28 Days To Armageddon

Chapters

Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 9
Day 10
Day 11
Day 12
Day 13
Day 14
Day 15
Day 16
Day 18
Day 19
Day 20
Day 21
Day 22
Day 23
Day 24
Day 25
Day 27
Day 28
Day 1
Day 8
Day 17
Day 26

Day 2

Twenty-four hours can be a lot of time. To some, it is time that is very simple to waste. They sit around, looking at walls, or the reflective surfaces of some electronic device, and before they know it, the day is done. Then, they complain about how short the day was and how they were unproductive because of this. To others, it is something to be seized. Carpe diem is a very popular phrase, and many people (or, in this case, ponies) take it to heart. Twilight Sparkle was just such a specimen, as she never liked to let a single day go by without accomplishing something grand. True, others very often never bore witness to her achievements, but she didn’t mind. It meant that another turn of the earth had been spent in glorious scientific innovation.

But little did she know that this particular turn would change her life forever, and it all began with a chance meeting…

The day after her attempted suicide, she trotted through the streets of Ponyville and felt completely reinvigorated. Spike’s kind words and cheerful attitude had assisted her through a very dark time. Now, Celestia’s former anger had vanished, replaced by the thrilling sun that blazed overhead. As she looked around, Twilight noticed that everypony seemed to be smiling. It was as if they had all been invited to some amazing event, and were all excited to attend. Little foals played at their mothers’ hooves while the adult ponies spoke with each other. Conversations buzzed about like a beautiful song, and Twilight felt it was the most infectious thing she’d ever heard.

Suddenly, she was approached by somepony she’d never seen before. This new mare was bright yellow, with strikingly beautiful green eyes and a bright white mane. She seemed to be the most excited of all, as her body quivered the minute Twilight got close. The purple mare instinctively shielded her reproductive organs with her tail, thinking that a pony this excited must be experiencing something unnatural. She also made a mental note of everything in the saddlebags that coated her midsection, pledging to take inventory after the experience had concluded.

“Hiya!” The yellow mare chirped cheerfully, “my name’s Mist Dawn, and I’m your biggest fan!”

MY biggest fan?! Twilight thought, what the hell does she mean by that?!

“Um…it’s nice to meet you, Mist,” Twilight said aloud, offering a hoof.

Mist took it and shook it as hard as she could, nearly knocking her professed idol off her hooves. “It’s so splendiferous and portentous to meet you, Twilight!” She gushed, “as aforementioned, I happen to be your most consummate supporter, and I’d like nothing more than to become better assimilated into your daily habitation of the many vendors in this quaint little locale!”

“That was a run-on sentence,” Twilight said dryly, “and I can definitely see that you’re my biggest fan. Now, let’s start back at the beginning. What exactly is it I can help you with?”

Mist looked down, then back up. “Well, see…I was hoping I might be able to learn from you.”

Twilight blushed severely. She was suddenly very panicky. Who was this pony, anyway? Why in the world had the idea crossed her mind that Twilight might even agree to teach her? Obviously, the purple Unicorn did not wish to hurt the mare’s feelings. She could tell that she was fresh out of magic school and had entered the big, wide world of Celestia’s academic institution. But all the same, she just didn’t feel like she could teach Mist anything of worth. For, after all, she was still in school, herself.

“I…I just don’t know,” Twilight stammered, “I mean, I’m just a student, too.”

“Oh, please! Please-please-please-ple-ple-ple-please!!!!!” Mist begged.

Twilight sighed. She saw that there was no easy way out of this. Being confronted by somepony as noticeably determined as Mist was not easy. But when you threw in a healthy dose of hero worship, it became damn near impossible. So, the purple pony decided to treat Mist to lunch. It was about that time, anyway. The yellow mare nearly squealed when the proposition was made, and eagerly accepted. Twilight then led the way over to one of the small cafes that lined the main thoroughfare of Ponyville. They settled in at a table, and she ordered a dandelion and daisy sandwich for herself with a salad for her excitable compatriot.

“Thank you-thank you-thank you!” Mist said, before Twilight quieted her with a hoof and a chuckle.

“I’m glad you’re happy to see me,” she said, smiling, “but honestly, I just don’t know how I could take you on as a pupil. I’m so busy with my studies and my friendships and-“

“But that’s just it, Twilight!” Mist exclaimed, before suddenly going very quiet, “I…see…I…well, I don’t have any friends. The other mares at Celestia’s school make fun of me, just because I like you so much! They tease me, heckle me, and post embarrassing art of myself and you…”

Twilight’s eyes went wide. “Just…how embarrassing is it?”

“One had me licking your-“

“OKAY, we’re done with that,” Twilight exclaimed as she blushed again, “plus, I’m straight, so that could never happen.”

“Oh, I don’t want romance,” Mist explained, “I just want your friendship. I know it’s silly to be the president of the Twilight Sparkle Fan Club, but-“

“I have a fan club?”

“I’m the only member.”

“Oh,” Twilight said, “well, please, continue.”

“Well, like I said, I know it’s pretty silly to be something like that. But honestly, Twilight…you inspire me. I remember we were in the same elementary school in Canterlot, and you gave the speech on the biological and molecular properties of common household cheese! The experiments you did…the way you presented them…it was all fantastic.”

Twilight couldn’t help but smile warmly. Mist seemed incredibly sincere in her words, even if their earlier interaction had been somewhat awkward. The yellow mare’s eyes showed a kindness that, in Twilight’s opinion, rivaled Fluttershy’s. Her friendliness could not be denied, but Twilight still had a lot of questions, especially considering both the Elements of Harmony and the newness of their relationship. But, she did not want to send Mist away in sadness and distress.

“Alright,” she said, “I’ll take you on as my new friend and I’ll do my best to show you how to make friends and meet ponies.”

“OH, YA-“

“SH!” Twilight shushed harshly, “there are two conditions. One, you need to stop squealing, and two, you need to commit to this. For there is no friendship without a commitment.”

“Oh, I’m committed,” Mist said, “I promise!”

“Somehow…I believe you,” Twilight responded.

Day 3

The next day, Twilight and Mist went out together as friends for the first time. It was rather odd, mainly because Twilight didn’t remember the last time she’d done so with someone outside her circle. But, they soon became accustomed to each other, and were able to enjoy their day. Twilight needed some quills and ink, so they ran by the store and perused the selection. There were quills from all over the world, much to Mist’s delight and awe. She had no idea that quills could be imported from places as far off as Farasi, the legendary Zebra Homeland. There were also quills from Saddle Arabia, and even Maa-ssachusetts, the place populated entirely by mountain goats.

Once Twilight had her quills and ink, their next stop was a street vendor for some food. There were some scrumptious hay tacos with street corn, and the ponies ate their fill. Mist thought she’d never tasted such amazing flavors, and she wondered how they’d ended up in Ponyville. Twilight explained that, many years ago, a family had moved from Sunny Slopes and brought their recipes with them. Now, ponies around Ponyville got to enjoy the food, and the family was quite successful. Mist raved about the taste, even after they had left the area. She claimed that it was the most categorically perfect meal she’d ever had.

They then trotted along the thoroughfare, browsing through the vendors and seeing whether or not anything interested them. Twilight found a copy of “A Guide to Magic and Furniture,” but it was much too expensive. Mist located a copy of a strange book entitled “Twilight Sparkle: How The Pest Was Gone.” Aside from the rather appalling grammar, she wondered just why anypony would write a book heckling and making sport of her new friend. She became angry at this, and nearly caused a minor riot until Twilight bolted them both out of there and into an alleyway.

“What the HELL, Mist?!” She asked sharply, “I thought you knew how to conduct yourself!”

“Well, forgive me for being your friend and number one fan!” Mist exclaimed defensively, “how dare they write a book detailing all the reasons why they hate you! I mean, how could anypony hate you?! You’re…you!”

Twilight frowned. As much as she loved having a new friend, this pony was taking things much too far. It was only a book, after all, and a much easily ignored book. She’d read it from cover to cover and found it laced with abhorrent untruths and woefully misguided assumptions. The writer had even gone so far as to say that she’d purposely brought Discord back from stone just so she could play the hero again! The accusation stung, but it didn’t break her. She knew the pony who wrote the book personally, and she knew exactly why it had been published. Now, she needed to relay this to Mist, otherwise this budding friendship might go by the wayside.

“Look, Mist,” she said, “I’m sorry I was so sharp with you, but the fact is, I have many critics and naysayers. Also, I’m not perfect.”

“But…I…”

Twilight smiled and put a hoof on Mist’s shoulder. “I know that it’s difficult to accept when somepony you love and adore doesn’t turn out to be absolutely sparkling clean. But, I’m a pony. You’re one as well. Therefore, we make mistakes. I made one, and that’s why that book has been published.”

“You mean…someone’s making money because of your mistake?”

Twilight chuckled. “Oh, no. The book placed #356 on Equestria’s top 400 of last month. Trust me, nopony’s making money off of that. Well, at least, not significantly. Anyway, my point is, my friends and I have done enough to make ponies overlook its existence.”

“So…what exactly was the mistake?” Mist asked.

Twilight looked down, then back at her. “When I was a regular student at Celestia’s school, I thought I had it all. I had the best dorm room, with a huge library. I had access to Princess Celestia whenever I wanted. I even had a caring dragon to help when I needed it. In short, life was good…but it wasn’t great. I needed a friend, and I knew it. I just didn’t want to admit it. So, I continued to study until-“

“-until you moved here, right?” Mist queried.

“No,” Twilight said, “until I met a pony named Steel Quill. She was unique in that she had two special talents, one represented by her cutie mark and one earned. Her writing was breathtaking, and the words just jumped out at you. She was also a dedicated locksmith, who could open or close any door with just a flick of her hoof.”

“So, what happened?”

“We became good friends,” Twilight went on, “and study partners, as she was also a student at Celestia’s school. I wondered why somepony with her talents would bother even enrolling, but she said she wanted to do more with her life. Unfortunately, her magic wasn’t on the same level as anyone else, even those who failed classes regularly.”

“Sounds kind of like Trixie,” Mist said, “I mean, she can’t do magic, so she has to resort to her stupid illusions.”

Twilight chuckled. “Yes, I suppose they do bear a striking resemblance. But, anyway, Quill asked me for help with her magic. I agreed, and began tutoring her in private. Her magic shot through the roof, and her grades began improving. I was so proud of her, and she was proud of herself. Our friendship grew until, one night, she…well…she confessed love.”

“WHAT?!” Mist shouted, before Twilight covered her mouth with a hoof.

“SH!”

“Sorry,” Mist apologized, “but…she was…I mean, she…loved you?”

Twilight nodded. “She did, or at least, she claimed to. But I’m not like that. I enjoy the company of stallions. So, I had to let her down gently. It was the most difficult conversation I’ve ever had to initiate. I’ll never forget the tears that ran down her face when I told her I didn’t reciprocate her feelings. My heart ached for her, so I pulled her into an embrace. She didn’t stop crying for five minutes and, by that point, I was shedding my own tears.”

“So…did you remain friends?”

“For a while, yes,” Twilight said, “she eventually accepted my position on the matter and returned to being platonic. But some part of her failed romance stuck around, because soon, she began stalking me.”

Mist gasped. “What happened then?”

“I had to get her off my back, so I reported her to Celestia. She was arrested and charged with harassment. She spent a few days in prison, and was fined 500 bits. Worse, she lost her spot in Celestia’s school…and I lost a friend. A dear friend. That was when I began shutting myself away from other ponies, especially mares. I didn’t want the same thing to happen again. About a year later, Steel wrote that book. It’s a damn shame, too. She was such a good writer…”

Mist looked at the ground. She was upset at this Steel Quill character, but also confused by Twilight’s story. It seemed like she’d done all the right things. Why did she feel like it was her mistake that caused all the problems? Mist bounced theories around in her head like a ping-pong ball until she suddenly heard a squeak from in front of her. She looked up and saw Twilight wrapped in some kind of leathery contraption. Her mouth hit the ground and she leapt forward, trying to save her friend. But it was no use. The device was attached to some kind of rope, which hoisted Twilight high into the air and hung her over the alley below.

“TWILIGHT!” Mist screamed.

“MIST, HELP!” Twilight yelled back before disappearing over the rooftops.

Day 4

This can’t be happening, Mist asked herself as she turned over in her bed. It had been barely 12 hours since Twilight had been kidnapped and taken to Celestia knew where. The pitch black of the outer world accentuated with Luna’s bright moon only compounded Mist’s sadness. She was spending the night at the Golden Oak, determined to look out for hew new friend’s home and possessions. Her mind had been made up the minute she saw that rescuing Twilight would not be an option. She’d immediately gone to the library, explained everything to Spike, and then collapsed and fallen into a troubled sleep.

Her dreams were racked with a tortured figure running from a haunting force. Unfortunately, she was quite familiar with this type of slumbering vision. Throughout her existence, she’d been plagued with nightmares. Her private life was inundated with pain, and it bled over into her nightly ventures. The clouds that floated in her mind would part, leaving behind an empty blackness. She would find herself standing on an invisible platform and all of her trauma would confront her. Abusive parents, boyfriends, regular friends, rape, torture…you name it, it had befallen her. Celestia’s school had been something of a fresh start, but unfortunately, her terrifying personal experience had followed her there.

But the dream she had now was different. The tortured figure wasn’t her own spirit, but that of the purple pony she loved so dearly. Her new friend was galloping through a dark forest, and every time she attempted to help, she found herself tangled in a never ending sea of vines. She tried using her magic to cut them, but to no avail. Everything was crashing in on her, even the trees themselves. As Twilight’s misty figure moved further and further away, the branches became lower. She felt a pain unlike any she’d ever felt before, and she suddenly woke up screaming.

Spike burst into the room. “Mist! Are you okay?! What happened?!”

Her panting gave the answer, so Spike sat on the bed in front of her and placed a gentle claw on her hoof. For a few moments, the two did not speak, but allowed the horror of her dream to evaporate. She finally got her breathing under control, and she threw herself around Spike, confessing that she blamed herself for Twilight’s kidnapping. The kind dragon told her that it wasn’t her fault and that, the next day, they’d go out and attempt to rescue her.

“But you can’t!” Mist wailed, “she’s gone, and we have no idea where she went!”

“Never say, ‘can’t,’ in reference to Twilight and I’s friends,” Spike said, “they will find her.”

“How can you be so sure?” Mist sniffed.

“Because I’ve seen them tackle the impossible before…”

The next day, Mist, Twilight’s five other friends, and Spike all set out on their journey. Their first task was to study the scene of the crime. Mist guided them to it, and they took notes on the mark the rope had left on the side of the building. Rarity was invaluable in this situation thanks to her extensive experience with sleuthing. She was able to deduce that the perpetrator had drug Twilight over the rooftop before slamming her to the ground on the other side. This was backed up by the purple hairs found on the roof and the huge, pony sized body outline where Twilight had landed. Then, Rarity found traces of a certain type of perfume on a chain link fence leading out towards The Everfree Forest. She also noted that the fence had been cut and then the perp had attempted to replace the fence with some very poor magic to try and cover their tracks.

So, the group ventured forth into the dark and dangerous Everfree Forest on a mission to find their friend. Each of them knew of the part they had to play, but that didn’t mean that they weren’t frightened. Even Rainbow Dash, though she constantly denied it, was scared to death. Their adrenaline glands worked overtime to supply them with energy. They trotted along, keeping a careful eye out for each other and for any kind of animal that might want a light snack. Rarity was at the head of the group, followed closely by Spike. Pinkie, Rainbow, and Fluttershy stayed in the middle while Mist and Applejack acted as a rearguard.

“So…” Applejack said as they trotted along, “yer…Twilight’s friend?”

“Yes,” Mist said, “we only just met yesterday, yet I feel as though I’ve known her my entire life. We attended the same schools in Canterlot, learned from the same teachers, and read the same textbooks. I even enrolled in Celestia’s school just to be near her. I’ve always admired Twilight. I just…hope we can get her back.”

“We will, Sugarcube,” Applejack said sweetly, “and when we do, she’ll be the same riproarin’, amazin’ friend she’s always been.”

“I hope you’re right,” Mist said, “because if we can’t get her back…then I’ve a feeling all of Equestria will suffer.”

Meanwhile, Twilight awoke to find herself in a dungeon somewhere. She was chained to a table, and she couldn’t move. A sharp pain suddenly drove its dagger deep into her leg, and she yelped. But nopony was there to hear her or offer her comfort. The darkness was only broken by the torches on the wall. Yet, there were also a myriad of beakers, test tubes, and other scientific implements. She wondered where she was, why she was chained up, and why she was so sore. Questions abounded in her mind until a stirring in the distance caught her eye. As she watched, a pony appeared enmasked and dressed in black.

“Who…who are you?” Twilight asked, instinctively attempting to close her back legs.

“You don’t remember me, Twily?” A voice responded, “well, now, isn’t that a shame? Too bad, because I wanted to have some fun with my old friend.”

Twilight’s mouth shook. “You…you…you…you’re-“

“Quill Lock,” the pony said, removing her mask, “and I believe it’s time we got started.”

Day 5

The next day, the six ponies resumed their search for Twilight. The Everfree Forest was a vast place filled with unexplored territory and unknown danger. So, they decided to remain together as a group, with each individual pony contributing their talents to the cause. Applejack bucked some bothersome brush out of the way. Rarity helped by stringing diamonds to trees in order to mark their trail. Pinkie and Fluttershy were in charge of finding food, but it was a complete shot in the dark. None of them had expected to go on an extended trip through the forest, so packing was out of the question.

“UGH!” Rarity shrieked as they came to a clearing, “I smell like Applejack after work!”

“Hey!” Applejack protested, “that scent is the sign of a job well done! Now, if’n ya wanna make somethin’ of it-“

“I don’t, I don’t,” Rarity said, “all I’m saying is that everypony could use a good showering.”

“I’ll shower with you, Rarity,” Spike said dreamily.

Rarity chuckled and blushed. The attraction she felt for the dragon was a very open secret. The two sat and looked at each other, sexual fantasies playing out in their minds while doing so. Spike saw Rarity bending over, giving him an excellent view of the things she normally kept hidden. Rarity saw a muscle bound dragon mating with her, filling her body with everything that she wanted. In short, they were both tantalized by visions of their friend in some form of carnal event. Lust pumped their bodies forward, and they almost made lip contact when Mist suddenly bounded in and barked sharply.

