996 CE

(The day Twilight returned to Ponyville)

(Bon Bon)

I am not Bon Bon. Right now, I am Special Agent Sweetie Drops of the Secret Monster Intelligence League of Equestria and I am failing my mission. A few months ago, I received orders from Canterlot. They changed my mission; from protecting Ponyville from the monsters of the Everfree to keeping five specific ponies happy and healthy. Why? Because these mares were vital for the mysterious Operation Selene. An operation I haven't been told anything about other than that failure could result in the death of countless Equestrians. Practically, there was very little change with my new orders; Ponyville is incredibly peaceful, the only threat is the monsters of the Everfree. That was, until two days ago.

The day was pretty normal. The only exception being Pinkie, one of the mares in my charge, returning to Sugercube Corner with an unknown griffin. That, in and of itself, wasn't strange, I was expecting an invitation to the 'Welcome to Ponyville' party by the time I got home. What was strange was what happened next, nothing. There was no invitation, no party, what's more, the bakery's doors temporarily closed. The only justification was a sign on the door saying the Cakes and Pinkie had been called away to a baking competition in Canterlot and would be back in a few days.

I, of course, investigated. The griffin I saw with Pinkie that morning claimed to be an old friend of the Cakes from culinary school who informed them of the competition and volunteered to house sit until they got back. Certainly unusual, but not impossible. The Cakes were known to head out on sudden business trips and the culinary school they attended was well known for its cosmopolitanism. I decided to monitor the situation, but not risk my cover by being any noisier.

Nothing more seemed to come of it until this morning.

This morning a memo came down from the mountain warning of a terrorist that might target Ponyville in the next few weeks. A terrorist that looked remarkably like the griffin that had arrived two days ago. The griffin that was staying in the home of one of my assets that hadn't been seen since said griffin arrived. It was not hard to assume the worst-case scenario.

So here I am, at the backdoor of Sugercube Corner, planing a rescue. Fortunately, I have an excuse. My candy store and the Cake's bakery have a close relationship. I sell them things like caramels, jams, and hard candy, they sell me cookies and other baked goods. Thanks to this, I have a key to the backdoor so I can do morning deliveries. So, I plan on quietly entering the back and scouting out as much as I can. If I get caught, I will claim I was here for a delivery and hope they buy it. I am up against a combat-trained griffin; I could probably beat him, but not without risking my cover and my charges. Stealth is a priority.

Taking a calming breath, I turn the key and begin the operation. I soon enter the kitchen, the normally lit and lively place quiet and dark. Slowly, I move through the eerie silence, keenly aware of every creak and groan my hooves make on the old wood floor. I quickly decide to start at the basement and work my way up. If that deranged griffin is here, he is likely in the apartments, so the upper floors have the most risk. Fortunately, the basement door is attached to th...

KLANG Klang klang..ang..ang!

BUCKING TARTARUS! Before I even have the chance to figure out what happened, I am diving behind the island for cover. Well, if he is here, he will be on guard. My heart pumping itself out of my chest, I hear the groaning of the basement stairs. I try to steady my breath as much as I can. I would rather not have to try to fight him or talk my way out of this.

The door opens and the lights turn on. A quick glance shows the sum of my fears, the mad griffin scientist, the angle of death, Gosef Mengele. The malevolent bird wore Pinkie's apron over his feathers which proudly proclaimed 'Hug the Pinkie!', and in his hand was a large chef's knife. I doubt the red fluid on both items was ketchup. It was the worst-case scenario. It was quite possible that Pinkie Pie was already dead. And if she was dead, Operation Selene was equally dead, and all of Equestria might soon be following them.

"Now what do we have here? A little rat playing in the kitchen? Well, that's not very sanitary, now is it? I should have the little rat as a little snack to make sure it doesn't spread its filth."

The smooth voice of the murderer mocks. Ducking my head back behind the island, readying myself for a deadly game of cat and mouse. With the lights on, I took stock of the room. I could immediately see that all the knives were missing, leaving me without a weapon if it came to combat. A conveniently placed metal bowl gave me a distorted reflection of the monster, allowing me to track his movements. I will just have to hope he doesn't do the reverse.

"Come out, come out little rat. You won't be able to hide from me."

He begins to walk around the left of the island, I slide my way to the right, keeping the counter between us.

"It looks like the little rat knocked over a muffin tin." He said, picking up the offending noisemaker.

"If the little rat confesses and is very sorry, I might consider forgiving it."

We had rotated a good ninety degrees by this point, and I could see the blood that dripped from his clothes and knife making a trail from the basement door. The coppery scent mixing with the scents of sugar, flour, and chocolate. Negotiation is not an option. But if nothing changed, he would find me. I needed to find a place to hide, somewhere that would be big enough to fit me.

"Little rat, you are trying my patience. I have a very busy day today and don't have time to play."

I risk a glance and see him staring at the same metal bowl I had used to keep track of him. Then I saw something that could provide an opportunity. A distraction so I can get somewhere to hide. Without hesitation, I put my plan into motion. My rigorous training, refined from years of stalking monsters through the Everfree, pays off. A quick duck and roll, combined with swift hoof movements, put me across the room and behind the door of my new shelter.

