Malignant

I still couldn’t really believe it. Covette and Ennui...gone. Very suddenly, too. I didn’t even know Covette was in Ponyville! When did that happen? And why? At least I know how Covette got here and bought a house, though. With my money, naturally. It warms my heart to know that I was finally able to do some good for her.

And yet...she burned it. She burned it all. That’s what worried me the most. The Covette I knew would never EVER do a thing like that. It was all so very strange. And it had all of us in a rather somber mood yesterday. I didn’t know it at the time, but I’m still glad I decided not to ask Rarity out to lunch. It would have been most unbecoming of a gentlecolt.

But today? The sky is blue, the sun is shining, and Twilight Sparkle is on the case. Personally, I know that I slept a bit better last night with that information in the back of my mind. I also upped the security at my mansion. That probably had something to do with it as well. I don’t know if the foalnappings of Covette and Ennui are a pattern or not, but it would seem so. We’re being targeted. If they come after me, I at least intend to make some noise and hopefully give Twilight some clues.

But enough of that. It’s a brand new day, and there’s no sign of trouble thus far. It’s now or never, or at least in my mind. I have been rehearsing what I plan on saying to that mare all night. Replaying certain scenarios in my mind. Thinking strategically about what I would tell her and accounting for her predicted responses. I’m going to find out once and for all whether or not she’ll have me.

Taking a deep breath, I throw open my door, lock up my beloved mansion, and head to Carousel Boutique.

***

I must say that I’m rather concerned. Ennui disappears a few days ago, and just yesterday we discovered Covette’s house to be completely barren. I’m not nearly as smart as dear Twilight is, but it certainly seems like somepony else has taken a significant interest in the Seven Sins. Somepony with power. Just thinking about the energy I felt in Covette’s house sends a shiver down my spine. It was so powerful, so alien...and yet so much more. It was...malevolent. It reminded me of a danger lurking in the shadows, just waiting to strike.

I didn’t know what to do with my time, so I did what I do best: worked. I did indeed have a few orders that were due in a few days. Although I will admit, I had been procrastinating on some of them for just a bit. It’s not something that I’d usually do, but a lot of things had come up recently that I really didn’t have any control over. Sweetie Belle had a  performance just the other night for a class skit. Don’t get me wrong, it was a nice showing, but I was just slightly nervous the whole time about when I would be getting home. And then of course, there’s this new mess...

I was idly concentrating on the fabric in front of me, working on my next creation. I had no idea how long that I had actually been sitting there, staring at that single piece of white satin. I probably wouldn’t have known that it was the next day until the sunlight from the window painfully pierced my visage.

As if the beam had brought me back to reality, I took a single hoof off the satin and brought it up to my mouth, letting out a large yawn. I was way more exhausted, and hungry, than I originally thought.

I slowly stood up from the chair that I was sitting in, letting out a slight uncomfortable groan as my spine painfully ached. My body did not agree with me this morning at all. Upon standing, my head began to throb just a little bit.

I needed some coffee.

Believe me, I didn’t like staying up all night. A mare needs her beauty sleep, but sometimes I really don’t have a choice. I have two orders for wedding gowns due by tomorrow, and I still had a long way to go until they were both complete, unfortunately.

I strode into the kitchen, where a pot of coffee was already sitting on the burner for me. Hmm... I must remind myself to thank Sweetie Belle later. That was very kind of her. Sometimes she can be such a...well, sweetie.

I levitated my  coffee cup subconsciously as I groggily made my way to the facilities. It was obvious that my mane was a complete and utter mess, as I could see my bangs in a frenzy in front of my eyes. I brought my cup to my lips, only allowing a few little drops to pass to prevent burning my mouth. Well, that and to preserve the rest of my drink.

I marched into the bathroom and gasped in shock rather loudly at my appearance. My mane was indeed all over the place, and looked like I had just lost a wrestling match with my hairdresser. I set the cup down on the counter and looked around for my necessary items. Sometimes, I felt like getting ready in the morning was like surgery. One wrong move and it’s over. Well, in my mind anyways.