“Guys! I’ve been searching the surrounding area and I found something!”

She hurried them along to the bushes at the edge of the clearing. After dealing with quite a few brambles and thorns, they finally popped out into yet another open space. But this one was extraordinarily different from the previous. For one, a moat ran through a deep ditch stretching horizontally across the ground. A wooden bridge hung over the rushing water, guarded by two stone statues. Within the central circle stood a large castle, coated in stone and a great deal of moss. It seemed to have been abandoned for some time, as the grassy covering stretched its tendrils towards the sky.

At first, they thought they had stumbled back upon the castle where they’d located The Elements of Harmony. But Rarity pointed out that the shape of the stone was different. It had been hoof hewn to look like the original, but a sharper eye could devise a difference. She also spoke of the bridge in front of them, and how the first castle did not have stone statues guarding its overpass. Finally, she drew their attention to the very lay of the land itself. The fortress they knew did not sit on a circular island cut away from the rest of the forest. It was on a small peninsular land mass situated on the other side of a natural moat.

“Obviously, this moat has been placed here by diverting the flow of water away from another larger stream further into the forest,” she finished.

“Man, you sure do know your castles,” Mist said.

“Oh, thank you, darling,” Rarity responded, “one can never be too careful with these kinds of things.”

“Alright,” Mist said, “whoever took Twilight has her in there.”

“How do you know that?” Dash asked.

“Twilight’s mane hair,” Mist said, using her magic to float some up from in front of her, “and there are multiple hoof prints on this side of the bridge. Come on! Let’s go!”

Back inside the fortress, Quill had subjected Twilight to a number of torturous implements. She had ripped part of her hair out by the root, torn two of Twilight’s teeth out, and put her tail into a shredder. She’d broken both of Twilight’s front hooves, and shattered her horn. But the ultimate insult was when she flipped Twilight over and had her way with her. Twilight had screamed for help, but it had never materialized. Now, the poor purple pony lay on her back, panting, in severe pain, and close to death.

“Aw…did I take it too far?” Quill asked sarcastically, “perhaps raping you was a bit much…oh, who the hell am I kidding? You deserved it after what you did to me!”

“What I did to you?” Twilight whispered with shortened breath, “what do you mean by that? I never did anything to hurt you…”

“Never, my ass!” Quill barked, “you wouldn’t reciprocate my love. Twilight, I gave everything for you. I listened to each one of your lessons, I observed with loving patience as you demonstrated things to me, and I took your advice on every little nook and cranny of my life! I worshipped you, Twilight…”

“That was a mistake,” Twilight said, “nopony is worth worshipping.”

“OH, FUCK YOUR STUPID PHILOSOPHY!” Quill screamed, “I loved you, Twilight, and that’s the bottom line! I gave my all for you! Now, you’re gonna return the favor!”

With a wave of her horn, she moved a lever on the other side of the room. Suddenly, a large contraption fell over Twilight’s spent body. She tried to move, but found that her aching muscles didn’t obey her brain’s commands. Plus, the straps that Quill used to tie her down were made of the best leather Equestria had to offer. Twilight realized that this might be the end of her life, so she closed her eyes and prepared to meet death’s embrace. But nothing happened. Her lungs and heart continued working just as they always had. She did feel a small prick near her rump, but other than that, the machine didn’t really do anything.

She managed a chuckle. “So…was that your ace in the hole, Quill?”

Quill sneered. “Chuckle now, Twilight Sparkle, but soon you shall beg me for help.”

With those words, Quill suddenly threw opened a nearby window and hopped out. Twilight was shocked by the sudden abandonment, and instinctively cried out for help. Her eyes filled with tears as she thought about dying alone, completely isolated from the ponies she loved so much. She was terrified at this prospect, and she wondered why her rejection of Quill’s love had turned into something so horrific. Terrible visions pounded her mind like a hammer, imparting a sense of dread that she’d never known before. She felt the hoof of fate suffocating her against the table, and she suddenly struggled to breathe.

But then, the doors behind her flew open and in marched all of her friends. They surrounded her with a worried look, unstrapped her, and rushed her out of the building. Dash and Fluttershy flew on ahead to clear the way of any loose brush. Applejack and Rarity carried their hurting friend, while Mist, Pinkie, and Spike brought up the rear. They raced out of the forest and rushed Twilight to Ponyville General, where she was immediately whisked out of their sight and into an operating room.

“Do you think Twilight even knows what happened?” Mist asked between pants.

“I don’t know, Sugarcube,” Applejack responded, “I just don’t know…”

Day 6

The morning sun streamed in through Twilight’s hospital room window. Her nervous friends had tried to sleep, but often found the endeavor to be futile. Most had taken to pacing about the room, bumping into each other every now and again. However, none of the physical interactions caused any harsh feelings. For, after all, Twilight was a dear companion, and their minds were much too busy with the situation to feel anything else. It was a darkness that none of them had ever experienced before. Twilight lay in an induced coma, to be brought back only when the doctors figured out what the damage was.

For Mist Dawn, things were especially horrifying. She’d only just met Twilight a few days before, and yet she felt as though she’d known her forever. Twilight had that effect on ponies. There was a reason that she and her friends had been chosen to receive The Elements of Harmony and wield them. Mist had experienced that reason up close when she gazed into Twilight’s eyes and saw how kind they were. She might have been a social outcast back in Canterlot, but here, those orbs burned brighter than ever. Now, she lay in a bed with bright white linens, coated in a light aqua hospital gown. Needles and tubes ran in and out of her body. She was being kept alive by these inanimate objects.

Mist found a bit of cruel irony in the spectacle. The hooves that had so often trotted with news of friendship now lay dormant and alone. A smile that was filled with affection had been replaced by a look of indifference and solitude. Twilight’s body, normally full of life and curiosity, was now covered in a thick layer of scratches, bruises, and welts. Dried blood formed around each of her wounds, and it was easy to deduce that she’d been brutally tortured by her captor. Mist felt tears fall from her eyes as her emotions spiraled ever downward. It was so terribly depressive that she couldn’t even gather the strength to hate the pony who’d done this to Twilight. All she could do was sit and stare as Twilight’s chest rose and fell.

Suddenly, she felt a soft hoof on her shoulder. “We’re all feelin’ what yer feelin’,” Applejack said as she sat next to her. “I just want you to know that.”

“Oh, Applejack…what are we gonna do?” Mist asked helplessly.

“The only thing we can do,” the honest farmer responded, “wait…and hope for a miracle.”

Mist nodded before bending her head into Applejack’s shoulder. The farmer allowed her new friend to weep as she needed to. Soon, other ponies joined them, and after a few minutes, all of Twilight’s friends were huddled together. Their show of solidarity was inspirational, even if it was laced with a good dose of tears. They knew that their friendship was more than enough to get them through this. However, that did not stop the seeds of doubt from planting in their hearts. The very real probability of Twilight’s death slapped each of them square in the jaw. It was a blow unlike any other, and soon, each one of them wept.

After a few moments of this, the door opened and Dr. Stethoscope entered. His namesake was slung around his neck, and he used his magic to haul a clipboard beside him. He had been called in because he specialized in Unicorns, and the other doctors were afraid that Twilight had been infected with a magic disease. Sidestepping the weeping friends, he made his way over to where Twilight lay. He didn’t say anything, but ran a few tests with his magic. He also listened to her heart, and checked her breathing.

“Is…something wrong…doctor?” Fluttershy asked timidly.

Stethoscope sighed. “I’m afraid so.”

The friends gasped collectively. “So…what is it, then?” Mist asked nervously.

“Twilight has been infected with a serious magical illness. It’s called ‘Lycantropy,’ and it typically doesn’t take long to germinate.”

“Lycan…as in…werewolves?!” Fluttershy gulped.

Stethoscope nodded. He attempted to keep his emotions in check, but even he was concerned for the young pony lying at his hooves.

“Oh, goodness!” Rarity exclaimed, “what’s going to befall her?”

Stethoscope gave an odd look at Rarity’s choice of words, but continued. “On the night of the next full moon, she will turn into a werepony. These are creatures that exist only in legend, and nopony has ever gotten documented evidence of one before. I guess…that’s all about to change.”

Twilight’s friends looked at each other with wide eyes. They couldn’t believe what they’d just heard! Their Twilight, the one who normally ran to them in happiness and love, would turn into something terrifying. The awful thought that they might have to fight her ran through a few of their minds. Spilling her blood was just too much to bear, and most of them began weeping again. It was the darkest hour in their friendships’ small history, and none of them wanted anything to do with it. But fate had played its hoof and thrown them headlong into this new hell. Now, they had to face the prospect that, sometime, they might have to fight Twilight off in order to protect their home.

Mist was the first to speak after the crying subsided. “So, isn’t there anything we can do?”

“We’re fast tracking an attempt at a cure,” Stethoscope explained, “but it may take some time. Bluntly speaking, if Twilight does not receive it in the next 22 days…she will remain a werepony forever.”

“Forever?” Applejack asked, “but, wouldn’t she eventually die?”

“No, my dear, I’m afraid not,” Stethoscope said, “for death would be a mercy. Lycantropy was invented by some magic biologists hundreds of years ago. They wanted to impart a cruel punishment upon a deeply hated foe of theirs. So, they mixed a pony’s DNA with a timberwolf’s. They had also discovered the key to magical immortality, and added it as well. Princess Celestia got wind of their experiment and tried to stop it, but she was too late. They unleashed it onto their foe.”

“But I thought you said that there wasn’t any evidence of wereponies,” Rainbow Dash pointed out.

“I said ‘documented evidence,’ my dear,” Stethoscope responded, “this story was told to me by Celestia herself. While she may not have the physical evidence, I do not find it within her character to lie about such things.”

The friends all looked at each other and gulped. None of them wanted to believe the story, but the doctor made an excellent point. Celestia would never be dishonest, especially about a danger as great as this. So…could it be true? Would their Twilight be…turned into a werepony? Worse, would they ever have to fight her to save Ponyville?

Day 7

The next day was troubling for everypony. Not only did Twilight spend yet another period in the hospital, but she began to show signs of the disease. Her muscles began growing, slightly at first, but then rather noticeably. Her fur started to glitch, turning black, then white, then back to its lustrous purple before repeating the cycle. The purple orbs embedded in her head would flash open, look around desperately, and then close once again. The doctors tried to get her to calm down, but to no avail. Whenever somepony touched her, she’d snap at them.

As for her friends, they could do nothing but stand in a corner helplessly. To say that what was happening crushed their spirits would be an understatement. The tears continued to flow as they watched what was happening to their dear friend. Seeing her in that amount of pain and distress was too much to bear for some, so they left the room. But their friends didn’t judge them. They understood the sheer amount of horror pulsating through their minds. One or two felt like doing the same, but then they remembered the times Twilight had stuck by them. So, they remained, wanting very much to show their support.

Doctors and nurses pooled around Twilight’s bed in an almost constant flow of care. Some brought food, others water. A third group checked the intravenous drip stuck in her foreleg, and a fourth ran a slew of tests. Now that they knew what they were dealing with, they could take somewhat appropriate action. Unfortunately, Lycantropy was such a rare disease that all they could do was slow its progression. They could not fully stop it. The cure that Stethoscope had spoken of was still a few days away from completion. It was imperative that Twilight remain in the room until that time.

But then, as the sun set on that day, something dreadful happened. Twilight suddenly began jerking about in bed. It seemed to be a reaction to Celestia’s lowering of the heavenly body. Her friends leapt on her and tried to restrain her, but to no avail. As soon as the sun set and the full moon was raised, she unleashed her true power. The disease had fully infected her mind. She grew three times her size, and her hooves unveiled horrible claws. Her teeth became as sharp as knives, and two extra horns grew beside her original. Those familiar purple eyes glowed red with anger, and a carnivorous hunger. She was fully awake, and her need was to feed.

She did not recognize the terrified ponies that cowered in a corner. They attempted to reason with her, and some even begged. But it did nothing. Twilight advanced upon them, her claws threatening to slash their throats. They shivered against each other and prayed that it might be a quick and painless death. The modified nails gleamed in the moonlight as Twilight brought her hoof down upon them with crushing force. It was enough to kill anypony, and they suddenly wondered what death would be like.

But then, suddenly, three ponies raced in and grabbed her. One was Stethoscope, and he had two mare nurses with him. They held on for dear life as Twilight thrashed about wildly, destroying most of the medical instruments in the room. A nurse managed to grab hold of Twilight’s mane and pull on it, causing a yelp from the new werepony. But this only served to make her angrier, and she turned on the hapless doctor and his assistants, killing them with one swipe of her mighty hoof. But, thanks to their sacrifice, Twilight’s friends were able to escape to safety as another nurse shut a special door that the werepony couldn’t break through.

The friends dashed out of the hospital and galloped full tilt to the police station. They excitedly told the sergeant and his patrol ponies all that had happened. Of course, the officers were a bit skeptical, but they went and took a look anyway. By that point, Twilight had escaped from her room and was holding that entire wing of the hospital as panicked hostages. The police ponies fired some magic blasts at her, but nothing fazed her. She simply backed off of one potential meal and fell upon the next one. This time, she succeeded, gulping down one of the brave officers as his partners watched in horror.

“Now, see here!” The sergeant yelled, “you’ve just murdered an officer of the law! You’re under arrest!”

“DO TWILIGHT LOOK LIKE TWILIGHT CARES?!” Came the growled response, “TWILIGHT HUNGRY…TWILIGHT MUST FEEEEEEED!”

The ponies stood in shock, not only at the fact that Twilight was communicative, but also at her uptick in violence. She was normally such a peaceful pony, who preferred the company of her friends and a good book. Now, she was a completely different creature. A monster unlike any of them had ever beheld before. Flecks of foam flooded the corners of her mouth like some kind of demonic sea. As she advanced upon them, they were finally able to get a good look and see just how sick she truly was. She growled at them, making her predatory intentions plain, and they raced from the hospital once again.

“Please, sergeant!” Mist yelled as they galloped along, “you must refrain from arresting her! She’s sick! She’s been infected with Lycantropy!”

“Lycantropy?!” The sergeant yelled back, “but…I thought that only existed in legends!”

“It’s true!” Rainbow Dash called, “Twilight has Lycantropy! She was infected by somepony else!”

“Well, who infected her?! We can book ‘em for poisoning your friend!”

“That’s just it!” Applejack shouted, “we have no idea who did this to her! By the time we got to where she was bein’ held hostage, the perp had fled the scene!”

“THIS IS THE WORST DAY OF MY LIFE!” Rarity yelled in a dramatic flourish.

“Quick!” The sergeant yelled, “everypony into The Everfree Forest!”

“But, why?!” Fluttershy shrieked.

“Because we can hide and trick Twilight! Now, go!”

Day 9

At dawn the next day, they cautiously made their way through the forest back to Ponyville. It had been a long night, particularly for Mist Dawn. Her dreams were tortured images of her new friend, and the monster she’d become. She saw Twilight’s fangs dripping with saliva, blood red eyes searching for the next kill. The disease had tapped into something extremely primal, and just as frightening. That was not the Twilight she knew and cherished. It wasn’t the same smart pony that had broken so many academic records at Celestia’s school. This was a beast, regressed to its purest form. It cared only for blood and flesh, and if it were loose in town, the nightmare would truly materialize.

The group crept through the forest behind the police sergeant, sneaking about as if on some kind of covert operation. Every twig snap, and every small flutter of a leaf caused them all to hold their breath. Stethoscope had explained that Lycantropy heightened the senses of the infected pony. Thus, they were extra careful not to do anything that might befall Twilight’s new and improved hearing. Some of them thought that it might have been a useful trait in battle. But now, they didn’t dare activate it. One swipe of a claw-laden hoof would kill a pony with ease. However, multiple swipes could decimate their entire group, leaving Ponyville without any means of defense.

Their former compatriot didn’t show herself, and they began fearing the worst. Daytime visions of ponies screaming for their lives and begging for mercy began to berate them. Some in the group couldn’t bear anymore, and simply stopped and shook. Fluttershy was at the head of this small sect. She was terrified of Twilight now, and that created a whole new sense of dread. It was awful to be afraid of one’s best friend. Twilight had always been so kind to her, and had helped her conquer many a fear. But now, she was the source of fear, and Fluttershy was shaken right down to her core.

“Please,” she begged, “please tell me we’ll find Ponyville in the same state we left it!”

“I’m afraid I can’t offer such a promise,” the sergeant said nicely, “but I can promise that we’ll do all in our power to help.”

With that, the group continued trekking through The Everfree Forest, finally emerging back into the bright sunshine. Much to their relief, no buildings had been toppled, and ponies seemed to be going about their business. But there was a look of shock on some of their faces. To say that it was disconcerting would be understating the obvious. So, the group quickly galloped into town, only to find a somber, horrible atmosphere. The ponies had their heads down, and one or two were covered with bruises.

“Oh, no…” Mist said in a voice barely above a whisper.

“Hey, Lyra!” Applejack called as she saw her aquamarine friend pass by, “what in tarnation’s goin’ on ‘round here?”

“You haven’t heard, AJ?” Lyra asked, “I’m shocked, considering…”

“Considerin’ what?”

“It was your farm that got attacked…”

Applejack galloped as quick as lightning, leaving the others in the dust. Her mind whirled with a dozen different scenarios, all involving Twilight’s new form. They also ended in the destruction of everything she loved. She had already made up her mind to forgive Twilight for anything that might have happened. After all, the poor pony was dreadfully sick. It was a matter of mind over strength, and right now, Twilight’s strength was winning. But when Applejack burst through the entrance to Sweet Apple Acres, her silent promise became very hard to keep.

The farm was in a shambles. The barn had been torn from its foundation, the wood hurled about like a tornado had come through. Its door lay in the pigsty, where it had claimed the lives of three swine when it landed on them. The crops growing in the eastern fields had a significant chunk missing. Finally, Applejack’s farmhouse had been destroyed, and the farm pony feared the worst. She shot over to the wreckage as the rest of her friends came up behind her. Tears fell down her face as she tore through board after board, hoping against hope that she’d find her precious family alive.

