Waking Nightmares

by Jonathan "KnightMysterio" Spires

Chapter 10: Bizarre Friendship

The disclaimer about copyrights from the last chapter will apply to this and all future chapters. This story starts one day after the events of the previous chapter, just after sunset.

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Doctor Hooves's lab...

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Twilight Sparkle, Doctor Hooves, and Engineer worked diligently to analyze the three 'Jammy Dodgers' that Soldier had discovered in the Doctor's lab. Using everything they knew, plus what knowledge Zecora had of the Smooze, they had managed to craft a device that, if it worked, should detect Smooze sources.

As a control, Engineer had recovered some of his spent Sentry shells that had Nightmare Doctor's blood on them. The large device crackled with excess energy for a moment, the three geniuses hesitating as the beams of light scanned over the cookies. It seemed, for a moment, that the device would detonate, but after a tense moment and lots of shaking on the scanner's part, it stopped. Readouts appeared on the monitor, showing all the elements of the 'Jammy Dodgers.'

"Definitely Smooze in these things..." Twilight said softly, analyzing the data.

"The cookies themselves are normal, it's just the jam that's tainted," Engineer said, nodding.

"Plum flavoring and sugar..." Doctor Hooves said softly as he looked over the ingredient list. "Oh, bugger it all, I can't believe how easily I got taken in."

Twilight patted Doctor Hooves comfortingly. "You couldn't have known," she said. "We're still learning about the Smooze ourselves."

Doctor Hooves frowned. "Maybe..."

Engineer sighed. "Soldier questioned Hugh Jelly. He said he didn't know of any Sweet Treat."

"And he's not allergic to plum jam either, right?" Doctor Hooves said, scowling.

Engineer's face became confused at that. "Yeah... Solly said something about him not bein' allergic, and refusin' to go into further detail. He looked kinda disturbed..."

Twilight blushed. "Jams and jellies for bread aren't the only kind of jellies Hugh sells," she said.

Engineer blinked. "Not the only kind of..." he started, his expression turning nauseous briefly when he realized what she meant. He coughed, and quickly regained his composure. "A-anyway, Hugh apparently said he'd be willing to make Jammy Dodgers for you, so at least you get the real thing out of it... He does know a real cookie dealer..."

Doctor Hooves chuckled. "Well, after that little revelation I don't know if I want them NOW..." he said. Although inwardly he was singing the Hallelujah chorus.

Twilight giggled, as Engineer rolled his eyes. "Well," he said, "We know we can identify it now. Next up is trying to make the device portable and replicate it so we can take make better use of it."

Doctor Hooves looked thoughtful. "...I once had a device called a sonic screwdriver. Lovely little multi-purpose tool it was. I DO have the parts to rebuild it, I just never had the will for it after I lost the TARDIS. I could easily adapt the Smooze detector into its functions."

Engineer raised an eyebrow. "Interesting," he said. "Ah've had an idea for a device like that, ah just never had the time to make it, or even plan out a design for it."

Doctor Hooves smiled. "Oh! Stop by my lab, then. I'll show you how to make one for yourself," he said.

The stomachs of all three scientists rumbled.

"After lunch," Doctor Hooves added, grinning weakly. He then noticed sun setting. "Dinner, then."

Twilight chuckled. "C'mon," she said. "My treat."

As they left the library, Twilight picking up Spike to go along with them, Engineer noticed both of them quickly glancing back at their Cutie Marks. They both noticed each other doing it, and then gave each other alarmed looks. Engineer frowned. It was the fifteenth time he had seen Twilight do it since her nightmare, and the seventh time he'd seen Doctor Hooves do it.

He decided to test the waters with a joke. "Ah realize that ah'm not familiar with Equestrian culture, but is there any reason ya'll are checking out your butts so much?" he said, smiling.

Twilight blushed. Doctor Hooves grinned nervously. Spike just looked sad. "There's a serious reason they're doing it, Engie," he said.

Engineer frowned. "Why's that?"

Twilight sighed. "There are three major medical conditions related to Cutie Marks. All of them are extremely severe. One of them is Cutie Pox, where you start to get more than one Cutie Mark, and are forced to act out the talent each one represents," she said. "Apple Bloom, in an attempt to force her own Cutie Mark to appear, used a flower called Heart's Desire in a potion. She nearly died of exhaustion from all the talents being forced on her. Thank Celestia Zecora was able to cure her."

"We asked Mitta about it, and she said in her response letter that it most likely was an outbreak of Cutie Pox that left Sunnytown so paranoid about Cutie Marks," Spike added.

Doctor Hooves shivered softly. "The second, and least severe, is Cutie Shift. It occurs when a pony finds themselves unable to perform their special talent, or become traumatized severely by it, and end up finding another talent that suits them. Diamond Tiara's mother, Topsy Turvy, went through a near debilitating case of it," he said.

Engineer blinked. "Topsy Turvy... You mean that screwy-lookin' Earth pony with the beanie and the screwball Cutie Mark?"

Twilight nodded. "Diamond Tiara doesn't care so long as she still has her mother, and Filthy Rich refused to explain to anypony the details, but something happened to Topsy that made her go insane. She's thankfully still functional otherwise and no danger to herself or others, but whatever happened, it was enough for her Cutie Mark to shift to... well, that," she said.

"It's the last, and most severe, that we're worried about," Doctor Hooves said softly.

"Cutie Fracture," Twilight almost whispered, her eyes taking on a haunted expression. Engineer noticed several ponies that overheard react with alarm and frowned.

Spike shivered. "A friend of ours went through it while we were living in Canterlot. Discord cultists launched an attack on Canterlot, trying to overthrow Celestia and free their master. Our friend, Star Dancer, was kidnapped by them. When she came back, her Cutie Mark was shattered, and she couldn't do her special talent anymore. She..." Spike whimpered, not wanting to continue.

Twilight sighed. "She killed herself," she said softly. "I was the one who found her and cut her down from the noose she used..."

"Cutie Fracture is THE most feared disease for all equine breeds that get Cutie Marks, so severe that not even Cutie Shift can cure it. Cutie Fracture is, essentially, a total loss of part of yourself. A broken Cutie Mark is the sign. It's caused by a trauma so severe that your ability to perform your special talent is affected," Doctor Hooves said.

Engineer frowned. "Ah don't understand. Couldn't y'all just find a new somethin' you're good at?"

Twilight shook her head. "You don't understand..." she said. "A Cutie Mark... It's an expression of WHO YOU ARE. Of what you're so good at doing that it's an ingrained part of your soul, your very sense of identity. It's more than just something you can do, it's a part of yourself made known to the world. To lose it... To lose it is literally to lose a vital part of your very being." Spike shivered and hugged her tight as she talked.

Doctor Hooves frowned. "Engineer, imagine if, for the rest of your life, you couldn't reliably build so much as a bookshelf. Imagine going your entire life unable to build or properly design ANYTHING."

Engineer blinked. But as he thought about it, he found himself shuddering involuntarily, a cold fear suffusing him. "Mah God..." he said softly.

Twilight nodded. "Do you get it now? Do you get why Pinkie, the Doctor, and I are so worried about it? Why even Princess Luna feared suffering from it after her time as Nightmare Moon?"

Doctor Hooves blinked. "Good heavens, Pinkie Pie too?" he said, alarmed.

Spike nodded. "Yeah... But do us all a favor and don't ask about it, okay? It relates to a bigger problem we're trying to solve," he said.

Doctor Hooves nodded, understanding. Engineer shivered again. "Ah'll... Ah'll tell Medic about what you just told me, let him know to watch for it. Did y'all say that PRINCESS LUNA'S worried about getting Cutie Fracture?"

Twilight nodded. "One of the Princesses getting it... That would be the worst possible disaster... Ever since Discord permanently changed the way gravity works, it's been up to the Princesses to keep the sun and moon orbiting around our planet. It took every unicorn on the planet before they came along. Without the Princesses, both the sun and moon would just be stuck in the sky..."

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Canterlot Castle...

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Celestia watched with pride as her sister raised the moon, the soft glow suffusing the night sky, the alicorn a majestic silhouette as she then turned her attention to lighting the stars. She closed her eyes, sensing the tides shift as they were supposed to around the world as her sister pushed the moon on its proper course.

