Terminationby MellowSoulChaptersEncroaching NightfallPrayer for the Innocent (Phase 1)Prayer for the Innocent (Phase 2)Prayer for the Innocent (Phase 3)Prayer for the Innocent (Phase 4)Prayer for the Innocent (Phase 5)Encroaching NightfallAuthor's Note Story's set between late 2001 and early 2004. Encroaching Nightfall It all began with a simple observation. Celestia tended to her duties this day, as was expected of the royal family. What the public at large was unaware of were her tasks behind the scenes, particularly in terms of global defense. Ever since her transition into adulthood, she had been burdened with watching over Earth: a responsibility Luna shared in soon after. Over time, the two had come to experience many unpleasant events from spectators' points of view. They had seen everything from the crusades to the holocaust, and all that came between. They were well aware of humanity's volatile, often cruel nature. It was the other half they had yet to fully experience... Celestia slept on-guard before the dimensional mirror, her horn magically tethered to its outer furnishing. Had anyone entered without her knowledge, an electric alarm would have been triggered, shocking her awake. The security of Equestria demanded intruders be dealt with swiftly and firmly, for she nor Luna could risk trusting those on the other side. Neither of them could have ever expected what came next... *zap* "Huh!? What!?" For reasons unclear, Celestia had been shocked into consciousness, yet nary a soul resided, save for herself. It didn't take long to discover the source. "What in God's name...!?" The mirror warped, dividing the image into three sections. The colors shifted from their natural state to an ominous violet before fading to static. "I must consult with Luna upon her return! Without the mirror, our souls may well perish!" The sun princess waited until dawn for her sibling's arrival. Her eyes were bloodshot, her mane matted and unkempt. "Speaketh, thine sister. What is it that disturbs you so?" Celestia said nothing. She simply pointed to the mirror. "It cannot be!" "I'm afraid so. We have lost our only safeguard against invasion. If they find their own way through, we could all be in grave danger. With their technology and militaristic might, it won't be long before we are all but vanquished." "What can we do!?" "I had hoped it would never come to this, but all is not yet lost. I have prepared a thorough contingency for just such an occasion." "Contingency? What art thou implying?" "I shall send for Twilight immediately." "Are you certain that is wise? She is already our primary source of intel as things stand." "I know, but in our current predicament, keeping track of events on Earth is critical to our survival. You understand." "Yes, though it is most unfortunate." "I'll ensure she doesn't leave alone. Strength in numbers will prove vital for the success of our mission." "Agreed." "We must hurry. We haven't a moment to spare." Luna nodded. Celestia chose her words carefully so as not to stir panic within her pupil. The contents of her letter instructed Twilight to gather her friends. Luna proofread the note to ensure it was as clear, concise, and articulate as possible. Once they were satisfied, they sent it to Spike. "Dost thou believe she will accept the weight hoisted upon her?" Celestia shook her head. "I can't force her. Given what we know about human nature, it may be more merciful to surrender and allow them to conquer us. The tortures of which they are capable of inflicting, I dare not speak." "We would rather die than surrender our will to such creatures." "You are strong-willed Luna. Let us not be rash. For now, let us see how things unfold. This could be an opportunity to learn their weaknesses and exploit them if need be." "Very well. We shall comply with your methods for the time being." Celestia nodded. "Thank you, dear sister." "...Tia...?" "Yes?" "We know we have been...Shall we say...Distant...for some time." "Say nothing, sweet Luna. I know what you feel. I love you, too." "Nightmare Moon once stole such feelings from us when we became wrapped in spite. If this beeth the end, we wish thou to know our true emotions." "I gracefully accept your gestures: both of them." The sisters smiled at one another, striving to free themselves of the fear threatening to consume them. No matter the outcome, they would be ready. Twilight read carefully over her mentor's plea for assistance. She saw past the vague language, realizing something dire had occurred under the princesses' watch: something more grim than anything Equestria had ever faced before. "Spike, I'm heading to Canterlot. Will you watch the castle while I'm gone?" "What'd the letter say?" "Oh, you know," the Alicorn lied, "Probably another monster attack or something." "Gotcha. Sure. I'll hold down the fort here." "Great. Thanks." "Sure thing." Twilight desperately wished to reach out for her younger brother, to cling to him as though it were the last time they would ever see each other. For all she knew, it was. "Take care, Spike...Be well..." It didn't take long for Twilight to track down the others. To make things easier on herself, she omitted some of the more concerning details. She would be the only one to know the truth until they reached the royal city. She herself had questions that needed answering. With patience, she would learn those answers in time. For now, they needed to keep moving. Upon entering the grand hall of Canterlot castle, Celestia and Luna warmly greeted the party. "Hello, Twilight," Celestia said, "It is a great relief to see you here so promptly." "Princess, why was your letter so somber?" The sun princess sighed. "Down to business as usual, I see. Very well. Follow us." Twilight, along with the rest of the girls, obliged. "This mirror is special. No one knows where it came from or how it came to be in this castle, but one thing is for certain: it possesses potent magical properties." "What kind of Magic?" Twilight inquired. "Using this mirror, one can transport themselves between dimensions." Twilight's eyes widened. "But that would mean...!" "Yes. Multiverse theory is a proven scientific fact." "Woah..." Rainbow muttered. Luna was the next to approach the group. "Let us not mince words. The