Chapter 25: Family Man

Author Notes:

Holy freakazoid this is a long chapter. I never expected to type this much again, but hey more story telling for all to enjoy. Sadly, the main action won't happen till next chapter, but hey you'll get more bits of story and more detail of a certain liar character. But, I'm saying too much as it is so why don't you start reading and enjoy the ride. Also don't forget to tell me what you think of the chapter and the story overall. Again enjoy!

Useless fact of the day: This nearly took me an entire month to finish…

/

04/18

Time has passed since the prevention of the bombing. Since then, we with the addition of Joseph have stopped the destructive ambitions of that serpent that is disguised as an official in our town. As of now mother is now thirteen years old with Joseph being only one year older than her. I seen him attempt to closer to her, but mother is a bit dense. Anyway we continued our crusade; thwarting that vile monster's plans as soon as he set them up. During all of this I felt my own powers grow; furthermore, I discovered more new abilities I never knew I had. Recently, I was able to create an illusion of mother's sandwich after I grew hungry and decided to eat it. When the sudden realization hit me I accidently created another one; at least that's what I thought. However, when mother tried to eat it; the ruse was discovered and I had to sit in the corner for ten minutes. I have practiced with this power with limited success, but I manage to 'create' a box that was actually physical and was almost real, for a limited time though. It got me thinking; could I actually create something out of nothing? Not an illusion, but an actual object or living being. It's a scary thought, but at the same time it feels familiar to me. I find this confusing because mother never imagined me with such powers. Is this the power of being born? Is my strength only going to get stronger from here on out? I must investigate this further and practice these powers, for a new ability means nothing if I can't use it.

04/24

I never thought something like this would happen. Apparently, on one of our excursions to stop another of that twisted serpent's plans we ran into a couple of creatures we presume must be working for him. We fought the hardest as we can, but we soon found ourselves backed into a corner. All seem lost until by some will of Machina a miracle happened; mother created a sword out of nowhere. It wasn't any normal sword the designs on it are purely unnatural as if it was created from a dream. The blade glowed with a blissful light blue glow as if driven by instinct she struck down the creatures one by one. Inspired, I followed her into combat once more this time creating a sword purely out of nothing through my own personal training. My sword was not as extravagant as mothers, but it was all I could conjure up in a situation like this. With grace and surprisingly good form we slew the beast till there we're none left. Mother was astonished at our powers and decided that we shall become super heroes, but we needed costumes. She told me not to worry and said that she will make them from scratch. I was curious on how and when we got back home she shown me a sewing machine. She said that this machine is what will help make this possible. She also said that she has a idea on what the costumes will be like, but it will take some time and collaboration on my end to help make this possible. To be honest I hope I don't look too ridiculous.

05/05

It seems the planning stage is finished. Mother, along with me included finally decided on what the costumes would look like. It seems to be a mix of good old fashion armor mixed in with one of those super hero shows where there are a team of heroes that pose with the background exploding, ride in giant robots that fight villains that were once small now grown to gigantic proportion, and stow away in some sort of secret base. With the plans finalized all we needed to do is to gather materials, make a base of operations, and find a name to call ourselves. The rest of the day we spent on a wild goose chase on fetching the materials mother had written down on a piece of paper. We had to find leather, wool, silk, steel shoulder pads, steel kneepads, steel helmets and some bunches magical string. It wasn't easy, but we managed to acquire them all. We hid the materials in a shed, so grandfather and grandmother don't get suspicious. I'm actually surprised how much I like this idea.

05/10

It was a long difficult process, but mother managed to do it. She managed to create the costumes almost flawlessly. She told me it was because of grandmother's lessons that she even knows how to sew. I became enamored by the idea of being able to sew my own clothing, but I also have other interests I'm enamored by as well. Anyway, staying on topic if there were any problems with the costumes it would be that they are a bit a weird looking with the helmets since we did appropriated them from a nearby armory and they were the classic knight helmets, so they were kinda heavy. The costume themselves came in three parts first there was the under layer which is basically in layman's terms a body suit that came on like a once piece pajamas. The bodysuits themselves are colored differently. I was given a blue color while mother's is red; she said red is the color of the leader which she is. The gloves, boots, and chest piece came on afterwards; being made of black leather they can easily match the colors we have on the bodysuits. After that came the steel pads which to my surprise their sliver sheen gave it a surprisingly clean look. Lastly came the helmets which we tried are best to find the lightest helmet, but what we found would have to do. We tried the outfits on and surprisingly they fit easily on our bodies, we checked ourselves in the mirror and gave each other a look that said 'it's not perfect, but it will work.' Although in my opinion, we should find better helmets.

