Malignant

“P-Princess Luna?!” several voices chorused in shock. The Goddess of the Night simply smiled, albeit with a concerned expression. Her eyes were tinged with sorrow, and I must say, she was doing a rather good job at hiding it. One wouldn’t be able to notice unless they’d known her for some time like I have.

“Hello, Twilight...” She turned to Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Spike, “...and friends.” It had sure been a while since I’d seen Celestia’s sister. I think the last time I actually spoke with her was at the wedding for Princess Cadence and Shining Armor. Don’t get me wrong, I was happy for them...but I’m still being chuckled at for the way I was dancing. But one must admit, reading and doing are two completely different things!

“Princess Luna...” I mustered, slightly taken aback by her sudden appearance. Not to mention that she also scared me half to death. “What’s going on?”

Luna simply shook her head restlessly, turning her gaze to Applejack and Rarity. “Please, go fetch the other two. I will explain when everypony is here...” she commanded, completely disregarding my question. Applejack and Rarity glanced at each other once before slowly stepping past the Princess and out the door. I resisted the urge to let out a sigh. I don’t like it when there are unanswered questions, but I had no choice but to wait.

The only ponies in the room now were Fluttershy, Luna, and I. Spike was still standing at the door, twiddling his claws absent-mindedly. Fluttershy wasn’t too thrilled at the moment, however. I actually think that she’s still a little afraid of the Princess after the whole Nightmare Moon incident. But Luna’s changed, and almost everypony has gotten over that now. Still, she meekly sat in a nearby chair, hoping to become one with the shadow.

“Luna...the Sins-” I tried to explain, unwittingly not giving myself enough time to think before speaking. The Princess simply lifted a hoof to her mouth, as if to tell me to hush.

“I know...how many are left?” Luna questioned, her wise yet clearly worried glare not once removing itself from my form. I pondered her question, but replied within mere seconds.

“How many? ...Well...none,” I said bluntly. The way she phrased that kind of put me off. What did she mean by ‘how many are left’? Did she know that they are all disappearing? I’d assume so, she’s a Princess. They know everything that’s going on in Equestria. I almost felt a little nervous.

“It is as I feared, then,” she said quietly, letting out a sigh as she did so. “Time is shorter than ever. I do hope the others arrive soon...”

After what seemed like an eternity, the awkward silence finally came to a halt when Applejack peered in through the bedroom door once again. She gave me a crooked grin before she actually stepped in the doorway.

“Ah, uhm, found Pinkie,” she announced. Not even a second later, Pinkie Pie graciously honored us with her presence.

“Yep! Good thing Applejack came to visit! I was so bored!” Pinkie giggled, trotting up to Twilight and rather rudely ignoring Princess Luna.

Applejack put a hoof in front of her snout so no one would overhear her. “Ah don’t think she sleeps...”

Pinkie simply laughed. “Of course I sleep, you silly filly! But sleep is like, booooring! Except for when I dream! Then it’s really fun! Especially the ones about parties! And Gummy! And parties! And cupcakes and pie and punch and parties and balloons and pickle barrels and streamers and candy and parties and kumquats and chimicherrychangas...”

“Pinkie,” the princess simply said. She looked more than a tad miffed, probably both because Pinkie was being...well, Pinkie, and because she had just called sleep “boring.” Honestly, I sometimes wonder about that mare...

“Where’s Rainbow Dash?” I found myself asking, partially because I noticed the lack of multi-colored rainbows in the room and partially to break the awkward silence that had invaded.

Like clockwork, Rarity then limped into the room, looking rather worse for the wear. She was huffing excessively, and her mane was a little messy in just a few places. She sat her rump down on the floor, not even caring to think about the sanitation for once. That was a first.

“She...she’s...busy...” Rarity wheezed, before collapsing onto her back dramatically.

“Busy?” I turned to look at a nearby clock: 12:45 am. “It’s almost one in the morning!”

Rarity quickly gathered her bearings before speaking again. It was obvious that she had been giving chase. One where the end result was inevitable. Trying to catch up with Rainbow Dash during one of her practice sessions was like trying to catch fish by running on the ocean floor.

“I know...I ran over to her home, but she kept shouting ‘I’ll be there in a minute!’” Rarity explained. Oh. Apparently she wasn’t trying to keep up with Rainbow. Just a quick run to her house. HAH! And they said I was out of shape! I saw Applejack visibly roll her eyes, along with Luna. Despite my minor boost in self-esteem, I felt myself fuming at the pegasus as well. This was no matter to be putting off! Also, Luna wasn’t going to explain anything until she gets here. And I hate not having answers!

