> The Final Element
>  by Hope24
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The First of the Six
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Long ago in ancient times, the universe brought forth six, immensely powerful gems. Whoever managed to unite these mighty gems will be endowed with unimaginable power. The warring ponies of the time vied for the gems and an era of endless wars and fighting until finally their avarice fueled battles almost leveled the planet and nearly destroyed it. The ancient ponies, knowing that their unnecessary fighting nearly destroyed them all, were able to put aside their differences in through the centuries were able to rebuild the world that today is known as Equestria and peace reigned on. Among the fighting, the six gems were scattered to the corners of the world and faded into mere legends in hopes to be lost forever. Yet there now there stands one who sought to find these gems and reawaken their power by means to conqure all the world. Could there really be anypony foolish enough to gather these accursed gems? Could there really be anypony foolish enough to repeat the mistake that nearly destroyed the world so many years ago?







Luna's luminous moon shined dimly high in the starry night, western sky, its pale light enveloping the small town Gaitsenberg. The small, quiet town's little activity was slowing dying down as the low murmurs of the towns occupants began to fade in the night. Overlooking the darkness blanketed town was a great monastery, nested upon a high hill just west of the town. Built of grey stone and faded roof tiles along with the night's sheet of blackness gave the complex of buildings a monotonous, dismal appearance as it stood above the town, standing tall and strong like a massive sentinel keeping an eternal vigil over the town.

Inside, the building was finely sculpted reminiscent of European design. Throughout the monastery, numerous equines clad in dark brown, shaggy robes went about with various duties. Some sat among countless of lit candles as they prayed in a mysterious language. Deep within the confines of the monastery, a male unicorn dressed in a baby blue robe with a white inner robe. Around his neck was a red shawl which both ends tapered down in the front of his shoulders. The unicorn's coat was a light grey and had a white, neck length mane along with white sideburns on his aging face. He had cold blue eyes and a grey horn the same shade of color as his coat with his horn covered with a billowing, navy blue aura as was a lit lighting taper as he went about lighting numerous candles.

The unicorn known as Templar was in a chapel of sorts, delicately designed with a gothic, medieval like infrastructure. Grand buttress decorated the ancient, candle lit dwelling. At the far end of the chapel where Templar was standing was a stone alter standing a few feet away from great wall. Etched on the wall, was a carving of a large tree, the trunk's base started from the bottom of the wall and went up, high onto the wall. The tree had countless of branches the formed swirls. Also on the wall, mysterious symbols were embedded along the wall just as the branches were, giving off an ancient appearance to them.

Templar went about his business, as he finished lighting the last candle. He looked upwards at the great stone tree with a calm, content expression as a small smile formed on his face.

"May the Great Stallion protect us this night, as he had done so for the nights before.''

Templar gazed at the tree for a few moments longer before bowing his head and closing his eyes as he did a silent prayer. His silence was interrupted however when a voice called out his name.

"Templar!''

Templar suddenly shot open his eyes and turned around to see another unicorn running frantically towards him. The unicorn wore a robe like Templar's but was brown, his coat and horn brownish gold and his mane a deep caramel color with eyes of emerald green. Templar gazed at the unicorn with a bewildered, but alarm expression.

"Bronzecross? Bronzecross what in Equestria's name is the problem?!''

The unicorn known as Bronzecross finally came up to Templar, stopped, and proceeded to speak in a desperate tone. "Templar t-the town...it's under attack!''

"Attack?!'' Templar exclaimed in shock.

Bronzecross nodded furiously with an extremely fraught gaze. "Yes attack! Its being overrun by these strange...creatures by which I've never seen before!''

Templar just stared at Bronzecross in disbelief before suddenly running past him at full speed towards the great doors of the chapel, Bronzecross quickly following in pursuit. As Templar ran through the corridors the other robe clad ponies ran about in panic, apparently knowing about the sudden attack that was taking place in Gaitsenberg. Templar was beginning to approach the grand doors that led out of the monastery and with their magic, two robed ponies opened the doors and Templar ran outside. 

He stopped briefly, looking around in distress before finally running over to the ledge and gazed outwards into the night. Templar's eyes widened, his mouth hung open slightly, and his ears drooped as he looked on in horror at what he was seeing. Down into the town he could see that some buildings were ablaze with fire. However instead of regular flames, the pyre were a sickly green color as some green explosions went off, setting more buildings and houses on fire. Templar could hear the distant screams of the inhabitants of the town below as well as a rather unusual sound. The bizarre noise was loud as it gave off a very distinct sounds as if a swarm of insects were riding upon the winds near the town. And smoke rose from the fire and high into the night sky, the town of Gaitsenberg aglow with green.

Templar watched on in sheer terror at what was transpiring. What was happening to the town? The quiet, relatively peaceful settlement was now being attacked...invaded, burning with green fire. Bronzecross caught up to Templar and watched him with regretful, hopeless eyes. After a few moments of silence, Templar finally uttered. 

"W-What is happening to Gaitsenberg? Who is attacking it?!''

Bronzecross just shook his head wearily and answered. "It's like I told you before, they are creatures by the likes we've have never seen. I...I don't even think that they're ponies!''

"For the love of god...'' Templar spoke in sorrow under his breath as his face fell in sadness. "Well somepony must be leading them!''

"Well now that you've mentioned it,'' Bronzecross began as his face bore a calmer, ominous expression. “There’s whispers that their leader is somewhere close by.''

Templar turned sharply around and looked at the brown robed unicorn with an astonished look. "Close? How close by? Where are they?!''

Bronzecross eyes flashed a rather eerie green glow as a small, rather malevolent spread to his lips and spoke in a darker tone. "The leader for what I'm told...is standing right in front of you.''

Templar winced quizzically as he looked at Bronzecross. "W-What?!''

In that instant, Bronzecross' horn suddenly glowed with a billowing, sickly green aura as green flames appeared around him. Templar jumped back and gave a short cry in fright as he back away from the flames. Bronzecross then lowered his head before quickly jerking it back upwards. As he did so, he was instantly enveloped in a pillar of green, fire like energy. Templar shielded his eyes from the sudden flash, peering over his hooves as the raging pillar rose, completely denying the terrible transformation that Bronzecross was now undergoing. Finally the green pillar of fire subsided and Templar gazed over his hoof, only to jump back in fear at the being that was now standing before him.

Where Bronzecross had once stood was replaced by a strange, but terrifying creature. The being had the appearance of a pony but was in no way truly a part of the category. It had the appearance of a mare, tall with a slender body with rather lanky legs. She had black skin while each of her hooves had hole through them. One her back was a bluish green, plate like armor with a pair of transparent, insect like wings and possessed a pair of sharp fangs. She had a long teal mane and tail with her mane hanging rather wildly with a strand of hair that ran down and stopped just over the base of her neck. The creature had a twisted, gnarled unicorn horn protruding from her forehead along with a small, black crown tipped with blue spheres atop her head. She opened her eyes to reveal dark green eyes with slit, cat-like pupils as she gave a chilling laugh. It was the Changeling queen herself...Chrysalis.

Templar back further away from Chrysalis in fear and shock, having never encounter a creature like her before. "Dear lord...who-what are you?!''

Chrysalis chuckled venomously as she said. "Who am I? Like what I've just said Templar dear, I'm the leader and the orchestrator of this lovely invasion that's happening.''

As she spoke, Chrysalis' voice had a sort of layered quality to it, as if two voices were speaking in sync. At this revelation, Templar frowned slightly and said. "You? So you are the cause of this, this madness?!''

Chrysalis smiled wickedly and answered. "Yes I am, along with me subjects.''

With those words, Chrysalis lifted a holed hoof in the air with a slight gesture, almost immediately the air around the monastery was filled with a swarm of changelings. Countless of black, pony shaped creatures with empty blue eyes hovered in the air, their wings beating quickly and together giving off a loud buzzing sound. Templar looked quickly around in alarm as Chrysalis commanded her swarm.

"Go! Storm the monastery! Incapacitate all who will stand in our way!''

Without hesitation, the swarm of changelings flew towards the doors in a single mast, bursting them open. Chrysalis' subjects soon ravaged the halls and corridors of the monastery. The ponies that inhabited cried in terror as they ran about to escape the horde. Some were caught and encased in green, cocoon-like chrysalis fired from the minions' horns. Others were made immobile as they were trapped in sticky, gooey like green substances. It wasn't long before the entire monastery was taken over by the changelings and their wicked queen. Seeing what was happening, Templar took a trembling step forward before speaking woefully.

"No! Please stop this! This monastery is a sacred place, a sanctuary for the weary both physically and spiritually. Why are you doing this? What have we done to you?!''

Chrysalis just gave Templar a cold leer before giggling chillingly. "Oh it's not that you've done anything to wrong me Templar. It's just that I was told that this 'sacred place' was housing a certain...artifact.''

Templar winced a bit in bewilderment and repeated. "A-Artifact?''

"Yes a certain jewel that you will. A jewel of invaluable worth,'' Chrysalis spoke.

At that moment, Templar's expression became one of revelation...one of sheer trepidation as he finally realized just what Chrysalis was after. "No...No! You couldn't possibly be referring to...''

Chrysalis grinned darkly and said, "So you confirm that the relic I seek is here. Then it will be my upmost pleasure to relieve you of that relic.''

"NO you can't!'' Templar spoke out in defiance, standing his ground with a bold frown. "What you seek should never see the light of day! I won't allow you to take it!'' His horn was then engulfed in a billowing, navy blue aura as he bore a fighting stance as he finished with a growl. "And I will fight you it if means to protect that sacred object!''

At first, Chrysalis just casted the brave unicorn an uncaring, poisonous glare before a twisted smile formed on her lips. "Brave words Templar dear. But such words might not be in the best interest for Gaitsenberg.''

"What do you mean?'' Templar asked in confusion, raising an eyebrow.

Chrysalis smiled malevolently as she began to walk past a cautious Templar and over the ledge. She gazed down at the town still aglow with green from the flames and spoke. "As you said, Gaitsenberg is a peaceful little town. One would hate to see it be destroyed in an instant.''

Templar let out a quiet gasp at the queen's dark words. Clearly she was bluffing. There was no possible way that she would really destroy the small town. 

"Y-You wouldn't...you couldn't!'' Templar argued back, once again taking a fighting stance. 

Chrysalis looked over her shoulder, her green, cat-like eyes locked onto Templar's and responded. "Wouldn't I? I suspect that you have family down there is that right Templar? Maybe a few grandchildren?''

Templar's face fell in fright and horror as the aura around his horn faded instantly. He silently, slowly shook his head, horrible images of death of his loved ones coming to his mind as Chrysalis continued on.

"Well, unless you take me to where you are hiding it, then I'll gladly command my changelings to destroy everything and everypony in that miserable little town. Then you can feed on that agony for the rest of your pitiful life!''

Templar gazed at Chrysalis with a speechless, distressed gaze while she only returned with an uncaring leer as she waited for an answer. Finally after a moments of silence and heavy thinking, Templar wearily gazed downward and gave a slight nod as he reluctantly agreed. "Please, I'll do whatever you want. Just...please to harm my family or anypony else.''

Chrysalis grinned triumphantly and remarked. "Love, such a lovely an absolutely ridiculous sentiment. So, lead me to my precious stone!''

Templar gave the queen a sad, angered frown but abided Chrysalis' words and with a heavy heart, turned around and proceeded to lead Chrysalis into the monastery. As the two trekked through the corridors, Templar, to his grief, saw his companions either trapped, injured, or laying on the ground motionless while Chrysalis gave a satisfied grin to her minions as they continued to fly around, looking for more of the monastery's robed dwellers. Templar and his unwanted companion had at last came to the doors of the chapel and with great regret, used his magic to slowly open them.

Once opened, Templar continued to lead Chrysalis into the chapel. She gazed around intrigued and eagerly and spoke.

"I am almost there, I can feel it...I can taste it,'' Chrysalis slurred, grossly licking her lips with her tongue as she continued following Templar until finally they came to the base of the stone alter and Templar stopped. He closed his eyes and hung his head in melancholy. Seeing the unicorn at still, Chrysalis barked impatiently.

"Keep going unicorn! Take me to my destiny!''

Templar said nothing, did nothing. He didn't want to do what no one should ever do, the more he wanted to refused, he kept thinking about his family that were down in the attack town and with a deep, heavy sigh he nodded. Templar walked around the altar and came up to the wall the etching of the giant tree. He casted a woeful gaze up on the stone tree placed  hoof on its base and hung his head and closed his eyes as Chrysalis watched on in intimidation. Templar's horn glowed that navy blue aura and spoke under his breath.

"Great Stallion forgive me.''

In moments the tip of Templar's horn began to glow that deep blue and he gently pressed the tip of his horn between a crack on the wall. Almost instantly, the blue light ran quickly along the lines of the tree. Up, down, left, right, around, and loop-de-loop until finally, the entire lining of the tree glowed with a mystical bluish color. Chrysalis smiled wickedly as a low rumble began. The entire wall was beginning to shift, the branches beginning to reshape and slither downward as streaks of rocks an dirt's flowed down from above.

Finally, the branches had retreated back into the trunk and a hidden, stone compartment began to slide out from the wall. With his work done, Templar's horn ceased glowing as he looked grimly at the box like object. Seeing the secret opening, Chrysalis let out a greedy tone sigh with a bright, dark, almost wild smile and said while quickly walking to the open compartment, pushing Templar aside. She stood in front of the stone box and stared at it for a moment, taking the time to relish the moment after finally have ended her search. Her horn then glowed green as the same colored aura engulfed the box as the queen used her magic to slide the box completely out of the wall and towards her. 

Templar could only watch on in fear as Chrysalis slowly began to open the lid of the box. With the lid opened, immediately a crimson red glow emitted from the contents of the stone safe before subsiding at bit. Chrysalis gazed down at what was in the box. Laying at the bottom was a single, lone gem. The gem was polished and was blood red with a smooth texture as well as in the shape of an oval. The gem was about the same size as a medium sized stone that could fit in one's hand and gave off a crimson glow. Chrysalis laughed gleefully, darkly, evilly. 

"At last...the first of the six...I found it!'' Chrysalis cackled triumphantly. 

With her magic, she levitated the gem and brought it close to her face. As she did so, Templar took a terror-stricken step backwards as he gazed at the changeling queen. He then spoke in an unnerved tone. "You’re a fool. You're tampering with a power beyond the comprehension of mortal ponies!''

Chrysalis peered over her shoulder and gave a cold glare to Templar before turning around and facing him, the red gem still hovering close to her. "You're right Templar, this gem does hold powered beyond imagining. No mere mortal could possibly understand the depths of its abilities,'' Chrysalis then gave a fiendish grin. "Fortunately, I'm not a mere mortal. I will become a being that grossly encompasses such a title. Unfortunately for you...you won’t have a chance to see what I shall become in the near future.''

Before Templar could even think or react, Chrysalis' horn glowed that sickly green as she fired a powerful blast of green magic at the unicorn, hitting him square on the chest. Templar gave off a brief cry as he fell a few feet backwards before falling to the ground, motionless. His body was limp as the area where he was hit was burnt with traces of glowing green particles, his eyes half shut with no life within them. Chrysalis just looked down at the falling Templar, no care or compassion just evil and malice as she grinned victoriously. She then shifted her attention back to the gem still levitating next to her and spoke with an avarice filled smile.

"Finally after months of searching and research, I have finally found the first of the Cosmic Gems!''

The gem glowed in her eyes, causing a red reflection to appear on them. Her tattered wings began to beat rapidly, lifting her high into the air.

''And when I have found the other five gems...then ultimate power with be mine. Power that NO PONY...not even Celestia and Luna could ever possibly defeat. And when those fools falls by the awesome power of my might, dark shall reign forever as I take my place as supreme ruler of Equestria!''

Chrysalis gave off a spine-tingling evil laugh the gem glowed even more brilliantly. Chrysalis laughed as the gem unexpectedly fired a large, red lightning bolt to the ceiling of the chapel. The strike rebounded off the ceiling and back to the gem and caused a crimson-red wave of energy to quickly expand throughout the chapel and monastery. So much destruction...and with a final crack of thunder and a flash of red lightning. Far away deep in the forgotten part of the world, red eyes opened and glowed briefly and Celestia awoke with a jolt, far away in her castle in Canterlot.

Celestia was sweating, panting like she just awoke from a bad dream. Within moments, the doors of Celestia's bedroom burst opened as her younger sister Luna came in with haste. "Sister are you alright?!''

"I've just had the most terrible dream!'' Celestia answered, catching her breath.

"Why do you think I'm here? And you know as well as I that this was no mere dream, but a vision,'' Luna said as she came to Celestia, giving a serious, but concerned frown. 

Celestia merely nodded, getting out of bed, walked toward the window and onto the balcony, Luna following behind her. There was a cool breeze as the two sisters overlooked Canterlot. The city and the kingdom slept peacefully, but Celestia's and Luna's heads were filled with a whirlwind of thoughts, Chrysalis' evil laughter echoing in their minds.

"That laugh, those eyes, and this...feeling that I sense.'' Luna asked her older sister, look onto her kingdom, and a look of worry on her face.

The princess of the sun just shook her head slowly, a firm, worrisome expression on her face. "I...I don't know Luna. Everything seems peaceful yet I sense chaos.'' She then gazed upwards into the night sky. "I sense something wicked is going to befall on our beloved kingdom,'' Celestia confessed sadly.

> The Gem and the Vision
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"A shattered world that's like an endless nightmare. An endless nightmare that's like a shattered world. But with hope we can end the nightmare. We can mend the pieces, and make the world anew.''




The sun shone brightly on the town known as Ponyville. In the quiet town, ponies wandered the streets merrily as they got on with their day. Some sat in cafes and enjoyed meals. Others chatted happily with one another.

Fillies and colts ran and played with each other to their hearts content. High on a passing cloud, Rainbow Dash was taking her usual mid-day naps after a shift of clearing the skies for a nice day. Fluttershy was in a park of some sort, happily conducting a chorus of birds that gave off a wonderful song.

Applejack went about Sweet Apple Acres doing the various chores she usually do, which included apple bucking while her older brother Big Macintosh worked hard on the fields plowing through the soil, and their younger sister and grandmother Apple Bloom and Granny Smith worked in the barn house making their famous apple pies and apple cider.

Rarity was in her dressmaking shop The Carousel Boutique her orange work glasses on coming up with new designs while her cat Opal played with a ball of yarn. Pinkie Pie was at work at Mr. and Mrs. Cake's bakery Sugarcube Corner, which looked like a giant gingerbread house with frosting and sprinkles. Inside, she happily and energetically helped costumers at a fast pace only she could pull off.

Twilight was on the third floor, surrounded by piles of books, being studious as ever.

With her magic, she levitated a book to her face and was immersed in it, gathering all the knowledge it possessed.

"Wow, there's a spell that can actually restore someone's youth?! I had no idea about that!'' Twilight said with surprise, but with glee.

She loved learning new things every day. The door in the room suddenly burst open as a tower of books walked in. But the books weren't the ones that were walking. They were being carried by a purple and green baby dragon. It was Spike, Twilight's assistant and best friend.

"Here...ugh...here you go Twilight!'' Spike said, trying with all his might to not let the books topple.

Twilight looked away from her book and smiled. "Thanks Spike, just sit them over there.''

That was all Spike needed to hear. He immediately dropped the books down and fell back onto the floor, exhausted.

"Gee, Twilight, do you read enough books?!'' Spike questioned, panting.

"Oh Spike, you can never read enough books,'' Twilight giggled.

Spike clicked his tongue. "Yeah I bet. I swear Twilight sometimes, you can be a real bookworm,'' Spike mocked, sitting up.

Twilight rolled her eyes and returned to her book.

"Well, is there anything else you want me to slave in here?'' Spike asked sarcastically.

Twilight light softly. She COULD have put him on another errand, but seeing how sweaty Spike was, she figured she had worked him enough for the day.

"No Spike, you can take the rest of the day off.''

Spike's eyes lit up. "Really...do you mean it?!''

"Yes Spike, I've slaved you enough today,'' Twilight giggled.

. Out of nowhere, Spike flung himself onto Twilight and hugged her tightly.

"Oh thank you, thank you Twilight. You may be the biggest bookworm in the world, but you're the nicest bookworm in the world!''

Twilight rolled her eyes playfully and laughed. "Alright, alright I get it!''

Spike let go, apologized sheepishly and sped off out the door and closed it behind him. Twilight smiled and shook her head and was about to return to her book when something came her head. With her magic, she sat the book down, got up, and trotted out of the room. She climbed the stairs to the fourth floor to where she and Spike slept and went over to a blue brown desk by her bed.

Her horn glowed violet and so did the dresser knob as she used her magic to pull open the drawer to reveal lack box. Twilight levitated the box to the top of the dresser and lifted the top, to reveal a stunning purple gem. It was polished in the shape of an oval, unlike other gems one might find in the land.

It was defiantly a sight to behold. Twilight smiled at the gem as it stayed levitated in the air. Twilight's mom had given it to her before she left Canterlot to come to Ponyville. It was the only thing she had to remember her parents.

"After all this time I've had this, it's still a mystery to me,'' Twilight said softly as she continued to gaze at the gem.

"I don't know, it just feels like...there's something more to this gem like...it holds some sort of secr-''

Twilight gasped as the gem suddenly started to give off a mystic violet glow. The shock had cancelled the magic and the gem fell to the floor with a thud, still glowing mysteriously.

"What the hay?!'' Twilight exclaimed, scrunching up her face.

She carefully approached the gem and levitated it into the air in front of her, the magic aura it usually gave of blended into the gem's glow.

"The gem never glowed like this before,'' Twilight pondered, drawing her horn closer to the gem.

"I wonder what it could-'' but before Twilight could finish, the tip of her horn touched the gem.

Immediately, a vision flash before her eyes. A glowing red gem...a strike of red lightning...a wicked cackle of glee...destruction...glowing red eyes. The vision only lasted for a brief second. Twilight screamed and dropped the gem again. She retreated a few steps backward. Twilight breathed heavily, staring at the gem with still maintained its glow.

"What just...happened?!'' Twilight asked, staring at the gem.

"A red gem...and...Laughing?'' Twilight shuddered at that laugh.

She knew no good could come from that laugh. She knew that the laugh had evil behind it, yet it seemed so familiar to her.

"That vision...what could it mean?!'' Twilight stared at the gem for a few moments before finally using her magic to levitate it, put it back into the box, and back into the dresser.

"I've got to send Princess Celestia a letter...at once!''

Twilight galloped to another desk on the other side of the room and with her magic, lifted up a quill pen and began to quickly write on the yellow parchment before her.

In the royal castle in Canterlot, Celestia and Luna paced in the enormous hall, ill at ease. The hall was lined with giant windows, some were brilliant stained glass. Each stained glass windows seems to interpret a different legends of some kind as light shone through the regular windows. Celestia stopped at a particular glass stained window, which depicted Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie using the Elements of Harmony to defeat Discord. She looked up at the glass wearily, the vision from the previous night still haunting her.

Celestia heard approaching hooves and she looked over her shoulder to see her sister, walking towards her.

"Sister, what are we to do about this?'' Luna asked, concerned.

Celestia was silent for a moment, then she turned to her sister with a somber expression. "I...I don't know Luna. I can't even begin to make out what this vision means,'' Celestia said solemnly.

Luna just stared at Celestia with dour eyes as the older sister continued, shaking her head, her flowing, multicolored mane waving. "It's  strange to be honest. A gem, lightning...and a laugh, a laugh with all the evil in the world behind it.''

Luna merely gave a slight nod as she replied.

"Like a thief in the night, a nightmare comes and vanishes quickly. I should know.'' Luna responded but then gave a slight gasp as she came to a realization. "Celestia, you don't think that...he's trying to communicate with us is he?''

Celestia thought deeply for a moment, considering the possibility before nodded firmly, but in discontent. "Yes, sister I believe-'' but before she could finish, she and Luna were both struck by a flash of vision, the same vision that Twilight had experienced.

Celestia and Luna gasped as they both jumped back. There was silence between them until finally Luna spoke.

"Celestia...did...did you-'' Lune asked, stammering.

"Yes...I saw it too Luna!'' Celestia responded quickly, looking distraught.

"A gem...lightning...the same exact vision as before.'' Luna began.

"And a malevolent laughter,'' Celestia finished, frowning.

Luna just looked at her sister puzzled and alarmed. "But sister, what does it mean? And this...unsettling feeling that I can't shake?''

Celestia walked to her sister and looked sadly. "Luna, I sense that something terrible might be unleashed on Equestria.''

Luna nodded slowly, looking down. "Yes, I was afraid you would say that.''

Celestia nodded. "Yes, we must get to the solution of these visions before it's too late,'' Celestia said firmly and Luna agreed.

They both galloped to Celestia's chambers to prepare for their journey.

"Luna, I need you to write a letter to Princess Cadence and Shining Armor to come at once. Tell them that they will need to rule in our absence.'' Celestia commanded, using her magic to prepare her own quill and scroll.

"Yes sister I understand, but who are you writing too?'' Luna asked.

"To Twilight Sparkle and her friends,'' Celestia answered, as she quickly started to write out her letter. "I must tell her to prepare to use the Elements of Harmony in case something unfortunate befalls on us all.''

Celestia closed her eyes and hung her head wearily. "Chiron help us,'' Celestia muttered
> Spirited Away
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The alarm clock rang repeatedly on the stand next to Quentin's bed. He rolled lazily to face the clock and groaned. It was eight o'clock in the morning, which meant he had classes today. He reached over to the stand and turned off the alarm. He yawned as he reluctantly flung the covers off himself and swung his feet over the side. Quentin was a dark skinned young man of twenty years old. He had black dread locks that went back and down stopping just over his neck as well as deep brown eyes. He stood to about six foot two and though he had a slight belly, he was of average body type. Around his neck was a silver chain that went down and stopped just over his chest with a rectangular, golden brown pendant that could fit in one's hand.

Quentin yawned again as he scratched his head and stretched.

"So don't feel like going to school today,'' He muttered irritably, getting up.

"9:00 is still too early for math for me.''

Quentin dragged himself to his bathroom and did his personal hygiene and got dressed. By the time he was done, it was 8:30. Normally Quentin would be flying out the door, but seeing that this was the last day of the semister, he couldn't care less. He fixed himself a waffle and with backpack in toe, Quentin headed out of his apartment.

He quickly made his way to the bus stop three blocks away from his complex where he made it just in time and hopped on, paying the bus fare. After Quentin found a seat on the bus, he put on his earphones and started to listen to the songs on the playlist of his ipod. They were mostly show tunes from musicals on the count of he was interested in theatre. Quentin would often sing along to the songs with his nice, bass-baritone voice, a voice he hopes that will take him to Broadway someday.

It took about 20 minutes to get to the college.

"Damn it, there just had to be an traffic accident today!'' Quentin cursed as he hopped off the bus.

Quentin was ten minutes late, and for an exam no less. What's worst was that the bus stop was a good ways away from the building that he needed to go to. As quickly as he could, Quentin made his way across a few parking lots and to the building where his class was to take his math exam to which he knew he'd probably fail. Quentin had only three classes, and all of them were only fifty minutes so the day came and went pretty quickly.

It was about noon until Quentin was finally was done for the day. He left his last class early before it could let out, but no one hardly noticed or even cared. In fact, he had little to no friends at the college where he was attending. Though he would occasionally talk to a person or two, for the most part he was a loner, something that Quentin didn't mind nor really cared much about.

Last day of school in college wasn't like in high school where people be crying and what not, which Quentin didn't understand especially if they're going to see each other again the next semester.

"Well another semester down,'' Quentin sighed as he headed to the bus stop.

It wasn't even ten minutes when Quentin heard the sound of the city bus coming and the bus stopped in front of the bus stop, opened the doors, and Quentin hopped on. Not really wanting to go home yet, Quentin decided to head to the youth center he had been going to for years now to get a bit of exercise. After about fifteen minutes, Quentin arrived at the center and made his way in. It wasn't long before his changed out if his clothes and into some white loose pants, a black T-shirt, and wrapped a brown, sash like belt around his waist as he headed to his karate class. For the next hour or so, Quentin went through numerous exercises, forms, and sparring with the rest of the class. He had been doing karate for a good seven years now and was able to obtain his current belt, something he was especially proud of. After the martial arts instructor bowed and released the class for the day, Quentin gathered his belongings and headed to the bus stop.

Nothing of any significance happened during his journey home and finally the bus pulled up to its destination and Quentin got off hurriedly to his apartment complex. Quentin made his way up the stairs and to his apartment, but before he could unlock his door, a shrill, woman's voice screamed out his name.

"WILLIAMS!''

Quentin tensed his body up and gritted his teeth. He knew what that voice was and quite frankly, he wasn't up to dealing with it today. Quentin reluctantly turned around to see his landlord Miss. Gloria hurriedly coming up the stairs towards him. Miss Gloria was a short, skinning woman in her fifties. She had short, brown hair, wore glasses, and had a simple outfit on of black pants, blue shirt, and black shoes. Everyone in the complex tried their very best to avoid her at all costs.

Quentin did his best to hide his discontent of seeing her and forced a smile as he greeted meekly

"O-Oh hi Miss Glori-''

"Don't 'hi' me Williams!'' Miss Gloria rudely cut in.

"You're late on your rent…AGAIN!''

Quentin sort of winced at the remark. He knew this was probably coming, so he answered honestly.

"I'm sorry Miss Gloria. I've just been having a pretty bad month. I had other bills to pay and plus I needed to make a payment on my classes.''

Miss Gloria rolled her eyes and shouted, "I don't give a damn about your excuses Williams! It's the last of the month and I want my rent!''

Quentin swallowed a lump in his throat as his heart began to race. He felt a sweat coming on, both of nervousness and embarrassment from her yelling, no doubt having the potential to attract unwanted attention.

"Miss Gloria, could you please lower your voice? What about the other neighbors?'' Quentin tried to reason with his boisterous landlord. Miss Gloria responded with an irritated yell.

"The neighbors are the least of your problems Williams! Every time it's the same shit with you, excuse after excuse and I'm sick of it!''

Quentin didn't answer, He just looked away shamefully as a brief silence befell on them both. Miss Gloria then sighed, apparently trying to control her anger before finally speaking with a dark tone.

"I just thought you'd be more grateful.''

Quentin looked at her with a bewildered look as she continued.

"I let you into my complex, even knowing full well of the situation you were in, even adjusted the rent for you out of the kindness of my heart. And this is how you repay me, bullshit after bullshit?''

Quentin really felt ashamed now. It was true. He desperately needed a place to stay, but with his background, no one in their right mind would give him an apartment. Quentin finally spoke softly, averting his gaze.

"I know Miss Gloria. And it's not that I'm ungrateful it's just-'' but before Quentin could finished, Miss Gloria interrupted.

"I've should've seen this coming. I should've know that I would have this problem with a poor, orphan boy!''

Quentin whipped his head at his landlord, appalled at what she just said. It wasn't long before anger bubbled up inside of him and he clutched his fists. He looked away and pinched his eyes shut and gritted his teeth at such a comment she said to him. Just before his anger could erupt, Quentin let out a breath and casted cold glare at Miss Gloria and said with a soft growl.

"You know Miss Gloria?''

"What?!'' Miss Gloria responded back forcefully with a glare, waiting for Quentin to speak.

Quentin raised a hand and opened his mouth, but he stopped himself from saying something he would surely regret and sighed.

"Nothing…it's nothing.''

"Oh well that's what you are Williams a BIG nothing! You better have my rent soon or your ass is out of here!''

With that, Miss Gloria turned and stormed down the stairs, leaving Quentin alone at the top. Quentin didn't speak, just kept his glaring eyes on his landlord as she turned the corner and out of sight. Finally, Quentin unlocked his door and went inside, closing the door with a slam. Inside, he threw his backpack on the floor and hurried to his room and once he went in, he kicked his dresser with all his might, causing a few of the contents on the surface to fall over. He plopped down on his bed, cursing his landlord.

"Freaking bitch!'' Quentin cursed under his bed, his anger boiling.

"Should've known from an orphan boy. I'm ungrateful. I am grateful…grateful for her arthritis!''

On hindsight, Quentin knew such a statement was uncalled for. He knew that it wasn't in good nature to be pleased with someone having such a condition, but right now he didn't care. What Miss Gloria said to him that was out of line. As Quentin kept fuming, he casted his gaze to the pendant that was hanging down from his neck. He took the pendant in his right hand and looked upon it with angry, hurt eyes. After a few moments have passed, Quentin pressed down on a small tab on the side and opened the pendant to reveal a picture.

The picture was of a dark skinned man and light skinned woman in a loving embrace as they smiled into the camera. The woman had golden brown, long hair that went a little passed her neck that formed slight curls at the end while the man had short black, nicely even hair and a rather charming smile. The couple was handsome to say the least and looked very happy with one another.

Quentin gazed at the picture, a slight smile forming on his face as his vision began to blur as tears formed in his eyes. Finally after moments of looking at the picture, Quentin closed the pendant and turned it to see its back. He gazed at it while ready what was written in nice, cursive writing.


From despair there is hope

From sorrow there is love

Never lose hope…Never stop loving


Quentin re read that quote at least five times before finally a tear fell from his eyes. Quentin whipped his eyes as let the pendant hang from his neck. He got up from his bed and went out his room, and went out onto his balcony. Once outside, he saw some kids playing in the warm summer day with their parents. Quentin couldn't help but smile, happy that they had the happiness that he wasn't fortunately enough to have.

"It's nice to know they will never have to feel what I have to,'' Quentin said softly to himself with a small smile.

His fell then fell in a grimace frown. Though he had calm down and felt slighter better, he was still bitter about his conversation with Miss Gloria.

"I need to cool down a bit. A walk in the forest is what I need,'' Quentin decided.

Across from his apartment complex was a dense forest. There was an obvious pathway through it and he would take a nice walk through it from time to time. With his mind set, Quentin went back inside, put on some walking shoes, grabbed a bottle of water, and he was out of his apartment. Quentin walked down the stairs and ran across the street to the forest and went in.

Almost immediately, some of the sunlight faded due to the thickness of the forest. The path was simple, it was just a circle around the forest. It was about a 20 minute hike altogether, but Quentin took his time. He enjoyed the cool shade the forest offered. Quentin listened to the birds singing in the tress as he walked down the path, his anger and bitterness slowly creepy away as he ventured in the cool, relaxing nature.

"Aw man that feels good,'' Quentin sighed as a nice breeze blew his way. Everything was going perfectly. Quentin was midway through the path when something rustled in the bushes. He jumped slightly form the sound and whipped his head towards the direction. He stood there, like if he moved, something would just jump out and kill him

"The freak was that?'' Quentin asked himself.

He lifted his foot to take a step forward when suddenly a flash of grey bolted out of the bushes. Quentin let out a short scream, but quickly realized it was just a rabbit.

"Damn it I hate it when that happens,'' Quentin panted.

"Almost gave me a heart attack!''

Quentin was about to head off when something caught his eye. He couldn't make it out due to all the trees, and leaves.

"What...is that?'' Quentin asked softly.

It was about 100 yards away, but it looked like a structure or something. Quentin thought about just forgetting it and moving along, but his curiosity got the better of me. He swallowed his fears and took a deep breath, and he started to walk off the path and into the thicket. Quentin parted branches and leaves as he ventured through the forest. Twigs snapped under his feet as Quentin pressed onward.

"I just had to come in. I could've just leave and let it go but nooo, I was just too damned curious,'' Quentin muttered to himself as he struggled through the wood.

Quentin walked for about ten minutes, and the way got thicker. Finally, he had enough.

"That's it forget this!'' Quentin exclaimed, trying to get away from the branches.

"I have better things to do than to Rambo through these trees like-'' but Quentin stopped mid- sentence.

He had gotten through the thicket and his jaw dropped.

"Whoa,'' was the only thing he could say.

Quentin had entered a clearing in the forest. There was a large, stone circle in the middle. It seemed old on the count of moss and vines obscuring most of it. Around the circle was moss covered, decaying stone pillars that looked like they could collapse at the single touch. There were a few, large boulders about, each covered with grim and moss. Quentin stared in awe as he stepped forward.

"What is this place?'' Quentin wondered, looking around.

It was like he was in a trance. With the sunbeams shining through the trees there was something so…enchanting about this place. Quentin gazed to the west of the clearing and widened his eyes. A few feet in front of him, was some sort of stone shrine. There were two stone steps that led to a stone roofed crypt. He bravely stepped into the mysterious crypt. There was a large, stone opening in the ground before him. Quentin scrunched up his face at the structure. He didn't know whether it was a well or what. Quentin looked up to the wall on the other side and did a double take at what he saw. Etched on the wall were two winged unicorns. They were flying in a circular motion, and their bodies curved along with the circular shape. Near one unicorn was a sun and near the other one would guess would be the moon. To him, the etching looked like a variation of the yin yang symbol.

Quentin tilted his head at the etching, wondering what it could mean.

"Is this place some sort of, horse worshiping site?'' Quentin suggested.

It was all so mysterious. Quentin was on the edge of the well, but he was too busy trying to figure out his whereabouts. Suddenly one of the pillars collapsed and fell to the ground in a loud crash. Quentin whipped around, but he had turned too sharply on the well's edge and began to lose his balance.

"W-Whoaaa!'' Quentin said as he flailed his arms to regain his balance, but it was too late.

With a scream, Quentin fell backwards into the deep, dark well. His screams echoed loudly as he plummeted into the well. Up outside, both the well and the stone constructs that decorated the clearing then suddenly disappeared, magical sparkles flickering until finally fading out. The light above him grew smaller and smaller until it faded into the darkness. Quentin continued to scream as he fell. Was this it? Was he really about to die?

Quentin flailed his arms as he started to fall head first. It felt like he'd been falling for hours until like a flash, he was falling through space. There were stars all around him and Quentin was falling right towards what looked like a blue, swirling galaxy full of stars. Quentin screamed louder as he quickly approached the swirling matter until he plunged head first into it.

It was like diving into water. It was like being in water. Quentin floated there aimlessly. He looked around, completely fear stricken. It was like floating in a mystical blue pool of water surrounded by stars. Quentin just floated there until a star drifted towards his face and stuck to his cheek with a slight pop feeling. He recoiled and touched his cheek, confused.

Then, countless more stars started to stick to him until Quentin was completely covered. He saw nothing but bright, white light. Finally a final star stuck to him and he immediately was whisked away at unimaginable speeds. Quentin screamed as he went sharply left, right, up, down, and loop-de-loop and back up again. Quentin sped upward and upward until he sharply fell down on something hard and everything went black.

Back in the ivory castle overlooking Canterlot, Celestia and Luna trotted hastily, through the windowed corridor, having just sent Twilight the letter Celestia had wrote when suddenly they felt a sharp, weird sensation, like a spark in their hearts that caused them to freeze in their places. The two Alicorns placed a hoof over their armored chests.

"This feeling...could it be?!'' Luna gasped to her sister.

Celestia thought to herself as she raised her head slowly before finally looking at her sister with wide eyes.

"It…it appears so Luna. It has been done!''

Luna just looked at Celestia in utter shock.

"Then that means…'' Luna began.

Celestia nodded, but with a serious frown, ''Yes sister, but we can't worry about that now. We have pressing business address!''

"Are thou sure? If it's true then shouldn't we-''

Celestia looked at Luna and responded, ''Luna, do you remember?''

Luna looked at Celestia with uneasiness, turned away, before looking at her again with a firm look and nodded.

"You are right Tia. We must act on a matter of great importance, and time is of the essence!''

Celestia nodded with seriousness and the two sisters darted down the corridor.

> Changes and Dangers
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quentin groaned as he slowly opened his eyes. His vision was blurry but it slowly started to come into view.

"What...the hell...happened?'' Quentin asked himself, groggily.

His head ached, and it felt like he was one something cool and hard, like dirt. It took a couple minutes but Quentin finally rolled on his stomach.

"Man that was not fun,'' Quentin said.

In a few moments, Quentin's vision cleared and he had to blink a couple times at the sight he saw. He was in a forest of some sort. It was close to sunset and a light breeze blew. The only thing was...everything looked like it was animated, like a cartoon.

"What the...'' Quentin began slowly, looking around.

He couldn't believe it, it was like he stepped into a cartoon. Quentin shook his head in disbelief.

"Ok, I MUST be dreaming!'' Quentin tried to convince himself.

"Yeah, that's it. And by the feel of this bump on my head, I really must-'' but Quentin froze on the spot.

Immediately something didn't feel right...his hands didn't feel right. Quentin hesitantly gazed at his hand and yelped at what he saw. Instead of a human hand, he saw a black hoof.

"Wha, What?!'' Quentin stammered dumbfounded.

Quentin quickly gazed at his other hand and saw another black hoof.

"What's going on?!'' Quentin said loudly, looking at his legs only to see more hooves.

What was happening to him? He looked over to his left and saw a river a few feet away. Quentin crawled over to the river and looked into the water and screamed at his reflection. Quentin didn't see a human reflection, but that of a burly horse, a stallion. Quentin now had a dark brown coat with a black, mane but was styled with black dreadlocks that went down and stopping just above his back along with a medium length, black tail. He had a large, angular, squared off muzzle and fetlocks above his hooves. He was also naked, the clothes he had on were now gone. However, around his neck still hung the silver chain with the rectangular pendant.

He was a horse, somehow someway Quentin became a horse. He just sat there, his jaw hung open until suddenly Quentin let out a scream that for sure someone from miles away could here. In Ponyville a pair of girl ponies walked happily with one another until one of them stopped.

"Did you hear something?'' one of them asked, looking around.

The other one looked puzzled and shook her head. Quentin was panicking.

"Okay Quentin old boy, calm down,'' Quentin said paranoid. He tried to stand up, but struggled in his new form.

"You just hit your head, that's all. That's it, you're just dreaming!'' Quentin laughed nervously.

Quentin was up on four legs that shook uncontrollably. "Pretty soon, you'll wake up, everything will be back to normal, and you can have a big laugh about this whole thing!''

Quentin took a trembling step. It was like he was a newborn trying to take its first steps.

"Come on, if I can learn to walk once, I can do it again,'' Quentin said with determination.

Quentin made a successful step, then another, and another. "See, nothing to it!'' he said proudly.

He was making slow but sure progress, but he still fumbled a few times.

"Now that that's taken care of, maybe I can-'' Quentin said smugly, beginning to trot awkwardly, but wasn't paying attention, and he tripped and fell down. Quentin rolled a couple times into the mysterious, animated wood until finally coming to a painful, stop.

"OWWWW!'' Quentin cried.

His scream echoed throughout the wood, until it started to fade away. Quentin looked around wide eyed as silence took over. He spoke sheepishly.

"Maybe a little bit dramatic there.''

Suddenly, he heard deep, heavy breathing...and snarling. Quentin froze on the spot and looked around fearfully. A light green mist-like air blew out of the bushes past me. He inhaled it, it was horrible, like rotten eggs, mixed with sweaty socks and fart.

"Damn that's rank!'' Quentin gagged, waving away the smell.

Quentin gazed at the direction of the smell and a pair of glowing, green eyes opened up in the bushes. He shook with fear as he began to back away. To his horror, two more pairs of glowing, green eyes appeared. As Quentin backed away, the creatures walked out of the bushes and revealed themselves. He didn't know what they were. They looked like wolves, except that they were made entirely of wooden logs, and trees with leafy eyebrows and fangs made up of sharp, pointed wood, and their sizes were monstrous. They snarled menacingly.

Quentin gulped nervously as he continued to back away. "U-Umm n-nice d-d-doggies?'' Quentin stuttered.

The wolf creatures still prowled toward him, greenish drool dripping from their mouths.

"I-I wasn't serious about the rank crap I said earlier,'' Quentin smiled nervously, but still they came.

"D-Do you want a bone? Preferably one that isn't mine?''

Nothing was working. Then out of nowhere, the wolves let out a ground shaking roar. Quentin screamed and he ran as fast as he could. Quentin still hadn't gotten complete used to his new body yet as he almost fumbled and tripped trying to get away. Quentin ran further into the forest, not knowing where he was going, all he knew was he had got to get away from those things. Quentin looked back over his shoulder, the wolves were gaining on him and fast.

"HELP!'' Quentin cried at the top of his lungs.

"SOMEBODY, ANYBODY...HEEEEEELP!''

Quentin was so busy running and hollering, he failed to see a dead end and collided right into it. He cowered against the stone and dirt wall as the ravenous creatures drew nearer. Deep down, he knew that wasn't going to help. Deep down, he knew no one wasn't coming to help. Was he really going to meet his end here, in this strange forest in a strange world? When he was completely about to lose hope, a large rock flew out of nowhere and hit one of the wolves square in the head.

"COME AN' GET ME YA BIG GOONS!'' a heavily, Southern American accented voice called out.

The wolves leered toward the voice and I peered up to the top of a cliff. There on top stood a female pony. She had an orange coat with a long, flowing blonde mane and tail, both tied in a ponytail and had a bang. Her mane was like in the style like a human woman's would be. She had emerald green eyes and three white dots on both cheeks like freckles and on her head she wore a brown Stetson.

Quentin just stared at the animated pony known as Applejack while the wolves snarled at her.

"RUN!'' Applejack cried to Quentin, turning and bucking another large rock at the wolves.

She ran away and the wolves followed her.

She didn’t need to tell Quentin twice and without hesitation he bolted towards the other direction.

He ran fast through the forest, unable to fathom what was going on, all he knew was that he wanted to get as far away from those…things as possible. Applejack looked back seriously, making sure the wolves were following her. She glanced forward and saw an approaching tree branch and smiled smugly. Quentin peered back over his shoulder to see if anything was still pursuing him, but he soon tripped over his four hooves, still haven’t gotten used to his new form and fell onto the ground, rolled once before coming to a stop.

As she ran, Applejack took the branch in her mouth and bent it back. When the first wolf came close enough, she let go of the branch at the right time and it flung powerfully back at the wolf, immediately destroying it into a million pieces of log and wood. Quentin groaned and rubbed his chin where he had fallen, but managed to gaze over his should just as Applejack took out the first wolf.

“Whoa…’’ Quentin awed to himself, his jaw dropping a bit.

Applejack continued running, the remaining two wolves giving chase. She ran past some large rocks in like a blur, began to buck a few towards the wolves. She had a powerful kick, for when a few rocks hit a wolf, they completely obliterated its front legs. The wolf had a surprised and dumb look on its face before falling hard on the ground, breaking into many parts, with its head flying into the air and towards Quentin.
Quentin flew on his belly and put his hooves on top of his head for protection. There was only one wolf left. Applejack led the wolf further until a tree with a hole large enough to fit through approached. Applejack ran with all her might as the wolf came closer and closer, but right when it opened its mouth to devour her, Applejack leaped through the hole and to the other side. The wolf wasn't so fortunate, for it was far too big to fit through, s on impact, it collapse into pieces.

Its front legs slide in front of Applejack in with a few seconds of life, the legs collapsed into twigs. Applejack had done it. She single handily took out all those wolves. No longer in danger, Applejack let out a sigh of relief, wiping some sweat from her face. She then noticed Quentin still in a Fidel position and quickly galloped to him.

"Are you alright surgarcube?'' Applejack asked, concern in her southern accented voice.

Quentin nervously peered through his hooves and looked up to see Applejack looking down at him, concern in her emerald eyes. He cautiously lowered his hooves and just stared at the orange mare. Applejack cocked her head to one side with a worrisome, but quizzical look from the human turned stallion’s reaction.

“What’s wrong? Are ya hurt or something?’’

It was a little awkward for Quentin, he had never talked to a pony before, let alone an animated looking one, but he answered only by briskly shaking his head. Quentin struggled a little getting up, and almost fell back down but Applejack quickly caught him.

"Hey easy, easy now sug,'' Applejack said, helping Quentin up.

"T-Thanks,'' Quentin mumbled shyly.

Quentin stood back up, his legs still trembling. Applejack’s left ear twitched a bit and she asked. “Come again?’’

Quentin gazed awkwardly at Applejack before quickly shifting his gaze around the ground. After a moment or two of silence, Quentin looked at Applejack timidly, cleared his throat and spoke again, but this time louder and clearer.

“I-I said thank you.’’

At this, Applejack gave a tiny smile and said, “Don’t mention it none. I’m jus’ plum grateful that yur alright.’’

Quentin couldn’t help but give a small smile at her kind words as he struggled to keep his legs from trembling as he stood.

"Golly, yur legs are shakin' like a naked squirrel in the winter time,'' Applejack said, smiling slightly.

Quentin rolled his eyes downward before looking back up, "Is it that obvious?'' he joked hoping to help ease the mood.

"Yea, kind of,'' Applejack chuckled.

They both chuckled a bit.

"Oh, well I just wanted to thank you for saving me form those things,'' Quentin thanked softly, feeling a bit more at ease with the friendly pony.

"Aw shucks it was nothin', ''Applejack responded, smiling coolly. “But one would be crazier than a bag o' wet cats ta get in the way of some Timberwolves.''

Quentin blinked a couple times, clearly haven’t heard of such creatures, "Timberwolves?''

Applejack nodded. "Yep, nasty varmints too. I suggest we head out before they go on and reattach themselves,'' Applejack suggested.

"Reattach themselves?!'' Quentin said in shock.

"Yup, and what are y’all doin' here in the Everfree Forest?'' Applejack asked, cocking an eyebrow.

Quentin was really confused now. "Ever...free forest?''

Applejack just smiled sympathetically and shook her head. "I'm guessin' you ain't from around these parts.''

''That's an understatement,'' Quentin muttered, averting his gaze.

Applejack just chuckled, "Well c'mon sugarcube, I'll help ya get out of this forest. By the way, what’s yur name?''

Quentin gave a small smile at the offer. "Thank you a-and my names Quentin,’’ he greeted raising a hoof for a hoof shake though he wasn’t entirely sure whether such a greeting existed.

Before he knew it, Applejack had grabbed his hoof with hers and started shaking it enthusiastically.

"Well howdy do Mr. Quentin? A pleasure making your acquaintance! I'm Applejack. Where I come from we sure do like making new friends!'' Applejack greeted warmly, finally letting go of his hoof.

She had stopped shaking it, but his hoof still went up and down vigorously. Quentin finally stopped and whipped his hoof back giving her a stunned look. Applejack smiled kindly.

"Well let's get on outta here before those wolves wake up,'' Applejack warned and sure enough, the logs and trigs started shaking and slowly pieced back together.

Upon seeing the strange sight, Quentin jumped back slightly and without another word quickly followed Applejack as she lead him through the strange forest.

> Rainbow Crashed
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Applejack led Quentin through the Everfree Forest. Even with a newfound company, he felt ill at ease at the strangeness of the wood. There was no noise, no birds chirping, no wind…nothing but the sound of the clopping of their hooves on the ground.  Finally, they made it out the forest and into the sunlight. It was beginning to sunset, but everything was so beautiful and animated. Quentin had always loved cartoons, but he never thought that he would be in a world like one. Heck, he didn't even know one existed. As they walked, Quentin noticed that Applejack had three marks, or tattoos of red apples on her flanks.

"So what brought you to the forest?'' Quentin asked Applejack as they walked through a meadow.

"Well a friend of mine, Fluttershy, asked me ta take some frogs ta a mud swamp in the forest. She said they were crowding a pond near her house so she needed to make some room,'' Applejack explained, smiling.

"Fluttershy?'' Quentin asked, it was a pretty weird name to him.

Applejack nodded, "Yup, don't worry you'll meet her, you'll meet all of my friends.''

Applejack then looked at Quentin a little suspiciously. "Now tell me again...why YOU were in the Everfree Forest. Not too many ponies would want to go yonder in there?''

Quentin widened his eyes. He felt a sweat coming on. He didn't know whether he should tell Applejack about how he came here from another world or not.

"Well...I,'' Quentin began, not knowing what to say.

Applejack listened intently as she waited for answer.

"You see...I...I,'' just then out of nowhere, something fast with a rainbow colored trail flew out of the sky and collided into Quentin.

They rolled a few times and landed in some mud. Applejack gasped and galloped towards the two. Quentin groaned as the pony laid on top of him. It was a girl, she had a cyan coat with a long, unkempt and wild, rainbow colored mane, tail, and bang and reddish pink eyes. Being a Pegasus pony, she had a pair of powerful, feathered wings and on her flank was a cutie mark in the shape of a cloud and a rainbow colored lightning bolt coming from it.

Rainbow Dash, muddy looked at Quentin and laughed sheepishly.

"Uh, excuse me?'' was all she said.

Quentin blew a few mud bubbles and he lifted his face from the mud, an annoyed look upon his face.

"Quentin are you alright hun?'' Applejack asked.

"Well I'd be better if I wasn't covered in mud,'' Quentin grumbled.

Applejack shot a glare at the pony.

"Dog gone it Rainbow Dash, can't you ever watch where you're flying?!'' Applejack chastised the pony.  "You gone an' ran over Quentin here!''

Rainbow Dash laughed nervously again.

"My bad AJ,'' Rainbow Dash said, before turning to Quentin.

"Let me help you,'' she chuckled and in a blink of an eye, she flew off in the sky and came back with a large puff of dark, grey cloud over his head.

Quentin looked up in confusion and Rainbow Dash bounced up and down on the cloud. A downpour of rain fell from the cloud and onto the dirty man turned stallion. As Quentin's unintended shower finished, the cloud turned white since all the rainwater poured out. Quentin sat there, scowling. Sure he wasn't covered in mud anymore, but now he was soaked to the bone and his mane wet and covering his face. Applejack gave Rainbow Dash a disapproving look, but she just laughed again.

"Ops, I-I guess I over did it.''

"Ya think?'' Quentin retorted.

"Ha ha, um...how about this?'' Rainbow Dash said

Quentin widened his eyes before Rainbow started to fly at ridiculous speeds around him, creating a rainbow colored vortex. Applejack winced as the wind from the twister blew hard. It only lasted a few seconds until Rainbow Dash flew in the air.

"My very own, patented Rainblow Dry!'' she said proudly.

Applejack shook the hair off her face as Rainbow Dash flew down.

"No, no don't thank me...you're quite welcome,'' Rainbow Dash said smugly, before looking at Quentin.

Quentin was dry alright, but Rainbow Dash's...''Rainblow Dry'' also left his mane and tail puffy and wild, like he had an afro. Quentin had a not too satisfied look on his face while Applejack looked at me with a blank face. Rainbow Dash then fell to the ground and busted out laughing, causing Applejack to roll her eyes. Tears streamed from Rainbow Dash's eyes as she laughed.

"Oh ha, ha...hysterical,'' Quentin said sarcastically.

"Alright enough Rainbow y'all had yur fun!'' Applejack said sternly.

Rainbow Dash wiped away tears as she got up.

"S-Sorry, my bad ummmm Quentin...was it? But ya gotta admit...you look pretty funny right now!'' Rainbow Dash said in between laughs.

Quentin sighed irritably and shook his mane and tail back in place. Applejack shook her head at Rainbow Dash and turned to Quentin.

"Quentin, I would like to introduce you here to Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash this fine stallion you just knocked over is Quentin.''

"Sup,'' Rainbow Dash said coolly, whipping her mane upward.

"Yeah, what's up,'' Quentin greeted, forcing a smile. He was still bit annoyed by her entrance.

Rainbow Dash chuckled, "But seriously, I'm sorry for crashing into you. No hard feelings?''

Quentin looked at Rainbow Dash skeptically, and then sighed and smiled.

"Nah you good.''

Applejack smiled. "Alrighty then now that the introduction's done, Rainbow, what were you doin flyin about so fast anyway?''

"I was just trying out a new trick!'' Rainbow Dash beamed.

"Another one?'' Applejack sighed.

"Of course, I fly high into the air, then do a couple loops and dives, and...'' while she explained, Rainbow flow and did loops at high speeds.

Quentin was in awe, it was like she was a jet.

"Whoa, you're fast,'' Quentin said in wonder.

Rainbow Dash put her hooves on her hips and smiled smugly.

"No duh I am. They don't call me Rainbow DASH for nothing. And one day, I'm going to join...THE WONDERBOLTS!'' Rainbow screamed the last words.

Her eyes twinkled as she thought about her life dream. Applejack rolled her eyes playfully, but Quentin just blinked a couple times.

"The Wonderbolts?'' Quentin asked slowly.

Rainbow Dash did a double take and flew quickly in front of Quentin's face.

"What?! You don't know who the Wonderbolts are?!'' Rainbow Dash cried and disbelief.

Applejack cocked an eyebrow at Quentin, but he just gave an innocent shrug. Rainbow Dash couldn't believe it.

"EVERYPONY knows that the Wonderbolts are like THE best flyers in all of Equestria!''

Quentin really blinked at that last comment. "Equestria?!'' he replied loudly.

Rainbow Dash back away and gave him a weird frown. Applejack cocked an eyebrow at Quentin it was like he said something offensive.

"Mum what?'' Quentin finally said innocently.

Rainbow Dash flew to Applejack's side. "Where did you find THIS guy? This dude is slower than Tank!'' Rainbow whispered...loudly.

Quentin cocked an eyebrow and frowned. He had no ideal what this 'Tank' thing was about  but he didn't appreciate being insulted to like that.

"I found him in the Everfree Forest. He was being chased by some Timberwolves. I know he may be a bit stranger than a sheep on a cattle range but-" Applejack began to explain when the listening Quentin interrupted her.

"Um I can hear you, you know,'' Quentin said annoyed.

Applejack smiled sheepishly at him. "Aw sorry sugarcube we just-'' but Rainbow Dash cut her off.

"Yeah you heard us. So you can tell us one thing...just who the hay ARE YOU? Where did you come from? And how the hay can you not know things that anypony with a brain cell would know?'' Rainbow Dash demanded brashly, leering at Quentin inches away from his face.

Quentin looked around nervously and gulped.

"Well...?'' Rainbow Dash egged impatiently as Applejack walked up tilting her head and raising an eyebrow.

Quentin didn't know what to say. "Well you see I-" Quentin began.

"APPLEJACK! RAINBOW DASH!'' a voice called.

The three of them looked to see who was doing all the screaming to see that it was Spike, running towards them frantically.

"Spike what is it? What's all the hooping and hollerin fer?'' Applejack asked the little dragon.

"Yeah Spike, what's with you?'' Rainbow Dash said, annoyed and crossing her arms.

"Is that a dragon?'' Quentin asked no one in particular, tilting his head and scrunching up his face.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes. "Gee, nothing gets past you doesn't it?'' Rainbow Dash replied rudely.

Quentin shot Rainbow Dash a glare but she brushed it off.

"Applejack...Rainbow Dash...!'' Spike said, in between breaths.

"And...somepony I've never seen before,'' Spike said to Quentin, scratching his chin.

Quentin looked around and smiled awkwardly.

"Who are you?'' Spike asked, running up to him.

"Oh, well my name's Quentin,'' Quentin greeted uncertainly as the little dragon observed him all around.

Spike finally stopped checking and came to his front.

"Hi Quentin, I'm Spike,'' Spike said warmly, smiling.

Quentin returned the smile while Applejack smirked softly, but Rainbow Dash looked as if she was bored with one eyebrow up.

"Wow, I've never met a dragon before,'' Quentin finally confess.

"Yeah I tend have that effect on ponies,'' Spike responded coolly.

"Um sorry to interrupt you two,'' Applejack cut in. "But weren't ya just running down ta us like yur tail was on fire?''

"What?'' Spike asked dumbly, but suddenly remember what he came here for.

"O-Oh right. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, you need to head towards Twilight's place, FAST!''

This had gotten Rainbow Dash's attention. "Why what's going on?'' Rainbow Dash asked seriously.

Applejack too listened intently, seriously. Quentin just stood there, with a blank look on his face.

"She just got a letter from Princess Celestia. It's urgent, and she wants the gang to be there!'' Spike said almost frantically.

"The Princess?!'' Applejack and Rainbow Dash cried in unison.

Quentin jumped slightly at the outburst. "Twilight...Princess Celestia? This was getting weirder and weirder,'' he thought to himself.

Spike nodded.

"Well what are we waiting for? C'mon!'' Rainbow Dash commanded.

"Uh Dash? Do you think I can catch a ride with you? I'm still a bit tired from that run,'' Spike asked, acting exhausted, a bit dramatically.

"Fine whatever, just get on!'' Rainbow Dash said impatiently, landing on the ground and so Spike can get on.

"Sweet, I call shot gun!'' Spike said excitedly, hopping on Rainbow Dash's back.

Rainbow Dash sighed deeply and in a blink of an eye, they fired up into the skies, a rainbow trail behind them.

"C'mon Quentin!'' Applejack said, preparing to run.

"Wait, what's going on?'' Quentin asked.

"I'll explain later, right now we need to get!'' Applejack responded and she galloped off.

Quentin still didn't understand what was going on, but he did what Applejack told him and he was galloping right behind her.

> A Cryptic Message
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Applejack and Quentin galloped through the meadow while Rainbow Dash flew through the air with Spike on her back. They've been running for about ten minutes though Quentin albeit awkwardly, nearly tripping and falling on his face which would earn him occasional weird glances from Applejack as if he was crazy, until Quentin finally spoke.

"So...Applejack...where are we...going?'' Quentin said in breaths as he ran, trying desperately to avoid tripping and falling.

"Ponyville o' course!'' Applejack responded.

"Ponyville? What the heck is Pony-'' but Quentin stopped when they came up to a bridge over a river that led to a vast town.

The town had houses from what Quentin could see that were timber framed with distinct thatched roofs and overhanging upper floors. The newcomer stared in awe at the pony inhabited town.

"Alright Quentin, quit gawking and c'mon,'' Applejack said impatiently and started to run into the town.

Quentin snapped out of his stare. "O-Oh yeah, right,'' he stammered and followed Applejack.

Quentin couldn't help but look around in wonder as they ran through the town. There were ponies all over the place. Each pony had different colored coats, different manes with different hairstyles, in fact their hairstyles resembled human woman hairstyles back on Earth. Some of the ponies warmly waved at them as they ran by. Applejack and Quentin ran through a large opening that seemed to be the town's square, that had a large town hall that was three stories high and in the shape of a cylinder. Also in the square were numerous flag posts with flags, a few large tents, and a marble fountain with a statute of a unicorn in the center.

"You jus' keep on followin me Quentin!'' Applejack called to Quentin. "We're almost there!''

Quentin nodded in understanding. Finally, Applejack and Quentin arrived at the large, hollowed out tree that served as the town's library and Twilight and Spike's home. Quentin looked at the odd structure curiously. Applejack prepared to walk in when she looked over her shoulder to the intrigued stallion.

"C'mon sugarcube,'' Applejack said.

"Ummm, maybe I should just wait out here,'' Quentin said rather shyly.

"Nah it's alright really. Besides I want you to meet the rest of my friends,'' Applejack smiled softly, but became serious again as she didn't forget the emergency.

Quentin sighed in defeat and followed Applejack into the library. The interior looked just like what a library would, except it was inside a tree. There was a large round desk where the librarian would do their work with a few piles of books along it, Winding around the room were large, tall bookshelves filled with books of all assortments. Quentin gazed around the room but quickly followed Applejack up stairs.

The two climbed two flights of stairs until they came to a door. Applejack opened the door to reveal a rather large loft. It like the rest of the library, there were bookshelves of books as well as piles of books along the floor. There were wooden steps that led to the upper level of the room were a large bed was kept.

In the room, gathered in the center was Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Spike. Applejack walked in and towards the group, while Quentin just stayed in the hall a bit nervous.

"Applejack, there you are!'' Twilight said relieved, trotting to her.

"YAY Applejack is here!'' Pinkie Pie exclaimed happily, bouncing up and down.

"See, told you guys it'll take her awhile,'' Rainbow Dash joked, smirking.

Applejack rolled her eyes playfully. "Very funny Rainbow. Ya know in a hoof race, you'd be eatin my dust like eatin one of Granny Smith's apple pies!''

This only excited Rainbow Dash's competitiveness even more.

"Oh really, is that a challenge?'' Rainbow Dash grinned aggressively.

''Maybe it is, maybe it ain't,'' Applejack responded coolly, tipping her hat.

"Come one you two,'' Twilight began annoyed, getting in between the two equines.

"Have you forgotten that I asked Spike to bring you all here to-'' but Twilight stop, for her gaze had went from the ponies to Quentin at the doorway.

Quentin stepped slightly to the side in a feeble attempt to hide himself.

"Oh hello there,'' Twilight greeted the bashful human, smiling.

The others then looked at Quentin.

"Why are you standing out there by yourself, come in.''

Quentin hesitated for a moment. Twilight tilted her head, but then smiled.

"Don't worry, we won't bite,'' Twilight joked.

Quentin smiled awkwardly and he walked into the room. Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie smiled friendly as they walked to him, but Rainbow Dash looked uninterested and just hovered in the air.

"I don't think I've seen you around here before, what's your name?'' Twilight asked Quentin.

Quentin opened his mouth to talk, when suddenly Pinkie Pie had jumped on him.

"Oh a new friend. I like meeting new friends. New friends makes me feel all warm and fuzzy and bubbly and wubbily inside!'' Pinkie Pie said rather quickly, bouncing.

The dreadlocked stallion looked at her wide eyed and shock.

"So what's your name huh, huh, HUH?'' Pinkie Pie asked excitedly.

"W-Well, I'm…,'' Quentin began but Pinkie Pie cut him off.

"Oh wait don't tell me, let me guess. Is it...Dexter?''

Quentin scrunched his face. Dexter...really?

"Um no actually-'' but once again Quentin was cut off.

The others sighed, they knew how Pinkie Pie could get sometimes.

"Pinkie Pie,'' Applejack said firmly.

"Is it...Amadeus?'' Pinkie Pie asked.

"N-no I'm,'' Quentin began.

"Um P-Pinkie Pie?'' Fluttershy said rather timidly.

"Oh I know...is it Finkleburg Q. Kazoo III?!'' Pinkie Pie asked enthusiastically.

Quentin looked at her like she lost her mind. He knew she HAD to be making things up now.

"PINKIE PIE!'' the others cried in unison.

"What?'' Pinkie Pie asked casually, beaming.

"Maybe if you will get off this fine gentlicolt we'll learn his name,'' Rarity chastised, but Pinkie Pie wasn't fazed.

"Oh yeah, duh. Silly me. Hello Pinkie Pie,'' Pinkie Pie chimed, knocking her hoof against her head like she was knocking at a door.

The others shook their heads while Quentin tried to process of what the heck was that all about.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk look just look at you darling your coat is simply a mess,'' Rarity said refinely, walking over to Quentin to help him up and dusting him off.

"But don't worry dear, I have just the right shampoo to accommodate that lovely coat of yours. And might I add that is a lovely pendant you are wearing.''

Quentin blinked a couple times. 'Oh, well...thanks?'' he said uncertainly.

"Aw c'mon Rarity, quit hasslin' the poor feller','' Applejack said walking over to the two.

Rarity gasped, taken aback. "Hassling? Why I was simple trying to suggest the best and appropriate measure of proprete for him to-''

"Anyway,'' Applejack cut in.

"Everypony, this here is my new friend Quentin,'' Applejack announced happily putting a hoof around Quentin's shoulders.

The others except Rainbow Dash gathered around to greet the new pony.

"Well it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance Quentin. I am Rarity,'' Rarity greeted rather gracefully.

"H-Hi Quentin, my name is Fluttershy,'' Fluttershy said shyly and quietly, looking at Quentin timidly through her mane.

Quentin smiled softly at her, and Fluttershy smiled and blushed, looking away at the ground.

"Hi Quentin! I'm Pinkie Pie. Any friend of Applejack is a friend of mine. We're going to have such a fun time. Do you like parties? I love parties, in fact parties is what I'm good at. Nopony throws better parties than me!'' Pinkie Pie said quickly, bouncing up and down being all happy and bubbly.

"It's great to meet you Pinkie Pie,'' Quentin said, looking at the pink pony weirdly as she bounced around.

"And you've already met Rainbow Dash,'' Applejack said to which Rainbow Dash gave Quentin an uninterested glance and a slight nod.

Quentin returned the nod and Twilight walked up to him.

"Hi Quentin I'm-'' "Hey Quentin, remember me?" Spike cut in front of her.

Quentin chuckled, "Yep you're Spike.''

Spike beamed happily, but was lifted into the air by Twilight's magic.

"Spike, rude much!'' Twilight said cantankerously.

Spike laughed sheepishly. "Oh, sorry Twilight.''

Twilight lifted him down and gave him an annoyed look. "Sorry about that. My name is Twilight Sparkle and might I add that's a pretty unique name...Quentin,'' Twilight greeted, smiling.

"Hi Twilight,'' Quentin said, returning a faint smile.

"I'm sorry we have to cut the introductions short, but we've got important business we need to attend to,'' Twilight said apologetically.

"Oh, well then maybe I should wait downstairs. I don't want to disrupt your meeting,'' Quentin offered politely.

"Oh no it's ok, you can stay,'' Twilight smiled.

The burly stallion smiled but Rainbow Dash flew in between them.

"Anyway, what's the emergency Twilight? What did the Princess send you?'' Rainbow asked seriously.

"Oh yes that's right,'' Twilight remembered.

"Everypony, not too long ago, Princess sent me a letter from Canterlot,'' Twilight began while the rest listened carefully.

Quentin just looked at them, puzzled.

"What was it about? Is everythin' alright?'' Applejack asked, concerned.

Twilight looked at her friends sadly. "I-I'm afraid not,'' she said solemnly.

The rest gasped. "Well what is it Twilight, please do tell us!'' Rarity egged.

Twilight nodded and her horn glowed a violet aura as she used her magic. A scroll magically lifted into the air form a desk at the wall and flew towards Twilight.

"Everypony listen,'' Twilight said firmly as the scroll unrolled itself and Twilight began to read the letter.

"My dearest Twilight and her faithful friends. I don't have much time to write this letter, but this is a matter of great important. I'm not sure why, but these last couple of nights, I've been experiencing strange visions, visions that haunted my thoughts ever since. I've tried desperately to cast aside these visions, but it seems the more I try, the stronger they becomes. My most faithful student, I fear something terrible is about to occur, which is why my sister Luna and I have left Canterlot to try to find the answers to these premonitions. My niece; your sister in law Cadence and your brother Shining Armor will arrive to Canterlot to rule in our absence. I hope that you, your friends, and the rest of my subjects will be loyal and listen to them just as they would to me and Luna. Keep your friends near you and be prepared to use the Elements of Harmony, just in case. I pray that the situation won't come to that resort.''

-Signed Princess Celestia

Twilight had finished reading the letter and gazed into the shocked faces of her friends. Quentin had look of both perplexity and concerned. The letter was cryptic, dire.

"Oh dear, Twilight, what does it mean?'' Rarity asked, a hoof over her mouth.

Twilight opened her mouth but nothing came out. She didn't have answer.

"Do you really think that it's true? Do you think something really terrible is going to happen?'' Fluttershy squeaked.

"The Princess wouldn't have sent us this letter if there wasn't a possibility,'' Twilight responded, skimming through the scroll.

"How could Celestia and Luna just leave us hanging like that?!'' Rainbow Dash said angrily.

"Why did they have to do this alone?''

"Now Rainbow we shouldn't be questionin the princesses,'' Applejack said to Rainbow Dash, furrowing her eyebrows.

"Yeah Applejack's right Dashie, the Princess knows what she's doing. I mean, has she ever failed us?'' Pinkie Pie responded cheerfully.

Rainbow Dash crossed her hooves and pouted.

"Well she still should have offered. I'm mean, I'm DYING for some action,'' Rainbow Dash muttered.

"Twi, what are we going to do?'' Spike asked, fear and uncertainty in his voice.

The group started to talk among themselves, forgetting that Quentin was in the room. Finally, he summoned the courage to speak up.

"Excuse me!'' Quentin said loudly, causing the six ponies to cease their chatter and look at him.

"What's going on? Is everything alright?'' Quentin asked innocently, but concerned.

Rainbow Dash frowned and flew in his face.

"Yeah everything is peachy keen. Our Princesses has just left to Equestria knows where to for Equestria how long. We have no idea what's going on. So yeah everything's is right in paradise!'' Rainbow Dash said sarcastically and forcefully.

"I-I just-'' Quentin began but Applejack ran in between the two.

"Alright lay off em' Rainbow. Quentin was jus askin a simple question,'' Applejack said, defending him.

The others agreed.

"Yeah we'll that's just great. But you didn't answer my question yet, Quentin...just who the HAY are you and where did you come from?! How come ya don't know what a school filly would about Equestria?!

Everybody looked at the nervous pony for an answer. Twilight had a curious and eager look on her face. Rarity and Pinkie Pie had their heads slightly tilted and Fluttershy gazed at him softly. Rainbow Dash frowned suspiciously at Quentin, waiting for an answer. Applejack had a 'go one, its ok' expression on her face.

Quentin looked nervously at the six ponies and Spike. He sighed deeply. There was no other way around it…he had to tell them.

"Ok, but you guys probably won't believe me,'' Quentin began.

"Try us,'' Rainbow Dash said, furrowing her eyebrows and crossing her hooves.

"Well I don't know where to start, but I'm not from here,'' Quentin began to explain.

The others listened. "You mean, you're not from Ponyville?'' Rarity asked.

Quentin nodded.

"So where are you from? Are you from Canterlot?'' Twilight asked.

Quentin widened his eyes, but then gave up on the thought. He had no idea what that was, but he's had that thought ever since he came to this strange land.

"N-No,'' Quentin responded.

"How about Trottingham, or Manehatten?'' Pinkie Pie asked excitedly, like it was a game.

Quentin shook his head. "No, I've never even heard of those places.''

The others gave him confused looks as if he was joking.

"What I meant was…I'm not from this world,'' Quentin finally confessed.

> Unbelievable Truths
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"W-What do you mean...from another world?'' Fluttershy piped in shock.

The others looked at Quentin in utter disbelief. There was a few moments silence, until finally, "You're joking right? Dash said, frowning.

Quentin just shrugged. Rainbow Dash then burst out laughing.

"Yeah right, you've got to get up pretty early in the morning to fool us with that!'' Rainbow Dash kept laughing, but Quentin had a serious look on his face.

The others just looked at brown stallion, looking for a sign that he was joking.

"Um Dash, I don't think he's kidding,'' Spike said, looking at Quentin wide eyed.

Dash had finally stop laughing and took on her usual, aggressive behavior. "Please! Do you honestly expect us to believe you're from a different world? What are you, some sort of alien?!''

Quentin frowned slightly and sighed. "No I'm not an alien. I mean well, I guess technically speaking but...whatever the point is I am from a VERY different world than this!''

The others were still unconvinced. "Come now Quentin. From another world...you have to admit that is the most ridiculous thing one could say,'' Rarity said logically with a slight, skeptical frown.

"I told you guys wouldn't believe me,'' Quentin argued.

The others started to ask him questions all at once, until Twilight silenced them. "Ok...Quentin,'' Twilight said suspiciously.

"Let's say for a minute that we believe what you've told us. If you're from another world, how did you get here?''

Everyone gave Quentin intent looks. "Well the last thing I remembered was I was taking a walk in the woods when I found this hidden well,'' he began.

''It was in some sort of crypt. I leaned forward to get a closer look at a wall etching when I leaned too far and fell in. The next thing I remember, I woke up in this place as…this.'' Quentin finished, spreading his forelegs to the side to the others could get a good look at him.

Quentin looked around the room, waiting for an answer.

"Seriously? You're not pulling our tails are you?'' Spike asked hopefully.

Quentin shook his head.

"Ya woke up as a stallion? What were you before then?'' Applejack asked, cocking an eyebrow.

"I was a human,'' the pony in question answered truthfully.

The other widened their eyes. "A human?!'' Fluttershy and Pinkie cried in unison.

"B-But humans don't exist. They aren't real!'' Twilight denied hysterically.

Quentin blinked. "Not real?''

Twilight nodded and magically brought a book from the shelf to her and opened it. She flipped through the pages until she came to the one she was looking for.

"See, humans aren't real,'' Twilight said, levitating the book to his face to read.

The page had a picture of a rather monstrous looking human with some facts going on for three pages.

"Humans are nothing but pony tales used to frighten fillies and colts to behave.'' Twilight explained, a rather firm frown on her face.

"You guys have to believe me. Where I'm from, I was a human. And in my world, there is no Equestria, or Canterlot. In my world, ponies can't even talk,'' Quentin tried to reason.

They others gasped, horrified. "Ponies...don't...TALK?!" Pinkie cried.

"What do you mean ponies don't talk. How can a pony go for a minute without talking? I mean, not talking is the worst thing I could think of. Imagine me not being able to talk, why that would just be the worst!'' Pinkie cried quickly.

Spike put a comforting claw on her shoulder which calmed her down.

"Oh please for the love of Celestia give it up, we don't believe you!'' Rainbow said aggressively.

Quentin hung his head in defeat, what was he going to do now?

"I believe 'em,'' Applejack said, causing the rest to gasp in shock.

Quentin looked at Applejack, with a WTF expression, but she just gave the surprised newly equine a warm smile.

"What?! AJ you can't be serious?!'' Dash exasperated, but Applejack stood her ground.

"Yup, Quentin's got an' honest face, that's what I like in a feller,'' Applejack smiled, giving him a wink.

Quentin blushed a little and looked away shyly.

"An' I can tell when somepony is honest, or have yall done forget I'm the Element of Honesty?''

The others looked at each other uncertainly, but Quentin was as clueless as ever. "The Element of...Honesty?'' he asked slowly.

"Yup, ya heard right sugarcube,'' Applejack smiled.

She and the rest began to explain to him that they represent a powerful force known as the Elements of Harmony. They explained that they used this sacred power only in the direst of circumstances to retain peace and tranquility in Equestria.

"Wow,'' was the only thing Quentin could say.

"So you girls are like, national heroes then?"

"Eeyup,'' Applejack replied proudly. And they thought that someone from another world was a stretch.

"You guys sure that we should be telling a complete stranger about our strengths? I mean he could use that information for...EVIL!'' Dash asked dramatically, giving Quentin an distrustful look.

"Yea Rainbow Dash, Quentin will use the Elements against us done due to the evil sparkle in his eyes,'' Applejack said dryly, rolling her eyes.

Rainbow Dash grunted but Fluttershy spoke up.

"I-I agree. Something tells me that Quentin has very kind heart,'' she said softly.

"Thar' ya see?'' Applejack smiled triumphantly.

Rainbow Dash huffed and looked away in defeat.

"Quentin if you don't mind my asking, but where is your cutie mark?'' Rarity asked perplexed as she looked at his flanks.

"My what?'' Quentin asked blankly.

Rainbow Dash sighed annoyed, "Oh for the love of Pete!"

"What's a cutie mark?''

The others looked at Quentin in disbelief.

"Well Quentin, a-'' Rarity began.

"A cutie mark is a special design we get whenever we have found what we're meant to do in life!'' Pinkie Pie cut in, showing him her mark which were three blue balloons.

Quentin tilted his head as he looked at the mark.

"See, my purpose in like is to make really fun parties and to make people laugh. And what could be better than laughing?'' Pinkie asked merrily, beginning to laugh happily.

Rarity rolled her eyes at the rude cut in. "Yes what Pinkie said. And my calling is to locate gems to make beautiful vetements,'' Rarity said in French, showing her mark which were three diamonds.

"My calling is to take care of animals,'' Fluttershy smiled, showing her mark which depicted three, pink butterflies with a turquoise bodies and antennae.

"Whoa, that's pretty cool,'' Quentin awed, smiling.

"Darn tootin' it is. Yours truly is to work on the family farm, which I can't possibly see myself doin anythin else!'' Applejack said proudly.

"Miss Sunshine up there's ta fly…real fast,'' Applejack said, pointing to Rainbow Dash, who didn't look at them.

"And mine is to perform magic, as you can see,'' Twilight smiled, showing her mark with was a magical, violet pink, six pointed star with tiny white sparkles surrounding it.

"But Rarity and Rainbow Dash is right Quentin, your story is kind of hard to believe.''

"THANK YOU Twi!'' Rainbow Dash sighed.

Quentin let out a long, deep breath. He shook his head but then chuckled lightly. "Yeah I know, but believe me, I'm not making this up. I wish I was.''

"C'mon think 'bout it girls. How else can you explain Quentin not knowin nothin about Equestria, an' cutie marks, an' such?'' Applejack said.

The others still looked uncertain. "Well...that's true but,'' Twilight said hesitantly.

Suddenly, Spike beamed. "Wait Twilight, I have an idea!'' Spike cried out.

"Yes Spike what it?'' Twilight asked.

"Why don't you use the mind reading spell you've been working on? That way you can see if Quentin is telling the truth or not.''

"Spike that's...'' Twilight began laughing but stopped and widened her eyes.

"Actually not a bad idea,'' she finished.

Spike looked proud while the others gasped.

"Read minds?!'' Rarity gasped.

"You can really do that?'' Fluttershy asked softly buy in awe.

"Y-yeah, but…'' Twilight trailed of.

"But...what?'' Dash asked interested.

"To go into one's mind...to be perverted like that it's...it's completely unethical.''

"Oh,'' the rest of her friends said in unison.

"Yea, that would be sorta an' invasion o' someone's privacy,'' Applejack agreed.

Quentin thought for a moment, and came to a decision. "It's ok, go on and do it,'' he said.

The others looked at him in shock.

"R-Really Quentin?'' Twilight asked.

Quentin nodded, "If it's the only way for you guys to believe me, then so be it.''

Twilight looked at her friends uncertainly.

"You sure about this hun? Letting Twi go pokin into yur brain like that?'' Applejack asked him, concerned.

"Yeah it's fine Applejack. You have my permission Twilight.''

Twilight looked puzzled for a moment or two and nodded in understanding.

"Alright, let's do it,'' Twilight said seriously.

She walked towards Quentin and Applejack took a couple steps back. "Ok Quentin, just relax and close your eyes,'' Twilight commanded and he did what she said.

The others watched on intently.

"I promise, I'll just see about everything you told us, nothing more,'' Twilight said politely.

''It's ok, I trust you,'' Quentin smiled softly.

Twilight returned the smile, took a deep breath, and closed her eyes. Soon, her horn began to glow a violet aura as the spell began. She then leaned her horn forward until it lightly touched his forehead. The effect was instant. Both Quentin and Twilight's eyes glowed white as in a flash, all of Quentin's memories of how Quentin got to Equestria rushed through Twilight's mind, from the time he hiked through the forest to the moment he first woke up in the Everfree Forest.

It only lasted a few seconds when Twilight and Quentin jumped back when the spell ended. They both panted as if they just finished a strenuous exercise.

"Are you two ok?'' Pinkie asked concerned as the other trotted to them.

"Y-Yeah, I'm fine,'' Twilight said, a bit dizzy.

Everything was spinning, but she soon regained normal sight.

"How about you darling,'' Rarity asked Quentin.

"Yeah I'm good,'' Quentin breathed heavily.

"So Twilight, how did it go?'' Spike asked anxiously.

"Good, I guess,'' Twilight began.

"That was my first time using that spell. I had to break it cause if I went on any longer I could've-'' but then Twilight froze, a shocked expression on her face.

"What, what is it Twi?'' Rainbow Dash asked.

"Quentin was telling the truth,'' Twilight confessed softly.

The others gasped at the news. "R-really Twilight?'' Fluttershy asked to which Twilight nodded.

"Yes, everything Quentin said about coming from another world...about being a human, it's all true.''

"Ha, told ya. Never had had a doubt in my mind,'' Applejack announced proudly as the rest began to chatter amongst themselves.

Rainbow Dash looked completely dumbfounded.

"Wow, I've never thought it was possible, but I guess I owe you an apology Quentin,'' Twilight said sincerely.

"We all do I suppose,'' Rarity added apologetically. Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy nodded in agreement, but Quentin just smiled.

"Nah, its fine. Totally understandable.''

"Oh so patient AND demure, just like moi,'' Rarity chimed, flicking her mane.

The others rolled their eyes but Quentin just chuckled lightly.

Twilight then suddenly spoke up in an excited, rushed tone, ''But still a human…a real life, ACTUAL human! Here in Equestria. I mean this is possibly the greatest discovery in pony history! There's a lot of questions I want to ask. Do you mind performing some tests for me? I can't wait to start my scientific research with you!''

As Twilight continued her excited rant, Quentin couldn't help but smirk at her enthusiasm. To be honest, when he first saw her she gave off the impression of a very intelligent and logical person and her thirst for scientific answers by studying him only proved that notion.

However, Quentin's face then grew to utmost serious as he responded.

"But about that letter,'' Quentin said changing the subject.

The others remembered and quickly broke into conversation.

"Why I almost forgot bout' the Princesses. What ARE we goin' to do Twi?'' Applejack asked.

Twilight looked at her uncertainly, but then had a determined look on her face.

"I…don't know. But what I do know is this, we'll just have to trust Princess Celestia and hope that she'll send us another letter soon,'' Twilight said.

The others reluctantly nodded.

"What else CAN we do?'' Pinkie Pie asked.

"Is...there something I can do to help?'' Quentin asked, even though he didn't know what the hell he could do.

"Well that's mighty sweet of ya sugarcube,'' Applejack smiled.

"But this is our job, you don't have to worry about a thing,'' Twilight finished, smiling.

Quentin just looked dishearten, unable to help.

"Don't worry Quentin, believe it or not, we've have some close calls before and everything turned out fine,'' Twilight smiled.

"All we need to do is to stick together, and we'll be able to conquer any obstacle that comes our way.''

The rest agreed with Twilight and Quentin smiled faintly. A toll of a clock rang out from outside. Twilight looked at the clock on the wall to find that it was 6:00 pm.

"My it's certainly getting late. I really should find Sweetie Belle and get her home,'' Rarity said.

''Oh yes, and I should get back and tend to the animals. Angel can get a little testy when he's hungry,'' Fluttershy squeaked.

"And Mr. and Mrs. Cake would have a cow if I don't get some flour from the store!'' Pinkie Pie said.

Twilight nodded, "Alright then this meeting is adjourned. Goodnight everypony, I'll see you all later.''

Everyone said their goodbyes and headed out the door. Before Rainbow Dash flew out the door, she turned to look at Quentin. She had a rather, awkward gesture about her and opened her mouth as if to say something, but no words came out and she quickly flew out the door and out of sight. Quentin raised an eyebrow, finding the action perplexing.

"Oh Quentin, I'm guessing you will need a place to stay for the night?'' Twilight offered kindly, while Applejack stayed behind.

"O-Oh that won't be necessary,'' Quentin stammered out, causing Twilight, Applejack, and Spike to jump in surprise.

"Thanks for the offer, but I'll just find that well and I'll be off.''

The two ponies and the dragon blinked blankly.

"Uhhh a well?'' Applejack asked slowly, cocking an eyebrow.

Quentin nodded, smiling. "Yup, I came here by falling down a well, so I figured that there should be another well in the forest that will take me back home.''

Applejack, Twilight, and Spike looked at each other awkwardly, then to the smiling pony.

"Um Quentin, we've been in the Everfree Forest hundreds of times, and we've never seen any wells,'' Twilight said regretfully.

Quentin chuckled. "Really? Well I'm sure thaduhguhwiggity...WHAT!'' he cried.

Twi's right Quentin, we sure as rain taint never seen any well in the forest,'' Applejack added.

Quentin looked horrified. They couldn't be serious.

"T-there has to be a well or something in the forest. How else am I going to get back home?!'' Quentin panicked.

"Twilight, you do magic right? Do you know any I don't know transportation spells?!'' Quentin asked desperately to Twilight.

Twilight shook her head quickly, her hime cut mane waving. "Quentin I'm sorry, there is a teleportation spell, but I can only go a couple feet. Plus I never knew that there were other worlds out there,'' Twilight reasoned.

Quentin looked at her devastated and slumped down onto the floor, his ears lowering in sadness.

"Great, just great,'' he muttered.

Applejack and Twilight both looked at Quentin sympathetically. "I'm sorry hun,'' Applejack said gently, placing a hoof on his shoulder. "But it's starting to get dark, and that forest ain't safe for pony folk to go out there at night.''

"Applejack's right, how about this, you stay in Ponyville for the night and tomorrow well see if we can find a...well or something that can take you home...deal?'' Twilight suggested, smiling kindly at him.

The disappointed Quentin lifted his head and sighed deeply.

"I guess, I really don't have a choice in the matter,'' Quentin muttered.

"Great, now all we need to do is find a place Quentin can stay for the night,'' Spike said.

Applejack's face lit up. "Well shoot Spike that's an easy one. Ol' Quentin can stay with me at Sweet Apple Acres!'' Applejack announced.

Quentin widened his eyes. "Sweet Apple...Acres?'' he asked, intrigued.

"Yup, an trust me, you're gonna like it there,'' Applejack assured.

"Oh I-I don't want to impose,'' Quentin rejected politely, waving his hooves. "Maybe I can-''

"Nope I won't take no for an answer. An I would consider it a personal insult if ya refused,'' Applejack cut in, furrowing her eyebrows.

"Well I,'' Quentin began but gave up the argument. "Fine,'' he conceded dismally.

"Good then it's settled, you'll stay with Applejack,'' Twilight smiled.

"YEE-HAW!'' Applejack cried happily, and Quentin jumped in surprise.

"Then I suggest we get moving. It's quite a walk home from here,'' Applejack said. "You ready Quentin?''

Quentin nodded unenthusiastically.

"Then let's hit the dusty trail. Goodnight Twi. Night Spike.''

"Goodnight Applejack, Goodnight Quentin,'' Twilight bid them.

"Y-yeah, goodnight,'' Quentin said, forcing a smile.

Twilight saw his fake smile this and smiled reassuringly at him. "Don't worry Quentin, everything will be fine. Trust me, you're in good hooves.''

Quentin looked at the ground, but then smiled softly, grateful for the intelligent unicorn's comforting words.

"Bye Quentin, hope we can hang out tomorrow!'' Spike said happily.

Quentin managed to let out a weak chuckle and waved goodbye and Applejack and him headed out the door into the twilight bathed town.


> Little Patch of Heaven
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Applejack and Quentin walked through the sunset filled town. Everywhere as far as the eye could see, different ponies were still enjoying the sunlight they had left. Some shops were getting ready to close in the next few hours. Some ponies carried saddlebags on their backs, while others, usually unicorn ponies, used their magic to levitate them. Though as Quentin gazed around, he couldn't help but feel like he'd seen this before...back on Earth. Was it from pictures, or maybe a television show?

On their way to Applejack's home, she told Quentin that there are three kinds of ponies in Equestria, Unicorn ponies, who has magic like Twilight and Rarity, Pegasus ponies, like Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, and Earth ponies, like herself, and Pinkie Pie.

"Wow, so I would be a...earth pony then?'' Quentin asked intrigued.

"Looks like it,'' Applejack smiled. "An' a good, strong one too if I do say so myself.''

Quentin smirk and looked down shyly.

"So, where are the Pegasus ponies? The only ones I've seen were Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy,'' the newly transformed earth pony asked.

Applejack chuckled, "Oh those fellers stay up there in Cloudsdale,'' Applejack answered.

Quentin did a double take. "Cloudsdale?'' he asked, surprised.

"Yup, it's a city up yonder in the skies,'' Applejack explained. "Only Pegasi can live there, on the count o' Cloudsdale is made up o' clouds an only Pegasi can walk on em'.''

Quentin stared in awe. This place was getting more interesting to him by the minute. "Wow... and Earth ponies farm?''

"Yes sir, well not all of em do. "Some, like Pinkie Pie fer instance, work at Surgarcube Corner, a bakery. Any who, though Earth ponies are typically more in tune to the land than the other races, they can do an assortment of jobs, usually havin' somethin ta do with their cutie marks an' their destined callin,'' Applejack informed Quentin as he listened.

"Yup been a farm gal ever since I was young. Me, my brother Big Macintosh, my little sister Apple Bloom, and ol Granny Smith, bless her heart,'' Applejack added proudly.

"So that's what Sweet Apple Acres is, a farm?'' Quentin asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Darn tootin it is Quentin!'' Applejack said excitedly.

"As the name insists, it's mostly an apple orchard just west of Ponyville. But we do grow corn an carrots an' such.''

As she told her new friend this, they had walked past the cottages and along a white, wooden fence and were approaching a large, arched entrance covered in flowers and leaves.

"Trust me Quentin, yur goin to love Sweet Apple Acres, why I wouldn't be surprised that you will feel like yur right at home!'' Applejack beamed.

Quentin smiled softly but to his surprise, Applejack had opened her mouth and started to sing as they came to the archway to see that it lead to a vast farmland and orchards. The stallion's jaw dropped at the site.

I know a place,

Pretty as pie,

Out where the riverbend

Hits up with the end of the sky.

It's west of this town here

And over a crest,

On a little patch of heaven

Way out west.

Quentin was surprised and puzzled. He looked around awkwardly. Was Applejack really...singing? Though actually she had a nice voice, a lovely voice, but to him it was like he had just stepped into a cartoon musical intervention.

Ev'rything's green-

Know what I mean?

Darlin' it's quite the sweetest sight

Thatcha ever done seen.

Ain't nothin' much out there-

Just life at its best,

On that little patch of heaven

Way out west.

Bees by the dozen

Are buzzin'

Real peaceful.

Ev'ry bluebonnet,

Doggone it,

Smells nice.

Even the tumblin' tumbleweed

Slows down to match ter speed

On my tiny half-an-acre

Of paradise!

As Applejack sang, she showed Quentin around the farm, he decided to surrender even pondering the experience that was happening before him and to just roll with it. This whole day had been strange.

Ev'ry which way,

Buttercups sway.

Out on the hill, the daffodills

Are enjoyin' the day.

What could be better

Than settin' to rest,

On a little patch of heaven

Way out west?

Applejack by this time had taken Quentin to the orchards. It was vast, all the trees' limbs were covered with fresh apples. Applejack graced Quentin a demonstration of the 'applebucking' she usually do. She bucked a tree with great strength that instantly, almost a dozen apples fell from their branches and into the waiting barrels. Quentin stared in awe but then grinned impressed. That was one of the coolest things he'd ever saw. Applejack smirked, leaning on the tree as she continued her song.

Hummin' birds flutter

In utter

Contentment.

Ev'ry dark daisy

Feels lazy,

You bet.

Even the skeeters an' the fleas

Say "May,I," "Thanks"

and "Please"-

Why, it's just as close to perfect

As you can get!

Applejack now took Quentin to where they keep the pigs and chickens. That's where they found Apple Bloom and Big Macintosh. No wonder they called him big, the burly farm pony was bit bigger than Quentin. He was a huge, strong, red stallion with a yoke around his neck and orange mane and tail. The scene was interesting Apple Bloom and Big Mac and all the animals started to dance along with Applejack's song, like they've rehearsed it or something. The pigs and chickens bowed to their partners and began to softly do a square dance with each other, with Big Mac and Apple Bloom square dancing happily with each other.

Darlin', I swear-

Once you been there,

There aint a view

Beneath the blue

That could ever compare!

The only thing missin'

Is you as my guest

On that little patch of heaven

Way out west...

Why don'tcha come visit?

There's room in my nest-(short pause)

On that little patch of heaven

Way out west!

As Applejack finished her song, all the pigs and chickens were put safely in their pins and coops. All the farm equipment were put neatly in their places and the full barrels of apples were stored safely in the sheds. With another, hard working day done, Applejack, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom looked around their beautiful farm in pride. All Quentin could do was smile, even though this was a farm, there really was something special about this place.

The sun was almost completely set, the sky was now a dark bluish purple with a faint orange of the sun in the east. With everything put in order for the night, Quentin was invited into the Apple's farm house. It was a cozy, charming place. It was like a barn combined with a house.

Inside, Quentin properly met the rest of Applejack's family.

"Everypony, I like to introduce yall to my new friend, Quentin,'' Applejack announced happily.

"Why howdy there young feller!'' Granny Smith greeted, walking slowly to the newcomer.

"Quentin, this here is Granny Smith,'' Applejack smiled.

"H-hello ma'am,'' Quentin greeted politely, though a bit timidly.

"This is a nice farm you have here Mrs. Smith.''

"Aw fiddlesticks call me Granny Smith, everypony does here in ol Ponyville!''

Quentin merely smiled.

"An Quentin this here is my big brother Big Macintosh, or Big Mac fer short,'' Applejack said, introducing the human to her big brother.

"Eeyup,'' Big Mac responded friendly, smiling with calm, half shut eyes.

"He don't talk much but he can be the best friend a pony could ask fer,'' Applejack nodded with a loving smile, putting a hoof around her brother.

"Hi there Big Macintosh,'' Quentin greeted, extending a hoof for a hoof shake.

"Yall can jus' call me Big Mac Quentin,'' Big Mac responded with a southern drawl much like her sister , grabbing Quentin's hoof and started to shake it vigorously, causing his entire body to shake.

Big Mac quickly noticed this and immediately withdrew his hoof and smiled sheepishness. Quentin's eyes rolled from the shake but he shook out of it and smiled awkwardly.

"Wow, that's strong grip you have there Big Mac,'' Quentin said with a half chuckle.

"Eeyup,''Big Mac said embarrassingly.

Applejack shook her head playfully. "An last, but certainly not least, little Apple Bloom,'' Applejack smiled down at the little filly.

Apple Bloom was a cute little filly. She had a light yellow coat with a cheery colored mane that fell nicely down over her shoulder and with a bang over her forehead, with a cute, large red bow on the back of her head.

"Hi Mr. Quentin, welcome to Sweet Apple Acres,'' Apple Bloom greeted sweetly.

Like her brother and sister, she also had a southern accent, albeit lighter.

"Thanks Apple Bloom, I'm... um glad to be here,'' Quentin answered, smiling warmly.

"I don't think I've seen you around Ponyville before, are ya new here?'' Apple Bloom asked the new stallion, circling him once.

The question surprised Quentin, but he didn't falter. "Yeah I've just arrived here today,'' Quentin answered, smiling tightly.

"Cool, where did you come from?'' Apple Bloom asked, her eyes shining with curiosity.

Quentin really wasn't prepared for that question, but thankfully Applejack butt in. "Why Quentin came here from Fillydelphia Apple Bloom. Ain't that right Quentin?'' Applejack asked him giving a wink.

Fillydelphia? Really? "There's actually a place in this world with the same name as a city back on Earth?'' Quentin thought to himself in disbelief, but quickly answered the question.

"Yup that's right, all the way from good old Fillydelphia,'' Quentin lied, smiling nervously.

The lie worked, Apple Bloom was about to asked another question, but Applejack caught her.

"WHOO-WEE sure was a long, day o' applebuckin'. I'm sure am hungry, how bout' you Quentin?'' Applejack asked, rubbing her belly with a nervous smile.

"Oh yeah, it really was a long day of traveling,'' Quentin said, it was a lie at the same time wasn't a lie. He really was hungry.

Applejack smiled, relieved that he kept on with the ruse.

"Granny Smith, yall, is it alright if Quentin joined us fer supper?'' Applejack asked hopefully.

"Why of course it's alright Applejack,'' Granny Smith said kindly.

"Yeah we love having guests!'' Apple Bloom agreed enthusiastically.

"Eeyup,'' Big Mac smiled softly.

''Then it's settled. C'mon everypony let's not just sit here with our bellies rumblin'!'' Granny Smith called and she, Apple Bloom, and Big Mac walked across the living room and into the kitchen.

Applejack let out a sigh of relief.

"Shoot, that was close,'' Applejack breathed softy.

"Tell me about it, good thing you stepped in just in time,'' Quentin agreed.

Applejack nodded in agreement. "Yeah, maybe it'd be right if we jus' keep you comin from another world just between us?''

Quentin nodded understandingly. Apple Bloom trotted into the living room from the kitchen.

"What are yall two waiting for? Let's eat!'' Apple Bloom said playfully.

Applejack and Quentin both chuckled.

"Hold yur horses Apple Bloom we're comin,'' Applejack said.

"Well, shall we?'' Quentin laughed.

"Yes, let's shall,'' Applejack responded with a cool smirk.

They all had an enjoyable dinner, of vegetable stew with bread. The stew had carrots, potatoes, celery, and corn all mixed in a delicious brawl. It must have been Quentin's new equine taste buds because never had vegetables tasted so wonderful. For dessert, they had the best apple pie that Quentin had ever tasted and the whipped cream just made it better. The pie would just melt in your mouth, sending your taste buds to a sweet, apple cinnamon heaven.

Quentin and the Apple Family also had a nice conversation at the table. Applejack and Quentin came up with a story that he'd come to Ponyville looking for work, until he had found some other commitment that comes up, and that Applejack offered Quentin to work here on the farm, to which the rest happily agreed, allowing him to stay in a spare bedroom.

With Granny Smith too old to work and Apple Bloom too young, they could use all the help they could get on the farm. Quentin really wasn't counting on working on a farm, he was praying that he would find some means to get home. Although this interesting, colorful world had warmed its way into Quentin's heart to an extent, he longed to be back in his own world.

After dinner, Applejack showed Quentin to the room where he would sleep for the night. It was a simple but cozy room. There was a bed with red and a green checkered cover neat over the bed. Against a wall was a brown dresser with a round mirror over it. In a corner was a rocking chair. Beside the bed was another but smaller dresser with a lamp on top of its surface and a window that gave Quentin the best view of the orchard outside. It wasn't much, but it was certainly satisfying.

"Well I hope supper was mighty fine fer ya?'' Applejack asked, leaning coolly on the door posts with her front right hoof crossed over the left.

"It was more than fine, that was one of the best vegetable soups I've ever ate!" Quentin responded, smiling.

Applejack chuckled. "Well we Apples sure know our way around a kitchen.''

"And that apple pie, was the best. Nothing beats apple pie,'' Quentin added.

Applejack beamed. "Whoo-wee I'm liking more you every moment Quentin. Granny Smith knows how to make 'em pies.''

Quentin laughed.

"Hey Applejack, I can't thank you enough for letting stay the night here,'' Quentin thanked graciously.

"Aw shucks Quentin, I'm always happy ta help anypony that needs it. Even if that pony was really a human,'' she added quietly, so no one in the next rooms could hear them.

Quentin smiled softly, but then his face fell sadly and he looked out the window. Applejack noticed this and walked over to him.

"You alright sugarcube?'' Applejack asked softly, concern in her eyes.

At first Quentin said nothing, then he spoke.

"I-I was just thinking about my home,'' Quentin confessed quietly.

Applejack nodded in understanding.

"I was just wandering if I would ever see it again.''

Quentin looked at Applejack who gave him a sympathetic look and he added on an expression quickly like he had offended her.

"Oh I mean, Ponyville is amazing really, it's just-'' Quentin trailed off, but Applejack smiled kindly.

"Aw I understand, hun. Home is home no matter what,'' she said gently to which Quentin nodded solemnly.

"Don't you fret now Quentin,'' Applejack, said softly, putting a reassuring hoof on her friend's shoulder.

"Ev'rything's gonna be alright. If ya just keep yur chin up an stay positive, then things will be put right. That's the honest truth.''

Quentin gazed into Applejack's kind eyes and honest smile.

Quentin smiled softly, but gratefully, "Yeah…thanks Applejack.''

"Don't mention it hun, 'Applejack smiled.

A clock on the wall chimed, reading 8:00 pm. "Well here look at the time. I better be hittin the hay,'' Applejack announced.

Quentin looked at her confused, but then he thought of something and smirked. "Oh I get it, early to bed early to rise right?''

"Darn tootin, you worked on a farm before?'' Applejack asked, intrigued.

"Oh no," Quentin laughed. "But I've heard plenty of farmers said that before.''

"Well that's some pretty handy advice. Early ta bed, early ta rise makes a pony strong, healthy, an wise,'' Applejack chuckled.

"Well I better get then. Ya need anythin' Quentin?''

"Oh no Applejack, you've helped plenty enough,'' Quentin answered gratefully.

Applejack smiled and nodded. "Well then g'night Quentin. Don't let the bed bugs bite.''

"Goodnight, Applejack,'' Quentin responded softly.

With a last smile, Applejack closed the door behind her. Quentin walked over to the bed and sat down on it and sighed deeply.

"Applejack's right, everything will be ok,'' Quentin thought to himself.

"I'm sure that tomorrow, I'll find a way to get back to my own world. I just need to hang in there.''

Quentin then took his pendant into his hooves. With a few minutes of difficulty, he finally was able to open the pendant with his new hooves. He gazed at the picture of his parents, reading the quote that's written on the back in his head.

"Never lose faith…I just need to keep believing that things will turn out for the best,'' Quentin muttered.

With one last look at his parents, he kissed the picture lightly before closing the pendant. Quentin let out a yawn. It may have been only eight o clock, but he had a pretty weird, but exhausting day. Quentin blue out the lantern, immediately the room was dark, save for the shine of the moon. Quentin pulled back the covers and dug snuggly beneath them. It wasn't long that his eyelids became heavy and he drifted off to sleep.

Far way among a ragged, mountainous terrain, Queen Chrysalis laughed gleefully in her castle. The castle stood over a gorge and was actually a massive, gem landscape with numerous venom green chrysalis embedded all over the castle, giving it a real, and insect like look. The lands were black with no vegetation and the skies were a dark purple.

There in her massive, tavern like throne room, Chrysalis rejoiced in wicked pleasure with were Changeling minions, which looked like fearsome, black, pony insect hybrids with light blue, empty eyes, grinning evilly as they watched.

"Behold my Changelings, the first of the six. Marvel at its power!'' Chrysalis cried out, levitating the glowing, blood red gem.

The Changelings murmured with hisses amongst themselves at the great relic. "Yes…YES! I can feel the power of the gem! As long as I wield it, I can feel my power increase greatly with each passing second. Pure, strengthening, unlimited power. Such as been told by the Book of Omniscience!'' Chrysalis remarked greedily, her pupil slit eyes rolling to the back of her head as she felt the power of the mysterious gem coursing through her veins.

"Forgive me Your Imminence,'' one of the Changelings said, fear in its unnatural voice.

Chrysalis leered down at him.

"B-But if the gem can give you seemingly limitless power, why don't you just use it to defeat Celestia and take over Equestria?''

"Flawless logic my little minion,'' Chrysalis said venomously. "True with this gem, I COULD overthrow that fool Celestia and her sister and easily control Canterlot...and Equestria for that matter. "But according to the book, the red gem is part of five other incredibly powerful gems. One gem could crumble kingdoms, just imagine if one such as myself controlled all six of the Cosmic Gems. This all of Equestria and the lands beyond it shall kneel before me!''

The Changelings snickered malevolently at this. 

"And to this end is why seeking the five remaining gems is imperative. And fortunately still my pets, I have already discovered the location of another gem!'' Chrysalis announced."And when I have found the other Cosmic gems, ultimate power shall be mine and with it...THE WORLD!''

The Changelings cheered with their unnatural, hissing voices and stamped their hooves on the ground, causing a slight tremor. Chrysalis chuckled poisonously to herself and levitated the red gem in front of her. The gem glowed and shined in her emerald, slit-pupil eyes, visions of dominance and grandeur rushing through her mind.
> Arcanus the Mystic
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celestia and Luna flew through the cool night's air high above few, passing clouds. It's been a day since they left Canterlot to find out what these disturbing visions mean. The two regal sisters flew silently beside each other, heading to some unknown destination.

"Tia, dost thou even know where you're going?'' Luna asked, a tad irritated.

Celestia said nothing, she was deep in thought.

"Tia!'' Lune said, raising her voice almost using her booming, Royal Canterlot voice.

Celestia blinked and snapped out from her thought. She looked at her sister who was leering impatiently at her.

"Oh sorry Luna, I was just lost in my thoughts,'' Celestia explained. "What did you say?''

Luna sighed irritably. "I said, do thou even know where you're going? We've been flying for a day now.''

Celestia looked forward with serious look on her face. "These visions foretell something bad is about to occur. Maybe the worst threat we've ever encountered,'' Celestia began as Luna listened on.

''We need every bit of help we can get if we wish to prevent this tragedy.''

"And where are we going to find this 'help' you spoke of?'' Luna asked.

Celestia thought for a moment, then answered her sister seriously. "We're going to visit an old friend of ours,'' Celestia responded.

Luna looked at her sister with a perplexed expression. "Who is this friend?''

"Arcanus...Arcanus the Mystic,'' Celestia answered seriously.

Luna gave a soft gasp. "A-Arcanus...the Mystic?!'' Luna repeated in disbelief in which Celestia nodded.

"But sister, how is this possible? According to the ancient scrolls, Arcanus died a thousand years ago, after my banishment. How could we possibly ask for his help?!''

"Because Luna, the scrolls are wrong, Arcanus is indeed still alive,'' Celestia answered firmly.

Luna looked at her in absolute shock over the revelation as Celestia continued.

"Arcanus believed that certain circumstances in regards to the stability of harmony in Equestria would change if he were to 'die'. So in order to help preserve that harmony, he purposely staged his death in the audience of the ponies who had seen it. And he was right, that with the fabrication of his death prevented a terrible omen from befalling our kingdom. And besides little sister, we're over a thousand years old, do you really find that Arcanus being able to still be alive after all these years would really that shocking?''

Luna thought deeply. It was true, she and her sister have lived for centuries, so it's understandable that someone of Arcanus' caliber could live for so long.

"True, I suppose you have a point Tia but still, are you certain that Arcanus will or can help?''

Celestia nodded. "Yes. Few in this world can rival Arcanus' magic. His power and wisdom is even on par with that of an Alicorn. Or did you forget, today's foundation of spells were set by his very hooves. On top of that, he was our's and Starswirl the Bearded's mentor was he not?'' Celestia explained.

"If anypony could even possibly help us about these visions, I have no doubt that Arcanus can.''

Celestia was adamant. She was determine to prevent anything to happen to her kingdom and the ponies that lived there. Luna just glided in thought, but then nodded in understanding.

"Well if thou art so certain that Arcanus can help, then I'll stand right beside you,'' Luna said, giving her sister a confident smile.

Celestia smiled back at her, grateful. "Thank you Luna.''

Luna smiled and shook her head, her dark blue, starry mane flowing through the air. "Think nothing of it Tia, we're sisters after all.''

Celestia nodded in agreement. "That's right. And you've done a lovely job with this night as always may I add.''

Luna just smiled proudly. A few hours had passed as the two regal sister flew through the night, the sun would be coming up in a couple of short hours, but they finally made it to their destination.

"We're here Luna, 'Celestia finally said, stopping in midair.

They were over a vast sea, the moon's reflection shimmering on its surface. The only thing was, nothing was there, just endless sea.

"Tia, just where is...here? I don't see anything,'' Luna said quizzically, looking around.

Celestia just looked on seriously and started to descend towards the water.

"Tia! Where are you going?'' Luna called after her. "There's nothing here!''

But Celestia just gestured a wing for Luna to be quiet, which she did, but in confusion. "Arcanus' dwelling can only be found by those that desperately needs to find it,'' Celestia responded mysteriously.

Luna blinked a couple times. "Sister what are you-'' but Celestia cut her off.

"Luna please trust me.''

Luna opened her mouth to speak, but closed it and looked on, having no idea what could happen. Celestia closed her eyes and spoke.

"From a desperate heart I beseech the moon, please reveal the domain of the Mystic One.''

Luna looked at her sister perplexed and was about to speak when suddenly, the moon started to glow. Brighter and brighter, the moonlight shined, so much even Lune, the sovereign of the night had to shield her eyes. Celestia looked on sternly and too shielded her eyes. Finally after a few moments, the bright light subsided. Luna slowly opened her eyes and after her vision had adjusted, her eyes widened in surprise and gave a soft gasp at the sight she saw.

What was one nothing but endless sea was now an island with a single, massive tower. Luna looked in awe while Celestia looked on softly. Magic sparkles, surrounded the island and tower from magically arriving but then subsided. The tower was ancient, and looks like it could crumble and collapse any minute, but stood strong and tall. Two smaller towers were also attached to the main one, one at the base of the tower and the other one halfway up by gem stairs. It was truly a mysterious place.

"Tia...what in Equestria?'' Luna began slowly, still in awe.

"This is Tao Kemon, Arcanus' tower,'' Celestia explained. "But we must hurry sister, time is of the essence!''

Luna snapped out of her awe and nodded firmly, and the two sisters descended upon the old tower. They arrived at the base of the tower before a large wooden door with a raven shaped door knocker in the center, the waves crashing against the island cliffs. Celestia took a deep breath, and raised her hoof and gave three knocks to the door. At first nothing happened, suddenly, the doorknocker came alive, causing Luna to jump a little.

"For Chiron's sake!'' she exasperated, but Celestia ignored her.

The raven doorknocker lids open to reveal glowing red eyes and then it spoke.

"In the light I am taken, but never stolen. In the dark I appear, without never leaving. What am I?'' the raven said in a deep, unnatural voice.

Luna gave a confused look at the riddle, but then frowned slightly.

"A riddle? But tis an obvious answer.''

Celestia just looked on firmly. "You are a star,'' Celestia answered.

The raven stayed silent and closed its eyes. Then the outline of the door began to glow with a green and purple light and when the light subsided, a loud click was heard, and the door opened by itself.

"Come Luna, we no time to waste,'' Celestia ordered and walked in with Luna behind her.

The door closed and locked behind them, but the sister went on bravely. The main lobby was a simple, circular room with a large staircase that spiraled up. The two sisters walked up the staircase, around and around until they came to a strange sight, a blue, magical portal with stars swirling within it.

"What a strange place this is Tia,'' Luna commented.

''Believe me it can get stranger,'' Celestia responded. "Come Luna.''

The two alicorns stepped through the portal, it was like stepping through cool water, without getting wet. When they've got to the other side, they were in a circular room filled with books in bookshelves. They crossed the room and went through the door, to find themselves having to go up more spiraling staircase which led them to an orange, magical portal.

Through there another circular room filled with books and a door on the other side. The door led to a different staircase, one that didn't spiral up, but simple rose up normally. Luna looked over the ledge to see the previous portals and staircases they had just came through, it was a long drop down.

"It's hard to believe that all this could reside within a single tower,'' Luna confessed in awe.

Celestia chuckled softly, ''I told you this place could get stranger,'' but then became serious again.

"Let's go, Arcanus should be just up this staircase.''

It truly was a magical sight. As they ascended the staircase, they went up into a blue, spiraling magical mass resembling a galaxy and for a moment, the two were surrounded by stars. Above the swirling mass of energy was dark with only the lights from the stars and mass of magic.

"I must say Tia, this is absolutely beautiful,'' Luna remarked, smiling softly.

It is isn't it,'' Celestia added, smiling gazing around at the spectacle sight. Finally they came onto a great door with a red, glowing fireball emblazoned upon it along with strange symbols.

"At last we're here,'' Celestia sighed.

She then proceeded to knock on the door. Almost instantly, the door opened. With their heads high, the two sisters walking into the room. It was a large, circular room. There were lit candled everywhere. Bookshelves spanned along the room filled with ancient books. To the far right, was a tall door and in the center of the room, numerous, well-furnished pillows.

Sitting among the pillows, a stallion sat there, surrounded by books. The stallion had sapphire blue coat with a mane of silver hair flowing down his back and a little over his shoulders with a lock of hair going around his right ear and over his right eye in a slight curl along a silver beard that went down a little past his chest that was tied at its center by a small chain with two, tiny bells. Just slightly overlapping his dark blue hooves were white fetlocks. He had strange, white arcane like markings along his fur that seemed to glisten, as if he was covered in glitter and wore a flowing red cloak covered with glittering, strange arcane symbols with loose sleeves. Protruding from his forehead was a sapphire blue unicorn horn, just shorter than Luna's. Over his eyes, a white blindfold was wrapped. Unlike most other unicorns, he seemed to be at the same level of height as Luna. He sat on his haunches with his hind legs crossed and his front hooves in his lap, his head slightly bowing down as if he was in a meditating state. This was Arcanus the Mystic.

He said nothing, and Celestia walked forward cautiously. For a unicorn being over thousand years old, he looked fairly young.

"Why if it isn't my old friends Princess Celestia and Princess Luna,'' Arcanus said, raising his head.

His voice was deep, resounding, and full of all the wisdom in the world. He gave her a respectful nodded as well as a reserved smile.

"Yes, how do you do dear friend?'' Celestia asked, returning with bow.

"Before I was just enjoying the books that gave me company, but now, my heart sings with joy for the visit of my good friends,'' Arcanus said.

He turned his head to Luna. "And I am also honored to be graced by the luminous Princess Luna of the moon, sister to the radiant mare of the Sun. It is with great joy to see that you are free from your unfortunate imprisonment and rejoined your sister in the realm of light.'' Arcanus said, giving Luna a respectful bow.

Luna smiled gratefully as she approached him. "Thank thee kind sir. Thou flatter me greatly Mystic One,'' Luna said politely, giving a bow.

Arcanus shook his head and smiled softly. "Please Princess, I am not your teacher anymore. You may address me as Arcanus.''

"And you may address to me as Luna,'' Luna smiled.

Arcanus smiled warmly, but then his face fell in seriousness. "And yet, I sense that the two regal sovereigns of Equestria didn't journey all this way just for a simple visit.''

Celestia and Luna looked at each other firmly and then to him.

"Yes, that is correct Arcanus. My sister and I came here because-'' Celestia began.

"Because you are being plagued by visions you have encountered,'' Arcanus finished.

The two sisters' eyes widened with surprise. "Y-Yes that is correct Arcanus, but how did you-'' Luna began with great shock.

"I know Luna, because I too have witnessed these disturbing visions,'' Arcanus responded somberly.

The two sisters just looked at him, both in utter disbelief.

"Don't believe me?'' Arcanus chuckled lightly. "I saw a red gem, destruction, and a laugh that could only come from a heart as black as the night. Sounds familiar, does it not?''

"W-why yes Arcanus!'' Celestia exasperated.

"And we came here to ask you, these visions...what do they mean?'' Luna asked.

Arcanus remained silent, until his horn began to glow a brilliant indigo and white colored aura as he used his magic. With it, he levitated all the books in his room, each with the same colored aura around them.

"Come, please sit down,'' Arcanus said, gesturing them to him.

Celestia and Luna looked at each other serious frowns and nodded to each other and walked over to him, sitting down on the pillows.

"We must unravel the secrets of these premonitions, for I fear something grave will occur from them should we don't,'' Arcanus said deeply.

Celestia and Luna nodded in understanding. "Yes my friend, for the sake of our beloved kingdom,'' Celestia said with a look of firm dreariness.
> The Art of Applebucking
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sunlight shone through the curtains and into the room where Quentin slept. He shifted in the bed and pulled the covers over his head to block the sunlight. Finally, Quentin's eyes opened slowly as he sat up in bed. He yawned as his eyes adjusted to the light. That was one of the best nights he have ever had. It must've been for when Quentin looked at the clock, it was almost ten.

The human turned earth pony groaned, normally Quentin was a crack of noon kind of guy, but he felt it would be kind of rude to be waking up late in someone else's home. Quentin got out of bed and stretched his new equine body, small sounds of cracks was heard as he stretched. After he cracked his neck, Quentin walked over to the window and gazed out onto the animated world. The sun shone brightly over the farmland that was Sweet Apple Acres.

From a distance, a rooster crowed. Quentin couldn't help but smile at the sight he beheld. Everything was actually quite beautiful.

''Wow,'' was the only thing Quentin could say.

After Quentin made the bed, he headed downstairs. It was pretty quiet around the house. He heard faint humming coming from the kitchen, along with a delicious aroma. Quentin peered over the saloon doors to find that it was Granny Smith that was humming and baking numerous of pies, my guess apple pies. With a smile on his face, Quentin went through the doors and into the kitchen. Granny Smith looked towards him and smiled.

"Well g'mornin there young feller!'' Granny Smith greeted.

"Good morning Mrs. Smith,'' Quentin responded warmly.

"Now Quentin I done told ya once, I insist that ya call me Granny Smith,'' she said playfully.

Quentin smirked. "Yes ma'am if you insist, Granny Smith.''

Granny Smith smiled. "Now that's more like it. Did ya sleep ok hun?''

"Yes ma'am I did thanks,'' the stallion responded respectfully. "I can't thank you enough for letting me stay for the night.''

Granny Smith shook her head with a kind smile. "Now don't you mention it Quentin. Any friend of my Applejack is considered part of the family. Yall can stay as long as ya like.''

Quentin just smiled, somewhat touched by such a comment.

"Now, I imagine that yall must be hungry?''

Quentin's face lit up. "Yes ma'am, very hungry,'' he said, licking his lips.

"Well you just sit down at that there table and I'll bring you some breakfast,'' Granny Smith instructed.

Quentin did what she said and sat down at the table. "So where Applejack, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom?'' the dreadlocked stallion asked.

"Well Apple Bloom's at school, and the other two youngins are out doing their regular chores,'' Granny Smith explained, while she fixed his breakfast.

Quentin thought for a moment. He really couldn't thank them enough for taking him in. Surely there was a way for him to repay them. Within a few moments, Granny Smith came back with a bowl of mouthwatering apple cinnamon oatmeal. Quentin licked my lips as he inhaled the sweet aroma, apple cinnamon was his favorite flavor.

Granny Smith was like a natural, loving grandmother. When Quentin was done with the bowl, she would insist that he'd try some more, to the point where Quentin had to practically beg her to stop. She would make sure in all her power that guest had everything they need. After the tasty breakfast, Quentin thanked her and headed outside on the farm.

Quentin walked around the warm day, smiling as he experience the farm life first hand. It was pretty quiet, save for the rustling of the trees from the wind's breeze and occasional pigs and chickens. Out in the fields, he saw Big Mac, walking towards him pulling a wagon filled to the brim with different colored apples.

"G'mornin' Quentin,'' Big Mac said, giving his friendly smile. He was chewing on a piece of straw that came out of the side of his mouth.

"Good morning Big Mac. Nice weather today isn't it?'' Quentin greeted back with a smile.

"Eeyup,'' Big Mac responded. "Perfect day fer applebuckin.''

Quentin blinked a few times, and tilted his head in confusion. "Applebucking?''

"Eeyup it's how we harvest the apples,'' Big Mac explained.

The other worldly traveler just looked at the red stallion, completely lost but Big Mac just chuckled.

"Don't worry Quentin, yall go on yonder to the orchard fields. My little sister can tell ya all about it. Well, I best be getting back to my work. Have a good one Quentin,'' Big Mac said and began pulling the wagon away.

"Yeah, you too Big Mac,'' Quentin called.

Quentin walked toward the direction of the orchard fields. "Applebucking...what's next?'' he asked himself as he continued to walk.

As Quentin walked, he noticed that he had hardly any wobble to his steps as opposed to the previous day. Seeing this, he smirked slightly as he remarked,

"Well, nice to know that I'm finally starting to get use to this new body.''

Quentin walked past the carrot and corn fields and made his way into the orchards, a sea of trees with the sweet aroma of apples on its limbs. The brown pony inhaled the smell deeply, it was intoxicating for now that he was a stallion. At a distance, Quentin heard thick thuds and grunts and he investigated to see that it was Applejack. Quentin watched in interest as she kicked a tree trunk with a powerful force that knocked six apples from the tree and into waiting barrels around the base.

"Damn,'' Quentin said quietly. ''I would hate to be on the receiving end of that buck.''

With her barrels full, Applejack whipped the sweat from her brow and gave a satisfied smile. Her ears perked as she heard her new friend walking towards her. Her face lit up.

"Well howdy there Quentin. Finally awake I see,'' she joked, cocking an eyebrow.

"Yeah finally, I was knocked out too,'' Quentin laughed.

Applejack giggled. "Well I woulda guessed, seein ya had a pretty crazy o' a day yesterday. But I'm glad ya had a g'night's sleep.''

Quentin nodded and smiled. "Thanks. So I'm guessing that's the famous applebucking Big Mac was telling me about?'' he said walking closer.

"Yes sir,'' Applejack said proudly, crossing one hoof over another. "Been doing it since I was a youngin','' and with one strong, effortless kick, another four apples fell from the tree.

''Wow, I sure hope no one gets on your bad side. Hate to be on the receiving end of that kick," Quentin joked.

"Well so far no pony agitated me ta go that far, though I'm bettin my hide leg Big Mac would be the first if he keeps sneaking a drink o' my personal supply of apple cider,'' Applejack giggled and the two laughed.

Applejack took an apple and offered it to Quentin. "Oh, thanks,'' Quentin said taking the apple. He took a bite and his eyes widened.

"Wow, this is one good apple!'' Quentin said pretty loudly, and as if on instant, chomped the rest in one bite.

Applejack smiled. "Well I ain't a pony to brag, but the best apples in Equestria comes from right here on this farm.''

"I can believe that.'' Quentin swallowed the apple and licked his lips. Never had an apple taste so delicious and the strange thing is, he really didn't care that he ate the stem and seeds.

"Hey Applejack, can I ask you something?''

"Sure sugarcube. What's on yer mind?'' Applejack responded.

"Do you mind if you can show me how to applebuck?''

Applejack's face lit up. "WHOO-WEE! I thought yall never ask!'' she cried, and Quentin jump slightly.

"Well t'aint nothin to it Quentin. Yall come right beside me and I'll show ya.''

Quentin did as she said and stood beside her in front of a tree and awaited eagerly.

"Now hun, all ya got to do is plant yur front hooves firmly on the ground.'' Applejack explained, demonstrating the motion by digging her forelegs into the ground so they'd be nice and firm.

"Check,'' Quentin said, adjusting his hooves.

"Raise yur hind legs and...''' With a powerful buck, Applejack hit the tree, shaking it and all the apples dropped down below and into the barrels.

"Nice,'' Quentin grinned and Applejack smirked.

"See, ain't nothin to it. Now yall try.''

Quentin nodded with determination and readied himself. With his front hooves firmly on the ground, Quentin raised his hind hooves up and with a strong buck with all his might, he struck the tree trunk. The tree shook and four apples fell from the tree and into an empty barrel beside the tree. Quentin smiled happily at his success.

"YEE-HA! Now that's some good o'l applebuckin!'' Applejack praised. "Looks like we have ourselves a natural!''

She put a hoof around his shoulder and Quentin blushed.

"Oh well I wouldn't say that,'' Quentin said humbly. "I mean all of them came down when you did it.''

Applejack shook her head with a soft smile. "Believe it or not Quentin, a lot of ponies would have a mighty hard time the first time around.''

Quentin looked down embarrassingly.

"Yup, as I said before, yall look like a strong colt. An' a cute one at that.''

Quentin widened his eyes and looked at Applejack. She immediately put a hoof over her mouth and looked at him with an embarrassed look, her ears perked down.

"Oh...well what I meant to say Quentin,'' Applejack stammered, blushing while he just stared at her, his head tilted.

"How bout ya try another tree, Quentin?'' Applejack asked, smiling sheepishly, still blushing.

Quentin looked at her funny, but brushed it off. "Yeah, I'll try another one. This is pretty fun actually.''

Quentin got walked over to another tree. Applejack sighed in relief.

"Celestia that was a close one,'' she muttered.

Applebucking was fun, really fun. Quentin and Applejack spend a great time talking and laughing as they applebucked. Before they knew it, they've had filled almost thirty barrels with apples, and it was half passed noon

"WHOO-WEE that's some mighty fine harvesting if I do say so m'self,'' Applejack breathed, whipping some sweat from her forehead.

"Yeah, totally,'' Quentin agreed, sweating and panting. "That applebucking is also some serious workout.''

Applejack giggled. "Yup, another benefit of workin on the farm. I'll say ya earn yurself a nice, cold glass of lemonade.''

"That would be great,'' Quentin said, beaming, sweat dripping down the side of his face.

Applejack and Quentin left the barrels of apples to get them later and the two walked towards the barn.

"I think we can take a break. Maybe I can show you around Ponyville?'' Applejack suggested.

Quentin smiled weakly, ''That...that would be great Applejack.'' he said softly, but then his face fell sadly.

Applejack saw this and had a concerned look on her face. "Why the long face sugarcube?''

Quentin chuckled lightly at the unintended joke. "It's just, even though I've been here for a day, I think I'm going to miss this place when I leave.''

Applejack understood this and looked down sadly. "Oh, right. I was havin' such a heapin'good time that I forgot about findin a way home for ya,'' she said with a disappointed.

Quentin nodded, and there was silence between them.

"Well I s'pose that we should gather the gang and start lookin huh?'' Applejack said halfheartedly, forcing a small smile, to which her friend just nodded.

Applejack sighed deeply and smiled warmly. "Alright Quentin, let's find go an find a way to get ya back home.''

Quentin looked into Applejack's emerald green eyes and smiled sadly. "Yeah...thanks Applejack.''

''Sure thing,'' Applejack responded with a kind smile, but then she looked away sadly. "Sure thing,'' Applejack thought sadly in her mind.

> Search for a Way Home
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight laid on her bed, her head resting on her crossed arms, in deep thought. There was a look of uncertainty and worry on her face. She was thinking about the letter Princess Celestia had sent and the disturbing contents within it as well as her's and Princess Luna's sudden disappearance.

"I wonder, the vision the Princess had,'' Twilight began softly. "I wonder if it's connected to the vision that I had?''

Twilight pondered this thought among others until it felt like she was about to have a headache and she buried her face in the covers.

"What does this all mean? A red gem, and evil laughing?"

There was a knock at the door and it opened as Spike poked his head into the room.

"Twilight are you ok?'' Spike ask, concern in his voice.

"Twilight quickly got up and smiled tightly."Yeah of course Spike, why wouldn't I be?'' she said, not wanting to worry her friend.

Spike winced at her.

"C'mon Twi we both know you're like the worst liar in Equestria,'' Spike said, not believing her.

Twilight frowned. "What are you talking about Spike? I said I was ok!''

Spike didn't respond, just kept wincing suspiciously at the unicorn. Twilight continued to frown, but sighed in defeat.

"Fine you win Spike,'' Twilight muttered.

Spike listened intently. "I was just thinking about the letter the Princess sent us.''

Spike's eyes widened a bit. "Ohhh.''

Twilight nodded. "And on top of all that, she and Princess Luna left to find out what her vision mean for Equestria.''

Twilight walked over to a large chest. It was magically locked, but Twilight opened it with her horn, which glowed and inserted it inside the lock hole, opening the chest. She lifted the top to reveal the Elements of Harmony safely secured in the chest.

"If there is a threat against Equestria, we will know nothing about it.'' Twilight sighed sadly.

Spike walked over and put a reassuring claw on her shoulder. "Aw c'mon Twi, you're just thinking too much,'' Spike said, giving a small smile.

"There's nothing Princess Celestia, Luna, you, and the rest of our friends can handle. Sure we've had some close calls, but we've always made it out together.''

Twilight looked at her dragon friend and gave him a grateful smile. "You're right Spike, thanks. What would I do without you?'' Twilight smiled, giving him a hug.

"Yeah, you would be pretty lost without me,'' Spike joked with playful arrogance.

Twilight laughed and shook her head. "Don't you have chores to do?''

Spike rolled his eyes playfully and shrugged. "Don't know, can I get extra gems for dinner tonight?'' he asked, his eyes big and twinkling with hope.

Twilight thought playfully. "Uhh, we'll see.''

Spike's face lit up. "Quit talking to me Twi, don't you know I have chores to do?'' Spike cried happily and bolted out of the room.

Twilight giggled, looked down into the chest and at the artifacts. Her face fell slightly. "Spike's right. We've overcame disasters before and we'll do it again if something comes up.''

Twilight took one last look at the Elements and closed the lid.

Applejack and Quentin walked through Ponyville, which was as busy as ever. Colorful ponies sell, traded, and chatted happily with each other. Fillies and foals played with each other without any worries in the world. Above in the skies, Pegasus ponies zoomed through the air doing impressive and daring tricks.

Quentin just smiled at the beauty this town, this world had to offer. Applejack and Quentin talked happily with each other. She was giving him a short tour of the town, even though he would be leaving shortly. As they walked into the town square and passed the town hall, a voice cried out.

"Hey guys wait up?!''

Applejack and Quentin looked around to see where the voice came from and finally looked up to see Rainbow Dash flying towards them.

"Hey Rainbow, what's up?'' Applejack greeted.

"Hey AJ!'' Rainbow greeted, but then her face fell sadly.

"And hey...Quentin,'' she said awkwardly.

"Hey there Rainbow Dash,'' Quentin said uncertainly.

"Dash what is it? What wrong sugercube?'' Applejack asked, tilting her head.

Dash remained silent and scratched the back of her head with her hooves. "Well I was just in the neighborhood,'' Dash began, chuckling awkwardly.

Quentin and Applejack looked at each other weirdly and back at her.

"Quentin?'' The brown stallion looked at Dash and listened, his ears perked.

"Well what I just wanted to say was...I'm sorry for giving you a hard time yesterday.'' The cyan Pegasus finally said with an apologetic look on her face.

There was silence. Applejack's and Quentin's eyes widened by the sudden apology. "Pardon?'' Applejack said, wiggling an ear with a hoof. "I think I heard ya differently.''

Rainbow Dash sighed. "Yeah that's right. I said I was sorry. I'm sorry for not believing you about being from another world, and I'm sorry for constantly rioting you,'' Dash apologized sincerely, scratching an arm awkwardly.

Applejack smiled impressed while Quentin looked at Dash's remorseful eyes and smiled kindly and shook his head. "Nah, you're good. Forget about it.''

Dash's face lit up slightly. "R-really Quentin, you really mean that?''

Quentin chuckled. "Sure, no problem. It's totally understandable, it WAS a pretty wild story. I know I sounded like a complete lunatic.''

Applejack laughed while Dash chuckled lightly. "So, can we start over?'' she asked hopefully.

Quentin playfully thought about it. "Let me see, hmmmm...ok.''

Dash smiled, relieved. "Ya know what Q, you're alright. Oh do you mind if I call you Q?'' she asked.

Quentin smiled a bit amused by the sudden nickname. "Not at all, Dash,'' and he gave her a playfully jab to her arm.

Applejack smiled and shook her head playfully.

"So, what are you two up to?'' Dash asked eagerly.

Upon hearing this, Applejack's ears perked down slightly, saddened about the sudden remembrance about find a way to get their new friend out of there.

"Oh, well Rainbow. We were jus' bout to round up the gang and go to the Everfree Forest to see if we could find a way for Quentin could get back home.''

"WHAT?!'' Dash exclaimed, then flying quickly in front of Quentin. "You mean you're leaving?! How can you leave, especially after we've just became friends?!''

Quentin looked at her disappointed expression sadly. "Dash, I...I'' he began, trying to find the words to say, but Applejack came in.

"Now Rainbow, ain't no need fer all that fussin. Twi an' I promised Quentin that we'd help him find some means ta get him back ta his own world.'' Applejack reasoned, but she too had disappointment in her voice.

Dash still couldn't believe it. "But...but.''

"Rainbow, if that's what Quentin wants, we have to help him. We can't force him to stay.'' Applejack argued.

Dash opened her mouth to speak, but then closed it, and hung her head in defeat. Applejack had a good point.

"Yeah, I guess you're right,'' Dash muttered, sulking.

Quentin just looked at the two mares sadly. "Well c'mon guys, let's go get the rest of em' and start lookin,'' Applejack said softly.

Applejack, Rainbow, and Quentin quietly went to the bakery, the Carousel Boutique, and Fluttershy's cottage to get Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy and gathered at Twilight's residence.

"Leaving, how can you leave you just got here?!'' Pinkie Pie cried as the seven made their way to the Everfree Forest outside of town.

''I know right, that's what I said!'' Dash added. The others couldn't help but agree.

"Yeah, I mean there're are a lot to show you in Ponyville. Hay I didn't even get a chance to throw you a big party!'' Pinkie exclaimed slightly crazily.

"I agree, and I was just about to show you some exquisite new designs that I'm sure you would love,'' Rarity added with a disappointed tone.

"And I would have love to introduce you to my animal friends. I-If you wanted to that is?'' Fluttershy squeaked sadly.

Quentin gave a small smile. "Fluttershy, I would've love to meet your animal friends.'' The comment made Fluttershy blushed.

"And Rarity I'm sure that your designs would've been outstanding.'' This cheered Rarity up a bit and he turned to Pinkie.

"And Pinkie, I wish I could experience a party you throw. You look like you could really cut loose.'' Pinkie squeaked gratefully.

Twilight sighed. "C'mon girls, t-this is the way it has to be. Sure it would've been nice to get to know Quentin a bit more, but we need to help him get home.''

Applejack nodded sadly walking beside Quentin. "Twi's right, it's the way it's gotta be.'' Out of the group, Applejack was the most saddened and disappointed about his leaving. She may have known him for only a day, but she was really starting to enjoy spending time with him. It was like she was losing someone she'd known all her life.

"This sucks so much though,'' Dash muttered angrily, flying in the air.

"Tell me about it,'' Spike agreed. Quentin hung his head, sad seeing them all so downhearted.

They made it into the forest, even in the daylight it was still an eerie and creepy place. A light mist rolled along the ground as the seven went further into the forest.

"Right, let's start looking at the place where Quentin was found. Applejack, can you remember where you met him?'' Twilight asked.

"Sure thing Twi. Yall follow me,'' Applejack said reluctantly.

The others followed Applejack to the spot where the Timberwolves had cornered Quentin before she saved him, from there, Quentin led them to where he woke up in this world.

Ok, it was right...here!'' Quentin directed. "Here is where I first woke up.''

"Alright, Quentin tell us what you remembered about coming to Equestria.'' Twilight said and everyone gathered around.

Quentin just shrugged. "It's just what I said before. The last thing I remembered was checking out a weird well and falling into it, and I woke up here…an earth pony.''

Twilight nodded in agreement.

"So if Quentin came here via a well from his world. Then there MUST be a well here that connects our world to his,'' Rarity answered logically.

"Just what I was thinking, Rarity. Alright guys, lets spread out and see we can find a well or something that seems strange and or magical,'' Twilight commanded.

The group all spread out in search of a magic well for Quentin to go home to. He searched, hoping and praying that he would find something. "C'mon, something, ANYTHING must be around here somewhere,'' Quentin said desperately.

The others looked through bushes and shrubs but they too didn't had any luck. Dash and Fluttershy even looked high in the skies maybe to find some sort of magical portal, but no such portal was found. After about an hour, they all met back together to give their reports.

"Well any luck anypony?'' Twilight asked. The others all shook their heads.

"Nope, I couldn't find a well fer the life of me,'' Applejack reported.

"Likewise. I search high and I searched low but I couldn't find anything that could possibly help poor Quentin,'' Rarity said a bit dramatically. "Oh but I DID find the most fabulous stone I've ever seen!'' she quickly added, lighting up holding up a brilliant, diamond shaped emerald.

The others all gave Rarity stern looks except Spike. In fact, he licked his lips at the emerald gem, for emeralds was his favorite among gems. Rarity smiled sheepishly and withdrew the gem.

"Anyway,'' Applejack said firmly. "Pinkie what bout you?''

Pinkie shrugged and shook her head. "Nope, I couldn't find anything.''

"Ditto,'' Rainbow responded, hovering in the air with her hooves crossed.

"I couldn't find anything either. I-I'm sorry,'' Fluttershy said timidly. Quentin just hung his head sadly. Fluttershy saw this and gasped. "I'm sorry Quentin. I should've looked harder. Are you mad at me? I would understand if you are,'' Fluttershy said quickly, a little fear in her voice.

"What? Fluttershy of course I'm not mad at you. I'm not mad at anybody,'' Quentin responded, causing Fluttershy to hang her head shyly as the disappointed stallion sighed.

"It's just, it's just I was really hoping to find something,'' Quentin muttered softly.

Applejack put a reassuring hoof on his shoulder. "I'm sorry sugercube,'' she said sincerely.

"Yeah, if ya want, we could look again?'' Dash added, flying next to him. Quentin shook his head.

"No, that's alright Dash. You all had looked enough. Thanks though,'' Quentin said giving a small, sad smile.

Dash nodded, a smile as well as a sad look on her face.

"There must be SOMETHING we could do?'' Rarity said to everyone.

Twilight thought for a moment, but then had a thought. "I have an idea.''

We could always go to Zecora's place. Maybe she can help.''

Quentin widened his eyes. "Zecora? Who's that?''

"Why Zecora's a zebra that live here in these parts,'' Applejack explained.

"A zebra?'' Quentin asked intrigued, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah, she may not be a unicorn, but she has knowledge of powerful magic as if she was. Even spells I haven't mastered,'' Twilight explained.

Quentin just looked at her with a blank face. "Do you really think Zecora can help?'' Spike asked.

"Well we have to try. I don't like it seeing Quentin all sad!'' Pinkie remarked, walking over to Quentin and nuzzling his face sadly, an act that surprised that stallion greatly.

"We all don't dear,'' Rarity added with a sad frown.

Applejack nodded, "Right, then let's get our hides over to Zecora's.''

Quentin followed the ponies through the forest. As they trekked thoughts poured through his mind. Hey couldn't believe how kind these six ponies were to him. Quentin only known them for a day, but they seem to think of him as a close friend. Despite the unfortunate luck of not finding a way back, Quentin couldn't help but smile to himself. As they walked through the strange wood, Pinkie Pie suddenly spoke, bouncing happily.

"Ohhh Quentin, have I got a funny story to tell you!'' Pinkie chirped. "Really, I'd love to hear it,'' Quentin responded, giving a small smile.

"It's about the very first time that we met Zecora!'' The others groaned playfully at this.

"Aw man Pinkie you just had to bring that up,'' Rainbow groaned.

"What it's funny!'' Pinkie responded happily.

"So anyway Quentin. When we first saw Zecora, we thought that she was an evil enchantress. I'd even made up a song about her, wanna hear it?''

"NO!'' the others exclaimed in unison, Quentin just looked around awkwardly.

"What? It's a really catchy song!'' Pinkie argued with a smile.

"Don't remind me, it took me a week to get the damn song out of my head,'' Dash said, rolling her eyes.

"Hmph whatever,'' Pinkie said, and then leaning in close to the listening Quentin and whispered, "I'll sing it to you later.''

Quentin gave her a wink and she giggled. Pinkie proceeded to tell him how they had a wrong impression about Zecora and how they were infected with Poison Joke, a plant that causes varying jokes to be played on those that touches them. Quentin learned that the plant gave each of them a different effect.

"Yeah, Twi became Twilight Wobble, Applejack became Appletini, Rarity became Harity, Rainbow Dash became Rainbow Crash, Pinkie Pie became Spitty Pie, and Fluttershy became Flutterguy. It was hilarious!'' Spike blurted out and began laughing.

All the ponies gave him unamused faces. Spike was about to pass out from the laughing. "Oh ha ha, very funny Spike,'' Twilight said sarcastically.

"Yeah, you wouldn't be laughing if something had happened to you!'' Rainbow added irritably.

Quentin couldn't help but stifle a laugh. Applejack noticed this and smirked. "An what exactly are you laughin at?''

"I'm sorry girls, but you have to admit, that IS kinda a funny story,'' Quentin laughed.

The others eventually began to get smirks on their faces and started to laugh at the experience. "Yes, I guess that was an amusing adventure we had,'' Rarity giggled.

"Especially when we all thought that Zecora cursed us!'' laughed Rainbow.

"Yeah, but we all learned an important lesson that day, to never judge a book by its cover. And never judge a pony by their appearance.'' Twilight finished with a soft smile, earning a nod from her five friends.

"We sure did Twilight. One of the many lessons of friendship,'' Applejack added, giving Quentin a wink.

"Well I hope nothing like that ever happens again. I mean, do you know what it was like not being able to talk for that much time?!'' Pinkie asked loudly.

Rainbow chuckled. "Hey you know what they say Pinkie, silence is golden.''

"Well not in my world it's not!'' Pinkie responded and they all busted out laughing, including Quentin.

In that moment, Quentin had forgotten all about not finding a way home. Right now, he was just having fun with the six ponies and the dragon. Applejack smiled warmly as Quentin laughed.

"Well, I'm glad we were able ta at least cheer Quentin up," Applejack thought to herself as the group made their way to Zecora's dwelling.

> Helping Others
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quentin and the six mares walked through the Everfree Forest, on their way to Zecora's home. After about fifteen minutes of walking, they finally came to a hut. The hut was a large, hallowed out tree. On a high branch four, different colored bottles hung from ropes. There were two windows on both sides of the old, brown door that led inside.

It was a truly mysterious, yet creepy place. "So, this is where Zecora lives?'' Quentin asked both in awe and a bit creeped out.

"Yep, creepy huh?'' Dash smirked, nudging Quentin.

"No kidding,'' The nervous stallion gulped softly.

"Don't worry Quentin, Zecora is really nice and really wise. I'm sure she can give us some way to help you get home,'' Twilight said kindly.

Quentin smiled at this, but Applejack looked down sadly. "Yeah, that'd be jus' great,'' she thought to herself sadly.

"Well let's go in,'' Twilight said.

Thy all followed her to the door, and she knocked on the door. The door opened and the eight walked in. They immediately were in a large, round, one room dwelling. In the center was a large, black cauldron over a crackling fire. Along most of the room were shelves and cupboards that held various pots, books, jars, and strange artifacts. On the walls, different African-esque looking masks decorated them to give the home an even more mystic feel.

Across in a good space of the room was a single mattress with a cheetah covering and a small, stone table was near the cauldron. Above, a few thick branches hung from overhead, with vines intertwined on them. Quentin was so wrapped up in the surroundings that he failed to notice the zebra on the other side of the room.

"Welcome, Twilight Sparkle and friends of mine. What brings you here to my home of wood and vine?'' Zecora asked, with a welcoming smile.

Quentin blinked a few times at the sudden rhyme with a confused look on his face. "Yall don't worry none. She tends ta do that,'' Applejack whispered, seeing his expression.

''Hi Zecora, we're sorry for disturbing you,'' Twilight asked politely.

Zecora shook her head and laughed. "Twilight Sparkle worry not, for I was just making a brew in this pot. A trick of the eyes, can it be? Or is it a new face, new friend that I see?'' Zecora asked, her eyes falling on the lone stallion.

Quentin smiled kindly, but shyly. "Yup yur eyes ain't foolin ya Zecora. This is our new friend Quentin,'' Applejack introduced Quentin, patting his back.

Zacora walked over to Quentin. "Why hello Quentin, meeting you I'm am glad, my name is Zecora.''

"Hello Zecora, it's great to meet you,'' Quentin waved friendly.

"The pleasure's all mine, you're sweet as a lark, yet I feel an aching lingering in your heart,'' Zecora said, frowning at her last words.

Quentin's face fell somberly. "Yeah, well I guess you can say that,'' he said softly.

Twilight looked at me sympathetically and then to the zebra.

"Yeah, well that's kinda the reason why we came here Zecora,'' Twilight started to explain as Zecora listened.

Twilight then started to explain to her the downhearted Quentin's situation, about being from another world, about being a human, and trying to find a way back. When the explanation was over, Zecora had wide, surprised eyes, her jaw agape.

"A human, from another world you spoke. I must say, this must be a joke?!''

They shook their heads. "See that's exactly what we said. At first we couldn't believe it either, but then Twilight used her magic to read Quentin's mind and found out that he was telling the truth, and we were all like "SAY WHAT'' and -'' Pinkie Pie said quickly and crazily.

"And is why we came seeking for your help Zecora,'' Rarity butted in.

Zecora looked at her visitors in disbelief, but then nodded in understanding. "Help you I'll try, for your new friend too, but I ask what could I do?''

"W-Well we came to see if maybe you know of a way to maybe help Quentin get back to his own world,'' Fluttershy spoke softly.

"Yeah, so do you have any freaky spells or something that could do the trick?'' Rainbow Dash asked.

Zecora's face fell sadly and she shook her head. "Many spells in my possession I got, but a spell to send you back home I do not.''

They all looked at her in disbelief. "R-Really Zecora, you don't have ANY?'' Quentin asked desperately, but Zecora just shook her head solemnly.

"I'm sorry Quentin, but this is true. I have no spells that could possibly help you. I have read many book outside this hut, but one on interworld travel, anything but.''

Quentin just looked at her despairingly looked down sadly. Everyone looked at the colt with sorrowful expressions and Applejack comforted him.

"It'll be ok sugar, we'll, we'll think of somethin,'' Applejack reassured softly.

Quentin said nothing. Twilight looked at him sadly and turned to Zecora.

"Zecora, there must be something that could give us even a clue on to help Quentin get back to his world?''

Zecora thought deeply and then sighed in discontent. "There is nothing I can think of to help, you see. For I didn't think it was possible of others worlds could be. I didn't think humans actually existed you see. We told stories in my native land, of brutes and savagery.''

The six ponies looked at each other with shocked expressions, while Quentin was taken aback by the comment.

"Wait a minute. I'm not a brute or a savage. I don't want to hurt anybody, I just want to get back home!'' Quentin responded rather defensively with furrowed eyes

At this Zecora looked at the stallion with a surprised look, but then merely chuckled, ''Please do not fret young one. For I was just stating where my knowledge of humans begun. For a very kind and gentle spirit within you I see, and I believe your new friends here can agree.''

The six ponies and baby dragon nodded with soft smiles. Although Quentin was grateful for their support, it hardly did anything to lighten his spirits and he sigh while looking away, disappointed.

"I'm sorry for striking a nerve you see, but I have no spell or knowledge to get you home. Please forgive me,'' Zecora added with a regretful frown.

"Well back square one,'' Dash sighed.

Zecora then smiled softly. "Worry not Quentin, there might be a chance. An answer that can make your heart sing and dance.''

Quentin looked at Zecora, his eyes widening with hope as the others leaned in intently.

"The answers you seek, I can't access, so why not ask our beloved Princess?'

The others gasped. "THE PRINCESS?!" they cried in unison to which Zecora calmly nodded, taking a sip of some unknown drink.

Quentin looked at the six who gave each other questioned looks until Twilight spoke. "We'll we would defiantly like to ask the Princess, Zecora, but...but the thing is, we don't know where she is,'' Twilight said softly and sadly.

Zecora's eyes widened in shock. "What?! Could it be, our Princesses nowhere around. What does this mean, has an answer been found?!''

"Oh, we didn't mean the Princess was in danger!'' Twilight said quickly. "She and Princess Luna had left. I don't know where, but it's possible that they're not even in Equestria anymore.''

Zecora couldn't believe what she was hearing. "But why, why so?''

Twilight sighed and began to tell Zecora about the letter Celestia had sent and why she and her sister had left. When the story was done, Zecora sat in silence.

"So, our Princess had experienced a dire vision she did. So she left to find the truths that it hid,'' she asked softly and the others nodded.

"Do ya know what this could mean Zecora?'' Applejack ask in her southern accented voice.

Zecora closed her eyes and lowered her head slightly. "The meaning of these visions I do not know, but I am glad that the Princesses decided to go.''

The eight visitors all stared, listening closely as Zecora continued. "Visions happen for a reason, this I know. And one such as this can't be ignored so.''

The ponies nodded understandingly, as did Quentin. Twilight looked at her friends, then back to Zecora.

"Thanks Zecora for your help,'' she said, politely bowing her head.

"Of course my friends, coming here with a task, if I can be of further service, you need only to ask.''

"Right, thanks Zecora,'' Dash said. "C'mon guys, I guess we should head back.''

The rest all nodded and said their goodbyes to Zecora when Twilight suddenly turned back around. "Oh and Zecora? Do you mind if you don't tell anypony about all of this. The last thing we want is to start a panic,'' Twilight asked.

Zecora chuckled softly. "Of course Twilight Sparkle, this will not be revealed. It is, how you say it...my lips are sealed.''

Her visitors chuckled a bit at this and Twilight gave a grateful smile and a nod and they left the hut. It was about five minutes after the group started walking when Spike suddenly blurted out happily.

"Great, this mean Quentin's not going home!''

"SPIKE!'' the six ponies cried, giving the purple dragon disapproving looks.

Spike looked around puzzled and held his claws up in defense. "What? I meant in a good way. I mean, now we can hang out with Quentin some more.''

Quentin just looked down in thought, a sorrowful look upon his face.

"Spike maybe now's not the time,'' Twilight said firmly. Quentin was really hoping to find something.''

"Twi's right. It'd be nice to spend some more time with Quentin, but if he wants ta go home, who are we ta stop him,'' Applejack said firmly, though in truth, she didn't really want him to go just yet.

"Girls it's ok,'' Quentin finally spoke up.

The others ceased their talking and looked at the stallion.

"Quentin whatever do you mean? Of course it's not ok, we still haven't found a way to get you home,'' Rarity said with a downtrodden gaze.

"Yeah, you're still so sad and mopey. I wish you can stay longer, but if it'll put a smile on your face, then so be it,'' Pinkie added sadly but then happily.

The others nodded in agreement, but Quentin just chuckled. "Thanks guys, you all are so kind and generous,'' he began smiling. "But I can't help but feel bad about this.''

"What do you mean Quentin?'' Fluttershy asked with a bewildered look.

"I mean, I asking you all to help me like this while your two rulers are nowhere to be found on a mission to prevent a possible threat.''

Applejack just smiled softly and nudged him. "Aw shucks Quentin, it aint no trouble at. Somepony was in need, and we gladly offered to help, an we still willin to.''

The others agreed. "That's right. There's no way that we're leaving any friend of ours hangin!'' Dash smiled toughly, putting an arm around Quentin's shoulders. He couldn't help but smile gratefully at their willingness to help him.

''None of us will. We'll get you home Quentin, I promise,'' Twilight said adamantly.

Quentin looked at each of them and they smiled and nodded. He didn't know what to say.

"Wow...thanks girls,'' he said softly. "But I want to help you out now.''

''What do you mean?'' Spike asked, perplexed.

"I mean, I want to do all I can to help you figure out the mysteries of these visions and to help find your princesses. Helping others should always come before asking others for help.'' Quentin said with a determined smile.

The others were shocked about his responded and Applejack smiled warmly at the stallion.

"So if it means to help you guys, I'm willing to stay at least until we find your princesses. And besides…'' Quentin then stroked his pendant around his neck and closed his eyes briefly before opening then again.

"I may not have found a way to get back home, but if I just keep my chin up and never lose faith, then I know things will turn out for the best.'' Quentin then ended by giving a wink at Applejack. Putting his forelegs around her and Rainbow Dash.

"If its ok with you guys that is?''

They cheered instantly. "YEE-HAW, that's jus' apple-pickin great!'' Applejack cried happily.

"Ok, OK? It's better than ok. It Superdupercaliwonderlisous OK!'' Pinkie squealed, bouncing all over the place.

"It certainly is, you're a very wonderful person Quentin,'' Rarity said gracefully, giving him a hug which Quentin happily returned.

"This will be so exciting,'' Fluttershy said happily, but softly.

"BUCK YEAH that's what I'm talkin about!'' exclaimed Dash, zooming happily into the air and finally next to Quentin. "I can't wait to hang out and to show you all of my best moves!''

"That's really kind of you to offer help in your situation Quentin. We very much appreciate it,'' Twilight smiled, bowing her head.

Quentin just smiled and nodded, but then his stomach rumbled loudly. He laughed sheepishly.

"I guess I'm a little hungry, do you think we can have some lunch?''

The others happily accepted and they made their way through the Everfree Forest and back towards Ponyville, happily along with their new friend.

> Lunch With a Side of Chimera
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quentin and the Mane Six had decided to have lunch at Sugarcube Corner, Pinkie Pie's place of work.

"Ohh Quentin, you're going to love Sugarcube Corner. It's the best bakery in all of Equestria!'' Pinkie chirped, bouncing happily.

Quentin laughed. "I'm sure it is Pinkie. Man I'm so hungry I could eat a-'' he began but Spike cut him off.

"A gem? A large, delicious, sapphire gem?'' Spike licked his lips and hung his tongue out.

The hungry stallion gave the little dragon a weird look and answered with a rather unnerving frown. "Well I don't know about a gem.''

The rest of the ponies had a big laugh. It was almost three o' clock by the time the eight had gotten to Sugarcube Corner. They went Quentin was surprised by the interior. He had believed it when Pinkie Pie said this was the best bakery in Equestria, for the inside was busy with customers. Some waited in line, eager to get their favorite sweets.

"Here we go, a special table for my special friends!'' Pinkie said merrily. They all sat down around the table as Pinkie quickly bounced all around her friends.

"So Quentin, whatcha want to eat hmm , hmmm. HMMMM?'' Pinkie Pie asked eagerly.

Quentin sniffed the air and licked his lips. "How about whatever that sweet smell is,'' he said.

Pinkie Pie beamed. "Oh, that smell is Mr. and Mrs. Cakes' famous triple strawberry cake, boysenberry pie, apple dumplings, and OHHH I'll just get you all of them!'' Pinkie said quickly and excitedly and dashed away to fetch the treats, leaving behind a trail of smoke and before Quentin could blink, she had returned with mountains of treats, cakes, pies, brownies, you name it.

"I hope this is enough?'' Pinkie Pie asked, concerned. Quentin looked at her as if she'd lost her mind. "Pinkie, I think we have more than enough,'' Twilight giggled.

"Oh sweet!'' Pinkie said happily, but then froze in her place, with a blank expression as a wide smile slowly came across her face. "Sweet? Get it...SWEET?!'' Pinkie exclaimed before falling on the ground and laughing hysterically, letting out a rather cute snort as he did so.

Quentin grinned unbelievably at the pink pony while the others rolled their eyes playfully.

"Pinkie Pie you are so...random!'' Quentin finally laughed out.

"Welcome to our world,''' Rainbow Dash smirked, earning a laugh from the rest. The friends started to eat their treats, talking happily with each other.

"So Quentin, tell us bout...yur world,'' Applejack asked, whispering at the last word to avoid being heard, but the other customers were busy enjoying their treats.

The others agreed happily. "Yeah Q, we want to hear all about it!'' Dash said eagerly.

"Yes, you simple must tell us dear,'' Rarity said, batting her eyelashes.

"I would like to hear too, if you don't mind,'' Fluttershy said with a timid smile.

"I agree, please tell us Quentin,'' Twilight smiled with the deepest of interest.

"Alright, alright I'll tell you guys,'' Quentin chuckled, finally giving in. The others leaned in and started to listen eagerly. "Well to tell you the truth, my world is a lot like this one,'' Quentin began.

Really Quentin?'' Spike asked, amazed. Quentin nodded. He then proceeded to tell them things about Earth. He told them about the things humans did. Quentin told them about how humans drove around in cars, how they used computers and laptops to browse the World Wide Web. The stallion told them how Earth had many wonders, including the Pyramid of Giza, the Coliseum in Rome, and the Great Wall of China. He told them for about a good half hour and all through it, the six ponies and the dragon looked at him in awe and wonder, but he noticed Applejack giving him a different look. As Quentin talked, she looked at her friend fondly, resting her elbow on the table and her head on a hoof, completely immersed by the human turned pony.

When Quentin finished telling them everything that he could think of, they stared in amazement.

"Whoa!'' was all Spike could say.

"Simply astounding. Tell me Quentin, are there any famous designers in your world?'' Rarity asked eagerly.

"Well yeah...'' Quentin said slowly.

"Really, like whom may I ask?''

Quentin was afraid of that question. True there were many famous designers, but he was hardly a fashion savvy, so he knew little to none about it or those in the profession.

"Well there's...Vanessa Bruno,'' Quentin finally answered, remembering the name.

Rarity's eyes widened with awe. ''My, with a name like that her skills must be prodigious.''

Quentin just smirked and nodded with a half shrug.

"Um, Q-Quentin?'' Fluttershy asked timidly. Quentin looked at her and gave a warm smile. "D-Does your world have many interesting animals?'' she asked quietly, but hopefully.

"Well of course Futtershy. There are hundreds of species of animals. There are even some that haven't been discovered yet.''

Fluttershy couldn't help but smile widely at the thought of many wonderful and possibly rare animals that exist in her new friend's world. "Oh my, that does sound wonderful. I wish I could meet some,'' Fluttershy flushed.

"And I bet there are lots of libraries filled with books of all kinds,'' Twilight added, smiling brightly at the very thought of many mysterious books and the lessons that could be learned from them.

Quentin chuckled and nodded. "You bet Twilight. In fact, the largest library in my world holds more than twenty million books.''

Twilight couldn't believe what she heard. "Twenty...million...books?! Are you serious?! The library were me and Spike stay at doesn't have NEARLY as many!''

The others rolled their eyes playfully. They knew all too well that Twilight loved to read and study.

"Q were you serious about before. There are NO ponies in your world that can talk?'' Dash asked in disbelief.

The dreadlocked stallion shook his head. "No not one. In fact, no animals in my world can talk.'' The others gasped at the news. "Are you serious?!'' Rainbow cried, causing a few surrounding ponies to look over at them.

"Are you serious?!'' Rainbow whispered, but Quentin just shrugged.

"Yep, that's just how it is.''

"Well I still couldn't see myself living in a world where I couldn't talk...EVER. I mean if you can't talk, how can ponies tell each other jokes or just say HELLO?! I bet the ponies are like 'huh, and 'hmmm, and-'' Pinkie began quickly.

"I'm sure that they would have a lot to say,'' Quentin grinned.

Pinkie Pie, just gave a wide smile. "Well duh they would have a lot to say. I mean, they've never talked in their entire lives, of course everything they want to say is just bottled up like soda!''

Quentin blinked a few times in surprise. "Wait a minute, you guys have soda here?'' he asked.

"Well yeah dude. What did you think, we drank water all the time?'' Dash said, cocking an eyebrow. Quentin looked away embarrassed.

Quentin did had that though in his mind, but not wanting to offend them, he quickly changed the subject. "Well that was certainly the best lunch I've ever had. Thanks a ton Pinkie.''

"Yooooooour very welcome!'' Pinkie chimed, but then gasped. "OH NO!'

"What?!'' the rest gasped

"Fer Celestia's sake Pinkie, what is it?'' Applejack asked.

"I forgot to plan a 'Welcome to Ponyville' party for Quentin!'' Pinkie exclaimed, earning questioning looks from other ponies. The rest of her friends all just looked at her.

"Really Pinkie?'' Twilight asked, leaning her head slightly forward and cocking an eyebrow.

"Well yeah Twilight. I mean, how can somepony new come to Ponyville and NOT get a party?!''

Quentin waved his hooves and shook his head. "Oh no Pinkie Pie that really won't be necessary. I already feel very welcomed here,'' he said laughing awkwardly, but Pinkie was adamant.

"Pssssh yeah right. I'm going to start planning right away!'' and in a blink of an eye, Pinkie had dash from the table with a trail of smoke and up the stairs to another part of the building, mostly likely to her room.

Quentin just stared with a dumb look on his face. "Eh I saw it coming,'' Spike shrugged. "Pinkie Pie threw everypony in town a party at least twice.''

Quentin looked at the little dragon in disbelief. "Wow, that's a lot a parties.''

"Uh that's just Pinkie Pie. So Q, what do ya want to do now?'' Rainbow asked.

Rarity's eyes lit up. "Oh Quentin I MUST show you some of my designs. I just know that you will absolutely love them! I have gotten plenty of opinions from many ponies, but I've never had a human critique my work!''

The male earth pony just smiled kindly. "Sure I would love to Miss Rarity.''

Rarity giggled. "Oh Quentin, Rarity will do just fine thank you. There's no need to use honorifics when you're among friends,'' she blushed, earning a smirk from Quentin.

"And maybe after that, I can show you some of my moves!'' Rainbow Dash declared confidently

"You're on Dash. I swear you fly just as fast as a jet,'' Quentin answered.

"Yeah, right on!'' Rainbow Dash gloated, but then stopped a with a puzzled look on her face. "Yeah, um...what the hay's a jet?''

"Oh a jet's an aircraft that can go real fast back on my world. Sometimes they can travel so fast that they can break the sound barrier,'' Quentin explained.

Dash was speechless. "Whoa, then I REALLY must be like a jet, cuz I can break the sound barrier too. Ever seen a sonic rainboom before?'' Dash asked, cockiness in her voice.

Quentin blinked. "A sonic rainboom? I never knew such a thing existed, let alone heard of it. What is it?''

Rainbow Dash grinned widely as she explained, "A Sonic Rainboom happens when a Pegasus like yours truly goes so fast that BOOM! The sound barrier breaks with a rainbow colored sonic boom ripples through the sky. It's my best move!''

Quentin just stared at the cyan Pegasus in wonder, his mouth slightly ajar. "Shut up. That's unbelievable!''

"Well believe it. Not only have I done it twice, but I'm the ONLY one that can do it. What did you expect, I am the best flyer in all of Equestria!'' Dash said arrogantly, causing the others to roll their eyes.

"A sonic rainboom, now that I would love to see!'' Quentin responded excitement in his voice.

Dash pumped her hooves with a tough smile.

"Well everypony, if yur ready, how bout' we hit the ol dust trail? I'm sure Pinkie will be a while,'' Applejack finally said.

The group of friends all nodded and got up from the table and headed out the door. Luckily for them, Pinkie had said that the food was on the house, considering that Quentin was new here. They walked through the town, it was late afternoon. Colorful ponies everywhere were still going on their usual day.

"So Quentin, how bout that tour on our fine little town?'' Applejack asked as they walked.

"Yeah Applejack, that would be-'' but then a scream cut Quentin off.

"What in tarnation?!'' Applejack cried as Quentin and the others looked around alarmed.

Soon, there were a barrage of screams as ponies everywhere began to run in all directions. "Hey...what's going...? Ugh watch where you're going!'' Rainbow Dash cried as ponies galloped past them, one bumping into her.

"I must say, what's going on?!'' Rarity yelled among the screaming.

Twilight looked confused while Fluttershy and hid behind the group and started shaking out of fear. Quentin just frowned a little with a confused look as he watched the chaotic scene.

"Twilight, what's happening?'' Spike asked, fear in his voice as he climbed on her back.

"I-I don't know Spike. We should ask somepony what's-OH MY EQUESTRIA?!'' Twilight exclaimed.

The eight all retreated a few steps back as they saw what the ponies were screaming and running from as a giant creature stormed into the street and gave an earsplitting roar. The creature had the torso of a lion and the legs of a horse with a long, thick snake for a tail, hissing loudly. It also had a pair of massive dragon wings, but the most frightening features was its head, for it had three of them. The middle was a head of a lion the left was a goat's head with long horns, and the right was a dragon while as a whole it was the same size as the cottages in the town, maybe even more. The creature gave off another roar from its heads.

"Holy...shit!'' Quentin breathed out as he gazed up in fear at the strange and monstrous creature.

"T-Twilight, w-what is that t-thing?'' Spike whimpered, clinging to the purple unicorn's neck.

"That's a chimera. It has three heads, a lion, a goat's, and a dragon's!'' Twilight explained, her eyes gawking at the creature.

"Really Twilight? I'd never would've guessed that by the three heads that it's got!'' Rainbow Dash replied sarcastically, but not forgetting the situation.

Twilight shot her a quick glare. The chimera gave another roar as ponies screamed and ran passed.

"Fluttershy, yur good with critters. Can't ya sooth it or somethin?!'' Applejack asked with a rushed tone.

Fluttershy shook her head furiously. "N-no. I-I'm afraid o-of chimeras!'' Fluttershy squeaked fearfully.

"What? I thought you were afraid of dragons?'' Dash asked with a frown.

"I'm afraid of dragons AND chimeras!'' Fluttershy squeaked again. "Chimeras are said to be untamable!''

Suddenly out of nowhere, Pinkie Pie appeared. "Hey guys. What's up?'' she said bubbly. "You guys ok?''

The others said nothing, just pointed to the chimera. Pinkie whipped around and saw the chimera approaching towards them. At first she looked at it casually with a stern frown, then spoke.

"Alright everypony, follow my led,'' Pinkie said casually, before screaming frantically, dashing back into the store.

"What are we going to do?'' Quentin asked fearfully.

The chimera then suddenly breathed a large ball of fire, which hit a building's roof with a fiery explosion.

"No one does that in MY town!'' Dash yelled bravely and flew off towards it, a rainbow trail behind her.

Gaining her courage, Twilight nodded. "Right, c'mon girls we need to help Dash!''

Rarity looked horrified. "What against that beast?! Just look at the size of that brute. Besides, the fur of its torso and hindquarters clash so terribly."

Just then, another fireball from the chimera barely missed and exploded, sending them flying and scattering about. They got up groggily and Rarity gasped in sheer horror as she noticed some of her beautiful purple tail had been burned off.

"M-My beautiful tail!'' she squeaked, tears forming in her eyes. Then, the tears dried instantly as Rarity glared at the chimera, her eyes burning. "Oh...it...is...ON!'' she seethed and she galloped towards the beast.

"C'mon Fluttershy! Maybe ya can try to calm that varmint!'' Applejack commanded.

Fluttershy shook harder with fear. "B-Bad chimera!'' she squeaked feebly. The chimera roared again, unfazed. "There you go, I tried. I guess I'll be going!'' and with that, Fluttershy tried to fly away, but was caught by Applejack, rolling her eyes irritably.

''Hold yur caboose lil' missy!'' Applejack said firmly. "We need to help our friends!'' Fluttershy looked down in shame.

"I-I know but-'' but she was cut off by another roar and a launch of a massive fireball hitting a nearby, large tent, immediately setting it ablaze.

C'mon girls there's not time to lose. Spike you go back in the store!'' Twilight commanded boldly.

"Nice plan, don't mind if I do!'' Spike responded fearfully and dashed into the nearest shop without hesitation.

Applejack turned to Quentin. "Quentin, yall should go back inside where it's safe as well.''

Quentin blinked a few times. "W-wait what about you girls? I just can't leave and let you fight that thing on your own!'' Quentin argued.

Applejack just chuckled. "Taint nothin, we've wrassled with bigger varmints than this. Now please, get on back inside. I don't want ya getting hurt.'' Applejack gave him a soft smile.

Quentin opened his mouth to argue, but before he could, Applejack had reared around and galloped away towards the chimera, with Fluttershy reluctantly, but surly flying behind her. Quentin just stayed where he was, looking worried as the five ponies engaged the chimera. Suddenly, the door flew open as Pinkie Pie flew out.

"Hey guys wait up!'' Pinkie cried, pulling a wagon full of desserts. "Cake don't fail us now!'' and she dashed towards the others.

Quentin just looked perplexed at the crazy pink pony's choice for weapons. Dash flew quickly through the air, dodging the many fireballs the chimera fired at her. "Ha, ya gonna have to do better than that ugly!'' she yelled, dodging another fireball. Angry, the chimera took a deep breath and fired three, massive fireballs towards Dash. "OH CUD!' Dash yelled. She tried to avoid them, but they exploded sending her back through the roof of a house. Dazed, she popped her head out from the wreckage.

"Ok I'll admit, that was a little better,'' Dash slurred, disoriented.

The Chimera roared and attempted to fly, but Twilight used her magic to levitate a nearby cart of vegetables and flung it towards the beast, smashing to pieces upon impact with the dragon head.

"Hey chimera, looks to me you can use a lesson in manners!'' Twilight taunted.

The chimera growled and turned its attention to Twilight. He fired a fireball towards her way, but Twilight countered with water from a nearby well. She levitated the water and formed a ball and threw it towards the fireball. The two elements collided and exploded into a large mist along with sizzling sounds. Twilight grinned triumphantly having cancelling out the attack.

Then out of nowhere, a bombardment of desserts fired up and hit the chimera along its body. "Take that and THAT you big meanie, meanie, mean pants!'' Pinkie shouted as she flung more cakes.

Rainbow shook from her dazed and gave Pinkie a weird look. "Pinkie, why the heck are you giving it cake?!'' Dash yelled at Pinkie.

"I'm NOT giving him cake I'm assaulting him with cake!'' Pinkie yelled back, flinging another two pieces of cake.

The chimera's faces were completely covered with frosting and cake matter. It roared in frustration. Rarity ran upon it. She looked around and saw two fully packed carts. She grinned with an idea and used her magic to levitate the two.

"THIS is for my beautiful tail,'' Rarity growled and she flung the carts at the chimera.

One hit it in the abdomen and the other in the lion's face, both powerful hits that caused it to recoil back a few feet. Rarity gave a proud 'that'll-show-you' nod.

"WHOO-WEE nice goin girls, now it's my turn fer a bit o' fun!'' Applejack called, galloping towards the chimera.

As she did, she spun a lasso in her mouth. As she ran, Applejack did impressive tricks with the rope, jumping through it, and doing difficult looking spins. Quentin watched, his jaw dropped and completely mesmerized.

"Whoa, what a girl,'' Quentin said slowly but impressed.

When Applejack got close enough, she swung the rope and caught it on one of the horns. "C'mon, getta long little doggie!'' she called through gritted teeth.

Applejack was also stronger than she looked, because with a strong yank down with the rope, she pulled the goat head down furiously and effectively to the ground, followed by the lion head and the dragon head as the trio slammed hard into the ground. The others cheered.

"Yeah, you go AJ!'' Dash praised, hoof pumping in the air.

Applejack smirked and tipped her hat. "Well thank ya kindly,'' she responded, the rope still in her teeth as she crossed her right legs over her left legs in a casual stance.

Quentin couldn't help but smile at the orange, southern accented pony. "Applejack...she's...amazing,'' Quentin confessed, a smile slowly forming on his face.

But it was far from over, for the three heads opened its eyes and gave a deep growl. It was obviously getting annoyed. And before anyone could react, the chimera whipped it' heads up and took Applejack with it, screaming.

"APPLEJACK!'' Quentin and the five mares screamed in unison. The chimera, whipped its head wildly as it tried to get the rope of its horn.

"F-f-f-f-f-f-iiiiiiiii-sssssss-tttttt-yyyyy-ooooonnneee-aaaa-iiiii-nnn'ttttttt iiitttt!'' Applejack yelled, her voice vibrating as she was swung wildly.

"Applejack just hold on!'' Twilight yelled. But then with one final whip of the head, Applejack lost her grip and was flung into the air.

"CELESTIA ALMIGHTY!'' Applejack screamed as she flew through air.

"I GOT YA AJ!'' Dash yelled and in a second. She fired into the sky, a rainbow trial behind her.

Applejack was almost halfway across Ponyville as she flew through the air, screaming. Rainbow Dash flew break neck speed, the wind howling in her ears after her as Quentin watched horrified. Closer and closer Dash got to Applejack and with a final push of speed, Dash made a grab at Applejack. She made the grab, and both ponies rolled in the air towards the ground and crash landed in somepony's haystack, dazed but alright.

"Y-you ok AJ?'' Dash asked, her eyes rolling.

Applejack shook from her daze. "Y-yeah, thanks Rainbow. I owe ya one.''

"Nah no problem. Now let's go kick some chimera ass!'' Applejack grinned and nodded and both flew and galloped back towards the rest of their friends.

Quentin just stared, completely mortified at the site of Applejack being flung through the air as did Fluttershy, and he turned to the chimera and glared at it with gritted teeth.

"You're going to pay for that!'' Twilight shouted angrily.

Fluttershy closed her eyes, as if she was in deep thought. After a few moments, she shot them open and to Quentin's surprise, she had an angry look on her face. The normally sweet, timid, and innocent demeanor was now filled with anger, and resent.

"How dare you...'' Fluttershy growled and finally shouted. "HOW DARE YOU!''

With that, she flew upward towards the chimera and finally stopped in front of the lion's head. "Who do you think you are, flinging my friend in the air like she was some little filly's rag doll!'' Fluttershy began to chastise.

Quentin looked on amazed. He'd never thought Fluttershy of all ponies would do something like this. The others cheered.

"Go Fluttershy! Go Fluttershy! It's your birthday, it's your birthday!'' Pinkie Pie sang, doing an amusing dance.

''You think you can just come into town and destroy it like you own the place? Well I've got news for you buster, you're dead wrong!'' As Fluttershy ranted on, the chimera looked on to her, with an angry and annoyed look on its three faces

As Quentin observed, he could almost see the fire burn in Fluttershy's eyes. "Shit, I'd hate to be that thing right now,'' Quentin muttered, feeling somewhat unnerved by the shy Pegasus' forceful demeanor.

"Now I'm going to count to three and if you're not out of this town by the time I get done, so help me I will ring you up from your horn and give you the spanking of a life time. One!'' Fluttershy began to count, but the chimera just leered at her with its three pairs of piercing red eyes, a gust of smoke steaming from its nostrils.

Quentin gulped nervously. He had a bad feeling about this.

"Two!'' Fluttershy said, her eyes closed and warning in her voice as she crossed her forelegs.

The chimera raised a massive claw, its razor sharp nails unsheathed. "Oh no,'' Quentin dreaded, his heart sinking.

The others gasped in horror. "Fluttershy!'' Pinkie and Rarity cried in unison.

"Thre-'' Fluttershy had opened her eyes and gasped as the chimera was ready to swipe down on the Pegasus. Twilight gasped, but then frowned angrily, as she used her magic to fire a purple beam to hit Fluttershy. Upon impact, Fluttershy disappeared and reappeared beside Twilight as she was teleported out of danger just as the chimera swiped at her.

"Three?'' Fluttershy said blankly surprise in her voice.

"Fluttershy, are you ok?'' Twilight asked, concern in her voice.

"Y-yeah I think so. Thanks Twilight,'' Fluttershy muttered, returning to her shy, timid demeanor.

Twilight just smiled and nodded, relived that her friend was unharmed. Quentin also let out a sigh of relief, but then looked horrified as he gazed up at the behemoth. It was preparing for another triple fireball attack.

"TWILIGHT, FLUTTERSHY LOOK OUT!'' Quentin yelled. The two looked at him then quickly at the chimera. The beast fired its blasts toward the two ponies. Twilight gritted her teeth as her horn glowed again to use another spell. Twilight had teleported her and Fluttershy away to another location as the three balls of fire exploded on impact on the ground.

The area now had several fires around, some among a few rooftops. Ponies ran and screamed in all direction, it was pure chaos. The chimera was pissed off at this moment, as it stormed about the area, attacking anything and anypony that came its way.

Quentin barely missed a large piece of wood that flung toward him from the chimera's rampage. Rarity and Pinkie Pie screamed and ran for cover. The stallion looked to the other side and to his horror, saw Apple Bloom along with a white unicorn filly and a light orange Pegasus filly who looked the same age as Apple Bloom.

They were trying desperately to get away, but was stopped in their tracks when the chimera's snake tail, violently slammed in front of them, barely missing them. The heads leered down on the frightened fillies as the three huddled and whimpered in fear. The chimera raised a massive claw, ready to kill them.

"OH HELL NAW! Quentin yelled angrily and without hesitating, charged at the chimera. As it was about to swipe down, Quentin galloped towards wheelbarrow, whipped around and with all his strength bucked the wheelbarrow. It flew into the air and struck the goat's head hard, smashing the wheelbarrow to pieces.

The beast roared in pain as it stomped its feet, created small tremors. Apple Bloom looked up at him with a surprised look on her face. "Mr. Quentin?'' she asked in disbelief.

The brown earth pony whipped his heard toward her and her friends. "Apple Bloom, you and the others get out of here!'' he commanded.

The three looked blankly at one another. "B-But what about-" Apple Bloom began but Quentin cut her off. "Don't worry about me, you're safety is more important. Now Go!''

She and her friends didn't argue and they sped off to take shelter in the bakery. Quentin glared back up at the chimera, which had finished stomping and was glaring murderously down on him. It gave off a threatening growl as Quentin back away, meeting its glare. "Shit now it's after me!'' Quentin cursed under his breathe. The injured beasts opened their mouths as a massive fireball began to charge up.

Without hesitating. Quentin reared around and began to run just as the chimera fired a fireball and hit the ground. With a ground shaking roar, the chimera began to pursue Quentin, the ground trembling as it ran after him. As the chimera gave chase, it fires numerous fireballs at the earth pony, but Quentin would zig zag to avoid them.

"W-What the fuck am I doing!'' Quentin asked himself with gritted teeth as he looked over his shoulder to see the triple headed beast still giving chase.

"I don't know what to do, but I could at least drive it away from all the ponies!'' Quentin said to himself as he led the chimera through the streets. Being new to the town, Quentin didn't have the slightest idea where he was going and he found himself at a part of town with scattered huts but more importantly, with hardly any ponies that could get hurt.

"Come on think….THINK!'' Quentin urged himself as he dodged another fireball.

Quentin's eyes darted around, trying, hoping the come up with some sort of plan to lose the beast. Suddenly, his eyes fell upon a tall clock tower bigger than the chimera itself with a massive, bronze bell visible between the clock face and the pointed roof. Quentin gave a smug smirk as an idea popped in his head. "That's it!''

With not a moment to lose, the earth pony darted towards the tower, the chimera never leaving his trail one. After what seemed like forever of running, Quentin finally made it to the tower and jumped around to see the chimera charging towards him.

"Come and get me you triple faced son of a bitch!'' Quentin called to the chimera, taunting it to charge it him.

With a roar, the chimera increased its speed, drawing nearer to Quentin fast.

"Wait for it…'' Quentin breathed, digging his hooves firmly in the ground with a lowered stance.

The chimera ran closer and closer until finally, it leaped high into the air, each of its three mouths ablaze with flames as it let out a final roar. With their fiery mouths and their claws ready the chimera began to descend at full speed towards Quentin to finish him off when right at the very last second Quentin let out a brief cry as he flew himself from where he was standing and out of the chimera's path of attack.

Missing its target, the chimera flew in head first right into the front of the tower, crashing through as a massive explosion of fire erupted from the attack. The chimera's roar was enveloped by the explosion as fire started to erupt up the clock tower and finally fire exploded out through the clock face. The bronze bell the situated visibly on the tower was blown out of its place as a single, hollow ring sounded. The bell came down from the tower and towards Quentin, threatening to strike him. "Shit...shit…shit…SHIT!'' Quentin cried as he reared backwards and galloped to avoid the bell. He ran right before the bell struck the ground and the powerful impact caused Quentin to fly through the air before landing hard on the ground, rolled a few times before stopping, the sudden impact causing him to black out temporarily.

Everything was quiet save for the cackling of the fires that were around. Soon, ponies started to cautiously come out of their homes and hiding places. Ponies that seen where the chimera was chasing Quentin carefully ventured out towards the now destroyed clock tower. The tower was completely destroyed, nothing but a massive pile of rubble and debris. Black smoke rose high into the air from the wreckage as half of the body of the chimera could be seen while the other was completely covered in the rubble. Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie walked out into the street with the murmuring ponies as they looked around at the battled scarred area. Finally, Applejack galloped through and Rainbow Dash flew down to meet them.

"What happened? Where's the chimera?!'' Dash asked loudly, whipping her head in all directions.

"I-I don't know,'' Twilight replied with a bewildered frown. ''I had teleported me and Fluttershy out of danger, we didn't see what happened.'' Fluttershy nodded in agreement.

"Applejack!'' Apple Bloom called, running out and towards her big sister.

Applejack looked over her shoulder and let out a gasp and ran to meet her. "Apple Bloom. Sugar are ya alright?'' Applejack asked, nuzzling Apple Bloom contently as her two friends ran up and embraced Rarity and Dash.

"Yeah I'm fine, we all are but-'' Apple Bloom's voice trailed off.

"But what hun?'' Applejack asked, concerned.

"But Mr. Quentin. That monster chased after him right after he saved us. They went that way!'' Apple Bloom said frantically, pointing a hoof towards the east where Quentin led the beast.

The Mane Six gasped. "Quentin?!'' they cried in unison. But the one the struck them the most was Applejack. Her heart sank at the news of her friend being pursued by the brute and before any of the six could react, Applejack had reared around and galloped towards the direction Quentin and the chimera had went.

"Quentin! Quentin hold on!'' Applejack thought desperately to herself, weaving around ponies as she headed to her friend.

The orange farm pony had ran out of the main part of Ponyville and into the clearing of scattered cottages in the meadow where a crowd of ponies were gathered away from the massive plume of black smoke. The rest of her friends were close behind her and they made their way through the crowd but came to a sharp halt when they finally came to the front of the crowd as they beheld the sight.

They saw the chimera's body motionless under the smoking wreckage of the old tower, its snake tail lifeless on the ground with its mouth open. Their surprised eyes quickly went from the chimera to the unconscious body of Quentin a good fifteen feet before it. It wasn't long before Quentin began to stir and slowly but surely began to rise to his feet. Quentin had a ruffled mane as well as some patched of dirt. The earth pony shook his head to clear himself of the dizziness he was experiencing.

Quentin stumbled a bit as he walked forward but stopped, having noticed everyone staring at him in disbelief. Quentin blinked blankly a few times, looked at the unconscious chimera behind him, and back at the crowd.

"Uh...ta-dah?'' Quentin finally said dumbly.

"Quentin!'' the six ponies exclaimed in joy, running over to him and knocking him down as they hugged Quentin.

"Quentin don't ever do that again, you gave us such a fright. I think my heart just skipped a beat!'' Rarity confessed dramatically, placing hoof over her heart and looking as if she was about to faint.

Quentin blinked of couple times. "Really, you guys were really worried about me?''

"Well duh!'' Dash responded, putting a forearm around my shoulders and pulling me in for a hug. "You're our friend why wouldn't we be worried about you?'' Quentin just stared at the six ponies until Pinkie Pie put him in a tight hug.

"Dashie's right. I mean if something happened to you I don't think I would ever throw another party again. And if I don't throw another party again, then there will be no more fun. And if there was no more fun-'' Pinkie continued her rant, shaking me from side to side, her grip tightening.

Quentin comedic ally flailed his forearms around. "Pinkie...need oxygen...going dark!'' the dreadlocked pony gasped, and Pinkie let go.

"Oopsie, my bad,'' Pinkie said sheepishly.

He caught his breath and slowly got up. Quentin looked at the defeated chimera and sighed.

"Is everyone alright?'' Quentin asked looking around.

His friends nodded. "Yes, thank goodness no pony was hurt…thanks to you Quentin,'' Fluttershy said softly, but happily.

"Fluttershy's right Quentin, we really owe you one,'' Twilight said with a smile.

Quentin smiled and shook his head, "No, I didn't do anything. I just wanted everyone to be safe that's all.''

She and five of the ponies smiled at him, but Dash was busy looking at the chimera. "Whoa, Quentin...you did this?'' Dash said in disbelief. Quentin looked down shyly and was about to speak, but Apple Bloom jumped in before him.

"He sure did. Mr. Quentin beat that ol monster!'' Applebloom explained excitedly.

"Yeah we saw everything. He was like HEYA, and HOO and DIE MONSTER and-'' Scootaloo praised, jumping up and down.

"And when it tried to hit us with its claw, he shot a stick right into it. After that, he led it away from the town!'' Sweetie Belle finished happily.

The Mane Six looked at Quentin in awe, speechless.

"Wow, I must say, that's impressive Quentin. The six of us together had trouble with the chimera, but you handled it all on your own,'' Twilight complimented, clearly impressed.

Quentin blushed and started to circle his hoof in the dirt shyly. "Like I said, I didn't really do anything. I just sorta outwitted it that was all, I didn't really know what I was doing. You girls did all the real fighting.''

The most impressed was Applejack and Rainbow Dash who kept staring at him in shock.

"Yep, Mr. Quentin's a hero!'' Applebloom declared happily.

Quentin widened his eyes. "Oh no, I'm no hero,'' he said humbly.

"That's not what they think,'' Pinkie grinned, pointed to the crowd of ponies around them. The crowd had started to cheer for Quentin, stopping their hooves on the ground applauding him. He looked around speechless as the crowd of ponies smiled and cheered for him, some even coming up and patting his back and telling him a job well done.

His friends smiled around and too applauded him. It was a feeling that was almost rare to Quentin. He had hardly ever been acknowledged let alone praised for anything he's ever done. But on top of that, he had never had anyone truly acknowledged him before. The ponies weren't applauding a nobody, they were applauding a somebody, him. With these feelings rushing inside him, Quentin couldn't help but smile shyly around the colorful ponies.

Hours had passed and within them, Fluttershy had tended to the chimera's injuries which it surprisingly survived. Even though it tried to destroy the town, she still felt pity towards it. She claimed it was just a baby that wandered from its home that was all, much to the chagrin of the other ponies, but hey that's probably why she's the Element of Kindness. Afterwards, Twilight used her magic to teleport the chimera far away from Ponyville, confident that it was the last time they will ever see it. Pinkie of course threw a ''Quentin Saved Ponyville Party'' at Sugarcube Corner, despite the latter's constant protests.

Everyone was invited and it was night by the time everyone decided to call it a night.

"Alright girls, you did well today. You all deserved a rest,'' Twilight said as they walked into the street. Spike was fast asleep on Twilight's back, exhausted from the day and the party.

"If anypony deserved a rest it's certainly Quentin,'' Rarity gracefully said to him.

The others agreed, but Quentin smiled and shook his head. "No, it was all of you. You deserve a rest, going into danger and risking yourselves like that.''

Rarity giggled. "Now aren't we the modest one. Well I really must be going, I need to get little Sweetie Belle ready for bed. Bonsoir everypony,'' Rarity and Sweetie Bell began to walk their way home.

"Yes, I really must get back to Angel Bunny and the other animals. Goodbye and be safe everypony,'' Fluttershy said, smiling softly.

"C'mon squirt I'll give ya a lift home,'' Dash said, picking up an excited Scootaloo. Night guys oh and Q...good work today,'' Dash smiled at him, giving him a slight jab on the shoulder.

Quentin merely smirked.

"Bye Quentin!'' Scootaloo waved. Quentin chuckled and waved back to her and Dash flew in the sky with the little filly on her back and disappeared in the night.

"Well I should get back and get this little guy into bed,'' Twilight smiled affectionately to the little dragon. "I'll see you two later. Have a nice nigh.''

"C'mon how bout we get on home?'' Applejack said to Quentin and Apple Bloom.

They both nodded and the three headed back to Sweet Apple Acres. All the way back, Applebloom kept talking excitedly about the acts Quentin did, to which he just blushed and Applejack smiled warmly. They finally got to the farm and immediate Applejack sent Apple Bloom to bed.

"Bed haven't sounded so great,'' Quentin yawned.

"I reckon I wouldn't be surprised, after what you did today,'' Applejack responded softly as she walked him back to his room.

As they walked Quentin couldn't help but notice Applejack being very quiet this evening. "Hey Applejack?'' Quentin asked.

"What can I get ya?'' Applejack responded, eager to help, but Quentin shook his head.

"Oh no, I didn't need anything I was just wandering. You've been pretty quiet tonight, is everything alright?'' Quentin asked, concerned in his voice.

Applejack looked down, her face falling. A moment of silence was among them and Quentin walked towards his friend.

"C'mon, you can tell me. I-'' but to his surprise, Applejack had flung her forearms around his neck and embraced him.

"I-I'm jus' glad ya ok, that's all,'' Applejack whispered.

Quentin said nothing, still in shock at the sudden hug. "An' I just wanted ta say...thank ya for savin' my sister an' her friends. Ya don't know how much she means ta me.''

Quentin finally smiled softly with a deep sigh and returned the hug. "I'm just glad she's not hurt,'' he whispered. "Plus it's the least I could do after being so kind and generous to me when you didn't have to be.''

Applejack chuckled and shook her head. "Thank Celestia that I didn't lose both of ya,'' she responded and to Quentin's utter disbelief, she kissed him on the cheek.

The stallion's face heated up as a bright redness came across his face and a chill shocked throughout his body. Applejack released him to reveal a slight blush on her face as well. She smiled and looked away shyly.

"Well I best be hittin' the hay. Got ta wake up early fer work.''

Quentin just nodded, still with a shocked expression.

"Well g'night Quentin. See ya in the morning,'' Applejack said softly, turning around and walking out the room.

"Yeah...goodnight Applejack,'' Quentin finally said. Applejack gave him a last smile, before leaving and closing the door behind her. Quentin just stood there, speechless. He lifted a hoof and ran it over the spot on his cheek where Applejack had kissed him and smiled.

"Applejack...she's...just,'' Quentin began to said and chuckled. "She's just...awesome,'' Quentin finally let out, smiling at the thought of the orange pony.

> Vision of Death
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Now, we must concentrate...focus on what we wish to know,'' Arcanus said in a meditative voice.

He, Celestia, and Luna were in a small circle, their back legs crossed while their forearms and hooves together, and their eyes closed, as if they were meditating. In the center above them, a rather large, blue magical bubble was shifting uneasily over a large, round basin. The three equines' horns were glowing brilliantly as they used their magic.

Celestia's was a gleaming golden aura, Luna's a brilliant, dark baby blue aura, and Arcanus a shimmering indigo whitish aura. The bubble floated in the air, stars swirling inside its mysterious contents. All was silent save for the noises made from their magic and the bubble as it shifted its exterior.

Lune soon began to wince as the strain of keeping the power on concentration was beginning to overwhelm her. Finally, she couldn't take it anymore and she let out a gasp and began to pant with exhaustion. Without her power, the connection was broken and the bubble lost its form and splashed into the basin, filling it just to the brim.

Celestia and Arcanus opened their eyes and gazed over at Luna, though just Celestia as Arcanus merely turned his head to her direction.

"Please forgive me Celestia...Arcanus. I tried to hold it, but-'' Luna began through breaths, but her sister smiled kindly at her.

"It's alright Luna. The spell we're conducting takes a lot of our energies. Which is why the three of us are doing it together, for it's nearly impossible if just one were to perform it.''

Luna smiled gratefully at her sister as Arcanus nodded. "Yes your sister is right. This particular spell is needed to call upon the cosmic energies of the universe, a high degree of power a single pony could not perform. You should feel proud that you were able to hold out for such long, not surprising from the sovereign of the night,'' Arcanus smiled.

"Thank thee Arcanus, thou art too kind,'' Luna smiled back, giving a slight bow.

"Yes, let us take a rest, then we will start again,'' Arcanus said and Celestia and Luna nodded in agreement.

With a glow of his horn, Arcanus caused all the candles in the chamber to lit back up and conjured up some tea to help with their restoration.

"I can't believe it Tia, we've been at this for a day now and we've still haven't found even the slimmest clues to what these visions mean,'' Luna said with a slight irritation in her voice.

Celestia nodded with a somber frown. "Yes Luna, and this only increases my concern for what they mean.''

Arcanus gave off a deep sigh before speaking. "But we must not let this inconvenience get the best of us. I sense that these visions are linked to the future, and by the looks of them, the future may not be as bright as we may hope,'' he said, hoof stroking his beard.

"But it just doesn't make sense. A gem and...laughter?'' Luna challenged, but Arcanus gave a chuckle.

"Yes, visions tend to be that way most of the times. Always leaving you guessing, always slipping the truth right through your hooves.''

Luna looked in her tea with irritation and thought as Celestia spoke. "But we MUST find what they mean. I fear for our beloved kingdom as well as those who inhabit it!'' Celestia said with an adamant tone.

Luna looked at her sister sympathetically. "As do I Tia.''

There was silence for moment until Arcanus finally spoke up. "Yes Equestia,'' he began in his deep, reassuring voice as the two sisters looked at him.

"I've been keeping an eye on Equestria for a millennia now. I can see that its ponies and creatures are in constant state of happiness, prosperity, and peace. A state that couldn't be possible without wise leaders to help them to achieve that state,'' Arcanus smiled at Celestia and Luna who gratefully returned it.

Thank you my friend, but it wasn't just us that kept peace in Equestria,'' Celestia started.

"Yes, but also the Elements of Harmony had a place in keeping it as well,'' Luna added. Arcanus nodded slowly.

"Ah yes, The Elements of Harmony. And to my knowledge the Elements had found living spirit incarnations to wield their power did they not?''

Celestia and Luna nodded and smiled. "Yes, my student Twilight Sparkle and her friends now harnessed their power in times of great need,'' Celestia explained.

Arcanus chuckled. "And by the restful state of your kingdom, I say that they are the perfect spirits for the Elements.''

"Tis an understatement, Arcanus,'' Luna said. "Never have I seen the Elements been wielded with such power in my life. Something only they could do.''

"Yes sister, they showed more potential and command of the Elements than we ever did,'' Celestia praised.

"Chiron knows how many disasters that were adverted because them.'' Arcanus nodded in understanding, hoof stroking his beard. "Yes, the Elements are certainly some of the most powerful forces in this world, if not, the most powerful.''

Celestia and Luna looked at each other at his words, and back to him. "I wouldn't doubt it Arcanus. After all, the Elements of Harmony did come from-'' Luna began but was stopped in mid-sentence.

Suddenly, Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus shut their eyes tight and all grunted gave off short shouts of pain as each of their horns glowed and gave off their signature auras. As the three grunted and shifted, the basin of water became unsettled and the water rose from the basin and formed the bubble that the three had be trying to stabilize.

As the grunted grew, so did the brightness of their horns. The starry contents stirred wildly inside the bubbly and finally, cleared to reveal a disturbing sight. They were having another vision, all three of them and it was being channeled through the bubble. Like all the visions they've had, this one was flashing quickly. In the bubble, they saw countless ponies from a distant land being killed by numerous of blasts of greenish red magic blast. Ponies were screaming in terror and running about trying to run to safety, but it seemed futile. In a blink of an eye, they were all getting killed by some unknown assailant. Celestia and Lune grunted in disgust at the sight that was forced upon them.

The vision shifted to a temple of sorts with its guards and inhabitants easily struck down in their places. In another shift, the attacker came to a large, ancient door that was heavily locked, but it was no match for the power of the intruder for in one powerful blast, they completely destroyed the door. It seemed to be the door to a vault of some sort that housed a mysterious, forest like environment, when deep in the center was a stone pillar like that in the mysterious cave. The invader flew up to the top to see a glowing green, oval shaped gem hovering magically above the pillar, surrounded by light green, transparent sphere of magic energy.

The assailant gave off a distorted laugh as they extended a black, hole filled hoof and took the gem. The gem glowed a brilliant green aura as the chilling laugh continued. She levitated the green gem as well as the glowing red gem and when they touched each other, a powerful wave of green and red energy waved out. The vision only took a few moments, but to them if felt like an eternity as the vision ended. Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus recoiled backwards as the bubble collapsed and splashed into the basin.

The three panted heavily, looks of disbelief and terror on their faces. "Horrible, just horrible!'' Luna said softly, but clearly disturbed.

"I-I recognized that place. It was the kingdom of Kal Equa!'' Celestia said in an almost frantic voice.

Arcanus miraculously regain his posture and sighed deeply. "Yes, I too have recognized Kal Equa. Much like Equestria, it too is a land of generosity and peace. I fear for its wellbeing.''

Celestia nodded solemnly. "I had visited Kal Equa many times, and I fear for my friend King Centuarus. Luna we must go there at once!'' Celestia said to her sister.

Luna nodded. "Yes I understand Tia!'' Luna said firmly.

Celestia nodded and turned to Arcanus. "Please forgive us for our sudden leave, but we must check on Kal Equa. That kingdom and ours have been close allies for centuries.''

Arcanus shook his head. "No I understand perfectly. No go, you must hurry to Kal Equa!''

Celestia and Luna nodded with determination and turned and headed out the chamber. After scaling down the magic staircases to the main hall, they galloped out the tower and immediately flew into the night sky towards the east. Back in his chamber, Arcanus gave a dishearten, deep sigh and bowed his head.

"I pray to Chiron that we will be able to unravel these visions before it's too late,'' Arcanus said solemnly.

> Morning Person
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quentin woke up particularly early the next morning. One would think that after help defeating a chimera from destroying the town, he would easily sleep in till noon, but that wasn't the case. The sun was starting to rise up when Quentin woke up and he couldn't get back to sleep so he decided to get up and make the bed. Quentin opened his door and poked his head out to see if there were any signs of anypony awake. The hall was silent and dark, and Quentin silently crept through the hallway. He passed Applebloom's room and Applejack's room. Applejack would be up in no less than an hour since she usually gets up at this time.

As quietly as he could, Quentin crept downstairs across the living room and as he approached the front door, Quentin saw Applejack's pet Border collie Winona sleeping peacefully next to the door. Her ears twitched as Quentin approached and she groggily lifted her head and let out a yawn. Quentin smiled and knelt down in front of her.

"Good morning girl, sorry if I woke you,'' Quentin whispered, stroking her gently on the head.

Winona smiled, her tongue hanging out and her tail wagging happily. "I'm just going to go out for an early morning walk, I'll see you later ok?'' Quentin added and Winona must've understood him, for she smiled and licked his face before letting out another yawn and curled herself up and laid her head down to sleep.

Quentin smiled at her and went out the front door, quietly closing it behind him. It was a cool morning and the skies where a dark bluish purple with a faint yellowish orange coming from the horizon as the sun was beginning to rise. Quentin inhaled the fresh morning air and smiled as he looked around the sleeping orchards and farm that was Sweet Apple Acres.

"Who'd ever guess that I would be so charmed by the farm life?'' dark brown earth pony admitted to himself.

But the truth was not only the farm had charmed him, but Applejack too. Ever since she kissed his cheek last night, Quentin couldn't stop thinking of her. He smiled, gave a yawn, and shook himself off of any sleepiness he had left.

"I guess I'll go look around town for a bit, to better familiarize it,'' Quentin muttered to himself and proceeded off the farm.

By the time Quentin was in the main part of Ponyville, the sun was halfway up but to his surprise, he found there were some ponies already awake. Some were getting their shops ready for the day, others were setting up their carts for selling and trading. As Quentin walked by, some ponied would wave and greet him good morning, and he would warmly return the greeting.

It was now seven o' clock am. Quentin passed by an assortment of different buildings as he gave himself a tour of the town. He passed one building that had two large pins and bowling balls across its high surface. Quentin's jaw dropped.

"A bowling alley? They seriously have a bowling alley in Equestria?!'' Quentin asked himself, surprised.

The stallion gazed at the building for another moment before grinning. "Wow, I guess Equestria really isn't that different from my world.''

Quentin continued with his walk. He came to an area that had large buildings that looked like overgrown tents, but with a solid exterior. He couldn't help but whistle at the site.

"Now these buildings look interesting,'' Quentin said as he walked passed them.

There was one in particular that really got his attention. It was a large, magnificent building about three stories high in the shape of a cylinder. Its main colors were violet, baby blue, light pink, and gold and had a few pony shapes in the center of poles that gave a reminiscent of ponies on a carousel.

Whoa,'' Quentin said in awe at the majesty of the building. "Whoever lives in a place like THAT must be loaded!'' After a few moments of gawking, he snapped out of it and proceeded with the walk.

Eventually, Quentin found himself walking by meadow with a small bridge over a creek that led to a path which in turn led to a rather large cottage. The cottage was two stories with a roof that seemed to be made of pure bush and leaves. There were also a lot of bird houses including on the trees that were close by the cottage.

Quentin chuckled to himself at the site. "Someone must really love birds,'' he said.

Quentin was about to move on until a blue bird chirped lovely out of nowhere. He looked towards its direction as it flew towards him and landed on his head.

"Well hello there little guy,'' Quentin said softly, not wanting to scare the little bid away.

He extended a hoof for it to hop on which it did and Quentin raised his hoof to his face. "You're a friendly one aren't you?'' Quentin smiled at the bird.

The bird chirped happily, giving off a smile, which Quentin admitted had no idea that birds or animals could smile. He whistled, imitated the bird and it chirped loudly and more beautifully. Quentin smiled and more chirping sounded around him.

Quentin looked around as one by one, colorful birds came out of their houses, some flying to him and landed on his head and shoulders. Quentin chuckled at the bird's openness especially to a stranger. The birds sang beautifully together, like a choir of birds. The chirping sounded like a song he remembered back on his world and before he knew it, Quentin had opened up his mouth and started to sing in his bass baritone voice.

Good morning birds.

Good morning trees.

Oh what a lovely day.

The suns so big it hurts my eyes

but really – that's okay!

A brand new day

with things to do.

So many plans to make.

I've had 6 cups of coffee so

I'm really wide awake.

I've always been a morning person.

A morning boy – hooray!

As Quentin sang, more animals had come out of their homes and approached him. Ferrets, rabbits, raccoons, badgers, and other little critters had come out and slowly approached the singing stallion. Quentin did not notice Fluttershy coming out of her cottage, ready to tend to her animal friends for the morning. She froze in her place as she saw her new friend with the animals and watched silently with an intrigued and bewildered look.

A rabbit twitched his nose curiously as it cautiously took a few hops towards Quentin. He smiled warmly and knelt down to pet it. At first the rabbit recoiled its head down in fear, but when he gently stroked it on the head, it smiled contently as it enjoyed the petting. Soon, the other animals smiled excitedly and came up to him, knowing that they had nothing to fear. Fluttershy smiled kindly as she saw her animal friends opening up so warmly to Quentin as he continued the song first singing shortly with a red bird.

Good morning deer.

Say have you heard?

Today's a lovely day.

I haven't found a way home yet,

but I'm hopeful anyway

I'll sing and smile,

we'll have a ball,

and dance forever more.

(dancing with scared deer)

Let's stand up tall with hooves in hooves

and spin around the floor.

I've always been a morning person!

A morning boy-hooray

As the deer and stallion danced happily with one another, Fluttershy came up behind Quentin and spoke. "Oh-good morning Quentin,'' Fluttershy said softly, smiling at him.

Quentin jumped slightly and whipped around, but sighed and smiled. "Oh, hi Fluttershy. Good morning,'' he greeted. "What brings you here?''

''Oh I was just coming out to tend to my animal friends,'' Fluttershy explained, pointing to her cottage.

Quentin widened his eyes. "Oh so you live there?'' he asked and Fluttershy nodded shyly.

"I hope I'm not interrupting you,'' she added quietly, slightly retreating behind her pink mane.

Quentin chuckled at Fluttershy's modesty and shook his head. "Oh no Fluttershy you're good. I'm just sorry for trespassing on your property.''

"You're not trespassing!'' Fluttershy responded quickly and a bit louder than usual, surprising Quentin a bit. "I'm glad I was able to run into you this morning.''

Quentin smiled warmly at his yellow Pegasus friend and she blushed. "A-and I'm happy to see my friends opening up to you so easily. They usually don't when around strangers.''

Quentin couldn't help but chuckle. "Yeah, I can't believe it either. I wasn't much of an animal person back home to tell you the truth, but here I have to admit the animals are so cute it's hard to resist,'' he responded, petting a raccoon.

Fluttershy smiled at this. "And I couldn't help but listen to your song. You really have a lovely voice.''

"That's nice of you to say. I've always loved singing and I loved performing on stage, but I guess I'm pretty decent,'' Quentin smiled shyly, feeling a blush.

"Oh but it's more than decent. It's simply divine,' Fluttershy complemented him again. The stallion blushed even brighter.

The two conversed for a few moments. Fluttershy was nice enough to allow Quentin to help feed her animals. They laughed and talked, growing closer as friends. It was obvious that Fluttershy loved animals, and could understand why her cutie mark is in the shape of butterflies. At one point, she found a short bamboo stick with some holes in it. It looked like a flute.

Fluttershy then began to play the flute like object, and to Quentin's surprise, a nice sound did came out the stick.

"Wow Fluttershy, you can play an instrument too?'' Quentin asked impressed.

Fluttershy smiled at Quentin with a soft, modest smile, 'Oh yes. When I was a filly I loved playing the flute and I loved playing it to the animals. It always relaxes me and made me feel better when something awful ever happened to me.''

Quentin frowned slightly at her answer. Something awful, happens to her? He wondered how anything could bad ever happen to a gentle and sweet pony like Fluttershy. However, not wanting to pry on her personal life, Quentin decided to steer away from the subject by responding.

"Well they certainly seem to like it,'' he said, pointing to some of the animals who seemed to be excited by the sound as they chattered.

"Do you think maybe you can play some more, if you don't mind?'' Quentin asked.

She looked at him with large, surprised eyes, but then smiled with a warm expression. "I would love to. I love seeing my animal friends happy.''

She blew softly into the bamboo flute, with her hooves holding on top of the holes as she played. Fluttershy was playing the flute beautifully as Quentin and the animals watched o with excited smiles. Fluttershy smiled and giggled as the animals began to dance to the music. Eventually, Quentin couldn't help himself and he stood on his hind legs and began to tap dance so to speak on the ground.

The animals circled around him as he danced, with Fluttershy watching in surprise. Quentin tap danced, his love for music completely taking over. Fluttershy giggled and kept playing the flute, not once losing her place and going along with the sudden dance. Soon, Quentin urged some of the animals to join him. Amazingly, the deer, rabbits, raccoons, and other critter stood up and tap danced.

Fluttershy rocked her body in glee as she watched her friends. Quentin then did an impressive tap dance solo, soon followed by one critter, then two, then all of them joined in, and after a few moments of tap dancing, the performing stallion continued the song, with Fluttershy flying beside him in the middle, beaming as the critters continued dancing.

A brand new start.

A palette cleanse.

As fresh as lime sorbet.

At first I was dishearted

but this morning…[Quentin then started to tap dance vigorously, followed by the other animals]

this morning…

this morning…[Quentin finally stopped and embraced Fluttershy in a warm hug, both of them singing and the animals held paws and hooves together as they did a 'Ring Around the Rosie like dance around them with Fluttershy singing along with Quentin]

I'm/You're okay yeah!

This morning I'm/You're okay!

As they finished the song, Fluttershy played the flute a bit more, and she and Quentin watched the animals danced. And finally a blue bird and Fluttershy played a last note together, and finally ended the song. Immediately the animals chattered happily with each other and Fluttershy and Quentin again embraced each other in a warm hug.

"Wow I must say Quentin, this has certainly been the most lively morning that we've ever had here!'' Fluttershy said with a wide smile.

The animals agreed and chatted loudly.

"I know right?!'' Quentin responded, absolutely invigorated by the rather spontaneous song and dance number. "Nothing beats singing to loosen up your vocal chords for the day.''

Fluttershy giggled and looked away before looking at Quentin sweetly. "Are all humans as kind as you Quentin?'' Fluttershy asked innocently.

Quentin thought for a moment. The last thing he wanted to do was lie to any of his new friends, especially one as sweet as Fluttershy. Quentin sighed regrettably.

"Well I'd be lying if I said they were Fluttershy. But the truth is, some humans can be pretty cruel and rotten.'' Quentin looked away in shame as he thought about some of his species that are capable of doing horrible things.

Fluttershy just looked at him with a confused, saddened face, but then smiled kindly. "Well at least we're lucky enough to be able to know one of the kindest humans we could meet,'' she said sweetly.

Quentin chuckled slightly, but touched by the compliment. "Actually Fluttershy, now that I think about it, I might be the lucky one.''

Fluttershy giggled, and then surprised him by wrapping her forelegs around Quentin's neck in another warm embrace.

Quentin blinked a few times in confusion. "Fluttershy?''

Fluttershy nuzzled her face against his. "I know that you came to Equestria by accident, but I'm glad that you did came here anyway,'' she said softly.

It took Quentin a moment to process what Fluttershy said and he smiled softly and put his forelegs around her. "You know what Fluttershy, I'm glad too,'' Quentin replied softly, embracing his friend.

> A Gift of Generosity
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quentin walked through the streets of Ponyville with a bright smile on his face. It had been about fifteen minutes since he left Fluttershy's cottage. By now, it was passed eight o clock and the town was already buzzing with colorful ponies going on with their day. Quentin passed near Sugarcube Corner and noticed that there were already reconstruction to the buildings that were damaged by the chimera attack the other day.

As Quentin continued through the town, he was greeted warmly by many different ponies. Some ran up to him, recognizing him as the one that stopped the chimera and gave the stallion praises.

"Hey you're the one that stopped the chimera yesterday!''

"Oh thank you, I don' know what would happen if that monster wasn't stopped!''

"That was so brave of you!''

Some would say, and each time Quentin would humbly digress the claims. A certain white unicorn with a purple mane and tail noticed the small crowd and tilted her head.

"I wonder what the commotion is about?'' she asked herself and proceeded to squeeze her way through the crowd.

Finally, she came to the center and beamed when she saw the familiar stallion.

"Quentin! Quentin over here!'' she called.

Quentin looked towards who was calling his name and a smile came to my face to see it was Rarity.

"Rarity!'' Quentin called happily, trotting to meet her.

"Quentin it's so nice to see you. How are you doing today?'' Rarity asked, pulling him into a gentle hug.

"I'm doing just fine, now that I ran into a familiar face,'' Quentin responded as they ended the embrace. "You're looking as beautiful as ever today.''

'' Rarity blushed and giggled at the compliment. "Oh, that's very sweet of you to say darling. You're quite the charmer.''

Quentin just smiled bashfully and the two started to walk and chat.

"So Rarity, what are you doing on such a beautiful day?'' Quentin asked.

"Oh I was finishing up some early grocery shopping. I wanted to get an early start so I can focus on some orders that really needs to be done,'' Rarity responded in her cultivated, tans-Atlantic accent.

Quentin noticed that the pure white unicorn had twin saddlebags on her back, a few lumps visible from the items it held. "Orders?'' he asked, scrunching up his face, but then remembered. Ohhh that's right, you're a designer right?''

Rarity flicked her beautiful, purple bang and looked at her friend with her large, azure eyes.

"Not just a designer Quentin, but a seamstress and Ponyville's leading fashionista!'' Rarity proclaimed proudly.

"Wow, that's a pretty bold claim,'' Quentin smirked, wanting to tease Rarity for a bit.

"What, you don't believe me?'' Rarity asked with a raised eyebrow, not knowing whether he was being playful or being serious.

The dreadlocked stallion shrugged, "I'm not saying anything. I mean, who am I to doubt your claims of being the number one designer in Ponyville?''

Rarity stared at Quentin for a moment, then a mischievous grin spread across her face. "So you want proof do you? Well what are you doing today?''

The earth pony rolled his brown eyes as he brought a hoof to his chin to think of any plans of what he would do today. Other than help Applejack and her family with the farm, but seeing that it was still early, Quentin shrugged. "Umm nothing why?''

''Would you like to come to my shop and take a look at some of my designs?'' Rarity asked with a hopeful gleam in her eyes.

Quentin blinked blankly at the request. "Your shop? Sure, I guess.''

"Excellent! Let me just pick up a few more things on my list then we'll head back.''

Quentin smiled and nodded.

Rarity and Quentin conversed with each other while he helped her to find her remaining items at the busy market place. Finally with her errands done, she proceeded to lead Quentin back to her workplace.

"So Rarity how's your tail doing?'' Quentin asked, wincing a bit remembering how the chimera burned of some of her gorgeous tail.

Rarity blinked then giggled sheepishly. ''Oh yes my tail. It's been through worst darling trust me, it's been through more ordeals than that,'' Rarity responded warmly, looking back at her tail. "Yes, I was able to wash the scorch marks off of it.''

True the burned ends were gone, but still her tail was shorted and spread out on the tip. "I'm sorry that happened to you,'' Quentin said apologetically.

Rarity shook her head. "It wasn't your fault darling. It was that brute of a monster chimera. Good thing you gave that beast the beating it deserved.''

Quentin blushed and smiled shyly, looking away. "I really didn't give it a beating. It's really isn't worth mentioning.''

Rarity couldn't help but smile warmly at Quentin's humility. Rarity and Quentin chatted some more as they headed towards her shop. He noticed that he had passed through here already as the two were now passing through the clearing full of tent like buildings. Finally, they arrived at Rarity's residence.

"Ah here we are Quentin,'' Rarity declared.

The human turned pony looked towards the building and his jaw dropped. It was the same large, fancy building that he had passed earlier on in the day. "You work here?!'' Quentin asked, dumbfounded.

"Why yes, this is my workshop, and my humble abode,'' Rarity responded with a refined smile.

Quentin did a double take. "You LIVE here too?!''

Rarity just giggled at his outburst. "That's correct, the Carousel Boutique is not too much for you isn't it?''

Quentin just gawked at Rarity and the home and Rarity walked by gracefully, casually closing his mouth with a hoof. "It's rude to hang your mouth open sweetie,'' Rarity said.

Quentin finally snapped out of his gawk as he followed Rarity. "Sorry Rarity it's just, I passed by this place earlier and I thought whoever lives here...I guess the job brings you some form of wealth?''

Rarity smiled gently at him. "Yes, my profession does bless me with some riches, but the true wealth is me being able to do something that I truly love and to see the satisfaction and joy that my garments bring to my clients.''

Quentin looked at Rarity, completely amazed. One would think that with Rarity's beauty and work, she would come off as snobby and conceited, but she was the complete opposite of that. She was so humble about her work, and only cared for the happiness she brings to anypony that wears her work.

Quentin smiled at Rarity as they walked up the path and to the door. Rarity's horn glowed a billowing light blue aura as she used her magic to levitate her key from her bag. She unlocked the door and she led him inside.

"Come in Quentin, do make yourself at home,'' Rarity said hospitably.

As Quentin walked in and was amazed about the interior of the shop. It was a beautiful studio. Majestic gowns and outfits hung on pony mannequins, plans and designs for other outfits were pinned up on the wall in a straight line, there were even a set of full-length mirrors in one section of the studio. The stallion gazed around in awe as he looked around the studio. This was definitely a home fit for a princess to live in.

"Do you like Quentin?'' Rarity asked, using her magic to set her saddlebags on a table.

"Oh I like...really, REALLY like!'' Quentin responded softly, forming a slow smile.

Rarity giggled and proceeded to begin to put away her groceries. Quentin noticed and trotted over to her.

"Here, let me help Rarity,'' he offered politely.

Rarity was touched by the offer. "Why Quentin, what a remarkably genticolt you are. Thank you so much,'' Rarity said, batting her eyelashes.

Quentin smirked, "No problem.''

With the saddlebags in his mouth, Rarity led Quentin to her kitchen, which was as magnificent as her studio. The tiles were polished blue with a nice sized, round table covered with a fine blue table covering with white lining in the corner next to a window. After helping Rarity put away her groceries, a thought came into Quentin's mind.

"Wait a minute, so ponies DO wear clothes?'' Quentin asked with a slightly scrunched face. Up until this point, all ponies Quentin had seen and met were bare, save for the fur coats on their backs.

"Why of course darling, well sometimes,'' Rarity laughed. "True most of the time we ponies don't wear clothes, but on special occasions even we like to dolly up to look out best!''

Quentin just nodded understandingly. "Well there goes more of my misconceptions about a world of talking ponies,'' he thought to himself, but decided to digress. "So Rarity, were do you sleep?''

"Up stairs, me and Sweetie Belle both do,'' Rarity said.

"Sweetie Belle? Oh right she's your little sister right?''

Rarity nodded. "Correct, our parents tend to do a bit a traveling a lot, so she stays with me. She usually meets with Apple Bloom and Scootaloo before heading off to school, so she's gone now. Come, I'll show you.''

Rarity led Quentin up stairs to the second floor. They walked down the hall and passed a door with a sign that read 'Sweetie Belle' on it in what appears to be different colored crayons and with patches of glitter on it. Quentin couldn't help but smirk at the cuteness of it as Rarity led him to her room.

This room, belongs to yours truly,'' Rarity declared proudly, and dramatically.

Quentin's eyes widened as he looked around the large, round room. It was nicely furnished with a queen sized bed with a light purple mattress and a burgundy cover. The bed had drapes matching the mattress hanging from the top and sides. There was a large wooden desk with shelves that held numerous rolls of fabrics with three mannequins placed in front of the window. A few feet from her bed was a large, mahogany dresser.

This room was truly a marvel and Rarity really did have an impeccable sense of style. Quentin let out an impressed whistle. "Wow, I really must admit Rarity, you're sense of style are out of this world.''

"Why thank you Quentin, I try,'' Rarity smiled, flicking her mane with her hoof.

The two conversed nicely for a while, having gone back downstairs and into the studio. Quentin walked around the gallery, looking around at the gorgeous outfits impressed.

"Well I guess I owe you an apology Rarity. With these designs, only the best fashion designer in Ponyville could make these. Heck, I may know little to nothing about others designers but I bet you'd be one of the best in Equestria,'' Quentin commented while he observed a beautiful gown.

"Oh Quentin you're too kind. That one you're looking at took three weeks to finish,'' Rarity said with that graceful smile.

"Really, three weeks to make THIS?'' Quentin asked impressed, carefully running his hoof along it.

Rarity nodded. "Yes, though I hope that yours won't take nearly as long to finish.''

Quentin whipped his head at Rarity, a shocked expression on his face. "Wait what?!'' Quentin asked loudly.

"I said I'm making you an outfit especially for you,'' Rarity repeated, a smile on her face.

Quentin immediately refused the offer. "Oh no Rarity, you really don't have to do that!'' he said, waving his hooves in front of him, but that had no effect. Rarity stood up on her hind legs and brought a hoof to her chin and thought, scanning him closely.

"Nonsense darling, I won't have no for an answer. Besides, I already started on it last night.''

"You did?!'' Quentin asked dumbly.

"Why of course Quentin. You didn't possible think that I would allow one of my new friends to go without one of my fabulous clothing did you?'' Rarity asked cocking an eyebrow.

"I...I!'' The befuddled stallion stammered, but Rarity cut him off.

"Now, I already started on the design, now let me just get your measurements.'' Rarity magically levitated a roll of clothing measuring tape as she walked towards him. "Can you please stand up for me?'' she asked.

Quentin opened his mouth to reject, but then closed it and sighed reluctantly and did as he was told.

Rarity used her magic to unravel the tape and began taking her friend's measurements. Quentin would occasionally hear her give understood 'hmm' and mumble his measures and used her magic to write them down with a quill and paper. After about five minutes, Rarity let out a satisfied 'ok'.

"Right, now that I've got your measurements, the rest of your outfit will be a breeze to finish,'' Rarity chimed, looking over the measurements.

"Rarity...,'' Quentin began but Rarity raised her hoof to silence him. "I know what you're going to say Quentin. I'm making you a nice outfit whether you like it or not.'' Rarity then gave him a kind smile.

Quentin just looked at her. Never before have he seen such...generosity from someone, and from a pony. He smiled faintly at the white unicorn.

"This may take some time, but I'm certain I can have it ready by noon. If you like, you can just relax while I finish.''

Quentin nodded. "Ok Rarity, will do,'' with a smile.

Rarity took the measurements and trotted to one of the walls to pin them up. It wasn't long after that till she was busy with a sewing machine doing her work with orange work glasses on her face.

Not wanting to disrupt her from her work, Quentin decided to go back upstairs so he wouldn't be a bother. He went back into Rarity's room and sat down on a fine, Victorian burgundy couch.

"Hmmm nice, so comfy,'' Quentin sighed, bouncing up and down a bit.

Suddenly out of nowhere, a chubby cat had pounced itself onto his lap, causing Quentin to jump a little. It was a white, Persian cat with fluffy fur, a wide face, and a purple ribbon on the top of its head. It also had an opal studded collar around its neck and Quentin could see that it was a girl.

"What the...well where did you come from little lady?'' Quentin asked playfully, gently stroking her.

The cat purred, clearly enjoying the petting. The cat happily rubbed up against Quentin's stomach and finally curled itself into a ball. Quentin soon laid his head back and felt his eyes getting heavier. He did woke up earlier than usual and one would guess he was still pretty tired, especially after that spontaneous singing and dancing he did at Fluttershy's. Before Quentin knew it, his eyes closed and had laid down on the couch and fast asleep. It only felt like a few minutes when someone was gently shaking him awake.

"Quentin...wake up darling,'' Rarity cooed softly.

Quentin slowly opened his eyes to meet Rarity's own beautiful ones. He let out a yawn and sat up.

"Did you have a nice nap?'' Rarity asked with a soft smile.

"Yeah, I'll say I have,'' Quentin said, stretching. "Sorry, for dozing off on your couch,'' he added sheepishly.

Rarity giggled. "Oh that's quite alright. It IS a pretty comfortable couch. Even I would find myself drifting off to sleep when I'm thinking of new ideas sometimes.''

They both shared a laugh. "So...how long was I sleeping?'' Quentin asked, looking around for a clock.

"Oh for about two hours,'' Rarity answered.

"Oh wow really?'' Quentin asked, kind of embarrassed.

"Yes, it's a little past ten,'' Rarity answered.

"Oh boy that was longer than I wanted,'' Quentin mumbled to himself. "So what's up Rarity?''

Rarity shot the stallion a smirk. "What's up...what's up? Why your brand new, one of a kind outfit is completed that's what's up.''

Quentin widened his eyes in surprise. "Really, you're done already?''

Rarity nodded. "Of course darling. And just wait till you see it, you're going to absolutely love it!'' Rarity said excitedly.

"Come, come now follow me. Oh and close your eyes, no peeking!'' Rarity said playfully.

Quentin let out a chuckled and shrugged as Rarity came behind him and put her hooves around his eyes so he couldn't see anything. "Now you just let me led you downstairs,'' Rarity said.

"Alright Rarity, led the way,'' Quentin grinned.

Slowly but carefully, Rarity led Quentin out of her room and downstairs and to the studio. After walking a few feet, they stopped.

"Alright Quentin, are you ready to see your new outfit?'' Rarity asked excitedly.

"More than I'll ever be,'' Quentin responded. He wasn't much into fashion, but it was still interesting to see.

"Well brace yourself for your new, one of a kind outfit, the piece de resistance de la haute couture made from Ponyville's number one fashionista, herself, yours truly,'' Rarity began, a hint of playfully arrogance in her voice.

Quentin scrunched his face a bit as he thought, ''Ok, even though I don't know what the fuck you just said.''

"Quentin, may I please present you with my latest, creation yet!'' the unicorn declared.

Rarity uncovered his eyes and Quentin opened them, only for them to grow big and jaw jaw to go agape at the site he was looking at. On the mannequin before him, was a dazzling outfit that words could not describe. The mannequin had a red T-shirt with stylized white drawings on it, which seems to be made of white, sparkling gems. Over the T-shirt was a hot, black, sleek blazer with the sleeves rolled up halfway. Like the shirt, the blazer had gemstones on it, but shimmering ruby gem going down along the hems, one on the middle of each sleeve, and some placed perfectly on the back. Quentin couldn't believe the work he was looking at.

"So...what do you think? Do you like it?'' Rarity asked eagerly, waiting for an answer.

Quentin didn't speak, he just walked up and observed the outfit. "T-these CAN'T be real rubies!'' Quentin said in disbelief.

"Why of course they're real. I NEVER use anything fake on my designs!'' Rarity scoffed.

"And you did this in TWO hours?!'' Quentin asked

Rarity just giggled. "Like I said before Quentin, I got a start on it last night, so it was no big problem.''

He just stared at Rarity and looked at the outfit. It was the best he'd seen in his life, even more so than anything he'd seen on Earth. "Rarity...this is just...magnificent!'' Quentin finally said, beaming.

Rarity's face let up. "Really, do you really like it?''

Quentin shook his head. "No I don't like it...I LOVE it!''

Rarity blushed. "Oh you're just saying that.''

Quentin closed his left eye and brought a hoof to his right temple. "Let me put it this way, I've seen a lot of great outfits on my world, and this one alone puts all of them to shame.''

Rarity let out a soft squeal of joy. She always loved being acknowledged for her work, especially but her satisfied clients.

"Come, you absolutely MUST try it on!'' Rarity persisted.

She didn't have to tell him twice and Quentin nodded happily. Rarity used her magic, which her horn and the clothes glowed that brimming light blue aura as she teleported the outfit into the air. Quentin eagerly stat on his haunches and stretched his forelegs straight in the air as the red shirt lower and fit perfectly on his torso. Quentin then spread forelegs to the sides as the blazer went through his arms a fit just right around his back. Quentin went on all fours and immediately went over to the mirrors to observe himself.

"Quentin I must say, those colors go perfectly on you. You really do look dashing!'' Rarity marveled as she too observed him.

Quentin looked at himself, impressed. "If I wore this back on Earth, all the girls would be on me,'' he thought to himself.

Quentin then looked at Rarity. "How much do I owe you? This HAS to be expensive?''

To his utter disbelief, Rarity closed her eyes and shook her head, smiling. "No charge darling. This one's on me,'' she said warmly.

Quentin just looked at her, speechless. "Wait? No Rarity, I can't take this and not give you something for it, especially after all the hard work you put into it,'' he argued.

Rarity only responded by embracing Quentin in a tender hug, her arms wrapped around his neck. "You don't owe me a single bit. After all, it's the least I could do for after you saved my sister from that beast yesterday,'' Rarity whispered.

Quentin opened his mouth to argue, but Rarity quickly hushed him. "No, it's the end of the discussion. Don't say anything more about it. Besides, I never charged my dear friends for their garments.'' Rarity gave the shocked stallion a kind smile.

Quentin just stared at her. Her unparalleled generosity completely amazed him.

"Rarity...I,'' Quentin began softly, not knowing how to express his gratitude, especially since she thought of him, him a stranger from another world who'd she only known for two days already considered him a dear friend.

All Quentin could do was smile warmly and embraced her again. "Thank you Rarity, just thank you,'' he said softly, but gratefully.

Rarity smiled and stroked his back gently. "Of course, anytime dearie.'' She then surprised Quentin with a kiss on the cheek. Quentin chuckled, ''You really are a generous princess Rarity,'' he said softly in her ear.

> To Never Change
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quentin was walking thought the streets of Ponyville, having just left Rarity's place. He asked her to hold onto the outfit until later for him to pick up. Quentin was still humbled and surprised how considerate Rarity had been to him for making such a garment, and free of charge too.

"Man these Ponies...every moment they surprise me. Will they ever cease to amaze me?'' Quentin wondered as he walked.

At that moment, a grey, Pegasus pony had collided break neck speed into him from out of nowhere. The impact slid them both back a few feet on the ground and put the two equines both in a dazed, with Quentin having the wind knocked out of him. Along with a grey coat, the Pegasus had a flowing, blonde mane with a bang on her head and tail with yellow, walled eyes that were rolling round as she was in a daze. On her flanks were seven different shaped bubbles that acted as her cutie mark.

"Well I guess that answered my question,'' Quentin grumbled irritable to himself, as he snapped out of his daze.

"Um sorry. I just don't know what went wrong,'' the female Pegasus said as she got off of Quentin. "Are you ok?''

"Yeah, yeah I'm ok,'' Quentin muttered, still a bit annoyed by the collision. "What about you, you seemed to be in quite a hurry?'' Quentin began but froze as his eyes met hers.

The stallion stared into her yellow eyes which were crossed and not having a fixed gaze, the appearance surprised him to say the least. The best Quentin could describe her expression was...derpy.

"Hey, what's wrong? Are you ok?'' the Pegasus asked, tilting her head. Quentin shook out of his stare and responded.

"O-oh naw I'm good. How about you uhhhh-'' Quentin said, not knowing her name.

"Oh I'm Derpy Hooves, Ponyville's mail mare!'' Derpy said happily.

It took all the strength Quentin had to not burst out laughing at the strange name. "Oh my God I SWEAR I was kidding about the whole 'derp' thing!'' Quentin laughed out loud in his mind.

"No but seriously,'' Quentin responded, giving the Pegasus an awkward smile.

Derpy looked at him, confused out of her mind, "Um, seriously?''

Quentin cocked an eyebrow as he examined Derpy, hoping to find the slightest of evidence that she was just joking about her name. However, the pony just stared at him perplexed and Quentin's face fell with a skeptical look on his face.

"Derpy Hooves...seriously?'' Quentin thought to himself.

Quentin did noticed that she had a saddled bag full mail, and some had scattered around them due to the impact.

"H-Hi there Derpy, I'm Quentin,'' Quentin greeted sheepishly.

Derpy blinked and tilted her head. "Quentin? What a strange name!'' she chimed.

Quentin was not amused. "And 'Derpy Hooves' isn't a strange name?'' the dreadlocked stallion thought annoyed. "So, you're a mail carrier?''

"Uh-huh, I was late for my rounds, that's why I was going so fast and I guess I wasn't looking where I was going. And now, all the mail is scattered everywhere,'' Derpy said wearily.

Quentin could see how somber Derpy was and he softened a bit.

"Hey look really, its ok. Don't worry about it,'' Quentin reassured, putting a hoof on her shoulder.

She looked at him with her sad, walled eyes.

"Hey, how about I help you pick these envelopes up, huh?'' Quentin gave Derpy a kind smile.

Derpy's face lit up instantly. "Really, you would really do that for me Quentin?'' Derpy asked.

"Of course, now let's get these mail picked up,'' Quentin smirked.

Derpy smiled and nodded and they proceeded to pick up the mail. As Quentin and Derpy gathered the mail, he actually had an enjoyable conversation with Derpy, even sharing a laugh every now and then.

"There and here's the last of it,'' Quentin declared though a bit muffled, a stack of mail in his mouth.

Quentin put the mail in Derpy's saddlebag. "Yep, all safe and sound. Thanks again Quentin,'' Derpy smiled gratefully.

"Just happy to help Derpy,'' the earth pony responded with a smile.

"I better get back to my rounds,'' Derpy said, as she flew up into the sky. She was about to sped off, but she turned back around to Quentin. "Hey, do you like muffins?''

"Muffins? Yeah sure, I guess,'' Quentin responded, a bit taken back by the question.

This made Derpy smile brightly and she flew back down in front of him, digging into one of her bags. "Here, you can have this, it's the least I can do for helping me,'' Derpy chimed and presented him with a muffin.

"Oh, well gee thanks Derpy,'' Quentin said gratefully, taking the muffin in his hoof. "What flavor is it?''

"It's blueberry, I made it myself!'' the mail mare said proudly.

Quentin inhaled the sweet aroma and licked his lips a little. Blueberry muffins were one of his favorite flavors. "Well it certainly smells great. That's really sweet of you Derpy,'' Quentin said kindly.

Derpy giggled, "No problem. Now I really need to head west.''

With that Derpy flew into the air and began to fly in the direction behind him. Quentin immediately saw something wrong and he called back to her. "Derpy wait!''

Derpy stopped to a halt and turned around. "Yeah Quentin?!'' Derpy called back.

"West is that way!'' Quentin called, pointing to the opposite direction.

Derpy scratched her head, a confused expression on her face. "West is...that way?'' she asked with no clue whatsoever.

Quentin sighed and shook head. "Yep, it's a-that way.''

Derpy scratched her head quizzically and beamed. "Right, I knew that!'' she chimed and flew off toward the direction Quentin pointed, albeit not too in an orderly fashion. "Thanks again Quentin!'' Derpy called back right before colliding with a wooden poll. Quentin winced as he saw the impact. Derpy's eyes rolled as dizzily and she shook from her daze.

"I'm ok!'' she called, still in a slight daze and flew off.

Quentin shook his head again, "Wow now THAT was an interesting pony,'' he muttered to himself before taking a bite out of the muffin. He smiled as he chewed the delicious treat.

"But she sure makes a mean muffin,'' the munching pony admitted, his mouth full.

Quentin finished the muffin as he walked through town. He smiled and looked around at the sights and sounds of ponies going about their day, Quentin even just noticed a mountain that was visible but a ways east of Ponyville. Quentin winced at the mountain for he was certain that he could see an outline of something massive jutting out high about of the mountain side. Though strange, Quentin just shrugged it off and proceeded with his walk. Quentin then froze when he saw a familiar pink pony bouncing happily up and down as she headed towards an unknown destination. The stallion grinned as he called her name. "Hey Pinkie Pie!''

Quentin trotted and caught up with the bubbly pony. Pinkie turned and smiled.

"Hey Quentin. What's up?'' Pinkie greeted happily.

"Oh not much, I figured I give myself a little tour of the town. You know, to get myself more familiar with this place,'' Quentin replied.

"Oh really, how's that going. I know Ponyville has some super fun and great places!'' Pinkie said excitedly, bouncing all around her friend.

Quentin could only smirk at the display. He was still blown away at how much energy Pinkie had, like she had just eating five bags of sugar and drank ten cups of soda.

"Pinkie, do you EVER stop smiling?'' Quentin laughed.

Pinkie shook her head, ''Me...Not smiling? No way. Smiles just puts you in an ultra, special, giggly mood. Why wouldn't you like to smile?'' Pinkie asked.

Quentin chuckled, he actually adored Pinkie's positive, upbeat attitude. She was sunny. "So Pinkie, what are you into right now?'' he asked as they started to walk.

"Just making an order for more flower for the bakery, you can't make cakes and pies without them you know!'' Pinkie responded.

What Pinkie just said just put a thought in his head. "Oh that reminds me, thanks again for the lunch yesterday Pinkie and for that awesome party, even though it really wasn't necessary,'' Quentin said chuckling a bit towards the end.

"Hey it's the least I could do for helping to stop that meanie chimera yesterday,'' Pinkie chimed.

"Again with the chimera. All these thanks are starting to get a little embarrassing,'' Quentin thought to himself.

"Anyway, I'm heading back to Sugarcube Corner to get back to work,'' Pinkie continued.

The stallion grinned, cocking an eyebrow. "Boy, you really like working at that place do you?''

Pinkie looked at him and beamed. "Are you loco in the noco Quentin? I love working at Sugarcube Corner. It's my dream job. Nothing beats baking cakes and all other goodies all day long. And Mr. and Mrs. Cake were even kind enough to let me rent their loft to let me live there!''

Pinkie's large blue eyes shined as she told Quentin about her passion. He smiled as Pinkie continued her rant about that bakery.

"Hey Quentin, would you like to come with me? Maybe I can show you what I do there, maybe you can even bake a few things?!'' Pinkie asked excitedly. "Please say yes, please say yes, PLEASE SAY YES!'' Pinkie exclaimed as she grabbed Quentin by the shoulders and brought him to where their muzzles were touching.

Quentin gave her an awkward look and looked round to see if anyone else were seeing the display. However, the other ponies simply went on their way, probably because they were used to Pinkie's antics already.

"Uhhh...ok?'' Quentin answered uncertainly.

"Great! Let's get going, we've got some orders to fill!'' Pinkie exclaimed happily and she grabbed her friend and sped off towards the bakery.

"Man this girl is crazy!'' Quentin thought.

They made it to Sugarcube Corner and Pinkie led Quentin into the back door of the store. Instantly his nostrils were hit with a blast of sweet aromas of the sweets and baked goods that were being made for customers. As they walked into the kitchen, the two saw the two ponies that operated the bakery working. Mr. Cake was a yellow earth pony that was much ganglier than regular ponies. He had an orange mane and tail and had three frosted covered brownie on his flank that was his cutie mark. He also had a protruding lower jaw and wore a white apron, an orange and white striped tie, and a matching cap on his head.

Mrs. Cake was a baby blue pony who was shorter and rounder in contrast to her husband. She had her mane and tail was pink with her mane in the style that resembled a swirled, strawberry ice cream on a cone. Her cutie mark was that of three cupcakes with pink frosting and a cheery on top. She wore a pink and yellow, feminine apron and a pair of round pink earrings on her ears.

"Hiya Mr. and Mrs. Cake!'' Pinkie greeted her two bosses and landlords. Mr. and Mrs. Cake turned to her and smiled.

"Oh Pinkie, great your back,'' Mr. Cake said in a relieved tone. "And it's a good thing too, we're extra busy today.''

"Who's your friend dear?'' Mrs. Cake asked in a sweet, motherly tone.

"Oh yeah, Mr. and Mrs. C, I like you to meet my good friend, Quentin!'' Pinkie introduced Quentin, putting an arm around his shoulders.

"Hi there sir and ma'am," Quentin smiled politely.

"It's a pleasure to meet you Quentin,'' Mr. Cake said, putting a batch of cupcakes in the oven.

"Likewise dear, but I wish we could've have the introductions on a more, flexible day,'' Mrs. Cake added, mixing a bowl of batter.

"Yes honey bun, we have a very big order to fill for a party this afternoon and we are VERY shorthanded,'' Mr. Cake added, getting some ingredients from the refrigerator.

Pinkie beamed. "Well we're in luck, Quentin offered to help us out a bit. He can be a volunteer!'' Pinkie announced happily.

Mr. and Mrs. Cake stopped what they were doing and smiled happily. "Really, would you really be so kind as to help us Quentin?'' Mrs. Cake asked.

The brown stallion smiled and nodded. "Yes ma'am, if I there's anything I could do?''

"This is fantastic, with another set of hooves, we might just make the order on time!'' Mr. Cake said hopefully to his wife.

Mrs. Cake nodded. ''Do you have any experience in baking dear?'' she asked.

"Yes, Mrs. Cake, I've helped my aunt baked things plenty of times before,'' Quentin answered, remembering the times how he and his aunt would bake cakes and pies.

Mr. and Mrs. Cake smiled approvingly. "Great, you have the job. Pinkie, we trust you can show Quentin the ropes?'' Mr. Cake asked.

"You can count on me Mr. Cake, by the time we're done, Quentin will be a natural!''

Mr. and Mrs. Cake smiled. "Well we're going to head on to the Town Hall where the catering will take place to get an early start up. Can you meet us there with the orders?'' Mrs. Cake asked.

Pinkie Pie nodded as she made a salute, a serious look on her face, ''Will do. Operation Tall Order is a go!''

The two bosses smiled at Pinkie's remark and left the kitchen to tend to their important needs but not without giving Pinkie a list of goods that need to be baked and Pinkie took charge.

"Alright, let's get to it!'' Pinkie said excitedly.

Quentin nodded, "Right just tell me what to WHA!'' he suddenly let out with a jump. Quentin had suddenly felt something moist and soft clamp to his back right leg. He look over to see a small green alligator big purple eyes his jaw around his leg. Quentin let out a scream as he bucked to get it off him. It worked as the alligator flew into the air.

"GUMMY!'' Pinkie exclaimed as she ran and effortlessly caught the little reptile. "Are you ok Gummy?'' Pinkie cooed the alligator.

It said nothing, just averted its eyes and clamped down on the tip of Pinkie's mane. Quentin just looked at Pinkie like she was crazy.

"Of course you are my little Gummy Wummy!'' Pinkie baby talked and trotted over to the shocked, gawking stallion.

"Quentin, I like you to meet my pet, Gummy!'' Pinkie said. Quentin just looked at the critter. "Pinkie your pet is a...alligator?'' Quentin asked, scrunching up his face.

Pinkie nodded. "Yup, he's my little Gummy. He tends to bite everything and everypony as you can see. But it does no harm, cuz he's toothless!''

Quentin winced as he took a closer look and sure enough, he could see nothing but pink gums in the alligator's mouth.

"A toothless alligator, now I've seen everything,'' Quentin muttered to himself.

"I'm sorry if Gummy started you,'' Pinkie said, giving the stallion an apologetic expression.

Quentin grinned. "Nah it's all good Pinkie. I'm sorry for flinging you into the air little guy, 'he said to the little alligator.

Again it said nothing and it leaped from Pinkie's mane and bit painlessly on Quentin's muzzle. Pinkie bounced happily up and down. "Aw he likes you!''

The two shared a laugh and Pinkie got Gummy off her friend. "Sorry we can't play right now Gummy, but we have a really big order to fill. I'll play with you later on ok?'' Pinkie said to her pet.

Gummy just looked blankly into space and walked away.

''Now how about we get started?''

Quentin nodded. "Yeah, let's do this.''

"Let's see, now what's on the list?'' Pinkie said as she skimmed through the paper. "Wow, this IS a big order. Twenty-five, strawberry short cakes, two hundred cupcakes, three dozen apple dumplings, and at least fifty funnel cakes all for the party at two o clock today.''

Quentin jaw dropped at what he had just heard. "Twenty-five...two hundred...three dozen...'' he stammered. "Maybe this wasn't such a good idea?'' Quentin thought uncertainly.

Suddenly, Pinkie laughed out loud. "That's it?! We can finish this no problem!''

Quentin gawked at the pony. "Are you kidding me?! That's almost three hundred items to make!''

Pinkie just brushed it off with a smile. "Aw that's not so bad, especially if we enjoy it!''

Quentin blinked confusingly, "Enjoy it?'' he repeated, trying to make sense of what Pinkie had just said.

Pinkie smiled and nodded. "Yup, if we just enjoy being in each other's company, then it'll be easy peasy, pudding in the freezie.''

"Pudding in the freezie?'' Quentin began, but let out a chuckle, shaking his head. "Pinkie I swear,'' He began.

Pinkie tilted her head and gave Quentin a puzzled look. "You swear what Quentin?''

The dreadlocked earth pony smiled and shook his head. "It's nothing, don't worry about it Pinkie. If you think we can do it, then so do I.''

This put a wide smile on her face. "Well what are we waiting for? Let's do this thing!'' Quentin grinned and nodded and they both went to work.

"Okie dokie. Quentin, do you know how to mix and beat cake batter?'' Pinkie asked.

Quentin smirked. "Are you kidding? Easy peasy, one two threesy.''

Pinkie smirked and giggled. "Good one, then you'll do that and put the cakes and cupcakes in and out of the oven.'' Quentin nodded in understanding.

As Pinkie and Quentin worked on the orders, they conversed happily with laughs every now and again. After mixing a bowl of cake batter, Quentin poured some in two cupcake pans, each with twelve holders and put them in the oven.

"Well there's twenty-four cupcakes in,'' Quentin announced.

"Great, now let's set the timer for twenty-five minutes,'' Pinkie said, and took an egg timer and set it at that time.

This should take no time!'' she added.

"I hope so,'' Quentin responded, looking at the recipe book for the cakes. Twenty-five minutes later, the egg timer rung and he took out the cupcakes. Quentin put vanilla frosting and sprinkles on each of them and put them in white boxes. Pinkie came over to observe his work and grinned.

"Wow Quentin, your cupcakes look good. You are a natural.''

Quentin gave a cool smirk and whipped a dreadlock bang out of his face. "Thanks, I try,'' he said with playful arrogance.

Pinkie licked her lips. "And I say you succeeded. Those cupcakes look good enough to eat. But if I do that then the ponies who ordered them won't have what they ordered. And they would never want to do business with us ever again, and we DEFINATELY don't want that do we?''

Quentin laughed and put in another twenty four cupcakes in the oven. As he mixed the batter, Quentin glanced over his shoulder and saw Pinkie going over to the pantry and took out a whole chocolate cake. He watched as she ate the cake whole in one bite. Quentin looked at her, shocked with what he just saw. "Um Pinkie?'' Quentin asked a bit uncertainly.

"Yeah Quentin?'' Pinkie answered.

"Was that one of the orders you just ate?''

Pinkie looked at him blankly and then started laughing. "Of course not silly willy. This was one of the cakes I made for myself yesterday."

"And it's ok with your bosses that you can do that?'' Quentin asked, cocking an eyebrow.

Pinkie nodded. "Yeppity yep yep! Since I can't eat the things we put out for the customers, I just bake things for myself to eat later on and let me tell you, IT'S GOOD! Plus if I don't eat them they'll go stale and who wants to eat stale cake? I know I wouldn't yuck!''

Quentin let out a laugh as Pinkie Pie chomped down another one of her cakes in one bite. ''Seriously in an animated world like this, Pinkie Pie's a cartoon within a cartoon,'' Quentin thought to himself.

Quentin and Pinkie Pie resumed their task. After Quentin put a cake in the oven and set the timer, Pinkie Pie came over to him.

"So how are you liking Ponyville so far Quentin?'' The pink pony asked with a calm smile.

Quentin looked at her and responded with a soft smile of his own, ''To tell you the truth Pinkie, this world gets more interesting each minute that I'm here. I've definitely haven't been to a place like it.''

Pinkie Pie said with a happy bounce, ''I'm so glad you like it! Ponyville is the best lace I've ever lived, it's impossible not to like it here!'' But then Pinkie Pie looked at the stallion with a saddened expression.

"But still, I'm really sorry we didn't find a way to get you back home.''

The comment took Quentin by surprise. He stared at his pink friend for a moment or two before smiling kindly, ''It's ok Pinkie really. True that I was hoping to find a way back to my world and I was really disappointed that I didn't find anything but like I said before, I want to help you all out at least until your princesses have returned.''

"But who knows how long that could take? I don't want you to be sad for that amount of time,'' Pinkie Pie challenged, her sad expression never leaving.

Quentin merely chuckled lightly. "But I'm not sad Pinkie, at least not anymore. It was easy to have been cheered up again thanks to you and the other girls. I can't thank you enough for that Pinkie.''

At this Pinkie smiled as she drew closer to the earth pony. "Aw you don't have to thank us. It wouldn't have been right if we had just left you here without any friends. So until you get home to your friends and family, we'll gladly step in and help you out as much as we can.''

Quentin looked at Pinkie Pie with a quivering smile before his face fell sadly as he averted his eyes. Pinkie saw this and looked at him with a concerned look.

"What is it Quentin? Is something wrong?''

Quentin didn't say anything at first.

"C'mon you can tell me. Let Auntie Pinkie Pie know what's troubling you,'' she smiled.

Quentin gave her a weird look. "Auntie? I'm pretty sure I'm older than you,'' he retorted.

She just looked at him, but Quentin just stroked his pendant that hung around his neck and shook his head with a very somber gaze as h gritted his teeth. "I…I think we better finish with this order.''

Pinkie tilted her head as she gazed at Quentin with a concerned, bewildered gaze. "It's ok Quentin. You can tell me. If it's a secret than I promise to-''

"Please Pinkie Pie, I'd…I'd rather not say,'' Quentin cut her off with a very weary look.

Pinkie looked upon the stallion with a truly sad and regretful glance. She wanted to know what was causing his sadness, but at the same time she saw how reluctant he was to talk about it and she nodded sadly, but understandingly.

"Ok Quentin. If you don't want to talk about it, we don't have to. Besides your right, we should get these orders finishes.

Quentin said nothing just nodded and the two went back to work. Pinkie and Quentin mixed, beat, and baked mostly in silence as they finished their tasks. It took a good two hours, but the two finally managed to complete the tall order. Quentin sighed and whipped his head.

"Whew, finished at last. We did it!'' Quentin said, smiling proudly at the piles of white boxes that held cakes, cupcakes, and dumplings.

Suddenly out of nowhere, confetti fell from the ceiling as Pinkie swung from a rope, with a party had on, blowing a party blower. "WHOO-HOO! OPERATION TALL ORDER COMPLETED!'' Pinkie exclaimed happily as she swung back and forth.

The antic caught Quentin by surprised, especially the fact that she was standing next to him one moment and literally the next second she was doing this. ""Pinkie, how did you-'' Quentin began but was interrupted by the crazy party pony.

"Hold on, Operation Tall Order won't be complete until we get these treats to the town hall!''

Quentin looked at the clock on the wall to find it was 12:01 PM. "Good time too. That party doesn't start till two, so we have plenty of time.''

"We do don't we? Hey Quentin, do you mind helping me to take all this stuff to the town hall?'' Pinkie Pie asked.

Quentin nodded with a soft smile, "Of course I will Pinkie.''

This caused Pinkie Pie to squeal happily as she bounced happily. It took hardly any time for them to load all the baked goods into a large wagon. When the loading was done, Quentin gladly offered to pull the wagon and when he was harnessed in, the two were off to the center of town. As the two ventured though Ponyville, Pinkie Pie constantly bounced cheerfully next to me, without a care in the world. Quentin could only smile at her happy-go-lucky attitude, appreciating her unwavering sunniness. About halfway through the journey, she started to hum a tune. Quentin couldn't imagine what song it was until Pinkie Pie started to sing aloud.

"Come on everypony smile, smile, smile. Fill my heart up with sunshine, sunshine. All I really need's a smile, smile, smile. From these lovely friends of mine!''

Pinkie Pie repeated those lines about three times as she merrily bounced along. Quentin couldn't help but bob his head to the rather catchy beat a he smiled amusingly at his pink friend. Along the way, they had entered small clearing of cottages. Quentin and Pinkie Pie saw a light brown earth pony mare with black rimmed glasses, and a long, straight, blonde mane with a bang that parted and hung low. She sat on a lawn chair with a sun reflector in hopes of sun tanning, but she was sitting under a tree and thus, was in the shade. She looked round with a disappointed frown, as if trying to figure out a way to fix her problem. Pinkie Pie saw this and with a big smile ran towards her and jumped on the tree, lowering it to give the pony clear exposer to the sun. The earth pony mare smiled gratefully at Pinkie Pie and after she tight the tip of the tree to the ground she and Quentin continued their trek to the town hall, Quentin smiling at the good deed Pinkie had just done.

