Corruption of Harmony

Chapter 5

Sorrow

The heat wracked through him as he fell. A creature attuned to the flames for so long, this burning felt like an added betrayal. By now Irdu was virtually formless, little more than a disembodied sentience. And yet he could still feel it, that intense fire, penetrating the core of what passed for a demon’s soul. If he still had a voice he would have been screaming.

Down and down he fell, into the endless depths of Tartarus. The flames gave way to darkness and icy cold. It was there in that freezing pit that all his hatred, his complete and utter rage, began to fuel him. He lay against the hard stone at the very centre of the world, and there was nothing but his desire for revenge. That kept him there, held him together; kept him from simply allowing himself to fade apart for an aeon until natural forces brought him back.

That rage was all he had left, and he embraced it wholly. An unformed demon is impossible to cage, and one with as much purpose as Irdu now felt was inevitably going to escape that cold tomb. But he surprised even himself with how quickly he was able to begin. He couldn’t wait to see Starbright’s face, as well as that unicorn he’d brought with him, whoever they happened to be. As nothing but a mere shadow, Irdu started to climb out of hell.

The ascent took years mentally; that’s how driven Irdu was in his desires. But time is an illusion that only those with bodies can appropriate. If there is nothing for it to affect then it is meaningless. The result is that Irdu arrived on the surface mere moments after being destroyed by Luna.

His freedom was now an irrelevant factor. He didn’t care for it. All he wanted was to break Star completely, but to do that he would require at least some sort of body. Something he could work with. Being so weak, his only answer was to find a place filled with magic. Preferably magic that he could easily utilise without being detected. Somewhere with large reserves of evil magic that nobody visited. Really, is it any surprise that he ended up in the Everfree forest?

***

Starbright clicked his neck as he stirred, trying not to wake the alicorn beside him. Twilight’s breaths were quiet. Content. He didn’t really know why he slept next to the princess, other than it soothed him to have someone nearby. There was no emotional attachment there, or at least he didn’t think there was, so to be relying on her companionship at night was troubling.

Perhaps it was purely the enjoyment in his triumph. Having Twilight by his side was a constant reminder that he was getting close to his final victory. Only two ponies were left now; Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy. He’d had little contact with either, and so far he had no idea as to any possible weaknesses, but he knew he’d get there with a little probing. And now with Twilight’s help he didn’t even have to carry bottles around with him. Star could leave them safely under Twilight’s protection, while avoiding suspicion even more. Indeed, things were working out fantastically well, better than he could have ever hoped. Starbright didn’t see any way it could go wrong.

Well, there was still the matter of Spike. After his night with Rainbow Dash, he could at least rest in the knowledge that the dragon would be unable to reach Canterlot. She’d never let Spike past without noticing him, and she’d be all too happy to catch him should he reveal himself. Spike was no longer even worth considering a threat. What exactly could he do? He was alone, no-one believed him, and there was no way he could contact Celestia. The forest had most likely claimed him for its own by now anyway.

Starbright allowed himself a smile as Twilight yawned next to him, waking to the sunlight. Everything was perfect.

***

“No. Seriously, no.”

Zecora sighed. “If we want to defeat Starbright, we need Irdu’s aid. He may even be able to save the ones that have strayed.”

“But a demon?” Spike was still incredulous at Zecora’s blind acceptance. “He’ll probably just make everything even worse!”

“Your distrust is not without reason; I understand that. But if you truly want to save your friends – nay, the entirety of Equestria – then you need my help. And I need yours.”

“But what’s in it for you? Surely if we defeat Star you’ll just become an even bigger problem?”

“Of course not. If I were to try and take Equestria, then Celestia would simply defeat me. As long as the elements still stand, there is no contest. On the other hand, if we let Starbright win here, he’ll simply bind me again the second I show myself. Now is the time to strike, and I have my personal agenda for wanting his downfall.”

“And what’s that?” asked Spike.

“Where do you think Starbright got his power from?”

“I just assumed he was like you.”

“You have never been more wrong, dragon. Star is not a demon. In fact, that comparison would probably anger him to no end. The power he uses is my own, and I want it back.”

Spike shook his head in disbelief. “Why would you give that power to a pony?”

“It was a trade, for my freedom from Tartarus. I won’t deny I was looking forward to it, but it seems irrelevant now.” Irdu’s eyes lit up in a semblance of a grin. “And I never said he was a pony.”

“Okay, then what is he?”

Irdu cocked his head, considering for a moment. “He’s-”

A loud slam silenced him. Zecora withdrew her hoof, leaving a small dent in the table. “That is not something I think we should know. Fear of him will serve to bring nothing but woe.”

Irdu shrugged under his cloak. “As you say.”

Spike glared at the zebra. “No, that’s stupid! Surely if we know what he is we can defeat him easier?”

“Forgive me Spike, but I hold Zecora in a little higher esteem than I do you. She was the one who assisted me in my reformation, and zebras have always been good to demons.”

“But you’re monsters!”

Irdu laughed. “According to who? Celestia? Why is she better than us? We ruled long before ponies even existed, and yet we’re the abominations? The ones who were driven from our homes and forced into imprisonment?”

“You kill ponies, or make them into slaves; I’ve read the history books, Twilight had tons of them at the library.”

“History is written by the winners. Is our own eternal imprisonment not worth mentioning? Why should we be considered a lesser species, and why is our primary nature considered evil? You may not like Manticores feeding off ponies, but you cannot call them evil because of it. It is simply their instinct, and it’s all too easy for prey to hate their hunters. The zebra worship us because we have as much right to call ourselves gods as your precious princess. Arguably as much right as Starbright does. Why should the ones that survive forever be forced to bow down to ponies that are as short-lived as a sputtering fire? Demons are the true rulers of Equestria, Spike, and one day we will be again.”

***

The butterfly’s wings flapped sporadically, fluttering through the town of Ponyville. Most ponies paid it no mind; it was little more than part of the background of their own, busy lives. It was hard for them to realise they fulfilled exactly the same role to the butterfly, their worries and hopes completely irrelevant to the small insect.

Past the street vendors, flying higher when ponies threatened to get a little too close for comfort, the butterfly danced. Its wings were a deep and beautiful red, speckled with white spots. It’s flight appeared aimless, erratic even, as it glided from one side of the road to the other, and back again. Finally it alighted on the nose of a pink pony leaving the bakery.

Pinkie crossed her eyes to stare at it resting lightly on her muzzle. It tickled, and she couldn’t hold back the sneeze. She giggled as the butterfly took off once more, and watched it meander back to its course down the street.

