…I guess he must be Discord.

WHAT?!
Discord?! You mean that Discord?! How…?! How can you be so calm knowing that?!

I’ve already said it: I’m out of character. That’s the reason why I’m not screaming like you.
And I’m sure that you aren’t so scared right now. You’re just…

Twilight, dear, a proper lady always knows how to react! Sometimes your feelings aren’t as important as the face you show to the world, so if you excuse me, I’ll continue acting like if I was feeling the things that I know I should feel, because I don’t want to lose my character, and I don’t mind what the real author or whoever is changing us right now is thinking. Are you okay with that?

Uh… Sorry?

That’s better.

Euh…

…

I’m sorry, really, but what exactly was that? It came out of nowhere!

Sigh… Look, Twilight, I’ve been thinking… This is just not fair. And now Discord? No, I can’t take it!

”This” is not fair? What’s “this”?

The situation we’re in. I can’t help but feeling like we are toys and somepony is playing with us, and I don’t like to be used. We both know that I’m very proud of being who I am, and I’ve decided that I’m not letting anypony change it.

Well, ok, I think I can understand that you want to be in character, but… Why now? Why so suddenly?

Because you just mentioned Discord as if he wasn’t a real threat! The last time we saw that creature we almost lost Equestria. I remember perfectly how he changed my mind, and that day I swore that I’ll never change who I am, no matter what happens. I don’t want to be… to be discorded again!

But the Invisible Underlined Alicorn said…!

Twilight, you know I’m right. Maybe we’re not real, maybe we have an author, maybe this is all a dream… I don’t care why we are out of character. Right now, all I know is that Discord may be involved in what’s happening, and he can change us. And I don’t like this. So I’ll be acting like Rarity would. The way I feel is not important.

…

So, as I was saying:
DISCORD?! FAKE-SPIKE IS DISCORD?!

…
Rarity… I think I know what’s happening here. This is a “character establishing” moment!

…What?

I know you’re right, and I completely agree with you: we have to be who we are, and not allow anypony to change us… But, don’t you get it? This is narrative!

Narrative. You mean… what I said to you is part of the story?

Exactly! We’re not real, we can’t forget that, so the way we act and what happens follows some rules. I already told you that we’re in the stage where the heroes are separated and have to meet, right?

Well, yes.

I thought that the narrative rules only worked in general terms like that, but it also seems to work with small things, like our conversation. I guess I’m the character that explains what’s happening to the readers, and you’re the reader’s avatar this time: I explain things to you, so you the readers can know them.

Well, I kinda knew that. So, the things I said are a part of the story?

Yes. It has been the moment when you as a character are fully determined. Now the readers can expect how you are going to act –and they can understand why you acted like you did before. When you beated Aragón, for example, it was because he was controlling you, and now we know that you hate being controlled! Can’t you see it? That means that the author who writes us is not so bad after all!

Oh. That’s a very good new, darling. And what’s next? What comes after a moment like this?

Eh… This seems to be a comical adventure, so usually moments like these are followed by something funny.

Something funn-?

*Gives Rarity a spider kitten*

*Pof*

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!

*Spider-like cat noise*

***

Aragón sighed and closed the book, leaving a finger in it so he didn’t lose the page he was reading. “Holy barbeque” muttered. “This is… hard. Pretty hard.”

What do you mean? And why have you closed the book? It was interesting!

The author nodded. “Yes, I guess it is, but, come on! It says that everything I do is wrong!”

What do you mean?

“Well, first of all, it seems like I need to think the ending before writing it. That makes no sense!”

Eh…

“I’ve always thought that you think the story as you’re writing it! That’s what geniuses do!”

But it makes sense for me. If you know the ending, then you can… write it. Right?

Aragón frowned. “Uh… yes. Yes, that seems logical now that you mention it this way, but…”

I like this book! Now I want to write too!

“Please, don’t do it.” The human smiled. “Believe me: it’s very… weird. And stressful. And weird.”

You’ve said “weird” twice.

