2-Ride Into the Bronze Horizon

>The sun trims your sleep.
>You can feel your cheeks pressed against the window.
>It's unclear how long was your nap.
>Once again. Your ears pick some mumbling.
>This is a rare opportunity. You dissimulate being asleep.
>"Both are unicorn stalli..."
>"...the photo proofs th..."
>"RAINBOW!. Shh..."
>You can't pick nothing more than noise.
>...
>"UGH. Why don't we just force him to say it?!? -Dash that wou..."
>That doesn't sound flattering at all.
>"..purr.."
>"..ain. Why he hasn't done anything?... *mutter*.
>Well, looks like Desh is on... your side?
>It's frustrating how they seem to conspire against you.
>...PURR...
>Wait. That doesn't sound like the mares tal-
>You feel a warm body pressing your che-yes chest.
>PURR.
>You open your eyes to see a cat that's stroking you right now.
"Opal?"
>"GIRLS!!" First time you heard Flutters speak today.
>The mares look at Fluttershy. As so did some of the passengers.
>"Um... well you see... Opalescence..." She timidly points her hoof in your direction.
>"She's purring the stallion..."
>Barely conscious. You try to straighten yourself. Rara didn't like what she saw.
>"OPALESCENCE!! GET AWAY FROM HER; YOU RUFFIAN!!"
>The expression on her face was ruthless as her horn glowed.
>The pasty unicorn used her magic again. Like last time; the feline did not want that.
>Opal gripped herself to you. The unicorn. In her rescue mission pulled harder.
>The force between her pulling and Opal's grab pushed you forward.
>Then the textile covering you rips apart.
>As your beauty began to spread to others, your mane became wild.
>Taking the shape of Gorgon's snake hair.
>Your eyes shrink as they receive the full shine of the sun.
>In the commotion. Rara forgot her magic and Opal landed in her mane. Entangling on it.
>It only took mere seconds. Everypony now looks at you.
>Their faces when they realize why you had those blankets.
>You try to suppress your autism. It was futile.
>You raise a hoof and yell.
"DO NOT PANIC!!"
>You. Dense. Motherfucker.
>Murphy took this as a challenge.
>Your yelling presses against everyone inside. The aura of dread around you aggravates.
>Almost immediately the train passes by one of the tunnels inside the mountain.
>In the dull light your eyes glitter menacingly.
>"AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHH!!"
>Picnic time intensifies.
>The unicorn and alicon were appalled. The other four were left helpless.
>The passengers ran into the exits.
>As they went into the neighboring wagons they pushed everything .
>Carts went flying, ponies were screaming, tripping everywhere.
>It was chaos. The kind of disaster that would make Discord proud.
>The six mares finally snapped out of it.
>"Girls!" Twilight exclaims.
>"We need to calm these ponies down!"
>"But how sugarcube!"
>"We will figure something out!"
"I'll help out!"
>The blue pegasus replies without skipping a beat.
>"Oh HAY NO! You are stay-ing... here 'kay?!" She squealed as she turned to you.
>She did well on keeping her composure.
>You gotta admit. That was very retarded from you.
>"Come on. We don't have time to waste!"
>"Wait. You won't leave mister scary time alone right?" The pink pony said.
>Twilight had forgotten about you. How rude of her.
>She turns to you. And hesitantly she said.
>"I hope that he stays here."
>The air in the wagon was sucked out.
>The other five mares are reluctant. But accept her word.
>"I can trust you... right?" The alicorn punctuates every word insecurely.
>She was giving you a chance. You nod to her.
>"I hope you are right Twilight." Rarity finally got Opal out of her mane.
>"Ya c'mon. When has Twi be wrong!" AJ remarked optimistically.
>And so the group split on trios.
>Twilight went forward along with Applejack and Fluttershy.
>Dash, Rarity and Pinkie went to the back section of the train.
>You are now alone in your personal wagon.
>Looks like your plan is in motion.
>The train finally gets out of the tunnel. Canterlot is near.
>Shit. How long have you been asleep?
>You start to sweat cold bullets.
>"Purr."
>The feline keeps rubbing against you. It's soothing.
>You have around an hour to gain the group's trust.
>You observe the towering architecture of the pone capitol.
>It looks like the ride may end. But the journey is just starting.
>As the sun hides behind the horizon it's light embraces the curves of the skyscraping towers.
>The constant cracking of the train's wheels provide you with bizarre comfort.
>The Persian cat has settled next to you and is sleeping.
>As your destination grows in size your anxiety does too.
>You sense movement from the door Twilight went.
>As the door opens the purple mare walks in with her wings covering her face.
>"Please be here. Please be here. Please..."
>The alicorn's wings mimic the movement of index and middle fingers. Giving birth to her to vision.
>She sighs with content.
>A masculine voice echoed behind her.
>"So where is this supposed Lord Of Terror at?"
>A butch; amber earth stallion stepped into your section of the train.
>He was wearing a bellboy's uniform. He is part of the train's staff.
>He loosely looks for you.
>"Aaargh."
>He takes a gaze on you and suddenly he feels dirty.
>"See. All passengers are scared of him." The thick rural accent of AJ carries the truth.
>"Well... I can see... but we can't just keep the other passengers crammed."
>Many voices screamed to the stallion.
>"Yes you can!!"
>"I'm staying here. Thank you."
>"I ain't nearing that thing."
>"Make me."
>"I... really like been crammed..."
>The stallion was unsure to let this slide.
>"I know that this is a peculiar situation. But so is this stallion."
>"...Alright your majesty. As you wish."
>Democrats win.
>"Thanks."
>And so, the stallion left dispirited.
>He almost clashed against the yellow pegasus as he went by the door.
