MLP TF kidnap – Sassy Saddles, Part 1


It wasn’t easy to make out a vehicle through the heavy rain that seemed that it wouldn’t ever stop within the next hours. The mirroring streets didn’t make it easy to see that a dark van was arriving at the compound. Dark clouds seemed as if to cover the events which were about to come.
The concrete pathway led to a giant building, a former bunker which has been restored and changed in appearance. In fact, it seemed more like an entrance to a royal castle than a former bunker. Winding stairways on both sides of the entrance and big golden gates could be seen when the lights of the van touched it them for a brief second. The building was looking like a fantasy palace, an architecture which has been placed out of time and space. Almost unreal bit it was more real than ever.
As the van stopped before the stairs a lighting briefly showed the faces of the individuals who were exiting the car. Three persons with a strange, inhumane profile, tails and pointy ears were carrying another person. A human, apparently unconscious.
One of the strange characters pushed the large doors open and a great hall welcomed them. Finally, their whole appearance could be seen clearly. A purple, orange and light-greyish pink plush horse were hauling the middle-aged man and gently set him down on a throne-like seat. Then they tied him firmly, nodded to each other and left the room. The lights went out and the man was in complete darkness.

The blinding light of the morning sun woke Steve up from his unpleasant sleep. Slowly his eyes first squinted and then his mind began to remember while his eyes were looking around. Large banners were hanging in front of giant windows. The glass was coloured and painted as well as the fabrics. It didn’t take a genius to find out what the symbols depicted: Horses, in every shade and colour.
Looking at that display Steve instantly remembered. The ambush on the HQ, the disappearance of his boss and the abduction…
Wait a minute, ABDUCTION?
Steve looked down and finally realized that he was still a hostage of those lunatics. Was Thomas, his own friend the responsible one for his sudden loss of consciousness? Did he cooperate with the captivators? What were those LARP maniacs planning after all? So many questions.
Steve had enough and tried to loosen the ropes around his joints, arms, legs and torso. Even his head was tied up firmly. But whatever they were made of, they didn’t give him any space. The fabrics extracted and retracted enough for breathing and they were loose and firm enough at the same time to constrict his body completely and to keep his blood pressure on a decent level. But on the other hand, every inch he tried to achieve, the soft rope instantly reclaimed back with no mercy. Almost as if it was alive. That wasn’t good, definitely not good at all and whatever they were planning, Steve wasn’t eager to find out after all. The ropes began to hug him tighter and he began to doze off again.
“Damn traitor. Thomas I will make sure I get you and…” he mumbled and then his view became dark again.
Several hours later Steve was being called by a gentle and strong sounding female voice. The air smelled sweet and comforting. Like a mixture of fun fair and his almost forgotten plush teddy he had as a child. It smelled like his past childhood. Fun and games.
“Mind play, that is how they are planning to convince me. They can try but they will never succeed.” Steve thought and smirked. He couldn’t deny that some peculiar part of him liked that atmosphere. It was creeping him out.
“Steve!” the voice came again, this time more seriously.
“Bad Pony, open up your eyes at once and look in my face!” the voice ordered.
Steve couldn’t explain why but all of a sudden, his eyes opened to slits and his head raised a little. The rope was prohibiting any further movement so he could only look at two white plush hooves which were standing in front of him with golden hoof shoes or brackets around the soles. The waving mane was reaching to the floor and Steve had trouble to make out what colour it showed. Blue, red, green? It was almost putting him in a trance.
His bonds began to give him more space and he looked directly up, about to show that person that he will never give up so easily since he had a proper training when he was serving in the special forces. He knew how to make any hostage situation complicated; you can say he was very stubborn.
But nothing of that helped when he looked into the glowing purple eyes of the white majestic creature that was looking down on him. Her eyes were glowing menacingly and she had a god like aura all around her. Steve wanted to show resistance to her but there was something that almost immediately crumbled all of his mental defence. He felt naked although he had his clothes on. Trying to avoid eye contact was useless. His eyes returned to those eyes every single time he tried. It was as if his eyes didn’t obey him anymore. Even worse, his ability to speak had seemingly been disappeared. Steve opened his mouth but nothing came out of it as if a great barrier was hindering him completely. With no option left, Steve gave in, relaxed and looked into her eyes, relaxed and although he knew something was wrong, it also felt right, as if it was always supposed to be like that.

