Cleaver

Chapters

SLaughter
Wolves And Sheep
Escape Plan Part 1

SLaughter

A man went to Comicon in cosplay and things proceed about as you may have expected, given such an introduction and site you are reading this on. You know the tropes, you know the routine, but this time our man will end up as neither a king nor a queen. For one, he was not an ordinary fellow, and he wasn't wearing something outlandish, or absurd.

In fact, it was one of the plainest, least complicated outfits there, being little more than some regular-looking clothes, and a rather out-of-date hairstyle. Max Jenke was the character’s name, and he was from a rather obscure eighties horror wherein he killed people with a cleaver. In fact, his alias was so tied to his signature weapon that it was simply, ‘meat cleaver’.

The film itself that spawned him was mediocre at best, and his motivations were about as deep as a kiddy pool. Yet our man liked him, or more specifically, liked dressing up as characters no one had ever heard about. It was a running joke slash challenge amongst his friends to figure out who he was, but without his trusty cleaver, he couldn't meet them on the floor.

So when someone wearing a rather well-put-together outfit of the merchant from resident evil approached and offered to sell him the piece he needed, our man took it without thinking. It hadn't cost very much, and he had been so relieved that he hadn't even thought about the vague way the vendor talked. Only when the world started to fade to black did the man wonder why the merchant had put so much emphasis on the phrase… “A weapon makes a man”.

As his life flashed before his eyes, the cosplayer wondered what the next life would look like. He never would have guessed that he would find out so soon.

Pinkie Pie hummed happily as she brought the heavy cleaver down on the long, thin red rope before her. The bladed tool cut straight through the mass, severing into two equally as long segments. Which Pinkie Pie took, and carefully laid out once more, the pony pausing to inspect her work a little closer.

She hadn't worked with hard candy very often, but she was thankful the Cakes had given her such a heavy knife to work with. Even slightly soft, it was still difficult to chop the candy into the right sized pieces while also ensuring the white center remained. She wasn't one to give up though, especially after she had been given the job specifically by her boss, Mrs. Cake.

“How's it going back there?” called a familiar voice.

Pinkie Pie smiled and glanced over to where the smiling face of Mrs. Cake had emerged from the front half of the bakery. The mare was clearly a little tired but was soldiering on regardless, intent on feeding the lunch crowd that had begun to descend on them.

“Pretty good,” Pinkie Pie replied. “I really need to practice more though. This stuff is hard to work with.”

“Yeah sorry about that Pinkie Pie. Old man Burnt Willow is the only one who buys those but he's been such a dear over the years and with his wife having gone missing I thought some candy might cheer him up,” Mrs. Cake explained.

“Gale Force is missing? I haven't heard about that,” Pinkie Pie murmured.

“The poor dear went for a solo hike in the whitetail woods the other night and never came back,” Mrs. Cake whispered, taking a step into the back. “They were trying to organize a search party but with the commotion up in Canterlot it's been hard to get enough guards together.”

“Oh that's right,” Pinkie Pie muttered, only to perk up. “You don't think that's why Mr. Cake is late, is it?”

“I don't know Pinkie,” Mrs. Cake admitted. “All I know is that after those big nasty clouds popped up over Canterlot, everything's been going to heck in a handbasket.”

Pinkie Pie smiled and hefted her cleaver. “Oh, I’m sure everything will be alright.”

“I sure hope so. Carrot was supposed to be back with that special order last night already,” Mrs. Cake murmured.

“I’m sure that if we focus on the job, he’ll be here in no time!” Pinkie Pie proclaimed.

Mrs. Cake’s eyes went wide. “Oh, you’re right. I should get back to the front.”

“Try and relax!” Pinkie Pie called, waving the weapon at her boss’ backside.

Once the other mare was gone, Pinkie Pie sighed, and dropped the cleaver, severing the twin lengths of candy. She left the knife there, stuck slightly into the cutting board, and wandered over to the back window. The pony craned her neck as far to the left as she could and gazed at the distant donut-shaped ring of midnight black clouds hovering over Canterlot.

Strange red lightning arced in, and around the twisting mass, illuminating the otherwise pleasant day in a straight light. Stranger still was the cloud itself, which moved more like a fluid, or perhaps some form of non-newtonian mass. Twisting, and undulating, it had only a passing resemblance to a natural cloud.

“I sure hope your okay Mr. Cake, and Twilight too,” Pinkie Pie whispered to herself.

The pony sighed, and turned back around, making her way back to her workstation, intent on finishing her job. As she walked, she noticed that the cleaver had gained a dark red gleam to it, though Pinkie Pie ignored it as just a reflection of the lightning. Reaching down, she gripped the handle and was surprised when a powerful bolt of electricity arced up her limb.

The smell of burnt fur filled the room, and her mane stuck straight up in the air like she had used a gallon of gel. Weirder yet, the backs of her eyes itched, her bones ached, and her entire body experienced a strange twitch. The pulse was akin to all of her Pinkie senses going off at the same time, only somehow even worse than that.

Then it was over, and she was left lying on the ground, the cleaver still gripped tight in her hoof. Confused, but unharmed, Pinkie Pie inspected the weapon for what felt like the very first time.

It had, at one point, been used for cutting meat, or so she had been told, but it had been almost a decade since then. There were no knicks, or marks left from its time as a butcher’s utensil, as it had been refurbished after the old griffon who used to own it had retired. It hadn't tasted blood in a long time, yet even now, Pinkie Pie swore she could smell the coppery aroma lingering on the metal blade.

Large, flat, and as thick as her hoof, the edge was well maintained. It had sliced through hard candy, and into the chopping block with little effort after all. Now though, it looked even sharper still, as if it were able to cleave even bone or possibly even steel with relative ease.

The simple circle cut out of the end seemed normal, as did the slightly curved back edge of the blade. Which on the sharp side, came forward over the handle an inch or so, acting almost like a hand guard, albeit not a very good one. The handle itself was made from redwood, and six gold studs held the entire thing together.

Altogether it seemed a bit intimidating, it was still just a normal, everyday knife, just a little big and with an odd past. Until Pinkie Pie gazed a little harder at the metal end, and she noticed something moving within it. Hands pressed against the inside, revealing that some formless crimson bipedal entity was trapped within the blade.

“Ahhh!” Pinkie Pie shouted, tossing the knife away.

Or at least that's what she tried to do, as instead of clattering to the ground, the thing just disappeared. Looking around, Pinkie Pie tried to locate it, yet no matter how hard she searched, the knife couldn't be found. She wished she could find it, as she didn't want anyone to step on it.

The moment the thought occurred to her, her right forehoof bulged and extended, the extra mass quickly twisting into the shape of the cleaver. The weapon then solidified, becoming separate from her, yet still connected in a way that Pinkie Pie couldn't explain. As she stood there, heart rate spiking, Pinkie Pie tried to think of some explanation or someone who could figure this out for her.

Then, the door to the bakery opened with enough force to break the glass pane built into it. Pinkie Pie’s panic was replaced with concern, and she awkwardly hopped up on three legs while gripping the cleaver. Glancing to the forefront of the store, she saw Mr. Cake had appeared, though he was injured, quite badly too.

“Cup Cake, where are you, Cup Cake!” he shouted, blood dripping down from a hole where one of his eyes had been.