Pinkie had never had difficulty appreciating each individual creature. Perhaps it was part of her childlike naiveté, but she saw no reason to discount the importance of others, whomever they might be. It was something she shared with Fluttershy, and possibly one of the reasons they’d become such fast friends.

That was another thing she was good at: seeing and accepting everyone for who they were. Her relationship with each of her friends was different and unique, but she treasured each of them equally. And she could make any of them smile. That was important.

Or at least, she had been able to. But recently things had been changing. Pinkie had noticed it, even if no one else seemed to. As much as she hated to admit it to herself, her friends were falling apart. Pinkie had tried, tried so hard to keep them together, throwing even more parties, doing all she could, but it wasn’t working. Out of all of them, Pinkie had probably taken it the hardest. The rest had their own interests and responsibilities they could pursue without the others, but what was Pinkie supposed to do when the most important thing to her was the happiness of her friends?

Pinkie, lost in those thoughts which were happening more and more frequently, almost walked straight into Starbright. He’d actually spotted her not paying any attention, and positioned himself in the way hoping she’d collide with him. It was always a great excuse for conversation.

“Heya Starbright! How’s it going?” asked Pinkie chirpily, belying any of her previous thoughts.

“Ah, Pinkie. I was just looking for you, actually. No luck with Spike, I hear?”

“We still haven’t found him? He must be the greatest hide-and-seek player EVER.”

“I-” Starbright stopped, unsure how to explain more clearly than he had done already.

“You’d think he’d have to come back soon anyway. I mean, he must be really hungry already! I once tried to see how long I could go without eating anything, and I thought I was doing really well, but then my stomach started growling and I just couldn’t take it any longer, because I thought I was going to starve away to nothing like you hear in those horror stories where they’re nothing but skinny skeletons, so I ate a WHOLE cake! I’d actually only lasted about two hours!” Pinkie fell into a fit of giggling. “Anyway, whatcha looking for me for?”

“Um…” Star had forgotten quite how incomprehensible Pinkie could be when she got going. It turned out she was very good at reminding him.

“Ooh! Let me guess!”

“Pinkie, I was just-”

Star sighed. This was going to be a pain in the-

“Got it!” cried Pinkie. “You’ve been so busy saving Equestria, you’ve had no time to just kick back and have fun! So you went looking for ol' Pinkie Pie to help you out, right?”

“Sure, let’s go with that.” Star couldn’t resist that last snide comment, but Pinkie was too excited to notice.

“Well why didn’t you say so?”

Starbright’s return glare would have crushed a pony any less oblivious than Pinkie. He took a deep breath to calm himself and shrugged off his anger. “Sorry, I should have said something earlier,” he said, voice clipped.

“No worries, Star; I’ve got an idea!” Pinkie grabbed his hoof and dragged him through the streets, back the way she had come.

***

“What in Equestria is this place?” Starbright stared at the doorway as Pinkie bounded past him.

The building’s windows were shuttered and barred, the door a heavy metal slab guarded on each side by two huge ponies wearing suits. Aside from the door (which wouldn’t have looked out of place attached to a fortress), the place resembled any of Ponyville’s houses, just a little larger. And yet outside was a long queue of ponies, waiting to pass the bouncers. Pinkie ignored the line and sauntered up to the door, trademark grin plastered on her face. “Heya Dandelion! How’s it going?”

‘Dandelion’, a pony easily twice the size of Star, smiled. It looked painful, as if he wasn’t used to moving his facial muscles that way. “Howdy Pinkie. Here for Scratch? She’s upstairs; I’ll buzz you through.”

He muttered into a microphone attached to his jacket, and the door clicked open. Pinkie hopped inside, but when Starbright tried to follow Dandelion thrust out a hoof, holding him back. “Back of the line buddy.”

“Daaaaaaaan...” Pinkie reappeared in the doorway. “He’s my plus one!”

Dandelion gave Star an appraising look, before snorting dismissively. “If you say so. Alright hotshot, guess you get in after all. Don’t be stupid in there, I ain’t got a problem with chucking your ass out if it comes to it.”

Star wasn’t entirely sure why the macho talk was necessary; Dandelion could have crushed him under one hoof if he had a mind to. He nodded meekly before stepping under his leg and following Pinkie inside.

“Don’t mind him,” she said, looking back over her shoulder. “He’s a nice guy, but sometimes he has too many of those ‘Asteroid’ things, the ones that make you all strong and stuff, and he gets a little cranky.”

Starbright didn’t want to explain the finer points of steroid use to Pinkie, but it didn’t come as a surprise that Dandelion was using them. On the other hand, if this place was happy to put someone like that on the front door, what was the rest of it going to be like?

“So, this is a nightclub? But one that’s open during the day?”

“It’s the Lock Up!” Pinkie led him past another couple of goons up a flight of stairs marked Staff Only, and into a long corridor. “It’s a party! And it never stops!”

“It... it never stops?”

“Nope! You’re not even allowed to know what time it is, there’s no clocks anywhere in here.”

Now Star could hear the thumping of a rapid bass through the walls. Did Pinkie really know what kind of ‘party’ this was? Starbright was finding it hard to believe a place like this even existed in the quaint town. There had been a stunning lack of night-life, though; perhaps this was where all the young and reckless souls ended up.

They stopped outside a plain door at the end of the hall, a silver star embedded into the wood. Pinkie rapped twice onto the wood, paused, then another three knocks. It swung open.

Purple lenses glinted in the dim hall light, staring out at them. The white unicorn wearing them gave Star and Pinkie a cursory glance.

“Yo.” She disappeared back inside, leaving the pair of them out in the hallway without even an invitation. Pinkie seemed to take it as one anyway, and lacking any other options Starbright followed.

***

Applejack kicked a can against the wall, producing a satisfying clang. “Ah’m sick of waiting,” she groaned, to no one in particular. “How much longer is this thing gonna take?”

“As long as it needs to. Stop getting all worked up about it.” Twilight flipped a page. It had been her suggestion to head out to the fields by the forest, keeping a watch for Spike. Starbright was sure that he wouldn’t come back this way, but Twilight thought it was better to be safe than sorry. They were currently reclining in the shade of a long-abandoned windmill, it’s rotted sails leaving empty frames that whistled quietly when the wind blew through them right. “There’s only Fluttershy and Pinkie left, it won’t take long.”

“Pinkie might not, sure, but ah’m worried about Fluttershy. After that damn Spa thing, y’all are crazy if you think she’s just gonna get cosy with Star.”

“And what do you suggest?”

“We do something about it.”

“Something?”

“Yeah, ya know...” Applejack adjusted her hat. “What about that spell ya used a year or so back? The one that got half the town chasin’ that old stuffed toy of yours?”

