[Cloudsdale and Ponyville's local speedster masked hero appears on the scrolls with a message for all. There is a wall behind him but it is blank.]

This is the Wondrous Bolt. I'm a masked hero who has been fighting crime in Cloudsdale for the past year.

After witnessing the events during Calice's last appearance I have one thing to say: we need to work together if we're going to stand a chance.

I can't say how powerful Calice is or if it is possible to fight her head on, but I do know that I'm not the only one here who wants to protect those who can't protect themselves. I know a few ponies are attempting to work together but let's be honest with ourselves, that last confrontation was overall sloppy. If we can get more organized, if we can work together as a larger team making the most of each individual's abilities, then I believe it will open up more opportunities for us to collect information on Calice. I also know that if we work together, we'll do a lot better keeping others safe.

Calice doesn't like it when ponies cooperate. She thinks friendship, even team cooperation, are useless. Let's prove her wrong. Let's make the best team we can. Enough trying to take Calice down alone or stroking egos. [Oh how hard that lesson had hit him in the past at home.]

To start, I'm reaching out to you all now for a role call. I'm creating a list we can all access with our abilities and whatever name you would like to go by. -It's up to you if you want to share your ID. Think of adding yourself to this list as an agreement to give this team idea a chance.

This invitation is extended to all. You don't have to be a masked hero like myself. You don't even have to be a fighter- we need all kinds of talents. There is more to saving the day than throwing punches.

[He looks a little sheepish or even pained as he adds a last message.]
Lastly, Magical Girls, I know you're out there. I know I'm a guy in a mask and maybe it's not cool to let me into the group, but please consider joining. This effort is for the greater good. We can't limit our allies to those of one kind of title or power any more.
[Okay, maybe he's been a little peeved knowing that the magical girls have been keeping all the other hero-types and would-be-helpers out of the loop.]

[ooc: tl;dr This is a call upon others to all work together and make an effort to become an organized force against Calice for the next fight/to support the information gathering effort. A new page for the list (see tab "List for Team") has been added to our group's spreadsheet. If your character wants to join the effort, add their info to the list. Super powers are not required. Just a willingness to help.]

Hey Equestria...I got a question for you, mostly this is for the other outlanders like myself, but...anyone is free to weigh in here. I'd like the input.

How many of you use friendship, or similar bonds, as a source of strength for yourselves back home?

Some pretense to that...where I come from there are creatures called Digimon. I myself am half-digimon. Long story to that, but I won't bore you with the details right now. A digimon is a creature born of digital data, they are however highly receptive to emotions and can grow stronger as they grow closer to others, becoming stronger and stronger as those bonds mature and grow.

Emotions from those that we make friend with rub off on us, we can become stronger, or weaker because of it, or we can become too strong that we can't control ourselves.

[He rubs at his cheek with a hoof and sighs deeply.]

Not only digimon have exhibited this trait, though. There is another being called a Net Navi where I'm from, another digital life-form, this one artificially created by humans. There's an entire battle tournament surrounding them even. A Navi and their NetOp, when they have a strong enough bond, can create powerful combinations with battle chips. They can even fuse together, share the core of their beings with another, the NetNavi’s can even form friendships of their own that unlock hidden potentials...

[ He holds a hoof over his chest reflexively, almost like he was reassuring himself about something...]

The core of my question is how many of you have something similar back home? An undertone to that is how many of us have forgotten about that? That we've taken it for granted or just forgotten our own basics? This place works on its own rules. Just like those of NetNavis, or Digimon...working together, believing in one another...we’ve heard it a lot lately, and seen that here, it’s its own force to be reckoned with. Friendship. We’re all in this together, and if we're going to-

[He stops short and scoffs softly to himself.]

Sorry. Getting off track...Anyways...just something I’ve been thinking about lately. If anyone would rather speak with me in person or private, you’re always welcome to call on me at the commune or approach me while I’m on duty in the Night Market.

( Private to Vergil and Dante )

[The feed opens up on a unicorn levitating a rock. Generally speaking, there's nothing all that remarkable about this, but the pony in question is focusing hard on keeping it up there. It falls to the ground eventually, and he gives a huff of irritation. There's undoubtedly some questions being raised here, like "Why is this pony in a cave," and "Why does he look like he hasn't seen a shower in three weeks?" Chromedome doesn't even acknowledge either of those things, instead choosing to say:]

I've recently discovered that I can do things with this growth on my head. Is there any way I can improve my ability to do things with this growth on my head? If anyone's willing to teach me, I promise that I'm a decently good student. My name's Chromedome, in case anyone is curious.

Also Brainstorm: Stop leaving your trash lying around, somepony might trip on them.

