Author's Note

It's ironic, writing this after I've lost hope we can change course. I suppose we had to create one timeline where our species was held accountable. Too bad it couldn't be the real one.

Darker Shores

With formalities out of the way, Twilight's party began their training, practicing in secret four days per week. Only three of them felt comfortable enough to assume combat positions - Rainbow, Spike, and herself. The siblings took up Zane's offerings, leaving their friend to traditional swordsmanship. The others specialized in more technical fields, ranging from weapon modification to healing and armor. Every so often, they ventured back to Earth, keeping in contact with their expanding array of allies.

"So you were planning a celebration with Eric?" Twilight inquired. She knew a lot about birthdays thanks to Pinkie Pie, but Halloween was more versatile than the typical Nightmare Night back home.

"Yeah," Zane confirmed, "Had to call it off, though. There've been reports about a serial killer stalking the area. Apparently he's been at large for quite a long while."

The human held up an article printed by the local newspaper. So far, there were at least twelve confirmed deaths, with estimates calculating upwards of the forties.

"Sounds pretty serious. I take it you wouldn't have any idea who he is?"

"No, but I know he's a local. Doesn't look like he's killed anybody out of town."

"And I'm assuming you're telling us now because you need help apprehending him. You want him taken in alive."

"That's about the size of it. Like you, I'd rather avoid lethal methodologies. Think you can help me out?"

"I suppose we could do with a test run. Even if it's just four of us, that should be more than enough. What's the plan?"

"One of us will have to act as bait. People like him prey on the weak and unsuspecting, so I figure if we catch him off guard, we can use your magic to subdue him. You've fought off bad guys before. I'm sure you've got a few tricks up your sleeve."

"It's risky," Twilight admitted, "I've never tested my magic on humans before. If it doesn't work, we'll have to try something less preferable."

"That's why I was wondering if we could combine one of your spells with my rifle. There's gotta be something to lessen the blow."

Twilight thought it over. Theoretically, it might work. At worst, they would inflict a flesh wound. All she needed was an opportunity to follow up. If she could manage to pin him down, then maybe...

"Fuck it. I'm in."

"Are you positive," Rarity questioned, "He may only be human, but none of us are immortal by any stretch of the imagination. One wrong move and he'll take you out with him."

"That's a risk we're gonna have to take," Twilight acknowledged, "If our roles were reversed, wouldn't you do the same? Besides, the rest of you will be safe here. Now that we know who's doing what, we can plan our roles accordingly. All you have to do is make sure we go out in style."

"Ah, yes. I see your point."

"Speaking of which," Twilight remembered, turning to Zane for further confirmation, "Did you gather the materials? I've been eager to see what designs you came up with while we were gone."

"I think you'll like 'em. Check it out."

Looking through the man's sketchbook, Twilight nodded, eyeing over drawings inspired directly by rock n' roll culture.

"This'll surprise a lot of folks back home. That's for damn sure."

Rarity spent daylight stitching every crease into place. Each outfit spoke to them individually, being particularly fond of her own. Later that night, Zane, Twilight, Rainbow, and Spike prepared to head out on patrol. Twilight glanced over the human male's vehicle. Its bodily structure was composed of purified metals, having been modeled for optimal posture. With their group cut in half, they could squeeze in no problem.

"So this is your car," the Alicorn asked, "I can only teleport to places I've been to before. We've had to take the express a few times since I moved to Ponyville. How long will it take to get to Arkansas?"

"About a day or two, depending on whether we stop at a motel. Eric'll be here when we're ready to leave."

"Does he know about us? What we are I mean. Maria believed us right away, but I doubt everyone else will."

"I didn't tell him. As a general rule, people don't believe in what they can't see. Hiding it's the only way I'll get him to come down. I don't like lying, but it's for a good reason. That's what I tell myself to justify it anyway."

"Don't take it personally. He'll understand eventually. If he's never had reason to doubt you before, he won't start now. It'll all work out somehow. It has to."

"Yeah...I guess you're right. Let's bring this psycho down."

"That's more like it! Let's move!"

"Here. You'll need these."

Zane tossed each of the party a handheld device. It was shaped in a manner similar to the phone, though the antennae suggested they weren't exactly the same.

"It's a walkie-talkie - sort of a two-way radio we can use to keep in touch. If anything comes up, we can let the others know. The signal only spans about a mile, so keep it on hand at all times. To use it, hold down the button here. Odds are we'll have to split up to find him. Just try not to go too far. Getting separated here could mean the difference between life and death."