>"Excuse me miss." He shuts the door behind him.
>"Okay. I'll get the others. You stay here and... talk..."
>Her majesty signaled the three of you.
>She left to look for the other trio.
>Both ponies were unconfident on their next move.
>The mares were just standing there. Like pigeons.
>You breath in and exhale. The motion of your chest was visible.
>Still nothing.
>You still need to get used to others' forced smiles.
>At least it's better than them running away in horror.
>You decide to give them some space and look outside.
>The window's reflection is slender. But you can figure some movement.
>The mares start walking to your vicinity.
>They settle to the seats across from you.
>Flutters is very interested in the feline sleeping next to you. Puzzled by Opal's strange affection.
>As for Applejack. She admires the pegasus' valor for staring at you for more than mere seconds.
>Both of them seem to think ways to talk to you.
>Without those blankets. You beam waves of dread.
>Awkwardly; they stare, they cough, they even extend their hooves to you but their mouths refuse to cooperate.
>Eventually, they give up. Oh well.
>They start to talk to each other. There's nothing you can hear.
>The gates of Canterlot arise. You need to talk to them.
>Okay. You already went over this. Let's start with Applejack.
>Let's see... let's talk about family.
*cough*
>Well here it goes; all or nothing.
"So..."
>Both of them try to meet your face. Emphasis on TRY.
"...a-any of you have a family?-NOT that I'm implying that you DON'T..."
>They hide behind AJ's hat.
"I-I mean... it's just that-"
>The door from behind you slide open viciously.
>"Alright. Time to do this!!"
>Thank the heavens. You really can't take the chance to drown yourself in spaghetti. Again.
>The eccentric pink pone appeared in a cloud of dirt in front of where you are sitting.
>Behind her came a marshmallow unicorn and a blue pegasus.
>Dash took the seat next to Pinkie. She was bored out her skull.
>Purple Smart entered the wagon.
>"Huh yeah sure um... colt. But Ah have somethin' to talk to with Twi over there."
>You can't tell if your cutting edge or your cold ravioli scared her.
>As you look the cowgirl leave, Rarity's silhouette takes shape.
>She is visibly angry of how near you are to her pet.
>She closes to you. But as she does her anger diminishes.
>Hesitantly. Her horn glitters.
"Um... What are you doing?"
>"Taking my Opalescence back."
"But she's happy where she is."
>She frowns. Rather unladylike.
>"Um... Rarity. I don't want to be a bother but..."
>Flutters feebly talked to her.
>"Oh no darling you aren't a bother at all."
>"Good. It's just that Opalescence really likes being near mister scary and I think you should really let her sleep. Otherwise she'll be very cranky."
>Rara couldn't believe it. Her head shaken as her teeth grinded and she slowly turned to her friend.
>"Fluttershy. What are you talking about?" Her face was too spooky now.
>"Well... it just that... for a reason you could be... well" Yellowquiet is in a hurry.
>This is a nice opportunity.
"Hey."
>Rara turned to you.
"I don't remember your name. But she's right. Let this cat nap in peace."
>"You... how dare you..." You are impressed that her teeth haven't been grinded to dust by now.
>"It's okay Rarity just calm down. Breathe with me." Futters gave her friend a signature to follow.
>In. Out. In. Out. In. Out.
>Repeated until she calmed down.
>She gives you a glare. And seats next to Fluttershy. Across from you.
>She gets her magazine and buries herself on it.
>Oh yeah she was mad.
>You were savoring every bit. Delicious.
>Something moves in the edge of your vision.
>You can't really tell what it was, it looked like a black circle.
>"YOU ARE BRILLIANT!!"
>You look for the origin of the sound.
>It was her majesty, but she is still one wagon behind.
>At least this time it didn't sound like they were planning your doom.
>Both mares come inside. They sit behind you. You are now in alone with the six mares.
>It's now or never. Guess you'll start by speaking to Twilight.
"Twilight..."
>You capture everyone's attention.
"So you really trust me now... Or are you still skeptical about it?"
>"Actually. I was discussing with the girls while you were alone in here."
>Good. Looks like you may be forgiven after all.
>"And we were thinking. Which is the best way to know everypony in less than an hour?"
>You flap your ears in interest. You didn't even knew you could do that.
>"So I told the girls that we'll play a simple game to do so."
>Clever. She did all the job for you.
>"Do you want to play?"
"Yes. I can't wait."
>Twilight gives a shy smile and proceeds to explain the rules.
>"Very well. So what we do is that one pony asks another one a question. Then she. Or in your case, he, answers the question. But it must be done as quickly as possible."
>A small beat.
>"Now since you already know me well... for some reason." She raises her eyebrow in suspicion.
>"I won't be partaking in this game. So rather than that; I'll help you out to memorize everypony's interest by asking you about their answers. But you need to answer immediately, otherwise we'll reach Canterlot before you know us all. Sounds good?"
"Sounds good."
>Groovy. This is gonna be easy.
>You already know them as the palm of your hand-nevermind that.
>Actually... what are you going to tell them when they ask you?
>You can't remember anything. Not even your own Powerword.
>Meh. You'll make something up.
>"Very well. Let's start with-"
>"Oh me. ME ME ME MEMEMEME!!" Ponka was dying to be part of the game.
>"Uh yes. Diane."
>Diane? Aren't you being too formal Twilight?
>"Okay. So I love parties. I love having fun and making friends and I get so super excited at meeting others with games and and-"
>"Okay that's good enough Diane. Anything else to add?" Twilight spoke with a certain insinuation in her voice.
>"Oh yes I-uh I own a business called Sugar Cube Corner. Your turn Flutterfly."
>YOUWUTM8?
>"Is anything wrong Anonymous?" The princess spoke with some delight.
