(Picture by @UrbanQhoul)
"When ponies go missing after Nightmare Night, and a group of shady investigators show up and practically take over Ponyville, Rainbow Dash considers herself lucky. But then strange things begin to happen to her anyway. Why does she feel so sick all of a sudden? Who is this mare speaking to her in her mind? Why do bright lights hurt so much?"
Rainbow in the Dark is a My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic fanfic currently being written by yours truly. Set a few years after the end of the series (but before the 'future' parts of the final episode), Rainbow Dash decides to pay her friends in Ponyville a visit around Nightmare Night. Her attempts to reclaim her youth might be a bit more successful than she bargained for, however, as she is afflicted with a dark and ancient curse. But she isn't about to let something like 'being a creature of the night' or 'thirsting for blood' stop her from having a good time.
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I am currently looking for assistance with production of a dramatic reading of the aforementioned fic. Primarily, I am looking for voice actors who can help with characters both new and familiar to fans of the show. The story itself is a work in progress, but I am trying for at least a monthly update (the rest of the story is already planned out, I just need to find time to continue writing).
The story itself can be a little hard to categorize, but I will give it my best shot. Spoilers, its a vampire story, but its not quite that simple. Between absurd circumstances and an eccentric narrator, I am aiming for something more of a dark comedy with horror and drama elements rather than a straight horror story.
Line recording can be done at one's own pace and in one's own time. Most communication will be handled over Discord. I myself can be reached there at Raeligath (Arc)#3112.
Thank you for taking the time to read over this. Please feel free to message me if you have any questions <3
An eccentric, perhaps 'lemony' narrator of the story. Looking to take inspiration from works such as A Series of Unfortunate Events, Good Omens, Discworld, etc.
"The machine hummed to life at his touch, projecting a hologram in front of the sheet that depicted, he assumed, the ceiling of Canterlot Palace."
"Rainbow began her running start towards the sky, wings outstretched and a smile across her face. This plan was short-lived, however. The instant her snout and hoof passed into the open sunlight shining through her window, she felt what could perhaps best be described as instant regret." (beat) "In other words, she immediately caught on fire. Spontaneously combusted, if you will."
"Word spread like wildfire that another pony was missing. Then another pony, too, was reported. Then another. And then another. Soon, a mob had formed outside of the Mayor’s Office and the Agency’s Tent. This time, however, the agents seemed far less prepared. They scrambled to find somepony to put in front of the mob to stall for time, going through at least three very-slightly-different ponies in just the first hour."
Rainbow Dash as per My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, aged up a few years but without significant change to the sound of her voice. Trying to have fun and relive her younger years, yet deep down has matured quite a bit. Gets caught up in the whole vampire conspiracy as one of the first to be turned. While she wants to uphold her personal moral code and maintain long-standing loyalties, she can't help but find the changes and powers almost intoxicating.
Be prepared for lines with:
1. Awkward lisp (from biting her own tongue and/or not being used to fangs)
2. A sinister tone (she can get a little too into the 'hunter of the night' thing sometimes)
3. Cries of pain (various sources, may or may not be self-inflicted)
(rolling in laughter) “Oh my gosh, that was perfect! The looks on their faces! Hah!!”
(awkward confession) “I’m… not getting any younger. I wanted a chance to do something crazy, get dressed up and fly around pullin’ pranks on ponies again. You know, pretend I’m just a few years outta flight school again. Spend time with the ponies who I— well, didn’t exactly ‘grow up’ with, but they definitely helped me become a better pony.”
(entranced and enamored with the taste) (slurp, then shudder) “Wow…" (beat) "Y-yeah, I’m down for more o’ that.”
Scootaloo as per My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, aged up a few years into her teens. Moodier and fiestier than she was when she was younger, emulating a hollow vision of her childhood idol, Rainbow Dash. Is surprised to see Rainbow Dash in town at all, then later concerned for her sister-figure's mental and physical well-being. Pines after vampirism once she learns of its healing factor, believing it might just be her one chance to ever 'fix' her wings.