“I’m here dear. Oh goodness, you’re hurt, what happened?” Cup Cake exclaimed. “Is there a doctor around here?”

The bakery patrons took a step back, mumbling amongst themselves as they tried to seek out someone to help. Their search didn't last long, as Carrot intervened, slamming a hoof against a nearby table and getting everyone’s attention.

“No, that doesn't matter now! Everyone has to listen to me! They are coming, and you have to run!” He shouted, gesturing wildly in the direction of Canterlot.

“But you’re hurt,” Cup Cake whispered, stepping towards her husband.

“No, get away!” Carrot shouted, pushing the mare back. “I’m infected, it's too late for me! Just get the kids and head as far away from Canterlot as you can.”

“Hey now, what are you talking about there, son? Who's coming?” asked an elderly stallion.

“The demons! They got the princesses, and the guard is barely holding them off!” Carrot yelled, spittle flying from his mouth. “If you see one, run, don't bother trying to fight them, nothing seems to keep them down for long.”

“Demons? That sounds like a load of hogwash to me,” muttered another patron.

Carrot Cake’s skull bulged as he leaped across the room with a speed he shouldn't be capable of and gripped the pony by the neck. “Does it look like I’m lying to you?” Carrot Cake yelled, his voice gaining an odd, otherworldly tenor to it.

“N-n-no sir,” muttered the terrified male.

Carrot Cake dropped the stallion and stumbled backward.

“If they make you drink some kind of red liquid that means your going to turn into one of them,” Carrot Cake continued, chest heaving with every word. “If that happens, you must kill yourself before it's too late. By the stars, I can already feel it crawling under my skin.”

Everyone stood in horror as the stallion’s flesh began to writhe as if millions of maggots were moving just beneath his skin. Whatever curiosity-fueled hypnosis that had gripped the group was shattered at that moment and a mad dash was made for the door. As ponies piled out, Cup Cake watched in horror as her husband began to twitch and spasm on the floor.

“Give me the knife, please!” Carrot begged, hoof outstretched. “I don't want to turn into one of them!”

“I… I… I…” Cup Cake stuttered.

He's going to kill her, and then everyone else in that room. Declared a voice that seemed to echo from everywhere and nowhere.

Pinkie Pie spun around, waving the cleaver wildly. “Who said that? Where are…”

In here. Look down at your han-er hoof. Replied the masculine-sounding voice.

Pinkie Pie paused mid-swing and noticed that the featureless entity inside her knife was waving at her. Like a dull crimson ghost, the entity stood within the confines of the blade and looked at her.

“You’re inside the cleaver,” Pinkie Pie muttered.

I’m as surprised as you are about my newfound abode, but you gotta save that lady, er pony. He declared, pointing in the direction of the bakery. If he turns, he's going to kill her, and he won't stop there. I don't know how I know this but I do and you have to trust me.

“I can't hurt Mr. Cake,” Pinkie Pie whispered.

Look at him! That's not the man you once knew! Shouted the voice.

Pinkie Pie followed his hand towards the front of the bakery, where she saw that Carrot Cake had begun to change. Long, sharp horns sprouted from his flesh directly above his eyes, spraying blood in twin arcs across the room. His flesh bulged, and a pair of clawed arms burst forth from his back, showering everyone that remained in a fountain of gore.

Don't wait, go! Cut his head off, quick, before he suffers a fate worse than death itself! Declared the voice.

“I can't do that to Mr. Cake, he's so nice,” Pinkie Pie muttered absently, her hair having fallen slack as her eyes dulled.

We don't have time for this. Stated the voice.

Pinkie Pie barely even noticed as her mane leaped back up, only it didn't regain its normal goofiness. Rather it became a tight mohawk of bright pink that stuck straight up without the need for gel or a stylist. Her pupils became a bright crimson, and the cleaver in her hoof glowed a bright, menacing red color.

She then lurched forward, moving with a speed that even she didn't know she had. The pony vaulted over the baking table ran through the doorway, and shoulder-checked a horrified Mrs. Cake away just in time. For the beast wearing her husband’s flesh had been a second from biting off her head with its enormous jaws.

Our man quickly leaped back up onto his new hooves, cleaver raised before him, ready to strike. His opponent forcefully removed his sharp, jagged teeth from the wall, and turned around to glare at the pony before him. Standing twice as tall as he had a minute earlier, the former baker now sported a second set of red-clawed arms that grew from either side of his head.

Eyes, mouths, and other malformed appendages slash orifices had sprouted from his body seemingly at random. Turning him into a freakish abomination that made it appear as though the demon was wearing Carrot’s body like an ill fitting suit which he was slowly bursting free from. His eyes, or at least the two on his face, glared hatefully at the pink pony standing across from him.

“You,” he gurgled, his voice sounding like two very different creatures speaking at once. “You are not a pony and not one of us.”

“I don't know what I am, or how I ended up here. All I know is that I’m going to kick your ass,” declared our man, through Pinkie Pie’s lips.

The entity wearing Carrot Cake’s form crackled madly, its lips splitting in order to allow its jaws to open even wider.

“Oh that is rich,” it exclaimed. “These pitiful grazing animals can't even harm us with their pitiful weapons.”

“I think you will find that I am more than capable of hurting you,” our man declared, brandishing the cleaver in several quick chops.

“You will try,” retorted the demon.

With that, the creature lurched across the room, facial arms extended with the intent of gripping our man around the throat. The former human leaped to the side before that could happen, and with incredible speed, chopped off one of the beast’s arms. Stepping away, the person acting in Pinkie Pie’s stead waited for the next attack but was surprised when it didn't come. Instead, the demonic entity backpedaled, staring down at its missing limb with confusion in its eyes.

“I can't grow it back. How did you do that?” murmured the creature.

Our man turned Pinkie Pie’s lips into a wide, confident grin. “I told you I could hurt you.”

This time the ex con goer launched into an attack of his own, lopping off one of the demon’s legs before rolling under another of the creature’s arms when it tried to swipe at him. He removed that limb as well with a swipe of his own, the cleaver parting flesh and bone alike with little effort. Using strength the pony hadn't had several minutes ago, the former human leaped up into the air and onto the demon’s back.

“Die, filth!” Shouted the bodiless human, cleaver raised high.

The killing blow didn't come, however, as the demon bucked our man off his back with enough force to send him through the storefront window. Tumbling end over end, the former human tried to get back up, but found his neck was turned completely backward. It only took a grunt, and a twist of his hooves to remedy this issue, however, snapping his head back around in the right direction.

Just in time to see a partially dismembered demon charging at him, a roar on its mangled lips. The former human rolled forward, coming up under the creature’s bite, and sliding his cleaver along the beast’s belly. Organs and blood erupted out of the hole, spilling across the ground and coating the pink pony from head to hoof.

Coming out the other side, the former human leaped back into a stand and readied his cleaver once more. Only this time the demon didn't rise, the beast having toppled to the ground, its legs spasming weakly. It tried to get back up, to attack yet again, but that only caused more of its insides to spill out across the ground. The wet mass steamed upon hitting the air, and soon an unpleasant aroma all but punched the man in the nose.

“Weak,” rattled the demon. “This body is weak, half-formed. If only I had more time.”