Suddenly, she saw a green leg sticking out from under a piece of lumber. Using unusually brute strength, she moved the heavy obstacle and found what she hoped she’d never find. Granny Smith, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom…all dead. Her grandmare had a significant lack of blood on her, so Applejack chalked her death up to something internal. But Big Mac and Apple Bloom were covered in red. Teeth marks the size of her trademark cowboy hat laid a carpet across each of their flanks. Dried blood indicated that the fight had been some time before.

Applejack’s sadness quickly mixed with anger, and she screamed to the sky: “I’LL KILL YA, TWILIGHT SPARKLE! I’LL KILL YA IF IT’S THE LAST CELESTIA DAMNED THING I DO!”

“Applejack, calm down!” The sergeant exclaimed as he grabbed ahold of her, “Twilight doesn’t know what the hell she’s doing!”

“I DON’T GIVE A SHIT! SHE TOOK MY FAMILY FROM ME! SHE’LL PAY! SHE’LL FUCKIN’ PAY!”

The others looked at each other with shock. They’d never heard such a string of profanity and hurtful things come from their friend’s mouth. They knew of the honest pony’s somewhat short fuse, but they never knew of her quickness to threaten somepony so harshly. The level of care that Applejack held for her family had been peeled back like an old scab. Emotional blood gushed from the wound, tearing Applejack and Twilight asunder. Worse, without Applejack’s complete commitment to the friendship, the Elements of Harmony might be useless. After all, it was their belief that had defeated both Nightmare Moon and Discord.

“So…what happens now?” An unorthodoxly deflated Pinkie asked.

“I really don’t know, Pinkie,” Mist responded, “but I wish to Celestia that I did. If so…then maybe we could put a stop to all this. But at the moment, we have way more questions than answers, and if we don’t get more of the latter soon…Ponyville might be doomed.”

Day 10

For safekeeping, Applejack was taken into police custody. She kept making verbal threats to Twilight. These ranged from tearing her throat out, to raping her with a tree branch. The anger in the farmer’s eyes was horrible to behold, and for the first time, her friends shrank away from her. None of them wanted anything to do with her…at least…not at that time. Her mane seemed to blaze with a fury blessed by some evil entity. She tore at the bars of her cell overnight, screaming death threats to the sick pony who’d, apparently, taken her family from her. Everything was spiraling downward, so the next day, the sergeant called a meeting of their little group.

The conference room inside the Ponyville Police headquarters was roomy and comfortable. Unfortunately, nopony could sit still. They all fidgeted about in their chairs, feeling their tails toss this way and that. Their teeth had been set on edge, and their emotions whirled about in a tornadic fashion. Mist was the worst of all, as the blame she placed on herself for Twilight’s sickness grew steadily worse. She planted her face on the table, trying hard to fight back the tears but having middling success. She did not take into consideration the indirectness of her connection with the crime. In her mind, she had created the monster by failing to rescue Twilight when she was abducted. She didn’t know who’d taken Twilight, but she swore up and down to find the pony.

“Thanks for coming,” the sergeant said as he trotted into the room and sat at the head of the table. “We need all the help we can get in apprehending this particular offender.”

“You mean the pony who kidnapped Twilight?” Dash asked.

The sergeant nodded. “Yep, and also the pony who gave Twilight the illness.”

“Do we know anything?” Rarity asked.

“Unfortunately, no,” the sergeant responded, “we searched Sweet Apple Acres for clues all night long. Nothing we found points us to Twilight’s abductor. All we saw were the claw marks she left…and the fur she tore out.”

The vision of Applejack’s family lying dead in the rubble was too much for Fluttershy and Pinkie. So, they excused themselves, went out in the hallway, and wept against each other. They each had such fond memories of the kind ponies who were no longer with them. It was especially hard on Fluttershy, who had shared a small bond with Apple Bloom. The aptly named Cutie Mark Crusaders would often hold slumber parties at her cottage. She watched them with the tender eye of a mother deer, but the fierce protection of a mother bear. After their first jaunt at her place, she’d learned to be much more assertive, both with them and with potential predators.

“She’ll…never get her…cutie mark,” she sniffed, “oh, Pinkie…this is awful!”

“Tell me about it,” the pink pony responded in a broken voice, “it’s the worst thing that could’ve happened to us!”

Meanwhile, back in the conference room, the sergeant continued discussing details. He said that the case looked to be open-and-shut, but never to take anything for granted. His sharp eyes dashed around the room, ensuring that everyone understood what he was saying. The clues in this case were superficially easy, yet they must look deeper. He noted that all the ponies nodded at him, especially the pretty white one named Rarity. A faint blush painted his cheek as he scanned her rapturous body, wondering what it would be like to kiss someone so ravishing.

Rarity noticed his behavior, but basked in the spotlight. She loved it whenever somepony took their time to make love to her visually. She narrowed her gorgeous eyes, batting her lashes just so. She knew how to act ladylike. A typical mare might have made a move on the sergeant, but she was not about to. She’d string him along a bit, waiting for just the right time…and then drop an anvil of beauty on his heart. Soon, my handsome sergeant, she thought, the arrow of love shall strike you…and I’ll be the one holding the bow.

“Alright,” the sergeant said, shaking his head a bit, “now, does anypony have any questions?”

Mist’s hoof shot up. “Yeah, I’ve got one. How can we be certain Twilight committed this heinous crime?”

“Ah…what a dunce!” Rainbow Dash thundered, “I mean, we all saw the claw marks!”

“Rainbow,” the sergeant warned, “remember what I said about not taking anything for granted? Mist, here, is taking my advice to heart. Never assume that your first suspect is the correct suspect. For instance, we had a murder case here last year. A pony named River Flow was, ironically, drowned in the stream that runs through town. Since the body was so inundated with water, hoof prints were impossible to find on it. However, we did find a note claiming responsibility and we pulled prints from that.

We ran them through the Equestrian database, and they were a match for Lyra Heartstrings. So, we brought her in on probable cause. She begged us to let her go, weeping and carrying on. That only made her look even more guilty. I’ll never forget it. We were about to send her in for arraignment, when our forensic analyst came back and said that he’d found some magic within the note. Since all unicorns have their own special aura, he’d run it against all other magic users. It was not a match for Lyra, and thus we learned she’d been framed.”

“So…did you ever find who did it?” Mist asked.

“No,” the sergeant said, “unfortunately, somepony hacked into our computers and removed the trace just as it was beginning to show results.”

“So…do you think that whomever killed the Apples…is the same pony who framed Lyra?” Rarity asked.

“Could be,” the sergeant said, “Celestia knows I’ve seen much odder things on this force. But my point is that we mustn’t take clues as they come. Hell, they could be prepackaged with a little bow and the criminal’s name and address on it! We must always look deeper. Only by doing this will we find our perpetrator…and save Twilight.”

Day 11

After getting their first good night’s sleep in a few days, the ponies began the investigation in earnest. Mist and her friends were made honorary detectives for the occasion, as their knowledge of Twilight could prove invaluable. Applejack continued her stay in jail, and with every second that past, her anger grew exponentially. Some even began speculating that Twilight might have infected her with Lycantropy. But all the bloodwork came back negative. Still, though, Applejack’s rage was frightening to behold.

Back at the crime scene, the investigators, quite literally, left no stone unturned. Nothing was done halfheartedly or with laziness. The rubble took a few hours to dig through, but they kept going until they’d uncovered everything. The clues were all there, and unfortunately, all pointed to Twilight. Claw marks on a board matched the prints taken from The Everfree Forest. They put a strand of hair into a new portable DNA analyzer, which matched it to Twilight. But there were also burn marks on some of the trees. This was very puzzling, as the symptom of fire breath was not in the list Stethoscope had given the sergeant.

“So…does this mean Twilight’s innocent?” Fluttershy asked hopefully.

“I’m afraid not, my dear,” the sergeant said with truth and compassion, “remember, we must look deeper. Some burn marks on a tree won’t convince a jury of your friend’s innocence. There’s got to be something we’re not seeing. Keep searching, everypony!”

So, the group fanned out and swept through the area once again. Some began to doubt their own adequacy in such a task. After all, they were simple ponies. They had not been to the same police academy that the officers had. But, a friend would always come through and encourage them. Their efforts stretched on into the late afternoon, when the sergeant finally called them off and declared that they’d wait to do more. He wanted them all to get some food in their stomachs, because he knew that it would be a very long night.

They trotted back into town, some with their tails drooping. It seemed like all their attempts at unearthing Twilight’s innocence were being destroyed. There were terrible thoughts running through some minds…thoughts of the monster she’d become. It was certainly within the realm of possibility that she had committed these crimes. But none of them wanted to believe it, especially Mist Dawn. There just had to be another explanation, and as they sat down to dinner, she decided to ask the sergeant about it.

“So…what do you think?”

“I think I need some food, Mist,” the sergeant responded, “but if you’re asking me about the case, I just don’t know. Twilight’s DNA and…er…claw marks were at the scene. But those burn marks on the trees…”

“I thought you said they didn’t matter,” Mist ventured.

“No, my dear, I said they couldn’t prove Twilight’s innocence,” he said, “they definitely matter. They’re clues, all the same. But we’ll have to find a hell of a lot more if we want to clear Twilight’s name.”

A moment passed before Mist spoke again. “So…have you ever…you know…had a friend who might have done something terrible?”

The sergeant backed away from the table as a waiter set a plate of food in front of him. He gulped down a bite or two before responding. “Yes, Mist, I have. My old partner on the force, Snap Shot. He was an incredible police pony, and the best damn crime scene photographer this side of Canterlot. The stallion could tell you where a criminal had been by a smudge on the photograph!”

“He sounds amazing!” Mist breathed, “so…what happened?”

“He got caught…”

“Caught? Doing what?”

“Pony porn, my dear Mist,” the sergeant said.

“Wait…he took pictures of ponies having sex with each other?”

The sergeant nodded. “Yeah, he did. Now I’m not saying there’s anything wrong with exploring one’s sexual wants. But…it doesn’t look good for the force. That’s why partaking in it is strictly against regulations. Worse, when the chief caught him, he was in the middle of making love to a hooker mare.”

“Oh, my Celestia!” Mist exclaimed, “did he get any jail time?”

“You bet your ass he got jail time!” The sergeant suddenly thundered, “I saw to that. He broke, not only our force rules, but Equestrian law! He also…destroyed our friendship.”

The look on the grizzled veteran’s face was horrible to behold. Pain unlike anything Mist had ever known was painted there. It became apparent that the sergeant and Snap Shot had been incredibly close. So, Mist decided not to press further and just let the officer explain as he wanted to. But, even without her asking, he seemed to want to talk about it, for he launched into a story. He spoke of meeting Snap at the academy, of double dating with their marefriends, and of joyous times past. Buckball games mixed with studies to create a world that immersed Mist. She saw them laughing and enjoying each other’s company, engraining a friendship that should have stood the test of time.

“Wow,” she said when he finished, “it sounds like Snap was an amazing pony.”

“Yes, he was,” The sergeant said, “we graduated at the top of our class. I always thought we’d be on the force together forever. We’d even agreed to be best stallions at each other’s weddings. I fell in love with this gorgeous mare named Tulip, and he loved a mare named Daisy. Unfortunately, I had to break the news to her of his messing around behind the scenes.”

“What did she do?”

“She broke down. I never saw her again…”

“Don’t tell me that she-“

The sergeant stopped her with a sad nod. It became apparent that Daisy had committed suicide after learning of her lover’s unfaithfulness. Mist felt her heart break on behalf of the mare. She certainly would never allow a stallion to treat her so badly. But, I guess sometimes, you don’t have a choice, she thought, sometimes…even your closest friends can lie to you.

Day 12

The next day brought a cold, wintry atmosphere to the town. While it didn’t snow, it may as well have. Apparently, the weather factory in Cloudsdale was on the blink. Fixing it could take some time and, while it was broken, the Pegasi had no control over the conditions. It was bitingly cold in Ponyville, while also being blisteringly hot in Manehattan. Storms pestered Vanhoover, and Las Pegasus experienced a severe drought. The weather was weird all over Equestria, but for our intrepid investigators in Ponyville, nothing stopped them. They were determined to clear Twilight’s name, receive an antidote, and rid her of the Lycantropy illness.

For Mist, the mission had become extremely personal. Though she’d only been friends with Twilight for a short while, she’d known the purple pony all her life. She worshipped the ground Twilight trotted on back at Celestia’s school. Her mind was filled with the thrilling idea that, someday, she could become just like her. She wanted ever so desperately to be smart, inventive, and creative like Twilight. But now, with her friend beset by this terrifying sickness, she wanted something more: to be her idol’s source of hope. She knew that, somewhere deep inside the werepony, the real Twilight was lying in limbo. If she could infiltrate Twilight’s mind, she might be able to pull her out.

Yes, she thought as she wrapped up warmly for the day’s business, I will find you, Twilight!

The investigative team poured forth from the Ponyville police station, with the sergeant directing traffic. He ordered them to split up and look for clues along the main thoroughfare of town. His reasoning was that Twilight would have to have left something behind in her haste to destroy Sweet Apple Acres. He also deduced that somepony should have seen something. So, he ordered Rarity, Fluttershy, and Mist to search one part of the road, with himself, Rainbow, and Pinkie covering the other. All important evidence was to be placed into bags, labeled correctly, and taken directly back to the station.

Thus, Mist found herself with two new acquaintances. Unfortunately, in her small time in Ponyville, she had not been able to get to know Twilight’s friends. It was easy to speak with Twilight, as she felt a deep personal connection with her. But when it came to these new ponies, she was a bit shy. She had originally wanted to meet Twilight in order to learn how best to make friends. Now that she was on her own, she felt like she’d lost a pivotal social support beam. But Rarity and Fluttershy were very kind to her, and soon enough, she found that she was building connections with them.

“…oh, darling, and when the store said they were out of brown fabric, I nearly had a heart attack!” Rarity exclaimed at the end of a lengthy story regarding the material. She then fell into a burst of infectious giggles. These quickly spread to the other two and, before long, they were all on their backs laughing.

“You’re such a card, Rarity!” Mist said, wiping tears from her eyes.

“Oh, thank you, darling,” Rarity responded, “but we really must be getting on with our search for clues.”

“Considering Twilight’s new residence in The Everfree Forest, I don’t think we’ll find any,” Fluttershy pointed out. “I mean, unless she stormed through here in the blink of an eye.”

“That’s what I don’t get,” Mist said, “The Everfree Forest only stretches out in back of town. It doesn’t get anywhere near Applejack’s farm. The trees and animals on her property all bend to the will of Equestrian magic. The clouds are placed by Pegasi, and the weather as well.”

Fluttershy sat down, looking very deep in thought. Her blue eyes closed, opened rapidly, and then closed once more. Her pensiveness was just as infectious as Rarity’s giggling had been, so the other two joined her. They racked their brains for an answer, but could come up with nothing but hollow theories. Mist offered that Twilight had gained the ability of super speed, but Rarity pointed out that there would be traces of that such as knocked over barrels, broken flowers, etc. Then, Fluttershy put forward that the Lycantropy could make Twilight invisible.

“But that’s not possible, either,” Mist said, “any magic user worth his salt knows about magic residue. Invisibility is useless in battle, and also in trying to stay hidden. A unicorn’s aura automatically puts off small beads of liquid like material. It helps protect the horn and strengthens the magical bond between the pony and whatever’s being affected. A consequence of this is that the beads fly everywhere, especially if a pony shakes his head too much.”

“Well…it was a thought,” Fluttershy said.

“It was a good thought,” Mist responded kindly, “but unfortunately, there’s no trace of her residue on our part of the street.”

“What about the other part?” Fluttershy asked.

“Nope,” Mist responded, “I can scan the whole street with my horn. I detect a LOT of different residues, but nothing that could lead us to Twilight.”

Suddenly, Rarity spoke up. “I know that this is a tad bit random, darlings, but…do you think the weather factory problem has something to do with this?”

“I don’t think so,” Mist said, “Twilight can’t walk on clouds. Not even the Lycantropy could give her that power.”

“No, no, that’s not what I’m saying,” Rarity clarified, “I’m saying that if somepony is attempting to frame Twilight…”

“…then they could have knocked the weather factory out!” Mist exclaimed.

“Wait…I don’t follow you,” Fluttershy said, “how would the weather factory being on the fritz help frame Twilight?”

“Didn’t you ever hear any stories of wereponies on Nightmare Night when you were a filly?” Mist asked.

“I…um…never had anything to do with Nightmare Night,” the quiet Pegasus responded timidly.

“Oh…well…it is said that wereponies thrive in the most chaotic and nonsensical of conditions,” Mist explained, “since we know Discord is safely entombed in stone back in Canterlot, that can only leave one explanation.”

Fluttershy’s eyes widened. “Somepony IS framing Twilight, and destroying the weather factory in order to do it!”

Day 13

The next morning was spent looking for clues and testing the hypothesis surrounding the weather factory. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flew back to their old home to speak with Stormy Seasons, the factory manager. They explained in vivid detail just who they were and why they’d come. Their story took all the previously explained twists and turns, leaving the mare in a bit of a dizzy state. But, she shook her head and regained her faculties. After all, she was the manager of an entire weather factory. There was no time for flitting about inside one’s mind. Machines needed fixing, clouds needed puffing, and rain needed to be assigned to a sector. She was a bit perturbed by the theory of sabotage, but she laid it to rest.

“This facility is under some of the strictest security in all Equestria,” she proudly declared, “we’ve gone 45 years without an accident or an incident. I’ve been at the helm for 20 of those, and I’m very happy to say that we operate a tight ship.”

“We’re not saying you don’t, Ms. Seasons,” Fluttershy remarked politely, “all we’re saying is that the theory is something to be taken under consideration.”

“Yeah,” Rainbow put in, “otherwise, the entire factory could go…kablooey!”

“Well, as much as I don’t want the factory to go ‘kablooey,’ I also don’t want it to get shut down by Princess Celestia! Now, I have to get to work. I appreciate your thoughts on the matter, but I am needed elsewhere. Good day, mares.”

She stood up and trotted out of the office, followed closely by a couple of assistants. Rainbow and Fluttershy looked at each other. An odd sense of telepathy seemed to pass between them. They were such good friends that they automatically knew what the other one was thinking. For Rainbow Dash, it was thoughts of holding Stormy Seasons down by the tail and shoving the theory down her throat. For Fluttershy, it was the thought of having a nice conversation over two cups of tea. But a common denominator paced both their minds: the nonchalance of the manager. Stormy didn’t seem to care that her factory might be in grave danger. She was more concerned with what Celestia would think, and the two ponies both knew that. The princess would order a thorough investigation into the potential saboteur.