However, true to her word, only one or two minutes later Rainbow Dash showed up. For once, she actually walked through the door. I completely expected her to fly in through the window. “Heh. Sorry I’m late.” She then ruffled her feathers and gave everyone a crooked smile. “I was...getting ready.”

Everypony in the room, save for Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie, glared at her. “Hey! I apologized, didn’t I?!” I didn’t believe her excuse one bit. The glares continued unabated. “Ok, fine. I was getting out of bed. I’m not exactly a light sleeper, ya know. Cut a mare some slack, would ya?”

It was at this moment that Rainbow Dash had finally noticed the presence of the Princess. She blushed and tried to cover up her outburst. “Uh...I mean...hello! Luna! Wow, you’re like, HERE here. Hehe. So nice to see you!” She chuckled, trying to act as if nothing happened. Luna simply shook her head, once again.

“Rainbow Dash, this is of the utmost importance. Tardiness is unacceptable,” she said calmly. Rainbow’s ears drooped to her skull and she looked away apologetically.

“B-But...I didn’t even know it was that import-”

“It is alright, Rainbow. It was only a few moments.” Luna stood up to her full height and cast her gaze around the room expectantly. Her midnight blue eyes settled on Pinkie Pie, who still wasn’t moving in the middle of the room. She still continued to stare at the wall, refusing to blink, or apparently breathe for that matter. I was starting to get a little concerned.

“I’m sure she’s listening...” I muttered, glancing at the Princess. The Princess smiled ever so slightly and continued to survey the room, passing her gaze over the six ponies and one dragon present.

“My little ponies...” she began. “...Equestria is in peril once again. Celestia is sick.”

At this, everypony in the room gasped out loud and all started to talk at once. After all, our benevolent rulers NEVER got sick. It was completely unheard of!

“Oh my goodness!”

“Yer kiddin’!”

“Oh, good heavens!”

“Is she alright?”

“This can’t be happening!”

Luna raised a hoof for silence. At once, we all quieted down. “As I’m sure you’re all aware,” she continued, “recently the seven Sin ponies disappeared without a trace.” We all nodded in affirmation. “Do you all remember the story Celestia told you about how the Sins were initially created?” We all nodded again.

“I’m afraid that wasn’t the whole story. You see, there was one other part of herself that she removed. This part...this fragment of her soul...was none other than her will to do evil.” There was a long silence as the Lunar Princess’s words sank in.

“E-evil?” I finally managed to squeak out. Luna frowned and nodded sadly

“Yes, Twilight. Evil. Once it took on a physical form, it became a deity so repugnant, so dastardly, so downright malicious that it could not be simply constrained by pony flesh like Celestia’s other flaws. It claimed three lives as it attempted to possess innocents and bend them to its will. None of them could hold such power within them, and eventually killed themselves to be rid of their evil thoughts...” Luna trailed off sadly, reminiscing on times long past gone.

“Of course, this was unacceptable. Thus, Tia and I tracked it down. It would not respond to reason. By then, it had collapsed on itself, becoming an entity of its own. A being that called itself Malignant. We did the only thing we could: seal it away in Tartarus. In the deepest, darkest reaches of that fiery hell, Malignant dwelled for a millenia. Until now.”

I felt sheer terror begin to take hold of me. I looked about the room and saw that all of my friends were also experiencing similar feelings of dread. Fluttershy was trembling. Rarity looked about to faint. Rainbow stared off into space while Applejack wrung her hat. Spike looked at his feet and fumbled with his tail. Pinkie, however, continued to sit, unmoving. There was one question, however, that I felt I had to ask. “Luna...” I said quietly. “How could Celestia generate so much evil? She’s such a wonderful ruler...” I trailed off, fearful of the answer.

The Princess of the Night smiled sadly. “We are but ponies, Twilight. Powerful, yes, but still ponies. We feel all the same things you do, although arguably even stronger. Celestia’s drive to become the perfect ruler was strong. She had made some...mistakes that she regretted deeply. It is because of this separation that the perfect ruler you all know and love has come to be.”

“What about you, Princess?” Spike suddenly asked from the corner. “Did you do the same?”

Luna’s sad smile deepened into a grimace. “No, Spike. I have learned to live with my faults. It is easier having a perfect example to follow, but I myself am not perfect. Why do you think Nightmare Moon came to be?” There was only silence in response to that. It all made so much sense. I could only imagine how it must have felt for Celestia to rip her very essence into pieces. And it was all for us...I felt my love for her grow significantly. There was still one more question, however...

