A Roegadyn in Equestria

A Roegadyn in Equestria.

Chapter 77: Jeepers Creepers.

*Point of view: Rory Mercury*
*Location: The Dreamscape of Brex*
*Time: Eleven at night. Two days after the last joint class outing*

Looking from within. The entrance slowly opened to reveal Rory coming into the dream fabricated building that acted as the central hub to everything within her Master's mind. As the door closed on its own after taking a few steps in. Rory held a hand up to her mouth to stifle a yawn from escaping too loudly as small tears could be seen on the edges of her eyes to show just how exhausted she felt. After taking a quick glance around and flicking her noticeably longer ears to hear for any noise now that she was in her real form.

Rory gave out a somewhat bored sigh as she started her way up to the second floor by taking the right set of stairs. She soon began to talk to herself as her clothing effortlessly shifted into a cloud of dense mist and reformed into her usual robes to allow the girl to feel much more comfortable before heading to bed. Aside from those clothing that barely made it halfway down her thighs, the rest of her form was completely uncovered. Along with her pointy teeth that could just be made out as she had a gentle smile. There was also the bushy black tail that was carefully wagging as she shooked her hips with each step going up.

She even went through a couple of the memories from only that day as she went up the Canterlot to visit Fleur De Lis and Sir Fancy Pants. This had become a normal habit of hers whenever she was sure that her Master would not require her assistance when he was busy with teaching a class for the last couple of weeks. In fact, she nearly bumped into Prince Blue Blood as he was leaving her friends place when she got nearby. With him seemingly in a rush, Rory stayed out of sight by hopping into a nearby bush as to not be in the way and ran right up to her friend's place immediately afterwards at the very moment the coast was clear.

Even though they knew one another for quite some time. She had this feeling that there was some juicy gossip on the wind and the urge to be all sneaky was just far too overwhelming to resist. Sure, it was possible to just go right up to the stallion and ask to start off. But having some ammo to have in her pocket was sounding to be way better for some additional teasing in the future. The thing is. Rory for the better part of the last few years, was comprised of some light poking and prodding at the young prince when it came how she would show her affection to her Master. Only to earn some rather amusing reactions. Even if was at the cost of getting scolded later on.

It did not take all that long for Rory to get the juicy little information when it came to the prince coming all the way down from the castle for some advice when it came to someone that he fancied. Both Fleur De Lis and Rory were having a giggling fit at the idea of how Prince Blue Blood would take the news that he was actively crushing on one of Fleur De Lis’s sisters. Of course, they were talking about the young maid in training from over ten years ago that was requested by her Master to keep an eye on the kid. This was along with sir Fancy Pants checking in on occasion.

She was only a couple of years older and in an apprentice position at the time. It was all thanks to her ability to sense his emotions that the prince was given some help over the years to get over some of the trauma he had suffered from the hands of the Nobles that were taking advantage of him. And as a result, the two have been pretty much inseparable. If it was not for the simple reason that this group of Changeling’s no longer needed to feed off of love to survive. Then Rory might have suspected that the prince was simply a means to an end for a stable source of food.

There was even one point or another that Fleur De Lis inquired as to whether or not her sister wanted a change of assignment and get switched out with another. This was because it was customary to rotate who is doing what, so that their assignments did not get old. While also broadening their experience with other duties. However, not once did her sister ever complain and outright refuse to be switched out. Rory even made a comment during this discussion that her friend's sister was probably exhibiting similar signs to how Rin and Lin would act with her Master.

Yet, there was just one small problem. That being the fact that the maid would not make the first move and allowed everything to be played at the prince’s own pace. This only caused both of the girls to slowly shake their heads as Fleur De Lis commented on how he was going too slow and he should just say what he wants to. No matter how well he hides it, there was just no fooling a girl's intuition that he has romantic feelings. Especially a girl who has the passive emotional senses of a Changeling. Even with her own being significantly weaker than the rest of her sisters. Fleur De Lis could easily tell just how much the prince felt.

Afterwards, it was all the same things they would normally do while going out for the day. Visit a few shops here and there, go to their favorite Café. This would be followed by either more shops or taking in a show at one of the many theaters. Of course, there was also the paparazzi that would show up now and then to take a couple of snapshots. Ever since Rory found out about that one magazine article she was more finely tuned when it came to sensing them out at the edge of her range. She did find it rather annoying that they were using long distance lenses to capture more of what were considered natural shots.

To her, there was no doubt that there were going to be a few other magazine articles with her picture alongside of her friend in the near future. She even wondered if this was going to cause that one pony known as Photo Finish to show up earlier than expected if her popularity was to continue to grow at this pace. Everything was going as she had expected for a slow and calming day out when coming near the end. But when it was getting close, and the pair was holding on to a number of shopping bags in both of their hands and in the middle of chatting.

Rory's Pony disguised ears flicked off to the left right as they were passing by a random alley. She and Fleur De Lis stood at the opening while looking down to the very end. Right there in some of the shadows being cast by the buildings were three figures and they were on the ground with their backs pressed up against the brick wall. The one in the middle was impressively big. There was one short one that might have had a muscular build to the left and the right side was another. This one had a slimmer build and nearly half as tall as the first.

All of them wore tattered rags of blue, brown and green. What also did not escape her notice was how a few of the surrounding garbage cans had their lids taken off or partially emptied out from being turned on their sides. Her ears flicked again as the subtle noises of stomachs rumbling echoed at such a low volume that it was easily covered up by the gentle wind that blue between the buildings. Apparently, they had gone unnoticed to the three in the alleyway and Rory handed her items over to Fleur De Lis.

The mare was surprised for only a second before she had this knowing smirk of her own and rolled her eyes as Rory went down the alleyway to approach the figures. The entire way was easily more than fifteen meters between the entrance and where they were lying down. Her steps were so light that hardly any noise was made to alert them to her proximity. This was only made more apparent when she began to pick up on their conversations as their hooded heads slowly moved to indicate just who was in the middle of speaking.

“Have we really been reduced to eating garbage for practically every single meal? If we knew it was going to turn out like this, then I would have grabbed as much of that food as I could when we had the chance... I’d kick myself in the tail right now if I could.”

“Oh, quit your belly aching! If I ever see those Griffins again... I’ll, I’ll… Augh... I'm too hungry to make threats.”

“We may have taken up the wrong profession. I knew I had a bad feeling about this job.”

“Well duh! What tipped y'all off? Was it us dipping into everything we had for the preparations for the last job? Oh, oh I know! Maybe it was the fact that we got swindled out of our pay? Hmm~. It could be that you couldn't even keep a dropped wallet on the ground for yourself and had to go and search for the owner to give it back yesterday? Just take your pick...”

“I'm really sorry guys. I couldn't help myself. If it helps, I volunteer to be the first to be eaten if it comes down to it.”

“For crying out loud you big lummox! No one's going to eat you! I don't know if I could speak for an idiot over there. But I might be angry and disappointed. May even want to punch your face in, but I don't hate you.”

“Hey! Who you calling an idiot?! You know it said that an idiot is the one who calls another an idiot, so what does that make you?”

“I'd give you a fat lip right now if I can reach over to yah!”

“Ha! I'd love to see you try~.”

“Gnuh! Hurghg!!! If I wasn't so tired, I'd ring your scrawny neck like it was a wet towel!”

“So guys, uh. What are we going to do about dinner?”

“Dinner? I'd settle for a small scrap of just about anything to be in my stomach right now. I'm all for keeping a slim figure, but even this is too much for me.”

The conversation was immediately brought to a stop as all three tilted their hoods down when their stomachs were giving off a unified growl of hunger once again. By that point. Rory was easily half a dozen steps away or so and lightly coughed to gain their attention. The thin one wearing the raggedy blue clothing lifted his head just enough so that his chin was barely noticeable thanks to the shadows. The short bluish-gray fur was dirty from what was either mud or remains of old food from the nearby trash cans.

