Galaxy led me to a particular part of the cemetery where the fire of the tombs glowed with a tint of green. "Here lies the cult of heretics known as the Big Brothers", she said. "They falsely believed that popularity and athletic ability could triumph the magic of friendship. They were led by a leader named Chief. He was generally a pretty nice guy. He just grew up in the wrong environment and as a result, was quite wrongheaded about all sorts of things."
"So", I asked. "Can the shades in the tombs speak?"
"You will find that out for yourself sometime soon", replied Galaxy.
Almost as if on cue, a pony stood up from a tomb on my right and spoke. "Human, state your name and profession?" it snapped.
"I know not what I am now" I replied, "But previously I was a thief and a criminal."
"Ah, then sure you must know me then", she said, "For you are of my kind." Seeing my hesitation to answer, she asked, "Do you not recognize me?"
"I do now Masquerade", I said, "Sorry, but I'm a bit slow with names."
Suddenly, another pony stood up from the tomb next to him. The flame from the tomb glowed with a tinge of grey.
"Hey, you", gasped the pony, "Is that my daughter beside you? Pinkie…PINKIE! Can you hear me?"
"Oh, hey Igneous Rock!" I said, "No, that's not her beside me. Sorry, I don't know where Pinkie is. I think she's fine though."
"Why isn't she with you then?", moaned Igneous.
"I dunno", I said, "Maybe she hugged Rainbow Dash a few too many times."
It was meant to be a joke, but apparently not one that the old pony got. Assuming that something horrible had happened to Pinkie, he collapsed once more into his tomb."
"So, what's being a criminal in the human world like?" asked Masquerade.
"Oh, you know", I said, "It sucks. But then again I really didn't have too much of a choice."
"Really?", asked Masquerade, "You stole because you needed to? That's pathetic! Stealing is fun. Why don't you enjoy it?"
"Because it's just wrong", I said, "And plus, it doesn't make too much money anyways. If I do it too often, I risk getting caught."
Masquerade rolled her eyes. "Whatever", she said, "If you say so. Just keep you skills in shape. You'll need them again later on."
"Wait, huh? How would you know?" I asked.
"Oh, we shades do have that ability", she replied back with a smirk, "It's really annoying because we have no idea what's going on in the present and thus, our glimpses of the future rarely make any sense. Oh, speaking of the present, how's Ponyland?"
"Uhhhhh, it's Equestria now" I said.
"Oh, that happened already? Well never mind then."
"Hey, can you tell Igneous Rock that Pinkie's still alive?", I asked her.
"Yeah, sure." She said, "Aaaaaand, it looks like my time is up with you."
"Well, in that case, goodbye", I said. "Wait, one more thing. Who else is in there with you?" I asked, suddenly curious.
"Uh, let's see", she said peering down, "Princess Serena, Mimic, and a bunch of other ponies that drive me crazy sometimes. Well, that's it for me." As she finished her words, she collapsed down once more into the tomb.
"Well then," said Galaxy, "We'd better get going now. Hey, why do you look all sad?"
"Masquerade said that I'd have to use the skills I learned as a thief again", I replied, "Does that mean I'm coming on this journey for nothing?"
Galaxy laughed. "No, don't worry about it. When we get out of this place, that sky-colored friend of yours will explain everything. But for now, let's keep focused so we can get their faster."