That, at least, is going right, she thought bitterly, thinking of the kidnapped children. It was part of her job to watch over Canterlot as the city as its guardian. How could she have missed those children being kidnapped?

As Luna lowered herself back down to the balcony they were standing on, she noticed her sister's expression. "Tia?"

Celestia sighed. "It's the missing foals..." she said. "I'm supposed to watch over the city as part of my duties. How could I have missed an entire class just... disappearing?"

Luna smiled and nuzzled her sister affectionately. "We'll find them all safe and sound, dear sister. And the one who took them shall be punished most righteously."

Celestia smiled at her sister's encouragement and hugged her. "Still... I feel, perhaps, I should have done more."

Luna shook her head. "You are tired, sister. Rest well, for I guard the night. And nothing shall escape my eyes," she said.

Celestia grinned and sighed. "Perhaps you're right..." she said. "Perhaps I do need a break..."

Luna nodded. "A good night's rest and a chance to escape all those boring and boorish nobles will help clear your head. Let the Mistress of the Night be the one to help the guards defend this city." she said, turning her gaze out towards Canterlot. Celestia smiled at her sister, and chuckled at the brief image she got of her as a dark, costumed avenger, leaping from rooftop to rooftop.

Shaking her head in amusement, she left her sister to her work and went to the kitchens. She filched a piece of cake from one of the massive refrigerators and ate it as she went back to her room. She left the cooks with an order to send a meal to her room later, and calmly plopped herself down onto her bed, relishing the plush softness of it.

One of the few advantages of being royalty, she thought to herself, is that you can give yourself all the best stuff. A soft bed was one of the few indulgences she allowed herself. And oh yes, it was so very comfortable.

She looked over to her desk, seeing the Slendermane journal on it. Frowning, she levitated it towards her, opening it again, reading where she left off.

10/10/1504 AD: Slendermane has an annoying tendency to pop up when I'm least expecting it. I keep seeing him now. Just watching, waiting. I know he's behind the disappearances, but no one else but I seems able to see him. I... I'm scared. Even more scared than when the Maskies were attacking. Am I just imagining him? Is he just a figment conjured up by the Maskies? I must know more.

Celestia shook her head. "He's very real, friend," she said. "I can feel the malevolence of his presence."

She poured herself some tea, and continued.

10/13/1504 AD: I have to be sure of whether or not Slendermane is real or not. Perhaps... Perhaps if my theory of the Slendermane being just an illusion conjured up by the Maskies is correct, then if they are dead... I don't like saying this, but I have to kill the three Maskies. Only then can I know for sure if Slendermane is real.

Celestia frowned. While she detested the ending of life, she knew that it was necessary at times. But still, outright murder? She sighed, and considered her options. Shining Armor was the youngest of the three Captains of the Guard, and the most idealistic. She wouldn't ask him to end a life. Plus, she felt a sudden extreme discomfort at the idea of sending away the source of the city's potent barrier spell.

Barricade had killed before, and was willing to kill again. But she would object to outright assassination. She preferred to save death as an absolute last resort.

Harbinger... She frowned. The Captain of the Earth Pony Guard was the oldest of her Captains, and served with her the longest. He was also the coldest. If push came to shove, she realized, to her depression, that he could count on him to kill on command.

Perhaps she should send him to Ponyville for a few days...

Just to be sure Twilight and her friends were all right. If nothing else, Harbinger might be able to relate to the BLUs better than the others...

She turned her attention to the journal once more.

10/15/1504 AD: I'm starting to get worried. I managed to catch Masky Pegasus, but when he realized that I wanted to kill him, he stopped resisting and let me. Under the mask was... it was someone I knew. Someone I thought was my friend. How could she betray me like this? Or did she? Was the mask corrupting her? I need to know. Maybe I can question the next Masky I capture...

Another unpleasant thought, Celestia scowled. But still, capturing the Maskies was a good idea. She knew that oaf down in the dungeon... whatever his name was... wasn't a real Masky, just a pawn of Masky Pegasus. Luna's interrogation had proven that.

She scowled bitterly. I'll let that numbskull rot in the dungeons for a month or so. It's his own damn fault for working with the Maskies anyway. Damned foal, letting himself get lured in by a pretty plot...

She sighed again, rubbing her temples. This was so frustrating.

A knocking on the door came. Ah, that must be my midnight snack, she thought. "Come in," she said aloud.

The door opened... and Celestia gasped, seeing Slendermane pushing a cart in with the heads of the missing foals on it. She got to her feet, her horn blazing with magic, her wings flaring...

...and then she blinked, Slendermane vanishing, revealing a frightened pair of waitresses carting her meal along and a nervous Phalanx standing in front of them.

"M-My lady?" Phalanx said, looking around nervously. "What is it? What do you see?"

Celestia stared at Phalanx in confusion. ...But he was right there. She shook her head, and said, "I'm fine. It's nothing. I've... changed my mind about the meal, you may have it if you want. Also, tell Captain Harbinger to go to Ponyville for a few days. Be sure to mention Code CIK. He'll know what it means." She motioned for them all to leave. Reluctantly, worried for their princess, they bowed and backed away.

Twice now Slendermane has appeared with Phalanx... Celestia thought, staring suspiciously at the door. She lay back down, and pondered.

Outside, Phalanx looked to the waitresses, who just shook their heads and took the meal back to the kitchens. Phalanx frowned, and sought out his captain.

He found the massive Earth Pony in one of the watchtowers. Harbinger was an imposing sight, a dark indigo stallion that was solidly muscled all over, especially in his powerful legs, his kicks feared all across Equestria. His Cutie Mark was two horseshoes with motion blur lines, a symbol of his legendary speed. Only Barricade dwarfed him in sheer size. He turned towards Phalanx, his long beard and mustache ruffling slightly in the breeze. To Phalanx's alarm, worry was in those normally cold, violet eyes.

"What news, Phalanx? How is our Princess?" he asked, his voice rumbling like an impending avalanche of snow and ice.

"She reacted strangely again," Phalanx said, pawing the floor worriedly. "It's like she's seeing things that aren't there..."

Harbinger frowned, looking away. "And you say that the whole thing started when she got that journal?"

Phalanx nodded. "Should I try and take it from her?"

Harbinger shook his head. "If there's one more incident, yes. But for now, I think it best if you avoid her. I'll try and have you reassigned."

Phalanx blinked. "With all due respect, sir, my loyalty and my duty is to the Princess Celestia," he said.

Harbinger chuckled. "I admire your dedication, trooper, but so far Princess Celestia seems to have these reactions when YOU are around. I'd rather not place you in danger."

"If you say so, sir," Phalanx said. He then blinked, remembering what Celestia asked of him. "Oh! She wants you to go to Ponyville for a few days, rendezvous with Barricade. She also asked me to mention something... Code CIK. She said you'd know what it means."

Harbinger's face betrayed no emotion, but inwardly, he flinched. Capture Interrogate Kill, he thought worriedly. She NEVER gives that order unless the situation is beyond dire...

"Very well," he said. "I'll be off, then."

Phalanx nodded. "Shall I book the Friendship Express, then?" he said.

"No, walking's faster," Harbinger said, and dashed off, the wake of his departure nearly blowing Phalanx down the stairs.

Phalanx shook his head, chuckling. Not for nothing was Harbinger called Celestia's Swift Lightning...

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Ponyville...

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After dispensing with the depressing talk, the three scientists had gone to dinner. They encountered Rarity there, having apparently been out gem hunting with Spy. Spike quickly jumped off of Twilight's back and pulled out a seat for her.

"Sit down, my lady," Spike said grandly.

"Always such a little gentleman," she giggled.

Spike bowed and cast a glare at Spy, who just sneered at him and sat down between her and Twilight. Spike grumped, sitting on the other side of Rarity, who just patted him on the head.

"Now now," she said. "There's no reason for you to be jealous. Spy is indeed assisting me, but his romantic attentions are towards Zecora, remember?"

Spike glared at him. "I still don't trust him," he grumbled.

Spy just rolled his eyes, picking up a menu given to him by the waiter. He fumbled with it for a moment, trying to figure out how to open it, until Doctor Hooves showed him how. Spike grunted at him, annoyed. "Well... I don't like it that he lives with you... Ponies talk, y'know..."

