She strode slowly but purposefully through the damp forest. It was cold and the sky was gray. Acolyte Darkmare was draped in a hooded cowl to keep out the light drizzle coming down. More of a mist, really. It wasn't cold enough to snow, which meant the ground was soggy. All the better. Most ponies would be inside next to a warm fire. If Darkmare could complete her task without anyone knowing then she wouldn't have to explain how she had come across what she was, hopefully, about to find soon.
She was old. Not feeble, but well beyond colt-bearing years. The Cult of Smooze demanded total devotion from its servants. Darkmare as totally devoted, having achieved rank of Inner Acolyte. She was humbled and grateful to have been chosen for this important mission. Lord Smooze would be pleased with her.
There, beyond the trees, was a patch of yellow amongst the gray. A young, yellow, shivering, dirty filly. She was covered in fire ants. She was a pathetic mess, yet she did not cry. Next to her was a message written in blood. It said, "I dare you to love again." In one hoof she held a hatched, and she had a length of rope around her neck.
Darkmare took in the scene. The bodies of wolves were scattered about. Presumably the blood had come from them. Except the wolves were mechanical. All according to ritual, realized Darkmare. Yes, this was exactly what she was looking for. "Hello, young one," she croaked, barely above a whisper. "What is your name?"
The yellow filly looked up at this pony she had never seen before. She was not scared or surprised, just...tired, as if she had given up the will to resist anything any more. Darkmare pulled a blanket from her pack and wrapped the filly in it.
A female, Darkmare realized. She couldn't tell at first due to the filthy condition the youngster was in. And what's this? A pegasus! Ah, she truly is a blessed one. Yes, the filly had wings. The fact that she hadn't flown to someplace more hospitable meant she was totally lost, confused, or exhausted. Probably all of the above.
"Come with me, young one. You have a future to create." Darkmare held her close. "Do you speak, little filly?" The filly stared at Darkmare but said nothing. "You are a little flutter shy, aren't you?" She turned around to go back the way she had come. The day was late and the sky was getting dark. The drizzle had turned into a light snow.
By the time Darkmare reached the cave, the sun had set and her filly had fallen asleep. The cave was hidden behind bushes, deep in the forest. The followers of Smooze were not treated well in Equestria. The cult operated underground, literally. In many ways the followers were treated even worse than worshipers of Molestia. Molestia was seen as a necessary evil in the world. The darkness that made the light necessary. But Smooze was an abomination. Its followers believed that it would return during a solar eclipse if they were worthy. The prophecy foretold that a half dragon pony would lead the world into a new age.
But like many prophecies, the followers took an active part in trying to help it along. Thus, they had paid a dragon to "seduce" a mare so that she would give birth to the bastard filly that was promised in the legends. The followers kept close watch on the mare. When the filly was born, it was given to the dragon, who abandoned it in the woods, whence Acolyte Darkmare retrieved it.
And then the training began. The filly was raised in the Cult of Smooze. She was taught the animal sacrifices, the myths, the rituals, and she was groomed to some day become cult leader. After four years of training she reached the rank of Outer Acolyte and was sent into the world. There, she would spread the word of Smooze.
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It was spring in Ponyville. The sun warmed the backs of honest ponies going about their business. One pony in particular was so worried about her shop that she didn't notice a shy, yellow pony who had stepped in front of her.
"Oof," said Rarity. "Why don't you watch where I'm going? You almost rumpled by hat. Say, I haven't seen you around here before? What is your name, anyway?"
The yellow pony stared at the ground.
"Humpf. Some ponies have all the nerve." Rarity put her nose in the air, stepped around the stranger, and trotted off.
"Fum...sh..." said the stranger.
Rarity stopped, turned around, and in a haughty tone said, "Excuse me?"
"Fluttershum..."said the yellow pony in a tone so low that Rarity could barely hear her.
"If you have something to say to me, then say it." Rarity waited impatiently for the apology she was expecting.
"...My name is...Fluttershy." Said the odd little pony. "I'm sorry," she squeaked out.
"Hm. Well, that's more like it." Rarity turned to go, but Fluttershy spoke again.
"Um, that's a nice hat."
Rarity's demeanor changed immediately. "Yes, it is grand. Why don't you stop by my shop later and we'll see what we can do about your fashion." She looked Fluttershy up and down. " Just ask for Rarity. I shouldn't be hard to find since I'm the only one who works there. Well, until then." She turned to leave.