Twilight burst out laughing. “You want me to cast a want-it-need-it spell on Starbright? I can’t see how that could go wrong.”

“Ah’m not saying we have to use that one exactly, but maybe somethin’ like it. Like a... a persuasion spell or something. Just so we can convince Fluttershy that Starbright ain’t the demon she thinks he is.”

Twilight giggled at her choice of words.

“You know what ah mean,” said Applejack, smiling a little herself. “Ah don’t think ah can just sit around waitin’ for much longer; the anticipation is killing me. Let’s do somethin’ to help out. Hell, Star doesn’t even have to know.”

Twilight snapped the book shut; a determined fire in her eyes. “You know what, you’re right. Let’s do it.”

“Wait, really? Y’all are agreeing just like that?”

“It’s simple logic; we can help out Starbright from behind the scenes and make the whole thing go a lot smoother. It’s not like it could hurt, is it? What’s the worst that could happen?”

Applejack gulped. Twilight was incredibly worrying when she tried to rationalise. “For some reason, ah really wish ya hadn’t said that...”

***

The room Starbright and Pinkie found themselves in was cramped and dingy, though considering the Lock Up’s previous décor, that was probably to be expected. Their hostess sat slumped in an enormous leather chair, watching the pair of them. Or was she? It was hard to tell with her glasses. Her mane was comprised of electric-blue spikes, and she had a pair of bridged notes on her flank.

“Who’s the square?” she asked. Her voice was husky and quiet with little emotion.

“This is Starbright! He’s in town for…” Pinkie hesitated, unable to tell Scratch the real purpose of Star’s visit. “Um… reasons.”

“Yeah?” She didn’t seem to be listening. “Name’s Vinyl,” she told Starbright. “Scratch to my friends. You might as well jump straight to that if you’re good with Pinkie.”

Starbright nodded. “Scratch it is. You’re the DJ here?”

“Joint owner, man. Pinkie and I set up this place a couple years back.”

“You and Pinkie?”

Pinkie beamed at him. “Yep!”

A ‘party’ that never stopped; no wonder Pinkie was involved. Vinyl cocked her head; the only display of emotion she’d given so far. “Pink, I think I left one of my records downstairs. Need it tonight; can you go have a look for it? Probably behind my mixer.”

“Uh... sure! Come on Star, I can show you the dance floor!”

Vinyl held up a hoof. “No need to bother; it won’t take you long to find it, and I need it quickly. I’m sure we won’t get bored while you’re out.”

“Well... okay... See you in a lickety-split!” Pinkie gave Star a slightly confused smile before leaving.

As soon as the door shut behind her, Vinyl leaned forward, resting her chin on her forehooves. “Alright, what’s the deal?”

“There isn’t a record, is there?”

“Answers, not more questions.”

“I don’t really know what you’re asking.”

Vinyl sniffed. “The deal. You’re the first pony Pink’s ever brought in here, and I want to know why she felt the need to.”

“Really? I got the impression that this was a pretty common gesture.”

“You reckon the guard outside would have stopped you if that was the case? From what I hear, Pink hasn’t even told most of her friends about this place. She tries to keep it under the radar, which I can dig.”

“She didn’t make a big deal of it, I had no idea.”

Vinyl shrugged, reclining back into her chair. “Who knows what that pony’s thinking? All I’m saying is she’s taken a shine to you. I can’t tell her to be careful, but I can tell you that if you fuck her over, I’ll ram my hoof so far up your ass you’ll be able to taste it.”

Starbright nodded curtly. “Understood.”

Vinyl grinned. “You don’t get flustered easy, do you?” She flicked her glasses up onto her head, showing her magenta irises for the first time. They were wide and alert, betraying her level voice.

“I try. I can assure you that I mean Pinkie no ill will, whatever her feelings towards me may be.”

“Quite the charmer, huh? I’d slow down; she’s not inviting you into bed or anything.” Scratch narrowed her eyes. “At least, I don’t think she is. Not quite yet.”

“You’re experienced with that sort of thing, then?” asked Star, a hint of a smile around the corners of his mouth.

“Hold up Casanova. You’re not my type.”

“Let me guess: you’d prefer someone like Dandelion out there?”

Vinyl gave him a long stare, before bursting into laughter. “Not quite. I go for ponies with a little less between the legs, if you catch my drift.”

“Oh.” It took Star a second to decipher that piece of information. “OH...”

***

I liked Vinyl. She was practical, but still managed not to take herself too seriously. A perfect counterpart to Pinkie Pie, who probably didn’t know the definition of practical. It was clear which of them the savvy business partner was.

She also had a commendable loyalty to her friend; a trait I admire, if not one I share. Scratch’s only concern when Pinkie brought me to the Lock Up was that I would be treating her fairly. I had no idea why Pinkie was showing me that level of her personal life, something she hadn’t told even her best friends, but it seemed to be a good sign at least.

***

“What are even looking for?” Applejack’s voice was hushed. The cottage was empty aside from her and Twilight, but she still remained as quiet as possible, as if that would somehow reduce her impact on Fluttershy’s living space.

“A diary, or something like that,” said Twilight. “Some way Fluttershy keeps her past recorded.”

“And then yer gonna do some fancy-pants magical nonsense, right?”

Twilight wasn’t sure whether she found Applejack’s ignorance annoying or cute. “Yes, I’m going to do some ‘fancy-pants magical nonsense’. With a written record, I can see how Fluttershy remembers that day. And knowing that, I can change it.”

“Y’all are gonna change the past!?”

Twilight smiled at Applejack’s reaction. “No, that would be impossible. I’m only changing how Fluttershy remembers it. It’s temporary, but it should be long enough for our needs.”

“Okay…” Earth ponies have an innate distrust of magic in all its forms, and this spell sounded particularly awful. Still, if it helped Starbright even slightly, it was worth it. “Ah still don’t know this is such a good idea.”

“It was your suggestion,” Twilight reminded her.

“Yeah, but ah thought you were gonna say no.”

The ponies continued their bickering as they sifted unceremoniously through Fluttershy’s belongings. Finally, Applejack pulled a small purple book form beneath her bedside cupboard.

“Gotcha.”

Applejack cracked the book open and started flipping through the pages.

Today I couldn’t get Angel to eat his carrots. I still don’t know why he hates them so much; bunnies normally LOVE carrots. Perhaps he’s allergic? I should buy him some of that nice rabbit feed he’s always pointing out to me. It’s expensive, but if I cut back on my own food I should be able to afford it. How important is lunch anyway?

Flip.