Rarity shook her head, chuckling. "Be nice or I won't give you this lovely pastry Sweetie Belle and I made for you," she said, telekinetically lifting a box out of her saddlebags, revealing a small cake encrusted with rubies and sapphires. Spike moaned, gulping back the drool that formed in his mouth as he stared adoringly at the confection.

Twilight smiled. "Sweetie's cooking is improving, I take it?" she asked.

Rarity sighed. "So long as I keep her away from mother, she can cook just fine. Sadly, she backslides every time mother decides to 'help' her." She gave Spike the cupcake, the dragon happily eating it.

"Oh dear," Spy said, chuckling. "Perhaps Heavy should be allowed to teach her. I can guarantee zat his technique will make sure zat her cooking STAYS improved."

Rarity frowned. "...Are you certain of that? Heavy doesn't exactly strike me as the type to make more than a sandwich now and then."

Spy chuckled. "As bizarre as it sounds, Madamoiselle, Heavy is the best cook of the nine of us, with Engineer and Demoman coming in second and third respectively. I myself can make many fine pastries, but with regular meals I am somewhat limited in my ability. Heavy, on the other hand, can make sandviches..." He blinked, realizing what he said. "SANDWICHES so delicious zat zey can heal injuries."

Twilight and Rarity traded amazed looks. Doctor Hooves nodded. "I knew a cook that good one time, around three forms ago. She was a pizza chef, I believe..."

"Sounds like a chef I'd like to meet, zen," Spy said, chuckling.

Doctor Hooves hmmed thoughtfully. "Forgive me for saying so, Spy, but you really don't seem to fit in with the others," he said.

Spy laughed. "True, true," he said. "My tastes do tend to be more refined zan zhose of my colleagues. Plus, I admit, a full suit isn't the best thing to wear in a battlefield situation. But I always say, if you're going to kill someone, zen do it with style!"

He adjusted his tie, smirking, as Rarity, Twilight, and Doctor Hooves laughed nervously, trading uncomfortable looks. Haute Cuisine, the head waiter, came up to them. "Ah, Time Turner. I see you are doing well after your... illness."

"All cleared up, thankfully," he said.

Haute nodded, and took everyone's orders, leaving them to their conversation. Spy and Engineer gave Doctor Hooves a confused look.

He chuckled. "Technically, my name here is Doctor Time Turner Hooves. I'm the official timekeeper for the town. When Minuette and I first arrived and my name was asked, I said Doctor Hooves at the same time Minuette said Time Turner. Doctor Hooves is a play on an old gag I came to love. I used to be known as just the Doctor (long story), and my companions, when I first met them and introduced myself, would always, with out fail, ask 'Doctor Who?' Minuette came up with 'Time Turner' out of the blue, so to speak, as it sounded pony-ish and she had a brief moment of panic. Time Turner apparently qualifies as a given name among ponies, so I could get away with using both."

Engineer chuckled. "Interesting... So the name stuck, then?"

The tan Earth pony nodded. "Truthfully, though, I'd prefer if you just call me Doctor Hooves. Time Turner just sounds... rather silly."

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Ponyville Park...

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Soldier watched over the field as Dinky played with Ruby Pinch and the rest of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, playfully nudging a ball about. Occasionally, one of the unicorns would cheat and give the ball a telekinetic nudge, but Scootaloo's speed and Apple Bloom's greater endurance more than made up for the difference.

Derpy came up to Soldier, wiping her brow with a forehoof as she landed near him. "Thanks for watching Dinky for me. This last minute delivery was a pain."

Soldier smiled. "Not a problem, Derpy," he said. "She's a real sweetheart."

Derpy looked out at the field, looked at the joy on her daughter's face, and sighed contentedly. "She's my muffin, my precious little angel. I almost lost her one time, and her sister..."

Soldier blinked. "What do you mean?"

Derpy sighed. "I've... had a lot of problems over the years, both legally and health-wise. Most obviously, I have vision problems because of my eyes. Plus I have... some issues thinking at times... Twice it's led me to nearly lose my daughters, first Sparkler, and then Dinky..."

She hesitated, and said, "I don't know who Sparkler's father is. The night she was conceived, I think someone slipped something into my drink.." She shook her head. "That, plus the fact I hadn't gotten my Cutie Mark yet made Foal Protective Services worry for Sparkler..."

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Ponyville Overlook...

The past...

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"Please..." Derpy said, the blank-flanked pegasus begging the Foal Protective Services agent sent to take Sparkler away. The stallion, an orange Earth pony in a suit jacket with a clipboard Cutie Mark, frowned at her.

"Ma'am... I'm sorry, but from what I've seen, I think it'd be in Sparkler's best interest if she were taken into foster care," the stallion, named File Finder, said, a sad expression on his face.

Derpy gave Sparkler, who was watching the Summer Sun Celebration fireworks, unaware of what was happening, a desperate look. "Then at least... Then at least let me say goodbye..."

File Finder bit his lip, and then sighed, nodding. "...All right. You're a good mare, Derpy, so I can give you that much at least."

Derpy smiled, wiping the tears from her eyes. "Thank you..." she said. She slowly turned and trotted over to Sparkler, the young foal watching the fireworks excitedly.

"Enjoying the show?" Derpy asked, smiling, trying to hide the pain in her eyes.

"It's beautiful, mama!" Sparkler said, nuzzling up to Derpy, who hugged her tightly. "It's so pretty..."

"Fireworks always look great at night," Derpy said, nodding.

Sparkler shook her head. "No, these are special," she said, smiling.

Derpy blinked. "Oh? How so?"

Sparkler nuzzled her beloved mother. "Because I'm here with you, mama," she said.

Derpy smiled, but she couldn't keep her tears from flowing as she hugged her daughter again. Her heart was breaking, and she couldn't get out what she needed to say.

Sparkler looked up when she felt tears fall on her head. "Mama? Mama, what's wrong?"

Derpy sniffled, forcing a smile onto her face. "It's nothing, sweetie... Mama just got some ashes in her eyes, that's all..."

Sparkler frowned. She knew her Mama was lying. She was sad... but she didn't know how to make it be... wait! Sparkler broke free of Derpy and went over to the toys they had brought with them, bringing back with her a bottle of bubble solution, with a big wand inside of it that extended above the cap so pegasi and Earth ponies didn't have to get the solution in their mouths.

"Mama... would you make bubbles for me? You always make the bestest bubbles," Sparkler said, smiling warmly.

Derpy smiled lovingly at her. I can give her this, at least, she thought. She unscrewed the cap and pulled the bubble want out. She swished it about, creating swirls of bubbles. Sparkler giggled happily, chasing trying to pop the bubbles with just her horn, tumbling about the hill, Derpy catching her when she got too close to the cliff edge. Derpy made the bubbles dance through the air.

My one talent, she thought sadly. At least I can bring my daughter joy with it before we... before have to... She couldn't bring herself to finish the thought. She knew she was good with bubbles, and knew she could use them to make her daughter happy... one last time...

Sparkler giggled as Derpy expertly made the bubbles dance around. She loved this game, loved how her mother could make the bubbles glide about. She was happy as could be, and hoped that it all stayed like this forever.

File Finder sighed. He hated it when the mothers he had to take the foals from were good people. But from the reports and what he had observed earlier that day, he knew this was the right course of action. A blank flank with Derpy's issues couldn't be expected to...

File Finder's thought trailed off as a small flash of light appeared on Derpy's flank. When the light faded, a Cutie Mark was there, a cluster of bubbles. File Finder's eyes widened, and he gasped.

A Cutie Mark... for bubbles? he thought, confused. He looked again, saw how joyful Sparkler was, and revised his thought. No... A Cutie Mark... for making children happy...

The thought stunned him. A motherhood Cutie Mark. And even if it wasn't... a smile came to his face as he completed his thought, ...then I can sell it as one to my superiors. He grinned widely. He wouldn't have to break up a family today. It was a tremendous leap of logic, he knew. But damn it, he'd make it work.

He trotted up to Derpy and Sparkler, a smile on his face. Before Derpy could say anything, a panicked look on her face, he said, "Well, I think that's all for now. I have to get back to work. You two stay and watch the fireworks."

Derpy went wide-eyed, her eyes almost going straight out of sheer shock. File Finder whispered in her ear, "I'm taking a chance on you. Your Cutie Mark appeared while you were playing with your daughter. Don't make me regret it."