balance of all creation is now at stake. Now that our view into the other world hath been veiled, we are vulnerable. Until we reinstate protective measures, we shall remain so." Twilight's once curious gaze became fearful. She didn't want to know what was waiting on the other side...Yet still... "Luna's words may be blunt, but she is correct. The reason we called you here is because..." "...You need us to investigate and restore the image." Twilight finished. "...Yes..." "There's a good chance we might not make it back, isn't there?" Celestia closed her eyes. "...I'm sorry..." "If this is our chance to opt out...Then I refuse to stand down." Celestia's lids shot open. Both sisters were left speechless by the young mare's conviction. "Twilight...You've come so far...I'm so proud of you..." Prayer for the Innocent (Phase 1)Author's Note "WHAT IS THIS LIFE THAT WE CLING TO IT SO TIGHT, AFRAID THAT IT WILL TAKE FROM US THESE FADING SENTIMENTS!? CAN WE DIE TO LIVE ANOTHER DAY!?" Prayer for the Innocent (Phase 1) Luna handed each of the girls metal bracelets to wear on their forelegs. In actuality, they were communication devices powered by a specific type of luminescent ore. "We made these long ago in the event a reconnaissance crew needed to be sent through. It's a fortunate coincidence we have enough for everyone. Press the silver button, and thou shall be granted the means to call upon us in thine hour of need." Twilight tested the contraption. Three screens appeared between her, Luna, and Celestia. "This should come in handy. I'll feel a lot better having a safety line on hoof." "Part of your mission will entail gathering information," Celestia explained, "Once Luna and I know what to expect, we can prepare ourselves for an emergency rescue operation if necessary." Twilight breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness." "Believe me: I would not put my subjects in harm's way if I were unwilling to do the same. That being said, I think it best to fill you in on what we already know." "Of course." "The creatures on Earth are know as 'human beings'. They began as a primitive race that gradually evolved over time. Their modern incarnations are technologically proficient well beyond our current civilization. This is what makes them so dangerous." "How so?" "The troubling part is their extreme violent streak. Their temperaments can easily be swayed towards bloodlust under the wrong conditions. As such, they are to be regarded as a threat to life and limb: what we refer to as class zero." "There's something I don't quite understand. How are we supposed to maintain harmony if we treat everyone as an enemy?" "If you feel it necessary to approach them, do not let your guard down. We haven't fully explored the possibility yet, but should you stumble across more benevolent variations, they may prove invaluable assets in achieving our goal. However, if I may be so bold, I would hesitate raising your expectations." "I understand." Celestia placed a hoof under her student's chin. "Remember the gifts you have been blessed with. Use them to their fullest. No matter what happens, trust in me as I trust in you. If we work together, there exists no obstacle we cannot overcome." "I trust you, princess." Celestia nodded. Twilight gathered her friends in front of the mirror. This was the point of no return. The final decision had to be made then and there. "From here on, we have to assume death is waiting for us around every corner. Should any of you decide to stay, I won't think less of you. We've done well protecting Equestria from internal danger, but we're heading into uncharted territory now. This time, it's no holds barred. Think carefully before you give your final answer." Fluttershy trembled in fear. She felt a familiar sense of unadulterated terror course through her veins. "I'm scared, Twilight...!" "I know, Fluttershy...I am, too..." "Why are you going?" Rainbow asked in a concerned tone. "Because it's the only way to save our home..." "Heh...And here I thought I was the element of loyalty..." "Time is running short. We must decide quickly." The girls stared at each other for a moment, then nodded. "We're going." Rainbow replied on their behalf. "Are you absolutely sure?" "If we're bein' honest, sugarcube, we've already done most of what we wanted to do. Whether we live or die don't make a lick a' difference at this point. Least we can do is let the youngins grow up and live full ass lives." "Agreed, though I wouldn't put it quite so crudely." Rarity stated. Twilight chuckled. "Ya know, it's funny. I think that was the first time any of us have ever used a swear word." "Always had a mouth on me. Just needed an excuse to use it." "Well, I suppose it's time we take our leave, then." The girls convened around one another. Twilight cast a barrier spell. With the final preparations in place, they stepped through the double-sided glass. "Come back alive," Celestia silently prayed, "All of you..." Prayer for the Innocent (Phase 2)Author's Note "It's over...It's over..." Prayer for the Innocent (Phase 2) One by one, the girls emerged on the other side of the mirror. Twilight examined the environment. It appeared similar to their home world, save for the structure the mirror stood against. "Where are we...?" Rainbow questioned in awe. Twilight was grateful she'd cast the barrier in the moments before. Rain pelted against the mystical shield with impunity. Noticing this, Rarity added a second layer to protect her mane. "Good," Twilight spoke in relief, "The water isn't acidic. I was worried it'd burn through for a minute." "You can never be too careful, darling." "What do we do now?" Rainbow asked. "I'll contact the princesses," Twilight replied, "Hopefully they'll have a read on our location." Twilight opened the line on her bracelet. Luna answered alone. "Princess Luna, where are we?" "What are the conditions of the environ?" "It's rainy and humid. We're standing next to a strange building seemingly made out of red stone." "Based on what thou hath described, thou art near the equator. It would be reasonable to assume thou art within the northern hemisphere." "At least we have a general idea. I just hope we're better at infiltration than Chrysalis was..." "We suggest ye begin by investigating the