But for now, the manager ignored them, so they flew back home. They each had their own method of dealing with how upset they were. Rainbow Dash began randomly busting up clouds on their way back. Her powerful legs made short work of the puffy creations, leading to large tufts being blown into Fluttershy’s face. The yellow pony squeaked in surprise before removing the obstacle and giving Dash a look. Rainbow tried to play it off as innocent fun, but Fluttershy knew her better than that.

“You’re busting clouds that way on purpose!” She complained.

“You’re damn right, I am!” Dash barked, dropping the façade, “I just can’t believe that bitch didn’t listen to us!”

“Rainbow Dash! Such language!” Fluttershy exclaimed, “you don’t hear me talking like that.”

“What?! She’s a bitch!” Dash reiterated forcefully.

“She might not be the nicest of ponies,” Fluttershy said matter-of-factly, “but that doesn’t mean we have to be mean in return. Especially when she’s not here to defend herself. It’s not fair.”

“Fair, schmair,” Dash said immaturely, “I just wanna punch her in the face!”

“RAINBOW!” Fluttershy shrieked, “how dare you?!”

Fluttershy’s sudden intensity shut Rainbow right up. The pretty pegasus had that effect on her. One stare from her beautiful blue eyes and Dash became putty in her hooves. Her crush on the mare had been hidden from the others for quite some time. She had kept it this way, not for fear of judgment, but for fear of rejection. She couldn’t take the notion that Fluttershy might have feelings for somepony else. All the same, though, Fluttershy would always be her best friend, which is why the yellow pony’s exclamation silenced her. She didn’t want to argue with her.

“I’m sorry, Flutter,” Dash said, “you’re right. I shouldn’t be like that. But all the same, how could she take it with such…an uncaring attitude?”

“I don’t know,” Fluttershy said, “but if our theory turns out to be correct, the weather factory might be the least of our worries.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, there’s crazy weather all over Equestria, right?”

“Right.”

“So, what if whoever’s doing this has a remote way of controlling the factory? If that’s the case, then…then…”

Rainbow’s eyes went wide with fear. “They could make it so that no cloud ever hits Equestrian skies again! They could create eternal winter! They could synthesize the absolute pristine conditions for a werepony to thrive!

“Wow…smart thinking, Dash,” Fluttershy complimented.

“Eh, Twilight was teaching me some stuff,” Dash responded, “and now, we have to save her! Come on!”

Back in Ponyville, things weren’t going well. Ponies all hid in their homes, desperate to get away from the sudden scourge Twilight had become. Their doors were locked and barred, and their windows shut to the outside world. The once happy town had turned dark and somber. Little foals no longer ran and played. Their parents did not populate the marketplace. The businesses there all shut down almost simultaneously. In short, life had ground to a screeching halt, peppered only by the howls of the tormented werepony from The Everfree Forest.

Then…suddenly…a great crash was heard. The sergeant, his partner, and the rest of Twilight’s friends dashed towards the noise. They were joined along the way by the returning Pegasi. Much to Fluttershy’s horror, she found herself running full tilt towards her cottage. She screamed and ran ahead of the group, surprising them all with her sudden speed. Her hooves nearly left flame marks on the ground as she galloped along. Then, she popped from around a corner and let loose a shriek that made everypony’s blood go cold. For there, laying in complete ruins, was her cottage. But that wasn’t what made her vocal chords emanate so. It was the ring of animal carcasses that lay around it.

Day 14

There are some things that a pony should never hear. One is the low moaning sound of a fierce wind as it tears homes to pieces. Another is the stark cry of the timberwolf as it prowls the forest searching for its next meal. Yet a third is the orgasmic shout of a young pony’s parents as they make love, for it can be quite disconcerting to the foal. But the worst of all, and the one our subjects were tortured by all night long, is Fluttershy weeping. Her howls of agony were terrible, causing severe emotional pain in many of those who surrounded her. They tried and tried to get her to calm down, but all she could do was cry.

In her hooves lay the lifeless body of Angel Bunny. The claw marks on his flanks betrayed his attacker’s identity. His tail had been shredded, and his ears lopped off. He certainly looked as though he’d been through quite the traumatic experience. Now, he nestled in the forelegs of the pony who’d selflessly rescued him from the streets of Ponyville. His blood dried onto her hooves, thus representing the type of connection they’d always cherished. Sure, it hadn’t been a perfect relationship, but the rabbit had always been well cared for. In turn, he’d given Fluttershy all the love and life he could muster. His death hit everypony very hard, and most couldn’t bear to look at him or hear Fluttershy’s pained cries.

Unlike Applejack, however, the kind Pegasus did not call down curses on Twilight. Instead, she let out a mournful shriek, questioning the werepony’s motives. Unfortunately for the listeners, it was more horrifying than the farmer’s anger. This was a grief that had not turned into anything else. It was not transforming, as most types normally do. Anger, frustration, a depressed loneliness. Grief took many forms, but it did not seem that Fluttershy’s was moving forward. Instead, it was festering deep within her body, let out every now and then by a horrible wail and a shivering tremor.

“Why?” The pretty Pegasus asked the sky helplessly, “why would she do this to me?”

“She’s very sick,” the sergeant pointed out.

“But that’s no excuse to go about attacking everything we love!” Rainbow Dash suddenly thundered, “I mean, just look at this place! Fluttershy loved every inch of it, and now it’s all gone thanks to her!”

“Rainbow Dash!” Rarity snapped, grabbing the Pegasus by the face, “you mustn’t blame Twilight! She doesn’t know what she’s doing!”

“I…I…” Rainbow said before ripping herself away from Rarity. She bucked the air with her hind legs before walking over to Fluttershy. With her wings spread, she gathered her friend in as a mother gathers a hurt filly. Much to her friends’ happy shock, she began rubbing a tender hoof through the pink fields of Fluttershy’s mane. She bent down, gently nuzzling at the yellow fur and offering soft whispers of loving encouragement. None of them had ever seen Rainbow act in such an emotionally vulnerable manner. It was rather inspiring, and in that moment, everyone began feeling the slightest bit better.

Rainbow and Fluttershy slept side by side that night. Their friends took up shelter around them, unwilling to leave after seeing such a display of amiability and heart. The next day, they woke and began investigating the scene. It was difficult for Fluttershy, and there were times where she simply couldn’t take it anymore. So, the sergeant offered her extended breaks from the rubble of her cottage. She gladly took them, and Rainbow remained by her side, continuing to encourage the distraught mare.

It didn’t take long for the sergeant to declare the whole thing a product of Twilight’s apparent rampage. The pattern became evident to all involved, so he ordered security details placed around Twilight’s friends’ homes. Sugarcube Corner, Dash’s cloud home, even the Golden Oak Library itself were all put under strict surveillance. Nopony was allowed in or out without proper security clearance, and that was only given to the ponies who needed it. The sergeant knew that Twilight wasn’t the only one they were after. Whoever had violated Twilight’s body by feeding her the Lycantropy serum was the true source of this evil.

“Alright, everyone, listen up!” He called as the investigative team gathered together for their regular debriefing, “I assume that you all know exactly what’s going on. We are no longer just searching for our werepony friend. No, my ponies, we are looking for a true villain!”

“How do you figure?” Mist Dawn asked.

“Well, whomever gave Twilight Lycantropy in the first place is guilty of violating about 300 different Equestrian laws, including magical treason.”

The ponies all gasped. Magic treason had not been committed since the days of Nightmare Moon! In fact, the crime was so rare that the law against it was created when Celestia’s sister turned to the darkness within. The punishment for such a crime (described as “an unlawful act of magic usage that puts ponies and/or Equestria in danger”) was simple and direct: death by magical poisoning. Celestia had made it perfectly clear that whoever sought to commit such a deed must be willing to be put through it himself.

“So…in other words, we’re dealing with one sick bastard, aren’t we?” Rainbow asked.

“To put it mildly, yes,” the sergeant said, “but we don’t believe that this is a ‘bastard.’”

“A bitch?” Mist asked.

“Yes,” the sergeant said, rolling his eyes, “now, if we can dispense with the crass comments, we’ll continue. We have reason to believe that the pony who poisoned Twilight is female. We found traces of a feminine aura at Fluttershy’s cottage that doesn’t match Twilight, but does match another mare. Unfortunately, we don’t know who that mare is.”

“Do we have any leads, darling?” Rarity asked.

“At this point, no,” the sergeant said, “we have nothing. But we’ll keep searching until we do find something! I’m not calling this off, not when we’ve got so much riding on it. Hell, the very future of Equestria might be at stake! So, my friends, let us continue and not rest until the perpetrator has been brought to justice!”

Day 15

It had been over two weeks since the entire episode had begun. From a near suicide in the library to turning into a werepony, Twilight had experienced one of the worst periods in her life. Sure, there was the time when she forgot to turn in an assignment when she was a filly. Then, there was the time when she’d caught her mother and father having sex. But those paled in comparison to the trauma she felt while imprisoned within the furry cage she’d been placed in. The Lycantropy had, quite literally, ripped her body away from her, transforming it into something terrible. From her subconscious perch, she watched everything unfold before her.

She wept as her being swept upon her friends’ homes, destroying innocent lives in the process. Her mind frantically attempted to regain control, but the disease always shot it down. In those moments, she felt more alone than ever before. Things were terrifying, and only made worse by the fact that it always seemed to be the right conditions for her new persona to thrive. She saw the odd weather, the crazy cloud formations, and the dumbfounding mid-summer snow. Her eyes looked through the eyes of a predator, calculated and cold. But deep within, she was unraveling her own mystery…or at least, she was trying to.

I will not leave a legacy of violence and hate, she thought as she felt her new body bound along beneath her, this disease will not define me. Soon, I’ll get out of this predicament, reunite with my friends, and finally turn this whole mess around. I swear to Celestia in Canterlot, I will…

Meanwhile, the investigation continued. It didn’t take long for Twilight’s werepony form to strike again. Rarity was the next target, her shop vandalized and destroyed with all her hard work shredded in front of her. It was an awful sight to see, and the ponies all crowded around her, trying desperately to comfort the inconsolable fashionista. But unfortunately this was a pony who cried at the drop of a hat. Her tears flowed like waterfalls, and not even the presence of her beloved younger sister could stop it. She wailed and screamed to the heavens about “the parity of nature and pony” and other wild philosophical musings. Her main argument was that it was not fair that some creatures were large and could do such damage.

“Oh, come on, Rarity,” Mist said nicely, “I’m certain you don’t mean that.”

“YES, I DO, DARLING!” Rarity shrieked, “nature is full of terrifyingly horrible creatures that do things like this! Oh, I wish we could just…BURN that forest to the ground!”

“Rarity!” Fluttershy barked, “if we did that, where would the animals live?”

“FUCK THE ANIMALS!” An absolutely delirious Rarity screamed, “FUCK THEM ALL IN THEIR FUCKING FUCKED UP FUCKING ANUSES!”

The ponies stood in shock. They didn’t know how to react. None of them were aware that the pretty pony was capable of such profanity. But, nonetheless, she kept going on her sudden anti-animal crusade. She spoke not from logic and sense, but from blind emotion, which is dangerous for anypony. With every word, she unknowingly pushed Fluttershy further and further away. She attacked the deer that bounded through the meadow, the rabbits in their holes, and the birds of the trees. Her insults were horrific, and Fluttershy couldn’t help but faint. The ever present Rainbow Dash raced to her side, waving a wing and administering a fan effect. When Fluttershy awoke, Dash turned to the snarling fashion lover, who had to be restrained by numerous police officers.

“Are you kidding me, Rare?!” She shouted, “Fluttershy was right here, and you said all that?! REALLY?!”

“Let her listen!” Rarity growled, “it’s her fault anyway! I bet she’s the one who gave Twilight Lycantropy!”

Fluttershy gasped. “I did no such thing, you horrible brute!”

“Oh, I KNOW you did!” Rarity howled, “you wanted my social position in Ponyville, so you planned to give Twilight Lycantropy so she’d destroy my shop!”

“That doesn’t even make sense!” Fluttershy shouted back, “for one thing, I’d never do something so terrible, and for another, Twilight attacked my cottage first!”

Rarity opened her mouth to reply, but then shut right up as her faculties returned. She realized that her words had done a lot to disrupt the wonderful friendship she shared with Fluttershy. Her mind became a sea of regret as she attempted to regain contact with the yellow pony. But Fluttershy turned her back on Rarity, pointedly making it clear that she did not wish to speak with her. It was an awful time for everyone involved, as they split into two groups to try and reason with the feuding friends.

Rainbow, Mist, and the sergeant spoke with Fluttershy, kindly reminding her of all she shared with Rarity. They brought up lovely times of the past when the two had helped each other. Fluttershy’s eyes filled with tears as she recognized her own mistake. By not conversing with the fashionista, she was only exacerbating the issue at hoof. Oh…why did Twilight have to get this dreadful disease? She asked herself, if she hadn’t, then Rarity and I wouldn’t be angry with each other right now. I…I don’t wanna fight Rare….I…I love her. She’s like a sister to me.

The kind Pegasus recomposed herself long enough to leap into an embrace with the white unicorn. She cried about how much she loved her and how sorry she was. In turn, Rarity began weeping about the same thing. The two emotionally fragile mares wept over each other, pouring their hearts out in endless proclamations of love and friendship. At first, it was a beautiful sight, ticking the hearts of everyone watching. But, as it dragged on and on, it began to become uncomfortable. After all, nopony enjoys seeing any kind of emotional display for too long. But soon enough, they broke away smiling, and everypony was happy. Well, all except for one. Little did the team know it, but a dark shadow was watching them…watching…and waiting.

Day 16

The next day saw the beginning of the cleanup around Rarity’s boutique. The ponies involved were all worn to the bone, as they had just finished up with Fluttershy’s cottage. It was a special group selected by the sergeant himself. They worked as something of an annex with the police station, clearing away crime scenes and cataloguing evidence. In fact, they had done such good work, that Mayor Mare recently deputized all of them. Their leader, Spic N’ Span, was known for her cleanliness, attention to detail, dutiful attitude, and caring personality. However, she was also known for being somewhat of a neurotic when pushed too far. For instance, she had helped clean up a recent crime scene and had a fit because one speck of dust had been found after the department’s final review.

But normally, she was as sweet as Fluttershy. She calmly gave orders to her subordinates, who went about doing as they were told. In truth, they were extremely happy with their jobs, and it was all thanks to her. For the most part, she made working gruesome crime scenes bearable. Her cheery smile and happy demeanor outshone the horror around them. Rarity’s scene wasn’t as bad as some of the others, but it was still rough. Seeing someone’s hard work strewn all over the ground was terrible to behold. Thankfully, Spic was right there to lend a hoof and a friendly word.

“You’re doing great, Mop Bucket!” She praised one of her workers, “keep it up!”

“Spic N’ Span, how nice to see you again,” The sergeant said as he trotted up. It was something of a dry comment, as they’d seen each other a lot over the past few days. While the sergeant had never been an out and out sarcastic pony, he did carry a modicum of faux speech with him. It was moments like this that got under his nerves, especially when Spic was involved. He was a married pony, but it was common knowledge that the cleaning mare had a thing for him. However, he never looked her way, for he adored his wife too much.

“Oh, Sergeant,” Spic sang out as she embraced him, “it’s always so lovely to see you!”

“Uh, yes, right,” The sergeant said, coughing to avoid embarrassment, “how’s the cleanup coming along?”

“Oh, fine,” Spic said, “we’ve managed to bag some highly important clues.”

“Really? Tell me more.”

“Well, we found a small bit of purple hair on the ground, along with a rather large hoofprint.”

“That sounds pretty open and shut to me,” Mist Dawn said as she walked up with the other investigative ponies, “I mean, purple hair and a large hoofprint? That’s gotta be Twilight…or at least, the evil pony that’s taken over Twilight.”

“Remember, my dear,” the sergeant said, “never take-“

“-the clues at face value,” Mist finished, “I know, sarge, but…this is just so…easy.”

“Too easy, if you ask me,” Fluttershy spoke up, “I mean, look at just what’s happened. All three locations that have been destroyed were near and dear to Twilight. She loved Sweet Apple Acres because she loved Applejack. She loved my cottage because she loved me. Finally, she loved this shop because she loved Rarity.”

“So what you’re saying is that she’s targeting the things she loves?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Yes and no,” Fluttershy responded, “logically speaking, Twilight would NEVER hurt the homes and businesses of the friends she loves. But her werepony side is going about destroying these things…and ONLY these things.”

“My gosh, you’re right!” Mist exclaimed, “other than this, she hasn’t touched a single area of Ponyville!”

“That makes me think that somepony’s controlling Twilight,” Fluttershy theorized.

The others took a moment to mull the idea over. It certainly made sense. Whomever had poisoned Twilight could have added a magical element giving them absolute power over the beast. Legends had been told of wereponies who served pony masters. One time, it had been alleged that the small area of Transylmaneia had been overtaken by these types of wereponies. The region held limited inhabitants, but the legend claimed that these wereponies engaged in a vicious, bloody battle on behalf of their overlords.

Not only that, but the wereponies had been given special powers by their masters. Some could breathe fire like dragons, and others could hold their breath for an indeterminate length of time. Still a third group conjured storms like Pegasi, and a fourth created rockslides and could move the earth. According to legend, these four groups met in a horrific fight, leaving blood and bodies in their wake. Unfortunately, some of the dead were actual ponies. When word got to Celestia, she’d intervened, turning all the wereponies and their masters to stone.

“Did…anypony else think of Transylmaneia right then?” Rainbow asked.

“I did,” Rarity said in a shaky voice, “you don’t suppose…”

“That’s just a legend!” Mist exclaimed, “it’s not true! I mean, if that’s true, then all the old pony tales must be right!”

“I don’t know, Mist,” The sergeant said, “I mean, we all thought The Mare in The Moon was a bunch of bullshit, and look how that turned out.”

Mist looked at the ground. It just couldn’t be true. She couldn’t accept that her beloved Twilight might be working for somepony evil. The theory that one of the old werepony masters might have escaped their stone prison was enticing, but still. It was just a legend! These types of stories were told to foals, all tucked in and cuddled deep in their beds. While it was fun to watch their faces light up at the excitement, she just couldn’t translate it into reality.

