The Slender Horse

by Lil_Miss_Rarity

Chapters

Subject: Various Location: Library Time: 11:38 AM
Subject: Rainbow Dash Location: Cloudsdale Time: 1:24 PM
Subject: Twilight Sparkle Location: Library Time: Various
Note #1: Help Me
Subject: Twilight Sparkle Location: Las Pegasus Time: 11:35AM
Note #2: Always Watches / No Eyes
Subject: Rainbow Dash Location: Balitmare Time: Unknown
Subject: Rarity Location: Abandoned Well House Time: 1:37AM
Subject: Twilight Sparkle Location: Somewhere off the coast of Equestria Time: Unkown

Subject: Various Location: Library Time: 11:38 AM

"Spike! Come on! We have to get these books to Rarity! She needs these!"

"I'm coming, Twi! Calm down. It's just Rarity."

"Huh? I thought you had a crush on Rarity."

"I did. But since I know she'll never love me back, I decided to get over it."

"Don't be so negative, Spike! I know she'll recognize you at one point!"

"Haha, very funny."

"Let's just get these to Rarity's, ok?"

It was 11:38 in Equestria. Me and Spike were bringing over some fashion books to help for Rarity's order. Pretty big one. I think it's an order from Equestria's top fashion designer. Can you believe it? You may have heard the news about that filly who is missing, right? Ok, good. I just explained the news to Spike for the millionth time already. Everypony thinks he just got lost and he'll find his way back soon. Oh look, there's Rarity's house.

*knock* *knock*

"Hello?"

"Hi, Rarity. I got the books."

"Oh thank you, Twilight! I didn't know how I could have possibly finish this order without your help!"

"My pleasure!"

"Oh, I have something for you."

"Rarity. You don't have to give us anything. I'm just happy to help!"

"Nonsense! I simply must find a reward for all your hard work"

"We live right across the street from you."

"That must be a dreadfully long walk!"

"Ok.... If you insist."

I knew she was going to give us something. She does this every time. From the time I found her ruby-laced silk, which was right behind her, to the time I got Opal out of the tree which she could of reached on her own. But hey. Any gift would be good right now. I'm low on decorations for the library and I want to spruce things up a bit in there.

"Here you go!"

It was a wagon full of diamonds! Is she blind? We live right across the street and these books could've been picked up in 10 seconds flat! Besides I don't think diamonds would go well with all the antiques and stuff I have in the library.

"Wow, uh. That sure is a lot of gems you have there."

"Please take it, as a token of my gratitude."

Spike whispered something in my ear.

"More like a million tokens of gratitude."

I had to admit, that was pretty clever. But we couldn't stop yet. We still had to help Applejack with bucking the apple orchids and help Pinkie set up the birthday party for Gummy, who was turning two.

"Rarity, I would love to stay and chat, but we need to help our other friends."

"Oh, of course. You can go."

Sweet Apple Acres...

I sent Spike to help Pinkie, since I can't stand Pinkie's randomness like Spike can. As I headed for Applejack's farm, I saw that all the apple orchids have already been bucked. I asked Applejack what happened.

"Applejack, why isn't there any apples on the orchids? I thought I was going to help you with bucking them."

"Sorry, Twi. Since that there news report came on the TV, we've been doing our darndest to keep Applebloom inside."

"Yeah, but what about the apples?"

"Ah bucked them last night."

"Oh, ok then. You don't need any help with anything else?"

"We're fine, Twilight. Go on and do what ever it is you like to do."

Subject: Spike Location: Sugarcube Corner Time: 3:47PM

"Pinkie? You here? Hm. I wonder were she went."

"GET AWAY FROM ME!"

"Wha-" *BONK!*

"Spike! I'm so, so, so sorry!"

"What are you doing? I'm just here to help you with Gummy's party."

"Oh, yeah. About that. Gummy doesn't want the party anymore."

"What makes you say that?"

"Gummy's been cuddling up in that corner in my attic shaking and refusing to come out."

"Is it because of the news?"

"How'd you know?"