construct. Ye may discover why you were directed toward such a place." "Understood. Thank you." "'Tis but of noble instinct. Be wary, our subjects. Great peril may yet await your future." Luna closed the call. "You heard her, ladies. Let's move out!" The rest of the group saluted Twilight as a sign of respect. If she was willing to lay her life down, so too were they. Twilight examined the sign several feet from the entrance. She swallowed upon reading the inscription. "Guys...This is a children's hospital..." "Twilight, your horn!" Pinkamena shrieked. Miniature bolts of black lightning crackled around Twilight's skull. She felt a strong surge of evil energy swell through her body, triggering what resembled a massive anxiety attack. It didn't behave like any magic she'd ever seen. It felt more vivid...More real... "There's something here, and it's not friendly..." "It ain't too late to turn back." Applejack offered. Twilight paused, heavily considering her friend's suggestion. Her conscience had other plans. "Anyone low enough to harm defenseless children doesn't deserve mercy. Come on. We've got fish to fry." "That's what I like to hear." The group marched on, pushing their way through the double doors, completely unaware they were being watched from the sidelines... "My thoughts exactly, tiny horse..." Prayer for the Innocent (Phase 3)Author's Note "I see it in your eyes..." Prayer for the Innocent (Phase 3) Twilight led the group through the main hall of the hospital. The electric lights alone were a sight to behold. They soon realized Celestia had been correct. The technology in this world was leagues above their own. Twilight was curious to say the least, but they couldn't afford to slow down now: not until the children were safe. They were soon faced with the first patient care facility. "I'll look inside," Twilight voiced, "We need to be discreet from here on out. Keep your distance and run if things get sticky. This isn't like back home. Everyone's lives are on the line now." The others nodded in unison. Twilight pulled herself to the window using the wall for leverage. She cast an illumination spell, cutting through the darkness with a modest beam. She found nothing but an empty bed, along with a few strands of medical equipment. "This room's empty." "What now?" Rainbow questioned. "We'd better fill in princess Luna." Twilight summoned Luna's presence for the second time that evening. "This place is a hospital for human children. I detected a strong evil presence shortly before we stepped inside. Their offspring are already in grave danger." "Remember Equestria's code. Protect those who cannot protect themselves." "Already ahead of you." Twilight ended the transmission. "Nifty." A feminine voice called out. It didn't belong to them. The entire party circled on instinct. Six humans stood firm mere feet away. They weren't as broad as ponies, but they compensated for their slim builds with height. "Stay back!" Twilight yelled. One of the humans was a young woman with long, raven black hair naturally extending past her eyes. Her voice revealed her as the one who had startled the group. "Relax. We're not gonna hurt ya." "You're lying! You're trying to deceive us so we'll lower our guard! I can see your weapons!" "We came here for the same reason you did. Our weapons are for self-defense." "Why should I trust you after everything your species has done!?" "So I was right...You do feel the same..." "What are you talking about!? Answer me!" "Listen, it's pretty obvious you don't trust us, and probably for good reason. Just give us a chance to prove we're on your side." "How!?" The mysterious girl held one palm in front of her. With her other hand, she reached into her coat pocket, pulling a small, rectangular object from its confines. "Do you know what this is?" Twilight shook her head, not taking her eyes off the young woman. "It's a pocket knife my brother gave me when I was fourteen. If you check it, you won't find a single trace of blood. This item has never contributed to the oppression of the weak. If I have anything to say about it, it never will be." The girl knelt down. She slid the knife over to her equine counterpart. Twilight levitated it, pulling it through the barrier. "Tell me how to open it." "Press the silver circle at the top." Twilight did as she was instructed. She extracted the blade from its handle. It was a reflective, polished shade of silver. The tip curled inward at the edge. Serrated teeth protruded from the middle layer. The Alicorn employed her sense of smell to determine its use for herself. "She's telling the truth." "Believe me now?" "Tell us what's going on. There's something here, isn't there?" "More like a lot of somethings." "What are they?" "I can't be a hundred percent sure, though I have an idea..." Twilight lowered the shield separating the two groups. "I'll trust you for the time being, but I'm warning you: any sudden moves and you'll be in for a world of hurt beyond your wildest nightmares." "We hear you loud and clear." "What's your name?" "...Maria...Maria Drake..." Prayer for the Innocent (Phase 4)Author's Note "Time goes slow, and I still have so far, so far to go, and I can tell you just where I've been, but I know that feeling coming back again!" Prayer for the Innocent (Phase 4) Maria introduced the rest of her crew to the girls. "You've probably figured this much out already, but this big lug is my brother, Brandon." "Hey." the elder Drake greeted. Maria placed her hand on her younger sister's shoulder. Unlike her and Brandon, her locks were a light shade of blonde. "This is our sister, Emily. She's the baby of the family." Rather than protest, Emily quietly waved. Despite being on the cusp of thirteen, she seemed to possess a wisdom and maturity well beyond her years. "The big guy's Eric. We've been friends for a while now. Whitney and James are more recent additions to the group." "Before we start getting all chummy and buddy-buddy, we need you to tell us where we are." Twilight explained. "You're on the North American continent of the United States. As far as exact location, we're in the state of Oklahoma right now." "So far that tells me this planet is separated by countries. At least that's one thing we have in common." "Who was that