05/14

Well we definitely left an impression on the people of our town. Not the reactions we wanted, but mother said that starting heroes are viewed as such. I would figure, during this time and age people would glad to have heroes, but I guess the people are very indecisive in what they want. Anyway, I'm writing this from our base of operations which happens to be a cave deep in the woods. Since we lack any actual tech as seen on the shows; I decided this would be great practice in my power over nothing. It took some effort, but I managed to make our base of operations an actual hero base. You wouldn't believe the look on mother's face when I made all gadgets and tech we need. It almost resembles ones from the show; however, I felt my body grow tired from using such ability in a large scale. Mother of course grew worried for my health and told me I should rest. Honestly, I should at least do that instead of writing this entry, but I felt a need to record something. There is something I made a note of as I used these creation powers; I seem to get less and less drained each time I used them, but why? I guess I shouldn't complain, because at this rate I'll be able to create a giant mech for us to drive in and maybe I can help spruce up these costumes a bit. I hope mother doesn't mind, but we need to look are best as heroes. That reminds me; I should practice my magical skills and combat abilities. I noticed that I used tonfas better than a sword, so I should practice with those more. That serpent will have to watch out for the birth of the new and improved Dream Warriors!

05/20

So, there is more of my kind running around in our town, and they have invited my mother, Joseph and me to meet with them in the Dream Realm. They called themselves dream fairies and they are part of a group called the Dream Society. Their purpose is to protect the waking realm from nightmares who wish to plunge the world into everlasting night. They claim that we have a common enemy and said we should work together. I can understand why they would ask mother and me, but I don't quite understand why they would like Joseph to come along as well. He never really had shown abilities that are similar to mother or my own. I find this very complex and strange, but I guess I shouldn't sell him short; he is a friend of mother after all. I'm now curious what would happen from here on out, but as my thoughts gather together so do these fragments of memory I been having, It happens when I sleep, but as far as I can tell these memories feel foreign yet familiar. I should ask mother about this when there is time.

/

Location: Panic's Quarters

Time: 2:35 P.M

"So, doc…how's she doing?" asked Panic.

"Well…she has suffered light burns to right side of her face and other parts of her body. In addition to having inhaled a lot of smoke and ash, she seems to have recently suffered a mental breakdown." Paranoia then looked to his brother and stared at him.

"Um…why are you looking at me like that?"

"Did you do this?" he asked sternly.

"Hell no, I heard shouting coming from my incinerator as it counted down. Geez, she's lucky that I even have the keys."

"So…you have no idea how she got into your living space?"

"Honestly, I think the she found some sort makeshift secret entrance thanks to this freakin nightmare of mansion."

"I see…"

"So bro…is she going to make it?"

Paranoia went silent; this made Panic worry in his mind. He hates it when his brother does this it always leaves him on edge; curious on what he is going to say.

"Dude, say something"

…

"C'mon you arse this isn't funny!"

Paranoia stood up from besides Panic's bed that he is currently loaning to Applejack. His clothes blood red grew dark signifying that he is about to melt into the shadows.

"Oi! Spit it out already bird brain!"

"Let's just say…be glad that you brought her to my attention as soon as you did"

"What?!"

Saying nothing else he melted into the shadows leaving Panic alone with Applejack. Panic gave out a frustrated sigh as he sat near Applejack on the bed.

"So she's going to live…why you didn't just say it asshole…" Panic looked at the sleeping figure of mare as he examined the damages. Applejack now had some bandages covering a part of her chest area basically covering her breasts, parts of her right shoulder, her forearms, thighs and the right side of her face. "Heh, if it wasn't for the fact that your body is somewhat burnt. I would be totally staring a lot more than I should be."

Panic looked to nearby chair and gazed rather dully at the burnt pile of clothes that had to be taken off when Paranoia was treating her burns. Her jeans, her red flannel shirt, her bra, and her hat just lay there pathetically. By this point Applejack is wearing nothing, but her underwear.

…

"If you guys and gals think I'm going to cut it to a short intermission you have another thing coming." Panic then looked around the room before looking into space again. "And if you ask why it's because I don't feel like it right now." Sighing at the lack of people to ask who he is talking to Panic resumed staring at Applejack who now seems to be having a nightmare. "Aww…how precious; she's having a nightmare. Yeah that can happen when you sleep in the Nightmare Realm/World 'depending on who you ask'"

The nightmare grew worse, for she began to move around the bed with a pained look on her face. "Yikes, it's starting to look bad. Uh…what do I do a time like this?" While thinking Panic took another shameless peek at Applejack as more of her body is exposed from the blanket being shifted by her movements. "Well that obviously didn't solve anything. C'mon brain think, think!" After a brief moment of thinking a light bulb appeared above his head as he brought up a nearby chair and started whistling the tune of 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.' His whistling is strangely calm and soothing. He kept whistling until Applejack calmed down and went back into a peaceful slumber. Hopping off his chair he fixed the blanket back onto Applejack's half naked body all the while chuckling to himself, "Hey fraulein, if that nightmare freaked you out you should see yourself right now; it hilarious."

