open Ambition for Ascension

[Loud Opinion 602]

@abrony-mouse

Limbo takes a good few seconds to take in what Fuchsia is saying, mostly in confusion.

 

At the mention of explaining, the weaving of the dream catcher shifted to reflect Limbo's scowl. 'So this was her plan from the start,' she thought to herself. That leap in logic was proven wrong as Fuchsia carried on.

 

"So, you didn't do this on purpose?" Limbo stated more than asked, "And you've been doing some snooping. I can't help but imagine that you don't have the whole story. Something I'd love to clarify given better circumstances."

 

Limbo sighs but straightens up, "Well, if you want to work with me, then I suggest you help me get out of this woven nightmare! Why do you even carry such a horrible trap, let alone hang it over your head?!"

 

"And when you're done, we still need to hand out the bread to the poor."

 

"You're not off to a good start are you?" with a huff, Limbo continues, "but I can see that you're trying, and you seem more genuine this time around."

[Fuchsia]

Fuchsia does a scrunch face that inadvertently matches Limbo Dreams' woven scowl on hearing that she had 'done this on purpose' - Fuchsia was about to say 'done what?' in reply, when Limbo Dreams explained that she was trapped in the dream-catcher! 

Fuchsia is conflicted. She believes, instinctually, that Limbo Dreams is somehow caught - she will ask the how of that as soon as Limbo is 'freed'.  However, the dream catcher is of sentimental value to her and she did not want to break its enchantment. She also wants to hear Limbo's side of the story.

Ultimately, after more than a few moments of indecision, she decides to act: the buffalos had warned her that a delicate, for buffalo, procedure was required to dismantle the Catcher. It required an equine to raise its hooves into the air, like it just doesn't care, and then bring them down in a decisive stomp and then do so repeatedly until they are divided into thirteen sections and to breathe repeatedly while doing so, so as not to tire out the buffalo performer. She gives one last mournful look at the dream catcher and then, humming a pop song to herself, begins the elaborate stompy ritual. 

When it is finished, the remnants of the dream-catcher lie strewn about the room. Fuchsia pants with the exertion and wonders whether she has done the right thing. 

"That's my first act today to help the poor." she pants, "But sure, I will help with the bread. I have had to rely on charity myself on my travels and when I can, I like to give."

She walks to the body of Limbo and produces her knife - more to show her sincerity than as a direct threat - although she does point it to the mare's chest, "Before I partner with you, maybe you can answer one question: who have you helped into alicornhood? Are they good, or are they evil?" Fuchsia's heart thumps in her own chest.

[Limbo Dreams]

@abrony-mouse

At first, Limbo was relieved to finally be back to her mostly plain pony shape. She then looks to the knife with annoyance, but a hint of respect was evident.

"Ahem," She began. The motherly tone had vanished. Instead, a child-like whisper took its place, "Look to your fellow pony Fuchsia. We all see their destiny as clear as day. Yet, of all the destinies you've seen, have you ever seen a wilted field or a bloodied hoof? Evil has no place in the pony heart. That is why harmony is so effective. There simply is no reason to fear your fellow equine. I'm sure today is an excellent example."

"If that does not suffice, then I challenge you. Would you call a mare held by tragedy 'evil'? That is what the ponies we are talking about are. They are neither good nor evil, for they were never given a chance in either respect."

"Perhaps a show of trust is in order. The ponies we are guiding are 'Moonlight Sparkle' and 'Starlight Glimmer'".

Limbo is aware of the extent of her explanation and pauses to make sure Fuchsia is following.

"I must be upfront as you've saved me without concern for your own benefit. I was not entirely honest when I said that I can see your past. I have seen your past. Past tense," She emphasizes, "I saw every dream you ever dreamt. I followed your journey with wrapt attention. The same is true for Vinal Scratch, and Moonlight, and Starlight. You all were like superheroes to me. You kept me hopeful in the years leading up to Silver Tongue's rescue."

"I tried to keep up, but your dreams stopped. You dreamed of a train ride, and no dream ever followed that. That," She shudders, "thing was the source. I planed to misplace it for a night and get my hero back; Maybe understand how you've changed so much."

[Fuchsia]

Fuchsia nods along to Limbo's diatribe about good and evil ponies, and is pleased to finally have names to put to the cult's goal of alicornification. She agrees with what Limbo says, but is concerned about the chequered nature of the ponies chosen - couldn't they have been nice, sweet ponies? She wonders about the names "Moonlight Sparkle" and "Starlight Glimmer" - she would remember them. What Limbo said matched the idealistic, if a little deranged, author of the scrolls she had sifted through and she finds the story plausible - but she still has some doubts.