Without another word, File Finder went off, leaving a tearful, grateful Derpy, who smiled at him and mouthed the words 'Thank you.'

Sparkler saw the tears in her mother's eyes and hugged her. "Mama? What's wrong?"

Derpy hugged her tightly. "Nothing's wrong, my precious gem... For the first time, everything's right."

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Ponyville Park...

The present...

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"Wow..." Soldier said softly.

Derpy nodded. "I eventually did get married and have Dinky, but I lost him to the chimera attack... Foal Protective Services swooped in almost immediately, but this time File Finder defended me from the outset." She watched Dinky proudly. "I still am not sure why he switched all of a sudden. But File Finder and I remain good friends to this day."

Soldier nodded. "Must be nice," he said, smiling. "Kids and all..."

"My amethyst star, and my beautiful muffin..." Derpy said softly. "I don't know what I'd do without them." She sighed happily, nuzzling up to Soldier, the Earth pony blushing brightly. "Did you have any kids? Back where you come from, I mean."

Soldier frowned, a confused look crossing his face. "I... I can't remember..."

Derpy gave him a confused look. "You can't?"

Soldier shook his head, and said, "...Back home, I was always concentrating on the battle at hand, or the next battle to come... I've never had this much time to think about something other than fighting before..." The expression he gave Derpy was almost frightened. "I can't... I can't remember anything before I started fighting in World War 2."

Derpy frowned, and nuzzled him. "Well, I hope you remember soon. Family is too important to forget," she said, smiling.

And again, Soldier felt a strange warmth at her touch, blushing. He wondered what this feeling was, as he couldn't remember feeling anything like it before. As he thought, Derpy, for the first time, noticed just how strong he was just from the muscles in his chest and neck. She blushed a little, grinning despite herself. He really was a handsome stallion.

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Elsewhere in town...

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Pyro, for her part, was having a good day. She skipped around, simply enjoying the friendly atmosphere of the town. She'd go check up on Trixie later, see if she needed any help. But for now, she was content to just wander the town, taking in the sights and sounds, trotting past the blossoming lollipops...

She blinked, and looked around again. When she had first come here, revealing her identity for the first time, she had been uncomfortable with everything at first. Her normal visions weren't there, so she had felt awkward. But now that she had a chance to burn, and had started to become used to life in Ponyville, she was feeling more comfortable.

But if the fields of lollipops had returned...

She grinned happily, looking around. The already bright and colorful world seemed even brighter and more cheerful. The sky smiled back at her, and her flames, comforting as they were, finally LOOKED right to her eyes, taking on the image of bright, colorful rainbows instead of that ugly orange color. Things finally SOUNDED right as well, the cheerful music starting up again.

She was better than she used to be, ever since she first joined BLU. She was mildly aware that how she saw and heard the world was a delusion. But it was a comforting one. It helped keep HER safe...

She smiled as an old friend came up to her. "Why, Mister Balloonicorn! It's so good to see you again!" she said.

The pink, inflatable unicorn bounced up and down as it floated around her. "I've been wondering where you were. It took us a while to find this place and set things up."

Pyro grinned, hugging the balloon. "Well, it's good to see you. I've missed Pyroland. Although to be honest, this place isn't that different from it, heheh."

Pinkie Pie watched Pyro hug the air with confusion. She started to question what Pyro was doing, when Scout stopped her, a dismayed look on his face.

Balloonicorn chuckled. "Oh yes. Things are a lot different here in Equestria. For one thing, you're a unicorn now too. And a rather sexy one at that," he said, waggling his rubber eyebrows.

Pyro blushed. "Mr. Balloonicorn! Is that even appropriate? I mean, you know Engineer and I are together! And besides, weren't you and your wife starting to work things out when I left?"

Balloonicorn paused in mid bounce, and sniffled. "She... She left me, Pyro... She finally up and left me."

"Oh!" Pyro said, hugging Ballonicorn tightly. "I'm so sorry, Mister Balloonicorn! I know you loved her greatly."

Balloonicorn nodded. "Ten years we've been together... It's so hard to think that she doesn't love me anymore..."

"Ah, marital troubles again, Balloony?" Scout said, coming up to Pyro, who to his eyes was just hugging air again.

Pyro shook her head. "Poor Mister Balloonicorn's wife left him," she said.

Scout frowned and sighed. "Eh. That's the way love goes sometimes," he said, looking at the spot where he guessed Balloonicorn was. "Me, I think you're better off without her. There's plenty of other fish in the sea. A gal who shtups another guy behind your back ain't worth the effort of crying over."

Balloonicorn frowned, and nodded. "I guess you're right..." he said, although Scout couldn't hear him. "It was mean of her to cheat on me like that... Thanks Scout!"

Pyro grinned. Scout looked at Pyro and said, "How's he doin'? You know I can't see him without the goggles Engie made."

Pyro nodded. "He's perked up! What you told him helped," she said.

Scout nodded, satisfied. "See, Balloony? Everything's gonna be cool. A stud like you, the chicks'll be dripping off you by the end of the week."

Balloonicorn's chest puffed out. "You're right! There's plenty of other mares out there! Especially now," he said. "Thanks a bunch, Scout." He turned and kissed Pyro. "I gotta go. There's still some setting up to do. It's great to be with you again, Pyro." And with that, he flew off in a trail of bubbles, Pyro waving goodbye, ignoring the stares she was getting from the various bystanders.

Pinkie Pie came up to Scout, visibly confused. "What do baby chickens have to do with anything?" she asked.

Scout facehoofed, groaning. Pyro giggled. "You're funny," she said, skipping off again, humming.

Pinkie Pie watched her go, and then turned to Scout. "What were you guys doing? That looked kinda fun, whatever it was. Who's Mister Balloonicorn?" she said.

Scout shook his head, glaring after Pyro. "Freak... Must not have been completely used to this place yet..." he said, shaking his head. "Gotta tell the others..."

Pinkie Pie nudged him. "Scout? What's wrong?"

Scout shook his head. "We did mention that Pyro is COMPLETELY PSYCHOTIC, didn't we?" he said. "You've seen her fight. She's a complete firebug. She wore a full bodysuit and mask all the time, so only Medic and Engie knew her gender at first. The rest of us only found out after we were brought to Equestria. The thing is... she sees and hears the world differently from the rest of us."

"Differently?" Pinkie Pie asked, still confused. "What do you mean?"

Scout sighed. "To Pyro, the world around her is a happy fun sunshine land called Pyroland, filled with music, colorful flowers, balloon animals, giant treats, and lollipops that grow like flowers. It's also an ELABORATE fantasy, with a huge cast to it, including Mister Balloonicorn, who seems to be her best friend in Pyroland. Her flames are pretty magical rainbows that she likes to spread everywhere, and all her enemies are cute little cherubs that she likes to shower in rainbows and bubbles. No one bleeds, all the guns shoot ticklish feathers instead of bullets, all the melee weapons were plastic toys and blunt or made of candy, and all the explosives were harmless party poppers. One day, back in our world, we saw her making what looked like an exact replica of her original flamethrower and backpack. Engie made these goggles that allowed us to see and hear the world she does... turns out to her eyes she was making a magical triple-barreled trumpet that sprayed magical rainbow, sparkles, and bubbles everywhere and a giant orchestrina music box to wear." Scout shook his head. "Honestly, knowing THAT is how she sees the world just made things worse..."

Pinkie Pie giggled, and started bouncing around. "Pyroland sounds like fun! I'd love lollipops that grow like flowers, and giant snacks, and all sorts of stuff! When Discord was starting out, he made cotton candy rainclouds FILLED with chocolate milk! They were so delicious! And he made lakes of popcorn, and I heard Cloudsdale got a storm of cola! But then he started being a real meanie pants and that sorta ruined the deliciousness. Still, giant snacks sound fun! I'd love to live in a land filled with giant chocolate cake, and carrot burgers, and chimmycherrychangas, and talking balloons, and..."

"Pinkie," Scout interrupted, "Remember when you told me about Sir Lints-A-Lot and the others?"

Pinkie froze in mid-bounce, the implications finally sinking in. "Oh. Ooooooh..." she said, her ears going back in alarm.

