[The feed pops up, and immediately on-screen is an evergreen stallion getting herded into view, stumbling on three hooves as he waves sheepishly at the camera. Nephenee's head pokes up from where she was pushing him on, and if there's any term to describe her aura right now, it's "glowing". She's practically buzzing. Did someone give her caffeine again?]

[In any case, she makes sure the scroll's got them both framed, and grins.]

Hey, Everypony! Hope y'all had a good Hearts an' Hooves!

We sure did!

We gotta big announcement to share with everypony!

We sure do! [Morgan isn't really here to help.]

[Nephenee is half bouncing, half-buzzing in excitement, and after a moment, she finally gets the words out.]

Morgan asked me to marry him! An' Ah said yes!

[She holds up a hoof that has a titanium bracelet on it with small gems and engravings. It's really, really nice.]

That's right, I scooped the best girl in Equestria and there's nothing you can do about it! All the rest of you can wither in despair! WITHER! [Cue Morgan shaking a hoof at the scroll.]

[She grins brightly.] Absolutely nothin'! We ain't sure when it's happenin' yet, but we wanted to share it with everypony~

[Morgan just points a hoof at Neph. Seriously, all her idea to announce it like this.]

[Well, what an announcement!]

~~~~
( [Private to Crmsn, before the announcement] )

( Private Visual to Arcee )

~~~~

[When the Pegasus pops up, she's in an apron, in what seems to be a kitchen area, and there's some supplies out: flour, butter, sugar...just another day in her kitchen, sort of.]

Hey, everypony~ Since Hearts an' Hooves day's comin' up, Ah had an idea for somethin' folks might like for them an' their sweetie, or jus' for folks in general.

[Ducking her head underneath the counter, she brings it back up to reveal a lovely berry cake.]

We jus' got in some o'the fruits, an' Arcee an' Ah got the idea to make cakes for those who want 'em! Could be any berry, long as Ah can get it, could have writin' or chocolate shapes on it or anythin' ya might like...within reason, Ah mean. This is jus' a sample o'what she an' Ah can do. We'll have some special pricin' for couples an' such, too. So swing on by if ya want, or lemme know here if you're interested. An' don't worry, our lips are sealed; no spoilin' surprises here!

[With Hearth's Warming coming and going, it means Arcee gets to show up on the feed in a dumb sweater, as well as a poofy scarf. One, shut up, they were gifts. Two, continue to shut up, she hates the cold.

But that's a story for another day.]

So be honest, does this count as "formal dress"?

[That film festival is coming up, after all. Gotta look good.]

[See Minato.]

[Or at least, something that vaguely resembles him. It's hard to tell, considering the pegasus is covered head to hoof in scarves.]

[Seriously, he has around twenty or so scarves on. One properly on his neck, some around his face, a couple on each limb, a few around his midsection, two tied to each wing, a couple on his tail... Most of them were given to him as gifts, so they're mostly various shades of blue, but some are other colors. All of them are tied to him in such a way so that they're all blowing in the late fall wind. It would almost look cool if he wasn't covered in them.]

[Plus the one around his neck seems to be blowing in the opposite direction of all the other scarves. Quite frankly, the entire thing looks ridiculous.]

[So what does he have to say about this?]

I am the warmest pony in Equestria.

[That's all. The stoic Fool of Equestria, everypony.]

[Here you go pony's, have one of your resident cats, the red scruffy one.]

Hey there pony's, the name's Cliffjumper, I'm one of the new bots in town. Been trying to get myself settled since I'm uh...I'm still a little new to this whole "organic" thing, but I think I'm finally gettin' the hang of it. Little food, a little sleep and you're good to go when the sun rises.

Enough about me though, I'm curious about all this holiday stuff going on. It sounds a lot like what humans have back on Earth...

[Is going off of a New York standard of Christmas really the proper thing to compare it to, Cliff?]

You got the same scramble for presents I've been seeing and well...I was never really able to ask before, but is that all this holiday is? Some mad dash to get the biggest and best present you can for someone? I mean I get the part where a Snowman came to life, and some red nosed mammal with high-beams helped an old guy in a red suit come to town...actually I don't get that either, and if you have answers for those as well I'd owe you one...

I mean it's like whiplash between the two, magic snowmen and big fat guys in suits, then suddenly everyone gets presents. Just what is this holiday all about?

You know, it's funny. When I first got here, I figured I'd be long gone by now. Everyone was a lot smaller, too, but you know. Details. I even treated it like a vacation. Of course, back then no one knew what happened to anyone who left, was told they just went back home.

Obviously that's not the case.

[A sort of hiss lingers in her voice just thinking about it.]

...I don't know where I was going with this, I'm just...tired.

Think some holiday is coming up, so...happy whatever that is.

[Wow, one whole year.]

If anyone sees a giant dragon flying around, try not to panic. That's just Brainstorm. Funny story that, but he seemed to have grown fifty sizes and is now who-knows-where. I don't think he's dangerous, but you never know, right? It'd be appreciated if someone could, you know, desize him a little.