Along the way the two encountered two sad fillies, one a light gold earth pony and the other a light blue unicorn. It was unknown why the two was so sad, but Pinkie seemed to know just the cure. With one quick swoop, she took the two fillies on her back and slid down a rather long, pink stair rail, the three squealing with laughter. The trio then flew off the end of the rail and onto a large wagon full of hay squares pulled by Big Mac himself and upon landing, the burl red stallion took off with a calm smile. Pinkie Pie looked back at the two fillies to see them both smiling brightly at her which in turn made her smile widely, having cheered them up.

Quentin quickly made chase after the party pony with the wagon of baked goods behind him. He let out a brief cry of laughter as she pursued his bubbly friend. This was like this throughout the journey to the town hall. Quentin watched as Pinkie would bring smiled and cheers to numerous ponies who needed their day brightened. She skipped rope with a group of fillies, sang and danced to some senior ponies, gave a cupcake to a crying filly or ice cream to a downhearted colt that was having a bad day. Quentin observed as Pinkie Pie made so many residents of Ponyville happy with her optimistic personality and her random, but kind antics. Quentin said nothing, just smiled adoringly at Pinkie Pie as he stroked his pendent, fighting the urge to shed a tear at the sheer happiness the was happing around him.

Pinkie Pie and Quentin finally made it to the center of Ponville and thus, to the town hall where Mr. and Mrs. Cake met them. They saw the completed orders and smiled.

"Wow I must say you two, you've done an excellent job!'' Mr. Cake praised.

"I'll say, and right on time too!'' Mrs. Cake added.

Pinkie and Quentin grinned at each other. "See Mr. and Mrs. C, I told ya Quentin and I had it covered. Quentin's a really baking natural!'' Pinkie said merrily.

The earth pony blush slightly at the compliment. "I don't know about that, I'm just happy I could help,'' Quentin said humbly.

"Pinkie's right, you do seemed to be a natural at this. You can volunteer at the shop anytime you want. We'd sure appreciate it,'' Mr. Cake said with a smile.

Quentin just returned the smile and nodded.

"We better hurry and get everything set up. The party will be starting soon after all!'' Mrs. Cake spoke up in an almost tuneful tone.

Quentin helped to get the goods he and Pinkie Pie had baked inside the building. There they found that tables were already set up and they proceeded to placing the orders neatly on their surfaces. While setting up the goods, Pinkie Pie also helped in putting up the remainder of the decorations. After about a good half hour, Pinkie and Quentin looked around the finished, decorated hall, the tables filled with cakes, dumplings, cupcakes, and other treats that they had baked.

"NOW, Operation Tall Order is complete WHOO-HOO!'' Pinkie Pie announced happily. As she did so, she suddenly pulled out a large, towering cake and bursting from the top firing confetti and sparkles as she jumped back onto the ground on her knees with her forelegs extended.

Quentin looked at the pony in shock, but then shook his head and let out a chuckle. He could swear that logic and the laws of physics didn't apply to Pinkie Pie in the least.

"Girl you crazy!'' Quentin finally laughed out

Pinkie Pie giggled, snorting a bit. I am crazy…crazy about fun!'' She then blew a party noise maker that extended and tickled Quentin's nose.

The two friends shared a laugh, Pinkie Pie turning around and continued blowing in her nose maker. Laugh, that's all you can do when you're with Pinkie Pie. Quentin then went up to Pinkie and gave her a hug from behind.

The act caught her by surprise. "Um Quentin? Are you ok?'' she asked with a concerned tone.

"Pinkie Pie back at the bakery…when you asked me what was wrong. I…you see…'' his voice quivered a bit, recalling the painful memories he didn't want to tell Pinkie. Pinkie just looked bewildered as Quentin swallowed a lump in his throat and continued.

"Please, just stay the way you are. To be able to brighten up spirits, to spread laughter and joy I…just please, don't ever change that about you.''

Pinkie Pie looked like she was trying to make sense about what her friend just said, but then smiled. "Don't worry Quentin. I'll still be the silly, party pony known as Pinkie Pie,'' she said in a soft tone.

"And Quentin, please don't do the same. I don't know what made you so sad earlier, but I'm glad that you're better now. We've just became friends and I love seeing my friends smile. We've only known each other for a little while now, but you've really been a good friend to me. So please…don't ever change that. Please, never stop smiling ok?''

Pinkie then turned around surprised Quentin with a kiss on the cheek. Though shocked by the gesture, Quentin smiled and embraced her again. "I won't Pinkie. I promise,'' he whispered.

> Astral Journey
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quentin walked among the busy marketplace of Ponyville after leaving Town Hall. Pinkie was continuing helping Mr. and Mrs. Cake with the upcoming function that was going to happen there at two. Quentin was surprised that it was already past noon, it felt like he only got up a few hours ago.

"Maybe I should head back to Sweet Apple Acres to help with the work? After all, I did came here from, what's the name of that place again...Fillydelphia? Yeah Fillydelphia that's right, looking for work,'' the brown earth pony thought out loud.

As he continued to walk, heading back to Applejack's place, Quentin saw the Golden Oaks Library, Twilight and Spike's home come into view.

Quentin smiled as he saw the massive, hollowed tree building. "Maybe I could drop in on Twilight for a spell,'' he said and trotted up to the library.

When Quentin got the red door he gave three strong knocks. "Coming!'' he heard a voice called out. Within seconds, the door opened to reveal Spike.

"Yes, can I-Quentin!'' Spike began and exclaimed happily as he saw the stallion.

"Hey there Spike,'' Quentin grinned patting him on the head causing him to chuckle.

"So what brings you here?'' Spike asked.

"Well I was just walking around the town and I walked by the library and thought that I would drop by for a minute. Is Twilight here?''

Spike nodded, "Yeah she's always here. I swear it takes the end of the world to get Twilight out of a book, and out of the library for that matter,'' Spike grinned

Quentin just laughed. He's learned by now that Twilight was a very intelligent pony and was a studious one at that.

"Come in, I'll get her for you,'' Spike said, moving to the side to allow Quentin to come in.

Quentin smiled and nodded and walked into the main floor, seeing piles of books everywhere as well as in the shelves. "Twilight Quentin's here! He wants to see you!'' Spike called upstairs.

"Coming!'' Twilight called back. Sure enough in a few moments, the purple unicorn came trotting down the stairs and up to the stallion and baby dragon.

"Quentin hi!'' Twilight greeted warmly. "How are you? What brings you to our cozy little library?''

"Well I was just walking by and I thought if it would be ok if I dropped in for a moment,'' Quentin responded.

Twilight smiled brightly. "Yes, yes of course. We all ways have time for a visit from a friend.''

"Do you need anything Twi?'' Spike asked, walking up to her.

Twilight shook her head. "No not at the moment Spike. In fact I think I've worked you enough today. How about you take the rest of the day off?''

Spike's face instantly lit up. "Really? Do you mean it Twi? You're not pulling my tail are you?''

Twilight giggled. "Nope, I mean it. You can have the day off.''

"YES!'' Spike exclaimed happily. "A day off. Now I can do everything I have planned on my list! And maybe I can help...Rarity with something,'' Spike sighed dreamily at his last words, hearts forming in his eyes to Quentin's surprise and curiosity.

Quentin cocking an eyebrow and gave the little dragon a weird look, but Twilight just rolled her eyes playfully and shook her head.

"Yeah that's it, I'll go see if I can help Rarity with anything.'' With that, Spike ran out the door, and closed it behind him. Quentin looked at Twilight, scratching his head. "Uh, what was THAT about?'' he asked.

Twilight let out a short giggle. "Oh Spike has a little crush on Rarity. I think it's pretty cute actually.''

"A LITTLE crush?'' Quentin retorted. "The poor little guy was practically drooling!'' The two shared a laugh.

"So Twilight, what do you usually do in the library?'' Quentin asked, but then froze and laughed sheepishly. "Oh wait, don't answer that. A library...books...you read duh Quentin,'' the incognito human joked.

Twilight giggled at this. "Well that's usually what libraries are for. But sometimes, I practice my magic with Spike's help,'' Twilight explained.

Quentin's eyes widened a bit. "You can do other spells?'' he asked in wonder.

Twilight nodded. "Of course, why wouldn't be able to?'

Her friend just chuckled. "Well it's just, the only magic I've seen so far was unicorns levitating things like pens and stuff.''

Twilight smiled understandingly. "That's correct. Levitation is a very simple spell, pretty much all unicorns here can perform easily. But I've been studying under Princess Celestia herself.''

Quentin looked at the unicorn impressed. "Wow, I guess this Princess Celestia must be pretty powerful, huh?'' he asked.

"Yes, no doubt she's the most powerful in Equestria,'' Twilight smiled, but then frowned.

Quentin tilted his head slightly with a worried look on his face. "Twilight, what's wrong?''

Twilight sighed. "It's just, I'm really worried about her and Princess Luna. I've still haven't heard back from them since that letter Princess Celestia sent. I know she's handled difficult challenges before, but still.''

Twilight looked down at the floor drearily. Quentin looked at his friend sympathetically and walked over and put a hoof on her shoulder.

"I may not know much about your two princesses, but from what I've been hearing about them, they seem like tough ponies,'' he began softly.

Twilight gazed into Quentin's brown eyes. "I'm positive that where ever they may be whatever they may do, they'll be ok. I'm positive whatever danger they're trying to prevent, they'll keep from happening. You just need to have faith.'' Quentin smiled warmly at Twilight.

The purple unicorn thought for a moment, then smiled fondly at him. "Yeah, you're right. Thanks Quentin.''

They shared a warm hug before finally breaking apart. "How about I show you around the library. You've only been here once, so maybe you can have the ten bit tour?'' Twilight suggested with a smile.

Quentin nodded and Twilight proceeded to show him around the library. They conversed as Quentin and Twilight headed up to the second floor to where she sleeps.

"And as you know, this is the room where Spike and I sleep,'' Twilight said leading him into the room.

Like the others, had shelves upon shelves of books. Twilight looked around with a prideful gaze at her room when her eyes fell upon a shelf on the left side of the two.

"Oops, slight error.'' Twilight suddenly said, trotting over to the shelf as Quentin watched.

"A History of Equestria belongs over here while The Guide to Astronomical Signs belongs over there.'' Twilight chirped. With her magic, she moved the books to their proper places on the shelf, giving a satisfied smile as the glow of her horn faded.

Quentin gave Twilight a bemused smirk before commenting. "Yep it's just what I've suspected.

Twilight gave Quentin a confused look, ''It's just how you expected what?''

"You're the Pagemaster. You're the keeper of the books and guardian of the written world. All the books obey you and you alone,'' Quentin grinned.

Twilight laughed loudly at the joke. "The Pagemaster, that's a good one Quentin. I need to remember that joke for later!''

Quentin and Twilight both shared a laugh. "I wouldn't consider myself a bookworm, but I do like to pick up a good book every now and again, maybe I can borrow one sometime?'' Quentin suggested.

''Of course, anytime you want one, let me know!'' Twilight answered happily.

Quentin chuckled. "So are you also the librarian?''

Twilight shook her head. "No, this library doesn't have one in fact, but I still get visitors looking for a good book to read.''

After conversing with each other, Quentin noticed a large, blue and gold chest in the corner. "What's in that chest over there Twi?'' he asked pointing to the chest.

Twilight, looked over to the direction and frowned. "Oh that...well,'' she began uncertainly.

Quentin looked at her intrigued. "What is it?''

"It's just that...well,'' Twilight began, still uncertain on what to say. The earth pony stared at Twilight for a few moments and she finally sighed. "Okay I can show you. But you have to promise me that you won't tell anypony what you saw.''

Quentin nodded, "I promise Twilight,'' he said seriously.

Twilight nodded and she led Quentin to the chest. She closed her eyes and her horn started to glow and she inserted it in the lock. When she did, a violet glow ran throughout the lines of the chest as Twilight magically unlocked the chest and opened it. She gestured for her friend to come and see and Quentin peered down and his eyes instantly widened. Inside the chest were five gold necklaces and a tiara each with a brilliant smooth gem in the center all laid perfectly on a purple pillow. Each gem was a different shape and color, but they all shared a common dazzling beauty.

"Damn,'' Quentin said softly. "Twilight, what are they?''

"These Quentin, are the Elements of Harmony,'' Twilight explained.

Quentin looked at her, with a quizzical look on his face, but then he understood. "Oh so these are the Elements of Harmony, what you and the others use to protect Equestria?''

Twilight nodded. "Yes, with them my friends and I used them to defeat any foe that threatens this land. And we're ready to use them when the situation calls for it.''

Quentin stared at Twilight in awe and looked at the Elements. He then noticed something about them. "Twilight, I've noticed each design is different. And they look just like yours and the others' cutie marks.''

Twilight smiled, ''Wow that's right, you have quite an intuitive mind, Quentin.''

Quentin blushed slightly at the comment and he correctly guessed which one they belong to. Rainbow Dash's was the red, lightning bolt shaped gem, Fluttershy's the pink, butterfly shaped gem, Rarity the purple diamond shaped gem, Pinkie Pie they blue, balloon shaped gem, Twilight, the tiara with the violet, star shaped gem, and Applejack the orange, apple shaped gem. Quentin found himself smiling down at Applejack's gem as he thought about her. Twilight noticed this and looked concerned.

"Um Quentin, are you ok?''

Quentin snapped out of it and replied. "What? Oh yeah I'm fine, just spaced out or a moment.''

Twilight smiled and closed the chest, magically locking it. "I understand why you want them to be kept a secret. If something as powerful as those get into the wrong hands, uh hooves, who knows what could happen,'' Quentin said.

"Exactly!'' Twilight agreed. She opened her mouth to speak, but Quentin got a feeling what she was about to say and stopped her. "Don't worry Twi, I won't tell anybody, I promise.''

Twilight smiled. "I know you won't Quentin. I trust you, otherwise, I wouldn't have shown you at all, let alone tell you about them.''

Quentin smiled, touched but the faith and trust Twilight had in him despite only knowing each other for only two days. Twilight showed him the rest of the library, going to the third and fourth book filled floors. Twilight and Quentin conversed happily with each other. Suddenly, the human turned stallion felt something rest softly on his head.

"Um Twilight...what's on my head?'' Quentin asked, trying not to lose it.

Twilight giggled. "Oh it's just Owlowiscious.''

"Owl the who now?!'' Quentin asked loudly, doing a slight double take.

He then heard a hoot sound. "That's right, who?'' Quentin responded.

Quentin heard the hoot sound again. "Why are you asking me I'm asking who too,'' Quentin responded, getting annoyed.

Twilight slapped a hoof over her mouth to keep from bursting out with laughter at the stallion's slight ignorance. "No silly that's my pet owl Owlowiscious,'' Twilight said, extending a foreleg.

Almost immediately, the owl flew off Quentin's head and onto Twilight's arm. Quentin looked at the Horned Owl intrigued as it nipped at its feathers. "Owlowiscious, I like you to meet my new friend, Quentin,'' Twilight smiled.

The owl just rotated its head 180 degrees and hooted. "Hi there Owl...Owla...whew that's a mouthful of a name,'' Quentin finally chuckled.

"I suppose it is,'' Twilight giggled, gently stroking his head. Owlowiscious helps me when I'm up late nights, since Spike is a baby dragon, he can't stay up as late as I can. So you can think of him as my secondary assistant.''

Owlowlicious hooted contently and Twilight brought him close to her face and nuzzled him. Quentin smiled and the owl flew back to the top of his head, before giving him a rather hard peck to the head.

"Ow!'' Quentin let out and Owlowliscious flew away, and he swear he heard a slight snicker come from the fowl and Quentin scowled under his breath.

"Sorry about that,'' Twilight said sheepishly. "I guess he picked up habits like that from Spike.''

''Getting pecked on by a pet owl...definitely wasn't on my to do list today,'' Quentin muttered irritably as he rubbed the spot he was pecked on.

After the slightly annoying incident, Twilight and Quentin again found ourselves in conversation. After a few moments, Twilight finally asked her friend a question. "Hey Quentin?'' Twilight asked.

"Yeah Twi?'' Quentin responded, looking over some books on the shelf.

Do you...miss your world?'' Twilight finally answered, as if she was afraid to ask.

The earth pony frowned sadly, replacing a book in the shelf and turned to Twilight. "Well yeah Twi, I do,'' Quentin responded.

Twilight looked at him sadly. Quentin saw this and immediately explained himself. "Don't get me wrong Twi, this world-'' he smiled and walked passed Twilight and gazed out the window.

"This world is just...perfect,'' Quentin finally confessed, watching young ponies playing and having fun. Twilight tilted her head and walked over to him.

"I may miss my world, but I've seen in these passed two days my world could learn a lot from this one.''

"What do you mean Quentin?'' Twilight asked, trying to make sense of the comment.

Quentin frowned again and sighed. "Well back on my world, they're going through some tough times. The economy's pretty bad, unemployment is high, and there are a bit of fighting between countries.''

"Fighting? Like wars?'' Twilight asked, widening her eyes in shock.

Quentin nodded. "Yeah, but this place...I've never seen a place that had so much kindness and peace. To tell you the truth, this place seems like the closest thing to a utopia I've ever seen,'' he said, a soft smile on his face.

"Oh no Quentin, Equestria isn't a utopia,'' she said walking beside him. Quentin gazed at her quizzically.

"Equestria still has its faults. Not all ponies are kind and considerate like the ones you meet up until now. No pony is without their sins,'' Twilight said with wisdom.

Quentin just looked at Twilight before nodding. "Which is why I said 'seems' like a utopia. There is no such thing as perfect, no place or thing. Where there is good there is also bad, there's no denying it. But still...'' Quentin began before giving a more curt reply.

"Equestria still seems like a hell of a lot brighter world then mine, despite what bad may happen here.

Quentin returned his gaze out the window.

"Quentin...''Twilight said softly, looking at him sadly.

Quentin normally wasn't so dreary like that, but being reminded of the dark times his world was going through couldn't make him help but compare it to Equestria. It was truly a shining world, despite its minor flaws.

Quentin gazed into Twilight's sympathetic eyes and smiled softly, wanting to change the subject. "Hey Twilight, can I ask you something?''

"Yes of course,'' Twilight responded, eager to help him.

Quentin thought for a moment, and finally spoke. "Can you do that mind reading spell on me again?''

Twilight was taken aback, completely wasn't expecting the request. "W-what? What did you ask me to do?'' Twilight stammered.

"I want you to go through my mind again,'' Quentin repeated casually.

Twilight stared at him dumbfounded, and opened her mouth to speak. "Quentin, why would you want me to go through your mind again?''

The dreadlocked stallion smiled. "Because I want to show you something. I'm positive that you'll like it.''

Twilight shook her head, still not understanding. "What do you want to show me, because that's a very dangerous spell to use? The last thing I would want to do is accidently shatter your mind!'' Twilight then frowned and looked at the door. "I would never be able to forgive myself it that happened,'' she muttered sadly.

Quentin gazed at the purple unicorn and smiled kindly, walking over to her. "Twilight that won't ever happen,'' he said softly.

"How can you know?'' Twilight asked softly, not looking at Quentin.

"Because I trust you. Otherwise, I wouldn't have asked you at all,'' Quentin responded warmly.

Twilight's eyes widened and she gazed up at her friend as he used her words. Quentin smiled and held her hoof. "Please Twilight, I really want to show you what I have in my mind.''

At first Twilight just stared at him, then she lowered her gaze with a conflicted look on her face. She then looked at Quentin with worrisome eyes.

"Will...I really like what you want to show me?'' Twilight asked.

Quentin nodded and smiled. "You'll love it.''

Twilight gave Quentin a small smile and took her other hoof in his. "Alright, just close your eyes and relax,'' she instructed softly.

Quentin did as she said and she did too. In moments, her horn began to glow a brilliant violet aura. He felt the tip of Twilight's horn touch his forehead and the effects were instantaneous. It was like they were going through a journey into his mind. The two traveled quickly through a white lighted dimension until finally, the light dissolved and they were floating in a black, space like realm, the stars were purple. Surrounding us, were large fragments similar to broken pieces of windows, each one dimly aglow with a purple aura containing a recent memory. Quentin and Twilight both opened their eyes, still holding hooves and they gazed around their environment with awe.

"So we're in my mind?'' Quentin asked, gazing at the numerous windows.

Twilight nodded. "Yeah, we are in your subconscious and I must say, it's beautiful,'' Twilight smiled.

Quentin smiled gratefully at her comment. Twilight looked around again and finally to him.

"Are you ready Twilight?'' Quentin asked.

Twilight nodded. "Well Quentin, this is your mind, so in theory you're in control. You lead the way.''

Quentin nodded. In truth, he really didn't know what to do. The only think he could think of was to close his eyes and concentrate on what he wanted to see. After a few moments, the windows disappeared as a single, massive, light filled window came gliding towards Twilight and Quentin. Twilight braced herself and closed her eyes as they were enveloped by the window. Almost as quickly as it came, the light subsided. The two both opened their eyes and Twilight gasped at what she saw. She and Quentin were floating over a massive city. It was night and the city was lit miles on end with light. It was New York City. Being on Earth, it wasn't animated like Equestria, but Twilight and Quentin were covered with a dim, blue glow and were still had their animated bodies.

"Q-Quentin...where...are we?!'' Twilight asked loudly.

Quentin turned to his friend and smiled. "This, Twilight, is my world. This is Earth,'' he answered softly.

Twilight gazed around in disbelief. "This...is your world?!''

Quentin nodded looking around.

"But, why does everything look so...bulky? It's nothing like Equestria,'' Twilight noticed, scrunching up her face.

Quentin chuckled. "Yeah that's the reality of my world. But I think you'll like this,'' he answered and with another thought, they quickly glided down into the city, passing to Twilight's shock, cars and pedestrians...humans.

Twilight clung to Quentin arm as they made their fast glide. Quentin smiled as they came to their destination. "How do you like this?'' the stallion asked.

Twilight's jaw dropped slightly as she gazed around her new surroundings. They were in the middle of Times Square. Tall skyscrapers surrounded them with massive, different colored screens embedded onto various buildings. Some advertised the main Broadway shows it had, some were showing the news, sports, and other stations. Cars of all sizes honked their horns as they tried to venture through the busy streets. Twilight slowly formed a smile as she took in the surroundings.

"Are these machines, the 'cars' you told us about?'' she asked.

"Yup, and sometimes, there are some that really have no business to drive them,'' Quentin said, muttering on the last few words.

"And are they...humans?'' Twilight asked, a slight fear in her voice.

Millions of people walked around them, completely oblivious to their existence. They traveled in hordes as they crossed streets, went in stores, and sold from their carts and Twilight clung to Quentin as some passed their way.

Quentin nodded. "Yes Twilight, they are humans. And don't worry they won't hurt you. I don't think they can since we're in my mind.''

The earth pony's hypothesis proved correct as a human walked through them painlessly as if they were ghosts. Seeing this, Twilight relaxed greatly, letting out a soft sigh of relief. She gazed at the many humans as they went about their business, completely fascinated by them. However, Twilight cocked an eyebrow before she spoke.

"Wow, I wouldn't have realized that all humans kinda look alike.''

Quentin looked at her and frowned. "That's kinda offensive Twilight,'' he said firmly. He once being a human struck a small nerve inside him.

Twilight, quickly whipped her head to him and realized her mistake. "Oh I'm so sorry Quentin. I didn't mean to offend you. I just mean...I-'' Twilight was almost in a panic mode. The last thing she wanted to do was to offend her friends.

Quentin brushed it off. "It's ok Twilight I know. Just, be careful what you say.''

Twilight nodded, ashamed. There was silence among them, except the horns and sirens sounding around them.

"Quentin, this city is...just incredibly,'' Twilight confessed as they moved along the city.

Quentin smiled. "Yes, it is,'' he said. Since he wanted to be an actor, New York was his dream city. A dream that he knew would come true when he would finally return home.

After a while of sightseeing, Quentin placed a hoof on Twilight's shoulder. "That's not all, there's more I want to show you.''

"Really, more?!'' Twilight said excitedly.

Quentin smiled and nodded and with a thought, the scenery changed and they were on their way to more places in Quentin's memory. He took Twilight to some of the most beautiful places he could think of, Niagara Falls, Hawaii, Rio de Janeiro, Paris, and even to the north to see the aurora borealis. Each destination, Twilight drank in the wonders and beauty Earth had to offer. Quentin couldn't help but smile as she asked him questions about each place he took her. Finally, Quentin took Twilight to one last location, probably the most magical place he could think of...Disney World. Quentin and Twilight were just above Cinderella's Castle at night, with spectacular fireworks exploding beautifully around them.

"Quentin...this is all so...so magical!'' Twilight said to her friend.

Quentin even thought he saw Twilight shed a tear of happiness as she looked at the marvelous display happening around them. Quentin looked around and smiled, as the firework show continued, he too feeling himself tearing up at the display. It was nice seeing his world again, better yet with one of his new friends. Finally as the firework display ended, Quentin turned to Twilight ready to return to the outside world.

"Twilight?'' Quentin said.

Twilight didn't answer, she was entranced by the place where dreams come true. Quentin smiled and shook his head, before tapping her. "Twilight.''

Twilight snapped out of her trance and looked at Quentin. "Oh sorry Quentin, I guess my mind just wandered off at this glorious place. Did you say something?''

The brown equine chuckled. "I'm ready to head back if you are.''

Twilight thought for a moment and nodded. "Yes, if you're ready, so am I,'' Twilight responded, a hint of disappointment in her voice.

Quentin frowned sadly. He couldn't blame her. Quentin didn't want to leave the sight either, but it was time that they headed back. Once again, Twilight and Quentin held hooves as they prepared to head back to the real world. They closed our eyes and he felt the familiar tip of the unicorn's horn on his forehead as a white light once again enveloped them. Quentin and Twilight were traveling through that white lit dimension and before they knew it, Twilight and Quentin shot their eyes opened and recoiled backwards. They panted heavily as the spell ending and they were back in the library.

"Are you alright Quentin?'' Twilight asked with concern, trotting over to him quickly.

Quentin just nodded, still breathing heavily.

''Tell me, do you remember anything? Does it feel like you forgot anything?''

Quentin looked at her blankly and asked, "Who are you and where am I?''

Twilight froze and her heart sank, a horrified expression on her face. "W-What?! You don't remember me?!'' Twilight asked loudly, beginning to panic.

Quentin then bore a grin on his face. "Gotcha,'' he said impishly.

Twilight just stared at Quentin and then she frowned. "YOU IDIOT, DON'T SCARE ME LIKE THAT. IT'S NOT FUNNY!'' Twilight yelled and she started to chase Quentin around the room.

After about five minutes, Twilight finally jumped on her friend and they both fell to the floor. She proceeded to punch Quentin, but the blows didn't harm him as, as Twilight wasn't trying to do damage. Twilight finally stopped and they both ended up laughing on the floor. After a few minutes they got up and talked about their experience.

''Well Twilight, did you like what I showed you?'' Quentin asked cocking an eyebrow.

Twilight beamed. "I loved it. I never dreamed of a world hold such beautiful wonders!''

Quentin laughed softly. "Yeah, despite the wars and the mountain of sins, Earth still has its share of marvels,'' he added. "It really is a beautiful world with beautiful creations.''

Twilight nodded and smiled at him fondly. "Yes, I'm willing to say it rivals Equestria in greatness,'' Twilight said softly. "I can see why you can't wait to go back.''

Quentin returned the smile. "Yes, that is true, but like I said before, I want to help you and the others as much as I can to make sure your princesses return safely. It's the least I can do to repay you.''

Twilight smiled and she surprised the stallion with a tender embrace. "Thank you Quentin...thank you for sharing that with me,'' Twilight said softly.

Quentin smiled and returned the hug. "Anytime Twilight. Thanks for taking time to spend time with me.''

"I'll always have time for my friends Quentin. No matter where you came from, once we're friends we're friends for life.''

Quentin was touched by Twilight's kind words and smiled, stroking her mane. He had almost forgotten how wonderful it feels to have friends. Or perhaps for the very first time he was now starting to feel just how wonderful it was to have friends.

> Competition Among Friends
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quentin had just left the library after spending some time with Twilight. He was a little shocked that it was only half passed twelve. The stallion was sure that journey into his mind lasted for hours, but he guessed time in the realm of the mind flows differently than the physical world. Quentin walked passed some buildings, one of which was in the shape of a jester hat with a sign that depicted a laughing pony in a jester hat with an arrow through its head.

"A joke shop huh?'' Quentin wondered aloud taking a look at the humorous looking building before letting out a chuckle. "Kinda reminds me of Weasleys' Wizard Wheezies.''

Quentin continued his walk, intended on heading back to Applejack's place west of Ponyville. He walked through the busy marketplace and through the square past the fountain with a pink statue of a standing pony on a ball with one leg when suddenly, a familiar, tomboyish, fun loving voice called out to him.

"Hey Quentin...hey Q up here!''

Quentin turned around and looked into the sky and smiled as he saw Rainbow Dash flying quickly towards him. "Hey Q what's up?'' Dash greeted, hovering in mid-air in front of Quentin.

"What's up Dash!'' the earth pony warmly greeted back. "I was just heading back to Sweet Apple Acres.''

Dash nodded as she landed on the ground. "Yeah I've seen you a few times today actually, but I was too busy working so I couldn't say hi. Where were you going anyway?''

Quentin shrugged. "I just thought that I would walk around Ponyville, give myself a little tour.''

Dash grinned and crossed her forearms. "I hear that. Say Quentin, I was just about to go on my lunch break. Care to join me, my treat?''

Quentin's face lit up. He was pretty hungry for the only thing he's eaten today was a muffin. Quentin smiled and nodded.

"Sure Dash, sounds great.''

Dash gave a satisfied nodded and led her friend to where they would spend lunch. "Just follow me, I know this one place where the food is just awesome!'' Dash said as she flew beside Quentin.

Quentin nodded and in the next ten minutes of so, they came to a cafe. There were a few outside tables and the two found one in a nice, shady spot and sat down on some hay. It wasn't long until a waiter came to their table.

"Welcome sir and ma'am. May I start you off with something to drink?'' the waiter asked politely.

"I'll take water,'' Dash answered.

Quentin nodded in agreement. "Yes, same here please?''

The waiter nodded and sat down menus before leaving to get their drinks. Dash and Quentin picked up their menus and began to skim through them. "So Dash, where do you work exactly?'' Quentin asked, looking over the top of his menu.

Dash peered over hers and smiled. "I'm captain of the weather patrol. Basically, I just help clear the clouds for sunny days and gather them for cloudy and rainy day and that jazz.''

"Wow, so you can control the weather?'' Quentin asked amazed.

Dash coolly whipped her bang out of her face and grinned. "Yeah you could say that. It's just an ability all us Pegasai can do.''

Quentin looked at her, impressed. And here he thought that Pegsai were only known for their wings and being able to fly, but Quentin kept learning something new in this world every day.

"Say Dash, do you know a Pegasus named Derpy Hooves?'' Quentin asked.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and sighed. "Do I? The air head was on my patrol team one time. And let me tell you, it was a disaster!''

Quentin tilted his head. "Really, how?''

"Let me see, accidently shooting lightning bolts at buildings and other ponies, mostly on herself, always flying into things, and basically making bad things worst! So we decided that it'd be best to let her go,'' Dash explained.

Quentin frowned slightly. "Dang, that must've been rough with her,'' he remarked sadly.

Dash saw the stallion's expression and smiled softly. "Not really. She always brighten up quickly after things like that. Besides, I helped her find a job as being the mail pony, and she actually does a good job with that...sorta. How did you know her?'' Dash raised an eyebrow.

"Oh well I met her this morning after leaving Rarity's place. She...uh heh kinda flew into me,'' Quentin said chuckling sheepishly.

Dash laughed. "Yep that sounds like Derpy alright!''

Quentin joined in the laugh. "Yeah, how strange she may be, we've actually had a nice conversation, and she even made me a blueberry muffin that was really good. I gotta say, I like her.''

Dash smiled warmly from this. "Yeah, Derpy maybe a klutz at times, but she really is a good pony. It's nice to know you've been nice to her.''

Quentin thought at Dash's comment. Something told him that some ponies may have made fun of her at times. Feeling bad about this theory, Quentin just smiled and nodded, happy to maybe given her another friend to laugh with and not laugh at. Dash and Quentin gazed through the menu, with Dash closing it and putting it back down onto the table, apparently figuring what she wanted. As Quentin skimmed trough the menu, he noticed that there were no meat selections anywhere.

"Wow, there's no meat on here,'' Quentin finally said, a bit annoyed.

Dash chuckled. "Well duh there's no meat. We're ponies, we don't eat meat. Completely vegetarian.''

"No kidding,'' Quentin muttered.

He looked through the menu again and found something that interested him. A grilled carrot burger with lettuce, pickles, onions, and tomatoes topped with barbeque sauce. The dish seemed especially enticing to him, possible due to his newfound equine diet.

"I think I'll try me some of that,'' he thought to himself and closed the menu, having made his decision.

And just on time, the waiter came back with a try of two glasses of water balancing perfectly on the top of his head. "Dang, I'd like to see waiters from my world do that,'' Quentin thought as the waiter flawlessly placed the trey on the table and gave them their drinks.

"Have you two made a decision?'' he asked.

"I'll go for the daffodil sandwich, lite mayo and extra tomatoes,'' Dash told the waiter.

He nodded and turned to Quentin. "And I'll try you grilled carrot burger but can I have it without tomatoes please?'' Quentin said. Again, the waiter nodded and he took up their menus and the try and left to put the orders in.

"So Q, everypony's been talking about that chimera from yesterday,'' Dash smirked, putting an elbow on the table.

"They have?'' Quentin asked uncertainly, freezing from taking a sip from his water.

Dash nodded. "The ponies that witnessed it said you kicked a piece of broken wood and it went into one of its paws...is it true?'' Dash asked, leaning in with excitement in her voice.

Quentin was dreading this moment. He really wasn't one that wanted to be the center of attention. It was strange, here he wanted to be an actor on stage and yet he avoided being in the spotlight at all times. Quentin looked at the rainbow maned Pegasus' eager faced and sighed.

"Yeah, I guess you can say that.''

Quentin was not expecting Rainbow to squeal with glee. "Really?! That is so AWESOME!'' Her friend jumped slightly at the outburst.

Quentin knew Dash was rambunctious, but he still wasn't 100 percent used to it yet.

That sounds so cool. Where did you learn to do that?!'' Dash asked.

Quentin smirked and shrugged. "Well in my world, I did seven years of karate. I guess all that training paid off, even though I wasn't expecting it to work. Heck I just mimicked what I saw from a movie back in my world.''

Dash's eyes widened in disbelief. "You…actually did karate?!'' Dash asked, trying to keep her voice down.

Quentin nodded. "Yeah, I managed to go up to a brown belt.''

Dash looked at him impressed but then leaned back and gave the dreadlocked stallion a suspicious wince. "Really...a brown belt huh?'' she asked skeptically.

Quentin nodded, though a bit nervously. He didn't like the look she was giving him. Rainbow Dash then started to shift her gave from Quentin to somewhere behind him.

"Huh, what the hay is that?'' the brazen mare inquired, frowning quizzically.

Quentin looked over his shoulder but saw nothing but cottages and ponies going about their business. "What is what?'' Quentin asked, seeing nothing particularly special.

"No, no I see something. Something weird,'' Rainbow Dash responded, getting up and walking towards the confused earth pony.

"Well you mind enlightening me, because I don't see anything worth talking about,'' Quentin said darting his eyes in all direction to even find what Rainbow Dash was looking at.

Rainbow Dash walked over and stopped right next to Quentin and stopped. "You blind? It's that funky looking thing right- THINK FAST!'' she suddenly called out.

Quentin jumped and whipped his head at the Pegasus as she quickly turned and faced him before bringing her right foreleg back and whipping it forwards as she attempted to punch the started equine. However, Quentin was ready and before the punch could fall through, he shifted his head to the right slightly as he brought his left foreleg up and blocked Rainbow Dash's attack, his foreleg bent diagonally.

With the punch blocked, Quentin shot Rainbow Dash a sharp glare, but she only returned his angry gaze with a shocked, speechless one.

"Oh...my...gosh...that was so COOL!'' Dash squealed.

Quentin cocked and eyebrow, still giving her a glare. "Gee, nice to know trying break my nose was cool,'' he retorted.

"C'mon are you serious? Did you see the way you blocked that attack? You got some serious skills bro!'' Dash grinned.

Quentin continued to give the Pegasus an angry look, but then he softened and smirked. "Well...that WAS pretty awesome wasn't it?'' Quentin said, crossing his forelegs.

Dash nodded. "Totally.'' She then looked down and smiled nervously, scratching the back of her head. "And it's a good thing too, I would've felt so low if that punch had landed.''

Quentin smirked slyly as he spoke, ''Low, you would've looked like a complete jerkoff. Ponies would run around and saying you were going around beating up innocent people, I mean ponies.''

"Argh tell me about it!'' Rainbow Dash groaned, face hoofing herself. ''And that's one reputation that I do NOT need!''

Quentin just let out a light snicker as he watched the brazen Pegasus' thoughts on such a plight. Dash then looked at Quentin with a much calmer, cool smile.

"Although I gotta say, it's great to know that somepony in town is close to black belt. Maybe now I can get a decent challenge.''

"Say what?! You mean to tell me you actually have a karate dojo here?!'' the human turned pony asked loudly only to smile sheepishly and lowered his body in embarrassment as nearby ponies gave him weird looks.

Rainbow Dash nodded with a tough grin, ''Hay yeah we do! I train there at least three hours a day, I had to if I was gonna be the best student there!''

Quentin just stared at her in disbelief. First a bowling alley, then a joke shop, and now he found out that Ponyville had its own karate dojo. On top of that, not only did Rainbow Dash practice the art, she's also a black belt. Then again, a tomboyish mare like Rainbow Dash would be interested in contact sports like karate.

"Get out…that's unreal,'' was the only thing Quentin could say in shock.

"Well ya better believe it!'' Rainbow Dash said proudly. She then softened her expression a bit and continued. "If ya want Q, maybe I can take you there so you can see for yourself after we eat?'' she asked, looking at him with her hopeful, magenta eyes.

Quentin didn't need long to answer her question and responded with an excited smile and tone, ''Heck yeah I would love to go. I definitely have to check that out!''

Rainbow Dash's face lit up before taking on another tough grin. "Yeah, then it's a done deal Q!''

Rainbow Dash and Quentin then went into nice conversation. To the stallion's amazement, he learned that Rainbow Dash was from Cloudsdale. The two talked until the waiter finally arrived with their food. Like the glasses of water, the waiter had the dishes balanced perfectly on a trey on his head. He sat the trey down on the table and pushed their orders in front of them. Dash had a rather large, but delicious looking sandwich full of daffodils and her extra tomatoes, with the lite mayonnaise visible from the side.

Quentin's burger look equally as mouthwatering, with the plate of grilled carrots between the buns giving off an intoxicating aroma.

"Please, enjoy,'' the waiter said and after giving their thanks, he left.

"Great I'm starving. Let's dig in!'' Dash said, rubbing her hooves together before picking up her sandwich.

Quentin nodded. The two friends proceeded to eat their meals. The burger was better than Quentin thought. Along the carrots, the lettuce onions, topped with a zesty barbeque sauce made it the perfect sandwich. But it was the carrots that Quentin really enjoyed. The black charcoal lined vegetables reminded him of eating at a barbeque cook out.

Dash took a large bite out of her sandwich, chewing rather loudly. It was clear that Rainbow Dash had little concerned for proper eating etiquette, but it didn't bothered Quentin in fact, he chuckled a bit. He knew it was just part of that personality of hers that he came to appreciate.

"So, you like grilled carrots huh?'' Dash asked after swallowing a bit.

The munching earth pony nodding, swallowing his food. "Yeah and to make it a sandwich like this was a great idea. To be honest, this was the only thing on the menu that really looked appetizing to me,'' he spoke truthfully.

Dash gave Quentin a slightly weird look. "Appetizing, what do you mean?''

"Well I noticed as I looked over the menu that a lot of foods were...strange,'' Quentin explained, Dash listening carefully. "Like there was a daisy and hay sandwich, fried hay fries, dandelion salad...'' h winced at the sounds of the meals, but Rainbow Dash just frowned at him slightly.

"Well we are ponies Quentin. I don't see how that would be weird to you.'' Dash then widened her eyes as she remembered where Quentin had come from and chuckled. "Oh yeah right, used to be a human.''

Quentin hushed Dash and lowered his head, looking around to see if any other ponies close by didn't here. Dash quickly lowered her head and covered her mouth. "Oh right my bad. You used to be human,'' Dash repeated with a whisper.

"Yeah, that's why I asked you if there was any meat on the menu?'' Quentin said, looking around of any watching eyes.

Dash nodded. "So are all humans carnivores?''

Quentin shook his head. "No humans are omnivores actually. We eat all kinds of foods.''

This peaked the human's interest. "What's that supposed to mean?'' Quentin asked, furrowing his eyebrows.

Dash just laughed sheepishly. "Let's just say I have some books at home that I really need to get rid of.''

Quentin looked at Dash. Guessing that she had books that gave false tales of humans, but he decided not to pursue and continued with his meal. Dash, not surprisingly, finished her sandwich rather quickly, while Quentin was still working on his burger. However, it wasn't too long after until Quentin finally tossed the last chunk of his meal into his mouth, chewed it, and swallowed. The stallion let out a satisfied sigh, his hunger satisfied.

"Man did that hit the spot!'' Quentin let out, patting his belly.

Rainbow Dash chuckled, ''See, told ya the food was awesome.''

"And then some.'' Quentin then suddenly let out a soft belch. His eyes widened as a sheepish smile spread across his face. "Dang, sorry about that.''

Rainbow Dash's response shocked him as she laughed out, "Yeah you should be, because that was weak!'' The bold Pegasus then let out a much louder belch.

Quentin gazed shocked at the rather uncouth gesture while Rainbow Dash just grinned proudly with her forelegs crossed. Quentin looked at her with a rather disgusted frown before it was replaced by an impressed smile and he started to clap his hooves together.

"Wow, nice one,'' Quentin applauded.

"Thank you, thank you. No need for compliments…I already know I'm awesome!'' Rainbow Dash bragged.

Quentin merely grinned at the pony before giving off another, much louder belch. Rainbow Dash widened her eyes a bit as Quentin leaned back and gave a sly, 'beat that' kind of smirk. Rainbow didn't need n explanation and she just grinned with determination, rubbed her hooves together and burped loudly, more than the last one. At this, Quentin raised an interested eyebrow before smirking and letting out another burp. In turn, the bold mare let out another belch and before they knew it, the two were at a slight belching war, each retaliating with lengthened, loud, rather humorous burps. After about a minute, maybe two, the two took a break, aggressively grinning at each other as they readied for another round.

Just then the two ponies heard an 'Ahem' sound beside them and looked to their right. Their eyes met with an unamused, disgusted looking waiter, a piece of paper in his mouth. Rainbow Dash and Quentin looked at each other blankly, with the latter having a slightly more embarrassed, apologetic gaze as the waiter spoke.

"Is that quite enough?'' the waiter asked disgruntled.

The two said nothing, only looked at each other when Rainbow Dash let out another, but softer belch and grinned sheepishly.

"Uh, hehe excuse me?'' Rainbow Dash replied, smiling awkwardly.

The waiter didn't look amused one bit and gave Rainbow Dash stern frown.

"Indeed. Your bill.'' He placed the piece of paper on the table and turned around and left.

The moment he disappeared, Rainbow Dash and Quentin burst out laughing.

"Man did you see his face?! Priceless!'' Rainbow Dash laughed.

"I know right! He was not amused in the slightest! We might've just ruined the poor guys day!''

The two ponies continued to laugh until finally they calmed down. Rainbow Dash took the bill and smiled, ''I got this Quentin.''

She flew into the air and came back with a bag of coins. She took twenty gold bits out and placed it on the table. "See, my treat as promised.''

Quentin smiled in gratitude and he and Dash got up and left the cafe. The two journeyed through the equine town, while Rainbow Dash hovered next to Quentin. "You're so gonna love the gym Q. It's got everything punching bags, weights, weapons you can practice with, fake of course!''

"Do they have any bo staffs?'' Quentin asked with eagerness.

Rainbow Dash nodded with a smirk, ''Sure do. You know how to use one?''

"Yeah. In fact, it was my preferred weapon back on Earth. Though swords and knives were cool, I just didn't you know…feel right about them,'' Quentin said as he tried to explain to Dash. "I'm not really into causing lacerations or chopping a guy's arm off so I chose the bo. It's so versatile and though it rarely cause bleeding, it's an effective weapon nevertheless.''

Rainbow Dash nodded with a calm smile, ''Not one of blood and guts huh? But that's cool. Besides, you've got to show me some moves on the staff.''

Quentin just nodded with an amused smirk. The two friends conversed as the rainbow maned Pegasus led Quentin to their destination and after what seemed like fifteen minutes or so, they arrived at the karate dojo. Quentin's face immediately fell in disbelief as he beheld the building. To his surprise, the dojo's appearance actually resembled buildings one would see in China. The building seemed to be made mostly of mahogany wood save for the windows. The front doors seemed to be traditional shoji, being framed out of wood with the inner workings made out of transparent paper. Decorated in the center of the door was a circle with two winged unicorns circling each other with their bodies curved along with an image of the sun and moon vertical of each other in the center of the two beings, making the design remiscent of the yin-yang symbol.

Quentin noticed this and raised an eyebrow slightly. "It's that symbol again, like the one on that well'' the equine thought as he remembered the well that spirited him away to this land. ''So this is where it came from, Equestria? But what does it mean?''

As Quentin pondered these thoughts, Rainbow Dash looked at him with a perplexed, slightly worried looked and spoke, "Uh, you ok Q?''

Quentin snapped out of his thoughts and looked at Rainbow Dash. "What? Oh yeah I'm good, just sorta zoned out a bit.''

At this his friend grinned, ''Betcha just got lost into how awesome this place looks.''

Quentin chuckled, ''Well I have to say, it is impressive. Looks just like the buildings you would see back on my world.''

"Well wait until ya see the inside. C'mon!'' Rainbow Dash said eagerly, practically grabbing Quentin by the right foreleg and dragging him inside.

They walked through a wooden floored hallway that was simple in design, but Rainbow Dash turned to her left and slid open another shoji to reveal the main training hall. Quentin gazed around with a small but impressed, excited smile as he gazed around the large, rectangular shaped hall. It had everything one would expect to see in a karate dojo. Hanging down from the ceiling in the four, inner points of the hall were orange punching bags, each with a large piece of white fabric with a large, red X in their centers. There were four, pony shaped, Mu ren zhuang wooden dummies with each of them having medium length, cylinder shaped pieces of wood petruding from the front upper torsos. On the far wall ahead of them hung wooden plaques with five rows of sheaved, katana swords while underneath then were fake, training swords made of wood situated in groups inside a cylinder bin while two more sat near it, one with bo staves and the other with spears.

One the far wall to their left, were two black shelves about ten feet from each other, each displaying numerous, gold medals, and pictures of an earth pony of some kind. On the wall between the shelves was decorated with wooden plagues of accomplishments with shiny, black faces with gold writing. On the far, opposite wall near the stallion and mare were four, separated windows framed with wood with paper centers. The windows were slightly pinkish in color. The two outer windows had the silhouette of a bonsai tree while the two inner windows each had a silhouetted image of a winged unicorn each with a foreleg slightly raised. In the center of the hall was a large, dark orange, rectangular mat.

Quentin walked in slowly, drinking in the surroundings around him as Rainbow Dash grinned eagerly at him.

"Man I'm loving this place already,'' Quentin finally spoke, feeling one of the punching bags nearest to him.

"See, I told ya this place is awesome!'' Rainbow Dash responded walking over to her friend.

"Hell yeah it is. I loved going to the dojo where I lived at, especially to let off some steam when I'm pissed off. It would feel great to beat the crap out of a punching bag instead of a guy's face,'' Quentin said, giving the bag a firm punch.

Rainbow merely smirked as she responded, ''I hear that. This place is one of my favorite hang outs in Ponyville.'' She then looked around, ''I'm guessing Master Judo isn't here.''

"Master Judo?'' Quentin repeated with a confused but intrigued look.

His daredevil friend nodded,'' Yeah he's the guy that owns the place. He's also the one that taught me karate. He's cool but he's a tough teacher, somepony you DO NOT want to take lightly.''

Quentin stared at Rainbow Dash ash she continued, ''Yeah even when he's not here he usually leaves his gym open for ponies to come in. Some for karate lessons and others just to exercise. Even for an athletic pony like me, I can still get a bit of a workout in here.''

"I can believe that. After all, karate may be beneficial, but it will work out your muscles,'' Quentin smiled. He looked around the dojo, memories of his training back on Earth flooding through his mind. "Damn I miss being in one of these.''

Rainbow Dash looked at Quentin blankly for a moment before grinning. "Hey Q.''

The dreadlocked stallion turned his head to look at her.

"Yeah want to have a little sparring match?''

"What?'' Quentin responded quickly, not expecting the question.

"Wanna have a little sparring match? Just you and me, let's go!'' Rainbow Dash repeated with a tough determined smirk.

"Are you serious?'' Quentin finally answered with a somewhat uncertain look.

Rainbow Dash nodded, "Totally. You did say you were a brown belt after all didn't you?''

"Yeah but-''

"C'mon Q how bout it? Besides, after that block you pulled earlier I really want to see some of your moves. So what do ya say to a little friendly competition?'' Rainbow Dash cut in.

Quentin was sit unsure about the proposal. True it would still be a friendly sport, and he's been in hundreds of sparring matches before, he still wasn't the kind of guy to go head on into a confrontation, friendly or not. However when he looked into his competitive friend's magenta eyes, she wiggled her eyebrows with a sly grin and Quentin couldn't help but chuckle.

"Alright Dash, you're on.''

Rainbow Dash beamed and gave an enthusiastic foreleg pump. "Sweet! So let's get suited up then!''

Quentin nodded and Rainbow Dash led him to the back where the uniforms were kept and separated into the boys' and girls' changing rooms. It took Quentin a while to get the uniform on. While he had worn a shirt and coat while in his new equine body, he had yet to wear pants and he struggled for a bit to get them on. On hindsight, the whole display would be quite humorous to watch from another's perspective, but the earth pony finally managed to get the white pants on.

"Finally!'' Quentin breathed. He then looked into a mirror and observed himself in the white karate gi. He smiled softly as he remarked, ''Well I do make this thing look good don't I?'' He winked at his reflection before chuckling.

Quentin then made his way back out into the hall to meet Rainbow Dash and stopped when he saw the Pegasus come out of the girls' changing room. Rainbow Dash had on a white karate uniform like himself but around her waist was a black belt. Around her forehead she had a white headband that caused her bang to flare backwards, something that Quentin found rather cool somewhat attractive to him.

"Quentin smiled impressed. "Wow forget me, you make that outfit look better than I could.''

"Hehe, gee thanks Q,'' Rainbow Dash smiled shyly looking away, something that was rather odd for Quentin. Since being here, he's learned quickly that Rainbow Dash was a bold, confident mare so he acting even a little bashful was a little out of character for her. Quentin even might've seen a smile blush on her face.

However, Quentin decided not to think too heavily on it and spoke, ''So, you ready?''

Rainbow Dash turned her head to him and nodded with determination and eagerness, completely losing her shy demeanor she had a second ago. "More than ready. Let's do this!''

The two karate ponies made their way into the hall and onto the large mat and into the center. The two gave each other a generous space in distance before facing each other. "Ready Q?'' Rainbow Dash asked, lowering herself with an aggressive grin on her face.

"Ready when you are Dash,'' the stallion responded, though with a not entirely confident tone. Quentin has never fought in his new equine form since being in Equestria. Though he did injured the chimera that attacked town, he mostly ran from it than actually engaged in combat. Rainbow Dash saw her sparring partner's uncertain demeanor and spoke supportively.

"Hey Quentin just relax. Remember this is just a friendly little competition, we're not fighting for our lives or anything. After the way you blocked my punch earlier, you got this. Besides, even if we are friends, I'm the best student here, so I have a reputation to keep up. I'm not gonna take it TOO easy on you.''

Rainbow Dash ended her comment with a tough grin and a wink and Quentin chuckled. He decided to lower his body the same way as Rainbow Dash as he responded with a more confident look, ''Don't worry about going easy on my Dash. Let both of us show each other how we became black belts.''

"You know it!'' the tough mare responded, cracking her neck.

Quentin and Rainbow Dash stared each other down with tough, smirks as they readied for their match. Quentin swallowed whatever nervousness he had left and stood ready and firm, but not too stiff to move. A moment or two pass with the two competitors staring unflinching with each other until Rainbow Dash spoke, "Ready…set…GO!''

Immediately, the rainbow maned Pegasus charged at Quentin and did a slight leap as she brought back her right foreleg and gave a short cry as she attempted a punch. Though surprised but the quick attack, Quentin quickly prepared himself and leaped to his right as he evaded the punch. However before he could retaliate, Rainbow Dash surprised him by jumping up and doing a reverse side kick, striking him in the chest.

The stallion gave a short cry in pain as she stumbled backwards and fell on his back. He grunted and winced in pain as she rubbed the area on his chest where he was struck. "Damn, that was a hard kick!'' Quentin said through gritted teeth.

"You good Quentin?'' Rainbow Dash asked as she landed on all fours with a slightly concerned look on her face.

Seeing his opponent, Quentin sucked up the little pain he felt and did an impressive pop up and quickly landed on all fours. "Yeah I'm all good Rainbow. Nice kick by the way, totally didn't see it coming,'' Quentin said with a grin.

Rainbow Dash smirked at the compliment. "Thanks, but ya better keep your focus. I didn't become a black belt for nothing ya know.''

Upon finishing her remark, Rainbow Dash charged at Quentin again and leaped up as she attempted another reverse side kick. However, this time Quentin was ready and with a smug smirk, he merely stepped to his left and blocked the kick. The act caught Rainbow by surprise and before she knew it, Quentin retaliated with a strong front kick and sent her back a few feet away. Rainbow Dash cried out as she landed on her side. She grunted as she lifted her body and smirked at her sparring partner. "Teh, now that's what I call keeping focus. Good one Q!''

Quentin, who bore a slightly worrisome look for his friend's safety grinned with appreciation.
"Thanks, but that's not nearly enough to keep you down.''

"Buck no. I still have plenty of moves up my sleeve, so get ready!''

Rainbow Dash quickly rose to her feet and charged towards Quentin and when she had gotten close enough, she tried to get him with a reverse punch, but Quentin blocked it with his left foreleg. Quentin then spun around and attempted to sweep Rainbow Dash off her feet, but she was quick to react and did an impressive back flip to evade the strike. "Whoa!'' Quentin thought, surprised.

However the instant Rainbow Dash landed on her hooves she immediately lunged at him for an attack. She attempted three punches, one to his stomach, his chest, and his head, but Quentin blocked each of them. She tried a fourth punch only to have Quentin block it. However after the block, he took his free foreleg and brought it to her arm and swung her over the side and onto the mat with a smack sound. Rainbow Dash let out a grunt as she landed on the mat. Not wanting to let up, Quentin tried to add a stomp to her chest, but Rainbow Dash opened her eyes just in time to move her body out of the way. She then went on her side and with a hind leg swept Quentin off his feet.

He let out a cry as he landed back first on the mat. Rainbow Dash let out a cry as she flew upward and descended down upon her friend preparing to do a flying drop kick. Quentin peered through an eye and shot both eyes open as he saw the attack. As she brought her right hind leg down for the kick, Quentin blocked it with his forelegs crossed, Rainbow Dash's hoof meeting his forelegs. Quentin then brought both of his hind legs in and kicked Rainbow Dash in her abdomen, sending her backwards. Rainbow Dash went back a few feet but when her back hit the mat, she rolled along her back and stood back up on her hooves. The brown earth pony sprang up and charged at his sparring partner and tried to get her with a right punch. However this time, Rainbow Dash blocked it and with a motion of her forelegs and a cry, she flipped Quentin onto the mat with a grunt.

With gritted teeth and eyes pinched shut, Quentin lifted his head slightly before flopping it back on the ground. Rainbow Dash walked casually to her competitor and gazed down on him with a smirk. Quentin peered through one eye and saw Rainbow Dash, the position he was at on the ground making her seem like she was upside down.

"I gotta say Q, you have some pretty sweet moves. You've definitely lasting longer than most other guys that trains here,'' Rainbow Dash grinned.

Quentin responded, smirking, ''Thanks, you're pretty beast yourself. You're definitely worthy of wearing that black belt that's for sure.''

Rainbow Dash pounded her chest as she closed her eyes, answering back with that overconfident, tomboyish tone of hers, ''What did you expect? I'm the best there is. Like I said before, I wasn't gonna take it too easy on you and you should do the same!''

The dreadlocked pony raised in eye brow with an amused grin. "As you wish Dash, no quarter given.'' Quentin then quickly bent his forelegs back near his ears as he brought his hind legs back, surprising the cyan Pegasus with another double kick to her stomach.

Rainbow Dash cried a she flew backwards and Quentin quickly hopped on all fours and lunged at his friend to continue his attack. He brought a his left foreleg back and swung it back around and chopped Rainbow Dash across her face that caused her to recoil backwards. He then followed up with another punch, but the formidable mare spin out of the way, and elbowed Quentin on the back, sending him face first towards the ground, but Quentin caught himself by landing on his front hooves and he hit Rainbow Dash with a back kick.

She grunted as she reeled backward and Quentin stood upward and grinned smugly at his worthy opponent. "So, is that what you wanted?''

Rainbow Dash shook off the blow she received and smirked aggressively. "Yeah keep at me just like that. I'm having a good workout here. Now it's really starting to get fun.'' Rainbow Dash then charged at Quentin as the two ponies continued their sparring.

For the next fifteen or twenty, Quentin and Rainbow Dash were in a heated sparring match. Each one would through punches, kicks, and chops at one another and each of them would block the other's attack. Throughout the match, they would also successfully land their attacks on one another. Despite the very competitive spar, the two never once lost their cool or sportsmanship. In fact, they were enjoying their match as they pushed each other to the fullest of the martial arts skills. To them, they were having the time of their lives sparring each other as friends.

There finally came a point when the two stood distances from each other, breathing heavily as sweat dripped from their faces. They stared at one another, giving tough smirks as they breathed.

"You're…you're not getting tired yet are ya Q? I've…just getting started!'' Rainbow Dash taunted as she breathed deeply.

Quentin let out a short chuckle before he responded with heavy breathes, ''You… shouldn't be talking Dash. You're…you're the one that's sweating and trying to catch your breath.''

Rainbow Dash then smirked, ''Then whaddya say we end this little match of ours? C'mon you and me…one last attack.''

The out of breath stallion just grinned at his friend and nodded, ''Let's do it.''

With a cry from each of them, the two charged at each other for one final round. Dash threw two punches at Quentin's face, but he blocked both punches. He then retaliated by slapping the sides of her head with his hooves. Rainbow cried out, stunned by the attack. Now it was the time for Quentin to strike and took advantage of the stunned mare's condition. He lunged forward with a punch, intending to seize the match. However, Rainbow Dash recovered from the stun and avoided the punch by ducking. With a cry, Rainbow gave a small barrage of punches to Quentin's stomach before ending it with a strong uppercut, sending him flying high backwards. Quentin cried out as he flew back and finally landed hard on the mat. He rolled a few times before finally coming to a stop on his side. For a moment or two, Quentin laid their motionless before finally rolling onto his back. He winced and grunted as he rubbed his belly and jaw. He peered through one eye to see Rainbow Dash smiling calmly down at him. She didn't have cockiness or arrogance in her smile. It was a genuine, comforting smile that was asking him if he was ok.

Quentin could do nothing by return the friendly smile and sat up, shaking his head as hid dreadlocks whipped around. "And that ladies and gentleman is it.'' Quentin spoke, catching his breath.

Rainbow Dash chuckled as she collapsed onto her haunches next to her friend. "I'll say. That was a good spar Q. A REALLY good spar. No pony that goes here could give me a better match.''

"I know for one thing, I never want to be the poor schlock that picks a fight with you. He'd regret it for life.''

Rainbow Dash chuckled before looking at Quentin with a more concerned frown. "But seriously Quentin, are you ok? I know I can get a little too carried away out there, even if it is with my friends.''

Quentin just looked into her worrisome eyes and smiled warmly and shook his head. "Yeah Dash I'm good really.'' He then cough a bit as he continued, acting like he was holding a microphone and talking like he was an announcer. "And the winner of the fight ladies and gentleman…Rainbow Dash! Give it up for Ponyville's number one fighter!''

Quentin then made a sound that resembled a crowd cheering causing Rainbow Dash to snicker, amused by the stallion's antics. Afterwards, Quentin ceased his humorous playing and gazed at Rainbow Dash with a bright smile. "You totally won this match Dash. I've had a lot of fun sparring you.''

The bold Pegasus chuckled before responding. "Yeah me two Quentin. You have some sweet moves. Totally black belt worthy with some more training of course.'' Rainbow Dash extended a hoof towards Quentin with a casual smile.

Quentin smiled gratefully at the mare's compliment and knew what she wanted as he too extended a hoof and brought it to hers as the two shared a hoof bump. "Impressive, very impressive indeed,'' a voice suddenly spoke out.

Quentin and Rainbow Dash whipped their head towards the source of the voice as their eyes fell onto a stallion standing by the door. It was a rather large earth pony about the same size as Big Mac. He had a cream colored coat with a brown mane that mopped down slightly unkemptly on his head along with a nicely shaven, brown beard and moustache. He had blue eyes and a brown, medium length tail. He wore the same karate uniform, as Quentin and Rainbow Dash with a black belt around his waist. However, his sleeves seemed to have been ripped off which exposed his forelegs completely.

Quentin stared at the stallion in shock but Rainbow Dash just grinned widely. "Oh heya Master Judo!''

"That's Master Judo?!'' Quentin as his friend.

Rainbow Dash nodded, "Yep the one and only!''

Quentin just stared at Rainbow Dash as Master Judo walked towards them, a calm smile on his face.

"Excuse me for watching unnoticed, but I came in and saw you sparring with Rainbow Dash here and I must say, your skills are quite impressive. What is your name young colt?''

As Judo spoke, Quentin noticed that his voice was softer in contrast to his muscular build. Before Quentin could answer, Rainbow Dash put an arm around his shoulder and brought him in for a one armed hug. "This here is a new friend of mine Quentin. He uh, just came into town. Quentin meet Master Judo!'' Rainbow Dash introduced Quentin.

"W-What she said,'' Quentin answered nervously. "It's nice to meet you Master Judo.'' Quentin brought his hooves together and gave a respectful bow, but Judo just chuckled.

That won't be necessary Quentin. After all, I'm not your master.''

Quentin just smiled sheepishly as Rainbow Dash chuckled. Now that Judo was close to them, Quentin couldn't help but notice that with his hairstyle and beard, Judo reminded him of someone, but he couldn't really tell who.

"So you've just came to town recently? Where did you come from?'' Judo asked.

"I came from Fillydelphia,'' Quentin lied.

"Oh, and I'm guessing you've received training in Fillydelphia because from what I saw you're definitely not a beginner.

Quentin and Rainbow Dash both looked at each other before looking at Judo with nervous smiles. "Yes sir. I've studied karate there for seven years now.'' Quentin responded to which Rainbow Dash nodded.

Judo nodded understandingly with a smile, ''Seven years huh. No doubt your master was a fine one for you to have such skills like the ones you've just demonstrated?''

"Yes, he was. He was a tough mentor, but his teachings was very beneficial and I managed to rise to the rank of brown belt. I'm very grateful for everything he taught me.''

Judo looked truly impressed. "A brown belt? Well, you're very on your way to becoming a black belt. What I saw out there sure was black belt level for sure.''

Quentin chuckled as he spoke, ''Yeah, but Rainbow Dash's skills is just awesome. You've done really well teaching her as well.'' He smiled at his friend and Rainbow Dash smiled gratefully with a faint rosy hue on her cheeks as she averted her eyes.

Judo chuckled, ''Yes she is quite talented in karate, one of my best students in fact. Even if she can be a bit overconfident and, a bit of a showoff every now and then,'' he said, raising an eyebrow while looking at his student with a bemused expression.

"Hey what can I say? I'm born with talent!'' Rainbow Dash responded coolly, raising her hooves.

Judo and Quentin both chuckled while shaking their heads. Afterwards Quentin spoke, "You have a great dojo here Master Judo.''

"Thank you Quentin. I appreciate you're compliment. May I ask, where you are in regards to your current karate training?''

Rainbow Dash looked at the brown stallion as Quentin thought of a response. "Hmm, nothing really. Why?''

"Because if you are pursuing to further your training, you're more than happy to sign up here.''

Rainbow Dash's eyes widened as a wide smile came across her face. "Oh my gosh that would be so awesome!''

Quentin for one was surprised by the offer. He thought for moment. As much as he would love to continue practicing karate here, he knew he would leave eventually to go back to his own world. This fact saddened him a bit, but he gave Judo a kind smile and nodded.

"Thanks for the offer Master Judo. But I'm still kinda trying to get settled in Ponyville. Do you mind if I sleep on it for a day or two?

Judo nodded with a warm smile. "Of course Quentin, there's no rush. When you've decided, feel free to stop by anytime.''

Quentin nodded gratefully at the karate master. After some more conversation, Quentin and Rainbow Dash got out of their uniforms and bid farewell to Judo and left the dojo. Out on the streets, Quentin stretched, hearing his body cracked as he did so.

"Man I totally needed that. Damn good workout right there!'' Quentin said as he finished stretching.

Rainbow Dash chuckled "Yeah. Especially after that lunch we had. A perfect way to work off that food.''

Quentin looked at her a little amazed as the tomboyish mare raked a hoof through her mane and shook her head a bit before looking at him with a warm smile. At the moment, her wild bang was lower than usual with her flowing mane cascading down her neck. Despite her bold and competitive demeanor, she still had a tomboyish beauty about her that made the stallion smile.

"Hey Quentin, you sure you ok after all that?'' Rainbow Dash asked concerned.

Quentin stared at her before smiling. "Rainbow Dash for the last time I'm good. I've been in plenty of other sparring matches before. I've taken some punches.''

Rainbow Dash chuckled awkwardly, ''Yeah well some ponies don't like it when I get rough like that. Honestly, I was kind afraid you would really come at me with the intent to sock out of revenge or something.''

Quentin stopped smiling and placed a hoof on hers. "Rainbow Dash, I would never do anything like that to you or anyone else. I couldn't even think about hurting my friends.''

Dash looked blankly at their touching hooves and up at Quentin's smiling face. A faint blush came across her face and her heart started to race. She then smiled and looked away awkwardly. Soon afterwards, Quentin looked away and up towards the sky.

"Well, I guess I should be heading back to Sweet Apple Acres.''

Rainbow Dash nodded, "Yeah, and I should be getting back to work.'' Rainbow Dash looked at her stallion friend and smiled. ''Thanks for having lunch with me Q.''

"Thanks for inviting me,'' Quentin smiled back.

"No problem, we defiantly need to hang out more often,'' Dash suggested, crossing her arms.

"You know it RD,'' Quentin said. Dash smirked at the nickname he gave her.

"You now Q, you weren't what I was expecting to be.''

Quentin face fell blankly, trying to make sense about what she said. "What do you mean?'' he asked.

Rainbow chuckled before continuing. "What I mean is you're more than what meets the eye. You can be shy and soft-spoken like Fluttershy, but you can be tough when you need to be.''

Quentin just stared at Rainbow Dash quizzically as she hovered next to him. "What I'm trying to say is, I really like you Q. You're awesome to be around with,'' Dash smiled softly, placing a hoof on his shoulder.

Quentin looked at his friend, surprised by the sudden tenderness, but then smiled, flattered and he patted her back. "Thanks Dash, I really like you too. You know you're more than meets the eye too. I'd never guess that you could be so sentimental.''

Dash chuckled, but then frowned. Quentin saw this and looked at her in concern. ''Hey Q, you sure-'' Dash began, but he knew what she was going to say and Quentin stopped her.

"Dash, I said it's cool. There's no need to apologize, so drop it,'' Quentin said, giving her a wink.

Rainbow Dash smiled. "Quentin, you're just awesome,'' she replied, hovering over and giving her friend a one arm embrace.

"Not as awesome as you Dash.'' Quentin said gently. "And who knows, maybe we could be official sparring buddies?''

Dash's face instantly lit up. "That would be so cool!'' She then looked at Quentin with a softer, more uncertain smile. Do ya think maybe you can show me a move or to from what you learned back on Earth?''

Quentin smiled softly and nodded. "Sure, as long as you don't use them to beat me up again.''

''It's a deal!'' Rainbow Dash beamed

The stallion laughed and Dash and Quentin gave each other a hoof bump but as they did so, Rainbow Dash came forward and gave Quentin a soft headbutt, surprising him. 

"Wow, what was that?'' Quentin asked, giving the Pegasus somewhat shocked gaze.

Rainbow Dash chuckled awkwardly before answering. "Hehe, don't know to be honest. I just came up with it on the spot.'' Her face then fell with concern. "It didn't hurt did it?''

Quentin just smiled calmly, shaking his head. "Well...no bruises, no concussion, I think I'm good,'' Quentin answered trying to be witty.

This prompted a amused chuckle from Rainbow Dash as Quentin continued. "And to be honest, I kinda like that. Sort of like a little dap greeting.''

"Yeah totally! That can definitely be our own thing. So you up for it?''

the human turned stallion cracked a smirk before answering, "Only if you think I'm cool enough for that kind of thing.''

"More than cool. Of course you can never be as cool as me though,'' Rainbow Dash said, giving a smug smile. 

Quentin rolled his eyes, "Gee thanks.''

Quentin and Rainbow Dash both shared a hearty laugh, did their new found greeting before embracing again. They broke apart and smiled at each other.

"Well I'm out Q. We should totally get together with the others later,'' Dash said, flying into the air.

Quentin nodded, "I'd love that Rainbow.''

The two friends waved at each other and Dash sped off into the sky, her trademark rainbow trail behind her. Quentin just looked up into the sky and smiled. ''That Rainbow Dash...is something else,'' he said softly, gazing at the rainbow colored trail.

> Cider, Races, and a Kiss
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quentin headed west as he made his way back to Sweet Apple Acres. He found it surprising how fast the day was moving by. To Quentin, it only felt like he'd spent time with his friends for only one or two hours, but one would guess when you're having fun hanging out with your friends, time seems to go by fast.

"Yeah, time for a little workout on the farm,'' Quentin said to himself, but found himself smiling at the thought of a certain, orange farm pony.

The human turned earth pony was especially excited to see Applejack, for he haven't talked or seen her all day. While heading to the farm, Quentin once again found himself amongst the ponies in the marketplace. As he dipped and dodged passing ponies, Quentin noticed an orange pony with a blond mane and brown Stetson at a far apple stand. Applejack was busy sell apples and Quentin saw her taking some bits from a customer and exchanging them for a bag of apples. It looked like business was going well so far for the Apple family. Quentin smiled and quickly made his way to his farm pony friend. As a customer left happily with their apples, Applejack's face fell with a look of worry as she look around the marketplace, as if she was trying to look for someone. When Quentin had gotten close enough, he called her name.

"Hey Applejack!''

Applejack looked towards his direction and gave a relived and happy smile and galloped towards her friend, "Quentin, finally. There ya are!'' Applejack greeting as the two embraced. "Where in thunderation have ya been? I haven't seen ya all day.''

Quentin laughed nervously. "Sorry about that AJ. I woke up early this morning and thought that I would check of the town myself. I guess I lost track of time, especially since I was hanging out with the others,'' he explained.

Applejack chuckled. "I hear ya Quentin. For minute there, I though ya mighta left an' never came back.''

"What after I promised to help find the princesses? C'mon AJ, I wouldn't leave yall hanging like that,'' her stallion friend grinned.

Applejack couldn't help but laugh, ''For a moment there, ya sound jus' like Rainbow Dash.''

They both shared a laugh and the two headed back to Applejack's cart. "So are the others doin' ok?'' Applejack asked.

Quentin nodded. "Yep and let me tell you, I've really enjoyed spending time with each of them.''

Applejack smiled. "I'm glad to hear that Quentin. I think I can speak for everypony when I say we love spending time with ya too.''

Quentin smiled warmly at Applejack's statement. "I was on my way back to the farm to help start working, but do you need help here?'' he asked, eager to assist.

"Why that would be much appreciated Quentin. Ya ever sell apples before?''

Quentin gave her a cool grin. "Nope, but c'mon it's just apples. How hard could it be? I bet it'll be a piece of cake.''

Applejack tilted her head downwards and cocked an eyebrow with a smirk. "Well alrighty then. Here comes a customer now. How bout ya handle this one?''

Quentin smiled and nodded. A female unicorn pony trotted up to the cart. She had an aquamarine coat, a pale, light grayish mane and tail with a white streak, with her mane forming a bang and running down her back. She had sunglow eyes and her cutie mark was in the design of a lyre on her flanks and wore a friendly smile on her face.

"Well howdy there Lyra! What can we do ya fer?'' Applejack greeted, tipping her hat.

"Hi Applejack!'' Lyra Heartstrings warmly greeted. "I was just coming over to see if I can buy some of your famous apples.''

Quentin smiled. "Well you've certainly came to the right place ma'am. These are without a doubt the best apples Equestria has to offer.''

Lyra looked at him with a warm smile. "Oh I know, nothing can beat...oh it's you!'' Lyra suddenly said loudly in shock.

Applejack and Quentin both looked at each other blankly and back at the unicorn who just smiled at him enthusiastically. "You're the stallion that saved us from that chimera yesterday. I was taking refuge in my home, but I saw you lead that monster away and save those fillies. That was really brave of you,'' Lyra said a bit dreamily at the end.

Quentin sighed to himself. "Here we go again,'' he thought, but gave her a soft smile.

"Yep this is him alright. Lyra, I like to introduce you to Quentin. Quentin, this is Lyra Heartstrings,'' Applejack smirked, putting an arm around his shoulders.

"Hi Quentin, it's nice to meet you,'' Lyra said, waving a hoof at the dreadlocked stallion.

"Likewise Lyra.'' Quentin responded politely.

After a brief conversation mostly about what happened the other day, Quentin finally was able to sell Lyra a few apples. "Here you go, five apples just as you requested. That'll be three bits please,'' Quentin said, handing Lyra a bag of her apples.

Lyra nodded. "Of course, thanks Quentin.'' Lyra went into her saddlebag and took three gold bits into her mouth and sat them on the table.

Quentin beamed, "No, thank you Lyra, and a pleasure doing business with you.'' He gave her a wink.

Lyra then giggled. "Well I should be going. If you see me around Quentin feel free to say hi. Maybe we can have lunch together.''

For some reason Quentin blushed at the comment and stammered. Applejack didn't look too amused and quickly jumped in. "Yep it was sure nice seein ya today Lyra. Sorry we can't talk long, apples ta sell, ya know the usual.''

Lyra nodded with a smile. "I understand Applejack. Bye now and bye Quentin. I hope we can talk sometimes?''

Quentin nodded with a kind smiled and waved at Lyra and she left. Applejack sighed and took the bits, slid them in her hat, and put it back on her head. "Well Quentin I have ta hand it ta ya, ya handled that transaction with ease,'' Applejack praised.

He friend smiled and shrugged. "Aw easy peasy. Besides, I think my natural charm helped me big time,'' Quentin replied playfully, winking.

Applejack rolled her eyes playfully. "Alright Casanova, how bout we get back ta work?''

Quentin and Applejack both laughed and proceeded to sell apples. Within an hour, all the apples that were in the cart were gone.

"Thank ya kindly and please come again,'' Applejack said to a yellow earth pony who just bought the last few apples.

As the pony left, Applejack let out a loud sigh. "Whoo-wee, nice business today, if I do say so myself,'' she said, smiling at Quentin.

"Totally, and we've earn quite a lot today too!'' Quentin agreed.

"Darn tootin we did Quentin.''

"So what do we do know AJ?'' the stallion asked.

Applejack gave him a smirk. "Well there are still some apple trees that needs some buckin. Ya up fer the task?''

Quentin grinned at the farm pony. "Let's do it.''

They then started to pack up the cart. Quentin saw that Applejack was about to put the harness around her back, but he stopped her. "Wait Applejack, let me pull the cart back,'' Quentin offered.

Applejack looked at him a little confused but then smiled softly. "Aw that's sweet of ya Quentin, but I got this covered. After all, have been doin this since I was a youngin'.''

The stallion wasn't about to give up and shook his head. "No really Applejack, I'll pull this back. Besides, it's the least I could do for leaving my employer for half the day without telling her,'' Quentin responded.

Applejack looked at Quentin with a slight surprised look and smiled gratefully. "Well now that'd be mighty noble o' you Quen. How could I say no after a response like that?''

Quentin smiled and slipped the harness onto his back and they both headed back to the farm. Two earth pony equines conversed happily as they made their way through Ponyville. They finally made it to the charming farm and Quentin and Applejack walked into one of the stables, where Quentin took off the harness and left the cart.

"So Applejack, when did you noticed that I was gone?'' Quentin asked as they made their way to one of the many apple orchards.

Applejack giggled. "Well ta tell ya the truth Quentin, it wasn't till about eleven that I thought you'd been sleepin pretty late. So I went up to your room and found that it was empty.''

Quentin chuckled sheepishly. "Sorry about that again. I woke up early and I couldn't go back to sleep. So I figured I go out and see what Ponyville is like in the early morning.''

Applejack nodded in understanding. The two friends got to the orchards, the barrels sitting around the trees ready to be filled with apples. "Right, ready to a get started there Quentin?'' Applejack asked, doing a few stretches.

Quentin nodded. "You bet Applejack. Ready when you are.''

Applejack smiled. "Great, how bout ya start over there while I start right here?''

Quentin nodded and went to the assigned position. When he had gotten to the tree, Quentin turned around and readied himself. He lifted his hind legs off the ground and struck the trunk with a powerful buck. The tree shook violently as every single apple fell out and filled the barrels around it. The human grinned at his success as Applejack called out happily.

"WHOO nice one Quentin!''

Quentin gave a gracious nod and walked over to the other tree and did the same thing, all its apples falling from the limbs and into the waiting barrels below. For one, hard working hour, Applejack and Quentin apple bucked tree after tree until finally they decided to take a break.

"Whoo-wee even if ya been doin this yur whole life, if can still make ya work up a bit o' sweat!'' Applejack breathed out, whipping sweat from under her bang.

"Yeah tell me about it,'' Quentin breathed, sweat dripping from his face. "Mind if we get something to drink?''

Applejack nodded with a smirk. "Just what I was about ta suggest.''

They made their way towards the main farmhouse, meeting Big Macintosh along the way as they passed his working field. "Hey there Big Mac. Great weather we had today!'' Quentin greeted the burly stallion.

"Eeyup,'' Big Mack replied, giving him his calm friendly smile.

"We were jus' bout to get ourselves some refreshments big brother. Care ta join us?'' Applejack asked.

"Eeyup,'' Big Mac said, setting down his plow and whipping off some sweat. "Somethin' nice an' cold ta drink sounds great after workin' in the sun all day.''

Applejack smiled. "Great.'' She then turned to Quentin. "Hey Quentin, ever had apple cider before?'' the blonde maned pony asked.

Quentin rolled his eyes and brought a hoof to his chin as he thought of an answered. To be honest, he really haven't tried the beverage in his life.

"Honestly, I can't really say that I have,'' Quentin answered truthfully.

Applejack and Big Mac looked at the stallion surprised and at each other and back at Quentin. "What?! Ya never had apple cider before?!'' Applejack asked loudly in disbelief.

Quentin looked around awkwardly. "Uhhh...no?'' he answered uncertainly.

"Well shoot, well we're about ta change that. Are we Big Mac?'' Applejack smirked, looking at her brother.

Big Mac grinned and nodded. "Eeyup. There's not a pony in Ponyville that hasn't tried any of our apple cider.''

Quentin followed the two earth ponies toward one of the other of the two barns on the farm when a voice called out to them. "Hey yall, wait up!''

The three turned around to see Apple Bloom galloping towards them, apparently just coming home from school. Quentin, Applejack, and Big Mac waited for her to catch up and stopped when she finally came to them.

"Hi guys, whatcha up to?'' Apple Bloom smiled.

"Hey there Apple Bloom. Jus' getting back from school?'' Applejack smiled, giving her sister a loving nuzzle.

The little filly. "Yep. Jus got back from walkin Sweetie Belle home,'' she said, before noticing Quentin and beamed. "Mr. Quentin!'' she squealed happily.

Quentin smiled. "Hey there Apple Bloom. How's it-'' before he could finish, Apple Bloom flung her forelegs around his neck as she hugged the brown stallion.

"I'm doin great, especially after ya save me and my friends yesterday!''

Quentin sighed, giving a chuckled. "Well I'm just glad you're safe.''

Apple Bloom released him and took a couple steps back. "Yeah and we told everyone in our class about it.''

Quentin cocked and eyebrow. "You...did?'' he asked nervously.

Apple Bloom smiled and nodded. "Yeah all the ponies and my class think you're some kind of a hero!''

Quentin widened his eyes at the comment. Of all the very few things he were, a hero definitely wasn't one of him. "Oh no. I'm DEFINATELY not a hero,'' he denied.

Applejack smiled, and walked beside him. "Aw of course yer a hero Quentin. Riskin yer live ta save my sister and her friends. Ain't that right Big Mac?''

As expected, Big Mac gave Quentin his usual calm smiled and his famous, "Eeyup.''

Quentin smirked and looked away shyly until Apple Bloom spoke up. "So whatcha guys up to?''

"Well we were about ta take Quentin to try some of our delicious homemade apple cider. Wanna join us?'' Applejack answered, putting an arm around her sister.

Apple Bloom's face lit up and she began to lick her lips. "You bet. I'm always up fer a nice glass of the Apple Family's special apple cider!''

Applejack chuckled, "Well then let's get ourselves some.''

As Quentin and the Apple siblings walked towards the barn, Quentin asked. "So your family's apple cider, sounds like it pretty famous around here huh?''

Apple Bloom smiled up at him. "You bet Mr. Quentin. It's not everyday we make our apple cider. We only make em during cider season!''

Quentin grinned down at the cute filly. "You don't have to call me 'Mr.' Apple Bloom, just Quentin will be fine. Besides, it makes me sound old.''

Apple Bloom giggled. "Alright...Quentin.''

Quentin smiled and nodded as Applejack spoke. "Yep, ponies from all over Ponyville are willin ta camp out overnight jus to be one of the first to buy our cider,'' Applejack then chuckled. "Pinkie Pie is usually the first in line and buys treys worth of them. I swear every year it ticks Rainbow Dash off more than a dog with fleas.''

'' "Eeyup,'' Big Mac agreed, giving a small chuckle.

Quentin laughed. "Guess Dash must REALLY love your cider?''

"That's an understatement. One time, she dropped her mug o' cider on the ground, an' I swear she started ta eat the dirt it spilled on!'' Applejack laughed.

He human friend looked at her with an amused expression. "Really now? Hehe, oh I'm going to have some sweet mileage with that one,'' Quentin said with a mischievous grin.

The four ponies burst out laughing and continued through the farmland. Finally, they made it to the barn where they keep their cider stored and a question came to Quentin's head.

"Hold up. If your apple cider is as famous and sought after as you say and you only make it during cider season, how can you still have some?''

Applejack just gave him a smirk. "Well now Quentin, don't ya think that after sellin' apple cider ta everypony in Ponyville we wouldn't keep a barrel or two fer ourselves?''

Quentin opened his mouth, but then his face became one of thought. "That actually makes sense,'' he said slowly.

Big Mac nodded. "Eeyup. We usually keep ourselves some fer special occasions. We each have our own personal barrels.''

"Yeah, an we're gonna share some with you!'' Apple Bloom declared happily.

Applejack and Big Mac smiled and nodded. Their new friend and guest thought for a moment and shook his head.

"Oh no, I couldn't. Especially if it's your personal supply.''

Applejack grinned and nudged Quentin. "Aw shucks Quentin. Always have ta be the modest one, but it's okay really.''

"That's right. It's the least we could do fer saving our little sister,'' Big Mac smiled softly, giving Quentin a rather strong pat on the back.

Quentin sighed to himself, getting slightly irritated by the whole hero thing but then smiled warmly. "You guys are too kind, really.''

Apple Bloom smiled brightly. "C'mon guys, let's give Quentin some cider!''

Applejack laughed. "Yes ma'am. Big Mac would ya like ta do the honor?''

"Eeyup,'' Big Mac responded.

Quentin chuckled to himself. He came to find his calm and simple responses quite amusing but comforting to be around with. As Big Mac went over to a locked storage shack, Applejack got out four wooden tankards and put them on a wooden table that stood against the wall. Moments later, Big Mac came back over as he effortlessly carried a large and heavy barrel, the apple cider splashing around within. Big Mac carefully put the barrel on the table and Applejack took out a tab.

"Now how bout we break open this bad boy?'' she asked looking at her siblings and Quentin.

Quentin, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom happily agreed and Applejack inserted the tab near the bottom of the barrel. She then proceeded to take the tankards and fill each of them, first Apple Bloom, then Big Mac, and finally Quentin.

"There ya are Quentin, enjoy!'' Applejack smiled kindly as she handed him a tankard.

Quentin was a bit uneasy about the appearance. The wooden tankards and the foam at the brim made it look like beer. He looked at Applejack. "This isn't...alcoholic is it?'' the earth pony asked cautiously.

Applejack smiled and leaned in close to him. "Normally we do put some alcohol in our cider, but this barrel is specifically for the family to drink together to be safe for Apple Bloom, so ya don't have ta worry about it.''

Quentin looked at the farm pony and then at Big Mac who gave him a wink. Quentin smiled, a little relieved. He had never consumed an alcoholic beverage before, but he always thought that he would try one sooner or later. However for now, Quentin thought it'd be best to try it later. Applejack walked forward and lifted her tankard in the air.

"Ta friends an' family!'' she declared, smiling.

"Ta friends an' family!'' Big Mac and Apple Bloom said in unison.

The three looked at Quentin and he smiled and nodded. "To friends and family,'' Quentin repeated and he walked forward and knocked his tankard with theirs.

Quentin watched as the three ponies drank their cider, satisfied looks on their faces. He looked down on his beverage with an uneasy look. Applejack gazed at Quentin and smiled softy before nudging his arm. She gave him a slight nod and he returned it. Quentin loved apple flavored food and beverages, so he should be able to enjoy apple cider. Quentin lifted his drink to his mouth and tilted his head back as the liquid ran down his throat. The stallion's brown eyes immediately shot open as he tasted the cool cider. It was like he had just swallowed cinnamon mixed with butterscotch and whipped cream. Quentin had never tasted anything like it.

He gazed blankly at the three ponies, who were looking at him, eager for a response. Quentin finally answered softly.

"This...is the greatest thing that I have ever drunk.''

Apple Bloom let out a little cheer while Big Mac gave his smile and nod and Applejack gave Quentin an amused smirk. Quentin took another swig of the drink and licked his lips.

"I can see why every pony in town would camp out to buy this stuff, it's AWESOME!'' he praised.

Applejack chuckled. "See, we told ya so. If we make the best apples in Equestria, then we sure as heck can make the best apple cider one could drink.''

"Eeyup,'' Big Mac agreed, taking another swig of his cider.

"Yeah, it just makes realize how much I can't wait fer the next cider season!'' Apple Bloom said excitedly.

"So when is apple cider season exactly?'' Quentin ask as he took another gulp of the beverage.

"In the fall. Ain't no other time to make em,'' Applejack responded.

Apple Bloom frowned a little in disappointment, ''And it's not even summer yet, it'll take forever ta get here.''

Quentin chuckled. "Well, that's sure is a long time from now,'' he said as he took another sip and Apple Bloom smiled.

"Yeah, but now that yer here, you can see how we make em. Maybe ya can even make some yerself?''

Quentin suddenly choked on some cider and coughed at Apple Bloom's proposal. Apple Bloom and Big Mac looked at him puzzled while Applejack had a concerned expression. She knew why Quentin had choked and they looked at each other a little distressed.

"Ya ok Quentin?'' Apple Bloom asked with a bewildered, but worried look.

"Oh yeah, yeah sure Apple Bloom. I guess I must've swallowed it down too fast,'' Quentin chuckled nervously.

Applejack smiled tightly hoping that her brother and sister would buy the lie. Thankfully they did and they smiled as they took another sip of their cider. "Well this cider is great after all, so it's no wonder why ya want to swallow it fast,'' Apple Bloom smiled.

"Eeyup,'' Big Mac replied.

Applejack and Quentin chuckled awkwardly, but then gave each other sad glances. They both knew that Quentin would be gone way before the next cider season. Not wanting to disappoint the little filly, Quentin just took another sip of his cider as he adverted his eyes regretfully. After about three more cups of delicious cider, the four ponies decided that it'd be best to get back to work before sundown. Big Mac took the barrel and put it safely inside the storage unit while Applejack collected up all the empty tankards and put them in a bin for washing. Apple Bloom went towards the main farmhouse to start on her homework while Quentin, Applejack, and Big Mac went back to the fields and orchards.

"That was a mighty fine break we had there. We should do that again more often,'' Applejack smiled.

Quentin nodded as he cracked his neck. "Yeah no kidding. I ready to get back to work.''

Applejack chuckled. "Nice work ethic Quentin. Ya definitely have some farm pony blood in ya!''

They both talked as they headed into the orchard. It was about ten past three when Quentin and Applejack got back where they stopped.

"Well Quentin, how bout we apple buck a few more trees, pull these barrels of apples in an call it a day?'' Applejack asked, looking at her friend.

Quentin smiled. "Sounds like a plan AJ.''

Applejack giggled. Quentin didn't realize it, but she liked it when he call her by her nickname. As they separated to do more apple bucking, Applejack stopped Quentin. "Hey Quentin hold on a sec.''

"Yeah?'' Quentin asked, turning around.

Applejack grinned toughly as she spoke. "How bout we have ourselves a friendly competition?''

Quentin cocked and eyebrow, "A competition?'' he asked, a bit taken aback by the suggestion.

Applejack nodded. "That's right. How bout we see which one of us can apple buck the fastest. We each get ten trees, an' whoever finishes theirs first is the winner. Deal?''

Quentin thought about the proposition and grinned. "Alright, you're on AJ.''

Quentin trotted to his side of the orchard and prepared himself. Applejack braced herself and smirked with determination.

"Ready?'' Applejack called.

"Set!'' Quentin called back.

"GO!'' Quentin and Applejack both called in unison and they were off.

One by one, Applejack and Quentin apple bucked their assigned trees and one by one all the apples would fall out and fill the barrels before them. They laughed and called out playful taunts as they got closer and closer to the finish. At one point, Quentin held the led over Applejack by two trees, but he was a fool for accepting a challenge from a pony that had been doing this her entire life. As quickly as Quentin had caught the lead, she even more quickly regained it and ultimately beat the Earthling by three tree. Quentin breathed heavily, apple bucking the last tree.

"And that's what we call getting' er done!'' Applejack said coolly but victoriously, tipping her hat and crossing her left hoof over her right.

"Applejack... the next time you challenge me to a contest, remind me to say no,'' Quentin breathed in between words before finally, collapsing on the ground in an amusing manner.

Applejack giggled as she walked her way beside the tired stallion and laid down. "Aw don't ya fret sugarcube. Ya actually did pretty well. Why I've never seen anypony as athletic as ya since Rainbow Dash.''

Quentin crossed his forelegs behind his head and grinned. "I suppose you and Rainbow Dash are among the best athletes around here huh?'' he asked, still catching his breath.

Applejack rolled her eyes and shrugged as she crossed her arms behind her head, giving off that trademark smirk. "Well I'm not one fer braggin, but I guess you can say that.''

"You against Rainbow Dash in a contest, now THAT is something worth seeing,'' Quentin grinned and they both shared a laugh.

After a few moments of conversation, they finally sat back up. "Whew, that's more than enough workouts for one day,'' Quentin sighed, whipping off some sweat.

Applejack chuckled. "Don't forget now, we still have ta pull these barrels of apples in before dark.''

Quentin nodded. "I know, then how about we get started Ms. Employer?''

"Yeah let's,'' Applejack smiled, amused by the comment.

Quentin and Applejack both stood back up, dusted themselves off and started to pull in the apple filled barrels, one by one. It would have been a tedious and boring experience, but Applejack and Quentin kept each other humored with jokes and pleasant conversation. After nearly two hours of going back and forth to get the barrels, they finally finished their task. The two looked over the orchard proudly as the sun was beginning to set, the sky had now been blazoned with yellow orange with the sun setting to the west.

"Now that's what I call a good day's work,'' Applejack said leaning against a tree.

Quentin nodded and smiled softly. "Yeah, can't help but being left with a sense of pride after doing some hard work.''

"Yea verily,'' Applejack agreed before standing up and stretching her hind legs. "Well I think that'll do it fer today. Great job Quentin,'' Applejack smiled at her friend.

Quentin nodded gratefully and they started to walk together back to the farm house. As they walked, Quentin had something on his mind and felt a need to tell Applejack.

"Hey Applejack, can I tell you something?'' the stallion asked.

"Sure Quentin. What's on yer mind?'' Applejack responded, looking at him.

"Well I just wanted to thank you for sharing your apple cider with me along with your brother and sister.''

Applejack looked at him with surprise before chuckling. "What is that all? Shoot Quen, you don't have ta thank me. It's our pleasure ta share a little piece of our family with ya.''

"But that's not all. I was glad to have spent that time together with you and your siblings,'' Quentin added. Applejack listened as Quentin continued. "At first, I was eager to get back to my own world, and when we didn't find a way for me to get back there, I'll admit was a bit disheartened. For a moment I believed that I would never find any means to get back home.'

Applejack's face fell sadly as Quentin spoke with a bleak tone and a weary expression. "Quentin…'' Applejack muttered softly.

However, Quentin then looked at her with a more cheerful gaze. "But spending time with you and the other girls have really invigorated my spirits. By spending time with all of you, it really restored my faith.''

Applejack smiled warmly as she responded. "Well I'm glad ya feel that way Quentin. You're our friend now, so we wouldn't feel right if ya were feelin' depressed all the time.''

Quentin nodded with a soft smile. ''And I've really came to appreciate Equestria for what it is. I may want to go back to my world eventually, but in all honesty…I loved spending time with you girls today. I loved working here on the farm with Big Mac...and you.''

Applejack was not expecting that answer and she looked at Quentin in disbelief. "Y-Ya do Quentin?''

The brown dreadlocked pony smiled softly and nodded. "Yeah, and it doesn't even feel like I'm working especially when I'm hanging out with you.''

Applejack just looked at Quentin and she slowly smiled. "Why gosh Quentin. I don't know what ta say.''

"Just say you'll let me taste some of your stronger apple cider next time. I'm sure I can take it,'' Quentin grinned at her.

The farm pony laughed as she responded, ''Sure thing Quentin!''

Quentin could only reply to Applejack with a surprised hug. Applejack wasn't prepared for it and a rosy hue appeared on her face, but she smiled and warmly retuned the hug. As the friends embraced, Quentin caught a whiff of Applejack's scent and not surprisingly, his nostrils were filled with the sweet aroma of apples. The scent sent shivers down his spine as the two embraced.

"Thanks for being such a good friend Applejack.'' Quentin whispered in her ear.

Applejack smiled softly, the blush still visible on her face. "Anytime Quentin.''

Later that night Quentin had another enjoyable dinner with the Apple Family. They had mashed potatoes, carrots and corn with bread and apple fritters for dessert. As they ate and laughed together, Quentin couldn't help but think that he hadn't felt so much like home since when he was probably a kid. After dinner, Quentin offered to help Granny Smith with the dishes and afterwards, headed back upstairs. To his joy, Quentin was getting ready for a nice, hot bath to wash all the work of the day off of him.

The bathroom was pretty simple. A bathtub, toilet, and sink with a shelf that held soap, sponges, and wash cloths, nothing too extravagant but Quentin didn't mind. He turned on the water and set it to where the water would be warm and after a few moments, the water rose halfway into the tub and Quentin turned off the tab. He took of his pendant from around his neck and placed it safely on the sink. He then stepped into the tub and let out a sigh of pleasure as the earth pony dipped into the warm water.

"God that feels nice,'' Quentin muttered to himself.

Actually now that he thought about it, Quentin hadn't taken a proper bath since he's been here. After a moment of soaking, Quentin took the green bar of and lathered it, inhaling the pleasant aroma. Honestly, it smelled just like Irish Spring from his world. He took the soap and began lathering all over his body. Quentin just relaxed, enjoying the first bath he had in years. Usually Quentin would just shower, but he had forgotten how soothing a bath could be. It wasn't until he felt himself dozing off that Quentin decided it was time to get out. He pulled the drain plug and the water slowly gurgled down the drain as he dried himself off with a towel.

"Now that's what I'm talking about,'' Quentin smiled as he finished drying himself off.

Quentin smelled in the rich aroma from his coat and sighed contently. After placing his pendant back around his neck, he then made his way out the bathroom and into the hall. As Quentin was heading to his room, Applejack walked around the corner, apparently heading to hers.

"Nothing beats a nice bath after workin' the fields huh Quentin?'' Applejack smiled softly.

It seemed she had used another bathroom to wash off, but Quentin found himself staring at her. Even though she just dried herself, Applejack's blonde mane and tail weren't tied up and was as they usually were and hung straight. Her blonde, slightly damp hair cascaded down her back and her bang hung lower, similar to Rainbow Dash's, to which Applejack blew it out of her eye. Like Rainbow Dash, Quentin couldn't believe the sight he was beholding for a pony. This was the first time Quentin could see how beautiful Applejack really was.

Quentin snapped out of his gaze and smiled, chuckling. "Yeah, especially after that butt kicking you handed me in that race.''

Applejack giggled. "Aw Quentin, ya still ain't sore about that now are ya?'' she asked.

Quentin shook his head. "Nah, besides, I'm honored to have been beaten by a cool pony like you.''

Applejack seemed touched by the comment. "Aw why thank ya Quentin. Ya sure have a way with words,'' Applejack responded with a fond and grateful smile.

Quentin looked down shyly and gazed back at her, and chuckled.

"An' what's so funny?'' Applejack grinned, cocking an eyebrow.''

"It's just, so you DO take your hat off?'' he chuckled.

Applejack looked upwards to her head and gave Quentin a grin. "Well yeah Quentin. Wouldn't look natural if I bathed with a hat on my head.''

Quentin just smiled at her. "Well to tell you the truth, I think you look a lot better without it.''

Applejack stared at him, can't believing that he really just said that. "D-Do you really mean it Quentin? Do I really look, that pretty without it?''

Quentin shook his head. "Pretty? You look beautiful.''

He smiled fondly at her. Applejack just stared at boy in front of her. In reality, she really didn't give notice about her looks, but hearing Quentin compliment her on them caused her to heat up in the face. She then smiled warmly at him.

"Why I...I really appreciate that Quentin,'' Applejack responded, giving Quentin a hug.

It must've been the apple cider that possessed him to do what Quentin did, for suddenly, he planted a soft kiss on Applejack's cheek. Applejack's eyes immediately widened and she looked at him in shock. ""Quentin...did ya just-'' Applejack began softly to which Quentin just smiled bashfully.

"Yep, consider it a gift for winning the race, and sharing your apple cider with me.''

Applejack stared at her friend as a blush came to her face and smiled, looking away shyly. After a few moments, Quentin chuckled sheepishly and scratched the back of his head.

"Well I better get going. I think I'll head off to bed soon.''

Applejack looked back at him. "Yea, that'd be mighty fine,'' she responded.

Quentin nodded. "Well if I don't see you for the rest of the night, I'll see you in the morning,'' he said giving a wave.

"Yeah, see ya tomorrow Quentin,'' Applejack smiled fondly.

They then departed ways, and Applejack went into her room. Right after she closed the door, she went over to her bed and sat down with a dreamy expression on her face, her cheeks rosy. "Quentin...actually kissed me,'' Applejack said softly, placing a hoof over the area where the stallion had kissed her.

"An' he said I was...beautiful.'' Applejack smiled warmly to herself as Quentin's words echoed in her mind.

> Tragedy of Kal-Equa
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Celestia and Luna flew almost breakneck speed through the night sky as they traveled hastily to Kal Equa.

"Luna we must hurry. I fear that King Centurus and his subjects are in desperate need of help!'' Celestia called to her sister.

"Yes Tia I know, but can we please rest? We've been flying for almost two days nonstop!''

Celestia turned her head to her sister beside her. "There's no time Luna. You've seen the vision. Kal Equa was being attacked, maybe even destroyed. We must aid our sister kingdom at once!''

Luna sighed in defeat. "Celestia can be so stubborn about things like this. I suppose she takes that after mother,'' Luna muttered.

For what seemed like hours, the two regal sisters sped through the cool air, high over a darkened sea. As they flew through the air, they could see a faint greenish light in the horizon ahead as well as a strange smell filled their nostrils that caused them to stop in midair.

"Sister, doth thou smell that. What in Equestria's name-''Luna asked with a disgusted face, inhaling the stench. It was like burning rubber with rotten eggs.

Celestia sniffed and shuddered slightly. "Yes Luna I do. We've smelled this kind of scent only a few times in our lives. It comes when something is either burning, or comes from a decomposing body.''

That's when Celestia's heart sank as she said those words. Lune understood her suddenly silence as she drank in those words. In the vision, they saw countless of ponies being slaughtered by an unknown menace...and that menace fired green magical blasts.

"Tia...that smell and light seem to point to the direction of-''Luna began gravely.

"Kal Equa,'' Celestia finished softly, but with great horror. "Luna we must hurry!'' Celestia said to her sister.

Luna nodded firmly and they both flew off toward the light. As Celestia and Luna flew closer and closer to Kal Equa, the brighter the light became and the stronger the smell rose.

"Please King Centurus...please my friend hold on. We're be there soon,'' Celestia thought desperately to herself as she flew.

After what seemed like forever, they froze midair and stared in sheer horror at the site they saw miles below them. They were hovering over the kingdom of Kal Equa, but one could hardly tell that it was a kingdom. The kingdom was composed of several islands close together surrounded by ocean with the main, largest island protected by a large, stone wall that was partially destroyed, most likely by the invader that caused so much destruction. The geography of the islands were of grassy plains and from the front walls of the main island was a large stone walk to which the stone pathway lead to the other islands. In spaces along the walkways, were rhombus shaped gardens of flowers. In the center of the main, largest, grassy island was a grand city. The infrastructure of city seemed to resemble those of the Victorian era, but most the once beautiful buildings were half destroyed with green fires on the roofs as well as small pits of green fire were scattered along the kingdom.

Celestia and Luna's ears twitched as they heard the distant cries of the ponies that inhabited the kingdom. Some ponies tried to help those that were injured and maybe trapped under debris. Others mourned over the uncountable friends and family that lost their lives during the attack. Smoke came from the scattered fires and filled the sky above the kingdom.

At the edge of the city stood a colossal, tall castle that overlooked Kal Equa. The castle was of a unique design, a bastion which had protruding, angular towers. In reality it was a glorious and shining castle, but was partially destroyed with green flames burning on some of its roof tops.

Celestia and Luna looked down at the kingdom islands with sorrowful expression. "Dear, Chiron,'' Luna muttered as they made their descent, but Celestia said nothing, she was speechless at the site see was seeing.

They landed on the debris filled streets of Kal Equal's capital city and began to walk, looking around at the destruction with weary expressions. Ponies that saw them walking whispered their names in shock, but bowed to them with still dishearten expressions. Unlike the ponies of Equestria, Kal Equian ponies don't appear to have cutie marks. Instead, that have sparkling diamond tattoos along their bodies, many of different colors and designs as well as being taller and lankier, resembling to how Earth's horses looked like but still smaller than Celestia and Luna.

Celestia shook her head. "Please don't bow my friends. Not after this...tragedy,'' Celestia murmured as ponies gathered around them.

Luna agreed. "Yes, there are no need for formalities. More importantly, who did this? Who would dare attack a glorious kingdom like Kal Equa?'' Luna asked angrily.

The ponies looked at each other, distraught with some having tears in their eyes. Celestia looked at them kindly. "We understand. After what you've endured, it could be difficult and reluctant to recall the ordeal. But please tell me...is your king ok?''

A blue coated stallion spoke up. "W-We don't know Princess. We've haven't seen or heard from his since the attack.''

"Yeah, and rumors are going around that his wounded and his injuries are fatal,'' a yellow female pony said.

"What?!'' Celestia gasped loudly. It wasn't in her character to raise her voice, but the thought of her good friend dying was understandable reaction.

"Quick children, where is King Centurus now?'' Luna asked hastily.

"He's...he's in the castle we believe,'' sniffed another female pony. "My God why did this happen?''

"Don't worry my friends, we will get to the bottom of this,'' Celestia said with a mixture of sadness and anger.

"Yes, whoever did this WILL be found and they will face the maximum punishment!'' Luna declared, almost using her Royal Canterlot voice, startling the Kal Equian ponies a bit.

Celestia and Luna quickly galloped toward the damaged castle, the Kal Equian ponies moving aside as they did so. The two galloped passed the castle gates and up the steps to the bastion until the finally reached the massive doorway. As they approached the door, two guard ponies in dark slate grey armor. One of them were pure white with a yellow mane and the other was brown with a black mane. They took an intimidating stance with swords in their mouths as they prepared to fight to the death if needed.

"Halt, who goes there?!'' one guard called out.

"The castle is off limits to civilians now. Go back to-'' the other guard began, but when they saw who they were talking to, both guards eyes widened, the swords fell from their mouths, and they dropped into a respectful bow.

"Princess Celestia! Princess Luna of Equestria! Please forgive our impudence!'' a guard pleaded.

"It's alright we understand. But please, we must see your king at once,'' Celestia said gently, but hastily.

The guards nodded. "Yes Princess of course. King Centurus will greatly appreciate your company. Please follow us,'' a guard said.

Celestia and Luna nodded and followed the guards inside the castle. Even damaged, the castle still boasts a beauty and brilliance that the scars of invasion couldn't conceal, but the regal sisters had no time to observe the interiors. They ran through the entrance hall and up the stairs and deeper into the castle. Everywhere they went, castle guards and servants tended to the injured and attempted to clear any wreckage that was about. Finally, they came to large majestic door, clearly to the king's room, which were guarded by two unicorn ponies, both with the same colored armor.

The guards that led the two princesses took their helmets off and put them under their arms. As the two guards saw the regal sisters, they lost their firm glances motioned to bow. "Please, there is no need for that. We must see King Centurus!'' Luna said before they bowed.

"Yes, of course Princess Luna!'' one of the guards said in a deep voice and he and the other door guard proceeded to open the door.

The sisters nodded graciously to the guards and walked into a very, spacious and magnificent bedroom fit for a king. The room's color scheme was mostly purple and white and was furnished finely to the highest degree. The floors were tiled with polished purple and white. There were steps that led to a high level of the room, a window that led to a spacious balcony with a perfect view of the city and kingdom. Resting on the king sized bed with purple drapes was King Centurus.

King Centurus seemed to be slightly larger than the other ponies of Kal Equa and was a unicorn as well except he had a more muscular build. He had a goldenrod coat with a long, flowing orange mane. He had orange sideburns that connected to his mane and down the side of his face to form a pointed goatee. Protruding from his forehead was a unicorn horn the same color as his coat and was a bit shorter than Celestia's. Like the rest of the ponies of Kal Equa, Centurus had a couple blue, diamond shaped tattoos on his coat, but were more stylized along with a blue diamond tattoo with two small rhombus shaped markings beneath a small V shaped mark and a larger V shaped mark on his left cheek.

However to Celestia and Luna's worry, his had numerous bandages over his body including one on his left cheek. Some of the bandages had blood stains on them. He shifted in his bed, his eyes closed tightly and gritted his teeth a little. Who knows what pain he was going through? One of the guards walked forward and bowed.

"Your Majesty, forgive me for disturbing your rest, but you have some guests.''

Centurus peered through his eyes and saw the worried faces of Celestia and Luna. Immediately he smiled. "Celestia...Luna...my friends so good to see you,'' Centurus said.

Celestia and Luna smiled sadly as they approached the wounded king.

"Yes, and it's good to see you again Centurus,'' Celestia smiled relieved, softly nuzzling him.

"Agreed, how are thee faring Centurus?'' Luna asked with concern.

Centurus just smirked. "Luna, you've looked like you haven't aged in a 100 years. Not all of us are that lucky you know.''

Luna blushed a little. "Thank you Centurus, but we're the ones worried about you.''

Centurus chuckled softly. "Well a few cuts, bruises, burns, and a few fractured ribs. But other than that, I'm fine,'' he joked.

Celestia and Luna winced uncomfortably at his description, but couldn't help but chuckle. "It's just like you Centurus to joke at a time like this,'' Celestia said gently.

Centurus gave a faint smile, but then frowned. "Leave us, I wish to talk with the princesses alone,'' he commanded his guards.

"Yes your majesty!'' the guards said in unison, giving a salute which involved placing a hoof curved against their chests. The guards left the room and closed the door. In the silence of the room, Centurus attempted to sit up in his bed, wincing in pain as he did so. Celestia and Luna quickly rushed to his side.

"Centurus you mustn't strain yourself, especially with injuries like those!'' Celestia said with concern.

"I'll be fine Celestia, I've dealt with worst,'' Centurus replied, wincing a bit.

With the help of Celestia and Luna, Centurus successfully sat up against his pillows. "Thank you my friends, your faces eases the pain that I feel,'' Centurus smiled softly but then frowned. "However, my well-being isn't what I'm worried about. It's my subjects that fill my thoughts with worry.''

Celestia and Luna looked at each other sadly. "We've talked with your subjects before we came to the castle. They seemed to worry greatly about you,'' Luna spoke.

Centurus shook his head solemnly. Celestia gazed at the king with sad eyes before speaking. "Centurus, what happened? Who...are what did this to you and your kingdom?''

At this Centurus frowned with anger. "'What' isn't even the first word to describe that, that...creature,'' he snarled. Celestia and Luna listened on.

"It was a peaceful night like any other, until… SHE came to Kal Equa with her army and attacked us.''

"Who attacked you Centurus? Please we must know!'' Luna urged firmly.

"I-I don't know how to explain it. She seemed to be an Alicorn like you too, but of a different sort,'' Centurus said, his eyes closed tightly as he recalled the events.

The two sisters' eyes widened in shock. "An Alicorn?'' Are you certain Centurus?'' Celestia asked, as if she had never heard of such a thing.

Centurus nodded. "Yes, but she was nothing that I've seen before, her army was the same way. She was black with holes on her legs. Her horn was twisted and had venomous green eyes with slits. Her wings, the strangest I ever seen. Her wings were translucent, like they belonged to an insect, and she had strange, red, glowing gem with her. In fact, she greatly resembled an insect as did her army like they were equine and insect hybrids.''

Celestia and Luna looked at the king in shock and horror as he described the invader. "That description...it sounds familiar,'' Celestia thought to herself.

"Centurus, can you tell us anything more about this...Alicorn like being?'' Luna asked.

Centurus nodded. "Yes, as I watched from the castle, as my guards did battle with the army, I could have sworn that some of those...things took the form of my guards...as if they were doppelgangers.''

"I knew it!'' Celestia said aloud while Luna had a slightly disgusted look on her face.

Centurus looked at her blankly. "Knew what? Do you know what those things were?''

Celestia nodded. "Yes Centurus. Those creatures that attack your kingdom are called Changelings.''

The Kal Equian king looked at her as if she was making it up. "Changelings? What in Chiron's name are Changelings?''

Luna spoke with a frown, "They are dark creatures that feed on love and have the ability to take the form of anypony they see.''

"And that 'Alicorn' you spoke of...was their queen,'' Celestia finished, with a slight glare.

"And I'm guessing, you've once waged war with these...Changelings and their queen?'' Centurus asked.

"Yes, not too long ago, they tried to take over Canterlot and Equestria by consuming all the love they could find. But they failed thanks to the very love of our niece Princess Cadence and her new husband Shining Armor,'' Luna explained.

Centurus nodded understandingly and looked down, but then quickly gazed up at the two. "But wait, I've never sent out a distress message about Kal Equa. How was it that you two knew about it, and came here so quickly,'' Centurus asked, furrowing his eyebrows in bewilderment.

Celestia and Luna looked at each other uncertainly before looking back at Centurus. "We knew about Kal Equa's attack and responded so quickly was because...we saw a vision of this terrible attack,'' Celestia admitted sorrowfully.

Centurus looked at the princess of the sun in disbelief. "You saw a vision?! You can see into the future?!'' Centurus asked loudly, but winced in again as he grabbed his sides, which were wrapped around with bandages

"Please calm down Centurus, but no we've never had the ability to see in to the future,'' Luna responded gently, trying to help Centurus.

"But how can you not know if you saw-''Centurus began but was stopped by Celestia.

"I know it doesn't make sense, but for the past few days I've experienced these cryptic visions,'' Celestia said as the king listened. "I don't know why we are seeing these, but I know that something bad is going to come out of them. So that is why we've left our kingdom of Equestria to figure out what these premonitions mean.''

Centurus just looked at Celestia as Luna spoke. "Centurus, in our vision of Kal Equa's attack, we saw a glowing green gem. Do you know anything about it?''

Immediately, Centurus's eyes grew wide as a look of fear came across his face. "Oh no...THE GEM! I completely forgot about the gem!'' Centurus cried, sharping lifting himself up before a sharp pain shot throughout his body, causing him to winch and grunt loudly.

"Centurus please, you mustn't strain yourself,'' Celestia said with concern, but Centurus was defiant.

"No you don't understand. My kingdom could be in grave danger without that gem!'' Centurus argued, struggling a little.

"But how? What significance could that gem possible have?'' Luna asked with a perplexed gaze.

Centurus sighed deeply, sadly as he calmed down. "That gem was the sole reason how Kal Equa could thrive for all these years.''

Celestia and Luna looked at him in puzzlement. "I don't understand,'' Luna responded.

Centurus closed his eyes and continued. "Thousands of years ago, when Kal Equa was just forming, the land was lifeless and desolate. Every year, the ponies would struggle just to find food and keep themselves alive. One harsh season when Kal Equa was on the brink of dying, my ancestor prayed for a way to keep the kingdom and those that lived within it alive. It seemed that the Great Stallion heard his prayer, for out of the sky in a blazing ball of green fire, a mysterious green gem fell from the heavens and landed a mere feet away from him. Fearlessly, my ancestor approached the gem and when his touched it, it gave off a light that enveloped the entire kingdom. When the light subside, the inhabitants were shocked to find the land flourishing with life. The island wastelands were now flowing with green grass and flowers, the waters were purified, and the withered trees bloomed like spring. It was a miracle, and through this new wealth, they were able to trade with other nations and the subjects of Kal Equa basked the blessings the gem gave them. Because of this miracle, my ancestors guarded the gem deep within the castle where the gem would continue to give its life giving power to the land. This precious stone became known as the Jewel of Kal Equa and became the cornerstone of my kingdom's flourishing.

Centurus finished his story with Celestia and Luna looking on with awe and amazement. "Centurus...I had no idea,'' Celestia finally said softly.

"Yes, that is truly an amazing story,'' Luna agreed, however, Centurus mood didn't change. He was overcome with grief.

"So you know why we must get the gem back. Without the Jewel, I fear Kal Equa might not last long. And my beloved subjects...I fear for them most of all,'' he said softly, his voice dismal.

Celestia and Luna looked at their friend sympathetically. "Don't worry Centurus, your kingdom will continue to thrive,'' Celestia said adamantly before continuing. Kal Equa is our sister kingdom, our ally. We will stand by you always until Kal Equa and its citizens are once again bathed in happiness.''

Centurus looked at the beautiful Alicorn of the sun and she smiled kindly. "Celestia's right. We will NOT allow Kal Equa to fall. And that wretched Changeling queen will not get away with this!'' Luna added, determination in her voice.

Centurus looked at the regal sisters whom both were smiling comfortingly at him. "Celestia...Luna...thank you. I feel blessed to have friends like you two,'' Centurus smiled, giving a slight bow.

Celestia and Luna smiled. "Of course Centurus. You never have to thank us,'' Celestia said softly.

Centurus smiled and winced again in slight pain. Luna's face fell slightly. "You should get some rest Centurus. You deserve if after bravely fighting off the Changelings.''

Celestia nodded. "Luna's right, you must rest. Is it ok if we stay the night here?''

"Of course, you and your sister are always welcome here, but I must tell you,'' Centurus said, frowning seriously.

"What is it Centurus?'' Celestia asked, intrigued as she and Luna listened intently.

"This...Changeling queen. If you've faced her once, then odds are you might face her again. So I must warn you, be careful,'' Centurus warned.

The two sisters nodded. Celestia knows all too well the power Queen Chrysalis is capable of. The last time they faced each other, she had absorb so much love that she was even able to overpower Celestia herself.

"Believe me Centurus I know. But the queen will-'' but she was cut off by Centurus.

"No, you don't understand. She may have had an army with her, but she did most of the attacking, destroyed most of the city.''

Celestia and Luna looked alarmed at this. "She...caused most of this destruction? By herself?!'' Luna asked in disbelief.

Centurus nodded. "Yes, it was like she herself was army. She took out my guards effortlessly. I put up a Tartarus of a fight, but she defeated me like I was a novice. At one point, I even thought of her as invincible.''

Celestia looked at her sister firmly. Could Chrysalis really have gotten that powerful? Did she and her Changelings found another place where love was bountiful? They both looked at Centurus and nodded.

"We...understand Centurus, thank you. But no matter how powerful she maybe, she was defeated before and she will be defeated again,'' she said adamantly.

Centurus smirked. "I almost forgotten how radiant you determination was Celestia and Luna.''

Celestia and Luna just smiled at the friend and he called out,'' Guards!'' Almost instantly, two of the guards came into the room.

"Yes your majesty?'' one of them said, both giving a salute.

"Princess Celestia and Princess Luna will be staying the night. Please escort them to the guestrooms and make sure they have anything they may need,'' Centurus told his guards.

"Yes King Centurus!'' the two said in unison and turned to led them out the room.

The three royals said their goodbyes and Celestia and Luna followed the guards out the room so Centurus could get some rest. As the door closed behind them, they followed the guards down the corridor. As they walked, Luna frowned at her sister.

"So, it's that Changeling queen that's causing us grief again,'' she snarled. "What could she be planning this time?''

Celestia shook her head, she too frowning. "I don't know sister, but whatever she's planning, it pretty clear that she probably wants to try to take over Equestia again,'' Celestia said, but then lowered her head in thought.

"But the question is, why would she need the Jewel of Kal Equa? It doesn't make sense.''

Luna nodded. "Yes it's puzzling, but maybe you should write a letter to Twilight Sparkle and her friends, to warn them to have the Elements of Harmony ready in case the queen and her Changelings decide to attack Canterlot?''

"You're right Luna,'' Celestia nodded in agreement. "We must send her a letter to have the Elements ready. At least…the six they have.''

Luna widened her eyes with slight shock before frowning solemnly. "Yes Tia, you mean…''

Celestia nodded, a weary, regretful expression upon her face. "The final fruit of harmony that he told us about. The Seventh Element.''

Luna just looked at her sister of the sun drearily. "I remember very well Celestia. That itself is an entire mystery on its own. A mystery that we haven't even begun retrieve the truth to.''

"I know Luna, but remember what he said,'' Celestia replied, but then sighing deeply as she closed her eyes. "I just hope it will reveal itself in time before something even more disastrous happens. Even though the current Elements of Harmony have saved Equestria numerous of times on their own, I can't shake the feeling that this time finding the Seventh Element is crucial to averting this crisis.''

Luna just nodded somberly. Celestia turned to Luna and spoke with a serious frown. ''As disheartening as it may be and even though we may not have completely solve the mysteries of these visions, this is definitely a great start.''

Luna nodded in silence and the two continued to follow the guards to their rooms, thoughts swirling around in their heads as if a fierce maelstrom were ravaging their minds. Somewhere in Changeling Castle, Chrysalis laughed with malevolent glee in her throne room.

"I've found it...the second of the Cosmic Gems!''

She used her magic to levitate the red gem and the green gem so that they were floating in front of her. She gazed at the glowing gems in front of her as Chrysalis grinned venomously.

Those fools of Kal Equa have been using the power of the green gem to rejuvenate their land, blissfully unaware of the gem's true power!''

She then looked at the red gem and grinned evilly. "And the red gem lived up to its legends perfectly, as it gave me the power of a hundred Alicorns!'' Chrysalis smirked wickedly as she thought of the power that she now had.

"And if one gem could give me this much power, imagine the power of all six of the Cosmic Gems will grant me. And when I find the other four gems, nothing with rise above my power and every living thing on this planet will bow before my will!''

Chrysalis laughed wickedly with that distorted voice, lightning flashing outside the castle, and the mysterious red gem and green gem glowed with an eerier red and green light in the darkness of the evil queen's lair.

> Welcome to the Cutie Mark Crusaders
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sun was slowly rising over the horizon as Quentin's third day in Ponyville was beginning start. Usually, Applejack would be up at this time, but today she thought she would stay in bed a little while longer. In truth, she was thinking about Quentin, and what happened last night. That was the first kiss of any kind a boy has ever given her, and frankly, that thought of it warmed her heart every time she thought about it. After a while she finally rose out bed and made her way to her dresser and looked into her mirror. She looked at her reflection and smiled softly before taking a brush in her hoof and began to gently brush her blonde mane, which was untied at the moment.

She took her time brushing her flowing mane. With each brush she would recall Quentin's compliment from the previous night and every time she replayed it, the bigger and more tender her smile became. Quentin was also awake, but just laid in bed as the darkening skies slowly became a fiery orange, yellow. An hour later, he decided to get out of bed and take a walk outside. After making the bed, Quentin headed towards the door and opened it, where he almost ran face first into Applejack.

"Oh well, g'mornin Quentin,'' Applejack said, giving her friend her trademark smile.

Quentin smiled, "Hey Good morning AJ. I was just going to take a little walk before getting to work.''

Applejack nodded. "That sounds mighty fine Quentin. Would ya care ta join me fer a little breakfast?''

"Yeah, that sounds great,'' the earth pony stallion smiled.

They headed downstairs and into the kitchen. Quentin and Applejack had a delicious breakfast of apple cinnamon oatmeal and orange juice and afterwards, the two headed outside in the cool, early morning. Quentin noticed that Applejack didn't have her hat on which he found quite peculiar.

"Hey Applejack?'' Quentin began.

"Yeah Quentin?'' Applejack responded as they walked towards the fields.

"You're not wearing your hat today. Did you forget it?''

Applejack looked at her friend puzzled, but then smiled shyly. "Oh well I decided ta not wear it today, seein how ya said I look better without it.'' A faint blush came to her face as she looked away.

Quentin couldn't help but smile and he too looked away timidly. There was a few moments of silence before he spoke, "So, what's the plan for today Applejack?''

Applejack looked at him with a smile. "Well we don't sell on Saturdays, so pretty much just do regular chores. Clean the pigs, plant some corn and carrot seeds, and pick the ones that are ready fer pinkin.''

Quentin nodded. "Cool, do you need help on anything?''

Applejack chuckled. "Nah, I think I'll just take in this gorgeous morning fer a bit,'' she said, picking a straw and putting it in her mouth to chew it.''

Quentin chuckled at this. "And here I thought Big Mac was the only one that did that.''

"Nah, evry' farm folk loves to chew a good wheat straw evry now an' then,'' Applejack smirked.

They both shared a laughed and said their goodbyes for the moment as Quentin left to take his morning walk. He walked up the dirt road as Ponyville came into view. Quentin hummed a cheerful tune as he walked the streets of the equine town. The stallion greeted ponies as they passed by and could see that there were still some construction going on from the chimera attack. Ponies were opening their shops and getting ready for the work day. Quentin inhaled a sweet smell and sighed.

"That has to be coming from Sugarcube Corner,'' he said.

After taking in more of the mouthwatering scents, Quentin began walking through the town again. He found himself walking along some white, wooden fences in a meadow of some kind when suddenly, someone called his name.

"Hey Quentin!''

Quentin looked around to find the source of the call and looked up. He saw the grey Pegasus Derpy flying towards him. The human smiled as she landed in front of him. "Hey Quentin, how're doing?'' Derpy beamed at him."

"Hey, how's it going Derpy-'' Quentin them trailed off and tilted his head a little in confusion.

Derpy's face fell. "What's wrong?'' she asked.

"Well...I,'' he began uncertainly. It was just, her eyes weren't well...crossed like how they were when Quentin met her. They were actually normal.

It's just…your eyes actually looks normal unlike the time when I met you,'' Quentin finally spoke with a raised eyebrow.

Derpy blinked a few times then smiled. "Oh yeah, my eyes does that sometimes. I'm not always walled-eyed you know,'' she laughed.

Quentin scratched the back of his head, chuckling sheepishly. "Sorry about that Derpy. It was a little unexpected. You could've pass for a completely different pony.''

Derpy just giggled. "It's ok Quentin, I get that a lot. So whatcha up to?''

"I was just having a little morning walk before working. Care to come along? I wouldn't mind a little company.''

This made his friend's face beam as she happily accepted it. Quentin and Derpy walked down the road, enjoying a pleasant conversation. "So Quentin, where do you work at?'' Derpy asked as she walked beside the stallion.

"At Sweet Apple Acres. I'm helping the Apple family around the farm,'' Quentin answered, kicking a rock.

Derpy's eyes widened. "Ohh really? That sounds like fun, especially working with Applejack!'

Quentin chuckled. "Yeah it is. Doing all that apple bucking doesn't feel like work when I'm with her.'' Quentin smiled as he thought about the farm pony. It wasn't until he stepped on a twig and its snapping sound snapped him out of it.

"Well how about you Derpy? How are things going at the post office?'' Derpy smiled at her new friend.

"Things couldn't be better than ever! I'm glad I finally found something that I'm actually good at. I mean I still get lost every now and then, but I still love my job!'' The thought of a mail pony that should know her route backwards would still get lost occasionally was actually amusing, like yesterday for instant. Quentin chuckled and shook his head.

"Well that's great to hear Derpy,'' he said, patting her back. "And thanks again for that blueberry muffin, it was delicious.''

"You really liked the muffin I made?!'' Derpy asked hopefully.

He nodded. "Best muffin I've ever had. I'm surprised that your cutie mark isn't a muffin,'' Quentin smirked, cocking an eyebrow.

Derpy giggled. "If you want, I can make you a batch of muffins. I'm trying a new recipe I thought of. I call it, all berry muffins.''

Quentin scrunched his face a little. "All berry muffins?'' he asked slowly.

Derpy nodded happily. "Uh-huh, they're muffins that has every kind of berry in them. Now ponies won't need to choose what flavor they want, they could have all of them at once!''

The earth pony stared at Derpy, who smiled proudly at her ideology. Quentin finally let out a laugh. "You know, I've never even thought about that. That's a good plan Derpy.''

Derpy laughed in delight, but stopped when her eyes fell on his flanks. "Hey Quentin, where's your cutie mark?'' she asked, hovering behind him next to his bare flanks.

"Uhhh my cutie mark?'' Quentin asked nervously.

So far, the only ponies that knew that Quentin was from a different world were the Mane 6, Spike, and Zecora, and he wanted to keep the numbers to a minimum.

"Yeah, you don't have a cutie mark. Normally only little fillies and colts don't have cutie marks,'' Derpy said, checking all over Quentin's rear with a confused look on her face, her eyes becoming walled.

The stallion scratched the back of his head, trying to come up with an answer. "Yeah...well...I'm a special case,'' Quentin laughed nervously.

Derpy looked at him...sort of, as she listened.

"I don't know why, but I've never seem to be able to get my mark. I know it's weird but, that's the best I could explain it.''

Derpy just at him blankly before Quentin finally spoke. "Funny, I was kinda expecting you to start laughing or something.''

Derpy just blinked a few times before landing on the ground, her face falling slightly. "Why would I do that?'' she asked." You didn't laugh when I flew into that pole yesterday, or when I headed east not west.''

Quentin was a little surprised at her answer. It was true, he didn't laugh at her misfortunes, was he really expecting her to laugh at his. Quentin looked down a bit embarrassed. "Oh, well I don't know. I guess where I'm from...I was laughed at for being a grown ma- I mean pony and not have a cutie mark.''

Derpy looked at me for a moment before smiling. "Don't worry Quentin. I would never laugh at you. You're my friend and friends don't laugh at other friends, right?'' Derpy inquired, putting a forearm around Quentin's shoulder.

Quentin looked at Derpy a little impressed, surprised what she just told him. A slow smile came across the young stallion's face. "Y-Yeah Derpy, we are friends,'' he smiled, putting an arm around her.

Derpy beamed, "And since your my friend, I'm going to make you a dozen of my all berry muffins!''

"That would be great Derpy. I can't wait to try them,'' Quentin laughed.

A few moments passed and Derpy started to hover again. "Gee, I better get to work. I don't want to be late again,'' she said with a slightly worrisome look. Quentin nodded understandingly.

"Yeah, and I better head back to Sweet Apple Acres. I don't want to keep Applejack waiting. Take care Derpy.''

Derpy responded by giving him a warm embrace. It took Quentin quite by surprise and he blinked blankly a few times. "I will. See ya later Quentin, I hope we can talk later,'' Derpy said whilst hugging Quentin.

Quentin smiled warmly as he returned the hug. "Of course Derpy, after all we are buddies.'' Derpy smiled and nodded happily.

She flew high into the air and waved at her friend. After waving back, she flew off in the opposite direction, flying at a zig zag pattern. Quentin chuckled and shook his head. "Derpy is a trip,'' Quentin whispered to himself, but smiled warmly as he found a new appreciation for the Pegasus.

Quentin returned to the farm where he met with Applejack. True to her word, she still didn't have her brown Stetson hat on. She really did look a lot better without it. Quentin even thought if any of the other stallions ever approached her about her beauty, but he figured not to pry into her private life. Applejack, Big Mac, and Quentin went about doing various chores throughout the farm. Big Mac's jobs included moving hay bales, pulling loaded wagons, and of course his usual plowing through the soil. Quentin helped Applejack moved large, heavy bags into their cellar, chopped some wood, and painted their fence.

The two enjoyed happy conversation, joking and laughing, and just getting closer as friends. It was about noon, when Applejack, Big Mac, and Quentin sat together under a shady apple tree, resting from their work.

"Whew. It's warmer than a hickory log in a fireplace today!'' Applejack sighed, wiping some sweat from under her bang.

"Eeyup,'' Big Mac replied, he too whipping off some sweat.

"Yeah tell my about it. But it's a good thing you guys have a lot of shady trees around her,'' Quentin said as sweat trickled down his face.

"Well this is an apple orchard Quentin. Where else would apples come from, the ground?'' Applejack joked.

The three shared a laugh, enjoying the shade. The have been working since eight and it seemed to be a slow day on the farm. "Well I think that'll do fer now,'' Applejack announced, standing up.

"Eeyup,'' Big Mac agreed, stretching his legs.

Applejack turned to Quentin. "How bot we get washed up and see what our friends are up to?''

Quentin smiled and nodded. "Sounds great to me. But I'll head back to the house in a bit. I think I'll stay put for just a little bit longer.''

Applejack nodded with a smile. "Alrighty Quentin. We'll jus' meet ya back at the house.''

"Eeyup,'' Big Mac smiled softly with his calm, half shut eyes.

The two farm ponies left and headed back towards the house. Quentin laid against a tree, a refreshing breeze blew against his body and rustled the leaves.

"God that was nice,'' he sighed, closing his eyes.

After about ten minutes, the human turned stallion decided to head back to the house to shower. He got up and started to walk towards the barn house when a path caught his interest. "Hmm, I never really noticed this before,'' Quentin thought curiously.

Quentin decided to see where the path leads. He walked along the apple orchards, the sweet smell of the apples filling his nostrils. He followed the path deeper into the orchard until he came to a clearing and his eyed widened a bit at what he saw.

"Well hello, what have we here?'' Quentin asked himself.

Quentin was looking at a fairly cute tree house in one of the apple trees. On the ground was a ramp that led to another ramp that which in turn led to a golden brown, wooden deck. Nested firmly on the deck was the tree house. The house was of a light, pinkish red with a hint of white and the roof was of a dark burgundy.

Quentin looked at the tree house impressed. "Gotta admit, that is one nice looking tree house,'' he commented with a slight smirk, walking up to the first ramp.

His right ear twitched as he heard voices coming from the tree house. As quietly as he could, Quentin carefully walked up the ramps and onto the deck. He walked around to the window and peeked in and saw that the voices were coming from Apple Bloom and her friends Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle, huddled together in the center. The earth pony smiled as he watched them go about their business.

"Alright yall, any ideas on what we could try ta earn our cutie marks in?'' Apple Bloom asked the other two.

Scootaloo rubbed her hoof against her head as she thought. "Hmmm, oh. How about we try tiger taming?!'' she asked excitedly.

Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle gave each other uncertain looks before looking at the Pegasus filly "Yeah we could try that...it we wanted to be cat food!'' Sweetie Belle retorted uneasily.

Scootaloo frowned in defeat but then suddenly lit up.

"I know! We can do extreme waterfall surfing!'' Scootaloo suggested with determination.

"Umm that sounds a little TOO extreme,'' Sweetie Belle said with a fearful, uncertain gaze.

Scootaloo rolled her eyes. "Well duh. That why I said EXTREME waterfall surfing!''

Quentin blinked a few times before chuckling to himself. "Tiger taming? Waterfall surfing? What's next?'' he asked himself.

Apparently Apple Bloom heard his chuckling, for she look up out of her thought and saw Quentin at the window. "Quentin!'' Apple Bloom exclaimed happily as she ran to the window.

Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo saw Quentin and they too beamed and ran to the window. "Hey girls!'' the friendly stallion greeted.

The three ran out the door and to Quentin and Apple Bloom leaped and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Howdy Quentin. What brings ya here?'' Apple Bloom asked brightly.

Quentin smiled. "Well I was heading back to the house when I followed the path her to this awesome tree house,'' he responded, patting her head and causing her to giggle.

"You like it really?'' Scootaloo asked, beaming.

Quentin chuckled, ''Yep, the best one I've ever seen.''

Apple Bloom grinned. "Thanks, I built it myself.''

He cocked an eyebrow, looking unconvinced. "You built this...all by yourself?''

Sweetie Belle smiled and nodded. "Yep she sure did. Even we didn't believe it when we first saw it.'' Quentin gazed at the little farm filly impressed and she blushed.

"Well it was already built. It used ta be Applejack's, but she grew out of' it and gave it ta us. It was in pretty bad condition, so I fix it up.''

I laughed while rubbing the top of her head. "Wow Apple Bloom I must say, that's impressive. You're quite the carpenter.''

They shared a laugh and the three invited the stallion into their tree house. It was a cute little place. In the corner was a small table with a blue vase of flowers on its surface, with a picture on the wall above it. On the other side of the house was a brown podium with a stool behind it. There were a few colored pictures that decorated the walls. Quentin sat down on his haunches in the center of the house with the three fillies sitting in front of him.

"Quentin, we told everypony in our class how you beat that chimera the other day!'' Scootaloo said, a bright smile on her face.

"Oh that story again?'' Quentin laughed sheepishly and the three fillies nodded.

"Yeah, everypony at school keeps talking about it!'' Sweetie Belle said, putting a hoof on his leg. "Oh we've even made a poster about it!''

"Really, a poster...about me?'' Quentin asked, a bit surprised.

"We sure did. We'll show ya!'' Apple Bloom smiled.

She went to nearby table and took a large, rolled up piece of paper in her mouth and brought it back to the others. The three little ponies unrolled it to reveal a rather well drawn picture of the beaten chimera on the ground. The beast amusingly had X's for eyes with their tongues hanging out. Standing victoriously on top of the chimera was a rather muscular brown pony with a black, flowing mane of dreadlocks with a cape flowing in the breeze, taking a pose as if he was a superhero.

"And who is this supposed to be?'' Quentin chuckled while gazing at the drawing amused.

"That's you silly!'' Apple Bloom giggled.

He chuckled again, looking at the picture. "I look like a superhero. That may be a bit much.''

The three fillies frowned slightly. "Well...what you did WAS pretty super,'' Sweetie Belle said.

Scootaloo nodded. "Yeah, I bet that your cutie mark is about monster kill-'' but she stop in mid-sentence, after looking around at Quentin's flank to see that no cutie mark was there." Hey, where's your cutie mark?'' Scootaloo asked, looking perplexed.

This caused Quentin to sigh in slight agitation as Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle started to look. "Yeah I don't see one over here too,'' Apple Bloom said, searching Quentin's left flank.

"But I thought all adult ponies have cutie marks?'' Sweetie Belle asked innocently.

She and the other two looked at the stallion for an explanation. Quentin chuckled sheepishly. "Yeah, well let's just say I'm a special case,'' he replied, giving the same story he gave to Derpy.

Quentin didn't know what reaction to expect from the girls, who just looked at him with blank, shocked faces. "Ya mean, ya don't have a cutie mark?'' Apple Bloom asked. Quentin nodded cautiously, preparing for a barrage of questions.

But to his surprise, the three's faces lit up as they squealed. "That means you can be a Cutie Mark Crusader!'' they exclaimed in unison.

Quentin blinked dumbly a few times. "I can be a what?''

"A Cutie Mark Crusader!'' Sweetie Belle smiled. "It's the name of our secret club.''

"Yeah, only ponies that doesn't have their cutie marks can join. We team up to see what special skills we might have to get our cutie marks!'' Scootaloo added excitedly.

Quentin looked at them with a slightly amazed expression. "Ohh, so that's what those suggestions about tiger taming and waterfall surfing was about.''

The three nodded as Apple Bloom spoke. "Uh-huh an' now, we've found a brand new pony ta join our club!'

Quentin widened his eyes and waved his hooves in front of him. "Oh no, you girls wouldn't want me in your club,'' he refused.

"Sure we do. You don't have a cutie mark like us, so why wouldn't you want to join?'' Sweetie Belle asked enthusiastically.

Quentin tried to think of an excuse. "Well...you see. I'm working on the farm now. Work like that tends to be long and tiring, so I wouldn't be able to come to meetings that often.''

The three fillies' faces fell sadly. "Aw c'mon Quentin. You have to join. We're the only ones in our class that doesn't have cutie marks. We have to stick together!'' Scootaloo pleaded.

Quentin was still a bit hesitant, as he looked at them sadly. "Oh, I'm sorry girls, but-'' he began but was cut off by Apple Bloom.

"Please Quentin?'' Apple Bloom pleaded sadly.

The three girls were looking at the stallion with big, sad, soulful eyes. Quentin opened his mouth to object, but seeing their pleading eyes, he didn't stand a chance. Quentin was a sucker for those kinds of displays. He finally sighed in defeat.

"Fine, ok. You win.''

Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo exclaimed happily, bouncing around Quentin. He couldn't help but chuckle at the display. They finally stopped in front of him and beamed. "Great, now that you're our newest member, you get the official Cutie Mark Crusader's cape!'' Scootaloo announced happily.

Quentin chuckled. "Capes? That's much better then club jackets,'' he muttered playfully.

"Wait here, I'll getcha one!'' Sweetie Belle smiled and went over to a chest in the corner. She opened it and took out dark red cape with a blue patch with a yellow-shaped pony in the center. She trotted over to the newest member and presented the garment.

"Quentin, it is my pleasure to present you with your very own official CMC cape!'' Sweetie Belle announced with a bright smile.

Quentin smiled gratefully, but frowned a bit. "Thanks girls, but I think it might be just a teeny bit small for me.''

It was true, as he wrapped it around his neck and it couldn't even reach around the sides. "He's right. It's way too small,'' Apple Bloom said, observing the cape. Sweetie Belle thought, and her face lit with an idea. "Oh, I've got it!''

She took the cape and went over to a shelf and took a roll of fabric the same color as the cape. With some scissors, she cut some of the fabric and with a thread, carefully stitched the cut piece of fabric onto the cape. With her work done, she trotted happily back to Quentin.

"Let's see how it fits now!'' she smiled.

Quentin took the cape and tried to wrapping around his neck and to his surprise the ends wrapped nicely around. Honesty with his pendant hanging down to his chest, Quentin felt like Superman, with the longer cape the followed him along the ground. He smiled. "Nice, this is MUCH better!'' Quentin said, standing up and admiring the cape.

The three fillies squealed with joy. "This is gonna be so awesome!'' Scootaloo squealed. The human looked at the tomboyish filly and smirked. When she said that, she immediate reminded him of Rainbow Dash.

"Then it's official!'' Sweetie Belle declared and she ran to the podium and stood on top of the stool and looked over onto them.

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo looked at each other and nodded and they went over and each stood at one side of the podium.

"Quentin, please step forward,'' Apple Bloom directed, with a slightly serious yet cute face and tone.

Quentin smirked as he knew this was some sort of initiation. He did what he was told and stood in front of the three.

"We, the Cutie Mark Crusaders, elect Quentin to join us as a brother, friend, confi-um confidunt, ummm-'' Sweetie Belle stammered, trying to figure out the word. Quentin chuckled, finder her slight ignorance cute.

"I think the word is 'confidante', Sweetie Belle'' he said.

Sweetie Belle smiled and nodded. "Yeah that, thanks. Ahem. Ally and fellow Cutie Mark Crusader! You are solemnly sworn in on this day, in witness of your fellow sisters, friends, confidente…ummm.'' Apple Bloom and Scootlaoo groaned as she struggled with the word again.

Sweetie Belle frowned at them. "Well you wrote the speech, SCOOTALOO!''

Scootaloo giggled sheepishly. "Oh yeah. I gotta remember to revise that.''

Quentin laughed and shook his head.

Apple Bloom coughed. "Well anyway-'' "Congratulations!'' Sweetie Belle finished happily. "You're a CMC!''

The three fillies cheered. Quentin laughed. He knew this was a kids club, but he couldn't help feel honored to be part of them. After a little conversation. The stallion decided it's time to head back. "Well girls, I told Applejack I'd meet her back at the house. I'll see you later ok?''

The three fillies smiled and nodded. "Bye Quentin, next time ya can help us think of suggestions we could try to get our cutie marks!'' Apple Bloom said as she hugged him.

"Sounds like a plane,'' he chuckled.

Quentin then hugged Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo and said their goodbyes. He walked out of the house and down the ramps and onto the path as he headed back to the house. Quentin looked at the cape and chuckled. "I do make this thing look good do I?'' he said, flicking the cape.

Quentin finally made it back to the house. Inside, he went up the stairs where he met Applejack in the hallway. "Howdy Quentin. Bout time ya-what in tarnation is that?!'' Applejack asked loudly.

"What?'' Quentin asked dumbly, looking at where she was pointing and chuckled nervously, blushing a bit. "Oh yeah...it's an official Cutie Mark Crusaders cape. Apple Bloom and her friends gave it to me, since they made me a member.''

Applejack looked at him in shock, but then burst out laughing. "Really, a member? Aren't ya a bit too old ta be part of a kids club?''

Quentin shrugged and gave her an 'I know right?' look. "Hey you're telling me. I tried to refuse but then they looked at me with these big, sad eyes and...I didn't stand a chance!''

Applejack chuckled and walked towards him. "Well that's mighty fine an' dandy ta me. Besides, ya look cuter than a newborn foal with that cape on,'' she smiled, stroking the hem of her friend's cape.

Quentin's face heated up at her comment and he looked away shyly. "Plus, I think it'll do them some good having a man in their ranks.''

"Yeah, I'm surprised I'm the only boy in the group. You'd think there'd be young boys with no cutie marks,'' Quentin chuckled.

"I hear ya. An' maybe ya can keep the girls from doin' anything too stupid?'' Applejack smirked.

Quentin gave her a bemused look. "No argument there. They suggested to try tiger taming for a cutie mark of all things!''

The two both shared a laughed.

"Oh before I forget,'' Applejack said and she left back to her room. Quentin had a confused look on his face as she came back with a small brown pouch in her mouth. "Here ya go sugarcube,'' Applejack smiled, handing her friend the pouch.

In his hoof, Quentin shook it a little, hearing and feeling the sound of coins. "What's this for?'' Quentin asked.

Applejack grinned. "Payday of course. 20 bits, good enough fer the hard work ya did these past few days.''

Quentin was about to object, but then realized that he was her employee, for Quentin was now working here. He smiled at the farm pony and nodded in appreciation. "Thanks AJ,'' was all he could say. Applejack smiled and nodded. "Thank ya fer helpin' us out pardner.''

Quentin and Applejack decided that they should hurry and get ready to meet their friends and Quentin went to his room and placed the cape, my pouch of money, and his pendant safely in the dresser. The human then went to the bathroom, took a quick bath, and went downstairs, pendant in tow to meet Applejack.

"Now let's go see what the others are into today,'' Applejack suggested.

"Sounds good to me,'' Quentin nodded.

As the two headed out Sweet Apple Acres, they saw Spike running at breakneck speed towards them. Thy looked at the little dragon quizzically as he ran up to them. "Applejack...Quentin!'' Spike breathed in between breaths.

"Fer Pete's sakes sugarcube, what is it?'' Applejack asked, a hint of concern in her voice.

"Yeah Spike what's up?'' Quentin asked.

Spike caught his breath before speaking. "Twilight sent me to tell you two to come to her place, at once!''

"Why, is something wrong?'' Quentin asked, concerned for the unicorn's wellbeing.

Spike took another deep breath and spoke. "It's Shining Armor and Princess Cadence...they're at Canterlot. They just arrived!'

> Train Ride and a Talk
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Oh my gosh they're here! They're finally here!'' Twilight squealed with excitement.

She was in the main floor of the library, along with Quentin, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Spike. They all arrived there after Twilight received a letter from Shining Armor that he and Princess Cadence had just arrived in Canterlot to rule in Princess Celestia and Princess Luna's absence.

"Alrighty there, simmer down sally. Ya don't wanna give yurself a heart attack,'' Applejack chuckled.

Twilight looked at her friends happily. "Sorry guys but I just can't help it. I'm just excited to see my brother and Cadence again!''

Quentin widened his eyes a bit, but then had an epiphany. "Shining Armor and Cadence...why do those names sound familiar?'' he asked.

Rainbow Dash grinned. "They were in Celestia's first letter to us since she left. Remember, you were there after all?''

The stallion brought a hoof to his chin in thought. A light bulb went off in his head and Quentin nodded. "Oh yeah that's right. Now I remember.'' Quentin then smiled at Twilight. "I didn't know you had a brother, Twi.''

Twilight nodded with a bright smile. "Yeah, Shining Armor is my BBBFF!''

"You what?!'' Quentin asked loudly, scrunching up his face clearly having never heard of such a term.

"Big Brother Best Friend Forever!'' the others said in unison.

Quentin looked blankly at them. "Ohhh,'' he said slowly, but Rarity giggled.

"Don't worry Quentin. We didn't get the terminology at first either. But I agree, it'll be nice to see them again.''

"Well what are we waiting for sillies? Let's get this show on the road and see them. Maybe we can have a 'Happy to See You Again' party!'' Pinkie exclaimed happily, doing her usual logic defying antics with streamers and confetti falling from the air.

Quentin just looked at the hyper pink pony in wonder and confusion. "How does she do that?'' he asked softly.

"We'll never know,'' Rainbow Dash answered, leaning in.

Fluttershy nodded with a soft smile. "Yes, it would be lovely to see them.''

"Well then what are we waiting for. Let's go!'' Twilight cried in delight. The others voiced their approval in unison, while Quentin just smiled at them.

Twilight then walked up to the male earth pony. "And of course, you're welcome to come along with us Quentin,'' Twilight smiled.

At first, Quentin was a bit surprised by the offer and he averted his eyes briefly before speaking a bit timidly. "Um, you know you girls don't have to take me everywhere you go. We've only known each other for a short time, and I know you girls have shared many experiences that I've never been through.''

The six mares looked at each other blankly before looking back at Quentin. "Oh poppycock. Of course we would love for you to come with us Quentin. Why wouldn't we?'' Rarity asked, giving Quentin that graceful smile of hers.

"Yeah! We're friends after all. Which means that we should share all of the fun things together, am I right?'' Pinkie Pie spoke up excitedly, catching Quentin off guard with a rather tight embrace from behind as the others agreed.

Although initially shocked by the act, Quentin nevertheless gave Pinkie Pie a reserved smile and patted her hoof as Twilight said with  warmly. "And besides Quentin, I really like you to meet my brother. I just know you two will get along. So will you come?''

After a moments thought, Quentin finally nodded with a smile, grateful for wanting his company. "Sure, I'd love to Twilight.''

Twilight beamed and nodded excitedly. "Great, how bout we all get ready and met at the train station in an hour?''

The rest of her friends all agreed happily and they all left to their homes. Back at the farm, Applejack and Quentin packed for the trip. Luckily, she had an extra saddle bag for him to use and the only thing Quentin could really pack was his pouch of bits. He heard a knock on his door and answered for them to come in. Applejack walked into the room, her saddlebags around her back.

"Hey Quentin, ya ready ta head out?'' she asked.

Her friend nodded. "Yep, ready when you are.''

Quentin followed Applejack downstairs and they stopped into the kitchen. "Who knows how long we will be in Canterlot, so best we pack a little somthin' ta snack on,'' Applejack said, going into the cabinets.

That never sounded so good to the stallion. "Nice plan, I am getting a little munchie, especially after all that work today,'' Quentin remarked, rubbing his growling belly.

Applejack chuckled. "Then I'll defiantly make sure ya get somethin good ta eat.''

Quentin smirked at this comment. Together, he and Applejack packed some apples, an apple tart, and even a slice of apple pie. After saying goodbye to Granny Smith, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom, the two headed off the farm and to the train station. It took nearly twenty minutes before Quentin and Applejack finally arrived at the train station. It was a small station, with few other ponies waiting for their train. Not surprisingly, they saw Twilight with her saddle bags, waiting eagerly for the rest of the group.

"Well I guess Twilight is a punctual one, especially if it means to see her big brother,'' Quentin chuckled.

Applejack giggled. "Yeah, ya can say that again.''

As the two earth ponies headed towards the platform, Twilight saw them and smiled, galloping towards her friends. ''Applejack, Quentin. Finally, I thought you guys wouldn't make it!'' she confessed.

"Aw Twilight, ya know we're just as excited ta see Shining Armor and Princess Cadence again, jus' as much as you are,'' Applejack grinned.

Quentin nodded. "So Twilight, what time does the train comes?''

''In about twenty minutes, you two should hurry and get your tickets,'' Twilight answered, looking at the clock.

Applejack and Quentin nodded and went over to the ticket counter. On the other side of the window was a grey earth pony wearing the hat and shirt of a railway officer. "Can I help you sir?'' the pony said.

"Yes, I would like two tickets to Canterlot please,'' Quentin answered politely.

The ticket clerk nodded. "Two tickets to Canterlot coming right up. That'd be...ten bits sir.''

Applejack did a sort of double take. "Now wait a minute Quentin. Why'd ya get two tickets?'' she asked, puzzled.

The human just smiled at her. "I'm paying for your ticket too silly,'' he responded.

Applejack was baffled by Quentin's off and she shook her head. "That's mighty sweet of ya sugarcube, but that's not necessary. I can pay fer my own fare.''

Quentin just chuckled. "Nope, I won't take no for an answer. Besides, I'd take it as a personal insult if you refused.'' He gave Applejack a wink.

Applejack just looked at him speechless. She then formed a slow smile and lowered her head, a faint blush on her face. "Why, I don't know what ta say Quentin,'' Applejack said softly.

Quentin smiled. "Don't mention it AJ.''

He took out ten, gold bits from his saddle bag and handed it to the ticket clerk and in return, gave Quentin two train tickets with white front and a brown background. On the front of the tickets were information like their departure time and cost per ticket. Quentin handed Applejack her ticket which she gratefully took and went back across the platform to Twilight.

"So Twilight, Spike's not coming with us?'' Quentin asked, curious to where the little dragon was.

Twilight smiled and shook her head. "No, he's staying back at the library to finish his chores. Besides, he said there was a new, gem cake recipe he wanted to try.''

Quentin cocked an eyebrow at the thought of gems in cake and the only thing he could think of was broken teeth. "A gem...cake?'' he asked, a little uneasy.

Twilight giggled. "Yep but you see, dragons eat gems. They're pretty much like sweets for dragons.''

Applejack chuckled. "Yeah, I remember the time we went ta the Crystal Empire an Spike wanted a bunch of gems fer payment fer looking after our pets to make into a cake.''

"I know, and the funny part is at the end of it, Spike still managed to eat all the gems before he could even put into the batter,'' Twilight finished. The three friends shared a hearty laugh.

Within the next ten minutes, the rest of their friends finally arrived at the station, saddlebags in tow. One by one, they each went to the ticket counter to pay for their tickets. Fluttershy was the last to purchase her ticket and the seven met in the center of the platform. All the friends voiced in unison their excitement to get to Canterlot. At last a train whistle sounded from the distance along with some smoke as the train came into view and stopped at the platform. The doors opened as ponies got off the train from their trip.

When the last few ponies have gotten off the train, a pony that appeared to be the conductor stepped of, looking at gold pocket watch.

"All aboard!'' the pony called and the seven ponies and the other waiting ponies made their way and made a line to get on the train.

"This is so exciting. I always look forward to going to Canterlot,'' Fluttershy said softly with a smile.

Pinkie nodded happily, bouncing up and down. "You said it Fluttershy. I mean who doesn't like going to Canterlot?!''

Rarity put a hoof on Quentin's shoulder as she smiled at him. "You're going to love Canterlot Quentin. It is without a doubt the most beautiful city in Equestria,'' she said ever so gracefully.

Quentin smiled at the claim as the line moved, the conductor taking the tickets. At last, the conductor took the seven equines' tickets and they boarded the train. The seven friends were able to get a car to themselves at the very back of the train. The car was quite spacious with the back of the seats divided by an artistically green glass barrier that dipped low in the center. They all pretty much had a seat to themselves, but that did not stop them from chatting with each other.

Within minutes, the train suddenly jerked forward as it slowly moved and they cleared out of the platform, gaining speed with each second. "So how long does it usually take to get to Canterlot?'' Quentin asked no one in particular.

"About an hour, plenty of time to relax an' enjoy the ride,'' Applejack answered.

The human turned equine smiled and nodded and he turned his head towards the window and gazed outside and into the scenery. This was the first time Quentin have ever been outside Ponyville, other than going into the Everfree Forest. But unlike the dark forest, the scenery was much more beautiful as they ventured across a vast meadow.

Among the low chatter of the six pony friends, Quentin just looked out the window, resting his arm on the windowsill and enjoyed the sights. He really didn't care much for trains, nor have he rode them regularly, but there was something about the ride that seemed almost charming. Unlike planes, you can appreciate the surroundings by riding through them instead of looking down from them.

Later in the journey as the friends long passed the boundaries of Ponyville, they were approaching a cave and as quickly as Quentin saw it, they were engulfed by darkness as the train rode inside it. Quentin felt something rubbed against his arm while in the dark and when the train rode out of the cave and into the light, he turned to see Rainbow Dash sitting next to him.

"Hey Q, you don't mind if I sit next to you, do you?'' she asked, looking a bit uncertain.

"Umm...no Dash, you good. No trouble at all'' Quentin responded, with a small smile, patting her on a hoof.

Dash smiled relieved and looked away sheepishly before asking, "So, uh...you ok Q. You seem awfully quiet?''

Quentin chuckled as he responded. "Sure I'm straight. Trust me I'm always quiet.''

Rainbow Dash chuckled. "Well it's true, you are pretty quiet, but that's cool with me.''

Quentin smiled warmly at the Pegasus for the comment. "Hey Quentin, can I ask you something?'' Dash asked.

"Sure, what's up?'' her friend replied.

Dash looked as if she was trying to find the right things to say before she opened her mouth. "Are you, ya know...happy about being in Equestria?'' Rainbow asked.

Quentin looked a bit surprised by the question, but then smiled. "Well yeah Rainbow I am. Sure I can't wait to get back to my world, but this world is beyond amazing.''

Dash smiled at Quentin from this, but frowned slightly. "And what do you like about Equestria exactly?''

Quentin rolled his eyes and thought as he tried to come up with an answer. "Well, a lot of ponies are much kinder to each other than a lot humans back on Earth. Here there's little wars or conflicts whatsoever. And if there are, its mere playground bickering compared to those of world.''

Rainbow Dash looked at Quentin, whose face fell sadly at the sight of his falling somberly as Quentin thought of his imperfect home world. "Ok, let's change the subject,'' Dash quickly said, and then she grinned. "Well I bet all the girls in your world would be on you huh?'' Dash nudged Quentin's arm as he chuckled halfheartedly.

"Well actually, I've-'' he stopped, embarrassed by what he wanted to say.

"What? C'mon tell me,'' the rainbow haired mare egged, nudging him again.

Quentin sighed and continued softly. "I've never...really had a girlfriend before.''

Rainbow Dash's eyes widened at the surprise, her mouth hanging open slightly. She then burst out with laughter. "Yeah right, nice one Q!'' She laughed and looked at the stallion and when she saw him giving her a deep frown, she stopped laughing abruptly.

''Wait, seriously? You've never had a girlfriend before?''

Quentin shook him head.

"Well how come?'' Dash asked.

Quentin just shrugged, irritated by the question. "I don't know. I usually keep to myself. I don't bother anyone and they don't bother me, which I was perfectly fine with. Besides I've never really been good at talking to girls. And when I do try to talk to one, my mind goes blank and I end up saying stupid stuff.''

Quentin looked at Dash who just nodded understandingly, looking down. "Well we're girls, and you don't have any trouble talking to us,'' she replied.

"Yeah I guess, plus girls back on my world never seemed to come talk to me. In fact, I don't think they ever noticed I even existed.''

There was silence among the two. Quentin felt a little dumb and embarrassed about talking to Rainbow Dash about this kind of thing. Finally, Dash scratched the back of her head, looking uneasy as she spoke.

"Well to tell you the truth Q, I wouldn't know how to answer that since we're in the same boat.''

The stallion widened his eyes a bit. "You mean, you never had a boyfriend before?'' Quentin asked.

Dash chuckled sheepishly. "Yeah, I don't know why but some guys tend to think that I'm into girls.''

Quentin was shocked at this news and his mouth dropped opened, but Rainbow Dash quickly spoke. "But I'm not. Hay no. I really do prefer guys over girls!''

Quentin looked at her with relief. "Well that was...unexpected,'' he muttered.

"Yeah,'' Dash replied. "Plus, other colts would sometimes mistake me for a boy.''

Quentin cocked an eyebrow at this. Surly he couldn't believe that claim. Yeah Rainbow Dash had a tough, wild, tomboyish personality, but one could clearly see she was a female, in fact her wild, rainbow colored bang hanging low made her look more feminine.

"Well I don't know how they could make that mistake. When I first met you, I knew you were a girl from the get go,'' Quentin replied with a small smirk.

Dash chuckled. "Glad to know you have some sense. But it didn't matter, those guys were nothing but douchebags anyway.''

Quentin was kind of surprised that even Equestria had terms like douchebags, but he decided not to think too much about it. "I mean, you may act like tough and tomboyish, but you still manage to be attractive,'' he added.

Rainbow Dash was completely taken about from this comment. "Y-You actually think I'm...attractive?'' Dash asked in disbelief.

Her human friend smiled with a nodded. "Yeah I mean, all of you are.''

Quentin think looked over at his other friends who were happily chatting with one another. His eyes fell on Applejack and smiled fondly, her blonde mane hatless and untied and cascading beautifully down her back, her mane and coat glistening in the sunlight. Rainbow Dash just looked at him, like she was expecting for Quentin to say 'psych'. When he didn't say a word she smirked.

"So you DO think us fillies are easy on the eyes?'' Dash asked, whipping her bang out of her eyes and giving Quentin a flirtatious look.

Quentin laughed, but found it surprising that he actually just called ponies...beautiful. Dash then spoke, "Well those girls from your world, are beyond stupid for not paying attention to you,'' Dash added, placing a hoof on his shoulder with a smile.

Quentin looked at the brazen Pegasus speechless. "D-Do you really mean that Rainbow?''

Dash nodded. "Totally. You're the coolest colt I've ever met. And that's coming from THE coolest pony in Equestria.''

Rainbow Dash gave a smug smirk, but Quentin just chuckled. "Well that's certainly and honor, especially giving by the coolest pony in Equestria,'' he joked.

"You know it,'' Dash replied.

The two both shared a laughed after which shared a tender hug. When they broke apart, Dash looked away a little awkwardly. "And another thing, Quentin?'' she began.

Quentin looked at her, waiting for a response.

"If you were to stay here in Equestria with m- I mean with us,'' Dash quickly corrected herself as she continued. "I'm pretty sure you would have no trouble finding a girlfriend.''

The earth pony looked at his friend fondly. "You really mean that Dash,'' Quentin asked.

She smiled and nodded. "And who knows...maybe there's a pony somewhere who has their eyes on you right now,'' Dash said a bit shyly.

"I wouldn't count on that, but it'd be nice though,'' Quentin laughed.

He failed to see, a faint blush on Rainbow Dash's face. For the sake of curiosity, Quentin humored the thought of actually starting a relationship with a pony in Equestria. Since so far they were his six, closest friends, Quentin decided to use the mane 6 as a reference. Pinkie Pie is a fun loving, party animal, but she was a little TOO crazy for him. And those crazy antic she sometimes pull would eventually start to scare him. Fluttershy, well actually the two did have a lot in common with each other. They were both shy, timid, and soft spoken, though Quentin wasn't nearly as soft spoken as her, but...it's just she seems more like a little sister to him. Twilight Sparkle is intelligent, logical, rational, and nothing short of brilliant, but she'll probably only go for the smart guys.

Though Quentin did go through high school with B's, he wasn't nearly as smart as Twilight. Rarity, she'll probably only go for someone wealthy or a prince. Rainbow Dash, Quentin would probably need to be an adrenaline addicted, daredevil to win her heart. Quentin was definitely not that type of guy. And then there's Applejack, the humble, friendly pony that saved him from being eaten by Timberwolves. The pony that out of the kindness of her heart allowed Quentin to stay at her home for as long as he needed to. That beautiful pony with southern girl's charm and with freckles that just makes her cuter. Sure she'll probably work Quentin to the bone, but it never seems like work when he was with her. Quentin gazed again at Applejack, her blonde mane hatless making her even more beautiful. He couldn't help but smile warmly at her for a moment or two before shaking out of his train of thought, frowning.

Of course, none of these relationships would work let alone it'd be pointless, for Quentin would be headed back to his world eventually. Though he admit, if Quentin somehow been able to stay, he'd really would consider a potential girlfriend, or maybe just maybe someone to spend the rest of his life with. As the group of friends continued on the train ride, Quentin felt his eyelids getting heavier and heavier. Before he knew it, Quentin had fallen asleep. As the stallion slept, he completely failed to notice something resting against his shoulder. Quentin's head shifted to the right and rested softly on the mane of another pony as the train made their way to Canterlot.

> A Duel With a Prince
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

A little over an hour after Quentin, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie left Ponyville, the train screeched as the locomotive started to stop in the train station of Canterlot. The screeching and the jerking of the train stopping caused Quentin to awake from his sleep. He slowly opened his brown eyes with a soft yawn. It was moments before Quentin finally realized that Rainbow Dash had fallen asleep next to him, her head resting on his shoulder. The stallion smiled softly as the others walked over to them.

"Aw isn't that the sweetest thing you ever saw?'' Rarity cooed.

"Aww!'' Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy sighed in unison.

Applejack however, seemed rather troubled by the sight and frowned disapprovingly as Rainbow Dash slowly woke up. She saw four of the girls smiling at her and she looked at Quentin. Realizing she had fallen asleep on the earth pony's shoulder, she quickly moved away, a blush on her face.

"What's wrong? Ever see a pony trying to get a little nap in?!'' Dash asked loudly, faking a yawn.

"Oh Rainbow, you look just peaceful resting your head against Quentin's shoulder as you slept,'' Rarity giggled.

Quentin blushed and Dash blushed brighter. "What?! I wasn't resting my head against Quentin. I...it only looked like my head was resting on him!'' Dash denied frantically.

The others just smirked at her, clearing not buying it. Dash looked quickly at them before frowning. "Let's just get to the castle, we don't want to keep them waiting!''

Applejack nodded and said irritably, ''Yea let's.''

The others laughed and the seven friends made their way off the train. As Quentin passed Rainbow Dash, she tapped him on the shoulder. "Hey um Q?'' she began sheepishly.

Quentin knew what she was going to say and he smirked. "Don't worry about it Rainbow. Besides, you have a really soft mane.''

Dash responded with a chuckle as the friends made their way off the train together. While walking through the cars on our way off the train, Rarity glanced at Applejack and smiled with a soft gasp.

"Why Applejack, I just noticed you didn't have your hat on AND your hair is loose. It looks simply divine!'' Rarity complimented, admiring the farm pony's blonde mane.

The other girls voiced their approval and Applejack blushed. "Aw shucks girls. I jus' wanted to try a new style fer myself, that's all.''

"Well you should come with Fluttershy and me to the spa sometimes. One treatment, and your coat and mane will be glowing!'' Rarity suggested excitedly.

Applejack chuckled. "Whoa slow down Rare. One baby step at a time!''

The seven ponies all laughed, and they finally stepped off the train. Quentin immediately, noticed the train station was much bigger than the one in Ponyville. Ponies stood about the platform, either talking happily or marveling the sights. Pinkie did a quick hop.

"Yay we're here. Let's get this party started!''

Applejack chuckled, walking forward. "Simmer down surgarcube, before they kick us out.'' Quentin looked around and noticed a few guards in gold armor standing by the exits. He guess even in a place like Equestria has their share of troublemakers.

Twilight walked over to him, smiling. "So Quentin, what do you think about Canterlot so far?'' she asked, taking the male toward a ledge.

Quentin's jaw dropped as he gazed at the wonder that was Canterlot. The entire city spired on the side of a mountain, clouds rolling by aimlessly beneath it. He squinted through the clouds that rolled faintly by. "Is that...Ponyville?'' the stallion asked.

Twilight nodded. "Yes, Canterlot and Ponyville are seeing distances from each other.'' She then led her friend toward back to the rest of their friends and they walked through the exit. "But I think this view might be a bit better.''

What Quentin saw before couldn't possible compare to what he was looking at now. It was a gigantic city which every last piece of architecture here towers over the buildings of Ponyville. The designs were always elegant with each structure being topped with varying different spires. The dominant color of the buildings were porcelain white. Quentin gazed around, completely awestricken.

"This is Canterlot?'' Quentin asked slowly in wonder.

Twilight giggled. "Yep, the one and only.''

"Isn't is just beautiful Quentin?'' Fluttershy smiled in her usually quiet voice.

Quentin looked at the yellow Pegasus. "Beautiful is a major understatement Fluttershy,'' he replied, a wide smile slowly forming on his face.

Pinkie suddenly jumped in with her bubbly self. "Oh, just wait Quentin. Canterlot has some of the neatest places to shop and eat from. We can show you around to them!'' Pinkie said quickly.

"That'd be fine an' dandy Pinkie, but how bout' we see Shining Armor and Princess Cadence first?'' Applejack chuckled, putting an arm around Quentin. "Then maybe we can give Quentin the tour.''

They all agreed in unison and they made their way through the city. Quentin looked around in awe as they traveled through Canterlot. He noticed that most of the ponies that lived here were unicorns and judging from their fancy and exquisite clothing, they seemed to be upper class and quite wealthy. The human also noticed that they had their noses high in the air, walking with their eyes closed. Quentin could even swear he saw one couple whose heads were tilted so far back they could look at the ground behind them. Quentin turned to Rarity.

"Wow, these ponies look like they're living the high life up here,'' he said.

Rarity just sighed, with a slight frown. "Yes they do seem to be quite privileged alright,'' the beautiful unicorn replied.

Quentin looked at her puzzled. "To be honest with you Rarity, I'd could expect someone with your talents and profession to be living in a place like this. You certainly have an air of the crème de la crème, '' he remarked honestly.

Rarity gave Quentin a thankful smile. "That is very sweet of you to say Quentin and trust me darling, I get told that quite frequently. But to tell you the truth, no matter how much I may love coming here, I could never picture myself living here.''

''Really, why?''

Rarity frowned at Quentin. "As sophisticated and well groomed as these ponies may be, they are quite pompous and conceited. They look down on ponies that might not live up to their standards.''

Quentin looked at Rarity with a slightly surprised look, before nodding understandingly as she continued. "I may look and act posh, but I never would I judge a pony based on their social status. There are far more important qualities to look for than that.''

The human turned stallion looked at Rarity and gazed around at the surrounding ponies as they talked and went about their day. He frowned a little as he watched, there did seemed to be a hint of phoniness about them. Even their laughs seemed fake and pretentious.

"I gotcha Rarity. Sounds like some of the rich people from my world. They may act like the care for the less fortunate, but they only act like it for publicity. The only care about their image and money,'' Quentin muttered.

Rarity just nodded. Rainbow Dash then chuckled as she hovered next to the unicorn and earth pony. "Yeah, reminds me of that horse dick of a prince Blueblood,'' she smirked.

Rarity gave off a frustrating sigh as she rolled her eyes. "Please don't get me started with him!''

Quentin just looked lost. "Who's Prince Blueblood?''

Applejack chuckled. "Let's jus' say he's Rarity's so called 'Prince Charmin' that was anythin' BUT charmin.''

"You can say that again Applejack. I don't even want to hear that lout's name in a proper conversation!'' Rarity spat.

Quentin wandered what this Prince Blueblood could've ever done to cause Rarity to have such animosity towards him. Who could treat a generous pony like Rarity like some doormat? Not wanting to cause a bigger fire to Rarity's anger, he decided to ask something to change the subject.

"So...Shining Armor and Cadence must be really important for Princess Celestia to asked them to rule in her place?''

"Like it's a total surprise. I mean they ARE a prince and a princess after all,'' Dash shrugged.

Quentin whipped his head at the hovering pony and gawked. "Did you say prince and princess?!''

Dash looked around awkwardly. "Um...yeah?''

The stallion stared at Rainbow Dash for a moment and whipped his head at Twilight. "So you mean to tell me your brother is a prince?!'' Quentin asked the unicorn flabbergasted.

Twilight blinked before answering. "Yeah, he married Cadence just a few months ago and she was a princess. So...that made him a prince.''

Quentin couldn't believe what h was hearing. He was actually going to meet royalty. "So, that means you're part of a royal bloodline?!''

Twilight just giggled. "Yeah, I guess you can say that.''

Quentin just looked dumbs trucked until the only thing that came out of his mouth softly was, "Damn.''

Pinkie giggled. "What's the matter Quentin? Haven't you met a prince and a princess before?''

"Do you world have princesses and princes too?'' Fluttershy asked, she like Rainbow Dash hovering.

Quentin answered,'' Well yeah there are, but not just anyone can walk up to them and say hi.''

"Really, how come darling?'' Rarity asked.

The dreadlocked stallion shrugged, ''Mostly likely because they don't want the wrong kind of people to just waltz in to see them. They want to keep them safe.''

Twilight nodded. "Understandable, though Equestria has its share of trouble makers, nopony has ever threatened Princess Celestia or Princess Luna.''

"Of course nopony has, not unless they want to get their sorry flanks handed to them!'' Rainbow Dash grinned.

Among conversation, Twilight looked at Quentin. "And you'll just love Cadence also Quentin. You can always have a good time around her.''

Quentin smirked. "Sounds like you've known Cadence for a while huh?''

Twilight beamed. "Awhile? Cadence used to be my favorite foalsitter when I was a filly. She always came up with the best games to play, plus she's really kind and caring too!''

Quentin thought about the term 'foalsitter' and deduced that it couldn't be any different than a babysitter.

"Your foalsitter that was a princess ended up becoming your sister in law...how's that for a twist?'' he grinned.

The seven pony friends all shared a laugh. They walked through the city and finally over a bridge that led up to the biggest castle Quentin has ever seem. The castle was artistic and predominantly white with purple spires and gold. A waterfall crashed down from a near cliff that fed to a creek in which the creek led and fell from a cliff east from the castle. Not surprisingly for a royal castle, unicorns donning gold armor stood stern and tall, spears in the ridges of their hooves as they guarded the castle. The castle was truly a shining and majestic fortress to behold.

They walked up the large staircase and to the great doors that was guarded by two unicorn guards. At first, they frowned sternly, but then grinned as they saw the group approach them.

"We're here to see my brother Shining Armor and Princess Cadence please,'' Twilight spoke.

One of the nodded and spoke, ''Yes Twilight Sparkle, the prince and princess are expecting you.'' The two's horns glowed a light green aura as they opened the doors magically.

"Just wait Quentin. The castle may look beautiful on the outside, but on the inside, it's a palace like no other,'' Fluttershy smiled as they headed into the main hall.

Fluttershy was right, the inside of the castle seemed bigger and more beautiful than from the outside. The friends walked along the long purple carpet that led to pearly white stairs that went up and split west and east. After venturing through corridors and hallways of the castle, they finally made it to the spacious throne room. High on the throne, were two ponies. The first was a white male unicorn. He seemed burly like Big Mac who were about the same size as him. His mane and tail was of moderate cerulean with dark phthalo blue. Like other ponies, his mane was in the style of a humans, his mane falling down the back and over his left shoulder with bangs over his eyes that split at his horn, with was longer than Twilight's. His cutie mark consisted of a dark blue shield with three, light blue, five pointed stars over each point of the shield.

The pony sitting next to him was a female and probably the most beautiful pony Quentin has ever seen so far. She was a slender pony with a pale, pink coat and a dark violet mane with a hint of moderate rose and gold streaks, with her mane falling down her left side and curling at the mid of her forelegs. Her tail was long and matched her mane and too curled. Her cutie mark consisted of a teal crystal heart with a gold lace on her flanks. Unlike the other ponies he's seen so far, she wore a gold necklace around her neck with matching, gold shoes that went up a few inches on each hoof as well as a gold tiara with two, purple gems embedded into it on top of her head. She had a pair of Pegasus wings folded by her sided as well as a medium length, pink unicorn horn. She was truly a vision to behold.

She and the male pony were talking to two, formally dressed female ponies, each levitating a long scroll of some kind, possibly going over the duties and responsibilities the two must carry. Quentin's six friends smiled as they walked forward. The two glanced down at them and smiled brightly.

"Twily!'' the burly pony exclaimed happily as he and his wife galloped from the throne and down towards the group.

"Shining Armor! Cadence!'' Twilight squealed and ran towards them and flung her arms around her brother.

"It's so good to see you Twilight. I've missed you so much!'' Shining Armor said as he hugged his sister.

They broke apart and Twilight smiled at him. "Not as much as I missed you Armor!''

"Hey what about your sister and law?'' Cadence smiled, walking forward.

Twilight grinned at her before hugging her. "You know I wouldn't forget my favorite sister in law!'' Twilight responded enthusiastically.

Applejack learned into Quentin, a grin on her face. "Now you jus' watch Quentin. This is gonna be jus' the cutest thing ya ever seen,'' she said with a wink.

Quentin tilted his head a little in confusion at Applejack and he looked at the two ponies. What he saw next just made him smile. Twilight and Cadence hopped in place then ducked low while covering their eyes with their forelegs, before raising them as if playing peek-a-boo. They then sat down on their haunches and tapped their hooves together one at a time. They then stood up, stood side-by-side, and wiggled their rumps while still maintaining eye contact. All the while, they chanted, "Sunshine sunshine, ladybugs awake. Clap your hooves and do a little shake!"

''Ok, that was just too adorable,'' Quentin said trying to suppress a snicker.

"Aww!'' the six cooed in unison.

"That never ceases to warm my heart to see!'' Rarity spoke, placing a hoof over her chest with a touched smile over her face.

"Girls! You've made it. How have you been?'' Cadence asked trotting to the others.

"Princess Cadence, what's up?!'' Rainbow Dash said, giving the pony a hug.

Cadence happily greeted and hugged the rest of the mane 6 as Quentin stood a few inches back from them. He observed her intrigued for he had noticed that she had a pair of Pegasus wings and a unicorn's horn. That was the first and only combination the earth pony stallion seen to date and he pondered what exact race she could possibly be. As she hugged Fluttershy, her eyes gazed upon Quentin's shy, uncertain face.

"Oh and who do we have here?'' Cadence smiled at me in that sweet, tender tone of hers.

Quentin immediately flinched up, not finding the right words to say. Twilight and Shining Armor walked forward and the others smiled, with Twilight walking beside Quentin and putting a hoof around his shoulders.

"Shining Armor, Cadence...it'd be our pleasure to introduce you to our new friend, Quentin,'' Twilight smiled.

"Such a unique and interesting name. Hello Quentin, it's nice to meet you,'' Cadence replied, a warm, inviting smile on her face.

"So this is the famous Quentin I've been hearing about. It's great to finally meet you,'' Armor said with a grin.

The only thing Quentin could think off was lean backward, his left foreleg bent and his bottom in the air as he fell into a sharp, awkward bow to the prince and princess. Everyone looked at the equine with a, shocked and puzzled look as Quentin bow. "T-thank you Prince Shining Armor and Princess Cadence. It's an honor to be allowed to meet you in the castle,'' Quentin said respectfully.

His friends just looked blankly at him, then smiled sheepishly at the royals. "Umm, we may have mentioned to Quentin on the way here that you two were prince and princess,'' Twilight said to her brother and sister in law.

Shining Armor and Cadence looked at each other before finally laughing. "Quentin, there's no need for the formalities,'' Cadence said.

Quentin peered up to the pony. "Um, y-yes your highness,'' he said as he got up." I'm sorry, this is the first time that I'm meeting royalty.''

Shining Armor chuckled. "Don't worry about it. We get that all the time, but Cadence is right. You don't have to bow to us. We've been hearing nothing but good things about you Quentin. Any friend of Twily's a friend of mine.''

Shining Armor jabbed Quentin softly on the shoulder as Cadence nodded. Quentin smiled shyly as Pinkie began bouncing in between them. "See Quentin, just a few minutes in the castle and you've already made friends with a prince and princess!'' Pinkie said in her usual, excited tone.

Quentin smiled shyly, averting his eyes to the ground, but quickly looking at Shining Armor. "Wait, did you call me famous?'' he asked, confused.

Cadence nodded. "That's right, in one of Twilight's letters, she told us how you stopped a wild chimera from destroying Ponyville. We were quite impressed to say the least.''

Quentin blushed. "Oh well I didn't do much. It was my friends that did the real work.''

Applejack grinned, nudging her friend. "Aw he's jus' bein modest. He really showed that big galoot not ta mess with our town.''

"Yeah, Q here kicked that sorry monster's butt all on his own. Great, but I totally could've done it better myself,'' Rainbow Dash winked at Quentin, putting an arm around him.

Quentin rolled his eyes and smirked at the bold Pegasus's fanfaronade. "And let's not forget Quentin saved my and Applejack's little sisters and Scootaloo. He's a real hero,'' Rarity said, giving the stallion her glamorous smile.

Quentin's face was really starting to heat up now. Shining Armor looked impressed by his accomplishments. "Whoa, that IS an impressive story. Now we know who to call if a dragon attacks the Crystal Empire.''

Twilight and her friends all shared a laugh with the royals and Quentin too joined in lightly, starting to feel comfortable again. The seven ponies got themselves settled in. Quentin had a feeling that they would be here for a while, but he didn't mind. Quentin was already having a wonderful time in Canterlot. They decided to eat lunch in the extravagant dining room. As the group of friends walked in, Quentin took Twilight to the side for a moment.

"Hey Twilight?'' he asked, trying to keep his voice down.

"Yes Quentin?'' Twilight replied.

Quentin asked, ''Um in that letter you sent to Shining Armor and Princess Cadence...what else you mentioned to them?''

Twilight looked at the stallion as if trying to understand the question and she could see the worried expression on her friend's face. She smiled warmly, knowing what Quentin was afraid of and she responded. "Don't worry Quentin. I didn't mention anything about you coming from another world.''

Quentin sighed, relived and smiled. He didn't want to draw much attention to himself so he was grateful for the secrecy. The two then joined the others in the hall and Quentin sat next to Shining Armor and enjoyed conversation as Twilight, Cadence, and the rest of their friends chatted with each other.

"So Quentin, from what your friends said, it sounds like you can really handle yourself. Do you have any previous training history?'' The prince asked the human.

Quentin didn't need any thinking for that answer. He had seven years' worth of karate back on his world, and he was pretty damn good at it if he did say so himself. But Quentin decided not to say anything about his native home. "Well...sort of. A friend of my family taught me how to defend myself back at home,'' Quentin answered. In truth he hated to lie, but he knew it was probably for the best if he withheld the fact that he was actually a human from another world.

Shining Armor nodded. "Ah I see, and where did you come from again?''

"Fillydelphia,'' Quentin answered.

"So I guess you would run into trouble a few times in Fillydelphia huh?'' Armor asked, resting an elbow on the table.

"Tell me about it. Some bullies would came about and always make trouble for me. So I could either just sit there or let them pound my face in, or I could learn how to kick their asses.'' Quentin said, but suddenly brought a hoof to his mouth and looked at Armor wide eyed. He thought he probably should never curse in front of royalty.

"Um sorry about my language,'' he apologized, but Shining Armor just laughed.

"It's fine really. Twilight was right, you are a modest guy, but you don't need to be so uptight around us.''

Quentin smiled sheepishly at the unicorn. "So I guess it you've had some training too?'' he asked.

Armor nodded with a grin. "Yep, I had to if I was going to be the Captain of the Royal Guard.''

"You were a captain?!'' Quentin asked, raising his voice a little.

Shining Armor nodded. "Yep, it was always my dream to serve in the Royal Guard. But never would I have thought that I would rise to the ranks and actually be the captain,'' Armor grinned, but with humility in is voice.

Quentin just stared at the unicorn, then he let out a chuckle. "Twilight studying under Princess Celestia. You being a knight and eventually becoming a prince, guess your family are destined for greatness.''

Armor laughed. "Maybe...but I think it's more about luck I guess.''

Armor and Quentin continued to converse. Though he was more comfortable talking to a royal, he would still fidget occasionally and bashfully averted his eyes. Usually, he would wait for Shining Armor to speak first and start a conversation He hadn't notice that the girls were giving them occasional looks and whispering to each other. When Quentin peered over to them to find them looking at him, they instantly averted their eyes, giggling as they did so.

"Wonder what they are talking about?'' the human asked, raising an eyebrow.

Shining Armor shook his head. "Who knows...girls.''

The group of girls continued to giggle when Cadence spoke. "Quentin's still so reserved and quiet around Shining Armor. He is quite shy isn't he?''

"Yes, and he's really kind and gentle, and sweet too,'' Fluttershy said softly with a smile.

Rainbow Dash grinned. "Yeah totally, I mean he can be quiet and timid at times, but he can be tough and brave when he needs to be!''

"Couldn't agree more Rainbow. Quentin's definitely the strong, quiet type,'' Applejack added, smiling at Quentin fondly.

Rarity stroked her lovely mane, a graceful smile on her face. "And let's not forget how much a gentle colt and respectable Quentin is to others. Unlike a certain OTHER stallion!'' Rarity then seethed on her last few words.

Rainbow Dash sighed. "Here we go again,'' she thought.

"Yep and he's just so fun to be around with. It's like every day it's a party with him!'' Pinkie Pie said in that cheerful disposition of hers.

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Pinkie, with just you alone it's a party every day.''

The girls laughed, causing Shining Armor and Quentin to give them weird looks. Armor smirked and went over to his wife.

"Alright, what are you girls talking about?'' Armor asked, wrapping his forelegs around Cadence.

"Umm, nothing. Just having a little girl talk,'' Cadence teased her mate.

''Yeah Armor. Is there a law about girls having a friendly conversation with each other?'' Twilight grinned, nudging her brother.

Shining Armor pretended to think, ''Well...we are in charge of Canterlot for now you know. I think I can pass a law like that.''

"Well if you do, then you'll have a good old fashion filly revolution on your hooves then!'' Rainbow Dash responded, crossing her arms.

They all laughed. They finished their lunch and decided to head outside to the gardens. The group were all pretty much doing various activities. Rarity lounged about pool, sunglasses on and tanning with a sun reflector in her hooves. Fluttershy was happily busy with some birds and other critters of the garden, occasionally vocalizing in short songs. Pinkie Pie was trying her best to make the stern and serious guards laugh or even crack a smile. With Pinkie, she used the most outlandish attempts for this cause, confetti, sparklers, streamers, anything to get them to lose their bearings.

Rainbow Dash was zipping through the air at high speeds. She was most likely practicing some new moves to show off to the ponies back in Ponyville. Applejack was under a cool, shady tree, sound asleep taking a nap. Shining Armor and Quentin watched some of the guards as they went about their training regime. Commands of 'about face' and 'a-ten-hut' and 'forward march rang out as dozens of gold clad guard ponies did the actions that was commanded upon.

Twilight and Cadence stood at the ledge of a balcony, overlooking the gardens. "So Cadence, I hope the Crystal Empire is doing ok without you and Shining Armor,'' Twilight spoke to her longtime friend."

Cadence nodded with a small smile. "Yeah it is. We've left very capable ponies in charge while we are here.'' Cadence face then fell and she turned her gazed outward among the garden.

Twilight tilted her and with a concerned look before saying,'' Cadence, what is it? Is something wrong?''

Cadence didn't respond at first, then she turned to Twilight with a worrisome eyes. "It's just, I don't understand why Princess Celestia would call on us on such short notice. The letter she sent us was short and didn't have much explanation as to why she and Princess Luna would leave.''

Twilight listened with empathy as Cadence continued. "I mean, I know those two are powerful and can more than capable of protecting themselves, but I still worry about my two aunts.''

Twilight nodded, placing a hoof on her shoulder. "Believe me Cadence, I know how you feel. There isn't a day that went by after I learned of the two princess's departure do I not think about them.''

"Do you know why they left so suddenly?'' Cadence asked.

Twilight thought for a moment, careful of what to say. "Well, it may not make much sense, but Celestia been having disturbing visions and she and Luna left in hopes of solving what they mean.''

Cadence looked at Twilight with a bewildered expression. "Visions? About what?''

Cadence looked at Twilight, as if she was trying to comprehend what she had just told her. She then lowered her head and averted her eyes to the floor. Twilight smiled softy as she spoke.

"Don't worry Cadence. If both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are investigating this, then there's nothing to be worried about. I mean they've defeated powerful enemies in the past to save Equestria, I know that they won't fail if something threatens Equestria again.''

Cadence gazed into Twilight's intelligent eyes and smiled. "I guess your right Twilight.''

Twilight nodded. "I know I'm right. Besides, Princess Celesita and Princess Luna can control the sun and moon. There's nopony that can match their powers.''

Cadence laughed. "That's true I suppose. You're right Twilight, I just need to have faith that everything will turn out right. Thanks.''

Cadence smiled warmly at her sister in law and Twilight returned the smile. "Anytime. Anything for my favorite sister in law.''

"I'm you're only sister in law!'' Cadence laughed.

Twilight grinned. "The more reason I'm glad that I could cheer you up.'' They both shared a laugh and embraced each other.

"I'm really glad to be able to see you again Twilight,'' Cadence whispered in her ear.

"I know, it's always great to see family,'' Twilight smiled. As the two embraced, Twilight's face fell with a mixture of sadness and uncertainty as she thought about her mentor.

Shining Armor and Quentin watched as a stocky unicorn pony with a black coat and tail clad in gold and purple armor directing some of the other guards. "Whoa, that guy is tough,'' Quentin muttered as the pony called for them into attention.

Shining Armor chuckled. "I'll say, but I guess that's why Rapier is such an effective captain.''

"You know him?'' Quentin asked, looking at the unicorn.

Armor nodded. "Oh yeah, he was my second in command when I was the captain. He trains the new recruits that comes in and let me tell ya, he's no joke. Sometimes I can't believe I survived my time with him.''

The human turned earth pony looked at Armor and gazed at Rapier as he pushed the recruits to do strenuous exercises. "Wow, and I thought the Marines were tough.''

Armor looked at Quentin with a perplexed expression. "Uh, what are 'Marines'?''

"Crap!'' Quentin thought to himself.

He did not want to let him in on anything from his world so he quickly changed the subject. "Uh nothing, forget about. I was just thinking out loud!'' Quentin chuckled nervously.

"Oooookay?'' Armor said slowly, giving Quentin a weird look.

The earth pony quickly responded to avoid the awkwardness. "So, I bet you really must've kicked ass when you were a captain.''

Armor smirked, whipping his mane coolly. "Well I don't want to brag, but I bested a pony or two on occasions.''

"I bet you have after all, you would have had a reputation to keep up if you were the captain of Princess Celestia's Royal Guard,'' Quentin grinned. "Of course, I may be a bit shy but when I was pushed too far, I've won a fight or two.''

This prompted an idea to come to Shining Armor's mind. "Really? Well how bout it then?''

Quentin looked at him blankly. "How bout it what?'' he responded, not knowing what the prince meant.

Armor just grinned toughly. "What I mean is how about we test each other. What do you say to a friendly duel?''

Quentin's eyes widened at the suggested. "A duel? You mean...like a fight?!'' he exclaimed.

Armor chuckled. "Don't worry well have armor on of course, and well use training spears, not the real ones.''

Quentin looked at the unicorn stallion uneasily. "I-I don't know Armor. I don't really do great in front of crowds.''

"What crowds? I didn't mean in a publicized area. I meant in the private courtyard.''

The brown equine thought carefully for a moment. Quentin didn't really want to fight anyone really, but then again he's never been challenged by a prince. Quentin also had the dreaded sense that since Shining Armor was a former Captain and was a prince, he was probably the toughest soldier around. On the other hand, he did had a sparring match against Rainbow Dash and he had a blast. Plus He thought that he could probably learn a thing or two about Equestrian combat from one as distinguished as Shining Armor. Quentin gave him a determined smirk.

"All right Armor, you're on!''

"Great, follow me and we'll get suited up,'' Armor said, with a noticeable excitement in his voice.

Quentin followed Armor inside the castle where they met with the others. "Hey you two. What are ya up to?'' Applejack asked.

"Oh Quentin and I agreed to engage in a friendly duel,'' Armor said casually.

The others' eyes widened at the declaration. "You're kidding right?'' Twilight asked with an irritated expression on her face.

Quentin shook his head. "Nope, I'm actually going to duel your brother Twilight.''

"Quentin and Shining Armor are actually going to duel? This is gonna be so AWESOME!'' Rainbow Dash squealed like some sort of fan girl.

"Do you really think this is a good idea? I couldn't bear it if Quentin got hurt from such a competition,'' Rarity said with concern.

Armor chuckled. "Don't worry Rarity, we'll be using the training equipment, not the real deal, so everything will be harmless.''

Rainbow Dash grinned, hovering beside Quentin with a forearm around his neck. "Please, there's no need to worry. Or did you forget that Quentin outsmarted a chimera all by himself? He'll be fine!''

"Well that's true...but,'' Fluttershy squeaked with concern, but Pinkie Pie jumped in.

"Oh I've never seen a duel before. I mean I've seen a magical duel when Twilight went up against Trixie, but NEVER a duel between soldiers!'' Pinkie said.

Quentin shook his head with a small sigh. "Pinkie, I'm not a solider.''

Pinkie giggled. "Oh right, DUH Pinkie Pie!''

"I think I'll be the judge of that,'' Shining Armor said with a smile." C'mon let's go get suited up.

"You always want to show off for people don't you?'' Cadence said to her husband with a smirk.

"What? I'm not showing off. I just want to test the skills of somepony that took down a chimera,'' Armor retorted with a grin.

Cadence gave Armor a 'yeah right' expression as he and his challenger headed off. "That brother of yours,'' Cadence said to Twilight.

Twilight shook her head slowly, ''Hey, you should've known what you were getting yourself into when you said 'I do'.''

Quentin followed Shining Armor through a couple corridors and finally to the castle armory. Within, numerous of gold armor and helmets were placed neatly on shelves that winded around the room. Along with the armors, spears, swords, cross bows, and many other medieval like weapons were carefully secured in place.

"Damn, I wouldn't want to invade this castle,'' Quentin muttered to himself, gazing around at the weaponry.

"Well now that we're here, should we get suited up?'' Shining Armor asked.

Quentin nodded, though a bit uncertainly, "Y-yeah, whatever you say Armor.''

Being that he never worn armor like this, especially in his new, equine body, Shining Armor had to help Quentin slip on the clanky garments. After about ten minutes, Quentin slipped on a helmet that greatly resembled a combination of Greek Corinthian and medieval barbutes, with openings for his pointed ear. Quentin stood before Shining Armor fully clad in his armor and he nodded approvingly with a smirk.

"Nice, that armor sure looks good on you Quentin,'' he said, him too fully dressed in gold armor.

"Thanks Armor,'' the stallion replied, bashfully averting his eyes away.

Armor went over to a closet and opened it, to reveal stocks of wooden staffs. He used his magic, his horn glowing a light rose color to levitate two of the staffs. "Think fast!'' Armor called as he magically threw a staff towards Quentin.

Quentin quickly reacted and caught the staff with the ridges of his wrists just below his hooves. Quentin smiled at the staff, as it resembled the bo staff they he so preferred to use back on Earth. He then proceeded to do a few, but not too elaborate strikes and movements with it which ended with him twirling it around his back giving a strong tap on the ground with one end.

"Nice,'' Armor smiled." Should we get going then?''

Quentin nodded and proceeded to follow the prince unicorn. They walked down a hallway to a pair of double wooden doors. They went through them and found themselves in the palace courtyard. It seemed to be located in the center of the castle. Nothing but lush grass surrounded by the shining palace. Quentin gazed around and to his surprise he found his six friends and Cadence eagerly watching down from a low balcony to their far right.

"Oh my, Quentin looks quite fetching with that armor on,'' Fluttershy said with a faint blush on her face.

"Fetching? Fluttershy Quentin is simply dashing, like a prince!'' Rarity retorted gracefully.

Twilight nodded with an impressed. "I agree, especially with the sunlight complimenting it.''

Applejack stared at the human, the sunlight gleaming off his golden armor. It was like Applejack had never seen anything like it before. Quentin caught a glance at her and with a soft smile, waved at her. Applejack smiled and blush, and waved gently back.

Rainbow Dash grinned at Quentin. "Yeah Q. You go. You're rocking that Armor!'' she cheered.

Quentin really blushed at the comment and looked away shyly.

"Well you ready for this Quentin?'' Armor asked.

"More than I'll ever be,'' Quentin muttered, uneasiness in his voice.

Armor smiled, jabbing his shoulder. "Relax, I'm sure you'll do fine. This isn't life or death, just have fun with it.''

Quentin smirked at Armor. "Sure, I'll have fun with you kicking my ass up and down the field.''

Armor laughed at this and the two trotted out into the courtyard. Almost immediately, cheers were coming from the balcony. "Whoo-hoo! Go Armor! Go Quentin! Yeah!'' Pinkie Pie cheered.

"Sounds like you already have some fans,'' Armor chuckled.

Quentin chuckled sheepishly as they made their way to the center of the courtyard. Armor and Quentin then separated and faced each other as the two prepared to duel. "Well here we go. Let's have a nice, clean duel,'' Armor said, extending a hoof for a hoof bump.

The armor clad earth pony smirked as he spoke, ''Yeah, just for sport.'' Quentin reached out his own hoof and hoof bumped the prince.

They then took stance, Quentin's staff held firmly in his wrist as Armor's was hovering at a diagonal angle in front of him by his magic, each combatant giving each other a generous amount of space.

"And don't worry about me. Come at me with all you got ok?'' Armor said.

Quentin nodded, ''R-Right, d-don't hold back.'' He had a bad feeling he was going to regret those words. Up on the balcony, the six friends looked on silently, preparing for the match.

Cadence grinned to Twilight, ''Well here we go. Boys knocking each other's brains out.''

Twilight giggled as Rarity held a hoof close to her mouth. "I do hope Quentin doesn't get hurt out there.''

Rainbow Dash snorted, ''C'mon Rarity trust me. Quentin's got some skills. He'll be fine!''

Applejack nodded with a smile. "Yeah, he can take care of himself.'' She then reared up and put her front hooves on the ledge and watched intently for the match to begin.

Armor and Quentin stood their ground, a breeze blowing against their coats. They smirked at each other. Even though Quentin was nervous out of his mind and his heart was beating 200 beats a minute, the stallion still had a feeling of excitement that rushed through his body.

"Ready?'' Armor said.

"Set,'' Quentin replied.

"GO!'' the two called simultaneously.

Immediately, Shining Armor's rose aura covered staff lunged forward and attempted to strike Quentin on the head downward. Though he faulted at first, Quentin was able to react and lifted his staff upward and blocked the attack.

"Good block Quentin!'' Armor called.

"Thanks Armor!'' Quentin called back, but Armor smirked and in a blink of an eye, his staff swept him from his hind legs and he flipped over on his back.

Quentin grunted as he tried to readjust his helmet. Back on the balcony, his friends cringed lightly as they watched. "I-I can't watch anymore!'' Fluttershy squeaked, covering her eyes with her hooves.

"C'mon Q, shake it off!'' Rainbow Dash called.

Armor called his staff back to him as the stunned earth pony staggered to his feet. "Always keep your head in the game. Never lose focus when you're in the middle of a match, or in a life or death situation,'' Armor advised.

"R-Right,'' Quentin nodded." Damn, what have I gotten myself into?'' he muttered to himself with gritted teeth.

To his shock, Armor then started to gallop towards Quentin, his staff flying quickly beside him. "Oh shit!'' Quentin thought as he braced himself.

When Armor had gotten close enough to Quentin, he whipped his head across as he commanded his staff to fling a side strike to his target. Quentin stood his ground and parried the strike. He then attempted his own strike to Armor's head, to which he ducked and jumped back. Armor then tried to do the same trick on Quentin again, trying to sweep him by his hind legs, but Quentin learned from his last mistake. Quentin jumped and did a back flip and landed firmly on the ground, evading the attack. Armor, gave him an impressed look.

"Whoa, Quentin nice moves. And you learned from the previous attack!''

Quentin grinned. "Nothing to it Armor.''

Pinkie Pie let out a huge sigh. "Whoo that was sooooooo close!''

"Yee-haw! You show 'em Quentin!'' Applejack cheered.

"That was awesome. Q definitely needs to show me that move!'' Rainbow Dash said happily.

Fluttershy peeked through her hooves to see what was going on. Quentin decided to take the offense and he galloped at Armor. He stood firmly with his staff guarding him in front of him. Armor's challenger decided to give him a melee attack. Quentin did a combination of a low strike, mid strike, and upper strike. Not surprisingly though, Armor managed to block all three attacks, but Quentin wasn't done yet. He then dipped his staff in between Armor's legs and with all his strength Quentin pulled upward, sending Shining Armor flying onto his back with a grunt and a brief clank of his armor. Quentin spun around and gave a satisfied smirked.

"Wow, did you see that?!'' Cadence said, surprised.

"Yeah, I have to admit that was impressive!'' Twilight responded, shocked seeing her brother flipped.

Applejack gave a silent hoof pump, ''Yeah that's it!''

Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie cheered loudly at Quentin's sudden attack. "Oh my, I think...I think I feel a faint coming along!'' Rarity said dramatically, resting an arm across her forehead.

Armor got to his feet and smirk. "Wow, good work Quentin. That was a really clever combination.''

Quentin shrugged a little, ''Well you know, I try my best.''

"But you'll have to do more than that to win. I'm coming for you!'' Armor responded and he galloped towards him.

For the next few moments, Armor and Quentin were locked in combat, striking and blocking each other's attacks. Quentin was surprised he was actually doing quite well. He had never felt so relieved about having staff training back on Earth, and he was thankful that they were paying off. On the balcony, the others cheered both of the combating stallions on.

"Oh nice one Armor!''

"C'mon Quentin, stay strong!''

"Oh that was a close one!''

"Yay!'' Fluttershy would squeak softly

Quentin didn't know how long he and Armor were fighting, but he really didn't care. They were enjoying themselves, calling out playful taunts as they dueled. One point, Armor blocked a strike Quentin executed and countered by lifting him over his back and flipping Quentin on the ground. The human quickly got up and shook off the daze.

"Whoa, Armor's really beasting!'' Quentin thought.

They've been dueling nonstop for a while now and Quentin and Armor faced each other, breathing heavily and their coats damp with sweat. "What's wrong Quentin, getting a little tired?'' Armor smirked, breathing between his words.

Quentin chuckled, ''What? You're not telling me you've gotten a little out of shape since you left being captain Armor?'' he breathed.

The others looked on, leaning forward as they excitedly awaited the conclusion of the duel. "Man this is so close. It's either one's game!'' Rainbow Dash commented.

"I know. Quentin, Armor, Quentin, Armor...I can't take it anymore!'' Pinkie squealed, like she was about to explode from the excitement.

Twilight gulped as she watched of match as Cadence stared on with a hoof close to her mouth. Fluttershy, was still peering through her hooves, all while muttering, "Oh my, oh my, oh my!''

"The suspense...it's KILLING ME!'' Rarity freaked out.

Applejack just watched on, her eyes locked on Quentin. "C'mon Quentin, jus' hang in there!''

Armor and Quentin breathed heavily as they stared each other down until Armor smirked. "So, want to go one more round Quentin?''

Quentin grinned and nodded. "Let's do it!''

They both gave off battle cries as the two galloped at each other, their staffs ready for the final bout. They drew closer and closer until Armor flung his staff for a mid-strike. Quentin was ready to block it, but Armor faked out and struck Quentin on his left side of his face. Quentin grunted as Armor continued his onslaught. He then thrusted his staff to Quentin abdomen, causing the earth pony to reel forward and gasp for air, but Armor still wasn't finished. Armor then swung up and hit Quentin under my chin, causing him to fly backwards and land on his back. His friends cringed and let out gasps as Quentin fell to his back.

"Oh dear!'' Twilight muttered. The rest just looked on in shock.

Quentin gritted his teeth and peered through an eye and shot them both open when he saw Armor's staff ascending down from the sky at great speeds. What Quentin did next was just plain instincts. Before the staff could reach him, Quentin rolled over and it dug itself into the ground. Armor called it back to him and Quentin galloped off at him at the same time, grabbing his staff off the ground. Armor staggered backwards, his staff coming to his defense. With all his might, Quentin swung his staff to his shoulder.

Though Armor blocked it, Quentin gritted his teeth and quickly spun his staff over his and sharply flicked it up, causing Armor's staff to fly away from him. Armor gave a shocked expression and Quentin took his chance. He landed a blow to the side of his helmet and another quick one to his other side. Armor grunted as he staggered backwards. This was it, all or nothing. The earth stallion ran forward and with his strength Quentin dug an end of his staff firmly in the ground. With both wrists wrapped around his staff, Quentin kicked off from the ground and swung around his staff, like he was a monkey and his hind legs collided with Armor's chest, sending him flying back a couple feet. His armor clunked at he rolled on the ground and stopped.

Immediately Quentin feared for his safety. "Aw shit!'' he cursed under his breath as he ran to him.

On the balcony, the seven ponies looked dumbfounded, their jaws ajar at what they've just saw.

"Armor, are you alright?'' Quentin asked in worry, running up to him.

Armor lifted himself up and took off his helmet, scratching his head and grunting. "Armor?'' Quentin asked, concerned.

Armor looked up at him. Quentin was preparing for an angry outburst but to his surprise, Armor exclaimed. "Dude, that was awesome. I didn't know you could do that!''

In all honesty, Quentin was boggled by this sudden praise. "W-What?'' was all he could say.

Armor beamed, getting up. "That move you did was incredible. I never would've ever thought about doing something like that, let alone expected it during a duel!''

Quentin just blinked at the stallion, at lost for words. "You mean, you're not mad?''

Armor just laughed. "Why would I be mad? After all, I did say not to hold back didn't I?''

Quentin nodded uncertainly. ''Yeah, but.''

"But nothing. That was probably one of the best duels I've ever had. I guessed you've had some staff training back in your day huh?'' Armor smirked.

The earth pony averted his eyes shyly. "Well kinda, I mean I just sorta analyzed staff fighting during my travel to Ponyville from Fillydelphia'' he lied.

Armor widened his eyes in surprised. "You mean you learned just by observing other ponies fighting?''

Quentin just shrugged.

Armor looked at Quentin, smiled, and patted his back. ''Well whatever the case, you did well out there. You used the unorthodox the win the match today. Useful lesson in the field of battle.''

Quentin smirked shyly. "Oh no, I didn't win the match.''

Armor looked at him with a perplexed expression and chuckled. ''Modest one aren't you? Besides, that's not what they think.''

Armor pointed up to the balcony to see their friends cheering hysterically. Even the usually quiet Fluttershy was jumping up and down cheering loudly. Quentin's face heated as he shyly smiled at them. They galloped down the stairs from the balcony, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash flying, as they all came towards the unicorn and earth pony. In a blur of rainbow colored spectrum collided into Quentin, knocking him down backwards and embraced him tightly.

"Man Q that was so AWESOME!'' Dash squealed, tightening her embrace.

Quentin chuckled. "T-Thanks Dash. Now do you mind if I can get up?''

Immediately Rainbow Dash released her human friend and took a few steps back. "Oh my bad. That was a klutzy move,'' Dash laughed sheepishly.

Armor chuckled as he helped Quentin to his feet. "But seriously, what you did was beyond cool!'' Rainbow Dash said, patting his back.

The others agreed. "I must agree with Rainbow Quentin, you were simply magnificent. It was like you were a valiant knight also in your armor,'' Rarity said with her graceful smile, batting her eyes.

Quentin looked down bashfully, not used to so much praise. "C'mon guys it was nothing really.''

"That sure didn't look like nothing to us out there Quentin,'' Cadence smiled. "And besides, it's nice to see another stallion able to knock around some sense into that thick skull of his.''

Armor blushed as he smiled sheepishly. Suddenly, Pinkie Pie bounced excitedly. "They're right Quentin. That was great! Oh when we get back to Ponyville, we'll definitely need to have a Quentin's Duel Victory Party and everypony's invited!''

Quentin just smirked and shook his head at his exuberant friend. Twilight walked forward and smiled. "Wow, Quentin I must say that was impressive. I think you're the first pony I've seen to best my brother in a duel.''

"Great first my wife and now my sister's cracking on me too!'' Armor joked and they all laughed.

Quentin turned to Fluttershy, ''Wow Fluttershy that was probably the loudest I've ever heard you. I could even hear you from over hear.''

'' Fluttershy blushed with and adverted her eyes. "Oh I'm sorry was I too loud? I guess I couldn't control myself, it was just I got caught in the moment watching you.''

The human turned stallion chuckled at Fluttershy's modesty. "You don't need to apologize Fluttershy. I'm flattered that you would cheer so loudly for me,'' Quentin replied giving her a one arm embrace.

Applejack walked beside Quentin. "Quentin yur a hard worker, a heck o' a applebucker, and yur good with a staff, is there any other talents ya wish ta share'' Applejack grinned, embracing him with a one foreleg embrace.

Quentin playfully thought. "Well actually, I can't help you with a math problem,'' he joked.

Everyone laughed and Quentin joined in. This was probably the best time he's had in Equestria since he came here. Armor and Quentin decided to get out of their sweaty armor and took a quick shower. Afterwards they all spent a great time with one another, going through town and seeing many of the wonderful shops they had. While the group of friends were out, Quentin found a brilliant ruby gem on the street. It was already cut and polished and was in the shape of a rhombus. He marveled at its beauty and had a plan for what he could do with it later on and I slipped it in his saddlebag. Before they knew it, hours passed and it was half passed five in the afternoon.

They were back at the castle and were all outside on a balcony, overlooking Canterlot. "Wow time does fly by when you're having fun!'' Pinkie said with a smile.

Twilight nodded, somewhat reluctantly, "Yeah I suppose we should be getting back to Ponyville.''

The rest of her friends agreed and Twilight turned to Shining Armor and Cadence with a disappointed gaze. "It seemed we've only been her for a short time to be honest.''

Cadence smiled. "Don't worry Twilight, you'll have plenty of time to visit. Besides, maybe we'll come visit Ponyville next time.''

"That'll be great!'' Twilight beamed and the two embraced. "Make some room you two. You can't leave me out,'' Armor smiled and he joined in the hug with his sister and wife.

The rest of the six friends smiled at the three shared their own little family hug. "Aw isn't that just precious?'' Rarity sighed with a touched glance.

Just as she said those words, a plume of green fire spontaneously combusted in the air not far above them. "What the heck?!'' Rainbow Dashed said loudly as they all took a step back, shocked by the display.

As quickly as the fire came, it extinguished, and a rolled up scroll fell to the ground. "Wait a minute, this came from Spike!'' Twilight said alarmed.

Her friends all voiced their concern as Twilight magically lifted the scroll into the air, her horn and the scroll covered with a magenta glow. Twilight opened the scroll and skimmed through it, her eyes widening.

"Well Twilight, what does it say?'' Pinkie asked eagerly.

It's...from Princess Celestia!'' Twilight answered.

"The Princess!'' the rest cried in unison.

"Well don't keep up in suspense Twi, what does it say?'' Applejack urged the unicorn.

Twilight nodded and read to them the contents.

"My dearest Twilight. I know it's been days since Luna and I have left to find the answers to these troubling visions. Though we haven't fully unraveled the mysteries of these premonitions, we have for now discovered some light to them. It seemed these visions are for some reason centered around the Changeling Queen. You may very well remembered that the last time we faced her she and her army of Changelings tried to take over Equestria, but was ultimately defeated. However, I bring grave news that last night she and her army has attacked the kingdom of Kal-Equa and stole a very precious gem that may be the key to their flourishing state...and survival. I don't know what the Queen may be planning with this gem, but I know for certain it can't be good. My student and her faithful friends, be prepared to use the Elements of Harmony should that foul Queen ever returned to Canterlot. Luna and I send our love to you and our loyal subjects.

Signed Princess Celestia

Twilight finished reading and the rest looked at her in utter shock and horror. For Quentin, it was more of bewilderment. "Changeling Queen? Kal-Equa?'' he thought to himself quizzically.

"What that lousy Changeling Queen again?! I thought we handed her ass the last time she tried to take over!'' Rainbow Dash exclaimed angrily.

Applejack frowned. "Yeah, but do ya really think that that was the last time we'd see the last of her and her creepy army?''

Rarity shuddered. "Oh those horrid things. I still can't believe I actually touched one of those creatures Bleah!''

Armor and Cadence frowned at each other. "So it's her again?'' Cadence muttered, a look of disgust on her face.

"Yes, she trying to start trouble again. Why does scum like her never learn their lesson when they've been put in their place?'' Shining Armor growled.

Pinkie Pie gasped. "Do you think she is trying to absorb more love so she can attack Canterlot again?''

Twilight shook her head, frowning. "I'm not sure Pinkie, though it is possible. But why does she need a gem, and what does that gem do exactly? It doesn't make sense.''

"D-Did the Princess say that the Changeling Queen attacked Kal-Equa?'' Fluttershy asked, fear in her voice.

Twilight nodded solemnly. Quentin looked around, the mood dark. "So will someone please tell me what the heck is going on?" he finally blurted out.

Everyone looked at the male earth pony. "Oh yes that right Quentin, you probably don't know what we're talking about,'' Twilight answered.

Quentin nodded while Armor blinked, "Wait Quentin, you don't know about the attack on Canterlot? Just about everywhere in Equestria knows about it.''

Quentin looked around awkwardly, and smiled nervously. "Oh well...hehe you see well-'' he began, trying to come up with a story.

Thankfully, Applejack grinned sheepishly and jumped in. "Ya see, Quentin here didn't get out much back in Fillydelphia. Like he was livin' under a rock.''

The six friends smiled nervously and tightly, nodding but Pinkie Pie scratched her head in thought. "Um wouldn't Quentin be too big to live under a-ouch!'' Rainbow Dash had nudged Pinkie in the ribs, still smiling tightly.

Shining Armor and Cadence gave each other weird looks. "Ooook,'' Cadence said, still giving the seven friends an awkward gaze.

They then proceeded to tell Quentin their history with this Changeling Queen. Quentin learned that Changelings were creatures that had the ability to take the form of others. They told him how she kidnapped Cadence and took her form in order to brainwash Armor and to absorb their love, increasing hers and her followers' power to be able to take over Canterlot and eventually all of Equestria. However, they're plans crumbled when Shining Armor and Cadence used the power of love to defeat them and send them flying from the castle.

Quentin looked at them in disbelief from the story. He then spoke, after snapping out of his gaze. "So...do you think that this Changeling Queen is out for revenge?''

"I wouldn't put it pass her darling. She is a completely evil being that would not take her defeat last time so lightly,'' Rarity answered with a frown.

"And what about this place...uh Kal Equa was it?'' Quentin asked.

Twilight nodded sadly. "Yes, Kal-Equa is a kingdom like Equestria. The history books say that Equestria and Kal-Equa have been allies for centuries. I've never been there but I've read that impurities don't exists in Kal-Equa. Some even call it the Kingdom of Light because it's radiant with generosity and balls of light showers beautifully down onto the city.''

Quentin looked on impressed by the description of such a kingdom. Cadence nodded. "Yes I've always here such great things about Kal-Equa, who would ever want to attack it?''

Rainbow Dash frowned, ''That Changeling Queen apparently. First she tried to take over Equestria, now she attacks Kal-Equa?! When I get my hooves on her!''

"Calm down Rainbow,'' Applejack began. "Remember, we defeated em' before an' we can sure as heck do it again!''

Pinkie agreed happily. "Yeah, AJ's right. If we just stick together, then there's no way that meanie creepy pants of a queen will ever win!''

The rest of the friends voiced their agreement. Quentin smirked at their determination, and felt the warmth of their friendship. For a peaceful kingdom, a lot of shit had went down in Equestria. Armor and Cadence smiled at the ponies.

''Now didn't I say that it'll embarrassed me if you keep saving my rump Twily?'' Armor grinned.

Twilight gave him an amused smiled. "Well somepony has to save your rump when the worst happens.''

Shining Armor laughed. The seven Ponyville friends decided to gather their belongings and Shining Armor and Cadence saw them off at the train station. As Quentin's friends boarded the train, Shining Armor stopped him, ''Hey Quentin got a second?''

"Yeah sure what's up?'' Quentin inquired, stepping off the train.

"Listen, I know Twilight can be headstrong at times. And I know she knows a ton of spells and was trained personally by Princess Celestia but...'' he trailed off his lasts words as Quentin listened intently, eager to learn what the captain, turned prince was implying.

Armor then looked at the human with a somewhat worried gaze, ''But with the situation at hoof, the princesses gone and the Changeling queen planning something...who knows what could happen so I have a favor to ask: please look after Twilight for me.''

Quentin was not expecting such a request. Here he was a mere human turned pony who Shining Armor just met a few hours ago was placing his trust in him to look after his younger sister. Quentin stared at the unicorn before forming a serious expression and nodded.

''I will Shining Armor, I promise.''

Armor and Cadence smiled relieved. "Thank you Quentin. Twilight and I just became sisters, I don't ever want to lose her,'' Cadence said tenderly.

"No need to thank me Cadence, Twilight has been nothing but good to me since I came to Ponyville. The least I could do is protect her.''

Shining Armor smiled calmly. ''You're a great fighter Quentin. Trust in our skills and they will take you far. I know my sister is in good hooves by your side.''

Armor then extended is hoof to Quentin who knew exactly what he wanted and Quentin smirked as he extended his own hoof and they gave each other a brohoof bump. "Hehe, thanks Armor.''

Quentin, Shining Armor, and Cadence said their goodbyes and boarded the train. Again, the friends were able to get a car to themselves at the very back and took their seats. Within moments, the train jerked forward as it started to pull away from the platform, Quentin and the rest of their friends waving at Shining Armor and Cadence. It wasn't long until they passed the Canterlot checkpoint and were riding along the mountain side. Since Quentin was asleep coming up here, he didn't get the chance to view the beautiful mountain scale. To the stallion's slight embarrassment, Rainbow Dash kept talking about how he beat Shining Armor and imitated his moves as the others grinned, but Quentin noticed Twilight wasn't listening to her. In fact, she looked as if she was thinking deeply about something. Quentin shook his head and returned to gazing out the window.

About halfway through the trip, his gaze was interrupted by a voice. "Lovely view isn't it?''

Quentin turned to find Rarity smiling at him. "Yeah you're telling me. I can't believe I've missed this on the way up here,'' he said, smiling at the unicorn.

Rarity replied with a giggle took a seat across from the stallion.

"So what's up Rarity?'' her friend asked.

Rarity smiled. ''Oh nothing darling, I just thought that maybe I could sit with you and chat for a bit.''

Quentin nodded. "It's cool with me. It's always nice to have a bit of company, especially from one as beautiful as yourself.''

Rarity gave him a warm smile, blushing a bit. "You always have the sweetest thing to say Quentin.'' Rarity then gave a frown. ''If only that arrogant, sorry excuse for a prince Blueblood was more like you!''

Quentin looked at Rarity with a slight, perplexed frown. He thought this Blueblood guy must've been a real jerk to make Rarity to have all this animosity towards him. "This Blueblood must've really pissed you off huh,'' Quentin finally asked.

Rarity looked at the brown earth pony, almost fuming. "Pissed...Pissed?! Pissed isn't close to what I felt how he treated me!''

Quentin looked at his unicorn friend sympathetically and got up and sat beside her. "Well I have two ears that work, do you mind telling me?''

Rarity sighed, but softened a bit. "Yes, I don't mind telling you about that dreaded experience.''

Rarity then proceeded to tell Quentin how she met Prince Blueblood at something called the Grand Galloping Gala, a royal ball held yearly at the castle where usually the high classed ponies and the invited attend. She told him how she expected him to be her Prince Charming, but his actions that night was anything but charming. Instead of picking a rose for her, he instead picked it for himself. He gave himself a comfortable pillow to sit on while carelessly not offering one to Rarity. Shocking more, he made Rarity use her shawl to cover up a puddle of water on the floor to walk on, expected her to hold open the door for him, AND he used her as a shield to protect himself from a cake that was hurling towards them due to an ensuing chaos.

Quentin looked at Rarity with shock and disgust as she recalled the events. What really got his insides bubbling was the Blueblood had the nerve to openly insult Applejack's treats she was selling them at the Gala. She and her family makes some of the best food Quentin had ever eaten. Hearing someone insult Applejack like that so bluntly was someone that should watch their back if they ever met him.

"How could he? Did he even complimented you at ALL during the evening?'' Quentin asked Rarity a bit outraged.

She shook her head with an angry expression. "Not a single one even after all the hard work I've spent on my dress!''

Quentin could see that despite her fury, Rarity was hurt that her dream man was such a pompous dick to her. The stallion just leaned in and wrapped his forelegs around her.

"I'm sorry you had to endure such a prick Rarity,'' Quentin whispered empathetically.

Rarity closed her eyes and returned the embrace. "It's not your fault Quentin. For all it's worth, I've learned a valuable lesson that night. Just because one is a prince doesn't mean that he'll act like one.''

Quentin faced her with a soft smile. "Well you deserve a prince Rarity. You're heart shines with generosity and grace, and that Blueblood guy was too stuck up to realize that he lost the chance a great thing.''

Rarity looked touched by his words. "What? Do you really mean that Quentin?''

Quentin smiled and nodded. "Totally. He wasn't good enough for you.''

Rarity blushed and smiled, averting her eyes.

"Oh which reminds me!'' Quentin suddenly remembered. He got up and took his saddlebag from under his seat. Rarity watched with curiosity and Quentin turned around and sat next to her, hiding something behind his back.

Quentin, what do you have behind-'' Rarity began.

The dreadlocked pony smiled as he answered, ''It may not be a rose, but it's just as pretty as one.'' He then presented the ruby that he found.

Rarity gasped, speechless from its magnificence. "Quentin...where on earth did you get this?!''

Quentin smiled shyly. "I found it on the ground while we were roaming the city. When I saw it, I immediately thought about you. Surly a beautiful gem like this should be owned by an even more beautiful pony.''

Rarity just looked at him in speechlessness when Quentin said those words. She couldn't believe what she had just heard. Quentin took her hoof and placed the ruby in it. "It's perfect for you,'' he said softly with a kind smile.

Rarity continued to stare at her stallion friend. "Y-You really want me to have this Quentin?'' she asked.

Quentin nodded. "Yes, plus it's the least I could do for making that awesome outfit for me.''

Rarity looked down at the ruby and then at Quentin and smiled fondly. "Oh Quentin, even though I said I wanted nothing in return for making those clothes, you still had the need to give me a gift.''

Quentin averted his eyes sheepishly. Rarity leaned forward and embraced him. "Thank you Quentin. This the most thoughtful gift anypony has ever given me. I feel lucky to have a sweetheart like you for a friend.''

Quentin chuckled softly as he embraced her. "It's nothing really.''

Rarity then surprised him by planting a kiss on his cheek. "But it is dear. You may not be a prince, but if you were, you'd you put that lout Blueblood to shame. You would be twice the prince he'd ever be,'' Rarity responded sincerely.

Quentin was taken about by this comment. Rarity actually compared him to a prince. He smiled warmly as he hugged the unicorn. Quentin didn't notice Applejack had been watching them the whole time and she had a very somber look on her face and turned away and faced out the window. After an hour, Ponyville finally came into view and the train screeched to a halt in front of the station. The seven friends gathered their belongings and stepped off the train. It was now past six and it was beginning to sunset.

"Well that was certainly a lovely visit wasn't it?'' Fluttershy asked, smiling softly.

"You betcha Fluttershy! And it was even more special with Quentin coming with us!'' Pinkie Pie said excitedly bouncing.

The rest agreed. Quentin chuckled as he shook my head. "No, girls. I'm really nothing special to be honest.''

The six ponies looked at each other and then smiled at their stallion friend in unison. "Well you've been special to us Quentin,'' Twilight remarked.

"Yeah. You've been so awesome to get to know and even though you've only been here a couple days, I'm glad to have an awesome guy like you for a friend!'' Rainbow Dash said.

Pinkie bounced happily. "Yeah. Plus you're the first human to ever come to Equestria. That makes you even more specialer! Wait is that even a word? Can anypony be more than special? Of course they can, so specialer HAS to be a word!''

Rainbow Dash then placed a hoof over Pinkie Pie's mouth, but the silly pony continued talking, though with muffles as she made an assortment of gestures with her forelegs. The rainbow maned Pegasus rolled her eyes as Applejack walked forward with a soft smile.

"I couldn't said it better myself. I-well we're thankful that you came to Equestria Quentin.''

The others nodded. Quentin felt especially touched by Applejack's words. Out of all of them, he valued her opinions the most. They all walked out of the station and towards the town square.

"Well guys, that was a mighty fine time we've had today,'' Applejack spoke with a smile.

The rest of the friends agreed. "It was wasn't it? But I guess I should get back home and start dinner for Spike,'' Twilight said.

"Yes, the same goes for Sweetie Belle and my little Opal,'' Rarity added.

"And I need to tend to my animal friends for the night. I promised Angle bunny that I'd make him a special salad for dinner tonight,'' Fluttershy said, hovering off the ground.

Pinkie bounced, ''Oh and I need to babysit Mr. and Mrs. Cake's twins!'' She then sped away leaving behind a trail of smoke. The others just looked at each other awkwardly and in the next second Pinkie came back. "Bye guys!'' she said and dashed away again.

Quentin scratched his head. "Seriously, how does she do that?'' he pondered.

"Yeah,'' Rainbow Dash said slowly." I'm gonna head out too. See ya guys later.''

Quentin, Applejack, Twilight, Rarity, and Fluttershy gave their goodbyes to the fast Pegasus. Before she left, she gave Quentin a rather nice smile a wave and the stallion smiled warmly and waved back. In the next second, she was speeding away through the sky a trail of rainbow following her. The rest of the group bit each other goodbyes and parted ways, Applejack and Quentin headed back to Sweet Apple Acres. As Twilight was heading back to the library, someone called her name. She turned around to see Mayor Mare trotting to her. Twilight smiled politely.

"Mayor Mare good evening. What can I do for you?''

The mayor came to her and sighed relieved. "Oh Twilight I'm glad to have finally found you,'' Mayor Mare said.

"Why, is something wrong?'' Twilight ask with concern.

Mayor Mare smiled and shook her head. "No everything is just fine. But I must asked you for a favor.''

Twilight blinked blankly before speaking. "Y-Yes of course I'll do my best to help. What is it do you need me to do?''

> Championing a Hero
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

uentin awoke near nine o clock next morning. It was Sunday and the skies had a few passing clouds as light shone through the curtains of his room. He'd guess that little duel he had with Shining Armor the day before wore him out more than he thought. Quentin could hardly believe that this was his fourth day in the land of Equestria. The stallion stepped out the morning and let out a yawn, when he heard a southern accented voice spoke behind him.

"Well G'mornin there Quentin!''

Quentin turned around and saw Applejack smiling at him. Today, she had her blonde mane tied and wore her brown Stetson as she usually did but it didn't matter to him. She was already a beautiful pony with or without it.

Quentin smiled,'' Good morning AJ. Back to the old style huh?''

Applejack giggled. "Yeah, I kinda miss this ol' hat. Ya don't mind do ya?'' Applejack gave her friend an uncertain look, but he just smiled and shook his head.

"With or without the hat, you're still a beautiful pony AJ.''

Applejack blushed and looked away. The human too felt shy from what he said and awkwardly averted his eyes. "So, ready to get started for the day?''

The farm pony immediately whipped her head towards Quentin and spoke. "Oh well Quentin. I was just thinkin, that since its Sunday an all an Sunday's are pretty slow days, I thought that ya might use a day off.''

Quentin looked at Applejack and tilted his head forward, cocking an eyebrow. "Seriously?'' he asked, a bit skeptical.

Applejack nodded and smirked. "Yep, after the hard work ya put into the last few days, I think ya deserve it.''

Quentin continued to eye Applejack until he finally spoke, ''Are you sure, I'm more than ready to do some applebucking or barrel pulling.''

Applejack shook her head, ''Nope, I'm yur employer and I said that yur takin the day off.'' Applejack gave him a wink.

Quentin smiled and sighed, ''Well, if my employer said to take a day off, then I have no choice.''

Applejack nodded triumphantly. "Good,'' she said, but then continued with a whisper." Besides, I can't have ya workin on yur big day.''

The earth pony stallion's ear twitch and Quentin looked at Applejack. "Excuse me, what was that?''

Applejack visibly faltered and smiled nervously. "What, er nothin Quen. Jus, thinkin out loud to myself. Well ya better be runnin along now, an enjoy yur day off!'' Applejack gave her friend a tight, nervous smile.

Quentin looked at her suspiciously. "Oooookay?'' he said slowly, not taking his eyes off of her." Well, I'll see you later Applejack.''

He turned to leave and Applejack waved. "Yeah, see ya later Quentin!'' Applejack called. As Quentin walked away, Applejack let out a sigh, "Whew that was a close one. I'd hate ta spill the beans on the plan.''

Quentin walked out of the perimeters of Sweet Apple Acres and towards Ponyville. "That was weird,'' he said to himself, thinking about the awkwardness Applejack displayed." I wonder what Applejack is up to?''

Within minutes, walking through town, ponies opening up their shops, and businesses preparing for the day. Quentin figured he'd go see if Twilight was up and about yet and walked to the library. He walked up to the doors and knocked three times.

"Coming!'' a female voice called from the inside.

In moments, the door opened to reveal his intelligent unicorn friend. Quentin smiled warmly at her, but she returned with a shocked and surprised expression. "Oh Quentin it's you!'' Twilight exclaimed.

The stallion looked around awkwardly, "Um yeah? That's me,'' he answered.

Twilight tried to cover up her outburst with a sheepish laugh. "Of course it's you. After all, you're the only Quentin in Ponyville!'' Twilight gave Quentin a tight smile.

Quentin looked at her as if she'd lost her mind. "Riiiight, well what are you up to today?''

Twilight looked as if she tried to come up with an answer. "Oh me? Well I'm you know, busy with some notes here practicing my magic there, nothing exciting really.''

"Well do you need some company? Maybe I can help you with-'' Quentin began but was cut off by a yawn.

"Twi, what's going on?'' It was Spike, walking groggily towards them whipping the sleep from his eyes. Quentin and Twilight both looked at the dragon and Quentin smiled.

"Hey there Spike, how's it going?''

Almost immediately, Spike shook himself awake and he dashed his way to on top of Twilight's back. "Hey Quentin it's you!'' the little dragon beamed as Twilight gave off an annoyed look.

"That's my name, don't wear it out,'' Quentin smirked.

"Oh man, you must be so excited?!'' Spike suddenly blurted out.

Quentin's face fell blankly and Twilight looked alarmed and worried, quickly looking back and forth from the confused earth pony to Spike.

"Excited...about what?'' Quentin asked, tilting his head ignorantly.

As Spike was about to open his mouth to speak, Twilight glared at him, her horn glowing as she used her magic to magically seal Spike's mouth shut. Spike muffled and ran his claws along his mouth as he tried to speak, but to no avail, it was actually quite humorous to be honest. Quentin looked at the display with his face slightly scrunched. He opened his mouth about to speak, but Twilight cut him off.

"Well it was nice seeing you today Quentin!'' Twilight began with a nervous, giggle. "But I really need to um, figure out the uh...solution to a problem I'm working on. So we'll see you later!''

With that, Twilight practically slammed the door in Quentin's face. He frowned slightly, as intelligent and sharp Twilight may be, she was a terrible liar. "Ok I'll just see what the others are in to,'' Quentin muttered, irritated by Twilight's act.

Twilight peeked out the window and sighed relieved as she saw Quentin walking away. She levitated Spike off her back and undid the spell she cast on his mouth, frowning angrily at him.

"What you do that for?!'' Spike said cantankerously, rubbing his mouth.

"Spike you almost gave out the secret to Quentin. He can't know about it yet!'' Twilight scolded the dragon.

Spike just rolled his eyes. "Alright, alright my bad. I just forgot about it that's all.''

Twilight just shook her head. Quentin walked through town on his way to Sugarcube Corner. As he walked, Quentin could see construction on the buildings and area where the chimera attacked was just about completed. But it was the passing ponies that was boggling his mind. As the human walked passed, he could see them whispering to each other. Quentin walked a by a group of female ponies, one was a pony with a light purple coat, a dark purple mane and a cutie mark of grapes and a strawberry, the other pony had a faint yellow coat with an orange mane and tail and her cutie mark was that of three carrots. The third pony had a light apple greenish grey coat with a mane and tail of cobalt blue with a light fuchsia highlights running down the middle.

The trio where earth ponies, whispering amongst each other. When Quentin stopped and looked at them, they looked at him blankly and then burst out into giggles and walked away with each other. Quentin rolled his eyes and continued onward until he saw the familiar, gingerbread building. He went to the back door and knocked.

"I wonder what Pinkie Pie in into with all her craziness,'' Quentin chuckled to himself.

In moments, the door open and Quentin was greeted by his bubbly pink pony friend. She beamed at the stallion. "Hiya Quentin!'' she greeted excitedly, but then had a look of shock. ''Quentin?!'' she exclaimed.

Quentin shot an agitated look at her, "Uh, yeah?'' he responded." I just wanted to come over to see what you were up to.''

Pinkie slapped her hooves to her mouth and bounced, as if she was trying to keep from losing her lunch. Quentin just looked at her, trying to comprehend what she was doing. She spoke, thought it was slightly inaudible from behind her hooves.

"Sorry Quentin, I can't talk right now. I, I...I need to take Gummy to get some clothes!''

Quentin cocked an eyebrow. "Take Gummy to get clothes?!'' he asked, raising his voice a bit by the strange answer." Since when did-'' he began, but Pinkie cut him off.

"Oh I think I hear Gummy calling me. I gotta go, by Quentin!'' Pinkie said and with that, she slammed the door in Quentin's face.

The human turned stallion stood there and frowned as he turned to walk away. "Alright, this is starting to get pretty damn annoying,'' Quentin grumbled.

It was the same way with his other friends. Rarity said she was busy with an order from a client and couldn't talk, and Fluttershy claimed that her pet rabbit Angel bunny was sick and had to take care of him. Even Rainbow Dash couldn't hang out with Quentin because she claimed to be housesitting for a guy named Harry as 'Harry' went to the beach for vacation. Quentin would've believe them too...if they weren't so awkward and fumbled about their excuses. He found himself walking along a meadow, sulking about the treatment of his friends towards him.

"What is going on with them?'' Quentin asked himself. "They're acting like they don't want to spend time with me. And I know those excuses they gave were bullshit!''

He kicked a rock as Quentin walked, but then had a thought. "Does it has something to do about the other day?''

Quentin remembered that when he and Applejack got back to the farm after visiting Canterlot, from his bed room window he saw Spike running up to Applejack and began talking about something. Curious, Quentin quickly ran downstairs and outside just as they were about to take off somewhere. When the stallion attempted to join them, Applejack insisted that they go alone and for him to stay at the farm. It was a weird, but troubling occurrence. What were they keeping from him? Quentin was so caught up in deep thought that he wasn't paying attention to wear he was going and the deep thinking pony walked faced first into a tree.

"Ow damn it!'' Quentin cursed as he fumbled backward and fell on his haunches.

Quentin rubbed his aching forehead as he continued to grumble and curse under his breath. "Great, first my friends are avoiding me, now I had to walk into a god damn tree!''

He gazed up into the skies and winced as Quentin saw a familiar grey pony zooming high into the air. Derpy flew right above him and looked down and when she saw the brown earth pony, her face lit up and she quickly descended towards him.

"Hi Quentin!'' Derpy greeted happily, hovering just above Quentin, her eyes walled, and carrying a saddlebag filled with mail.

"Hi Derpy,'' Quentin muttered, still sore from waling into the tree.

Derpy's face changed to one of perplexity. "Um Quentin, why are you on the ground?'' Derpy asked, tilting her head.

Quentin sighed. "I walked into a tree and fell back on my rump,'' he grumbled.

Derpy looked really confused now. "Why did you walk into a tree?''

"I didn't do it on purpose!'' Quentin snapped, annoyed.

Derpy hovered back a few inches, a hurt, sad expression on her face. The ill-tempered Quentin gazed at the Pegasus and immediately felt a twinge of guilt. He sighed, ''I'm sorry Derpy, I didn't mean to snap at you. It's just I've been thinking about some things.''

"It's ok Quentin, what were you thinking about?'' Derpy asked, coming closer to him.

Quentin thought for a moment, thinking of the best way to explain it. "It's just that, all of my friends are acting weird today,'' he finally spoke.

Derpy brought a hoof to her chin in thought, her walled eyes suddenly becoming normal for a moment. "Weird, how?'' his pony friend asked.

Quentin shrugged drearily. "I don't know, I went to all of their homes to see if they would want to hang out, they all came up with awkward excuses. They think they had me fooled, but I saw through their lies. It's weird.''

Quentin looked at Derpy who looked as if she was trying to comprehend what he was saying. "So, they're lying to you for some reason?'' Derpy asked.

Quentin nodded.

"Well when somepony does that, it usually means that they don't want to play with you.''

The stallion's heart sank at those words. "They...don't want to spend time with me?'' Quentin repeated softly, devastated.

Derpy nodded uncertainly but when she saw how distraught Quentin was becoming, she tried to cheer him up. "But not those guys. I mean Twilight, Applejack, and the rest they wouldn't do that to anypony espiceally to a nice guy like you!''

Quentin gazed down at the ground, still feeling hurt but the words. Derpy looked at her stallion friend sadly before nuzzling his face softly. "I'm sorry Quentin. Would a muffin cheer you up, I can make you a fresh batch if you want?''

Quentin sighed and shook his head. "No thanks Derpy, I'm not exactly hungry right now,'' he responded glumly.

Derpy continued to look at Quentin sadly when a clock rang sounded from afar. "Oh no, I'm gonna be late for work again!'' Derpy said alarmed. "I'm sorry to have to leave you like this Quentin.''

Quentin shook his head, trying to force a smile. "No you're good Derpy. But thanks for the talk and trying to cheer me up.''

Derpy smiled. "No problem, we are friends after all.''

Quentin smiled faintly back at the pony and nodded. "Yeah, we are.''

Derpy nodded happily, "Well these envelopes aren't gonna mail themselves. Bye Quentin!'' Derpy said, ascending to the sky and flew westward.

Before she could get too far, something didn't feel right and Quentin called her, ''Wait Derpy!''

Derpy halted in the air and turned around. "Yeah Quentin!'' Derpy called back.

"You must be confused, today is Sunday mail doesn't run on Sundays!'' he called.

Derpy blinked blankly. "They don't?''

All Quentin could do was face hoof and shook his head. Derpy flew away and he walked the path back into town.

"Maybe Derpy's right? I mean, they wouldn't just want to stop hanging out with me just like that,'' Quentin tried to convince himself. "Especially Applejack.''

Quentin smiled as he thought of the farm pony. Applejack would be the last one to do that to him. Not the pony that saved Quentin from a pack of vicious Timberwolves. Not the pony that so graciously took in a stranger like him into her home as long as he needed to stay there. Not the pony that charmed him so much to the point where he could hardly speak whenever she says hi. Quentin smiled to himself before finally shaking out of his thought.

"C'mon Quentin, don't start thinking like that. There's no point especially since I'll go home when-'' his train of thought was broken as he saw Twilight tip toing and taking occasional glances around as if she was sneaking somewhere.

Quentin dived behind a nearby tree and peered around it. "Hello and where does Twilight think she's going?'' he asked himself, furrowing his eyebrows a bit.

The stallion watched as the pony proceeded to cautiously make her way to her unknown destination. Quentin frowned at her, "Figure out a solution to a problem my ass,'' he muttered and started to follow Twilight, making sure that he was not spotted.

Quentin followed her past the tent like buildings and to his surprise, Twilight went up to the Carousel Boutique, Rarity's residence. He hid behind a tree as the earth pony observed her knocking on the door. In seconds, Rarity opened the door and began to talk to Twilight in hushed whispers that Quentin couldn't make out what they were saying. Eventually, they nodded at one another and the two left together.

Quentin dashed from behind the tree and started to follow the two unicorns. He followed them past the marketplace, dipping and diving past ponies trying not to lose them. It seems that they were heading west of Ponyville. Twilight and Rarity began to pick up pace and started trotting. Quentin did the same, determine to keep up and to find out what they were hiding. Little did he know that in the skies, Rainbow Dash was watching them from cloud to cloud.

"Aw man!'' Rainbow Dash uttered with a worried look.

She flew at her ridiculous speeds, with a trail of rainbow behind her. Quentin saw her coming and gritted his teeth. "Shoot its Rainbow Dash!'' the human muttered and he hid behind a pair of large hay bales.

He peek over the top and saw Rainbow Dash quickly talking to Twilight and Rarity. Quentin winced at them and suddenly the three turned and looked right at him with alarmed expressions. Almost instantly, the trio started to run a break neck speeds, with Rainbow Dash flying through the air.

"Oh no you don't!'' Quentin frowned and he galloped after them. They ran along familiar white fences in the country part of the town. Twilight took a quick glance over her shoulder and saw Quentin quickly pursuing them.

"Quick, we need to hurry!'' Twilight called to Rainbow Dash and Rarity.

"Go on, I got this!'' Rainbow Dash called.

The two unicorns nodded and proceeded onward as Rainbow Dash reared around and flew towards the galloping stallion. "Man, sorry about this Q,'' Rainbow Dash muttered, as she winced sadly.

Quentin didn't have time to react as she flew and started to fly rapidly around him. "What the-'' was all he could say as Quentin was enveloped by a rainbow tornado.

As quickly as Rainbow Dash flew to him, she flew upward into the sky and saw the tornado spin rapidly, with Quentin inside. The human was lifted from the ground and spun around faster and faster. Soon, the tornado subsided and Quentin fell to the ground. He groggily lifted his head, his eyes rolling around as everything was spinning. The disoriented pony staggered as he tried to get to his feet and lost balanced, falling back onto the ground. Rainbow Dash looked on and sighed with the most regrettable look.

"Sorry Quentin, but it was for your own good.'' Rainbow Dash then zoom towards where Twilight and Rarity was running to.

"Damn that was not fun,'' Quentin said dizzily.

Quentin felt like he was going to vomit, but he held it in. He shook off the dizziness, everything beginning to spin into place. Quentin frowned angrily down the path his three friends ran down.

"Ok, something is DEFINEATLY going on!''

Quentin started down the path. As he ran, he noticed the environment he was chasing his friends through. "Wait a sec, this leads to...Sweet Apple Acres!'' Quentin deduced and sure enough, the charming farm came into view.

Though far, Quentin could make out a purple, white, and rainbow colored specks running into the farmland. He gritted his teeth as he made his way to the farm. Up ahead, Twilight, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash quickly made haste to a barn.

"I really am not the sweating type! My mane's getting ruined!'' Rarity complained.

Twilight and Rainbow Dash rolled their eyes. "Well you can fix yourself up when we meet Applejack and the others!'' Twilight retorted.

"There she is!'' Rainbow Dash called, pointing forward.

Distances away was the farm pony in front of a red barn. "Applejack we've got a problem!'' Rainbow Dash called, pointing behind her.

Applejack gazed behind them and she saw her human friend galloping from behind. "Oh no,'' she said under her breath, a fearful look on her face.

"Hurry, hurry, hurry!'' Rarity shrieked.

The two unicorn and the Pegasus made a last sprinting and flying effort past Applejack and into the barn. Applejack looked fearfully Quentin's way as he galloped towards her. She tried to play it cool and smiled nervously as the stallion trotted up to her, a deep frown on his face.

"Well howdy there Quentin? What brings yall to my neck o' the woods?'' Applejack asked awkwardly.

Quentin gave her a stern glare. "Well this IS where I work Applejack,'' he said flatly.

"Oh, yeah right, but I said ya can have the day off,'' Applejack responded, a tight smile on her face.

Quentin ignored the question and got right down to it. "Why did Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity run into the barn?'' he inquired, trying to get a look inside, but Applejack kept blocking his view.

"What? Twilight, Rainbow, an' Rarity didn't come into the barn,'' Applejack said dumbly.

The dreadlocked stallion glared at her, getting annoyed. "Applejack I saw them run straight inside.''

He heard faint whispers inside the barn, and they sounded like Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy. Quentin scrunched his face a little. "Is...Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy in there too?''

Quentin tried to get a look, but once again Applejack blocked his view. "Ok, the others are in there I admit,'' Applejack began nervously.

Quentin stared at her. "Well what are you doing in there?''

"Us?! Well we're, uh doin some construction. That's right, need help puttin together the inside of this barn!'' Applejack came up, a nervous, desperate grin.

Quentin frowned at her, clearly not believing her excuse. His frown grew bigger when he heard a loud whisper. "You heard her, she said construction!''

Quentin then heard his friends' futile attempts to sound like work tools. "Well why didn't you ask me if I wanted to help?'' the dark brown equine asked Applejack, not taking his eyes off her.

Applejack struggled to find an answer, until finally she looked at the male with a frustrated glare and stamped her hoof. "Dog gone it Quentin I didn't ask ya cus' I didn't need ya. So would ya stay outta my business and get?!.'' Applejack looked furiously at Quentin, but deep down, she desperately hoped that Quentin would heed her lie.

Quentin continued to glare at h gritted his teeth and shook slightly in anger, but he merely nodded, "Alright, I hear you. Well you do what you need to do. I don't care.'' he muttered, angry but hurt.

Quentin walked glumly out of Sweet Apple Acres. He didn't know where he was going, nor did he care. "First they all lied to me about what they were doing, now they say that they didn't need me?!'' he said angrily to himself.

The stallion was especially hurt by Applejack's comment, the pony that he felt that he was getting especially close to and for her to lie to him and say she didn't need him was a blow to his heart. Quentin walked while in deep, distracting thoughts in his head. He had wandered into a quiet part of the town no ponies about. As the stallion continued to be lost in his quandaries, a loud crashing noise snapped him out of it that was soon followed by a cry.

"Help! Please, somepony help there!''

Quentin looked around in alarm, trying to find the source of the cry. "What? Where did that come from?''

"Help me please! I'm trapped!'' the voice cried out again.

Quentin hastily made his way through the street, trying to follow the sound of the voice. He then went around the corner and into an alley where his eyes were immediately met with a pony trapped under the weight of a fully loaded wagon.

"Please, somepony help!'' he cried out again, trying to free himself from under the pile but to no avail.

"Oh crap! H-Hold on I'll help!'' Quentin called as he galloped down the alley as fast as he could.

He made to the trapped equine and immediately pushed his body against the wagon. Quentin gritted his teeth as he pushed his strong body to try and lift the heavy wagon.

"Just…hold…on…'' the struggling Quentin growled through gritted teeth. The pinned down stallion looked up at Quentin with a distressed gaze.

For the next few moments, Quentin struggled to move the wagon, its size and the weight of the contents on it proving to be quite difficult. However with all the energy he could muster, Quentin was finally able to start lifted the wagon. Inch by inch, the wagon began to lift off the ground until it was high enough for the pony to squeeze from under it.

"C-Can you move now?'' Quentin asked, trying to hold up the heavy load.

"Y-yes I think so-I'm out!'' the once trapped pony cried out, having wiggled himself out from his predicament.

Instantly, Quentin released the wagon and it fell back unto the ground with a brief, loud noise as some of the contents crashed onto the ground. Quentin breathed heavily, trying to catch his breath from the muscle demanding task.

"Whew! That was not a light load!'' Quentin breathed out. He then turned to the pony with a more concerned face. "Are you alright sir?''

Now that the pony was free, Quentin could now see his full appearance. The stallion seemed to be somewhat elderly. He appeared to be an earth pony with a dark grey coat. He had a shoulder length, white, spikey mane with a chin length braid in front of his left ear  along with a white chin goatee the tapered down to his chest. Around his body he wore a brown, shaggy cloak with loose sleeves. He also had a pair of very peculiar eyes. His left eye was a pale magenta color while his right was deep cyan.

The freed pony shook his head before reaching for a wooden staff that was taller than he was with the top forming a crescent shaped curve. With the aid of the staff, the pony stood up and to Quentin's surprise, he let out loud, slightly obnoxious sigh.

"Whew-we! Certainly wasn't expecting that this morning!''

Quentin blinked a few times as he stared at the stranger, a bit shocked by his reaction.

The stranger then walked towards his wagon, the sound of his staff tapping the ground as he did so. "I was beginning to think nopony was going to here me.''

Quentin stared at the stranger pony before coming back to his senses. "Um excuse me sir, but are you ok?'' he asked as he advanced slightly forward.

The stranger then suddenly whipped his head towards the young stallion before grinning widely.

"Oh me? Oh sure I'm fit as a fiddle! Believe it or not, this isn't the first time this happened to me.''

"What happened?'' Quentin asked, walking forward.

The stranger chuckled, ''Ah this wagon that's what. This old thing is always losing a wheel. Here's a lesson,'' the stranger then leaned into Quentin as he continued with an informing tone. "Never buy a wagon at such a low price. It's too good to be true.''

Quentin scrunched his face at the somewhat strange advice as he backed away awkwardly. "Yeah, I'll remember that.''

The stranger then smiled as he spoke, ''Yep, no broken bones. No cracked ribs. No scrapes or bruises. Yep everything-MY GOD!'' he suddenly cried out, causing Quentin to jump.

"W-What? What is it? What's wrong?!'' Quentin asked alarmed.

"I have a beard!'' the stranger responded in shock.

There was silence between Quentin and the stranger. Quentin looked at the pony before him before his face fell in a slight, unamused frown. "Seriously?''

The stranger replied, lifting his beard in the center by a hoof. "Remarkable, I swear by Celestia this wasn't here when I woke up today. How do you like that? But you know, I like it!''

The stranger then began to flick the tip of his beard, giving off an amused chuckle as he did so. Quentin frowned at the strange pony, irritated that he made him worried over such a trivial piece of information.

Finally, Quentin spoke rather flatly, ''Uh huh. Look, I'm glad you're ok, I really am. And I hate to be rude, but I'm really not in the mood for this. So if nothing else is wrong, then I hope you have a good one.''

With slight wave, Quentin turned around and made his way out of the ally, the experience he had with his friends earlier making him sulk again. The stranger ceased with his beard playing and looked over his shoulder and saw Quentin leaving. The stranger turned around and looked on, a quizzical look on his face. When Quentin had turned the corner and went out if sight, a smirk came across the stranger's face.

Without knowing how he got there, Quentin found himself in a meadow with a crystal lake. It was quiet and peaceful, a great place to do some thinking. With a troubled heart, Quentin made his way towards the lake, stopped at the edge, and fell back on his haunches. He gazed into his reflection in the rippling water to see an angered, saddened face looking back at them. The human turned stallion then sighed deeply as he hung his head drearily.

Moments of silence as the downtrodden earth pony sat there as he thought of Applejack's and the rest of his friends' treatment towards them. The silence was finally broken when a voice spoke close to him.

"Pretty fun just sitting here…alone.''

Quentin shot opened his eyes and whipped his head to his right to see the same stranger he had helped beforehand, sitting next to him with a casual smile on his face. "Hi there.''

Quentin let out a short cry of shock as he stumbled away from the stranger. "What…how…where did you come from?!'' Quentin exclaimed, surprised by his sudden appearance.

The stranger brought a hoof to his chin as he rolled his eyes in thought, his staff in his other hoof.

"Where did I come from? Well my origins aren't important, but since you asked I'll be happy to tell you. Well I came from a small little village very far from here.''

Quentin frowned in confusion before shaking his head to avoid a possible life's story. "No, no I mean how'd you get here and without me noticing? You didn't make a sound!''

The weird, cloak wearing pony responded with a bright smile. "Well of course I didn't make a sound. It would be rude to disturb one's train of thought.''

Quentin frowned in irritation, not the very least amused by his explanation. "Well I appreciate the consideration, but like I said before I'm not in the mood for any hijinks. I just want to be alone right now.''

The brown earth pony then stood up and began to walk away from the stranger, annoyance now added to his list of emotions at the present moment. The stranger just smiled at him calmly before started trotting after him.

"That's ok, I don't mind walking. Besides walking is good for you. There's never a bad time to give your body a little cardio workout!'' the stranger said jovially as he came closer to Quentin.

Quentin peered over his shoulder and upon seeing the stranger, he rolled his eyes and shook his head. "Creepy old goat!'' Quentin muttered under his breath. Normally he wouldn't be so disrespectful, but right now his spirits wasn't in the brightest state and such happy-go-lucky displays like the one's this strange equine was display was really testing his patience.

"Would you quit following me?!'' Quentin said a bit aggressively.

"I'm not following you, you're simply walking in front of me,'' the stranger responded with a cheery tone.

Quentin rolled his eyes at the response and continued walking. As he walked, the stranger behind him then began to repeat a phrase over and over again in a tune only he knew. ''Usted es un idiota.'