After a few stressful minutes and forceful tugging, I finally got my mane to an acceptable condition. Most ponies think it takes longer than it actually does to get myself ready in the morning. Little do they know that it only takes mere moments with the right kind of hair spray and a little bit of patience.

I was in the middle of putting the last little smidge of blush on my cheeks, being very careful not to add too much or too little...I brought the plump brush to my face slowly. Aaaaand...

KNOCK. KNOCK.

The sharp rap of the door almost caused me to slip and drop my brush, which really would have been a disaster to clean up. I let out a small sigh of relief and put it, along with my other makeup necessities, into the drawer under the sink before hastily trotting to the door, eagerly adjusting my mane and tail as I did so.

“Oh, good morning!” I declared cheerfully before I even opened the door. I have no idea why, but I immediately felt my heart drop at the sight of a certain lime-maned stallion at my doorstep once again. I gave him a kind yet concerned smile. What was he doing at my doorstep so early in the morning?

“Hello!” he shouted rather loudly in my ear. He nervously cleared his throat, looking to and fro. “Uhm, you do know that it’s one in the afternoon, right?” With those words, he took a step out of the way, letting the very bright, and rather stunning, afternoon sun once again pierce my gaze. I winced just slightly, letting my eyes adjust to the sudden radiance.

I felt myself turn a little pink as I chuckled gingerly, rather embarrassed at my own mistake. “Oh, yes. Sorry, I had a long night.” I smiled at him sincerely. I tried to quickly change the conversation before things got more awkward. “So, uhm, what can I help you with?”

I could see that Cashmere was also blushing as well. He was trying to slyly hide it by keeping out of the sunlight, leaving his face in a dim shadow. “Uh...well...” He seemed unsure, and I raised an eyebrow at him. There must be a reason why he visited. Sure, we’re friends. But most of my friends don’t really knock, or come over without a particular reason. “Well...no...well, yes! I mean yes!” He suddenly declared, shaking his head as if to clear out his inner demons. I’m not sure if it was because it was rather warm out, but I could just see a few beads of sweat on his face.

“Oh, poor darling, you seem to be burning up!” I leaned over to him and put a single hoof on his forehead. As I did, he did a double take and blushed immensely, taking a half-step away from me. He began to stammer to himself unclearly. I knew that this wasn’t good at all... “Here! Come inside!” I beckoned to him impulsively. It’s a wonder why ponies come to me and not Fluttershy at times. She’s an expert at making ponies feel better.

I opened the door for him and wandered back inside to go a grab a few things for him: a cold pack, a thermometer...and some cold water will do. Like I said, I wasn’t an expert. When I trotted back into the living room, he was already sitting on the couch, tapping his hoof on the cushion uncomfortably. I could tell that he was feverishly racing inside that one track mind of his. I approached him, a little confused myself. When he noticed the items that I was intending to give him, he quickly shook his head.

“No! I’m not heating up! Rarity, I just came over to speak with you...” He spoke much more calmly, way different than how he was speaking just a moment ago at the door. Once again, I raised my eyebrow before putting the cold pack, glass of water, and thermometer all on the endtable before approaching him. I didn’t mean this in a mean way, but I’d rather not sit next to him. You see, I’m still rather exhausted and thus quite paranoid of falling asleep, say, if we were knee-deep in conversation.

“About what, dearie?” I replied. Upon saying the word “dearie” I could see him turn a slight crimson. The hints were coming slowly, but I think I knew what this was about. I’ve seen this before, no doubt.

“Uhm, look...” He sighed and looked at the ground, trying to collect himself. Part of me just wanted to cut him off and tell him what I’m really thinking, but I can’t. I’m not sure why, but I feel like it’s not the right thing to do. “I came over here to tell you t-that...” Upon his stutter, his buried his face in his hoof, as if he was thinking: come on Cashmere! Get it together!

“Cashmere-” I began, but I was instantly cut off.

“Rarity, I...I can’t stop thinking about you.” He admitted, letting out a peaceful and rather contented sigh. I found myself looking at the ground as well, trying to weigh my options. I should have seen this coming... “Ever since I first met you, something about you just...changed me.”

I looked back up, slightly confused. “Changed you?” I repeated. He gave me a healthy nod along with a triumphant smile.