“How did he get free?” I asked quietly.

Luna’s eyes flashed, and she suddenly seemed angrier. “Do not mistake this entity for a living being, Twilight. It is neither he or she. It is an entity of pure malice, existing only to torment others. To wreak havoc, chaos, and despair on all that it sees.” She seemed to calm down a bit. “As for how...we believe that using the Medallion triggered its release somehow.”

My eyes widened. “So...we set it free?” I asked timidly.

That serene gaze was back on her face. “Do not fret, Twilight Sparkle. Not even Celestia herself foresaw this.” Her expression turned serious once again. “And it is the Medallion that Malignant undoubtedly seeks. If it can corrupt the Seven Sins, forcing them to give in and succumb to darkness once and for all, the Medallion will become an unstoppable weapon of evil.” Everypony in the room trembled at the thought.

Suddenly, however, Luna broke into a smile. “Fortunately for us, I have it right here.” Sure enough, she was currently holding up the Medallion, its strap hanging from around her hoof. We all breathed out a sigh of relief we didn’t realize we’d been holding in. Well, except for Pinkie. I still have no idea what she thinks she’s doing.

“So...what about the Sins, then?” I asked. It seemed I was the only one capable of speaking at the moment.

“Simple,” Luna answered. “We must find them and prevent them from giving in to their lesser natures. As long as Malignant does not have all of the Sins in its possession, it has not won.”

“Well then that’s it, then!” Rainbow Dash suddenly spoke up. “All we gotta do is track ‘em down! We did it once and we can do it again. Fire up that Medallion thingy, Twi!” she said, turning her excited gaze to me.

However, Luna shook her head sadly. “I’m afraid that’s not possible, Rainbow Dash.” Everypony turned to look at Luna, shock visible on their faces. “After firing the Medallion once, the Sins were released from the absolute hold the curse once possessed. The Medallion can no longer track them unless they were to pass on. We must find them ourselves.”

‘Pass on?’ What in the hay was that supposed to mean? “Princess...” I said slowly, my insides twisting themselves up in worry. “Are they in danger?”

Luna said nothing for a moment or two, contemplating how best to answer. “They are in danger of losing themselves. As of right now, however, it is not in Malignant’s interests to kill them. He needs them. There is one other complication, however...” She trailed off. All of us leaned closer expectantly, but nopony had the courage to ask what it was.

“Our time is limited,” she finally said. “Malignant and Celestia are linked. The stronger it grows, and trust me it is growing stronger, the weaker Celestia gets. If the Medallion were to be fired by it...I fear my sister would perish.” We all gasped out loud. “And if that were to happen,” she continued, “there would be nothing left to stop Malignant. The fields would shrivel and die. The rivers and lakes would run dry. The skies would grow dark and stormy. The very magic of the earth would fail. Tartarus would be unleashed, and pony civilization as we know it would burn. My little ponies, this is a race against time we cannot afford to lose.”

I could literally see Fluttershy shaking vigorously, trying to take in everything she had just heard. Honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if I was too, such was the extent of my fear. “Do you know exactly how long we have?” I couldn’t help but ask.

“No. It will take Malignant time to corrupt the Sins. They are strong ponies on their own, and the friendships you have made with them will harden their resolves. However, nopony can last forever against such power. It could take months, but at this rate I am afraid that we do not have long, for Malignant already has removed the Sins from our grasp.”

“So...so it has them?” I asked quietly, trying to hold back tears at the thought of my new friends bound in some basement, being tortured slowly. I even felt bad for Aphrodite. I doubt I’ll ever forget the look of pure fear she wore on her face before being dragged away...

Luna stood and paced to the window. Sitting before it, she closed her eyes and sighed. “I do not think so. He has them mentally, but not physically. Malignant has been weakened by a millennia of torture and binding spells. Given that Tia is only showing signs of a common cold, it is safe to assume it is not yet very strong. And to move all the Sins in such short time, such great distances...no, I don’t think it has them. It has moved them, however. To places where the Sins may succumb to their...inner demons. Places where Malignant itself isn’t necessarily capable of providing the required stimuli.”

“Then where are they?!” Applejack gritted her teeth, possibly thinking about Kindling, who had basically become family to her.

