Apple Bloom’s clenched her eyes closed as front of her skull split open just above her eyes. It made a sound like snapping watermelon rind. Stone Mane stepped back in horror and Luna winced at the sound. Blood began to pour down the filly’s face; from under her deep rose bangs a long black tendril began to twist and extend from her forehead. The earth pony’s skull made further cracking sounds as the tendril grew longer and wider in diameter.

Stone Mane screamed when 4 golden eyes snapped open on foul tendril/horn. The eyes stared at him with baleful intent. The black abomination glistened from a thick, clear viscous substance that oozed from it.

“Apple Bloom!” The colt shouted. “What’s happened to you?!”

“What’s happened ta me? What happened ta me?” Filly’s voice made the colt shiver in terror. “I’ve just been gone fer a while, but I’m a back.”

Apple Bloom opened her eyes. The white of them had turned into pits of endless darkness. Her golden caramel brown now glowed like fiery coals in the night. A smile grew and grew on her face. From behind lips long, sharp fangs like no pony should ever have grew. After a few more second she spoke again.

“Hello my little ponies. Did ya miss me?”