Chapter One: Colonel Tirek

Chapter One: Colonel Tirek
Sombra's and Luna's Castle

King Sombra was looking through his Crystal Ball and saw and image of Tirek, still in his cage, still down in Tartarus. "Such a shame he's letting such potential go to waste...." he said.

Luna comes in, "Hi honey, what are you looking at?"

"Luna, my love, do you think it seems fair to give someone like Tirek a second chance?" he asked.

Her eyes opened wide with surprise, "Tirek?!"

"Yes, I believe everypony and creature who have been evil deserves a second chance at life. And if Eclipse, Discord, you, and I can change our ways, so can he."

"That statement may be true, but what if....."

Sombra interrupts her, "I have a plan that might work, but I'm going to have to ask permission from Celestia."

"Plan? What do you have in mind?"
Canterlot

Discord, Celestia, Cadance, Shining Armor, Isle, Luna, Twilight Sparkle, Scorpan, and Sombra met in a room with a round table. They were all seated and Sombra explained why he called this meeting. "Discord, Eclipse, Luna, and I were given second chances and I believe it seems fair that we all do the same for him."

"It's very nice you want to help him, but how can we make a monster like Tirek turn himself around?" Isle asked.

"I agree with Isle. And to think I let him manipulate me...." Discord said showing guilt. Celestia put a hoof on his shoulder.

"If there is one thing I've learned from Discord and Sombra, it's never too late for an immortal to change. Look how they turned out." Twilight told the others. Discord blushed and Sombra smiles at her.

"Not to mention some of us found some love." Scorpan added.

Then Sombra's horn glowed, "You just gave me an idea!"

"Can you explain what you plan to do with Tirek if you set him free?" Celestia asked suddenly.

Sombra's horn stopped glowing, "Oh yes, I plan on having him work for me as one of my knights. And I have a way of persuading him."

"How? He can't be persuaded easily, and I've tried." Scorpan told him.

"I'll give him something he cannot resist: power." everyone was shocked until Sombra explained, "I'll make it so if he attempts to use the powers for any evil purpose they'll be taken away. That way he'll have no choice but to act good. And maybe, just maybe over time he'll learn to like being good."

"Ooh, torture! I love it! It's like something I would've came up with." Discord replied.

"It sounds like a good idea to me." Scorpan said.

"By the way, what was the new idea?" Cadance asked.

"Do you have a big crystal that you don't need anymore?" Sombra asked.

"Sure, but what do you plan to do with it?"

Sombra smiled. "Why are you smiling?" Shining Armor asked.
Crystal Empire

The Crystal Guards brought in a huge blue crystal big enough to make a sculpture. Everypony and creature watched as Sombra used his laser vision and started to make a statue. Once he was done the statue looked like a female of Tirek's species. "She's gorgeous. Almost alive." Scorpan said with his jaw dropping.

"Nicely done." Discord added.

"It's beautiful Sombra, but...." before Celestia could finish Sombra's horn powered up so bright and then he fired a beam at the statue. They all watched in awe as the statue slowly began to come alive. Once the light faded, what stood in the statue's place was a beautiful centauress. Being a centauress she appeared half woman and half horse. Her hair and tail was long, soft, and dark blue as well as her lips; her skin was aqua green; her horse part was sky blue; and her hooves were dark blue. She also wore a blue strapless crop top, a blue bracelet on her left wrist, and a blue necklace. She opened her eyes showing her sapphire blue eyes and she smiled. Once she saw her creator she approached him and bowed to him.

Sombra looked down at her, "I will call you Saphira. The Centauress created from Sapphire."

"Master, what is your wish?" she asked in a beautiful voice.

"You will help the evil Centaur, Tirek, reform in any way you can." Sombra said as she smiled when she heard the word 'Centaur'. "Until I'm finished with the necessary preparations, you will be staying with Princess Cadance and Prince Shining Armor." he ordered.

Saphira got up and approached the two and bowed down to them, "I am yours to command Prince and Princess of the Crystal Empire until King Sombra is ready." she said.

Cadance smiled, "Since you are new here, feel free to look around. If we need you we'll call for you. Guard!" she called and a Crystal Guard came in.

"Your majesty?" he spotted the Centauress, "Whoa...." he eyes opened and his jaw dropped.

"Please let the others know that Saphira is here and she'll be staying here for a while."

After recovering he saluted, "Yes, ma'am."

Saphira bowed again to Cadance, "Thank you Princess Cadance. Can I look around now?"

Cadance nodded "Yes, you may."

Saphira smiled and left the room. Twilight approached Sombra, "A bringing statues to life spell?" she asked.

"Yes, once they are brought to life they are forever loyal to the one who gave them their lives. It's rare for them to turn against their creators." then Sombra's horn glowed again and a really big book appeared in front of Twilight. "Read every page and you'll learn how to bring sculptures to life. They will obey you willingly, but whatever you do...."

"Do not abuse the power." Twilight beat him to it.

"Exactly. And you may keep the book if you like."

Twilight's smile widened and she gasps, "Wow, thanks Sombra!" she started going through the pages, "Incredible! The user of this magic can even give them the ability to think for themselves."

Saphira walked down the hallways and then out of the castle passing the guards and other Crystal Ponies. One of the stallions even did the wolf whistle.

Others said, "She's hot...."

"So cute...."

"Beautiful!"

"Gorgeous...."

"Fair lady...."

Suddenly children came and crowded around her with curious eyes. Saphira smiled, "Fillies and colts...." she whispered and she got down on her knees.

"Who are you?" one of them asked.

"My name is Saphira."

"Saphira? That's a pretty name. But not as pretty as you." another kid said.

Saphira chuckled, "Thank you."

"What are you?" another asked.

"I'm a centauress."

"What's a centauress?"

"SHE'S a centauress!" another kid told the one who asked making Saphira giggle.

"Would you like to play with us?" another asked giving her cute eyes.

Saphira smiled, "Of course I will."
Tartarus

Sombra, after speaking with Cerberus, came to Tirek's cage. Tirek saw Sombra and turned away, "Get lost!"

"I just want to talk to you, Lord Tirek. I have a proposition for you."

"I'm listening...."

"Tirek, I'm serious. This is your only chance of freedom, if you're interested." after saying freedom Tirek turned and faced Sombra looking eager. "I'll set you free if you agree to work for me in my kingdom as one of the Royal Guards." Tirek looked disappointed, "If you agree I can give you power and a little bit of authority over my Kingdom."

"What?"

"Yes, I'll give you some of my magic, but you're going to have to work to make it stronger. And I'll make you my Colonel."

"Why are you willing to help me?" Tirek asked.

"I see in you that you have a great potential, and I think you should put it into good use."

"Potential? Wait, are you trying to reform me?"

"Precisely. And I won't force you into it, but I do want you to think it over." Sombra hands him a ruby diamond, "Once you've made up your mind rub this ruby and I'll set you free." Sombra turns into a blue shadow and leaves.

For hours Tirek sat there thinking of the offer Sombra has given him. "I do want my freedom, but I don't want to serve anyone or anything. Then again, I do want this power and this authority." he smirked at the last parts. He rubbed the ruby and Sombra appeared.

"Have you made up your mind?" he asked.

"Yes, your highness. I will work for you only because I want to be free and want this power you offered me."

Sombra smiled, "Good enough for me...." Sombra's horn glowed and a blue sword appeared. Sombra sliced the cage a few times. The cage stood the way it was until it fell apart and the top landed on Tirek's head. "Sorry about that."

Tirek paid no attention and he stretched out his arms, "YES! I'm free! Now, should we get going?"