Silence for another moment or two. “I do not know, Applejack,” Luna stated, giving her a hard glare. “But we must find at least one of them immediately.” With that, Luna stood back up, but continued to stare at the night sky just beyond her reach out the window. “I have a few ideas...but I am curious to hear your thoughts, my little ponies. Tell me, where do you think the Sins might be? Remember, they are not in Ponyville, but they will have as much exposure to their sin as possible. Malignant is trying to move quickly...”

Silence descended on the small room. Nopony had anything to say. I myself wracked my brain, desperate to think of something, anything! Where was there a bunch of food? Or money? Or beds? I slowly raised my eyes as Rarity decided to speak up. “I...think I may have a good idea...” All eyes turned towards the alabaster mare.

“Well?” the Princess of the Night inquired gently. Rarity sighed, most likely regretting that she even spoke up.

“Well...alright, here it is. As I’m sure most of my friends know, I’ve been rather busy recently between a couple of weddings and a few interspersed orders for an event of...particular interest that will be occurring soon.” She paused, waiting for any responses. There was none. “I just so happen to know that there is a big fashion show in Manehattan that is coming up soon. Anypony who is ANYPONY in the fashion world knows about it.”

Something finally clicked in my head. Yes! It was perfect! One of the Sins HAD to be there! It would only make sense, after all. I really wouldn’t be surprised to see Aphrodite or Vanity there. After all, they were both models weren’t they? “That sounds...probable,” Luna relented, looking up at the ceiling in deep thought.

“Yes! It totally does!” I chimed in excitedly. “Aphrodite and Vanity are both models, right? They might be present!”

Rarity was suddenly shooting me a funny look. “Twilight, dear, Vanity’s an artist. However, she IS the Sin of pride. I suppose a chance to show off her admittedly good looks might...cater to her sin...” I felt myself reddening. Of course Vanity was an artist! How could I have forgotten that! I really need to get out more...

“Ehehe. Right. I totally knew that. Of course.”

I couldn’t help but notice that Spike, who knew the actual truth, rolled his eyes and let out a fairly disappointed sigh. Luckily, nopony else seemed to notice.

“Well, what are we waiting for?” Rainbow Dash spoke up, always the first to cut to the chase. “It sounds like there’s a really good chance of finding one of our friends there! We gotta snag at least one of them before Malignant converts them all or whatever, right?”

Luna turned a troubled gaze back to us. “That is correct, Rainbow Dash. It would indeed seem that this fashion show might be an event of some interest. When does the show begin, Rarity?”

“The show is...well, technically it’s tomorrow. Tomorrow at seven o’clock to be precise.”

“TOMORROW??” Everypony in the room literally jumped out of their skins as Pinkie Pie suddenly ceased...whatever it was that she had been doing and started rocketing around the room and yammering a mile a minute. “Rarity! When you say tomorrow, do you mean tomorrow tomorrow or today tomorrow? Because TECHNICALLY since it’s after midnight tomorrow is today and today is yesterday, so when you said tomorrow you actually meant today because today isn’t today any more! It’s tomorrow! You silly filly, you!” I saw Rarity’s eye twitch. Mine swiftly followed suit.

“Perhaps...” Rarity began slowly, directing a glare at a certain obliviously grinning pink pony. “I should clarify. The show begins at the seven in the evening that is closest to this current moment,” she said, very carefully and placing emphasis on several words.

“Okie dokie lokie! Glad we got that figured out!” Pinkie said happily. “After all, we wouldn’t want to have a miscommunication on such an important...thing!” I think everypony in the room rolled their eyes. I made a mental note to make sure she was filled in later.

“So what do we do until then?” I asked hesitantly. “After all, it’s still very early in the morning...” As if to emphasize my point, a large yawn escaped my lips.

“I think it’s best that you rest for now, my little ponies. We have a long ordeal ahead of us, and the show does not start until late tomorrow. It is pointless to search the entire city in the middle of the night,” Princess Luna replied serenely. “We must be ready for anything if we are to best what lies ahead.” Everypony in the room nodded, relieved that they would get at least some sleep that night. Some more than others, undoubtedly, and certainly not as much as usual. Rarity didn’t look so good, and I know for one felt sick to my stomach with fear and worry...

A sudden thought struck me. “What about you Princess? Don’t you normally sleep during the day?”

The princess of the night turned a kind smile to me. “Worry not for my sake, Twilight. Equestria has fallen to troubled times before, and I am no stranger to times of hardship and stress. I have the strength of an Alicorn running in my veins. One day will not do me in.” Reassured, I nodded again.