"Yes. Actually-"
>You meet her and you barely see a mischievous look in her.
"Um. Didn't she went too fast?"
>"I think you are right. Diane. Next time be less... rapid when it's your turn."
>"Okie Dokie"
>Okay. What just happened? She lied. But why?
>"So. Flutters it's your turn."
>"Um... Oh yes. My name is Flutterfly. And my special talent is taking care of little critters."
>Wut's going on?
>"ANON!! Who owns Sugar Cube Corner?" Yelled the Alicorn.
"Mrs and M-"
>Oh shit.
>"Mrs. Who Anon?" Twi asked while carving a sly smile.
"Uh. Mrs. Diane of course."
>"...Correct." Her features relaxed again.
>So this is your game Purple Smart? To coax information?
>"Now... It's your turn Mr. scary..." Flutters spoke quietly.
"Uh."
>"Tell us about yourself?" The unicorn spoke.
"Oh yes. My name is Anonymous."
>"No second name?" Damn you Top Cunt.
"Yes... uh. User. My full name is Anonymous User."
>Shit. Purple Smart just trapped you once more.
>She is giving you no time to think of what to do ne-
>"Anonymous User huh? What's the name of yaur parents?"
>Unf.
"Their names..."
>Goddamn. You need to make something up...Or maybe not.
"Actually. I can't remember if I had parents."
>"Really? Ah'm... sorry to hear that." Said the cowgirl.
>"QUICK. Who was the one who's talent is taking care of animals?"
"Flutterrrr-Flutterfly."
>"Yes. Correct. You are doing well Anon." Her highness remarked.
>So close. Purple Smart got you by the ropes.
>"Your turn Rarity. Anything you want to share with us?"
>"Actually. As you already know. I have a business. A... pet. And a little sister."
>Well at least she was straight with it.
>"Her name is Sweetie Knell."
>Of course.
>"No wait; wait. What was this about no remembering your parents?" The energetic earth pone spoke.
>Fuck. Is it too much to ask for some time to think?
"Uh... Indeed. All I really remember is that I woke up during nighttime with no one near me."
>Gotta think on your feet: What is your aim? How can you get out?
>"Well since Mr. Terror hasn't made question I'll speak up now."
>Shut up Rainbow Dyke. Stop. Your. Fucking. Damage Control!
>"I'm the coolest pegasus around you dig? I'm a Wonderbold. An elite group of aerial acrobats. You may have heard of me."
>She left a small pause. Looks like she's waiting for a reply.
>"Anyway, Applejack. Tag."
>"Well my name's Applejack. But ya can call me AJ. Ah'm a hardworking, honest to Celestia mare. Ah work and live in a farm named Sweet Apple Acres, where me and my family grow the best apples of Ponyville."
>Thanks AJ. For the gift of time.
>Kay so she's trying to make you slip.
>You can't get out. Must play along.
>No. There must be a way out.
>Think. THINK FASTER.
>You identify your immediate options.
>Okay. You can play along and keep the game going or
>Tell them the true about your sources and stop their lying or
>Fuck this. Become a rebel and jump out the window.
>Now to determine the best outco-
>"Who's Rarity's younger relative?"
>Fuck you Purple Smart. You evil genius.
"A little filly."
>"What's her name?"
>Fuck what was it? K-something.
"Sweetie... Knell. Knell right?"
>"You are correct, Anon. You sure are good at this." Twilight gave you a back han-hoofed compliment.
>"Yaur turn uh... Flutters." AJ pointed at Yellowquite.
"Wait. You can repeat ponies?"
>"Well of course Anon. I mean it's not like just by knowing her name you'll know her well. Right?" Her majesty says rather impishly.
>You can't do nothing but agree.
>"Uh... okay. Ahem. I... Um. I once was model and loved every bit of it. Also, my favorite pet is a phoenix named Angel."
>More crap to add to the pile.
>"So Anon. What does your cutie mark means?" Ponka asked again.
>Is this real life?
>How does one explain a Pentagram to pones?
"Well... it meant that I have a... *ahem* magical talent."
>"Oh. You mean like mine." Her highness spoke amused.
"Yes. I suppose..."
>"And in what particular area?" She continued to interrogate you.
"Excuse me?"
>"There are many classifications, stratifications and specializations on the fields of magic. Which one happens to be yours?" A sincere question fueled by unbound curiosity.
>Dark magic obviously. Also, it would be redundant to say that's a bad answer.
"Um... Nocturnal magic. It deals with tracking celestial bodies and predicting their movement..."
>That was stupid. But it was the first thing that came to mind.
>Now everyone looks at you baffled at your answer.
>Twilight was about to have a word to you when Rarity took her place.
>"Nocturnal magic? Never heard of such thing? Care to explain it further?"
>The lies are slowly strangling you. For how long can you keep it up?
>"Actually. I think it's time for a flash round."
>The princess saved you just to throw you into a different hole.
>"Okay Anon. As quick as you can. Where does AJ lives? Who is Flutters' favorite pet? Which is Dash's profession? And name one of Diane's hobbies."
>Oh thank god. Most of these have truthful answers.
"Okay. Let's see... Sweet Apple Acres, Angel, Wonderbold and Diane loves parties."
>...
>A small silence.
"oh yeah I forgot. Your turn AJ."
>AJ is too honest to lie. She'll buy you extra time.
>She pulls her hat to cover her features. What did you do now?
>"Hey User." The blue pegasus replied with a lame insult.
>"How in Equestria did you know my name?" The pegasus asked a bit creep out.
>Shit. She's right on something for once.
>You can feel shivering cold running on your back. The feeling of being cornered.
"Uh... Well... As you already said. I've heard of you before."
>Nice save.