"Call it a lucky guess..."

The Library...

*slam!*

"Huh? Who's that?"

"It's me, Twi. Spike."

"That sure was fast."

"Pinkie canceled the party. Gummy won't come out of attic."

"It's all because of that news report isn't it?"

"Yep."

"Wow. That report really spooked everypony."

"Yeah. Well, I'm getting tired. I'm going to bed. You?"

"I'm going to watch some TV before bed."

"Ok. Goodnight, Twilight."

"Goodnight, Spike."

Subject: Twilight Sparkle Location: The Library Time: 12:42 AM

I was flipping through the channels. Nothing good ever shows on TV at night. Why do I even bother? But then, on the PNN news channel, it said something that caught my attention. It was a news flash about some guards in Canterlot. Apparently, they went missing after searching for the missing filly. They both disappeared in the Everfree Forest. I decided to research about ancient mythical monsters in the forest. I searched for hours finding nothing conclusive. Until I found one book about a very old myth known as the Slender Horse. The Slender Horse is a evil pony with no face, long limbs, and tentacle coming out of his back. It says that he kidnaps mainly fillies. There are rare cases for adult kidnappings. But it's still risky. The story takes place in ancient Equestria back in the 1600's. A woodcarver was in a carving accident, which resulted in his face being cut off. After that incident, everypony called him a monster. He later committed suicide. In a note, it said that he shall return to get revenge for his mistreatment during his life. That must be it. The next morning, I will warn the kingdom about this. I hope they will believe me.

Subject: Rainbow Dash Location: Cloudsdale Time: 1:24 PM

Lab Progress Report #1: We have found more information about Subject 46523's past and involvement in the Slender Horse case. She was the first to find out the killer's identity. And she went to Canterlot to warn the Princess.

"Hey, Rainbow Dash!"

"Hey, Cloud. What's up?"

"Did you hear about that news report last night?"

"Everypony in town heard about it. I wouldn't be surprised if all of Equestria was talkin' about this."

"Pretty scary, huh? But I doubt that whoever is kidnapping ponies can get up here."

*CRASH!* *SCREAM!*

"What was that?"

"That sounded like Soaring! This way!"

We ran towards the direction of the scream. But when we got there, there was nothing. Nothing at all. No body, no blood. The only thing here was a symbol. It was a crudely drawn circle with a "X" going through it.

"What is this?"

"It looks like some sort of symbol."

"Who knows what this could mean?"

"I think I know somepony."

We flew to Twilight's house. She was the only pony I know that can solve anything. I knew she could find out was that symbol meant. But when we arrived. It was locked. There was no pony home. But there was a note attached to the door. It said "Went to Canterlot to warn Celestia. Be back soon!"

"She went to Canterlot!"

"Are you sure the symbol is this important? Maybe Soaring just got frightened by a prankster or something like that."

"Soaring has never screamed like that before. We have to tell Twilight. Now!"

We flew to the train station. But I knew that the train would not go fast enough. So I decided to fly on my own to Canterlot. Cloud isn't as fast as me and I hate waiting for other ponies to catch up with me. As I flew towards Canterlot, a dark cloud flew right past me. It was so close. I felt it touch my mane! That's when I remembered. The Pegasus planned a rain storm today. Of course the pegasai scheduled a rainstorm today of all days. The clouds are a lot more solid during rainstorms. It was difficult. But I managed to fly all the way there without running into anything. I tried to enter. But Canterlot was initiating lockdown and the guards wouldn't let me in. Did Twi go home? Or was she still inside? But I knew it was important that I asked Twilight about that symbol. I begged for the guards to let me in. I looked like an idiot, but I had to get in there, no matter what. Surprisingly, they actually let me in. I ran as fast as I could to Celestia's castle. Im not flying because flying is forbidden while in Canterlot.

"Princess Celestia!"

"Halt!"

"It's alright, sir. This is one of Twilight Sparkle's friends."

"Yes, ma'am."

"What do you need?"

"I may have found clues about these disappearances."