Quentin couldn't understand what he was saying or what it meant, but every time the annoying character kept saying it, he would get louder and louder, and more boisterous. As the phrase kept being repeated over and over again, Quentin became increasingly more pugnacious as he gritted his teeth and his anger and annoyance bubbling wore with each second.

"Oh my god for the love of….'' Quentin snarled before speaking loudly. "What do you want me with?!''

Suddenly the stranger quickly made his way to Quentin's side as he put a foreleg around his shoulder. "Well I just wanted to tell you something important that's all,'' he smirked.

Quentin was eager to listen, especially it would get the rambunctious, elderly stallion to leave him alone. Quentin then gave a deep sight and leaned in to hear what the stranger had to say. The stranger looked around to see if no one was around before coming close to his aider and answered.

"Alright I'll tell you, it's a secret.'' The stranger then proceeded to sing that ridiculous phrase he sung a moment ago, beginning to dance enthusiastically as he did so. ''Usted es un idiota!''

Quentin widened his eyes briefly in in shock before groaning in an angered, frustrated tone.

"Ah enough already! What does that even mean anyway?!''

The stranger stopped his singing and dancing before looking at Quentin with sly smile. "It means you are a jackass.''

Quentin just stared at the stranger with a taken aback expression, his mouth ajar but the elder pony just laughed heartily.

"I think you're confused,'' Quentin muttered darkly before turning around and walking away.

The stranger then ceased his laughing and leaned on his staff, a rather seriously look on his face with a cocked eyebrow. "I may be confused, but at least I'm not a jackass. Tell me, haven't your mother ever taught you any manners?''

At those words, Quentin stopped dead in his tracks. He lifted a hoof and gently stroked his pendent hanging around his neck. Quentin looked down as his face changed from an angered, agitated frown to a sorrowful, and ashamed look. He felt a pain in his heart as he gritted his teeth and pinched his eyes shut. The stranger continued to look onto Quentin with a patient, serious gaze as finally Quentin let out a deep sigh and turned around, a truly apologetic look on his face.

"Look, I'm sorry ok. I didn't mean to be so rude and act so dismissively.''

The stranger observed the dreadlocked pony a bit skeptically before giving a short laugh. "Ah forget about it. Plus you apologized, so I gladly accept it!''

Quentin gave the elder a faint smirk as the latter came over to him. "So Quentin tell me, what exactly is making your heart ache so?'' The stranger had a slight, concerned look on his face as he asked Quentin his question.

However, Quentin looked at the stranger in a surprised, perplexed expression. How did this wily, old pony knew who he was? Quentin certainly hasn't met him since being in this world. "Hold on, how you know my name?''

The stranger chuckled, sitting down on his haunches next to the young earth pony.

"Well, somepony who saved the town from a rampaging chimera isn't necessarily a difficult pony to recognize.''

"But that doesn't explain how you knew it was me. I've never seen you in my life,'' Quentin questioned.

"Oh that doesn't matter my boy, what matters is that you're known, which is a good thing. A pony can't truly exists if he isn't acknowledged by his peers!'' The stranger laughed.

Quentin stared at the pony as he drank in his words. As strange and exuberant as the strange may be, Quentin could see some wisdom in his words. After a few moments of thinking, Quentin looked at the stranger and asked suspiciously.

"Ok I'll let you have that one. But you've been tailing me and quite honestly been a nuisance to me. So tell me…who exactly are you?''

The stranger chuckled, sitting his staff down. "Oh my name's not important. I'm not important. I'm just an old earth pony who wishes to converse with another earth pony.''

Quentin furrowed his eyes as he said, ''But didn't you just say a pony can't exists if he's not acknowledged? Besides, I would like to address others properly by their name when talking to them.''

The stranger just stared into the earth stallion's eyes quizzically before smiling calmly. "Hehe I did say that didn't I? Nice to know a young whippersnapper like you was paying attention to what this old goat had to say!''

As he spoke, the stranger ruffled Quentin's mane, causing his dreadlocks to shake. This actually annoyed Quentin greatly, but hearing the stranger's word made him feel guilty about disrespectfully calling him a 'creepy old goat'.

The stranger stopped ruffling Quentin's mane as he continued with a friendly grin.

"Very well then Quentin. The name's Norihc.''

Quentin gave the elder a dumbfounded look. Norihc? That was his name? Even in a place like Equestria that was a rather strange name, the strangest he had encountered so far. Quentin snapped out of his gaze and gave Norihc a faint, inviting smile.

"Well it's nice to meet you Norihc. I don't think I've seen you around Ponyville.''

Norihc stretched as he responded, "I can imagine you wouldn't. Like I said before, I came from a village far away from Ponyville. I just came into town to visit my daughters.''

Quentin's ears perked with curiosity. "You have family here?''

"Oh yes. My daughters moved here long ago to start their own lives. The sweetest, most beautiful children a father like me could ever wish for. They're the only ones who could've put up with a crazy horse like me all their lives!''

Norihc then laughed, just tickled by his remark. Quentin gave warm smirk at the description of his daughters. They sounded just lovely. "Well, I've just recently moved here from Fillydelphia and I've met nothing but kind ponies since. Your daughters sound wonderful to get to know. Have you seen them yet?'' Quentin asked.

Norihc gave a short sigh before answering. "No I haven't. I wanted to surprise them, but they left on a trip of some kind.''

"Oh sorry to hear that Norihc,'' Quentin said, with a sympathetic gaze. ''Where did they go?''

The elderly stallion gave the young human a soft smile. "No idea! Honestly…You could've at least left a note or something to let other ponies know these thing!'' Norihc suddenly shouted to the skies. Quentin jumped a bit as he looked at Norihc with an awkward stare. Norihc then looked at him and said with a pleasant tone.

"But I do love then so very much.''

"Uh-huh,'' Quentin could only respond uncertainly. "So, do you know where they went?''

Norihc shook his head. "Nope, but I've raised good, hardworking girls. I'm sure they left to take care of important business.''

Norihc gazed his heterochromatic eyes up into the blue skies and grinned. "Where ever they are, I'm sure they'll be safe. They have a very close bond, and will protect each other fiercely.''

Norihc then looked at Quentin with a more solemn frown, "But I didn't come here to tell you about my family. I sensed that there's a pain in your heart and since you were so kind enough to help me when I needed it, I would like to help you out now.''

Quentin's face fell sadly, remembering the way his friends treated him earlier. Though he wanted more than anything to be alone, he decided that talking to someone might help ease some of the somber weight from his heart. After much consideration, Quentin went on to tell Norihc about his six friends and their weird behavior earlier that day. He told her how they each came up with stories that preventing them from spending time with the stallion, and how Quentin found out that they were meeting together at Applejack's barn and didn't want him around. As Quentin finished his story, he looked away wearily.

Norihc, who had been listening intently, nodded understandingly, stroking his goatee. "Ah I see. And you feel that you are not wanted?''

Quentin nodded silently.

"And you call these six ponies your friends?'' Norihc asked, raising an eyebrow and looking at Quentin as if to make sure that he was being clear.

Again Quentin nodded and answered sadly. "Yeah.''

Silence was among the two equines. Norihc nodded silently, stroking his goatee. Suddenly Norihc grabbed his wooden staff and hit Quentin hard on the head with a loud smack sound.

"Ow! Geez what was that for?!'' Quentin exclaimed angrily, bringing both hooves to the top of his head.

"For being so dang stupid fool!'' Norihc said, staring unflinching at the young stallion. "Have you lost your mind?!''

Quentin glared at Norihc, rubbing his sore head. "Have I lost my mind?! You're the one that whacked me upside the head like a lunatic!''

Norihc just stared at Quentin firmly before a smile crept on his face and he began to chuckle. Quentin growled under his breath, the fact that the elder stallion hit him on the head out of nowhere and now laughing about it was making him more perturbed again.

"And what exactly is so funny about that?'' Quentin asked flatly, still rubbing the spot on his head he was stricken.

"It's funny because these feelings that you harbor are so meaningless and unnecessary.''

"What?'' Quentin spoke, puzzled by the remark.

"Those feelings that clings so firmly on your heart, shut them out and let them go,'' Norihc responded, planting the end of his staff firmly on the ground.

Quentin let out a short snort as he planted his hooves back on the grass,'' ''Yeah well kinda hard to do when your friends are lying to you.''

Norihc looked upon Quentin with a casual smile as he lazily leaned on his staff.

''Try to understand, young pony boy. For some lies can lead to joy.'' Norihc then froze on the spoke with shocked expression as an epiphany suddenly came to him. "Boy, joy…HA I just made a rhyme! I so didn't mean to do that!''

Norihc then began to laugh at his unintended usage of words, Quentin groaned in irritation. "Man and I thought Pinkie Pie was random,'' he thought before speaking to Norihc with a stern glare." Yeah, but lying and the words 'don't need you' don't exactly mix for me.''

The old, earth pony gave off a short chuckle before shaking his head. "Quentin, you said recently that you've just moved here did you not?''

"Yeah,'' Quentin said, wandering where Norihc was going with this.

"Norihc continued,'' Tell me Quentin after your travels, were your friends always by your side?''

Quentin thought for a moment. He had to admit, that was true. "Yeah, but-'' however Norihc cut in.

"HA that's what I thought. I have a strong sense for these things! And still, you think they care for you not?''

The human turned stallion pondered Norihc's words deeply before answering. "I get what you're saying Norihc, I really do. But being friends means that they don't have to lie to me, they should be able to tell me anything. I guess I'm not close enough to them to be a part of certain things.''

Norihc looked sadly at Quentin, and gave the boy a soft smile. "From what I can tell by the soreness you feel from them, they have been very wonderful friends to you. That being said, recall back to all the days you've known them and try to remember their kind ways. Remember the joy and the laughs that you all shared.''

Quentin just looked at the cloak wearing elder with a confused look before averting his eyes downward as he thought. Norihc was right. Ever since Quentin got to Equestria, his six friends have been nothing but kind to him, especially Applejack. Who would be so generous enough to let someone she didn't know stay with their family. Even if it was a short time, they've had plenty of laughs together, like at Sugarcube Corner and most recently at Canterlot and the stallion gotten to know each of those magnificent ponies' personally. Quentin couldn't help but smile fondly at the memories that flashed through his mind.

Norihc smiled with satisfaction, lifting himself slightly with his staff and spoke, ''So you've remembered your past joys?''

Quentin gazed at Norihc and nodded with a shy smile. "Yeah and your right, we've did have some great times together, even though I've only been here for four days.''

Norihc chuckled at his response. "I'm glad you see that I was right. So I hope I was a good help to knock the foolishness out of you!'' The elder then attempted to hit Quentin over the head with his staff again. However this time Quentin was ready and he was able to duck his head and evade the strike.

The stallion gave Norihc a questionable frown, but the latter just laughed eccentrically.

"Aha! See?! You're not such a fool and a jackass anymore. You've learned huh?!''

Quentin could only let out a chuckle and shook his head. As strange and wily this pony had been to him, it was now that Quentin could see that there was wisdom and understanding behind his eccentric demeanor. Norihc nodded with a playful smile.

"Yes, now I hope you will cast your negative feelings out of sight.''

Quentin shrugged with a sigh, ''I'll try Norihc, but still if I keep remembering the fun I've had with them these last couple days, I'm sure that I will.'' The elder nodded with a satisfied look.

"Wise answer, and heed these words: do not listen with your ears, but listen with your heart for a lie could be the pathway to a glorious truth.''

Quentin smiled gratefully at Norihc. The only thing he could do to respond was to pat him on the back. ''Thanks for your wisdom Norihc. I really needed that. You may be strange and quirky, but your daughters are lucky to have someone like you for a father. I hope I can meet them one day.'' he commented softly.

Norihc smiled gently yet also gratefully for the young stallion's words. "Well thank you for the kind words Quentin. And trust me, you'll meet them one day.'' Norihc ended with a wink.

Quentin smiled with a nod, looking forward to that day where he could finally meet the elder's daughters. "I'm glad to have been able to help. And I appreciate taking time and listening to an old geezer like me,'' Norihc said, as he motioned to begin getting up.

Immediately, Quentin sprang up on his feet and went over to Norihc's side. "Here sir, let me help you.''

The stallion then proceeded to help Norihc to his feet. The elder looked at him surprised by the jester before smiling thankfully.

"Much appreciated Quentin. You're mother had done well at teaching you manners.''

At those words, Quentin's mouth quivered as he bit down on his tongue, his eyes showing a brief sorrow before Quentin quickly replaced it with a gratefully smile. Now fully standing, Norihc began to stretch his body, small cracks heard as he did so.

"Well I think I've bothered you enough for one day. I think it's time for this old timer to hit the old dusty trail!'' Norihc said with that exuberant personality of his.

"You weren't a bother Norihc. I mean at first you were, but I'm really glad to have talked to you. It was very much needed,'' Quentin said with a smile.

Norihc nodded with a pleased smile. Quentin then took out ten bits and handed them to Norihc. The elder looked at the Quentin with a truly bewildered look as the brown stallion spoke.

"Here I want you to have this, you know for helping me out. I know it's not much, but it's the least I can do for your patience and guidance.''

Quentin then took Norihc's free hoof and placed the gold coins in it. Norihc looked onto Quentin, still with a speechless, confused look before looking down at the money in his hoof. Quentin smiled as he gave a short wave.

"Well, I hope you have a good one Norihc, and thanks again.''

Quentin then walked passed Norihc and onward through the park. After a few moments of silence, Norihc's face then formed soft smile, his eyes still on the bits in his hoof and spoke in a void that was devoid of any wiliness and eccentricity and replaced by a more dignified tone.

"It would seem that their wills were right after all. As seen through his eyes, their capacity of tremendous kindness and love is virtually limitless. Such as the true nature of humans. Never forget that Quentin.''

Quentin stopped abruptly in his place as he heard Norihc's words. There was an alarming, perplexed look upon his face as he recalled the elder stallion's comment. "The nature of…humans?'' Quentin uttered under his breath in disbelief. "But…but how could he-?''

Quentin peered over his shoulder only to whip his whole body around to see that Norihc was nowhere to be seen. Quentin looked around the area but the only thing he could see was an empty park. The area was large and clear with very minimal places to hide, so even if the mysterious elder somehow ran away, Quentin would still be able to see him. It was as if Norihc just…disappeared into thin air. Quentin continued to gaze around, trying to make sense of the strange but wise stallion's last words and sudden disappearance.

"Did…did he know who I really was? What I was really was? If so how?'' Quentin pondered, a deep, bewildered frown on his face.

As the young human continued to think about this odd riddle, he remembered how Norihc strangely, but surly helped him when he was in a very distressful period. Eventually, Quentin decided to let the mystery go and looked upward, knowing that despite his strange, wily ways there was a bright goodness and kindness that helped him ease the doubt of his friends he had harbored. Quentin looked upward and gazed around the empty area, that bewildered, thoughtful look never leaving his face. though he would've like to ask the elder what he meant by his statement, the only thing Quentin could do at that moment was leave, with those questioning thoughts lingering unanswered in his mind.

Quentin turned and made his way through the meadow. He thought hard about what the wise elder earth pony said. "Norihc's right. They would never deliberately hurt me like that. Not them, not those wonderful ponies.''

Quentin walked about in thought. He went over to the lake and looked into his reflection once again and smiled slightly. "Who'd ever think that being a stallion would actually be...enjoyable?'' he thought warmly to himself.

A gentle but refreshing breezed blew through the grass and his coat and Quentin closed his eyes as he enjoyed the cool air.

"Yeah that feel nice. Maybe I'll just sit here for a while,'' Quentin said softly. He sat on his haunches, but it wasn't long until the earth pony laid on his back. Before Quentin knew it, his eyelids became heavier and heavier until he drifted off into sleep.

It only seemed like a few minutes when Quentin was gently tapped. "Quentin, wake up sugarcube,'' a southern accented voice spoke gently.

The sleeping Quentin blinked open his eyes, his vision blurred but came into focus. When his eyes cleared, Quentin found himself looking into the eyes of Applejack. She was smiling fondly at him.

"Howdy there Quentin. Did ya have a good nap?'' Applejack asked.

Quentin yawned and nodded. "Yeah, great. How long was I out?''

Applejack chuckled. "Don't know, but I've been lookin fer ya for almost an hour. Honesty I was getting worried about ya,'' Applejack ended with a slight, regretful frown.

Quentin was able to smile slightly at the farm pony, though he still had some mixed feelings about what happened earlier. "Sorry, I was just doing some thinking when I fell asleep,'' he said, stretching a bit.

Applejack tilted her head curiously. "Really, bout what?''

Quentin thought whether or not he should tell her about how he felt. When he was about to open his mouth, a bell rang out. "Aw shoot!" Applejack exclaimed in alarm.

Quentin widened his eyes. "What, what is it?!''

"We're late. We need to be somewhere, that's why I was lookin fer ya!'' Applejack said, sort of running in place hastily.

Her friend cocked an eyebrow. "Late? Late for what?'' Quentin inquired.

Applejack shook her head. "No time to explain Quentin. Jus' follow me!''

Before the stallion could speak, Applejack reared around and galloped towards town. "Scoot yur boot Quentin!'' Applejack called.

Quentin sighed, ''What could be happening now?'' he said to himself and galloped off behind her.

Together Applejack and Quentin ran through town. They ran past Rarity's place, the spa, and the joke store to their unknown destination. "Applejack! Applejack will you tell me where we're going!" Quentin said in breaths, running beside her.

She flashed him a wink and grinned. "Don't worry Quentin. Ya'll see soon enough!''

She picked up speed and Quentin frowned. Tried to speed up as he called again, ''Applejack for crying out loud, where do we need to be that's so impor-'' he trailed off his sentence and slowed down to a halt when Quentin saw what was in front of him.

They were in the town square, but it looked different than usual. It looked like a fair ground. There were countless balloons hanging everywhere on buildings and flag posts. There were tents with food stands as well as different colored party streamers going from building to building in the area. Hanging high on the town hall was a large banner what Quentin could tell was a picture of him looking triumphant. But what was extraordinary was that the square was packed with ponies. One female pony turned and suddenly called happily.

''Look it's him, he's finally here!''

Soon, all the ponies turned their gaze to the dreadlocked stallion and cheered, stomping their hooves on the ground to make it sound like applause. Quentin looked blankly around, the ponies starting to crowd around him. Some patted his back and others gave him hoof shakes, as Applejack grinned at the human turned stallion.

"Applejack, what's going on?'' Quentin asked a bit dumbly.

That's when Quentin noticed the rest of his friends and Spike walking up to him, joyous smiles on their faces. "Don't you think its obvious Quentin? It's a ceremonial party for you,'' Twilight smiled brightly.

Quentin blinked a few times, confused. "A ceremonial party, for me?'' he asked slowly. His seven friends nodded. "But why? What did I do?''

Applejack walked forward. "Ya remember that chimera that attacked a while back?'' she asked.

Quentin nodded, knowing where this was headed. Applejack continued. "Well-'' she began only to be cut off by an enthusiastic Pinkie Pie.

"Well the mayor and everypony in Ponyville thought it was so cool and heroic how you risked your life and beat that mean ol' scary mean pants. And so MHHH!'' Pinkie said quickly, bouncing around full of energy as ever when Twilight used her magic to zip her mouth shut, giving the pink pony an irritated glare before looking at Quentin.

"And so Mayor Mare came up with the idea to hold a ceremony in your honor and we thought it was a great idea!'' Twilight smiled.

The others voiced their agreement in unison. Quentin looked around at them speechless, before looking down shyly. "Girls...I...this...you really didn't have to,'' the earth pony said softly." It's nothing worth mentioning.''

Rainbow Dash hovered in front of him. "Not worth mention are you serious?! It's totally worth mentioning. I mean it's not every day somepony beats a chimera all by themselves and like SAVE the town!'' Rainbow Dash smirked, putting an arm around her flustered friend.

Fluttershy hovered to Quentin's other side and nuzzled his face and spoke, ''Yes. Last evening Mayor Mare told Twilight of the celebration and after wards we all met up to discuss it in private.''

"Quite, that's when we've planned on coming up with excuses in hopes to dive you off as the preparations got underway. We wouldn't want to spoil the surprise now would we?'' Rarity spoke, giving Quentin that graceful smile of hers.

The seven nodded in agreement. Quentin looked at them, like trying to piece together what he just heard. He then lowered his head with an utmost, shameful frown and the others looked at him with puzzled looks.

"Quentin, what's wrong?'' Twilight asked with concern.

Pinkie managed to unzip her mouth and added, ''Yeah what's the matter? This is your big day and NOPONY is going to be sad when there's a party going on when I'm around!''

Quentin looked up to his friends wearily and spoke, ''It's just...it's just that all this time I thought that you guys didn't want me around anymore. I almost thought that you didn't want to be friends.''

The six ponied looked blankly at each other and back to Quentin. ''What, why in Equestria would you ever think that darling?!'' Rarity gasped.

The rest waited for an answer. "Will it's just that when I tried to spend time with you girls each of you gave excuses to not to. I knew you were lying and I thought that you just wanted to avoid me.''

Quentin felt ashamed now that he learned of their motives for lying to him. He was then surprised by an embrace from Applejack. "We're sorry fer trickin ya like that sugarcube,'' Applejack said softly in my ear. "Trust me, it ached my heart what I had ta say ta ya ta keep from finding out.''

Rainbow Dash spoke, ''Plus why would we ever not want you around. I mean you're the most awesome pony we know! Second to me of course!'' She winked at him.

Quentin smirked lightly at this comment as Rarity walked up to him with a tender smile. "And besides, why would I want to shut you out of my life after giving me this wonderful gift?''

Rarity lifted her left foreleg to show Quentin the ruby diamond he gave her the previous day only this time, it had been made into a beautiful pendant with a silver, white diamond encrusted chain. It really did look stunning on her.

"Wow Rarity, it looks beautiful,'' Quentin said impressed, gazing at the pendant.

Rarity looked at the accessory lovingly. "I just had to show it off to everypony in Ponyville. The most wonderful gift my dear Quentin has given me. I don't think I will ever part with it.''

Quentin was a bit flattered at Rarity's admiration of his gift. Pinkie suddenly appeared behind him and bounced happily on his back. "Yeah I mean, we actually wouldn't want to be friends anymore? Don't be such a silly-filly-billy head!'' Pinkie chimed.

"You're a wonderful person Quentin. We're lucky that you came to Ponyville and even luckier to have you as our friend,'' Fluttershy smiled.

Quentin gazed at the shy Pegasus and Spike spoke up excitedly. "Man Quentin, I want to be just like you when I grow up. A rough and tough guy who's isn't afraid of anything!''

The stallion shook his head with a chuckle, ''Oh no Spike. I'm not rough or tough and I'm definitely not fearless,'' he replied humbly.

"The point is, even though you've only been here for a few days, it feels like we've known you forever. At least, that's what I feel,'' Twilight smiled at him.

Quentin smiled back at her softly, touched by her comment. Applejack spoke,'' Ya see Quentin, we're happy to have you here. An' personally, I want to thank who or whatever brought you here to us.''

Though all of his friends' words melted his heart, Applejack's was the one that got to Quentin the most, and he just wrapped his arms around her. Applejack blushed from the sudden embrace, but then smiled and wrapped her forelegs around the human.

Rainbow Dash trotted up and spoke,'' Make some room AJ, you're not the only one here,'' and she joined in the hug.

One by one, the remainder of his friends gathered and joined in for a group hug. Never have Quentin felt so warm. Never have he felt so...in place. Quentin couldn't help but let a tear or two fall down his face, feeling like the biggest jackass in the world for doubting them in the least, but not anymore. He would never make that mistake again and was happy he was knocked back to his senses…and he had the bump on his head to prove it. The friends' hug was interrupted by a few coughs. They all gazed up to see Mayor Mare smiling at them.

"I don't mean to interrupt this touching moment, but Quentin if you don't mind following me to the stage?''

Quentin looked at his friends uncertainly, who smiled and nodded and nudged him to go. Quentin smirked embarrassingly and followed the mayor pony through the crowd and towards the stage. On the way, he saw Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo in the crowd cheering for their newest member. Quentin blushed and waved shyly at them. Quentin and the mayor walked onto the stage and Mayor Mare went up to the podium and looked over the crowed of colorful ponies.

Quentin saw his six friends walk through the crowd towards the front. The ponies then started to chant his name as they stomped their hooves to the ground. The brown earth pony averted his eyes shyly to the ground, not used to so much praise. Mayor Mare raised a hoof to silence them so she could speak.

"Everypony, can I get your attention? Attention please!'' the mayor called. "Yes we are all here in honor of Ponyville's newest resident Quentin, who as we all know helped stopped a terrible chimera that rampaged through our humble town!''

The ponies started to cheer again. Quentin bashfully looked into the crowd and to his friends who were also cheering for him. All he could do was wave sheepishly at them. Mayor Mare smiled and raised her hoof again for silence and turned to Quentin.

"Quentin, on behave of the citizens of Ponyville, and me included, we want to extend our gratitude for your selfless service to our town. Your bravery is admirable and to show our appreciation, I happily present you with this medal of honor, so all of Ponyville will know of the hero that stopped that terrible monster.''

With that, an earth pony walked forward balancing a pillow on his head that had a shining, gold, circular medal with a red ribbon resting on it. The mayor took the medal and carefully placed if over Quentin's head and around his neck. With a shy smile, Quentin hoof shaked the mayor and gazed down at the medal as the ponies erupted with cheer, but the loudest were probably coming from his seven friends. Applejack flashed the stallion a wink and Quentin chuckled to himself.

Mayor Mare tapped him on his shoulder and spoke, ''Quentin, would you mind saying a few words?''

At first Quentin hesitated, but when the ponies cheered for him to give a speech, he agreed and stepped up to the podium. The crowd quiet down as Quentin prepared to speak. He wasn't used to public speaking, so his nerves really got to him and his six friends watched their friend eagerly.

"H-Hi there,'' Quentin began." I don't know what to say. Ever since I came to Ponyville, I've met nothing but wonderful ponies that made me feel right at home,'' he smiled down at his friends who smiled back at him as he continued.

"Everyone says that I'm a hero, but I don't really believe that. I just wanted to make sure the three fillies that were in harm's way would be safe.''

Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle grinned at each other at Quentin's words.

"I also believe that I wasn't the only one to show bravery that day. I've witness six incredible ponies fearlessly take on the chimera. To me they've done the real work. To me, they're the real heroes, and I don't feel right if they're not acknowledged and standing up here with me.''

Quentin gazed to his friends who had surprised expressions on their faces as he gestured them to come on stage. The six mares smiled and quickly trotted on stage and stood beside the stallion. The crowd cheered and stomped the ground as Quentin's friends smiled proudly at one another.

"Shoot Quentin, ya didn't have to go on an' mention us. This is your day,'' Applejack said with a grin.

Quentin smiled, ''I just don't feel right taking all the credit. You guys were fighting too. I want all of us to share this moment.''

Oh Quentin, that's so gallant of you,'' Rarity said fondly, nuzzling Quentin.

Rainbow Dash chuckled, ''Well what'd you expect? I've learned by now that Q isn't a glory hound. But, he's still awesome nonetheless,'' she said, hovering over Quentin and giving him a noogie causing him to laugh.

"Yes, if anypony had to come here and became friends with us, I'm glad that pony was you Quentin,'' Twilight smiled and the rest voiced their agreement.

It warmed Quentin's heart knowing how these six, wonderful ponies he's only known for a matter of days were quickly beginning to grow on him. The next few hours were filled with fun, laughter, and merriment. Ponies ate delicious foods, played various games, and chatted happily with one another. Numerous ponies had come to Quentin to congratulate him on a job well done, while other times girl ponies would crowd him to try to talk to him.

It was around three o'clock in the afternoon when Quentin was sitting at a table alone, smiling around at the ponies having fun. He was gazing at the direction of some little fillies and colts playing a game when a voice spoke.

"Having fun Quentin?'' he turned to see Lyra Heartstrings walking towards him with a smile.

Quentin smiled, 'Oh hi there...Lyra was it?''

Lyra nodded. "Yep, though my real name is just Heartstrings, but either one is fine with me. So what's up Quentin, why are you just sitting here by yourself?'' Lyra asked, tilting her head with a confused expression.

"I'm just taking a little break, especially from that last game I played with Rainbow Dash. I swear she's going to kill me one day.'' They both shared a laugh and Lyra spoke.

"Do you mind if I join you?''

"No not at all, pull up a seat, or uh...pull up some hay,'' Quentin chuckled, gesturing her to sit down.

Lyra giggled and took a seat across from him. "So Mr. Hero, how's the celebration going for you so far?'' Lyra asked, putting an elbow on the table and resting her head on a hoof.

"Everything couldn't be better. Never have I ever been to a place where everyone is so kind to each other,'' Quentin answered, smiling at all the happy ponies.

Lyra nodded with a smile, ''That's Ponyville for you. I doubt there's a friendlier place,'' Lyra said, but then forming a slight frown. "Why, have you been to places that aren't like it?''

Quentin thought about her question deeply. His story is that he came here from Fillydelphia to avoid suspicion from him coming from another world, but it was his world that he was thinking about. All the sins, conflict and disasters that made Equestria look like a paradise left an aching feeling in the stallion's heart.

Quentin sighed, "Yeah you can say that. On my travels, I haven't met the most decent peo- I mean ponies.''

Lyra's face turned into that of great concern. "Really, how?'' she said, leaning forward.

Quentin thought for a moment, before getting up and showing her his bare flanks. "Usually because of this,'' he said.

Lyra looked at his flanks before looking to Quentin, ''You don't have a cutie mark?'' she asked, clearly never seeing anything like it.

Quentin shook his head. "No. I can't explain it, but I just never been able to get one. Some of the ponies I've passed on my travels thought I was a weirdo or some freak, so they would shun me, like I didn't even exist.''

Lyra looked at the earth pony with a look of horror as he told his lie. "How could they?!'' she gasped quietly.

Quentin continued, feigning a hurtful expression, ''Don't get me wrong, there were some nice ponies that helped me, but there were more rotten ones than helpful. But despite being hit by rocks, fruit, and vegetables, I managed to brush myself off, and hold my head high, knowing that I'll find a place where I truly belong. A place where others would accept me for who I am.''

Quentin gazed at Lyra, a sorrowful, sympathetic expression on her face and tears forming in her eyes. Without warning, she came over to his side and embraced Quentin in a comforting hug.

"Maybe I laid the story on a little too thick,'' Quentin thought as Lyra hugged him.

"I'm sorry you had to endure such cruelty. You're so strong to carry on the way you did.''

Quentin's face fell sadly as he wrapped his forelegs around her. "Thanks, I just wanted to find a place where I could be happy,'' he whispered back.

Lyra looked at him. "And you should be. Ponyville has no such discrimination. After what you've down for this town, you deserve to be happy.''

Quentin smiled softly at the unicorn's words. "Thanks Lyra, that really means a lot.''

Lyra smiled. "And look at all the friends you've made here. It's obvious they're glad you're here.''

Lyra pointed to all the ponies happily enjoying themselves. Quentin stared blankly around but couldn't help but smile at the six ponies he was beginning to value the most. Twilight and Rarity were caught up in friendly chatter while Fluttershy was happily munching down on a cupcake near them. Pinkie Pie was going around at high speeds making sure everyone was having a good time. The brown earth pony's gaze came upon Applejack and Rainbow Dash at a barrel full of water and apples as they took turns bobbing for apples. Applejack had her head ducked in and came back up, her coat and mane wet and an apple in her mouth, which she ate in one chomp and swallowed. As Rainbow Dash was congratulating Applejack on her success, Applejack's gaze fell upon Quentin and she waved, a soft, lovely smile on her face. Quentin felt his face heat up, but he smiled and waved at her back.

Quentin then shifted his gaze back to Lyra, having found the truth in her words and smiled, ''I guess you're right Lyra.''

Lyra nodded, "I know I'm right. And frankly, I'm glad you're here too, and hopefully forever.''

A dreading thought hit Quentin's mind when she said those words. The awful truth that he would leave eventually and go back to his world struck a nerve in his heart, but Quentin didn't falter. He just smiled, ''Well Lyra, that's what I was planning,'' he lied.

Lyra's face brightened instantly. "I'm glad to hear that.'' She then leaned forward for another embrace. "I would be hurt if I were to lose anyone of my friends, even if I just met him,'' she said softly.

Quentin frowned sadly at this and was about to open his mouth to speak when she spoke first. "But let's focus on the here and now. This day is supposed to be fun for everypony, so let's keep it that way.''

The stallion thought for a moment and smiled with a nod. After chatting for a few minutes, Lyra spoke to him, leaning in.

''Hey Quentin, can I tell you a secret?''

"Yeah sure Lyra,'' Quentin said rather uncertainly, not knowing what she wanted to tell him.

Lyra looked around to make sure no one was around to listen and gazed at her friend, her yellow eyes twinkling. "The true is, I've read lots of myths and legends about humans.''

Quentin felt a sweat coming on as he swallowed a lump. "H-Humans!?'' he asked nervously.

Lyra nodded with a bright grin. Holy crap, there were actually ponies that read stories about humans. What would she think of them? What would she think of him? These were the questions that were racing in Quentin's mind, fearful of the opinions that Lyra would have towards his race.

"Yeah, I've read about them for years and frankly...I'm fascinated by them!'' Lyra told Quentin proudly.

Quentin stared at her, a loss for words. Was she serious? Lyra was actually intrigued by his kind? "Really Lyra? You're actually fascinated about them?'' Quentin asked in disbelief.

Lyra nodded again, averting her eyes shyly. "Yeah, I mean humans seemed like such an interesting species. They seem capable of doing such wonderful things we ponies can't.''

The dread locked maned stallion listened to his friend, still dumbfounded she would think humans like him were actually intriguing. Lyra leaned in with a smile.

"And between us...I believe humans actually exists.''

Quentin just stared at her, unsure what to think or say. He shifted his gaze to the tabletop. Lyra looked at Quentin with a somewhat embarrassing look. ''Yeah, I've never told anypony about that. They'll probably think I was crazy or I believed in pony tales. I wouldn't blame them, I do sound pretty silly just talking about it.''

Quentin looked at the unicorn to see an uncertain, embarrassed, sad look. He smiled warmly, placing a hoof on hers.

''I don't think its silly Lyra.''

She seemed taken aback by his answer and she blinked. "Y-You don't?!'' she asked, surprised.

Quentin shook his head, ''No I don't. Sometimes, legends have some truth to them. After all, they had to come from somewhere.''

Lyra continued to stare at the understanding pony as Quentin continued. "I'm glad you find humans so wonderful, only a wonderful person can see the wonders in another species.''

Lyra smiled brightly at my comment,'' Quentin...I don't know what to say. I honestly thought you would make fun of me!''

Quentin shook his head with a frown. "I'd never do that. Friends don't make fun of their friends.'' He then gave her a hopeful smile, ''Besides, there are many secrets and mysteries in the world. Who knows, maybe one day...you'll meet a human one day?''

With that Lyra flung her forelegs around Quentin and squealed, ''I would love that so much. And I hope we could be good friends!''

Quentin chuckled, patting her on the back, ''Trust me Lyra, you would be.''

Lyra closed her eyes with a grateful smile on her face as she whispered. "Thank you Quentin...thank you for believing in my dreams. You really are a sweet, wonderful pony.''

"I try to be,'' Quentin whispered back.

After a few moments, the two broke apart and chatted briefly before Lyra spoke, "Well let me find Sweetie Drops, I promised I'd do something together.''

Quentin chuckled at the name. "I guess she's a friend of yours?''

"Yeah, my best friend actually. I would like for you to meet her one day,'' Lyra said with a bright smile.

"I would like that Lyra,'' Quentin responded warmly.

Lyra and Quentin shared another embrace and the unicorn walked away to find her friend. Quentin too decided that he'd been sitting around long enough and walked towards his six pony friends. Rainbow Dash was the first to notice him and she flew to the stallion.

"Hey Quentin! Finally coming back into the fray?'' Rainbow Dash asked, wrapping an arm around his shoulder.

Quentin chuckled, ''I had to take a break, after that last game of hoofball we've played. I swear I thought you were going to kill me.''

Rainbow Dash chuckled sheepishly, ''Sorry Q, I tend to get a bit carried away when playing. I can get a bit competitive sometimes.''

"SOMETIMES?!'' the rest of our friends exclaimed in unison.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and flew her fore hooves in the air. "Alright all the time, gimme a break for Celestia's sake!''

The group of friends all busted out laughing. After the humorous moment, Applejack came up to Quentin.

"So Quentin, it's nice to see ya enjoyin yurself,'' she smiled at him.

The latter nodded. "I am Applejack, and it's even better that I'm enjoying it with all of you girls.''

The six ponies smiled at him. "We're glad too Quentin. I hope we can always have great times like this one,'' Fluttershy smiled in her usual quiet tone.

"I know we will. This is just the start of many great parties and celebrations we'll share with Quentin. I'm so excited I could explode!'' Pinkie Pie said quickly, her body shaking violently with happiness and excitement.

Applejack held her to calm her down. "Simmer down sally. Keep that up, an' ya just might explode.''

Pinkie smiled sheepishly and Twilight spoke, ''Well anyway, how about we find something to do together? It doesn't look like the celebration is going to end anytime soon!''

They all agreed. "C'mon Q, there's this new move that I've GOT to show you!'' Rainbow Dash said enthusiastically, grabbing Quentin by the foreleg and practically dragging him as she flew.

Quentin laughed, ''Alright Rainbow I'm coming!''

Quentin's other friends followed at they made their way through the square. The stallion felt so silly that he ever doubted the friendship of his six, wonderful pony friends. Even though Quentin will leave eventually, what's important is to make each day count and spend as much time as he can with his friends. Whatever the future holds, he prayed that he'll be able to face it with his friends. Throughout the rest of the day, Quentin enjoyed with his six, great friends. Throughout the festivities, he was able to take pictures with various pony friends he have and recently bonded with.

The first one was with Quentin and Lyra. The stallion and unicorn both had a foreleg around each other with their heads close to one another as they bore bright, toothy grins.

The second picture was with him and Big Mac. Though the two were arm wrestling and Big Mac effortlessly beat Quentin with his unnatural strength which resulted in the latter being flown to the right of the table they were at with only Quentin's hind legs visible in the air as Big Mac had a surprised, sheepish look on his face, but the pic was nothing short of humorous.

The third picture had Quentin with the Cutie Mark Crusaders. The three, small members sat in front of the stallion with the four of them each making different, comical faces to the camera.

The fourth picture depicted Quentin with the mayor, the gold medal around his neck along with his pendant with the two shaking hooves and smiling.

Derpy was with Quentin in the next one. She was hovering in the air while she had her forelegs wrapped around Quentin's neck as she gave him a tight embrace. Quentin had an amused smile due to the strength of the hug. He had a hoof placed gently on her cheek while Derpy's walled eyes faced the camera. Though the grey Pegasus was sort of a ditz, Quentin was really coming to appreciate and become fond of her.

However, the sixth and last picture was arguably Quentin's favorite. It was him with his six pony friends in a group huddle. Quentin was in the center with Fluttershy on his left with a foreleg resting on one of his with a lovely smile on her face. Applejack was on Quentin's right, a foreleg around him with her head close to his giving that charming wink of hers. Twilight and Rarity were on the ground in poses as if they were posing for a model magazine. Twilight had a foreleg on the back of her head and the other folded while she gave a rather amorous grin. Rarity had a hoof to her chin and her other foreleg on her his as she puckered her lips out with a very, flirtatious gaze as Spike was in between the two on his stomach, his head resting on his claws as he gave a sly smirk. Pinkie Pie, oh Pinkie was just plain funny. She was floating behind the group held by a couple, colorful balloons as she gave a wave and a bright, toothy smile with her tongue sticking out between her teeth. Finally Rainbow Dash was behind Quentin, grinning aggressively at him as she ruffled his mane, causing Quentin to bow his head a bit while he had one eye pinched shut with the other looking at the camera with a sheepish smile.

Though it would take a few days for the pictures to be developed, Quentin already felt that the picture would be one of his most cherished possessions, for a picture with just him and his six, most wonderful friends was the greatest treasure he could possibly possess. Quentin hoped that every day that he was in Equestria would be a joy that will get better and better each, amazing day.
> A New Spell
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The sun was beginning to set on the kingdom of Kal Equa. Celestia and Luna were doing their best to help the Kal Equian ponies restore as much of their kingdom as they can. Together with the other unicorns, they used their magic to restore the damaged walls while earth ponies did their part by doing construction on the damaged homes and buildings. But among that repairs were still the mourning of ponies that lost friends and family from Queen Chrysalis' and her Changeling's attack on the kingdom. King Centurus was still recovering from his injuries he sustained from the attack, but he was much happier now that his regal comrades were there to help him and his subjects.

However, the loss of the Jewel of Kal Equa was still lingering in his mind. For generations, that magical gem was the source of the life and flourishing state of Kal Equa. Without it what would happen? Will the riches of the land wither and die? Will his people survive? These thoughts haunted his subconscious. The sun was nearly completely set when Celestia, Luna, and the other ponies decided to rest for the day. Though there were some damage throughout Kal Equa, but it looked so much better than from the previous night.

"That should do it for now,'' Celestia breathed, a bit exhausted.

She'd been using her magic almost nonstop the entire day. In addition to the day's tasks, she was also in the process of using her potent magic to setting the sun, so she was a bit tired. Luna nodded, she too showing signs of fatigue, her horn glowing a shimmering cobalt as he prepared to raise the moon.

"Yes Tia. Everypony did great today. Despite this tragedy, it's reassuring to know how everypony can still work together to repair their kingdom.''

After bidding farewell to the surrounding ponies, they flew towards the castle to visit Centurus. Once at the castle, they went to Centurus' room where he was eating his dinner, some kind of soup. As he levitated his spoon to his mouth, he saw the sisters come in and smiled.

"There you two are. I hope things went smoothly today, with the restoration?'' Centurus asked.

The two regal sisters nodded. "Yes, everything went well. You subjects were very considerate and respectable to us,'' Celestia said with a smile.

Luna nodded and added, ''Yes, if this keeps up, Kal Equa will be good as new in no time.''

Centurus nodded wholeheartedly, but then looked away with a frown. Celestia and Luna both looked at each other and looked sadly at the king. Know what he was thinking, Celestia spoke with a faint, reassuring, ''Centurus, I know what you're thinking. Your kingdom is going to be fine.''

Centurus let out a sigh. "I just don't know. The Jewel of Kal Equa was the reason that we thrived for so many generations. I don't know how long we can last without its power.''

"Don't say such things Centurus. Kal Equa will not fall. We will get the Jewel back!'' Luna spoke with determination.

Celestia nodded firmly,'' Luna's right. You just need to have faith.''

Centurus looked at the two sisters who smiled reassuringly at him. A soft smile came across his face. "I have faith in you two, my dear friends. That's good enough for me.''

Celestia and Luna nodded with smiles. After some short conversation, Centurus looked out his window, the sun completely set replaced by the pale moon as the golden and cobalt glows of Celestia and Luna's horns faded.

"You two have been such a relief and joy to see, but I think we can take repairs from here,'' Centurus said, a hint of reluctance in his voice.

Celestia and Luna seemed shocked by this sudden comment. "Leave? But there's still work to be done here!'' Luna argued.

"I know, but from what you've told me this...Changeling Queen must be planning something terrible if it bothers you with disturbing visions,'' Centurus reasoned.

The two sisters thought for a moment. "Yes, but,'' Luna began slowly, but Centurus shook his head.

"You must find the reason why she needs the Jewel of Kal Equa. Not just for Kal Equa's sake, but for the sake of Equestria.''

Celestia stepped forward with a serious expression. '' Yes, you're right my friend,'' Celestia said reluctantly.

Luna whipped her head to her sister to argue. ''But Sister!''

Celestia raised a hoof to silence her. "Luna, he's right. It's obvious the Queen is planning something terrible to try to take over Equestria. We must figure out what that plan is and stop her!''

Luna looked at her sister and then looked down in defeat. Celestia turned her gaze to Centurus. "Are you sure you will be alright Centurus?''

Centurus chuckled. "C'mon on Celestia, I'll be walking again in now time. I'm an impenetrable fortress.''

Celestia giggled. "Is that so? Well for an impenetrable fortress you've gotten roughed up quite a bit.'' Celestia and Luna laughed as Centurus looked away embarrassingly.

After a few moments, Celestia and Luna prepared to make their departure. "I will write soon to check on you Centurus,'' Celestia said, embracing her royal friend.

"I just wished your visit was for a more, brighter cause,'' Centurus responded regrettably.

"Don't worry it will be next time after this crisis has been dealt with,'' Luna said with a calm smile.

Centurus smiled and nodded, but became more serious. "Be careful out there. However powerful the Changeling Queen was in the past, I feared her powers increased drastically.''

The two sisters nodded sternly. "Yes, but it doesn't matter, we will stop her,'' Celestia frowned as Luna agreed.

After saying their last goodbyes, the two sisters took flight into the night sky. As they flew above Kal Equa, the ponies waved goodbye to the princesses. After returning their waves, the two flew eastward. Soon they were out the boundaries of the kingdom and over the sea. Celestia couldn't help but gaze back at Kal Equa sadly.

Luna noticed this and spoke, ''Don't worry sister. Centurus and Kal Equa will be fine. They are a strong kingdom.''

Celestia turned to her sister and gave her a soft smile. "Yes, your right Luna. It was just I've never expected to see Centurus in that condition.''

Luna blinked a few times before grinning playfully.

"What?'' Celestia asked blankly.

"Did something happen between you two while I was absent for a thousand years?'' Luna asked, an eyebrow raised with a sly smile.

Celestia faltered as she denied anything that happened. "What...why...no of course not Luna. We're just...good friends that's all!''

Luna continued to grin at her sister, obviously not believing her. "Besides, I don't have time for romance. Duty comes before pleasure,'' Celestia added, a blush on her face.

Luna chuckled. "It's quite understandable if you have feelings for him. He IS quite handsome after all.''

The two shared a laugh. After their moment, Luna looked at her sister seriously. "So what now Tia?''

"We're going back to Arcanus. We'll tell him about our discovery and hopefully he'll too has some answers,'' Celestia answered sternly.

Luna nodded silently and the two made their way to Arcanus' tower. The journey took almost two days, but they finally arrived at his tower, the moon shining in the night. The landed at the base of the tower and made their way inside and up to the top to Arcanus' chamber. Before they could knock on the door, it opened by itself. The two went up to find the chamber littered with open books. Clearly Arcanus was doing all he can to find any answers they may need. Arcanus sat in the center, his head pointed downward looking into the basin full of water. As the two Alicorns walked forward, Arcanus lifted his head and spoke.

''So you've finally returned?''

The two nodded.

"And how is Kal Equa fairing?'' Arcanus asked.

''It's doing well. We've arrived there just in time thank Chiron,'' Celestia sighed.

Luna nodded, 'Yes, King Centurus was badly wounded and...some ponies lost their lives in the attack, but Kal Equa's restoration is going smoothly. Though it will take some time...and healing,'' Luna said albeit sadly on her last few words.

Arcanus sighed deeply, hoof stroking his beard. "I see, this truly was an unnecessary tragedy.''

"Yes it was,'' Celestia added, gravely, but then sternly." However, we did found out who was behind the attack.''

Celestia and Luna told Arcanus about Queen Chrysalis and their history with her and how she was the one who attack Kal Equa and how the visions were involving her...and how she stole the Jewel of Kal Equa. After giving him all the information they've gathered, Arcanus bowed his head in thought before speaking.

''Changelings you say?''

The two sisters nodded, angry frowns upon their faces. "Correct, and their wretched queen!'' Luna snarled.

"The creatures that can take the form of others and sustain themselves by feasting on another's love,'' Arcanus spoke sternly as Celestia and Luna listened. "And in these visions we've seen a red gem and now a green gem that is the Jewel of Kal Equa which turned its once barren lands into the flourishing beauty it is today.''

Luna stepped forward and spoke, ''That's correct Arcanus, but why these gems? What could she be planning with them?''

''Arcanus sighed in discontent, turning his bandaged eyes towards the princess of the night. "I honestly don't know, but it's obvious that the Jewel of Kal Equa has a sort of purification or healing powers. It seemed to have been able to bring life back to what was an utter lifeless land.''

Celestia nodded understandingly. "Yes, and a gem that can sustain an entire landscape for centuries must be a powerful artifact.''

"And let's not forget the red gem!'' Luna added. ''We still don't know what abilities it possessed, but according to Centurus, the queen was able to single handily take out numerous guards and did most of the damage to Kal Equa despite having her army of Changelings with her.''

Celestia nodded with a frown, ''Yes, and even after absorbing the love the last time we've faced her I wouldn't say she was THAT strong. Perhaps...perhaps the red gem somehow increases her powers. And by the look of Kal Equa, too drastic levels.''

"Just as I was deducing Celestia,'' Arcanus responded in his deep, resonating voice.

Luna began speaking, determination and pride in her voice. "This is good, this very good Tia. We've unraveled the hidden secrets that caused us to come here...to why these visions are appearing and what they mean!''

Celestia looked at Luna with a calm smile. "Yes Luna this is good news in deed, but its only part of the mystery solved. We still don't know the queen's true intentions with these gems.''

Arcanus nodded. "Yes but we do know this: these two gems seemed to grant the queen unique powers. An increase in her magic and the life giving powers of the Jewel of Kal Equa. However, I can't shake the feeling that these gems aren't enough.''

Luna nodded in agreement. "I agree, increase in power doesn't mean one is invincible. And being able to replenish life back to other objects? It doesn't make sense.''

Celestia thought deeply, before a surprised expression came on her face. "Arcanus, is it possible that there are more gems that the queen is looking for?''

Arcanus tilted his head slightly downward. "It is...a possibility. But if so, just how many other of these mysterious gems she may be looking for I just don't know.''

Celestia and Luna looked at each other as Luna spoke. "We must stop her sister,'' Luna said darkly. "Who knows how much stronger she can get if she collects anymore of these gems, if there are any!''

Celestia spoke seriously, ''Believe me I know Luna, but we don't even know where the Changelings reside. They could be anywhere. Celestia turned her gaze to the mystic. "Arcanus, can you possibly help us?''

Arcanus said nothing. After a few moments of silence, he raised his hooves over the basin. He recited a strange incantation under his breath while is horn gave off a billowing bluish white aura and in moments, the water from the basin rose and formed a blue, glowing sphere above their heads. Celestia and Luna walked cautiously to the center as the sphere started to shift inside, until finally revealing faint images of a dark, stone landscape that appeared to be a castle. The two Alicorns winced as the image shifted to Chrysalis laughing maniacally as the red and green gems glowed in front of her.

"That's her...the Changeling queen!'' Celestia scowled.

The sphere of water suddenly collapsed into the basin as Arcanus' spell ended. "It appears the queen resides in a stone castle of sorts, but I can't seem to get a fix on its located. The spell is being blocked, preventing me from fully finding its locating. These gems must be more powerful than I imagined,'' Arcanus said gravely.

"Do not feel so somber Arcanus, you've done wonderfully,'' Luna spoke up with a small smile.

Celestia nodded with a soft smile, ''Luna's right. I knew we made the right choice by coming to you my friend.''

Arcanus gazed up to the two princesses and smiled ''Thank you, you two flatter me so much.'' Arcanus' face then fell to one of upmost seriousness. "But this threat isn't over.''

Celestia and Luna nodded with a frown.

"If this queen is collecting gems to increase her power, then we must plan with caution.'' The great unicorn continued, bowing his head in thought.

"What do you propose Arcanus?'' Celestia asked intently.

Arcanus raised his head. "There is a spell that I would like to teach both of you.''

Celestia and Luna faces become one of shock at the proposal. "What spell are you going to teach us?'' Luna asked intrigued.

"A very powerful spell to be used only as the very last resort. A spell that I've created not too long ago,'' Arcanus answered with a stern gaze.

The two sisters gasped softly and looked at each other. "You've created a new spell?'' Celestia asked amazed.

Arcanus let out a chuckle, ''Yes Celestia. Magic is ever flowing and constantly changing, like the wind. Like combining two colors together to form a new shade, creating virtually a limitless assortment of colors. And just as there are limitless shades of color in the world, there is an almost limitless possibilities of magic, including those that has still yet to be created. And besides, believe it or not, I don't just sit around and read all day.''

Celestia and Luna couldn't help but laugh gently before Luna spoke in a more serious tone. "What does this new spell do Arcanus?''

"Mind you, this is a very difficult, yet powerful spell to execute. By myself, it is amongst the most powerful spells a unicorn can cast but with you two, it could without a doubt greatly surpass my own efficiency of using it. And if you're successful, it could very well defeat the Changeling queen and her army and avoid the use of the Elements of Harmony,'' Arcanus remarked sternly.

Celestia and Luna's mouths were agape in disbelief of the description of such a mighty spell, but they closed them and nodded firmly. They walked forward and stopped in front of the unicorn.

"We understand Arcanus. We're ready to begin,'' Celestia said seriously with Luna nodding.

Arcanus nodded as his horn began to glow with that bluish white aura. Suddenly, the chamber and all its contents morphed and shifted and before the two royal Alicorns knew it, they found themselves in a completely different setting. Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus were no longer in a chamber, but in a vast, strange location unlike anything they have ever seen. The outskirts of ground was of bluish color and seemed to stretch to infinity in all directions, even though it seemed to have a definite atmosphere limiting its size. Above them was a starry, night sky that was moonless but illuminated by a colorful aurora constantly moving about in the sky. Celestia and Luna gazed around their new surroundings, completely mesmerized by the landscape.

"Oh my, this dimension…tis nothing short of beautiful,'' Luna spoke breathlessly, her eyes gazing into the rippling sky.

Celestia nodded, a small smile, ''Indeed. Certainly nothing like I've ever seen in my life.''

Arcanus stood up and walked towards the two sister and cleared his thought, causing Celestia and Luna to break from their trances and look at the powerful equine.

"Very well, let's began.'' Arcanus said, his horn beginning to glow.

Away in the stone castle of the Changelings, Chrysalis sat in her throne room cackling with glee as she levitated the red gem, and the green Jewel of Kal Equa. Her Changeling subjects horded the massive hall, giving off hissing noises as she gloated her recent victory.

"Yes, these gems are everything I've read about in the Book of Omniscience. Just with one stone I struck down anypony that so foolishly stood in my way!''

As Chrysalis gave a low, dark chuckle, the red and green gems floated next to each other and gave off a combined red and green light. Chrysalis' eyes dilated as the light showed her glimpse of a monastery of some kind in a mountainous terrain. A grey coated pony with glasses and a white lab coat was then shown as he observed an oval, smoothed, blue gem. As the light subsided, Chrysalis let out an evil laugh.

"And now, my treasures have shown me the location of yet another gem. This is just too easy!''

Chrysalis then flew upward and addressed her subjects. "Rest up my subjects, for soon we shall venture out to find another Cosmic Gem. And like the other two, I'll obtain this one just as easily!''

Her Changeling army cheered with hissing sounds as Chrysalis grinned wickedly. "Yes, I'll enjoy killing the fools that get in my way and every creature on this world shall fear my power!''

As Chrysalis relished in her glee, a Changeling trotted through the crowd and kneel at the base of the throne.

"Forgive me your malevolence, but we've just caught these intruders trying to sneak inside the castle.''

Chrysalis leered down at the minion before shifting her gaze to the crowd which started to part as five Changelings dragged two Kal Equian guards, one brown and one grey, trapped in a sickish, green substance. The minions threw the guards towards the throne, their helmets rolling to the side from the impact. Chrysalis glared at the two as she flew down to them, her Changeling servants backing away as she did so.

"So, you dare to intrude in my castle?'' Chrysalis sneered venomously.

The guards glared at her, "Wretch! You've attacked our kingdom and almost killed our king!'' the brown guard shouted.

Chrysalis chuckled darkly, "Well of course, you're kingdom housed a precious gem that is rightfully mine. Plus it was the perfect place to test my newfound powers.''

The grey guard growled, ''You foul, evil...you've killed innocent ponies. Killed comrades of ours! You will pay with your life!''

Chrysalis frowned disdainfully at the two before turning and flying up to the seat of her throne. "You are right my dears, somepony will pay with their life. Unfortunate...that pony, or should I say ponies...ARE YOU!'' Chrysalis cried out.

As she did, she tuned and her horn glowed a billowing, green aura and fired two bolts of magic at the guards. The guards didn't even have time to scream for instantly the bolts hit them, they disintegrated, green embers floating gently on the ground where they stood and slowly going out. The Changeling minions backed further and cowered, murmuring at the display they've witnessed.

Chrysalis leered at the crowd of Changelings, ''Behold my subjects. That is the fate of those that dare stand in the way of our greatness. Of MY greatness!''

Chrysalis let out another dark laugh. However, something seemed different about her, for towards the end of her last statement, her voice was even more warped, with a male like, dark voice speaking along with her. One can only imagine the evil that Chrysalis will wrought if she gathers these... Cosmic Gems.

> Kindred Brokenness 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Applejack awoke particularly early this morning. Luna's night conquering moon had at last yielded its might and had lowered and disappeared into the east horizon as Celestia's sun began to creep steadily from the west. The sky was still a dominantly a light purple now mingled with a dark blue with a faint, fiery, yellow orange hue on the east horizon. Sweet Apple Acres was still bathed in the predominate darkness of the pale twilight. All creatures of the orchard were still under the spell of rejuvenating sleep. All except that blonde maned, freckled faced, orange farm mare.

Applejack laid there on her bed, her covers over her body, her hair unhindered by a tie and fell freely down her back. She was laying on her side, her body facing the window with her emerald green eyes open with a weary, misty, gaze as she stared out of her window. She laid there, motionless, while her mind constantly ran about in an almost infinite array of thoughts.

"This day again…'' Applejack finally spoken, her usual, friendly, southern accented voice now holding a tone of sadness and reluctance.

In her mind, an image of a earth pony stallion and mare appeared and Applejack quickly pinched her eyes shut and gritted her teeth and tensed her body as a single tear escaped her eye and rolled down her cheek. He body began to shake as she thought about those two ponies. Finally after what seemed like an eternity, Applejack finally relaxed her body as she opened her eyes, regaining that weary expression she woke up with.

Applejack was reluctant to get up, but with all her strength, she willed her body to sit up and threw the covers off her. She brought her hind legs over the edge of her bed as she sat on the edge, her misty veiled eyes looking out the window. All she could think about was the day, the day it happened…this day and she brought a hoof over her chest as she closed her eyes.

"Celestia give me strength ta make it through this day,'' Applejack prayed softly to herself.

After a moment or two, Applejack got out of her bed and feel on all fours as she made her way out of her room. She walked into the hallway and made her way towards the stairs. As she passed Apple Bloom's rooms, Applejack stopped abruptly as she heard the faint, but sure enough sound of sniffing coming from the filly's room.

"What in tarnation?'' Applejack thought to herself quizzically as she opened the door.

She poked her head into the room to see Apple Bloom curled up into a ball on her bed, her back facing Applejack. The older mare could hear the undeniable sounds of sniffing and crying coming from the little filly. "Apple Bloom?'' Applejack spoke out in concern, entering her room and making fast haste to her sister.

"Applejack?!'' Apple Bloom responded, whipping her head towards Applejack in surprise.

"Apple Bloom, what's wrong?'' Applejack asked as she made her way to Apple Bloom's bed.

Apple Bloom quickly whipped her head away from her sister as she lifted her body. "N-Nothing! I'm fine!'' Apple Bloom sniffed, whipping her eyes of the tears she was shedding.

Applejack tilted her head a bit, but looked onto her sister with a dreary, concerned gaze. She sat upon the bed next to the little filly and put a reassuring hoof on her shoulder. Apple Bloom looked at Applejack with a forlorn gaze, tears still in the corners of her eyes. Applejack then smiled sadly as she spoke in a comforting tone.

"C'mon sugarcube, you know you can talk ta me about anything.''

Apple Bloom didn't responded at first. After a moment or two, Apple Bloom then turned her head and muttered with a slight frown. "It's dumb.''

"C'mon, tell me,'' Applejack said, waiting to hear what was troubling her little sister so.

There was a brief silence between the two sisters until Apple Bloom finally spoke. "It's just…Ms. Cheerilee gave my class a project ta do about our family tree.''

Applejack smiled slightly at the response. "Why that sounds like a mighty interestin' project Apple Bloom. But, what's so bad about it? You know as much as I do that the Apple Family is the best family around these parts.''

"I know that,'' Apple Bloom muttered, her frown growing deeper. "I know that our family has a fascinating history. I know that our family has a lot of great ponies in it. I love every single one of them, including my favorite cousin Babs, but…''

As Apple Bloom trailed off at her last words, Applejack looked at her quizzically.

"But what hun?'' Applejack asked.

Apple Bloom then crossed her forelegs and rested her head in them as she continued.

"It's just…every other pony in my class well be able to tell about everypony in their family cuz' they'll actually have everypony in their family.''

At this Applejack gave a faint gasp before her face fell in the most dismal of dread, knowing full well what her sister was getting at. Apple Bloom continued to speak as tears slowly started to form back into her eyes.

"Diamond Tiara will have her dad, Pip will be able to talk about his mom, Sweetie Belle her mom, Twist, Sunny Daze, Dinky…t-they'll all have their parents ta put on their tree and talk about.''

A small, extremely sad smile formed on Apple Bloom's face as Applejack listed with hurtful eyes. "And I remember seein them at Family Appreciation Day. They all seemed so…so happy together. It just seemed so…right. That day and this project I have ta do then got me thinkin' about ma' and pa'.

Apple Bloom's face then fell as her tears started roll down her face. "I-I can barely remember their faces. I hardly knew them before they passed-an I know…I-I-''

Apple Bloom's emotions finally gotten the better of her and she began to sob, "I'll never get the chance!''

Before Apple Bloom could even finished, Applejack already had tears in her eyes and she quickly scooped her little sister up in her forelegs. "Apple Bloom,'' Applejack uttered tearfully as she tried to console her weeping sister. As Applejack began to rock her sister back and forth, the door creaked open an Applejack looked up in alarm to see Big Mac standing in the doorway, a deeply saddened look on his face with tears in his green eyes. Applejack just gazed at her brother as tears escaped her eyes. Big Mac said nothing and he quickly went over to his two younger sisters and wrapped his forelegs around him as the three Apple siblings were now brought in for an embrace, tears flowing down each of their faces as they shared the pain of the loss that fate had decreed for them to bear.

Quentin woke up to the sound of a rooster crowing. It has been two days since the ceremony in the town square, which meant that today marked his sixth day here in Equestria. The stallion yawned as he sat up in his bed. The clock read 8:00 am. The sun shone through the window as Quentin stretched and letting out a sigh as his back cracked.

"Well, another day in the ol' salt mines,'' Quentin smirked as he got out of bed.

He went out the room and headed downstairs and when he went into the living room, he saw Applejack, Big Mac, Apple Bloom and Granny Smith sitting together on the couch. They seemed to be drearily looking through a book of some kind, but when Quentin entered the room, they all whipped their heads up with shocked expressions.

"Quentin!'' Applejack gasped in surprised as she and the rest tried to whip their eyes. "Well howdy there Quentin. Did ya sleep well?'' Applejack greeted, forcing a smile.

Quentin noticed their melancholy gazes as he came in and spoke with concern. "Hey Applejack, everyone. Yeah I slept great but, is everything ok?''

Granny Smith looked at the stallion with a solemn smile.

"Why of course we're ok Quentin. Why wouldn't we be?''

"Well, it just seemed like when I came in, you all seemed pretty down about something,'' Quentin answered, walking towards them.

Applejack walked forward, he smile still showing. "Oh that? It was nothing. Jus' looking over the family album. We were jus' goin' over the memories, some good, some sad.''

As Applejack spoke, her face fell in sorry. Seeing this, Quentin lowered his head as he spoke sympathetically. "Oh…''

"But don't you think nothin' of it Quen. We're fine, honest,'' Applejack smiled again, putting a hoof on her friend's shoulder.

"Eyeup!'' Big Mac said with a tight smile.

"Yeah, we couldn't be better!'' Apple Bloom agreed.

Quentin looked at each of them uncertainly, but seeing their smiles, he to formed a faint one and nodded.

"Alright Applejack, if you guys say so.''

Applejack grinned. "Well I bet you're jus' starvin'? How does some flapjacks, eggs, an' toast sound?''

Quentin nodded with an eager smile as he licked his lips. "You bet AJ. I love me some pancakes.''

Applejack chuckled, '' ''Well let's get ready ta eat up then. How bout ya head on into the kitchen? We'll be in there in a bit.''

Quentin nodded and proceeded into the kitchen to prepare for breakfast. When the transformed human went through the wooden, swinging doors and out of sight, Applejack turned to her family as her face fell in fraught.

"Listen everyone, I know that today is the hardest day we have ta go through, and I know it will hurt and be powerfully difficult, but we need ta try ta keep in high spirits now that Quentin's here.''

Big Mac, Granny Smith, and Apple Bloom looked at each other with sadly before looking back at Applejack.

"We know Applejack. But it sure as sugar won't be an easy task.'' Big Mac spoke solemnly with a slightly bowed head.

Apple Bloomed nodded as she added glumly. "Plus it the day, which means that ma' and pa' are gonna be on my mind all day, especially with that project I have ta do.''

Granny Smith brought the little filly in closer to her in comfort to prevent her from crying.

"I know the pain hurts little one, but Applejacks right. We can't burden Quentin with the sorrows of our family's past. So we need ta keep our chin's up while he's around.''

Applejack sighed sadly and nodded, '' Exactly. If he knew, he'd probably tried his best ta empathize with us, even though he could never understand the way we feel. It's a pain I wouldn't wish on anypony.''

After a brief silence, the Apple Family took a few deep breaths to compose themselves. When they all felt that they were calm enough, the four Apples headed into the kitchen to meet with Quentin, bright smiles on their faces. Throughout breakfast, the farm ponies made good on their vow to keep Quentin from guessing something the pain that was aching them in their hearts. They kept the meal hearty and enjoyable as Quentin didn't suspect a thing, much to the family's relief.

Afterwards, Quentin helped Applejack with the cleaning up and he, Applejack, and Big Mac headed outside. "Well guess it's about time we start the day's work,'' Applejack said, stretching her legs.

"Eeyup,'' Big Mac said calmly, doing the same with his legs.

The dark brown stallion nodded in agreement as he too warmed up his body with stretches. "Yep, ready to get the muscles working. Just tell me what to do Applejack.'' Quentin smiled when something surprised him by jumping on his back.

"Howdy there Quentin!'' Apple Bloom greeted, her hind legs on Quentin's back and her front legs over his head.

''Hey there Apple Bloom! What're you up to?'' Quentin grinned.

"I'm jus' about to meet up with Scootaloo an' Sweetie Belle an head our way to school,'' the little filly smiled.

"That bein said, you should start headin out Apple Bloom. Don't want ya being late,'' Applejack said.

Apple Bloom nodded. "Alright Applejack.'' Her face then lit up. "Hey Quentin, how bout ya walk with me to school?''

"Walk you to school?'' Quentin repeated, a bit surprised by the proposal.

Apple Bloom nodded, bouncing excitedly. "Yeah, with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. We can talk about Crusaders stuff!''

Applejack giggled. "That sounds like a good idea. How bout ya go along Quen?''

Quentin thought for a moment before, grinning. "Sounds like a plan.''

Apple Bloom cheered, bouncing humorously on his back, causing a chuckle from Applejack and Big Mac. "Well how bout yall get out of here then,'' Applejack suggested with a smile.

Quentin nodded. "Alright, see you in a little bit then.''

Applejack nodded as she spoke, "Alrighty then Quen.'' Her face then fell slightly as she turned her attention to her younger sister. "And Apple Bloom.''

The little filly looked at Applejack with a confused look before she nodded a faint smile.

"Don't worry Applejack, I know.''

Applejack gave a sad, satisfied nod. Quentin looked back and forth between the sisters, wandering what that was all about. Applejack then stepped forward to embrace the cutie mark ridden stallion. Instantly, a chill shot throughout his body, his face heated up, and his heart began to race as Applejack hugged him, but Quentin was able to smile softly and returned the embraced with his eyes closed. He didn't know why she felt the need for the sudden gesture, but Quentin appreciated it nonetheless. He caught the sweet smell of apples as Quentin hugged his farm pony friend.

They've said their goodbyes and Apple Bloom and Quentin started out Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack waved at them, a slight blush on her face. She looked at big Mac out the corner of her eye and saw he was grinning at her.

"What?'' she asked, cocking an eyebrow.

"I've never seen anypony blush jus from gettin a hug,'' the burly stallion replied.

"Why...I ain't blushin!'' Applejack denied, taking a few steps backward. "It's jus...it's powerfully warm out today!''

Big Mac rolled his eyes playfully. "Funny, it feels mighty fine to me. An that was a nice smile ya gave ta Quentin too.''

Applejack's face frowned with annoyance. "Big Brother, dontcha have work ya should be doin right bout now?''

"Eeyup,'' Big Mac chuckled as he picked a straw and put it in his mouth. He then gazed at his sister with a rather somber smile as he spoke, "I hope my little teasin' would help cheer ya up AJ.''

Applejack looked at her brother with a blank, bewildered look before she gave a forlorn, grateful smile. "Thanks Big Mac. I'll be fine.'' She then went forward and hugged Big Mac with a foreleg.

"It's Apple Bloom I'm worried about,'' Applejack added, gazing sadly out the direction where Quentin and the filly had left.

Quentin and Apple Bloom walked through town side by side as they journeyed to the schoolhouse. Quentin noticed that the usually playful, outgoing filly was being rather quiet today. Throughout half of the journey, Apple Bloom seemed to have a down expression, as if something was deeply troubling her. At one point, the pair past by some little fillies and colts playing happily with their parents, while others were walking their child to school, enjoying pleasant conversation with one another.

Apple Bloom smiled sadly as she watched the kids enjoy the time with their parents that she could never have with hers. Quentin watched from the corner of his eye and saw that tears were slowly, but surely forming in her eyes.

"Apple Bloom, are you ok?'' Quentin asked, looking at the young earth pony with a concerning gaze.

Instantly, Apple Bloom gasped softly, pinched her eyes shut, and whipped her head towards Quentin, her eyes dry with a bright, tight smile on her face.

"Yep, I'm fit as a fiddle. Why would ya ask Quentin?''

"Well I couldn't help but noticed you've been pretty quiet since we left the farm. Not only that, but I thought I saw tears in your eyes just now,'' the stallion answered.

Apple Bloom looked at Quentin with a rather befuddled look. "Tears? O-Oh that! I was just…yawning, that's it! Still wasn't completely awake, but now I am!'' Apple Bloom then gave an obviously fake yawn before laughing awkwardly.

Quentin lightly winced as he gave her a suspicious look, not believing her in the slightest.

"Really? We'll you seemed pretty awake when you were bouncing on my shoulder not too long ago.''

"Yeah, well…all that bouncing' wore me out again. After all, bouncing' is a pretty exhausting' thing!'' Apple Bloom said, smiling nervously.

Quentin could see her falter and stopped and let out a sigh as he turned to her, "Yeah, I'm not buying it Apple Bloom.''

The filly's face fell as she saw that her lie wasn't working on Quentin.

"Come on now Apple Bloom, what's really on your mind? You can tell me.'' Quentin said with a softy, reassuring gaze.

Apple Bloom averted her eyes as her ears lowered. After a moment or two, she looked back up at Quentin with a very sad expression and, "Ya promise ya won't tell nopony?''

Quentin nodded with a small smile as he crossed his heart with a hoof. "I promise as a fellow Cutie Mark Crusader.''

Apple Bloom smirked sadly a bit at this before forming a sorrowful gaze once again.

"Well it's just that…there's this project that I need to do for school,'' she began.

Quentin tilted his head in slight confusion before cracking a small smirk. "Is that it? Trust me Apple Bloom, I've done plenty of school projects back in my day, hated it, but they're not really that bad.''

Apple Bloom shifted uncomfortably a little as she averted her sad eyes from her friend. "I know but it's…we need to do a family tree describin' members of our family.''

"A family tree?'' Quentin repeated as he gave Apple Bloom his full attention. "And that's why you're so down?''

Apple Bloom nodded wearily.

"Sorta, it's just…'' Apple Bloom bit her lip as she tried desperately to keep tears from welling up in her eyes.

"It's just, there's a lot of ponies in my family that I don't know about, that I've never met.''

"Oh,'' Quentin finally muttered understandingly, his face falling and taking on a more sympathetic look. "That's why, yeah I can see how that can be a bit depressing. But you know, why don't you just ask Granny Smith? I'm sure she could tell you about the members you don't know.''

"I know I could do that, but still. I…I've heard nothin' but great things about em'. I wanted ta get ta know them personally. I wish that I could feel them, play with them…tell them that I love them and hearin' them say that they love me too. I…'' as Apple Bloom, she finally started to cry, tears streaming down her face.

Quentin gazed down at the weeping filly with an extremely crestfallen gaze at her sudden break down. The only thing her could think about doing was wrap his forelegs around her and bring her in close to his body for a comforting embrace. Quentin had no idea she felt so strongly about this. He knew from staying with them for this period of time how strong a bond the Apple family had with each other, but now Quentin was starting to see full well the amount of love that was inside the family.

"Shhh, its ok Apple Bloom,'' Quentin spoke softly as he rubbed her back.

Apple Bloom sniffed before lifting her face and looking at Quentin with her wet eyes. "Have…have you ever felt like this Quentin?''

Almost instantly as she asked those words, a pain shot through Quentin's heart. His mouth quivered for a bit, as he averted his eyes with an extremely sorrowful gaze. He brought a hoof up and gently stroked the pendant that was hanging around his neck.

"I have Apple Bloom,'' Quentin finally responded with a hurtful tone. "Believe me, you have no idea how much I've felt like that.''

The filly looked up at the stallion with a slight, surprised gaze at the response. "Y-ya have?''

Quentin nodded silently and closed his eyes as the image of the two that were in the picture of his pendant came into his mind. As much as the imagery hurt his heart, Quentin was able to prevent himself from shedding tears and gazed down wearily at little Apple Bloom.

"And I still feel that pain. No matter how I tried to cope with it, it's just comes back stronger and more painful than ever.''

Apple Bloom sniffed as she rested her head to his chest as she cried. "I-I know it's the same with me. Sometimes, I don't know what ta do about it!''

Quentin stroked her mane as he spoke, ''But fortunately, there's a way to ease the pain. There's a way I've found to counter this terrible aching in the heart longing for our loved ones.''

At this, Apple Bloom, looked at Quentin with tearful, bewildered eyes.

"R-Really? What is it?''

Quentin merely smiled faintly as he answered. "It's love Apple Bloom.''

"Love?'' Apple Bloom repeated, trying to understand what the stallion meant as more tears escaped her eyes.

Quentin nodded. "That's right, love. Sorrow is like a raging sea in a maelstrom of darkness. As we try to settle the pain, the waves become more powerful and unrelenting, the darkness more obscuring and suffocating.''

Apple Bloom kept a tearful gaze at Quentin as he continued with a reassuring, weary smile.

"But it doesn't have to be that way. You don't have to be alone when going through that dark storm. The one's you hold dear, the one's that understand the pain you're going through can help relieve your heart of its suffering. That strong bond creates a light of love that can penetrate and scatter the darkness, and quell the raging sea. With that love, it can guide you out of the night and into the day and you'll realize that the world didn't ended. You'll realize that you still have a family that can strengthen and comfort you. At least…that's what I believe anyway.''

As Quentin finished, Apple Bloom stared at him before lowering her head, thinking deeply at what Quentin said. After a moment, Quentin spoke up once again.

"And have you ever been alone during all that? Did you have a family there to be there for you?''

Apple Bloom look up at him with a lovely smile as tears streamed down her face. "Yeah they have. Granny Smith, Big Mac, Applejack…they've always protected me an' been there fer me when I needed em'. I love em' so much an' I can't imagine my life without them.''

Quentin smiled warmly and spoke. "That's what I thought. I've may have been here for only a few short days, but I've never seen the amount of love that your family has. With them, there's no pain too strong that can destroy the love that they give you.''

Apple Bloom started to whip her eyes and ask, ''And, did your family help you ta deal with the sadness?''

At this, Quentin's ears lowered as he adverted his eyes as an extremely forlorn expression came across his face. He quickly changed it to a comforting smile and answered the little filly.

"Well, the important thing is, I can cope with it a lot better now than I could before.''

Apple Bloom just nodded with a small smile as she whipped more tears away. "I'm glad to hear that. You're too nice a pony ta be so sad like that.''

"And you're too sweet a kid Apple Bloom,'' Quentin said with a grateful smile at the comment. "So please, don't be too depressed for long.''

"I won't Quentin. Though I'll think about them form time ta time and I may get sad, but I'll just remember that I have a great family that I could talk to about it.'' Apple Bloom said. Resting her head against Quentin's chest with her eyes closed with a few tears rolling down her face.

Quentin stroked her mane gently and spoke softly, ''And of course you can always count on me to be here if you need someone to talk to.''

Apple Bloom, looked up at him and smile, tears still visible in her eyes." Thanks Quentin. I'm really glad ya came ta Ponyville and stayin' with us.''

Quentin though deeply but briefly at what the school filly just said before smiling gently at her. "So am I Apple Bloom.

Apple Bloom then surprised Quentin as she rose up and gave him a small kiss on the cheek. Though he wasn't expecting the sudden kiss, Quentin smiled nonetheless and sighed contently before the two shared a silent, warm embrace. After a couple of moments, Quentin looked down at the filly, thinking that it was about time to get her to school before she became late.

"Well, I guess we should get you on to school. You ok Apple Bloom?''

Apple Bloom nodded, whipping her tears but with a soft smile on her face as she answered,'' Yeah, well I'm doin' better than I was a few moments ago, but If I jus' remember everythin' ya said, I'll be alright.''

Quentin nodded in agreement as he smiled fondly at her. "Thatta girl. Tough as nails just like your sister.''

As Quentin spoke, he rustled her head causing Apple Bloom to giggly amusingly. The two then decided to continue their trek to the schoolhouse. They headed through town and to the Carousel Boutique where they saw Sweetie Bell and Scootaloo walking from the building. When they saw Quentin and Apple Bloom, their faces lit up and they trotted to them.

"Hey Apple Bloom! Hey Quentin!'' Sweetie Belle greeted as the two leaped into the stallion's arms. "

"What are you up to Quentin?'' Scootaloo asked with a grin.

"Quentin's gonna walk us to school today. Ain' that right Quentin?'' Apple Bloom said, smiling up at him.

Quentin nodded with a smirk. "Yep, nothing like chilling with my fellow Cutie Mark Crusaders.'' He rubbed each of their heads, earning a giggle from all three of the fillies.

The four talked casually as they led Quentin to the school house.

"So Quentin, you're gonna be at the next Cutie Mark Crusaders meeting right?'' Scootaloo asked gazing up at the newest member.

Quentin rolled his eyes upwards as he thought of an answer. "Mmm depends, when is the next meeting?''

"Today after school. So are you coming huh, huh, HUH?'' Sweetie Belle asked eagerly.

Quentin winced slightly. "I don't know girls. I might have some work cut out for me at Sweet Apple Acres.''

The fillies' faced fell sadly, but Apple Bloom's face became that of thinking. "Well Applejack an' Big Mac usually don't finish til six, we could wait til then I guess,'' Apple Bloom suggested.

"Really? Isn't that a bit late to go crusading?'' Quentin asked uncertainly.

Sweetie Belle beamed as she spoke, ''We don't have to go crusading for our cutie marks. We could just discuss suggestions we could do to find our marks!''

"Yeah, and we can crusade the next day!'' Scootaloo added happily. "So how bout it Quentin?''

Quentin thought for a moment before smiling. ''Alright, you got it.''

The three fillies cheered around the earth pony stallion. Quentin could only chuckle at their adorableness. They finally made it to the red building that was the school house. Quentin and the fillies saw various pony kids with saddlebags as they made their way inside the school, being greeted by a cerise colored earth pony with a light pink mane with light, grayish rose lining and a cutie mark resembling three, happy faced sunflowers. The pony was Cheerilee, the fillies' teacher. Quentin said his goodbyes to his fellow crusaders and made his way down the path and back towards Sweet Apple Acres. About halfway through his journey back to the farm, a familiar voice called out to him.

"Hey Q!''

Quentin looked around and finally upward into the sky to see Rainbow Dash swooping down to him. "Hey what's up Dash!'' he greeted with a smile as they greeted each other with a hoof bump and a soft headbutt.

"What's happening? What are you up to?'' his rainbow maned friend said as she hovered in front of him.

"Well I just finished walking Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle to school and now I'm heading back to Sweet Apple Acres to start working with AJ,'' Quentin explained.

Rainbow Dash landed on the ground as a rather perturbed gaze fell upon her face, ''You're working with Applejack on the farm?''

Quentin nodded, "Yep, I don;t know how long I'll be here, so I figured I could at least make some money and be of some use.''

Rainbow Dash frowned a bit before averting her eyes from Quentin with a sort of troubled look about her. She then looked at Quentin and asked with a slightly, disquiet tone.

"And how do you like it? Working on the farm…with her.''

Quentin answered with a rather sheepish smirk, "Well to tell you the truth, I've never even considered the idea about working on a farm. But despite all the strenuous work, and early wake ups, it's actually really growing on me, especially when I have Applejack to take to.''

At the mention of Applejack, Quentin couldn't help but smile warmly to himself at the thought of the orange, farm pony. However, Rainbow Dash seemed even more disturbed by this fact and asked.

"Well, she's not pushing you too much is she? Does she give you a break every now and then?

Quentin was a bit surprised by question, but he shook his head speaking, "No not at all. I mean about pushing me too far. Yeah she gives me plenty of breaks and we have an enjoyable time together. It really doesn't feel like work to be honest.''

Quentin then raised an eyebrow as he scanned at his cyan friend. "Why do you ask?''

"Uh, n-no reason!'' Rainbow Dash answered quickly, waving her hooves in front of her. She then looked at Quentin with a solemn smile. "I was just a bit worried you might strain yourself. A lot of ponies aren't really cut out for that kind of job, but if you're cool with it, then it's cool with me.''

Quentin continued to look at Rainbow Dash suspiciously before cracking a grin. "And besides, if I can survive a match with Ponyville's number one black belt, I think some hard working labor won't keep me down.'' He jabbed Rainbow Dash on the shoulder.

The Pegasus chuckled sheepishly as she looked away for a brief moment. "Well I guess that's true.'' She then gazed back at Quentin with a calmer smile. "Well you mind if we hung out a bit before I head to the weather patrol?''

Quentin nodded with a smile,'' Sure, it's always great to hang out with the best flier in Equestria.''

Rainbow Dash laughed before answering, ''Yeah, yeah true. It's all true.''

The two friends both laughed. Rainbow Dash and Quentin then started to make their way through town, ponies going about their business. "Yesterday I was hanging out with Scootaloo. She couldn't stop talking about you. You must've really hit it off with her huh?'' Rainbow Dash said.

Quentin chuckled,'' Yeah her, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle. They're really sweet girls.''

Rainbow Dash nodded with a smile. "She even told me you're a member of the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Is it true?''

The human rolled his eyes with a smirk, ''What can I say? I was hesitant at first, but eventually they've convinced me to join. I've got a club cape and everything.''

At this Rainbow Dash burst out laughing. "A little old for a kids club aren't ya?!''

Quentin rolled his eyes at the laughing pony, but then noticed something as he tilted his head. He finally came to see that Rainbow Dash and Scootaloo were so similar. He wondered..., ''Hey Rainbow Dash?''

"Yeah Quentin?'' Rainbow Dash responded, whipping away some tears.

"I was just wondering, you and Scootaloo…are you two related by any chance?''

Rainbow Dash just stared at Quentin blankly before laughing out loud again. "You're not the first to ask me that. But no we're not related at all. She kinda, well looks up to me. I'm sorta like a role model to her. I kinda watch out for her ya know? Keep her under my wing like a big sister.''

Quentin grinned, raising an eyebrow, "A big sister huh? Yeah I could totally see you in that position. Can't blame her though, you to do seem to have a lot in common.''

Rainbow Dash snickered, ''Yep you can say that again.''

They both shared a chuckle. After the humorous moment, Quentin asked the Pegasus, "So what's going on with you Rainbow Dash?''

"Well...the real reason I called you was,'' Rainbow Dash began, a bit shyly.

Quentin tilted his head, puzzled about his bold friend's odd demeanor. Rainbow Dash then looked at him and continued.

"I have tickets to see the Wonderbolts airshow this weekend and...I was wandering if you would, ya know, like to go… with me?''

Quentin was surprised by the request as he looked into Rainbow Dash's uneasy face. "The Wonderbolts?'' he repeated, to which she nodded, a worried look in her magenta eyes.

Quentin then smiled, ''Yeah I'd would love to go with you.''

Rainbow Dash's face then started to form a slow smile, "Really, you'll go with me?!''

Quentin nodded. "Totally, it would be interesting to see the Wonderbolts for the first time especially with you.''

Rainbow Dash zoomed happily through the air, leaving rainbow colored vapors behind her as she did so.

"Wow, never realized you'd be so happy about that,'' the dreadlocked chuckled.

Rainbow Dash then flew back in front of Quentin and looked upon him with a tender smile by the Quentin had yet seen. "Well I just want to spend more time with you Quentin ya know. Maybe bond some more.''

Quentin smiled gently, touched by Rainbow Dash's tenderness. Though he'd come to respect her brash, tomboyish behavior, Quentin found her occasional softness quite cute. He even thought he saw a faint blush on Rainbow Dash's face as she looked away shyly. After a brief silence, Rainbow Dash spoke up again.

"Well that was some celebration on Sunday huh?''

Quentin nodded with a half chuckle. "Yeah, though I still think it was unnecessary.''

Rainbow Dash chuckled, ''Well, always have to be the modest guy don't you?''

Quentin shrugged and averted his eyes. Rainbow Dash scratched the back of her head as she spoke with an awkward gaze,'' And I saw a lot of mares talking to you.''

"I know,'' the human turned stallion sighed." I'll admit I get more attention here than I ever did by on my world. It's kinda embarrassing really.''

Rainbow Dash's face became one of uneasiness, maybe even a hint of fearful. "Are you...interested in any of them?''

Quentin's eyes widened at the question as Rainbow Dash waited for an answered.

"Wait a minute, do you mean interested like...having a girlfriend?!'' he said a bit loudly. Some ponies looked their way at the outburst.

Rainbow Dash nodded desperately. Quentin stammered and fumbled his words as he spoke.

''What...I...no I'm not interested in any of them!'' Quentin said loudly but quickly covered his mouth, waving awkwardly at staring ponies and they went on their way.

"So, you don't have interest in any of them?'' Rainbow Dash asked hopefully.

Quentin shook his head and waved his hoofs in front of him. "No...I mean…'' Quentin took a deep breath before continuing. "Don't get me wrong, they're nice and pretty girls, but it just wouldn't work out.''

''Wouldn't work out? How come?'' Rainbow Dash asked, cocking an eyebrow.

Quentin sighed, ''Because I'm not from here, I'll be going back to my world eventually, so there'd be no point in starting a relationship.''

Rainbow Dash nodded slowly as she bore a disappointed frown. "Oh right, I keep forgetting about that,'' she muttered.

Quentin nodded, ''Besides, I'm a human. I wouldn't want to get in trouble for anything taboo or something.''

What happened next completely caught Quentin by surprise. The bold Pegasus looked at Quentin with a stunned expression before she glared at him. "What the hay is THAT supposed to mean?!''

Rainbow Dash then began to approach Quentin. Almost instantly he began to feel a sweat coming on as he stared into her angry eyes. "Well?'' Rainbow Dash asked aggressively, getting into the stallion's face.

Quentin stammered, "I just…well…I'm a human and… a human and a pony together…it's just isn't right!''

Rainbow Dash had practically pushed Quentin on his back on the ground. She glared at him as she got in his face and growled at his questionable response. "So you're talking about interspecies relationships? So is that what humans think about ponies, just animals? Just base animals with no concept about love or any emotions whatsoever?!''

By now Quentin stared at her completely intimidated by her anger. His heart raced as he looked nervously into her furious eyes. However he understood her sudden hostility and he was quickly overcome with the heart clutching feeling of guilt as his ears and face fell shamefully at the thought of possible insulting his friend.

"No…I…that's not what I meant,'' Quentin muttered.

"Is that so? Mind telling me what you did meant?'' Rainbow Dash said, lifting her head while not taking her eyes off of Quentin, a strong frown still present on her face.

Quentin sat up and looked at Rainbow Dash with an apologetic gaze. "I didn't mean to call you animals and I don't think you're animals. You're sentient, intelligent beings on the same level as humans. What I meant was that deep down I'll always be a human and humans and ponies are different. Wouldn't a relationship between a human and pony be frowned upon in Equestria? Wouldn't everyone else rise to revolt against it?''

Rainbow Dash calmed down and nodded, ''Hey if everypony else doesn't like it, they can go buck themselves. I'm not gonna let others tell me who I can or can't love. I'm not gonna let others tell me how to live my love life, if I had one that is.'' Rainbow Dash acted a bit nervously at the end of her statement, a brief blush appearing on her face as she averted her eyes from Quentin for a brief moment.

Quentin just looked down in shame. Rainbow Dash gazed down at him, and formed a soft smirk, nudging his arm.

"And besides, you're in the body of a pony, so who's gonna know if you're a human huh? And personally if I did found out if you were a human, I wouldn't care.''

The human looked up at Rainbow Dash quizzically. "What's...that supposed to mean?''

Rainbow Dash stammered awkwardly, ''Oh...I...I just mean I wouldn't mind that's all, especially after getting to know how awesome you are.''

Quentin stared at Rainbow Dash amazed at what she told him and the amount of tolerance and understanding she was displaying, but he still felt guilty and looked away from her. After a moment, Rainbow Dash spoke.

''Hey Quentin?''

He looked at her.

"When you said that humans and ponies together would be taboo. Honesty, I thought you were implying bestiality in so thought you see us as nothing short of animals. That kinda hurt to be honest. What exactly do you see when you look at us ponies?''

Quentin thought carefully to choose the best words, and he answered, ''When I see you, Applejack, and the others, I don; t see base. I see pretty girls with unique personalities who've done nothing but support me ever since I came to Equestria and now all I want to do is support you guys however I can.''

Rainbow Dash was a bit surprised by the stallion's answer and she chuckled, ''Yeah well that's great and all and sweet of you to say Q, but you're just saying that.''

Quentin shook his head, ''I'm dead serious. You're my friend and I never want to hurt you or make you feel different in anyway. Can you forgive me for making you feel otherwise, even for a second?''

He looked at Rainbow Dash who smirked and raised a foreleg, her hoof extended. Quentin knew what she wanted and he raised his own foreleg and hoof and bumped it against hers.

"It's cool Q. I know you'd never say something to offend me intentionally,'' Rainbow Dash spoke with a cool smile.

The earth pony just nodded.

"Besides if you did, I'd beat the living daylights out of you,'' Rainbow Dash joked with a sly smirk.

Quentin couldn't help but chuckle out loud. "Yeah, no doubt. You've done it before and you can sure as hell do it again.''

The two friends both laughed. When they were done, Quentin gazed at his friend. "Rainbow, if I was interested in a girlfriend, you'd really date me, even if I was a human?''

Rainbow Dash just whipped her bang out her eyes and smirked, "Meh,.''

Quentin slightly raised an eyebrow at her comment, which really didn't answer his question at all, especially with the slight, lazy tone she said it in. Rainbow Dash averted her eyes to the sky and spoke.

"Well I should hit the skies Q. So we on for Saturday?'' Rainbow Dash asked.

Quentin nodded with a smile. "You bet Dash.''

Rainbow Dash smiled. "Alright, I'm out. And tell Applejack I said hi.''

Before parting way, the two did their special hoof bump and headbutt and with that she flew off into the skies. Quentin smiled after her and after a few moments, he made his way down the path. Quentin failed to see Rainbow Dash stopping in midair, glancing back at him, and giving him a fond smile as a rosy blush appeared on her face before taking off into the skies again. As Quentin walked through town, many ponies waved in his direction to which he warmly returned the gesture. Quentin's name has come to be known at least by a majority of the town as some would call out the stallion's name to greet him. Quentin was embarrassed by the greetings, even though he performed in plays and sang on stage a couple times on Earth, the shyness in him could never get used to so much attention.

As Quentin ventured back to Sweet Apple Acres, he decided to take a different route. He headed away towards the hustle and bustle of the ponies about the marketplace and soon found himself walking along a clearing, quiet and serene something he appreciated. As he walked through the clearing, something came into view and in moments he stopped as he came to the front of open, iron gates. Accompanying the gates was an iron fence that quartered a very large piece of land. Quentin would've questioned himself as to what he had just found however, all he had to do was take a look at what the gates lead to immediately deduce where he was standing in front of. Through the open gates, Quentin could see countless headstones and statues that embedded the earth within the confines of the gate. He had stumble upon a cemetery.

Immediately, Quentin felt a dreaded woefulness upon looking at the burial site. The various headstones the marked the graves of those who had passed on brought a sense of gloom to the area despite the sun shining brightly in the sky. Though colorful flowers, mostly likely from loved ones who had visited the graveyard, were placed on the graves, even they couldn't take away the dismalness that the cemetery gave off.

"I…I've been so immersed with the wonders of this world that I've forgotten that death is also present here,'' Quentin thought to himself sadly.

As he observed more of the cemetery, Quentin brought a hoof to his pendent. He winced strongly as he gritted his teeth. The cemetery, the headstones, the reminder of death, it pained his heart as he thought about the two that were in the picture inside his pendent. Not wanting to see any more of the resting place of the dead, Quentin turned to start back towards the farm when he abruptly came to a stop. His ear twitched as he heard the faint clopping coming from the cemetery. Quentin turned his head towards the open gates and saw a white unicorn with a purple, beautifully styled mane walking slowly towards the entrance. However, the equine had her head lowered in a rather melancholy fashion. Though he couldn't see the pony's face, Quentin immediately recognized the unicorn the made her way so joylessly.

"Rarity?'' Quentin spoke with confusion.

The stallion then made his way past the gates and into the cemetery to meet his elegant friend as he called her name. "Rarity!''

Upon hearing her name, Rarity sharply whipped her head upwards at Quentin. As she lifted her head, Rarity revealed that her azure eyes were filled with tears and streamed down her face along with the slight showing of her mascara, wet and staining the corners of her eyes.

"What?! Oh my Quentin!'' Rarity spoke in shock as she desperately moved to try to whip her eyes dry of tears and mascara.

Quentin made it to Rarity and stopped in front of her.

"Hey Rarity, what are you-'' Upon seeing his friend's tear and mascara stained face, a look of worry came over him as he approached her. "Rarity? Are you ok?''

The beautiful unicorn whipped her eyes as she gazed the stallion earth pony despondently. "I…well… what in Chiron's name are you doing here darling? I would never expected to see you here of all places.''

Quentin answered, ''I was just walking to Sweet Apple Acres and thought I'd try a different route when I found this place. But it's you that I'm worried about.''

Quentin observed the unicorn's eyes and could still see the faint appearance of tears and running mascara. "Have you been crying?''

Rarity darted her eyes about as if trying to come up with a story about her being here, but upon seeing her friend's concerned frown, she gave off a sight and responded.

"Well, I guess there's no point and trying to hide it. After all I was coming out of a cemetery for goodness grief,'' she muttered.

Quentin waited for a few moments before Rarity gave off another, disheartened sigh as she looked upon Quentin. "Yes, I was indeed crying. I was just finishing giving my respects.''

Quentin frowned in both sympathy and sadness. "Oh…I'm sorry, I didn't mean to intrude on your private time.''

"Oh no, you weren't intruding Quentin,'' Rarity answered with a weary smile. "Like I said, I was just finishing my visit.''

"If you don't mind my asking…just who you were here to pay respects to?'' the stallion asked cautiously, worried that such a sensitive question was too much to ask her.

"Oh…well I was just visiting…well…'' Rarity began but before she could finished, her buried her face with a hoof as she cried softly, taking deep silent breaths as she wept.

Immediately Quentin ran over to her side to comfort her.

"Rarity I'm so sorry. I didn't meant to say anything to upset you!'' Quentin apologized desperately, supporting her by holding her by her foreleg.

After a brief moment, Rarity looked up at Quentin, tears streaming down her face. "Oh no, you didn't upset me Quentin,'' Rarity began as she whipped her eyes and sniffed. "But sweet Luna do you mind if we finish this conversation outside this dreadful place?''

"Of course Rarity,'' Quentin nodded with a saddened frown.

Quentin then escorted Rarity towards the gates of the cemetery before passing the iron entranceway. Once outside the cemetery, Quentin supported the doleful Rarity as she tried to compose herself. After about five minutes, Rarity took a deep breath and looked at her comforting friend with a dreary gaze.

"I'm sorry darling, I must look a mess?'' Rarity muttered, trying to fix her mane and whip the tears and mascara off her face.

Quentin shook his head slowly, forming a faint, sad smile as he gaze upon the unicorn. Contrary to her belief, even when she was in a mourning, sorrowful state, she still had an untouchable beauty to her that not even her woebegone demeanor could disrupt.

"No look just fine Rarity. I don't think anything in this world can hinder your natural beauty, even in the state that you're in.''

Rarity responded with a tearful and grateful smile as she spoke, ''you really do say the sweetest things Quentin. Thank you.''

"I'm sorry for making you break down Rarity. I don't have the right to pry in your private life.'' Quentin said in a truly shameful tone, feeling guilty for such a bold question.

"Don't be silly Quentin. Like I said before, it's not your fault. It's just a usual reaction when you're visiting the resting place of somepony important,'' Rarity said with a sniff.

Quentin just watched his friend as she continued to try and get the mascara stains off her face as she continued with a tone of woefulness in her usual refined voice. "I was visiting the graves of two special ponies. I had to, especially on this day.''

Quentin tilted his head in slight confusion at Rarity's last remark. She had to visit the graves today? What could possible be so special about today? "Why this day in particular?'' the earth pony asked, intrigued but still mindful of his friend's feelings.

"I had to visit them today because…it was on this they that they tragically died,'' Rarity answered, but then looked at Quentin with a sad, bewildered expression. "You honestly didn't know?''

"Why would I know?'' Quentin asked with a truly puzzled frown. "I've only been in Equestria for six days, I don't know anybody that died.''

Rarity gazed as Quentin with a slightly surprised look and spoke, ''Well yes that's true but, do you mean to tell me that she hasn't told you about it?''

Quentin was really getting confused now. Who hasn't told him about what? Was he supposed to know?

"Rarity what are you talking about? Who hasn't told me about it?''

Rarity casted her gaze away from him for a brief moment, biting her lip before looking back at Quentin with a somber smile before she answered. "Nothing. It's quite nothing sweetie. Please just banish that thought from your mind.''

Quentin observed Rarity closely, trying to figure out what she had meant about 'she not telling him'. As he was about to open his mouth to question her, Rarity beat him to it and spoke first and quickly, as if she just realized something.

"Oh dear me I really should be heading back to the Carousel Boutique. I may have needed to make this visit, but I have almost an insurmountable amount of work that needs to be done.'' Rarity gazed at Quentin with a sheepish look that still had the hint of depression. "And here I am crying like a fool.''

"You're not a fool Rarity. Like you said, it's a common emotion to display when visiting the grave of someone special. Do you need me to walk with you home?'' Quentin asked, still concerned for the state of the fashionista unicorn.

Rarity gave Quentin a grateful smile, ''that's very sweet of you Quentin, it really is, but that won't be necessary. I'll be fine, really.''

Quentin still wasn't convinced as he continued to challenge Rarity.

"It'd be no trouble at all Rarity, really. I'm just worried about you that's all. Maybe you want a little company?''

Rarity shook her head slowly with a forlorn smile. "I'll be fine Quentin really. Besides, didn't you say you were on your way back to Sweet Apple Acres? I'm sure Applejack would need you much more than I would.''

As Rarity spoke, she bore a much more sorrowful towards her last words as tears began to reappear at the corner of her eyes. Seeing this, Quentin looked at Rarity with a concerned frown, but then thought about what she just said. It was true, he was on his way back to the farm. As an employee to the Apple Family, he had a job to get back to and he really didn't want to keep Applejack waiting.

The human turned stallion looked upon Rarity with a compunctious gaze. "Are you sure Rarity? I just don't feel right leaving you after seeing you cry like that.''

"I'll be fine Quentin. This isn't the first day I've had this experience trust me. I've recovered before and I'll sure recover from this agonizing reminder. So please, there no need to worry about me,'' Rarity responded, touching his face gently with the foreleg that held the silver chain with a ruby he had given to her as she bore that faint smile that bore the pain and suffering from being reminded of those important to her that had passed on.

Quentin gently stroked her hoof before going forward and embracing Rarity.

"Ok Rarity. Just take care of yourself ok?'' Quentin whispered softly in her ear.

Initially surprised but the hug, Rarity closed her eyes and smiled contently as she returned the gesture. "Thank you Quentin. And don't worry, I will.''

The two friends hugged each other for a few moments before they broke apart. They bid each other farewell before finally parting ways as they went about to their destination. Before Quentin walked too far, he stopped briefly, peered over his shoulder, and glanced at Rarity as she walked away. He gave her a sad, troubled look before turning around and started back towards Sweet Apple Acres.

Away down the opposite side of the road, Rarity too stopped her trek before looking over her shoulder at Quentin as he walked away. A deep look of desolation and guilt appeared as a tear escaped her eye and streamed down her face.

"Applejack didn't tell him after all. I suppose it's for the best…'' Rarity spoke sadly to herself as another tear rolled down her cheek.

With a deep sigh and a heavy heart, Rarity turned around and continued her journey towards her home. Quentin continued his walk back towards the farm, however his thoughts were still on Rarity. The beautiful, glamorous equine so refined and poised found crying while walking out of a cemetery of all places. Those thoughts also paved way to remind him of earlier that day. First he came downstairs of the Apple's home to find them crying over an open photo album. Then Apple Bloom started to break down while Quentin took her to school. These incidents made he stallion pondered deeply with a troubled, gloomy frown.

"First Apple Bloom, and now Rarity. And there was a dismal atmosphere when I greeted Applejack and her family this morning. This day's been…depressing to say the least.''

As Quentin walked, he couldn't help but take a hoof and stroked his pendant, feeling even more downhearted. "God why did I have to take that route? Why did I have to find that cemetery?''

For the remainder of his trek, Quentin pondered those questions repeated in his head. It wasn't until he found himself walking along a white, wooden fence as a familiar red barn house came into view when he finally snapped out of his thoughts.

"C'mon Quentin, don't look so down,'' Quentin told himself, with a sort of firm expression. "Whatever hurt you may be feeling, it'll go away when you see Applejack. I…I can never be sad or unhappy when I'm around her.'' As slow, small smile came upon his face as he thought about the southern farm pony that was Applejack.

Quentin made his way along the dirt road and finally walked past the welcoming, flora covered archway and onto the farmland. Immediately Quentin headed towards the sheds to prepare for the work day. He smiled softly as he saw chickens going about pecking at the ground for corn kernels that he knew Applejack had spread out for them. He passed a mud hole to find some pigs squealing contently as they rolled around in the mushy earth. From where he could see, Quentin observed as Winona kept a watchful eye on a herd of sheep as they grazed in an open field. Distances away, a crow sounded throughout the charming orchard.

Quentin took the time to appreciate the simplicity and natural beauty that was Sweet Apple Acres. It was so simple yet, charming and refreshing, as the ones that worked so hard every day to keep their home that way. The farm was so simple yet it possessed something special at the heart of its apple core.

Finally decided he took in as much as the surrounding that he needed, Quentin stretched his legs to get ready for his work and went into one of the stables where his eyes fell upon Applejack, her back facing him.

"Oh hey Applejack,'' Quentin greeted with a warm smile.

The earth pony mare jumped a bit before whipping around in surprise. In her teeth was a colorful bouquet of flowers bundled together in a white wrapping.

"Quentin!'' Applejack spoke in shock as she gritted her teeth and holding on to the flowers. She spat out the flowers and held them in a hoof. "Wha-oh ya scared the leavin' daylights outta me!''

Quentin's face fell apologetically as he responded, ''Oh sorry about that Applejack. I wasn't expecting anyone to be in here.''

Applejack just smiled at him kindly as she shook her head.

"It's all fine an' dandy. So I take it Apple Bloom made it ta school on time?''

Quentin nodded. "Yeah. She's just too cute and playful to put into words. I'm really starting to love spending time with her.''

Applejack smiled warmly at the stallion as she spoke.

"Well I'm really glad ta hear ya say that Quen. Ta tell ya the truth, when we're alone, Apple Bloom talks about ya a lot.''

Quentin was slightly surprise at the news. Sure that he was fond of the little filly and were pals, even becoming part of her, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle's club but he'd never expected to be that popular with her. Quentin averted his eyes as a sheepish smile came across his face.

"She does huh? Funny, cause I'm not that important to talk or think about.''

Applejack gave her friend a slightly puzzled look before smiling fondly at him. "Of course ya are Quentin. Yer kind, respectable, modest, an' a hard worker ta boot. We're really glad ya came here, even if it was a flute accident.''

Quentin could feel his face heat up as a blush came across his face. Though he's gotten plenty of compliments since being the equine land, he felt a greater warmth and appreciation from comments like that coming from Applejack. All Quentin could do was smile bashfully and averted his eyes, as Applejack did the same. After a moment, Quentin looked back at the farm pony and noticed the bouquet of flowers.

"Say Applejack, those are some nice looking flowers,'' he spoke.

''Huh? Say what?'' Applejack responded, snapping out of her bashfulness. She looked down at the flowers and immediately a saddened expression came to her face. "Oh…right. Yeah there are,'' she muttered.

Seeing her down expression, Quentin looked at his friend with a concerned frown and said, ''Um Applejack?''

Instantly Applejack's face brightened up, ''Yep these are the best lookin' flowers I could find around these parts. Granny Smith asked me ta pick em' so she could put them in the house. Ya know ta brighten things up.''

As Applejack continued to smile at Quentin, the stallion still looked at her with a worried look. Although she was smiling, he couldn't help feel that it wasn't genuine, like she was forcing it. Quentin was about to speak to her concerning the matter, but Applejack beat him to it.

"Well we have a heapin' lot of chores ta do. How bout we stop our yappin' and get them done?''

Quentin thought about what Applejack just said. It was true, working on the farm demands a long list of things that needed to be done. All the numerous chores weren't going to get completely by themselves after all. With all that though out, Quentin smiled softly and nodded.

"Yeah your right. Even with three ponies, it's still a heck of a lot of work to do.''

Applejack nodded, "Exactly. Why don't ya head on out and I'll catch up in a sec.''

Quentin nodded in understanding and turned around and walked out of the stable. After he was out of sight, Applejack's face fell again in deep sadness. "C'mon Applejack, ya need ta get it together. Ya can't let Quentin find out about this day.''

As she spoke, Applejack gazed wearily at the flowers bundled together. She think went over to a table and filled a tankard half way with water. She then placed the bouquet into the tinkered so that the flowers wouldn't get depraved of the sustaining water. With one last, sad, dreary gaze, Applejack turned around, took a deep breath and started toward the stable entrance.

For the next several hours, Quentin, Applejack, and Big Mac worked hard around the farm. Quentin did numerous, back breaking chores including apple bucking, plowing, wood chopping, lifted heavy bags and moved them to their supposed places like the farm's storm cellar or the sheds. Though strenuous work, Quentin always found comfort and relief with working with Applejack and Big Mac. However today seemed different.

As he worked with the siblings, he couldn't help but feel a gloomy and dismal air about their work. As subtle as he could, Quentin observed the brother and sister whenever he would help them with something. Conversations would be short and Quentin saw that as they labored, they both had troubled, forlorn faces. Whenever the human would ask if something was wrong, they would brighten up instantly and deny that nothing was troubling them. And not wanting to pry them too much, Quentin would just nod and accept their answers, though he still felt that feeling of dejection emanating from them. A desolating, despondent, unhappiness that was all too familiar to him, which in turn would cause his spirits to dampen.

At about noon, Quentin decided to take a break. He breathed deeply, his coat drenched in sweat from the heavy labor he did and began to head towards the main farmhouse. As he was about to walk through the corn fields, something caught Quentin's and he turned his head to the right and saw Big Mac sitting alone on a nearby hill.

"Huh? Big Mac?'' Quentin asked softly to himself, a little confused to see the burly stallion sitting alone.

Curious to see what the elder Apple sibling was doing, Quentin changed course and started heading towards Big Mac. Big Mac sat silently on the hill under the cool shade of the apple trees. His head was tilted slightly to the left with his eyes closed as he bore an extremely lugubrious expression. Though shut, his eyes quivered as did his mouth as a single tear escaped from both of his eyes.

When Quentin had gotten close enough to the dour earth pony, he spoke,'' Hey Big Mac?''

Immediately Big Mac shot opened his eyes and whipped his head to his right to see Quentin approaching him. He then gave his head one strong shake as the tears were whipped away before turning back to Quentin with a bright, friendly smile.

"Well howdy there Quentin,'' the taciturn stallion greeted as Quentin approached him. "What can I do ya fer?''

"Hey Big Mac. I was just wandering why you are sitting here all alone?'' Quentin asked with a slight look of concern in perplexity.

"I was jus' takin a little breather from work fer a minute. An' this jus' happens ta be my favorite place ta relax,'' Big Mac answered.

Quentin just looked at Big Mac for a moment before nodding with a small smile as a gently but refreshing breeze blew along their coats and rustled the leaves.

"Well I can believe it. With the shady trees along with a nice breeze, this seems like the best spot to unwind.

Big Mac nodded with a calm smile as he answered, "Eeyup.''

Quentin chuckled. He was really coming to enjoy the red stallion's simple responses. He appreciated his laconic and soft spoken attitude, probably since he himself was usually the silent type.

"You mind if I joined you?'' Quentin asked.

"Nope,'' Big Mac answered, shaking his head with that relaxed smile of his.

Quentin smirked as he walked over and sat on his haunches besides Big Mac. At first the two sat in silence, but enjoyed the quietness of the farm and the refreshing coolness of the shade of trees that they were sitting under. Another gentle breeze blew through the air, brushing along their coats and again rustling the trees.

"Aw dang that feels good,'' Quentin sighed, lifting his head with his eyes closed as he took in the breeze.

Big Mac nodded in agreement, doing the same thing Quentin had done, "Eeyup.''

After taking in the breeze, Quentin opened his eyes and through their corners gazed at Big Mac. He noticed that this was the first and longest time he had spent with the strong, farm stallion. Though they kept ach others company in early mornings before going to work and while those times were enjoyable, they were also relatively short. A though then came to Quentin and he turned his head to look at Big Mac.

"Big Mac?''

"What's yer mind Quentin?'' Big Mac asked, looking at him.

"Well I just noticed that I've always said thus to Applejack, but not you. So I just want to take this opportunity to thank you for letting me stay here,'' Quentin answered with a small but grateful smile.

Big Mac looked blankly at Quentin with a small look of confusion, but he just smiled in that relaxing way he always do and spoke, ''Think nothin' of it pardner. Any friend of AJ's are always welcome ta stay here on the farm.''

"Yeah but it was on such short notice, but you and your family still had the kindness to open up your homes to me when I was a complete stranger,'' Quentin said with something sort of a small, sad frown upon his face.

Big Mac just chuckled heartily, ''Like I said, it was no big deal at all. In fact I'm plum grateful that ya came here an' just in time to.''

Quentin looked at the burly stallion with a bewildered expression as Big Mac continued.

"With Granny Smith too old and Apple Bloom too young ta work, it's usually jus' me an' Applejack workin' the fields. Though we're happy ta take on the tasks, it could get pretty overwhelming for jus' two ponies, especially during the busy seasons.''

Upon understanding what Big Mac had meant, Quentin smiled softly before speaking, "I'm more than happy to be of any help. It's the least I can do for you and your families' hospitality. I've never been to a place as welcoming and kind like Ponyville.''

Big Mac chuckled, ''Well that's Ponyville fer ya. We have three different races of ponies livin' here in peace, ya probably won't ever find a place kinder than ol' Ponyville.''

Quentin couldn't agree more and smirked at the red stallion, "So I guess you've been here pretty much all your life?''

"Eeyup,'' Big Mac answered. "In fact, Ponyville was founded by the Apple Family.''

"Say what now?!'' Quentin asked in surprised, doing a sort of double take. "You mean to tell me your family started this place?!''

Big Mac merely nodded with a chuckle. "That's right. Ya see Granny Smith an' her family were pilgrim pony folk who traveled and collected seeds. Their journey eventually lead then ta Canterlot an' Princess Celestia, seein' how they were plum tired from their journey, directed then to an uncharted acre of land next to the Everfree Forest. At that time, the Family had a recipe for special apple jam to which ponies from far an' wide would come ta get an' before they knew it ponies began ta' relocate to the new settlement which grew to become the fine town known as Ponyville.''

Quentin just stared at Big Mac, both shocked and impressed. He knew that the Apple Family were hardworking and honest, but he had never once figured that they would have a direct hand into the foundation of the harmonious, mixed community of races that was Ponyville.

"That's awesome,'' was the only thing Quentin could uttered.

Big Mac grinned proudly at his family's history and said, ''Eeyup. But now I must ask, how was livin' up yonder in Fillydelphia?''

"What?'' Quentin asked dumbly, forgetting the story he and Applejack had set up upon coming to Equestria. However, the dreadlocked stallion suddenly remembered and tried desperately and quickly to recovered. "Oh right, right. Fillydelphia!''

Big Mac was caught off guard by Quentin's sudden outburst and gave him a weird look. "Yeah, I've never been ta Fillydelphia before. What's it like there?''

It didn't take Quentin long for Quentin to come up with a cover story. Though he really didn't want to lie to one of the ponies that showed him great kindness by staying with his family, he knew it was for the best not to reveal any information about him being a human and coming from another world.

"Oh well its ok, I guess,'' Quentin answered with a shrug. He had absolutely no idea what the city was like, but he knew he could pull off a convincing lie.

"Ya guess?'' Big Mac repeated with a confused look.

"Yeah it's just that…I was pretty much a loner in Fillydelphia. Didn't really have much friends.''

"No friends? But why?'' Big Mac asked as if the very thought of Quentin having few to no friends where he came from.

True to his word, Quentin continued on with his story as he went on with a short snort. "I don't know, I guess it's because of this.'' The human turned stallion pointed at his flanks for Big Mac to see.

Big Mac indeed looked and saw his bare flanks. The soft spoken stallion stared for a few minutes with a sort of wide eyed expression before looking back at Quentin. "Ya mean cus' ya don't have yur cutie mark?''

Quentin nodded.

Big Mac's face then fell with a sympathetic gaze. "I've noticed since ya first came here. I didn't want ta ask on the count of worrying that it might've been a personal subject.''

Quentin shook his head,'' No it's all good Big Mac. I know it's crazy and weird, but I've just never been able to get my cutie mark for some reason.''

"Ya mean ya couldn't find anything that might be yur calling? Ya couldn't find a special talent?'' Big Mac asked, trying to comprehend what his coworker was telling him.

Quentin shook his head solemnly, ''No I haven't. It's bizarre. No matter what I've tried or what I did, I seemed to have suck at everything. It was really frustrating. And because I couldn't get my cutie mark, other ponies that did have them work jeer and ostracize me. They thought that I was some sort of freak or weirdo, they pretty much made my life a living hell living there.''

Big Mac just looked at Quentin in disbelief, his usual calm, and relaxed expression now bearing an aghast look.

"But, what about yur family? Surely they were there ta help ya out?'' Big Mac asked, still with a with a look of shock.

That word…family. The moment Big Mac said it, a pain immediately shot through his heart. He frowned deeply as he gritted his teeth, stroking his pendent gently as he did so. After a brief, painful silence, Quentin finally spoke with the upmost of dreariness.

"Yeah about that…I've never really had something I would call a 'family'.''

"No family? What?!'' Big Mac repeated in raised voice that was the loudest Quentin had ever heard from him so far.

"Quentin nodded, that saddened gaze never leaving his face. "Yeah and before you ask, I'd really not want to delve too far into it. Just know that for a great part of my upbringing I was pretty much alone. Sure I was lucky enough to have a roof over my head and someone to look after me for a while, I've never really called it home, nor did I think of my guardian as family, especially when he kicked me out on the streets the second I was old enough.''

Though Quentin was telling a story to cover up his true nature of being, there was some truth behind the words he spoke. The more he thought about his dismal childhood, the more it hurt his heart, and he tried with all his strength to not shed a tear. The story Quentin was telling Big Mac was more than working for he stared at Quentin with an extremely shocked, and sympathetic look, his mouth slightly agape. However, he soon closed his mouth and gritted his teeth as he looked away with a melancholy expression.

"So…ya had nopony. Not even…parents?'' Big Mac asked softly, but with a hurt tone.

Quentin bit his tongue and pinched his teeth to keep from crying and by some miracle it work. He took a deep breath to keep himself composed before speaking, ''Like I said, I don't want to dwell too much into it.''

Silence was again among the two stallions. Quentin looked at Big Mac from the corners of his eyes and was surprised by what he saw. The burly earth pony's eyes were shut as tight as they could be with his teeth gritted and quivering. However, at the corners of his eyes Quentin could clearly see tears. Unbeknownst to Quentin, in Big Mac's mind were the images of a green male earth pony and a light red, female earth pony and little did Quentin know, those images were paining Big Mac to the core.

Seeing his farm pony friend in such a distressed state, Quentin whipped his eyes of any wetness they had and smiled sadly.

"Sorry about that. It's a pretty depressing subject. Big Mac?''

Quentin gently tapped Big Mac on the shoulder to which he immediately whipped his head towards him with wide, surprised eyes.

"Huh?! Oh, beg yur pardon Quentin. I-I don't know what came over me,'' Big Mac answered, whipping his eyes.

Quentin just shook his head with a faint smile, "It's all good. For a big, strong pony, you can be pretty sensitive sometimes huh?''

Big Mac finished whipping his eyes and looked down with a shameful, saddened gaze. "Eeyup.''

Quentin patted his back and gave Big Mac a kind smile,'' It's ok, really Big Mac. Though it was hard, I've learned to cope with it. Though a lot of ponies had given me trouble, there were also a lot who were kind to me. Most of that kindness came in the form of Ponyville.''

Big Mac looked at the dreadlocked stallion and gave him a weary smile.

"An' that's how ya were able ta cope?''

Quentin nodded. "Totally. Especially by meeting six, incredible ponies. By meeting them, I didn't feel like a freak like all the others kept accusing me of. By meeting them, I didn't feel so much like an outcast that had no talent whatsoever.''

Big Mac responded by giving Quentin a rather strong pat on the back as he spoke kindly, ''Now y'all ain't a talentless outcast Quentin an' ya definitely ain't a freak. Fer the time ya been here, I've seen ya work hard as if ya been farmin' ya whole life. I bet if y'all was ta get yur cutie mark, it'd be somethin' ta do with farmin'.''

Quentin chuckled at this proposal. Thought having a cutie mark in farming would be the last thing he would ever get as a symbol of calling, he nonetheless felt he wouldn't feel disappointed or dejected if his cutie mark was indeed of that meaning. If he could get a cutie mark that is.

"Thanks for the words of confidence Big Mac. But to tell you the truth, I wouldn't mind if my calling had something to do with farming. I love working here with you and Applejack.'' Quentin spoke with a content smile.

"Likewise. An' don't worry, ya don't have ta have a cutie mark ta feel useful or wanted,'' Big Mac spoke.

Quentin looked at his stallion friend quizzically, trying to make out his meaning as Big Mac continued. "A cutie mark may represent what ya meant ta do in life, but it doesn't mean it shows the character of a pony. Those insultin' ponies that ya ran into failed ta get ta know the real you: ya shown that yur dependable, brave, respectable, hardworkin' an' more importantly…yur a heck o' a great friend. Applejack really seems ta think highly of ya. I've never seen her look so happy when talkin' about a pony before.''

Quentin just looked at Big Mac, speechless at what he just said. He had never though that the eldest Apple sibling could be a source for such wisdom despite being so calm and easy going. However, he was also surprised when he learned how fondly Applejack would speak of him. Sure she was a great friend to him, but he'd never guess she would be so happy every time she talks about him.

"Big Mac…'' Quentin spoke softly.

Big Mac then spoke with his eyes narrowed. "An' if anypony says otherwise, then they would have ta deal with us. Any friend of ours is considered part of the family. If anypony ever tries ta question yur worth, we'll have ya back indefinitely.''

Quentin looked at Big Mac and gave him a thankful, smile. "Wow Big Mac…I…thanks…''

Big Mac nodded with a smile, ''No prob partner. If anything ever happens, ya can always tell us.''

Big Mac then raised a hoof towards Quentin to which he smirked for he knew immediately what the strong farm stallion wanted, and Quentin raised his own hoof and bumped it against his. Quentin chuckled at the gesture, but deep down felt a warmth in his heart knowing that Big Mac would have my back whenever I would need support. For the rest of their time together, Quentin and Big Mac sat in mostly silence, but they didn't need to talk to express their enjoyment and appreciation for one another as they relaxed in the shade of the trees with the breeze of the afternoon blowing against their coats.

After about fifteen minutes, Big Mac's ear twitched and turned to his right to see Applejack walking towards them. Quentin too saw the mare and a smile instantly came to his face upon seeing his friend.

"Hey Applejack,'' Quentin greeted.

"Howdy Quentin,'' Applejack greeted back with a faint smile. "What yall boys doin' here?''

Quentin and Big Mac just looked at each other blankly and back at Applejack with calm smiles. "Oh nothing, just enjoying the breeze and having a little heart to heart talk. Right Big Mac?'' Quentin asked, patting the red stallion on the back.

"Eeyup,'' Big Mac responded with a smile.

Applejack chuckled lightly, but then her face fell. "Well sorry fer havin' ta interrupt yur time together, but I think it's time Big Mac.''

Applejack looked at her older brother and he sighed deeply, a sad frown upon his face. Quentin looked at the two siblings with a questionable expression.

"What? You think it's time for what?'' Quentin asked Applejack.

At this, Applejack gave him a brighter smile as she responded, ''Oh we jus' have a few errands that needs ta be taken care of, that's all.''

Quentin looked at her intently before answering, "Oh well do you need any help? I'll be more than happy to lend a, uh hoof.''

Applejack gave Quentin a small, but grateful smile and spoke, "Aw that's mighty sweet of ya ta offer Quentin, but really we got this. Y'all done a good heapin' of work today. How bout' you jus' rest an' relax fer a bit?''

Quentin looked at her with a nonplussed gaze. "Are you sure? I mean it's really no bother,'' Quentin argued but Big Mac put a hoof on his shoulder and smiled faintly at him.

"Thank fer the offer partner, but we got this. Besides, this is somethin' that the two of us really need ta go ourselves.''

Quentin looked disappointedly at the two hardworking ponies, but Applejack and Big Mac just smiled at him reassuringly. Quentin thought deeply. He wanted to help them out any way he could, but they insisted that they do what they need to do on their own. Though deep down, Quentin couldn't help but feel there was something more to this, 'errand' than they were telling him. However, not wanting to pry them further on the subject, he looked back at them and nodded with a small smile.

"Alright. I guess I'll see you two later then?''

Applejack cracked a smirk, walked up to Quentin and embraced him, "You know it sugarcube,'' Applejack responded softly.

Instantly when Applejack hugged him, a chill swept over Quentin's entire body immediately followed by a warm, tingly sensation. Quentin looked blankly at Applejack's sudden embrace and his face heated as a blush came through his fur. In spite of this, Quentin smiled warmly, before he wrapped his forearms around his friend to return the embrace.

After a moment or two, Quentin and Applejack broke apart and bid each other goodbye before Applejack and Big Mac turned around and headed off down the path. Quentin watched then as they walked and a concerned, frown slowly came to his face. Down on the path, Applejack walked silently with her brother, each with crestfallen glances.

"Y'all gonna be alright AJ?'' Big Mac asked sadly to his sister.

Applejack nodded and muttered solemnly, "Yeah, I'll be fine…fer know anyway.''

Big Mac immediately put a foreleg around her shoulders and brought her in for a one armed embrace. They continued down the path and after a quick detour to the stable, they made their way towards the entrance and out of Sweet Apple Acres. After seeing the two siblings off, Quentin couldn't think of anything to do, so he decided to head back to the farmhouse. He arrived at the house unhindered and walked into the living room.

"I wonder where Granny Smith is?'' Quentin asked himself as he looked around the empty living room.

Not receiving an answer, Quentin spotted the couch that was placed at the corner and walked over to it and sat down upon it. When he sat down, a portrait on the wall caught his attention. The picture depicted a male, dark bluish grey earth pony stallion holding a pitchfork in his right hoof. Beside him was a light purple earth pony mare with a fuchsia mane that curled a bit on her bangs and at the side of her neck. Behind the two ponies stood a house in the background. Seeing this, the portrait reminded Quentin of the American Gothic painted back on Earth and he chuckled at the sight.

"I swear, is Equestria just a pony version of Earth? Because there are things and places here that are just alike,'' Quentin wondered to himself.

Upon further observing around the simple, but charming and cozy room, Quentin's eyes fell upon a closed book that sat on top of a table that was in the center of the room. The book was simple in appearance. It had a brown cover and back where in the center on the front had a golden apple with gold designs around it in a diamond formation.

Curious, Quentin took a quick glance around to see no one present and got up and went over to the book. "I guess it wouldn't hurt to take a peek,'' Quentin spoke to himself. "After all, it's just a book.''

Upon opening the book, his eyes immediately fell upon the first two pages had four photographs, two on each page. Quentin winced slightly as he took a closer look at the photographs. "What do we have here?'' Quentin pondered softly, observing the pictures closely.

The pictures were black and white, leading Quentin to believe that these were taking quite a while back. In the first picture captured four, young earth pony mares sitting together with a large quilt in the middle of them. Being black and white, Quentin could never tell what color each pony was. However, they each had manes styled in ways females would wear in the old west. Quentin looked at the mare in the center to see her mane was in the style of shoulder length pigtails as was her tail. The mare was quite attractive to be honest.

Quentin gave out a whistle, "Wow wonder who that is?'' he spoke as he took the book back to the couch and sat down. Just as he was about to continue on looking through the album, Granny Smith walked in the living room. Upon seeing the young stallion, she smiled and greeted him.

"Well howdy Quentin.''

Quentin was caught off guard by the elderly mare's sudden appearance and he jumped in shock, whipping his head towards her.

"What?! Oh, h-hi there Granny Smith!'' Quentin greeted, smiling sheepishly for his reaction. "Sorry about that, you startled me.''

Granny Smith laughed lightly as she made her way towards him. "Now what are ya doin' here all on yur lonesome?''

"Oh well I was taking a break from working and decided to come in to relax a bit when I saw this photo album,'' Quentin began as he presented the book before his face fell in an apologetic gaze. "Sorry for looking in something so treasurable.''

Granny Smith laughed, "Aw fiddle sticks don't think nothin' of it.''

When Granny Smith had gotten to the couch, Quentin helped her to sit down as she continued, "So ya found our old photo album did ya?''

Quentin nodded, "Yes ma'am. I was just on the first page when you came in.'' Quentin showed Granny Smith the page he was at. She took one look at it and gave a bright smile.

"Hehe, oh I remember that one. This was taken durin' the Apple Family's first reunion. We've worked forever on finishin' the ol' quilt. Funny thing is…we still haven't finish it!''

Granny Smith laughed at this unfinished, generation long task and Quentin couldn't help but chuckle along with her. "So those four ponies are part of your family?'' Quentin asked.

"Sure is. Though that one in the middle is yours truly,'' Granny Smith answered, pointing to the mare that was in the center of the group.

Quentin' eyes instantly widened and his jaw dropped as he looked from the mare in the photograph to Granny Smith.

"Wait, that's you?!'' Quentin asked in disbelief.

"Yes indeedy. I was about Applejack's age in that picture. Why you ask? Was I easy on the eyes?'' Granny Smith asked with a sly grin, playfully nudging the young stallion.

"Yeah…I…well…'' Quentin stammered, a light blush on his face. The truth was that Granny Smith was indeed quite beautiful, by Quentin was embarrassed to admit it to the elder Apple member.

Granny Smith laughed, "So I take that as a yes then? I guess I was alright for a youngin'. Though I can't say much fer me now. An' it's true, Granny's a little rustier in the giddy up since that last time the Apple's been together.''

As Granny Smith said those words, she brought her hooves to the sides of her face and stretched her face upwards and to Quentin's utter shock the once wrinkled Granny Smith took on the young face of the mare she looked like in the photograph. Quentin stared at the seemingly rejuvenated Granny Smith with a face that bore the biggest, 'what the fuck?!'' expression he had probably ever had. However just as quickly Granny Smith became young, the skin on her face slid back down and Granny Smith was back to her elderly state.

"What…in…the…hell?!'' Quentin thought to himself, still staring dumbfounded.

Granny Smith shook her face as she spoke, "Nyeah that always leave my face stiffer than a board.'' She then looked back down at the album and grinned. "Oho, now I definitely remember this one!''

Quentin didn't respond at first, still trying to comprehend what in the world he had just seen. After a brief moment, Quentin finally snapped out of his shock and responded.

"Huh, what now?'' Quentin said as she gazed down at the picture.

He found that this photograph had a young Granny Smith with another young, earth pony mare. Like before, the black and white picture left the ponies' coats unidentifiable and the pony with Granny Smith had a mane styled like that from the country or old west.

"Who's that Granny Smith?'' Quentin ask while he looked at the picture.

Granny Smith smiled as she responded, "That's me with my favorite cousin Apple Rose.''

Quentin thought to himself while an amused smirk came across his face. "Applejack, Apple Bloom, and now Apple Rose. I know it's the Apple Family, but how many members' names actually starts with an apple?''

Granny Smith continued to describe the picture,'' Yep, right here we were in the seven legged race. We entered it every year.''

"Really, did you win any?'' Quentin asked curiously.

Granny Smith just laughed, "Nope! Every time we would get close ta the finish line, we would always fumble and trip right on our faces. We would lose, but Apple Rose an' I jus' couldn't help fallin' on our sides and laugh harder than hyenas!''

Quentin laughed heartily along with Granny Smith. So far from what she was telling him, the Apple Family sounded like an interesting clan.

"Can you show me more Granny Smith?'' Quentin asked eagerly.

"Well I wouldn't have this here album open if I wouldn't,'' Granny Smith responded with a smile.

The elderly mare turned the page to see four more pictures, two on each page. The first picture on the top, this time colored, was a shot of Applejack, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom along with an earth pony stallion Quentin had never seen before, but he figured he was part of the Apple Family. The four ponies were around a table outside somewhere on the farm with Big Mac and the unknown stallion sitting together at the table. Big Mac had an elbow casually sitting on the tabletop with that calm, half shut eyed smile of his while the supposed family member was happily eating a sandwich.

Apple Bloom sat near the munching stallion, looking at the camera with a nice smile while Applejack was near Big Mac as she smiled and waved at the camera. Quentin smiled while looking at the picture.

"That's the youngins with their cousin Wheat Straw. He was their durin' our last family reunion,'' Granny Smith informed.

Quentin nodded in understanding, ''And how often do the Apple Family come together for a family reunion?''

"Once every thirty moons. We've just had our last one about a month ago. Shame ya didn't come along before then. We would've love ta meet yall ta the family,'' Granny Smith said with a kind smile.

Quentin smiled warmly, flattered and appreciated. Quentin was already starting to fall in love with this family of four, to be able to meet the other members of this farming family would be a delight experience for the human.

"I would love to be able to meet them. You're really making all of them sound wonderful,'' Quentin responded genuinely.

"Who knows, if you're hear longer still, ya could experience the Apple Family Reunion first hoof fer yourself?'' Granny Smith said, nudging the stallion with a wink.

Quentin felt a saddened aching in his heart win Granny Smith made that suggestion. Though he would very much love to meet the other Apples, in his heart, he knew that wouldn't be possible. Quentin had no idea how long thirty moons were, but what he did know was that he would most definitely be gone way by then…and it was probably for the best.

Not wanting to think of this dreading thought, Quentin instead opted to change the subject by asking, ''Oh…I…well…what's going in this one?''

Quentin pointed to a picture at the bottom photo on the second page. The photo had Applejack, Big Mac, Granny Smith, Apple Bloom, as well as well over three dozen colorful, earth ponies all standing in front of the barn. Big Mac and Granny Smith were standing beside each other in the middle of the group while Apple Bloom was standing in the front in a row young fillies about her age. What really made Quentin smile was Applejack's position to which she was in front of her brother and grandmother, laying on her side on the ground while resting on a foreleg while she waved to the camera with her free arm as she smiled brightly.

The entire picture was just smile worthy, and Quentin found Applejack's position rather cute. Granny Smith smiled softly as she began to speak, "Ohoo, now this was takin' at the climax of our last reunion. An' boy what a reunion that was.''

"Really, how?'' Quentin asked.

Granny Smith looked at the young earth pony and answered, "Well this year, Applejack took it upon herself ta handle the preparations and what not. Turns out that she was tryin' a bit too hard ta make the reunion memorable.''

The elder earth pony ended with a sigh. Quentin tilted his head in confusion as his face fell slightly. "How? What happened?''

"Oh her heart was in the right place, but the child's overaggressive way ta make sure we all have a good time actually made it the opposite. It all lead up ta havin' the entire barn destroyed.''

Quentin's jaw dropped upon hearing this information. What's sort of series of unfortunate events could've possibly led to the climax of the Apples' barn being destroyed. Upon seeing Quentin's reaction, Granny Smith let out a laugh.

"Oh don't worry none young feller. The Apple Family manages ta work together and fixed the barn better than it was before the day even ended.''

"Wait a minute, you mean to tell me that you all were able to build an entire barn in just a few hours?'' Quentin asked in disbelief.

"Darn tootin'. It also helped ta sing along with a song ta help the work go by,'' Granny Smith said with a proud smile.

Quentin stared at Granny Smith for a moment before looking back down at the picture of the Apple Family in front of the newly constructed barn. Upon closer examination, Quentin was sure he could see twinkly on the barn that made it look brand, spanking new. "Wow. Building a fully constructed, walled, and roofed barn in a matter of hours…they put construction workers back on Earth to shame,'' Quentin thought to himself, still astonished by the fast labor.

His ear twitched as he heard snoring coming from his left side and Quentin turned his head to see Granny Smith with her head hanging downward as fell asleep, snoring loudly as she did so. Quentin looked at her with an expression that said 'are you serious?' as the grandmother went on with her spontaneous sleep.

"I know she did not just dozed off,'' Quentin spoke under his breath.

He then tapped Granny Smith gently on the shoulder and she reacted almost instantly. She quickly whipped her head upward and looked around quickly with an alarmed expression. "Huh? What happened? Where am I?''

Quentin had to suppress a snicker at her apparent obliviousness. "Um we're in the living room Granny Smith. You were showing me your family album.''

Granny Smith looked at Quentin before shaking her head to rid herself of any daze and grogginess before looking down at the open album and smiling.

"Oh yeah that's right I knew that.''

A light snicker escaped Quentin. One thing he was beginning to notice was while Granny Smith was a sweet, old lady, she could also be quite kooky and eccentric. From Granny Smith to Pinkie Pie, Quentin had witness behavior that could only exists in an animated world like Equestria.

Granny Smith turned the page and the first picture Quentin saw brought a bright, amused smile to his face. The photo was of an orange infant, girl pony. The infant was sitting innocently on her rump with two plates visible near her. Naturally for a baby, she had a short, blonde mane with apple shaped clips. She had beady, black eyes and was wearing nothing but a white diaper. On each of her cheeks were three white dots as freckles as well as what looked like spatters of brown food what it seemed with her tongue sticking out. The entire picture was nothing short of cute and Quentin spoke.

"No….freaking… way. Is that…Applejack?''

Granny Smith nodded as she looked at the picture fondly. "It sure is. The little whippersnapper done wandered away an' got into some apple fritters.''

Quentin chuckled at the silliness of the picture, but then smiled adoringly for its cuteness as he saw his good friend as she was a baby. "Well someone was a messy eater when she was little,'' Quentin commented with a grin.

Granny Smith laughed,'' An' then some. That day we found out that Applejack had the appetite of a full, grown stallion!''

Quentin and Granny Smith was then caught together in a hearty laughter, but the laughter didn't stop there. For the next couple of minutes, Granny Smith showed Quentin the rest of the album and the pictures it held. Quentin laughed and awed as he saw cute, funny, and adorable baby pictures of Big Mac and little Apple Bloom. Quentin saw countless of pictures as Granny Smith informed him the story of each one. The more photos Quentin saw, the more appreciating he was gaining for the Apple Family.

However, there came a time when Granny Smith turned a page and upon seeing the picture on it, her face instantly fell in dread and sadness. The photo was that of two earth ponies, a stallion and a mare. The stallion had a light green coat with familiar emerald eyes. He had a light brown, somewhat frazzled mane that went backward as well as light brown, frazzled sideburns. On top of his head was a brown Stetson hat. In all the stallion looked light a burly, strong sort yet he had a gentle smile on his face.

The mare possessed a light red coat with a dirty blonde mane that was braided and fell lovely over her left shoulder and a bang over her eyes. She had light pink eyes, which Quentin found quite lovely and beautiful. On her cheeks were three white dots that acted as freckles. In all the mare had an appearance that was similar to Big Mac, but was a beautiful sight to behold.

These were all the features that Quentin could make out before Granny Smith quickly closed the book. This sudden act caught Quentin by surprised, and he looked up to see the old mare looking away with a hoof over her face. She also seemed to be shaking slightly. At first her behavior was peculiar to Quentin before a worrisome frown came upon his face.

"Granny Smith?'' Quentin began with a concern tone.

Granny Smith didn't answer, she still looked away, her face buried in her hoof. Quentin was getting increasingly worried and once again he spoke up, this time tapping her gently. "G-Granny Smith? Are you ok?''

This time, the elder made a loud sneezing noise before whipping her head towards a bewildered, concerned Quentin.

"Oh excuse me there Quentin. Had a mighty strong sneeze that needed ta get out,'' Granny Smith said before sniffing.

Quentin looked at her, still a concerned look on his face. There was something not quite right about her so called 'sneeze'. It sounded as if it was forced, like it was fake.

"Are you sure that's all it was? I mean I can see tears in your eyes,'' Quentin challenged, giving the mare a questionable stare.

Granny Smith shook her head before whipping her eyes as she gave a reassuring smile. "Aw that jus' on the count on the darn dust in the air. Makin' my eyes water like I'm cuttin' onions.''

Quentin still wasn't convinced. He was sitting next to Granny Smith all this time and not once was his eyes irritated by anything, let alone dust. "Really? Cause I've been here this whole time and I've never felt any dust in my eyes.''

"Aw fiddlesticks. That's jus' because yall sittin' over there. It'd be different if you were in my place,'' Granny Smith argued, getting slightly annoyed.

Quentin continued to stare unconvincingly at Granny Smith. After moment or two, Granny Smith looked up at the clock and then back at Quentin with a calm, smile.

"Well land sakes jus' look at the time. I think we've flipped through this old album long enough.'' Granny Smith spoke, placing the album on the bookshelf.

"Yeah, perhaps we have,'' Quentin answered softly. Though he was still puzzled by Granny Smith's actions, he agreed that it was probably best for him to start back on the chores that still needed to be done.

"Besides, I still have a heapin' loads ta do around the barn. An' I've yapped ya to death long enough,'' Granny Smith said, with a sheepish smile.

At this Quentin smiled softly and shook his head. "You didn't waste my time yapping Granny Smith. I loved looking at the different pictures and hearing about the Apple Family. And I just want to thank you for all you've done and letting me stay here on such short notice.''

Now it was Granny Smith's turn to give the young, dreadlocked stallion a puzzled look at his words. "What's that now?''

Quentin's face fell slightly in sadness as she spoke. "It's just that, I've really have little to no happy memories of Fillydelphia. And the journey here wasn't any better. But being here with you, Applejack, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom really helped me to forget about those painful memories. You've all made me feel so welcomed ever since I've got here and…I'm really glad I decided to leave Fillydelphia to come to Ponyville.''

Granny Smith looked at Quentin with a slightly astonished look before a warm smile came across her face. Before Quentin could react, she had leaned forward and caught Quentin in a warm embrace.

"Now you don't need ta thank us one bit child. The Apples are always willin' ta help anypony that needs it. An' the truth is I'm glad ya came here to. You've been such a grand ol' help round the farm.''

Quentin sighed softly, before wrapping his forelegs around Granny Smith as he returned the hug. "It's the least I can do to repay you for your kindness.''

Granny Smith lifted her head and looked at Quentin right in the eyes while giving him a tender smile. "An' havin' ya hear is like I have another grandson in the house. Whatever bad that happen ta ya in Fillydelphia ya can jus' go on an' forget em'. As far as I'm concerned, you're part of the family an' yall can stay as long as ya want.''

Those words that came out of her mouth touched Quentin deeply. Here he was, once a complete stranger to them and on the spot they've welcomed him with open arms to stay with them. And in a short few days, he was already considered part of their wonderful family. With those words filling his heart, Quentin could see his vision become slightly blurry and the only thing he could think of doing was embrace Granny Smith again, this time a bit more strongly. The sudden embrace caught her off guard at first, but Granny Smith then smiled lovingly and warmly returned the hung.

For the remainder of the day, Quentin assisted any way he can with the tasks that needed to be done around the farm. Applejack and Big Mac had returned an hour after they left, but upon seeing, Quentin saw that their eyes were bloodshot and puffy, as if they've been crying. Quentin tried to ask them if anything was wrong, but Applejack insisted that they were ok and that the redness of their eyes were the result of an allergic reaction to some plants they passed by on the way home.

Quentin didn't entirely believe her explanation, but he decided not to further pry into the subject. He was convinced something was going on this day…something was wrong and he could feel it no matter how much they smiled at him. Quentin, Applejack, and the rest of the Apple Family had a delicious dinner of mashed potatoes, corn, biscuits, steamed carrots, and apple cobbler for dessert. However, the Apple family tonight seemed rather quiet that evening. Though they did made idle conversation from time to time, over all the setting just had a dismal feeling buried within it and it was really starting to trouble Quentin.

Later after dinner, Quentin went up to his room to relax. By the time dinner had ended, the sun was nearly set. A knock at the door sounded and he gave the ok to come in.

"Howdy there Quentin,'' Applejack greeted rather meekly as she came in the room. Quentin noticed she wasn't wearing her hat.

''No hat tonight huh?'' Quentin smirked.

Applejack looked at her friend blankly, ''Huh? What?'' After understanding what Quentin meant, Applejack giggled sheepishly,'' Well I thought I wouldn't wear it when I'm not on the job.''

Quentin laughed softly before speaking, "So what's up AJ?'' he asked.

"Well I just wanted to tell ya that I ran into Spike while I was out with Big Mac,'' Applejack responded.

Quentin looked a little concerned, ''Really, is everything alright?''

Applejack chuckled, ''Yeah everything's well an dandy. He jus wanted to let me know that tomorrow night will be a meteor shower that happens every 100 years and was invitin me to go with Twilight and the other girls.''

The stallion widened his eyes at the news. "Wow, every hundred years huh? A centennial celebration.''

"Yeah ya can say that. An of course you're more than welcome to tag along,'' Applejack grinned.

Quentin nodded with a smile, ''Sound good to me AJ. Thanks for telling me.''

"Anytime pardner. Ya mind if we chat fer a bit?''

Quentin smiled softly at his farm pony friend. "Yeah I'd like that.'' He patted a spot on the bed next to him to gesture her to come over. Applejack grinned and she sat next to Quentin. The two conversed for what seemed like hours. Quentin definitely felt more at ease with Applejack more than any of his friends. As they talked, a question came to Applejack as her face fell slightly.

''Rarity showed everypony that ruby ya gave her a few days back.''

"Yeah, I'm surprised she made a big deal about a little jewelry,'' Quentin half chuckled.

Applejack nodded, "Yeah, Rarity can be a bit obsessive when it comes to that kind of stuff. Though I'm not interested in those sort of things, I do admit it's a mighty fine piece ya got her.''

Quentin replied, ''Yeah I guess it is. When I found it, I immediately thought of her and knew it would be perfect for her.''

Applejack frowned sadly, looking away. Quentin noticed this and tilted his head, a look of concerned on his face. ''AJ are you ok?''

Applejack gazed at him and spoke, forcing a slight smile, ''Yea Quen I'm fine. You an' Rarity must be getting really close huh?''

The human shrugged, ''Well, she's a great friend. She's beautiful and very talented when it comes to fashion, but she's not cocky or conceited in any way. Plus, her generosity knows no bounds. I found that admiring about her.''

Applejack nodded sadly. "So...I guess giving her that ruby and all...do ya have, ya know...feelings fer her?''

Quentin stared at Applejack shockingly. Did Applejack really think he loved Rarity? She looked at him with a sad, bewildering gaze as she spoke, ''Quen it's ok if ya are. I won't tell anypony I promise if that's what ya want?''

Quentin immediately raised his hooves in the air and denied her assumptions. "Whoa, whoa, whoa Applejack it's not like that. I don't have feelings for Rarity!''

Applejack looked at him, a look of surprise, hope, and excitement upon her lovely, freckled faced. "Really, Quentin? Ya don't?''

Quentin shook his head. ''Of course not. I mean yeah she great, but we're just friends, and I appreciate her willingness to help me and not asked for anything in return.''

Quentin had to look away from Applejack. That little shock was actually pretty breathtaking. Applejack sighed, apparently relieved. After a moment of silence between the two, Quentin looked at Applejack and spoke.

''That was quite a bit of a shock Applejack. I was never expecting that.''

Applejack chuckled nervously, ''My apologies Quentin. Besides, it's not right fer me ta pry on yur personal life.''

Quentin chuckled. Applejack was so modest and considerate to everyone, that's one of the reasons why he was charmed about her. "It's cool AJ really. And besides, it wouldn't work out. She's a pony and I'm...a human.''

Applejack frowned at this. "Right, I keep forgettin that y'all not really a pony.''

Quentin nodded, "Yeah and I think this is proof.'' He then pointed to his bare flanks. "I think me being without a cutie mark means that no matter what, I'll always be a human at heart. Why else wouldn't I have one?''

Applejack nodded slightly before speaking, "But, should that really matter? I mean I don't really care, an I think ya shouldn't either.''

Quentin just shrugged at this. After a moment of silence, he looked over at the farm pony and grinned.

"And what about you? I'm sure a lot of guys around here are always trying to talk to you.''

Applejack chuckled awkwardly and shook her head. "Well actually, I've never had any stallions talk to me.''

Quentin found the response a little unbelievable. "Really? C'mon AJ I think your just being a bit modest.''

Applejack shook her head. "Nah, I mean they'll talk to me, but not as if their interested in being serous with me. Besides, I'm not too keen on romance. With this job, I jus don't have the time to lallygandin around town with one. Though I admit, it would be nice.''

Applejack looked a bit distraught as she told Quentin and averted her eyes. The human turned stallion looked at her quizzically. He would never believe that not one guy in Ponyville would want to at least try to start a serious relationship with her. Quentin placed a hoof on her shoulder.

"I seriously don't believe that Applejack. Why would any guy ignore such a beautiful girl like you?''

Applejack gazed into Quentin's deep brown eyes, speechless expression on her face. She looked for the slightest trace that Quentin was just saying that to make her feel better, but she found that he was being sincere with what he said and blushed. She chuckled softly. "Well in all honesty Quentin, yur the first man to actually compliment me on my looks. Is a farm bumpkin like me really beautiful?''

Quentin smiled warmly, ''You're very beautiful AJ. And being a farm girl just adds to your charm and beauty.'' It was all true, Applejack had a unique quality about her that made her beautiful in her own way.

Applejack smiled fondly at Quentin, ''I'm flattered Quentin. An' I really appreciate yur comments.''

Quentin chuckled, "Though I must admit, I really can't picture you wearing a dress at all.''

Applejack laughed at this and responded, ''Smart thinkin, cause I absolutely hate dresses unless the occasion calls for it, but if it don't...no sir!''

"I can totally relate, I hate wearing suits. Though I know sometimes the occasion calls for it to be appropriate at the time, but suits just aren't my style,'' Quentin said before adding with a mutter, "Not like I could've ever afford a suit anyway.''

Applejack smiled softly, ''Well I don't know Quentin, I thin ya would look mighty fine in a good suit, like the handsome stallion ya are.''

Quentin smirked while wiggling his eyebrows as he spoke playfully, ''Well I am a smooth talker am I? The ladies just fall for it.''

Applejack rolled her eyes playfully and lightly pushed him away, ''Yeah right. A regular, silver tongued Casanova.''

Quentin and Applejack both shared a laugh. As they laughed, Applejack and Quentin leaned on each other. After a moment, the two ceased their laughter before a brief silence came over them. Not wanting to just sit there and potentially make the moment awkward, Quentin asked.

"So, what exactly did you and Big Mac had to do earlier?''

Applejack did not immediately reply. She didn't even look at Quentin. At the question, that once laughing pony now bore a somber, almost hurt frown. Quentin's own face fell with concern for his friend. "Um, Applejack?''

Instantly, Applejack whipped her head upwards and looked at Quentin with a bright smile. "Oh earlier? Why we were jus' meeting up with customers, that's all.''

Quentin looked at Applejack as she continued to give him a tight smile. Quentin bore a slight frown as she spoke, "Customers? Why?''

"Well ya know, orders ta fill an' what not. I mean Sweet Apple Acres is where Ponyville gets the majority of its apples,'' Applejack answered. "Yep ponies sure do want their apples when they want them.''

Quentin stared at the farm pony and observed her closely. Through her tight, smile, Quentin could see the desperation of Applejack hoping that he was fall for whatever lie she was clearly telling. Quentin's frown grew and he finally said.

"You're lying.''

This caught Applejack off caught and she falter. "W-What? Why I ain't lying!'' Applejack denied, raising her hooves in defense.

"Yes you are,'' Quentin argued, his frown never once leaving his face as he stared at Applejack.

The southern mare then bore a more irritated glare as she spoke, "Look, Big Mac an' I were meetin' and dealin' with our customers. We do need money ta stay afloat after all. An' we can't make money if we don't satisfy our customers. So that exactly what we did, ensued that their orders were taken an' delivered when they needed it!''

Though he still gave his friend a slight glare, Quentin did thought about her response. True that Sweet Apple Acres was a farm as well as a business. And for a business to thrive they will need to money of their customers to keep it alive and well.

However, despite this logical reasoning, Quentin still felt that feeling of being lied to by his friend, and he didn't believe her answer one bit. Quentin sighed deeply and then he spoke, a stern, hurt expression on his face.

"Look Applejack, I know your lying.''

"Quentin!'' Applejack started to argue a bit aggressively but was cut off by the stallion.

''Applejack just don't ok?''

Applejack stared at Quentin, speechlessly with a deep frown on her face.

Quentin spoke, "Look, for this entire day I've felt this sense of gloom while working on the farm. First I came downstairs to see you and the rest of your family with tear filled eyes. Then Apple Bloom suddenly cried out of nowhere as I took her to school.''

At this knowledge, Applejack gasped lightly before a weary frown came upon her freckled face. "Apple Bloom…cried?'' she asked softly.

Quentin nodded with a now saddened gaze. "Yes, and while Granny Smith was showing me your family album, she suddenly acted strange and looked away for a moment. She said she was sneezing but…but I think she was crying.''

"Granny Smith too? God almighty…'' Applejack spoke under her breath, gritting her teeth as she looked away, her ears dropping in sadness.

"No matter how many times you said everything was alright, I couldn't help but feel that in actuality…everything wasn't,'' Quentin said.

Applejack said noting, just kept averting her gaze from Quentin with a dismal expression.

"Look Applejack, you've lied to me already before. And I know it was so I wouldn't catch on to finding out about the surprise celebration for me in town, but I still felt hurt that you drove me away so harshly. So please…don't lie to me again…please.''

As Quentin spoke, he had an almost desperate, pleading gaze and tone to him. After a few moments, Applejack looked at her friend with a rather unhappy expression. Upon seeing the pleading look in his eyes, Applejack finally let out a sigh and muttered in defeat.

"Fine, alright Quentin…ya win.''

Quentin felt relieved that the lies were stopping, but he remained intent as re readied to listen to his friends true explanation. After a few moments of silence, Applejack shifted in her spot and began to speak, not looking at him with an extremely forlorn expression.

"Yur right Quentin. The one thing I absolutely hate is lyin' ta ponies. I hate lyin' ta my friends…an' I hate lyin' ta you too.''

Quentin merely nodded as he waited for Applejack to continue.

"Truth be told big Mac an' I weren't leavin' ta meet with customers or anythin' like that. The real reason we left was ta see our…parents,'' Applejack finally spoke, wincing and gritted her teeth at the very word 'parents'.

"Your…parents?'' Quentin repeated quizzically.

Applejack nodded silently, that somber expression never leaving her face.

Now that Applejack had mentioned it, Quentin had never once heard them speak or even mentioned their parents. Applejack, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom were siblings living with their grandmother, and it wasn't until now that the very thought of their parents came to him.

"But Applejack, why would you want to lie about something like that?'' Quentin asked. "How is visiting your parents even bad enough to lie about it? In fact where were you visiting them at? Don't they live here on the farm?''

Applejack shook her head, "No, they don't,'' she answered dismally.

It was then that a bad feeling came to his gut as a dreadful thought came to his mind. "Applejack…you're not estrange from them or anything are you?

It was then Applejack looked at Quentin with a very woeful expression and answered, "No, it's nothing like. It's…the reason why…dear lord…''

Quentin leaned back to give Applejack room for air as he looked at her with a truly worrisome, concerned frown. The bad feeling in his stomach became worst as he waited for Applejack to speak. Now, Quentin wasn't sure if he really wanted to know what was about to tell him and yet at the same time, he wanted to know what was the cause of the melancholy atmosphere he felt that entire day.

At last after finding the strength she needed, Applejack finally opened her mouth and spoke. "My parents don't live on the farm anymore. And Big Mac an' I were out visiting them…at the cemetery.

The look of utter shock and horror that was on Quentin's face was indescribable. Applejack's…Applejack's, Big Mac's, and Apple Bloom's parents…were dead? There was nothing Quentin could say about that, how could he say anything about that? These three siblings so young, were actually orphans?

"Applejack…I…'' was all Quentin could say before finally swallowing a lump in his throat and asked. "If you mind my asking, how exatly…''

Almost immediately, Applejack sighed as she buried her face in her hooves. Instantly, Quentin went to her side to comfort her, putting his forelegs around her.

"I'm sorry Applejack. I didn't meant to…I'm so sorry, you don't have to tell me.''

That's when Applejack lifted her face and looked at Quentin with wet eyes, tears in the corners of them. "No don't apologize. An' I' can tell ya. I've been holdin' this in all day. I…I need ta get this out of me. Though not even our friends know this. Promise me ya won't tell them.''

Quentin looked at his distressed friend with an extremely concerned gaze but nodded, "Ok Applejack, I promise I won't tell, and please take your time.''

Applejack nodded, giving her friend a tiny, sad smile in gratitude. After taking a couple deep breathes to regain her composure, she looked at were, her emerald eyes still misty, but she was ready to say what she needed to say.

Quentin just nodded, telling her to start when she was ready and after a one final breath, she spoke. "My parents…they were the best ones that we've could possibly wish for. They were always good ta each other and were always kind ta us.''

Applejack's lips curled as a faint smile came to her as she thought about the wonderful times with her parents. "My Pa taught me everything' I know about rodeos, lassos, herdin' an applebuckin. He was a rodeo champion. I always loved it when he would take me ta competitions and watch him win blue ribbon after blue ribbon. He got me Winona fer one of my birthday an even after a hard day's work on the farm, he would still play with me even when he was bone tired. That was jus' one of the reasons why I loved him so much.''

Quentin watched Applejack closely as he bore a small sad smile. As Applejack continued to talk, the tears in her eye welled up and she swallowed a lump in her throat that formed. "And there was my Ma. She was the kindest, warmest, most generous pony I've ever known. She was also the best cook in our family. She taught me how ta make apple pie, apple cobbler among other things. She was always there fer us when we needed her. Every time we were sad, she was there to dry our tears an' every time we were lonely she was there ta comfort us. An' no matter what she an' Pa would always take the opportunity ta tell us they loved us, even if we already knew it. Ma an' Pa…they were my whole world.''

As she paused, a lone tear escaped Applejack's eye and rolled down her face as she started to shake lightly. The tiny small that was once on Quentin's face had now dissolved and he watched her with a sympathetic, sorrowful glance. That's when a thought hit him and he remembered a certain photo he saw in the album earlier that day.

"They sound like great people. Applejack, when Granny Smith was showing me the album, I saw a picture with a green stallion with a light, reddish mare. That was the picture Granny Smith closed the book on so suddenly. Those two ponies, we're they…''

Applejack whipped her eye and nodded as she responded, "Yeah, those two were Haralson Apple an' Honey Blossom. They were my Ma an' Pa.''

Quentin nodded and said meekly, "It may have only been brief, but they looked really happy together.''

Applejack let out a short laugh as another tear escaped her eyes. "Yeah they did. They loved each other very much. Hardly fought at all.''

And then that dreaded question loomed in Quentin's mind again. He was reluctant to ask again, especially seeing the emotion and pain it was causing Applejack. However something broke passed his hesitation and the question escaped his mouth while he asked caringly and cautiously.

"And…how exactly…what happened to them?''

At the question, Applejack closed her eyes as more tears rolled down her face. Quentin could feel his own eyes beginning to well up as he saw the pain of Applejack having to remember her parent's death. Applejack whipped some more tears only for more tears to replace them. She opened her eyes and looked at Quentin with the most cafard, miserable expression the human had ever seen on her beautiful face.

"It happened a few years back, when I was a filly. Me, Ma, and Pa were on our way back ta Ponyville from visiting a relative when we were startin' ta approach Ghastly Gorge…''

Applejack paused and gave another deep breath to try to keep herself from breaking down. Quentin placed a hoof on hers and she looked at him. He tear filled eyes met his which showed that he was going to be here for her. Applejack nodded, swallowed and continued.

"As we came ta the gorge, we heard a scream rang out. We went ta investigate ta see Rarity was on the bridge.''

Quentin was shocked by the fact that Rarity was present there on that day. "Rarity?''

"Applejack nodded, more tears falling. "Yeah. She was lookin' fer gems when she came ta the bridge. She thought she could go across but when she tried, an end of the rope had snapped, tipping the bridge over to the side. Rarity was danglin' an' hangin' fer her dear life.''

Quentin just looked at his friend with a horrified, disbelieving look. He was speechless that Rarity had been at death's door once before. Applejack continued.

"Ma and Pa saw that Rarity was gonna fall any second. Without hesitation, they ran ta the bridge an' my Ma held the other rope so it wouldn't snap while my Pa went on the bridge an' climbed ta where Rarity was ta bring her back.''

Applejack paused for a moment, the pain of that fateful day stabbing her heart relentlessly. Regardless, she ignored the internal pain and continued on with her story.

"Big Mac an' I could only watch on, terrified fer our parents and Rarity. Pa was able ta get ta Rarity an' he placed her on his back and made his way back ta the edge of the bridge. Jus' when they were close ta Ma, the rope had snap. They would've fell, by Ma was quick enough ta catch the rope in her mouth.''

By this time, Quentin could feel himself beginning to shake from the tale he was hearing. The words from Applejack's story as well as other things were raging inside his head and heart. Applejack continued speaking.

"From the rope snapping, Pa almost lost his grip, but he managed ta hang onto the bridge. Rarity fell off his back, by Pa caught her by her hoof. I can remember it like it happened yesterday. Pa and Rarity were both hangin' on fer their lives over a chasm with a raging river below. Then with all his strength, Pa heaved Rarity over the edge where I caught her an' bring her up. Ma was slidin' closer an' closer to the edge as she hung onto Pa an' then…''

Applejack pinched her eyes shut as tears cascaded down her face as she gritted her teeth. Quentin looked at her with misty eyes and a crestfallen expression. In his heart and from Applejack's reaction, he could only guess what happened next.

Through tears, Applejack finished her story, " The next thing I knew I heard a snap followed by screamin'. I listened as Pa an' Ma screamed as they went over the edge. I saw as Pa an' Ma fell down into the gorge. All I could do was watch…watch as I saw my parents fall into the gorge, their screaming disappeared and the only thing I could hear was the river below. I don't remember even helping Rarity over the edge. The next thing I remembered was me bein' on the ground and Rarity cradled me. I felt somethin' cold fell on my face constantly as Rarity repeatedly apologized. It was as if time stopped. I stared at the edge of the cliff hopin' an' prayin' that it was all jus' an hallucination. I stared at the edge of the cliff hopin' an' prayin' that Pa an' Ma would climb over the edge an' that they'd be alright. Nothin'…I waited an' waited but I never saw them. It was jus' me and Rarity as she jus' repeatedly apologized with me in her arms.''

Upon finishing, all of Applejack's emotions had gotten the better of her and she just broke down.

As she sobbed, Quentin just stared at her, his face showing empathy, shock, sadness, and grief as his hoof stayed onto hers. He couldn't even begin to imagine how it must feel to actually witness one's parents' deaths right before your eyes. Quentin's mouth quivered as he began to rub Applejack's back in hopes to comfort her.

"Applejack…I… does Apple Bloom know?'' Quentin uttered.

Applejack sniffed, ''She…she was jus' a baby when it happened. She didn't get much time with them at all. But when she had gotten older, she asked us about our parents. We had ta tell her the truth. We couldn't lie about it…about this.''

Quentin nodded drearily in understanding. "So that's was the real reason she cried today. That project she told me about…it was really more to do with her parents. Damn to have such a misery to put on the back of a small child,'' Quentin spoke with a hurt tone as he gritted his teeth.

Applejack nodded as she cried softly, "An' I'm ashamed ta say I didn't set a great example after it happened. So ashamed about how I acted. The world changed fer all of us that day. Granny Smith did everything she could ta take care of the three of us. The rest of the family came together to help get us back on our hooves. But after a while, it was just us again. It was up ta Big Mac and I ta handle the more physical aspects of Sweet Apple Acres. The farm was jus' so…so quiet. Just thinkin' about them…it hurt.''

Quentin said nothing, just kept listening in weariness as Applejack explained through her tears.

"I was tired of feelin' so much pain an' sadness. I started ta force myself ta feel nothing. It was easier that way. I went on like that fer awhile until…one night Apple Bloom started cryin' in her crib. She cried and cried…I knew she needed her ma and pa, but they would never be there for her. I actually tried ta force myself ta walk away, ta shut out the cryin'. I actually didn't want anythin' ta do with her…but…''

Applejack continued as she cried more heavily. "But I jus' couldn't bring myself ta do it. I couldn't jus' bring myself not ta love my baby sister. I knew that Ma an' Pa would be ashamed of my behavior. They died because they were tryin' ta save Rarity. They died because they were doin' a heroic act. If I was ever gonna honor my parents, I knew that I would have ta do what I know they wanted me ta do…be there fer my sister, brother, and grandmother an' that's what I did from then on. I worked to the bone with Big Mac ta ensure that nothin' would happen ta the rest of our family.''

Quentin couldn't help but give a tiny, sad smile at this. Even though Applejack was going through so much pain and heartache, she pulled through that pain in order to take care of her family's needs. Quentin really admired her strong will and her sense of doing what it took to take care of those she loved.

After calming down a bit, Applejack spoke, more tears running down her cheeks, "An' that hat was my Pa's. It's the only thing I have ta remember him by. I always wear it cause it makes me feel like he an' ma are always with me.''

"That's the reason Rarity was at the cemetery crying. She was visiting your parents. She was there when it happen, lord only knows how she must feel? And that's why she was there today, it happened on this day didn't it?'' Quentin spoke in a dejected tone.

Applejack whipped her tears with a nod, "Yeah, Rarity felt so horrible after the incident. She felt so guilty about the whole thing. She thought that if she hadn't gone onto that bridge this terrible ordeal wouldn't have happened. I…I don't know if she still feel any different.''

Quentin looked away somberly. When he saw Rarity that day, she was in pretty bad shape. Quentin understood why Rarity would break down like the way she did. The fact that Applejack's parents died trying to save her, her heart must be weighed heavily with guilt.

"Yeah when I saw her, she looked like a mess. She even broke down when I asked her about her being at the cemetery.'' Quentin spoke.

Applejack sniffed, "An' for a moment, I did blame her. I was jus' so mad that she was in a position that ended up with my parent's lives were lost. But eventually I realized that it wasn't her fault. I was just mad at myself because…I felt like it was my fault.''

Quentin looked at his weeping friend with a slightly agasp expression.

"Maybe…if I was a bit faster…if I was just a bit stronger then….'' Applejack spoke in between sniffs as tears streamed down her face.

At this Quentin knew he had to speak, to comfort her to help elevate that guilt she must have been feeling for years now.

"Applejack it wasn't…'' was all Quentin could say before Applejack cut him off. She faintly smiled at him tearfully before speaking.

"Thanks Quentin, but you don't need to say anything. I've heard it plenty of times how it wasn't anypony's fault. Every pony always sayin' that everyhing's gonna be alright but it really doesn't. I love my friends with all my heart but, they jus' could never understand this pain that I live with every single day.''

Quentin stared at her for a moment before he closed his eyes. They started to quiver lightly as did his mouth until he finally spoke.

"Others could never understand the pain that you have and are going through. They could never understand the hole in your hear that is left behind when death claims those you loved most.''

At his words, Applejack looked at Quentin with a blank, shocked expression, tears ever so flowing down her face.

Quentin continued, "Others could never understand how empty and broken you feel when you've lost a love one like that. They couldn't even possible imagine turmoil you feel in your heart, the anger you feel for the world, and no amount of kind words could ever heal that wound. No matter how sincere, no matter how kind or warm those comforting words are because…you just want so much more than that but deep in your heart you're never going to get it.''

Applejack continued to stare at her friend as Quentin continued to look away. Everything Quentin had said, every word he uttered was exactly how Applejack had felt right down to the core.

"Quentin…how…did you know all that? How could you possibly invoke everythin' that I feel like that ta a tee?''

"I know that because I know exactly how it feels. I know that because…'' Quentin turned to Applejack with the most sorrowful expression he had ever bore as tears streamed down his face. "I also lost my parents.''




Applejack couldn't believe what her ears just heard. She couldn't speak or respond. All she could do was stare into his tearful, woe stricken eyes as tears still flowed from her own, emerald eyes.

"Y-You've lost your parents?'' Applejack asked in total disbelief.

Quentin nodded. He then looked down onto his pendant and stroked it tenderly. He began to speak, not looking at Applejack.

"My parents were both doctors, medics back on Earth. Well one night, a massive gang riot broke out in the city we lived in at the time. A lot of people were getting hurt…a lot of people were getting killed.''

Applejack listened on with horror, but she didn't dare interrupt Quentin's story. Quentin continued.

"With so much chaos and disarray, the city needed all the help they could get and being medics, my parents couldn't just stay and left people get injured and die. And so…''

Quentin paused as his voiced began to crack on his last word. He closed his eyes and pinched out tears while he gritted his teeth. Applejack looked on tearfully, empathetically as she put a reassuring hoof on his. She knew it was now time for her to comfort and be there for him just like he had been.

"It's ok Quentin…'' Applejack spoke tearfully. "When jus' wait till yur ready.''

Quentin took a deep breath before he opened his eyes, tears streaming down his face "And so they went out into the city to help out anyway they can. They tended to dozens of injured among the riots. But…''

Quentin took another deep breath and continued, the tears still flowing. "As they were tending to some victims, they both were hit by stray bullets.''

Applejack now looked at her solemn friend in bewilderment at his last words. "Bullets? What in tarnation are bullets.''

"Bullets are projectiles that are fired from a firearm we call guns. Depending on how it's used, they could greatly injure someone, even kill them.'' Quentin explained.

Applejack stared at Quentin, astounded and taken aback at such an invention that could potentially kill another. "Ya sayin' humans made something that…kills other humans?''

Quentin shook his head and looked at her with a sort of crooked grimace, "No, 'guns' don't kill people. They don't just get up and commit the murders themselves. It's the hand that wields the gun are the killers, not the gun themselves.''

Applejack looked at Quentin for a moment or two before nodding slowing in understanding. She then bore a more saddened look as she asked though she felt like she knew the answer, "So…what happened to yur parents?''

The grimace look Quentin had turned desolate and wretched as he hurtfully answered.

"After they were hit, they were rushed to the hospital but…buy halfway there they had already succumbed to their injuries. They…died in the ambulance before even making it to the hospital.''

Quentin closed his eyes again as tears streamed fluidly down his face. Applejack could only look at him hurtfully, tears cascading down her own face as Quentin let out all of his pain and suffering.

"Oh Quentin…'' Applejack began, her voice cracking.

"I was just a baby when they died. I really don't remember them at all. The only thing I have of them is this.'' Quentin began trying not to allow himself to break down in a sob. He lifted his pendant to show to Applejack.

Applejack observed it as she stroked it gently. "They gave you this?'' she asked.

"Yeah,'' Quentin answered. He then pressed down on the tiny knob and the front clicked open. He then showed Applejack the picture of his parents that lied within the pendant. Applejack gazed upon the very first pair of humans she had ever seen. She was in awe yet still very saddened by the atmosphere of the room.

"So this are how humans look like?'' Applejack asked.

Quentin nodded.

Applejack then noticed how they were in a tender embrace with loving smiles and she couldn't help but smile faintly herself. "Why they look jus' wonderful. Like they loved each other very much.''

Quentin gave a tiny, but tearful smile. "They do don't they? My aunt told me everything about them. She said they got this pendent for me when I was a baby.'' As Quentin spoke, his small smile faded into another depressing frown.

"I lived with my aunt until I was five. That…that was when she suffered a heart attack and died before help showed up.''

Applejack stared at Quentin in shock, horror, and disbelief. "Ya…ya lost yur aunt too?''

Quentin breathed deeply as he responded with tears. "She didn't have a lot, but she made sure that I had everything to be happy. I loved her so much. She was the only family I had left when she died. Afterwards, I went to live at an orphanage…I had nowhere else to go.''

As Quentin sat silently, Applejack went over to him as put a foreleg around her friend. Though she was comforting him, she too was crying as she wept for her pain as well as for Quentin's. After a few minutes, Quentin calmed down a bit and looked at Applejack.

"I stayed at the orphanage until I was old enough to live on my own. All while I stayed at the orphanage, people always gave me their condolences but they don't have the faintest idea of what they're talking about. They always say that they understand what I am going through, but they could never understand how it feels to go through their entire lives without waking up to hear good morning form their dad or go to sleep after a bedtime story and hearing good night I love you from your mom. People always telling me that they know what it feels like, they could never know how it feels to wake up in the middle of the night after a horrible nightmare, but you can't climb into your parents bed for comfort and protection.''

Applejack said nothing, just remained there with a foreleg around Quentin as tears dripped from her face as she listened silently. Quentin continued.

"People always say that I'm not alone in this, but they could never see the lies in that statement. They could never understand what it feels like to try to look for someone who could possibly understand what you are going through, but when you can't you realize just how alone you really are. People always say that I had the love of my parents with me, they could never understand how it feels to never hear those words first hand from their parents, even if you knew that they loved you. People always say that they are there if I needed help, but they could never understand how to be totally vulnerable, how you can look at someone with eyes that could level you with just a gaze. How you scream and shout for help to ease you from this goddamn pain that you feel constantly, only to know that they could never help it. They could never go into your heart to take away that pain that causes you so much grief because life wasn't made to be so easy or so fair. They don't know about real loss even when they claim otherwise if it will mean for you to feel less depressed. They could never realize that their comforting, ignorant words only leaves the wound open.''

Silence was among the two equines. Applejack couldn't even begin to find the words to speak. Not only did Quentin know precisely what she was going through, but he had to endure a third lost that let him completely alone. Though she had lost her parents, Applejack knew that at least she had gotten to know then before their passing, and for this Applejack felt especially sympathetic for Quentin.

"Quentin…I had no idea,'' Applejack muttered.

Quentin grief stricken face became one of anger and hatred as he spoke with a bitter tone. "And for a moment, I started to hate the world…to hate life. I hated the fact that all this misery happened to me. I hated the fact that everyone else was born with a happy beginning to their story while I was born with a sad and dismal one that only seemed to never get any better. For a moment I just hated everything and everyone but…''

Quentin's hate filled glare turned into an ashamed, weary frown as he looked at his pendant. He turned it over and read out the inscription that was written on the back.

''From despair there is faith. From sorrow there is love. Never lose faith…Never stop loving.''

Quentin then looked at Applejack. "My parents had this inscribed on the bad before giving it to me. They wanted me to keep pressing through no matter what harsh, unfair aspect that life throws at me. They wanted me to believe that one day good will come to me if I never give in to despair and always believe in a light that I was meant to have. They wanted me to no matter what sorrow befalls me, no matter what misery that I see or will and have endured…to never cease loving from my heart. My parents died trying to help people and I'm proud of that. If I was going to honor them and what they stood for, I knew that I had to live by the inscription the had left to me.''

Applejack looked at Quentin and though tears were still present, she was amazed by his willingness to go through life without losing the kindness that he had. Applejack then gave Quentin a tearful smile as she whipped her eyes.

"An' I'm glad ya did that Quentin. I jus' can't see ya living yur life hatin' everything. That kind, gentle, lovin' heart of yours…I don't ever want ya ta change that.''

Quentin gave a faint smile as he too whipped away some tears. "Don't worry Applejack, I won't. I just want to make my parents proud. And I'm gonna do everything in my power to do so.''

"I know you will Quentin. I know you have. They've had one hay of a child that turned out to be a great son, and a great friend.''

Words couldn't even begin to describe the warmth Quentin had from Applejack's words. It was probably helped by the fact the she too had lost her parents and so she understood what he was going through. Quentin smiled gratefully, tears escaping from his eyes.

"And you're parents had one heck of a daughter along with Big Mac and Apple Bloom. Despite your loss, you've all became a close and loving family that showed kindness to all that came to you, like letting a stranger live in your house when he had nowhere else to go.''

Quentin placed a hoof on Applejack's cheek as he spoke tenderly, "They had such great children. And they've had a daughter that turned out to be the greatest friend I've ever had. I know Granny Smith is proud of you, so it's only natural that your parents are looking down right now with all the love and pride their have for their daughter.''

It seemed Quentin's words had touched Applejack deeply. She let out a small laugh before she buried her face in Quentin's chest. It wasn't long before Quentin felt the fur of his chest dampen as Applejack began to shaking lightly. Quentin saw her body rise slowly before retracting as the farm pony took deep breaths as she cried into his chest.

Quentin smiled briefly before he put a foreleg around her and brought her in for a reassuring, comforting embrace. He buried his face into Applejack's blonde mane as he too began to cry. The two friends just sat there, both crying in sorrow for their losses but also in relieve and happiness that each of them now knew that they did not have to go through this pain alone. From their sadness, they've found a kindredness that made their bond even stronger. Unbeknownst to them that in the night sky, two shooting stars flew next to each other over the farm before disappearing into the night.

Quentin and Applejack didn't know how long they were sitting there crying, but they didn't care. They were happy that they've found a newfound bond and relationship that only they could share with each other. Soon enough, the clock rang as it read eight o' clock. Applejack and Quentin lifted their heads and began to compose themselves.

"Oh, I didn't realize how late it was getting','' Applejack said as she whipped her eyes and sniffed.

Quentin did the same before answering with a small smile, "Yeah, time flies by when you're bonding with a friend.''

Applejack nodded with a sad smile, "Yeah, I'm glad that now we don't have ta go through this on our own.''

"Sure thing. I'll always be here when you need someone to talk to about these things.'' Quentin said with a reassuring smile.

Applejack smiled gratefully and went forward and surprised Quentin with a hug. Instantly, a chill went throughout Quentin's body replaced by a warm sensation. He felt his face heat up as a faint blush came to his cheeks.

''That was a nice talk we've had Quentin. I really needed that,'' Applejack spoke softly in the stallion's ear.

Quentin's blank, surprised gaze turned into a calm, content smile as he sighed, returning the embrace. "Believe me Applejack, you're not the only one that needed it.''

"Don't worry Quen, I know. Now I have at last one friend that I can have a heart to heart talk to about this. And I've never been happier for it.'' Applejack whispered in Quentin's ear.

Before they broke apart, she nuzzled Quentin's face. A warm feeling came to his body as she did so, but the feeling felt...nice and he didn't want it to end especially after such an emotional conversation.

"I guess I should start hittin' the hay. Got some hard work to do in the morning. Well g'night Quentin. See ya tomorrow,'' Applejack said with a tender smile.

Quentin nodded with a warm smile of his own. "Yeah, good night AJ.''

Applejack turned and walked out the room, closing the door behind her. She pressed her back to the door and looked at the floor. Though she still had tears in the corners of her eyes, she smile warmly and bit her lower lip, twirling her mane with a hoof. She then made her way down the hall in into her room before a though came to her mind.

"I've got one more piece of business ta take care of that I've been puttin' off fer a while now. An' I won't truly be able ta move on it I don't deal with it.''

At the Carousel Boutique, Rarity cried on her couch, her face buried in her hooves when she heard a knock at her door. She lifted her face, tears and mascara staining her face.

"Who…in heaven's name could that be at this hour?'' Rarity sniffed.

It took all of the unicorn's strength to get off the couch and went to the door. She opened it to meet the tear filled eyes of Applejack. Rarity's eyes widened in shock for a moment, but then fell slightly as if she was afraid of something. Applejack just looked at her and a smile, sad smile came to her face. Almost immediately, tears flowed profusely from Rarity's eyes and she went forward and applejack caught her in an embrace.

Rarity sobbed in her friend's shoulder as she squeaked relatedly. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm so sorry…''

Applejack just smiled, tears streaming down her face as she rubbed Rarity's back. "I can't forgive you Rarity. How can I…when I never blamed you from the start?''

At this Rarity said noting and continued to cry into her friend as Applejack consoled her, feeling the pain in her heart beginning to ease a little for the first time in years. Quentin laid back in his bed, he covered his face with his hooves as thoughts rushed through his mind.

"I'm a human...she's a pony. I'm a human...she's a pony,'' the phrase repeated again and again in his head. But their conversation, the hug they shared, the nuzzle she gave him…he couldn't get them out of his head. No matter how much he tried, they would come back even strong as well as that warm sensation he felt when Applejack had embraced him

"Then, why do I feel this way? Why can't I stop thinking about her?'' Quentin asked himself, the image of Applejack never leaving his mind.


Death leaves a heartache no one can heal

Love leaves a memory no one can steal


> Maelstrom of Madness
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quentin awoke early the next morning. It was his seventh day in Equestria, which means he'd officially been here for one week, a strange but wonderful week. Quentin quickly met and befriended six wonderful ponies that became his most precious friends in the whole town. He was even able to get a job on the farm of Sweet Apple Acres with hardworking, humble Applejack, who's been the best friend he had ever known. In fact, Quentin didn't want to admit it, but he was starting to feel more at home here than he ever done back on Earth.

The human turned equine yawned as he go out of bed and went over to the window. He gazed over the orchard to see the sun slowly, but surely rising over the hills and mountains.

"Well, another day on the ol' farm,'' Quentin said softly, trying to do a southern accent.

Quentin was sure that Applejack and Big Mac were already up, or close to getting up in a little while. He went out his room and quietly went down stairs. Before going out the front door, Quentin saw Winona sleeping in her bed by the door and approached her. She yawned and sleepily smiled at him. Quentin was still amazed that animals in this would could clearly display emotion.

"Good morning Winona, sorry if I woke you,'' he said softly, gently patting her on the head.

She responded by licking his hoof. Quentin chuckled, he had always been a dog lover and always wished he could've gotten one back home. After a few moments, Quentin got up to let Winona go back to sleep and slipped out the front door. He walked into the cool morning air. The sky was bluish, light purple with a yellowish orange coming from the sun in the horizon.

The stallion inhaled the fresh morning air as he walked onto the porch where he found Big Mac sitting calmly on his haunches, chewing a straw. Big Mac noticed Quentin, his calm, half shut eyes gazing at him and he smiled softly.

"G'morning there Quentin,'' he greeted.

Quentin grinned as he approached him, ''Howdy there Big Mac. Nice morning isn't it?''

"Eeyup,'' the burly stallion replied.

Quentin went by his side and sat on his haunches and gazed out onto the farm. "So did you sleep well Mac? I'm sure you did after working so hard yesterday,'' Quentin asked.

"Eeyup,'' Big Mac responded.

Quentin smirked, ''You really don't say much do you if a simple yes or no would suffice?''

"Eeyup,'' Big Mac smiled calmly.

Quentin chuckled to himself. Despite finding some humor in Big Mac's brief words, he nonetheless had found a newfound appreciation for the farm stallion. The conversation they shared the other day and learning that Big Mac would always have his back really made Quentin become fond with him and his presence.

The two of stallions continued to chat here and there until Applejack came out. She let out yawn before adding, ''Well G'morning Big Macintosh!'' She then continued with a more timid demeanor. "An' g'morning Quentin.''

Big Mac and Quentin both greeted the farm mare. "Hey Applejack. Good morning,'' Quentin spoke softly with a faint smile. "Are you…feeling ok?''

Applejack looked at Quentin with a blank and confused expression before forming a tiny, reassuring smile. She knew the reason for him asking was because of what happened the previous night. And they both shared a very emotional experience.

"Yeah Quen. I' jus' fine. Better in a long time actually. Trust me.''

Quentin smiled and nodded, happy to hear that his friend was doing well after the heartache yesterday had brought on her and her family.

"So whatcha two boys up to?'' Applejack asked as she came towards them.

Quentin smiled, ''Just enjoying the morning, having a friendly talk with each other. Right Big Mac?''

The red stallion nodded, giving his trademark, calm smile, ''Eeyup.''

Applejack smiled as she too looked over the orchard. "Yep Princess Celestia was always good at making gorgeous mornings like this one.''

The three of earth ponies conversed for a while. It was close to eight o'clock when Applejack spoke up, ''How bout a bit o' breakfast before we get to work?''

Big Mac and Quentin nodded in agreement. "Yeah, I'm starving. And you can't work on an empty stomach now can you Big Mac?'' Quentin responded, rubbing his belly.

"Nope,'' Big Mac chuckled.

Applejack giggled, ''Then let's quit yappin and spruce somethin' up.''

Big Mac was the first to walk in the house, followed by Applejack but Quentin stopped in his place. Applejack looked over her shoulder and turned around. "E'vrythin's alright Quentin?'' she asked.

Quentin smiled and nodded, 'I think I'm just going to take a quick walk before we eat. Is that cool with you?''

Applejack grinned, ''Yeah that's fine with me. Breakfast should be ready by the time you get done. Jus hurry back now.''

Quentin smirked, "Are you cooking?''

"Well of course. Who will it be, Big Macintosh?'' Applejack joked.

"Then I'll definitely won't be long,'' Quentin chuckled.

They both shared a laugh before Quentin made his way out of Sweet Apple Acres. The sun was just over the hills when he decided to head north of the farmland. "Nothing like a little exercise before going to work,'' Quentin said to himself.

Quentin was walking along the white wooden fence when suddenly out of nowhere, he was caught in a tight embrace from behind.

"What the heck?!'' Quentin said loudly before a voice spoke behind him.

''Hiya Quentin!''

Quentin recognized the voice and he looked over his shoulder to see Derpy hugging him tightly and the stallion responded. ''Oh, what's up Derpy?'' Quentin said, finding it hard to breathe. "Um Derpy, can you let go of me? I would like to breath.''

Immediately the Pegasus released her friend. Quentin caught his breath and turned to the grey pony. "Oh, sorry Quentin,'' Derpy said apologetically, her walled eyes looking at him.

Quentin smirked. "Aw it's all good Derpy. Come to think of it, I've haven't seen my favorite mailwoman-err, mail mare in two days.''

Derpy's face lit up instantly. "I'm your favorite mail mare?''

Quentin nodded, ''Yep, the same one that makes the best muffins.''

This tickled Derpy and Quentin asked, ''So what's up Derpy?''

"I was just about to start my route when I saw you, and I wanted to say hi,'' Derpy explained, hovering in front of the dreadlocked earth pony." I was at the celebration for you on Sunday, but never got a chance to talk to you.''

Quentin sighed quietly to himself. He just wanted to let that day go pass. While he enjoyed spending time with his six closest friends that day, Quentin still thought it wasn't necessary to champion him. Derpy and Quentin conversed for a few moments before sharing a hug and she flew into the skies to start her mail delivery.

Quentin continued his trek on the path before finding himself in a familiar meadow. "If memory serve me right, this path leads me to...Fluttershy's cottage!'' Quentin said as he saw the timid Pegasus's home come into view.

As he approached the bridge over the creek that led to her cottage, Quentin saw the yellow pony come out of her home, to tend to her animal friends for the morning no doubt. He walked over the bridge and when she saw him, she smiled brightly and hovered over to meet him.

"Oh Quentin hello!'' she greeted, quietly but still loud enough for Quentin to hear.

"Hey Fluttershy. What's up?'' Quentin greeted warmly.

Fluttershy smiled. "I was just about to tend to my animal friends. What are you in to, oh if you don't mind telling me,'' Fluttershy said shyly, bowing her head and looking at her friend through her bang.

Quentin chuckled, finding her modesty and timid nature adorable. "Well I was just going for a walk before I start my work on Sweet Apple Acres and I thought I might stop by and chat for a sec, if that's ok with you?''

Fluttershy's face lit up. "Oh that's just wonderful. Um, maybe you would like to help me with the animals, since I've seen just how good you are with them. You don't have to if you don't want to. If you don't I'll understand,'' Fluttershy once again finished timidly.

Quentin chuckled before responding, ''Actually, I would love to help you Fluttershy. Just tell me what to do.''

Fluttershy beamed and hovered in the air. "Yay!'' she cheered although was a soft cheer.

Quentin couldn't help but laugh at the display. "Man calm down Fluttershy,'' he joked.

Fluttershy immediately drooped down and looked at the stallion apologetically. "Oh I'm sorry Quentin. Was I too loud? I was just so happy that you'd help me,'' Fluttershy explained.

Quentin shook his head, ''Just an inside joke Fluttershy. C'mon, let's tend to those animals.''

Fluttershy and Quentin conversed happily with each other while they tended to the various fauna that was inhabiting the meadow near her cottage. They fed fish to ferrets, worms to bird's corn to chickens, and carrots to the bunnies wandering around.

"We should give Angel bunny a carrot, or else he can be really grumpy in the morning,'' Fluttershy explained as they headed for a dog house looking construct a few yards from the cottage.

"Angel bunny?'' Quentin asked.

Fluttershy nodded, ''Yes, he's my pet. He can be a bit difficult at times, but he really is a sweetheart.''

Quentin chuckled, ''Sounds like a rabbit with a lot of personality.''

As the two approached the dog house they came upon a white rabbit with its arms crossed and tapping its foot, an annoyed, impatient frown upon its face. "Good morning Angel bunny,'' Fluttershy smiled.

Angel only responded by giving his owner an annoyed look. "I'd like you to me a dear friend of mine. This is Quentin,'' Fluttershy introduced the rabbit to Quentin.

"Eh, what's up doc?'' Quentin greeted, speaking in a funny voice.

Fluttershy gave him a puzzled frown before saying, ''Um I'm pretty sure Angel isn't a doctor Quentin.''

Quentin could understand Fluttershy's obliviousness to his world's sayings and replied, ''Oh it's just a little joke from my world. A rabbit character always says it when he meets someone.''

"Oh...,'' Fluttershy said slowly, still not quite getting the explanation.

Quentin sighed, ''Don't worry about it.''

Angel looked at Quentin and gave him an uninterested look before looking at Fluttershy, tapping his foot. "I'm sorry if I brought you your breakfast late this morning Angel,'' Fluttershy apologized.

Angel shook his head and opened his mouth and pointing inside, indicating he wanted something to eat. "Wow, this bunny has ALOT of personality,'' Quentin muttered, but then he grinned." I know what you want''

He reached into Fluttershy's saddlebag and pulled out a nice juice carrot. Angel's eyes then shined and he started to water at the mouth as she saw the vegetable. "Here you go, bon appetite,'' Quentin smiled as he laid the carrot in front of him.

Immediately, Angel swiped the carrot and began munching down on it. At one point, he stop and gazed up at Quentin. He gave him a tough smile, like as if he was saying 'you're alright' and went back to eating.

Quentin grinned, ''I guess you decide when you're cool with people or not huh,'' he said as he gently stroked his head.

He seemed to enjoy it but still feasted on his breakfast. "I think you might have made a new friend Quentin,'' Fluttershy giggled. At the display.

Quentin smiled as he stood back up. He and Fluttershy conversed for a while before wondering the time. The two have been tending the animals for almost half an hour and Quentin thought really should get back to Sweet Apple Acres.

"I had a great time Fluttershy, but I think I should get going back to Sweet Apple Acres,'' Quentin said.

Fluttershy frowned, ''Oh my, I hope I didn't keep you for long?''

The human smiled and shook his head. 'Nah Fluttershy, I enjoyed helping you tend to your friends. Maybe I can help out again sometimes?''

Fluttershy beamed at this. "Oh that would be just lovely. Feel free to stop by anytime!''

Quentin smiled softly at the yellow Pegasus. She saw him to the path that leads to the farm and Quentin asked, "You're going to meet with us for the meteor shower tonight right Fluttershy?''

Fluttershy nodded. "Yes, I'm looking forward to watching it with our friends.''

Quentin nodded with a smile, ''I know I am. You girls are a joy to be around with.''

Fluttershy smiled fondly and responded with a hug. "You're very sweet Quentin,'' she said softly, nuzzling his face.

"Not as sweet as you,'' Quentin whispered as he returned the embrace.

After a moment of embracing, Quentin and Fluttershy broke apart and they said their goodbyes. As Quentin was about to make his way down the path, something caught his attention out of the corner of his eye. He looked towards his right and he saw something moving towards a forest.

"What the hell is that?'' Quentin asked, wincing at the object.

It was a dog but not just any dog. It was a brown and white dog, a collie by the looks of it, a golden name tag glimmered in the sunlight with a red collar. Quentin recognized the dog at once as..."Winona?'' he said uncertainly.

The dog stopped and turned around and Quentin saw it in full view. It was indeed Winona, but how did she get all the way out there? Did she followed him?

"Winona, girl? It is you!'' Quentin called.

He galloped towards her. Quentin hoped that she would wait for him, but to his disappointment, she bark a few times before turning around and dashed into the forest. "Winona damn it!'' Quentin cursed.

He galloped after her, but halted to a stop at the edge of the forest. Quentin almost immediately recognized the wood to be that of the Everfree Forest. Quentin gulped nervously as he backed away from the forest. His last venture in there on his own wasn't a fond one.

"Aw crap. Why did she have to go in there?'' Quentin muttered under his breath.

Even in the daylight, the Everfree Forest was still creepy as hell. The hesitant stallion heard the distant barking of Winona inside the forest. Quentin frowned, ''I don't want to go in there, but I just can't leave Winona in there. Applejack would have a fit if I did. Ugh damn it!''

Quentin didn't have time to waste. He needed to get her out as quickly as possible. He swallowed his fear and galloped into the forest. As Quentin went in, the sunlight quickly diminished over the enclosed canopy. Luckily, there was an obvious path he was running along, along with the barking of Winona guiding him. To be honest, the barking in the increasingly dark wood was creepy. "Winona! Winona where are you!'' Quentin called as he ran through the bushes.

His only response was barking. "Winona this isn't funny! This place isn't safe to be in!'' Quentin called.

Quentin lost track of how long he's been looking for her. Right turns, left turns, curves, twists...he was using all of his energy just to keep up with her. Quentin ran out of the shrubs and bushes and into a small clearing, looking around and panting heavily.

"This is getting old real fast,'' the earth pony grumbled.

A bark suddenly sounded, causing Quentin to jump. He turned around to see Winona smiling and panting. He sighed and approached her slowly, not wanting her to run away. "Ok girl, just calm down,'' Quentin coax slowly.

Winona lowered herself, her rump in the air and her tail wagging happily as she let out a bark. "No, this isn't the time to play Winona. We've got to get out of here,'' Quentin said, starting to get irritated.

He took one more step forward and Winona bolted away from him and into the bushes. "God Damn it!'' Quentin yelled in frustration. ''What is the matter with this-'' he was cut off by a bark from behind him.

Quentin froze in his spot, his heart almost stopping. "What...?'' he wondered slowly.

Quentin turned around slowly and saw Winona panting heavily at him, looking playful. He gazed at the dog with bewilderment. "How did you get over there?'' Quentin asked.

At that moment, Winona whipped around and darting in the bushes. "Wait, no! Ugh silly dog!'' Quentin muttered and he galloped after her.

Before he dived in the bushes, Quentin heard another bark coming from behind him and he came to a stop. No, it couldn't be. Hesitantly, Quentin turned around to see Winona barking, and acting playful. He stared at the collie, his gazed turning into a slight frown.

"What...the hell?'' Quentin said, staring at the canine with a confused frown.

Winona barked, but Quentin didn't respond. "What is going on here?'' he asked out loud.

Winona barked at him again, as if telling him to follow her. "Winona, I don't know how're you're doing this, but-'' Quentin was stopped by another bark, but it wasn't coming from Winona, it was coming from behind the stallion.

Quentin whipped around and to his puzzlement and shock, he saw Winona behind him, her tongue hanging out.

"What?!'' Quentin called before whipping his head forward and backward. He didn't know why, but Quentin was seeing two Winona's, one in front of him and one behind.

Quentin shook his head and rubbed his eyes, "I must be seeing things,'' he muttered. But when he gazed to and fro again, Quentin indeed saw two Winona's.

Both dogs barked. The confused human didn't have the slightest idea what to do. "Ok either Winona's been learning magic tricks from Twilight, or one of these two are the real Winona!'' Quentin spoke out loud.

Quentin gazed back and forth at the two and kneeled slightly. "Come here Winona. Come here girl,'' he coax the two dogs. "If the real one comes to me, I'll give her a nice, juicy bone.''

The two Winona's barked madly at this, apparently getting excited. Quentin grinned at the two, satisfied that his ploy was seemingly working. ''That's it...c'mon you silly dog.''

His ear started to twitch as Quentin started to hear more distant barking. The barking grew louder and closer until finally his face fell in shock and horror as one by one, Winona's came popping out of the bushes all around him. Quentin whipped his head around in all directions, only to be met with barking from at least eight different Winona's.

"What...what the hell is going on here?!'' Quentin called over the barking dogs.

Quentin shook his head and put his hooves to his ears to try to block out the barking. "I-I must be losing my mind. Get a hold of yourself Quentin.''

The barking continued. Finally, Quentin had enough and he finally shouted in anger, "Will all of you just SHUT UP!''

Instantly, the dogs stopped barking. Quentin glared at all of them, almost daring one of them to bark again. What they did instead was truly frightening. They all began to growl at him, revealing unusually sharp canines and teeth while their eyes started to glow a hellish red glow. Quentin's face fell into fear as he gazed into each of their piercing red eyes. It was like looking evil straight in the eyes.

Quentin gulped as I took a step back, trembling lightly. "N-nice doggies,'' he said with fear.

The eight Winonas'growls grew louder as they took steps towards the frightened stallion. "W-Winona? D-down girl. Nice girl,'' Quentin stuttered as he walked backwards.

The Winonas just kept growling loudly as they approached Quentin, forming a line as they did so.

Quentin laughed nervously, ''Winona if you be a good girl, I'll give you a bone. Just not one of mine.''

The dogs just leered and growled. Then, one by one they started to glow a white light. The light was so bright that Quentin had to cover his eyes. After a brief moment, the light subsided and he peeked through his hooves. Quentin's heart sank and his jaw dropped as he found himself looking into the eyes of a giant, black, eight headed dog. It looked absolutely nothing like Winona with black, shaggy fur, sharp nails, and large, sharp teeth that dripped saliva and pairs of eerie red glowing eyes...all gazing right at him.

"Jesus...fuck!'' Quentin muttered fearfully as he back away slowly.

The dog then let out an ear splitting roar and that's when Quentin took the moment and whipped around and ran full speed into the bushes. He screamed, calling for help as he heard the ground shaking stomps of the dog following behind him.

"I'm not dying here! I'm not dying here!'' the frantic stallion kept repeating in his head as he ran.

Quentin didn't know how long he was running, all he knew was that he had to get away from that thing. Quentin could hear trees breaking down as it chased him, its barks echoing around him. Quentin was so frantic for his life that he failed to look in front of him and he hit hard against a large boulder in a clearing of the forest. Quentin feel back as his eyes rolled in his head, everything spinning are while he was caught in a brief painful daze from the collision. Quentin quickly recovered from his disorient state and pressed his back against the rock, gritting his teeth as he heard the sound of stomping, trees breaking, and barking as the beast approached him.

Quentin looked around frantically, searching for some sort of way out. He was almost excepting, praying for Applejack to pop out somewhere ready to fight the dog, but he knew the chances of that was slim to none. Finally there it was, the black dog burst out of the wood and stared directly at him. Its eyes appearing to be glowing even brighter like emblazoned coals and mouths beginning to foam.

Quentin shook from fear as he muttered, ''Please.''

With a loud bark, the dog darted towards him. Quentin screamed and raised his hooves to shield himself. The closer it came, the more the ground shook and the dog lunged at the helpless pony. This was it, he was about to die, be eating by an overgrown monstrous dog. It came in the air, closer and closer and when it collided into Quentin, it collapsed into a giant, black plume of smoke.

Quentin felt an eerie cool feeling as the smoke moved through and around him and into the rock behind him. The cool feeling left Quentin and all was quiet. Hesitantly, he peered through his hooves and saw nothing, just trees. Quentin breathed heavily, his coat damped with sweat as he slid down with his back against the boulder and on his haunches.

"What...just...happened?'' Quentin asking himself in between breathes as he looked around.

The dog, where did it go? Just then, a thought came into his mind. That dog, is it possible that it could've been...a ghost? Or is the Everfree Forest playing tricks on him? Whatever it was, Quentin knew he wanted to get the hell out of there as quickly as he could. He took another deep breathed as he whipped his forehead of sweat, tilting his head back and closing his eyes.

"That was freaky,'' Quentin spoke softly.

He opened his eyes and jumped slightly as he saw a glowing, green arrow a few distances away from him, pointing to his right. "Now what?'' Quentin muttered.

Quentin got up and slowly, cautiously moved towards the arrow. He observed the mysterious arrow, not daring to touch it. "This has to be some sort of magic,'' Quentin said as he eyed the arrow.

The deadlocked stallion then looked to where it was pointing and to his surprise was another arrow pointing down a path. "Could that be the way out of here?'' he asked himself.

Just then, the arrow nudged Quentin forwards a few times, obviously telling him to follow the arrow. Quentin really didn't trust these arrows, especially after what just happened, but seeing how lost he was in the Everfree Forest, he knew he had no choice.

"Well it's the only lead I have. Anything to get out of this place.''

Quentin then started pass the other arrow and down the path. He looked around cautiously as eerie sounds of animals called out into the wood. As Quentin went down the path, more glowing arrows appeared to guide him to wherever they were leading him.

"I wonder whose casting this magic?'' Quentin wondered.

Zecora? No, she would've come to him in person if it was her. Quentin knew it wasn't Twilight, for she wouldn't come here unless it was to see Zecora, and he doubted that was the case since it was still in the early morning. Quentin thought about maybe calling out to see who his unsung guide was but when he opened his mouth to call out, Quentin saw light coming down the path that seemed to lead to a clearing or better yet...the way out of the forest.

"Could it be?'' Quentin said softly before getting excited. "A way out. At last a way out! Thank you strange, floating arrows!''

Quentin galloped down the path and toward the light. As he ran, the arrows stopped appearing and before long, Quentin ran into the light and found himself in...

"Sugarcube Corner?!'' Quentin said perplexed, but in surprise.

Quentin looked around and in deed he was in the confectionary of Pinkie Pie's place of employment. He scrunched up his face and spoke, ''Ok, this is REALLY getting weird.''

Quentin turned around and saw nothing of the Everfree Forest, just the counters and ovens. Though the situation was strange, Quentin also felt relieved and at ease to be in a bright, and familiar place. "I don't know what's going on, but at least I'm out of the forest,'' Quentin sighed.

Just then out of nowhere, Quentin heard a faint, but sure enough chuckle. He widened his eyes before sharply looking around in alarm.

"W-Who's there?!'' Quentin asked out loud.

He heard nothing. Quentin's ears flicked, as he heard the faint chuckle a bit louder as a well as an eerie voice whispered, ''Quentin.''

The unnerved stallion gazed around the confectionary, on the verge of panic. "Who's calling my name? Show yourself!''

He heard the chuckled again before the voice spoke softly, ''Quentin, it's us...your friends. Come out, we've got a splendid surprise for you.''

Quentin gulped, he couldn't' even begin to describe the voice, only the chill that ran down his spine as it spoke. Without hesitation, Quentin moved quickly out of the confectionary and to the store front and jolted to a halt when he fell upon the sight of ponies filling up the storefront. The storefront was decorated from top to bottom with party decorations.

Streamers, balloons, tables full of cupcakes, cakes, cookies, and whole assortment of treats. And standing in a row were his six, closest friends Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy. The six as well as every pony in the room all gazed at Quentin, toothy smiles on their faces. It was a bit creep to be honest, but he didn't care, he was just glad to see his friends at the moment.

"Girls, thank God. You don't know how happy I am to see you!'' Quentin breathed out in relief as he trotted to them.

We're also happy to see you too Quentin,'' Twilight spoke, in a slightly monotonous tone still smiling.

Quentin slid his hoof through his dreadlocked mane as he sighed. "You guys won't believe what I've been through! In the Everfree Forest, there was this giant dog that tried to eat me an-'' he began explaining but was cut off by Pinkie Pie.

''Silly Willy Quentin. There's no such thing as a giant dog.'' Pinkie spoke with the same dull tone as Twilight with that same creepy smile.

Quentin frowned at the pink pony, slightly annoyed. "No such thing? Tell that to the beast that tried to eat me and nearly gave me a heart attack!''

His friends just smiled at him, not blinking once. ''Pinkie Pie is right. Giant dogs don't exists in the Everefree Forest. But enough about that. Wouldn't you like some cake Quentin?'' Fluttershy spoke with that tight, unsettling smile and dull voice.

Quentin looked at the timid Pegasus with a weird look and spoke, "Cake? Fluttershy I'm not exactly in the mood for cake. Being almost eaten tends to ruin my appetite!''

Quentin was half expecting Fluttershy to immediately tear up and apologize for causing him to raise his voice at her, but to his surprise, she just gazed at him with that smile on her face. Something weird was definitely going on here.

"Yeah Quentin, you should totally relax and try some of this awesome cupcakes,'' Rainbow Dash said with the same tone and smile as the rest.

She then flew over and put her hooves under Quentin's forelegs and lifted him off the ground. "Rainbow Dash! Rainbow Dash put me down. I'm serious, I've-UGH!''

Rainbow Dash had dropped Quentin on his haunches in front of a table, his smiling friends surrounding him. "I meant put me down gently,'' Quentin grumbled as he rubbed his aching rump.

"Quentin, y'all really should try my homemade apple fritters. They're jus' ta die for,'' Applejack smiled.

Quentin gazed at the farm pony with a cantankerous glare. "Applejack didn't you just hear me? I said I'm not hungry!''

That was the first time Quentin snapped at Applejack since he's been in Equestria. He didn't like it, but he was really starting to get annoyed right now, but she was unfazed by it, she just continued to smile with that odd, creepy smile.

"Nonsense darling. We've put this entire get together just for you. You just have to eat something,'' Rarity said, her usual grace absent from her dull voice.

Quentin winced at the six mares and around the room at the smiling ponies. Something just didn't feel right. "Why...did you throw this party? What's the occasion?'' the suspicious equine asked no one in particular.

"Why we're jus happy to see ya today that's all,'' Applejack replied. "Now come on, ya really need to try the cake.''

Quentin frowned at Applejack skeptically and spoke, ''That's it? You threw this big party just because you were glad to see me?''

?'' "Why of course Quentin, what other reasons could there be. Now try some of this delicious cookie cake,'' Twilight said as her horn was engulfed in a billowing aura as she levitated a cookie cake.

Quentin glared at the treat, then to Twilight and to the rest of his friends. "What is wrong with all of you? And why are you all smiling like that?'' he asked, frustrated and creeped out at the same time.

"We're just happy to see such an awesome guy like you,'' Rainbow Dash smiled. "Want some ice cream?''

Rainbow Dash held out a bowl with three scoops of vanilla ice cream with chocolate syrup, whipped cream and a cheery on top. Quentin have had it. If all of this was a prank, it wasn't funny especially after a traumatic incident. Without warning, he slapped the bowl of ice cream out of her hoof and it fell on the floor, the bowl shattering and the ice cream splattered on the ground. On hindsight it was a rude thing to do, but Quentin didn't care at the moment. He was getting fed up with of his friends' frivolity.

"I said I'm not hungry damn it!'' Quentin yelled, standing straight up, but again his friends were unfazed.

They just kept smiling eerily at the human. Quentin gazed around them, glaring and past his breaking point.

"What's with all of you? Whatever prank this is, it's not funny!''

Twilight tilted her head slowly with that disturbing smile, ''Prank? What prank Quentin? We just want to show you how happy we are to see you. Come party with us.''

"Yes, party with us Quentin,'' the others five mares said in unison.

Then to Quentin's irritation, every other pony in the room began to repeat the words, "Come party with us...come party with us,'' in the same, lifeless tone with the same, and the same, disturbing smile.

The room was filled with those repeating phrases. Quentin frowned deeply around the room, those irritating smiles and voices causing him to bubble with anger.

"Come party with us. Come party with us. Come party with us.''

Quentin looked at his friends who stared at him while saying those words again and again. He squinted his eyes shut, gritted his teeth, and covered his ears with his hooves to block the sounds, but to no avail. Finally Quentin have had it. He let out a cry of frustration and pushed his way through his friends and through the ponies gathered around. He don't know what was going on but Quentin did know this: these creepy smiled ponies weren't his friends.

"Get out of my way! Move it!'' Quentin snarled as he forcefully pushed his way through the group.

Finally with one strong push, Quentin shoved the remaining ponies out of his way and burst through the door and exclaimed, "What the fuck?!''

He was in Ponyville, but it didn't look like the Ponyville he knew. The colorful, charming town was now a horrid place of ruins. The skies were now red and cloudless. There was no sun. The buildings looked like they were in shambles, some were almost entirely corroded. The ground was black and had no vegetation whatsoever. What was happening to this place?

"W-what is going on?'' Quentin stuttered, dumbstruck at his new surroundings.

He then heard the chuckle again, but this time evolved into a laugh. "Quentin,'' it spoke and the earth pony cried out.

''Who's there!? Who's calling me?!''

Quentin looked around the ruined, town, desperate to find the source of the voice. Out of nowhere the voice spoke, ''Behind you.''

Quentin whipped around and let out a short scream at the sight he was now beholding. Slowly approaching him were hordes of zombified ponies. Their coats and manes were unkempt and matted with grime with a shade of grey, their bodies decaying with some having exposed entrails. All of their eyes were glowing red, a few had a single eye hanging from their sockets on a single ocular vein. Some were almost completely skeletal, with few meat on them and eye sockets glowing evilly, it was like the pony version of Night of the Living Dead. They moaned as they approached the terrified Quentin.

It was like Quentin had just stepping into a horror movie, a living nightmare. "Jesus...Christ!'' he groaned, disgusted as he back away fearfully.

The disturbing sight and smell of rotting flesh was too much for Quentin and he heaved forward, vomiting on the spot. As Quentin threw up another wave of sick the voice spoke out again.

''Aw come now Quentin, don't tell me you're not happy to see your friends? You wouldn't want to...disappoint them now do you?''

Quentin coughed before slowly lifting his head up to the sky. "Where...the fuck...are you?'' he snarled sickly.

Just then, he heard a hiss from behind him and jumped back and almost fell back when Quentin saw his friends. Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and...Applejack. They too had become zombies with grey coats and manes that were unkempt, rotten flesh, and glowing red eyes.

"Come party with us Quentin. Party with us,'' Twilight said in the most frightening, distorted voice Quentin has ever heard.

His friends started to approach him as Quentin backed away. With a scream, he turned to run but he didn't go far, for in a few feet, Quentin stopped to a halt as zombies came from that direction. He turned to his north to see zombies coming from that direction. Quentin went all around and saw nothing but hordes of zombie ponies moaning and slowly coming towards him. Quentin gritted his teeth, his heart racing rapidly.

"God what's happening to me?!'' Quentin cried loudly.

First it was the giant dog, now zombies about to each his flesh? Was Quentin losing his mind? The zombies came closer and closer, the space around Quentin closing in and getting smaller.

"S-Stay back! I'm warning you, don't come any closer!'' Quentin yelled at the zombies.

That did nothing to deter them as they closed in on him. Quentin had no idea how he was going to get out of this. He may have outsmarted a chimera, but this was an army of ponies. The karate trained stallion may take out some, but they would eventually overrun him and feast on his flesh. Quentin dropped to his stomach, cowering as he shielded his head from the incoming throng.

"Is this how I'm really going to die? Eaten alive by zombies?!'' Quentin thought in his mind.

The moanings grew louder and louder and the zombies were inches away from Quentin. He felt numerous hooves grab onto his body and Quentin immediately struggled against them. He screamed as he tried to fight them off, but only to fail. Soon, hooves upon hooves obscured Quentin's sight and everything went black, the moaning stopped abruptly. Was this it? Was he dead? He couldn't have been, for Quentin continued to struggle. He grunted and struggled to get the zombies off him, but then writhing pony came to a realization...there was nothing on him. Quentin didn't feel the hard hooves of the zombies, nor did he smell the foul stench of their rotting flesh. Quentin slowly opened his eyes to find himself on his back.

Quentin was breathing heavily, his coat once again damp with sweat as he looked around rapidly. He sat up while trying to figure out where he was.

"W-Where am I?''

It was fairly a dark environment. Quentin looked upwards to see faint light emanating from near the top of what seemed to be a wall. He pressed his back against the wall behind him and buried his face in his hooves.

"What is happening to me? Why is this happening to me?'' Quentin groaned.

Right now, the only thing Quentin wanted more than anything was to be with his friends, with Applejack. He then lifted his head with a frown and called out, ''Hey! I don't know who you are, but I know you're the one doing this to me!'' the frustrated Quentin called to the voice, but he received no answer.

Quentin yelled out again, ''I know you can hear me. Stop screwing with me and answer!''

It was at that time he heard an eerie laughter echo around him. Quentin bubbled with anger, knowing that the voice was clearing being amused by his torment.

"Listen Quentin, for I have a message that you might want to hear,'' the voice spoke hauntingly.

"And I have a message for you too! Now get your ass out and show yourself you coward!'' Quentin spat back.

Quentin really wasn't the type to instigate a confrontation, but this guy, whoever or whatever it was really got him pissed. The voice just chuckled before speaking mysteriously.

''Listen boy and listen well, for I have a message so important to tell. You're friends seems to have come to accept the new you, now let's see if you're own kind is just as true.''

Quentin scrunched his face in confusion at the strange rhyme. "My own kind?'' he repeated, completely loss at what the voice meant.

That's when it hit him, as Quentin came to the answer of what the voice was saying. "Does...does it know that I'm a human?'' he pondered softly.

Almost instantly, the walls to Quentin's right suddenly swung open and filled the area he was in with light. Being in almost total darkness for a while, the stallion's eyes were not used to the light and Quentin immediately shielded his eyes.

"Now what?!'' Quentin grumbled with his eyes still shielded from the light.

He then heard footsteps approach him and suddenly a rope wrapped around his neck as well as a bag flung over his head, completely obscuring his vision "The fuck!'' Quentin cried struggling to remove the bag.

That's when Quentin felt numerous objects dig into his body, however the objects felt...familiar. As Quentin felt grabbing and pushing of his body, he finally came to realized why they felt so familiar, it was because Quentin too have had what he was feeling. What Quentin felt were fingers...human hands and fingers grabbing him and trying to force him away.

"These are...human hands?'' Quentin asked myself, dumbfounded.

What Quentin heard next was what confirmed it. He heard a voice seethed,'' Come on you stubborn beast!''

With the hands pushing and pulling Quentin and the rope around his neck that was starting to grind painfully around it, he stopped resisting and let the people take him to where ever they wanted him to go. The earth pony could tell he was being walked down a ramp and onto the ground and suddenly the bag was snatched from over his head. Quentin stared blankly, shockingly into the eyes of a human who was giving him a glare, probably annoyed by how much fighting he was putting up.

Quentin soon noticed that at least a dozen other humans were around, all watching him intently with dark glances. They all had casual, dirty work clothes on. Some had boots while others had sneakers or tennis shoes. Quentin could finally tell that were on a farm of some sort, near a cornfield. Quentin noticed that the world around him wasn't animated. It was the real world, but why was he still a stallion?

Confused and frightened Quentin spoke, ''W-What's going on? Who are you people?''

Quentin was talking normally but to them, all they heard was neighing and whinny. One of the men came over and sneered, ''Shut up you damn animal. I've had enough of you for today,'' and he hit him hard in the side with a wooden stick.

Quentin cried in pain and fumbled while the other men laughed cruelly. He gritted his teeth as Quentin leered at the men.

"You think that's funny do you,'' Quentin growled softly. "Then maybe this will be just hysterical to you!''

Quentin then neighed loudly, reared on his hind legs and lifted his front legs forward and approached the men threateningly. The men wooed and jeered as the aggravated equine made his advance.

"Looks like we've got a fighter boys!'' one of the men said before spitting on the ground. "I'm gonna enjoy beating you into shape.''

That did it, Quentin wasn't here long but he'd already had it with their cruelty. "Get em boys!'' a man commanded.

The men slowly approached Quentin, some had ropes ready to tie him down while others had whips, and sticks. Quentin glared them down backing cautiously as he observed his surroundings. If he was going down, he wasn't going down without a fight. A man behind Quentin with a rope leaped towards him with a yell, attempting to lasso him, but Quentin saw him just in time.

"Lasso this asshole!'' Quentin snarled and he leaned forward and gave a hard buck right to his face, knocking him out instantly.

Quentin smirked proudly, or at least he thought he did. "Thank you apple bucking.''

"Why you Goddamn mule!'' another guy shouted and charged forward to beat Quentin with a stick.

He swung hard at his body, but Quentin managed to dodge the blow and bucked him square in the chest. Quentin knocked him into another guy and they both fell to the ground with a grunt. Quentin gave off a proud snicker. Just then, he felt someone leap on his back.

"Now we're gonna fix you ya dumb animal!'' he seethed.

Quentin could see a black strap swinging in front of him. Instincts kicked in and he began to violently buck the man in an attempt to get him off is back. The other men jeered. "Hold em down!'' "Beat him!'' "Get those reigns on him!''

Quentin breathed loudly, getting angrier and angrier. With one last, powerful buck, the man was thrown off his back. He screamed and when he hit the ground, there was a sickening crack. Quentin knew he broke something, but he didn't care…he was getting out of there. The defiant stallion dashed forward to freedom. The men in front of Quentin tried to get out of the way, but Quentin stormed through them, stepping on them in the process.

They groaned and cried in pain but Quentin didn't stop as he cheered, ''Whoohoo! Yeah take that you sons of bitches!''

As Quentin ran, he heard the men shout out behind him. "Get up!'' "Follow him!'' "Grab the guns, this bastard is going down!''

Quentin's heart sank at those words and he ran faster. Quentin ran across the field towards the fences and when he was a few feet from the fence, Quentin sprang with all his might and sailed over the fence and out the boarders of the farmland.

"I did it...I actually did it!'' Quentin breathed happily as he galloped in the open field of gold.

Quentin laughed out loud, the adrenaline getting to him, ''What do you think about that you disembodied freak!'' he yelled to the skies.

Quentin heard a laugh and stopped in his tracks. His chest went in and out quickly as Quentin caught his breath. Right then, he heard the sounds of distant reeving. Quentin knew what those sounds the instant he heard them. "Engines...car engines,'' he muttered in horror.

Quentin turned around and to his distress, he saw five pickup trucks speeding rapidly at him, the men's calling and shouting being heard faintly but getting louder as they drew nearer. Quentin shook his head in fear as he stepped back a few steps.

"No,'' was all he could utter out.

Suddenly, the ground beneath Quentin started to rumble and shake. "W-What's going on? What could possibly happen now?!'' Quentin asked, flustered.

The tremor continued and a rotted hoof then broke out of the ground in front of the terrified Quentin. He stared in horror and retreated back shaking his head. Soon, hooves upon hooves broke from the ground and the zombie ponies slowly emerged from the earth.

"You've got to be kidding me?!'' Quentin said though gritted teeth as he retreated backwards.

Soon Quentin was to be faced by hordes of zombie ponies, this time they weren't animated, they were real life which made them even more frightening. That's when loud barking sounded through the air, followed by loud stomps and the shaking of the ground. Quentin closed his eyes, and cried in frustration.

''For fuck's sakes!'' he whimpered.

Quentin hesitantly looked over to the west and sure enough like out of nowhere, the giant, black, eight headed dog was running towards him. Quentin stared in disbelief, shock, and horror at the monster dog, then down at the zombies almost completely emerged from the ground and finally, outward towards the ever approaching trucks.

Quentin took a few steps back before whipping around into a full blown gallop. He ran, faster than he had ever ran whether he was a human or a pony. Quentin looked back over his shoulder to see the dog, trucks, and zombies all chasing after him, not paying heed to each other's existence

"I'm dreaming...I'm dreaming. There's no other explanation why all of this is happening!'' Quentin breathed frantically as he ran.

That's when he heard the voice again. "That's right keep thinking that.''

Quentin frowned and retorted, ''Yeah that's right I'm dreaming! There's no way in hell that any of this is possible!''

The voice gave off a chilling cackle before answering, "Anything is possible...especially with me.''

Quentin glared to the skies, he was about to spat back at the voice when suddenly he let out a scream as Quentin had suddenly fallen off the side of a cliff. Quentin screamed, flailing as he plummeted downward to a vast ocean. "Help! Somebody...anybody HELP!'' Quentin screamed, but deep down he knew it was all in vain.

Now Quentin really was going to die. There was no way he would be able to survive a fall like this from this height and speed. It was like everything was going in slow motion, and Quentin couldn't even hear himself screaming anymore. His mind rushed with images as his life flashed before his eyes. Quentin thought about the strange and wonderful land he was glad enough to be thrown into. And he thought about his six friends who Quentin was lucky enough to have met, especially Applejack. The pony that he bonded the most out of his friends.

The same pony that charmed him every single day Quentin was in Equestria...that same pony that Quentin was beginning to…and it happened. Quentin had crashed head first into the water but by some sort of miracle, he wasn't dead. He was alive, but for reasons unknown, Quentin was still plummeting down into the water. The earth pony rocketed deeper and deeper, the light becoming increasingly dimmer until it faded. Quentin was definitely in the deep zone of the ocean for no light to come this far.

The sound of the water filled Quentin's ears, but what was strange was that when he breathed in, no water filled his nostrils. It was like he could breathe underwater. Quentin continued to plummet in the dark abyss for lord knows how long. He finally, slowly opened his eyes and saw a distant glow approaching. As Quentin quickly drew near the light, he was close enough to see it was a gigantic, circular stain glass painting of some sort.

The painting had circular depictions of Quentin's six friends, but they were grey and didn't look the how they usually were. Fluttershy was looking unusually cruel, with a sadistic smile on her face. Applejack seemed to be avoiding eye contact and her lips were puckered inward, as if she was hesitant to say something. Rarity was looking distraught about something. Pinkie Pie was had an uncharacteristic mean with a deep frown upon her face while Rainbow Dash looked like she was rolling her eyes with a careless, expression. In the center of the group was Twilight who bore a disappointed, saddened gaze, she too bearing dull colors. However the strangest aspect of the painting was next to the group of friends was the main, largest image of a strange, mix matched creature of some kind that had a gleeful, amused expression on its face.

Either way, Quentin had no time to observe the painting as he rocketed towards it. Though he was nearing the strange, dimly lit structure, Quentin was not slowing down, in fact he was gaining speed. Quentin was about to ram right into it. Closer and closer he came and before Quentin could try to shield himself for impact, he had plummeted head first into the stained glass surface and all went black.

Nothing...all nothing. Quentin didn't know whether he was dead or alive. His answer to that question was answered when he heard distant, hysterical laughing. The laughing grew louder and louder becoming even more irritating to him, like someone disturbing a nice sleep he was having. Quentin slowly opened his eyes, his vision blurry at first. He felt weak. He had a splitting, unbearable headache. Quentin's entire body ached, as if he had just ben ran over repeatedly by a truck. His throat was sore, causing great discomfort every time Quentin swallowed Quentin couldn't see it, but his coat was dirtied and had a few markings where he had been beaten and he could feel himself soaked to the bone with sweat.

Quentin was able to muster all the strength he could produce to lift his head, his vision becoming clearer as the laughing continued. The weak, disoriented stallion looked around and saw that he was in a clearing of an animated forest, trees surrounding the area. Quentin was back in the Everfree Forest.

"What? Where? How?'' Quentin croaked, wincing in pain at the soreness of his throat.

Another burst of laughter rang out when someone spoke, ''That was hilarious! That never gets old!''

That voice sounded familiar, as it was the voice that keep speaking to Quentin and tormenting him. Quentin used his strength to fully sit up, almost collapsing as he did so, but he caught himself and sat up with a grunt. Everything was spinning for a moment and Quentin shook his head and everything was back in place.

''Damn is this what acid is like?'' Quentin grumbled, as he brought a hoof to his aching, ringing head.

Quentin jumped slightly as he heard the voice laughed again, ''I must admit, I've hadn't had this much fun in centuries!''

Quentin slowly turned his head to the source of the voice and sharply turned and backed away in alarm as he gazed upon the strangest, most bizarre creature he had ever seen in Equestria. The creature had a long, brown body with a moderate red, dragon-snake tail. His left leg was cloven like that of a goat while the right leg was that of a lizard or some reptilian species. He had the left, yellowed talon of an eagle and the right arm of a lion, as well as a right, dark purple wing of a bat and the left, dark blue wing of a Pegasus. Unlike most ponies, he had the neck, head, and mane of a grey horse. On his head on his right was a deer antler and on the left was a blue goat horn with white, bushy eyebrows and a white goat beard. He also had one long fang as well as yellow eyes with different sized, red pupils. Quentin looked at the creature with a weird yet somewhat fearful look.

Technically, it was a chimera, but it was very different than the chimera that attacked Ponyville. In a flash of white light, the creature disappeared and reappeared in another flash of light beside the dumbfounded, weary Quentin.

"Now wasn't that such a fun trip hmm?'' the creature asked with a smirk, his talon claw around Quentin's shoulder making him shudder.

Quentin instantly frowned at the chimera and spoke under his breath,'' You mean...YOUR"E the one that did all that to me?!''

The creature chuckled before hovering in front of him. "Well I don't like to brag, but...thank you very much!'' He then took a bow. As he did so, a spotlight suddenly shined on him as applause suddenly sounded throughout the area even though there was no noticeable crowd in sight. The creature was then suddenly showered with roses as he blew kisses everywhere.

"Thank you…thank you you're too kind,'' it spoke amusingly as the cheering continued.

This strange, spontaneous act caught Quentin by surprise, but upon seeing the entity taking such a calm pleasure toward what Quentin had been through, he gritted his teeth as he glared at the creature.

"Do you have any idea what you did to me?! I thought I was losing my mind!'' Quentin yelled the creature, ignoring the pain of his sore throat.

The creature just laughed and brushed it off as the cheering, spotlight, and roses suddenly disappeared, ''Oh come now Quentin. You have to admit, I gave you quite the unexpected and lively morning didn't I?''

Quentin spat, ''Unexpected and traumatic! I was practically going through Hell at what-hang on a sec. How do you know my name?''

The creature smirked slyly, ''Just call it a natural talent that I have.'' As he said that, there was a flash of light and the creature was suddenly sitting at a table dressed as a fortune teller of sorts with, a crystal ball on the center of the table as he went about casually placing tarot cards on its surface.

That wasn't going to fly with Quentin and he increasingly became annoyed and angered. "Enough fucking around! Tell me, how you know me?!'' he demanded, straining his already sore voice.

The creature crossed his arms and rolled his eyes before giving Quentin an annoyed look as his fortune teller outfit along with that table and all upon it vanished in a flash of light.

"Your names' not the only thing I know about you Quentin. I also know your little secret about being from another world, and about actually being a human.''

As he remarked, the creature vanished in a flash of light and reappeared in a human version of his usual self. In this form, the creature wore a brown suit with a yellow dressed shirt underneath the jacket, a red tie around his neck. He wore a yellow glove on his right hand while his left sleeve was torn off and his entire left arm was covered in a bronze, armored gauntlet. Over his brown pants legs were mismatched stockings, his left one a golden brown color and his right a sickly green as he wore black, pointed dress shoes. He had pale, greyish skin tone with white hair with a black streak that went back rather unkempt and stopping just over mid neck. Like his creature form, he had white eyebrows with yellow eyes with asymmetrical, red pupils, and a short, white beard. He had darkened circles around his eyes and an elongated, visibly, top left fang.

Quentin froze on the spot as a chill went throughout his body as he dropped his jaw slightly in shock, both from the creature new, unnatural human appearance and from the revelation it had told him. How did this weird...thing know about him coming from another world and being a human? Could it be it has been spying on Quentin this whole time?

The creature turned human snapped his fingers in in a flash of white light, a hand mirror appeared. He then flew to Quentin and held the mirror in front of his face. Quentin looked into it to see the startled and dumbfounded reflection of himself in his human form. The being grinned rather darkly, prompting Quentin to frown darkly as the mirror disappeared and he morphed back into his regular form.

"It's been eons since I've seen a human. I've visited your world once long ago in hopes to spread a little of my personal touch of chaos. But after seeing the state of disarray it was already in, I decided that your world was twisted without my help. Let me tell you…your species really knew how to put on chaotic party.''

Upon his comment, Quentin looked at the creature speechlessly in disbelief. He actually visited his world before? Just who, or what was this thing? Seeing Quentin's flabbergasted expression, and the bizarre creature laughed out again.

''I was SO hoping for that exact reaction. You're even more fun to toy with than the others! You should've seen the look on your face when those zombie ponies appeared. Classic!''

"Go to Hell,'' Quentin snarled.

In that instant, something blue flew past Quentin at ridiculous speeds, a gust of wind blowing him forward as a familiar rainbow vapor dissolve behind it and rammed the creature right in the abdomen. It heaved as it was flown backwards, apparently having the wind knocked out of him. The assailant then landed in front of Quentin. He looked up and saw that it was the cyan Pegasus Rainbow Dash, his bold friend was right in front of him.

Rainbow Dash leaned forward, her head lowered as he gave the creature a deathly glare.

"Rainbow?'' Quentin said softly, not believing his eyes.

Immediately Rainbow Dash looked over her shoulder and turned and kneeled before the exhausted, her face becoming one of great worry. "Quentin! Q are you alright?!'' Rainbow Dash asked, observing her friend.

Quentin raised a hoof and gently stroke her bang, then her cheek and smiled meekly. She wasn't an illusion or a rotting zombie, she was real. "Yes Rainbow. I am now.'' Rainbow Dash smiled sadly, her rose colored eyes looking into Quentin's brown eye and her hoof rising to touch his.

The creature coughed a few times before brushing himself off and hovered in the air. "Really Rainbow Dash that was hardly necessary.'' The creature said annoyed.

Rainbow Dash frowned and whipped around. She took a step forward and prepared to fight if needed. The instant the creature hovered towards Quentin and Rainbow Dash, Rainbow Dash growled, ''Don't you dare come near him Discord!''

Quentin raised an eyebrow slightly as her retort. "Discord?'' he thought to himself quizzically.

Discord clicked his tongue and responded. ''Seriously Dashie I know we've bumped heads in the past, but I was hoping for at least a simple hello.''

"Buck you and your hello. What did you do to Quentin?!'' Rainbow Dash shouted at Discord.

Discord shrugged lazily and replied, ''I was just having a little fun with him. Simple, harmless fun.''

Rainbow Dash cocked and eyebrow as Quentin glared at Discord. "Harmless? Harmless? You call this harmless fun? Look at him!'' the boisterous friend responded loudly.

Quentin don't know how he looked like, but he must've look bad. He certainly felt bad. "There was nothing 'harmless' about what you did to me let alone fun,'' Quentin spoke darkly at Discord.

Discord rolled his eyes as he spoke. "Really Quentin I was certain you were less uptight then your friends.''

The stallion's face was that of anger and puzzlement. Obviously he was talking about Rainbow Dash and their other five friends, so it was clear that they know him and by the sound of things, their history with each other wasn't a good one.

"I mean really, if you can't take a bloody nose then you might as well go crawl under your bed. Just because the unexpected happened doesn't mean you have to lose your head.'' Discord said.

What happened next both shocked and disturbed Quentin. As he said those last words, Discord pulled off his own head effortlessly. Strangely, there was no blood and more strangely enough, his head started to speak with a sly grin, ''What's wrong Quentin? Never seen a headless draconequus before?''

Quentin looked in confusion at the term. "Dracone-what?'' he said perplexed, but Rainbow Dash responded aggressively.

"No Quentin's just not used to meeting assholes like you Dickcord!''

Discord looked hurt from her comment and his lower lip began to quiver and he disappeared in a flash of light. The next instant, he reappeared with his head reattached, looking sorrowful and he said a bit overdramatically. "Oh Rainbow Dash such hurtful words. And I thought we were friends?''

Discord snapped his fingers and a box of tissues appeared in a flash of light, floating near him. He took one and stated to cry hysterically in the tissue, blowing his nose loudly and obnoxiously. Quentin was still surprised about the abilities Discord was displaying, but Rainbow Dash and he both knew that Discord was just playing.

"Friends?! After what you did to Quentin, I wouldn't even considered you an acquaintance!'' Rainbow Dash snorted.

Discord abandoned his despair charade and the tissue and tissue box disappeared and Discord gave the two ponies a stern look before disappearing in a flash of white light. Rainbow Dash and Quentin looked around until Discord appeared behind them, wrapping an arm around their shoulders.

"Come Rainbow Dash, Quentin. It was only all in good fun. I didn't mean any harm,'' Discord said with a fake sounding plea voice.

Rainbow Dash and Quentin quickly shoved themselves away from him and frowned. "Nah just mental scars and traumatization! And if that's your way of apologizing, then you suck at it terribly!'' Quentin sneered.

Rainbow Dash growled. "That does it Discord. Putt em up. Let's go!'' To Quentin's surprise, Rainbow Dash stood on her hind legs and began to hop around while jabbing her front legs like she was boxing. Discord raised an eyebrow at the cyan Pegasus.

"Such demonstrations. I was just messing around. What's the big deal?''

"The big deal was you were messing with my friend. I swear Discord if I find you've hurt one hair on his head, you're going to regret it!'' Rainbow Dash retorted.

Quentin was amazed at Rainbow Dash's determination to keep him safe. In fact he was flattered, honored that she would fight for him. She really was the Element of Loyalty. "Rainbow...,'' Quentin said softly.

She gazed over her shoulder at Quentin and gave him a tough wink. He smiled slightly at this gesture. Discord let out a long sigh.

''Listen believe me Rainbow, Quentin wasn't in any real danger. I wasn't really going to let anything bad happen to him. I'm not like that anymore...somewhat,'' he muttered the last word under his breath.

Rainbow Dash stopped hopping in place and jabbing and cocked an eyebrow at Discord. "What?!'' Rainbow Dash asked.

Quentin too looked at the strange creature skeptically as Discord continued with a rather mischievous smirk. "Why of course. After all, I am reformed now. Though I do admit, I still like to pull pranks on unsuspecting ponies every now and then, but it's not nearly as bad as I used to do it. But I really am trying to be what Princess Celestia wants me to be I'm just…enjoying a little amusement in between. After all, Princess Celestia didn't say how I could enjoy myself while sharing my reformation with the rest of Equestria now did she?,'' Discord said slyly.

This time, he truly seemed to have genuine meaning behind those words even a halo appeared over Discord's head as he gave Quentin and Rainbow Dash an innocent smile. Rainbow Dash and Quentin looked at each other and then at Discord suspiciously.

Rainbow Dash snorted again and retorted, ''Yeah right. I bet, now prepare for the plot kicking of the century!''

Rainbow Dash was about to fly at Discord but Quentin grabbed her by the tail with his teeth and stopped her. Rainbow Dash whipped her head and glared at him. "What gives Quentin? Let me go. Dipcord here has it coming!'' Rainbow Dash said aggressively.

Quentin just shook his head and gave her a somber, tired looked. "No Rainbow, it's not worth it. I really just want to get out of here.''

"But Q?! I'm just not gonna let him get away with what he did to you. He's gonna pay big time!'' Rainbow Dash argued, pounding her hooves together to signal a beat down.

The earth pony just smiled weakly. "I appreciate you trying to defend me Rainbow, but I really just want to leave now. Please?'' Quentin gave his bold friend a pleading look. He was tired, his head was ringing, and his body was sore, unkempt, and smeared in some patches.

Rainbow Dash looked into Quentin's eyes and softened her expression to one of understanding, smiling softly. "Alright. Let's get out of here champ.''

Quentin smiled gratefully then frowned at Discord. "Hey you, Discord!''

Discord blinked a couple times at Quentin.

"If you can help us get out of here, I may just consider your apology, or what of it,'' Quentin said.

Discord's face lit with hope and he flew towards them. "Really, you mean it Quentin? I knew you weren't such stick in the mud. You could learn a bit from him Rainbow Dash,'' Discord muttered the last words to Quentin's friend as he shot her an irritated glare.

Quentin rolled his eyes and Rainbow Dash pushed him away. "Whatever, just lead us out of here, Discord!"

Discord looked disappointed but nodded. "Yes, yes I suppose I can guide you out of this forest.''

Discord snapped his fingers and almost instantly, glowing golden arrows appeared in the air and led into the forest. Quentin groaned, ''Not these again.''

Discord raised his claws in defense. "No, no I know what you're thinking Quentin. But these aren't like the ones before. These really will lead you out the Everfree Forest.''

Rainbow Dash and Quentin eyed Discord suspiciously and he looked around awkwardly. Quentin sighed, ''Fine, c'mon Rainbow. Let's go.''

Rainbow Dash nodded before glaring at Discord. "This better not be a trick Discord. If it is...'' Rainbow shook a curled up hoof at Discord and he crossed his arms in annoyance.

"Spirited as always Rainbow Dash. Well it was nice meeting you Quentin a pleasure we really must do this again sometime,'' Discord commented, bowing.

Quentin just gave him a stern glare. "Yeah, I don't think so.''

Discord magically made a clock appeared and spoke, ''Oh my look at the time I really must be going. Ta ta oh and give my regards to the other five, especially dear Fluttershy will you Dashie?''

Rainbow Dash frowned at him. "Trust me, they'll know about this.''

Discord gave one last, sly smile before speaking, "Ta ta, now!''

A doorknob suddenly appeared in a flash of light near Discord and he grabbed it and opened a door of some kind to a mysterious 'room' of bright light. The spirit casually made his way into the doorway, closed the door, and he was gone, the doorknob disappearing. Quentin and Rainbow Dash stood there for a moment when Rainbow Dash finally spoke, ''Man what a jackass. If he'd ever get turned back into stone it would be fine with me.''

Quentin attempted to stand and groaned in slight pain. Rainbow Dash heard him and whipped around with a very concerned expression. "Quentin, you good?''

Quentin nodded. "I'll be better if we can get out of here.''

Rainbow Dash nodded, "You got it Q, now let's get moving.''

Rainbow Dash helped support Quentin as they made their way out the forest, following the glowing arrows. They went through bushes after bushes until finally the arrows led us to an obvious path. Surely the way out wouldn't be long. Rainbow Dash and Quentin conversed little as they ventured through the forest.

"So who was that guy anyway?'' Quentin asked.

Rainbow Dash looked at Quentin with an unpleased frown, ''His name is Discord, he's the spirit of chaos.''

Quentin blinked a few times and repeated, "Spirit...of chaos?''

Rainbow Dash nodded. "Yeah, a while back he gave us so much grief, even turned Ponyville into the Chaos Capital of the World!''

Quentin looked speechless as the Pegasus explained. "He even tricked us into becoming the opposite of our personalities, but the others and yours truly used the Elements of Harmony to whoop his sorry rump and turn him to stone.''

"Then how did he escaped?'' Quentin asked.

It was obvious by Rainbow Dash's description, Discord was a truly powerful entity. "He didn't really escape. Princess Celestia thought that his powers could be used for good instead of evil. So she asked us to set him free and asked Fluttershy of all ponies to be the one to reform him,'' Rainbow Dash said, looking no to fond of the experience.

"Fluttershy? You mean timid, shy Fluttershy?'' Quentin asked, tilting his head.

This earned a short chuckled from Rainbow Dash. "Yeah the same. I know what you mean, we had the same thoughts as you. It was a shaky start, but eventually Fluttershy was able to get him to turn over another leaf, or so he says.''

"So you till doubt him though,'' Quentin asked.

Rainbow Dash nodded with a stern look. "Definitely, especially what he did to you. What did he do to you anyway?''

Quentin just shook his head and sighed, ''Honestly, I really don't want to talk about it right now.'' Giant dogs, zombies, crazy, trigger happy humans were all he could deal with, but Rainbow Dash nodded understandingly.

"I gotcha Q.''

That was then the dreadlocked stallion asked Rainbow Dash. "What were you doing in the Everfree Forest Rainbow?''

Rainbow Dash looked at Quentin, then averted her eyes as an uneasy expression came on her face. Quentin tilted his head, finder her behavior out of character for her. "Rainbow?''

Rainbow Dash then looked at her friend with an uncertain look. "Well it was just...I was heading off to work when I saw you leaving Fluttershy's cottage. I was about to fly down to say hi, but then you ran into the Everefree Forest for some reason. I knew no pony has no business going into a creepy place like this, so I followed you in here.''

Rainbow Dash became quiet as Quentin started at her. "I-I just wanted to make sure that you were safe. A lot of nasty creatures lives here. If anything had happen to you, I'd never forgive myself.''

Rainbow Dash slowly turned and looked at Quentin, a somber look upon her cyan face. Quentin even though he saw a faint blush in her cheeks and she chuckled, "Look at me, getting all sappy all of a sudden.''

Quentin didn't know what to say. Rainbow Dash had actually flew in after him in possibly one of the most dangerous places in Equestria, threatened to fight a spirit of chaos...all to make sure that he would be ok. Quentin may have felt his face heat up with a blush, never have he had a friend who would look out for him the way Rainbow Dash had. Quentin gazed downward, loss in thought as Rainbow Dash averted her gaze.

Quentin then lifted his head to her and spoke. ''Hey Rainbow Dash?''

His brave friend looked at him and answered, ''Yeah Quentin?''

Quentin tried to find the words to speak and when he did, he smiled warmly at her. "Thank you. Just, thank you.''

Rainbow Dash was a bit surprised at Quentin's response but then grinned. "Hey don't mention it Q. Like I've said before, I'll always have my friends' backs. I'll never leave you hanging.''

Quentin smiled, touched at her words and he leaned in and whispered. "You're awesome Rainbow Dash.'' Rainbow Dash chuckled at this. It took a little time, but the two finally managed to get out of the Everfree Forest the same way they've had entered.

Quentin spoke, relieved, ''Finally. I guess Discord really was telling the truth when he said he'd lead us out of there?''

"Yeah who'd guess?'' Rainbow answered with a half chuckle, but then continued with an angered frown. "But still, he better steer clear of me if he knows what's good for him.''

It wasn't long before they could see Fluttershy's cottage yards away from the forest. As Quentin and Rainbow Dash walked, they could see Applejack and Fluttershy talking with each other. Due to being at a far distance, they couldn't hear what they were saying, but Applejack had a worrisome look on her face while Fluttershy was looking rather somber. As Quentin and Rainbow drew nearer to the two ponies, Applejack and Fluttershy noticed then and cried in unison.

"Quentin!''

She and Fluttershy galloped towards them and Applejack suddenly embraced Quentin. "Where in Ponyville have ya been? I was getting worried sick about ya?!'' Applejack asked, her forelegs around his neck.

Quentin winced in pain from the soreness of his body, but he toughed it out and returned the hug. He was especially happy to see her after what he'd been through. "I was in the Everfree Forest,'' Quentin replied, stroking the farm pony's mane.

Fluttershy gasped before squeaking, ''Why would you ever go in the Everfree Forest Quentin?!''

Applejack pulled away from him gazed at Quentin, also puzzled his explanation. "Yeah. What could possess ya into goin into such a foul place?!''

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes before speaking up. "Guys give him some air. I know you're happy to see him by doesn't it look he's been through Tartarus?!''

The earth and Pegasus ponies observed me quickly before gasping at the sight.

"Quentin, what in Equestria happened to you?'' Fluttershy asked with great concerned, hovering forward and gently caressing his left cheek.

The stallion felt the gesture soothing as he sighed. Quentin closed his eyes and was about to answer before Rainbow Dash beat him to it. "Discord happened that's what!'' she responded loudly.

"Discord?!'' Applejack and Fluttershy exclaimed in unison.

Rainbow Dash and Quentin nodded with a frown upon their faces. "W-What in the hay was Discord doin in the Everefree Forest?!'' Applejack exclaimed while an angry look formed on her face and Fluttershy was increasingly looking worried.

"Being a category 5 dickwad as usual of course!'' Rainbow Dash said forcefully.

Quentin closed his eyes and gritted his teeth, the yelling was making his head ached even more. "O-oh my. Quentin, what did he do to you?'' Fluttershy asked hovering close to Quentin.

Quentin shook his head, ''I don't really want to talk about it right now. Besides, you guys probably wouldn't believe me if I told you.''

Fluttershy gazed at her stallion friend with great worry, maybe even on the verge of tears as she embraced him. "You poor dear, you look like you've been through a lot,'' she whispered in Quentin's ear.

Quentin gave her a one foreleg embrace and closed his eyes. "I did Fluttershy, but I'm just glad that I'm back with you girls,'' he said softly.

The two broke apart when Applejack spoke up, an outraged expression on her face, ''Why that no good, two faced varmint. Jus who'd he think he is doin this to ya. When I get my hooves on him, I'm gonna-''

"Wait in line AJ, the first one's my honor!'' Rainbow Dash cut in with an aggressively expression.

"B-but Discord's reformed now. I'm sure he didn't mean it,'' Fluttershy spoke quietly and fearfully.

Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Quentin shot Fluttershy a shocked glare.

"Ya kiddin me right Fluttershy? Jus look at Quentin. Does that seem like he didn't mean it?'' Applejack spoke.

Fluttershy averted her eyes as Rainbow Dash nodded hovering to her. "Yeah Fluttershy. He acted just like he used to do, so much for friendship!''

That's when surprisingly Fluttershy whipped her head towards Rainbow Dash and spoke in a louder tone than she used to, ''I know what he used to be, but he's changed for the better. Even Princess Celestia said she sensed a big change in him, or do you doubt her?''

Applejack and Rainbow Dash both opened their mouths to argue, but were at a loss for words as they gazed at each other and bowed their heads in thought.

"Good point there. I've never doubted the Princess, an' I sure as heck ain't gonna start now,'' Applejack finally spoke adamantly.

Rainbow Dash let out a long sigh and crossed her forearms as she reluctantly agreed, ''Yeah I guess so.''

Quentin saw that Fluttershy gave a hopeful smile. He remembered the Rainbow Dash told him that it was Fluttershy that helped reform him, leaving Quentin to hypothesize that Fluttershy was the first friend Discord ever made. Quentin could understand why Fluttershy was very hopeful towards his reformation and defended him.

"Well he DID gave me an apology after what he did...sort of. Plus I told him that I'd consider his apology if he helped us get out of the Everfree Forest. I guess that's counts towards something,'' Quentin spoke rather reluctantly.

The three ponies looked at him as Rainbow Dash spoke, ''I wouldn't forgive him that quickly if I was you Quentin. I'd be piss for a while.''

Quentin merely shrugged, ''Maybe, and I've never met Princess Celestia, but I've heard nothing but good things about her. So I know she wouldn't steer her subjects wrong. Plus everyone deserves a second chance, if he have his crap together the next time we meet, I'll let bygones be bygones though I admit that I hope it won't be for a good while.''

His friends seemed utterly shocked by his answer. A slowly, warm smile came across Applejack's face while Futtershy seemed more impressed.

"Why that's pretty noble of ya Quentin,'' Applejack spoke with a smile.

Rainbow Dash grinned and nudged Quentin, ''Yeah, you're pretty understanding Q. I guess that's one of the things that what makes you so cool.''

Quentin smirked shyly and shook his head as Fluttershy spoke with a rather firm gaze. "Don't worry Quentin. If I see Discord again, I'm going to give him a stern lecture for what he's done.''

The thought of sweet Fluttershy giving a hard talking to anybody was strange, but Quentin smiled nonetheless. "Thanks Fluttershy.'' He then turned to Applejack and spoke, ''Can we head back AJ, I would really like to get some rest after all, a searing migraine, sore throat, and a full body ache tends to do that to you.''

It was true, Quentin felt like he would collapse any minute. Applejack nodded with a sad face, ''Of course Quentin. We'll get you back to the farm.''

Fluttershy spoke with a sad, concerned expression, ''Um, would you like me to come with you Quentin?''

Quentin smiled weakly and shook his head, ''Thanks Fluttershy, but you good. Plus I'm in good hooves with AJ and Rainbow Dash here.''

Fluttershy nodded sadly and nuzzled me gently, ''Ok...I hope you feel better Quentin.''

Quentin thanked his yellow Pegasus friend. They said their goodbyes to Fluttershy and she watched them as Quentin, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash walked down the path towards Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack and Rainbow Dash walking on each side of Quentin to support him if I should collapse. The three spoke little on the way to the farm, thought Quentin did ask at one point.

''How long have I been gone?''

"A little over an hour. I found it strange that you'd be gone fer that long, especially when you said you'd be back in a little while. I went to Fluttershy since she was the closest and she told me that you were there an hour ago and said you'd left to come back to the farm.'' Applejack responded.

The dreadlocked stallion was a bit surprised that only an hour had gone by. The ordeal he had been through seem it went on forever, but he just nodded. "Right, sorry,'' Quentin muttered solemnly.

Rainbow Dash responded with a frown, ''Hey don't apologize. It's Discord's fault!''

Applejack nodded with a faint. "Yeah, don't you worry none about that. I'm jus glad yur ok pardner.''

Quentin smiled at Applejack's remark. A question then came to mind and he asked, ''So, what did Discord do to you before I came?''

Rainbow Dash busted out laughing, ''Well for one, he made Applejack into a liar, and a terrible one at that. I swear she couldn't lie to save her life!''

Quentin gave an amused smirk as Applejack looked at Rainbow Dash with an annoyed look. With a sly grin, Applejack responded. ''Well at least he didn't make me think that a small cloud was Cloudsdale.''

With that, Rainbow Dash stopped laughing abruptly as a blush came to her face. She then grumbled with irritation.

''I thought we wouldn't talk about that ever again.''

Applejack and Quentin shared a laugh as they continued down the path. The three friends finally made it to Sweet Apple Acres and stopped at the entrance. Rainbow Dash decided speak. "Well here we are. Maybe I should go in with you guys.''

Quentin and Applejack both looked at the cyan Pegasus with questionably glances, but Quentin smiled softly and answered, "Thanks Rainbow, but that won't be necessary.''

"But…but I just want to make sure that you're alright Quentin. I mean, you do look like you've been a few rounds with a Minotaur.'' Rainbow Dash argued with a very concerned look.

A Minotaur? Quentin had no idea that mythical creatures existed in this world. As interesting as it sounded, he had no intentions of going any rounds with one. Quentin shook his head with a very grateful, tiny smile.

"I appreciate your concern Rainbow, but I'll be fine really. I know that I'm in good hands-err hooves with Applejack.''

The farm pony smiled and nodded in agreement.

Rainbow Dash stared at Quentin with a rather forlorn gaze before speaking in an apprehensive tone with a hoof close to her mouth. "Ya sure you'll be ok Q?''

Quentin grinned and jabbed Rainbow Dash lightly on the arm. "Yeah I'll be fine Rainbow. Besides, you've done more than enough for me today. Thanks.''

Rainbow Dash nodded before catching the stallion by surprise with an embrace. At first Applejack bore a troubled expression upon seeing the hug, but then softened a bit to see how much the brazen Pegasus cared for Quentin's wellbeing.

"Ok, I gotcha. Hang in there champ,'' Rainbow Dash spoke softly in Quentin's ear.

Quentin returned the hug with one foreleg around her and responded, "Don't worry Rainbow, I will.''

After a few moments, the two ponies shared an embrace and broke apart. Applejack and Quentin said their goodbyes to Rainbow Dash and she took on into the air. She stopped, glanced back at Quentin and gave one last meek wave, a rather lovely smile on her face. Quentin smiled warmly and waved back and she was gone, that famous rainbow colored vapor trailing behind her.

"Now how bout we get you in bed?'' Applejack suggested softly.

Quentin nodded. He could definitely used an hour or two nap. The two earth ponies headed towards the house and Quentin said to his friend. "I'll just rest for an hour or two, then I'll come out and do my regular work for today.''

Applejack immediately shook her head in disagreement. "Not on yur life Quentin. You look like you've jus' went head long into a buffalo. You jus' take the rest of the day off.''

Quentin was surprised at the remark and he was about to protest but Applejack stopped him. "No ifs, ands, or buts about it. As yur employer, I telling you to take this day to rest.''

Applejack shot the stallion a wink. He averted his eyes in thought. The truth was that Quentin was aching pretty badly, so he knew he wouldn't be able to apple buck or do any farm work in the current shape he was in, so Quentin nodded silently. They were able to make it in the house and up to Quentin's room.

"There we go, nice an easy,'' Applejack said as she helped the ill shaped Quentin in his bed.

Quentin was already beginning to get drowsy. "Do ya need me to get anything fer ya Quentin?'' Applejack asked, concern with her voice.

Quentin smiled and shook his head, ''Nah Applejack I'm good. I just need to rest for a while.''

Applejack smiled warmly and planted a kiss on his forehead. A chill shocked throughout Quentin's body as his body temperature spiked up that was quickly replaced by a warm sensation.

"Well you jus rest on then Quen. I'll see you in a while ok?''

Though surprised by the sudden kiss, Quentin smiled at the caring farm pony and nodded. Applejack went to the door and with one last, caring smile, she closed it behind her. At that moment, Quentin closed his eyes, digging deeper into his covers. What he been through was nothing short of hell, caused by a powerful spirit that deep down didn't seem AS bad as he acted or looked, but it was all over now. Quentin was back with his friends. He smiled as his six friends appeared in his mind and the stallion just thought about them, hoping that he would dream about them, instead of the nightmare Discord had put him through. He wanted to dream about them, those six wonderful ponies that Quentin was beginning to feel that he couldn't see his life without meeting them.