>"Really. And from where?"
>Gulp. You. Bitch. Kay don't panic. Any newspapers canon on Equestria...
>Only one name comes to mind.
>Curse you Seth. Fuck your life.
"From a newspaper... I can't remember the name but it had something to do with... spas or something."
>Now everyone is flustered.
>"Oh by Celestia. You didn't read it right?!" The bad memories from Gabby Gums stick to these days.
"As I already said. I don't remember much. Just your name."
>Dash sights in relief.
>"Um that's strange."
>Now what Purple Smart. How can you make this worse.
>"As far as I recall. All the articles of Gabby Gums stopped circulating long time ago. Including old stories. Besides, that was a local paper."
>Oh that's how. Well done.
>"So tell me Anon. Where did you got a copy of this article?"
>One slip. That's all it took. Well played.
>You try to think a way out of this. But all your options are horrible.
>Keep it on and the heat will roast you eventually, to lose the faith of the group is instant game over.
>You also think about jumping out the train. Running as fast you can...
>But the anxiety has immobilized you.
>No matter how you look at it. You already lost.
>...
>But she still hasn't won.
>You bit your lips, and proceed to talk.
"*Sigh*... Actually..."
>Ever since the library; Twi has caged you in a winless situation.
>But you can turn her victory on its head.
>She has been acting rather antagonizing to you. Maybe if you can bring this forth...
>Maybe you can take her down with you. Here it goes again; all or nothing.
"I never found a copy anywhere."
>The fear in you has turned in ire.
>Your dislike for Twilight's antagonism has taken a toll on you.
>This was your final challenge to overcome.
>"So then. From where do you know Rainbow Dash?" She asked deviously.
"Well if I told you I'm certain you wouldn't believe me."
>"Try me."
>Your covert anger clashes against her impish stoicism.
"Well then. As you already can tell I'm not your typical unicorn."
>The atmosphere inside the wagon becomes heavier by the minute.
"What if I told you that there are other planes of existence out there?"
>She is surprised by your answer.
>"...Do go on."
>You were fishing for this info right? Here you have it.
"Well; I can't tell you how I came to Equestria. Because I don't remember how."
>Small beat.
"But I can tell you that there are other planes where other living beings exist."
>You breath in and out. The motions of your chest were rather visual.
"That's where I come from. And I know it sounds creepy. But I have been watching you and your friends. I do not harbor you harm. Even when this shape is gloomy, even when I exude distrust... I don't mean you harm..."
>She puts her hoof on her chin. Her highness analyzes this info.
>Some time passes. Then; annoyed she expelled.
>"Every time."
>You blink perplexed.
>"Every time I think you can't lie anymore. You find a route to mystify me even further."
>Twi proceeds to face hoof and moves her extremity in an up-to-down motion.
>The sound of the train's wheels is the only thing keeping the wagon from being fully silent.
>She proceed to exhale frustrated. And then she says.
>"Fine Anon. You want answers. I want answers. Don't we?"
>You nod to her.
>"Very well. One last game, you and me."
"Bring it on."
>"You make me a question and I answer it. Then I do the same. And we keep going until there aren't any more unanswered question. How does this sound?"
>Her face when she was being completely straight with you now.
>You reply to her ultimatum with a sly smile.
>This was it. All the lies will be crushed now.
>As the game begins. Canterlot's glorious gates are visible now.
>You'll arrive any moment now. Let's make this count.
"You can start anytime you want. Ya know?"
>"Fine then." The princess was making the first move here.
>Her horn glows in a purple aura.
>She takes her element and the other ones away.
>She collects them. And puts them in the backpack that is below your seat.
>"No more lies. How about it?"
>You nod to her.
>"Fine. Let me begin with the conundrum that has been pestering me the most. How extensive is your grasp of us?"
"Partial. I don't know all your life if that's what you mean."
>"Please respond with the next parameters: Biographical deepness, contemporaneous events and private concerns."
>You scheme a sufficiently vague answer.
>You want them disturbed but not too creep out.
"Very well. Mimicking your own vocabulary... My biographical grasp of everypony surrounding me is limited to the contemporaneous event of Nightmare Moon's return. In further detail; Luna's return marks the start of my intrusiveness. As for private concerns; I suppose that knowing your professions, relatives, social events and some understanding of your personality constructs counts."
>Your answer is honest. The shock in everypony (minus Ponka) is concerning.
>Pinkie seems more content enjoying the show.
>As for her majesty. Her stoicism is collapsing. She is doing well not showing it though.
>Silent tension engulfs the already suspenseful atmosphere.
>Breathing in. She takes what you say.
>"So as I suspected. You knew us very well from the very start. Didn't you?"
"I think you already know. You made this game for that now didn't you?
>No response. She stays firm like a rock.
>"Very well. Your turn." She nods weakly as she speaks.
>Remember Anon. You must make her look at the villainess she has become.
>Let's start by what the hell is going on.
"The Sun Court. What is going to happen once we reach it?"
>"As I already mentioned. Background examination and face the prosecution of some charges."
"As in? Which accusations Am I gonna face?"
>She looks at you concerned. Hoping you are once again lying.
>You want an answer.
>"So you really don't know?"
"As you said. I am an alien. I'm not from Equestria and that is obvious."
>"...Fair enough. The main accusations wrapped up in one: The use of dark magic."
>So dark magic is illegal huh. You expand your question.
"Please give me some examples."
>"Fine. Breaking and Entering. Attempted Assault. Your terrifying presence. A forbidden and archaic spell... And actually that is it. But considering how you have provoked disasters with just that. I am glad you haven't showed us more."
>Hmph. All this for one spell and some honest mistakes.
"This terrifying presence... how does it work?"