Scout shook his head. "Pyro is a freak. She's a good teammate, even I admit that. But she's a dangerous, crazy freak. I do NOT know what Engie sees in her. The RED Pyro went for a walk one time, she sees things the same way ours does... RED Pyro caught us without our weapons and butchered us all, burning down the town. All the while, she saw herself as spreading magic, love, and rainbows around with her flamethrower." He shivered in fear at the memory. "I don't think she'll hurt anyone, so long as she isn't provoked. She seems a lot happier here than she was back home... But still, I'd feel better if Engie and Spy knew she was seeing Pyroland again..."

Pinkie cringed. "We should probably tell Trixie, too," Pinkie Pie said. "She uses fireworks in her act, if I remember right..."

"Oy," Scout muttered. "What a hassle..."

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Quarry...

Just outside of town...

A few minutes later...

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Trixie trotted up to Demoman, who was set up in a large cavern in the Diamond Dogs old quarry, pulling her cart behind her. "All right," the blue unicorn said. "The Great and Powerful Trixie has deigned to show herself before you. What is it you want, Demoman?"

Demoman just smirked. "Ye keep talkin' down yuir snoot at folks, lassie, yuir bound te miss when one of them has a knife at yuir throat."

Trixie grimaced. "Must everything involve killing analogies with you ponies?" she muttered.

"Well, when yuir good at something..." Demoman said, letting the thought trail off. "Anyway, I wanted te show you me creations, see if ye could use them in yuir show."

"Hence the cave," Trixie said, understanding.

"Aye," he said. "Nothin' worth destroyin' in an old cave full o' rocks. That makes it perfect for testin' explosives."

Trixie nodded. "The Great and Powerful Trixie can see the logic in that. Very well then, Demoman. Show me your wares," she said, gesturing grandly.

Demoman smirked at her. He'd met many of her type in his life. Hell, Medic was married to one of them. And they all got their own in the end. This one, at least, had the potential to be mildly helpful. But to business first.

"If'n ye'd be so kind as to provide a light," he said, gesturing to the fuses. "I dinnae wanna risk Pyro detonating everything afore it has a chance te launch, and I have'nae yet mastered the art of holdin' things with hooves instead of hands."

Trixie shrugged, and lowered her head, her horn glowing as she generated a series of small sparks, igniting the fuses. She and Demoman both stepped back as the rockets lit up, spiraling into the air and detonating in a showers and swirls of color, one of the explosions taking the shake of Trixie herself, and another exploding into the shape of her Cutie Mark.

Trixie grinned, nodding. "Oh yes, these will do nicely," she said. "Fireworks truly worthy of the Great and Powerful Trixie. I'll take them."

Demoman nodded. "I'll be puttin' them on yuir tab, then," he said.

Trixie gave him an annoyed look. "WHAT."

Demoman grinned evilly. "Ye did'nae think that I'd be given ye them for free, did ye lass?"

Trixie scowled, looking away. Trixie was sort of hoping...

Demoman chuckled. "I know that ye dinnae have any money right now. When ye get some in, I'll collect me payment then. I'll give ye a discount since it's yuir first purchase."

"Bit of an entrepreneur, aren't you?" Trixie said, fuming.

"'Tis the DeGroot family way. 'Tis a point of pride in me family te hold many jobs at once," Demoman said, beaming.

"What do you do for relaxation, then, if you are holding down so many jobs?" Trixie said.

"Drink. Heavily," Demoman said simply.

Trixie blinked.

Demoman just looked at her. "Ye HAVE met me teammates, haven't ye?"

Even Trixie had to laugh at that one.

Demoman smirked. Said smirk vanished from his face when Pyro appeared in the entrance to the cave. "TRIXIE!" Pyro chirped, dashing up to the startled magician and hugging her. "Oh, I have wonderful news!"

"Er... Wonderful news?" Trixie asked hesitantly, giving Demoman a pleading look.

Pyro giggled. "Pyroland's back! And my flames finally look right again! No longer than nasty orange-y red color."

Demoman eeped and quickly hid his remaining fireworks. Trixie gave him a baffled look. Demoman shook his head, grinning nervously, and said to Pyro, "Lassie... Trixie does'nae know about Pyroland!"

Pyro blinked, as if the concept of someone not knowing about it was a completely foreign concept to her. After a moment, it sank in and she nodded. "OOOH! Okay! I'll be more than happy to show her around!"

"Show Trixie around what?" Trixie almost wailed.

Demoman whispered harshly into her ear. "Play along. It's safer if ye do nothin' te agitate her until her excitement dies down. I and me lads will explain later." Ignoring Trixie's dismayed look, Demoman said to Pyro, "Remember lassie, no one can see or hear Pyroland without Engie's special goggles."

Pyro nodded. "Don't worry, I remember," she said, dragging a nervous Trixie out of the cave. Demoman facehoofed, wishing desperately that he had thought to bring his scrumpy with him.

At which point Scout and Pinkie Pie popped out from inside his box of fireworks.

"GAH!" he yelped, falling over comically.

"That is so cool," Scout said, looking around the cave.

Pinkie Pie grinned. "See? I told you this would be easier," she said.

Demoman stared at hem incredulously. "How... HOW THE BLOODY HELL DID YE GET IN ME BOX? I SAW YE BOTH ACROSS TOWN EARLIER!"

"We needed to warn Trixie about something weird going on with Pyro, so I showed Scout how to take a shortcut through the narrative," Pinkie Pie said proudly.

"And it was AWESOME," Scout said, grinning. "Pinkie knows how to get around to ANYWHERE in seconds!"

Demoman just stared at them for a moment, his jaw agape, and then shook his head. "Well, yuir too late this time, laddie. Pyro's already dragged Trixie off."

"Damn," Scout cursed. "Well, we better tell Engie and Spy then."

"Twilight too," Pinkie Pie said, "She has ALL sorts of books on neat stuff like that, she might have a psychology book that could help!"

The two of them disappeared into the box again. Demoman blinked, and stuck his nose in, trying to follow. He ended up hitting his nose on the bottom of the box. Grumbling, he packed up his fireworks and headed back to town. This place was bloody WEIRD...

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Fluttershy's cottage...

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Fluttershy blushed as she finished giving her mother a tour. "And that's pretty much it..." she said softly. "I'm sorry I didn't get around to showing you my place until now. With everything's that's happened, with Soldier turning into Painis Cupcake, and then Nightmare Doctor..."

Barricade smiled, nuzzling her daughter lovingly. "It's fine, dear. I'm more than comfortable at the hotel. I just wanted to be sure you were doing well for yourself."

Fluttershy smiled. "Oh yes! I make more than enough bits as an animal caretaker for the town, I have a paying job as an assistant at the vet's office, plus I'm pretty much the go-to babysitter for all of Ponyville!"

Barricade chuckled. "Heh. From some of what I've heard about your ability with animals, I'm surprised you're not a veterinarian. You'd certainly be making lots more money," she said.

Angel Bunny, who was sitting on Fluttershy's back, nodded in agreement. He loved Fluttershy but merciful Celestia, the pony had NO AMBITION.

"I'm fine with where I am in my life," Fluttershy said, Angel rolling his eyes as his thought was confirmed.

Barricade nodded. "So long as you're happy," she said. A concerned look crossed her face. "Are you doing all right, though? I mean, I've watched that Pyro thing around town. She seems a little... off..."

A thoughtful look came to Fluttershy's face. "Pyro is... different. She's always cheerful, always hopeful... But there's this strange sadness in her..." She sighed. "I want to help her, Mom. I know it's risky, but I want to help her."

Barricade frowned. "If you're sure... I... I just want you to stay safe," she said.

Fluttershy smiled and nuzzled her. "I know," she said. "You're a great Mom that way."

Barricade blushed, smiling warmly.

"Hello, little flutter pony!" boomed Heavy as he came into view, startling Fluttershy in the process. "I am finishing chores early today, so little Apple pony gave me day off! I come bringing many sandviches to share with new best friend!"

"Interesting," Barricade said, looking the massive Earth pony over. She hadn't really had the chance to meet Heavy in person. "(So you are my daughter's fusion partner, yes?)" she said, surprising Heavy by speaking in his native language.