Fluttershy watched her new acquaintance trot away. She decided she didn't really need a friend, but a new follower of Smooze was just what she needed. She definitely would stop by Rarity's shop later.
Ponyville, that was where he found himself today. Special Inspector Sherclop Pones had traveled across Equestria on his investigation into the Cult of Smooze. It was four years ago that he had come across a report about a suspected ritual site that had been found in the woods outside of Ponyville. He had investigated it at the time but could find no good leads. The report said the police had found robotic bodies of wolves as well as the cryptic message "I dare you to love again." Pones was certain it was done by the Smooze cult, as animal sacrifice was part of their rituals.
Unfortunately, the local police were too incompetent, in Pones's opinion, to track down the perpetrators. By the time Pones had gotten there, the trail was as cold as the weather. Now, Pones was back, following a rumor that the name Smooze had come up in hushed tones as of late.
As Special Inspector, Pones had the authority to demand entry and search of any property. Normally, Equestrian law required a warrant, but the the Cult of Smooze was considered so dangerous that it had to be stopped at any cost. He also had unlimited funds and the ability to requisition any equipment or pony power he needed.
He looked at the directions he had written on a piece of paper. A kilometer or so outside of town there was a primitive looking hut. The hut was adorned with dried gourds, colorful feathers, crystals, and other similar items. The smell of cooking could be sensed from meters away. This must be the home of the strange pony he was looking for.
Pones was about to knock on the door, but before he could someone from inside called to him, "Come in." He paused, then slowly pushed the door open. In the center of the hut there was a large cauldron suspended above a fire. There was something with a spicy smell bubbling in it. Sitting at a table, with her back to the door, was a zebra. She stood and turned to address her guest. "What brings you here, Inspector?"
Sherclop knew not to let someone catch him off guard. Clearly, this strange mare's knowledge of him was designed to do just that. He took it in stride. "You are Zecora."
"That is correct. I assume that whatever brings an inspector to my hut must be important. Tell me what is happening, Inspector."
"I am Special Inspector Sherclop Pones. And I was hoping you would tell me what is happening." He looked casually around the hut.
Zecora stared at him for a dramatic moment, then spoke the one word Pones was wanting to hear, "Smooze." He waited for her to continue. "Believe me, Inspector, I will tell you everything I know about them, but I doubt it is any more than what you already know."
"Are you a member of the Cult of Smooze?" he asked point blank.
"No. Smooze is an abomination to nature. A twisted perversion of religion. The cult sacrifices animals, while I love nature."
Pones started slowly walking around the hut, looking at the various objects. "Have you had any dealings with the cult, Zecora?"
"None, Inspector. To my knowledge, I have never met a cult member. Of course, ponies don't advertise their affiliation. But there has been talk."
"Tell me," Pones said.
Zecora shrugged. "Not much to tell. People ask me about the cult. They say cult members roam the forests at night, sacrificing small animals. Are these stories to frighten children? Rumor has it that ponies have seen draped figures that disappear before their eyes."
"Who says this? Can you give me names?"
Zecora shook her head. "I've never heard this directly from any pony who has claimed to have seen it. It is always second or third hoof information. Still, I can sense evil in these woods sometimes."
Pones considered this. "Any ideas as to where ponies have seen these figures?"
"I would guess to the north, where the forest gets thick. If I were part of the cult, that is where I would hide. But I wouldn't go there alone, if I were you, Inspector."
"I appreciate your concern for my well being, but I can handle myself. Tell me, how long have you lived here, in Ponyville?"
Zecora sat back down and began flipping through her book. "Two years."
"So you know nothing of the Smooze sacrifice that was found here four years ago?" He asked.
"I had heard of it. As I said, you probably know more than I do."
"Zecora," Pones said slowly, "I would hope that no one interprets what you do as Smooze worship."
Zecora looked at him with narrowed eyes. "My activities are traditional for my culture. You do not need to threaten me, Inspector. I hate the Smooze more than anyone else. Believe me again, if I knew anything more, I would tell you." She stood, "But, the fact that you are here indicates that the cult is spreading. I will be doing my own part to stop this cult."
Pones turned to her. "Don't put yourself in danger, Zecora. Let me handle this."
