When Thorax brings his brother, Pharynx, on a trip to Ponyville, he runs into Ember. While spending time with her, Pharynx nearly goes insane from their seemingly lovey-dovey conversations.

Spike led Thorax into the throne room of the Crystal Castle confident he could convince the others that the changeling could be trusted. That he meant no harm, and instead wanted to be an ally and live peacefully with them. That he could make them see Thorax for what he really was. That they could befriend the changeling and accept him as one of their own.

They didn't.

And consequences followed.

SPOILERS IN COMMENTS!
First featured on 11/12/2016. -- Now with a TV Tropes page. -- Review by Arcanum Phantasy -- Review by PaulAsaran

Twilight has just opened her school for all creatures to attend, only for the EEA to shut it down. Starlight brought her out of her rut, and Twilight's ready to open the school again... only for her star students to be missing. With threats of war on the horizon, the missing students need to turn up fast.

Someone else, however, has other things in mind for the students. And the first step involves releasing a serious threat to Equestria. Something that only those with a select power can face.

A power that the students now have.

Cover by alts-art.