He then said in an almost condescending voice, while also waving his right hand in a dismissive gesture with barely any apparent energy being put behind the motion. “Just great, it's another Pony... we ain't done nothing. Just leave us alone already.” The one in brown was the next to speak up as he made a shooing gesture with both of his hands as he spoke. “Go on, get out of here. We ain't loitering in public all the way in this alley, so don't bother calling the guards on us.”

The larger one in green began to speak as his voice was sounding apologetic, while pulling in is two friends closer. “Don't mind us. We'll get moving as soon as we catch our breath in a few minutes. Please don't call the guards on us. Isn’t that right?” The last question was obviously pointed towards the other two as a small set of grumbling noises could be heard before both hoods started to nod slowly.

Rory up till now had a curious look. But this soon morphed to that of clear empathy upon getting a better look at the three now that she was close enough. After shifting her stance a little bit so that the bag of holding was exposed a little easier. The girl reached inside with a couple of fingers to open the bag a little more and pulled out a couple of Mirror Apples. She did this as one after another appeared until she had at least six lined up along her arm that she was using to hold them against the front of her body.

This earned her the full attention of the others as their hoods lifted in such a way that it was easy to tell that their nose is were acting as divining rods and zoning in on the apples. While at the same time, a chorus of sniffing sounds filled the air. She even detected the sound of some light swooshing. Which she immediately picked up on as one, if not all of them to be secretly wagging their tails from behind themselves and up against the wall. Her heightened sense of hearing was able to easily pick up on three distinctive sounds which corresponded to what she believed were the length of their tails as they varied in sizes.

She approached them further and place the apples so that they were just within arm’s reach on the ground gently and took a couple of steps back. The one in blue glanced at the apples and then back at her before he said, “H-Hey… what's the catch? You're not planning on screaming for help and accuses of stealing the second we touch them, are you?” The one in brown turned his hood away while grumbling a little bit. As for the biggest of the three. He gingerly began to reach for one of the closest apples.

When this was done. Rory got a good look as a hand began to expose itself from the end of the sleeve. It was covered in white fur and the tips of the fingers themselves had a noticeable claw or perhaps a nail. The inside of the hand itself showed a pad that would normally belong to a canine. A few round-ish patches of brown fur dotted a few of the parts as the Apple was picked up and brought to their hood.

It was sniffed a couple of times before it was brought underneath for a bite to be taken out. From there, the irresistible crunching sound of tearing away a good chunk of the Apple echoed as it overtook all the sounds coming from the city around. The juices even dripped a couple of times as the one under the hood was attempting to keep the juices from escaping thanks to the slurps being heard.

The slender one reached up and tried to grab a hold of his friend who was eating by his robes, while his voice was coming out as both panicked and concerned. “What'cha think you're doing? don't do that! I'm telling you it has to be a trick, don't fall for it! The one who was busy eating took a big swallow and gesture towards Rory as he replied. “I don't think it's a trick. She seems nice.” After giving out another grunt of reluctance. Brown immediately snatched up two of the apples and abruptly tossed one to the other and said, “If this does land us in jail, then at least we'll have a roof over our heads and three meals a day. So quit your yapping and start eating.”

As the other two began to eat and be completely absorbed by the delicious treats provided. Rory reached into her bag once again and pulled out a single white card with some writing on one side and gently placed it on the ground before she walked back towards the entrance of the alleyway. As she was doing this. She turned her head just so she can call over her right shoulder so that they could hear over the crunching sounds and slurps of the juices from the mirror apples that were being hastily gobbled up. “You may want to go to that address if you got nothing better to do.”

Without even waiting for a reply. Rory returned to Fleur De Lis and the pair finished their outing and went right back to her friend’s place. After conversing with the couple a little more. Rory came back to Ponyville by taking the last train heading down the mountain just a little while later. From there, she went back home after arriving in the small town and went right to bed. This of course led to the present as she began to say the next bit to herself. “Don't really get to see many of them around. At least not since Rarity got kidnapped. Although, I don't recognize their smells. They must be from a different pack.”

By now, Rory had already climbed the stairway and came into the room that her Master was inside of and quickly disrobed and allowed the articles of clothing to drift along her slender form in onto the ground before swiftly climbing into bed to snuggle up against him. As far as she knew for the past couple of nights. Her Master had been going straight into a deep sleep upon entering his Dreamscape in hopes of it maybe being the cure of his drifting mind.

During which, Princess Luna would come into his dreams in a futile attempt to talk. But to only come across the pre-made one that was set up ahead of time and wander around until finally giving up. Thinking that it would just be the same again tonight and knowing that she could sense any unwanted intrusions to where she could wake up instantly to deal with it. Rory went right to sleep as well to rest alongside her Master. But not before opening one of her eyes and waving her hand overhead to cause a number of screens to pop up so that they were facing downwards from above the bed.

These depicted the city of Limsa Lominsa from a number of vantage points and walkways so that most of it was being monitored all at once. There were even a few of the screens that showed some odd moving graphs and wavy lines with texts underneath to give off the feeling that they were a type of diagnostic scan. After giving them all a good once over, did she wave her hand once again to make them all disappear and closed her eyes for the night. Although, before the firm grasp of sleep took its hold on her. Rory leaned in and gave her Master a gentle kiss on the cheek before pressing herself up against his body even more tightly.

As Rory and Brex fell into a deep sleep within his mind. They were unawares as to something happening downstairs and with the color-coded wheel being displayed next to the front door. As Rory was the last one to come in. The indicated dial at the top displayed the red section. But on closer inspection. One could just barely make out the way it was beginning to slowly rotate at a snail's pace to the left. After an agonizingly slow minute passed. The wheel began to stop only a fraction of an inch from crossing over from the red, to that of the black section.

However, this was only a brief pause before it continued yet again. And just as it was going to make the clear crossing over of colors, there was a series of muffled sounds from the other side that's strangely gave off a series of metallic clangs and the wheel began to spin in the opposite direction until it was at least a quarter of the way back into the red once again. The next thing to happen was a single screen to appear right over the door knob with a heavy amount of static to gargle up what was being written in text. After a few seconds went by, the static cleared up just enough to allow one to scarcely make out the lines that one would see when listening to an audio file on a computer.

Soon, a single voice of a female could be heard at barely a whisper, then quickly followed by that of none other than Princess Celestia as the two repeated the same phrase until both were almost in perfect unison. “You should not have been born.” It was just about to continue after repeating the same phrase for at least the twentieth time right as a number of hairline cuts immediately appeared running across the screen at random angles and causing it to shatter and disappear into nothing.

*Point of view: Third Person*
*Location: The Dream Realm. Right outside of Brex's dream bubble.*

Princess Celestia was putting on her calm outer facade as her internal self was absolutely giddy with excitement after finally persuading her younger sister to bring her along this evening to visit the dreams of Brex. As the two of them were approaching the large cloud covered bubble. The two Sisters began to converse with one another as Luna was slowly shaking her head after giving out an exhausted sigh of annoyance that was clearly a result from Celestia's pestering.

“At the very least you could have waited within your own dream for me to gain permission. There is also this small possibility that you will not see him this evening even if we were to simply enter. I know not as to why I have been unable to locate him on my previous two attempts.”

“It is as you say, Sir gambits mind is... rather unique. Nevertheless, my student’s letter has me rather worried. Perhaps it coincides with his absence from within his own dream.”

“Indeed. Young Twilight Sparkle may have a point in her assumptions that sir Gambit has not been resting as of late to have these bouts of momentary pauses. If it was for not our schedules being so full. Then I would pay him a personal visit to inquire as to his well-being.”

“Please Luna, let us not discuss daily matters for now. My hands have been full with one issue after another. Right after our treaty with overseas thanks to the new king being put into power. I had hoped that it would be smooth sailing so to speak. But to only have this growing issue of some of the companies becoming unstable in Canterlot to where the financial trading district is in an uproar. One Merchant would either be bought up by another or inexplicably go out of business for various reasons that mostly make absolutely no sense.”