Rarity was busy again. It’s okay, I understand. If she’s so busy (and she sounded really distracted when she told me) then I can’t ask her to put it to one side. Maybe she’ll be free next week.

Flip.

There’s a new pony staying with Twilight, called Starbright. He and Spike came to visit me today. He seemed nice. I wish I could have asked him how Twilight was, but it never really came up. I’m worried about her. It’s not good for her to stay inside so much, especially now she’s royalty. I hope it wasn’t anything I did that upset her.

Flip.

Rarity can’t make tomorrow either. I miss our spa days, our conversations in the saunas. I say conversations. Mostly it was Rarity talking and me listening, but I didn’t mind. It was actually kind of nice, like I was helping her. I think a lot of ponies put pressure on her, and she’s so giving that she ends up helping out far more than she can actually manage. I liked being the pony she could defuse with. I only hope she’s not overdoing it if she’s not talking to me about anything. I’m feeling pretty bad about it. I might go to the spa myself tomorrow. If I’m feeling brave enough.

“Nearly. One more page,” said Twilight. Flip.

I’m trying not to be mad, I really am. But I’m so mad I just want to scream! I won’t, it’s far too noisy and I don’t think I could handle it, but I really WANT to. Rarity hasn’t been busy with work at all. I went to the Spa today (it took me the whole day to build up the courage), and RARITY was there. And guess who was with her? Starbright! He seemed so nice the other day, but it turns out he’s just parading around with Rarity behind my back, doing the things WE should be doing. The worst part is that Star has only been here for a week or so, but Rarity’s been avoiding me for months. How long has she been doing that just because she didn’t actually want to spend time with me?

She tried to claim there was nothing between them. I don’t believe her. When I caught them in the sauna together they were so busy in their own little world they didn’t even see me until I gasped. And even if she was telling the truth, it doesn’t really matter. I don’t mind her having a stallion she’d rather spend time with. I don’t mind even if she just doesn’t want to spend time with me any more for some reason, even though I think I helped her a lot. I mind that she lied. I mind that she and Star went behind my back with the excuse that she was too busy with work. I feel hurt. I said some mean things to Rarity, and I don’t know if I can take them back. I don’t know if I want to.

“Whew,” said Applejack when she finished reading. “Ah don’t think ah’ve ever seen Fluttershy that angry before. Ah’d heard their spa dust-up was pretty bad, but ah didn't realise quite how bad the poor girl was.”

Twilight, much quicker than Applejack, was putting the finishing touches on the memory spell: a glowing purple orb with yellow bolts of what looked like electricity running across the surface. “Which is why I have to change her memory of it. If she’s not angry then Star will be able to actually talk to her.”

“Something ah’m wonderin’. If y’all change her memory, won’t that mess with her future memories too?”

Twilight paused. Even with her country demeanour, Applejack often surprised her with how sharp she could be. “Yes, actually. It’s called recursion. The further along from the memory we’re changing, the worse it will be, but it was only the other day so there shouldn’t be too many memories built up. The ones that are irrelevant to her spa trip will stay as they are, and the ones that do stem from the spa will simply change as well. The exception is memories that rely too much on that original memory to exist, which will be forgotten entirely. On the bright side, she won’t remember she’s forgotten them, so it’s not a problem.”

She poured the last of the required magic into the memory orb, and it began to revolve, slowly gyrating in the air. “Stand back,” she warned, and Applejack dutifully shuffled away, staring at the spell as one might stare at a firework that could wrongly detonate at any time.

It lowered towards the book, sinking into the pages, not taking long to disappear in its entirety. The edges of Fluttershy’s diary flashed once, and then…

Nothing.

“Did… Did it work?” asked Applejack.

“We’ll soon find out.” Wrapping them both in magic, Twilight teleported the pair of them outside again. The act caused a small breeze to run over Fluttershy’s diary, flipping the pages to the final entry.

Still no word on finding little Spike. It sounds like Star is calling off the search, but that’s not good enough. I still haven’t forgiven him, and this is another thing to add to the list of ‘reasons to be angry at Starbright’. I have to find Spike, but I need help. There’s only one pony I can think of who knows a lot about demons, besides Star. Although technically, she’s not a pony, she’s a zebra. If I’m ever going to find Spike, I’m going to have to talk to Zecora.

***

Irdu looked over at Spike, who was staring wistfully through one of the hut’s windows, out of earshot.

“You know who Starbright is, don’t you?”

Zecora nodded.

“You can’t protect Spike forever. Our enemy may be strong, but you can't keep his identity hidden for much longer.”

“I will keep it from him as long as I can. Until the very end, if all goes to plan.”

“But why?” asked Irdu. “I respect your wisdom, but I find myself agreeing with Spike. He’s the only one who doesn’t know what we’re up against.”

“I do not wish to involve Spike at all. This battle is too great for a dragon that small.”

Irdu sighed. “He’ll make good bait, though. Starbright will be looking to tie up loose ends before he’s done with the bearers.”

Zecora nodded again, solemnly. “While I wish there was another way, Spike will lure Starbright to come out and play.”

The demon laughed. “You have an evil sense of humour Zecora. For now though, our plotting will have to wait. I need to get out and stretch my legs.”

Zecora glanced at the shadowy wisps underneath Irdu’s cloak.

“Metaphorically speaking. I’m not so good with confined spaces. Not after Tartarus.” He tutted. “Look at this pitiful form. A month ago I could have ransacked Ponyville alone, and the cell I considered cramped could hold thousands of ponies with room to spare. Now it requires all of my strength merely to maintain this weak presence. Pathetic.”

With those bitter words, Irdu stormed out the hut, the forest’s shadows melting around him.

***

“Sorry Pink. Could have sworn it was down there.”

“Not a problem!” Pinkie seemed entirely unperturbed by Scratch’s ‘mistake’.

The three of them stepped down the stairs, Pinkie bouncing alongside Vinyl, Starbright following behind. Scratch’s shades were firmly back in place; Starbright got the feeling her eyes rarely graced the outside world.

“Yo Star, you good for hanging around for a while? I’m about to light that dance-floor up!” Vinyl accompanied her exclamation with an exaggerated hoof-pump gesture.

Star looked to Pinkie, who gave him a little nod of encouragement.

“Sure,” he said. “I could do with a break.”

Vinyl laughed. “My sets aren’t going to give you a break.”

They passed a gaggle of young ponies in the main lobby, all of whom rushed excitedly over when Scratch drew near. Undaunted, she proceeded to bump hooves with the entire group, sharing jokes, meeting and greeting.

“Does this happen often?” asked Star, rather put out by the sudden end of conversation.