No, she thought, I refuse to believe such hogwash! Twilight is sick, and we need to find the pony responsible for kidnapping her and giving her such a disease. There are no masters, there are no old wereponies, and there are NO stone statues! I mean, if we went to Transylmaneia tomorrow, I know we wouldn’t find anything but some mountains, forests, and one hell of a river. There’s nothing else there do be discovered…right?

Day 18

It turned out that the sergeant and Lamp Shade had quite a history together. In fact, it was so deep that it took them all night just to get through it. One of them would begin the story, and then the other would cut in, leading to an endless stream of arguments. What was worse, they constantly contradicted each other, making the story very hard to follow. But they did share some common elements, so the listening ponies were able to piece things together. It was a difficult task, but they’d been investigating one of the worst crimes in Equestrian history for over a week. Solving a simple story would be a cinch compared to Twilight’s Lycantropy.

From what they could gather, the sergeant and Lamp Shade had met on a dark night when the officer had paid a visit to the town. He was just a newbie at the time, and Transylmaneia was a frightening place. Lamp was one of the many prostitutes that had accosted him, offering their sexual services for a price. Most of them were very hard to avoid, but Lamp had struck him with her beauty and her intelligence. Frankly, he was shocked that such a smart and bedazzling pony worked in such a dirty trade. But all the same, he couldn’t resist her. Something primal awoke within his being. She was offering some very good prices and, seeing as how he’d never done it before, he agreed to be her bedmate for the evening.

They made love all night long, with Lamp pushing and pushing for more. Luckily, the officer had paid up front, so everything went fine. That is, until the Transylmaneia officers broke in. Prostitution was legal in the town, but an officer of the law engaging in such activities was not. So, while Lamp Shade was free to continue slinking about town, the officer was punished severely. He was fired, made into a criminal, and thrown into the Ponyville Penitentiary for a year. When he got out, he was a changed stallion. He reapplied for a job in Ponyville, and got denied multiple times. But, when a robbery occurred and the chips were down, the sergeant stopped the evildoer. With great cheering, he was welcomed back to the force. He met his wife, fell in love, had a family, and rose through the ranks to become what he was.

The next morning, after getting barely any sleep, the ponies awoke in a groggy state. They stumbled down the stairs and into the hotel lobby where breakfast was waiting. In contrast to the dark nature of the town, the feast was rather marvelous. Eggs, hay cakes, toast, hot cinnamon rolls, and freshly squeezed orange juice awaited them. They dove in and devoured the delicious food, savoring each morsel as if it would be their last. For the first time since arriving in Transylmaneia, everypony felt as vigorous as they had back in Ponyville. Life seemed to be their oyster, and they felt that, soon, they would catch the perpetrator who’d infected their dear Twilight.

But then, suddenly, the doors opened and somepony burst in shrieking. They recognized her as one of the prostitutes from the night before. “HELP! HELP, SOMEPONY!” She cried with tears in her eyes, “THERE’S A WEREPONY ATTACKING THE TOWN!”

“A werepony?!” The sergeant asked, leaping from the table, “but those creatures only exist at night!”

“I don’t know, but there’s some great monster destroying our homes! Please, help us!”

The ponies instantly jumped up and raced out the door, leaving some of their breakfasts half eaten. Once outside, they were able to gauge the situation. Ponies ran this way and that, screaming their heads off. Plastic bats, skulls, and other novelty items flew in a hundred directions. “Blood” made out of ketchup and corn syrup flooded the streets as the crates containing it were knocked over. To top it all off, a thunderous roar shook the land, causing some smaller structures to shake and collapse.

“What the hell?!” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Keep calm!” The sergeant barked, “we mustn’t show it fear! Let us be brave, my fellow ponies!”

“Speak for yourself!” Fluttershy cried as she pointed towards a corner.

A dark shadow crept its way around the buildings before revealing its owner: a huge, slobbering, slovenly werepony. This one was brown, with claws that could kill three ponies in a single swipe. Its eyes were red and its mane looked as if it were made out of fire. Jagged teeth glinted maliciously in the early morning sunlight, bearing down on those who were too slow to get out of its way. As the ponies watched, two citizens were mercilessly devoured. Their cries and pleas for help were horrifying to hear, but nothing could be done. By that point, they were too high up and had already begun being feasted upon.

“Celestia help us all…” Rarity gulped.

“Ponies, quick!” The sergeant yelled, “we must stop the beast!”

“Just HOW do you plan on doing that?!” Pinkie screamed.

“By outrunning it,” The sergeant said, “quick, everypony who can run fast, act as a decoy. We must lure the beast away from the citizens!”

The investigative team quickly shifted into a rescue operation. They left Fluttershy and Rarity to help herd the townsponies the other way while Mist, the sergeant, Rainbow, Pinkie, Stethoscope, and a couple other Ponyville officers led the beast on a wild goose chase. The sergeant knew the boundaries of the town fairly well, and he knew of a very tall water tower on the east side. He and his group led the foul creature away from the buildings and homes of Transylmaneia. Then, when they got to the tower, the officers and Stethoscope used their unicorn magic to topple it. The structure crashed down upon the animal, ending its existence forever. It was a bittersweet moment, for it was impossible to rescue the pony trapped inside the werepony.

“Alright,” the sergeant said, “excellent work, everypony.”

“But…we didn’t save whoever was in there,” Pinkie pointed out.

“We can’t save everyone,” the sergeant said.

“We could at least try!” Pinkie argued.

“It’s impossible!” The sergeant growled, “whoever was in this werepony was better off dead anyway!”

Pinkie’s mouth fell open. “How DARE YOU?! This was a life that could have continued, but we had to topple a damn water tower on it! There had to have been some other way!”

“If there was, why didn’t you say anything?!”

“Because I trust you, sergeant!” Pinkie exclaimed, “you make all the right decisions, and you look out for your friends and your fellow pony! At least, I thought so. But maybe…maybe I was just lying to myself…”

Day 19

Tensions abounded between Pinkie and the sergeant throughout the night and into the next day. They’d snap at each other over every little thing. At dinner, the two nearly came to blows over a salt shaker. The investigation might have been weighing heavily on everypony, but the incident from the day before had crushed Pinkie and the sergeant’s bond. This only made it rougher as everyone prepared to head for the famous Transylmaneia Statue Garden that afternoon. For the first time since they’d known her, they witnessed Pinkie in a bitter, angry state. She would twitch at the tiniest movement, reacting with violent emotional disarray.

On the way to the garden, Mist decided to speak with her pink friend. She’d been told about the werepony’s death and the fight that ensued, but she wanted to hear Pinkie’s side of the story more. It seemed that both ponies had this idea that the other one was completely in the wrong. Mist knew that there was so much more to friendship than a ridiculous argument, so she determined to find out just what was going on. But by the time she caught up to Pinkie, the party lover was in yet another argument with the sergeant. This one concerned what type of sandwiches to have for lunch.

“…and I said that hay and cheese is better!” The sergeant yelled, “since I’m leading this team, we’re gonna have hay and cheese!”

“Oh, YOU’RE leading this team?” Pinkie shrieked, “Mr. ‘Magically blast first and ask questions later?!’”

“For the millionth time, I was well within my right to use lethal force!” The sergeant thundered, “the werepony was a threat to the town!”

“You can’t make those decisions unilaterally!”

“YES, I CAN!”

“STOP IT!” Mist suddenly screamed, “both of you! You’re acting like immature school foals!”

The sergeant and Pinkie looked at each other, and then back at the ground. Blushes painted both of their faces. It became apparent that they understood Mist and that she was right. They’d both been arguing over silly things because of their fight about the only serious thing. Talking it out like friends seemed like the logical step they’d both been missing. It was disgraceful for ponies their age to act in such a manner, especially when they were trying to help out a dear friend. How could they possibly hold their heads high and say that they’d helped Twilight when they didn’t even espouse friendship to each other?

“I’m sorry, Pinkie,” the sergeant said, “I was out of line.”

“So was I,” Pinkie said, “I didn’t even know I had that in me! Honestly, it was kinda scary.”

“Yeah,” Mist said, “VERY scary. Look, you two, if we’re gonna solve this mystery, then we need to do it together. I’m not saying we have to go bounding through meadows hoof in hoof, but we need to have some form of composure. We need to be friendly to each other.”

The other ponies all agreed with Mist and the incident was put behind them. They resumed their trek to the statue garden, with the sergeant at the head of the column. Along the way, each pair of eyes was kept sharply peeled for clues. A strand of hair here, some spit there. Anything could point them in the direction they needed to go in. But as they went along, they found that clues were few and far between, although Rarity did find a small tuft of purple fur along the thoroughfare. She gave it to the sergeant, who ran it through the portable DNA analyzer. When it came back as a match for Twilight, the ponies began hurrying.

They reached the statue garden and stopped dead in their tracks. In stark contrast to the jagged architecture and haunting nature of the town, the garden was gorgeous. A small stream ran through the middle, splitting it into two halves. On one half, huge rose bushes bloomed beautifully. On the other, large begonias split the air with their yellow petals and perfectly green leaves. Each half also held two trees, all apple and all bursting with fruit. But the signs hung from their trunks warned passersby to leave them be.

Then came the centerpiece of the entire thing. Four large statues bedecked the garden with their mighty loftiness. One appeared to be of a stallion, huge and foreboding. Not only did he have a rather large physique, he was also dressed to the nines. A top hat was on his head, and a smart tuxedo on his chest. The nameplate read “Gossamer Gold, the richest wizard in the land.”

The second was of a very beautiful mare. Her mane flowed behind her, and her figure was one that would magnetize stallions everywhere. She was dressed in a beautiful gown, where even the stone couldn’t hide the lace. Mist was somewhat shocked that she didn’t have more than the one bouquet of roses laid at her hooves. Her nameplate read “Misty Morning, the most beautiful of all enchantresses.”

The third statue was another stallion, although this one looked to be much more bookish than his compatriots. Thick rimmed glasses formed the centerpiece of his small face. It peeked out from under a hood, which was connected to a long flowing cape. In one hoof, he held a magic wand, and in the other, a book full of incantations and spells. His eyes were sharp, even for somepony with glasses. His nameplate read “Flint Filament, AKA Spellcaster, the only Earth Pony in Equestrian history to be adept with magic.”

“These three ponies are…amazing!” Rarity breathed, “I mean, the statues are exquisite! Look at the precision with which the figures are cut! Oh, this has to be hoof done, for no machine could ever create something so fabulous! True, there’s some ivy growing here, but with a little cleanup, these could reside in a museum!”

“Can you stop fawning for two seconds, Rare?” Rainbow Dash asked, “I mean, they’re just statues.”

“Just statues?! Darling, these…are…”

Rarity stopped, for at that moment she noticed the fourth statue…or at least, what was left of it. The nameplate read “Dark Thorn, the most evil sorceress in the land. Possessed ponies to do her bidding. May she rot in hell.” Above these words, where the statue should have been, there was a large hole in the air. Dark Thorn…was gone!

Day 20

The missing statue was a shock to everypony, especially the keeper of the garden. She was hysterical when it was brought to her attention the next day, inconsolably weeping like she’d lost a dear loved one. It came to light that she’d been gone on vacation for the week and had left her job in the care of somepony else. Apparently, this pony was rather lazy and had not noticed that the bust had vanished. It was a puzzling predicament for everyone involved, but mostly the sergeant and Mist Dawn. They figured that the statue gardens would have been kept under careful watch, considering the ponies who stood there. Some wild radical group might have attempted to steal a statue in order to offer it as a sacrifice to one of the legendary werepony masters.

As for the keeper and her Pegasus aide, their relationship turned sour. The poor keeper’s sadness turned to rage. She berated her underling for “lying down on the job” and “not putting” her “best hoof forward.” The much smaller pony tried to apologize, but it was no use. The keeper’s temper got the better of her, and she leapt upon the hapless mare. The two rolled around on the ground with the keeper screaming insults regarding her aide’s looks, her family, and her work ethic. It took the sergeant, Mist, and two Transylmaneian officers to break them apart. But the keeper wouldn’t shut her mouth, so she was placed under arrest for assault, disorderly conduct, and disturbing the peace.

“YOU BITCH!” She screamed as she was hauled off, “YOU’VE COST ME EVERYTHING!”

“I…I didn’t know,” the aide yelped as tears came, “I was just doing my job.”

“Apparently you didn’t do it correctly,” the sergeant said.

“Oh, but I did,” the aide said in defense of herself, “I watered the garden every day, I tended to the lawn, and I polished each of the statues.”

“If you polished the statues,” Mist said, “then you would have known that one of them was missing!”

“But…but the statue went missing after I finished polishing them.”

“You polished them every single day, right?” Mist asked, eyeing her suspiciously.

The aide suddenly went quiet. It became apparent that she was trying to think of an excuse. Suddenly, something fell out from under the Pegasi’s wing. She quickly tried to pick it up, but the sergeant stopped her. He planted a hoof in her way, causing her to begin quivering. Using a very careful method, and ensuring he didn’t get his hoofprints on the evidence, he procured the item from the ground. He looked it over with a careful, experienced eye before turning back to the aide. By this point, she was shaking all over and sweat was pouring down her face.

“This is a 50 bit,” he said, “and it’s odd…because these types of bits are not being given out by banks yet. In fact, Celestia herself is the only one who’s ever seen them, and she just gave her approval to use them last week. So…would you care to explain what one is doing under your wing?”

The aide shook and quaked. Her mind raced as she tried to come up with some type of explanation. Deep within her thoughts, a battle waged between truth and lies. She knew exactly where the 50 bit had come from and who had given it to her. She also knew just why she’d been entrusted with something that had been pried from the castle in Canterlot at great expense. There was a conspiracy going around…and she’d gotten caught up in it. The endgame was Twilight Sparkle’s current suffering.

But she needs to suffer, the aide thought viciously, there are ponies in this world who NEED to suffer, and she’s one. This is all for the betterment of our organization which, in turn, will better Equestria. The Grand Master told us this, and she also told us to wait. Soon, all of Equestria will know of our existence. But for now, I must keep my cover. If I don’t, I’ll go to jail and so will she…and I dread to think of how she’ll treat me in prison.

“I…found it,” she managed to squeak out, “on the ground.”

“That’s funny, darling,” Rarity said as she used her magic to pry the 50 bit away from the sergeant and load it into the portable DNA analyzer, “because the only DNA on here…is yours. Wing prints, hoof prints, even some saliva. The point is that it’s an impossibility for you to simply find it…because there would be more on here.”

“SO WHERE THE FUCK DID YOU GET IT?!” Rainbow Dash asked, snapping a mental twig, “ANSWER THE CELESTIA DAMNED QUESTION!”

“Rainbow Dash, stop!” The sergeant barked, “that’s no way to run an investigation. As for you, Ms. Pegasus, I really hope you have a good explanation for this. For now, we’re taking you to jail pending the completion of our investigation. Let’s go!”

The new suspect was put into hoof and wing cuffs before being led away. Her tears were many, but they were also fake. She had done it. She’d held her ground and not been broken. Her mind rejoiced as she imagined the wonderful things The Grand Master would do to her. It was said that this mare would sexually please anypony, and she began drooling at the thought. She’d kept her lesbianism a secret until she found the right mare to mate with, and The Grand Master was that mare.

Attracted to power, the aide found herself helplessly in love with her domineering overlord. Soon, all of Equestria would do the same thing she did on a nightly basis: bow. The Grand Master demanded nothing less than total and absolute respect, and the aide was well willing to give it. She knew that her silence in this matter would lead, not only to the destruction and recreation of Equestria, but to night after night of amazing experiences. The Grand Master was looking for a spouse…and the aide wanted nothing more than to become just that.

Day 21

As the conspiracy raged unknown to everyone except those involved, something else did the same. This, however, was not secretly whispered, nor was it a plot against Equestria. This was simply a little pony being dominated by some kind of primal anger. She tried to fight against it, to override the conscious hatred that had consumed her body. But it was no use. Her magic was powerless, and all her knowledge could provide no protection. She threw up barrier after barrier, yet still the disease powered through. She was a very sick equine, and the sicker she became, the smaller she felt.

Her friends had, no doubt, abandoned her. She was not in control of her body, but could still view through the beast’s eyes. Vivid memories of tearing apart her dear compatriots’ homes and livelihoods assaulted her. She was tormented day and night by these visions, and she knew it was a side effect of the disease. Lycantropy was truly the greatest evil ever imposed upon Equestria, greater than Nightmare Moon, even. What was worse, she was its vehicle, and its appetite for destruction and terror could never be vanquished.

I’m all alone, she thought with crushing sadness, nopony’s coming for me. There’s no friendly face here…in the dark. The disease has taken my body…and it’s gnawing away at my spirit. I feel it…blood…gore…an unending thirst for the death of my fellow pony. Oh, how I hate this feeling! This wretched, detestable, downright damnable feeling! I don’t want to hurt them…but I can’t help it. This is who I am now…I walk the night…and I…I kill.

Meanwhile, back in Transylmaneia, the police grilled the aide for hours over the missing statue. She broke down in tears multiple times, but never once told the truth. For her, honesty was a terrible policy. Knowing the stakes involved drove her to continue her lies. Sex, lust, love, and a sick sense of hate pushed her. Unlike Twilight Sparkle, however, this little pony wanted to hate others. They had bullied, hit, spit, and kicked her. She’d always been an outcast, until joining up with The Grand Master, of course. Her cover as an aide to the statue keeper was just that: a cover. The magic runestone she had with her had worked, and the statue was gone. Now it was up to the rest of the organization to keep their end of the plan.

“I…I don’t know what you’re talking about, sir!” She said with overexaggerated sadness, “I swear, I don’t know anything about the missing statue or how the 50 bit got under my wing!”

“Mm-hmm,” one Transylmaneian officer growled, “so I suppose the money just magically appeared?!”

“No, no!” She cried, “of course not! It must have been planted there!”

“Planted?” The other officer asked, “by who? Do you have any enemies?”