“I see you have coming to your senses. Good pony.” The white furred creature began and patted Steve’s head with a gentle touch of its hooves, in an almost motherly like manner, the mane was so close that it caressed Steve's chin and he could even smell the scent of roses and lemonjuice evading from the fabric.

Why was this creature addressing him as a pony? Judging from the higher pitched voice it seemed to be female. Didn’t she see he was a human being?
Then he realized he was the only human-like looking person in the room. Everyone else was wearing giant plush mascot outfits which assumedly were based of certain cartoon pony characters, judging from the long manes, the giant eyes, the tails, the rounded snouts and the fur in varied colours. They appeared as if they had escaped directly from a children’s colouring book of some sorts.

Trying to put two and two together Steve began to look for any clues or hints. Anything he could use against them. Why was he tied to a chair? Why did that giant… Pony… address him as one of her kind? Did she, or rather did they want to make him a pony as well? Was it a crazy costumed cult? He couldn't do much concerning his current situation. Steve had no other option than to look around and wait patiently, motionless and obedient.
“Damn it! I can’t move at all.” he snarled in his frustration. The sun had moved a bit and Steve could see another shadow. Something was sitting behind him and, considering the contours of the shadow, it was a pony as well. But that one looked slimmer, almost empty. Steve could make out a strange glow coming from its eyes. Looking into it led to only one closure: that thing was empty. And that only meant one thing: they most probably were planning to put him in THAT thing. And they wouldn't be so gentle to ask for his consent first, that was for sure.

What kind of crazy game were they playing?
Celestia cleared her throat and Steve’s eyes were looking directly at her again.
“Are you finished? Can we finally start to talk? Or do we have to continue that strange glance catching game of yours? You can look around as you like, it won't change anything. If you want this to get over you need to look to me first, if you don't mind.” she suggested politely.

Steve relaxed, leaned back and waited, the ropes were beginning to loosen up a bit but far from enough to allow any kind of possibility to escape that easily. Slowly Steve's eyes met 'Celestia's' again and then it all depended on 'her' reaction.

Celestia took a closer look to find a tiny crack, a weakness she could use. Steve knew that mind games from the training routines as a rookie back then. Just listening was the best option. Let them have their game until you can begin yours. Make them think what you think. That was, in short, what his police instructor once told him. He learned that lesson very fast, concerning the harsh methods used back then to simulate a long-term hostage situation. Every rookie had the choice to gather some points or to skip that lesson.
Thomas and him for sure accepted that challenge without hesitation and Thomas for sure liked the part of the hostage taker, testing, with the necessary precautions of course, how far he could go to break Steve's will. That was the beginning of two dark weeks. Handcuffed to a chair, little time to sleep, drink or eat but he 'survived' that test.
After that both of them becam the closest friends but Steve always had been craving to redo that 'test', with switched places, of course, but Thomas didn't want to participate in that barbaric kind of training. Anyway, that was years ago and he never thought he would have to use it. Rule number one: patience.

“Good. You see, we are caught in a little predicament here.”
Steve waited, did nothing at all. Maybe she would make a mistake, he hoped and showed no sign of emotions. Unimpressed, Celestia continued:
“One the one hoof I have no interest in another unwelcomed guest with no interest for our cause at all.”
Steve listened more closely. Maybe he was out of this sooner as he expected.
“But on the other hoof, you and your former colleague were giving us a hard time. Both of you are knowing about this place. Both of you know about us in general. If Luna was still here, she would have an answer but since that… incident a short while ago…” Celestia spoke but then she stopped and contemplated.