When Limbo talks about walking into Fuchia's dreams from fillyhood she recoils in surprise. She associated dream-walking with Celestia's evil sister. She narrows her eyes as Limbo mentions it, but does not necessarily consider it an evil magical talent - she had seen many forms of magic as she had seen many types of life, and none struck her as intrinsically good or evil - that was something reserved for what was done with the magic or the life. She represses a smirk as she hears that Limbo had been caught in the dream-catcher, "Well I am sorry, perhaps you should ask permission before spying on a pony's dreams." she says, but despite her words she smiles more genuinely than before.

"All right, lemme find Mr Phantom for you. Then we'll help the poor. I stayed at his ranch, maybe one of the girls there know where he went? Do you want to come?"

 

[Loud Opinion 602]

@abrony-mouse

"Yes," Limbo whispered grimly, as she tried to hide her face in the shade of her mane, "lead the way."

Something had changed. But what could have sparked such a shift?

A hatred spanning years was ignited and ready to burn down a million bedtimes. To snuff out a thousand hopes.

Like so many times before, Limbo used that desire to smother her own feelings. A gift Silver had given her -among other things.

Like water over hot coals, Limbo seethed, though not so loudly.

"Sorry," Limbo corrected as she realized that she had not mastered Silver's technique, "bad memories. It's not your fault."

"I," She chokes a bit, "think I know what may have happened to Phantom. In the dream catcher, I saw-"

She hults. A wall of sorrow had erected itself within her path, and now she feels the pain.

"I saw through someone else's eyes. If those eyes belong to the pony I think then," Again Limbo pauses, "I think I really will need your help with this one."

[Fuchsia]

Fuchsia sees the shadow fall over Limbo's face and her pink ears flatten. The hay-burger she had eaten on the train on the way to Ponyville, which now feels days away, threatens to reappear, but she fights against her nausea. She senses that something is amiss - very amiss, the mare she knew seemed to be something else entirely for a second - but Fuchsia does not say anything right away. Fuchsia already believes that Limbo Dreams is connected to evil magic, and so the metaphorical shadow merely confirms her prejudice. Other than the flop of her pink ears against her pony-head, she does not react. "I understand." Fuchsia says, and puts a forearm over Limbo's slender shoulder, trying to be comforting.

As Limbo begins to hint at the possible villain who has taken Phantom, Fuchsia skitters anxiously on her hooves. Her fur quivers in what feels like a cold draft from the temple stairs - as Limbo pronounces ominously as to the evil presence. "Who is it!?" she says, like an extra in a super-hero comic. Fuchsia is ready to play her part alongside Limbo, "Will Moonlight Sparkle and Starlight Glimmer help us stop the villain?" she asks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Starlight Glimmer]

@Starforce

Starlight watched in horror as Moonlight shoved her own sandwich fully into her mouth. She chomped on it with delight, completely unbothered by its strong flavor. Starlight resisted the urge to gag. This mare was becoming increasingly more strange by the minute. Yet, in spite of this, she couldn’t help but consider Moonlight, more…likable?

She is indeed showing a better personality than usual. Moonlight is acting much more approachable, much like she should be. I can talk to friends and help them more easily this way. I cannot help but wonder, however, is she merely manipulating me? She has fallen so far into the darkness, she may not know what the light looks like. She may not know any other way but to pull others into the darkness with her. she pondered with concern. For now, until she poses an immediate concern, I will continue to play along. she decided.

When Moonlight was finished, she explained how sandwiches such as these were typical in society, or at least the society she knew of. Strange ponies, Starlight thought, but since she knew better than to judge, she kept that to herself. All she could really say is that she was glad she didn’t have to put up with that horrible taste back home. Sure, dirt muffins weren’t so great, either, but at least they were bland enough to be tolerable. These sandwiches, on the other hoof…

“I am glad these are not a delicacy back in my village. Not only would my friends be overwhelmed by the taste, they would have no idea how to make such a thing. Without talents, they only know the most basic of cooking skills. Of course, I do not judge them for this, as we are all on the same level anyways.” she spoke, barely catching onto the fact that Moonlight was joking.