“Because it’s twice as weird as anything you could think”, answered Aragón, still smiling. And then, his mouth frowned again. “And it seems like it’s difficult! What’s up with all this jiggily-jiggily stuff? Mary Sues? Mood? For Celestia’s sake, stories have mood?”

Well, if the book is written in a very dirty place…

“I’ve said mood, not mud!” Aragón shook his head. “It’s that… that ‘scenario’ thing, or whatever it’s called. Now I can’t put a comical scene before a dramatic one? Why?”

The book said that it was because then the readers can’t feel the drama. Because they’re laughing.

“Well, but everybody loves a good laugh!” The author looked at Pinkie Pie, upset. “I mean, I’m sure you agree with me on that, miss party-pony.”

Of course! Laughing is good, I’m completely sure of that! But the book doesn’t say that laughing is bad, it says that you need to know when are you mean to laugh.

Aragón stood in silence, looking at the earth pony without blinking. “You…” Said after a few minutes. “You’re saying that? You? The f*beeeeep*ing Element of Laughter?!”

I’m only saying that the books make sense to me!

“Listen, when you are writing a comedy with drama, the drama is not important. You can laugh at absolutely everyth-“

*Aragón gets slapped*

*PLAF!*

An invisible hand slapped Aragón heavily. The place remained in silence once the echoes of the hit started to fade.

Pfff…

The author frowned at Pinkie when she giggled. “Ok, stop right now.” Aragón raised a hand and looked at the sky, still frowning. “That hurt. And it’s not funny. So…”

*Dumps a bowl of sugar down Aragon’s troath*

*GAARBGHABLERGHAGBLAGH!*

Gah! That’s a lot of sugar! You’ll get a tummy ache, Aragón! Stop eating it!

*BARGHGBLARGHAGHABAGHALBRHELPAGH!*

No, seriously… You’ll get sick…

*GARBGHARGHLAGBLRAAAAGHBARLGABGH!!*

Aragón! Stop right now or…!

*Brings Pinkie to Folder’s Factory*

*Plink!*

Uh! Look, Aragón! A computer! The readers give me a computer! But it’s smaller than yours…

*GARBLAAAAGHBRARGLABALRGRAGH!*

Wow, that’s sure a big bowl of sugar. Hey, what’s this? A store?

*Places a book called ‘Oh, lets write a fanfic, let’s write a fanfic! I’ll call it “Thesuperfantasticalstory!’ with a bunch of empty pages next to Aragón*

*Blof*

Uh? Another book? Hey, Aragón! Look!

*GARBALHGGABRGLABGAHRL-!*

*Enough with the sugar!*

Aragón swallowed the last bunch of sugar and started to cough, the nausea so strong that he couldn’t even breathe.

*Places jug of water next to Aragón*

The human tried to grab the water, but he couldn’t hold it anymore.
With a heavy cough, trembling, the human threw up. Right next to him, Pinkie was reading the book.

…
Oh, no… T-this… This is not good, Aragón…

***

Rainbow Dash was crying. She wasn’t doing absolutely anything more. The blue pegasus, once a perfect example of a strong and independent mare, was crying like baby, bracing herself with a grin of despair in her face.
Tears falling down her cheeks, her throat hurt for the screams, but she didn’t notice.
In his mind, there was only one thing. “Applejack… Applejack… Applejack…”

…!

The pegasus was broken. There wasn’t any other word to describe her. She was just broken.

…!

It’s funny, right? She’s a drama queen. I bet you’ve always thought that she was stronger than that, huh? But now you’re seeing her true face! What a pathetic mare.

…

Oh, please, Applejack. Don’t look at me like that. If your eyes were weapons, I would be already dead, my dear! That’s incredibly impolite!

…

Dash’s screams filled the air.

Oh, I can’t concentrate with all this noise. You! Dash! Shut up!

Suddenly, the pegasus stopped. She was still crying, but she didn’t make any sound, she didn’t move at all. Dash seemed a picture, a photography. The mare was completely frozen.

