>The mare was giving you an look of utter incredulity.
>You simply smiled wider and waited for her response.
>She seemed to have lost her voice from sheer astonishment.
>After a few awkward minutes, she seemed to remember how to speak.
 
>"What?"
 
>Not exactly the response you were hoping for, but it was certainly better than having the door shut on your face.
>Standing up, you clasped your hands together as you tried to think of the right words to say.
>Perhaps you should just go straight to the heart of the matter.
 
"Did you know that in just a mere eight to eighty thousand years from now, the Abyssal will descend from the skies and annihilate all life on the surface of the planet? And that it will have been the fault of the sins of Ponykind?"
 
>Now that you thought about it however, you weren't sure if said eight or zero.
>Some of the numbers were rather hard to distinguish from one another because of how the text looked.
>Perhaps it was to be zero years from now?
>Why would it be written like that though?
 
>What nonsense, were you doubting the holy texts?
>There was clearly a reason for such strange numbering.
>You'd just have to remember to give the best possible estimate, zero to eighty thousand.
>Nodding happily to yourself, you remembered you were supposed to be talking with the mare.
 
"Actually, it might even happen within this year! All the more reason to seek salvation under our Lady's care and protection, isn't it?"
 
>She had a slightly open jaw and a rather horrified expression on her face.
>As soon as you raised your finger to say something else, the door was violently slammed shut.
>As you stood there, finger extended, you tried to think of what went wrong.
 
>Was it the suit?
>Perhaps you needed the proper vestments for them to believe the truth.
>Scratching your chin, you started walking down to another house.
>Maybe you came on a little too strong with your pitch.
>These were, after all, a herd of unrepentant sinners.
>They would have to be eased into the truth.
 
>Stopping in front of another home, you knocked on the door.
>A few moments later, you were greeted by a young looking stallion.  
>He didn't say anything when he saw you, only tilting his head in minor confusion.
 
"Excuse me, sir. Do you have a moment to talk about our Lady and Savior Nightmare Moon?"
 
>"What?"
 
>You narrowed your eyes in frustration.
>There was a sneaking suspicion in your mind that you'd be hearing a lot more of that.
 
"You heard me, our most gracious and loyal protector of the night. Did you know it was she who single-hoofedly stopped the machinations of the Ambiguous One and prevented the improbable shift?"
 
>The pony grabbed the doorknob and slowly started backing away into his home.
>Once more you raised a finger to interject, but there was nothing but the sound of the door slamming.
 
>Swearing under your breath, you started once again for the next house.
>Truly these ponies must be quite the sinners that they react so adversely to just the mere mention of your Lady.
>How were you supposed to bring them to the truth if they just stuck their heads in the sand?
 
>Knocking with a bit more force than last time, you waited for whatever occupant to open the door.
>This time you were staring at a little unicorn filly, staring up at you with big bright eyes.
>Crouching down as low as you could, you held up your hands in a non-threatening manner.
 
"Hello there, do you think your parents have a moment to talk about our Lady and Savior Nightmare Moon?"
 
>The little pony seemed to be thinking very hard about something.
>After a few seconds, she finally spoke up.
 
>"You mean that bad pony from the story?"
 
>Your eye twitched.
 
"No no no, you see, those lies and slander are exactly what places the fate of the land in peril. The coming of the Abyssal in the next zero to eighty thousand years is the consequences of those sinful ideas."
 
>There was another pause as she turned her tiny head to the side.
 
>"What's that?"
 
>Thinking back to the holy scripture, you tried to put it in the simple of terms.
 
"Well, the giant ball of fire in the sky your parents worship is a false idol that will bring ruination upon our whole civilization. Unless they repent now, it will come crashing down to our planet and burn away all life in a holocaust of unholy fire, damning every last living being to an eternity of endless misery and suffering. Including you, your parents, and any other friends and loved ones you can think of."
 
>You were happy that you were able to phrase the prophecy so well, though you're not sure why the texts specifically mentioned loved ones and friends.
>Maybe there was some reason for it to get into specifics?
 