"Of course." then they turned into blue shadows and left Tartarus.
Sombra's and Luna's Castle

Sombra and Luna sat on their thrones with Umbra sitting next to his mother. Celestia, Isle, Cadance, Shining Armor, Discord, and The Mane Six stood close to them and waited. Sombra's and Luna's knights formed two lines and held out their spears in front of them. Tirek enters and walks between the two lines until he reaches the King, Queen, and the Prince. One of the knights gave him an open scroll and pen. "Sign the contract if you agree to follow every order given to you and you'll except any rule told to you." Sombra ordered. Tirek signs his name and hands it back to the knight. "Good, now you shall get your power...." with that Sombra's horn powered up and he fired a beam at Tirek's chest. Everypony watched as Tirek began to grow until he was as big as Celestia and was very muscular.

"YES!"

"Oh, and there's one more thing I forgot to mention Tirek." Sombra said getting Tirek's attention. "I'm lending you this magic as a test."

"A test?"

"Yes, and if you use your new powers for double cross or for any evil purpose they will return to me automatically and your power to absorb others magic will be gone as well, leaving you completely powerless. Do you still wish to accept?" Tirek grunted in dismay and nodded, "You still get to be my Colonel, and your title will be Colonel instead of Lord. Understood?" Tirek thought for a moment and nodded a yes. "Good..." Sombra raised his arm and some of the knights carrying black and gold armor bigger than themselves walked up to Tirek. They put armor on his four shins, gauntlets on his forearms, a breastplate with pauldrons, some armor on his horse back, and a helmet that shows his face and fits around the horns. Once the helmet was on it looked like a viking helmet because of the horns. Tirek got down on his knees again and Sombra raised his blue sword and put the end on the centaur's shoulder, "As King of Seleneville, I hereby declare you Colonel Tirek!" All the other knights cheered as Tirek stood up. "You will do what you can to protect others from harm." Sombra ordered. Two knights came with a really big gold and black sword in it's black and gold scabbard and presented it to Tirek who took it from them and left.

"He looks good in armor." Discord told Sombra. Then the doors opened.

Eclipse and Scorpan came in holding arms. "Sorry I'm late your highness. I wanted to invite Eclipse over, if it's okay."

"Of course, Eclipse is welcomed here anytime. By the way I already made Tirek the Colonel." Umbra jumped off his mother's seat and hugged his foalsitter. Scorpan looked over and saw Tirek talking with some other knights.

Happy to see him, Scorpan spread out his wings flew over to his brother. "Tirek! How's my favorite brother?"

Tirek looked at his brother with anger in his eyes. "You...." he drew his sword, "SCORPAN!!!" he started towards him but Discord stopped him.

"Uh! Uh! Uh! Remember what Sombra said?"

Tirek growled and put away his sword, "Get out of sight, brother...." Tirek turned away and crossed his arms.

"Hey now, that's no way to treat your little brother." Discord said floating in front of him dressed like a granny.

"Get out of my way, Discord."

"Wait, I just thought of two words that might solve the problem between you and Scorpan: Brothers Counseling." then Discord dressed like a psychologist with a notebook and pencil. Tirek pushed Discord aside and walked away.

Eclipse walked up to Scorpan and put her front hooves on his shoulders, "He just needs time to adjust. He'll come around, I know he can." she said.

"I sure hope you're right. I still haven't forgiven myself for letting him get punished." Scorpan replied.

"You did the right thing telling us." Celestia said approaching them.

"I know, but he's still my brother."

"We just need to give him some time." Luna said.

"A brother can't hate his brother forever." Twilight assured Scorpan.

"That's right. Even though there are those that don't show it often, all siblings love each other." Shining said as he and Twilight hugged each other.

Tirek walked down the road through Seleneville looking around him unamused. Ponies moving in, children playing, adults going about their lives. "Is that the new Colonel?" a child asked his mother.

"Yes, honey."

The child's eyes opened wide, "Cool!"

He went to a clear spot outside of Seleneville and drew his sword. He focused his magic through the blade and purple aura surrounded the blade. He sliced at two nearby boulder and it cut them both in two unaware of a small audience watching him. "Whoa...." one of them said. Tirek picked up a piece and looked down at it. Then he held it tight and crushed it.

"He's strong...." another pony said.

With Tirek's magic he lifted the big pieces of the boulders in the air then let them go. Tirek, moving swiftly, sliced here and there cutting all the pieces into rubble. "Good reflexes too...."

A child then ran up to Tirek and then tripped, "Ow!"

Surprised Tirek turned around fast and got his sword ready, "Hey!", he looks around him, looks down and see's a colt at his hooves smiling sheepishly at the centaur. "Oh, just a kid. What do you want?"

"Oh.... uh.... nothing we were just watching you and..... I hope you don't mind and....."

"I do mind. Leave me be this instant." he said scornfully. He see's the others kids, mare's and stallions watching.

One of the mares approached him, "What's the matter? Aren't you happy that you're free?" she asked.

"King Sombra has released me, and for that I'm grateful. And no I am not happy serving him!"

"There's no need to be upset. Just look at the bright side: you don't have to be cooped up in a cage and you don't have to be lonely anymore." a stallion said.

"Whoever said I was lonely?" Tirek asked angrily. "Now get lost before I lose my temper and do something you'll never forget." he said his eyes glowing and his voice sounding intimidating. With that they left Tirek alone with his training.

"Why is he so mean?" the colt asked his mother.

"He's been evil for so long and he's learning to be good. I don't think he likes it, but he'll come around eventually.", she told him.

After training for a while he sat under an apple tree in the shade and elbowed it. He held out his hand and he caught an apple. With his magic he spun the apple on his finger and peeled the skin off. He tossed the skin aside and ate the apple. He looked over and saw some children playing nearby.

Discord arrives and looks at the piles of rubble, "Hi Tirek! Nice mess."

"What do you want?"

"Some ponies told me you were in a bad mood so I'd thought I come check on you. Tell me, why are you in a bad mood?"

"It's none of your business...."

"Hey, it's fine by me. If you want to play Sir Grumpy Pants I'll just kick back, relax, and won't disturb you." Discord made a hammock appear between two trees and he laid down, "Ahhh. Nope! Not gonna to say a word...."

"What are you up too?" Tirek demanded.

"Nothin'. I was just wondering: I know you and I got off on the wrong hoof, but I'm willing to put that behind me. What about you?" Discord teleported in front of Tirek, "What do you say? You wanna be friends?"

Tirek remained silent for a moment and said, "No!" then he got up and left.

"Okay then!" he teleported again and appeared beside Tirek flying, "But I have to tell you, you can learn a lot from friendship! I know I have." Discord was starting to get on Tirek's nerves. "By the way, have you seen anypony or creature beautiful lately?"

"No, and I'm not interested."

"Not even her?" Discord pointed into another direction and Tirek looked. There was Saphira straightening her hair with one hand, then gave a pose and smiled at Tirek.

"Whoa...." Tirek said with his eyes wide.

Saphira came up to them, "Tirek, I presume?" she asked.

"Oh..... yes, yes I am." Tirek stuttered.

"My name is Saphira, and I have to say you're definitely the Centaur of my dreams...."

"Hey, control yourself." Discord told her. "Sombra has assigned Saphira to help you reform, if it's not a problem to you."

"No. I don't think so...." Tirek replied staring at the female of his species.

"Well then, I'll just leave the two of you to get acquainted." with that Discord teleported.

Tirek smirked, Every ruler needs someone pretty by his side.... he thought. Tirek held out his arm, "Shall we?" Saphira wrapped both her arms around it and they walked together.

They walked around for a while, then Saphira said, "I have heard many things about you, my lord. I pity you, I really do."

"Why would you pity me?" Tirek asked out of curiosity. "No one or nothing has ever pitied me before."