That’s better.

…

Don’t worry, my dear. I only paused her. She’s perfectly fine, I swear.

…

Ah, the silence. It’s beautiful. But it’s a little boring right now, because, you know… nothing happens. But luckily, I know exactly what to do! Isn’t that wonderful?

…

You love Dashie, Applejack. And that hurts, we both know that. You can’t live with her because that would be lying, but you can’t live without her because that… that would be just horrible for your heart. She’s like a drug.
Oh, wait. I’ve already told you this. Well, you can feel despair once more, so it’s not a waste to say it again, right?

…!

Oh, now you’re fighting again?! Your fire has returned! I love that! But… why? Because you saw Rainbow Dash acting like that? You felt her pain, I guess.
Heh. I’ll tell you a little secret, Applejack: I planned this. I knew that my words were going to break you, but then the sight of Rainbow Dash screaming your name will be enough for you to regain your fire.
Do you know why?

…!!

Because you’re the stronger one, my little pony. You feel love as a lover but as a mother too. You’re able to sacrifice yourself, to sacrifice your happiness, in order to save the others’. You can live all by yourself.
Rainbow Dash, on the other hand… She’s like a child. She seems strong too, and in fact, she is! But she’s more dependable. She needs somepony to say her “good job”. She can’t live without company.
And, guess what! That’s the thing you love about her.

…!

I adore your eyes. They’re so expressive. I think I can hear what you’re thinking just by looking at them. “Don’t dare to say such things”, “you can’t understand anything”, blahblahblah. You’re upset because I’m contaminating your “loooove” with my words. I’m a monster! Uuuuh!

…H!

Wow! You almost said something right now! Well, that’s impressive. Congratulations.
But I’m getting sidetracked! What was I saying…? Oh, yes! Of course! Your love. You just love Rainbow Dash, and deep inside, you know she wants you to hug her. She’s so adorable. She’s so fragile. A simple word can destroy her, breaking her like a hammer breaks a window. You feel the urge to protect her, to say her that everything is fine. You want to mutter beautiful words in her ear, you want to say “you’re wonderful, you’re amazing”, because you know that then she’ll smile with that smile. When she smiles, she breaks your heart.

...

And of course, you also want her to be happy on her own, because you’re just too kind. That’s the reason why you’re always messing with her. She has to become stronger, not outside but inside. And the better way to do it is to beat you, because you’ll never let her win on purpose, and she knows it. You’re her trainer, her teacher, her friend. You’re the most important thing she has in the world, because she’s your treasure. Ponyville can burn to the ground, but you’ll always protect her!

…

And Dash… Dashie is the exact opposite. You never boast; she’s always doing it. Because, as I said, she feels useless. It’s the classic inferiority complex. Why? Was her childhood bad? Did she grow up in a bad ambient? Who knows! She wants to be cooler, and she wants everypony to know that she’s the most cool thing in Equestria!
And then, she looks at you, and thinks: “she’s the mare I want to be”. You’re like a mother, she’s like a child. She wants everything you want to give her. She wants you to hug her, to comfort her, to protect her, to love her. And at the same time, she wants to impress you. My, my, you’re such an adorable couple!

…

It’s so beautiful… Hey, and do you remember it? EVERYTHING IS A LIE.

…!

You almost forget it! But you already knew that, so now it’s time to be depressed again! Because she doesn’t love you, and you don’t love her, and I’m manipulating you! The most beautiful thing you’ve ever experienced, and it’s fake and evil! Because, of course, I’m the one who made it. In reality, you will not feel like this. But you can’t avoid the feelings now. What a shame!

…! …! …H!

Ah, of course. Why the hell am I saying this? I mean, it’s fun to see you being healed by Dash and then breaking apart once more, but it’s a bit repetitive.
Don’t worry! I have a reason, you see? I’m sure you’ve wondering why I made this pantomime.

…!