dark pony you were talking to a minute ago?" "One of the princesses who rule over the Equestrian continent. She's responsible for raising the moon." "Raising? You mean it's not a natural cycle?" "No? Is it here?" "Yeah. The time of day is determined by Earth's axial rotation. Think of it like spinning on a pole." "So the time of day changes depending on the planet's position...Interesting..." "I'm just surprised you guys can speak English. I always figured if something from another world showed up, it'd have its own language." "I suppose that's a reasonable conclusion to draw given the circumstances." "Judging by the glowing sphere just now, you guys have powers. That might come in handy keeping us alive through the night." "Now that you mention it, Luna's sister, our other princess, claimed humans don't possess magic. Is that true?" "Definitely not par for the course around here, but..." "But...?" "I know you have no reason to trust me, but if you give me my knife, I can show you." Twilight's gaze intensified. "How can I be sure you won't turn on us the second I give it back?" "We could've killed you already if that's what we were aiming for." "Point taken." Twilight levitated Maria's blade back to her. The twenty-one-year-old held it at a diagonal angle toward the floor. A cool draft blew down the hallway, pushing her bangs to the side. Her eyes were closed in silent concentration. "Twi, nothing's happening." Rainbow began. Twilight shushed her companion. "Shhh...I feel it...She's transferring her life force..." A deep blue light extended from the weapon, tripling its length. Maria opened her eyes. They were the same hue as the newly-formed sword. "Incredible..." Twilight uttered. "Brandon and I discovered this power by accident four years ago during one of our training sessions. I don't know how, but we instantly knew, it was the next phase of human evolution." The girls were absolutely awestruck. They could do nothing but watch as Maria's energy enshrouded them in a protective field. She soon retracted the blade's aura. "I don't know if magic will work on these things, but it's fortunate we found each other. If we work together, we'll improve our odds of surviving until morning." "Given the dire nature of our situation, we have no choice, but we'll be watching you: closely." "No objections here." "Good. We'll split into two groups to cover more ground. You, Brandon, Emily, and Rainbow, come with me. The others will follow close behind and do a second sweep of the area." "Roger." Prayer for the Innocent (Phase 5)Author's Note This is where things transition from straight horror to dark fantasy. The ultimate alliance of pony and mankind! Bring it, fuckers!!! Prayer for the Innocent (Phase 5) "What are we looking for, exactly?" Twilight asked. "The creatures we're hunting look human, but they're made up of some sorta smoke." Maria explained. "I take it that light helps stave them off?" "Yeah. Cuts 'em down to size with one touch." "You said you discovered it on accident?" "It just kind of happened on its own. None of us were expecting it, but it's saved our skins a bunch over the last week and a half." Twilight paused. "You've been fighting them for less than two weeks!?" "Guess the tables have turned, eh?" "It's just...You compose yourself in the manner of a hardened soldier! I assumed you'd been fighting them a lot longer..." "You didn't find my lack of reaction strange when we met?" "Now that you mention it..." "I woke up one Sunday morning and my neighbors were dead. Not much can get to me anymore." "Dead!? What happened!?" "One of those things got to 'em first. Dragged 'em to the bedroom and eviscerated 'em 'til they bled out." Twilight felt sick. The disgust was reflected in her expression. Her friends sympathized with her plight. "I...I don't know what to say..." "Not much that can be said. They're monsters compelled to kill by instinct. The sooner we get rid of 'em, the better off we'll be." "Yeah...Sounds like it." "I can already tell you where most of 'em'll be." "Where?" "The ICU." "...We should hurry." Several doors down from their initial convergence point, Twilight finally caught a glimpse of one of the unwelcome intruders. She recoiled in horror, slamming her back against the wall. The pain didn't even register. "It doesn't have a face!" "Spooky, huh?" Maria teased. "This isn't the time for stupid jokes! Kill it now!" "Copy that." Maria summoned her aura. She burst through the door. The unnamed monstrosity had already been sucking the life out of a young boy before they arrived. She sliced through its head before it could so much as stand straight. It instantly vanished in a veil of darkened air. "Hasta La Vista, fucker." The rest of the party shuffled in, save for Twilight, who was too stunned to move. "He still breathin'?" Brandon questioned. Maria checked the comatose boy's pulse. "He'll be all right. Might feel a bit fatigued for a while though." "Kid can't be no older than eight, man..." Eric muttered. "We're on a stringent time limit right now," Maria reminded, "We can save the kids, but we have to do it quick." "I fuckin' hate hospitals." James stated. Twilight's friends gathered around her. The Alicorn's fear had almost rendered her catatonic. She could just barely move her head enough to stare between them. "You okay, Twi?" Applejack voiced. "I...I don't know..." Maria stepped between the group. She squatted, meeting Twilight at eye level to console the frightened mare. "First time freaked me out, too. You'll get used to it." "I thought I knew..." "This world's full of surprises the same way yours would probably be to us. Gotta stay on your toes to keep yourself breathin'." "..." "I'll tell you something. It's a handy secret to know in a pinch." "Secret...?" "Support helps. I couldn't have done half of what I have without these guys havin' my back. If you're willing to put aside your preconceived notions of humanity, there's no limit to what we can accomplish. We can rebuild the world piece by piece if we have to, but only if we work together. Cooperation is key. With that being said, I have one question." Maria extended her hand. "Are you in...Partner?" A spark erupted in Twilight's eyes. It was true humans had once committed deplorable transgressions against existence, but maybe...Just maybe...This was their chance to redeem themselves... "No need to ask...Partner."