>The tiny horse you were talking to didn't seem take the news very well.
>She immediately ran off screaming into her house.
 
>Unbelievable!
>With an angry grunt you stood up and started walking away.
 
>Even the children were sinners running away from the truth!
 
>What has the world come to!?
 
>This door to door business was going to make very little progress if the pattern kept repeating.
>Confronting these unenlightened alone made them clam up and panic, no matter how gently you seemed to phrase things.
 
>Bah, of course they would.
>They had been fed nothing but lies about your magnanimous goddess.
>Of course they would shun the light when all they have known is darkness.
>How, then, were you supposed to bring it to them?
 
>Letting your feet guide you wherever, you continued to ponder this mystery.
 
>If only you had the holy book with you right now, then you could show them all the knowledge on its pages.
 
>Growing disheartened, you could feel the spark of energy blazing inside you start to die out.
>You grew weary and confused, nearly tripping over your own feet as you continued to walk aimlessly.
>What the hell were you even doing?
>Why were you even out here?
 
>Spotting a suitable bench nearby, you let yourself collapse onto it.
 
>You had ended up wandering into the park.
>A large tree nearby was providing you cover from the terrible flame in the sky, wrapping you in a sanctuary of shade.
 
>A feeling of nausea rose out of your stomach.
>Slumping down further on the bench, you fought the urge the vomit.
>Why was it so difficult to think all of a sudden?
>You just wanted to go home.
>What was even going on?
 
>Something inside you was refused to give up however.
>A little voice, your voice, was demanding that you get up right now.
>The path to the truth was never going to be an easy one, but despite that you had to venture forth.
>You had to do this.
>Not just for yourself, but for her.
 
>In your delirious state you clung on to those words of hope.
>This was just a test.
>You had to prove yourself worthy in the face of your own adversity.
>Clutching your head tight, you rocked back and forth repeating that to yourself, trying to drown out your inner protesting.
 
>Wrapping yourself in the text of the scriptures, you beat down and suppressed the foolish side of yourself with extreme prejudice.
>Faith was purest when it was unquestioned, and you of all people had to be the purest!
>Your nausea and dizziness was cured as soon as you silenced that pesky voice pleading for inaction, smashing it into the far recesses of your mind.
 
>Standing up strongly, you immediately set back out.
>You had gained insight in how to deliver guidance to the unfaithful.
>To properly infiltrate the minds of sinners, you had to delve into their world.
>Disguise the gifts that you carry under the guise of something else.
>You had to make them comfortable, and make them believe before revealing the whole truth.
 
>Instead of individually approaching them, where they would naturally be timid and shy away, you must engage them as a collective.
>The safety of the crowd would be enough to keep them there, then you would turn their numbers against them.
 
>Making your way to the center of town, you kept an eye out for any bored looking ponies.
>They would be vital tools to your cause, whether they knew it or not.
>Searching through the streams of ponies coming and going, you eventually found one that didn't look she was doing much.
 
>Hastily making your way toward the mare, you announced your presence.
 
"Excuse me, miss, are you busy?
 
>You kept your voice as friendly as possible, giving her a slight smile.
>Fortunately you finally seemed to have met a sociable pony.
 
>"Me? Oh, well, I'm waiting for my friend to show up so we can go out for an early lunch."
 
>That sounded like a excellent two for one deal.
>While it was a shame you had to open the coffers to the unenlightened, this was for the benefit of your cause.
>It was a good thing you were paid handsomely by the Institute.
 
"Well I could use a little help with something. It's nothing serious, I just need you to agree with whatever I say when I raise my hand. I'll give you 30 bits to do it, maybe even more if you stick around. Same for your friend when they arrive."
 
>She gave you a wary look, examining you from top to bottom.
 
>"And just what would I be agreeing to, exactly?"
 
>Now all you had to do was just bend the truth a bit.
 
