*Margulis looks a bit more tired than usual, but that can be attributed to the fact that he works in a tea shop and it's getting cold, right? Right. In fact, he's posting this from Otsuki Chacha's kitchen, taking a small break from washing dishes while he boils water in the background.

...Wait, what? Yes, there's two of him, one addressing the scroll while the other continues to work. But he's not even going to comment on that.*

Since it's apparently sharing hour, I've made a recent discovery that may be nearly as concerning as Princess Celestia's announcement. Last month, I attempted to use...a certain ability innate to my people to contact an artifact in my world that connects to an extra dimensional entity. The details of that entity are irrelevant to the situation, since I failed. I encountered something else entirely, a feeling of dread and helplesness, as if I were being hunted by something inescapable.

*He hesitates for a moment, ears flicking back and forth in discomfort on both of his bodies. This next part is something he'd normally keep to himself, but...it's relevant.*

Since then, I've had nightmares of the same sensation, in a field of blackness interrupted by multi-colored light. I'm not certain where that imagery is from, but I do have my suspicions as to what, or rather who, I encountered. The question remains, however...why did it feel as if I were being pursued, when Calice so far seems to merely be watching us? In honesty, I'm not even certain those were my own emotions. Fear for my own safety isn't something I often feel.

[So our somewhat hermit-y changeling is out and about again! But instead of his new favorite form of an earth pony, he has decided to go pegasus today and he's now adorning Saori's new house with Christmas lights, by Hoof. He's somewhat unaware his scroll has opened, thanks to Sirius and Mana shenanigans. He's now pausing to survey his work in progress.]

Who would have thought designing one house would be more difficult then a city... I hope Allen was right when he said this many wouldn't blow the circuit breaker.

[Now would be the time for the peanut gallery]

*The video opens on Margulis sitting on the edge of a desk, next to an impressively full bookshelf for how long he's been here. On the back of the desk, perfectly centered next to the wall, is a black sheathed wakizashi on a matching stand.*

I'm not going to bother adding to the chorus of people commenting on the last three days. In fact, what I'm here to talk about is more related to discussions I've had with a recently arrived... *He pauses, seeming to debate the appropriate word.* ...associate of mine.

I've noted both similarities and differences between this world's literature and that of my own, particularly those that have survived in the form of books. Given that this is the first world I've been to that didn't have Earth as a common point in history, it's left me curious.

What was literature like in your worlds, or those you've visited? I'm certain some themes and tropes are common among all cultures with a strong history of storytelling, but others may be different.

*He gives a faint but amused smirk.*

Not that I would be adverse to discussing themes in common or different takes on stories from Earth, either.

( Private to Gaignun )

*It's Gaignun! Except the look on his face is oddly exhasperated to anyone who happens to know the Changeling. In fact, he's facehoofing rather strongly.*

Of course it would be too much to ask for a month to pass without some form of disruption. For reference, this is Margulis. I'll be attempting to look like myself once I get used to this body's magic, but until then try to keep it in mind.

And Kukai, I believe I have something of yours.

[Why hello there little community. Have a very confused Changeling wearing a very well cut suit jacket with a colourful lapel embroidery looking back at you.  You'll have to forgive him, he hasn't figured out he can shape-shift yet. But he does have a very pleasant smile!]

Well this is certainly a much brighter place then where I was last. Much lovelier too, honestly. Anyways, I should probably start with introducing myself. I'm Gaignun Kukai, and I'm glad to meet all of you.  Could I possibly bother you all for some in formation about this place?

Preferably starting with a good place to get a snack?  [That smile turns a little bit embarrassed. Stupid URTV fast metabolism.  Please be gentle, he doesn't realize that this is the exact wrong question for a changeling to ask.]

*For a second, all that can be seen on the scroll is smoke, accompanied by the crackling sound of a nearby fire. Then the wind shifts and Margulis is visible, standing in the middle of a raging brush fire with an indignant looking adolescent phoenix on his back. He's standing across from a pair of ponies in safari gear, one of whom is half tangled in a net.*

And don't you dare set hoof on this island again. Now get out of my sight.

*He whips his head around and sends a wave of fire from his horn. The other ponies turn and run, heading for the ocean as the wave sets their tails on fire.*

Just a few birds, you said! Now look, we've made the island spirits mad!

Shut up, you were all for the idea!

*The two continue to argue all the way to the water, leaving Margulis behind as he tilts his head back and gives what can only be described as a classic evil laugh. The phoenix chips in by sticking its tongue out at the fleeing ponies. Margulis seems to be completely oblivious that the scroll is recording.*

*Like Saori, Margulis is no longer in the commune. In fact, he seems to be sitting on a slightly sloping roof of some house. Don't ask how he got up there without wings.*

Now that all of you have hopefully calmed down from the events of this month, it's about time we had a discussion. While the document in the library has its uses for gathering information, it also has its shortcomings. As such, I suggest a meeting of those who made valuable observations during that fight and those who simply wish to know more to form theories.

There are certain individuals I especially want to see present. I've already spoken to Overlord Zetta, but I also wish to speak with the native versions of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. It's high time we had a proper discussion about any extraneous secrets you might be keeping.

Given that there are many who may still be recovering from the fight, I won't set a date right away. If anyone has a specific length of time they expect to be incapable of attending during, now's the time to bring it to my attention.

I hope you already realize that our enemy deliberately released information about a supposed mole in an attempt to sow distrust. In the absence of a name, we're left without assurance that anyone here is trustworthy, even while being uncertain that there's a leak at all and that he didn't merely predict that someone would target his home.

