Lorraine! No!” Ed yelled.

“Lorraine!” Twilight and Celestia yelled simultaneously.

Lorraine lands somewhere in the cellar; Ed rushes out of the room and tears through the house.

“Lorraine!” Twilight yelled again.

Ed thumps the walls in the living room trying to locate Lorraine.

“Lorraine! Lorraine! Lorraine!”

“Okay, that’s it!” Twilight declared. “I’m going down there to find her!”

Before she could do anything, Celestia pulled her to the side with her magic. She turns Twilight toward the stern look upon her face.

“You aren’t going anywhere, Twilight!” She said sternly. “You’ve already been injured once by this thing. I won’t allow that to happen again; I’ll go.”

“But Celestia…”

“No Twilight! I’ve made up my mind and I will not change it.”

Celestia encased herself in her magic aura, thinking of Lorraine. She disappeared in a flash of light and the moment she opened her eyes, she noticed she was in a completely dark space.

“Celestia!”

Celestia snapped her head to the side spotting Lorraine seated next to her. As it turns out, Lorraine landed under a workbench in the cellar.

“Are you alright?” Celestia asked concerned.

“I’ll be fine,” Lorraine groaned.

Painfully, she sits up, looking around as a ghostly wail fills the room. They see the music box had landed beside Lorraine, who picks it up. She winds it up and looks into the mirror while listening to the music. She sees Rory’s mother crying over his dead body while clutching a bloody knife.

“She made me do it. She made me do it.”

Suddenly, Mrs. Walker turns her ghostly face towards Lorraine and Celestia. Lorraine looks behind her and sees no one. But as she turns and lowers the music box, Mrs. Walker’s ghostly face is suddenly in front of her.

“She made me do it.”

She sees something and turns away from Lorraine and Celestia. Lorraine follows her gaze as Celestia lit the room with her horn, but neither see anything in the cellar. They then turn and see Mrs. Walker is gone. Lorraine hears a straining noise and suddenly a pair of dangling feet drop in front of them. Celestia gave a startled yelp, seeing the feet turn towards them both.

All of a sudden, Bathsheba’s face popped right before them. Lorraine and Celestia both scream and run off. Something grabs Lorraine from behind, snagging the locket around her neck, but she managed to run out of the cellar and right into Ed’s arms.

“Ed! Ed!” Lorraine cried. “I know what she did!”

“I got you,” Ed assured.

“I know what she did!”

“What?”

“She possessed the mother to kill the child. She visits Carolyn every night! That’s what the bruise marks are, she’s feeding off of her!”

When Celestia heard that, it all started to come together. The curse, the deaths on the land, Carolyn’s strange behavior, it all made sense. Bathsheba was taking revenge on the Perrons and anyone else who took her land. And now with the ponies and Spike here, she’s taking revenge on them as well. She’d attacked Twilight, she’d almost killed Rarity, and she wasn’t going to stop until they were all dead.