“Yes, I must concur my dear sister. The growing number of nightmares in regards to one losing all their bits has been on a trend as of late. I have done my best, but this matter is not in my realm of expertise. At best, all I could do is simply put a Band-Aid on the wound and hope that the dreamers could have the momentary Peace of Mind to come up with their own solutions and vanquish said nightmares on their own.”

“Luna, we have lost nearly fifteen percent of our yearly income thanks to a number of companies that have spontaneously decided to relocate to other cities after previously opening branches at those locations. We are fine for the moment, but I fear what this might do to the daily lives of our citizens. Not only that, skilled professionals of various fields are even leaving Canterlot for other positions as well. This only came to my attention after hearing a few of the complaints in Day Court.”

“Has our nephew not been conducting negotiations on this matter? If I’m not mistaken. He is well versed in financial matters.”

“Yes, he has been in nearly constant talks, but to no avail. He even proposed a number of beneficial incentives to be added onto contracts that I myself would find impossible to turn down if I were in their position. It just makes absolutely no sense that they outright refuse each one so hastily. If this continues, then we're going to be at a severe shortage in personnel. If it was not for the social workers that belong to the company called the “Cross Species Bridge” that are finding us some temporary replacements to fill the positions and educational programs from “Endless Enlightenment” to teach the new workers the much-needed skills, then we would be in far more trouble.”

“Oh yes. I do recall Sir Fancy Pants himself recommending those to us. Does he not have a hand in investing into those companies?”

“Hmm, I do believe so. Thankfully enough, any who are associated with him have not been giving us issues unlike the rest. It only serves to show how Sir Fancy Pants is capable of finding some reliable business partners.”

“Sister. Perhaps we should consider offering him a position in our Royal Financial section?”

“Oh Luna, do you believe I have not considered that? The idea was thrown out there, only to be refused. The reason being that he wanted to be more hands on with everyone and not be restricted to that of just the castle itself. He even mentioned that there would be too many limitations on what he could do if he had to follow so many of those stuffy old rules if he were to take on the position.”

“Haha. It has not been too long, yet I could see Sir Fancy Pants saying that. From what I have heard. His family bloodline has had a knack for having an outstanding reputation with both the Nobles and that of the common folk for many generations.”

When their conversation ended. Luna noticed that the swirling clouds were almost hesitant to open up as quickly as normal when she got within range. Celestia caught onto this and hesitantly came to a stop so that she was a couple of paces behind her younger sister and wearily eyed the smoke. Luna turned towards her older sister and said the following as she was nodding her head towards the opening. “Fear not dear sister. This has been going on for the past week. I very much doubt that you will be attacked again.”

Luna paused for a moment as she had a thoughtful expression on her mind as both she and her sister were halfway through crossing the threshold. She then said, “Although, this time around it was a little slower than the rest with making an opening.” Celestia was in the middle of turning her face towards her younger sister as she was now sporting a worried expression right as they disappeared within. It was at that very moment back in the dreamhouse of Brex, that a number of screens began to pop up in front of the exit.

These all showed various positions of Limsa Lominsa from elevated spots that would show large areas and a few being in cramped corridors. One of these windows showed a ripple in the sky and the two princesses appearing as though they were exiting a reflective surface made of liquid with ripples slowly disappearing. Circle icons immediately zoned in onto their heads and respective lines were leading to texts to identify who was being observed. When it came to Luna it all seemed to go smoothly. Whereas there was a noticeable lag when Celestia's information was being displayed.

The color-coded wheel on the door immediately began to turn again towards the black. It only came to a halt as there was barely space enough for a single strand of hair before it crossed over. All the while, the wheel was constantly rattling as if there was an unknown set of opposing forces that were fighting for control for what direction it would go. Over with the camera feeds. The terrain was quickly beginning to shift to where the sky was turning a few shades darker.

There was even this odd purple haze that was building up from out of nowhere. If one was to compare the site. Then it would be said that the air strongly resembled the way oil would sit in a puddle of water. Everywhere one looked would be the same as this odd vision encompassed all. A few of the windows even began to slowly fill up with static until the pictures were completely obscured.

Upstairs and in the bed that Brex and Rory shared. The Roegadyn's face was contorting to that of clear discomfort as his facial muscles were twitching. While all of this was going on. Both Celestia and Luna landed near the large slowly rotating blue crystal in the middle of the central Plaza. Celestia turned her head a couple of times to observe her surroundings and gestured towards the sky as she spoke with a confused tone to her voice. Has that ever happened before?”

Luna then said the following as she took in just what was happening. “I have seen other dreams that are similar. Still, this is not quite what I am used to.” Luna was just about to say more when she paused and raised an eyebrow as her eyes were drawn slightly upwards and to the right. Celestia was just about to ask what was wrong when she began to do the same. Apparently, something appeared in their vision off to the top right corner. This turned out to be a mini-map with a clock at the top and an icon of a dark purple mist that was housed within a circle.

Celestia was busy focusing on what she was looking at as she was clearly having some trouble with figuring out exactly what was occurring. But as soon as her sights were squarely on that odd icon. A set of words in a small bubble appeared next to it that said the following. “Current weather: Gloom.” Luna then started to speak as she turned her attention over towards her older sister to start up another conversation.

“I know not as to why this is occurring. As much as I would love to have a map such as the one I am being shown. This talk of the weather being that of Gloom has me on edge. Perhaps this is an emotional state?”

“I'm not so sure Luna. Although I do recall that there was talk of there being a small patch in our country's borders that just so happens to have a similar appearance. Not only that. It has also been given the same title.” When Celestia said that. Her expression became disheartening as her ears began to go down and become flat on the sides of her head.

“Oh, and where might this be?”

Celestia gave a small audible gulp as she said, “You would know it as... around the deepest part of Ghastly Gorge...”

“But why would-.” Luna had abruptly stopped in mid-sentence as the implications dawned on her. The deepest part of Ghastly Gorge was where the two of them landed and her older sister launched the largest magic attack that could possibly have been recorded in all history in an attempt to destroy Brex during their not so friendly encounter. But still Luna was more than surprised that her older sister even had the required amount of magic to even produce such a blast to begin with. She even contemplated if Nightmare Moon would have even been able to withstand the hit.

Shaking those thoughts away to focus on the matter at hand. Luna attempted to use a spell to Aid in locating Brex. Her horn lit up and a noticeable spark shot along the length and elicited a startled gasp from the dark blue mare. She even brought a hand to massage the base of her horn as she had one eye closed and spoke with clear irritation in her voice. “As the current generation would say. What the buck was that?!”

Celestia gave a small wince as she replied to that hurriedly. “Oh dear, it completely slipped my mind. The Gloom phenomenon has a very peculiar effect which only manifests for Alicorns from what I can tell from what just happened now.” Luna was still nursing her horn as she gave her older sister a pointed look with her still open eye that practically screamed that she should have said something earlier and an explanation was needed.

“As I was saying. It has not been a problem for anyone else but when I myself went there... uh. I found that my amount of magic and sensitivity worked against me. The amount of magic in the air interferes with our casting. I do not believe that it is enough to prevent us from using any, but there is a backlash that we would have to force our way past. It's not sure as to when. Although, I assume that the weather changed a few years after... Uh, you know what. The affected area slowly grew over the centuries and stopped a few hundred years ago. There was even the unexpected effect of randomly calling down lightning and mysteriously spawning a new type of Elemental that is only found there.”

Luna gave a small grunt as she recovered and had this flat look on her face while storming off in a random direction that would lead her towards the docks. Celestia gave chase as she still had this apologetic look on her face and hurriedly caught up to her younger sister that was already getting a fair distance away. As they were moving further and further from the blue crystal. Luna's voice could just barely be made out as she was openly chastising Celestia about how she was gone for a long time and it would have been best if she had been warned beforehand about such occurrences.

Soon after, there was a random set of small static noises that were coming from out of nowhere. They came at a low volume before there was a reasonably large one that just exploded. In time with that odd noise. The plaza that the princesses were just inside of turned a shade of black and gray. The pedestal that was underneath the hovering crystal suddenly broke diagonally with various cracks through the stone and the missing pieces were scattered a short distance away. The crystal itself was silently laying across the ground after being broken into several pieces.