“Alright, it’s settled then. Tomorrow, we make for Manehattan!”

***

It’s really quite drab in here. Dark and musty, too. It is simply playing havoc with my stylish mane. I mean, really. I get that evil forces capable of taking over all the known world want to look the part. Doesn’t mean I have to like it. So very predictable. What’s the fun in that?

How did I get dragged into this against my will again? Oh, right. It. The most terrifying presence to ever walk this miserable little heap of a planet. One might find it amusing to see a being of my power stooped so low, but they have no idea what it is capable of.

Oh, yes. I was there. More than one thousand years ago when our dear pony Princess decided to rip herself apart to better serve ponykind. Well. She saw how that turned out. And what did she create? The most monstrous abomination ever I’ve ever had the displeasure of laying my eyes on. There are precious few moments in my lengthy lifespan that I’ve known pure fear.

That time was one of them.

It was only natural for it to call on me. We share a common enemy, after all. Common goals, too. Or at least, that’s what it thinks. Personally I’m not one for wiping out swaths of life. Maybe I can talk some sense into it. But even if I wanted to, I dare not resist. Even though it’s not yet at full power, the best I could do is fight it to a standstill. In only a matter of days, it will be capable of destroying me outright should it see reason to do so.

I intend to not give it that reason.

So, here I am, sitting in this droll, dimly lit room deep underground. Looking around, I’m not particularly surprised to see five other beings of power. Hmph. Freshly released from Tartarus I’ll bet. Old Celestia sure has her hooves full now. Still, they are all petty things compared to me. Minor demons looking for a quick rise to power. Fools, all of them. They do not know it like I do. My lips curled in distaste at my company.

Suddenly, a pair of large double doors opened. Ah, yes. It seemed our gracious host had finally seen fit to acknowledge us. How very hospitable. From the gloomy depths even my gaze could not pierce emerged two ponies. Or at least, what appeared to be two ponies. Anypony foolish enough to mistake them for ponies is as good as dead.

I recognized both immediately. How could one possibly NOT feel the immense power radiating from the first one? Its coat was a blood red, and its mane was charcoal black. It was disguised as a simple earth pony. No wings. No horn. Not even a...what was it called again? Cutie Mark? Whatever. It didn’t need such meaningless things to wreak terrible destruction. What frightened me the most were those eyes. Pure black. No pupils. No irises. Nothing. Just murky, inky darkness, the last thing you’ll ever see before your final glimmer of hope fades away...

The second I also knew, but only because we’d met before. He had decided to occupy the form of a tan-furred, brown-maned stallion. Again, just a simple earth pony. And no Cutie Mark. I scoffed in disdain once again. Though he did not measure up to my own power, he was still a force to be reckoned with. One that had taken the Royal Sisters quite some time to contain. It surprised me that it had released him so soon. Clearly, it had plans. Big plans. It also didn’t surprise me that he had immediately started sucking up to it, so much so that he was clearly the second-in-command. I didn’t much like the thought of taking orders from him, but again, to be blown up, or not to be blown up? That’s not much of a question.

He moved to take a seat with the rest of us while it moved to the front of the room. Its malevolent gaze, if you could call it that, passed over each and every one of us, choosing to finally rest on my own devilishly handsome face. I had to resist the urge to shudder. That...thing...is just downright uncanny!

“A most heartfelt welcome to all of you...” it purred maliciously. I had to suppress the urge to gag or giggle. Heartfelt? Yeah, right. I don’t even think it’s capable of feeling emotions of any kind. Except for maybe hate. “So glad you could join me for this most...momentous of occasions.

“As I’m sure you’re all aware,” it continued. “It has been such a long time since our dear friend Celestia sealed me away in that prison of fire and stone...” It trailed off. I had to actually crane my head forward in surprise. Did it actually just sigh? Oh, dear. When did it become so cynical? This was bad. Well and truly very, VERY bad. “I’m sure you all know the place. That wonderful part of the neighborhood.” The assembled deities chuckled darkly. “Well...almost all of us.” I gulped. Even one as powerful as I is not comfortable with that many malevolent stares focused on you.

“Ah, yes...our latest arrival. Our dear amalgamated acquaintance...how have you been?”

I cleared my throat. Showtime. “Not too much better than your own dastardly self, I’m afraid,” I said rather sadly. “Although it pains me to say so, stone prisons are not unfamiliar to me.”

