H-Hello everyone!

[The Butterfly appears on the scroll and seems a bit... nervous? She bobs up and down and weaves in and out of the visual range and her light is fluctuating in intensity.]

So... okay, most of you know who I am. And if you don't, where the buck have you been? Eh-heh...

...okay, that came out wrong...

So... here's the thing. I know most of you know me as the cheeky, loveable butterfly, but the truth is that... there's more to appearances! You see... um... back where I came from, I was originally from a place called Lunares. It was a place where we would look down and see how everybody in the world was doing and it was on the moon! And... one day... things got pretty dangerous down there. Their sky was falling and their world was surely going to end--! So, I went to um... I-I... I decided to go help.

And, because it was dangerous... I went down not quite looking like how I normally do. I learned... a trick! Something to keep me safe. And, the thing is...

...why don't I show you...

[And the butterfly is enveloped by a light as bright as the moon. When it disperses... a new pony appears. The new pony looks up, blinks a little and gives an embarrassed smile as her eyes turn away and her cheeks burn red.]

...I wasn't always a butterfly.

Umm... it's nice to meet you?

((Will respond with keepcalmandflutteron AND... *drumroll* forthelifeofme!))

Good morning, everypony!

For those who have not heard, I've decided to add a little twist to the Gala. Its the first time in...oh my, several hundred years! And I think its time we change it up just a little.

So, this year, the Gala is going to be a masquerade!

[A mask floated in front of Celestia's face at this.]

And...a contest! The best mask gets a prize!

So, for those who decide to participate, I can't wait to see what masks you guys come up with. And I can't wait to show you mine, as well~!

Maybe I'm just homesick, but knowing that this party is only a few weeks away, I've been wondering how strange it would be to attend in ...a mask.

[Because if there's one thing a party needs, it's a tiny fox in a mask.]

...I never thought I'd ever have to ask something like that, it's almost hard to imagine a large event without masks. You see, back in Clock Town we held a similar yearly Carnival and mask wearing was simply tradition. Seeing as I missed...ours, I thought it could be...fun...to make more masks with...others.

[He almost sounds hesitant, but it's Kafei so who's even surprised anymore.]

Unless it's too strange, of course, I wouldn't want to ruin your own traditions. ...And provided I even attend.

I'm baaaaaack!

[There's a flourish of materialized confetti, and marachi music plays just off-screen as Discord's mug appears. He seems pretty energetic today, for whatever reason.]

And you would not believe what has happened to me. First, Tirek appears and tries to get me to help him, and then Twilight's treehouse blows up...

[Context was for the weak, in Discord's opinion. He continues to ramble for a moment, before pausing.]

...Oh, yes, right. [cough cough.] So, I'm hoping to be brought up to speed on what has happened in my absence? I assume Celestia is no longer some rude teenager?

[Well, look who it is! Princess Celestia looks noticeably tired today, rather rare for her.]

Greetings, everyone. I wanted to make you all aware that - [She muffles a yawn behind her hoof.] - that Princess Twilight Sparkle departed Equestria last night on an urgent diplomatic assignment. Due to the sensitive nature of this matter, she will not be in contact with anyone over these scrolls while she is abroad.

I can't say exactly when she'll return; we have only just finished the most recent round of negotiations. Rest assured, however, that she will be fine. I am confident in her ability to handle this situation.

[It's a little later in the evening when a scroll pops up at the Castle for the princesses, and the Library for Princess Twilight. The script's a bit jittery, like the author was in a great hurry, but they tried to be neat-ish. The content was more important in this case...]

Your Royal Highnesses,

Good evening, your Highnesses. I hope this letter finds you and yours well this lovely night.

I write you today to humbly request an audience with the Crown regarding a matter of some import, at your earliest convenience. While I normally might see if it was best over the scrolls for Your Highnesses, I feel this is something best done in person, in this case.

My apologies for not going into more detail, Your Highnesses, but I promise the reasons are sound.

May Equestria flourish and prosper under your rule.

Your loyal servant,
Nephenee

[It's been awhile since Reimi showed up on the scrolls; she became rather busy helping Nozomi and Jou with the shops with Hearth's Warming, but something has been on her mind, and was not the new year a chance to work on things? To that end, she appears thoughtful, and a bit pensive.]

My apologies for my silence on the network lately; the work for the holiday took up much of my time, as well as the tests we had at school.