Be prepared for lines with:
1. Anger, sometimes mixed with sobs (again, moody teenager)
2. Quaking fear (she acts tough, but some things are a little too intense for her regardless)
('stop, you're embarrassing me' tone) (snickers) "Rainbow, I’m sixteen! I wasn’t gonna be a little filly forever.”
(grumbling under her breath) “Rainbow Dash… I’m not a dumb little filly. Why are you lying to me?”
(panicked) “What’s going on? Why are you doing this?!"
Mysterious vampiress and source of most of the story's conflict one way or another (aka Main Antagonist). Ambitious and vengeful towards the Equestrian crown. She tries her best to maintain an aura of dark allure, but often lapses into spouts of more casual, emotional dialogue. Despite her experience as a vampire, her schemes are often short-sighted and require urgent and panicked course-correction.
Be prepared for lines with:
1. Sudden shifts between alluring and disbelief (see above)
2. Gratuitous scenery-chewing (Fae is hella extra)
3. Uncomfortable motherly phrases/implications (she is 'blood-mother' to those she turns, and acts as such whether her 'recruits' like it or not)
(encouraging, sinister) "Yes, child. *Feed.* Build your strength."
(losing her composure) "… Luna save me, this imbecile… Look, you’re a vampire now. Part of my clan, House Duskhallow. I made you this way, so I get to tell you what to do. I was trying to be nice, but if you’re going to act like a petulant child, there are other means by which I can make you cooperate."
(gradually building in the sinister-ness) "I am your blood-mother. I am the one who made you this way, who granted you this gift. Now you, too, are a hunter of the night. A predator by moonlight. A vampire."
Fluttershy as per My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, aged up a few years but without significant change to the sound of her voice. Understandably shaken by recent events and deeply worried for her friends. Takes early notice that something is wrong with Rainbow Dash, but hesitates to say or do anything. Also of note, her alternate 'Flutterbat' state will be further explored down the line, including how this fits into the story's own vampire lore.
Be prepared for lines with:
1. Motherly worry (a staple for Fluttershy)
2. Raspier tone (as Flutterbat)
3. Quiet bitterness (a next level of anger beyond shouting)
(reassuring) “I’m only retiring from teaching. I want to start working at the animal shelter full-time again. Doctor Fauna can’t do it all by herself…”
(relieved) “Rainbow Dash! We were so worried about you! Oh, I’m so glad you’re okay!”
(raspy, growling; after the beat, in angered denial) "Get away from those defenseless little..." (beat) "No... No! No, no, no, no!!"
Applejack as per My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, aged up a few years but without significant change to the sound of her voice. Stressed and harrowed from having to effectively raise her younger sister through her teen years. Currently the head of the household at Sweet Apple Acres. Tries her hardest not to let her stress turn into angry outbursts, but occasionally one slips out.
Be prepared for lines with:
1. Growling, boiling-over anger (as per the description above)
2. Commanding tone (leading a group, in this case the Sweet Apple family)
3. Hollow, defeated tone (when all hope seems lost)
(while thinking about it) “I think I might’ve recognized one or two of ‘em? Not by name, but by face. I reckon they must’ve bought somethin’ from the market stall.”
(worried) “You okay, sugarcube? That critter didn’t hurt you, did it?”
(heartfelt speech over a meal) “I think what she’s trying to say is if you do get the promotion, we’re gonna have to celebrate. Not to mention, uhh..." (beat) "Rainbow, you’ve been workin’ your tail off with the Wonderbolts, and it’s payin’ off. I hope, from the bottom of my heart, that you get to be Captain one day. Heh, looks like it just took you gettin’ involved with somethin’ you’re truly passionate about to learn the value of hard work, but regardless, I’m still awful proud of you.”