>Her gaze becomes one with disbelief.
>"...Since you want to know. It provides the subject with a powerful emotion-inducing aura. it also magnifies the user's negative emotions to provide extra protection."
"That... doesn't sound so bad. I mean, it's to protect oneself right?"
>"Correct. Unfortunately it was outlawed due to its popular abuse amongst dark wizards... but that is enough about you."
>Here she comes.
>"Your cutie mark. You said that it represents a talent in magic."
>You don't even know if that is true. But it's a good guess.
"Yes. What about it?"
>"I think you lied to us when you said that it represents nocturnal magic. Whatever that is. If so. Tell me the TRUTH kind of magic you are specialized."
>This is not gonna be pretty.
"To be completely honest... I'm not sure if it represents an affinity with magic but..."
>She's trying to find a flinch in your stance. Ready to strike.
"...if I had to guess. I'll say that; indeed; I would specialize with dark magic."
>Her face is now afflicted with disgust.
>"BUT THAT ISN'T POSSIBLE!!"
>For the first time today she showed her inner wrath.
>"Dark magic is a collection of banned spell due to their constant and/or possible abuse."
>Angry Twatlot is less scary than when she was cold Purple Smart.
>Probably because her voice sounds like an wapanese animated girr.
"Wait. So you are telling me that dark magic is NOT a specialization in magic."
>You always figured that a kid's show with magic elements would play the white/dark magic crap.
>"Of course not. Magic is magic. It just has different aims and purposes."
>You try to draw an analogy to understand it better.
>Best you can think is science.
>Awesome when used for healthcare. Even better when used to make nuclear bombs...You were kinda bad at these.
"Then why label their users as dark wizards?"
>"It's a legal term to describe all those who have broken the Treaties of Magical Conventions."
>That's a legal term? Sounds retarded. But hey.
>You are going to court for it so you assume it makes sense.
"Wait then. Explain me this. How can I project a terrifying presence if I don't know how to use magic?"
>Ever since you came here you haven't used magic at all.
>You figure that you must be at magic kindergarten level... then again.
>You have been blessed with the powers of Gary Stu. So maybe?
>Now both Rara and Twi look at you concerned.
>"Wait. You can't possibly mean it, right?"
>The unicorn spoke carrying some melodrama in her voice.
>Fair to say you had forgotten about the other mares.
"Well... I actually haven't done it."
>"B-b-but there is no way. That would be like, like..." Rarity tries to draw in a comparison.
>She looks at Dash and says.
>"Like a pegasus who isn't good at flying."
>Flutters blushes. Oops. Well done Ra.
>"Awahaha... I didn't mean you darling."
>Terrible apologies.
>"Rarity is right. You are a grown stallion. You should be able to use magic."
"No I don't."
>"Well prove it." Spoke the squeaky voice of an annoying pegasus.
>The whole room stares at her idiocy.
>"Dash. How can he prove a lack of magic by casting magic?" Her highness is disappointed.
>The blue pegasus blushes at the fact of looking like a fool.
>"Well-well what iiiif..." She tries desperately to save face.
>"What if it is like pegasus um-wings" There was an awkward pause in between every word.
"That you what?"
>"As in... well you know how pegasus have wings right?"
>Captain Obvious is on the case.
>"Uh huh." AJ gave her a pity reply.
>"Well, when we get hurt. We can still move our wings. But it like... hurt ya know?"
>The smell of Italian cuisine. You know it very well.
>"Yes. About that Rainbow Dash... Can we get back to Anonymous' turn?"
>Yes please. Take her majesty's offer Dash.
>Spaghetti is spaghetti. It's embarrassing to spill it. No matter whom it may be.
>"No no. It's like. We can still move our wings so... even if he doesn't know magic... still doesn't mean he can't learn and- Uh forget it."
>Not her first screw up. But the first you have seen ever since you came here.
>Silence.
>The natural follow up to the spillage.
>"Ahem. So you two were going on and in about the black magic, legal thingies and all that wonkie dokie stuff."
>The eccentric earth mare spoke.
>"Uh yes. *Ahem* Your turn Anon."
"Huh. Oh yes. Let me ask you something..."
>Actually. The spillage made you forget about what was going on in your mind.
"Give me a sec."
>So... What can you do now?
>...
>Well you can...
"I was meaning to ask. You said that a terrifying presence is-well kinda like a magical field, right?"
>"One could make such a semblance."
"Has it occurred to you that maybe... You over-reacted."
>This is it. You can use this line of questioning to attack.
>You expect her to give you a surprised look.
"...Well?"
.>"...It has come to mind lately. Yes."
>Good.
>"...But as far as I recall. You did break in without consent and you are spell casting a terrifying presence so... No, not really."
>A frown tries to shape itself on you. You deny it.
"I think you aren't thinking this throughout. I did apologize for entering. But since I can't control my magic... You have been acting rather-"
>You add special emphasis on the next word.
"antagonizing"
>You continue.
"-about it. I know you Purple Smart. You aren't like that."
>The alicorn looks at you startled.
>"Did you just called me Purple Smart?"
>Oops. Well nothing to worry about.
"Yeah, well. You are purple and smart. Seems fitting."
>She wallows in your words.
>"...Is that all?"
>...
"Yes that's all."
>Amazing how headstrong she is.
>Welp. At least you tried.
>"Ah don't mean to interrupt Twily but Ah think that he's clearly not Sombra."
>"Applejack!" Her majesty was unpleased.
>WAITWUTUJUSTSAID.
"Excuse me. Say that again."
>"Uh; sure pardner." She was a bit nervous.
>"I said. Ah don't think yaur Sombra."
>Sombrero. WTF.
>"Applejack. Why would you tell him that?" There was anger in the alicorn's voice.