"Don't worry about me, Inspector. It seems to me that you will need all the help you can get. But don't worry, I won't mention your name to anyone. I will take on this problem myself."
The Inspector nodded. "Very well then. If you learn anything, I'm sure you can find me. Good day." He left with more information than he had come, but it still wasn't much.
Fluttershy arrived early at Rarity's shop. In fact, she was the first customer of the day. A bell rang as she entered. The shop was quiet and Rarity was no where in site. Fluttershy took a look around at the the various displays. There were dummies with dresses, crystal studded shoes, scarves, and hats. Big hats. Fluttershy examined a gaudy purple dress hanging on the wall. Why any pony would want to attract that much attention to herself, she would never know.
"Ah, Fluttershy!" the voice startled Fluttershy. Rarity came out of the back room. "I am ever so glad you could come by." She stopped and looked Fluttershy up and down. "And not a moment too soon. Come, I have some hats that would look just perfect on you."
Fluttershy followed Rarity to a set of mirrors. Rarity went to the back room and returned with a hoof load of boxes, stacked higher than her field of vision. She deposited the boxes on the floor and started digging through their contents, muttering an occasional "ah" or "hm, not quite." Finally she emerged from the pile of clothing with a blue blouse and matching scarf and, of course, giant hat.
"This would look stunning on you," she said, and began fitting Fluttershy.
For her part, Fluttershy was quiet as Rarity took measurements and held up various garments. This went on for about five minutes before Fluttershy finally spoke. "Um, Rarity?"
"Yesh?" Rarity mumbled through the pins in her teeth.
"I'm new here, and, um, I don't know any pony yet. Can we talk?"
Rarity took the pins from her teeth. "Sure, dear, we'll be the best of friends. We can discuss anything. Now, where is that thread..."
Fluttershy had the feeling that Rarity was only half listening to her. That was alright because Fluttershy was only half talking. "Rarity, do you ever feel alone?"
"Hm? No, don't be silly. There are lots of ponies in Ponyville."
"No, I mean, do you ever feel like you don't fit in. Like you don't belong."
Rarity stopped and looked at Fluttershy. Fluttershy returned the look. There was something about her eyes, thought Rarity. It was as if those eyes had seen things that no pony should ever see. Even though Fluttershy spoke very softly, Rarity held onto every word.
"Sometimes," Fluttershy went on, "you believe things about this world because you've been told they were true. Then one day you find out that things aren't like what you've been told, and you begin to question everything. You even question your own existence and self worth. Everything around you seems like a lie, like every pony is plotting against you. You pass them in the street and they smile, but you know that as soon as they turn the corner they laugh at you."
Rarity couldn't help herself, she was hypnotized by what Fluttershy was saying. Something about her statements just made sense. "Sometimes, I feel like ponies don't appreciate me. They don't know what I have to offer."
"Yes," said Fluttershy in a sympathetic tone, "ponies don't realize your true potential. They don't deserve your presence. Even the Princess of Equestria should humble herself before you."
Rarity blinked in surprise, as if coming out of a trance. "Wha...what are you saying? Your words are so strange."
Fluttershy leaned in closer, almost nose to nose with Rarity. "I'm opening a health spa. I want you to come by when it opens. Have an Elmer's bath. There are things I want to tell you." She looked up as if suddenly realizing she was late for something. "Um, I should go. Thank you for the dress. Can you finish it and just deliver it when you come to my spa?"
Rarity nodded absently. "Uh, sure. I'll have it ready in a couple days."
"Thanks," Fluttershy said as she left the shop.
Rarity shook her head to clear it. That was weird, she thought. She set to work on finishing the dress.
Zecora was disturbed by the increasing Smooze activity. She was believing more and more that the stories that were circulating were more true than exaggeration. When she had communed with nature lately, she could feel something amiss. It was as if the woods were sick. She put on her dark cloak, attached a water container to her belt, and walked around the woods to find the right spot. Her instincts, not surprisingly, drew her to the north, where few ponies trekked. She new the cult operated out of these woods. She would wait for them each night until something happened.
It was a few days before Rarity decided to try Fluttershy's new spa. Fluttershy's words had rattled around Rarity's head the entire time, distracting her, keeping her up at night. But she couldn't quite put her hoof on what was so profound about them.