“Yes. I feel that if it wasn’t for you, I would still be in Canterlot. If it wasn’t for you, then I wouldn’t have made friends. Friends that I would never want to lose...and I really don’t want to lose you most of all.” I could tell that he was trying to be suave, but the charade wasn’t working all too well, as his voice was still shaking just a little bit. I could feel the blood rushing to my cheeks upon hearing his words, but it still didn’t change my answer.

“Cash-”

“Let me finish, please. I’ve been thinking about how I am going to tell you this all night, and it’s been driving me crazy. I...I think...”

Is...is he going to say what I think he’s going to say...?

“I think I’m in love with you.”

Oh...he did. I felt myself frown at the statement, and pondered the words that I could potentially say in my mind. To be honest, I didn’t like him like that in the slightest. When I first met him, I was slightly interested, but not so much after getting to know him. He’s a decent stallion, and he definitely has good looks, but his curse is what kind of breaks the deal for me. We’re completely opposites, in a sense. I represent the Element of Generosity, while he represents Greed, the Sin of...stinginess? No, I can’t.

“Cashmere.” I chuckled just a little bit, trying to lighten up the mood as much as I could before I break the news to him. “That’s very sweet. I appreciate the kind words!” He smirked at me, rather excited for what I was about to say. “But...”

As soon as I uttered the last word, he looked at the ground, defeated. His ears drooped. He already could tell. “I...can’t in good conscience say that I feel the same way, Cashmere. I do apologize if it seemed that I was leading you on...” I explained. I knew about these types of things, and I knew that absolutely crushing him was never a good thing to do, and that it’s best to just be as kind as possible. Nopony likes having their feelings, or heart, hurt.

He suddenly looked up at me with a grand, but fake, smile on his face. “Rarity, I know that it may seem a little sudden, but if you could just please consider...”

I cut him off. I really wasn’t in the mood to debate this. “No, Cashmere.” His smile was beginning to fade once again.

“But what abo-”

“I said ‘no’ Cashmere. I’m not interested in you like that. And frankly, I don’t think I ever will be.” My eyes went wide as I contemplated the last sentence that had just come out of my mouth. My word, that was not what I intended to say at all! Cashmere sighed before standing up. “Cashmere, I didn’t mean...” I was fumbling over my words, wishing that I could take what I said back. Yes, what I said was true, but he didn’t need to know that...

“Don’t worry. I understand. I’m sorry. I won’t bother you anymore...” Before I had a chance to say anything else, he raced for the door, slamming it shut behind him so hard it almost knocked a few things off the walls. I let out a soft, disappointed sigh.

I was all alone.

***

This couldn’t be. No, I refused to let things stand as they were! Absolutely unacceptable! I, despite my years of high-class association, have just committed a social travesty! A faux pas, if you will. Sure I might have been completely exhausted and unable to put together coherent thoughts but still! Poor, dear Cashmere came to me with his heart on the line and what did I do? Throw it at the wall! Stamp it underhoof! Drown it in hopelessness! Ponies ask me why I’m not in a relationship. The truth is...this wouldn’t be the first time.

But that’s not important right now! What’s important is that I recover our friendship! Or, at the very least, ensure that he’s not going to do something stupid. It had taken an hour or two to compose myself and figure out what exactly I was going to say, since I was obviously incapable of coming up with the necessary words on the spot, but despite having a terrible pounding headache and being nearly blinded by the mid-afternoon sun I soon found myself walking on the twisting path leading to Cashmere’s mansion.

As I crested the slight hill, his mansion finally came into full view. And...I had to pause for a moment. It’s simply fabulous. I had no idea such a splendid manor existed within ten miles of Ponyville! It’s certainly a rather nice sight for sore eyes. And I’m sure that its host would be more than willing to share some of its hospitalities nowadays. That is...if he’ll even see me. I hope he doesn’t turn me away at the door...

No! I cannot think like that! I must see him and apologize! I must! I simply MUST! Surely a gentlecolt of his stature wouldn’t turn away a lady in distress? After a few more moments, I found myself striding up to his front door. A pair of security cameras carefully monitored my progress.  Hesitating for only a moment, I stepped forward and rapped on his large door three times in quick succession. I was expecting a response, but I have to admit I was quite surprised when the door swung open at my touch.