Even the gold that would spin around it along with the smaller crystals that were fixed into it was bent out of shape and half pinned underneath. The stone flooring was damaged and multiple erosion points could be seen. Patches of both stone and crystal surfaces were now covered in vines and algae in such a way that one would have immediately thought of the area to be a part of some long-forgotten civilization and left to the ravages of both time and harsh weather.

What was once the calming sounds of the sea and birds was also replaced with and ominous howl of the sea and a few crying crows. After a couple of seconds of the environment being in such a condition. A set of slithering and squelching sounds were being emitted from the edge of the Plaza where there would be nothing but the churning ocean below. It almost sounded as though it had been crawling up and was just climbing onto the edge and casting a looming shadow when an ear piercings screech was produced.

What came next was a dark viscous fluid gushing over the floors and partly reaching nearly a third of the way across the plaza before splattering onto the stone flooring and a section of the pedestal. There was even a large wet thud that emanated from the direction of the screech. This was immediately followed with the area being enveloped in a sudden flash of static for just a fraction of a second and the structures resume their previous appearance before the odd seen even occurred.

Suddenly, a dark blur crossed the open area and swiftly entered the indoor market at such a speed that it was impossible to tell just what it could have possibly have been. However, just as it managed to get into another set of shadows near the halfway point. The unmistakable shine of a metallic object could be seen reflecting the weak light that was coming in from the entrance before that too was no longer visible. Both Celestia and Luna continued to search around the city for the next half an hour while getting a better feel for the surroundings as to gleam any new information that they could possibly use in learning anything about the owner of the dream.

Eventually, the pair made their way all around back to where they originally started. Luna upon arriving, began to hang her shoulders lower and gave her older sister a, “I told you look.” Celestia had an eyebrow raised as she was glancing back and forth to where they first ran off to and back to the direction that they came in from just now as she spoke. How is it possible to have a dream and yet... not be within it as well? It also astounds me as to just how massive this all is.”

Luna replied to that after regaining her posture. “It's as I previously stated. Sir Gambit has a very unique mind. I'm sure he has to be here somewhere. If anything, then he is simply at a location we have yet to explore. Although, it is conceivable that we might be able to flush him out if I were to adjust the dream.” Luna then had this puzzled expression as she began to bite her lower lip before she continued. “The main issue is that I am not sure as to how Sir Gambit would take it. Alas... I do not see there to be any other option.”

Luna was pooling a greater amount of magic when compared to earlier into her horn as she got ready to cast a dream spell to shift the surroundings to one that would be more favorable. A few seconds went by and the lunar princess was just about to release the spell, when a screeching sound could be heard from somewhere down below and towards the docks that they had only been several minutes prior.

This had the effect of causing Luna to cancel her spell at the last moment and the two rushed off in that direction once again. But this time, they went with the route of jumping off the edge and using their wings to fly down at a faster rate than it would take to run all the way down on hoof. The younger sister was in the lead and the other was close behind after taking a sharp dive down after letting allowing their wings to unfurl.

Thanks to the Gloom effect in the air. It made it difficult to spot the docks right away as all they could make out were some outlines of the ships from a distance after gliding around a few pillars. As they drew ever so closer at a high rate of speed. The pair had to blink their eyes a few times as some of the ships that were coming into view were in obvious disrepair. The larger one’s were either full of massive holes and having some of their sailing masts broken clean near the base and hanging off the edge. There was even one of the larger ships that had the midsection underwater as the front and back end could be seen sticking partly out from the surface.

The docks themselves where they met the stone sections of the city were now half underwater. Shops were mostly flooded, as a number of the containers within could be seen floating on the surface of the incoming tides. The wooden pier was broken into several sections and only connected by a few pieces of rope. Upon one of the still above water parts was a small fisherman’s boat that was marooned and out of the water. If it were not for the protruding pieces of debris that just barely broke the surface. Both Celestia and Luna would not have taken notice to how the water was just clear enough to make out the near endless number of wreckages beneath the surface.

Among all of this. The area had lost nearly all of its color and was stuck in a black and white state. Mildew and seaweed covered a good portion and the strong undeniable smell of mold filled the air. It was so powerful in fact, that it easily overwhelmed their senses. Fighting the urge to just fly right back out of there before the contents within their stomachs came up. Celestia and Luna continue their glide until they got around one of the pillars of stone protruding from the sea that acted as one of the base sections of the city.

Once she had flown around enough. Celestia spotted the area where she remembered that there was what she thought to be a fisherman shop and found that there was a bulbous shadow. It was mostly round and barely big enough to go through the large stone archway that would go into the establishment. After giving a signal to Luna that she was going in. The two princesses began to dive. But as soon as it started to get close enough to get a good look at whatever it was. The mass released another one of those ear-piercing screeches that they previously heard. It was then sliced clean and half without any indication as to what was the cause.

If this was nowhere enough to surprise the two. Then it had to be their urgent need to split up before getting hit with the obscene amount of dark viscus fluids that were now gushing from the two parts and going right at the two of them. Both Celestia and Luna gave out a set of startled screams as they were nearly caught off-guard by all of this. The lunar princess turned just enough so that she was flying out into the open ocean and quickly coming to a stop after turning around in the air.

As for her older sister. Celestia was not as lucky as she collided with the remnants of a fisherman's net. Said net had been obviously hung out to be repaired and she ended up getting caught in it and forced to hang as her body was suspended in a bundle right over the water thanks to a post being connected to the net by a single rope. The older sister struggled and grunted as she attempted to break herself free.

After a few seconds later. Luna showed up and was now hovering just over the water. While also snickering at her older sister's expense. Snickering that did not go unnoticed by Celestia as she quickly called out for help. “Luna! Some assistance would be greatly appreciated! Hurry please. The net is starting to chafe.”

Knowing that this was not a very good time to mess around. Luna came in closer to free Celestia. Luna grabbed on to a part of the net and gave it a good pull. After a few moments of this going on, some leeway was made and Celestia was nearly free when everything suddenly reverted to what it once was. It was because of this, that the solar princess found herself no longer imprisoned much to her relief. Although, that feeling was short-lived when she realized that she was now falling and immediately landed on her head on the wooden pier that was miraculously put back together.

But not before screaming in panic and flailing like mad until the point that she landed on her own head, which then led to the rest of her body falling back and into a set of wooden barrels to cause them to roll off the edge and into the water to create some loud splashes. Luna made a slight hissing sound as her mouth open to expose her clenched teeth at the site of her sister going through such a painful accident. She even raised both of her hands as if instinctually trying to protect herself, while her eyes squinted to where they were nearly closed from hearing the loud set of thuds.

Of course, the lunar princess also gave out a few sounds of discomfort of her own as if she herself was going through it as well. As Celestia laid on her back with clearly spinning eyes. Luna eventually regained her composure and carefully leaned in so that her face was directly above her own sister by a couple of feet before saying the following with one slightly squinting eye and the other having an eyebrow raised. “Are thou still with us dear sister? That appeared to be rather… painful.”

Having trouble at the moment with her eyes. Celestia attempted to respond as one of her hands was tending to the part of her head that was struck upon landing with a woozy tone to her voice. “I know not why as to how this is giving me a sense of déjà vu.” Luna had a confused look as she knitted her brow and pursed her lips for just a second before asking a question. “Pray tell, when have you been caught in a net and slammed onto the ground?” The solar princess ignored the odd question for the moment, and she soon managed to get back onto her shaky legs and dust off her clothing.

Once she was in a right set of mind and quite sure that her attire was okay. Did she try to answer Luna. Her mouth opened just enough to let a breath escape her lips when she found herself pausing and scrunching up her face in confusion before saying the next part. “Now that I think on it more... I honestly cannot recall that I have ever been in a net. Stranger still. I have not once used the phrase, “déjà vu” in my life. Perhaps I may have overheard another say it.”