>"Well ya said that if he wasn't Sombra then he would crash the game. Did ya forgot or somethin?"
>Holy shit. Did your plan worked that fast?
>"She seriously said that?!" The rascal pegasus revived from her shame.
"Okay. Time out. Applejack, please explain this to me."
>You made signatures with your hooves to mimic a football referee.
>"Ah would... But Ah seem to made Twi be angry."
>Indeed. AJ just gave you some powerful intel.
"Fine. Twilight. I ask you to let AJ tell me about this... thing of me being Sombra."
>...When your turn comes. Until then." Oh she wasn't happy at all.
"I'm okay with it."
>Her majesty wasn't pleased by the cowgirl's interruption.
>Neither was the orange mare timid to return her glare.
>"Anon. You said that there are other planes of existence right?"
"Yes."
>"I believe you are; once again; lying."
"And why would you believe that?"
>"Because it seems so convenient that you pull a fantastic element into play. How in Celestia's name can I prove you are being honest without proof of such plane?"
>Um. Nice call.
>Nothing you can do about it. And explaining it further won't help.
"Sorry. Nothing I can do. That's the true."
>She could no longer take your taunts.
>"Oh really. Then Am I supposed to accept that out of the nether came a suspicious duplicate of an evil dictator whose intrusive comprehension of our lives came from an unexplained metaphysical location? Do you WANT ME to believe THAT?"
>You had seriously forgotten how the unknown made Twi furious. And when she puts it like that. It does sound like a terrible fan fiction.
>...Disgracefully that happens to be the case.
"Purple Sma-"
>"THAT'S NOT MY NAME!!"
>Dayum.
"Princess Twilight. I know it does sound like a cop-out. But there are things that can't be easily proven. Take Pinkie for example..."
>You point a hoof at her. She waves you a hello.
"You could never prove whenever her pinkie sense was correct or not, truth or false, and yet you moved on."
>"There is a difference!"
"Which would be?"
>"She's my friend!"
>Ouch. You aren't welcome to the herd.
"Yes... I agree but... that doesn't change the fact that you could never explain it... yet you moved on. I'm sorry if it hurts but it is the same here... you can't pinpoint my place of origin..."
>Thinking on your feet now.
>Her frustration grows. She scowls at you.
>"...Your turn."
>You can feel the her hot anger emancipating and all you can do is to not flinch at her.
"Very well... Applejack; about this game Twilight made. Care to explain?"
>The cowgirl looks at Twilight.
>Her majesty nods at her. She nods back.
>She start to talk while fixing her hat.
>"Alrighty then..."
*FLASHBACK TIME*
>Be Applejack.
>Today has been eventful day.
>First, as you woke up you saw a demonic figure come to Ponyville from the horizon.
>Second, as you tried to swallow your fear, you decide to try to find this thing.
>Thirdly, when you got up to the hills you saw the thing. You greeted by a weird creature covered in what looked like fur.
>Finally, as you left those roguish spawns behind. You find out that now must leave a day of work unproductive.
>You and your friends are introduced to fancy looking stallion that needs to be taken to Canterlot.
>Supposedly he is Sombra revived or something.
>As Canterlot draws near, this stallion was forced to reveal himself.
>You, along with Fluttershy and Twilight, try to soothe the terrified passengers.
>You round them so that Twilight applies her calming magic.
>Once that's done. You are back to the wagon with... HIM.
>Twi said she had a plan to make him speak... but you don't like it.
>Both of you try to talk to him but it fails miserably.
>As Twi along with your friends arrive you decide to have a talk to her.
>You don't feel right about this.
"Kay. Ah think I've got this... But say it again."
>"Well. We have a precious hour or so before we arrive. And we need to figure his plan."
"Yeah yeah. And this game is gonna ease his tongue, right?"
>"Exactly. By giving him what he desires. He'll let his guard down. But we have to conceal ourselves with fabricated information."
"This to cover our flanks?"
>"Exactly. It also has the double purpose to stress his memory. If he knows more than he lets out. Which I am confident off. This will clutter his mind."
"Ah see. So ya want him to spill it out."
>"I am convinced that this will succeed. Once he slips, once he lies. Then he'll lie more. His mythomania is his biggest flaw. And once he has lied enough I'll have collected enough of his habits to call his lies."
"... Twi; Ah know ya don't like this fella. But ya sure that fallin' on his level is gonna do it?"
>"...Actually. My instincts tell me to trust him but... he is a personification of dark magic. Just like Sombra."
"Well... it's just that Ah hate lying."
>"Don't worry AJ. He IS Sombra. He loves being in control and to manipulate. I am certain that he'll eat it up. Sombra loves to show off. He would take this challenge heads on."
"...An' what if he doesn't?"
>"Huh. What do you mean?"
"Well ya were very sure that he was Sombra 'til he talked ya down some hour ago or so. Ya sure we are dealin' with an evil wizard?"
"I am positive."
...
>"Okay. Not so sure."
"And what if it ain't Sombra. What then?"
>Twi takes some time to respond.
>"...Then he won't act accordingly. He would crash the game. Somehow."
>...
>You don't like it. But you gotta help somehow.
"Fine. Ah'll do it. But don't ya expect me to like it."
>"Applejack; YOU ARE BRILLIANT!"
"Uh. Oh that? It's just that sun shinin' on me."
>She hugs you makes you stand on two hooves.
>"NO. Not that... okay that too but not."
"Ah think Ah don't follow."
>She lets you go and proceeds to explain.
>"If he doesn't react as expected. Then he is not Sombra; not even him could bend to such a radically different personality. If he isn't him. Then he MAY be truthful. This would be the absolute proof of it."
>...
