Once Aris snaps his fingers, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Spike, and Fluttershy remain seated and stare at the screen in anticipation, waiting for the next SCP to start. “So Aris, does this SCP have a nickname too?” Spike asks.

“Yes. We call it ‘The Shy Guy’.” Aris answers.

“The Shy Guy?” Twilight repeats, earning a nod from the A.I.

Rainbow Dash just chuckles at the nickname. “What, is this thing timid like Fluttershy here?” She asks, wrapping a hoof around the butterscotch pegasus and pulling her close.

Fluttershy feels a bit nervous when her friend pulls her into the conversation, and when the red Artificial Intelligence looks at her. No, more like he was studying her. She hides her face behind her mane in response, squeaking to herself. His analytical eyes made her feel a bit uneasy.

“No. SCP-096 is nothing like Mrs. Shy here.” Aris answers flatly, much to Flutershy’s relief. He may have just met these ponies, but he knows she is not the same as 096.

“So what makes it so shy?” Asked Twilight as she scratched her chin with her hoof.

“SCP-096 spends most of its time alone, but becomes violent if any living creature, human or otherwise, catches a glimpse of its face,” Aris answers stoically. He hears a gasp coming from his side, he looks and meets the eyes of Fluttershy again.

“It becomes v-violent?” She squeaks out.

Aris nods. Everypony just remains silent as the video starts.

Item #: SCP-096

“Wait,” Spike says, causing the file to pause. “Aren’t you gonna show us the image of this SCP first?”

Aris shakes his head. “Protocol dictates that no photos containing SCP-096’s face are to be displayed.”

Everyone frowns at that. “Why? It’s just a photo; not it’s actual face.” Twilight says.

“Unfortunately, testing has proven that viewing 096’s face on a photograph or video recording can still trigger a hostile reaction.”

The girls and Spike look at each other in shock and confusion. This causes Rainbow Dash to snort skeptically. “Come on, dude, it’s just a photo. How in Equestria can it know we saw a photo of his face if he isn’t here to see us do it?” She crosses her front hooves.

“Trust me, it always knows.” Aris spoke with a deep seriousness. “Though still not fully known, it has an innate ability to know when and where the victim who saw his face is. Even if the target saw a picture of its face a hundred miles away.”

“Then what about an image of 096 that doesn’t have its face?” Twilight asks.

Aris thinks for a moment before answering. “Yes. Once you’ve been given the basic description of the SCP’s form, I’ll show you the image before moving on its face.”

Everypony nods.

Object Class: Euclid

Special Containment Procedures: SCP-096 is to be contained in its cell, a 5 m x 5 m x 5 m airtight steel cube, at all times.

‘Sheesh. I can’t imagine what that would be like.’ Rainbow Dash thought to herself. While not claustrophobic, she doesn’t like the idea of being confined to a small room with little space to fly. Yet, this “Shy Guy”, has to be kept in one for the rest of its life.

Weekly checks for any cracks or holes are mandatory. There are to be absolutely no video surveillance or optical tools of any kind inside SCP-096’s cell. Security personnel will use pre-installed pressure sensors and laser detectors to ensure SCP-096’s presence inside the cell.

“Wow, you guys sure are serious with this thing,” Spike comments.

“Of course we are serious,” Aris replies. “In the event of a containment breach where we are to recapture 096, the guards are advised to look at anything other than the object itself.”

Any and all photos, videos, or recordings of SCP-096’s likeness are strictly forbidden without approval from Dr. ███ and O5-█.

The quartet was curious to learn who gave those orders but became confused when they heard static when the names were about to be revealed.

“Uh, Aris? Why was there static?” Fluttershy timidly asks.

“Some sensitive information, such as the identities of high-ranking personnel, has been redacted for security purposes. Remember to expect these in other files.” Aris explains before moving on to the description.