As I said, you’re the one who wants to protect. Seeing Rainbow Dash hurt was a very heavy hit for you. And of course, I needed to cover my eyes. Green, remember?
And, really, a hurt Rainbow Dash is a fount of so much pain for you that fake her death wasn’t a big difference. The harm was almost equal in both cases, because you wouldn’t have lost your mind.

…!

But Rainbow is weaker. She can’t handle your “death”, as you’ve seen. She didn’t notice the smell, or the weird green on my eyes. She just saw you, her hero, dying with no reason. It was too much for her. Her mind is easy to destroy.

…!

And then, it comes the funny part! Because you discovered, me, and I knew you were able to! And I don’t mind, because now, you have to see Rainbow Dash even more hurt than before. She’s suffering much more pain than you, and now that you know that, you’re suffering a lot of pain too, because you want to protect her so badly!
It’s perfect! There is no other way for you two to suffer all this at the same time! I’m a genius!

***

You can’t bake a cake without breaking a few eggs, Pinkamena. The choice is yours.

Slowly, Pinkie nodded.
She turned to Fluttershy. The pegasus was still behind her: her face was a perfect picture of terror.

Pinkie…

Pinkie put a hoof on her lips, interrupting her.
“Don’t say anything”, said. The rain and her tears were mixing on her face. “Don’t… don’t say anything, please.
I’m sorry.”

Don’t waste time apologizing to the pony! Kill her now!

Pinkie ignored Chrysalis and approached Fluttershy, still crying. “Fluttershy… you know she’s right. I’m a villain.”

N-no! You’re not evil, Pinkie! I know you’re a good pony! I can see it in your eyes!

“Please, don’t say that.” Pinkie smiled, but her eyes were still showing a deep sadness. “I would love to be a good pony, Fluttershy. Believe me when I say this. But I was created this way.” The earth pony sighed. “Chrysalis is right. I’m a killer. You’ll fight against me someday, and you’ll have to kill me… because if you don’t do that, I’ll hurt you. And I don’t want to…”

I said STOP WITH THE APOLOGIES! Pinkamena, we have to hurry! I know that, being a villain, it’s difficult to kill somepony without boasting about it, but it’s better if you…

“Excuse me?” The softness in Pinkie’s voice disappeared when she turned to the greentalking being. “Would you please shut the fuck up? I’m trying to say important things here!”

What?!

P-pinkie…

“Shy…” The earth pony turned to the pegasus again. “Listen to me, please. This is important. I want you to promise me something. To Pinkie Pie Swear something.”

…
Of course. I trust in you, Pinkie.

Kill her already!

“Then listen to me.” The pink mare was still crying, but now her eyes were filled with determination. “I know that, at some point in the future, I’ll lose my mind. It’s inevitable. When that moment arrives…”

*Adds some lightning and thunder to that rain, pick up the wind*

The ground trembled at the sound of thunder when Pinkie talked again. “When that moment arrives… I want you and the girls to kill me.”

What?!

WHAT?! Pinkamena, what are you…?!

Pinkie sighed, clearly frustrated. “Ok, I’ve had enough from you!” Slowly, she turned to Chrysalis, her mane flowing with the wind. “I’m going to finish you right here and right now!”

Pinkie…

“Don’t call me that, Fluttershy,” said Pinkie without looking at the pegasus, her sight focused on Chrysalis. “Like it or not, I’m Pinkamena. It’s time to start calling things for their name.”

Now you are with the heroes again? You know what I said was true! You’ll never be free without killing them!

“I’m a villain. I’ll never be with the heroes.” Pinkamena laughed. “And of course you were right. But sadly, I’ll never be in your side either!”

You agreed killing the pegasus just a moment ago!

“Huh?” The earth pony raised an eyebrow. “I think you misunderstand what I said, Chrysalis. I wasn’t apologizing to Fluttershy. I was talking to you.”

…

What?!

“I was asking you to shut up. I guess that what I said was confusing,” muttered her. “Did I scare you, Fluttershy?”

…
…No. I never doubted you.

“Thanks.”