> Flying With a Rainbow
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quentin slowly awoke to the sound of soft chattering. He shifted his head to his left and through the stallion's grogginess, Quentin noticed a short, green bottle with a round body and a cylinder neck. Quentin closed his eyes and grunted softly.

"Man what the hell happened? I feel like I've been hit by a truck.'' he thought to myself and groaned.

Quentin didn't know how long he had been asleep, but he could tell that he'd been asleep long. Quentin wouldn't be surprised if he slept well on to the next day. The prostrated equine opened his eyes and slowly lifted his body to see Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy gazing at him with relieved yet concerned expressions around his bed.

"Quentin! I'm so happy that you're ok. I was so worried?! Rarity suddenly cried, flinging her forelegs around Quentin.

Rarity held her friend tightly. For a refined, graceful lady she had quite the strong grip and Quentin was beginning to have trouble breathing. "Rar...i...ty! I...need...air!'' Quentin gasped.

Applejack saw Quentin's struggle to breathed and blurted out, ''Fer heaven's sakes Rarity. Give em some air!''

Rarity immediately released her grip and smiled sheepishly, a blush forming on her face. "Oh, I do apologize. I guess I was a bit TOO happy and couldn't control myself.''

After humorously regaining some oxygen, Quentin smiled faintly at the beautiful unicorn and stroked her mane.

"It's cool Rarity. I'm glad to see you too.''

Pinkie Pie spoke up and chimed. "Well now that that's over and done with-'' Pinkie Pie then threw herself on Quentin and he fell back on the bed with a grunt. ''I'm really, REALLY glad you're ok. Once I've heard what's happened to you, I just had to here!'' Pinkie cried.

Pinkie was holding Quentin even more tightly than Rarity. He could swear his eyes got so big there almost popped out of his head. The others looked on rather annoyed and shook their heads.

"Alright Pinkie. I think Quentin's had enough,'' Twilight spoke a bit sternly.

Pinkie shot opened her eyes and released her and grinned awkwardly, ''Opsie. Sorry Quentin.''

"Thank you Twilight,'' Quentin thought thankfully as he sat back up and the intelligent unicorn came to his side.

''But they're right, I'm glad that you're alright Quentin. You had me worried there for a minute.'' She nuzzled the earth pony's face contently.

Quentin smiled softly and stroked the back of her mane, ''Thanks Twilight.''

Rainbow Dash then hovered to his other side, a tough yet sad grin on her face as she nudged him. "Worried about what? It'll take way more to keep Quentin down!''

Quentin averted his eyes, slightly forgetting the events that happened and he remembered and frowned, ''Oh right...Discord.,'' Quentin muttered with disdain.

With that, Rarity stomped her hoof and angrily spoke out, ''I still can't believe what that brute did to you!''

The rest voiced their agreement except Fluttershy who had her head lowered sadly. It was clear Rainbow Dash and Applejack told them what had happened.

"Yeah, he may have done some rotten things in the past, but he when WAY too far with what he did to you!'' Pinkie added, but then raised an eyebrow and brought a hoof to her chin with a thoughtful gaze. "Um what exactly did he do to you?''

All eyes were on Quentin. He looked back at them and sighed. Before Quentin could speak, Applejack spoke, reassuringly putting a hoof on his shoulder, ''You don't have to tell us if yur not 100 percent Quentin.''

Quentin thought for a moment. It was true, he was still a bit sore, and his head still felt like a drum was beating inside it, but he gave a small smile at the farm pony.

"It's all good AJ. I have more than enough strength to tell you girls.''

Quentin proceeded to tell them the ordeal Discord had put him through. He told them how he made him follow a fake Winona into the woods and how suddenly there were multiples of her and how they formed into a giant, eight headed dog that chased him down. Quentin told them how he was then sent to Sugarcube Corner and how everyone including them had creepy smiles and the whole town turned into rotting zombies.

The stallion then told them how he was sent back to his world where he was abused and berated that ended with a chase with his abusers, the eight headed dog, and the pony zombies. Lastly, Quentin told them how he then fell from a cliff and into the ocean, where he plummeted straight through a stained glass window with the images of them and Discord on it.

"And that's when I woke up to that Discord guy's laughing,'' Quentin ended his story somberly.

As Quentin was explaining what had happened, the expressions on his friends' faces changed constantly. From disbelief, to shock, to horror, and finally anger. Applejack and Rainbow Dash seemed to be the most enraged from their expressions.

"I can't believe Discord did that to you,'' Fluttershy uttered quietly, but disturbed by the story.

Applejack then spoke with disgust and anger. "Why that no good son of a bitch!''

The others including Quentin were a bit shocked from Applejack's outburst. Normally, she'd refrained from cursing, but she answered, lifting her Stetson, ''Pardon my French but it jus ticks me off thinkin' what Discord did!''

Rainbow Dash nodded with an angered frown, ''You're telling me. I should've clocked him over the head when I had a chance!''

Quentin smirked slightly at the rambunctious Pegasus, ''Well at least you gave him a good old Rainbow Head-butt.''

Rainbow Dash grinned at him proudly, ''Yeah I did didn't I?''

"Well aside from such profane language, I too voice my anger for what he did,'' Rarity spoke angrily, but still with grace.

Quentin nodded, ''Yeah, I really thought I was going mad at some point, especially with those zombies.''

Twilight spoke up with a stern glare, ''I could imagine. As the spirit of chaos, Discord can warp and twist reality as he sees fit. I could still remember what he did to Ponyville the last time he was here.''

Pinkie suddenly jumped on the bed and grabbed Quentin by the shoulders and brought their faces together where their muzzles were touching. "Yeah, he actually made me into a fun hating, grumpy Gus. ME of ALL ponies!''

Quentin just stared at her wide eyed and gazed around awkwardly when she calmed down and thought before continuing. "Although he DID make cotton candy clouds and made it rain chocolate. Lots and LOTS of chocolate!'' Pinkie exclaimed happily, licking her lips earning eye rolling from the others.

Fluttershy then piped up in here usual, cute tone. ''B-But he, um did learn friendship and became our friend so...,''

Twilight turned to the timid Pegasus and frowned, ''Yeah well that didn't sound like friendship with what he did to Quentin. If I was him I'd-''

"Don't bother Twi. We had this discussion already,'' Applejack cut in.

Twilight looked at Applejack with a raised eyebrow. "Wait what?''

Rainbow Dash sighed, rolling her rose colored eyes, ''Yeah Q, AJ, and I talked about this while we were bringing him here. He'd said he would think about forgiving Discord if he'd helped us get out of the Everfree Forest, but I wouldn't be so quick to forgive the dick myself.''

Twilight, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie gazed at their dreadlocked friend with surprised expressions while Fluttershy gave him a warm, timid smile.

"Quentin, is that true?'' Rarity asked, her big azure eyes looking at him.

Quentin nodded, averting his eyes shyly. Twilight blinked, clearly impressed, ''Wow Quentin. Even after what he did? I have to say that's pretty kind of you.''

"I agree, when Princess Celestia asked us to release him from his prison we wanted nothing to do with him,'' Rarity added.

Quentin sighed, ''I don't know, maybe it was the soreness talking. Though I said I'd consider it, maybe I am being too kind?''

Fluttershy quickly trotted to Quentin's side and held his hoof in hers. "Don't say that Quentin. Being kind is a very wonderful thing!'' Fluttershy said rather loudly for her character, her cyan eyes gazing into his own brown eyes.

Quentin looked uncertainly at her when Rainbow Dash came beside him and jabbed his arm, giving him a soft smile.

"Yeah, you being cool with others even if they did you wrong is one of the things that makes you so awesome!''

"I quite agree darling. You can never be too kind. The world can always use more Quentin,'' Rarity said, gazing at the silver bracelet that held the ruby Quentin gave her with upmost fondness.

Rarity was serious when she said she wouldn't part with that gift. The others agreed happily and Quentin shifted his gaze bashfully, smiling softly as he shook his head. "Please girls, you really do praise me too much. I've really done nothing to earn them.''

His six friends smiled at the stallion's humbleness, but then Applejack frowned sadly as she spoke.

"So wait a sec Quen. Y'all said ya was bein beaten by humans...yur kind?''

The others' faces fell as they gazed at him. Quentin looked at them sadly and sighed before speaking, ''Yeah, something I definitely want to forget quickly.''

"B-But that's terrible. Why would they do that to you? Weren't you a human too?'' Fluttershy asked sympathetically.

Quentin shook his head and answered, "No, I was still a pony, I guess that was Discord's doing too. I thought it was a nightmare, but those blows were sure real enough.''

Quentin's friends just looked at him horrified. Fluttershy looked as if she was on the verge of tears. Applejack looked as if she wanted to say something, but couldn't find the words. Rainbow Dash however, glared and spoke.

''Those bastards. Who do they think they are treating you like that? If I was there-''

Quentin cut Rainbow off abruptly. "I was glad you weren't there Rainbow. If you were there, you'd definitely would've received the same treatment. That's something I wouldn't wish on anyone of you!'' he said drearily.

Rainbow Dash was about to say something, but no words came out and she whipped her head to the side and glared at nothing in particular.

"Quentin... I know you've told me how bad some humans can be but tell me, tell me that what you saw was just another sick joke of Discord's. Please tell me humans don't abuse ponies in your world. They can't be cruel like that can they?'' Twilight asked Quentin, her intelligent eyes pleading and fearful.

Quentin looked at his purple unicorn friend, then around at his remaining friends and gave a deep sigh. "I'm not going to lie to you girls. While my world can be a very wonderful place, a large part of it is going to Hell, and a good majority of those evils are from human sin,'' Quentin answered gravely.

The others gasped, shocked at what Quentin had just said. "But Quentin, you told us so many awesome, exciting things about your world. How can it be as bad as you say?'' Pinkie asked in an unusually, sad tone.

The news was even hard to make the party animal pony lose her cheerfulness. "I honestly couldn't tell you myself Pinkie. There isn't a day on Earth where you wouldn't hear news broadcasted about burglary, murder, rape, corruption, the list goes on.''

Fluttershy whimpered, ''P-Please, don't say animal abuse is among them?''

Quentin gazed at the fearful Pegasus and regretfully nodded. He knew it would devastate Fluttershy greatly since her passion deals with animal. Sure enough, tears welled up in her large eyes and streamed down her face as she cried softly, Rarity went to her side and put a foreleg around her and began consoling her. Rainbow Dash looked dumbfounded, her mouth hanging slightly before muttering.

"Damn, that sucks…like really.''

Applejack, he couldn't even describe her expression. Her face was a mixture of shock, anger, and sadness, but for the most part sadness. "Quentin...,'' Applejack spoke softly.

Twilight shifted her gaze down to the floor with a disturbed frown while Pinkie looked the saddest Quentin had ever seen her. The more Quentin thought of the cruelties of his world, the more ashamed and angry he got, though he guess it was a pretty depressing topic. Quentin looked at his distraught friends and forced a weary smile.

"I know it's a depressing topic,'' he began then letting out a chuckle.

"What's so funny?'' Rainbow Dash asked, clearly not seeing anything amusing about what Quentin was telling them.

Quentin answered grimly. "It's just, here I am eager to go back to such a sinful world. I guess I shouldn't be surprised. Me another, stupid, spawn of a potentially monstrous species.''

The dismal earth pony was caught off guard when his six friends replied by coming towards him into a group hug. "Don't ya go sayin that Quentin,'' Applejack said, her head resting on Quentin's chest. ''Ya ain't nothin like a monster.''

"Would a monster help me tend my animal friends and make friends with almost all of them?'' Fluttershy asked, smiling sadly with tears still visible in the corners of her eyes.

"And would a monster give me such a beautiful ruby that I refused to part with?'' Rarity asked, she too giving Quentin a sad smile.

"And would a monster ever know how to make the best cupcakes I've ever tasted in Equestria?'' Pinkie smiled.

Quentin couldn't help but chuckle slightly and shook his head. Rainbow Dash spoke with a smirk, ''Would a monster charge in at a chimera and save three fillies. None that I've seen.''

Quentin smirked weakly at his bold friend and Twilight spoke with a lovely smile.

''And would a monster allow me to go into your mind and show me the wonders you're would possess?''

Applejack lifted her head and looked at Quentin with a tender smile, ''See, ya the complete opposite of a monster Quentin. Ya help out greatly around here, an' the family thinks yur a joy to have around and frankly, so do I?''

Quentin was especially touched when he learned that the Apple family actually loved having him in their home. Speechless, he looked at each of his wonderful friends. The ponies that when Quentin was lost and afraid stretched out their hoofs and offered him friendship. The ponies that despite learning that he was a human, something of a completely different species as them, still accepted him for what he was.

Quentin's sight became blurry as tears formed in his eyes. He squinted his eyes shut and gritted his teeth. A tear escaped and rolled down the side of his face, but Rainbow Dash whipped it off with her hoof.

"C'mon don't cry big guy. You should be happy.''

Quentin may have been hearing things, but it sounded like Rainbow's voice cracked a little but that couldn't be true. The tough, bold daredevil about to cry? Never.

"That's right Quentin. We're glad that we got to meet ya and ya came to Equestria,'' Applejack said with tender smile.

''Yeah! I mean, even though we've only known you for twenty four chapters now, you've been just super fun and amazing to be around with! Pinkie spoke with a bright smile.

A rather awkward silence filled the room as the others looked at Pinkie Pie with weird, questionable expressions as what she just said. What exactly did she mean by that? "Twenty four chapters? Pinkie Pie, what are you-'' Twilight began but was cut off by the crazy, pink, party pony.

"Anyway, if there was any human we were happy enough to meet, I'm so glad it was you!'' Pinkie chimed.

The Quentin and the others continued to give Pinkie weird looks while she just smiled as if nothing was wrong. Pinkie Pie truly was random and strange at times, as anyone can see. Finally after a moment or two before Rainbow Dash spoke, at first still giving Pinkie a strange gaze.

"Yeah…what she said.''

The others agreed and Quentin whipped his eyes and smiled. "Girls...thank you. The six of you...mean the world to me,'' he finally confessed.

This made the six mares to close in on him for another group hug. "There's a lot of group hugs happening here huh?'' Quentin chuckled.

Twilight grinned, ''Oh they'll be some more from now on. After all, you're our friend and besides, humanity can't be all bad. If a human as kind as you was born into that world, I'm sure there are others like you''

Hearing those words caused Quentin to experience a warm feeling inside himself. Quentin nodded before answering.

"Yeah…and your right. I don't hate humanity just, disappointed in it. But while there is an insurmountable amount of bad poisoning Earth, there is just as much medicine of good to cure it. Just as humans are capable of great sin, their grace too can to be unfathomable. Humans strive for good, they wish to be. They want to thrive by each other's happiness, not by each other's misery. They all want to help each other, human beings are like that. When something devastates a country, other nations will do whatever they can to aid them by any means necessary because that is the true essence of the human heart.''

Quentin paused. He then stroked his pendant, remembered the engraving on the back and gave a small, warm smile. "And it's because of that I'll never lose faith in humanity's good. Though humanity may have lost its way, I truly believe that they could stand united and make life on Earth free and beautiful. I truly believe that they could make a world where every being can understand one another. I truly believe that they could make life an everlasting wonderful adventure and though nothing can be perfect, I believe they can create a better, more decent world. While Equestria may have its faults, being here is proof that such a world can be obtained. And I know Earth can achieve a level of balance Equestria has.''

As Quentin finished, his six friends looked at him impressed by his words, but soon smiled at him fondly. The sincerity in his words, the faith in their friend was something that touched each of them.

"Quentin that's…that is truly a marvelous dream,'' Rarity said, looking at him with an endearing smile.

Quentin smiled and responded,'' I guess that's the thing about dreams. It needs thought in order to be conceived. And it needs hope in order to be realized.''

The six mares just smiled at this and came in together and caught Quentin once again in another group hug. Quentin sighed in contempt and did as best as he could to wrap his forelegs around as much of them he possibly can. He was truly blessed to have these six ponies come into his life. After a few moments of hugging, the friends broke apart and Quentin shifted his gaze to the bottle with the cork.

"So what's with the bottle?''

Applejack gave him her trademark grin. "That there's from Zecora. We told her all the ailments you told us an she went right to work fixin somethin us to help ya.''

Twilight nodded, ''Yes. Zecora is probably the best herbalist in Ponyville. After all she cured us of Poison Joke when we were infected.''

The others nodded in agreement. Quentin on the other and raised an eyebrow at the term 'Poison Joke' and was tempted to ask what it was, but he decided that could be a story for another time.

"Well anyway, she gave us her certainty that medicine will help and said you should drink the whole bottle. She also sends her regards for you to get better.'' Twilight smiled warmly at him.

Quentin smiled with a nod. "So how long have I've been out?''

"Pretty much all day,'' Rainbow Dash answered, before letting out a chuckle. ''Wow that's impressive. I've taken long naps before, but never have I slept the entire day off!''

Quentin rolled his eyes at the Pegasus and asked, ''What time is it?''

"It's a little past 5:30,'' Rarity said, looking at the clock on the wall.

The stallion nodded and spoke, ''And what time does the meteor shower starts?''

Twilight answered with an uneasy gaze, ''Later on after nightfall. Maybe around eight or nine, but you don't have to go if you don't feel up to it.''

Quentin did feel a little sore throughout his body, but a lot less than how he felt like hours before. "Yeah Quentin, you're our friend. We want to experience it together. If you don't go, we all won't go!'' Pinkie said sadly and their other friends nodded with somber expressions.

Quentin immediately shook his head and replied, ''No. I want us to see the shower together. Plus it's every 100 years, a once in a lifetime experience. There's no way we can miss it.''

His friends looked at each other uncertainly and then at Quentin. "A-Are you sure Quentin? We don't want you to push yourself,'' Fluttershy said softly, but with concern.

Quentin smirked at the timid pony and puffed his chest out and lightly beat it to show toughness. "C'mon Fluttershy. This is me you're talking about. A strong, impenetrable fortress.''

This caused Fluttershy and the rest to giggle with humor as Rainbow Dash placed a foreleg around his shoulders and grinned brightly and toughly. "Hay yeah that's what I'm talking about Q! An unbreakable wall of muscle!''

Quentin smirked shyly as he put a foreleg around his brave friend's shoulders. Applejack spoke with a sly grin. "Impenetrable fortress o' muscle huh? Then what ya doing here in bed then?''

Quentin felt his face heat up as a blush came over his face. Quentin scratched his head and looked away embarrassingly. "Hehe...maybe not THAT impenetrable,'' he muttered.

His six mare friends burst out laughing and Quentin soon joined them. After what he's been through in the Forest, Quentin was happy to be back with his friends, his six, wonderful friends that have become the dearest things in his life right now.

After their laugh, Applejack spoke up, ''So ya fell up to getting out of bed Quentin?'' Applejack asked looking a bit worried.

"Yep, sure thing AJ,'' Quentin nodded.

His friends gave him room so he could throw the covers off himself and Quentin slowly got out of bed. "Easy there Q,'' Rainbow Dash said, helping him to get up.

"Thanks Dash,'' Quentin said gratefully and she responded with a wink.

One he was straight up, Quentin felt a sting of pain in his head and on parts of his body. Luckily, Quentin hid this pained look from his friends and took the bottle from the desk beside his bed in both hooves. With his teeth Quentin took out the cork and spat it to his side on the bed. He peered inside and saw a pink liquid in the bottle. It kind of looked like pepto bismol but less thick and the stallion gulped nervously, knowing that pepto bismol didn't have the best taste in the world.

His friends watched on and Pinkie spoke, ''What's wrong Quentin? Is there a spider in there? Oh can I see?!''

The silly pony was about to dash towards Quentin but Rainbow Dash grabbed her by the tail, an annoyed look on her face as Pinkie sprung backward and fell to the ground with a blank expression. Quentin sighed and shook his head.

"No Pinkie there's no spider in the bottle. But medicine usually doesn't taste like ice cream you know,'' I said, making a slight gaging sound.

Twilight smiled kindly, ''Actually, Zecora makes her remedies out of all different kinds of berries, even the delicious and edible ones.''

Quentin gazed at his friend and then down at the bottle uncertainly and sniffed the contents. Surprisingly, the scent was sweet and enticing, almost mouthwatering and he lifted the bottle and spoke, ''Cheers.''

He pressed the bottle to his lips and tilted his head back as Quentin drank the pink substance. He was surprised with the taste of it. Quentin couldn't really describe it. It was sweet, like he'd just drank a liquid form of a sundae with whipped cream on top. Quentin didn't notice, but as he drank, magical pink sparkles twinkled around his body, causing his friends to watch in awe, though he did feel an unusual warmth feeling inside his equine body.

Finally the last drop was drunk and Quentin tilted his head forward, smacking his lips. The other leaned in, eager to see how it was. "Well Q, how was it?'' Rainbow Dash asked, her magenta eyes wide with curiosity.

The stallion rolled his eyes back as he continued to smack his lips. Quentin's face then brightened and he spoke, ''Man that's some good medicine!''

His friends smiled at this, relieved. "So how are you feeling now darling?'' Rarity asked.

"Actually...I feel good. Really good...great!'' Quentin said happily as he got out of bed.

His headache was gone and his body and throat wasn't sore anymore.

"Woo wee! Zecora really knows her stuff when it comes to cures!" Applejack called and Quentin agreed as he stretched.

''No kidding. I feel brand spanking new.'' Quentin finished his stretches and looked at his friends and smiled, ''I need to make sure to visit her to tell her thanks.''

Afterward the seven friends decided to part ways for the time being until the meteor shower that night. Quentin helped Applejack and Big Mac to close up the barn for the day before Applejack and Quentin decided to head into town for a while.

Being in bed all day, Quentin was more than willing to get some fresh air for a while. Applejack and Quentin wandered about Ponyville talking casually and talking to some ponies including Derpy, Lyra, and even Cheerilee, the Cutie Mark Crusaders' teacher. She was a sweet little thing, whose kindness could possibly rival that of Fluttershy's.

A few hours past and it was nightfall. The nights in Equestria were by far more beautiful than the nights on Earth. Instead of pitch black, the skies turned a dark violet color, as the stars twinkled in their multitudes. Applejack and Quentin headed over to the site where they and their friends would meet and see the meteor shower, along with an excited Apple Bloom. The three earth ponies finally found the perfect spot on a hill that will provided them with the best view of the showers.

"I can't wait for the shower to start! Right Quentin!'' Apple Bloom asked, jumping up and down excitedly as they came to their spot.

Quentin look down at the filly and grinned, ''You bet Apple Bloom. This is going to be awesome.'' He patted the little farm filly on the head and she giggled. Quentin was glad after such an emotional day like the previous one, she was beginning to cheer back up to her usual, playful self.

"We're all pretty excited bout this Apple Bloom,'' Applejack spoke with her charming smile. "After all, it only happens eve'ry 100 years.''

Quentin nodded, ''Yeah, but the time the next one happens, we'll be old...real old. Ancient.''

The three of ponies shared a laugh. As they conversed, more and more ponies started to arrive and find their spots to watch the shower. It wasn't long before the rest of Applejack's and Quentin's friends showed up, including Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Twilight and Spike were the last to show up, with Spike pulling a red wagon filled with what looked like a red and white checkered blanket, a small jar of ink and a quill, a few scrolls, some cookies, fruit, and a large pitcher of...juice?

With the gang all here, they chatted excitedly, while Quentin stayed quite for the most part. As Spike began to set up the little picnic per say, Applejack spoke to the stallion, ''Hey Quentin, y'all alright? Are ya startin ta feel sick again?''

Applejack had a concerned expression on her face. Quentin nodded with a slight smile, ''Yeah, I'm good AJ.'' He then sighed with a slight frown. "I guess I'm just still a bit worked up after that whole Discord incident. That was some freaky stuff let me tell you.''

Quentin then shifted his gaze over the hill, not really looking at nothing in particular as Applejack stared at him with a worrisome look." Yeah, Discord can do some things that can make ya crazier than a cow with mad cow disease,'' Applejack spoke.

Quentin couldn't help but chuckle at her metaphor. "Well I'll probably need to get therapy after what I've been through. Do you think Derpy will be a good one to call?'' he joked.

The two both shared a chuckle, not knowing that Rainbow Dash had heard their conversation and bowed her head in thought. After Spike had laid out the blanket, bowl of fruits, pitcher of juice and nine cups, Rainbow Dash walked over and picked up an apple with her hoof and took a bite. After swallowing it, she smiled and spoke.

''Wow Twilight, you're lucky you have such a rad assistant. I wish I had someone to do whatever I told them.''

Scootaloo immediately bounced up in down excitedly. "Oh! Oh! Me, me, me! I'll do whatever you want Rainbow Dash!''

Rainbow Dash grinned down at the little Pegasus. "Oh yeah pipsqueak? How about taking out the trash?''

She then tossed her apple core on the ground in front of Scootaloo. "Yes ma'am!'' Scootaloo answered, taking the core in her mouth and running off to dispose of it.

Quentin snickered to himself at the display. "Man forget about Scootaloo looking up to her like a big sister, she flat out hero worships Rainbow Dash.'' He spoke under his breath.

Quentin felt a tap on his knee and looked down to see Spike holding out a plate filled and stacked with cookies, which seemed to be white, golden, and dark brown for the most of it. "Hey Spike, how's it going?'' the human turned stallion greeted with a calm smile.

Spike answered, ''I heard about what happened to you today. You ok?''

Quentin nodded, grateful for the little dragon's concern. "Yeah, I'm faring. A few mental scars, but I'll pull through.''

Spike winced at this. ''Man that's rough,'' but he then quickly brightened with a smile. "Which is why I decided to bring my freshly baked, homemade triple decker nut vanilla cream cookies!''

Quentin noticed Spike had some crumbs on his mouth and he smirked with a chuckle, "I can see that.''

Quentin pointed to his mouth and Spike looked down, licking his mouth clean in one circular motion before smiling up at Quentin awkwardly. "But I appreciate it, especially if it's from the coolest dragon I know,'' Quentin responded with a smile, taking a cookie to which Spike placed a claw to his ear.

"Excuse me, what was that? I didn't quite hear you?''

Quentin rolled his eyes playfully and repeated. "I said you're the coolest dragon I know.''

"Missed that. Huh?'' Spike said, egging on another compliment.

"Spike,'' Quentin finally said sternly, but with a smirk. The stallion and dragon both shared a laugh and Rarity spoke.

"Do we have Spike to thank again for this amazing spread? Isn't he simply amazing?'' Rarity asked, looking at the dragon fondly.

"Aw c'mon you guys,'' Spike said shyly, scratching his chin with a finger. He peered around before retorting. "I said c'mon.''

Quentin shook his head at the dragon with a bemused grin. "I love this little guy,'' he thought to himself.

Pinkie Pie then started to give him a noogie while cooing, ''Little Spikey Wikey! Who knew that big, ferocious dragon started out so cutesy woostey?!'

Quentin widened his eyes at Pinkie's comment and leaned into Rainbow Dash, "Uh big, ferocious dragon?'' he whispered in confusion.

Rainbow Dash shook her head and whispered, ''Trust me, you wouldn't believe it if I told you.''

Quentin shrugged it off, deciding to save that telling for another day. "Spike, you are such a little star that I had to make this little bow tie for you!'' Rarity declared, her horn giving off a billowing aura as she levitated a red bow tie studded with numerous different colored gems.

The bow tie levitated over and tied itself around Spike's neck. "Gosh you guys are embarrassing me stop it,'' Spike said, flapping his hand. After a brief moment, he spoke. "Twilight, your turn.''

Twilight roller her eyes and spoke, ''Spike that's enough.''

"Oh right, that's enough,'' Spike said sheepishly causing the all started laughing.

Their laughing was stopped when Sweetie Belle called over them. "Hey everypony, the shower is starting!'' and she pointed to the sky.

Immediately, they all ran past her and to the edge of the hill. Sweetie Belle ran and climbed on to Rarity's back as they all gazed up into the night sky. The friends all awed as countless streaks of meteors flew across the sky. Even these seemed to make Earth's meteors pale in comparison to Equestria's. These were in the form of white, oval lights with sparkles tailing behind them. But what made the shower even more of a spectacle was that a beautiful aurora of vast colors rippled throughout the skies.

Quentin watched the display, his mouth ajar as he took in the splendor of the meteor shower and the moving colors. With the white lights, the twinkling, sparkling tails, along with the aurora made the experience so...magical, so enchanting. The stallion's friends continued at give off 'whoas', 'cools,' 'wows', and 'amazings' as they watched the shower. Quentin shifted his gaze to Applejack to find her smiling warmly at him. He smiled at his farm friend and both Quentin and Applejack gazed back up into the skies illuminated by falling meteorites and borealis.

"Whoa!'' Quentin heard Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and Spike said in unison and he couldn't agree more. Truly it was a once and a life time experience, and Quentin was happy to be seeing this with his closest friends. At one point he leaned into Rainbow Dash as he spoke softly.

''You know back on my world, some people think that these are falling stars and that you can wish on them.''

Rainbow Dash grinned, ''Oh really now? What are ya gonna do, make a wish?''

He friend chuckled, ''Maybe...if you will.''

Quentin closed his eyes for a moment and made a silent wish before opening them again. Rainbow Dash looked around as if to see if anyone wasn't watching. She then closed her eyes as she too made a wish. When she opened them, she looked at Quentin as he gazed in awe at the meteor shower and gave him a warm, lovely smile.

The shower took no more than ten minutes and the last few streaks of light faded into the night along with the aurora. Afterwards, they all happily voiced their thoughts on the display, while taking part in drinks, fruits, and cookies that was spread out. Quentin saw Pinkie step on the plate of cookies like a trash can peddle and the remaining cookies flew in the air and into her mouths. Once again he was reminded that he was in an animated world.

Pinkie chewed and swallowed and spoke, ''Hmm mmm these cookies are delish!''

Twilight spoke with a smile, ''Spike made them.'' She then turned to Spike with her eyes closed. ''Speaking of, Spike can you bring us some punch?''

When Spike didn't answer, Twilight and Pinkie looked around, confused. "Spike?'' Twilight called.

Quentin walked forwards with a snicker, ''I think someone's been up past their bedtime?'' he spoke.

The others looked at Quentin questionably and he pointed down at the center of the blanket to show a sleeping Spike in the punch bowl, snoring in the little punch that was left. The rest of the friends gathered around as Rarity spoke babyishly.

"Aw poor wittle thing.''

"Aw he worked himself to the bone,'' Twilight spoke with a sweet smile.

Pinkie spoke up with a bright grin, ''And now the punch has been...SPIKED!''

They all had a big laugh as the baby dragon slept soundly. The seven friends decided that it was time that they'd part ways for the night and after Twilight gathered all the things into the wagon and placed Spike carefully on her back, they all bid each other farewell and went their separate ways. Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Quentin chatted casually as they walked back to Sweet Apple Acres.

"That shower was the coolest thing I've ever seen!'' Apple Bloom said as she bounced happily on Quentin's back.

Applejack giggled, ''Yep, now we know why it only comes once every hundred years.''

Quentin nodded, ''Best meteor shower I've ever seen. In fact, that was the only meteor shower I've ever seen.''

As they walked and talked, Apple Bloom yawned and sure enough, within moments, she was fast asleep on Quentin's back. "Aw isn't she jus precious?'' Applejack asked, giving her sister a loving smile.

The stallion earth pony looked a back at the filly and smiled softly with a nod, ''She sure does. Like a little angel.''

Quentin admitted Apple Bloom had really grown on him, like the little sister he's never had. Quentin looked at Applejack and spoke.

''I'm glad I was able to share this night with you all.''

Applejack smiled, ''Me too pardner. An' may sound silly, but I'm jus a little peeved that couldn't work with ya today.''

Quentin looked at Applejack for a moment before replying, ''Really? You like working with me that much?''

Applejack nodded with a soft smile. "Yea. Don't get me wrong, workin with Big Mac is great an I love em to death, but...it's nice havin' another man around the farm to talk to.''

Quentin smirked and averted his eyes shyly and Applejack did the same. In truth, He enjoyed working on the farm himself. Quentin never knew farm life would be so, enjoyable and rewarding. Applejack and Quentin conversed little, not wanting to wake Apple Bloom and they finally made it to the farm.

"I better take Apple Bloom up to bed,'' Applejack spoke softly, carefully placing her sister on her back.

Quentin nodded, ''I'm just going to hang out here for a bit.''

Applejack smiled, ''Alright, I'll see ya inside in a little bit then.''

Quentin smiled and nodded and watched her take Apple Bloom into the barn. When Applejack went in, Quentin frowned deeply as he began to walk among the farm, paying no mind to where he was even going.

In truth, Quentin was still thinking about the ordeal Discord put him through earlier that day. No matter how hard he tried to forget about it, the memories just keeps coming back stronger than ever. Those horrid images of the zombie ponies, the feel of the humans as they mercilessly beat him, they lingered with him and didn't seem to want to fade away. Finally Quentin cried in frustration.

''Man why am I so freaked out about this?!''

One could guess it was understandable, after all he did see his friends become flesh eating zombies right before his eyes. But what really bothered Quentin were the humans that tried to beat and shoot him. "How could I have forgotten how cruel humans can actually be?'' Quentin muttered sadly.

Quentin can to the fences that bordered the farm and he leaned against them and looked up into the night sky. He remembered all the things he told his friends about his world. Greed, hate, corruption, war compared to this world, Equestria was a utopian paradise or close to it. He knew and saw that even a place like Equestria had its share of problems. Bur still, conflicts here were mere petty playground arguments compared to Quentin's world.

"I have to go back, I...I don't belong here,'' Quentin muttered somberly.

Some time passed before the ill at ease equine heard a familiar voice call his name, ''Quentin?''

Quentin looked around sharply, before the voice spoke again,'' Up here!''

He looked up to see Rainbow Dash swooping down in front of him. "Hey Q. Um, what are you doing out here and at this hour?'' Rainbow Dash asked, an eyebrow raised.

"Oh hey Rainbow,'' Quentin said halfheartedly." I don't know I was just walking around...thinking.'' He then quickly turned the question around. "What about you? What are you doing out and about?''

Rainbow gave an uncertain looked as she averted her eyes, scratching the back of her head. ''Oh well, I was kinda, ya know, doing the same thing. Walking and thinking about some things.''

Quentin gazed at his nervous friend and grinned. "Don't you mean flying and thinking,'' he said trying to be witty.

"Oh yeah, good one Q!'' Rainbow laughed and Quentin soon joined in.

"So what'cha thinking about?'' the bold Pegasus asked, hovering closer to Quentin.

Not wanting to worry her, Quentin came up with a lie. "Oh well, nothing important. Just you know, why every pony is a different color.'' he smiled nervously.

Rainbow Dash winced at Quentin suspiciously. ''Why every pony is a different color...seriously?''

Quentin nodded, still giving a tight, nervous smile. Rainbow Dash eyed him and spoke, "I swear Q you suck at lying.''

Quentin frowned at the cyan Pegasus as she continued. "C'mon, tell me what's really bothering you.''

Quentin looked down and then back at the hovering Pegasus who was eyeing him, an eyebrow raised with her forelegs crossed. Quentin sighed in defeat. "Fine,'' he muttered." I was thinking about what happened earlier today.''

Rainbow Dash blinked a few and she spoke rather carelessly, ''What, you're STILL thinking about that?''

Quentin shot a glare at her, ''Well what I've been through wasn't exactly soothing for the soul! That was some fucked up shit!''

Rainbow Dash face fell blankly as she hovered a few inches back. Normally Quentin wouldn't raise his voice, but Rainbow Dash's retort annoyed him. Rainbow Dash raised her hooves with an unease gaze on her face.

"Whoa easy there Q. My bad alright?''

The irritated male glared at her for a moment before calming down, sighing. Rainbow then hovered inches towards Quentin with a worried look as she spoke, ''Man, what Discord did must've really been freaky huh?''

Quentin nodded, ''That's an understatement. It was practically a living hell.''

Rainbow Dash glanced down at Quentin, a sympathetic expression on her face. She then smiled calmly as she hovered beside her upset friend. "Hey Q don't worry about that. Whatever happened wasn't real. Dipcord was just playing with your head.''

Quentin remained silent for a moment before speaking, ''Yeah well tell that to the zombies and giant dog that was chasing me,'' he muttered.

Rainbow just chuckled, ''C'mon Quentin. Tell me this isn't the same guy that beat a chimera all by himself?''

Quentin looked at his brazen friend, irritated, ''I'm not as brave as you may think Rainbow. I'm not as tough as you are.''

Rainbow just smiled, ''Well charging in to save Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Sweetie Belle sure as hay took bravery.''

Quentin opened his mouth to speak but froze. He had to admit Rainbow Dash was right on that account. However Quentin wasn't being brave for himself, he was being brave for them." "Yeah I guess...but that was for them, not me.''

"So what?! You still proved that you've got guts to charge into the fray even if you're afraid. And to tell you the truth Quentin,'' Rainbow Dash spoke, averting her eyes before smiling rather bashfully at the human. "I actually like the fact that you you're not tough all the time. Being tough when you need to be is way cooler than being tough all the time.''

Quentin looked at Rainbow impressed and touched. He still found it surprising that such a tough, bold, tomboy like her can open up rather sweetly to him. Quentin formed a slow smile.

''Wow Rainbow...I...thanks. That really means a lot.''

Rainbow smiled and nodded, before patting him on the back, ''Remember those words ok? You don't have to worry about what happened. You've got awesome friends like us to back you up.''

Quentin thought about the rest of their friends and he smiled with a nod. The two embraced each other for a moment and broke apart. As Quentin watched Rainbow Dash hover he spoke, ''Man it must be really cool to be able to fly?''

Rainbow Dash grinned brightly, flying upward. "Hay yeah. Flying's what I do best!'' She did a couple tricks high speeds in the air before flying in front of Quentin once again.

"I would love to be able to fly, just for a day,'' Quentin confessed, rearing up on his hind legs and flapping his forelegs like wings before losing balance and falling back on his haunches. Quentin chuckled embarrassingly at his friend and she giggled.

"Well Twilight does know a spell to give a pony wings,'' Rainbow suggested

Quentin's eyes opened wide with excitement at the revelation. "Really?!''

"Yeah, but when she used it on Rarity once, things didn't exactly end so well,'' Rainbow added with an uneasy gaze.

The earth pony's face fell in disappointment and Rainbow smiled warmly at him. "But I think I may have the next best thing.''

Quentin looked up at her with a puzzled look.

"You can, ya know...fly with me,'' Rainbow Dash suggested.








F-Fly...with you?!'' Quentin asked, shocked by the offer.

Rainbow nodded. Quentin thought for a moment before asking, crossing his forelegs, "And how exactly am I supposed to do that?''

Rainbow Dash grinned, ''Like this duh.''

Rainbow Dash hovered beside Quentin and hooked her foreleg around his. At first Quentin hesitated. "Wait, Rainbow!" he began frantically, but she just smiled.

"Relax Q. I'm stronger than I look you know!''

Before the stallion could protest further, Rainbow Dash's wings flapped and Quentin pinched his eyes shut as he felt them leave the ground. They were going up at a fast rate and then Quentin felt that they were moving forward at a moderate speed. He felt the wind rushing against his and Rainbow Dash's bodies and the flapping of Rainbow's wings just a few inches above his back. Quentin clung to his friend's arm with both hooves, refusing to let go or even open his eyes.

Rainbow Dash glanced at the shaking Quentin and chuckled, ''Ya know Q, you can open your eyes now!''

Quentin shook his head vigorously, his eyes still shut. "I'll open them when we have landed on the ground!''

"C'mon Quentin! You'd REALLY want to see this. Didn't you just say you wanted to know what it's like to fly?''

Rainbow Dash was right. He did just confessed that he would like to know the feeling of natural flight. With teeth gritted, Quentin hesitantly, but slowly opened his eyes. When they were fully opened, Quentin looked around both in fear in wonder at what he was seeing. Rainbow was gliding them through the night sky. She wasn't going insanely fast as she normally does, but still at a pretty fast speed. Quentin looked at Rainbow Dash with a worried expression, but she just grinned at him.

Quentin then slowly shifted his gaze downward and he immediately pinched his eyes shut and tightened his grip on his friend while burying his face in her arm. Rainbow smiled warmly at Quentin's flinching before speaking.

"Easy Quentin. You'll get used to it. But I'm REALLY sure you want to see this!''

Though Quentin was hesitant to open his eyes, he swallowed his fear and slowly opened and looked below them. Quentin's face went from uneasiness and fearful to awe and amazement as he saw the lights of lit homes of Ponyville below them. "Whoa!'' Quentin said slowly.

Rainbow Dash grinned, and picked up speed. Though he tightened his grip to her as she did so, Quentin didn't close his eyes this time around. He gazed around as in moments they left Ponyville and now flying over the Everfree Forest that bordered it. Eventually, Quentin couldn't help but smile with excitement as they flew.

Rainbow Dash saw this and smirked, 'I told ya didn't I? Didn't I say this would be awesome?''

"Rainbow...this is absolutely amazing!'' Quentin called over the wind blowing against them.

After a few moments of flying over the clustered canopy of the forest, Quentin heard Rainbow Dash call out, 'Hang on Q!''

Quentin ensured a tight grip on his friend as he braced himself. Rainbow Dash took them higher into the sky, going into a cloud passing by. Quentin felt themselves getting slightly wet from the moister within the cloud as they ascended higher. When they have gotten out of the cloud, Quentin shook off some of the water and his eyes widened and his jaw dropped.

"Holy...!'' Quentin said under his breath.

Rainbow Dash and Quentin were high, very, VERY high. Some clouds passed by under them while even farther down below was the faint land of Equestria, blended in with the darkness of the night. Quentin smiled widely as he was beginning to enjoy the flight Rainbow was taking me him on.

"You holding up there Quentin?'' Rainbow Dash asked over the wind.

Quentin looked at her and nodded with a bright smile, ''I'm doing more than that Rainbow!''

Rainbow laughed as they did a slight slant to the left. They weren't flying over humble Ponyville anymore, just the land obscured by darkness with the only light being that of the moon. As they flew, clouds were really starting to come together until Quentin and Rainbow Dash were flying over a sea of clouds.

"Will you look at that!'' Quentin called as they lowered and flew just above the clouds, racing their shadows as they did so.

"Yeah, just one of the many perks of flying!'' Rainbow Dash said coolly. She then got an idea and smirked at Quentin. "Hey Q, do you get dizzy easily?''

Quentin looked at her, puzzled by the question. "Dizzy easily? What do you mean?

Rainbow Dash just winked and she started to tilt to the left. "R-Rainbow what are you?!'' Quentin yelled as she continued to tilt farther and farther.

"Rainbow Dash!'' Quentin yelled again as he closed his eyes and clung to her tighter, truly in fear of falling.

Finally the tilting stopped and Rainbow Dash said to Quentin, ''K Q, you can look now!''

Quentin peered open one eye and blinked a few times and understood Dash's question. Rainbow had tilted over so that they were now flying on their backs. Quentin let out a chuckle that evolved in to joyous laughter as he spread his free arm out. "It's like we're swimming backwards on clouds!'' Quentin called, as he did a backward motion with his free forearm.

"That was the idea Q!'' Rainbow Dash responded, putting her free foreleg behind her head and closing her eyes.

They stayed in this position for a few moments, not fearing that they would collide into anything. Quentin glanced at his friend, a hoof behind her head wither her eyes closed, and smiling calmly as her mane blew in the wind. Quentin found himself a bit mesmerized by her in that moment. Flying through the air beside her like this allowed the human to see a certain grace about her he didn't see before. With the light of the moonlight complimenting her coat, Quentin could honestly say that Rainbow Dash was...beautiful, soaring effortlessly the sky like a rainbow maned angel.

Quentin smiled fondly at this revelation and he too closed his eyes and laid his free hoof on the back of his head. Rainbow Dash looked at him and said, ''So Quentin. How' do you like flying so far?''

Quentin gazed at the beautiful Pegasus and smiled brightly. "This is...the most awesome thing I've ever done!"

Other than Rainbow holding on to him, there was nothing else keeping Quentin from falling to the earth. The wind blowing against them, the clouds passing below, never have Quentin felt so alive, never have he felt so...free. It was like Quentin was in...a whole new world. Eventually, Rainbow Dash tilted to their right and back into normal positions right when they flew passed the last sets of clouds and was once again gazing down at the dark land.

"What's next!'' Quentin asked his Pegasus friend.

Rainbow Dash looked at him and grinned, ''Glad ya asked Q!''

Right then, then picked up speed and tilted upward. Higher and higher towards the moon the two friends went and by the time they had reduced speed and flew straight, Rainbow Dash and Quentin were hundreds feet above absolutely everything, even the clouds with only the moon being higher than them.

"Rainbow, what are you-'' Quentin began, but let out a cry as they started to nosedive downward, instantly gaining speed.

The faster the two had gone, the harder the wind blew that made Quentin's eyes water. As he screamed, Rainbow squinted her eyes and bit her bottom lip with a tough grin. Down, down they descended, shooting past the clouds and towards the dark landmasses below. Quentin and Rainbow were now going the fastest they've been this whole flight and getting ever so closer to the ground, but Quentin noticed they were heading toward a river of sorts. This was it, they have quickly descended out of the air and towards the water.

Right before they could crash in, Rainbow Dash lifted up as they quickly flew over the surface of the water, causing a light splash as they did so. Quentin stammered as water sprinkled his face and Rainbow burst out laughing. He whipped his head at the laughing pony, completely scared to death.

"Why...I...you...!'' Quentin then let out a laugh of relief. "Damn girl you crazy!''

They both laughed as Rainbow Dash lifted up and were in the skies again. Quentin didn't know how long he and Rainbow Dash been flying and frankly, he didn't care. Quentin was enjoying flying with his brave, thrill seeking friend. On their flight, she showed him her home city of Cloudsdale, with was truly a sight to behold as the entire, massive city was indeed made of clouds. The infrastructure reminded Quentin of Greek buildings but that added to its uniqueness. Within the venture of their flight, Quentin heard the sound of distant crashing of water over the winds.

"Is there a waterfall nearby?'' Quentin asked his rainbow haired friend.

Rainbow Dash chuckled as she answered, ''Something like that!'' She then gestured her head forward, signaling Quentin to look ahead.

Quentin did what he was suggested to do and what he saw absolutely blew his mind. They were coming to the top of a mountain of sorts, but it was what was crashing onto the mountain from the clouds above was what got the stallion speechless. Crashing down from a cloud high above wasn't water but a rainbow waterfall. A spectrum of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet fell onto the mountain top and down onto another waterfall that seemed to pour down into a valley of sorts. Quentin also noticed quite a few clouds spread out also having rainbows crashing down onto the land. In the darkness of the night, the rainbows gave off a dim, multicolored glow that made the surrounding area look like a mystical place only found in a child's fairy tale book.

"Rainbow Dash...what in the world...?'' the awestricken Quentin began slowly, not taking his eyes off the rainbow falls as they started slanting. Rainbow Dash smiled as she answered.

''Those are the Winsome Falls. And as you can see, instead of water, rainbows falls here.''

Quentin looked at her and then back at the falls, smiling in wonder. "This is out of this world!'' he said as they came closer to a falling rainbow.

As the two flew next to it, Quentin held out his foreleg and felt the rainbow falling onto his hoof and pulled back. It was a rather odd feeling, difficult to describe to him. It felt like water, but at the same time having a silky feeling. Rainbow winced slightly before telling the curious equine.

''I wouldn't taste that if I were you Quentin.''

Quentin looked at his friend in bewilderment, ''Why not?''

Rainbow just shook her head and spoke, "Trust me. Pinkie Pie tasted it one time and let me just say rainbows aren't exactly known for their taste.''

Quentin nodded, somewhat disappointed. "So much for tasting the rainbow,'' he muttered as the rainbow slid off his hoof rather easily and without stain.

Rainbow Dash and Quentin circled around the falls a few more times before finally they decided that it was time to head back, much to Quentin's disappointment. He just wanted to keep on flying forever, but he knew Applejack was probably getting worried about his whereabouts, they've clearly been flying for almost an hour. Quentin cherished the flight back home, even becoming brave enough to ask rainbow dash to do another steep nosedive on the way. Finally, they flew over the quiet town that was Ponyville, where almost all the homes' lights were off save for a few houses.

They descended into the town until finally landing gently in front of the white fenced entrance that led to Sweet Apple Acres. The moment the two landed Quentin let go of Rainbow Dash and stated laughing, out of disbelief of what he and Rainbow had just did.

"See? Didn't I tell ya? Was that awesome or was that awesome?!'' Rainbow Dash ask loudly with a bright smile.

"That was so SO awesome Dash!'' Quentin replied enthusiastically. "I still can't believe we've done that! I still can't believe I actually flew! Well you were the one flying, but you know what I mean!''

Rainbow Dash laughed, ''Wow, I guess you really like flying?''

"Are you kidding?! I loved every minute of it!'' he responded loudly. Quentin then looked away in thought before grinning at his cyan friend, ''So that's why you're mane is rainbow colored. You must've taken a bath at the Winsome Falls?''

Rainbow Dash laughed out loud, flicking her bang, "Nah, this mane is all natural baby!''

They both shared a laugh, leaning into each other. After they calmed down, Quentin looked at Rainbow Dash and gave her a warm smile. "Thank you for that Rainbow.''

This was probably the nicest thing anyone has ever done for him. Quentin never expected this from one of his friends, especially from Rainbow Dash of all people. What she did for him was a true act of friendship. Rainbow Dash whipped her bang out of her eyes, giving Quentin a nice smile before speaking.

''Hey don't mention it Q. I'm glad I was able to cheer you up.''

Quentin nodded, "Yeah, but what you did I...,'' he couldn't find the words to describe her actions. Quentin went forward and embraced his friend. Rainbow Dash was a bit surprised by his sudden approach, blushed and smiled softly, closing her eyes and returning the hug. They broke apart after what seemed like forever and the two friends chuckled sheepishly.

"Well I guess I should be getting back to the farm. Have work to do tomorrow you know,'' Quentin finally spoke, looking back at the main barn house windows to see if anyone was still awake.

Rainbow Dash nodded, ''Yeah, I better break out of here too.''

Quentin smiled, ''Thanks again for the flight Rainbow. That along with the meteor shower, this was definitely a night to remember.''

Rainbow Dash spoke with a smile, ''My pleasure, you were an awesome flying buddy.''

She then frowned and Quentin tilted his head with concern. "Rainbow, are you all right?''

Rainbow Dah didn't answer right away, but she looked at him with an unease gaze. "Hey Quentin, got a question.''

"Ok, what's up?'' Quentin asked, eager to see what her question was.

Rainbow Dash bit her lip and looked away before looking back at Quentin, looking rather nervous which was strange for her usual bold and confident character. "Have you ever…you know...felt like you were missing out on something?''

Quentin blinked a few times at her question, not understanding it in the slightest. "Ummm, missing out...on what for instance?''

Rainbow Dash grinned brightly and answered, ''Nothing, forget about it. Something was just on my mind. Nothing worth thinking about!''

She hovered and spoke, ''Well see ya later Q. G'night!'' she waved at Quentin.

Quentin brushed off her awkwardness and smiled, waving back. "Yeah Rainbow. Good night.''

They hoof bumped and gave each other a soft headbutt before embracing each other. Rainbow Dash flew away at high speeds, a trail of rainbow vapor behind her. After she flew far enough from Quentin, she stopped and let out a cry of frustration. "Felt like you were missing out on something are you serious?!'' Rainbow Dash cried out, holding her face with her hooves.

Rainbow Dash let out a long sigh, and shook her head with a rather disheartened expression before flying off towards her home.

Quentin frowned lightly, remembering her odd behavior. "I wonder what that was about?''

His train of thought was interrupted by a southern accented voice calling his name. Quentin turned around to see Applejack galloping towards him. He ran to meet her and stopped when he got to her.

"There ya are Quentin. Where in thunderation have ya been?'' Applejack asked, raising an eyebrow.

Quentin chuckled nervously. "Oh I was just hanging out with Rainbow Dash for a while.''

"Hangin' out with Rainbow? What were y'all doin this late at night?'' Applejack asked, clearly baffled by the answer.

"You know, just shooting the breeze. You can say our talk…took to the skies,'' Quentin smirked.

Applejack stared at her friend for a moment with a confused expression before grinning, ''Alright I get ya Quen. But don'tcha think it's time we hit the hay?''

Quentin nodded, ''Sure thing AJ, let's head back.''

As they walked towards the farmhouse, Applejack spoke, ''So are you alright Quentin. Ya seemed a bit down when ya I left ya?'' Applejack asked, looking a bit worried.

Quentin smiled reassuringly at her. ''Yeah AJ. I mean I was feeling low a moment ago, but I'm fine now. Rainbow Dash reminded me I had awesome friends like you girls I can talk to about my problems.''

Applejack smiled warmly as she nodded, ''Right she is Quentin. We'll always be there for ya. An' you can especially count on me ta be there.'' Applejack nuzzled his face.

Quentin's face heated up as she did so as a blush came from under his fur but nonetheless he smiled contently, returning the nuzzle. Quentin truly felt blessed to have her and the rest of the girls as his friends. At the library, a lit candles illuminated the basement as Twilight was still awake, Spike sound asleep in his bed a few floors up. Owlowiscious was perched on a hat rack, nipping at his wings.

Twilight was carefully examining that mysterious, purple gem she kept in her drawer though no it was sitting on a thin platform inside a round, glass container. Wired next to it was a polygraph whose pen continuously produced a steady line. On the wall was a rather detailed diagram of an oval shaped figure with numerous lines and notes beside it. Numerous monitors beeped as a couple easels with line charts stood throughout the basement with numerous open books and loose pieces of paper clustered and littered the floor around the unicorn. Ever since that bizarre incident a few days ago, the gem especially intrigued her and thus had been diligently studying and monitoring it.

"Hmm I've looked and looked but there's just nothing in these books about magic, purple gems!'' Twilight said in frustration, casting a book beside with her magic almost hitting the owl. Owlowliscious hooted in surprise.

Twilight sighed as she turned from the gem and went over to her pet. "Sorry Owlowliscious,'' Twilight gently stroked her pet owl. "It's just something is strange about this gem. I don't know what strange powers it possess, so it could be really dangerous.''

Twilight went back over to the stand and her horn gave a billowing aura as the glass around the gem opened up and she levitated the oval gem. Twilight winced at the gem as it came closer to her horn.

"I know this gem holds some sort of mysterious power and I'm going to-AH!''

Twilight gave off a short scream as the gem touched the tip of her horn. Owlowliscious hooted with alarm as the gem gave off a blinding, purple light. Twilight pinched her eyes closed, but then shot them open as a purple veil overcame them. Images were racing in her mind. She saw an observatory of some kind in the mountains of some sort, then a pony with a navy blue coat, white mane and tail wearing a purple, formal sweater with a white dress shirt underneath and a red bow tie with half-moon spectacles on his face observing a blue, oval gem. The pony was then startled by an unseen figure and then a flash of green light and an agonizing scream was heard. The last thing Twilight heard was an evil, demonic laughter.

The vision only lasted a few seconds before the light quickly diminished as quickly as it came. The purple gem fell to the floor with a soft thud and Twilight backed away quickly before falling back on her haunches, panting as if she had been running. Twilight stared at the gem, a look of horror on her face.

"A-A vision...just like that day!'' Twilight spoke softly, fearfully.

Owlowsicoius flew to his owner and rested on her shoulder, nuzzling her face contently giving off a soft, worried hoot. Twilight returned the nuzzle, but it didn't ease her spirits she and got up. She levitated the gem and put it back into the glass container. She went over to the window, the candles now out from the rushing light of the gem. She looked out with a of great worry into the night

"But this vision...it was even worse than the first one. What does it mean? Does it have anything to do with the Changeling Queen?''

Owlowliscious hooted again and Twilight nuzzled him. "Oh Owlowliscoious, we've got to find out what she's planning and stop her. Or else I'm afraid something really terrible is going to happen.''

> Deja Vu
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's been four weeks since Quentin arrived in the magical and wonderful land of Equestria. But just in the scoop of his first week, he's gotten a job but most of all, he's made friends with six amazing ponies. Every now and then, the human turned stallion would visit Twilight and she would happily teach him new things about Equestria, like the story about the Crystal Empire. While here, Quentin also learned that Equestria was a country in a world that was also known as Equestria. This world is consisted of four main continents and nations Equestria, it's largest and main continent and so was named after the world itself, the island kingdom of Kal-Equa, the Zebrian Serengetti, and Manegolia  along with several remote islands  and smaller countries including the Isle of Hippogriffs and the Dragon Lands, the volcanic land of the dragons . Each of the four major nations have their own rule of law, but managed to keep relatively peaceful with one another.

Quentin also read about the interesting yet tragic tale of Nightmare Moon, who he found out was the evil side of Princess Luna, one of the rulers of Equestria. Her dark side was created out of resentment, bitterness, and anger that the ponies favored the day while they shunned the night she created. In turn, she tried to cast an everlasting night over Equestria, but her sister, Princess Celestia, used the fabled Elements of Harmony to banish her to the moon. It was a fascination story, but Quentin couldn't help but feel sorry for the once exiled princess. She just wanted her night to be as appreciated as the daylight, but fortunately, her evil side was purged by Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy as Princess Luna took her rightful place to rule side by side with her sister in balance and harmony. Quentin couldn't help but smiled when Twilight told him this. What also amazed him was that the two sisters we able to raise and lower the sun and moon. Truly such a feet requires god like power. It never ceases to amaze the foreigner how much Equestria was intriguing him more and he was interested in learning more and the more he spent time with the studious and intelligent unicorn, he began to see her as sister of sorts.

Generous Rarity is always a joy to be around. She claimed to have found new inspiration since Quentin came and would always show off her glamorous new designs to him whenever she can. He was always happy to help sweet Fluttershy with her animal friends and spends peaceful times together at the pond in the park. Quentin admit, out of all his friends, they probably share the most in common, with them being shy, soft spoken, though not as much as her, and though Quentin like to fight for the sport of martial arts, he would never want to engage in a real one and would try to resolve things peacefully.

Pinkie Pie was the definition of party animal. Every time being around her was like another new experience. She still does things that are beyond the laws of physics, but Quentin had grown attached to the bubbly, optimistic pony and even helped her set up a party or two. Rainbow Dash and Quentin have also became tighter over the weeks. They've seen the Wonderbolts perform in Canterlot which was a thrilling experience. He could see why Rainbow Dash wants to be one of them one day and could definitely see her achieving that dream. As agreed, the two would practice karate at Master Judo's dojo and Quentin would teach the competitive Pegasus moves he learned on Earth and vice versa. Of course she would get the hang of it almost right away, which didn't come as a surprise to Quentin. She seemed to be truly a natural at the art, fitting sense she's a wild, tough, fighter of sorts. Even Quentin wouldn't want to face her if she's provoked enough. Though she did things that Quentin wasn't too particularly fond of like with her occasional arrogance, thrill seeking, and attention grabbing, Quentin could proudly see her as one that he could without a doubt depend on and be there for him when he needs her.

But the human's closest and most dearest friend however have been Applejack, the humble, beyond likable farm pony that was there to help him ever since that day Quentin came to Equestria. Every day Applejack and Quentin would get closer and closer, enjoying nice conversations together, sitting under the stars together, and working together on the farm. Her southern charm always enticed Quentin when he sees her in the mornings and before he goes to sleep at night. One could guess that he's really come to adore her dearly after all this time. And it wasn't just Applejack, but Quentin also grown close to her family as well. Ever since he found out that he shared a familiar heartache with them, the hardworking, hospitable Apple Family grew and grew on Quentin the longer he spent with them. Though Big Mac was a stallion of few words, he and Quentin connected flawlessly and enjoyed idle chat, even if he would mostly answer with a simple 'eeyup' or 'nope. Apple Bloom, heh that sweet little bundle of cuteness had become like a little sister to him. Quentin never gotten tired of her company as well as the company of Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle. Granny Smith has also grew on him. She was a loving elder that made sure Quentin was always taken care of, as if he was one of her own grandchildren. Quentin would sometimes sit with her as they flip through the Apple Family album, seeing more, cute baby pictures of Applejack, Big Macintosh, and Apple Bloom, much to their embarrassment. Though the longer Quentin stayed, the more he found out that Granny Smith also had a silly, goofy side to her, but that just made the stallion's fondness to her grew.

Things haven't all been great though. Unfortunately, Celestia and Luna were still away trying to unravel the remaining mysteries of Queen Chrysalis and her plans involving these mysterious gems. Thought Twilight had send letter after letter to Princess Celestia, she had yet to receive a reply from her, though she did understand that she was probably too busy trying to find a way to stop the Changeling queen, she was still disheartened that she didn't receive any new information.

Even more unfortunate was that Chrysalis has found two more gems, a mysterious blue gem and an orange gem. Of course in her quest to pursue these gems, the queen left death and destruction behind her as sending disturbing visions to Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus.

Chrysalis resided in her dark castle, laughing gleefully as her four gems levitated around her, with the red gem giving off a crimson red glow, the gem that was the Jewel of Kal Equa gave off a green glow, the blue gem a blue glow, and the orange gem an orange glow.

"Hahaha! Four gems I have easily required!'' The Changeling queen cackled as her swarm of Changelings cowered at the bottom of the throne room.

It would seem the more gems Chrysalis collected, the more evil and sadistic she became, even starting to torment her own faithful subjects. The orange, glowing precious stone stopped in front of her horn and Chrysalis smirked venomously at a group of Changelings.

With a cry, Chrysalis' horn glowed a sickly green as the gem began to glow even brighter. The two lights expanded and melded together and when they met, a single, green and orange colored beam of magic energy shot towards the Changelings. Unable to evade, the beam hit the group and instantaneously, they disappeared in a ball of orange and green light. The others cowered and backed away from the spot and the queen laughed madly.

"Haha yes, YES! The gems are proving exactly what I've read about them! They are proving to be the most powerful artifacts known to this world''

She then levitated the gems around until the blue gem stopped in front of her horn. The gem hovered and touched the tip of her horn and a blue light shone as the queen's eyes began to glow a blue. The light was brief but when the light in her eyes subsided, Chrysalis widened them and leered down at her minions. "And do you all have a problem with my new powers?'' Chrysalis asked darkly, flying in the air with the gems circling her.

The Changelings looked at each other blankly before shaking their heads rapidly. Chrysalis's glare only deepened and she snarled, ''Do not lie to your queen. I know what you all are thinking...for the blue gem told me!''

One of the minions spoke, fearfully walking forward. "N-No not at all my queen. It's just that...that-'' the minion trailed off.

Chrysalis leered at the frightened minion, ''What? Do not fear your generous queen. Speak up!'' she said venomously.

"It's just...you seemed to be getting a bit...too power crazy for us,'' the minion finally confessed.

There was quiet, Chrysalis just stared at the minion and it stared back fearfully back to her. Chrysalis then started to let out a low laugh that began to grow and grow until she was laughing hysterically. The minions looked at each other quizzically, then one by one, the Changelings started to laugh nervously. Chrysalis continued to laughed manically until she stopped abruptly, glared down at the minion that spoke, and with the red gem now in front of her horn, it glowed crimson red while her horn gave a billowing, sickly green aura which the two combined and she fired a red and green beam of magical energy at the Changeling.

The Changeling screamed or rather hissed briefly before being disintegrated, its tattered wings floating softly onto the floor. The rest of her swarm immediately ceased their laughter and once again bowed and cowered, shivering rapidly. Chrysalis flew down and hovered above her army, the gems levitating around her as she gave them all a dark, disgusted look.

"Now let me make something perfectly clear to all of you,'' Chrysalis began softly, but darkly as the minions flinched from her words. "True I may be feeling especially evil lately, but can you blame me? After all I'm two steps closer to gaining ultimate power and finally destroying Celestia and ruling the world.''

Chrysalis acted playfully, but then roared, ''BUT IF ANY OF YOU WORTHLESS INSECTS EVEN BEGINS TO QUESTION ME AGAIN, YOU WILL END UP JUST LIKE THE WORM FOOL ENOUGH TO SPEAK AGAINST ME. DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?!''

The Changelings quivered and flinched in fear, not answering their queen. Chrysalis glared at them and shouted, ''I SAID DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?!''

As she yelled it this time however, it was like her voice became more distorted, darker, and strangely...more masculine. This time, the minions nodded vigorously and fearfully answered, ''YES YOUR MAGESTY!''

Chrysalis glared at them for a moment before retorting coldly, ''I'm glad we've had an understanding.''

She flew back to her throne and sat down, her four, precious gems ever so following her. "Four...just two more to go and everything will be mine,'' Chrysalis muttered gleefully, the gems shining in her slit pupil eyes which briefly flashed an unholy red. "And when I get the remaining two, then the prophecy will be realized and all will be nothing in my wake!''

Chrysalis gave off an evil laugh, the same distorted, demonic voice as before cackling with her. Behind her, a strange, clear, rippling silhouette stalked, laughing with the deranged queen.

Back in Ponyville, Quentin was on the farm apple bucking with Applejack. Today's weather was cloudy, with winds starting to pick up. Applejack was hauling some apples to the barn when she stopped and lifted her head and closed her eyes as her blonde mane blew gracefully in the wind. This was Applejack's kind of weather. Quentin had really gotten the hang of the art. Now, he can completely empty a tree of all its apples with a single buck. Doing the practice for weeks also proved beneficial for human's new equine body, though more for his hind legs, for farm work was a perfect exercise.

"Whoowee, now that's what I call a good day o' apple buckin!'' Applejack called, removing her hat and whipping sweat from under her blonde bang.

Even though it was cloudy, windy, and on the verge of raining, apple bucking could still leave one sweating. Quentin nodded in agreement, breathing heavily, with his coat drenched in sweat.

"You said it AJ. It's like apple trees are endless!''

Applejack grinned at her stallion friend, ''Well shoot Quen this IS an apple orchard. Besides, it wouldn't be good fer business if we ran out wouldn't it?''

Quentin chuckled at the farm pony, ''You got a point there AJ.''

"Besides, ya gotten pretty dang good at apple buckin', an' farm work fer the matter. If ya can get a cutie mark, I'm willing ta bet my left hind leg it'd have something to do with apples and farmin,'' Applejack added with her charming smile.

Quentin breathed deeply, averting his eyes rather sheepishly. Honestly, he wasn't too keen on having anything with the word 'cutie' in its name anywhere on his body. Quentin wasn't too big on things being overly cute or girly, but he answered his farm pony friend nonetheless.

"Well I think most of that is because I had such a great teacher,'' Quentin said smiling at Applejack who smiled warmly at him before casting her gaze away shyly with as a faint blush came on her cheeks.

Quentin continued, mimicking a southern accent. "Teachin' me ta apple buck, pullin' a plow, sellin' apples...heck even straw chewin'!''

Applejack stared at him for a moment before laughing out loud, ''An' what in tarnation was that suppose ta be?''

Quentin smirked at her, ''Y'all like my mannerisms? I think it's mighty fine if I do say so myself.''

Applejack rolled her eyes and pushed southern drawled Quentin playfully. "Uh, maybe ya should practice a bit more, then we'll talk.''

The two friends both shared a laugh before getting back to work. It was still early afternoon so Quentin and Applejack still had some work that needed to be done. Around two o clock, Applejack was pulling a wagon full with colorful, delicious apples toward the barn for safe keeping. As she was walking, she felt the load became rather heavier and began putting more effort into her pulling.

"Whew, I swear by the grave o' my great Aunt Appleberry this load keeps getting' heavier an' heavier!'' Applejack finally breathed out.

She stopped for a quick rest. She peered over her shoulder to the wagon of apples to find Pinkie Pie brightly smiling back at her.

"Don't stop Applejack. The ride was just getting good!'' the silly pink pony chimed, bouncing up and down in the cart.

"Pinkie Pie, how in the hay did ya get back there, an' without me noticing?!'' Applejack asked, perplexed and surprised by the sudden arrival of her friend.

Pinkie Pie giggled before answering, ''That's a little secret of mine. So is the ride going to resume or what?''

"Pinkie, what are ya doin here?'' Applejack asked both sternly and annoyed.

Pinkie stopped her bouncing and thought for a brief moment, bringing a hoof to her chin. "Huh? Oh right! Twilight wanted me to come get you and Quentin. She said she wanted to show us something really important.''

"Is that all?'' Applejack asked dryly, still a bit irritated from Pinkie's sudden appearance.

Pinkie nodded, ''Yupity yup yup. What do you think she wants to show us? Oh maybe it's a new spell that will turn anything into chocolate...CHOCOLATE!'' Pinkie exclaimed excitedly.

Applejack tilter her head forward, raising an eyebrow. "Really girl? Can ya think o' anything else besides chocolate?''

Pinkie Pie grinned with a nod, "Of course I do silly. I sometimes think about ice cream, cakes, milkshakes, and frosting…creamy, creamy frosting!''

At the word frosting, Pinkie Pie then began to water at the mouth, licking her lips while a euphoric, rather goofy expression on her face. Applejack rolled her eyes at her friend's sweet induced trace. She opened her mouth to say something, but Pinkie cut her off.

''What are you doing?! We've got to go back to Twilight's place and get some chocolate!''

Pinkie jumped in midair and zoomed down the path, a trail of dust behind her. Applejack just stared with her mouth hanging open toward the direction Pinkie ran as if trying to comprehend what just happened. She then shook her head as she snapped out of her surprised state and sighed.

"I love Pinkie Pie an' all, but sometimes that girl can be nuttier than a squirrel findin' trove of nuts. Or in Pinkie's case a trove of chocolate.'' Applejack chuckled to herself at her last words.

Moments later, Applejack was finishing putting the apples in storage while Quentin approached the barn with a bushel of apples on his back. "Hey AJ, here's some more apples,'' he spoke, panting lightly as he carefully set the bushel down.

Applejack nodded with a soft smile,'' Much appreciated Quentin, but Pinkie Pie came over today. She wants us ta head on over to Twilight's. She said Twi has somethin' really important to show us.''

Quentin looked blankly at Applejack before nodding, whipping off some sweat, ''Well what are we waiting for, let's get going.''

Applejack and Quentin started galloping towards out of Sweet Apple Acres and towards Ponyville. They ran into no distractions while on their way to the library and when the two arrived, the main group was already there waiting for them.

"Howdy everypony. Now that everyone's here, what's this important thing Twilight needed to show us?'' Applejack asked she and Quentin walked towards the center of the main floor.

Rainbow Dash shrugged, "Beat's me, I was doing something important when Pinkie Pie came to get me.''

Pinkie brought a hoof to her chin with a confused look on her face, ''Really? Because you were sleeping in a tree when I found you.''

Rainbow Dash smiled uneasily before speaking, "Yeah well, I was having a good nap before you woke me up!''

The others all shook their heads at her response. "Yes well I was in the middle of some important orders from VERY important clients from Canterlot. I hope this is worthwhile?'' Rarity sighed with finesse, flicking the curl of her mane.

The group of friends all continued to chat until Twilight came down along with Spike, as he carried a small black box. "Hey guys. Is everypony here?'' Twilight asked looking around yet with a slight look of upmost seriousness.

Quentin nodded, ''Yep. So what's up Twi? Is everything ok?''

All eyes were on Twilight who gazed at her six friends before sighing. "To tell you the truth, I don't know?''

The others all looked at the unicorn perplexed. "What do you mean Twilight?'' Fluttershy asked.

Twilight motioned for Spike to follow her to a tree stump and to put the box on its surface as she started to explain.

"Before I came to Ponyville, my mother gave me something, a keepsake that was in our family for years.''

Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Quentin all came closer to the unicorn as her horn began giving off a billowing magenta aura as she levitated the small box into the air. She opened it to reveal the mysterious purple gem and it magically rose in the air as she sat the box down. The six immediately marveled at its small brilliance.

"Why Twilight, that is simply a marvelous jewel. What is it?'' Rarity asked excitedly, her azure eyes sparkling as she gazed at the precious stone.

"It's a gem, Rarity.'' Twilight answered rather seriously.

"Seriously? I've never seen a gem like this one before,'' Rainbow Dash said, hovering close to the gem with a scrunched up face.

"Yeah, even I don't want to eat it,'' Spike remarked as he munched down on another gem, unlike Twilight's was cut, polished, and in the shape of a diamond.

Quentin whistled, looking at the shining object as Applejack spoke, ''Well that's a mighty fine gem an all Twilight, but what does it got ta do with us?''

Twilight thought for a moment before looking back at the rest, ''The look of this gem isn't the only strange thing about it. It seems to have some sort of hidden powers.''

Her friends all looked at her even more confused.

"Powers? What kind of powers?'' Pinkie asked, before continuing excitedly. ''Ohh, does it make cotton candy clouds that rains chocolate milk?!''

The rest of the friends groaned as Quentin spoke with a cocked eyebrow, ''Cotton candy clouds...chocolate milk rain...seriously?''

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, ''Serious Pinkie, can't you just let it go?!''

Judging by Rainbow's comment, Quentin assumed that there was a story behind that strange subject and before he could inquire further, Twilight spoke up sternly.

"I'm not joking around about this girls! This thing's not as it appears to be!''

"How? Did something happened?'' Quentin asked curiously.

Twilight nodded, ''I'm not sure, but... I think this gem has the power to see into the future.''

The others all gasped at Twilight's claim. Rainbow Dash tilted her head forward, crossing her forelegs while being air born with a skeptical look before saying.

''Seeing into the future Twi, really?''

"Yes sweetie, don't you think you're exaggerating just a tad? I mean there isn't a gem that possess that kind of magical qualities.'' Rarity added.

Twilight frowned and shook her head, ''No I'm not! I'm telling you this thing is freaky!''

Quentin stepped forward, ''Why would you think that it can see into the future Twilight?'' he asked, looking at the levitating gem and back at the unicorn.

Twilight gazed at the dreadlocked stallion with a slight stern gaze, ''Because I saw a vision of somepony being attacked!"

Gasps filled the room as the seven all looked at Twilight in disbelief. There was a moment of silence until Applejack spoke with a look of disbelief.

''T-Twilight...what did ya jus' say?''

Twilight closed her eyes and sighed before answering, ''I saw a vision. It was brief, but I remember it as clear as day.''

"What did you see Twilight?'' Fluttershy asked timidly with a hint of fear in her voice.

Twilight opened her eyes and looked at the light yellow Pegasus. "I...I saw somepony I have no idea who it was or where he was. He was observing a small object until suddenly he was attacked by something.''

Twilight paused as the others all listened intently, dumbfounded. "There were flashes of green light everywhere and a horrible scream. I...I think he was killed by his attacker. But that laugh I heard afterwards...it was so unapologetically evil. It still makes me shutter just thinking about it. That's when the vision ended.''

As Twilight finished her account, the room was filled with silence. He friends didn't know what to think, but what Twilight said she saw sounded scary...really scary. Quentin finally spoke up cautiously.

''Didn't Princess Celestia said she and Princess Luna went off because they saw a disturbing vision?''

Twilight nodded before adding gravely, ''Yeah, and I a sinking feeling that the one that attacked...killed the pony was the Changeling Queen.''

"The Changeling Queen?!'' the rest of exclaimed in unison.

Applejack frowned before scowling with gritted teeth, ''Teh, don't seemed too surprisin. After all cuz o' her, our two princesses are lord knows where!''

"Yeah it's because of her we're in this mess, planning something low and rotten no doubt!'' Rainbow added angrily, pounding her hooves together. ''Man if I ever see her ugly face again...''

Quentin placed a hoof on Rainbow Dash's shoulder. She whipped her head at him, shooting a glare. The human looked at her with a calm, worrisome, and sad face. It wasn't long before Rainbow Dash's face softened and she sighed, calming down and nodding. Rarity then turned to Twilight and asked.

''Twilight, have you ever thought about sending a letter to the princess? Maybe she knows what we could do?''

Twilight shook her head with a downtrodden gaze, ''No...I mean I did sent her a letter the next morning after I had the vision, but I've still haven't received word back from her.''

Quentin looked down with a slight frown, lost in thought. Though he knew Equestria had its share of faults, the very thought of murder actually existing in a shining world like Equestria baffled him. Surely with news as important as this Celestia would have responded immediately. Fluttershy spoke up in her usually quiet tone.

''Well maybe Princess Celestia is just busy to write back? After all she is probably trying her best to resolve the situation.''

"Yes that is understandable, but one would think with something as serious as this vision Twilight experienced she would have sent word back post haste,'' Rarity spoke.

Twilight nodded slightly with a thoughtful look. "I don't blame her. Especially if she's trying her absolute best to figure out what the Changeling Queen is up t-WHA!'' Twilight gave a surprised cry as a rather loud clap of thunder sounded, rumbling the library just slightly.

The rest of the equines too jumped and gave brief cries of fright as another roll of thunder rumbled from outside. The thunder scared Twilight so much it made her lose focus and ended her levitation spell, causing the purple gem to fall onto the floor with a soft thud.

"Man I hate it when that happens!'' Quentin muttered as he went over and picked the gem with his mouth and then placed it on his upright hoof.

Spike went over to the window and looked out before giving a short whistle. "Man, looks like it's really going to pour soon.''

It was true, outside, ponies were quickly making haste to their homes or other shelter before the incoming storm, the winds really starting to pick up. "Of all days that the Pegasi had to schedule a dreadful down pour and ruin such a beautiful day...Rainbow Dash!'' Rarity sighed irritably, shooting the cyan Pegasus an irritated glare.

Rainbow Dash responded by throwing her forelegs into the air in defense, ''Hey what can I say? We accidently skipped a scheduled sprinkle last week, so we need a hay of a down pour to make up for it!''

Quentin looked at the boisterous Pegasus as she explained herself. He still found it amazing how Pegasi in this world could actually manipulate the clouds and control the weather to an extent.

"But any case back to what's at hoof,'' Rainbow Dash added with a hateful frown. Ya know the Changeling Queen? The bitch that's getting on my very last nerves!''

Applejack's face fell disapprovingly as she spoke up, ''Jeez calm down Rainbow. Ain't no need fer all that-''

"I can't help it ok!'' Rainbow Dash cut in, her temper getting the best of her. "She's been nothing but a thorn in our sides since day one. I swear I just want to...want to!'' As she said those last words, Rainbow threw some strong, punches with her forelegs. Apparently Rainbow Dash was a bit TOO excited, for she accidently did a hard, uppercut on Quentin's jaw.

The uppercut was strong, VERY strong. The girls and Spike gasped as Quentin was flown backwards across the room and collided into a shelf of books. He fell to the ground as books fell painfully on his head. The whole experience was a blur for the stallion actually. Quentin was dazed, not knowing that his eyes were rolling around as he lifted his head groggily as a last book fell on his head. Quentin heard the girls voicing out their concern for him and scolding Rainbow for her actions as they ran towards the earth pony.

"Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh! Ohmygosh!'' Rainbow Dash cried quickly with the most worrisome expression as she fly towards her fallen friend.

Quentin shook his head to clear his dizziness and instantly felt a sting of pain in his mouth as well as the taste of iron. "Quentin! Sugarcube are ya ok?'' Applejack asked with great concern, kneeling beside him to help him stand up.

"Yeah AJ I'm fine,'' Quentin grumbled, wincing as he felt another wave of pain in his mouth. He ran my tongue along his front teeth and grunted and winced in pain as his tongue feel upon a gum socket with a missing tooth along with a dribble of blood coming from his mouth. Quentin looked to the side to see a tooth on the ground, knocked out with some slight blood.

Quentin let a low growl in frustration and grumbled, spitting out a wad of blood. ''Great.''

"Q! Quentin I am so sorry!'' Rainbow apologized a look of extreme guilt on her face.

"It's ok Rainbow,'' Quentin muttered rather bitterly without even looking at the Pegasus. Though he knew the blow was an accident and that her apology was sincere, Quentin still felt annoyed and angry from the impact.

"Are you sure you're ok?'' Rainbow asked, her voice cracking. He nodded immediately, still not looking at her as Quentin noticed the purple gem and picked it up.

"Yeah I'm fine.''

The others voiced their concern in unison. Applejack, Twilight, and Rarity berated Rainbow Dash for her reckless behavior. Rainbow Dash of course apologized repeatedly and tried to give explanations for her actions. Quentin was finding the noise and the pain in his mouth increasingly intolerable and he pinched his eyes shut and gritted his teeth, squeezing the gem between his hooves.

"Ugh I don't care where, I just want to go!'' Quentin thought angrily to himself.

Instantly a billowing purple light filled Quentin's eyelids and he open his eyes open to see the gem was the one giving off the light. He winced and gritted his teeth harder, ignoring the pain as the light continued to shine. The light then condensed back into the gem and expanded around the stallion, like some sort of small, purple, sparkling dome. "What the hell?!'' Quentin breathed out alarmed as he quickly looked around. He noticed that his voice had a slight echo to it like he was in a cave or something.

The dome of light given off by the gem was transparent enough to see what was on the outside and what Quentin saw baffled him beyond description. He saw that outside the dome were his friends Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie, Spike and...himself? Quentin watched as he saw what happened to him, about Rainbow Dash upper cutting him back into the shelf of books but what was even stranger was that the events were going in reverse. In purple bodies of wisp, Quentin saw his friends galloping backwards, with Rainbow and Fluttershy flying backing wards as their mouths moved, but he couldn't hear what they were saying. Quentin saw that the books were reversing and going back into their places in the shelf and saw himself quickly sliding up the wall before flying over to his friends and Rainbow Dash hitting him going in reverse. Quentin watched the entire thing, not even beginning to know what was going on.

"W-What's going on?'' he uttered softy, whipping his head in all directions.

Almost immediately, Quentin was completely covered in a purple aura and some unseen force lifted him up and he quickly flew over to himself. He didn't even had time to scream before Quentin collided into the being that was himself, immediate the purple light ceasing and he stood there among his seven friends. Quentin looked around, perplexed and stunned as he wondered what just happened. To the stallion's utter surprise, Quentin noticed that he and his friends were having the same discussion they had before Rainbow Dash sent him flying back. He also noticed that the pain in his mouth was gone and he slid his tongue across his front teeth and to his shock found that his one missing tooth was now back in its place.

"Ya know the Changeling Queen? The bitch that's getting on my very last nerves!'' Rainbow Dash said angrily.

Quentin winced and frowned slightly in confusion, ''What?'' He didn't believe it, somehow, someway Quentin was reliving the exact same moment that happened a few minutes ago.

After Applejack spoke her opinion to Rainbow Dash, she exclaimed cutting her off, '' I can't help it ok! She's been a thorn in our sides since day one! I swear I just want to...just want to!''

It was just like a few moments ago as Quentin stood there, his mouth ajar. "This...this just happened like a minute ago,'' the astonished earth pony thought.

However a thought came to mind as he pondered those words. "Wait if this just happened...then that means.''

What Quentin was thinking was correct for his thoughts were interrupted by a strong uppercut from Rainbow Dash and he was sent flying across the room and hit the same shelf he hit before. Quentin fell to the ground, books falling on his head just like last time. Quentin heard the same short shrieks and concerns and scolding of Rainbow Dash as he shook from his brief daze. Quentin felt the pain in his mouth again and felt the empty gums where his tooth used to be, tasting large amounts of blood as he did so, but paid little mind to it. Quentin gazed around a look of puzzlement as his face scrunched up a bit.

"What...the...hell?'' Quentin said slowly as Applejack ran to his side.

"Quentin! Sugarcube are ya ok?!''

Quentin gazed into Applejack worrisome eyes. He just stared at her for a moment, knowing that this event just been held before. Finally Quentin answered, ''Y-Yeah AJ...I'm fine.''

"Q I'm so sorry!'' Rainbow Dash apologized hysterically.

Quentin shifted his gazed at Rainbow Dash's regretful face. Now that he was looking at her, he'd never seen her look so remorseful before. Quentin could swear she was even on the verge of tears, like the very last thing she wanted to do in this world was to hurt him. Quentin at Rainbow Dash and just nodded as he spoke softly.

''It's…its ok Rainbow.''

"Are you sure you're ok?'' Rainbow asked, her voice cracking like before.

Quentin nodded, ''Yeah, I'm fine.''

Quentin gazed down to the side and side his tooth laying on the ground with the slight blood, confusing him even more. "What's happening? I swear to God that this happened already,'' he thought.

It was like the entire scene was in a movie and someone decided to rewind back to where before Quentin got knocked out by Rainbow Dash. Twilight looked at her bleeding friend, greatly concerned, ''Q-Quentin? Are you alright?''

Quentin didn't answer. He saw the purple gem on the floor and picked it up with his mouth and placed it between his hooves.

"Oh my Quentin you're bleeding. Are you hurt?'' Fluttershy asked with a very worrisome tone as she brought a hoof close to her mouth.

Again the stallion didn't answer, he was too preoccupied with the gem. Suddenly, a thought came to Quentin after going over what had just happened and he spoke softly under his breath as he came to a shocking theory." Did...did I just...went back in time?''

His hooves squeezed the gem tighter and like before, a light burst from the gem. Quentin closed his eyes tightly from the sight, giving off a brief cry of shock. He opened his eyes and to his amazement, Quentin was in the same sparkling purple dome as before. Like before, he saw the events reverse itself. When everything was finally at the time before Rainbow Dash hit him, Quentin was enveloped in a purple aura and was lifted and flung towards himself. When Quentin collided into himself, he blinked a couple times as he looked around to see his friends in the same conversation he was in for the third time now.

"I can't help it ok!'' Rainbow Dash exclaimed cutting Applejack off. "She's been a thorn in our sides since day one. I swear just want to...want to!''

Quentin's ears twitched at those words as Rainbow began throwing punches. "Not this time!'' he thought quickly.

And before Rainbow could hit him with an uppercut, Quentin dodged, jumping back a few feet. The others looked at him, amazed and shocked that he evaded Rainbow's reckless blow.

"Quentin darling are you quite alright?'' Rarity gasped, a hoof over her heart.

Quentin nodded with a relieved sigh, ''Better than how I've felt a minute ago Rarity.''

Rarity gave the stallion a blank, confused look as he said that. Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth with a lukewarm expression before hovering over to Quentin. "Aw man. It's a good thing you got out of the way when you did Q. I could've really clocked you one!''

Quentin rolled his eyes and answered flatly, ''You have no idea Rainbow. You knocked out my tooth two times already, not looking for a third time.''

Rainbow Dash chuckled nervously and said, ''Yeah well if I-wait...what?'' Rainbow looked at her human friend with an eyebrow cocked. Quentin looked at Rainbow Dash with a rather annoyed look.

"I said you've already knocked out my tooth two times already. I didn't want to go through it a third time.''

Rainbow Dash and the others gave him weird looks. "Um...do you know how to count Quentin? Cause I've done the math and I smacked you a grand total of ZERO times,'' Rainbow Dash said, giving Quentin a slight frown.

"Yeah Quentin, I've never once saw Rainbow hit ya before,'' Applejack added with a raised eyebrow.

All eyes were on Quentin and he sighed deeply. "Twi, you said that there was something freaky with this thing right?''

Twilight blinked before answering uneasily, ''Um...yeah?''

"Well I think I might have figured out what that freaky thing is,'' Quentin spoke as he looked at the gem in his hooves.

"Really, just what exactly?'' Twilight asked, curious about the earth pony's discovery.

"Yeah, what makes that gem so freaky Quentin?'' Pinkie Pie asked rather silly.

Quentin thought for a moment to find the right words and when he did, he gazed around at his friends and spoke, ''I...I think this gem has the power to go back in time.''

The others just looked at Quentin blankly and he stared at them back. After about a moment, Rainbow Dash and Spike burst out into laugher. "Go back in time…seriously Q?!'' Rainbow Dash laughed, falling to the ground.

Quentin just frowned irritably as the dragon and Pegasus laughed. Rainbow Dash peered through her tear filled eyes and when she saw him giving her an unamused glare, she stopped abruptly and elbowed Spike to do the same. "Wait...you're serious Q?''

Quentin nodded, ''Yeah, I know it sounds crazy, but there was a moment when we were talking a minute ago. Rainbow Dash DID knock me back into the book shelf,'' he explained as he pointed to where he would have collided.

The others watched wide eyed as Quentin continued explaining. "And I don't know how or why, but the gem started to glow and everything began going in reverse. Before I knew it, I was back in the spot I was, locked in the same conversation we were having before Rainbow hit me. That's why I was able to evade your uppercut Rainbow, because it happened two different times...and I went back in time TWO times.''

Quentin gazed at his friends who looked at him dumbs trucked and speechless. Fluttershy and Applejack even looked at each other disbelievingly. Quentin sighed and nodded.

''I know you don't believe me don't you?''

Finally, Twilight spoke up and nodded her head with a somewhat firm gaze, ''I believe you Quentin.''

The stallion was kind of surprised by his intelligent friend's answer, ''You...do?''

Twilight nodded. "Yes, if what you said happened really happened, I believe you are telling the truth. After all a fine gentlecolt like you would never tell a tall tale lie no matter how ludicrous it may sound,'' Rarity added with a small, graceful smile.

Quentin gazed into her beautiful, azure eyes and then down to her foreleg and saw the silver bracelet with the ruby he gave her attached to it. Rarity was being true when she said she would never take it off and Quentin smiled at her gratefully. Applejack then nudged him and gave Quentin a smirk.

''Like I'd said before Quentin, ya have an' honest face...an' that's what I've like about ya.''

Quentin felt his face heat up in a possible blush when Applejack said those words. Applejack apparently thought of what she just said and she averted her eyes shyly. "So does that thing really takes you back in time?'' Pinkie asked, swiping the gem from Quentin and observing it closely.

"Um Pinkie I really think you really should be careful with that,'' Fluttershy said in that gentle tone of hers.

Pinkie Pie grinned at the timid Pegasus and retorted, ''Oh relax Fluttershy. Besides, I think it's pretty neat to be able to go back in time. Oh, maybe if I squeeze hard enough, I can go back and meet myself. I wander what past Pinkie Pie would be like?!''

As Pinkie continued her banter, the rest all sighed in annoyance. Twilight's horn was engulfed in a billowing aura as she levitated the gem from Pinkie's grasp. "Hey!'' Pinkie cried.

"Now Pinkie Fluttershy's right, if this gem really can take a pony back in time, one has to handle this with utmost care,'' Twilight said sternly.

Applejack nodded, ''Yea girl, besides, I don't think Ponyville could handle two Pinkie Pies, past or present.''

Pinkie Pie lowered her head in disappointment as Twilight continued. "Besides it's dangerous to go back in time. Even changing the slightest thing in the past could drastically affect the future,'' Twilight spoke wisely.

Quentin nodded in agreement, thought he didn't know whether he could've talked to his past self or not, but he wasn't in the hurry to find out.

"But that still leaves us the question of how Twilight had that horrendous vision,'' Rarity spoke.

Rainbow Dash hovered close to the gem and observed it with a frown, "Well if this thing can travel back in time, who knows what other kind of funky things it can do?''

"Well Celestia and Luna left because they saw a vision,'' Twilight thought. "So how and why would the gem show me that?''

Twilight thought deeply for a few moments, starting to pace the floor as the rest of her friends watched her. Suddenly, Twilight stopped in her tracks, her eyes widened as she had an epiphany. "Could it be?'' Twilight said softly, but shock in her voice.

"What is it Twi?'' Quentin asked concerned.

Twilight turned her gaze to them and told her realization. "The vision I had...what if it was a vision of the future?''

The seven all let out a brief gasp as Spike spoke, ''The future, seriously Twi?!''

Twilight nodded, ''Yes Spike. I'm absolutely positive that what I saw was the future, even if it was brief.''

The rest of the group stared in awe, no sound whatsoever except the pattering of the rain that had started hitting against the window. "Whoa THAT's freaky,'' Rainbow finally said.

Twilight then frowned sadly, ''I…I just wish I could somehow warned that pony. If I did, then maybe...''

Rarity went over and lifted Twilight's head so she was looking at her. "Now don't you go starting that dearie? Whatever happened to that poor pony was not your fault...it was that foul, evil wretch of a queen,'' Rarity said firmly, anger and disgust in her voice as she said her last few words.

"That's right! It's that stupid Changeling Queen that's causing all this mess, so don't beat yourself up because of her!'' Rainbow Dash added aggressively and the rest of voiced their agreement.

Quentin's face fell with anger. He didn't know who this Changeling Queen was, but just hearing what she's doing and what she have done was really making his blood boil. She's was probably as bad as a lot humans are back on Earth. Twilight smiled gratefully at her supportive friends as she spoke.

''Thanks girls, that means a lot. Oh and you too Quentin!''

Quentin smirked, ''It's all good Twilight. Besides, if I keep hanging around you girls long enough, I might turn into one.''

Rainbow Dash grinned as she put a foreleg around his shoulder, ''You're kidding right? You're the manliest stallion-err guy I know. You can believe that Quentina- I mean Quentin!''

Rainbow intentionally called him by that name and the others burst out laughing. Quentin rolled his eyes in annoyance, as Applejack nudged him. "Aw c'mon Quen lighten up. Rainbow's jus' havin' an ol' good fun with ya!''

The dreadlocked stallion looked at the farm pony with an unamused look but soon smirked, ''Well I'm glad you found that funny AJ.'' He tipped her hat over her eyes and she giggled as she tipped her hat back into place.

Quentin then looked at Twilight with a serious gaze. ''But to get back on the topic, are you going to send Princess Celestia a letter about all this?''

Twilight immediately frowned as she gazed at the floor. "I know I should, but I'm worried that she might not replied back.''

"It wouldn't hurt to try Twilight. Maybe she will write back this time if you tell just how serious it was,'' Fluttershy suggested.

Twilight thought deeply for a moment before nodded firmly. "You're right. Can't hurt to give it another try.'' She turned to Spike and spoke, ''Spike, I need you to take a letter.''

The baby dragon nodded and reached behind him and took out a scroll and a quill pen from seemingly out of nowhere. Quentin stared at him with a bewildered look but then shook his head. I'll probably never fully understand this world,'' he muttered.

"Alright, shoot,'' Spike said, ready to write. Twilight began pacing the floor, the purple gem still floating from her magic as she spoke aloud.

Dear Princess Celestia

I know you and Princess Luna left on important business regarding the safety of Ponyville, Canterlot, or maybe even all of Equestria. I've sent you a couple letters recently and I don't know it you've received them, and if you did than I understand that you're probably too busy to reply, but I ask you deeply to respond to this one. I've never told you, but I have in my possession a purple gem given to me by my mother. It would seem that this gem has the power to take a pony back in time as well as to show a pony a glimpse into the future. My good friend Quentin has discovered this power by accidently going back in time and reliving an event while I've experienced a vision of a pony being attacked and possibly killed by an unknown attacker. I fear that the vision may have a connection to the Changeling Queen. Please respond back, I'm afraid the situation is becoming worst by the day.

Your Faithful Student,

Twilight Sparkle

"Did you get all that Spike?'' Twilight asked.

"You bet,'' Spike responded, putting the finishing touches on the letter.

Twilight nodded, ''Thanks Spike. Now let's send it to the Princess.''

Spike rolled up the scroll and tied it with a red ribbon. He then went over to the window and opened it halfway, the sound of wind and rain loudly entering the library. Spike took a deep breath and blue green fire on the scroll which immediately dematerialized in green ash and smoke then blew as if alive out the window, into the rain and out of side. Quentin stared in wonder as Spike closed the window.

"So let me get this straight. All you have to do is blow on a piece of paper and it'll go straight to the princess?''

Spike nodded smirked, quite proud in his ability, ''Yep, it's just a little thing I do. I know, makes me awesome does it?''

Before Quentin could respond, Twilight spoke with a disapproving gaze, ''Alright Spike that's enough. Besides, now not the time.''

"Oh right, sorry Twilight,'' Spike said sheepishly.

Twilight shifted her attention to the gem. After looking at it for a moment, she levitated the gem back into its small box and closed it. "What are you going to do with the gem Twilight?'' Pinkie Pie asked.

"I'm going to see if I can find something about this gem. There has to be something in one of these books about magical gems and I'm going to find it,'' Twilight said with determination. "So until then, I keep this away until further notice.''

After chatting for a few moments, Applejack spoke, ''Well everypony if there's nothin' else ta discuss, should we adjourn this meetin?''

Twilight nodded, ''Yes, thanks for coming on such short notice everypony.''

"Of course Twilight, we want to get to the bottom of this mystery just as much as you do,'' Rarity spoke, before adding in that graceful tone of hers. "Well, I must be getting back to the boutique. After all I have some important orders to address.''

After biding each other goodbye, six of the eight friends all left out the door one at a time. "At least it stopped raining. I couldn't bear to have my mane ruined!'' Rarity said a bit dramatically.

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes, ''You and that mane Rarity. A little water won't hurt!''

Rarity looked at her with a baffled expression, ''Won't hurt! Do you even have the slightest idea how long it takes for me to groom my mane?!''

The others all sighed as Rarity continued her rant at Rainbow Dash, who wasn't even giving the slightest of interest. "Well ya ready ta head on back to the farm Quen?'' Applejack asked.

"Yep, ready when you are AJ,'' Quentin responded.

The rest and Applejack walked out of the library. Quentin followed Applejack but stopped and turned to look at Twilight. "Hey Twi, are you going to be ok?'' he asked with a worried look.

Twilight looked a bit taken aback from his question, but smiled reassuringly, ''Yeah I'll be fine. Especially when Princess Celestia replies back to me.''

Quentin continued to give her a concerned look before nodding. "Ok Twi.'' He then smiled softly at the intelligent unicorn. "Maybe later on I'll come back and maybe we can read a book or two together? Don't know about you, but I think this is good reading weather, and there are still more things I would Like to learn about Equestria.''

Twilight beamed at this and responded enthusiastically, ''That'll be great Quentin. I do feel like reading a good book right now!''

Quentin chuckled at her enthusiasm. "I'll go finish up work on Sweet Apple Acres, then I come back later on.''

Twilight nodded with a bright smile, ''It's a deal Quentin!''

He went over and the earth pony and unicorn embraced. Quentin and Twilight broke apart and Quentin rubbed Spike on the head, ''Catch you later little dude,'' he grinned.

Spike chuckled and after waving goodbye to Twilight, Quentin hurried out to meet the waiting Applejack. After their friends had left Spike, looked up at Twilight and asked worryingly.

''Twilight, do you really think that Princess Celestia will write back?''

Twilight sighed as she went over and gazed out the window. "I don't know Spike. But I'm praying she will.'' She closed her eyes as she thought about the vision she experienced and winced before opening her eyes up into the dark grey skies as a roll of thunder rumbled. ''With the Changeling Queen, something bad is going to happen...I can feel it.''

Back at Castle Changeling, Chrysalis sat on her throne, the four gems levitating around her. She then used her magic to bring them together. The instant the gems touched each other, they all gave off a blinding red, green, blue, and orange mixed light. Chrysalis winced with a glare into the light and her green, pupil slit eyes glowed a white light. In her mind, she saw a brief glimpse of a yellow gem just like the ones she possessed. The vision then shifted to multiple flashes of different colored fireworks as a unicorn gave a spectacular pose and the sound of a crowd applauded him. Chrysalis grinned wickedly as her eyes became normal and the light subsided as her vision ended.

"Hmm so that's where I'll find the fifth Cosmic Gem?''

Chrysalis then chuckled darkly. "And I couldn't asked for a better location.'' She used her magic to make the gems levitate around her, each giving off a glow similar to the color of their respective gem.

"It'll be so nice to see Canterlot again...as well as wreak havoc upon it!'' Chrysalis cackled with all the evil in her laugh as the mysterious gems continued to levitate around her. Adding to her already disgusting evil was a dark, demonic laugh that cackled along with hers.
> The Unicorn Supreme
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight let out a cry of frustration as she tossed a book to the side using her magic. The book flew towards Spike, who ducked, barely missing it.

"Hey, watch it!'' Spike cried angrily looking at Twilight.

Twilight turned, her frustrated face quickly became one of remorse. "Oh, sorry Spike. I'm just so fed up right now.''

Spike crossed his arms as he rolled his eyes, ''Yeah, I bet.''

Twilight frowned irritably at the dragon before turning her attention to the piles of books in front of her. In fact, there were a cluster of open books around her, all over the room to be exactly. It's been two days since her and the others' meeting involving the purple gem and not only has Twilight not received word back from Celestia, she couldn't find anything on magical gems with the power to travel back in time.

"I just don't understand it!'' Twilight spoke, frustrated. "I've looked through half the books in this entire library and not a single one of them has anything about time traveling gems. It's maddening!''

Twilight's horn gave off a billowing magenta aura as she levitated a book and place it on the podium to prepare to read. Spike saw her frustration and softened his expression as he walked towards her. "You've been at these books nonstop for two days now Twi. Maybe you should take a break. I've made fresh cookies!'' Spike said, smiling brightly at his last words in hopes to cheer Twilight up.

Twilight turned to her assistant and gave him a small, but grateful smile. "Thanks Spike, but I really need to find at least something about this gem. If it's somehow connected to the Changeling Queen, the fate of Equestria could be at stake.''

"Well couldn't you just asked your mom about it? I mean, she did give it to you,'' Spike suggested, shrugging.

Twilight pondered this thought before answering, ''I suppose so. But she would've told me about its powers when she gave it to me, and she definitely didn't mention them when telling me stories about it.''

Spike walked beside her and gave her a worried look. "Well you've already went through half the books in this entire library. What are you going to do if you don't find anything?''

Twilight sighed somberly, ''I...I don't know Spike.'' Twilight looked down, fear, worry, and dread consuming her. "I just wish Princess Celestia would reply. I...I wish she was here.''

Spike frowned sadly and put a reassuring arm around Twilight. Twilight gazed at the dragon wearily and returned his embrace as they sat among the litter of opened, scattered books that failed to offer the information Twilight was seeking.

Today, Pinkie Pie invited Quentin to Sugarcube Corner to help with an order that was due later on that day. As usual Mr. and Mrs. Cake would alternate between minding the storefront and watching over their twins. Quentin was able to see them during his stay in Equestria and he's never seen a pair of the cuties babies ever. True that they had a mischievous side to them, but was a joy to keep watch over.

"How's those cupcakes coming along Quentin?'' Pinkie called as she mixed cake batter.

"Looking good Pinkie, as always,'' Quentin replied, taking out a pan of finished, delicious cupcakes, their sweet aroma making the stallion's mouth water.

Pinkie went over to him and grinned before speaking in her signature cherry tone. "Oh, those DOES look good! And they smell good too!''

Quentin chuckled, ''Nothing less from the best bakery around.''

Quentin then proceeded to spread chocolate frosting on the cupcakes. "You must really love working here if you think this is the best bakery around huh?'' Pinkie asked as she poured the cake mix in a cake pan to be ready to put in the oven.

Quentin nodded with a smile, ''Yeah, helping out here every now and then definitely has been an interesting experience.''

Pinkie Pie laughed, surprising the earth pony by coming out of nowhere behind him and embracing him rather tightly, ''Well what did you expect Quentin? You think this place would be dull and boring? Uh uh not on my watch!''

Quentin rolled his eyes, as she continued hugging him tightly but he smirked and embraced her with a one foreleg embrace.

"And you especially been interesting to work with Pinkie. You are totally one of a kind.'' Pinkie giggled.

As the friends embraced, Quentin noticed a scent that he had failed to notice before. Pinkie's coat seemed to have a sweet smell, like baked treats. Quentin instantly deduced that this could probably be due to the amount of time she spends here, or could it possibly be her natural body scent? Either way, Quentin inhaled and sighed softly, the aroma making the hug even more enjoyable and relaxing.

By twelve, Pinkie Pie and Quentin had finally finished making three dozen cupcakes, two dozen chocolate chip cookies, and five cakes that was heading out later that day.

"Whew! Now that's some good baking right there!'' Quentin breathed out, leaning against a counter.

Pinkie nodded with a grin, ''Yepity yep yep! I wouldn't be surprised if the front counter was overflowing with sweets! Thanks for your help today Quentin. Do you wanna join me on my lunch break?''

Quentin nodded, ''Yeah, verily. As much fun as baking is, it can really take it out of you and besides…'' Quentin then smiled warmly at the pink pony. "I'll never mind spending time with one of my closest friends.''

Pinkie giggled, "Aw you're as sweet as triple, decker, strawberry cake with whipped cream and a cherry on top.''

Quentin pondered such a dessert but quickly brushed it off and smiled meekly, averting his eyes before suggesting. "How about the cafe?''

"That'd be great! You go on ahead and I'll tell Mr. and Mrs. Cake we're leaving,'' Pinkie Pie responded.

Quentin nodded and headed out the back door and into town. He walked among the pony residence and it wasn't long before Pinkie Pie had caught up to him. The two talked casually as they made their way to the cafe and before long, they had arrived. There were quite a few outside tables occupied more than usual for the little cafe.

"Eeny, meeny, miny moe catch a pony by the nose, if they squeal let them go, eeny, meeny, miny...THAT ONE!'' Pinkie chimed, pointing to an empty table at the far end of the cafe.

Quentin followed his optimistic friend to the table and sat down on the hay present. "Wow, this is a pretty big table,'' the earth pony stallion said, examining the table." It could probably seat all our friends.''

"You're right! I wish they were here thought. Oh, you think I should go get them?!'' Pinkie asked excitedly.

Quentin opened his mouth to answer when a tomboyish, fun loving voice called out, ''Pinkie! Quentin!''

Quentin and Pinkie Pie turned their gazes to the sky to see Rainbow Dash zooming down and landed in front of them. "Hey guys, what's happening?!'' Rainbow Dash greeted with her trademark grin.

Quentin smiled and spoke, ''Hey Rainbow! We were just about to have some lunch.''

"Awesome! You two mind if I join you?'' Rainbow Dash asked.

Pinkie smiled brightly, "Are you kidding?! We would absolutely, positively, LOVE it if you ate with us!''

Quentin nodded, patting a patch of hay next to him. "Totally, pull up some hay and join us RD.'' He flashed her a wink.

Rainbow Dash giggled at her friend's nickname for her, averting her eyes briefly before coming over and sat near Quentin. Rainbow Dash then gave him a hug, something the stallion was not expecting from her, but regardless he thought nothing of it and returned it. It wasn't long before our waiter came to their table.

"Welcome, what can I get for you to drink?'' he asked in a strong accent reminiscent of French.

"I'll have the sarsaparilla,'' Rainbow answered.

"Hot chocolate for me!'' Pinkie grinned.

"And can I get sweet tea please?'' Quentin said.

The waiter nodded and left to get their drinks. Quentin, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie opened our menus and skimmed over them. "So Rainbow, what are you into today weather patrol?'' Quentin asked his rainbow maned friend while looking at her from the corner of his eye.

Rainbow Dash closed her menu, apparently knowing what she'll order and shook her head. "Nope, have a day off today. Honestly…'' Rainbow then became somewhat bashful, prompting Quentin to tilt his head.

What was wrong with this girl? A bold, daring daredevil like Rainbow Dash would act so strange and uncertain around him for these passed couple weeks. Rainbow glanced at Quentin a gentle smile as she continued.

''Honestly...I was thinking about you before I came here. Ya know thinking we could hang out today.''

Quentin was a bit surprised by this revelation. "Wow, I didn't know I was worth thinking about when there was nothing to do?'' he finally said, gazing down at his menu a bit timidly.

"Are you kidding?! Who wouldn't want to think about you?! You've been a really great friend! You've saved Ponyville from a rampaging chimera, AND made friends with a lot of ponies in town. Plus you make the best cupcakes!'' Pinkie praised.

Rainbow Dash nodded, smiling at Quentin, ''Yeah, totally Pinkie. Plus you're just awesome to be around with!''

Quentin shook his head, still gazing down shyly, ''You girls really do praise me too much. I'm really not that great as you claim.''

Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie looked at each other blankly and back at him. Rainbow chuckled, patting the human on the back, ''And you're pretty humble too. I guess that's just a part of who you are, but I like that.''

Quentin gave his cyan friend a thankful smile. Their waiter came back with the drinks, skillfully balancing them on a try on his head. After giving our drinks, he proceeded to take the three's orders. Rainbow Dash ordered a tomato soup with hay fries, Pinkie ordered a slice of cheery pie, and Quentin ordered vegetable soup with a side of grilled carrots and barbeque sauce.

The three ponies engaged in friendly conversation while waiting for their food and before they knew it, the waiter came back with their orders. After setting them down, he bowed and left the three customers to their meals.

"Alright, that's what I'm talking about!'' Rainbow Dash said, rubbing her hooves together and licking her lips.

Quentin's mouth also watered as he looked at his soup. He could see carrots, corn, peas, potatoes, and celery all mixed in a hot brownish broth with the grilled carrots on a separate plate next to it. "What are we waiting for, let's dig in!'' Pinkie chimed.

As Quentin, Rainbow, and Pinkie ate their meals, they engaged in friendly conversation. In fact, they hardly paid much attention to their food. The three were just having a great time being in each other's company. Rainbow had offered her hay fries to Quentin and though he was hesitant to try on at first, he eventually picked one up and crunched down on it. He was surprised by how good it actually was. The outside was crispy while the inside was rather soft. It was true by what they say, anything deep fried does taste good. At one point Quentin felt Rainbow Dash lean on him gently. He looked at her out the corner of his eye with a confused look. He turned his gaze quickly to Pinkie Pie, but was glad to see her too busy with her meal to notice Rainbow's act.

"Um Rainbow, are you feeling alright?'' Quentin asked, seeing his friend's unusual behavior out of character for her.

Rainbow Dash quickly moved away from him with a nervous expression as her eyes looking around quickly, ''Yeah Q I'm fine. I guess I was getting a bit too relax, my bad!''

Rainbow Dash gave Quentin a nervous smile, but he just eyed her suspiciously. He could tell she was hiding something. "Right, is that all?''

Rainbow Dash nodded, ''Yeah, just got too relaxed. It is a rather warm day today and I'm getting stuffed with this food.''

Quentin continued to stare at her. True the weather was nice and warm and one would definitely feel to a nap after having their belly filled.

"Alright Rainbow, I'll give you this one'' Quentin finally said, still giving her a skeptical look.

Rainbow Dash just nodded and they went back to their meals. Out the corner of his eye, Quentin saw Rainbow Dash sipping her soup with a rather dishearten look. What was going on with this girl? For weeks now she displayed odd behavior, usually just around him. Quentin decided not to pry on the matter and continued with his lunch. The three finally finished their lunches, paid their bills and left the cafe together.

"Man now that was some good stuff!'' Rainbow Dash said happily, patting her belly. She then let out a rather loud belch and Quentin smirked at the mare. Upon seeing his face, Rainbow Dash raised her hooves in front of her.

"Hey what can I say Q? That was some really good eating!'' Rainbow Dash said in her defense.

Quentin chuckled, shaking his head. The last time she burped like that, the two ended up in a burping contest with one another. Quentin was tempted again, but decided against it this time. Pinkie spoke while she happily bounced.

"I still have a plenty of time before I need to head back to the bakery. Wanna do something until then?''

Quentin smiled and nodded "Sure thing Pinkie.'' He turned to Rainbow Dash, ''You want to chill with us for a bit Rainbow?''

"You know it Q!'' Rainbow Dash replied with a grin.

Quentin, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie walked through town, talking casually amongst ourselves. "Well girls, what should we do to kill time?'' Quentin asked casually, cracking his neck.

Pinkie Pie thought, tapping a hoof to her chin, ''Hmm let's see...oh!''

Right then Pinkie's tail started to vibrate rapidly. Quentin noticed this and spoke with a weird look. "Um Pinkie, what's up with your tail?''

Pinkie gasped and exclaimed, ''Oh no, my tail! My tail!''

Quentin jumped a bit from the surprised outburst as she leaned forward, her rump in the air as her puffy tail continued twitching. "Twitchy twitch! Twitchy twitch!''

The alarmed stallion looked at Pinkie s if she lost her mind. Quentin opened his mouth to speak but Rainbow Dash cut him off. He turned to his Pegasus friend and was surprised with what he saw. Rainbow Dash actually had a freaked out expression on her face, as if she was scared about something.

''Oh man...TAKE COVER!'' Rainbow Dash then flew quickly to a nearby fruit stand ad took shelter under it, shaking controllably while her rose colored eyes looked around rapidly with fear and caution.

"What in the hell is wrong with you ponies?!'' Quentin exclaimed.

"Quentin quick, get somewhere safe!'' Pinkie called as she ran to a barrel and hopped inside. She poked her head out and called with a scared look. ''Quentin quick! Something is about to fall!''

Now Quentin was really confused. Something was about to fall? "Pinkie Pie, what are you talking ab-WHA?!'' Quentin began before he was abruptly cut off.

Quentin was suddenly bulldozed by a herd of ponies, running to some unknown destination while chatting excitedly. There was a dust cloud as the ponies ran and Quentin was thrown upward into the air. As quickly the ponies came, they left just as swiftly, the dust cloud ceasing rather quickly. The earth pony screamed as he did a couple flips in the air before painfully falling back down onto the ground. Quentin's body was raised over his head, his legs askew as his eyes rolled in his head as Quentin was in a daze, he also thought he even heard birds chirping with his tongue hanging out the side of his mouth.

"Oh crap, Quentin!'' Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she flew from her hiding place and to the dizzy stallion.

"Quentin! Q are you ok?!'' Rainbow Dash asked with a very worrisome look.

Quentin's body fell to the ground and he shook his head to snap out of his daze as he grumbled irritably.

"How would you feel if you just got flung in the air by a pack of ponies?''

Pinkie hopped merrily to the two and chimed, ''Wow, who knew that it'd be Quentin that would've fell from the sky!''

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes and gave her unamused looked as Quentin grumbled under his breath. "Yeah it's a damn miracle.''

Quentin slowly got up, annoyed by Pinkie's cherry mood towards his misfortune. "What the hell was that all about?''

"It was Pinkie Pie's Pinkie Sense,'' Rainbow Dash answered.

Quentin did a double take at his rainbow maned friend. "Pinkie what now?!''

"My Pinkie Sense!'' Pinkie answered with a smile.

Quentin couldn't believe what he was hearing. Pinkie Sense were they kidding? What was she, a pony version of Spider Man but without the spider powers? The human turned stallion could only laugh out in disbelief at the explanation.

"You're kidding me right?'' Quentin asked with a laugh.

When Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie just gave blank, serious looks, Quentin stopped laughing and retorted, ''Oh c'mon! Pinkie Sense are you serious?!''

Rainbow Dash nodded and she answered, ''Dead serious Q. Everypony in Ponyville knows that when Pinkie's Pinkie Sense acts up, you better get your ass to cover!''

Quentin looked at his brazen friend skeptically before shifting his attention to his pink friend.

"It's true! Twitchy Tail always means something is going to fall from the sky. And this time, that something was you!''

Quentin rolled his eyes, still not believing what he was hearing. "What you can see into the future or something?''

Pinkie Pie shrugged, ''Yeah something like that.''

Quentin shook his head, now he's seen and heard some crazy things while in Equestria, but this one takes the cake. "Please, what happened was just coincidence, an unfortunate coincidence,'' he grumbled at his last words." But the chances of something like that happening again is like one to a milli-what the hell?!''

Quentin was interrupted by Pinkie's shriek as her tail started to twitch again. "Oh no, twitchy tail...something else is going to fall from the sky! TAKE COVER!''

Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie screamed as they took off to the nearest safe place for cover, which just happened to be under a giant mushroom table.

"For the love of god,'' Quentin groaned under his breath, becoming more cantankerous.

"Quentin are you deaf or something?! Get down!'' Rainbow Dash called from hers and Pinkie's shelter.

Quentin sighed deeply, having enough of this. "Guys for the last time. Nothing's gonna happen. I don't believe in this so called 'Pinkie Sense'. So I'm not going to run around like a bunch of jack-'' CLONK!

Suddenly something hard had fell down on his head and everything went black. Quentin didn't know how long he's been out, but the disoriented voices of his friends calling his name slowly got Quentin to regain consciousness.

"What...what happen?'' Quentin asked groggily, slowly getting up.

He felt a rather searing pain on his head and Quentin rubbed his aching spot and wince in pain as sure enough, he felt a bump form where he had been struck. Quentin gazed around and saw Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie looking at him with deep concern. "Q are you ok?'' Rainbow Dash asked, her face filled with worry.

Quentin rubbed his head, winced, and gritted his teeth. ''That was not fun. What the hell was that?''

Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie chuckled sheepishly. "You remember what I said that something else was going to fall from the sky?'' Pinkie asked with a nervous grin. "It turned out that something was...''

"Tank,'' Rainbow Dash finished.

Quentin shot his eyes open and whipped his head at Rainbow. "A tank fell on my head?!'' the earth pony exclaimed.

Rainbow Dash shook her head, ''Not A tank...Tank.'' Rainbow Dash pointed down beside her and Quentin saw a tortoise standing beside her foreleg.

Quentin blinked blankly a few times in confusion as he looked at the reptile. He was a bit surprised as it had a noticeable sad expression on his face as well as a pair of aviation goggles on his head. Quentin also notice a helicopter rotor strapped onto his shell being held by a magically glowing mid piece. H gazed at the tortoise before looking back up at Rainbow Dash.

''So a turtle fell out of the sky and on my head?''

"Tortoise!'' Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie corrected him in unison.

Quentin rolled his eyes at the correction, still feeling rather annoyed by what happened. Rainbow Dash continued, scratching the back of her head awkwardly, ''Anyway, this is Tank my pet.''

Quentin widened his eyes at this revelation. Her pet? Rainbow Dash possibly the fastest flyer in the world, the daring speed demon has a slow tortoise for a pet? "You're pet...seriously?'' the stunned stallion asked in disbelief.

Rainbow Dash chuckled before patting Tank on the shell, ''Yeah I know, but there's a little history between us, so Tank here's my boy.''

"Yeah, it started out with Rainbow wanting a pet, so she went to Fluttershy's house and there was a competition and a big race and HMMM!'' Pinkie suddenly started to explain really fast, but Rainbow Dash covered up her mouth with an annoyed look.

"Long story short, Tank is the best pet I could asked for.''

Pinkie nodded happily, her mouth still covered by Rainbow's hoof. Quentin smiled slowly at the brief story. Who'd thought an adrenaline freak like Rainbow Dash would actually accept a slow moving tortoise for a pet. Rainbow Dash added sheepishly.

''I guess Tank was flying through the air when his propeller stopped. Say you're sorry Tank.''

Tank just looked at Quentin with sad, beady eyes. Quentin chuckled, gently patting his head. ''It's ok little fella. I was glad to help soften your fall.''

Tank responded with a slow smile and Quentin laughed. ''He even smiles slow!''

Quentin, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie all shared a laugh. After a few moments, Tanks propeller spun around and he took to the air and flew off. "Hey Quentin, are you sure you're alright?'' Rainbow Dash asked, sincerely apologetic.

Quentin nodded, ''Yeah I'm good Rainbow. Just don't want to experience that again.''

Rainbow Dash chuckled, ''I know, you just want to get clocked by Tank once in your life.''

Suddenly out of nowhere, another horde of ponied came running by and around the three and were gone towards the northeast part of town. "Hey what's going on?!'' Pinkie Pie asked.

"Yeah, where the heck is everypony going?!'' Rainbow Dash asked loudly.

Quentin shrugged, ''It looked like they were going in the direction of Twilight's place. Let's go check it out.''

His friends nodded and they took off after the crowd. The three been running for countless minutes and when they saw the library come into view, it was not where the ponies were going as they ran past it and headed east. Quentin and his friends followed until finally, they saw a crowd of ponies surrounding the train station.

"What the buck is this?!'' Rainbow Dahs asked, frowning a bit

"Maybe the mayor is about to make an announcement?'' Quentin suggested

Rainbow Dash flew up high, looked towards the station and flew back down, ''Nah, I don't even see the mayor up there.''

Pinkie said excitedly, ''Is it a party?! If so why in the hay was I not told about it? I mean I AM the best party planner in Ponyville!''

Rainbow Dash and Quentin rolled their eyes as the latter spoke, ''Anyhow, let's see if we can get a closer look.''

Rainbow Dash flew towards the front while Pinkie Pie and Quentin excused their way through the crowed and finally to the front where they saw Applejack, Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Spike among the front with Rainbow Dash joining them.

"Hey girls, you're here too?'' Quentin asked, surprised to find them here.

They looked at him and smiled, ''Howdy there Quentin. Yup, I was at the market sellin some apples when all of a sudden everypony was gallopin around here so I decided to see what's goin on.''

Quentin nodded in understanding as he spoke, ''Well does anyone knows what exactly is going on?''

He heard constant excited chatter from the surrounding ponies. Twilight shook her head, ''I haven't the faintest idea. We just got here ourselves.''

"Oh, I wander if somepony important is coming to Ponyville?'' Fluttershy suggested in her usual quiet tone.

"If so then they must be important if it's causing such commotion,'' Rarity said as she flicked her mane.

Spike gasped before nudging Twilight, ''Hey Twi, maybe Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are coming back!''

Twilight thought about the possibility. ''Maybe, but wouldn't the Princess have sent me a letter in advance? Besides, she never arrived by train before.''

Rainbow Dash then frowned uncaringly, her forelegs crossed, "Whoever it is probably isn't that great. IF anypony is coming that is.''

Suddenly the group heard a loud whistle calling from an incoming train. The excited chatter of the crowd of ponies intensified as the train drew closer and closer. Finally, the train screeched as it came to a complete stop at the station with a final hiss of steam and a last whistle. All present stared in awed at the locomotive. Immediately, Quentin saw that it was greatly different than the usual train the come and goes here. This train was far from feminine looking. The train had the appearance of a hall class steam locomotive whose main colors were deep red and black with the cars red and the black. The train carried few cars, only five actually. A rather long, windowless car had stopped in front of the crowd of awing ponies.

Upon the face of the car was a rather colorful design of an outline of a unicorn of some kind with his hooves outstretched. Underneath were a vast colors of swirls, fireworks, sparkles, and flames. The ponies murmured among themselves, observing the mysterious train.

"Whoa!'' Rainbow Dash and Spike awed in unison.

Applejack whistled, ''Will ya look at that. I've never seen a train fancy as this one!''

Quentin nodded with agreement, ''You and me both AJ. But what's if for, and why is it here?''

"I don't know, but it's definitely not something Princess Celestia would arrive in,'' Twilight answered, eyeing the train with great curiosity.

"My word, whoever arrives in such a dazzling locomotive like this must have standards that magnfique no?'' Rarity said with a French accent in her last words while her azure eyes sparkled at the impressive train.

"Oh my, I-I wander if there's anyony in there? It sure is taking a while for somepony to come out,'' Fluttershy said softly, but still with a hint of surprise.

Pinkie Pie grinned brightly, ''Well let's just knock and find out silly!''

Before Pinkie could even make one step to the car, a yellow light glowed down the middle of the car and disappeared. Moments later, the doors open as a red, sparkling mist flowed out. There were oohs and awes in the crowd as the doors fully opened and the mist flowed from the car and onto the ground. Suddenly to everyone's surprise, the mist started to rise up into a pillar and fly around and through the crowd, as if it had a mind of its own. There were gasps and brief screams of shock as the mist flew mindlessly around.

"Is that smoke possessed or something?!'" Quentin exclaimed, waving away some of the mist.

Finally the plum of red mist rose up into the air and froze for a moment or two before falling back down into the crowd. The ponies quickly spread apart to evade the mist, forming a spacious circle in the middle of the crowd. When the mist collided with the ground it quickly spread out, then formed a tornado that spun rapidly before starting to shrink until it materialized into a pony. Everyone looked at the mysterious pony, while whispering. The pony seemed to be covered in a red covering of some sort, a cape maybe. After a few more moments of the strange pony's covered position, the pony suddenly flew a forearm that held the covering around and struck a rather dramatic pose.

There were gasped as all the ponies finally saw the pony in full view. The pony, a unicorn had a real unique appearance. He had a yellow coat with orange eyes. Unlike most ponies one would see, he was wearing clothing. He had a white dress shirt with a crimson red vest over it. Over the vest was a matching crimson red tuxedo jacket with rather long twin tails and the collar was of black fur. The jacket's wrists were black with gold lining as the sleeves of his dress shirt puffed from his wrists to give a slight visible view. Over his left shoulder was a long, very elegant crimson red cape with elegant black designs and gold lining. His cutie mark seemed to depict a black top hat with a black wand with a white tip tapping the rim with four stars shooting out, two red stars and two yellow stars as well as two white, crescent moons. His mane was jet black, flowing and greased back with a ponytail that hung over his left shoulder as a lock of his mane hung over his face. He had sideburns that came down and curved to a point as well as a mustache connected to a goatee that came out to a point. Around his forehead just beneath his yellow horn was a ruby chain with a shimmering yellow, smooth, oval jewel of sorts hanging from the center. All these features gave him the appearance of a mysterious, magician or showman.

Quentin, his friends, and everypony in the crowd all stared at the unicorn, mouths agape as he wore a proud, yet somewhat smug look on his face. Finally, the unicorn spoke.

''Amazed, are you not?''

He spoke with a light, smooth Italian like accent that made more than a few mares in the audience coo and weak in the knees, like he was some kind of womanizer "Oh my,'' Rarity sighed, placing a foreleg over her head like she was about to faint, a dreamy look in her eyes.

Spike noticed this and frowned jealously at the unicorn with his arms crossed.

The unicorn chuckled as he did a short bow, ''I don't blame you, for all is left speechless after my spectacular display.

Immediately ponies murmured about the unicorn's entrance. Rainbow Dash frowned unimpressed and flew next to Applejack and whispered, ''Wasn't really that amazing, he just came from mist.''

Twilight heard her and shushed her, wanting to hear more from this visitor. The unicorn stood straight up, took a foreleg and brought it across his chest and over his right shoulder, his cape draping as he looked rather discontent around.

"Not my first choice to stop for a rest, but it'll have to do,'' he muttered.

A blue earth pony filly stepped forth and asked, ''Excuse me mister, but who are you?''

The unicorn looked down at the filly, and grinned smugly. "Young filly, I am not a 'mister', for I am far above such a title!''

This response prompted a slight frown from Applejack, ''A bit full of himself don't ya think?''

The visitor continued, ''I must admit I'm a bit surprised that you haven't heard about me. For I am the most powerful unicorn the world has ever known!''

Ponies gasped at the claim. Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Twilight, and Spike frowned skeptically while Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie looked mildly surprised. Quentin didn't know what to think, but the visitor had peaked his interest. Twilight spoke, somewhat sternly.

''Wow, that's a pretty bold claim you've made. Exactly, who are you?''

The unicorn gazed at Twilight for a moment and laughed. "My dear...I am he that can turn a sea of water into a sea of butterflies.''

His horn engulfed in a billowing goldenrod aura as the jewel glowed but blended with the sunlight. Suddenly there was a plume red smoke of sparkles as another of the unicorn appeared between Applejack and Rainbow Dash, surprising them.

"I am he that can walk through lava and consume it in a matter of minutes.'' Another plume of smoke erupted next to an earth pony and unicorn in the crowd as another copy appeared.

''I am he that can make the stars in the sky and control the sun and the moon themselves.''

There were oohs and awes as Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Spike frowned deeper. There was another plume of red smoke as another copy of the unicorn appeared beside a flustered Rarity.

''I am he that can defy nature and with a single though, create new life from the old, or even from nothing.''

He used his magic to levitate a nearby pebble and red and yellow magical streams spun around it and in a flash of said colored light, it was changed to a glowing, beautiful red rose. He levitated it and put in in Rarity's mane next to her ear, flashing her a charming wink. Rarity blush as she giggled averting her eyes. The real unicorn in the middle spoke, gazing around the crowd of ponies,

''You ask me who I am?''

At those words, his three copies burst into plumes of red sparkling mist and few around the air a high speeds. The unicorn, flashing a dramatic pose, answered loudly. ''I am the mystical, magical, and devilishly handsome...FIYORAE...THE UNICORN SUPREME!'

At those words, the three plumes of smoke collided into each other and bust into an assortment of colorful fireworks as an image of the outline of the unicorn similar to the one on the train car appeared in gold outline as red colors appeared underneath spelling out 'F-I-Y-O-R-A-E'.

Immediately the air was filled with the impressed murmurs, oohs and awes of the ponies. Quentin gazed up, mesmerized by the firework display. Rarity and Pinkie Pie looked simply amazed. However, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Spike weren't impressed in the slightest. In fact, they seemed more irritated and angry to say the least. The fireworks finally ceased and Fiyorae whipped his cape around him, giving all a confident smirk.

"Yes, be dazzled by my greatness. I travel all over Equestria to amaze ponies of my powers.''

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes before calling out, ''Yeah right! You call that great? So you made a few fireworks show, big deal!''

Fiyorae frowned uncaringly at Rainbow Dash before speaking, ''Ye of little faith. But what to expect from a lowly pony as yourself.''

This remarked caught all of us by surprise. Rainbow Dash gawked for a brief moment before glaring at him, her anger bubbling. "What did you say?!''

Rainbow Dash was ready to fight, and Quentin couldn't blame her. He frowned at Fiyorae, disgusted that he just insulted one of his friends, but decided to not to speak. Fiyorae just closed his eyes and whipped his head upward, not remotely apologetic by what he said.

"I said you are nothing but a lowly pony. One that isn't worth my time even addressing you.''

Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth and scowled, ''Why you stuck up-'' before she could jet to him, Applejack stopped her by grabbing her tail with her teeth. Rainbow Dash glared at her, ''Get the buck off my tail Applejack! This guy has it coming!''

Applejack released her and answered, ''Calm down Rainbow. There's no need ta get yurself in any trouble. Beside, we don't know much about this self-righteous varmint, he could be dangerous.''

Before Rainbow Dash could retort, Applejack frowned at Fiyorae, ''An you!''

Fiyorae gazed lazily at her. ''Jus because ya can do fancy magic tricks doesn't mean ya can look down on other pony folk!''

Fiyorae just eyed Applejack uninterestingly before turning his nose up, ''Magic tricks? Don't insult me by comparing my powers to such meager level?''

By now Quentin and his friends were giving him either angry, annoyed, or skeptical looks. Even Rarity, who was swooning him was glaring at him for his boastful, belittling attitude.

"But still, even if you're talented as you say you are, that doesn't give you the right to insult others, ''Twilight spoke boldly.

Fiyorae raised an eyebrow at the unicorn before walking casually towards her. At a few inches, he stopped examining her closely. The others watched intently wondering what he was doing. Finally, the vain unicorn spoke, ''My dear, I am just stating the obvious truth. After all, one great as myself cannot be categorized to...common ponies.''

Quentin's friends frowned deeper at his comment. Some ponies in the crowd went from awe to disapproval, murmuring with displeased sounds. Fluttershy had more of a 'what is he talking about?' expression. At this point, Quentin was gritting his teeth and frowning angrily at Fiyorae. Who was he to belittle and demean those who's not as talented as him, if his talents were really as great as he claimed. Rainbow Dash let out a snort before speaking to her seven friends.

''Man, this guy's worse than Trixie!''

Applejack retorted, ''An' that's sayin much. That last thing we want is ta have another loud mouth, braggin showoff flauntin his abilities!''

The rest agreed. Quentin didn't know who this Trixie was, but right now he really didn't care. Two unicorn, school ages ponies, a golden colored, blue maned, lanky unicorn known as Snails and a short, chubby, grayish opal colored, brown maned bucktoothed pony known as Snips stepped forward.

"Wow! Can you really walk through lava?!'' Snips asked eagerly.

Fiyorae looked at him with a smug grin. "Walk through it, walk on it, why I can even consume it like its water.''

Rainbow Dash and Applejack rolled their eyes, but Snips, Snails, and some ponies in the crowd looked in amazement. Spike snorted, ''Yeah right so he says. Just because he said it doesn't mean it's true.''

Fiyorae seemed to have heard this, his left ear twitched. He smirked darkly and muttered, ''A nonbeliever are we?''

Fiyorae then turned around to face us. "But you've already seen a demonstration of my powers.''

Twilight retorted, ''What, a little firework display? Not really impressive. Though I have to admit your duplication spell was rather high level considering you did it with little effort, but hardly spectacular. And you're title 'Unicorn Supreme' is way too much. Only two unicorns in history were so powerful to have earned that title and they died centuries ago!''

The rest of her friends agreed. Fiyorae frown at the intelligent unicorn coldly. "Well, you seem like a rather intelligent and knowledgeable young mare. Do you have some expertise in the mystic arts?''

"Maybe. What…what if I am?'' Twilight answered, averting her eyes slightly. She was not one to brag about her magical talents, even preferred not to say much about them.

"That's right! Twilight here has better skills and magic then you'll ever have!'' Spike spoke boldly, causing Twilight to blush slightly.

Fiyorae chuckled, ''Well, well your little lizard friend seems to have much praise for you,'' Fiyorae began, rubbing Spike on the head causing him to growl and glare at him. "Perhaps you can back it up with shall we say...a duel?''

At those words there was a gasp in the audience. Quentin widened his eyes at the thought of a magical duel. "So unicorns can battle each other with magic?'' he thought, but not really surprised. The other worldly visitor suspected such competitions tend to exist in this seemingly complete paradise known as Equestria.

Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Spike glared at Fiyorae. Pinkie had a somewhat disapproving look while Fluttershy seemed worried. Twilight stared at him with a frown.

''I'm not going to duel you Fiyorae. There's no need to!''

"That's right!'' Rarity spoke up, giving the boastful unicorn an angered glare. "Twilight has no reason to engage in such brutish contest with the likes of you!''

Fiyorae looked at Rarity with a somewhat disappointed look. "But my beautiful lady, a moment ago you were melted by my extravagance. I even made and given you a beautiful rose to add to your radiance.''

At this, Rarity's horn gave a billowing light blue aura which engulf the rose as it levitated in the air. She then threw the rose on the ground and stomped on it, crushing it. There was a brief gasped as Fiyorae looked rather dumbly at his creation which was now a crushed plant that lost its magical red glow. Rarity glared at him.

''You sir are a pompous, disrespectful, vain scoundrel and I wouldn't accept any gift from the likes of somepony that would bluntly insult my dear friends. Besides, the magical rose could even compare to the slightest from a thoughtful gift from a true gentleman.''

Rarity glanced at her silver bracelet with the ruby on it around her left foreleg and she gazed at Quentin with a lovely smile. The stallion could only smile warmly how she treasured such a humble gift of his.

"Yeah you tell him Rarity!'' Rainbow Dash cheered while the rest nodded with approval.

"Hehe, I guess not everybody doesn't think you're all that after all huh,'' Spike sneered. He had an obvious crush on Rarity, so seen her turn down a guy like Fiyorae was more than a highlight of his day.

Fiyorae gawked with his mouth ajar before turning his nose up, ''Hmph, perhaps you're not as graceful as you appear. By such horrid choice of company.''

He shot Rarity's six, closets friends a disgusted look. They glared at him, but Quentin have had it. He didn't care about himself, but nobody disrespects the friends that helped him in his time of need.

"Hey! I've just about had it with your bullshit!''

His friends seemed rather surprised by Quentin's sudden outburst as Fiyorae looked at him a bit alarmed. "Boy, do you know who you're talking to?'' Fiyorae glared.

Quentin snarled, ''I frankly don't give a damn who you are, you have no right to disrespect my friends like that. Rainbow Dash is anything BUT lowly and Rarity is the definition of graceful, not like you would ever know!''

Rarity and Rainbow Dash gazed at their human friend speechless, their mouths hanging open slightly. Rainbow Dash then formed a small, grateful smile and hung her head a bit low as a faint blush came on her cheeks.

Rarity then blinked before speaking firmly, ''Quentin, a fine stallion like you have no need to get into a confrontation.''

Quentin gazed at her and frowned, ''I'm not one to get into fights, in fact I try to stay away from a brawl, but I can't just stand by and what him insult my friends. I won't!''

Rarity seemed surprised by his words and replied softly, ''Quentin I...I'm flattered you feel the need to defend my honor but-''

"But nothing Rarity. A generous princess like you should never be talked down too so bluntly like that,'' Quentin said, placing a hoof on her shoulder and giving her a warm smile.

The rest of their friends smiled at this. "Q...you're awesome,'' Rainbow Dash thought to herself. Rarity blushed and smiled fondly at Quentin.

Quentin then turned to Fiyorae and glared at him. "You're going to apologize to my friends...NOW!''

Fiyorae looked back at the brave earth pony with an uninterested look before laughing. "Apologize?! I'm not apologizing for speaking the truth!'

Quentin gritted his teeth. This guy was pissing him off by the second.

"That's it I've had enough of this!'' Applejack spoke up, fed up with Fiyorae's bad attitude. "Look, I don't care how 'great' ya claim ta be, but ya need a serious lesson on manners!''

"Yeah! This town is all about friendship and kindness. What you said was just mean!'' Pinkie Pie added with a rare, angry look.

Fiyorae didn't even look the slightest bit apologetic and he just turned his nose at them and looked at Twilight and smirked, ''Well I wouldn't blame you if you don't want to face me. I'd be scared too of my wonderful powers.''

Twilight growled, ''Look Fiyorae, I'm not scared of you OR your 'wonderful' powers. There's no reason for a duel!''

Fiyorae eyed the intelligent unicorn with a grimace. "You need a reason to duel me you say?''

He then gazed at her friends who were glaring at him with gritted teeth and finally at Quentin who was giving the same expression. Fiyorae smirked rather coldly before saying, ''Maybe this will give you reason enough!''

Instantly his horn gave off a billowing yellow aura and a yellow beam of magic energy erupted form his horn shooting straight at...Quentin Twilight gasped, looking at her with a shocked expression.

"Quentin no!''

Quentin didn't have time to react and was blasted square in the chest by the attack. He gave a brief yell as he was flown through the air and landed on a good couple feet away, the crowd gasping and moving out of the way of impact.

"Quentin!'' Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Twilight cried in unison.

Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Spike ran to him with extremely concerned looks. "Oh my, Quentin dear are you alright?!'' Rarity asked frantically as she and the rest gathered around him.

Quentin nodded, boiling with anger by what Fiyorae just did while his chest was blackened and singed, causing a burning, stinging feeling to him.

"Rarity I know you don't want me to get in fights, but this guy's really asking for it!''

You shouldn't Quentin. Besides, he has magic. Who knows what other spells he can do,'' Fluttershy said, looking at the injured Quentin with worrisome eyes and attempting to help him up.

Pinkie Pie yelled at the unicorn, ''That was uncalled for and mean! You don't deserved even a piece of cake let alone a party!''

Fiyorae gave an uncaring snort at Pinkie's remark. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Twilight stayed in their places, looking shocked until, Applejack turned and glared at Fiyorae, and snarled, ''Why ya no good son of a bitch!''

Applejack ran full speed at the smirking unicorn with Rainbow Dash right behind her. "Right behind ya AJ. This bastard's gonna pay for what he just did!'' Rainbow Dash shouted, her rose colored eyes burning with fury.

She was especially angered by Fiyorae's uncnessary assault. "Applejack, Rainbow Dash wait!'' Twilight called but it was too late.

Fiyorae chuckled mockingly and muttered, ''Poor, simple fools.''

His horn glowed a yellow aura as a ball of yellow light shot from it and towards the charging ponies. "Head's up Rainbow!'' Applejack called but it was too late.

The ball of light quickly expanded and knocked the earth pony and Pegasus backwards a little past Twilight and onto the ground gasps and brief screams erupting from the crowd.

"Ugh...oh man...what the buck?!'' Rainbow Dash groaned as she groggily sat up.

Applejack shook her head, dazed, ''Alright in hindsight...that really wasn't the best idea.''

"Applejack! Rainbow Dash! Are you alright?!'' Twilight called, concerned for her friends' wellbeing.

Rainbow Dash scowled, ''I will be when I kick this guy's sorry ass!'' But before Rainbow Dash could charge at him again, Fiyorae spoke holding up a hoof.

''Not so fast!''

"What?!'' Rainbow Dash retorted, stopping dead in her tracks.

"You needed a reason to face me in a duel...here it is,'' Fiyorae said with a dark grin.

His horn was covered with a billowing yellow aura as was Quentin as he was levitated in the air. "What the hell!'' Quentin yelled in surprise, flailing in the air.

His friends gasped and looked on in horror. Suddenly, the aura changed to a blue color and expanded into an orb drifting with glowing, yellow stars, trapping the stallion inside it while levitating in the air.

"What the...get me out of here!'' Quentin yelled, though from the outside, his voice sounded muffled.

"Quentin! Are ya ok?!'' Applejack yelled to her trapped friend.

Quentin could barely here her, her voice sounded muffled on his end too. He tried giving a strong equine head butt and a couple bucks to the orb, but Quentin did not even the slightest bit of damage. Whatever this thing was, it was designed to keep him from getting out.

"Oh no!'' Fluttershy whimpered, her hooves over her mouth.

"Don't worry Quentin! I'll have you out in a jiffy!'' Pinkie Pie exclaimed. Out of nowhere, she pulled one of her party cannons out and jumped inside. In seconds, the cannon fired Pinkie at the orb, but when she collided into it, she bounced back and hit the ground hard.

"Pinkie are you alright?'' Rarity asked.

Pinkie lifted her head, her eyes rolling around in their sockets, ''Rarity, can you tell me the story about the bunny?'' the silly pink pony asked in a daze.

Twilight turned and glared at Fiyorae, her ears dropping low. "Let him go Fiyorae,'' she snarled.

Fiyorae just laughed and replied, ''Oh I will...AFTER we've dueled.''

Twilight growled as Applejack shouted, ''Ya heard her ya two-faced galoot! Now let Quentin go or else we can't be held responsible fer what we'll do to ya!''

Rainbow Dash was seething, ready to flat out charge at the unicorn. Quentin did another round of unsuccessful bucks as Fiyorae spoke, ''My dear, I've-''

"Don't call me 'dear'! It's Twilight Sparkle to you!'' Twilight spat.

Fiyorae rolled his eyes and continued, ''Well Twilight Sparkle, I gave you a reason to duel me. If you win, which you won't, I'll let your friend go and when you lose...I'll come to that bridge when I get there.''

"How could you be this cruel?'' Fluttershy asked, a hint of anger in her soft voice.

Quentin stared at Fiyorae with gritted teeth and an angered look.

"Fiyorae...'' Twilight growled, her patience wearing thin with each passing second.

Fiyorae then gave what seemed to be a fake concerned look, ''You can refuse of course, but then I will have to keep your dear Quentin forever in that orb. I'm sure I can use him to dazzle my audiences across Equestria. Or better yet, maybe I could turn him into my own personal pet. What should he be? A dog? A mouse perhaps?"

That's it, enough was enough. "Twilight!'' Rainbow Dash called from behind.

Twilight turned to the Pegasus and she scowled, ''Kick his ass!''

Twilight blinked a few times, clearly wasn't expecting such aggressive response. She glanced at Applejack who had a strong frown and gritted teeth and she nodded. Twilight then turned her gaze at Quentin, he gave her a mix of angry and worried look, his hooves against the wall of the orb. Twilight looked sadly at the stallion for a brief moment before closing her eyes with a stern look before turning back to Fiyorae.

"Alright Fiyorae...let's duel!'' Twilight declared.

Instantly there were gasps from the crowd of ponies and Fiyorae smirked, ''Excellent.''

He then sharply spun around, his cape flowing in the brief wind as he walk a few feet back from Twilight, the ponies backing away as he came near. Hey faced Twilight with a venomous smirk.

''As agreed, win and I let Quentin go. Lose, and he'll be trapped as my personal valet forever.''

Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Spike gasped as they looked at Quentin sadly and with worry and he returned the gaze. Quentin was praying that Twilight would win this duel. Twilight continued to glare and grit her teeth at the manipulative unicorn. Twilight stood ready to duel, glaring intensely at Fiyorae would just gave a calm, vain smirk. It seemed like forever that the two unicorns stared each other down, Twilight was even beginning to sweat. Quentin his friends, and the pony crowd watched on, the suspense killing them all.

A drop of Twilight's sweat fell from the side of her face and when it dropped to the ground and Twilight let out a brief yell as her horn became engulfed by a billowing, magenta aura as six, basketball sized, purple glowing balls of energy appeared high above her and in the next moment fired towards Fiyorae. The balls flew quickly at the smug unicorn, but he remained where he was at, still smirking confidently. In fact, he wasn't even flinching. Finally, the balls hit their target and six, purple explosions erupted on the spot. Ponies nearby screamed as they ran out the way. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Spike all tensed up against the brief gust of wind caused by the explosions.

"Aw man, that was sick. There's no way Fiyorae could've evaded that!'' Rainbow Dash cheered.

Twilight gave a triumphant smirk. "Let's see how you like that. Wait...WHAT?!

The smoke cleared to reveal Fiyorae just standing there casually, that same, confident smirk on his face. He didn't have so much as a singe on his bod, his coat and clothes perfectly intact. There were surprised gasped from the crowd and Twilight's friends as well.

"Wha...What in thunderation?! I coulda sworn Twilight's spell hit em' dead on!'' Applejack exclaimed in shock.

"I know what gives?!'' Rainbow Dash added, hovering next to her with a dumbfounded look on her face.

Twilight gazed at Fiyorae with a bewildered and astonished look, ''But...but I didn't see you move a spell! How is it you're undamaged?!''

Fiyorae chuckled smugly, ''Twilight Sparkle, you seem like a studious unicorn. Surely you've came across phasing spells in your studies?''

Twilight widened her eyes in shock, ''Phasing spells? Yes, I did read something about phasing spells, in fact I'm still practicing them, but I still didn't see your horn glowing if you used that spell!''

Fiyorae flicked his ponytail as he bore a cocky grin at Twilight, ''Child, there are plenty things you don't know what I can do.''

Quentin looked on in the bubble, both shocked and worried about his unicorn friend. "Do you think Twilight will be alright guys?'' he asked no one in particular.

Spike looked at me with a confident grin, ''Are you kidding me?! This guy's got nothing on Twilight! Even Princess Celestia herself said she had never seen a unicorn with such raw power as Twilight!''

Rarity nodded with a firm frown, ''Quite, true Fiyorae shocked us all with his unscathed appearance, but Twilight is without a doubt the best unicorn in Ponyville in regards to magic.''

Quentin gazed back towards Twilight with a worried look, ''I hope you're right.''

Fiyorae let out a yawn before looking at Twilight lazily, ''Are you quite done with the baby magic?''

Twilight frowned as she lowered her head. ''I'll show you baby magic,'' she scowled and her horn glowed and a magenta colored beam of magic shot from her arm and towards Fiyorae.

Despite the incoming attack, Fiyorae let out another uninterested yawn before giving a bored look as the beam hit him square in the chest. Immediately the air around him became cold as ice started to form and covered him until he was frozen solid in a large, block of ice. Twilight shot the frozen pony a cocky smirk as the crowd murmured at Fiyorae's apparent defeat.

"How's that for baby magic. I'm sorry if it gave you such a...chill,'' Twilight said with a triumphant smile.

Her seven closest friends cheered for her victory. "Woohoo! Twilight did it! She did it! Did it!'' Pinkie Pie sang, bouncing up and down.

"So you think.'' A voice suddenly spoke out.

Immediately they all stopped cheering, frozen with blank expressions as we tried to find the source of the voice. A small, yellow, unicorn colt stepped forward with a dark smirk. Rainbow Dash frowned, ''And what's that's supposed to mean pipsqueak?!''

The colt laughed as his horn was enveloped in a golden rod aura as was he. Soon, red and yellow strips of light began to circle him until in a flash of light, Fiyorae appeared in his place. There was another wave of gasps as Twilight's jaw dropped.

''What in the name of Celestia is goin on here?!'' Applejack called out, clearly surprised by Fiyorae's appearance.

"But...But I just froze you. How did you escape?!'' Twilight stammered. She looked back at the solid block of ice and to her surprise and confusion, saw an exact image of the Fiyorae standing in front of her. She turned to the unicorn and growled after coming to a conclusion. ''Let me guess...''

"Correct, a simple duplication spell along with a transformation spell, you like?'' Fiyorae asked arrogantly.

Twilight responded with a growl as Fiyorae frowned, ''No? Well then, how about I counter with a spell of my own.''

Fiyorae's horn glowed golden rod as did the block of ice as the ice quickly began to melt. As it did, the duplicate Fiyorae disappeared leaving a large, puddle of water. Fiyorae whipped his head upward as the puddle of water flew in the air to the surprise of everyone watching. The large, glob of water separated into seven, balls of water before morphing themselves and solidifying into large, lean, pointed ice sickles aiming right at Twilight.

Twilight backed way, intimidated by the large spikes of ice. Quentin and the others all watched with horror, the safety of their friend now unquestionable. Fiyorae gave a smirk and a wink, immediately the aura covered ice sickles flew and charged at Twilight one at a time. Twilight let out a brief scream as she evaded an ice sickle, digging into the ground. She narrowly evaded the second, third, and fourth. Fiyorae laughed, enjoying Twilight's struggle.

"Dance Twilight, dance!''

He then used his magic to lunge the remaining three ice sickles at her simultaneously. "WhaaaWOAH!'' Twilight yelled.

"Twilight!'' her friends all yelled in unison.

Right when the ice sickled made impact, Twilight's horn was engulfed in an aura and in a flash of magenta light, she was gone, the ice sickles missing their target and embedding into the ground. The rest all let out a sigh of relief.

"Thank goodness she was able to evade,'' Rarity flustered out, a hoof on her chest.

Fiyorae frowned slightly, but rather uncaringly as he took a few steps forward. "Teleportation spell...simple but clever. Now, where did you go?'' Fiyorae muttered, his orange eyes scanning the area.

Suddenly there was a flash of magenta light as Twilight appeared behind him. "Here I am!'' Twilight called before her horn was enveloped by a billowing aura and she shot a blast of magenta colored magic.

Fiyorae quickly whipped around and his own horn was giving off an aura as he too shot a yellow colored blast of magic energy at Twilight's the two colliding and exploding briefly as yellow and pink embers floating softly down to the ground. Twilight's determined glared locked eyes with Fiyorae's mocking, smug eyes and suddenly, the two talented unicorns began to unleash blasts of magic energy against each other. The whole scene reminded Quentin of something from Harry Potter only instead of wands, they were channeling their magic through their horns.

Twilight would block his onslaught and fire back while Fiyorae would do the same. Yellow and magenta blasts and light flashed through the air as the two unicorns were locked in combat. The crowd seemed to be in awe by the duel, for beyond the stakes of the outcome, it was truly a spectacular sight. As Twilight dodged and grunted as he sent spells after spells against Fiyorae, the latter mainly stood his ground as he smirked confidently as he dueled the gifted unicorn mare.

At one point the two unicorns ceased their attacks briefly before shooting a beam of magic energy at one another, Twilight's magenta and Fiyorae's goldenrod and the two collided in the air midway. Twilight groaned and grunted beginning to sweat from the effort of pulling back his attack. Twilight pinched her eyes shut and peered out one of them and gazed at Fiyorae. To her shock and confusion, Fiyorae didn't look nearly as tired as her. In fact, he looked as if he wasn't giving any effort at all.

"What...ugh...what's with this guy? I'm dueling at my best, but it's like he's not even trying!'' Twilight muttered under the strain of the attack.

Quentin and his friends looked on in awe as their studious friend dueled. "Wow, I've never seen Twilight go at it like this before!'' Spike confessed, his eyes wide at the display.

Quentin gritted his teeth as he spoke softly, ''C'mon Twi...you can do it.''

After a few moments of the beams pulling each other backwards, Fiyorae grinned and whipped his head up, sending the two beams of energy upward into the sky, a brief flash appearing after they disappeared from sight.

"What's...going on?!'' Twilight panted, in between breathes.

"Well it's just you look so tired Twilight that I wanted to give you little hoof. You don't need to be so proud, just surrender and avoid the embarrassment,'' Fiyorae said, an eyebrow raised with arrogant smirk upon his face.

Twilight glared at him. Was he really so high and might and arrogant that he's trying to coax her to give up. She turned to our friends who gave her worried looks. She gazed up to Quentin in the orb and her face fell sadly. He looked back at her, his hooves against the walls of the orb looking distraught. After a few moments of locking eyes, Twilight turned to her opponent and frowned at him.

''Quentin is my friend. He's been nothing but good to us since he came to Ponyville and now he needs my help. There's no way I will EVER give up, especially not to a grandeur delusional unicorn like you!'' Twilight declared and she fired another, more large blast of magic at him.

Her friends cheered. "Whoowee! Ya'll get em Twilight!'' Applejack cheered.

Quentin gazed fondly at Twilight, touched by the words she spoke and her determination to free him. "Twilight...thanks,'' he said softly.

Fiyorae frowned, and his horn was engulfed in a billowing goldenrod aura. Instantly a yellow glowing, spiraling wormhole appeared in front of him. Twilight gasped as her attack fired into the wormhole and it closed into a small ball of light before vanishing.

"What...was...how did you...?'' Twilight stammered as if she'd never seen the likes of that spell.

Fiyorae grinned, ''Aw miss your spell? Don't worry, you can have it back.'' His horn glowed as another wormhole appeared behind Twilight.

She turned around and called, "What in the-AH!'' Twilight was hit by a blast of energy and was flown feet's towards the center of the crowd. The rest of her friends looked in horror as the crowd gasped along with a few screams.

"Oh my, Twilight!'' Fluttershy cried.

Twilight groaned as she slowly got up from the attack. Her coat was singed slightly and her mane had become moderately unkempt as the wormhole closed. A dread thought came to Twilight's mind as she struggled to stand. The wasn't Fiyorae's spell...it was her own. She was attacked and hit by her own spell.

"That spell...ugh...was that...'' Twilight began, wincing in slight pain.

Fiyorae gave a slight nod while grinning proudly, but arrogantly, ''Yes, an interdiminsional spell that sends whatever I wish, like your spell for instance through space and time and can reappear where ever I desire, a very high level spell. You've seen where I've sent it on the count of your struggling to stand.''

''Twilight growled as she stood straight up.

"But don't feel so bad Twilight, for if you had so much trouble recovering from your own attack, it truly must've been powerful. Who may I asked did you learn such spells?''

Twilight leered at Fiyorae as she answered proudly, ''My teacher and mentor... is Princess Celestia herself!''

Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Spike looked at each other with tough grins while Quentin balled his hoof so to say and gave a determined nod with a smirk. Fiyorae himself seemed to be slightly surprised, his mouth dropping a bit.

Twilight grinned, ''Surprised are you? Dueling a student of the co-ruler of Equestria?''

Fiyorae didn't respond right away. Surely the revelation of dueling a personal student of Princess Celestia, princess of the sun had even impressed the 'Unicorn Supreme' Fiyorae.'' I must admit, that is rather impressive,'' Fiyorae admitted.

Twilight gave a satisfied smirk as the vain unicorn continued.

"However, what's more impressive is how disappointing you've faired through this duel. Surely someone as powerful as Celestia would've taught you better. A foolish student from a foolish teacher I supposed.''

The seven friends and Quentin just stared at the boastful unicorn, shocked by what they had just heard. They all then glared at Fiyorae with gritted teeth. "That dirty...rotten...'' Rainbow Dash seethed.

Applejack growled under her breath, ''I've had it with this fink. Just HAD IT!''

Rarity shook her head with an outraged frown, ''Disrespecting our beloved princess so bluntly? Unforgivable!''

Ponies around too gave their disapproval of Fiyorae rudely mocking their princess, some of which sneered at him. Quentin gave Fiyorae the death look. How dare he carelessly ridicule someone like Celestia? He never met her nor knew virtually anything about her, but he's been hearing nothing but great things about her from her subjects. He needed to be put in his place, and Twilight was just the pony to do it. However, the most outraged was Twilight. She gritted her teeth as her lovely purple eyes burned with anger, Quentin swore her eyes would've burst in to flames.

"How dare you...'' Twilight growled.

Fiyorae just shrugged, not remorseful for his remark.

"I don't care what you do or say to me...but no pony NO PONY insults the princess and gets away with it!'' Twilight yelled.

Twilight's horn began to glow a billowing magenta aura only this time, the glow was much brighter so much that a cone shaped, magenta energy surrounded her horn with a solid color, rippling with pink and white sparks emanating from her horn as a sizzling sound was heard. A tremor rumbled the ground as Twilight continued to charge her spell, her eyes suddenly glowing a white light while sweat ran down her face.

"Hey what going on?!" Pinkie exclaimed, finding it a bit difficult to stand. This caught them all by surprise as Rarity asked alarmed.

''Goodness! What spell is it Spike?!''

Spike just shook his head, not knowing what Twilight was doing. Rainbow Dash grinned, ''Whatever it is, it looks like she' going to whip Fiyorae's sorry ass with it.''

'' Applejack nodded with a frown, ''I'd better have.''

Twilight grunted as she continued with her spell. The spell must really have been intense because the ground beneath her feet began to crack around her, the cracks glowing a pink glow. Quentin looked on amazed by how much power Twilight was giving off.

"Whoa…damn Twilight,'' was all the stunned stallion could say.

The ponies in the crowd began to disperse a bit, as they murmured their confusion. Fiyorae however, looked at the straining unicorn with that same, calm, arrogant, smug smirk.

"Come on...just a bit more...'' Twilight grunted as she lowered her head, her glowing eyes pinched shut from the strain.

She was even starting to get a mental migraine but she didn't care, Fiyorae was going to pay for what he said. Just then there were gasps as a massive ball of deep pink energy began to form feet's above Twilight's head. Pink embers swirled from all directions and flew into the ball, as if it was giving it more power. Quentin and the rest of his friends voiced their amazement and wonder at the display of Twilight's power. Twilight grunted as she struggled to control her spell.

''Come on...come one...I can do this...I can...NO!''

Suddenly a sound like electricity failing came apparent as Twilight's aura over her horn instantly went out. Instantly, Twilight collapsed on the ground, exhausted from her efforts as the massive ball glowed brighter and collapsed within itself, disappearing in moments. There were shocked gasps as Spike yelled.

''Twilight!''

Quentin looked on in the orb, concerned as he's ever been for his intelligent friend's welfare. "No...'' he uttered softly.

Before anyone then could even move, a golden rod force field surrounded them, stopping them in their tracks. "The hay?! What's going on?!'' Rainbow Dash exclaimed with frustration, tying to no avail to burst through the barrier.

Fiyorae shook his head, his horn glowing that goldenrod aura as he spoke, ''Tsk, tsk, tsk this duel is still on. Nopony is coming anywhere near us.''

Twilight's seven friends glared at Fiyorae. "Let's us out of here ya no good turd!'' Applejack called, attempting to buck her way out, but like Rainbow to no effect.

"No, until this duel has come to an official end, no help...no friends.''

"FIYORAE!'' Rainbow Dash shouted.

Quentin too growled, first Fiyorae trapped him and now six of his closest friends.

"Girls...don't...don't worry!'' a voice then called out. It was Twilight, who was trying to get to her feet. She looked light she would collapse, but her determination allowed her to stand, though she did panted slowly. "Fiyorae's right...this...this duel is not over yet.''

"But Twilight, you can barely stand!'' Rarity called, worried for her friend

Twilight just shook her head, ''He bluntly...disrespectfully, insulted our princess...I'm not having that!'' Twilight snarled, glaring at Fiyorae.

"Are you sure Twi?'' Spike asked, fearful for his best friend.

Twilight nodded, ''More than sure Spike. Besides, I still have plenty of juice left.''

Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy looked at each other uncertainly. "What do we do ya'll? Twilight's lookin beat, while Fiyorae doesn't even look slightly tired,'' Applejack asked her friends.

Rainbow Dash frowned with a mix of concern, ''Hey Twilight's cutie mark is a star for a reason ya know. She's just as skilled as Fiyorae. Besides, she HAS to win...for Quentin's sake!''

Rainbow Dash then looked over to Quentin and asked, ''How are you holding up there Q?''

The earth pony shook his head, ''I'm fine, it's Twilight I'm worried about!''

"Don't worry sugarcube, Twi's gonna get ya out of there!'' Applejack smiled faintly, before turning back to the two duelists with a frown and muttered, "She has to.''

Fiyorae eyed the tired Twilight uncaringly before speaking, ''Admirable, but insignificant. You've lost before you've even accepted. I admit it was ignoble of me to even challenge you against my vast powers.''

Twilight retorted with a pink blast beam of magic fired at Fiyorae. Fiyorae rolled his eyes as his horn gave a billowing goldenrod aura as he too fired a beam of magic energy at hers. When they collided, there was a bright explosion.

"Now!'' Twilight thought and her horn glowed and in a flash she disappeared.

As while the smoke cleared Fiyorae chuckled, ''Like I said, insignificant.''

"How's this for insignificant?!'' A voice shouted from behind him with a flash of light.

"What?!'' Fiyorae cried in shock, turning around to see Twilight's glowing horn and with a brief yell, Twilight blasted Fiyorae point blank with her spell. Fiyorae screamed as he was flown feet's away and landed on the ground and rolled a few times before coming to a stop. Twilight smirked boldly as a few cheers rang out. Clearly the ponies weren't enthusiastic about Fiyorae's attitude and were rooting for Twilight to win.

"Yeah, you go Twilight!'' Rainbow Dash cheered. She then sneered at Fiyorae, ''Hey Dickoryae what's wrong, couldn't find a counter spell or something?!''

Quentin grinned, ''Maybe if he wasn't so busy kissing his own ass he'd countered it.''

His friends burst out laughing as did a few others ponies in the crowd. Fiyorae glared at Twilight, for the first time that smug smile was wiped off. He got up, not taking his eyes off the unicorn.

"You think it's noteworthy that you've landed it hit on me? You think that means you're going to win?'' Fiyorae said calmly, having regained his composure as he used his magic to conjure a brush and dusted himself off of the dirt.

Twilight nodded confidently, lowering herself ready to fight, ''Oh I know so!''

Fiyorae nodded, closing his eyes as he bowed his head. "Then it's time we finished this little contest.''

Fiyorae's horn was covered with a goldenrod aura as was Twilight as Fiyorae levitated her from the ground. "Hey what do you think you're doing?!'' Twilight shouted, flailing in his grasp.

Instantly the laughing had stopped and everyone looked on in horror. Fiyorae leered at Twilight and replied dryly, ''Winning this duel.''

Immediately, Fiyorae began to slam Twilight down to the ground with a powerful force, knocking the wind out of her. Twilight grunted, trying to stand, but it didn't end there. Fiyorae's horn glowed again and he was surrounded by a golden force field. The field expanded quickly and in a blink of an eye separated into eleven, diamond shaped glowing energy pieces. As Twilight finally managed to stand up, Fiyorae smirked cruelly and with a tilt of his the pieces shot like bullets at Twilight. She screamed in pain as the pieces shot her at her rapidly, throwing her backwards.

Luckily, the spell was only a concussive force and not penetrating, but that hardly made matters better. "Twilight!'' her friends all exclaimed.

They all wanted to run to her, but with Fiyorae's force field and orb trapping Quentin and his friends, they were powerless to help their friend. Twilight groaned, weakly trying to even get half her body up. Despite this weakness, Fiyorae smiled coldly and said.

''Oh you're not getting off that easy...student of Celestia.''

With his horn glowing, Fiyorae tilted his head upward, instantly a pillar of yellow reddish, fire like energy erupted from the ground beneath Twilight, taking her in the air as she was consumed by the spell. As quickly as it came, the pillar of energy subsided and moments later, Twilight fell to the ground. Quentin, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Spike just stared in sheer horror as screams filled the air from the crowd.

"Twilight..." Quentin spoke with dread, gritting his teeth. To see his friend motionless on the ground caused his eyes to get blurry as tears formed in them. Quentin wasn't the only one for Fluttershy too was on the verge of tears, her hooves over her mouth.

Fiyorae just stood there for a moment, slightly frowning at Twilight. He took a few steps towards her but then froze where he was. Slowly but surely, Twilight tried to stand. Her coat was now heavily singed, her mane even more unkempt. There was complete silence and in minutes, Twilight had once again stood up in a bent, wobbly stance, one of her eyes half closed as she glared at Fiyorae. Fiyorae raised in eyebrow, again looking uncaringly at Twilight.

"Cough...let's ...see how you...ugh...like this,'' Twilight grunted and her horn was engulfed in a magenta aura.

Fool,'' Fiyorae muttered as he own horn glowed and a bolt of magic, golden lightning fired from his horn and at Twilight.

Twilight couldn't evade it and was hit with the blast. Electricity mixed with Twilight's screaming filled the air as screams and gasps came from the audience. It seemed like an eternity before Fiyorae finally stopped with his lightning spell and Twilight was back on the ground, small flicks of electricity surging throughout her body before stopping. Twilight remained motionless, just limp on the ground. Fiyorae walked casually over to the fallen unicorn until he was standing over her.

"Pity, your skills were functional...but I'd expected more from the student of Princess Celestia,'' Fiyorae said carelessly.

He raised a hoof over her but a southern accented voice called out, ''Don't ya even THINK about touchin her!''

Fiyorae glanced over his shoulder to saw her friends, glaring at Fiyorae through gritted teeth. Spike had tears streaming down his face as he gave Fiyorae a deathly look, his fists balled and shaking. Fiyorae's pompous nature knew no end as he simple spoke.

''This duel is over...you're friend had lost.''

"You're gonna lose your teeth if you lay another hoof on her!'' Rainbow Dash shouted, she just wanted to beat the living crap out of this guy and Quentin couldn't blame her for he too was shaking with anger, ready to tackle him the instant he could.

Fiyorae brushed off the threat and gazed back down at the unconscious Twilight. "Your friend lost because I was better than her. Thought it was unjust for me to challenge her against my skill, I still relish the fact of defeating her so effortlessly.

''That's enough Fiyorae! You've proven your point, but that gives you no right to continue berating Twilight for all she did against a brute like you!'' Rarity yelled, all her charms for Fiyorae now gone and replaced but disgust and hate.

"You jerk...because of you...Twilight could be dead!'' Spike screamed, tears cascading down his face.

Fiyorae whipped around and glared at them as he shouted, ''Will all of you be quiet?!'' The friends just glared at the unicorn as he gazed down at Twilight. He closed his eyes and his horn was gave a billowing goldenrod aura as did Twilight. Everyone all watched in shock as Twilight began glowing a bright yellow light. In moments, the light subsided to reveal Twilight. Her friends all looked at her, praying she would be alright.

"Twilight?'' Quentin asked.

In moment's there was indeed a grunt and shifting as Twilight lifted her head. "Wh-What happened?'' Twilight asked, a hoof to her head as she looked around groggily.

It was amazing, all the singes in her coat was gone and her mane was smooth and kempt, Fiyorae had actually healed her.

"Twilight! Thank goodness you're alright!'' Fluttershy squeaked rather loudly, tears coming down her face.

"Ya had us worried there fer a minute girl!'' Applejack said, whipping a stray tear form her eye.

Fiyorae said nothing and just walked around Twilight. After remembering where she were and what she was doing, she noticed Fiyorae walking and she immediately stood up and lowered herself, ready for another go.

"Stop Fiyorae!'' Twilight called. "We're not done yet!''

Fiyorae stopped and sighed irritably. "Yes Twilight Sparkle, we are for not surprisingly I've beaten you.''

"No! It's not over until I've beaten you and Quentin's free!'' Twilight retorted, her horn glowing a magenta aura.

Fiyorae glanced over his shoulder and snorted, ''Silly little twit.'' His horn glowed his usual goldenrod aura and suddenly, a golden light rippled in all directions and vanished. Instantly, all movement and speech were becoming slower and slower like everything was going slow motion until finally everything completely stopped all except Fiyorae. Fiyorae turned and glazed around at the frozen ponies. Amazing, he had just cast some sort a spell that stopped time.

He casually walked towards Twilight and stopped in front of her, giving her a bored, yet disgusted looked. "And to think I've challenged such a weak unicorn,'' Fiyorae muttered before his horn was engulfed in a billowing aura as was Twilight.

Glowing a goldenrod aura, Twilight sank into the ground until nothing as visible except her head. He then placed the tip of his glowing her to Twilight's and her horn went from magenta to goldenrod.

"That should do it,'' Fiyorae said and with a flash of his horn, everything and everyone instantly started moving again as Fiyorae's time spell was dispelled.

Twilight blinked blankly before looking around frantically, ''What the...what the hoof happened?!'' Twilight grunted as she struggled to get out of the ground.

The rest of her friends blinked and stared dumbly.

''What...just happened? I blinked and Twilight was in the ground?'' Rainbow Dash asked, clearly dumbstruck.

The ponies in the crowd also voiced their confusion of what just happened. Applejack looked confused and then frowned at Fiyorae, ''You! What did ya do to her?!''

Fiyorae shot her an arrogant grin as he answered, ''A bit slow are you little hay seed?''

Applejack snarled, ''What'd ya say?!''

Quentin gritted his teeth and shook with anger as he glared at Fiyorae. He insulted Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Rarity, and Celestia, now he insulted arguable his closest friend? Oh hell no! Fiyorae chuckled before looking down at Twilight.

''I told you this duel was over, and now you can't deny it. I simply used a spell to stop time in its tracks. With everything but me frozen in time, I used a spell to sink you into the ground...among other things.''

Twilight growled, ''You think you've won? You actually think I can't get of this?!'' Twilight closed her eyes as she tried to use her magic, but something was wrong. Instead of giving off that usual magenta aura, Twilight's horn was still giving off a goldenrod aura. Twilight shot her eyes open at the failure to cast a spell.

"Wha-what''s going on. Why can't I use any spells?!'' Twilight asked, a hint of fear in her voice.

Fiyorae grinned vainly, ''As I just said, I've done more things than just stopping time and having you swallowed into the ground. You see that yellow aura around your horn? Until I've uncast it, any and all spells you even try to perform will be rendered mute.''

Twilight just stared at the vain unicorn, her mouth hang open slightly and her ears lowered. "Wha...I can't...do magic?'' Twilight asked slowly, but terrified.

Fiyorae just chuckled with that infuriating smirk, ''I'm afraid not amore mio. Now all your baby magic is now useless, as if it really mattered.'' Fiyorae patted Twilight on her cheek to which she whipped her head away and frowned at him, gritting her teeth.

"A spell that renders another unicorn's magic powerless?! I've never knew such spells existed!'' Rarity gasped surprised.

"But...but if Twilight can't use any spells does that mean?'' Fluttershy asked meekly.

Quentin and the rest of his friends looked at Twilight with great worry. "Twilight...'Spike muttered, tears still in his eyes.

Fiyorae looked down at Twilight, with that arrogant, high and mighty demeanor. "You can't use magic, and at this point I could do anything I wish to you...you've lost...admit it.''

Twilight glared at Fiyorae and struggled to move and cast a spell but all in vain. After abandoning future attempts to move or use magic, she bowed her head in defeat. There was absolutely no way to get out of her predicament unless...she lifted her head and somberly looked at Fiyorae who was giving her a 'well, I'm waiting' look. Averting her eyes with reluctant frown and her ears drooped, she muttered.

''I...I give up.''

Fiyorae acted surprised and leaned, ''I'm sorry I didn't catch that. What was that you said?''

Twilight growled, his egotistical personality disgusting her for the lost time. "I said I give up! You've won!'' Twilight shouted.

Instantly, murmurs filled the air as ponies looked at each other with shocked and concerned looks. Fiyorae glanced down at the defeated unicorn with smug pride. "Now was that so hard to do. Admitting your inferiority to your superior?''

Twilight growled as her friends scowled at him. "How could anypony be so mean? I'm never throwing him a party if my life depended on it!'' Pinkie growled.

Fiyorae took a few steps back and leered at Twilight, as he hissed, ''Know your place filly.'' His horn was engulfed in a goldenrod aura and in a small flash, the same aura surrounding Twilight's horn faded.

"Your magic is free now,'' Fiyorae spoke flatly.

Twilight sighed with shame and closed her eyes and her horn was glowing a billowing aura and in the next instant there was a flash of light as Twilight teleported herself from in the ground to on top. Twilight sulked, her head bowed and ears lowered as she was dealing with her defeat.

"I can't believe it...Twilight lost,'' Spike said in disbelief.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash looked sadly at each other. "But what about Quentin?'' Applejack asked, looking sadly at the human turned stallion.

Quentin just looked devastated and he just fell on his haunches. Twilight had lost. What was going to happen to him? What was this egotistical douchebag going to do to him?'' Twilight bowed her head, tears forming as she pinched her eyes shut.

''Quentin...I'm sorry. You needed me, and I failed you.'' Twilight muttered regretfully as beads of tears began fall from her face to the grounded.

Fiyorae leered down at her uncaringly an eyebrow raised before rolling his eyes and closing them. His horn was engulfed in a billowing goldenrod aura. Quentin winced at the unicorn.

''What's he-WHOA!'' he yelled briefly as suddenly the orb trapping him suddenly vanished, causing Quentin to fall painfully onto the ground. "That was not fun,'' he groaned, rubbing his head as he sat up.

"Quentin!'' his seven friends exclaimed. Apparently Fiyorae undid the spell that caused the force field and they came running to him and caught him in a tight hug, except for Twilight.

''Quentin, thank heaven you're free. Are you quite alright?'' Rarity asked him concerned holding his hoof in hers.

"Other than a ringing mind, I'm good, '' Quentin muttered.

Applejack nodded with a sad, but relieved smile, "I'm glad ta here that pardner. I don't know what I'd do ta Fiyorae if he did anythin to ya.''

Rainbow Dash frowned, "I sure as hay know what I'd would've done.''

"But why did he free you? I doubt somepony like him would let you go without some sort of catch,'' Pinkie asked.

Quentin was hardly listening, for the instant he fell to the ground, his thoughts went to Twilight who was looking at him with a remorseful, forlorn look. He got up and passed his way through his friends and towards Twilight. When Quentin came up to her, she sadly adverted her eyes and the stallion asked, ''Are you ok Twilight?''

Twilight just nodded, without looking at him. Quentin smiled relieved, ''Good, I was losing my mind when I saw you getting roughed up out there.''

Twilight said nothing and Quentin tilted his head, puzzled. "Twi, what's the matter?''

At those words, Twilight turned to him, tears streaming down her face. "I'm so sorry Quentin. You're friend and you needed my help. No matter how hard I dueled, I still lost...I still failed you. I'm...I'm sorry!'' Twilight sobbed in his arms.

Quentin was taken by surprised as his friends gathered around, looking sad and worried. He tried to calm her down, wrapping his forelegs around her and stroking her mane. "It's ok Twilight.'' Quentin spoke softly. "We're all safe and unharmed, that what's important.''

Twilight cried, ''I know, but...but...''

Quentin lifted her face so that she was looking at him, her tears flowing down her face. Her friend smiled warmly at her, ''Hey c'mon Twi. You were great out there. In fact you really surprised me.''

Twilight took a breath, shocked by what Quentin did, ''I...did?''

Quentin nodded, ''Absolutely. I knew you were good with magic, but what you demonstrated just blew my mind. And that spell you tried to do...man it would've been awesome if it went through.''

Twilight giggled lightly at the praise, a few more tears escaping her eyes. ''I really didn't what I was doing back then. I was just so determined and so fed up with Fiyorae that I just snapped.''

"But still, I was flattered and honored that you were going all out to ensure that I would get free. And even though you lost, you're still the best unicorn in Ponyville to go to for magic.'' Quentin said fondly.

Twilight blinked a few times, ''Really, you really mean that Quentin?''

Quentin smiled with a nod, ''I may have never met Princess Celestia, but I do know she'd be proud if she saw you today. Nothing less than the student of one of Equestria's rulers.''

Twilight giggled loudly but gratefully, tears still falling. "You don't know how much that means to me Quentin.''

The two embraced each other and another tender hug and Quentin whispered, ''You're brilliant Twilight...don't let anyone else tell you otherwise.'' Twilight nodded silently. Their friends looked at us warmly and relieved.

"Hmph...pretty words, but still hides the truth of the matter that I defeated Twilight badly,'' Fiyorae said, ruining their moment.

They all instantly glared at the unicorn, ''What?!'' Rainbow Dash scowled.

Fiyorae whipped his lock and frowned vainly at us, ''I should never had challenged Twilight to a duel. Pitiful...so much that I've felt sorry for her that I decided to let you go. To think of it now, you're not even fit to be any valet or pet of mine.''

Quentin have had it with this pompous, belittling unicorn and he growled, ''I don't give a damn about what you do to me. But I'm not going to sit here and listen to you talk shit about Twilight or any of my friends!''

The dreadlocked stallion tried to lunge at him but Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, and Rarity held him back. There was a shocked gasp in the crowd as a low commotion came from them while Fiyorae had a sort of ' you dare?!' look.

''Let go of me!'' Quentin seethed, trying to break free from their grasps.

"Not on yur life Quentin!'' Applejack said with a frown, struggling to restrain him.

"Applejack's right. You mustn't involve yourself in a brawl…it's not worth it especially for this egotistical scoundrel!'' Rarity glared at Fiyorae.

Quentin glared at Rarity, ''And you expect me to just let him go after everything he said?! I don't think so!''

Rainbow Dash helped restrained the aggressive earth pony. "Easy there Q. Believe me, I want to teach this horse dick a lesson myself.'' She said shooting the unicorn a glared, but then looked back at Quentin concerned. ''I can't believe that I'm saying this but they're right, charging at him so recklessly is just dumb. I mean you've seen what he can do!''

Quentin just frowned at his Pegasus friend as Twilight spoke a few tears still in her eyes, ''They're right Quentin. Just let it go. You have nothing to fight him with, and I won't stand there and watch as one of my friends gets pummeled to the ground helpless.''

Quentin looked at her and then looked down in thought. It was true, he was an earth pony and though he had considerable strength, there was no way he'd stand a chance against Fiyorae's power. Quentin sighed, frustrated and angry as Fluttershy spoke with her usual meek, soft tone.

''Please Quentin...you're our friend and we couldn't bear if we saw you get hurt in anyway.''

Quentin glanced at all his friends with Applejack being the last. The two locked eyes, as she gazed wearily at him. Quentin immediately softened at her eyes, her charming, emerald, beautiful eyes and he sighed and nodded silently.

"You stupid boy,'' Fiyorae snarled. "What made you think you would even stand a chance against me?''

They all frowned at the elegantly clothed unicorn, their patience to his rotten attitude wearing thin. "Keep talkin' crap about our friend one more time and I'll make YOU look stupid!'', Applejack spoke with gritted teeth.

Fiyorae glared at the group and they returned the look. To their surprise, he started to chuckle. The chuckled then turned into a light laugh, and the laugh turned into a loud cackle.

"What's so funny Fiyorae?'' Twilight asked, her glare not leaving her face.

"Why you are you fools. I don't think you understand the power that you were facing.''

"The only thing we didn't know we were facing was the second, biggest dick in the world,'' Quentin retorted.

Fiyorae leered at him but then smirked darkly. "Still doubt my powers? Very well then. Allow me to demonstrate my abilities at their upmost peak and show you...just how powerful I really am.''

Fiyorae closed his eyes and in another moment, his eyes shot open, his horn glowing that goldenrod aura. But this was much different than how it looked before. The glow was even more intense and his eyes were giving off a bright yellow glow, like bright beacons. Out of nowhere, a gust of wind blew through the whole town. Everyone all gave off cries of shock, trying to block the winds as screams came from the crowd as they scattered to safety.

"What's going on?!'' Rainbow Dash shouted over the howling winds.

Twilight peered through one of her eyes, the brightness of the aura and the winds making it difficult. "Fiyorae...!'' Twilight shouted.

The unicorn didn't seemed to hear her. Soon whether by the winds or some unseen force, Fiyorae began to lift from the ground and soared high into the air over Ponyville, grey clouds quickly coming in and covering the sky, darkening everything.

"What's he doing, trying to make a storm?!'' Quentin called, shielding himself from the winds.

Applejack winced, ''I don't know, but somethin tells me I ain't gonna like it!''

Fiyorae clapped his fore hooves together. "BEHOLD...MY ABSOLUTE POWER!'' Fiyorae called, his voice echoing aloud.

He then moved his hooves apart to reveal small golden balls swirling rapidly in an atom formation in his hooves and he separated his hooves further. As he did so, the balls of golden light expanded larger, swirling madly around, but what happened next left all that were present frozen with shock and intimidation. As Fiyorae moved his hooves apart and the golden balls swirled in his grasp, the clouds dissipated and the sky was replaced with a black, star filled atmosphere. What seemed to be streams purple interstellar clouds were among the blackness of the space like atmosphere. Suddenly out of nowhere, red magic balls zoomed and swirled all over the place, trailing sparkles behind them.

What's more, objects resembling planets appeared out of nowhere and began flying madly out of orbit. Twilight, her friends, and all couldn't believe it, Fiyorae had just created his own entire solar system right in front of them. Fiyorae spun is forelegs around each other, causing the balls of light to spin rapidly around them and Fiyorae threw his forelegs over his head, causing the balls of light to rapidly fly and zoom wildly around his body and finally all around his makeshift solar system. Everyone all gazed up at the unicorn, motioning his forelegs as he controlled the out of wild planets and orbs of light.

"Twilight...what the hell...'' Quentin asked the purple unicorn, not shifting his gaze from the spectacle.

Twilight shook her head, completely speechless as her mane flew in the violent winds. "I...I...what is he?'' Twilight finally said in awe and fear.

The winds were becoming so strong that the eight friends were forced to huddle together against each other to help fight against it. Ponies everywhere were screaming and running all over the place as Fiyorae continued his spell. After what seemed like hours, Fiyorae glanced down at the townsfolk, his glowing eyes looking at them like beacons.

"Heh...now they will never doubt my powers again.''

Fiyorae stretched out his forelegs and almost instantly the winds were slowly, but surely beginning to die down. Fiyorae began to levitate back down to the ground as the planets, balls of magic, and the blackness of space began to disappear. Finally by the time Fiyorae's hooves had touch down on the ground, the winds had stopped and the space like atmosphere had dissipated back into the sunny, cloudless sky. The group shielded their eyes from the brightness of Fiyorae's horn and eyes. It wasn't long before the light dimed and the glow from his horn and eyes died out as he closed his eyes. With the light gone, they friends unshielded their eyes and stared at Fiyorae in disbelief at what he had just done.

Sure enough, ponies were starting to cautiously poke their heads out of their shelters and slowly come out. Fiyorae opened his eyes grinned that self-important grin. "Now do you believe in my powers?''

No one said anything, just stared with slight frowns of uncertainty. "How did you...what spell did you...how was that even possible?!'' Twilight finally asked.

Fiyorae flicked his lock from out of his eyes and smirked mockingly, ''My dear, my powers takes me to a level where the clouds themselves burst into fire. Nothing is beyond my abilities. If I wanted to...I could take over Equestria without even trying.''

At this remark, Quentin, Fluttershy, Applejack, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity all glared at the unicorn as he continued. "But fortunately for you and all the lesser ponies in this land I'm not that kind of pony.''

"And yet you're still a self-righteous asshole!'' Rainbow Dash retorted.

Fiyorae leered at the Pegasus before smirking darkly, ''Still brave even after my demonstration. Would you like me to make an example out of you as well?''

Rainbow Dash growled, ready to fight, ''Try it dick!'

Fluttershy immediately hovered in front of her and pleaded, ''Please Rainbow...don't...just don't.''

Rainbow Dash glared at Fluttershy for a moment before looking at Fiyorae. Fiyorae laughed and spoke, ''Smart girl. Perhaps not everypony in this town is as base as they look.''

"Enough! Just go...you've proven your point so just go!'' Rarity spat.

Fiyorae frowned carelessly at them, then all around at the frightened ponies before whipping his head upward, his eyes shut. "Well...I do believe I've over stayed my welcome. You all should be glad for me to even give you the honor of being in my presence.''

"We'll be glad when ya shut up an leave,'' Applejack snarled.

Fiyorae's horn glowed as he magically made a pocket watch appear. "Oh dear look at the time, I really must be going. Places to go, ponies to dazzle.''

He made the watch disappear before taking a small bow. ''At should at least thank you for the duel Twilight Sparkle, despite how inadequate it was.''

Twilight growled, ''Just leave Fiyorae. We all had enough of you, I know I have!''

The rest voiced their agreement but Fiyorae just smirked, ''A hint of jealousy I see? I wouldn't blame you, for my powers outclass even that of the two royal sisters themselves.''

"Shut up and go!'' Twilight shouted.

Fiyorae looked disgustingly at her and retorted, ''Such disrespect to your superior. I'll be glad to be out of this ridiculous, mud ridden, rube inhabited town.'' And with that, Fiyorae whipped his cape as turned and walked towards his train.

"Yeah keep talking out your ass. You're not even half the unicorn Twilight is!'' Rainbow Dash shouted back at Fiyorae.

Fiyorae didn't answer, just continued walking to his train. As he walked away Quentin, Applejack, Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy just stared at Fiyorae, shocked, disbelieving, frowning, and confused. Rainbow Dash on the other hand just glared at the walking unicorn as she gritted her teeth. There was a brief silence among us, until Pinkie Pie finally spoke.

''D-Did you guys see that?''

Applejack shook her head, "I saw it, but I still don't believe it.''

Quentin looked at Twilight out the corner of his eye and asked, ''Twilight...what the hell kind of spell was that?''

Twilight answered, shocked without looking at the stallion. "I...I have no idea. He just on a whim created an entire solar system right above us. I've never even heard of such a spell.''

Rarity spoke, ''He may have been the absolute crudest unicorn we've met, but that claim he said...about being the most powerful unicorn in the world...you don't think…''

Twilight shook her head as she gazed down, ''I...I don't know what to think Rarity,'' Twilight said softly. "I'm not sure if Princess Celestia herself could've done that.''

At those words Quentin glanced at her for a moment before looking back at Fiyorae who was close to his train. He still haven't grasp the full extent of magic in this world, but even Quentin knew what he saw was beyond magic. He frowned slightly as the earth pony asked softly, a bit of disbelief in his voice.

''Do...do you think that was even magic? Do you think that that was the power...of a god?''

They all watched as Fiyorae climbed into his train car, but not before glancing back and giving them one last, smug smirk, the yellow jewel around his forehead shimmering in the sunlight. Who was he...what was he?


> Siege at Canterlot
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It's been a few hours since the unwanted encounter with Fiyorae by the train station. It was around five o'clock in the afternoon as Quentin and the rest of his friends were at Twilight's place, discussing what had happened earlier that day. Other ponies across town were also talking about what happened, some with displeasure while others with disgust. Quentin was sitting on his haunches near a shelf of books the burn mark he received after getting blasted by Fiyrorae's spell healed by Twilight.

"I still can't believe what that varmint Fiyorae did! Unacceptable!'' Applejack said with anger.

Rainbow Dash flew her forelegs to her sides as she hovered, ''I know right! Acting all high and mighty thinking his better than the rest of us. I take it back...he's 100 times worse than Trixie!''

Pinkie Pie nodded with a disapproving glare, ''You said it Dashie! At least Trixie was decent enough to apologize for antagonizing us. Fiyorae did even look remotely apologetic!''

Rarity nodded sternly,'' Quite. And to think I actually fell high over heels for him. Not only did he constantly demean and belittle us, he actually had the nerve to insult our Princess Celestia! I'm actually ashamed of being in the same race as that charlatan!''

Fluttershy spoke with a small frown, ''And he trapped Quentin and forced Twilight to duel him, that was completely unnecessary.''

As the five continued to voice their disdain, Quentin sat quietly in deep thought. In honesty, he was feeling pretty bad about his behavior earlier. He was never the first to head into a fight, but hearing Fiyorae say such insulting things to his closest friends just triggered something in him. Applejack noticed the stallion's silent, glum state and went over to him with a very concerned gaze.

"Quentin? Are you alright hun?''

Quentin looked at his farm pony friend with a regretful face and sighed before muttering, ''I...I just wanted to say I'm sorry.''

This caught all of his friends by surprised and Fluttershy asked confused, ''Sorry? For what Quentin?''

"For acting so brashly earlier. I don't know what got over me. It's just what he said about you guy really ticked me off,'' Quentin apologized.

The six ponies and dragon just looked at Quentin blankly. Finally, Rainbow Dash blurted out, ''What, are you kidding me? That's what's been bothering you Q?!''

Quentin wasn't expecting the remark and he just gave her a bewildered look. Rarity smiled kindly at him, resting her hoof on his, ''Quentin, darling there is absolutely nothing wrong with being angry, especially when someone is mistreating your friends.''

Rainbow Dash nodded, grinning calmly as she flew beside him and flung her foreleg around his shoulders, ''Totally! Trust me, I've wanted to clock Fiyorae one hard especially what he did to you. And besides.'' Rainbow Dash gave her friend a nice smile, ''It was really cool how you stepped up to defend us like that. That was awesome...for a shy guy.''

Quentin was a bit flustered by the comments and he averted his eyes bashfully as Applejack spoke up giving him her trademark smirk.

"An besides Quen, ya had every reason ta try to want lunge at Fiyorae. Honestly, I was afraid what ya would do to that egotistical oaf.''

Quentin sighed lightly and replied, ''I don't know to be honest, probably beat him to a bloody pulp.''

Rainbow Dash laughed, "Hay yeah, especially with your awesome karate moves!'' Rainbow Dash starting to do some karate chops and kicks, but Quentin frowned sternly at the rowdy Pegasus.

"Just because I wanted to beat him to a pulp doesn't mean I'd enjoy it.'' He turned gaze to the floor, looking somewhat weary. "I...I really don't like fighting, let alone hurting people. Yeah I love martial arts and sparring for the sport of it, but I don't like engaging in real fights. I had training just in case I really needed to defend myself, not for the thrill of combat.''

This seemed to had some sort of effect on Rainbow Dash, for she abruptly stopped with her karate moves and looked at Quentin with a slight surprised, contemplating look. She then looked down and had an expression of one having a mental debate. Fluttershy spoke with a smile.

''I'm glad to hear that Quentin. Nothing good ever comes out of violence.''

Pinkie Pie bounced in front of Quentin out of nowhere, her usual bubbliness glowing. Seriously, how does she do that? "Yeah, who needs and want to be violent anyway?! Why be violent when you can play with your friends, eat cake, and throw fun parties every single day?!''

Quentin couldn't help but chuckle at his pink friend's never ending sunny attitude. Applejack nudged him with a warm smile, ''See sugar, there's nothin wrong bout gettin angry sometimes. Hard not to when yer friends are gettin abused, aint that right Twilight?''

Applejack looked over to the studious unicorn, but she didn't answer. In fact, she didn't even look up from the book she was reading. Applejack frowned with a worried gaze. Twilight had been silent among the conversations, reading through some books with a somber expression.

"Twilight, are you ok?'' Spike asked, a concerned look on his face.

The others turned to the studious unicorn. She looked at him and then at her friends and sighed, shaking her head. "I don't know Spike. I just can't stop thinking about that duel.''

The rest of her friends saw how troubled Twilight was about her duel with Fiyorae and looked at each other with concerned frowns. Quentin got up and walked to his unicorn friend and put a hoof on her shoulder. "You still going on about that? C'mon Twi, I told you to forget about it.'' He flashed her a soft smile.

Twilight gazed at him with her somber expression and spoke, ''I know Quentin, but-''

"But nothing Twi!'' Applejack cut her off with a stern look. "Quentin's right. There's no need to fret about that no good Fiyorae!''

The others agreed. "That's right. You've dueled your best against that crude Fiyorae. He isn't even worth remembering!'' Rarity scowled.

Rainbow Dash nodded with an aggressive frown, ''Totally, you're way more of a unicorn than that pretentious loud mouth!''

Twilight quickly retorted, ''But that's just it. He WASN'T pretentious. Did you see what he did...what he's capable of doing?! I mean he created a solar system for Chiron sakes!''

Quentin blinked his eyes at the name Twilight just spoke. "Chiron?'' he thought quizzically. The name interested him, but refrained from asking the question at a time like this.

Pinkie Pie chimed happily, ''Oh you silly filly is that all?! I bet you can do that stuff easy peasy one, two, threesy!''

Twilight gave the optimistic pink pony a stern, slightly irritated frowned while shaking her head. "No Pinkie I can't!'' As Twilight turned and her horn was giving a billowing magenta aura as were a few books as they levitated to her, she continued, ''Fiyorae was doing phasing spells, flame spells, he even made a wormhole to teleport my own spell against me! Those were high level magic only the highest level unicorns can perform!''

The rest of the group looked at one other as they tried to come with a response. "You don't think that Fiyorae really is the most powerful unicorn in the world do you?'' Fluttershy asked with dread in her sweet voice.

"I refused to believe it! I refused to believe that an arrogant, vile, pompous of a lout like him was blessed with so much power I won't!'' Rarity spoke up angrily.

"There's no way in Tartarus that Fiyorae is more powerful than Princess Celestia or Princess Luna!'' Rainbow Dash added.

Twilight still was not convinced, ''But those spells...I don't think that even Princess Celestia could do them, or at least, I've never seen her do any of them.''

Quentin spoke up with a firm gaze, ''Listen Twilight.'' Twilight and everyone's' eyes were on the stallion. "I may not fully grasp the elements of magic, heck I don't know the first thing about the art, but I do know this...''

Quentin took one of her hooves in his and gazed into Twilight's eyes with a warm smile. ''But that doesn't even nearly change the fact that you are truly gifted in magic. Even if Fiyorae seem a tad bit better in the art, you're still the most, brilliant, amazing unicorn I know.''

Twilight stared blankly at him as if she couldn't believe what she just heard. "You...you really mean that Quentin?''

Quentin nodded with a smile as the rest agreed. "As do I Twilight. There were more than a few times when we've gotten out of serious predicaments just because of your quick wits and magic!'' Rarity smiled with her usual grace.

Applejack nodded with a grin, ''Yea verily. Like the time ya restored our memories when Discord made us the opposite of what we were!''

"And the time when you stood Trixie up when you put that wild Ursa Minor asleep before it could wreak havoc on Ponyville...AND brought back my mouth when Trixie made it disappear!'' Pinkie exclaimed happily.

Quentin cocked an eyebrow. "Ursa Minor? Pinkie's mouth disappearing? What kind of weird shit goes on in this place?'' he thought but decided to hear those stories another time.

"And it was you who figured out that the Changeling queen was trying to conquer Canterlot by disguising as Princess Cadence, even when the rest of us didn't believe you,'' Fluttershy said with a soft smile.

Rainbow Dash agreed with a smirk, ''Totally! Fiyorae's got nothing on you. Unlike you he doesn't have awesome friends like us...me especially!''

Everyone else all rolled their eyes at Rainbow Dash's bragging as Spike spoke, ''Plus Princess Celestia herself declared you her most promising student! That jerk face Fiyorae could never touch that.''

Twilight looked at her dragon friend and then at all of her friends as they smiled warmly at her. Twilight smiled sheepishly while averting her eyes and beginning to tear up a little. ''Thanks guys...I don't know what I'd do without you.''

Quentin went and wiped her eyes, an act that caught her by surprise and she gazed up at the kind stallion's smiling face with her hooves in his. ''Don't you think on it anymore Twi. You're amazing, and don't anyone especially Fiyorae tell you otherwise, or else they have to deal with us.'' Quentin gave her a wink.

Twilight gazed down at their touching hooves and then up at Quentin a light, rosy blush came to her face and she smiled shyly, averting her eyes before facing back to him and embraced her friend. ''Thank you Quentin...thank you so much,'' Twilight whispered in Quentin's ear.

At first Quentin was surprised by the sudden embrace, but he smiled warmly and stroked her mane. "I'm just happy you're feeling better. You are feeling better right?''

Twilight released Quentin and gave him a bright smirk, ''Definitely. Fiyorae only has his ego and arrogance to make him feel better, you guys put him to shame by a mile in that aspect.''

Rainbow Dash laughed, ''Well what did you expect? I mean, he holds his head so far back he could practically kiss his own ass!''

At this they all burst out laughing. It was true, no matter what powers Fiyorae possessed, he could never truly appreciate them if he didn't have anyone to share it with. It was times like these Quentin felt blessed enough to meet this six, wonderful ponies and to call them his closest friends. With them, every day is a joy...something, now that he thought about it, he'd never felt back on Earth.

The next day up on the mountain that spired the majestic city that was Canterlot, ponies filled up an opera theatre to the possible capacity. Murmurs and chatting of excitement filled the auditorium as Shining Armor and Princess Cadence sat in a box seat high near the stage. Not surprisingly for being in Canterlot, the theatre was delicately designed of the utmost caliber. Its dominant colors was velvet and gold, with the carpeting, seat fabrics, and tapestries being velvet and the seats, railings, and tapestry linings were gold. High up on the ceiling, a massive, beautiful gold and diamond candle chandelier hung down. The curtain obscuring the stage was of the same velvet color with Fiyorae's design the same as on his train car was etched upon it with his name in gold colors underneath.

"Wow look at this place it's packed!'' Shining Armor said in wonder, looking down at the various, formally dressed ponies that filled the house.

Cadence said nothing, just sadly looked away at nothing particular. "I guess everypony must've really wanted to see the 'Unicorn Supreme' Fiyorae huh Cadence?''

When Cadence didn't answer again, Armor turned to his wife and when he saw the somber, down look she had, he became worried. "Cadence? Are you ok?''

Cadenced sighed before looking sadly at her husband. "I'm sorry Armor. It's just...I can't stop worrying about Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.''

Armor stared at Cadence for a brief moment before chuckling. "C'mon babe, there's nothing to worry about. You'll see everything's going to be fine.''

Cadence looked at him unconvincingly as she spoke, "But ever since we've heard that letter a few weeks ago, this feeling in my gut just wouldn't leave me. What was said about the Changeling queen and her army...what if she returns? What if she tries to take over Equestria again?''

Armor gazed away in thought before looking back at her, placing a hoof on hers giving her a reassuring smile. "Hey, don't worry about it. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have never failed Equestria before, and I know they won't start now.''

Cadence looked at Armor with a uncertain look, "I know but-''

"But nothing. Whatever happens we'll overcome it. With us, the princess, Twilight and her friends, there's absolutely nothing to fear,'' Armor said with a rather dashing grin.

Cadence smiled relieved, ''Yes...you're right Armor. I'm just worrying too much. I know we'll defeat the Changeling Queen if she ever rises again. We did it before and we can do it again.''

The unicorn prince nodded with a smile, ''Definitely.'' He then turned and looked out into the audience below. ''Now let's enjoy the show. I hear this Fiyorae guy is beyond amazing. They say he can make an entire kingdom disappear!''

Cadence giggled, ''Well let's just hope he doesn't make Canterlot disappear.''

They both shared a laugh. Soon after that, the lights dimmed and the chattering of the theatre ceased almost immediately as the show began. Suddenly, a smooth, Italian accented voice called throughout the house. "Mares and genticolts! Fillies of all ages! Prepare to be amazed and spellbinder by the one, the only, mystical Fiyorae the Unicorn Supreme!'' With that the curtains magically disappeared in red, sparkling mist as a pillar of fire erupted from the ground. Gasps and shrieks from the audience sounded before the pillar of fire flew around the stage, then flying up, and finally plummeting down back on the stage. The fire spread all round and disappeared when it reached the edge of the stage, revealing Fiyorae with his cape drawn over him and in the next moment, he whipped his cape off and stood in a dramatic and victorious pose, grinning that smug grin. Instantly the theatre was filled with the cheers and applause from the crowd, even Shining Armor and Cadence were applauding, impressed by the show colt's entrance.

For about the next hour or so, Fiyorae dazzled his audience with various spectacular magic. He made white, horse spirits gallop around the air of the theatre, created animals created from fire and water, and for his grand finale, performed the same spell that allowed him to create a solar system and made the planets, stars, and streams of magic light wiz and zoom around the audience. The crowd had gazed around in aw in disbelief. Finally, Fiyorae sucked the solar system and compressed it in a ball in his hoof and to the crowds' shock, he made it expand as an explosion of stars and fireworks flew wildly around the house and disappearing form sight. As he performed, the mysterious jewel on his forehead gave off a shimmering, golden glow.

There was a deafening silence that you could hear a pin drop as all eyes were on Fiyorae, all speechless and mouths agape. Fiyorae made one final, triumphant pose standing on his hind legs with his cape across his chest and his right foreleg raised over his head at a bent angle as he gave an aggressive grin. It wasn't long before the house erupted in thunderous applause as the audience gave him a standing ovation. Armor and Cadence were also on their feet, stomping and cheering along with the crowd.

"Dang the rumors about this guy didn't do him justice. He was unbelievable!'' Armor praised.

Cadence agreed, ''I know! I didn't know spells like those even existed. I guess 'Unicorn Supreme' isn't such exaggerated title after all!''

As the crowd cheered and applauded, the through gold coins on the stage at his feet in appreciation for his performance. By the time they were done, there was clearly more than a hundred gold bits lying around the stage. Fiyorae gave a slight bow, his smug smile still apparent. Up on one of the box seats, a pony what obscured by shadow. The figure's eyes was fixated on Fiyorae's jewel and they glowed a venomous green as an evil smile crept on its face. An hour has past and Fiyorae was in his dressing room, having collected his fortune and now counted it, his chain and gemstone resting on a bust beside him.

"198, 199, and 200. Marvelous, I'd expected nothing less from the rich elite of Canterlot!'' Fiyorae said satisfied, his earnings in numerous neat stacks on the table.

He then glanced at his belly and spoke, ''Blinding everypony by my sheer brilliance certainly tends to build an appetite. I'll treat myself to a dinner fit for a king.''

Fiyorae gathered his money in a sack and hid it safely away. "And I mustn't forget this,'' Fiyorae smirked as his horn was engulfed in a billowing goldenrod aura as with his chain with the yellow gemstone as it levitated in the air to him and dropped neatly around his forehead.

With his possessions secured Fiyorae left his room and headed out the theater. About fifteen minutes into his walk through the city, a female voice called his name.

"Excuse me, Mr. Fiyorae?!''

Fiyorae turned with a rather careless expression as he answered, ''The one and only.''

His eyes widened as he looked at the mare before him. She was a unicorn, but unlike others, she was rather taller with a slender, lanky body resembling Luna's. Her coat was pearl white while her mane and tail were long with a light shade of pink. Her mane draped down her back with a long lock of hair dropped in front of her right eye. Her horn was a bit longer than most unicorns with the same pearly white color and her eyes were a light purple. In short she was quite beautiful, possibly putting even the looks of Rarity to shame, though strangely, she didn't have a cutie mark.

Fiyorae gawked at her beauty before forming a sly smile. "I mean, yes, I am Fiyorae. And how may I help you my dear?''

The unicorn giggled before answering. "Well I saw your show and I wanted to tell you that that was the most amazing thing I've ever seen.'' She spoke with a light, angelic voice that could put even the toughest of stallions under her spell.

"Yes...I know it was,'' Fiyorae responded arrogantly with chuckle.

The unicorn mare gave him a seductive smile, ''Those spells looked so advance...almost impossible.''

Fiyorae let out laugh, ''Ha impossible?! Nothing is impossible for Fiyorae the Unicorn Supreme!''

The unicorn just giggled, ''So talented, confident, not to mention so handsome.''

Fiyorae smirked egotistically, not showing the slightest sense of humility. "Yes, yes all those things are true. Now I really am hungry is there anything else you need?''

The unicorn smiled amorously and shook her head, ''No I'm afraid that's all I have to say.''

Fiyorae nodded with a smirk, ''Well if that's the case I bid you good day. Your compliments were much appreciated and very true.''

As Fiyorae turned to walk away the unicorn spoke, with a most twisted grin, ''Well actually I do have just one other amount of affairs I need to achieve.''

Fiyorae sighed irritably before turning around and facing her, ''Yes, yes what is it? My time is very precious to me.''

The unicorn giggled darkly a crowd ponies in formal attire suddenly appeared and started to surround them, giving Fiyorae dark smirks.

"What...what is this?! What do you all want?!'' Fiyorae demanded, gazing around at the enclosing crowd.

"I'll just take that yellow gem that's hanging around your head,'' the mare said venomously.

Fiyorae seemed shocked by this demand and retorted, ''Wha- what could you possibly want with my gem?!''

Fiyorae seemed unusually nervous, maybe even fearful as the mare advanced towards him. She giggled with a dark smile, ''Pretentious, pathetic fool. Fooling others that your powers are your own. It's sad really, it seems that your petty flaunting has caused your mind to think these are your powers as well.''

Fiyorae frowned angrily and he seethed, ''How DARE you?! Do you know who I am?! Who do you think you are able to talk to me like that?!''

The unicorn giggled wickedly as her eyes and horn began to glow an eerie green. "Who am I? I am the future queen of Canterlot...of Equestria... and eventually of this entire world!''

At those words green flames erupted from the ground around her as she pinched her eyes shut and bowed her head. She suddenly jerked her head up and in an instant, she was enveloped by a pillar of green fire. Shrieks and screams of fright came from ponies outside the crowd that gathered around them as Fiyorae squeezed his eyes shut as he drew his cape over his eyes to shield them from the light and heat. Inside the fire the unicorn was transforming, transparent, insect like wings ripping out of her back, as a green light started from the tip of her horn and shot down, her appearance changing as it did so. Finally the fire went out and the light subsided. Fiyorae lowered his cape and peered through his eyes, only for them to shot open with a look of horror as he gazed into green, pupil slit eyes of the Changeling Queen.

"What...in...god's name?!'' Fiyorae said horrified.

Chrysalis laughed darkly in her distorted voice, ''Now...about that gem.''

The queen's eyes and horn glowed sickly green as one by one in flashes of green light, each of her four Cosmic Gems appeared and began to float around her and she stepped toward a shocked and horrified Fiyorae.

Back in Ponyville, Applejack and Quentin were doing their regular work around the farm along with Big Macintosh. Apple bucking, plowing, painting the fence, chopping firewood, the usual things. Quentin gave a good kick to an apple tree and all the apples fell from its branches and into the barrels, filling them up.

"Whoowee! Mighty fine applebuckin Quentin If I do say so myself. And the other chores ya did today, are ya sure ya didn't come from a farm?'' Applejack asked with a raised eyebrow and a smirk as they rested near the fence.

Quentin chuckled, ''Naw I didn't from a farm where I came from. But that doesn't mean I'm a city boy. In fact, I lived in the suburbs back on my world. I prefer the country than the city any day.''

Applejack smiled, ''Good taste Quen. What do ya like about the country?''

Quentin thought about the answer and I replied, ''Well it's quiet and peaceful for one, it' away from the hustle and bustle of the city, and my favorite at night you can clearly see the stars in the sky and during the summer you can see fireflies as clear as day. Just some of the many wonders of tranquil nights.''

Applejack gave the stallion a warm smile as she spoke, ''Well I guess ya must really like Ponyville then on the count o' if fits your preference perfectly.''

Quentin nodded, ''And then some. I've really enjoyed it here since I came. Really, it's probably the best place I've ever been to in my life.''

Applejack nodded, before her face fell slightly in sadness, averting her eyes. Quentin noticed this and tilted his head with a concerned expression.

"AJ is everything alright?''

"Yeah I'm fine it's jus','' Applejack answered, not looking at Quentin.

"It's just what? C'mon you can tell me,'' Quentin said, inching closer to his farm pony friend. After few moments of thinking, Applejack finally turned to him with a somber gaze.

"Quen can I ask ya a question?''

"Sure, go ahead,'' Quentin nodded, wanting to hear her question.

Applejack bit her lip and averted her eyes briefly before looking back at the waiting earth pony, "Do ya, ya know miss yur world?''

Quentin looked blankly at his friend for a moment, surprised by the question before answering, ''My world? Well...yeah I guess. It may have its faults, but there are still a lot of aspects about it that I miss. Why do you ask?''

Applejack answered uncertainly, ''Cause I was jus' wonderin. If ya could an ya had a choice ta be able to stay in Ponyville with us, would ya, ya know...stay?''

Quentin stared at Applejack, not expecting such a question. He turned his gaze to the ground in deep thought. The truth was he had more than a few times thought about such a possibility. Living out the rest of his days in Equestria with his new friends, with Applejack...it would surely be a blissful life. Sure Equestria has its share of problems, but it was nothing compared to the reality of his world. Such a life in this wonderful land would surely be like heaven but- Quentin turned his gaze to Applejack, who didn't took her eyes off him for a second. He sighed deeply and gave her a sad frown.

''Applejack I loved being in this place. I loved working on the farm, I love-'' Quentin caught himself before he could finish and continued. "I love that I was able to meet you and the other girls, but I'll have to go back eventually.''

Applejack gave him a look of utmost disappointment and confusion as she spoke, ''What'da ya mean 'have ta'? There ain't no law telling ya have ta go.''

"I know AJ but-''

"Then answer my question!'' Applejack cut in, with an almost pleading look on her face as she came closer to Quentin "If ya had a choice to stay in Equestria...would ya stay?''

Quentin looked sadly in Applejack's adamant eyes as she waited for an answer. After a few moments of silence, he spoke softly, ''Yes...I would want to stay.''

Applejack's expression briefly became one of slight shock before asking, ''Then why don't ya stay here with us then?''

The dreadlocked buried his face in his hooves, as Quentin had to come up with an answer to such a sensitive conversation. "I...AJ...it's complicated,'' Quentin said in his hooves.

Well what's complicated Quentin? Ya said ya would stay if ya could. Seems pretty simple ta me,'' Applejack argued, frowning slightly.

Quentin whipped his head to her with a slight frown of his own, ''Applejack, it's not easy for me to say I just...just...''

"Just what?!'' Applejack asked, coming closer to Quentin.

Quentin opened his mouth to answer but nothing came out. He averted his eyes and his ears lowered as he thought of an answer to Applejack's question. Quentin did want to stay with her and their other friends, but he knew it's just wasn't meant to be. Quentin looked at his friend, finally finding the words to say.

''Applejack I just don't belong here. I am a human after all.''

.'' Applejack seemed surprised by the answer and retorted. "So what if ya a human. Our friends don't care. I sure as hay don't! If ya think that's an excuse than-''

"Think about Applejack!'' Quentin cut in. "In Equestria, humans are only told in myths and legends and from I've seen, most of those tales don't show them in the best light. Maybe there's a reason for that? Maybe...humans don't belong in this world!''

Applejack stared at the defensive stallion before looking down in thought. What Quentin saw made sense to her. This world was great as it was. If just the slightest amount of negative human influence was brought here, who knows what might it result in? Applejack looked back at Quentin with a forlorn expression.

"I...I still think that excuse is weak as a tired stallion,'' she muttered.

Quentin sighed deeply,'' Applejack...I...''

He found himself staring into her large, emerald, beautiful eyes. Eyes belonging to a beautiful girl with a southern farm girl's charm. Quentin felt his body temperature spike, his heart beating rapidly as he began to sweat. Applejack also stared at human turned equine, a faint rosy blush on her freckled cheeks.

"Quen...'' Applejack spoke softly, tenderly. Quentin and Applejack continued to gaze into each others' eyes, entranced by one other until their gazes were interrupted by the sound of distant screaming coming to them. Immediately they were both snapped out of their trances in alarm.

"What in tarnation was that?!'' Applejack ask aloud, confused by the commotion.

Quentin shook his head, ''I don't know, but it's coming from town. Let's go check it out!''

Applejack nodded and they both galloped into town. Quentin and Applejack made it to Ponyville without delay and arrived in the town square and was met with ponies scrambling around in a state of panic.

"What the freak is wrong with everyone?!'' Quentin exclaimed over the panic.

"Yur askin the wrong earth pony Quen,'' Applejack responded, bewildered by the state Ponyville was in.

"Applejack! Quentin!'' a voice called out.

The two earth ponies turned around to see Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Spike running their way. Quentin and Applejack ran to meet them and Quentin instantly spoke, ''Do you know what's going on?!'' he asked, looking around at the ponies that were in disarray.

Twilight shook her head with a befuddled frown, ''No, we were wondering the same thing.''

Suddenly, a unicorn mare pony exclaimed, ''Look! Up there!''

She pointed towards the northeast and we all looked toward the direction. Immediately after beholding what they were looking at, their faces became that of sheer horror. Up in the distant mountain that spired Canterlot, black smoke was seen coming from the majestic city as well as distant but recognizable sounds of explosions.

"Oh my...Canterlot...what in the name of Equestria is happening up there?!'' Rarity asked horrified, her hooves covering her mouth.

None of her friends answered, they were all petrified at the sight that we were seeing. "Good sweet Celestia...'' Applejack uttered with terror.

"The buck?! Will somepony tell me what the HAY is going on?!'' Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

Fluttershy looked completely fear stricken, like Rarity her hooves covering her mouth as she stared at the spire. Quentin stared up at the distant, smoke spewing mountain with ghastliness. The whole scene reminded him of the nightmare that occurred in New York City that fateful day.

"God...girls what does...why is...fuck!'' Quentin said softly.

However, the most disturbed was Twilight, who stared up at Canterlot with her mouth open with a look of extreme worry. Understandable as she is watching her birthplace coming under fire. Spike gently pulled on her mane as he whimpered.

''Twilight...what's going on? Why is there smoke coming from Canterlot?''

Twilight didn't responded, just stared up at the mountain, thoughts swimming in her head, but one stood out from the rest. "Oh no...Shining Armor...Cadence...'' Twilight muttered, fighting back tears.

She then frowned seriously, the tears instantly drying away and faced her friends. ''We need to get to Canterlot...NOW!''

She didn't have to tell them twice and they agreed. "Right behind ya girl! We need ta get ta the bottom of this fiasco!'' Applejack said with a determined gaze.

Rarity nodded firmly, ''Quite, there is no reason for a crème dela crème city like Canterlot to be spouting smoke like that!''

"Well what are we waiting for?! Let's shake our hoovesies and move it!'' Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

The others agreed and the galloped towards the train station Spike riding on Twilight's back, but not before Quentin stopped them, ''Wait, girls!''

They stopped and turned to the stallion, ''Yes Quentin?'' Rarity asked.

Quentin frowned and spoke, ''I'm coming with you. I won't let you girls do this alone!''

His friends looked at each other uneasily and back at him. "That's mighty sweet of ya Quen but...maybe ya should stay here. This could get dangerous and we wouldn't want ya ta get hurt,'' Applejack said with deep worry.

Fluttershy nodded before adding meekly, ''Applejack's right. We would feel just awful if anything happened to you.''

Quentin shook his head, not wanting to be deterred and I went up to them, ''Girls...I going. You don't have to worry about me, I am the guy that beat a chimera after all.''

Quentin wasn't one to brag about his accomplishments, but he needed to convince them. They looked at each other with uneasy expressions. "Yes that's true...but-'' Twilight began, concerned but Quentin cut her off.

"But nothing. And besides, Shining Armor and Princess Cadence are up there. They're my friends too, just like you girls and I'd be a lousy friend if I let you go all go and face this by yourselves! And besides…'' Quentin gave Twilight a soft, but tough smirk. "I promised Shining Armor that I'd look after you. And I'm sure as heck am going to keep that promise.''

The girls stared at the adamant earth pony in shock, amazed by his loyalty to them. Twilight stared blankly at Quentin before a faint blush came to her cheeks and she bowed her head slightly as she gave him a small, shy smile. Rainbow Dash smiled while seemingly trying to hold back tears. ''Wow...you're just awesome Quentin.''

The others too smiled fondly and Twilight spoke, her blush and smile never ceasing, "I...I didn't think of it that way Quentin.''

Applejack gave the human a bright grin and a wink as she exclaimed, ''Well then what are we waitin fer, a theme song? Let's get to it!''

"Yeah!'' The seven friends exclaimed and Quentin smiled and nodded and they all galloped towards the train station.

The friends arrived at the station without incident and they ran up the steps and approached the conductor. ''Excuse me sir, but we need to get to Canterlot...STAT!'' Twilight declared boldly.

Quentin was expected for the conductor to waste their time asking for their tickets, but to his surprise, he nodded and said calmly, but firmly, ''Alright...get on board.''

They all nodded, ''Thank you sir,'' Rarity spoke gratefully before boarding the train with the rest of her friends.

It wasn't long after boarding when the train jerked forward and they left the station, in moments traveling out of Ponyville's boarders and passing through the country side. It was a silent ride, probably because the group all were trying to figure out the current situation. Quentin felt glad that they were the only ones on the train so now they could talk without prying ears. What was happening in Canterlot? Is it being attacked? And if so by whom? Twilight stayed glued to the window, constantly looking towards the glamorous city that she and the others were headed to with a worrisome look, Spike sitting beside her for comfort.

Quentin gazed at her sympathetically and I went over and took a seat in front of her. He spoke softly.

''Twilight...you've been in my mind twice, but I don't have to go in yours to see what you're thinking. Shining Armor and Cadence will be just fine. Princess Celestia and Princess Luna wouldn't have asked them to rule in their place if they weren't up to the task.''

Twilight glanced at Quentin and he gave her a reassuring smile. Twilight gave her friend a faint smile in return, ''I know Quentin, but I still can't shake the feeling that this may be worse than we could imagine.''

"Aw don't ya go sayin that Twi. We've been through plenty of scraps in the past, an we always pull through!'' Applejack spoke up, flashing a grin.

Pinkie Pie exclaimed happily, once again using her unique Pinkie abilities to pop out of nowhere between them. "Applejack's right Twilight. We just need to stay positive! We've faced scary things together before and we'll face this one together too!''

The rest voiced their agreement and Twilight smiled and nodded, ''You're right guys. Thank you, I'm glad to have all of you as friends.''

There was not much talking for the remainder of the train ride. After a little over an hour, after going through dark, mountain tunnels and weaving around mountain corners, the train finally passed the checkpoint leading to Canterlot. The locomotive slowly lost speed until it screeched to a stop. The eight friends quickly filed out of the train and onto the platform. Unlike before, they didn't see any guards, possibly addressing to the situation that was going on.

"Finally we made it!'' Rainbow Dash spoke loudly, hovering in the air.

"But now where do we start finding out what's going on?'' Fluttershy asked in her timid voice.

Suddenly, there was an explosion followed by distant screaming.

"Well that answers that question,'' Quentin replied.

Twilight frowned seriously as she took charge, ''Alright everypony. Let's move!''

"Right!'' the rest exclaimed and they took off out of the train platform.

They ran towards the panic without much interference, though there were screams and occasional explosions and tremors, but as they arrived at the city square, they skidded to a halt as they all gasped at a horrifying sight. All around Canterlot ponies were being chased and terrorized by strange, black creatures. They had the appearance of ponies, but Quentin knew that they definitely weren't equine. Along with their pony features, they had sheer insect like wings, fangs, and holes in their hooves as well as horns for their magic...all while possessing pale blue, empty eyes. The scene was like something out of an insect horror movie.

"What the hell are those things?!'' Quentin asked slowly, but with an aghast and disgusted expression.

Twilight glared as did the rest of their friends. "They're Changelings!'' Twilight scowled, lowering her head slightly.

Quentin frowned in confusion as he raised an eyebrow. "Changelings?!'' he asked out loud.

The name sounded familiar to him, where have he heard it before? Then the stallion's eyes widened in revelation and Quentin asked, ''Hold up, aren't those the things that can take the form of another person- I mean pony?''

Rainbow Dash nodded and snarled, ''Yeah, and they were also the punks that crashed Shining Armor and Cadence's wedding!''

Applejack then spoke with a scrunched face, ''Hold up. If these Changelings are runnin about...then that means...''

Quentin didn't know what Applejack was getting at, but my friends sure did, for they all widened their eyes in alarm as they exclaimed, "The Changeling Queen!''

"She has to be here also!'' Twilight said frantically.

Quentin remembered that name all too well and his face fell angrily and spoke, ''The Queen that's been the source of the current trouble?''

Rarity nodded with a snarl, "Yes. That wretched creature would dare to attack Canterlot?!''

"Don't worry Rarity...she's going down, WAY down!'' Rainbow Dash responded with a determined glare as she pounded her hooves together.

"But...where could she be?'' Fluttershy asked as she gazed around the horrific scene of chaos.

Pinkie Pie spoke a she brought a hoof to her chin and pondered. "Let's see...now if I was a meanie queenie where would I go?''

Spike raised a finger with an uncertain look, ''Uhhhh a castle maybe?''

Pinkie then exclaimed happily. "That's right Spike! A castle, that's definitely were I would be if I was a queen!'' Pinkie Pie suddenly followed with a gasp. "Oh no! Shining Armor and Princess Cadence are at the castle! We've gotta go help them!''

Applejack nodded with a firm glare, ''Why do ya think we're even here girl sight seein?!''

Twilight nodded, ''Applejack's right! Let's get to the castle quick!''

Quentin then gulped lightly as he gritted his teeth with a rather intimidated look, ''That might be easier said than done Twi.''

His friends saw what he meant for some of the Changelings had spotted them and began to close in on the group of friends, the sound of hissing and insect wings flapping rapidly sounded loudly around them. The eight all backed into each other as they all gritted their teeth with angry frowns while Fluttershy seemed more fearful and Spike clung to Twilight with a scared look.






"Not good…'' Twilight spoke, eying the closing changelings.

Applejack gave a taunting smirk as she said, ''Remember us uglies?''

The Changelings only responded with glares and low hiss. Rainbow Dash smirked confidently with a smug expression, pounding her hooves together, ''Oh yeah! Looks like we're going to have to do this the hard way...and I LOVE it!''

Quentin could only let out a brief chuckle at his bold friend's willing to fight. Not surprising for an adventure daredevil like herself. The Changelings drew closer, their creepy, empty eyes fixated on them. Since Quentin had never seen the likes of these creatures in his life, he gritted his teeth and back a few inches with a frightened look on his face. He felt a nudge on his side and turned to see Rainbow Dash glancing at him. She gave Quentin a nod whilst giving him a tough wink and a smirk, as if to say 'don't worry, we can take these guys'. Quentin grinned faintly at the cyan Pegasus and nodded, then turning his attention back to the Changelings, lowering his head as the stallion gave them a determined glare.

''Alright you freaks...move it!'' Quentin snarled, having swallowed his fear.






Twilight then spoke up, ''We have to get to the castle! Armor and Cadence might be in trouble!''

Quentin, Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie all nodded, and after staring down the Changelings, they all charged at them as the Changelings in charged at them. Before long, the area was turned to an all-out battlefield. Twilight made the first move. She teleported behind an incoming Changeling's attack and slammed it into the ground.

"YEE-HAA!'' Applejack shouted as she whipped around and gave a powerful buck, sending a changeling flying back colliding into other changelings and knocking them back as well.

Quentin saw this and called out, impressed, ''Damn Applejack! You scary!''

Applejack grinned as she tipped her hat, ''These garboons are about to find out what years o' applebuckin will do ta them!''

Sure enough, another Changeling charged at her, but she retaliated with a punch this time, knocking the Changeling unconscious. Quentin was quick to notice a Changeling flying towards him, its head lowered with its horn pointed at him tying to gourd or impale me. The stallion just smirked darkly.

''Not today chump!''

Before the horn could touch him, Quentin grabbed it and with all his strength he flipped him over and slammed it onto the ground hard. Quentin then pick it up and gave a strong uppercut and sent it flying into the distance.

"Hay yeah Q that's what I'm talking about!'' Rainbow Dash cheered from above.

Quentin could only gave her a smirk before charging to another incoming of attacks from four other changelings. "My turn!'' Rainbow Dash muttered confidently.

She then flew at her trademark high speeds, rainbow colored vapor trailing her as she rapidly flew into a horde of Changelings, punching them as she did so and knocking them and sending them flying as she did so. As Quentin bucked back two more Changelings, one had flown passed him and landed hard on the ground, knocked out. Quentin turned to the direction if came in to see who caused the blow and to his utter shock and disbelief, he saw Rarity punching a Changeling across the face. Another Changeling rushed at her and with a determined glare, she spun rather gracefully through the air towards the assailant and when she got close enough, she delivered a perfect kick to its face, causing it to spin rapidly away from her before hitting the ground. Rarity effortlessly landed on the ground and gave a triumphant nod and smirk.

Quentin jaw dropped at the sight of his beautiful and graceful unicorn friend engaging in battle with these creatures. "Damn...who taught her how to fight like that, Bruce Lee?'' he asked himself in astonishment.

His train of thought was interrupted by a Changeling tackling him to the ground. "Get...off me!'' Quentin shouted, grunting and groaned as he struggled to get free.

The Changeling just hissed, baring its fangs. Applejack saw his time of need and called, fearing for his safety, ''Hold on Quentin!''

An incoming Changeling swooped down towards Applejack and before it could hit her, Applejack grabbed it by the neck, while rolling back on her back and kicking the creature towards her pinned friend and collided with the Changeling on top of him, both flying backwards. Quentin glanced at his farm pony friend and grinned.

''Thanks AJ! I owe you one!''

Applejack smirked rather warmly and spoke, ''That's what friends do Quen!''

Quentin smiled at the charming pony fondly before shifting his attention back to the horde of insect like creatures. He was surprised how well his six friends actually fought, though they each had their own unique style of fighting. Twilight was blasting Changelings left to right with her magic. Spike was now where to be found on the count of Twilight telling him to get to safety. Pinkie Pie, well Pinkie's way of fighting was both confusing but humorous at the same time. Out of nowhere, she had took out one of her party cannons and was blasting unsuspecting Changelings with it.

Fluttershy...well she was usually cowering or trying to find a way to escape but somehow, every Changeling that tries to attack her would be knocked away by ones that had been flown back by blows one of her friends that were fighting. Quentin had bucked a Changeling back and galloped toward another. Before he could reach it, the Changeling was suddenly engulfed in a greenish, fire-like dome of energy for a brief moment, revealing a form that looked just like...himself?

"What the fuck?!'' Quentin shouted in surprised as he slid to a halt.

He stared in shock and bewilderment as Quentin leaned in on his doppelganger. Quentin scrunched his face, and it did too. He pulled back and scratched his head and it too did what the earth pony did. It flawlessly mimicked every movement Quentin did, like a reflection. "What the hell is going on?! It's like I'm staring into a mirror!''

His image didn't say anything, but responded with a dark smirk and suddenly punched Quentin in the face. Quentin gave a brief cry of pain as he fell backward a few feet. He whipped his mouth where he was hit and leered at the attacker, but then widened his eyes with terror as surrounding Changelings suddenly changed form in flashes of green light becoming exact images of Quentin, all giving the original evil smirks. Quentin looked around frantically as he backed away.

''How did these things...'' the unnerved Quentin began but then he remembered what he was told about Changelings. ''Right, Changelings can turn into other ponies...shit!'' he said through gritted teeth.

Soon, green flashes of light shone all around as various Changelings took the form of Quentin's friends, some were Rainbow Dash, others, were Rarity, and scores were Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie. Rainbow Dash scowled through gritted teeth.

''This bullcud again?!''

Twilight frowned while observing the numerous doppelgangers of herself and her friends, ''Guys! Don't lose focus! We need to fight out way through them to get to the castle!''

Quentin called back to her, not taking his eyes of the many him's closing in, ''How the hell do we fight them if they look just like us?!''

Twilight lowered her head as she thought of a way. Suddenly, he eyes shined with an idea. "That's it!'' She then grinned confidently. ''Just leave it to me!''

Twilight pinched her eyes shut as her horn gave off a billowing magenta aura and glowed brighter with pink sparks flying from her horn as she charged power. After a few moments, Twilight gave a brief yell as a massive wave of magenta magic energy rippled from her horn and all around the battlefield. Her friends all covered their eyes from the light while the Changelings hissed. After a moment or two, the rippling and light ended and when the others uncovered their eyes, they were all shocked to see that Changelings had reverted back to their original forms, all looking in a daze from Twilight's spell.

"Whoo-wee! Nice one Twi! Now that ya showed their ugly faces, this'll be easy as pie!'' Applejack cheered.

The others all voiced their agreement and Twilight giggled sheepishly. Rainbow Dash grinned aggressively, pounding her hooves together, ''Let's kick some changeling ass.''

The fight between the ponies and the changelings resumed. Though they outnumbered them, the changelings didn't seem to be the strongest fighters. Even Fluttershy could beat one or two if she wasn't so timid. Quentin grunted as he punched and bucked changelings left and right. He would dodge their attacks here and block their blows there. In fact, Quentin was beginning to enjoy beating these changelings.

"C'mon, is that all you got?! It's like you're not even trying?!'' the battling stallion taunted.

Some of the changelings growled and hissed in annoyance. Suddenly one struck Quentin in the back with a green blast of magic and he fell forward with a crying out in pain. Suddenly, other changelings started to join in the onslaught and began to blast Quentin with green energy blast. It was like getting repeatedly attacked with bursts of fire, Quentin's entire body burning from their spells. He could only scream in pain as he was helpless to escape the barrage from the wickedly grinning changelings. Applejack looked back at Quentin and gave a fearful gaze and cried out.

''Quentin!''

Before she could do anything, a few changelings piled on her and prevented her from helping her friend. "Get off...I'm gettin real tired o' y'all!'' Applejack snarled as she began to buck and punch the changelings off.

Rainbow Dash must've heard my cries, for she gazed down at me from the skies with a worried, horrified look. "Quentin! Hang on!''

Rainbow Dash didn't hesitate. With her unmatched speed, she flew down and quickly spun around the changelings, creating a rainbow colored tornado that caught the attacking creatures in the vortex and sending them flying in all directions. With the changelings gone, Rainbow Dash immediately came to Quentin's side and spoke with an extremely concerned and fearful expression.

''Quentin! Q are you alright?''

Quentin peered through his eyes and gazed up at his cyan friend. Though the onslaught was gone, he still had a burning feeling throughout his body. His coat was singed greatly, but Quentin was happy to see the Pegasus friends and smiled gratefully, though a bit weakly, as he slowly got up, grunting in occasional pain.

''Just a little burned and pissed, but I fine...now. Thanks to you.''

Rainbow Dash gave Quentin a relived but lovely smile for someone who was a tomboyish daredevil as she helped him up. "Hey don't mention it. I'll always have your back.''

Quentin smiled thankfully at her, touched by her undying loyalty to her friends and protectiveness of him. The two both smiled warmly at each other, Quentin felt mesmerized as he gazed into her rose colored eyes which Quentin now found quite beautiful. Rainbow Dash to stared back into Quentin's brown eyes. A faint blush came to her face as she continued giving Quentin that fond, tender smile. Quentin and Rainbow Dash were snapped out of their trance by Rarity calling to them.

"Rainbow Dash Quentin...watch out!''

They both glanced around and before they knew it, they were surrounded by another hoard of changelings, slowly closing in on them. "Damn these things just don't quit!'' Quentin said through gritted teeth.

Rainbow Dash frowned, lowering her head ready for battle, ''Yeah, but neither do we!''

Quentin suddenly grunted and flinched in pain as he made a slight movement, still feeling the searing pain from the previous attack. Rainbow Dash looked over at him with a troubled gaze, before speaking with a sort of mixture of a tough and sad smirk.

"C'mon Q, don't tell me you're gonna let these chumps get the best of you?''

Quentin looked at Rainbow Dash with a brief confused look before smirking with determination, invigorated by Rainbow's support. "Not in a million years.''

The rainbow maned mare grinned and nodded, excited by her friend's answer. At that moment, Rainbow Dash had an idea and spoke, looking over her shoulder to Quentin, ''Hey Quentin...''

Quentin glanced back at her and saw that she was giving him a tough grin. "Tag team?''

He stared at her for a moment before nodding with a smirk. "Let's rock!''

They gave each other tough grins as well as a hoof bump. Quentin and Rainbow Dash both suddenly charged in different directions into the horde and began their fight. Quentin's morale was now higher than ever before as he punched back a changeling, for he could not ask for a better battle partner than Rainbow Dash. Rainbow flew upward, taking an unsuspecting changeling with her high into the air. She then came straight down and drove the changeling into a group of its allies with a battle cry, sending handfuls of the enemies scattered in all directions. Quentin had round house kicked a changeling just in time to see what she did and cheered.

''Damn Rainbow that was badass!''

Rainbow Dash turned to him, hovering off the ground with a proud smirk, ''You really saw that Quentin?!''

Quentin nodded with a smile, but then frowned in shock as he saw a few changelings coming her way from behind. "Rainbow behind you!'' he called.

"There's some on your back too Q!'' Rainbow Dash called back.

Quentin took a quick glance over his shoulder and back at Rainbow Dash. They both locked eyes and nodded to each other, apparently thinking the same thing in their minds. Quentin ran towards his friend as she flew towards him, changelings in hot pursuit as they did so. Quentin and Rainbow ran and flew to each other until they met in the center, but instead of running passed each other, they hooked forelegs and Quentin jumped in the air with Rainbow Dash and at the same time they both gave strong front kicks to their respective changelings. Their targets hissed in pain as they were flown back and collided with other unsuspecting changelings and bowling them over.

"Hay yeah that's what I'm talking about!'' Rainbow Dash exclaimed happily as they landed on the ground.

The earth pony agreed, ''You said it Rainbow. Some sweet moves you got there!''

Rainbow Dash whipped her wild, multicolored bang out of her face and grinned, ''Well what did you expect?! I am the most awesome pony in Equestria you know!''

Quentin chuckled at her playful boasting. Rainbow Dash suddenly became alarmed as a changeling charged from behind him, baring its fangs. "Heads up Q!''

Quentin nodded with a frown and he hooked arms with his friend again and flung her over his back, like what one would see in intense fighting movies. Quentin noticed how light Rainbow Dash really was as he threw her over with little effort. They probably had to be light to walk on clouds. Rainbow Dash rolled on Quentin's back and before the changeling could strike, Rainbow kicked down on its head and knocked it face first in the ground. Rainbow Dash then hopped behind it and took its tail in her mouth and with a few spins, flung it out into the distance.

"Good looking out Rainbow!'' Quentin called gratefully

Rainbow Dash nodded with a tough smirk. More changelings came towards them, but they were ready for them. Changeling after changeling, Rainbow Dash and Quentin would fight them back with punches, kicks, bucks, and occasional karate chops. His training in karate back on Earth and practices with Rainbow Dash were paying off tremendously. They were fighting so well together, they hardly needed to talk to carry out their moves. There was even a point when Quentin gave Rainbow Dash a 'boost' as she placed a hind hoof in his forelegs and threw her up into the sky. She effortlessly did a backflip and kicked down a changeling down towards Quentin with great power.

When the insect like creature came close enough, Quentin fell back on his forelegs and brought his hind legs back and with all my strength, he gave a nice good buck right in its face and sent it back up to Rainbow Dash, like they were playing pinball. With a grin, Rainbow Dash did a front flip in the air and when the changeling came close enough, she kicked down hard in its face and sent it back down to earth. This time, Quentin wasn't going to attack and he hopped out of the way and it dropped painfully down into the ground. It was humorous actually, its pale eyes rolled in its head with its tongue hanging out as it was in a disoriented daze.

Quentin and Rainbow Dash didn't know how long they've been fighting, but at last the last group of changelings in sight was struck down by Twilight and the seven friends stood together, panting from the battle and glaring around the changelings that littered the ground around them. After moments passed, Spike came from a donut shop of some kind and ran towards the victorious group as Rainbow Dash and Quentin looked at each other and smiled before giving each other a hoof bump and a headbutt.

"Finally! These horrid things have been vanquished!'' Rarity sighed as they all relaxed a bit.

"Ya can say that again sister!'' Applejack agreed, whipping some sweat from her brow before beaming at me and Rainbow Dash.

''Whoa nelly! You two were really throwin down out there! I'd never guess you would be such a good fightin team!''

The rest of their friends voiced their approval. "Not surprising. Quentin did defeat my brother in a duel after all,'' Twilight said with a warm smile as she looked at the dreadlocked pony. ''You're just full of surprises are you Quentin?''

Quentin smiled sheepishly, averting his shyly eyes from the praise, but Rainbow Dash threw a foreleg around his shoulders and brought him in for a hug. "You know it! Q here totally kicked changeling ass out there!''

Quentin chuckled and spoke, ''No Rainbow...WE all kicked changeling ass out there.''

Twilight's face then fell with deep concern as she came closer to him, ''I saw you get hurt by a group of changelings, are you ok Quentin?''

Quentin nodded with a grin, ''Yeah Twi I'm good. I'm not going to let a bunch of creepy changelings get the best of me.''

Twilight giggled at this and Pinkie Pie suddenly exclaimed joyously, 'Hooray for us! I knew my trusty party cannon would come in handy!''

Spike hopped up and down as he praised. ''Whoa-ho! You guys were unbelievable! You were like HA and HOOHA! And like, not today chumps and...'' before Spike could finished Twilight stopped him, with a look of upmost seriousness on her face.

''Thanks Spike, but I think we really need to save the praises for later.''

''Why?!'' Spike asked bewildered.

"Cuz o' that!'' Applejack answered, pointed upward. They all looked up and to their shock saw that the skies were filled with changelings, their wings creating a loud buzzing sound.

Rainbow Dash glared and spoke, ''Doesn't matter. I can beat these losers down all day!''

"We don't have time Rainbow! We need to get to the castle now!'' Twilight protested.

Rainbow Dash reluctantly agreed and after Spike hopped on Twilight's back, the group all ran north towards the castle. They ran passed screaming and running ponies, occasional explosions heard and tremors felt. Even worst, hordes of changelings pursued them from the skies. Finally as the eight friends ran, the familiar, majestic castle came to view. However, some of the spires and roofs were destroyed and black smoke plumed out of some that were on fire, but they dashed towards it, crossing over the draw bridge, an up to the massive double doors.

''Finally we made it!'' Quentin breathed relieved.

"B-But we're not the only ones!'' Fluttershy whimpered fearfully.

The rest all looked around to see the changelings flying towards the castle. "We need to get in fast! C'mon!'' Twilight exclaimed and together they all pushed against the door before they slowly, but surly began to open.

Once the doors opened far enough, the seven ponies and dragon all made a dash in and immediately pushed the doors closed before the changelings could reach them. They all breathed a sigh of relief and slid unto the floor. "Man that was a close one!'' Quentin said, catching his breath.

Rainbow Dash nodded, ''Yeah, maybe now we can-'' but she stopped abruptly as she and the others all gazed in front in the entrance hall.

Littered everywhere were many of the royal guards, unconscious with singed coats, cuts and blood, and dinted armor with some of their helmets scattered everywhere along with spears. There was also some debris about the ground with some cracks and destroyed bits from the pillars and the walls.

"What in sweet Celestia happened here?!'' Applejack asked horrified as she gazed around the hall.

Twilight ran up to a nearby guard with a black coat to check on him. She placed an ear to his chest and in a moment, she spoke with a relieved tone, ''He's still breathing...he's still alive!''

"Thank goodness!'' Rarity said, placing a hoof over her heart in a dramatic fashion. "Maybe he knows what happened here?''

Twilight nodded and lightly shook the guard, hoping he'll come to. Quentin recognized the guard as Rapier, seeing him train new recruits the last time he was here. The wounded guard began to stir and grunt before slowly opening his eyes and look weakly at Twilight.

"M-Miss...Miss Twilight...cough...'' Rapier said weakly, coughing.

Twilight kneeled beside him as we all gathered around. ''Yes that's right. Sir, what happened here?'' Twilight asked with concerned.

Rapier tried to sit up, but was just too badly injured, coughing a small amount of blood. He peered through one eye as he explained weakly, ''They...they came out of nowhere...those cursed...things...''

"The changelings?'' Quentin asked to which he nodded.

''Yes...they started to attack Canterlot...and their queen...''

Quentin, Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy all frowned as he said those words. ''The changeling queen! Where is the bitch?!'' Rainbow Dash asked aggressively. Rapier coughed again before speaking.

''She was...like a one pony army...she defeated us like...we were nothing...and...and went towards the prince and princess...''

The eight all gasped at this revelation. "Shining Armor and Princess Cadence?!'' Applejack exclaimed.

Rapier nodded, trying to sit up again, ''We...must protect...them...we must protect Canterlot...Princess Celestia...entrusted us to...'' with that Rapier passed out again.

The rest all gazed down at him for a moment with concern and sympathy before Twilight turned to her friends, ''We need to get to Shining Armor and Cadence!''

"But where could they be the palace enormous?'' Fluttershy asked.

Suddenly there was an explosion what seemed to be coming from the west of the castle, startling all of them. ''What was that?!'' Pinkie Pie asked loudly.

Quentin shook his head, ''I don't know, but something tells me that's where we'll find Armor and Cadence.''

Applejack nodded with a stern glare, ''Then we need to get ta them an' quick!''

Without hesitating, they all galloped down the spacious entrance hall and up the high stairway and to the west. They've been running for a while before they turned a corner and found themselves staring at a frightful sight. Laying against the wall on the side of the corridor was Shining Armor and Cadence, their coats singed, manes unkempt, and looked as if they had been through hell and back.

"Armor! Cadence!'' Twilight exclaimed in worry and horror as we all followed her to the prince and princess.

Cadenced was resting her head on her husband's shoulder with both their eyes closed until the friends reached them. They both groaned before slowly opening their eyes. "Tw-Twilight?'' Armor asked weakly.

"Yes Armor...it's me. I'm here...we all are,'' Twilight responded, embracing the two while fighting back tears. Armor gave a weak smile, as she embraced his sister in a one foreleg hug.

"You...don't know...how glad I am...to see you,'' Armor said slowly and softly.

Cadence nodded, smiling wearily as she stroke Twilight's mane, ''The both of us?''

The others all felt relieved that they were still alive, but was still worried about the origin of their condition. "Armor, Cadence...what happened?'' Quentin asked, frowning with concern.

Armor frowned in anger as he spoke, ''It was...the changeling queen...she's back...''

The friends all bore disgusted expressions and looked at each other. Cadence spoke up, wincing in slight pain as she spoke, ''But...there's something different about her. Her power was twice as it was that last time she attacked...after absorbing our love for one another. We tried to use the repulsion spell like last time, but she easily resisted our power.''

Rarity gave a light gasp, ''What? She really has that kind of power? Has she absorbed more love again?!''

Armor shook his head, ''No...this was different, but...but she did had these strange gems floating around her as she attacked.''

"Gems?'' Fluttershy asked in quizzically.

Twilight thought deeply before speaking with a slightly surprised tone, ''Wait a sec, Princess Celestia said in her letter the changeling queen stole a gem from Kal Equa...could this be what she meant?''

"But Princess Celestia only mentioned one gem, when we saw her, she had four gems with her,'' Cadence responded, adjusting her position while gritting her teeth.

Pinkie Pie rubbed her head like she was having a headache as she said loudly, ''Oh one gem, four gems...what's with all these gems?!''

Before any of them could answer, there was another explosion coming from down the hall and from massive doors leading to the grand ballroom. Quentin turned to his friends, ''We need to do something. At this rate, who knows how long Canterlot will manage.''

Although he'd preferred humble Ponyville to the glamourous Canterlot any day, Quentin would never wish for it to be attacked and destroyed.

"Ya can bet we aint gonna jus' sit here an do nothin Quentin!'' Applejack responded with a determined gaze.

Rainbow Dash nodded as she said fiercely ''Hay no! Let's get in there and kick her royal flank!''

Her friends all nodded, but before they could leave, Armor stopped them. ''Wait, one more thing.''

"What is it Armor?'' Twilight asked.

Armor spoke sternly, ''Fiyorae...''

Instantly the eight all frowned angrily at the name. "What about him?'' Rainbow Dash asked with a sort of scowl, crossing her forelegs.

"He's in there...fighting the queen.''

The friends all gasped, shocked by the news. ''What?! Ya mean that no good varmint is goin hoof ta hoof with the queen?!'' Applejack asked in disbelief.

Armor and Cadence looked at each other bewildered before looking at Twilight and her friends. "I don't know what he might have did to you, but he was attacked by the queen shortly after his performance here. We offered him shelter inside the castle, but it wasn't long before she forced her way in,'' Cadence explained.

Rainbow Dash spat back, ''I wouldn't have done jack shit for that guy. Not after he-'' but she was stopped by Twilight giving her a stern look.

''We don't have time Rainbow. We need to end this now!''

Rainbow Dash tried to argue but Quentin cut her off, ''She's right Dash. Canterlot's more important right now.''

Rainbow Dash glared at him for a moment before crossing her forelegs and pouted, ''Pfft, fine!''

Twilight nodded, and turned to Spike, ''Spike you stay here with Shining Armor and Cadence. This might get dangerous.''

Spike nodded and spoke at once, fear in his voice, ''Good call Twilight. I'll stay right here. Knock some heads for me!''

Twilight nodded and turned to the prince and princess. "Twily...be careful,'' Armor said with concern.

Twilight nodded before embracing the two again. "Don't worry Armor, we will. You two just focus on recovering.''

Cadence and Armor nodded and without delay the seven galloped off towards the ballroom. "I can't believe Fiyorae is fighting the queen!'' Quentin said as they ran.

Twilight nodded with a reluctant frown, ''Yeah, I hate to admit it, but Fiyorae could be our biggest asset to defeating the queen.''

This caught the others by surprise and Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Rarity voiced their skepticism, but Twilight silenced them, ''Guys, I don't like the guy myself...but there's no denying that he's the most powerful around...I'll admit that.''

"Ugh...well that's true...but...'' Rarity began, disgusted that she would admit such a status about a person like Fiyorae.

Twilight shook her head, ''Canterlot's in danger...the changelings are the enemies...not Fiyorae.''

The rest of them looked at each other and reluctantly nodded. Rainbow Dash grumbled, "We'll never hear the end of it from him if he beats the queen.''

Applejack snorted, ''Yea' he'll probably want evry'pony ta worship em' if he does.''

The group finally made it to the doors. Quentin turned to his friends with a serious face, ''You girls ready?''

"Ready,'' they answered in unison while Fluttershy gave an uncertain, frightened tone.

Quentin nodded and he put his mouth on the large door handle and with all his strength, he pulled the door opened. They all peered in the ballroom to find the place completely destroyed. Most of the glass windows in the greatly spaced room were shattered and glass littered the marble ground. Along with the glass, debris from collapsed pillars, and the ceiling covered parts of the floor, some in large mounds and piles. All around the room were large patches of hat appeared to be marks caused by extreme heat like fire or fire like elements. In the center of the battle scarred ballroom was Fiyorae, but unlike his appearance in Ponyville, his coat had grime with a few cuts and bruises and his normally tidy mane was now unkempt and hanging freely. His fine, elegant clothes were now tattered and torn. He breathed deeply as he stared up into the air, in which hovering high with a most evil smile was Chrysalis.

"Look...it's her,'' Rainbow Dash snarled, glaring at the queen.

"Yes, even more vile than I remembered last time,'' Rarity added with disgust.

Quentin had a slightly different reaction. Being his first time seeing her, he saw that she differed greatly from her subjects. She was much larger than the ones they fought and instead of empty eyes, she had pupils, though they were green and cat like and like the others had she possessed insect characteristics and fangs. Despite her slender frame, long teal mane, and fangs and insect features, she oddly had pleasurable features for a supposedly evil queen.

''So that's the changeling queen...the one that's the cause of all this?'' Quentin muttered, frowning at the queen.

Twilight nodded and growled, ''Yeah. And also Princess Celestia's and Princess Luna's leaving, the visions, the attacks...everything is her fault!''

Applejack glared at the queen and shifted her gaze to Fiyorae and softened a bit, ''Gee, I don't like the feller, but Fiyorae's not lookin too good from here.''

The others all turned their gazes to the vain unicorn, finally taking the time to notice his tattered appearance. Rainbow Dash sneered, ''So much for the 'Unicorn Supreme'!''

Rarity nodded, ''Yes, serves him right after the way he treated us.''

Twilight however seemed more confused than anything. "I don't understand,'' she said softly.

"You don't understand what?'' Pinkie Pie asked.

Twilight answered, ''I've used all the energy I had in my duel with him and I barely wasn't able to give him so much as a scratch.''

Twilight then shifted her gazed back up to the changeling queen and winced and she noticed the four gems, one glowing red, one glowing green, one glowing blue, and the last glowing orange floating around her.

"Are those the gems Armor told us about.''

Quentin too looked up at the queen and saw the oval objects revolving around her. "Looks like it, why you ask?'' he wondered.

"Maybe those gems are the reason she's beating Fiyorae? But what powers do they possess?'' the intelligent unicorn replied.

Before anyone could answer, a chilling cackle rang out as Chrysalis spoke venomously, ''What's wrong Unicorn Supreme Fiyorae, getting a little tired? Running out of energy to use your spells? Or is it that without that gem on your forehead you barely have any power at all?!''

Noticing her eerie, distorted voice, Quentin shuddered yet also found that it had a seductive quality to it. Fiyorae growled through gritted teeth as he shot Chrysalis a hateful glare.

"What did she mean by that?'' Quentin inquired, looking at his friends.

They looked at each other before Twilight spoke, ''Hold on...Fiyorae did had some sort of jewel around his forehead when we met him, but what does that have to do with anything?''

Twilight averted her eyes as she pondered the question. Then her eyes widened as a thought came to her, ''Could it be?''

Her train of thought was interrupted by Fiyorae giving off a yell as his horn was enveloped in a goldenrod aura and he blasted a beam of magic energy at Chrysalis. The queen just laughed and the orange gem glowed brighter and in a flash of orange light she teleported out of the way and the attack hit the ceiling. A brief explosion followed the attack as pieces of the ceiling came crashing down.

"What?!'' Fiyorae seethed, a combination of shock and frustration on his face.

"Looking for me?'' a distorted voce called out.

Fiyorae whipped his head all directions to find the voice. Suddenly, Chrysalis reappeared in the air and with a wicked grin, her horn was enveloped with a billowing, sickly green and crimson red with the red gem now glowing brighter and she shot a beam of green magic energy at Fiyorae. Fiyroae's horn glowed as a golden dome of energy appeared around him in attempts to protect himself. As the queen's attack collided with the shield, it shattered it effortlessly and the beam hit him squared in the chest, knocking him back hard against the wall. Fiyorae gave out a cry of pain as he hit the wall, and he slid down onto the floor.

Chrysalis laughed and spoke, ''That's right, writhe in pain like the worm you are. An unfortunate for you, since you lost the gem among the debris I'll have to kill you for causing me the inconvenience.''

Quentin frowned and spoke sternly, ''We have to help him.''

"Say what?!'' Rainbow Dash exclaimed in shock.

The human turned stallion turned to his bold friend, ''Hey he's not exactly my best friend, but we can't just leave him there to die...no matter how much we may hate him!''

His friends looked at him uncertainly, with Rainbow Dash giving Quentin a glare as she tried to argue, ''Well yeah, but...''

Quentin whipped his head towards the battle and saw that the queen was preparing for the final attack, her horn glowing. "Shit!'' he thought to himself and without a thought, Quentin dashed towards the rough up unicorn, his friends calling his name to stop.

Quentin ran as fast as his equine legs could towards Fiyorae. The queen's attack fired, a reddish green beam of energy firing towards the unicorn. With his teeth gritted, Quentin found a new burst of energy, probably the adrenaline he was feeling and he pushed Fiyorae out of the way, just barley avoiding the attack which hit the wall and blew a large hole in the structure, though the blast did launched the two a few feet aside. Quentin groaned from the slight dizziness he had and got up slowly. Fiyorae shook his head from any disorient he may have had and when he gazed his eyes on the familiar earth pony, they widened as he gasped in a shocked tone.

''What?! You?!''

Quentin nodded with an angered glare, not forgetting in the slightest of what he did to him and his friends, ''Yeah me. Who were you expecting, Dumbledore?''

Fiyorea was bewildered by his comment, obviously oblivious to his world's references. Before he could speak, Quentin peered upward at the queen.

"What's this?'' Chrysalis inquired, raising an eyebrow with an uncaring look.