Description: SCP-096 is a humanoid creature measuring approximately 2.38 meters in height. Subject shows very little muscle mass, with preliminary analysis of body mass suggesting mild malnutrition. Arms are grossly out of proportion with the rest of the subject’s body, with an approximate length of 1.5 meters each. Skin is mostly devoid of pigmentation, with no sign of any body hair.

Aris displays the image of SCP-096 huddling in the corner, its censored face looking back at the camera. The anomaly makes the quartet feel a little disgusted as it seemingly whimpers.

“It looks so sad.” Fluttershy comments, puffing out her lower lip feeling sad for 096.

“It looks so fragile and weak.” Twilight adds, noticing how thin 096 looks compared to Aris.

“Don’t let SCP-096’s appearance fool you,” Aris warns the girls, having noticed them feeling sorry for the anomaly. “It may look weak and frail, but that only belies it’s danger.”

SCP-096’s jaw can open to four (4) times the norm of an average human.

“Hey, it could win a hayburger eating contest!” Says Rainbow Dash, an amazed smile on her face.

Aris looks at Twilight with a raised eyebrow. “She’s very competitive.”

Other facial features remain similar to an average human, with the exception of the eyes, which are also devoid of pigmentation. It is not yet known whether SCP-096 is blind or not. It shows no signs of any higher brain functions, and is not considered to be sapient.

“I’m curious, are there any blind ponies in Ponyville?” Spike asks the two pegasi curiously.

“Uh, you might want to ask Pinkie, but I think there’s a mare called ‘Beifong’ who’s blind.” Rainbow Dash says.

“Why is it not considered sapient?” Twilight asks.

“From what researchers have observed, aside from huddling in a corner, or attacking anything that sees its face, the specimen has no other function.” Aris replies. Twilight nods and writes that on a scroll.

SCP-096 is normally extremely docile, with pressure sensors inside its cell indicating it spends most of the day pacing by the eastern wall. However, when someone views SCP-096’s face, whether it be directly, via video recording, or even a photograph, it will enter a stage of considerable emotional distress. SCP-096 will cover its face with its hands and begin screaming, crying, and babbling incoherently. Approximately one (1) to two (2) minutes after the first viewing, SCP-096 will begin running to the person who viewed its face (who will from this point on be referred to as SCP-096-1).

“So anypony or anything that sees its face becomes an SCP?” Spike whispers to himself. Aris hears this but does not reply.

Documented speeds have varied from thirty-five (35) km/h to ███ km/h, and seems to depend on distance from SCP-096-1.

“I can fly way faster than that!” Rainbow Dash says.

“Rainbow, that Shy Guy doesn’t have any magic or wings, so to see something accelerate to such speeds would be terrifying,” says Twilight. Rainbow Dash had to agree.

At this point, no known material or method can impede SCP-096’s progress. The actual position of SCP-096-1 does not seem to affect SCP-096’s response; it seems to have an innate sense of SCP-096-1’s location. Note: This reaction does not occur when viewing artistic depictions (see Document 096-1).

“Well, it’s nice to know that they have some way of viewing 096’s face without triggering its hostility.” Twilight comments.

“Yeah.” Spike concurs, “But still, can you imagine if that thing was in Equestria? Stopping it would be near impossible.”

“But then again, according to the file, SCP-096 only becomes violent whenever somepony sees its face.” Rainbow Dash argues. “Therefore, all we have to do is look at anything but its face, and we’ll be safe.”

Twilight and Spike look at the Pegasus mare in shock. “What?” She huffs.

“Well, we can expect this type of smartness from Fluttershy or Pinkie,” Twilight said, “But you, Rainbow? You normally tend to rush in head first without asking questions.”

Rainbow Dash huffs in response. “C’mon, I’m not that reckless, I can think ahead. I’m just not an overthinking egghead like you.” She then points a hoof at Twilight. A small lock of Twilight’s mane seems to twinge out of place at that comment.

“Hey, I do not overthink!” She spoke offendedly.