"May we see this evidence?"

Good thing they shipped in my new camera today. I presented the photo. I'll never forget that look of terror on the princess' face.

"Are you alright, your highness?"

"Yes. But I may not be soon. This is the crest of a very ancient enemy of mine. Slender Horse."

"You know about this mark?"

"Yes. He was one of the most powerful enemies I ever had to face. He constantly kidnapped fillies and, occasionally, mares and colts. He had the power of darkness, sadness, and teleportation."

"Do you think he's the cause of all this?"

"I believe so."

"How did you defeat him the first time?"

"I didn't."

"What?"

"I fled. It was the first time I retreated from a fight."

"But what are we going to do?"

"We must get every pony we can to another kingdom until this matter is resolved. Somehow."

I had Celestia send messages to my friends telling them to keep in shelter during the night. I also told them to tell everypony they know about this. Tonight was the first night of survival. The first night of a nightmare. We have to survive. We just have to.

Subject: Twilight Sparkle Location: Library Time: Various

Lab Progress Report #2: Next is Subject 165. She and one of her friends heard a scream. The scream belonged to Cpl. Soaring, a member of the Wonder Bolts. After heading towards the origin of the scream, Subject 165 discovered a strange symbol. However, she claims that she did not see the corporal's body, or any sign of struggle. It is almost as though the corporal let the Slender Horse take him away. In any case, Subject 165 flew to Canterlot to warn Celestia about this mysterious event.

We just got back from the forest and gathered up on wood to plank the doors and windows shut. Don't want to take any chances, right?

"Spike! Did you get the windows upstairs?"

"Yep! They're all set!"

"Great! Check!"

"Man, my claws are killing me. I don't think I can hammer in one more nail."

"Did we get the hiking supplies?"

"Almost. I just need to get the boots. When's our escape day?"

"About a week from now."

"Why do we need to wait? Why don't we just leave tomorrow morning?"

"Well, for one, you don't want all that hard work on the planks going to waste do you? Second off, we need the Slender Horse to think that this place is abandoned. If all goes to plan. He'll search the other houses, eventually going away from our house, until we have enough time to get our friends and leave. So that means no going outside during the nighttime."

"Ok."

That night, it was so hard to go to sleep, considering the fact that there is a monster on the loose. But then, I heard a extremely loud shriek. And this time, I knew it wasn't Rarity. But I have no idea where it came from or what it was. I tried to ignore it, but it was pretty difficult. I turned on the TV to see if there was anything about the shriek. Nothing. Which was surprising since there are patrols everywhere. Especially the Air Force. Only the most vigilant pegasai can join. So for the rest of the night, the shriek kept going on at random times and I kept pacing in circles trying to find books about the Slender Horse and other objects of interest. I was pacing so much, I made another trench on the library. I needed some sleep, we needed to collect all of our friends and escape from Equestria by nightfall. And Equestria isn't exactly small. I needed to call my friends and check on how they were doing. First, I called Applejack.

*ring* *ring* *ring*

"Howdy?"

"Applejack, this is Twilight."

"Twilight! Are you alright? I can't believe what's goin' on 'round here!"

"Neither can I. But listen. Me and Spike are going to pick you up at 11:00 AM. So be ready to leave Equestria around that time."

"Alrighty then. Ah'll be waitin'."

"Wait, where the rest of your family?"

"They went on ahead. They'll be waitin' at the airport fer us.

After that, I called the rest of my friends. Who were all doing alright. Except Fluttershy. She was shaking so much that she dropped the phone twice. I still kept hearing that shrieking noise. Was I losing my mind? Or is it just some animal that is trapped? But, it kept me up all night.

A week later...

It was morning, this was our chance. We gathered everything we needed for the journey and headed over to the Ponyville Town Square, where we all were meeting. It was so different with everypony either hiding or already leaving Equestria. But there was no time to think about that now. I saw Rarity first. Not surprisingly, she didn't dress in camo like I told her to. She was wearing a hat with splotch patterns in light-green colors. And a jacket with the same patterns. Then afterwards, the rest of the gang came. We grabbed a cart as fast as we could and headed towards the Equestrian border. Since that shrieking kept me up all night, I fell asleep in the cart while watching the map. The next thing I knew, I was in total darkness.