Encroaching NightfallAuthor's Note Story's set between late 2001 and early 2004. Encroaching Nightfall It all began with a simple observation. Celestia tended to her duties this day, as was expected of the royal family. What the public at large was unaware of were her tasks behind the scenes, particularly in terms of global defense. Ever since her transition into adulthood, she had been burdened with watching over Earth: a responsibility Luna shared in soon after. Over time, the two had come to experience many unpleasant events from spectators' points of view. They had seen everything from the crusades to the holocaust, and all that came between. They were well aware of humanity's volatile, often cruel nature. It was the other half they had yet to fully experience... Celestia slept on-guard before the dimensional mirror, her horn magically tethered to its outer furnishing. Had anyone entered without her knowledge, an electric alarm would have been triggered, shocking her awake. The security of Equestria demanded intruders be dealt with swiftly and firmly, for she nor Luna could risk trusting those on the other side. Neither of them could have ever expected what came next... *zap* "Huh!? What!?" For reasons unclear, Celestia had been shocked into consciousness, yet nary a soul resided, save for herself. It didn't take long to discover the source. "What in God's name...!?" The mirror warped, dividing the image into three sections. The colors shifted from their natural state to an ominous violet before fading to static. "I must consult with Luna upon her return! Without the mirror, our souls may well perish!" The sun princess waited until dawn for her sibling's arrival. Her eyes were bloodshot, her mane matted and unkempt. "Speaketh, thine sister. What is it that disturbs you so?" Celestia said nothing. She simply pointed to the mirror. "It cannot be!" "I'm afraid so. We have lost our only safeguard against invasion. If they find their own way through, we could all be in grave danger. With their technology and militaristic might, it won't be long before we are all but vanquished." "What can we do!?" "I had hoped it would never come to this, but all is not yet lost. I have prepared a thorough contingency for just such an occasion." "Contingency? What art thou implying?" "I shall send for Twilight immediately." "Are you certain that is wise? She is already our primary source of intel as things stand." "I know, but in our current predicament, keeping track of events on Earth is critical to our survival. You understand." "Yes, though it is most unfortunate." "I'll ensure she doesn't leave alone. Strength in numbers will prove vital for the success of our mission." "Agreed." "We must hurry. We haven't a moment to spare." Luna nodded. Celestia chose her words carefully so as not to stir panic within her pupil. The contents of her letter instructed Twilight to gather her friends. Luna proofread the note to ensure it was as clear, concise, and articulate as possible. Once they were satisfied, they sent it to Spike. "Dost thou believe she will accept the weight hoisted upon her?" Celestia shook her head. "I can't force her. Given what we know about human nature, it may be more merciful to surrender and allow them to conquer us. The tortures of which they are capable of inflicting, I dare not speak." "We would rather die than surrender our will to such creatures." "You are strong-willed Luna. Let us not be rash. For now, let us see how things unfold. This could be an opportunity to learn their weaknesses and exploit them if need be." "Very well. We shall comply with your methods for the time being." Celestia nodded. "Thank you, dear sister." "...Tia...?" "Yes?" "We know we have been...Shall we say...Distant...for some time." "Say nothing, sweet Luna. I know what you feel. I love you, too." "Nightmare Moon once stole such feelings from us when we became wrapped in spite. If this beeth the end, we wish thou to know our true emotions." "I gracefully accept your gestures: both of them." The sisters smiled at one another, striving to free themselves of the fear threatening to consume them. No matter the outcome, they would be ready. Twilight read carefully over her mentor's plea for assistance. She saw past the vague language, realizing something dire had occurred under the princesses' watch: something more grim than anything Equestria had ever faced before. "Spike, I'm heading to Canterlot. Will you watch the castle while I'm gone?" "What'd the letter say?" "Oh, you know," the Alicorn lied, "Probably another monster attack or something." "Gotcha. Sure. I'll hold down the fort here." "Great. Thanks." "Sure thing." Twilight desperately wished to reach out for her younger brother, to cling to him as though it were the last time they would ever see each other. For all she knew, it was. "Take care, Spike...Be well..." It didn't take long for Twilight to track down the others. To make things easier on herself, she omitted some of the more concerning details. She would be the only one to know the truth until they reached the royal city. She herself had questions that needed answering. With patience, she would learn those answers in time. For now, they needed to keep moving. Upon entering the grand hall of Canterlot castle, Celestia and Luna warmly greeted the party. "Hello, Twilight," Celestia said, "It is a great relief to see you here so promptly." "Princess, why was your letter so somber?" The sun princess sighed. "Down to business as usual, I see. Very well. Follow us." Twilight, along with the rest of the girls, obliged. "This mirror is special. No one knows where it came from or how it came to be in this castle, but one thing is for certain: it possesses potent magical properties." "What kind of Magic?" Twilight inquired. "Using this mirror, one can transport themselves between dimensions." Twilight's eyes widened. "But that would mean...!" "Yes. Multiverse theory is a proven scientific fact." "Woah..." Rainbow muttered. Luna was the next to approach the group. "Let us not mince words. The balance of all creation is now at stake. Now that our view into the other world hath been veiled, we are vulnerable. Until we reinstate protective measures, we shall remain so." Twilight's once curious gaze became fearful. She didn't want to know what was waiting on the other side...Yet still... "Luna's words may be blunt, but she is correct. The reason we called you here is because..." "...You need us to investigate and restore the image." Twilight finished. "...Yes..." "There's a good chance we might not make it back, isn't there?" Celestia closed her eyes. "...I'm sorry..." "If this is our chance to opt out...Then I refuse to stand down." Celestia's lids shot open. Both sisters were left speechless by the young mare's conviction. "Twilight...You've come so far...I'm so proud of you..."