"Because I understand how you feel. But the one thing I don't understand is why would you want to rule the world? What would you do if you succeeded? Make history? Rule with an iron fist and make everything evil? Or would you be a good king and make things better if it were possible?" those questions caught Tirek off guard.

He thought for a moment and said, "What would I do? Thinking about it now, I'm not to sure....."

"I was afraid of that."

"Why?"

"You've become far to power hungry and you let your greed get the better of you. Because of that you were blind and you never thought what would happen if you became King. Actions can lead to something, and maybe dire consequences depending on what your actions are. And because of your actions centuries ago you were trapped in Tartarus and you would've spent many more centuries if Sombra hasn't given you the chance to take responsibility for what you have done. Greed turns it's victims to monsters, my lord."

I have to admit, she's smart too.... Tirek thought.

"Has anyone ever loved you?" Saphira asked suddenly.

Tirek thought for a moment again and said, "No, not even my family...."

"Oh, that's too bad....." Saphira said sadly. "Wait! What about your brother?"

"Yeah, but that was a long time ago...."

"Are you saying he doesn't love you anymore?"

"Yes. Why else would he betray me and give up his quest to rule?!" he raised his voice as he asked.

"Scorpan did what he did because he realized the error of his ways and he didn't want to see you become a monster, or maybe worse, not because he betrayed you. He still loves you because you're family, and nothing can change that. Even after you went down into Tartarus he never gave up on you."

"He, Scorpan, never gave up on me?" Tirek asked in a bewildered tone of voice.

"Yes. Day and night he wished that you would understand. Day and night he wished you were never sent to Tartarus. Day and night he wished that he never told the Royal Sisters. And finally, after all this time, you are free. And Eclipse said she's never seen a pony, or any creature for that matter, as happy as Scorpan when Sombra released you and gave you this chance. And because the way you are you'll never see any of these things, not even brotherly love."

Tirek now began to think about how he treated Scorpan when they saw each other again and how he talked about Scorpan when he betrayed Discord. "I.... guess I owe him an apology....." he said.

Saphira smiled, "Will you forgive him as well?"

"I truely can't say...."

They looked over and saw children and some adults playing. "Aren't they adorable?" Saphira asked tightening her grip on Tirek's arm. Tirek said nothing then his eyes glowed. Through his eyes he saw some of the ponies were changelings in disguise. "What's wrong?"

Tirek drew his sword, "Changelings!" he took off in full speed towards the ponies. Tirek's eyes and sword fired beams at one of the ponies who screamed in pain and revealed his identity: a changeling. Tirek did the same thing with the other impostors. Some of the kids and adults were so scared or shocked that they didn't move. A mare then realized something, "Where are the other children and our friends?! Where is my son?!" she groaned and fainted. Soon they all started to get worried, "Calm down!" Tirek ordered and they stood there looking at Tirek. He looked back at a changeling who tried to flee with the others but Tirek caught him by the tail. Tirek held the intimidated changeling face to face. "What's the meaning of this?!" he demanded.

"Mommy...." the creature whimpered.

"TALK!!!" Tirek bellowed tightening his grip.

"We.... we were just having fun, sire....."

"Where are the missing ones?" Tirek asked.

"Oh.... I..... don't know.... ran off maybe...." the changeling said trying to look innocent.

Tirek growled, "No games! Tell me our I'll...." Tirek began draining the changelings powers!

"NOOO!!!! Not my powers!!!!"

"THEN TALK!!!!" Tirek roared scaring the changeling and the ones watching, even Saphira.

"Okay, I'll tell you! The real ponies are being kept in a cave, but you're going to have to dig around to find them. That's all I know! Please let me go!"

Tirek, looking satisfied, tossed the changeling far away. "You must go back home. I'll find the missing ones." he told the others. "Saphira, you make sure they get home safely and report to King Sombra and Queen Luna about this."

Saphira smiled at him, "Yes, my lord...." Tirek ran off. Saphira looked back, happy for him.

Tirek searched and eventually came to a dark cave. We walked in and used his eyes as a flashlight. "Now where would these Changelings keep their prisoners?" he asked himself looking around.

He searched high and low and was about to head out and find another cave when he heard the sound of crying. And somepony yelling, "HELP!!!"

"They're in here after all...." Tirek said with a smirk. He followed the voices and came to a wall. He put an ear to it and he heard the voices. "I'll get you out!" he yelled. He punched the stone wall with both his fists until the wall crumbled. He looked in and found the missing ones. "You're all safe now...." the kids that were abducted ran over to the centaur and hugged his front legs crying.

"It was so scary! We thought we trapped forever and....." one of them cried.

"It's over now.", Tirek said looking disgusted. He let the kids get on his horse back, "Follow me!" he ordered the others.

They reached the entrance and the kids jumped off. "Thank you so much!"

"Thank you, my lord!"

"Thank you!" the kids and the adults thanked him and were about to leave.

"STOP!" he ordered getting their attention. "I don't know if there are more changelings waiting to ambush us. You must stay with me until we get back to Seleneville." They all agreed and stood beside Tirek. Some of the children stayed under Tirek along the way.

"I feel so much safe around you!" a filly told him.

Tirek looked at the grateful ponies and thought, These creatures are respecting me?

"If you haven't came we would be trapped forever!" one of the adults yelled, "You're our hero!"

Did that pony say 'Hero'? Me?, he thought again. "I'm just doing my duty...." he said.

"So humble!" a mare said.

They were almost to the entrance when the families found each other.

"Thank you Colonel! Thank you!" the mother who fainted sobbed while hugging her son.

Saphira ran up to Tirek, "Tirek! You've done it! You saved them!" Tirek, denying it, crossed his arms.

"Have you told King Sombra and Queen Luna?" he asked.

"Yes, my lord! He and his Royal Guards will stand watch the rest of the day and all night if they have too. By the way, King Sombra wishes to see you. He's in the Throne Room right now."

Sombra's and Luna's Throne Room

Tirek approached them and got on his knees, "You summoned me?" Tirek asked.

Sombra smiled, "Yes. We would like to tell you how proud we are for the first good deed you've done today."

"Because of what you did, there may be hope for you...." Luna added.

"You honor me, your majesties." Tirek replied.

"Can you tell us why to did what you did?" Sombra asked.

Tirek hesitated for a moment and said, "I don't want to be imprisoned again."

"You felt the need to it because you feared you might lose your new powers?" Luna asked.

"That too, and I felt like it was my duty. And for some reason I felt like it."

Luna smiled, "You did the right thing. Not only you saved them, but you took your first step in redeeming yourself. And you stopped the Changelings from entering Seleneville."

"Who knows what might have happened if you didn't? You've done well, Colonel Tirek." Sombra congratulated.

"Thank you your majesties.... how else may I be of service?"

"Continue doing what you are doing until sunset." Sombra ordered.

"I will do as you say." Tirek said before leaving.

Luna and Sombra looked at each other happily, "Your plan is working, dear. Did you know about the changelings coming?" Luna asked.

"No, and I never thought they would try to cause trouble again after that last incident. What can they be up too?"

Tirek was walking down a hallway and thought, Why am I feeling like this? Is it because of my new friendship with Saphira? No, that can't be it! Maybe it was just our talk. Yes, that's it! But, do I have to apologize to my brother? Then he shook his head. No, not yet! But, I'll be ready in time. Friendship? What exactly is friendship?

Saphira then appeared and held Tirek's arm. "Where'd you come from?" Tirek asked surprised.

"I've been around. So, how'd it go?"

"It actually went better than I hoped, somehow...."

"I'm happy for you, my lord! You've made a new friend: me! And you did really good today!"

"You think of me as a friend?" Tirek asked.

"Of course! I mean if you want me too."

"Yes. Maybe having a friend or two isn't as bad as it seems...."