“Do I even need to bring up that one time you went crazy because you thought the Princess would send you back to magic kindergarten if you didn’t send your weekly friendship report?” Rainbow crosses her front hooves. Aris sees Twilight narrow her brow at the rainbow pegasus, and chooses to step in before the argument gets any more heated.

“Settle down, you two.” He orders firmly, his voice sharp enough to catch both mares’ attention. “You may discuss this at a later date, but not now.”

The two mares begrudgingly agree and settle back down in their seats. From the corner of his eye, however, he sees Rainbow Dash stick her tongue out at the purple unicorn. Twilight sticks out her own tongue in response. Aris sighs in annoyance before continuing the file. ‘This almost reminds me of two of my A.I. siblings.’

Upon arriving at SCP-096-1’s location, SCP-096 will proceed to kill and [DATA EXPUNGED] SCP-096-1. 100% of cases have left no traces of SCP-096-1.

Fluttershy elicits an ‘eep’ at that information, hiding half her face behind her mane.

“No traces?” Twilight asks with eyes wide as dinner plates. “No bodies, or…body parts? Just nothing?”

“What does he do with the remains?” Spike asks while shivering, not sure if he really wants to know the answer. Thankfully, Aris does not respond.

SCP-096 will then sit down for several minutes before regaining its composure and becoming docile once again. It will then attempt to make its way back to its natural habitat, [DATA REDACTED]

“Where did the Shy Guy come from?” Spike asks the A.I.

Aris only shakes his head. “Like so many other SCPs, the origins of 096 are shrouded in mystery. All I can say is that the object was discovered in an isolated mountain range, the name and location of which is classified.”

Due to the possibility of a mass chain reaction, including breach of Foundation secrecy and large civilian loss of life, retrieval of subject should be considered Alpha priority.

The girls and Spike nod in agreement. If SCP-096 really is this dangerous, then it shouldn’t be allowed anywhere near populated areas. If one look at its face is all it takes, then if it wandered into a city, it could be catastrophic.

Dr. ███ has also petitioned for immediate termination of SCP-096 (see Interview 096-1). Order is awaiting approval. Termination order has been approved, and is to be carried out by Dr. ███ on [DATA REDACTED]. See Incident-096-1-A.

“Incident?” Fluttershy asks.

“Yes. One of the worst containment breaches in Foundation history.” Aris says. “But that’s a story for another time.”

The red Artificial Intelligence faces the quartet. “This file also contains an audio log. Would you like to hear it?”

The group nods as Aris snaps his fingers and plays the audio log. “Now, this log details the SCP Foundation’s first interaction with the object.”

Audio log from Interview 096-1:
Retrieval Incident #096-1-A
Interviewer: Dr. ███
Interviewed: Captain (Ret.) █████████, former commander of retrieval team Zulu 9-A

[████████ ████████ Time, Research Area ██]

Capt. █████████: It always sucks ass to get Initial Retrieval duty. You have no idea what the damn thing is capable of besides what jacked-up information the field techies can scrape up, and you’re lucky if they even tell you the whole story. They told us to “bag and tag.” Didn’t tell us jackshit about not looking at the damn thing.

“Okay, that’s just getting annoying.” Rainbow Dash growls.

“What is?” Spike asks.

“All the information that’s being hidden,” Rainbow replies. “We don’t even know the Commander’s name.”

“Well, I can see why,” Twilight says before explaining. “If something so trivial, such as the name of the captain, is ever revealed, then ponies who access this file can easily track him down.”

Rainbow Dash and Spike understand why. Fluttershy, however, is speaking to Aris. “Why didn’t they warn them not to look at the Shy Guy’s face?”

“I’m afraid I don’t why either, or if they had known of its hostile nature.” Aris says sadly.

Dr. ███: Could you describe the mission, please?

Capt. █████████: Yeah, sorry. We had two choppers, one with my team and one on backup with Zulu 9-B and Dr. ██████. We spotted the target about two clicks north of our patrol path. I’m guessing he wasn’t facing our direction, else he would have taken us out then and there.

“Oh thank goodness. No pony died,” Fluttershy whispered to herself in relief.