It really shouldn't have bothered her so much. But she got to the point where she had to talk to Fluttershy again. After all, she had to deliver the dress anyway. The spa was in a newly renovated building near the edge of town. It looked nice, classy, but not presumptuous. Just how Rarity would have designed it.
There was a waiting room with a couch, table, and reception desk. There was a young mare behind the desk who smiled at her vapidly as she came in. Rarity approached the desk, "Oh, do I need an appointment?"
The receptionist grinned and shook her head, but didn't say anything. Rarity was about to ask to see Fluttershy when the yellow pony herself entered the room from a door on the other side. "Ah, there you are," said Rarity. "I have your dress for you."
Fluttershy barely looked up. "Um, thanks." She glanced at her assistant, who immediately came out from behind the desk and took the dress that Rarity had draped over her back. The assistant then took the dress to a back room, leaving Fluttershy and Rarity alone together.
"Follow me, please," Fluttershy said. She then headed back the way she had come. Rarity followed her. Down a hall there was a door that entered into a large room. The room was tiled, had two large windows, and two small pools of mud in the floor.
Rarity never had a mud bath before, but she had heard they were good for a pony's hide. The assistant that had been at the reception desk was also here, ready to wait on the spa guest.
Fluttershy went to the assistant and turned so her back was to her. The assistant went to a basket that was sitting on a table. From it she retrieved some kind of long plant. She then began to wrap the plant around Fluttershy.
"Ah, I see," said Rarity. "Good for the skin?" Fluttershy nodded. When the assistant was done with Fluttershy, she looked at Rarity. Rarity went to her so that she too could be wrapped in the therapeutic plant. To Rarity's surprise, the plant had been kept warm, and was actually quit comfortable.
When she was wrapped, Fluttershy walked her to the mud pools, and each of them slipped into a pool. The assistant then left them again. The two ponies relaxed in the pool for several minutes. Rarity noticed a faint smell of incense, figuring the assistant had lit some before she left. The entire experience lulled her into a relaxed state. The silence was finally broken by Fluttershy.
"The Elmer's bath relaxes the mind as well as the body."
Rarity murmured her agreement.
"A clear mind is something to be cherished," Fluttershy continued. "If our minds are not clear and free, then we cannot be free ourselves. The material trappings of this world enslave us." It was right out of the cult propaganda. When she said it, however, it just made sense. "Likewise, when a pony's mind is cluttered with uncertainties, her mind cannot be free. Do you understand, Rarity?"
Rarity tried to process the words, but she was in no mood for deep philosophy. Perhaps there was something in the incense that was relaxing her mind, while the mud bath relaxed her body. "You're saying that you can be confused sometimes?"
"We are all confused. We accept everything we see as fact. But how do we know? We are told that some knowledge is forbidden. But why should that be so? Why can't all knowledge be open, for any pony to accept or reject by her own free will?"
"What knowledge is forbidden?" asked Rarity.
Fluttershy paused before she answered. "Occult knowledge." This caused Rarity to turn a surprised eye in Fluttershy's direction. "Occult merely means hidden. Seekers of hidden knowledge are called a cult. But this label is wrong. What is wrong with seeking knowledge?"
"Nothing, I supposed," Rarity conceded.
"Then wouldn't you also agree that if a pony had found forbidden knowledge, then this pony should share it with others?"
"I supposed," Rarity said again. "What knowledge are you talking about, Fluttershy?"
Fluttershy looked at Rarity. "Have you ever heard of Smooze?"
Rarity felt a chill run down her spine, despite the warm bath. "Yes, I believe I've heard of it." Of course she'd heard of it. Every pony in Equestria had been taught to watch out for the Cult of Smooze. But honestly, Rarity didn't know much about it.
"Smooze is about seeking out all knowledge and spreading it across the world. It is about not accepting what is presented to us just for the sake of accepting. It is about making a better world, a world free from arbitrary decrees given from self-appointed leaders who sit in castles, while every other pony toils away in a cruel world."
"But the cult is forbidden," rasped Rarity.
"Why?" was Fluttershy's response. "Do you truly know anything about Smooze? All I ask is for you to gain knowledge, Rarity. I will not force you to do anything. All I ask is that you listen. Will you do that for me, Rarity?"
Rarity could find no good reason to disagree. "Knowledge, yes. I suppose it would only be fair that I listen to what you have to say."
A smile slowly worked its way across Fluttershy's face. "Thank you," she said. She then told Rarity all about Smooze.