[How did Brainstorm end up a giant? It's all a mystery.]

So, in totally unrelated news, how much do houses cost in Ponyville? Our old one is... Uh, well living in a cave gets old after a while.

[Absolutely none of this is his fault by the way, in case anyone was wondering.]

[A large orange Puma can be seen licking her paw, before speaking to address the masses.]

I am not the most talkative of individuals, nor am I the most social, but I suppose I should at the very least introduce myself to you lot as long as I'm going to be staying here until goddess only knows when. Some of you may have seen me before, some of you are likely familiar with Nephenee who is a friend of mine from my homeworld, and some of you may have no idea who or what I am.

My name is Lethe, and I am a Laguz warrior of Gallia. I have found myself trapped in my combat form for my entirety of my stay here it would seem, yet that is little concern to me. I am quite adept in this form, possibly even more so than my normal form, however I wanted to assure the populace that I am not hostile. While I may be a carnivore by nature, I am capable of eating other foods and I am certainly not a wild monster who will attack anything on sight.

[Lethe pauses, trying to think about whether or not she'd said enough.]

I'll be staying with Nephenee for the time being, if you have any comments or concerns feel free to voice them now.

[The last few days have been interesting, to say the least, but this morning, when Ponyville awoke to find itself normal once more, sans a few ponies, it seemed, everyone (and we do mean everyone) would find small baskets at their doors. There's no sign of who might have left them, beyond a personalized note to each that was hoof-typed. Inside the baskets? Treats and goodies: cookies, candies, foods...if the mysterious benefactor knew preferences, those were there. In each instance, there's also a hoof-made scarf for the coming cold, in a variety of colors, all with cutie marks sewn in (if those weren't present, flowers or designs were instead).

For a select few, there are more personalized baskets, and those get to meet the mystery mare later in the day:]

( Action to Ako, Applejack, Arcee, Bertie, Cadence, Cirno, Coco, Dante, OU!Fluttershy, Gwen, Lethe, MayTwi, Minato, Patchy, Rainbow Dash, Vergil )

~~~

( Action to Morgan )

~~~

( Anon scroll visual to Cálice )

[Here's Cameron again, he must be going off on another of his breakdowns again. Everyone clear for the earplugs.]

Hey everybody...there might have been some of you seeing Marty doing stuff that was...different.

[Shuffles uncomfortably.]

That was actually me. I don't know what came over me, I guess I really liked being someone else and I sorta went overboard with being Camarty.

Anyway, I wanna apologize to everyone and to Marty. Hopefully you don't have to kill me. [You know, LIKE THAT CAT.]

Also Marty, if you have any bumps on your head that's also my fault. Kind of..wore...sunglasses...at night...

[The only reason his scroll opens is because Cliffjumper all but files out of his skin in a mad panic. As the red cat looks around wildly for the cause, the scroll would prop open and begin broadcasting. He doesn't know it's there just yet, he's got other concerns currently. Like functioning. A metal horn attached to a necklace whips around every which way as he turns wildly, trying to gather his bearings.]

Wh-wha-! This isn't the Nemesis...I-...Is this Earth?

[If he were something that sweat, he'd be covered in a cold one right now. Instead his new functions are fighting with him. It isn't until he's settled down that he realizes he's breathing at all. The cat lets out another strangled yeowl when he looks down at himself. Fur and paws are never something one expects to see.]

Primus! The frag is happening!?

[He seems more than a little out of sorts or even confused. In fact he may be pretty much borderline bewildered. Don't hold that against him though, he's had a rather traumatic day so far...]

[The scroll starts up like someone just flung it open, Arcee popping onto the feed looking just as disgruntled as ever. Good to see some things never change.]

Could someone please explain to Marty that bringing a fragging dog into a small house filled with cats is a bad idea. No, scratch that, the worst idea.

Because apparently, I can't get through to him.

[She let him have his stupid metal music, WHY THIS? It's not like it's her house or anything.]

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 )

[There's a minotaur all up in your collective grills, Equestria. One that has his face mostly obscured by a trenchcoat and fedora, both in a dusty light brown.]

Alright. Clearly, I musta fallen asleep in front of one of Peacock's shows or something. Because this is one hell of a dream.

[His voice is smooth, rich, and deep, almost as if he's a natural born singer.]

... well, either that, or some Skullgirl made the world's worst wish. Seriously, why's this place gotta be so bright...

Moping aside, might as well introduce myself. The name's Ben Birdland, but you can call me Big Band. It's what I'm used to.

Now, anybody wanna give me directions to the nearest bar? Because if I'm gonna wait this thing out, I'm gonna wait it out with some gin.

[If anybody so chooses, they can find the hulk of a bull stomping (lightly) around the Town Square, trying to get his bearings. Seems like there's a similarly massive saxophone strapped to his back, and he's having no trouble carrying it around.]

Zach, are you awake? You haven't been talking to me, lately.