"Quentin!'' Applejack yelled with worry and she dashed into the destroyed ballroom, the rest of their friends following.

Not halfway into the ballroom, Chrysalis noticed Quentin's friends galloping in and her face became that of sick grimace, but then turned into a twisted smile followed by a laugh, ''Well, well, well...if it isn't Twilight Sparkle and the bearers of the Elements of Harmony.''

The six slid to a halt and glared up at the queen and Twilight boldly spoke up, ''That's right Changeling Queen, we're here to stop you once again!''

They queen chuckled before speaking, ''When Equestria is mine and you're bowing down to me, you may call me Queen Chrysalis.''

Twilight's friends frowned deeper, giving off softly growls. "Bow to you?! Ha in your dreams maybe!'' Rainbow Dash spat.

Applejack growled through gritted teeth, "Yer outta yer apple picking mind if ya think we'll ever bow down ta ya!''

Chrysalis cast them a dark leer, ''Yes I forgot how insolent you six could be, but it doesn't matter. Soon, my powers will be greater than anything in Equestria. The environment should be proof of that.''

Twilight gazed at the glowing four gems floating around her and spoke, ''We know you attacked Kal-Equa Chrysalis AND we know you stole the Jewel of Kal-Equa!''

Chrysalis responded with a cackle, causing the seven ponies to frown uncertainly at her. "Those Kal-Equian fools used the gem to sustain their little kingdom for centuries, completely ignorant of its true use. That is why I so graciously relieved them of their 'jewel' to serve my goals.'' As she said that, Chrysalis glanced wickedly at the green, glowing gem.

"And those other gems floating around you, what are they...and what are you planning on doing with them?!'' Twilight demanded.

Chrysalis smirked malevolently, ''Let's just say after I'm done collecting them, I'll have even more power than your precious Elements of Harmony!''

This caused the bearers of those very artifacts to gasp slightly as Rarity spoke, ''Have more power than the Elements themselves? Preposterous!''

"That's right. There's not an enemy the Elements cannot defeat!'' Twilight added confidently.

"Until now,'' Chrysalis retorted." Though my search isn't over, I'm still strong enough to destroy the six that represents those accursed trinkets!''

Rainbow Dash snarled, ''Try it bitch!''

The other spirits of Harmony too readied themselves for a possible attack. Chrysalis smirked smugly, darkly, ''Oh I attend to dearie. With you out of the way, there will truly be nothing to stand against my power!''

Chrysalis' gnarled horn began to give off a billowing, sickly green aura as she prepared a spell. "After destroying you, Canterlot will be my citadel in my new empire as all of Equestria…all the world will bow before their new queen!"'

"No...it won't!'' a fierce voice called out.

Quentin's friends' expressions became of great shock...of great disbelief. "That voice...can it be?'' Twilight asked softly, disbelievingly.

Suddenly out of nowhere, a golden beam of light shot through the air straight at the evil queen. "What?!'' Chrysalis exclaimed, but Chrysalis didn't have enough time to evade and the beam hit her square in the chest and sent her rocketing back and into the high wall.

The eight friends looked at the stricken queen in shock, not believing what they just saw. "What the heck...who did that?'' Quentin wondered out loud.

The human's question was answered by a bright flash of light, so much he had to shield his eyes. The light was brief and Quentin peered through his eyelids, only for his eyes to shot open at what he was seeing. Standing towards the middle of the ballroom, staring at Chrysalis with absolutely furious expressions where the two royal sisters themselves. Quentin stared dumbfounded at the two regal sovereigns, his jaw hanging out. Suddenly, Twilight and the rest of her friends smiled brightly as Twilight shouted joyously.

''It is! Princess Celestia...Princess Luna your here!''

"Shooooot! Now that's what I call good timin!'' Applejack added with a bright smile.

Quentin got up and slowly made his way to his friends, not taking his eyes off of the two...again he was could not find the right words to describe them, for like Cadence, the two also had Pegasus wings along with unicorn horns. Seriously, what would you call them? Applejack noticed the stallion and spoke immediately with a concerned face.

''Quen! Are ya alright sugarcube?!''

Their friends turned there gaze at him, but Quentin just nodded, not looking at them. "Yeah, yeah I'm fine but...who are THEY?''

His seven friends smiled and Rarity spoke gracefully, ''Those two magnificent Alicorns, Quentin, are none other than our beloved princesses Celestia and Luna!''

Quentin whipped his head at Rarity, both bewildered and surprised. "Wait...THAT'S Princess Celestia and Princess Luna?!"

Rainbow Dash grinned and nodded, ''Yep, awesome aren't they?''

Quentin just stared at his cyan Pegasus friend. 'Awesome' was an understatement. These two...'Alicorns' were probably the most beautiful ponies he had seen since he's been in Equestria. It was like he was looking at two goddesses. Quentin's face then went from awe to confusion and he asked.

''Wait, Alicorns?''

Twilight nodded, ''Yes. Alicorns are special ponies that have the horn of a unicorn and the wings of a Pegasus, such as Cadence and Princess Celestia and Luna.''

Quentin thought deeply as he processed the information, ''The body of an earth pony, horn of a unicorn, and wings of a Pegasus...so basically Alicorns are the combination of all three races of ponies?''

Twilight was surprised by the question, but then nodded, ''Yeah, I suppose you can say that.''

Quentin nodded in understanding, and Pinkie Pie suddenly exclaimed, ''Hooray the princesses are here! Everything's sure to be alright now!''

Twilight nodded with a smile and turned to her mentor. "Princess Celestia, you've came back!'' Twilight called taking a few steps forward. Celestia looked at her student, anger still in her face.

''Twilight, don't come any closer! Stay there!'' The princess of the sun called.

Twilight looked at Celestia with shock and bewilderment, ''But what-'' Twilight began, but was cut by Luna, the same look of outrage upon her face.

''My sister is right Twilight Sparkle! Be still, we shall deal with the likes of her!''

Twilight still wasn't sure of the requests but eventually she nodded uncertainly and made no more advancements. The two sisters then shifted their gaze the queen, their angered expressions deepening and they took a threatening step forward. At first Chrysalis looked alarmed at the two, but then she looked at them with disgust and resentment.

"So, the princesses of the sun and moon have finally returned?''

Celestia snarled, ''First you attack our ally kingdom Kal-Equa and now you have the inebriated GULL to attack Canterlot?!''

Chrysalis smirked darkly, ''Why yes. Canterlot in its current state is far too radiant for my tastes. Something I'll change when I rule Equestria and the lands beyond it.''

The princesses and the rest of the friends glared at the queen and Luna spat back, ''You wretch! Unforgivable! When you have been defeated I'll see to it that thou shall receive the maximum punishment!''

Chrysalis laughed, ''Your empty threats don't scare me! I admit, I was defeated the last time we've faced, but now this time, the odds are in my favor!''

She then grinned evilly at the glowing gems floating around her. Celestia saw the mysterious gems and spoke.

''That green gem, that must be Jewel of Kal-Equa. And the others...so our assumptions were right. She is collecting gems.''

Luna nodded, ''Yes Celestia, but we still don't know what she's going to do with them.''

Chrysalis saw the sisters talking to each other and she grinned, ''What's the matter Celestia? Oh, are you curious about these marvelous gems I possess?''

The regal sisters frowned and Luna spoke boldly, ''Yes wretched queen. Tell us the purpose of those gems!''

Chrysalis rolled her eyes and answered in an annoyed tone. "I have a name you know. When you're dying with your last breath, you may address me as Chrysalis.''

Rainbow Dash growled, ''Like they really give a damn what your name is!''

Chrysalis must've heard her, for she turned to her and her friends and gave a cold glare. "I believe I wasn't talking to you. Be gone!''

"Wha-'' Rainbow Dash began, but Chrysalis fired a greenish, red beam of energy at them.

They all flinched and pinched their eyes shut as the attack came quickly at them. Before it could hit the seven ponies, a golden dome of transparent energy suddenly appeared around the group, shielding them from the attack. The friends all opened their eyes in puzzlement, but then saw that the spell was coming from Celestia, her horn engulfed in the same colored aura as her spell.

"The princess saved us!'' Fluttershy squeaked.

Celestia gritted her teeth, as she glared while performing her spell, ''I...will not...let you harm my subjects!''

Celestia seemed to be straining to protect them from Chrysalis' attack. The seven heard cracking sounds and sure enough, the barrier was starting to crack under the pressure. Fiyorae watched on from the side, trying to keep hidden as Chrysalis laughed wickedly.

"Um...is that supposed to happen?!'' Quentin asked, worried by the failing barrier.

Twilight gazed upward at the cackling queen and frowned, ''It must be those gems...they're somehow strengthening her power!''

Luna looked at her sister with a concern expression, ''Sister will you be alright?!''

"Ugh...such power! These gems...her attack is already cracking my barrier!'' Celestia grunted as she struggled with her spell.

It wasn't long after that when the barrier reached its limit and there was an explosion, sending the ponies flying backwards towards Fiyorae. The seven all gave a brief yell as they were flown back and fell on the ground. Rainbow Dash sat up and shook her head from any dizziness and turned to Quentin, immediately becoming worried.

''Quentin! Are you ok?!''

The winded stallion sat up and groaned, rubbing his head, ''Yeah Dash...ugh that was not fun,'' he answered. "Is everyone ok?''

His friends voiced their wellbeing as they got up. "Who knew that horrible queen could actually break through one of Princess Celestia's barriers?'' Rarity said in disbelief.

Twilight gazed at her teacher and then up at Chrysalis, ''It's those gems. They're somehow increasing her powers! Just what are they?!''

"Then what can we do?'' Fluttershy asked fearfully.

Rainbow Dash face bore a glare as she exhaled a gust of smoke from her nose. "We'll go up there and beat that freak's royal flank!''

Rainbow Dash attempted to fly off towards Chrysalis, but thankfully Applejack caught her tail in her mouth and stopped her. "Hold on there sally! We don't want ta risk ya getting hurt. Who knows what them gems can do? Its best ta let the princesses handle this one!''

Rainbow Dash glared at her before she reluctantly sighed and crossed her forelegs. Chrysalis laughed wickedly and gazed at the two sisters.

''Look how easily my attack crushed your spell Celestia. Such as the power of my gems!''

Celestia retorted with a disgusted snarl, ''Yes...the gems' powers. But not YOUR powers Chrysalis!''

Luna nodded and growled, ''Right without them, your nothing changeling!''

Chrysalis glared at them coldly and answered, ''We'll see whose nothing when I'm finished with you, you insignificant mortals!''

On the last words, Chrysalis had an eerie, dark, more distorted voice about it...almost demonic and her eyes briefly glowed an unholy red with her sclera black. Twilight noticed this and looked at her disturbed. "Mortals?''

Celestia and Luna both looked sternly at each other, nodded and looked back at the evil queen. "You will never win Chrysalis,'' Celestia said firmly." Luna now!''

"Yes sister...together!'' Luna responded and in a flash the two sister flew from the ground rather quickly and towards Chrysalis.

Chrysalis growled as her horn was engulfed in the sickly green aura and he fired a beam of magic energy at the two sisters. Their horns glowed, Celestia's a golden aura and Luna's a cobalt blue and they disappeared, the attack missing them and hitting the ground away from Quentin and his friends. Chrysalis looked a bit bewildered as her slit-pupil green eyes scanned the area. Suddenly there was a flash of light and the two Alicorns appeared behind the changeling queen.

"What?!'' Chrysalis cried alarmed and she whipped around, just as Celestia and Luna fired beams of energies from their horns.

Chrysalis grinned smugly and her horn glowed as she became encased in a green bubble of energy. The attacks hit the bubble, blocking and the attack and protecting Chrysalis. Chrysalis laughed gleefully.

''See how my shield holds up, unlike yours Celestia!''

The two sisters frowned and gritted their teeth. "Let's see how it holds up after this!'' Celestia muttered and once again vanished in a flash of light.

Before Chrysalis could react, Celestia had reappeared right in front of her inside the bubble and without hesitation, Celestia hit Chrysalis with a powerful beam of golden energy. Chrysalis screamed as the bubble broke like glass and she was flown backwards, hitting the wall. Quentin, Twilight, Pinkie, Rainbow, Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy all cheered at the display.

"Man that was so badass!'' Quentin cheered.

Twilight grinned at me, ''What did you expect Quentin. Like I said before, Princess Celestia is probably the most powerful pony in Equestria!''

As they cheered for the princess, Fiyorae slouched with a grimaced face as he slowly backed away towards the large hole in the wall.

"Well done Celestia! Any effective attack!'' Luna praised her sister as she flew by her side.

Celestia nodded firmly, ''Thank you Luna, but it's too early to celebrate just yet.''

Chrysalis shook her head and glared infuriatingly at the sisters, but then a twisted smile crept over her face. "You fools, you think that would be enough to defeat me?! The future rule of Equestria?!''

With that, her horn glowed and she whipped her head horizontally, sending a massive, crescent, reddish green colored energy at the sisters. Celestia and Luna gritted their teeth with a frown as their horns glowed and they were both engulfed in a sphere of energy, Celestia's gold and Luna blue. The spheres expanded until they merged with each into a golden blue colored sphere and when the crescent energy collided with the sphere, there was an explosion as well as a flash of light. Quentin and his friends briefly cried out as they shielded their eyes. The light was brief and it quickly subsided. Quentin slowly opened his eyes and saw Fiyorae inching towards the hole and when he got close enough, he turned and galloped out the hole.

Quentin frowned and muttered, ''Oh no you don't!''

He took off after him. After his friends uncovered their eyes, they notice Quentin running and Pinkie Pie called out, ''Quentin, where are you going?!''

Not long after that, the seven galloped after their friend. Quentin chased Fiyorae out into the gardens, distant explosions and screams heard from the city. With Fiyorae tired form his battle with Chrysalis, it wasn't hard for Quentin to catch up to him and when he got close enough ,the earth pony leaped and pounced on his back, rolling a few times and finally stopping.

"Get off of me!'' Fiyorae demanded as the others caught up to them.

"Gladly,'' Quentin growled and he indeed got off of him and stood up, he and the rest of his friends glaring down at the tattered unicorn.

Fiyorae fumbled a bit before leering disgustingly at the seven ponies, and then to Quentin, ''Heh, you dare touch me? A common equine like you? You're lucky that I don't-'' before he could finish, Fiyorae was punched in the face to the ground by Applejack.

Fiyorae gave a loud grunt as he fell back on the ground, a trickle of blood streaming down his mouth. Applejack glared down at Fiyorae with disgusted resentment. Her action caught all of her friends by surprised, especially Quentin.

"Oh my...Applejack,'' Rarity began in shock, but Applejack snarled deathly.

''Ya self-righteous git! Quentin risked his life ta save the like's o' ya and ya still have the nerve ta talk down ta him?!''

Applejack took a threatening step towards Fiyorae and he coward away, ''S-Stay back...I...I'm warning you!''

Applejack wasn't fazed one bit and took another step towards him. Before she could take another step Quentin stopped her. "Thanks AJ, but that's enough. Besides he's not worth it,'' he spoke firmly.

Applejack glared at him for a brief moment before she calmed down and sighed, ''Ya right Quen. Sorry if I flew off the handle fer a bit.''

Quentin shook his head with a small smile, ''Don't be AJ. I'm glad I know you have my back.'' Applejack looked at her friend and gave him a soft smile and a nod.

Out of nowhere Rainbow Dash spoke at Fiyorae threateningly, ''You're glad that's the only punch you've gotten you dick!''

Rainbow Dash advanced towards him, causing Fiyorae to flinch with fear, but Quentin stopped Rainbow Dash. He shook his head and Dash reluctantly nodded and glared at the unicorn on the ground. Quentin turned to Fiyorae and he took a few steps towards the intimidated unicorn.

"W-What do you want?'' Fiyorae asked fearfully.

Quentin looked at him with a soft, stern look and he responded softly, ''I saved your life.''

Fiyorae frowned and snarled, ''You...did. You saved my life, in order to obtain something from me. What do you want money?''

At this Quentin's friends glared at him with gritted teeth and Rarity seethed, ''You dare accuse our brave Quentin of being an opportunist scavenger?!''

Though grateful of Rarity defending him, Quentin silently shook his head and she backed down. He turned his attention back to Fiyorae and answered firmly, ''I didn't do it to gain something from you...I did because it was right. Not even a sleazy, boorish lout like you deserve to die.''

Fiyorae looked absolutely taken aback by Quentin's answer. He stared at him, befuddled before he spoke, ''You saved me even after the way I treated you and your friends? That...that was pretty decent of you.''

Rainbow Dash retorted aggressively, "Yeah maybe you should try it sometimes!''

Fiyorae averted his eyes and his ears dropped down. On his face for the first time they saw that he looked absolutely guilty, remorseful even. After a few moments, Quentin finally spoke up.

''But I do have couple questions though. And I want the truth Fiyorae...you're not really the Unicorn Supreme are you?''

The others stared at Fiyorae, waiting for an answer. Fiyorae didn't answer at first, just avoided eye contact. Finally what seemed like minutes, Fiyorae slowly turned his gaze to the questioning earth pony, a somber look in his eyes and finally slowly shook his head in silence. Quentin just gave him a stern, disapproving frown as Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

''Ha! I knew it. I knew there was something fishy about you!''

Twilight spoke up, a disgusted look on her face, ''And those spells you used?''

Fiyorae answered as he shifted his gaze to the ground and muttered, ''They weren't mine. They were not my doing.''

Pinkie suddenly got in his face and growled, ''So you're a meanie pants AND a liar...you defiantly don't deserve a party!''

Fiyorae looked alarmed at Pinkie's unexpected pop up, but then lowered his head and ears in shame. "An all that time, yer boastin an' claims, ya was just talkin out yur pompous hind!'' Applejack growled through gritted teeth.

Fiyorae said nothing just remained silent in his shame. Quentin finally spoke up again, ''You said they weren't your doing...who's was it?''

Fiyorae sighed and looked at Quentin with guilt on his face, ''It was the gem...the gem on my forehead.''

"The yellow one on the ruby chain?'' Fluttershy asked to which Fiyorae nodded.

"The very same. I don't know why or how but that gem possesses the power to allow you to accomplish anything you want. Whatever you think of...it becomes a reality like as if you can grant your own wishes.''

Twilight spoke, anger in her voice, ''So everything you did in our duel...those weren't really spells you were using? They were just your thoughts becoming real...you cheated!''

Fiyorae hung his head in shame and replied, ''I...I was never the most talented unicorn in terms of magic. I traveled around in attempts to amaze ponies with spectacular magic, but every time in ended in horrible failure. Then one day, I stumbled upon that yellow gem. It was one I've never seen the likes of it before. I could feel it possessed some sort of power. I remember closing my eyes and imagining I was wealthy and when I opened them, I found bags upon bags full of bits around me. I couldn't figure out how they appeared, but in time, I figured out how the gem works. All you need to do is think it, and your wishes will come true.''

The seven all stared at Fiyorae as he finished his story and Twilight thought. After a few moments she spoke, ''So judging by what you did in Ponyville, that gem can alter reality so to speak?''

Fiyorae nodded, ''Yes, you can say that.''

Rarity spoke with anger and disgust, ''So all your talents were nothing but fallacies! And you still had the NERVE to talk down and belittle us...even knowing full well that you yourself was a fraud!''

Fiyorae said nothing, just averted his eyes and lowered his head. Quentin's friends glared at the phony unicorn and Rainbow Dash snarled, ''Man you really are the lowest!''

Quentin spoke, remembering the situation they were in, ''Fiyorae, where's the gem now?''

Fiyorae shook his head and answered, "I don't know. That...creature surprised me with a spell and threw me back, causing the gem to unhook from my forehead. It could be anywhere underneath that rubble for all I know.''

Quentin frowned and Twilight spoke, ''Guys, we need to find that gem. If what Fiyorae said about it is true, then we can NOT let Chrysalis get her hooves on it!''

The others all agreed and Applejack spoke, glaring at Fiyorae, ''An' what about him?''

Fiyorae avoided eye contact and Quentin spoke with a leer, ''Never mind him, we need to help the princesses.''

The rest nodded and turned to run back towards the hole, but Quentin stopped and so did his friends as they looked back at him. "Quentin, is something wrong?'' Fluttershy asked.

Quentin shook his head and turned to Fiyorae, ''I meant what I said before, no matter what you did, and even you didn't deserve to die.''

Fiyorae looked at him with somber puzzlement as the human continued.

"If you feel the need to owe me for saving your life, all I'd ask for is for you to become a better person.''

Fiyorae and all six of Quentin's friends were shocked by his answer. Applejack had her mouth hanging open, but then closed it as she smiled tenderly at him.

"Quentin...that was...'' Twilight began in awe.

"Simply noble and kind of you to say,'' Rarity finished with a graceful smile.

Quentin didn't notice Rainbow Dash giving him a rather fond smile that said 'wow, you're awesome' with her head lowered. The stallion chuckled sheepishly at his smiling friends, but then firmly spoke.

''C'mon we need to get back to the castle!''

The others agreed and they all ran towards the castle, leaving Fiyorae in a guilty, shameful, bewildered state. The friends finally made back to the scarred ballroom, only to find it even more destroyed by the intense battle between Celestia, Luna, and Chrysalis. They seven ponies looked up at the fighting Alicorns and changeling queen exchanging powerful blasts of spells at one another and filling the air with gold, blue, and green flashes of light.

"Damn, with that much power they're throwing it's surprising that they didn't entirely destroy the place yet!'' Quentin commented.

Rainbow Dash nodded, ''Tell me about it. They're practically fighting to the death up there!''

Twilight stared up for a moment before shaking her head and speaking, ''There's not time to waste. We can help the princesses by finding that gem!''

However, one look around the ballroom and Quentin's mouth dropped in shock. The floor was practically covered with rubble and debris from the fallen ceiling, wall, and windows. Piles of rubble were scattered throughout the room. To find something as small as a gem would be nearly impossible indeed.

"Oh my, just look at the place. That little gem could be anywhere among this mess!'' Rarity said in an almost whiny tone.

Applejack gave the glamorous unicorn an annoyed look, ''It shouldn't be so bad fer ya Rarity. I've been at yer place while ya work, it looked like a tornado hit yer home.''

''Please Applejack. That wasn't a mess, it was organized chaos. There's a big difference!''

Applejack rolled her eyes. "Yea Rare, different as night n' day.''

Quentin cocked an eyebrow at the two's argument. One thing he noticed in the weeks he was here was that Applejack and Rarity didn't always see eye to eye with each other. Quentin wondered if something happened between them. Either way, Twilight spoke with an irritated tone.

''We don't have time for this. Come on everypony, we need to start looking!''

Pinkie nodded and exclaimed happily, ''Right. Let operation: gemstone commence! This'll be easy peasy pudding in the freezy!''

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes with a sigh, ''I wouldn't be so sure Pinkie. It'd be like finding a needle in a hay stack.''

They all separated and searched quickly but carefully through the rubble and debris for the small stone as the powerful Alicorns battled Chrysalis fiercely overhead. Occasionally, they had to duck down from powerful blasts that went off course from their targets and would hit a wall each of them were close to. The seven all turned over large stones, pieces of pillars, and dug through wreckage, while Twilight and Rarity used their magic to levitated larger pieces out of the way. Of course Rarity, being the cleanliness fashionesta, was reluctant to get her hooves dirty.

"Damn, it's only three ponies fighting, but it's like we're in a middle of an army sized war!'' Quentin spoke out loud as he ducked from an incoming spell. He got up and quickly continued his search for the magical gem.

"C'mon...c'mon...'' Quentin said through gritted teeth as he kicked back rubble and debris to look for the yellow gem.

Applejack let a small cry of frustration, ''Nuts! We ain't gettin anywhere! Are y'all havin any luck?''

Her friends all voiced their unsuccessful attempts so far. "Ugh this is taking forever! We're never gonna find this thing!'' Rainbow Dash cried out in irritation.

At that moment there was a loud explosion from above and they all dived to the ground and put their hooves over their heads in cover, followed by a gleeful cackle. "Man I'm really getting sick of hearing that!'' Rainbow Dash growled.

Twilight frowned up at the changeling queen who had just successfully blew back Celestia and Luna with a powerful spell and threw them to a wall. "Something's not right.''

"What do you mean Twilight?'' Fluttershy asked, perplexed.

"I mean the changeling queen. There's...there's something off about her,'' Twilight spoke.

Rainbow Dash snorted, ''No duh Twilight. She IS some creepy freak of nature that's trying to take over Equestria!''

Twilight gave Rainbow an irritated look before explaining, ''No, I didn't mean that. I meant...something seems different about her since the last time we fought her, and it's not just the gems.''

Applejack inquired, ''What do ya mean differ-''

"I know it sounds weird, and I can't explain it!'' Twilight cut in. "But when she called us mortals, it...it just didn't feel right!''

The others all stared at Twilight uncertainly for a moment, before looking up at the evil queen. She had the most twisted, evil grin across her face, her fangs exposed and her eyes seemed to glow red.

"I think your right Twilight. She seems more ruthless than the first time we met her,'' Rarity spoke with a slightly unnerved gaze.

At that moment, Chrysalis locked eyes with theirs and smiled malevolently, ''Do you want a taste of my powers too you insects?!'' Her horn glowed a billowing green aura and a beam of energy fired from her horn.

"Look out!'' Quentin yelled and just as there were getting out of the way, the beam hit the floor and exploded, sending the seven scattering in all directions and falling to the ground.

Chrysalis chuckled darkly and her horn glowed again, ready for another attack. "No!'' Celestia yelled and fired a powerful beam of golden light at the queen.

Chrysalis noticed this and teleported, evading the attack and reappeared in her place. Chrysalis gave an uncaring look as Celestia glared at her Luna flew beside her, ''This ends now changeling!'' the princess of the sun snarled.

Chrysalis laughed and spoke, ''Yes...and I'm more than willing to end it!''

As they continued their battle, Quentin groaned as he slowly got up. He coughed a few times before asking out, ''Is everyone ok?!''

Soon Quentin heard rubble cracking as slowly his friends stood up, dazed from the unexpected attack. "Ugggh that was NOT awesome,'' Rainbow Dash groaned groggily.

"Goodness, it's lucky we managed to get out of the way just in time, 'Fluttershy spoke a bit dizzy from the impact.

Quentin nodded, ''You're telling me Fluttershy. It's only a matter of time until Chrysalis finds the gem or we get hit by one of...those...spells...'' his voice trailed off as something caught his eye.

His friends noticed this sudden change in his demeanor and Twilight spoke with concern, ''Quentin? Is everything alright?''

Quentin didn't say anything, just kept staring at the direction he was gazing. Distances away there was a rather large pile of rubble that had an opening in the middle. In the opening, something was shimmering, glowing. He then unexcitingly ran to the pile, perplexing his friends further.

"Quentin, where in thunderation are ya goin!'' Applejack called.

Again the stallion didn't answer, just continued to the pile and in moments Quentin was standing over it. His heart was racing, like it does when one is nervous, excited, or hopeful about something. Quentin took a deep breath and began to push away the rubble and debris. It wasn't even a full minute until he was staring at a ruby chain with a yellow, oval, smooth, precious stone hanging down the middle. It was Fiyorae's gem, the one that could grant your deepest wishes. Staring blankly at the gem, Quentin took it in his hooves and brought it up close to his face.

"I found it,'' Quentin said softly, gazing down at the gem.

"Q, what are you doing over there?!'' Rainbow Dash called.

Quentin turned to them and shouted, "I found it! I found the gem!''

His friends looked at him shocked and speechless before looking at each other and running towards Quentin. In moments they surrounded him and when they came, he presented the shimmering stone. They let out small gasps and leaned into to see the gem closer.

"That's it...that's really it! Twilight spoke, relieved yet excited.

Quentin nodded, ''Yeah, good thing this thing has a bright glow.''

Pinkie Pie leaned closer, her large blue eyes growing bigger with fascination, ''Ohhhh such a pretty gem, and we finally found it.'' Pinkie's face then went to one of uncertainly, ''Now what do we do?''

Twilight's face fell sternly and spoke, ''This gem can make thoughts into reality, it's an incredibly powerful object. We need to keep Chrysalis from getting this at all costs!''

The others all agreed but just as they were about to move out, Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity were suddenly covered by a blue aura and were lifted into the air.

"W-What's going on?! What's happening to you guys?!'' Quentin asked, horrified.

His friends struggled to move, but it was futile. "In...tarnation?! I...can't move...'' Applejack said through gritted teeth as she struggled to break free.

"Me...too...damn it!'' Rainbow Dash grunted.

Twilight grunted as she spoke, ''This...is some kind...of levitation spell! But who's doing it?!''

As if to answer her question, a wicked laugh called out and Quentin looked up to see Chrysalis descended towards them. The blue gem was glowing a deep blue as were her eyes and she hovered midair from where Quentin was.

Celestia and Luna saw this and quickly made may to stop her. "Halt you wretch!'' Luna called as she and her sister flew towards her.

Chrysalis just chuckled darkly, and in an instant, the two regal sisters themselves were too enveloped in the strange blue aura and were thrown back into the wall. "What...what is this...a spell?!''Luna exclaimed as she struggled to break free.

Celestia grunted and then winced at Chrysalis. She noticed that this was her doing, yet her horn wasn't glowing. "This seems like a levitation spell, but...her horn isn't engulfed in an aura! But how?!'' Luna grunted as she struggled and then gazed at Chrysalis and spoke with alarm, ''Sister...the blue gem!''

Celestia saw what Luna meant and said loudly, ''Of course! The gem and her eyes are both glowing. That gem must be behind it. What powers do these gems possess?!''

Chrysalis glazed at the struggling Alicorns and laughed menacingly, ''That'll hold those pests for the moment.''

She then turned her attention to Quentin and spoke, ''And I must thank you dearie for saving me the trouble of finding that marvelous gem. Now be a good little pony...and give it to me!''

Chrysalis first spoke with seductiveness but ended darkly, threateningly and Quentin stepped back, pulling the gem closer to his body to protect it as he gave Chrysalis a defiant glare.

Chrysalis gave him a cold stare and spoke with that distorted voice, ''Don't be stupid boy. You are no match for me. Chrysalis spoke venomously.

Quentin was gritted his teeth, a trickle of sweat rolled down his face as she hovered closer to him, only to have Applejack growl at her.

''Don't ya even think about touchin him!''

Chrysalis gazed at Applejack, who was giving her a death glare and she spoke, ''What did you say to me little hay seed?''

Rainbow Dash snarled, ''You heard her. If you even so much hurt a hair on his head...''

Chrysalis laughed and retorted, ''Or what? You are in no position to threaten me mortal!''

The others glared at the queen as she spoke with disgust, ''Now away with you!''

Her eyes glowed brighter and the six screamed as they were thrown in all directions and landed on the ground, where they stirred and groaned from the impact. Quentin saw what Chrysalis had done and he bubbled with anger.

"Hey you overgrown bug!''

Chrysalis whipped her head at the earth pony and bared her fangs, ''Insolent boy! Do you know who you're talking to?!

Quentin snarled, ''I don't give a freaking damn who you are...NO ONE does that to my friends!''

Chrysalis glared at Quentin with those glowing blue eyes, but he boldly stood his ground, glaring right back at her. Celestia and Luna watched from where they were pinned and Luna asked, mystified.

''Celestia, who is that boy?''

Celestia shook her head, equally puzzled, ''I have no idea Luna. But he must be a friend of Twilight Sparkle.''

Chrysalis glared deathly at Quentin before forming a dark grin and chuckling, ''Handsome and brave are we? Well in my new kingdom, bravery gets you killed. And you will be the prime example of that creed!''

At that her horn began to glow a billowing green as she prepared to attack me with a spell. Celestia and Luna looked on in fright and Celestia called to Quentin, ''Hurry! Run!''

Quentin gritted his teeth and stared at the queen bravely, yet unsettled as he took a few steps back. "Crap, I need to think of something!'' Quentin thought. That's when it dawned on him. "Think...that's it!''

He looked at the gem in his hooves, remembering it can turn though into reality. As Chrysalis charged her attack, Quentin pulled the gem close to his chest and pinched his eyes shut.

"Ha! Prey to Chiron all you like, you will die!'' Chrysalis cackled.

Chiron? That name again, but Quentin quickly dismissed it and concentrated his mind on the gem. "C'mon...c'mon!'' he thought to himself, pressing the gem to his body even tighter.

One by one, Quentin's friends groggily stood up, but when they shook off their daze and looked towards him, their faces became one of sheer terror. "Quentin!'' Twilight screamed out.

Rainbow Dash stared on in fright, concern, and desperation with her teeth gritted. Applejack bit her lip, ''I got ta help 'em FAST!'' she thought frantically, but before she could even take one step, Chrysalis fired a beam at Quentin.

Quentin clenched his teeth, his eyes pinched shut as he thought desperately, ''Think...think!''

His friends called his name in unison as Chrysalis laughed. Suddenly the gem glowed and a round, glowing mass of yellow energy shield resembling a dome made out of octagons appeared around Chrysalis. Chrysalis' smile quickly faded as she shrieked.

''What?!''

Her attack hit the shield-like dome sort of rebounding force field, her attacked fired back at her. Chrysalis didn't have time to react and with a scream, was blasted back onto the floor as her spell was rebounded almost instantly the shield shattered like glass and the glowing pieces quickly faded away. Quentin peered open his eyes to see what was going on and blinked them open as he saw the changeling queen on the floor, her four gems scattered around her. His six friends looked on in shock and disbelief as did Celestia and Luna.

"What...just happened?'' Rarity asked dumbfounded.

Twilight thought and then her eyes widened as she spoke, ''Quentin doesn't know how to use magic so...it had to be the gem! That shield must've appeared because Quentin thought about it!''

"Whoaaa!'' Rainbow Dash said in awe.

Quentin looked at the fallen queen and back down at the gem in his hooves. "Damn, guess Fiyorae was right...this gem does make thoughts become real.''

Chrysalis grunted and hissed as she slowly got up. She stood on all fours and bared her fangs at me as she glared at the stallion. Suddenly a twisted grin spread across her face and she spoke.

''Well I must say I'm impressed. And I'm willing to guess you thought of that little defense in mind?''

Quentin frowned and sneered, ''So what if I did?''

"It confirms that power of the Reality Gem...and it's marvelous!''

Quentin raised an eyebrow, confused, ''The Reality… Gem?''

Chrysalis answered, a rather crazed smiled on her face, ''Yes with it one is able to grant their wishes...to alter reality as they see fit. Any gem with that kind of power must be MY gem!''

Quentin shot her a glare and snarled, ''And you think I'm just going to hand this over to you? In your dreams!''

Chrysalis grinned wickedly, ''My dear...I wasn't asking!''

She then used her magic to levitate the blue gem and before Quentin knew it, the gem and her eyes glowed blue and Quentin was suddenly engulfed in a blue aura and lifted off the ground, the chain and gem falling on the floor.

"Ugh...the hell?!'' Quentin grunted, struggling to free himself.

Rainbow Dash exclaimed, ''Quentin! Hold on we're coming!''

She flew as the others ran towards their captured friend, but Chrysalis laughed and spoke, ''I don't think so.''

Her eyes glowed brighter as my friends were enveloped in a blue aura and lifted in the air. "Twilight, my subjects!'' Celestia exclaimed, terrified for the six ponies' lives.

"Release them at once!'' Luna demanded as they both flew towards the queen.

Apparently when I knocked Chrysalis back a few moments ago, it canceled the hold she had on them. "Ah Celestia, I can never get tired of ramming you into the wall!'' Chrysalis mocked and once again Celestia and Luna were engulfed in a blue aura and they were thrown back into the wall, both grunting in pain.

Chrysalis laughed maniacally, ''It brings me so much pleasure to toy with you fools however, my goals needs attending to, so unfortunately I can't torment you longer than I want. But...as a little last minute enjoyment...''

Chrysalis smirked snidely and before they all knew it, Quentin and the rest of his friends were thrown away in different directions and landed painfully on the ground.

The fallen equines all groaned and grunted as they tried to stand. Chrysalis' blue glowing eyes faded into her normal green as she gazed down at the yellow gem, a smile of utmost evil and glee.

"At last...the Reality Gem!'' Chrysalis began as she used her magic to lift the gem into the air in front of her. "Now, I have five of the six gems, and with the power over reality itself, nothing is impossible for me!''

Chrysalis gave out a chilling laugh as she levitated the other four gems and they started to float around her, each glowing their respective colors. The others finally managed to stand on all fours and Quentin bore a desperate expression as he gritted his teeth.

''Damn it, now what do we do now that she has the gem?!'' he asked under his breath.

Rainbow Dash then shouted, ''You think we're supposed to be scared of you just because you have a bunch of measly gems?!''

Chrysalis grinned at the bold Pegasus, ''Scared? No...you should be terrified! You couldn't even fathom the kind of power I now possess, and now-'' Chrysalis and her gems rose high into the air and she continued, ''With only one gem left to find, nothing can stop me from dominating Equestria!''

"Yes there is Chrysalis!'' Celestia shouted from the wall, she and Luna still pinned by her spell.

Chrysalis gazed uninterested at them. "The Elements of Harmony will stop you. No matter how much power you gain, you will never be able to defeat them!''

Chrysalis stared at Celestia for a moment before bursting out with laughter, causing all present to frown in both resentment and confusion. "We missed the joke,'' Luna snarled.

Chrysalis stopped laughing and responded, ''You are the joke. Don't you get it? The power of these gems puts me above anything in this world, even your precious Elements of Harmony!''

Twilight growled and bolded shouted at the queen, ''Your wrong! The Elements of Harmony never failed before, and like always, they can easily defeat you as well!''

Her friends agreed to this and Quentin smirked aggressively at the claim. He knew that they used the Elements before and are practically regarded as national heroes. He was proud that this time, he would experience them being hailed as heroes once again first hand.

Chrysalis chuckled darkly, ''I'm not going to waste anymore of my divine powers on the likes of you. Now watch as my changelings destroy what's left of- What?!''

Chrysalis was interrupted by a flash of bluish, white light the shone through the windows, and apparently so intense that it shatter what was lift of them before briefly fading out.

"What's going-'' Twilight began alarmed, but Rainbow Dash cut her off while hovering in front of a destroyed window.

''Look! Outside!''

The others ran to the giant hole in the wall to see a massive wave of energy with the same bluish white color rippling throughout what seemed to be the entire city. "Oh my...what in Equestria's name is going on?!'' Rarity spoke with awe and shock.

The seven saw that the wave of energy was heading quickly towards them. "It's coming at us...RUN!'' Quentin yelled.

"To late, brace yurselves!'' Applejack called and they all pinched their eyes shut and flinched for the incoming wave.

The wave reached them but strangely, it had no impacting force as it went through them. In fact, the only thing they felt was a brief, cool feeling, like running straight through a waterfall without getting wet. They all opened their eyes and looked around, puzzled about what just happened.

"Hey what's going?!'' Pinkie Pie exclaimed as she examined herself.

"Um...Twilight?'' Fluttershy asked softly, she too perplexed.

Twilight shook her head as she gazed at her forelegs, ''I don't understand what's-'' but she was cut off by a scream coming from Chrysalis.

Twilight, Quentin, and the rest of their friends all whipped their heads to the air just to see the evil queen pushed back by the wave of energy. "Wha-what's happening?!'' Chrysalis demanded.

Celestia and Luna looked at each other before looking at Chrysalis with sly, dark smirks. "Oh that...I believe that's just a good friend of ours helping us save our home,'' Luna replied snidely.

"What?! What do you mean?!'' Chrysalis spat, glaring at the two regal sisters.

"That's right! While we fought, our friend was coming up with a way to rid our city of your horrid changelings...and by the looks of it, he succeeded!'' Celestia replied with the same snide.

Chrysalis growled, baring her fangs at them and before she could retort, another wave of energy rippled through and blasted her again, this time with much force that she hit the wall. The seven ponies all watched from the ground, still unsure of what was happening.

"I see, so this must be a spell?'' Twilight concluded.

Quentin gazed at her, ''A spell? Then who's casting it?'

"I don't know. It has to be the princesses 'friend' they spoke of. This spell reminds me of Armor's and Cadence's spell they used to banish the changelings out of Canterlot before, but this seems to be much stronger. And if just one unicorn is casting it, then they must be powerful.''

I looked at my friend amazed. Fiyorae too was alarmed and perplexed by the wave of energy, whipping his head sharply from place to place as the energy surged. Not long, they could hear distant screaming mixed with hisses. Quentin and the others all gazed out to see that this time, the hisses were coming from the hordes of changelings being forced out of Canterlot, blasted by the rippling wave that seemed endless. With each wave, dozens of changelings rocketed through the air and into the distance. In fact, with the bluish white coloring, mixed with the rippling, sparkling energy, the sight had at mystical, spectacle about it, especially since it was only harming their enemies.

Another wave of energy ripple through us and towards Chrysalis, however, this time she was ready in through anger she teleported just in time to evade the wave. Celestia and Luna, shocked by the unexpected evasion, looked at each other as the wave rippled painlessly through them. In the next instant, Chrysalis reappeared, a furious and frustrated look on her face and everyone gazed up at her.

"Give up Chrysalis, you can't win!'' Celestia spoke sternly with a deep frown.

Chrysalis let off a low growl before smiling wickedly, ''No matter. I've gotten what I've came here for...the Reality Gem!''

The glowing yellow stone floated idly in front of her while the rest floated around her. "Five...just one! Just one more of the Cosmic Gems and everything will be mine!''

The six Element bearers and Quentin all gazed at each other, perplexed at the name. "Cosmic...Gem? What hay are those?'' Applejack wondered out loud.

Twilight frowned, ''Apparently the gems she's collecting, and I got bad feeling about them.''

Celestia and Luna, they too perplexed gave each other puzzled looks as another wave of energy rippled throughout Canterlot. The wave expanded though the ballroom and towards Chrysalis, but this time, she didn't teleport. In fact, it was like she purposely didn't evade and the wave hit her. However, Chrysalis used all of her strength to resist being blown back and she gazed at Celestia and Luna, her teal hair even more wild with a twisted smile on her face. Her eyes briefly glowed an unholy red and she spoke in her distorted voice.

"Very well then...I'll take my leave for now, but remember princesses. In the near future when all the pieces have fallen into place, Canterlot AND Equestria will be mine and you, hahaha, you will writhe in agony to my enjoyment, before your screams have become tiresome to me and I finally kill you!''

Quentin and his friends glared at the queen, giving low growls. Celestia and Luna gazed at her with angered frowns and Celestia snarled, ''Get out of my kingdom!'

Chrysalis gave off a short chuckled and responded, ''Till we meet again princess!''

Her horn gave off the billowing, sickly green aura and in a flash of green light, she disappeared. Outside the castle in the skies, Chrysalis appeared, another wave of energy repelling the changelings.

"Fall back my changelings! I have what we've came for! Let us return to our kingdom!''

Without words, the changeling horde flew, together like a black swarm cloud as they headed west of Canterlot, buzzing filling the air as Chrysalis herself teleported in a flash of orange light. Moment by moment, the swarm of changelings slowly faded away into the horizon, their loud buzzing becoming quieter and more distant until finally, they disappeared into the distance. Quiet was Canterlot save for the cackles of green fire from some of the damaged buildings in the city. Finally, the changelings' attack on Canterlot was at last over.

> A Royal Explanation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Canterlot was quiet after the unexpected invasion by the changelings and Queen Chrysalis. Ponies tried to make sense of the attack. Some were receiving medical attention why others consoled each other. Buildings were damaged, while green, sticky substances resembling the chrysalis of an insect covered spots throughout the city. What's worst, Chrysalis had succeeded in her goal at obtaining the mysterious 'Reality Gem' thus giving her a total of five of the even more mysterious Cosmic Gems.

Quentin, Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Spike were in the destroyed ballroom, talking amongst themselves about what just occurred.

"Just look at this place! This once beautiful ballroom is nothing but ruins thanks to that horrible queen and her changelings!'' Rarity let out with disappointment and disgust.

Rainbow Dash frowned and spoke, ''Not just that, they attacked Canterlot and anypony in it. I swear those ugly changelings are the worst!''

Twilight spoke with a disappointed frown, ''And Chrysalis was able to get away with that...'Reality Gem'. To be able to grant your wishes, who knows what damage she could be capable of with that power? And these Cosmic Gems...what are they? I've definitely haven't heard about them!''

"Well somethin tells me we aint seen that last o' them changelings. I have a feeling in my bones that's the truth,'' Applejack spoke with a deep, unnerved gaze.

While they talked, Quentin sat in silence and had his head down in shame and guilt, feeling absolutely horrible that he allowed Chrysalis to get the gem. Finally he spoke with a somber tone, ''Girls, I'm sorry.''

His friends looked at him with perplexed expressions. "Sorry? For what Quentin?'' Fluttershy asked.

Quentin thought for a few moments before looking at them and giving an answer, ''It's my fault that Chrysalis has the gem.''

"What?! What are you talking about silly billy?!'' Pinkie Pie chimed happily. It was like her to keep smiling even in stressful times like these, but that's probably why she's the Element of Laughter. Quentin sighed and continued.

'' I had the gem right in my hooves. I even remembered what Fiyorae said about it and used it against her briefly. Maybe if I was smarter, I could've-'' he was suddenly cut off by Applejack bringing me in a tender embrace.

Quentin looked shock and bewildered as his farm pony friend hugged him. The others were also shocked by this action and Applejack broke the embrace and looked into her stallion friend's eyes and spoke in a serious tone, ''Now ya jus' listen ta me Quentin. What ya just said was nothin but a load o' houie. All this ain't yer fault.''

Quentin stared at Applejack, unable to speak words. He then averted his eyes shamefully and spoke, ''But...but I...-''

"But nothin'!'' Applejack cut in again. "In fact, you were mighty brave today!'' Applejack gave Quentin a warm smile as did his friends as they agreed.

"Totally! And the way you handled those changelings earlier, that was so badass!'' Rainbow Dash praised, flinging a foreleg around my shoulders as she gave me a one legged embraced.

Quentin remained silent with a weary expression, still feeling guilty. Rarity spoke up smiling fondly at the regretful human as she added, ''Not to mention you insisted that you come with us, just to make sure that we'd be safe. That was a very noble and chivalrous thing to do...like a knight in shining armor.''

Quentin gave Rarity a slightly shocked look as she compared him to a knight. He gazed down at her left foreleg to see her silver bracelet with the ruby he gave her still around her leg.

"And despite everything Fiyorae did to us and you, you still hoped for him to change his ways without a hint of malice. That was a kind thing to do to somepony,'' Fluttershy spoke with a sweet smile.

Unknown to them, Fiyorae was listening as he hid himself on the side of the hole in the wall, a guilty, shameful look on his face. Twilight spoke up with a tender smile and added.

''And you stood up to Chrysalis and refused to give her the gem, even knowing that you'd be putting your life in danger. That was pretty heroic, at least...it was to me.'' At the last words, Twilight had averted her eyes rather bashfully and Quentin may have seen a faint blush on her cheeks.

Quentin looked at his purple unicorn friend before gazing down in thought and Pinkie Pie said happily, ''See Quentin! You did really amazing, super-duper, fansteriffic things today! That definitely calls for a party when we get back to Ponyville!''

He couldn't help but let out a chuckle as Pinkie Pie made up the word, 'fantasteriffic'. "It was hardly amazing. I just wanted to help my friends out.''

His seven friends smiled at him and Applejack spoke as she put a hoof on his shoulder. "An' I'm glad ya came with us Quen. Ya really are a true friend.''

Quentin smiled warmly at the farm pony and she leaned in and embraced him again. This time Quentin returned the hug and one by one, the rest of his friends joined in until they were in a group hug. Quentin closed his eyes, enjoying the hug with his six, dearest friends. He really didn't want to think about his life without ever knowing them. It seemed like hours that eight were in the group hug until a voice filled with regality and kindness caught their attention.

"Well, this is certainly a lovely sight to see upon returning.''

They all gazed to see Celestia and Luna descending from the air and landing in the center of the ballroom, warm smiles on their faces.

"Princess Celestia! Princess Luna!'' Twilight exclaimed happily as she ran to her mentor and embraced her. "I missed you so much princess. So much have happened when you were gone!'' Twilight spoke softly, tears almost forming as she hugged her teacher.

Celestia sighed with a soft smile, ''I know my faithful student. And I apologize for the unexpected departure. But we're here now, and we will stay with our subjects until this crisis is over.''

Twilight nodded and looked up at her mentor with a sad smile. Her friends then ran happily to their rulers, leaving Quentin behind. When they got close enough, they stopped and leaned forward with their flanks in the air as they gave their princesses a respectful bow.

"Please friends. There is no need to bow,'' Luna spoke, raising a hoof in the air.

The loyal followers stood up as Luna continued with a sort of saddened frown, ''Not after what has happened to our glorious Canterlot.''

Applejack replied sadly, taking off her hat and putting it across her chest, ''Ya tellin us yer highness. Can't believe that somethin like this ever happened. But we're sure as sugar happy that y'all came back.''

Her seven friends agreed. "I just wish that you could've came back at a more...happier time,'' Fluttershy squeaked sadly, gazing around the ruined ballroom.

Celestia sighed regrettably, ''Yes so do we. But the palace is just a building, it can be rebuilt and reconstructed. It's our subjects that we're worried about and more important.''

Rarity nodded with a slight frown, ''I agree princess. While we were busy with business here, who knows how the other ponies out there have fared during the attack.''

Quentin just stood there kind of awkwardly, slouching back shyly as the ponies continued conversing with their rulers. Celestia nodded, ''Yes, we must send out medical attention to assist the wounded but first...''

Celestia shifted her gaze to Quentin, locking eyes with his and the reticent earth pony took a few more steps backwards. "Excuse me, you there.''

The introverted Quentin froze in his place, looked around dumbly before gazing back at Celestia, giving her a blank stare. Celestia smiled softly and nodded, ''Yes you dear, please come forward.''

His friends smiled and gazed at him, eager for him to come to them. Quentin gulped nervously. He was a bit hesitant to approach them, but he was able to walk to his friends and the regal sisters, his head lowered and ears dropped. Thoughts swan rapidly in Quentin's head, he was actually about to meet Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, Equestria's two ruling sisters. What would they say? What would he say? It felt like a mile long walk to the equines until the stallion walked passed Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie, stopping and gazing at Twilight with a worried look. She smiled reassuringly and spoke.

''Don't be afraid. They just want to talk to you.''

Quentin nodded uncertainly, then averting his eyes to the ground before bashfully lifting them at the sisters. At their sight, Quentin' uncertain, slightly frightened expression changed to one of speechlessness and awe as he gazed onto the two sisters, finally getting a good look at the pair now that he was closer up. His gaze first went to Princess Celestia, the larger of the two Alicorns.

Quentin had seen beautiful ponies so far since being here, but Celestia was ungodly gorgeous, no doubt the most beautiful equine in Equestria. Since she was the largest, the stallion guested she was the oldest. Her coat was pure white, like snow save for just a hint of pink and her beautiful eyes were of a magenta color. Her mane and tail were incredibly long and incredibly stunning and to Quentin's disbelief, they were ever billowing, as if they were constantly being blown by a gentle breeze. Along with the nonstop flowing, Celestia's mane and tail were multicolored with strips of light blue, green, purple, and pink and were twinkling with sparkles. Her cutie mark was, obviously an orange sun, being the bringer of the very celestial body. Keeping true to the appearance of royalty, Celestia wore golden shoes on all four of her hooves that branched out to resemble stylized lilies like that of the fleur-de-lis. Around her chest was what seemed to be a combination of a necklace and an armor that was brilliant gold to match her shoes with a purple, diamond shaped gemstone in the center. Her horn was much larger than the regular unicorn's as well as slender and wore a golden, three pointed tiara with a purple, diamond shaped gemstone in the center of the middle, highest point. Quentin also noticed that Celestia was also the largest pony that he's seen with a considerably large wingspan, slender body and lankly legs. In shore she was truly a vision to behold, her beauty that couldn't possibly encompassed by any living being, like a sort of goddess. "P-Princess Celestia?'' Quentin uttered under his breath, entranced by being elder sister's presence.

Quentin's gaze then shifted to the younger of the two that was Princess Luna. Appearance wise, she looked exactly like Celestia though there were obvious differences. Her coat was of a dark blue color with just a touch of grey within it. Her eyes were teal and she wore a light, sapphire blue eye shadow. Like Celestia, Luna's mane and tail were both long and stunning, and were too constantly moving as if they were caught in a gentle breeze. However, Luna's mane and tail color was of a darker shade of sapphire blue and looked as if they were surrounded by a grayish, Persian blue aura but like her sisters were both endlessly sparkles within them. In addition, a thick, single lock of hair hung over her face, something that Quentin actually found quite charming. In fact with these combinations, Quentin felt like Luna's hair and tail was the very night sky itself. On her hooves were pale blue, glittering shoes and on her chest was the same sort of armored necklace Celestia had but was black as night with a crescent moon in the center and like her shoes seemed to glitter. Being the riser of the moon, her cutie mark was a crescent moon that was surrounded by black coloration of sorts and like the coloration a dark tiara rested upon her head. While Quentin believed that Celestia's beauty was second to none, Luna still exuded elegance and beauty that could easily draw others to her. Quentin swallowed lightly before opening his mouth slightly, still speechless at the princess of the night, "P-Princess Luna?''

Celestia had a warm smile on her face while Luna bore a more reserved smile. Quentin tensed up, maybe shaking visibly as Celestia spoke first.

"We saw how you stood up to the queen, refusing to give her the gem. I must say that was very courageous of you.''

Quentin said nothing, still tensed about meeting Equestria's two leading monarchs. Celestia and Luna gave each other perplexed glances and looked at the earth pony awkwardly. "Is something wrong? Are thee well?'' Luna asked, a slight concerned look on her face.

Once again Quentin didn't answer. His friends saw this and Twilight nudged him. The human turned stallion quickly whipped his head to her and she whispered, ''Don't just stand there, answer them!''

Quentin nodded vigorously and he quickly turned his attention back at the sisters. To everyone's surprise, he dropped down as Quentin took a rather awkward, yet humorous bow. "I-I sorry your majesties! I...I just wasn't expecting to meet you so suddenly!''

Celestia and Luna gave each other blank looks before laughing heartily "Is that all?!'' Celestia asked, trying to control her laughter.

Quentin gazed up, worried that he made a fool of himself in front of them and his friends. The two stopped laughing and smiled at Quentin, ''Please, there's no need to be so uptight around us. Just relax and be yourself, ''Celestia said kindly.

Quentin nodded shyly and spoke quietly, ''Y-Yes your highness.'' As Quentin stood up, he heard his six friends giggled behind him, which hardly helped his nerves calm down and an embarrassed blush came to his face. Celestia asked.

''May I ask your name young stallion?''

"Huh, young stallion?'' Quentin thought in confusion, but then remembered that he was a stallion earth pony. "O-Oh r-right!'' he blabbered out." My name is Quentin, you majesty!''

Celestia smiled warmly, ''Quentin...such a unique name. I like it.''

Luna spoke next with a calm smile as she nodded, "Indeed. It is an honor to meet you brave Quentin.''

Quentin gave a small bow as he answered respectfully. "The honor is mine, your highness. I'm humbled to meet the one responsible for creating such beautiful nights.''

Luna closed her eyes with a nod and spoke, "Truly likewise. As my sister has spoken, you were truly brave to- wait, I beg your pardon? What did you just address about my nights? Luna suddenly asked, a shocked expression on her face.

Quentin answered, "I said your nights are absolutely beautiful. I've always liked nights just as much as the day. Such a relaxing and tranquil time and after a hard days' work, it's relaxing listening to the crickets and seeing fireflies light up the darkness every now and then. And don't even get me started on snowy nights-guh?!'' Quentin was suddenly cut off as Luna rushed over to him and embraced him tightly with her forelegs.

"Oh I thank thee dear Quentin. Alas, praise Chiron somepony truly appreciate me and my work. Your admiration shall truly be cherished!'' Luna sounded joyous, hysterical even as she spoke.

Quentin looked back over at Celestia who seemed surprised at first but them tried to stifle an amused laugh as she covered her mouth with a hoof. Twilight and the rest of his also seemed to have been caught off guard by Luna's spontaneous display of affection. Applejack watched on with an awed gaze and spoke quietly.

"Whoa nelly.''

Quentin looked around awkwardly until his eyes fell upon Twilight. Seeing his unsure eyes, she approached him and whispered. "What is it?''

Quentin answered, "What am I supposed to do when royalty hugs me?!''

Twilight replied, though uncertainly. "Um…maybe hug her back perhaps?''

Taking a sort of leap of faith and embracing for the order of being thrown in the dungeon or getting the living daylights slapped out of him, Quentin wrapped his arms around Luna as he gently returned the embrace. As he embraced the princess, one of Quentin's hooves touched Luna's mane and to his surprise found that it was actually solid despite appearing to lack any solid mass whatsoever. Though unsure and nervous at first, Quentin finally began to feel himself become warm and calm while hugging Luna and finally spoke with a sigh.

"Indeed, such beautiful and magnificent nights came only come from a princess that is equally beautiful and magnificent.''

Quentin immediately started to regret those words, as kind and flattering as they may be, he worried that his choice of words were to blunt and that he had offended her. However, Luna giggled and looked at Quentin and he noticed a slight blush on her face. Luna smiled.

"You flatter me so and are too kind. Never have I met a pony that showed me this level of appreciation before. Such an act of first surly must be rewarded.''

Before Quentin could even protest against it, Luna leaned in and placed a soft kiss on his cheek. Quentin froze in his place, the sudden act catching him completely off guard. There was quiet in the battle scarred ballroom and Quentin felt all eyes were on him. Though he had been kissed before by the likes of Applejack, Rarity, even Pinkie Pie for the matter but her was never kissed by an actual princess before and he didn't know how to react.

Quentin's thoughts then went to Celestia. How would she take this display? What would she do? What would she say? With reluctance and a twinge of fear, Quentin shifted his eyes at the elder sister. Celestia didn't bore an outraged or disapproving look. In fact, she was just as surprised as everyone else. After a few moments, the princess of the sun finally spoke.

"By the Great Stallion…have you truly made a friend Luna?''

Luna let go of Quentin and smiled at her older sister. "Oh a wondrous friend. A special friend! That is…'' Luna then looked back down to Quentin as her face fell slightly with doubt. "If it is acceptable to you?''

She held out a hoof to Quentin and asked. "Brave Quentin. Kind Quentin. I pray thee. I humbly asked for the honor of being your friend.''

Such a request caught Quentin off guard as he stared dumbfounded at Luna's hoof and into her pleading, beautiful eyes. It was extraordinary. Quentin was only in her company for no more than a couple of minutes and he was already being offered friendship by one of the ruling princesses. Thinking this, Quentin remembered the story he read about her in the library. Being once turned into a genocidal tyrant and being purged of such wickedness, the stallion could only surmise by her level of enthusiasm and dire hope to be his friend stemmed from the fact others still somewhat shunned and was frightened of Luna because of her dark past. Such treatment could've possible caused a sense of loneliness and dejection to fall upon Luna.

Thinking of this, Quentin felt a sense of sympathy for Luna, for he could relate to such lonely feelings himself. With these thoughts, Quentin felt an honored sense, that he could be the first to see Luna at the true, elegant princess that she is and not as a monster she became due to her past sins. Quentin then bowed respectfully to Luna, placing her hoof in his as he smiled softly.

''Someone as regal and elegant as you don't ever need to ask me to be your friend. It would be an honor your Excellency.''

At Quentin's answer, Luna became ecstatic and she beamed at Celestia. "H-He accepts. Did you hear Celestia? He accepted my friendship!'' Quentin heard his friends giggled to themselves at Luna's reaction.

Celestia smiled warmly and spoke. "Indeed I have Luna. Just like I've always told you, if you just be patient and allow others to get to know you, then you'd surly make friends someday. Sometimes the genesis of the strongest, most lasting of friendships could be a simple compliment like Quentin's sincere appreciation on the night you work so hard every day to create.''

Luna then looked at Quentin with a smile and nodded eagerly. Quentin could tell that Luna's overjoyed realization of making a first friend wasn't an over dramatization. She was dead serious about requesting to be Quentin's friend. Celestia then added warmly.

"And I can only pray that you will be true and good to her Quentin, just as I feel like you have been good to Twilight and her friends here.''

At this Quentin's friends smiled brightly. "Good? Your highness, Quentin has been more than just good to us. He's been absolutely wonderful!'' Rarity gushed, giving the stallion a fond smile.

Applejack nodded with a smile, pulling Quentin into a one foreleg embrace, '' Darn tootin! Why Quen here's became true blue ta us. Ya might even say we've became tighter than rope knots with him!''

Quentin may have blushed as he rolled his eyes and averted them as an embarrassed smile on his face. "Yeah Q is super awesome. Like today, he help fight back hoof fulls of changelings. He even stopped a chimera from destroying Ponyville all by himself!'' Rainbow Dash praised, patting Quentin on the back and giving him a wink.

Quentin couldn't help but face hoof himself, really embarrassed by the level of attention he was getting. The story caught both Celestia and Luna by surprised. "Really? I guess so much have happened since we've been away,'' Celestia spoke, somewhat sheepishly.

Luna nodded with a calm smile at her new friend, ''Yes, but a truly impressive story.''

Twilight smiled and was about to speak until Pinkie Pie suddenly popped out of nowhere and started talking really excitedly and REALLY fast, as if she just ate five bags of sugar.

''Quentin here has been a really great guy! In fact he's been a really fun, awesome, super cool, wonderfully wonderful guy! We've had so much fun together, he even works at Sugarcube Corner sometimes with me and we have fun baking lots of yummy treats. Who'd ever thought that humans would be so fun to be with? I mean everyday has been-''

But Celestia and Luna let out utterly shocked gasps, despite Pinkie Pie's rapid speaking, they clearly heard the word 'human' as Pinkie continued her rambling. Quentin and the others had also caught this and gritted their teeth as they gazed frantically at Pinkie and the princesses. They had completely forgotten that they knew nothing about having a human in their land. How would they react?

"Hold on, what did you say just now?!'' Celestia asked in disbelief.

Twilight shoved her hoof in Pinkie's mouth, causing muffled sounds to be heard. "Um, what exactly are you referring to Princess Celestia?'' Twilight asked nervously, obviously trying to stall the issue.

Celestia asked, ''What Pinkie Pie just said, about hu-'' But before Celestia could finish, there was a brilliant bluish white light that caused all of them to shield their eyes.

Just as quickly it came, the light subsided just as quickly and the group all unshielded their eyes to see a unicorn stallion with a sapphire blue coat and horn with snow white flowing mane and a beard with the beard tied towards the center and was wearing a flowing, red cloak with a grey blindfold wrapped over his eyes, that was Arcanus. The unicorn actually looked closer in appearance to Celestia and Luna, thought Celestia was taller than him, while just about the same size as Luna.

Quentin, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Spike all stared quizzically at the guest, but Twilight's expression was that of shock and disbelief, her mouth hanging open as if she haven't seen this visitor in ages. Celestia and Luna had continued to stare a Quentin with curiosity and shock before finally turning their gaze to Arcanus, Celestia smiling warmly at him.

"Um guys, who the heck is this?'' Quentin whispered to his friends, not taking his eyes off the unicorn as he kept his head bowed.

"I was about ta ask the same thing,'' Applejack answer.

Suddenly, Twilight began to speak, stuttering greatly, ''T-T-T-that's...t-t-that's...''

The others all looked at their intelligent unicorn friend, surprised by her behavior. "What's the matter Twilight? Do you know him?'' Fluttershy asked in her soft tone.

Twilight nodded vigorously, ''I-I-I-It can't be! "T-T-That's...''

Before Twilight could finish, Celestia walked passed them and to Arcanus. "Thank you my friend. Your timing with that spell couldn't have been more convenient,'' Celestia spoke with a grateful smile.

Arcanus lifted his head slightly with nodded speaking in his deep voice, ''Yes, changelings are a tenacious bunch aren't they? But my repulsion spell did beautifully extracting them from Canterlot.''

Celestia nodded, ''Quite beautifully.''

She then turned to rest of the friends, standing at Arcanus' side. "My little ponies, it is my pleasure to introduce you to very special pony and a very old friend of ours.'' Celestia was then interrupted by Twilight who spoke loudly, pointing at the blindfolded unicorn.

''That's Arcanus...the Mystic!''

Her friends all stared at Twilight, completely lost at her answer. "Beg yer pardon?'' Applejack responded, raising an eyebrow.

"That's Arcanus the Mystic! Master of magic and the arcane?!'' Twilight responded loudly and frantically, sounding like she couldn't believe that they didn't know who he was. Rainbow Dash scrunched up her face and asked.

''Yeah...and who exactly is Arcanus the Mystic?''

Twilight looked wide eyed before finally gushing out an explanation like the studious pony she was, ''Arcanus was one of the first, if not THE first unicorn to understand the dynamics of magic! He was the mentor to Starswirl the Bearded and though he created over 200 spells, Arcanus the Mystic pretty much set the foundations of modern day magic! He he's the author of hundreds of books, including the fabled Grimmie Ex Mortis, said to contain the most powerful spells known to pony kind! He is the only one to defeat the dark unicorn Blackthorn! His skills and power in magic is unmatched! In fact, legend says that Arcanus is the living embodiment of magic itself! In short, he's pretty much the most powerful unicorn that ever lived, so much that he was titled the Unicorn Supreme!'' Twilight panted heavily as she finished her explanation, the rest of her friends giving her surprised stares.

Finally Quentin spoke with an amazed tone, ''Wow, that is pretty impressive, but wait-'' he then made a look of deep thought. "If he pretty much set in motion of today's magic, doesn't that make him old...real old?''

Twilight lowered her head in thought, a puzzled look upon her face as she brought a hoof to her chin, ''Actually Quentin...you're right. The history books said that he died centuries ago, how is it even possible for him to be alive?''

Arcanus chuckled as she and Celestia approached the eight friends, ''Well, well, it would seem you possess more knowledge about myself than even I do.''

Twilight widened her eyes with shock before slowly turning her head and looking up at the great unicorn. Arcanus spoke with a calm smile, his head looking downward, ''You must be Twilight Sparkle? You teacher and mentor Princess Celestia told me a lot about you. She even told me that you are quite gifted in the art of magic.''

Twilight stammered as she spoke, ''I-I-I...w-well...yes I am. I mean about being Twilight Sparkle Mystic one!'' Twilight gave a rather humorous bow.

Celestia glanced over at Arcanus and smirked, ''I had a feeling she'd react this way.'' This caused Quentin and the rest of his friends to snicker to themselves.

"I never took Twilight of being a fan girl, '' Quentin commented, trying to hold back a laugh.

"You and I both!'' Rainbow Dash responded next to him, snickering uncontrollably.

Twilight apparently heard the two and flashed them an irritated look. Arcanus smiled calmly, ''Arise Twilight Sparkle, there is no need for such demonstration.''

Twilight smiled sheepishly and stood back up as Rarity spoke, ''Well great Arcanus, as a unicorn I feel rather silly by not being familiar to a unicorn of your standards. And as a unicorn I feel honored to be standing in your presence.''

Rarity gave a graceful bow, but Arcanus shook his head. "Please do not bow Miss...''

"Rarity sir,'' Rarity answered.

Arcanus smiled, ''Miss Rarity, there is no need to bow to me, though I do appreciate yours and Twilight Sparkle's respect.''

Twilight and Rarity nodded with a smile and Rarity spoke, ''However, there is one thing I would like to say, if you don't mind Master Arcanus.''

"Yes?'' Arcanus asked.

At those words, Rarity blurted out enthusiastically, ''I just wanted to say I absolutely LOVE your cloak! Such craftcoltship, and those symbols really bring out the enigmatic presence about you. Who may I asked designed such a lovely manteau?!''

Her friends all rolled their eyes playfully as Rarity bombarded Arcanus with her passion for fashion. "Oh lordy here we go,'' Applejack giggled playfully.

Arcanus at first looked surprised by the praise before finally giving a light laugh, "Well Miss Rarity, I'd be happy to tell you but first...'' Arcanus then frowned sternly, gazing to Celestia. "I believe that Canterlot and its citizens must be addressed.''

Quentin, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity all sort of gave faint gasps as they remembered the invasion that just happened. Luna walked up to her sister, both with serious glances and nodded.

"Yes, we must attend to the wounded and let all know of our return, Luna spoke firmly.

Celestia nodded and spoke with a resolute tone. "Yes Luna. We must see to it that those that require medical attention gets it. And Canterlot itself...''

"Allow me to tend to Canterlot Celestia,'' Arcanus spoke in his deep, resonating voice.

The Ponyville friends all looked at Arcanus surprised while Celestia and Luna had a more calmed looks on their faces. Celestia then nodded, ''Very well, please do what you can.''

Arcanus nodded silently and bowed his head. In moments, his horn began to glow a mystical, billowing, bluish white aura. Everyone watched eagerly as a ball of energy with the same color began to form at the tip. The ball grew bigger and bigger until suddenly, it quickly expanded, the bearers of Harmony and Quentin let out brief gasps as the bluish white energy moved passed them, giving a rather cool, yet tingling sensation for a brief moment.

The energy continued to expand throughout the room, then the entire castle, and out into the streets until all of Canterlot was surrounded by a bluish white, sparkling sphere that kept pulsing a ripple every few seconds. The ponies of Canterlot murmured in perplexity as the city was enveloped in the strange sphere.

"Hey what's going on?!'' Rainbow Dash exclaimed, examining herself.

Quentin too looked on in bewilderment as did his friends until he noticed something that made him speak up, ''Look!"

The rubble and debris that covered the ballroom began to rise and piece themselves back to the walls and ceiling. Pillars were magically reconstructing themselves as the cracks, craters, and every other parts that were damaged were being mended. Outside throughout Canterlot, buildings and spires were being fixed, while the gooey chrysalis' that covered some parts began shrinking and evaporating into nothing, causing ponies to chatter in confusion and awe.

"I-I don't believe it!'' Twilight spoke in astonishment, gazing around the area. "Arcanus...is fixing everything that's been damaged and destroyed during the invasion!''

Quentin gazed at the powerful unicorn, his head bent downward ever so slightly as his horn now glowing a more brilliant light. Despite single handedly restoring the city to its former glory, he didn't display the slightest symptoms of fatigue, in fact, he didn't look like he was even exerting any effort. Now that was power. Celestia and Luna gazed around their restoring ballroom, looking intrigued by the most of it, yet at the same time not being entirely surprised by Arcanus' feats.

The seven ponies and dragon all voiced their opinions in awe as they continued to look around. In honesty, the light as well as the occasional pulsing of light gave off an enchanting, ethereal display to it. They didn't know how much time went by, but finally, the sphere began to disappear, the light beginning to fade away until the only light radiating was the light from the afternoon sun. Everything in the ballroom, castle, and Canterlot had been repaired and restored, as if nothing happened just a few moments ago. Quentin even saw a few twinkles of light along the polished floor and throughout the ballroom as if it had just had the cleaning of the century.

"My word, just look around. The floor, the ceiling, pillars, and windows...why they're good as new!'' Rarity gasped.

"I don't believe it...Arcanus restored everything like it was!'' Twilight spoke softly but with awe.

Quentin nodded, amazed, ''It's like the changelings haven't even been here.''

Celestia and Luna gave each other warm smiles and gazed at Arcanus, whose horn dimmed and finally faded. Twilight spoke softly, ''Wow, I guess everything the books and scrolls said about Arcanus is true, I don't ever think I've seen such display of power before, and with such ease!''

Rainbow Dash nodded with an impressed smirk, ''Yeah that was totally, undeniable bada-HMPH!''

Before Rainbow Dash could finished that last statement, Applejack put a hoof over her mouth with a firm look. "Maybe ya should watch yer French while in the presence o' the princesses?'' she said wisely, pointing at Celestia and Luna.

Rainbow Dash smiled sheepishly, scratching her right shoulder with her left hoof. "Yeah, right...my bad.''

Quentin chuckled at his Pegasus mare friend and shook his head. Suddenly Pinkie Pie exclaimed joyously, ''WHOO-HOO! Everything's fixed. This calls for a Canterlot's Been Restored Party!''

Out of nowhere, the silly pink pony took out her party cannon and pressed the red button, causing it to fire confetti, balloons, and streamers around them. The others all blinked blankly, as the party favors fell around them. Even Celestia and Luna seemed surprised and lost for words at the randomness of the party animal pony, while Arcanus just stood there with his head slightly downward, on the count of having a blindfold and possibly being blind. Quentin let out a half laugh and spoke.

''Wow...seriously, how DOES she do that?!''

Rainbow Dash answered, ''Pinkie Pie...you are SO random!''

Pinkie responded by bopping her head lightly with a hoof and briefly and playfully sticking out her tongue before giving a cute smile. Luna spoke in a rather serious tone.

''As delightful as that may sound Miss Pinkie Pie, there are still some matters we should deal with.''

Celestia nodded, "Yes, there are still the wounded and injured that needs attending to.''

That's when Twilight gasped with a realization, ''Shining Armor, Cadence...they need help too!''

After remembering that the prince and princess was waiting just outside the ballroom injured, they all nodded with determination. "Then we should ensure that those that needs assistance in Canterlot gets it, ''Arcanus agreed.

They all started to trot hastily to the ballroom door. Unbeknownst to Quentin, Celestia and Luna were gazing at him rather, curiously, intently as if to say, 'there's something about him that's different' and gazed at each other uncertainly.

"Could it really be true?'' Celestia thought to herself.

Back in the common room, Quentin, Rainbow, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Spike conversed about various things first about the recent invasion, then about lighter things like fashion business, parties, things like that. Quentin sat there and listened to his friends and gazed around the room. As expected, it was a spacious, magnificent room fit for royalty. Like most of the palace, the color scheme of room seemed to be polished white purple, and gold. The floors were sparkling white with a rather large, rectangular purple carpet in the center of the room where they sat with numerous, extravagant purple and gold pillows with a fireplace in the wall away from the eight and above a dark blue tapestry with a large, six pointed shield in the center. The shield was gold lined and depicted a yellow, stylized sun with a purple circle in the middle with a white star and crescent moon while the left half of the shield had clouds in the day time and the right side showed a night sky with three stars, symbolizing Princess Celestia and Luna no doubt.

Also in the room, were some tables against the walls under grand windows, some had large vases of flowers. Along the walls around the room, were purple shelves that were filled with books with a golden, candle chandelier hanging from the ceiling. The room was actually quite cozy and relaxing, something Quentin appreciated. As he looked around, Quentin felt a hard object rest on his shoulder.

''Quen hun, are ya ok?''

The stallion turned to see Applejack giving him a concerned look while the others looked at him. Quentin nodded with a soft smile, ''Yeah AJ I'm good. I guess my mind just wandered off.'' Quentin gazed around again before chuckling. "I swear with all these books, Twilight would think this is heaven.''

Spike smirked slyly and spoke, ''Nah this is nothing compared to the library. There's over a thousand books in there. Twilight practically lived in there when we lived in Canterlot.''

Quentin smirked, ''Really? Imagine if Twilight saw the largest library back on Earth, she'd probably explode on spot from euphoric overload.''

This prompted laughter from his six friends. "Euphoric overload, that was great Q!'' Rainbow Dash laughed, falling on her back.

Right on cue, the door opened and Twilight came in and they stopped laughing abruptly. "Hey guys, what's going on?'' Twilight asked with a smile as she approached them.

"Oh nothing!'' Rainbow Dash answered trying to hold back snicker.

Twilight looked at her confused and Spike laughed, ''We were just saying how you would explode from euphoric overload if you saw the largest library back where Quentin is from!''

Again the six laughed and Twilight looked irritated, clearly not amused. Applejack walked to her side and nudged her while giving a smirk, ''Aw lighten up Twi, its jus' a little fun. Besides, ya know it's true!''

Twilight continued with her unamused expression before finally cracking a smile with a giggle, "Yeah, I suppose you're right. After all I do enjoying reading.''

"Translation, she's an egghead,'' Rainbow Dash retorted beside Quentin and they all laughed again, Twilight rolling her eyes.

"Oh ha ha very funny guys.''

After the laugh, Quentin asked Twilight seriously and with concerned, ''So Twilight, how's Armor and Cadence doing?''

Twilight sighed as she smiled softly and answered, ''They're both doing fine. Just some burns, cuts, and bruises, but nothing critical or life threatening.''

The others all sighed relieved and Rarity spoke, ''Well that's a relief. It'd be just dreadful if anything had happened to the two of them.''

Twilight nodded, ''Yeah, the doctor said they'd had to stay in the hospital wing for a few days just to be on the safe side, but I'm happy they're get through.''

Quentin smiled warmly, ''I wouldn't doubt it. That brother of yours certainly is a strong one, guess it just runs in the family.''

This prompted a blush from Twilight and she averted her eyes, smiling rather bashfully. Fluttershy then spoke in a soft tone, ''I wonder what the princesses are doing?''

Twilight shrugged lightly, ''My guess getting caught up with the things that happened while they were gone. But now that their back, everything's sure to be just fine. Plus we have the Elements of Harmony to defeat Chrysalis.''

The other bearers of those artifacts agreed while Quentin looked down with a shameful look. Rainbow Dash noticed this and asked with concern. ''Hey Q, are you alright?''

The others looked at the stallion and he sighed, "It's just...I was thinking about how the queen got away with the gem.''

With that Rainbow Dash exclaimed, ''What this again?!''

Quentin jumped slightly at the unexpected response and stared at his brazen Pegasus friend. "Now Quen we told ya before this ain't yer fault,'' Applejack said reassuringly.

Quentin just looked down somberly and sighed, "I know but...''

Rarity spoke up softly, coming to him and lifting his head so he would look at her, ''But nothing darling. You mustn't be too hard on yourself.''

Quentin gazed into his beautiful unicorn friend's eyes as she smiled at him kindly. Twilight nodded with a warm smile of her own, "That's right Quentin. And how you fought back those changelings and stood up to Chrysalis, that took a gratuitous amount of bravery.''

Quentin looked at Twilight, she gave him a rather dreamy smile, as if what he did was truly admirable. Quentin gave a half chuckle, ''It was because I had Rainbow Dash with me. Without her, I'd don't know what I'd do.''

Rainbow Dash gave the human a calm smile, and patted him on the back. "Nah Q. Even without me you still would have kicked those changelings' sorry flanks. That's just how awesome you are.''

Quentin looked at her, surprised and a little impressed. Normally, he'd expect her ego to get the best of her again and agreed, but she seemed rather humble at the fact. Regardless, Quentin smiled slightly and averted his eyes to the ground shyly where Pinkie Pie suddenly appeared and locked eyes with him, a bright grin on her face.

"See Quentin, you have absolutely, nothing to worry about. So smile, I won't let anypony frown or be sad, not when I'm around!''

Quentin couldn't help but obliged Pinkie's request and chuckled, "Alright Pinkie, I'll smile from now on!'' He then smiled fondly around his six dear friends. "Thanks girls.''

They responded by bringing him into a group hug. Quentin sighed contently, trying his best to grab hold of as much of his friends as possible. He would never get tired of these. Later on while his friends were conversing with each other, Quentin decided to look around at the bookshelves. As he looked, Quentin noticed some rather interesting books shelved as he read the spines. ''A History of Equestria'', "Myths, Legends, and Fables'', a few encyclopedias as well as what appeared to be ancient tomes of some kind.

"These books must be old, but also must be interesting, '' the intrigued earth pony thought.

As he walked around, a voice spoke behind him, 'Find any interesting books?''

Quentin turned to see Twilight walking up to him. He smiled and spoke, ''Wouldn't be hard, these books are pretty intriguing, especially this one ''A Thousand and One Tales from Saddle Arabia''.

Quentin chuckled at the name 'Saddle Arabia' for it closely resembled Saudi Arabia. He wasn't surprised, for Equestria did have places like Manehatten, Las Pegasus, and Fillydelphia, names also similar to those in his world.

Twilight nodded with an excited smile, ''Oh I love that one. It has a lot of amazing stories, especially Staladdin.''

It was a miracle that Quentin was able to prevent himself from bursting out laughing at the name. After quickly calming himself down, Quentin responded, ''Yeah? Maybe I'll read it sometime. It must be good, if an intelligent unicorn like you suggested it.''

Twilight giggled at the compliment, Quentin may have even seen a faint blush on her cheeks but then her face fell in worry, ''I saw how all those changelings fired spells at you, are you alright?''

The question caught Quentin by surprise for a moment, but he nevertheless smiled and nodded, ''Yeah Twi no worries. Why you ask?''

Twilight said nothing, just responded with an embrace. Quentin's body heated up a bit, his eyes looking around and he saw the rest of their friends talking to one another, not paying them any mind. Finally the nervous stallion spoke uneasily.

''Um, Twi?''

"I was just so worried about you Quentin, ''Twilight said softly, her head resting against his chest.

Quentin sighed, closed his eyes and wrapped his forelegs around her. "I'm fine Twilight, really. It was Canterlot I was worried about when fighting.''

Twilight lifted her head and her purple eyes gazed at her friends, ''But still, you're my friend. We may have only known you for a few weeks, but you've became a part of our lives, including mine.''

Quentin was honestly shocked by Twilight's answer. He'd never thought that he would have meant so much to her. Then again, she had been in his head two times, so an experience like that would tend to leave a special bond between them. Quentin smiled softly, stroking her mane.

''And you and the others have become an important part of my life too Twi. I could not imagine my life never knowing any of you.''

Quentin then glanced up and his eyes landed on Applejack, talking casually with Pinkie Pie and he smiled fondly at the beautiful farm pony. His gaze was interrupted by Twilight, ''And neither can I. So please, just promise me you'll be careful for now on.''

Quentin looked at Twilight, a worried, almost pleading gaze in her eyes. He's always thought of her as a sister, especially now seeing how she wants him to stay safe. There was also Quentin's promise to Shining Armor to look after Twilight, in which Quentin was intending to do no matter what. Quentin nodded, smiling reassuringly.

''I will Twilight, I promise.'' Twilight smiled relieved and the two shared a tender embrace.

Quentin and Twilight released each other and continued looking about the bookshelf, when the earth pony remembered something from earlier that day. "Hey Twilight?''

"Hmm?'' Twilight asked, her horn and a book engulfed in a magenta aura as she levitated the book.

"When Chrysalis was about to hit me with a spell, she said something about, 'Praying to Chiron'. Who's Chiron?''

Twilight's ears perked and she responded, ''Oh!''

She sat the book she had back onto the shelf and levitated another book and gestured Quentin to follow her to a table. When they got to the table, she sat the book on the surface where Quentin noticed the book had a very distinct appearance. It was a rather thick book. The front and back was a deep brown. The front had bronze, squares at the corners of the cover, with a bronze cross in the center. To Quentin it looked like the Holy Bible from his world.

Quentin looked at it with upmost interest and Twilight spoke, ''Chiron, Quentin is the Stallion-Above-The-Stars.''

Quentin blinked blankly at the title, ''The Stallion-Above-The-Stars?''

Twilight nodded ''Yes. He goes by many names. The-Stallion-Above-the-Stars, The Great Stallion, Emperor of the Cosmos, but Chiron is his most accepted name. Some believe him to be the creator of this world, and the universe.''

Quentin stared at Twilight in awe as she opened the book to the first page and Quentin looked down and read.

''In the beginning before all beginnings, Chiron shined his grace in the formless void of darkness; filled with emptiness and nothingness. Upon the void, the Great Stallion wept at the nothingness and began to quell the space with song. As he wept, his tears broke up the emptiness and as his tears of sorrow became tears of joy and with rejoice sang out and from the empty void he brought forth the stars, the sun, the moon, and all celestial bodies and the Great Stallion's smile shined and enveloped the first day of the Great Creation.''

Quentin stopped reading, but he already figured out the entity named Chiron. He was basically Equestria's god, just like God from his world. He nodded, ''I understand, he's the one that created everything...he's your god.''

Twilight nodded, ''Yes that's correct, according to religion anyway. He is the omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent god in our world.''

"I didn't know Equestria had religion?'' Quentin spoke, with a slightly surprised, somewhat bewildered look.

Twilight answered casually, ''Oh yes. Though other ponies and nations may have their own religions, gods and beliefs, Chiron is Equestria's primary deity as well as to others, but there are some who don't believe in him.''

Quentin smirked, ''Atheists' eh?'' Quentin thought. "What about you? Do you believe in him?''

Twilight bowed her head and thought deeply for a moment. Quentin looked at her, waiting for an answer and she finally looked up at him a rather uncertain look on her face. "To tell you the truth Quentin...I'm not really sure myself.''

Quentin stared at Twilight for a moment, not really expecting the answer and Twilight sighed as she continued.

''I don't know. I know it says it in the Sacra Vulgata, but I've never really been the most religious kind of pony. I know it sounds rather ignorant, but at the same time, I want solid proof that he exists, you know?''

Quentin nodded with a deep sigh, ''Trust me, I know Twilight,'' he muttered. "So these books are called Sacra Vulgata?''

Twilight nodded, ''Correct, I hope you don't think differently about me now Quentin. Ponies in Equestria that strongly believe in the Vulgata tends to be rather...''

"Intolerant about those who don't believe or questions the Word?'' Quentin finished.

Twilight looked surprised and blink, ''Well...yeah. So you know how it feels then?''

Quentin nodded halfheartedly. "Yeah, more than you know. Back on Earth, we call our god just God or Jehovah. And those that don't believe often gets attacked verbally and shunned by those who are strong in the Word.''

Twilight continued to stare at him as he sighed once more. "On Earth, even indifferences of religion causes wars, and even death. Just one of the many sins of my imperfect world...of the foolish humans I'm a part of.''

Quentin frowned deeply, gritting his teeth and even tensing up at the thought of people of his world being attacked, ridiculed, or condemned just because they have different views on religion. "Quentin...'' Twilight said softly, sympathetically placing a hoof over his.

Quentin sighed and continued, ''Back on Earth, a lot of bad, terrible things have happened throughout history, things that caused the loss of hundreds, even thousands of lives. I want to believe in God, but I would also ask myself, where was he when all these terrible things happened. How could he let his 'children' suffer and die like that?''

Twilight nodded sadly in understanding. Quentin gazed at her and offered a small smile, ''But despite this, where there is bad, there is also good right?''

Twilight nodded, a warm, sad smile on her face, ''Definitely, I believe that in all places, no matter where.''

Quentin nodded, ''I may have my share of doubts in God, but I do know that just because you can't see it doesn't mean it doesn't exists. I guess you just have to have faith, after all, faith is believing in something when common sense tells you not to. While brute strength could move a mountain, faith could lift an entire civilization.''

Twilight looked at her sincere friend, shocked and rather impressed. ''Wow Quentin, I've never would've thought of it that way. I never knew you could be a deep thinker.''

She then bowed her head and looked at Quentin rather shyly with a smile, ''That was rather wise of you to say.''

Quentin chuckled, ''I guess, I was just building for the moment, and I just went with it.''

Twilight giggled, ''Well what you said makes sense. Maybe there is some higher power watching over us like the Vulgata says. What's important is to never disregard it, no matter the lack of evidence. Always consider it when analyzing and studying the beginning of this world.''

Quentin smiled at his intelligent friend and spoke, ''Now that was pretty wise Twilight. Not surprising though, you are the most rational, level headed of the group.''

Twilight giggled at his compliment, averting her eyes. Her face then fell to one of uncertainty and she gazed up at Quentin and asked, ''Hey Quentin, can I ask you something?''

"Sure what's up?'' Quentin responded wanting to hear her question.

Twilight hesitated at first, as if she was conflicted about asking him. She then bit her lip before for speaking, "I was just wondering if-''

"Oh my, Princess Celestia! Princess Luna!'' Rarity suddenly gasped.

Twilight and Quentin both whipped their heads to their friends and saw them bowing. Sure enough, the two regal sisters were coming through the door and into the room. "Princess Celestia!'' Twilight said, galloping to her before stopping and taking a bow.

Celestia smiled warmly, ''Arise my little ponies. There is no need for bows.''

Quentin's friends stood up as he himself approached the sisters. "Your majesties,'' Quentin spoke politely, bowing but Luna quickly spoke up.

''Please do not bow Quentin.''

Quentin looked at his new friend puzzled and noticed her and Celestia both giving him vague looks, both not taking their eyes off him. "Princess?'' Quentin asked to which Luna shook her head that concerned frown still on her face.

''Friends do not bow to each other Quentin.''

Quentin nodded rather hesitantly and Applejack spoke up tipping her hat, ''Beg yer pardon yer majesties, but is evry'thin ok? Ya look kinda worried about somethin.''

The two sisters continued to stare at the earth pony. Quentin was actually starting to become nervous and stared to shift his gaze awkwardly to the ground. "Well actually, we came here so that we might be able to talk with Quentin,'' Celestia finally responded.

Quentin's body temperature began to heat up as he started to feel a sweat coming along. "Am...I in trouble?''

Luna responded, ''No, no of course not.''

"But something just came to our attention and we feel we should see to it. You're the center of that attention Quentin,'' Celestia finished calmly, yet still bore that nebulous, intrigued expression.

Quentin was really starting to sweat as his heartbeat became faster. His friends were also starting to become worried and Fluttershy asked fearfully.

''Does...does it have something to do with the invasion today?''

Celestia shook her head, ''Not hardly, but we must discuss something important with Quentin.''

Applejack came next to the increasingly unsettled Quentin and gave him a worried look, a look he mutually returned. "Do you need us to leave Princess?'' Twilight asked, concern in her voice taking a quick glance at Quentin.

Celestia gave a small smile, ''That won't be necessary Twilight Sparkle. I can tell that Quentin means very much to all of you.''

With that Rainbow Dash put a foreleg around Quentin with a tough smile, ''Yep! Quentin's really grown on us!''

Quentin couldn't help but smile at his bold friend's comment. Luna chuckled, '' So he has, we can see that. As said before my friend, you are not in any trouble. Something not too long ago has gotten my sister and me thinking. Something that had to do with what Pinkie Pie said.''

Quentin, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy and Spike glanced at each other, confused, but Pinkie chimed, ''Ohh what did I say?! Was it something about having a party when we get back to Ponyville?! Oh, or was it about cherrychungas?!''

Six of her friends rolled their eyes, while Quentin cocked an eyebrow. "Cherrychungas, what?'' Quentin thought, clearly never hearing the likes of such an item before.

Luna had a look as if to say, 'Oh God kill me now', while Celestia had a more patient gaze and she shook her head, ''Actually, it was about something else you said Pinkie Pie.'' Celestia then turned to Quentin, a look of calm concern as well as seriousness on her face. "Quentin...are you actually a human? Please tell us the truth.''

The others gasped as Quentin stood there frozen on the spot. Celestia and Luna looked at him, waiting for an answer as his friends looked back and forth at him and the princesses. Quentin didn't know what to think. Up until now, they've tried their best to keep the secret of him being from another word under wraps in fear of causing unwanted attention or even panic. Quentin read about the myths of humans in the library in Ponyville and they have a very primal, violent view of his kind. Then again, these were the princesses of Equestria. If anyone should know of any visitors of other worlds, it would definitely be them.

Quentin gazed back at his friends stiffly who looked back at him apprehensively. Twilight then nodded to Quentin, an almost fearful look on her face, but she seemed the think that same way Quentin was thinking. He gulped and looked back at the sisters. This was it, the secret was out. His false story he had told everyone else was going to end her right in front of the two leading rulers themselves. Quentin bowed his head and his ears drooped sadly and he muttered.

''Yes...I am.''

Celestia and Luna seemed expectantly surprised, and the gazed at each other speechlessly. Immediately, Quentin's friends ran up in front of him, like they were defending him from an attack, an action that caught him off guard.

"Princess Celestia, Princess Luna! It's true, Quentin is a human from another world, but you have to believe us, he's nothing like what the myths say they are!'' Twilight spoke, almost pleading like.

The sisters just looked at them as if they were trying to understand what was happening. "Twilight's right, Quentin has been nothing but a joy to us, why he even gave me this ruby out of the kindness of his heart!'' Rarity presented the ruby on the silver bracelet on her foreleg and Rainbow Dash spoke.

''Yeah, Q has been awesome to get to know, and we've shared some rough adventures with him since he's been here!''

"And Quentin can be really fun too! And he's one of the best bakers I know, you should try his cupcakes!'' Pinkie Pie added happily to which Quentin let out a halfhearted smile.

"An he's been a true friend ta us. He's always been there fer us when we needed him. Ever since we met him he's jus' sorta clicked with us. So please, don't pass harsh judgment on him jus' because what some dumb books may say!'' Applejack added.

Out of his friends, she seemed the most adamant about Quentin. Fluttershy spoke up meekly, ''Please your majesties, don't send Quentin to the dungeon or exile him to the Everfree Forest!''

Celestia and Luna seemed rather shock by that answer and Celestia said, ''What in Equestria are you all talking about?''

They all looked at Celestia blankly for a moment or two before Twilight spoke, ''You mean...you're not going to lock him up, or banish him from Equestria?''

Celestia looked at Luna and they both chuckled, ''Why in Chiron's name would we ever befall such a harsh punishment on Quentin?'' Luna asked.

"You mean, you don't see me as a potential threat even though I'm a human?'' Quentin asked, cautiously walking up to the front.

Celestia smiled kindly at otherworldly visitor, ''Quentin, we saw you bravely stand up to the changeling queen, and your friends gives you many praises.''

Quentin averted his eyes and spoke, ''Yeah they praise me a bit TOO much, I really am not that great.''

Celestia and Luna both seemed surprised by his comment and Luna smiled warmly, ''And I see thou have some humility about thee as well.''

Applejack grinned and spoke, ''Yep that Quentin sure is a modest one. Rarely ever talk about himself or his deeds.''

Quentin may have blushed at Applejack's remark and stared shyly at the ground. "So Princess Celestia, you really don't have a problem with having a human in Equestria?'' Twilight asked.

Celestia shook her head, ''Of course not my faithful student. We judge ponies by their character, not by their appearance. Besides, Quentin isn't the first human we've met.''

The seven ponies and Spike all gasped at the claim. "What?! You mean...humans have existed in Equestria before?!'' Twilight asked loudly in shock.

Celestia shook her head and answered, ''No, never in Equestria however, Luna and I have visited the world inhabited by humans. If I remembered correctly, the world was called...''

"Earth,'' Quentin finished softly.

Celestia smiled, ''Yes that was it...Earth.''

Her subjects stared in astonishment, each of them looking at each other as they heard the revelation that Celestia and Luna knew the existence of Earth and its humans. Quentin finally spoke up, ''So...you've actually been to my world?''

Luna nodded, giving him a soft smile, ''That is correct Quentin. It was a little over a thousand years ago when my sister and I stumbled upon an ancient tome in our library containing a peculiar yet powerful spell...a spell that allows one to be transported through space and time to other worlds.''

Quentin's friends murmured amongst themselves as he listened intently to their stories as Celestia continued where Luna left off. "Though powerful the spell, it was very complicated to learn even for us but eventually we mastered the spell and together we traveled to another world in which we later found out to be Earth.''

"Whoa...that is so awesome!'' Rainbow Dash said slowly and softly, the usual crack in her voice.

"Quite, and how was this 'Earth' you two have traveled to?'' Rarity asked intrigued.

Celestia smiled calmly, ''When we arrived we found that Earth was much different from Equestria and was fairly primitive, just how Equestria was during that time, yet there was a certain beauty about it that could even rival our great land, despite how it greatly differed compared to Equestria.''

"Ohhh, that DOES sound like a fun place to visit!'' Pinkie Pie said excitedly.

Quentin on the other hand was rather unnerved as he hesitantly asked, ''And...did you encounter any humans while you were there?''

Luna spoke, nodding, ''Yes...we did encountered some while we explored the strange world.''

The Earthling began to sweat nervously, worryingly and he asked, dreading the answer, ''And...were you attacked?''

All eyes were on the princesses but to their surprise, the two smiled and shook their heads, ''Be at peace Quentin, no humans have even attempted to harm us.'' Luna answered.

The others all sighed in relief as the princess of the sun continued. "On the contrary, the humans we met seemed to be a tribe of some sort. They were truly...peculiar looking. They stood on their hind legs constantly, even walked on them with strange markings on their bodies. They wore strange fur clothing and their bodies were hairless save for their manes which some wore feathers in them as well as carried weapons made of stone and sticks''

Quentin nodded as he understood their descriptions. His guess was that they were Native Americans, but knowing there were numerous tribes there was no way to guess which ones they were. But wait, a thousand years ago? He doubt Native Americans wore that kind of outfits during that time. Plus, on Earth now it was 2013, so a thousand years ago would've been 1013. America wasn't even discovered until the late 1400s, so Native Americans would've been a lot different in appearance between the different years. Could it be that Earth and Equestria have different timelines? Could a thousand years here be only hundreds of years on Earth? Quentin pondered these possibilities deeply as Fluttershy spoke.

"Oh my goodness, what did they do?'' Fluttershy asked in her soft tone, yet with a hint of worry in it.

"We've never seen the likes of them before, and it was clear that they've never seen the likes of us before either. We tried to talk to them, but they were speaking in a language we couldn't comprehend.'' Celestia spoke as she recalled the events.

"I knew it,'' Quentin said to himself under his breath.

Luna continued, ''But once we've demonstrated our magic to them, they began to treat us with the utmost respect, maybe goddesses even.''

Quentin nodded as he spoke, ''Understandable, back in those times, people believed in gods and spirits and would tell stories and legends about them that were passed down from generation to generation.''

"Kind of how like the legends of humans were passed down in our world,'' Twilight suggested.

Celestia spoke, ''After spending a short time with the humans, we decided that it was time to make our leave and so with the spell we learned we traveled back to Equestria, away from their eyes.''

Silence were among them for a moment, the eight friends fascinated by such an amazing story until a question popped in Quentin's head and he asked ,''Wait a minute, so that was the only time you came to Earth?''

Luna nodded, looking a bit confused, ''Yes, why do you asked.''

"Well it's just, when I was back on Earth, I found a sort of well in the forest near my home and fell in it. Next thing I knew, I woke up in the Everfree Forest.''

Celestia just smiled as she responded, ''I was hoping you'd asked that Quentin. Before we left Earth, we decided to cast one last spell before leaving.''

"Really? An' what spell was that exactly?'' Applejack asked.

"Before we left, Luna and I found a perfect clearing in a forest and casted a spell that would create a magical well within a crypt capable of sending something from Earth to Equestria.''

There was a soft gasp from the friends as Quentin's eyes widened in surprise. Luna saw his reaction and spoke, ''And you've came here through the very well we've created Quentin.''

Quentin looked at Luna blankly and lowered his head in thought. ''So for a thousand years, that well had been sitting idly by, waiting for someone to fall into it. Does that mean that my being here was completely by accident? That anyone could've fell in and that someone was me based on a fluke chance?''

At these questions, Quentin felt a rather hurtfulness in his heart. He knew at first he was in a hurry to get back to Earth, but spending three weeks here in this wonderful land, with these wonderful ponies including his six dearest friends made him realized that his life wouldn't be the same if he had never met them or came here. Even if he will have to go back eventually, this place has grew on Quentin deeply.

Twilight spoke frowning a bit, ''But wait I don't understand. So the well was just sitting there for all those years? So anypony could've found it and potentially come to Equestria?!''

Quentin too spoke up rather drearily, ''I was thinking the same thing. So my being here was strictly an accident; something happening entirely by chance for an opportunity by anyone?'' The disheartened stallion then bowed his head and muttered, ''And here I thought maybe there was something special about me since I was spirited away here.''

His friends frowned sadly and Applejack spoke softly, a sympathetic gaze in her eyes, ''Quen...''

Celestia and Luna gazed at one another sadly before looking back at Quentin with kind smiles. Luna walked over to him and gently lifted his head up so that he was looking at her.

''Now don't be like that Quentin. Things never happen by accident.''

Quentin gazed at his Alicorn friend, as if he was trying to understand what she meant. ''Well it would've been more than an accident if some evil, crazy, wakko human found it and came to Equestria!'' Rainbow Dash commented boldly, crossing her forelegs as she hovered in the air.

Celestia just responded with a calm smile. "Which is why we made a safeguard when we created the well.''

They looked at the princesses quizzically as Twilight spoke, ''A safeguard? What kind of safeguard?''

"The spell for inter-world travel is a very powerful spell, so much that just using it once severely drains our energy.'' Celestia began as the others all listened intently. ''Plus we knew it would be too dangerous to leave in the open with the humans around.'' Celestia then sighed sadly and continued, ''For all these years we were able to keep a close watch on Earth from Equestria. Even there, time can cause changes and changes on Earth throughout all those many years were...unfortunate to say the least.''

Quentin frowned sadly, averting his eyes in shame as he knew the instant what she was talking about as his friends looked bewildered as Celestia went on, '' So we casted a special spell that would vanish and only reveal itself to the right person.''

"What'd ya mean by 'the right person'?'' Applejack asked, raising an eyebrow.

Celestia answered as she bore a more brighter smile, ''We made sure that the well would only appear before one whose heart showed the perfect balance of charity, compassion, devotion, integrity, and optimism as well as the magical understanding to look pass differences to develop friendships to be worthy of coming to Equestria.''

As Celestia said those words, each of Quentin's friends smiled warmly, yet proudly as Celestia called out the characteristics that they each represents as Quentin stared at Celestia with an amazed yet confused expression. Rarity gasped.

''Just like the Elements of Harmony!''

Luna nodded with a smile, ''Exactly. And it would seemed that you Quentin fit the qualifications perfectly.''

"I...I did?'' Quentin asked softly, but amazed.

Applejack smiled impressed, ''While I'll be...ta think ya would be worthy enough ta come ta Equestria?''

Twilight walked beside the human, a fond smile on her face as she added, ''It makes sense. Ever since coming to Equestria, you've never once belittled us or thought lowly of us. You've treated us as equals, despite being from another world and being an entirely different species.''

"Yes, you gave everypony that you've met respect and sincerity, like the gentleman that you are. Why you even wished for the best for that no good charlatan Fiyorae.'' Rarity added with her graceful smile.

Rainbow Dash hovered to Quentin's side and put a foreleg around his shoulder and smiled at him, ''Yeah! You've been so cool to everypony, and to us. That's what made you so cool!''

Quentin smiled sheepishly at his cyan friend, yet he also felt a warm gratitude that he's felt more from her than the rest of his praises. She came to his aid from Discord, took him flying with her, they even fought side by side with each other. These special experiences with one another made Quentin feel a special bond that only they shared.

"Yep! And you've made friends with a hoofful of ponies in just a few weeks of being in Ponyville. You've got to be REALLY special to pull that off!'' Pinkie Pie happily said, appearing suddenly from behind Quentin standing on his back and bending her head down so she was looking at him from upside down.

Honestly the gesture caught Quentin by surprise, for no matter how long one has known Pinkie Pie, they'll fate themselves going to a mental asylum trying to figure her out. Fluttershy spoke up quietly, but with a cute smile looking at Quentin.

''And you even offered to put aside finding a way home to help and stay with us until the princesses returned.''

Quentin smiled warmly at the timid Pegasus. Out of all his friends, she could probably kill you with her overwhelming cuteness. Applejack was the last to speak and she gave Quentin a smile that showed fondness as well gratefulness. ''An' if I'll be so bold here Quen, but I'm mighty thankful that it was you that found that well. I really can't imagine never gettin ta know ya now that y'all been with us fer this time...an' that's the honest truth.''

Quentin stared at his honest pony friend, amazed yet touched by her comment. Hearing those words, especially from probably his closest friend really gave him a sense of belonging that he never felt before. Quentin shook his and let of a half chuckle and spoke, looking at all of his friends.

''I'm the one that's glad. I'm glad to have found this wonderful world...and I'm even more glad to have met the six most wonderful girls.''

"Aww!'' his six friends sighed in unison and Quentin was caught in a warm group hug.

Quentin sighed as he tried to wrap his forelegs around as many of his friends as possible as Celestia, Luna, and Spike looked on at them, smiling warmly. After a few moments passed, the group broke apart and Quentin turned to Luna. "I...hope me being a human doesn't change your opinions about being my friend?'' Quentin asked somberly, lowering his head sadly a bit.

Celestia and Luna both looked surprised by his question, but Luna soon responded by running forwards and wrapping her forelegs around Quentin in a tender embrace, surprising him. "Of course not honored friend from a distant world. I want our friendship to grow and I will forever cherish it,'' Luna whispered in his ear.

Quentin sighed in relief and wrapped his own forelegs around her neck as he returned the hug. "That's good to hear, I feel the same way your majesty.''

Luna looked at Quentin, not releasing her embrace from him and smiled warmly, ''Please Quentin, friends don't use honorifics when addressing each other. Call me Luna.''

He smiled with a silent nod before embracing again, ''Ok...Luna.''

Quentin's six friends and Celestia smiled at them and the two finally broke apart as Luna added with a frown, ''I only wish that we could've became friends under more...pleasant circumstances.''

With that they all remembered the events that took placed in Canterlot recently and they frowned angrily. "Right...Chrysalis,'' Quentin growled.

Celestia walked up beside her sister, a serious expression upon her face. "Yes, the changeling queen. We must stop her, especially now that she has another one of those gems in her possession.''

"But Princess Celestia, what exactly are these...Cosmic Gems and what do they do?'' Twilight asked her mentor, almost frantically.

Celestia sighed deeply, ''I don't know Twilight. I've never even heard of such objects before in my life. But if Chrysalis wanted them so desperately, even attacking Canterlot to get one then they must be extremely powerful.''

The seven friends looked at one another, like as if waiting for one of them to come up with some sort of plan. "What do we do now your highness?'' Rarity asked, raising a hoof close to her mouth in worry.

Celestia lowered her head in thought for a few moments before lifting it up and speaking with a calm, but serious tone, ''For now we must see to it that everypony in Canterlot will recover. Then together we'll see what Chrysalis' next step in her plan is.''

Luna nodded firmly, ''Agreed sister, our subjects are our top priority.''

Celestia added, ''And Arcanus is also with us. His great wisdom will surely aid us in finding the answers we seek.''

The others could only nod understandingly, yet still with concern. Far away at her dark castle, Chrysalis laughed gleefully, evilly as her Changeling minions quivered with fear at their queen. Ever since she started to collect the gems, she's became increasingly aggressive and violent, even to her faithful subjects. The gangly queen let out another wicked laugh as her five gems floated around her, glowing with their respective colors. Chrysalis gave a twisted smile at her precious stones and spoke.

''One, two, three, four, and five. Five of the fable Cosmic Gems are mine!''

The yellow glowing gem hovered in front of her for a moment before floating forward and touched the tip of her horn. Immediately the gem glowed bright as Chrysalis' eyes glowed a bright yellow as she gave off a brief cry. She then turned her gaze down to the trembling minions and grinned darkly. Suddenly several of the changelings started glowing a yellow aura and in a flash of light, they were turned to stone. The surrounding changelings backed away fearfully as in another flash of yellow light, a magical yellow portal appeared under the hooves of a group of changelings and they fell through with screams which quickly silenced when the portal suddenly vanished.

The remaining minions backed even further away, fearing of their queen's abuse, but Chrysalis just laughed. "Glorious, just glorious! With the Reality Gem, nothing is impossible to me!''

With her eyes still glowing, a flash of yellow light appeared and hovering in front of her was a glowing ball of energy similar to that of the sun. "With this one gem alone, I am above everything else!'' Chrysalis muttered evilly. "Forget the last gem, I am already the most powerful being in Equestria. Now I can single hoofly destroy Celestia and take over Equestria!''

Right after finishing those words, Chrysalis pinched her eyes shut and brought her hooves to the sides of her head, and started grunting loudly, as if she was having a severe migraine. She spoke and when she did, her voice sounded even more distorted with a horrible, dark, demonic voice speaking alongside hers.

''No...I must collect all six gems if I am to succeed!''

Chrysalis grunted with pain again as her minions looked on in fear and bewilderment. Chrysalis spoke, a brief moment in her normal voice with one eye peered open, ''But I...ugh...already have...the power...too...'' she finished, with that demonic voice speaking with her voice as she pinched her eye shut again.

''NO...I need all the gems...ALL OF THEM!''

Chrysalis grunted and shook her head until finally her eyes shot open, her pupil's small, and then dilated back to their normal size. Chrysalis shook her head and panted lightly, looking at her floating gems in slight confusion before speaking softly, ''No...I'm being too hasty. If I am to be truly invincible, then I must find the last gem.''

Chrysalis glared into space as the floating gems closed in around the tip of her horn before finally touching the tip. Almost immediately, the gems glowed brighter before merging in a ball of white light. Chrysalis grunted and her eyes began glowing in the same light as images began to flash in her mind. Her vision was brief, and as quickly as it came, the while light subsided and the five gems expanded and started revolving around the evil queen once again. At first, chrysalis just stared down at the ground blankly before starting to laugh softly. He laugh became louder and louder before becoming full out crazed cackle.

"So that is the location of the final gem?! How can this possible get even easier?!'' Chrysalis cackled and finally stopped, giving a twisted grin, ''No matter...like the others, that gem will be mine and soon...ultimate power!''

She then flew up in the air, the gems float ever so around her and glared down at her trembling subjects, ''Rest up you pathetic fools! Soon, we'll pursue the final Cosmic Gem and after that...all will bow down before me!''

Her minions nodded unhesitatingly, but fearfully and they bowed to their queen. Chrysalis leered down at them, before grinning darkly, "All will bow...or be struck down by my divine powers!''

With that, Chrysalis let out another evil cackle, once again that dark, demonic voice laughing alongside hers. First strange visions, then Kal-Equa's attack, and now Canterlot's been invaded. And what's more these mysterious Cosmic Gems Celestia, Luna and the others know nothing about. One this is for certain…all of these things are connected. What horrors lies ahead now that Chrysalis has yet another powerful gem at her disposal?
> The Secret of the Gems
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight let out a frustrated cry as she tossed a book to the side. She, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Quentin were at the library in Ponyville the day following Canterlot's attack by the Changelings. To the relief of the town, they reported to Mayor Mare that the attack had been ceased and that Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have returned. There they were in the ground floor of library, the place a total mess as books scattered around the floor. The seven were all helping to see if they could find even a hint of what the Cosmic Gems that Chrysalis was gathering, but to no avail so far.

"Ugh nothing! This is useless! We've looked through just about every book here and still nothing on those gem! I swear I'm starting to feel like an egghead from reading all these books!'' Rainbow Dash cried out irritably, tossing a book carelessly over her shoulder and narrowly missing Spike who was carrying a stack of book bigger then himself.

"Hey what it! Dragon carrying books here!'' Spike scolded the cyan Pegasus, trying to keep the stacks of books from falling over.

Rainbow Dash looked at the baby dragon apologetically, ''My bad Spike,'' she then frowned, ''I'm just fed up from getting nothing from these stupid books!''

Spike rolled his eyes and went towards the wooden stairs and climbed them upstairs. Applejack sighed, while holding an open book and spoke, ''Now Rainbow I'm not too keen on doin all this readin til the cows come home myself, but we have ta keep tryin.''

Rainbow Dash crossed her forelegs and hovered in the air with a stubborn look, ''We've been 'trying' for three hours now and still nothing!''

Quentin approached his friend and spoke calmly, ''C'mon Rainbow we can't give up. We need to find out what these Cosmic Gems are, the fate of Equestria may depend on it.''

Rainbow Dash looked pouted at the stallion fora moment before sighing in defeat and with a nod spoke, ''Fine.''

She hovered to a book shelf and reluctantly picked up a book and opened it. "But I must agree with Rainbow Dash, we haven't even found the foggiest thing about these gems. And we almost searched this entire library,'' Rarity groaned, two open books engulfed with a billowing light blue aura as was her horn.

Quentin breathed deeply, putting down a book as Pinkie Pie suddenly popped her head out of a pile of books next to him, ''I found nada too! I've even looked under 'G' for gems and still nothing!'' Pinkie sighed with a slight shrug, ''Well, I'm going back down!''

She then slipped her head back down into the pile of books and out of sight. Striking his interest, Quentin walked over and shoved some books out of the way only to reveal the wooden floor. He stated at the empty space with a bewildered and shocked expression, his mouth ajar slightly as he deeply pondered the situation, ''How does she DO that?!'' Quentin thought to himself. In fact, it was starting to scare him.

Fluttershy spoke meekly, hovering low in front of a bookshelf, ''I-I couldn't find anything neither...I'm sorry.''

Quentin couldn't help but chuckle to himself at Fluttershy's modesty as Applejack went to her and patted her back reassuringly, ''Aw don't apologize sugarcube. We're all doin our best ta try ta find somethin' on these gems.''

Quentin sighed deeply as he approached them, ''Yeah, I wonder if Twilight's having better luck than we are?'' He look upward to the stairs heading to the next floor. "We haven't really seen her since we got here.''

Spike carefully made it up the stairs to the second floor of the library, the stacks of books still in his arms. He walked towards the door and pushed it open as he staggered into the room Twilight was in. ''Here ya go Twi, more books as you requested,'' Spike spoke as he approached the studious unicorn.

"Thanks Spike, just sit them over there,'' Twilight spoke, pointing to a spot but not taking her eyes off the books she was skimming page after page through.

Her horn was engulfed in an magenta aura as were two books levitating one her left side and one on her right as a third book sat on a podium in front of her. She diligently whipped her head from book to book, quickly going through pages as she tried to look for the answers they were seeking.

"So how's the search going Twi? Find anything?'' Spike asked, sitting the stacks of books down.

Twilight let out a frustrated cry and tossed the hovering books to the sides and whipped around. "Nothing! It doesn't make sense!'' Twilight cried out, beginning to pace kicking books out of her way.

Spike walked towards his friend with a concerned look on his face as she spoke with frustration, ''We've looked through just about every book in the library and not a single thing about the Cosmic Gems!'' She stopped and used her magic to lift up a book and quickly flipped through it. ''There's books on magical stones, but none of them are even remotely similar to the ones Chrysalis have. No Reality Gem...nothing!''

She through the book away to the side and fell back on her haunches and buried her face in her hooves and sighed long and deeply. Spike went to her side and put a claw on her shoulder, ''C'mon Twi, don't give up. You'll figure out something, I know it. You are the local egghead after all, so you're smart enough to find something.''

Twilight lifted her head and looked at her dragon friend and smiled faintly, but with gratitude and raised a foreleg around his shoulder and brought him in for a hug. ''Thanks Spike, that really means a lot,'' Twilight spoke softly.

They broke apart and Spike added, ''And besides, our friends our here, there's no way you can fail.''

Twilight's face then became one of fierce determination as she got up on all fours, ''You're right Spike. There must be some form of recordings about these Cosmic Gems. If Chrysalis could find out about them, then so can we!''

Spike pumped his fists and gave a determined grinned, but suddenly clasped his stomach and gave a loud belch and burped out a plum of green fire that flew around the room briefly before in a flash of light, turned into a scroll rolled up and tied with a red ribbon and floated down softly. Twilight gasped as she quickly took the letter in her hooves. Back downstairs as the rest of her friends were busy skimming through numerous books when Twilight suddenly ran downstairs with Spike right behind her.

They all looked at her bewildered and Applejack spoke, ''Twi, what in tarnation-''

"It's a letter...from the Princess!'' Twilight cut in, panting lightly.

The others all gave a short gasp and Rarity spoke, ''Really, from the Princess?!''

Twilight nodded and Quentin asked, ''Well don't keep us in suspense, what does it say?''

Twilight nodded firmly, ''Right! Spike?''

Spike said with a salute and started to unravel the scroll as the rest the gathered around, eager to hear what the contents held. Spike finished unfolding the parchment cleared his throat and read out the letter.

My dearest and most faithful student Twilight. It is of the upmost important that you and your friends come to Canterlot at once. It is in regards of these...Cosmic Gems that the Changeling queen is after. Please hurry!

Signed Princess Celestia

After Spike ready the letter, there was a brief silence until Fluttershy spoke up, ''Oh my...do you think that Princess Celestia found out what the Cosmic Gems are?''

Pinkie Pie spoke up happily, ''Well why don't we just go to Canterlot and ask her ourselves silly filly!''

Twilight nodded firmly and spoke, ''Right! C'mon guys there's no time to waste!''

The rest of them voiced their agreement and they ran towards the door, with Twilight leading the way. She used her magic to open the door but skidded to a halt, with the rest of her friends bumping and crashing into each other.

"Hey Twilight what's the big idea?'' Quentin asked, a bit annoyed having the expected running with the rest of his friends.

Twilight frowned angrily and growled, ''You!''

"You who?'' Spike asked and when he and the rest all peek around her to see who she was talking about, they all widened their eyes and immediately glared in as they saw Fiyorae standing in the doorway. Unlike before to which he always had a confident, smug look while standing proudly and uptight, but this time he wore an unnerving, uncertain, shameful expression while his stance showed awkwardness.

"Teh, what's he doing here?'' Spike sneered.

None of them gave an answer, just continued giving Fiyorae an angry, suspicious stare. Fiyorae averted his eyes awkwardly before gazing at them, scratching the back of his head briefly before speaking.

''Um...h-hi there. How are you all doing?''

The response caught them all by surprise. "Say what now?'' Applejack asked, frowning with a raised eyebrow.

Fiyorae looked rather reluctant to repeat himself, but again he spoke, ''I said how are you?''

Twilight spoke aggressively, ''We're in a hurry for something, so we don't have time to deal with you right now, not like we ever want to deal with you ever!''

The rest of her friends nodded and attempted to go past him, but he suddenly spoke up, ''No wait!"

"Didn't you hear?! Get the buck out of our way!'' Rainbow Dash shouted.

Fiyorae sighed deeply and averted his eyes to the ground. "Please just hear me out. Just give me five minutes and I promise I'll leave and you won't see me ever again.''

The eight friends all looked at each other skeptically and gazed at the yellow unicorn as Twilight answered bluntly, ''Fine, five minutes. So what do you want?''

They all stared at Fiyorae, waiting for an answer. Ever since they met him, he's been nothing but lies, so they were all pretty skeptical about his presence here. Finally Fiyorae walked into the library, past Quentin's glaring friends and up to the human turned stallion. At this, Quentin raised an eyebrow, not sure what to expect. Fiyorae gazed sadly and was about to say something, but was cut off by Applejack.

"I swear ta ya Fiyorae if ya talk any crap about Quentin-'' she snarled, ready to leap at him.

The others also took a defensive stance, a sight that flattered Quentin warmly inside. He was really touched how defensive and caring these six wonderful ponies has grown to him those short weeks that he's been here. Fiyorae responded quickly.

''No, no it's nothing like that...I swear!''

Rarity scoffed, ''Please, why in Equestria should we ever believe you?''

"Girls, it's ok. Let's hear what he's got to say,'' Quentin spoke calmly.

"But...Quentin?'' Fluttershy began, looking surprised as were the rest of his friends, but the dreadlocked earth pony just shook his head and looked at Fiyorae.

''Ok Fiyorae, you have our attention. What is it you came for?''

Fiyorae sighed again and gazed at Quentin with...remorsefulness? And he spoke softly, ''I just came by...to apologize...for what I did and said to you when I first came here.''

His friends looked at each other in shock as well in skepticism as Quentin raised his eyebrows slightly. "You're sorry...really?'' he asked with a sort of distrustful look.

Fiyorae nodded drearily, "Yes, I thought about what you said to me yesterday and...you saved my life despite everything I did to you. And that's why I came here...to apologize deeply for the way I treated you it was...unforgivable.''

Quentin looked at the once proud unicorn who had an expression of true, genuine remorsefulness on his face. He looked at Fiyorae, not really convinced about his apology before he finally sighed deeply and spoke calmly, but firmly.

''Well I wouldn't say 'unforgivable', but I can tell you're being truthful in your apology. I'm willing to forgive you, but the truth is, I don't care about what you did to me. It's my friends you really should apologize to.''

The stallion earth pony gave the unicorn a stern look and he nodded somberly, ''Yes...of course. I was just getting to that.''

Fiyorae turned around and looked shamefully at his six friends who were giving him disapproving frowns. Fiyorae breathed deeply, like trying to gather courage for this moment and he finally spoke softly.

''I don't know what to say. The way I treated you six was disgraceful.''

"Yes, it was!'' Rarity spoke darkly.

"I had absolutely no right to say or do anything to you like the way I did,'' Fiyorae added.

Applejack responded with anger, ''Yer right. Ya were outta yer apple pickin mind ta treat us the way ya did. Comin into our town an' talkin down ta everypony ya didn't even know!''

Fiyorae sighed shamefully again and nodded, ''I see that now and I'm sorry.''

Rainbow Dash snorted getting up right in his face, ''Yeah right I bet! How dumb do you think we are!''

Fiyorae took a few steps back, intimidated by the bold Pegasus. Applejack took her rainbow colored tail in her mouth and pulled her back. ''Hey what the-'' Rainbow Dash shouted.

"Now, hold yer caboose Rainbow,'' Applejack said with the tail in her mouth. "Don't get too excited.''

Applejack spat her tail out and Rainbow took to the air and shot the farm pony a glare, ''Excited? Excited?! Don't you remember what he did to us, what he did to Quentin?!''

Quentin sighed and took a step forward and spoke, ''Rainbow like I said before, I don't care what he did to me.''

Rainbow Dash whipped her head to him, shocked and began, ''But Q-''

Quentin responded by shaking his head silently and looked at his brave friend. "Dash...please.''

Rainbow Dash looked at his face, seeing the begging behind his brown eyes and she sighed long and deep, but then looked at Quentin and smiled softly, and nodded. "Alright Q...for you.''

Quentin smiled gratefully and she looked back at Fiyorae and frowned. Knowing that it was safe again, he cleared his throat and spoke, ''Yes, how I treated all of you was horrible but...'' Fiyorae then walked slowly to Twilight and fell back on his haunches and gazed at Twilight with the most sorrowful expression they've ever seen. Twilight frowned and raised a foreleg halfway and leaned back, giving him a distrustful look.

The others all watched intently, silence among them and finally Fiyorae spoke somberly, ''And you...Twilight Sparkle...I express my deepest apologies to.''

Twilight looked slightly surprised as Spike suddenly snapped out, ''Why would Twilight even consider-''

"Spike that's enough!'' Twilight cut in.

"But Twi-'' Spike began to argue, but Twilight raised her hoof and shook her head to silence him. Twilight gave Fiyorae a stern gaze and he continued apologetically.

"No he's right. Not only did I demean you, I also blatantly used the power of an object and claimed it as my own to unfairly cheat you in our duel.''

Twilight remained silent, looking at the apologetic unicorn skeptically.

"All my life I tried to improve my pathetic skills in magic...I was desperate. So when I found that gem and discovered the powers it possessed, I took the opportunity to attempt to show off my new powers to Equestria.''

Twilight spoke disapprovingly, ''And also using it to make a quick bit.''

Fiyorae said nothing, just nodded shamefully. They rest of the ponies and dragon present continued to look on as Twilight sighed and spoke, ''Magic is a special thing that unicorns are born with, it comes from within. Believe me, there was a time when I had to pass an entrance exam for Princess Celestia's School for Gifted Unicorns, I couldn't even get my horn to glow, let alone use my magic to hatch a dragon egg.''

Quentin looked rather intrigued by Twilight's answer. He had no idea Celestia actually ran a school for unicorns, but he decided to ask that story for another time as Twilight continued.

"But thanks to Princess Celestia's guidance, I was able to become the unicorn that I am today...never once did I have to rely on a magical artifact to fake my skills.''

The rest of her friends smiled at this while Fiyorae's ears lowered sadly and he averted his eyes with guilt for a brief moment before looking back at her. "Yes I could tell. Compared to my true skills, you outclassed me by a margin. I never showed it, but while we dueled, I felt great envy for you because your magic was so superior to mine. Princess Celestia has truly taught you well.''

Quentin had to admit he was impressed by Fiyorae's demeanor, despite this, he couldn't help but muster a small smile. One could see the surprise on his friends' faces as well, thought they still had small hints of skepticism in their expressions. Twilight couldn't help but give a small, proud smile at Fiyorae's remark.

"Thank you Fiyorae that's...nice of you to say.''

Fiyorae gave a small smile but Rainbow Dash quickly spoke forcefully, ''But don't get any ideas though. What you did was still pretty rotten!''

Fiyorae sighed sadly and nodded, ''I know...but the very least I could do was to come here and apologize before I left.''

The rest of them looked at one another and Applejack eyed Fiyorae suspiciously, ''I don't know...ya seem pretty sincere bout' yer apology...''

Fiyorae bowed his head when Pinkie Pie suddenly popped up in front of him and winced at him with a dubious stare, closing the distance between her face and his. This act caused Fiyorae to gaze around awkwardly and Pinkie Pie spoke.

''Hmmmm you apologized to us AND you seemed to be reaaaally sorry about what you did so...-'' The next instant she reached back and apparently out of nowhere, she pulled a tasty looking cupcake and presented it to Fiyorae with a bright grin. "I say that deserves at least a cupcake!''

Quentin suppressed a chuckle as Fiyorae had a complete dumbstruck look on his face. He gazed at Pinkie's bright smile and he smiled softly, but gratefully as he reached out and took the treat and he said softly, ''Thank you.''

"Anytime!'' Pinkie chimed happily, but then got right into his face with a surprisingly serious tone and a stern glare. "But don't you EVER do it again. Do I make myself clear bub?!''

Fiyorae looked at her alarmed before nodding vigorously. Immediately, Pinkie Pie's stern look turned back into a bright smile and she spoke, ''Okie dokie lokie!'' and she bounced happily to the side.

Fiyorae's eyes followed Pinkie with bewilderment. Quentin chuckled, knowing he clearly wasn't used to Pinkie Pie's random antics, heck he himself still wasn't used to the crazy things she does sometimes. Fiyorae's eyes fell on Rarity who was giving him a cold look. Fiyorae then thought of something and his horn was engulfed in a goldenrod aura as a beautiful red rose levitated out from the inside of his vest and went over to Rarity.

"What in heaven's-'' Rarity began, looking at the rose with confusion and leaning back slightly, raising her left hoof halfway.

"A gift...and an apology to you Miss Rarity,'' Fiyorae began sadly." I'm sorry for calling you a wretch, it was completely out of line for me. At least I could do was give you something that rivals your beauty, though your looks even puts this rose to shame.''

Rarity at first seemed distained at the gift, but Fiyorae's comment prompted a soft, grateful smile from the fashion unicorn and let out a soft gasp. ''Oh my...this is a very lovely rose!''

Rarity took the rose and sniffed it briefly, inhaling its sweet aroma and sighed. She looked kindly at Fiyorae, ''Well, I certainly don't approve of your behavior the other day, but that was really a thoughtful apology you've made Fiyorae. Perhaps you're not such a bad pony after all.''

Fiyorae smiled faintly, but Spike frowned and turned his head away and crossed his arms, ''Heh, yeah I bet!'' he grumbled, jealously rising again as someone else made his crush smile and gave her a rose.

Twilight rolled her eyes at the baby dragon's remark and Applejack spoke up with a smile, ''Why butter my backside n' call me a biscuit, maybe ya did learn yur lesson after all!''

Fiyorae looked at the farm pony and nodded, ''Yes Miss Applejack. I...had a little touch of kindness to help me with that.'' He glanced over at Quentin and gave him a warm smiled which he returned with a nod.

Applejack tipped her hat, ''Well as long as ya promise not ta act like that ever again, I suppose yur A-OK in my book!'' Applejack kindly reached out her hoof and Fiyorae shook it gratefully.

Quentin smiled at Applejack, happy that she was able to forgive the show unicorn and he stepped forward and spoke, ''So girls, what do you say? Let's put this all behind us.''

His remaining friends looked at each other and Twilight spoke with a smile, ''I'm willing to let it slide this time. Only because you actually gave a heartfelt apology.''

"Yes, it seemed you've truly regret your actions, I suppose I too can forgive and forget,'' Rarity added with a smile.

Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie smiled and nodded. Quentin looked at Rainbow Dash, who still seemed reluctant to trust Fiyorae, not that he completely blame her. She stubbornly crossed her forelegs and averted her eyes briefly with an angered frown. She then looked at Quentin and he gave her a pleading gaze as if to say 'Come on Rainbow Dash, please?''

After a brief moment, Rainbow finally sighed in defeat. "Alright! If all of you can give him a second chance, I guess so could I.''

The rest of her friends smiled at Rainbow's decision and Fiyorae sighed relieved. "But don't go thinking that we're best buddies or anything. I still don't completely like you yet!'' Rainbow added aggressively, furrowing her eyebrows.

Fiyorae's face fell sadly a bit at this but then nodded, ''I understand, but I'm so relieved to hear that I've been forgiven by you.''

Applejack grinned and nudged Quentin, ''Well I guess ya should thank Quen here on the count o' he convinced us ya had some good in ya!''

Quentin smirked sheepishly and averted his eyes shyly. However, Fiyorae came over to him and bowed his head, ''She is right. Not only did you forgive me for what I've done, but you also saved my life. If it wasn't for you, I might not be here right now.''

Quentin smiled kindly and placed a hoof on the now humble unicorn's shoulder, ''It was nothing really. Like I said, no one deserves to die.''

Quentin's friends smiled at his kindness and humility, though Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Twilight had more to their smiles, like deep admiration and fondness. Fiyorae's face then scrunched slightly with a thought.

''Though I must ask, what did that...creature want with that gem anyway?''

That's when it all hit Quentin and the as they exclaimed in unison, ''The Princess!''

Fiyorae blinked a couple times blankly, ''Come again?''

"We just remembered, the princess just sent us an urgent letter to come to Canterlot right away!'' Twilight explained firmly.

Fiyorae understood and nodded, ''I understand. Then I suppose you must be on your way.''

Applejack nodded and spoke, ''He's right y'all. We need to head out STAT!''

Her friends nodded in agreement and Fiyorae spoke, ''Right, I'm sorry for keeping all of you.''

"Don't be, I'm glad that you decided to come back to apologize to us,'' Quentin replied with a smile.

Rarity nodded, ''I agree. Perhaps if you return I could interest you with some marvelous new ensemble?''

Fiyorae smiled, ''I would love that Miss Rarity.''

"Um maybe we should get going now?!'' Rainbow Dash said impatiently.

Twilight nodded, ''Right! Excuse us Fiyorae. Come on guys!''

''Right!'' the rest said in unison and the eight ran past Fiyorae and out the door.

Fiyroae ran outside and watched them as they headed northeast towards the train station. He looked down at the cupcake in his hoof, a small smile crept across his face as a tear rolled down his face and he spoke softly, ''Those seven ponies...are truly marvelous ones.''

They had no delays as we arrived at the train station. Fortunately for them, the conductor informed us that Celestia had already paid for their travel and the eight friends boarded immediately. It wasn't long until the train jerked forward and they were out of the station and soon Ponyville itself. After about an hour of venturing though the fast meadow and rising up and twisting along the winding mountains and going through caves, the train finally a passed the checkpoint to Canterlot and screeched to a halt at the station. The friends all filed out of the train and onto the polished platform.

"Alright guys there's no time to lose. To the palace!'' Twilight said taking charge with Spike on her back.

The rest agreed and they galloped out of the station and into the city. The seven ponies and dragon arrived at the castle without interference and they came to the massive doors guarded by two Pegasus ponies. Twilight spoke forward.

''We're here to see Princess Celestia. She has sent for us.''

The guards nodded and one of them responded in a gruff voice, ''Yes, of course. The Princesses are expecting you.''

They stood aside and opened the doors, allowing them entry. "Thank you,'' Twilight said and her friends followed her into the majestic, polished palace.

It took very little time for the group to journey through the castle and they were finally running down the spacious corridor that had the stained glass windows n between the regular massive windows and came to a large, double doors that led to the throne room.

"So we made it?'' Quentin asked, looking up at the great doors.

Applejack nodded beside him, ''Yep, the princesses should be right behind this door sugarcube.''

Twilight too nodded, ''Then we need to go in posthaste.''

She raised a hoof and gave four knocks to the door which echoed loudly throughout the hall. It wasn't long before the doors slowly opened to reveal the throne room of the castle, with Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, and Arcanus in the center of the room, conversing with each other. As the eight all ran into the room, the two Alicorns and the unicorn looked up around them and faced the friends as the doors closed behind them.

"Princess Celestia we came as fast as we could!'' Twilight called as they came galloping in, Rainbow Dash flying.

Celestia nodded and spoke, ''Thank you Twilight...thank you all.''

As Twilight and her friends came to a halt Luna strode to Quentin with a warm, inviting smile and she embraced him, ''Yes, welcome back Quentin. I hope you've been well since that last time we met.''

The two broke apart and Quentin smiled faintly, ''Yes Luna I've been doing great, but is everything fine here? That was a pretty urgent letter that we got.''

"He's right. Have you found out about the Cosmic Gems? Did you find a weakness that they might have?!'' Twilight asked frantically, only to stop when Celestia held up her hoof.

"The Cosmic Gems are exactly why we've called you all here,'' the princess of the sun replied calmly as Luna walked back to her side.

"So have you found out what they do your highness?'' Rarity asked.

Celestia looked at her sister and Arcanus before looking at us and her face fell solemnly and shook her head, ''No, we have not found anything about these strange stones.''

With this revelation, the friends looked at one another with confused, and worried expressions as Celestia continued, pacing, ''It doesn't make any sense. We searched every book and scroll in our library, which have readings from centuries past and we haven't even found the slightest detail about the Cosmic Gems Chrysalis are searching and have gathered.''

Twilight asked with a shocked expression, ''Really?! Not even in the Starswirl the Bearded Wing?!''

Celestia stopped back in her original spot and sighed, ''Yes Twilight, even that didn't have the answers we seek. It'd be maddening if-''

"But Princess Celestia, there must be something that can tell us what these gems are!'' Quentin cut in. "I mean, if Chrysalis could find put about them, then so can we!''

His friends nodded in agreement at his statement and Luna smiled faintly and answered, ''And we too thought that my friend which is why...''

"Which is why we have called you all here,'' Celestia finished.

They all nodded with Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy standing firm as they waited for her to continue. "After failing to find any information that we needed in the library, the three of us came to an understanding that to find the answers we must look to somewhere else.''

Quentin and his friends looked at the princess in bewilderment. "Someplace else? Like where?'' Applejack asked.

They were all a bit surprised when Arcanus stepped forward. ''When we decided to looked somewhere else for the answers to this puzzling mystery, only one place came into my mind,'' the aged unicorn spoke.

"R-really! And what place is that Arcanus?'' Twilight asked, excitement in her voice yet also trying to sound respectful.

Arcanus was silent for a brief moment everyone including Celestia and Luna watching him before answering in his deep, reassuring voice, ''The sacred domain of Biblio Templum.''

"Biblio...what!'' Rainbow Dash suddenly blurted out, scrunching her face.

Quentin, Applejack and their five friends catted amongst themselves, clearly never even heard of such a name, but Twilight had a different expression...a shocked, almost disbelief looked as she gasped.

"Biblio Templum...are you serious?!'' Twilight asked loudly, causing the rest of us to look at her as if she'd lost her mind.

Twilight suddenly lowered her head and smiled sheepishly from her outburst and responded quietly, "Um sir?''

Though his eyes were covered by a blindfold, we could probably tell that Arcanus had a 'this girl is crazy' look on his face, but nevertheless his nodded, his head pointing ever so downward as always. "Yes Twilight Sparkle that is correct.''

Before anyone else could say anything, Twilight suddenly started to ask quickly, "But...but how is that possible? Biblio Templum is just a myth, it doesn't really exist...does it?''

"Will somepony please tell me what the hay y'all are talkin about?'' Applejack said, cocking an eyebrow.

Twilight turned to her friends and explained, ''Biblio Templum is a legendary library...so sacred that it was only seen in legends.''

Rainbow Dash frowned unimpressed and retorted, ''A library...great...and what's so legendary about it exactly?''

"Well according to legend, Biblio Templum is home to the fabled Book of Omniscience,'' Twilight continued.''

"The what?!'' Quentin, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy said in unison.

This caught the two Alicorn princesses and the old unicorn by surprise slightly and watched on. "It possesses the Book of Omniscience,'' Twilight repeated.

Quentin brought a hoof to his chin in thought, ''Omniscience? As in all knowing?''

"That's right Quentin,'' Celestia answered, and they all listened to her. Biblio Templum is a domain where the Book of Omniscience dwells. It is a place where no other books, scrolls, or tome is needed for the Book has all the information within it.''

Luna continued, ''Yes. It is said that the Book contains knowledge of the past, present, and future...the knowledge of all of history as it goes.''

The seven ponies were all in awe at the information that was being given to us. "So what you're saying is history is being recorded in that book? As if...RIGHT now?!'' Rainbow Dash asked astonished.

Celestia nodded, ''Exactly. Surely if anything in this world knows about the Cosmic Gems, the Book of Omniscience will no doubt have the answers.''

Quentin nodded, ''All the universal knowledge of the past, present, and future…well it can't get any more all-knowing than that,'' he said trying to be witty.

Celestia chuckled, ''No I guess you can't.'' But then became serious again, ''Which is my we summoned you all here.''

Quentin's friends all bowed and stood tall and ready, even the timid Fluttershy. "Jus' tell us what ya need princess! We've got yer back!'' Applejack announced confidently, causing the others to voice their agreement.

Quentin nodded with determination and spoke, ''Me two. I want to help as much as I can.''

His friends smiled at him as well as Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus. ''Quite and thank you Quentin, you're help will be much appreciated, ''Luna said gratefully.

The human turned equine smirked and gave a short nod and Celestia spoke, ''We called you all here because we want you all to come with us to Biblio Templum.''

Twilight gasped loudly, '' Really?! Actually go to the legendary Biblio Templum and read from the Book of Omniscience?! Think about all the questions that could be answered. What we'll be in the future what we'll do! Hay I'll maybe even find the answer to the Equipoly Integral Equation that I've been trying to do for months now and...and-''

Twilight suddenly stopped as she saw the rest of her friends, the princesses, and Arcanus giving her questionable looks. Twilight giggled embarrassingly as a faint shad of pink came to her face. "And find out about the Cosmic Gems of course.''

Quentin and his friends rolled their eyes playfully. "Oh Twilight...'' he chuckled to himself, shaking his head at her egghead moment.

"I suggest we hurry to the Templum. Who knows how many more of the gems Chrysalis has to find...or how close she is to obtaining them.'' Arcanus spoke firmly.

"I agree. That horrible queen has done enough damage. She must be stopped at once!'' Rarity said.

Arcanus nodded as he hoof stroked his beard. "I couldn't agree more Rarity however, there is a minor obstacle we must overcome.''

The seven ponies all looked at Arcanus confused as Fluttershy spoke meekly, ''An obstacle? What kind of obstacle?''

"There's a reason why Biblio Templum is only read in myth. It exist on a plane that is not of this world.''

The listening ponies were all in shock at this and Twilight asked, ''Then...how are we going to get there?''

Arcanus answered, ''I can teleport us all there simply however...that is not the problem?''

"Then, what is?'' Quentin asked, eager to know.

Arcanus brought his hoof down to the floor and spoke. "The Templum houses the all-knowing Book, so naturally a treasured object like that is bound to be protected.''

Quentin nodded understandingly, "Like by a guardian.''

Arcanus nodded, ''Correct. And this guardian takes the form of an entity known as Ethereal.''

At the name, Quentin and the rest all looked at each other perplexed as Rainbow asked, ''And who the hay is Ethereal?''

"He is the guardian of Biblio Templum and the Book of Omniscience.''

Pinkie Pie smiled, ''Aw it can't be that hard, especially if we ask him reaaaaaaally nicely!''

Arcanus chuckled at the crazy pink pony's optimism. "If only it was that simple. You see, Ethereal takes his role very seriously. He's very discontent as to who visits his domain, gaining entry may not be so easy.''

At this the friends looked at each other with worried glances. "But if we just explain to Ethereal our urgency to use the Book, than he has to allow us to read from it!'' Twilight suggested urgently.

Celestia sighed, ''That's what I'm hoping Twilight.''

"Then we should not waste any more time then,'' Arcanus spoke up, walking a few steps into the center. "If everypony will gather around close, we'll leave immediately.

The eight all nodded and gathered around the powerful unicorn as close as they could, Applejack on Quentin's left and Rainbow Dash on his right. "Is everypony ready?'' Twilight asked, Spike on her back.

"Ready!'' Her friends answered in unison.

Celestia nodded, ''Arcanus, if you please?''

Arcanus said nothing, and bowed his head lower and in a moment, his horn engulfed in a billowing bluish white aura, far brighter than the average unicorn as if he was putting his all into it, yet he didn't look like he was straining at all. Almost instantly after his horn glowed, a dark blue, glowing magical circle appeared on the ground under them. Quentin and his friends looked in awe and wonder at the circle. Its details were stylized and difficult to describe. Outside the circle, arcane symbols went around while a seven pointed star made up the inside of the circle. In between each space of the points were seven smaller glowing blue circles each with a twelve pointed star with one, different arcane symbol inside them. Going around the star was the image of a snake that went around and met with its tail in its mouth at the top.

"Whoa!'' was all Rainbow Dash and Quentin could say.

"It's...it's amazing!'' Twilight said softly, mesmerized by the mystical sigil.

Just as quickly as the magic circle appeared, a transparent, light blue dome appeared and surrounded the eleven equines, matching the circle they were in. "W-What's going on?!'' Spike asked fearfully, clinging onto Twilight's back.

Celestia and Luna looked completely calm yet had firm, serious glances as they looked around the magical dome. Suddenly there was a flash of bluish white light that filled the entire throne room and it subsided and vanished, taking them with it. In a flash of light, the magic sigil reappeared and as quickly disappeared. The seven friends stood wobbly and disoriented, groaning from their trip. Pinkie Pie on the other hand bounced happily, as if she enjoyed the ride.

"Man...that was NOT awesome!'' Rainbow Dash slurred, shaking her head to clear herself of her dizziness.

"Ya said it sister! That there trip was crazier than a gravy covered cat in a barnyard full o' greyhounds!'' Applejack agreed, her eyes rolling in her head.

Quentin managed to keep himself from falling and he shook his head and looked at Twilight. ''Is this how you normally feel like whenever you teleport?''

Twilight apparently rid herself of her disorientation and answered, ''In all honesty, I have at first, but you get used to it after doing for a while.''

Pinkie Pie suddenly bounced all over the place and exclaimed happily. "Whoohoo! Let's do that again! Who'd knew that going through space and time would be so fun?!''

Her friends rolled their eyes at Pinkie's enthusiasm at their not so enjoyable experience. It was like spinning around and around at high speeds in some sort of distorted dimension. The trip was only brief, but if felt like an eternity. Quentin frowned.

''Uh, let's not and say we did, Pinkie.''

Arcanus spoke up, taking a few steps forward, ''I apologize for the spells uneasiness. I'm impressed actually, many ponies would vomit after traveling like that for the first time.''

"Ugh, don't talk about vomiting!'' Rainbow Dash groaned, holding her stomach with her hooves and looking like she would lose her lunch any second now.

"Don't you even think about it Rainbow!'' Rarity said disgusted, moving away from her.

"Hey I can't help it alright! We did just teleport at a rapid speed!''

Quentin grinned and went over to his cyan friend, and jabbed her lightly on the arm, ''Aw c'mon Rainbow. I know that's not going to get the better of the future Wonderbolt is it?''

Rainbow Dash looked the earth pony briefly before bowing her head with a rather shy smile before hovering with a determined grin, ''You kidding me Q?! There's no way something like that could ever keep me grounded!''

Quentin smiled with a nod and Fluttershy spoke, ''Where exactly are we?''

With those words the others finally looked around their new destination with bewilderment. They seemed to be in the middle of a massive, dusty canyon. The sun was high in a cloudless sky and the temperature was scorching, no doubt in the triple digits. A gust of wind blew, causing the dust from the ground blow around them and they shielded their eyes, save for Arcanus.

"That's a good question. Where ARE we?'' Quentin asked, looking around and up at the high, jagged cliff walls that stood at a distance around them.

Celestia walked forward and spoke, ''We are far from our country of Equestria. This is the resting place of Biblio Templum.''

Quentin, Rainbow, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Twilight, and Spike were really confused. "Really Princess? A fabled place like Biblio Templum in a place like...this?'' Twilight asked, looking around in confusion.

Applejack took of her Stetson and began to use it as a fan, ''Heavens ta Betsey! It's mighty powerfully hot around here. It wasn't this scorchin' even in Appleloosa!''

Rarity groaned, raising a hoof over her eyes rather dramatically, ''Quite. I'm not a lady for sweating. And this heat doesn't mix well will my coat!''

"Don't worry everypony. We shouldn't be in the heat for much longer for you see, the entrance is just in front of us,'' Arcanus spoke.

They all looked forward and sure enough about a yard away was an entrance to what seemed to be a cave of some sort. Quentin sighed, relieved, ''Sweet, it should be nice and cool in there.''

"Then let us journey onward then. We must be quick on our venture.'' Luna spoke up firmly.

Arcanus nodded, ''Agreed Luna. We mustn't squander our time.''

"Then lead on Arcanus,'' Celestia agreed seriously.

They all proceeded to follow the great unicorn across the hot, dry landscape and into the cave. As they had hoped, the cave was indeed cool and dark, a perfect getaway from the blazing heat outside. Arcanus' horn gave off a bluish light to illuminate the cave. The eight ponies and dragon saw that stalagmites protruded from the ground and the ceiling as they trotted through the cavern.

"So have you and Princess Luna ever been to Biblio Templum Princess Celestia?'' Twilight asked her mentor, trotting up beside her.

Celestia nodded, looking at her prized student, ''We have actually Twilight. It was long ago while Equestria was under the reign of Discord. It was then too Arcanus suggested to come here to find answer to defeat him...and it was at Biblio Templum where we learned about the Elements of Harmony.''

Quentin's friends were amazed by the story, but the stallion himself was more shocked if anything else. "Whoa wait a minute, you mean that Discord actually once ruled Equestria?!'' Quentin blurted out, his voice echoing in the cave, causing everyone to look back at him with surprised expressions, save for Arcanus.

"Why yes Quentin he did. How is it that you've come to know of Discord?'' Luna asked intrigued.

That's when his six friends frowned and Applejack answered, ''That varmint played Quentin like a filly with a new doll!''

The others nodded and the two sisters looked at each other with shocked expressions. "What?! Is this true Quentin? What did he do to you?!'' Celestia asked in disbelief.

Quentin sorted and responded, ''Let's just say that I still have mental scars that might never heal!''

The revelation caused the two sisters to look at them in utter disbelief and Luna finally spoke with an outraged tone. "Unacceptable! He had no right to treat you that way! When we see Discord again, he will be punished for this act!''

This out roar caught them all by surprise, even Arcanus looked back with a slight shock. Luna said she wanted to cherish her and Quentin's friendship between them, and her outburst proved it. Quentin only knew her for only two days and yet she had a firm defense towards him from Discord's powers. He actually felt honored that someone of such beauty and royalty really cared deeply for his wellbeing.

After regaining thought, Quentin raised a hoof and shook his head.

''It's ok Luna, we've already talked about this.''

Celestia and Luna both blinked blankly and Celestia asked, ''Really?''

The human's friends nodded and Rarity spoke, ''Yes, apparently as crude as Discord's trickery was, he wasn't being malicious in is actions like he was before. As Quentin had told us, he'd let bygones be bygones if Discord helped him get out of the Everfree Forest which he did, isn't that right Rainbow Dash?''

Rainbow Dash nodded, yet still bore an angered glare.

Quentin finished, ''Yeah, Rainbow had followed me into the forest and helped me against him. And since Discord apologized, somewhat, and helped us out, I decided to let him off the hook, though I'm defiantly not in a hurry to meet him again.''

The story left the sisters speechless. Celestia soon smiled softly and said, ''I must say Quentin I'm impressed.'' Quentin looked at the princess of the sun quizzically. "To have Discord do something horrible to you and still able to forgive him of it...that's really virtuous of you.''

His friends smiled and Twilight spoke, ''You're right, Quentin has a very good heart. He isn't one to try to hold any grudges against anypony.''

Quentin averted his eyes shyly at the praises given to him as he stroked his pendant gently. "It's nothing really. I just don't like to hate anybody.''

At his answer his six closest friends smiled warmly at him. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Twilight's smiles were amongst the most enduring, as if there was more to their smiles. Luna spoke with a gentle smile of her own.

''It seemed the well my sister and I placed has chosen well to which human to bring to our world, and I couldn't be happier with the choice.''

The dreadlocked stallion could only smile thankfully at Luna's remark and Arcanus chuckled to himself as he continued to lead them through the dark cave. After about fifteen minutes of traveling through the cool cavern, Spike finally spoke out in annoyance, ''Are we there yet? It feels like we've been walking forever!''

Twilight looked back at the baby dragon on her back and retorted irritably, '' What do you mean 'we' Spike? You've been on my back this whole time.''

Spike rolled his eyes and answered, ''Exactly! You've been walking through this cave for who knows how long. How much farther is this place?''

"Ah we're here,'' Arcanus suddenly answered.

He stopped with the group behind him and they were now facing the cavern wall, as if they've ventured to the very back of the cavern. They were at a dead end. Quentin and his friends all looked at the wall and around the area, completely perplexed by the arrival.

"Um Arcanus...are you sure this is the right place? There's nothing here but a wall.'' Twilight asked with a confused look.

Celestia looked back and answered calmly, ''Yes, this is the place that we needed to go.''

Twilight and her seven friends just looked at each other, completely at a loss. "Allow me,'' Arcanus spoke and they watched him step forward and stopped just a few feet from the wall.

Arcanus had his head tilted ever so downward and muttered, ''For the sake of knowledge, we humble ask to enter the Templum.''

At first nothing happened, just silence in the cavern. The bearers of the Elements all gazed rather awkwardly around as Rainbow Dash hovered next to Twilight and whispered, ''Are you sure this guy isn't crazy? I mean, he's talking to a wall.''

Twilight was not amused and responded in a strict hush. ''Shh, Rainbow! Of course Arcanus isn't crazy! He's the most powerful known unicorn with unparalleled wisdom. We have to-'' Twilight was interrupted by a sudden flash of purple light.

Her and her friends all let out cries of shock as they shielded their eyes, save for Arcanus, Celestia, and Luna on the count of Arcanus being blindfolded and Celestia and Luna merely squinted their eyes. "What's going on?!'' Twilight exclaimed, shielding her eyes.

Quentin gritted his teeth and grunted, ''Crap...the light's too...bright!''

The light was only brief and in the next few moments, the light faded. Quentin and his friends uncovered their eyes and opened them to adjust them from the sudden light. However, all their eyes opened wide with shock as they were now beholding a figure that now stood in front of them. The figure took the form of a stallion, a large one at that for it was even taller than Celestia who was the tallest pony there. The stallion was a unicorn and was clad in armor from its head down to its hooves. If it had a mane, it was obscured by the helmet it wore with seemed to cover its face also. Along with these features, it gave off an unearthly, purple aura from its body, with its eyes glowing a spiritual white. The eight stood frozen at their places, they even huddled together in intimidation from the very presence of the strange entity, all except Celestia, Luna, Arcanus, and Pinkie Pie which the latter had a bright grin and the Alicorns and unicorn had serious expressions.

"W-Who is that?'' Fluttershy asked fearfully, trying to hide behind her friends.

"Twilight?'' Rarity asked with worry.

Twilight just shook her head, her eyes fixated on the figure with confusion and fear while Spike clung to her tightly, shaking slightly with fright.

"Well let's just ask him silly fillies!'' Pinkie chimed and bounced towards the figure.

"Pinkie! Girl are you crazy?!'' Applejack exclaimed as the silly pink pony bounced passed Celestia, her sister, and Arcanus.

Before they could stop her, Pinkie Pie greeted happily, ''Hi! My name's Pinkie Pie! What's your-''

"Be still!'' the figure yelled suddenly, stomping a hoof, causing them all to jump with fright.

The stomp was powerful indeed, for it caused a tremor and Pinkie fell flat on her back with a puzzled, frightened look. "Hey, what's the big ide-'' Pinkie Pie started, but was once again cut off by the glowing entity.

"You shall not take another step forward!'' The figure spoke with an unearthly, malformed voice, like with an echo and it was almost unintelligible.

The figure stomped its hoof yet again, created a tremor causing some rocks from the ceiling to crumble and fall around us. "Ek!'' Pinkie Pie screamed and jumped in the air and Quentin could swear she hovered for a few seconds while her legs rapidly spun around and she zoomed from the air and behind her seven friends in fear.

"My, he seems rather…friendly doesn't he?'' Rarity spoke, her trepidation for the aggressive entity increasing.

Twilight gritted her teeth as she spoke, ''Could this be, Ethereal that Arcanus spoke to us about?''

Celestia looked back at us and nodded seriously, ''Yes it is Twilight, but please everypony calm down.''

Luna nodded, ''Yes, there is no reason to fear him. We'll handle this.''

The others all looked at each other both with concern and apprehension before looking back at the three powerful ponies ahead of them. Arcanus stepped forward, his head ever so tilted downward. Ethereal tensed and lowered his head threateningly.

"Ethereal, I am Arcanus of the Mystic. And these are Princesses Celestia and Luna of Equestria. We've met before,'' Arcanus said calmly.

Ethereal lowered his head further, ready to charge if needed be. "I know who you are...now LEAVE NOW!'' Ethereal roared, causing Quentin and his friends to cower a step back, save for Rainbow Dash who was hovering.

"M-Maybe we should go? We don't want to make him even angrier,'' Fluttershy suggested fearfully, shaking.

"And something tells me this guy can kick serious butt if he wanted to,'' Quentin suggested, gulping nervously.

Rainbow Dash frowned and bumped her hooves together, ready for a fight. "Well I'm not afraid of him! If he wants to tussle, I'm all in!''

Before Rainbow Dash do anything else, Applejack stopped her, ''Now, hold on one pony pickin' minute Rainbow! Ya can't jus' rush in on em' like that. Ya don't know what kind of tricks he's got!''

Quentin nodded in agreement. "She's right Rainbow. And the last thing we want is for you to get hurt!''

Rainbow Dash wouldn't give up and retorted defiantly, ''But-''

"There will be no need for force Rainbow Dash. Please let us handle this,'' Celestia spoke, not looking back.

Despite ready to fight, Rainbow Dash would not dare go against her princess and sighed reluctantly in defeat and crossed her forelegs, ''Fine!''

Celestia then stepped forward and bowed before speaking, ''You remember us, then you must know why we have returned?''

Ethereal snorted, a steam of purple light coming out form his nostrils. "I know...you want to read from the sacred Book of Omniscience do you not?''

Luna spoke, a bit desperately, ''Yes we have, like we've done long ages ago. Why do you deny us access?!''

At first, the spiritual guardian said nothing, just glared the group down with its glowing eyes before finally answering, darkly, ''Because...I will never allow mortals to defile the Templum once again.''

"Defiled it?!'' Celestia and Luna exclaimed in unison, while Arcanus had a disturbed expression on his face.

The others however looked on in perplexity. "Defiled? What does he mean?'' Quentin asked no one in particular.

"I'm not sure, but it sounded as if somepony visited and disrespected Biblio Templum, 'Twilight suggested, both intrigued and confused.

Arcanus stepped forward and spoke, ''Ethereal, what did you mean by defiled the Templum? Did another come to place?''

Ethereal grunted and retorted, ''Yes, they did. Biblio Templum is a place of knowledge...knowledge that should be used to gain wisdom and enlightenment to better oneself.''

"But that's why we've come-''Luna started but was cut off.

''That is-'' Ethereal growled as his eyes burned brighter with anger. "Until...SHE came along.''

Immediatly everyone in the group all too on angry glares and Twilight asked, ''Wait a minute! Was she a creature called a Changeling? Looks like a pony but black and gangly?''

Hearing Twilight's description of a certain hated changeling, Ethereal growled, ''Yes...the queen of those wretched species!''

"Chrysalis,'' Celestia muttered darkly." I knew it.''

Luna growled, "How did that wretch learn about Biblio Templum? And she dared to step one foul hoof in such a domain?!''

"Yes, the very one!'' Ethereal said, standing straight up and turning his back to the group as he took a few steps away from them. "She came here telling me how she wanted to use the Book to gain the information to help improve the lives of her subjects. She said, that they were dying out quickly and how they were very dear to heart and wouldn't know what to do if they completely died out.''

The listening equines looked at each other with disgusted looks they heard the lie Chrysalis had told the guardian. "The queen? Carin' bout anypony but herself? Yea that's rich!'' Applejack snorted as Ethereal continued with a sigh.

"To this I felt great pity towards the creature. To crave knowledge to prevent the extinction of her race was a noble ambition. I couldn't refuse such an admirable cause.''

"And...what happened next Ethereal?'' Celestia asked, though in the back of her mind she kind of knew what had transpired.

Ethereal lowered his head and with a growl spoke, ''It turned out that it was all a rouse. She actually wanted to use the Book to find a way to overpower and destroy her enemies...she lied.''

Quentin's friends looked out one another with frowns at the revelation. The human answered with discontent, ''We know she lied. From what I've learned about her, she lied to a lot of ponies.''

What happened next caught Quentin in his friends completely off guard. In a flash of purple light, Ethereal had appeared in front of him and bellowed, "IT KNOW WHAT SHE DID! I KNOW WHAT SHE TRULY IS! SHE USED THE BOOK FOR HER OWN REGARDS AND TRIED TO DISTROY THE BOOK OF OMNISCEIENCE SO NOPONY ELSE COULD USE IT! SHE DEVILED THIS PLACE WITH GREED AND CALLOUSNESS!"

Quentin was pretty terrified of the guardian's sudden approach and gritted his teeth in fear as he advanced backward. Clearly his friends also were a bit frightened as they coward a few steps backwards. However Applejack ran in between her friend and the guardian and spoke bravely with an unwavering gaze.

''Now wait jus' a dog gone, pony pickin minute! Now I know yer pretty miffed bout' the queen disrespectin' this place an all, but that don't give ya the right ta bit Quentin's head off about it!''

"Yeah! So lay off him! It's not like he was the one that did it!'' Rainbow Dash agreed aggressively, getting into Ethereal's face.

That moment the rest of his friends' fearful expressions became one of boldness and they voiced their agreement. Honestly Quentin felt a warm tenderness inside himself to see his friends especially Applejack come to his defense. Who knew that in three short weeks they'd be so close? Ethereal, however, wasn't moved by the devotion of Quentin's friends, not one bit and glared deeply at them baring his bright teeth that looked like fangs at this point.

"Ethereal!'' Luna finally spoke up, a frown on her face. Ethereal didn't respond, just peered over his shoulder at the princess of the night. "I know that to defile a holy place like the Templum is unforgivable, but our subjects are right. So I would appreciate greatly if you wouldn't be hostile towards my dear friend!''

Quentin couldn't help but smile gratefully at his Alicorn friend as did the rest of his friends. "Thanks Luna,'' the stallion thought to himself.

Quentin felt so honored that one of such royalty and beauty would cherished a friendship with a commoner like himself. Ethereal continued to peer over his shoulder and gave off a low, growl. Suddenly in a flash of light, he disappeared and reappeared in front of Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus.

"Ethereal,'' Arcanus sighed as he took a step forward, prompting Ethereal to take a low, threatening stance. ''I understand you are just doing the job that was appointed to you. And I understand that you would be so hostile towards any visitors wanting to come here after what happened, but I implore you to please allow us access into the Templum.''

Ethereal growled, ''I've been lied to once, that won't happen again!''

Before Arcanus could speak, Celestia step forward, a deep frown on her face as she spoke sternly, ''Ethereal, we once came here seeking answers to help save our subjects...unlike Chrysalis that was no lie.''

At this Ethereal's enraged expression softened a bit, no doubt reluctantly agreeing to the wise princess's words.

"And now we've returned for that exact same purpose. The queen is on a quest to find mysterious stones called the Cosmic Gems and on her quest, she left nothing but destruction and death in her wake. She even attacked the kingdom our ally Kal Equa and caused fatalities to the great nation. Even more, she just attack our capital city and harmed many of the ponies there. She's done enough damage and we will bring an end to it, but that can only happen if we use the Book of Omniscience.''

As Celestia finished, Ethereal's expression became one of uncertainty, as if he's having some sort of inner conflict with each other. Quentin and his friends looked on with worry, praying that the shining guardian would grant them passage. Luna spoke up, this time with a pleading gaze.

''Please Ethereal. We just need to find out what these gems do so we can find a way to stop her. If not, I fear something terrible will befall our fair kingdom. So please, help us save our people.''

There was a cringing silence as they all looked at Ethereal as he try to decide on an answer, hoping that he'll let them pass. Chrysalis had done enough damage and hurt and killed enough ponies, and time was running out until she acts again. Finally after calming down, Ethereal looked around at the group and finally to Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus.

"Please, you have our word as the Princesses of Equestria that our cause is just...just how it was those many years ago,'' Celestia swore and Luna nodded with agreement.

Ethereal eyed the two princesses cautiously before sighing deeply and answering. "Very well. I'll take your word for it. You have my permission to enter Biblio Templum.''

Quentin, Applejack, and the rest gave off brief cries of joy while Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus let out sighs of relief. "Thank you Ethereal,'' Arcanus replied with a nod.

Luna nodded with a relieved smile, ''Yes, thank you. You don't know how much this means to us.''

Ethereal lowered his head slightly and replied, ''Just be quick about it and remember...I'm taking you by your word.''

Celestia and Luna nodded as their subjects and Quentin approached them from behind. In a brilliant flash of purple light, Ethereal had transformed into a ball of light and zapped quickly to the cavern wall. Upon impact, it expanded into a large, circular, swirling purple portal. The eight friends looked on in awe at the mystical portal in front of them.

"Amazing. So Ethereal wasn't just a guardian, he was the entryway into Biblio Templum itself?!'' Twilight asked, completely amazed.

Celestia nodded, ''That's right Twilight. Follow us everypony. We must hurry!''

The seven ponies and dragon all nodded and followed the three powerful ponies toward the portal. "Well guys, this is it. You ready?'' Twilight asked, looking at her friends.

"Darn tootin'!'' Applejack responded with a wink.

"Yeah, let's do this!'' Rainbow Dash said confidently.

"You bet!'' Pinkie Pie spoke excitedly.

"Wait let me just fix my mane and...ah that's better. Onward!'' Rarity answered after fixing her mane.

"U-um yes?'' Fluttershy squeaked uncertainly.

Quentin nodded, with a tough smirk, ''Let's go.''

Twilight looked over back at Spike who nodded with a tough grin and she nodded. Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus walked on and through the portal, disappearing from sight. They weren't far behind and the group of friends followed and went through the portal. On the other side, the eight's jaws dropped as they gazed around their new setting. In a blink of an eye, they went from inside a dark cavern and were now in a strange realm. The environment was rather simple yet grand. They were standing on a massive, stone, slightly transparent platform, in fact all the structures there possessed a slight transparent nature about them.

Yards away from them, stood a large, transparent statue depicting a unicorn reading from a book. Behind the statue was a massive, stone staircase that could be climbed from the left and right sides and both curved upward to a higher platform that leads to a temple of some sort with pillars. The layout of the realm reminded Quentin of Greek origins. Surrounding all of this was a purple space, dome like domain with white stars twinkling in the space. One could see different symbols floating idly by through space as well as glowing lines going longitude and latitude like those on a globe. This combined with the transparent appearance of the structures made gave off a mystical, otherworldly feel to them.

"W-Where are we?'' Fluttershy asked in awe.

"This...this is Biblio Templum?!'' Twilight asked in disbelief, gazing around.

Arcanus looked back with a slight smile, ''Yes, Twilight Sparkle. This is the legendary Biblio Templum mentioned only in myth.''

Twilight continued to gaze around as a smile slowly crept over her face. "I never imagined this place to be so...beautiful,'' Twilight said softly.

Celestia and Luna smiled, ''I know. I felt the same way when Luna and I first came here.''

Quentin let out a whistle as he gazed around at the spirit like terrain, walking next to Luna. Luna looked at her new friend and smiled, ''Amazing is it not Quentin?''

Quentin nodded and responded, ''Dang, where's a camera when you need one?'' He had seen a lot of amazing, beautiful places in his life, but this Biblio Templum...it defiantly takes took cake.

"Oh my, what a truly marvelous lieu. And these designs...oh I think I might've found new inspiration for my clothing design!'' Rarity sighed, taking in the wonder of their surroundings.

Applejack rolled her eyes playfully, ''Ya always find new inspiration fer ya clothes.''

After a few more moments gazed around in wonder at the majestic sanctuary that was Biblio Templum, Celestia's expression became one of seriousness as she turned to face the others. "Quickly, there's no more time to lose. We must make our way to the Book of Omniscience at once!''

Quentin and his friends snapped out of their speechless awe and agreed. "So where in the hay is this book exactly?'' Rainbow Dash asked, hovering in the air.

"The book is just up those steps and inside that temple,'' Arcanus answered, lifting his head upward towards the large staircases.

Quentin nodded with a serious expression, ''Then let's get up there.''

With that the equines followed the three wise Alicorns and unicorn as they hastily started towards the right staircase. As the group walked up the staircase, Applejack walked beside Quentin and spoke with a worried looked, ''Hey Quen, do ya really think this fancy book can really help us out?''

The stallion looked over to her and shrugged, ''I'm hope so. We haven't found anything from anywhere else.''

Applejack sighed sadly, ''I'm hopin' so too. If that no good queen gets enough power ta cause major damage, who knows what might happen. An' I can't handle the thought of somthin' bad happenin' ta my kin.''

At first Quentin looked at his honest friend with perplexity, then smiled warmly, ''Hey don't think nothing of it AJ.'

Applejack gazed at him. ''I know that this book is going to help us out. With a name like the Book of Omniscience, it has to know the answers, otherwise it wouldn't be an all knowing book.''

Applejack chuckled, ''No, I guess it wouldn't.''

Quentin nodded, ''Exactly. Besides, your family have been so kind to me for these past few weeks. I won't let anything bad happen to them, our friends...and you either. I promise.''

Applejack widened her eyes in shock as she stared into her friend's golden brown eyes. A slow smile then crept across her face and she replied softly, ''Quen...''

Applejack then nuzzled Quentin's face contently, sending chills across his body that were quickly replaced by a warm sensation and a blush came to his face. "Applejack?'' Quentin spoke, surprised by the action.

Applejack said nothing, just continued to nuzzle Quentin and she finally spoke tenderly, ''Thank ya Quentin. That really means a lot ta me.''

Quentin still had a surprised look on his face but then formed a soft smile. "No problem AJ. Everything will turn out fine...I just know it.''

As the two nuzzled, Rainbow Dash hovered behind them, and she frowned disapprovingly upon seeing them display such an intimate act. It was uneventful as the group made their way up the curving staircase and finally to the top where they were greeted by the large, transparent temple. It was like they were about to venture into an ancient Greek temple of the gods. They all made their way passed the tall pillars and finally into the entranceway of the temple. The inside of the temple was fairly simple, save for a few pillars about.

Upon entering, they discovered that the temple was being illuminated dimly by a bluish white light. Upon gazing around, the visitors discovered the source of the light. Hundreds of feet's away upon two sets of short staircases resting on top a stone shrine against the wall was an object. Despite being rather far away in distance, the eleven could clearly make out the image of a book. Twilight gasped.

''Is that...what I think it is?''

Arcanus nodded, ''Yes, the fabled Book of Omniscience. The all-knowing tome with all the answers in the known universe.''

Celestia nodded sternly and muttered, ''And our last hope.''

Without hesitation, they all headed across the temple towards the book and came to a stop about ten feet from the first short steps and gazed at the illuminating book. Now that they were closer to the book, they could make out its appearance much clearer. The Book of Omniscience was large, much bigger than any book Quentin has ever seen. The book was closed and had a deep blue cover. Design wise, the center of the cover depicted a large, very stylized triangle with what appeared to be an eye in the middle of the triangle, the images giving off a dim white glow. Its pages were glowing an even brighter white and the book itself was being held up by a stone book stand. While Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus looked on with seriousness, the rest of were mesmerized by its appearance, especially their intelligent friend Twilight.

"Land sakes!'' Applejack gasped lightly.

"Who'd ever thought that a book would look so...'' "Awesome!'' Rainbow Dash finished in awe.

Quentin nodded. He'd never thought that he would be so excited about reading from a book. "Ohhhhh...shiny!'' Pinkie Pie awed, suddenly appearing in front of the tome and rubbed a hoof over its cover, her pupils big and twinkling with the light from the book.

Luna had an expression that seemed to say 'oh boy here we go again' and her horn was engulfed in a billowing deep blue aura as she used her magic to pull the still smiling Pinkie away. It was actually quite amusing from the others' perspective.

"So this is it,'' Quentin finally spoke up as Pinkie dragged magically past him. He looked around, ''Who wants to do the honors?''

Before any of his friends could speak, Arcanus spoke, ''Celestia, would you mind?''

All eyes were on the princess of the sun and she nodded seriously, ''Yes, of course.''

She took a quick glance at Luna who nodded with a determined frown. Celestia then turned her head towards the large tome and began to walk towards it. There was a silence in the room as Celestia headed to the book. Applejack and Quentin gazed at each other, giving one another a 'let's hope this works' glances. Celestia got to the book and closed her eyes and took a deep breath, and opened them as her horn was engulfed and a billowing golden aura as was the front of the book.

With her magic, Celestia opened the book and the effect was instantaneous. There was a blinding flash of bluish white light, causing the rest present to shield their eyes from the light, save for Arcanus.

What the-what's going on?!'' Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

Suddenly a blast of the light shot out in a single ripple past them and throughout the temple. As quickly as the ordeal began, it just as ended and the light faded and the ponies uncovered their eyes, to behold the Book of Omniscience open, the pages giving a bluish white pillar of light.

"Well that was...unexpected,'' Quentin said, blinking a few times.

His friends voiced their awe as they came closer to the first steps. Celestia looked over her shoulder to her sister, mentor, and subjects, nodded, and gestured for them to come forward. They did, the stone alter being big enough for them all and gathered around Celestia so all of them could see.

"Oh my...simply amazing!'' Rarity spoke softly with amazement.

The others couldn't blame her. On the glowing pages, stylized letters floated idly by throughout the page, as if they were inside a snow globe. Along with the letters, mystical symbols floated gently around, there was even one that looked like a compass rose. "Whoa...'' Spike said, standing on Twilight's back and leaning in for closer look before scratching his head with confusion. "So, what now?''

"I'm with Spike,'' Applejack spoke up with a raised eyebrow. "With all these letters jumblin around, how are we 'spose ta read from this thing?''

"All we need is to asked, the book with give us the answers we seek,'' Arcanus answered calmly.

Celestia nodded and turned her head to the book. "We've come to find the answer to one question: what are the objects known as the Cosmic Gems the queen of the Changelings is looking for?''

It wasn't even a second after Celestia asked her question when the pages suddenly began to glow brighter and the letters suddenly formed and positioned themselves in numerous rows and began to race across the page in their rows.

"Yeah, I think that did the trick!'' Rainbow Dash commented as the letters raced faster and faster and the glow brighter and brighter.

Suddenly in a finally flash of light, the letters disappeared. "What happened to the letters?!'' Fluttershy asked alarmed.

As if to answer her question, the once blank page was magically being filled with perfectly aligned letters, and the glowing illustrations of six, oval stone like relics, forming a halo in the center of the page. They all widened their eyes at the sight and Luna spoke, with a sort of stern excitement.

''This is it...this is what we've came here for!''

Arcanus nodded with a soft, but relieved smile, ''Indeed Luna. Thank Chiron that this great book came through for us again.''

The rest of the friends chatted happily that the Book of Omniscience knew something about the Cosmic Gems, but Celestia quiet them down, ''Calm down everypony. Our job isn't done yet.''

Twilight nodded with a serious frown, ''The princess is right. So what does it say your majesty?''

"Let's see,'' Celestia responded, skimming through the page as we all too looked. "According to the Book, there are six of them...each blessing its possessor mastery over a certain power wrought by the universe; Power, Soul, Mind, Time, Space, and Reality.''

The others all listened intently as suddenly the paged changed with each gem, glowing with their natural colors changed from a halo formation to be listed down the page, three on the left page, and three on the right with an individual description for each gem went across the pages.

"The Reality Gem...yes I remembered Chrysalis referring to that yellow gem while we battled her, ''Luna spoke with a thoughtful frowned.

Twilight nodded sternly, ''And Fiyorae also called it that, though I'm pretty sure he didn't know what the name was. But still a gem that can alter reality and grant your wishes...that's a powerful and dangerous power anypony can have.''

Pinkie Pie's eyes widened with awe as she asked, ''So if I wanted a place made entirely out of candy with a river of chocolate milk it'll come true?! Dangerous who wouldn't want that?!''

The rest of her friends groaned, some face hoofing themselves. "Yes, yes but what about the others gems? What do they do?'' Applejack asked desperately.

Celestia nodded, ''I was just getting to that.'' She read over the pages for a moment before continuing. ''The red Power Gem allows its bearer to have access to virtually an unlimited supply of power as well as drastically increase that bearer's abilities.''

Luna let out a soft gasp and spoke, ''That explains how Chrysalis was able to almost single hoofly destroy all of Kal-Equa!''

Celestia nodded sternly, ''And when she demonstrated such power when we fought her not too long ago.''

Arcanus leaned forward towards the book. "And we know what the green Soul Gem does. It is able to rejuvenate life back to its natural state. That is how the Kal-Equa was able to bring back life to their once barren land centuries ago.''

"So all this time, the Jewel of Kal-Equa has been the Soul Gem?'' Twilight asked, puzzled.

Luna nodded, ''Yes Twilight Sparkle, and seeing how it was able to do so for all these years it is truly a powerful stone.''

"But there's more!'' Celestia spoke. "The bearer also allows them to manipulate and steal souls, living or dead and gather them in a sort of pocket dimension.''

The information sent a chill through Quentin and possible his friends. Even Rainbow Dash seemed freaked out while Pinkie Pie seemed undisturbed, as always. "That's...freaky,'' Quentin spoke with a shudder.

Celestia continued to read from the Book, telling them each Gem and what they do. "The blue Mind Gem enhances one's mental abilities greatly; granting them mind control as well as telekinesis.''

Luna frowned, ''And that explains the blue aura Chrysalis cast on us to pin us to the wall, even though her horn didn't illuminate. She was using her mind.''

Celestia continued. "The orange Space Gem grants the bearer the power to be anywhere whatever they wishes, even able to warp space as they see fit. The yellow Reality Gem, well we all know what it does.''

Twilight and the rest all nodded, and Celestia frowned sternly as she kept on reading. "And which brings us to the last gem. The purple Time Gem allows the possessor to exist in the past, present, and future. They can also make time into a weapon, trapping enemies in unending loops of time. Also, they can also be granted visions of the future or past, and have absolute control over time; causing it to slow or speed up and even turn back to whatever they wish.''

There was silence in the temple, no doubt they all were speechless about the powers the Cosmic Gems possess. "No wonder, the Queen is bent on finding these gems. Just one can give her such unbelievable power!'' Rarity finally spoke, a hoof near her mouth in surprise.

Arcanus nodded, stroking his beard, ''With a name such as the Cosmic Gems, their power is a fright to behold. By the sound of it, they could very well rival the Elements of Harmony.''

"Yeah right, there's no way in HAY those things are stronger than the Elements of Harmony!'' Rainbow Dash retorted proudly, hovering in the air.

"Don't be so sure about that Rainbow Dash,'' Celestia spoke firmly, her eyes scanning the Book of Omniscience as a slow but shocked expression came unto her face.

"What do you mean princess?'' Twilight asked.

Celestia continued a bit trouble, ''There's more.'' As Celestia spoke, the images and text on the pages disappeared and was replaced by the silhouette of an unknown pony surrounded by the Cosmic Gems in a halo formation and more text.

"Whoever manages to possess all six gems and somehow meld their powers together, they will be opened to all the untapped power in the universe and become one with the cosmos. They will be granted, omnipotence, omniscience, and omnipresence. In other words, whoever possess all six of the Cosmic Gems will be granted absolute, supreme power...they will virtually become a God.''

"Are you bucking kidding me?!'' Rainbow Dash exclaimed in disbelief.

Quentin couldn't blame her, all of them were alarmed at this news. "Can a bunch of gems really give that much power?!'' the stallion asked loudly in alarm.

Celestia shook her head and closed her eyes, "It's written in the Book, the Book of Omniscience knows all.''

Quentin's friends began to chatter amongst themselves. "Shoot, I knew that power o' the Elements o' Harmony were strong, but this...''

"These gems are a force to be reckoned with, ''Twilight finished, a bit horrified.

"And with the power of a god, there is no doubt the evil Chrysalis will bring would be catastrophic!'' Luna said worriedly to her elder sister.

Celestia sighed, a drearily gaze on her face, ''I know Luna. It seems like no matter what good news we hear, something worst always appears.''

Quentin gazed around, with fear, uncertainty, and perplexity when his gaze fell upon the purple Time Gem. He did a double take and looked closely at the image, that purple, glowing, oval gem. Strangely, it looked...familiar to him. "That gem...where have I seen it before?'' Quentin thought to himself.''

"Now calm down everypony,'' Arcanus spoke up and they all looked at him. "We must think rationally, there may still be time to stop the Changeling Queen.''

Fluttershy asked meekly, ''But how? Doesn't she have all of the gem?''

Luna thought for a moment before widening her eyes as a thought came to her, ''No wait...she doesn't! When we last saw her, she only had five gems with her after gaining the Reality Gem.''

Celestia gasped, ''You're right sister. Let's see, if I remember she had the Reality Gem, The Soul Gem, the Mind Gem, Power Gem, and the Space Gem. She's still missing one more, the Time Gem!''

Quentin's face fell with determination, ''Then we'll have to find it before she does!''

Celestia sighed, ''I know Quentin but...who knows where it is. It could be anywhere in the world for all we know.''

At this revelation we looked at each other sadly. Fluttershy suddenly spoke up, ''Maybe we can ask the Book if it knows where it is. Because who knows what terrible things could happen if the Queen finds the gems.''

At that moment before anyone could responded, the book glowed bright bluish white. "Hey what's going on?!'' Quentin spoke loudly, caught off guard by the spontaneous effect.

The light quickly subsided and the eleven ponies all uncovered their eyes and looked towards the book to find the images and texts to have vanished and replaced by six rows of text.

"Hey look at the page, it changed again!'' Pinkie cried, pointing at the open book.

"What does it say?'' Rarity asked.

Celestia looked at the text and widened her eyes with fear. "It...it seems to be a prophecy.''

The others all stared quizzically, ''A...prophecy?'' Twilight asked confused. Celestia nodded and read out loud.


On the day of extended long, the day of black sun

Signals the ruin of the world the One has spun

Harmony to chaos, when the six shall unite

Joy to sorrow, the death of Day and Night

When the six gems of chaos calls upon the king

The end of all mortals, the end of everything


As Celestia finished the others just stared at her shock, speechless...horrified. They all couldn't believe what they had just heard. Finally, Rarity spoke up, completely flabbergasted. "C-Come again?!''

Even Celestia seemed to be in disbelief as she skimmed over the prophecy again. "M-maybe we heard wrong. Maybe she read it wrong?'' Spike suggested fearfully, but Celestia shook her head wearily.

"No...I didn't. Everything I've just said is hear written on the page.'' Celestia repeated the dark foretelling which only made a cold shiver run through them all.

"But...sister. This can't be right. What you read, what this prophecy is basically telling us is...'' Luna began, dread anchoring her voice.

Celestia bowed her head and muttered without looking at them, "The end of the world.''

''THE END OF THE WORLD?!'' Quentin and the rest of his friends exclaimed in unison, immediately followed by a commotion of frantic outbursts.

Among the commotion, Celestia hung her head, with thought and with dread as Luna looked absolutely melancholy, even the usually composed Arcanus utterly disturbed.

"What? The end of the world?! What are we gonna do?!'' Spike panicked, shaking Twilight's neck slightly.

"But the world CAN'T end! I've still have lots of parties to throw!'' Pinkie exclaimed frantically.

"The hay it can't! I haven't even joined the Wonderbolts yet!'' Rainbow Dash frowned aggressively, pounding the floor.

Twilight attempted to calm everyone down, but she too was distraught over the bleak news. "Everypony calm down! We just need to...need to...'' that's when Twilight frowned perplexed as she lifted hoof near her mouth in thought. "Wait a minute, where have I heard that before? Or maybe I've read it somewhere?'' Twilight thought to herself.

"No...it can't be!'' Fluttershy whimpered in despair, lowering herself towards the ground as she did so.

Quentin gazed around while gritting his teeth and his eyes met Applejack's. They said nothing, just gazed at each other sadly, her mouth ajar. No doubt she was thinking about what could happen to her family and the farm back on Sweet Apple Acres, and Quentin couldn't blame her. The Apple family have particularly grown on him.

"Everypony enough!'' Arcanus shouted, his deep voice booming in the temple.

They all ceased their commotion and looked at the great unicorn in surprise, even Celestia and Luna as all was quiet. "Twilight Sparkle is right, we just need to stay calm and-''

"Stay calm...STAY CALM? How could we stay calm after just reading a prophecy about the bucking end of the world?!'' Rainbow Dash retorted loudly almost getting into the wise unicorn's face.

Arcanus just sighed and bowed his head, "I am very aware of that Rainbow Dash. I was here when Celestia read it. And true as disturbing as it is, there is still time.''

The ten ponies all gazed at Arcanus quizzically, when Celestia nodded firmly, ''Arcanus is right. As long as the last gem, the Time Gem is out of Chrysalis' hooves, there is still hope to stop her plans.''

Celestia turned her attention back to the Book of Omniscience and glided a hoof over it like she was turning a page. Magically, the prophecy disappeared and was replaced by the images of the Cosmic Gems in a halo formation and the texts describing them. "There is still time to prevent this dark foretelling from happening.

However Twilight seemed puzzled as she stepped forward, ''But your majesty, it doesn't makes sense. Chrysalis is looking for the gems, but the prophecy said something about a king not a queen. What does that mean?!''

At this Celestia's face went form stern seriousness to deep thought as Luna spoke up in agreement.

She's right my sister. To our knowledge, only the Changeling Queen has been searching for the Cosmic Gems. We know nothing about any-'' suddenly Luna's face became one of great fear. "Sister, you don't think that it was referring to S-''

"No, of course not!'' Celestia suddenly cut in, looking at her younger sister and continued softly. "It couldn't be, he was destroyed...for good.''

Quentin winced his eyes slightly as he heard their conversation. "Who where they talking about. Was there really a king in Equestria?'' he asked himself.

The human looked at his friends who had worrisome faces, while Rainbow Dash had a disgusted glare. Could it be they know what the princesses were talking about? Quentin shook his head to clear his thoughts. It didn't really matter to him now, the situation had just went from bad to worse after finding that prophecy, there was no time to waste. Quentin looked at the Cosmic Gems glowing on the page in desperation.

"What are we going to do?!'' he asked himself frantically. "If we don't find the Time Gem soon, then things are really gonna-'' Quentin trailed off as his eyes fell upon the purple gem.

Quentin winced and scrunched his face slightly as he leaned closer for a better look.

"Well I think we should try Fluttershy's suggestion and ask the book where the Time Gem is located so we can get it before the Queen!'' Rarity declared.

The rest agreed, and Luna noticed Quentin's concentration at the book and ask curiously, ''Quentin?''

Quentin said nothing, just looked at the gem as all eyes were on him. "Quen...are ya alright sugarcube?'' Applejack asked concerned, lifting a hoof towards her friend.

Quentin continued to look at the Time Gem, his mind racing. "Alright, I know I've seen this gem somewhere. Ugh you think I'd remember something that could send...you... through...time-'' his eyes went wide as his voice trialed off his last words.

"Going...through time...wait...could it be?'' the stallion earth pony muttered under his breath a memory flashing before his eyes.

Everyone else was getting increasingly worried and Celestia asked, ''Quentin what's-'' Before she could finish, Quentin suddenly whipped around, surprising everyone.

"We need to get back to Ponyville...NOW!'' he urged.

The equines looked at him like he'd lost his mind as Twilight asked befuddled, ''B-but why?''

Quentin frowned slightly and responded, ''Because I know where the Time Gem is!''

Far away from the dimension of Biblio Templum, the swarm of changelings flew through the clear sky, filling the air with rapid buzzing of insect wings, and stopped as they hovered in midair. Leading them, Chrysalis let out a dark, evil chuckle as she leered down on the humble village of Ponyville.

> Grave Decisions
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Pinkie Pie raised her hoof, frowned and with a very un-Pinkie like tone spoke seriously, ''Ok everypony on the count of three! One...two...three-''

"WHAT?!'' everyone in the room exclaimed right on cue.

Quentin kind of twitched an eye at the sight of such a cartoony antic that he have yet to get adjusted to, but quickly shook his head back to his senses. "Quen…what did ya say?'' Applejack asked in disbelief.

"I said I know where the Time Gem is,'' Quentin repeated seriously. "Which is why we need to leave NOW and get back to Ponyville!''

Everyone gazed shockingly at the stallion and to each other. "But Quentin, how could you possibly know where it is? And in Ponyville of all places?'' Luna asked with uncertainty.

"Because, I've seen it before,'' he answered.

"Seriously Q? Where?!'' Rainbow Dash asked loudly.

Quentin took a quick glance at the rainbow maned mare before motioning Twilight over to him. "Yeah Quentin, what is it?'' Twilight asked a bit bewildered.

Quentin pointed to the image of the Time Gem, ''Twilight, doesn't that gem look familiar to you?'' he asked, drawing her nearer to the page.

Twilight looked confused as ever as she responded, "Quentin I...hold on,'' Twilight then said, beginning to study the image carefully. The others watched on intently to see what the earth pony and unicorn were getting at. "Now that you mention it, that gem does look-wait!'' Twilight's eyes suddenly widened as she gained a revelation.

"What is it Twi?!'' Spike asked eagerly.

Quentin stared at Twilight, knowing the bright unicorn like her would deduce the realization. Twilight lifted a hoof and placed it over the purple image as she muttered, ''That shape...that color...it looks just like...no it couldn't be!''

Twilight gazed at Quentin with a shocked expression as he nodded firmly. "What, it couldn't be what Twilight?'' Fluttershy asked.

Twilight turned to the others and finally answered. "It looks like my gem I showed you guys a while back!''

The other five gasps and Applejack spoke, ''So what yur sayin' is-''

"That gem, MY gem is the Time Gem!'' Twilight finished.

"Are you kidding me?!'' Rainbow Dahs exclaimed. Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus looked on in bewilderment.

"Twilight, what in Equestria are you talking about?'' Celestia asked.

Twilight turned to her mentor and answered, ''Long story short princess, but I have a gem that's been in my family for years and now I think that same gem is the Time Gem...no I KNOW it is!''

The two Alicorns and unicorn looked at each other, surprised by the news. "How do you know Twilight Sparkle? How can you be for sure?'' Luna asked curiously.

"Because I activated its power by accident,'' Quentin spoke seriously.

Celestia and Luna looked taken aback and Quentin nodded. "Yeah, after a little...inconvenience, I somehow activated its power and was sent back in time and relived an event not once but actually three times.''

The three great equines were speechless as the others agreed. Arcanus stroked his beard and spoke, ''Incredible.''

"I know, I can't believe that my precious gem has a big role in all of this. I can't believe I had the Time Gem after all this time!'' Twilight spoke amazed. Suddenly, Twilight's eyes widened and a fearful expression came to her face.

"What's with the 'GASP' face Twilight?'' Pinkie Pie asked, imitating the same expression as Twilight's.

"Wait, if I had the Time Gem all along...and if it's back at the library...and if Chrysalis is searching for it...then that means...''

That's when everyone knew what Twilight was getting at and sheer horror were on their faces. "She'll go to Ponyville!'' the ten ponies exclaimed in unison.

"Exactly!'' Quentin said impatiently.

Spike whimpered fearfully, ''The Cakes, Cheerilee, our friends...''

"My family...'' Applejack muttered sadly. Quentin put a hoof on her shoulder in hopes to comfort her.

"And my dear sister! Mother…Father… we saw what that foul queen did to Canterlot, just think what will happen if she attacks Ponyville?!'' Rarity spoke desperately and with fear.

Twilight frowned sadly, ''She could destroy it, especially with the Cosmic Gems she has already!''

Rainbow Dash stomped her hooves and took to the air, ''The hay she will. We'll kick her sorry flank and regret to even think of setting hoof in our town!''

Fluttershy gasped, "And the Elements of Harmony, they're also in the library!''

Luna spoke frantically to Celestia, ''Celestia Quentin was right, we must go back to Ponyville this instant!''

Celestia nodded firmly, ''Yes sister I know!'' She turned to her old mentor, ''Arcanus...''

"Of course Celestia!'' Arcanus said at once. "Everypony follow me! We must leave here before I can teleport us!''

Without hesitation, the others followed the powerful unicorn and ran through and out the temple, the Book of Omniscience's page reverting back to original, mysterious appearance of symbols floating idly around and the Book closed by itself, obscuring some of the light it gave off. The eleven ponies ran outside the temple, down the staircase, and across the platform to the portal and went through it, finding themselves once again in the cavern.

"Stay close everypony!'' Arcanus said at once and his horn began glowing a billowing aura and in a flash of light, the group were gone. After they left, in a flash of purple light, the portal had changed back to the form of Ethereal. He stepped forward with a somber expression in his glowing eyes as he hung his head sadly.

"Knowledge for power...'' the guardian muttered as the memory of Chrysalis trying to destroy Biblio Nexus played in his mind. "Knowledge for defeating enemies...''Ethereal muttered again as a memory of Celestia and her subjects using the Book of Omniscience to find out about the Cosmic Gems played in his mind.

Ethereal gazed up with melancholy and said, ''Whatever the reason, be it good or ill...I pray that will be the last time the Book will be used for such desires.''

In a bursting flash of light, Quentin, his friends, Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus appeared on the outskirts of Ponyville in a meadow. They all gazed around at their new surroundings, Quentin and his friends a little in awe that they've came from hundreds, and possible thousands of miles from a scorching canyon to a nice, breezy meadow.

"That's the Everfree Forest,'' Fluttershy said, turning around. Indeed the path led to the entrance foreboding forest that was no less than a yard from them.

"Then that means Ponyville is just down the path?'' Quentin asked.

Celestia nodded, ''Yes, and we must hurry and get there before the Queen-'' She was interrupted and they all jumped at the sound of distant screaming and explosions.

"What in tarnation?!'' Applejack exclaimed.

Celestia had a horrified expression as she spoke fearfully, ''Oh no...''

"It sounded like it came from Ponyville!'' Twilight spoke up with the utmost of concern.

Without hesitating, they all ran down the dirt path, the screaming and explosions. "Please, oh please. Fer heaven's sake please...'' Applejack muttered franticly as they continued down the path until they stopped dead in their tracks and gazed at what they were now seeing, completely horrified.

The once quiet, peaceful town was now filled with ponies running around with screams and fright as they were being attacked by Changelings. Countless straw rooftops of cottages, were ablaze with green flames, causing black smoke to rise into the skies. Among the terrified screams, were the hissing and buzzing of the Changelings, as if a swarm of insects was attacking the humble village. While there were scores of ponies running to take cover from the Changelings, there were also others, stallions for the most part were fighting back the horde.

"No...we're too late,'' Fluttershy said somberly, on the verge of tears seeing her home town being attacked.

Rainbow Dash's face fell angrily and gritted her teeth as she seethed, ''But we're just in time to kick some mother bucking Changeling ass!''

The rest of her friends also gritted their teeth with anger as Applejack growled, ''Ya got that right'. If I find that those mudsills had gone and hurt my kin, I'll kill em'. I swear ta Chiron I'll kill em'!''

Normally Quentin would be surprised that such a mature, calm pony like Applejack would openly call out a death threat but he nodded with a deep, outraged frown, ''They won't hurt them AJ cause if they do, that would be the last thing they'd ever do,'' he said darkly.

Quentin wasn't the type of guy who would be eager to hurt anybody, but he'd be damned if he let these pony insect hybrid freaks hurt the family that have been so hospitable to him these past few weeks, and Quentin was ready to fight alongside Applejack to protect them.

"And my sister...those horrid things better not hurt one hair on my Sweetie Belle!'' Rarity seethed.

Celestia turned to her six subjects, a look of upmost rage upon her usually calm and compassionate face. ''The Elements of Harmony, you six must get to them and be ready to use their power,'' the princess of the sun commanded.

Twilight nodded sternly, ''The princess is right girls. The Time Gem is in the library, so we must stop Chrysalis from getting to it at all costs!''

The rest of her friends agreed and more screams rang out. "Well what are we waiting for a theme song? Let's move!'' Rainbow Dash declared.

They needn't anymore convincing and the seven friends raced towards Ponyville. Celestia turned to Luna, both having angered, disgusted expressions on their faces. "First they attack Canterlot and now Ponyville? Sister, Chrysalis will not win this day. She will not escape!'' Luna growled.

Celestia nodded, ''She won't Luna. We will end this once and for all!''

Arcanus spoke with a composed but serious tone, ''And I will stand by you. Let us end this nightmare today.''

Celestia and Luna nodded and the two Alicorns took to the air while Arcanus vanished in a flash of bluish white light. Quentin and his six friends ran closer to Ponyville, determined to fight, save for Fluttershy who was more fearful than determined.

"We need to get the Elements, and use them before Chrysalis can get her hooves on that gem!'' Twilight said taking charge.

"That maybe easier said than done Twilight. These nasty Changelings are probably gonna get in our way!'' Pinkie Pie responded.

Quentin spoke firmly, ''Doesn't matter. Quantity means jack with these losers. We beat them before and we can sure as hell do it again!''

"Hay yeah Q's right! This will just be Canterlot all over again!'' Rainbow Dash agreed with a tough grin.

"Either way we don't have time to waste on these galoots. We need ta get our hinds over ta that there library!'' Applejack said with a frown.

Before anyone could reply a scream rang out. They looked ahead to find a group of Changelings advancing on a unicorn mare and her frightened filly. The unicorn help her child closely to her in protection, while the Changelings continued with their advance, their empty, pale, insect eyes eyeing them as there fangs were exposed as they smiled devilishly.

Quentin growled, "But we sure as hell have time to save them from these bastards!''

Quentin dashed full speed towards the group. When he was getting close, the stallion lowered his head and ran faster and before the Changelings could react, Quentin bulldozed right through them, sending them screeching in the air and they fell hard onto the ground.

"Strike!'' Quentin said triumphantly with a smug smirk, skidding and turning to a halt.

"Awesome save Q!'' Rainbow Dash cheered.

Quentin grinned and turned to the saved unicorns with a deeply concerned look. "Are you ok?''

"Yes we are. Thank you!'' the unicorn said relieved, holding her filly close who smiled happily.

Quentin nodded with a relieved smile. "That's good to hear, now go and get to someplace safe.''

The unicorn nodded and took her filly and ran inside to the nearest building. As Quentin smiled at their new found safety, he failed to notice a pair of Changelings coming from behind him, causing his friends to be alarmed.

"Quentin behind ya!'' Applejack shouted.

Quentin whipped his head around in shocked but before he could react, Applejack had ran passed him and effortlessly bucked the two painfully away. Applejack stood tall and gave a victorious nod. The stallion earth pony just stared at her, speechless with his mouth hanging open before a smile crept across his face.

"Wow...thanks AJ.''

The country pony turned to him with a rather lovely smile, ''Don't mention it Quen. I'll always have yer back.''

The two just kind of stared into each other's eyes for a moment, for one, brief, magical moment before Twilight ran up to them and gazed at Quentin with a worrisome look, "Quentin, are you ok?''

Quentin nodded, ''Yeah Twi of course, thanks to AJ.'' he put a hoof on the farm pony's shoulder and she blushed faintly.

Quentin and Applejack smiled fondly at each other for a moment and Rainbow Dash gave the pair a dirty look and flew in between them.

''Yeah, maybe we should be heading to the library now,'' the daredevil Pegasus said with a slight scowl. "Ya know Changings attacking, a crazy, power hungry queen...remember?!''

Applejack shot Rainbow Dash a nasty look as if she ruined a bushel of her apples while Quentin gave the cyan Pegasus a rather annoyed gaze for the sudden drop in, but she was right and they nodded. "Rainbow's right, we need to get to the Time Gem AND the Elements!'' Twilight spoke with a determined glare.

The seven friends proceeded to the Golden Oaks Library through the now chaotic Ponyville. Along the way they fought off some Changelings, whether they attacked them or the group were protecting innocent ponies from their attacks. Luckily, the brave ponies that stood and fought back the Changelings allowed them to venture through the town without much confrontation than they needed and surprisingly, they were quite good at defending than Quentin could ever thought. Earth ponies would use various tools to fight back the invaders while numerous Pegasi would take advantage of their speed in the air to fight the Changelings and unicorns would use magic to either push them back or blast them away.

Despite the fighting, Quentin and the others were able to reach the library, miraculously untouched by the events happening in the town. "Look we're almost there!'' Spike exclaimed as he pointed towards the giant oak tree form atop Twilight's back.

As they came closer to the library, several Changelings came and hovered a short distance from the library, hissing and ready to fight to prevent the group from entering. Twilight furrowed her violet eyes and barked ''Out of our way!''

Her horn glowed and she fired powerful, magenta colored blasts of magical energy at the group, sending them scattering out of our way. "Ha, nice one Twilight!'' Quentin cheered

Twilight glanced back at him with a rather grateful smirk as they all continued to the library and burst through the door. Once they were all in, Applejack slammed the door closed, though they could still hear screaming and occasional explosions from the outside as Rarity breathed out.

''Finally, we're here it was a madhouse out there! But at least it seems that the queen hasn't found the gem yet, the library is still perfectly intact.''

Fluttershy spoke up meekly, ''But we can't rest yet Rarity.''

Quentin nodded firmly, ''Fluttershy's right, this isn't over yet.'' He then turned to Twilight. ''Twilight, you know where the gem is right?''

Twilight nodded seriously, ''Yeah, follow my guys.''

Her friends did as they were told and followed the intelligent unicorn up the stairs. "Ohhhh I can't believe we're gonna use the Elements of Harmony again!'' Pinkie Pie said excitedly as she bounced her way with the other seven.

Twilight rolled her eyes, ''Not when it's to save Equestria from being taken over or worst Pinkie!''

"Oh Twilight I know that, but it's always fun when we're lifted in the air, and we start glowing, and we're lifted in the air...oh wait I've already said that, but it's so much fun!'' Pinkie squealed in delight.

Thought the rest seemed annoyed by Pinkie's outburst, her details about the usage of Equestria's most powerful form of defense intrigued Quentin. "So the Elements of Harmony, this things are like powerful right?'' he asked as they came into Twilight's room.

Rainbow Dash turned to the stallion, ''They're crazy powerful Q! No enemy is able to stand up to their awesomeness!''

Applejack nodded, ''That's right I almost forgot, ya haven't seen the Elements in action have ya?''

Quentin shook his head. Though he know that this was a desperate time to use them, Quentin was still excited to see the Elements in action in personally. "There!'' Twilight pointed to a large blue and gold chest across the room.

They all ran towards the chest and stopped a few distances from it and Twilight walked forward. Twilight closed her eyes and took a deep breath as the rest of her friends watched as her horn was engulfed in a billowing aura. Twilight lowered her head so that her horn was almost touching the lock on the chest and she inserted her horn, instantly the chest's creases began to glow a magenta light for a brief moment before fading away as a click was heard, like the of something being unlocked.

Not long after that, the lid of the chest opened and levitated out, engulfed in the aura of Twilight's magic were five gold necklaces and a gold tiara with different shaped and colored, cut and polished gemstones that were the Elements of Harmony. Despite seeing them before, Quentin still couldn't help but mutter in awe, ''Whoa...''

The Elements glided over to Twilight as she turned around with a serious frown. Almost like on instant, Quentin's other six friends stood tall in a single filed line with firm glances, even the silly Pinkie Pie and the timid Fluttershy as Spike and Quentin backed away so they can do their thing.

"Applejack, the Element of Honesty,'' Twilight spoke seriously and the necklace with the orange, apple shaped gemstone floated towards the hard working farm pony and clicked around her neck.

Quentin smiled warmly as Applejack attained her element, feeling that is suited his friend just perfectly. Since he's been here, Applejack never once told a lie, sure save for the time when she was trying to prevent Quentin from finding out about the special celebration in his honor, but that's because it was a surprise and aside from that, she was the shining example of integrity, just another thing that the human greatly admired about her.

"Pinkie Pie, the Element of Laughter,'' Twilight continued as the necklace with the light blue, balloon shaped gem floated and clicked around their cheerful friend.

Fluttershy, the Element of Kindness,'' Twilight went on and the necklace with the pink, butterfly shaped gemstone went and attached itself around the neck of the timid Pegasus.

"Rarity, the Element of Generosity,'' Twilight said as the necklace with the purple, diamond shaped gemstone floated around the beautiful pony's neck. At Rarity's mention, Spike looked at her with a love struck gaze and sighed.

''She always looks so good when she has that on.'' Quentin rolled his eyes playfully and chuckled, patting the hopeless romantic on the head.

"Rainbow Dash, the Element of Loyalty,'' continued Twilight and the necklace with the red, lightning bolt shaped gemstone went over and around the brave mare's neck. Rainbow Dash seemed to wear it proudly since she was puffing out her chest, something Quentin couldn't help but smirk to himself.

"And lastly, the Element of Magic goes to me,'' Twilight finished as the golden tiara with the magenta colored, star shaped gemstone was placed gently on top of her head.

Quentin gazed at his friends, each wearing their elements and he tapped a hoof to his chin. "Honesty, Laughter, Kindness, Generosity, Loyalty, and Magic. It definitely suits you all well.''

Pinkie Pie beamed at Quentin. "That's why we all have the Elements that are meant for us!''

Twilight intervened impatiently, ''We don't have much time to talk. Next and most importantly...the Time Gem.''

Quentin nodded seriously, ''Right. It's in the same place when you showed it to us right Twilight?''

"Yeah it is,'' Twilight nodded as she walked towards the dresser on the other side of the room.

With her magic, she opened the drawer and not long after that, a familiar, small, black box floated out and landed on the flat surface. The rest gathered around as Twilight opened the box and looked down at its contents. There it was purple, oval, smooth, and glistening in the light was the Time Gem, the reason why the Changelings were attacking Ponyville. The gem levitated in the air as Twilight spoke softly.

''I can't believe it, all this time this gem that's been in my family for years was actually a piece of a plan that could devastate Equestria.''

"Thank goodness Chrysalis hasn't found it yet,'' Fluttershy said with a sort of sigh.

"And it's gonna stay like that 'Shy!'' Applejack spoke firmly. "If she wants that gem, then she'll have ta get through us first!''

Right at that moment, the library began to shake violently. "Wha-what's going on?!'' Rainbow Dash exclaimed, hovering in the air as books started to fall from the shelves and onto the floor.

"T-Twilight?'' Spike whimpered fearfully, clinging to the unicorn's leg.

"What is it, an earthquake?!'' Quentin asked loudly, trying to keep his balance from the strong tremor.

"I don't know!'' Twilight exclaimed, she too trying to keep herself from toppling over.

Suddenly, there was a loud, unusual sound coming from above, like the sound of a tree being torn down from a powerful storm and they all looked up to see the ceiling of the library being ripped open, leaves and twigs raining inside to which they covered their faces from the debris.

"What the hell?!'' Quentin began but was interrupted by a familiar wicked laughter as the leaves and twigs stopped falling and the ceiling was completely ripped open to reveal Chrysalis, staring down with those cold, cat slit eyes with a malevolent grin, her five precious gems floating around her.

"Chrysalis!'' Twilight barked as the rest all frowned angrily at the queen.

"Well I must thank you Twilight Sparkle to you and your friends for getting the Time Gem for me. And your reward for helping me get the final piece of my goal...a quick and painless death.''

At this the friends all gritted their teeth as their glares grew darker. "You wish you piece of shit. But you're gonna pay for stepping your freakish hooves in our town!'' Rainbow Dash shouted boldly, puffing out her chest as she proudly displayed her Element of Loyalty.

Chrysalis leered disgustingly at all of Quentin's friends and Elements of Harmony and spoke coldly, ''And I see that you've armed yourselves with your precious Elements of Harmony.''

"That's right Chrysalis, no matter what you do or what you plan, you can never defeat their power!'' Twilight retorted to which the other bearers agreed.

Chrysalis stared at them darkly before laughing. "Oh that's where you're wrong my dears. For when I get the Time Gem, I will be on a plane that nopony could exceed. I'll be beyond the Elements and I will once again be able to continue my slaughter upon you insignificant mortals!''

As Chrysalis finished her last line, her eyes briefly became black and with red, glowing pupils and her voice, otherworldly and demonic before turning back to normal. They all were ready to fight, but Twilight was rather disturbed by her comment.

"There she go again calling us mortals, and that voice...''

"Teh, well see about that!'' Rainbow Dash growled, cracking her neck.

"How dare you, you wicked creature!'' Rarity said with disgust.

"The only thing yer gonna do is rot in whatever place the princesses send ya after we beat yur sorry hind!'' Applejack growled through gritted teeth, ready as if to pounce.

"Yeah Ponyville is a happy place. No pony's getting hurt while we're here!'' Pinkie Pie declared and Fluttershy nodded with a frown.

"I may not have an Element, but I'll be right by you girls' side,'' Quentin spoke with determination, standing beside Applejack.

His friends smiled at him and Quentin winked at Applejack with a smirk to which she blushed and giggled lightly. Chrysalis leered down at the friends and spoke, ''Again with this disgusting talk of friendship. Such a nauseating and ridiculous sentiment.''

The seven all glared at the wicked queen as she smiled evilly. ''Which is why my victory will be that much sweeter when I destroy you fools!''

Chrysalis' horn began to glow a billowing, sickly green as she was about to fire a blast of magic, only for what looks like a golden, lighting bolt fired at her. "What?!'' Chrysalis exclaimed, dodging the lightning as Quentin and the bearers of the Elements all looked in shock and bewilderment.

It wasn't long that they found out that the attack came from Celestia, hovering in the air with Luna beside her...both having a look of anger and hatred that their subjects have never seen before.

"You will not harm our subjects anymore!'' Celestia growled.

Chrysalis's look of shock became one of smugness and mocked, ''On the contrary Celestia, once I get the Time Gem and achieve ultimate power, I'll make it my personal business to kill everypony in Canterlot and this dirt hobble town.''

Quentin and the rest all glared at the queen in anger and disgust. "No you won't you cur!'' Luna shouted. "First you attacked Canterlot and now you have the audacity to attack the villagers of this humble town?! Not only will you fail Chrysalis, but you will face the maximum punishment!''

Chrysalis only laughed at this remark. "Please, I seriously doubt that. Once I have the last of the Cosmic Gems, I'll go and commence the final phase of my plan. Then next time we will end things once and for all.''

Celestia gritted her teeth and scowled darkly, ''No, there won't be a next time for you Chrysalis. Because we will settle this now, and you WILL meet your end here after everything you've done in your selfish quest for power!''

Luna nodded and looked at her sister out the corner of her eye, ''Let's finish this sister!''

Celestia nodded and Luna's horn began to glow a billowing aura as did Celestia and together they both fired a powerful lightning magic at the changeling queen, Celestia's a golden color and Luna's a cobalt blue. Chrysalis let out a short chuckled before her horn glowed a green aura and was gone in a flash of green light. Celestia and Luna gave off faint grunts of irritation at the failure of their attacks and Chrysalis appeared in a flash of light behind them.

"C'mon guys let's get out there and help them!'' Twilight commanded to which the others all voiced their agreement and followed the unicorn out the room and down the stairs.

Chrysalis hovered across from the two regal sisters, a smug, evil grin on her face. ''How many times do you want to feel the wrath of my Cosmic Gems?''

The gems rotated around her until the yellow Reality Gem was in front of her and rose to the tip of her gnarled horn. The next instant, both the gem and Chrysalis' eyes began to glow a bright yellow as she used the Reality Gem to conjure a black, crooked scythe with a sharp, green glowing blade.

"We know all about the Cosmic Gems Chrysalis!'' Celestia barked, her horn glowing a brilliant, golden aura. "And we will not let you get your hoofs on the last gem!''

"Agreed,'' Luna growled as her horn began glowing a powerful cobalt blue aura. "Prepare to meet your end Changeling!''

By this time Twilight and her friends made it out of the library, ponies still running screaming as others continued their battle with the Changelings. Chrysalis laughed, ''So I guess it you've been to Biblio Templum and read from the Book of Omniscience. How's the fool Ethereal?''

"He'll be better when we tell him that we tell him that the one who disrespected the Templum was at last served justice!'' Luna retorted.

"I highly doubt that,'' Chrysalis chuckled darkly. "And just exactly how will you do that?''

Celestia and Luna both gritted their teeth and Celestia retorted, ''Like this. NOW ARCANUS!''

Before anyone could react, a suddenly flash of bluish white light appeared before them and Arcanus appeared, surprising them all. "Arcanus?!'' Twilight said in shock.

"Stay back,'' Arcanus commanded, not looking at the group.

The friends all looked at each other quizzically as Arcanus lifted his head into the skies where the royal sisters hovered. "Celestia, Luna...now's the time!'' the great unicorn replied.

Chrysalis was caught off guard by the sudden entry and spoke alarmed, ''What?! Where did you-'' before Chrysalis could finish, his horn became engulfed in a brilliant, bluish white aura and fired a stream of bluish white energy at Chrysalis.

The wicked queen tried to evade, but the attack proved too quick and was struck, almost immediately glowing blue, net patterned light stretched throughout her body, ensnaring her fore hooves tightly against her chest and back legs tightly together as if she had just been entangled by a net.

"What did you do to me?!'' Chrysalis cried out, trying to escape but to no avail.

Quentin and his friends watched in awe and shock at the display. "Twilight, what in thunderation-'' Applejack asked in disbelief.

"It's a binding spell,'' Twilight answered, a small smile forming on her face. Arcanus was able to prevent Chrysalis from moving.

"Awesome,'' Rainbow Dash said in awe.

Chrysalis seethed as she continued to struggle, ''You fools, you honestly believe this will stop me?! You're magic is foal like compared to the power of the Cosmic Gems!''

Chrysalis tried to use the power of the Reality Gem, but before she could Celestia spoke, ''Not this time.''

Celestia then fired a golden stream of energy from her horn and hit Chrysalis, causing her to scream in terror as a small gold explosion caused the Cosmic Gems to fall and scatter around the ground. Upon hearing her shrieks, the Changelings stopped terrorizing the residents of Ponyville and shifted their attention to the battle by the library, confused looks on their faces. The rest of the friends cheered as they saw Chrysalis lose the gems she caused so much destruction to obtain.

"My-my precious gems!'' Chrysalis shrieked, trying to get out of her binding.

"You no longer have the gems in your possession wretch,'' Luna growled. "And you will never use their powers to cause harm to others ever again! Let's end this sister!''

Celestia nodded and the two closed their eyes as their horns began to glow the brightest aura we've seen. "What are they going to do?'' Fluttershy asked.

"They are going to use a new spell I have recently created,'' Arcanus replied.

This news surprised the seven, but not as much as Twilight who exclaimed, ''A new spell?! You actually created a new spell?!''

Arcanus nodded, ''That correct Twilight Sparkle. Now behold.''

They all watched the skies as the two princesses continued to channel their energies, their horns glowing brighter and brighter. Suddenly, a massive blue and gold colored glowing arcane circular symbol whose description was of the upmost stylized and almost impossible to describe. As the symbol appeared, the skies darkened a bit as the winds began to pick up and became stronger. Quentin and the others all flinched against the powerful winds as Celestia and Luna continued their spell. Nearby ponies screamed in terror while the Changelings hissed and watched terrified, when suddenly, Chrysalis began to be drawn towards the symbol as if being sucked in by a giant vacuum.

"What's going on?!'' Rainbow Dash shouted over the winds, trying to keep balanced in the air.

"Ugh, what kind of spell is this?!'' Twilight grunted through gritted teeth.

Arcanus looked over his shoulder and replied loudly, ''Don't worry! You will not be pulled into the sigil!''

"Wha-what are you doing?! What's happening?!'' Chrysalis shrieked as she continued to be sucked in towards the sigil.

Celestia peered at the trapped queen and said seriously, ''You never harming anypony ever again.''

She closed her eyes again and her and Luna's horn grew brighter, more hissing Changelings being sucked in and disappearing into the glowing, mystical sigil. Halfway to the symbol, Chrysalis spoke fearfully.

''N-NO…this can't be! I control the most powerful force in the world! This can't be happening!''

"You don't know what true power is Chrysalis. Now by our will, you and your minions shall be damned into oblivion!'' Celestia remarked darkly.

"No...no...Nooooo!'' Chrysalis screamed as she was sucked in full force closer and closer until finally disappearing into the sigil just after a great mass of her subjects.

With most of the Changelings and their queen sucked in, the symbol glowed brighter until it produced a mighty flash of light, causing all below to shield their eyes. The flash shone briefly and when it subsided, Quentin and his friends uncovered their eyes to see the sky no longer darkened, the winds no longer gusting, and Chrysalis were nowhere to be seen. The remaining Changelings minions looked around in bewilderment, hissing distraughtly to themselves at the apparent death of their queen. In the air, Celestia and Luna's horns ceased to glow as they breathed heavily. Apparently a spell of that magnitude took a great deal of energy, even for the powerful rulers of Equestria, but they looked at each other and sighed relieved.

There was a brief silence until murmurs from the townsfolk filed the air. "What, jus' happened?'' Applejack asked looking around.

"Yeah, and what happened to that mean and nasty queen?'' Pinkie Pie asked confused.

"She's gone,'' Quentin replied scanning the area." I don't see her.''

Celestia and Luna flew down and landed in front of us, still panting. "Princess Celestia, what was that spell you and Princess Luna just did?'' Twilight asked astounded as ponies began to gather to the site, some with minor injuries.

Celestia took a deep breath as a few trickles of sweat rolled down her face. "It...was a powerful spell that we learned from Arcanus.''

Luna nodded, she too having sweat trickling down her face. "Indeed. The only ones that can perform it is my sister and I, and Arcanus because...''

"Because that was the spell I have recently created,'' Arcanus finished in that deep, reassuring voice.

The others all listened with great interest as the Princesses continued to catch their breath. "That spell...it was completely new?'' Twilight asked flabbergasted.

Arcanus nodded, ''Yes. It took some time to perfect, but once it was completed, its results and power were so great that it almost killed me.''

There was short gasps from the seven friends as Fluttershy spoke surprised, ''Oh my,'' as Arcanus continued.

"And because of its power, it is a spell that I deemed forbidden unless it was absolutely dire to use it.''

Quentin nodded understandingly, ''Like today.''

"Exactly Quentin,'' Arcanus spoke. ''When Celestia and Luna came to me for my assistance, I proposed the spell to use as a last resort if it should ever come to that. It was difficult, but your princesses were able to master it in just four short weeks. Impressive to say the least, ''Arcanus smiled.

Celestia and Luna smiled kindly at their old friend and mentor. "But that spell, what exactly does it do?'' Rarity asked, puzzled.

Arcanus answered, ''Did you all see that sigil in the sky just a while ago?''

They all nodded as the centuries old unicorn explained as his horn was engulfed in an aura as he gathered the five Cosmic Gems and floated to him in a grouped clutter.

"That sigil was a portal, a gateway to a subspace if you will. I designed it to draw in those whose hearts were filed with dark emotions and ONLY those with dark emotions; in this case Chrysalis. Her subjects should have been trapped too, but apparently her evil was so great that it satisfied the spell. Once completely thrown through the gateway, the sigil vanishes, fating all caught within it to oblivion. In other words-''

"Chrysalis won't be showing her ugly face around here ever again!'' Rainbow Dash exclaimed happily, doing a triple backflip in the air as the rest of her friends cheered.

The Changelings hissed and growled darkly as the residents began to back them into a group to await judgment for attacking the town.

"Yee-haw! That no good queen should've thought twice bout messin' with our town!'' Applejack cheered as she threw her hat in the air and caught it.

"Victory party!'' Pinkie Pie cheered, suddenly popping out wearing a party hat and blowing noise maker as confetti and balloons rained down from out of nowhere. Normally such an unexplained Pinkie Pie antic would surprise the rest of her friends, Quentin indefinitely but the news was just too great to care.

Applejack and Quentin looked at each other and smiled. Both were happy that everyone was now safe, including her family it, but was something else that caused Quentin's insides just melted as he stared into her beautiful, emerald green, country eyes. The only thing the stallion could do at that moment was to embrace his farm friend who gladly returned it. She smiled warmly, dreamily with half shut eyes as a rosy blush came across her face as she rested her head contently on Quentin's shoulder.

As their friends talked happily amongst themselves, Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus gave out a sigh of relief. "At last, it's finally over my sister,'' Luna said relieved, smiling warmly at her elder sister.

Celestia nodded, returning the smile, ''Yes Luna. This nightmare has finally ended.''

"So you think!'' a female, distorted voice rang out, silencing everyone.

Before anyone could react, they were suddenly all engulfed in a greenish red colored aura as they were all lifted into the air, their arms spread and locked, grunting as they struggled to get free, even the powerful Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus were caught by surprise and was fighting to get free. The ponies that had gathered went from cheers to fear and confusion as the royals, their six subjects, Quentin, and Arcanus were lifted in the air into a circle.

"What's...ugh...happening? Fluttershy struggled, trying to move her forelegs but to no avail.

Twilight spoke with her eyes pinched shut and gritted teeth, ''It's...a spell...but...ugh...who's casting it?''

As if to answer her question, a black, slender, pony like creature with a long, dark cerulean mane, transparent insect like wings, fangs, a black gnarled horn, and green eyes with cat like pupils started to come out of the ground in an eerie green light and finally exposed her full form to them all. It was Chrysalis, somehow someway the Changeling queen was hovering before their eyes, chuckling darkly, and strangely enough the five Cosmic Gems she had before were also floating around her, all while the ones Arcanus had gathered were still clumped together and floater where he once was standing. They all stared in terror at the supposed to be destroyed queen, even her minions seemed surprised by their ruler's survival.

"I-it's h-her!'' Spike whimpered, trying to get to Twilight. "It's the queen!''

"It...It can't be!'' Celesita said horrified.

"Inconceivable, no pony could've been able to escape from that spell!'' Aracnus spoke in disbelief. "It's impossible!''

Chrysalis chuckled, ''Yes it would have been...if it was actually me.''

"What art thou talking about?!'' Luna demanded.

Chrysalis looked at the princess of the night and answered smugly, ''What I mean is before coming to Ponyville, I expected a interference from you all, so I used a duplication spell to make an image of me and the Cosmic Gems and stayed silently in the shadows just in case the Elements of Harmony was to be used against me, or in this case you and Celestia come together in an attempt to bring about my end.''

The ten captured equines were all shocked and horrified at what heard as ponies began to scream in terror and flee, save for the ones who was ready to fight. The Changelings snickered malevolently as they took to the skies to be with their queen, filling the air with a loud buzzing sound.

"Of course, a duplication spell,'' Celestia growled.

"Yes and it worked deliciously!'' Chrysalis answered with wicked glee.

Luna gritted her teeth and scowled, ''We'd should've suspected such a cowardly move.''

"I'll teach you to keep your mouth shut Luna,'' Chrysalis replied darkly, leering at the princess of the night.

"Try as you must Chrysalis, but you've haven't won yet. And you will leave this place for good!'' Luna spat back, causing Chrysalis to chuckle.

"Oh you're right princess I'll leave, but...'' she suddenly shocked them by disappearing in a flash of green light and reappeared behind Quentin." Not before taking a little souvenir if you will,'' she finished with a dark chuckle.

Her being so close to the earth pony sent a chill throughout Quentin's body. "What the hell are you-'' before he could finish, Chrysalis put a forearm around him and laid her head on his shoulder with an evil, seductive look, the feeling absolutely creeping him out.

"Meet us in the Everfree Forest and bring the Time Gem if you want to see your dear Quentin again.''

With that Chrysalis and the Changelings vanished in green, fiery flash of light, taking Quentin along with them.

"Quentin!'' Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity cried in unison as the aura around all of them faded and they fell to the ground.

Instantly Applejack sprang up and turned to the others and shouted. "What in tarnation are y'all waitin' fer? We need ta get ta the forest!''

"Of course Applejack, did you honestly believe that we would just stay here while dear Quentin is with that horrid queen?!'' Rarity retorted, losing her grace for a moment.

The rest of their friends frantically voiced their agreement, but Rainbow Dash took off and began to fly at top speed towards the Everfree Forest before Twilight stopped her, "Rainbow Dash wait!''

Dash halted in the air, whipped around, and shouted, ''What the bucking hay do you mean wait?! The piece of cud of a queen just pony napped Quentin!''

Dash was fuming, her eyes burning with anger. Quentin's kidnapping hit her hard as much as it did Applejack. Twilight's face fell in a mixture of anger and worry as she spoke, ''I know, but you can't just go there charging in by yourself.''

"Can we quit yappin' and jus' go?! Applejack shouted impatiently and with that she whipped around and bolted towards the Everfree Forest.

Rainbow Dash snorted a small gust of air and she flew after the farm pony. Twilight looked at the rest of her friends and spoke, ''Well what are we waiting for, let's go!''

Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie agreed with determination. "Yes, onward!'' Rarity said.

"Of course!'' Fluttershy responded with a surprisingly determined tone and look.

"Let's go save Quennie!'' Pinkie Pie exclaimed, raking the ground with her head lowered like a bull, snorting out a gust of air.

"Spike stay here!'' Twilight commanded and Spike nodded uneasily.

Twilight used her magic to levitate the Time Gem in front of her at eye level. She sighed deeply and frowned. "Let's go girls!'' With that, the two unicorns and earth pony ran in the direction of Applejack and Rainbow Dash.

Luna whipped her head at her sister with a furious look on her face, ''We too will go Celestia!''

Celestia nodded angrily and turned to Arcanus, ''Arcanus, can you-''

"Of course Celestia! I'll stay in Ponyville and protected it just in case it should be attack again!'' Arcanus finished firmly.

"Thank you my friend,'' Celestia nodded and suddenly Luna took off at full speed, shocking Celestia and she flew off towards her sister.

"Luna wait, calm down!'' Celestia called flying beside Luna and Luna whipped her head to her right and scowled.

''She abducted Quentin! She'll meet her end by my hooves if she harms him!'' The answer shocked Celestia.

"Luna...''

Luna didn't answer and faced forward and increased her speed. "I've never seen Luna so worked up to save somepony. Quentin really must be dear to her,'' Celestia thought with shock and somber before forming a serious face and she too increased her speed.

Applejack was almost out of the town limits when Dash, Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Celestia, and Luna had caught up to her and together they made way out of the city, the Everfree Forest coming into sight.

"Hang on Quen, I'm comin'!'' Applejack thought to herself through gritted teeth.

They entered the forest and immediately the most of the light faded due to the tightly close canopy of the dark forest. Fearlessly they eight ponies ran and flew through the wood, determined to find their friend and his captors. They ventured into the woods for ten minutes before finally they came to a circular clearing, the trees standing by like silent sentinels.

Once in the clearing, they halted to an abrupt stop as they came face to face with Chrysalis and her subjects of Changelings some standing while others hovered in the air. The Cosmic Gems glowed dimly with their respective colors around the wicked queen as she smiled darky at the incoming ponies. Instantly, the six friends and the princesses went into defensive position, and growled as if prepared to go into the fight of their lives.

"Well, well so you've decided to come here after all?'' Chrysalis chuckled in that horrible distorted voice.

"Where is he?'' Applejack growled, ready to lung at Chrysalis.

"And I see that you've also brought the Time Gem, smart move.'' Chrysalis continued.

"I said where is he?!'' Applejack shouted at Chrysalis.

Chrysalis acted as if she didn't know what was happening an answered in an innocent tone, ''Why, whatever are you talking about? Where is who?''

"Wretch! Don't you dare toy with us! Where is Quentin?!'' Luna shouted in a loud volume that was her royal Canterlot voice which echoed throughout the clearing.

"I'm afraid I still don't know who you speak of,'' Chrysalis answered, still faking innocence.

Rainbow Dash seethed, ''You ugly, bucking witch. Tell us where Quentin is or as Chiron as my witness I'll pummel your bucking face in!''

Rainbow Dash readied to fly to the Changeling Queen when all of a sudden she raised a hoof, ''Stop right there!''

Dash halted with a raised eyebrow.

"Make any more advancements-'' Chrysalis pointed to the right where a group of Changelings moved aside and the friends gasped in horror as they saw Quentin, hanging from a tree with green vines wrapped around his legs, a little around his torso, around his forelegs and neck.

On both sides of the stallion, a Changeling held an end of vine in their mouths and pulled, causing the vine around Quentin neck to tighten and bring his forelegs to his neck, causing him to gag for breath with one eye close.

"Oh my god Quentin!'' Rarity gasped horrified, both hooves over her mouth.

"Dear, Chiron...'' Celestia uttered in disbelief as Luna just stared horrified.

Twilight looked as if she was trying to grasp what she was looking at. Fluttershy was on the verge of tears, a hoof close to her mouth and her body quivering. Pinkie Pie had a look of grief and terror, her puffy pink mane deflating to a long, straight style draped over the left side of her face and losing a bit of color. Rainbow Dash looked with her jaw hanging open with a rare terrified look on her face. Applejack, she was probably hit the hardest. She just stared up at Quentin, looking almost catatonic at the horrible sight.

"Quentin,'' Applejack finally spoke softly, her voice quivering as she took a step towards her friend, but was stopped by a yell from Chrysalis.

''I said not another step! Or my minions with choke the life out of him!''

On cue, the two Changelings with the vine in their mouths pulled, tightening the vines around Quentin's neck and causing him to choke some more. This was the worst feeling he's ever experience. He could barely breathe as the bondages tightened around the stallion's windpipe. Quentin tried to breath, only for it to be difficult as he let out gags and gasps.

Applejack glared at Chrysalis and seethed, ''I swear if you hurt him...''

"I'd watch what you say if I was you hayseed,'' Chrysalis retorted wickedly as the Changelings pulled the vines, tightening them.

"Stop it! Stop it you're killing him!'' Twilight screamed, tears forming in her intelligent eyes.

Chrysalis chuckled, ''My dear that's the whole point of it. Isn't it divine?''

The strangling human's friends glowed in distraught and anger as Fluttershy muttered, tears streaming down her face, ''Horrible...that evil, horrible...''

Rainbow Dash gave Chrysalis the deadliest glare one could give, gritting her teeth as she let out a low, threatening growl. She was about to lose it when out of nowhere a gust a wind blew strongly, startling the friends, and the Changelings while Chrysalis just grinned maliciously. The winds were coming from Luna and it was a scary sight. Luna's eyes were glowing a white light as she bore a fierce, outraged look on her face, baring her teeth. She spoke, and when she did, he voice was loud, terrifying and accompanied by another, deeper voice along with her regular voice.

"Thou, murdering, wretched cur! If thou so much harm a hair on him, then this forest shall be thy resting place for you and thy abomination of subjects!''

The gust blew stronger, shaking the trees. Quentin's friends struggled against the blowing winds as did Celestia. Quentin peered at the sight through one eye as he muttered breathlessly, ''Luna.''

The Changelings seemed truly afraid of the princess of the night's threat, Quentin even felt the grasp over his throat loosen a little.

"Princess Luna… I've never seen her act like this before,'' Twilight said in shock, tears still in her eyes.

Chrysalis leered around at her frightened subjects and shouted, ''Stop cowering you fools. Or have you forgotten that they wouldn't dare harm us as long as we have or little leverage.''

She then fly over to Quentin's side with an evil, smug smile. Applejack and Rainbow Dash growled and glared at the queen.

"Get yer ugly, face away from him!'' Applejack growled, ready to fight.

"Wretch!'' Luna shouted but was stopped by Celestia. Luna looked into her sister's eyes and calmed down, the winds dying down but her eyes still glowing.

Celestia glared at Chrysalis with anger and disgust, not a hint of kindness or compassion like they usually bore.

"I assure you Chrysalis you will not harm that boy as long as I'm here!'' Celestia scowled.

Chrysalis just laughed as she pressed her face next to Quentin's cheek and wrapped her forelegs around him rather seductively. "I wouldn't even dream about harming such an adorable stallion like him,'' Chrysalis said rather softly and did the unthinkable and licked him amorously on his cheek, causing Quentin to shudder with disgust.

The action caused Quentin's friends to glare at the queen, but none so more than Applejack and Rainbow Dash as Dash seethed, ''Get you stinking tongue off him!''

Applejack just gave her a death glare, gritting her teeth as she literally shook with anger.

"But if you don't abide by my demands, I'll gladly watch as dear Quentin slowly dies in these trees.'' Chrysalis chuckled, moving a hole-filled hoof around Quentin's exposed chest.

Quentin grunted and glared at her and he choked out, "Go...to hell...bitch!''

The stallion's friends continued to glare the evil queen down when Twilight came to a realization and barked, ''It's the Time Gem, that's what you really want isn't it?!''

"You are a smart one are you Twilight Sparkle.'' Chrysalis mocked and continued darkly with wicked joy. "And for that I'll make this nice and simple: give me the Time Gem, or I'll kill Quentin.''

The proposal shocked everyone as Quentin hung there by the vines. Every word that Chrysalis said made Applejack angrier and angrier as did Rainbow Dash, but no matter how angry they got or the powerful urge to lunge and pummel the queen, they wouldn't dare try anything at the risk of their captured friend's life. Celestia and Luna gritted their teeth angrily, as they were faced with the quandary: save Quentin's life in exchange for the last piece of a plan for Chrysalis to gain ultimate power and possible takeover Equestria, or refuse and let the earth pony die. The rest of the human turned stallion's friends stood frozen, shaking in fear and anger as they saw Quentin slowly dying as the life was being choked from him.

"Why...why are you doing this?! And to Quentin?!'' Rarity finally spoke aggressively, tears forming at the edge of her azure eyes.

"Yeah! He's done nothing but tried to help save everypony from the likes of you!'' Pinkie Pie added angrily, tearing up herself.

Chrysalis said nothing, just motioned her Changelings to pull the vines and they hiss gleefully, tightening the vines around Quentin's neck. He let out a gagging noise as he gritted his teeth harder, his fore hooves around the vines as Quentin tried to loosen them but to no avail. He was losing his strength, his vision starting to become blurry as his eyes started to become red from asphyxiation.

"No...Quen...'' Applejack spoke, her voice cracked with an expression of pure terror on her face as tears began to well up in her eyes.

Dash growled loudly, shaking with anger as she glared at Chrysalis. To one's shock, tears were streaming down her face, Rainbow Dash the incredibly tough, thrill loving daredevil was crying but it was widely understandable for she was seeing one of her friends getting the life choked out of him in front of her. Twilight winced at Quentin as he struggled to breathe and cried softly tears rolling down her face.

''Quentin...''

She then took the Time Gem into her hooves and looked at it as if she was having a great conflict within herself. To give it to her, or not to give it to her? Suddenly, Quentin spoke out weakly, choking in the process, ''Don't...give it...to her...''

This shocked his friends greatly. "But Quentin, if we don't then Chrysalis will...'' Fluttershy cried, tears flowing down her face.

Quentin shook his head and continued, ''You...can't give it to her...ugh. If you don't...she'll have...ugh...all the...Cosmic Gems!''

"But if we don't then she'll kill you!'' Twilight cried out

Quentin closed his eyes as he shook his head weakly. "She...can't win...ugh. I would...rather die...then to see...her harm...any of you.''

The response surprised his friends and Applejack responded sadly, ''Quentin...''

"C'mon Q, don't say that!'' Rainbow Dash said tearfully. "You're our friend, and friends don't let friends die!''

Celestia looked on distraughtly and Celestia spoke regretfully, ''How could I've ever let it come to this?''

Luna stared at Quentin, though her eyes were still glowing, they had a sad look to them. Before anyone could say anything further, the two Changelings gripped the vines harder, choking Quentin further. Quentin gagged loudly as the others gasped.

"I guess you didn't hear me, so I'll say it one last time,'' Chrysalis said as she flew away from her prisoner. "Give me the Time Gem or Quentin dies. You have until the count of five and if I don't have the gem, the last, choking breath of your friend will haunt you for the rest of your lives!''

His friends and the princesses glared at the evil queen, my friends giving her a tearful glare as she began to count. "One...two...''

Applejack gritted her teeth as tears flowed down her face as she shook with anger, fear and sadness.

"Three...'' Chrysalis continued.

The Changelings tightened the grasp and never let up, causing the vines around Quentin's neck to constrict it continually, chocking him further. Fluttershy buried her face in her hooves and cried. Rarity bit her bottom lip as she cried quietly, looking at the ruby around her foreleg and dreading the thought of the one who gave it to her would possibly die any moment. Pinkie Pie wasn't any better. She breathed heavily as tears dripped down her face. Twilight winced and gritted her teeth as tears cascaded down her face. If they gave the gem to the queen, she'll have power enough to do some major damage. If they don't, Quentin will die. Even though they knew each other for a fairly short time, Quentin became dearly close to them, as they did to him.

As the vines continued to tightened, darkness began to cover Quentin's vision and his forelegs started to become limp and fall from the vines around his neck.

"Don't...give it...to her...'' Quentin choked out with the last breath he could and his eyes rolled back as he saw nothing but darkness and hung there, the vines around his neck and body the only things keeping him lifted.

Luna watched on, her teeth bared and glaring sadly at the unconscious Quentin, glowing white tears streaming down her face. She couldn't live with the fact of losing really her first real friend, someone who personally gave her the appreciation her night rightly deserved and it was tearing her apart inside. Chrysalis chuckled darkly to herself, clearly enjoying the torment she was ushering on them as did her Changeling subjects.

"Four...''

"Give it to her Twilight!'' Celestia suddenly called, surprising Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Luna as they all whipped their faces towards her.

Celestia gritted her teeth with an angered, reluctant look. "What...did she jus' say?'' Applejack asked in shock with tear filled eyes.

"Twilight, I said give the gem to her NOW!'' Celestia called again, not taking her gaze off the Changeling queen.

It didn't need a third time to tell Twilight and she nodded quickly, wiping some tears away, "Y-yes princess of course!''

With her magic, Twilight levitated the Time Gem and everyone watched as the precious, purple stone levitated across the clearing and finally stopping in front of Chrysalis. They all glared at her as she smiled victoriously, placing the gem in her hoof.

''Finally...the Time Gem, it's mine...it's finally mine!''

The gem suddenly had a green aura around it as Chrysalis used her own magic to levitate the gem and it joined the other five gems and floated around her, all of them giving off a glow of their colors.

"At last the six Cosmic Gems, are mine. Power, Soul, Mind, Space, Time, and Reality, I am now the master of all six powers! I can practically feel their powers flowing through my veins again!''

At that last statement, Chrysalis' eyes briefly glowed an unholy red and her voice became more distorted, darker, and spoke with that demonic accompaniment, but the others didn't notice or care.

"You have yer fancy gem, now tell yer goons ta let Quentin go!'' Applejack barked.

Chrysalis seemed like she didn't hear the farm pony and continued, this time in her normal voice. "Finally, I shall take my rightful place as ruler of all Equestria!''

"You heard her freak! Let him go now!'' Rainbow Dash snapped aggressively.

This time Chrysalis heard and grinned devilishly. "Oh, I'll let him go...to the afterlife. Kill him!''

"NO!'' Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie screamed in unison.

The Changeling swarm hissed gleefully as the two Changelings prepared to suffocate and kill Quentin. Suddenly, before the two could even perform their task given to them, a pair of golden and cobalt blue blasts hit them, sending them blasting and disappearing into the trees with painful hisses. The two were likely dead but most importantly, the vines fell from their mouths, causing the vines to loosen around Quentin and he fell to the ground, coughing heavily on his side as life came back to him.

"What?!'' Chrysalis shrieked in confusion.

"Quentin!'' Applejack cried and instantly she ran towards her fallen friend, only to be stopped by a group of Changelings.

Applejack growled, preparing to fight, but once again, the gold and blue blasts of energy struck the group, sending them flying in all directions and falling on the forest floor. The six , surprised ponies turned their attentions to the source of the blasts to see Celestia's and Luna's horns glowing brightly, the most furious looks upon their regal faces. Chrysalis growled as Celestia and Luna suddenly flew at her and her swarm at full speed.

"You, murderous, lying psychopath! Prepare to meet your end!'' Celestia seethed.

She fired another blast of golden magic at her, but Chrysalis teleported, causing the blast to hit the trees behind her, destroying them and started a fire. The Changelings hissed loudly as Chrysalis reappeared above Quentin. She glared down at him and her horn glowed a brilliant green as she prepared to finish him off but she was suddenly struck hard in the face by a strong kick by a scowling Applejack. Chrysalis cried in pain as she was sent a few feet back and Applejack stood in front of Quentin, breathing heavily as she was prepared to guard the stallion with her life.

"Come near 'em again and I swear the next kick will take yer head clean off!'' Applejack seethed, tears trailing down her face. "You ain't ever gonna hurt Quentin again.''

"Because she will die this day!'' Luna called out as she sent a blast of energy towards the queen.

Chrysalis sent a stream of green energy from her horn and it collided with Luna's attack, causing a brilliant explosion that set small fires ablaze around the clearing. The Changelings and Chrysalis were prepared for war, but Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy ran and flew forward and joined Applejack in protecting Quentin, bearing their Elements with tearful glares at the Changelings as Celestia and Luna hovered behind them, ready to end it once and for all. Chrysalis growled darkly as she gazed around the ponies and Alicorns ready to fight when her gaze fell upon her floating six, Cosmic Gems and she smiled malevolently.

"It doesn't matter...I have what we've came here for. And so, the six Cosmic Gems are mine, MINE! Now I have power that outclasses the even Elements of Harmony. All that's left is to complete the last, minor phase of my plan and I will be all powerful!''

Twilight and her friends lowered their heads and growled as Celestia barked, ''Cur, you have no other plans but death!''

With that, the two sisters sent powerful blasts of magic at the queen and her horde and exploded in a bright, golden blue light. The others grunted and stood against the force and the light faded, only smoke hazing the area.

"Did, they get her?'' Fluttershy asked meekly.

"I hope to Chiron they did,'' Rarity answered coldly.

The smoke finally faded, only to reveal destroyed trees and scorched earth; Chrysalis and her Changelings were nowhere to be found. "What? Where the hay did they go?! Did they get blown to bits?!'' Dash exclaimed looking around.

"So you wish,'' Chrysalis' voice suddenly rang out with a chuckled.

"Show yourself coward!'' Dash shouted as the rest readied themselves.

"All in due time ponies. Quentin may have lived this time, but the next time we meet, he won't be so fortunate and you all will soon follow!'' Chrysalis ended with an evil cackle as it faded away, leaving the friends looking around hatefully at her last words.

"Man what a hag!'' Dash growled, tears still filling her eyes. "When I see her again-'' she was interrupted as Quentin suddenly coughed violent and dry heaved.

"Quentin!'' Twilight cried and immediately they all gathered around their friend with sad, concerned eyes.

Quentin coughed again, laying on his back and his head resting on something soft, still trying to catch his breath. Quentin peered open his eyes and slowly but surely, the darkness began to fade into blurriness, and blurriness becoming clear. He coughed a few more times and weakly opened his eyes halfway, and met the eyes of his six friends and the princesses, all gazing at him with those sad, concerning eyes. Luna's eyes had since returned to normal, no longer glower as were her tears which were now a normal clear color.

"What...happened?'' Quentin said weakly, coughing in between breathes.

Quentin, thank goodness yer alright!'' Applejack replied relieved, wiping away some tears though more replaced them.

"Q it's ok. You're gonna be alright now,'' Rainbow Dash said, smiling tearfully at Quentin.

Quentin coughed some more and tried to get up, but Fluttershy stopped him and pressed her hooves down on him to prevent him from lifting himself up. "Stay down Quentin. Just breathe deeply, we don't want the risk of you damaging something,'' Fluttershy spoke, she too whipping away a few tears.

Having briefly passed out from lack of oxygen, Quentin had forgotten what happened for a moment, but suddenly remembered what had transpired just a few moments as he felt his throat and felt the vine marks. He asked suddenly.

''Chrysalis! The Time Gem, what happened?!'' he coughed.

The eight ponies looked at each other sadly before looking at their friend. "I've...told Twilight to give the gem to Chrysalis Quentin,'' Celestia finally answered with a sigh.

"What?!'' Quentin said loudly, springing up causing him to cough heavily as he leaned forward.

"Quentin, please don't strain yourself,'' Rarity tried to reason but the stallion didn't care and he shook his head.

Why did you give...cough...it to her?!''

"Because the risks were to high Quentin,'' Luna answered, tears still visible on her face as she tenderly nuzzled Quentin's face with a one hoof embrace.

"Exactly, we wouldn't risk you for that stupid gem, we couldn't," Twilight added tearfully.

"But… now she has all six of the Cosmic Gems! Don't you know what that means?'' Quentin argued, breaking his embrace with Luna and coughing some more, still trying to catch his breath.

"It means that we were able to spare your life,'' Celestia answered, smiling sadly.

"No matter how dire the situation, in the end, nothing comes before the safety of our subjects.''

The answer surprised Quentin and he argued, ''What are you talking about? I'm a human from Earth, I'm not your subject!''

"Yes that may be!'' Celestia challenged firmly, causing the human turned pony to stare at her in bewilderment. "I care for all creatures in my kingdom, great and small. Human or not as long as you are in Equestria, your well-being is precious to me and as Princess I will not trade your life for something like a gem.''

Celestia ending by smiling sadly, yet kindly at Quentin as Luna nodded with a tearful smile. Quentin's friends smiled somberly at the kind princess' words, but he was taken aback by the answer. He couldn't believe it, Princess Celestia, the princess of the sun, the wise, kind, co ruler of Equestria. The regal elder sister Quentin just met no more than two days ago considered his life and safety far more important than a key to a diabolical plan. In truth Quentin was flattered, touch by the words of the princess and he lowered his head, feeling somewhat guilty and muttered.

''I'm...I'm grateful that you would say that Celestia, but you shouldn't risk Equestria just for one measly soul.''

"But you ain't a measly soul, yer our friend!'' Applejack said adamantly, surprising Quentin.

"Yeah, and as long as you're our friend, we'll always have your back!'' Rainbow Dash added confidently, allowing a tear to escape from her eye.

The rest agreed. "They're right Quentin. Honestly, I was about to give Chrysalis the Time Gem even without the princess' order. I've learned that friendship is the most wonderful thing so there's no way I would give up losing my friendship with you,'' Twilight smiled faintly, wiping away a tear.

Pinkie Pie nodded with a sad smile, her mane becoming its regular puffy self as she spoke, sniffing in between her words, ''I'm glad...that meanie queen took the gem if it meant to save you. You're…our friend Quentin, and friends stick together no matter what!''

"And I would gladly trade all the gems in my boutique if it would meant to see your safe Quentin,'' Rarity spoke, tearfully smiling at the ruby Quentin gave her that's around her left foreleg.

Fluttershy nodded with a sniff, ''You've been nothing but a good thing to us Quentin. We'll always protect you no matter what.''

Hearing such tender words all of them, even the shy, soft spoken Fluttershy would go in harm's way and make an impossible decisions for his sake touched Quentin like no other. He gazed around at his six, wonderful friends, each giving him a tearful smile. Quentin felt his own vision becoming blurry and squeezed his eyes shut and turned away.

"I...I...'' Quentin spoke, trying his best to keep his voice from cracking.

Applejack suddenly embraced him, her head resting on his shoulder and she whispered, ''Ya don't have ta say anythin' Quentin. Yer safe an' that's all that matters. We'll never let anythin' happen to ya.''

And with that Quentin's head went limp on Applejack's shoulder and let the tears flow from his eyes. Quentin was even more grateful that she was here with him and he gave her a one foreleg embrace. Then Rainbow Dash joined in the hug, then Twilight, and finally the rest and the seven friends were all in a group hug, a trail of tears streaming down their faces. They were really the best friends Quentin ever had. No friend back on Earth could compare to these six, amazing ponies.

Celestia and Luna looked on at the group, sad, touched smiles on their beautiful faces. "These wonderful ponies, truly have something special,'' Celestia finally commented softly.

"Yes, they do sister," Luna agreed, wiping away her tears, knowing that Quentin would be ok. "And though I don't feel regret for thy choice, we failed at stopping Chrysalis from possessing the Cosmic Gems.'' Luna continued, giving Celestia a worried look.

Celestia sighed deeply and nodded, '" Believe me sister I know.''

"What shall we do Celestia? How will we to combat Chrysalis now?'' Luna asked, almost pleading.

Celestia hung her head and shook it solemnly and muttered, ''I don't know Luna…I just don't know.''


It has been done.

With the unison of the accursed six,

the fate of all has been realized…


> The Legend of the Dark One
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

There was great unrest throughout the castle and in Ponyville. Despite all their efforts, Celesita, Luna, Arcanus, Twilight, her friends, and Quentin were not able to stop Chrysalis from getting the Time Gem, and now she had all six of the Cosmic Gems, said to be so powerful that anyone who has them will be given omnipotence...God-like power and they were in the hooves of Chrysalis. It's been hours since the confrontation in the Everfree Forest and the sun was beginning to set in the western sky, the sky now a fiery orange. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Celestia, Luna, Arcanus, and Quentin were in the long, spacious corridor with countless, large windows on the sides with a colorful stained glass window alternating between the regular windows.

Celestia's and Luna's horns were glowing a billowing aura, Celestia's a light gold and Luna's a cobalt blue as Celestia was using her powers to lower the sun and Luna using hers to ready and rising the moon. Thought they were moving massive celestial masses, they displayed no fatigue or strain, effortlessly doing their jobs something that surprised Quentin greatly as he was shown a testiment of their power. The group explained to Arcanus what had happened in the forest, ending with the hard decision of giving the Time Gem to Chrysalis, thus completing her mission of collecting the six Cosmic Gems. Though Arcanus understood the reasons of giving up the gem, he was still uneasy about what would now transpire, they all were. Ponyville was shaken up, but the humble town was already in repairs as carpenter ponies started working hard on fixing the damaged buildings.

The Apple Family and Sweet Apple Acres thankfully were unharmed, saved for Big Mac who was one of the many ponies to fight off the Changelings. Though he had a few minor cuts and burns, he would make it another day to Applejack and Quentin's utmost relief. Rarity almost strangled Sweetie Bell to death at hard tightly she hugged her little sister after crying and finding out she was ok, heck, even Rainbow Dash got a little emotional after learning that Scootaloo was fine, thought her ego and tough exterior would never admit it.

In sort, the citizens of Ponyville would live, with no fatal causalities, but that did not mean that there wasn't any fear of a future attack. As a safeguard, Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus created a powerful defense around Canterlot and Ponyville should Chrysalis ever attempts to attack again, but that wasn't enough to ease the dismal atmosphere of the hall of windows. Arcanus sat solemnly, stroking his beard as the others were in a circle, Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie still wearing the Elements of Harmony. Quentin on the other hand was next to the stained glass depicting Discord overhead, with three puppet marionettes over three ponies, a Pegasus, an earth pony, and a unicorn with pink fire surrounding them.

Apparently this was telling the era where Discard ruled Equestria in unrest, causing unhappiness to the ponies of the time, rather dark for a painting actually and Quentin noticed Discord had a jagged outline as opposed to the smooth and simple design of the ponies. The stallion looked drearily up at the window and his gaze shifted to the suffering ponies. Though Discord wasn't the threat this time, innocent ponies were still in danger. Quentin didn't want to see such kind ponies to be hurt by anyone. He was finally, knocked out of his thought when a hard, cool object rested on his shoulder.

Quentin turned to see Applejack with a very concerned look on her face. "Are you alright sugarcube.''

Quentin shook his head, ''I just can't stop thinking about this whole mess.''

Applejack sighed as she went over and sat beside her friend, ''I know, we all can't Quen, but is that really the only thing bothering ya?''

Quentin looked at her quizzically and asked, ''Yeah, what else could possibly be bothering me right now?''

Applejack surprised him with an embrace. "Um Applejack?'' Quentin asked uncertainly, his face heating up and a blush coming to his cheeks.

"I jus' want ta make sure you will be alright that's all. After what jus' happen...I...I,'' Applejack responded softly, her southern drawled voice trailing off at the end.

Quentin immediately understood her sudden gesture and he sighed, rubbing her back, "Don't worry about me AJ,'' he spoke reassuringly. "I'm alright now.''

Applejack then lifted her head as our eyes met and, ''I know, but what that...bitch did ta ya...seein ya bein' hung all lifeless like that, I don't ever want ta see that again...I don't ever want ta see you in danger like that again.''

Quentin nodded silently and replied softly, "Well were here together with our friends, and to tell you the truth AJ, I'm really happy that I'm here with you all.''

Applejack gave the stallion a faint smile and rested her head on his shoulder, "I'm glad to Quen.''

The two just sat there, Applejack's head on Quentin's shoulder while he had a foreleg around her's, happy that they were able to be in a moment like this. Rainbow Dash looked away from the group and at Quentin and Applejack. Upon seeing them, she frowned deeply and flew over to the two earth ponies.

"Hey guys, ya think you might want to join us? Kinda talking about something important here!'' Rainbow Dash spoke a w sort of a scowl, a deep, agitated glare on her face as she hovered.

Applejack and Quentin broke apart and agreed and followed the rainbow maned Pegasus back over to the group, Applejack on his left side and Rainbow Dash on his right. "This is most troubling,'' Arcanus spoke somberly.

Celestia nodded disheartened and replied, ''Yes, not only does Chrysalis has all six Cosmic Gems, we don't know where she is or when she'll strike.'' Celestia then went over and looked out one of the windows and out into the sunset bathed Canterlot. "We've casted powerful defensive spells, but if what the Book of Omniscience said is true, than even that won't be enough to keep Chrysalis out.''

Luna walked next to her sister and attempted to console her.

"So, any ideas? Because we've got a crazed queen out there with unlimited power promising gems waiting to strike at any moment,'' Quentin spoke up.

"Quentin is right,'' Twilight muttered. "With the Cosmic Gems at her disposal, she could easily invade Canterlot, and take over Equestria...but.''

"But what Twilight?'' Fluttershy asked as they all looked at the purple unicorn.

Twilight spoke after much thought, ''It's just, something felt wrong when we fought Chrysalis the last two times.''

Dash frowned and retorted, ''Well she's a power hungry, manipulative, murdering bitch and NOW you think she's bucked up in the head?!''

Twilight gave Dash an irritated look and said, ''What I meant was that she was evil before, but lately when we met, she seemed even more evil.''

"Whatever do you mean darling?'' Rarity asked perplexed.

"Before, she was just about devouring love and controlling Equestria, now she's talking about slaughtering ponies. And when she called us 'mortals'...'' Twilight shuddered. "It...didn't feel right.''

The rest all looked at each other as Celestia and Luna joined them once again upon hearing Twilight's statement. "Now that you think of it, she does seem more mean and ruthless as before,'' Pinkie Pie said, tapping her chin.

Twilight nodded, ''And she seemed to be collecting the Cosmic Gems as if her life depended on it. Do you all think that it's the gems themselves? Do you think the more she collected them, the more corrupt it makes her?''