Luna started to give her older sister a mischievous smirk as she made the next comment and received a tongue that was stuck out in her direction from Celestia. “Your old age is beginning to catch up on you dear sister. Being so forgetful already? If not careful, then Sir Gambit may become turned off at the notion that you are showing your years.”

Celestia retorted with, “Lulu! We are not that off from one another. You do realize this, right? And do not bring Sir Gambit into this.” The lunar princess only rolled her eyes and began to look around. After a couple of seconds went by and taking in how the docks were now back to what would be seen as working order when compared to the dilapidated state from only a few seconds ago. She then said, “We were clearly witnessing a nightmare, yet I felt nothing that would indicate of that being the case. Curious indeed.” Celestia hummed along with her sisters’ observations as the two were facing the structure that the large object they were assuming was attempting to enter.

Unbeknownst to them. A shadowy figure slowly crept out from the rest of the barrels that were not knocked over and steadily approached them from behind. All the while, keeping itself hidden from their senses. Suddenly, the pair of princesses arch their backs as their heads lifted from a sudden jerking motion that one would get when being sharply pushed from behind. They released a set of shocked screams and lurched forward. As a result, both pairs of eyes had gone as wide as they could go as the orbs shined with a bright white light.

This apparently happened within a span of one or two seconds and both Celestia and Luna found themselves blinking rapidly as they stood next to the large crystal at the plaza for the city yet again. As if coming out of a dazed like state. Celestia turn to her sister and said the following as she quickly brought a hand up to stifle a heavy yawn that escaped her lips. “How long have we been searching for Sir Gambit. Please do not say that it has been hours. I'm afraid if I do not return to my own dream and get some proper rest, then I will be in no condition for what my secretary has lined for up tomorrow.”

Looking almost equally as tired when compared to her other sister. Luna gave her own yawn as she lit up her horn and caused the pair to disappear in a small pop right as the magic hit its peak in expanded to encompass their forms. Strangely enough. What still remained to show that they had even been there, was the very fact that there was a set of dark blotches on the floor in the shape of their shadows. Even more so, was the way that they were connected by a thin strip and unnaturally darker than the rest of the shadows being cast by the sun against the other objects nearby.

Eventually, the gloomy weather cleared up in a matter of seconds after that and everything returned to a sunny day with just a couple of spread-out clouds that fill the sky, along with the gentle breeze of the sea and many chirping birds. The shadow then pulled itself together until it was a larger mass and silently shifted its way across the ground and entered one of the structures with a set of walkways that acted as a sort of Crossroads to the other sections of the city.

Once it crossed the threshold and was now out of the direct path of the sun. The torches inside flickered thanks to a light breeze that came out of nowhere. This went on until the embers eventually grew dim and died out. As a result, the deeper sections soon became bathed in growing about of darkness that stood out in such a way, that it gave the impression that if anyone was to toss in a lit torch right in there. Then the light would just be swallowed up in an instant.

When the shadow was nearly at a part where it would have been difficult to separate it from the natural ones being made on the inside of the structure. A vague form could just barely be made out as it slowly raised from its two-dimensional state to that of a walking figure. Once it was nearly a meter high. The sound of slowly walked footsteps could be heard as something hard was now making contact with the stone floor to produce an echo. When it reached a height that was more than that of a normal Pony. The footsteps stopped just before it fully disappeared into the dark.

From there, the torches immediately chose that moment to spark to life and to turn into a blinding blaze that filled the structure from within and banished all but the tiniest of Shadows within an instant. Unfortunately, this revealed nothing to be within the halls. Nothing besides a set of words that had apparently been deeply etched into the central stone pillar. Not only that, but they were also in large, bold letters.

These letters spelling out the words, “Restless eyes, blind to the beast.” The Embers from the multiple torches could be heard crackling as those words stayed in place for a couple of seconds before slowly being covered up as the rocks shifted and created a crushing of rocks sound as it eventually closed in the gaps as to seal the markings so that the wall would be perfectly restored to its pristine state.

Back over to the dream house of Brex. The constant yet violent rattling of the color-coded wheel came to a dead halt and slowly return to the center of the red section. The multiple monitors even ceased with their constant glitches and static filled screens to show the city being empty and closing up one after another until they were all finally gone. When it came to Brex who was still fast asleep on the second floor. The subtle expression of discomfort vanished and his face turn to that of one who was coming around to having a blissful night's rest.

*Point of view: Twilight Sparkle*
*Location: Twilight's dream bubble*
*Time: Four in the morning*

The purple Unicorn bookworm known as Twilight Sparkle was happily running around a library line with books that were clearly as tall as her own home itself. The distant end of the structure was so far away that one would need several minutes to sprint from one end to the next at just a cursory glance. While being surrounded by books that were set up in stacks and higher than four meters, was Twilight happily reading a tome on magic formulas and its relation on physical matter with a broad smile on her face. With eyes glued perfectly onto each and every word being printed on the paper. Her hand barely had a moment of rest before turning the next page.

She had just finished with the last page and closed the book quietly before releasing a very content sigh after reading yet another volume written by Star Swirl the Bearded. The book in her hands was placed onto a new stack as her other hand aimlessly reached for another from just on the outside of her view. But instead of coming back with another paper bound item full of knowledge. She now held in her grasp a very thin arm that was protruding from a gap in the books that she had not gotten to as of yet.

Upon witnessing what she was holding on to. Twilight gave out a startled shriek and released the arm, to only jerk away with great haste. By doing so, the chair was inadvertently knocked over and slid a couple of paces back. While at the same time, Twilight took on a defensive stance and charged her horn. A small blast of a light-purple energy was then sent into the books to blow away enough and also to give her a clear view of what was underneath. As soon as the obstruction was abruptly pushed aside by the concussive force and the last of the loose papers fell away from the table. Twilight released another shriek when the form of Spike, who was in a shriveled-up state dawned on her.

Rushing up and carefully guiding him into a seating position. She could tell something was definitely wrong as the clothing felt extremely baggy to where she was not positive if she was holding on to her brother or some skeleton mannequin that would be standing in some classroom to teach a lecture on biology. Spike was almost completely limp as Twilight proceeded with cautiously shaking his shoulders with one hand as the other took a hold of his wrist to check for a pulse. All the while, her eyes were darting back and forth along his body and breathing heavily to where she was nearly hyperventilating has her mind was racing a hundred miles an hour.

Almost incoherent muttering escaped her lips as it was only broken by her constantly saying, “No No No No,” ever so often at a rapid pace. Eventually, thanks to her current emotional state. Her hand inadvertently slipped and dropped Spikes arm. She was just about to grab a hold of it again when she stopped after her fingers brushed up against one another to produce a weird scratching sound. Her eyes darted down to her hand, and she nearly fainted at the site of numerous faded purple scales that were now clinging to her hand. As it turned out, the exposed wrist that Twilight was holding was now devoid of the hard Dragon’s protective armor that was naturally afforded.

Instead, there was a pale Gray skin and numerous markings to indicate a form of infection that ranged from green, black, brown and red. Her eyes were now shaky as they could not stay focused on one object for more than a split second. A huge lump was forming inside of her throat that threatened to prevent her from swallowing properly as the tears freely fell from her eyes. Through a struggling haggard and raspy breath. Spike began to say something to Twilight that was hard to understand at first thanks to the painfully obvious cracked and dried lips. But after the third attempt. Twilight leaned in while still in her panicked state so that her ear was right next to his mouth. “Twi… light... Why? Why, did you do this... to me?”

It took her a couple of seconds to come to terms with what spike said and to connect the dots. Soon, the breathing picked up again and she was nearly about to faint as a scream was close to finally breaking past that unbearable lump in her throat. There was a sudden flash, and this forced Twilight to rapidly blink as it was strong enough to nearly blind her and to forget for just a moment as to what was going on. When her eyes focused back enough so that everything was no longer a blur. The sight of the Golden Oaks Library came into her vision.