The aide looked at the table for a moment. What a question to be asked. She could write three or four books with a list of enemies she’d made. The Grand Master had promised that all of her enmity would be transformed to friendship in the new Equestria. She’d also been promised sexual freedom, plenty of bits, and a kinder existence. For all these things, which she’d dreamt of for so long, she was willing to play the bad girl a bit. She’d killed, raped, stolen, and done all sorts of terrible things. But every time she’d done it, she’d escaped. Either that, or her sob stories had done the trick. Unfortunately for her, the police weren’t buying them this time. The evidence was much too frank. A 50 bit with her hoof and wing prints on it, and only hers? She silently cursed the pony that had gifted her with such a rich coin.

“Please, sirs,” she said, putting on a face of cute innocence, “I didn’t do these things. I didn’t take the statue, and I’ve no idea how a 50 bit got under my wing. But…perhaps I could…convince you some other way?”

“Ah, trying to bribe an officer of Equestrian law, are we?” The gruff officer asked.

“Oh, no, sir!” The aide said, “I’d never do such a thing…at least, not with money.”

It was at this point that she used her prettiness and her femininity to her advantage. She began rustling about in her chare, waving her front hooves and moaning deeply. Her cries really set the officers off, as they looked for any way out of the awkward situation. She began to reach orgasmic levels of vocalizations, so one officer stepped forward and placed his hooves on her shoulders.

“Oo…officer,” the aide said sexily, “this is so…sudden.”

“Shut up, mare,” the officer barked, “I’m in no mood to play games, and I’m not gonna be taken in by you. Now…where is the statue?”

“I have no idea,” the aide responded, batting her eyes, “but I can see something between your legs that’s as stiff as a statue.”

The officer held his ground. “Listen, you petulant pony. I have no time for this. Yes, you’re very pretty, but my wife is a thousand times prettier. There’s no need to even try with me. No amount of seduction will move me away from my duties, both to my family and my country. Now, I’m gonna charge you with attempted sexual bribery, but that’s the least of your worries. Either you start talking…or we’ll move to more drastic measures.”

The aide suddenly quieted. In fact, she became so quiet that the officers’ suspicion was aroused even further. Not a single word passed her lips. It was almost like somepony had reached into her and removed her ability to speak. Sure, her lips, tongue, and vocal chords were still present, but it was as if she couldn’t figure out how to use them. It became incredibly annoying, and the officers had no recourse but to return her to a cell until she was ready to talk.

The aide was very happy with her performance, and she could almost smell the lusty aroma wafting off The Grand Master. Soon, my beautiful mistress, she thought, soon, Equestria will be gone. Soon, you’ll have the power you deserve…and soon…you’ll get to dominate me!

Day 22

The investigation in Transylmaneia dragged on. The keeper’s aide still wouldn’t talk, no matter what they did to her. They yelled, pled, begged, and did everything short of torturing her. But her lips remained sealed. She would not confess to anything. For, after all, she had too much on the line. Sex, beauty, and a wondrous new world, to be exact. The Grand Master did not reward those who divulged the organization’s sensitive information. The aide knew of two mares who’d been punished severely, beaten and left to die because they accidentally let something slip. Thankfully, The Grand Master had been able to tidy things up and keep the cult’s existence a secret. But the aide didn’t want to go there…she loved The Grand Master too much.

Meanwhile, the Ponyville investigators searched high and low for more clues. They questioned all the ponies at the local bank and found something interesting. It seems that the financial institution had been gifted with a 50-bit coin by Princess Celestia herself. This particular bank was well known for its excellent customer service and friendly nature. In keeping with the traditions and customs of Equestria, Celestia had given them one of these rare currencies to thank them. They were tasked with keeping it under lock and key, as these had not been released to the public yet. It was a very proud moment for the banker and his staff, who immediately got to work guarding the gift. But, one night, the bank had been robbed. Somepony had used a magical spell to whisk in and out through the walls, leaving no traces…or, so they thought.

But one swift scan from Rarity’s horn revealed thick magic residue. It became obvious that they were dealing with somepony who had no previous magic experience. A proper unicorn or potion user would understand the consequences of forgetting to clean the area. The residue would be found, and it could be tracked. So, Rarity used some of her magic and carefully placed the residue inside the portable DNA analyzer. The small incantation she used acted like something of a mystical glove. It kept her residue from contaminating the evidence while slowly feeding the suspect’s residue into the machine.

As the ponies watched, the machine beeped and whirled. It worked on a principle of weighing, displacing, scanning, and analyzing. By weighing the residue, it displaced some of the body, thus leaving behind its foundation. Then, tiny scanners swept over the concoction, thus sending it into the small computer built into the analyzer’s framework. This then compared it against 20 million unicorns, whose DNA was taken the minute they were born. So the database was kept fresh and contained lots of possibilities. Thankfully, these were all narrowed down via the electronic process.

Suddenly, the machine dinged and up came a picture of a certain mare. Mist Dawn gasped as she recognized this pony of interest. The grey fur, the yellowish mane, and the cutie mark of a key and writing quill. It was Quill Lock, the pony who’d made Twilight’s life a living hell at Celestia’s school. Mist couldn’t say she was shocked, but all the same, it was rather unnerving to know that a pony who’d professed love to Twilight could be their suspect. She looked around and noticed the confused look on everypony’s face as Quill’s name appeared below the picture.

“Quill Lock?” The sergeant asked, “I’ve…never heard of her.”

“Me neither,” Pinkie said, “and I know everypony in Ponyville. Heck, I know every tree, rock, garbage can, and bathroom in Ponyville!”

“TMI, sweetness,” Rarity chided gently.

“Sorry,” Pinkie said, blushing sheepishly, “but my point is, if Quill Lock were from Ponyville, I’d know about her. I’d have thrown her a welcome party!”

“She’s right, darlings,” Rarity said, “none of us has ever been without our own welcome party. I remember Pinkie throwing me one when I was a filly! But, I digress. Back to the subject at hoof. We’re all very familiar with the residents of our quaint little town, so…Quill can’t be a Ponyville pony!”

“She’s not Transylmaneian either,” one of the adjoining officers said, “we just put her name through our database and nothing came up.”

“So…” The sergeant said, trotting a few steps away in pondering, “…we’re dealing with somepony new. Somepony evil. Somepony…that we’d never have suspected before.”

“That explains why the locations Twilight destroyed in Ponyville seemed so interconnected,” Rarity reasoned, “Quill would have known of Twilight’s friendships and wanted to get revenge on them. The question is…why?”

“I can tell you,” Mist said.

The other ponies eyed her with a hint of suspicion. Could this pony, who claimed to be their friend, be on the side of wrongdoing? They wanted desperately to find out the answer, but the sergeant didn’t want to take any chances. As a precaution, they placed Mist into hoof cuffs and put a magic barrier over her horn. Then, they sat her down and had her explain everything. When it became clear that Twilight had spoken of Quill before, they removed all of their security measures, but begged Mist to continue.

“That’s all I can say,” Mist said, “Quill must have been Twilight’s kidnapper. She and I were together when she was taken. I tried my hardest to catch them and free her, but it was no use. Then, I went straight to her friends…and the rest is history.”

“I’m sorry we suspected you,” Rarity said.

“Oh, don’t be,” Mist responded kindly, “I’d suspect myself as well if I didn’t know the truth.”

“Yes...and just what is the truth?” Fluttershy asked, “I mean, that's why we're here, isn't it?.”

“I believe I can tell you what the truth is,” a new voice said.

The group all turned and their jaws hit the floor. In front of them, standing as straight as an arrow, was Quill Lock. The criminal sneered in their direction, smashing a hoof on the ground and nearly frightening them to death. She moved forward, knocking two Transylmaneian officers out of the way in the process. Slowly she came up to Mist Dawn, knowing that she was the pony with Twilight the day of the kidnapping.

“Oh…how sad…your friend is gone,” she said mockingly.

“That’s because you took her!” Mist growled, “then you injected her with Lycantropy and turned her into that terrible monster!”

Quill chuckled. “Oh, my dear little Mist, I was simply acting on orders. Though…getting to take Twilight out was a delicious little bonus.”

“Whose orders?!” The sergeant demanded, nostrils flaring, “tell me who the FUCK would ask you to do such a thing?!”

“I’ll let her tell you herself,” Quill said.

Day 23

Mist awoke and winced a bit as she was both in pain and unsure of her location. The air smelled somewhat damp and dank, like somepony had left wet towels out too long. It was also very dark, with the only provision of light being a small candle that sat on a table opposite her. She sat with her back against a wall, its cool surface betraying the stones that formed its height. She noted that her horn had been disabled, for she no longer felt magic flowing through her. Her hind legs were spread apart and held by two metal contraptions. She blushed deeply at her feminine jewel being revealed for all the world to see, but she couldn’t close herself. Her forelegs were raised above her head and had been chained to the wall. It was a very uncomfortable position, and she tried to escape. Unfortunately, whomever had done this to her was an expert in imprisonment and torture.

But, who? She asked herself, the last thing I remember…was Steel Quill revealing herself to us. Then…oh, fuck it all, there’s a hole in my memory! Come on, Mist Dawn, think! Think, damn it! What happened after that?! I remember…gas…and…choking…and…ponies crying for help. Yes, that’s it! We were all shot with some kind of knockout nerve agent…but it wasn’t Steel that did the shooting! She was looking right at us and the gas wafted in from the sides and back. So…who did the shooting?

“Ah, I’m glad to see you’re awake,” a voice sneered.

Mist looked up to see Steel looking down with a face that matched her name. She appeared to be made of iron, with her grey fur glinting evilly in the dim light. A bright red hood covered her mane, leaving only the grim visage in its wake. In a way, it represented the evil one’s personality, a deep red covering a heart as thick and unwavering as any metal. Mist thought that her parents had chosen the perfect name for her, as she glowered down upon the trapped mare. Twilight’s friend could also put two and two together and knew that she’d been violated in some way. But, strangely enough, she didn’t care. She cared more about finding Twilight and ensuring that this dastardly equine paid for her crimes.

“So…how was I?” Mist asked with a sneer of her own.

Steel chuckled. “Not bad, though I’ve had my fair share of excellent pussy before. It’s just a shame your little friend Twilight didn’t offer me hers. If she had…you wouldn’t be in this predicament right now.”

“Twilight’s not like that,” Mist growled, “and there’s nothing wrong with what she’s chosen to do with her life. Honestly, I can’t believe that a small thing like Twilight’s refusal of your advances has led to this huge calamity.”

“Calamity?” Steel asked, “I prefer to think of it as…joyous retribution. Your friend’s transformation into a werepony was not just to satisfy my lust for revenge. It was to help all of Equestria.”

Suddenly, Mist remembered that Steel claimed she was “acting on orders.” She wondered just who this pony was that had ordered Steel to do such a thing. It certainly couldn’t have been easy. The wicked mare didn’t seem easily manipulated. It was yet another argument in favor of both her name and her way of life. Mist hated every single drop of it, for it had taken Twilight away from her. Not only that, but it had created a seemingly impenetrable barrier between them. A budding friendship destroyed, and all over a refusal to mate and these unknown “orders” that Steel had.

“Who’s giving you orders?” Mist asked.

“Oh, so you DO remember what happened,” Steel said, “good. I was afraid that the gas had wiped your mind entirely. But the fact is, my sweet little prize, I am sworn under oath not to reveal this pony’s name. She will make herself known when she feels like making herself known. For this is the way…of my mistress, and soon, she’ll be your mistress as well.”

“Oh, joy. I just LOOOVE mares in leather dominatrix outfits,” Mist snarled sarcastically, “now, either you tell me her name, or I rip these chains off and tear you apart.”

“Mm…I do so enjoy it when my charges get so feisty,” Steel quipped, “but, as touching as your perseverance and determination are, those chains will never be broken. They are made from high quality polyponium, the strongest element in all Equestria. Then, they’re doused with a spell I created to ensure their absolute control over their captor. You’re mine, foolish mare, and I intend to enjoy every last second with you.”

“Alright, let’s try this another way,” Mist said, “where are my friends?”

“Oh, they’re being cared for,” Steel said, “the mares are having something along the lines of a VERY deep massage, and the stallions are being castrated.”

“WHAT?!” Mist screamed, “you let them go this instant, damn it! I’ll throw the fucking book at you, bitch! I’ll hurl it down your CELESTIA DAMNED THROAT!”

“Oh, goodness,” Steel said, turned on by all the cursing, “such talk from a deputy law enforcement officer. You know, Mist, you look awfully sexy in a police uniform.”

“You make me sick,” Mist said, “and I’ll never look at you the same way I look at a stallion. Now, dispense with the sex jokes and release me.”

“Mm…nah,” Steel said, “I’m having too much fun with you.”

“THEN TELL ME WHO YOUR MISTRESS IS!” Mist howled.

Steel chuckled. “I have you right where I want you. There is no need to reveal my mistress’s name at this time. She will reveal herself when she so chooses. However, I can introduce you…to my lackey.”

To Mist’s shock and horror, another pony entered the room. Unlike Steel, this one was very familiar to the investigator. She had jet black fur, a bright red mane, and a cutie mark of a thorn laden branch. Her eyes blazed with hatred, and her teeth gnashed in contempt. Mist’s mouth opened further and further as she recognized the pony. It was the missing statue come to life. It…was Dark Thorn.

Day 24

Meanwhile, in the forests surrounding Ponyville, a creature lurked in the darkness. This beast, with a heart not made of a pony’s friendship, held captive a purple equine. She watched from within as it terrorized her beloved village, slaughtering some of her friends and destroying their homes. Her eyes filled with tears while the horrific events played out before her. The disease’s magic separated her from her own body, leaving her floating spiritually inside it. She could watch, feel, and hear everything…but she could not control it. Every single slash of a claw or scream of a friend tore her apart. She wept bitterly over the situation, raising her horn in an attempt to fight, but being pressed down at every turn.

Please, she silently prayed, save me, Celestia…or Luna…or my friends…or somepony! Please save me from this wretched darkness. Hell has pushed its evils upon somepony like me, so undeserving and innocent. I’d never raise a hoof against my companions…oh, my dear, sweet companions. How I love each of you. Rarity, for your generous spirit and bountiful beauty. Applejack, for your honesty and integrous workmanship. Rainbow Dash, for your loyal ways and ironbound heart. Pinkie Pie, for your infectious laughter and amazing smile. Fluttershy, for your kindness and quiet strength.

She stopped for a moment and thought of Mist Dawn. This pony that had claimed to be her number one fan had also led her into trouble. They should never have gone into that alley. But at the same time, Twilight couldn’t be angry with Mist. Every faculty within her detached mind shared the same thought: love. It was a tender love, one that rooted itself deep within the vibrancy that sprouted true friendship. Even through all her fanaticism, poor Mist had only wanted a friend. She’d never had one before, and she had come to Twilight begging for an opportunity. With a sick feeling, Twilight remembered how she’d considered turning the mare away.

Oh, Mist Dawn, she thought, I love you as well…and I’m so sorry that I ever thought about passing you by. I promise, if I have the fortune of surviving this, I’ll be the best friend you ever had. I swear it by Celestia’s sun and Luna’s moon, by my mother’s love and my father’s devotion. Everything will be different for you, and I’ll make sure of that. But first…I must fight this monster. My friends could be in serious danger! I must break free of this illness! I…MUST…KILL IT!

With those thoughts, Twilight’s spirit raised its horn yet again and a bright aura flashed around it. She saw small black agents of the disease begin building up to fight the threat. For a few moments, they succeeded. Their arrows of dark energy piled up on her, leaving her in great emotional pain. Every single prick was a memory of something gone wrong, or some guilt she held in her heart. From not making friends in Canterlot to her near mistake with Mist Dawn, the errors in judgment piled up. She saw her very first friend from way back in Magic Kindergarten and how she’d brushed her off in favor of books. Horrible memories of destroyed friendships and relationships put her soul through an incinerator of evil and darkness.

“STOP! PLEASE, JUST STOP!” She suddenly cried, “SHOW ME NO MORE!”

“Then, swear to be mine forever,” an evil, demonic voice hissed at her, “for I am now you. I am Lycantropy, and you cannot defeat me. Once I’m finished destroying your friends, I shall destroy you.”

Twilight huddled within herself, but then saw images of her friends looking at her. They held such a beauty and grace about them, even Pinkie Pie. She was awestruck by them all, with Princesses Celestia and Luna guarding them from above. The vision raised her to where they were, setting her on a platform with their angelic figures hovering around her. Some part of her registered that this was all a cerebral farce and that they weren’t actually there. But she also understood the severity of the message. She needed to fight back…for them.

“Alright,” she said aloud, “I will fight…and I will win.”

She suddenly blasted out of the vision and began berating the opposition with magic. Her eyes glowed bright white as she worked her way throughout her werepony body, scattering the agents of evil like grain. Each new bit of the destruction of this deathly evil brought her great pleasure. They may have been small, but they were harming her friends. Soon, everything would be back to normal. She fired volley after volley into the disease’s lackeys, killing them all and restoring her body. Feeling herself shrink, she began the somewhat subconscious process of reattaching her spirit to its vessel. She suddenly regained control of her eyes, legs, and hooves. She saw the claws retract, and her tail and mane returned to their regular, pretty state. Her mouth spread wide in a smile as she looked around and felt the cool breeze on her own body.

“I…I did it,” she said in disbelief before jumping around like a filly, “I did it! I beat it!”

“Yes, I can see that, my dear,” a rather unique voice chimed in, “I see that we no longer have to live in fear.”

“Zecora!” Twilight cried as she leapt into her zebra friend’s embrace, “I’m not a werepony anymore! I’m not that horrible, awful, terrible monster!”

“No, my Twilight, you are no longer controlled by that anger, but I’m afraid your friends might be in danger.”

“What do you mean?”

“They went to Transylmaneia to look for clues, but I think it may all have been a ruse.”

“A ruse? What do you mean by that?” Twilight asked.

Zecora looked down, then back up suddenly. “Twilight, this message is no phony, for you all have been betrayed by a certain pony.”

“I knew it!” Twilight growled, “Steel Quill must have gotten to all of them. Don’t worry, Zecora, I’m gonna head to Transylmaneia and stop her myself!”

With those words, Twilight ran off, leaving Zecora with a message unfinished. “Oh, Twilight, you did not let me complete it. I fear that your carelessness will soon leave you…defeated.”