*Knock, knock*

Hearing the knocking on his door Panic called out to the door, "Come in!" Getting confirmation the door opened and what walked inside are two girls who are equal in size; with one wearing a red harlequin outfit while the other is wearing a black maid outfit.

"Girls! What brings you two here? The show doesn't start the next ten minutes."

"Daddy, we wanted to check on pony you found in the incinerator."

"Mostly, to see if she made it or not."

"Aw…you girls." Panic then looked back to Applejack and spoke to her unconscious body not expecting an answer, "Yah hear that? My little girls are worried about you; even though you never met. Ain't that grand?"

"Can we see her daddy?"

"Yes father, I would too like see this mare."

"Now, now girls she's going to need her rest. Besides, I don't think she's ready to meet you two yet; I want it to be a surprise."

"So, who is she daddy?"

"Ah, she's one of our challengers who are trying to win their friend back. I went easy on her and a friend of hers on the first challenge."

"So, is that's why Carl came back all dented? You let them win?"

"Girls, a good performer does not use their best tricks until the right moment comes; she and her friends have yet to see all the tricks I have to offer."

"So you're luring them to a false sense of security; impressive father."

"Yeah! That's our daddy!"

"Ah…c'mon, you're going to make me blush." Panic then chuckled lightly; he enjoyed spending time with these two especially since they are both his daughters and he will love them for as long as he can.

"You know daddy, if she wasn't wearing those bandages over her face I would say she's very pretty."

"Heh, pretty wouldn't be the word I would use, but she's a tough gal I'll give her that much."

"Then what word would you use father?"

Panic looked back to Applejack and thought back how she looked physically. Tough, well built, and still hot; better still she's the bearer of the element of honesty something he considers a plus, for she in his eyes a warrior of truth like himself. However, she took a different path then he did and that's what intrigues him. He thought back when he antagonized her about being the bearer of honesty and calling it a fat lie. He felt a slight tinge of regret of saying that, but it's what he does for both a living and for fun. However, during the great length of his career he never felt any regret tormenting and angering his prey, but she was different. Maybe it was because they share similar feelings about lying and those who will lie to hurt others, yet they are still so different.

"Father? Your answer?"

"Huh? Oh right…I would use…different…"

"Different?"

"Daddy you're terrible with words."

Panic somewhat offended by the comment walked over to the pile of damaged clothes and gathered them into his arms, "Right…anyway daddy needs to make our guest some new clothes; since most of hers are somewhat destroyed." He then picked up Applejack's signature hat and looked over it; apparently it escaped the worse of the heat, but he took it anyway in order to make some 'improvements' to it. "Daddy's will be busy for the time being, so I want you two to practice you're routine back at the big top; alright?"

"Alright…" the unnamed duo said simultaneously.

"Good, now scurry off; our pony friend will need her rest. She is sleeping in the room of yours truly after all and she may need some time to…'adjust'"

His daughters nodded their heads and ran off through the door with Panic soon following after them while carrying the clothes. Before he left the room he took one last look at Applejack before quietly closing the door; leaving her to sleep while her friends continued to look for her.

Elsewhere…

Rainbow Dash and Rarity gave up on going through the door that took their friend after they couldn't hear her screams anymore. They returned to the woodshop and decided together that they wouldn't leave until they found Applejack. They searched the work place, but found nothing. Moving pass the changing room they found themselves in a hallway with a fork in the road leading into three separate directions. Oddly enough the fork is labeled giving the two mares a choice on where to go. The left direction led to a carnival, straight led to the bedrooms, and the right direction led to a boutique much to Rarity's excitement. The two mares had trouble on deciding where to head, but suddenly they heard footsteps heading in their direction with nowhere to hide they decided to run to the left direction heading towards the carnival not aware that their friend is actually in the direction where the footsteps are coming from.

"Huh? I thought I heard something." Panic said as took a small pause and looked around. "Damn it girls…eh whatever; this cowgirl need some threads and I'm the only varmint in this side of the nightmare realm that can do it!"

/

Location: Big Top (Inside)

Time: 2:45 P.M

Exiting through the door, the duo found themselves inside a large tent surrounded by rows and rows of seats, but what gained their attention was the two people practicing their act together. Rainbow Dash and Rarity hid besides some barrels and watched from afar; hoping to not be noticed by the two nightmares. They both notice that they are wearing the same harlequin and maid outfit they found in the dressing room.

"Alright sis, launch me!" said the harlequin. The maid next to her nodded and placed her hands on the ground with the crimson jester stepping onto them. After a brief pause the maid in an incredible feat of strength launched the harlequin high into the air nearly reaching the top of the tent in less than three minutes all the while performing spins and flips.