[Fluttercruel opens the scroll. She's in The Decanter, sitting at a table with a cup of coffee and a full bottle of alcohol. She's not going for the booze yet, though.]

Hey. Sup? Call me Cruelly. My mom, Fluttershy is also with me, in this body.

First things first. Both of us noticed everyone freaking out and getting angry and frustrated and wanting that to end. No more secrets, no more lies, right? You really think that'll help?

...Maybe. But there's also the chance that all this anger and frustration is doing us some good.

[She takes a sip of her coffee.]

...You know what this coffee is? It's cold. Cold, black, and bitter. I really like it that way. You know why? Bitter and dark times can help you remember the good times. Every time I take a sip of bitter, I remember a hug or a slumber party, or even my cute-ceñera. So remember those dark times. Don't ever try and forget them. Hold them as close to your heart and don't let them slip away.

Now, it may seem cruel to tell you to always remember the bad, but that some cruelty is actually very kind. As I said, bitter times help us remember the good. Bitter times help us grow. They challenge us, make us stronger. And once we all emerge from the shit, we're all better ponies for it.

So no, secrets aren't bad. Neither are mistakes. Hell, I encourage secrets and lies! Bring 'em all on! I'll be glad to see you all become better when old secrets and lies end and new ones take their place.

As for me?

[She downs her coffee and then holds up the bottle of booze.]

We're going to get drunk off our asses! Anyone that wants to join us, go right ahead! Cheers!

A point.

A world of demons is still a world with life and thus infinitely preferably to a dead world.

Another point.

A world of demons is no different than how this world is now, only more honest.

Would you disagree?

In light of the fact that so many Equestrians have recently obtained foreign powers -- either from the dungeons, or from our very generous Guardian Angel -- I'd like to take a moment to offer some assistance to those that need it.

[There's nothing passive-aggressive or malicious about his tone. He's just calm and matter-of-fact.]

If you're struggling with your new powers, or if you just want to get a better grip on ones that you've had for a while, I'll be starting up a class teaching those that feel they could benefit from it.

We'll be going over everything from basic discipline to training in the battlefield. There will be problem-solving exercises, and even team building exercises, taught by Rainbow Dash. Individual tutoring is also available by request, if group classes aren't something you're comfortable with yet. Everyone should have a chance to train with what they have in a safe environment.

Of course, there will also be free food and drinks before every class to make sure everyone is at their best, as well as desserts afterward for a day well spent.

[You don't get to be Dante's brother without knowing that some people are motivated by food. Besides, he loves cooking and baking, so it's a nice bonus to be able to work that into something else he enjoys -- teaching.]

So if you're interested, feel free to respond. I've been helping Gwendy by teaching a few lessons at the dojo, so I'll be replacing a few of my regular classes with these, to balance it out. The first lesson will be Friday evening at 7.

I hope to see you there.

[So it looks like spirits are down and Arcee didn't exactly...help. Perhaps it's guilt that makes her show up on the scroll all of a sudden, but it's better than no reason at all.]

...

I made mini cakes. Again.

[Ever since Neph suggested she make some for the upcoming party, Arcee worried she might be a little rusty. It's been forever since she's baked, what with actual bakeries to compete with, she didn't see much of a point. But her friend said she enjoyed them, so she might as well start up again. Only thing is, Arcee is a strong believer of "You don't use it, you lose it" so hopefully they're still...decent.]

I need... taste testers.

[A small groan slips out when she says that, as if that's too much of a positive thing to suggest. At least the cakes look good! Not to be confused with cupcakes, the mini cakes look exactly what they sound like. Miniature cakes. Perfect for tiny paws hooves or just a simple snack.

And come on, who doesn't love a little baker cat?]

So...come over, if you can. I'll be outside.

Hello natives of this land and fellow captives. I know everyone has been busy with the games and this mysterious pale pony, but I wanted to announce that next week I'll be having the Hakurei shrine summer festival. But I need some help from you guys.

Back in Gensokyo other people assisted in running game booths, making food, and other forms of entertainment. I am asking if any of you ponies want to help with that.

Also, it is traditional to wear a summer kimono to a festival, but not sure if any exist in this dimention. Can someone who knows how to make outfits contact me and see if you can make kimono's for the entire town?

Admission to the festival is free, but you do pay for the games and food. Who ever runs the food and game stalls get some money, while the rest is donated towards the shrine.

Please ask myself if you have any questions, or want to participate in running a booth at the festival.

((OOC: This is not any big offical event, just a nice small fun festival i hope you guys would like to do. I haven't set an exact date yet, but probably will happen on Labor day weekend. if there is an event during it i can push it back. If anyone wants to assist in planning any specific game booths, or musical events, let me know. And if any of our many fashion ponies here want to have their characters make summer kimono's for people please post here as well. Thank you and i hope you guys have fun!))