She wouldn’t lie here and say she wasn’t secretly having a good time herself, but her paranoia kept increasing by the minute. What were Moonlight’s true plans? Why act so cold and dismissive before, only to act so open and friendly later? Had Moonlight reflected on the meaning behind an equal life, or was she just doing this to mess with Starlight? As these thoughts swam around in Starlight’s brain, so did the garlicky contents of the sandwich in her stomach. She clutched it softly, begging the physical reminder of eating the sandwich to leave her at once. 

[Starlight Glimmer]

@Starforce

Moonlight was suddenly very upset and Starlight could not fathom why. If she were to ever see past her delusions, however, she would notice that Moonlight saw their lunch as a bonding opportunity. An opportunity Starlight had wasted on her ideals. Starlight got up from her seat quickly to try to interject but before she could get a word out, Moonlight stormed off. Starlight quickly followed her, feigning the concern from her face as best as she could.

Either I did something to upset Moonlight, or she could no longer put up the act, Starlight thought. I have a feeling I simply caught her in the act. She was behaving in quite an unusual manner earlier. I thought that this meant she was beginning to see the truth but perhaps I was wrong. There is still so, so much more work to be done for her. I may not be able to help her until she is exposed to my village. Seeing how happy the villagers are with their lives could motivate her to seek the help she truly needs. For now, I can only hope that my ascension occurs hastily.

Once the mares headed outside, Starlight noticed that Moonlight was standing extremely close and was staring at her with that look Starlight despised of. Not pleased by her attitude, Starlight chose to ignore Moonlight and happily trot as if the strange mare wasn’t barricading her side. It wasn’t until Moonlight suddenly asked a question that Starlight turned to look at her.

“To what are you referring to?” she asked calmly.

[Loud Opinion 602]

@ExplosionMare @Starforce
The heart of the town thronged with joviality. Balloon placement was shotty. The rest of the decorations weren't much better. Without the dedicated party pony the hamlet had relied on, any celebration was doomed to mediocrity.

Such shortcomings were superfluent, though. The real allure of the festivities was as strong as ever. Ponies chattered and gossiped, as they often want to do, but a mild crowd had formed near the center of it all.

The center of attention could still be seen from a distance, but it would prove difficult to make out her features.

A table with a punchbowl was the most immediate element of the party. Alone it sat, with no hors d'oeuvre to accompany it. Not even a table cloth lay below it.

Some distance away, the banner Moonlight saw earlier hung proudly among the streamers.

@abrony-mouse

Miss. Dreams leans into Fuchsia's semi-hug. Moments ago, Fuchsia had held this pony at knifepoint. Now she confides in her assailant.

"Such a dear sentiment. You can not know what has inflicted me so. I won't allow it. It is a burden too great for me to outsource."

"Moonlight and Starlight will not be accompanying us. You are a part of this now, and should be given due agency."

Limbo then abandoned the unanswered question as well as the room itself. The door was left open, inviting Fuchsia to follow.

[Fuchsia]

Fuchsia nodded about the other ponies, secretly glad to be doing this on her own. She liked companions but tended to work best by herself.

Fuchsia had been with her fair share of reticent companions on her travels. She had only just gone from holding a knife to this horned pony's throat, so it was understandable that she would not open up right away. When the time was right she would find out who they were after.

Fuchsia fell into investigation mode - thinking to herself about the "who", "what", "where" and "why" of the mission with Limbo. 

She didn't know the 'who' and knew only a fraction of the 'why' but not all - what did Limbo know about the possible reason behind the disappearance of her friend? Nor did she know the 'where' or 'what' could have been used against him.

As Fuchsia was musing, Limbo trotted out of the temple and Fuchsia scampered after her, hooves clippety clopping against the stone flags. Fuchsia bounds out of the entrance and into the Ponyville day. In the noon-day sun, the pony heartland settlement was even more picturesque and nostalgic - recalling her to her fillyhood on the farm outside Manehatten. She gazed towards the rolling hills of the farms surrounding Ponyville and spies the distant specks of country ponies working the fields as well as, above them, the multi-hued flash of pegasi diving towards Ponyville proper. She breathes deeply the rural air and feels at home, but also very glad to be leaving.

Where was simplest, so she lead with that. "Ok, so where are we headed?" she asks after Limbo Dreams.

 

[Loud Opinion 602]

@abrony-mouse

Limbo Dreams shielded her eyes from the sun. Again, she lamented Celestia's splendor only to grit her teeth and bear it.

When Fuchsia asked where they were going, Limbo stopped. She realized that she didn't know where the ranch Fuchsia had mentioned was. She cleared her throat before whispering, "I'm not good with directions. You'll have to lead the way to Phantom's ranch."