"I'm trying to set up a self-help event, for the good of all the ponies living here. There's some deep seated issues I can see, and I need your help to encourage them."
 
>After giving it some thought, she gave a little shrug.
 
>"Well, I guess it wouldn't hurt to get lunch a bit later."
 
>Smiling brightly, you shook hands with her to seal the verbal contract.
>It was always a little awkward since they had hooves, but the message still got through.
 
"I'll go get ready, you come to me when your friend arrives and I'll start gathering a crowd."
 
>With a quick wave goodbye you started hunting for the optimal area to preach.
>You briefly considered trying to find a crate to stand on, but you realized that wasn't really necessary.
>Settling for smack dab in the middle, you stood there patiently while you waited for your shills to arrive.
>There was the occasional glance from a passerby but nobody really paid much attention to you.
>The ponies had adjusted to your presence a while ago.
 
>After a while of standing there, you started looking for any signs of your accomplices.
>You couldn't seem to remember what they looked like, though.
>Surely you didn't pay that little attention?
>Two ponies wildly waving their arms eventually caught your attention.
>From the way they were looking at you, that was probably them.
 
>Adjusting your tie, you cleared your throat a few times.
>Taking a deep breath, you began the first phase of your mission.
 
"May I have your attention, everybody!"
 
>A great many ponies walking through halted at your booming voice, turning their attentions to you.
>Being incredibly tall in comparison to everyone else definitely had its merits.
>With a warm smile, you held out your arms to the side.
 
"There is a sickness among all of you that has gone unnoticed for too long! Yes, all of you are unaware of this epidemic that shrouds our lovely town!"
 
>The ponies were rather... gullible .
>Or perhaps it was the conviction in your voice.
>It was no lie that they were all sick, but not in the way they imagined.
>There were worried whispers and nervous looks all around, ponies stepping away from each other out of caution.
 
"It is not something that is transmitted by simple touch, but it is still just as insidious! Come closer, come closer please, and learn of this horrifying disease!"
 
>You never thought of using rhyme, but you'll definitely use it this time.
 
>More murmurs echoed throughout the deathly silence.
>One by one they began moving, nervous faces betraying their thoughts.
>There were about sixteen of them, not counting the two accomplices they harbored amongst their number.
>It wasn't the best turn out possible, but it was good enough for now.
 
"This sickness is one that is very serious, it has infected you all and made you delirious!"
 
>Okay, you were cutting that shit out right now.
 
"The illness I speak of is one of the soul."
 
>Gauging the crowds reaction, you could see some shifted from fright to confusion.
>You'd have to move fast and reel them all in.
>You quickly broke up their hushed conversations with a wide sweep of your arm.
 
"This is a matter most grave!"
 
>Once you saw they were all focused on you again, you summoned up as much fervor as you could.
 
"All of you are deeply marked with sins, with regrets. You all desperately clamber and climb seeking salvation, but there is none around!"
 
>You abruptly pointed a finger toward the crowd, focusing on whatever pony it landed on.
>The small sea of ponies parted slightly as they turned to look at the one singled out.
 
"You there, good madam. You still suffer from the guilt of how you treated your relationship with him, aren't you?"
 
>You were gambling on guessing correctly, but all she showed was a mixture of confusion and anger.
 
>"What!? We're quite happy you know!"
 
>There was no waver to her tone, no quivering or sudden intake of breath.
>You'd just have to move on quick.
>Redirecting your finger blindly, you tried to keep them from focusing too long on your incorrect guess.
 
"You! There in the back! The thought of what you took still weighs down on your soul, does it not?"
 
>Come on, just say yes.
 
>"I have done no such thing!"
 
>Oh great Nightmare above, the movies made this look so easy!
>There was murmuring through the crowd now, you were starting the lose your hold over them.
>Damn these ponies for not being as sinful as you had hoped.
>Once more you aimed at a random pony and shot as low as you could.
 
"Ma'am! What about that time you didn't wave to your neighbor? Doesn't it just tear you up that you never said anything about it?"
 