The moment when Celestia closed her eyes Steve’s confidence came back. His training method failed as his anger got the best of him. It was a different situation when your life really was at stake. Locking off emotions is easier said than done.

“So, you are planning to keep me hostage? After you have almost killed everybody I loved and cared for? Are you out of your mind?!” Steve couldn’t hold his anger back any longer.

Celestia chose her words wisely and continued as calm and seemingly friendly as before:
“We did no harm to any person. Every pony you see here came to me and decided to stay here and aid our cause out of free will. I would never…” Celestia explained but was quickly interrupted.

“Ow, is that so? Then why the hell did that explosion happen? Or wasn’t that your fault and it was terrorist assault after all? Or an short circuited gas tank? Don’t try to fool me. You belong behind bars. For a long time and I will make sure of it. Let me go and I will give you my word I will do my best to reduce your time well spend.” Steve blustered.
Celestia was confused. Twilight didn’t mention anything about civilian casualties or accidents. Cozy Glow was assuring that the mission worked out perfectly. Had she been lied to?

“Twilight Sparkle! Stand here. AT ONCE!” Celestia’s voice was loud enough to shake the walls in the hall, you could feel the air trembling.
A shy purple pony dressed person slowly walked over to her, bowed and rested her arms behind her back to signalize the highmost attention possible.

“Explain!” Celestia demanded.
“I didn’t know about any explosions, believe me.” Twilight insisted and was on the verge of tears. It was hard to see because the eyes didn't give any insight of the face of the person underneath the fur fabric.
“Cozy Glow took more time than we expected and everything went out of control but I couldn’t see or hear any explosions.” the purple plush pony continued.
“You didn’t know anything at all? It was your mission and you promised me to take an eye on your new apprentice? Do you really think that I buy any of this?!” Celestia raged.
“You owe me for this one, Twi.” Cozy Glow whispered in Twilight’s ear and stepped in front of her higher pony.
“I was too sure of myself. My arrrogance blinded me. Whatever happened, I am willful to take the full blame for it and I take any punishment you provide.” Cozy Glow said with a firm tone in her voice.

“You are just a low rank pony, a rookie. I wouldn’t dare to punish you before you are a full member of our society, yet. It would be against any rules after all.” Celestia replied.

“Please make me a crew member or whatever you are called then. I bow to your might. But I beg you to spare Twilight. If friendship is your goal, then we are all in this together. You, because you gave us that mission after all, Twilight, because she put too much trust in me, Applejack because she couldn’t hold me back and myself because I took actions I wasn’t allowed and prepared to take, yet.” Cozy Glow reasoned, bowed her head down and made a prostration. She didn't raise her head and awaited any command or reaction that would come. Celestia didn’t expected that and was out of words but she gave her best to settle the thing there and then.

“I can’t you punish in front of our guest in question here.” Celestia finally said and looked back at Steve. The ropes in the meantime were having a good time binding his mouth as well, leaving only a tiny slit for his nose to breathe left.
“Look, I don’t want you no harm at all, nobody of us does and whatever happened, I swear we didn’t do it on purpose.” Celestia apologized to him. Steve rolled his eyes.
Celestia's horn began to glow and the ropes began to loosen up again allowing him to speak once more.
“That won’t give them their lives back or their health. You are monsters, criminals. You act harmless and playful but deep inside you are just a bunch of mere criminals. Brainwashing everyone.” Steve accused.
“You may be right. And to show you that we are about to change our course, I am offering you a few days to find out if the life in our village and your pony future is agreeing with your taste. If it does, then welcome in Ponyville. And if it doesn’t, you can leave. How does that sound?” Celestia offered. Was it a peace offering?