Slowly but surely, the door gave way, creaking the entire time. “Cashmere?” I called uncertainly. Where...exactly was he? Most peculiar. I cautiously stepped forward and entered the large entry room. “Cashmere?” I called again. “Where are you? Please, I wish to speak with you!” My voice echoed through the large house, but no other sound came back to my ears. I was starting to get rather worried. My thoughts flicked, unbidden, back to the strangely familiar sensation I’d felt upon entering Covette’s home. That feeling of emptiness and dread. Oh, dear...not him too...

“Cashmere!” I shouted once more, this time with a bit more urgency. I had to find him! Or at least some sign of his departure. Leaving manners at the front door, I hastily trotted up the main staircase. To my left was a long hallway with several doors on each side. Time to start searching...

Most of the rooms were empty. Both of ponies and of objects. It would seem that Cashmere has yet to fully move in. Well, if I had this many rooms at my disposal I don’t know what I would do with them either! I reached the end of the hallway with no sign that anypony had ever lived here. Even his bedroom had been devoid of life or signs!

Sighing in frustration, I leaned against the wall as I began to contemplate how best to search the massive establishment. Suddenly, my hoof slipped slightly and I stumbled backwards into a candlestand. Instead of a loud crashing noise, however, there was a sudden *CLICK!* and I stared in awe as the wall slid away to reveal a secret room.

This was it, then. Either he was here or he wasn’t. I was almost certain this is where he’d keep his safe. Slowly, carefully, I crept into the room. Deciding to give politeness one more chance, I softly called out, “Cashmere? Are you in here? Please, let me explain!” No response. There was some sort of pedestal in the center of the room. Ever so slowly, I crept around to see it from the other side...and gasped in shock.

There was his safe, all right. Wide open. And completely empty.

My mind whirled at the implications. Surely he wouldn’t...? There was only one way to find out. I closed my eyes and focused. I could feel the magic well up inside of me and move into my horn. Slowly I spread my consciousness out...and recoiled almost immediately.

There, once again, was that ominous dark magic. So it was true. Cashmere was definitely gone. Suddenly, I had a thought. What if whoever is responsible for these foalnappings was still here? What if they wanted the Elements as well? What if I was being watched right this very instant, and somepony in the shadows was just waiting to strike? That would simply be the. Worst. Possible! Thing!!

“TWILIGHT!!” I shrieked in a panic as I bolted for the door.

***

“WHAT!?”

I hadn’t quite meant to say that so loud, but Rarity’s news was most unsettling. “It’s true, Twilight! Cashmere’s gone! And that magic...it...it’s back!” I reached out and looped a comforting hoof around the trembling mare’s neck. She was obviously quite frazzled. I myself was starting to get quite worried, but I knew I had to be the one to keep a level head right now.

“It’s alright, Rarity, calm down. You’re fine.”

“Fine? FINE? No, Twilight, I am not fine! It’s all my fault! He came to my Boutique today and confessed his feelings for me! And what did I do? I turned him away! Horribly! I’m an awful ponyyyy!!” she bawled. Whoa, Cashmere had feelings for Rarity? Huh. That’s new. It’s understandable that she turned him away, though. I’m not quite sure if I fully trust him either, even though I would like to call him ‘friend.’ I know Rarity sometimes has a tendency to overreact, but she sounded quite distressed, and honestly I felt it was rather justified.

“Shh. Rarity, it’s okay. It’s not your fault. He would’ve been alone tonight anyways. If they were going to get him, it would have happened. This is getting pretty serious, though. I know I already sent a letter to the Princesses, but maybe another one is in order? I’ll think on it.” I paused. “Actually, I think tomorrow we’re going to get on the first train to Canterlot. This has become an emergency at this point.”

Rarity sniffled and started to get a hold of herself. “I...I suppose it would’ve happened eventually...I still feel awful, though. I never even got to apologize...”