With a sheepish smile, Limbo waits for Fuchsia to pass her. She then frowns and adopts a posture more befitting a filly at a funeral than the grown mare in the meadow she is.

"I'm scared, Fuchsia. When we meet the pony responsible, I don't know if I can bring myself to..."

Limbo lost herself. In her mind, one event leads to another, and the sequence only gets worse as it progresses.

"I'm counting on you to see this through and save Phantom. No matter the cost!"

As Limbo concluded, she spoke with authority only to recede inward again. It was a hollow bastion, and it showed in her demeanor.

[Fuchsia]

@Loud Opinion 

Fuchsia explains that Mr Phantom’s ranch is in the San Talomeno desert, not far from the train-station.

She filled Limbo in on the few details she knew for certain about Mr Phantom. She didn’t know much about his business experience. He had kept her, and a few other mares, separate from that side of his life. However, he had always seemed knowledgeable about arcane matters and his huge ranch house contained all sorts of interesting treasures. Some of which had clearly come from locations such as Port Noon. When Fuchsia had asked about these, he would say that they were gifts from associates. It is possible that some of Phantom’s marefriends are still there. Unfortunately, Fuchsia did not get on with them. One pony in particular, called Strawberry – Phantom had a thing for pink mares – was a pain. Still, they might know something about the disappearance.

When Limbo reveals her fears, Fuchsia looks at her curiously but affirms proudly that she will see it through. Phantom was a flawed pony for sure, but he had been a friend to her and she did like him – he had set her on some amazing adventures after she left his ranch, and but for him she would have never seen Port Noon or the buffalo – formative experiences for her. She had so many questions for the enigmatic temple mare, especially after all she had read. She confined herself to just one: “How are you going to stop the pony you think is responsible?”

[Starlight Glimmer]

@Starforce

For a long moment, the air around the two unicorns was silent and awkward. Moonlight seemed to be deep in thought. Starlight wondered briefly if she had finally taken the truth into consideration. Perhaps this was her moment to recollect her thoughts. Alas, like many of Starlight's hopes for this mare, her dream was shattered. She was grinning and her posture was good but it was not like the stance Starlight recognized in her villagers. This stance was vindictive and deceiving, at least in her eyes.

When Moonlight spoke, Starlight wore an expression of confusion. Rather than berate her ideologies once more, she requested a backstory. She had been remotely curious of Starlight's past before, but this time, she was demanding a story more than asking. Starlight felt very uncomfortable and refused to say anything. Speaking would only provoke Moonlight further. Reluctantly, she allowed the mare to continue.

She has been to my village? she wondered as Moonlight recounted the rows of houses and the small land mass surrounding them. I do not recall her passing through and I never miss a traveler. i would assume she is lying but she knows the layout of the village.

Starlight sighed, wishing she was able to see Moonlight and welcome her to village. Perhaps that would have prevented this ongoing conflict between the two. They could have abolished their differences together and focus on unity and friendship. Instead, they dwell on differing opinions of whose worldview is correct. Starlight stepped forward, hoping she could clarify her mission once again.

"The purpose of the village is to create a sanctuary for friendship. While I have had pains of my own in the past, they are fully healed thanks to the freedom that Equality has given me," she explained. Although she meant to sound grateful, their was a hint of uncertainty in her last sentence.

She then listened as Moonlight rambled about the village and how horrible it all was in her mind. Starlight frowned sympathetically. She supposed a pony who never had the chance to live the life her villagers do would make her nothing but jealous. It is a life she never had, so how could she relate?

"My villagers are very happy, Moonlight. Perhaps if you had the chance to experience what they do, you would understand that their happiness is genuine," Starlight said softly.

"As for how my village is run," she added when Moonlight spoke of her leadership style. "I am using the tools at my disposal in the most fulfilling way possible. Ask any of the villagers and they would agree. Nopony is under anypony else's control, as that would make that pony superior to everyone else. Everypony follows the teachings of Equality but they do so out of their own will. Each villager who lives there is happy to be there. If they wanted to leave, they would have done so moons ago."

Starlight looked at Moonlight sternly, wishing she would stop trying to manipulate her. She may be rather smart but she will not bring Starlight down. Starlight was going to do everything she could to protect her village. Moonlight's clue-finding was merely a test to her--a test to see if she could continue to protect the Staff of Sameness. It had to be guarded at all costs, for it was the symbol of hope for the village! Even if it was really nothing more than a piece of wood, it meant a lot to the villagers. Starlight wouldn't let somepony like Moonlight take that away from them.