Starlight Glimmer as per My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, aged up a few years but without significant change to the sound of her voice. Rightfully worried by recent circumstances and desperate to ensure nothing goes wrong with the School of Friendship under her care. Strangely knowledgeable about a lot of the supernatural involved with events that have and will take place in Ponyville.
Be prepared for lines with:
1. Dead-serious non-sequitors (She knows what she's talking about, even if nopony else does)
2. Projection to an audience (several speeches to a crowd)
3. Righteous fury (defending her friends against monsters)
(matter-of-factly) “Yes, Rainbow, she’s the one who authorized this. She’s very worried about all of us and just wants to keep us safe.”
(friendly/snarky) “Have you met her?" (snicker) "Over-the-top paranoid, better-safe-than-sorry… that’s kind of her whole thing. It hasn’t been that long since you visited, has it?”
(bitter) "Seriously? You thought you could just *walk* in here like I wouldn't notice?" (beat) "Heh, well duh. Your reflection. Or lack thereof."
Apple Bloom as per My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, aged up a few years into her teens. Energetic and mischievous, has the classic teenage 'invincibility' complex in spades. Snide, sarcastic, and impatient. Still loyal to the farm and her sister, but she has some fun messing with the other Apples.
(concerned) “I thought that was you! What the hay are you doin’ around here, Scoot?”
(tired) “It’s not that I don’t believe you, Scoot, but we haven’t seen hide nor hair of Rainbow Dash all day. So it’s not like I’ve seen any proof yet.”
(over-excited) "You got a good look?! What’d you see? Can you see through it? Does it have big ol’ bat ears? Is it like missin’ skin or have bones pokin’ out or—”
Sweetie Belle as per My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, aged up a few years into her teens. Softspoken and polite, a stark contrast from her friends. She doesn't mind hanging out with Scootaloo and Apple Bloom, but she makes a point to prioritizes things like schoolwork, a part-time job, and curfew. An eternal optimist with her mind set on her future.
(friendly, part in [] is implied but cut off) "Sorry, we're clos[ed]- Oh! Hey girls, what's up?"
(excited) "This is some old book Rarity's had like forever. I remember, erm, 'borrowing' it when I was really bored, but I was surprised when there was some cool, weird stuff in it!"
(frightened, whispering) "W-what was that? Scootaloo? Apple Bloom?!"
Pinkie Pie as per My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, aged up a few years but without significant change to the sound of her voice. Still a happy-pappy party pony, bouncing around and bursting with joy and energy. However, she is also prone to other extreme emotions, such as worry/panic when ponies she knows are going missing.
(in the middle of eating) “Mmf, Dath— ulp, I mean, Dashie? You sure you’re alright? You’ve barely touched your… um, pancake.”
(irritated) “Well *sor-ry*, Dash. With all this weird stuff lately, we’re a *little* on-edge.”
(excited) “That sounds like a dream come true! Except joining the Wonderbolts at all was your dream but that’s already come true *so it’s like a double dream come double true!!*”
Maud Pie as per My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, aged up a few years but without significant change to the sound of her voice. Speaks slowly and methodically with an almost monotone voice. Pretty much exactly the same as she is depicted in the show.
(vaguely polite) “Good morning Pinkie. Good morning everypony else.”
(vaguely worried) “Pinkie Pie, can we talk about something? In private, if possible.”
(warning) "That's lead. It blocks most magic. Just don't eat any." (beat) "That wasn't a joke. You could die."
Rarity as per My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, aged up a few years but without significant change to the sound of her voice. Tries a little too hard to hide that she's begun aging, typically in her trademark melodramatic way.
(oh, what a conundrum) “Indeed. Although, given this whole ‘lockdown’ business, I doubt I’ll be going anywhere anytime soon.”
(gradiose, ending in a flourish) “Ah, yes." (clears throat) “Since this is a special occasion, I’ve actually ordered something a little special; catering from the famous Croissant a Crete de la petite Prance!”
(pleasantly surprised) “Oh! That reminds me; I heard through the grapevine that the captain of the Wonderbolts is going to be retiring. Is that true, Rainbow Dash?”