“Yeah, Scratch is SUPER famous!” Pinkie threw her forelegs out, to show exactly how much 'super' famous was. “Well, maybe not super famous, but really famous. Or… Is there word that’s just slightly less than really but a little bit more than kinda? It’s that one.”

“I see.”

“Yeah, she basically lives here now so that she’s not chased everywhere she goes. She loves the attention, just not all the time!”

Vinyl waved off the last of the crowd, and headed back over, a huge grin on her face. “Sorry about that, duty called.”

“I had no idea we were in the company of a celebrity,” said Star.

“Pink’s been talking again, huh? I wouldn’t go that far, but some ponies can’t wait to meet DJ-Pon3. The young ones like that probably just want bragging rights; not that I’d ever be interested.” Scratch stomped a hoof in a gesture of finality. “Alright, we’re already running twenty minutes late; any later and we go from being fashionable to keeping ponies waiting. Pink, take Star out on the floor, I’ll keep an eye out for you. Tonight’s gonna be wild.” Vinyl waltzed across the lobby with her confident gait, unhurried and calm as ever.

Star leaned over to Pinkie. “Does she realise it’s the middle of the day?”

Pinkie stared at him as if he’d gone mad. “It’s always night in the Lock Up! Why else would be called a nightclub?”

Once again driven to speechlessness by Pinkie’s logic, Star followed her through a pair of enormous double doors and into the dance hall.

Star had never seen anything like it. Lights. All kinds of lights; spotlights, neon strips, lasers, a few that resembled a traffic light, and an enormous silver ball suspended from the ceiling that reflected and amplified all the different colours that reached it. Beneath it was the dance floor; a mass of hot, sweaty bodies, trying to move as one to the music and failing, becoming jostling raucous chaos.

“It's a little over the top,” said Star, barely audible over the blaring music.

Pinkie clapped him on the back. “I know! Isn’t it great!?”

And in a lot of ways, it was. That frenzy, the pure energy of the ponies in front of them, even at this early hour was incredible to behold. Starbright found himself wanting to be a part of that unruly crowd, to let himself be swept up in it.

Just before they joined the growing throng, it reached new heights of excitement as a pony sporting a familiar shock of blue hair appeared on the stage, high above them. As the crowd screamed, Vinyl merely waited, revelling in their adoration.

“Yo.” One word, a meaningless greeting, and yet it whipped the ponies up even more. A low bass-line started to play. “Are you ready?” she asked, knowing the answer even before the returning roar that met her question. “It’s gonna be a long night, folks.” Vinyl grinned. “So make sure you go fucking wild.”

The arm dropped onto her decks, and the ‘night’ began.

***

Fluttershy was starting to regret her idea. The forest was really, really dark. And it was watching her. Oh, it pretended it wasn’t; you’d never see it looking at you, but that only confirmed her suspicions. And it was the forest as a whole, not a specific creature. It was acting as a single, giant organism, regarding its prey. Fluttershy wondered, not for the first time, why Zecora lived out here.

It was a terrible place, but for a zebra who knew so much about demons and other evil things, perhaps it was fitting. Which was of course why she’d come out all this way, into the terrifying Everfree forest. It was important that she knew about demons because…

Wait, why was it so important? There was a reason she had to know about… um…

What did she have to know about again? She was pretty sure it started with a P. Or maybe an S. Perhaps Rarity would know; she should go visit. It was at that moment, after Fluttershy’s memory stopped shifting, that the pegasus realised she was deep in the Everfree forest with no recollection as to why.

This was bad. This was very, very bad. The scariest part was that Fluttershy could clearly remember walking here, so at some point she must have meant to come out this far, but now when she tried to recall why her mind drew a blank.

“Calm down Fluttershy,” she whispered. “It’s okay. We’ll just leave, that’s all we have to do. One step at a time.”

She took a trembling hoof and planted it a few inches in front of her.

“Okay, so far so good. And again.”

The opposite back hoof.

“That’s it, slow and steady.”

Fluttershy was so absorbed in her steps she didn’t notice the dark shadows slithering out from the undergrowth.

“And another.” The leg refused to move. “And another.” More firmly this time, but still the obstinate limb refused to budge. Fluttershy spun to glare at her own leg, as if that would somehow get it to move, only to find the black tendril that had coiled up to her flank, holding her in place.

More shadows pinned her other legs, and a final one wrapped around her torso for good measure, binding her wings against her sides. Whatever it was couldn’t have known the pegasus it had chosen would be less likely to use its wings than to suddenly grow a horn and start casting magic.

A thinner wisp held her mouth closed, pre-empting a scream that Fluttershy would never give even if she could. Now, completely immobile, the creature finally revealed itself. A mass of shadow grew up from the ground in front of her, two predatory eyes glowing within it, a tattered cloak hanging off its side.

“Ah, a wonderful offering,” said Irdu. “Of all the things you could have run into in this forest, pony, I was probably the last you were expecting.”

Fluttershy gave a quiet squeak of fear.

“Don’t be like that. There are plenty of beasts in here that would do far worse than what I intend.”

Fluttershy felt a soft but insistent touch against the inside of her back legs.

“I merely ask for a few minutes of your time. I promise that you’ll enjoy it.”

The shadows drew close, surrounding Fluttershy completely, leaving her with nothing but the darkness.

***

Shooting pain coursed through Starbright’s head, the light blinding him as he cracked open his bleary eyes. A pony was lying on his lap, curled against him; a mare he’d never seen before with a spiky purple mane. Disentangling himself proved to be impossible, so he resorted to pushing her off as gently as he could. She didn’t even stir.

The room was filled with all manner of collapsed ponies, some snoring loudly, others just beginning to wake from their stupor, rubbing sleep from their eyes. A few were stumbling out the door, and Starbright followed. Vinyl and Pinkie were nowhere to be found.

The door led into the foyer, which looked the same as it had done last night. Last night? It had been the day, hadn’t it? Star couldn’t entirely remember, and the boarded up windows weren’t helping matters. It was impossible to gauge a rough estimate of the time when he couldn’t even tell whether it was night or day.

It was as busy as ever; a constant stream of ponies moving to and from the dance floor, loud music still reverberating through the building. Starbright headed for the stairs they’d come down earlier, marked ‘Staff Only’. The bouncer at the bottom let Star past after seeing his cutie mark, a provision most likely made by Vinyl. Down the hall and on the left, to the star-marked door where Starbright was gratified to hear the sounds of conversation.

“Well look who it isn’t.” Scratch greeted him with her typical indifferent attitude. She’d been chatting with another mare Star didn’t recognise. Also a musician, if the double clef on her flank was any indication. “Tavi, can you give us a minute? Need to have a word with Starbright here.”