"That's very positive! And, forgive my eavesdropping, was there another reason you did what you did?"

Tirek grunted, "If you promise not to reveal it to anyone, especially the King and Queen, I'll tell you."

"You're secret's safe with me." she promised.

Tirek took a deep breath and said, "I somehow felt the need to do it because of you...." Saphira was surprised, "After we got to know each other today I felt like you understood me, you treated me differently than the others, and you've taught me a few things today. And not only I would've lost my powers if I didn't do good, but I might have lost the only friend I have ever had...."

Saphira gasped, "Oh Tirek! You're starting to believe friendship is more important than power and you were thinking of others not just yourself." she said hugging him.

"You better not tell anyone, even King Sombra and Queen Luna."

"The cat has my tongue!" Saphira said with a giggle.

Tirek didn't laugh, "Saphira, I mean it...."

"You need to work on your sense of humor while you're being reformed, too." Saphira replied.

"Saphira...."

Little did they know Discord was hiding on the ceiling and he heard every word. "Kind of like how I learned...." Discord said to himself. He smiled and teleported.
Canterlot

Discord appeared before Celestia and explained what happened that day. "He mostly did it for Saphira and not for himself." he said.

Celestia smiled, "I can sense something different inside Tirek. There may be hope for him yet. Thank you for informing me, Discord." she hugged him. "We must inform the others. By the way, were you eavesdropping again?"

"Well, yeah. Just a little bit. Tirek wouldn't reveal such things to anyone, except for Saphira; I had to find out somehow."

Celestia thought for a moment and said, "Then, we must let Tirek decide if he wants to tell any of us."

Discord thought about this and he agreed, "Much like sending you a letter, huh?"

"Yes. And if Sombra's plan works, and if Tirek reforms on his own accord, this may be the beginning of a something really good. Discord, I want you to check on him every now and then but no eavesdropping."

"Yes ma'am!" Discord saluted with his paw and crossed two fingers behind his back.
Seleneville

Tirek was done with his duties for the day and was sitting down on a blanket set on the ground outside the entrance with Saphira looking at each other. Saphira's eyes, hair, and coat seemed to sparkle under the moonlight. Some ponies and Discord stood by the entrance and looked at those two. "Awe, can you feel the love?" Discord asked.

"What did that monster do to get someone as beautiful as her?" a stallion asked, looking jealous.

"Come now, everypony has given me and Sombra a chance and it's only fair to do the same to him." Discord told him.

"Maybe you're right. After all, he saved my brother's kid and fought off those Changelings." he replied.

"What are you looking at?" Sombra asked.

"Oh, your highness!" a mare said surprised.

"We were just watching Tirek and Saphira. Look!" Discord told him pointing at the two.

"Those two actually look good together. But we shouldn't eavesdrop on them so I suggest we leave them alone." Sombra said before he looked at the two again, "Even though Tirek won't admit it, I can sense he's slowly coming around and won't go back on his word anytime soon."

"Are you sure about that, sire?" the mare asked.

"Yes, I'm sure. He's done a really good deed today and one action or two may lead to another." Sombra replied.

"Good point. Once he does good he probably won't want to stop. Good night sire." the stallion said before walking home.

"I better head home too. I don't want my wife to think I'm seeing another lady." another stallion said before running. After saying good night the others left.

"Discord?"

"Yes buddy?"

"You wouldn't mind helping us stand guard overnight, would you?"

"No, of course not. This will be fun!" Discord dressed in silver knight armor and saluted.

"Tirek! Saphira!" Sombra called.

They both approached the King and bowed, "Yes your highness?"

"If it's no problem, I would like you to use your vision to make sure no Changelings are coming. Stay up all night if you have too. And Saphira, help him in any way you can." Sombra ordered.

"Yes King Sombra." they both said together.

"I'll stand watch overnight too."

"Wait! Why don't we just put up a barrier?" Discord asked.

"Because Changelings are shapeshifters and we don't know if there are others outside of Seleneville after dark or if they're in disguise." Sombra explained.

"Oh, good point old boy."

"And unless they change their ways, they are not to be let into Seleneville. Understood?"

"Yes sir!"

Umbra runs toward Sombra, "Hey dad!"

"What are you doing up?" Sombra asked.

"Mom just left and I was wondering where you were."

"Your old stallion is going to be up all night watching over the kingdom because of the trouble the Changelings caused today."

"Can I stay up all night with you?"

"No, son. Changelings are very dangerous."

"Awe, man!"

"Maybe when you're older you may. Saphira, please escort Umbra back to the castle and put him to bed."

"Yes your highness. Come on, dear." together the two walked back to the castle.

"You're doing very well for a first time parent." Discord said to Sombra.

Saphira put Umbra into bed and pulled the covers up. "Saphira?"

"Yes Prince Umbra?"

"Please, call me Umbra."

"Okay. Is something on your mind, Umbra?"

"Dad said that he created you. Does that make you my sister?"

Saphira thought about it for a moment and said, "Since your father created me. I guess, in a way, I am your sister."

"I was born first, so am I your big brother?"

Saphira chuckled, "The crystal King Sombra used to create me was really old, so I might be your big sister." she happily said.

"Do you think of me as your brother?" Umbra asked.

Saphira smiled, "Yes, I do. And I'll be happy to be your sister." Umbra jumped up and the two embraced. Saphira kissed his head and tucked him in, "Good night little brother."

"Good night big sister."

Chapter Two: The Cowcolt and the Indian

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Chapter Two: The Cowcolt and the Indian

Trouble Shoes, wearing only his hat and was carrying a saddlebag, was taking a hike by himself since he was not busy making ponies laugh. He was singing to himself, "Oh my darlin', oh my darlin', oh my darlin' Clementine....". He came a long way and sat down close to the mountain. "I can see all of Appaloosa from here." he said looking down. "I'm also surprised I hadn't run into any trouble yet.", as soon as he said that a scorpion snuck up on him and used it's pincers. "YEOW!!!!" Trouble yelled in pain as he jumped and went rolling down the mountain causing a rock slide. He made it down the mountain and he looked at himself, "I'm okay!" then a boulder landed on his head. The boulder cracked in two then he groaned and blacked out. He vision was a little blurry when he woke up. When it cleared up he saw a light brown mare with a feather in a red headband around her head; her mane and tail was long and black; her eyes were brown; she wore an sand colored Indian dress; and her Cutie Mark was a tepee. Breathless, he asked, "An angel? Am I dead?".

The mare giggled, "No, you are not dead. But you had quite a nasty fall." she answered rubbing a medicine on his head.

"Who are you?" Trouble asked.

"My name is Wind-In-The-Mane, but you may call me Windy." she smiled as the wind blew through her mane.

"The name's Trouble Shoes, the Rodeo Clown."

"A rodeo clown?"

"A rodeo clown is someone who does anythin' he can to make others laugh."

"You entertain?"

"Exactly...." Trouble Shoes got up and put his hat back on his head. "Thankee kindly for helpin' me ma'am."

Windy smiled, "You are welcome. You would have done the same for me."

"Oh, of course I would."

"Where do you live?"

"I live down in Appaloosa. Yer more den welcome to visit."

"Can I come with you?"

"Sure. Just follow me." They walked the road and talked along the way to Appaloosa. "Where are you from and what brings ya here around these parts?" Trouble asked.

Windy looked sad for a minute and said, "I come from the Thunder Horse Tribe. We share a friendship with the buffaloes and we believe all creatures can coexist with one another even if we are different. My father is Chief Eagle-In-The-Sky and is very overprotective of me. Being the daughter of the Chief he plans things for me."

"Like livin' yer life fer ya?"