Twilight Sparkle as per My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, aged up a few years but without significant change to the sound of her voice. Acting princess of the land, yet as neurotic as ever. Acting head of a secretive law enforcement agency she has instated due to (justified) paranoia after learning many, many kingdom secrets upon taking the throne.
(flustered) “Oh, sorry! (beat) There, is that better? Maybe a few degrees to the right...”
(confident) “Then you are surely aware that she has been instrumental in protecting Equestria on at least a dozen occasions.”
(commanding) “Agent, please drop it. I trust Rainbow Dash. She’s the most loyal pony I have ever met, to both me and Equestria. That includes everypony in your agency, the royal guard— heck, even my own brother!”
A young filly with an affinity for the dark and creepy. Frustrated that no creature seems to take this as seriously as she does, but she tries her best to change that.
(mockingly) “Last chance... (beat) The infamous Everfree Forest is just up ahead.”
(as in telling a campfire story) “Oh, there are ghosts. I’ve seen ‘em. All the ponies who fell to Nightmare Moon never truly rest. They live still amongst the cursed trees and bushes and monsters of Everfree.”
(annoyed) (groan) “Yes, but that’s not what this is about. Look, do you want to get spooked this Nightmare Night or what?!”
Young griffon and friend of Needlepoint. Stubborn and belittling, yet easily startled.
(Like a childhood bully) “See, I think Needles is just making this stuff up. Trying to make it seem like *ponies* have it bad!”
(more friendly) "Not that we don’t appreciate the effort, Needles, but we’re just not scared of ponies. This whole night’s been a joke. Not your fault that Equestria’s history is so… what’s the word, tame?”
(deadpan) “I’m not scared of ponies. I’m scared of getting struck by lightning.”
Young dragon and friend of Needlepoint. Stubborn and belittling, yet easily startled.
(confused) “Wasn’t there a ‘Pony of Shadows’ at some point too?”
(cracking a joke) “More like lame, eh?” (snickering laughter)
(unimpressed) "Big deal. If you’re scary enough, you don’t need magic to get that kind of treatment.”
Leader of the Agents as deployed to Ponyville. Has some reservations about the tactics of their operation but seems physically incapable of going against the Princess' orders.
(mostly monotone) “Ahem. Princess, I believe that your manaprojector has become dislodged. Again.”
(mostly monotone) “Ma’am, I highly advise that you reconsider. Given your history with the suspect, it is likely that your judgment may be... not-so impartial.”
(mostly monotone) “Ma’am, the mare known as Rainbow Dash may have a *predominantly* strong record, but let us not forget, ahem; ‘outstanding charge for domestic environment eco-terrorism, including destruction of government property, unauthorized advancement of seasonal transition, and waste of weather materia’. A charge which, I will remind you, was dropped and buried by your own instruction.”
Monotone 'men in black' types who suddenly appeared in Ponyville overnight. They look and sound almost identical to one another, making it very difficult to tell them apart. They are strictly by-the-book, Lawful to the utmost degree. Females are few and far between among their ranks, but do exist.
(mostly monotone) “All we ask of you is to remain calm. We have the situation under control. However, we will need a few days in order to truly get to the bottom of this and, ideally, bring your friends and family home. To that end, we are hereby instating two temporary yet binding laws here in Ponyville. Number one: There will be an enforced curfew at sundown each day until the investigation is over. Ponies are expected to be inside their homes from sundown until sunrise the next day. We will issue a warning at first offense, and detain upon subsequent offenses.”
(mostly monotone) “Seems like an interesting time to pay a visit, what with the holiday and all. What made you want to come visit on Nightmare Night?”
Various bit roles, voices of Ponyville residents, students of the School of Friendship, etc.
(worried) "Oh, I sure hope those missing ponies are found soon..."
(panicking) "Gah! Monster! G-get away!!"
(friendly) "Hello there! Lovely day, isn't it?"
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