‘Tavi’ nodded, slipping into what must have been Scratch’s bedroom and closing the door quietly behind her.

“How’s the head?” asked Vinyl, a smirk across her features.

“…sore.”

She cackled delightedly. “I’m amazed you’re already up. Pink didn’t think you’d be standing for at least another couple of hours. Which is why she’s not here to greet you herself. She said she was heading back to the bakery.”

“Alright, thanks Vinyl.” As he turned to leave she called out to him.

“Hold your horses, don’t go running off just yet. Want to talk to you.” Scratch gave the chair next to her a hefty kick, sending it wheeling over next to Starbright. “It’s about Pink.”

“What about her?”

Vinyl sniffed. “How much can you remember?”

“Less than I’d like,” admitted Star.

“Then here’s the abridged version. Pink digs you; fair enough. But as the night goes on, you find yourself distracted. Most notably by a cute little thing with funky hair that I wouldn’t have minded myself. Anyway, it put Pink out a lot, and while you danced and drunk yourself into oblivion, she spent most of the time watching you without being noticed. I said before that I don’t know why she’s giving you so much attention, but I don’t think it’s just ‘cause she wants to get you beneath the sheets. She’s not like that, and I’ve never seen her the way she was last night before.”

“I… I’m sorry.” Star was in disbelief. He’d actually ignored Pinkie in favour of some irrelevant tease. It was stupid, and quite possibly going to cost him.

“It’s not me you need to apologise to.” Seeing his face, Scratch’s expression softened. “I wouldn’t be too worried; she made sure that I’d tell you where she was. Just go smooth things over would you? An upset Pinkie Pie is not something I ever want to see.” She broke into a grin. “Gotta run, I have a prior engagement.” Scratch nodded towards the bedroom door.

In spite of himself, Star had to smile. “Have fun.”

“Don’t worry. We will.”

***

It was an idiotic mistake, I know that. But even I find it hard to resist base nature. I tried to restrain myself, at least until all this was done, but it was hard to keep everything as straight-laced as I had been. Perhaps that in itself was a mistake. Maybe I should have been more forgiving with my actions, rather than leaving them pent up.

I still can’t remember much of that night (or day, whichever it was), so I’m afraid my only source of information is Vinyl’s retelling. It’s not hugely important, at least; more a catalyst than anything. As it turned out, it wasn’t what I should have been worrying about.

The problem didn’t reside with me and Pinkie. It lay with Fluttershy, and what was happening in the Everfree Forest. That’s where the trouble really started.

***

The shadows curled around Fluttershy’s body, holding her so tightly but so softly, caressing as much as they restricted. Around her muzzle they ran; over her lips, light as a kiss, harsh as a knife. And all she could see in that swirling blackness was the pair of glowing eyes in front of her. As even they began to disappear and the shadows started to push into her mouth, she heard a dim voice.

“STOP! PLEASE!”

It wasn’t hers. She didn’t know who it was. By that point there was nothing but the shadows, and even they began to withdraw.

Spike fell to his knees, out of breath. “Irdu, stop! It’s Fluttershy!”

The demon paused. “Fluttershy? If she’s a friend of yours Spike, I’m afraid she’s better purposed as the start of my return to power.”

Desperate now, Spike screamed out the only thing that could have saved her. “She’s a bearer!”

Irdu’s eyes widened. “This is a bearer? Of what?”

“Kindness.”

“Figures,” said Irdu, with more than a hint of irritation.

To Spike’s immense relief, Irdu dropped the pegasus to the floor. Fluttershy lay limp and unmoving, taking deep, slow breaths. “What did you do to her!?”

Irdu slowly recollected himself, the dark shadows reforming into the vague pony-shape that he consisted of previously. He drew the cloak's hood over his head, eyes burning once more underneath. “Fortunately nothing. She’s merely unconscious.”

Spike sat down heavily, allowing himself a minute after nearly seeing Irdu do… whatever he was about to do. “How can you just attack a pony like that? I thought you said those things weren’t true.”

“No, I said that it’s only your history that has made our actions out to be inherently evil.” Irdu shook his head. “You’re very judgemental for a dragon.”

Spike was insistent. “I’ve never been treated badly by any of my friends.”

“Of course not; you’re small and cute. Manageable. You won’t be a baby forever, Spike. Do you think these ponies will treat you with the same kindness when you can eat three of them in a single mouthful?” Irdu moved over him, looking down at the little dragon. “Fear is a powerful motivator, Spike. Demons live without fear, and to them we are a threat. That makes us monsters in their eyes. One day you’ll appreciate that.” He held out a shadowy hoof. When Spike gripped it, his claws sank into it slightly. It was like grabbing a cushion, soft and pliable. “Let’s get Fluttershy to Zecora’s. We’ll work out what to do with her there.”

Tendrils once more curled around Fluttershy’s form, snaking out from underneath Irdu’s cloak. This time they treated her much more tenderly, and with the demon carrying her, the three melted between the trees.

***

“Closed” read the sign. Sugarcube Corner’s blinds were shut, keeping the late-afternoon outside at bay. And yet the smell of cooking pastries was strong. Fresh. When Starbright tried the door, it opened easily.

“Pinkie?” he called. There was no response. It seemed the Cakes were out, presumably leaving Pinkie in charge. Except she was nowhere to be seen. “Pinkie, are you here?” Still no answer. “Guess not.”

“Wait.” Pinkie’s voice was unusually subdued. “Don’t go.”

Hesitant, Star looked for the source of her voice. It sounded like it had come from behind the counter. His hooves were drum beats against the wooden floor, loud staccatos. When he rounded the counter he found Pinkie sitting hunched over on the floor, head hanging low. Even her mane seemed dejected, appearing to have lost a great deal of its usual volume and disarray.

“Are you alright?” Even as he said it, Star was aware of the question’s redundancy.

Pinkie looked up at him with a broken smile, tears brimming. “Not really.”

Star slumped down next to her, and for a minute or so they were silent, sitting in the warm kitchen without feeling the need to speak.

“How’s your head?” asked Pinkie eventually.

“Sore.” Starbright smiled, and was glad to see Pinkie smile too, if only for a moment. “Why haven’t you told your friends about that place?” he asked.

“How do you know I haven’t?”

“Scratch told me.”

Pinkie sighed. “Sometimes I’m a little too much for my friends to deal with. I don’t want to be a burden or anything, so when that happens I can spend time there and wait for things to calm down.”

“I see.”

“It wasn’t like that to start with!” insisted Pinkie. “I had a ton of bits saved up after working here for so long, and Vinyl convinced me to go fifty-fifty on her new idea. I don’t really deal with the confusing money side of things, but I’ve at least made my money back so far.”