Heavy grinned. "(I am,)" he said, "(And it is good to hear my native tongue again. I have never been able to fully master English... I guess it'd be basic Equestrian here... and I tend to grow weary of sounding like I have an IQ in the single digits. I suppose my accent gave it away?)"

"Da," Barricade said, pleased at how eloquent Heavy sounded. Even if it wasn't romantic, she couldn't stand it if her daughter's male companion was a fool. "(I've been wanting to speak with you for a while, Heavy.)"

Heavy blinked, as if remembering something. "Ah. That is reminding me," he said in Equestrian again. "Speedy old pony arrive from Canterlot. He say he come earlier today by running. I am not being sure I believe him..."

Barricade blinked. "Speedy old pony from Canter..." she said, trailing off. Her eyes widened as she realized who it was, and cursed. "Captain Harbinger of the Earth Pony Guard..."

Heavy nodded. "Da, that was name. He was saying that he was wanting to speak with you, and is waiting at Mayor's office."

Barricade nodded. "We'll have to save our chat for another time," she said.

"Mom?" Fluttershy asked, worried. "Is anything wrong?"

Barricade smiled. "I'm sure Harbinger is just checking in. I am assigned here to protect the Elements, after all."

"Is speedy old pony really that fast?" Heavy asked.

Barricade smirked. "Even faster," she said. "There's a reason he, Shining Armor, and I were all chosen to be Captains."

With that, Barricade left for the Mayor's office, taking to the air in a powerful gust of wind. Fluttershy and Heavy watched her go, Heavy smirking.

"Your mother is... quite impressive," Heavy said after a moment.

Fluttershy just smiled. "I've always thought so," she said.

Heavy chuckled. "Come," he said, gesturing to his saddlebags, "Let us find quiet place, enjoy many sandviches. Little bunny come as well."

Joy, Angel thought, I get to spend time with the firebug's oversized friend. He scowled at Heavy, who ignored him.

Fluttershy thought for a moment, and nodded. "I suppose that would be all right," she said. "I've had a taste for sandwiches ever since we first merged..."

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Mayor's office...

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Mayor Mare smiled nervously at the grim, stoic Harbinger as he stood silently near her desk, waiting for Barricade. She had tried to talk to him several times, but he had just remained silent.

It was unnerving. She hoped Barricade would get here soon.

A few uncomfortable minutes later, Barricade arrived, nodding to her co-captain. Harbinger nodded. "Thank you for hosting me all this time, Mayor. Now if you'll excuse us," he said.

Barricade nodded. "There's a place near the primary entrance of Everfree we can go to speak," she said. "It's away enough from town that we won't be overheard."

Mayor Mare frowned. "Wait. My office is soundproofed, why can't you talk in here?" she asked.

"Because it'd be rude to kick you out of your own office," Barricade said, her face an emotionless mask.

"Now, see here!" Mayor Mare said, indignant.

Harbinger sighed. "Mayor, it's a matter of royal security at the moment," she said.

"I am well aware that some things must be kept away from the public," Mayor Mare said. "But this is my town in the crossfire here, my ponies! I can't help them if I am kept out of the loop!"

Barricade hesitated. "...She did hold her own somewhat against Nightmare Doctor. And the ponies of this town trust her enough to re-elect her every single time an election comes up."

Harbinger shook his head, and whispered in Barricade's ear. "Princess Celestia has issued a Code CIK," he said softly.

Barricade's eyes widened. She sighed, and said, "I'm sorry, Mayor Mare. But this conversation is for our ears alone."

Leaving the Mayor fuming and frustrated, the two of them left, Harbinger a blur of motion as he followed Barricade to where she said to meet. They landed just on the outskirts of Everfree, at the edge of Ponyville.

"Code CIK," Barricade said softly. "The Princess is going that far..."

Harbinger frowned. "She believes there is a connection between the Maskies and the disappearance of the children. As we two are among the only ponies in Equestria with the resolve to kill, not counting the off-worlders. It will fall to us most likely to mete out punishment to the Maskies should they prove responsible."

Barricade frowned. "...I do not like to end a life unless absolutely necessary. But if they are connected with the disappearances and the murder of those two guards, then they have sealed their fate." Her face darkened. "To say nothing of what I will do to them if they dare lay a hoof on my precious Fluttershy."

"Indeed... And I may ask you to be the one to watch over Ponyville and carry out the order..." Harbinger said, the old war horse frowning nervously.

Barricade wasn't as old as Harbinger, but she knew the warrior's moods. To see fear on his face... "What is wrong?"

"...Princess Celestia has been acting strangely," he said after a long moment. "She has been having... averse reactions to the presence of one of my proteges, a recent recruit named Phalanx. I... do not wish to be away for long, as I believe she is starting to hallucinate."

Barricade's ears folded back in alarm. "...You believe that the Princess is in as much danger as the Elements."

Harbinger nodded. "I fear so. I fear that I will not be swift enough to protect our Princess should something happen."

Barricade scoffed, gently patting the smaller pony on the back. "As if there is anything in this world that you cannot outrun."

Harbinger chuckled softly. "I certainly hope so."

Barricade sighed. "Still, why don't you hang around a little?" she said. "This is a rather nice, peaceful town, with some good hotels. And besides, you did mention in a response to one of my earlier letters that you were interested in meeting the mercenaries."

Harbinger nodded. "True, true... I can get back quickly enough if need be... And these offworlders are an unknown to me..."

Barricade chuckled. "I haven't gotten to know them all personally, yet. But they're a riot. You'll like them."

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Meanwhile...

Ponyville Overlook...

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Heavy and Fluttershy, Angel on the head of the pegasus, came up to the overlook, where Spy was there already, looking over the town.

"Ah, Heavy. Taking Fluttershy on one of your picnics?" he asked, smiling.

Heavy nodded. "Da. Little flutter pony is part of team now, and I always treat teammates to picnics," he rumbled.

Spy chuckled. "You're in for a treat, Fluttershy," he said. "Heavy's ze best cook on ze team. And his picnics are always guaranteed to come with excellent food. He's taken each of us on one."

Fluttershy smiled. "Oh! Well that's nice of you," she said, smiling.

Heavy beamed. "Everyone is credit to team. They deserve food that is credit to stomach!" he said, chortling.

Spy rolled his eyes. "Anyway, I should get back into town," he said. "Scout and Pinkie Pie got here... I believe they put it 'before the last transition,' ...and warned me zat Pyro was seeing Pyroland again and had dragged off Trixie."

Heavy grimaced. Fluttershy gave the two mercenaries a confused look. "Heavy will explain," Spy said, taking off and disappearing.

Heavy grunted, and threw out the picnic blanket in his saddlebags, setting them down and pulling out the basket. "Is big headache..."

Fluttershy frowned, sitting down with him . "'Pyroland?'"

Heavy briefly explained Pyro's 'unique' mental condition, Angel groaning in frustration.

Why does she always have to associate with the kooks?he thought, looking in the basket for something tasty.

Fluttershy frowned. "Oh my... To hide herself that deeply..."

Heavy gave her a curious look. "Fluttershy has idea of what is wrong with Pyro?"

Fluttershy looked thoughtful for a moment. "It... It's just a theory... And I think I'll keep it to myself until I explore it more." She blinked, realizing what she said, and blushed. "I mean... If that's all right... She is YOUR teammate..."

Heavy chortled. "And yours now! You and other tiny baby ponies are part of Builders League United to me! If you want to help Pyro, then do so!" Heavy shook his head. "Anything to make little fire pony less scary..."

Fluttershy blinked. "You? Scared?" she said. When Heavy gave her an amused look, she stammered, "Well... It's just that you don't seem like the type to get scared."

Heavy sighed. "...I fear no man. But Pyro, even after I learned gender, terrifies me. Her mind... it is strange beyond measure. I am not knowing whether or not she even feels emotion the same way we do... And also... I am afraid of dying. We not have Respawn anymore. I am afraid of not seeing my family again." His voice became uncharacteristically soft as he finished, "But more than anything else... I am afraid of losing my teammates..."

Fluttershy gave him a worried look, putting a hoof over his. Heavy smiled weakly. "Is... difficult, adjusting to this. In battle, I would act as meatshield, taking bullets and rockets in my massive body while doctor healed me with Medigun, or while pushing bomb cart. But now, there is no fighting. No Respawn to bring us back to life when blown to bits..." He sighed wearily. "I curse myself for how complacent I become, how used to having those things there at all times I was. I do not know now how I will be able to protect team from dying... Especially Medic..."