"Eh, not bad…" Rainbow Dash quietly said as she watched the spectacle. Despite her natural pride she actually is impressed that the duo is capable of such feats; granted she could easily do better and give these two tips on how do awesome tricks in the air, but as of now she doesn't know if these two are friendly or not.

Heading down thanks to gravity the harlequin dived at a nearby swing hanging near a large pole and grabbed onto it. Using the momentum gained from the fall the harlequin swung through the air halfway before letting go and shooting a large grappling hook out of her sleeve that hooked onto the platform of the other pole and effortlessly threw herself onto it; landing on her feet with a pose.

"HOW DID I DO?" the harlequin yelled due to the height of the platform.

The maid gave a visible sigh before answering, "YOU DID GREAT SISTER! CAN YOU COME DOWN NOW? I NEED TO PRACTICE!" she yelled back not liking the fact she needed to raise her voice.

"GOT IT!" hooking onto the platform once more she rappel her all the way down the pole all way to the ground. Once her feet hit the ground, she pointed to the barrels causing Rainbow Dash and Rarity to freeze in place. "Hey sis, I saw something colorful hiding behind the barrels. I wonder if they're friendly?" Rainbow Dash cursed her colorful mane and looked to Rarity wondering what their options are. They knew they had to think fast, for they heard two sets of feet closing in on their location.

"Gah…what should we do? If we fight then we might attract Panic's attention, if we run we might run into him anyway." explained Rainbow Dash.

Rarity pondered for a moment, to her it seems the only option is to confront them. Hopefully they are friendly as well, "Let's just talk to them, perhaps they aren't as bad as their father"

"*sigh* I sure hope they aren't" The two got up from their hiding spot mildly surprising the harlequin, but the maid look ready to attack at a moment's notice. "Uh…hi?" Rainbow said nervously. With the two daughters of Panic now within close range they can see what they looked like up close. The harlequin sported short violet hair, red eyes, fairly brown skin and some black markings around her eyes and lips completing her clown visage which made it easier for her to stand out thanks to the combination of colors. Her sister on the other hand has much duller color scheme in comparison. Her long hair is almost the dark as night itself with the bangs covering her eyes hiding them from the rest of the world, in addition her skin is pale as if it never seen the light of day. In every way the sisters are opposites of each other in everything but body type, for both physically look fourteen years old.

The harlequin recovered from her initial shock and returns the greeting, "Hi! You must be the other ponies taking my daddy's and uncle's challenge. My name is Tricky and this here is my sister Emily also known by her stage name Iron-E."

Rarity raised a brow upon hearing their names, but remembered who their father is and let it pass, "My…what creative names your father has given you. As of courtesy, my name is Rarity and my colorful friend here is Rainbow Dash. It's a pleasure to meet you both"

"*whistles* aren't you the text book definition of a lady. Sis here says I should at least adopt some rules of being a fair lady, but it really doesn't suit me yah know? I mean I respect people like you, but it ain't me"

"Well I appreciate your honesty about being lady like, but you don't have to worry about acting like a fair maiden Tricky, for true beauty shines even the most unexpected places."

"Huh…right, well what brings you and your friend here? Last time I checked you are not allowed here."

"Believe me when I say we would like to get out of here as soon as we can, but we are looking for a friend of ours; her name is Applejack have either of you seen her?"

Tricky blinked for a few moments before looking at her sister with a nervous expression etched in her face. "Uh…yeah but…"

Rainbow Dash and Rarity furrowed their brows at the answer, "But…what?" asked Rainbow Dash.

"I…uh…well…" Tricky tried to form an answer, but found she was unable to answer for Emily placed her hand over her mouth.

"What my sister is trying to say is that she is our father's bedroom, but what she doesn't want to tell you is that she is was in terrible condition when father found her. So, as of now she is recovering from the incident with the incinerator."

"Incinerator!?" Rainbow Dash and Rarity yelled at the same time.

"It's intriguing to say the least. Just how did she get there? The only way to the incinerator is through a door in the woodshop. This is really puzzling."

Rainbow Dash and Rarity looked at each with surprised looks on their face. The last time they saw their friend was her entering through a door and hearing her screams behind said door before everything went silent. But one question still burns vividly, what was inside that room, and how did it lead to the incinerator?

"Can you take us to her? As her friends we need to see how she's doing." Rainbow Dash said with a concern look on her face.

Tricky stood on one leg and begin to ponder a answer, "I'm not sure…daddy said she needs her rest and no one is allowed in his room except for himself until she gets better."

Rainbow Dash mentally sighed she knew that these two won't let them see Applejack. Being daddy's little girls they will do anything their father tells them. "Well, at least to an extent; Tricky looks to be the mischievous type, so she might be more willing to break the rules, but Emily on the other seems to be a stickler for the rules. Maybe we can convince them somehow?"