"Yes. And I was going to be married to a stallion I didn't love. I only loved him as a friend, but not the other way. My father wouldn't let me grow and become independent so I ran away from home to make new friends and find a stallion who loves me for me."

"I'm mighty sorry to hear about that. How long have ya been away from home?"

"Let me see...... about nine days."

"You ken stay at my house if ya want too." Trouble invited.

"Much obliged. Thank you. By the way, why are you named Trouble Shoes?"

"Well, it's mostly because I'm....." he tripped over a rock, "Oof! Clumsy."

Windy helped him up, "You okay?"

"Yep! It happens all the time. I use my klutzin' to make ponies laugh and I can't help causin' an accident."

"I don't blame you for that. Have you ever gotten into trouble?"

"Plenty of times. Back when I was a colt I wanted to be a Rodeo Star, but because of my clumsiness I couldn't be one. I always thought that ma Cutie Mark meant bad luck so I gave up ma dream of being a star, but I never kept away from the rodeo. And every time I visit I cause a really bad accident. Because of my accidents the citizens of Appaloosa thought I was an outlaw. If it weren't for three brave fillies I wouldn't have had these misunderstandin's cleared and I wouldn't have realized I was lookin' at ma Cutie Mark all wrong. I was supposed ta be makin' ponies laugh because of my klutzin'. After makin' up for da trouble I caused I became a full-time rodeo clown and I was accepted in Appaloosa."

"Wow, that is quite a story. Is there a rodeo going on now?"

"Nope! So I decided ta take a hike. I was sitting close to da edge when somethin' pinched me and I fell. Ya know da rest. Here we are, this is Appaloosa."

Three ponies ran up to the two, "Trouble Shoes! Where have you been all day?" a cowcolt asked. He notices the mare and did the wolf whistle, "Who's yer friend?"

"I would like ya ta meet ma new friend, Wind-In-The-Mane." Trouble replied.

"But you all may call me Windy." the mare added. "Are you okay?" she asked the stallion staring at her.

"Yer beautiful!" he said. Windy chuckled.

"TROUBLE SHOES!!" three voices yelled. They looked towards the direction and saw Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom running towards the big horse.

"Youngin's!" he bent down and the three fillies hugged him. "How yal been?"

"We're doing great! How have you been?" Sweetie asked.

"I've been doing alright."

"Are these the fillies that helped you?" Windy asked.

"Yep! This is Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, and Apple Bloom. Kids, this is my new friend, Wind-In-The-Mane. But yal ken call her Windy."

"Nice to meet you, children." Windy greeted.

The fillies looked her over, "I like your dress." Sweetie Belle said sweetly.

"Did you make it yourself?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Yes, I did. Thank you."

"What brings yal here?" Trouble asked.

"We came to visit our cousin." Applejack said approaching them with Wild Forrest.

"Howdy Applejack! Who's yer friend?" the colt ran up to Trouble Shoes as he asked.

"My name is Wild Forrest. You must be Trouble Shoes."

"Yes, yes I am. Nice to met ya."

They, except for Trouble Shoes’ other friends, went to Trouble Shoes' new wood house. It was surprisingly clean, but they were some holes or damaged places. "What happened here?" Sweetie asked pointing at a big hole.

"I tripped over ma firewood and hit ma head." Trouble told her.

"Ouch!"

"Got apple pie ready. You want some?"

“Sure!”

They all sat at the table in the dining room each with a plate and a piece of apple pie. “This is delicious!” Windy said eating hers fast.

“Yeah, you’re a good cook!” Applejack complimented.

“Thankee. Glad I didn’t smash it trippin’ ova my rug.” Trouble replied pouring apple juice into his cup, “But yal know, klutzy me.”

“Um, Trouble Shoes? Your juice.” Windy said making Trouble Shoes realize he was pouring to much into his cup.

“Oops!” he dropped his jug on the floor, “Ugh, clumsy me!”

Trouble Shoes and Windy reached down to grab the jug and they both hit their heads, “Yeouch!”

“Ow!” they both looked at each other and blushed.

“Darn! The apple juice is on the floor too.” Trouble said getting out of his seat to get a towel. On his way he slipped on the juice and stumbled into the living room crashing into a pile of firewood, “WHOA!!”

The others looked and made painful faces.

Windy rushed over to him and helped him up, “Are you alright?” she asked caringly.

“Yeah. Happens all the time.”

“It’s something you can’t help?” Forrest asked walking up to him with the kids. Applejack got a towel and wiped up the juice.

“Nope. Yal know, klutzy me.” he said making himself and everypony laugh. After cleaning up the mess, Applejack, Wild Forrest, and Apple Bloom went over to Braeburn's house while Windy, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo stayed at Trouble Shoes' house. The two fillies described their lives in Ponyville which seemed to delight Windy.

"It's sounds like you have good lives down in Ponyville. Ooh, how I wish I can see Ponyville and many other places known!" she smiled when she said that.

"Why don't you come with us when it's time to go home?" Scootaloo suggested.

"Yeah, and you can use Twilight Sparkle's teleporter so you can travel fast." Sweetie Belle added.

"That's very nice of you kids, but if I used such magic I may miss out on things that can be seen or heard while traveling." Windy told them.

"Oh, good point. What about the train? It has windows." Scootaloo suggested.

"I'll think about it." Windy replied.

"Are ya worried about da dangers while travelin'?" Trouble Shoes asked.

"No. They are many ways to avoid dangers: always be aware of your surroundings, such as the ground and sky, be kind to the creature if you meet one or just leave them alone if you spot them. And there is berries, bark, honey and roots that are safe to eat and are not safe to eat. And there are plants that can be used for healing injuries and plants you need to stay away from."

"But how would you know?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"I grew up close to the nature and I learn these things wherever I go." Windy replied.

They all looked outside and saw Wild Forrest standing on his hind legs walking backwards on a barrel making it roll forward, "Whoo-hoo!"

Braeburn, Apple Bloom, and Applejack chased after him. "He'll make a good rodeo clown." Trouble Shoes said watching. Then there was a crashing sound.

He crashed into a stack of barrels! The three dug through the barrels, "Where are ya?" Applejack asked.

"Yoo-hoo! Up here!" Forrest answered back. They all looked up and saw Wild Forrest on a roof. Apple Bloom sighed in relief.

"Get down from there before ya hurt yourself!" Braeburn ordered.

"Nah, I can jump rooftops all day!" Forrest yelled jumping to another roof, "Better keep up!"

"That boy is so energetic, and a little wild. How can yal stand him?" Braeburn asked his cousins.

"It's easy once yal get the hang of it. Hey, wait up!" Apple Bloom yelled running after her friend.

"Now, don't ya go jumping rooftops!" Applejack yelled going after her sister with Braeburn following behind.

"He's..... somethin'...." Trouble Shoes said.

"You should've seen him swing on vines, his acrobatic moves, and his strength. It's awesome!" Scootaloo told him.

Wild Forrest jumped from a roof and Applejack caught him in an arm. "That was pretty impressive." a cowcolt said.

"I'll say he has a future bein' in a circus!" another said.

"Applejack? What's a circus?"

"A circus is a place where ponies and trained animals perform in front of others."

"Entertaining?"

"Exactly!"

"Yer really a good acrobat for yer age!" a stallion said.

"Oh, thank you."

"Were yer parents like that too? Acrobatic and all?" a filly asked.

"I have no parents." he answered sadly.

The filly's mother gasped, "Oh, yer an orphan? That's too bad...." her daughter rubbed against her.

"Friends and animals are my family now." Forrest said looking at Applejack who wrapped an arm around him.

"What's yer name, son?" Sheriff Silverstar asked.

"My name is Wild Forrest, sir. I was raised by my parents, grandmother, later animals before Applejack and her family took me in."