Day 25

Mist Dawn was exhausted. She’d pulled and pulled at her bonds but could not break free. Their hold on her hooves played a reflective purpose to Steel’s hold on her heart. The evil pony had done everything to her short of killing her. At this point, the poor, helpless pony wished that death would wrap its sweet embrace around her. It had to be better than another beating or another tongue lashing or another raping. She’d lost count of the amount of times she’d been assaulted in the time she’d been bound to the wall. Steel only allowed her to get up for these punishing crimes. By this point, Mist was tired of fighting. She accepted it.

It came about that Steel and Dark Thorn reentered the chamber, dragging another pony with them. The cyan fur of this newcomer had been ripped to shreds and her rainbow mane was woefully unkempt. Mist couldn’t believe her eyes as Rainbow Dash was thrown up against the wall beside her. Steel and Dark then went to work, doing dastardly things to the mare’s body. Like a ragdoll, Dash was tortured, beaten, and horribly raped in front of Mist. The original prisoner wailed as her friend was treated in such a fashion, begging the evil duo to stop.

“PLEASE! PLEASE!” Mist cried, “I’LL DO ANYTHING, JUST STOP HURTING HER!”

“Oh…you’ll do anything?” The sinister Steel asked, “and just what is…anything?”

“You can have me as a slave, you can whip me, you can fuck me, you can do whatever you please to me. I’ll take it like a mare and I won’t scream. Just please…promise me you’ll stop harming my friend.”

Steel looked at Mist and Rainbow. The rusty gears hidden within her ferocious mind began turning. She knew that her mistress wanted to reveal herself when everypony was present in the room. So, she’d begun dragging the investigative team in one by one. The Grand Master would be most displeased if she stopped now. But at the same time, Mist was quite the attractive little pony. She scanned up and down, stopping to pay special attention to the jewel she’d ravaged over and over again. The truth was, Mist was in no position to make requests…and Steel Quill knew it. The grey mare, with fire burning in her eyes, stepped over to Mist and slapped her.

“You can’t do anything to me,” she growled, grabbing Mist’s face, “I am already your superior. I RULE you, Mist Dawn, and there’s nothing you can do about that. Why should I make a promise to you when I can have everything I want right now?”

“No…please,” Mist managed to sputter, “I…I’m begging you.”

“Begging will get you nowhere, silly filly!” Steel growled, “for this is my destiny. To rape, plunder, pillage, and destroy. I have been charged by my mistress, and soon enough, all of Equestria will bow at her hooves. Then, all the mares will be forced into sexual relationships with her. She’ll dominate them, fucking them until they are of no more use to her and then slaughtering them like the pigs that they are!”

Mist’s eyes filled with tears. How could somepony be so malevolent? Her anger melted away, replaced by a deep sadness and a mourning for her homeland. She felt that, with Steel and this mistress of hers running things, everypony would be torn apart. Nopony would ever feel love, joy, or friendship ever again. They’d be too busy wallowing in their own heartache. Mares would be ripped from their foals and stallions. Families split apart forever. She couldn’t take the thought of little colts and fillies crying for their mothers, nor those same mothers being tortured so by this mistress of Steel’s. The tears fell down her cheeks freely, for she felt so utterly powerless. She couldn’t stop Steel…she couldn’t even break from the chains that held her to the wall.

I have failed you, my dear friend, she silently told Twilight, you were right…a friendship between the two of us has only led to trouble. I should never have stopped you in town that day.

“Aw…is da poow wittwe fiwwy cwying?” Steel asked mockingly.

“I just don’t know how somepony who had your beginning could turn so cruel,” Mist said sadly, “Twilight gave you everything…and you turned into this. She gave you friendship, trust, and all the Elements of Harmony put together.”

“Oh, she did, did she?” Steel asked with sarcastic rhetoric, “well then, Mist Dawn, tell me. Where was this ‘friendship’ when I laid my heart on the table for her?”

“She loved you, Steel Quill,” Mist said honestly, “I could see it in her eyes.”

“That’s a lie!” Steel shouted, grabbing Mist’s throat, “she broke my heart! You weren’t there! You couldn’t know!”

“But I do!” Mist cried, “when she told me your story, she held this look in her face. She may not have loved you romantically, but she loved you like a sister!”

“That’s nowhere near good enough!” Steel growled, “I wanted her body, her soul, her heart! I wanted her! We’d been through so much together…and it wasn’t her right to take it all away from me!”

“She had to!” Mist shouted back, “you had begun stalking her! You were the one who took it away from yourself!”

Steel looked at the ground, and then back at Mist. This pony simply didn’t understand her feelings for Twilight. She couldn’t grasp the pure and simple love that she’d offered her. No, this pony was her slave, chained until The Grand Master chose to reveal herself. This was about so much more than Steel’s feelings. This was about the very fate of Equestria and, if the mistress was to have her glorious day, then Steel needed to remain strong. She remembered what The Grand Master had told her: you will have times when you shall waver, but remember what rewards await you. My sexual gratification and all of the pleasure that comes with it. Also, a seat on my council and a place in the government of The New Equestria.

“You…can’t…break me!” She finally shouted, “I never took anything from Twilight!”

“Then perhaps you won’t mind if I take my friend back from you?” A new voice boomed.

Steel turned and stared, for there…standing right in front of her nose…was Twilight.

Day 27

It was five against one. Mist had no idea where the sergeant and his officers were, but it didn’t matter. Twilight’s friends had turned against her, forming some kind of sinister outfit hellbent on taking over Equestria. Their dark looks spoke of their evil intentions, and Mist didn’t know how she was going to stop them. As the time in the dungeon’s chamber dragged on, she was treated terribly. She was beaten cruelly and blood flowed on the table beneath her. The helpless pony tried to wave in Twilight’s direction, but no response ever came. Instead, her own howls of pain echoed off the stone walls, reverberating into her own ears and causing even more torture.

She couldn’t fight back. Her body had given up, though her mind was still in the battle. She wanted so much to get up and keep going. The sharp hooves of her enemies pierced her fur, leaving chunk after chunk on the floor and drawing blood with every swipe. There was nothing to do but weep. Her tears fell as beautiful counteractions to every evil red drop that seeped from her numerous wounds. Each last watery container carried a memory with it. She remembered every last moment of her life. She saw the birthdays her parents threw her as a filly, her joyous acceptance of educational progression, and her dear friendship with the purple pony that lay unconscious not two hoof steps away. Her body shook as she cried, partially from the severe pain and partially from even more severe emotional distress.

“What’s the matter?” Fluttershy snarled sarcastically, “can’t fight back, can ya?”

“Aw, she’s crying, guys,” Pinkie said cruelly.

Rarity laughed evilly and then snorted. “What a baby! She can’t even take some punishment! Although…now that I look at it…the tears are kind of a good look for her. It sure beats that dull mane and fur combination! Darling, I’m afraid the womb has cursed you with those terrible looks!”

“Silence!” Rainbow roared, and the marauding ponies immediately backed off and bowed. The cyan traitor stepped her way over to the beaten mare, looking down on her with eyes that didn’t seem to speak any emotion. Dash was quiet…deathly quiet. She seemed to be taking her time, as a wild animal stalks its helpless prey. Keeping her silence, she crept around the table, all the while keeping a steely crimson eye on Mist Dawn. The captured pony was scared for her life, which began flashing before her even more rapidly. She knew this was the end…Rainbow was going to kill her. Her body braced itself for the blow that would end it all. In a twisted way, she wished that Rainbow would hurry the job. She was miserable, and she’d welcome death’s embrace.

“Please…” she choked as blood began leaking from her lips, “…just do it.”

Dash gave her the same indifferent look, then bent down. “Mist Dawn…I don’t want to kill you. You’d prove a valuable asset to my organization. You’re young, you’re beautiful, and you’re pleasing to me.”

“I am nopony’s commodity,” Mist coughed in an effort to sound strong and brave.

“Oh, no, certainly not,” Rainbow said, “but…an asset is somewhat different. You see, Mist, I am in a very difficult position. I am The Grand Master and I rule this organization. My mares do my bidding, and in return, I offer them great worth, fame, and love. Having sex is just the beginning, for I sleep with four or five of them at a time, searching for the perfect mate. I believe I’ve found her…in you, Mist.”

“I’d never mate with you,” Mist said before coughing up more blood.

“But that’s just it,” Rainbow said, “in my New Equestria, you won’t have a choice. Either you become my fellow Queen, or you die. I’ve become somewhat enamored with you while working undercover.”

“Oh, fuck your love,” Mist spat, “I want to know why. Why did you brainwash our friends? Why do you want Twilight dead so desperately?”

“As The Grand Master, it is my job to ensure the accomplishing of our organization’s vision,” Rainbow said, “an Equestria where the monarchy has been dissolved in favor of a complete reliance on hive thinking. The Changeling Queen, Chrysalis, has been gracious enough to assist us in this endeavor.”

What the hell’s a Changeling? Mist thought, but then shook her head. “Nopony, or Changeling, will ever take Equestria. Not as long as I’m alive.”

“…and not as long as I’m alive, either!” A new voice said.

Mist’s face tried to smile as Twilight came alive and got to her hooves. It came to light that she’d been playing possum, pretending to be unconscious so as to get Rainbow to reveal her plan. Twilight didn’t say anything more, but leapt upon Rainbow. The two former friends screeched and swiped as they writhed on the floor. Suddenly, the doors to the chamber burst open and the sergeant, Stethoscope, the statue garden keeper, and a SLEW of other ponies raced in. The organization’s representatives were immediately overwhelmed and stopped. They weren’t allowed to escape, either, as the police ponies slapped cuffs on them.

Meanwhile, Mist was freed from her bonds and joined Twilight in her fight with Rainbow Dash. The two unicorns blasted magic at their newfound enemy, but she was quick on her hooves and she dodged them. She sneered as she leapt into the sky, flying towards some rather high windows in the chamber. But some of her fellow Pegasi did the same, blocking her escape route and forcing her back to the ground. Once there, the entire mass advanced on her. She tried to chain herself to the wall, but Twilight destroyed the chains.

“Everypony, stop!” The sergeant suddenly yelled, “this is Twilight and Mist’s fight.”

Rainbow, seeing that the mass had receded, jumped back on her two opponents. She growled and scratched, tearing pieces of skin from both ponies. But Twilight and Mist fought right back, disabling both of Dash’s wings and placing her in a painful hoof hold. Dash cried for mercy, so Twilight and Mist eased up on the hold. But they still held her down as the sergeant came over and slapped the cuffs on her. It was finally over. Twilight no longer had Lycantropy, and the perpetrator had been taken care of.

“I hate you all,” Dash growled as she was being led off with her organization, “I HATE YOU ALL!”

Day 28

Soon enough, all of the mess was clean. It turned out that Transylmaneia was a front for Rainbow Dash’s organization. The entire town’s population was in on the plot to take over Equestria. Radicalized propaganda was found in many homes, and many ponies were jailed for treason. Princess Celestia herself visited the town, distraught at the situation. She burst into tears when Twilight explained Dash’s betrayal. It was a shock for everypony to see the kind, regal ruler show such deep emotion. But it also proved just how much she truly cared for each individual equine. She couldn’t bear to think that somepony who represented an Element of Harmony could have turned to such darkness. The weight became too much for her heart, so it exploded in a deeply sorrowful display. It wasn’t a tantrum, nor was there any howling or screaming. Just the many pained tears of a princess who felt the crushing blow of severe dishonesty.

“I…I trusted you,” she said in a voice that would shatter hearts as the chained Rainbow Dash was brought before her, “you and your friends have become traitors to Equestria this day. Why, Rainbow Dash? Why would you do this to me? To Equestria? To your fellow pony?”

Dash looked at the ground, then back up at her. “Because we wanted power. The Elements of Harmony protect this land, not you! You haven’t lifted a damn hoof to help us! We stopped your sister when she was Nightmare Moon and we stopped Discord! It was ALL US! You’re just a…fraud!”

The ponies watching gasped as Dash spat the hateful words at the beloved princess. Even the members of her organization squirmed in their hoof cuffs. They had to be restrained, both by Ponyville officers and by Transylmaneian officers, who were just as shocked to learn of their town’s betrayal as anypony. Rainbow Dash had spread vicious hatred against them, against Celestia, and against friendship. But none of it reached their ears as the organization had done well in keeping themselves underground.

As for Celestia, the awful words broke her spirit. “Get her out of my sight,” she growled. Then, in a proclamation nopony ever thought they’d hear, she shouted, “hang her for treason!”

“Wha-?” Dash tried to ask before being jumped on by some officers, “no, NO! NO! Get your filthy fucking hooves off me! No! You can’t kill me! YOU CAN’T! NO! NO! NO!”

Those were the last words Twilight, Mist, their traitorous friends, or the rest of the assemblage ever heard from Rainbow Dash. Her treasonous plan had been thwarted and life could resume for everypony. Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Rarity were also found guilty of treason and sentenced to death. It was an awful thing for Celestia, who couldn’t stop crying as she sent her little ponies to the gallows. But the punishment needed to fit the crime, and she understood this. The ponies begged for mercy, but Celestia could not show any. She needed to make an example of those who would so easily betray the tenets of friendship. So, she sent them off to be hung privately. In one act of compassion, she did not allow anypony but the executioner to witness their final moments.

Meanwhile, Twilight and Mist felt a need to comfort Celestia. So they invited the ruler to ride the train back to Ponyville with them. The trip was awkwardly silent for the first part, until Celestia began weeping again. Twilight dared to put a hoof around her. She’d never touched the beautiful ruler before and found the fur to be as soft as a pillow. Her mind had always been cradled by the words of her mentor. Now it was her turn to give back. She stroked the softness and held the shaking, weeping Celestia.

“Sh…it’ll all be okay, Your Majesty,” she said with respect and kindness.

“I fear that it will not, my beloved Twilight,” Celestia said in a voice racked with pain, “first my sister…and now my ponies and friends? Who is next? Who shall betray me in the future?”

Mist saw her chance to get a word in. “Princess, look. Sometimes ponies don’t conform to the same principles we try to teach. I do, because I believe wholeheartedly in the magic of friendship. Rainbow Dash, obviously, did not, and she duped most of our friends into going along with her. Sex, power, fame, you name it, she promised it.”

“A lot of empty promises,” Celestia muttered.

“That may be true, but they were given to them,” Mist said, “and someday, somepony might try the same thing. But as long as you have yourself, and we have each other, we’ll be able to fight back. Equestria is never going to be defeated…not as long as I’m alive.”

“I second that,” Twilight said, “Equestria is in our hooves. Plus, we still have Applejack’s friendship.”

“Three ponies, one of whom does not represent an element, will protect us?” Celestia asked dryly.

“I swear it,” Twilight said, “we’ve gotta quit thinking that the Elements of Harmony are tied just to a certain group of ponies. They must have some kind of shifting mechanism.”

“Perhaps you are right,” Celestia said, rising and looking a bit like her old self, “I’m sorry for doubting their true nature. Friendship is a truly wondrous and powerful tool. Twilight, I want you and Mist to guard it from now on. There are things in this world that we must protect, and friendship is at the top of that list. I…I don’t know how I could have forgotten that.”

“Well, you’ve been through a lot in the last day or so,” Mist said.

“Yes, my little pony, I have,” Celestia said, “but I must put the past to rest. I mustn’t give up on my ponies, nor the strength of Equestria. For I know that as long as I have good friends like you by my side, we shall not succumb. No treasonous organization, no enemy, no monster, nothing will ever kill our spirit.”

Twilight couldn’t help but feel a twinge of pride as Celestia spoke those words. She looked at Mist, and Mist returned the look with something of a sisterly love. They were launching headlong into a future that they did not know. But, they did know this: the Armageddon that they’d been so sure of had not occurred. Twilight had been healed. Mist would go on to study friendship under her tutelage, and the two carried out the mission they’d been assigned. Equestria had two new protectors, and they could not have asked for anypony better or more qualified. The apocalypse had been avoided…and everypony lived happily ever after.

Day 1

Nightfall around Ponyville was always a glorious time for Twilight. She could sit in her library and do nothing but read. The candlelight dancing upon the oaken walls in front of her offered some sense of comfort, especially after the experience she had recently been through. She didn’t think that hell was an actual place, but after seeing the hurt and angry look in Celestia’s eyes, she figured that she had been there. She had committed the ultimate magical taboo: using her power to turn ponies against each other. Her neurotic need to fulfill something deep within had driven her to that point. It had been over a letter and the fact that she didn’t schedule herself properly. She didn’t realize that it could turn into something so much worse.

The thought of Celestia’s punishment scared her. She’d never seen the beautiful Princess that angry before, and her biting words still left scars on Twilight’s ears. They had not been said in overly exaggerated fury, but rather in silent disappointment. That hurt the purple mare more than anything. Just the knowledge that she had failed to live up to Celestia’s expectations tore a hole in her soul. She’d always loved the Princess, and seen her as a secondary matron. But now, all she saw was a distant silhouette, shrouded in clouds of her own invention. Thus, the candles burned, and thus Twilight tortured herself as she continued looking over her tome.

It was called “Nightmare Night Tales.” True, some stories were meant to frighten foals, but she read the back of the book. The part where it expressly forbid wandering young eyes to venture any further. It told tales of blood, sex, and death that were much too strong in their descriptive passages for small ponies. Twilight read stories of a ghostly stallion who returned from the dead seeking vengeance on the mare who killed him. In her mind, the stallion was Celestia, and she was the mare. She was so distraught within her being that she felt Celestia deserved to have a shot at her. Her mind suddenly began begging to be tortured, slaughtered, and mangled at Celestia’s hooves. She saw Celestia’s sharp teeth, bending down to break into her and end her existence.

“AHHHHHHH!” She screamed as she suddenly dropped the book. “What the HELL am I doing?! Celestia would never do that to me! I…I…”

She couldn’t say anymore, so the poor pony bent over and wept. The encroaching darkness seemed to snuff out her candles, but she went into its night with joy. There was something so gentle and warm about it, something so deserved. Especially for a disappointment like herself. Her sadness grew until the cushion beneath her was soaked through with her orbital ejaculations. She felt a need…a need to be hurt, a need to be destroyed. Her neuroticism flooded her mind again, and she used her magic to pick up a nearby knife.

“I deserve this…” she said aloud, “…I’m nothing but a disappointment! Celestia…Luna…Applejack…Pinkie…Rarity…all my friends deserve so much more than me! I’m fucking worthless!”