“Any last words, maybe a veiled insult, or perhaps some declaration that in the end your kind will win?” Our man offered the dying demon.

Who croaked twice in a grim fascimile of a laugh. “No, nothing quite so grand. Just a simple plea, to go fuck yourself.”

The man chuckled and raised the cleaver. “Fair enough.”

With a single downward strike, he split the demon’s head open, piercing straight through the abnormally thick skull. Upon hitting the twisted crimson organ beneath, the creature released its dying breath and fell still.

Is it… is it over? Pinkie Pie asked.

“No, not quite,” answered our man.

Before Pinkie Pie had no opportunity to ask what was going on as the person inhabiting her body brought the cleaver down again. A third strike was followed by a fourth, destroying enough of the boney prison that held what had once been a brain. The former human then reached forward, and with a single yank, ripped the still pulsating mass out of the creature’s head.

W-what are you doing? Pinkie Pie asked.

“This is the only way to stop the corruption from spreading,” replied the man.

He then brought the twitching organ up to his mouth and bit into it with all the force he could muster. Boiling hot blood gushed down his throat, filling his mouth completely within only moments. He chewed and swallowed quickly, devouring the organ within only a few seconds, leaving nothing behind, not even a blood splatter.

He gulped several more times, ensuring nothing remained, before finally sighing with grim finality. His work was done, and already strength was flowing through his body, filling him with power. The kink in his neck vanished, as did the scars left behind after roughly fixing his broken spine. The all-consuming ecstasy left moments later, leaving behind an uncomfortable sensation in the pit of his stomach.

“It is done,” he muttered.

Pinkie Pie’s hair fell flat once more, her eyes lost the predatory, crimson gleam and the cleaver slid into her hoof. Control returned to Pinkie Pie a few seconds later, and the first thing she did was collapse to the ground. She then began to violently gag, her body attempting to spit out the demonic organ she had consumed.

Don't bother. We’ve already absorbed it. Stated the man.

“I can still,” Pinkie Pie paused to gag and spit. “I can still taste it.”

Yeah that wasn't exactly pleasant, but there isn't much we can do about that. If we don't absorb it, the blood will go into the soil. There it will corrupt the plants, animals, and eventually any who are born nearby. He pointed out.

“How do you know all that?” Pinkie Pie muttered, pausing to wipe her lips.

I… don't know. He admitted. When I was put in that cleaver I felt like a ton of information was jammed into my brain somehow.

“What are you, what am I?” Pinkie Pie murmured, looking down at her shaking forehooves.

I am, or was, a human. Though beyond that I couldn't tell you. Who I was, my name, what I looked like. It's all… gone, replaced by strange knowledge. He admitted. What are you doing?

Pinkie Pie squeezed her midsection harder. “You seem like you need a hug, so that's what I’m doing.”

You are… The man sighed. Thank you Pinkie Pie and for what it's worth I am sorry this happened to you.

“It's okay Mister C, I can tell that you didn't want this to happen,” Pinkie Pie murmured.

Mister C? Oh like, cleaver. That doesn't feel right… how about, Max? He offered.

“That sounds nicer,” Pinkie Pie whispered.

Great, now that we got that out of the way, we should probably deal with them. He pointed out.

Pinkie Pie looked up to find herself surrounded on all sides by confused and horrified citizens of Ponyville. The local guards were present as well, their weapons gripped tight, and their armor only half put on. Now without a freakish abomination in their midst, they had found their steel, though none dared approach the blood-covered Pinkie Pie.

“Oh, uh…” Pinkie Pie winced and raised a hoof. “Hi, everyone.”

Author's Note

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Wolves And Sheep

Pinkie Pie’s warm greeting was met with confusion, the various townsfolk staring on in silence. The heavy blanket of quiet hung over them for nearly a minute before finally a rather brave guard stepped forward. Covered in heavy armor from head to hoof, the male was immediately recognized by Pinkie Pie as Sergeant Hammer.

Standing only slightly taller than average, the stallion was athletic without bearing much in the way of muscle. His brown fur and white mane was mostly obscured but his armor, as was the horn that stuck out of the top of his helmet. Though his cutie mark was completely hidden at the moment, Pinkie Pie knew that it was four green emeralds.

“I’m going to have to ask you to come with me,” declared the sergeant.

“But the demons, they’re coming! You need to evacuate or something,” Pinkie Pie pleaded.

More like run away as fast as they physically can carrying only what they need to survive. Added the former human.

“Yeah, we need to run!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

The sergeant blinked. “What you need to do is come down to the station and answer a few questions.”

“Run everybody! Get as far as you can from Canterlot!” Pinkie Pie shouted.

“Do not do that, do not panic,” Sergeant Hammer yelled. “We will send for orders in a minute. For now, everyone stay in your homes.”

This guy is going to get a ton of people killed. Stated the sentient cleaver.

“Yeah, but what can we do?” Pinkie Pie whispered.

Knock him out, take charge and save the lives of your friends and neighbors. Replied the ex-human.

“I can't do that, he's nice,” Pinkie Pie whispered.

“That's enough whispering to yourself. You’re unnerving everyone. Now come with me,” demanded the guard.

Several other armored ponies approached a moment later, taking position on either side of their commanding officer. Though none reached for their weapons, they were clearly ready to do so at a moment’s notice.

If you won’t save your friends, then at least go with them and answer their questions quickly. Exclaimed the human.

“Okay, just hurry alright? We gotta go, and soon!” Pinkie Pie urged.

“I’m sure we’ll do that,” Sergeant Hammer declared unenthusiastically.

With only a small amount of prompting, Pinkie Pie was marched down the street, her unexpected entourage falling in around her. The guards were stern, and quiet, though Pinkie Pie could detect that the two other lower-ranking members were on the verge of panic. Their steps were quick, their eyes darted around constantly, and they flinched every time Pinkie Pie met their gaze. Unlike their commander, who kept a perfect parade pace, and never once looked away from their destination.

He seems awfully calm. Pointed out the ex-human.

“Yeah,” Pinkie Pie agreed.

Halfway down the street, just as the seldom used guard station was coming into view, the flap of wings became audible. A second later and a familiar rainbow shape appeared overhead, the mare flying backward in front of the group.

“Hey Pinkie Pie, woah, what happened to you? Lemme guess you fell into another tub of ketchup,” Rainbow Dash remarked.

“Demons, but that doesn't matter right now. Rainbow Dash you gotta get the others and get ready to evacuate the town. If we don't-” Pinkie Pie’s pleading was cut off by the sergeant.

“I will not have you causing a panic,” he barked, spinning towards Rainbow Dash. “You will ignore what the prisoner has said, and go about your day.”

“Woah that's a little harsh don't you think?” Rainbow Dash replied.

“Pinkie Pie is wanted for the murder of her boss, Mr. Cake,” Sergeant Hammer retorted.

Rainbow Dash blinked, and looked down at Pinkie Pie. “what, really?”

“He was a demon!” Pinkie Pie shouted. “You gotta believe me. Mrs. Cake saw-”

“Quiet!” snapped the guard. “And you, what did I say about going about your day?”

Rainbow Dash winced. “Uh right. Sorry bout that.”

The pegasus then flew off, pausing to give Pinkie Pie one last look before vanishing out of sight.