Windy came through the crowd, getting some of the stallions' attention. "You're from the Everfree Forest, are you not?" she asked nicely.

"Yes, I am." he answered.

That night many of the ponies, even Braeburn, Trouble Shoes, Windy, the CMC, and Applejack, gathered around a campfire. Wild Forrest told his story to everypony present. "After I got hurt and sick Zecora the Zebra found me and nursed me back to health. Then the Apple Family took me in and I started living with one friend after another. One by one they taught me everything I needed to know like science, manners, farming, sports, parties, more about animals than I already knew. When I started going to school, I've learned a lot more, made more friends, and had many adventures."

"Wow!" a colt said.

"Isn't that somethin'?" a stallion asked.

"Yer mighty special!" said the sheriff.

"Very brave too!" a mare added.

"You are a legend back at my homeland." Windy told Forrest surprising everypony.

"Really?" Forrest asked.

"Yes, and according to the legend a wild colt, like yourself, was born and raised in the wilderness. During the time spent in the wilderness he learned to survive, understand animals, their habitats, and the plants. And he also became strong and agile. And his senses increased a lot. When I saw you and your Cutie Mark I assumed you were the reincarnation of that Legendary Wild Colt."

"Cool! You're a legend!" Scootaloo said to Wild Forrest patting his back.

Wild Forrest smiles then he sniffs the air. "Somepony else is here." Forrest told everypony, "And he's not from around here."

"Maybe it's yer allergies." a stallion joked making some of the ponies laugh.

"His nose never lies." Apple Bloom said sticking up for Forrest.

"Yeah, when he's a sniffin' yal better listen." Applejack said as the wild colt started following his nose. He came to a barrel with a small hole in it, turned around and used his hind legs to kick it over. A red stallion with blue tattoo lines on his cheeks, black mane and tail, brown eyes, and a white feather in his mane came out of the barrel. He wore a multi colored beaded necklace and his cutie mark was a torch.

"Was that really necessary?" he asked scornfully.

Windy gasped, "Red-As-The-Sunset!" she ran over to him.

"Wind-In-The-Mane?!" he ran over to her and they hugged.

"What are you doing here?!" Windy asked.

"Father was really worried so I came searching for you! Are you alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine." Windy looks over to the ponies watching, "Everypony, I would like you to meet my elder brother. Red-As-The-Sunset!"

"But you may call me Red." he added motioning his sister to come with him. "We need to talk." he said. "What on earth are you doing?!" Red demanded.

"Please don't make me go home again!" she begged.

"Answer the question!" he raised his voice again.

"I'm traveling and making new friends. Brother, I'm sorry!" she started to sob a little.

Red sighed and lowered his voice, "Traveling and making new friends is okay, but running away from home without telling anypony is another thing."

"I'm a full grown mare; I can think for myself and I don't need permission to go anywhere."

"That may be true, but our father is worried about you and orders you to come home."

"And make me marry a stallion that doesn't love me for me? Live my life for me? No thank you. Think about it brother, when you're on your own you can live the way you want to live, see what there is to see, hear what there is to hear, and learn what there is to learn, you can get to try many new things, and you can become independent. If I want to return to our tribe, I must do so on my own."

Before Red could say anything Applejack and Wild Forrest found them. "I couldn't help overhearin', but I think your sister is right. It's mighty understandable that you are probably concerned for your little sister, but she is old enough to make her own decisions."

"She may not be a child anymore, and no matter where she goes or what she looks like she'll always be your sister and nothing can change that. And I can see it in your eyes that your father didn't really send you and you went on your own." Forrest told the red stallion.

"Is that true, Red-As-The-Sunset?" Windy asked.

Her brother sighed, "Yes, it's true. Our father understands why you left, but I didn't. I love you little sister, and I would never, ever would want anything bad to happen to you. That is why I left so I can bring you home." his eyes teared up a little, "Little sister, I am sorry for yelling at you. I am your brother and...."

Windy hugged him, "I love you too, Red. And I always will love you, the rest of our family, and our friends, and our tribe no matter where I go. I forgive you...."

Apple Bloom began to tear up a little, but Applejack came and nuzzled her. The four siblings and Wild Forrest went back to the campfire. A colt gave Red a toasted marshmallow. "Have you ever tried roasted marshmallows?" the colt asked.

Red shook his head, "Never...." he took a bite. "Not bad." he put the marshmallow in his mouth and chewed, "It's really sticky!" he said.

"Hey, it's something new." Windy replied making herself and the ponies laugh.

A few days later, after making up with his sister and making friends with Windy's new friends, Red started heading back home. "It's time we headed home, too." Applejack told the kids, much to their disappointment.

"Can I come too?" Windy asked, "I would really love to ride a train for the first time."

"Why of course you can! You're gonna love it." Applejack replied.

Windy turns back to Trouble Shoes, "I'll come back soon." she promised the big horse.

Trouble Shoes smiles, "I know we haven't known each other long, but I'll be missin' ya." Windy smiled and nuzzled against his chest and left with the other five. "She's a mighty fine mare...." Trouble said putting his hat on his chest.

"Ah think she likes ya, big guy!" Braeburn said.

"Ya think so?" Trouble asked.

Windy stuck her head out the window on the train, "Whoooooo! Hoooooo! Hoooooo!"

Chapter Three: Family Reunion

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Chapter Three: Family Reunion

King Sombra was pacing around the throne room when Luna came into the room. "Honey?"

"Yes love?"

"What's the matter?"

Sombra sighed, "I was just thinking about my parents. That's all...."

"Sombra...." Luna nuzzled against her husband.

"I have been thinking about how to bring them back if we're careful...."

"How?"

"We'll use Yykees' time machine. I'll save my parents and bring them back here...."

Luna's eyes opened wide, "Honey...."

"No, I have an idea."
Friendship Rainbow Kingdom

"If I make myself invisible as well as my magic, I might have a chance."

"Sombra, you do realize the risks?" Twilight asked.

"Yes, but I must do it. Not just for myself, but for them and Umbra...."

Twilight understood and took out the key. She unlocked the Time Machine and they set it to the time before Sombra banished his parents into eternal darkness. "Sombra, please be careful...." Luna begged.

"Yes, please...." Twilight added.

Sombra nodded, put on a black robe with a hood and stepped into the machine. Twilight tried to comfort Luna. Little did they know that a suspicious black stallion disguised as a Royal Guard was watching the whole thing. He smirked and left.
1,000 years back into the past in an old village

Sombra arrived safely at the entrance of the village. Sombra looks around as he walked through the village, "This sure brings back memories...." All the windows were dark and everypony was asleep. Then something caught his eye: his younger self entering a house! Sombra made himself invisible and followed his evil self. Once they were in the house the evil King Sombra was reunited with his parents. The father was a black unicorn with purple eyes, silver mane, and silver tail. The mother was a silver Earth pony mare with blue eyes, mane and tail. The father's cutie mark was a ruby shield while his wife's was a sapphire shield. It's really them.... Present day Sombra thought.

"Sombra? Is it really you?!" the mother ran up to him and hugged him, much to the past Sombra's disgust.

The father approached him, "It IS you! I knew all along that Princess Luna's famous boyfriend is really our boy!"

The past Sombra's eyes glowed and his horn powered. "WRONG!" he roared scaring his parents. "As far as anypony must know your son ceased to exist when you abandoned him!" he smiled his evil smile as his horn powered up and his eyes glowed, "Now, it's your turn to suffer...."

Then a black crystal formed around the parents, "NO!" the mother cried.

"PLEASE! Don't do this!" the father yelled before the were encaged in black crystals. The past Sombra laughed and opened a dark portal. Showing no remorse, he lifted them with his magic and through them inside the portal. In time the present day Sombra fired an invisible beam into the portal before it closed. The Present day Sombra left the house as the past Luna was about to enter.