Fluttershy's eyes widened in realization. "You love him, don't you?"

Heavy shook his head. "Just my luck I fall for straight man," he said. "But is all right. No one seem to care, and I help out anyway. I just..."

Fluttershy placed her hoof over Heavy's larger one. "You're worried," she said softly. "Things are different now than what you're used to."

Heavy sighed. "I adjust fine to new type of war game when Administrator bring it up," he said, "Is sad thing that I cannot adjust as easily to this world."

Fluttershy chuckled. "You've been doing good so far," she said. "You and the rest of BLU have been a great help to us since you came here. And I know you will be able to stop whatever's coming."

Heavy chuckled. "With help from little flutter pony and rest of friends, of course," he said. "We would be very outmatched without you."

Fluttershy blushed. "I don't know about that," she said.

Heavy put a hoof under her chin and said, "Little flutter pony has heart of dragon inside her. I could sense this when we merged."

Fluttershy blushed. Heavy smiled. "You are good pony. You are stronger than you know, little flutter pony. As strong as you are kind. Of this I am certain," he said.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Back in town...

Just outside Sugar Cube Corner...

Later...

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Medic rubbed his temples, an irritated expression on his face as he glared at his gathered teammates. "And I am ze last person to know of Pyro's delusions returning fully, VHY?"

Scout shrugged. "Well, we tried to tell you earlier, but you yelled at us to leave you alone," he said.

Medic grunted in annoyance. "Vunderbar..." he said. "As if ve didn't have enough troubles..."

"I can handle it," Engineer said. "We just need to keep her from getting agitated and there will be no incidents."

Spy sighed. "Where is Sniper, anyway? He's better with rainclouds than Scout or I, it could come in handy if she gets out of control."

As if on cue, there was an annoyed cry from just down the street.

"Agh! Pyro, be careful!" Trixie cried.

"SORRY! I'm so, so sorry! I didn't mean to!" came Pyro's alarmed cry.

Medic, Scout, Spy, Engineer, Demoman, and Soldier all ran to where they heard it, seeing an annoyed Trixie and a tearful Pyro standing over the charred remains of her hat.

Scout fluttered over it and scowled at her. "Smooth move, firebug," he snapped.

"I didn't mean to," Pyro said, tearing up. "She just... She just kept telling me Pyroland wasn't real, and I tried to show her Mister Balloonicorn with my rainbow magic, and..."

"Sssh, ssh, it's all right," Engineer said, hugging Pyro tightly. "It was an honest mistake."

Demoman came up to Trixie. "Ach, I'm sorry lassie. I should have made it clearer about Pyro's little issues," he said.

Trixie shook her head. "Trixie does not understand," Trixie said, "She's acting like all of that stuff is real, but it can't be."

"To her it is," Soldier said. "But right now, fixing this is the most important thing. Hat emergency, men. Anyone got the money to buy Trixie a replacement?"

Trixie gave them an incredulous look. "...But it's just a hat. Trixie has replaced it several times over the course of her career. And this..."

Spy chuckled. "To us, there is no such thing as 'just a hat.' Now, I believe I can contribute some funds."

Pyro shook her head. "Just take it all out of my share of the money we're getting from the Princess," she said. "I'm so sorry..."

Trixie shook her head. "No, look, the damage isn't even that bad," she said, picking up the charred husk of the hat with her magic. She concentrated, her magic flaring, and the hat was restored, not a hint of damage remaining. Trixie smirked, and put the hat back on her head.

The six mercenaries seemed amazed by it.

"...Vell zat's handy," Medic said, grinning.

"Heheh," Scout laughed. "A hat Respawn spell. Dat's cool."

Trixie smirked. "That was the least of the Great and Powerful Trixie's many, many talents," she said.

Soldier rolled his eyes. "Said talents also including the ability to praise herself to varying degrees of warrantedness in one hundred different ways before dinner?"

"Even more than that," Trixie said, chuckling as she sauntered off, muttering to herself about 'crazy blue ponies,' leaving a crowd of amused BLUs.

"You gotta be more careful next time, Pyro," Engineer said, hugging her. "Not everyone understands your... special magic..."

"Not everyone can bloody survive it," Demoman muttered. Soldier snickered, the two artillery men ignoring the dirty look Engineer gave them. Pyro didn't pay any attention, nuzzling up close to her Engineer.

"Vhere is Sniper anyvay?" Medic muttered.

"Coming in with a warnin,' mates," Sniper said, floating behind them on a cloud with Rainbow Dash.

"Some paperwork got messed up," Rainbow Dash added. "We've got a thunderstorm TONIGHT. Everyone needs to get inside."

Engineer nodded. "When can we expect it?"

Thunder rumbled, as pegasi flew above, guiding in dark clouds.

"Now's good," Rainbow Dash said, smirking.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Later that evening...

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

The rain passed without incident, not counting Scout's repeated claims that Sniper 'rigged that storm on purpose.' Pyro bid the group farewell, apologizing again to Trixie, and then skipped her way back to Fluttershy's house, splashing through the puddles, her hair ribbon bobbing with each hop.

"Rather a tense situation today, wasn't it?" Balloonicorn said, bouncing alongside

"I shouldn't have been so insistent with Trixie," Pyro said, sighing. "But I wanted her to meet you and all the others so much..."

"...You know what we really are, right?" Balloonicorn said. "Just delusions, part of her broken mind. Kind of like you."

"You're real to me," Pyro said softly.

Balloonicorn sighed. "Well..." he said, "I suppose that will have to be enough for now. I do want to help you, you do know that."

Pyro said nothing. Balloonicorn shrugged. "Very well," he said. "We'll talk later, when you're not feeling so bad."

"I'm sorry, Mister Balloonicorn," she said.

"It's fine," Balloonicorn said, smiling in his way before he bounced off into the distance.

Pyro sighed, watching him go, and walked the rest of the way to Fluttershy's house. She knocked on the door, letting herself in. She found Fluttershy in the kitchen, dreamily eating a sandwich.

Or sandvich, she mentally corrected herself, recognizing one of Heavy's works immediately. She giggled, Fluttershy letting out a cute squeak and dropping her sandwich in alarm. "OH! Pyro, you scared me!"

"Sorry," she said. "I take it Heavy took you on a teammate picnic?"

Fluttershy nodded, smiling. "We have a very nice chat, and he gave me some of his delicious sandwiches. They're the best I've EVER tasted!"

Pyro giggled. "Yeah, Heavy's a great cook. I tried to cook once, but I accidentally burned down the Granary," she said.

Fluttershy stared at her a long moment and decided she didn't want to know. "Anyway, when the rain hit we ended up finishing our picnic at Sweet Apple Acres. I came home from there." She hesitated, and asked, "How is... Pyroland?"

Pyro yawned, and smiled. "It's a great place. But can it wait until tomorrow? I've had a bothersome day and I want to get some sleep."

Fluttershy nodded. "I'm a little sleepy myself," she said. The two mares bid each other good night and settled in for the evening, Fluttershy musing on the BLUs. And the more she thought about it, the bigger the smile that came to her face.

I like them, she thought. Pyro is sweet in her own... disturbing way... and Heavy is very nice, very kind for someone so big and fierce. She giggled. And the others were nice in their own way as well.

Things were dangerous, but Fluttershy couldn't help but have a good feeling about how they were going. She drifted off to sleep, her thoughts peaceful. And as she slept, she dreamed...

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

In the dreaming...

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

"Hush now, quiet now, it's time to lay your sleepy head," Fluttershy sang as she walked through her cottage.

"Fwuttershy... Pwease..." sobbed a voice from the room ahead.

"Hush now, quiet now, it's time to go to bed," the pegasus sang, coming into the room. Laying in a large crib, struggling to stand but finding her legs too weak, was a white unicorn in a diaper, her long, purple mane done up in fillyish pigtails, a baby bib around her neck and a sky blue bow on her tail. Tears were in her eyes as she looked fearfully at the canary yellow pegasus.

"Rarity," Fluttershy said, smiling benevolently, "why are you still awake? It's past your nappy time."