"But then won't that mean that we just spend a day off for nothin'?"
>...
>"Well. In that case I'll own everypony an explanation."
>You snicker along with her.
>Both of you are facing the door now.
>"Are you ready?"
"Not likin' this..."
>"...You don't have to in you don't want to."
>You let out a small sigh in relief.
"...Thank you Twilight."
>You along with Twi enter the room.
*END OF FLASHBACK*
"And then ya crashed the game as Twi said ya would..."
"I... see..."
>The alicorn sighted again. Ventilating all her frustration with it.
>"The issue at hoof is that he didn't."
>"Huh?"
"What?"
>"Indeed. We are still playing. But since he admitted his perverse fascination to us. I had to modify the rules to conform to this new situation."
>The cowgirl pone took time to decipher her friend's lingo.
>This only meant that Twi was dead centered on her skepticism.
>...This has happened before. And you beg to the sun and moon this will fix itself soon.
>"Ah'm sorry Twi-"
>"No. It's my fault for not interrogating this mythical plane of his first."
>"..."
>The southern pone was left embarrassed.
>"If it helps... Ah don't think that him not being Sombra makes him less scary..."
>You STILL aren't welcome to the herd. But no time to indulge in petty feels.
>So they think you are Sombrino...
>She also thinks you're a pathological liar...
>Hmph. How can you disprove it when so far you have fueled this conception...
>Guess there is no time like the present.
>The alicorn looks tenderly at AJ.
>Again. It's okay AJ. You have nothing to worry. As for you..."
>Her frown came back, but stronger.
>"I think it is my turn now."
>Beat.
>"You said that you don't remember anything right?"
"I can't remember much of my past life. Yes."
>"Then how come you can tell from that you...*sigh*...came from an abstract plane of existence?"
>The deeper she goes. The more it looks like you lie.
>Goddamit. If you could remember anything. ANYTHING at all.
"...I...Well..."
>Shit. Time to use the Joker's defense.
"To be fair. Where I came from there are many entities with a desire to break in into Equestria."
>That sounded wrong with some innuendo on the side.
"They all had different methods. All of them debatable; so doesn't matter what I say; my past is one of multiple choices rather than an absolute one. Sorry to disappoint you."
>She gets angrier and angrier.
>You expect her to turn into a Rapidash anytime now. Then out of the blue.
>"Whoa whoa. You telling me that there many like you on this dream world?" Ponka asked.
"Yes."
>"That sounds AWESOME!! Imagine all them running around Equestria; so many new friends to make!!"
>That actually sounds kinda cool... in a nightmarish sense.
>As expected. The revelation shock everyone. Including you.
>Imagine all the edges in Equestria. The constant sound of buzzwords like: Faggot, autistic, fedoracore, etc.
>/mlp/ on Equestria...
>It's a very real surreal kind of stroke that will kill you.
>Everyone was recovering from that realization.
>"That... that doesn't sound pleasant at all Pinkie Pie." The unicorn says distressed.
>Her majesty was now meditating your answer.
>"...Very well. I decided that this is going nowhere."
>Uh oh. This only means great news or terrible news.
>"Anon. The game is over."
>What. What? WHAT????
"Hold on. What do you mean by that."
>"Well as I've already deduced. You wanted to build confidence on our group. Or Am I incorrect?"
>Nailed your intentions. You wait for her to continue.
>"Yes. I see. Well since you can't provide me with clear answers. Then I see no point in indulging in a meaningless effort."
>Wait. NO!!
"Hold on. I have answered truthfully all your questions!"
>"Maybe. But does it matter if I can't confirm or deny your word? You are a dark wizard that came from the void with a disturbing capability to do evil and know too much of our personal lives."
>Oh man.
>"I am sorry but I cannot trust a pony such as you. The game is over Anonymous. You win."
"Wait... What do you mean I win?!"
>"That you had beaten me on my own game. I desired to authenticate your motivations and person... but that was a wasted endeavor..."
>You don't like where this is going.
"No. I still have questions Twilight!"
>"Sorry Anon. This is the end of the line. We'll arrive in Canterlot any time now. Soon you will be escorted to the Sun Court."
>Oh boy. Now wut do?
"Okay. Listen me out. Maybe if I can answer questions you wouldn't have made..."
>"...Go on."
"Then would you answer my questions?"
>She puts her hoof on her chin once more. She gets immersed on your proposition.
>"No."
"Why not?"
>"Anonymous. It is over. But I'll let you have one last question. How about that?"
>Well it's better than nothing.
>Swallowing your own spit. You answer.
"Fine."
>"Ask away..."
>Well shit. There so many things to ask.
>What is on that photo?
>How does the judicial procedure works?
>What were you whispering about?
>Why all these mind games?
>Only one question. One shot.
>...Fuck. Your. Life.
>"Well..."
>She is waiting. Which one takes you into the longest road?
>Hope you aren't misfiring with this.
"About what happened in the boutique..."
>"Yes?"
"I'll like to know Rarity's take on it."
>The marshmallow had a minor goose bump.
>"Huh. Me?"
"Yes you."
>Rara is a rather theatrical pone. Her eye for details could give you a better insight of what happened.
>Her majesty raised her eyebrow as she bob her head to the side.
>"Are you sure that you want to take this question?"
>"I'm certain of it."
>"Awahehehe... Very well..."
>The unicorn forced the same smile from when you met.
>You hope that her exorbitant personality will extend to her testimony.
>Nervously the white unicorn told her story.
*FLASHBACK Pt.II*
>Be Rarity.
>Twilight came to your elegant Boutique today.
>Shockingly she was escorting a grisly stallion.
>As you rescued your precious Persian mascot; your friend has asked for a special request.
>The two of you are constantly whispering to each other.