"Are sure you can't let see our friend? Like I said before we just want to see if she's okay we won't bother her at all." Rainbow Dash then winked at Rarity, telling her to follow her lead.

Getting the hint Rarity played along "Also did your daddy really say we couldn't come into his room?"

Tricky, returning her raised foot to the ground scratched her head sheepishly "Well…technically he didn't tell us, but…"

"We assume that is what father wanted seeing as he is putting her recovery as top priority. But, I suppose visitors wouldn't hurt. However, we are not responsible for any punishment that would befall either of you." Emily finished.

Rainbow Dash gave a small smile. This is going better than she thought, but if what they say is true, they may have to leave her where she is "So can you take us to her?"

"Not really we need to keep practicing for a new act of ours, but if you want to get to daddy's room just go back the way you came and take a left. You probably saw sign that said bedrooms, so if you see that you're heading in the right direction. Once you reach the end of the hall there are two doors; one is our room while the other is daddy's. You'll know which one is which when you see it." Tricky said in an eerily cheerful tone.

Though a bit off putted by her tone the two ponies flash her a grateful smile and voiced their thanks as they left the two daughters and return to the hallway where they once came.

"You think they will run into daddy?"

"I believe it's a guarantee. Regardless, let's get back to practice shall we?"

"Yeah! I'll set up the burning ring!"

…

Taking the sisters directions Rainbow Dash and Rarity took a left turn in the hall they were in and continued walking that direction. All the while sharing their thoughts on the daughters of Panic.

"They seem nice…as strange as it sounds" Rainbow Dash said as she mulled over her thoughts about the two. "Definitely better than their dad that's for sure."

"They're nice children for sure and they do complement each other very well with their personalities. Although, I do wonder who their mother is. I doubt she will be thrilled with the idea that her children are participating in such dangerous high flying acts." Rarity added.

"I bet it's somebody nearly as crazy as he is. I mean, what kind of person would what to hook up with that?"

"Well the children have seen some sort of discipline, so maybe their mother is an lady of a high caliber or perhaps Panic is an actual good parent?"

Rainbow Dash thought back to her encounters with Panic and the personality he constantly shown gave her doubts, "Somehow I doubt it…"

"Perhaps…"

Getting to the end of the hall they found two doors, one that looked completely normal with nothing remarkable about it and the other that appears to be heavily decorated with paint and a keep out sign taped to the front of it. Seeing the obvious they turned to the normal door and opened it. Entering through the door they were met with a rather fancy looking room. Most of the furniture is colored red with either yellow or black sub colors. The duo raised their brows; they weren't expecting Panic's room to look this well kept and immaculate.

"Huh, I was expecting something more…I don't know…clownish?"

"He certainly has fine taste; just look at all this furniture. I could only imagine how expensive all of this is."

Rainbow Dash actually couldn't care less on the actual amount bits or whatever they use as currency in the Nightmare Realm spent on the room. She's just wanted to find Applejack and hopefully get her out of here. Remembering what the sisters said Rainbow Dash along Rarity gravitated towards the bed. When they got to the bedside they both had to hold their gasps as they saw the current condition their friend is in.

"Oh my…"

Rainbow Dash felt her anger rise; she already knew what happen, but she didn't expect see her friend like this. However, her rage subsided as she heard soft breathing coming from Applejack showing that she is still in a stable condition. Rarity heard the breathing too gave small sigh of relief, "Thank goodness, she still stable…but still I dread to imagine what she may went through."

"Yeah…"

Suddenly, the door they entered through opened and stepping through is Panic himself carrying what would be a pile of clean clothes. Panic stop in his tracks as he saw the two mares; both made eye contact with each other, neither broke away. Rainbow Dash's anger flared up again upon seeing his face; a thought pass her head that she should take her anger out on him. Rarity simply froze in place; not sure what to do. She knew that there wasn't a known way they can fight him, so she hoped they can talk their way out of this situation. Panic on the other hand mentally sighed; to him it seems like the problems keep adding up for him, but he already knew why they are here he simply wants to know how.

Neither spoke a word and stood there; waiting for the other to make a move. Having enough of this silence Panic decided to break the ice by speaking first, "So…how did you two get here?" he asked.

"Wouldn't you like to know?" Rainbow Dash answered aggressively; having no patience for the nightmare.

"Yes I would…that's why I asked, Dashie…"

Hearing her name called out in that manner immediately cause Rainbow Dash to charge straight at him. "Rainbow Dash wait!" said Rarity trying to stop her friend from attacking the prepared nightmare.

With a small smile, Panic threw the clothes into the air and spreads open his arms as if he was going to catch the multi-colored Pegasus mid run. However, instead of trying to ram him Rainbow Dash threw out a kick in an attempt to hit him before he do one of his tricks, but sadly, she simply passed through him. "Darn it! Not again!" Casually, Panic let clothes fall right into his arms as he made strides towards the bed. Trying again Rainbow Dash charged once more at the nightmare, but with a small motion of his free hand she immediately found herself wrapped up in numerous strands of wire that are hold her place like a spider's web. "Grah! What the hay!? What's going on?!"