He found his parents, still trapped in a crystal, close to the portal. Sombra became visible and whispered, "We're together again...." he used his magic to put them into the portal before jumping in too.
Present Day

Both the crystal and Sombra made it back safely. Luna hugs her husband, "I was so frightened...." she said almost sobbing.

"I'm fine...." Sombra assured her before turning off the time machine and locking it again. "Thank you, Twilight...."

She nodded. "Can you lift the spell?" she asked.

"Yes, I can. But I need to concentrate." Sombra approached the crystal again as his eyes and horn powered up, "My father, Midknight Ruby. My mother Sapphire Gemstone. Awaken from your crystal slumber!" he yelled before he fired a beam at the crystal making a bright light. The light faded then the crystal began to crack. The crystal shattered and they screamed as they were set free. They were dazed for a moment, then their vision cleared. They looked around them and saw Sombra walking towards them happily.

"Who.... who are you?" Midknight asked not recognizing his son.

"Father.... it's me, Sombra...."

Sapphire Gemstone looked him over, "Sombra? But how?"

"It's a really long story mother. After all these years...." Sombra said before hugging his mother who hugged him back.

"All these years? How long has it been?" Midknight asked.

Sombra and his mother let go. "This may be a shock to you two, but a thousand years has passed."

"A thousand years!?" Midknight yelled.

"That's impossible!" Sapphire added as shocked as her husband.

"I'm afraid it's true. And I can't tell you how happy I am now that you're back. I was wrong to send the both of you into darkness. I wasn't myself during that time and I would do anything to make it up to you...."

Midknight put a hoof on his son's shoulder, "Son, if anypony needs to be apologizing it's us. We were wrong to abandon you, and we're sorry."

"Yes, we are. Once we realized our mistake we came searching for you, but we couldn't find you anywhere." Sapphire added sadly.

"But, we're together again and that's all that matters." Midknight said.

Sombra's and his parents' eyes began to tear up, "Mother, father...."

"Sombra...." the father said

"Our little boy...." the mother added. All three hugged each other. Luna and Twilight watched happily. In that moment Luna saw Sombra as a colt again reunited with his parents.

Sombra escorted his parents to the two princesses. "Mother and father, this is Princess Twilight Sparkle, the Princess of Friendship." Twilight shook hooves with Sapphire and Midknight kissed Twilight's hoof.

"Nice to meet you." Twilight said.

"And this is my wife, Luna."

"Luna, the Princess of the Night?" Midknight asked in a bewildered tone of voice.

"Yes, but I am now Queen of the Night." Luna said politely.

After Midknight kissed her hoof he said, "It's an honor to meet you your majesty."

"Imagine! Our daughter-in-law the Queen of the Night!" said Sapphire before hugging Luna.

They all talked for a while in Twilight's room. "So let me get this straight: You took over the Crystal Empire, got imprisoned in the ice for a thousand years, tried to take over again, got defeated then resurrected, reformed, became the King of Seleneville, defeated your evil clone, then you were reborn a Crystal Pony and got married to Princess Luna?" Midknight asked.

"That's wonderful! I can't tell you how proud I am of you!" Sapphire Gemstone yelled.

"Me neither!" Midknight replied.

"And that's not all. If I told you that would ruin the surprise." Sombra replied. "And, I hate to mention this, but the village you called home is no more and your neighbors has moved elsewhere. I'm sorry...."

Sapphire looked down sad as her husband put an arm across her shoulders to comfort her. "But their descendants should still be around." Luna told them.

"I can research the Old Village and find out who lived there and find their descendants." Twilight offered.

"You do that for us?" Sapphire asked.

"How can we repay you?" Midknight asked next.

"Just be our friends." Twilight answered smiling.

"You may live with us in our Kingdom." Sombra invited his parents. "After you get settled in I'll show you around Equestria. Whatever you want, you get whatever makes you comfortable. And father, I can make you a Royal Guard again if you want." they couldn't believe their ears. Before they could say anything Sombra teleported himself, Luna, and his parents to Seleneville.
Sombra's and Luna's Castle

"This is your castle?!" Midknight asked in a surprised tone of voice.

"It's beautiful!" Sapphire complimented. Sombra opened the gate and they walked in.

They looked around in awe as they were escorted to the Throne Room. "Mother, father, I have somepony I want you to meet. Umbra!" Sombra called. Umbra ran in and stood next to his parents. Midknight and Sapphire saw the resemblance.

Sapphire whispered, "Sombra..... is he....."

Sombra nodded, "Yes, he's our son. Umbra, they are your grandparents. My mother and father. Midknight Ruby and Sapphire Gemstone."

Umbra trotted up to them. Midknight yelled, "Well, what do you know? I'm a grandpa!"

"And I'm a grandma!" Sapphire yelled next.

"Nice to meet you sir and ma'am." Umbra greeted.

"He so polite too. You may call me Pappapa."

"And me Gramma!" with that all three laughed and embraced.

Tirek and Saphira watched from a hallway. Saphira smiled and wiped a tear from her eye, "Isn't this sweet? Grandpa and grandma meeting their grandson for the first time?" It's a shame I can't reveal where I came from yet.... she thought. Tirek said nothing as they watched.

"Come here you!" Midknight said as he gave his grandson a noogie laughing.

"Hey, you're messing up my mane!" Umbra said while laughing before breaking free.

"Come to Gramma!" Sapphire yelled hugging Umbra. Luna and Sombra watched the whole thing smiling.

After meeting their grandson Saphira escorted them to a spare room. "King Sombra has many rooms built for his guards, servants, and for visitors." she told them passing many doors until they stopped at one. "This one can be yours." she opened it and inside was a king sized bed with a dark blue blanket and light blue pillows; a really big window; a fireplace with two chairs in front; a big book shelf full of books; a desk with papers and a pen; and hung up was two robes one dark blue and one light blue; and the walls and floor were different shades of blue and sparkled. The couple's jaw dropped at the sight of the beautiful room. "If you need anything call King Sombra's servants and they will happily serve you." Saphira said before leaving.

Sapphire Gemstone laid down on the bed while Midknight Ruby sat by the fireplace reading a book and drinking tea. After a while there was a knock on the door. "Come in!" Midknight said.

Umbra came in, "Hi Pappapa! Hi Gramma! How do you like your room?"

"It's lovely, thank you." Sapphire replied.

Midknight smiled at his grandson, "Come over here son." he said.

Umbra trotted over and sat next to him in the same chair. "Dad is making preparations to make you Captain of the Seleneville Guard, Pappapa."

"Isn't that right?"

"Yep! Are you excited?"

"Yes. Just imagine, your Pappapa being a Royal Guard once again!" he hugged Umbra happily then they let go. "And I have to say much has changed according to these books. I feel old."

"Dad said you were trapped in a crystal for a thousand years. How do you feel?" Umbra asked caringly.

"I feel fine and I feel like we haven't been asleep long. Kind of like a few minutes."

"How do you feel Gramma?"

"I'm fine, dear. Thank you."

Then one of Sombra's guards came in, "Sir, ma'am, and young prince. Dinner is ready."

The guard escorted Midknight Ruby, Sapphire Gemstone, and Prince Umbra to the dining room where the Mane Six, Celestia, Easter, Flash Sentry, Spike, Isle, Cadance, Shining Armor, their son Alexandrite, Sombra, Luna, Tirek, Saphira, and Discord were waiting. Alexandrite was sitting in a seat for babies between his parents. Umbra sat between his parents too as his grandparents took their seat. "Everypony and creature present, I would like to introduce you to my parents: Midknight Ruby and Sapphire Gemstone. Whom I have not seen for over a thousand years." Sombra told them as they all greeted in their own ways.