While we obviously can't discount the possibility, can we truly afford to let it hobble us either? We're facing an enemy stronger than most, if not any, of us individually. Cooperation might well be our only means of victory, so it comes as no surprise that he means to pit us against each other. It's an ancient tactic and one I'm well familiar with.

And I'm certain that by speaking up, I've already brought doubt upon myself. That's fine. So long as you neither squabble in blind distrust over who may or may not be in league with the enemy nor assume that because you have your suspicions about me, you can secure plans by filtering them so that I don't have access. And before a certain someone inevitably comments to give the abbrevited version, I'll give a summary myself:

Our enemy wants to destroy our ability to trust each other. Don't allow him to hobble what may be our only path to victory so easily as that.

*Adding to the mass of serious faces on the scroll is Margulis, somehow looking even more serious than normal. There's a commanding air about him, as if he's stepped into a role that's first nature to him.*

I'm certain many of you have speculations, plans or information to share regarding yesterday's incident. While it's important to do so, you might have noticed that the Pale Pony made an appearance on the scrolls as well. As such, we should assume that she's capable of intercepting our communications via magic. I urge those of you who have things you wish to share to make use of the recently established information hub.

Those willing to take part in active discussion or offer their direct assistance in this matter should report to the Otsuki tea shop once we've all returned to Ponyville. Nakagawa and I have prior experience in a similar situation and will be lending our assistance in whatever ways we can.

( OOC cut for extensive tl;dr )

[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?

[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.

Hey, would anyone like some furniture by the way? I've been working on some stuff, and I might have gone overboard...

[Behind Shan is a mountain of items: chairs, tables, entire benches and corner counters. Tonberry Lamps and Chocobo Lamps, Carbuncle chairs and bookcases filled to the brim with books, and globes of Eorzea. There's even a plush bed there, fit for a queen. The cat rubbed her head as she looked over her shoulder at the pile.]

Furniture going cheap? I'd hate to desynth all of this stuff for demimateria... so...

[Saori opens the scroll and she's not as chipper as she normally is. There's even a bit of dark circles under her eyes and her mane was wrapped in a headscarf. June often was a rough month for her because of memories associated with it but the timing of this one was just....Well, it made her just want to forget about this month.]

I'm sorry to make this sudden announcement, but Otsuki Chacha tea house will be closed this following Sunday. Don't worry, I'm fine but for personal reasons, I need to take the day off. We'll be open the following day though. Oh and I do plan on doing something special to make up for it.

I do have one last thing to ask. Would anypony be able to direct me where I could get a mane and tail trim? I uh....had a little moment a while back and I'm a bit overdue for a trim, to be honest.

[The following message was clearly supposed to be private, but it's clearly not at all.]

- Yu, Yukiko

I'm sorry for my recent behavior and what I did at the Gala last night. That amulet had control of me, but that isn't an excuse. I should have realized the possibility of it being cursed when I originally got it at the auction in January.

To make sure that I don't put everyone else in further danger anymore, I am leaving Ponyville and staying away. I am a monster and monsters like me are too dangerous to be around other ponies.

Consider this my resignation.


(  [Action]  )

[Over the span of a day, things have gotten quite... freaky. A panicked family talking about a strange looking horse without skin invading their home and kicking them out. Even more, outside the town, a menacing tower has appeared. What would cause such a thing? Well, if you look at your scrolls, you'll see the culprit and holy crap, he's an ugly one - metallic bones with tubes attached to them flowing across his body and his muscles and brain exposed. His horn has a "Z" mounted on top, glowing as it holds a large silver staff crowed with a "Z" on it as well. His visor flashes as he finally speaks.]

Ahh, good morning, citizens of Ponyville. I am Lord Zedd, Emperor of all I see. From this moment forward, your happiness and goodwill are at an end for I am taking over. Oh, and don't try to run to your precious princesses. I don't care if they can move traffic - their power is no match for mine! I have defeated my long time nemesis, Zordon, and his teenage do-gooders, the Power Rangers, were helpless to stop me! The same will happen here; I guarantee it.

I'd advise you enjoy your last little bits of freedom while you can...

[Hello, ponies. Celestia is in her now-open sky bedroom, laying on her bed. Now that she's back to normal and there is no beehive hair to distract everyone, its pretty obvious that there are injuries on the princess, as well as weird burns on her, that she is healing up with a soft glow of her horn.]

My ponies. I told you after the battle, I would explain everything. That time is right now. I...had hoped it wouldn't come to this, but you deserve to know...

[There was a pause before she continued.]

( These fragments I have shored against my ruins )

[There's a distressed little orange unicorn onscreen right now, walking back and forth while muttering to himself. Of course, anypony around will be treated to the live show.]

Nonono, this- this simply isn't right!

[He stopped to rub his chin and promise himself later he'd figure out how he did that.]

Alright, so let's see here. Try to reason it out Izzy, there's got to be a logical reason of why this happened, and how it happened.

[He starts pacing again.]

I suppose it could be a physical anomaly? Certainly there were... unusual circumstances going on mere seconds ago, unlike anything at all we'd ever seen! [Another brief pause.] Which is quite a lot if I do say so myself.

And this wouldn't be the first time I'd been pulled to another universe. [He looked around himself, his expression more troubled than you might think.] I do, however, seem to be utterly alone this time.

[A whuffle of a sigh and he stopped again, feet together and head pulled back, eyes closed.]

Alright, deep breath. [He does just that.] All this requires is careful observation and study, and answers will become clearer over time.

[Somehow he seems brighter already.]