"Social ability?" Starlight asked, unsure as to what Moonlight was referring to. She soon realized what it was when Moonlight wore the expression that Starlight always used, although this one was done out of sarcasm. Starlight kept a calm disposition, unamused by the mare's antics.

@Loud Opinion

The festivity preparation was far from done. Hardly any decorations were put up and nothing even remotely eventful had begun. Starlight shook her head disappointingly. As casually as she could, she urged Moonlight to help her finish setting things up.

"How about we finish making preparations for the festival, friend."

[Loud Opinion 602]

@abrony-mouse

As Limbo let herself smile, the gloom that had hounded her for so many hours dissipated. "The same way every crisis is solved. The magic of friendship." It was like the sun poking through a cloud-line. Limbo's new stride tempted her to lift her head, only to be punished by the mild sunlight.

"You can guide me to Phantom, and once we're there, I can convince my-" Limbo again stopped herself. She would not allow thoughts of tragedy to creep up again. "She'll see that somepony still cares for her. If I'm correct in who we are dealing with, I know she's just lashing out."

"One must always prepare to be wrong, so just in case, I'll be counting on you to get Phantom and everypony else to safety while I keep her busy."

@ExplosionMare @Starforce

As the precocious duo approached the un-party, they noticed that the ponies were not in a festive mood. Through the cracks in the encircling ponies, BonBon was clearly at the center. There she was, clutching at her throat with a comfort Lyra at her side. Most striking was the absence of her mouth.

[Fuchsia]

Fuchsia smiled as Limbo referred to the magic of friendship. Fuchsia believed in it herself, she felt its magic every time she relied on her cutie mark for good luck, and missed it whenever she was away from pony lands. She booped her flank against Limbo's flank friendlily - to show her appreciation and also encourage the strange mare.

"Who's lashing out?" Fuchsia asked, curious about the relationship between Limbo and the thing that might have harmed Mr Phantom.

She agreed readily to helping the others escape, but secretly was determined to find out who Limbo was opposing and what their relationship was. 

Fuchsia breathed deeply, and as she exhaled she raised her head proudly to from the ground to the sky. The soft pad within her hard hooves felt the softness of the Ponyville earth. A pony in Ponyville truly felt like they ruled the universe! 

Sounds of pony life filled her ears, reminding herself of home. Even the dull clopping of her hooves alongside Limbo's in the winter earth seemed auspicious.

[Limbo Dreams]

@abrony-mouse

She tilted her head up, only to wince and shield her eyes. Her recoiling revealed the true purpose of her sudden rise. It was not a show of confidence but to allow gravity to keep her tears in place. Like a catapult, the tears flow out onto the ground.

Limbo finally decided to address the elephant in the room, "You'll have to forgive my mother." Limbo admitted, "She hasn't been herself in some time. She won't make this easy on us."

The timing of the two was impeccable. Just as they entered, the legends themselves were unloading from the station. Limbo quickly averted her eyes from the latest princess.

A pony of little remark harried over to the royal purple with a gasp and wide eyes. "Twilight! There's a situation in the town square! A pony needs help in we don't know what to do!"

"Try not to draw attention to ourselves," Limbo whispered harshly, entirely unconfident in Fuchsia's ability to lay low.

[Fuchsia]

@Loud Opinion

Fuchsia is interested when Limbo Dreams reveals that it is her own mother that is the villain that may be responsible for taking Mr Phatom, but she is not entirely surprised. 

"What is your mother like?"

Fuchsia notices the arrival of the Princesses. She waves her hooves wildly at them, like a fanpony, squeals and clutches her face. "Oh Celestia! I think that was Twilight Sparkle! Do you think she saw me?" she gushes to Limbo like a school filly.

Fuchsia skitters her hooves on the platform, and her large eyes take in the fluffly forms of the Ambassadors of Friendship departing from the carriage. First out is Twilight Sparkle herself, the air takes on a bitter tang of magic as the potent alicorn emerges from the train. Reality seems to hang from the point of her horn and all eyes flick towards her instinctually, before pushing away, as if her mere presence dominated the will. Next was Pinkie, and the oppressive feeling vanished in her wake. 

When the other Friends followed, Fuchsia barely noticed, so fixated she was on Pinkie and Twilight. 