The sociopathic scientist notices movement, his head spinning around. A sick grin spreads across his face as approaches.

"Well, well little rat, it looks like our game is just about over. It was simply wonderful, but you never really stood a chance against a hunter like me."

He reaches towards the cabinet door, his knife glittering with blood and thirsty for more.

I was far too constrained in my shelter, There was no way I could fight back if he found me.

He grabs the handle, letting out a soft chuckle as he prepares for the kill.

Both of our muscles tense.

The door opens.

(The day before Twilight returns to Ponyville.)

(Fluttershy)

I wanted to run away.

Gosef seemed nice enough, and he was certainly polite, but he was a little overwhelming. I don't want to be rude, but he almost made me feel like an intrusive guest in my own house! And the worse part is, he seems so nice, that I feel bad even thinking about that.

I return to the living room with sugar for the tea to see Gosef playing with Gwen. It brings a smile to my face. One of my biggest worries with raising Gwen is that she won't know her own culture. I think having a griffin to interact with, even if only for a day, would be good for her. Now that I think of it, I should see if Twilight would give us a tour of Canterlot's griffin district, it could be a fun weekend trip when Gwen gets older.

"Here is your sugar. Sorry for forgetting, I don't host very often." I apologize as I gently put the sugar on the table between us.

"Oh, it is no trouble. You have been a wonderful host! Truly, you Equestrians provide the best service. I would almost think your kind were born to serve others." He replies merrily. I squirm a little at the compliment. Rarity is a much better hostess than I could ever be. While he talked, the griffin served himself some sugar. With no more complaints, I reach for my cup. Instantly, I see Gwen tense. Why would that be? The distraction causes me to grab the bowl of the teacup rather than the handle, the beverage heating the porcelain up enough to surprise me.

"Ouch. Sorry, I think I made the tea a little too hot. You said you were a pharmacist right? What brings you to Equestria?" I notice Gwen seems to have relaxed a little. What could possibly have her so wound up? I would think seeing another of her kind would be instinctively relaxing.

"Yes, well, in the course of my research, I have found a fascinating new drug!" The pharmacist withdrew a crystal vile full of pills from his pocket. "These little chicks have the wonderful ability to increase the odds of birthing identical twins. I am sure you can imagine how they could benefit farming or research. Now, I am touring Equestria in the hopes of securing some additional funding for my work."

"Oh my. I can certainly see how that could be useful." I know some of my animal friends would appreciate something like that, especially those that have a hard time breeding like Xiong Mao. "But why come to a half-rate backwater vet like me?"

He takes a bit to answer, sipping his tea after blowing on it for a while. The tea is still too hot for me. I wonder if griffins have a higher heat tolerance? At least we are on a topic I can actually talk about. As long as I can focus on the animals and not the fact that I am probably a horrible host, I will be fine.

"Well, to be honest, I am going to be staying in town for a few days house sitting. I figured I might as well take a shot at the local vet and farmers while I am here. Would you be... WHow there!"

The griffin was suddenly interrupted as Gwen lunged across him towards me. Despite that surprise, the pharmacist is able to catch the feathered missile before she could crash into the coffee table or spill the tea that I was just about to drink. Putting the cup down without taking a drink, I gave Gwen a disapproving look.

"Gwen! That is not how we act when there are guests around! Good Dr. Gosef is not a jungle gym! And what if you broke the china! These came from my late great-grandmother! And you could have gotten hurt!"

Gwen stared back defiantly, although I could tell some portion of my lecture got to her. Gosef, meanwhile, had a slightly cheesy grin on his face. Oh no, I disciplined my foal right in front of him! How embarrassing! I must seem like a horrible mother losing my temper like that. And an even worse hostess! Today just keeps getting worse! But I can't figure out what has got Gwen so wound up. She is usually so calm, way calmer than most creatures her age. To see her like this, it is almost as if a dangerous predator was around.

"I am so very sorry. Gwen is not normally like this. I don't have any idea what has gotten into her."

The griffin doesn't seem to mind. "It is no problem, I know chicks can be a clawful. I am pleasantly surprised by your discipline though, I find most ponies these days are far too soft. Now don't worry, I will make sure the firey young hen doesn't cause a ruckus. And please, take some time to have some tea and compose yourself. I am sure your throat is sore after that."

Gwen was struggling again, not able to get out of Gosef's grips. At this rate, I will have to put her to bed. I just can't believe she would be so aggressive! It is all my fault, I don't know what I am doing, should have just let Twilight take Gwen to an orphanage.

No! I can't let myself keep going into those dark thoughts. I just need to calm down, have some tea, and everything will be all right. I take a few calming breaths. A sip to calm down then I will put Gwen to bed. I will be able to talk to Gosef and everything will be alright. I bring the cup to my lips, ready for the warm comfort of the life-giving tea when I hear something remarkable.

"Mama!"

I pause. I couldn't possibly have heard that right. Gwen almost ever babbles. So little I was considering taking her to a doctor. But I can see her there, looking so cute, large, golden eyes staring at me, slitted pupils hardly visible in the abundant light of my home.