Luna's face fell darkly, ''Thou makest a point Twilight Sparkle. But whatever it may be I have no sympathy for Chrysalis after all she's done.''

"I'm not trying to sympathize with her,'' Twilight retorted firmly." I just think...I think there's something more going on here.''

Celestia walked forward and put a hoof on Twilight's shoulder, ''Twilight, you are my brightest pupil, and we learned in the past how not to misjudge you instincts. What happened at the wedding a few months ago proved that.''

Twilight smiled gratefully at her mentor as she continued with a serious look, ''But corrupted or not, she is the greatest threat to Equestria now.'' Celestia sighed, "We've never faced a threat as great as this since Discord, but thank The Great Stallion he's not here.''

"Au contraire mon Princess, I'm back!'' a familiar voice boomed in the air.

"What?!'' Rainbow Dash spoke loudly as she and the rest all looked around alarmed when suddenly the doors burst open.

Suddenly, three ponies cartwheeled and back flipped into the hall, followed by dozens of other colorful equines. They horde of equines all came in, eyes closed with serene expressions as they did various flips and other acrobatic movements. They all wore glamorous, jeweled outfits of some kind, each with varying colors and their attires seemed to resemble various styles such as Persian, Chinese, and Arabian. Some of the mysterious ponies would play numerous instruments in a bombastic, somewhat triumphant tune. Pegasai would zipped through the air while performing rather impressive aerobics while unicorns would use their magic to create fireworks and make it rain confetti. It was as if the hall was being invaded by a massive parade of some sort.

Celestia, Luna, Arcanus, Quentin, and the others all watched on in shock and bewilderment at what was transpiring in the great hall. Pinkie Pie on the other hand was smiling brightly while bopping her head and rocking her body to the rather catchy tune the ponies on parade were playing.

"What the freak's going on?!'' Quentin called over the loudness of the music.

"I don't know, but those ponies really knows how to JAM!'' Pinkie Pie responded happily, looking tempted to join in on the parade.

Her friends rolled their eyes at the pink pony's merriment, especially during a dire time such as this one. Luna frowned as she spoke out boldly.

"As Princess of the Night, I demand to know who are you ponies and what gives you the nerve to enter this palace like this unannounced!''

The parading ponies said nothing, but still to answer Luna's question, they began to part, making way for about six, burly earth ponies as they pulled in a golden, rather massive throne. Sitting on top of the throne was none other than Discord himself, waving and blowing kisses around as the parade went on. Discord himself wore a glamorous, white outfit decorated with diamonds. He wore matching white boots with a flowing white cape with a purple interior. In all he looked like some sort of prince or a hero.

"Discord?!'' Celestia, Luna, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Spike, and Quentin exclaimed while Arcanus looked on with half opened mouth but clearly surprised as they all stared dumbfounded at the spirit of disharmony and his parade of ponies they began to cheer for the draconequus.

Discord ceased his waving and kiss blowing at the sound the eleven ponies calling his name and he smirked slyly down at them. He then stood up and began make his way down his throne, the ponies bowing down to him as he did so.

"Why thank you. Thank you. You're too kind. Oh I'm so flattered!'' Discord said, blowing one last kiss to his legion of ponies as he stepped off the throne and onto the floor.

Discord flashed the group of eleven ponies a wink, but they were not amused in the slightest, and they all gave the draconequus deep glares. Discord then suddenly danced forward to them to the tune the parade was still playing, stopped, and snapped his fingers and in a flash of light, a cigar appeared in Celestia and Luna's mouths to which they immediately spat them out with deathly glances.

Discord cackled, ''Good news princesses, I've helped avoided a catastrophe in Fillydelphia. Something along the lines of an earthquake and certain destruction, but thanks to yours truly they'll live to see another day!''

They continued to frown at Discord as Luna growled, ''Forgive us if we withhold our enthusiasm.''

Discord just grinned at the princess of the night and spoke, ''Oh lighten up Luna. You're always so serious you need to learn how to have a little fun.''

Discord snapped his fingers and in a flash of light, the entire corridor was transformed into a party parlor. Balloons, streamers decorated the ceiling, tables with mountains of food and desserts upon their surfaces, there was even a Jacuzzi filled with what seemed to be chocolate milk was brought to the already crowed corridor. Quentin and the others looked around in disbelief, but Pinkie Pie's eyes were big as a joyful smile shone brightly on her face. She saw the Jacuzzi of chocolate milk and spoke plainly.

''Excuse me for a moment.''

She then jumped into the air with her tongue hanging out and was about to dash to the Jacuzzi but Twilight held her in place with her magic as her legs spun around rapidly and continuously, a annoyed frown on Twilight's face. Celestia whipped her head to Discord and barked.

''Enough!''

"But I feel like celebrating,'' Discord said with a dishearten look.

"We don't!'' Celestia barked again.

Discord just smirked as a plate with a piece of cake with white frosting and sprinkles suddenly appeared in his lion paw in a flash of light.

"Aw c'mon Celestia. I know how much you love cake...and its vanilla,'' Discord egged, scooping a small portion of icing on his eagle finger and sucking it enjoyably.

"Discord!'' Celestia shouted, losing her patience.

Discord sighed in defeat and said reluctantly, ''Oh very well then.''

He snapped his fingers and the party atmosphere changed back into the normal corridor. "Aw,'' Pinkie Pie said disappointed as she landed back on the floor.

However, though the party decorations and food was gone, the parade of ponies were still they, playing and dancing to their heart's content as Discord was still dressed in his white, hero's attire.

"All of it,'' Celestia growled.

Discord clicked his tongue and with a snap of his finger, his parade and outfit were gone in a flash of light. With all now quiet, Celestia composed herself and muttered irritably.

''Now at the risk of being rude, it's nice to hear you are keeping well on your promise and using your magic for good, but now isn't the time Discord.''

Discord rolled his eyes and his gazed fell upon Arcanus and frowned annoyed, ''Arcanus,'' he muttered.

"Discord,'' Arcanus replied unenthusiastically. ''I'm surprised you remember me.''

"Oh I could never forget the unicorn that helped the princesses to discover the Elements of Harmony which led to my defeat...honestly I thought you died ages ago.''

Arcanus' face fell sternly and replied,'' There are plenty things about me that even you don't know Discord. And the Elements are right before your asymmetrical eyes so unless you want to return to your stone prison, I suggest you watch yourself.''

Discord rolled his eyes again and his gaze fell on Quentin and smiled. With a flash of light, he disappeared and reappeared next to the stallion with an arm around his shoulder. "Quentin, it's so very nice to see you again!''

Quentin frowned distrustfully at Discord. ''Uh huh, right,'' he muttered, pushing himself from the spirit.

Discord's face fell from the rather blunt reply and gesture. "Oh come now Quentin you're not still miffed about that harmless prank I pulled on you a while ago?''

Quentin shot Discord a dirty look, "Sending me through a series of hell was anything BUT harmless!''

"An' that reminds me,'' Applejack spoke calmly before rearing and bucking Discord right in between the legs, causing the draconequus to clutch his groin and heaved over and cried out in pain.

The act surprised everyone, even Quentin, while Rainbow Dash smiled darkly and gave an approved nod at Discord's pain. "An' that's fer what ya did ta Quentin!'' Applejack barked.

Though Quentin was shocked at Applejack's action, inside he felt flattered that she would defend his honor like that and the stallion couldn't help but smirk. After a few grunts of pain, Discord lifted his head and peered at Applejack through one, tear filled eye.

''That...ugh...was so uncalled for Applejack!''

"Well almost everything YOU do is uncalled for. Maybe that will teach you a lesson on playing pranks on ponies!'' Twilight scolded.

Discord suddenly got up into Twilight's face and growled darkly, ''Listen, I'd remember who you're talking to if I was you Twilight Sparkle. Remember, I have magic you can only dream of doing!''

He then turned to Applejack and spoke menacingly, ''And you little miss farm girl. You think you can just assault me like that? Well I'll just have to-'' as he was preparing to snap his fingers, Fluttershy quickly got in between the two and said rather sternly.

''Discord...'''

At first Discord was surprised at the sudden interruption and he growled, ''Fluttershy unless you want to get turned into a bug I suggest you get out of the way!''

At this the rest of her friends all glared with gritted teeth ready for a fight. "Just try it Dipcord!'' Rainbow Dash said loudly but Fluttershy raised a hoof to tell them to stay put.

"Discord, you stop this behavior right now. You're upsetting everypony.''

"What?!'' Discord responded, not expecting the answer.

"If you're not going to behave, than I'm afraid that I'm going to have to ask you to leave,'' Fluttershy responded in a stern frown and a tone as if she was a mother talking to a naughty child.

They all looked on in bewilderment at what was happening. It was surprising to Quentin that off all people, Fluttershy was the one standing up to Discord. However, what happened next was unbelievable as Discord suddenly whined, pointing at Applejack.

''But she started it! She had no right to kick me like that...and it hurt!''

Applejack gave a proud smirk and a nod as Fluttershy softened her expression and hovered and put her forelegs around his head, ''From what I heard, you used your powers to torment Quentin, so actually, YOU were the one that started it.''

"Oh yeah...I supposed that's true,'' Discord muttered. "But I apologized to Quentin AND helped him and Rainbow Dash to get out of the Everfree Forest!''

"And that was the right thing to do,'' Fluttershy said with a soft smile. "And Quentin said he forgave you.''

"I said I'd considered it,'' Quentin grumbled irritably to himself as Fluttershy continued.

"Now how about we all forgive and forget?''

Discord thought for a few moments before finally smiling casually and hugging Fluttershy back, ''Aw I guess we can let bygones be bygones.'' He then gave the rest of her friends a cold look and muttered, ''Why can't the rest of you be as nice and understanding as Fluttershy?''

Before anyone could respond, Celestia spoke sternly, ''Discord, we don't have time to deal with you now! We in the middle of something important!''

Discord released Fluttershy and crossed his arms, an annoyed look on his face ''What got your tails in a tangle all of a sudden?''

"If you must know Ponyville has just been attacked by horrible Changelings.'' Rarity answered with a frown.

Discord twirled his goat beard in thought, ''Changelings? Those creatures that feed on love and can take the form of somepony else?''

"Yeah and led by their bitch of a queen Chrysalis, so of course we wouldn't want to deal with your crap right now Discord!'' Rainbow Dash said aggressively.

Discord raised an eyebrow and replied, ''Well that's certainly is a weekend crusher.'' Discord suddenly smirked slyly. "Well if that's the case, this certainly calls for a little sift in the mood in atmosphere.

Discord then reached behind his back and took a microphone seemingly out of nowhere. The microphone had a gold body with a silver speaker. Discord then snapped his fingers and in a flash of light, a small orchestra of eight Discords wearing black tuxedos appeared a distance away from the group. This sudden act surprised the ponies and Applejack spoke in shock.

"What in tarnation?!''

Just then, the lights suddenly darkened as a single spotlight shone down on Discord, leaving Quentin and the rest of the equines looking on in the most upmost of puzzlement. Discord motioned for the Discord conductor to begin playing and sure enough, the conductor began to wave his baton and music began to play.

"I just want to bring the house down a little bit,'' Discord spoke in a slightly deeper tone. "Just want to sing a few old classics. A couple of favorites of mine…for my new friends who are having such a dreadful day.'' Discord glanced at the eleven ponies and winked, but they returned the glance with irritated, impatient frowns.

As the music played, Quentin noticed the tune was familiar to him as it sounded like a contemporary ballad of some kind. Then Quentin's eyes widened slightly as a revelation came to him as he remembered what the tune of the song was.

"Oh I just know this fool ain't about to sing-hmph?!'' Before Quentin could finished, Discord suddenly appeared next to him, pinching his mouth shut.

"Now, now Quentin. Let's not spoil anything shall we,'' Discord spoke wiggling his bushy eyebrows with a sly grin.

Quentin frowned darkly at Discord's gesture as he released his lips. Discord jumped a few feet away from them, the spotlight following him and he opened his mouth and began to sing.

Tale as old as time...

True as it can be. Barely even friends, beauty and the...

[The tune of the music suddenly changes as the spotlight turned into a pinkish purple color and Discord began to dance rather humorously]

Look at this stuff! Isn't it neat?!

Wouldn't you think my collections complete?!

Wouldn't you think I'm the spirit who has everything?!

[Again the tune of the music changed as the spotlight changed to yellowish orange color as Discord continued.]

Like a shooting star, I will go the distance.

I will face the world, face it proud and strong!

[Again the music changed and Discord began to scat in the tune of Under the Sea, dancing and snapping his fingers as he did so with the spotlight turning into a light greenish color. While Discord sang, Celestia, Luna, Arcanus, Twilight, Quentin, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Spike were giving Discord unamused glares. Pinkie Pie however was smiling and rocking to the songs Discord was singing. Yet again, the music changed as did the spotlight that so ever followed Discord, now a golden orange.]

And you'll never hear the wolf cry to the blue cold moon,

so whether we are white or copper skin...

[The music changed again, the spotlight changing into brilliant violet color.]

I want adventure, in the great wide…

Ever just the same…

[Discord spun around as sparkling blue ripple flowed down his body and Discord was suddenly clad in a blue sequined tuxedo jacket with a black sequined under shirt, the spotlight turning into a sapphire blue. Suddenly out of nowhere, a crowd of applause rang out as Discord snapped his fingers and a rose appeared in Celestia's ear, causing the princess to roll her eyes in annoyance, her patience at her breaking point. Discord then looked upward and spoke with a grin.]

"Oh don't you readers just LOVE Disney? And this one's for you Robin.''

[Discord winked and threw an arm around Celestia, causing her and the others to shift irritably, save for Pinkie who was still enjoying the performing as Discord continued passionately.]

Ever a surprise!

While we're standing here, watch Tia's tail disappear

Right before your eyes!

Discord then reached behind him and when he presented his lion's paw, they saw a familiar, multicolored, sparking object. Celestia's eyes widened as she looked behind her and gasped for sure enough, Discord had taken Celestia's tail. The others just looked on blankly and shocked at what just happened but Celestia spoke out angrily, finally fed up with Discord's antics.

"Discord!''

Discord looked on innocently as suddenly in a flash of light, his tuxedo, the orchestra, and his microphone disappeared. The light having returned to its usual brightness as Celestia's tail was reattached to her behind. They all shot Discord disapproving, irritated frowns.

"What's the matter, didn't you like my song?'' Discord asked.

"No we didn't. We told you we aren't in the mood for your cud Discord!'' Rainbow Dash responded aggressively.

Discord's ear's lowered in sadness, but he quickly smirked and in a flash of light, he was standing with one leg on a unicycle, balancing himself all while juggling what seems to be five bowling pins made out of glass or crystal.

"Not ones for serenading are we? Luckily I'm here with other talents. Perhaps I can put some smiles on Ponyville's faces after such a terrifying experience, if they're not still afraid of me of course.''

The others all frowned deeper, quickly getting annoyed by his antics when Pinkie Pie suddenly ran up and retorted, ''Listen bub, if anypony's gonna spread some smiles, it's going to be me! Ponyville doesn't need your kind of fun!''

Discord rolled his eyes but suddenly grinned mischievously. "Oh come on Pinkie Pie, surely I can help the Element of Laughter bring about a few cheers. Hey, maybe we can even do an act together.''

Before Pinkie could reply, she disappeared in a flash of light and later reappeared being balanced on Discord's muzzle with her own while plates were spinning atop sticks on all four of her legs all while in a goofy position.

"Hey what the-'' Pinkie Pie exclaimed, still balancing on Discord's muzzle.

It was true, the sudden demonstration was surprising as the rest all stared in disbelief, but it wasn't time for games and Luna stomped her hoof in anger, ''Draconequus! We told thee we aren't' in the mood for thy games!''

Discord said nothing and brushed her off as he continued having his little fun, Pinkie Pie still trying to make sense of her current situation. "Physics defying, cartoonish, mind boggling, random antics...so that's what it feels like?'' Pinkie Pie spoke to herself.

She then looked upward, still balancing the spinning plates with a pleading gaze. "Um excuse me Mr. Author, but can you be so kind and I don't know...GET ME OUT OF THIS MESS?!''

Twilight stepped forward and said angrily, ''Discord! We don't have time for this. Don't you understand? Chrysalis just attacked Ponyville and what's worse is that she now has all six of the Cosmic Gems, which will give her enough power to take over Equestria or worst!''

However, immediately after Twilight's statement, Discord suddenly froze and dropped all the pins and Pinkie Pie onto the floor, the pins and plates smashing into pieces.

"Hey, I meant gently,'' Pinkie Pie muttered as she glared upward, rubbing her head, but the others all looked in confusion at the draconequus' sudden change of behavior.

What was once a gleeful, playful expression was now replaced of a look of pure...terror. As he slowly walked towards Twilight and bent down to the point where they were almost touching muzzles, an act that made Twilight extremely uncomfortable.

"Did you just say...the Cosmic Gems?'' Discord whispered in sheer horror.

Twilight looked around and finally winced, "Yeah...''

Discord stared at the unicorn, petrified and e slowly turned away and walked over to the stained glass depicting Quentin's six friends using the Elements of Harmony to defeat him, clutching his head and shaking it in disbelief. "No...no...this can't be possible...'' Discord muttered, trying to tell himself otherwise.

Quentin and the others all looked at each other in confusion at what the hell was going on. "Discord, do you know about the Cosmic Gems?'' Celestia asked with a raised eyebrow.

Discord ignored her, still muttering frighteningly to himself. "No...no...how could anypony possibly-''

"Discord!'' Celestia spoke loudly and this time he jumped from the outburst.

. He slowly peered over his shoulder at the princess of the sun and she repeated herself sternly. "Discord, do you know about the Cosmic Gems?''

There was a brief silence as Discord just stared at Celestia with a distraught, fearful gaze until finally, he nodded silently. Luna stepped forward with a frown and spoke, ''Then you know the severity of situation that is at hoof.''

"We learned from the Book of Omniscience that anypony that has the six Cosmic Gems could potentially be granted God-like power. Chrysalis could easily bring terror upon Equestria. I don't think it could possibly get any worst,'' Twilight added with a sad frown.

Discord turned and looked drearily up at the stained glass window and gazed at the image of him being turned to stone. "You're wrong,'' he muttered.

The equines all widened their eyes at this and Rarity asked, ''What are you talking about?''

"It's going to become much worst...worse than any of you can possible imagine,'' Discord responded, still looking away from them.

The others all stared at Discord with confused looks. "W-what do you mean?'' Fluttershy asked meekly, but with a slightly frightened tone.

Discord turned to the group and bore a fierce, outraged expression, ''Chrysalis, or anypony for that matter that finds the Cosmic Gems is absolutely the worst thing that could possibly happen. And you let her collect all six are you stupid?!''

The others all frowned and Quentin spoke up, ''Hey we did our best to try to stop her, but each of those gems proved to be as powerful as we read they were!''

Applejack added aggressively, ''An' we had no choice but ta give up the last gem!'' She then added sadly looking at Quentin from the corner of her eye, ''We had to, or else we woulda lost something important ta us.''

Quentin looked at Applejack sadly at her remark. He still couldn't believe after such a short time he would mean so much to his friends. This however did nothing to calm Discord down and flew in the air in an outrage.

"No...no...NO! How can you ponies allow this to happen?! The Cosmic Gems should never be brought together!''

"The Cosmic Gems should never be brought together?'' Twilight repeated confused.

"Discord, do you know something we don't? Is there something else going on here?'' Celestia ask sternly with an angry frown.

Discord sharply turned his gaze to Celestia before his face fell with a look that we all could tell that he was hiding something. Rainbow Dash leered at Discord, ''You sound like you know something. So spill it!''

Discord gazed fearfully around the group and finally closed his eyes, letting out a reluctant sigh. "As you've may have learn, the six Cosmic Gems are a set of stones with enormous power with in each of them.''

His listeners nodded and Rainbow Dash retorted, ''Yeah we know. Chrysalis went around killing everypony that stood in her way to get them.''

Discord continued,'' But what you don't know is that those gems were never to see the light of day...in fact they were never meant to exist at all.''

The rest were all perplexed by what Discord said and Pinkie Pie asked, "Why?''

"Discord, tell us what you know,'' Celestia ordered.

Discord did sort of a mid-bow and replied, ''Yes, princess as you wish.'' He stood straight up and let out a deep sigh, as if what he was about to say need all the courage he could muster.

"The Cosmic Gems are connected to a primordial, all powerful entity that existed long before Equestria, this entire world even.''

"What?! There can't be somepony THAT old!'' Rainbow Dash retorted in her usual loud tone.

Her friends all gave Discord weird looks as she continued. ''It's true Rainbow Dash and that entity is far more than a mere 'somepony'.''

"Well do not keep us in suspense Discord, Just who exactly is this entity you speak of,'' Arcanus spoke up.

Discord turned away, pinched his eyes shut and gritted his teeth, clearly not wanting to say more, but he indeed turned back to them and answered, ''Is he a being of divinity, or a demon of abomination, one would ask...maybe both. One could say he is evil incarnate but in truth, evil is far too small a word. He is known by many names Chaos, The Demon, The Dark One, but I know him as...Chthon.''

Quentin and the others just stared at Discord, most of them truly lost. Fluttershy and Pinkie looked at one another quizzically while Rarity scrunched up her face in confusion. Applejack and Quentin glanced at each other, clearly never even heard of the name before as Rainbow Dash looked at Discord with a raised eyebrow and looked at him like he was crazy. Twilight was trying to make sense of such a name with her face slightly scrunched in puzzlement.

"The Dark One? Why does that sound so familiar?''

"Chthon?'' Celestia repeated uncertainly.

It was clear that even the wise raiser of the sun haven't even heard of the name. Discord just nodded silently, somberly and Luna added.

''My sister and I hath lived for a thousand years and we have never heard of such a name!''

Arcanus nodded, ''And I admit that I too have never known a being with that name before.''

Discord sighed, ''I wouldn't expect you to. I doubt that any living pony today hasn't even heard or remember who he is. I'm willing to bet my right reptilian leg that there is little to no written record of him at all.''

"But, who is this...Chthon?'' Quentin finally asked, still confused yet intrigued by the name.

Discord closed his eyes, looked away and muttered, "I...I really don't think you want to hear.''

The eleven ponies and baby dragon all glanced at each other in bewilderment but Celestia spoke up sternly, ''Discord, Equestria is in danger. If you know anything that is even remotely connected with Chrysalis, tell us now!''

After a brief silence, Discord let out another sigh before facing the group again. "Very well Celestia, but I warn you, what I am about to tell will disturb you. Even I don't want to recall this.''

It was surprising. Discord, the spirit of chaos was actually freaked out about this. Though arrogant and overconfident, he showed little to no fear except to the Elements of Harmony, but they needed to hear this and they took a few steps closer as Discord turned around and stared up at the stained glass window wearily, the sun half way set.

''Long ago in ages most distant before Ponyville, before Equestria, before the Ancient Era, before this very world the planet was in a state of constant unrest and chaos. Beautiful, beautiful, delicious chaos.''

As Discord said those last words, a look of euphoria came across his face. His listeners all frowned disapprovingly as Celestia barked, "Discord!' snapping him out of his blissful state.

"Oh right,'' Discord stammered and he continued with his story. "Until The Stallion-Above-the-Stars: Chiron, seeing the 'unnecessary' calamity, gathered all the chaos and with that very essence of destruction, he created everything. The sky, the earth, the oceans, the mountains, the trees...the very world itself.''

After this statement, Celestia and Luna both glanced at each other with surprised gazes. "Chiron? So the Great Stallion is connected with this sister?'' Luna asked Celestia telepathically to which Celestia nodded.

''It... would seem so Luna.''

Twilight seemed genuinely surprised and asked out loud, "So wait, Chiron: The-Stallion-Above-the-Stars, he's real he? He actually exists?!''

Quentin understood Twilight's reaction for they had a talk about this a day or two before hand, so news about an omnipotent, unseen force to a logical mind such as hers would be a great surprise to her. Discord nodded.

"Yes, and for eons after the Great Creation Chiron saw to it that everything was in peace and order however, evil doesn't die so easily. For you see, when Chiron was gathering the chaos to create all, the chaos for one moment was one with Chiron and so, was filled with Chiron's power...and thus becoming a sentient being. Now sentient, a fragment of the chaos was able to separate itself and drifted into the void for an unspecified amount of time, before falling onto the new world which is this one, plunging itself in the earth like a seed of evil. Like a seed, the chaos grew and grew over the centuries, bathed by the darkness of equines' hearts and nurtured by the hatred and spilled blood of the ponies of the time until finally, the chaos took the form of a massive, splintered tree...the Tree of Chaos.''

There was a soft gasp as the others heard these words. Celestia and Luna looked at one another astonished glances. "The Tree of Chaos?! Sister...'' Luna telepatically in alarm to her older sister.

Celestia only returned her sister's alarmed gaze as she answered, knowing what she was impying. "Yes I know Luna, it's seems that even that sacred tree has an echo...a darkness to it's light.''

Discord continued, " And over the centuries, the Tree of Chaos spread throughout the land, its roots threatening to snare and devour anything and everypony in it's path until finally the ponies that once waged war with one another decided to band together to stop a greater threat and attempted to destroy the tree at its heart. Poor, unfortunate fools what they attempts to destroy a host of darkness instead galvanized it and along with its sentience it transfigured to the being what would become known as Chthon, the Dark One. Because Tree of Chaos was flowing with the power of Chiron, Chthon was an all-powerful god...the God of Chaos.''

Quentin and the others all widened their eyes on that part and Fluttershy spoke fearfully, ''T-The God of...Chaos?''

Discord nodded drearily, "Yes, and he ruled the Ancient World in an era of never ending darkness, chaos, and death from which it was born from. But Chiron heard the cries and prayers of the ponies of the time and with his almighty power, was able to strip Chthon of his powers and imprisoned him into stone so that Chthon would never return. It took some time, but the ponies were able to rebuild the world into what it is today. Chthon's near dominance were eventually casted aside and were eventually completely forgotten. His rule forgotten into myths and legends...mere ponytales about an overlord with unbelievable power that almost destroyed everything. The power that was taken from Chthon, instead of being destroyed, separated and manifested itself into six singularities...six gems, each holding a power that Chthon possessed; Power, Time, Space, Mind, Soul, and Reality. These gems became known as the Cosmic Gems, and were scattered into the winds in hopes of never seeing the light of day…to be lost and forgotten forever.''

As Discord paused, the Quentin, his friends, Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus all had a look of utter disbelief. Even the calm collected Arcanus had his mouth slightly ajar at the story Discord was telling them.

"Discord, surly you just made that story up?'' Rarity asked in shock.

Discord shook his head, "I'm dead serious, I would never joke about this, not this, not...him.''

"That, sounds like something out of an old pony's tale,'' Twilight spoke, troubled by the story, but then suddenly had a realization. Ponytale? Wait I remember now!''

They all were surprised by Twilight's outburst and Quentin asked, ''Remember what Twilight?''

Twilight whipped around and spoke firmly, ''Everypony follow me, quickly!''

Before they could replied, Twilight ran down the hall and towards the door. "Twilight!'' Celestia called and they all ran after her, while Discord disappeared in a flash of light.

Twilight had led her friends to the castle library, large, massive wing that was round in shape. In the center of the library, was a large, round pedestal with an even larger golden hourglass perched on top, while around eight or nine paths that led down different aisles of high shelves, each filled with books, tomes, and old looking scrolls. There was a round skylight on the ceiling protected by a dome glass window that gave them the perfect view of the sky, which was almost completely set and now a mostly, dark bluish violet color. Twilight led them to the center of the library and rand down an aisle of shelves.

"Twilight Sparkle, why hast thou led us to the library?'' Luna asked as Discord appeared in a flash of light.

"Yeah Twi, what's the big idea?'' Spike asked.

"There something about Discord's story that kinda reminds of something that I've read once.'' Twilight answered, skimming through the title of the books on their spines. "Oh where could it...here I've found it!''

Twilight's horn was engulfed in a billowing, magenta aura as she levitated a really old looking book from the shelf. "Twilight, what the hay is that?'' Applejack asked as the rest all gathered close enough to see the front of the book.

"Myths and Legends of Lost Ages?'' Pinkie Pie read out the title with a confused look.

Twilight nodded and the book opened and the pages quickly started to flip through it. "Come on where is...here!'' Twilight muttered as the pages stopped flipping and landed on a page.

Rainbow Dash leaned in and winced as she read, ''The Rise and Fall of the Dark One?''

Twilight said nothing only took a deep breath and began to read.

''Long ago in times most ancient, an evil overlord known and whispered fearfully only as The Dark One, suddenly rose up one day from the deepest parts of Hell under a blackened sun and unleased an unspeakable evil; ravishing the land with his wrath. The warring races at the time decided to stand together to the Dark One, but again and again many failed and fell by his overwhelming power. Across the land, the Dark One destroyed anything and anypony in his path, until the entire would was almost shrouded in darkness. Losing all hope and falling into despair, the ponies of the time, cried out for a savior to deliver them from this great evil. The Dark One almost eclipsed the world, but the ponies' prayers were finally answered and The Dark One was smitten by a Great Power from the heavens, causing the Dark One to vanish as quickly as he came. Joyous of the Dark One's defeat, the ponies were able to cast aside their differences and rebuilt the world to the way it was before the Dark One appeared. However before the Dark One was defeated, he vowed that he would one day return and cast his wrath upon the world again as said in this cryptic prophecy:


On the day of extended long, the day of black sun

Signals the ruin of the world the One has spun

Harmony to chaos, when the six shall unite

Joy to sorrow, the death of Day and Night

When the six gems of chaos calls upon the king

The end of all mortals, the end of everything


Twilight finished reading the story, a disturbed look on her face. The others all stared in shock and disbelief while Discord had an incredibly forlorn expression.

"T-That prophecy, it's just-'' Rarity began before being finished by Celestia gravely.

''Like the one from the Book of Omniscience.''

Discord nodded, ''Now you understand. The great danger that is to come now that Chrysalis has all six Cosmic Gems.''

"But...but that story is jus' a ponytale right? Nothin' but a lot o' hooie!'' Applejack tried to deny.

Rainbow Dash muttered, ''We thought the Mare in the Moon was a myth and look what happened.''

At this, Luna looked away shamefully, clearly still ashamed what she did in the past. Quentin couldn't blame her, an act like that could forever haunt her the rest of her life and he put a reassuring hoof on her shoulder. He gave her a kind, reassuring smile and she returned a grateful one. Arcanus finally spoke, after a few moments of deep thinking.

"So if what Discord says is true, than the king the prophecy speak of is this Chthon?''

Discord nodded, ''Yes, Chthon is the undisputed embodiment of chaos and destruction...the one, true God of Chaos.''

Quentin looked at the draconequus with a stern frown, ''Being the spirit of disharmony, one would think you were the God of Chaos.''

Discord scratched the back of his head as he reluctantly admitted, ''About that, I guess you can say that I over exaggerated my status for all these eons.''

The twelve were all a bit confused by that statement as Celestia spoke up,'' So the Dark One said in the myth has been Chthon all this time. And by the sound of it, the Great Power mentioned was The-Stallion-Above-the-Stars... Discord, if Chthon really did exist, how is it that only you seem to know who he is while the rest of us have never even heard of his name as well as known it was Chiron who vanquished him?''

All eyes were on Discord as we waited for the question. Discord gritted his teeth as a very nervous look came across his face, but he quickly gave up on hiding his secret and sighed somberly. Discord muttered.

''I know these things because...Chthon is my father.''

"YOUR FATHER?!'' Quentin, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Spike, Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus exclaimed to which Discord just covered his face in what appeared to be embarrassment and quite possibly shame.

"You must be pullin' our hind legs? Yer tellin' us that this Chthon guy is yer father?!'' Applejack asked again in utter shock.

"Yes, kind of, augh...it's complicated!'' Discord admitted loudly, before burying his face n his claws.

Thy all just stared disbelievingly at Discord as they learned the revelation. Discord was actually the spawn a once thought mythological entity that almost destroyed this world?

"Hold on a second!'' Pinkie Pie called before pulling a glass of water from behind her, drinking it, and then spitting it out in shock.

"Discord, how in Chiron's name you could be the son of a once thought mythological being?!'' Luna asked in shock herself as Celestia stared on in surprise.

Discord uncovered his face and looked drearily at the group as he explained. "It was eons ago, when Chiron defeated Chthon. Before his was sealed away and his powers stripped, Chthon managed to salvage a small amount of his power and he was able to spit out an egg while he himself was sealed away. After a millennia or two, that some disharmony that was still present among the ponies of the time was absorbed into the egg, giving it the strength for the little draconequus to grow into the handsome devil that is yours truly.''

The others all sort of winced at Discord's last comment with disgust. With his bizarre look of mismatched animals, one could say Discord was far from handsome.

"Though his powers were being taken away, Chthon was still able to pass on a little bit of one power onto me…the power over reality along with his memories.'' Discord continued.

"So let me get this straight, so you were born from an egg somepony spat out?'' Rainbow Dash asked, looking a bit freaked out from the thought.

Discard nodded with a sigh as his tail came in front of him and started stroking it. "Yes, it's true. That egg of Chthon produced the spawn of chaos and disharmony.''

Celestia had her mouth hung opened, but then closed it with a nodded, ''That would explain why you have the power to warp reality.''

"But, why exactly did Chthon created you?'' Twilight asked.

Discord answered, ''I was created as sort of a second chance for Chthon after being sealed away.''

"A second chance?'' Fluttershy asked puzzled.

Discord sighed, ''Originally, I was tasked to find the Cosmic Gems so I may revive my father so he can cast his destructive wrath upon the world again however, I guess you can say I procrastinated on that mission, especially finding and ruling Equestria in a constant state of chaos. And being turned to stone myself for a thousand years didn't help matters either.''

His listeners all looked at each other after Discord's explanation. "So what a minute, if what Discord say is true, and this Chthon really did exist and is the very same being as in the legend, does that mean...that terrible prophecy will come true?!'' Rarity asked alarmed.

With that the other bearers of the Elements erupted into a panicked chatter. "Wait! The prophecy said something about a day of extended long and a black sun, just wait the heck does THAT mean?!'' Pinkie Pie asked, confused by the cryptic wording.

Twilight bowed her head in thought at the strange telling. "Yeah, I mean how can the sun be black?'' Spike asked, clearly bewildered.

Quentin thought briefly, bringing a hoof to his chin before having a thought, ''Well the sun appears to turn black during an eclipse, in other words a solar eclipse.''

His friends showed slight surprised by his theory but Twilight's face showed agreement. "Yes, that's it. The result of the moon passing in front of the sun...the prophecy must be talking about a solar eclipse!''

!''"So what are yall sayin? That a solar eclipse is suppose ta signal the end o' the world or somethin'?'' Applejack asked, flummoxed.

With this Celestia suddenly had a realization, a dreadful one as she looked at Luna with a forlorn, alarmed gazed. It only took a moment for Luna to figure out what was troubling her sister and she too showed a look of distress.

"That's...that's what I believe what the prophecy meant,'' Twilight answered somberly, re reading the prophecy to herself. "But solar eclipses don't happen everyday. We don't even know when the next one is!''

"Tomorrow in fact,'' Arcanus answered, troubled, his head bowed and stroking his beard.

The others all turned their eyes at the aged unicorn. "T-tomorrow?'' Twilight asked in disbelief.

Arcanus only nodded, ''Yes, tomorrow there will be an eclipse of the sun, however, it won't be a normal eclipse.''

They all gazed at Arcanus quizzically. "What do you mean not a normal eclipse?'' Fluttershy asked meekly.

"Wait a minute!'' Quentin suddenly spoke up with all eyes on him. "Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are the raisers of the sun and moon right? So couldn't they just prevent the sun and moon coming together to create the eclipse?''

Everyone's faces glowed with hope except for Celestia, Luna, Arcanus, and Discord who had sorrowful expressions. "Hey Quentin's right! The princesses could just use their power to stop the solar eclipse and that nasty old prophecy won't be able to come true!'' Pinkie Pie exclaimed happily, bouncing.

"No we cannot,'' Luna muttered grimly.

Quentin and his friends all whipped their heads towards the princess of the night with shocked expressions as Pinkie Pie stopped bouncing in midair. "Wh-what?!'' Rarity asked flabbergasted.

"Luna, what do you mean?'' Quentin asked. "If you have the power than you should be able to-''

"That's the problem Quentin,'' Luna cut in, giving him a very dismal look.

"I don't get it, what problem?'' Rainbow Dash asked, an eyebrow raised.

Celestia sighed and spoke with a serious yet sad tone, ''Like Arcanus said, tomorrows eclipse won't be a normal solar eclipse. Every one hundred years, a rare phenomenon occurs that is known as the Harmonic Conjunction.''

Quentin and her subjects looked at Celestia with confused glances as Twilight asked quizzically, ''Harmonic Conjunction?''

Luna nodded as she continued where Celestia left off. ''Yes Twilight Sparkle. Like my sister said, the Harmonic Conjunction is a phenomenon that happens once every century. During this time, all the celestial bodies will align on their own free will including the sun and moon...without the aid of Celestia and myself.''

''For during the Conjunction, Equestria will undergo a great magical shift in the planet's energy. Because of this, we will have absolutely no control over the sun and moon, no matter how hard we may try,'' Celestia finished sadly.

This answer shocked Twilight and her friends as the studious unicorn stuttered, ''I-If that's true, than that means...''

"The solar eclipse will happen, and we cannot do anything about it,'' Celestia answered somberly.

Luna added drearily, ''And not just that, the Harmonic Conjunction also marks the start of the Summer Solstice, thus lengthening the day as it normally is.''

"The day of extended long,'' Quentin muttered as he recited a part from the legend, doing a frustrated gesture as he turned away."Damn it!''

Arcanus began pacing with his head down as he thought long and deep. "What's worse is that it sounds like this dark premonition is coming true.''

There was a painful silence as they all looked at one another, not sure on what to do now. "What do we do?'' Quentin finally asked looking around. "We need to stop this.''

"But how Quentin?'' Twilight asked, looking at the stallion in grief.

"Chrysalis has all the Cosmic Gems, and she's planning on using them together.''

"Does the queen even knows about the prophecy and Chthon? Does she even know what the gems really are?'' Rarity asked.

"I truly doubt it,'' Celestia muttered, bowing her head. "Her mind is too clouded by greed and power to think about anything else.''

Discord shook his head as he frowned grimly, ''Chrysalis thinks that she will gain absolute and godlike power if she collects them, but she's a fool. If the gems were to ever unite, it will unleash the greatest evil the universe has ever known. If Chthon was ever to be revived, it will be the end of harmony. If Chthon was ever to be revived…'' Discord looked upward with eyes filled with hopelessness as he finished gravely.

"It will be the end of this world as you know it.''

Quentin, Applejack, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Spike, Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus all just stared at Discord with shock, uncertainty, and with a twinge of fear as the last bit of the sun vanished, replaced by Luna's moon. Far away in Castle Changeling, the sky flashed with lightning and cracked with thunder as winds battered ruthlessly on the kingdom's dark, rocky landscape. In the throne room, the Changelings cowered greatly at the bottom of the throne as Chrysalis chuckled wickedly, darkly as it became an evil laugh, her six Cosmic Gems floating around her and glowing their respective colors.

"At last, the six Cosmic Gems...the six powers of the universe are mine!''

Chrysalis then flew into the air, the gems never leaving her side as she grinned malevolently. "The time is almost here,'' Chrysalis began, but as she finished, her eyes became and glowed an unholy red as her sclera became black and her voice became dark and demonic as she spoke.

"Tomorrow when the sun is high and eclipsed by the moon, I shall unite the Cosmic Gems allowing them to free me from my accursed stone prison. And when I arise, I shall reign eternal chaos unto this world...and the world of mortals shall be over!''

And Chrysalis gave off the most chilling, demonic laugh one could hear, her minion cowering even more as they moved away from the throne. What in God's name were they to do to prepare for this relenting storm?
> The Harmonic Conjunction
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was far after the night, and the sun had been up for about three hours. Quentin, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus didn't sleep a wink. How could they after the dark revelation that Discord had given to them earlier in the previous evening. Things have gotten from bad to worst. First they thought they had to stop Chrysalis from taking over Equestria, now the group learned that an even greater threat so horrible that will cause the very end of this world would arise sometime later that very day. The twelve have since moved from the library back into the throne room, discussing the matter at hand while the rest of the castle and Canterlot slept, save for the royal guards doing their nightly duty.

Shining Armor and Cadence were with the rest instead of the hospital wing of the castle. Their recovery went without any complications and thought they still had to take it easy, they were nevertheless walking about. Despite hearing the horrible tale of what things that was coming, Spike was still a baby dragon and had fallen asleep throughout the night and had a habit of sleeping in late. Twilight walked over to his little basket bed she had conjured for him and looked down sadly at him. As he slept peacefully, Twilight couldn't help but smile faintly and she kissed him gently on the cheek before pulling the covers over him some more. However, the small smile vanished as she turned and walked back towards her friends who were gathered at the base of the throne.

"What are we going to do? The solar eclipse is today.'' Fluttershy asked fear in her voice.

"Fluttershy's right,'' Rarity spoke up. "We have to do something to prevent this great disaster. Does anypony know when the Harmonic Conjunction is supposed to begin?''

Celestia, who had been pacing restlessly stopped and sighed. "It will begin with the sun is at its highest, soon after the moon with cross its path, starting the solar eclipse and completing the conjunction.''

Luna nodded sadly, "Yes. About noon, that is when the sun will be at its utmost high.''

"Then we have until noon today to stop Chrysalis before she makes the biggest regret of her life,'' Quentin spoke seriously.

Applejack nodded firmly, ''Which will spell a heapin' trouble fer us all when that happens.''

"Then what are we waiting for then? Let's go and find Chrysalis and beat her royal flank once and for all!'' Rainbow Dash declared with determination, taking to the air.

"Hold yer horses girl. We don't even know where the Changelings even live,'' Applejack reasoned.

Arcanus responded, sitting on his haunches, ''I have tried to locate their dwelling before. Though some unseen magic obscured my vision, I did see a strange, massive rock formation in the form of a castle of some sort. However, where this castle is I do not know.''

The rest of their faces fell instantly.

"But isn't there anything in those dusty books that might tell us where those nasty Changelings live?'' Pinkie Pie asked and then turned to Twilight, a smile on her face. "C'mon Twilight. I bet you've read a ton of books at least twice, I bet you know anything that could help.''

It was pretty surprising that Pinkie Pie would still be so cheerful in stressful times like this, but she's not the Element of Laughter for no reason one would suppose.

"I've read then ten times actually,'' Twilight muttered, shaking her head. "But any books about Changelings only tell what they are or do, never where they live. No pony have seen them often so there's no written record on where their home, nest, or whatever they call it is!''

Discord stood and spoke seriously, ''Well if you ponies value you harmony, then I suggest that you come up with a plan to find out where Chrysalis is and stop her before it's too late.'' Discord then shuddered, a true look of disturbance and possible fear on his face. "I can feel it...Chthon's power especially with the six Cosmic Gems together.''

"Well then instead of standing there, why don't you help us come up with a plan!'' Twilight retorted with an angry glare.

Rainbow Dash added aggressively, ''Yeah, why don't ya quit yappin and actually make yourself useful!''

Discord growled, ''Look Colors, I did give you all the information about Chthon. If you ponies had used the Elements of Harmony in the first place this wouldn't be happening!''

"What did you say?!'' Rainbow Dash argued back, getting in his face ready for a fight.

"Enough Discord!'' Luna scolded, causing the draconequus to stare at her with a fierce gaze.

"We've tried our very best to stop Chrysalis from accomplishing her plan, but we've never once even thought that something like this would arise!''

"That's right! The princess were the first to act on this situation and were gone for quite some time to handle it.'' Rarity added with a frown.

Discord rolled his eyes and argued, ''Oh right, that really made all the difference! Even with a head start, you still failed at stopping Chrysalis...the Princesses of Equestria everypony!'' Discord announced mockingly and the sound of booing and jeering rang out of nowhere.

Quentin and the rest of his friends were at their breaking point, but before any of them could react Celestia spoke with a stern, calm tone, "Enough!''

They all instantly turned their attention to the elder princess as she continued. "All this arguing is getting us nowhere! Noon is approaching and time is running out!''

The seven friends all looked at each other uncertainly but Discord continued to be defiant. "Look little miss sun butt, I wasn't the one who caused all this to happen. When it's me you blast me with the Elements posthaste, but anypony else you take your sweet little royal time doing it!''

Celestia frowned deeper and she growled, ''Discord, for the last time we didn't know what the Cosmic Gems were and what legacy they possessed and your grievances aren't helping matters. Reformed or not unless you don't want to be cast out of the castle or made stone again I suggest you stop harassing us and help us deal with this!''

Quentin, Twilight, and the rest looked back and forth at the two entities as Discord glared Celestia down with a low growl as she returned the gaze with gritted teeth. Finally, Discord let out a frustrated cry and whipped around, bringing his eagle claw upward and raking his face as he muttered discontent.

"Chthon can't come back...if he does we're dead...I'M dead!''

The others all looked at each other with uncertain frowns and Fluttershy flew next to Discord and patted his back reassuringly. "It'll be ok Discord. There's no need to cause all this disturbance,'' Fluttershy cooed softly.

Discord said nothing, just shook his head with his face still in his claw. Twilight stepped forward with a serious, determined expression and agreed,'' Fluttershy's right Discord. We've never met a villain that could stand up to the Elements of Harmony.''

Discord brought his claw down and turned around slightly and argued, ''Don't you ponies get it? Chthon isn't a villain, he IS the incarnation of evil, the lord of all darkness, the God-''

"The God of Chaos. Ok bad dude, we get it!'' Quentin interrupted with a slight frown.

Discord replied with a sort of mutter growl as he face away from us once again. "No you don't...you don't know Chthon like I do.''

"Well he doesn't know us! We've had our close calls before, but we made through in the end!'' Rainbow Dash declared proudly.

Dash then flashed a wink at Quentin and he smirked as the rest of their friends smiled faintly at their past, close calls, but Discord said grimly, ''Fools. No matter how many times I explain it, you still don't understand. You thought my chaos was bad...Chthon's is a million times worse than mine. And at high noon today, you will see.''

Applejack, Twilight, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Quentin looked at Discord with disheartening glances while Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus frowned with gritted teeth. An hour later, Luna was out on a balcony that a glass door in the throne room led to. She went over to the ledge and gazed sadly out into Canterlot. Quentin noticed her leaving and he went out to join her, wandering if she was alright.

"Luna, is everything ok?'' the stallion asked with concern as he stood beside her.

She merely looked at Quentin sadly and shook her head before shifting her gaze back over the edge. "It's just...last night while Equestria was bathed in my night, I took a moment to venture into their dreams.''

Quentin almost did a double take and his mouth hung open for a moment. "Wait, you mean to tell me that you can actually go into people-I mean, other ponies' dreams?!''

Luna looked at her friend with a faint smile and nodded. "Yes Quentin. I am the princess of the night, thus it is my duty to go into their dreams.''

Quentin nodded with a slight smirk. "I guess that makes sense,'' he answered with a slight chuckle, but then became serious again. "Is that what's troubling you?''

Luna sighed somberly and gazed back out onto the city. "Not in the least. It was just, despite what had happened in Canterlot and Ponyville, their dreams were unhindered by nightmares...just sweet dreams full of joy and merriment.''

At this Luna smiled faintly but also with warmth as she recalled her visit into her subjects' dreams. Quentin looked at Luna for a bit before staring out in the same direction as her. "It's probably because you and Celestia have finally returned. Knowing that their rulers are back, they probably feel as if everything will be ok.''

Luna said nothing, just sighed as she closed her eyes. His gaze went down onto the city, though they were at a very high altitude, they could still make out the colorful figures of ponies going about their business. Though all of them were doing different activities, what they shared in common was a carefree day through their majestic city. Quentin muttered.

''They have no idea don't they? That Chrysalis, in her quest for power might inadvertently awaken an ancient evil and fulfill a dark prophecy? They have no idea that next solar eclipse is supposedly going to signal the end of the world. They have absolutely no idea that the end of the world...is supposed to be today.''

The more these thoughts dwelled in Quentin's head, the more unnerving and troubled he got. Though Equestria has its share of problems, it was the closest thing to a utopia compared to his world. While Earth still had its share of beauties and wonders, this did not change the fact that it was sometimes dull, repetitive, and with bland and muted out colors. The colors in Equestria were always vibrant and lush. Everything always feels so lively here, inhabited by sentient a species who were nearly pure in heart and endless with kindness, and generosity. Quentin did not want to see such a beautiful world be corrupted or destroyed in any way...he won't see such a dark vision become reality.

Luna opened her eyes and looked at Quentin sadly, ''No they do not, and frankly, I want it to stay that way. I do not wish panic among them.''

Quentin nodded silently. After a brief moment of silence, he decided to speak. "Hey Luna?''

"Yes, Quentin?" Luna answered, looking at her human friend.

"My friends told me how you when ballistic when Chrysalis almost strangled me to death. They told me how your eyes were glowing, and how your voice bellowed. They said it was a pretty scary sight. Is that true?'' Quentin asked, not taking his eyes off the princess of the night.

Luna nodded and looked at Quentin with a serious yet also sad expression. "I didn't know what came over myself really. I just couldn't bear to see you on the verge of death like that.'' Luna placed a hoof on to his on the ledge, surprising the stallion as Quentin looked from their hooves and into the beautiful princess' eyes. "I consider you the first true friend I've made Quentin. You're not worth losing, not for a simple stone.'' Luna explained sadly.

Quentin sighed, "Well that 'simple stone' is going to help Equestria being taken over or worst.''

Quentin looked away, still feeling guilty that he was in a situation that caused his friends to give up the final component in an evil queen's plan, but Luna lifted her hoof to his chin and gently pulled Quentin's face so he was facing her. She gave him a soft, weary smile and spoke.

''Like my sister said, now that you are in out kingdom, your life is precious to us. And I will never sacrifice your wellbeing for a gem.''

Quentin was just speechless. Here was a princess, a pony he's just met not too long ago and she cares about him as if they've been friends forever. Now Quentin truly seen how much he meant to her.

"I won't let anything like that happen to you again Quentin. I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if I ever lost you,'' Luna spoke softly, as she brought Quentin in for an embrace.

Quentin let of a long, soft sigh as he wrapped his forelegs around Luna's neck. "You're not going to lose me Luna, I promise. Though we just met not too long ago, you've been a good friend to me.''

Luna looked at him, ''But of course, I want our friendship to grow.''

The earth pony nodded with a small smile. "And so do I your high-bwahag!'' Before Quentin could finish, Luna placed her hoof over his mouth with a faint smile.

''Please Quentin, don't ever call me that again. Address me as you would any other friend.''

Quentin nodded once she took her hoof away from his mouth, ''Ok Luna, and don't worry it will be fine.''

Luna gazed at Quentin perplexed at his words. "What do you mean?''

"I mean, whatever's going on, it'll be ok,'' Quentin spoke with a warm smile.

Luna stared at him blankly for a few moments before sighing solemnly. ''I hope so too Quentin, but-''

"But nothing!'' Quentin cut in abruptly, shocking Luna. "I may be from another world, and I may have only been in Equestria for only four short weeks, but I've really come to love this world and the ponies in. Plus we have the Elements of Harmony at our side, so there's no way that anything bad is going to happen.''

Luna shook her head with a small, faint smile. "Quentin...''

Quentin smiled and took his friend's hoof in his. "Don't worry Luna, whatever bad that happens, it'll pass to make way for an even brighter day.''

His words seemed to have reassured Luna and she gave Quentin a fond smile. "Quentin...thank thee for such comforting words. If things don't turn for the worst, I would like us to have a real, pleasant conversation over a spot of tea.''

"WHEN things don't turn for the worst,'' Quentin corrected firmly, before smiling warmly at her. "And that sounds like a plan Luna.''

Luna giggled before the two shared another embrace. After a few moments, they broke apart and Luna spoke with a serious face. "Let us go back inside Quentin. Together, let's figure out a way to stop Chrysalis from making the biggest mistake of her life.''

Quentin nodded firmly and the both of them proceeded to walk towards the doorway, with the stallion following Luna, but then he suddenly spoke out.

"Hey Luna?'' Luna looked over at him, ''Yes Quentin.''

He didn't know what possessed him to do it, but Quentin just quickly strode over to his friend and embraced her. "Quentin? Are thee alright?'' Luna asked with a bewildered expression.

"I...I just want to thank you. Thank you for you and Celestia for leaving an opportunity for me to come to this world,'' Quentin spoke tenderly.

Luna looked surprised for a brief moment, before smiling warmly and returning the hug. "I'm the one that's thankful Quentin. I'm thankful that is was you that the well chose to appear itself to. Like I said before, you fit the merits to come to Equestria perfectly,'' Luna whispered in Quentin's ear.

Quentin's heart warmed at her words. Though when he first came there, Quentin was confused and afraid and was eager to return back to Earth, but after spending three weeks here with his six precious, Quentin couldn't imagine living life without getting to know each one of them. He looked at Luna and responded with a slight sigh.

"I'm really not that special to be honest, but I'm glad to have met you, Celestia, and of course my six friends.''

Luna smiled at him and gave the human a surprise nuzzle to his face. "But you are special Quentin. To me, and especially to your friends.''

Quentin sighed happily as he closed his eyes as the beautiful princess of the night nuzzled him. After a moment, Luna broke the nuzzle and decided that they should make way back inside. As Luna went through the doorway, she stopped and nodded.

''Rainbow Dash,'' Luna greeted politely.

Indeed, Quentin saw the bold, rainbow maned Pegasus had walked towards them. "Yeah, hey there Princess Luna,'' Rainbow Dash greeted, giving Luna a slight bow. Luna smiled softly, but soon became serious as she walked passed her and into the castle.

"Hey Rainbow, what's up?'' Quentin said to his cyan friend.

Rainbow Dash's behavior surprised him, instead of the bold, daring Pegasus Quentin had known her to be, she seemed rather...awkward, uncertain, nervous even. "O-Oh heya Quentin,'' Rainbow Dash greeted uneasily.

Quentin cocked his head to the side in bewilderment. What was wrong with her? In fact she's been displaying weird behavior for weeks now since Quentin had been here. It kind of started just a little bit after the chimera attack.

"Rainbow Dash, what is it? Is something wrong?'' Quentin finally asked.

Rainbow Dash said nothing, and looked away briefly before looking at him with a fake smile. "Uh, y-yeah Q, I'm good. Why wouldn't I be?'' Rainbow Dash chuckled nervously, scratching the back of her head, but Quentin saw through her ploy and he decided to speak.

"You're lying.'' His response caught the Pegasus off guard and she denied frantically.

''What?! Whaddya mean? I'm OK!''

Quentin looked at her with a stern look, ''It's faint, but something's bothering you. In fact, you've been acting like this around me more than a few times for a few weeks now. I may have known you only for a couple of weeks, but I've learned how you normally behave.'' He then softened his expression and placed a hoof on her shoulder. "Now come on, tell me what's bothering you.''

Rainbow Dash had tensed up at his touch, but quickly relaxed. His prying seemed to unnerve her and she glanced quickly around while looking scared, but finally sighed deeply in defeat.

"I'm fine Quentin it's just...yesterday I almost saw you die...I'm just worried about you.''

Quentin sighed, ''Rainbow, I appreciate your concern, but I'm fine now really. Yeah I had some fatigue from the loss of oxygen but that's over now. So stop worrying about me.''

Rainbow nodded with an embarrassed grin, ''Yeah, OK. I mean ya did take down a chimera all by yourself after all. Sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable.''

Rainbow Dash then gazed away with a somber look. Quentin saw this and sighed, regretting being so blunt in his response and he brought her in for a one leg embrace, shocking her. "No really Rainbow, it's ok. I'm really glad to know that you care so deeply for me.''

Rainbow Dash stared blankly for a moment, a blush coming to her face before closing her eyes and sighed, returning the embrace. "Of course I care about you Q, we've gotten so tight over the past few weeks. I'll always have your back.''

Quentin smiled fondly at his friend's loyalty and spoke softly, ''No, I'll always have your back Dash.''

At this, Rainbow Dash smiled warmly to herself. They soon broke apart and when Quentin looked at her he saw that her face was a light, rosy red, the blush having never left her cheeks.

"Are you sure that's all that's bothering you Dash? I mean, your face is pretty red. Do you have a fever?'' He raised a hoof in an attempt to feel her forehead, but Rainbow quickly drew back.

"Oh yeah Q, I'm fine! It's just a little hot out here. First day of summer ya know!'' Dash tried to reason.

It was true, it was pretty hot today, hey even Quentin was beginning to sweat. He nodded, ''Ok, let's go back in with the others.''

"Yeah, right behind you Quentin,'' Rainbow Dash answered.

As Quentin walked passed her, Rainbow Dash had a look as if she was having some sort of inner conflict within herself. Finally she called loudly, ''Quentin wait!''

The stallion froze in his tracks and whipped around. "Yeah Dash, what is it?''

Rainbow Dash bit her lip and looked away uncertainly, as if trying to find the right words to say. Quentin stared at her, his head cocked to one side as he waited for a response. Finally, Rainbow Dash looked at him that blush still on her face with an uneasy look and spoke.

''T-there is something I want to tell you.''

"Ok, what it is" Quentin asked, intrigued at what she wanted to tell him.

Rainbow nodded and took a deep, long sigh, to compose herself. Apparently, she needed all the courage to tell Quentin what she needed to say. "You remember that night when we flew together? And I asked you if you ever felt like you were missing out on something?''

Quentin thought back to that night where Rainbow Dash had took him on a flight through the skies and smiled faintly with a nod. "Yeah I do. What about it though?''

Rainbow took another deep breath and looked at him, with an uneasy gaze, the blush never leaving. "W-Well what I meant was...lately I've been feeling like I've been missing out on something.''

Quentin blinked a few times quizzically. "Really, like what?''

Rainbow Dash nervously walked closer to him, narrowing the gap between them. Quentin found it quite odd and a sinking feeling came to his gut. "Rainbow?'' he asked uncertainly.

Rainbow lightly gritted her teeth as she looked at Quentin with a strange gaze, a looked that seemed to telling she desperately wanted to tell him something. They were a mere few feet away from each other, gazing into each other's eyes as Rainbow Dash continued.

"Quentin, what I'm trying to say is...I think that...that I-'' before Rainbow Dash could finished, a voice called.

''Quentin! Rainbow Dash! You two should really come back. We need all the help we can get to figure out a plan!''

Quentin and Rainbow Dash both jumped and Quentin whipped his head around to see Twilight standing halfway from the doorway. She had a rather disapproving look on her face, probably from the stress of the situation at hand, or hoof in this case.

"Yeah, coming Twi!'' Quentin answered. He turned back to the cyan Pegasus. "Twilight's right. We need to deal with this now. Can whatever you need to tell me wait till after this is over with?''

Rainbow Dash grinned brightly, her blush vanishing. "Yeah, sure thing Q! No need to worry about it. It can definitely wait.''

Quentin smiled softly with a nod and patted her on the shoulder and went back inside. As he walked towards Twilight, she asked him, ''Quentin, is everything alright between you and Rainbow Dash?''

Quentin nodded, '''Yeah, we were just talking.''

"About what exactly?'' Twilight asked cautiously, as if she was almost frightened.

"Just things that happened lately,'' the stallion shrugged. "Nothing too critical.''

"Oh ok,'' Twilight seemed rather relieved about that. "Well let's get back to the others.''

Quentin nodded, and walked with Twilight back to the group, with Twilight walked rather close to the stallion's side, but he paid no attention. Rainbow Dash stood on the balcony and formed an irritated frown as she lowered her head and grumbled, ''Thanks a lot Twilight. After I finally…UGH!''

Rainbow Dash let out a frustrated cry followed by long sigh and she reluctantly hovered and flew in to meet the rest back in the corridor.

Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, and Quentin made it back to the group, with him standing beside Applejack. While the rest of the group formed a sort of a circle, Discord hovered near one of the stained glassed windows, moping somberly as he looked at the window.

"So what are we going to do about this? If what everything you told us is true, it's only a matter of time before the Changeling Queen attacks!'' Shining Armor spoke up with a serious gaze.

"But what about this Chthon...he can't really be an actual being can he?'' Cadence asked skeptically.

"According to Discord he is,'' Celestia answered, her head lowered a bit with a firm tone." I know Discord can still have questionable traits, and he certainly isn't above deceiving, but something tells me he isn't lying about this.''

Celestia looked up at the hovering Discord. "I've never seen him this frazzled and unnerved about anything before.''

"Sister it's already passed ten o'clock. The Harmonic Conjunction begins in no less than two hours and at that time, we will be powerless to control the moon and sun,'' Luna spoke urgently.

Celestia sighed and looked at her younger sister regrettably, ''I know Luna, but we don't know the first place to start looking.''

After a brief silence and looking around at each other, Twilight suddenly spoke up with a look of realization, ''Hang on!''

They all looked at the purple unicorn, her tiara upon her head. "Twilight what is it. Did you come up with something?'' Rarity asked eagerly.

Twilight nodded, ''Chrysalis said she was going to put her final plan into motion right?''

"Yeahhhh, annnnd?'' Rainbow Dash egged on with a confused frown.

"And the Book of Omniscience said that collecting the Cosmic Gems isn't enough. They also need to find a way to merge their powers to become omnipotent!''

Quentin widened his eyes at the revelation. "She's right. And if that's the case...''

"That's the final part of her plan. That's where she'll probably be heading next!'' Twilight concluded.

The others all chattered, filled with hope that they might have found a lead. Discord peered over his shoulder and looked down, his face twisted with a deep, thoughtful frown.

"Brilliant Twilight Sparkle!'' Arcanus praised, causing the unicorn to blush and look away humbly.

Pinkie Pie suddenly bounced all around excitedly, ''Yay! So all we need to do is go to the place where she'll merge of the gems to become an even more nasty, meanie!'' Pinkie Pie then suddenly stopped in midair and scratched her head confusingly, ''Um, where would that be exactly?''

"I...have no idea,'' Twilight began confidently before trailing off and letting off a frustrated cry. All her friend's faces fell instantly.

"Well, I guess we're back ta square one y'all,'' Applejack announced disheartened.

"Chrysalis needs to merge the gems together, so she had to have taken them to some kind of device to channel their powers into herself,'' Celestia deduced.

"No...she couldn't possibly be going there!' 'Discord suddenly spoke up in disbelief and horror.

The equines all looked at the spirit as Fluttershy asked, ''What do you mean? She couldn't possibly be going where?''

Discord paced in the air a few times before finally turning his attention towards us and came down. "Chthon's resting place...the place where my father was defeated and imprisoned in stone.''

The others all just sort of stared at Discord rather quizzically. "His resting place? And this is the location of the way for Chrysalis to merge the powers of the Cosmic Gems?'' Celestia asked, trying to understand.

Discord just shook his head and began to pace restlessly. "But that's just the quandary. Few to none know of the existence of Chthon, so few to none would know the location of where he was sealed. There's no way Chrysalis could even know where it is.''

"Well she used the Book of Omniscience to learn about the Cosmic Gems, who's to say she didn't also find a way to bring their powers together?'' Rarity suggested.

Celestia stepped forward and answered, ''It's a high possibility, but Twilight suggested that the Comic Gems may be affecting Chrysalis's mind. Discord, is it possible that the gems could cause a pony to be corrupted the more they possess them?''

Discord's thoughtful face then widened to an expression of great realization and fear. "Of course...''

They all looked at each other uncertainly and Applejack asked, ''So the gems are making her ornery as dogs fightin' over a bone?''

Discord turned around and replied, ''No...much worst. I have a feeling that Chthon might be controlling her.''

His listeners all gasped at Discord's answer. "How can that be possible? Chthon is supposed to be encased in stone, how could he be controlling Chrysalis?!'' Luna asked loudly.

Celestia's shock was soon replaced by a calm stern and muttered, ''It's the Cosmic Gems is it?''

Discord nodded, ''The Cosmic Gems are the remnants of Chthon, which means he still lives through the gems.''

Arcanus nodded and spoke, ''That makes sense. And if that's true, then Chthon might be altering Chrysalis' mind to take her where he wants to go, in this case-''

Discord swallowed a lump that formed among his fears and finished. "To the place where he was sealed...so that my father could once again arise and exert his cataclysmic will upon this world.''

Discord then formed a slight, thoughtful smile as he lightly stroked his goat beard. "Would actually be stupendous if-''

"Discord...'' Fluttershy suddenly spoke up, hovering with her forelegs crossed giving him a disapproving frown.

Discord visibly faltered and chuckled awkwardly, but this wasn't a humorous matter. There was frantic chatter among Quentin and his friends about the possibility of Chrysalis' next destination. They all jumped when a loud ringing of a clock, possibly from a nearby clock tower or from the castle itself, rang out. Twilight ran to one of the windows and looked outward to the right to see a spire in the shape of a clock tower the same coloration as the rest of the palace and her face dropped in fear.

"No...''she uttered under her breath. "It's eleven...''

Twilight turned her attention to the sky and aw that the sun was almost at its highest point, which distressed her even more. Twilight then turned to the others with an upset expression.

"It's eleven o'clock now!''

The rest of them had glances of fear and looked at one another. "T-that means the Harmonic Conjunction is in one hour!'' Rarity spoke in terror, a hoof over her heart.

Rainbow Dash frowned angrily and muttered, ''Cud!''

Celestia whipped back around at Discord and stepped towards him. "Discord you need to take us to where Chthon was sealed away...NOW!'' Celestia ordered forcefully.

Discord looked at her as if she'd lost her mind and looked around frantically. "Me?!'' he exclaimed.

"Yes you! You're the only one that knows where it is!'' Luna argued, coming beside her sister.

"Yes but sealed or not...I don't want to go anywhere near my father. I may have been distrustful in the past, but you have to believe me my chaos was just foal's play compared to his. Stone or not just being in his presence would destroy me!'' Discord stuttered fearfully.

The others all frowned at Discord as Rainbow Dash got in his face, ''So you're not gonna help us, is that it?! So you're just gonna let Equestria be destroyed?!''

Discord looked away shamefully as he twiddled his fingers. "Well...I...'' he muttered.

Fluttershy suddenly flew forward and looked Discord in the eyes, a stern yet also sad gaze. "Discord...you said that you wanted to be friends, and friends help each other. This is a very serious situation, so unless you want to continue being friends, then you will take us to where Chrysalis is heading.''

Her six friends all looked at each other, impressed at Fluttershy's sudden boldness. Discord looked sadly at Fluttershy and after a moment let out a sigh and spoke somberly in defeat.

''Well played Fluttershy...well played. Very well.''

The rest of her friends' faces lit happily. "Alright Fluttershy!'' Quentin praised, causing the yellow Pegasus to look back at him with a blush and a shy smile.

"Then it's settled,'' Celestia spoke up with a serious look. "We'll leave at once.''

Her subjects and Quentin agreed and upon the chatter, a sleepy voice spoke up. "Twilight?''

Twilight turned to see Spike, rubbing the sleep from his eyes as he finally woke up. "Spike,'' Twilight said softly, trotting over to him. "Finally awake I see you sleepy head,'' Twilight said playfully, but with sad smile, rubbing his head.

"What's going on? What did Princess Celestia mean by 'leaving at once'?'' Spike asked groggily.

Twilight's face with disappointment as she tried to find the best way to explain to the baby dragon. "We finally figured out where Chrysalis might be headed,'' Twilight answered.

Spike's sleepy demeanor quickly faded and was replaced by a shocked expression. "Wait, seriously?!''

Twilight nodded, ''Yeah, and Discord is about to take us there.''

"But won't she have the Cosmic Gems? How are you gonna fight her? Remember what she did to Canterlot and Ponyville?'' Spike asked fearfully.

Twilight sighed sadly and spoke, ''Of course Spike, that's why we leaving, to defeat Chrysalis once and for all and make sure nothing like that ever happens again. It'll be dangerous, so it'll be best if you stayed here in Canterlot until we come back.''

Spike looked at his friend sadly and asked, ''But...what about you guys? Will you be ok?''

Twilight nodded, forcing a determined smile. "Of course we'll be ok Spike. We have the Elements of Harmony.'' Twilight pointed to her tiara resting on her head.

"Darn tootin'! Applejack added, as she, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Quentin went over to join them. "With these bad boys, well beat that no good Chrysalis lickety split!'' Applejack assured with a confident smirk.

Rainbow Dash added with a determined, aggressive grin, ''You know it. We beat her once, and we sure as hay can do it again!''

Applejack winced a bit as she spoke up to Rainbow Dash, ''Well technically speakin' it was Princess Cadence an' Shinin' Armor that beat her last time.''

Rainbow Dash frowned and retorted irritably, ''Whatever point is she's going down anyway!''

Quentin couldn't help but chuckle at this correction. "They're right darling. As long as we stick together, we'll come out of this alright. So you don't have to worry your cute little head Spikey Wikey.'' Rarity added with a coo as she rubbed Spike on the head. Spike sighed happily with a love struck gaze as Rarity rubbed his head.

"My little ponies, we must hurry before it's too late,'' Celestia suddenly called over to the friends, taping her hoof on the ground.

"She's right! It's almost noon after all!'' Fluttershy lightly gasped.

"Well what are we waiting for?! Let's go save Equestria again!'' Pinkie Pie exclaimed happily, bouncing repeatedly.

The others all voiced their agreement. Spike suddenly embraced Twilight. "Promise me you'll come back,'' Spike pleaded to his friend.

Twilight smiled warmly, returning the hug. "We'll come back Spike, I promise.''

After a moment, the two broke apart and the seven ponies turned and headed back to the princesses. Once they regrouped, Celestia turned to Shining Armor and Cadence. "Can we trust you two to look after things until we come back?''

"Of course Princess Celestia,'' Shining Armor replied with a serious nod.

''Yes, we'll continue to lead Equestria until you're returned, ''Cadence added firmly.

Celestia nodded gratefully and Twilight walked towards her brother and sister-in-law. "Twily...'' Shining Armor spoke, giving his sister a very concerned look before bringing her in for a tight embrace.

Twilight sighed sadly, returning the embrace. "I know Armor, but don't worry, we've done things like this before.

"That doesn't mean I still can't worry about you,'' Shining Armor replied.

Twilight lifted her head and looked at Armor, giving him a reassuring smile. "I'll be fine really, especially if I'm with my friends.''

Shining Armor and Cadence gazed at her six uncertainly, but when they gave them confident smiles, they too smiled with satisfaction. "You're right Twilight. Your friends are an amazing bunch of ponies,'' Cadence smiled, and went in to join the hug.

"You better come back in one piece Twilight,'' Shining Armor said firmly, yet with a sad expression.

Twilight nodded, ''I will Armor...I promise.''

Shining Armor and Cadence responded with an embrace for the unicorn. "We love you Twilight,'' Cadence spoke tenderly.

"I love you guys too,'' Twilight responded sincerely.

To see such a tender moment, especially with family almost made Quentin tear up with emotion. "Hey Quen...'' Applejack said, tapping him on the shoulder.

"What's up AJ?'' he asked turning to her.

"Maybe you should stay here too,'' Applejack suggested with a concerned look.

Quentin looked at her, surprised by her remark. "And why would I do that?''

"It's jus' that the last time ya came with us, ya almost died. I don't want ta risk losing ya again,'' Applejack answered, giving the stallion a very forlorn look.

His answer didn't need thinking and Quentin said firmly, ''Applejack, I'm not going anywhere.''

Applejack clearly wasn't expecting her friend's reply and argued. "But Quentin-''

"But nothing!'' Quentin cut her off. "It's like Pinkie Pie said, we're friends, and friends stick together no matter what.'' He then lifted a hoof and placed it gently on her freckled cheek and gave her a fond smile. "So no matter what you say, I'm never going to leave you girls. I'm never going to leave you.''

Applejack looked at Quentin, a speechless expression on her face. As he rubbed her face, a light, rosy blush came over her cheeks and the looked at him with half shut eyes, a lovely smile on her beautiful face. They rest of their friends smiled warmly but gratefully at Quentin's answer, but Discord spoke up impatiently.

''Not to ruin this, ugh sentimental moment, but if we're going to stop Chrysalis we better leave now.''

Luna nodded seriously, "Discord's right. Time is of the essence.''

"Yes, is everypony ready?'' Celestia asked around.

Quentin, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Luna, Arcanus, and Discord voiced their readiness, though the latter said nothing and merely nodded halfheartedly. Clearly he wasn't looking forward to going to the place where his supposed father was sealed away, but there was no choice, they had to go and he was the only one that knows where it is.

"Alright girls,'' Twilight said as she made her way back to the group. Everypony's got their Elements?''

"Check!'' Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie said in unison, each displaying their gold necklaces with their cutie mark shaped gemstones in the center.

"Alright then. Discord, if you don't mind?'' Arcanus spoke.

Discord sighed as he glumly made his way towards them, ''Very well. Stay close everypony, it'll be a bumpy ride.''

As the group all stayed close to one another, they took one last glance at the worried Shining Armor, Cadence, and Spike. Spike sadly waved goodbye, to which Twilight returned with a sad smile. Discord raised his lion's paw and with a snap of his fingers, they were gone in a flash of white light. This method of transportation was much different than Arcanus'. While Arcanus' method felt as if they were spinning rapidly though space, with Discord they were all enveloped by a white light, so intense, the group except for Arcanus, Celestia, Luna, and Discord had to shield their eyes, for it was like they'd just stepped through a door of shining light. It was brief, and when the light subsided they unshielded their eyes and to their shock Quentin and his friends found themselves in an entirely new destination.

They were now somewhere among a seemingly unending rocky badlands of some sort. The eleven stood along a cliff, a small outcropping of rock that overlooked a shattered vista below. There were numerous large and high rock pillars, one standing from the vista below had a massive gap in it, as if something had taken a big bite out of it. It was similar to the canyon that led to Biblio Templum, except there was stronger winds that blew regularly. They saw more than a few craters from their point of the endless badlands, all under a cloud filled, golden sky where the sun was just visible overhead, almost reaching its high point.

"Where are we?'' Twilight finally asked, looking around.

"This isn't the same place as where we went to Biblio Templum is it?'' Quentin asked bewildered as he glanced around, a gust of wind blowing.

Discord answered darkly, ''No...this is far away from where you pones have been to.''

"So I'm to guess we're not in Equestria then?'' Luna asked with a stern frown.

"Right you are Princess,'' Discord answered rather sarcastically. Discord turned his attention back towards the ongoing terrain and continued. "What you see before you is the scarred outcome of a battle between two gods.''

The others all looked at Discord with disbelieving looks. "You mean between Chiron and Chthon? They caused all this?!'' Quentin asked in disbelief.

Discord nodded silently. "Honestly, I had hope to never step foot here. Even before reformation, I never desired to free my father. As his spawn of evil and chaos, I never wanted face his power.''

The rest just stared at Discord for a moment at his grim remark as another gust of wind blew, causing most of the group to raise a hoof over their faces.

. "Land sakes. Mighty strong winds round these parts!'' Applejack said loudly, just barely catching her hat that blew off her head.

"Really! These winds are blowing dust in my mane!'' Rarity whined, guarding her beautiful mane.

The winds were so strong that Fluttershy was even tipped back, but was caught by Rainbow Dash. "Goodness. I think that I'll just stay grounded for a bit,'' Fluttershy squeaked.

A cry pf glee rang out and they all turned to see Pinkie Pie being carried around by the strong winds. "Wee, you guys really need this!''

Some of her friends groaned and when Pinkie Pie flew towards Applejack, she grabbed her by the tail with her mouth and brought her down, much to Pinkie's disappointment. Celestia then spoke up.

''Discord, we're running out of time. Are we near the place where Chthon was sealed?''

"Yes, we're close...I know.'' Discord shuddered roughly. "Even sealed I can still feel his presence here. That path over there will lead us to his burial,'' Discord added, pointing to a rocky path that lead further in the badlands.

"The let us make way. Noon approaches quickly,'' Arcanus said in his deep, reassuring voice.

The others all agreed and Discord lead the way into the badlands. The equines and draconequus followed the path and found themselves galloping through a trench, save for Celestia, Luna, Discord, and Rainbow Dash who were flying along the way. Rock walls stood high in the trench causing a slight decrease in sunlight, but that did not stop winds from blowing against them.

"Does anypony know what time is it? We've been galloping for a while now!'' Twilight breathed as she and her friends continued their journey through the barren badlands.

Celestia gritted her teeth as she gazed upward to the golden clouded skies. Her horn then glowed with a billowing golden aura, pointed right at the sun. "I'm trying to move the sun, but nothing's happening!'' Celestia finally said disappointed, the glowing of her horn ceasing.

"Then does that mean?'' Rarity began fearfully.

"The Harmonic Conjunction is nearing. We must hurry!'' Luna finished with gritted teeth.

Rainbow Dash frowned, ''Then let's put a move on it!''

The others didn't need to be told twice and they increased their speed. Quentin didn't know how long they've been running, but eventually they came to a ravine, but immediately after coming to the ravine, the group skidded to a halt. With clenched teeth, Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, Celestia, Luna, and Quentin glared deeply as they saw the swarm of Changelings advancing towards a narrow opening in the rock face in front of them.

Apparently they heard them, for they turned around and hissed menacingly at the Equestrians before parting to make way for Chrysalis herself, the six Cosmic Gems floating around her.

"Ah if it isn't the Princesses Celestia and Luna along with the Elements of Harmony. Coming to witnesses my ascension to the most powerful being in the world have you?'' Chrysalis said mockingly with a smug smile.

You wish you hag!'' Rainbow Dash retorted aggressively, ready to fight.

"We've come to put a stop in your plans once in for all Chrysalis!'' Celestia growled.

Chrysalis laughed, ''Oh I seriously doubt that. In just a few moments, the power of the Cosmic Gems shall flow through me, allowing me to lay my wrath upon this pathetic world!''

At the last words, Chrysalis' voice became more distorted with that, dark, demonic voice and her eyes briefly glowed an unholy red.

Instantly Discord felt a sharp sensation throughout his body, an eerie feeling of dread. "So, it's true then?'' he thought to himself. "She really is being controlled.''

"Chrysalis, you have no idea of the danger you're putting yourself in. If you continue with your plans-'' Arcanus began but was cut off by Chrysalis.

"What I know is, that in a few, precious moment's ultimate power will be mine. And your little trinkets won't even compete with my newfound divinity!''

Discord growled, ''Fool...if only you knew of the evil you're going to unleash.''

Chrysalis leered at Discord and sneered, "Well, well, well if it isn't the legendary Discord, master of chaos. Been set free to serve as their pet have we?'' Chrysalis laughed degradingly as Discord let out another dark growl as the changeling queen continued. However, the only evil that will be unleased will be my evil. Enough of this, it's time to fulfill my destiny. Changelings destroy them!''

Her subjects obeyed their power crazed queen and proceeded to advance towards their targets, hovering and filling the air with a loud buzz as if a swarm of insects were closing in. Chrysalis turned and proceeded to go through the narrow rock way and to the light on the other side. The rest of the ponies prepared for a fight that had to be finished right away.

Before they knew it, the Changelings had charged in on them and their battle began. Like before, numbers meant nothing and the group easily fought back Changeling after Changeling.

"I'm getting sick of ya pony insect, reject freaks!'' Applejack called out as she buck a group of Changelings, sending them flying in different directions.

Rarity did and impressive spin in the air and kicked a Changeling that came after her, only to be replaced by dozen more. "These horrid things just don't know when to give up!'' Rarity groaned.

A Changeling leaped at Quentin, but he countered with a hard kick in its stomach followed by a rapid flow of punches to the face, and finally a powerful buck, sending it crashing to a group Changelings and scattering like a bowling ball hitting pins.

"That's for trying to kill me you sons of bitches!'' Quentin growled.

Discord grunted as he punched back Changelings left and right with glowing yellow claws. One Changeling tried to sneak up on him from behind and lunged at him, but Discord was prepared and with a loud grunt he thrust his lion's fist straight through a surprised Changeling's chest before thrusting his other fist through it and effortlessly ripped the minion in half.

"Oh my, Discord! Was that really necessary?'' Fluttershy asked, horrified and sickened by the sight as sickly bluish green blood puddled the ground in front of the draconequus and soaking his claws, drops of blood dripping from them.

Discord brushed off Fluttershy's comment and turned around and growled darkly, flapping the blood from his hands, ''We don't have time for this! Chrysalis will surely reach Chthon's burial.''

"No she won't!'' Luna seethed as she blasted back a few more Changelings. "We will end this!''

"Agreed Luna!'' Arcanus said and a surprisingly loud tone and a furious look on his face.

Before any of them knew it, Arcanus' horn was enveloped in a billowing, bluish white aura that quickly became intense. Arcanus let out a brief cry and leaped up on his rear legs as a massive wave of bluish white energy rippled across the scene, shocking the rest of the group greatly. Though the wave passed through them painlessly, it violently blasted back the whole swarm of Changelings. The wave of energy rippled and rippled continuously, sending the Changelings soaring into rocky walls. Finally with the spell's work done, the rippling stopped and Arcanus fell back on all fours as the light from his horn faded.

Soon after, the Changelings slid and fell down from the rock walls and on the craggy ground, like insects falling to death after coming into contact with a bug zapper. It wasn't long until the limp bodies of the Changelings swarm littered the ground around the group of eleven. Though they weren't sure if they were dead, all they knew that the changelings were no longer a threat to them.

"Damn...'' Quentin finally let out under his breath, a shocked expression upon his face.

"T-that had to be the most powerful repulsion spell I've ever seen!'' Twilight let out flabbergasted.

"Brilliant Arcanus, truly brilliant!'' Celestia praised.

Discord snorted, ''Impressive Arcanus. Could've done it better myself, but impressive nonetheless.''

"Well that takes care of these varmints,'' Applejack whistled.

"Yeah, serves you meanies right!'' Pinkie Pie added, sticking her tongue out at the nearest one.

"Quickly everypony! We must stop Chrysalis!'' Celestia suddenly spoke up seriously.

Twilight nodded with a frown. "She's right guys. This isn't over yet.''

"Then let's finish this,'' Luna spoke with determination, which Quentin and his six friends agreed.

Without hesitation, they all quickly made way down through the dimly lit fissure. Though narrow, it was large enough for all of them to venture through. Closer and closer they were getting to the light at the other end of the fissure until finally the group made it through and came out into the light. The eleven skidded to a halt and gazed in bewilderment at their new surroundings. They had come out of the fissure and into that of an ancient, decimated ruins of some kind, settled in a vast, clear area of the badlands. They walked passed a black stoned, crumbling archway as they looked around at our new surroundings.

From what the ponies saw, any and every structure was made out of coal black stone. Numerous, crumbling pillars stood about, some high, while others seemed to have broken halfway. Large black boulders littered the area as if they were the leftover debris of a large object that was destroyed in an explosion. There were also various, half destroyed stone structures that were tilted in the ground while others seemed to take the form of crudely appearing creatures, or maybe demons of some kind. In fact, the entire ruins were crudely structured, giving off an eerie, chaotic feel to them.

"Where...are we?'' Twilight asked astounded, gazing around the ancient ruins.

Discord answered, all while beginning to shudder more violently, clutching his eagle claw while his lion's paw was clutched over his chest. "This was the final site where Chthon was laying waste unto this world,'' Discord answered with a troubled tone. "This was the site where Chiron sealed my father in his stone prison.''

"I can believe that. There's somethin' bout' this place...it jus' don't feel right,'' Applejack shivered with a disturbed look.

She wasn't the only one, the rest of us felt unnerved just being in these ruins, despite it being lifeless and abandoned. Luna turned to Celestia with an unsettled look, ''Celestia...''

Celestia nodded with a stern, troubled frown, ''Yes Luna I feel it too. There is a great evil earthed here. I'm getting disgusted by the very feel of it.''

While the others looked around, Quentin looked forward and said loudly, pointing in front of them, ''Look!''

Everyone looked forward to where he was pointing at and saw the distant figure of Chrysalis taking the Cosmic Gems to a stone platform of some kind. "Quickly, we must stop her!'' Arcanus spoke up.

With gritted teeth, they all galloped after the evil queen through the ruins. Chrysalis walked up five steps and onto the large, square shaped platform, which appeared to be an altar, which seemed to have been in the very heart of the ruins. She walked to the center where rather peculiar design was etched into it. It was a depiction of a very large...creature of some kind, or was it a demon? The creature was in the center, its arms raised to the sides of its head while its legs were bent and caused a 'M' formation. The creature seemed to where nothing except for what looked like a loincloth. Like the rest of the ruins, time had did so much corrosion that it was difficult to clearly depict what kind of creature was it, though one thing it was clear that it had an equine like head as well as six empty, oval shaped slots that surrounded him.

The creature and slots were encased in a large circle with strange symbols within the circle. Though just an etching, the creature was even bigger than Chrysalis, far bigger. Chrysalis leered down at the etching and soon trailed a hoof around one of the oval shaped slots and grinned evilly.

"Six sockets for six gems. So this must be were the Cosmic Gems were created. And so this must be the only place to merge their powers in to me.''

"Chrysalis!'' Celestia bellowed.

Chrysalis' left ear twitched at the sound of incoming clopping and turned around to see Celestia, her sister, and the rest galloping towards the altar. "Well, well, it seem my minion could not stop you the worthless ingrates,'' Chrysalis began coldly, but then smiled wickedly. "But no matter, nothing can stop me now. Especially not you pathetic foals!''

With the red Power Gem, Chrysalis fired a greenish red beam of energy from her horn. Before we knew it, they were stopped and entrapped by a dome of greenish red energy. Rainbow Dash punched the dome with all her might, but to no avail.

"Damn it!'' Rainbow Dash swore.

Chrysalis laughed as she came to the edge of the stone steps. "Aw what's wrong Celestia? You're precious Elements of Harmony can't save the day for you again?''

Celestia growled as Luna seethed, ''Wretch. You have no idea what you're doing!''

Chrysalis smiled arrogantly, ''I know exactly what I'm doing. I'm going to merge the Cosmic Gems and become an almighty entity. And you pathetic mortals shall burn along with the rest of this world!''

Again at the last words, Chrysalis' voice changed to that horrible demonic state as her eyes became black with glowing red pupils. Discord felt an extreme, sharp sensation in his body and grunted, like something was repeatedly stabbing his heart and he heaved forward with his forehead against the barrier.

"Discord, are you ok?'' Fluttershy asked with concern, hovering next to the draconequus.

"Chrysalis, if you continue down this path, you will regret it!'' Discord grunted cryptically with a wince.

"I regret nothing Dissy dear!'' Chrysalis sneered. "And I'll gladly do it all again for those who would dare stand in my way! Now if you excuse, I have a world to conquer!''

As Chrysalis walked away, Celestia called out, ''Chrysalis!''

Chrysalis stopped, not looking back. "Chrysalis, please stop this. You have absolutely no idea what will happen if you merge the gems!'' Celestia tried desperately to reason with the queen.

Chrysalis didn't answer at first, but finally peered over her shoulder and relied, ''I know exactly what will happen Celestia. I will ascend to an almighty being that nopony will stand against.'' Chrysalis gave one last, evil smile before walking back to the center.

This was bad, very bad. Chrysalis was just moments away from making the biggest mistake of her life. "We need to break out of here!'' Twilight ordered and they all began to violently tried to break the barrier, but it was no use, it was simply to strong, even for a powerful unicorn like Arcanus.

"Look! Up in the sky!'' Pinkie Pie exclaimed.

They all looked up and to their sheer horror, they saw that the moon was beginning to rise up towards the sun. Closer and closer until finally, it rose and aligned in front of the burning star, replacing the golden, shining orb into a black sphere in the sky as the solar eclipse took place. The Harmonic Convergence had begun. The instant the eclipse started, a fiery flare erupted and expanded across the skies, immediately the skies darkened considerably, but not totally, with an outline of the sunlight coming from the solar eclipse. It was as if nighttime was denying the sun to come out to bring forth the daylight.

"No...the solar eclipse. The Harmonic Convergence...it started, ''Celestia said horrified.

They all stared up in fear. "What in Chiron's name are we going to do?'' Rarity asked desperately.

No one answered, none of them could answer. Up on the altar, Chrysalis made it back to the center and looked up into the skies and when she saw the eclipse, she smiled menacingly and licked her lips grotesquely as her eyes shined and unholy red.

"The planets are in place...now's the time I've waited eons for!'' Chrysalis suddenly pinched her eyes shut and brought a hoof to her head as if she was having a severe migraine.

It was brief and when she opened her eyes, they had become normal again and she shook her head to rid herself of any daze she was feeling. "Ugh, must've been the solar eclipse...from staring at it,'' Chrysalis tried to reason to herself for the strange feeling. "No matter, time to ascend to almighty greatness!''

The six Cosmic Gems rotated around her, glowing their respected colors.





"No...NO!'' Quentin cried out and began to punch and buck the barrier.

The others caught on and began their assault.

"The Power Gem,'' Chrysalis spoke and with her magic, place the red gem in the first socket on the etching. "The Soul Gem,'' Chrysalis spoke again, placing the green gem in the next socket.

"C'mon...break damn it!'' Rainbow Dash cried in frustration, continuously zooming in and giving the barrier blow after blow.

"The Mind Gem,'' Chrysalis continued and placed the blue gem in another socket.

"We...got ta...break through!'' Applejack grunted as she gave off powerful bucks to the barrier.

"The Space Gem,'' Chrysalis said as she put the orange gem in another empty socket.

Celestia and Luna through gritted teeth both fired powerful blasts of magic at the barrier, but it still didn't falter.

"The Time Gem, '' Chrysalis continued as she placed the purple gem in the fifth socket, leaving one empty socket left.

Discord gritted his teeth as his claws began to glow white. With a yell, he gave the barrier a powerful punch and it cracked. Chrysalis smiled devilishly as the last, remaining gem floated in front of her.

"And the Reality Gem,'' Chrysalis concluded and she placed the yellow gem in the last socked, filling all six sockets with the Cosmic Gems.

"No!'' Discord yelled and punched the barrier again, completely causing the barrier to shatter.

"Quickly!'' Luna called and they ran towards the altar, but it was too late.

The six gems before Chrysalis began to glow even brighter and soon began to rise from the sockets in perfect unison. Chrysalis didn't take her eyes of them for once second and smiled maniacally as the Cosmic Gems rose higher into the air. At the sight of the six gems glowing in the air, Quentin, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus all came to a complete stop right at the base of the steps and watched up in alarm.

"W-What's happenin'?!'' Applejack asked.

Discord shook his head and spoke fearfully,'' The ritual has started… it's the beginning of the end of this world.''

The comment sent a cold shiver through the others. "No...'' Fluttershy whimpered.

It wasn't until the gems were at least a hundred feet in the air when they finally stopped rising and floated in their place. "At last...ultimate power is mine! This entire world is mine! Behold you fools and bear witness to my ascension! Come to me my gems...Fill me with your absolute power!'' Chrysalis shrieked gleefully, hovering just over the ground with her forelegs outstretched.

Almost on cue, the Cosmic Gems began to spin, faster and faster gaining speed with each second until there was nothing but a rapidly spinning blur that glowed from the gems. Chrysalis just stared at the spinning gems, her smile still present as she waited for her reward for collecting the six powerful artifacts. However, when the gems continued to keep spinning, her smile faded into a look of confusion.

"W-What's this? Why won't they grant me my power?'' Chrysalis asked, confused.

Quentin and the rest all looked at the gems, still spinning rapidly. "What are we going to do?'' Quentin asked no one in particular.

No one answered, just stared up at the spinning blur in the darkened skies. "N-No...this can't be happening!'' Discord said fearfully, taking a step back, trembling with fear.

The others glanced at the spirit. "Discord?'' Celestia began with bewilderment.

Discord shook his head frantically. "H-He's coming...I can feel it. And he'll destroy us all! I...I can't handle this anymore!''

Before anyone could react, Discord was gone in a flash of light. "Discord!'' Twilight screamed, but the spirit was gone to parts unknown.

"Discord...'' Fluttershy muttered in disbelief and sadness.

"He ditched us! I can't believe it, he totally bailed on us!'' Rainbow Dash criticized aggressively.

"I'm afraid we've got bigger problems at the moment Rainbow Dash,'' Arcanus cut in, looking upward.

It was unknown how long the gems have been spinning, but Chrysalis had lost her patience. "Enough! Gems, I collected you, so you answer to me and me alone. I command you to give me your power!'' Chrysalis screamed, outraged.

The Cosmic Gems kept spinning until they expanded briefly before suddenly in a blink of an eye collided together. The effect was instantaneous and massive blast of energy erupted from the gems and fired down onto the etching in the center of the altar, blasting Chrysalis back with a scream. Chrysalis shook her head, her teal mane wild and gazed at the pillar of energy. The pillar seemed to glow with the combination of all six colors of the Cosmic Gems. As the pillar of energy struck the ground, the winds increased until suddenly, the pillar started to give off a crimson red and black, fire like appearance.

The eleven equines struggled against the winds and the light when suddenly an earthshattering roar rang out. In a sudden eruption of light, a creature suddenly emerged from the center of the alter and high in the air, still engulfed in the pillar of energy and whipped around, concealed behind a two pairs of large wings, but left its face exposed as it glared down at them all with burning, red eyes.

"CHAOS. WILL. REIGN!'' It bellowed in a, dark, demonic voice to the heavens as it sprang its wings open and spread its arms with clenched fists, scattering the red pillar as burning red embers scattered everywhere.

Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Quentin stared up at the entity, frozen with fear as Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus, frowned fearlessly through clinched teeth, coming in front of them with Celestia and Luna guarding them with their wings as they glared into the evil being whose eyes suddenly burst with dark red flames.

The ultimate evil has descended. Despite all their efforts and their battles, they could not prevent the revival of this entity of destruction. Chthon: father of Discord and the God of Chaos has risen once again.

> Advent of The God of Chaos
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------








Chthon let out another roar as Quentin, Applejack, Twilight, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie all stared astonished, and horrified to the darkened skies. Celestia and Luna stared at the God with brave glares, clenched teeth, and battle ready stances. Arcanus, though with bandage covered eyes, had fearless yet speechless gaze. But perhaps the most shocked and alarmed was Chrysalis, who stared at Chthon with her mouth ajar. She was expecting for her wish to be a completely unstoppable being with unlimited power, but instead the gems summoned this lord of darkness and chaos.

Chthon was truly unlike anything they all have never seen before. Like Discord, he had a head that was horse-like, but it wasn't like the head of the ponies of this world. Along with its horse features, he had a slight canine appearance to it, especially his muzzle, which was flared and was leaner than most stallion muzzles and housed razor sharp, canine like teeth. He had a white mane which unlike most ponies in the World of Harmony, Chthon's was styled in a flowing Mohawk that started from his upper back with the entire Mohawk flaring backwards saved for a large lock of hair at the center of the Mohawk that went down his back just stopping at the upper half which was tide into a tight ponytail that flowed in the wind with a lock of bang over his right eye. Chthon had thin, white, sharply shaped eyebrows along with a set of thinner white hair lining curving downward with a slight acute angle near his eyes.

Like his son, Chthon had a white goat beard coming from his chin similar to Discord's but a tad bit longer and instead of going down, it was pointed outward with a slight curve. He had pointed, dog like ears and atop of his head were a black dragon horn with a crimson red tip on the right side of his head while the left was a black deer antler with sharp points with both the horn and the antler crooked backwards. Chthon's body was, strangely, more humanoid compared to the rest of his features. His body was lean but well built, being muscular with a visible six pack abs and a chiseled chest, muscular arms with five fingered claws with sharp, black fingernails. Like his son, Chthon had two different legs and feet. His left foot was cloven with a black hoof, while his right was a four toed, canine foot with sharp nails, like that of a werewolf. His overall body was covered with a deep, purple colored coat as it was enveloped in a dark reddish black aura and he wore nothing but a flowing, dark red loincloth draped around his waist, the back flowing and covered all around his lower backside and reaching just a bit longer down past his feet and the front strip extending just past his knees with the overall loincloth tattered at the edges. On his backside the loincloth was a long, purple dragon's tail with spikes running down the center with a tuff of white hair at the tip. On Chthon's back were two pairs of large wings, far bigger than any Pegasus wings or even Celestia's wings herself, a pair positioned on his upper back and a pair on his lower back. The wings on his upper back had feathers, like that of an angel except the feathers that were black as the night with a tint of dark red along the bottom. The wings of his lower back were large, tattered, purple and red bat wings with numerous holes within them. One of his most frightening features were his eyes in which his sclera were pitch black and his pupils were an unholy red, which were bursting with dark, reddish black, fire like energy. With his appearance, to the ponies of the world, he would seem like some sort of demon...a demon that had emerged from the deepest bowels of Hell.

No one said nothing, just stared up at the god as he glared with burning eyes and gritted teeth as he observed his reawakened body. Finally he stared into his claws for a moment until his mouth formed the most sadistic looking, evil grin and he began to give off a soft dark chuckle. The chuckle grew louder and louder until finally Chthon gave off a loud, maniacal laughter that echoed in the sky was loud enough for all to hear, sending chills throughout Quentin's and his friends' bodies as the aura surrounding his body subsided.

As he laughed, the burning fire surrounding Chthon's eyes subsided and he clutched his hands into fist as his wings sprang further opened and finally what seemed like hours, he finally stopped laughing. His dark eyes, scanned the solar eclipsed dark skies and finally towards the earth...and landed right into Chrysalis' dumbstruck eyes. Chthon smirked darkly and pointed at Chrysalis.

''You! I thank you!'' Chthon spoke out in the most darkest, evil, demonic voice.

"No...no...NO! What is this?!'' Chrysalis shrieked frantically, getting back on all fours. "What happened to my precious Cosmic Gems?!''

Chthon only gave out a dark laughed. Chrysalis glared at him with an outraged look, ''W-Who are you?! What have you done to my gems?!''

"I would think that you would remember me Chrysalis. For I have been with you this whole time. Ever since you first found the Power Gem I've been with you...whispering in your ear,'' Chthon answered, crossing his arms as he locked his dark eyes onto the bewildered queen.

Twilight, Quentin, and the others said nothing, just continued to watch from where they were. Chrysalis gave Chthon a confused look before retorting aggressively.

"I don't know what you're talking about, but answer me; what have you done with my gems?!''

Chthon chuckled, ''You mean MY gems. They've simply became one with their one, true master.''

Chrysalis' face fell in shock at the answer. "No...NO! I'm the one that collected the Cosmic Gems. I'm the one deserving of their power!''

Chthon laughed again at her remark. "But it was I that have been controlling your mind for all this time. The more gems you've collected, the stronger my control over you became. In my condition at the time, it was impossible for me to seek of the Cosmic Gems until you ventured on your avarice fueled quest to locate them. And you've been such a perfect little pawn.''

The on looking all looked at one another with shocked glances. "So what Discord said was right. Chthon was controlling Chrysalis all this time,'' Celestia deduced.

They all shifted their attentions back to Chrysalis as she spat back at Chthon, flying up and getting into his face. Now that they were close together, their size differences could be seen clearly. Chthon was far bigger than the evil queen. He was easily twice her size, three times even, even more so than Celestia, Luna, and quite possibly the average human height. He was very well over ten feet tall.

"I don't know who you think you are, but if I did release you, then you are in service to me! You should serve me as my sla-GUH!'' Chrysalis began but was suddenly grabbed by the throat by Chthon, his grip easily clutching all around her neck.

Quentin and the others all gasped at the sight as Chrysalis choked and gasped for air in Chthon's grasp, her hooves wrapped around Chthon's arm in a futile attempt to pry his grip from her neck. Chthon brought her close in, their muzzles almost touching and he gave her a dark glare and growled menacingly.

"Insignificant insect. I serve no one, especially not a mere mortal.''

Chrysalis tried to speak, but Chthon's grip was just too strong, and she gasped for breath. Chthon continued, forming a slight, evil smile.

''Though I do believe you are right however. I could not have regained my powers if it hasn't been for your assistance. And so as a reward...I shall grant you a quick and painless journey to the nothingness void of death.''

The look on Chrysalis' face at what Chthon told her was sheer terror and before she could react, Chthon's eyes ignited with that dark, reddish black, flame like energy and suddenly shot Chrysalis with a powerful, crimson beam of energy from his eyes. Chrysalis screamed in pain as she was blasted towards the earth at great speeds and finally blasted through a pillar and hit the ground hard and painful. Quentin and the others gasped in horror at the evil God's sudden attack, to which Rarity muttered in disbelief with her hooves over her mouth.

"Oh dear lord!''

Chrysalis pushed aside some rubble as she slowly, but surely started to get up. Chthon's attack certainly did the damage it was intended to do. Chrysalis' coat was singed heavily, her teal mane even more unkempt than usual. Blood streamed from the many cuts she had now received as she grunted and staggered to get up.

"You...ugh...wretched fool!'' Chrysalis growled with a cough as she weakly stood up. "You...think you can kill me...that easily?!''

Chthon said nothing, just gave her a dark smirk with her arms crossed. "D-do you think we should, um, help?'' Fluttershy asked uncertainly.

"Are you bucking serious Fluttershy?!'' Rainbow Dash exclaimed with an angry frown. "After all the things she did?! That bitch deserves what's she'd getting!''

Rainbow Dash had a good point. Chrysalis brought nothing but death and misery in her quest for power. Fluttershy looked sadly and apologetically at Rainbow Dash.

''I know...but...I can't help but feel a little sorry for her being reduced to the state she's in right now.''

Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes as Rarity spoke up, ''Sweetie I know you mean well, and you truly deserve to be the bearer of the Element of Kindness, but I must agree with Rainbow on this-''

"NOW DIE!'' Chrysalis suddenly screamed, causing them to whip their attention back to the battle.

Chrysalis' horn began to glow a billowing green aura and got brighter as she prepared an attack. "Chrysalis no! This is not a fight you can win!'' Celestia called.

Chrysalis either didn't hear her, or just ignored her as she gritted her teeth and shot Chthon a deathly glare and finally fired a rather massive beam of green energy from her gnarled horn right at Chthon. The beam fired closer and closer to the deity, but he didn't move a muscle. He didn't even look like he was trying to evade, just kept glancing at the attack with that evil grin. Finally it happened and Chrysalis' attack hit Chthon causing a green explosion.

"She got him?!''Twilight asked loudly in shock.

"Looks that way!'' Applejack responded in awe.

From where the group were, it looked as if Chrysalis' attack was effective, but in reality, it didn't faze Chthon one bit, and he opened his mouth and began to inhale the attack until he devoured the last bit of green magic like a vacuum. With the beam inhaled, Chthon, exhaled through his nostrils, a brief burst of green energy coming out of them as he grinned wicked.

"W-What?!" Chrysalis cried out in alarm, seeing her attack had absolutely no effect on him.

The display caused the ten equines to look on in in astonishment as well. "He isn't even singed!'' Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and I said in unison.

Chthon let out another demonic, chilling laugh. "Pathetic. Did you really, truly believe you could harm me? No mortal can bring harm to a God!''

Chrysalis gritted her teeth as she began to shake with anger. "Damn you...you're no God! Once I've retrieve my Cosmic Gems, you will-UGH!'' Chrysalis was suddenly engulfed in a deep red aura, her forelegs outstretched to her sides as she her body was straight up hovering in a bipedal position above the ground.

"What...is...this?!'' Chrysalis grunted as she tried to move but her attempts were in vain.

In the sky, Chthon held a claw out towards Chrysalis, engulfed in a red and black, flame like aura. With a cold smirk, he motion his claw towards him, causing Chrysalis to fly towards the entity, powerless and engulfed in aura. The on looking ponies just stared in speechless horror as Chrysalis stopped a few feet in front of Chthon.

"How...dare you...release me...at once!'' Chrysalis commanded as she continued to struggle to break free from Chthon's control.

Chthon darkly grinned at Chrysalis, showing his sharp teeth. "But I promised you a reward for aiding me in my resurrection. And a God always honors his promises.''

"W-What are you-'' Chrysalis began, fear coming to her voice.

"As promised...a quick and painless death.'' Chthon finished with the most evil smile and before Chrysalis could react, Chthon clutched his fist closed.

Immediately, Chrysalis screamed out as if she was experiencing the most excruciating pain. Not long after, Chrysalis was engulfed in a ball of dark red light with two, black energy ellipse around the ball, similar to an atom model. This appearance didn't last long thought, and as quickly as it appeared, the ball of energy and ellipses suddenly imploded in a flash of red light. The light quickly faded, as did Chrysalis' screams and there light completely faded to reveal that the changeling queen was nowhere to be seen in sight. Chthon had effortlessly obliterated Chrysalis, leaving nothing of her in sight and he chuckled darkly to himself, taking pleasure of the killing.

Back on the ground, the spectating ponies all just stared upward, completely horrified at what they had just witness. "D-did you just see that?!'' Twilight uttered fearfully.

"W-what a frightening power! There's not a single trace of Chrysalis. She's been destroyed right down to a molecular level!'' Luna spoke in disbelief.

"So this...this is the power of the Dark One that legend said had smitten the world all those years ago?'' Celestia asked flabbergasted.

Arcanus added in a disturbed tone. "Is this truly the power of a God?''

What just happened shook Quentin's friends greatly, even Rainbow Dash had landed onto the ground in hopes of not being seen by the deity with a fearful look. "W-what are we going to do?'' Fluttershy whimpered, shaking with fear.

Quentin swallowed a lump in his throat and muttered with a feared, gritted teethed expression, ''This is bad...very bad.''

In the darkened, solar eclipsed sky, Chthon bowed his head slightly and closed his eyes, an evil smirk still on his face. Not even a moment has passed when he suddenly shot his dark eyes open...staring straight down at the ten ponies.

"H-He's...he's looking right at us!'' Pinkie Pie shrieked, the usual smiling, laughing party animal pony panicking and she wasn't the only ones.

Seeing what Chthon just did to Chrysalis, who knew what he would do to them. Celestia and Luna immediately took defensive stances, extending their wings with Celestia's left wing and Luna's right crossing in front of Quentin and their subjects, shielding them as the two princesses gave Chthon an aggressive frown with gritted teeth. Chthon's unholy red eyes scanned them, but when his gaze fell upon Celestia and Luna, his smile faded into a dark, deathly, grimace, and he snarled menacingly.

"What in dear lord's name are we going to do?!'' Rarity asked terrified.

"You all will stay here while we handle this,'' Celestia answered darkly, not taking her eyes off the evil lord.

"What?!'' Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Quentin exclaimed in unison while Arcanus had a great pondering look upon his face.

"But Princess Celestia, you can't take Chthon on all on your own?!'' Twilight argued frantically.

Celestia peered over to her student. ''I won't be alone Twilight, Luna will be there with me.'' Celestia answered calmly to which Luna nodded firmly.

"Beggin yur pardon Princess, but you must be outta yur apple-pickin minds ta take 'em on!'' Applejack challenged.

Celestia closed her eyes and sighed deeply, ''I appreciate your concerns my little ponies, but this is a battle I won't allow you to fight.''

Celestia's answer puzzled the bearers as Luna continued, ''My sister is right. Given Chthon's history with the Stallion-Above-the-Stars, we feel it is our duty to do battle with this evil.''

"Chthon's history...with the Stallion-Above-the-Stars? But what does that have to do with anything?!'' Twilight asked, trying with all her might to stop her mentor and Luna.

"Twilight's right! Did you see what he did to Chrysalis...she didn't stood a chance!'' Quentin added.

The last thing Quentin wanted was to see any of his friends to be harmed or killed, and that included Luna. The beautiful princes of the night gazed at the stallion with a faint, but fond smile as she placed a hoof over his cheek.

"Dear Quentin. I will gladly fight to protect my subjects…and you as well.''

"Luna...'' Quentin muttered, a hint of shock in his voice for he was touched by Luna's remark.

"Come, let's go Luna,'' Celestia said seriously. Arcanus, please look after them.''

Arcanus nodded with an understood frown, "With my life...''

"No!'' Twilight shouted. "I won't let you fight him alone.''

"Twilight we must. You and your friends possesses the Elements of Harmony. You must be protected for you are the last line of defense!'' Celestia argued in that regal tone of hers.

"Yeah but...'' Rainbow Dash began sadly, but before she could finish, Celestia's horn glowed as a dome of golden energy covered them all and for some reason, the group couldn't move a muscle.

"Wh-what's going on?!'' Quentin asked, trying to move. It was like being frozen solid but without the freezing cold.

"It's...some sort of...binding spell...'' Twilight explained, fighting to move and grunting.

As the seven all tried to escape the spell, Arcanus too was caught, but he didn't even try to struggle and just stood there with a somber expression. Celestia's face fell in regret, but she then looked at Luna with a serious gaze and they both nodded and proceeded towards the altar.

"No...Princess...Celestia..." Twilight pleaded, but her mentor and her sister kept walking away, there was nothing she or anyone could do.

It wasn't long until the two regal sisters walked upon the stone alter and gazed up into the eclipsed sky and unto Chthon, still giving then a deathly glare and they instantly gritted their teeth and shuddered violently.

"Such power...such malevolence...I've never sense such pure evil before!'' Celestia remarked darkly.

"Yes Celestia, I think my whole body will go numb from just the feeling alone! It's like a terrible, overpowering might that will crush us if we let our guard down!'' Luna agreed with a deep glare.

Suddenly, Chthon fired another beam of dark red and black energy from his eyes. The attack went at lightning speed as it zig sagged downward towards the princesses but before it could hit them, the two quickly flew out of the way and in the air in different directions, the attack hitting the ground and causing a rather big, red explosion. The force of the explosion blew back Celestia and Luna, but they quickly recovered.

"Ugh...that was close!'' Celestia thought, but Chthon suddenly teleported behind her.

Celestia bumped into him and quickly whipped around with an alarmed expression. "Yes...it's been so long since I gazed upon a face full of fear,'' Chthon chuckled darkly.

Celestia frowned, ''I am not afraid of you, demon!'' Celestia retorted.

She fired a golden beam of energy from her horn right at Chthon, but instead of colliding with him, it went straight through him. "W-what?!'' Celestia gawked in shock and disbelief.

Chthon said nothing, just leered at Celestia when he quickly gave her a back hand slap across the face. Despite being a slap, it was a strong one, and it sent Celestia screaming out as she rocketed towards and crashed into a pillar. The Twilight, Quentin, and the rest gasped in horror at the sight of the kind princess being attacked.

"Celestia!'' Luna shouted as she flew quickly to her sister's side as Celestia began to slide down from the pillar.

However, Celestia was able to catch herself and hovered into the air, wincing and grunting in pain. "Celestia are thou alright?'' Luna asked, greatly concerned for her elder sister.

"Ugh...yes Luna I'm fine,'' Celestia said with a grunt." I can't believe that a simple slap would be so powerful.''

Luna sharply whipped her head towards Chthon and seethed, ''Thou will pay for- ARHG!'' Luna was abruptly cut off as Chthon suddenly teleported in front of them and grabbed Celestia and Luna by their throats, his hands easily wrapped around their necks completely.

Celestia and Luna both choked and gasped for breath and tried to pry Chthon's grip off, but it was futile against the deity's mighty grip.

"Princess Celestia...Luna...''Twilight said through gritted teeth, still trying to break free to help her mentor.

The two sisters continued to gasp for breath as Chthon began to rise higher into the air, his four, large wings flapping steadily.

"So...the universe brought me not one but two Alicorns, the rarest and most powerful of the species of this world,'' Chthon began, evil and coldness in his dark voice.

Celestia and Luna only responded with wincing glares to the God. "But to be fortuitous to be facing the likes of you two, I must say I'm not impressed. Especially given your...heritage Celestia...Luna.''

Celestia and Luna's eyes widened with bewilderment. "How… do you know our names...ugh?'' Celestia demanded, still fighting for breath.

"There is nothing in this universe that is beyond my knowledge,'' Chthon smirked.

Luna grunted as she retorted, ''Well know this relic, somehow you will be stopped!''

At this Chthon gave off a bone chilling laugh before he replied, ''That's not what my vision is telling me.''

Chthon then suddenly spun upward, taking Celestia and Luna with him and he stopped before giving a powerful punch to Celestia's face and an equally powerful kick to Luna's abdomen with his cloven foot, sending them flying in different directions. Celestia and Luna both cried out in pain as they fell and crashed painfully onto the ground, rolling and hitting some of the boulders that littered the area. Luna clutched her belly as she coughed violently. That one kick left her breathless. It felt like she would be sick at any moment. Cuts and bruised were visible on her body due to the crash and contact with the various boulders, blood seeping from her wounds. Celestia wasn't any better. Like her sister, she too had cuts and bruises throughout her body which blood came from. She spat out a couple shots of blood as blood tricked down from her mouth.

With a dark, wicked smirk, Chthon raised both claws, arms bent to his sides when sudden a ball of crimson red energy with black, blade like aura disks spinning around each of them appeared just a few inches above his palms. After finishing charging his attack, the dark lord then threw both balls at each of the injured princesses. The attacks were approaching each sister fast, the disks rapidly spinning around each ball as if a duo of razor saws were coming upon Celestia and Luna.

On the ground, Celestia and Luna both peered upwards and their eyes shot open in alarm at the site of Chthon's attacks coming towards them. Before each of them could react, the attack hit their targets, causing a rather massive, red explosion in the small area where each of them had landed. The force of the explosion caused powerful gust of winds as the aftershock came. Quentin and his friends pinched their eyes shut and screamed as they tried to stand strong against the gust, still froe by Celestia's spell.

After what seemed like forever, the explosion finally died down as did the winds. Quentin, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Arcanus recovered from the aftershock, though still frozen in their spots.

"W-what happened?!'' Fluttershy asked in distress.

Twilight instantly glazed at the direction were the explosions were, a gratuitous amount of black smoke rising into the skies from the destroyed areas. Immediately, Twilight's heart stopped at the place where her mentor was at where the explosions occurred.

"N-No…Princess Celestia….Princess Luna!''

"What happened to them? Where are they?'' Quentin asked frantically, worried for Celestia and his new friend Luna.

In the skies, Chthon's dark eyes scanned the two, smoke spewing areas. Suddenly, there was a flash of golden light and Chthon gazed upwards slowly to see Celestia and Luna, hovering in the air with dark glares. Seeing this, Twilight and her friends watched on in shock at the duo's survival.

"Princess Celestia and Princess Luna…they're alright!'' Twilight cried out in relief.

"Oh my…thank heavens!'' Rarity sighed, happy and relieved at the regal sister's safety.

Chthon leered at the sisters coldly as he spoke, "So…you've managed to survive.''

"We shall not fall so easily Chthon. You will never harm any pony as long as we're here!'' Luna retorted aggressively.

At this, Chthon chuckled darkly,'' Is that so little pony? It appears you don't have any comprehension of who I am.''

Celestia's glare deepened as she responded, ''And you don't have any idea who WE are. So prepare to face defeat Chthon!'' Celestia than turned to her sister. "Luna…NOW!''

Luna said nothing, just nodded firmly. She and Celestia then closed their eyes as their horns began to glow billowing auras, Celestia's a golden color and Luna's a cobalt blue.

Together, their glows became brighter and brighter, the golden and cobalt blue eventually expanding and joining together to create an intense light the shone in the skies. The light was so strong the frozen ponies on the ground had to pinch their eyes shut from the blinding display. Chthon however, seemed unfazed by the light, and merely furrowed his dark eyes as he leered at the two sisters. Finally after what seemed like forever, the golden blue light retracted briefly before bursting in all directions in the darkened skies, sending a golden blue wave that passed through Chthon, causing his mane and ponytail to wave wildly in the gust of wind it produced.

Just as quickly the light started, it quickly subsided. Quentin and his friends slowly peered their eyes opened. Though blurry at first, their vision quickly came into view as it was safe enough for their eyes to see.

"W-what the hay was that?!'' Rainbow Dash asked loudly, blinking her eyes from the blurred vision.

Before anyone could answer, they all looked upward into the sky where their eyes widened greatly as their mouths dropped at what they were now seeing. The light had died away to reveal Celestia and Luna, but unlike before, they both underwent a drastic transformation. Celestia was now clad in a golden armor. It appeared that the armored necklace she usually wore around her neck grew and now covered her back and flanks with golden plate armor as golden pauldrons covered her shoulders. Golden plated of armor appeared on the knees of her forelegs and back as a matching, gold helmet was now donned on her head that seemed to have combined with her crown, causing the points of the crown to become the upper parts of the helmet. However, the most drastic, and obvious change was Celestia's mane, wings, and tail. Instead of the multicolored, sparkling mass that was once her hair and tail were now an explosive, fiery yellowish orange that danced wildly and continuously. The feather tips on her majestic wings flickered and danced, as if her wings themselves were also blazoned with flames. Along with all these changes, her eyes were now aglow with an ethereal, white light. The princess of the sun hovered in the air, as if she was a warrior that was born from the very sun itself had arrived from a higher plane.

Luna, like her sister, had also underwent a shocking change. Like her older sister, Luna was now clad in armor. However unlike Celestia's, Luna's armor was black as the night she creates. Another difference was that the armored necklace that Luna wore had now extended only over her shoulders and around her neck, with the crescent moon symbol pointed downward. The points of her shoes have rose upward and stopping just over her mid legs, giving off the appearance of sparkling, armored boots. On her head was a black, round helmet, curving around her eyes with a strip of metal running down and stopped just above her nostrils. On the center of the helmet was an opening for her horn with a white, slightly curved blade protruding just under her horn. Luna's mane was now styled in a ponytail, but was flowing wildly with a bluish purple aura as was her tail and wings. Like Celestia, her eyes were now aglow with an otherworldly white light as she hovered in the air alongside her powerful sister.

There they hovered in the air, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna of Equestria in gleaming armor and blazed manes as if goddesses had just descended from the very heavens to face the chaos lord. Quentin, Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie stared at the two rulers, speechless and in awe. Despite their fiercer, battle warrior appearances, there was no doubt a sense of majesty that emanated from both of them. Arcanus however, didn't look so surprised, but still had an expression of impressment.

"W-what in the name of Chiron? Princess Celestia…Princess Luna…'' Rarity began, astonished at the two regal sisters new appearance.

"Twilight…I've-I've never seen anythin' like it!'' Applejack commented in awe.

Twilight shook her head slowly, not taking her eyes off of her mentor and Luna. "Neither did I! I've never seen the princess like this before!''

"That…is…badass…'' Rainbow Dash commented in an amazed tone.

"My word…to think I would live to see my former students in their heightened forms once again,'' Arcanus spoke calmly.

This statement, caused the others to look at the aged unicorn quizzically.

"Wait you mean…you've seen them like this before?!'' Quentin asked, surprised.

Arcanus nodded,'' Yes I have. What you see now is the result of Celestia and Luna's powers unbound by any restraints. They are in the supreme levels that only they as Alicorns can achieve. Their powers now even surpass my own.''

The group stared at Arcanus in awe and wonder as they gazed up at the two powerful rulers of Equestria as Arcanus finished. "What we are about to witness…is a battle between a triad of gods.''

Chthon seemed neither fazed nor impressed. He just kept leering coldly at the two powerful Alicorns as their glowing white eyes glared back into his dark, unholy ones. Seconds turned to minutes as the Celestia, Luna, and Chthon stared each other down. Finally after what seemed like hours, Celestia and Luna suddenly disappeared. Before Chthon could even perform a gesture of any kind, he was suddenly blasted upwards by a rather massive beam of golden energy as Celestia had suddenly appeared beneath him. Chthon's eyes were pinched shut as he gritted his teeth while he rocketed upwards in the solar eclipsed skies. The evil god probably rose a few thousand feet in the air when Luna suddenly appeared a few ways above him. With a cry, Luna's horn quickly glowed a brilliant cobalt blue before she too released a massive beam of blue energy, hitting Chthon.

Just as quickly as he was fired into the air, Chthon was now descending back down into the ground at an astonishing fast speed as he was engulfed in the beam. It wasn't even a minute, before Luna's attack brought Chthon and he collided into the earth, a wave of blue energy spread out in all directions briefly before disappearing. The earth shook violently, causing the seven friends to scream in their places as the force destroyed several of the crude constructs that stood in the area of the impact. The force of the impact was truly one of great power as the beam pushed Chthon into the ground on impact, taking him down into a massive and deep tunnel into the earth. The attack had at last ended as the beam of energy dissipated, leaving Chthon sprawled at the bottom of the deep tunnel, the light of the opening only a small, glowing dot above him.

Celestia and Luna reappeared together in the skies as they glared down at the gigantic tunnel that was now created from their assaults, smoke rising from the open. As the shockwave ended, Quentin and the others peered opened their eyes as they gazed around speechlessly at what the princesses had just done. They saw that Chthon was nowhere to be found and Fluttershy asked astonished.

"W-What…just happened?''

No one answered her. They were still in shock and disbelief at the power Celestia and Luna had just displayed. Deep down at the bottom of the tunnel, Chthon's eyes opened and gazed up at the little ball of light that was the tunnel's opening above him. He then slowly began to rise up as rubble rolled off his body. Finally Chthon's was standing on his feet, his eyes gazed upwards in a clam, dark glare. Despite the powerful attacks, Chthon had no signs of injury on his body. In fact, he didn't have so much as a cut.

"So…this is the power of the sun and moon's children…''

Chthon's four mighty wings then sprang apart and began to flap steadily as he began to rise from the ground. Celestia and Luna hovered high in the air, their manes flickering wildly as they casted their glowing eyes down at the smoke spewing hole. At last they winced slightly as they saw Chthon rise from the smoke and towards the sky. Almost immediately, Celestia and Luna then suddenly began to glow, Celestia a golden color while Luna a deep blue.

"Luna…we can't let him have even a second of an opening to attack!'' Celestia spoke to her sister as she continued to glow.

Luna nodded and responded, "Yes sister. Let us use all our skills and power we've learned in our lives millennium…and defeat this wretched demon!''

As the two regal sisters continued to glow, they suddenly fired themselves right at Chthon at lightning speed. Again Chthon had no time to evade and in a blink of an eye, Chthon was caught in a plethora of attacks from the princesses. Quentin and the others stared upwards in frozen wonder in disbelief as they witnessed the spectacle that was occurring from overhead. In a blink of an eye, Celestia and Luna caught Chthon in a series of expeditious attacks as they continuously slashed through, each one faster than the last. As they attacked, large beams of crystallized golden and cobalt blue lights appeared around Chthon as his body violently rocked and contorted from the duo's relentless onslaught. Finally after what seemed like an eternity of never ending light and slashes, Celestia and Luna suddenly appeared distances above Chthon, the crystallized beams of light still showing and appearing to continually damage the evil lord.

Celestia and Luna gritted their teeth as they brought their horns together. Almost instantly a bright light shown from their combined horns only to become brighter and more intense as a golden and blue aura burst around them. With every passing second, the aura became bigger and even wilder, like flames that had a life and a mind of its own. Suddenly with a cry from Celestia and Luna, the aura burst enormously from around them as a bright light erupted in turn. The seven ponies cried out in shock as they once again squeezed their eyes shut from the intense light that lit up the heavens. The light was brief, and it soon died down. Twilight and the rest peered opened their eyes only to let out gasps and short cries.

In the place of where Celestia and Luna were hovering, the eight ponies were now gazing at a gigantic spectral entity. The construct was in the form of a mighty Alicorn. It was glowing white and had four, massive wings, with the second layer of feathers glowing a dark blue. Its mane and tail were flowing and flickering as they glowed with the combined colors of Celestia and Luna's usual mane colors as a large horn protruded from its forehead and its eyes aglow with white light.

As the last of the crystallize light disappeared and ended their damage to Chthon, he opened his dark eyes and leered at the new entity as he clenched his teeth. The new spectral construct gazed at Chthon and when it looked like Chthon was about to perform an attack, it quickly dashed forward at him with extreme speed. The speed of the attack was so great, the space within the immediate vicinity of entity became distorted, making any and all hopes of Chthon making a counterattack impossible. In a flash, the entity impaled its mighty horn straight through Chthon as it rocketed towards the ground at a frightening speed away from the ponies still frozen in their places. It wasn't long until the giant, Alicorn goddess struck the ground, with Chthon along with it and a mighty, dome, white-blue explosion erupted from the impact. The ground shook powerfully, as if it was threatening to break apart. Powerful winds blew from the explosion, blasting away nearby debris and stone statues as the ponies cried in terror, unable to do anything, but pinched their eyes shut while the golden dome still surrounded them.

The dome explosion soon disappeared, though the violent earthquake and winds still continued powerfully. In a flash of light, Celestia and Luna appeared in the skies, their armor ever glistening. However, the two princesses were breathing heavily, sweat dripping from their faces. Their wildly, flickering manes were becoming steadily calmer and more restful as if a mighty inferno was losing its flames as it started to die down. Away among the destroyed area, a crater formed from the resulting explosion as smoke still rose from it. As the smoke began to clear, an image of a figure was becoming clearer and clearer until finally the clear visual of a mangled Chthon was shown.

Celestia's and Luna's attack had done what it had intended to do, for Chthon was far beyond recognition and was now in a grotesque position after receiving the earth shattering attack. Chthon laid with his back against the wall of the crater. The left side of his body had numerous and large patches of skin missing, revealing nothing but bone. His left ribcage was fully visible, the bones slanting in a sickly position while his heart and entrails could be perfectly seen. The left side of his face was horribly disfigured. Skin was missing from the left side of his mouth, revealing nothing but his sharp, canine like teeth along with traces of his jawline and tendons. His eyes, it was as if his eyeballs had dissolved or disintegrated from the attack, for they were completely blackened with black smoke emanating from them. What was probably the most disturbing and skin shuddering appearance about Chthon's now mangled body was that his left side was completely destroyed. There was nothing except a smoking, sizzling wound. Chthon laid there, motionless…lifeless as he laid in the large crater.

The winds and the earthquake finally had died down. Quentin, Applejack, Twilight, and the rest finally opened their eyes as quietness came over the ruins, save for the winds that blew. They looked around shockingly, cautiously as they looked around the crude ruins.

"What…in thunderation….'' Applejack began speechlessly.

As they continued to look around, Quentin's eyes gazed upwards in the skies as his gaze fell upon the heavily breathing sisters. "Look! In the sky!'' Quentin spoke up.

The other too shifted their gazed up at Celestia and Luna as their manes continued to die down. "D-Did anypony else just see what I saw?!'' Rarity asked in a state of shock and disbelief.

"Why I saw it, but I still don't believe it!'' Applejack answered, staring at the regal sister.

"W-What power. I knew Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were powerful, but that…that was on an entirely different level!'' Twilight spoke in shocked awe, staring at her mentor.

Amongst all of them, Arcanus seemed to be the calmest, though he still seemed to have a sense of impressed expression. "By the Great Stallion…perhaps they've more powerful than I thought.''

"W-wait. What happened to Chthon?'' Fluttershy asked alarmed.

It was then that her six other friends noticed the absence of the chaos god. "H-He's gone! I don't see a trace of him!'' Rarity spoke with a surprised tone.

"So…does that mean he's gone? Did we win?'' Fluttershy asked meekly, but hopefully.

Arcanus bowed his head slightly as he responded. "That last attack Celestia and Luna just performed was their strongest technique. I highly doubt anything of this world could survive it. So…''

"So in other words, Celestia and Luna just kicked Chthon's sorry ass. YEAH!'' Rainbow Dash exclaimed happily, though she was still bound by Celestia's spell.

At this outburst, her friends broke out into joyous chatter. Though they were still frozen, they didn't care at the moment. They had won the battle.

"We did it! We did it! I am SO gonna throw the biggest party when we get back home!'' Pinkie Pie announced happily.

Fluttershy and Rarity sighed in relief and happiness as Rarity spoke, "Thank heavens, it's finally over.''

Twilight beamed up at her exhausted teacher and her sister. Quentin and Applejack smiled up at the two Alicorns and then at each other. They wanted to embrace one another, but the spell prevented them so. However, that did not prevent them from giving each other fond, tender smiles. Up in the skies, Celestia and Luna continued to breathe heavily, their eyes still glowing as their manes continued to become calmer. Then in a flash of light, Celestia and Luna had reverted back to their original forms. No longer did the two have armor on, just their regular royal shoes, tiaras, and armored necklaces and their manes and tails back to their sparkling, self-moving states.

Immediately upon re-entering their formal selves, Celestia and Luna almost fell from the skies, but instantly caught themselves as they remained airborne. They struggled to hover steadily, often dipping from side to side. They looked as if they would pass out at any moment, but still they managed to do so. They tiredly gazed over where the crater and the dead Chthon was out with stern frowns when finally they both breathed out deeply and looked at each other. At first they gazed exhaustedly at one another, but they then smiled tiredly with satisfied nods.

"Never…would I imagine…that we would face a crisis that would force us to use that level of power. And to even go as far as to use the Tau Sunflare…'' Luna spoke in between heavy breathes.

Celestia nodded as she breathed, "As did I Luna. But it was necessary…if we wished to avoid this catastrophe.''

"Yes…it was. Maybe now we can finally rest in peace.'' Luna said with a tired smile.

Celestia smiled wearily at her younger sister and nodded. "Yes Luna…at long last, it is over.''

"Please say that you jest,'' a dark, demonic voice suddenly spoke out.

Instantly Celestia and Luna froze in their places, looks of horror and shock upon their faces. Suddenly, powerful claws ensnared their necks as they were lifted upward and caught in the strong grip of Chthon. Instantly, the seven friends and Arcanus gasped in terror as they saw Chthon choking the two sisters from behind. What shocked them even more was the fact Chthon didn't had so much as a scratch on him. His limbs were restored and his wounds were healed.

"W-What?! How could this…how…'' Twilight stammered in fear and alarm as she witnessed the God of Chaos' sudden return.

''Impossible! Nopony could've possibly survived an attack of that magnitude!'' Arcanus spoke with a shocked tone in his voice.

"A-and just look at him! He doesn't even look remotely injured!'' Rarity added in disbelief.

Quentin, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash stared on in distressed, unable to speak in such a situation. Fluttershy began to shake slightly as she whimpered. "W-What are we going to do?!''

Chthon tightened his grip around Celestia and Luna's necks, causing them to gag out and gasped for breath. Celestia was able to turn her head slightly and spoke as she choked. "How…could you…possibly be alive? T-That…was our most…powerful attack!''

Chthon chuckled darkly as he responded, ''Poor, pitiful little ponies. Did you honestly, truly believe that you could harm the likes of me?''

Luna turned he head slightly and peered over at Chthon, the same look of bewildered horror Celestia had. "B-but…we left you no room…or chance…for you…to attack or defend!''

"I exist on a higher plane far beyond your pathetic powers. So allow me to respond to you full power and demonstrate the frightening power of a true god,'' Chthon answered with a sort of a dark, rolling growl.

Before Celestia or Luna could react, a powerful, dark red and black beam of energy erupted from Chthon's claws, sending both princess firing down towards the earth. The two screamed out in pain until finally they both hit the ground as an explosion erupted from the impact, sending the two scattering in different directions. The watching ponies cried out in horror as Celestia and Luna rolled violently, crashing through statues and debris before finally coming to a stop.

"Princess Celestia! Princess Luna!'' Twilight exclaimed in terror as the sisters laid on the ground briefly before trying to weakly stand up.

The princesses of the sun and moon truly suffered from their attacks. Their bodies were more bruised and they suffered even more cuts which oozed blood staining their majestic bodies. Their billowing manes were now more unkempt as light smoke rose from their sizzling bodies.

There the rest of the ponies were frozen and helpless from Celestia's binding spell as they looked on in horror. "I've...I've never seen the princesses so beat up before,'' Rarity uttered with shock and sadness.

"No...'' Twilight muttered, on the verge of tears as she saw Celestia struggled to get up.

"This is horrible, I don't know how long they can last,'' Fluttershy whimpered she too looking like she was about to cry.

"Celestia...Luna...'' Quentin spoke softly to himself, gritting his teeth as he looked at Luna struggling to get up.

Luna grunted in pain as she tried to stand up on all fours. "You look like you're in tremendous pain,'' Chthon spoke up.

Luna shot her eyes open and looked up to see the God had teleported in front of her. '' I would be happy to help ease you of the pain,'' Chthon said mockingly.

Luna growled and tried to lunge at him, only to be punched with a powerful uppercut from Chthon and was flown into the air. Luna cried out as she flew into the air and when she reached about a hundred feet, Chthon appeared behind her and struck her back downward with a strong elbow strike to her back. Luna screamed as she plummeted and crashed back down into the ground.

"Luna!'' Celestia screamed out to her sister.

Luna went limp for a moment, motionless before she started to shift her body, grunting in pain as she did so.

With all her strength, Celestia flew as fast as she could to her younger sister. But she didn't make it halfway to her before a pillar of earth erupted from the ground beneath her and with a scream, she was rocketed into the air on the pillar. Chthon, with one hand ablaze with a deep crimson and black energy, had manipulated the earth and was motioning it upwards into the sky. After reaching a high altitude, the pillar stopped rising, with Celestia resting on its surface weakly shifting in the uncomfortably position. Chthon flew downward and stopped right in front of Celestia, his hand still ablaze.

"What's the matter Celestia? Your Alicorn powers aren't' giving you the results they did throughout your long lifespan?'' Chthon mocked with a dark chuckle.

Celestia glared at Chthon, with one eye half shut and growled. Chthon raised an eyebrow and looked over his shoulder and down at Luna, who was now struggling to get up. Chthon turned back to Celestia and smirked.

''You don't have to worry about Luna. I'm about to end her suffering momentarily.''

"Demon...I will not allow you to do any more harm to my sister. Do you hear me Chthon!'' Celestia spat at the god.

Chthon laughed, ''I'm afraid you don't have a choice in the matter. But fear not, you will soon join your sister.'' Chthon's smirk then fell into one of dark disgust. "Pitiful. I expected more of a challenge from demigods such as yourself and Luna. Compared to Chrysalis I was actually excited to face you two. Though you do have more power than my pawn, compared to mine...you're just fodder like the rest of these mortals.''

Celestia responded by spitting right in Chthon's face. "I care not for what powers you have Chthon, just know that somehow you will be stopped!'' Celestia seethed.

Chthon just leered at her, unflinching by the spit on his face. Suddenly the spit started to dissolve from his face with a sizzling sound until it disappeared. Chthon then extended his arms and took hold of Celestia by the wings in the midsection and lifted her off the pillar, collapsing back to the ground in rubble.

Celestia struggled to fight her way out of Chthon's clutches, but as she was about to fire a spell from her horn, Chthon made a quick gesture with his claws and snapped Celestia's wings in half with a sickening snap sound, instantly breaking them. Celestia let out a piercing scream of pain that rang out over the heavens. Her screams reached the binded group of eight, causing them to cringe. Quentin had never heard a scream like that before in his life and it was clear his friends had never heard such a scream in theirs.

"Dear lord...'' Arcanus spoke horrified. Though he wanted to honor Celestia's request to stay and keep us protected, seeing his formal students enduring such brutal attacks caused him to want to join in the battle.

"C-Celes...tia...'' Luna muttered through gritted teach as she tried with all her might to stand.

Celestia let out another cry, the pain excruciating. Chthon had broken her wings at a sickening angle, parts of her beautiful white feathers now had small splatters of blood on them. Celestia gritted her teeth and winced in pain, tears beginning to form in her eyes.

"That would do some good and teach you how to show respect in the presence of a God,'' Chthon said degradingly.

Celestia winced at Chthon and growled, ''I gave the respect you deserve...NONE!''

Chthon said nothing, just calmly glared at Celestia and brought one hand down and the other hand around her neck, her wings now gone limp. Now in terrible pain and choking, Celestia attempted one last effort to attack the evil deity. Her eyes and horn began to glow a brilliantly intense golden aura as she prepared to use a strong spell. Before Celestia could fire, Chthon quickly brought his free claw and wrapped it around her horn, completely concealing it within his grasp, just right as Celestia fired her spell. Celestia pinched her eyes shut and cried out as her spell was enclosed in Chthon's grasp. A golden light shone through his fingers as white electricity cracked around his hand until suddenly a golden explosion erupted.

Chthon took his claw from around Celestia's horn, smoking but was not painful to him. Celestia's horn was now heavily singed and smoking with small sparks and crackles of electricity. By this time, Celestia's entire body was in bad shape. Her body was cut, bruised, and bloodied with patches of grim throughout. Her beautiful, ever flowing mane was even more unkempt and singed slightly at the top while her wings were broken and motionless. Celestia hung there in Chthon's grip, blood trickling down her mouth and right nostril. Twilight and the rest didn't know if she was unconscious or worst.

"She's not moving! Why isn't the princess moving?!'' Rarity exclaimed in a panic.

"Princess Celestia...'' Twilight muttered, tears forming in her eyes. "She can't be...''

As if to answer the question, Celestia coughed, still trying to get breath. "Aww...what a shame. Judging by the impact if gave on yourself, that seemed to have been a very powerful spell. Not that it would've affected me,'' Chthon commented with an insulting tone.

Celestia peered at Chthon through one eye and growled, ''Go to hell wretch!''

Chthon chuckled darkly to himself. "After everything you've endured, you still learned nothing. But no matter, I have something especially special for you. And suffering will be your teacher.''

Before Celestia could react, Chthon suddenly thrust his free claw straight into Celestia's abdomen. Again Celestia screamed out in terrible pain, blood pouring out from the wound and around Chthon's claw. Quentin, his friends, and Arcanus all gasped and cried out, Rarity and Fluttershy shrieking in horror. Celestia writhed in pain at Chthon's inflicting wound. He dug his hand deeper, causing the princess to cry out in pain again. After a moment, Celestia began to cough out large amounts of blood. Chthon just watched her, a sadistic smirk on his face, loving every minute of Celestia writhing in pain.

"It's time I finished this futile competition.''

Celestia coughed out blood again and glared weakly at Chthon. "What...ugh...whatever dark motives...you have Chthon...they will fail. Ugh...know that you will be stopped...''

Chthon leered darkly at Celestia and spoke menacingly. "What I know is that it will not be by you.''

With that, Chthon's claw glowed an evil, reddish black glow as Celestia was suddenly engulfed in a crimson red aura, completely in Chthon's control. Celestia grunted and pinched her eyes shut in pain as she slid out of Chthon's hand and floated a few feet in front of him. Chthon raised a hand in front of Celestia to prepare for a finishing attack when suddenly large bolts of blue lightning fired in between then. Chthon turned his head to his right to see that it was Luna who was the source of the attack. She had a furious look on her face, a look she hadn't wore since Chrysalis almost killed Quentin and her eyes were glowing white and her horn a brilliant cobalt blue aura.

"RELIC! LEAVE MY SISTER ALONE!'' Luna bellowed, the winds strengthen greatly.

Luna fired another massive bolt of lightning at Chthon, but he evaded it. Luna fired again and again Chthon dodged. Finally, Luna channeled all of her energy into a one last massive bolt of lightning and it hit Chthon directly, electricity covering him. However, it had absolutely no effect on him, not damaging him in the least. With a deep frown, Chthon raised his other claw and it was engulfed in red and black aura. Almost instantly, Luna's attack stopped and she pinched her eyes shut and grunted as she too was engulfed in a red aura.

The eight ponies gasped in terror as Luna too came trapped in Chthon's power. Under his control, Chthon gestured his hand and Luna floated next to her sister. The two regal sisters grunted and struggled to escape, but couldn't move a muscle. Chthon gave then one last, cold, dark glare, his unholy red eyes on the two Alicorns and spoke.

''Now disappear... into oblivion.''

Chthon clutched his fists closed. Almost instantly, Celestia and Luna grunted and cried out as if in tremendous pain when they became enclosed in a crimson red ball of energy, with two black eclipses forming around it, taking on the atom model appearance just like Chrysalis. Suddenly the moment came when the two orbs and eclipses finally imploded in a brief red light. The light quickly faded and when it was gone, Celestia and Luna were nowhere to be found...like Chrysalis meeting the same fate by the God of Chaos.

Back on the ground, the eight ponies all just stared upward in fear, terror, and disbelief, their mouths hanging open at what they had just witnessed.

"No...No...'' Twilight began before tears gushed from her eyes and she screamed. "NOOOOO!''

The golden dome Celestia had made around them suddenly faded, freeing them of its binding. Before Twilight could race out of the group, Arcanus' horn was engulfed in a bluish white aura and in a flash of light, they were gone. Chthon hovered in the air, his four, large wings steadily flapping, his white, tight ponytail blowing in the wind as he scanned the area from high above.

''Finally, after millennia so many of being imprisoned in stone...I am now free to exact my cataclysmic will upon this world once again. Though I have been locked away for a painfully many years, I will not change for the world, rather the world will change for me to suit my vision.''

Chthon spoke as he gazed at the solar eclipse. Suddenly in a flash of light, he was surrounded by red sphere of energy, black electricity surging and crackling intensely from it as he brought his claws forward and looked down at them.

"The skies shall breath fire...the oceans shall boil...and the earth shall be bathed with the blood of its mortal pusses. The era of light and harmony shall end and the era of darkness and chaos shall begin, by my will. This world, this reality shall fall before me in a blink of an eye. Thus saith Lord Chthon: the God of Chaos!'' Chthon bellowed out his last words.

As he did, he clutched his claws closed before bringing then in and then flinging his arms outstretched. Instantly, the red sphere of energy quickly expanded in a fiery wave throughout the heaven's and the earth. The wave quickly expanded and covered the ruins, then the badlands, and finally throughout the lands, seemingly incinerating everything in its path. It wasn't long before the red, fiery wave of destruction spread out and engulfed the entire planet, drastically changing and reshaping it in Chthon's image. The once beautiful world of Equion was now a burning, fiery red planet.
> The End
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It all happened in a blink of an eye. One second Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Arcanus, and Quentin were in the chaotic ruins of the badlands and in the next second in a flash of light, they were landed on the ground in a new destination. Immediately, Twilight broke down crying, having just witness her teacher and princess mercilessly killed along with Luna.

"Twilight...it's ok darling...'' Rarity tried to console Twilight.

"No it's not!'' Twilight cried out. "We were there! We should've helped! We should've done something!''

Twilight wasn't the only one crying, all of Quentin's friends had tears streaming down their face, mourning the loss of their beloved princesses. Some of them had expressions as if they were trying to grasp what just happed. Arcanus had his back turned to the group, his head lowered as he hunched forward, he too mourning the loss of his students and friends. Applejack gazed her eyes upward, and immediately cried out in alarm.

'"W-what in tarnation is going on?! Where the hay are we?!''

At her outburst, the others all gazed upward to the most horrible sight. They were in some sort of field, or at least, what used to be a field. The eight were standing among a field of dead earth. The grass as if it was scorched to the very ground, black and lifeless. The skies were set aglow with an unnatural fiery red and orange as if the heaven's themselves were ablaze with flames and destruction. They looked behind them to see the entrance way to a vast forest of some kind, but the trees were black, burnt, and dead, not a single leaf on the branches. The friends had never seen a place like this before.

"Where...are we? What is this place?'' Quentin asked, disturbed by the lifeless environment.

"This field...the skies...what's going on? I-I don't like this!'' Fluttershy whimpered.

"I...I was meant to transport us back to Equestria. We should be just outside of Ponyville,'' Arcanus answered, he too troubled by the bleak scenery.

Pinkie Pie whipped her eyes and spoke, "If...if we're supposed to be outside of Ponyville, then that must be the Everfree Forest.''

"How can that be the Everfree Forest? It' looks nothing like it!'' Rainbow Dash said with a disgusted, tearful frown.

Just then, Twilight's eyes widened and before we knew it, she had galloped off down whatever path that used to be there. "Twilight! Wait, we should stay together!'' Rarity called and her friends took off after Twilight.

Twilight took off down the path at full speed, with us trailing behind her until suddenly she got stopped dead in her tracks. Twilight's eyes widened with sheer horror as her ears dropped and she muttered mortified.

''No...''

The rest of her friends caught up with Twilight, but it wasn't long after that until they too saw what she was gazing at and their faces became that of pure terror. Down the path in front of them where Ponyville once stood was now a destroyed town, as if it had been decimated relenting inferno.

"I-is that...Ponyville?!'' Fluttershy stuttered fearfully and horrified.

Applejack shook her head, not wanting to accept it. "No...no it couldn't be. Ponyville was right as rain we left it. This must be some different town!''

Before anyone else could speak, Twilight galloped forward, with the others following. "Applejack's right. This isn't Ponyville. Ponyville is beautiful and vibrant. This horrid place is dark, stoic and...'' Rarity began with denial but when they entered the town, she trailed off as they slowly came to a stop.

The eight gazed around, their hearts sinking as they saw the familiar buildings and houses that could only be found in Ponyville. "No...NO! This can't be happening! What the buck happened to Ponyville?!'' Rainbow Dash asked loudly.










No one said anything and after a moment, they began to walk around the seemingly deserted town. The group walked silently down the black dirt street. The houses and buildings looked completely in shambles, burnt, and corroding as if everything had caught on fire, the doors and windows busted from their places. The straw rooftops of the cottages were grey and cindered, some had gaping holes in them while others were completely burned off from the building. Like the field, the dirt roads were blackened but had a more craggy appearance. It was also strangely humid, with winds that blew occasionally, but were warm themselves and did nothing to help with the temperature. It was quiet, no sound that could be heard except the clopping of the group's hooves as they walked and the winds that blew. In short the environment looked like something out of a nightmare, a hellish dwelling, like a nuclear warhead had hit the village and devastated it.

Quentin and his friends looked around, bewildered, fearful, and horrified at what the bright town had become. "This is horrible...just horrible,'' Fluttershy whimpered, tears beginning to appear in the corner of her eyes.

"What in Equestria happened here?'' "Arcanus?!'' Twilight looked to the wise unicorn, tears filling up in her eyes again.

Arcanus shook his head solemnly, "I...I don't Twilight Sparkle. I really don't know.''

Twilight stared at him for a moment before lowering her gaze back to the dark setting of the town. "It's so quit. Where is everyone?'' Quentin asked as he drearily looked around.

However, his question was answered when they turned the corner and froze abruptly at that sight they beheld. They saw numerous, rock hard pony statues about, frozen in their places in what used to be the marketplace. The statues bore varying expression, but for the most were of shock and terror. Some were in positions as if they were trying to run away from something.

"What's with all the statues? They weren't here that last time we were in Ponyville?'' Pinkie Pie asked confused yet frightened.

They all cautiously approached the statutes. Quentin observed one statue and when he glanced at her cutie mark and mane style, his eyes widened and spoke with alarm, "Girls this is...Lyra!''

"Lyra? Lyra Heartstrings?!'' Applejack asked in disbelief.

The stallion nodded, and faced her sadly, gently touching her face. "Hey this is Bon!'' Twilight exclaimed at another pony.

"And here's Shoeshine!'' Rarity called out next to another statue. "And Berry Punch too!''

"They've been turned into stone!'' Twilight concluded with a horrified look looking around at the marketplace of cold statues.

Rarity spoke confused, ''Turned to stone? Then what about...'' Rarity's face suddenly widened with fright. "Sweetie Belle! My sister I have to find her!''

Before anyone could stop her, she galloped through the marketplace. "Big Macintosh! Applebloom! My family!'' Applejack exclaimed before galloping to the west of the marketplace.

"And Mr. and Mrs. Cake and the twins!'' Pinkie Pie too cried in alarm. "I need to see if they're alright!'' Pinkie dashed away at high speeds towards Sugarcube Corner.

Rainbow Dash looked towards the dark, fiery skies and exclaimed. "Cloudsdale! I need to check on Cloudsdale!''

In the next second, she was flying at high speeds towards the skies. Fluttershy gasped and placed her hooves over her mouth fearfully, "And Angel and the rest of my animal friends! I hope they're ok, they might be hurt!''

Though not nearly as fast as Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy flew off towards her cottage at a greater speed than Quentin had usually seen her. The only ones left were Twilight, Arcanus, and Quentin, surrounded by the petrified citizens of Ponyville. After a few, quiet moments, Twilight somberly began to walk through the marketplace, unsure if even she knew where she was going. Arcanus and Quentin said nothing, how could they in such a disturbing setting and the two made their way behind Twilight, but not before Quentin gave one, last saddened gaze at Lyra and forced himself to press onward. As the three trekked through town, they saw more and more ponies that were turned to stone. There were countless Pegasi statues that were broken in pieces on the ground, probably due to the Pegasi having been flying when they were turned to stone and fell down to terrifying results.

As Quentin and the two unicorns continued, Quentin saw more and more familiar ponies he'd come to know while being in Equestria. "Zecora...'' Twilight muttered depressingly as she glanced at the zebra in stone.

Quentin came to one statue and he gritted his teeth and winced as he saw the statue of Derpy, her eyes walled with a look of confusion on her face. "Derpy...'' he muttered, as he gently stroked her face.

Derpy and Quentin had especially became good pals. Though silly and forgetful she was a sweet, well intentioned pony Quentin had come to become fond of. Though hard, he managed to walk away and followed Twilight and Arcanus. After some time walking, they came to the library. Like other trees and buildings, the library was now a burnt, dead tree, the leaves vanished from the branches. The windows were busted gone, the balconies were practically falling apart. Twilight looked at her now demolished home and wearily with tear filled eyes walked inside through the half broken door. With sad frowns Arcanus and Quentin followed the purple unicorn inside. It was a mess, like a bomb had gone off inside.

Every book seemed to be scorched and countless littered the ground along with burned marks all over the room, no doubt the rest of the library. Twilight looked around the destroyed first floor of the library, she walked over to the podium where the book of the History of Equestria was opened. She gazed down on the page that depicted Celestia and Luna ruling together and her eyes fell upon her now late mentor and tears dropped onto the page as she gritted her teeth with pinched eyes. Arcanus and Quentin could see Twilight trembling along with her soft sobbing. Quentin gazed at his friend, completely hurt that one of his friends was in such pain. He began to take a step towards her, but he stopped in mid motion. He couldn't bring himself to say anything, fearing that nothing he could say right now could comfort her. The only thing Quentin could do was turn around and walked out the door silently, leaving Arcanus and the crying Twilight in the library.

Outside the demolished, quiet town, Quentin's only thought was to find the rest of his friends and started to venture towards Sweet Apple Acres.

"I told everyone that it'd be ok...'' Quentin muttered to himself, trying to fight back tears halfway through the journey, seeing more and more of the Ponyville inhabitants turned to stone. "I said that no matter what happens, this dark nightmare would pass for a brighter day…''

Applejack was running as fast as she could as she spoke to herself desperately. "Please be alright! Fer lord sakes jus' please be alright!''

Finally she ran along the now blackened fence leading to her home and when she came to the entrance to the apple orchard, she skidded to a halt with a shocked, horrified look on her face. "No...'' Applejack uttered in disbelief.

Where was once a bright and lively Sweet Apple Acres was now a dark and dismal land. The vegetation was black and dead, no sign of green that was seen for miles out, including on the rolling hills near the orchard. The fields were the corn and carrots grew had no life. Like the other buildings in Ponyville, the farm structures were burnt and in shambles especial the main farmhouse that now had a dark greyish complexion covered with cinder burns. There were numerous holes in the roofs with a large hole in the main roof as if the area had caved in, with the weathervane that stood at the very top of the house was now crooked with the tip snapped off.

Not even the livestock were speared, the pigs, chickens, and sheep too were turned to stone. The apple orchard, the cornerstone of Sweet Apple Acres of vast apple trees were now in the same state as the Everfree Forest, acres upon acres of trees that were burnt black with no leaves and no apples. Applejack couldn't believe what her eyes were gazing upon. Her home, the home that she'd work so hard on every single day with her family to keep afloat was now a decimated looking land. Instantly, tears started to well up into her eyes.

"No...no...no...'' Applejack spoke with a cracked voice before she took off into the lifeless farmland.

"Big Macintosh! Granny Smith! Applebloom!'' Applejack called out to her family, desperately trying to find them.

She ran passed the dead, blackened farm field towards the farmhouse. ''Granny Smith! Big Macintosh! Applebl-'' Applejack began as she ran inside one of the stables, but bolted to a halt with a horrified gasp.

Upon entering the ruined stable her eyes instantly fell upon the stone statues of Big Macintosh, Granny Smith, and Applebloom. Granny Smith and Applebloom where in a large wooden wagon as Big Macintosh was in the front preparing to pull it. It seemed they were about to head into town when they were turned to stone, bewildered, shock expressions etched on their faces.

"No...no...'' Applejack spoke softly, shaking her head in disbelief, raking her hat off with a hoof as she advanced towards her now stoned family, tears cascading down from her face.

. When she got to them, she tearfully gazed at each of them, muttering their names in grief. "Granny Smith...Big Macintosh...'' she gazed at her little sister and tears fell more fluidly. Applebloom...''

Applejack then broke down crying on the ground, having now lost her family. "First I lost Ma and Pa, and now I lost the rest o' my family...'' Applejack sobbed. "Why did I have ta leave?! Why couldn't I've been here with them?! If I was here, then...then...'' Applejack couldn't bring herself to finish and just continued to sob alone in the stable with her stone cold family.

Quentin stood outside the entrance to Sweet Apple Acres and gazed around at the destroyed farmland, completely mortified. "No...not here...'' he muttered in sorrow.

Upon seeing the dark sight, one thing came into mind. "Applejack...the Apple Family!''

Without hesitation, the human turned stallion ran full speed into the farm. Quentin called out Applejack's name as he came closer to the farmhouse, the first place he thought to begin his search. However, before he ran inside, Quentin heard sobbing coming from one of the stables and he quickly made way to the sound. Quentin was about to call out Applejack's name when he came to a stable and decreased his speed to a walk, gazing around with a blank, horrified face. The earth pony's eyes then gazed down on Applejack, still crying heavily on the ground in front of her family. Quentin's face fell into a deep sad frown as he approached his weeping friend, his heart aching for what was dreading when he saw the destroyed orchard. Quentin saw the Apple Family now turned to stone in the wagon. He couldn't believe what he was seeing.

The family that out of the kindness of their hearts took him in when Quentin didn't have a place to stay upon coming to Ponyville. The family that Quentin have gotten close to in a matter of weeks and became like a second home to him were now nothing but stone statues. Quentin sadly gazed at each of them as his vision starred to get blurry as tears formed in his eyes. Applejack heard the clopping of Quentin's hooves approaching her and she looked up at Quentin her eyes bloodshot and empty, large wet tears streaming down her face. Quentin fell down on his haunches as he and Applejack stared at each other tearfully for a moment. Applejack then let out another cry before she leap at and Quentin caught her as she broke into tears in his embrace. Quentin could feel her sobbing uncontrollably into his coat. He couldn't contain his emotions either and tears began to stream down Quentin's face and they just sat there together and cried in the dismal stable.

Rainbow Dash flew at ridiculous high speeds through the dark, fiery skies as she desperately ventured to Cloudsdale. "C'mon...faster!'' Rainbow Dash urged herself picking up even more speed.

She flew right into some clouds and in less than a minute emerged from the cloud and came to an abrupt halt. Rainbow Dash's mouth hung opened with a shocked, bewildered, and horrified expression as she stared at the massive cloud city that was Cloudsdale. However, the blue and white majestic city was now a massive, ruined city of black clouds high over a dark, dead valley. It's Greek like buildings were crumbling and broken. The water and rainbows that flowed down from the city to the valley were replaced by waterfalls of boiling lava. Rainbow Dash stared at her former home in horror. The once beautiful city of Pegasus was now a destroyed, lava spewing, dark cloud of destruction, with no doubt the Pegasi living there had met the same fate as the ponies in Ponyville. Rainbow Dash's jaw hung open for a moment before she gritted her teeth and pinched her eyes shut in a deep, angered frown as tears streamed down her face. She suddenly let out an angry cry and began to fly all around in fury, destroying clouds as she did so.

Quentin don't know how long Applejack and him have been crying. Ten minutes? Twenty minutes? Thirty? Time didn't matter to them. They both were grieving a terrible loss. Finally, Quentin decided to speak up.

"Applejack?''

Applejack didn't respond, just continued to cry in his chest. "I know it's hard, but we should regroup with the others. There's...there's nothing we can do for your brother, sister, and grandmother now.'' The stallion spoke wearily at those words, wiping some tears from his eyes, but Applejack nodded before raising her head and looked at Quentin with saddened, tear filled eyes.

"Yer right Quentin. We...we should be together with the rest of our friends,'' Applejack muttered, trying hard not to break down again.

Quentin nodded and helped his friend up. He then picked up her brown, Stetson hat and placed it back on her head. "Thanks Quen,'' Applejack sniffed, whipping some tears away.

Quentin nodded with a sad, tiny smile, "Anytime AJ. How about we get going?''

Applejack nodded and with heavy hearts the two earth pony's turned and walked towards the stable exit. Before they left, Applejack took one last, tearful look at her stone family and with a soft cry as tears once again fell down her face and spoke quietly.

"I love you all.''

Quentin had to swallow a lump in his throat and managed not to start crying again. To see his closest friend in pain like this ached his heart terribly, but Quentin knew that they could do nothing for them right now. Applejack forced herself to turn away and together she and Quentin left the stable, through the farmland and finally out the entrance of Sweet Apple Acres.

They walked drearily in silence through the darkened, fiery light bathed path toward the main town. It was a dismal, painfully silent trek. The two ventured through an opened area with numerous, tattered and falling apart tents were located. Like the rest of Ponyville, everything seemed like they were caught in a blazing wildfire, a few pony statues about in the area.

"This...this is close ta where Rarity lives,'' Applejack spoke up, after gazing around and realizing where they were.

Quentin widened his eyes slightly and replied, ''Hey your right. We should hurry and find her. We don't know what could be lurking in this town now in this state.''

Applejack nodded. "Yer right Quentin. C'mon!''

Without saying a word Quentin and Applejack galloped past tent houses until they've finally came to a burnt, falling apart Carousel Boutique. The once beautiful dress shop was now a dingy grey color that was heavily singed with numerous holes in the roofs, busted windows, and some of the ornamentations missing pieces. Applejack and Quentin both gasped at the terrible sight and they hurried inside to see if their fashion friend was there.

"Rarity?!'' Quentin called, inside the house which was absolutely a mess.

Her pony mannequins were in horrid condition while the beautiful dresses Rarity had made that were on them were now damaged, burnt, and tattered. Debris from the ceiling littered the ground along with various sowing equipment and fabrics.

"Rarity where are ya?!'' Applejack called. She headed into the kitchen, the destroyed, wrecked kitchen and found it was empty.

"Upstairs!" Quentin called, looking at the stairway.

They both quickly made way to the upper floor of that boutique. They ran through the shambled hallway towards the door that led to Rarity's room and bolted inside. "Rarity?!'' Applejack called upon entering, but the two froze on the spot. Rarity's once glamorous room fit for a queen was now in shambles, the ceiling with numerous holes and debris from the ceiling littering the floor.

But their gaze instantly fell upon Rarity. She was sitting on her haunches, her back facing them but she seemed to be embracing something in front of her, all while shuddering violently. Applejack and Quentin approached their friend, fearing for what they were about to see. "Rarity?'' Quentin spoke softly.

Rarity didn't respond, she just kept shuddering as they began to hear silent sobs coming from the beautiful unicorn. "Rarity, what's-'' Applejack began but was cut off by the weeping Rarity.

"M-My sister...'' Rarity sobbed, looking over at her friends. What a sad, terrible sight. Rarity had large tears streaming down her azure eyes as well as streams of black mascara running down her face with an extremely distraught look. "M-My d-dear Sweetie Belle! She's...she's...'' but before she could finish, she broke down into Quentin's forelegs as he caught her, which caused them to discover the stone cold statue of Sweetie Belle.

Sweetie Belle was in a standing position with one foreleg halfway up with a confused and feared look upon her face. Applejack and Quentin tried to console Rarity the best they could.

"Don't worry now Rarity. Evry'thin's gonna be...'' Applejack said as she rubbed her friend's back, her voice cracking but when she gazed at the stoned filly, she was instantly reminded about her own sister and family turned to stoned and she hung her head, tears streaming down her face.

"It's ok Rarity...just let it out...'' Quentin spoke softly, with tears in his eyes.

Rarity took long, deep breaths as she cried and she looked over at her sister. "Just look at her, she looks so frightened!'' Rarity cried. "I know there were times when she would get on my nerves, but I...I...'' Rarity then broke down in Quentin's arms once again.

Applejack sniffed, whipping away a tear. ''It's alright Rarity. She's yur sister an nothin will ever change that. It's the same way with Applebloom.''

At this, Rarity gazed at Applejack tearfully with shock. "You mean...''

Applejack said nothing, just nodded silently and she buried her face in a hoof and cried. Almost instantly, Rarity embraced Applejack and they both cried over the state of their younger sisters. Quentin could just watch tearfully and he gazed at Sweetie Belle. Out of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, she was perhaps the sweetest of the trio. The stallion looked away and pinched his eyes shut. A few moments of silence passed, save for the crying of Applejack and Rarity before Quentin spoke up.

"Rarity, I know you're grief stricken right now over Sweetie Belle, but I really think that we should regroup with the others.''

Rarity looked over at him, tears and mascara streaming down her face. "But Quentin...I just can't leave my sister like this...'' Rarity replied, trying not to break down again.

"Quen's right Rare,'' Applejack agreed whipping her eyes." I hate ta leave too, but we can't do nothin about her now. We should regroup and pray ta Chiron we can think of somethin.''

Rarity looked at Applejack and Quentin a few times before bowing her head in defeat and began crying again. Her human friend immediately went over and embraced her and stroked her mane.

"You're right...'' Rarity finally muttered through sniffs. "We must reconnect with the other girls. We should all be together in this...horrible hour.''

Applejack and Quentin nodded sadly and they helped their creative friend to her feet. As the trio turned to leave, Rarity then turned back to her sister and tearfully kissed her on the head as tears streamed down her face. Applejack and Quentin looked on sorrowfully as Rarity came towards them.

"Alright...I'm ready,'' Rarity spoke reluctantly

Quentin nodded as he rubbed Rarity's back in comfort before finally leaving the room, down the stairs and out the demolished dress maker shop. They walked in silence as they came to the marketplace, the stone statutes of ponies still decorating the dark town. "Do ya know where Twilight is Quentin?'' Applejack asked with a melancholy tone.

"She was with Arcanus at the library when I left. What happened to Ponyville, and to Celestia and Luna...I...'' At the mention of Luna Quentin's voice cracked and he tried to keep himself from crying. "She's...in pretty bad shape now,'' was all he could say.

Applejack nodded sadly, ''I think we're all in pretty bad shape now.''

Rarity muttered as she let a few more tears escape her, ''I'm more than just in a 'bad shape'.''

No one said nothing else as they walked through the market place, maneuvering passed statues when all of a sudden a thought came to Quentin's mind. "Hey, Sugarcube Corner is close by.''

Applejack and Rarity seemed to remember too and Rarity spoke with a slightly surprised tone, ''Oh my your right. We must go there now. No doubt Pinkie Pie's there!"

Applejack agreed, ''Yer right Rarity. With what happened here, an' knowin' Pinkie...we need ta get over there now!''

Rarity and Quentin nodded in agreement and quickly made way to the bakery. The three had no hindering other than the grim and dark environment of the new Ponyville and they finally arrived at Sugarcube Corner. Like everything else, the bakery was an absolute wreck. It had a burnt, grey appearance, with its colorful, candy like features almost unrecognizable. A couple large holes were in the roof with the windows busted out. In short the once gingerbread house looking store looked like a dessert that was left in the oven and burnt.

"Oh my...just look at this place,'' Rarity spoke dismally.

Quentin gritted his teeth as the workplace where he would volunteer to work sometimes was now destroyed. "C'mon let's find Pinkie quick,'' he spoke to which Applejack and Rarity agreed and they proceeded in.

The inside was no better than the exterior, with everything looking ransacked. Tables were blackened and charred with stone ponies sitting at them. Any desserts that were on display were now burnt to a crisp. The two earth ponies and unicorn looked around in horror at the grim bakery.

"Good lord, was anypony spared?'' Applejack asked in distraught.

Rarity's ear twitched and she hushed her friends, ''Wait a minute...do any of you hear that?''

Applejack and Quentin stayed silent for a moment and listened intently until something caught their ears. "Yeah...yeah I do hear something,'' Quentin spoke, slightly looking around for the source.

It sounded like someone was humming, or possibly singing a song of some sort. Applejack agreed, "I do too. It sounds like it's comin' from the back.''

Without another word, the three ponies made way behind the counter and to the double swings doors, the singing getting louder as they did so. They entered the confectionary of the store and immediately were faced with Pinkie Pie, singing on her haunches and swaying back and forth. Her back was towards them, but something was wrong. From the back, Quentin, Applejack, and Rarity could see that Pinkie's mane and tail had become straight and that she had lost some of her light coloring and was now a more slightly greyish pink color. They walked slowly to her as Pinkie Pie sang in a surprisingly cheery tone.

When you're rife with devastation,

there's a simple explanation:

you're a toymaker's creation trapped inside a crystal ball!

Though the beat of the song was bouncy and cheerful, the lyrics were somewhat depressing. Quentin, Applejack, and Quentin looked at their pink friend sadly, puzzled when Quentin turned to his left and saw Pinkie's bosses Mr. and Mrs. Cake turned to stone and at they're feet were their baby twins Pumpkin and Pound Cake who like their parents were tuned to stone. Applejack and Rarity too saw them and immediately their faces fell with a deep sad frown and they looked back at Pinkie Pie.

"Pinkie Pie?'' Applejack spoke softly with a sad tone, but Pinkie Pie didn't seemed to hear her and kept on singing.

And whichever way he tilts it,

know that we must be resilient,

we won't let them break our spirits

as we sing our silly song!

The three approached Pinkie Pie and Quentin tapped her on the shoulder. "Pinkie...'' he spoke.

At his touch Pinkie Pie hipped her head around and Quentin couldn't help but jump at the sudden motion. Strangely despite the dark situation of things, Pinkie Pie had a bright smile on her face, but there was something not right about it. Her smile seemed not genuine...like she's forcing it. It was rather unnerving…disturbing…scary.

"Oh hiya guys what's up?!'' Pinkie Pie greeted with a cheerful tone.

"Pinkie Pie, sweetie are you ok?'' Rarity asked sadly but with concern.

"I'm just great Rarity!'' Pinkie Pie answered, jumping to her feet. "I mean, Ponyville is destroyed, Sugarcube Corner the best place I've ever worked at is in shambles, and everypony we knew are turned to stone, but I'm just peachy!'' Pinkie Pie responded with her big, tight smile.

Applejack, Rarity, and Quentin just looked at their friend sadly. It was clear she was in denial, and seeing how the party animal pony of smiles and laughter was torn up inside just killed them. "Pinkie...'' Applejack said, tears beginning to for in the corners of her eyes.

Pinkie Pie then suddenly looked at her employers and their infants and ran over to them. "Oh and look, Mr. and Mrs. Cake are turned to stone along with the babies! You know I had this wonderfully terrific game I came up with to play with the twins them we got back from beating Chrysalis. And I also had a big party planned to throw when we had won, but obviously things didn't go according as planned. I guess I just need to come up with a plan B then, hehehe!''

Pinkie Pie fell back on her haunches and tapped her hoof against her head as if in deep thought.

"Pinkie Pie, it's ok darling,'' Rarity spoke gravely, she too beginning tear up as she took a step towards the pink pony. However, Pinkie Pie suddenly got up and began to pace the room as she continued rather quickly.

"I mean I guess a regular pony would ask why would something terrible like this happen. Or completely loses it and starts crying. Not me, I still have a smile on my face!''

Quentin approached Pinkie Pie with a forlorn expression and said, "Pinkie Pie, you don't...'' but he was cut off by Pinkie suddenly grabbing his face and pulling him close to her's, her smile just borderline frightening at this point.

"And don't forget about Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. I mean, not one but both of the princesses went up against that big bully, but he wiped the floor with them and killed them both...just like that!''

Quentin said nothing just looked at Pinkie Pie with a sad stare. "Dontcha see?! After all this time we believed that everything would be just fine, and all of a sudden this happens. The moment 'ol Chthon appeared, nothing would've stopped him! Who knows, if we'd stayed he might've killed us too. After all these things happened, I thought and finally figured out that nothing we did up until this point didn't matter. We're all just leaves at the mercy of the winds of fate!''

At that moment, Quentin bit his lip and spoke with a hurtful tone, ''You don't really believe that, do you Pinkie?''

At his words Pinkie Pie's smile faded to a shocked expression as the stallion continued.

"Do you really believe that with all we've been through, that with everything that happened, that we couldn't stop what you see around us from just happened?''

Pinkie Pie gazed away at Quentin and answered, her voice beginning to crack, ''Uh...well...I...''

Quentin then spoke, ''Or...do you just want to believe it wouldn't matter?''

The three all looked at their friend in a painful silence until she started to shake and as tears formed in her eyes and began to fall down her face and she answered, ''No...''

Pinkie Pie fell back on her haunches and closed her eyes as tears flowed. "I...I wanted to believe that...no matter what happened *choke* that no matter what horrible things I've heard or seen that everything would be ok. I...I wanted to believe that if I kept putting a smile on my face and be optimistic, we could...but...look what happened. Everypony's turned to stone and Ponyville's a barren wasteland. We failed...we really failed!''

It wasn't even a second after Pinkie Pie finished that Quentin threw his forelegs around her and brought her in a comforting embrace. Instantly, Pinkie Pie's eyes shot open, stunned and confused as tears streamed down her face.

"You don't have to smile...'' Quentin spoke, his voice cracking and tears beginning to fall down his own face. "It's ok to cry when it hurts...and if you want, I'll be here to cry with you. I'm not afraid to cry with my friends...''

There was a brief silence for a moment or two until finally Pinkie Pie suddenly wrapped her forelegs around Quentin's neck, her head went limp on his shoulder, and just broke down crying, shaking violently. Quentin rocked her as he rubbed her back and spoke.

''Even the Element of Laughter needs to cry once in a while...''

As Pinkie Pie continued to cry in Quentin's embrace, Applejack and Rarity looked on with hurt, sad glances, tears trailing down their faces. The two came to them and joined in the hug. "C'mon y'all, I think all o' our friends should be in this hug,'' Applejack finally spoke up, whipping her eyes.

"Applejack's right, we must regroup with the other girls,'' Rarity agreed with a sniff.

Quentin nodded and whispered to Pinkie Pie, ''You ok Pinkie?''

Pinkie Pie nodded silently and they broke apart. She gazed at Quentin with tear filled eyes. "I...I don't know about ok, but I just want to be with the rest of our friends now,'' Pinkie Pie sniffed.

"Then let's go find them,'' Quentin spoke, helping Pinkie Pie up. "Let's go girls.''

The others nodded and they made their way out of the confectionary and out the bakery. The four decided to head west of the dark town. Applejack and Quentin walked in the front while Rarity and Pinkie Pie trailed behind them, with Rarity comforting Pinkie Pie.

"It pains me to see Pinkie Pie like this,'' Quentin muttered, glancing over his shoulder." I mean, she's always bouncing around like nothing ever bothers her.''

Applejack sighed sadly and nodded. "Yea I know what ya mean Quen. Pinkie hardly ever gets depressed, but when she does, it aches everypony's hearts.''

If was relatively silent during their venture through Ponyville, and the stone statues of the citizens didn't help matters. After an unknown amount of time, the four ponies were now passing through a familiar, open meadow, or at least was a beautiful meadow that was now blackened and barren that led to Fluttershy's cottage. Before they knew it, they had stop dead in their tracks and gazed up in shock and terror. The cottage that was home to Fluttershy was now like the other buildings in town, greyish black with a burnt look to it and in shambles. The grassy rooftops were blackened, the windows busted out, and the door was charred and almost coming off of its hinges.

The small bridge that led to a path towards her home was also darkened and the brook of crystal water that ran underneath was now replaced by brook of scolding hot lava. The few trees that were near the home were now black, leafless and dead, the various birdhouses that decorated them were almost completly incinerated. It shocked the friends to see the once beautiful cottage on the meadow was now lifeless and dead.

"No...Not here too!'' Pinkie Pie whimpered.

The rest of the friends just stared in disbelief before Rarity suddenly spoke up, ''Oh my, Fluttershy! If she had seen this, then...we must get to her now!''

With that Rarity galloped towards Fluttershy's home and the others quickly made pursuit. They climbed over the bridge and up the path to the cottage and quickly made their way in the demolished cottage. Immediately upon entering the shambled cottage, Quentin, Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie gazed at the sight of Fluttershy sprawled on the couch, her face buried in her forelegs while taking long breaths. They frowned sadly and quickly observed the room. Of course, it looked like it'd been through an explosion, burnt and charred and just a mess. However, what was more was that the animals that would come in and out of the cottage were turned to stone. Chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits, and mice were sprawled over the floor in stone while numerous different birds perched frozen in stone in their birdhouses happened here. Even animals weren't spared from what happened here. Having observed enough, the four slowly, sadly made way to their weeping friend and over hangings that hung down from the ceiling.

"Fluttershy?'' Applejack spoke softly, putting a hoof on her shoulder.

Fluttershy tensed up at her touch and lifted her head. What a sad sight. Tears flowed down her face with bloodshot eyes. Her eyes seemed to have lost some life, empty and sorrowful. "M-my animal friends...just...just...'' Fluttershy began but suddenly broke down as she held out her forelegs to reveal the stone statue of Angel bunny, her beloved pet.

Quentin and the others gazed down sadly at the bunny as Fluttershy sobbed, ''W-Why did this have to happen?! To them, to everypony else?! They didn't do anything...anything to deserve this!''

Rarity quickly made her way to Fluttershy and embraced her in hopes to console. "We know sweetie...we're just as devastated as you are,'' Rarity whispered a few tears rolling down her face.

"Everything's...ruined. Everything's destroyed! I...I don't like this. I want everything to go back to normal!'' Fluttershy sobbed.

"I know ya do sugarcube, we all do,'' Applejack sniffed, rubbing her back.

Quentin glanced to his side and noticed that Pinkie Pie had begun to cry again and he put a foreleg around her shoulder. "Come on girls, we still need to find Rainbow Dash and get back with Twilight,'' the earth pony said with tear filled eyes.

"Quentin's right. Twilight…sniff...Twilight's smart, she would know what to do right now,'' Pinkie Pie said while sniffing softly.

Applejack and Rarity nodded with agreement. "Fluttershy, I know it's hard to leave your animal friends behind, but-' Rarity began softly, but was cut off by Fluttershy.

"I don't want to be here. I can't bear to see my friends like this. I just want to be with you guys right now,'' Fluttershy wept softly.

Rarity nodded and helped Fluttershy to her feet. "Thadda girl 'Shy, ya being pretty brave right now,'' Applejack said with a comforting tone and a slight, sad smile.

Fluttershy said nothing, just sniffed and nodded. "Let's go girls,'' Quentin spoke and the rest agreed.

With heavy hearts the five exited Fluttershy's home and made their way back to Ponyville. With no other place in mind, they decided to head back to the library to regroup with Twilight.

The five, distraught ponies had no hindrance on our journey to the library and they finally approached the worn down home of Twilight. Before they could made way to enter, the broken door opened as Twilight and Arcanus walked drearily out. Twilight looked as if she hasn't stopped crying since Quentin left and Arcanus, though his eyes were hidden behind a blindfold, could easily tell he had an extremely forlorn expression.

"Twilight?'' Quentin spoke out softly, taking a sort of half step towards the intelligent unicorn, but she just closed her eyes and shook her head as tears streamed down her face.

Before anyone else could speak, a rainbow colored blur flew across the fiery skies and Rainbow Dash made a sudden landing near them. She was breathing heavily, with a furious look on her face.

"Rainbow Dash? Where have you...'' Fluttershy asked, only to be cut off by Rainbow Dash.

"Cloudsdale!'' Rainbow spoke aggressively, causing her friends to jump slightly.

"What about it?'' Pinkie Pie asked puzzled.

"It's bucking destroyed that's what!'' Rainbow Dash answered loudly.

Most of the group gasped. "What?! Cloudsdale? Even all the way up there?!'' Rarity asked horrified.

Rainbow Dash began to pace around, her anger fuming. "It's like a floating hell up there! The buildings are destroyed, lava's spewing out of it. But that's not all!'' Rainbow Dash then whipped her face towards the others, tears forming in her furious eyes. "I saw Scootaloo, she was turned into a statue!''

At this Quentin and the others all frowned sadly as Applejack spoke up drearily, ''We know Dash. It would seemed like everypony's been turned to stone.''

"I mean, she looked up to me, she asked me to take her under my wind and become like a big sister to her. Some big sister! Where was I when she turned out like this?! Where was I when she needed me?!'' Rainbow Dash then whipped around with her back towards her friends and fell on her haunches as her head bowed.

She then began to tremble as she gritted her teeth and pinched her eyes shut, trying to keep her emotions in. They all looked at the bold Pegasus sadly. Her friends knew that someone as tough as her would never want to be seen crying.

"Rainbow Dash, it wasn't your fault,'' Twilight spoke sympathetically. "It wasn't anypony's fault.''

"Twilight's right Dash. No pony could've possible known that this would happen,'' Applejack added sadly, putting a hoof on her shoulder.

"Then why do I feel like it is? Why do I feel like cud?!'' Rainbow Dash argued through gritted teeth.

Quentin walked over beside her and wrapped his forelegs around her, shocking Rainbow Dash greatly. "The reason you feel so strongly about this is because that's how much you care about Ponyville and Scootaloo, Dash,'' he spoke softly with wet eyes.

Rainbow Dash said nothing as tears began to form in her eyes. "I know you established yourself as a tough, hardcore pony, but we will never think different of you if you were to cry. You can believe that I won't,'' Quentin added tenderly.

After a few brief moments after his comment, Rainbow Dash then hung her onto Quentin's shoulder, pinched her eyes shut as she began to cry silently, taking quiet breathes as she did so. The others watched on, tears streaming down their own faces as they were together in the dark new world around them. After what seemed like hours, Rarity asked Twilight.

''Twilight, we were hoping if you had any idea what to do. Please tell us that you do.'' Rarity looked at Twilight with pleading, tear filled eyes as everyone turned and fix their gazes on the purple unicorn.

At first Twilight looked as if she didn't know what to do. She glanced around thoughtlessly when her gaze locked onto the silhouette of familiar looking fortress alongside a mountain. "Canterlot...Canterlot! I almost forgot about it!''

At that the others all widened their eyes slightly as they turned towards the mountain that spired the majestic city. "Oh my, Spike, Princess Cadence, and Shining Armor are still there! Do you think they're alright?'' Fluttershy asked fearfully.

"Let's pry ta Chiron that they're are!'' Applejack added.

Twilight immediately turned to Arcanus. "Arcanus, do you think you can teleport us to Canterlot?'' Twilight asked desperately.

The powerful unicorn nodded and replied, ''Of course Twilight Sparkle. Everypony get close.''

The friends did as they were told and gathered close together. Arcanus' horn began to glow a billowing bluish white light and in a flash of light they were gone. It was in a blink of an eye and in another flash of light, the eight found themselves in the center of a demolished looking Canterlot. They gazed wearily and horrified at the once proud, elegant city that now stood in ruin around them. Many of the white and purple buildings were run down and corroding, much like Ponyville. Rooftops were damaged heavily with gaping holes, windows were busted from their frames, and the streets were darkened and craggy. The city was now spired against a black mountain. But the most disturbing aspect was the sight of the upper class inhabitants of Canterlot littered the streets as they stood frozen in cold, rock hard stone.

Just like the ponies of Ponyville, most wore expressions of shock, fright, and alarm as they stood in their places. Some stood frozen as they were seated at cafe tables, others were frozen where they had walked. Things were just as bad here like the lifeless dwelling of Ponyville.

"No...not here too,'' Twilight said in despair, on the verge of tears.

"It's jus' like Ponyville, everypony's a statue,'' Applejack added bleakly, looking around the dark environment.

They all looked around, trying to process what they were seeing. "Just look at this place,'' Rarity spoke dismally with tears in her eyes. "This used to be the most beautiful city, the city of my dreams...now look at it.''

Arcanus gazed around and spoke with a downhearted tone, ''Dear Chiron above...was there anypony spared of this disaster?''

The group began to walk around, wearily gazing around the destroyed city. Like Ponyville, all the statues that scattered the streets along with the shambled buildings and dark, fiery skies gave the environment a brooding, creepy feeling.

"As vain, ritzy, and uptight the lot of these ponies were, even they didn't deserve such a horrible fate,'' Rarity voiced sympathetically as she looked around as she and her friends continued to venture through the city.

Pinkie Pie, her main and tail still straight with her coloring still faded, spoke in a very un-Pinkie Pie like tone, ''It...it feels like there's absolutely no joy left anywhere. Is everything like this? Is everypony like this?''

That's when Twilight froze and a look of sheer horror formed on her face. Pinkie Pie's words seemed to have triggered a thought as she muttered mortified, ''No...Shining Armor, Cadence...Spike.''

The others noticed Twilight's sudden behavior and Applejack asked with concern, "Twilight? What's wrong sugarcube?''

Instead of a response, Twilight galloped at full speed through the town. "Twilight wait up!'' Rainbow Dash called and they pursued after her.

"Twilight, where's she going?'' Fluttershy asked as they followed the unicorn.

Arcanus answered somberly, "I think I know where she's going. And I fear for a horrible discovery.''

Quentin, Applejack, and the rest followed Twilight through Canterlot as the followed a path that led to the very outskirts of the city. It wasn't long before they passed through an entrance and stopped dead in their tracks as they came to a horrifying sight. The grassy lawns were now scorched earth, lifeless and black. The waterfall that poured down from the side of the mountain to the right was now a waterfall of lava, filling a basin before passing under the drawbridge and down the side of the rest of the mountain, but it was the palace that had the group terrified. The once beautiful, majestic castle now looked like it sustained massive and extensive damages from some sort of epic battle.

The roofs and spires were crumbling with numerous holes. Some parts of the palace had completely gave in and were numerous holes in the body like the areas had been blown up as the whole palace gave a look as if it had been caught on fire, with the windows either completely busted from the frames or had holes in them. The eight all stared in disbelief as the now dark castle was now adorned by a fiery skyline.

"Holy...fuck...'' Quentin muttered under his breath, can't believing what they were witnessing.

"The palace...it's...'' Fluttershy began as tears began to form in her eyes.

"No...no...No...'' Twilight uttered in disbelief before she took off toward the destroyed palace.

The rest of quickly followed her down the path. They crossed the drawbridge over the flowing lava and through the large doors and the group soon found themselves in the familiar large room with a stairwell up ahead. The inside of the palace was just as horrible to look at like the outside. Everything were in ruins. Debris and rubble littered the room, the red carpet that led up to the stairwell was faded and tattered. The overall look of the room was of charred, destroyed, remnants of a room destroyed by a fiery maelstrom.

"Just look at this place...'' Pinkie Pie said glumly.

"This sucks...it sucks so much. It feels like we're in Hell,'' Rainbow Dash added with a disturbed tone.

Twilight looked around frantically before dashing of towards the stairs with her friends just behind her. They ventured through the ruined castle. Like Ponyville and Canterlot, they discovered the ponies that dwelled in the castle were turned to stone, the guards, staff, everypony that they came across were stone. It's unknown how long the eight ponies went through the castle until they finally forced their way through some large doors and found themselves in a large destroyed room that led to the spacious corridor of windows and stained glass windows. It wasn't long before they noticed three stone statues that stood atop the staircase before them, the statues of a familiar unicorn, Alicorn, and baby dragon...the stone statues of Shining Armor, Cadence, and Spike. Quentin and the others all looked at their petrified friends with completly and utter shock and horror.

"No...NO!" Twilight cried, tears immediately forming and streaming down her face as she ran up the stairs and to the statues.

Twilight approached the first statue that depicted her brother Shining Armor and brought a shaking hoof to his face. "Shining Armor...''' Twilight uttered tearfully.

She turned her gaze at her sister-in-law as her crying became harder, "Cadence...''

Twilight then shifted her tear filled eyes to her dragon friend. He stood with an alarmed, sad expression, his mouth hanging open slightly. At the sight of her beloved assistant and friend, Twilight broke down crying as she gently embraced Spike. "Spike...I'm sorry...I'm so sorry...'' Twilight cried into her stone friend.

The rest sadly climbed the stairs as they approached Twilight. "Oh my...Shining Armor and Cadence too?'' Fluttershy whimpered with tears streaming down her face.

Rarity gasped softly as she put a hoof to her mouth, tears cascading down her face as she looked at Spike. "Spikey Wikey...no it can't be...''

Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Quentin all had tears either in their eyes or flowing down their faces as they looked at their friends turned to stone. Arcanus just stood by and watched on with an extremely sorrowful expression. Quentin looked at the weeping Twilight as she embraced Spike. The sight of her so...devastated was too much for him and he looked down and pinched his eyes shut. Applejack tearfully looked at her human friend and rested her head on his shoulder and closed her as and let tears roll down her face. Though as dear as his friends are to him, the situation before Quentin unnerved him tremendously and almost immediate after his farm pony friend rested her head on his shoulder, Quentin moved from her touch and proceeded to glumly walk into the corridor of windows.

Applejack looked on after him, tears still rolling down her eyes as Quentin walked alone in the corridor. In the large hallway thoughts kept racing around in his head. Why did this happen? Did this really happen? Is this just some sort of bad dream, a nightmare? If so he just wanted to wake up so badly. Quentin let a few tears escape as he opened his eyes and looked upward. Upon shifting his gaze, he instantly noticed a significant change in the corridor. Like the rest of the palace, it looked as if it had been heavily damaged by some great battle, but the stallion's gaze scanned the large windows that decorated the hall. All down the corridor, all the regular windows were completly destroyed while the stained glass windows remained intact. However, it was these stained glass windows that caused Quentin to look grief stricken and he called out to the rest of his friends.

"Girls!''

The six ponies and Arcanus looked over at him. "Quentin, dear what's wrong?'' Rarity asked, whipping tears from her eyes.

Quentin just shook his head and repeated. "Girls, come here. Y-you all need to see this!''

With dishearten spirits, the six mares and Arcanus quickly made their way in the corridor and to their. "Quentin, what's up?'' Rainbow Dash asked as she landed next to him.

Quentin said nothing and pointed to the stained glass window close to them. Everyone tuned their gaze to where he was pointing at and their eyes widened with shock and their mouths dropped open at the sight they beheld. The stained glass window, the brilliantly designed window that depicted a past history now had a dark and sinister look to it. The main color scheme was now mostly red, black, and white and it depicted Chthon defeating Celestia and Luna just like the battle they had just witnessed.

"W-what's going on with the windows?'' Pinkie Pie asked frightened, her ears lowering.

Applejack gazed sadly at the window and spoke, ''It's...it's jus' like what we saw back in the ruins. Why does there have ta be a paintin' about it?''

Twilight couldn't bear to see a reminder of her mentor's death and looked away tearfully, but then opened her eyes to see that the other stained glass windows had also changed. "L-look at the other windows. They've changed too!''

Her friends fearfully, bewilderedly made way down the corridor as they examined the new windows with horrified glances. Like the first window, all the new stained glass windows all had a black and red color scheme, but each one depicting a different prophecy of some sorts. One depicted towns catching fire while another depicted balls of fire raining down on ponies. One window had an imaged that depicted ponies falling from what looked like a cliff to their supposed deaths in fire.

"That's just...sick. This is beyond evil,'' Rainbow Dash spoke with a disgusted tone.

Fluttershy buried her face in her hooves as she curled up into a ball and began to cry after observing a window that depicted ponies being killed by flying, dragon like monsters. "I don't want to look anymore!'' the timid Pegasus wept "It's too horrible. I just want to...want to...'' Fluttershy continued to cry.

Pinkie Pie looked at a window depicting ponies being impaled by large spikes as a pair of large evil, red eyes observed from the skies, in a way as if they were enjoying what it was seeing. Pinkie Pie shook her head in disbelief as she fell onto her haunches and buried her face in her hooves. Applejack's eyes feel upon a window that had Chthon slaughtering ponies, one hand covered in red black energy while the other hand held a sinister looking sword as he laid waste to the ponies.

"Mother of Celestia...'' Applejack could only mutter as she looked away from the graphic design and her eyes fell upon another window.

This one had the image of Chthon, apparently in the air. His body was slightly bent with one hand outstretched downward while the other arm was bent to his side. A stylized image of a rather large fireball shot from Chthon's outstretched hand and fired downward at some unknown target, Chthon giving that evil grin. Rarity looked around and spoke tearfully.

''These windows are just...please I want to leave!''

Arcanus walked up to a window that depicted a partial view of the world. It was red with yellow lines as if it was burning and flaming meteors were hurling towards its surface. "Dear God...are these stained glass windows...are these prophecies trying to tell us what we so dreaded?'' Arcanus spoke gravely.

Twilight gazed frantically around at the windows, each one depicting a story that is worse than the last. Finally at the end of the corridor, Twilight gazed up at the ceiling and her heart sank. Tears formed and fell fluidly as she shook her head and broke down as she fell on her stomach and cried.

"No...no...''

Seeing this, Quentin quickly ran over to her side, soon followed by the rest of their friends. They looked down at their weeping, shaking friend and looked upward to see what she saw and their faces fell at the horrifying sight they were seeing. High on the wall was the largest stained glass window. Unlike the others, it was round, but the color scheme was the same, it was the depiction that was unsettling. The window had the etching of Chthon, rigged in appearance, dark purple with those evil red eyes that seemed to glow. The four winged god had his arms raised with clutched fists rather victoriously with the most evil, triumphant smile on his face. Behind him was a background that depicted space with numerous planets and stars shooting about. However, the planets were set ablaze as the space background was a deathly red color with white stars. In the center in front of Chthon was a burning, doomed planet.

Quentin stared at the stained window, he felt his legs becoming weak and he fell onto his haunches, racking a hoof through his dreadlocked mane as he looked down with a confused, disbelieving, horrified look. Celestia and Luna were dead, Ponyville and Canterlot were basically decimated, and everypony they knew and loved were nothing but stone statues. It was at that point Quentin realized what these windows mean. It had been done. Despite all of their struggles, despite all of their fights they failed to stop this living nightmare from happening. The solar eclipse had signaled what they had so desperately tried to stop. The dark prophecy that they read had come true and the warnings Discord gave them had been brought to pass. The six Cosmic Gems united and in effect revived Chthon. By Chthon's will he accomplished what they had failed to prevent. The world of Equestria was now a world of chaos…the world had ended.
> To Keep Fighting
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

All was quiet in the decimated castle of the late regal sisters of Equestria. All was still as the stone statues of the castle denizens stood frozen in their places. All was still and quiet save for weeping in the corridor of stained glass windows. It was unknown how long the group of eight been there. An hour? Two? Three? All they knew was the dark and dismal situation they now had to face alone. Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Arcanus, and Quentin had since scattered about in the scarred corridor. Rarity and Fluttershy were together with Fluttershy crying heavily into Rarity's shoulder as the beautiful unicorn had a foreleg around her shoulder and stroking her mane. Though she was consoling her, Rarity too had tears flowing down her face as she took steady breathes as she cried. Pinkie Pie was near a broken window flat on her haunches, her color still faded as she hung her head and cried, choking on her tears as she did so. Rainbow Dash was sitting on a windowsill, her back against the right horizontal sill. She had her forelegs crossed and looked as if she was trying to keep her anger and rage under control as tears fell down her face.

Twilight had remained in her spot, the dark stained glass window of Chthon ruling the universe high on the wall before her. Twilight laid on her stomach and buried her face in her forelegs as she cried, taking long breaths as she did so. Arcanus sat nearby from Twilight, silent with his head bowed. Applejack and Quentin were together near another broken window. They had their backs leaned against the wall on their haunches as Applejack cried softly into his shoulder while Quentin had a foreleg around her shoulder in comfort. He just stared at the ground in the most distraught way. How could all of this had happened? How could such a beautiful world such as this one be doomed to such a fate? As these thoughts went through his mind, Quentin couldn't stop the tears from forming in his eyes and falling down his face. In only three short weeks, the human turned stallion went from a distant stranger yearning to get back home to one that appreciated this world and the ponies that he's met in it.

If things weren't bad enough, Celestia and Luna were now both gone. And now this is how it all ends? Applejack finally lifted her head and gazed at Twilight, still weeping in the center of the corridor.

"I...I never seen Twi so broken down like this,'' Applejack muttered with a sniff.

Quentin sighed deeply, whipping his eyes. "It must be especially difficult for her. I mean, she did just see her teacher and ruler get killed by an evil psycho.''

The reminder of Luna's demise was especially hurtful. The beautiful princess of the night who so enthusiastically asked for his friendship, him a mere peasant and now she was gone. Quentin only knew her for a short time, but losing her was like losing one of his closest friends. Suddenly he couldn't hold his emotions back anymore and Quentin cried. Applejack was caught surprised by her friend's sudden break down and she asked with a tearful, concerned gaze.

''Quentin?''

"I'm sorry Applejack,'' Quentin cried softly. "I'm so sorry...''

Applejack looked at the stallion sadly and embraced him. "There ain't nothin' you should apologize about hun. This ain't yur fault, not one bit,'' Applejack tearfully tried to console Quentin.

"But...but I kept saying that everything would be ok. I told Luna that no matter what happened, things will turn out for the better,'' Quentin argued.

Applejack nuzzled Quentin's face sadly as she responded softly, ''We didn't know what we were up against sugarcube. We thought we could handle it, but it turned out much bigger than we could ever imagined it. It wasn't yer fault.''

Quentin said nothing and just tightened his grip around his friend, feeling the golden necklace that was her Element of Harmony pressing into his chest as they continued crying. After a certain amount of time, Applejack and Quentin looked up and noticed Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie were headed towards Twilight, probably to help comfort her.

"We should head over too Quentin,'' Applejack suggested, whipping her eyes.

Quentin nodded, "Yeah, I'll be over in a bit Applejack. Just give me a minute.''

Applejack nodded understandingly and with a heavy heart walked over to the rest of our friends, save for Rainbow Dash who still remained on the windowsill. "Twilight? Sweetie it's alright,'' Rarity comforted, knowing very well that it wasn't the case.

"No it's not!'' Twilight cried. "It'll never be ok!''

"I know it's bad sugarcube, but...but at least we have each other,'' Applejack said with a very faint smile, as she helped Twilight up. "That's it hun, up an' at 'em.''

Twilight continued crying as she fell back onto her haunches. Arcanus somberly made his way to the group as Fluttershy asked tearfully, "So what do we do now? Do we just...keep on going with our lives?''

At this Pinkie Pie shook her head and spoke in a melancholy tone, ''I don't want to continue living in this world, I can't. There's nothing but destruction and misery.''

Rarity looked at Arcanus with pleading, tearful eyes. "Arcanus, please tell us you know what we should do?''

Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie looked at the powerful unicorn with sad, intent eyes, but he just sighed with discontent and shook his head. "I couldn't even begin to tell you what we should do.''

This answer destroyed any hopes the mares had and they looked down sadly. "I can't shake the feeling that maybe if I had acted sooner, maybe the outcome wouldn't been different. I wandered if I had seen what was coming, I could've better prepared Celestia and Luna. To see my two former students meet their end the way that they did aches my heart so.'' Arcanus added woefully.

Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie looked at Arcanus sympathetically as Applejack said, "Now do ya start with that too. None of this wasn't yer or anypony's fault. Even you aren't all knowing.''

"Applejack's right Arcanus. I can see why Princess Celestia and Luna decided to see you at once. You've been a great help to us, so you shouldn't blame yourself for everything that's happened,'' Twilight muttered.

The others agreed which prompted a faint, but grateful smile from Arcanus. "Thank you all for such kind words, but I can't enjoy them long enough in this...new environment.''

"So that's it then? Do we just...just...'' Fluttershy began before breaking in to a sob.

As Rarity consoled Fluttershy, Twilight gazed her tear filled eyes upward. "I know somepony who would know what to do, but she's...'' Twilight said before breaking down crying.

Applejack put an arm around Twilight to help calm her down. "I know how much the Princesses meant to ya Twi. We miss 'em too,'' Applejack spoke reassuringly.

"Why did all of this have to happen?'' Twilight cried. "We fought so hard to prevent this from happening, but not only did we failed, we lost our two leaders! What lesson is there to learn from this? Was this inevitable? Was everything we did up till now meaningless? Was it all for nothing?''

As Twilight asked these questions, the others just look at each other with tears streaming down their faces as Arcanus merely turned away. Rainbow Dash had heard and she pinched her eyes shut and gritted her teeth as tears cascaded down her face. I had heard their whole conversation. Quentin whipped my eyes as Twilight's ponderings echoed in his head.

"Was is all for nothing?'' he thought to himself as he walked over to a stained glass window showing Chthon with an outstretched hand downward. "Was this…all of this fated to happen? Was this the destiny of this world and all who lived in it?''

Quentin pinched my eyes shut and clenched his teeth. He thought about all the wonderful moments he had after being spirited away to Equestria. The fun that he had, the wonders that he'd seen…the friends that he's made. With these thoughts, I gazed back up at the dark, window and frowned deeply. He then gazed down as he gently lifted his pendant and read part of the quote that was inscribed on it. "Never lose faith…'' and he repeated the words over and over in his head. No this cannot be the fate of this world. Quentin cannot...will not believe that a place like this was damned to be a hell hole like this. Quentin can't lose this world, his friends to this darkness...he won't!

"No!'' the stallion suddenly spoke up with a deep, unyielding glare.

At this outburst, his friends gazed at him with shocked glances, even Rainbow Dash shifted her attention to the Earthling. "Quentin, what is it?'' Fluttershy asked, whipping her eyes with a sniff.

Quentin turned around and made his way to the group. "We need to come up with a game plan,'' he spoke with determination.

This caught the human's friends off guard as Rarity asked with a bewildered, tearful expression, "Game plan? What in heaven's name do you mean Quentin?''

"A plan to fight back!'' Quentin responded.

This answer only confused them more as they looked at each other. Quentin gazed at them with a slightly disgruntled look before asking, "We are going to fight back are we?''

Pinkie Pie answered tear filled eyes, "But Quentin...there's nothing to fight for. Look around, everything's destroyed.''

Quentin couldn't believe what he was hearing and argued, "What, so you're all just going to give up?!''

"Quen, it's not like we're dealin' with an evil king or the Changelings,'' Applejack began with wet eyes.

Twilight continued tearfully, ''Applejack's right Quentin. We're dealing with a god, somepony even Discord feared and Celestia and Luna together couldn't defeat. And look what he did to Equestria, the entire world...how do we fight something like this?''

Quentin understood their despair and lack motivation to fight on and it was true, they were up against an all-powerful deity, but that didn't mean they should give up. He sighed before answering.

"I know, it's bleak. I don't know how we could fight something that can do this to the entire world, but… we have to fight anyway.''

To Quentin's alarm, Rainbow Dash had flown from her spot and right in front of him and shouted angrily. "Quentin just drop it will you! Did you see Ponyville and Canterlot?! Did you see everypony turned to stone?! Look around, everything is toast! The world is toast! We failed, it's over! What's the point?!''

At this their friends gazed on with tears running down their faces while Arcanus looked on with a clearly distraught expression. Quentin looked at the rainbow maned Pegasus hovering in front of him. She was trembling with tears falling down her face as she wore an angered, yet also saddened look upon her face. Quentin's shocked expression then fell to one of unwavering resolve.

"What's the point? Hope that's the point!'' the dreadlocked stallion responded forcefully.

This caused all the ponies to widen their eyes with shock as the gazed at their friend, Rainbow Dash hovering a few inches back from him. Quentin continued, "Listen, and look at your chests. What do you see around your necks? Twilight, what do you see on your head?''

The six mares looked at him for a moment before gazing down to see their Elements of Harmony, the golden necklaces that had their respective elements at the center while Twilight looked upward at her tiara resting atop her head. Quentin looked at them with a frown as he asked again.

"Tell me what you girls see.''

"It's...it's our Elements,'' Fluttershy answered meekly with a sniff.

Quentin nodded, ''That's right, the Elements of Harmony. The same powerful artifacts that you girls told me again and again how they saved Equestria in the past.''

"But Quentin, that was Equestria, this is the entire world. I know the Elements are powerful, but-'' Rarity began, but Quentin cut in.

"But nothing!'' His friends jumped lightly as the earth pony stallion gazed into their tear filled, hurtful eyes. Quentin sighed again and softened his tone, but still had a stern expression. "Look, I know things are bad, probably the worst Equestria had ever been through. I'm looking around and I see the destruction, the hopelessness. Like Celestia said before...'' Quentin had to compose himself as he thought back at the benevolent princess' demise. "Celestia said you were the last line of defense, and you six are still here. You still have your Elements. And if you're still here than that means there's still a chance. With the Elements of Harmony, we can still fight Chthon!''

Quentin's friends gazed at him, astonished at what he just said, but still with uncertainty in their eyes. "Quentin...'' Applejack began sadly when at that moment a familiar, chilling, demonic voice suddenly rang out.

"Speak of the Devil and he shall appear.''

That voice. That dark, chilling voice that sounded out caused the eight to jump as they scanned the area with wide, alarmed eyes. "What?! No, it can't be...'' Twilight spoke in disbelief and dread.

Fluttershy whimpered as she cowered, ''No...please not him!''

Though they had only heard his voice for a short time, they knew who exactly spoke to us...Chthon. They all cautiously backed into a group as the unmistakable laughter of Chthon echoed throughout the hall. "Shit!'' Rainbow Dash swore through gritted teeth as her eyes darted all over to find the source of the laughter.

Arcanus then clenched his teeth with a deep from as he spoke firmly, ''Everypony, stay close to me!''

As Chthon's laughter continued to echoed around them, Rainbow Dash finally had enough and shouted bravely, ''Where are you?! Are you gonna be a coward?!''

This outburst unnerved Quentin and his friends as Rarity tried to hushed the bold Pegasus, ''Rainbow Dash have you lost your mind?! Are you trying to get yourself ki-''

"Come out Chthon and face us!'' Rainbow Dash called out again, hovering in the air.

Chthon's laughter sounded again before he finally answered with an echo, ''Well, well aren't we a spirited one?''

As Chthon spoke, Quentin and the others crowded closer together with unnerving expressions as Chthon continued. "As for where I am, I can be anywhere I wish…even right behind you.''

At those words they all felt a chill down their spins and they jumped backwards as they faced behind them. There was nothing but the empty corridor and the stained glass window of Chthon striking the unknown target. However to the group's shock and horror, that rigged image of Chthon suddenly began to move and crossed his arms as he laughed again.

"There you are!'' Rainbow Dash snarled and before any of her friends could react, she flew fast towards the window.

"Rainbow don't!'' Twilight called out, but Chthon disappeared right before Rainbow Dash collided head first into the window.

Surprisingly, it didn't shatter, though the act did cause pain to the bold Pegasus as she rubbed her aching head. "Rainbow Dash, are you ok?!'' Fluttershy asked concerned.

Rainbow Dash just grumbled and cursed to herself as in a black and red fiery flash of light, Chthon reappeared in the window, crossing his arms. "Did you really think that feeble attempt would really work?''

Rainbow Dash shook off her pain and retorted boldly, ''Tough talk for somepony who's hiding in a window!''

Chthon just laughed as he flew to the side and out of sight, reappearing in another stained glass window in front of Quentin, and the rest of the group. In the window, he sat down effortlessly like he was sitting on an invisible object as he leaned on the side of the window, crossing his leg with the cloven hoof over his other leg as she rested his head on his right fist.

"I hope you enjoyed the little changes I made to your home. In fact, I loved the outcome so much, I just had to do it to the entire world.'' Chthon mocked with a dark chuckle.

Arcanus looked at the deity with an angered frown and gritted teeth. Twilight and Rainbow Dash looked at Chthon with a hateful glare while Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Quentin had a more frightened expressions.

"Demon, I don't know what foul pit you rose from, but I am ready to fight till my last breath to defend this seven ponies!'' Arcanus said threateningly, bowing his head lower.

Chthon leered at Arcanus for a moment before laughing out in that demonic laugh. "Not even two pathetic demigods could stand against me. Do you really think a mere mortal like you could defeat me?''

At that comment, Twilight jumped out and growled at the god, tears streaming down her face. "You...killed our princesses!''

Chthon looked at Twilight uncaringly and coldly responded, ''Yes I did. And I suppose it has something to do with you?''

"It has everything to do with me!'' Twilight screamed as her horn glowed a billowing aura magenta aura. "She was my teacher...a second mother to me and you killed her!'' and she fired a dark pink energy blast at the window.

The blast hit the window with a small pink explosion and when it subsided, Chthon was gone. "W-where did he-'' Pinkie Pie began but was cut in by a laugh and Chthon appeared in the window on the other side of the corridor.

''Oh I know how much your precious little princess meant to you...Twilight Sparkle.''

The fact the Chthon knew Twilight's name surprised them all. "How… do you know my name?'' Twilight asked bewildered.

"Child, I hold all the knowledge in the universe. There is nothing that isn't beyond my mind, not even the knowledge of you and your sheep Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie...the bearers of the Elements of Harmony.''

At this revelation, the eight ponies looked at each other while Twilight just glared at Chthon who was gazing down at the images of ponies that appeared to be turned to stone in the window he was in.

"And I hope that you all had a happy reunion with your friends in Ponyville?''

That comment causes the rest of my friends to angrily glare at Chthon. "Happy?! There's nothing happy about what you did to our home and to our friends!'' Pinkie Pie spoke up tearfully.

Chthon's face then became one of fake concern as he spoke, ''Oh I think they don't mind their sudden petrification now do they?'' As he said this, his gave three knocks to the head of one of the images as he continued with a cold grin. "Now maybe some know how it feels to be cast in stone death.''

At this the rest of the friends let out faint gasps as Fluttershy whimpered fearfully, ''S-Stone death?!''

Chthon chuckled darkly,'' Yes, incinerated so quickly that their very flesh hardened and turned to sooth and stone. A quick but painless death.''

They all stared in horror at the grinning God of Chaos. "M-my little s-sister is dead?!'' Rarity uttered in horror and disbelief as tears began to roll down her face.

Chthon only answered with a dark, evil, chuckle. Suddenly tears flooded down Rarity's face as she screamed outraged, ''You evil, loathsome, horrible monster. I'll kill you!'' Rarity attempted to lunge at the window, but Fluttershy, Twilight, and Quentin were able to restrain her.

At the display before him. Chthon let out a chilling laugh. "Ah yes, I almost forgot how amusing it is to toy with mortals!''

Applejack glared up at Chthon with tears streaming down her face as she seethed, "Toy with this ya son of a bitch!''

Before anyone could stop her, Applejack ran out and reared back and with all her strength, she gave the window a strong buck, shattering the window. Applejack jumped back as large pieces of glass fell to the ground.

"She...she got him?'' Pinkie Pie asked in surprised.

"Teh, we wish,'' Quentin muttered as he looked around with a cautious frown.

Not long after, the evil God's laughter echoed throughout the corridor and the eight stayed close together, looking around cautiously. "It's laughable that you would truly think you actually have a chance against me Applejack, Bearer of Honesty.''

They all looked up abruptly at the direction of the voice and their sights fell on the large, circular stained glass window high on the wall at the end of the corridor. The image of Chthon seemingly dominating the universe now began to move and he was gazing down at the group with his dark eyes. In alarm, the friends and Arcanus shifted their position with Arcanus in front. Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, looked absolutely scared while Rarity had a combination of a frightened and cold glare expression. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Twilight glared at Chthon with gritted teeth ready for a fight.

"Ya think I'm supposed ta be impressed 'cus ya know my name an' Element?'' Applejack growled.

Chthon chuckled, casually tapping the glass he was in. "Not just you my dear, Rainbow Dash the Element of Loyalty, Rarity the spirit of Generosity, Fluttershy Bearer of Kindness, Pinkie Pie the giver of Laughter, and Twilight Sparkle the possessor of the most powerful of the Elements...Magic.''

As Chthon revealed the knowledge of their names and strengths, Quentin's friends looked at each other in bewilderment and concern, as the deity continued. "Though it really doesn't matter for you all will perish within the very near future...I can promise you that.''

They all tensed up as Chthon spoke those words. When he spoke, his voice had no care or compassion at all in its tone, just dark, threatening, and cold. "W-we're all going to...die?'' Fluttershy whimpered tearfully, cowering a bit.

At this, Quentin put a hoof reassuringly on her shoulder and she looked at him as he assured, ''We're not going to die Fluttershy. Just because some creep says so doesn't mean otherwise.''

Chthon suddenly started to laugh as most of them frowned up at the rigged image with slight confusion. "Yes that's right lie to your friend. Keep saying that it'll make your demise all the satisfying to me!''

Quentin gave Chthon a low growl as Applejack, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Arcanus all gritted their teeth as they glared at the large stained glass God.

"It's clear that I know everything about you, but you know nothing about me. Sad really, I made quite a mark on this world the last time I was here, but no matter. I'll be glad to enlighten you. I am Lord Chthon; God of Discord, Deliverer of Darkness, Harbinger of Destruction...Sovereign of Chaos.''

As Chthon said those words, he had reached out his claws outside the stained glass window he was in and grasped the outer lining. He had then brought his legs in and effortlessly squeezed his entire body out of the window and the eight ponies all quickly drew backwards as he landed on the ground, causing the room to shake slightly as Chthon rose up drew his four wings, causing a strong blast of wind to blew the group a few feet more back. Now out of the window, his appearance went from rigged back to its normal self. Chthon easily were taller than the windows while his wings were just as easily able to move freely without hindrance in the spacious corridor.

Talking to a stained glass window was one thing, but now that Chthon was in front of them in the flesh caused the ponies to become more unnerved. Almost instantly after he appeared in front of them, the air shifted drastically. There was suddenly a cold chill among them, as the air itself stinging and became heavy as if Chthon's very presence destroyed any glimmer of warmth. As if his very presence beckons death.

Twilight glared at the deity, shaking in both anger and fear until she let out a short cry and fired a beam of magic at Chthon's face. However, it proved futile for before the attack could hit, Chthon raised a claw and Twilight's spell collided into it before being absorbed into his palm and disappeared.

"Pitiful attack, from a pitiful unicorn,'' Chthon said.

Twilight gasped silently as her spell did nothing to faze Chthon, but it was quickly replaced by a frown of pure hate and rage. Chthon saw this and laughed darkly, ''Are you angry? Do you hate me? Then continue to let out your hatred to your heart's content. I've lived lifetimes incomprehensible before this planet was even conceived. I am what gives your hatred breath, to fight me only strengthens and sustains me. You're only delaying the inevitable.''

Chthon's statement some of the ponies growl with anger and the others to cower in fear. Chthon gazed at the frightened Fluttershy and smirked cruelly before speaking to her telepathically, ''And yes Fluttershy you're correct...there is nothing you can do to stop me.''

Fluttershy gasped in fright and she responded in fear while taking a step backward, ''W-What?!''

Chthon raised a claw up and gave a simple flick motion with his middle and thumb. Almost instantly, a powerful, unseen blow hit Fluttershy hard in the face and she screamed as she was suddenly knocked a few feet in the air and backwards before falling back onto the ground and skidding a few feet.

Fluttershy!'' Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Quentin exclaimed and ran over to our friend as Arcanus peered sharply over his shoulder in alarm.

"Fluttershy! Darling are you ok?!'' Rarity asked with concern as they made it to the timid Pegasus.

Fluttershy was curled into a ball and shaking violently with her face buried in her hooves. "Fluttershy?'' Rainbow Dash asked as she landed next to her friend.

Fluttershy didn't respond at first, just kept shaking until she finally lifted her head and we gasped. Blood was flowing profusely from Fluttershy's nose and down her mouth as it dripped to the floor, with the nose a bit sickly crooked like she had just been hit in the face by a hard, blunt object. The blood wasn't the only thing flowing, tears streamed heavily down the yellow Pegasus' face as she sobbed, though her voice sounded a bit muffled.

"I...I can't...breath from my nose! My nose...hurts so much!''

Rarity quickly put her forelegs over Fluttershy in hopes to calm her. "Shhh it's ok dear.'' Blood was dripping onto Rarity's white coat, but she didn't care. Right now Fluttershy was more important than her appearance.

"I know it hurts sugarcube, but we need ta see that nose again,'' Applejack said softly, sadly as she rubber her back.

Fluttershy hesitated for a brief moment before facing Applejack, her nose exposed as she took deep, sharp breathes repeatedly as tears and blood gushed from her eyes and nose. Applejack winced as Fluttershy cried, ''How...bad is it?''

Twilight walked up to Fluttershy and answered sympathetically, ''It's defiantly broken Fluttershy. I know a spell that can fix it right up, but it might hurt.''

Fluttershy gulped and shivered, but said nothing. "Fluttershy?'' Twilight said with an uneasy gaze.

Fluttershy shook her head, "Just do it.'' Her voice was heavy with reluctance. She knew it would be a bit painful, but she also had a hint of determination for being rather well adept to medical care herself, she knew what has to be done. "It's not going to heal itself unless you do it, so please just do it...quickly!''

Her friends all paused to admire the Pegasus' bravery. Twilight took a deep breath and spoke. "Ok Fluttershy, just breathe.''

Fluttershy pinched her eyes shut as tears streamed down her face and her body tensed up, Rainbow Dash put a foreleg around her to comfort her while the job gets done. With a determined gaze, Twilight's horn glowed a billowing magenta aura as did Fluttetshy's broken nose. It wasn't long before they her a sickening snap sound as Fluttershy let out a brief scream and immediately buried her face in Rainbow Dash's chest as she cried. It was agonizing for them to hear such a sweet pony like Fluttershy crying and in pain.

"Fluttershy, it'll be ok,'' Rainbow Dash said softly, rubbing her back to try to console her. "Come on now, let's take another look at that nose.''

Fluttershy nodded before lifting her head while covering her nose with a hoof. She soon brought her hoof away from her nose for her friends to see. It looked a lot better than it did a few moments ago now that it was straight, though blood did still ran out her nose and stained her yellow coat. "H-How is it now?'' Fluttershy whimpered, trying to catch the dripping blood with her hooves.

"It's fine, it'll be just fine Fluttershy,'' Rarity answered with a very sad smile.

Fluttershy just nodded before pinching her eyes shut as tears rolled down her face, covering her nose again. "Here take this,'' Pinkie Pie spoke up, taking out a tissue behind her. Apparently she still haven't lost her Pinkie antics even in this situation.

Fluttershy obliged as she took the tissue and covered her nose to stop the bleeding. "I need to lean my head forward,'' Fluttershy muttered with a few sniffs as she leaned her head forward and facing the ground. "It's best to let it drain out.''

As the rest of her friends continued to console Fluttershy, Quentin casted a glare at Chthon. He would dare harm Fluttershy, harm any of his friends? He gritted his teeth and growled under his breath.

"That pain is nothing compared to what you will face,'' Chthon spoke darkly as he raised a claw. "Now, what shall I break next and to whom? Pinkie Pie perhaps? Yes, she's far too happy for her own good. I'll turn the Element of Laughter into the Element of Screams.''

At this Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Quentin shot Chthon deathly glares as Fluttershy and Rarity looked horrified. Pinkie Pie coward backwards, trembling as she whimpered tearfully.

''No...Please no...''

"Let's see how you like it when I break something of yours you bastard!'' Rainbow Dash yelled but before she could take off at Chthon, she was stopped by Arcanus.

"Stop Rainbow Dash!''

This sudden outburst caught us all by surprise as Rainbow Dash argued. "Why should I?!''

Arcanus answered, not looking back at the seven ponies. His voice, they've never heard such anger, such furiousness in the wise unicorn's voice before. "Because he will not harm any of you again! Demon, you will face me now!''

"What?! Arcanus, you can't possibly take him on by yourself!'' Twilight tried to reason.

"Twilight's right, you saw what he did to the princesses, he'll kill you!'' Rarity added.

Arcanus lowered his head slightly before answering, "Then I'll welcome death if it means to extending your lives longer.''

Quentin and the others all gazed at Arcanus, amazed, saddened that he will fight possibly knowing full well that he will surely die. However, Chthon laughed out and spoke, ''Surely you jest! Two Alicorns couldn't even stand against my power. What makes you think that a mere unicorn could make such a difference?"

Arcanus growled, "Chthon, you claim to be all knowing. Then you must know…that I'm anything but a 'mere unicorn'.''

With that, Arcanus suddenly galloped towards the God as a surprising speed, shocking the seven friends greatly. When Arcanus came close enough, he then jumped high into the air, his horn aglow with a billowing bluish white aura as he gave out a yell. Chthon smirked evilly, and extending a hand towards Arcanus, but right as his horn touched Chthon's hand, there was a flash of crimson red and when it subsided, the two were gone.

"Wh-what happened? Where did they go?!''Rarity asked surprisingly.

Twilight looked on with a slight bewildered look before speaking. "Looked like some sort of teleportation spell. But I don't know who casted it, Arcanus or Chthon.''

Suddenly there was a bright flash of red from the outside and Rainbow Dash flew to the nearest window followed by Twilight, Applejack, and Quentin. "That light seemed ta have come from the city!'' Applejack said as the three ponies scanned the ruined exterior.

"What are we going to do?'' Fluttershy asked fearfully, still holding a bloody tissue to her nose.

"We go and help him that's what,'' Quentin answered with an unflinching frown.

Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie looked at each other uncertainly, but with fear. Pinkie Pie then bowed her head somberly as she began in an upmost melancholy, ''I know we should help him but...'' Pinkie Pie trailed off before she started to shake heavily.

Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Quentin looked at the pink pony, surprised by her sudden motion. "Pinkie Pie, what's-" the stallion began with concern in his voice as he slightly advanced towards her before Pinkie Pie continued, tears rolling down her face as she began to cry.

''It's just...after what he did to Princess Celestia and Luna. After what her did to Fluttershy, what he said he would do to me...I'm just really scared that's all. He really scares me!''

Fluttershy glanced at her friend as she too released tears from her eyes while Rarity looked at her on the verge of tears as she held a hoof to her chest. The rest of them looked on sympathetically until Twilight sighed and walked over to the crying pony.

"Pinkie Pie, listen to me,'' Twilight spoke softly.

Pinkie Pie sniffed as she looked into the violet eyes of the purple unicorn. "I'm scared too...I'm terrified. In a blink of an eye, our once beautiful world became a state of ruin. But you don't have to worry, because we're here with you.''

Pinkie Pie's looked at Twilight bewilderedly, as if she was trying to understand what Twilight meant by those words. "Twilight's right sugarcube. I know things are bad now, but we're together, an' that's how it's gonna be,'' Applejack added with a sad, caring smile.

"Hay yeah! And that's what friends do, we face bad together to the end!'' Rainbow Dash added with a tough but also caring expression.

Pinkie looked at Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Applejack, and Quentin before looking at Fluttershy, and Rarity as they smiled sadly at her and nodded, apparently moved by the words. After seeing the comforting smiles of her friends, Pinkie Pie nodded as she whipped away a tear with a slight, tearful smile.

''Right...you're right. I'm glad you guys are here with me.''

Twilight nodded with a kind, sad smile. "And we always will.''

Quentin just smiled faintly at the total display of friendship radiating from these, six special ponies. The bond they shared with each other was what he most loved about being here, a friendship that none on Earth could possibly encompass.

"Fluttershy, will you be alright?'' Rarity asked as she helped up Fluttershy.

Fluttershy nodded and sniffed, ''I think so, and my nose seemed to already begin to stop bleeding.''

As Fluttershy spoke, she tore off some of the tissue and tossed it aside as she stuffed the remaining tissue in her left nostril. Quentin then spoke up with a determined tone, ''Alright girls, let's go. Arcanus needs help.''

Before he could even turn to head down the hall, Applejack quickly stopped him, "Whoa, whoa not so fast Quentin!''

"What? What's the problem?'' Quentin asked, a bit irritated by the pony's restraint.

Applejack looked at him with a very forlorn expression. "It's jus' that...this is the worst enemy we've ever fought and...'' I looked at her, wanting to hear what she was going with this. "It's jus'...I think that it'd be best if ya stay here.''

Quentin couldn't believe what he had just heard as he just stared at Applejack before forming a deep frown. "And why the hell would I do that?''

Applejack's ears lowered as she gave the stallion an even deeper sad expression, "Well we're the ones with the Elements, so we have a way ta fight...you don't.''

"What does, that have to do with anything? I can fight without them!'' Quentin retorted, almost with a yell.

"Quentin, darling, you are very brave and we know you can very well protect yourself, but I must agree with Applejack with this one,'' Rarity added with a sad, desperate expression.

Quentin whipped his head at the beautiful unicorn with an outraged look. "What?! Rarity!''

Applejack bit her lip as she suddenly spoke out in a very pleading, tearful gaze, ''Quentin the last time you were with us ya almost died! I jus' don't wanna risk ya gettin' hurt or worst!''

His face fell in shock as he gazed into Applejack pleading eyes. It was clear that seeing Quentin's almost lifeless body at the hooves of Chrysalis really shook her greatly.

"I'm with Applejack and Rarity on this one too Quentin. We don't know what will happen from here on. We just don't want to take any unnecessary risks.'' Twilight spoke up with the same expression as Rarity. Quentin merely looked at her as she continued. "You've become a very dear friend to us, and because you're dear to us, we're asking, pleading that you stay here out of harm's way.''

As the human turned stallion looked into Twilight's eyes, he could see she was almost as pleading as Applejack was. There was a brief silence among them until Quentin turned his attention to Rainbow Dash who was hovering with a very distraught look. "Rainbow?''

Rainbow Dash looked away for a moment before hovering closer to him. "Quentin don't take it the wrong way. You're a great fighter, you really are, but I gotta agree with them on this one. It'll be best that you stay here because...'' Rainbow Dash's face became one of upmost sorrow. "Because if something happens to you, I would never forgive myself.''

Quentin just stared at Rainbow Dash for a moment before looking around to the rest of his friends. His face fell in a dishearten, somewhat hurtful frown as he asked quietly, ''And you all feel this way? Feel that I should stay behind?''

There was no answer at first, just his friends casting their gazes to different directions, each with a forlorn look. "It is probably for the best,'' Flutterhsy finally said meekly.

Applejack then approached Quentin and put a hoof on his cheek as she gave him a sad, tender smile. "Ya see Quen. You're important ta us, an' that's why we're asking ya ta stay back. We promised ta protect ya no matter what from now on. That's the honest truth.''

Quentin gazed into Applejack's emerald eyes. He felt a warmness and a shiver throughout his body as her hoof touched his face. Quentin felt touched seeing how right now, she and the rest were looking out for his safety, but as much as he was grateful for their protectiveness, he gently swiped Applejack's hoof from his face and muttered.

''Look, I appreciate your concern, I appreciate your willingness to protect me.'' Applejack and the rest look on in bewilderment as Quentin continued more loudly, defiantly. "But you just acknowledged me as your friend. And what kind of friend would I be if I just sit by and let you go into harm's way while I just sit here and do nothing? That's not going to fly with me! That's not how I do things!''

Quentin's outburst caught his friends by surprise and Applejack looked at him with a very melancholy look. As the stallion continued to argue with the situation, Applejack turned and closed her eyes, gritted her teeth as she muttered in a regretful tone, "I'm sorry Quentin.''

Before Quentin knew it, before he could react, Applejack had suddenly reared her back legs and struck him in the chest with a strong buck. Quentin let out a brief cry of pain as he was flown backwards and collided hard to the wall with great force and quickly fell to the floor on his stomach. Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie all had looks of shock on their faces, but were quickly replaced by regretful gloom as if they understood that if it was the only way to ensure their would stay back, then so be it. Quentin grunted from the pain he was feeling to his chest and weakly lifted his head as the earth pony felt his eyelids getting heavy. Quentin lifted his head until his weakened gaze fell on the woebegone faces of his friends looking down at him before everything went black and his head plopped back to the floor. Quentin's friends just looked on sadly at his unconscious body.

As Applejack gazed at her friend, she gritted her teeth while a few tears rolled down her face, as she began to cry silently. The last thing she wanted was to hurt him in any way. Rainbow Dash too had hurtful tears in her eyes as she glanced down at the stallion's body she began to advance towards him when Twilight walked forward and placed a reassuring hoof on Applejack's shoulders, tears at the corners of her violet eyes.

"It's okay Applejack. It was the only way to keep him here. We didn't want him to get hurt for us.''

Applejack said nothing, just wiped her eyes and nodded. "C'mon y'all, we need ta back up Arcanus an' quickly.''

Twilight frowned. "She's right. We can't waste any more time!''

The others nodded and before they left, they all took one last sad look at Quentin before with heavy hearts turned and galloped down the corridor and out the doors, armed with the Elements of Harmony.

A flash of crimson light appeared and Arcanus skidded a couple feet back before stopping in a firm stance. Chthon too had appeared, kneeling down with one claw on the surface of the ground before standing straight up, his four wings outstretching quickly causing a gust of wind to slide Arcanus back a few more feet. They had appeared in the center of Canterlot, a large, clear, heavily cracked street square with paths leading to different streets, the cold stone statues of the Canterlot inhabitants serving as the only audience to the powerful unicorn and god.

"Now Chthon… prepare yourself!'' Arcanus commanded, bowing his head slightly while taking on an offensive stance.








Chthon looked down at him coldly before a wicked smile crept to his face and laughed briefly. "You honestly believe you stand even the slightest chance against me? You a mere, insignificant mortal unicorn pony?''

Arcanus lowered his head more and growled. "You may seem to be omniscient, but I'll give you a lesson and show you that there's nothing 'mere' about this mortal.''

With that, Arcanus was enveloped in a bluish white aura as his eyes began to go aglow with a white light. The aged unicorn grunted at the aura around him grew brighter, beginning to swirl around him like a cyclone as Chthon just watched on, an unworried, dark smile on his face with his arms crossed. After moments have passed, Arcanus let out a final cry and a burst of bluish white light erupted, causing a same colored wave of energy to expand on a single ripple. The energy quickly made way at Chthon, but it just passed through him painlessly, Chthon not blinking, flinching, or displaying any kind of emotion whatsoever. The light that had erupted quickly subsided save for the light that was now radiating from Arcanus. The bluish white aura shined in the same shape around the unicorn's body, stands of his mane magically flowing from the power of the aura while his eyebrows and beard were set ablaze by the aura. Arcanus raised his head and cast his gaze to the God of Chaos, still glowing in that mysterious white light.

Chthon, however didn't seemed impressed in the slightest who had frowned darkly before smirking, "So, this is your true power then is it mortal?''

Arcanus glared deeply at Chthon and spoke, "Yes demon. And now, I'm am far beyond the level of a mere unicorn!''

Chthon responded by giving the powerful unicorn a dark, deathly stare and growled, ''It matters not. A meaningless increase in power from a being beneath me is still meaningless. Though...'' Chthon then chuckled wickedly. "I do look forward to your agony.''

Just as Chthon said those last words, he suddenly pointed a finger at Arcanus and fired a crimson colored beam of energy right at the unicorn. It was fast, almost in a blink of an eye and it hit Arcanus square in the chest, impaling him through. Arcanus grunted in pain as the attack sent him flying backwards, however before he hit the ground, his body disappeared in a flash of light. Chthon frowned and gave a short snort, his nostrils flaring. Suddenly, a bright, bluish white light shone from behind him as Arcanus had reappeared in the air behind the God. He gave a brief yell as he fired a rather massive beam of magic at Chthon. Chthon just stood there and furrowed his eyebrows as he muttered darkly.

"Pathetic.''

His eyes then stared to glow a dark reddish black, fiery color and almost instantly, a red and black, spiraling wormhole appeared between him and the attack. Instead of the beam hitting Chthon, it was absorbed into the wormhole. It wasn't even a minute before the attack was completely swallowed and the wormhole disappeared.

"What?!'' Arcanus responded in shock.

In an instant, Chthon suddenly appeared in front of Arcanus and grabbed him by the throat. The unicorn, gagged loudly as the chaos god lifted him in the air as his massive wings flapped steadily. Arcanus pinched his eyes shut as he choked in Chthon's grasped. "T-Teleportation?!''

Chthon then smirked malevolently, ''No. I was simply moving at a speed far beyond your mortal eyes could see.''

"What?!'' Arcanus replied in disbelief. "It was in a blink of an eye, how can anypony be that fast?!''

Chthon gave Arcanus a menacing smile, ''Because I can be as fast as I wish to be. For I am not just anypony...I am a God.''

Alost immediately after making that statement, Chthon suddenly flung Arcanus downward towards the ground at a frightening rate. Arcanus gave off a brief yell as he rocketed towards the grown. However, right at the last minute before he collided hard to the ground, he disappeared in a brilliant flash of light. Chthon furrowed his eyes and spoke, "There you are.''

Chthon's eyes then glowed a fiery, dark, reddish black aura as a same colored beam of energy burst from his eyes. The beam then fired at a zig sag formation around him and up towards the skies as great speed until finally it met its target as Arcanus suddenly cried out in pain as he was struck by Chthon's attack. After a brief explosion from the beams, Arcanus fell from the skies and this time hit the ground hard. Arcanus grunted with pain as he struggled to get up. Chthon's attack had inflicted with great power, the aura around him couldn't hide the singes and burned area on the chest of his cloak. Chthon turned to him and began to walk towards the injured unicorn.

"It is futile. Your fate has already been decided. You have no hope to even injuring me, let alone defeat me,'' Chthon said darkly as he came across a Canterlot pony statue and walked on top of it, carelessly crushing the statue to pieces with his cloven foot as he advanced towards Arcanus.

Arcanus grunted as he growled through gritted teeth. "I'm...ugh...I'm not done yet demon!''

"I beg to differ,'' Chthon responded right before he raised a hand and fired a large, dark red and black ball of energy right at the injured unicorn.

Arcanus gritted his teeth and lowered his head further as the god's attack came at high speeds before hitting him, causing a large explosion to erupt on the spot. The some cleared as Chthon continued his advancement to the sight and when he finally came to the spot of the explosion, Chthon coldly gazed downward to see the body of Arcanus, heavily singed, motionless, and the bluish white aura now gone. Chthon continued to leer down at the body and he snarled.

''Substitution spell…I suspected such a fruitless attempt from a plebeian being such as him.''

Sure enough, almost immediately after he said that, the body laying at Chthon's feet glowed a bluish white light before bursting into tiny balls of light which scattered and quickly disappeared. Suddenly the same colored light began to shine behind Chthon and he turned around casually, an uncaring, deep frown on his face. Yards away in front of one of the paths, Arcanus had reappeared. He still had the singed area on his chest from where he was hit, but he now had a trickle of blood running from his nose. The aura around him shone brilliantly and grunted as a white-blue, mystical, glowing sigil appeared on the ground beneath him. The sigil was circular and had numerous arcane symbols and shapes within it.

Arcanus continued to power up as the aura now swirled around him like a cyclone. Then, Arcanus stood on his hind legs and called out, "By this spell I call you! I need your assistance!'' With that outburst, Arcanus slammed his forelegs back onto the ground and a blinding light erupted into the area. The light did nothing to impede on Chthon's vision and he furrowed his eyes as an inferno of bluish white fire like energy erupted around the powerful unicorn. From the energy, a massive creature rose from the explosive energy and landed on the ground and caused a tremor. The creature was horse like in appearance, a unicorn in fact. It had a mane that was styled in a standing Mohawk with three large locks of hair falling to the left and right side of its head, each one tied.

Around its chest was an armor similar to Celestia's except it protruded in front of it slightly with large, round bracelets on the upper part of its forelegs. On its forehead, a gargantuan horn protruded from it in a rather unique shape, with the end pointed outward. It had a rather short tail with a large patch of hair at its tips along with excess fur on its legs and shoulders. The creature was aglow with the same colored aura that was around Arcanus with white, glowing eyes and it stomped the ground and let out an earthshattering roar, but Chthon was unfazed.

"So...you've decided to perform a summon have you? It's just as pitiful as you.''

"Let's just see how pitiful this summon is! Now attack Tau Ixion!" Arcanus commanded.

At this, the summon let out another roar as id stood on its hind legs before stomping them on the ground. Immediately, the tip of its horn began to glow brightly as massive bolt of blue white lightning fired towards Chthon. Chthon gave a short growl and right before the lightning hit him, he fazed away. With its intended target gone, the attack instead it a building, causing a large explosion that caused the building to come crashing down. High in the air, Chthon reappeared as his wings flapped steadily. Arcanus' summon noticed him and with another roar it began to charge into the air and towards the God of Chaos. As it charged, the tip of the horn glowed brightly once again and fired another massive bolts of lightning at Chthon.

Chthon growled and he extended an arm with his index and middle fingers pointed towards the incoming attack. It wasn't long before the bolts electricity had met with Chthon's fingers. However, though the attack hot, Chthon did not display any signs that he was in pain or was even taking any damage. Bluish white electricity surged along his fingers and hand until finally the bolts of lightning's current was absorbed into his fingers and disappeared. Arcanus growled in irritation as electricity cracked along Chthon's hand. Suddenly in a sudden turn of events, Chthon flew downward, descending closer to the charging summon spell. As quickly as Chthon acted, when he came upon Tau Ixion, he clutched his fists and the god delivered two, powerful punches to the beast's face, sending it hurtling towards the ground at a fast rate. The summon roared in apparent pain and crashed down onto the ground, the impact making a slight crater.

"Tau Ixion!'' Arcanus called out, concerned for his summoned ally.

Chthon descended towards the earth before landed softly on the ground, a dark frown upon his face. Tau Ixion struggled to stand, but managed to get on its feet and when it locked eyes with Chthon, it gave off another roar and charged at him again.

"It's time I do away with this pathetic excuse for a summon,'' Chthon growled and before Tau Ixion could attempt an attack, Chthon suddenly whipped his arm upward along the body with his index and middle finger extended, a slashing noise sounding as he did so.

Immediately, the summon began to roar and stand on his hind legs as it shook its head vigorously as if it had just been slashed with an invisible sword and was in great pain. Tau Ixion gave out one last roar of pain before it suddenly collapsed into a massive plume of blue white energy.

"Ixion no!'' Arcanus called in horror that his summon had been destroyed.

Chthon responded by taking the hand he had used and gestured it inward towards him. The plume of energy then began to draw itself towards Chthon until he suddenly quickly whipped his hand outward, instantly the energy erupted into a bluish, white, fire like wave the fired all around including towards Arcanus. Many stone statues were destroyed by the attack. Arcanus tried to evade, but the attack was just too fast and he was blasted back with great force. Arcanus gave of cries of pain as he rolled numerously and violently before finally coming to a stop. When the energy had quickly dissipated, Chthon lowered his arm and gave the unicorn a disgusted look, before forming a sick, twisted smile.

"Is that really the best you can do Arcanus?" Chthon mocked as he began to walk towards the injured unicorn. "I suppose in comparison to the other lessers of this world, at least in unicorn sense, you would be the most powerful. So this is the power of a teacher of Celestia and Luna? The power of he who has been christened the Unicorn Supreme? How disgraceful.''

Arcanus grunted as he struggled to his feet. "You haven't beaten me yet Chthon. You haven't seen what all I can do.''

As Chthon drew nearer to Arcanus, the unicorn's horn began to glow. Arcanus gave off a loud grunt as suddenly five large, bluish white, glowing swords suddenly appeared in the air above Chthon. The god stopped where he was and gave Arcanus a dark smirk. With a short yell, Arcanus whipped his heard upwards then quickly and sharply downward. The swords then descended quickly down towards Chthon. Chthon stood there not even caring that the attack was coming towards him and right before the swords could strike their target, Chthon's four wings suddenly folded and wrapped themselves around the dark entity, completely concealing him.

The swords came down and finally made contact with the concealed Chthon, each one sinking into the deity's flesh. Arcanus raised an eyebrow as if he was somewhat shocked that his attack actually made it through.

"I actually hit him?!'' Arcanus thought to himself. As he stared at the skewered Chthon that didn't move an inch, Arcanus' face fell into a deep frown. "No...Not after everything he's done until now.''

Sure enough, an evil chuckle reverberated from the wing covered God of Chaos and parted part of his feathered wings to reveal his unholy red eyes leering at Arcanus. "It's laughable really.''

Chthon then unfolded his wings and stood straight up, but as he did so, his body moved effortlessly through the swords, not a cut or slash anywhere in his flesh. Arcanus looked on with his mouth slightly ajar, the swords protruding from his body but not inflicting any pain whatsoever. As he stood up, a sword was sticking from his left shoulder, one sticking diagonally from his right hip, one sticking through his stomach, one impaled through his throat, and the last sticking out his left arm. With a chuckle, Chthon, snapped his fingers and in a dark red, fiery flash of light, all the swords vanished, saved for the one still embedded in his shoulder. Arcanus gave Chthon bewildered look before frowning.

"As suspected, you've just been toying with me.''

"As much as I love killing mortals, toying with them is just as enjoyable...almost of course,'' Chthon spoke as he raised his right arm, grabbed the glowing sword on its hilt and slowly began to unsheathed it from his flesh until it was fully out, his shoulder not displaying so much as a cut. "You really, truly believed that with your power so beneath me could actually harm me?'' Chthon taunted, giving the hilt a light squeeze.

Almost instantly, the sword erupted into red flames with quickly subsided to reveal a darker, more sinister looking glowing sword that was black with red lining. Arcanus growled as Chthon smirked. "Let's see if you're just as gifted.''

Chthon then gave a quick slash motion downward and before Arcanus could react, was hit in the shoulder by a black and red, crescent shaped energy from Chthon's slash. Arcanus cried in pain as he was thrown back and hit the wall of a building. Arcanus fell to the ground and immediately brought hoof to the area he was wounded, still crying out from the excruciating pain he was enduring. Arcanus gritted his teeth and grunted in pain as he held his hoof over the wound, blood gushing from his shoulder, around his hoof, and dripping down his cloak. Chthon smirked evilly and spoke.

''Well, I guess not. Let's see want another attack like that would do to you.''

Arcanus gritted his teeth and glared at Chthon as he again made a striking slash motion with the sword, this time in a horizontal motion. Another dark, crescent shaped energy slashed through the air and towards Arcanus. "Not...this time!'' Arcanus seethed and his horn glowed and before the attack could hit him, he vanished in a flash of light.

Chthon's attack instead hit the building, cutting it right in half and the building came crashing down, causing dust to cover the area. As Chthon put his arm down, there was a flash of light and the god turned to see a terribly injured Arcanus, breathing heavily as he continued to press down on the gushing wound, the blood easily visible on the aura covered unicorn.

"You and your teleportation spells,'' Chthon chuckled darkly as the sword disappeared in fiery plum.

Arcanus gritted his teeth and looked at the gash on his shoulder. "I've…ugh…I've got to heal this wound or else. I've already lost a lot of blood,'' Arcanus said to himself.

His horn glowed with that brilliant bluish white light as did the wound on his shoulder. A moment later, the light from both the injury and Arcanus' horn subsided, but to Arcanus' surprise, he still had a gash which blood continued to flow gratuitously from it. "W-What is this?! Why isn't my healing spell working?!'' Arcanus asked out loud, but then winced in pain.

Chthon laughed darkly as he began to advance towards Arcanus. "No being of a lesser species can undo any damage done by me. For nothing on this planet has power that even comes close to mine.''

Arcanus growled and shouted, ''Wretched, arrogant fiend!''

Arcanus' eyes suddenly burst with light as his horn glowed brilliantly. He then whipped his head upward and almost instantly, a massive pillar of water erupted from the ground behind him. The pillar of water rose high into the air as Chthon just watched with an unworried, dark smirk. With a loud grunt, Arcanus whipped his head down and the water began to snake its way downward towards Chthon. The water attack was fast and it wasn't long until the pillar slammed into the god. There was a massive splash of water as it collided into Chthon, but the splash was quickly replaced for the instant Chthon was hit, the water turned to solid ice, freezing Chthon alive.

The glow to Arcanus' horn and eyes lowered as he began to breathe heavily. He stared at the massive structure of ice that now encased Chthon and froze the area around him. Arcanus fell onto his haunches and grunted in terrible pain.

"That...ugh...should hold him for a while at least. Until then...maybe I can UGH!'' Before Arcanus could finish, a large, five-fingered claw burst from the ground underneath him and grabbed him by the throat. Arcanus choked loudly as he put his good foreleg around the claw in hopes to pry it off, but to no avail. It wasn't long before the rest of Chthon rose up from the ground.

"Surprise.'' Chthon mocked as Arcanus began to choke in his grasp. "What's the matter, cat got your tongue?''

Arcanus said nothing, just continued to gag and tried to pry Chthon's grip from his throat. With a wicked smirk, Chthon then began to flap his wings and took to the skies, taking Arcanus with him. After about a hundred feet in the air, Chthon finally stopped, his four wings beating steadily. "I do believe that is all that you will be able to do unicorn,'' Chthon said, tightening his grip around Arcanus' neck further, causing him to gasp even louder.

Arcanus clenched his teeth as he shot the god a deep glare. "We'll...see Chthon! 'Arcanus managed to gasp out.

His horn then began to glow brightly as he prepared another spell. But before he could finish, Chthon gave his throat a squeeze, followed by a sickening crack sounding. Immediately, Arcanus writhed in tremendous pain and spat out a glob of blood. He tried to scream, but no sound came out, but it was clear he was in excruciating pain and the glow from his horn quickly ran out. Chthon smirked malevolently, savoring every second Arcanus was in pain. Blood flowed heavily from his mouth as he gritted his teeth.

"Forgive me, but I am very old so I'm afraid you must speak up,'' Chthon spoke, faking a look of difficulty to hear as he leaned his head forward a little with his free hand over his left ear.

Arcanus said nothing, just spat out another large quantity of blood. "Can't speak? I suppose that's what happens when your throat's been crushed. Though I must admit it was probably not the best action I could've done. Now I won't be able to hear your agonizing cries of pain.''

Arcanus gritted his teeth with his glowing eyes in the form of a deathly glare. Chthon's wicked smirk then fell into a dark frown as he spoke, ''Such a pathetic creature you are. Challenging me thinking you even had a chance to defeat me, me the Lord of all darkness and chaos. But...that wasn't the reason you stood against me wasn't it?''

Arcanus continued to give the god a hateful glare as Chthon continued. "You might not be able to speak, but I can read our mind. You opposed me out of the pitiful illusion of further protecting those six champions of harmony from my wrath. Such a futile attempt. Your efforts were in vain, for you only delayed their deaths.''

At those words, Arcanus' eyes softened a bit. His eyes now had a mixture of a glare and a sad regretful expression. Chthon brought Arcanus closer to the pointing their muzzles were almost touching.

"There's nothing you can do to protect them from my power. All those that fight for the light of order shall burn at my feet. You, a mere fragment of triviality that isn't even fit to be the dust beneath my feet could've done nothing to change that certainty.'' Chthon said.

Arcanus' eyes twitched slightly as Chthon's words echoed in his mind as he was having the life choked out of him. "Their deaths are absolute and inevitable, just as our death is now. It's been a forever since I've actually feasted on the soul of a mortal. You, Arcanus...'' Chthon then licked his lips grotesquely as a sick smile crept upon his face. "You shall have the upmost honor of being the first in ten millennia to be devoured by the Lord of Chaos.''

With those words, Chthon's eyes glowed a dark red and leaned his head backwards as a black and red mass of swirling energy came out of his mouth. Arcanus widened his eyes in shock and fear as the energy rose up and before he could even attempt to resist, the dark energy slammed into his face and covered it. Arcanus shook violently as the energy continued to obscure his face when suddenly the energy began to rise from his face, along with a glowing, white light that came out of Arcanus eyes and mouth. As the dark and light energy's continued to rise out of the unicorn's body, Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity had suddenly appeared and gazed up with looks of shock and horror as they witnessed Arcanus' soul being sucked right out of him.

"Arcanus no!'' Twilight shouted in despair as she and the others watched frozen in their places.

Hearing Twilight's cry, a glowing tear escaped Arcanus' eye as he sadly thought, ''Forgive me Celestia. I've failed. Starswirl…my son...I…''

With that last thought, the last bit of Arcanus' soul was ripped from his body and was quickly sucked into Chthon's mouth. With the deed done, Chthon snapped his mouth shut, white glowing particles scattering around his mouth and leaned his head forward again, a dark, satisfying smirk on his face as the glow in his eyes ceased. Almost immediately after Arcanus' soul was ripped out, the bluish white aura that surrounded his body faded as his body went limp and lifeless in Chthon's grasp. The six ponies on the ground stared up in horror as Rarity spoke fearfully.

''His not moving. W-why isn't Arcanus moving?!''

"Is...Is he...'' Fluttershy began with a scared stutter.

"No...'' Twilight uttered sadly.

Chthon chuckled, ''Delicious.''

Chthon released his grasp from around the lifeless Arcanus' neck and he fell downward. However about halfway towards the ground, Arcanus' body briefly glowed a white light before dispersing in tiny small balls of white light which flew up into the sky and disappeared.

"I can't believe it, he got Arcanus too!'' Rainbow Dash said flabbergasted.

"What are we going to do now?'' Pinkie Pie asked with fear.

"Now you meet the same fate as his.'' Chthon answered, gazing down at the six ponies with his arms crossed.

The six immediately tensed up and Rainbow Dash called out boldly, ''Yeah just try it ya ugly, dog pony freak!''

Twilight glared and growled, ready to fight. "You'll going to pay for what you've done Chthon!''

"I have my utmost doubt in that. Your precious princess combined couldn't defeat me. What hope do mere specks of dusts like you even have to challenge me?''

Applejack then barked, ''All ya ever do is talk. Why don't ya quit yer yappin' an' face us if yer so tough!''

Chthon's face fell in dark disgust as he growled, ''After all you've seen me do, you still haven't learn. Very well then, I will show you first hand of the horrors I will wrought.''

With those words, Chthon's eyes glowed an unholy red. Immediately, Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity all cried out briefly while their own eyes glowed the same color as Chthon's. Suddenly everything went blood red while they became black with white outlines. Images raced through each of the ponies' heads, horrific, ghastly images. Images of ponies being slaughtered in various gruesome ways were shown in their minds. Screams of ponies being killed rang out in their ears. Ponies were in brutal combat with each other, fighting to the death. Fire, so much destructive fire enveloped the lands. Destruction, death, pure chaos were racing around them.

Suddenly, hooves burst from the ground as several, undead rotting ponies emerged from the earth and ensnared them. The six bearers of the Elements screamed in pain and horror as the undead ponies began to each at their flesh. Chthon was in the air, he too had become black with an evil smile on his face. With a dark chuckle, he conjured six, crude looking, razor sharp knives and held them between his fingers. As Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie continued to scream. Chthon's chuckle developed into a demonic laugh as he through the knives towards the six, sending them soaring downward until the knives impaled themselves right through each other heads, ending their screams abruptly.

All six ponies' eyes were shot open, their mouths hanging down as they stood in the places frozen. The redness of the environment suddenly turned back to normal along with each of their normal coloring. The hellish, chaotic imagery as well as the undead ponies and the knives in their heads and the injuries they received evaporated away as everything went back to normal. Chthon hovered in the air with a sinister smile on his face as the six, horrified looking ponies just stood there in their places until finally they collapsed onto their haunches.

They began to shake violently in shock and terror from the illusion that were brought before their eyes. Even Rainbow Dash was disturbed beyond all reason and shook. Fluttershy shook the hardest, tears streaming down her horror stricken face and looked like she was about to be sick and sure enough she heaved forward and vomited onto the ground. The others didn't react to this, either they didn't notice or they were just paralyzed with fear to react. Chthon let out a laugh.

''What's the matter Elements of Harmony? Where's your brave talk you so boldly spoke out a moment ago?''

The six didn't responded, just continued to shake in their places. Chthon gave them a dark, sly smirk and raised an eyebrow as he spoke, ''No? Well I think I'll give you one last demonstration that opposing me is as futile as breathing life out of your nostrils.''

Chthon raised his arms to the side. A moment later, a basketball shaped sphere of glowing white energy appeared a few inches from his left palm. "Behold, the power of light.'' Chthon spoke, gazing darkly down at the ponies.

Inches from his other hand, a same shaped sphere of dark, black and purple energy appeared and Chthon finished, ''And the power of darkness.''

Chthon then lowered his right arms and fired the white sphere downward at the six ponies and impacted upon them. The ponies screamed as the sphere expanded until it completely engulfed them. Chthon then lowered his right arm and shot the dark sphere of energy down at them and merged with the white sphere, turning it into a massive, chaotic sphere of black, white, and purple as white electricity surged in the center. From the inside, the six screamed in terrible pain as the sphere continued to do damage to them. As the screaming continued, Chthon commented uncaringly.

''Aw, do you want off my little ride I set for you?''

With those words, the sphere suddenly exploded and dispersed, causing a crater to form in its place. In the crater were the bodies of Applejack, Twilight, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie, motionless and unconscious as they laid on the ground. Their coats and manes were heavily singed and unkempt from the powerful attack, their Elements askew on their chests and Twilight's head.

"Light and Darkness appear to be opposites, never together in the same place at the same time. Only I can bring out the purest forms of these forces. I would ask what would happen if these two were ever brought together, but you don't have to imagine the outcome. At the same time you were struck down by the very darkness you tried so foolishly to vanquish. And at the same time you were smitten by the very light you pathetically held so dear.''

Chthon lifted his head and looked at an unspecified direction, the winds picking up as his mane and ponytail flowed. "I do believe I've wasted more than enough time dealing with the likes of you six. Not to be rude, but I do have an entire world to plunge into damnation so you can understand. So stay there broken and except your fate and pray that you drift off into eternal slumber as I tear this planet inside out.''

Chthon inhaled deeply before exhaling. "Such a glorious day for chaos.''

With those words, Chthon disappeared in a dark red, fiery flash, leaving the six, defeated ponies alone in the center of a destroyed, dead Canterlot. Down far away in Ponyville, Chthon reappeared in the fiery, orange tinted skies high above the destroyed town. "But first, I think I'll create a monument. One that will be a symbol for my power and a remembrance of this day of destruction.''Chthon said as he gazed around the decimated Ponyville. 

He then raised his arms, as he did so his hands were engulfed in a crimson red and black sphere of energy. As he raised his hands in a triumphant fashion, a low rumble began to sound, getting louder and louder each second, and the ground shaking vigorously. Then at the very center of the town, the ground beneath the town hall began to rise as the building began to crumble and fall apart. Suddenly, the town hall collapsed and crumbled the ground as a massive structure of rubble shot from the ground and rose quickly upwards into the fiery orange and red skies. Chthon watched on with a sinister smile as the structure continued its ascension. Higher and higher it rose. A hundred feet, two hundred feet, three hundred feet it rose until it disappeared into the burning clouds, but still it rose.

As it grew, the base grew wider and wider, stretching the ground and destroying any pony statues that stood in the way. Finally after what seemed like forever, the structure slowed until it finally came to a stop. By this time, a large portion of the center of Ponyville was destroyed by the construct, massive spikes of rubble and earth sticking outward from the base. It appeared to be a dark tower of sorts, standing tall, crude, dismally that was visible from miles on end save for upper half that disappeared into the orange, red skies. From the base, a wide staircase began and rose up high and quite possible to the very top of the tower. With his work completed, the spheres around Chthon's hands faded and he gave off a wicked chuckle.

"Yes, that will do just nicely. From the top of this monument of destruction I shall lay my wrath upon this world. I'll let the world know that the Dark One has returned once again!'' With a last laugh, Chthon disappeared in a fiery plume, his dark tower standing tall among his newly destroyed, chaotic world.