"Fwuttershy... Pwease, wet me go..." Rarity begged. "I'm not a baby, I'm a gwown mare."

Fluttershy giggled. "Silly Rarity," she said. "Of course you're a baby. You're my baby."

Rarity whimpered. "But... But I don' wanna be a baby again!"

Fluttershy tsked. "Now Rarity, is that any way to act? I went all to the trouble of giving you my foalmula to help you, and..."

"How is turning me into a baby helping me?" Rarity cried.

A furious scowl crossed Fluttershy's face, and she whirled around and struck Rarity. The unicorn yelped, collapsing and sobbing as she lay against the side of her crib. "Do NOT talk back to your mother again!" she snarled.

Rarity whimpered, sobbing. "I'm sowwy... I'm sowwy I'm sowwy I'm sowwy..."

Fluttershy glared at her for a moment more before her eyes softened. "Oh... now look what you made me do," she said, reaching into the crib to hug Rarity. "Silly baby. You should know better than to talk back to mama."

Rarity shook her head, and opened her mouth to protest, when she felt herself fill her diaper. She began to cry again, tearful, childish sobs. Fluttershy sniffed, and chuckled.

"Ooh, silly Rarity," Fluttershy said, smiling. She opened the crib, and slowly, gently, changed the diaper of the sobbing Rarity, disposing of the soiled garment, cleaning her gently, and giving her a new one. Rarity waved her legs weakly, unable to get to her hooves. The foalmula already in her system had weakened her to the point of helplessness.

"Pwease, wet me go..." Rarity begged, tears flowing steadily down her face. "My famwy..."

Fluttershy giggled. "Oh, you. I'm your family now! They aren't necessary anymore, because you're my baby now!" she said as she closed up Rarity's crib, heading to a nearby fridge and pulling out a bottle of foalmula tainted milk. "And since they weren't needed any more, I got rid of them..."

Rarity stared at her, wide-eyed, her blood running cold. "Mama... Dada... Sweetie Belle... You..."

"All gone," Fluttershy said, drawing out the words in a sing-songy voice.

Rarity collapsed. Tears flowed steadily down her face as she stared into nothingness.

Fluttershy just smiled. The same loving, gentle smile she always wore. "There now," she said. "You see? There's no point in resisting anymore. All you did was worry worry worry, work work work. But isn't this so much nicer? Having a loving mother who will take care of your every need..." She opened the crib again, sitting upright and pulling Rarity's numb form into her lap. "Now drink your milk, little Rarity. And become my baby now and forever."

Fluttershy gently brought the bottle to the unicorn's lips, Rarity suckling almost unconsciously. The mind-numbing poison, Fluttershy's foalmula, seeped into her mind, slowly reducing her brain and bodily functions to those of an infant. Fluttershy gently stroked Rarity's mane, and began to sing.

"Hush now, quiet now,

it's time to lay your sleepy head.

Hush now, quiet now,

it's time to go to bed.

Drifting off to sleep,

the exciting day behind you.

Drifting off to sleep,

let the joy of dream land find you.

Hush now, quiet now,

it's time to lay your sleepy head.

Yes, hush now, quiet now,

it's time to go to bed."

Slowly, as the foalmula sunk fully into her body and mind, Rarity drifted off to sleep, letting out a soft, almost whispered, "Mama..."

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Reality...

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

"Fluttershy!" Pyro said to the struggling, sobbing pegasus as she writhed about on her bed, "Fluttershy, please, wake up! It's just a dream!"

Angel Bunny hopped about, confused and frightened for his companion.

Pyro was frightened. She had no idea how to be helpful in this situation. She had no idea what to do to solve problems that didn't involve burning. Unable to think of anything else, she generated an airblast, the gust of wind startling Fluttershy awake.

She looked around frantically, tears in her eyes. She stared at Pyro and at Angel, both of whom were staring at her with concern... and began sobbing.

"It's okay!" Pyro said, hugging her tightly. "It was just a dream!"

Fluttershy shook her head, pulling out of Pyro's embrace. "I... I have to get to Rarity!" she sobbed, opening her window and leaping out of it, flying with speeds she only was able to put on in times of crisis.

Pyro and Angel watched her go. Pyro hesitated for a moment, and said, "I'm going to get Engineer. Angel, you go and get Barricade. She's staying at the Saddlesoap Hotel in town, room 149. Get her to Carousel Boutique."

Angel blinked, and shook his head. He wanted to go after Fluttershy.

Pyro glared at him. "GO!" she roared, an aura of flame bursting around her. Angel yelped and dashed off. Pyro shook her head, and started galloping towards Sweet Apple Acres.

She met Heavy and Engineer on the way there, concerned looks on their faces.

"Is little flutter pony all right?" Heavy rumbled, the concern audible in his voice. "I could feel something... something bad happening to her. In here," he said, touching his chest.

Engineer saw the look on Pyro's face. "She had her nightmare, didn't she?" he asked.

Pyro nodded. "She's going to Carousel Boutique. I sent her rabbit to fetch her mother," she said.

"Good thinking," Engineer said. "C'mon, let's go." Inwardly, Engineer was cursing himself for being right.

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Carousel Boutique...

/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\

Rarity was sleeping peacefully when a frantic knocking on her door startled her awake. Grumbling, she called out, "We're closed! Come back tomorrow!"

The knocking became even more insistent, verging on a pounding. Rarity grumbled, and got out of her bed, pulling a brush over and quickly styling her mane into something presentable. "If that isn't a rich, handsome prince come to sweep me off my hooves or Twilight telling me she needs me to help stop an apocalypse, I'm going to be VERY cross..." she muttered, yawning as she headed towards her front door.

When she opened it, however, what she found was a sobbing Fluttershy, who hugged her tightly. "You... You're okay, aren't you? You're still you?" she almost pleaded, carefully looking Rarity over.

"Fluttershy, darling, what do you mean?" Rarity said, smiling. "Of course I'm still me, I..." Her face fell as she realized what was wrong, and she hugged Fluttershy tightly. "Oh Fluttershy. You've had your nightmare, haven't you?"

Fluttershy tried to speak, but found herself unable to do more than sob into Rarity's shoulder. "Sssh, sssh, it's all right," Rarity said. "I'm fine now. Whatever you did to me in the dream, it wasn't you."

"But it WAS me," Fluttershy whispered, Rarity hugging her tightly.

A few minutes later, Barricade showed up, Heavy, Pyro, and Engineer coming soon after. Any questions Barricade may have had died in her throat the instant she saw her daughter crying. She was at her side immediately, gently taking her from Rarity, letting the younger pegasus sob into chest, Angel coming up to hug his companion.

"It's all right now... I won't let your bad dreams hurt you... Mama's here..." she said softly, Fluttershy unable to stop crying.

Rarity frowned, going over to Engineer and the others. "She's had her nightmare, hasn't she?" she asked.

Pyro nodded sadly. "She just... started crying..." she said, "I couldn't wake her up..."

"You did what you could," Engineer said, nuzzling her. He turned to Rarity, and said, "Ah don't suppose that she gave you details, did she?"

Rarity shook her head. "No, and I didn't press for them," she said, giving Fluttershy a sad look. "All I can tell is that whatever happened in the dream was happening to me."

Engineer nodded. He wouldn't ask for details either, not until Fluttershy was ready to give them.

Heavy just stared at Fluttershy, who was starting to calm down in her mother's embrace. An anger was building up inside him. Whomever did this to her, he vowed, was DEAD.

"It's okay now," Barricade said, gently rocking her daughter, who had gone from sobbing to sniffling. "Everything's going to be okay." Barricade kissed her daughter on the head, and began to sing. "Hush now, quiet now..."

"NO!" Fluttershy almost shrieked, startling everypony. "Not that song! Not ever again!" she pleaded, breaking down again and sobbing.

Rarity stared at her in shock. "...She loves that lullaby," she said softly.

Barricade hugged her daughter all the tighter, her own tears starting to rise. I'll kill them. Whoever's behind this. I'll KILL THEM. For hurting my precious little Flutters like this, I swear on everything I hold holy that they will SUFFER FOR THIS! she thought.

Laughter, Friendship, and Kindness... That's three now, Engineer thought. Damn it, this can't go on. We have to find a way to block the dreams from occurring. He just had no idea HOW...

TO BE CONTINUED...