I...have a question for you all. A few weeks ago, the one known as Diamond Tiara insulted me with the term 'blank flank', and as I did not understand the meaning, I looked into it...and what I have heard regarding this upsets me a little.

In this land, it is said by some that not having a Cutie Mark is a curse, that one does not have a destiny or talent. I...do not believe this to be true. Arceus created all of my kind with individual talents, and special powers.

But becoming a human, then pony, has made me wonder about my own, and my destiny. Do I have those as well...and what might they be? I have always thought of myself as Erika's starter, her Pokémon and friend, and still do. But...is that all? Is there more beyond that? I..am not sure how to begin this search.

Are there any among us who started as I, and gained their Cutie Mark? If there are, I would appreciate hearing your tale. Even if there are not, I wish to...what is that term...'pick brains'? I wish to hear what everypony has to say of the situation.

I'll get right to the point.

If you know anything about the Tree connected to the Elements of Harmony please share what you know.

[Hey, everypony, its Princess Celestia! She looks quiet, almost solemn, as she sits by her fireplace.]

Hello.

Recently, it came to my attention that there is...another secret, so to speak, that I must indulge to you all. However, this revelation was one that the existence of which was unknown to me, my sister, or the other princesses of this world.

[She looks down at this.]

During Discord's recent prank during Nightmare Night, several of us were switched with normal ponies. When they did, they found themselves at the mercy of a voice. A voice that constantly spoke to them, sounding like us, encouraging them to do...things. Where this voice comes from, we don't know. None of us even knew this voice existed, until now.

[Closing her eyes.]

I realize this might be important information, so I apologize for delaying in reporting this. It wasn't intentional on my part to do so - I wanted to confirm and see if this was just in myself and Luna, or if Princess Cadance and Princess Twilight Sparkle also had this problem. While I couldn't confirm Cadance realizing it, I would like to speak with whoever switched with Princess Twilight Sparkle about this.

Again, I apologize for the delay on this. And also...

[A little smile plays on her face.]

I hope you all are having a lovely time with the Maze Trotter. Has anyone gotten to the end?

 [This holiday season, the scroll feed is proud to present... a bleary-eyed sky-blue pony with white bed hair that encompasses his entire head. Groggily, he pushes himself semi-upright and smacks his lips, blinking off his sleep.]

...hhh...where...where in the world am I, do you suppose?...Archimedes? Archimedes, are you about somewhe- oh.

[Enough cognisance has been regained that he suddenly notices his hoof, and he examines it for a moment.]

...mm. That's odd. I don't remember turning into a shetland pony. Let's see now...

[Finally getting up, the old equine trots around a bit, giving himself a once over.]

Beard's still here, unusual, that. The rest seems OH! Oh, that had better not be a tattoo down there. Ngh... won't rub off. No, that won't do, I'm not going through that nonsense again. Now, where I w...Hmm. Glasses still there, that's good. Pointy hat? Yes, yes, that seems to be in good nick. Bit crumpled, but nothing a goo- ...by george, is that a horn on my head?!

[The voices in her head were maddening. She was reminded of Mayfield and everything everyone went through. She'd gotten lucky with not getting hit with it and then, all of a sudden, she found herself being told to do (in her mind) horrible things in Princess Celestia's body... and nearly lost herself in the process. She finally found a way to get to sleep and, when she woke up, she found herself in a more familiar place - her home with Mako. Quickly getting up, she raced towards a mirror and looked at it.

It was her own face.]

I'm... I'm home. I'm... I'm Nozomi again! I'm... I'm Nozomi Yumehara. Nozomi Yumehara...! I'm... I'm...!

[She quickly raced out of the home and out into the open Commune, looking around.]

I'm... I'm me again! I'm... I'm...!

[Aaaaaand, her legs give out, folding her forelegs in front of her.]

Please tell me the voices are gone. Please?

[ACTION]

[Well, this morning's off to a great start! Well... it would be morning if the sun would rise. And, it's not. It probably lasts a good 30 minutes to an hour before something happens and the Sun starts to rise and...

...nope, it falls back down. And it's up again. And it's down again. One more time! Here... we... GO! And it's up!

Just what's going on? Is Celestia drunk?!]

[VISUAL]

[And the scrolls kick on and there's Celestia in all her glory, but... well... it looks like Celestia, it sounds like Celestia, but the person speaking doesn't ACT like Celestia!]