She was currently down on the floor and in the middle of the room as her arms were still in the same position as they were when propping her little brother up. Her head then turned back and forth on a swivel and screamed at the top of her lungs for her brother. But the one who answered her was instead Princess Luna as she was standing just a couple of steps behind Twilight, who had yet to take notice of the newcomer. “Please, be at ease young Twilight Sparkle. For a dream cannot harm you, nor has your brother undergone such an alteration.”

It took a couple of minutes for Twilight to understand and to start doing a breathing exercise as her left hand was placed onto her chest and held outwards in time with her breathing. After that was done, she went to go sit on the couch after Luna had already gone and done so and invited her over so that the two could chat. Luna conveyed her gratitude regarding the Nightmare Moon incident, as she had yet been able to do so. At first, Twilight was a little on edge as she was not too familiar with how to act around the lunar princess, but eventually the two started to talk with one another openly.

This eventually led to Twilight as she speculated that Spike in her dream was most likely an over dramatized version being created by her mind after recently learning about his race and the apparent mistakes that have been made over the decade. There was even the fear of how far it would have gone with her brothers condition and the rate of deterioration if things were to continue as they were. In the end, Luna gave some comforting advice on how Twilight did a spectacular job with raising a young Dragon without any proper guidance or prior knowledge to his species.

She even went on and told her about how much she has heard of Spike from the staff in the castle. Apparently, through the many years of living along with the battles that were fought for Equestria. Luna did happen to come across a couple of dragons in her youth, but not once have any of them displayed the level of consideration and camaraderie that those back at Canterlot felt towards the young Drake. The most important part was that he was raised with a caring heart that she wished would last him until the end of his days. There was also no reason to feel bad after finding pat knew wellspring of knowledge as it would only aid in going towards her brother’s recuperation.

In fact, Twilight should feel happy instead now that some new information has come to light and Spike could be better cared for. Eventually, Luna inquired as how the young Unicorn would proceed. The young Unicorn then informed her that his dietary needs for the meantime would be taken care of by Gambit. As well as the physical training that was requested on her brother's part. Although, she did leave out a couple of sections about how Spike was getting bullied as she was not sure on how to tell Luna. It also would not help if she herself did not see any of the crimes being perpetrated in person. This meaning that it would be difficult to involve the law.

As soon as Twilight was calm down enough to where the issue with Spike had turned from that of an unbearable amount of pressure, to a sudden wait being pulled from her shoulders. Luna made a request as the two of them went back and forth after a short period of silence. “Miss Twilight Sparkle. May I ask a favor of you?”

“Please Princess Luna, just call me Twilight.”

“Hmm, very well miss Twilight.”

“What I mean is that you don’t need... oh never mind. What is this favor you wanted?”

“As you may already know Miss Twilight. Thanks to the letter that was received. Both myself, as well as my sister both paid Sir Gambit a visit in his dreams this evening.”

“Uh... Oh of course, it nearly slipped my mind with the whole scare I just had.”

“That is quite understandable. One's mind is typically not as sharp while in their sleep state when compared to when they are awake.”

“Okay then. Did you find anything wrong? If he's having issues with sleeping then, I'm sure it has already been fixed.”

“Unfortunately, this is not true. For I have not had the opportunity to speak with him directly.”

“Aah... okay~. I don't follow. Didn't you just say you went to go and visit him?”

“Yes. Yes I did. Although there is an issue. I shall do my utmost to explain so that you may begin to understand what it is that I might ask of you. However, I must strongly urge that this is to be kept between the two of us until such time as I am to give you permission to release this information to only those of which you closely trust. Is this understood Miss Twilight?”

The purple Unicorn was rather taken aback by the intensity behind Luna's words when it came to how strongly she wanted to keep all of this a secret. But eventually, she indeed gave a strong nod while keeping silent in order to absorb everything that was about to be said to the best of her abilities. Once Luna received the confirmation. She proceeded to fill Twilight in on the rather unique Dreamscape that belonged to Brex.

The Lunar Princess went on to explain to Twilight as to the nature of the vast amount of space within the dream, as well as the extremely detailed way was constructed. Of course, Luna herself did leave out some details such as the weird chariot ride in which she found herself wearing a very odd outfit and the frozen tundra. However, the city that was built on the edge of the sea was fully explained in great detail. What was most mysterious of all was not the fact that it was hard to locate Brex, but it seemed as though one's injuries in his dream would manifest in the waking world.

Twilight tried to ask as to what injuries did they come across, but Luna dismissed the question and continued with what she needed to say. “Miss Twilight. I am considering the proposal of eliciting yourself and a number of your friends to join me in finding Sir Gambit in the Dream Realm if my efforts where to become unsuccessful. This of course sparked another go between the two, as Twilight was clearly confused and slightly stuttering at the beginning. Not only that, but she was also having a look of uneasiness that was slowly growing on her face.

“P-Princess Luna... I I may not be an expert on Gambit and what runs through that head of his. It's just that... do you really believe that he is okay with us simply running around his mind? It makes more sense just to come out and talk to him.”

Under normal circumstances that would be a prudent way of resolving the issue. Alas, Sir Gambit is not the type to speak or even show his weakness. I can only assume that speaking of this within his dream would offer him a semblance of security to open up. This is simply a mere precaution. I myself have paid numerous visits and have been welcomed. I would take my sister along. Although I feel that it may only cause the search to be that much more difficult with recent nights being a failure.

“Well... I'm not really all that sure that I would be the right choice to go if I'm to be honest. Gambit and I have not truly been on very good speaking terms if I were to put it lightly.”

“Nonsense! For has it not been you and your close circle of friends who has been in most contact with him? If anything, perhaps enlisting the help of Miss Rory Mercury will do us some good. An invitation would be given by myself. The only problem is that I have not come across her dreams yet. It is entirely possible that she has a different sleeping cycle and is awake during my duties.”

Twilight began to blush a little as she avoided looking into the eyes of the princess as she spoke. “ how do you know about her? B-Besides, If going off of what I’ve overheard so far, there is a pretty good chance that she’s awake at night and sleeps more during the day. I suppose I could ask her tomorrow. But do you really think that she would be okay with such an idea?”

“Why would she not be? I for one would see it as a great opportunity to help her mate. And please, do not tell me otherwise. Even with being up in Canterlot. Word of her has reached even my ears.”

“It's just that you're proposing the idea of bringing a bunch of mare’s into his head without his knowledge. Don't you think that's a bit... intrusive when it comes to his... privacy.”

“Hmm, I see your point on this subject and I would have to agree that such a drastic measure would normally be uncalled for. But under these unusual circumstances I can see no other course of action but to gain some additional assistance in tracking him down. Just remember that this is not to go snooping but to render him aid. Your descriptions of his actions are a classic sign of restless nights that have been putting a taxing strain on his mind. I would personally prefer to have the elements of harmony, who have been exposed to powerful Magic to accompany me as you all would have a greater resistance when it comes to influences through magical means.”

“Very well Princess Luna. I will ask the others. Although Rory will be the biggest hurdle. Can't really see convincing her to help us to be all that easy. It just might be me personally, but if I had a stallion, then I would be more than a little protective with allowing others to go trouncing about in his own head.”

“Please do your utmost to gain her assistance. It is true that if she were to be a part of the group, then Sir Gambit may not be so cross when all is revealed.” Near the end of that last comment. Luna could not help but to look away from Twilight as a worrisome expression crossed her own features for a moment. As if blatantly attempting to change the subject. Luna then said the following after adopting a curious look. “Pray tell, how has the Everfree Forest been treating you and the other elements?”

Being taken aback by the sudden change of topic. Twilight blinked a few times before letting out a relieved sigh that obviously did not go unnoticed by the princess as she spoke in a more relaxed tone. “It's been going well. This was going to be mentioned in my next letter. Although I could just tell you now.” Over the course of the next few minutes. Twilight went over how her little brother was going to be spending some time with Gambit along with their next destination for the coming-up weekend.