“That sounds like that whole plan of yours has a catch included.” Steve answered.
“You are right with that. You aren’t allowed to tell anybody about anything that happened. Nobody may know where we live and who we are. If you break the rules… Well, then we will come for you. Speaking of it, how is Pinkie’s status?” that question was directed to Rainbow Dash but the sky-blue furred pony just shook the head.
“Maybe it is best if I stay with her until she gets well soon.” Rainbow Dash said.
“You know that I can’t allow that. Until you aren’t a full member of the village, you are not allowed to stay here over the weekend. The rules are the rules after all.” Celestia reacted emotionless.
“Darn those rules. Fine, I sign your stupid contract!” Rainbow Dash grabbed a sheet of paper and scribbled her name on it with a swift motion. The next second, a rainbowed flash exited through the door, back to Pinkie’s hospital quarter.

“Anypony else?” Celestia asked in the room and Rarity stumbled forward. There was no reason for her to deny the contract and she liked the place, her friends and the suit that gave her such an appeal. The costume had an appeal and gave Lisa an immense variety of ideas- more brilliant and far more ideas than she ever had. It had improved her skills far beyond any comprehension. Denying those traits and benefits was like denying herself and she wanted to be fabulous. Yes, fabulous was the word. Everything about the growing connection between her and that magnificent white fur and the luscious sparkling lilac mane. In fact, she had been accustomed to the diamond-shaped lock around her neck and it really was adding to her appearance. She liked that necklace. Rarity looked at the curled and perfectly styled mane and then her decision was made. She elegantly brushed a strand of her mane aside with one plush hoof to see clearer and then she passionately signed the contract and exhaled out of relief- it felt right. It was always meant to be like this.

Fluttershy did the same, she stepped forward, contemplated about the impressive abilities her costume was providing. Seeing in people’s minds, directly. Nobody could ever lie to her ever again. It was making her job a lot easier.
And if it meant that she would have to wear an embarrassing yellow furred and pink maned costume. Then so be it. She smiled and walked to the table with the contracts, all sheets being neatly piled up. She stood there for a few minutes, enjoying the calmness, the moment, the harmony that embraced her since she first had worn the suit, and the comforting feeling of it. The softness that tickled her a bit on her cheeks. She smiled.
Finally, she signed the paper without hesitation with small but clearly readable letters.

Cozy Glow followed as well after having asked for Celestia’s permission.
Then Twilight wanted to follow but Celestia didn’t grant her wish.
“I know you have a deep symbiosis with your suit but before you are allowed to be a firm member of this loving and caring society you will have to rehabilitate yourself.”

Twilight wasn't expecting that kind of reaction. After everything she had done for the village? There was no way Celestia was serious.

“Rehabilitate? Come on, everyone is making mistakes once in a while. It wasn’t my fault. Let me sign and I promise I will do the best I can to make up for my mistakes.” Twilight tried to negotiate but Celestia was stubborn this time.

“No. You, Twilight Sparkle, are given one last mission. You are the one who is going to lead Steve around the village. Show him what we do and how we do it. You will make sure that there won’t be any unfortunate circumstances or accidents. If anything goes wrong… Well, you know the consequences.” Celestia said.

Twilight gulped. She knew what that meant. One mistake and she would be banned. Only in cases of gatherings or festivals she would be allowed to return. Her costume, her newfound identity, would be stored in her house in Ponyville, but without her. She would be Amanda again. Exiled from the village and demoted to being a partial pony again.
No privileges whatsoever, being just one of many and being ordered around by other ponies with less knowledge, less experience and less power and far less foresight. Twilight wasn’t going to let that happen. Never!

She nodded, untied Steve and took him to the dressing room in the back. Sitting all that long on that wooden chair had caused Steve's limps to go numb. Twilight had to support him for a few minutes before he could walk less wobbly again.

After having reached the abandoned shack outside Steve was shown the arsenal of the new 'internship' uniforms. Several racks of brown, black, gray, white and mixed coloured fursuits. He was far away from being impressed. You could describe it more as a new form of humiliation, at least in his eyes.

“You can’t be serious. I have to wear THESE?” Steve complained and pulled a plush ponytail that was attached to a leather belt out of a box and held it closely in front of his eyes, his facial expression was showing signs of a deep disgust. In the box were pony-ear clips and an embarrassing wig as well. Ready to be worn.