[As usual, the best way to tell this Rainbow apart from her counterpart is the black coat, the Blaster Edge, and the bracelet. Added to that is the unusually stern look she's given the scroll, fierce and serious and faintly angry.]

Okay, listen up, 'cuz we've got a problem here.

A lot of you ponies have been getting stuff that just shoots you higher than Cloudsdale out of nowhere. Stuff from the dungeon, weird transformations, magic powers, we've got Hayate doling out stuff like it's free cookie day at Sugercube Corner.

This is bad. It's dangerous and it's wrong. As much as everypony has good reasons for wanting this stuff and using it, and I'm not saying anypony's out to do anything wrong with it, it's still really scary. If someone just hands you some ultimate power, especially these days, you should be worried.

You don't know anything about this stuff. What was it doing in the dungeon? Maybe all of it was planted by the Pale Pony just as a trick or some experiment. It can be taken away from you at any time, like Discord did. You don't know what's powering it. You don't know the rules of it.

[She leans forward to prod the scroll with a hoof, like she's prodding the viewer, her gaze intensifying.]

Now you might call me a hypocrite, 'cuz you know I picked up a bunch of things in Garden, but the difference is, I sweated and struggled and gave it my 100% best all the time I was there. I sat there and I practiced and I studied and, Celestia help me, I even took academic classes and followed the Garden Code the best I could, to learn what I was doing. And before that, I didn't just appear on the Wonderbolts one day -- I was putting in my licks every day getting stronger and faster and better so one day I'd be worthy of it.

So if you're relying on some power or gadget or device you just got, you're just asking for trouble. The only safe power is what you understand, and you only understand it if you put time and effort and energy into studying, learning, and practicing. Otherwise, you're just asking to break and fail when we finally do take on the Pale Pony.

And just remember. This is Equestria. We don't fight alone. When it all comes down, we're going in together, and it's our friendships and our bonds that'll see us to victory. Not one incredible hero or some mighty spell.

Alright, I'm back in Ponyville and Otsuki Chacha will be open for business again. And again, everyone is welcome to come down to discuss about current events. Tea will be on the house for those who want some.

I do have a favor to ask. Is there anyone who's good with building? I would like to do a special expansion on this tea house. Anyone who's interested, please come on down so we can go over details.

[It's about two hours after the appearance of the Pale Pony, and everything that came with it. You might think that things would calm down again, but no.

This time, Flare Star fires up a scroll that she basically pulled straight away from Dust and starts talking, about as seriously as many ponies have ever heard out of her - the exceptions being Queen Chrysalis (who got to hear the tone when she was attacking the pegasus) and Zecora (whom she helped during Nightmare Night).]

The cards've been played. I don't know what kind of feeling that was that I felt back there, but I know it is evil. No more playing around, no more wasting time trying to understand.

I'm not saying that we don't still need to research this nag, far from it. In fact, we need to centralize our research, so that everypony has the same access to it. It's only right in times of war to allow your soldiers to know of the enemy they fight.

She pulls us all in at random, focusing on those with powers, and then every month, she culls. A few more get drawn into her, possibly for keeps. By standing before us today, by proving that she exists, she has declared war. Not on Equestria, but on every last one of our worlds.

Buck compassion, and buck caring for a pony so far gone that she'll steal souls for her own gain.

She needs to die.

Who's with me?

(In a very visible corner of the Crystal Empire is a large, red dragon who sparkles and shimmers like the locals of the empire. Clearly, this guy went out for a swim at one point during his stay...but he doesn't seem very amused. In fact, Dante has the hardest lineface he's put on in a good long time. Why, you ask?

Well, why not ask the ponies tugging on his ear? Or the ones playing in his glorious mane? Or how about the ones swinging on his tail? Somehow, this dragon's been converted to a full on playground and it seems the ponies are taking full advantage of it...and why wouldn't they? It's not often they get to see dragons up close, let alone sparkly dragons that don't attack anyone and don't mind being used as a jungle gym. He at least seems to be humoring the ponies, bouncing a few on his tail, spelling out names with smoke...the works.

And just for an added touch, someone decided to add a little bear mask to him. The size clearly shows it's meant for a filly and it can barely stick to his snout. Somehow, it does.

He rests his head on his hand, tapping his claws impatiently.)

Recreational sports.

(You'd almost feel bad for him, but knowing Dante, he probably did something to deserve it. What, exactly? Well, perhaps it has something to do with a familiar pink pony princess who's also playing with a few of the kids...and Dante's hair.)

*The only background visible behind Alastor is open sky, although by the fact that he's crystal, one might be able to assume that he's in the Crystal Empire. His cheeks are glittering with moisture as tears slide down his face, but he manages to keep his voice steady to address the scrolls.*

The female Dante is...she's gone. I can't even contact her telepathically. I can't be sure she won't be back, like Cecil was, but...I can't be sure she will, either.