Prayer for the Innocent (Phase 1)Author's Note "WHAT IS THIS LIFE THAT WE CLING TO IT SO TIGHT, AFRAID THAT IT WILL TAKE FROM US THESE FADING SENTIMENTS!? CAN WE DIE TO LIVE ANOTHER DAY!?" Prayer for the Innocent (Phase 1) Luna handed each of the girls metal bracelets to wear on their forelegs. In actuality, they were communication devices powered by a specific type of luminescent ore. "We made these long ago in the event a reconnaissance crew needed to be sent through. It's a fortunate coincidence we have enough for everyone. Press the silver button, and thou shall be granted the means to call upon us in thine hour of need." Twilight tested the contraption. Three screens appeared between her, Luna, and Celestia. "This should come in handy. I'll feel a lot better having a safety line on hoof." "Part of your mission will entail gathering information," Celestia explained, "Once Luna and I know what to expect, we can prepare ourselves for an emergency rescue operation if necessary." Twilight breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank goodness." "Believe me: I would not put my subjects in harm's way if I were unwilling to do the same. That being said, I think it best to fill you in on what we already know." "Of course." "The creatures on Earth are know as 'human beings'. They began as a primitive race that gradually evolved over time. Their modern incarnations are technologically proficient well beyond our current civilization. This is what makes them so dangerous." "How so?" "The troubling part is their extreme violent streak. Their temperaments can easily be swayed towards bloodlust under the wrong conditions. As such, they are to be regarded as a threat to life and limb: what we refer to as class zero." "There's something I don't quite understand. How are we supposed to maintain harmony if we treat everyone as an enemy?" "If you feel it necessary to approach them, do not let your guard down. We haven't fully explored the possibility yet, but should you stumble across more benevolent variations, they may prove invaluable assets in achieving our goal. However, if I may be so bold, I would hesitate raising your expectations." "I understand." Celestia placed a hoof under her student's chin. "Remember the gifts you have been blessed with. Use them to their fullest. No matter what happens, trust in me as I trust in you. If we work together, there exists no obstacle we cannot overcome." "I trust you, princess." Celestia nodded. Twilight gathered her friends in front of the mirror. This was the point of no return. The final decision had to be made then and there. "From here on, we have to assume death is waiting for us around every corner. Should any of you decide to stay, I won't think less of you. We've done well protecting Equestria from internal danger, but we're heading into uncharted territory now. This time, it's no holds barred. Think carefully before you give your final answer." Fluttershy trembled in fear. She felt a familiar sense of unadulterated terror course through her veins. "I'm scared, Twilight...!" "I know, Fluttershy...I am, too..." "Why are you going?" Rainbow asked in a concerned tone. "Because it's the only way to save our home..." "Heh...And here I thought I was the element of loyalty..." "Time is running short. We must decide quickly." The girls stared at each other for a moment, then nodded. "We're going." Rainbow replied on their behalf. "Are you absolutely sure?" "If we're bein' honest, sugarcube, we've already done most of what we wanted to do. Whether we live or die don't make a lick a' difference at this point. Least we can do is let the youngins grow up and live full ass lives." "Agreed, though I wouldn't put it quite so crudely." Rarity stated. Twilight chuckled. "Ya know, it's funny. I think that was the first time any of us have ever used a swear word." "Always had a mouth on me. Just needed an excuse to use it." "Well, I suppose it's time we take our leave, then." The girls convened around one another. Twilight cast a barrier spell. With the final preparations in place, they stepped through the double-sided glass. "Come back alive," Celestia silently prayed, "All of you..."
Prayer for the Innocent (Phase 2)Author's Note "It's over...It's over..." Prayer for the Innocent (Phase 2) One by one, the girls emerged on the other side of the mirror. Twilight examined the environment. It appeared similar to their home world, save for the structure the mirror stood against. "Where are we...?" Rainbow questioned in awe. Twilight was grateful she'd cast the barrier in the moments before. Rain pelted against the mystical shield with impunity. Noticing this, Rarity added a second layer to protect her mane. "Good," Twilight spoke in relief, "The water isn't acidic. I was worried it'd burn through for a minute." "You can never be too careful, darling." "What do we do now?" Rainbow asked. "I'll contact the princesses," Twilight replied, "Hopefully they'll have a read on our location." Twilight opened the line on her bracelet. Luna answered alone. "Princess Luna, where are we?" "What are the conditions of the environ?" "It's rainy and humid. We're standing next to a strange building seemingly made out of red stone." "Based on what thou hath described, thou art near the equator. It would be reasonable to assume thou art within the northern hemisphere." "At least we have a general idea. I just hope we're better at infiltration than Chrysalis was..." "We suggest ye begin by investigating the construct. Ye may discover why you were directed toward such a place." "Understood. Thank you." "'Tis but