…
Pinkamena, stop fooling around. You’ll never wash the blood on your hooves if you don’t defeat the heroes now. You’ll lose, and then everything will be like always. Do you want to kill everypony again and again? Do you want to see Dash’s death…?

“Of course not.” Pinkamena closed her eyes. “Of course I don’t want to do it, to see it anymore. It’s horrible. I love them all, and some people want me to be a murderer just because they enjoy death.” The mare laughed. “It’s hell. No, it’s worse than hell. It’s my life.”

Then…

“And that’s exactly the reason why I’m not accepting your offer.” A sudden lightning illuminated Pinkamena’s face. Her eyes were red instead of blue. “Because even though I’m a murderer, I’m not a demon!”

…

“You said that I can’t bake a cake without breaking a few eggs. But those eggs are more than an ingredient. They are my soul, Chrysalis.”

You don’t have a soul. You’re a monster.

“But I didn’t choose to be a monster!” Pinkamena shouted. “Don’t you get it?! Can’t you understand what are you asking me to do?! I’ve been tormented time and time again with my acts. There are authors out there who enjoy writing me as a killer. But do you know why did I try to kill Aragón when I arrived here?! Because I thought he was one of those authors! Because suddenly I understand that I was fictional and that all those things I did wasn’t my fault! All those sleepless nights, the nightmares, the voices in my head, the blood…! IT WASN’T MY FAULT!”

…

“But Aragón was also fictional.” Pikamena was breathing heavily. “And I choose not to kill him. It was so strange that I didn’t notice it until now. I choose not to kill him.”

…So you have discovered it.

Pinkamena smiled. “Exactly.”

D-discovered what?

“That I’m not a part of this story.” The pink mare snorted. “It seems like Chrysalis is right and Pinkie created me when she looked at my picture. So, no author has control upon me this time.”

Then you’re already free?!

Of course not. This story will finish one day. And then, if Pinkamena is defeated…

“Then I’ll be back in my particular hell.” Pinkamena nodded. “This is not my way to freedom. It’s just a breather chapter in my life.”

Oh, no…

Exactly! But if you defeat the heroes, if you kill them…!

“I will not kill anypony here!” The mare showed her teeth as she screamed. “Can’t you understand it?! For the first time, I’m the one who chooses if my friends are going to die on my hooves or not! And I don’t care if some author makes me be a murderer later, I will NEVER become a killer by myself!” Another lightning, another thunder. “It’s my only redemption, and I’m not losing it just because you’re good with words!”

…
Fool. You’re going to suffer more than you can imagine because of your choice. You’ll lose your sanity sooner or later, and being free in this story is not so great. Your mind is broken. I’m sure you want to kill somepony right now, so why can’t you accept it and use your condition to become a free character? You’re a monster. Be proud of it.

Stop saying those things! Stop insulting Pinkie!

“Fluttershy…”

She’s not a monster! If you two are telling the truth, then she has been suffering a lot! Y-you don’t have the right to call her a monster!

Listen to me, little pony! You don’t understand what’s happening here! You’re a loveable character, right? For you, everything is happiness! You don’t know how it feels to be a villain, to be created as something that exist only for the purpose of being defeated!

“Don’t say those things to my friend.” Pinkamena closed her eyes. “Yes, being a villain is hard. But you are the one who can’t understand what’s happening here. I don’t care if I win or not.”

Of course you care! You were created that way!

“But I fight against my destiny!” The earth pony hit the ground with a hoof. “And that’s the only important thing here! Of course I want to win. Of course I want to kill. Of course I feel the urge to do what I was programmed to. But I chose not to do it!”

If you don’t go with me, then you’ll be in hell forever!

“But at least I will suffer the fire because I chose it! I’ll be defeated, but I’ll never hurt my friends on my own!”

Pinkie, we’ll never fight against you! You’re our…!