“Pony feathers,” Pinkie Pie cursed under her breath.

“Come along,” demanded the sergeant in a sharp tone.

Pinkie Pie grumbled to herself but reluctantly trotted into the guard station behind the armored male. Once the others had joined them, and the door was closed, the sergeant gestured to the table which lay at the center of the room.

“Sit, please,” he half offered, half ordered.

Pinkie Pie glanced warily at the other ponies in the room, noting that they seemed more nervous than she did. Hammer, however, did not, though for a moment Pinkie Pie swore she saw a hint of panic run beneath his expression.

“Can I use the washroom first?” Pinkie Pie asked.

The sergeant blinked and considered the request for a moment before gesturing towards the female guard. “Take her, but remain outside the door,” he ordered.

The guard jumped, but said nothing, merely hastily nodding and following after Pinkie Pie as she moved.

I take it you want to talk? Asked the man in Pinkie’s head.

Pinkie Pie nodded slightly.

Alright, just look into the mirror or something. He offered.

Pinkie Pie stepped inside the small bathroom at the end of the hall and looked around. The window was barred, and there was only a toilet as well as a small wash station waiting for her. Though clean, it was cramped, barren, and had no amenities, save for a rather sturdy-looking mirror.

The door slammed shut, and Pinkie Pie could hear the guard on the other side take position immediately to the right. She wondered, briefly, how she knew that, before dismissing the notion and leaning in close to the reflective surface.

“Can they disguise themselves as others?” she asked.

I… don't know. Muttered the former human. Let me think about it.

Pinkie Pie bobbed her head, and waited, merely staring back into her reflection. It was then that she realized just how much blood covered her body, nearly causing her to gag. Some alien desire stopped that urge before it could reach fruition, however, and she silently took a breath.

Without the need to evacuate her stomach, she was able to focus on twisting the tap and begin cleaning her fur. The water was cold and biting but with a little scrubbing was able to remove the majority of it. Viscera which managed to stick to her hair was a bit more difficult to get rid of, though thankfully no one was rushing her.

By the time she had cleaned her forehooves, and head, she felt her mental companion stir within her head.

I think so. He exclaimed.

“You think so?” Pinkie Pie whispered.

I’m not sure. All of this knowledge was just jammed into my skull, replacing all the memories and skills I used to have. Since I never learned it naturally it's difficult to recall. He explained.

“But you remembered that other stuff easily,” Pinkie Pie pointed out.

Those instincts were hard to ignore and popped up out of nowhere. I can't even explain why or where they came from. He paused. It was like when you drop something and go to reach for it. You don't even have to think about it.

“Okay so they can hide themselves, how do we know for sure?” Pinkie Pie whispered.

They have a mark or some kind of physical abnormality that sets them apart somehow. Explained the former human. It will be somewhere on their body, but I don't know where. I think it's unique to each of them.

“So… what's the plan?” Pinkie Pie asked.

I don't know. I’m as new to this as you are. Max Answered.

“Really? Cus you don't sound like you are ready to cry, pee yourself and throw up,” Pinkie Pie pointed out.

You don't either. Max pointed out.

“I totally am,” Pinkie Pie murmured, looking down at her shaking hooves. “Every time I close my eyes I see Mr. Cake staring at me, asking me why I killed him.”

It wasn't-

“I know,” Pinkie Pie interrupted. “But that doesn't make it any easier. He was family you know.”

“Hey, hurry it up in there!” demanded the guard, pounding her hoof against the door.

“R-right!” Pinkie Pie blurted.

The pony hastily peed, washed her hooves a second time, and slipped out the door, giving the guard an apologetic smile.

“Sorry about that. It was… really hard to get out of my fur,” Pinkie Pie whispered.

“Just go sit down with the sergeant,” muttered the guardsmare.

Pinkie Pie trotted across the room and plunked down in the open chair across from the stern older stallion.

“Now I want you to explain exactly what happened,” he declared, clicking a pen and setting it against an open sheet of paper.

“Shouldn't we talk about the fact that like, a whole bunch of evil monsters are coming to kill everyone?” Pinkie Pie asked.

The sergeant sighed, clicked his pen, and set it down before leveling a glare at Pinkie Pie. “There is no evidence to indicate that this was anything more than a rogue attack from someone exposed to dangerous magic.”

“What, are you loco in the coco? The last thing Mr. Cake did was warn us that more were coming and that we were all in danger,” Pinkie Pie pressed.

“I’ve already sent my fastest flier to scout the road to Canterlot. Once they return we’ll be able to confirm this wild tale of yours,” he retorted.

Press him about the mark. Added Max.

“Speaking of danger though. No one here is sporting a strange mark by chance, are you?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“I will not tolerate any more distractions,” stated the sergeant. “Half the town is ready to stampede at a moment’s notice and I need a full account of the events before I place you in your cell.”

“My cell?” Pinkie Pie whispered.

“You devoured a pony’s brain in full view of everyone,” deadpanned the guard.

Pinkie Pie gulped hard, bile rising in her throat.

“Maybe… maybe we should listen to her,” offered one of the guards.

“Yeah. I mean it couldn't hurt to check, right?” added the other.

“You two?” Hammer grunted and gestured towards the closest empty cell. “Fine then, lock up the prisoner and prepare your armor.”

“What, us?” asked the other two in near unison.

“Yes you two as well,” retorted their superior.

“But your the one acting weird and stoic,” pointed out the female guard.

“I fought in the griffon incursions, worked in the violent crime division of Canterlot’s poorest district, and have two fillies. There isn't much that frightens me,” he retorted. “Now get on it.”

“R-right,” murmured the soft-spoken subordinate.

Pinkie Pie hesitantly stepped into the cell, and turned around, watching as she was locked in.

“You know,” muttered the female guard. “Now that the prisoner is locked up we don't really have to do this.”

“I know, but you specifically have been acting strange all day, now disrobe,” Sergeant Hammer declared, pointing his short sword at the closest guard.

“Strange, how? I don't feel any different,” murmured the mare.

“Private Ice Hoof served with me as a medic. I know she isn't scared of the sight of blood. Now, do I have to make that an order, or are we going to do this the hard way?” Sergeant Hammer declared.

Pinkie Pie gulped, eyes flicking back and forth from Sergeant Hammer to Private Ice Hoof standing across from him. The other guard, a thin lanky pegasus stood alone away from the group, a confused look on his face. For a moment it seemed like the sergeant was going to put his sword to use, only for Ice Hoof to erupt with laughter.

“Oh this woulda been so easy if you hadn't popped out of nowhere,” Ice Hoof declared, glaring at Pinkie Pie. “Though I guess it doesn't really matter. My buddies are already on their way and it won't be long before they're here.”

“You are under arrest,” Sergeant Hammer declared. “Either enter the cell of your own accord, or I will be forced to detain you myself.”

Ice Hoof scoffed, the mare trotting back and forth, a smirk growing ever larger on her face. “You really think you can take me? I’m a bit more than that half completed moron you saw in the town square you know.”

“I don't care if your nightmare moon herself. You will surrender or face the consequences,” Sergeant Hammer stated.

We should probably bust out of here and help him. Offered the man in Pinkie Pie’s head.

“Right, how do we do that?” Pinkie Pie whispered back.

