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..."