of noble instinct. Be wary, our subjects. Great peril may yet await your future." Luna closed the call. "You heard her, ladies. Let's move out!" The rest of the group saluted Twilight as a sign of respect. If she was willing to lay her life down, so too were they. Twilight examined the sign several feet from the entrance. She swallowed upon reading the inscription. "Guys...This is a children's hospital..." "Twilight, your horn!" Pinkamena shrieked. Miniature bolts of black lightning crackled around Twilight's skull. She felt a strong surge of evil energy swell through her body, triggering what resembled a massive anxiety attack. It didn't behave like any magic she'd ever seen. It felt more vivid...More real... "There's something here, and it's not friendly..." "It ain't too late to turn back." Applejack offered. Twilight paused, heavily considering her friend's suggestion. Her conscience had other plans. "Anyone low enough to harm defenseless children doesn't deserve mercy. Come on. We've got fish to fry." "That's what I like to hear." The group marched on, pushing their way through the double doors, completely unaware they were being watched from the sidelines... "My thoughts exactly, tiny horse..."
Prayer for the Innocent (Phase 3)Author's Note "I see it in your eyes..." Prayer for the Innocent (Phase 3) Twilight led the group through the main hall of the hospital. The electric lights alone were a sight to behold. They soon realized Celestia had been correct. The technology in this world was leagues above their own. Twilight was curious to say the least, but they couldn't afford to slow down now: not until the children were safe. They were soon faced with the first patient care facility. "I'll look inside," Twilight voiced, "We need to be discreet from here on out. Keep your distance and run if things get sticky. This isn't like back home. Everyone's lives are on the line now." The others nodded in unison. Twilight pulled herself to the window using the wall for leverage. She cast an illumination spell, cutting through the darkness with a modest beam. She found nothing but an empty bed, along with a few strands of medical equipment. "This room's empty." "What now?" Rainbow questioned. "We'd better fill in princess Luna." Twilight summoned Luna's presence for the second time that evening. "This place is a hospital for human children. I detected a strong evil presence shortly before we stepped inside. Their offspring are already in grave danger." "Remember Equestria's code. Protect those who cannot protect themselves." "Already ahead of you." Twilight ended the transmission. "Nifty." A feminine voice called out. It didn't belong to them. The entire party circled on instinct. Six humans stood firm mere feet away. They weren't as broad as ponies, but they compensated for their slim builds with height. "Stay back!" Twilight yelled. One of the humans was a young woman with long, raven black hair naturally extending past her eyes. Her voice revealed her as the one who had startled the group. "Relax. We're not gonna hurt ya." "You're lying! You're trying to deceive us so we'll lower our guard! I can see your weapons!" "We came here for the same reason you did. Our weapons are for self-defense." "Why should I trust you after everything your species has done!?" "So I was right...You do feel the same..." "What are you talking about!? Answer me!" "Listen, it's pretty obvious you don't trust us, and probably for good reason. Just give us a chance to prove we're on your side." "How!?" The mysterious girl held one palm in front of her. With her other hand, she reached into her coat pocket, pulling a small, rectangular object from its confines. "Do you know what this is?" Twilight shook her head, not taking her eyes off the young woman. "It's a pocket knife my brother gave me when I was fourteen. If you check it, you won't find a single trace of blood. This item has never contributed to the oppression of the weak. If I have anything to say about it, it never will be." The girl knelt down. She slid the knife over to her equine counterpart. Twilight levitated it, pulling it through the barrier. "Tell me how to open it." "Press the silver circle at the top." Twilight did as she was instructed. She extracted the blade from its handle. It was a reflective, polished shade of silver. The tip curled inward at the edge. Serrated teeth protruded from the middle layer. The Alicorn employed her sense of smell to determine its use for herself. "She's telling the truth." "Believe me now?" "Tell us what's going on. There's something here, isn't there?" "More like a lot of somethings." "What are they?" "I can't be a hundred percent sure, though I have an idea..." Twilight lowered the shield separating the two groups. "I'll trust you for the time being, but I'm warning you: any sudden moves and you'll be in for a world of hurt beyond your wildest nightmares." "We hear you loud and clear." "What's your name?" "...Maria...Maria Drake..."
Prayer for the Innocent (Phase 4)Author's Note "Time goes slow, and I still have so far, so far to go, and I can tell you just where I've been, but I know that feeling coming back again!" Prayer for the Innocent (Phase 4) Maria introduced the rest of her crew to the girls. "You've probably figured this much out already, but this big lug is my brother, Brandon." "Hey." the elder Drake greeted. Maria placed her hand on her younger sister's shoulder. Unlike her and Brandon, her locks were a light shade of blonde. "This is our sister, Emily. She's the baby of the family." Rather than protest, Emily quietly waved. Despite being on the cusp of thirteen, she seemed to possess a wisdom and maturity well beyond her years. "The big guy's Eric. We've been friends for a while now. Whitney and James are more recent additions to the group." "Before we start getting all chummy and buddy-buddy, we need you to tell us where we are." Twilight explained. "You're on the North American continent of the United States. As far as exact location, we're in the state of Oklahoma right now." "So far that tells me this planet is separated by countries. At least that's one thing we have in common." "Who was that dark pony you were talking to a minute ago?" "One of the princesses who rule over the Equestrian continent. She's