It smirked malevolently. “Indeed. Oh, what a shame. Truly. At least you got to endure the sheer joy of feeling the sun and reveling in the cheerfulness of the ponies’ innocent presences...” The assembled creatures chuckled once again. I stiffened.

“Hmph. I assure you, it was not all ‘sunshine and rainbows,’ as the ponies might say. I’m just as eager to exact revenge as you are.” Insult cleverly averted.

“Revenge?” it cooed softly. Is it just me, or did the lights in the room seem to suddenly grow a bit dimmer? Is the air just a bit colder and stiller? “Oh, this isn’t about revenge, dear comrade, although it surprises me not that one as simple-minded as yourself would think that,” it continued, malice dripping from every word it spoke. “This is about fulfilling a long-delayed duty. My true calling in life, one could say. Revenge is just an...unintended side effect.” The creatures chuckled yet again. Was this crowd easy to please or what? I hesitantly joined in.

“Well, that’s very nice and all, but I’m afraid my reasons are just a tad personal. I’m sure it won’t be an issue in the end.”

“Indeed.” There was that stare again. It was analyzing me, I could tell. There were very, very, very few who ever experienced such an event and lived for more than ten minutes to tell the tale. Just another reason why I’m special, I suppose. “I’m most sure that it will not.” It straightened up. “Enough of this mindless drivel with an underling such as yourself,” it said with a sneer. I resisted the urge to let out an aggravated sigh. I was going to hate every moment of this, wasn’t I? Even once it won, which was inevitable at this point, I doubted I was really going to be free. Oh well. Better than Celestia’s imminent fate I supposed.

The crowd of goons snickered one final time. “QUIET!” it barked. The room immediately fell silent. I refused to let myself grin smugly. “Do not be so foolish as to think this is a partnership.” It practically spit those final words out. “This is a hierarchy. I am at the top. Delwin here is second in command. Then there’s you maggots. And finally, there’s the dirt on which we stand,” it finished coldly. It paused for a moment, however. “And then there’s the riff raff currently being held in Tartarus...I suppose they exist beneath the dirt. I guess I’ll let them live. For a while at least...” It trailed off in thought. I almost rolled my eyes. This being...it was so simple, yet so powerful. I had no idea Celestia had it in her.

“As for those of you who believe I forgot the ponies, and their precious ways of life...” Was it just me, or did I see a glint in those inky depths? Not good. Really not good. “They will soon be no more. Not after my plan comes to fruition. Which is why...” It gestured around the room. “I have gathered you all here. You will notice that there are seven of you. As it just so happens, the key to my plan involves seven veeery specific ponies. I have tasked each of you with the simple act of keeping an eye on them for me, as I am far too busy...”

“Busy doing what?” a gruff voice interrupted. Uh oh. Bad move, ‘friend.’ There was a sudden strangled choking noise from somewhere in the room.

“Tsk, tsk...” it muttered darkly. “Speaking out of place? What HAS that hellhole done to you fools? You used to be so well-mannered...” I felt beads of sweat starting to form on my brow. I thought I would never again have to witness this being’s terrible power. Yet here it was, standing perfectly still, not making a single movement and somehow currently destroying one of the strongest lesser spirits imprisoned in Tartarus. A feat that not even Celestia and Luna were capable of. Well, yes they were capable. Simply too weak-willed. But still! Does this abomination’s powers know no end? At least it can’t read minds. This I know to be true, at least.

The sudden choking noise ended abruptly, only to be quickly replaced by coughing, heaving gasps, and angry sputtering. “I would’ve destroyed you where you sit...” it cooed calmly, “but I really do have need of your services. So I will be generous and give you one extra chance to live. Do not,” the eyes glinted again, “fail me again.”

The voice did not ring out again, having clearly learned its lesson. The other assorted spirits shifted uncomfortably, myself included. “As I was saying, I need you all to keep an eye on my special guests. I will inform you all shortly of who you will be tracking, and of their current locations. And I expect each of you to help, oh how shall I say this?” The being actually smiled. But it was not one of joy, or even a shred of happiness. It was one of pure evil. “Convince them, if you will, to embrace our way of life.”

And at that, the being finally began to laugh. It started as a low chuckle that soon climbed into a full-blown bout of sheer terror. The other creatures quickly joined it in its raucous uproar, and it did not complain. Out of a desire to seem comradely, and not get blown to bits, I humored the crowd and reluctantly added my own melodic voice to the harsh chorus.

At one point I swear it stopped laughing, licked its lips, and uttered one fateful sentence:

“Fear me, Celestia. Malignant rises.”