> Astral Capture
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It was pitch black...nothing...nothing buy darkness until slowly, weakly, but surly a pair of eyes began to open. She peered through her eyes, her vision blurry from the slumber she had just awoken from. How long was she asleep or unconscious maybe? Days? Weeks? Years? She blinked her eyes slowly as her vision began to come back into view. From what she could see so far, she was staring at what looks like the ground. She groaned and blink slowly a few more times.

"W-What...?'' Celestia spoke groggily.

Celestia shook her head in an attempt to rid herself completely of her disorientation and opened her eyes again with her vision completely restored. "What...what is this?'' Celestia gasped in shock.

She looked around to find that she was in what looked like a castle dungeon. The dungeon was dark, yet had a slight transparent look to it, similar to the structures in Biblio Templum. The dungeon was simple in structure, large, spacious, in round. However, there was no ceiling or roof which exposed a dark, reddish black space like atmosphere with white stars. Though Celestia couldn't see it, the dungeon was situated on a small mass of a land like structure, with pools of mysterious, red, mystical liquid that seemed to flow between the rocks and crevices and fall from the mass continually and endlessly down a bottomless space. Celestia was dimly aglow with a white aura matching her coat. Celestia's eyes darted around quickly as she tried to make sense of the strange environment she was now in.

"What in Chiron's name?! How did I- ugh!'' Celestia spoke out when she suddenly grunted and gave a brief cry of pain.

To her horror, Celestia was being held up with her forelegs outstretched by twelve large hooks with chains coming from the wall she was at. She had two hooks embedded in her wings, her forelegs, her shoulders, and her thighs. Celestia looked at herself in utter disbelief, unable to speak. Her eyes then wondered to her left and fell upon the body of her sister Luna, her head bowed in unconsciousness.

"Luna! Oh my God. Luna can you hear me?!'' Celestia called frantically to her younger sister, not caring for the pain she felt as she moved.

Like Celestia, Luna was being held up by hooks with chains in the same places as hers and she too was dimly aglow but the glow matched her dark blue coat. "Luna!'' Celestia cried out again.

This time, Luna groaned and shook her head groggily before she weakly began to raise her head. "Celestia?'' Luna asked weakly.

Celestia let out a small cry of relieve as she began to tear up a little. "Yes, little sister. Are you alright?''

Luna groaned. "I...believe so I ugh!'' Luna then winced from the pain from the hooks in her body.

This caused Luna to lose her grogginess completely as she darted her eyes to her hooked, forelegs and wings. "W-What is this?!" Luna sharply looked at her sister frantically. "Celestia, why are you like this?! Why are we like this?! What is going on?!''

Celestia shook her head sadly, ''I don't know Luna. The last thing I remember was...'' Celestia then widened her eyes as she finally came to a terrible realization. "Chthon!'' Celestia frowned. "We were fighting Chthon.''

Luna gasped lightly before she too frowned darkly. "Yes I remember Celestia.''

Luna's eyes wondered to her right and she saw the unconscious body of Queen Chrysalis, hanging from hooks from her body just as they were. At this Celestia and Luna glared deeply at her and Luna growled, ''It was because of that wretch. She foolishly freed Chthon with the Cosmic Gems. He defeated her, then we fought him, and...'' Luna voice then trailed off and she looked at her sister with somber look. "Sister...we lost didn't we?''

Celestia looked into her sisters crestfallen eyes and looked away and closed her eyes. "Yes Luna we did. It's unfortunate, but we fell at Chthon's power.''

Luna just stared at her sister in disbelief and she slowly turned and stared at the ground. Luna uttered. "So...are we...dead?''

Almost immediately after Luna's question, a dark, demonic voice answered out in reverberation to answer her question. "Yes, so to speak.''

Immediately, Celestia and Luna looked around in alarm, unable to see the source of the voice. The voice then changed to a dark laughter the echoed throughout the dimension and he spoke again, ''Up hear.''

Instantly, Celestia and Luna cast their gaze upon starry skies and in a burst of reddish black flames, Chthon appeared in a massive form, his size far exceeding that of the dungeon, effortlessly propping himself up as he hovered in the endless space.

"So, you've finally awaken from your slumber. I hope you've had a pleasant rest?'' Chthon chuckled tauntingly as he crossed his arms onto the edges of the ceiling and rested his head casually in his arms. Celestia and Luna glared up at the god.

"Chthon…'' Celestia growled.

"I couldn't help but notice how hooks are grotesquely protruding from your bodies. The discomfort...the pain... it must be maddening? Good.'' Chthon chuckled sadistically.

"Enough! We are ready to fight you again if we must demon!'' Luna barked.

Chthon responded with a dark leer as he spoke, ''You're not in a position to make such brave words little speck.''

At this Celestia barked, ''Do you think that these chains can stop us?!'' Celestia then lowered her head to try to use her magic, but something was wrong. Her horn didn't glow that brilliant golden aura it usually did. "W-What?! What's going on?! Why won't my magic work?!'' Celestia asked in great bewilderment and alarm.

Luna too tried to use a spell, but her horn failed to glow and she stared at her sister in shock, ''I-I can't use spells as well. What sorcery is this?!''

At their futile attempts to do spells, Chthon chuckled darkly and Celestia and Luna shot him up glares. "You! What have you done to us Chthon? Why can't we use our magic?'' Luna demanded.

"It seems that you've forgotten. But fear not, it would be my pleasure to remind you of what happened.''

Chthon then extended an index finger and waved it around in the air in a circular motion, causing red smoke to appear in a round shape. Celestia and Luna looked on with bewildered frowns as the center of the mist cleared to reveal misty images of themselves. The two regal sisters widened their eyes in shock.

"What's...'' Luna began.

Celestia and Luna were watching their own battle with Chthon. Celestia saw her own, beaten body with broken wings and soon the images of Celestia and Luna were engulfed in a crimson red aura. Soon after, the two were enveloped in red spheres of energy each with two black, intercepting ellipses that soon suddenly imploded, bringing the end of the vision and the red mist evaporated. Celestia and Luna looked on dumbfounded as Chthon smirked. After about a moment after drinking in their defeat, Luna spoke gravelly.

''So it's true? Then…then we really have perished?''

Chthon chuckled, ''As I said before, you are only partly correct.''

Celestia glared up at the god and said forcefully, ''What do you mean? Tell us, what have you done to us? What is this place?''

"It would seem like you don't have all the answers after all, how lowly for you.'' Chthon then lifted his head and gazed around in the red black, starry space. "This dimension you are now in is known as the Astral Plane.''








Celestia and Luna looked at each other with shock. "The Astral Plane?!'' Luna repeated in disbelief. ''You mean...''

"Correct. The realm of the spirit. The betwixt of the afterlife and the material world, though I gave it my own personal touch of darkness. Think of it as a sort of limbo as you will. You are not truly dead, so you haven't received the permission to move onward. And since your physical bodies were destroyed you've been denied to go back to the realm of the living, you are simply here, lingering...existing.''

As Chthon explained, he was taking pure, sadistic delight and Celestia and Luna growled under their breaths. "Ah, and I think we have another guest to join us. This is certainly turning into quite a get together isn't it?''

Chthon gestured his claw at the right of Celestia and in a flash of white light, Arcanus appeared on the ground, motionless, his body dimly aglow with a light blue aura. At this, Celestia and Luna gasped. "No, Arcanus!'' Celestia uttered under his breath.

Chthon smirked and snapped his fingers. Instantly, hooks with chains erupted from the wall behind him and embedded themselves into his forelegs, shoulders, and thighs, lifting him upwards in the same, bipedal position as Celestia and Luna.

"Arcanus?'' Celestia uttered out again, to which Arcanus still didn't answer.

Luna whipped her head at Chthon and spat, "Accursed relic! How dare you treat such a distinguished unicorn like that?!''

Chthon gave a princess of the night a curt replied, ''I dare to punish whoever I please that's foolish enough to stand against me. Like that pitiful fool hanging on the wall.''

Chthon suddenly burst in a massive plume of dark purple smoke that snaked its way through the air and down into the dungeon. Upon hitting the ground, the smoke materialized back into the image of Chthon, now at a size just twice that of Celestia's.

"It was pathetic really. Fighting me, and for what cause? To ensure the survival of the so called bearers of the Elements of Harmony? He failed, just as you failed to fight to ensure the survival of your world.''

Celestia and Luna gasped loudly with wide eyes at the statement that Chthon made. Their world was destroyed? No, impossible they didn't believe it. "The world is...destroyed?!'' Luna uttered in fear and disbelief to only Chthon just chuckled that dark chuckle.

Celestia shook her head in denial as she spoke, ''No...No it can't be you're lying!''

Chthon smiled evilly at the princess of the sun as he walked towards her. "Am I? For if I can recall, you've read a prophecy not too long ago is that not?''

Celestia and Luna didn't answer, just stared at Chthon with horrified expressions as he continued. "As said, when the six gems of chaos calls upon the king, the end of all mortals, the end of everything. I am the king the prophecy spoke of. And after I defeated the both of you, I destroyed your entire world. Now it's a burning, chaotic realm under my complete control. Just as fate had so decreed.''

"No…no it can't be!'' Celestia said as tears quickly came to her eyes and rolled down her face. "Everypony is dead? My subjects, the Elements of Harmony...Twilight Sparkle?''

Luna too had tears streaming down her face as she hung her head and wept. "And Quentin? No...My first true friend...the first to have truly shone appreciation for my night...is dead? It can't be!''

Seeing the two princesses in distress caused Chthon to laugh lightly as he went over to Luna. "Come now Luna what's the matter? Are you grieving over a dear friend you may have lost?'' Chthon said tauntingly, grabbing Luna lightly on the face and lifted her head to where she was looking at him.

At the gesture, Luna gave Chthon a tearful glare and Celestia suddenly shouted, ''Get away from my sister demon! Don't you dare touch her!''

Chthon then leered at Celestia coldly, seeing tears streaming endlessly down her face along with an outraged look. Chthon released Luna's face and went over to Celestia. "If it's your precious people you're worried about don't. For you simply have to look upward to see them again.''

Celestia and Luna frowned at Chthon bewilderedly. "What are thou talking about?'' Luna asked forcefully.

Chthon just smirked at the princess of the night and gestured his claw upward. Following his gesture, the two sisters looked upward and their eyes widened in shock. High into the space, countless balls of yellow light were floating aimlessly about. However, it was inside the balls of light that terrified them. Inside each of the balls were the bodies of ponies, curled up with their eyes closed, apparently unconscious.

"W-What is this?!'' Celestia asked out loud, staring at the balls of light.

Luna gasped, ''Sister, I recognize some of those ponies! There's Fancy Pants! And Stardancer!''

"Jet Set, Uppercrust, even Prince Blueblood!'' Celestia spoke in terror, seeing some of the ponies that resided on Canterlot.

Though she knew that Blueblood's attitude was anything but prince like, she knew even he didn't deserve such a fate Chthon cast upon him. "Wait, some of those ponies I've seen in Ponyville!'' Celestia added as she looked on frantically. "Mr. and Mrs. Cake! Mayor Mare! And Twilight's zebra friend Zecora!''

Celestia and Luna continued looking onward at the ponies in the balls. Among the spheres of light were Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Lyra Heartstrings, Cherrilee as well as the Apple Family of Big Mac, Granny Smith, and Applebloom each in their own balls of light curled and motionless. Suddenly a trio of balls caught Celestia's eyes and she cried softly as tears cascaded down her face.

"No...Princess Cadence. Shining Armor. And Spike too?!''

Sure enough, there were three balls, one with an unconscious Cadence, another with Shining Armor, and the last one with Spike, all motionless as they floated idly in the air. Chthon just chuckled darkly as he wickedly looked up at the balls of light. Tears flowed more fluidly down Celestia's face as she cried in despair.

''So does that mean...does the mean Twilight Sparkle and her friends are here too?!''

Chthon laid his dark eyes on the eldest princess as he answered, ''Fear not Celestia. Your beloved apprentice and her friends as are still alive.''

Celestia and Luna both widened their eyes in surprise and hope. "W-What?! It's true then? Twilight Sparkle, her friends...and Quentin. Their still alive?'' Luna asked with hope.

Chthon gave a short nod, ''Yes. The lowly mortals actually tried to stand against my power. I defeated them easily of course, leaving them barely alive. Though if they had the slightest amount of intelligence, they would succumb and give themselves to the fate they cannot escape, if they wish to avoid a painful demise.''

Celestia and Luna glared at Chthon. "What are you talking about Chthon?'' Celestia demanded.

Chthon smirked at Celestia before turning around and began to walk casually away with his hands behind his back. "Don't misunderstand me, your world is destroyed you can believe that. And though my might had claimed a great number of the lives of your kingdom, there are still ponies across the lands that still draw breathe.''

At this news, Celestia and Luna gave Chthon surprised, confused looks as Luna asked, ''Why? Why would you spare our kingdom while ponies of the other lands are alive and well?''

Chthon turned and grinned darkly at Luna. "Well I wouldn't say 'well' but they are alive, at least for now.'' Celestia and Luna just stared at the deity with confused frowns as Chthon continued as he began to pace back and forth in front of them. "You see as an all-powerful god that I am, I could easily kill all life on the planet with a mere thought, but...'' Chthon then chuckled as he gazed at the sisters malevolently. "Where is the pleasure in that?''

Every word Chthon had said made the sisters bubble with anger until finally Celestia forced out, ''Enough of your riddles Chthon! Just what are you planning?''

Chthon only replied with another chuckle in his dark, demonic tone until he finally answered Celestia's question. "It's simple really Celestia. I've been sealed away for countless millennia. It's been so long since I've relished in the screams of suffering ponies. Their anguish, their agony...are almost mists that have nearly faded from my memories.''

As Celestia and Luna listened, the growled and gritted their teeth as glared hatefully at the God of Chaos. As Chthon continued, he raised his arms in a dramatic gesture as his wings extended outward, a twisted smile upon his face. "Yes, I've almost forgotten the feeling of continuously tormenting the mortal souls of the world. It is because of that very reason that I will have my fun kill ponies by the masses slowly and tenderly. Ponies writhing as they are being burned alive.''

"Chthon...'' Celestia growled.

"Ponies screaming as they are being burned alive,'' Chthon added with increasing malice.

"You...will never...'' Luna growled darkly.

"Ponies panicking themselves to death as their minds shatter into madness. I will revel in them all! Only and only when their screams have become deafening to me. Only when their pain and suffering have become dissatisfying is when I will finally end all of their existence and completely destroy all life on that pitiful waste of a planet.'' Chthon finally finished which sort of a hateful growl on his last words.

Finally, Celestia had had it and shouted at the evil being. "Chthon, you will never succeed in your twisted plans. We won't just sit here and let you lay waste to our world!''

Chthon merely chuckled and replied, ''Really? I really believe you don't have a choice in the matter.''

That's when Luna roared, ''Evil, wretched cur! You're plans will never come to fruition! The Elements of Harmony will defeat you and put an end to your ambitions!''

Chthon then laugh loudly and darkly, ''You don't possibly believe those six ponies could actually defeat me don't you? Those insignificant specks of wasted thought when you yourselves couldn't defeat me.''

"Don't underestimate the power of the Elements! Though we have failed to stop you, their power will overlap yours!'' Celestia shouted adamantly.

Chthon's face fell into a dark frown and he snarled, ''You don't believe that.''

"What?!'' Luna spoke loudly.

"What you boldly declared was merely wishful thinking. I truth, you don't really believe your own brave words.''

Celestia and Luna looked at Chthon with outraged expressions. "No, you THINK that it's just wishful thinking,'' Luna snarled.

''Who are you to tell us what we believe or not?'' growled Celestia.

Chthon just smirked cruelly and spoke, ''It know because I can read your minds, and I can read your hearts.''

At this, the sisters widened their eyes in shock as Chthon continued. "I've destroyed your entire world with little ease, overpowered you with little ease. How can beings lesser than you even hope to defeat me? And let's not forget about your father…''

Celestia and Luna gasped loudly, a look of sheer horror upon their aglow faces. ''O-our father?!'' Celestia uttered in shock.

Chthon didn't answer at first. His face seemed to show a great deal of malice and hatred, his unholy red eyes glowing to the point of almost bursting into flames as he let off a low growl. However, he calmed himself down and he spoke darkly, ''Yes if this was not meant to be, then why haven't your father come and fought alongside you? Where is he with his two daughters' spirits trapped and chained up in front of me in this realm?''

Celestia opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. So soon lowered her head with a look of deep thinking and sadness as Luna looked on distraughtly. "Yes, where is the father, while his children are suffering terribly so?'' Chthon spoke tauntingly, smirking at the princess' uncertain looks.

Luna gritted her teeth as she pinched her eyes shut and faced her head downward, ''Stop it!''

''But it's the truth my dear. And this is what is meant to be. There was nothing you could do to prevent this. Every action you've ever made, every conceivable methods you took to keep this from happening all led up to this moment. Your Elements of Harmony will die, along with the rest of the world.''

Celestia and Luna said nothing, only casted their gaze away from the dark entity, his words echoing in their minds. Chthon leered at them coldly, uncaringly before a dark smirk crept upon his face. "But worry not. For when your precious champions of harmony meet their demise, they will be right here with you on these walls.''

Chthon raised a hand as it was engulfed in a reddish black, fire like energy and six burst of energy fired from his hands and hit different spots around the dungeon. In a brief blaze of light, Celestia and Luna gazed upward to see that in the same spots where Chthon had fired were the cutie marks of each of the holders of the Elements of Harmony etched upon them; spots for each of them with a good amount of space between each mark. Celestia and Luna looked around with bewildered, lost gazes as Chthon spoke.

"Do you see? There is a space for Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie...and I left a space for your prized student Twilight Sparkle right beside you Celestia.''

Sure enough, Celestia looks to her immediate left and saw the five pointed star of Twilight's cutie mark etched on the wall. Celestia gazed upon the mark and she closed her eyes and lowered her head in despair. Luna looked at Celestia and tearfully asked, "Celestia?''

Celestia didn't answer. Chthon clapped his claws together as a evil smile came to his face, ''Well I do believe you two should be left alone to gather your thoughts and there is an entire world that needs to be plunged into a chaotic Hell. But before I go...''

Chthon snapped his fingers and in a fiery blaze a large, globe like sphere appeared in the center of the dungeon. The globe was red, but also slightly transparent and showed four, large continent light landmasses around it along with a few remote islands. Each of the continents were covered with tiny, white lights. Celestia and Luna looked at the sphere with sadness, but also confusion. Chthon explained.

''This is Equestria as it now is. Each of those lights represents all the life that are currently still living on the planet. Each life that is lost, a light will blink out.''

Chthon pointed to the largest continent with lights that seemed to blink of rather quickly and spoke with a dark grin, ''This represent Equestria and as you can see, life is falling rapidly in the nation.''

Celestia and Luna both shot Chthon sad glares as he continued. "When all the lights on this globe have been extinguished, it will signal the beginning of the true end.''

"Wh-what do you mean by, the true end?" Luna asked perplexed with a hint of fear.

Chthon chuckled with a wicked look, ''You would like to know would you? Don't worry, you'll find out in due time. And in the meantime, I think I'll keep all the souls that dies here in the Astral Plane until that time comes.''

By this time, Celestia and Luna gave the deity a truly saddened, hateful glare, tears at the corners of their eyes. "Well, I do believe I must be going. Nations to shatter, chaos to spread, lives to destroy. So until then, your majesties.'' Chthon mocked by bowing slightly and with that he disappeared in a red, fiery flash of light he was gone.

It was quiet, there was no noise, so sound...just quiet as the souls of the ponies that lost their lives so far float up in the endless space of the Astral Plane. Celestia gritted her teeth and winced until finally she broke down and began to weep, her tears running down her face and falling to the ground. Luna look upon her crying sister with everything Chthon said rushing in her head until it finally came when she closed her eyes in sorrow and her head went limp as she too began to cry over their fallen world. Chthon was right. There was nothing they could do to prevent him from casting his apocalyptic will upon their world. There was nothing they could do to shield Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Quentin from this unstoppable evil.
> A Hellish World
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Chaos...destruction...death. These elements were the only things that were known in this new world of darkness. Ponyville, Equestria, and the rest of the entire world were now under dark, fiery skies, the sun and moon nowhere to be seen, only one of the many changes Chthon had wrought onto the planet. The blue oceans of the once beautiful Equion were now oceans of boiling lava. The four continents of the world were in complete and utter turmoil and disarray. It would seem that only Ponyville and Canterlot inhabitants were the only ones turned to stone.

Across the burning world, the massive landmasses that once had lush green landscapes were now dead and barren, no plants or vegetation refusing to grow. Around the world, cities, towns, and villages were either decimated completely or are in the process of being destroyed. Ponies on every nation around the world were in a state of constant confusion and panic over the sudden change in their world. In short the peaceful and lush world of equines was now a Hell on Earth so to speak. Chthon appeared at the very top of his self-made, tower that stood high in the center of Ponyville.

The top was a large, circular platform to which the appearance was simple. About halfway across the platform was a slightly higher, square shaped level at what at the very end was a large, dark, very crude throne. The throne was a deep brown color that looked like it was made out of stone with black lining in which the front of the arms rests were in the shape of equine skulls, while the back was large and in a peculiar shape. The center was shaped like a large circle with four arrows coming from the center of the circle and sticking out of if, with two arrows crossing over each other to form an X while an arrow went vertical and the last horizontal with a total of eight, sharp points around the back. It was a sinister symbol, Chthon's symbol...the symbol for chaos. Chthon hovered in the air for a moment before slowly descending and finally landed on his crudely designed throne.

"A most fitting seat for a god. High above the heavens, with the world beneath me under my watchful eye,'' Chthon commented darkly, resting both his arms on the arm rests.

At this high an altitude, the top and the throne were surrounded by nothing but a fiery, dark reddish orange skyscape. With the way he was seated on his throne along with the tint of fire in the skies the surrounded Chthon gave off a form of empowerment to the God of Chaos. The empowerment of a god about to lay his will upon his domain that was the world beneath him.

With a dark, evil chuckle, Chthon closed his eyes as he spoke, ''Now it's time to attend to the damage, and cause some more.'' When Chthon opened his eyes, they were completely glowing with an unholy red aura. "It's time to address the mortals. They deserve to know the honor they have of being tormented by me.''

As all the nations were erupted in chaos and destruction, the clouds in the fiery skies parted and the image of Chthon appeared in the heavens in a massive form. The panicking ponies all over the world all froze in their places, some crying up to the skies and screamed in fear as they beheld the God of Chaos.

"Silence mortals!'' Chthon called, his demonic voice booming in the skies.

The ponies of the world screamed and cowered under the skies. They didn't know what was going on. They didn't know what to do. All they did was fearfully lower themselves as the god continued his address.

"Look around you followers of tranquility. The once peaceful world of light has now shifted to the world of chaos and darkness! Such as the will of Lord Chthon, the God of Chaos!''

Ponies cried out again. "The God of Chaos?!''

"Did he do all of this?!''

"What does he want?!''

"Look at him! He looks like some sort of demon!

"Dear lord! Chiron help us!'' various ponies across the lands would cry out.

Chthon raised his arms to his sided and slightly bent his arms and balled his fists as he silenced the world? "Hear me mortal ponies. Never look up to the sky with hope. Never let a joyful noise be heard, for the old era of harmony has ended and the new era of destruction and chaos has begun!''

Chthon's fists were engulfed in a sphere of crimson red and black energy as his eyes suddenly burst with the same colored energy as he looked down upon the word in a dominating stance.

"Open your eyes children of order! Look upon the face of chaos! It is time to pay tribute to your new god! Time to pay offerings of your will, your spirit, your sanity...and your lives!"

On those final words, Chthon collided his fists together and instantly, he disappeared in a fiery flash of light. The ponies screamed in terror and moments after Chthon disappeared, the heavens started to rain down large balls of fire upon the face of the world. The ponies of Equion screamed as they began to frantically run about in attempt to shelter themselves from the burning rain. High on his tower, Chthon sat down onto his throne after announcing his new rule unto the world. He placed his arms on the crude armrests as a wicked smirk spread upon his face. His eyes then started to glow that unholy, sinister red as he bowed his head slightly. The kingdom of Kal-Equa was in a state of great upheaval and disarray. The nation's equines screamed, cried, and panicked as their kingdom went under great destruction.

Balls of fire rained from the dark, orange tinted, fiery skies, some causing buildings to become ablaze the second on impact. Others crumbled and fell in a fiery fashion onto the streets, adding to the already horrific bedlam. Amidst the chaotic streets of scurrying, screaming ponies, a father had his daughter filly on his back as he desperately tried to get him and his child to safety.

"Daddy why is this happening?!'' the little filly cried as she clung onto her father.

"I-I don't know Gem!'' the father answered truthfully with regret and fear as he maneuvered through the streets.

Gem looked around frantically, tears escaping from her eyes, becoming increasingly freighted by the chaotic scene she and her father was embroiled in. "W-Where's mommy? Why couldn't she come with us?!''

At this question, the father pinched his eyes shut as tears ran down his face. "She's…you're can't be with us anymore…''

"But…but why?!'' Gem asked, crying harder.

Her father opened his eyes and gazed back at his daughter. "Don't worry sweetheart. Daddy's going to protect you no matter what!''

Gem sniffed and let out another cry before squeaking,'' I…I love you daddy!''

"I love you too baby!'' the father spoke sincerely as more tears fell from his eyes.

As the scene played out, Chthon smiled darkly, his canine like teeth showing. "It isn't wise for a parent to lie to their children,'' he commented cryptically.

Just then the skies over Kal-Equa cracked with red lightning. It happened in a blink of an eye. As Gem was carried by her father, a bolt of lightning stroked down from the skies and down towards the parent and daughter and hit them. The two only screamed for a second before their bodies flew and skidded on the ground before stopping, next to each other and sprawled with half shut, empty eyes…motionless as a dark chuckle from Chthon echoed. Up in his castle that overlooked his kingdom, King Centurus stepped out onto his balcony and walked slowly over to the ledge. He gazed outwards in horror as he saw that the crystal ocean that once surrounded his kingdom islands was now replaced by an ocean of lava.

As far as the eye could see, he saw balls of fire raining down from heavens and onto the sea of molten rock as well as his beloved kingdom. Centurus gazed around his crumbling kingdom, wearily, shockingly, and horrifically as he heard the distant screams of his people.

"My…God…what is happening to my kingdom? 'Centurus asked himself as he continued looking on at the chaotic site.

Just then, one of his guards had galloped onto the balcony, breathing heavily with exhaustion and desperation. "Sire, I'm afraid things are getting worst by the second. The fatalities are insurmountable!''

Centurus said noting, just continued to cast his world weary gaze out onto the kingdom as the guard continued. "You're majesty…what are your orders?!''

Centurus didn't responded. The guard looked bewilderedly at his king as he asked again with increasing panic. "King Centurus, what should we do?!''

It was then that Centurus started to tremble light. His lower lip quivered as tears started to escape his eyes. He gave his head a slight shake as he finally answered with a soft, woeful tone. "I…I don't know…''

The guard looked at Centurus with a confused, desperate stare as he could believe what he had just heard. As the horrific calamity continued, the main island suddenly began to shake greatly as if being stricken by a mighty earthquake. Among the quake, the citizens of Kal-Equa began to scream and cry in terror as they now struggled to keep their balances. It seemed as if with each passing second, the quake was getting stronger and more destructive, buildings beginning to crumble down. Centurus and his guard too struggled to keep from falling over from the great tremor.

"W-What's…now what's happening?!'' the king asked in alarm.

At that moment, there was a great, earth trembling crash the rang out throughout the entire kingdom, followed by the cries of a thousand voices. Centurus grabbed onto the ledge on the balcony and his heart sank as he gazed out onto his kingdom. The earthquake had started to break the island apart, waves of lava crashing from the cracks and broken earth. With each passing moments, the ground of the kingdom became more broken which allowed the molten earth to spew forward. It wasn't long before a large tidal wave of lava suddenly erupted from the broken earth and began to engulf the screaming ponies and the kingdom. Centurus could only watch in speechless horror as the tidal wave of lava swept through his kingdom. His guard screamed for his king and in terror, but to Centurus it's all but deafening to him. It wasn't long before the wave of lava made its way to the castle and submerged the bastion along with every being within it as Kal-Equa broke apart and sunk into the boiling depths.

High on his tower, Chthon's eyes still glowed that unholy red glow as he laughed out darkly. "Such wondrous sounds. There is nothing in this world that can encompass the symphony of a thousand voices screaming in harmony! But…'' Chthon chuckled to himself before continuing. "I'm afraid that their demise wasn't satisfying enough. Surely I could do much better.''

The deity then snapped his fingers. Almost instantly in an enormous blast of dark crimson and black energy, the entire kingdom islands of Kal-Equa reappeared. The buildings were intact and the earth wasn't cracked or broken. Along with the kingdom's restoration, all the ponies that had just perished in the lava were now alive and well. The citizens of the once lost nation all gazed around in confusion and fear, murmuring to themselves alarmed. The castle was also brought back and Centurus and his guard gazed around perplexed.

"What…what just happened?! Sire?'' the guard asked, observing himself.

Centurus too looked upon himself, an expression of feared confusion on his face. "I…I don't know. I remembered our kingdom sinking into the sea of lava. Could…could that had been an illusion…a mere nightmare?''

On his crude throne, Chthon made a simple, slight waving gesture with a claw. In a plume of dark, red fire, a globe of Equion appeared, floating a mere few inches from the evil god. The globe was red and incredibly life like, the landmasses and terrains were raised-relief. The globe rotated itself until it stopped with a small series of islands that was the nation of Kal-Equa. With a dark smirk, Chthon inhaled through his nostrils before finally exhaling through his mouth. As he exhaled, red, sparkling mist blew out and onto the islands situated on the globe.

In the fiery skies above the newly constructed Kal-Equa, the orange tinted skies parted slightly as the sparkling mist erupted from the heavens and began to descend upon the kingdom. The mysterious red mist snaked its way through the skies, as if it had a mind of its own before finally making way and scattering all over the unexpected kingdom. The island nation was suddenly enveloped in a haze of red with glowing red particles fluttering endless in in the atmosphere. Almost immediately upon inhalation, the citizens of Kal-Equa began to cough heavily, some heaving forward while other kneeled. Their eyes watered and stung, their throats dried and sored as if the very particles themselves were burning spores that were burning their bodies slowly from the inside.

Moments…minutes of never ending coughing and choking until finally one Kal-Equian pony stopped their coughing and was replaced by a low, seething growl. He began to breathe deeply, his head bowed before he slowly began to lift his head. What a sight, a frightening sight. His eyes were now glowing an unholy red, his nostrils were flared, and his muzzle now housed sharp fangs. What was once a fearful, panicking, coughing pony was now a menacing, beast like creature with bloodlust in its eyes, his growling becoming louder...vampire like even. But he wasn't the only one.

The pony a few distances away from him too ceased her coughing and gazed up to reveal the same, glowing red eyes and beastly fangs. Then another, and then another, the coughing turned into snarls and growls and their eyes glowed in the haze. Soon, the diamond tattooed ponies that were the citizens of Kal-Equa were now turned into animalistic looking creatures. Two of the nearest ponies growled and snipped at each other before one of them pounced on the other with a brief, animal like cry and the two began to viciously fight only another. One sunk it's fangs in the other's shoulder while the other sunk theirs in the other's side stomach.

The sudden attack on each other was the only thing needed to set off a chain reaction and soon the other ponies began to engage each other in a vicious, bloody civil war. Roars of dominance, growls of menace, and cries of pain rang out throughout the city. Flesh was grossly ripped off, blood splattered the ground as the beastly citizens continued their savage fight. One pony sunk their fangs in the neck of another and ripped their throat out. The pony cried in pain and fell backwards on the ground, apparently dead. However, a few moments later, he began to stir and slowly got up. The animalistic pony snarled at its target, blood streaming between his fangs and drops of blood and flesh coming from the gaping wound from his neck.

The injured pony then pounced on his attacker and continued to viciously bite and maim him, returning the favor and ripping some of the flesh from his bones. On his balcony, Centurus looked on in horror as the bloodthirsty roars, growls, and snarls of his people rang through the air. He saw his subjects who were normally so kind and generous to one another were now animalistic barbarians with nothing in their minds but death and bloodshed.

"My god…what…Chiron's name is happening to my people?!'' Centurus asked himself in terror.

"Y-Your…Majesty…'' a voice spoke from behind along with a few coughs.

Centurus immediately turned around to see the guard slouched forward, coughing heavily. "What are you…are you alright?'' the king asked concerned to his guard.

He attempted to go towards the guard when he stopped in his tracks. The guard stopped his coughing and staggered a bit before coming to a still, his head lowered. Centurus then started to hear a low growl coming from the guard that only grew louder. The guard finally, slowly lifted his head, causing Centurus to jump lightly backwards in shock. He now had the same glowing red eyes, savaged, vampire like appearance as the rest of the kingdom. The transformed guard snarled as he advances towards Centurus.

The alarmed kings drew backwards as he spoke in horror. "W-What has happened to you-'' before he could finished, he inhaled the red, glowing particle mist and began to cough violently.

As he coughed, he fell to one knee. He felt as if his insides would burst into flames at any moment. His vision spun as his mind began to become clouded. He roughly shook his head to try to clear his senses, but was in vain. His thoughts were vanishing with each and every passing second as he breathing began to evolve into a soft growl. His eyes dilated as the light faded from his eyes, becoming empty before finally starting to glow that unholy red. The teeth in his mouth grew, sharpened and his coughing became animal like grunts and growls. Finally, Centurus casted his glowing red eyes on the guard, who was growling and advancing towards him. Centurus too bared his fangs and snarled as he lowered his body menacingly.

And then Centurus acted, not on though, but on instinct, and he leaped at the guard and sunk his teeth in the guard's flesh on his neck. With all his strength, Centurus whipped around and through the guard at the ledge with he hit hard, giving out a brief yelp of pain before falling to the floor. Centurus growled as he took a step at the fallen guard before his ear twitched. He looked over his shoulder and turned around as two more guards prowled onto the balcony, each with the same bestial appearance and glowing red eyes. Centurus snarled louder as he leered at the two who growled and lowered themselves. Suddenly, one of them ran forwards and leaped at the unicorn king. However, as the guard came down, Centurus readied his head and the guard fell upon it, Centurus' horn going through his body.

With a roar, Centurus whipped his head and through the guard from his horn and onto the ground, a light stream of blood falling through the sky and onto the ground as he did so. As Centurus was preparing to attack the guard, the one that was thrown at the ledge suddenly pounced on him, mauling him viciously. Centurus roared in pain, struggling fiercely before finally bucking the guard off him. The guard landed in front of one of the other guards only to be attacked with a series of bites from the latter. Centurus let out a beastly roar, his horn glowing a billowing orange aura as he leaped with fangs bared at the three guards, joining the rest of his kingdom as Kal-Equa was left in a red hazed mist of carnage and slaughter.

Chthon let out a dark laughter as he witnessed the bloodshed that was befalling Kal-Equa in his mind. "Such sporting spectacle! Yes puppets, engage for your lord…entertain me!''

The dark lord then grinned wickedly. "Ripping each other limb from limb, only for the hands of time to repeat itself and for death to be abolished…such a splendid way to enjoy this day. But there's still the rest of Equion to contend with. Now…which land shall I lay waste to next?''

As Chthon said those words, he gave off a dark chuckle before his eyes started to glow a crimson red. The endless fields of the Zebrian Serengeti was a nightmarish dwelling. Like the rest of the world, the grassy plains were under fiery tinted skies. Balls of ignited hail breathed down from the burning heavens above, the burning ice setting areas ablaze immediately upon impact. Across the nation, the zebras of the nation desperately fled their villages that were quickly being caught on fire by the burning hail raining down.

There would be some unfortunate souls that would be struck by the hail, being instantly engulfed in flames. They would scream out horribly as they writhed in pain before finally falling motionlessly onto the grass. The fauna of the Serengeti also ran in fear from the raining fire. Elephants, antelopes, gazelles, hyenas, lions, among others ran dismayed through the burning fields while numerous birds flew overhead, some caught by the falling fire and plummeted to the earth in blazing death. The village known as Kwa-Zulu, was near the base of a great mountain, its peak at an altitude so high that orange tinted clouds rolled beneath its peak.

Suddenly there was a rumble along with a tremor. The rumbling grew louder with each passing second as the tremor became stronger before turning into a powerful earthquake. This only added to the fear and terror of the zebrian equines that lived in the village, and they screamed and cried as their village was rocked by the earthquake. High at the top of the mountain, the peak began to crumble, large debris of the earth rolling along down the sides as glowing orange yellow cracks appeared and veined from the peak.

Rumbles like thunder rolled the skies, ground rocking quakes like giants stepping shook the earth until finally, the peak of the mountain erupted as an explosion of lava came forth of the mountain turned volcano. A black plume of smoke rose from the opening and into the dark, fiery skies, blue lightning flashed from the smoke violently and onto the village. From the eruption, large clumps of molten rock rocketed down from the continuing erupting and down unto the village so ill-fated to be at its foot. The poor zebras of the villages cowered and ran about frantically as they tried to dodge the clumps of lava. Some hit the hut houses instantly setting them ablaze with fire and destroying them.

Among the fiery chaos, another eruption came from the mountain top, this time a massive plume of fire accompanying the lava. As clumps of lava shot out from the explosion, the plume of fire and lava then began to morph and take form. A giant sphere of fire and lava took form at the peak which spun rapidly within itself. Just as quickly that it appeared, the fiery sphere soon subsided, as the form of Chthon appeared in his place. Chthon took on a massive form, his upper body only visible while his lower body went into the opening of the mountain. His dark eyes were set ablaze with dark red and black fire like energy like large beacons over the lands as the fire and lava died down around him. Chthon spread his four wings outwards, scattering ember and molten earth in all directions as he bore a dark, sinister, twisted smile.

The zebras of the village saw the giant god perched atop the mountain and instantly screams of terror rang out and they all began to run in an attempt to escape his presence. Chthon tuned slightly and gazed down at the village and upon seeing the running villagers he smirked wickedly, exhaling a brief gust of flames from his nostrils.

"Such cowardly cockroaches. They are nothing but bothersome insects beneath me…and all insects must be exterminated.''

Chthon then extended a claw towards the village and with a simple gesture, he called forth powerful winds to smite the village. As the zebras ran, their screamed as the mighty winds blew them off their hooves and into the air. They flipped and turned violently as they were picked up by the powerful winds as the score of zebras from the village were taken in scores through the air. From the distance, zebras from other villages screamed and cried as they too were carried violently by Chthon's winds until they joined the rest of the caught villagers, becoming a single mass flying towards Chthon.

With eyes still burning light large lanterns and with a motion of a single arm and claw, Chthon guided the mass of zebras as the winds carried them. The mass of zebra villagers came to the base of the mountain before swirling up towards the great peak, the evil chaos god ever so guiding with a simple, slow swirl of his claws. As the screaming, swirling mass of zebras finally reached the top to where Chthon was standing, the deity raised his arms in the air and the mass followed. Chthon then quickly brought his arms downward, commanding the current of zebras to descend quickly with terrified screams down into the mountain. Inside the mountain's peak, the zebra equines fell and landed on cliffs and ledges, some barely grabbing onto the edges and dangled and hung on for dear life. The deep in the mountain turned volcano, its chasm was ablaze with yellowish orange flames, causing the inside of the mountain to be aglow with a fiery tinted color. Seeing the fiery pit, the frightened zebras, backed away against the mountain's wall as far as they can and away towards the edges.

The Towering Chthon gazed down at the terror stricken villagers with a menacing smirk as he chuckled darkly. He then brought his claws inward down into the mountain and scooped up about a dozen of the zebras. The stripped equines screamed and cried as Chthon brought his claws upwards and close to his face, his burning eyes upon the small beings in his hands.

"Although I love the agony of you mortals, that doesn't deter the fact that I've find nothing interesting about such lowly species as yours…'' Chthon began, as he started to wiggle his fingers slightly. The zebras cried as the god cruelly toyed with them, letting some fall through his fingers only to catch them again at a second's notice. "Nothing…for such a worthless, trivial lot.''

As Chthon said those words, he looked down on the zebras disdainfully before finally turning his claws over and letting the villagers fall. The zebras screamed as they fell inside the mountain, missing any cliffs and edges that could possibly save them before finally vanishing into the pit of fire below…their cries swallowed by the loud crackling of the inferno below. The remaining zebras that witnessed this briefly screamed in horror, backing even closer to the mountain wall. Chthon leered down at the display before standing straight up slightly. He brought his left claw up near his face and snapped the fingers of his left claw. Instantly, half of the zebras that had just parish in the fires inside the mountain appeared in the palm of his claw.

The zebra equines looked around sharply in fear, confusion, and alarm before crying out at the sight of Chthon gazing disgustingly at them. After a moment or two, Chthon brought his free claw upwards as he spoke.

"Disgusting. Perhaps after a few minor…adjustments these mortals could be put to much better use.''

As he spoke, Chthon placed his free claw a few inches over the claw with the villagers. He began to wave the free claw slightly in a circular motion as the zebras cowered in his claw. Almost instantly, the zebras suddenly burst into flames of dark red fire. The black and white stripped equines screamed and writhed in pain as the remainder zebras watched horrifically from inside the mountain. As the villagers burned in his claw, Chthon stared down at them as a sadistic smile slowly came across his face.

After what seemed like an eternity of excruciating pain, the crimson flames finally died and disappeared, leaving the equines in a plume of smoke. As the smoke dissipated, pairs of red light shined through the dying smoke before finally revealing a frightful sight. Standing what used to be zebra villagers were now sinister, demonic looking creatures. The creatures had the anatomy of equines, but their appearance were nothing like those in the world of Equion. Their coats were of deep purple and their hooves were black and cloven with unkempt fetlocks over them. Their ears had numerous nips and they had wild manes and tails that were either red, black, or white. They now had sharp, canine like teeth that were bared and had unnatural black eyes with unholy red pupils.

The creatures snarled and made unearthly as they moved about and Chthon smiled darkly at his new creations. "Ah such a great improvement. Now these are creatures worthy of going about in my domain.'' Chthon said, slowly wiggling the fingers of his free claw as he petted his new minions.

The dark creatures hissed contently as their master continued to stroke their heads. "Now go my children of chaos. Amuse yourselves with the souls of the mortals beneath me. Let their anguish give you breath, let their despair give you strength...and give them the true reason as to why they should scream.'' The dark lord spoke with wicked grin before letting his dark minions fall into the mountain opening.

The dark, equine like demons fell inside that volcanic mountain before catching themselves on the edges of cliffs and ledges from different levels. Upon seeing the unnatural hooves of the creatures clinging to the edge, the zebras fearfully retreated as far back as they could as one by one the demons poked their heads over the edges as they began to climb carelessly onto the cliffs. The creatures snarled and breathed deeply as their red eyes fell on the stunned, terror-stricken villagers. As Chthon's minions climbed onto the cliffs, they began to slowly, threateningly advance towards the inhabitants of the Zebrian Serengeti.

The zebras shook and feared greatly at the dark beings, backing back inch by inch until they came to the edge of the cliff and couldn't draw back anymore. Suddenly, a demon lunge up from the side of the cliff behind an unsuspecting zebra, putting its fore hooves around his neck. The villager screamed out before the creature forced backward, falling off the cliff and taking the unfortunate zebra with him into the fiery pit below. This act was the only trigger that was needed and the other creatures and they quickly went upon the cornered zebrian villagers.

A demon leaped on a zebra and immediately dug its sharp fangs in its victim's chest and with a single gesture tore off a large piece of flesh, causing the zebra to cry out in tremendous pain. The poor villager tried desperately to fight the demon off, but the dark savage just hung on and ripped more flesh from the zebra. On another level of the mountain, two demons double teamed a zebra and viciously lunged at the equine and proceeded to rip a foreleg and a hind leg off, causing agonizing screams to ring out and joined the rest in a harmonious symphony of sorrow. Chthon watched with sadistic glee as his minions of darkness and chaos went about gruesome acts on the zebras. He watched as some were savagely dismembered, ripped apart, devoured, or sent plummeting into the inferno chasm below. Seeing the murders, Chthon began to give off a low chuckle which grew louder before finally erupting into a dark laughter that echoed out into the reddish orange tinted heavens as the Zebrian Serengeti was enveloped in a sea of fire.

Chthon sat on his throne atop his high tower, watching what had occurred in the nation of the zebras. He laugh out loud cruelly…darkly as the calamity he had caused. After a moment or two, Chthon finally quiet down as a look of upmost wickedness came to his face.

"Such wondrous stories! Let them bathe in a baptism of fire, scorch their flesh so their souls could be free and be admitted eternally in the shackles of the Astral Plane! But I must admit…'' Chthon added with dark chuckle before continuing. "Damning souls to insurmountable pain and death can cause me to be famish. I believe a meal befitting a god like myself is desperately needed.''

Upon those chilling words, Chthon chuckled as his eyes began to glow and unholy red and black aura. The republic of Manegolia was ruled under a state of pandemonium. The once beautiful sovereign state of broad grasslands, high plateaus, hills, and mountain ranges were now dead, blackened earth. The rivers and waterfalls that flowed crystalline waters now produced boiling molten earth. Across the nation, villages, towns, and cities were erupt in chaos and confusion. Thousands flooded the streets in panic as buildings crumbled down from the powerful earthquakes that rocked them while large plumes of black smoke rose from others and into the fire tinted skies.

Everywhere, the equines of Manegolia ran about frantically in the destroyed streets. Some tried to salvage as much valuable materials as they can as they carried their possessions through the crowded streets. Some were attempted to obtain as much provisions as their could and went about in hopes to find some form of stabled shelter. Others went in masses and prayed in sacred shrines to their culture's spirits and guardians to deliver them from this terrible darkness. On his high throne, Chthon reveled in the Manegolians' anguish and smiled a terrible, evil smile and lifted his left claw. As he rose his claw I the air, it became engulfed in a crimson and black aura and after a single, circular gesture, he fired a dark red and black beam of energy into the burning skies above him.

In the skies over Manegolia's capital city of Xi Ying Ba, the red and black beam of energy burst forth from the clouds and quickly fired down onto the city. Upon impact, there was a great, red flash as a wave of dark red light spread out and engulfed the city. The light spread further, enveloping towns, villages… anything and anyone in its path before finally the entire nation was swallowed in the light. Chthon lowered his claw as the aura subsided from it. With a malevolent smirk he snapped his fingers and instantly in a dark red plume of fire, a large, stone basin appeared in front of him. The basin floated there in front of the dark lord before it began to float and sat itself in Chthon's lap and he gazed his dark eyes of the contents of the basin.

In the bowl filled all the way just below the brim, tiny ponies squirmed restlessly. There seemed to be hundreds of them, possibly thousands as they wormed helplessly over each other. Among the squirming, soft cries like the sounds of numerous insects rang out from the diminutive equines. Chthon looked upon the sight and licked his lips grotesquely before speaking.

"Simply appetizing. This should do just nicely.''

Without another word, Chthon took his hand and grabbed a claw full of the wriggling, tiny ponies and in a quickly motion threw the claw full into his mouth. Chthon chewed his food, the faint sounds of bones crunching and the light squish of flesh tearing sounded faintly. After a few more chews, the deity finally swallowed and gave off a brief, satisfying sigh, dribbles of blood running down his mouth. Upon seeing the display, the small cries of the remaining ponies in the basin grew louder and more frantic as their squirming became more nomadic. With a dark grin, Chthon drew his hand back into the basin and picked up another large amount of the ponies and put them in his mouth, chewed, and swallowed…silencing the load.

For the next grisly, tortuous moments, Chthon went about his feast. One claw full at a time, he would grab and devour the restive meal, followed by sickening crunches and squishes. As he ate, the number of ponies began to decrease lower, and lower. Finally Chthon picked up the last claw full of his crude meal and threw it in his mouth. He chewed contently, savoring the last of his food as much as he can, tasting the hollow grinds that were bones as well as tasting the liquid iron that was blood. Chthon then at last swallowed the last mound of his living food before giving off another satisfying sigh, his mouth stained with blood and bits of flesh.

"Ah wonderful feast! Such a fine delicacy I haven't tasted in millennia!'' Chthon snapped his fingers. Instantly, a chalice appeared in his right hand. The majority of the chalice was blackish grey in color with a red jewel embedded in the center of the stem. Around the outer brim was stylistically designed, the neck and head of a black dragon with a reddish background etched in spaces around the brim. A few inches over the chalice, a yellowish, oval portal opened up as lava poured from it and into the cup and being filled right to the brim. The chalice full, the lava stopped pouring and the portal closed back and disappeared. Chthon brought the cup to his lips and began to drink the scolding hot molten earth. After finishing halfway, Chthon lowered the cup, breathed out a puff of smoke before saying.

"And there's truth when said that Manegolian food is a fine cuisine.'' Chthon then chuckled darkly as he continued with a sadistic tone. "Especially when it's made from real Manegolians…''

Chthon then proceeded to finish the rest of his boiling drink and afterward both the chalice and the basin disappeared. With his meal done, Chthon gazed upwards in the fiery sky scape and smirked darkly.

"But enough feasting, it's time to resume plunging this world into chaos. Now…which nation should…'' Chthon stopped mid-sentence only for his smirk to broaden into a twisted smile as he laughed softly. "Yes…that land will surely do.''

The Crystal Empire was falling apart. The once shining empire that would shimmer in the sunlight was now just a small piece of desolation in the Hell created by Chthon. The crystal buildings that once glistened were now aglow with a yellowish orange, reflecting the light of the lava below the city. In the streets, the shining, gradient crystal ponies screamed and ran about in the streets as the ground began to shake greatly, cracks appearing all throughout the city. All the while, lighting flashed in the fiery skies above as fireballs would occasionally rain down upon the empire.

With each passing second, the geography of the empire become increasingly more unstable and destructive. The shaking ground soon began to break open into deep fissures whose pits below would glow from the lava roaming below. The crystal ponies would frantically try to flee from the earth that started to break apart. There would be some unfortunate enough to fall in the gaps and to their molten deaths in the pits. The quaking of the earth would also cause parts of the broken crystal ground to rise up to form unstable crystalized pillars in the air.

At some parts of the city, cracks and fissures would form completely around, separating itself from the rest of the earth and trapping handfuls frightened ponies on small islands. The lava below began to rise through the open, crystal earth and splash in the air, some sanding on running crystal ponies and causing some to cry out in excruciating pain while instantly killing others. Towering in the center of the Crystal Empire was the colossal Crystal Castle, it too glared with the fire like colors of the restless lava beneath the breaking crystal earth. A crystal pony mare walked unto the balcony that overlooked the empire. Her coat was a light shade of fuchsia and her mane was light purple with light white highlights in it and styled in a bun. Like the rest of the inhabitants of the empire, her mane, tail, and coat had a crystal like shine to them, her weary, forlorn eyes a light pink with polygonal shaped eye reflections which were behind half-moon, spectacled glasses. Over her shimmering body she wore a formal, but simple black dress with four gold buttons. Over her right chest was a six pointed, ringed snowflake commonly used to symbolize the layout of the city.

She slowly walked across the balcony and gazed over the golden bronze ledge, getting a clear view of the chaos and destruction that was befalling the crystalline empire. She shook her head slowly, but with eyes filled with confusion disbelief as if she couldn't process what was happening to this kingdom.

"My god almighty…'' was the only thing she could she could utter.

As she continued to gaze over crumbling city, another crystal pony quickly ran out to the balcony, stopping just half way and spoke frantically. "Agatha! We've tried and tried but we still haven't receive word back from Princess Cadence or Prince Shining Armor. Nor have we received word from Princesses Celestia and Luna!''

The pony known as Agatha looked peered over her shoulder and looked at the messenger drearily. "Not a single word about what's happening?''

The messenger pony shook her head woefully. "No. What does this all mean? You don't think…Princess Cadence….''

Agatha didn't answer, she couldn't answer. She just bowed her head solemnly and sighed. "I don't know what to think. I don't know what to think about anything anymore.'' She then gazed upwards and looked at the broken city, the distant screaming of the crystal ponies clear to her ears as tears began to form in the corners of her eyes. "Why…why is this happening to us. First we were cursed for a thousand years and now this. Even after being blessed with a kind Princess ruler the Crystal Empire again faces a terrible darkness. Is that our fate? Are we just destined to always endure pain…endure tragedy?''

The messenger said nothing, just reflected the haunting words of Agatha with tear filled eyes. Far out in the outskirts outside the Crystal Empire, the glowing skies began to s twist and spin high over the charred black landscape. Suddenly a large plume of purple mist burst forth from the skies. Like lightning, snaked its way through the sky and towards the earth. It wasn't long before the column of mist struck the ground and upon doing so became a gigantic, swirling tornado. As the purple tornado continued to spin rapidly, it began to contort itself until finally it transformed into the unmistakable image of Chthon.

Though it was clearly Chthon, in this form however he had a grainy, distorted, misty appearance with his lower half from the waist down became a hurricane-like mass. The god let out a terrible, monstrous roar, one that could clearly be heard by all in the Crystal Empire. Horns and trumpets sounded at the sight of the massive Chthon. Soon, dozens upon dozens of crystal guard ponies poured out of the castle and into the chaotic streets of the city. The guards ran around fissures, jumped over trenches, and made other detours as they all headed towards the entrance to the city. The army of shimmering ponies together gave a mighty battle cry as they galloped further into the burnt landscape all of them carrying either large lances or spears.

As the army of the Crystal Empire continued to advance, Chthon let out another roar as quickly descended towards the ground. As he did so, he dispersed into mist again that began to roll onto the earth, like a living, massive mass of purple haze. Upon seeing this this act, the army soon came to an abrupt halt as they gazed at the purple mass with bewildered, but serious and fearless looks. As the purple mist continued to roll on the ground, it started to disperse and disappeared. Just as quickly as it came, the purple mist had evaporated, but the crystal army soon lowered themselves and readied their weapons, clenching their teeth and casting glares at what they were now seeing.

What was once a deep, purple mist now stood an army of Chthons. Hundreds, possibly thousands of purple coated, loincloth gods of chaos stood opposing the crystal army, each wielding crudely designed black and red, falchion like swords whose blades were in the shape of a demonic wing. On the other side of the dark army, the guards made way as their commander known as Morning Star and he came to the front of the army. Morning Star was a burly stallion with a glistening, reddish orange coat. He had a blue mane and tail with grey highlights accompanying them. Like the rest of his army, he wore a shining armor. However unlike the rest, his armor was golden with light, purplish accents complete with matching shoes and a Greek Corinthian like helmet with some of his mane flaring from the top.

He stood in front of his restless army, gazing at the army of dark lords as they gave off varying growls and snarls. "Steady men! Screw your courage to its sticking place…'' Morning Star urged his men, not taking his eyes off of the opposing army before them.

Chthon's army continued to make beastly noises and grunts as one of them, presumably the commander or quite possibly the real Chthon, walked forward in front of them. He raised a sword in the air before suddenly bellowing out.

"Attack! Leave no survivors, leave no life…only leave their blood staining this land!"

With that command, the army roared out with a battle cry and charged at the army of crystal ponies. With the enemy quickly advancing, Morning Star reared on his back legs and shouted.

"FOR PRINCESS CADENCE! FOR PRINCE SHINING ARMOR! FOR THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE!''

With that, he went back on all fours, pulled out his sword, and with the cry of his men behind them, the army charged towards Chthon's army and prepared for battle. Closer and closer the two armies came, each side with their weapons pointed towards each other until finally the two sides clashed and started their battle. Morning Star led his army courageously and the crystal ponies fought admirably and proudly for their empire, but they were simply no match for the god army. The battle was bloody with the army of Chthons killing and slaughtering the gradient ponies in various gruesome ways.

One by one, left and right a pony would fall to their gory demise. One would be bisected while another would be cut in half straight down the middle. Some would be decapitated while others would scream out in terrible pain while a Chthon would cruelly dismember them before finally putting them out of their misery and killing them. Bodies fell while blood splashed and sprayed on the ground. The army of the Crystal Empire was quickly dwindling down while Chthon's army sustained no casualties. In fact, not a single one of them sustained even a cut as they continued to fight the mortal ponies.

Amidst the massacre and bloodshed, Morning Star was locked in combat with the leading Chthon. Each swing Morning Star would make with his sword would have all the experience he had gained through the years behind them, but Chthon would effortlessly block each strike with his own sword. Morning Star then jumped upward and attempted to do a downward chop on Chthon's head, but it too turned out to be a fruitless endeavor. Chthon brought his sword upward and blocked with horizontally, but he didn't stop there. After he blocked it, the evil god made a circular motion with his armed hand and with a strong flick, Chthon threw Morning Star's sword out of his mouth and away to the side, falling to the ground with a brief clank sound.

The shimmering commander was caught off guard by the act, and before he could react, Chthon quickly brought his sword and impaled him straight through his chest. Morning Star screamed in pain as he writhed on Chthon's blade. He soon heaved forward and began to cough blood. At the display, Chthon watched on, grinning darkly as he reveled at Morning Star's suffering. The crystal pony coughed up more blood before lifting a foreleg and resting it on the blade. After a few more moments savoring the pony's pain, Chthon spoke.

"You blindly, foolishly engaged me in battle. With mere wants I'm destroying your entire empire and your army is near extinction. And yet you still try to fight on. Don't you fear death, especially when in the presence of a god?''

Morning Star didn't answer. He coughed up more blood before weakly lifting his head so he was facing Chthon. His left eye twitched slightly as blood streamed from his mouth as well as from the wound on his chest. Finally after a gasping breath, Morning Star answered the dark lord.

"It's…ugh…it's better to die in battle with a god…then to run in fear of him. And death…ugh…death is just another journey. For…Princess…Cadence…''

With those words, Morning Star heaved forward and coughed up more blood. Chthon just leered at the pony disdainfully before answering. "Such brave words, but nugatory in meaning. You think you're fighting for your prince and princess…why fight for them when they're dead?"

At this comment, Morning Star shot Chthon a horrified stare at his words. He shook his head as he spoke, "N-no…demon you lie! Princess Cadence…Prince Shining Armor…they're both…''

Chthon chuckled before finishing. "Yes…dead as stone. And it's a good thing too. That fool Princess Cadence was far too kind and full of love for my taste."

Morning Star's face fell as he gave Chthon a hateful glare, gritting his teeth and he growled. "Go to Hell you death worshipping bastard!''

Chthon laughed out at the remark before bringing his free claw and clamping it around Morning Star's mouth. The commander instantly brought both forelegs up and tried in vain to pry the god's claw from his face. "This IS Hell! MY Hell…and you're going to wish you'd stay here instead of where I'm about to send you!''

With those last words, Morning Star still struggled to free himself from Chthon's grasp until finally Chthon squeaked his claw. Instantly, numerous black spike suddenly burst from Morning Star's head, completely skewering it. Morning Star widened his eyes, as he abruptly ceased his struggling. Blood came from the spikes and his head wounds as well as from his eyes, nose, and ears. Morning Star's forelegs then slid off of Chthon's claw and fell to the side, his eyes rolling to the back of his head as his body went limp in Chthon's hold.

With a sinister smirk, Chthon released his hold from Morning Star as the fallen crystal pony slid off Chthon's sword and fell lifelessly to the ground as his remaining army was slain by that hands of Chthon's. A powerful earthquake now shook the Crystal Empire, causing the crystal earth to break further and become more unstable. The tremor was slowly destroying the three foundations that was supporting the crystal castle until finally it came to past. The supports gave out and crumbled, causing the towering castle to lean while turning. Agatha and the messenger pony screamed as they along with the entire castle continued to fall until finally, the once, majestic, glistening Crystal Castle fell onto the ground with a earth rattling booming sound. Almost instantly upon impact, the castle began to roll forward, crushing anything and anyone in its past as crystal ponies screams and cries rang out and into the ears of Chthon. Upon hearing the cries, Chthon began to chuckle softly, growing louder and louder before becoming a maniacal, dark laughter that echoed demonically as lightning flashed in the fiery skies.

And this was Chthon's will…his decree, across all of Equestria as well as the entire world. In Manehatten, a torrent of blood burst from the skyscrapers and proceeded to fill and drown the city and its inhabitants. In Los Pegasus, active volcanoes rained clumps of molten rocks onto the city while lava flowed through, destroying buildings and killing ponies. Fillydelphia was overwhelmed by a massive, living thorn bush, its thorn covered branches going about impaling and skewering its citizens. The ponies of Baltimare were being invaded and killed by flesh eating worms. Vanhoover was stricken by an epidemic plague which was quickly claiming the lives of the equines one by one. Appleloosa was hit by a blistering and intense snowstorm, freezing all who lived there to death. Chthon had released all the evil spirits and demons of Tartarus, each bearing a flaming chaos symbol on their foreheads as Chthon controlled and manipulated their minds, sending them throughout Equestria to carry out his will of havoc and destruction. Chaos...destruction...death. These elements were the only things that were known in this new world of darkness. Chthon was merely a potter…molding and forming anything he wanted in the clay that was the world.

> Stairway to a Burning Heaven
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight Sparkle awoke with a jolt and sprang up her upper body up. She leaned forward, breathing heavily with a angst look upon her face as she her body trembled violently, her coat singed and her main slightly unkempt. She didn't know how long she was unconscious but she did remember what happened before she and her friends were knocked out. She remembered the horrible vision that she saw, the terrible dark images replaying in her. She stay there, speechless until finally she slowly raised her head to find her friends gazing wearily at her. Like her their coats were singed and had patches of dirt, their mane just slightly unkempt. They all sat on their haunches, their bodies trembling greatly as if they've just been through a traumatic experience. And they also had the same, looks of perturbation on their faces.

Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie had tears in their eyes, though Fluttershy's were streaming down her face as she breathed deeply between pauses while Pinkie's eyes seemed empty. Rarity too also had wet eyes, though her mascara trailed down the sides her face. Even Rainbow Dash seemed utterly disturbed beyond comprehension, she too shaking with a sort of frown mixed with sadness and anger. Applejack gritted her teeth as she had a look of terror in her eyes with an expression as if she was trying to understand what just happened. The six friends sat together in the crater, shaking and silent, their Elements still around their necks save for Twilight's crown which had fallen off her head, but she didn't notice or cared. After a few moments of silence, Twilight finally muttered.

''How long was I out?''

"I'm not fer sure,'' Applejack answered meekly. "We had jus' came too not too long before you did.''

"I...I remember what Chthon did to us. I...I remember what I saw...'' Pinkie Pie spoke in an unrecognizable tone foreign to her sunny personality.

"As did I,'' Rarity added. "But...but was it a vision? It couldn't be, it felt all too real. I heard the screaming, felt the pain as if it was actually happening.''

Twilight merely shook he head as she continued to stare at the ground terrified. "I-I've...I've never felt...Chthon's bloodlust, his malice...it was almost palpable.''

"And not just that, I also saw what was happening in Equestria,'' Fluttershy added tearfully.

At this the other gazed at the timid Pegasus with shocked expressions. "What?! I-I did too!'' Applejack responded.

"And me too,'' Pinkie Pie said sadly.

"That's freaky...so did I,'' Rainbow Dash agreed and Rarity nodded.

"I...I saw it all too,'' Twilight finally answered and she hung her head as she pinched her eyes shut, tears forming at the corners." I...I've never seen so much destruction. So many ponies screaming...so many ponies dying...''

The other looked on at their friend with disheartened looks and Rainbow Dash muttered, ''We've fought bad guys before but this...this is beyond evil. How can anypony this bucked up possibly exists?''

"Chthon is pure evil. He destroyed Equestria, destroyed the world. He killed everypony we knew and love without any remorse, and now Arcanus is gone. And the only one who could possibly know what to do is...'' Twilight said but upon her last words, she started to cry softly, the situation once again taking its toll on her.







The others said nothing, just looked down sadly until finally Rainbow Dash let out a yell as she punched the ground. This sudden action caught the other five by surprise as again Rainbow Dash punched the ground angrily.

"Rainbow calm down. If ya keep that up then-'' Applejack began with concern, placing a hoof on her cyan friend's shoulder but was interrupted by the bold Pegasus as she forcibly whipped her shoulder back from Applejack's touch.

"Calm down? Calm down?! How the bucking hay am I supposed to calm down Applejack?!'' Rainbow Dash shouted angrily, causing the others to jump slightly with looks of worry. "Or have you not noticed everything that's happened. That bitch of a queen Chrysalis went around gathering some stupid gems in order to rule Equestria. Not only did we not stop her from getting them, but she unleashed the biggest horsedick in the universe! So now everypony is gone, everything is toast, and we're stuck in a crate without knowing what the Tartarus to do, so don't tell me to calm down!''

Rainbow Dash breathed deeply, gritting her teeth as she glared at the farm pony. Hearing Rainbow Dash's outbursts, Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie began to let tears fall as they watched on. Applejack, however frowned as she responded.

"Yea, I know what happened. In fact I just saw my home destroyed, an' my kin turned ta stone an right now I feel like puchin' somethin' too. So don't bit my head off about it!''

"Yeah? Well right now I feel like biting everypony's head off about it. Ya gotta problem with that?!'' Rainbow Dash argued, springing up on all fours and taking a fighting stance.

Among the speechless others, Fluttershy sniffed as tears fell down her face, ''Please...''

Applejack took a similar stance, lowering her head as she growled, "I'm warmin' ya Rainbow, if ya don't get outta my face I'm gonna applebuck ya right outta this here crater!''

"Applejack!'' Rarity gasped in disapproval, but Applejack ignored her.

"Try it Applecrap!'' Rainbow responded aggressively.

That put Applejack over the edge. But before the two mares could lunge at each other for a fight, Fluttershy jumped in between the two and cried, ''Stop it! Just stop it!''

Applejack and Rainbow Dash looked at the timid, distressed yellow Pegasus with bewildered glares. Fluttershy cried as she pleaded, ''Please...don't fight. We're friends and friends don't fight with one another. It's bad enough that everything's destroyed, the last thing we need is for us to fight with one another. So please...''

Upon seeing their weeping friend, Applejack and Rainbow Dash gazed at each other with softer expressions. Twilight stepped forward, tears at the corner of her eyes and she spoke, ''Fluttershy is right. Right now, we've only have each other. We can't let our emotions come to this, our friendship is too strong for that.''

Rarity and Pinkie Pie nodded in agreement. Rainbow Dash and Applejack averted their gazes shamefully before gazing back into each other's eyes apologetically. "Sorry,'' Applejack, said sincerely, a truly remorseful look on her face.

Rainbow Dash nodded sadly, ''Yeah, sorry. I'm sorry for calling you Applecrap, I didn't mean it.''

Applejack sighed, ''An I didn't mean ta threaten to buck ya. It was outta line.''

Rainbow Dash simply gazed away with a somber loo before speaking, "It's cool. I'm sorry for blowing up like that it's just...this whole thing is just so messed up. We've never faced anything like this before and I really hate to admit it but...I'm scared out of my mind.''

Finally confessing her feeling, tears formed at the corners of her eyes. The others looked on with sad, surprised looks. They knew Rainbow Dash's reputation of being a bold, brave mare. To see her this vulnerable like this wasn't easy to behold. Applejack went upon her friend and wrapped her forelegs around her in comfort.

"Yer not the only one Rainbow, I'm scared too,'' Applejack whispered, tears forming in her emerald eyes.

Twilight gazed upon them tearfully and said, ''Which is why we need to stay together no matter what. There's nothing more important to me right now than you girls.''

Twilight them moved forward and hugged two of her friends. Soon, Rarity joined in followed by Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy until the six friends we in a tearful hug in the crater of the decimated Canterlot. All was quiet, save to the occasional hot winds that blew until a building near the crater began to crumble at its base. Soon, small rocks fell into the crater, grabbing Fluttershy's attention.

"W-what's that noise?'' Fluttershy asked with bewildered, wet eyes.

Before anyone could answer, the base of the building finally gave out, causing the building to tilt forward as it began to fall towards them. "Look out!'' Rainbow Dash cried as the group broke up in alarm.

Twilight tried to use a spell to protect them, but the building came down so fast and she reacted too late. She wouldn't have time. The six mares screamed as they shielded themselves from the impending crash but right before the building fell on them there was a flash of light and the building was gone. One by one, Twilight and the others peeked through their hooves and looked around quizzically.

"What happened? I was sure that building was going to crush us?'' Rarity asked looking around.

"Twilight?'' Applejack asked uncertainly but the studious unicorn shook her head.

"I-I didn't do it. I couldn't react in time to do a spell.''

"Then who saved us?'' Pinkie Pie asked.

"That honor would go to me,'' a familiar voiced echoed out.

In an instant, there was a flash of light and when it subsided, the six saw Discord standing just outside the crater. Immediately, the six glared at the draconequus as he awkwardly smiled.

"Hello there dear friends. How are you?'' Discord asked, chuckling and waving sheepishly.

Rainbow Dash then suddenly flew at quick speeds and punched Discord in the face. Discord cried in pain as he fell backward on the ground. "How are we? How are we?! You have some nerve asking us you spineless freak!'' Rainbow Dash shouted, her face almost touching his.

Discord disappeared in a flash of light and reappeared a few feet from Rainbow Dash while the others climbed out of the crater. "N-Now Rainbow Dash if you can just hear me out I can-'' Discord began frantically, waving his mismatched claws in defense when Applejack cut him off.

"You can what?! Tell us how ya high tailed it outta there when we were facing Chrysalis?!'' the farm pony barked.

The others closed in on the spirit of disharmony, each giving him glares except Futtershy who just looked at him with a tearful, disappointed frown. "Out of all the despicable, selfish, low down stunts you've pulled Discord-'' Rarity began with a seethe.

Discord desperately looked at Rarity and tried to reason, ''Come now Rarity, show some mercy, some forgiveness. Isn't that what friends do, forgive each other?''

Rainbow Dash yelled, ''Friends?! Friends?! Don't you even try to pull that bullcud this time Discord! Friends don't ditch friends like you did!''

"I didn't mean to! I was terrified! I just panicked. I couldn't face my father, especially after I abandoned at my original mission!'' Discord desperately tried to explain.

Twilight spoke angrily, ''Still that didn't change the fact that we needed you there Discord! And you still try to use the friendship card!''

Discord looked frantically at the furious ponies when his eyes met Fluttershy's. Discord then quickly flew to her and lowered himself as he pleaded. "Surely you understand Fluttershy?''

Fluttershy didn't respond immediately, but just took a few steps back. "Fluttershy? Dear?'' Discord asked.

"I'm...I'm upset that you left us when you did Discord,'' Fluttershy began with an angered frown, but then started to cry softly. "But I was scared too, and I' still scared, so I'd be lying if I said I didn't understand. After seeing everything that Chthon did, I can't help but believe that it wouldn't have made a difference. Now not only is everything's destroyed but Princess Celestia and Luna are gone! And now even Arcanus fell to him!''

At this Discord widened his eyes with a disbelieving expression on his face. "W-What did you just say?''

"Celestia and Luna are gone. That mean monster Chthon killed them. We saw it with our own eyes, it was the most horrible thing I've ever seen!'' Pinkie Pie said dismally, a tear rolling down her cheek.

Discord just stared in utter shock. He didn't believe once that Celestia and Luna themselves would fall victim to Chthon. Discord finally lowered his head and shame and looked away. "I...I didn't know. I know I may test your nerves at times, but I've never once wanted this to happen, let alone want anything to happen to Celestia and Luna. I'm...I'm sorry.''

Rainbow Dash retorted aggressively, ''Sorry?! Yeah like that's really gonna make everything better isn't it? I swear Discord you should rot in-''

"Rainbow Dash!'' Twilight interrupted.

Rainbow whipped her head with an outraged expression. "What? He deserves it!''

Discord continued to look away and shame and sadness as Twilight answered somberly. "I know and I agree with you. But...I also agree with Fluttershy. After everything we saw, I doubt that even if Discord was there it wouldn't have made a difference.''

Twilight let a few more tears escape her eyes while the others looked down with sorrowful gazes. Fluttershy then walked over to Discord and hugged him, surprising him greatly. "But at least...you saved us. I can still thank you for that. And honestly, I'm glad that all of my friends are here,'' Fluttershy whispered tearfully.

Discord had a sad, touched look on his face and moments later, he returned the embrace. "Fluttershy...'' Discord spoke.

There was a few moments of silence before Discord opened his eyes and looked around, as if he was looking for someone. "Wait a minute, where's Quentin?'' Discord asked, breaking the embrace.

The others simply frowned sadly as Rarity explained, "He's...back in the castle.''

Discord looked at her quizzically as Applejack continued regrettably. "Yeah. We decided ta help Arcanus fight Chthon, but Quentin wanted ta come with us. We didn't want ta risk him gettin hurt or worst on the count of him not havin an Element so ta keep him from harm's way, I knocked him out.''

Applejack's heart ached the more she thought about what she had to do to her friend. The last thing she wanted was to hurt Quentin, even if it was for a second. The others nodded sadly.

Discord nodded in understanding, ''Oh...I see...''

Thunder echoed through the fiery skied as red lightning flashed. Soon it began to rain embers, the fiery glowing particles falling slowly around the city as if they were burning snow. Discord looked around the destroyed Canterlot. "So this was my father's doing? I must admit, he does know how to make a deliciously, beautiful chaotic scenery,'' Discord remarked, an impressed a blissful smile upon his face.

Instantly, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie shot him death glares. Discord immediatly spoke apologetically, "Sorry, totally inappropriate!''

He then hung his head sadly and brought his eagle claw over his mouth and slid it from left to right, his mouth literally zipping shut as he did so with a zipper showing. After a few more seconds of glaring, the friends turned their heads back with a more disheartened look when Pinkie Pie suddenly called out.

"L-Look! Over there!''

The others looked to where the faintly pink pony was pointing to and their faces fell in shock. Over to their left, they ran across the battle scarred square and over to the ledge and over the lands below where they saw the massive spire that stood in the center of Ponyville. "W-What in heaven's name is that?'' Rarity asked, a slight fear in her voice.

Twilight gazed at the structure that was miles away and shook her head, "I don't know. It looks like some sort of...tower.''

"Hey that thing's right where Ponyville is!'' Rainbow Dash said loudly, but then caught herself and frowned sadly as she landed back on the ground. "At least, what's left of Ponyville...''

Applejack gritted her teeth as she winced in sadness, ''Like he only thing Ponyville needs is somethin else ta ruin it.''

Fluttershy just looked at the structure in terror. Even from this distance, the dark tower was still an intimidating sight to behold. "It's so tall...it even goes into the clouds.''

Discord just looked onward with a very disturbed look on his face. "He's up there...'' Discord muttered. The others gazed at him quizzically. "My father, Chthon...he's up at the top...I can feel it...''

The six ponies looked at the draconequus horrified as Pinkie Pie spoke with a quiver, ''What are we going to do now?''

Discord just closed his eyes as a regretful, serious look came upon his face. "There's nothing you can do Pinkie Pie.''

"W-What?!'' Fluttershy squeaked.

"My father has been resurrected, the princesses are dead, and Equestria along with this entire world has been destroyed. Don't you see, the prophecy has been fulfilled...it's over.'' Discord answered reluctantly, closing his eyes solemnly as he slightly bowed his head.

Fluttershy along with the others looked at the spirit with shock, sadness, and disbelief, tears forming once again in Fluttershy's and Pinkie Pie's eyes. "Why haven't you ponies acted sooner? Aren't you supposed to be the Elements of Harmony?'' Discord then growled, clutching his fists.

Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash frowned with anger as Rainbow Dash flew right in his face. "Listen Discord. We had no idea what was gonna happen!'' Rainbow Dash spat, almost yelling. "We had no idea that evil bitch Chrysalis was looking for those stupid gems and when we did, we did everything to try and stop her just like every evil asshole we've faced. We faced crazy tyrants, evil kings, and saved an empire but who bucking cares?! All of that meant nothing compared to this!''

As Rainbow Dash continued to yell, she slowly began to descend towards the ground, becoming more sorrowful and grief stricken as she did so. "Everything we've done, everything we've been through meant jack cud to this point. But even...even after how hard we've fought we still couldn't stop this. Celestia and Luna's gone, all of our friends are stone, and everything's burnt to a crisp. And now, some evil god is now bucking this world up, just like that stupid prophecy said. This s just wrong...so wrong...'' Rainbow Dash finally ended, collapsing on her haunches and hung her head, her wild, rainbow colored bang draping over her eyes as she began to weep, gritting her teeth.

By the time Rainbow Dash finished, Applejack, Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy looked on with forlorn gazes, tears streaming down their faces. Discord looked down at the weeping Pegasus with a soft, sad frown and sighed deeply.

"It was all predestined,'' he muttered. "There was no sopping it…''

"That's it then...we can't do anything. We really can't do anything!'' Fluttershy cried out, dropping to the ground as she buried her face in her hooves.

Discord saw this and with a heavy heart, he went over to Fluttershy, scooped her up into his arms as she cried in his embrace. Tears flowed down Pinkie Pie's face as she fell on her haunches, "Now what? Do we just wait to die? Because I don't want to live in this dark, scary world!'' Pinkie cried.

Rarity went over to her friend and placed her forelegs around her shoulders and began to rock her, she too had tears cascading on her face. Though she didn't say anything, she had the same look of hopelessness that the others had. Seeing her friends in despair, Twilight turned around as her tears fell and began to walk back towards the crater.

"Twilight?'' Applejack uttered tearfully, seeing her friend walking away.

Twilight didn't answer, how could she? The world as they knew it was destroyed, their princesses were gone and there was nothing they could do about it. She finally came to the edge of the crater and looked down into it. "There's nothing we can do...'' Twilight said to herself tearfully as more tears flowed even more. "There's no way we can fight this. How could we? This is evil is out of our league...what's the point?''

As Twilight continued to cry, a few moments went by before a voice in her head finally rang out. "Hope… that's the point!''

Twilight shot open her eyes with a confused, lost expression as she recalled Quentin's words. "And if you're still here, we still have a chance. If you still have the Elements of Harmony, we can still fight Chthon!''

Twilight continued to look at the ground with a lost, blank expression until her eyes gazed at the golden crown that was her Element as Celestia's words echoed in her mind. "You and your friends possess the Elements of Harmony. You must be protected for you are the last line of defense.''

As Twilight recited those words in her head, she pinched her eyes shut for a moment or two before opening them with serious, determined frown on her face. She wiped her eyes as her horn was enveloped in a billowing magenta aura as she levitated her crown and placed it on her head. After whipping her tears away, Twilight turned around and quickly marched back towards her friends.

When she was close enough to the others, Applejack asked with a concerned tone, "Twilight are you...''

"We have to fight!'' Twilight cut in forcefully.

Applejack and the others looked at their friend shocked, tearful glances, even Rainbow Dash looked up from her position. "W-What?'' Pinkie Pie asked with a downtrodden tone.

"I said we have to fight Chthon,'' Twilight repeated firmly.

Rarity spoke, sorrow in her voice, ''But Twilight, how can we possible fight against that monster?''

"I don't know, but we will fight him nonetheless,'' Twilight answered.

The others looked at each other with lost glances before turning back to the unicorn. "Clearly the smell of ash has affected your mind Twilight. You can't possibly be serious?'' Discord spoke, dubiety in his voice.

Twilight frowned deeper and held her ground, "I'm dead serious!''

Suddenly Rainbow Dash sprang up and flew right in front of her. "And then what Twilight, get burned to ashes? Ripped to shreds? Because we'd just be running right into our deaths!'' Rainbow Dash argued, but with an angst look, completely unlike the usual, daring Pegasus.

"Twilight, just look around, how can we even hope to fix this. How can we even hope to save all those ponies that are being killed right now?'' Fluttershy asked before breaking down again.

Twilight's expression changed to a slight, sad gaze as Applejack walked up with wet eyes. "Twilight...I know we've been through thick and thin ever since we meet. But this isn't thick or thin, this is somethin' much worse than that. I...I don't think we can make it out this time.''

As Applejack spoke those words, tears escaped her eyes as the other averted their gazes tearfully save for Discord while he just closed his eyes in discontent. Twilight gazed at her five, downhearted friends sadly before sighing deeply and answering.

"Guys, look...I'm not stupid. I know what we're up against. We're up against a foe that can beat Celestia and Luna without breaking as much as a sweat...'' Twilight spoke as the others looked up at her with tear filled eyes as she continued, advancing forward, ''We're up against a being that destroyed this entire world on a whim. We're up against an enemy that can torture, kill, and torment everypony in all the nations simultaneously. We're up against a god...'' Twilight ended, standing in the center, looking at her friends with a pleading gaze as they listened to her. "But what Quentin said was right, we still have the Elements of Harmony...we still have the means to fight him.''

"But Twilight...'' Pinkie Pie began tearfully only to have Twilight cut in firmly.

"But nothing!''

This caused the others to jump slightly with surprised expressions. Twilight sighed again, lowering her head as she winced sadly. "Celestia and Luna were our leaders. Celestia was my mentor...she was like a second mother to me...'' Twilight felt her tears stinging her eyes as she recalled her fallen princess while the others looked on sympathetically. "And her last words to us were that we were the last line of defense.'' Twilight then looked upward, tears streaming down her face with a serious, determined expression. "The reason we are still here because Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus sacrificed themselves to ensure that we live to fight. If we had to lose them...we can at least make it so it wasn't for nothing!''

The others gazed at their friend, amazed by her strong words and unwavering will. The others looked at each other with great uncertainly. After a few moments Rarity finally spoke up, with a very wearily, tearful expression.

"Twilight, darling…do you really, truly believe we can win against that monster?''

All eyes were on Twilight, but her expression softened a bit before she answered. "I...don't know. I'm not going to lie, I really don't know. But what I do know is it is because of Celestia's, Luna's, and Arcanus' sacrifice that we are still here. It is because of their sacrifice...we have to at least try. So please...will you stand with me?''

Twilight gazed at them with a pleading, tear filled gaze. The others didn't answer, just once again looked at each other. Finally, Applejack walked up to her friend and placed a hoof on her shoulders. "Twi... ya don't ever need ta ask for us ta stand with ya. Because we'll always have yer back,'' Applejack answered with a tearful smile.

Twilight gazed at her friend in shock, almost as if she couldn't believe what she just heard. Applejack turned to the others as she spoke with a more determined look. "Twilight's right. I don't know what will happen, but we need ta at least give it try. Besides...'' Applejack's face then fell in a hurtful expression. "I'm not gonna knock Quentin out jus' ta sit here twiddlin' my hooves...we need ta take action.''

At this Rainbow Dash's forlorn look was replaced with a bold, unyielding expression as she stood up on all fours, whipping her eyes and glared. "I'm with Applejack. I'm not gonna just sit here and cry anymore. I say we go right into that bastard's face and show him what we ponies are made of!''

Rainbow Dash went over and stood with the stunned Twilight, and the resolved Applejack and looked back at the speechless Fluttershy, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Discord. Rarity thought for a moment, before gazing back at her three friends with a sad, touched smile.

"I'm in and your right. As the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony, we must do something to try to fight this evil. I will always stand with my friends, the most important ponies I know.''

Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack smiled fondly and sadly at their graceful friend as she too went over and stood with them. The three mares looked at the remaining of the group as Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie look upon them with tearful, fearful looks.

''Fluttershy? Pinkie Pie?'' Twilight began with melancholy tone. "I know you're scared but...''

"I'm coming with you,'' Pinkie Pie suddenly cut in. The others looked at her with surprise as she got up, whipping her eyes as she sniffed with a tearful smile, ''You...you ain't going nowhere without me. It may be a scary in a world full of misery, but I can still find happiness with my best friends. And friends...friends stick together no matter what.''

The four ponies gazed at Pinkie Pie with fond smiles while Fluttershy looked down sadly, but with deep thought, tears still streaming down her face. As Pinkie Pie joined the group they looked at Fluttershy, the only one left. "Fluttershy?'' Applejack began.

Fluttershy didn't answer as she continued to gaze downward. It wasn't until a moment or so passed when she casted her gazed upon her friends, tears streaming down her face but from determined eyes that was rare from the timid Pegasus. Slowly she stood on all fours and began to walk towards her waiting friends. However she didn't take three steps when Discord suddenly appeared in a flash of light in front.

"What?! Fluttershy you're not seriously thinking about going with them are you?!'' Discord protested, shocking the yellow Pegasus.

The others lightly frowned at Discord as he continued to look down at Fluttershy with a sort of frantic expression. Fluttershy looked up at the draconequus with a shocked expression before closing her eyes and whipping her tears with a light frown on her face.

"Please get out of the way Discord,'' Fluttershy muttered.

Discord looked down at the pony in disbelief before retorting loudly. "What?! Fluttershy do you realize what you're doing? You can't possibly go to face my father!''

Fluttershy looked up at him with a stern expression and answered, ''I can and I will, now please move.''

Discord said nothing, just looked down at Fluttershy with a flabbergasted look with his mouth ajar. When Discord didn't move, Fluttershy sighed and moved around the creature of chaos. However, once again she only took a few steps when Discord appeared again before her. She looked up at him with a more frustrated look as he spoke.

"You're being a fool. Look around...see what Chthon did? His power is boundless, even Celestia and Luna couldn't overpower his. How can you expect you and the others to even stand up to his might?!''

Fluttershy gazed into his asymmetrical eyes before averting her gaze from his. She gritted her teeth and began to shake as tears began to form in her eyes once again. "You're right, I am being a fool,'' Fluttershy whimpered as her friends watched on with sad faces. "And I saw what Chthon did. I saw what he did to my home but most importantly I saw what he did to my animal friends.'' Fluttershy then looked into Discord's eyes as tears poured down her face. "He destroyed our home, killed our princesses, and he broke my nose. I'm scared, terrified...more than I've ever been in my life but...'' Fluttershy closed her eyes for a second before taking on a stronger, firm look. "But my friends, they were scared too, but they swallowed their fears and resolved to try to remedy the situation. I may be afraid Discord, but right now my friends need me. And I'm willing to do whatever it takes to help them.''

At this, the others smiled sadly, but gratefully at their timid friend's bravery and loyalty to them. Discord however, had a speechless expression on his face. With her words spoken, Fluttershy tried again to bypass Discord only for him to appear in front of her and blocking her path. Fluttershy closed her eyes, her frustration building more and more until Discord spoke in a desperate, somber tone unlike anything the ponies had ever heard from him.

"But Fluttershy...aren't I your friend too?''

Fluttershy shot open her eyes as she slowly turned her head upward to see a very distraught Discord looking down at her, his ears lowered in sadness. Fluttershy's face then fell sadly as she answered, ''Of course we're friends Discord.''

"Then why would you do this to me?!'' Discord argued, dropping on his knees and claws as he brought his face close to hers. "Ever since that day, as requested by Celestia I've used my magic for good. I've help avoid catastrophes and disasters, not because Celestia asked me to, not for my own satisfaction…but because I knew if I did them it would make you so happy!''

Fluttershy blinked in shock, ''M-Me?''

Discord nodded sadly before continuing. "Yes Fluttershy, you. You were the first friend I've ever truly had. If something happened to you, it would just kill me inside. Why would you inflict such a pain in a friend's heart?''

Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie watched, completely taken aback about the behavior Discord was displaying. Usually he was overconfident, mischievous, and appeared to be three steps ahead of everyone else. But to be reduced to this state was truly a shocking sight. Fluttershy gazed into Discord's pleading eyes before she looked at him with a truly saddened, tearful smile as she stroked his face.

"I was right…you can be a real sweet heart once ponies get to know you.''

"Fluttershy...'' Discord uttered softly, touched as she continued to stroke his face gently.

Fluttershy's face then fell into one of true regret as a tear rolled down her cheek. "And I'm sorry. I would never want to hurt you in any way possible. But they're my friends too Discord,'' Fluttershy pointed to the five ponies waiting for her. "And right now, I need to be there for them. And before you ask, it's not something that I want to do...it's something that I need to do.''

Fluttershy look in her friend's eyes with a tearful smile while Discord looked as if he was on the verge of tears himself. Not wanting to waste any more time, she fell back on all fours and proceeded to head towards her friends, leaving a devastated Discord behind. Once there, the others expressed their admiration and gratitude for Fluttershy's bravery and commitment, embracing her. Twilight then turned to Discord with a serious frown and spoke out.

''Discord!''

Discord didn't answer and kept his back towards them. Twilight continued, ''This is going to be the hardest fight we've had ever face from the most powerful enemy we have ever encountered. We need all the help we can get.''

At this, Discord stood up slowly and hung his head in sorrow. "I can't help you,'' he muttered but with enough volume that they could hear.

The ponies looked at him with puzzled glances. "But, you're Chthon's son, his spawn. That being said, you should have enough power to fight him on equal ground.'' Twilight pointed out.

"Equal ground? Equal ground are you serious?!'' Discord whipped around with a panicked looks, surprising the six ponies. "I only have a mere fragment of Chthon's power. I may be a creature of chaos but he is chaos' god. His power and mine are dimensions apart!''

The others looked at each other with bewildered, concerned looks before Twilight argued firmly, ''But still even if that's true, we need as much power as we can get. So, will you fight with us?''

"Yeah, you're always going on about how you're reformed and that we're friends. Well it's time to prove it once and for all!'' Rainbow Dash added boldly.

There was silence, all eyes were on Discord. He looked at them somberly before tuning his gaze away from them. "I can do many things Twilight, but that I cannot do,'' Discord finally answered.

"Say what?!'' Rainbow Dash shouted angrily.

"With my help or not, the outcome will be the same,'' Discord spoke dismally.

"And what in the hay is that suppose ta mean?!'' Applejack asked forcefully.

What do you think I meant Applejack,'' Discord answered her.

"So that's it then, you're not going to help us?!'' Twilight spoke with anger.

The others looked at Discord with either angry or sad glances, but Fluttershy stepped forward with a, tearful gaze. "Discord...please...'' Fluttershy pleaded softly.

Fluttershy just gazed at Discord with a tearful, disappointed look as a tear or two escaped her eyes. The others looked at each other sadly and uncertainly. "So much for being our friend you coward!'' Rainbow Dash shouted out only to have Twilight raise a hoof.

"Rainbow Dash...'' Twilight said, not taking her eyes off Discord.

Rainbow Dash glared but remained in her place. Twilight stared at Discord with a stern frown before breathing deeply and spoke, ''If you won't help us, fine. But can you at least take us to that tower? We have no other way to get to Ponyville.''

Discord looked at the six ponies with a truly regretful expression, "And you still wish to face my father?''

Twilight just gave a firm nodded and Discord sighed. "You are only heading to your own deaths. I may not have shown it and I may be new to it, but I really did try to value the magic of friendship you taught me. I had magic and friendship, but soon I'll only have magic. I'll be alone once again.''

A single, lone tear came from Discord's eye and rolled down his face. Fluttershy couldn't help but shed her own tears as she gazed at him with hurtful eyes. The others' frowns disappeared, including Rainbow Dash's and they looked at each other, seemingly showing sympathy for the creature. With no words spoken, Discord reluctantly raised his lion paw and snapped his fingers. Almost immediatly, there was a flash of light and the next second, the six Element Bearers were gone, leaving an emotionally hurt Discord in the destroyed city.

In another flash of light, the six friends reappeared in Ponyville. The six ponies looked around at their destroyed town until they froze in their places, their eyes were instantly met with the colossal structure before them that was Chthon's tower. From a great distance it seemed gigantic, but seeing it close and in person was completely mind boggling. The base almost completely took up the center of the town. Large, pointed outcropping of black earth protruded from the ground and around the base except for the front which exposed a long, stone staircase that led upwards and disappeared into the clouds along with the rest of the tower. Several stone statues of ponies were also littered around, having been broken from the formation of the tower.

There it stood, tall, stoic, and bleak as the six friends stood at its base with intimidated looks. "Heaven's ta Betsy, an' that thing looked massive from Canterlot,'' Applejack said with a worrisome look.

"It's gigantic,'' Rainbow Dash admitted, staring up at the massive structure.

After a few moments of staring, Twilight frowned seriously and spoke, ''Girls, we need to snap out of it. Remember why we're here.''

Immediatly, the girl's faces fell in seriousness while Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie had more intimidated looks. "So...he's up there isn't he? Chthon is at the very top?'' Rarity asked with a combination of an angry, sad frown.

Twilight nodded, "Yeah, according to Discord anyway.''

At the mention of Discord, Fluttershy looked down dismally. "Alright, this is we're about to face the source of this evil. Everypony have their Elements?'' Twilight asked.

The others nodded as Pinkie Pie spoke in a meek tone, "We've really been through a lot haven't we?''

The others looked at their friend with sad gazes as Rarity answered, "Yes darling, we have. Together we've faced countless of obstacles only this time...''

"We're facing something that encompasses all of them,'' Twilight finished bleakly.

The others all looked at Twilight with sad, uncertain looks as she turned to face them. "There's been different threats and different villains and now there's a threat that plunged the entire world into darkness. However, now and all those other times have something in common...'' The others looked at their friend with quizzical expressions as she finished with a sad smile. "Whatever that threatened Equestria, we've faced it together. And this time's no different.''

At this Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie looked at Twilight with fond smiles. Twilight continued, "I don't know what will happen up there, but I do know this. Whatever fate has in store for us, I just want to let you all know...that you all are the greatest friends I could ever have asked for. You don't know how much meeting each of you have affected my life and now I couldn't imagine going through life without knowing you. That, be it good or ill outcome, is a fact that will never change.''

At her heartfelt speech, the others had tears at the corner of their eyes as Applejack answered sincerely, ''And we're plum grateful that we've met you too Twi.''

"Indeed, and the truth of the matter is, we'd be so lost if you've never came into our lives,'' Rarity added with a fond, tearful smile and the others agreed.

"Yeah, friends till the end!'' Rainbow Dash remarked.

Twilight nodded, she too with tears but with a grateful smile, "Yeah, friends til the end. And we'll always be together no matter what.''

With that, the six friends came together in what possible could be their last group hug. However, as they hug, they felt a sort of strange sensation, like a sort of spark that filled their hearts and they broke apart abruptly. "Whoa...did anyone else feel that?!'' Twilight asked.

The others nodded, "Yeah, what the heck was that?!'' Rainbow Dash asked, an eyebrow cocked with a confused frown as she rubbed her chest.

"I felt it...right here in my heart,'' Applejack spoke softly, placing a hoof over her heart.

"Me too, what could it mean?'' Fluttershy asked with a concerned look.

"It seemed to happen after Twilight said we'd always be together. And though that is very true, at the same time if felt like it wasn't,'' Rarity spoke with a sad frown, her hoof over her heart.

Pinkie Pie nodded, ''Yeah, like as if we're not altogether. As if...something's missing.''

As the others pondered this weird feeling they shared Twilight spoke up, ''I...I'm also feeling an empty sensation in my heart, like a puzzle with a missing piece...'' she then became serious. "But we can't worry about that now. Right now, something else important must be addressed.''

The others nodded firmly with serious frowns and they all faced the massive, crude tower before them. Twilight took a deep breath and with courage in her heart, she started towards the stairs.

"Let's go.''

The others followed, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flying as they headed and began to walk up the stone stairs. One step, two, step, four steps, six steps as they continued on their ascent. Six steps turned into ten steps. Ten steps turned into twenty steps as they continued onward, going higher and higher. Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flew while the rest climbed the stairs. It seemed like a full hour of endless climbing when Rarity finally let out an exhausted cry.

"Sweet Chiron, do these dreadful stairs ever end?!''

They all stopped for a quick break, but still on the top of their guard, for they had climbed a great amount of altitude. Applejack turned peered over the side of the stairs and clung tightly in her place. "Jus look how high we are fer Pete's sakes!''

It was true for down below them was the destroyed earth that Ponyville. The buildings were tiny, almost as ants with a view of the scorched, destroyed earth form miles on end. "T-That's a long drop!'' Fluttershy whimpered uneasily. "I've never b-been this high off the ground since I was a filly!''

As she continued to look down, she started to become dizzy and began to lose her bearing in the air. "Easy there Fluttershy. Keep it together!'' Rainbow Dash said, catching he friend and keeping her steady.

Fluttershy shook off her dizziness and looked at her cyan friend with an embarrassed look. "R-Right. I'm sorry.''

Rainbow Dash's frown softened into a warm faint smile as she responded, ''It's cool Fluttershy. No biggy, I'll fly next to you if you ever lose your nerves again.''

Fluttershy just answered with a fond, grateful, sad smile. "That's good to hear, because we've been climbing these stairs for heavens knows how long. We have got to be at least more than a hundred feet in the air. It would spell disaster if anyone of us fell from this height.''

The others shuddered at such a thought as they took one last glance at the great drop below them. "But we have to keep going. We can't stop after coming this far. There's no going back now.'' Twilight spoke with a firm determined expression.

"Twilight's right yall. We can't let these stairs get ta us, not when there's somethin much worst at the top of them!'' Applejack said seriously.

The others nodded and Twilight proceeded to lead them up the steps. After what seemed like an eternity, the six mares climbed higher upon the tower. The higher they went, the more hot winds blew as their ascent to the fiery heaven continued. After what seemed like hours, they climbed the stairs and into the red and organ tinted, burning clouds. The temperature increased, as if the clouds really were on fire. Each of them began to sweat from the heat and the climb as more winds blew against their coats with nothing but a fiery skyscape that now surrounded them as they climbed. Two thousand feet, that's how high they have climbed and finally what seemed like endless hours, they paused as they looked up to see that they were a mere ten steps from the top.

"We're...almost there,'' Pinkie Pie said in a not so confident tone.

Twilight frowned darkly as she nodded, ''Yeah, just a few more steps until we come face to face with Chthon.'' She then looked at her friends, ''Is everypony ready for this?''

Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rarity all nodded with firm glances as Twilight returned the nod. She took a deep breath and looked upward with a serious glare and led the others up the remaining steps. At last after climbing the last step, the six friends had reached the top, high above the chaotic world. They stepped onto the platform but froze and stared forward with glares and gritted teeth as their eyes fell upon the God of Chaos himself, seated on his throne at the other end of the platform, the fiery clouds shining around him.

Chthon sat in a rather casual position. He was leaned more towards the left with his elbows resting on the armrests. One claw was balled while the other was cupped it with both claws resting against his chin. Chthon's head leaned slightly forward, his eyes closed as he sat there still and silent. Upon looking at the god, the six began to shake slightly, unnerved by being in the presence of the Dark Lord.

"Stay calm girls,'' Twilight muttered as she kept her glaring eyes on Chthon.

This was it, now or never. Twilight pinched her eyes shut and gritted her teeth harder and suddenly shot open her eyes, her shaking stopping. Her horn was enveloped in a billowing magenta aura and with a short yell, she fired five strong blasts of magic at the god. The blast hit their target, each of them striking Chthon in the chest and face area in small explosions. However, Chthon didn't have so much as a mark on him from Twilight's attack. A mere moment after Twilight's assault, Chthon slowly opened his eyes, glowing an unholy red and looked right at the six ponies. Immediatly the six tensed up, prepared for the fight of their lives. Fluttershy had an uncertain look on her face while the others bore angrier, courageous frowns.

"Chthon, stand up and fight!'' Twilight called boldly at the seated deity.

Chthon said nothing, just looked at them with a cold glare before finally answering, the glow in his eyes subsiding. "Insignificant little insects,'' Chthon growled darkly.

Twilight gritted her teeth as she fired another blast of magic at Chthon. However instead of hitting him, the attack evaporated before it even had a chance to hit. Twilight stared in shock before glaring at Chthon once again.

"You should have stayed and rotted in that crater for wince I left you. Now you climbed up to this fiery realm just to die.''

At this, the mares flinched up as they frowned deeper. "Why don't ya quite talking cud for once and do something?! Get off your ass and fight us!'' Rainbow Dash shouted boldly at Chthon.

Chthon growled menacingly as he stood up slowly, his four wings extended and gave a short strong blast of gust to the ponies. The gust pushed them back a few feet, but they stood their ground and glared at the god. "It is indeed a brave new world filled with pusses. To dare talk to a god like that so blatantly means a punishment far worse than death.''

Rainbow Dash lowered her head and blew out a gust of air from her nose as she snarled, ''Try it freak!''

The others then readied themselves for an epic fight as Chthon stood there, towering ten feet as he coldly leered down on him. Finally, Chthon broke the silence and spoke, ''No.''

This caught the Element Bearers by surprised as Applejack called out, ''What?!''

Chthon sat back down on his throne as he continued darkly. "I have already defeated you once before. I am not going to keep lowering myself to battle the likes of you.'' Chthon's disgusted frown grew deeper. "For fighting you… is beneath me.''

On those final words, Chthon's eyes glowed red a ripple suddenly erupted out as the six friends were blasted back by a powerful telekinetic attack. The force was so mighty it blew the six over the edge and they screamed as they began to plummet down back towards the earth.

"Guys hang on!'' Rainbow Dash called regaining her bearing and began to fly as the others continued their fast descent through the orange clouds. "Fluttershy help me! We need to catch our friends!'' Rainbow Dash yelled to her timid friend.

It was then that Fluttershy remembered that she could fly and after a few aerobatic fumbles, she too regained her composure and began flying. "Girls, hold on we're coming!'' Fluttershy squealed as she flew downward towards her falling, screaming friends as fast as her wings could take her.

Together the two Pegasi flew fast in order to catch their friends. "Rarity quick, grab my hoof!'' Rainbow Dash called as she neared Rarity.

"Rainbow Dash! I'm reaching...but...'' Rarity shrieked extending a hoof to catch Rainbow's.

"Almost there and...gotcha!'' Rainbow Dash declared as she took hold of her generous friend's hoof.

However, there was crack of lightning close by that shocked Rainbow Dahs and Rarity, causing the two to loose each other's grasps. Rarity screamed as she fell.

"Rarity!'' Rainbow Dash screamed.

However, before Rainbow Dash could try to catch her friend again, another crack of red lightning flashed, striking the bold Pegasus on her left wing. Rainbow Dash cried in pain as she lost her mobility and began to free fall along with the rest.

"Applejack! Pinkie Pie! Just hold on, I'll...I'll…'' Fluttershy cried out, tears forming in her eyes as the wind whipped her face.

The six suddenly burst out of the clouds where the dark earth below them was visible, getting closer and closer with every second as they rapidly lost altitude. With her friends in mortal danger, Fluttershy gathered every ounce of wing power to get to them and sure enough she was catching up to the reaching farm and party ponies.

"Fluttershy! Quick catch us!'' Pinkie shrieked, reaching her hooves out to the yellow Pegasus.

"Jus...a little...more!'' Applejack said in between grunts as she too reached out a hoof.

Fluttershy got closer and closer to them and with one more ditch effort, she grabbed onto her two friends. With her friends caught, she tried to pull up, but the force of gravity and the speed they were falling were too great for the timid mare.

"I...I can't...pull up. Applejack...Pinkie Pie...I'm...I'm...'' Fluttershy began before finally breaking down into sobs.

Twilight looked around at her screaming, falling friends. They all were falling fast and if she didn't do anything soon..."I need to act...FAST! I need to save my friends!'' Twilight thought to herself.

She closed her eyes as her horn began to glow. "Come on...'' Twilight grunted with pinched shut eyes as her horn grew brighter.

Suddenly with a cry, the light shone brilliantly and in flashes of magenta light, the six friends disappeared in the sky. The six Elements appeared in bursts of light before suddenly falling back onto the ground. Though they had a brief pain on impact, they were alive and well. The six groaned as Twilight asked.

''Is...Is everypony ok?''

"I guess so, but what the hay happened?'' Applejack asked, looking around in bewilderment.

"I...I used a teleportation spell,'' Twilight said as she slowly rose to her feet, a bit groggily.

Her friends looked at her in amazement but Pinkie Pie asked with concern. "But what's wrong Twilight? You've used teleportation spells before, why do you look so dizzy and exhausted?''

Twilight shook her head to rid herself of her distrainment before answering, ''I've...I've never teleported more than myself before. To teleport six ponies from a great distance like where we were takes a lot of energy. But my friends were in danger, so I would've done anything to save them.''

At this, the others gave the unicorns fond smiles until Rarity spoke out in alarm. "Oh my Rainbow Dash, your wing!''

Everyone looked at their cyan friend and sure enough, her left wing was singed, the feathers slightly frazzled. "Yeah...ugh...got fried when that lightning hit me,'' Rainbow Dash answered, wincing in pain as she tried to extend it open.

"Oh dear, let me look at that,'' Fluttershy said with a worrisome look as she examined her friend's wing.

Rainbow winced again, "It might be pretty bad. My wing is totally numb, I can't feel it at all.''

At this, Rarity put a hoof over her mouth as tears appeared in the corners of her eyes. "Oh my, and all from trying to save me. Rainbow Dash I'm so sorry.''

Rainbow Dash looked at her apologetic friends and through the wincing, she smiled, ''Hey don't think anything of it. I don't care how bad my wing is injured now, as long as my friends are safe, that's what really matters.''

Rarity gave her bold friend a tearful grateful smile as did the rest without the tears. "Hold on Rainbow, I might know a spell that could help,'' Twilight said with a faint smile.

However, before she could help her friend a plume of reddish black smoke erupted in the sky above them and when the smoke dissipated, Chthon was hovering in the air, his arms crossed and his wings flapping steadily. Upon seeing him, the six friend's immediatly took defensive stances.

"It would appear that you have avoided this death. But know this, many other possibilities to meet your demise still exists,'' Chthon spoke in his dark voice, grinning evilly.

This unnerved Fluttershy for a bit, but the others frowned greatly. "It'll take more than that to defeat us Chthon!'' Twilight barked boldly.

Applejack snorted as she racked the ground with a foreleg, ready to fight and she growled. "Darn tootin' it will. So are ya gonna quite bein' a coward an' face us?''

Chthon's face fell in cold disdain as he answered, ''Like I said before, to keep fighting you is unbecoming of me. If you want a challenge I advise you find somepony else to engage...because you will not get it from me.''

Right after he said those last words, Chthon's eyes glowed that dark, unholy red as he raised a claw while making a circular gesture and it was engulfed in a dark crimson and black aura. Almost instantly, six, red and black, arm like appendages with claws made of energy burst from Chthon's glowing hand. The appendages fired wildly around as they headed towards the six, alarmed ponies. Before they could react, the glowing, claw like energies impaled each of them in their chest, causing them to scream out in pain. The six friends writhed and violently twisted and churned their bodies as they desperately tried to rid themselves of the claws but to no avail. As the ponies continued to scream and squirm, each of the claws slowly started to pull out. The claws seemed to have grasped onto something and appeared to be struggling to drag something out of their chests. As the claws were beginning to come out, they were each grasping onto red, ethereal like essences of some kind. Finally after what seemed like an eternity, the claws finally and quickly from the ponies' chest, ripping out the essences out of each of the Elements of Harmony.

The sudden act cause Twilight and the others to get blasted back a few feet. The ponies fell on the ground as the six red and black, clawed appendages zoomed quickly around them with the spirit like essences and finally a few distances away from the six friends before striking the ground as a brief red, explosion occurred. Reeling from the pain and impact, Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie groaned and stood up slowly when their faces fell in horror as the glow in Chthon's eyes subsided. Six pairs of eyes gleamed sinisterly through the smoke and when the smoke had cleared and the six stared at the sight they were beholding, taking a few steps back as they retreated from the six figures that now stood across from them.

"W-What is this?!'' Rarity asked flabbergasted.

"T-Those ponies...t-they look just like...'' Fluttershy whimpered as she took another frightened step back.

"They look just like...us,'' Twilight finished as she and the others stared in terror at the six doppelgangers that stood before them.

> Fighting Their Darknesses
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity stared at their images with bewildering fright. It was like they were looking at a mirror, each of the six ponies that suddenly appeared looked exactly like them. From their manes right down to their hooves, the mysterious equines were exact copies of one of each of them. However, the only differences was that the copies' manes, coats, and tails were a dark grey with slight black highlights in their manes and tails while each of their eyes were black with red pupils, just like Chthon's. They even wore elements on their chests with Twilight's copy had on a tiara like she did with crimson red, more sinister looking designed gemstones. The copies looked at the original ponies, their unholy eyes gazed on each of their respective selves with dark, evil grins on their faces.

"Who...what are those things?!'' Applejack asked out loud as her copy grinned at her.

"They certainly can't be us! Not those repulsive looking creatures!'' Rarity said with fearful, disgusted tone.

Twilight just stared at her clone with gritted teeth and a slight frown as Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie had more frightened looks while Rainbow Dash as a deep, confused frown. Chthon laughed out darkly, hovering in the air with his arms crossed with his mane and ponytail flowing in the wind.

"I may be the lord of all darkness, but it seems that you are your own worst enemies.''

With that, Chthon suddenly fazed away and disappeared, leaving the Element Bearers alone with their wicked smirking clones. Suddenly, the Dark Rainbow Dash quickly flew forward and stopped, hovering right in front of Rainbow Dash, their muzzles almost touching.

"You always knew you had a bad side,'' Dark Rainbow Dash spoke in the same voice as her original, a cruel smirk on her face.

Rainbow Dash looked at her dark self with angry, quizzical frown and before she could speak, Dark Rainbow Dash struck her with a powerful uppercut, sending the tough Pegasus through the air. Rainbow Dash cried out as she flew through the air and her dark copy followed pursuit.

"Rainbow Dash!'' Twilight called out but before she could react, she was hit by a red magical blast from Dark Twilight, sending the unicorn screaming backwards and onto the ground.

Applejack was being approached by Dark Applejack, who was lowered in a fighting stance. "Well, are you gonna fight, or are ya jus' gonna stand there lookin' stupid?'' Dark Applejack taunted with a southern accent, raking the ground with a foreleg.

Applejack responded with an angry glare as she took the same stance as her copy and she snarled, ''We'll see who the stupid one is when I'm done with ya you fake!''

With hat, Applejack gave off a yell and the two charged at each other before colliding and rolling on the ground as they began fighting. Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie watched on with horror before Rarity let out a cry as she was enveloped with a light red aura and lifted into the air.

"What's happening?! Somepony get me down!'' Rarity cried as Dark Rarity smirked darkly.

''It'd be my pleasure to oblige to your request.''

Dark Rarity then made a quick motion with her head and sent Rarity flying away from her friends. She screamed before landing hard on the black ground, adding more dirt and grim to her already messy coat. Dark Rarity quickly galloped to engage her original as Fluttershy hovered back fearfully as Dark Fluttershy approached her with a truly aggressive grin.

"What's wrong Fluttershy, scared? Well you should be, cause I'm about to mess that pretty little face up.'' Dark Fluttershy remarked evilly.

Fluttershy shook with fear as she retreated back and whimpered, ''N-No! Stay away from me!''

Fluttershy turned and flew away as fast as she could with Dark Fluttershy quickly making chase with a sadistic smile. Dark Pinkie Pie drew towards Pinkie Pie, who like her also had her mane and tail straight. Pinkie Pie drew back with fear before she felt a tap on her shoulder from behind. Pinkie Pie whipped her head back to meet the grinning face of Dark Pinkie Pie.

"Peek-a-boo!'' Dark Pinkie Pie said tauntingly before punching Pinkie Pie in the face.

Pinkie cried in pain as she rolled a few times before stopping. She lifted her head up to see Dark Pinkie Pie running towards her before leaping in the air and gave off a war cry as she lunged towards the pink pony. Rainbow Dash managed to regain her airborne bearing and shook off the punch she just suffered. She saw Dark Rainbow Dash flying fast towards her, but she didn't falter. With a yell, Rainbow Dash flew at top speed, leaving a rainbow colored trial behind her as she flew towards her dark self. She flew towards the copy, ignoring the pain in her wing with the intention of knocking her straight out of the sky, but before Rainbow Dash could hit her, Dark Rainbow evaded.






"What?!'' Rainbow Dash cried in disbelief.

Dark Rainbow Dash gave a smug smirk before raising both her hooves high above her head and brought them down upon Rainbow, sending the bold Pegasus screaming back down to earth. Rainbow Dash crashed through a roof of a shambled cabin and landed painfully on the charred floor of a room. Rainbow Dash winched in pain and clenched her teeth as she struggled to get to her feet. Once on all fours, she looked up into the air to see Dark Rainbow Dash coming in for another attack. Dark Rainbow flew through the same hole made by Rainbow Dash and came down to strike her. However, Rainbow Dash caught the blow as she glared into the eyes of a surprised Dark Rainbow Dash.

"Bitch, you have no idea who the buck you're messing with!'' Rainbow Dash snarled.

She then head butted her dark copy before grabbing her by a foreleg and spinning her rapidly before releasing her, sending Dark Rainbow Dash through the wall of the destroyed cabin and out into the town. Dark Rainbow cried in pain as she landed on the ground, hitting a few statues and smashing them to pieces. Rainbow Dash flew from the house and into the street as she glared down her fallen copy. Dark Rainbow Dash soon stood on her feet, cracked her neck and smirked at Rainbow Dash evilly.

"Oh I know exactly who I'm messing with. After all, I am you.''

Rainbow Dash barked, ''Cud face! You're not me!''

Rainbow Dash then flew at full speed towards her opponent but before she could land a blow, Dark Rainbow Dash fired a red, lightning bolt shaped energy blast from her Element around her neck and blew Rainbow Dash back with it. Rainbow Dash cried out as she landed on the ground and her body skidded a few feet before stopping. She groaned painfully, shook her head and gazed up to see her dark self hovering overhead, her forelegs crossed with a dark, smug smirk on her face.

"What the-how did you do that?!'' Rainbow Dash asked in exasperation. "I've never been able to do that!''

Dark Rainbow Dash just let out a short snort, ''Teh, sucks to be you.''

Rainbow Dash immediately frowned, gritted her teeth and with a yell, few upward at her copy. In a blink of an eye, Rainbow Dash was assaulting her copy with a barrage of punches to her face. Dark Rainbow Dash grunted and cried with each blow suffered, advancing backwards as Rainbow's attacks continued. "How...do...you like...that...bitch?!'' Rainbow Dash seethed as she pressed on with her punches.

Suddenly, Dark Rainbow Dash caught one of the punches, catching the rainbow maned Pegasus off guard. Dark Rainbow Dash lifted her head to her original self, blood trickling down her mouth and nose, but with the most twisted smile on her face.

"How do I like it? Well I'd like it a lot actually...if you didn't hit like a boy!'' Dark Rainbow Dash remarked, grossly licking some of the blood from her mouth.

Rainbow Dash gave her a disgusted, dark frown when suddenly Dark Rainbow Dash spat some blood in her eye. Rainbow Dash cried out in shock and disgust as she tried to wipe the blood from her eye when Dark Rainbow retaliated with punches of her own. Dark Rainbow relentlessly sent strong punches to Rainbow Dash in the face and stomach. Rainbow Dash grunted, in pain with each blow. Dark Rainbow Dash attempted to kick her across the face, but Rainbow Dash dodged it just in time before giving a punch to her copy's face. Dark Rainbow Dash reeled backwards as Rainbow Dash flew into her and carried her at full speed through the air and over the town.

Finally with a finally yell, Rainbow Dash flew her dark side head on into the side of the massive dark tower and proceeded to attack her repeatedly, dust and small bits of rubble rolling from the construct as she did so. As Rainbow Dash continued her attack, the Element of her dark side began to glow again and before Rainbow Dash new it, she was blasted back with full force by a red, beam of energy. Rainbow Dash cried out as she flew back into the air before recovering and glared at her copy. Dark Rainbow Dash hovered distances away from her, her dark Element still aglow with that red light.

"Pathetic, no wonder Lord Chthon called on us to fight the likes of you…ya nothing but a bunch of pussies. You're not even fit to be the dirt under his feet,'' Dark Rainbow Dash taunted as Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth with anger.

Dark Rainbow Dash smirked cruelly as she spoke, ''Your lame cud wad of friends aren't any better. I can't wait to watch as each of them get their pony asses kicked before dying.''

That was the final straw and Rainbow Dash shook with anger and hate as she looked up at her copy with the deadliest glare as she seethed, ''Don't...you ever, EVER insult my friends!''

With that, her Element began to glow with a lighter hue of red light as Dark Rainbow Dash raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. "You and your fake ass friends are the cud wads. You're going down!'' Rainbow Dash declared before flying at full speed towards her copy, her Element still aglow.

With an evil smirk, Dark Rainbow Dash too flew at full speed with her Element glowing. The two mares drew closer and closer and when they finally collided, a great explosion of both light and dark red lights erupted in the air as the two continued their fight. Applejack and Dark Applejack continued rolling on the ground until finally with strong buck, Applejack kicked off her copy as she hit the ground and rolled a few times. Immediately, Applejack whipped herself up and turned to her dark side, glaring at her with gritted teeth as she exhaled a gust of air out her nostrils. Dark Applejack recovered from the kick and got to her feet with a dark smirk on her face.






''Is that the best ya got?'' Dark Applejack said with the same southern accent as Applejack. "So much fer all them years of applebuckin' on that sorry, rat hole of a farm ya call home. Ya should've stayed in Manehatten when ya had the chance.''

Applejack growled as she glared at her copy. "You ain't gonna talk cud about my home an' get away with it!''

With that Applejack charged at her image, who just stood there smirking. Applejack then jumped up gave off a brief yell as she readied her left forehoof for a punch. As she came down, she put all her strength in her punch and swung but before her hit could land, Dark Applejack quickly evaded to the side. "What the hay?!'' Applejack responded in shock.

Her copy just grinned darkly before rearing back and sticking the farm pony with a powerful buck to her chest. Applejack cried out in pain as she was sent back from the strong kick a couple feet before falling and rolling two or three times on the ground before coming to a stop. Applejack winced and groaned in pain as she brought a hoof over the spot she was hit. It was like she was struck with a cinderblock.

"Hurts does it?'' Dark Applejack sneered as she began to make her way towards her original self. Applejack glared at her through one eye and with gritted teeth, still wincing from the pain. "Now that's how ya do a real buck. I wander if Lord Chthon is watchin' me kick yer sorry ass across town?'' Dark Applejack remarked with evil glee on her face.

Applejack got up, glared at her copy before snarling, ''Buck you and yur buckin' lord!''

Applejack suddenly lunged forward and wove a string up punches to Dark Applejack's face and stomach. Her dark half cried out as she was attacked before Applejack finished with a strong buck of her own, sending her dark half flying back a couple of feet away from her and landing on the ground. Applejack wasn't done and with a gust of air blowing from her nostrils, she charged full speed at her other half. Just as Applejack was about to trample her, Dark Applejack suddenly stood and face her before shooting a dark red light from her sinister looking apple shaped gemstone from the necklace on her chest. Applejack couldn't dodge in time and was hit head on by the blast of magic energy. Applejack cried as she was flown back.

Dark Applejack then quickly galloped to her and grabbed her by the tail, swung her around before finally letting go. Applejack screamed as she flew through the air and landed on the ground, skidding while knocking over some of the pony statues before coming to a stop in front of a destroyed cabin. Applejack groaned in pain before looking up to see her dark self approaching her.

"W-What in Equestria? How can ya do that?!'' Applejack cried in alarm.

Dark Applejack just smiled smugly and responded as her Element began to glow again, "Because unlike you, I don't suck dragon cud.''

With that, she fired another beam of dark red energy at her original and blaster her back straight into the cabin. Applejack was blasted through the door, through the living room and right against the wall. Applejack slid down the wall and fell onto the floor, her chest smoking and singed from where she was blasted. Amazingly despite what she endured, Applejack slowly, but sure began to rise to her feet when suddenly she her a yell and looked over her shoulder to see Dark Applejack charging towards her. Applejack gritted her teeth, when a piece of large wood caught her eye. As Dark Applejack charged in the house and to Applejack, the tough farm pony went for the wood, took it in her mouth, and swung it with all her might and cracked her copy alongside her head, causing her to cry in pain.

Dark Applejack, was knocked a few inches to the floor as Applejack came in for another blunt attack. With loud grunts, Applejack began to hit her copy repeatedly with strong blows with the wooden, blunt object before on the last blow, the piece of wood broke. Applejack spat the broken piece out her mouth and glared down at the dark copy, bruises and blood along her body. Applejack inhaled and exhaled greatly before breathing out.

''Who...who sucks dragon cud now ya fabricated piece of cud?!''

To her surprise, a low chuckle came from the bruised pony as she answered darkly, ''You, hick.''

Suddenly with a cry, Dark Applejack whipped up and punched Applejack across the face and followed with another punch before blasting her with magic energy from her necklace. Applejack was blown straight through the wall and out the house, skidding on the ground. Dark Applejack smiled evilly, spitting out some blood as she slowing made her way out the house. As she walked, the pony shaped hole in the wall began to draw cracks throughout the wall and the house as dust, debris fell and a rumble ensued. When Dark Applejack finally exited the house, the cabin suddenly collapsed and crashed down behind her, smoke filling the area as a large pile of debris replaced where the cabin once stood. Applejack gritted her teeth as she tried to stand up from the attack but she fumbled and fell back down.

"Get up!'' Dark Applejack ordered as she made it to Applejack.

Applejack only responded with a glare as Dark Applejack ordered again. "I said get up!''

Dark Applejack then gave a strong kick and Applejack cried out as she rolled a few times on the ground. This time, Applejack got back on her feet and faced her dark self while shaking a bit. "Aw did that hurt wittle Applejack?'' Dark Applejack said with a baby tone before looking at her original with a dark grin. "Why don't ya cry home ta ya mama. Or yeah that's right...ya ain't got no mama!''

With that, Applejack's eyes went wide with surprise before looking away and pinching her eyes shut, tears beginning to stream down her face as she gritted her teeth. Seeing her original self in such a position, Dark Applejack chuckled wickedly to herself. "Well don't ya worry, you'll join her soon along with the rest of yer apple rotten family!''

Dark Applejack began to charge at Applejack. As she got closer and closer, Applejack's Element began to glow an orange light and before Dark Applejack could react, an orange blast of magical energy fire from her necklace and hit the dark copy. Dark Applejack was blown backwards and landed on the ground. Dark Applejack shook her head and looked up in bewilderment as she saw Applejack coming towards her. She had a deep, angered glare on her face as tears still streamed from her eyes, her Element still aglow.

"That'll be the last time ya talk crap about my family ya buckin', stinkin' fake,'' Applejack snarled softly.

At this Dark Applejack merely grinned madly before standing up, her own Element beginning to glow a dark red. "Now, maybe things will get a wee more excitin'.'' The two mares then charged at each other at the same time before colliding in an explosion of orange and red lights as their battle raged.









Rarity backed away, an angry yet slightly fearful frown on her face as her dark copy approached her, a twisted grin upon her face. "Aw what's the matter darling? There's no need to be shy dearie. Please do come closer…I insist,'' Dark Rarity said cruelly as her horn was engulfed in a dark, billowing red aura.

The same colored aura now surrounded the beautiful unicorn as she was lifted into the air, letting out a short cry of shock. Dark Rarity then made a simple motion with her head and Rarity was levitating quickly towards her. The unicorn screamed and when she came close enough to her dark self, Dark Rarity struck her with a punch to the face and sent her back rolling on the ground. Rarity groaned in pain as she tried to stand on her feet. Dark Rarity then galloped towards her, her horn aglow. Rarity lifted her head, her purple mane messy and unkempt a she glared at her copy.

"Let's see how you like this you horrid facsimile!'' Rarity growled, her own horn glowing with a light blue color.

Dark Rarity was suddenly covered in the same colored aura before quickly tripping. She rolled forward with a cry or two when Rarity suddenly charged forward, reared back and with all the strength she could muster, bucked her copy and sending her flying a few feet back. Rarity whipped around and gave a proud nod with a frown. However to her shock, her dark self began to giggle creepily as she slowly rose to her feet. Rarity looked at her with a quizzical, worried look as she lifted a foreleg halfway while slightly leaning backwards. Finally, Dark Rarity ceased her giggling before speaking.

''My word that was a pretty strong kick.''

"Maybe it's because there's things about me you don't know about you ruffian,'' Rarity frowned, dropping her leg and taking a more offensive stance.

Dark Rarity grinned darkly, ''Oh, I know plenty about you...'' Dark Rarity's horn glowed red and she disappeared in a flash of red light.

"W-Wha-'' Rarity began in alarm when suddenly a flash red light erupted behind her.

Before she knew it, Rarity found her head being forced down and hard into the black dirt ground. Dark Rarity had teleported behind her and slammed her other half's face into the ground, a hoof pressed against the back of her head. Rarity flailed greatly as her face continued to be forced to the ground, muffled screams sounding as she tried desperately to free herself. The dark copy just smirked wicked as she spoke with a cruel tone.

''Aw what's wrong darling? Getting distressed that your precious mane is getting dirty are we? Well you've always spent hours of the day tidying this outhouse you call hair!''

As Rarity began to struggle, with all her strength she lifted her head to the point where she could speak and she seethed, ''Get...your...filthy hooves...off me!''

Rarity then suddenly sprang back and punched her copy in the face, causing her to cry in pain as she was flown backwards. Rarity immediately charged towards the fallen copy, leaped into the air, and performed a front flip and just as Dark Rarity stood up and lifted her head, Rarity brought a hind leg down onto her opponent's head as she struck her with a drop kick. The force of the kick sent Dark Rarity's head and body downwards sharply and she struck her face in the hard ground below with a rather sickening thud. The copy's body went limp as Rarity landed gracefully on her hooves and looked upon her motionless other half.

"Serves you right!'' Rarity growled with triumph.

She turned around and began to stroke her mane as she commented in disgust, "To think that foul, pitiful excuse of an emulation actually had the nerve to touch my mane.''

"You're one to talk about pitiful,'' a voice that sounded like hers responded from behind her.

Rarity froze in her face, a look of complete shock upon her face. She whipped her head around only to be blasted back by a beam of red energy. Rarity screamed as she was blown backwards, colliding through a few pony statues as she finally rolled along the ground and in front of one of the already destroyed tent buildings. Light smoke rose from the beautiful unicorn's body as she weakly tried to stand. She gritted her teeth and groaned lightly, her coat even more patted with grim and dirt with a few bruises and cuts. Dark Rarity walked towards her, the Element around her neck aglow with red light and a dark grin on her face. Rarity finally managed to rise on all fours and she looked on with a weary, bewildered, and shocked expression.

"Y-You're still conscious?!''

At this, Dark Rarity laughed, "You truly believe an attack like that would actually defeat me? Please.'' As the dark copy continued her advancement, Rarity let off a low growl as she readied herself for her fight. "You love gems do you not? Because I've have the perfect gems that's just to die for!''

With that remark, Dark Rarity's horn glowed a red aura. Not long after, gems of different colors and shapes suddenly shot out of the and into the air. Rarity watched in alarm as the dozens of gems rose into the, swarmed their way downward before finally surrounding Dark Rarity. Rarity took a few, fearful steps backwards, her copy grinning evilly. Then one of the gems suddenly shot through the air Rarity who barely managed to avoid. However as soon as she avoided the gem, another shot at her and hit her shoulder as it shot back into the tent and through the back. Rarity let out a brief cry of pain, bringing a hoof to her bleeding cut.

But she didn't get a chance to attend to her wound, for soon her dark side sent a barrage of sharp gems shooting through the air and at her. Rarity screamed as gems upon gems stuck her repeatedly, the force of the attacks so strong that it forced her backwards into the tent behind her and straight through the back. Rarity cried out as slid on the ground, the gems ripping continuously into the tent until it finally fell down destroyed. The cloud gems finally ceased their assault on Rarity, leaving her on the ground. Dirtied and cut, Rarity struggled to get on her feet, gritting her teeth and wincing in pain as she glared at her counterpart through one eye.

"Oh my sweetie just look at you. That radiant coat of yours is now tainted with cuts, dirt and blood,'' Dark Rarity said with a phony sad expression, a fake tone of sympathy in her voice.

Rarity said nothing, just grunted and glared at the dark clone. "And yet still with such impurities I can't help but think that something is missing, that it needs a certain je ne sais quoi...oh I've got it!'' A wicked grin spread across Dark Rarity's face as she remarked. "It needs more blood!''

Before Rarity could react, her copy sent a slew of gems down into the ground in front of her before the gems erupted from the ground beneath her, sending her screaming into the air. The gems cut continuously into Rarity's skin, causing more cuts to appear and drops of blood to scatter in the air. Just as quickly as the gems sent Rarity into the air, they quickly stormed downward, taking the unicorn with them until they collided and went back into the earth, while Rarity's body slammed onto the ground. Rarity laid there on the ground, her body shaking as blood seeped from her numerous cuts. However in a remarkable display of will power, Rarity fought through the pain and began to slowly rise to her feet.

Dark Rarity giggled with glee, seeing her good side injured and struggling. "That's much better. I know how much your looks matter to you. Spending every day in a pitiful attempt to look your best in hopes of attracting your 'Prince Charming'. You being all filthy and bloody must be driving you crazy!'' Dark Rarity laughed.

Rarity lifted her head, casting a cold glare to her copy. "Y-you really must be the dumbest being in the world if you truly believe that my looks is the absolute most important thing to me,'' Rarity growled through gritted teeth, still struggling to stand.

"Ha! And what exactly is most important to you? Your friends? Those base, frivolous, goodie-goodie mockery of equines who are more than likely dying as we speak? Please you can't be serious Hahaha!'' Dark Rarity cackled, as she taunted Rarity's friends.

At this Rarity shot the copy a deathly glare as she seethed, "Don't...you...DARE talk badly about my friends!''

Dark Rarity grinned darkly as she responded coldly. "Oh? Then how about I talk about that migraine of a sister of yours...Sweetie Belle?''

Rarity froze in her place, as if something had pierced her in the heart, her eyes widened with shock as her mouth hung ajar. "That annoying, bratty, filly that did nothing but ruined your life. I know, there were times that you wished that you were an only child, how sometimes you thought you'd be better off without a sister!'' Dark Rarity said, walking towards Rarity.

Rarity bowed her head, her mane falling over her eyes as she began to shake and grit her teeth. Dark Rarity continued, ''Well, you've finally have your wish. Instead of cursing Lord Chthon you should be thanking him. Your little Sweetie Belle is finally gone. Her annoyance petrified in stone for all eternity. You should be happy...well, at least I am.''

By now Rarity was shaking violently, beads of sparkling liquid falling from her face and to the ground continuously. When Dark Rarity finally came close enough, Rarity whipped her head upward and let out a cry, her Element glowing a purple light.

"What?!'' Dark Rarity cried, but before she knew it, she was blasted backwards from a blast of purple light from Rarity's necklace.

Dark Rarity grunted as she rolled a few times on the ground before coming to a stop, looking up with an angered, quizzical frown. Rarity advanced towards her dark reflection, teeth clenched as tears streamed down her face.

"It's true that Sweetie Belle had gotten on my very last nerves from time to time, but I never, NEVER once wished that she wasn't my sister!'' Rarity seethed, tears pouring down her face while her Element continued to glow. ''I loved her...loved her so much, and your vile, evil, bastard of a master took her away from me. I hate him...I hate you! So just die!''

Rarity blasted her dark self with another blast of magic from her Element. Dark Rarity cried a she landed even further back away from Rarity. Rarity continued her advancement to Dark Rarity, that tearful, hateful, outraged glare never leaving her face. Dark Rarity shook of the impact and stood up, a twisted, evil grin upon her face.

"Well then, maybe now things will get more interesting. So how about we continue this sweet tango of battle?'' Dark Rarity commented, doing a slight, mocking bow. She suddenly cried out as she charged towards Rarity. Rarity growled before giving off a cry herself as she charged at her dark counterpart.





Pinkie Pie drew backwards, a fearful look on her face as she retreated from her darker half. Dark Pinkie Pie slowly advanced towards her original, a sadistic, dark smirk on her greyish face. "What's wrong Pinkie Pie? Don't you like parties? Because I have one doozy of a party planned just for you.''

Pinkie Pie trembled slightly, her ears lowered in fear as she brought her left foreleg halfway upwards, responding in terror.

"I-I don't want to go to any party from somepony born from a meanie like Chthon.''

Dark Pinkie Pie laughed, "Well gee, I guess you're not as dumb as you look. Good, cause at my party, there won't be any laughing…just screaming. And I swear I'll make you scream nice and loud.''

At that remark, Pinkie started to quiver, tears forming at the corners of her eyes. "B-But why?! Why do you want to hurt me? You're ME aren't you?!''

The dark refection's face fell into a disgusted grimace as she spoke with a slight snarl, "You're wrong. I'm nothing like you. And my name wouldn't be anything as dumb as 'Pinkie Pie'. You can call me Pinkamena and right now…'' she reached behind her back and brought her hoof back to the front, holding a large, sharp kitchen knife as Dark Pinkie Pie continued with a truly demented grin. "I'm achin' to cut a bitch!''

Upon hearing those chilling words, Pinkie's body shook more violently, she lowered her body into more of a cowardly position as she brought a foreleg halfway up. She shook her head as she spoke fearfully, "Please…no!''

As Dark Pinkie Pie began to advance towards Pinkie, the latter suddenly whipped around and began to run through the darkened streets. Pinkie Pie ran frantically, desperately evading the stone statues of Ponyville's inhabitance as she tried to get away from her darker self. While Pinkie Pie attempted to make her escape, Dark Pinkie Pie or 'Pinkamena' casually hopped and skipped in her original's tracks. As she did so, Dark Pinkie was humming what seemed to be various nursery songs but with a more twisted, demented quality, all while that sinister smile was present of her face. Pinkie didn't know how long she'd had been running, all she knew she had to get away from her other self. She quickly turned a corner and skidded to a halt as her eyes fell on the place she didn't want to return to ever again, yet at the same time was the only place where she could hide from Dark Pinkie…Sugarcube Corner.

Upon looking at the destroyed bakery, Pinkie Pie winced sadly for a moment before remembering her situation and looked back over her shoulder. Knowing Dark Pinkie Pie was behind her, Pinkie gathered up her courage and bolted towards her former place of retirement ran through the doorway and entered the establishment. In the lobby, Pinkie ran in place as she frantically looked around, looking for a place where she could hide from her dark counterpart. Upon seeing the stairs, the terrified pink pony made her way up to the shambled loft that was her room. She ran into her room and slammed the door shut but for turning around and let out a horrified gasped at what she was seeing. Though she had seen the confectionary and bottom exterior of the bakery, she had yet to see what had become of her room. Like everything else, her room looked as if it was caught in a raging fire. The bed was broken with the sheets and wood cindered and burnt. There were numerous holes in the ceiling with a single, large gaping hole near the center of the ceiling that provided a clear view of the dark, fire tinted skies while wood, burnt party favors, and debris littered the floor. Her windows were broken and busted from their sills, and her record player stood in disrepair on the dresser across from her bed. In short the room was a charred mess.

Seeing her room, Pinkie gazed around as she winced sadly but when her eyes fell at the base of her bed, she brought her hooves over her mouth as tears instantly came to her eyes. At the base of her bed was her beloved pet alligator Gummy turned to stone like every other living being in Ponyville. At the sight of the petrified Gummy, Pinkie Pie shook her head in denial as she made way towards Gummy. She picked him up and brought him in for a woeful embrace, tears streaming down her face.

"Gummy…I'm sorry…I'm so sorry!'' Pinkie squeaked through tears as she continued to embrace her lifeless pet.

A crash was then heard from downstairs and Pinkie shot open her eyes in alarm. In panic, she took her stone pet and ran to her broken bed and quickly dived underneath it. Under her bed, Pinkie's line of sight was immediately limited to what she could see in front of her, the burnt sheets hanging from the sides and slightly obscuring her few. Quiet…all quiet except the heavy breathing and the occasional sniffing of the terrified, faded pink pony. Suddenly Pinkie jumped slightly as she heard loud thumping sounds coming from outside her door. Thump. Thump. Thump. Eerily…slowly. Each thump became louder as it continued to come near to the bedroom. With each thump, Pinkie let out a hollow breath mix with a muffled sniff as she brought one hoof over her mouth, the other holding Gummy tightly close to her body.

Tears streamed from her eyes, her pupils dilated as her body shook violently from the fear that was overtaking her. As the thumping continued to come nearer and grow louder, Pinkie Pie would sniff out. "Please….please…''

Finally the last thump was heard then followed silence…excruciating, horrible silence. Pinkie could hear her heartbeat racing rapidly as she casted her eyes to the bottom of the door. Then suddenly, the door began to slowly open with a creak. Pinkie's body suddenly became stiff as she held her breath, not daring to make the slightest sound. The door continued to open until it finally stopped along with the creaking. From under the bed Pinkie Pie could see the grey hooves of her dark double standing at the doorway. At first Dark Pinkie Pie did nothing, just stood there idly as Pinkie kept her terror stricken eyes upon her unmoving hooves. Then without warning, Dark Pinkie Pie began to enter the bedroom. As she did so, she was doing a sort of short, skipping dance of some kind all while singing

"La, la, la, la, la, la,''

She sung in a tune apparently only she knew however there was a creepy almost disturbing quality to it like some sort of warped nursery rhyme. Upon hearing the unnerving singing, Pinkie Pie drew further back under the bed as softly as she could. Her dark side's singing made her more disquieted as her body began to shake with fear. She saw the grey hooves continuing to hop and skip, still hearing the singing when the La's started to turn into words as she sung.

"One, two, I'm coming for you…''

Upon the last words, Dark Pinkie Pie suddenly reared and bucked the dresser with the broken record player on it. The two flew across the room and hit the wall, both the record player and the dresser breaking into pieces. Upon the impact, Pinkie Pie jumped slightly from under the bed, still holding a hoof over her mouth as her body trembled.

"Three, four better lock your door…''

Dark Pinkie Pie sang, quickly running to the closet and swinging the door open and causing it to break off the hinges. The dark copy threw the door over her shoulder and it landed right in front of the bed. Pinkie Pie tried with all her might to stifle a cry. She felt like if she even made the slightest of sounds then her doppelganger would find her, and she didn't even want to think of the horrible things she would be subjected to if discovered. After rummaging through the closet and threw out various clothes, Dark Pinkie slowly turned her head and peered over her shoulder. She slowly turned around and her dark eyes scanned the destroyed room. A sinister smile crept to her face as she began her little skip dance again, singing eerily.

"I'm gonna get you. I'm gonna get you…''

As she sang, Dark Pinkie skipped in front of the bed and towards the door. Seeing her copy's grey hooves and hearing her twisted song, Pinkie Pie pinched her eyes shut as tears streamed down her face. Dark Pinkie had danced out of the room and began going back downstairs, continuing her song.

"I'm gonna get you. I'm gonna get you. Not another peep. Not another peep…''

Upon her last words, Dark Pinkie Pie's singing faded until nothing but silence fell in the air. Pinkie Pie opened her eyes and looked from under the bed. She saw nothing, heard nothing but the sound of her heartbeat rapidly beating a thousand times a minute. She shook greatly, not daring to peek her head out from under the safety of her bed. A few moments of watching and listening, Pinkie Pie finally let out a soft, relieved, but tearful sigh as she plopped her head on the ground. She breathed heavily as she tried to compose herself and closed her eyes. After a moment or two, she opened her eyes again and they trailed to her left side and she found herself gazing into the unnatural, unholy red eyes of her counterpart, a demented smile upon her face as she finished her song.

"Time to go to sleep…''

Instantly Pinkie Pie's eyes widened and her pupils dilated as a look of horror came upon her face. "No…NO!'' Pinkie Pie screamed.

She desperately, frantically tried to get away from Dark Pinkie, Gummy's statue still in her grip. She quickly crawled from under the bed and tried to make way towards the door. However as Pinkie tried to run, Dark Pinkie suddenly sprang upwards, effortlessly knocking the bed off her and to the side. She grabbed Pinkie by the tail with her teeth, preventing the pink pony from escaping as she wildly galloped in her place.

"Stay away from me! Let me go!'' Pinkie Pie cried as she tried to escape from her dark other's grasp.

"Aw but why? I thought you like to play games? Well I must insist, cause I've got a game that's just to DIE for!''

With that Dark Pinkie Pie started to spin her original with great strength before finally releasing her, sending Pinkie Pie flying across the room. Pinkie screamed, her grip on Gummy lost and sent the statute falling on the floor as she herself flew out of the door and into the hallway, painfully hitting the wall. Pinkie Pie fell onto the ground before her body rolled forward and she tumbled down the stairs and hit the bottom floor with a hard thud. Pinkie was motionless for a moment before she slowly began to move. She groaned in pain as she tied to stand up. Her body ached from the fall and when she tied to stand on her left back hoof, she yelped in pain, falling to the floor and bringing her pained back leg towards her body.

Her leg throbbed, she winced and whimpered in pain as she gave soft, gentle strokes to it, giving a pause in between strokes. She could still move her leg, but it still gave her a painful spark throughout her body. Her leg was sprained, twisted from the fall. She continued to hold her aching leg as she inched her eyes and clenched her teeth.

"Ow, ow, ow, my leg hurt so much…'' Pinkie spoke with a slight whimper as she examined her leg.

She then gazed upwards to see Dark Pinkie at the top of the stairs, her head cocked to the side with an unsettling, contorted smile on her face. Almost instantly, Pinkie Pie let out a short, terrified cry. She quickly sprang upwards, her bad hoof hit the floor and instantly a jolt of pain went through her body. Pinkie yelped and recoiled, lifting her bad leg slightly off the ground. Upon seeing this, Dark Pinkie let out a dark giggle as she spoke.

"Aw, that leg doesn't look too good.''

Pinkie Pie took a second, desperate look at her copy before she started to stagger from the stairs, making her way towards the front door. To avoid feeling lore pain, Pinkie Pie kept her sprained leg off the ground. However, doing so decreased her speed, yet she went as fast as she could in hopes to escape from her sinister copy. The moment the injured pony began to escape, Dark Pinkie Pie reacted and with a delighted squeal, she jumped down the flight of stairs and landing on the floor.

"Come here, let me kiss that boo boo to make it feel better.''

Before Pinkie Pie could reach the door, her dark side lunged at her and delivered a strong punch to Pinkie's bad leg. Pinkie let out cry of pain as she kneeled to the floor. Seeing her original writhing in pain, Dark Pinkie spoke with a fake tone of concern. "What? Still in pain?'' Dark Pinkie paused before a dark smirk came to her face as she continued. "Well, I have the perfect remedy for that.''

Dark Pinkie then wrapped her hooves around Pinkie's body and with great strength she flung her good side across the room. Pinkie Pie screamed as she was flung in the air until she crashed through a few tables before finally landing on the floor. Pinkie rolled a few times and she came to a halt among some wooden debris. Pinkie whined faintly as she tried to stand. The impact caused Pinkie's twisted leg to repeatedly hit the ground, causing her even more discomfort and pain. Her faded, straight mane hung wildly over her face, bits a wood and dirt embedded within her coat. Pinkie's body shook as she struggled to stand before she began attempting to crawl away. Dark Pinkie giggled dementedly as she skipped to the crawling pony.

"Where ya goin? You're all about being friends with everypony. Don't you want to be my friend?''

Pinkie grunted as she peered over her shoulder while still crawling. Her eyes still had fear in them, yet now also had a slight angered glare to them and she answered. "I…I would never want to be friends with someone as mean and cruel as you. Even if you do look like me!''

As the injured Pinkie crawled towards the door to the confectionary, Dark Pinkie had caught up to her, still skipping, and prancing casually. "But I told you before…I'm nothing like you,'' the wicked copy spoke, grabbing Pinkie by the mane.

Pinkie let out a short cry as she struggled to get free from her twin's grasp as Dark Pinkie continued, "And you thought that I was being mean before? Oh you haven't even seen how mean I can be. In fact, you'll find that I can be a real bitch!''

On those last words, Dark Pinkie began to forcibly drag Pinkie Pie by the head and into the confectionary. Once in, Dark Pinkie then adjusted her hooves around Pinkie's head and with the same frightening strength, flipped Pinkie over her and she landed hard on her back upon the ground. The faded pink pony yelped from the impact but before she could react, Dark Pinkie jumped on her body and began to ruthlessly punch the once cheerful pony in the face. With each blow, Pinkie Pie cried out as he head violently when left to right from the punches.

"C'mon…what's…wrong?!'' the evil reflection grunted in between punches with a truly twisted smile. "You're…the Element of Laughter…so where's your smiles now? Huh bitch? Where's…your…smiles now…''

After a few more succession of punches, Dark Pinkie stopped her blows and grabbed Pinkie by the neck and began to savagely pound the back of her head to the ground. By this time, tears were streaming down Pinkie's face a she cried, but still her other half continued with her assault as she began to sing dementedly. "Come on…little pony…scream, scream, scream…fill my day up…with crying, crying…''

After one final, hard head bang to the floor Dark Pinkie ceased her attack. With a cold smirk, she glanced down at the battered pony that was beneath her. Pinkie Pie was nothing short of a mess. Her face was slightly swollen with visible bruise marks. Blood trickled down from her nose and mouth. Her eyes were closed but tears were still visible as they cascaded down her face as her body went up and down constantly as she breathed deeply while she sobbed quietly. Seeing her original in such a state, Dark Pinkie let out a crazed, high pitched laughter.

"Wow, I sure did a number on you! Your friends and family are turned to stone, your home is destroyed, and this world is going to hell in a hoof basket. This story is really bucked up and the author really has a messed up mind…AND I LOVE IT!''

Pinkie Pie peered through one eye as she gritted her teeth. With heavy breathing, Pinkie spoke, "Why…why are you being so mean? What…what did I do to you?!''

At the question, Dark Pinkie gave her good side a sick, dark smirk as she answered, "You're living, that's what.''

Pinkie gave her doppelganger a bewildered, fearful glance as Dark Pinkie pressed a hoof against her other's throat, pinning her head down. Pinkie struggled to get free only to be in vain. Dark Pinkie then reached from behind her and pulled out a sharp kitchen knife. Seeing the pointed steel, Pinkie Pie struggling came to an abrupt stopped as she eyes widened in terror. Seeing Pinkie in her fear stricken state, Dark Pinkie cocked her head to one side as a confused, worried look came to her face.

"Why the scared look? Why so serious?''

Pinkie Pie said nothing, just continued to stare as she remained frozen with fear at what might occur in just a few moments. Dark Pinkie's concerned face then curved into a sinister smirk as she spoke. "Do you want to know what my favorite food is? Well I'll tell you…its cupcakes.''

"Cupcakes?'' Pinkie repeated softly but quizzically.

Her dark half nodded. "That's right. I've always loved them, and I've especially love to bake them. I love trying out different recipes. But now, I think now's the perfect time to make a special batch with a recipe that I've been dying to try.''

Pinkie didn't speak as a chill spread out through her body. She didn't like what the dark equine was telling her. Dark Pinkie giggled lightly as she continued. "But there's one itsy, bitsy, teeny, weeny problem…I don't have the special ingredients. But that's no biggy, cause that's where your friends come in.''

That's when Pinkie Pie's heart sank at such a terrible revelation. To use her friends as ingredients for dairy treats? "M-My f-friends? As ingredients?!''

Dark Pinkie nodded, a sadistic smile on her face. "Yep. I'm imaging the rest of your goody-goody friends are being pummeled as we speak, most likely to the point of death. But I can't let that happen you see? Getting beaten to death so boring, surly they can suffer worse than that? I can't let my other cohorts kill them…not just yet.''

As Dark Pinkie spoke, Pinkie Pie just shook her head slowly, the tears flowing more fluidly as the twisted pony on top of her continued. "I already have it all planned out. The secret of the entire process is to do it nice and slow…let them suffer as long as they could…to allow me to enjoy their agony as long as I could. Oh they'll be tied down of course, can't have them breaking free and escaping now can we?''

Dark Pinkie gave a short, wicked giggle, but Pinkie Pie wasn't laughing. She didn't find what her darker self was saying to be remotely entertaining. She closed her eyes as she gritted her teeth, listening to the dark words of her copy.

"With them bound and unable to get free, I think I'll start with cutting off their cutie marks oh that would be plenty of fun! Then I think I'll focus on Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy. With a knife I'll then proceed to cut off their wings. Better yet, I think I'll use a hacksaw. Hearing Rainbow Dash scream in pain will be good, but hearing Fluttershy cry from the pain…it'll be absolutely euphoric! That weak, spineless wuss deserves it for being so pathetic!''

Pinkie's body began to shake harder and harder as she continued to listen to Dark Pinkie. "After that, I'll do Twilight and Rarity next. I hope cutting off their horns won't be hard, because I'd still have lots of things to get done. Oh idea! I'll skin each of them alive, stitch all their coats together and make a dress. I'll stitch the Pegasus wings on them and make a necklace out of the unicorn horns. Wouldn't I look so pretty?!''

Again Pinkie Pie said nothing. She gritted her teeth harder, her mouth forming into a quivering grimace shape. "And that's when I'll get into the best part. I'll take my trusty knife and cut through the skin and give their bellies a slice. That's when I'll begin to take out the main ingredients. Their hearts, kidneys, stomachs…the good stuff! Put the rest won't be thrown away, oh no, I won't let it go to waste. I was thinking of using their intestines and entrails as party streamers, decorate the room with their skulls, and make the remaining organs I don't need and make them into balloons. I can use their bones as knives, and forks, maybe even make chairs and tables with them. Yay it'll be such a nice party for Lord Chthon…no it'll be a GREAT party!''

Now, Pinkie was trembling. What was once fear consuming her body was now replaced by anger that was continuing to bubble and foster within her by the likes she had ever felt before. She raised a hoof and brought it over on top of her double's grey hoof still positioned on her neck. Pinkie Pie then began to grunt softly through her teeth as her nostrils began to flare. Dark Pinkie Pie saw this and grinned darkly before speaking.

"Yeah it'll be the best party for one as great as my master. After all Pinkie…life is a party.''

Dark Pinkie then took the knife and placed the tip against the corner of her mouth, pressing down hard enough to make Pinkie feel discomfort but not enough to penetrate it. The sinister twin then brought her face closer to Pinkie's with a mad, contorted smile and spoke with a soft growl. "But first…let's put a smile on that face!''

Pinkie sniffed and breathed deeply as she said through her teeth. "No…''

Before Dark Pinkie could carve Pinkie's face, a blue light began to glow beneath her as Pinkie's balloon shaped Element started to glow brightly. "W-What?!''

As the light grew brighter, Pinkie Pie suddenly cried out, "NO!''

A blue beam of light then burst from the Element, blasting Dark Pinkie back. The evil copy screamed as the blast sent her through the wall and back into the main room of the bakery. The grey pony crashed into a few tables before landing hard on the ground. With her other half off her, Pinkie quickly stood up and began to limp towards the gaping hole in the wall. Her face didn't have the usual sunny, bubbly smile that it normally had. Now it was nothing but pure rage as tears trailed down from her burning eyes. Although her bad leg was touching the ground constantly, Pinkie ignored the pain, focusing on nothing but the fabrication laying among the wrecked tables in the other room.

Dark Pinkie started to shift before she sat back up, shook her head of any grogginess, and looked in front of her with a surprised, dark stare as she saw her good side coming towards her. With her teeth bared, Pinkie Pie seethed.

"There's nothing great about your master. He's a mean, terrible, EVIL monster who only likes to make other ponies suffer. And you're no better than him…'' Pinkie Pie paused, as her Element began to glow again. "I may be scared but I will not…NOT let your harm my friends for your sick parties!''

With that outburst, another blue beam of energy burst from Pinkie's Element and fired towards Dark Pinkie. However this time, Dark Pinkie was ready and before the beam could hit its target, she dived out of the way and evaded it. The beam hit the spot Dark Pinkie was standing and a small, blue explosion occurred, sending bits of wood everywhere and the shock knocked nearby pony statues to the ground. The act caught Pinkie Pie by surprise as her dark twin glared at her, her head lowered menacingly as she breathed deeply. But her dark, threatening glance soon turned into a mad smile.

"Well whaddya know, and I thought I was the only one who can do that.''

Pinkie Pie's face fell into a bewildered frown when suddenly Dark Pinkie's red Element glowed a crimson red before firing a same colored beam of energy towards Pinkie. Pinkie wasn't fast enough, and she was hit with a straight shot and cried out as she was rocketed through the air and crashed through the display case of burnt pastries. On impact, glass flew everywhere as the pink pony landing in front of the now destroyed display case. Pinkie whimpered and grunted as she began to stand up, her body now having a few cuts from the broken glass. As Pinkie Pie shakily tried to stand, her copy began to advance towards her, swaying her body as a ghoulish smirk spread across her face. She pulled out her knife as she spoke with an eerie tone.

"Aw couldn't get out of the way in time? That leg of yours must still be giving you trouble. But don't worry.'' Dark Pinkie then grossly licked the blade as she continued. "I'll take care of it. I'll just cut it off. With this knife it'll be slow and excruciating…which is all okie-dokie with me. I just can't wait to taste that sweet blood of yours.''

Pinkie Pie stood back on her hooves, her back, sprained leg throbbing and her cuts stinging, but she looked at her approaching evil side with a bold, fierce glare as she clenched her teeth for to her this battle wasn't about staying alive for her stake, but to ensure this murdering, unhinged abomination never bring harm to her friends. She lowered her head as she prepared to engage Dark Pinkie, still swaying her body ominously as she twirled her knife, her dark Element glowing crimson red as she bore that demented, morbid smile on her face.






Fluttershy flew, faster than she had ever flown in her entire life as she tried to get away from her dark image who was quickly in pursuit. The timid, yellow Pegasus looked back over her shoulder with terrified eyes and gave a short cry of horror, seeing Dark Fluttershy getting closer to her at an astonishing rate. As the two Pegasai flew through the dark, destroyed Ponyville, Dark Fluttershy called out tauntingly in a tone completely unlike that of her counterpart's.

"It's not nice to fly away from others Fluttershy! I guess somepony's gonna have to teach you a little lesson in manners!''

As she said that, Dark Fluttershy then gain a sudden burst of speed and came up from behind Fluttershy and collided into her original, instantly grabbing her and forcing both her and Fluttershy to rapidly descend down back towards the earth. Fluttershy screamed as she was pushed downwards and in moments they had crashed onto the ground of a burnt meadow, sliding a few feet with Fluttershy taking most of the impact before finally coming to a stop. Fluttershy whimpered as she lifted her head off the ground. The sudden crash along with the sliding caused dark patches of dirt to stain her coat as well as given her a few scrapes and cuts. Any attempts to move her body proved in vain, for Dark Fluttershy was still atop her back, weighing her down as she stared at her pined good side with a cold, cruel smirk.

"And guess what…I'm just the one to teach you.'' She then grabbed Fluttershy's mane and roughly pulled it backwards, causing her head to whip back. The Pegasus let out a cry of pain as Dark Fluttershy spoke. "You love nature right? Well here then, all the nature you can eat!''

Dark Fluttershy then suddenly pushed Fluttershy's face back forward and hard into the charred, black dirt. Fluttershy flailed her arms and legs as her muffled screams and cries were heard from the ground. She shook and jerked her head wildly, trying to lift her head to breathe, but Dark Fluttershy kept forcing her head down into the dirt. After a few more agonizing moments, Dark Fluttershy finally lifted her head with a cruel smile and instantly met with the hard coughing of Fluttershy.

The Pegasus coughed and spat out dirt, her lovely, tender face now smudged from the earthen substance. However, tears cascaded from her eyes and streaked down her face, the salty liquid washing lines through the girt and grim. Some dirt filled her nostrils and she unwillingly breathed some in, causing her to cough more violently. Parts of her pink mane had become unkempt from the flailing, with strands of hair matted her face.

"Had a nice meal?'' Dark Fluttershy mocked, pulling back her head to see her dirtied face. Fluttershy said nothing, but coughed a few times until she stopped and was finally able to squeak out a single word through her tears.

"Please…''

With a dark, sadistic smile, Fluttershy's darker half answered, "Please? Please as in you want more? Well lucky for you that was just the appetizer, now it's time for the main course…a couple hoof sandwiches!''

Dark Fluttershy then forced Fluttershy's face back into the dirt before quickly grabbing her by her right wing and with all her strength threw her good side through the air. Fluttershy screamed as she fell back down to the ground, rolling three times before coming to a stop. Fluttershy lifted her head wearily, but at the sight of Dark Fluttershy quickly flying towards her, she let out a cry and tried to quickly escape but her other half proved faster and was grabbed by her neck before she ruthlessly started to punch the tender Pegasus in the face.

Fluttershy screamed and cried as she fell victim to the punches. As she punched Fluttershy, Dark Fluttershy smiled broadly and darkly, savoring the cruelty she was unleashing on her original self. Finally Dark Fluttershy delivered one final, strong punch to Fluttershy's abdomen, sending her back a couple feet before landing on the ground. Fluttershy laid on the blackened ground, her body shuddering as she laid there with her face in the ground until finally she began to slowly but surely lift her head. Her strands of her mane matted her grimed and now battered face as tears flowed endlessly from her woeful eyes, blood trickling from her nose. Her stomach ached painfully as she shakily brought a fore hoof over the area where she was struck. She felt sick and queasy and sure enough she heaved forward and vomited on the ground in front of her. After throwing up another wave of sick, Fluttershy dismally looked forward to see a burnt bridge over a creek of scalding lava, the bridge leading down a dark pathway that led to the greyish, shambled, destroyed cottage that was her home. Without thinking, Fluttershy began to crawl towards the bridge.

Seeing her feeble attempts to get away, Dark Fluttershy laughed a deplorable laugh. "Aw you wanna go back to your rat's nest of a home? Well why didn't you just say so?''

The callous doppelganger flew towards Fluttershy, grabbed her mane with her teeth and began to drag Fluttershy down the path to her cottage. The beaten Pegasus cried out loud, both in fright and from the pain of having her hair pulled as she tried in vain to get away from her evil twin's grasp. Dark Fluttershy dragged her original persona across the charred bridge that arched over the creek of lava and continued down the path towards the destroyed cottage, passing scorched and splintered trees that held the now destroyed birdhouses. Fluttershy continued to struggle as the two Pegasus passed by the stone statues of Fluttershy's animal friends that littered ground. Finally the two came up to the burnt door to the cottage as Dark Fluttershy spoke, her teeth still clenching her good side's hair.

"Here you go, home sweet home!''

On her last word, Dark Fluttershy flung Fluttershy with great force, causing the latter to scream as she crashed through the door, breaking it down. Fluttershy gave a brief shrill as she fell on the ground. She looked up with eyes glistening with tears as she frantically crawled and reeled backwards as Dark Fluttershy advanced menacingly towards her. Fluttershy spoke with a wail, still cowering away from her heartless double.

"W-What do you want from me? Why are you doing this to me?!''

Dark Fluttershy said nothing, just leered at her darkly with that brutish smile. "Why? Maybe because you're the biggest, wimpiest pussy on the face of the earth.''

At the answer, Fluttershy looked at her opposite a fearful, perplexed gaze as she continued backwards. Before she could react, Dark Fluttershy suddenly ran forward, reared around and gave Fluttershy a powerful buck. Fluttershy sailed backwards with a crash before crashing hard into the wall. The resulting shockwave caused some of the birdhouses as well as some of the bird statues to fall from their hanging places and crashed onto the floor, shattering on impact. Fluttershy slid down and fell on the floor. She leaned forward, her body moving constantly as she breathed heavily with her mane. She lifted her head, some of her unkempt mane draping over her face as she looked at Dark Fluttershy as the tears flowed down her face.

"What's wrong Fluttershy? Finally realizing how pathetic and worthless you are?'' Dark Fluttershy spoke mockingly as she walked towards Fluttershy.

With her back against the wall, Fluttershy had nowhere to go so she just pressed her back to the wall, her gaze falling to the ground as her vison blinded by the tears she was shedding. "Please…stop…'' she squeaked softly.

Dark Fluttershy wasn't deterred and kept drawing closer to Fluttershy with that cold smirk. "So weak…helpless. No wander your daddy left you.''

Those words. Those blatant, thoughtless words struck Fluttershy in the heart. Fluttershy's eyes instantly became wide, her pupils small as an empty veil came over them before tears fell profusely like waterfalls. Her breathing became harsher as Dark Fluttershy continued.

"No father would want a worthless luggage like you for a daughter. It's only by sheer luck that somepony like you could've ever have been born. I guess even frivolous gnats have a right to a life, even if it's a pointless life.''

Hearing the cruel, degrading words, Fluttershy's head began to lower slowly as she began to cry harder, her weeping becoming louder to her as she spoke, choking on tears. "Stop it…''

Dark Fluttershy's face fell in a phony expression on remorse and regret. "Stop what? Talking about the daddy that never loved you? Well what do you want me to talk about? How about your mommy then?''

At the very mention of her mother, Fluttershy let out a despairing choke, bringing her hooves to her ears as she started to curl her body in her spot. She shook her head violently as she cried out, "Stop it! Stop it!''

"Tell me Fluttershy, where is your mommy? Where is your mom? Is she…dead?'' Dark Fluttershy spoke, her tone becoming taunting and uncaring.

That was all that was needed to break the dam of Flutterhy's emotions and she wailed, breaking down. Never had Fluttershy ever looked so pathetic, never had she ever ached so terribly both from the outside as well as on the inside. Her dark copy's words were like a burning knife, cutting her deeper than any blade could ever accomplish. The visions on her childhood flashed in her mind, the image of her mother appearing, weary and weak in her bed before breaking away into darkness, like glass. To hear a sweet, timid pony like Fluttershy to scream and wail like the way she was doing would tear a normal pony apart. However, this was not the case of her doppelganger.

She stood over her good counterpart, a satisfied, dark, heartless grin upon her face. Truly she had inherited her cruelty and depraved soul from her dark creator. Dark Fluttershy spoke. "How did if feel…sitting there…while she died right in front of you? Merely a few feet away and you still couldn't save her. What kind of a sorry excuse of wasted space of a daughter could possibly have to not save her own mother? She probably spent her last breath cursing your name, the hate she felt for you finally taking its toll and king her.''

Fluttershy only responded with heavy crying, her hooves still clamped over her ears as she desperately tried to block out Dark Fluttershy's words before finally squeaking out. "No…no…my mother did love me. She…she told me herself!''

Dark Fluttershy laughed out at Fluttershy's response and retorted. "Then she was probably lying! Is that why you decided to surround yourself with your precious animal friends? Well what are you gonna do now that they're all nothing but stone statues?''

Dark Fluttershy then turned around and began to walk towards the damaged couch and came to a certain statue of an animal that laid lifelessly on the couch cushions. "There, there Angel Bunny it'll be alright.'' The evil facsimile spoke, scooping up the statue that was Fluttershy's pet.

Almost instantly, Fluttershy's eyes shot opened as she gazed at Dark Fluttershy who was beginning to cradle the stone bunny in her arms. Dark Fluttershy continued as she started speaking with a coo.

"I won't let anything harm a hair on the cute head of yours. Nothing's going to harm a cuddly bunny like you.'' Dark Fluttershy then let out a soft gasp. "Oh that's right! You're not a cute bunny anymore, your nothing but a cold, stone statue.''

Fluttershy stared at her copy with fear stricken, tearful eyes as the callous Pegasus formed a twisted smile on her lips. "And as a statue, I don't care about what happens to you!''

With that, Dark Fluttershy dropped Angel onto the floor with a loud thud. The statue bounced slightly before rolling on its side, small parts chipping off as it did so. At the act, Fluttershy let out a silent gasped as she reached out for her petrified pet. "Angel…''

Dark Fluttershy grinned evilly as she looked down at the chipped bunny. She raised a hoof over the statue before suddenly and quickly brought it down and her hoof meet the stone body. To Fluttershy, it felt as it time had slowed as she heard that terrible sound of rocks breaking as Angel bunny's stone body shattered under Dark Fluttershy's grey hoof. Angel's head, arms and legs along with bits of granite fell to the ground around the copy's hoof. Fluttershy just watched on, her eyes empty and lifeless as she stared at the broken body of her beloved pet. It was like her heart and soul had just shattered along with Angel Bunny's as the tears just flowed from her eyes. Finally, Fluttershy let out an anguished cry.

"ANGEL!''

Dark Fluttershy lifted the hoof she used to break Angel's body and shook off some of the bits of rock that had stuck to it. She then let out a low, dark giggly before finally turning it into a mad, deranged cackle. "Oopsie…did I do that? Well don't worry, I'm sure a little glue will fix that!'' She then leaned in and put an ear next to the bunny's broken head. "What was that Angel? I know you're mad for not having your favorite salad, but that doesn't mean you have to…fall to pieces now!''

At her sick joke, Dark Fluttershy let out another wicked laughter. Fluttershy winced as more tears fell from her eyes. First her home was destroyed, then her friends were possibly fighting for their lives, and now her cherished pet bunny was now shattered in stone on the floor in front of her. She couldn't bear it…she couldn't bear it anymore, the laughter of her dark twin ringing in her ears. She lowered her head, her mane falling in front of her face as she wept heavily. Dark Fluttershy ceased her laughing and gazed at the broken Fluttershy and grinned devilishly.

"My, my if doing that to just one of this dumb animals pained you so…then doing it to the others will be like you're foreleg is tearing off. Sounds like a lovely plan!''

Fluttershy eyes widened instantly, that listless, empty veil ever present in those strong, cyan orbs. It wasn't enough to destroy Angel, but now this psychopathic abomination was now going to target her other defenseless animal friends. What she had been feeling unfathomable misery and dejection was slowly being replaced by a spark of rage. Her pathetic, dismal expression was slowly turning into a dark grimace, her teeth beginning to clench and bare. Her whole body started to tremble with anger as she spoke with a low growl. "Never…''

Dark Fluttershy continued as she gazed around the room. "Now let's see, what to break next? Hmm oh! How about those cute, little baby birds?''

The doppelganger started to walk towards the direction of the nest sitting on the windowsill with three, stone baby birds inside it. However, it was only a couple steps when suddenly Fluttershy sprang up on her hooves and gave off an outraged scream. "DON'T. YOU. DARE. TOUCH. THEM!''

At that outburst, Fluttershy's Element began to glow a bright, pink light. Dark Fluttershy whipped around in alarm, caught off guard by the soft spoken pony's act of rage. Before the evil double could make another move, a powerful, pink beam of energy suddenly fired from the Element and straight towards Dark Fluttershy. Dark Fluttershy was too slow to react and was hit by the powerful blast of Kindness, screaming as she was blasted back and collided into a shelf of books. The Fluttershy's essence of darkness fell to the floor as the books came crashing down on top of her.

Fluttershy stood in her spot, breathing heavily, bearing a look of pure rage, hate, and malice. The timidity and shyness that once were held in her eyes were now fierceness and wrath, yet tears still fell from them. She began to stomp towards Dark Fluttershy as she seethed.

"You can demean me…you can humiliate me.'' She continued stomping towards her other half as she proceeded talking, growing louder until she was almost yelling. "You can beat me to a pulp and you can break my bones…but I will NOT let you hurt anymore of my animal friends!''

As Fluttershy continued to draw closer to her dark side, Dark Fluttershy shook her head off of disorientation before glaring her unholy eyes at the now bold Pegasus, letting out a scowl. As Fluttershy took another step, Dark Fluttershy glare turned into a virulent smirk when suddenly her own Element started glowing a crimson red light. Fluttershy stopped in her tracks and gave a surprised gasp before finding herself rocketed by a beam of dark red energy coming from her other's dark Element. Fluttershy screamed as he flew backwards before collided back first back into the wall, falling to the floor. Fluttershy groaned as he peered through one eye to see Dark Fluttershy getting up. She flexed her wings as they sprang out before folding them again and she walked towards the yellow Pegasus.

"So, the little filly finally decided to be a big girl and pony up. Well it's too late for that. You wanna have a backbone? Well if that's the case, I'll just have to snap that backbone in half. Then we'll see if you're still acting all bold and brave.''

Fluttershy only answered with a hateful glare as Dark Fluttershy approached, her face holding a malevolent smile as her Element glowed that unholy, crimson red.







Twilight gave a cry as she was blown back by a dark red spell, landing on the ground and he body slid before coming to a stop. She winced and grunted in slight pain as she stood, peering through one eye as she saw Dark Twilight walking casually towards her with a with a cold grin on her face. Seeing her counterpart, Twilight immediately glared at her and with a short cry her horn was engulfed in a billowing magenta aura before firing a deep pink beam of magic energy at her. Seeing the blast coming towards her, Dark Twilight merely gave a short snort as her own horn began glowing an aura of crimson red.

Almost instantly, a light red, transparent glittering dome appeared around the dark unicorn just as Twilight's attack collided into the dome, and out the reach of her twin. Upon impact, there was a small explosion of pink light and white sparkles, subsiding quickly as it came. Seeing Dark Twilight unharmed, Twilight let out an alarmed gasped as the dome still surrounded her copy. Dark Twilight gave a short snort as she sneered.

"Pfft, what baby magic. THIS is how a real spell is done.''

Dark Twilight's horn began to glow as she used her magic to make the sparkling red dome disappear, instantly replacing it with several, numerous pieces of glowing, dark red energy that levitated in the air around her. With a dark, sinister grin, Dark Twilight bowed her head slightly as each of the shards fired like crimson bullets towards Twilight. Twilight managed to dodge the first two shards, but was unfortunate in evading the others and they struck her. Twilight gave off pained cries as one, two, four, six, ten, twelve shards of the attack hit her body, each one pushing her back with a stronger force than the last. On the last hit, Twilight was flown back a couple feet before landing on the ground.

Twilight grunted and groaned in pain. Cuts appeared across her purple body where she had been hit by her dark reflection's spell, blood seeping out from them. She slowly tried to stand, her cuts stinging as she did so, causing her to grit her teeth with a wince. Dark Twilight smirked wickedly as she began to approach Twilight.

"Now that's how a real unicorn perform a spell. Now we know which side is the most talented.''

Twilight glared at her copy as she responded with a snarl, "You're not real, and you're just an image created by Chthon. But the truth of the matter is, you don't really exists!''

Dark Twilight let out an amused laugh as she spoke, "Not real?! Is that really your logical, scientific hypothesis is? You think I'm just a crude simulacrum born from the weaver of the chaotic forces of entropy, a mere representation of that pitiful, shackled prison you called a heart? Well then…''

Dark Twilight's horn then glowed that dark red aura and in a red flash she was going only to appear in another flash of light right in front of an astounded Twilight as she finished. "Let's see if this feels fake!''

Before Twilight could react, she was suddenly covered in a red aura as were her doppelganger's horn. With a whip of her head and a cry, Dark Twilight used her magic to throw Twilight a great distances, crashing and shattering a few pony statues that were in her way before falling the ground with a scream. But Dark Twilight's assault didn't stop there, with a sadistic grin, the dark unicorn began to ruthlessly slam Twilight repeatedly into the ground. With each slam, Twilight gave off agonizing cries until finally Dark Twilight attempted to give her good side one, final, hard slam to the ground. However before Twilight's body collided to the charred earth, she used her magic to teleport in a flash of pink light. "What?!'' Dark Twilight exclaimed in shock.

Another burst of pink light shone behind her and as she whipped around she was suddenly blown back by a powerful blast of magic from Twilight. Dark Twilight gave off a cry as she was rocketed backwards and landed on the ground. Twilight panted, her coat even more dirtied and grimed as she panted heavily, a dark frown upon her face.

"How's that for 'baby magic'?!''

Dark Twilight rose up and casted a hateful glare at her counterpart, her own dark tiara and Element still upon her head. With clenched teeth then with a cry, Dark Twilight fired a rather large blast of dark red magic at Twilight. However, Twilight was ready and with her magic she conjured her own dome of pink, sparkling energy and blocked the attack with a small explosion. Almost immediately, the dome disappeared and Twilight retaliated by sending a pink blast of her own magic right back at Dark Twilight. With a growl, Dark Twilight's horn glowed and she counted her original's spell with a blast of her own, the two colliding in midair and causing a strong explosion.

As the smoke began to clear from the explosion, Twilight and Dark Twilight started to circle each other. Twilight's violet eyes stared unwavering into her copy's dark, unnatural ones. As the two unicorns continued to circle one another, a dark smile spread across Dark Twilight's lips as she spoke.

"Very good, guess you're not that much of a unicorn reject as I thought. I was hoping this'll be fun.''

Twilight retorted with a serious glare. "You think this is a game? You think you're having fun despite everything that's happened here? I'm going to whip that smug smirk off your face because I'm NOT playing games with anypony!''

With that outburst, Twilight fired a magical blast at her dark doppelganger who quickly blocked it and fired her own spell right back at Twilight. Like her other half, Twilight effortlessly blocked the attacking spell and immediately sent another blast at Dark Twilight. Soon the two unicorns of light and darkness were engaged in a fierce, magical duel. For the next several moments, the air flashed with dark pink and dark red lights as explosions of the same colors followed. Twilight would send a powerful blast at her darker self only for the latter to evade it and counter with a spell of her own to which Twilight would also defend against it. Amidst the battle, Dark Twilight sent a barrage of blast at Twilight. The purple unicorn was quick to act and proceeded to use her magic to block each one, sending the red blast off in different directions and hitting the ground, buildings, and even, though unfortunately, stone statues resulting in small explosions. However upon Twilight blocking the last attack, Dark Twilight quickly brought her head downward before jerking it upwards. Instantly, Twilight let out a surprised cry as she was suddenly flipped into the air by an unknown force before falling back down to the ground.

With Twilight defenseless, Dark Twilight galloped towards her, her horn aglow with that billowing red aura as she prepared to use a spell. Though slightly dazed from the unexpected fall, Twilight quickly cleared her head in time to see her twin come upon her and fired a spell. Twilight reacted as she did so, and she rolled out of the way as Dark Twilight's spell hit the ground, leaving glowing red, burning particles as well as smoke from the spot where the attack had landed. Dark Twilight fired another blast and another and Twilight would roll across the ground and evaded each blow as the magic blasts would hit the blackened dirt and when she dodged the last attack, Twilight quickly rolled on her stomach and fired her own spell at Dark Twilight.

Dark Twilight wasn't so fortunate this time around and was hit squared in the chest, blasting her backwards with a cry before landing back first on the ground. Seeing her chance to attack, Twilight sprang back on all fours and bolted towards the fallen unicorn. When she had gotten close enough, Twilight gave out a cry as she fired a rather large ball of magic at her copy. Dark Twilight was able to look in time and released a large ball of magic to counter Twilight's, causing an explosion as a result of the two forces meeting each other.

Being a clever unicorn, Dark Twilight took advantage of the end result and in a case of perfect timing, she disappeared in a flash that blended with the flash of the explosion. As Twilight took a few, cautious steps through the smoke, another red flash appeared behind her. Before Twilight could turn around, Dark Twilight reared on her back legs as a long red, whip like energy extended from her glowing horn. Dark Twilight quickly fell back on all four of her hooves and jerked her head forward, giving a stroke to the magical red whip as it wrapped around Twilight back, left leg.

Twilight let out a shocked gasped before finding herself roughly thrown in the air by the whip, controlled by Dark Twilight. With another motion of her head, Dark Twilight beckoned the whip downwards, sending a screaming Twilight back down to earth and hitting the ground hard with tremendous force. With a wickedly cruel smile, Dark Twilight lifted the whip along with Twilight as she continuously flung Twilight all across the air and back down into the ground until she finally flung Twilight carelessly to the side, at last releasing the unicorn's leg from the whip. Twilight laid their motionless on the spot where she had landed. For a brief moment Twilight had blacked out, but soon her eyes weakly, but surly opened. Her vision was blurry and her body ached tremendously as she heard the gleeful laughter of Dark Twilight distances away. That laugh…that despicable, taunting laugh. Twilight couldn't bare it any longer. Through gritted teeth, she rolled upon her stomach and started to rise to her feet. She willed through the pain that was going through her cut, dirtied body until she was finally standing on all fours, her body trembling as she struggled to stay up.

Dark Twilight continued to laugh that cold-blooded laugh before stopping and she spoke. "It's laughable really. No matter how many times I beat you to the ground, you keep standing back up. Why do you insist to keep fighting? Don't you know that it's useless? Don't you know that this is the end?''

Twilight just glared at her dark side, her right eye half shut as she stumbled forward. "It's…ugh…it's not the end. Not…not if I….have anything to say about it,'' Twilight responded as she continued to stumble towards Dark Twilight.

Dark Twilight cocked her head to the side as she bore a casual, foreboding smirk. "You know you don't believe that.''

Twilight's eyes widened, shocked and bewildered by what her other half had just said. "W-What?!''

"You don't believe that. On the contrary, you believe the exact opposite of that statement. I know Twilight because…I am you,'' Dark Twilight responded.

At this, Twilight's face fell in a disgusted frown as she retorted with a growl. "You're not me. And I am nothing like you. I actually exist unlike you, you a mere illusion. You're nothing…nothing but an extended, visual representation of Chthon's twisted mid!''

Dark Twilight just continued to give her opposite that wicked smirk as she sneered. "There you go with that whole 'don't really exist' bullcud. Your little denial is just proof of how helpless you feel right now.''

Twilight casted a deeper glare at her dark reflection and answered,'' You're wrong. You claim to know me, but you don't have a clue. For I hold magic that you can never understand!''

At this remark, Dark Twilight let out a crude laughter, only irritating and angering Twilight more. "What?! You talking about your magic of friendship? That power will soon die along with everything else!''

"You're wrong!'' Twilight barked fiercely, standing her ground tall and strong. "The magic of friendship will never die. It is a power that you could never grasp or comprehend. As long as my friends and I are here, we will try to fight back this evil!''

Ark Twilight gave a dark chuckle and she said." Yeah…'try'. Tell me Twilight, is that why things are like the way there are now?''

Twilight immediately froze in her place, her eyes became big as her pupils became smaller as Dark Twilight words hit her hard. Dark Twilight continued as she walked closer to her good side.

"Where was the magic of friendship when Ponyville was destroyed and your friends became cold stone?''

At Dark Twilight's question, Twilight stared on in shock and silence. She then lowered her head and gazed at the ground as tears formed in the corner of her eyes.

"Where was your power of friendship when Equestria...no…the entire world became a fire pit. Where was friendship when Chrysalis united the six Cosmic Gems and revived the greatest, most powerful being in the universe?''

Dark Twilight was a mere few feet away, but Twilight didn't move, save for the trembling of her body as beads of sparkling liquid fell from Twilight's face and onto the ground. Dark Twilight stopped in front of the still Twilight and went on speaking.

"Where was friendship when Lord Chthon killed your precious Princess Celestia and Princess Luna? Where was the magic of friendship? Where were you when they needed you, before they were scattered to the winds like the pieces of nothing that they were? Tell me Twilight, where is the magic of friendship as your pathetic friends are dying as we speak?''

Twilight again Twilight said nothing. She just stood there as her body trembled more heavily as she lowered her head further downwards, tears falling from her face more profusely and she gritted her teeth. Dark Twilight stopped in from her of other half. She lowered her head until her mouth was close to Twilight's ear and she whispered with a cold-blooded tone.

"But don't worry Twilight, you will soon be put out of your misery. And I'll personally see to it that I will kill off your friends as a favor to the great Lord Chthon. They will soon follow and be reunited with your sorry, bitch of a princess Celestia.''

Those words…those last, careless, heartless words. They were all that Twilight could bare. How dare she? How dare she blatantly insulted her friends…her princess like the way she did. She didn't care what had happened to her, but when someone make such death threats to her friends, the ponies that she loved more than herself…that act was truly the straw that broke the camel's back. It happened in an instant and with an anguished cry, Twilight's horn suddenly glowed a deep pink and she reared on her hind legs. In an instant, a powerful explosion of magic quickly spread outwards in all direction, sending Dark Twilight rocketing backwards with a scream. Dark Twilight landed a few feet away, her body slid before coming to a stop. She shook her head of dust and disorientation before looking up at her good side with a perplexed yet stunned expression.

What a spectacular sight…what a frightening sight. Twilight was now surrounded by a sphere of dark purple and pink, wild energy. Pinkish white lightning surged and cracked around her as she displayed that massive power her had contained inside of herself. And her eyes were glowing an ethereal white light, as if they were beacons of a mysterious fire that were of purist white. The ground beneath her began to crack as the crevices glowed an ominous pinkish purple. Such great power, such raw power. However, from her strong, white eyes tears streamed down her face, as Twilight glared threateningly at her dark counterpart. It was a power Celestia herself saw when Twilight was just a filly. It happened like an explosion, but yet like an explosion it disappeared in the moment. An uncontrollable force, but now…after all her years of studies she was in full control.

The wildly spinning, sphere of magic finally quickly subsided, scattering in all directions. Twilight stared at Dark Twilight with those unearthly, glowing eyes as she took a step towards her, her horn producing numerous white sparkles as she did so. As she advanced towards Dark Twilight, she spoke in a slightly distorted voice.

"Don't EVER say a word against my teacher…a mother again!''

Twilight suddenly fired a massive blast of dark pink magic at Dark Twilight, hitting her and blasting her backwards as she screamed. Twilight continued, stepping towards the dark unicorn.

"And don't ever say a word about my friends either! I will never let you go anywhere near them!''

Twilight fired another magic blast at Dark Twilight, again hitting her and sending her backwards rolling and sliding on the ground. "You think you know me…but you don't know me at all! There's no way I'll let somepony, something like you ever harm my friends. Something like you who serves a maniacal, death worshipping demon like Chthon! I refuse to lose to you…I won't!''

Twilight hit her dark copy with a powerful beam of magic, causing her to crash and disappeared into a shambled cottage. To ensure that Dark Twilight was defeated, Twilight walked towards the cottage. However just as she was about to go inside, a massive, dark red explosion erupted, sending the purple unicorn screaming through the air and landed on the ground. Twilight lifted her head, her glowing, bewildered but glaring eyes upon the now destroyed cottage, the debris ablaze with crimson red flames. Walking out from the burning cottage was Dark Twilight. However she underwent a drastic transformation much like her opposite Twilight. Dark Twilight's eyes were now glowing an unholy, red light as they emitted a black mist like aura. Her horn was surrounded by a deep, solid, billowing cone of dark red aura as white and black sparkles shot from her horn. However unlike Twilight, Dark Twilight was surrounded by dark red, mysterious arcane symbols, rotating endlessly around her like two intercepting ellipses, like that of an atom.

Seeing her darker sided appearance, Twilight let out a low growl as white sparks began to erupt more furiously from her horn and she lowered her body slightly, preparing to fight. Dark Twilight walked casually towards Twilight, those arcane symbols floating ever so around as she spoke with a demented, evil smile.

"Impressive, but did you really think that you had untapped power within you? I'm AM you, which means I have all the powers and abilities you possess, only difference is…I'm more proficient and skilled at the art then you'll ever be.''

As Dark Twilight approached her, Twilight exhaled a gust of smoke from her nostrils, her tears having dried away at this point as she prepared to face her double in rival in magic. Dark Twilight spoke again, that twisted smirk never leaving her lips. "Now it's time for me demonstrate the difference between a true unicorn and a talentless hack. To demonstrate the difference between the gift from a glorious god from the gift of a worthless princess. Time to go back to magic kindergarten…and lay there to rot like the garbage that you are!''

At her doppelganger's last words, Twilight gritted her teeth before giving off a furious cry as she galloped full speed at the sinister unicorn before her. At the same time, Dark Twilight let out a short, crazed laugh before she too sprinted forward towards Twilight. The two equally match unicorns ran towards one another before they met in the center, a magical explosion of dark pink and dark red magic erupted as the two went about a magnificent duel that can only be held by true, extraordinary unicorns.

Discord stood amidst the ruined city of Canterlot, never moving from the spot since Fluttershy, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity had resolved to fight Chthon. Discord stood there, hurt and mystified as to where he should go next. What should he do next for the matter? Discord hung his head slightly, his eyes closed as he bore a melancholy expression.

"The fools,'' Discord finally muttered. "They've only walked to their deaths. They've pretty much set out their graves for themselves.''

Discord paused as he clenched his teeth lightly, continuing on with a sort of choler growl. "And to what end? They should accept that there's nothing they could do to reverse this. Why don't they just realize that they're just ants compared to my father? They may hold the Elements of Harmony but to what significance? They may wield great power but even they can hold up to the decree of fate. No matter how much they might want to change, no matter what they say otherwise…they will never have the power to alter the will of a god.''

"Wise rationality…a very wise rationality indeed my son…'' a dark voice suddenly echoed out.

Discord froze in his place. His heart stopped as a chill ran down his spine upon hearing the ominous voice. His ears lowered as his eyes widened in fear. Discords mouth quivered as a white coloring flowed from his head and down to his mismatched feet. The draconequus stood in his place, not daring to move…not daring to breathe. For he knew where the origin of the voice had derived. It was the voice that he had dreaded to hear ever since he had learned that Chrysalis was on the hunt for the Cosmic Gems. It was the voice that up till now haunted the dark corners of his mind. It was the very voice of the chaos from which he was born from. Discord suddenly felt a more rippling chill as he felt a slight gust of wind blew onto his back. With great hesitation, Discord shakily turned his head and peered over his shoulders as his asymmetrical eyes met the dark, unholy eyes of his father.

Discord slowly turned around and he was fully facing Chthon. He took an intimidated step back as he uttered fearfully. "F-Father!''

Chthon just leered down at his son as she crossed his arms, his four wings spreading outwards before folding slightly. "Hello Discord…'' Upon seeing Discord's fear-stricken face, Chthon asked. "Why the unsettling face my son? Aren't you not joyous to see your father again?''

At his question, Discord instinctively fell onto his knees as he bowed before the God of Chaos. "O-Of course Lord Chthon! I-I just wasn't expecting you so…'' Discord lifted his head and gave an uneasy, but small smile. "H-How was your sleep father?''

Chthon casted an unamused, dark frown upon Discord as he turned his back towards him. "An amusing thing about being cast in stone…you can't really feel anything. But you know that first hand, do you?''

Chthon peered over his shoulder and gave the still cowering Discord a cold glare. Upon his gaze, Discord quickly shifted his glace to the ground as he lowered his body more and spoke. "Y-Yes father. A stone prison isn't the most comfortable either. B-But here you are, in all of your chaotic majesty. I can tell you the truth that I'm honored to look upon the true face of chaos!''

"Really now?'' Chthon answered, turning back around and facing Discord. "So tell me this Discord. In my vison I was expecting you to be the first my eyes laid on upon my reawakening. But what do I find? An insect with insatiable avarice who had bitten off more than she could chew. Tell me, why is that Discord?''

Instantly Discord looked down in both shame and in increasing fear, his now white coat becoming even whiter as his body trembled visibly. He knew very well that the sole reason he was even created was to aid in his father's resurrection, and now that he had abandoned that objective, he feared for his own fate. Discord was able to salvage what courage he could find before finding an answer.

"W-Well I-I have a perfectly good explanation sire! Y-You see I-well I…''

Before Discord could answer, Chthon finished for him. "You were too preoccupied by the chaos you wrought upon this world am I mistaken?''

Chthon gave Discord a grimaced frown as Discord answered frantically. "N-No of course not! I was…uh…''

Chthon suddenly disappeared in plume of red fire before reappearing in another burst of fire in front of Discord. Chthon brought his face close to Discord's, their muzzle's almost touching. Chthon's dark, piercing red eyes looked into Discord's petrified ones as the god spoke darkly.

"Don't…lie…to me…you can't.''

Discord's gazed speechlessly into his father's eyes, his mouth open but he didn't dare to challenge his father's knowledge. For he knew very well that his mind was open his own as well as his past. With nothing to say, Discord slightly shook his head before shifting his gaze back down to the ground. Chthon stared at Discord coldly, deathly as he finally stood back up and spoke, beginning to circle the creature of chaos.

"Yes, it was you who was supposed to revive me, but instead you so foolishly deserted me and went about the world claiming yourself to be the Master of Chaos…such blatant and a delusional lie. I ask you Discord…how would such treacherous acts make me feel, me your own father?"

Almost instantly, Discord fell and bowed, his forehead touching the ground. Discord answered desperately. "Please forgive me Father! I know it was foolish…stupid of me to abandon you like that. I was just…amazed with the power I was born with. I…I just wanted to have a little…fun!''

Chthon leered at Discord and spoke with a scowl, still circling him. "And at the apex of your 'fun' you eventually found yourself shackled and encased in a new stone prison…just as I.''

Discord merely nodded shamefully as she responded softly, "Yes…''

Chthon circled his son in silence, looking down upon him darkly which only made Discord even more unsettled. Finally after a moment of two, Chthon spoke. "A fitting punishment…for going against the one who created. Such an act of treachery surly means death.''

At those chilling words, Discord stared at the ground with a truly anxious and timorous expression. His pupils shrunk down to a size where they almost seemed absent as his body became that like the whitest of snow, as if he had just became a ghost. Discord didn't speak, he couldn't. He very well was about to meet his end by the hands of his own father. However, what came to his ears were the words of Chthon.

"However, I must admit you did a…admirable job of turning Equestria upside. Ponies losing their minds…in constant unrest and misery…only a true creature of chaos could accomplish that.''

Discord couldn't believe what he had just heard. Did Chthon, despite knowing that he had failed to revive him, actually…complemented his on the chaos that he had done while in his absence?

"E-excuse me?'' Discord uttered in disbelief.

Chthon continued, coming in front of Discord as he stopped circling him. "Despite becoming astray, I can say with pride that, how they say, the apple didn't fall from the tree.''

Discord stared at Chthon, still stunned by the small praise, but he then swallowed some of his fear." I…I'm p-pleased to hear you say that. T-Thank you.''

Chthon's frown however deepened as he went on to say. "Though still I must say…you could've done so much better. I'd hardly say chocolate rain would be destructive chaos…just a little child's fantasy come true.''

Discord's ears fell once again as he bore a more embarrassed look. "Oh…yes I suppose so.''

Chthon looked upon Discord and raised a claw slightly. "Rise Discord, and whip that white off of you. You shall have leniency and won't perish this moment.''

Chthon's word's relieved Discord to an extent, though he was still disturbed about being in the dark deity's presence. "Y-Yes my lord. Thank you.''

Discord did as his father had beckoned and stood up. He brought his talon to his forehead, the index finger and the thumb together and brought it down. As he did so, his white coating literally began to unzip down his body until he reached his crotch. Discord then stepped out of the white coating, his body now with its regular coloration and he through the white coat to the side, instantly turning into a white puddle. Now in his regular coat, Discord immediately brought his claws together as he bowed his head slightly as Chthon looked upon him.

"Chocolate rain, dancing buffalo, introverted personalities…how could all that possibly compare to the chaos that I wrought. Gaze around Discord.'' Chthon spoke as he drew near Discord and gestured for the spirit to look around the destruction he had cause.

Discord nodded slowly, as a small smile crept to his face. "Yes, you do know how to create a deliciously magnificent scene of chaos Father. I suppose that's why you're its god.''

Chthon looked at Discord as he spoke with that dark, leering frown. "And yet you still entrap yourself with chains.''

Discord blinked at Chthon blankly, quizzically as he responded. "C-Chains sire?''

Chthon nodded as his face bore a slight, disgusted look. "Yes, you actually allowed yourself to be shackled by the chains of these mortals' so called…'friendship'.''

Discord stared at the god in shock yet still somewhat bewildered. He never thought about the friendship he had so made with Fluttershy and the others as chains or shackles. "I…well…you see Father I…''

Chthon cut in, "And you actually dared to amuse them with such a frivolous notion. In my absence you stood as the face of calamity. A virtual god among insects. You shouldn't have even considered of lowering yourself to such trivialities.''

As Discord listened to Chthon's words, a look of confliction came to his face. "Father…at the time I…'' but Discord was again cut off by Chthon.

"You were the son of the most powerful being to have ever lived. You were a legend. And one such as yourself shouldn't have let himself be entrapped by that same mediocrity that these lowly fools so embraced.''

Discord looked at Chthon for a moment or two before adjusting his gaze back to the ground. He was even more conflicted than ever as he pondered his father's words. Seeing Discord at battle with himself, Chthon added as he came closer to the draconequus.

"Tell me Discord, did you have to lie to yourself? Did you have to abandon your true nature to stay in their good graces? Did you have to be somepony that you were not?''

"No…no of course not!'' Discord spoke out boldly. "I was still the weaver of chaos…able to twist reality anything to my like. I was…''

"The pony errand servant to the beck and call of a pathetic Alicorn princess.''

Discord opened his mouth to argue, but no words came out. He gazed downwards as he recounted the words he had just heard. He had once stopped a devastation that threatened to hit Fillydelphia as well as used his near omnipotent powers to help solve problems across Equestria…all under the order of Celestia who, though wielded great power and magic, were still beneath his. Chthon's eyes never left Discord and he said.

"And after doing all these deeds how did they repay you…with cold indifference…suspicious glares, disapproving voices? Isn't friendship supposed to be a two way agreement? If so…then those 'friends' they call themselves have failed tremendously on their part wouldn't you say?''

Discord then thought about all the past experiences that Chthon had brought up. He thought about the numerous of times of using his powers for the sake of Equestria, and yet he received no praised for his work. He thought about the numerous times he insisted that he was reformed, and yet his six 'friends' only responded by shunning him…neglecting him. With these thoughts in mind, Discord's face fell in an angered frown as he let off a low growl. Chthon then spoke, placing a claw on his son's shoulder, an act that caught Discord by surprise.

"But think not of those wretched equines. It is time to be who you're truly are where you truly belong. The world is an open book, waiting to be rewritten to however I please. A power solely mind, but with an exception that I will only share with my one, true flesh and blood.''

Discord looked at Chthon, astounded by what he had just said. "I'm sorry I must've had chunk brimstone stuck in my ear,'' Discord said, digging in his ear with the pinkie of his lion's claw before retracting a glowing, orange piece of sulfur from his ear, flicking it away. "Did you just say you wanted to share all this power with…me?''

Chthon nodded, a sinister smirk on his face. "Yes. Together, we shall create never ending chaos upon this world. None shall interfere…none shall stop us. And we shall stand together as father and son smite the decadent filth that worships and prays for the return of order. That's is the fate that was always meant for you my son.''

Discord listened to the plan Chthon had in store for him…for them. The promise of a domain, a playground where everything and everyone were his play things ready to be controlled by his will…it all enticed him greatly. However among these dark thoughts only one thing came up in his mind. The one thing of good that he could not let go…the image of a certain yellow Pegasus with a trio of butterflies for her cutie marks. Upon thinking of her, Discord's fell in sadness, confliction, and doubt. Seeing Discord's unsure demeanor, Chthon leered at him and spoke.

"Come to where you truly belong Discord. Come to where you will always be rewarded for your loyalty. Come to where you will always have truth…always have power…but most importantly…always have freedom. Who are you Discord? Are you the spawn of the almighty force of chaos that was meant to dominate? Or are you the same nothing as the worthless species who are no superior to the dust in the air?''

Discord said nothing as he looked away from Chthon. Everything Chthon had told him, everything he had pointed out clung to his mind, hear, and soul. Such powerful words, such truthful words. So conquering…if wasn't for the image of that tender, kind Pegasus in his mind. The image that, while single, was equally powerful as the words his father had spoken to him. Discord finally gazed upon Chthon, who was staring darkly at him as he awaited his son's answer.
> A Darker Turn
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

ll was silent in the realm known as the Astral Plane. The dark, red, starry atmosphere was now abundant with millions of glowing orbs, each with a curled, unconscious equine in their cores as well as various creatures that also inhabit the planet. With every passing second, hundreds more or appear and fill the endless space of the now prison dimension. In the center of it all on that floating landmass, Celestia, Luna, Arcanus, and Chrysalis hung in their places in the open dungeon created by Chthon, the three equines and Changeling Queen strung up grotesquely by the hooks embedded in their spiritual bodies. Celestia and Luna gazed up at the idly, floating orbs with distraught, weary eyes, wincing in both sadness as well as in continuous pain from the hooks in their bodies.

"Celestia..." beckoned Luna with the upmost sorrow in her voice. "Do...do you see him? Has he arrived?''

"No...no I can't,'' answered the Princess of the Sun somberly. "At least from here. There's so many of them to tell. Perhaps he didn't perish...but but right now I can't find it in my heart to be so optimistic he may still be alive...''

Luna said nothing, only casting her sister a despondent glance before shifting her weary gaze up to the crowding space.

"Just look at them…all prisoners to this gateway in between…'' Luna said dismally to her older sister.

Celestia said with a hurtful tone. "That evil monster, he…he won't even let them die properly.''

There was a painfully brief silence among the sisters before Celestia added. "And more and more keeps appearing. At this rate…the entire world will be part of this spirit prison.''

Luna gazed woefully at Celestia before slowly looking around." And Twilight Sparkle and her friends, they've had yet to appear here,'' the princess of the night spoke as she looked at the empty spaces that Chthon had made for each of the bearers of the Elements.

Celestia's gaze fell on Twilight's intended space with her cutie mark carved in the slightly transparent stone, tears beginning to form at the corner of her eyes. "Yes but, I fear that fact could change any second now.'' Celestia then looked at the red globe Chthon had conjured, the tiny specks of light that covered the continents quickly blinking out. ''At the rate the ponies and creatures of Equion are perishing, I fear it's only a matter of time before…''

Before Celestia could finish, a lump came to her throat. She bowed her head as she pinched her eyes shut, releasing tears as she wept silently at the fact of her cherished student meeting her end by the wrath of the God of Chaos. Seeing this, tears soon began to fall from Luna's own eyes as she looked away. "And so will Quentin…my first friend. It's only been such a short time…a now this evil will destroy something that we had just begun to nurture. Tis…tis isn't fair…''

As the two sisters of the sun and moon continued to weep, they were startled by a grunting sound from nearby. They look toward the direction of the sounds to see Arcanus shifting in his place as he came too. "W-What? Where?'' the aged unicorn said groggily.

"Arcanus! My friend are you ok?!'' Celestia spoke almost frantically seeing her old friend and mentor gaining consciousness.

Arcanus grunted and moaned a few more times as he slowly lifted his head to look at Celestia. Due to his battle with Chthon, Arcanus had since lost the bandages that covered his eyes, revealing pure white, pupil lacking eyes. "C-Celestia? Luna…what are ugh!'' as the unicorn tried to straighten his body up, he felt the tremendous pain that was spreading throughout his body. "W-what in Equestria?!''

"Arcanus, please try not to move as much as you can. It helps to alieve some of the pain…to an extent,'' Luna said as she gave a small wince and a grunt as she felt the pain the hooks were giving her.

Upon seeing the two regal sisters in such a gruesome position, Arcanus quickly came over his own pain and spoke in an alarmed voice. "Celestia? Luna? What in the name of Equestria has happened to you…to us?!''

The two sisters looked at each other before the frowned in angered sadness as Celestia responded simply, but gravely. "Chthon.''

At Arcanus looked at the older sister as if he was trying to comprehend what she had just told him before his face fell in weariness, but understanding as he shifted his eyes gazed towards the dungeon floor. "Yes, I…I remember. You and Luna both engaged Chthon in battle before he…''

Arcanus trailed off at his last words but Celestia and Luna understood the reasons of him doing so and they just gazed at him sorrowfully as he continued. "Then I went into battle with him. Even with my power, he defeated me with ease.'' Arcanus then gazed up at the two sisters before speaking in a dejected tone. "Please forgive me Celestia. I tried my best to protect Twilight Sparkle and her friends, but I failed in the end.''

Celestia just shook her head slowly and sadly. "Don't apologize Arcanus. You have no idea how much of a tremendous help you've been to us in these pass weeks…even if the end result came to this.''

Luna added, "My sister is right. Even with Celestia's and my power combine couldn't even faze him. His power simply exists on a plane ours could never aspire.''

"So does that mean…''

Celestia nodded as she said in gloom. "Yes Arcanus. You have perished, as did Luna and I.''

Arcanus just stared at Celestia. His expression wasn't frantic, panicking, or alarmed just…somber. Luna just looked at the two with woebegone eyes as silence fell among the three, great equines. After a few moments, Arcanus spoke up.

"Celestia, Luna…before I fought Chthon, I've seen what he's done to Ponyville, Canterlot, and the entire world. It's destroyed Celestia. It was like we've somehow entered the bowls of Hell itself.''

"So it's true then?'' Luna spoke as tears welled up in her eyes once more. "What Chthon spoke of wasn't a lie. He really have brought Armageddon onto the world.''

Celestia responded as she looked at Luna with regrettable, tear filled eyes. "Neither of us wanted to believe it Luna. However no matter how much we didn't want to believe it, we could not deny the proof that is hovering just over our heads.''

Celestia gestured her head upwards. Wanting to know what she had meant, Arcanus too casted his white veiled eyes upward to see countless orbs floating in the dark, red space, much to his shock.

"What in God's name are those?!'' the unicorn asked in alarm. Upon further observing, Arcanus asked in horror. "Are those…are those ponies in those globes?!''

Celestia and Luna said nothing, just looked away woefully. "Yes Arcanus. They are the spirits of those…who have perished due to Chthon's doing,'' Celestia answered.

Luna added drearily. "Chthon has revoked their rights to move on. And now he's holding them prisoner here in the Astral Plane.''

At their explanation, Arcanus just looked at them with a troubled, disturbed expression before gazing back up at the crimson, starry space. His face fell dolefully and he said. "How cruel…to ensnarl the soul after death…to deny them passage into the next life and damn them to be nothing more than mere collections unable to move is surly a fate worse than death.''

Celestia and Luna didn't respond, just stared up at the prisoners with wet eyes. After a moment or two of silence, the quietness was broken by the sounds of nearby moaning. Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus all shifted their eyes and immediately frowned with anger at what they were now seeing. To their disgust, Chrysalis was beginning to come to as she weakly lifted her head, her teal, wild mane moving from out of her face. With her vision beginning to clear, she said in a daze.

"W-What happened…?''

Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus said nothing, only deepened their glares as their disgust and discontent for the Changeling queen increased. Chrysalis attempted to shift her body straight up, but she gave a brief cry of pain. She quickly observed her body frantically and when she saw that she was hung up in bipedal position by hooks, she asked in alarm.

"W-What is this? What's happened to me?!''

"Wouldn't you like to know wretch!'' Luna growled in response.

Chrysalis sharply looked at Luna, then at Celestia and Arcanus. Seeing them in the same state as she was in only increased her bewildering shock. "Celestia? Luna?!'' Chrysalis said before her eyes narrowed in a dark glare. "You WILL tell me the meaning of this! What have you done to me!''

"We didn't do anything to bring about your situation Chrysalis,'' Celestia answered with a sort of seethe, with no shred of compassion or gentleness it usually held.

Chrysalis just shot the princess of the sun the dirtiest glare and spat. "You mean YOU'RE situation. When I get out of here you will be at my absolute mercy!''

With that, Chrysalis tried to use her Changeling magic, but when nothing happened, the queen let out an alarmed gasp. "W-What going on? Why isn't my magic working?!''

Arcanus answered in a bitter tone. "The reason you can't perform magic Chrysalis, is because your spirit is trapped in the world of the Astral Plane.''

Chrysalis whipped her head at the unicorn with a quizzical, outraged look. "What are you talking about? Answer me!''

"Your soul is shackled here on this plane of the in-between. You're not truly dead, but you're not truly alive either, just here…tittering on the edge of limbo,'' Arcanus said.

Chrysalis looked at Arcanus with a sort of conflicting, crazed expression as if what trying to comprehend what Arcanus had said was slowly driving her on the brink of madness. Finally she shouted at the other three trapped equines.

"Impossible! I have managed to reunite the six most powerful artifacts in the world. With their power I have become a god. How could this possible have-'' Chrysalis stopped abruptly as a revelation came to her. Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus looked at her with hateful glances as she seemingly remembered what had transpired to cause her to be trapped in this prison.

Chrysalis narrowed her eyes as she let out a low, growl. "I brought the six Cosmic Gems together when that…thing appeared!''

Celestia spoke, her voice still devoid of kindness. "That's right Chrysalis. You blindly, stupidly brought those godforsaken gems together despite out warnings which in turn revived the greatest evil Equion has ever seen. Because of your bloodlust, Equestria along with the entire world has met their end at the hands of Chthon.''

"No…no…NO! I should be invincible…all-powerful. There's no possibly way I could be dead!'' Chrysalis spat in denial.

"Wretch weren't you listening?!'' Luna said aggressively. "Because of your greed and lust for power thousands, millions are suffering. If thou don't believe me, then just look upwards and you'll see the truth!''

Chrysalis growled darkly at the princess of the night before heeding her suggesting and looked upwards in the open atmosphere. Immediately, her face fell in shock and bewilderment as she saw the countless ponies and creatures that were dormant in the orbs above. As she continued to gaze upon the idly floating spheres, Luna spoke.

"You see that? Because of you countless ponies are perishing every second. Not only that, Chthon is keeping their souls captive here...they can't even truly die!''

Chrysalis remained silent, still looking upwards with and expression of disbelief. While scanning the space above, she let out a brief gasp of horror as she saw numerous of her Changeling subjects in balls of light, eyes closed and unconscious as they floated aimlessly in the dark space. Seeing her kind in the state that they were in, she winced with narrowed eyes as she bared her fangs while giving off a low snarl.

"No…my kin. They're all…''

"Trapped, like everypony else that have or will have died in Chthon's new world,'' Arcanus finished grimly.

After a few moments, Chrysalis slowly averted her eyes to the dungeon floor. Her expression softened slightly, now bearing an angered, but now hurtful gaze. Although she was one who have shunned and mocked the very concept of love and sentimentality everything she had done in the past, every horrible act that she committed were for the preservation and survival of her subjects as well as her personal, selfish need for dominance. It was highly doubtful that Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus know it, but seeing what had become of her kind was beginning to ach her heart. After moments of silence, Chrysalis muttered.

"I…I didn't want this. This was not my intentions at all.''

Celestia spoke in anger and disgust, "No your intentions were to conquer Equestria and more. And on that quest you made ponies suffer regardless who got in your way. If circumstances were different, I'd sentenced you to languish in the pits of Tartarus for the rest of your life.''

Chrysalis didn't respond, just stared darkly away from the glares of the three trapped ponies. Celestia then looked up in the starry, red atmosphere as more than a dozen orbs with ponies inside them appeared with each second. Her eyes then widened in shock then fell in sorrow as tears began to instantly well up in her eyes as she saw the motionless body of King Centurus curled in his glowing sphere. Celestia gritted her teeth as she spoke, her voice cracking slightly.

"Because of you, friends are suffering…love ones are dying. And Twilight Sparkle…my student and her friends…they could very well meet their ends and appear here at any moment.''

Luna glared at the Changeling queen, she too had tears in her eyes. "You may have lost your subjects, but thou shall not receive sympathy from us, especially from me. You who tried and nearly killed my first, dear friend. You deserve the punishment Chthon has brought to you.''

Again Chrysalis didn't answer. However after a few moments of silence, a low chuckle sounded from the queen, causing the other three prisoners to cast bewildered frowns at her. Chrysalis' chuckle grew louder until she threw back her head as she began to laugh wickedly, almost madly. Perhaps everything that had happened up to this point finally shattered her sanity. Finally Celestia said with a small growl.

"And what could you possibly be laughing at a time like this?''

Chrysalis ceased her crazed laughter as she looked at Celestia, her mane falling wildly over her face while strands parting across her face, giving her a wild, demented look with a darkened expression. "I regret only two things: losing my subjects and kin and being killed by that abomination Chthon. However…'' a truly poisonous, vile smirk then spread across her face. "All of that haven't for a second extinguished my hatred for you. I can at least find peace knowing that you aren't as almighty as you come on to be. I can have peace…knowing full well that you're not a goddess as others may think you are!''

At her response, Luna and Arcanus shot her deathly glances. Luna was about to fiercely and aggressively retort with an outraged outburst, but Celestia spoke before her sister could, given her a firm, unyielding, darkened stare.

"Throughout my lifetime spanning a millennium I say with no ego that my sister and I have achieved great power. However, not once have we ever considered or presented ourselves as gods…we dared not procured that mantle.'' Celestia paused for a moment as a more somber expression came to her face, tears still present in her eyes. Arcanus and Luna stared at Celestia with downtrodden eyes with the latter having tears just like her sister. "I am humbled that our subjects would think of us as such celestial beings, but the truth is that we couldn't even conceive the level of power of he who truly bears that title.''

Chrysalis' malevolent smile shifted to a confused, glaring frown as Celestia continued. "There's no doubt that powerful beings exists in this world, but the truth is that there is only one 'all-powerful' deity…there is only one who is truly called a god…'' Celestia then looked up into the space of the Astral Plane as the tears began to roll down her face and said, her voice breaking a bit. "And right now…I'm trying to comprehend the lack of his presence when we need him the most right now.''

At her words, Chrysalis continued to give Celestia that bewildered leer while Arcanus turned his gaze downwards with a sort of sad glance. Luna however closed her eyes as she turned her face away from Celestia as she let her own tears fall down her face and Celestia continued to cast her sorrow filled gaze up into the space of the imprisoned souls of the perished.

Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie all continued to fight their respective dark sides across the ruined, charred Ponyville. Each of them fight fiercely, even the timid, soft-spoken Fluttershy as they all literally fought for their lives. Unbeknownst to them, Chthon's dark, all-seeing eyes allowed him to keep watch over their battles, enjoying it with a cruel, sadistic smirk as if he were a spectator eagerly enjoying a brutal match between gladiators. Applejack was blown backwards by a dark red beam fired form Dark Applejack's Element, her body rolled before skidding to a halt.

The orange mare grunted as she slowly rose to her feet, her coat heavily grimed and dirtied from the intense battle she was having with her counterpart. Dark Applejack galloped towards her, a wicked smile on her face as she fired another red beam from her element. Applejack growled with narrowed eyes as her own Element glowed orange before she too fired a beam of the same color. Applejack's attack fired and met Dark Applejack's and collided into each other, causing a small explosion. Using the smoke's temporary blindness, Dark Applejack quickly darted into the haze, jumped up, and leaped towards an unprepared Applejack as she landed a hard punch to her face.

Applejack cried out in pain as she reeled backwards. However, the sinister copy wasn't done with her attack and she sharply reared before striking her good side with a powerful buck to her chest, sending her soaring in the air briefly before falling hard and painfully back on the ground. Applejack groaned, aching from the painful blow she had just took. She peered through on eye only to shoot both of them open at the sight of her doppelganger once again rushing towards her.

"Get up, I ain't done with ya yet!'' Dark Applejack called in a southern drawl as she neared the fallen earth pony, leaping into the air to drop a kick.

Applejack glared at her incoming double and snarled. "Well I'm sure as hay done with YOU!''

As Dark Applejack came down on Applejack, the latter caught her stomp before quickly brought her hind legs inward onto her attacker's belly and with her strength, threw her dark side over her. Dark Applejack gave a short cry as she landed on the ground a few feet from her original. Not wanting to let up, Applejack darted towards her dark side, ready to deliver a strong punch. Dark Applejack staggered slightly as she stood up, shaking some dirt from her face as she leered at Applejack with gritted teeth. The southern pony tried to hit her copy with a punch only for Dark Applejack to block the hit and quickly striking back with a mighty punch of her own in Applejack's stomach with a rather hollow sound.

Applejack's eyes shot open as she clenched her teeth, saliva escaping from her mouth. She winced one eye while the other was shot wide open with her green pupils small and dilated. Dark Applejack withdrew her hoof and took a few steps back, a cruel smirk on her face as Applejack fell on her knees and brought her forelegs to her abdomen. She hunched forward, she tried to breathe but couldn't…she couldn't inhale nor exhale. Finally after a few, excruciating moments, Applejack was able to let out a deep breath before she began to cough vigorously. Dark Applejack continued to give Applejack an uncaring, cold grin as she said.

"Mighty reckon that blow took yur breath away didn't it?''

Applejack only responded by coughing and breathing shallowly as she tried to catch her breath. While she kneeled on the ground, her malevolent image began to walk towards her. "There's no point tryin' ta catch yur breath. Fer any moment now ya won't be breathin' at all.''

Applejack coughed a few more times, even spitting out a wad of saliva before she lifted her head and casted a weary, but hateful glare at her counterpart and gave a low growl as she continued to make her way towards her. Dark Applejack said. "Why don't ya jus' give up? Why don't ya get it through yur pea brained mind that it's over?''

As Dark Applejack said those words, she gave Applejack a hard uppercut. The earth pony cried out as she was thrown into the air and landed on the ground. She grunted and groaned as she shifted her body as she tried to stand back up. Dark Applejack walked casually towards her as Applejack weakly lifted her upper body and peered venomously over her shoulder and said.

"I-It's not over. It'll never be over…not as long as I'm breathin' it ain't!''

Dark Applejack rolled her eyes as she walked towards her fallen good side. "Like I said before, you won't be breathin' for much longer. You'll soon be dead with the rest of yur apple rotten family.''

At those words, Applejack's anger began to bubble and fester within her as she heard the doppelganger spoke ill about her beloved family. Applejack narrowed her eyes as tears appeared in their corners and she snarled. "I told you…don't EVER talk cud 'bout my family!''

Dark Applejack only laughed. "Or what? You should be used ta it by now. First yur Pa an' Ma died and now the rest o' yur kin. Yer family jus' can't help fallen dead left an' right can they?!''

Applejack gave her dark side a dark, disgusted glare before lowering her head, her Stetson covering her eyes. She gritted her teeth as her body began to shake in anger all while tears began to stream down her face and fall to the ground. "Shut up…''

Dark Applejack smirked wickedly before suddenly darting forwards and forcibly pushed Applejack's head into the ground. The mare let out a brief cry as her head hit hard on the blackened, dirt ground. Dark Applejack pressed down on her counterpart's head harder with her hooves as she began to twist down, causing Applejack to grunt and cry in pain.

"An' when I'm done with you, I'll help kill the rest of yur friends. Won't that be excitin'?'' Dark Applejack said gleefully as she stared down at Applejack with a madly evil smile.

Applejack clenched her teeth as she tried to keep her head stiff, anger rising within her as the tears continued to fall and she snarled. "I said shut up!''

Dark Applejack then grinned down at the suffering pony and brought her head in close to Applejack's ear. Dark Applejack whispered sadistically. "An' you don't have to worry About Quentin.''

At that name Applejack's entire body became stiff and she held her breathe as Dark Applejack continued. "When yur gone I'll take good care of him. I'll make sure our first time will leave him begging and screamin'. He'll be all mine.''

That was the straw that broke the camel's back. While Dark Applejack talked, Applejack's body shook greatly from the fury that was pulsing through her body. It was one thing mocking her deceased family and blatantly, mercilessly taunting that her friends will die. She had beaten her body, intending on killing her, but it was what she said about Quentin that finally drove her over the edge. The friend that brought her and her family joy ever since he arrived in Equestria. The friend that was always there for her whenever she needed help. The friend that was able to understand the pain that ached her heart, something the very few could ever understand. Applejack didn't care what had happen to her, but she wasn't going to allow this dark reflection to get even a looking distance at Quentin…she refused it.

With a yell, Applejack used her strength to lift her head from under Dark Applejack's hoof and lashed out with a punch to her counterpart's face. Dark Applejack gave a cry as she was knocked a few feet away and landed on the ground. Instantly, Applejack leaped on all fours, whipped around and glared at Dark Applejack, breathing deeply with gritted teeth as tears rolled down her face. Dark Applejack staggered to get up as she growled threateningly. She tried to lunge at Applejack, but the orange, southern mare's Element glowed and fired a powerful orange beam at her dark side, hitting her and sending her backwards.

"I…ain't NEVER gonna let you go anywhere near Quentin!'' Applejack seethed as she advanced towards the fallen dark pony.

As Dark Applejack tried to stand back up, Applejack fired another beam from her Element, once again blasting Dark Applejack backwards with a cry. She landed on the ground, skidding before coming to a halt. Applejack spoke as she continued to come near her doppelganger. "You can humiliate me, you can beat me to a bloody pulp, but when ya mess with my friends an' family, yer just askin' ta get yur ass beat!''

Applejack fired yet another beam at Dark Applejack, the dark entity screaming as she was rocketed backwards. As Dark Applejack fell on the ground, Applejack continued to speak. "Ya call my family rotten, ya can never understand that they're the best family a mare could ask for. And my friends…'' Applejack paused as she pinched her eyes shut with a deep frown, the tears falling continuously. "My friends, they're just an extension of my family. And I will protect them by any means necessary…that's the honest truth!''

Applejack shot her eyes open and with a glare, she ran full speed at the evil clone. The greyish earth pony staggered backwards in surprise, intimidated by Applejack's quick speed. Before Dark Applejack could react, Applejack came upon her and struck her copy with a fury of punches. Dark Applejack cried out in pain as she was continually assaulted by her original self. Applejack grunted and gave brief cries as she struck Dark Applejack, the latter tottering and stumbling backwards with each punch. Finally Applejack gave Dark Applejack one last, strong punch across her dark self's jaw, causing her to shamble away from her as she tried to regain her balance and composure.

Seeing an opening, Applejack ran towards Dark Applejack and when she came close enough, Applejack quickly reared around and lifted her hind legs and pushed with all her might, her back hooves coming into contact with Dark Applejack's jaw. A sickening crack was heard as Applejack dropped her hooves. She whipped around and gazed at the dark equine with a slightly astonished, somewhat churned expression at what the outcome of her attack had produced. Dark Applejack's head was on backwards. Applejack had snapped her copy's neck with that buck. Dark Applejack stared away from her good side, an empty, blank expression on her face as her red eyes rolled to the back of her head, leaving nothing but a blackened veil. After a few, mere seconds, Dark Applejack collapsed and fell on the ground. However, almost immediately after touching the ground, Dark Applejack erupted into a beam of crimson light as it began to fly wildly into the air. Applejack watched on in confusion and alarm as the beam suddenly went back down and entered painlessly into Applejack's chest. The mare gasped in fright, running a hoof over the area the beam had entered. After realizing she felt no ill aftereffects from the impact, Applejack gazed around and when she had seen no trace of her wicked image, she sighed in exhaustion but relieved as she closed her eyes wearily, her battle having finally come to an end.

Rainbow Dash and Dark Rainbow Dash fought fiercely as they flew through the air. At unbelievable speeds, they two Pegasi matched each other blow for blow through the fire tinted skies. At a point, Rainbow Dash struck her double with a powerful kick, sending her higher into the skies. With a yell, the rainbow maned Pegasus attempted to follow up with another strike. However, Dark Rainbow Dash had quickly regained her bearings and before her good side could hit her again, her dark Element glowed a crimson red and fired a beam of energy at Rainbow Dash, hitting her. The bold pony cried out as she was rocketed back towards earth and crashed into the ground in a brief red explosion.

Rainbow Dash grunted in pain as she shifted her body. Her coat became increasingly grimed, patches of charred fur was visible as light smoke emitted from her sleek body from the attack she had just sustained. With gritted teeth, Rainbow Dash slowly but surely lifted her upper body until she was sitting in an upright position. Dark Rainbow Dash, with her impressive speed, flew back down towards the ground and stopped a few feet of her downed original, hovering above the ground with a dark grin on her face as she crossed her forelegs.

"Teh, is that all you've got. So much for being the 'most awesome pony in Equestria'.''

At this, Rainbow glared at her dark side and gave a low growl before quickly flying at her with a cry. Rainbow tried to land a punch, but Dark Rainbow Dash simply turned her body and evaded the hit only to immediately counter with a strong punch to Rainbow Dash's abdomen. Rainbow gave a short pained cry as she fell back on the ground, clutching her stomach as her body curled slightly. Seeing her good side in pain, Dark Rainbow Dash gave a short snort and said curtly.

"Yeah, that's what I thought!''

She then reached down and grabbed Rainbow Dash by a foreleg and spun her around furiously for a few moments before releasing her. Rainbow Dash screamed as she was flung a great distance and skidded on the black dirt ground until coming to a stop. Rainbow Dash laid on the cold ground motionlessly before she finally began to fidget as she tried to get back up. Upon hitting the ground, she received scrapes and cuts and she winced and clenched her teeth in pain as she struggled to get up.

"C'mon…get up. Damn it get up!'' Rainbow Dash urged herself through her teeth.

Rainbow Dash brought a back leg up as the other remained on the ground, one foreleg resting on the knee of her back leg as she came to a kneeling position. As she watched Rainbow Dash struggle, Dark Rainbow Dash laughed before speaking mockingly.

"Yeah get up, just so I can beat your sorry ass back down!''

Rainbow Dash narrowed her rose colored eyes deeply and spoke with snarl, "The only sorry ass that going to get kicked it yours bitch!''

With a slight stagger, Rainbow Dash flew towards her dark copy, brought a hoof back and tried to deliver a punch to her face. However, Dark Rainbow Dash again simply turned her body and evaded the attack. Thought caught off guard by the evasive move, Rainbow Dash nevertheless skidded in the air, whipped around and made another attempt to hit Dark Rainbow Dash with a fury of punches. With a dark, smug grin, Dark Rainbow Dash blocked all of them and after countering the last punch, she delivered a quick double punch to the sided of Rainbow Dash face. Rainbow Dash grunted from the punched before receiving a hard kick in the stomach, sending the cyan Pegasus backwards and falling to the ground back first.

Rainbow Dash gave a loud cry as she landed on her hurt, singed wings, folding it inwards as she grabbed it with a hoof. "Crud, that hurts!'' Rainbow Dash winced in pain.

Dark Rainbow Dash hovered casually towards her good side, a foreleg on her hips while the other hung freely to her side. "Just give it up. Can't you see that you can't beat me?''

Rainbow Dash glared at her doppelganger and spoke with a hateful tone, "Like hell I would ever lose to some fake!''

Rainbow Dash swallowed all the pain she was experience and lunged at her living demon, but before she could land an attack, her wicked double caught her with a lariat, her foreleg meeting Rainbow's neck and the dark Pegasus forced Rainbow Dash to the ground. Rainbow hit the ground painfully with the back of her head. By some miracle the impact didn't knock her unconscious, but it still inflicted a searing pain and left her in a slight daze.

"Did that feel fake chump?'' Dark Rainbow Dash asked, gazing down at Rainbow with a dark smirk.

Rainbow Dash shook her head to clear herself of her stunned state and gave Dark Rainbow Dash a deep frown as her image flew down closer to her. "Just stay down and die. Just get it through that dumb head of yours that ya don't stand a chance against your better half!''

Rainbow Dash let out a short growl before crying out to land a punch to her evil twin, but Dark Rainbow Dash easily blocked the punch and delivered a right hook right to Rainbow Dash's muzzle. Rainbow instantly fell back onto the ground with a brief cry, slapping her hooves to her nose and covering it. The taste of iron soon came to her mouth as she felt a warm liquid running off her hooves as her nose began to bleed from the punch. Rainbow Dash breathed heavily as she turned her head towards the ground in an attempt to let the blood drain out. Dark Rainbow Dash laughed out and taunted.

"Will ya look at that? We got a leakin' pony over here!''

As Dark Rainbow Dash continued laughing, her good half turned her head and gave Dark Rainbow Dash a deathly glare, her teeth gritted as blood continued to dribble from her nostril and down her face. The cruel copy ceased her laughing and gazed down at Rainbow with a contemptuous grin and said.

"Yeah yours is the same color as mine punkass. Let's see how it tastes like.''

Before Rainbow Dash could react, Dark Rainbow Dash took a hoof and forced Rainbow's head hard, face first in the small puddle of blood that had formed. Rainbow Dash writhed and grunted loudly as her muzzle was forcibly being twisted into the dirt, her mouth and nose being filled with the smell and taste of her own blood. As she pushed down on Rainbow's head, Dark Rainbow Dash smiled madly until finally she released Rainbow Dash head. The rainbow haired Pegasus breathed in deeply as she tried to catch her breath, spitting out blood that had gotten into her mouth.

"Nothing like the taste of ol' natural iron to quench your thirst huh?!'' Dark Rainbow Dash jeered. "Kinda hard to take down huh? Not as smooth as cider is it?'' the dark Pegasus continued, getting closer to her face.

Rainbow Dash peered over her shoulder before suddenly spitting blood in Dark Rainbow Dash's face. The grey unicorn looked unfazed, giving Rainbow Dash a cold frown while the latter stared at her with a scornful glare. Dark Rainbow Dash calmly whipped the blood from her face before spitting a larger glob of saliva right back in Rainbow's face, causing her to recoil in disgust. Dark Rainbow Dash smirked wickedly.

"Well lookie here, I guess I win. I mean why shouldn't I? I DID beat you in a fight after all.''

"You did NOT beat me!'' Rainbow Dash responded darkly. "I'm not out yet!''

Dark Rainbow Dash laughed out, "C'mon! Give it up. The better side won. I know you hate losing, but the proud, tough girl act is just looking real petty and pathetic now! And your wimpy friends are even worse!''

Rainbow Dash shifted with a grunt and looked at her image with bold, unyielding narrowed eyes as she spoke. "It's not an act. I don't let anypony push me around like I'm some pussy. And I told you never to talk shit about my friends again. I've always came through for them before and I'm sure as hell not gonna start now!''

Dark Rainbow Dash said with a calm, dark leer. "Yeah, just like you've came through for Scootaloo.''

Instantly Rainbow Dash froze in her place as she bore a shocked expression on her face from those words. Dark Rainbow Dash continued. "That little pea brained brat who's always chasing after you, idolizing you turned to stone and died because you were there to protect her. Some hero!''

Rainbow Dash said nothing, just continued to stare at her dark side with an astonished, slightly frowning expression. "I mean really! Little chicken Scootaloo was so hopeless she couldn't even fly! Now that's such an epic fail of a Pegasus!'' Dark Rainbow Dash continued to mock and laugh.

That laughter…that horrible, degrading, careless laughter rang in Rainbow Dash's ears as she thought of that little, tomboyish filly Scootaloo. Rainbow Dash slowly turned her head away from her doppelganger, pinching her eyes shut as tears started to form in the corners. She gritted her teeth as her face fell into a deep, resentful frown. In truth ever since that day when Scootaloo asked Rainbow Dash to take her under her wing and become like something of a big sister to her, Rainbow Dash held a certain fondness for her in her heart. Scootaloo looked up to her, idolized her almost to the point of worship, all in the hopes of one day being just like her…how a little sister would act towards a big sister she greatly admired. And Rainbow Dash, whether she would admit it or now, actually loved her as a little sister, and now she was gone…forever encased in stone.

With these thoughts racing in her mind, tears began to seep down Rainbows face and fall to the ground. Dark Rainbow Dash went on in the cruel, mocking tone. "The little reject sure is dumb. She should've pick a better 'big sister' who would've been there to save her. I mean what kind of a big sister would let their 'little sister' die?!''

"I swear to god bitch if you don't shut up…'' Rainbow Dash seethed, her body shaking in both anger and sadness.

Dark Rainbow Dash just gave a wide, evil smile and said. "It's the truth! The great Rainbow Dash, so called best flier in all of Equestria couldn't even save a little filly! And don't get me started on your friends. You're just sitting here helpless as they die one by one at this very moment…if they're not dead already!''

Rainbow Dash's body quivered even more at the mention of her friends even possibly dying. Rainbow didn't say a word, just laid they, shaking as her rage continued to build up. Dark Rainbow Dash stood over her, taking pure delight in the anger a hurt she was dealing to her good side as she spoke.

"The 'awesome' Rainbow Dash, she can't even save your sorry excuse for friends let alone herself. And don't worry…'' the dark Pegasus drew closer to Rainbow Dash's bowed head as she spoke with a soft, but malignant tone. "I know how much ya just dying to tell Quentin the true, but you're not gonna live to tell him. Too bad, so sad.''

Rainbow Dash's body flinched at the very mention of the human turned stallion's name. Her eyes widened in alarm, but sill kept furrowed as tears still fell down her face. Dark Rainbow Dash continued. "But no biggy. You may not get to know how it feels to plow an earth pony, but believe me I will. I'll ride him till the cows come home…all while he's dying his last breathes. Ol' Q and I, we'll have one HELL of a time!''

Rainbow Dash couldn't take it anymore. She slowly lifted her head and stared right into the dark eyes of her twin, her own, rose colored eyes filled with burning ferocity. With the mention of Quentin, Rainbow Dash's mind couldn't help but race with images of things that she'd done with him up until now. She remembered the day she first crashed into him, the time Quentin and her had that sparring match in the dojo. Rainbow Dash remembered him almost being choked to death by Chrysalis and her changelings, as well as remembering that magical night where she flew through the skies with Quentin holding tightly by her side. A final image of Quentin appeared in her mind, him lying on the ground in the corridor back in the ruined palace at Canterlot. The very thought of this…thing participating in such disturbing, intimate acts caused the final fuse in her mind and heart to snap.

Dark Rainbow Dash gazed down at Rainbow and smirked that smug, sinful grin. "But first, I'm gonna knock all your teeth out. Ya definitely won't need them where you're about to go!''

With that, Dark Rainbow Dash pulled a foreleg back as she prepared for a heavy punch. With her attack ready, she quickly sprang her hoof forward, aiming for Rainbow Dash's mouth when suddenly the cyan pony blocked the punch. Dark Rainbow Dash's boastful grin dissolved into a grimace, her teeth bared as her eye twitched a bit. Rainbow Dash just stared with an unwavering, bold, furious glare, her teeth clenched as a trail of tears rolled down her eyes while she took slow, deep breathed. Rainbow's hoof shook as she blocked her double's punch until in a blink of an eye she retaliated with a powerful uppercut to Dark Rainbow Dash's chin.

The duplicate cried out in pain as she was sent upwards into the dark skies. Without hesitation, Rainbow Dash burst forth off the ground, a rainbow trailed vapor following her as she flew towards Dark Rainbow Dash. In no time, Rainbow Dash had caught up to her depraved copy and before Dark Rainbow Dash could react, she was suddenly bombarded with a series of punches from Rainbow Dash. The infuriated Rainbow Dash delivered blow after blow to her counterpart's face, never one letting up or giving her an opportunity to strike back as she took her further up into the skies. While Rainbow Dash attack, specks of blood flew from Dark Rainbow Dash's mouth and nose as Rainbow Dash seethed.

"There's…no…bucking…way…I'll ever…let you lay…a hoof on him!''

The two Pegasi continued to rise higher into the fiery atmosphere as Rainbow Dash spoke, going on with her wrath. "You think I'm just gonna sit back and let you pound on me? You think I'm just gonna stand by and let you threaten my friends and let you win? Well you're dead wrong you bitch. I'll NEVER let somepony working for a horse dick bastard like Chthon ever win!''

With one, last, robust punch, Rainbow Dash sent Dark Rainbow Dash rocketing ahead of her through the air, her face bloodied and bruised form the blows she had sustained. With gritted teeth and the fierce determination and will to win, Rainbow Dash let out a burst of speed and caught back up to Dark Rainbow Dash, grabbing her around the neck before redirecting her, taking her back down towards the earth. Rainbow Dash carried her image downwards, her speed increasing significantly with each passing second as the air around them began to form a semicircular shape. As she the two continued to rapidly increase speed, small sparks of electricity crackled along the brim of the semicircle until the pressurized air shifted and took the form of a cone, faint colors of the spectrum and electricity rippling through it. Tears flew from Rainbow Dash's eyes from the wind of the intense speed as Dark Rainbow Dash screamed in terror.

Then it happened. With a final yell from Rainbow Dash, she pushed her limited and let out a last minute expulsion of speed and burst through the cone. As she did so, a massive, vibrant and brilliant wave of rainbows burst forth and rippled through the air as Rainbow Dash rocketed at supersonic speeds towards the earth, taking Dark Rainbow Dash with it, the rainbow trail behind them now sparkling. Rainbow Dash had performed the impossible, a phenomenon that was only known and talked about in legends…the Sonic Rainboom. As Rainbow Dash broke the sound barrier, it seemed like mere seconds when she finally took Dark Rainbow Dash and at last collided into the ground. Upon impact, another rainbow ripple burst throughout the air as a rainbow colored explosion erupted. An enormous, rainbow mushroom cloud formed from the explosion as powerful winds destroyed what was left of some of the ruined cottages that were near the area.

The ground shook greatly, as if struck by a mighty earthquake as a low rumble filled the air. It did not take long however for the explosion to vanish in the moment, as the multicolored smoke around the area began to steadily dissipate. All was quiet, the rumbles having finally disappeared and the smoke was parting to slowly reveal the outcome of the Sonic Rainboom. Rainbow Dash and Dark Rainbow Dash were now laying in a small crater, with the dark grey Pegasus on the bottom, used as a sort of cushion for Rainbow Dash. Rainbow Dash was still for a moment before she shifted, letting out a groan as she started to lift her body from her dark side. Rainbow shook her head off of dust and disorientation before looking down at Dark Rainbow Dash with an astounded, furrowed frown. Dark Rainbow Dash was laying sprawled in the bottom of the crater. Her eyes were completely blackened, her pupils having rolled to the back of her head while streaks of blood running from her eyes, nose, mouth, and ears. She laid there, motionless that smug, devilish smile she bore no longer present and replaced by a blank, empty expression.

With a soft glare, Rainbow Dash pushed herself of her copy and backed away a few feet. She stared down at the lifeless doppelganger for a few moments before spitting on her face. Almost instantly after the gesture, Dark Rainbow Dash burst in a dark red light, causing Rainbow Dash to jump back in surprise. The light turned into a beam the streamed and flew wildly in the sire above the brazen Pegasus before finally flying quickly back down towards Rainbow Dash, flying and disappearing painlessly into her Element and chest. Rainbow quickly observed herself with a bewildered, glower on her face. She looked to the spot where her counterpart once laid and seeing that she had won her fight, Rainbow Dash let out a relived, but aggressive breath as she muttered. "Good riddance.''

Rarity ran towards Dark Rarity, her diamond shape Element glowing brilliantly as she fired a purple colored beam from it. With a dark smirk, Dark Rarity countered by firing a dark red beam from her own corrupted Element, going through the air before colliding with Rarity's attack causing a small red and purple explosion. Rarity shielded her eyes from the winds of the aftershock. The beautiful unicorn peered through her hoof only to be caught off guard by Dark Rarity lunging form the smoke and hitting her across the face with a punch. Rarity cried out as she was knocked backwards and landing on the ground. Dark Rarity continued her assault by running towards the fallen Rarity as her horn glowed a billowing crimson aura. Rarity was then covered in the same colored aura as she was lifted up before rushing towards the caster of the spell.

Rarity shrieked as she flew towards her darker half, not taking more than a hundredth of a second to reach Dark Rarity only for her to be victim of a buck to the chest form the dark, vile unicorn. And Rarity hurtled backwards before she once again found herself landing on the ground, rolling once or twice before skidding to a stop. Dark Rarity smirked a sort of refined wickedness as she casually started towards her good side as she struggled to get up.

"Oh come now darling, don't tell me you're losing your vigor already? You're actually, almost starting to become an adequate opponent,'' Dark Rarity said.

Rarity gazed up at Dark Rarity and shot a hate filled glare at her as she responded, "Well 'darling', you're actually, almost starting to become an annoyance!''

With that outburst, Rarity sprang up and galloped towards her personified darkness. As she did so, her horn glowed a light blue. A worn down, charred wooden wagon she ran passed was then engulfed with the same colored aura and Rarity used her magic to lift it into the air and as she skidded to a halt, she whipped her head forward with jerk and a cry, sending the wagon soaring towards Dark Rarity. Dark Rarity merely smirked smugly as her Element glowed a dark red and fired a crimson beam of magic energy towards the wagon, destroying it on contact. Using the resulting smoke to her advantage, Rarity ran through it, all while using her magic to lift the wagon's two wheels that had flown off to follow her. The grimed and cut unicorn burst through the smoke, catching Dark Rarity off guard and before the loathsome entity could react, Rarity began to assault her repeatedly with the two wheels.

"Take…that…you…wretched reflection!'' Rarity seethed as she continued to strike Dark Rarity continuously with the wheels, forcing her backwards with pained grunts and cries.

With one final strike, Rarity commanded both wheels to hit Dark Rarity in the face, shattering them to pieces and causing her to flail backwards. As Dark Rarity fumbled about to regain her balance, Rarity clenched her teeth as her Element fired a purple beam at her counterpart, hitting her and firing her backwards towards a cottage. It took less than a minute before the creaming Dark Rarity crashed through the broken door of the crumbing cottage and disappeared inside. Still not satisfied with her attack, Rarity quickly rushed forward before sliding to a stop a few feet of the cottage. Her horn glowed that billowing light blue aura as did the crack filled walls supporting the cottage. Rarity needn't even had to put forth much effort before the walls' cracks streaked about before finally crumbling down, causing the rest of the cottage to collapse with a loud crash and filling the area with dense smoke.

Rarity stared at the mound of debris with furrowed eyes for a moment or two and when she saw no trace of her evil copy, she let out a tiring, but relieved sight. "Finally, that horrible fabrication is no more.''

Rarity turned to leave, taking a slightly, stumbling step as she did so before she stopped dead in her tracks as she her a low rumbling sound. She whipped back around to find the mound shaking, debris falling to the ground as it did so. Rarity continued to look at the shaking pile with a bewildered, cautious expression before a red light burst from the pile, scattering parts of the destroyed cottage in all directions. Rarity covered herself to avoid the debris and when she looked up, her eyes widened in horror as she saw Dark Rarity standing among what's left of the cottage, her horn aglow with a billowing red aura with the most sinister smile on her face.

"W-What?!" Rarity exclaimed in fright, taking a step backwards. "Y-You're still alive?! But…but an entire cottage fell upon you?!''

Dark Rarity let out a light giggle, beginning to advance towards Rarity. "Well sweetie, that might have been able to finish off a regular pony but there's just one, little dilemma existing there…I'm no regular pony.''

As the dark unicorn continued towards Rarity, large pieces of wreckage engulfed in a red aura floated around Dark Rarity. "Though I must admit that last attack you've performed had a sense of bravura to it. I think I have a go at it, if you don't mind though something tells me that you will.''

Rarity didn't have a moment's chance to think or react when Dark Rarity galloped towards her and in a few quick seconds, her dark side used her magic to savagely attack her with the pieces of debris of the cottage. Left, right, up, down Rarity's head jerked violently as she was hit in the face with large pieces of wood, plastered stone, and pegs. For what seemed like a cruel, excruciating eternity, Dark Rarity finally threw her current weaponry to the side and delivered a finishing blow to her good counterpart, firing a dark red magical blast form her horn, hitting Rarity and causing her to soar backwards, her body sliding on the ground before coming to a stop.

Rarity laid sprawled on the ground. Her lovely face now tainted with grime and bruised from her demon's attack. Blood trickled down from her nose, a trail of mascara staining her face. Rarity gave a light groan as she tried to move her body. Dark Rarity walked towards the beaten Rarity with an elegant, but dreadful grin on her face.

"Well that certainly was invigorating wasn't it? Such a glorious rush wouldn't you say?!"

Rarity only responded by weakly lifting her head and giving Dark Rarity a weary glare, gritting her teeth. She shakily brought a foreleg up as she attempted to stand up. "Well maybe not for you obviously but moi, I feel just marvelous!'' Dark Rarity said before continuing. "If it's any consolation, you won't have to worry about your appearance anymore. What I'm about to do to you, it would only prove unavailing in the long run.''

Rarity growled under her breath as she slowly began to rise from the ground. "Like I said before, the state of my appearance isn't what's important to me, especially not now of all times!''

At this, Dark Rarity let out an amused, dark laugh. "Really now? Then by all means dearie I implore you, what is the most important thing to you right now?''

As Rarity proceeded to slowly, but surely stand on all fours, she gave her wicked doppelganger a cold, tiring gaze. "Right now, the most important thing to me…are my friends.''

Dark Rarity replied with a taunt, rolling her eyes. "Oh please, those droll, uncouth, mangy lot? Surely you could think of things even remotely better right now?

"I wouldn't dare think of anything else for they are without a doubt the most important ponies I know, and if it means to help them, then I refuse to give up!'' Rarity said.

Dark Rarity clicked her tongue in annoyance and said. "Why do you persists so? Don't you know you're already finished? You've been beaten before we even started this little competition, and yet you still continue to defy Lord Chthon's glorious will.''

"There's…there's NOTHING glorious about that wretched beast! He who finds pleasure in others' pain, their misery…Chthon is nothing more than the same brand of filthy cockroaches that my friends and I have encountered in the past!''

At her comment, Dark Rarity's face in an angered frowned and she suddenly went upon Rarity, raised a hoof, and forced her head down in the blackened dirt. Rarity let out a brief cry as her head hit the hard ground, her copy's hoof pressing down hard on her head. Dark Rarity spoke with an acrimonious tone.

"Don't you dare speak as cross word against my master! You're not even fit to even speak his name!'' Dark Rarity pressed down harder on her good side's head, causing her to scream out. Dark Rarity continued, a malevolent smirk spreading across her face. "But nothing to fret about, because I'm about to end this here and now.''

As the cruel unicorn added extra pressure to Rarity's head, the latter cried out louder. Such pain, such terrible pain. Rarity felt like her skull would crack at any moment from the pressure as her dark side added more and more with each passing second. Tears began to form from the corners of Rarity's pinched shut eyes. Dark Rarity just stood above her, smiling cruelly as she savored the pain she was inflicting upon Rarity.

"How does it feel? Knowing that you're on the very verge of death? Not very pleasant by the sounds of your screaming.''

Rarity peered through one eye as she gritted her teeth, trying her hardest to fight off the pain as she glared hatefully up at the grey unicorn. Dark Rarity spoke, vileness in her tone. "Aw what's the matter sweetie? Do you hate me? Are you angry? Why, is it because your precious mane was ruined? Is it because you lost a fight that you couldn't win in the first place?''

Rarity's mouth began to quiver, still clenching her teeth as he body began to tremble. "I…I am angry…'' she spoke softly through her teeth.

Dark Rarity grinned horribly. "Ah I knew it. No doubt finally realizing how silly it was trying to persevere. Knowing that in the end, all of your frivolous and pointless pursuits in life meant nothing…just like those worthless friends of yours.''

Rarity let out a growl as she heard that comment. Dark Rarity's words had cut her deep, deeper than any blade could ever had down. Rarity had endured a tremendous beating from Dark Rarity, but enough was enough. She was fed up with her counterpart's constant taunting. She was fed up with the never ending insults. But most of all, she was fed up with Dark Rarity's mocking of her feelings she was experiencing due to the drastic shift in the world she had once knew. She had took it all in her fight…but no more.

From out of nowhere, she gained a newfound strength as her horn was engulfed in that light blue, billowing aura. The aura glowed brighter and brighter, catching Dark Rarity off guard. "W-What?!'' the dark unicorn exclaimed in shock.

Dark Rarity didn't have a chance to react before an azure colored explosion erupted, sending her screaming as she hurled backwards. She rolled on the ground before coming to a stop. She shook her head furiously before looking up with a quizzical, aggressive frown, her mane hanging unkempt over her face to see Rarity standing up on all fours. Rarity stood with her head lowered slightly, her breathing long and shallow as she bore the most rage filled expression one could see, her strong, azure eyes brimming with tears. After a couple more breaths, Rarity spoke, her Element glowing a brilliant purple as she spoke.

"You want to know why I'm angry. I'll tell you!''

She then fired a purple beam from her Element, hitting Dark Rarity and sending her backwards with a cry. Rarity advanced towards her as she said. "I'm angry because I'm in a hellish world full of nothing but anguish and grief!''

Rarity fired another beam of magic towards her doppelganger, once again hitting her and sending her crying backwards and hitting the ground. She whipped her head upwards and casted a maddening, dark glare at Rarity with gritted teeth as her good side continued advancing towards her.

"I'm angry because that evil, death bringing abomination Chthon destroyed my home. Killed my love ones!'' Rarity spoke out in anger, tears streaming down her face.

Rarity fired yet another beam at Dark Rarity, again blasting her further backwards with her body sliding on the ground. She weakly started to stand up, giving a low snarl as she looked up at Rarity. "But most of all, I'm angry for all your condemnation towards my friends. My six, wonderful, most precious friends. I won't stand idly by as you prattle on about how worthless they are…how they will die. Messing with me is one thing, but when you mess with my friends, I'll rip you to pieces!''

With a yell, Rarity fired one final beam at her dark side, sending her rocketing backwards before colliding hard back first against a wall of a shambled cottage. Before Dark Rarity's body could slide down onto the ground, Rarity horn glowed as she used her magic to lift up three large pieces of wood, their ends exposing sharp points. Without hesitation, Rarity willed one of the pieces of wood towards Dark Rarity. In less than five seconds, the thrown wood came to Dark Rarity, one embedding itself into the foreleg of Dark Rarity. The grey unicorn let out an anguished cry, the wood stabbing through and into the wall, stopping her from falling as blood poured from around the wood and down onto the ground. Not letting up for a second, Rarity used her magic to send another piece of wood towards the pinned unicorn, using her body as a sheath of some sort as it impaled itself in her abdomen. Again, Dark Rarity cried out in excruciating pain as she bought her free hoof over the wood, attempting to pull it out. Rarity gave Dark Rarity one, final animus glare and with clenched teeth, she used her magic to flung the final piece of wood at her dark counterpart. It wasn't long before the wood had flown through the air before finally lodging itself right in the center of Dark Rarity's forehead. Upon being struck, Dark Rarity's dark eyes shot wide open, her red pupils became small. With her head pinned back, Dark Rarity hung there, mouth slightly ajar, her body only supported by the three pieces of wood that were stuck through her body and into the wall, blood oozing profusely from the wounds, trailing down her body and dripping onto the ground. Seeing the lifeless body of her other half hung motionlessly on the wall, Rarity relaxed a bit, the aura vanishing from her horn when suddenly Dark Rarity exploded in a flash of red light, the bloodstained woods falling to the ground. Rarity gasped in alarm as the red light streamed wildly in the air before coming back down and soaring right into Rarity's chest. Shaken by what had just transpired, Rarity frantically observed herself only to find nothing wrong with. Rarity looked at where her dark side had been pinned and when she saw no trace of her she let out a deep breath as the last of her tears streamed down her face. "Finally…thank heavens.''

Dark Pinkie Pie laughed out maniacally as she relentlessly tried to slash Pinkie Pie, the knife in her mouth. With each slash, Pinkie would evade the strike, her face that one bore a terrified, pessimistic expression now had a determined, dauntless look. After seeing her strikes unsuccessful, Dark Pinkie Pie lunged at her good side, intending to stab her in the chest with a demented grin. Pinkie Pie was quick once again and before the point of the blade could touch her, the pink pony slid under her doppelganger, caught her tail in her mouth, and swung her around before releasing her, sending her screaming across the destroyed lobby of Sugarcube Corner.

Dark Pinkie Pie landed on the floor, crashing into chairs and tables, losing her knife. After shaking off some dizziness, Dark Pinkie stood up and turned to Pinkie Pie, giving off a low growl when suddenly she was hit square in the face with a whole cake. Dark Pinkie Pie cried in shock as her face was covered in cake batter and frosting. She whipped off some of the cake and shot an irritated glare at her good side to see Pinkie Pie standing behind a cannon. The cannon was a light blue color with a pink wheel at each side of the base, both with the image of a yellow flower at the center of both wheels. On top of the opposite end of the open barrel was a red button, with Pinkie having a hoof over it ready to us as she bore a serious, clenched teethed frown.

Dark Pinkie Pie once again let out an irritable snarl and made a motion towards Pinkie Pie, only for the latter to push the button continuously for four time. With each press, a cake fired out of the cannon with a loud boom resembling noise makers, with each cake hitting their target in the face, causing them to splatter and fall to the floor. Finally having enough of the sugary onslaught, Dark Pinkie Pie cried out in frustration and spat. "Do you really think you can win by giving me cake?!''

Pinkie Pie furrowed her eyes further and growled. "I'm assaulting you with cake. There's no way I'd give somepony as mean and depraved as you cake!''

Dark Pinkie Pie frown turned into a dark grin as she responded, "Good, because I don't want these kinds of cake anyway. I'll just have to teach you the proper way to bake…while I kill you of course.''

Pinkie Pie gave her dark side a disgusted look before firing another five rounds of cake at her. However this time around, Dark Pinkie Pie evaded all five cakes and after dodging the last, she ran towards a fallen table and dived behind it. Seeing the opportunity, Pinkie Pie took out a pie with a fuse sticking out of the dough casing, lit as it sparked downwards towards the dough. Pinkie Pie then flung the lit pie towards the table her counterpart had hid behind and in a few mere seconds, the pie exploded, scattering wood and blueberry filling everywhere.

Pinkie Pie shielded herself from the blast and when it was over, she peered over only to give a surprised gasp. The pie bomb had destroyed the table, but Dark Pinkie Pie was nowhere to be seen among the pastry covered area. The only thing that was present was a mysterious black hole. "W-What?! No way! Where did she go?!'' Pinkie Pie shrieked, looking around frantically.

"Gee, that IS a mystery isn't it?'' a voice suddenly spoke behind her.

Pinkie Pie jumped in surprise and she whipped around only to be struck with a punch from Dark Pinkie Pie. Pinkie let out a cry as she was flown backwards and sliding to a stop just in front of the black hole. Dark Pinkie Pie grinned sinisterly as she cracked her neck. Pinkie groaned as she shook her head to shake off the pained feeling of the punch and asked.

"B-But, where did you come from? How did you get from here to there behind me?!''

The dark counterpart giggled and answered, "Easy, with the help of these.''

Dark Pinkie then reached behind her and pulled out a paintbrush and a palette with only two colors, red and black. Pinkie Pie just looked at her dark side with a deeply confused look. "What does paint have to do with it?''

Dark Pinkie Pie rolled her eyes and ridiculed. "My gosh you're stupid. I painted a hole in the ground and when I was done, I jumped into it and came up and clocked you one. Simple enough for you?''

Pinkie Pie still looked lost and she turned her attention to the supposedly painted on hole in the ground. "You mean you…painted this? But, huh?!''

The pink pony stopped just as she brought a hoof to the hole, expecting to feel the ground but to her surprise, her hoof when into the drawn hole. Pinkie then gazed at Dark Pinkie Pie with a truly quizzical, silent stare as the grey earth pony said. "Aw speechless? Well you'll soon be after I'm finished with you.''

Dark Pinkie Pie threw her paintbrush and palette to the side and ran towards her original, with the most demented smile on her face. Alarmed by the sudden charge, Pinkie Pie looked back and forth from Dark Pinkie Pie and the black hole in the ground and with only one thought in mind, she dived into the drawing and disappeared before Dark Pinkie could land an attack. Seeing her other side had disappeared, Dark Pinkie Pie stopped in front of the hole, only to grin wickedly. She then took a nearby chair and flung it with all her strength behind her, just as Pinkie Pie came out of the other hole and was hit directly with the chair. The pink pony cried out and was knocked back painfully to the ground as the chair shattered to pieces.

With that same, twisted smile, Dark Pinkie Pie started to walk towards the falling Pinkie Pie, the latter giving off slight whimpers of pain as she shifted her body. "Though you were gonna use my trick to get away did you? Well guess again.'' Dark Pinkie Pie said, her dark eyes on her counterpart.

Pinkie Pie tried to stand, but when she began to move, Dark Pinkie Pie ran forward and stomped on Pinkie Pie's bad leg, causing her to scream in agony. Pinkie instantly brought her legs to her hooves in an attempt to soothe it, gritting her teeth as tears appeared in her eyes. Seeing her in pain, Dark Pinkie Pie laughed out cruelly before speaking.

"Now that's the sound I love to hear. They said the laughter is the best sound anypony could hear, but they're dead wrong. Its screams of aguish that can't be beat!''

Pinkie Pie peered through one eye, completely disgusted with her dark side's belief and she spoke, "Why…why do you have to look like me? I want nothing to do with a sick, vile pony like you!''