Of course, Twilight saw fit to not go into the reasons as to why Spike was to be receiving some help from Gambit. Although when she got to the part about going to Ghastly Gorge. She instantly noticed a subtle change to Luna's demeanor upon mentioning that location's name. At first, she had no idea as to why the lunar princess’s mood shifted. But this was quickly solved after giving it a couple of seconds to think over as her eyes went wide upon realizing exactly where they were heading to and slapped her left hand over her face before exclaiming the next bit. “Ohh no, I really hope this doesn't drudge up some bad memories.”

Luna then said the following as she gave Twilight a serious look. “It would be for our best interests if we were to conduct our business before then. There's no telling as to just how much his subconscious will react to visiting a traumatic site such as that. I personally would rather visit him when his mind is at ease, for I have already had to go through that landscape taking on a more treacherous theme. I just pray that your plan to talk with miss Rory Mercury will come to a favorable outcome.”

*Point of view: Brex Mith*
*Location: Ponyville*
*Time: The next day. One in the afternoon*

Brex was walking along the sidewalk for a road that would run right down the center of Ponyville by himself. Earlier that very morning, he discovered that Twilight came to his house yet again. But much to his surprise. The purple Unicorn invited Rory so that she can hang out with Twilight and her friends for the day. It really did not bother him all that much if Rory were to go out on her own. It was actually the opposite, as he was glad for her to be having some actual fun with others in the same way that any other normal person would.

In the meantime, he saw this as an opportunity to go out in town and turn in a couple of quests that were posted on the board for the Adventurers Guild. In all honesty, the Ponyville Guild did not offer that much of a variety to choose from. Which was strange with how the town was seemingly in constant danger with every other episode of the show. This meant that Brex assume with the world being full of monsters, that there would be at least a few subjugation missions here and there to clear out some monster nests or perhaps an escort mission at the very least.

Instead, all he got were the usual requests for repair work, along with some odd jobs here and there within the town limits. Although, there were a few highlights that he came across while going both to and from a few locations. The candy shop that Bonbon ran was open once more after being closed for a couple of weeks after the whole incident with Lyra attacking Sir Fancy Pants. Brex pass the candy shop and took a quick look through the window without stopping. This led him to getting a good look at Bon-Bon, who was servicing a customer from behind the counter by handing a bag of treats and accepting a couple of bits.

According to what he got from Rory after she went to visit Canterlot and spending some time with the married couple. Lyra had been moved from the dungeons to one of the hospitals within the city. It was there that a section of the structure was solely dedicated to helping those with psychological issues. Brex assumed that this was the doing of Bon-Bon and pulling a few strings as she worked directly under the princess as a spy for many years so that her mare-friend could get better care.

Unfortunately, not too much progress was made yet for the mint green Unicorn. However, it was a far cry better than being stuck in the dark dungeons underneath Canterlot castle. In the beginning Bon-Bon would stay by Lyra's side for days on end, being allowed to stay right outside of the dungeon cell. When the transferring occurred. She would visit every day for as long as the visiting hours allowed. Eventually, the gap in between would grow as she had no choice but to work on getting her daily necessities in order. Now she takes a long weekend by closing her shop for three days so that she could go up there to see Lyra.

From what he could tell from getting a first-hand look at the shop owner. She was obviously adapting by putting on a brave face. Yet he still felt that Bon-Bon was constantly thinking of her mare-friend. Brex even wondered about the possibility of going down the path to possibly consider the use of the slave tattoo. Using it on Lyra and having Bon-Bon to be the master, would probably be the quickest way to get those two back together. While also ensuring that Lyra was kept in check. But that notion was quickly dismissed as he shook his head.

For him. Strict rules were set in place as to what conditions would have to be met to use such a diabolical method of control. Sure, it may have worked out in the world of the shield hero. But there was a big difference as slavery was outlawed in Equestria and there was a high chance that it would get abused if word about it was to spread. Another reason was for the very fact that Princess Celestia would instantly hear about it and only add to the list of reasons for her to go after him that he was sure to be growing as time went on.

Another thought came to mind as to why Lyra was being left alone. Even though she was clearly in some way connected to the cult. It made no sense that no attempt had been made so far in the way of breaking her out, or permanently silencing the Unicorn from divulging any harmful information. There were a couple of Changeling’s posted in that very hospital yet not one of them has picked up on anything related to the cult making a move. Although, it was not as if she was giving up anything to begin with, as most of her ramblings consisted of extremist propaganda.

Constantly spewing nonsense on how all males should just be exterminated, as they were in her own words, “Not needed by nature itself anymore.” Even with that being the case, the Unicorn was still being placed under strict supervision. Brex just knew that something was going to happen eventually and he even went through the trouble of sending one of his body doubles to observe from a distance while within the shadow realm as an added measure. For someone to believe so much in what they’re saying, only led him to speculate that they would make contact sooner or later.

With that out of the way. The other occurrence that left an impression on him. Turned out to be a newspaper being sold from right outside of a shop that he walked by randomly. It was inside of one of those boxes where a single copy was placed on the window so that the front page could be displayed. After putting in a single bit and pulling from the container a copy for himself. Brex carefully looked at the front-page picture and instantly started to grin from behind his mask.

The picture turned out to be a somewhat blurry shot of what he was sure to be Engineer, while jumping from rooftop to rooftop in the middle of the night. The only reason he knew it was not in the day, was due to the moon showing itself as it poked out of the corner of one of the buildings in the shot. Right above the picture it said the following in bold print. “Stallion of Mystery. Do gooder or vigilante?” Brex rolled his eyes comically as he turned the folded piece of paper over so that he could read over the article.

He then thought to himself as his eyes slowly traced every line down until finishing. “Seriously man! What happened to laying low? Eh. I guess I really shouldn't say anything now that I’ve come out of the shadows. Just be more careful. There's no telling when or where a lucky photograph will be taken of you when your in that transformed state. Hmm... I should probably talk to the others and ask them if we got anyone stationed at the paper. I have no idea why I didn't think about precautions such as having some type of control over what’s sent out to the public to read in the newspapers.”

According to the article. An unknown stallion came out of nowhere and instantly caught the number one spot for the highest-level Adventurer on record. Even with being a starting rank. It seemed that Engineer was getting plenty of requests that was at the very top range of what he could accept. If that was all he was doing, then he would not have been much of a problem. The real issue was the off-the-books activities while in between quests. In all honesty, Brex figured it was due to the Ghost Rider part that would react to those who have done evil deeds and would thereby compel him to go after the perpetrators.

There was even a small part that quickly mentioned that Engineer was spotted at a flashy nightclub and broke up a bar brawl between twenty mare's that got out of hand as the DJ was assaulted by a random competitor. Brex then thought, “Huh? It doesn't say who the DJ was. I wonder if it's who I think it is.” After a couple of seconds, he mentally shook his head as he went, “Naw! That would just be way too convenient. Just because it's a DJ, it doesn't automatically mean Vinyl Scratch. It's not like she's the only one that plays music.”

Afterwards, Brex found himself strolling past the town hall, which also functioned as the courthouse. It was there, that he stopped in place at the moment he was half way from passing by the wide steps that only needed five or six to ascend. His body was still facing forwards, but his head turned towards the structure with a lingering gaze that lasted for some lengthy amount of time before his trance was broken and started back on his way. As he did this. The Roegadyn would also feel the urge that forced him to look away and at anything on the other side of the busy street.

It was not long until he passed by a group of four mare’s that just exited the popular shop that was known as Sugar Cube Corner. As he was going down on his own way. The mare’s came towards him to go the other and eventually crossed paths. One currently had in her arms a small foal that could not have been much past five months old from a cursory glance. Brex closed his eyes afterwards at the moment they came within a few feet. Although, The foal’s crying broke this and he opened his eyes again to take in the situation.

The one that he assumed to be the mother spoke up as she was attempting to console the crying foal by either carefully rocking and checking the diaper. “Please, its all OK. Shush… I just changed your diaper. What’s wrong?” One of the other mare’s then asked, “Is she hungry?” To which the mother replied with, “Don’t know. She spat up what I gave her for lunch. It can’t be that. Oh, I know. Here. Mabey you want to play with a toy?” She then produced a small stuffed plushy, yet the foal only more of a fuss.