"Mama!"

She repeated it! There is no mistake! My little snowball called me mama! I could feel my heart beating faster, my teacup shaking in my grip. I could hardly believe it, Gwen's first words! I had always heard that they were special, but to hear something so sweet, so cute, so personal, after all that trauma and self-doubt, made it all worth it.

"Yes Snowy! It's me! It's your mama! Come here!"

I set my cup down and spread my forelegs and wings to let Gwen in a grand embrace. She jumped out of Gosef's claws, leaping to me like I was the last lifeboat on an airship. I was so caught up in the moment I hardly noticed the shattering of my teacup as Gwen clipped it with a wing, nor the annoyed look on Gosef's face.

We collapsed into each other's hugs, her hard beak tickling my chin. Coughing politely, Gosef excused himself, citing not wanting to break such an intimate moment. I hardly cared as I waved him goodby. Right now, I wasn't concerned about being a good host, but about being a good mother.

(The day Twilight returned to Ponyville)

(Bon Bon)

(Warning: Gore)

"GAH"

I had to stop myself from laughing as the toothless alligator firmly attached himself to the war criminal's face. My plan had worked perfectly. Having spotted Gummy hiding in the island, a quick throw into a partially open cabinet provided the perfect distraction. While the griffin was investigating, I was able to sneak into one of the ovens.

"So it really was a little rat. I thought I locked you up. Keep this up and I will dissect you just like your owner."

My adversary casually slams Gummy into the far wall and begins to head upstairs. I am not worried about the reptile. I had seen him launched through several buildings and travel the entirety of a manticore's digestive track, emerging unharmed in both cases. Besides, he wasn't my priority right now, I needed to find Pinkie. The basement seemed like a good first bet. I just hoped she was still in one piece.

By the time I had extradited myself from the oven and made it to the basement door, I could hear the sound of a shower upstairs. Good, I had a window. I should be able to get somepony out of here before he realized what happened.

The sight that greeted me in the basement almost made me vomit. I had been showered in chimera blood, I had seen the internal organs of a dragon, I had killed my fellow pony, I even had watched as a S.M.I.L.E. agent performed 'enhanced interrogation techniques'. But this, this was something else.

At the center of the carnage was Mrs. Cakes, laying naked on a wood table newly dyed red. Some of the blood had congealed beneath her, the coppery scent still pungent in the air. Next to her lay what were once kitchen utensils, but could now only be described as torture equipment.

Cup Cake, a mare I had known since I assumed my cover here, a mare I considered my friend, looked like she was on death's door. Her skin was noticeably paler under her fur, much of which had been shaved off. The bald skin reviled a criss-cross of stitches along her lower barrel and neck. The stitches were clearly professionally done, but still reviled gruesome, angry red cuts. Despite his supposed skill, her captor had not bothered to properly disinfect his tools, and signs of infection and gangrene were starting to show, with sickly yellow puss and black-green rot.

The worst, however, wasn't what was on her body, but rather what was outside of it. Sitting innocently on what was once a pizza pan was one of my friend's organs. How anypony, anycreature, could do that to a mare was beyond me. And Mrs. Cakes would always talk about her dreams of having children, of having a home full of foal's laughter. To have the symbol of that dream so casually and cruelly ripped out. To have it discarded like an afterthought. It was beyond deplorable, beyond unforgivable.

Swallowing my disgust, rage, and vomit, I tried to refocus on my mission. I had to save Pinkie. I couldn't help my friend, but if I could get Pinkie out of this hell, maybe I could save others.

It was not difficult to find my charge. Next to what remained of Mrs. Cakes were two other tables. Mr. Cakes was on the closest one, resting fitfully in a pool of his own tears, drool, and vomit. Past him was Pinkie Pie. The party pony was far beyond her normal self, her hair so straight it put rulers to shame. She was awake by some definition of the word. Her eyes were vacant and staring at nothing, not even seeming to acknowledge my presence. Only the soft movements of her chest told me she was still alive.

Reluctantly leaving the Cakes to their fate, I moved to rescue Pinkie. Even standing over her, she didn't seem to see me. The sight of the bubbly and fun pony so broken tore at my heart, but she couldn't get better if she didn't get out of here. Quickly undoing the straps, I decided to leave Pinkie's gag in, just in case, as to not give away our escape. Freeing the earth pony mare and hoisting her still limp form over my back, I begin to make my escape. I could tell immediately there was no way for me to carry an additional victim.

With Pinkie on my back, I moved as swiftly as possible upstairs. By the time I got to the kitchen, I could hear Gosef finish wiping the blood off his hands. It would be too risky now to try and recover one of the Cakes, they would just have to wait until I could get backup.

Darting out into the morning mist, heading to the hospital, I consigned my friends to their gruesome fate.

Author's Note

Hi,
Another darker chapter, I changed the rating of the fic to reflect that. We also have two more character deaths, after this, the Cake twins will never be born.

This one was pretty hard to write and I didn't have time to think of a lore section, so nothing for this week.