"How kind of you to ask Rainbow Dash let me explain, you see that small moment that I went intangible and let you pass through me…I already set up over three hundred strands of steel wires that you graciously tangled yourself up in; all I had to do is pull…"

"The heck?! Three hundred strands in just a few seconds?!"

"A good performer doesn't use his best tricks first, so consider this a sneak peak."

"Rah! You better hope I don't break out because once I do I'm going to give one heck of a beat down!"

Placing the pile of clothes on a nearby chair Panic faced the tied up Pegasus and made eye contact before speaking, "Calm down madam hot head what have I done…in the last few minutes to deserve such anger?"

"You're the one who threw Applejack in the incinerator, didn't you!"

"Look Dashie…"

"Do not call me that!" Rainbow Dash screamed.

Panic felt his ears ring from the sheer volume of her scream, but recovered from it quickly, "Geez did I touch a nerve? Anyway, I didn't do jack shit to your friend as a matter of fact I did the opposite; I saved her life!"

Rainbow Dash and Rarity eyes widen as they both look at Panic in surprise, "What?!"

"Hey, did I stutter? Yes, I heard her pleas for help in that wood burner and I'm the only one who can open the door when the countdown is initiated, so she couldn't have gotten out of there without my help. But, answer me this…how did she get there in the first place? I would certainly like to know, so we can avoid incidents like this the future."

Suddenly a nearby voice spoke alerting everyone to its presence, "Would y'all mind? I'm trying to get some sleep!" The owner of the voice belongs to none other than Applejack; who just recently had her sleep disturbed by the ruckus. "What are y'all staring at?" she then blinked a couple of times as she saw Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Panic all in the same room with the former being tied up. Confused she constantly shifted her eyes from her friends to Panic and repeated this three times before stopping on Panic whom is waving at her with a smile, "Am I still dreaming?" she asked.

"More or less" he responded with a hand gesture. "But if I were you. I wouldn't look under the blanket or a mirror for that matter."

Ignoring his advice and still very confused by her situation took a short look underneath the sheet before instinctively covering herself up, "Ah! Where the heck are my clothes!?"

Panic gave out a frustrated sigh; he already knew where this is heading and the situation already looked bad enough, so he is going to solve this problem the only way he knows how. Amongst Applejack's rambling he pulled out a recorder and rushed to her side. Just as she was about to shout his name; he held her down with his left arm and positioned the recorder near her ear.

"Let go of me!" she yelled as she struggled against Panic's grip. Rainbow Dash upon seeing the act struggled against her bonds, but to no avail. Rarity tried to act, but as soon as she got close to Panic his head turned showing his half mask to her as a single glowing red stared back at her freezing her in place.

"Don't you dare…" he said coldly. Panic then pressed the button on the recorder and during the commotion nothing was heard, but then Applejack's movement slowed and eventually she fell back to sleep. Pressing another button he returned the recorder back to the pocket he pulled it out from and released his grip from Applejack's body.

"What did you do to her?!" screamed Rainbow Dash as she struggled furiously.

"*sigh* Just doing what the doctor recommended; she needs some sleep!" Panic responded angrily. Rainbow Dash looked at Panic with intense anger as she tried to calm herself down.

Rarity being the poor mare caught in the middle of this regained her movement, "Um…how did you get her to fall asleep again? Considering the racket we were making I'm surprised she went back to sleep at all."

"I have a recording of my brother Paranoia's 'Would you kindly go to sleep' line. Apparently, is just him saying the phrase sends anyone no matter how much energy they have to snoozeville. The reason I used the recording because she was getting too hysterical; she might have opened some of her wounds according to my older brother."

Rainbow Dash gave him a disbelieving look, "Hold up, are you saying you're trying to take care of Applejack?"

"No, I was going to ship her to museum to be displayed like a mummy. Of course I was taking care of her!"

"But why? Aren't we I don't know enemies?"

"Ai, mensa you obviously don't know the job description of being a nightmare. But, regardless I would like to know how the hell did you three get into my section of the mansion and how did she end up inside my incinerator?" he asked as calmly as he can. "And remember no lying; I hate liars and I can tell if you're lying." With twist of his wrist Panic called back the threads thus releasing Rainbow Dash from her bindings.

The sky colored Pegasus stared down the nightmare, but knew it was pointless in fighting him so she decided to explain, "Fine…look one of our friends discovered small door underneath her bed, so we came up with a plan to distract one of your brothers while three of us went down the door and check if it lead to a way out or something."