[Starlight Glimmer]

@Starforce @Loud Opinion

“Forgive my directness, but what could you possibly have to fight for that I don’t?” Starlight asked with both curiously and annoyance. “I have a village of kind and friendly ponies, my belief in the truth, and my responsibility to keep everything running. Who do you have to fight for besides yourself and your shadows? While it is important to keep your own well-being in mind, it is even more important to have a connection with others. Without that, you are simply going to gallop through life and never have the chance to enjoy it to its fullest.”

Starlight truly pitied this mare. She had such a strong belief that Starlight’s words were dangerous, as well as her actions, when in fact they were quite the opposite. Starlight has never tried to hurt anypony, not even when some of her villagers were out of control in the beginning. She only wants the best for them and if other ponies disagree with it, then so what? Eventually they will come to learn that they were the wrong ones, not the villagers.

“I only speak from the teachings of the truth. My words are the text’s words, not my own. If I were to alter those words, I would be going against the truth. I only want to firmly believe the truth and inspire other ponies to believe with me. The more ponies that believe, the better off Equestria will be. Someday, you might realize that.” she responded with a soft expression. Her tone suggested that she really did care for Moonlight and want the best for her. She wanted to take away whatever pains were pulling her down so that she could have a chance to live her best life.

However, she also couldn’t help but feel slightly agitated at the next thing Moonlight said. Although Starlight did indeed have pains in her past, she knew better than to bring them up. Reminding herself of them would only cause them to come back. Part of her philosophy was to live in the present, the here and now, and forget whatever plight there used to be. Moonlight may be persistent and strong-willed, Starlight gave her that, but she was unable to break Starlight’s mind. The truth made Starlight strong and resistant to pain, or at least that is what she believed.

“I no longer focus on my pain. It is all in the past. It would do you well to do the same. Holding on to your pain and strife has only caused you great anguish. It has formed these malignant shadows around you. You carry them everywhere, like a set of heavy chains. Wouldn’t you rather lay down your burdens and let go, and be free? Don’t focus on your pain to make you strong, rather, take the good things in life and treasure them.” she said with a small smile. “And you are right—I do know what ails you, but for your sake, I will dwell on it no longer. It is time to move on to greater things!”

The two unicorns soon headed back to the festival where many banners still hung. Moonlight stared at them for an unusually long time. Something about them must have caught her eye. Tentatively, Starlight asked,

“What do you see up there?”

[Loud Opinion 602]

@abrony-mouse 

Pinkie waved with a big smile over at Fuchsia.

Limbo fought her hooves and their rising urge to grab Fuchsia by the scruff and slap some sense into her. It was a losing fight. However, at the last moment, empathy came to trounce her frustrations. It was a sudden shift of perspective. Limbo, for a moment, didn't see Fuchsia. She saw herself, and a bitter nostalgia threatened to lead her tears out of her eyes.

When Fuchsia would look back to Limbo, she did not see the scorn of frustration but a smile of days past.

Snapping back to the present, she processed Fuchsia's question. Fuchsia had no idea how cruel the task she had given her was.

"I would also like to know. I never saw my mother's dreams. This morning was the first time I'd seen her. I shouldn't even recognize her, but, somehow, it's like she was always there."

@ExplosionMare @Starforce

Lyra looks to Moonlight approaching with uneasy eyes. On one hand, she did recognize her, and that familiarity carried some comfort with it, but on the other hoof, she was acting suspiciously. It was all too coincidental to her that Moonlight would meet her one moment, and her friend would suffer from this the next. To complicate her feelings further, a mare she was once adversarial toward was in her company. A strange mare that talked about extreme changes to one's way of life. The pink one had convinced BonBon to speak to her in private. It seemed more likely that she was responsible.

Just to be safe, she gave them both a suspicious look.

[Fuchsia]

@Loud OpinionFuchsia waved back at first, before turning to Limbo with a 'what' expression, only to see the mare give a beatific smile. When she turns back Pinkie has gone. 

"What? I meant did you just see Pinkie totally wave to me!" Fuchsia gushed, forgetting she was meant to be a gritty investigating pony. "What do you mean 'your mothers dreams'" she says uneasily.

Fuchsia experiences a feeling of intense loss and disorientation as the Princesses and the Pink ambassador disappear. Her pony instincts lead her to want to follow the pony paragons, but she is loyal to the mission and Limbo Dreams. She takes a deep breath, and sniffs at Limbo Dreams idly, wondering if she smells of wet sheep  

Fuchsia rubs her hoof into the dirt of Ponyville, wanting to feel the grit of the dirt inside the hard keratin of her hoof. This whole situation gave her the willies.