“No, Fluttershy. I know what I’m saying.” Pinkamena smiled one last time, and once again, her face was illuminated by lighting. Rising her head, she looked at Chrysalis with a mixture of pride, determination and anger in her eyes. “I’ll be with you, even when that means that I’ll be killed.”

…

…
Ok. You’ll be like that? DIE THEN!

*BZAP!*

Ugh!

“Argh!”

Next time I won’t fail, Pinkamena! Join me or I’ll…!

“NEVER!” The earth pony was lying on the floor, covered in mud again, but she still had her dignity. “And believe me, I’ll be alive by the end of this day!”

Oh, are you sure? I don’t think so!

“Ha!” Pinkamena laughed. “Do you know what’s the best thing about being a villain?! That I know what’s your weakness!”

PINKIE!

Oh, yeah?! Please, enlighten me!

The pink mare laughed again. “Well, it’s easy. You can shoot me whenever you want, but…”

*Sprays “Peaceful Sleep” on Chrysalis*

*FSSHHHHHT*

ARGH! MY EYES!

*Throws a rock tied to a hammer at the greentalking antagonist*

*BONK!*

Oh my goodness!

“…you always wait until the last moment.” Pinkamena watched at Chrysalis, her green blood mixing with the rain and the mud. Sadly, the changeling queen was still alive, but she seemed unconscious. “And of course, I have another advantage…”
With a smile, the pony opened the mouth and looked at the sky.

*Throws cupcake at Pinkamena*

A pink cupcake appeared out of nowhere, and Pinkamena caught it with her mouth, swallowing it without a single chew.
“…I can read the comments.”

***

***

…!

Exactly! That face! I love that face! It’s the perfect mixture of sadness, anger and confusion! It’s simply wonderful!

…

Oh, but of course, Dashie’s face is also beautiful. I’m thinking about taking a photo of it. I already know the title: “Infinite sadness”. I’m such a poet, right?

…!

Why, yes. When I said that she’s weaker than you, I wasn’t lying. I guess you would have resisted it, or maybe you’ll be planning your revenge by now. But Dashie… she can’t think about anything but you right now.

…! …!

Yes, yes. If she knew that you’re alive… Oh, what a tragedy.
Hey, I feel like seeing her with a little more depth. I think I’m going to allow you to see her… but let’s put our favorite pegasus in italics. Believe me, it will be funnier this way.

Rainbow Dash wasn’t crying. Her tears were all dropped by now. She was just sobbing. Her chest hurt like if somepony had stabbed her with a hot stake. She couldn’t feel anything but the most absolute sadness.

It’s like watching a movie!

Suddenly, a green spark appeared in front of the pegasus. Dash didn’t notice it, but the spark started to grow more and more, until it was about the size of an adult pony.
Rainbow raised her head slowly, looking at the light. Her eyes were red.
And then, the light took the form of a pony. A mare. The green disappeared, and a flash of orange replaced it.
Dash couldn’t believe her eyes.

Good afternoon, Rainbow. How are you doing? asked Applejack.

…!

Surprise!
Oh, and see how calmed is she right now. I’m not controlling her, of course. I only… cleared her mind.

“A-Applejack?!” Dash’s voice was like a whisper, her throat still irritated. “APPLEJACK?!”

I’m afraid that I’m not your marefriend, answered the mare with a giggle. [color=]What a shame! But this is her body, as you can see. Beautiful, isn’t it?

The pegasus’ eyes filled with anger when she heard those words. “YOU! FAKE-SPIKE! HOW DO YOU DARE TO...!”

A green sword appeared out of nowhere, pointing at Applejack’s chest. The earth pony smiled. If you say one single word more, I’ll kill your marefriend. And this time I’m not resurrecting her.
Now, what were you saying?

Rainbow Dash gulped. She had recovered a little at the sight of Applejack, but now her head was a strange mixture of emotions, and she didn’t know how to feel or what to do. But the sword seemed very real, and she wasn’t able to see AJ dying again.
The pegasus didn’t say a word.

