"Well this is the place," said the maneless mare. 

Three figures stood at the street, the afternoon sun gleaming on the guide's scalp. Next to her where two very well dressed ponies, wearing Scholar cloaks. But unlike the ones worn by Scroll (or the majority of the order), they were subtly different. They were well pressed, tailored, a darker shade, and the marks seemed to gleam. Even with Sweeper's magic, not even her restorative powers could give the aura of these other, finer cloaks. Across from them was a mansion of a bygone century, its Antebellum architecture combining neoclassical and Roamian styles with modern innovations like the gabled roof and windows. The only sign of life was that the windows were no longer boarded up. 

Had any pony decided to walk around, they would have noted one major oddity. There was a hill next to the house, and at its crest were several monolithic chimneys. It was as if somepony had stuck them right into the earth itself. 

"Very good," replied the unicorn in a icy voice. Her hair was a dark blue, pulled into a tight bun. Glasses sat on her muzzle, clear and dark to reflect her eyes. If one had noticed they were the latest fashion in Manehatten. Her clothes however less stylish, but still well kept. "Did you make any inquires about this mansion?" 

Lily Moon nodded her head. "A few, but I didn't learn much. They say the place was recently inhabited, by a doctor or some mystical alchemist. Either way, they don't take patients or visitors. And ponies around here don't like to pry. It doesn't seem like an odd place, even at night." She noted the shadows on the ground that daylight was soon going. "Is there anything else? I should head back to the waterworks to help my friends. Busy day, and we still need to clean up the graveyard." 

"Hmmm, what about the graveyard?" 

Lily shrugged. "Don't know the details but it looks like vandalism. In any case, the Lady would want us to tidy up." 

"Alright, what do we owe-" 

Lily shook her head,. "No, payment is not needed. After all, are working for the Great Cause." She gave a warm smile and a short bow. "We'll be by the Creek if you need anything. Take care." Lily began to trot back to the shack that served as Woodwatch's waterworks. 

When she was out of sight, the pegasus Lightwing finally spoke. "It's a shame we have to be the presence of that one. Her peppiness is irritating, and does she have no dignity? Clad in sackcloth and bald, not even the piss poor would be reduced to that-" 

Dr. Lens gave to a harsh glare, and he stopped. "She dedicated to her cause, as we are. An admirable trait. Now let us focus more on the matter on hoof." She indicated the structure. 

It was some days ago that a Mission of Sliver Sweeper arrived at Woodwatch. They were a small traveling band, doing odd jobs cleaning and restoration… that is, if they weren't chased away or ignored. It happened to also be one of the groups that Director Prancer Žemaitukas was using for his own means. Though he had little love for the alicorn he served, the Director realized that her followers could be his eyes. So under the guise of being the High Priest's superior (which wasn't too far from the truth), Zemi' had his agents contact the wandering Missions. Of them, he told to look out for certain individuals or events, and to contact his office. "It is imperative for the order that these ponies be found, for the sake of the Lady," they were told. 

One day, Lily Moon was helping restore a fountain in in the otherwise quiet town when she saw a young unicorn, hind legs missing. She recognized her from a booklet that Prancer's faction had given them, filled with photos of ponies they were looking for. After following her to her residence, Lily had another pegasus fly to Manehatten immediately, and in a few hours Lightwing and Glory Lens were on their way via airship to the small town. 

"Do you think it could be this mysterious Doctor? I thought we lost him in Trottingham." 

"It's our first definite lead since then, Light'. But this could be a major break. The Director wants his help, especially what we learned about the Moon and Stars," said Lens. She was a rather attractive lady, only in her mid-20's, fit and her tailored clothes made her even more desirable. Had she let her hair down, she would have been far beautiful. "I go in alone, you stay out here and wait." 

"Are you sure? What if our Talent decides to use you as his next experiment?" 

"I can take care of myself. The Director doesn't call me his favorite for nothing." 

Lightwing moved behind the corner to observe from a safe distance. Lens continued forward to the structure with it's extended porch. It's facade was symmetrical - windows, pillars, and doors matching the same floors. Balcony rails on the floor above had taken on a green patentia. Shuttered windows prevented any prying eyes from looking through. Weather and time took it's toll on the masonry. Soon she passed the marble pillars of the porch, and was at the front door, made of thick wood. [i] Whoever built this house liked to make sure things were secured… and quiet. This construction would muffle most sounds. [/i] She looked around and found a heavy door knocker. Lens lifted the metal bob, and gave three heavy knocks. 

She waited for a reply.

----

"Oh sorry," Snow Tail said as she fluttered off Torrential's back. She started to blush, realizing that she probably was overstaying the ride. She took his place under the other wing, and chuckled at the alicorn's observation. "Well, it's a honor to be the first", she said and began to think of a way to continue the fun. [i]Hmmm, looks like we're going to start playing again [/i] 

Dancer didn't say much but nodded in acknowledgement. The walk seemed like a dream to her. Indeed, was she going to wake up soon, still in the Palace of Ivory Shores? But the soothing touch of Torrential's wing assured her this was no fantasy. 

But then everything changed - his wings where gone, and the alicorn broke into a fast pace. The two mortals looked at each other in shock, and then began to run after Torrential. They stopped a short distance from the watery ruins of Ponyville. Despair entered their hearts. Dancer remembered that day, she was just in her dorm reading a section on gravitational effects on light, while eating a muffin. Despite the confusion and worry about the Princesses disappearing, she was more concerned for her midterms. After all, what did they had to fear with Twilight Sparkle and the Element Holders in charge? 

But then there was a loud slamming, and Bright Scroll came in with sweat in on his forehead. He said simply "Ponyville is gone." It was at that moment she realized that things were out of control. She would latter write in a journal: [i] Like the event horizon of a magical portal, it was at that point nothing would ever escape the cataclysm of the Division. [/i] Snow Tail never did go here - after all, why visit a crater? But seeing the lake and the ruins in the water, tears began to fill her eyes. 

Torrential's words came like a thunderclap without sound. The words the two pegasi did not know, but their impact could be felt. Each word was like a bit of anger from the alicorn, and the pair began to shiver in horror. Tail bowed down into the marshy ground, but Dancer could not even move. [i] Did the Lord of the Rains not know? [/i] she wondered. [i] Now that he does… what next? [/i] She waited, not knowing what to do or what will occur. She simply prayed.