I hugged her close once again in reassurance. “Don’t worry, Rarity. We’ll find him. You’ll get your chance. For right now, though, we need to keep a better eye on the Sins. Nopony should be alone right now. I need you to find Rainbow and Pinkie and help gather everyone up. Meet here in ten minutes. I’m headed to Fluttershy’s.” I gave her one more reassuring nuzzle to calm her blasted nerves. “Can you do that?”

The white mare nodded once, and I closed my eyes and let the magic take over. With a bright purple flash, I was gone.

***

Not ten minutes later, we were all once again crammed into the too-small library. Or at least, all of us minus Cashmere. I should really talk to Celestia about refurbishing and expanding the place, this happens WAY too often for my tastes. “Quiet please, everypony!” I shouted over the humdrum of the room. Instantly everypony hushed.

“Thank you. You have been summoned because we’ve had yet another incident: Cashmere has disappeared.” There were several gasps and quiet mutterings throughout the room at that.

“How do ya know he’s gone fer good?” Applejack spoke up.

“Rarity found his safe. It was open and totally empty.” More shocked gasps. I think everypony is starting to see the pattern here: dark magic, a very uncharacteristic scene, missing Sin pony. Whoever the foalnapper was, they were certainly very formulaic.

“Well, Ah suppose that would do it,” Applejack muttered, her brow furrowing in concentration. “That’s most unlike him. So what do we do now? We can’t let this keep going.”

I shook my head. “No, we certainly can’t. That’s why I think it’s best we implement a buddy system of sorts. Every one of us needs to be with another pony at all times. That includes you, Elements. I have no idea if our foalnapper is after us as well but I wouldn’t place it outside the realm of possibility. So, how’s this going to work? I’m staying here...with Aphrodite...” I grumbled the last part out. I had to resist the urge to facehoof at the excited giggle that emerged from somewhere on my left.

“Kindling and Ah will stay out on th’ farm. We got five ponies and a dog in that house. Ain’t nopony gettin’ in without a rassle.” Kindling nodded enthusiastically.

I nodded in agreement. “Good plan, AJ. Rainbow, what about you?” Rainbow opened her mouth to speak but a sudden pink blur shot out of nowhere and interrupted.

“Ooh! Ooh! I know! Dashie can come and sleep over at my place! It’ll be a PAAARTY!!” Rainbow and I both chuckled slightly.

“Alright, I guess I’m staying with Pinkie for now. But please...no lukewarm bowls of water this time...” she said good-naturedly while giving Pinkie a hard stare. Pinkie smiled mischievously  but caved.

“Okie dokie lokie Dashie!”

“Alright, that’s settled. Fluttershy, I assume you and Warble will stick together?”

The shy pegasus nodded her head demurely. “That sounds good. If, um, that’s okay with you, that is...”

“I’m fine with that!” Warble added quickly.

I rolled my eyes but continued nonetheless. “All right. That just leaves Rarity and Vanity. Are you two alright with sticking together?” I asked. Vanity nodded and opened her mouth to speak, but Rarity cut in.

“Oh it would be simply marvelous, Twilight! I still have some work to do unfortunately, but I’d be more than happy to let a mare of such refined tastes share my humble abode. It will be no trouble at all,” she finished, giving Vanity a happy smile.

“That sounds great, Rarity. I really appreciate it. My place has been pretty lonely recently...” she trailed off.

I felt a pang of sympathy for the cerulean mare, and it only hardened my resolve to keep this from happening again. “Well, everything seems settled then!” I have no idea how, but Aphrodite was suddenly at my side, smiling rather seductively. I shivered as I heard her cackle quietly to herself. I did what I did best these days and simply ignored her.

“We’re going to have the best of times, Twilight Sparkle dear~”

Still ignoring. “Alright everypony. Until the Princesses figure out what’s going on, stick to your buddy at all times! In fact, I think it best that we all take a train to Canterlot as soon as possible tomorrow. This is starting to get ridiculous. But until then, stay together!”

There was a muttering of agreement before we all headed our separate ways. After all, Celestia’s sun was still up, although not by much, and there was plenty to be done. Still, I couldn’t help but shake the feeling that something unusual was going to happen soon...