"Well I came from the darkest reaches of your heart. I'm who you're truly are,'' Dark Pinkie Pie answered.

At this, Pinkie Pie shook her head as she lifted her upper body up and argued fiercely. "NO! You're wrong! All I want is happiness and joy. All I want is to spread smiles and laughter. You want nothing but pain and suffering…something that I wouldn't even dream about inflicting. All I want…'' Pinkie Pie then looked downwards as tears rolled down her face. "All I want…is to be with my friends.''

Again, Dark Pinkie Pie laughed out darkly and spoke. "What friends?! You mean the ones that are cold stone? The ones that are dead? Face it, everypony that were your friends in Ponyville is gone!''

Pinkie Pie bowed her head and gritted her teeth as she pinched her eyes shut, her tears flowing more fluidly. "No…you're wrong.''

Dark Pinkie then grinned fiendishly at Pinkie Pie and said, "And if you're talking about those five losers of 'friends' then don't bother, they'll soon meet the same fate as the others.''

"S-Stop…saying…my friends…are going to die!'' Pinkie Pie said, sniffing and breathing heavily through her tears on the verge of completely breaking down.

Dark Pinkie Pie looked down at the weeping Pinkie with the most sinister smirk and spoke, "Well it's the truth! It's the very reason why Lord Chthon called us…why should he bother with the likes of you when we could gladly do the job and plus…'' Dark Pinkie Pie giggled before continuing, reaching behind her a taking out a knife. "I still haven't forgotten my plans for my tasty treats.''

Pinkie Pie held her breath as she looked wide eyed at the ground, a trail of tears running down her face as she listened to her darker half. "I've wasted too much time with you already and I have a party planned. So when I'm done with you, I'm gonna go gather up the rest of your friends…cause I can't make the best cupcakes in the world without the special ingredients. Who knows…maybe I let you live long enough to watch me as I cut them up into little pieces and bake them, then we'll see how you hold up being the Element of Laughter.''

Pinkie Pie just stayed silent, silent as the horrible words of her dark doppelganger replayed repeatedly in her mind. While she sat there, Dark Pinkie Pie walked towards her, a disturbing, macabre smile across her face as she swayed her body. Pinkie seemed to pay no mind to Dark Pinkie's approach. Soon, Pinkie Pie's body began to shake as she lowered her head, the sparkling liquid that were her tears falling onto the ground. The foreign emotions of anger and hate began to fester and grow in her heart. She was sick of the new, dark world that she was now surrounded in. She was sick of the hurt, and sorrow that were stabbing her heart like a heated knife. But most of all, she was sick of the dark, grey toned earth pony that was steadily making way towards her.

Dark Pinkie Pie was a mere few feet away and she put the knife in her mouth, intending on slicing her, maiming her…possibly ending her. Just as Dark Pinkie Pie was about to attack her good side, Pinkie's Element began to glow blue and with a cry a powerful beam of magic fired from the balloon shaped gemstone. The magic blast hit Dark Pinkie Pie, sending her screaming backwards before falling and rolling on the ground. As she fell, Dark Pinkie Pie lost her knife and when she stopped rolling, she whipped her head upwards, her straight, grey mane falling wildly over her face as she bore a dark, murderous glare.

Pinkie Pie now stood up on all fours, staring directly into the unnatural eyes of her counterpart with her own outraged, unyielding, blue eyes as tears rolled down her face, her Element still glowing. Through her teeth, Dark Pinkie Pie growled in anger before giving off a brief cry as she tried to lunge at Pinkie Pie, only for the latter to immediately fire another blue beam at her and sending her backwards and crashing into a few chairs and tables. As Dark Pinkie Pie was blown back, Pinkie Pie started to march towards her as she spoke in completely, un-Pinkie Pie like tone.

"I've said this before and I'll only say it one more time…don't you ever, EVER talk about killing my friends again!''

After Dark Pinkie Pie was able to recover from the hit, she gazed at Pinkie Pie, still approaching her. The dark pony's let out a savage like roar of anger as she leaped up and galloped towards Pinkie Pie. When she came closer to her good side and jumped towards her, Pinkie Pie suddenly jumped into the air and from out of nowhere pulled out a line of text reading, 'Pinkie Pie suddenly jumped into the air' and wielded it in her hooves like a sort of club. Just Dark Pinkie Pie came near her, Pinkie swung the line of text and hit Dark Pinkie across the face, sending her falling to the side with a pained grunt.

"You said life's a party, but you don't know the first thing about throwing a party!'' Pinkie Pie spoke, swinging the text, once again hitting her in the face and knocker her violently to her side, a string of blood leaving her mouth as she did so.

Pinkie Pie continued, her angered, piercing eyes never one leaving her dark side. "Parties are about laughter!'' Pinkie Pie struck her with an overhead strike with the text, hitting Dark Pink on the top of her head, causing her to cry out in pain.

"Parties are about fun. Sharing happy memories and spreading joy!'' Pinkie Pie continued as she struck Dark Pinkie with a diagonal strike with the text, making her stumble backwards with another cry.

"But most of all, parties are about sharing all the fun, happy moment's with your friends. It's not even about the party, as long as you're with your friends, as long as you're laughing together…that's all that matters!''

Pinkie Pie spun around and hit her copy with a strong strike across the face, sending her spinning in the air and falling back down on the ground again. Dark Pinkie weakly tried to lift herself up and raised her head and gazed at Pinkie Pie as she came towards her, ready to use that line of text again. Pinkie Pie continued fiercely.

"To have a fun with friends, to just have so much joy being in each other's company…it's guaranteed that you'll be friends for life. But you don't have that do you? Are you have are those horrible, bad attempts of copies and that even more horrible monster Chthon who created you. For my friends, I will never let you win, you won't! Because I have two things on my side: The best friends a pony from a simply rock farm could ask for and the second best thing…PLOT ARMOR!''

With that proclamation, Pinkie Pie gave one last, powerful swing to Dark Pinkie's body, sending her screaming towards her party cannon and she collided into the opening with her belly in a loud 'uff' and her body went limp for a moment. Without hesitation, Pinkie Pie dropped the text and quickly rushed to the cannon and stood at the other end. Dark Pinkie Pie groggily lifted her head and opened her red, dark eyes to see Pinkie Pie glaring at her, her hoof over the red button. Finally comprehending the situation she was in, Dark Pinkie's groggy expression became one of alarm and shock as Pinkie Pie uttered one, last, dark remark to her cruel counterpart. "Hasta la vista, baby!''

Before Dark Pinkie Pie could react, Pinkie had pressed down on the button. The effects were instantaneous and in a flash of red light, a red, flaming ball shot of the cannon, taking Dark Pinkie Pie with it. As it flew, brilliant white sparkles trialed behind it as Dark Pinkie screamed for dear life. It wasn't even a minute when the sparkled trailed ball of fire propelled Dark Pinkie towards the back wall and finally collided into it. Upon impact, there was a brilliant explosion of red fireworks, as loud cracks sounded. Pinkie Pie ducked in cover as sparkles streaked in all directions as red light continued to flash. It was only for a few, short seconds before the flashes, and the sound of crackling final stopped, replaced by the faint sounds of sizzling as light smoke filled the area near the wall. Hearing nothing, Pinkie Pie peered over her hoof and when she saw the firework display had ended, she cautiously stood back up on her hooves. She looked to where she saw the ball of fire took her dark side and at first saw only smoke. Being vigilant, she took a step towards the smoking area when a beam of red light suddenly fired from the smoke and soared towards her, disappearing in her chest. Pinkie Pie gave a short shriek from the sudden display.

"W-What was that?!''

Pinkie Pie examined herself, touching her chest and necklace with her hooves and seeing nothing wrong with her, she stared at the wall, the smoke starting to clear up. All she saw was a large area of the wall that had tiny, glowing red particles where the firework had hit, her dark side nowhere to be found. Seeing this, Pinkie Pie let out a thankful breath. "Good old party cannon…never fails me.'' Pinkie muttered as the letters from the line of text on the ground began to rise before finally disappearing into thin air.

A crimson light flashed as Fluttershy was blown with force from her cottage. She screamed as she flew through the air before landing hard and painfully on the pathway leading from her home. Fluttershy softly groaned as she slowly lifted her head and peered groggily towards the direction of her charred home. In moments Dark Fluttershy walked out from the cottage, a cruel, sadistic grin on her face before suddenly taking off and flying towards her timid good side. Fluttershy squeaked out a gasp before closing her eyes with a serious frown as her Element began to glow pink. Within moments, a pink beam of magic fired from her Element and towards her counterpart. Dark Fluttershy merely gave a complacent grin as her own Element glowed before firing a crimson beam of magic towards the incoming attack and collided with it. A small explosion resulted, causing Fluttershy to recoil with a small cry as she shielded her face. A dense smoke originated from the collision and Fluttershy lowered her hooves and gazed into the haze, only for Dark Fluttershy to suddenly fly from the smoke and towards the tender Pegasus, grabbing her by the neck as she pushed her back. Fluttershy screamed as she fell back first on the ground as she was dragged by Dark Fluttershy until they stopped just at the edge the creek of boiling lava. Dark Fluttershy remained on top of her good side, that sadistic smirk on her face and she said coldly.

"Where's your backbone now wimp?''

Before Fluttershy could respond or act, Dark Fluttershy punched her hard across the face, followed but left punch. Fluttershy cried in pain as she was struck. Dark Fluttershy gazed down at the whimpering Pegasus and giggled with glee and spoke. "Guess it's gone, fragile like glass. Not surprising from such a pussy Pegasus!''

Fluttershy shot her dark reflection a timid, but stern glare as her Element began to glow. Catching this, Dark Fluttershy looked down and remarked, "Not this time!''

The grey Pegasus then quickly jumped back just in time to evade the pink beam of magic that fired form Fluttershy's Element. Just as it appeared, the beam quickly disappeared into the skies as Fluttershy slowly lifted herself from the ground. "Aw I guess your little attack didn't work,'' Dark Fluttershy spoke mockingly. "I guess those pathetic toys aren't as great as you make them out to be.''

Fluttershy responded softly, but adamantly as she glared at Dark Fluttershy. "T-there's…there's nothing pathetic about being kind.''

At this Dark Fluttershy laughed out loud, causing Fluttershy to stare at her with a quizzical frown. "Please! Who would actually have the gull to believe in such a notion? Well if that's the case, then I'll show all my 'kindness' to every singly animal in sight and crush them to pieces…just like your precious, wittle Angel!''

Fluttershy's face fell as she bore a resentful express, her teeth gritted as she said with a low growl that only got louder. "I…I told you before…I WON'T let you hurt anymore of my animal friends!''

Fluttershy quickly sprang up and ran forwards Dark Fluttershy and tried to throw a punch with all of her strength. However despite her efforts, Dark Fluttershy effortlessly blocked the punch before countering with a punch of her own to her original's face. Fluttershy let out a cry before being struck by a strong kick side kick by Dark Fluttershy, sending her flying back a few feet before falling on the ground. Almost immediately, Fluttershy clutched her stomach as her body curled slightly inwards, soft whimpers of pain escaping her lips as she laid on the ground. Seeing the yellow Pegasus in pain, Dark Fluttershy laughed out once more.

"See just as I said, pathetic!''

Fluttershy ceased her whimpering and lifted her head off the ground, gazing with a soft, angered, saddened scowl through her mane to see her dark side now walking towards her. "Not that it's really that much of a surprise. ''Tell me, how does it feel to constantly be weak and defenseless…always needing somepony to save you?''

Fluttershy wearily glared up at Dark Fluttershy, tears at the corner of her eyes and clenching her teeth in anger before trying to lunge up at the dark Pegasus. However, the second Fluttershy moved, Dark Fluttershy kicked her, knocking her a few inches into the air with a scream and falling back down on the ground, her back facing Dark Fluttershy.

"My god you're useless,'' Dark Fluttershy said with a disgusted expression as she walked towards Fluttershy. "You could never do things on your own. You always had to rely on your friends or you'd be completely lost…unable to take care of yourself. I wonder…how much your friends resent you for being so weak and fragile?''

As Dark Fluttershy walked towards her good side, Fluttershy's body began to shudder as the soft, but unmistakable sounds of crying was heard. "Y-Your wrong…my friends don't resent me!'' Fluttershy whimpered through her tears.

Dark Fluttershy clicked her tongue and replied. "Well they should. Unlike you I don't need to be protected. I'm no damsel in distress. I feel just jubilant that somepony as brilliant and exalted Lord Chthon would make me devoid of such weaknesses.'' Dark Fluttershy then grinned darkly. "Perhaps I'll take you to him so you can bow in praise to his greatness.''

At this, Fluttershy's shuddering intensified as she brought a foreleg up and lifted her body slightly. She lifted and turned her head and looked at Dark Fluttershy, her eyes furrowed begrudgingly as tears flowed from them and she answered in a tone of boldness she rarely used.

"I would never want to bow to somepony like him. He isn't brilliant or great. He destroyed my home… killed all of my animal friends…'' Fluttershy paused as she started to break down. Before continuing. "He's nothing but…but a sadistic monster! I would rather die…than to bow to a heartless, evil demon!''

Dark Fluttershy's grin dissolved into a dirty grimace at Fluttershy's brave remark. She suddenly went forward and forced Fluttershy's head against the hard ground, causing her to give a brief squeaking cry. Dark Fluttershy brought her face near to the squirming Fluttershy's ear as she spoke grimly.

"Still with the brave words, still with the tough talk. When are you gonna admit that no matter what you do, you'll always be a meek, sad, helpless weakling. You'd rather die than to bow to my master?'' Dark Fluttershy then bore a truly vicious smirk and continued. "Well that's good, because I'm right on your schedule.''

While Fluttershy continued to twist and struggle against her copy's pressure, Dark Fluttershy forcefully dragged her by the head along the charred, dead earth until they finally came to the edge of the creek of magma. Dark Fluttershy roughly whipped Fluttershy's head upwards in her grey hooves, and Fluttershy instantly shrieked as her strong, cyan eyes gazed upon the scorching, glowing liquid earth. Fluttershy began to writhe violently, as she frantically, desperately tried to escape Dark Fluttershy's grip. However, Dark Fluttershy hold proved too strong and she jerked her good side's head as she said cruelly.

"Na uh uh there'll be none of that! What's wrong Fluttershy? I hear the lava is great this time of year. Don't you just want to go for a refreshing dip?''

Dark Fluttershy tried to force Fluttershy's head towards the surface of the lava. Fluttershy planted her forelegs on the ground as she fought with all her strength against her counterpart. Terror, such unimaginable terror. Fluttershy's eyes were wide with fright, her pupils small and dilated as a stream of tears flowing down her chest. Sweat quickly came from her pores and rolled down her face as she neared the boiling pool, sweat dripping from her face and sizzled into the molten rock.

"Stop! Let me go!'' Fluttershy cried out. "I don't…I don't…want to…"

"Aw don't want to?'' Dark Fluttershy began in phony, sympathetic tone before shifting to a malicious one. "Well too bad, cause you're going under whether you like it or not!''

Dark Fluttershy started to add more weight as she tried to force Fluttershy's head towards the lava. Fluttershy continued to cry and scream as she fought against Dark Fluttershy's strength, jerking her head violently in an effort to make her head inch upwards. As Fluttershy fought for her life, Dark Fluttershy smiled madly, malevolently as she tried to push her original's head into the lava pool. Soon, her strength was getting too much for the timid Pegasus and Fluttershy's head inched closer and closer to the magma. Fluttershy's crying grew into sobs as her nose neared the glowing magma. Among the sobbing, Dark Fluttershy whispered into Fluttershy's ear.

"Any moment now, I'll put an end to your pitiful, worthless life. Soon, you won't have to worry about your petty need to love animals.''

At her remark, Fluttershy's sobs almost immediately became quite as she stared wide eyed into the molten liquid. Dark Fluttershy continued. "But don't worry once you're dead, your frivolous friends will follow soon after. I will personally make sure that they will die in the most horrible way possible and make them burn. After all…that is their fate.''

Without those heartless, cold words echoing in her head, something began to stir inside of Fluttershy. She gritted her teeth as she winced her eyes greatly first with distress and then with rage, the tears still cascading down her face and into the lava. And it was at that moment when a fuse in Fluttershy's heart finally snapped and with a shrill scream she caught Dark Fluttershy off guard with a hard, reverse head butt to her muzzle. Dark Fluttershy let out an agonizing cry as she reeled backwards, releasing Fluttershy from her hold.

Immediately, Fluttershy whipped around, taking off from the ground as she savagely threw out a barrage of punches to Dark Fluttershy's face. As she assaulted her, Fluttershy forced her back as her wings carried her faster then she'd ever flown in her life. Those eyes, those strong, cyan eyes that once bore gentleness and the kindness she so represented were nowhere to be seen. All were in those eyes were pure wrath and fury, pupils small and tears streaming down her face as she pushed Dark Fluttershy backwards up the path, never letting up her fury even for a second.

"You…horrible…evil…wretch! I…won't…ever…let you…hurt my friends!'' Fluttershy seethed in outrage as she continued her onslaught. "Somepony like you, some…THING like you could never understand how much they mean to me. And I refuse to let you take them away!''

As Fluttershy punched her dark side furiously, blood streaked from Dark Fluttershy's face and into the air as she cried out with each hit. Fluttershy then ended her punches and pushed Dark Fluttershy backwards onto the ground where they rolled a few times before stopping. Fluttershy suddenly grabbed Dark Fluttershy by her back legs and began to furiously smash her into the ground. With every hard, painful blow, there were sickening cracks from the screaming Dark Fluttershy. Fluttershy was truly displaying a strength she herself never knew she had, but she didn't notice nor did she even cared at that moment. All she cared about was that the dark Pegasus would never succeed in her twisted promises.

It seemed like Fluttershy was smashing Dark Fluttershy along the ground for an eternity until she spun her around and sending her upwards into the sky. Almost immediately, Fluttershy took off of the ground and flew towards her dark side before once again catching Dark Fluttershy in a continuous fury of punches. Punch after punch, each blow releasing all of the rage and anger that was in her heart right now when finally, Fluttershy grabbed Dark Fluttershy by her head and with one final scream, she flipped forward into the air and with all her strength, threw Dark Fluttershy rocketing downwards, taking less than a minute for the screaming, bloodied faced Dark Fluttershy to plummet back down to earth…right into the creek of magma.

Instantly Dark Fluttershy began to writhe and splash as she let out the most piercing, excruciated cry one could hear. The cries rang out into the skies, causing Fluttershy to sort of snap out of her fit of rage and she gazed down at her counterpart as she violently contorted her body in the pool of lava. Fluttershy's eyes soon fell in surprise as she watched in horror, her hooves shook as she slowing raised them over her mouth. It didn't take long before Dark Fluttershy's painful screams suddenly came to a halt and she gazed blankly up into space, her red eyes rolling into the back of her head as her body began to sink into the lava before disappearing completely into the molten rock. Seeing her doppelganger sink out of sight into the pool, Fluttershy slowly descended back down and landed softly on the ground shaking, disturbed by the horrible death she had just witness…she had just caused.

"O-oh…m-my…'' Fluttershy uttered horrifically under her breath as she stared at the boiling creek.

Suddenly, a red beam of light burst form the surface of the lava, startling Fluttershy as she squeaked out a gasp. The red beam flew wildly in the air for a moment or two before soaring downwards towards the Pegasus, flying into Fluttershy's chest before she could even react. Fluttershy gave out an alarmed cry as she jumped back with a foreleg raised halfway. Fluttershy frantically observed her Element covered chest along with the rest of her body before looking shifting her gaze slowly towards the creek were her dark side had meet her gruesome demise. Finally with everything that has happened coming into full circle, Fluttershy raised her hooves to her mouth as her body began to quiver. Soon, tears quickly formed in her eyes and rolled down her face as she slowly lowered her body and began to weep silently to herself, releasing all of her emotions among her ruined cottage in the dark, new world around her.

Twilight and Dark Twilight were locked in a heated duel. Twilight's eyes were still aglow with that white, ethereal light as her horn was surrounded with a deep pink, billowing cone shaped aura, white sparkles flickering from her horn. Dark Twilight, being the counterpart of the purple unicorn, too was still in her powered state, her horn covered by a crimson red cone shaped aura that shot out white and red sparkles as those mysterious, red, arcane, intercepting symbols rotated continuously around her. Twilight fired a strong, large, deep pink burst of magic at Dark Twilight, only for the latter to use her magic to defect the attack off to the side and hitting the ground, causing a brief, pink explosion.

Dark Twilight immediately retaliated by firing two, red, fire like streams of magic at her original self, one coming at her from the left and the other from the right. The two attacks came in quickly at Twilight, but she conjured a pink, magical dome around her, protecting her from the blasts as they hit the shield. Almost instantly after the after explosion, Dark Twilight suddenly came through, she herself surrounded by a sphere of crimson magic and collided into Twilight's instantly shattering it like glass and pushing Twilight backwards. Twilight cried out as she landed back first on the blackened ground, skidding a few meters before coming to a stop with Dark Twilight on top of her, grinning down malevolently.

"And that's checkmate,'' Dark Twilight remarked sinisterly as she prepared a spell.

Twilight gave a soft gasp as her dark side fired a powerful spell in her face. Reacting quickly, Twilight teleported from underneath Dark Twilight, evading the attack and causing it to hit the spot where she was just lying and catching Dark Twilight off guard. "W-Where did she-'' Dark Twilight began only to be cut off by a magenta flash of light behind her.

The dark unicorn whipped around to see Twilight standing, her glowing white eyes glaring at her as two, deep pink, four clawed appendages fired from her horn and towards Dark Twilight, grasping the doppelganger around her body before she could even react. With a short cry, Twilight reared on her hind legs, turned and stomped back on all fours and commanded the two magical claws to fling the screaming Dark Twilight over her head and smashing her hard onto the ground. Dark Twilight's body became limp in the claws' grasp, but Twilight wasn't taking any chances. She then whipped her head sharply to her left, causing the appendages to lift Dark Twilight and slam her in the same direction Twilight pointed her horn and repeated the same gesture in different directions. Upon the fifth attempted as the claws lifted Dark Twilight into the air, Dark Twilight took advantage of the second long pause and a red, sparkling, magical ball formed at the tip of her horn before quickly expanded. As the magical ball expanded, it engulfed the claws and when it came to the forearm of Twilight's spell, a brief explosion of red light occurred, destroying the arms.

The counter spell caused Twilight to cry in alarm as she shielded her face from the aftershock. With her eyes closed, Twilight heard a clop sound as something landed on the ground and when she peered open her eyes the only then she remembered was a blinded, red flash and she screamed as she was blown violently backwards. She screamed, doing a triple backflip through the air before finally falling painfully back on the ground, rolling twice before coming to a complete stop.

Twilight groaned as she laid on the ground, but when she attempted to move, she instantly flinch in pain. She was hit from the chest down form Dark Twilight's spell. She felt like she had just been struck with a burst of fire as hot as the sun itself, a horrible, large burnt mark on her chest. Twilight peered opened her eyes as she gritted her teeth only to close them again and when she blinked open her eyes, the white glow they once bore had subsided, leaving her normal, violent eyes. The corn shaped, magical aura had disappeared as the sparkles ceased to flicker from the horn's tip, now having lost her power and had now reverted back to her original form.

With clenched teeth, Twilight began to weakly lift her head, followed by the rest of her body. Dark Twilight started to walk towards her fallen good side, a wicked smirk on her face as she said, still in her powered state. "I was wrong before, now it's checkmate. And know we've seen who possess the real talent in magic.''

As Dark Twilight continued to approach her good counterpart, Twilight, with all the strength she could muster, forced herself off the ground and stood facing her dark side. Twilight breathed heavily, sweat rolling down her smudged face as she glared tiredly at Dark Twilight. "It's…it's not over yet!'' Twilight said in between breathes.

Dark Twilight let out a snort as she responded. "Trust me, it is. And I know the perfect spell to finish you off with.''

Dark Twilight gave an unnervingly, wicked grin as Twilight looked at her with a perplexed glare. Suddenly Dark Twilight winced as the billowing aura that surrounded her horn now took on a greenish red color and with a yell, the unicorn fired a same colored bolt of magic from her horn towards Twilight, making a sort of rushing sound through the air. Twilight gasped in shock and had only a brief second, but she was able to catch that second and she dived to the side, successfully evading the spell as it hit the ground with a small, fiery explosion of red and green flames. Though unharmed by the spell, Twilight stared the smoking spot on the earth with an astonished, almost horrified expression and slowly turned her head towards Dark Twilight.

"N-No…that spell…i-it couldn't have been…'' Twilight began in a disturbed tone before being finished by her other half.

"That's right, the Pulso Mortem…the death spell.''

Twilight just stared disbelievingly at Dark Twilight at the name she had just heard before speaking, almost unsteadily. "B-But that's one of the Forbidden Four: spells that Starswirl the Bearded himself decreed forbidden to use. Anypony who cast Pulso Mortem or any of the Forbidden Four would receive the maximum punishment!''

Dark Twilight just smirked darkly as she said in that taunting tone. "Oh very good Twilight. It seems you've possess some intelligence. Maybe you are the egg head that Rainbow Dash thinks you are.''

Twilight frowned in irritation and said, "I'm just well read. The death spell was just something that I happened upon during my studies.''

"So is that why 'during your studies' that you've tried to practiced it a few times?'' Dark Twilight asked.

Twilight's eyes widened, caught surprised by the remark. "W-What?! N-No, of course not! I would never attempt to learn how to use such a terrible spell!''

At this, Dark Twilight laughed out hysterically. "Please! Don't even try to give me that bullcud! We've both know that you've tried out that spell behind everyponys' backs before!''

Twilight gazed speechlessly at her counterpart before shifting her gaze slightly, an uncertain look on her face as she started hesitantly. "I-I would never…to kill another pony…that's just…''

"The truth!'' Dark Twilight finished loudly, causing Twilight to jump slightly in surprise and just stare at her with a daunt gaze. "All those times, all those nights away from prying and judgmental eyes in your most private moments. Studying that spell from a book you snuck from the restricted section at the library in the castle. You did everything in your power to keep your practice sessions a secret from everypony…even from Princess Celestia.''

Twilight said nothing and at the mention as Celestia's name, tears started to well up in her eyes as she lowered her gaze towards the ground. What she once felt was hesitation and intimidation were now replaced by shame and guilt.

"No…I've never meant to. I've just wanted to…''

Dark Twilight cut her off once again with increased, fiendish glee. "To what?! Learn how to destroy your enemies? To destroy anypony that pissed you off? Or maybe it was to become a Dark Unicorn? If so, then good career choice.''

"NO!'' Twilight barked, stomping her hoof down defiantly. She bore a bold expression, but tears fell from her strong, intelligent eyes as she continued. "I would never become a Dark Unicorn, become a practitioner of the dark arts! I did it because…I wanted to test the abilities of my magic!''

Upon hearing Twilight's answer, Dark Twilight rolled her eyes and snorted, "Yeah right, test your abilities? That's your reason for studying one of the darkest spell ever conceived?''

Twilight answered tearfully, her frown still upon her face. "Yes! Ever since I found out my special talent was magic I've wanted to push myself, to see what all my lessons from Celestia had allowed me to achieve. But most of all I wanted…'' Twilight paused as she shifted her gaze back towards the ground, her tears flowing more fluidly as she bore a more saddened, hurtful expression. "I've wanted to make Princess Celestia proud of me. She always told me I was her most promising study. A prodigy whose potential could take me far few unicorns could ever achieve. I've wanted to master that horrible spell because…to me, it would've felt like Celestia was right. To me it would've proven that she didn't wasted her time on me. To me…it would've proven that I was a unicorn worth her approved, that I would be the student that she'd always hoped for…what she always wanted.''

It took all the strength Twilight had to not break down completely, but she couldn't help but let out a few, silent sobs. Dark Twilight just looked at her original with a cold, uncaring, almost disgusted frown and said carelessly. "Oh boohoo, so the teacher's pet wanted to feel worthwhile, go cry me a bucking river!''

Twilight whipped her head upwards, and glared at Dark Twilight with gritted teeth, tears still rolling down her head as she let out a low growl. Dark Twilight continued on, a twisted smirk spread across her lips as she started to circle Twilight. "If that's the case this should make you happen; you've succeeded in your studies. That's a fact because I can use it and since I'm you, you should be able to use it to…if you have the guts for it that is.''

Twilight stood her ground, lowering her head slightly, taking on a more defensive stance as she growled softly. Twilight shook her head from side to side once, her tears whipped dry as she casted a threatening glare at her doppelganger, she too beginning to circle the dark unicorn. "I'll tell you for the last time…I'm NOTHING like you! And I'd rather be a weak, talentless pony than to use that spell!''

Dark Twilight gave a menacing giggle, she and Twilight still circling each other, gazing into each other's eyes unyieldingly. Finally Dark Twilight spoke. "Oh believe me, we've just established that you're nothing compared to me. If you don't want to use a powerful spell like Pulso Mortem…then just stand there and DIE!''

With that outburst, Dark Twilight's horn billowed with that mixture of green and red colors. Twilight was prepared too and her horn glowed with a deep pink aura as she concentrated her magic. Then suddenly in the next second, Dark Twilight fired her spell, a greenish crimson beam of magic fired from her horn and through the air. With a cry, Twilight blasted her own spell from her horn as a deep pink magical beam shot from her horn towards the incoming enemy's spell before colliding into it, meeting in midair.

Immediately, Twilight felt a great difficulty in holding back her dark copy's death inducing spell. She grunted as she winced and clenched her teeth as she fought back against the powerful spell. Dark Twilight however, seemed unfazed by the struggle, her unholy, glowing red eyes fixated almost madly on the ongoing battle. The intercepting arcane symbols rotated faster around her as she continued on with her spell. White and red spark began to emit at the center of the two opposing spell when Dark Twilight's spell started to push back Twilight's spell. Twilight noticed this and gave a brief, alarmed gasp before putting more strength behind her spell.

The added effort started to put a strain on the gifted, purple unicorn. Twilight's head began to hurt as if a migraine was beginning to hinder her while her neck started to become stiff. Sweat started to roll down her face as she gathered all the strength she could find to push Dark Twilight's spell back and keep her head up. Dark Twilight laughed out wickedly before calling out.

"It's that really the best you can do?! What's the matter Twilight, running out of juice already?!''

Hearing the taunting words of her dark side, Twilight growled and concentrated harder. She pushed out a stronger pulse of magic, causing her spell to strengthen and push back Dark Twilight's curse slowly but surely. Though she saw the extra amount of magic Twilight gave out, Dark Twilight remained unworried as she spoke with a smug, dark grin.

"Still pushing are we? Just give up, it's pointless and you know it. Just release the connection and surrender to death's touch!''

Dark Twilight gave more power, her strengthened state giving her an advantage and her spell began to push Twilight's counter spell back. Twilight's grunted louder, pinching her eyes close before peering through one eye as she strained against the powerful spell and she responded. "I ugh…I'm not going to just sit back and die!''

"That's the only thing worth doing!'' Dark Twilight said, her spell inching closer to Twilight. "There's nothing you can do for yourself, and especially nothing you can do for those lousy friends of yours!''

Twilight sort of froze in her place, her head bowed as her bangs fell over her eyes as she listened to her counterpart. "You're nothing but a sorry, pathetic filly who's gotten way in over her head. You've been a failure as a student to Celestia and a complete failure as a unicorn in general!''

Twilight's mouth began to quiver as she gritted her teeth. "No…you're wrong…'' she spoke softly, as a trail of tears streamed down her face.

Dark Twilight said, continuing her spell. "I'm YOU idiot! It's all true! I'm a reflection of your deepest, darkest thoughts. You're just a sad little girl crying for your precious Princess Celestia. You think that Element around your neck gives you power? You're no Element of Magic, just another worthless mashugana that's about to die…with your friends joining you soon afterwards!''

It was at that moment Twilight felt a spark in her hear as the tears flowed more profusely down her face. Her body shook and her teeth clenched tighter as Dark Twilight's spell came closer to her. Twilight's Element then began to glow a magenta color as the aura around her horn began to intensify and Twilight spoke with a quivering voice.

"You…you haven't got a clue. You don't know the first thing about me.''

Dark Twilight merely responded with a raised eyebrow and a careless expression. Twilight continued. "The unicorn that I studied and trained to be, the achievements that I've made all meant nothing by myself because I didn't accomplish them alone. That magic I possess, it didn't come from my Element because the Element of Magic isn't the source of my power. My power…comes from my friends!''

At that outburst, Twilight whipped up her head and shot open her eyes to reveal them glowing that ethereal, white light as before. Her horn was now surrounded by that intense, billowing, cone shaped aura, white sparkles emanated from her horn as she fired a powerful stream of magic from her horn, pushing back Dark Twilight's spell backwards until they were in the center, even in power. Dark Twilight's dark eyes widened as she stared on at the display with a dumbfounded expression.

"W-What?! T-This is impossible. Where are you getting this power?!''

Twilight glared at Dark Twilight, her eyes burning and aglow like white fire, her tears having dried up as she answered her stunned doppelganger. "I just told you…my friends ARE my power! They are the ones who made me into the unicorn that I am today. Without their gifts and passions, without the lessons that each of them has taught me I wouldn't have the magic that I could do now. The magic…that would allow me to beat you right now!''

Almost immediately after her bold words, a strong ripple came from the tip of Twilight's horn and began to pulse throughout the magical stream towards Dark Twilight's spell. Dark Twilight took an intimidated step backwards as she questioned in an almost panicked state. "W-What are you doing? You can't-HUH?!''

Dark Twilight was cut off sharply at mid-sentence while the two spells raged on together. The pulsing coming from Twilight's wand continued until suddenly a deep, golden light flashed from the center of the two spells. The golden light was visible for only a few, short seconds until it disappeared, the resulting effect happening right after. Dark Twilight's killing spell suddenly rebounded off of Twilight's spell, as if it refused to kill its intended target and instead set upon its caster. It all happened in an instant, there was a flash a green and red followed by a piercing scream as Dark Twilight was blown back, struck by her own spell before falling back the ground.

It was unknown what had caused it, perhaps from Twilight's own spell or perhaps maybe from the unicorn's strong will to ensure the safety of her friends as both her spell and Dark Twilight's spell disappeared. Twilight stood there, breathing heavily staring at her fallen counterpart as the glow in her eyes faded and the aura around her horn subsided. Dark Twilight laid there, her eyes no longer glowing red and completely blackened as they rolled to the back of her head. She remained motionless, unmarked but unmistakably dead, the crimson aura leaving her horn and the arcane symbols having vanished.

Twilight just stared at the lifeless body with furrowed, tired eyes when suddenly Dark Twilight's body burst into a red light that flew up in the air and soared wildly around. The spontaneous act caused Twilight to jump and gasp in surprise when the jet of red light flew quickly downward towards Twilight and disappeared into her chest. Alarmed, Twilight gazed and felt her chest where the light had entered before calming down, seeing that she was unharmed. Looking around the area, she saw nothing but a few stone, pony statues in the distance and she let out a tiring, but relieved breath.

"Finally…it's over.''

With her fight finished, Twilight's eyes were filled with realization as she spoke, "Wait, my friends! I to make sure that they're alright!''

Though exhausted from her battle, Twilight nonetheless started galloping, her Element still rested upon her head when something caught her eye. "What?!''

Twilight skidded to a halt and looked towards her right at some ruined cottages. She gazed at them carefully and on the shambled rooftops to see just that, rooftops. With a bewildered gaze, Twilight spoke softly, raising a foreleg up halfway. "That's strange, I could've sworn I saw…'' As she pondered, she quickly snapped out of her train of thought a continued with a firm frown. "What am I doing? I have to get back to my friends!''

Without another thought, Twilight started on the black earth as she went to the aid of her friends. Not knowing where else to start looking, Twilight decided to head to the center of town were Chthon's tower was erect to start her search for her friends. The intelligent unicorn didn't know how long she ventured through the dark, decimated town passing the statues of Ponyville's inhabitance when she finally came out from an alleyway and came to an abrupt halt as her gaze fell on Chthon's tower. Twilight panted heavily, trying to catch her breath as she looked at the crude tower, the stone staircase visible among the outcropping of earth around the tower's base.

"I need to find the girls.'' Twilight said looking around the distorted area. "Where could they be? Where should I start?''

Before Twilight could think of a solution, a familiar, southern accented voice called out, "Twilight?!''

Twilight looked behind her to see that the source of the voice was Applejack, galloping towards her. Twilight just stood there, looking at her earth pony friend with a stunned, unblinking stare as another voice called out. "Hey! Twilight! Applejack!''

Twilight merely shifted her eyes to the left to see Rainbow Dash flying towards her. "Applejack? Rainbow Dash…?'' Twilight spoke softly under her breath, still in that astonished state.

Her ear twitched as she her the calling out of more voices and turned to see Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie running in the square at different directions, with Fluttershy flying. Twilight gazed around at each of her friends, coming towards her and calling out her name until tears welled up in her eyes. Her body swayed left and right slightly as her mouth began to quiver until finally she darted off towards her five friends, a tearful smile spread across her face. It took no time at all before the six friends meet each other in the center and instantly caught one another in one, group hug. After a brief second of silence, Twilight finally spoke out tearfully, but happily.

"I'm…I'm so glad you girls are alright!''

"So am I darling. You all were all I could think about in the last, dreadful moments.'' Rarity spoke gratefully, her eyes too filled with tears.

Applejack spoke, whipping her own wet with a sad smile. "I think we're all plum grateful ta see each other.''

"T-Thank goodness you all are ok. I-I actually thought that you all would be-'' Fluttershy began before burying her face with a hoof and cried softly.

Rainbow Dash instantly came over to her side and comforted her, bringing her in for an embrace. "Hey come easy now. There's no way in we'd ever go down that easily," Rainbow Dash said in a caring tone, rubbing her friend's back.

Pinkie Pie nodded with a saddened smile, whipping her eyes of tears before speaking. "So...does that mean we've all won against those nasty meanies?''

"It would seem so, if we're here in the presence of one another,'' Rarity answered relieved.

Rainbow Dash broke from her embrace with Fluttershy and looked at her with an impressed smile. "Even Fluttershy? So you're telling me that you beat your cheap copy…all by yourself Shy?''

Fluttershy whipped her eyes before nodding timidly at her friend. Rainbow Dash couldn't help but give an approved laugh. "Wow now I've seen everything! So the shy, timid Pegasus who hates heights won a fight…that's pretty badass!''

Fluttershy was at first taken surprised by the praise when Applejack voiced her opinion. "Whoowee girl that's somethin'. I always knew ya had some steel in ya!''

The other's voiced their approval and praise, causing Fluttershy to smile bashfully, an embarrassed blush coming to her cheeks as she peered through her mane. Twilight smiled at each of the ponies before and spoke. "So that means we've all defeated our own, personal darknesses.''

Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie all nodded. Twilight continued grimly. "While I fought with my darker half, she kept telling my awful things about myself, about you girls. She tried to get me to doubt my feelings for my friends…my best friends.''

The others looked at each other sadly as Applejack spoke, "I hear what ya saying Twilight. My two faced fink tried ta convinced me that nothin' I did mattered. Ta give up on everypony...everypony.'' Applejack spoke quietly, dismally as she lowered her face and gazed wearily at the ground, thinking about a certain, dreadlocked earth pony.

"As did my horrid reflection,'' Rarity spoke as Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie nodded in agreement.

Twilight gave a deep breath finished. "Chthon brought them from the dark side of our hearts, all of our negativity, our fears and gave them physical form. They tried to beat us down with everything that's happened so far and attempt to tear us apart but it fail…our friendship won us this battle.''

Twilight ended with a weary, relieved smile a smile returned by all of her friends. This prompted the six friends to come in once again for a group hug, each bearing their respective Elements. However, it wasn't even a full minute into their embrace when a voice came to their ears.

"My, my, my…I do hope I haven't come at a bad time?''

The six instantly whipped their heads towards the direction of the voice to see Discord sitting on a large puff of black cloud, casually sipping on a glass of what appeared to be chocolate milk. "Discord?!'' the six friends exclaimed in unison.

At their reaction, Discord gasped as an alarmed expression came over his face. "Discord?! W-Where?! I don't see-oh well what do you know, it IS me. Why isn't that nutty?'' Discord said with a sly smirk, taking another sip of his drink.

At this, Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie gave the draconequus unamused, irritated frowns while Fluttershy had a more uncertain gaze. As Discord drank his chocolate milk, Twilight asked a bit aggressively. "What are you doing here Discord?''

"Oh why I thought it would be obvious, seeing the dire situation that is at hoof,'' Discord answered calmly, finishing the last drop of his drink.

The six friends looked at each other quizzically before looking back at Discord skeptically, save for Fluttershy who had a hopeful look upon her face. "Discord, you mean…?'' Fluttershy asked, her voice getting more excited.

Discord hopped off of his cloud, which suddenly took the form of a buffalo standing on its back hooves with a cane and top hat as it did a showman like dance to its right before disappearing. With his glass empty, Discord proceeded to throw the glass the glass carelessly to the side a great distant shattering on the ground as an explosion spontaneously resulted. The six ponies recoiled from the display as five of them looked at Discord with disapproved, bewildered glances.

"That's right Fluttershy, I've come here to help.'' Discord answered excitedly, suddenly in a flash of light dressed in a blue, tailed, high collared coat with yellow epaulettes on his shoulders. The coat was closed with gold buttons and Discord wore a white under shirt with a white ascot tie. He wore cream colored breeches while on his mismatched feet were black boots.

"Oh Discord, I'm so happy to hear that! I knew you'd come through for us in the end!'' Fluttershy spoke up louder than usual in joy, flying over to Discord and flinger her forearms around his neck.

Discord looked at Fluttershy with a serene look before returning the embrace. The others, however looked at Discord with untrusting stares. "So ya decided ta nut up an' help us did ya? Why the sudden change of heart?'' Applejack spoke up, eyeing Discord suspiciously.

"Yeah! Where were ya a few minutes ago? We definitely could've used your help then!'' Rainbow Dash said in her aggressive manner, hovering in the air and crossing her forelegs.

Discord ended the embrace, giving Fluttershy a slight push to the side, an act that caused her to look at him, bewildered. Discord looked at the group with a rather serious frown as he walked over to them. As Discord walked, Twilight stepped forward, a firm look on her face. "Well whatever your reasons Discord if you prove helpful in defeating Chthon, we might just consider you're claim of friendship.''

"Quite and remember, we have the Elements of Harmony,'' Rarity added sternly. "Which means we hold the reins, so if you try to pull what you did back at those ruins-''

"We're blasting you back to stone, got it?!'' Rainbow Dash finished forcibly.

Discord suddenly stopped his advancement and looked at the five ponies, his serious stare dissolving into a dark, almost disgusted gaze. The sudden shift in expression caused an unnerving chill to spread over their five bodies as they looked at Discord boldly, yet uncertainly. After a few moments of silence, Discord finally spoke, his uniform dissolving.

"Right…before we move on tell me, how exactly would you define as 'friendship'?''

The question caught them all by surprise, even Fluttershy who remained hovering behind the spirit. Applejack answered with an eyebrow raised, "Say what?''

"I said what does friendship mean to you? After all, you go on and preach about it whenever trouble starts,'' Discord repeated again, remaining stone-faced.

Rainbow Dash furrowed her eyes and retorted, "Ya wanna find out? Go look it up on your own time. We don't have time to play twenty questions!''

Discord leered at the rainbow maned Pegasus as he turned his gaze to Twilight, who stepped forward and spoke, "She's right Discord. This isn't time to be enigmatic.''

Discord said nothing, just stared at Twilight with a serious, unsettling stare before speaking, suddenly taking on a casual tone as he turned around and walked away. "Enigmatic? Why I'm a creature of chaos, I'm supposed to be mysterious and unpredictable. However…'' Discord then stopped, and peered over his shoulder. "What boggles my mind is your view on friendship.''

This caused Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy to look at Discord with confused grimaces. Fluttershy flew around Discord and asked with a concerned, perplexed expression.

"What do you mean 'our view on friendship'?'' Fluttershy asked meekly.

Discord turned and looked at the tender Pegasus with a cold look before answering. "You don't know? Well, I'll be glad to enlighten you Fluttershy dear,'' Discord spoke with a fake, thrilled smile, suddenly patting Fluttershy on the head, leaving a black, square academic cap and pushing a wrapped diploma into her hooves as white sparkles twinkled before disappearing.

Fluttershy looked at the diploma and felt the cap quizzically before taking the cap off and tossing both it and the diploma to the side as she looked at Discord with a sad, almost frightful stare. Discord gave Fluttershy a careless look before looking back over to the other five ponies and said, walking a few steps towards them.

"Friendship…there was a time where that word didn't exist in my vocabulary. In fact, I shunned and ridiculed such a notion. Friendship is magic, such a ridiculous ideology. That is…'' Discord paused as a more saddened look came to his face. "That is when Celestia thought that my magic could be concentrated as a force of good for Equestria. So in that possibility, she tasked you six to reform me and to let friendship come into my heart.''

As Discord spoke, the six ponies' skeptical, untrusting expressions turned into ones of thinking and solemnness. "Well…yeah I guess you're right about that,'' Pinkie Pie spoke up though a bit uncertainly.

"But Discord…where are you going with this? If you have a point to make, then do it.'' Twilight asked, wincing a bit.

Discord turned his head back towards the six, his saddened frown becoming a more angered look and said. "My point? Yes, let me get my point across, lay all my cards on the table.''

As he said that, a deck of playing cards suddenly appeared in his claws and bent them, causing the cards to spring towards them and scattering everywhere. The six friends, shielded themselves from the onslaught of cards and shot Discord with impatient glares, though Fluttershy's were still of bewilderment and worry. Discord continued on.

"My point is this: friends should be thrilled and ecstatic to see one another, and yet every time I appear I'm only met with coldness and indifference.''

"Well can ya blame us?'' Applejack answered with furrowed eyes. "Ya always-''

Discord suddenly cut Applejack by quickly slithering through the air and getting into to the farm pony's face. "Friends should have their upmost trust and faith in one another, but when I show up to help you immediately doubt my motives and question my appearance.''

Rainbow Dash began cantankerously, "Well if you weren't such a ultra, mega, dick troll then-''

Again Discord cut the explanation off, disappearing in a flash of light before reappearing in another flash behind the cyan Pegasus, hovering in the air as he spoke. "Friends should be proud that another did good deeds in their name, and yet you brush it off and doubt the sincerity of the act.''

"But not long ago you were our-'' Rarity began, but again Discord abruptly silenced any attempt for an answer by suddenly blowing out a fog of brown, green, grey, yellow, and green.

The pony's cried in shock as the fog rolled around them as if having a mind of its own before moving away in front of them and rose up, taking the form of Discord, glaring darkly down at them. Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Fluttershy shook off the sudden action and glowered at Discord. Discord spoke, with a slight growl.

"What friends would keep another leashed up like some common pet? Threaten to banish them if they set one hoof out of line?!''

Twilight, getting fed up with the questioning, stomped her hoof down and spat, "Because you've never shown that you can be trusted. You always act so shady as if you're up to something, causing us to doubt you. But all that could change and be reconsidered if you help us fight against Chthon!''

At the answer Discord just calmly glared at Twilight when all of a sudden, distant clapping was heard. "I must say, well done.''

That voice. That dark, demonic voice that had haunted each of the ponies the moment they've heard it. The six all immediately whipped their glances past Discord to see Chthon in the air, his four mighty wings keeping him afloat. Discord, on the other hand, slowly turned his head and looked at the deity with an expressionless look as the others immediately crowded together, scowling at the god.

"Chthon!'' Twilight called out bravely, lowering her head ready for a fight.

Chthon chuckled darkly to himself, crossing his arms. "I must admit, for troublesome insects, you mortals provide excellent sport. I was sure my pets would've done quick work with you lot.''

"Yeah well you were wrong freak show!'' Rainbow Dash answered aggressively. "Your lame lackeys saw what happens when they buck with us!''

Twilight added threateningly. "You sent out dark sides only for each of us to vanquish them. Now prepare to fight us Chthon if you're not scared!''

Chthon's grin turned into an annoyed, cold glared as he looked on at the ponies with disdain. Fluttershy looked at Discord with pleading eyes as she flew towards him. "Discord? Discord come on.''

Fluttershy grabbed his lion's arm, only for Discord to whip his arm from her grip without looking at her. The act took Fluttershy aback, as she looked at him with a surprised, distraught expression. "Discord? What are you doing? Come with us so we can end this. Please!''

Rainbow Dash then flew to the draconequus and looked at him dead in the face and spoke forcibly. "You heard her Discord. You wanna be pals once and for all? Then get over here and help us take down that pony, dragon, hybrid asshole-ACK!''

Instantly after Rainbow Dash said that last line, Discord brought his eagle claw and grasped Rainbow Dash around the neck. Her five friends gasped in horror at what they were seeing and screamed in unison. "Rainbow Dash!''

The bold Pegasus gasped for breath, gritting her teeth as she brought her hooved to Discord's claw in an attempt to pry his grip off of her Discord brought Rainbow Dash close in, their muzzles almost touching as he glared into her eyes and snarled.

"Don't you DARE disrespect me father you base pony!''

Discord threw the mare over to the side towards the others and fell and slid in front of them. "Rainbow! Darling are you ok?!'' Rarity asked desperately as she, Twilight, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie gathered around there friend in worry.

Rainbow Dash lifted herself up, coughing a few times to catch her breath. Fluttershy watched on, her hooves covering her mouth at she looked at her friend with a silent, horrified face. She then turned to Discord, who slowly brought his eagle claw back down, a menacing leer upon his face. Finally, Fluttershy brought her hooves down slightly and spoke in a stunned tone.

"B-But Discord…why? Y-You said you came here to help us.''

"Oh did I say that?'' Discord said, a vile smirk creeping to his lips. "I'm afraid you've misunderstood me. I've came back to help…my father that is.''

At those chilling words, Fluttershy, Twilight, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash looked at Discord with wide eyed, disbelieving looks of sheer terror. Surly he was toying with them? Just another of sick, twisted sense of humor. They were waiting for him to shout out 'Joking!' Or cause confetti to burst forth with a hearty 'Gotcha!' but Discord said nothing. He just stared at them, with that dark, diabolical grin as Chthon hovered in the air behind him, his eyes shining with a crimson gleam as he smiled wickedly to himself.

"W-What…what did he just say?!'' Rarity whispered out under her breath.

Rainbow Dash's face fell into a hateful frown as she grunted with a growl, "He said he's gonna help that bastard!''

Twilight continued to look at Discord with an astonished, petrified gaze. Applejack furrowed her eyes and clenched her teeth as a low growl escaped her throat while Rarity and Pinkie Pie looked as if they were frantically trying to comprehend what was happening. Fluttershy shook her head, her hooves still covering her mouth as tears welled up in her eyes and she squeaked with a cracked, pained voice.

"No…no…please…!''

Twilight's stunned expression turned into a disgusted, grimaced look, her mouth quivering with anger as she spoke. "So, despite of all that has happened. Despite all claims…you're going with him?!''

Discord gave a short chuckle before making a gesture with his lion paw as if he was shooting a gun as he responded. "Bingo Twilight!''

Discord's answer caused five of the ponies to give him hostile glares, all save for Fluttershy who looking at him woefully, tears streaming down her face at her former friend's betrayal. "You dirty, rotten…'' Rainbow Dash snarled, exhaling a gust of air from her nostrils.

"After everything we did, we offered you friendship…a chance of redemption, but instead you choose this? We thought you had changed!'' Twilight shouted angrily at Discord.

"Well you thought wrong suckers!'' Discord cackled. "It's like the old saying goes, chaotic blood is thicker than water.''

"So it is my son,'' Chthon spoke, descending downward next to Discord, placing a claw on his shoulder. Discord grinned at him as Chthon continued. "As you can see, you've allowed your weak minds to be ensnared by that ludicrous chains you call friendship, but Discord isn't weak minded. He sees the truth.''

Applejack, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie gave the two hateful, teeth gritted frowns as Fluttershy watched on hurtfully, sniffing quietly. Chthon spoke on, "You've gone through countless trials prattling on about your friendship and togetherness. To counter your beliefs, allow me to teach you a little lesson of my own. And I ensure you, it has nothing to do with 'friendship' or teamwork.''

Twilight, Applejack, and the others looked at Chthon with befuddled faces as they tried to figure out what the god had said. Discord clapped his claws joyously and asked. "Oh how fun! What did you had in mind Father?''

Chthon smirked wickedly as his wings flapped and he took to the air. He raised his claws as they burst into red and black, flame like aura. The six ponies all flinched as they prepared for what was coming.

"Just a little lesson of pain and suffering…the only lesson that they ever need to know,'' Chthon said as he made a couple of circular gestures with his aura, engulfed fists, leaving behind a black and red trail as he did so.

Finally Chthon raised his fists in the air as four, large, glowing red sigils appeared in the sky above in a line, each sigil containing complex designs and symbols. Upon seeing the sigils, Twilight, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie all retreated backwards a few steps with alarmed expressions on their faces.

"W-What's going?!'' Fluttershy asked, tears still present in her eyes.

"Those symbols…I've read about them,'' Twilight uttered, looking at the sinister, red sigils. "They appear when a summoning spell is being used. Which means…!''

Before Twilight could finished, Chthon called out in his dark voice. "Come to me my Heralds of Chaos! Serve your lord and master!''

Almost immediately after his command, massive plumes of black, red outlined essences burst form each of the sigils and proceeded to soar around the fire tinted skies wildly and aimlessly. The Twilight and the others just watched on, speechless and with perturbation as the black essences suddenly made their way downwards before striking the ground. On impact, there was a brief flash of red light, causing the six ponies to shield their eyes with stunned cries. Chthon grinned down at them as he lowered his arms and relaxed his claws, the aura around them subsided and the four sigils disappeared. As the red light finally ceased the six bearers of the Elements peered over their hooves, only for their eyes to be shot wide open with shock as well as fright while they each gazed upon the four entities before them.

"No…no t-this can't…possibly be happenin'?!'' Applejack spoke in a dread filled voice, her ears lowering in panic.

Twilight shook her head slowly as tears quickly came to her eyes, her ears too lowering in sadness and sorrow. Soon, her tears began to roll down her face, beginning to weep softly on the verge of breaking down completely as she stared into the eyes of her teacher and mentor…the eyes of the one she'd considered a mother.
> Against the Corrupted
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie all looked at the four beings that appeared before them in sheer terror. Twilight just slumped forward slightly, still crying softly as she gazed at the equine in front of her. There by Chthon's power and will standing before them right in front of their very eyes were Celestia, Luna, Arcanus, and Chrysalis. Though it was surely them, their appearances had taken on minor, yet startling differences.





Each of their manes, coats, and bodies now had a fainter more faded coloring, almost greyish to the eye. Their bodies were marred with cracks and other imperfections, giving them the impression that they were in a minor state of decay. The golden shoes, tiara, and armored necklace that Celestia wore were without their usual majestic shine and were now dingy and dull as were Luna's royal ornaments. Arcanus' red cloak was now tattered especially on the edges and sleeves, as if the great unicorn had just been involved in a horrific ordeal. Despite their altered bodies, Celestia, Luna, Arcanus, and Chrysalis each had the same coloration of eyes; black with red pupils, and each of them were casting silent, intimidating glares at Applejack, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie while Chthon and Discord watched on, grinning malevolently.

"I…I don't believe it!'' Rarity stammered. "Princess Celestia! Princess Luna-!''

"Arcanus an' Chrysalis…there right in front of us!'' Applejack finished, as stunned as the others.

"But how?! I thought they were dead, we saw them get killed!'' Rainbow Dash exclaimed.

No one said anything as they stood in the presence of the fallen equines and changeling queen. Finally, Twilight took a shaking step forward and reached out to her mentor with a hoof as she tearfully spoke. "Princess Celestia? Is…is that really you?''

Celestia said nothing, just continued to give her and the rest of her friends that same, threatening frown. Again Twilight spoke, more pleadingly. "Princess Celestia please! Say something!''

Again, the princess of the sun said nothing. She took a step forwards, stomping her hoof on the ground as she lowered her head slightly, taking on an aggressive stance. Celestia's horn was then enveloped in a billowing, golden aura. Seeing this, Twilight took a fearful step back as she winced sadly at Celestia.

"W-What's wrong with them?" Fluttershy whimpered, hovering backwards. "Don't they recognize us?''

Rainbow Dash whipped her head towards Chthon and spat forcibly, pointing a hoof at the god. "You! Tell us right now what the hay you did to them!''

Almost immediately, Celestia gritted her teeth and fired a golden, jet of magic towards Rainbow Dash. Though caught off guard, Rainbow's quick reflexes allowed her to dive forwards in the air with a short cry, successfully dodging the attack. "Whoa! What's the big deal?! Princess Celestia it's me!'' Rainbow Dash cried.

Instead of answering, Celestia let off a low growl as Luna, Arcanus, and Chrysalis took fighting stances. Luna's horn gave a shimmering cobalt blue aura while Arcanus' horn shined a whitish blue, and Chrysalis a sickly green. Like Celestia, the three now bore far more hostile expressions, each baring their teeth at the six ponies. Twilight and the others started to retreat backwards, anxiously group together as Celestia, Luna, Arcanus, and Chrysalis stared to advance slowly towards them.

"I-I don't like the looks they're giving us,'' Pinkie Pie spoke, fear in her voice.

At this, Chthon gave off a dark, nefarious laugh. "As I said before, the lesson that I have planned is devoid of your 'friendship' for they are no longer your friends. They are my loyal Heralds of Chaos, and they don't take kindly to those who blatantly disrespects me.''

As Chthon spoke, Discord snickered cruelly by his side. "Ooh-ho-hoo! This is just too rich!'' Discord said gleefully. In a flash of light, Discord was then sitting in a red recliner, floating near his father with a drink cup in his talon claw with a bag of popcorn in his lion's paw. "This is definitely going to be a popcorn flick. Let's go everypony! Let the tears, heartbreaks, and carnage begin!''

At this outburst, Fluttershy looked up at the spirit, excitedly throwing a paw full of popcorn into his mouth. Tears came and flowed down her face as she spoke with a quivering mouth. "Discord…how could you…?!''

As the four Heralds came closer, Rarity spoke with clenched teeth and a worried expression. "Oh my…what in Equestria's name are we going to do?!''

As if to answer her question, Celestia's horn glowed a brighter gold a she was surrounded by a sphere of golden magic. Celestia then kicked off the ground before suddenly she charged forwards through the air at the six friends. "Quick, scatter!'' Applejack cried.

It seemed like it only took one, brief second before the six were sent screaming in different directions as Celestia bowled them over with her concussive attack. Celestia flew into the air to about twenty feet before she halted and turned around as the golden sphere around her disappeared. Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy all shifted and groaned, Rainbow Dash having been knocked down to the ground from the blow of the Alicorn.

"Is everypony alright?'' Applejack asked, lifting herself up.

"Ugh, would be loads better if Celestia wasn't trying to practice her strikes on us,'' Rainbow Dash grumbled, shaking herself off of dirt.

While the others recovered and started to stand, Fluttershy noticed Twilight still laying on the ground and went over to her, concerned for her friend. "Twilight? Are you ok?''

Twilight didn't respond, just started to lift herself up as her body started to shake. "Oh my, you're not hurt are you?'' Fluttershy asked, her worry increasing as she placed a hoof on her shoulder.

This time however, Twilight bowed her head as silent cries began to sound from her. "P-Princess Celestia…'' Twilight wept softly. "It's-it's like she don't even know who we are.''

Her friends gazed at their purple unicorn friend with saddened, sympathetic glances. Rarity then shifted her eyes from Twilight upwards as a look of complete dread came over her face. "Dearie, I-I don't think that's the only thing we have to worry about at the moment!''

The others looked towards the same direction as Rarity as they all bore looks of sheer intimidation and fear. Before them, Luna, Arcanus, and Chrysalis were all slowly advancing towards them, those feral expressions still present on their faces. Immediately Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Applejack quickly advances backwards with clenched teeth. In the air besides Discord, Chthon watched with crossed arms and wings steadily flapping, a cruel smirk on his face as he finally spoke out a single, chilling phrase.

"Crush them.''

Almost instantly on command, the three equines rushed at the six bearers. As they quickly closed in, the three broke formation. Luna flew towards the six friends' right side while Chrysalis flew to their left as Arcanus ran towards their front, catching them in a flanking maneuver. Celestia, Luna, Arcanus, and Chrysalis' horns glowed their respective colors as they all prepared to fire a spell. The six ponies grouped together as they frantically whipped their heads in all directions.

"What are we going to do?! We're surrounded!'' Pinkie Pie shrieked.

As the two regal sisters, unicorn, and changeling queen readied their attacks, Twilight quickly looked at each of them. She knew that she had to act and act fast, for her friends' sakes. Finally with a determined frown and furrowed, yet wet eyes she stood tall and spoke out. "Girls stay close to me!''

Without question, Twilight's five friends did as they were told just as their surrounding assailants fired beams of magic at them. Quickly as she could think, Twilight's own horn glowed a deep pink, billowing aura and just as the four attacks could hit them, a great, deep pink flash of light came from Twilight's horn and she as well as her friends were gone. The four magic beams hit the ground as an explosion of gold, blue, green, and white erupted as a result. As the smoke cleared, Celestia, Luna, Arcanus, and Chrysalis saw nothing but, smoking earth however, instead of being surprised, they still bore those glaring, deathly looks.

In another flash of deep pink Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie all reappeared distances away from their previous spot, a bit disoriented but unharmed. "Ok, I don't think I could ever get used to that!'' Rainbow Dash spoke dizzily, struggling to remain steady while hovering.

Rarity shook her head off of any daze and spoke. "Good heavens that was a close one. We owe it all to you Twilight. Thank you darling.''

Twilight said nothing, she didn't even feel fatigued from teleporting her friends like she did when they fell from Chthon's tower. No she was looking at the ground dismally, her strong, intelligent eyes filled with tears. Her body shuddered visibly, as if she was being blown by a chilly wind. Seeing her in such a grief-stricken state, her friends turned to her and gave her extremely worrying gazes as Pinkie Pie spoke up.

"Twilight? What's the matter?''

"It's us…'' Twilight uttered just above a whisper, a tear rolling down her face. "We're her subjects, why is she doing this?''

Before anyone could respond, Rainbow Dash suddenly exclaimed. "Look out!''

Immediately, the other five whipped their heads upwards to Luna quickly flying towards them, her horn glowing brilliantly with that cobalt blue aura as she readied for an attack. She then fired a large bolt of a blue lightening spell of some kind towards the six friends. Reacting quickly, the six ran in different direction, just as the bold of lighting hit the ground, causing a small, but powerful explosion. The force of the explosion blew the six ponies scattering in all direction, screaming as they all hit the ground.

They each scrambled to their feet, Rainbow Dash quickly taking her usual place in the air. Out of nowhere, she and Applejack were surrounded by a sickly green aura as they were lifted into the air. "What?! What's goin' on?!'' Applejack cried, trying to break free from her capture.

"Somepony get us down!'' Rainbow Dash shouted, flailing her hooves.

Almost exactly after the exclamation, the earth pony and Pegasus were suddenly flung away from the others, screaming as they became separated from their friends. Their four friends quickly looked towards their direction with shocked and horrified looks as Chrysalis flew at full speed after them, her tattered wings beating rapidly as a buzzing sound came from them.

"Rainbow Dash! Applejack!'' Rarity cried, fearful for her two friends' safety.

"Quick! We have to go help them!'' Pinkie Pie shrieked.

"Oh my, hold on we're coming!'' Fluttershy added.

Before any of them could even move, a bluish white, blinding light flashed before their eyes. The four cried in fright as Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy found themselves rapidly spinning around before falling hard onto the ground. They groaned as they groggily lifted their heads, only to gasp and sprang up to find a glowering Arcanus slowly approaching them, his horn aglow with that bluish white, billowing aura as Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy backed away fearfully.

The flash of light faded quickly as it came, allowing Twilight and Rarity to uncover their eyes from their hooves. They winced as their sight adjusted from the sudden flash only for them to widen instantly as they saw Celestia and Luna descended gradually in the air. Their majestic wings flapped steadily, as their faces bore nothing but those dark glares. Twilight and Rarity cowered closer together as Rarity spoke with a tone of dread.

"What are we going to do? Twilight?! We can't possible fight against the princesses!''

Twilight didn't replied, just shook her head slowly as she wince, tears beginning to appear in their corners. "Princess Celestia! Princess Luna! I don't know what Chthon did to you, but you have to fight it off! It's us!''

Twilight's words had no effect whatsoever. The two regal sisters only replied by quickly soaring towards them, their horns aglow as Celestia fired a golden beam of magic at the two. Twilight turned to her friend and commanded. "Quick run!''

Without hesitation, Twilight and Rarity whipped around and ran, avoiding the attack as it hit the ground with a small explosion. Rarity gave a brief cry as she tried to remain steady from the aftershock. As the two unicorns ran, Luna and Celestia pursued them. With her horn aglow, Luna lowered her head only to whip it back up with gritted teeth. Almost on cue, the earth beneath Twilight and Rarity's feet began to rumble before suddenly a pillar of earth shot up from beneath Twilight and rose her into the air, the unicorn screaming.

"Twilight!'' Rarity screamed when suddenly she was coated in a cobalt blue aura.

Before Rarity could react, she was suddenly lifted and flung through the air. She cried out before finally crashing into a nearby, tattered tent as it crashed down on top of her. The pillar of earth rose Twilight up to about thirty feet into the air before stopping. Luna ignored the purple unicorn and instead soared towards Rarity, struggling to get out of the tent. Twilight tried to stand up, but the top of the pillar had little room for her to stand and she continuously fell back on her stomach. She looked up and to her horror she saw Celestia quickly coming down from the air towards her, once again surrounded by that golden sphere of magic.

Twilight tried to react, but before she could perform a spell, Celestia had crashed down on top of her as she crushed the pillar downwards until finally crashing to the ground. As the smoke cleared, Celestia stood straight up, leering down beneath her to find nothing but destroyed earth and rubble. The princess of the sun stared at the area, unflinching despite the lack of a possible victim of her attack when a magenta light flashed behind her. Celestia casually turned around to see her prized student, looking upon her with a sorrowful, slightly exhausted gaze as she breathed deeply.

"Princess Celestia please!'' Twilight called out to her mentor. "I know you're in there somewhere! Think about what you're doing!''

Instead of a verbal answer, Celestia just continued to give Twilight that silent scowl. Celestia's horn then glowed a billowing golden aura as she suddenly reared up on her hind legs, firing a massive bolt of golden lightening into the fire tinted skies. In the next moment, the clouds rumbled with thunder as a barrage of lightning bolts began to rain down towards Twilight. With a horrified gasp, Twilight narrowly dodged a bolt of lightning, but she couldn't dodge the next series and was struck by a seemingly endless array of lightening.

Twilight screamed in terrible pain as volts upon volts of electricity coursed wildly through her veins. She felt as is her electrocution had went on for eternity, but in reality only a few split seconds went by before she found herself on the ground. Electricity crackled along her now, heavily singed body, twitching with each crack. Twilight nearly lost consciousness from the attack. Her eyes were half-shut and lifeless until finally the light returned to her violet orbs and she started to weakly move her body, groaning as she did so. High above Ponyville, Chthon and Discord remained in the air, watching the events that were transpiring. Discord, was still seated on his floating recliner as he gave out a howling laughter.

"And she is down for the count fillies and genticolts! Let's get an instant replay!''

Discord then placed the index finger and thumb of his talon claw with the index and thumb of his lion's paw together, making a rectangle. He then gazed through the space with one eye down and at the shifting Twilight when suddenly the image between the space rewind itself before stopping right at the moment before Twilight was hit with Celestia's spell. In the next moment, the entire scene played out again, with Twilight being struck by the countless bolts of lightning and screaming before falling back onto the ground.

As the replay ended, Discord threw back his head and roared with laughter. "Hilarious! That'll never get old! I don't know why I didn't think of that when I first escaped!''

Chthon smirked cruelly at his son and said, "Physical pain may be glorious, but to strike them in their hearts…that is a pain that never leaves. Having her princess combating her the way she is, it is torture equivalent to ripping off her own foreleg.''

"So very true Father,'' Discord grinned darkly, tapping his fingers together. "Let's see how their little magic of friendship get them out of this quandary.''

Celestia continued forward towards Twilight as the unicorn struggled to stand up, the last few flickers of electricity cracking on her body. Twilight peered wearily through one as with gritted teeth as she slowly stood up. Celestia's spell took a great toll on her body. She knew Celestia was powerful, but she didn't expect to be nearly rendered unconscious, or possibly nearly killed by such a spell.

"P-Princess…Celestia…p-please don't make me fight you,'' Twilight pleaded hoarsely.

Celestia only responded by giving her student that speechless, menacing glare as her horn began to glow once again. The ground beneath Twilight feet suddenly became saturated and loose, causing Twilight to begin sinking into the ground. Twilight let out a cry as her body sunk deeper and deeper into the liquefied soil, as if she had just been caught in a blackened quicksand. It wasn't long before Twilight was neck deep into the soil and stopped sinking, the clay like sand solidifying itself back into the scorched earth.

"What?! I-I can't move!'' Twilight exclaimed in terror, struggling to move but to no avail.

Twilight ceased her writhing for a brief moment as she gazed at the attacking Alicorn to see Celestia's horn glowing. A low rumble came to Twilight's ears as she felt the ground around her beginning to shake. "What's happening?!'' Twilight asked herself, becoming frantic.

Her question was soon answered as the ground a lengths away from her began to crack before finally a large, round piece of earth and rock that was bigger than Celestia herself. Twilight stared in sheer horror as the massive crag floated about twenty feet above her head, coated in the golden aura of Celestia's magic.

With wide, terrified eyes, Twilight broke her gaze from the impending boulder and looked at Celestia. "Princess Celestia stop please! Just look at what you're about to do!''

With dark eyes devoid of compassion, Celestia whipped her head downwards, commanding the boulder to fall quickly towards Twilight. Twilight only had a moment scream before the massive piece of earth crashed down on top of her, causing the ground around it to tremor with a rumble.

"Ohhh, that's going to sting in the morning!'' Discord commented, peeking through his fingers.

High above the still rock, Celestia looked down at the area with a uncaring frown. All was silent until a flash of magenta caught Celestia's eye and looked to her right to see Twilight standing away from the large rock, breathing heavily.

"I-I won't go down that easily Princess. After all…I am your student,'' Twilight spoke bravely yet exhaustedly.

Celestia's furrowed her eyes into a deeper frown as her horn glowed. Immediately, Twilight ran to her left and away from the giant boulder. "Hey! This way! If you really want to kill me, you have to catch me first!'' Twilight called.

Celestia bared her teeth before suddenly soaring after the unicorn. Celestia fired a beam of magic at Twilight, who quickly dodge as the attack hit the ground, causing an explosion of golden fire. Celestia fired another jet of magic and another, and each time Twilight evaded the attacks. Twilight peered over her shoulder as she ran.

"That's it…follow me!''

Celestia speed increased as she continued to pursue Twilight, firing spells as she did so. Twilight peered her head from around the rock, her body freed from the earth prison Celestia had made for her. She watched as her copy lured Celestia away and she let out a sigh of relief. "Thank God that spell worked. I knew it would come in handy one day.''

Twilight's rest was short lived as a revelation came to her and she spoke adamantly. "Rarity! I need to help her and my friends!''

Without a second thought, Twilight galloped from the rock and towards the direction she saw Rarity and Luna went. Celestia continued to fly swiftly after the false Twilight. Every few seconds, the Alicorn would send jets of golden magic towards the unicorn, only to miss. Finally, having enough of the chase, Celestia used her magic to raise an earthen wall from the ground in front of Twilight. Having been peering over her shoulder, Twilight didn't notice the wall and she soon slammed hard into the obstacle with a pained cry, slumping to the ground.

Twilight stagger to her feet and turned to see Celestia coming at her, horn aglow as she conjured a large, golden, prism-like spike and hurled it towards her. Twilight screamed backing into the wall unable to retreat as in a blink of an eye, the spike struck her in the chest. Upon being hit, Twilight burst in a flash of deep pink in white sparkles. Celestia stopped in midair as the sparkles faded into nothing, staring at the spot where Twilight's copy was just destroyed, the spike now jutting out from the wall. After a few moments, Celestia turned slowly to the opposite direction, leering with a grimace as she flew off towards the real Twilight.

Rarity cried with anxiety as she continued to squirm and contort from underneath the tattered tent.

"Somepony! Get me out of this thing!'' Rarity cried.

Finally, Rarity's hooves came to an opening and she forcibly stuck her head out of the opening only for her eyes to fall upon Luna, hovering high above her. Rarity flinched, fear clutching to her breast as she shifted backwards. "Princess Luna! Your highness please! Realize what you're doing! You're not in your right mind I'm not your enemy, that monster Chthon is!''

Rarity's pleads only fell upon deaf ears as Luna gave her that silent, glaring frown. Her horn glowed a cobalt blue as she prepared a spell when suddenly a magenta colored, glowing strip appeared and wrapped itself around Luna's eyes. Luna whipped her head wildly, grunting and snarling as she tried to get the strip from around her eyes. Rarity looked up at the princess of the night with a frightful bewilderment as a voice called out to her.

"Rarity!"

"Twilight! Thank heavens it's you!'' Rarity spoke, trying to get the tent from off around her.

"Quick, there's no time to lose!'' Twilight said quickly, taking a second's glance at the struggling Luna before turning to help Rarity up. "I don't think that will hold her off for long!''

Rarity nodded quickly and with her up and finally out of the entanglement of the tent, she and Twilight ran away from the flailing Luna. Luna continued to jerk her head wildly until a blue, magical ball formed from the tip of her horn and quickly expanded. With a sound like a crack of a gun, the strip was blown from Luna's cold, dark eyes as both ends of Twilight's distraction fell and disappeared in blue flames. By this time, Celestia had rejoined her younger sister in the sky, however, they continued glaring towards the direction of the two running unicorns, almost as if ignoring each other's presences and without a word flew after them.

Twilight and Rarity ran for their lives, maneuvering past stone pony statues as they did so. "Twilight, we must get to the other girls. Who knows how long they could last against them,'' Rarity breathed.

"I know Rarity,'' Twilight panted as she ran. "The only thing we can do now is pray we can lose Celestia and Luna!''

The two unicorns' heavy breathing suddenly turned to pained cries as they suddenly slammed face first into a shimmering, cobalt blue wall. Twilight and Rarity both fell back, dizzy and disorientated, feeling like they had just ran into a stone wall.

"Rarity, are you alright?'' Twilight asked, rubbing her head.

"I think so but where in heaven's name did this wall come from?!'' Rarity asked stumbling as she got up on all fours.

Before Twilight could answer, a large, golden, ball of fire suddenly fired past between them and hit the wall, causing it to explode and sent Twilight and Rarity screaming as the flew back a few feet, as if knocked back by the force of a bomb. Twilight looked up to see Celestia and Luna flying through the air towards them. Luna gained extra speed her glowing horn pointed right towards her friend.

"No!'' the purple unicorn shouted dread coming to her.

Twilight leaped up and jumped in front of Rarity as Luna fired a cobalt beam from her horn. Just as she had done so, Twilight used her magic to erect a magic, spherical barrier around herself and Rarity. Luna's beam slammed into the barrier, trying to push its way through. Immediately, Twilight, gritted her teeth and struggled against the Alicorn's might. Rarity wearily gazed up to see the barrier and Twilight fighting against Luna to her shock.

"Twilight?!'' Rarity gasped.

Twilight said nothing, just grunted as she struggled to keep her spell from wavering. Twilight was a gifted and skilled unicorn in her own right but…what power. Her protective barrier was already buckling under the strain of Luna's might.

"Princess Luna please don't do this!'' Twilight pleaded.

She didn't want to engage one of her ruling sovereigns but Twilight was the only thing standing between Luna and Rarity, the latter being safe in the confines of Twilight's barrier at this point. Twilight's head started to hurt from the mental strain she was going through as Rarity could only watch on in both awe in fear.

As Luna continued to push her way through Twilight's barrier, Celestia suddenly flew past her fired her own golden beam of magic at Twilight. While Twilight could hardly hold her own against Luna, she could not stand up to two sister's power. As soon as Celestia's beam hit the barrier, the shield shattered like glass and knocked Twilight and Rarity backwards. The two unicorns staggered to their feet and gazed with intimidated glances as the two sisters stared down with their furrowed, dark, crimson red eyes.

"Twilight, there's no possible way we could walk away from an attack by our two princesses,'' Rarity spoke, consternation in her voice.

"I know Rarity…I know. There's no way we could stand up to their power,'' Twilight answered, clenching her teeth.

Celestia and Luna flew closer to each other, their horns aglow when they did a single, circular motion with their heads and brought the tips of their horn together. With their horns touching, golden and cobalt blue ball of magic began to form and grew bigger with each second. Seeing this, Twilight and Rarity huddled together, panic rising in their chest.

"Twilight! What are we going to do?! What can we do?!'' Rarity shrieked.

Twilight couldn't answer. The very thought of being struck down by her very mentor, her own mother figure caused her mind to go blank. Finally it came and with a flash of light, Celestia and Luna fired a golden and blue, intertwined beam, a rushing sound as if a vast invisible something was soaring through the air towards them. The only thing Twilight and Rarity could do was scream and huddled together, waiting for dead to overtake them. Suddenly out of nowhere, a deep pink and purple flash of light lit their eyelids as Rarity fell a force coming out from her chest and Twilight felt a jerking recoil from her tiara.

The two opened their eyes to see a beam of magic coming from each of their Elements, one magenta and the other purple as the two joined together and met Celestia's and Luna's attack high in mid-air. While the opposing beams seemed evenly matched, it wasn't long before the power of the two Elements began to push back the regal sisters' until it finally overpowered them, in a flash with the sound of an explosion knocked the two from the air and fell onto the ground, much to the absolute astonishment of Twilight and Rarity.

"Sweet Equestria! Twilight…did you see-'' Rarity began as the two Alicorns landed motionless on the ground a yard or two away.

"I don't believe it!'' Twilight uttered softly. "Our Elements, they fought back their power!''

Twilight gazed up at her Element tiara, still speechless at what just occurred. "Could it be?'' Twilight thought to herself.

However, she was snapped out of her train of thought as the sounds of distant shuffling and saw that Celestia and Luna were slowly, but surely beginning to rise to their feet. Twilight knew there was no time to waste and urged Rarity. "Rarity, we must hurry. Now's our chance to go and help the others.''

It took a moment or two for Rarity to come back to her senses and quickly agreed. "Yes, your right Twilight. We must make our move now!'' Without another word spoken, Twilight and Rarity sprang on all fours and whipped around and ran to help their friends. Twilight couldn't help but peek over her shoulder sadly, regretfully as Celestia and her sister struggled to rise to their feet.

Fluttershy and Pinkie ran in terror as blasts of bluish white spells zoomed past their heads. Arcanus, the usually calm and docile unicorn was now running after them despite his great age. With his eyes black and his pupils red and empty, the Unicorn Supreme fired another series of spells that whizzed through the air towards them.

"What are we going to do Pinkie?!'' Fluttershy cried as she flew next to her friend. "We don't have any magic to defend ourselves!''

Pinkie Pie looked at her friend frantically. "You're asking me?! These last few chapters have been nothing but awful. I don't know the first thing we should do!''

Fluttershy looked at the pink pony with bewildered, panic-stricken eyes. "L-Last few chapters? Pinkie what are you-''

"Look out!'' Pinkie Pie suddenly cut in, pushing Fluttershy to the side as a spell soared passed her, missing.

"Oh my! Thanks Pinkie that was a close one,'' Fluttershy thanked, trying to regain her airborne bearing.

"Anytime! Now let's find a way to lose him!'' Pinkie Pie responded.

As they continued to run however, in a flash of light, Arcanus stood a good distance before them, his body taking an offensive stance. Fluttershy and Pinkie both skidded to a halt, their ears lowering in fear as they backed away anxiously. "Oh no, now what?!'' Fluttershy squeaked in terror.

"Arcanus it's us. Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy!'' Pinkie Pie implored. "Don't you remember? You were helping us trying to stop that meanie Chrysalis!''

Arcanus said nothing, just glared, his unholy red eyes fixated on the Pegasus and earth pony. His horn then glowed as he whipped his head up in a single motion, rearing up on his hind legs. Instantly, a massive pillar of water burst forth from the ground behind him. The water rose about twenty or thirty feet into the air as Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy watched on in alarm.

"T-That's a lot a water!'' Pinkie Pie stuttered.

The swirling, pillar of water stayed in the air for a moment or two, before suddenly snaked it way through the air and down towards the two ponies. "Pinkie Pie hurry before-AH!'' Fluttershy began only for her to scream along with Pinkie Pie as the torrential waterspout turned into a wave and washed around them.

Within moments, the two friends were swept off their feet and were being tossed violently as the wave of water morphed into a massive, raging sphere of liquid. Fluttershy's and Pinkie Pie's screamed were instantly drowned out and replaced by gurgles as they continued to be rocked by the spell, as if caught in a violent maelstrom at sea. Arcanus stood firmly in his place, controlling the sphere of water as it floated ten feet from the ground. The two ponies trapped within tried to hold their breathes but the constant vigorous motion of the torrent caused them to breath in and filling their nostrils with the conjured substance.

It wasn't until, their lungs were beginning to fill with water when Arcanus whipped his head downwards, commanding the sphere of water to crash down onto the ground. Upon impact, water swept through the area, washing away any pony statues that happened to be nearby. Fluttershy and Pinkie laid on the ground, coughing fiercely as they tried to catch their breath.

"Oh ho! Talk about a wipe out!'' Discord cackled, holding his belly. "And they said a little water won't hurt you? Well apparently a lot can kill you!''

Chthon smiled malevolently, showing his sharp, canine like teeth and said. "It is amusing to see such filth getting exactly what they deserve. If those creatures have a shred of brain cells then they would just accept the fate that was written for them.''

Discord ceased his laughter and stared at Fluttershy who was coughing up some water she had swallowed. He gave her a calm, impassive glance. "Yes, they can be a bit…unruly. Always going against the grand design. Isn't that right dear Fluttershy?'' Upon seeing the timid Pegasus heaved forward and coughed deeply, Discord's face dissolved into a slight, qualm frown.

Chthon looked at him darkly out the corner of his eye, looking at him as if he was expecting his son to say or do something ill-fitting in his sight. After a moment of silence, the draconequus spoke. "Well serves you right for preaching your malarkey about friendship.'' He then grinned devilishly. "Well, everypony who sinned must be punished, a fact that's absolute.''

Chthon smirked at the comment, eyeing Discord and responded. "True words Discord. True words indeed…''

"F-Fluttershy. Are you…ok?'' Pinkie Pie said in between coughs and breathes, turning to her friend weakly.

Fluttershy coughed up a bit more water before responding groggily. "I think so. I really thought that…we would drown.''

"Yeah me too. I wonder why he would let us go?'' Pinkie Pie inquired, attempting to stand up.

In the very instant, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie let out anguished screams as an electrical current rapidly ran throughout their bodies. The experience only lasted for a brief second when the Pegasus and earth pony found themselves on the ground, bluish white sparks of electricity crackling along their bodies. Distances away, Arcanus stood in his spot, his head bowed slightly as his horn was aglow and surrounded with electric cracks. Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy shook greatly from the attack. Both their eyes were wide open and almost lifeless. Some foam began to form and fall from Fluttershy's mouth as Pinkie's eye twitched every few seconds, both their bodies were now heavily singed.

Seeing the two ponies helpless on the ground, the glowering Arcanus stomped the as the glow from his horn brightened. The ground under Fluttershy and Pinkie suddenly gave way and they fell into a rather large crater about the size of the base of a cottage, the two rolling down until stopping at the center. Pinkie Pie tried to lift her head and raised a shaking hoof towards Fluttershy.

"F-Fluttershy…'' Pinkie Pie spoke hoarsely.

Some light finally returned to Fluttershy's strong, cyan eyes as she lifted her head, the last bit of foam slipping from her mouth. "Pinkie…?" Fluttershy answered in a daze. "W-What's happening?''

Before Pinkie Pie could answer, the brim of the crater suddenly started to glow an orange yellow and the two gasped in fright as lava started flow down into the crater towards them. "What?! Pinkie Pie what are we going to do?!'' Fluttershy squeaked in terror. "If that lava reaches the floor then…"

"We're cooked!'' Pinkie Pie finished with increasing panic.

Above ground, Arcanus stood on the charred ground, using his spell to phase change more earth to lava. As his horn glowed brighter, the speed of the lava flow increased, threatening to consume Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie in moments. The two friends huddled desperately together, as boiling, liquid earth surrounded them from all sides. Their eyes darted in all directions, only seeing glowing, fiery magma. Fluttershy, whipped her head and looked at Pinkie Pie, tears beginning to form in her eyes.

"Pinkie Pie! We won't be able to get out of this! We're…we're going to die!''

Pinkie Pie looked at the hysterical Fluttershy, then adverted her eyes to the lava before looking back at Fluttershy. Pinkie Pie asked, "Fluttershy…do you trust me?''

"W-What?!'' Fluttershy said apprehensively.

Pinkie Pie repeated, "Do you trust me?!''

Fluttershy just looked at her for a moment or two before nodding, a tear rolling down her face. "Yes. Yes I do!''

At her answer, Pinkie Pie nodded firmly just as the larva made its way to the bottom. Fluttershy screamed while Pinkie Pie put a hoof into her straight mane as the lava started to fill the crate. Arcanus stood looking at the filling crater with a silent glare as the glow from his horn subsided. He then walked over to the edge and then looked down to see nothing but a growing lava pull. He had done his mission, the reason why he was summoned by Chthon from his death to accomplish. With his objective complete, Arcanus turned around only for his dark eyes to fall upon Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy distances away, standing behind Pinkie Pie's party cannon.

Fluttershy stood behind Pinkie Pie, her eyes wide with an expression of absolute dumbfoundedness dominating her face as her body quivered visibly. Pinkie Pie looked at the great unicorn hesitantly, her teeth clenched while behind them on the ground was a single, black hole. The bottom of the barrel of the cannon started to give a yellowish, phosphorescent glow, as if it was being heated by something. Despite the sudden appearance, Arcanus just casted them an unfazed, dark leer. As he made an advance towards them, Pinkie Pie quickly made her move, her hoof over the red bottom.

"I'm really sorry about this Arcanus!'' Pinkie Pie spoke as she pressed down on the bottom.

In an instant, the inside of the cannon glowed a fiery orange before a sound like an explosion rang out. In that moment, a large ball of lava shot out which in the next second shaped itself into the kanji dai larger than both Fluttershy and Pinkie as well as Arcanus. In a blink of an eye, the kanji suddenly soared towards Arcanus at lightning speed and before the unicorn could react, he was hit directly by the blast and sent backwards and crashed into a nearby cottage. The moment Arcanus sailed inside the cottage, an explosion occurred, causing the home to crashed down in a fiery blaze.

Pinkie looked at the flaming debris with a surprised, blank expression before looking down at her cannon. She looked back up and spoke with an astonished tone. "That…never happened before!''

"P-Pinkie? How did you do that?'' Fluttershy asked dumbly, looking down at the black hole.

"Never mind that,'' Pinkie Pie answered, snapping out of her shocked state. "We need to close it up before the lava comes through!''

Indeed, Pinkie peeked into the dark void and indeed saw the glow of the lava becoming brighter as it drew nearer. Without wasting any time, Pinkie Pie began to fold the hold hallway and sideways and continued to do so until nothing was left but a small dot. She then picked up the dot, took out a paint palette and placed the tiny speck into the black paint and let out a relieved sigh.

Fluttershy just stared at her with that same, flabbergasted expression. "Goodness. Pinkie Pie?''

"Fluttershy, I'd love to explain the fundamentals of acme and hammer space, but something tells me that won't keep Arcanus away for long!''

Fluttershy continued to give Pinkie a bewildered glance as the pink pony placed the palette behind her back and out of sight. Fluttershy then snapped out of her state and quickly agreed. "You're right. We need to get away from here and find the others.''

Without another word, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie ran away from the burning cottage and pit of lava. Up above, Discord sat with a genuine shocked look upon his face as he reflected Pinkie Pie's recent actions. "Huh, didn't see that coming. Arcanus was undoubtedly at a higher level than both of them, but I guess that last move was super effective.''

Chthon just watched on carelessly as he spoke, "One should never underestimate a creature born from chaos. Especially if that creature was spawned personally from the lord of that very force.''

"Yes, a mistake like that would be most fatal indeed,'' Discord agreed, twirling his beard with a sinister smirk.

As Fluttershy and Pinkie ran, a burst of bluish white flames erupted from the ground a ways before them, causing them to skid to a halt. Soon, a hoof came forth from the raging flames as Arcanus walked out from the fire. He glared down at the two, shocked pones, his unholy, empty red eyes set unflinchingly upon them as the mystical fire died down and disappeared behind him. Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy both took a tremulous step backwards.

"No way! Even after that he doesn't even looked singed!'' Pinkie Pie said in utter disbelief.

"H-He doesn't look very happy Pinkie!'' Fluttershy stuttered.

Indeed, Arcanus' eyes started to glow as his face bore a more livid look, his nostrils beginning to flare. "I'm sorry,'' Pinkie Pie attempted to apologize. "Maybe a nice, yummy cake will make it up to you? It may have a few ashes and burnt marks on the frosting, but I'll bet it'll still be oodles of tastiness.''

Pinkie's offer didn't help in the slightest and Arcanus bowed his head as his horn began to glow. The unicorn jerked his head upwards, a sphere of magic violently detonated from his horn and sent Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie screaming backwards. The two fell a couple of distances away from the tattered clothed Arcanus and soon scrambled to their hooves. "I don't think he has much of a sweet tooth right now Pinkie!'' Fluttershy said.

"Look! What?! He doing?!'' Pinkie Pie said loudly, pointing a hoof at the corrupted equine.

Arcanus made a circular motion with his head, his horn still shimmering. In bursts of light, copies of Arcanus came into sight, one by one appearing until the last one came into being…leaving Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy to deal with not one, but now eight Arcanus'. The Pegasus and earth pony looked on in horror at the sixteen, unholy red eyes staring menacingly at them. As if their minds were in tuned, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie bother whipped around and ran for dear life to escape the eight unicorns. All was in vain however when only reaching about ten feet, they were brought to an abrupt halt, their bodies frozen in place.

"W-What happening?! Pinkie I can't move!'' Fluttershy said loudly, trying to move.

"Me neither!" Pinkie Pie shrieked. "It's like we're glued to the ground. By how?!''

A glow coming from the ground was all it took to answer their questions and the two friends glanced downwards. On the black ground which they stood, a whitish blue arcane sigil glowed around their hooves; various symbols and shapes decorating the mystical circle. Although the two weren't unicorns, it didn't take long to deduce the purpose of the sigil.

"Pinkie Pie, I think it's some sort of binding spell. It's not letting us move!''

"Arcanus must've casted it. Pickles!'' Pinkie Pie responded, panic rising in her.

Behind them, the real Arcanus used his magic to lift himself high into the air, leaving his seven copies on the ground. After reaching a certain altitude, Arcanus stopped rising and floated in the air, the crimson and gold of the tinted skies around him as her robe flapped and flowed in the wind. In the next moment, the horns of Arcanus' clones began to glow, with sigils appearing underneath each of them. Suddenly, each sigil erupted with bluish white, plumes of fire with an earth trembling roar.

"What's going on?! What's he doing?!'' Pinkie Pie asked, unable to move her head.

Fluttershy didn't answer, just started to breath heavily as with fear stricken eyes. From each of the magical infernos, the massive shapes of Arcanus personal summon Tau Ixion came forth, all of them stomping on the ground with earthshattering quakes. The shockwaves were potent enough to free Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy from the binding spell and they fell on their stomachs, only to stagger quickly to their feet. Each of the gigantic summons were just alike with each other, now with unnatural, red glowing eyes and more feral appearances as each of Arcanus' copies were suspended within the summons.

Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie were left in their spots frozen with fear as the summons began to prowl around them, eyeing them like prey until the seven ethereal beasts were surrounding the two ponies, the ground trembling with each step as they did so. The original Arcanus just remained in the air, watching silently as his images encircled them. Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie whipped their heads frantically in all directions, only to see nothing but bestial eyes and faces. They were trapped.

"Pinkie we're surrounded!'' Fluttershy whimpered, staying close to her friend.

"Those things don't look friendly at all. I'm guessing a party if they let us go is out of the question!'' Pinkie Pie said.

All the Tau Ixion's bared their teeth as beastly growls escaped from their mouth, their eyes aglow like burning coals. With each passing second, the anxiety and panic spread quickly throughout the two ponies' bodies. "Pinkie if we don't do something soon then we'll…'' Fluttershy began as tears came to the corner of her eyes. "I wish Twilight was here! What would she do?!''

"Good question!'' Pinkie Pie spoke, an idea coming to her head. "Be right back Fluttershy!''

Before Fluttershy could object, the faded pink pony suddenly jumped into the air and disappeared from sight. "Pinkie?! Pinkie Pie!'' Fluttershy called out, looking around desperately for her friend.

Not seeing Pinkie anywhere in sight, Fluttershy gazed at the surrounding summons and lowered herself in trepidation, shaking violently as sounds of whimpers sniffing came from her. She brought her hooves over her eyes, blocking her sight and waiting for the inevitable death to strike her when a familiar voice spoke out.

"Fluttershy!''

The meek Pegasus hesitantly peered through her hooves to see Pinkie Pie standing over her, gazing down at her with concern yet urgent eyes. "P-Pinkie?!'' Fluttershy asked, lifting her head slightly. "You're back! But where did you-''

"Quick! We've only have one chance to do this!'' Pinkie Pie cut in, helping Fluttershy up.

Fluttershy looked at her with bewilderment and asked, "What do you mean?''

Pinkie Pie gazed up at the seven beasts as their horns began to glow; their tips forming magical balls that grew bigger as they prepared their attacks. Pinkie Pie quickly turned to Fluttershy and spoke quickly. "No time! You just gotta trust me on this one!''

Before Fluttershy knew it, she gave a surprised squeak as Pinkie Pie grabbed her body and forced her to sit down on her haunches. With one eye closed, Pinkie Pie carefully positioned Fluttershy to her right, her Element of Kindness pointing right at that nearest Tau Ixion.

"P-Pinkie Pie?!'' Fluttershy shrieked, flailing her forelegs while still being restrained by Pinkie.

"Just a few more inches…there!'' Pinkie Pie said, having locked on to her target.

She then placed a hoof over Fluttershy's butterfly shaped gemstone and it began to glow. As the summon continued to charge its attack, the Element around Fluttershy's neck continued to glow brighter and brighter. Fluttershy continued to wildly wave her arms, her face filled with alarm and terror. "Pinkie?!''

"Just a little more…'' Pinkie Pie spoke through her teeth. "That's it…''

With each passing second, the Tau Ixion's horn before them grew brighter as its attack grew stronger until finally with a loud crack of thunder, it fired a massive bolt of lightning down at the two ponies. "Pinkie Pie!'' Fluttershy cried out.

"Now!'' Pinkie Pie responded.

Upon her command, a powerful, pink beam of magic burst from Fluttershy's Element and met with the incoming attack in midair. There wasn't even a contest, despite the power of the summon for almost immediately after colliding with the attack, the pink beam quickly pushed back the lightning bolt closer to its body until finally the pink beam shot straight through the summon's chest…and hitting the Arcanus clone directly. The clone was pushed out from the back of the Tau Ixion, the gargantuan, equine like creature instantly started to become engulfed in bluish white flames before finally collapsing with an anguished roar.

Fluttershy just sat there, speechless and completely astonished about what had just transpired as the struck Arcanus clone disappeared in a plume of white, fire like light before hitting the ground. The real Arcanus just hovered in the air, that unflinching, furrowed glare upon his face and completely untroubled by what had just happened.

Behind Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie looked as if she was surprised that the counter attack actually worked before speaking out triumphantly. "Yes! Thank you Twilight!''

"What just happened?'' Fluttershy asked.

"Don't worry Fluttershy. Just leave everything to me,'' Pinkie Pie responded, holding firmly to her yellow friend. "Let's see who's next!''

Pinkie Pie turned Fluttershy like a loaded cannon towards a standing across from them, the mighty creature baring its large fangs. It then swiftly reared on its hind legs, as it readied itself for an attack, but Pinkie was ready for it. As soon as it moved, Pinkie Pie prepared Fluttershy, the latter's Element aimed right its intended target. With a courageous stare, Pinkie Pie winced at the Tau Ixion and spoke almost with a growl.

"Smile you son of a-'' before Pinkie spoke the last word, she fired another pink beam from Fluttershy's necklace, the Pegasus letting out short cry as it did so.

The beam took only a few seconds to reach its target and before the great summon could stomp back onto the ground, the beam had hit into its neck. In a flash of pink and white, the Tau Ixion erupted into flames, falling to the ground in a loud, quaking crash as it and the Arcanus clone within it vanished in the flames, leaving five left.

"Two down, five to go!'' Pinkie Pie announced victoriously, hoof pumping the air.

"Oh my…'' Fluttershy spoke in awe and wonder, gazing at the dying flames.

She was snapped out of her wonderment by a loud stomp as another one of the magical summon took an aggressive step towards the two friends. Fluttershy gasped in fright, but Pinkie Pie merely turned Fluttershy towards the approaching Tau Ixion, grabbing Fluttershy's long tail with a hoof.

"Oh no you don't!''

Pinkie Pie lifted up Fluttershy's tail and brought it back down. Instantly, a beams fired from the Element once again, reacting as if Fluttershy was a Gatling gun and her tail was the trigger. Numerous of pink jets hit the Tau Ixion clad Arcanus clone in rapid succession, the mystical entity roaring in pain before collapsing into formless, white flames and disappearing. Soon after, Pinkie turned her attention to the forth, then the fifth, sixth, and finally the seventh Tau Ixion was hit brilliantly with a barrage of magic. It reared on its hind legs, roaring out and whipping its head to and fro before it came tumbling down, dispersing in bluish white flames the waved outwards in all directions before quickly fading away.

All that was left was the original Arcanus, in the air leering down at Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy. "T-there's still the real Arcanus left. You think that the Element might be enough to beat him?'' Fluttershy asked uncertainly.

"Only one way to find out!'' Pinkie Pie answered, jumping from behind Fluttershy.

She then took out her party cannon once again and carefully positioned it to her liking. "Pinkie, what are you going to do with that?'' Fluttershy asked quizzically before gasping. "Wait! You can't possibly be planning on…shooting the Elements from the cannon?!''

"Of course not silly!'' Pinkie Pie said, still adjusting the cannon. "I'm going to fire me instead!''

"What?! Pinkie Pie you can't be serious?!'' Fluttershy spoke loudly, louder than she usually do.

"Yep, and don't try to stop me Flutters!'' Pinkie Pie said, lifting the cannon's barrel upwards and pointed right at Arcanus.

In a blink of an eye, Pinkie ran to the front of the cannon and climbed in hind hooves first, her head just barely noticeable from the opening. "Ready Fluttershy?''

Fluttershy just stared at the pony loaded cannon, looking as if a wave of emotions were conflicting each other for dominance, though confusion and hesitation seemed to be the victors. "I…but…you…Pinkie you can't possibly expect me to fire you from a cannon!'' Fluttershy said.

Pinkie Pie peered out to see Arcanus, baring his teeth as his horn began to glow. Pinkie spoke hastily, "Fluttershy just do it now! He's getting ready to attack! You have to trust me!''

Fluttershy attempted to argue, but instead she thought hard about Pinkie's last words. He friend was just able to get them out of a predicament that seemed next to impossible as well as saved them from being burned to the born in a pool of lava. With these thoughts racing through her mind, Fluttershy gulped with a quivering mouth as she lifting a shaking hoof over the red button of the cannon.

"O-Ok then. On the count of three!''

Pinkie Pie readied herself from within the cannon. She closed her eyes as brought, through with some difficulty, a hoof to her Element. She opened her mouth and whispered over and over again, "I am Laughter...I am Laughter…''

"O-one,'' Fluttershy began to count, her hoof still nervously shaking.

"I am Laughter…I am Laughter…'' Pinkie Pie repeated, concentrating with all her strength on the golden necklace around her neck.

An image of all her friends came into her mind, together with one another laughing heartily with each other…truly happy. Seeing this, a lone tear escaped Pinkie Pie's eyes as her mouth began to tremble slightly. Outside, Arcanus' horn began to grow brighter, ready to cast a spell.

"Two,'' Fluttershy continued.

But inside the cannon as Pinkie Pie stilled uttered that phrase, her Element began to glow with a blue light, overcoming her entire body. The light shined out from the barrel of the cannon as if the party artillery had suddenly become an oversized flashlight. Seeing this, Fluttershy gave an apprehensive stare. Her eyes then somehow shifted from the cannon to the skies to see Arcanus, ready to attack and she snapped out of her stare. With gritted teeth, Fluttershy looked away with a hoof covering her eyes, the other over the button and finally she finished.

"T-Three!''

Fluttershy pushed the button. With the sound of a loud bang, a glowing, blue ball fired from the cannon. Fluttershy peered with one eye to see everything that had happened in that moment. Pinkie Pie was curled up, as if she herself had been turned into a cannon ball and enveloped in that magical blue light, a tail of sparkles behind her. It wasn't even a full minute when the Element powered ball of Pinkie jetted through the air and before Arcanus could even react, he was hit point blank. A bright, blue explosion erupted and Fluttershy cried out as she shielded her eyes from the intensified light.

As quickly as the light came, it too had disappeared just the same as two figures fell out of the sky and hit the ground. With the light gone, Fluttershy peered over at the sight and seeing her friend on the ground, she let out a horrified gasped. "Oh my Pinkie Pie!''

She flew as fast as her wings could carry her and she soon found herself landing with a skid at Pinkie Pie's side. "Pinkie Pie! Pinkie are you ok?!'' Fluttershy asked, carefully lifting her friend's upper body.

Pinkie didn't respond, didn't move. Fluttershy began to panic as tears came to her eyes. "No…Pinkie please answer me! Pinkie Pie can you hear me?!''

This time, a soft moan came forth as Pinkie Pie body began to shift. "Pinkie Pie?'' Fluttershy spoke with hope in her voice.

The pink pony slowly and groggily sat up, shaking her head off of any dizziness and trying to stop the world from spinning around. "W-Wha-Fluttershy?'' Pinkie Pie asked, woozily.

"Yes! Yes I'm here Pinkie Pie!'' Fluttershy answered, giving a relieved cry and letting a tear or two fall.

"Fluttershy…will you tell me the story about the bunny?'' Pinkie Pie spoke.

"Story about…the bunny?'' Fluttershy repeated, quizzical of what she had just heard.

Pinkie Pie shook her head once again and gazed at Fluttershy. "Oh hey Fluttershy. You should totally try a shot at that cannon…so much fun.''

Fluttershy shook her head, a sad smile on her face as she wrapped her arms around Pinkie. "Oh Pinkie Pie I'm so glad you're ok! Please don't ever scare me like that again!''

It took a moment or two for Pinkie Pie remembered exactly what had happen and she asked, breaking the hug. "Oh wait, so…did that did it? What happened to Arcanus?''

The two looked ahead of them and about half a yard away laid an unmoving Arcanus. Fluttershy helped Pinkie Pie up on her feet while she said. "Yeah. Whatever you were thinking it worked.''

"Geez, I hope Arcanus will forgive me for that. And I really need to remember to thank Twilight for the help.''

"Thank Twilight for the help?'' Fluttershy asked, looking at Pinkie Pie. "But I've haven't seen Twilight at all since we've separated.''

"Oh yeah about that,'' Pinkie Pie began, scratching her head rather awkwardly. "Remember all that stuff I said about acme and hammer space?''

Fluttershy nodded.

Pinkie Pie continued, ''Well long story short, I just used the scroll bar to go back a couple pages. I read how Twilight and Rarity accidentally used their Elements to fight back against Princess Celestia and Princess Luna and thought it they could do that with their Elements, then why can't we. So I came back to this page and there you have it.''

After Pinkie was done, Fluttershy just stared at her as if she had lost her mind. Seeing Fluttershy's stunned, confused face, Pinkie Pie spoke, falling back on her haunches, "Yeah unbelievable right?''

After a few more moments of awed silence, Fluttershy finally spoke with a conceded tone. "Pinkie Pie…you really are random.''

Pinkie Pie shrugged with a tired smile, "Well you know, that's the most wonderful thing about Pinkies.''

Pinkie Pie then bounced on her tail and landed back on her hooves and spoke cautiously. "He seems be down for the count. I think that's our cue to get out of here.''

Fluttershy gave a quick glance to the motionless Arcanus and nodded. Without a single word spoken, the two friends began to gallop and make their way to the town square and hopefully their friends. Having been observing from above, Discord watched as Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie ran. He had two glass cups with the brims over his eyes, using the two cups as a pair of binoculars. He put the glasses down and spoke with irritation and contempt.

"Once again, saved by dumb luck. And it's all thanks to those accursed Elements of Harmony.''

Beside him, Chthon said nothing, just glazed at the two ponies with disdain. In the area where he was laying, Arcanus' eyes suddenly shot open, glowing an unholy red. His horn glowed and in a flash of light, he disappeared only to reappear again, standing on all fours. He glared at the direction Pinkie and Fluttershy was headed and with slightly bared teeth, he quickly made chase behind them.

"Well this is getting dreadfully boring,'' Discord yawned, growing uninterested. He stuck his talon fingers in his left ear, pulling out a crystal ball and began rubbing it. "Let's see if there's anything is on. Hmm…Ha! Oh this looks promising!''

Applejack and Rainbow Dash screamed as their bodies soared through the sky, like rag dolls coated in a venomous green aura before they landed hard on the ground. Their bodies skid and rolled before coming to a stop. They both grunted and winced in pain as the two staggered to their feet.

"Dang horse feathers! You alright Rainbow?'' Applejack asked, getting to her feet.

"I'd be so much better if we hadn't crashed into the ground like that,'' Rainbow Dash retorted, flapping her wings as she hovered to the air, her injured wing still making it difficult to keep herself steady.

Their moment of rest was short lived as a jet of green blasted from a gnarled horn and towards them. "Heads up!'' Rainbow Dash shouted as the green bolt of light cleaved between the two as the earth pony and Pegasus scattered to avoid it.

Soon after, a rapid, buzzing sound had reached their ears as Queen Chrysalis flew towards them. Her fangs were bared with eyes black as night with pupils as red as blood and she hovered a great height in the air, her coat slightly tinted with grey with those marred imperfections. Upon seeing the changeling queen, Applejack and Rainbow Dash instantly casted disgusted glares at her.

"Of all the ugly, no good faces Chthon had to bring back, it had to be this fink,'' Applejack growled.

"Teh, I'm not complaining,'' Rainbow Dash said, smirking while still a noticeable loathing quality showed. "I was hoping to kick her royal flank personally. Guess I got my wish.''

Chrysalis said nothing, just leered darkly at them while her black horn glowed a billowing, green aura. "Not a talker now huh?'' Applejack said. "Well good, no pony wants ta hear ya rotten voice anyway.''

Again no answer, and Chrysalis responded by suddenly flying towards them. She fired shots of green magic continuously at the two friends, hitting the ground like glowing bullets. Rainbow Dash and Applejack leaped and flew out of the way, evading the attack.

"Let's see how you like this bitch!'' Rainbow Dash called, quickly soaring towards the enemy.

She pulled a foreleg back as she prepared a punch, but before it could land, Chrysalis disappeared in flash of green light. "What?!'' Rainbow Dash exclaimed in shock, coming to a halt in the air.

Within the next moment, a flash of green erupted from behind her and Rainbow Dash was hit in the back by a powerful beam of magic from Chrysalis. Rainbow Dash screamed as she rocketed towards the ground and hitting it painfully. "Rainbow Dash!'' Applejack called, fearful for her bold friend's safety. "Rainbow are you-AH!''

Before the orange pony could finish, she was lifted into the air by the queen before being slammed repeatedly by the will of Chrysalis. After the fifth or sixth impact, Chrysalis used her magic to lift Rainbow Dash into the air. The rainbow maned mare jetted through the air as did Applejack before finally colliding hard into each other and falling to the ground.

On the ground, Applejack and Rainbow Dash's bodies were sprawled amongst each other, both having the wind knocked out of them. "Man that was not awesome,'' Rainbow Dash said in a slight daze.

"Neither is laying on my back,'' Applejack grumbled.

"My bad AJ,'' Rainbow Dash said, hovering into the air to allow her friend to stand up.

"Ain't yur fault Rainbow,'' Applejack spoke, shaking some dirt from her grimed coat before gazing coldly at their opponent. "It's her I'm pissed off at.''

Chrysalis stayed in the air before them, the beating of her rapidly flapping wings the only thing breaking the silence. The queen hovered there with that unfeeling, dark frown upon her slightly cracked face. Rainbow Dash furrowed her rose colored eyes and blew a gust of smoke from her nostrils before speaking.

"I'm glad I'm not the only one.'' She then turned to Applejack and smirked. "Ready to tag team this sorry freak?''

Applejack glanced at Rainbow Dash and responded with a determined grin and a nod, tipping her Stetson hat. "Sugarcube, she's goin' down like a mad dog with rabies.''

As if anticipating each other's actions, Applejack and Rainbow Dash both spat in their hooves and bumped them together, giving each other aggressive grins. They then turned to Chrysalis as Rainbow Dash said, "Now let's try this again.''

The cyan Pegasus flew at that amazing speed of her, a rainbow vapor trailing behind as she did so. Rainbow Dash tried to hit Chrysalis with a kick, but the queen quickly evaded out of the way, her horn glowing.

"Not this time bitch!'' Rainbow Dash said, her fast reflexes allowing her to dodge upwards and escaped a bolt of green fired from Chrysalis' horn.

Upon evasion, Rainbow Dash quickly turned around and with a brief cry as she hit Chrysalis across the face with a strong roundhouse kick, sending the queen of the changelings towards the ground and at Applejack.

"Nice one Rainbow, but now let me show ya how a real pony kicks!''

Applejack ran full speed at Chrysalis and ducked as her body wheezed past her. However, Applejack grabbed her by the tail with her teeth right before the queen could fully past her. With all of her earth pony strength, the southern drawled mare spun and released Chrysalis in the air, soon coming down. With Chrysalis came close enough, Applejack whipped around and reared her hind legs inward before striking her target with a forcible buck right to her back.

A sickening crack sound was heard as Chrysalis was flown and skidded to a halt on the ground. Her body was arched unnaturally and she twitched slightly, her back having been broken by the strong earth pony. Seeing her success, Applejack grinned victorious and spoke, crossing her left hooves over her right.

"Like I said, down like a dog with rabies.''

"Aw yeah! You go Applejack!'' Rainbow Dash cheered, flying to her friend and giving her a high hoof bump.

"What's wrong Chrysalis, bad back or something?'' Rainbow Dash taunted.

"Forget her Rainbow,'' Applejack said, giving a more serious expression. "We need ta high tail it to the other girls.''

Rainbow Dash nodded in agreement, "Yeah. We've squashed that oversized bug. Let's go back up our friends, you know they're completely hopeless without us.''

Before the two could go on their way, the ground beneath them rumbled and cracked before suddenly something rushed up from underneath them and surrounded the two ponies. Applejack and Rainbow Dash had now found themselves encased in a lime green, gooey cocoon. "What the buck?!'' Rainbow Dash exclaimed, trying to move in the tightly, enclosed prison. "Where did this booger crap come from?!''

Applejack too struggled in her cocoon and said disgusted. "Ugh! What in Sam Hill is this green goop!''

She tilted her head back in an instinctive move in trying to escape, only for her to cry out in repulsion as he blonde hair was caught in the sticky, green substance. Applejack and Rainbow Dash continued to squirm and struggle in their cocoons and stopped as they gazed out of the lucent shells. To their shock, they saw Chrysalis as her tattered wings began to beat, lifting her into the air with her body still angled and contorted and her black horn coated in green aura.

Chrysalis hovered in the air for a moment before she began to twist her body until a crack was heard and she floated before the disturbed mares with her now fixed body. Despite the forced replacement of her back, Chrysalis looked untroubled, as if she didn't feel a thing as she gazed at Rainbow Dash and Applejack with a brooding glower.

"That…was just sick,'' Rainbow Dash commented.

Chrysalis only responded by bowing her head slightly, her horn glowing brighter and the two cocoons suddenly detonated in a flash of green light. Applejack and Rainbow Dash fell onto the ground with loud thuds, the explosion having scattered the two a good distance from each other. The earth pony and Pegasus tried to slowly get back on their feet, the suddenly discharge having knocked their senses in a loop. Their bodies were singed seared with some patches of slime as they both struggled to raise themselves.

"Rainbow? 'Applejack called out, trying to clear her head.

"I'm good, I'm good! It's…gonna take a lot more than that to keep this Pegasus down!''

Above, Discord clapped his paw and claw in laughter. "Yeah right, keep telling yourself Dashie! Seriously, I almost forgot how much of a riot messing with these ponies are!''

"Another pony's torment is another god's pleasure. The little swine are gluttonous to pain. So who are we to deny thing such spoils?'' Chthon said, arms crossed and gazing rather lazily at Rainbow Dash and Applejack.

Discord chuckled only chuckled as he continued to watch the two ponies through his crystal ball. It took some time for the two friends to regain their bearings, but sure enough they cleared their heads and were back on their hooves. As Chrysalis hovered closer to them, Rainbow Dash furrowed her eyes and snarled.

"Is that all you got? Cause now it's our turn!''

"Rainbow wait!'' Applejack called, but the brazen Pegasus already took off towards the queen.

Before Chrysalis could have a chance to react, Rainbow Dash had delivered a punched to her face, followed by another and another. Soon, Rainbow Dash was forcing back Chrysalis with a fury of punches as Applejack watched on. With each punch, Rainbow Dash would exhale loudly with a sort of seethe.

"I've…just…about…had it…with you!''

With one final punch, Rainbow Dash sent her flying away towards her. "Yeehaw! Now that's some hoofing power fer ya!'' Applejack cheered.

Rainbow Dash smirked smugly but it quickly disappeared when Chrysalis recovered and casted that dark, silence glance at Rainbow. "What? Want some more punk?'' Rainbow Dash said, cracking her neck. "All right, let's go!''

She took off towards her opponent, but before she could get close enough, Chrysalis' horn glowed that billowing, sickly green aura. Suddenly, numerous tentacle like appendages erupted from the ground and rose quickly up towards the cyan Pegasus. Jumping back, Applejack exclaimed. "What in tarnation! Rainbow Dash watch out!''

Rainbow looked down before her body was ensnared by that tentacles. She cried out as her wings and legs were bound. Before long, she was squirming in her place, the tentacles holding her in bipedal position. "What the hell?! Let go of me!'' Rainbow Dash grunted through clenched teeth, still writhing to break free for her thorn like chains.

"Rainbow Dash! Don't worry I'll get ya down!'' Applejack called to her friend.

She ran towards the base of the tentacles at full gallop when five more came up from the charred earth, causing Applejack to slide to a halt. The vine like rhododendrons swayed in the air as if they were great snakes waiting for the right moment to strike their prey, but Applejack didn't falter.

"Teh, ya think I'm scared of a bunch of overgrown weeds like you?'' Applejack said, raking the dirt with a hoof. "Ya wanna ride this train…well c'mon! I'll give ya a ride!''

Applejack ran full speed towards the large earthen tentacles. As if on instinct, the limbs went forth to try to embroil the strong mare. One tentacle tried to strike Applejack head on, but she quickly side jumped out of the way as it dug into the ground.

"Ha missed ya sprout! My turn!''

She grabbed the tentacle with her teeth and pulled with all her strength until a loud, crumbling sound came to her ears as she ripped the appendage out of the ground. She spat it out next to her, wriggling on the ground like an earth worm before finally becoming still. Applejack grinned complacently at her success, only to be snapped out by the frustrated cries of Rainbow Dash from above.

"I said get off!''

"Way ahead of ya Rainbow!'' Applejack answered, tipping her hat a little over her eyes. "Ya heard her ya crabgrass rejects, get yur mitts of my friend!''

She charged at the four tentacles as they attempted to attack her from different directions. One tried to sweep her by the legs, but Applejack easily jumped and dodged, sliding and stopping on the other side of the base that had captured Rainbow Dash. With a quick glance at the twisting tentacles, a mischievous smirk came to her face and she spoke softly,

"I got just the thing fer ya blokes.''

Two of the limbs tried double teaming her, one attempted to slam down on her. Applejack handily side stepped out of the way as it smashed the ground. Shen then quickly stomped a hoof down on top of it, preventing it from escaping as it jerked underneath her. The other tentacle swung itself like a baseball bat, targeting Applejack's face, but again the southern drawled, pony was ready. She ducked from the attack and retaliated by catching the tentacle in her teeth.

Not wasting a single second, she picked the writhing limb under her hoof with her teeth and began to run around the base of vivacious tentacles bounding Rainbow Dash. Applejack went around again, a third time, and a fourth time before finally jumping to the side, the two tentacles wrapped around the base. To finish the job, Applejack then skillfully maneuvered the two feelers in her mouth and with a final tug, had tied the two around the base of Rainbow Dash's captors.

The constrained ground of tentacles jerked wildly, as if they had been denied air if they could breathed. With her biennial shackles grips weakened with the strength her powerful wings could produce, Rainbow Dash broke free from the tentacle's clutches, flying upwards and stopping at a high altitude.

"Thanks AJ! I owe ya one!'' Rainbow Dash called to her savior.

"Ya can owe me by helping me finish off these things!''

Rainbow Dash gave a pugnacious grin and a quick salute. "Right! I've got this!'' "Over here!'' she finished with a jeer.

At those unbelievable speeds of hers, Rainbow Dash flew towards the base before flying in circles. She became a blur as she rose upwards, the tangles tentacles surrounded in a colorful vortex as Rainbow continued to fly speedily around. Applejack held onto her hat to keep it from blowing away from the high winds as she gazed at the rainbow colored tornado. Inside, the ground cracked as the grouped tentacles began to slowly rise up from the earth until finally the squirming arms broke free from the ground and shot up into the sky. Rainbow Dash stopped her circling, the spectrum sprout ceasing instantly and she and Applejack watched on as the bundled tentacles crashed back onto the ground, twitching before finally becoming still.

Applejack reared on her hind legs, elated. "Woowee! Now that's how ya take care of a plant problem!''

Rainbow Dash crossed her arms and said, "Ya know it. I'm the best of the best-AH!''

Rainbow Dash was abruptly cut off as a magical, green beam hit her in the back. The attack knocked the Pegasus from the air and she crashed on the ground to Applejack's horror. "Rainbow Dash! Are you alright?!''

Applejack ran to her friend as the kaleidoscopic haired mare started to get up, grunting as a burning pain swept through her entire body. Applejack saw that her friend now how a large, scorched mark on her back. "Rainbow?!''

"Damn it that stings!'' Rainbow Dash spoke through gritted teeth, having finally stood back up.

She turned around and gave a look of pure ire as Chrysalis floated in the sultry air, her black, gnarled horn aglow. "I'm getting real, freakin' sick of her!'' Rainbow Dash commented.

"You an' me both,'' Applejack agreed. "So how bout we make the next hit the last?''

"Trust me AJ…I intend to.''

With that, Rainbow Dash flew at high speed towards the queen, a rainbow vapor trailing behind her. As Rainbow Dash closed in on Chrysalis, her horn glowed brighter and a shimmering, lime green ball of magic erupted from her horn, hitting the Pegasus square on. Rainbow Dash screamed as the force of the spell rocketed her back towards the burnt earth, slamming and rolling on the ground before coming to a stop.

"Rainbow!'' Applejack shouted, greatly concerned for her friend.

As she tried to run towards her, Chrysalis made a simple, circular gesture with her head. A wall of earth and gooey, green slime came sharply came up from the ground. The wall rose, curbing its way around the area, left, right, diagonally before finally stopping about twenty feet in the air, blocking Applejack off completely from Rainbow Dash; separating thing in a short maze of sorts.

"What in tarnation?! Now what?!'' Applejack exclaimed in shock, as she gazed up at the wall. "Rainbow Dash, ya there!''

"Yeah I'm here Applejack!'' Rainbow Dash answered, hovering off the ground slightly. "Don't worry, I'll be over there in a millisecond!''

Just as Rainbow Dash was about to take to the skies and over the wall, Chrysalis speedily reacted by firing a jet of green from her horn, hitting the Rainbow Dash. Instantly, Rainbow found herself back on the ground, her hooves now covered in the same, goo like substance that patched the scorched wall.

"What?! What not this green crap again!'' Rainbow Dash said crossly.

She flapped her wings in an attempt to fly, but the strange, glutinous substance prevented her from taking off-she was stuck. "C'mon! Move!''

"Rainbow? What's goin' on over there?'' Applejack inquired, hearing the fuss from the other side of the wall.

"I'm stuck! My hooves are stuck to the ground by some overgrown, pile of snot!'' the struggling Rainbow Dash answered, trying and failing again at flying.

At her description, Applejack shuddered uneasily. "Don't you worry none ya hear? I'll be over there lickety split. Just stay put!''

Applejack rushed off to her left as she started off through the twisting and winding obstacle. "Like I really have a choice!'' Rainbow Dash growled under her breath, making one last effort to escape only to prove in vain.

Rainbow Dash whipped her head up before her to see Chrysalis, her unholy, dark, crimson eyes locked unblinkingly in the Pegasus' rose colored eyes. Rainbow Dash's eyebrows creased as she glared at the queen, her hatred and vexation bubbling strongly within her as Chrysalis floated steadily closer towards her.

"I don't care if you are being controlled by Chthon…you're not getting any sympathy from me,'' Rainbow Dash said coldly. "This…this is all your fault why everything's this way. But most of all…you almost killed Quentin. You deserve everything that Chthon did to you!''

Inconversable Chrysalis stayed as she neared the stuck Rainbow Dash. Her horn then started to glow that billowing, sickly green aura as she bowed her head slightly. Rainbow Dash was then surrounded by a faint sphere of green magic, much to her stupefaction.

"W-What's going on?! Why do I feel…feel so…UGH!''

Rainbow Dash began to shift and stir her body as small, magical green balls of magic started to drift from the sphere into the air, , as if they were a group of fireflies and disappeared into Chrysalis' horn. More and more the esoteric glowing came forth from the sphere before being absorbed into the twisted horn of the Changeling queen. With each passing second, Rainbow Dash felt more discomfort and distressed, wanting to escape only to be restrained by the sticky substance covering her hooves.

She started to feel fatigue despite the little movement she was doing. Second, by second Rainbow felt herself getting weaker and weaker; her strength draining as if she had just been through an entire day of vigorous training. Her legs started to tremble, feeling like they would buckle from underneath her at any moment. Chrysalis just floated there idle and silent as she continued to take in the green orbs. Rainbow Dash weakly peered through on eye and said hoarsely.

"What…what the hell are you doing to me you ugly zombie?!''

In the fire tinted skies above, Chthon and Discord observed what was happening. "Hmm now this is interesting. I wonder what Chrissy is doing to poor Rainbow Dash?'' Discord queried, stroking his beard.

"It would appear that the Changeling is stripping the love energy from the Pegasus,'' Chthon said.

Discord eyes widened a bit, a light bulb appearing over his horned head as a revelation came to him. "Of course! Changelings possesses the power to feed off the love of somepony else!'' Discord then eyed Rainbow Dash with a twisted smile. "Aw little Dashie's love for her friends are quickly betraying her.''

After a few more moments of watching Rainbow Dash grunting and jerking violently, Discord's smirk faded into an expression of slight perplexity. "No…something else is fueling her love. True for her friends but there's something…more to it. I wonder what it could be?''

"Do not allow your mind to dwell on such trivialities Discord,'' Chthon said, looking at his son from the corner of his eyes. "That 'love' she foolishly feels shall be her executioner. Love…it truly is such a dreadful enemy. The more she feels for it, the more it damages her…destroys her.''

At this Discord snickered under his breath. "Has it really been so long that I've forgotten how sentimental these mortal ponies could be? Yes, it was that very saccharine nature of the ponies that made them so easy to manipulate. Becoming nothing more than puppets to my amusement.''

Rainbow Dash continued to struggle, bound to her spot as Chrysalis continued to engross herself in Rainbow Dash's ardor emotions. "I-I'm not…gonna stand here…and be some cheap meal!'' Rainbow Dash fumed through her teeth, jerking her head.

The strong willed Pegasus tried to tough out the ordeal, but Chrysalis' magic was proving too much for Rainbow Dash to deal with. Soon, she was beginning to feel her eyelids becoming heavy.

She felt her strength about to fade from her quickly, her body beginning to sway. She felt like she would faint at any second. Quick galloping of hooves sounded behind her as Applejack was swiftly approaching her languorous friend. Seeing Rainbow Dash, Applejack's eyes feel into a deep glare as she bared her teeth at the queen.

"Get yur stinkin', rotten face away from my friend ya oversized aphid!''

The orange earth pony ran passed Rainbow Dash and jumped into the air, hitting Chrysalis in the face with a hardy punch. The blow of the punched knocked the Changeling back a good feet from the two ponies, falling and rolling three times before coming to a stop on the ground. Upon being hit, the green sphere vanished from around Rainbow Dash, Chrysalis love leeching spell having been broken.

"Rainbow are ya ok?'' Applejack asked worryingly, turning to the staggering mare.

"N-No!,'' Rainbow Dash slurred, sounding and looking as if she had just knocked back one too many tankards of cider. "I…I think I'm gonna be sick!''

Indeed, Rainbow Dash heaved forward, about to vomit but was able to hold it in and instead let out a disgusted groan. Applejack whipped her head around and gazed back at the fallen Chrysalis. "Ya gonna pay fer doin' that ta Rainbow Dash.''

Exhaling a gust of air from her nostrils, Applejack kicked off and ran towards Chrysalis. Just as the southern pony came close enough to hit her, Chrysalis lifted her head, her horn glowing as a green light suddenly erupted from her. Applejack skidded to a halt, covering her face with a hoof. The light quickly faded and Applejack looked over her hoof just for her emerald green eyes to widen in horror as she gazed into the terrified eyes of Quentin.

His brown coat was dirtied with cuts and bruises throughout. His mane was unkempt as dreadlocks hung wildly over his face as he breathed heavily, a foreleg shielding his head. Applejack took a flustered step back her body started to tremble slightly.

"Q-Quentin?!'' Applejack said softly, but awestruck. "What are ya doin' here?!

"Applejack?'' Quentin spoke, flinching, "I-I don't know. I just wanted to help you but…why did you punch me?''

"Quen I…I didn't mean to! I thought…'' Applejack began, feeling guilty and ashamed that she had just harmed her friend.

Applejack took a step towards Quentin, only for the human turned equine to shuffle back in fear. "No! Stay away from me! Don't come any closer!''

Hearing those words pained Applejack, like a knife was being stabbed in her heart. Rainbow Dash shook her head, trying to clear her vision and shake off her disorientation. Applejack tried to explain, a sort of panic rising as her eyes filled with plead.

"Quentin please I'm sorry! I thought you were Chrysalis. There's no way in hay I would ever hurt my friends! I would never hurt you!''

"But you did! How could you possibly thought that I was Chrysalis?''

"I don't know Quentin! She…she probably put some kind of funny spell on me. Please, just let me-'' Applejack said, taking another step towards Quentin.

"Funny? Funny? You think punching me in the face is some kind of a joke to you?!'' Quentin spoke loudly, frowning deeply at Applejack. "Some friend you are!''

"Quen don't say that please! You ARE my friend!'' Applejack argued adamantly, tears beginning to form at the corners of her eyes. "How can't we after everythin' we've been through together up to this point!'' Applejack took another step forward, the tears beginning to trail down her face. "I can't tell ya how much ya mean ta me Quentin. I…I…''

As Applejack struggled to find the right words to tell the frenetic Quentin, the earth pony's angered expression shifted into a crooked, vile smirk. His eyes started to glow an unholy crimson, a gnarled, black horn suddenly materialized on his forehead. In a blur of green, the horn glowed and Applejack was sent screaming back by a powerful, magical force. Applejack crashed right into Rainbow Dash, the blow being strong enough free Rainbow from her slimy shackles and the two hit the ground. The force of Applejack's body had finally snapped Rainbow Dash out of her undermine state and called to Applejack in alarm.

"Applejack! Are you ok?!

Applejack slowly lifted her head then soon the rest of her body, the feeling of burning stinging overtaking her form. Lightly groaning, Applejack instead of responding to Rainbow Dash, Applejack gazed over her shoulder at Quentin, slowly approaching them. Rainbow Dash too gazed up and to both of the friends' shock, a greenish, flame-like energy engulfed Quentin before quickly vanishing, revealing Chrysalis replaced in his spot.

Rainbow Dash frowned deeply, giving off a hateful growl from her throat. "That's right, she's a changeling…god I really hate these things!''

Applejack stared at the queen, still casually walking towards them. Tears were still present in the orange pony's eyes, a look of distress and dismay on her face. These expressions soon began to dissolve into wrath and spite. Her body began to quiver with anger…with hate as she slowly rose and faced the revived queen.

"Ya have some damn nerve ta even think about makin' yurself in his image!''

Applejack suddenly bolted forward towards the Changeling queen, seething in pure rage with a fire burning inside her that could be hotter than Celestia's sun itself. When she had gotten close enough, Applejack skidded around and tried to hit Chrysalis with a hard buck. Chrysalis remained unflinching, uncaring as her horn began to glow, surrounding Applejack with a similar colored aura and stopping her attack.

The farm pony gave off a surprised cry as she was magically lifted into the air, her body turning until she was facing the silentious Chrysalis as Rainbow Dash watched on in alarm. Applejack struggled to get free, flailing her legs and jerking her body, only to remain in her spot in the air. She was completely in Chrysalis' control. Applejack drifted closer and she shot the queen the nastiest look she could muster.

"I hate you so much right now!''

Chrysalis didn't speak a single word. Instead, her black horn shined that billowing, green aura. Instantly, a light, green magical sphere appeared around Applejack. Applejack looked around her in shock at the newly summon, transparent orb. "W-What are ya trying ta pull now?!''

Chrysalis merely tilted her head forward then backwards as small, glowing green spherical particles came from the ball of magic. Almost immediately Applejack started to feel the effects of Chrysalis absorption spell and she began to writhe and squirm in discomfort. Rainbow Dash looked on from behind the agonized Applejack and her face crumpled into an aggressive grimace.

"Not this time you witch!''

Her wings flapped, with her injured one giving her some pain but the audacious Pegasus didn't care. She quickly flew into the air, her Element started to glow an electric crimson. She flew passed Applejack and spoke right when she had gotten into the face of the feeding queen. "Eat this hag!''

A beam of red burst forth from her lightning shaped gemstone and hit Chrysalis point blank. Chrysalis was blown backwards, rocketing through the air before crashing into the terrene wall she had summoned. Applejack fell back onto the ground, having been set free from Chrysalis' spell. She lifted herself up in a daze, the world spinning around in her sight.

"Applejack! You alright?'' Rainbow Dash asked, flying over to her friend and observing her, concerned.

"Yeah…I think. Don't know what she was tryin' ta do, but I didn't like it one bit,'' Applejack answered, then shuddering as she continued. "Anythin' that Chrysalis does at that close a distance jus' makes my skin crawl.''

Rainbow Dash frowned. "Yeah, I know what ya mean.''

Applejack shook off her grogginess and the two looked towards the direction Chrysalis had soared to. The impact the Changeling queen had made was potent, so much that her body was scrunched up into gap made by the crash. Her head was bowed, her teal mane falling over her face as she stayed there motionless. Applejack and Rainbow Dash eyed the unconscious queen with revulsion as Applejack said.

"So ya think that did the trick?''

"How bout we give her one more good one…just cuz we don't like her?'' Rainbow Dash answered.

"Trust me, the temptations strong,'' Applejack said, rising up on her hooves. "But I'm more worried about Twilight and the others. They may be fightin' fer their lives. They're more important…not that sack of crap in the wall right there.''

Rainbow Dash looked at Applejack with a displeased frown, almost ready to argue, but then she thought for a brief moment and sighed deeply before speaking reluctantly. "Yeah you're right. I may want to plant her face into the ground, but right now she's not worth it.''

Applejack nodded. The two ponies turned around and took off, Rainbow Dash flying. Discord and Chthon watched on as the earth pony and Pegasus ran.

"Well that's just great! I just lost two hundred bits from that fight!'' Discord shouted in irritation, swiping a large bag filled with gold coins that had appeared next to him out of sight with his lion's paw. A pony statue appeared in a flash of light. "Some inside tip YOU'VE got! I'm never dealing with you ever again!''

The terror faced statue said nothing as Discord just lazily allowed it to fall and break onto the ground in pieces. He then slumped into the air. "These ponies really do have a penchant for ruining a draconequus' fun.''

Chthon just chuckled. "Fear not my son. For they merely haven't learned the rule of this little game.''

Discord just looked at his father with a perplexed look. "No matter what course of action they take, it all leads up to only one conclusion: their extinction.''

Chthon furrowed his eyes and they began to glow an unholy, crimson red. A star of chaos appeared on the foreheads of Celestia, Luna, Arcanus, and Chrysalis, radiating a fiery glow as if they had just been branded with a hit iron. Almost instantly, Celestia's, Luna's, and Arcanus' glares grew fiercer, their eyes glowing an unholy red as if they had just been ignited. Chrysalis suddenly jerked her head upwards, her burning chaos star visible on her forehead just beneath her horn.

With refulgent eyes, bared fangs, and a savage gaze, she swiftly flew from the wall's hole and took to the skies. Her horn glowed brightly a venomous green as a great ball of greenish fire shot forth from her horn, sailing towards Applejack and Rainbow Dash. The ball of fire soared quickly through the air, whizzing over their heads and striking the ground. A wall of green fire exploded on impact, causing the two ponies to come to a jarring halt.

"What in the love of Equestria?!'' Applejack shouted, jumping back from the flames, dancing wildly before them.

"Where the buck did this fire come from?!'' Rainbow Dash asked, hovering back in the air.

Applejack and Rainbow Dash suddenly turned around to see Chrysalis, her burning eyes locked on them ferociously. The two friends immediately frowned and gritted their teeth, preparing to fight. "She just don't know when ta quit does she?'' Applejack said with a riled snarl.

"Well neither do we!'' Rainbow Dash said, pounding her hooves and making a short, neighing sound of sorts. "She wants to keep getting her ass whipped, I'll be happy to oblige!''

Rainbow Dash shot into the skies towards the queen, ready to land a punch. Before she could however, Chrysalis reacted as her horn glowed more brightly. A large, green, fiery jet came from her horn's tip and hit Rainbow Dash directly, sending her crashing back into the ground.

"Rainbow!'' Applejack called in horror, racing to her friend with great worry.

The motely haired Pegasus winced and groaned in pain. She began to rise, her body singed even more and burning as if she had just walked through the wall of green flames behind her. "Rainbow?!''

"Ok…maybe she's...ugh…gotten a little bit tougher!'' Rainbow Dash spoke through her teeth.

As Applejack helped Rainbow Dash to her feet, they both looked into the skies and at the looming Chrysalis, her horn like a torch fully ignited with an aura resembling wildly, dancing flames. With no words spoken, she quickly flew down towards Rainbow Dash and Applejack to smite them fully with her terrifying might!

Twilight and Rarity ran through the cauterized streets, frantically ducking their heads and maneuvering about as jets of gold and cobalt blue sped over their heads. Celestia and Luna quickly gave chased through the air, eyes burning as they continuously fired spell after spell down at the two unicorns.

"Quick duck!'' Twilight screamed as she pushed Rarity out of the way of an incoming blue beam.

The attack hit the ground, causing a powerful explosion that sent Twilight and Rarity forward into the air and fell back onto the ground on their backs, their running bringing them back to the center of town, with Chthon's crude, craggy tower distances away from where the two had fallen. Though the landing gave then pain, Twilight nonetheless shook t off and tended to Rarity.

"Rarity, are you ok?''

"Yes, I'm fine Twilight,'' Rarity said with a grunt, finding the strength to lift herself up.

Twilight whipped her head and faced the incoming princesses. They stopped in the air, then each made the same circular, but ridged motions with their heads, mirroring each other and finished by sharply bringing the tips of their glowing horns together. The ground behind Twilight and Rarity opened as a massive, black pillar of earth rose up from the ground. As it rose, the pillar began to metamorphose itself, large, crude fingers appearing. Twilight and Rarity cowered backwards as they now were faced with a gigantic, four fingered, claw made of earth, flexing its fingers sinisterly.

"Oh my! Twilight!'' Rarity gasped in terror.

Twilight just gazed at the landform, her ears lowering as she clenched her teeth. The claw then abruptly formed a fist and rose before coming back down swiftly, threatening to flatten the two girls with its knuckles. "Rarity, get down NOW!'' Twilight ordered.

Rarity did as she was told and fell on her stomach, covering her head. Twilight then jumped to Rarity, standing over her at a low stance. She bowed her head, her horn began to give off a deep pink, aura. She concentrated harder, causing the pink to solidify a bit and shoot out white sparks as the fist slammed down on top of them. Celestia and Luna hovered a good twenty or thirty feet in the air, leering down at the rock born limb with aggressive glares, light, tepid winds blowing through their manes.

Just then, magenta colored, thin streaks of light started to creep through the cracks, started from the base and quickly ran about the mighty fist. In moments, the entire structure was covered by the streaks, crumbling lightly before finally a magenta flash erupted from within it, destroying the claw. From the smoke and falling granite, a magenta, sparkling dome shined through the haze, protecting Twilight and Rarity.

Twilight's Element was also glowing and with her initial objective completely the glow of Twilight's horn faded and the magical dome disappeared. Twilight's body swayed in exhaustion, her eyes becoming heavy as she caught herself from falling over. Rarity quickly noticed the talented unicorn's state and rose from the ground to assist her.

"Twilight, sweetie are you-?''

"I'm fine!'' Twilight huffed, shaking some sweat from her face as the glow from her tiara faded. "I just…need to catch my breath for a bit.''

Rarity nodded with a heavily solicitous expression. "Take your time dearie, heaven knows you deserve it. Once again your aptitude in magic had saved us.''

Twilight smiled tiredly, but gratefully to Rarity, "Thanks, but if it wasn't for the Element of Magic, that protective spell probably wouldn't had stood a chance against that attack. But-''

Twilight then turned her attention to the two, cracked bodied sisters in the sky, who seemed undaunted from Twilight's efforts. "But what Twilight?'' Rarity asked.

"It's just…those last couple attacks, those spells they seemed…different than what they performed earlier.''

Rarity looked quizzically. "Different? Whatever do you mean?''

Twilight answered, "I mean their spells just now seemed more potent than before.''

Rarity gazed at Twilight, then at Celestia and Luna, before looking at her friend again, "Well Twilight, they are the princesses. No doubt the most powerful ponies in Equestria. Are their feats really so surprising to you?''

"No that's not it,'' Twilight said, shaking her head slowly. "They've could've used their full power when they first attacked, why would they go all out now?'' Twilight winced, focusing her eyes on the two Alicorns when she saw the red, luminous marks on their foreheads. Her eyes widened, a revelation coming to her mind.

"Wait a minute. Those marks, they weren't there before!''

Rarity scrunched her faced at Celestia and Luna as Twilight continued. "That's it! Those weird marking on their heads, they must be strengthening their power somehow.'' Twilight frowned irately. "Probably from Chthon no doubt!''

Rarity spoke, a cold grimace coming to her face mascara stained face. "I've had just about enough of that monster.''

Celestia and Luna suddenly made circular motions with their head with billowing horns. Large, golden and cobalt orbs appeared around them, shining against the inferno skies. There were at least a dozen magical orbs in total, glimmering and quiescent until the orbs began to descend wildly at Twilight and Rarity. The two instantly whipped around and ran in panic. Some of the orbs zoomed down upon them, exploding on the ground as the two evaded them.

However, one of Luna's orbs exploded right next to them, sending them screaming as they were flown harshly to the side. Soon, the remaining orbs rained down on them as golden and blue colored flashes detonated around the area as if fireworks had just gone off. The two sisters watched on mutely as the lights faded, leaving drab smoke. Twilight and Rarity laid on their sides upon the ground after having received the onslaught of the magical spheres. Their coat had been tainted with even more grime and dirt, their manes messier and unkempt thought The Elements still managed to stay around Rarity's neck and atop Twilight's head.

Twilight began shifting her body, aching throughout as if she had just been applied thousands of burning needles to her body. She let out a groaned as she weakly blinked opened her eyes. Almost immediately, her mind went to Rarity and she spoke in a throaty tone.

"R-Rarity?''

The beautiful, purple maned unicorn moved slowly, but very much alive. She shakily rose her head, then the rest of her body while Twilight did the same. "I…I can't believe we survived that attack. Surly that should've been the end for us,'' Rarity said.

"Yeah, it's a miracle we can even stand up.''

The two unicorns stood up, using each other for support only to fall back down on their haunches. And explosion suddenly sounded behind them, causing them to jump in their places. Twilight and Rarity turned sharply just in time to see Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie fell on the ground a few distances away.

"Pinkie Pie! Fluttershy!'' Twilight and Rarity spoke loudly in unison.

They ran over to their two dear friends, ignoring the stinging pain they felt. "Are you two ok?'' Twilight asked worriedly.

"T-Twilight? Rarity?'' Fluttershy spoke, looking at the unicorns wearily.

Rarity nodded, "Yes sweetie, it is indeed us. But what in world happened to you two?''

Pinkie Pie shook her head to clear herself from daze and she said. "Why don't you ask him!''

Twilight and Rarity looked towards the direction Pinkie Pie was pointing to see Arcanus running speedily towards them while his horn was in engulfed in a brilliant bluish white aura. The four ponies gave angst looks as the Unicorn Supreme made his way towards them. "I was right, he IS mad! Oh Acme why did you forsake me?!''

Before any of the others could even ponder what Pinkie Pie had meant by that statement, a bright green flashed along with a loud bang, followed by a pair of screams. The four ponies looked towards where the disturbance just in time to see a gigantic pillar of green fire die away quickly from a distance as Applejack and Rainbow Dash rolled along the ground before coming to a stop.

"Rainbow Dash! Applejack!'' Fluttershy squeaked, fearful of the welfare of the orange earth pony and cyan Pegasus.

Without hesitation, she, Twilight, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie rushed over to their friends' sides as they started to stagger to their feet. "Rainbow! Applejack! Are you in pain? Where does it hurt?'' Twilight asked anxiously, ready to help any way she can.

Rainbow Dash grunted and said through her teeth, "Ugh…everywhere!''

"Well I guess they were right 'bout one thing…'' Applejack began, shaking as she stood up. "Play with fire, an' ya gonna get burned.''

Their friends gave each other apprehensive glances as Fluttershy asked, "Oh my goodness, who did this to you?''

Rainbow Dash scratched her head before giving the meek Pegasus an abhorred frown. "Let me give you a hint: she's ugly, a bitch, and number one on my list of Equestria's Most Hated!''

"Couldn't had said it better myself,'' Applejack said with a scowl.

Before long, a rapid, buzzing sound had reach their ears and the six, battered ponies looked onward to see Chrysalis flying towards them. With the threat of Celestia, Luna, Arcanus, and Chrysalis coming their way, the group huddled back to back from one another. Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, and Rarity had determined glares on their faces while Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy bore more intimidated expressions.

"Oh no, we're trapped!'' Pinkie Pie said.

As Celestia, Luna, and Chrysalis flew closer to the six, Arcanus used his magic to lift himself into the air. Within the next, few moments, the four Heralds of Chaos had met each other in the air, hovering high in a line with each of their horn ablaze with their respective aura colors. They leered down at the tensed friends with their glowing, unholy red eyes and bared teeth. Some yonder away, a plume of fiery red and a flash of light appeared as Chthon and Discord came into view into the humid air.

"Well, well, it seems that the old gang had found their way back to each other. Oh isn't that a touching sight?'' Discord mocked.

Chthon grinned darkly, "Although it doesn't seem that the reunion isn't in the most uplifting of spirits. And here I thought being with friends was a joyous occasion."

"Apparently not,'' Discord said. "Well too bad, so sad!''

Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie all stared at the revived beings floating above them with uneasiness and hesitation. Each of them had barely survive a battle with just a single of them, now that all four had regrouped together had left the bearers of the Elements greatly unnerved.

"W-What are we going to do? Can we even fight them now that they are together?'' Fluttershy asked with a sort of whimper.

Rainbow Dash just frowned, not wavering in the presence of the powerful quartet. "Well I'm sure as hay not gonna be scared like a filly that's what! If I'm goin' down, I'm goin' down fighting!''

"Hold yer horses girl! Don't even THINK about tacklin' all of them by yurself!'' Applejack said.

Rainbow Dash just looked over her shoulder and spoke loudly at the farm mare. "Well what are we supposed to do Applejack?! Just stand here and wait for them to fry us?!''

Rarity spoke with rising panic, "I'm with Applejack, but I must also agree with Rainbow Dash. It'll be a fool's errand if we rush in recklessly, but I doubt that they would allow us to escape again!''

"L-Look! What are they doing?!'' Pinkie Pie suddenly shrieked.

Her friends turned their attention to Arcanus, Celestia, Luna, and Chrysalis as the four began to bow their heads, the aura surrounding their horns shining and billowing more sporadically. Gold, cobalt blue, bluish white, and sickly green beams shot out of each horn, jetting into their air before meeting as a magical orb began to form from the combined attacks. With every second, the orb would double in size, then triple until there was a massive sphere of magical energy floating high above the six friends, the orb glowing with a combination of gold, deep blue, white, and green.

Seeing the gargantuan orb, the six ponies stood frozen in their spots, completely awestruck and stupefied at what they were now beholding. "Oh no…they've combined their magic!'' Twilight uttered. "Now they've created some sort of…mega spell!''

"A mega spell?!'' Rainbow Dash and Applejack exclaimed together.

Twilight nodded, "Yeah, and by the looks of it, it's probably powerful enough to destroy half of Ponyville…with us along with it!''

Her friends said nothing, just gazed speechlessly at the intelligent unicorn before directing their attention back towards the massive sphere in the sky. Discord and Chthon observed on, cruel, perverted grins on their faces.

"Oh ho ho! Check out the light on that beauty!'' Discord said, pulling out a pair of shades and putting them over his eyes. "I couldn't even imaging the damage that thing would do if it makes impact…bring it on Heralds!''

Celestia, Luna, Arcanus, and Chrysalis all glared down at the six, astounded ponies, having completed charging their combined attack. Pinkie Pie took a fearful step backwards, shaking her head slowly with a truly lugubrious look upon her face. "What are we going to do?''

"What can we do? There's…there's simply no possible way to counter that!'' Rarity spoke, her eyes wincing in woefully.

Twilight then looked down, her face bearing a mixture of deep thinking and hysteria. "There has to be something…ANYTHING we can do!'' Twilight thought. Then, her eyes widened as a thought came to her. She brought a hoof up to her horn as she looked as if she was having an internal conflict with herself.

Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth in anger and she stomped both of her front hooves onto the ground. "Well we can't just stand her looking stupid! We have to try something!''

Applejack looked at her and argued. "Do what Rainbow? Celestia, Luna, and Arcanus are probably the most powerful ponies we know! An' I hate ta give Chrysalis any kind of satisfaction, but she's been tougher then leather lately. There's…there's no way we can fight this!''

"Yes…there is…'' Twilight finally spoke in a somber tone.

The rest looked her quizzically as Twilight continued, looking up at them. "Our only chance to beat them…is if we use the Elements of Harmony.''

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Use the Elements, Twilight are you serious?!'' Rainbow Dash said, absolutely stunned.

"Rainbow Dash we have to!'' Twilight argued firmly. "Unless you have a better idea?''

"But Twilight, how do you know if the Elements are even strong enough to beat them?'' Fluttershy asked.

Twilight answered, "Because, I saw them overpower Celestia and Luna not too long ago.''

Rarity gasped, "She's right girls. Twilight's Element and mine were able to fight back the princess's power, even though they were combined!''

"Yeah! And I was able to use Fluttershy's to beat Arcanus' spells!'' Pinkie Pie added.

"Exactly. And if just two Elements could overcome their power…'' Twilight began.

Applejack finished, "Then all six of our Elements should blast that thing right out of the ball park!''

Twilight nodded at the Pegasus' statement, but freckled faced earth pony walked forwards with a dismal, hesitant gaze. "But still…it's Princess Celestia and Princess Luna. Our leaders an' Arcanus is an ally of ours. We…We can't possibly use the Elements against them.''

Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rarity looked at each other with saddened expressions while Twilight looked away hurtfully.

"Applejack's right Twilight. I don't think I have it in me to use my Element against the princesses…even if they're trying to hurt us,'' Fluttershy said, looking down regretfully.

The others too voiced their concerns, only to be silenced by Twilight. She pinched her eyes shut and gritted her teeth, fighting back the tears starting to sting her eyes. Twilight then looked up with determined, yet discontent eyes.

"Girls I know…I know. The last thing I want to do is use the Elements of Harmony against the Princesses but…they're Celestia and Luna.''

"What do you mean Twilight? Of course that's them. They looked exactly how they did the last time we saw them,'' Pinkie Pie spoke while the others looked on in bewilderment.

Twilight's eyes furrowed a bit as she said. "No they're not. The Princess Celestia and Princess Luna I…WE know would never even think about hurting us!''

Her five friends looked at each other sadly and uncertainly and Rarity spoke, "I…I do suppose that's true but…''

"But nothing!'' Twilight cut in. "Celestia and Luna would've given their lives to protect us…like they did when they fought Chthon. They loved us…and the kingdom they tried so hard everyday to protect.''

Twilight tried to fight back tears as Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie looked at her with solemn frowns. Twilight continued. "But not, those…things up there…they're not the ones we love anymore. Now, they're nothing more than Chthon's pawns of darkness.''

After another, pondering gaze to one another, Applejack spoke up insistently. "Twilight's right y'all. Right now, them varmints up there are our enemies, just like Chthon is.''

"Ditto. Anypony working for that scumbag isn't a friend of ours! I say we blast them!'' Rainbow Dash said.

Rarity said with a stern nod, "I agree, especially when you've put it in that point of view. I third the motion of using the Elements.''

Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy, though still hesitant, finally nodded in agreement. Twilight gave a nod, having successfully convincing her friends on doing the unthinkable. A surge of light caught their attention and they looked up at the lingering orb of magic, ready to be set upon them at any moment.

"Alright…now or never! Is everypony ready?'' Twilight, asked taking charge in the center of a circle that they had now formed.

"Ready!'' her friends answered together, determined looks upon their faces.

The six ponies closed their eyes as their Elements started to glow. They were soon lifted into the air as a low hum started to emanate from the Elements. While lifted into the air, the six were in bipedal position, Rainbow Dash puffing out her chest while Fluttershy had her hooves together as if she was praying. Soon, the group was surrounded in a sphere of white light as Twilight floated in the center.

High above, Celestia, Luna, Arcanus, and Chrysalis gazed down upon them, their eyes dark and untroubled at the display their targets were displaying. Finally with a single, synchronized motion of their heads, the four willed their massive spell down towards Twilight and her friends. The orb descended quickly, gaining closer and closer as it gave off a distinct wail like screeching sound. Before it could come any further, a red beam came out from Rainbow Dash's Element, Applejack's orange, Rarity purple, Pinkie Pie blue, and Fluttershy pink, all firing into the Element of Magic rested atop Twilight's tiara.

Twilight then shot open her eyes, glowing pure white as a powerful, rainbow colored beam fired from her Element and rose into the air, colliding with the great, magical orb. At first, the two attacks seemed to be evenly matched, with the four Herald's spell appearing to push back the power of the Elements. However, a singly spectrum pulsed from the center of the two powerful magic and the rainbow beam started to force the orb backwards, first slow then gaining speed.

Quickly the multicolored beam shot the massive sphere back upwards towards their casters until suddenly the orb gave in to the Elements and imploded in a brilliant flash. With nothing standing now standing in its way, the beam of the Elements speedily soared upwards into the air before at last engulfing the princesses, the Unicorn Supreme, and Changing Queen. Twilight gazed upwards, her eyes still aglow to see what was transpiring in the dark, red tinted skies above. Within the rainbow lodestar, Celestia, Luna, Arcanus, and Chrysalis writhed and squirmed their bodies as if they were in great pain. Their glaring expressions at last shifted to looks of horror and consternation, any cries they were making were obscured by the loud pulsing sound coming from the beam.

Slowly, each of their bodies started to petrify, starting from their hooves and creeping upwards as their bodies started to solidify into stone. As she watch Celestia becoming hardened, Twilight couldn't stop the tears that started to flow from her eyes and pinched them shut as s bright flash suddenly erupted. The light vanished just as quickly as it came and Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie found themselves descending and landing safely back on the ground, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash hovering.

After a moment, they all opened their eyes, each one filled with dread and sorrow. Twilight still had tears in her eyes, the glow having subsided and all of them looked to the skies. There they saw the four bodies of the Heralds of Chaos: Celestia, Luna, Arcanus, and Chrysalis now encased in stone as they remained suspended unsupportive in the skies... becoming nothing more but mere statues like the rest of the occupants of Ponyville. It wasn't long until finally the four statuettes started to fall from the sky and hitting the earth with a crash; shattering to pieces upon the darkened soil.

> Son of the Father
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The world was silent, all blanketed under a dark, fiery lit sky. The screams that rang out across various lands had now all but faded away in this burning world of darkness. From Equestria and beyond towns, cities, and villages were ruined and desolate, becoming no man's lands sort to speak. There was, however, one frightening aspect that each of these barren wastelands had in common: they were completely devoid of any life. Countless of equine corpses littered the, charred earth as far as the eye could see.

The once beautiful, shimmering Crystal Empire was now a ruined state, scarred with great cracks and fissures while the great Crystal Castle that once stood tall and graceful was now laying at the center of the empire, crushed crystalline houses bordering the fallen castle. A great river of blood flooded the metropolis that was Manehattan. Within this crimson river, bodies upon bodies of ponies flowed throughout on the surface as if they were fish whose water supply had been poisoned. The corpses along with the blood created a great miasma in the air, one that would be unbearable even to a lucky few that somehow could draw breath.

The massive forest of thorns that has ensnared Fillydelpia was decorated with skewered ponies all hung up in the thorns, the thorns and stems coated with the blood of its unfortunate victims. A light, reddish mist also covered the area, the smell of rotting flesh present in the air. A thick, black smog covered the dark skies over Las Pegasus. The volcanoes had ceased their eruptions as lava flowed through the streets, the glow of the magma being the only source of light in the crepuscule city. The large, "APPLEWOOD' sign situated on the mountain that bordered Las Pegasus had most of its letters toppled off, the remaining burnt and blackened.

The Astral Plane, the once uninhabited and vacant realm was now home to millions of equines, fauna, and mythical beasts all encased in glimmering orbs. Curled and unconscious they were as they floated fruitlessly in the red, starry space. Where more orbs would appear with each second had now ceased, with nothing else coming into the domain of the spirit. In the center of the bottomless, never ending space, Celestia, Luna, Arcanus, and Chrysalis remained hanging from the walls; suspended gruesomely by the hooks embedded in their wings and limbs. As they hung in their transparent prison, Celestia, her sister, and Arcanus just gazed around, despondent, distressed, and plain hopelessness in their eyes. Chrysalis on the other hand bore a more austere expression, mixed with anger, denial, and maybe, just maybe…regret. The globe Chthon had conjured that hovered before them was completely extinguished of all lights. None shined, except for ten to which nine that were closely grouped together in the region that represented Equestria while the tenth shined farthest from the group and glowed at what appeared to have been the farthest northwest of Equestria.

Within the demolished castle in the ravaged corridor of stained glass windows, Quentin shifted his body as a soft groan escaped from his throat. He then slowly blinked open his eyes, the blurriness of his vison becoming clear as he lifted his head. Inch by inch, the dreadlocked stallion eventually managed to lift his body before falling flatly on his haunches.

"Ugh…god what happened?'' Quentin said groggily, rubbing his head.

He then felt a sharp pain on his chest and quickly placed a hoof over it in an attempt to ease the pounding discomfort. "Damn, was I hit by a truck or something?!'' Quentin asked himself.

Quentin winced as he rubbed the sore spot. He felt as if he had been struck with an iron clad glove. He added some pressure to the area, only for him to give a loud grunt in response. "Man, that stings! What the hell even happen-?''

Quentin stopped in mid-sentence, his eyes widening a bit as his memory started to come back to him. He then furrowed his eyes and spoke cantankerously. "Applejack…freaking Jesus Christ! What did she think I was a tree?! I swear when I see her I'm''

Before Quentin could vent any further about being on the receiving end of the result of years of apple bucking, he had to stop himself as another realization came to him "Wait a minute…Chthon! Where is…?!'' A horrified look then came to the human turned stallion's face. "Applejack! Rainbow Dash! The girls! They probably went to fight Chthon by themselves!''

Having gotten over the pain in his chest, Quentin jumped on all fours and looked around the empty hall in a state of growing panic. "I gotta get to them fast!''

He rushed through the spacious corridor, the clopping of his hooves echoing about as he left the damaged hall. Quentin honestly didn't know the first place to start looking for them, all he knew was that he had to somehow locate them before it was too late. Quentin couldn't even remember how many halls and stairs he ran through as he galloped through the castle. It was only after sometime that he took a turn around a corner and ran down the hall before and through the great, decrepit doors and out of the castle.

Quentin could only think of his friends as he ventured through the city. Those six, wonderful mares who had helped him ever since he came to this land…he didn't want to lose any of them, not one. With these thoughts swimming in his head, Quentin spoke to himself, "Please…hang in there girls. I-I'll find you all somehow.''

Quentin ran and weaved passed countless of stone statues of the rick elite of Canterlot. Every lifeless sculpture he passed, Quentin couldn't help but feel a stinging pain in his heart. All that had happened, all that he was seeing…it all wasn't right. Nothing but frozen, terror stricken faces came to his sight wherever he looked. He didn't know what he could do to help, or if he could even help. All he knew was that he couldn't just stand by and let his friends risk their lives for him any everyone else. Filled with determination, Quentin made his way through the decimated city until he came to a halt at a large crater in the ground.

"What in hell happened here?''

Quentin tread carefully towards the edge of the crater and looked inside to find it empty. "I don't remember seeing this on our way to the castle earlier,'' Quentin said, observing the caldera. "I wonder what could've caused this?''

After a few moments of looking at the wide opened opening, Quentin lifted his eyes upwards and froze in his place. A chill came to his body, as if he had swallowed a handful of ice as he gazed in alarm at the figure standing on the opposite side of the crater. A mysterious figure stood with his back facing Quentin. It was clad in a black, flowing cloak of sorts, a black hood draped over its head. From what Quentin could tell, he stood at a height perhaps a bit bigger than he was and though the figure's back was facing him, Quentin could tell that it had the body of an equine. There it stood, its cloak flapping in the light wind. It was like he was some sort of phantom, haunting the massive graveyard that was Canterlot.

Quentin didn't dare move an inch, fearful of being attacked by the lingering figure. Quentin had to remind himself to breath, yet was hesitant to do so in worry that even inhaling a breath would cause it to take it as a threat. Finally swallowing a lump of fear in his throat, Quentin opened his mouth a spoke out nervously.

"W-Who are you?!''

The figure didn't respond, just stood there silently as it faced towards a near ledge of the city. The ghastly silence became thicker like glass shattered only the low zephyrs blowing against them. Once again, Quentin found the courage in the pit of his stomach to speak.

"Who are you? Hello?!''

"So many years…so many ambitions-'' the figure finally spoke.

Another wave of coldness swept through Quentin's body as he heard the voice. It was unlike anything Quentin had heard before. The mysterious stranger spoke with a hoarse, hollow voice. It was completely devoid of any emotion, at least as far as Quentin could tell.

"W-What?!'' Quentin asked.

"All destroyed…in a single instant,'' said the figure.

Quentin took a daunting step backwards. The figure continued, still speaking in that unfeeling, lifeless tone. "A vision obscured… a path whipped…all by this wretched, 'God of Chaos'.''

"Who are you?'' Quentin spoke up. "What do you want?!''

"Those six chosen. I wonder…have they perished yet?''

"The six chosen?'' Quentin's faced scrunched in confusion as he pondered the words the cloaked figure had spoken. However, it only took a few short moments before his ears lowered, a look of absolute terror filling his face. "Oh my god…the girls!'' He then looked at the figure. "Do you know where they are?!''

At first, the lingering eidolon didn't speak, just stood there as its long cloak flapped around its hooves. Then, the figure lifted its head slightly and spoke. "The purple one…something compelled her towards that tower it would seem.''

Quentin averted his eyes from the stranger to over the ledge. He saw Chthon's massive tower stood high a great distance away from the patch of land below the mountain side city. Quentin's jaw dropped a little at the sight of the crude, but enormous tower that went into the skies. "Where did that thing come from? Hold on-that's…that's where Ponyville is!''

"It matters not. Those six will die soon enough,'' the figure said emotionlessly.

Quentin gazed at the figure and creased his eyes in anger. "What is THAT supposed to mean?!''

"Those six, pitiful souls…unable to grasp the new reality set before them. Burn…they shall all burn…''

At his cold words, Quentin began to grit his teeth. The fear and nervousness that he once felt towards the figure was now being replaced by a growing anger and contempt that was beginning to bubble within him.

"No…no! You're wrong!''

The stranger replied, "Am I now? A foolish goal can only be pursued by foolish hearts. Asking for death they are…and death shall be granted to them.''

"You're wrong!'' Quentin finally said loudly. The figure just stood facing away from him, unfazed by the outburst. "They're not fools, they're not dead or going to die! There's still a way to fix all of this!''

The figure didn't respond for a moment or two before it spoke in that hollow, reverberating tone. "Another mind caught in the delusion of hope. You shall soon share the same fate as those other cretins.''

The earth pony's glare deepened at the indifferent entity. A growing disgust started to fester along with his anger and Quentin said. "It's not a delusion! I truly believe at the bottom of my heart that my friends can stop Chthon.'' Quentin gazed downwards, his frown softening a bit. "My friends…they're not fools. They're some of the strongest people that I have ever met. There's…there's no way something as terrible as this could ever have been set in stone. Nothing, God or ANYTHING wouldn't be so cruel! That is why I will never stop believing until Equestria goes back to that bright, and beautiful world that it used to be!''

The black clad figure didn't respond. Suddenly it whipped around and soared across the crater and towards Quentin. It all happened in a blur, Quentin couldn't even take a full step back backwards before the figure came upon him and passed through him. In that instant, countless of voices spoke rapidly in his ears at a pace such a pace Quentin couldn't even make out a single word. Images raced through his mind and like the voices, they had sped before his eyes that almost seemed like a blur to him. All of this happened in a single second and the figure had completely phased passed him, causing Quentin to fall backwards in shock.

Quentin immediately staggered to his feet and turned towards the figure. "What did you just do to me?!''

The enigmatic specter paused a moment before speaking. "Your feelings…it would seem…they are genuine and true…''

Quentin said nothing, just continued to stare at the figure unblinkingly. "Yes true indeed. Isn't that right…human?''

Quentin gave a light gasp at the last comment. He actually knew his secret? Only his six friends and the princesses knew of his true species. How could this…thing possibly know what he truly was? "H-How did you know I was a human?!''

"It matters not,'' the figure spoke emotionlessly. "Even words of conviction can be blindly masked by false faith. Tell me…do you truly believe all of this can be reversed?''

It didn't take long for Quentin to answer. "Yes I do! I believe that my friends have the power to beat Chthon! There's probably not much I can do for them but…'' Quentin paused, a saddened, desperate expression coming to his face. "But what I do know is that I have to at least be there with them. There's…there's still a chance to right this wrong!''

A pause came between Quentin and the hooded stranger, the low wails of the hot winds blowing in their ears. The figure's head shifted downwards a little as it finally spoke. "So be it then…''

A flash of deep orange erupted a few distances away from the two. Quentin jumped in surprise and saw that an orange, swirling vortex had appeared, flashes of electricity crackling from its dark center. Before Quentin could question about the vortex, the figure spoke.

"Step forth…to your…'friends'…''

Quentin gazed at the portal then back at the figure, a sense of nervousness starting to come back to him. "But…why are you helping me? What's the catch?''

"Curiosity…'' Quentin looked at the figure in bewilderment. "Salvation or oblivion? I'm curious…as to where this…burning aspiration will lead. This will be a fascinating experiment…''

"What are you talking about?'' Quentin asked. "What do you want?''

Again the figure paused before answering. "It is beyond your comprehension…but for now…proceed.''

At those last words, the figure's body began to flicker as the air around it began to distort, dark orange particles encircling its body. Seeing this, Quentin took a step forwards and asked one final time. "Wait?! You didn't answer my question: who are you?!''

There was a flashed of deep orange and the figure had disappeared. However its voice echoed to Quentin's ears, in that hoarse, hollow voice as it gave a simple answer before fading away.

"I am-the catalyst…to this world's salvation…''

Quentin just stood there, an ocean of questions raging within his mind. "The catalyst…to this world's salvation?'' the dreadlocked pony spoke to himself.

Quentin couldn't even begin to fathom what the figure had meant by those words. His befuddled eyes drifted to the spiraling gateway that the ghost like figure had conjured and Quentin shook his head and cleared his mind of those burning question. "Forget that. I need to get to the girls!''

Quentin ran to the portal but came to a stop a few inches in front of the opening. He raised a hoof halfway, gazing at the portal uncertainly…having a lingering doubt about its function. He turned and faced the tower that stood far away and the images of his six friends came to his mind. With the thought of them being hurt, Quentin purged himself of the last bit of fear he had, took a deep breath, and went into the winding portal.

Twilight, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and Rarity still casted their melancholy glances to the piles of rubble that used to be Celestia, Luna, Arcanus, and Chrysalis. As Twilight stared on, tears cascaded endlessly from her eyes at the remains of her beloved teacher and mentor. She couldn't bring herself to speak, none of them could. It was as if having to use the Elements to vanquish their two leaders had taken away their ability to communicate verbally.

Applejack glanced at the weeping Twilight and went over to her, placing a sympathetic hoof on her shoulder. "Twilight? Are…are ya gonna be alright?''

Twilight whipped her eyes dry and nodded. "Yeah Applejack. I…I just need a minute,'' she muttered.

"I still can't believe we did that,'' said Fluttershy.

Rarity looked at her somberly and said, "I know darling, but it was for the best.''

"But it still sucks though,'' Rainbow Dash commented with a frown

There was a heavy silence among the six friends until it was broken by the sounds of raucous laughter. They looked to the skies to see Discord laughing uncontrollably next to Chthon, causing them to shoot dark glares at him. Fluttershy, on the other hand, had a more woebegone expression.

"I can't believe that you ponies actually had the guts to use the Elements of Harmony against your own princesses!'' Discord cackled. "Now they'll know how it feels like to be trapped in stone!''

The six Element bearers glared at the draconequus, their teeth gritted with anger as Chthon just hovered there, arms crossed with a cruel smirk on his face. Discord quickly flew downwards and drifted just a few inches above the pile of rubble. "Doesn't feel comfortable doesn't it?'' Discord mocked. "What's that? I'm afraid you must speak up, I can barely hear you. Oh yes that's right, it's hard to speak while you're petrified!''

Twilight began to shake, her rage building. "Shut up…''

Discord spoke, picking up a piece of rock when suddenly it grew and took the shape of Celestia's stone head. "Though I must admit, you've gotten even worse than me Celestia. I may have been turned to stone, but you've been smashed to pieces. All thanks to your loyal subjects. We must certainly throw them the shindig of the century. With Twilight the master of ceremonies!''

Discord gave a short, spurious bow as lights suddenly flashed festively around Twilight and her friends along with a burst of confetti and jeering laughter. The display only intensified the group's anger malic, but none more so than Twilight. A growl escaped her mouth until finally, she shouted.

"Shut up!''

The purple unicorn fired a deep pink jet of magic from her horn and right at Discord. Discord slithered in the air and avoided the attack. He smirked cruelly at Twilight as she fired yet another magical beam at him. This time, Discord head split in two as the beam passed in between the gape and the two parts reconnected to each other.

"Aw what's the matter Twilight? Did I hit a sore spot?''

"You dirty, rotten, son of a…that's it's! If it wasn't obvious before, then I'll say it here and now: this friendship is over!'' Rainbow Dash said loudly.

She took off at great speeds at Discord. Before she could get close enough to him, Discord inhaled before blowing out a powerful, pressurized blast of water from his mouth. Rainbow Dash couldn't evade in time and was blasted back by the torrent of water and fell back on the ground near her friends.

"Rainbow Dash!'' Twilight cried as she and the rest came to the Pegasus' side. "Are you ok?''

Rainbow Dash came to her feet, completely drenched with water. "I will be when I break that freak's face in!'' Rainbow Dash answered bitterly before shaking herself dry.

Discord grinned, whipping his mouth, "Well, I guess you can say that Rainbow Dash is all washed up.''

The six friends shot Discord scorned frowns, Rainbow Dash growling under her breath. Chthon remained airborne, his four mighty wings flapping steadily as her said. "As you mortals would put it, Discord truly is a chip off the old block isn't he?''

Discord just smirked proudly at his dark father. Chthon continued, "By all means my son, why don't you have a little fun with these little toys. I certainly won't stand in your way.''

Discord responded with devilish chuckle, tapping his fingers together. "Oh I have no choice but to oblige to that suggestion.'' He then gave a respectful bow to the dark lord. "Thank you Father. I'll do my best to please you.''

Chthon didn't say a word, only gave an approving nod and a vile smirk. Discord turned his attention back to the six ponies before him, the five of them taking battle ready stances. "Now dear friends, are you ready to play?'' Discord said.

"How dare you even use that word towards us you backstabbing miscreant!'' Rarity spoke with a seethe.

"Oh Rarity, such hurtful words. Is that really the way to talk to a friend?'' Discord said, dramatically feigning distress.

"Well ya heard what Rainbow said Discord,'' Applejack said, raking the ground with a hoof. "Ya ain't our friend anymore, so we can freely tell it how it is!''

Rainbow Dash cracked her neck as she pounded her hooves together. "Which is why I can say this Dickcord…you done bucked up!''

Rainbow Dash again flew through the air and towards the spirit. As Discord moved in order to attempt an evasion, Rainbow Dash threw a successful punch to Discord's face. Discord staggered backwards from the hit as the cyan Pegasus punched him again.

"That was for turning your back on us traitor!''

Rainbow Dash tried to deal another punch but her hoof was caught by Discord's lion paw. Discord slowly turned his head and gazed at Rainbow Dash with a rather surprising stare. Instead of being annoyed, agitated, or even angry from being punched, Discord instead bore a shrewd grin.

"A traitor am I?''

Discord's tail suddenly came forward and wrapped itself around Rainbow Dash. "Hey! Let me go!'' Rainbow Dash said, squirming violently in the tail's grasp.

This display had caused Rainbow's friends to gasp in horror. "Rainbow Dash!'' Fluttershy spoke.

"Hang on, we're coming!'' said Twilight.

The five ponies rushed forwards to help their friend. Discord merely gave an untroubled glance their way. His talon claw glowed yellow as he made a simple, swiping gesture and an unseen force knocked the incoming ponies roughly to the side and on the ground. Discord wagged a finger as he spoke.

"Uh, uh, uh where are your manners. Wait your turn like good little foals, you'll get a turn soon enough.''

Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity all shook off the temporary daze and began to rise to their feet. Discord then turned his attention back to Rainbow Dash. "So Dashie, what were we talking about again?''

Rainbow Dash glared at Discord, stopping her jerking. "Talking about what a piece of cud you are!''

"Moi? What in heaven's name did I do to deserve such an accusation?''

"Really?! Don't even TRY to play innocent Discord!'' Rainbow Dash shouted. "You ditched us! Betrayed us! Sided with your creep of a father Chthon! Sounds familiar?!''

Discord just grinned as he brought Rainbow Dash closer to his face. "Ah, but I can't be the only one to be guilty of that action Rainbow Dash. After all, you've betrayed your friends at one point did you not?''

"What are you talking about?! Unlike you, I would never turn my back on my friends!'' Rainbow Dash said.

"Oh really now?'' Discord said, chuckling darkly as he took a finger and gently stroked her face. "We'll see about that now won't we my dear?''

Rainbow didn't speak. She suddenly felt a strange sensation starting to creep over her…sink into her as a greyish colored flowed down her body. Rainbow Dash spoke. "What are you…what did you do to me?!''

"Oh I just want to have a little fun that all. After all, this is the era of chaos,'' Discord said.

Rainbow Dash's mind began to spin. She found it more difficult to think clearly, as if a haze was quickly starting to obscure her line of thought. She shook her head, the world around her still spinning. Away, Applejack, Twilight, and the rest watched onward as they saw their friend wrapped in Discord's grasp.

"Oh my, Rainbow Dash!'' Rarity said in alarm. "What is that scoundrel doing to her?!''

Twilight furrowed her eyes and said, "Let her go NOW Discord!''

Before any of them could rush forwards, Discord answered in that mischievous tone of his. "Of course I'm going to let her go Twilight. That's when the fun will begin.''

Discord then used his tail to fling the unsettled Rainbow Dash across the way and onto the ground. Rainbow staggered to her feet and began to sway her body unsteadily. By now, her coat was now faded than what it used to be. Her cyan body and her versicolored mane was now duller in appearance with a greyish tint now coating her. Seeing their friend in this state, the others called to her worrisomely.

"Rainbow! Rainbow Dash are you alright?'' Applejack called.

The five ponies ran over to Rainbow Dash as she finally shook her head one final time. "Rainbow Dash? It's us, your friends. Are you ok?'' Fluttershy asked.

Rainbow Dash peered over her shoulder and gave them a careless glance. She then spoke, flicking a hoof at them lazily. "Yeah, yeah I'm fine.''

"Are you sure?'' Pinkie Pie asked with concern. "I mean it looked like you took a nasty fall.''

"Psssh! Like a little fall like that is gonna keep this bag of awesomeness down! What kinda wimp do you think I am?''

Twilight and the others just looked at each other uncertainly as Discord hovered in the air, a wicked smirk spread across his face. Twilight spoke up, "So…you're still up to fighting Chthon?''

The next response caught all five ponies by surprise as Rainbow Dash said loudly. "Uh and why would I do that?!''

Rarity spoke up, baffled just like the others. "What in dear heaven's name do you mean 'why'? It's because we need all the Elements of Harmony to do so especially yours, Loyalty.''

"Teh, loyalty schmoyalty! Whatever's going on is NOT my problem!'' Rainbow Dash said bluntly.

Her friends gasped at her careless answer, in total disbelief as to what they've just heard. "Rainbow Dash, why would you say something like that?'' Fluttershy said in a hurt filled tone. "We're supposed to be friends.''

"Yeah right!'' Rainbow Dash retorted, turning around. "Why would I need friends when I've got a nice package awesomeness right here: ME!''

Twilight, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie all stared at the grey tinted Pegasus with dumbfounded eyes. Discord just grinned slyly, snapping his fingers as a dark cloud suddenly appeared near her. Rainbow Dash beamed.

"Oh yeah! Now that's what I'm talking about!''

With one hop, Rainbow landed on the patch of cloud on her back. She crossed her forelegs on the back of her head, let out a yawn, and closed her eyes as if ready to take a nap. "What's with you Rainbow Dash? Did ya hit your head or somethin'?'' Applejack asked with a frown.

Rainbow Dash said nothing. She extended a wing and folded all its feathers except the middle one, making an obscene gesture. "Say what?! Ok now that was jus' plain unnecessary!'' Applejack said, offended by Rainbow Dash's presentation.

Twilight gave Rainbow Dash a stern glare as she said, "Rainbow Dash what's gotten into you?! Don't you know who you are and what you represent?! You're supposed to be the Element of Loyalty! You're acting like-'' Twilight stopped as a grave thought came to her mind and she uttered. "Like how you did when we faced Discord the first time!''

Discord then gave a sort cheer and a laugh, "Oh ho so you do remember?! So now you know the little game I have planned!''

Applejack, Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie gazed at their now negligent friend on the cloud with dolor and woe. Suddenly, the ground in front of Rarity began to crack and rumble, causing the white unicorn to draw backwards.

"What in the world?!'' Rarity said.

From the breaking ground, a three pronged formation of earth rose up before coming to a stop just a bit higher than Rarity. Rarity gazed upon the blackened crag with bewilderment and dubiety. "W-What is this? Where did this horrid thing come from?''

As Rarity started to observe the rock, the center started to crumble and twist until the rocky image of Discord's face appeared in the centered, to Rarity's shock. "You?!''

"Oh come now Rarity, don't be like that,'' Discord spoke in a fake, hurt tone.

"I want absolutely nothing to do with you, you traitorous charlatan!'' Rarity said with a frown.

Discord spoke, "Charlatan? Why Rarity I'm hurt, surly you recognized me do you?''

"The only thing I recognize is a turn coat who's no better than that monster up there!'' Rarity said crossly, pointing to Chthon.

Discord's face then carved into a sly, pernicious grin. "Buy dear Rarity, surly you haven't forgotten your dear friend…Tom.''

A look of horror soon came to Rarity's face as she felt a strange, abnormal feeling come over her body. "What?! No…NO! Not again!''

Rarity whipped her head from the Discord faced rock formation, pinching her eyes shut. "Not again…not ever again!'' Rarity said as she tried to walk away, stiff and stumbling as she did so. "I must not…allow myself…to fall to that malicious corruption again! But that diamond looks so stunning…no Rarity! Remember your friends! That has to be the most beautiful diamond in all of Equestria! Enough Rarity, your friends need to…you're friends are more important. But not as important as that big, beautiful, bedazzling diamond! And it's mine, all mine!''

Rarity then lunged and embraced the crude rock passionately, a grey coloring washing down her body, all while she muttered "Mine…all mine…''

Twilight, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie could only watch in dejection as Rarity started to dig the rock out. Twilight winced slightly in sorrow as she shook her head slowly, "No…Rarity please…''

"Good grief Rarity snap out of it!'' Applejack spoke, advancing towards her now greedy friend. "Open yur eyes that cheap, hunk of rock ain't worth the dirt it's on! It's not a diamond, Discord's-''

"KIAI!''

As Applejack got closer to Rarity, she was suddenly struck by an uppercut from the unicorn, sending the earth pony a few distances backwards and fell on the ground. Rarity stood on her hind legs while her forelegs were over her head in a certain form karate block. She gave an aggressive frown to the orange pony as she said.

"Back! Get back you envious ruffian! This diamond is mine, you hear?! Mine!''

Twilight, Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie gasped at the action Rarity had made against her friend as Applejack rubbed the spot where she was hit. She then shot a provoked glare at the grey, hostile unicorn. "Rarity have you lost yur dag gone mind?!''

"No, but you're going to lose some 'dag gone' teeth if you even dare to come close to my treasure. I was the one who found it, so it's mine and mine alone!''

Applejack growled as she stood back up. She lowered her head and blew a gust of steam from her nostrils as she raked the ground with a foreleg. "Rarity, I know yur jus' not yurself, but do that again an' I can't be held responsible fer what I might do to ya!'' Applejack growled.

Before she could do anything, Discord appeared in a flash of light. He towered over her, grinning smugly as he gazed his asymmetrical eyes down at Applejack. Upon seeing the false friend, Applejack jumped backwards, lowered her head aggressively and growled through clenched teeth.

"Well howdy there lil' pardner,'' Discord spoke, imitating a southern drawl as he suddenly appeared in a cowboy outfit consisting of a red shirt, blue jeans, black boots, gloves and a brown Stetson on his head.

"Don't 'pardner' me ya no good, two timin' scumbag!'' Applejack said.

Discord said, tipping his hat. "Well, them's sound like fightin' words. Here I'm tryin' ta be neighborly, but if it's a-whopping yur a-wantin'…''

Discord rolled up his sleeves and raised his arms, balling his fists ready to fight. Applejack spoke, "Yur the only one here's that's getting his sorry flank whopped!''

Applejack bolted towards the draconequus and when she had gotten close enough, she reared around and delivered a strong buck right to Discord's stomach. Upon being hit, Discord exploded into apples that fell on the ground with numerous thuds. Seeing this, Applejack did a half jump back with a quizzical expression. "What in tarnation?! I knew my kicks were strong, but I didn't know they were THAT strong!''

As the last bit of apples fell to the ground, the large pile suddenly began to roll around the orange mare. "Jiminy, now what?!''

The apples continued to rolled around her to the point that it was starting to make her dizzy until finally the apples ceased their moving around, stopping in a pile in front of Applejack. A few applejack slid away to form two openings towards the top while forming a curve opening towards the bottom at the pile 'smiled' at Applejack.

"Isn't this a familiar sight Applejack?'' Discords voice suddenly came from the pile as it blinked and moved its newly formed mouth.

"Discord?! What are ya up to now?!'' Applejack barked at the apples.

"Oh now don't be like that Applejack. I thought apples were your life?''

Applejack retorted curtly, "I'd rather have my hind leg sawed off than to be pallin' around with phony apples like these!''

"Oh really now?'' the apples spoke, chuckling darkly. "Tell the truth my dear. After all…you don't want to be a liar now don't you?''

Applejack looked taken aback by the statement. "Me?! A liar?! No-no, uh uh…I ain't fallin' fer this old trick again!''

She turned around, intending to get away from the sinister apples when she was abruptly halted by Discord in full form in front of her. Before Applejack could even let out a surprised gasped, she felt a movement along her forehead and down the side of her face as Discord stroked her with a finger.

"Well I for one loved seeing you spew out words of calumny. So how about we see that wonderful dishonest side of yours once again Applelie,'' Discord said with a twisted grin.

Applejack felt a strange sensation throughout her body. She felt her mind becoming uneasy finding it difficult to think clearly, as if she had gotten a rapidly spinning ride. Applejack tried to shake her head off of her disorientation, only for it to prove futile.

"What's…what's happenin' ta me?!'' Applejack asked herself, catching herself from falling to the side. "This feelin'…it seems familiar. An' what's with my coat? It's getting all…greyish like. No…No…please not that!'' Applejack looked at her hooves to see that a greyish tint was flowing down them and throughout her body. "No! This can't be happenin'! I am not a liar! I'm the strongest pony an Equestria an' could easily take down an Ursa Major! Wait, why am I sayin' that?! It's not true! Yes it is!''

Applejack shook her head and winced sadly as the Discord's manipulation continued to consume her. "No…I'm not dishonest! I'm not that kind of pony! I'm the kind who likes ta start a brawl! Dang it quit sayin' that!'' Applejack gritted her teeth as she spoke in a disheartening tone. "Think about Quentin! What would he think if he saw me like this? Aw who am I kiddin'…he'd love me like this! No…no…Quentin…I'm sorry…! Eh buck him no I'm not!''

A satisfied, cool grin came to Applejack's face as she crossed her left hooves over her right ones. Twilight looked at the now grey tinted mare with and exceedingly pleading gaze as she spoke, "Applejack please think about what you're saying! This isn't you, you're the Element of Honesty!''

"No I ain't!'' Applejack said, flicking her head upwards and closing her eyes. "I'm the Element of Magic. Always has been.''

"No you're not!'' Twilight argued, stomping her foot down. I'M the Element of Magic! Don't you see what's going on?! Discord is tricking you into being a liar, just like last time!''

Applejack responded by blowing a raspberry. "That didn't happen. I was never turned into a liar. I remember it clear as day, I was busy drinking chocolate milk!''

"Applejack!'' Twilight implored her friend, the latter only turning her nose up and turned with her back facing Twilight.

Discord watched on with a vile glee as Twilight, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie watched on helplessly. "All yes, nothing like taking a stroll down memory lane.'' Discord said. He eyes Pinkie Pie as a green balloon suddenly appeared and floated in front of her.

"Huh?! Where did this balloon come from?!'' Pinkie Pie asked in alarm.

The balloon stood in its place in the air, and turned until Pinkie Pie was looking a smirking face that looked as if someone had drew it on with a black marker. Pinkie let out a short 'eek' cry, jumping back slightly. Twilight and Fluttershy turned back to see the balloon floating near their pink friend.

"Oh I'm having such a wonderful time Pinkie Pie! I hope you're doing the same?'' the balloon spoke in Discord's voice.

Pinkie Pie answered, "No…no I'm not having a great time! There nothing great about what's happening!''

"Oh sure there is,'' the balloon said, now starting to circle the faded pink earth pony. "I could always count on you for a good laugh Pinkie Pie. Just look at Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Applejack, look at what they've become. Tell me that isn't a riot, ha! After all, you do love to laugh!''

Pinkie gazed wearily at her three, corrupted friends; Rainbow Dash laying lazily on her cloud, Applejack gliding a hoof in the dirt, and Rarity doing everything in her power to polish the rock formation while she muttered in a hoarse voice, "My precious…my beautiful, dazzling precious…''

Pinkie Pie then turned her attention back at the balloon and glowered argumentatively. "This isn't funny one bit! I did loved to laugh, but not at anypony else's expense. I would never think what's happening to my friends is funny!''

The balloon just chuckled darkly, stopping in front of Pinkie with an unnerving smirk. "Ah yes you're right Pinkie Pie. You would never in a million years laugh at something as hilarious as this. After all you…you hate everything that's fun.''

Pinkie looked at the unnatural balloon with a bewildered frown. "What are you talking about? Yeah I mean there hasn't been anything to smile about lately, but I never hated happiness.''

"Don't lie to me dear,'' the balloon spoke. "That's Applejack's shtick. You know you can't deny your true, ornery, cheer hating self. Perhaps I should help remind you?''

The string at the balloon's botting lifted and stroked Pinkie Pie's forehead and down the side of her face. Instantly Pinkie felt her mind being clouded in some sort. She had a feeling of light headiness as her body began to sway unbalanced. "Wha-what are you doing?!'' Pinkie Pie asked, shaking her head. "Why do I feel so, so funny?!''

The balloon just floated there, watching Pinkie Pie as she moved restlessly. The balloon then started to expand bigger, and bigger until finally it popped and Discord now appeared in its place. The spirit looked down on Pinkie with a sinister grin and said, "Oh that…don't worry. Feelings of uneasiness, nausea, anger, and resentment are natural symptoms of the metamorphosis you're experiencing Pinkie Pie.''

"Anger? Resentment? What are you…Wait! No…not that! Anything but that!'' Pinkie Pie spoke out in dire dread as a grey coloration began to swim down from the top of her head.

Distances away from her, Twilight and Fluttershy watched on helplessly with terror as their friend backed away from Discord in fear. Pinkie Pie could feel it…she could feel the change that was happening from inside of her. She could feel the negative emotions buried in the darkest reaches of her heart starting to dig their way out.

"Please…don't do this!'' Pinkie pleaded to Discord, tears forming in her eyes. "I…I don't want to go back to being that kind of pony!''

At this, Discord only laughed, in a flash of light appearing in a kingly attire holding a golden sword. "Oh but I think you do dearie! Now, by my decree and the decree of my illustrious Father…I hereby knight thee: Grumpy Pie. Now stand and uphold your duties of hating all that is laughter and happiness.''

Pinkie Pie fell to her stomach, wrapping her hooves around Discord's leg as the tears streamed down her face. "Please no! I don't hate happiness…I don't hate laughter! Those things are what gave my life purpose! I…I don't want to resent my friends! We're…we're all that we have to each other in this scary world!''

Watching their friend's pleas stabbed Twilight and Fluttershy in the hearts, they too having tears formed in the corners of their eyes. "Pinkie Pie please…fight it!'' Twilight begged. "You're the pony that brings happiness to others. That is who you truly are!''

Fluttershy brought her hooves to her mouth, shaking her head slowly as a tear rolled down her face. She then looked at Discord, her false friend as she uttered in an anguished tone. "Discord…why would you do this?!''

Pinkie Pie pinched her eyes shut, trying to fight the urges of bitterness. "I am laughter…I bring joy to others…that makes my life worthwhile. Why would I ever care about something as dumb as laughter? No! What am I saying?! I don't mean that! Think of your friends…they need you! I don't give a flying feather about friends! No! Discord…I hate you for doing this to me! I hate…joy. I hate…happiness! Who needs sappy crap like that?!''

Pinkie Pie opened her eyes, the once kind, happy go lucky gleam that were in them were now replaced by an embittered, scowling expression as the grey finished flowing down her body. She stood up and forcibly whipped the tears from her eyes. She looked up at the grinning Discord and spat aggressively.

"And what are you looking at freak?! You gotta problem with something?! If you wanna go then let's go!''

Discord chuckled, amused by the greyish pink pony and he grabbed her by the face and brought her close to his. "Oh yes that's right, I forgotten how charming you could be. If you want to brawl, how about you have a go with them?''

Discord dropped the bad tempered Pinkie Pie and she landed on her haunches. She grumbled and cursed under her breath as she rubbed the sore spot on her rump. She then locked eyes with Twilight and Fluttershy and said. "You losers have something to say?!'''

"Pinkie Pie, snap out of it. It's us don't you remember?'' Fluttershy squeaked tearfully.

Pinkie Pie answered, "Remember you?! Like I'd give a crap about a pony who has stone animals for friends!''

At her insensitive response, Fluttershy stepped away and let out a stifled sob in her hooves. Twilight shot her a saddened glare as she said, "Pinkie Pie how could you even say that?! That's not how you talk to a friend. You're the Element of Laughter remember?! You love to-''

"Stop saying that!'' Pinkie Pie cut in fiercely. "I hate laughter! I hate joy! I hate happiness! And most of all…I hate YOU!''

Twilight's mouth hung open, completely speechless by such a comment. She looked into the sullen eyes of Pinkie, knowing full well that it was a repeat of before. The Pinkie Pie she knew was now long gone and replaced by this cross, cheerless stranger that was now in front of her. With these thoughts racing through her mind, Twilight's mouth quivered as tears began to train down her face.

Fluttershy took another step backwards when she felt a tap to her back leg, causing her to jump in fright. She whipped around and gazed down towards the ground to see a familiar, white rabbit smiling up at her. Fluttershy blinked a few times, feeling as if her eyes were playing tricks on her as she spoke out in a soft, but surprised tone.

"A-Angel Bunny! Is that…you?!''

Angel said nothing, just twitched his nose. Unable to hold in her happiness of seeing her beloved pet, Fluttershy went forward and scooped the little bunny into her arms, crying happily. "Fluttershy, don't!'' Twilight spoke out. She had a grave and suspicious feeling about Angel, but Fluttershy didn't seem to hear her.

"Angel! I…I thought you were turned to stone!'' Fluttershy cried. "I thought that I would never see you again. How did you-Angel, why do you have horns?''

Through her hugging, Fluttershy had peered onto her pet and indeed noticed a pair of mismatched horns on top of the bunny's head. With that question asked, a most crooked spread across his face. Angel spoke in a familiar, devious voice, "Oh these? I just wanted to change my style for once, and I just HAD to get them. Don't they just bring out the color of my eyes?''

As Angel said those words, his beady, black eyes changed to an unnatural yellow with red, different sized pupils. Fluttershy let out a shriek as she dropped the rabbit. Upon hitting the ground, there was a flash of light and Fluttershy soon found herself backing away from a grinning Discord.

"Which finally brings me to you, dear Fluttershy.''

Fluttershy backed away with fear filled, wet eyes. She lowered her body as she began to shake. Discord, upon seeing her like this, took a step forward. "Aw what's the matter Fluttershy? Aren't you even going to say hello?''

"Get away from her!'' Twilight suddenly barked.

She charged at Discord, her horn aglow. Discord just rolled his eyes lazily and conjured a small squeeze horn with white text saying 'squeeze me gently' on the rubber base. With a gentle squeeze, the horn suddenly became a rather massive size and moved as if it were a mouth as it made a loud and drawn out 'AOOGA' sound. The blaring horn ushered such a powerful force that it blew Twilight backwards on the ground. As the sound died away, Twilight lifted herself up, bringing her hooves to her ears as she was preoccupied with a continuous ringing in her head.

With the effect done, Discord blew on the opening of the horn before tossing it casually away, an explosion following soon after. "My leg! My leg!'' an agonized cry sounded out after the explosion.

"I'm sorry, what were we talking about?'' Discord asked before seeing the timid, scared Pegasus. "Ah yes, now I remember.''

As Discord began to walk towards Fluttershy, she slowly shook her head and spoke with a shaking voice. "Discord…please…''

"What was that hun? Afraid I can't hear you in the cheap seats,'' Discord said, taking out an ear trumpet and acting like he was having difficulty hearing her.

"Discord, why are you doing this?! What did we ever do to make you betray us?'' Fluttershy ask.

Discord frowned and answered irritably. "I've already gave my reasons of my choice. And I was right after all. It's clear you didn't care to listen to me.''

"I DO care!'' Fluttershy said loudly with a sob. "Discord just please don't do this. Turn my friends back to normal I'm begging you!''

Discord brought and up and began stroking his bead, appearing to be in deep thought. "Well let me just think on it for a moment. Um what's the answer I was looking for? Oh yes that's right…no.''

Discord proceeded to walk towards Fluttershy, giving her a diabolical grin. "Well my dear the fun must go on. And I think you know what's coming next.'' Discord breathed on a finger, polished it against his chest and presented it to Fluttershy. "Now just hold still…and that delightfully cruel side of yours will be back again.''

Discord came closer and closer, wagging his finger as Fluttershy just stood there. She didn't move, she couldn't. She was completely terrified. Then she felt it…Discord's talon finger poking her forehead. Discord smiled a truly gleeful smile. "There! Now out with the old, disgusting kindness and in with the new, delicious cruelty!''

"No! You don't have to do this! Discord please stop!'' Fluttershy begged, tears cascading down her face.

She could feel it, the malice, the viciousness…the desire to be sadistic. The desire to hurt others. Fluttershy jerked her head, Discord's finger still pressing on her forehead. "No! Stop! I don't want to be cruel! Please don't make me!''

A greyish tone that dominated four of Fluttershy's friends now began to make its way from Fluttershy's head down to the rest of her body. "That's it Fluttershy, let heartless brute come out! Besides, you were always far too nice for your good.''

A few distances away, Twilight shook off the ringing that was in her ears, now able to think clearly. She gazed towards Fluttershy and Discord and upon seeing the grey washing down on her friend, Twilight's heart sank ad pure, suffocating dread came over her. "Fluttershy…no not you too!''

The grey turning Fluttershy continued to jerk her head, trying to shake off Discord's finger. "No…I can't let him do this…I won't! I-I can't hurt my friends! No! I will never…hurt my friends!'' Fluttershy said.

Just as the grey came down to her legs, it stopped before starting to rise back up. Discord's delighted grin dissolved into a crooked grimace. "Come on now Fluttershy! Be a sport and stop resisting!''

Discord pressed down harder on Fluttershy's forehead. The grey then started to go back down Fluttershy's legs inch by inch. "Please…don't turn me into this!'' Fluttershy implored, still trying to whip her head from Discord. "I need to resist…I need to be strong for my friends…I need to hurt my friends! No! I didn't mean that! I…I…!''

"There! See was that so bad? Really you're acting and crying like I had just violated you or something. Sometimes you're more trouble than you worth, but like before you couldn't resist me forever,'' Discord said.

By this point, Fluttershy had collapsed on her stomach, as her head jerking stopped. She couldn't fight anymore, she couldn't even get herself to stand. She could feel the thoughts seep into her mind. Those awful, terrible thoughts as Discord started to fly, his body encircling her as he did so. "Now tell me Fluttershy, how do you feel?''

"I…I feel like…hurting somepony! No! I need to be strong! I need…to remember my kindness!'' Fluttershy began before finally a cruel smirk spread across her lips, the tears still trailing down her face. "Screw kindness! Right now, I just want to make somepony cry! Make them plead…make them suffer in any way I can!''

Fluttershy stood up as the grey seeped down onto the rest of her body. She shook her head, whipping the tears away. "Wonderful! I always knew you had it in you Flutters!'' Discord applauded.

Fluttershy looked at Discord and shot him a depraved sneer. "And I also have it in me to knock some teeth out. How glad of you to volunteer.''

Fluttershy flew towards Discord, but stopped her before she could hit him. "Whoa! Hold your horses my nefarious friend. Perhaps I can volunteer a much better victim. Maybe her perhaps?''

Fluttershy gazed to where Discord was pointing to and saw Twilight, looking on with a heartbreaking stare. With a grin, Fluttershy flew down to Twilight and spoke, "Why the dumb look Twilight?''

"Fluttershy? H-He got to you too?'' Twilight spoke in almost a whisper.

"Fluttershy? He got to you too?'' Fluttershy mimicked in a mocking tone. "Gosh you sound so whiny and pathetic! But that's good thing…I love beating down on whiny and pathetic ponies!''

Fluttershy pounded her hooves threateningly together as she hovered closer to Twilight. The purple unicorn advanced backwards in fear of her once meek friend. "Fluttershy why?! We're friends! You've got to fight this!''

Fluttershy gave a short laugh before answering. "The only thing I want to fight is you! Now just hold still, this'll only hurt a lot!''

As Fluttershy made her way to deal a blow to Twilight's face, a small rock hit her square in the head. The greyish yellow Pegasus let out a pained cry and whipped her head towards the direction on the other ponies. She gazed at each of them, completely livid and said, "Who did that?!''

"Wasn't me, that's fer sure,'' Applejack spoke before puckering her lips inwards while looking away guiltily.

Fluttershy glared at Applejack and flew towards the mare and got in her face. "So you like throwing rocks at me, huh chump?!''

"I-I swear it wasn't me!'' Applejack said, backing away with an intimidated expression as she looked around hastily. "I-It was…HER! She did it!''

Applejack pointed to Rarity, now trying to dig the worthless rock from out of the ground. "Oh really?'' Fluttershy spoke darkly. "Well then, I'll just have to teach her what happens when somepony messes with me.''

Before she flew off, Fluttershy elbowed Applejack hard right in her muzzle, causing the earth pony to stagger back a few feet and fall on her back. She brought her hooves to her nose and felt the sticky, warm substance of blood running onto her hoof. "Ah that didn't even hurt!'' Applejack spoke grimly, a small groan escaping her throat.

Fluttershy hovered to Rarity and spoke in a spiteful voice. "So, you have a problem with me or something Rarity?''

Rarity looked at the curmudgeon quizzically and said, "Me? Oh no dear I don't have a problem…'' She then finished as she suddenly became aggressive. "But we will
if you even THINK about touching my inestimable diamond!''

"Oh really? Then what are you gonna do about this huh?''

Fluttershy proceeded to touch the rock. Rarity seethed in anger and leaped forwards to try to kick Fluttershy, only for the latter to evade by flying upwards. "Aw guessed you missed. But I'm still touching your precious rock!'' Fluttershy said.

"I said hooves off you diamond defiling brute!'' Rarity said.

She tried to hit Fluttershy again, only to miss again. Rarity lunged again, only missing like the previous times. As the unicorn tried to get Fluttershy away from the rock, Fluttershy mocked all the while.

"Still missed me. I guess what they say is true, unicorns can't do anything without their little magic!''

Rarity growled as Fluttershy spat on the worthless piece of earth. "I'll show you what this unicorn can do! En garde!''

Rarity went on to engage her manipulated friend, Fluttershy jeering and ridiculing her as she did so. Applejack went on to walk towards Pinkie Pie, her eyes closed with a serene smile on her face when she suddenly bumped into the ill-tempered, pink pony.

"Hey! Watch it!'' Pinkie snapped irritably.

"What's yur problem?'' Applejack asked.

"You bumped into me!''

"No I didn't. You bumped into me,'' Applejack lied bluntly, crossing a foreleg over the other.

Pinkie Pie growled and said, "Yes you did! You better think twice about messing with me!''

Applejack just rolled her eyes carelessly. "I don't know what you're talkin' about. You should pick a fight with Rainbow Dash. She's the one tellin' everyony that ya like parties.''

"She said what?!'' Pinkie Pie exclaimed, looking as if she had just been offended.

" Ya didn't hear it from me, but Rainbow said that you liked parties, an' cakes, an' havin' a heepin' good time,'' Applejack said, looking away dubiously.

"Oh she did huh?'' Pinkie Pie spoke, glaring at the now snoring Pegasus.

Pinkie stomped her way to the black cloud roughly tapped her. "Hey you!''

After another hard tap, Rainbow Dash jolted awake, a groggy look on her face. She peered over her shoulder and said testily, "And what do you want?''

Pinkie Pie spoke, "You saying that I liked to have fun? Answer me punk!''

Rainbow Dash eyed her coldly before answering with a stretch, "I don't know what you're talking about and frankly, don't care.''

Pinkie went over to the other side of the cloud and brought her face nose to nose with Rainbow as she leered in her uninterested eyes. "You better learn who you're spreading lies about. I'm the Pinkie Pie! I hate laughing, I hate parties, and I definitely hate lying chumps like you!''

At this Rainbow Dash just looked unfazed, and used a wing to push back Pinkie back on the ground. "Yeah, well I'm definitely gonna beat your sorry flank if ya ever wake me up like that again!''

Pinkie Pie sprang back up on her hooves and shouted at Rainbow Dash as she turned over and laid back down to sleep again. "Just try it! I dare you, I double dare you!''

Rainbow Dash spread a wing and made that inappropriate, vulgar gesture again and responded. "Ah go buck yourself.''

Pinkie Pie just stood there, fuming with teeth bared. She glared at the Pegasus as her remaining friends went about each other in disharmony and conflict. In a flash of light, Discord appeared by Chthon's side, a delighted smile on his face. Discord cackled.

"Ah ha! Now Father I know manipulating them into their opposite personalities may be meager chaos for you, but you have to admit it IS hilarious! I mean just look at them!''

Chthon stared down upon the squabbling group with a displeased frown. "I abhor the use of chaotic forces on such…childish endeavors.'' Chthon then grinned darkly. "But you are right Discord, seeing them turn on each other is an entertaining sight.''

Discord said, "Oh I knew you'd like it if given the chance. And besides if you think that's funny, just look at little miss friendship down there.''

Twilight just stood there, completely stunned as she gazed around at her changed friends. She couldn't believe it, the five most important ponies to her had become the exact opposite of what each of them were meant to represent. The ponies she knew, the ponies she treasured and loved were now gone, corrupted by the sinisterly grinning deconequus that was hovering high in the air. At the very sight of her bickering friends, Twilight eyed winced as tears began to appear in them.

"No…no! This can't be happening, not again…not now!'' Twilight spoke in a quivering voice.

Her friends continued to demean one another. They continued to lie to one another. They continued to shun one another. They continued to be quarrelsome with one another and continued to be drowned in their avarice. As their voices reached Twilight's ears, her tears began to fall down her face, one for each hurtful word her friends said to each other.

"We can't let it come to this…'' Twilight cried softly as her horn began to glow. "I can't let this happen, not when we have to fight this darkness!''

Suddenly with a cry, Twilight reared on her hind legs, the magenta light of her horn glowing brighter as she shouted. "Stop it! This isn't who you are! You're friends! You have to remember for each other's sake!''

Twilight stomped her forelegs back onto the ground. As she did that, a bright, deep pink light came forth from her horn and covered the area, becoming large enough to capture Twilight's five friends into the now dome of light. Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity all ceased what they were doing and looked around in alarm at what was happening. As the light continued to shine, images began to go through each of their minds. Images of their past adventures together. Images of the enemies they've faced together. Images of all the times they laughed together…as friends.

Above in the fire tinted skies, Chthon and Discord watched on at the spectacle, Chthon with a calm, cynical smirk while Discord bore a more interested, somewhat surprised expression. There was suddenly a brief but brilliant flash and they light disappeared to reveal Twilight's five friends laying on the ground, seemingly unconscious. As the glow from Twilight's horn dimmed and vanished, she breathed heavily as if she had just ran a great distance and looked at her friends with a concerned gazed.

It wasn't long before the five ponies began to stir and slowly rise to their feet, their grey coloration draining down their bodies as their normal complexions came back to normal. Rainbow Dash was the first to speak as she rubbed her head, "Aw man! What the heck happened?!''

"Golly! I feel like I jus' went ta overtime with a bull at a rodeo,'' Applejack said, trying to shake off her daze.

"What happened?'' Fluttershy asked. "The last thing I remembered was…''

"Discord!'' Twilight finished, a weary but relieved sad smile on her face.

"Discord? What did that turn coat do to us?!'' Rarity said with a disgusted frown.

Twilight answered, walking towards her friends, "He used his magic to corrupt the five of you again. You were… the exact opposites of what each of you represented.''

"What?! You mean to tell me Discord did that old trick again?!'' Rainbow Dash exclaimed in anger.

"Please don't tell me he made me think some worthless piece of rock was a valuable diamond again,'' Rarity said with a scowl.

''That no good, goat bearded, mismatched sidewinder! He made me a liar again didn't he?!'' Applejack spoke, her rage building.

Pinkie Pie said with a terribly shameful, teary-eyed look. "And he made me hate fun…AGAIN! Twilight I-I'm sorry if I said anything mean to you, I didn't mean it I swear!''

Twilight just shook her head, her lips shaking into a small smile. "You don't need to apologize Pinkie. I know you girls and I knew that you would never act like that. We're friends.''

At her comment, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie gave the purple unicorn fond, grateful smiles. Rarity spoke up, "Indeed. And it's because of you that we were able to return to our true selves Twilight.''

Before Twilight could respond, she was stopped by Discord speaking out. "Well, well! So that's how you were able to lift my curse off of them the last time. Impressive Twilight, quite impressive.''

The six ponies looked to the skies at the two beings. Discord tapped his fingers together with a scheming, sly smirk on his face. Immediately, Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity all glared fiercely at Discord with clenched teeth. Fluttershy, on the other hand, had a deeply afflicted stare as she looked at the spirit that had betrayed her and her friends.

Discord continued, "Well done indeed. Celestia would be so proud of her prized, faithful student.''

Twilight responded with an enraged shout. "Don't ever talk about Princess Celestia! She was the first one to see some good in you and how did you repay her…by joining forces with the very thing that destroyed her!''

At the mention of Celestia's death, Chthon gave an unfeeling, chuckle while his dark eyes scanned the group. Discord's face fell to an expression that seemed to show sadness and shame as he said, "Yes you're right Twilight. Celestia did thought that my powers could be used for good instead of chaos.'' Discord then formed a twisted grin. "Well that was her mistake. Whatever fate that befell her was all her fault.''

Those words. Those cruel, indifferent words. They even shock the six ponies beneath him as they gave out short gasps. Their aghast expressions soon became ones of resentment. Rarity spoke coldly. "That horrid scoundrel…he's no better than Chthon!''

Rainbow Dash shook with anger and she shouted, "The only mistake she made was ever giving a crap about a rotten scumbag like you!''

In the next moment, Rainbow Dash flew up at high speeds at Discord. It took less than five seconds for her to near him, but Discord was ready. He conjured a bottle with a bubble wand and stirred the contents. He then took out the wand and blue a beam of large bubbles at the cyan Pegasus. Rainbow Dash was caught off guard by the random act and was hit head on by the bubble beam. Upon impact, there was an explosion of water and Rainbow Dash plummeted back down to earth.

"Rainbow Dash!'' Twilight called in concern for her friend as she and the others ran towards her.

Discord saw this and wagged a finger in a disapproving manner. "Uh, uh, uh! Dashie's a big girl now. She can fight her own battles. Get the point?''

Swords suddenly appeared out of thin air and embedded themselves between Rainbow Dash and her friends, causing the five approaching ponies to skid to a halt. "He's got us blocked!'' Pinkie Pie said, raising a hoof halfway.

Twilight said with a furrowed frown, "I'll get us through! Let me just-''

"Don't bother Twilight!'' Rainbow Dash suddenly cut in as she stood up. "I can take this loser all by myself!''

"Oh can you now?'' Discord said with a smirk. In a flash of light, Discord was dressed in a vintage looking boxing shorts and shows complete with brown boxing gloves as well as a black, handlebar moustache. "Marquis of Hoovesberry Rules! Fisticuffs, come on! Put em' up!''

Discord started to hop around and jabbed the air, making taunting gestures at Rainbow Dash. The Pegasus growled under her breath and kicked off from the ground and flew towards the capricious being. As Rainbow Dash rushed towards him, Discord spun his right arm around at a high speed in a circular motion before finally flinging his arm outwards. His fist suddenly sprang from his wrist, a spring attached to its base as if the glove was in a box that was opened ready to strike an unsuspected victim.

Thought the antic was sprung quickly, Rainbow Dash's reflexes were faster and she easily dodged the oncoming hit and countered with a hard punch to Discord's face. Discord staggered backwards and fell back on the ground. His fist made it back to and reattached itself to Discord's wrist.

"Not fair!" Discord mewled, rubbing his nose. "You weren't supposed to dodge the punch! That was against the rules!''

Rainbow Dash just glared fiercely and said. "I'm not playing with you Discord! That was for betraying us!" Rainbow then cracked her neck. "And this is for what you just did to me!''

She soared through the air to attempt to land another blow on her double crossing opponent. "Not this time Dashie,'' Discord said.

When Rainbow Dash had neared him, she was swiftly hit with an upper cut from Discord's tail, a boxing glove having appeared on its tip. With a short cry, Rainbow Dash was knocked backwards and landed on the ground just in front of the imbedded swords. "Rainbow Dash!'' Fluttershy squeaked in fear.

"Are you alright darling?!'' Rarity asked, she took worried about her friend's wellbeing.

Rainbow Dash said nothing, just started to get back on all fours as she shook her head. Discord stood back up, his mustache and boxing outfit disappearing in a flash of light. "Annnd one punch and down ladies and genticolts! So, are you ready for round two Rainbow Dash?''

The five of the six ponies shot him glares as Applejack barked, "Get away from her ya freak!''

She jumped over the swords and galloped right at Discord. Following up, Twilight used her magic to raise three of the swords into the air as she, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie charged in after their earth pony friend, leaving a conflicted, distressed Fluttershy behind. Discord grinned as he looked at the incoming orange mare.

"Isn't this lovely? Old friends getting together for a rip roaring good time! Don't you agree Applejack?''

Discord made an upwards motion with his lion's paw. Pillars of jagged earth shot up from the ground and towards Applejack. Applejack spoke as she effortlessly weaved around each pillar. "We ain't friends ya uppity son of a bitch!''

As Applejack maneuvered passed the last pillar, she lunged at Discord with a head butt. Discord evaded by leaping to the side as Applejack leaped through a red cape Discord had conjured all while calling out, "Toro! Toro!''

Applejack skidded around and leered at Discord, now adorned in a rather flamboyant costume. Discord waved the red cape, as he again called at that phrase. Applejack snorted out a gust of air and darted towards Discord. "Quit messin' around an' fight seriously!''

When Applejack had gotten closer, she once again leaped at the costumed draconequus. Again Discord stepped to the side, holding the cape so Applejack would fly into it. This time however when Applejack dived into to it, she ran head first into something hard as a metallic clank sounded. She fell on her stomach, her head aching and the world spinning around her as she groaned. Discord smirked wickedly as he whipped the cape away to reveal an anvil sitting on the ground. "Careful Applejack. You'll never know when an anvil will suddenly appear.''

Applejack responded by grumbling under her breath as she tried to regain her bearings. Discord spoke in a southern drawl, advancing towards her. "Aw need help little pardner? That looks like it stung worse than lemon juice on a paper cut.''

"Get away from her!'' Twilight called out.

Discord looked up towards her as ducked away from a slash from one of the swords Twilight magically controlled. With a harsh grunt, Twilight willed the swords to make slashes at the slender spirit. Discord evaded the second slash and slithered in the air to avoid the third one. Discord laughed gleefully.

"Oh ho! So it's swordplay that you want hmm?'' In a flash, Discord was clad entirely in a white, padded protective gear, wearing a fencing mask over his head as he wielded a rapier. "En garde Madame Twilight!''

Twilight only frowned hatefully as she seethed. "This isn't a game! So stop acting like it is!''

Twilight used her magic to command her three swords to attack Discord. "I should hope it's not!'' Discord retorted, parrying a strike with his own sword. "You're really giving a lackluster performance. Come on it's like you're not even trying!''

As Discord easily parried Twilight's attacks, Rainbow Dash came flying in and shouted. "You want us to try?! Well try THIS on for size!''

Rainbow attempted to land a powerful kick to Discord only for the latter to split himself into separate parts as the rainbow maned Pegasus zoomed through the empty space. The evasion caught Rainbow of guard and Discord quickly reattached himself while his rapier transformed into a whip. Discord performed a singular motion with the whip and the tip wrapped itself around Rainbow Dash's leg and before the cyan mare could react, Discord swung Rainbow around, causing her to collide with her incoming friends.

Twilight Sparkle, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie are laid on the charred ground in a slight daze, with Twilight losing her magical grip on the swords as they fell with multiple clangs. The three girls slowly rose up as they shook off their light headed trances. Fluttershy just stood there distances away with a mixture of confusion, terror, and woe upon her face. Discord flew towards him, his fencing gear disappearing as he did so.

"What's this? Surly you ponies are not giving up are you? I haven't even broken a sweat.''

Twilight, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash just glared at him as they slowly rose to their feet. Upon seeing their glances, Discord's expression took on one of bewilderment. "Such stabbing stares. Such hateful glances. What did I ever do to earn such looks?''

"Don't you even TRY to play the innocent Discord!'' Rarity spoke crossly.

"Yeah!'' Rainbow Dash added loudly. "After all the times you said you've change, after all the bullshit you've said about being our friend and what did you do?! Joined that overgrown freak show!''

Chthon said nothing, just merely chuckled while he crossed his arms as he watched what was transpiring. Pinkie Pie spoke up, in an angered tone. "Friends are supposed to be there for each other. Friends are supposed to stick together through thick and thin, not betray them and toss them aside like a week old, stale cake!''

Discord face shriveled into a stern frown. "Don't try to play the blame game. After all…it was YOU'RE fault that it had to resort to this.''

Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie all gave Discord aggressive, yet confused glances at his words. Twilight said, "How was this our fault?!'' Twilight then charged at Discord, her horn coated in a billowing magenta aura. "We've done nothing but gave you a second chance! We done nothing but gave you an opportunity at redemption! And look what you've done after that!''

With each enraged outburst, Twilight fired a potent beam of magic at Discord. Discord handily dodged each attack, the last beam aimed at his face when he split his head in to avoid the beam. "Please! I was never your friend in your eyes! You keep spewing that you gave me a chance to reform but even after you treated me with disdain. Friendship is magic everypony!'' Discord said, the words 'Friendship is Magic' appearing in colorful letters above him only to turn to a goopy green mush and fell on the ground.

Rarity spoke. "If we treated you with distrust and disdain it is because you gave us a reason to. What with your mischievous, scheming, trickster ways!''

Discord gritted his teeth, his irritation beginning to rise. He raised his eagle claw as it was coated in a golden yellow aura. The same colored aura appeared around Twilight, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie's Elements as they were lifted into the air, struggling to escape from Discord's grip. Fluttershy watched on in horror, her hooves over her mouth as tears began to appear in her strong, cyan eyes. Applejack finally shook off the disorientation from hitting the anvil, gazed at her trapped friends as she glowered with a low growl.

"You ponies are a piece of work aren't you?!'' Discord said as he brought them closer to him. "Thinking you're so perfect, thinking that you're never in the wrong! Well it's high time you admit that you were the ones that botched this friendship!''

Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie continued to struggle and grunt in the spirit of chaos' grasp. The tighter Discord curled his fingers, the more discomfort the four ponies felt. With each passing second, Discord's frown grew deeper…fouler as he began to bare his teeth. Applejack wasted not a single second as she saw her friends in danger and she galloped towards Discord. Once upon him, she took his tail in her mouth and bit down hard, causing Discord to howl in pain.

Applejack spoke through her teeth. "Ya jumbled up, ungrateful, sorry excuse of a mule's hind end! YUR the one that botched up our friendship!''

With every ounce of her strength, Applejack heaved Discord by the tail as she flipped him over her body and slammed him hard on the earth. With his concentration broken, the golden aura vanished from around Applejack's four friends as they fell on the ground. Though shaking from the fall, they were able to quickly get back on their feet and readied themselves. Discord gave a light groan as he lifted his upper body and rubbed his head.

Applejack snorted and rushed at him again, not wanting to lose any opportunity for an opening. Discord shook off his daze and saw the orange mare quickly coming in on him. Frantic, Discord waved his hands in front of him.

"W-Wait Applejack! You wouldn't hit a draconequus with glasses would you?!'' Discord asked, taking out a pair of glasses and putting them over his eyes.

Applejack charged at him, paying no mind to his question. She turned just as she had gotten closer to him, Applejack turned and bucked Discord hard in the face. A rather lurid cracking sound was her as gasps escaped the lips of a few of Applejack's friends. Applejack turned around to see Discord's head had been twisted unnaturally around. Applejack wasn't fazed by the grisly sight and just spoke coldly.

"How'd ya like them apples?!''

Discord bore a shocked, confused expression, the lens of this glasses cracked. His glasses tilted to one side before finally breaking in two off his face. Discord spoke. "Alright, maybe you would.''

"My word, I knew Applejack was strong, but not THAT strong!'' Rarity said in awe.

Rainbow Dash spoke, "Yeah…remind me never to piss Applejack off while standing behind her.''

Discord stay in his spot for another moment or two until a look of irritation came to his face. He took his hands and turned his head back around, giving Applejack a dirty look. "Well done Applejack. I'll give you that point.''

A scoreboard appeared in the sky above them, one side having a chalk outline of Discord while the other side had an outline of Applejack as a point appeared under the latter's image. Discord stood back up, dusted himself off, and turned his gaze back to Applejack, her head lowered and ready to fight.

"But that's the only point you're going to get. This isn't your little patch of heaven you grew up on, this is chaos country…my home field,'' said Discord.

"What would you know what a patch of heaven is?'' Applejack growled.

Discord smirked darkly. "Well Applejack, I am a part of chaos. Chaos is bliss, my own personal little wonderland. And since this entire world is now chaos, this IS heaven for me.'' Discord then chuckled, "How's Sweet Apple Acres? I would so love a pet dog, but I'm afraid your brother was turned to stone. Such a pity.''

Applejack gritted her teeth, her body beginning to shake with pure rage. She shot Discord a glaring wince while starting to tear up a bit. "Don't…don't ya ever spew anythin' about my kin ya back stabbin' lunatic!''

Applejack rushed towards him, pure malice ready to be unleased to the chimera before her. As she ran, something suddenly burst forth from the ground and grasped Applejack around the neck, stopping her instantly. It was Discord's lion paw, except it was disembodied and detached from the rest of his body. Despite this, it was still able to function perfectly as it tightened its grip around the farm pony's neck.

"Applejack!'' Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie Pie exclaimed in unison.

"What…the buckin' heck?!'' Applejack gasped, trying to pry the paw off her as she was lifted a few feet in the air.

Discord started to walk calmly towards the choking Applejack, a sinister grin spreading across his lips while shamelessly showing the stump of his missing arm. When he finally at to her, he seamlessly reattached his arm, now personally strangling Applejack himself.

"How does that feel Applejack?'' Discord asked.

He tightened his grip, causing Applejack to give a gargled cry. Discord spoke, "Where's your charmin', colorful countryisms now pardner?''

"Let her go!'' Twilight shouted at Discord.

She, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and now even Fluttershy all made their way quickly to their friend's aid. Discord peered over his shoulder slyly halfway through their run and swung his free hand in a single, horizontal motion, creating a golden crescent wave. The wave proved too fast for the party to react and the five were hit directing, sending them screamed as they were force backwards and spread on the ground.

Chthon smiled vilely, his pointed, canine like teeth showing as she looked upon the shifting, groaning bunch of ponies. Discord grinned smugly before turning his attention back to Applejack. "So sorry for the interruption. Where were we now? Ah yes…squeezing the apple cider out of you!''

Discord again tightened his grip, choking Applejack even more. With every passing second, it became more and more difficult for Applejack to breath. She continued gasping for air while trying to fight Discord off. Discord spoke, that gleeful, terribly smile on his face.

"What was that? I'm afraid you must speak up lamb chop, I can't make out for the life of me what you're trying to say.''

Applejack just glared at him with rage, with hate and she spat right in his face. Discord looked at her with an annoyed, unamused expression. "Now that was totally on called for. Really Applejack didn't Granny Smith taught you some manners?''

"Applejack hissed in response,'' Go ta Hell Discord!''

Discord just stared silently at her for a few moments. He then hocked back and spat right back into Applejack's face with a wad of strange, brown saliva far bigger and thicker than hers. Applejack wheeled and cried in disgust, shaking her head to rid the spit from her face.

Discord spoke, "Oh relax, it's just some leftover chocolate milk. At least, I think its chocolate milk.''

Discord licked his lips, looking as if he was trying to make out the taste of what he had just spat out. Applejack just growled, both in anger and in disgust as the brown substance dripped from her face. Discord brought her closer to his face as he spoke. "I didn't really appreciate you kicking me like that Applejack. And those were 500 bit glasses you little bitch!''

Discord shook her a bit, to her rising anger. "But that's alright,'' said Discord with a debased smirk. "I think I have the perfect payback. If I can't have Big MacIintosh as a dog, perhaps you'd be the next best thing. There's plenty of tricks I can show you and the first: to sic you on those pathetic ponies littering the ground you call friends!''

Discord raised a finger as a golden glow appeared on the tip as he brought it near Applejack's forehead. The strong mare jerked her head to try to escape, but it only proved in vain. Before Discord could touch Applejack's head, a blur of brown caught his eye and when he gazed up, he found himself on the receiving end of a brawny punch from a stallion. The pony landed on the ground as Discord staggered backward and gave a cry of pain, dropping Applejack from his clutches. Above in the sky, Chthon just gave the newcomer a deep, disdained frown, as if he was an insect that needed to be exterminated.

Applejack fell on the ground and coughed, trying to catch her breath after the choke. The pony instantly ran over to her side and tenderly lifted her head. "Applejack?! Are you ok?!'' he asked, fearing for her safety.

Applejack blinked a few times and gazed into the deep brown eyes of Quentin. "Q-Quentin?'' Applejack muttered under her breath in disbelief. Quentin just nodded, a small but relieved smile on his face as Applejack brought a hoof and gently stroked the side of his face. "I-Is it really you this time?''

Quentin didn't know what she meant by that phrase but right now he didn't care. He just stroked her hoof with his and replied. "Yeah Applejack. It's me.''

Applejack just looked upon her friend. Although at first she was happy to see him there with her, she was also conflicted by emotions of confusion and fear of his presence being there. "Quen…I…but…W-what are ya doin' here?! Ys suppose ta be back up in Canterlot!''

Rainbow Dash, Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie managed to look up in time at Quentin's arrival and like Applejack were understandably surprised to see him there. "Quentin?! Rainbow Dash said.

Twilight shook her head, a look of absolute fear on her face and said, "No...He shouldn't be here!''

Before anyone else could say a word, Rainbow Dash flew towards the air, followed shortly by her remaining friends as they headed towards Applejack and Quentin. It took not time at all for Rainbow Dash to get to them and immediately spoke out loudly.

"Quentin?! What the hay are you doing here?!''

Quentin looked at the cyan Pegasus as the rest of his friends came around. "Quentin why are you here?! How in heaven's name did you even get from Canterlot all the way here?!'' Rarity asked in a shocked tone.

Quentin answered, "It's…it's a long story. But that doesn't matter. I'm here and that's all there is to it.''

"But why are you here?'' Twilight asked, coming towards him with concern. "We left you at the palace while we handled this!''

Quentin's face shriveled into an angered frown. "You mean how Applejack bucked me like I was an apple tree?'' Quentin spoke bitterly, gazing at the farm pony.

At this, Applejack's ears lowed in sadness as a shameful, pained look came upon her face. "Quentin I'm…I'm sorry. I…we just needed a way to keep ya from comin' with us.''

"And so the solution was to kicked me into unconsciousness?!'' Quentin argued.

Applejack tried to fight back tears as she tried to find the right words to tell her friend. "We just…wanted to protect you!''

Quentin still glared at Applejack for the infliction she had put on him. However, he could not shut out those protective, tendered that came out of her mouth and seeing the amount of remorse in her eyes caused him to softened in expression. Fluttershy spoke up meekly.

"Quentin, we're sorry that we hurt you. But please understand, it wasn't that we wanted to. It was more like we needed to.''

"Yeah, you're our friend. And we just couldn't let you get hurt. I don't think we'd ever forgive ourselves if something happened to you,'' said Pinkie Pie somberly.

The others nodded in agreement. Quentin looked at each of his wonderful friends in their eyes. He could just see the sincerity to protect him in their orbs and the earth pony couldn't help but be touch by their devotion. Quentin also took this chance to observe them closely and could see their dirtied and unkempt mane, and coats as well as the bruises and cuts each of them had sustained.

"Girls….thank you. I appreciate that you had the need to protect me but…each of you look like you've been through hell.''

"Trust me, that's an' understatement,'' Applejack replied, whipping her eyes. "But Quen you've got ta get yourself outta here. This ain't exactly a rodeo ring out here.''

Quentin looked at Applejack and spoke firmly, "Applejack…I'm not leaving.''

Applejack was about to argue when Rainbow Dash spoke up, getting closer to Quentin. "Quentin with ya just stop it already?! This isn't the time to try and act tough!'' Rainbow Dash continued, in a more sorrow filled tone, her ears lowering. "Don't try to act tough like me. Not if it'll get you hurt. So please…for us….just get out of here!''

Quentin could only stare at the multicolored maned mare with a sort of concerned bewilderment. Never had he seen Rainbow Dash so pleading. He knew that she had established herself as a tough, confidant girl who'd never wanted to show any type of weakness. But he could see that need and utter desire to protect him to be probably stronger than that of some of the mares around him. Twilight began to speak, just her face bearing just as plead and concern as Applejack and Rainbow Dash.

"Quentin, they're right. Please, just let us handle this. We have the Elements of Harmony, this is our responsibility. If you got hurt I…I…''

Before Twilight could finished, they were interrupted by a moaning sound. They all looked forward to see Discord reeling back from Quentin's punch. ''Really, what is it with ponies punching me in the face today?! I know my head could be a fun volleyball every now and then, but this is ridiculous!''

The seven friends instantly glared at Discord. After Discord shook his head, he scanned the group and locked eyes with Quentin. "Quentin?! Oh well isn't this the craziest thing? I was hardly expecting you to show up!'' Discord said, slightly surprised.

Quentin just gave the spirit a nasty look as he growled, "You better have a damn good reason why your hands were around Applejack's throat like that!''

Rainbow Dash answered, looking at him with a hateful frown, "How's this for a good reason: that cud face betrayed us!''

"What?!'' Quentin said aloud.

Applejack spoke with the same look Rainbow Dash bore. "You heard right Quentin. After everythin' that's happened, after everythin' we've done, in the end Discord decided ta throw in his lot with Chthon!''

Quentin just stared at Applejack, a look that had a mixture of surprise and confusion with a growing anger. Twilight, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie agreed with Rainbow Dash's and Applejack's claims while Fluttershy, on the other hand bore an extremely anguished expression and she hurtfully looked away. Quentin looked back at Discord, his anger becoming full outrage.

"So all that talk about you becoming friends was all bullshit huh?!''

Discord just smirked, untroubled with the outburst as he started to walk towards them. Quentin's friends quickly rushed in front of him, shielding him as Discord spoke. "Oh don't be like that Quentin. You shouldn't take it so personally after all-''

Discord disappeared before his head suddenly came out from Quentin's pendant and he looked sinisterly in his eyes. "I am a creature of chaos!''

Before Quentin or the others could react, Discord's tail wrapped around Quentin's neck and the stallion was flung through the air, landing painfully on the ground seconds after. "Quentin?! Applejack cried as Discord appeared in full form on the spot.

"You're gonna pay for that you freak!'' Rainbow Dash shouted.

She lunged at Discord, only for the latter to simple slap her away a few distances from the group. "Rainbow Dash!'' Pinkie Pie shrieked for her friend.

Twilight growled before letting out a short cry, firing a beam of magic at the dragconequus. Discord just yawned and spoke lazily, "Boring.''

Discord caught the beam before it could hit him, forming into a ball about the size of a softball. With a flex of his talon claw, the magenta ball of magic quickly expanded and forced back the remaining ponies close to Discord. Screams briefly filled the air as Twilight, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, and Pinkie Pie were scattered about the area. Quentin slowly raised his head wearily, only to become fully alert at the sight of his friends laying on the ground.

"Oh god girls!'' Quentin said, getting standing up.

He looked to his right and saw Applejack slowly getting out and clearly in a daze. "Applejack!''

Quentin quickly rushed to Applejack's side, looking at her with very worrisome eyes. "Applejack, are you ok?!''

"Yeah…I guess,'' Applejack answered a bit groggily. She shook her head and then gazed at her friend urgently. "But forget me! You have ta get yourself outta here!''

Quentin looked at her firmly, "Applejack for the last time, I'm not leaving you girls! I'm not leaving you!''

"Quentin please I'm beggin' ya!'' Applejack argued. "Why would ya wanna risk yurself getting' hurt?! Why take that chance?!''

Quentin responded by putting a hoof on her cheek, an act that caught Applejack completely by surprise as the brown earth pony gave her a tender smile. "Because you're important to me and that's why I need to be here. I promised that I'd always have your back and that's my honest truth.''

Applejack just stared speechlessly into Quentin's eyes. Her face heated as a faint blush came to her cheeks. She was warmed by her friend's touch, but even further by his comforting words. The beautiful, freckled faced mare winced slightly as she placed a hoof on Quentin's

"Quentin, I'm grateful ta hear that, I really am but…''

Before Applejack could finished, she was cut off by a voice. "Oh isn't this a touching sight? Totally a Kodak moment.'' Quentin and Applejack both looked to see Discord taunting them as he began to walk, taking pictures with a camera that he had conjured. "Two good friends sharing a having a heart to heart experience with one another.'' Discord's grin then became a frown of detest. "Something you ponies never given me the chance to experience.''

Quentin and Applejack could only glare at Discord as he continued to walk towards them. Rainbow Dash stood back up, shook herself off, and leered at Discord and shouted, "You still going on about that BS?! Quit trying to act like the victim, you bucked up and big time!''

The brash Pegasus tried to soar towards Discord, only for the latter to quickly snap his fingers. Black, vine like tentacles burst from the ground and ensnared her by the wings and legs. She grunted and cried with frustration as she tried to fight her way out of their grasp.

"Rainbow Dash?!'' Quentin called out.

"Damn it! I'm so sick of getting caught in these things!'' Rainbow Dash seethed, taking a part of the limp in her teeth as she tried to bite it off.

"Rainbow hold on! I'll get you out!'' Twilight Sparkle said, getting to her feet as she, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity rushed to their trapped friend.

Discord snickered and pointed a finger at Twilight, the tip beginning to glow. "I don't think so Twilight.''

Before he could do anything, before he could perform any kind of spell his chaotic powers could grant him, Fluttershy suddenly flew up in front of him, blocking the path towards Twilight. Upon glancing at the yellow Pegasus, Discord looked at her scornfully. However what dominated Fluttershy's face wasn't anger, hate, or malice. It's was sorrow. A dreary, melancholy sadness with cyan eyes filled with tears.

"Fluttershy! What do you think you are doing?!'' Rarity said loudly.

Twilight fired four beams of magic that easily cut through the tentacles and Rainbow Dash broke free, landing on the ground. With Rainbow Dash free, Twilight, and the others all turned their glances to Fluttershy, her arms outstretched to her sides. "Fluttershy stop!'' Twilight call, fearing for her shy friend. "Get away from him!''

Fluttershy didn't abide and just hovered in her place. He body was shaking as tears started to ooze down her face. She opened her mouth and squeaked, her voice cracking. "Discord! Please…stop this!''

The glow at the tip of Discord's finger vanished as he brought his hand down. Discord responded. "Stop what Fluttershy? Whatever could you mean?''

"Fighting us! I don't know why you're doing this!'' whimpered Fluttershy.

Discord gave Fluttershy a dirtier glare. "I thought I made myself clear before. Whatever that's transpiring between us is all your fault.''

"You say it's our fault when we did nothing to you!'' shouted Twilight.

"Did nothing to me?!'' Discord retorted, glowering at the purple unicorn. "Shunning me, reining me down with the Elements, refusing to let me be my true self I would hardly call that doing nothing to me!''

As Discord continued, Chthon gazed down at him, grinning malevolently as a sinister red gleam came to his dark eyes. Now, it was Rarity's turn to argue with the spirit. "What we did, what you accuse us of doing was only to ensure you stayed true to the promise we and YOU made to Celestia to be reformed!''

"Yeah! It was just to be sure that we were really friends, something that you always claimed to be!'' Pinkie Pie spoke.

Discord just gave the pink pony an unresponsive stare as Applejack spoke aggressively. "Friendship is a two way deal Discord! You had ta act like a friend if ya ever wanted the feelin; ta be mutual!''

"Freakin' buck don't bother!'' Rainbow Dash barked, ready to fly at Discord again. "We shouldn't be explaining ourselves to that traitor! Point is he messed up…BIG TIME and he's gonna pay for it!''

"And who, pray tell, is going to ensure that task Rainbow Dash? You?'' Discord asked.

"I'll be glad to!'' growled Rainbow Dash.

Before Rainbow Dash could move, Fluttershy screamed out. "Rainbow Dash stop!''

"What do ya mean stop!''

Fluttershy gazed at her brave friend, tears still cascading down her face with a desperate expression on her face. "Just…please!''

Rainbow Dash casted an impatient, defying scowl at the meek Pegasus. Twilight spoke, a look of both quivering anger yet with a sense of hurt. "And do you know the worst part of it is? I actually, truly thought we could be friends. I actually believed that if we had gotten through this, we could've added a new member in our circle of friends in our duty to protect Equestria. But I was wrong. In the end, you've shown what was really in your heart. And you're no different than the dark, evil, death worshipping monster that's up there. The only difference…is how much I hate him.''

Twilight glanced up at Chthon and gave him a foul look, but he only returned with an unfazed, dark smirk. Discord gave a low growl before responded almost to the point of yelling. "Please spare me! Admit it, you've never wanted to be friends with me! You've never wanted anything to do with me! You were only going through with the plans Celestia had in her mind. You've never cared about me!''

"I DID care about you!'' Fluttershy cried out suddenly.

Discord sharply brought his attention back to the Pegasus hovering in front of him. Fluttershy took a moment to breathe deeply with a short, silent sob. Fluttershy continued. "At first when Princess Celestia asked me to help reform you I wasn't sure that I could do it. I thought she had chosen the wrong pony to try to change you, but I did anyway because I didn't want to disappoint the princess.''

Fluttershy took a short pause in which she slowly brought herself back on the ground. Her six friends watched on tensely as Discord's face began to soften inch by inch. "Even though at first it seemed hopeless and I wanted to give up, I'm glad I didn't. I knew that deep down pass your chaos magic, there was truly a sweet, good heart.''

Fluttershy gave a quivering, small, sad smile to Discord as he now had a speechless gaze. Fluttershy continued speaking. "And when you had finally renounced your evil ways I was so…so happy. You've became a dear friend to me.''

Discord slightly cocked hos head to one side, his shocked expression not turned into a more saddened one. "But not everypony's perfect,'' Fluttershy said, giving the draconequus an implored glance. "Everypony makes mistakes. But it's not too late to fix them and to atone for your sins. You can still help us fight this evil. Just because you're Chthon's son doesn't mean you have to be like him. There's good in you, I know it. You can still be our friend. Please Discord…please help us end this. Please….!''

Fluttershy extended a hoof towards Discord. Discord looked at her hoof and back to Fluttershy. His face…the friends seemed to never have seen the expression Discord now bore. He had a sympathetic, somber, conflicted, and maybe even a twinge that showed shame and regret. Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Quentin held their breath as they watched on while Chthon just gazed down on them with a cold stare.

Discord took on last look into Fluttershy's tear filled eyes that solicit him and raised his eagle claw advanced it towards Fluttershy's hoof, closer and closer to one another. Just as Discord's claw was going to grasp Fluttershy's hoof, it went passed it and instead grabbed the yellow Pegasus tightly around her neck. Fluttershy cried out as Discord lifted her into the air.

"Fluttershy!'' exclaimed the seven, on looking ponies.

As they started to rush to Fluttershy's aid, Discord snapped his fingers and a large, steel cage appeared around them, halting them immediately. The now trapped ponies all gave outcries of anger and shock with Discord merely looking at them with stern, irritated eyes. He then looked into Fluttershy's eyes as he brought her closer to his face, their muzzles almost touching. His grasp tightened, causing the mare to squeak out as she was being strangled. With a truly, vile, sinister smirk, Discord spoke.

"Sorry Flutters dear, I'm afraid I'm going to have to refuse that offer. I kinda like being bad. My father reminded me how much I favored the ataxia. So you can just keep your fru, namby pamby, malarkey what you call friendship to yourselves!''

Fluttershy said nothing, just gazed at Discord with extremely forlorn, stunned stricken eyes, her body quivering greatly. Discord then flung her away and she landed on the ground and skidded to a halt in front of the cage. "Fluttershy! Are you ok?!'' Pinkie Pie cried.

Twilight winced before closing her eyes, her horn beginning to glow and in a flash of magenta light, she and her friends were outside the steel cage. They quickly surrounded Fluttershy as Applejack kneeled down and helped her up.

"Fluttershy, sugarcube are ya alright?'' Applejack asked with tremendous concern.

Fluttershy didn't respond. She glanced over her shoulder and peered through her mane at Discord. He just stood there, flashing that cruel, remorseless grin at her. Fluttershy began to tremble, her face started to scrunch up before she collapsed into Applejack's arms and sobbed in her shoulder. Applejack rubbed her back, attempting to comfort her and she shot Discord a cold, disgusted glare.

"Ya know you ungrateful, two timin' lowlife, when it comes right down to it, ya own Fluttershy the most fer giving ya a chance. Ya don't deserve any friends!'' Applejack scowled.

"Please. Thanks to my esteemed father, I've learned that 'friendship' is nothing compared to the power of chaos,'' Discord replied curtly.

Quentin gritted his teeth, the anger and disgust he was feeling for Discord now at its breaking point. "You were given a chance to be more than what you were created to be. You had the opportunity to be a part of something greater, and you throw it away and treated their friendship like dirt? All your apologies for what you did to me…screw them and screw you!''

Discord rolled his red and yellow eyes, "Ah who cares?! I can't believe I even said all that junk about forgiving me bleh! To be honest, every time you all would prattle on about the magic of friendship, you sounded like something out of a god awful self-help booklet! Although…'' Discord then grinned mischievously, twirling his beard. "What I did to you in the Everfree Forest was the most fun I had in ages! Perhaps we should do that again. What I have plan is sure to make your mind shatter from the madness. What do you say Quentin ol' chum?''

At that, Quentin gave a low growl, his teeth gritted as he tensed his body. Applejack moved closer to Quentin while Twilight jumped in front of him, her horn aglow as both mares giving Discord deathly stares. Rainbow Dash was fuming and barked.

"Like hay if I ever let you touch him!''

Rainbow Dash flew at high speed towards Discord, intending to land a hit on him. Discord's eyes glowed yellow as he knocked Rainbow Dash back with a telekinetic force back towards her friends and landed on the ground.

"Rainbow are you ok?!'' Rarity gasped, going to her friend's side.

As she was being helped up, Rainbow Dash grunted and cursed through gritted teeth. Discord glanced at all the ponies, each one giving him angered, hate filled frown except Fluttershy who was still crying into Applejack's shoulder. Finally Discord spoke out in an irritated tone.

"You ponies truly are something. Don't you see you can't win? Why do you insist to keep fighting?''

Twilight answered, "Because we're not going to just sit here and let you and Chthon turn this world upside down for your twisted pleasure!''

Before anyone else could speak, a low chuckle came to their ears. They all looked up to the source of the chuckle and all eyes were on Chthon, still hovering against the dark, fiery skies. His chuckling grew louder and louder until he was laughing maniacally, a truly dark, and demonic laughter. Quentin, Twilight, and their friends all looked at the dark deity with bewildered, but aggressively gazes while Fluttershy lifted her face from Applejack's shoulder. Even Discord seemed puzzled by his father's behavior and asked.

"Um, what's so funny Father? I'm afraid I've missed the joke.''

Chthon ceased his laughter and spoke with a dark grin. "They ARE the joke Discord.''

"Oh really? Do you mind elaborating Father?'' Discord ask.

"It doesn't need elaboration,'' said Chthon. "You mortals truly believe that all I want is to turn this world upside down? No that is not the case…I'm going to rip this world inside out.''

Twilight, Quentin, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Applejack all just stared with a look of silent dread at the God of Chaos as he said those chilling words. "I-Inside out? Whatever does he mean?'' Rarity asked.

"Yeah I mean he already rules the world. What else could he possible want?'' said Pinkie Pie dismally.

Chthon crossed his arms, continuing speaking. "You're fools if you believe that I actually wanted to rule over this pathetic world. Then again, what should I have expect from such a lesser species?''

"I'll show you what a lesser species can do!'' Rainbow Dash shouted.

Ready soar at Chthon, she was halted in the air by a cry from Twilight. "Rainbow don't!''

The brazen Pegasus gave a glare at the unicorn for stopping her, only for the latter to shake her head before looking back up at Chthon. "Quit with the riddles! Tell us, what are you talking about? What do you want Chthon?!'' Twilight demanded.

A stiffen silence clenched the area save for the low, hot, serially winds that blew by. Discord gazed at his father, he too eager to here Chthon's answer. After a long, tortuous minute, Chthon furrowed his black and red eyes and said.

"Ever since the first light was birthed, ever since the first equines came forth from their dirt hobbles, the natural order of the universe had been disrupted.''

"What the flipping hay are you talkin' about?!'' Applejack called up with a frown.

Chthon paused for a moment, his furrow deepened as a more sickened expression came to his face. "From the time of the thoughtless void, came the birth of you lowly species. And from that beckoning came the illusion of harmony…of free will.''

The six ponies gazed at each other, truly puzzling looks dominating their faces. Twilight argued, "What do you mean? Harmony was never an illusion! Our princesses gave us freedom in exchange of following loyally to them. All that was never an illusion!''

Chthon just glared at the purple unicorn. "They were indeed. Along with another: the illusion of choice. Ever since that fool Chrysalis first discovered the Power Gem, ever since that gem saw the light of day, this moment was absolute. Everything you've attempted to accomplish to prevent my return were all frivolous toils.''

"No! You're wrong you heartless monster!'' Rarity retorted. "Everything we did, that paths we took all had meaning behind them! Even now, we still aim to defeat you!''

"And yet another pointless effort," spoke Chthon. "The concept of choice have blinded you from the truth. This glorious day was fated to happen, inevitable. Ever since every single one of you were born, that day was marked by meaninglessness. No matter what you did, no matter what choices you've made, no matter what you've aspired to be…they were all insignificant.''

Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack continued to give the dark god quizzical, bold frowns while Rarity and Pinkie Pie bore more concerned gazes. Fluttershy still had tears in her eyes while she listened. Discord himself was becoming more flummoxed and even unnerved. As Quentin listened, his anger was increasingly filling his body at Chthon's negligent words. He began to grit his teeth as Chthon spoke again.

"I have lived lifetimes before the existence of this universe, and nothing has plagued me more than the creation of mortal life. Through time, you have accepted the concept of death, and yet millions of this worlds struggled to cling to life. Civilizations were built, only to be destroyed by the hands of time. It was written by fate, this is the net result of all that was living. And being a god, I have long since delivered my judgment…all life is meaningless. And so, I am prepared to reduce this planet to dust and to exterminate the bonds of life that had been so pointlessly created.''

As Chthon silenced, the eight that had been listening all stared at him in speechless shock, unable to believe or possibly even grasp as to what they had just heard. Seconds turned to minutes when Rarity finally spoke in a small tone.

"What…what in the land of Equestria did he just say?!''

"He…said he was going to destroy life. The very existence of it!'' Twilight answered, in the same state of stun the others were in.

"No…No he's lying! He can't do that can he?!'' said Pinkie Pie wincing sadly as she coward backwards.

Applejack shook her head, "He's crazy! That lowlife have seriously gone off the deep end!''

Quentin and Rainbow Dash said nothing as the latter who was hovering in the air slowly descended and landed on the ground. Discord looked at his father as if he was expecting him to laugh and call a joke, but the dark being did no such thing. Discord then disappeared and reappeared in front of Chthon in a flash of white light. After a moment, Discord suddenly burst out laughing.

"Ha ha! Oh Father, they can't appreciate your deliciously dark and twisted humor like I can! You are a riot!''

As Discord continued to laugh, he wiped away a tear and peered open an eye just to open both fully as he gazed into Chthon's eyes. Chthon wasn't laughing, not in the very least and he gave the draconequus a serious, deep, glaring frown. Seeing this, Discord slowly ceased his laughter and asked.

"You…were just kidding right Father?''

"I am not. I wouldn't jest on a matter such as this. Does this trouble you Discord?'' Chthon answered.

Discord averted his eyes and back at the four winged deity before him. "Well I…please forgive me sire but it's just…even you can see the folly of kings without a kingdom.''

Chthon slowly uncrossed his arms and brought them to his side. "As I have said before, I have no interest of owning a kingdom. I will destroy every living thing on this world. Do you object?''

"Well…I…it's just I wanted to cause chaos to the ponies. Turning their world upside down in a storm of chocolate rain not destroy them! Why cause chaos if there's nopony to react to chaos? It just doesn't make any sense-BLUGH!''

Discord was suddenly cut off as Chthon had rammed his hand into Discord's chest and out from his back. Twilight, Quentin, Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Pinkie Pie gasped loudly at what they had just saw. Fluttershy let out a horrified shrieked as she brought her hooves to her mouth, tears still ever so streaming down her face. Discord's eyes shot open, blank and shocked as he slowly looked down to see Chthon's hand inside his chest.

"Since when did you care for the sense of things?" Chthon remarked darkly.

Discord then lifted his head and gazed back into Chthon's eyes. He then said softly, but with a quivering voice. "B-But…Father…why?!''

Chthon didn't respond and sunk his hand deeper inside his son's chest. Discord grunted and cringed in pain. "But…you said that you wouldn't kill me?!''

"I believe I said I wouldn't kill you in THAT moment,'' Chthon answered darkly.

Discord just widened his eyes, angst and dread becoming increasingly visibly. "I-I don't understand. I gave my loyalty to you. I forswore those ponies to rule by your side!''

Chthon spoke, "You did…after I have been resurrected. And by a foolish insect no less. It was a task that was originally bestowed upon you, I fail to see the loyalty in that."

Discord answered," But you forgave me for that. I know I may have abandoned that task, but you said you'd pardoned me of it!''

Back on the ground, Quentin, Twilight, and the others watched on at what was occurring in the skies, still in a trance of astonishment at what they were seeing. "What in jumping June bugs is goin' on?! Applejack asked no one in particular.

Twilight swallowed a small lump in her throat and answered. "It…It looks like Chthon and Discord are having a falling out!''

Chthon went on to respond, his nostrils flaring a bit. "It's not about the matter of forgiveness and pardoning. It's about returning to the rightful nature of things.''

Discord just stared at Chthon, completely speechless at his words. He finally manage to find the words to say and opened his mouth. "Father…but I'm your son! Your own spawn…surely you wouldn't…''

"Despite all that I've said Discord, the truth of the matter is, you were never my son.''

Discord didn't respond, just stared into Chthon's unholy red and black eyes with absolute stupefaction and bewilderment. "When I created you I didn't intend on having a son. You were supposed to be a pathway to my resurrection; an extension of myself…my will made real. You may have given yourself a name upon growth, but you are truly just a mere piece of me, nothing more.''

Discord stared into Chthon's eyes for a moment or two, the winds rustling through his fur. "I…I…that couldn't be the only thing I am. No! I'm so much more than that! Compared to those ponies, and even to the Princesses themselves, I have magic they could only dream of. I am Discord, creature of Chaos!''

Chthon just leered at Discord coldly. "Believe what you want boy, but believe this: in order for my vision of omnicide to be a reality, all the draws breathe must meet their end. Ponies, zebras, dragons…and draconequus alike.''

Discord shook his head, grasping Chthon's forearm with both his claws. "No…No! Y-You can't do that!''

"I can, and I will,'' Chthon responded in that dark, demonic tone of his. His eyes began to glow a crimson red as he continued. "But first, I am going to take back the little power that I've lent you before being banished to my stone prison.''

Before Discord could even protest or react, Chthon opened his mouth, his eyes still aglow. In that moment, Discords eyes too glowed a phosphorous yellow and his mouth sprang open, as if being forced open by an unseen entity. As his mouth opened, a glowing mass of purple energy spewed from Discord and into Chthon's. The seven friends gave out surprised cries of shock and terror as they watched Discord's power being drained away.

It all only lasted for a couple of seconds and the last bit of the purple essence entered Chthon's mouth and closed it. He gritted his teeth as he made a strange gesture with his head as the hellish red glow of his eyes faded it. Almost immediately, blood started to pour profusely from the wound that Discord now had sustained. Discord heaved forwards and suddenly cough violently. He coughed out a great amount of blood, some of the drops splattering Chthon's face. However, the God of Chaos reacted none to this and the blood dissolved away. After a few more waved of heavy coughing, Discord looked up wearily at his father, blood coming from his mouth and nose. Chthon cocked his head to one side, as if he was a child looking at something with curiosity.

"You look surprised Discord. Tell me, surely you've seen this as your fate?''

Discord weakly turned his head to the horrified ponies below. His eyes locked into Fluttershy's terror struck orbs for a moment and he slowly turned back to Chthon. He weakly gazed at Chthon, his eyes becoming misty as a single tear rolled down his face and he answered with a sort of whimper.

"I didn't…I truly didn't!''

"Well that was your biggest mistake, and your last. Now silence, and allow me to reclaim the life that I had breathed into your nostrils.''

Chthon pulled his hand out from Discord's body, causing the latter to cough and grunt in pain. With his hand now soaked in the sticky, crimson liquid from Discord's body, Chthon took a hand and grasp Discord's upper jaw and used the other hand to take hold of the lower jaw. Discord made a sort of gargling sound, his weakened eyes suddenly shooting open as his took hold on of Chthon's arms. And then it came to happen. With a single, great motion, Chthon violently pried opened Discord's jaw. A sickening crack was heard as Discord's jaw was now grotesquely opened at an unnatural angle. Discord's struggling quickly stopped as his claws lost their grip and slowly slid down Chthon's arm and dangled to the side.

Fluttershy shrieked out a cry as she buried her face into Applejack's coat and sobbed loudly while the other just stood there, frozen in their places. Chthon just stared cruelly, coldly at the motionless body that he now held in his hands. He then twisted the upper and lower parts of Discord's jaw, creating even more discomforting cracking sounds as he made Discord's jaw even more malformed. Finally with a final gesture, Chthon completely snapped off Discord's jaws, ripping them from their hinges as Discord's body fell onto the ground just distances away from the seven ponies. There the body laid, motionless, still, and crooked, mismatched arms sprawled to the side. His face, oh there wasn't a face anymore, just a mangled, bloody, deformed pile of mush. That was all that was left of Discord, Creature of Chaos.