“I was surprised you knew Vinyl so well. She doesn’t seem like the sort you’d be well-acquainted with.”

Pinkie jabbed him on the shoulder. “I know everypony in Ponyville. Vinyl was the DJ at some awesome parties; how could I not know her?”

“A fair point,” conceded Star. Another silence, finally broken by his apology. “I’m sorry about last night. Vinyl told me, and I acted like a bit of an ass it seems.”

“Oh no, I’m glad you had a good time!” Her words were sincere. “I just… wanted to talk to you about something. It probably wasn’t the best place, but I couldn’t think of anywhere else.”

“Perhaps the kitchen floor of a respected bakery? It seems as good a place as any.”

She giggled; a promising gesture. “Yeah, okay.” Pinkie took a deep breath. “What did you do to them?”

It’s amazing how so few words can mean so much. Starbright had no idea Pinkie had been about to say that, and as soon as he realised the full ramifications of her question, a chill ran down his back. How much did she know? Had she told anyone? And how the hell did she find out?

“W-who?” Star cursed the stutter the moment he spoke.

“Well, Twilight’s the most obvious one. AJ too. Rarity. I haven’t spoken to Dashie for a while, but you spent time with her so I guess her as well. Probably not Fluttershy yet.”

Starbright’s mouth was agape. How… What… When did… Unfinished questions with no possible answers. The worst part was how calm Pinkie was. While Star’s brain whirred with possibilities as to how she could know that much, Pinkie simply sat there, sad perhaps but not on edge. Not scared, as Starbright would have thought she would be.

“I tried for ages.” Pinkie’s latest announcement just made Star even more confused. “But no matter what I did, I couldn’t help,” she said.

Wait, what?

“And then just as I think it’s all about to break apart, you turn up.” Pinkie turned to face him. “Suddenly Twilight’s out and about, even after she yelled at me. Applejack’s not looking so gloomy about everything; even Rarity was smiling when you were telling us about those nasty demons and things. I mean, I hope she wasn’t smiling because of the demons; that would just be creepy.”

Star was beginning to realise this might not be the disaster he’d feared at first.

“I tried for ages to cheer my friends up,” said Pinkie, “and then you come along and manage it in just over a week. I guess I was hoping you’d be able to show me how.”

This had rapidly changed from utter catastrophe to fantastic. “Okay,” said Star, still not quite believing his luck. “What did you try?”

“Everything. I threw parties, gave them presents; I gave Twilight those cupcakes, remember? They were the tastiest, most amazing cupcakes ever and they still didn’t work!”

I wouldn’t say that, thought Star, remembering dousing them in his “Loneliness” potion.

“That’s your problem Pinkie.”

“What?”

“You did things that would cheer you up, not necessarily anyone else.”

“How could a party not cheer ponies up? Honestly, I think you might be a bit crazy, Star.”

He raised an eyebrow, and she mumbled a sheepish apology.

“What I did,” said Star with a mild scolding tone, “is listened to them. I talked with them until they were comfortable enough to open up to me. And then I helped them realise that the problems they thought they had were insignificant.” A true statement, though not perhaps in the way Pinkie thought he meant. He wasn’t going to tell her that the perceived happiness was merely a fortunate by-product of having very little to worry about other than to do what they were told.

“And it works, just like that?”

Star laughed. “Isn’t that exactly what we’ve been doing for the last few minutes?”

Pinkie tilted her head in thought. “Yeah… It is.”

“And you feel better, right?”

“Yeah. I just thought there might be something more to it than that.”

“I’m sorry it’s not all parties and cupcakes.”

Pinkie leapt up, a spring back in her step. “That’s what we’re missing! Cupcakes!”

“Pinkie…”

“No, you’re right, talking helps. But so do cupcakes! I just need to give them after talking!”

Starbright couldn’t deny that they’d form a useful vessel for the potion. He was just about ready to contact Twilight when Pinkie grabbed his hoof.

“Come on! I’ve got some nearly ready!” She tugged him over to the oven, pulling out a fresh batch of the pastries. “They need icing,” she explained, proffering a tube.

Starbright took it hesitantly. “I’m not really sure what I’m doing.”

“It’s easy!” A foreboding tunefulness crept into her voice, and Star was quick to intervene.

“Just tell me, please.”

“Aww, but I have a whole song ready and everything!”

“I think we can make do without it.”

“Fine,” she huffed.

When they were finished, Starbright wasn’t at all surprised to see that between the pair of them they’d managed to cover the kitchen in more icing than they had the cakes. Pinkie’s looked immeasurably better than his. Amid the chaos that surrounded them, they were downright pristine. Perfect. Star’s looked like they’d been run over. Twice. Part of him wanted to put them out of their misery.

Both he and Pinkie were covered in icing. He didn’t even know quite how it had go so messy. At one point the tube had self-destructed for apparently no reason, so that was a part of it. And then they’d had what amounted to nothing short of a food fight. That’d do it, he supposed. He had to admit, it had been enjoyable.

Pinkie, you’re a bad influence on me.

She turned to him. “Wasn’t that fun!?”

“Mm, though I don’t think mine came out quite as well as yours.”

Pinkie eyed the sad-looking cupcakes. “I’m sure they’re… okay?”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence. It makes me feel so much better.”

“Good. I just feel sticky.”

“That too,” agreed Star. “Do you have a bath or something?”

“Well, yeah…” Pinkie’s voice trailed off. “But I have a much better idea.”

Before Starbright could ask, Pinkie zipped towards him and licked the frosting off his muzzle. While the gesture was certainly appreciated, she displayed her usual ignorance of momentum and brought both of them to the floor. Again, Starbright found himself pressed down under Pinkie’s weight, but this time there were far more intimate connotations.

“Pinkie-”

“Shh.” She pressed a hoof against his lips. “Don’t talk.” A mischievous smile. “Clean me.”

Star was surprised at her uncharacteristic forcefulness, but when she leant back off his body, lying there and beckoning him towards her with her movements, he found himself compelled to do as she said.

For once, he was above her instead of the other way round, and he stole a quick kiss before moving to perform his task. Pinkie let herself drop back further as Star started to lap against her fur, sucking and nipping, drawing the sweet icing into his mouth.

He started with her chest, roaming slowly across the surface; a quick wander over her front legs before moving towards Pinkie’s lower abdomen.

Star was reminded of Twilight’s fall, and he mirrored his actions from then, running down and back up one leg before switching to the other, teasing but ignoring that very important place between them. They had all the time to get to that later. After finishing the other leg, Starbright ran over her navel, before starting his final course downwards. Pinkie, however, pulled away, not before her hind hoof pushed Starbright onto his back.

