A Clone Gargoyle's Equestrian Tale

Map Lessons: Cutie Map Part 2

S5 E2 everypony! Castle Sweet Castle is up next!

.....

After the disaster that happened in the cave, Starlight had ordered the Mane 7 except for Malibu to be put in the shack of equalization. She however had Malibu stay in her own house near the end of the village.

Malibu walked stiffly inside, still limping from when he was hit with the spell, looking around at the cottage. It was too... clean. Too plain. He bared his fangs, beaked mouth scrunched up as Starlight circled him, smiling.

"You're different from the others. A gargoyle, right here in Equestria. And yet, you still don't have your cross mark even in your real form." She murmured.

The teal gargoyle froze up, eyes blazing white. "Let my friends go already!" He spat until Starlight held up his chin with her hoof, looking him over like a possession.

"Oh, no need to worry about them. They'll be safe, and when they are all equal, you will soon see the light as well." She crooned, making Malibu feel more fury and hatred at the unicorn.

She brought him to his room, which hardly had any decor. Just a simple bed and a photo with the equal sign over it 'to remind him of how individuality can only hurt others'. When Starlight wasn't looking, Malibu tossed the photo out the window which shattered, making him smirk, but his heart was filled with worry, hoping that his girls were ok, especially when they were stuck in that brainwashing shack.

Being in Starlight's house was definitely no picnic either. Whenever he was fed, she always gave him either one of those muffins or bland soup while giving him lectures (indoctrination speeches) about how equality means peace. Malibu always sat stiffly on the couch, wanting so bad to throw the soup into Starlight's smug face. It was worse when he was given books to read only containing stories of equalization that he never wanted to touch.

She was always there in the morning whenever he woke up too, greeting him in the same too cheerful manner. "Good morning. I'm sure you rested nicely, little gargoyle." She purred as Malibu looked away, his eyes having some bags under them from not sleeping very well, constantly thinking of his friends. It had been 3 days now since they were trapped in this village.

He wandered down into the living room where Starlight waited with more equalization lessons, her noticing his despondent gaze. "Why can't you smile like the other villagers?" Starlight asked. "Sadness only ruins how beautiful sameness is."

Malibu spat bitterly. "It's because I'm nothing like those mindless drones of yours! Would much rather have different opinions than smiling the same!" He growled. Starlight narrowed her eyes.

"You'll do your lessons while I'm out for the day, gargoyle. And don't think about trying to escape, either." She threatened while leaving to check on Twilight and the rest of the Mane 7.

When she was gone, Malibu couldn't help but peek open a window to watch, seeing Twilight and the others being led out.

"Gather 'round, friends, gather 'round! We've come to ask if any of you are ready to join us! There are so many friends to be made once you realize you don't need your cutie marks!" She said cheerily before smirking coldly at Twilight. "Or the talents that come with them."

Double Diamond's fake smile widened. "We have a welcome ceremony for new friends! The whole village joins together to build you your own cottage—!" He was interrupted by Rainbow Dash, Malibu grinning from Starlight's house window.

"Not interested! You may have them now, but we're going to get our cutie marks back!" She snarled, Malibu feeling a flush of pride for his fiancé. He hoped they could still have their wedding when they get out of this mess.