I think I can make the cleaver super sharp for a second but it's going to cost us some of the energy we got from killing that one earlier. Replied the former human.

“Right lets-”

Pinkie Pie was cut off when Sergeant Hammer cried out in pain, a knife sticking out of the side of his back right leg. His attacker chuckled, and plucked another of the thin daggers from his wing, chucking it from one hoof to another.

“You ponies are so stupid. Honestly, this world has been an absolute disappointment so far,” exclaimed the other male guard Pinkie Pie didn't know the name of. “So quick to buy whatever excuse or lie we give.”

Sergeant Hammer grunted and raised a shield around himself.

“Irritating magic. I’ll show you just how useful it is against demonic might,” the guard reared up, forehooves raised above his head, flesh rippling with unnatural energy.

“Wait. Don't change yet we can still salvage this little covert operation of ours,” interrupted Ice Hoof.

“I’m not defeated yet,” muttered the sergeant.

A blast of force knocked Ice Hoof clear off the ground and sent her through the bathroom door.

“Die!” screamed the demonically possessed guard.

The creature’s powerful hooves slammed into the unicorn’s barrier with enough force to cause cracks to appear. Though Hammer winced, his concentration remained steadfast, and with a flash of magic, he blasted his newest foe with a surge of super-cooled water. Slamming into the wall, the demon suddenly found himself frozen from the neck down, encased in a rapidly freezing block of ice.

“What the hell,” he muttered in shock.

Pinkie Pie, focus on the blade and imagine it's sharp enough to cut straight through the metal bars of our cell. Interrupted the man, startling Pinkie Pie from her shock-induced hypnosis.

“R-right,” stuttered the pink pony.

Raising her hoof, Pinkie Pie willed the blade to appear in her grip, she then focused on it, willing it to sharpen. A moment later she brought it down against the bars with a clatter, the weapon bouncing uselessly off the steel cage.

“Too bad you locked up the only help you were going to get!” shouted a voice.

Broken timber and shattered bits of wood erupted from the hole where the bathroom door had been a moment later. In its place was a reddish brown blur, the demon’s pony disguise having been discarded in the chaos. In her place leaped an enormous hairy armed, ape-like creature with hooved feet and enormous fangs poking out from its lips.

A single titanic slam crushed Sergeant Hammer’s shield and sent him tumbling backward. He wasn't completely incapacitated by the whiplash through and blasted the demon with another lance of force. This time it did nothing but make the long black hairs sprouting from the chest of the creature ripple briefly before dissipating.

“You will not be rid of me so easily, fool!” it bellowed in a deep, rumbling tone.

“I thought you said not to change,” whined his companion.

“You stay like that. I’ll take care of this one,” replied the demon who had once been Ice Hoof.

Focus Pinkie! Demanded the former human.

Pinkie Pie tried to do as she was told, and cut through the bars, but the weapon simply bounced off a second time. While she struggled to free herself, the frozen demon was attempting to do the same at the same time as his companion was trying to kill Sergeant Hammer. The experienced stallion was no easy prey however and rolled out a range of a slam that would have crushed him flat.

Leaping up onto his hooves, the unicorn stumbled briefly before pulling the knife from his flank, and tossing it aside. The temporary distraction cost him, however, as the demon he was fighting backhanded the other male hard, sending him to the floor once more. His magic sputtered, his movements were slow, and it seemed as though the sergeant was about to meet his end.

Let me handle this. Declared the former human.

Pushing to the forefront of their shared mind, the human reasserted control with little resistance. His eyes glowed, his body grew stronger and with his hair returning to its former mohawk, the transformation was complete. The moment he had complete domination of their body he sliced down, cutting through the bars with two swift chops.

He stepped through the open cell and looked to find that the sergeant was being held aloft by his bestial foe. All remnants of the former pony were gone, replaced by blood red skin, a layer of dark black fur, and hundreds of pounds of muscle. Its back was hunched, its posture warped by its huge arms, and frame that was barely contained by the small guard house.

“Silly silly pony,” it rumbled, dangling the sergeant by his wounded back leg. “You should have run while you could. Now that will never happen.”

Hammer blasted his foe with a spray of super heated sparks but the spell barely even slowed the demon. Who with a twist, followed by a rip, removed the unicorn’s legs before dropping him to the ground and the limb into its open maw. With a wet crunch, it chewed, laughing as the unicorn twitched in pain before it.

The ex-human currently in control of Pinkie Pie’s body hit the demon right as it was about to grab the fallen unicorn. Cleaver met arm, and with a cry, the limb came loose, spilling boiling demonic blood across the room. Now reeling back in shock and surprise, the enormous ape spun around just in time to see a pinkish red blur raising its foreleg high.

The next chop removed a hunk of the beast’s chest, flesh splitting and blood gushing from the huge open wound. A second strike hew away more of the muscled meat though the third was blocked by a hastily grabbed table. The cleaver sunk deep into the wood but wasn't able to be recalled before the ape threw the hunk of furniture aside. The human stumbled back, glancing over to where his weapon had clattered to the ground some distance away.

“Not so intimidating now, are you?” bellowed the ape-like demon, remaining arm raised above his head.

On impulse, the human reached out for the weapon, and barely even noticed as it melted into nothing. Only to reform in his open hoof a second later, raised and ready to intercept the coming blow. Though he was able to block in time, and nearly sever the demon’s hand, there was considerable weight behind the strike.

Bludgeoned by the beast’s damaged limb, he stumbled back into a stand, twisting his dislocated foreleg back into place. With a final pop, he fixed the damage, right as his foe was attempting to do the same thing. The demon, however, could not heal as the former human did, and simply tore away what slivers of meat held his hand to his arm.

“I don't know what you are or how you did that, but you will pay,” growled the demonic ape.

“The only one who will pay the price is you, monster,” spat the human.

“Not today!” cried the human’s foe.

As he lurched forward, intent on removing the demon’s head from his neck, the creature was stepping back. Only it wasn't simply retreating but was instead readying itself for a powerful kick, one which sent Pinkie Pie’s body flying. Crashing straight through the wall and out into the street, they bounced head over heels, each impact accompanied by the snap of some limb.

When they finally came to rest there wasn't a single part of their body that wasn't damaged in some way. Bones poked out from their skin, limbs were twisted in directions that they were never intended to go and their head had turned completely around. The pain was intense but with grim determination the former human set about fixing their shattered form, and quickly.

Snaps pops, and cracks were constant for the next few seconds as the power stored within them was used to remedy their broken form. Once it was done, and they were able to walk again, he charged back into the guard house, cleaver raised above his head. The building was empty, with there being no trace of the demons, or the sergeant for that matter either. The only clue as to their location was the broken door that hung from a single hinge.

“Damn,” he cursed. “They got away.”

What now? Asked Pinkie Pie.

“We evacuate,” replied the human, withdrawing the cleaver into their body. “And we save as many as we can.”

The man closed his eyes, and Pinkie pie opened them a moment later, a look of grim determination crossing her face.

“Right,” she muttered to herself. “Where do we start?”

Author's Note

Escape Plan Part 1

We start by getting everyone to a location furthest from town. That will serve as our staging ground for the evacuation. Max exclaimed.

“Sweet Apple Acres. It's not super far but it's far enough to work!” Pinkie Pie proclaimed.