I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news during the games, but...it wouldn't be right not to let people know. If anypony needs me, I have a scroll.

*Though if anyone with wings is determined enough to find him, he's lying down in the clouds above the Crystal Empire. Sulking.*

[Crmsn's on the scrolls today. He looks...disturbed. There's a kind of desperation in his demeanor. Something that, anyone who knows the pony, would know is something he's never exuded before.]

One week. That's it. Her birthday was in one week. You couldn't even give me that?! I was fine with being here. I was fine with not seeing them. Then you went and got my hopes up. I was going to see them again, I was nearly certain of it. It didn't matter where I was, I wasn't here, for...however long that was, I don't even know. There was that brief chance that I'd get to go home. Get to see my family. Be there for my daughters birthday...

[A look of obvious disbelief spreads across his features, like someone just went and slapped him across the face for no other reason than because they could. He looks down, calming for a brief moment...]

How dare you.

( Calm exterior cracking, and burst of anger in five...four...three.... )

[Another deep breath and whatever calm he has remaining takes over again.]

Apologies friends and other residents...lost my cool there for a moment.

Tirade aside, I did have a purpose opening my scroll today...I would like to make a request of anybody who knows how to use magic. I'd like to talk with you...mostly looking for those willing to do a bit of experimenting with a willing test subject, you can contact me over the scrolls or can find me at the library.

[A green pony with a matted down brown mop-top appears on the scroll. From the furrowed brows, flared nostrils and fierce grimace, she does not appear... pleased.]

WHAT THE TARTARUS IS GOING ON HERE!?

[Taking a step away from the scroll would probably be a good idea...]

I can't even begin to count all the things that is wrong here! I mean, at first I thought this was a dream but then when somepony actually pinched me -- WITH THEIR MOUTH NO LESS -- I knew that this was actually real. Talking ponies? And the ones with wings? EVEN ONES WITH MAGIC HORNS?? I even saw one that brought in a raincloud! IT WAS RIGHT ON TOP OF ME!!

[She takes a moment and her hoof comes up to scrub off her hair and her face.]

Alright... you know what... considering everything else I have seen before a world of talking ponies is actually not that out there. And, hey, at least my fur color is one that I'd like. Just, in this case, I hope my friends aren't here to have this happen to them.

Also, I have to ask just one question...

Why couldn't I have been one of those cool ones with the wings?

EDIT:

[A little bit later there is a shout. A glorious shout. A mighty shout. It rings to the heavens and may even be heard as far as way as The Crystal Kingdom.]

WHAT DO YOU MEAN PONIES DON'T EAT MEAT?!!!!

[Thanks, Teddie.]

EDIT: x2

[And a little bit after that there is another shout, though not quite as powerful, whatever is doing it definitely has a healthy set of lungs.]

WHAT DO YOU MEAN THERE'S NO TV?!!

[Thanks, Rise.]

I know it's been a busy month with the dungeon crawling and everyone turning into Pokemon in the past couple of weeks, y'know, on top of the whole Pale Pony business. But I also understand that not everyone here can fight, which is a pretty useful skill to have given how ridiculous things have been getting here.

[The scroll pans out to where she is at the moment-which is a room in the Dojo, complete with some neatly-stacked towels in one corner and a bright pink punching bag.]

I promise you, there's a lot of problems that can be solved by punching them hard enough. Granted, most of those are problems related to something having it out for you,  but there are all sorts of variations on that particular issue. That's why I'm proud to start training anyone who wants to get started on learning the basics at the Night Market's dojo.

We'll be mostly covering unarmed combat with a bit of a focus on grappling techniques. I'm not really the best person to ask about magic or weapons, but if any of you want to branch out a little, I'll try seeing who else is available to teach.

Any questions?

[The scroll turns on to reveal a very frustrated-looking dragon. For not being able to make an upset face in a few days, he sure seems to be catching up on lost time now.]

Now that that utter nightmare is behind me, I'd like to take a moment to apologize to anyone I may have have inadvertently mislead by being a tiny pink cat for a week. I'm not small, I'm not adorable, and I actually know what I'm doing when it comes to battle.

Not to mention the fact that I don't make a habit of laying on people. Or chasing my tail. Or pouncing on bits. Ugh, what a disaster.

That said, I do recall running into a few unfamiliar faces, so I'd like to take the opportunity to properly introduce myself. If you met a small, pink cat with a katana wrapped in its tail, that was me.

I should have introduced myself then, but if I didn't, my name is Vergil. It was nice to meet you, even if I wasn't quite myself.

Also, Wally -- I think I owe you a proper rematch. Or at least a race.