 

[Loud Opinion 602]

@abrony-mouse

Limbo was silent through the rest of the train ride. She despised simplifying her words. It was soul-crushing and fostered a resentment for pony-kind. Better to let questions hang with her company than to debase her art.

"Ah, there it is," Limbo said, interrupting Fuchsia's asinine pestering.

"I saw a pony in your dreams before you acquired that 'thing' that you so righteously destroyed. She was bright pink and lashed at you with her words. Do you believe she will be a problem at the ranch?"

"My plan was to enter first, and for you to sneak around the back and evacuate the ponies there. I know my mother would never do anything to hurt me, so I'll be relying on you to capitalize on my distraction."

As they exited the train, a cold trepidation washed over her. Would it be so simple?

[Fuchsia]

Fuchsia eventually tired of trying to get the strange pony next to her to explain, almost finding herself missing the loquacious Silver Tongue. Of the minds that had written the research she'd nosed through earlier, she had picked up a cryptic bent among the excited scribbles - that was clearly Limbo Dreams. Also, earlier, she had seen the shadow pass over the mare and then later Limbo's response to the magic of friendship and then again later she was pretty sure she caught the flicker of a hastily removed scowl before a genuine smile. Fuchsia wondered about the desire for ascension and the fight against this mysterious entity - Limbo was clearly linked to it. Whether it really was Limbo's mother or if that was a metaphor she couldn't say, and she gives a little 'hmph' of annoyance that the mare next to her was keeping schtum. She gazes out of the train window at a collection of lumberjack ponies returning with bundles of sticks on their backs. She smiles longingly at them - why couldn't she just carry bundles of sticks about? Clear goal: collect sticks, bundle sticks, place sticks on back, put down stick bundle, repeat. Chop things. Simple. Actually, maybe being a bundle of sticks would be better... 

Fuchsia shakes her head and forces herself to stop thinking about bundles of sticks and instead think about her mission. Fuchsia brooded on the events so far - trying to make sense of what was going on:

1) She had woken up to find Limbo trapped in her dream catcher and Silver Tongue had gone to Golden Oaks.

2) She had skim-read the strange research in the temple. She withdraws her notepad:  'mysteries behind the skin of the earth,' 'seven histories' and 'dreams being linked to the foundations of reality.' She had made a note of a grim line - Limbo viewed immortality as a curse and wanted it for herself.

3) Limbo had talked about other ponies she was helping ascend... or alternatively curse with immortality... who were called *checks notes* 'Moonlight Sparkle' and 'Starlight Glimmer'". 

4) Fuchsia agreed to help and Limbo had gone weird and grim and mentioned bad memories which seemed to be brought about by what she'd seen in the dream catcher. Her 'mother' presumably, but Limbo had been too hurt to talk about what was bothering her.

5) Fuchsia thinks over the memorable trot to the train station. Limbo had seemed like she hadn't been outside in years! Limbo said that she would use the magic of friendship to defeat their foe and had seemed happy.

6) Then they were waiting for the train. Twilight had appeared and Limbo had shied away from her and wanted her to lay low for some reason. Maybe due to Limbo's views on immortality? Limbo seemed to react quite strongly to the presence of the princess and ambassadors, although Fuchsia had been a bit too carried away to focus on Limbo's reaction too closely. 

7) After the famous company departed Limbo had described her 'mother' in strange terms. She didn't know her but she was always there? And she hadn't seen her dreams even though she was able to see most ponies' dreams. What was her mother!? Why was her/it so dangerous that it threatened other ponies at the ranch, and even a powerful pony like Mr Phantom? Or maybe it was the wrong question to ask what Limbo's mother is? Maybe her mother used to be a normal pony but had become something else? Maybe If so, maybe Limbo thought she could change her mother back with the magic of friendship?  

All the way to the Talomeno Fuchsia mused and scribbled in her notepad. As they drew into the station Fuchsia's pink lips had taken on a grey sheen from the lead of her pencil. 

Fuchsia decided to give another go at getting answers to her questions but Limbo was still having none of it. Instead she asked about Strawberry. "Ugh I'd forgotten about her..." she moans,  "She's not as bad as in my dreams really... she can't really brainwash ponies or make them hideous..." Fuchsia shivers, recalling the nightmare, "she was just a bully and the one thing that spoiled the Talomeno for me. I shouldn't have let her get to me." she pauses. "She was never far from Phantom though, so if she's there she'll know where he is." Fuchsia adds bitterly, why do some nice stallions like bitches like Strawberry anyway?   