I couldn't move. I knew I wasn't awake, but it felt so real. It was so cold and depressing. I couldn't even blink. But then, out of nowhere, came a flaming wall. The fire was extremely bright. It drowned the area in light. I didn't recognize it at all. It looked like a forest. But it wasn't the Everfree Forest. It was nothing more than trees and a dirt path. Off in the distance, I saw a strange contraption in front of some sort of tin shed. The contraption had some round rubber on the bottom. On the back of the contraption was a note. It said "Always watching." and had a drawing of a figure with long limbs, no face, and tentacles on it's back. But it wasn't a pony. It was some other creature. In the background was a symbol. It was a "X" with a circle around it. As I backed up, I felt something hit my chest. It was a camera, but it was on a strap instead. I couldn't grab it. So I used my horn to pick it up. It was already recording. I stopped it and looked at the video library and played the video that was recorded on the day this incident occurred. It was a video with my voice. It sounded as though I was talking to a audience, commentating on something. But like I said before, I've never been here before. But as I viewed the video, I started hearing static. It was coming from the camera. I felt nauseous and dizzy. I turned around and saw the Slender Horse behind me! It went black again. And that symbol appeared again, but this time it was made from fire. Then, all I could see was static. I saw him again. He was right in front of me. A mouth morphed from his face and let out a extremely sickening shriek. I woke up in sweating and screaming. Everypony suddenly stopped and looked at me. My head was pounding.

"Twilight, are you ok?"

"Yeah. Just a b-bad dream. Where are we?"

"Fillydelphia."

"We only went that far?!"

"Well, if it weren't for Rarity's constant yappin' 'bout th' cart, and Fluttershy hidin' behind a rock every time a bush rustles, ah say it's was a pretty good reason why."

"It's almost sundown! We have to find some shelter, now!"

"Come on, ya'll! Double time!"

We started running as fast as we could go, searching for somewhere to hide. Right before nightfall came, we found a slightly destroyed house. But it had enough cover to be able to hide. Night has fallen and nothing happened which what was making us even more scared and nervous. We heard a noise outside, which really freaked us all out. Applejack grabbed her rope and stood by the destroyed wall. But then I saw some black tentacles going around her. I stared in horror as the tentacles grabbed her and pulled her outside.

Note #1: Help Me

Lab Progress Report #4: We successfully taken more information out of Subject 46523. She and the one called ,"Spike", have exited their home and is picking up the last survivors from Ponyville. Shortly before nighttime, they arrived at a old abandoned well house just outside of Phillydelphia. Subject 165 will be interviewed later this week.

Subject: Twilight Sparkle Location: Unknown Time: Unknown

I am dreaming again. I'm in the same forest. I'm holding a flashlight with my magic. I have a camera recording. I don't know why, but I start walking around. It's all black. No light except for my horn and the flashlight, which is almost out. It is flickering, like strobe lights. I want to wake up. The gates block the way out. Why is this happening? I want to wake up... What is that on that tree? Is that paper? Yes. It's a note. It has a figure on it. Long limbs, no face, wearing a suit. It says, "Help me." I pick it up. The wind is getting colder. So cold. My flashlight has no more light. It flickers out. I drop it. Leaving for it to hit the hard, unforgiving floor. I hear it smack against the ground. I hear something else. It's coming from the camera. Cries... Cries for help... It's the filly... He's dead... He must be... Why can I hear him? It's impossible... I'm going insane. My sanity... Slowly drifting away... Slowly... Like a boat loose from the port... On calm seas... I hear static... I want to vomit... I want to forget... I... Want... To... Die... He's here... Watching my every move... I can't escape him... He's always watching me... I can't escape him... I can only delay my fate... Retreating only delays the inevitable... Delaying won't help... I hear shrieking... The same shriek... From the forest... From the Slender Horse... From my own mind... Is he real? Is he just a figment of my imagination? No... It can't be... Celestia... Please... Help me...