>She has convinced you to use your fabric to cover this devilish pony.
>Both of you concur that he needs cover-up. And full body dye would be too lengthy on time.
>Twilight, as so do you. Believe that this delinquent has some eerily resemblance to a certain millennial dictator.
>As you deploy blankets to his body. You mutter to her.
"So. By covering his body, the exuding aura will be drowned. Right?"
>"Correct."
"And do tell. It certainly was as easy as you said?"
>"Yes. I actually panicked and menaced him with the Elements."
"I... see."
>Apparently this evil wizard came to the intend to assault your friend.
>The dirty ruffian.
>Clearly; since he is afraid of the Elements; one can deduce he is up to no good.
"So the girls are waiting for me on Apple Acres."
>"Right. They will ask you where I am and why I didn't go. Inform them well of the situation."
"By, yes darling. I'll inform them of the horrible delinquent who tried to commit unspeakable acts against your person."
>"And about Spike?"
"That too. I'll give Spiky your message."
>"Okay. Can you repeat it to me?"
"Dear Princess Celestia; As it has already mentioned in a previous letter. We have an urgency that requires not only your attention, but the one of Canterlot too. On picture attached, one can appreciate an emanating dark magic from the subject. As we already know, this forbidden technique is a violation against the Treaties of Magical Conventions and are punished severely. A very sensitive approach is required-"
>The stallion protests with an unhappy mutter.
>His negativity breaks a mirror within the boutique.
>Both of you were stupefied momentarily.
>"Well that was a good sample."
>Once the two of you finish your duty. Twily plots with you one last time.
>"Rarity. He believes we have the Elements at hoof. I need you to make copycats of them. Make them look real."
"Yes. Sure darling. I am an expert on craftsmanship. No need to worry. Now; you wanted me to deliver something to Spike-wagey?"
>"Yes, this photo, tell him to annex it to the letter. Once it reaches the princess. She'll mobilize Canterlot's security."
"Indeed. Anything else?"
>"Actually, tell Spike to put some books for me on a backpack. The names are: The Advents of Darkness: Dangers Within. My Statements on the Crystal Situation; this one was written by the princesses; and finally Law for Dummies."
"Ah. These are the books you found on the Ancient Castle?"
>"Correct."
"...Including Law for Dummies?"
>"Well..."
>Her majesty felt anxious answering.
>"Shepherding him to the Sun Court via lies and intimidation counts as coercion. This may hurt us but I am sure that on this particular case I'll just get a warning."
"Um. Sure sweetheart. I'll tell Spike about it."
>"Thanks."
>Both her majesty and the shameless rascal leave your boutique.
>You quickly initiate the crafting of jewelry for the golden necklaces and tiara.
*END OF FLASHBACK*
>"...After which. I met the girls on Sweet Apple Acres. And passed the photo to Spike. He wanted to come with us to help. The poor little boy. But I convinced him that we had you fooled... that didn't last long now did it?..."
>She throws one last shaky laugh before cutting her tale short.
>Interesting piece of trivia you got.
>"Anything in your mind Anon?" The princess asked dully.
>Actually yes. Hope this gets you somewhere.
"I'll like some further detail on this photo. What is it for?"
>"As Rarity already mentioned. Its evidence for the case. It roundly proves that you are casting a terrifying presence."
>Ah. And here you thought they planted evidence on you.
"So. You are telling me that you didn't plant any forged evidence on me?"
>Her majesty is left pondering.
>"I... don't follow..."
"Well. Some hours ago I asked you if it was fair to jail somepony who follows the rules..."
>"Oh, that? I am sorry but I'll need further explanation."
"...The thing is... I thought that you had carried me into the Sun Court with false evidence. Sorry for that."
>Twilight was shocked at your revelation. Then she got pissed again.
>"WHAT!! Why would I conspire against you? YES! I know you are not a trustworthy pony but to bend the judicial system for selfish purposes... That's disgusting!! And you should feel bad for implying that!"
>Getting closer to evolving into Twatlot.
>"WHY WOULD YOU THINK I'LL DO THAT?!?"
>Oh fuck.
"Well-you seemed rather straight with admitting it. So I supposed there was something sinister going on-I MEAN! The only thing that you forged were the Elements. Right?"
>"Yes. As Rarity said. That was the only leash we had on you. But then you crashed my expectations by revealing how you knew about that."
"So wait. When you asked me if it was fair. What did you meant?"
>"Well. Technically, I still suspect of your identity. But... Sombra would have agreed with me on using power for oneself... Instead what I got was an opposite response."
>Oh yes. The awe in her face was delicious.
"So..."
>"So what?"
"You still suspect me?"
>"...Correct."
"Even when you yourself have admitted that I don't act like Sombra?"
>She digested your question.
>"Indeed. As I have said many times over already. Whenever you are Sombra or not. You are too dangerous."
>Why does her words cut you so bad?
>"I can't trust you Anonymous. The game is over."
>You desperately try to come with an excuse.
>You gesture to her will trying to say something.
>It's no use.
>"Why Anon..."
>You listen to her with fierce focus.
>"Why do you want to keep this going? There is nothing I or you can win out of this. It is just a futile pursuit."
>Actually she is right. Why do you care?
>Is it because of these mind games?
>You wonder why?
>...
>...Because you didn't expect it to go to shit.
>Sure you didn't expect to be embraced immediately but damn.
>Full on rejection by fear of you. Careful with those edges.
>"It doesn't matter. In the end. I cannot ascertain your temperament."
>Welp. Nothing you can do now. At least she gave you victory.
>You inhale deeply. This was the end of your confrontation.
>And nothing remotely useful came out of it.
"If you say so. Princess Twilight Sparkle..."