Ahahahaha, I-I'm sorry, everypony! I didn't realize how hard it was to raise the sun and... [She lets out a yawn] ...I'm so tired. But, this is probably a silly dream, so I'll see you all in the morning, right? Right!

[The scroll closes, then pops back open a few minutes later.]

Um... this isn't a dream, is it?

--BLAGGART!!

[Luna's scream suddenly permeated through the scrolls as, simultaneously, several lights suddenly illuminated the very dark sky. Celestia, meanwhile, has her game face on, her expression grim. Her voice is low]

Ponies. Get ready. We shall be in need of your aid soon.

THIS IS WHAT YOU CALL 'FRIENDSHIP'?! HA! TO THINK I GAVE YOU THE NAME CARL! YOU DO NOT DESERVE IT!

If you intend to fight, wait for my signal. Do not attack until I give the order.

Our success depends on it.

[With that said, the scroll is turned off. No more words. The battle has begun.]

Princesses- or Trixie if you still have that ship you took to the moon,

I want to take a closer look at the planets Zetta has moved. I'm sure you'll agree that as important as our dilemma here is, someone needs to find out if there is life on those planets. If there is, they could be suffering just as much or more than this world from being moved out of their natural orbit. Safe planet moving requires more careful thought and technique than Overlord Zetta has likely ever possessed.

If possible I would like also to make contact with the Moon Ponies. They deserve an explanation for the dramatic change in their sky.

[His expression becomes far more stern.]

And for those of you considering blowing up the planets: next time, think of the possibility of life first. And don't forget the risks created by the explosion or the rubble that would be left behind.

[Atop the highest tower in his castle, the Overlord stands, a deep blue figure against the bright blue sky. The smirk on his face speaks of nothing but confidence and self-satisfaction.]

Hey, Equestria. Look up.

[No sooner does he pronounce those words then the leading edge of a black disc surges across the sun high above, devouring its light in increasing gulps. Within seconds of its appearance, the great blackness eclipses the sun entirely. Darkness falls across the land like a shroud.]

[Mercifully, the eclipse only lasts a few seconds before the sun peeks around the corner of whatever is blocking its light. As quickly as it came, the black disc fades, relinquishing to the star its rightful place in the sky. Whatever it was, it can no longer be seen thanks to the solar brightness.]

[On the scroll, the Overlord's smirk has only grown wider.]

That one I call Nemesis. It's a planet I've brought in, with the fortunate property that it's just the right size to eclipse the sun for Equestria from where I've dropped it. You'll see its counterpart, Antithesis, tonight, when it blocks the moonlight from you all for a little while.

[Zetta casually polishes one hoof on the fur of his chest with an abstract amusement, letting that sink in.] Oh, I'm sure you're not impressed by a short eclipse each day... but I don't expect you to be. It'll take me a couple of weeks to get these things tidally locked, so they block the sun and the moon both, rise to set. So you might want to spend the next couple of days enjoying this whole 'light' thing. Pretty soon it'll just be a fading memory... and Equestria will be plunged into eternal darkness. No sun, no moon, and no hope.

Unless your Princesses cede rulership of the land to me.

Hey, it's better than eternal darkness, right? [Zetta smiles in false encouragement, making a 'come on' gesture with one hoof.] Of course if you doubt I'm serious, then I'm sure you could just do your best to take care of the crops and the animals and the weather and all that crap despite the diminishing sun. I figure you can keep it all together just fine if none of you waster your effort attacking me. At least, until eternal darkness falls.

Two weeks, Princesses. This world as a Netherworld is better than this world as a dead world.

[Playing safe and going with audio, no way was she showing her face right now. Not after turning her back on everypony long ago.]

Umm... hi. Sorry to bother anyone, but... I just got here. I'm not exactly new to Equestria, but it's been quite a while since I've been here. Plus it looks like Equestria, but I know a thing or two about alternate worlds. So... I guess I just want to ask what exactly this Equestria is the one I think that it is and why I may have been brought here.

I'd appreciate an answer... though you don't have to give me one, I guess. I'll figure it out somehow. But if anyone... I mean anypony could help me, then I'd... I'd really appreciate it. So... thank you. That's all.

[Well she tried. She was still learning to ask out for others instead of relying on herself or manipulation, so give her some time.]