Subject: Twilight Sparkle Location: Las Pegasus Time: 11:35AM

Lab Progress Report #5: Subject 165 has been acting rather strange. She is avoiding us and our questions. When we ask her a simple question, she remains silent and is completely unresponsive. However, Subject 3614 was more then willing to oblige. Subject 46523 fell asleep during the ride to Las Pegasus. Only to wake up covered in sweat. It is unclear what her dream was. But when we interview Subject 46523 again, we may have some answers.

I woke up. Screaming in terror. My body is covered with sweat. Especially my head. It is pounding. It feels as though I really saw him. Everypony looked at me with their eyes wide open. There's concern in them.

"Twilight!? Are you ok!?"

"No... I'm not... Rainbow Dash..."

"Wha-?"

"I have seen the cause of all this... The Slender Horse... He was watching me... I can't escape him..."

"Are you ok, Twi? You don't look so good..."

"Huh? What happened?"

"You were talking all weird."

"I was? I don't remember..."

Everypony was sitting on a mat. They were having lunch. Where was Spike?

"Where's Spike?"

"He's fine. He just went into the woods for some fruits."

"You let him go into the woods by himself!?"

"It's morning, Twi. It's fine."

"You're right. It's ok..."

As if on cue, Spike came back with an arm full of berries and apples. Everypony rejoiced and grabbed the fruits. Spike almost fell over from the sudden lightness in his arms. It was pretty funny.

"Where are we?"

"Near the front gates of Las Pegasus."

"We only need to go through one more city and we're home free!"

"That's great!" What's the city? I forgot."

"Baltimare."

"What!? That's the biggest city in Equestria!! It's also the most isolated! We'll never get there before nightfall!"

"Yeah, but I heard there are a lot of soldiers and survivors there. So we're safe."

"You must relax, Twilight! A lady cannot look her best while being frightened."

"I don't care about looks right now, Rarity."

I looked at the Sun. It was only about noon. That's good. Baltimare is only 3 to 5 hours from here. We may make it there in time. I decided to join my friends and feast on whatever they had. I was starving!

3 hours later...

"I don't understand... We should be in Baltimare by now! It's been almost three hours!"

"I don't get it either. Wait, I think I see it!"

"The city that's surrounded by barbed wire, iron walls, and guards armed to the teeth?"

"That's just about it, yeah."

Baltimare was the most advanced city in Equestria. From their advanced weaponry, to their awesome libraries, this was one of my favorite cities to visit. I still remember my first trip there like it was yesterday. I was about 6 years old, that was when I put my studies in front of my friends (which I'm still not happy to myself about.). I was looking all over the place for the libraries. Never found it.

We walked up to the gate, when a guard told us to stop and checked us for some reason.

"We got Twilight Sparkle! Open the gates!"

I guess the surviving royal guards made a fortress. I don't know why that is necessary. They should just get out of here. But you know. Whatever floats their boats. Should we stay here? Or should we keep moving a look for a way out of here? Everypony was tired and worn out. So we decided to spend the night here. The place was so cramped up with survivors, it was difficult to find a place to stay. Luckily, we found an old abandoned factory that not a lot of survivors were in. It was so dark though. I couldn't see a thing.

Note #2: Always Watches / No Eyes

Lab Progress Report #6: Subject 45623 is awake now. The interview was much more difficult then we first thought it was going to be. The patient scratched the walls, threw the chairs everywhere. Two doctors have to go to the hospital after getting hit by one of the chairs. We have had no choice but to restrain her while we are asking her questions. Like that will help.