***

“Rarity!” I heard a voice call from the adjacent room. Vanity’s voice almost seemed to echo throughout the whole house. I couldn’t help but sigh as I put down the thread I was working with and reluctantly shouted back to her. At first I would have thought twice, but luckily Sweetie Belle was spending the night with Scootaloo and Apple Bloom in their little clubhouse, so I didn’t really have anything to worry about.

Vanity had been a pretty great help when it came to assisting me in getting this job done, whether it be fetching needed tools or giving her opinions. Either way, she and I were spending a lot of time together, and I must confess I was rather enjoying myself. We click quite nicely. I was reminded of when I was a filly, and when I would have friends spend the night for the first time. Oh, how great memories were always made on that first night. I hope tonight is the same. Aside from the whole ‘worked to the bone’ part, at least.

“Yes, Vanity?” I waited for a moment for her to respond, rather impatiently.

“Do you think you could bring me a towel?” she howled back at me. Well, more like a mix of yelling and mumbling, as I could tell that she was trying not to get soap in her facial orifices. I groaned, knowing that it couldn’t be helped, but I’m still really busy. These wedding dresses won’t make themselves, and I’m running out of time. Oh well, I’m sure I’ll still be able to get it done on time. Bringing her a towel doesn’t really matter, I guess.

I quickly walked into the bathroom only to be hit with a wave of moist air coming from the shower. “I’m coming in...” I announced, attempting to prevent a potentially embarrassing situation. Vanity didn’t say anything back as she continued to scrub herself.

I tossed the towel on top of the dresser for her. “It’s right here when you get out.” I told her, finally getting a response in the form of a nod and a quick thanks. I stepped out of the bathroom, dead set on getting back to work. I took a seat at my work desk and anxiously picked up the piece of thread. As I did so, I heard the water sputter and soon turn off completely before hearing the curtains slide. I barely paid any mind to it as I slid the fabric under the sewing machine needle. It was time for the...extensive part...

I decided to hold off, however. I will save that part for later. There was a distinct humming noise coming from the bathroom, almost like singing. I could actually hear her rummaging through my drawers. I didn’t mind, of course. I just prefer she asks before using some of my...feminine products.

The humming got increasingly louder, to the point where I was almost getting annoyed. But luckily, the sound suddenly ceased to escalate. I was getting closer to completing my mission, that was for sure. Much to my undying happiness.

The sounds coming from the bathroom had suddenly turned into unintelligible mumbling. Even still, I paid it no mind. Vanity’s voice was low, a little too low...I still couldn’t understand her, but it made me a little uneasy. I had to keep my focus though...

Not a minute later, I jumped in my seat at the sound of glass shattering. “Vanity!?” I called, hopping out of my seat and cantering towards the restroom. The closer I got to the bathroom, the more I began to feel a familiar presence...

Oh no...not again!

I slammed the door open and scanned the bathroom for a good half-second. “Vanity!?” I shouted again, my heart beating a mile a minute in my chest. Don’t tell me she’s gone too? And...once again...it’s all my fault.

I couldn’t help but notice the shattered hand mirror on the ground.

***

SMASH!!

I jerked awake and sat up suddenly in my bed. What in tarnation was that? It’s the middle of the night! I looked out my window just to confirm this simple fact. Sure enough, Luna’s night sky was still stretched out as far as the eye could see. So what in the hay made that noise?

SLAM!!

There it is again! Is it coming from...Kindling’s room? Uh oh. Big fella must be in one of his rage fits AJ’s told me about. That’s not good. Better go see what’s going on before somepony gets hurt. I reluctantly rolled out of bed, exited my room, and started to creep down the hallway towards the guest room at the end.

BAM!! CRUNCH!!

Land’s sakes, he must be destroying every scrap of furniture in that room! Good thing he’s done so much work for us recently, or I’d be more than a might angry with him. Don’t get me wrong, he’s been a decent feller ever since he showed up, and I’ve actually grown to rather like him. But if he hurts one of my family...things are going to get rather heated, and fast. There was a sudden creak behind me and I whirled around, only to find myself face to face with another pair of wide green eyes.

WHAM!!