“Your turn,” she whispered, unable to keep the slight quiver of unsatisfied excitement out of her voice.

She set to work, her tongue gliding over Star in a mimicry of his earlier actions. He sighed at the sensation of her warm, wet ministrations, leaving no square inch untouched. When she moved lower she worked around his obvious and hardening length, but her frizzy mane brushed against it, not unpleasantly. Star thought she might have been doing it intentionally.

As her tongue traced its way across his body, Starbright felt his growing anticipation begin to get the better of him; his hips lightly bucking at each errant brush from Pinkie's hair. His eyes were closed, so he felt Pinkie's weight shift long before seeing what she was doing. When he felt her, warm and ready and rubbing against his muzzle, his instinctive reactions was to breathe in. Her scent was thick, and heavy.

He tasted her, and his tongue drove inside her, pushing past her sensitive folds. Pinkie responded by taking his head in her hooves, grinding against him and his talented mouth, riding his face for every bit of enjoyment she could.

Starbright, for his part, was accepting of his position. He ran his tongue across her lower lips, drawing a moan from the mare above him. A quick swirl around her clit before diving back into her depths. As he did so, Pinkie held him even more forcefully, pushing his snout against her. Star could barely breathe; the brief snatches of air he could get were full of her excitement, only making him want to spend even longer before going for his next gasp.

He tried to pull away for another breath but Pinkie, near her climax, held him fast, refusing to let him free until she'd achieved her own satisfaction. Faced with imminent asphyxiation, Star increased in speed, utilising every possible trick he knew to get Pinkie to finish. It worked; with a cry of joy Pinkie crested into her orgasm, her pussy clenching around the cock she wished was inside her, spurts of her own excitement splashing against Star's face. Finally she released him and Starbright collapsed, taking huge breaths that made his head spin.

“I think I might have overdone it...” Pinkie could have tried to look a little more embarrassed, but in truth that had been some of the most fun she'd had in a while; Star's current condition aside. And judging from the hardness pressing against her tail bone, it wasn't like he hadn't enjoyed it at all.

While he recovered, Pinkie gently pressed herself against his member; running along it, teasing herself with the tip but never taking him inside. She had taken her pleasure, she wanted Starbright to take his this time.

Pinkie thought Star would have her right there, but once he was able he instead rose to his feet. Pinkie did the same, unsure of his motives until he bent her over the glass counter. After his earlier submissiveness, now Starbright was in charge he had every intention of making the most of it.

He held her forehooves down against the counter as he moved his weight above her. The side of her face was also pressed against the cool but quickly warming glass. His cock pushed up against her as he readied himself. Star pulled back, aligned himself, and then drove forward. He didn't need to ease in; she was already wet enough, instead pushing to the hilt in a single thrust.

Pinkie moaned, as Star fucked her with little regard for her own pleasure. She'd made it clear that it was up to him to take his own enjoyment out of it with her earlier actions, and that was exactly what he did, holding there as he pounded into her.

Even with that, restricted and used, Pinkie still found herself fantastically aroused. His thickness ran deep inside her on each thrust, nearly pulling the entire way out before slamming into her, Star's hips slapping against her rear each time he did so. Her tail was firmly upright, and Star had to hold that down as well, lest each time he press forwards he end up with a face-full of hair.

This was not 'making love'. This was 'fucking'. There was nothing to it but taking their respective enjoyment from it, and right now that was exactly what Pinkie needed. Star had proven himself receptive of her friends' needs, and when her own, more carnal desires had surfaced he'd been only too happy to oblige them. The thought that he might have done the same with the others never crossed her mind.

In some ways she treated this as a reward. Both for his earlier performance on the kitchen floor, and for succeeding where she had tried and failed. There were things other than cupcakes that could cheer a pony up, and it had been the perfect time to offer them.

Her mouth was open, tongue out as her mind started to blank. She felt him pulse inside her, and a loud grunt before his heat shot into her. Starbright thrust deeply a few more times, each one adding to the growing fullness inside of her before drawing out. A final spurt landed across her back.

She hadn't finished, but that was okay. She still felt satisfied, that tingly buzz from her earlier orgasm present, coupled with the warmth inside her. Starbright stepped back, leaning against the wall after the physical exertion.

Pinkie could only lie there, regaining her energy and trying to get her back legs to stop shaking. When she felt confident they'd be able to bear her weight, she pushed off the counter and turned to her new friend.

She was greeted by empty eyes.

“Oh.” It was all she could managed. It wasn't surprise. More a terrible resignation. Starbright, the stallion who she thought had saved her friends from themselves had simply destroyed them, and he was about to do the same to her. It was a final twist of the knife; she had failed her friends, and that failure had not only been their downfall, it was about to be hers as well. At least she wouldn't have to worry about it for much longer. That was her last thought that was truly her own.

“Pinkie Pie,” said Star. There was almost a hint of sadness in that dry, cracked whisper. “You are mine.”

Unseen, a butterfly flew skimmed past the bakery's windows. It's wings were red, and speckled with white spots. As Pinkie collapsed to the floor, it swerved in the air and began its flight out of Ponyville.

***

Honestly? Pinkie was the only one that I almost regret. The others fell to their own selfish 'problems'. It was their inability to talk to the ones they cared for with all their hearts that was their end, and if you ask me they almost deserved it.

Pinkie's weakness was that she never stopped caring. Even Fluttershy, the element of kindness, had done less. Perhaps that was due to her inherent nature, preferring to be alone. Perhaps it was that she was in need of as much ‘help’ as the others had been. Either way, Pinkie had fought to the bitter end, desperately trying to pull together the shreds that remained of their once strong friendship. She only stopped when she saw me in that kitchen, ready to take her for my own. Pinkie's fall was entirely because of her desire to see everybody happy again.

I didn't even have to use a potion.

***

Dark reds mixed with orange as the sun heaved itself behind the horizon. The butterfly continued its path. It reached the edge of the Everfree Forest, and began to skim along the grass there, looking for a place to rest its tired wings and finally alighting on a thin blade of green. No more than a minute later it found itself scooped up by a dark hoof.

Irdu regarded the creature he held, head tilted slightly as he looked past it, towards the slumbering town of Ponyville. The shadows from his hoof curled up, surrounding the little insect and trapping it. After a second or two, they retreated, leaving an empty husk. In a flash, Irdu spun his hoof round and slammed it down; crushing what remained against the hard earth.

His eyes burned that little bit brighter, expression indecipherable. With his cloak billowing behind him, Irdu returned to the welcoming darkness between the thick trunks.