Good, let's get everyone going that way. Max offered.

Pinkie Pie nodded and took off down the mostly empty street. At first, the town seemed abandoned, as there was no one around, but there were ponies in the windows, their terrified faces half-hidden behind curtains. In the distance, ponies ran this way and that, a veritable stampede of horrified individuals running around seemingly aimlessly.

“Everyone we have to evacuate!” Pinkie Pie shouted. “Go to the Apple family farm, hurry!”

No one seemed to stir, fear and confusion controlling these ponies as if they were mere puppets.

Keep going, try the market. Max encouraged.

Pinkie Pie nodded, and put her head down once more, running off towards the heart of the panic. Around the corner and down another street Pinkie Pie found the market, or at least she assumed that she was in the right space. Shattered stalls trampled by the panic-stricken hooves of terrified ponies littered the streets, and confused masses of individuals moved about as if in a daze.

“EVERYPONY, GO TO SWEET APPLE ACRES!” Pinkie Pie shouted, hopping up and down on her back hooves while waving her forelimbs. “WE ARE EVACUATING!”

No one seemed to pay Pinkie Pie any mind, too wrapped up in their own panic-induced plans to even glance her way. Most present seemed intent on fleeing the town, though they weren't always running away from Canterlot and some were even running to it. If they weren't sprinting away from town in some random direction they were barricading their homes, nailing boards over their windows, or piling into root cellars by the dozen.

Pinkie Pie ran over to the closest group of ponies.

“Hey, Octavia, Vinyl, everypony! You have to go to Sweet Apple Acres,” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

“What, Pinkie? Didn't you get taken away by the guard?” Octavia murmured.

“They were demons who hurt the guard captain but that doesn't matter right now. You guys need to go to Sweet Apple Acres right away!” Pinkie Pie declared.

“We were planning on going to Manehatten. I have an apartment out there and if worse comes to worst we can board a ship to neighpone,” Vinyl offered.

“The road to Manehatten goes right past Canterlot, you’ll never make it. Trust me, we have to get as far away as we can from there,” Pinkie Pie stressed.

“Wait, Pinkie… you, you ate that creature’s brain,” murmured a member of Vinyl and Octavia’s group.

“That wasn't me, well it is. It's complicated but I’m a good guy! I’m the element of laughter remember?” Pinkie Pie declared, chuckling awkwardly in emphasis.

“I think we are going to stick with our Manehatten plan, thanks anyway Pinkie,” Octavia stated firmly.

Pinkie Pie opened her mouth to speak but noticed that the small group of ponies was subtly backing away from her. Their ranks were closed, and they seemed ready to run at a moment’s notice, their large fear-filled eyes staring directly at her.

“Oh,” Pinkie Pie muttered. “I see.”

“No offense Pinkie, but we really must go,” Vinyl Scratch repeated.

“Just remember not to trust anyone, especially if they have a symbol on their body. Anyone possessed by a demon has one of these, and if you see one run! Don't try to fight!” Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

“Thank you Pinkie, we’ll be going now,” Octavia stated firmly.

Pinkie Pie winced, watching as the group hastily backpedaled before turning tail and fleeing the moment they were far enough away.

“What now?” Pinkie Pie muttered.

Before Max could answer her, a new voice could be heard over the crowd, this one familiar, and brash.

“Pinkie Pie!” shouted the voice.

“Rainbow Dash?” Pinkie Pie muttered, spinning in place.

The pink earth pony looked up to find a speeding rainbow blur approaching her, skidding to a stop and kicking up a multihued cloud in the process.

“Pinkie Pie! Oh, thank the stars I found you,” Rainbow Dash professed. “It seems like the whole town went crazy when those guards took you in. What happened to them anyway?”

Just say they were bad guys. Max interjected.

“They were bad guys. I kicked their butts but they got away,” Pinkie Pie answered.

“Damn. With them still out there we’ll have to stay on our guard,” Rainbow Dash muttered.

“That doesn't matter right now. What matters is that we have to get everyone to Sweet Apple Acres so we can evacuate. We have to get as far away from Canterlot as possible!” Pinkie Pie proclaimed.

“Woah woah woah. Run? We can't run, we’re the elements of harmony, or most of them anyway,” Rainbow Dash interjected.

“You don't understand these aren't like the other bad guys they don't just want to beat us they want to kill us, or… or worse,” Pinkie Pie whispered in a low tone.

Rainbow Dash opened her mouth to speak, but reluctantly closed it, remaining quiet for several seconds.

“Okay, maybe this is serious. We better go back to the library,” Rainbow Dash whispered.

“Why the library? We need to get everyone as far away from town as possible,” Pinkie Pie declared.

“I know, I know. But that's where Mrs. Cake was gathering everypony, and it's also where Twilight left that experimental aircraft she was working on before she left for Canterlot,” Rainbow Dash replied.

Pinkie Pie gasped. “Of course! We could use that to get out of here faster! Good thinking Rainbow Dash.”

“Heh, I’m not just a pretty face you know,” Rainbow Dash remarked, waving towards the library. “Come on, we better get moving.”

“Lead the way!” Pinkie Pie proclaimed.

Rainbow Dash did just that, flying just fast enough for Pinkie Pie to run after her without getting left behind.

“Hey, Max do you think this will work?” Pinkie Pie whispered in a low tone.

I don't know. These things… they won't ever give up. Nor will they stop. Max replied grimly.

“Never? So… we can't beat them?” Pinkie Pie asked, her voice filled with despair.

We’re reaching the end of the knowledge forced upon me but I think we can. The words ‘The Conduit’ keep popping up but I can't seem to figure out what it all means. Max remarked. I think we have to destroy the conduit, but I can't be certain how, or even what it is, or where it may be for that matter, now that I’m thinking about it.

“I guess we can figure that out later,” Pinkie Pie offered weakly. “We gotta focus on everypony in Ponyville.”

Good thinking Pinkie Pie. Stay focused, and stay alert, more were on the way. Max declared.

“Right,” Pinkie Pie proclaimed.

“Who ya talkin' to there Pinkie?” Rainbow Dash asked.

Pinkie Pie blinked in surprise. “Oh uh, no one. Just my imaginary friend.”

“Oookay then, let them know they gotta leave too. Nopony left behind and all that,” Rainbow Dash offered.

“Err right, oh look we’re here!” Pinkie Pie pointed out.

Rainbow Dash followed her friend’s hoof to where the library loomed large before them. The usually empty and quiet building was the scene of much commotion, with many ponies gathered out front. There was also a single non-pony, who was running back and forth from inside, ferrying snacks or other supplies.

Pinkie Pie didn't give Spike more than a moment of focus as her mind was quickly counting and naming each of the individuals there. Starting with her friends, Rarity and Fluttershy who were joined by several of Fluttershy’s animals and Rarity’s sister, Sweetie Belle. A few other notable faces were visible amongst the crowd, like a rather shell-shocked Mrs. Cake, her children Pound and Pumpkin, as well as a familiar green lizard.

“Gummy!” Pinkie Pie shouted.

Sprinting over to the alligator sitting placidly on Mrs. Cake’s back, Pinkie Pie scooped up the critter and nuzzled it affectionately.

“Oh thank goodness you’re okay Pinkie. After what I saw with…” Mrs. Cake shook her head. “How did you escape?”