>You clasped your hands together and shook them towards her.
>This may be your only chance left.
>The fire inside your heart dimmed as you tried to hold on to hope.
 
>"I- I don't know what you mean."
 
>Faith blossomed inside you, that stutter was like tinder being thrown onto dying coals.
>Your confidence surged as you took a step forward, aiming right at her again with a finger.
 
"You do know what I mean! You tried to bury it, and it just wouldn't stay silent!"
 
>With widely exaggerated digging gestures, you couldn't help but smile as the mare flinched slightly.
 
>"I... I never meant to! I was going to say something but I just- I just forgot!"
 
>It almost sounded like she was going to burst into tears.
>Reversing your pace to further throw the audience off balance, you spoke very softly.
 
"That is fine. I am not here to punish you for what you have done, but rather, I am here to absolve you of your sins."
 
>You leaned closer to the crowd, crossing both hands over your heart.
 
"You have suffered enough at your own hands. I wish to help you atone, and shine brighter than ever before to rid yourself of the shadows of the past!"
 
>With a grandiose step backward, you raised an arm up high.
 
"Come on people say it with me, you can be saved!"
 
>There was a moment of silence as the lone mare looked around at all the staring faces, her lip quivering.
>Where were those damn sinners you hired?  
>Come on, think of your coin.
>You started to scowl just as you heard a familiar voice call out.
 
>"You can be saved!"
 
>Followed closely by another shout.
 
>"You can be saved!"
 
>Soon enough, the rest of the crowd was spurred on by those two, and one by one they started repeating the mantra.
>Any anger you had was wiped away as you broke out in a grin that went from ear to ear.
>The mare looked overwhelmed with relief as all the ponies cheered her on, she had a smile just as wide as yours as she wiped her eyes with a hoof.
 
>There were a few more ponies in the crowd than you remembered, probably having been drawn in as they were passing through.
>Trying to keep the momentum, you pointed out another pony.
 
"You sir! You didn't say thank you to the waitress that one time, didn't you?"
 
>The crowd went silent as they waited for his response, turning away from your previous target to look at the stallion.
>He refused to meet your gaze, looking down and to the side and saying nothing.
 
"I'm right, aren't I?"
 
>There was only a slight nod as he continued to avoid eye contact.
 
"Well just like her, you too can be redeemed! Come on everybody, cheer him on! Let him know salvation awaits!"
 
>This time there was no hesitation, the whole group had been completely caught up in the moment, loudly chanting that he could be saved.
>There were some tears in his eyes as they grouped around him, supporting him from all sides with their happy faces.
 
"You see what this is capable of? You see how this brings us all closer together as a community! This is just the very beginning, my brothers and sisters! In but three days I will be hosting an event on the outskirts of town, where we might find peace to absolve ourselves!"
 
>They cheered as you opened your arms wide.
 
"On that day I will be awaiting you all near my most humble home at noon. So please, bring any friends and family with you, so that they too can be saved."
 
>And, just for extra insurance.
 
"As host of this event, I will also be providing copious amounts of fruit punch and snacks, all free of charge for those attending. There is no entry fee either, for all are welcome to come and be saved."
 
>There was nothing but smiles and waves as the crowd began to disperse, all of them chattering loudly with each other.
>You kept waving as they left, noticing a certain pair of sinners walking toward you.
 
"As for you two, excellent job. That went better than expected."
 
>You were so pleased you just chucked the whole bag of bits at them.
>There wasn't much more than what you were going to pay them anyways, but you did mention a little bonus.
>Both their eyes lit up as one caught the pouch with her teeth.
 
"I hope I can see you two attending, for the church rewards very well."
 
>Both of them nodded enthusiastically.
 
"Thanks Anonymous!"
 
>Bidding farewell, you turned away and started on the path back to your house.
>A great deal of research and preparation awaited you, but right now you had a very important message to deliver.
 
>The congregation shall soon grow.