"Understood. We'll stay close."

"Let's put this sucker in the clink where he belongs."

The party settled in, buckling themselves down. Zane ignited the engine, stirring the machine to life. Twilight learned during their previous visit motors ran on gasoline, though global supply was limited. She wondered how humans would compensate down the line, knowing their friends would likely all be gray by then. What would transpire between now and then was what concerned her most.

"Open the glove box," Zane requested, "Got a few things in there you might find interesting."

Twilight obliged, pulling down the handle. Inside, she found a number of unusual objects, beginning with a plastic shell. Batteries rested near a bulky black binder. The latter had been crafted through what appeared to be a mix of foam and leather. Zane instructed her to unzip it, revealing a plethora of metal albums released during the decade. Most of them were burned copies sent by Maria through the mail, though a few originals had managed to find their way in as well.

"Why don't you take a look, see if there's anything you like?"

Twilight flipped through the sheathed layers of plastic. She assumed most of them were composed in the same melodic style from their previous escapades. For the most part, she was correct, as was about to be demonstrated through their unanimous vote.

"How about this one?"

She held the case up for her friends. Written in black marker, they were able to make out the band's name, Unanimated, as well as the album's title, In the Forest of the Dreaming Dead. A mystical air surrounded its premise, rooted in medieval folklore. With their home world caught between eras, it only made sense to revisit old classics. All of them had read through poetic psalms at some point during their youth. Twilight was eager to hear how a more aggressive approach could breathe life into their relevance. She wondered how humans found catharsis in such raw forms of expression. Perhaps it was a way to reclaim power when all else seemed in vain. There was always the possibility she would grow to understand in time, but no one knew how long that would take. In fact, if she was being honest, lately it felt like she didn't even know herself. The whole situation had turned her perception upside down. What would she do when this was all over? Who would she be? While the dreams offered some insight, nothing was set in stone. Would she still be bound to rule Equestria once that final corner had been turned?

"Hell yeah," Rainbow exclaimed, "Pop it in!"

Spike agreed, reminded of stories from board games and comics. If nothing else, it'd be fascinating to see how their settings translated to music. Twilight slipped the disc into the car's stereo system. She could only think to ask one question, turning down the volume so her friends could respond accordingly.

"What can you tell me about Maria? I know you mentioned the ordeal with her father, but her demeanor in general appears rather lethargic. She's so low-energy you'd think it was a sugar crash, and trust me, I know from experience."

"To tell you the truth, she's kinda depressed about life overall. Had a falling out with her mom a few years back. Guilt's been eatin' her alive ever since. I don't think she likes the world in general. Goes back to what I said before, about why she hides her face."

"'See no evil'. It's a way to avoid people knowing what she's thinking."

"Pretty much. I've only talked to Brandon a couple of times, but he seems pretty chill. Made something of a name for himself in the psychiatric field. Growing up together probably helped."

"So they're close?"

"Couldn't ask for a better pair, 'specially with the stakes as high as they are now."

"Have you tried persuading them to reconcile with their mom?"

"Didn't wanna push it. I've never seen 'em get angry, and I'd rather keep it that way. They're far more skilled with a weapon than I am."

"Their psychological makeup sounds exceedingly complex. Not sure I'll be able to get an accurate read on 'em."

"They're good people, just a bit troubled is all. What about you? What's your story?"

"I told you before I grew up in Canterlot. Celestia was my mentor until I became a princess. I was actually supposed to take over as ruler of Equestria, but our current circumstances interrupted plans for my coronation."

"So you're technically the queen? If I'd known that, I would've rolled out the red carpet."

"All of us have special talents. Fluttershy owns an animal sanctuary back home, and Applejack runs the family farm. I never brought it up, but her parents passed away when she was young. I don't think she ever fully got over it, not that you can with something so serious. I weep for her silently in ways nobody can see. I wish bad things never happened in life, but that's not the world we live in, especially not for you..."

"I think I know why you're so tightly knit. You're more human than pony in a lot of respects."

"That's the part that worries me. We're two totally different species, yet our behaviors align all too well. What will become of us when our journey here has reached its end...?"

Zane turned his gaze towards Twilight, focusing on the road after a quiet moment of introspection. He felt awful knowing they'd been dragged in against their will, but justice wouldn't come easily. He shuddered to think what they would have to endure before this whole mess was over...