“Don’t behave like a filly. It is either these cute things or the full suit. Your choice.” Twilight explained.
“Full suit? You mean that giant mascot costume that was placed behind me in that throne room wannabe?” Steve wondered and remembered the giant Sassy Saddles costume.
“Exactly. You have to understand that the rules are the rules. No humans are allowed. Only in their houses or when they are outside the village. As long as you stay in Ponyville, as Celestia demands, you will have to look like a pony. This means that you have to wear plushy pony ears, a mane and a tail at least. Or you can just jump in the one-piece pony suit. It would be much easier and not as confusing for every pony here.” Twilight continued and smiled as she assistingly offered a wig and two pony ear clips to Steve.

“Well, no thanks then. Fine, I will wear those stupid things. But spare me that giant prison thing. It creeps me out.” Steve decided.
So, Steve put on the whole partial outfit and was relieved he didn't need to wear a plush jumpsuit as well. He wore generic brown plush pony ears, a brown pony tail and an auburn wig. It was making him blush but he had no choice. At least not yet. Steve gave in and played along.
“Do you really think this would turn out well? I don’t mean to undermine your authority but I think it is too risky to allow Steve to roam around freely. If anything went wrong it wouldn’t be Twilight’s fault all alone- but your fault as well, dear Sun-Princess.” Cozy Glow mentioned to Celestia as she was about to exit the throne room.
“It will be all fine. Twilight is my most trusted student. Have faith, Cozy Glow.” Celestia replied and went back to her private quarters.

Meanwhile, Twilight showed pony-Steve the village. They had all sorts of buildings. One building for each occupation as well as one house for each pony. Bakeries, potters, restaurants, you name it. They had it all. Even a fully operational power plant and a working water station with an abandoned part and a big ‘Don’t enter!” sign in front. There was a hospital where the still recovering Pinkie layed. Once in a while barking noises could be heard, coming from a smaller building nearby with an ‘Asylum’ sign in front. Even a flight school with the pictures of pegasus ponies on the front door. It looked like a fever dream.
Even more strange was the fact that most of the ‘villagers’ were wearing the exact same clothing style like the one Steve had. The lesser part was wearing fullsuits. Everyone seemed so happy and over the top. They really seemed to enjoy that place, without any doubt.
Steve suspected some drugs or any other mind and emotion effecting chemical as the cause of that childish behaviour.
Some minutes later Twilight stopped in front of a vacant house.
“Home sweet home, Steve, at least for the time of your stay. Feel free and familiarize yourself with the interior. Tomorrow will be a hard day for you.
Don’t forget about the rules. In your house or when Celestia allows it- and only then you are allowed to look like an ordinary human. Otherwise, it’s pony-time for you. And by the way: we are watching every step of yours.”
Twilight said, pointed to a CCTV outside and wished him a good evening.
“H-hey, wait a second, purple pony.”
“My name is Twilight Sparkle.”
“Whatever, how long am I supposed to ‘enjoy’ your hospitality?”
“Three days. When you behave you are free to go. But if you ever, ever dare to speak a single syllable about our cute village…”
“What then?”
“Then it is permanent pony-time for you. As long as Celestia thinks it is appropriate.“ Twilight replied emotionlessly.
“You mean…” Steve tried to figure out but Twilight interrupted him and showed him the hidden ‘gem’ in Steve’s new wardrobe: it was the Sassy Saddles one-piece-plush-fursuit. As he had suspected, the suit behind him was in fact the mentioned 'Sassy Saddles suit' and as he guessed it right, it was provided, for him only. Such creeps.
“I think I get it now.” Steve tried to convince Twilight. “I won’t do any shenanigans, I swear.”
“You’d better. It is not your life alone that is at stake. My throat is in the noose as well. I think we should both work together and everything will be fine. We are not your enemy. But you don’t want us to be your enemy either.” Twilight warned and strutted out the door.

All MLP characters are property of Hasbro, the whole plot is fantasy and my characters are all fictitious. I hope you enjoy what I scribbled together.