Both AJ and I jumped at the next sudden noise and turned our attention back to Kindling’s room. I raised my hoof to my lips to call for silence. She nodded and tip-hoofed after me as I continued to creep closer to Kindling’s room. The silence was deafening. Both of us were on the very edge of our nerves waiting for the next destructive noise. Or, even worse, for an irate charcoal stallion to suddenly burst out from behind that door.

Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, I sidled up to one side of the door and pressed myself against the wall. AJ took up a position on the other side. It was deathly quiet inside the room. I briefly considered calling out to him but decided it would be best to simply take him by surprise if he was indeed consumed by rage. I looked at AJ. She steeled her expression and nodded. I stepped forward and coiled my legs.

CRASH!!

The door to the room didn’t stand a chance against me. As soon as I smashed the door down, I jumped into the room, ready to pounce on the first thing that moved. AJ jumped in right after me. The dust cleared and...my jaw fell to the floor.

Every piece of furniture was whole and unbroken.

I don’t know how long AJ and I stood there, unable to comprehend what our eyes were seeing. It could’ve been five minutes, it could’ve been fifteen. I lost count. I’m really no good at all that fancy mathematics this late at night. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, AJ managed to get a hold of herself and strode over to the window. She opened it and peered outside. “Don’t look like nopony jumped out...” she muttered.

Our gazes met. Neither of us knew what had just happened. We both heard weird noises, but nothing is broken and Kindling is nowhere to be found. We each could see the fear in the other’s eyes.

“Twilight?” I asked.

“Eeyup.”

***

My eyes gently fluttered open. What time was it...oh, it was still dark. So then...why was I awake?

“Eep!”

Quicker than I could even think, I leaped out of my bed and secured myself firmly to the tallest thing in the room. What was that? I...I think I heard something downstairs. It sounded like...dishes rattling? Well that would certainly explain why I was woken up. After living with this many animals, I was well trained to wake up at the tiniest disturbance. After all, you never know when the littlest of noises can be indicative of a grave emergency.

Quietly, I fluttered to my door and opened it. I looked down into the living room and was surprised to see a distinct lack of anypony else in the room. Particularly on the couch.

...There’s that noise again. Is it coming from...the kitchen? I carefully tip-hoofed down the stairs, keeping a sharp eye out for any sudden movements. “Warble? Are you down here?” I softly called out. He was probably just getting a late-night snack. Oh, dear. Despite my best attempts, it truly was proving difficult to get that poor stallion’s eating habits under control. I hope he at least managed to tone it down this time, it was getting difficult to finance his nightly... “adventures”...

I reached the bottom of the stairs and started to trot into the kitchen. “Warble? Are you in here? I hope you’re not sleep-eating agai-EEP!” I was most surprised by what was waiting for me in the kitchen. There was an absolute TOWER of plates, bowls, and silverware on the table. I’d never seen so many dirty dishes in one place, and I’ve been living with Warble for a little over a week now.

But then...where was he? I quickly scanned the room and was most surprised to see that I couldn’t find him. He definitely couldn't be hiding. Not after that much food. Even by his standards, this was something else. Did he leave? He couldn’t have gotten far. It just...it didn’t add up. He should be here, either still eating or passed out on the floor.

I suppose he went for a walk or something, then. Sighing depressedly, I fluttered over to the fridge to inspect the carnage. What I saw after opening that door, however, was not at all what I expected. I gasped in shock, my eyes went wide, and my wings froze up. How...how could this be?

My fridge was exactly how it had been a few hours ago.

***

I was brutally pulled from my dreams by a sudden frenzied knocking on my door. Who in the whole wide world of Equestria would be crazy enough to come to the Library in the MIDDLE OF THE NIGHT?? It’s hard enough to get a good night’s sleep with Ms. Crude and Lewd running rampant around here! I think the world’s out to get me.

I was mere seconds away from unleashing all of Tartarus on whomever was unfortunate enough to be the source of my ire when the rational part of my brain kicked in. There had been some pretty odd things happening in Ponyville recently. Maybe it was an emergency?

Groaning in distress, I willed up my magic and teleported to the front door. I know my friends said not to do stuff like that, and that I should use my hooves more, but frankly I don’t care right now. I’ll go exercise later. I affixed a thoroughly disgruntled glare to my face and opened the door. The expression fell and my heart plummeted into my stomach when I saw who it was.