Dr. ███: Your report says SCP-096 didn’t react to the cold? It was -██o C.

Capt. █████████: Actually, it was -██. And yes, it was butt naked and didn’t so much as shiver.

The ponies and dragon are impressed. SCP-096 seems to be unaffected by freezing temperatures despite lacking a fur coat.

Anyway, we landed, approached the target, and Corporal ██ got ready to bag it. That’s when Dr. ██████ called. I turned to answer it, and that’s what saved me. The target must have turned and my whole squad saw it.

“Oh no.” Fluttershy whimpers, realizing she just jinxed herself.

Dr. ███: That’s when SCP-096 entered an agitated emotional state?

Capt. █████████: Yep. [Interviewee now pauses for a second before continuing] Sorry. Got the willies for a second.

Dr. ███: That’s all right.

Capt. █████████: Yeah. Well, I never saw its face. My squad did, and they paid for it up the ass.

Dr. ███: Could you describe it a little more, please?

Capt. █████████: [Pauses] Yeah, yeah. It started screaming at us, and crying. Not animal roaring though, sounded exactly like a person. Really fucking creepy. [Pauses again] We started firing when it picked up Corporal ██ and ripped off his leg. God, he was screaming for our help… fuckin’ A…

“Um… C-could you pause, please?” Fluttershy asks as she darts to the bathroom and proceeds to vomit. Concerned for their friend’s health, Spike, Rainbow Dash, and Twilight Sparkle also get up and rush to the butterscotch mare.

Aris, having already paused the video, just remains on his hologram projector, looking in the direction the quartet had run in. A look of sympathy formed on his normally stoic face.

At that moment, Owlicious hovers from his stand and lands closer to the A.I., his gaze still transfixed in the direction of where the girls went. He turns his head around and gives a concerned look at Aris.

“I probably should’ve better warned them.” He says to the Owl.

“Whoo,” Owlicious hoots.

“Yeah. Even he would’ve taken advantage of this to poke fun at me.” He added in annoyance.

“Whoo~”

After a few minutes, the quartet returns, with Fluttershy wiping her mouth with a cloth, her eyes noticeably watery. She is also carrying a small glass of water, and taking a few small sips.

“Are you feeling better, Mrs. Shy?” Aris asks. Fluttershy remains quiet, weakly nodding her head. “Perhaps I should have given you a warning for how graphic these recordings were, I’ll make note of that in the future.”

“...Thank you…” She spoke barely above a whisper. Everyone began to sit back down, Fluttershy sitting much closer to Rainbow Dash than she was.

Before unpausing the recording, Aris manifests a small glass of water into the butterscotch mare’s hooves.

Anyway, we were blowing chunks out of the target, round after round. Didn’t do jackshit. I almost lost it when it started [DATA EXPUNGED] him.

Dr. ███: That’s when you ordered the use of an [Papers are heard moving] AT-4 HEDT launcher?

Capt. █████████: An anti-tank gun. Started carrying it ever since SCP-███ got loose. I’ve seen those tear through tanks like tissue paper. Did the same thing to the target.

“I don’t understand.” Twilight looks a bit annoyed. “What is a tank?”

“Tanks are heavily armored combat vehicles used by human militaries as a primary offensive weapon in ground combat.” Aris displays multiple images depicting various tanks, each hailing from a different country. “As for an AT-4, the projectiles they fire travel at a muzzle velocity between 220 to 290 meters per second.”

The three ponies and the baby dragon give a simultaneous, “Wow~”

Dr. ███: There was significant damage to SCP-096?

Capt. █████████: It didn’t even fucking flinch. It kept tearing apart my squad, but with half of its torso gone. [He draws a large half-circle across his torso]

“But how did that thing not die?” Twilight asks incredulously. “By all logic, it should be dead.”

“But, isn’t that what an anomaly is, Twilight? Something that doesn’t follow logic?” Fluttershy asks.