“That doesn't matter now. How many did you get to join you?” Pinkie Pie asked, glancing around at the large group of ponies clustered around the library.

“Twenty or thirty I think,” Mrs Cake muttered absently. “Most folks were too panicked to think straight but I gathered who I could.”

“I’ll get Spike, and start unloading the airship!” Rainbow Dash shouted.

“Okay, good thinking!” Pinkie Pie yelled back.

“I know we have to run, but where would we even go?” Mrs. Cake whispered in a low tone. “If it's not safe there, then where is?”

“A map,” Pinkie Pie declared. “I need a map.”

Inside. Max offered.

“Right,” Pinkie muttered.

Trotting inside, the earth pony quickly located a globe, snatching it off the table and heading back outside once more.

“Okay, so we’re here and the furthest town to the west is Hope’s Hallow in the middle of the Wandering Wood,” Pinkie Pie declared, tapping the globe. “We gotta go there!”

“That's several thousand miles,” Mrs Cake muttered. “I don't know if we can make it.”

“I…” Pinkie Pie stuttered, suddenly at a loss for words.

We have to try. Max offered.

“We have to try,” Pinkie Pie declared.

“I suppose,” Mrs. Cake murmured.

“Pinkie Pie, darling. Please tell me we are not getting running away because some bad guy showed up threatening everyone again,” Rarity interrupted. “I swear these ponies would panic if you so much as dropped a bag of potatoes.”

Pinkie Pie hesitated.

Tell her a bit about what happened. She doesn't get it, but she has to. Max encouraged.

Pinkie Pie took a breath. “This is serious Rarity. There are monsters out there that want to eat us, not just cus they are hungry but because they want to kill us, painfully.”

“Surely you’re overexaggerating, right?” Rarity whispered.

Pinkie Pie shook her head. “I’m afraid not. This isn't like the other times, we have to get out of here, run as far away as we can.”

“But what then, do we just… hide?” Rarity asked.

“I’m sure the princesses and Twilight can figure something out. Until then we have to save as many ponies as possible,” Pinkie Pie declared.

“Oh my, you really are serious, aren't you? It's so strange you being the voice of reason. No offense darling,” Rarity quickly added.

Pinkie Pie smiled. “None was taken, and I’m just as weirded out as you are.”

Maybe check on your animal friend. She hasn't stopped staring at us the entire time. Max offered.

Pinkie Pie glanced over to where Fluttershy sat off to one side, away from the others amidst a small crowd of animals.

“Hey, Fluttershy!” Pinkie Pie greeted, trotting up to the mare. “How are you holding- woah.”

The pink pony stopped when the animals formed a barrier between her and Fluttershy. Teeth bared, and claws extended they growled in silent fury, though Pinkie Pie could tell that they were terrified. Only loyalty to Fluttershy kept them in place, with Harry the bear standing tall in the center of the group, anchoring the smaller critters.

“Hey Flutters call off your friends, I’m just trying to check on you!” Pinkie Pie shouted.

“I don't think you should come any closer, whoever you are,” Fluttershy declared, peeking out from behind Harry.

“What do you mean? Don't you recognize me?” Pinkie Pie asked.

“You look like Pinkie, and you talk like Pinkie but you aren't Pinkie,” Fluttershy retorted, in an uncharacteristically bold move.

“Huh? Have you been reading too much Nietzsche again?” Pinkie Pie pressed.

Fluttershy’s eyes narrowed. “You may even joke like her, but you aren't Pinkie Pie. Pinkie Pie isn't a predator, Pinkie Pie doesn't stink like blood.”

“Look, Fluttershy it's a long story but I’m still me, see?” Pinkie Pie declared, doing a handstand as if that would help her case.

“Hey, Pinkie! Could you help us out back here?” shouted Rainbow Dash’s distant voice.

“Uh yeah, just a sec!” Pinkie Pie replied, hopping back down to four hooves again.

Pinkie Pie hesitated for a moment, glancing at Fluttershy with the clear intention of refuting her case further.

Leave it for now. We don't have the time. Max interrupted.

“I guess,” Pinkie Pie reluctantly admitted.

Turning back around, Pinkie Pie trotted through the crowd, and around to the back of the library. There she found that Spike and Rainbow Dash were tugging at a large flat boat whose deck was covered by an enormous deflated balloon. Big enough to fit nearly a hundred ponies on, and with a small hatch space accessible from the deck, it was simple but looked like it could do the job.

“It's stuck. Can you give us a hoof?” Rainbow Dash added, tugging the thing in emphasis.

Pinkie Pie glanced over to where the ship was wedged halfway in, halfway out of the large, seldom-used workshop at the back of the library. To get it out they could have pushed it back in, moved the angle, and tried over again, but it was close enough that a bit of force could probably work as well.

Just brute force it. Max suggested. It looks strong enough that it won't break.

“Okay, I’ll grab it here,” Pinkie Pie offered.

Spike and Rainbow Dash got into position, grabbing onto different parts of the boat.

“Alright,” Spike began. “On three, one, two-”

Pinkie Pie tugged, and with little struggle freed the boat from its prison. In the process, she also left a large scratch along the one side, though it barely even removed the top layer of paint.

“Wow, you are strong,” Spike muttered.

“Haha, yeah. You know me, I got that earth pony strength,” Pinkie Pie distracted. “Say, Twilight didn't send any warning about… anything did she?”

Spike’s face darkened and his shoulders fell slack. “She sent some weird garbled message telling me to pack my stuff and run, but after that, the magical fire spell suddenly broke.”

“Broke?” Pinkie Pie asked.

Spike nodded. “When I was little Twilight but an enchantment on my fire that let me send and receive letters from Celestia. It's actually a mix of dragon magic, and her own spell but that doesn't matter. What does matter is that she sent through some kind of rune that upon reforming dispelled the enchantment.”

Spike belched up a plume of green flame. “It's just plain old dragon fire again.”

“Maybe she was trying to protect you from something,” Rainbow Dash offered.

Spike shrugged. “I don't know. I just have to hope that it was part of some plan and I’ll see her again soon.”

“I’m sure we will Spike, but before that can happen we gotta move,” Pinkie Pie encouraged, tugging at the boat.

“Right, I’ll get everyone together. You and Spike prepare the boat,” Rainbow Dash exclaimed before flying off a moment later.

“I’m gonna check to see if the wheels are working. Why don't you hook yourself up to the harness? I think Twilight left a couple in the workshop,” Spike offered.

Pinkie Pie nodded. “Can do Spikeroni!”

The earth pony bounced over to the workshop and began to look around, immediately noting the vast emptiness. Expanded from what had once been a simple shed, the place had rapidly grown only to end up forgotten just as quickly. A thick layer of dust covered just about everything, including a harness that would hook up to the front of the airship.

After giving it a shake in order to banish the layer of grey dust, Pinkie Pie trotted out to the front and hooked herself up. As she got into position, her mind began to wander, and she couldn't help but wonder what Twilight had been up to. She hadn't told her friends much, nor had she visited since discovering something strange and intriguing within one of the Canterlot caves.