Fuchsia nods agreeably as Limbo explains the plan of attack, but when Limbo finishes her explanation her expression shifts to a much more serious one and her arms shoot out suddenly, holding the other mare in place with surprising strength. "Fine. I swear on my suns I'll help you. But first you tell me what your mother is. I know it hurts to think about... but I can't help you or these other ponies if you don't trust me with your secrets." her large lilac eyes stare into Limbo's, looking for shadows. The effect is a little spoiled by Fuchsia's lead pencil 'lip-stick'   

 

[Starlight Glimmer]

@Starforce @Loud Opinion

Starlight met Moonlight’s gaze with a stern expression. How could she say that Starlight was manipulating her, or that she could not be trusted? Starlight had done nothing but be friendly and truthful thus far. Everything she was offering Moonlight was in her best interests. One day, she would have to realize this. This behavior reminded Starlight of how a foal would behave when a parent told them what to do. The foal may not believe it’s the right thing for them, but with growth and maturation, they will come to realize that their parent was simply looking after them.

Starlight would have to continue approaching this matter gently. She had to find new words that wouldn’t upset Moonlight while also holding firm to the truth.

“Moonlight, I understand your concerns, but believe me when I say I wish you absolutely no harm,” Starlight began in a gentle voice. “I would never wish anything bad upon you, or anypony for that matter.”

She was unable to say much else before Moonlight put a halt to their conversation. She practically dragged Starlight to their next destination. Starlight followed but kept a neutral expression. There, the two unicorns saw a very peculiar sight. Bon Bon was missing her mouth! How this came into occurrence, Starlight was unsure. She just hoped she was able to help.

“While I do not know what could cause a pony to lose their mouth, I do want to assist if I am able. Is there anything I can do as a friend to help?” she offered politely.

[Starlight Glimmer]

@Starforce @Loud Opinion

Starlight noticed a slight shift in Moonlight’s expression. It looked troubled. She was unsure what was wrong, or how to help. She sighed to herself. It was like no matter what she did, Moonlight only descended further into her own sorrow and madness. This wasn’t how Equality was supposed to work. The pony was supposed to be reluctant at first, maybe even curious, then soon come to realize they were wrong and Starlight was right. Equality was the only thing that allowed ponies to truly live. Starlight had heard of things such as “love” and “hope” giving ponies life, but what point did they have if they always caused so much pain on the journey towards happiness?

Starlight didn’t understand what Moonlight was so afraid of. She would never try to hurt her. She was trying to save her from all the pain in her past and present. That was all she wanted for anypony. Starlight wished Moonlight could see it that way. It killed her not to be able to just take her to the Village to see how happy and content the followers of Equality really were. All she could do right now was influence the ponies around her and have Moonlight learn by example. That relied on ponies actually accepting the philosophy, however.

She took a moment to think about the strange powers she inherited on her journey. No, her powers must have been inside of her all along! They felt like a part of her despite how new they were. She wished more than anything that her heartbeat would match Moonlight’s. She wanted the mare to see that she truly did care and would never wish anything bad upon her, no matter how many times they have fought.

Moonlight spoke to Lyra for a moment then turned to Starlight again. She immediately suspected her of stealing a pony’s mouth. Quite rude, but not atypical of Moonlight to say. Fighting the urge to roll her eyes, Starlight plainly responded,

“I have not done much in the town thus far. I have simply been observing and then spending time with you,”

[Loud Opinion 602]

@ExplosionMare@Starforce

Starlight's vision was assaulted by an intense rise in brightness. It was not enough to be blinding, but her eyes squinted automatically. 

Starlight's heartbeat felt weak. It was as though any 'thump' could be her last. Yet, it never ceased. Her rhythm could not be trusted, but it delivered all the same.

BonBon looked like she wanted to say something. Lyra noticed and looked at Starlight with frustration. "Something must have happened! Ponies don't just lose their mouth for no reason!"

Deep in Moonlight's mind, a phrase resonated "Dead mares tell no tales."

@abrony-mouse

A conflict could be seen in those striking red eyes: A paradox of shame and pride occupying the same memory.

Pride won the fight, as it often does. She scanned the sparse train before speaking in a hushed tone, "My mother's name is Limbo Pass. More importantly, my mother is a monster. We were separated before I could see her face, but I recognized her this morning. Don't ask me how."

"A single tooth could split you in half. She moves like a streak of lightning: unpredictable, targeted, and too fast for father time."

"Equestria at large will stop her eventually. I can't correct her. This is the reality of the situation. The best we can do is distance ourselves until the inevitable happens."