Subject: Twilight Sparkle Location: Appaloosa Time: Unkown

I can't see. My camera. Out of battery. Why? Nothing works. My camera battery, my flashlight battery. Nothing. It's so dark. I can see a huge rusted tin can. It has another note on it. I can't read it. I need to find light. There's that strange contraption again. It's smaller and more slim, though. It's on fire. I hear some sort of alarm. There is light coming out of the front. It has rubber circles on the bottom again. I can see the note now. It says "Can't run." There are symbols all over the note. It is making me crazy. This is going to kill me. Why is this happening to me? Why me of all ponies? I hear stepping noises. I am too scared to look behind me. But I'm turning anyway. I don't want to. Stop. Please stop... STOP!!!! I look behind me forcefully to see nopony behind me. My heart is beating at the speed of sound. It's beating so hard, I can hear it. I'm sweating uncontrollably. I'm soaking myself. I start walking. The road is infinite. Never ending. Just like my fear. He's getting closer. I can feel it. I have to run. I can't. Why? Why can't I? I look behind me. He's here. He's behind that tree. Staring at me. With no purpose. No goal. He's just watching me. Waiting for my most vulnerable moment. Wait. He's gone. Where has he gone to? I look ahead. He right in front of me. He grabs me by his tentacles. He has the morphed mouth, the crudely ripped mouth. Then, he is morphing eyes. And begins to speak. His voice. So deep and dark. He sounds like the devil himself. I managed to choke out, "Go... To..... Hell...." His reply will haunt me for the rest of my life. "Where do you think I come from. Look into my eyes....." I am paralyzed. I am forced to look at him. "I want to see you die..."

Subject: Rainbow Dash Location: Balitmare Time: Unknown

Lab Report #7: Subject 46523 is doing much better than the others. She has been cooperating very well. She has recently told us about a dream she has had in Baltimare. She describes that the Slender Horse had a mouth and eyes. But, the drugs we are using to help them remember seem to be killing the other subjects.

Subject: Rainbow Dash Location: Baltimare Time: Unknown

We woke to a alarm. It was coming from outside. All the ponies that were in the factory before are gone. Where did they go? Me and my friends went outside to see ponies screaming and running amok. A soldier runs by, clutching onto his gun. I grab him.

"Hey, what's going on?"

"The Slender Horse! He's right outside the city gates!"

Then, a voice came over the speaker.

"All civilians are instructed to evacuate the city immediately. Anypony with fighting-experience are asked to come and try to fend off the Slender Horse while the others evacuate."

I knew this was for me.

"Girls! I got this you get out of here!"

"We aren't leaving without you, Dash!"

"We don't have time to argue!"

We continued to fight and argue. Until Twilight joined in.

"Every pony, be quiet!"

All eyes were on her.

"Look, Dash. We need you. You don't need to do this."

"Yes, I do. Don't worry about me, ok? Ok?"

"Even if I don't support your decision, I can respect it."

I walked with my friends to the air balloons. I knew this would be the last time I would see them. I should walk this one. After we arrived at the port, we all exchanged goodbyes. Especially Applejack.

"I'm gonna miss ya, Dash."

"I'll be fine. Don't worry. I'll see you guys later."

Then just like that, the air balloons took off. A tear went down my cheek and landed in my mane. A soldier gave me a order and a gun. We saw the Slender Horse, but he didn't move. He just stood there, barely within the reaches of the floodlights. Then, some feather brain shot at him. The bullet whizzed right through him, static surrounding the Slender Horse, then it disappeared, leaving the Slender Horse where it was before. I knew he was dangerous, but being able to bend time and space itself!? I was beginning to regret my decision to stay here. Then, it stood up, on it's hind hooves! Then, all the soldiers disappeared into thin air! Hearing nothing but the sound of screaming. Now, I was all alone. On a metal wall surrounded by floodlights. Face to face with the Slender Horse. I turned back towards the Slender Horse, he was getting closer. I brought out my gun, and inserted the clip.

Subject: Rarity Location: Abandoned Well House Time: 1:37AM

Lab Progress Report #3: Subject 3614 has become more resistant to our questions. She seems to be gaining back her willpower much faster than we anticipated. But we cannot release her, or any of her friends, yet. However, more information on the past has been gained. Subject 165 successfully reached the Princess and told her about the symbol, which led to the Princess warning the entire kingdom. We will interview Subject 46523 tomorrow.