At first, they had gathered in the rebuilt and reconstructed library once every few days to hear about what she had been up to. Tales of her discoveries were vague, but semi-frequent, though she peppered in a fair few questions about them. Together they’d write a letter back, and the entire process would begin again, and again until it stopped suddenly.

Pinkie Pie remembered the awkward explanation Spike had given them about how Twilight was too busy to respond for the next little while.

I wonder if she accidentally let them out, or perhaps discovered some of the venom of Baal and drank it foolishly. Max remarked.

“I doubt that,” Pinkie Pie whispered. “Twilight may be a bit hair-brained at times but she is the most careful pony I know.”

“Did you say something?” Spike asked as he emerged from under the airship.

“No, just thinking to myself,” Pinkie Pie murmured, pausing to jingle her harness. “I’m ready by the way.”

“Alright, everyone else is moving. Wheres the other harness?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“I think it's at the back of the shop. I’ll go check,” Spike offered.

“It's fine, I can do it alone,” Pinkie Pie interrupted. “Just have everyone walk in front of me.”

Good thinking, very noble of you Pinkie. Max commented.

“Alright,” Rainbow Dash murmured hesitantly. “Come on everypony lets go!”

The mass of ponies began to move slowly towards the edge of Ponyville and the dirt road that led to their destination. Though lethargic at first, the moment a piercing scream could be heard from somewhere in town, everyone began moving a little faster. Even Pinkie Pie, burdened though she was, pushed herself even harder than before.

The strap system strained against the immense weight, even with two sets of wheels helping things along. Pinkie Pie herself knew at the back of her mind that this was too heavy, even for her, yet she was able to push forward. With strength beyond that of even an earth pony, she was able to keep pace with the lightly jogging convoy that had formed before her.

I’ll give you a bit of my strength though I’ll be keeping most in case we run into more demons. Max exclaimed.

“Thanks,” Pinkie Pie murmured between grit teeth.

Pinkie Pie’s muscles bulged slightly, the weight immediately growing lighter.

One hoof in front of the other, Pinkie Pie reached the dirt road and kept on trotting onward. The convoy kept up their pace, their steps hasty, but not so hasty that they stumbled, or broke away from the pack. All the while Rainbow Dash continued to monitor from above, flying in a lazy circle around the group in order to keep watch. Spike hung back slightly, the dragon continually glancing back, ensuring he kept a close eye on the road behind them.

Free to simply pull and do nothing else, Pinkie Pie kept her head down until finally, Sweet Apple Acres appeared in the distance. A familiar orange shape was trotting towards them already, the stetson-wearing mare also wearing a confused frown on her face. She talked briefly to Rarity before falling back, stopping once she was jogging alongside Pinkie Pie.

“Woah there, what's going on?” Applejack asked. “Rares mentioned some kind of monster attack.”

“It's more serious than that,” Spike interrupted, falling back alongside the farm pony. “Demons are killing tons of people, and we need to get out of here.”

“Demons?” Applejack scoffed. “Now that doesn't sound right.”

“Trust me,” Pinkie Pie exclaimed between clenched teeth. “They are out there and they are coming. We have to go.”

“We can't just abandon the farm. Surely we can put up some kinda fight,” Applejack offered.

We don't have time to do this again. Convince her. Max stated.

Pinkie Pie nodded and trotted to a halt. She then grabbed Applejack’s hoof and held it tightly. “Applejack listen to me,” Pinkie Pie began, her tone low and serious. “I would not ask you to do this unless I believed there was a good chance that if you didn't, everyone you know and love would die.”

“You… You're serious,” Applejack muttered.

“Dead serious,” Pinkie Pie replied, only to wince. “Sorry about the pun.”

“It's fine,” Applejack dismissed. “You just go get the airship going in front of the barn. I’ll talk to family and get them ready to move. They won't like it, but heck, if Pinkie Pie is taking it this seriously then it's gotta be real.”

“Thank you Applejack,” Pinkie Pie whispered.

Great work. Max complimented.

Pinkie Pie smiled and began to move once more, dragging the airship toward the large red out building.

“Alright everypony, get together, we gotta launch this sucker and quick!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

“I’ll inflate the balloon,” Spike offered. “You guys get everything ready. The moment it's filled enough to start rising, get on. We’ll moor it to that tree.”

Pinkie Pie hauled the airship until it was directly in front of the barn. At which point she nearly collapsed, falling to the earth and laying on her side in the dirt.

Take a breather. You deserve it. Max commented.

Pinkie Pie merely grunted, the mare picking herself up just long enough to remove herself from the harness and plop down near a tree. Under the shade of the old oak, Pinkie Pie watched as the group of refugees got to work, guided by Spike and Rainbow Dash. It would have been an endearing sight of a community coming together if the circumstances were different.

“Do you think… do you think running is the best idea?” Pinkie Pie whispered.

For them? Absolutely. Max answered.

“But what about us?” Pinkie Pie inquired.

I’m not so sure. Max admitted. We alone have the power to permanently kill these things and though I am loathe to put my life on the line, it seems as though ending this thing is our responsibility.

“After everypony is safe and we figure out a way to stop these things then we’ll hunt them down,” Pinkie Pie declared, pounding her hooves together.

My thoughts exactly. Max agreed.

Pinkie Pie grimaced, her mind conjuring images of her sisters and parents. She silently hoped that they were okay back on the rock farm.

It's sheltered, and far from Canterlot. I’m sure they are okay. Max remarked.

“True,” Pinkie Pie muttered.

Applejack is coming back and she looks scared. Max remarked.

Pinkie Pie looked up to find that Applejack was sprinting towards them, a terrified expression on her face. The pink mare hauled herself up and met her halfway alongside Rainbow Dash as well as Rarity.

“What's the matter, darling? Are they not coming?” Rarity inquired.

“They are, but that's not what's got my knickers in a twist,” Applejack replied. “It's Apple Bloom, she’s taken off all by herself.”

“What, how did this happen?” Rainbow Dash demanded.

Applejack winced. “It's my own darn fault. I mentioned that I didn't see Scootaloo in the group and she said it was okay, and that she was going to go pack.”

“And when you went to go check on her she was gone,” Spike assumed.

“Yup,” Applejack muttered. “I shoulda known she’d do something like this. She never just goes along with what I say. Never.”

“I’ll get her back,” Pinkie Pie offered.

“And I’m coming with you,” Rainbow Dash declared.

She can't. Max stated.

“You can't,” Pinkie Pie shot back.

“And why not?” Rainbow Dash challenged.

She would die, but more importantly, the airship doesn't have any kind of propulsion. She’ll need to pull it. Max pointed out.

“The airship doesn't have any propulsion,” Pinkie Pie proclaimed. “You need to be there to pull it.”

“I…” Rainbow Dash cursed under her breath and kicked the ground. “Darnit you’re right.”

“You sure about this Pinkie? I could come with ya,” Applejack offered.

Pinkie Pie shook her head. “You guys have to stay here. Only I can survive tangling with these guys.”

“I don't rightly know what you're talking about but I believe ya,” Applejack exclaimed, pausing to extend a hoof. “You bring my sister back quick now, ya hear?”

Pinkie Pie smiled, and clopped her hoof against her friends, making a loud clop. “I will, and when I get back we’ll all go somewhere safe where we can figure this out.”

“You better, now come on you lot. Let's get this bird in the air,” Applejack ordered.