“Worthless?!” Came a small male voice, “whoever said you were worthless?!”

“Spike?” Twilight asked, “I…I thought you’d gone to sleep.”

The young dragon slowly ventured out of the shadows. “Well, it’s kinda hard to sleep when one of your best friends begins screaming in the other room.”

“I’m sorry, Spike,” Twilight said, “it’s just…Celestia was so upset with me. I’ve never made her that upset before.”

“Hey, but she forgave you,” Spike pointed out, “and she’s sent you and your friends on a new mission!”

“I don’t care,” Twilight said, getting up and trotting towards a window, “I was a bad student. For the first time in my entire life, I did not live up to an academic standard. Celestia might have forgiven me…but I could never forgive myself.”

Spike looked at the ground, then back at her. He was struck as the moon coated her purple body with its envelope. As much as he had a crush on Rarity, he could not deny Twilight’s beauty and fantastic charm. He moved closer to her, gently reaching up with a claw and placing it gingerly on her shoulder. While he didn’t know the events that led up to her scream, nor did he know of her attempted suicide, he did realize that she needed him. So, he nuzzled close, bending his small body around her foreleg and nestling into her chest fur.

“I remember you telling me that I used to do this when I was just a hatchling,” he said.

She smiled down at him. “Yes, you did. It reminds me of those happy times, when I was just a filly and you were just a baby dragon.”

“But now we’re growing up,” Spike said, “we won’t be able to do this very often anymore.”

“Sh…” Twilight said, “…just enjoy the moment.”

The two best friends huddled together before Twilight ushered Spike into her bed. He gave her an odd look, but she explained her need for company that night. So, he smiled and tucked himself under the covers. She trotted to the other side before slowly pulling him in, feeling his scales shiver as they found their place in her fur. She bent her head around him, letting him know that she was there. In response, he maneuvered one of his arms around her midsection. Something about the position just felt right to the both of them, and they soon found sleep’s joyous ethereality.

But, little did they know that they were being watched. It was somepony who definitely did not have their best interests in mind. A pony with a grudge, hatred, and a genius intelligence quotient. Unlike Twilight, she was full of darkness and evil, and she committed herself to these things on a daily basis. Soon, Twilight would be hers to command and control. Her hooves worked the ground beneath her as she stared through some high powered binoculars, stalking her prey.

Patience, she told herself, Twilight Sparkle will soon meet her destiny…

Day 8

They hid out all night, watching as Twilight tore through the forest searching for them. Her nostrils were flared, sniffing out their scent. It wafted her way, but they always managed to change direction right before she discovered them. Her mind and body had regressed to a form of primitivism that they never thought possible. She even ate small animals in her bloodthirsty search, thus causing Fluttershy to weep endlessly. But no matter what atrocity she committed, they never grew angry with her. They all recognized just how sick she was and they wanted to help, but couldn’t find a way to do so safely.

Once Twilight had been successfully thrown off the trail, they took refuge in a cave. The sergeant even built a small fire. It was enough to keep them warm, but also subtle enough so Twilight wouldn’t recognize it. Thus, they sat around it and did what they could to cheer each other up. This was much easier said than done, as their minds still rested with their ailing friend. The conversation crept around Twilight’s condition, because none of them wanted to speak of it. Yet, at the same time, they were all desperate to talk about it. They just hadn’t figured out how to do so in the proper manner.

“So…what do we do now?” Rainbow Dash finally asked.

The question was appropriate, and nopony else thought of a better way to bring it up. But, worse, nopony had an answer. Twilight’s life was in jeopardy, as was the entire town of Ponyville. None of them had ever experienced a danger like this before. Sure, they’d battled monsters and evildoers, but a friend? They didn’t think they could raise a hoof against Twilight. After all, she was the one who’d brought them all together. Without her, there would be no harmonious friendship.

“I think we all know what we ought to do,” Rarity said, “but…we just don’t know how to put it into words.”

“Well, I’m not saying it,” Mist said, “I refuse to.”

“Oh, for cryin’ out loud!” Applejack exclaimed, “we all know you’re talkin’ about usin’ the Elements on Twilight!”

“But what if utilizing our special gemstones against a pony who is herself an Element of Harmony goes awry?” Rarity asked, “what if we accidentally activate some type of ancient magic that nullifies everypony?”

“Rarity makes a good point,” Fluttershy said, “what if, in our efforts to cure Twilight, we destroy Ponyville…or worse…all Equestria?!”

“I think it’s a chance worth taking,” Pinkie argued, “we’re talking about one of our best friends, here! I mean, without her, the friendship is less magic. We’re like a perfectly yummy cake. All the ingredients are there, and they come together to form something delicious. But apart…”

“It’s just some dry, dusty flour, runny eggs, and overly saccharine vanilla,” Rarity said.

“Exactly!” Pinkie squeaked.

“So, how do you suggest we go about saving your cake-er-I mean, friend?” The sergeant asked.

“That…I don’t know,” Pinkie said.

None of them did, so they elected to go to bed and sleep on it. The next morning, they awoke with the sun and resumed their planning. Rainbow Dash came up with a trap that was big enough to catch Twilight, until everyone pointed out that she could simply chew the ropes. Rarity thought of a special garment, woven from a very special material, that could be tossed over Twilight and hold her down. She decried the fashionably criminal activity, but acquiesced that it had to be done if Twilight were to be saved.

“What kind of material is it, Rare?” Rainbow asked.

“It’s an ugly, tacky, horrid brown fabric woven deep in the Hoofalayan Mountains,” Rarity responded, “I could special order some and have it in Ponyville in a couple of weeks.”

“We have 20 days left before Twilight turns into a werepony forever,” Fluttershy said, “would that give you enough time to make something so big?”

“I think so,” Rarity responded, “but it would require an all hooves on deck attitude. I’d need all the help I could get.”

“No, no,” the sergeant said, “it’s a good plan, but it hinges on too many risks. We need something completely foolproof!”

“What about luring her to my cottage,” Fluttershy offered, “and then tying her down with some rope I have?”

“We’ve been through the rope thing already,” Mist said.

“Oh, but this rope is different,” Fluttershy said, “it’s specially made to hold even the thrashiest of creatures. Trust me. I use it to tie my pet bear up so he’ll take his medicine.”

Rainbow gave her a look. “You…tie an animal up…to give it medicine?”

Fluttershy nodded. “Oh, but I always ensure that the knots aren’t too tight. I wouldn’t want the poor thing to suffocate.”

“Alright, Fluttershy’s idea’s out!” Rainbow declared.

“Hey!” Fluttershy protested, “I think it’s a great idea!”

“The issue is that you’re too compassionate!” Rainbow snapped, “you’d leave the knots loose enough for her to escape! Either that, or she could just break you in half…”

“Of all the nerve!” Fluttershy growled.

“Alright, you two, knock it off!” Mist exclaimed, “if we’re gonna fix this problem, we can’t be at each other’s throats.”

Rainbow and Fluttershy reluctantly scooted apart and cooled their jets for a minute. They each thought they had the perfect solution to the problem. Unfortunately, they weren’t willing to give each other credit. That, and their budding feelings of romance wouldn’t allow them to. Though they hadn’t confessed it yet, they each wanted to keep their feelings secret until the right time. This, obviously, was not the right time. But, all the same, blushes painted their cheeks as they turned their backs on one another.

“Alright,” Mist said, “now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, does anypony have anything else to offer?”

The ponies thought hard, but nopony could come up with anything. Wereponies were just so utterly rare, and no one had ever written a guide on capturing one. It was at this point that they missed Twilight the most, for she was often the one who came up with the most sensible plans. They felt lost without her, and the more time passed by, the further away she seemed.

Day 17

Much to Mist’s shock, her thoughts became reality the very next day. The investigative team packed their saddlebags and headed northward. But they had not left Ponyville in disarray or unprotected. The sergeant tightened the security teams around the points of interest, and even had an elite offshoot squad guarding Mr. and Mrs. Cake. Mist had giggled to herself watching the friendly and outgoing Cakes offering some dessert to the guards. They’d gotten zero response, and it had disappointed them. But then they reasoned that their protectors were simply occupied with their mission. Soon enough, the Cakes got comfortable with their detail, and were seen around town with the guards following like lost puppy dogs.

As for the investigating ponies, they hit the railroad track to Transylmaneia. The theory presented regarding the old werepony masters was a good one, and the only lead they had to go on. Along the way, though, mysterious things began happening to the train. Once, the engine sputtered and came to a complete stop. Thankfully, the engineer and his assistants were able to fix it right up. But then, a seemingly blind flock of sheep wandered onto the tracks. This was a much tougher fix, as the fluffy bovine annoyance would not move. They lay about on the railway, bleating and eating and generally making a nuisance of themselves. Rarity and Mist attempted to use their magic to remove the sheep, but when they did, more came in to replace them.

“UGH! I’ve NEVER seen such a flock!” The conductor said exasperatedly, “now we’re sure to miss our schedule!”

“Hang on, darling, I’ve got an idea!” Rarity said, “now, mind you, I haven’t done this since Sweetie Belle was a tiny little filly. So…I might be rusty. Also, you are all sworn by sacred oath not to reveal this to anypony, understand?”

They all nodded and Rarity began her work. She puffed out her fur, thus looking somewhat like one of the bothersome creatures. Then, she began bleating cutely, hopping about just like a lamb. The sheep took notice of this strange happening and, as sheep are rather dimwitted beings, began hopping after her. The observing ponies weren’t sure which was more shocking, the fact that Rarity would stoop to that level or the fact that it was working. But soon enough, Rarity led all the sheep over to a nearby pen, where she noted that the lock had been broken. She used her magic to fix it, receiving praise and quite a bit of ogling from the shepherding ponies beside the gate.

“Um…thanks, Miss,” one said, blushing wildly once Rarity primped herself properly, “you…saved our flock.”

“Oh, darling, it was no trouble at all! I’ll do anything if it means advancing the train.”

“I don’t know if anyone’s told you this, Miss,” the other one said, “but…you’re quite…pretty.”

Rarity smiled. “Aw…well, thank you, gentleponies. You’re both quite handsome yourselves.”

A couple bats of the eye and both stallions were smitten. But she had to run along, so she gave them an address by which to contact her and made her way back on the train. She curled up on one of the seats with a fashion magazine before noticing everyone staring at her. Figuring out the reason, she sat straight up and giggled a bit. Her blush was intensely noticeable, and it became apparent that she’d had another motive for removing the sheep. Not only did it help the train move once again, but it also gave her a conduit for meeting some potential suitors.

“Hey, a girl has the right to fall in love, doesn’t she?” She asked.

“Of course, Rarity,” Fluttershy said, “but…you seem to fall in love with every male pony.”

Rarity chuckled again, but said nothing more. By this point, the train was screeching to a halt at the Transylmaneia station. The ponies all got off, each one with their own luggage, and headed into the rather dark little town. Its inhabitants seemed to creep along as ghosts, wisping through the wind silently. The businesses that lined the thoroughfare reflected the village’s horrific heritage: Werepony sightseeing tours, ghastly haunted homes, and creepy baths of fake blood. There was a hefty dose of sexuality as well, with some of the street mares offering their services. Apparently, a common fetish in the town was mating in the homes of the dead, and for the right price, one could experience it for himself.

“Um…” Mist said, “…this place is-“

“Absolutely horrifying!” Fluttershy exclaimed as she quaked.

“Don’t worry, everyone,” the sergeant said, “just stick together and we’ll be fine.”

“But…there are skeletons and ghouls and awful things all over the place!” The yellow Pegasus said with fear, “what if one of them jumps out and grabs me…er…us?”

“Like I said, Fluttershy, there’s no reason to panic,” the sergeant soothed, “basically everything here is plastic or foam. This town was built on the legends that surround the area, and that fuels their economy. Sex, death, and blood are big deals in the trade here, which is why Princess Celestia granted them special privileges outside Equestrian law.”

“Special privileges?” Rarity asked.

“Yep. For instance, prostitution is illegal everywhere in Equestria except here. Their homes and lives would not survive without it. Personally, I despise the practice, but it is what it is. I just feel bad that these mares have to turn to such demeaning work in order to simply scratch out a living.”

These words struck a chord with Mist Dawn, who looked at some of her fellow mares slinking about in the dark. As much as she adored the idea of having sex with somepony, she couldn’t bear to see them depicted this way. So, she made a pact with herself: when this was all over, she swore to bring some back to Ponyville. There, they could be educated, get new and better jobs, find friends, and fall in love all at the same time. The possibilities were endless.

“Well, here we are,” the sergeant’s voice cut into her thoughts, “The Spire’s Gate. It’s the only hotel in the area. Come on, guys. Let’s get checked in.”

“Why don’t you check out?” A new, roughly feminine voice asked.

“Ah, Lamp Shade,” the sergeant said, “I should’ve recognized your foul stench.”

“Thanks for noticing,” the mare sneered, “it’s my new scent: Death’s Call No. 2. Now, why are you here?”

“We’re investigating crimes back in Ponyville and our leads have brought us to your…lovely little town.”

“We don’t need any snot nosed Ponyville do-gooders telling us what to do!” The mare barked, “so I suggest you shove off before I jump in!”

“Lamp, let’s not make this like last time,” the sergeant warned.

“Last time?” Mist whispered to Rarity, “what does he mean?”

“I don’t know,” Rarity answered, “I really don’t know.”

Day 26

They spent the rest of the night fighting each other. Steel and Twilight, a glorious rematch of a classic pony rivalry. The one time friends turned against each other with hooves flashing and snarls of spitting hatred. Blood flowed freely as their fellow ponies looked on, horrified by the terrible clash. Swipe after swipe created wounds on both bodies. Mane hair was yanked out by the roots, along with huge tufts of fur. Their sharpened appendages were the only weapons they needed. In the small light of the torches burning on the wall, they slashed against one another. They would choke, bite, and tear, searching for victory. Each had their own reasons for doing so.

For Steel, it was a love rejected and a fire snuffed out in its prime. She was ready to become Twilight’s undying mate forever, pledging her love to the purple unicorn in droves of papers and stacks of book sized confessions. Her mind had been completely enamored with Twilight, seeking out sexual and romantic gratification. Night after night had passed in masturbatory sessions, trying desperately to animate what she believed would be a very passionate experience with Twilight. But every moan, every scream, and every pulsating orgasm brought nothing but lies. She knew it was fake…and she wanted the real thing. But now, with her hopeful love dashed to pieces, she had nothing to lose. She fought to kill.

For Twilight, it was the rescue of many dear friends. She was putting her life on the line for them. In her mind, it would be honorable either way. She’d either rescue them and they’d celebrate or she’d die trying. In any case, she would fight to the bitter end. She didn’t care how much blood she spilled, nor how much she had to spill. Sometimes, bleeding to save those she cared about was more important than trying to convert an enemy. Her body waged the war she’d wanted to for years. She finally had Steel Quill right where she wanted her and she knew it. Her entire being was braced for battle, taking blow after painful blow from Steel’s strong right front hoof. But she held her own, getting shots in and retreating satisfactorily when red streams poured from her former friend.

“UGH!” Steel grunted as the two came together again while the sun rose behind them, “I’ll NEVER love you again! I hate you, Twilight Sparkle! To think I once wanted to mate with you!”

“Finally, something we agree on,” Twilight growled, “the very idea of us having sex is enough to make somepony sick!”

Steel screamed and pushed harder, shoving Twilight up against a wall. She might not have loved the purple pony anymore, but she did still carry a bit of admiration for her sleek body. Before Twilight knew it, the evildoer was upon her, thrusting her rump heavily and earning screams and shrieks from below. Twilight slashed backwards, undoing the rape, and sending Steel careening to the other side of the chamber. Once she saw that her enemy was injured badly, Twilight went about undoing Mist Dawn’s chains. When they fell off, the poor pony leapt up and went to hugging Twilight without stopping.

“Thank you, Twilight,” she whispered as tears fell, “thank you so much…”

“You’re welcome, my dear friend,” Twilight responded, “now, let’s get out of here!”

They went to make their escape when, suddenly, the door burst open. In front of them were all of their friends, but they looked different. They were angry and they appeared to be directed at both Mist and Twilight. The two mares were baffled by the sudden turn until Twilight remembered Zecora’s prophetic words about somepony betraying her. Then, without warning, somepony knocked Twilight down from behind. Mist turned and saw a terrifying sight: Rainbow Dash with a jar she’d procured from nearby. Suddenly, the entire mystery unraveled before Mist’s very eyes.

“You…you’re-“ she gulped

“The Grand Master,” Rainbow responded, “and I’ll thank you to refer to me as, ‘ma’am,’ from now on.”

“I’ll do no such thing!” Mist growled, “now, you tell me what you’ve done to Twilight!”

“Oh, nothing. I just knocked her out. She’ll be unconscious for a while, but it’s nothing to be concerned over. It’ll be long enough for us to beat you, throw you both into chains, and then take over Equestria! Princesses Celestia and Luna will be easy to crush. Now, be a good girl and give yourself up!”

“But, why, Rainbow Dash?” Mist asked as the group advanced on her, “why, Rarity? Why? Why did you all do this?”

“Because Twilight has power, darling!” Rarity snarled, “and our mistress promised us a piece of that power!”

“But what about Applejack?”

“Applejack was a traitor!” Fluttershy hissed, “she threatened to welch on our deal with The Grand Master. So, we had to send a message. Her home had to be destroyed! Her family needed to be annihilated!”

“So, we paid Steel Quill to concoct a batch of Lycantropy,” Rarity sneered, “and might I say that it worked better than we ever thought it would?”

“The bitch learned her lesson the hard way,” Fluttershy growled.

“Never, ever turn your back on this collective,” Pinkie said with a wicked smile, “because you just might find yourself in a place you cannot escape from.”

“We are one,” Rainbow Dash said with pride, “and shortly, all of Equestria will follow suit. Individual talents and friendship will be cast aside. Everypony will be required to sleep with me. I shall rule, and my subjects and subordinates will run roughshod over this land. We shall create a new Equestria, one where nopony is special. One where The Elements of Harmony do not exist. One where all Equestrians do the exact same thing and praise the exact same god: ME!”

Oh, Twilight, Mist silently begged, if there were ever a time for a miracle, it’s now! I need you and Equestria needs you! Please, please, PLEASE wake up! If you don’t…then I fear for our future.