[It's late at night. People are either asleep or heading that way.]

I know we've been here... for a while. Since October. It's almost been a year.

[Sounds like somebody's scroll is acting up.]

What do you think is going to happen? I bet George would get a kick out of me accidentally walking on 4 legs when I get back.

[And they're monologuing.]

If we get back. Do you think there's a chance we won't?

... no, me neither. One way or another, we'll see Greenvale again. Whether it's the same Greenvale we left or not, well... that might be up to fate to decide.

Did you notice? I haven't needed to smoke for a while. There hasn't been any reason to. I know you always hated it, so... maybe you can finally get off of my back about that, huh, Zach?

I still have a few left, though. From April. In case of emergency... if I have to profile again. But the scale of incidents here is usually much higher than just "murder". So, my skills haven't had to come into play.

... a little out of place, yes. But... I've managed to survive here thus far. Nearly a year, Zach. Think you've got another one in you?

I thought so.

[Some shuffling, then the audio cuts out.]

[The scroll opens to reveal the commune kitchen.]

[It's smoking.]

[More specifically, the oven is. The entire kitchen's covered, though. Whatever was in the oven must have seriously messed up.]

[Judging by the fact that Minato is the only pony in the kitchen, and he's covered in a thin layer of soot, it's safe to assume whose fault it is.]

[...At least it's not fire?]

I learned something today. Cooking and baking are two different skills. I know I can cook well, but...

[As the smoke clears, cookie sheets, a stand mixer, a few bowls and what appears to be multiple kinds of dough can be seen on the counter. Three guesses what he tried to do.]

Turns out I might not be so good at baking yet.

Think anypony can help me salvage this? I just wanted bread.

I've gone crazy. Things like this just don't happen! Not even to us!

Brainstorm, I swear if you had anything to do with this, I'm going to throw you out the nearest airlock. I'm not in the mood for any of your weirdness.

[The only reason why he isn't FREAKING OUT is because he found the data slug with him when he woke up. That's his only comfort in the world, and he's glad to still have it. He can handle being turned into a unicorn as long as it's with him.]

Does anyone have a computer I can use?

Okay, I told Mako about this already but you guys remember those weird dreams we've been having lately? I was able to talk to Woona in my dream last night and she told me to tell you guys this.

Something really bad is going to happen in the ninth day of these dreams. I'm not quite sure what is going to happen, but she told me that, among other things, that all dreams will be lost if we don't act.

So in about four days from now, you guys you probably try to not sleep. And we should probably find a way to stop this before it's too late.

[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.

[Even though the scrollwork has cut on to a visual feed, the room is dark, with all the curtains drawn shut and only the faintest trickle of light shining through them. The mare speaking looks like she'd been run over by the 4:50 Express, and if the cups of water and...what appear to be a raw egg next to her are any indication, she knows damn well why she hurts so much. Her voice is a low, hoarse mutter, but loud enough to be audible.]

Flanks and fetlocks, I'm a buckin' idiot. First and foremost: you're all right, I'm a damn idiot. Let's just... let's just get business out of the way, yeah...?

First: I wish I could undo the crap I spewed at you, Hamato. You didn't deserve that, even if it felt like you were twistin' the knife at the time. We'd... we'd known for about a day by the time y'said anything. We.....we took it real well, Harv and I. You didn't deserve what we did t'ya.

Second: Just because I don't want to kill anyone anymore doesn't mean you don't deserve to have your face turned into abstract art, Goggles. You're an asshat and if there was any justice in th'world you'd be the Pale Pony's bitch instead of all the innocents out there forced to be sucked into her.

[Flare's voice lowers to a rough growl, but she cuts herself off with a fit of coughing before it goes too far.]

Third: Thanks for at least stoppin' us before we were dumber, Lyra. Sure felt like you were stabbin' us in the back and agreein' with Goggles sayin' Harv was useless when it happened, though. Dunno if he'll still think you feel that way when he wakes up, but he still did before he finally passed out.

[The pegasus glances over her shoulder, reluctantly, at the earth pony still passed out behind her. Ugh, she can deal with hangovers, but something told her she wasn't going to like the aftermath of this one.]

Fourth: Dust, if you're still around and don't mind fixing up a wrecked apartment, the place is all yours. I don't think I c'n stay there at the moment. Gonna be here with Harv for a while.

Fifth: Sorry, Rarity. Kinda totaled the apartment y'gave to me. Better than takin' it out on a pony, I guess. Dash, don't worry, that thing you got me is built t'withstand a rainboom, so at least it's still in one piece, though I gotta lug it here now.

And I guess the last thing I gotta say is... well, if you don't understand why the two of us were such buckin' foals last night... give it time. Sooner or later, th'Pale Pony's gonna take away everyone you love, too. And it's gonna hurt. That's why I was so eager a few weeks ago.

Sorry.

[And with that, Flare rolls up the scroll with a quiet grunt. Maybe she can wallow in her idiocy for a few weeks, now.]