Rarity continued explain the plan, "Sweet Fluttershy, offered herself to be the distraction for one of your brothers or rather your older brother Paranoia who seem to be delighted by such an event. Once they left that's when we sprang into action; heading down a ladder that led to a rather stuffy closet we found ourselves in your wood shop."

"We pretty much snooped by that point, we actually had a close call in the dressing room. We were almost discovered by your daughters." After saying that she had to hold in a smile as Panic mouthed a small obscenity. "As we continued searching around we found some of your creepy mannequin's parts and found some compartments in some of the parts."

"Indeed as pony who works with these lifeless models I found it really strange to have these empty pockets in the mannequins especially since it's not for the stand that holds them up. Regardless, after seeing that rather strange sight we found your metal shop and goodness we weren't expecting full blown metal refinery with a cave to extract ore from. However, the more shocking part is that you were making metal mannequins parts which are something unheard of in the history of making mannequins."

"But, here comes the weird part. When we were looking around the place we found a door and written next to it is the word failures. We didn't really understand why, but when we got close to the door we suddenly couldn't breathe! Rarity and I manage to get away from that weird door, but Applejack opened it and walked straight inside with weird look on her face; it was like she was hypnotized. The door closed behind her and locked itself; we tried to get the thing to open, but it wouldn't budge. Eventually we heard her screaming in there and we tried to bust the door down, but suddenly we didn't hear her screaming anymore causing us to panic and try even harder to break it down."

"However, the door would simply not open and after a few hours we decided to look around your shops again hoping that we will find Applejack. We accidently ran into your daughters in the search and they told us that she was in your recovering, so we took their directions and I suppose that ended where we are right now."

Panic was silent throughout the entire explanation as he closed his eyes and stroked his chin in deep thought. He already knew that they're telling the truth, but the fact that stood out to him the most is the door marked with the word 'Failures.' To him this isn't the first time he heard of it; fellow nightmares warned him of its existence, but when tried to look into it himself the door wasn't there like they described.

"So…you saw this door in my workshop and your friend over there just walked in. Yeah…you two ain't lying."

"So you've seen the door as well?"

"Not really, but I heard of it from my employees or rather when I still had employees."

"You had employees?"

Panic gave a frustrated sigh, "Yes…I used to have employees and the door in question is the reason why these workshops of mine are only run by me. Thankfully, my performers stay at the carnival, so I at least I still have income at my shows. However, this makes production of puppets for the puppet shows rather hard since I'm the only one who can create these blocks of wood into the wonderful works of art they are meant to be. But, I'm rambling and lying…I can easily mass produce puppets without help, but I still find it a minor inconvenience anyway."

"So…what are you going to do with us?" Rarity asked nervously as Rainbow Dash took a battle ready stance.

Panic's then tip his hat covering his eyes in shadow, "Well seeing you guys and gals have a challenge tomorrow against my younger bro Fear or I rather I like to call him El gassy murete. Anyway, I ain't going to do anything to you two lovely ladies because you're going to need all the fire power if you're going to take him on. From what I heard your two princesses had to use more of their power just to take him out, but even that wasn't enough to make him stay down; you know what I'm talking about right?"

The two mares looked at their feet and each other as they both remember that traumatizing event where a burnt Fear showed up at their campsite and threatened to kill Rarity if Spike didn't come with him. The white mare in question unconsciously felt her neck as the feeling of the nightmares grip around her throat never left her memory. But, despite that there was a silver lining; Spike showed her how selfless he can be when the cards are down and willingly handed himself over to the brutal nightmare so that she can be spared.

"Also just so you know, if it came down to it, he would have actually killed you. His orders were to take the dragon through any means necessary, and to him that means anything in his way is good as dead. Sure he would be reprimanded by the man in charge, but…you know when you have the best doctor in the world stuff like this can slide."

The two mares stared at Panic with disbelief; the younger nightmare is even more dangerous than they previously thought. Seeing the mares expressions brought a smile to Panic's face, for he was holding information from them on purpose. Seeing Panic's smile Rainbow Dash regained her composure and furrowed her brows as she returned Panic's grin with a scowl, "Wait a minute! Is there something you're not telling us?"

"Maybe…am I the obvious? Oh wait, yes I am, on purpose! You see el gassy murete wears body armor over his chest; this has been designed by my bro Paranoia to 'protect' him from harm. If you want to actually want to start hurting him then you would want to break it, for it would put him in a really 'bad' situation."

"How is that a risk?"

"Why don't you break it and find out?"

Rainbow Dash looked at the nightmare with disdain; he is willingly telling them a way to beat his own brother, though as useful that information is; he is betraying his own brother, "Fear is your brother right? Why are you telling us this?"

Panic smile grew wider, "Because I want to see a show tomorrow, and besides you want your friend back don't you? Then what does it matter to you?"

Rarity became appalled at his words and saw Rainbow Dash was doing her best not to run up to Panic and punch him, "How horrid, you truly are a low life. Spilling your brother's secrets all just for the sake of a having a show."