responsible for raising the moon." "Raising? You mean it's not a natural cycle?" "No? Is it here?" "Yeah. The time of day is determined by Earth's axial rotation. Think of it like spinning on a pole." "So the time of day changes depending on the planet's position...Interesting..." "I'm just surprised you guys can speak English. I always figured if something from another world showed up, it'd have its own language." "I suppose that's a reasonable conclusion to draw given the circumstances." "Judging by the glowing sphere just now, you guys have powers. That might come in handy keeping us alive through the night." "Now that you mention it, Luna's sister, our other princess, claimed humans don't possess magic. Is that true?" "Definitely not par for the course around here, but..." "But...?" "I know you have no reason to trust me, but if you give me my knife, I can show you." Twilight's gaze intensified. "How can I be sure you won't turn on us the second I give it back?" "We could've killed you already if that's what we were aiming for." "Point taken." Twilight levitated Maria's blade back to her. The twenty-one-year-old held it at a diagonal angle toward the floor. A cool draft blew down the hallway, pushing her bangs to the side. Her eyes were closed in silent concentration. "Twi, nothing's happening." Rainbow began. Twilight shushed her companion. "Shhh...I feel it...She's transferring her life force..." A deep blue light extended from the weapon, tripling its length. Maria opened her eyes. They were the same hue as the newly-formed sword. "Incredible..." Twilight uttered. "Brandon and I discovered this power by accident four years ago during one of our training sessions. I don't know how, but we instantly knew, it was the next phase of human evolution." The girls were absolutely awestruck. They could do nothing but watch as Maria's energy enshrouded them in a protective field. She soon retracted the blade's aura. "I don't know if magic will work on these things, but it's fortunate we found each other. If we work together, we'll improve our odds of surviving until morning." "Given the dire nature of our situation, we have no choice, but we'll be watching you: closely." "No objections here." "Good. We'll split into two groups to cover more ground. You, Brandon, Emily, and Rainbow, come with me. The others will follow close behind and do a second sweep of the area." "Roger."
Prayer for the Innocent (Phase 5)Author's Note This is where things transition from straight horror to dark fantasy. The ultimate alliance of pony and mankind! Bring it, fuckers!!! Prayer for the Innocent (Phase 5) "What are we looking for, exactly?" Twilight asked. "The creatures we're hunting look human, but they're made up of some sorta smoke." Maria explained. "I take it that light helps stave them off?" "Yeah. Cuts 'em down to size with one touch." "You said you discovered it on accident?" "It just kind of happened on its own. None of us were expecting it, but it's saved our skins a bunch over the last week and a half." Twilight paused. "You've been fighting them for less than two weeks!?" "Guess the tables have turned, eh?" "It's just...You compose yourself in the manner of a hardened soldier! I assumed you'd been fighting them a lot longer..." "You didn't find my lack of reaction strange when we met?" "Now that you mention it..." "I woke up one Sunday morning and my neighbors were dead. Not much can get to me anymore." "Dead!? What happened!?" "One of those things got to 'em first. Dragged 'em to the bedroom and eviscerated 'em 'til they bled out." Twilight felt sick. The disgust was reflected in her expression. Her friends sympathized with her plight. "I...I don't know what to say..." "Not much that can be said. They're monsters compelled to kill by instinct. The sooner we get rid of 'em, the better off we'll be." "Yeah...Sounds like it." "I can already tell you where most of 'em'll be." "Where?" "The ICU." "...We should hurry." Several doors down from their initial convergence point, Twilight finally caught a glimpse of one of the unwelcome intruders. She recoiled in horror, slamming her back against the wall. The pain didn't even register. "It doesn't have a face!" "Spooky, huh?" Maria teased. "This isn't the time for stupid jokes! Kill it now!" "Copy that." Maria summoned her aura. She burst through the door. The unnamed monstrosity had already been sucking the life out of a young boy before they arrived. She sliced through its head before it could so much as stand straight. It instantly vanished in a veil of darkened air. "Hasta La Vista, fucker." The rest of the party shuffled in, save for Twilight, who was too stunned to move. "He still breathin'?" Brandon questioned. Maria checked the comatose boy's pulse. "He'll be all right. Might feel a bit fatigued for a while though." "Kid can't be no older than eight, man..." Eric muttered. "We're on a stringent time limit right now," Maria reminded, "We can save the kids, but we have to do it quick." "I fuckin' hate hospitals." James stated. Twilight's friends gathered around her. The Alicorn's fear had almost rendered her catatonic. She could just barely move her head enough to stare between them. "You okay, Twi?" Applejack voiced. "I...I don't know..." Maria stepped between the group. She squatted, meeting Twilight at eye level to console the frightened mare. "First time freaked me out, too. You'll get used to it." "I thought I knew..." "This world's full of surprises the same way yours would probably be to us. Gotta stay on your toes to keep yourself breathin'." "..." "I'll tell you something. It's a handy secret to know in a pinch." "Secret...?" "Support helps. I couldn't have done half of what I have without these guys havin' my back. If you're willing to put aside your preconceived notions of humanity, there's no limit to what we can accomplish. We can rebuild the world piece by piece if we have to, but only if we work together. Cooperation is key. With that being said, I have one question." Maria extended her hand. "Are you in...Partner?" A spark erupted in Twilight's eyes. It was true humans had once committed deplorable transgressions against existence, but maybe...Just maybe...This was their chance to redeem themselves... "No need to ask...Partner."