Fluttershy, Applejack, and Rarity all stood on my doorstep.

“TWILIGHT!! WE NEED TO TALK TO YOU!!” they all shouted at once. And then I was bombarded by their various stories about what had transpired, creating one big jarbled mess of words. I felt my sleep-addled brain shut down temporarily as I attempted to process what had just happened, and what needed to be done.

“Hold on! Just...hold on everypony! One at a time!” I pointed a hoof at Rarity. “You. What happened? Short story, please.”

“Vanity’s gone!” she cried in desperation. She seemed close to tears.

“Kindling too!” Applejack added, her voice tense with concern.

“I can’t find Warble either!” Fluttershy finished, her normally shy voice nowhere to be found.

For my part, I handled the situation pretty well. And by that, I of course mean that I stood there, stock-still, my jaw gaping as I attempted to understand how this was possible. “What...but...how...”

I never got to finish my sentence. “Twilight!” a voice called from behind me.

I spun around, eager to talk to someone not currently assaulting my poor brain with scenarios that made no sense whatsoever. “Spike? What is it?” He must have also been woken by the late-night knocking.

“Something’s wrong with Aphrodite! Come quick!”

Okay, scratch that. Yup, the world’s DEFINITELY out to get me. When this mess is over and done with, I’m going to take a vacation. A LONG one. Away from Aphrodite. However, it would seem that we finally had a chance to see what was happening to the Sins. After all, she was the only one left. I quickly galloped up the stairs after Spike, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Applejack hot on my hooves.

Spike directed me to the guest room, and I wasted no time in throwing the door open and galloping inside. “Aphrodite? Are you i-YIPE!” I couldn’t believe what I saw. I skidded to a halt, my three friends plowing into me in rapid succession. The three of them poked their heads out from behind me while Spike peeked around the doorframe, and our jaws all fell in unison.

Aphrodite...she was so...different. I think the first thing I noticed was the dark purple glow that surrounded her. It shimmered and flickered, and radiated...well, pure evil. I tested the air with my magic. Sure enough, that same tell-tale magical trace I found in Ennui and Covette’s rooms was thick in the air.

Without warning, Aphrodite’s eyes fluttered open. We all gasped and instinctively backed away. They were a solid purple. Upon seeing me, her face twisted into a  seductive leer. She batted her eyelashes outrageously and took a single step towards me. “Ohhh, hello Twilight...I must say, you look simply ravishing tonight...”

Oh, horseapples. “A-Aphro? Are you okay?” I stuttered weakly. She took another step. If before she was annoying, now she was downright terrifying. This was even worse than when she gave into her sin in the changeling nest...

“I’m just fine, Twilight~” she cooed. Another step. “And I’m about to be a whole lot better...” She finished that sentence by sensually licking her lips. I felt Fluttershy tremble behind me. Or maybe it was just me. I really couldn’t tell at this point, such was my fear.

Suddenly, without warning, her eyes closed and reopened. This time, they looked perfectly normal as they locked with mine.

And they were filled with fear.

“Twilight! Please! Help meeeeeeeEEEEE!!” Her scream escalated into nothingness as a bright flash filled the room. I hated to do so, but I had to shield my eyes and look away. As suddenly as it began, the room was plunged into darkness. As soon as my eyesight adjusted, I stood up shakily and looked around. One thing was for dead certain: Aphrodite was nowhere to be found.

I turned back to my friends, who all looked equally terrified. Fluttershy was hiding behind Rarity, whimpering fiercely. Said unicorn mare was gazing off into the distance in some sort of stupor. Applejack was wringing her hat nervously. Spike was gnawing fearfully on his claws.

“Twilight...” AJ began. “What in the HAY was that all about?”

I slowly shook my head. “I have no idea. But I do know this: something really, really serious is going on.” I looked around at my friends, and slowly began to realize what we needed to do. “Come on, everypony. Let’s go get Pinkie and Rainbow. We need to get to Canterlot immediately.”

Suddenly, without warning, a new voice spoke up from the doorway.

“That won’t be necessary.”