"Heh heh heh, yeah well what can I say? I love my brother, and he gone so long without a good fight. I consider this a way of giving it to him."

Any remaining thoughts of good in Panic are now wiped from the thoughts of the two mares, but instead a rather an odd mix of disgust and confusion took its place. Confused from the constant change from helpful and kind to threatening and horrid they were not sure how to talk to him.

"Well, whatever we're just going to leave if that's okay with you, and we will be taking our friend with us." Rainbow Dash said as she walked towards the bed, but before she got close to Applejack she immediately had to take a small hop backwards to avoid a swipe from Panic's claws. "What the hay?! I just want my friend back!"

Panic waggled his index finger, "Auh, auh, auh…I regret to inform you that she will be staying with me until she is fully recovered, so yeah…you will be returning back to your room without her."

"You can't do that!"

"Actually I can, Oh girls!" with a snap of his fingers two figures appeared behind Rarity both with dark threatening auras.

"You called daddy?"

"What is required of us father?"

"Ah!" Rarity yelped in surprise from the sudden appearance of Tricky and Emily.

"Yes my beautiful children I have a job for the both of you. These guests of ours have over stated their welcome, do you mind sending them on their merry way?"

"With pleasure!"

"Consider it done"

Suddenly with quick reflexes Tricky grabbed hold of Rarity's arms and pulled them behind her; placing her into a hold. Emily tried to do the same with Rainbow Dash, but she quickly got out of the way and created space between them, "Look I don't want to hurt you Emily. I know you're doing this out of love for your father and I understand that, but I'm not leaving my friend in your crazy father's care!"

"You shouldn't worry about your friend Rainbow Dash father is very hospitable towards guest, but I suggest you stop resisting or else my hand will be forced."

"Sorry, but you know that's not going to happen."

"Then you leave me with no choice…" Taking a fighting stance Emily then ran towards Rainbow Dash and tried to strike with swift punches and kicks, but Rainbow Dash proved to be too quick for her with her fast reflexes and deftly dodged all of her attacks. "It would seem you're much quicker than I anticipated, but you're not returning my attacks with your own. You are aware I won't stop until I complete my objective and restrain you."

"Like I said I won't fight you; my fight is with your father and uncles."

Emily stood silently Rainbow Dash slowly taking in the words she said, "Your parameters will not help you wrestle your friend out of this room. I would suggest fighting back, but you seem dead set on refusing to fight me. Does that mean you will leave peacefully?"

"No…I can never leave a friend behind…so the only way I'm leaving out of this room is over my dead body."

Tricky and Emily stared at the colorful Pegasus with awe; they were struck speechless by her fierce loyalty to her friend, but unwillingness to fight someone who is not involved in the struggle. "How…admirable I would have done the same for my sister, but father's orders…"

"Eh, forget the order my little girl." Panic then walked beside his daughter gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Father?"

"There is no need to fight if there isn't a battle. Sure I was hoping that you can restrain our guest, but I'm starting to see that your will to fight is wavering. No need to force yourself to do something you don't want to do; besides daddy has a plan B." Suddenly a second Panic appeared behind Rainbow Dash and pulled her arms behind her back and forced her to the ground.

"Ah! Grr…."

"Well I suppose that's enough excitement for today don't you think? Now get out of here before you actually break something." With another snap of his fingers a shadowy portal opened up in front of Rainbow Dash. "Now can you please return the guests to their room? I'm a very busy man I have things I need to do."

"Got it me!" the second Panic said gleefully.

"I got it handled daddy!" Tricky responded in similar a fashion.

Bringing the two mares to the portal they got ready to kick them into the portal, until the real Panic stepped between them and got near their faces, "Oh and one more thing when you two get back to your room I like you to send a message for me."

"Forget it!" Rainbow Dash said in defiance.

"No I think you would want to hear this. When you get back, tell your Princess Luna that I'm…sorry" he said solemnly much to the surprise of the two mares before they were kicked through the portal and disappeared into its depths. Shortly thereafter the Panic clone exploded into a cloud of red smoke leaving the real Panic in his room alone with his two daughters and unconscious Applejack. With a heavy sigh Panic sat on the edge of the bed as he relax his stressed out mind.

"Daddy, are you okay?" Tricky asked with worry in her eyes.

"No my little angel I'm not fine rather daddy is a bit stressed at the moment."

"Is there anything we can do?" Emily asked with concern.

"Maybe some alone time would do me some good."

"Should we bring you something?"

"Some fruit punch would be nice"

"Consider it done. Tricky let's go"

"Got it!"

With an objective in mind they left the room leaving Panic with his thoughts, "They are such good kids. I really don't deserve them, but they are the only ones who understand me and they need me as much as I need them. Huh…I wonder this is how Paranoia feels."