Subject: Rarity Location: Abandoned Well House Time: 1:37AM

"APPLEJACK!"

We all ran outside, only to find out that wasn't The Slender Horse at all! It was just Rainbow Dash pulling one of her pranks again! Rainbow and Applejack both bursted out laughing.

"Rainbow! Applejack! What is wrong with you two!? You do know there's a serial killer on the loose, do you not!?"

"Lighten up, Rarity! It's just a harmless prank!"

As I and Rainbow continued to argue, I was beginning to feel a bit queazy. I knew that meant he was close.

"Um, do you feel that? I do believe somepony is watching us."

"What are you talking about?"

"Every time I see the Slender Horse, I feel sick and uneasy."

"Get back in the mill house. Quick!"

We all hid. Then, we heard stepping noises. It was him. I could see him, but he couldn't see me. Or at least I hope not. But as I tried to look away, I saw somepony else way off in the basin. It was a little filly. I could hear him crying for his parents. The Slender Horse looked at him, then disappeared. We all gasped. Where did he go? I saw him again, right behind the little filly!

"We have to help him!"

"Quiet, Twilight! Do you want that ruffian to hear us?"

"We can't just sit here and watch the Slender Horse do who knows what to that little filly!"

"Twilight. I'm sorry, but you have to accept that he's gone."

We watched as the Slender Horse grab the filly by the neck with his tentacles. The filly was struggling, trying to get free. Every move he made got slower and slower until he stopped moving completely. Then they both disappeared. We all didn't feel uneasy anymore, meaning he was gone. Twilight was in a corner. I could tell she was crying.

"Twilight. It's goin' to be alright, sugarcube..."

"How's it ok!?! You saw it!! He was just an innocent filly!! And we're just sitting here while he's probably dead!!"

"Twilight! Calm down!"

"I'm, I'm sorry. I just lost it for a second..."

"It's fine... Come on, ya'll. It's almost sunrise. We better get ready."

Subject: Twilight Sparkle Location: Somewhere off the coast of Equestria Time: Unkown

Lab Report #8: This is our final report. Subject 46523 and Subject 3614 have been cured of the illness. Unfortunately, Subject 165 died around 3 to 4 AM. The drugs were too strong for her mind to handle. We will bury her in the Cloudsdale Memorial Cemetary within the week.

The air balloon was going so slow. The turbines were rusty, making each inch it spinned make a scratching noise. I could tell that everypony was worried about Dashie. Applejack was taking it the hardest. She was laying down saying to herself that she was alright, that we'll see her in the port. I'd rather not brake it to her that Dash is probably dead already. Who knows what the Slender Horse is doing to her right now? Just the thought of that makes my stomach churn with nervousness.

Applejack is still in that corner. She's been there for days now. Maybe I should comfort her?

"Hey... Applejack."

"Howdy, Twi."

"Are you ok?"

"I'm just dandy. Why wouldn't ah be?"

"Well, your laying on the ground, by yourself, and talking to yourself. You know insane ponies do that right?"

"What are you sayin'?"

"I'm saying that you should try to forget about Rainbow. You have to accept the fact that she's probably dead."

"No! Not yet... Ah'll need proof that she's dead!"

Then, just suddenly, he was there, the Slender Horse. Everypony jumped up, fear washing over their bodies.

Somepony yelled, "The horror! The horror!"

But, he didin't do anything. He was holding something behind his back with his tentacles. It was Dashie. Applejack ran straight for her. But when the Slender Horse gave Rainbow to her, she just slumped in her hooves. She was dead. Her eyes still open as if she was still alive. There was fear in those eyes. Applejack began to cry. She grabbed her hat and pulled it over her face to hide it, even though we could clearly tell. The Slender Horse bent down to her, put a hoof on her shoulder and said,

"I'm sorry..."

His voice sounded familiar. Then he disappeared again. No pony has heard or seen the Slender Horse ever since. Princess Celestia is still missing though.

The End