That’s better. The orange mare smiled, but that wasn’t an AJ smile. It was evil. I bet you’re wondering a lot of things, Dashie. Who am I? Why am I doing this? What’s happening? The thing in AJ’s body giggled. Well, I’m not going to answer anything. I’m here to ask you a question, little pony.

Dash was still in silence, looking at the floating sword.

I’m glad to see that you’re concentrated. The question is really simple, my dear.
What would you do for Applejack?

Rainbow blinked. Then, she looked at Fake-Spike’s eyes. They weren’t the same color as AJ’s.

You can talk now.

“Anything.” The pegasus sighed. She seemed to be in shock, because she couldn’t feel anything. “I would do anything for her.”

That’s the answer I wanted to hear! said Fake-Applejack, clapping.

I bet you feel glad too, right?

…

You see, Rainbow Dash, I want to make you an offer. I can help you, and you can help me.

Dash frowned. “What do you want from me?” Whispered. “What do you want for Applejack?”

Well, well, we have a smart mare here! Fake-Applejack closed her eyes and nodded. It’s simple. I’ll save your marefriend’s life and I’ll set her free of all this madness if we make a deal.

Rainbow sighed. “I want a proof. How do I know that you’re not lying?”

I’m afraid you’ll have to trust in my word. I’ve never lied to any pony, I promise.

“And what do you want?”

Well… Fake-Applejack sighed. The sword disappeared with another sparkle as the orange mare started to walk in circles around Rainbow Dash. That’s a little more complicated.
You see, Twilight and Pinkamena were right when they put the “levels” theory. You, as characters, exist in a scale of fake and real. The higher you are in the “cake”, as you said, the more real you are. As you can see, I’m pretty high. And you’re in the middle.

Dash frowned. “You’re higher than me?”

Of course I am! Why do you think I’m so omnipotent? laughed Fake-Applejack. But that’s not important, really.
Another thing you don’t know about this world, Dashie, is that you can travel between levels. But how?

***

…Using the star-like things, of course!

“Ah!” Aragón couldn’t hold a little scream. “For Celestia’s sake, could you please warn me before doing something like this?!”

Pinkie-who-talks-in-pink! Aragón!

Pinkamena shook her head, unable to believe what she was seeing. Pinkie and Aragón had popped outta nowhere, and the human seemed as confused as her. He was carrying two books and a strange square thing made of metal.
“What the…?”

Hello, Pinkie-who-doesn’t-talk-in-pink and Fluttershy! Glad to see you! Quick, you have to follow us!

What?

“What?”

“There is no time for explanations right now.” Aragón sighed. “Canon-Pinkie and Canon-Twilight were clear: we must hurry! We’ll explain everything on the way!”

Hurry up!

Ah! W-wait! Where are we going?!

At the sight of her three companions running, Pinkamena forgot about Chrysalis and followed them. “Hey!” shouted. “Wait a moment! Did you just say…?!”

Oh, Pinkie.who-doesn’t-talk-in-pink, I have a present for you! Look!

“Ah?” Pinkamena raised an eyebrow. “What’s that? a red connection pen?
…
GAH! What’s happening to my voice?!

I colored it! Now you’re Pinkie-who-talks-in-red!

***

Dash raised an eyebrow. “So… you know how to travel between levels?”

Of course! It’s pretty easy, if you ask me.
You see, my goal is reaching the first level. Because when you’re at it, you’re completely real... your control about the other levels is absolute. Fake-Applejack chuckled. I’m powerful, yes, but I’m afraid that I was exaggerating a bit when I said that I was omnipotent before. On the other hoof, if you’re in the lowest level… then you are nothing. It’s like death, if you want my opinion.

“And you need my help because…”

Because the easiest way to get higher is to convince somepony to get lower. Fake-Applejack smiled. It’s how it works: you want something, you give something. Can you see where I’m going?

Dash’s eyes opened wide. “You… you want me to descend. To become completely fake… and then you’ll be a God.”

Clever girl! And now, what’s your answer?
Oh, and remember: Your marefriend’s life is in my hooves now…