“Yeah…well… There has to be some logic to all of this!” Twilight’s overly logical mind is having difficulties accepting how SCP-096 could still exist after being shot with something so powerful. To the side, some snickering is heard, and a quick glance tells that it’s coming from Rainbow Dash.

“Egghead.” She whispers to herself, but loud enough for Twilight to hear, causing her scowl to return.

Dr. ███: But it was taking damage?

Capt. █████████: If it was, it wasn’t showing it. It must have lost all its organs, all its blood, but it didn’t acknowledge any of it. Its bone structure wasn’t hurt at all, though. It kept tearing my squad apart.

Dr. ███: So no actual structural damage. How many rounds would you say were fired at SCP-096?

Capt. █████████: At the least? A thousand. Our door gunner kept his GAU-19 on it for at least twenty seconds. Twenty fucking seconds. That’s six hundred .50 caliber rounds pumped into the thing. Might as well been spitting at it.

Rainbow Dash whistles at the amount of damage SCP-096 had sustained. She has no idea what weapons humans utilized, nor exactly what a GAU-19 is, but if it’s similar to a mounted crossbow, and can fire so many projectiles in 20 seconds, then it must be very powerful.

Dr. ███: This is when Zulu 9-B arrived?

Capt. █████████: Yeah, and my squad was gone. Zulu 9-B managed to get the bag over its head, and it just sat down. We got it into the chopper and got it here. I don’t know how I never saw its face. Maybe God or Buddha or whoever thought I should live. The jackass.

“I don’t know who those guys are, but that captain must’ve had a lot of survivor’s luck if he managed to not see 096’s face,” Spike says to the group.

Dr. ███: We have obtained an artist’s depiction of SCP-096’s face. Would you like to view it?

Capt. █████████: [Pauses] You know, after hearing that thing’s screams, and the screams of my men, I don’t think I want to put a face to what I heard. No. Just… no.

Dr. ███: All right, I believe we are done here. Thank you, Captain.

[Chairs are heard moving, and footsteps leave the room. Captain (Ret.) █████████ is confirmed to have left Interview Room 22.]

Dr. ███: Let this be on record that I am formally requesting SCP-096 be terminated as soon as possible.

With that, the entry is finally done and Aris says to the quartet, “I believe that’s all for now. I suggest taking a break, all of you.” He looks to Fluttershy with a stoic and sympathetic expression.

Everyone nods at the A.I.’s suggestion. After what they learned about 096’s docile and violent nature, they needed to get their minds off of it. The Unicorn and Pegasus mares, along with Spike, all stand up from their seats, with Owlicious flying next to Twilight.

“And before you go,” Everyone stops to look at Aris. “If any of you want to look at another SCP file, the next one I’ll show will be a more friendlier anomaly.”

“Okay,” Twilight nods while her friends accept the A.I.’s suggestion. Fluttershy nods too.

After the quartet leaves the room, Aris demanifests himself and the Foundation terminal begins closing itself up. The attached screen transforms and folds itself up before dematerializing. Within several seconds, the terminal is turned back into a portable case.

Author's Note

Hello, everyone! Wow, this took a lot longer than I intended. Let’s just say that I’ve had a lot going on since my last post. 4th of July, visiting Yellowstone and Jackson National Parks before the start of August, and celebrating my 22nd birthday on the 3rd.

Thankfully, with the help of my Co-Author, I was able to pull through and finish this chapter successfully.

You are very welcome my friend. My heart goes out for Fluttershy though. There was a bit more for her to handle in this chapter.

Yeah, and that was just with SCP-096. The other violent anomalies (106, 682, 4666) will be too much for her to bear. Thankfully, she won’t be reacting to the Yule Man; that I will say.

So, that was the SCP-096 file by Dr. Dan. I won’t be doing Incident-096-1-A until the girls have read other SCPs and have gained a better understanding of the Foundation. The next chapter will be about a Safe-class anomaly; one that’s very friendly to people.

I hope you all enjoy this chapter. Until next time, everyone.