Brex noticed the way the foal’s hands were clinched tightly almost repeatedly. Without even giving it a second thought. He said the following while turning his attention to the sidewalk so he would not see the mare’s. “Your foal’s hungry. Look at the way those hands are moving. Also, if throwing up is a common issue after having milk, then you might want to look into some lactose free brands. Odds are she’s lactose intolerant. He was sure that he heard them all go silent after the sound of their hoofs came to a sudden stop after his words. But by then, Brex was already half a block away and round a corner.

It was at that moment that he was now out of any ones view and silently walked to the wall and into his shadow. Now that he was in the Shadow Realm. He found that he was frozen in place. His legs were even shaking as the rest of his body locked up. It was a minute later, that there was a wet sensation on his bearded chin and he wondered if he had got yet another nosebleed. From under his mask. Brex used his tongue to taste for anything with a copper taste. However, there was none. He searched for another moment and found something salty instead. He then thought to himself in utter confusion, “Am… Am I crying?” But he just brushed it off as a reaction to something that may have just slipped under his mask to agitate his eyes and moved on.

After another hour went by. Brex went back to his house and greeted his two maids as he was making his way up into his room. Once inside and the door was securely closed. Brex walked over to the full-length mirror and stood right in front of it to stare at himself for several long seconds. Aside from himself, Brex could see the reflection of the door and part of the large bed. He released a heavy sigh as his eyes traced over his entire form and stopped as they rested squarely on his mask.

His mind became filled with images from earlier that day as Rory conversed with Twilight and headed out the door in a natural way. But not before giving him a quick kiss on his mask that was right over his own lips. He even started to think on how Rory was willing to expose what she really was to Twilight and her friends. As this was going on. His right hand was slowly brought up and the tips of his middle and index finger traced along that side of the Mask in a slow motion as the following thoughts came bubbling up.

“They already know that I'm not one of them... … Perhaps there is no longer a point to...” His hand carefully shifted so that the palm was placed at the center of the mask and the fingers outstretched so that he had a grip on the covering. His fingers were also placed in such a position that he was now forced to look between them as his eye-hole covers began to move downward at a slowly agonizing pace. It only got as far as allowing a sliver of the skin to be exposed from his hairline when his hand stopped and is entire body froze in place.

As his sight was glued straight ahead and at the mirror. Brex found that his breath was hitched and the hand on his mask was almost shaking violently to where he thought that he might end up dropping it at any second. But his thoughts came to a sudden stop as he could just barely make out through the eye holes and what was in the reflection before himself. His bedroom door was now wide open and he could see everyone he knew standing right behind him in a big crowd.

There was Queen Bellona and a number of other Changeling’s, which included his two maids. Sir Fancy Pants and Fleur De List. There was also Vapor Trail, Steel Will and his family. High Road, Low Road, Rose and her two sisters. Even Bon-Bon was behind them. Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie, Rainbow, Fluttershy and even Gilda were all lined up. Princess Luna and Celestia brought up the rear as they were standing taller than most of the rest. There were even a handful of the other ponies that he regularly met while in Ponyville being mixed in here and there.

What surprised him the most, was the site of two that he had not seen in a very long time as they were practically right next to him towards the left. These turned out to be Swirl Sugar and Shadow Lily. For the rest of the reflection, it showed that the background was slowly transitioning until there was absolutely nothing but empty darkness. However, they were all easily seen as if an unknown light source was ever present and only their bodies were being illuminated. Brex was so surprised by this, that his hand began to slip and expose another inch of the top of his face, but it still was not enough to obstruct his view.

Within a split second, all of their emotionless faces turn into varying degrees of shock, fear, disgust and pure malice as it was all being directed squarely on him in utter silence. All of this produced a sense of intense fear that completely stopped his breathing. Those that he considered to be friends, only hurt him the most after seeing their change. Rainbow and Gilda were both sneering at him with unadulterated disgust and outright hostility. Fancy Pants and Fleur De Lis gazed upon him as if he were some piece of garbage on the street.

Swirl Sugar and Shadow Lily were giving him a stare that threatened to burn right through his skull with the sheer intensity of anger. As for the princesses. Luna adopted a look of disgust as Celestia now wore the same expression as when she first attacked him back at the castle of the two sisters. Brex could just feel the never-ending negative emotions that were coming down on him as if a tsunami hit with its full ferocity and threatened to take him away. If even that was not enough. Then what came next sent nothing but a deathly chill down his spine as his eyes were stuck wide open and unable to close no matter how hard he wanted to do so.

There was a constant flow of slithering and squelching sounds that came from behind all of them and the darkness. This was accompanied by glowing eyes that were slowly opening to reveal hundreds if not thousands to be squirming about. they did not just appear over their shoulders but also going outwards and even up the ceiling itself. Some stayed transfixed in place while the glowing eyes had a couple that were moving about and even overlapping others. This gave off the impression of crawling insects just swarming over one another.

They all were giving off an eerie yellowish glow as hazel-colored eyes became glued on to him as they shifted positions. Eventually they all made their way closer and closer until each one of the uninvited guests were now being swarmed. Numerous eyeballs moved into position along their bodies and quickly dug underneath their skins after burrowing and situating themselves as large growths that would blink randomly.

Of course, this would happen on exposed arms and faces. When it came to those that had more revealing clothing such as Rarity and the princesses. There would be a few that would attach to the chest and on the edge of their breasts. Even as this was happening to them, not a single one would show the slightest twitch that they were aware of such an occurrence and only continue with giving him those condemning looks. By the end of the year and it would have been easy enough for an onlooker to walk in and see them all as nothing but grotesque abominations and run screaming bloody murder, while standing while stampeding out of the house.

The next thing he knew, was the sound of his own heartbeat growing in both the speed at which it pumped his blood, but in a sheer volume that would soon fill his ears and block out anything else. “Thump-Thump. Thump-Thump-Thump. Thump-Thump-Thump-Thump!” By the time the rhythm was so powerful that his entire body was now feeling every pump from his heart. His vision began to also falter as it all became blurry and distorted in such a way that it may as well have been looking at the surface of a pond after multiple ripples from different directions collided with one another at the center.

It was only after going through this for a long, several more seconds before he felt the sensation that could have only have been described as one popping their ears after ascending to a higher altitude while inside of a plane. There was also this lingering metallic echo that could go on forever as he started to blink his eyes rapidly. And before he knew it, he found himself standing with both arms down at his sides and looking right at his mask covered face with a bewildered expression hidden behind it. Even his breath were slow, yet heavy as if just recovering from running quite hard with just a couple of seconds to pass before returning to a normal breathing rate.

He then thought the following to himself as he turned his head so that he could take in his entire bedroom slowly as his right eyebrow raised in confusion. “Huh...?” What was it I was doing again? Just great, I bet I had another one of those episodes.” He then brought a hand to his head and began to shake it a little bit to try and clear up the bit of haze that was still muddling his mind and turned to walk away from the mirror. However, without him really realizing it. It was at that very moment where his body turned and the reflection showing a corner of the room that was slightly darker than the rest, was immediately occupied as his form passed by.

He was just in the middle of leaving the room. When the figure, which was nearly two meters tall, soon melded into the floor and a very dark patch of shadows creeped in a slithering pattern until it's form condensed at a single spot only a few paces away from the standing mirror. It rippled in place and gave a sheen that was reminiscent of fresh hot tar when a piece of it raised up from the center and turned into a slender hand that was just a few inches from what could have been the elbow. Fingers stretched and curled a couple times as though attempting to reach for an object to grab onto.

It would have continued to form if it were not for the sound of the door being opened yet again and the black mass flattened out and dispersed into many pieces so that it could dive into the many small, shaded areas of the room. This turned out to be Lin as she greeted Brex as he exited the room. It did not take long until a series of footsteps could be heard approaching the mirror and the maid to be standing before it with a bucket and cleaning supplies. She then went on to cleaning the room and straightening up a few things after making sure that the glass on the mirror was spotless before leaving to continue with other parts of the house most likely.