"I am Twilight Sparkle. Good to see you again!"

"Hi, I'm Spike. Twilight's number one assistant!"

"My name is Pinkie Pie, the party pony!" she yelled bouncing on her seat.

"Howdy! I'm Applejack. Nice to meet you!" she lifted her hat as she greeted then she put it back on her head.

"I'm Rainbow Dash, the most awesome flyer around!" with that she flew around the whole room before going back to her seat.

"My name is Rarity, and I like your Cutie Marks. Dazzling!" she complimented her eyes sparkling at the sight of the Cutie Marks.

"My name is Fluttershy.... and I love animals...." she whispered.

"My name is Flash Sentry, the Royal Guard and Twilight's boyfriend." he said before the two winked at each other.

"You can call me Easter.... Fluttershy's boyfriend...." he said sheepishly.

"I'm Discord, the Spirit of Chaos. Don't MESS WITH ME!" he yelled making a scary face, then he laughed, "I'm just kidding!"

"I am Shining Armor."

"And I'm Princess Cadance and this is our son, Alexandrite. We're from the Crystal Empire."

"Nice to meet you." Shining added.

"My name is Isle, the Island Princess. I'm Celestia's and Luna's cousin. Anypony is welcomed to Luau Tiki Island."

"My name is Saphira and this is Tirek. I'm helping him reform." Tirek grunted and crossed his arms after Saphira said that.

"And I am Princess Celestia. I'm very happy to finally meet you. Sombra told us all about you while he was living with us before his corruption."

The couple was astonished. "All.... all this is for us?" Midknight asked.

"A royal feast?" Sapphire asked next.

"Anything for you, mother and father." Sombra replied. During dinner they all got acquainted.
In a dark cave

That black stallion made his deep into the cave where two yellow eyes gleamed. The stallion approached the two eyes, "Sir, you're not going to believe what I just found out!"

He explained everything. "What?!" the creature yelled, echoing through the cave.

"Yes, the one known as Twilight Sparkle keeps a time machine. King Sombra has used it to save his parents."

"The possibilities of using the Time Machine, just imagine.... but we can't use it just yet. First we have to make myself strong...." the creature said before laughing, "You've done well...."

The stallion bowed, "You honor me, sir. How else may I be of service?"
Back at the castle

"That was the most decent dinner I’ve had in a long time.” Midknight said stretching returning to his room with his wife.

“I know. Who would’ve thought our son would become such a great king, have an alicorn wife, and a son? Not to mention he's trying to help reform Lord Tirek.”

“Midknight and Sapphire!” Twilight called running up to them.

“I was so fascinated by your story of the Old Village that I forgot! I made contact with the descendants of the Old Village citizens today.”

“You did?!” they both asked.

“Yes, and I explained everything to them and I arranged them to meet you at the cafe in Seleneville tomorrow morning. And they can’t wait to meet you and hear about the Old Village.”

“Thank you your majesty.” Midknight said bowing.

“Yes, thank you.” his wife said next bowing as well.

“Your welcome, and you may call me Twilight if you want.” The two nodded went back to their room and Twilight has not gone far when she ran into Tirek. “Oh, Tirek! What a surprise! How have you been doing?” but Tirek just ignored her and walked past her.

Saphira approached Twilight, “I am sorry about that. Tirek still holds this grudge against you and your friends. I’m sorry, I can’t talk him into forgiving you....”

"It’s alright, I understand. Tirek just needs more time, that’s all. I’m not mad; you’re doing a very good job helping him, Saphira.”

The centauress smiled and bowed, “Thank you your highness.” she trotted off after Tirek and wrapped her arms around his right arm making him look down at her with a grin.

The next morning in Seleneville Midknight Ruby and Sapphire Gemstone met the descendants of their old neighbors and friends who lived in the Old Village at the cafe. Some were elderly and some were young. For hours they all talked, and for hours Midknight Ruby and Sapphire Gemstone answered all their questions about what things were like a thousand years ago and what their ancestors were like. King Sombra and his parent's new friends showed them around Equestria and they eventually adjusted. King Sombra knighted his father the same way he made Tirek the colonel, and Midknight quickly became a captain. Midknight was given armor as red as a ruby and he made friends with Sombra's general, Sombra's right hoof creature Scorpan, Sir Stonehorn, and he tried to befriend Tirek, but the Centaur resisted. As for Sapphire Gemstone she found work in Seleneville. She works at a jewelry shop. Having a love and knowledge for diamonds, jewels, rubies, sapphires, or anything that valuable it suited her fine.

Before they went to bed that night, Midknight said, "You know wife, I think I'm going to like this century...."

"Me too...." they kissed and then went to sleep.

Chapter Four: Night at the Daycare

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Chapter Four: Night at the Daycare
Lunar Eclipse Daycare

Scorpan was helping Eclipse hand out flyers for 'The Lunar Eclipse Daycare Sleepover!'. "This sleepover sounds fun!" Scorpan told his girlfriend.

"You bet it does!" Eclipse replied.

"Took us a while to get the daycare ready, but it was worth it. Not to mention this would bring smiles to the kids' faces." Scorpan told her, "Don't forget your sleeping bags!" Scorpan told some kids who trotted away after taking some flyers.

Twilight arrives and approaches Eclipse and Scorpan. "Princess Twilight?" Eclipse bowed.

"Please, just Twilight. How have you been?"

Eclipse got up, "I've been doing great! We're going to be having a sleepover here at the daycare. There's going to be stories, snacks, and all kinds of fun."

Twilight smiled, "Good for you, Eclipse. Do you need some help?"

"No thank you. Scorpan and I got this. By the way, have you seen Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, Rapper Mouth, Wild Forrest, and Polkey Dots?" as soon as she asked the question those six arrived.

"Did you call us?" Forrest asked.

Eclipse was surprised at first, then she said, "Yes, I was wondering if you six would like to come to the sleepover tomorrow night? It's for kids of all ages."

Wild Forrest took a flyer, "See you there!".

Rapper Mouth took a flyer, "This will be fun sleeping on a floor, stories, snacks, and so much more!".

Polkey Dots took a flyer, "Do we get to clown around?" he asked with a laugh, "That's a joke!" Eclipse chuckled.

Sweetie Belle took a flyer, "Count me in!"

Scootaloo took a flyer next, "Me too!"

Apple Bloom took a flyer last, "Me three!" then all three skipped away with the other three following them. Rapper Mouth did the moonwalk, Wild Forrest outran them, and Polkey Dots balanced on a ball and walked backwards to make the ball go forward and follow his friends. Silver Spoon, Diamond Tiara, and Guitar Emo watched the whole thing.

"That Alicorn kinda gives me the creeps." Emo told them.

"You and me both." Silver replied.

"She's very nice, got to give her that." Diamond told them. Eclipse spotted them, smiled, and waved at them. They waved back at her smiling shyly.

"Hi Silver, hi Diamond, hi Emo!" Umbra greeted them while walking with his father. Silver now had hearts in her eyes.

Umbra ran up to Eclipse and they hugged. "Hi Umbra! Hello Sombra! Have you heard about the sleepover too?"

Sombra nodded, "Yes, and I thought it would be a good idea for my son to spend some time with other kids and have fun."

Eclipse smiled, "Umbra is welcomed to join!" she said handing Sombra a flyer.

"Thank you, my dear. And where can I find Cheerilee? I would like to discuss something with her."

Eclipse put a hoof on her chin, "Welllll, last I saw those two lovebirds..... they were having lunch at the Hayburger, and will be taking a walk down at the park. That's all I know."

Sombra nodded, "Thank you. Umbra, it's time to go."

"Okay. See you tomorrow night!" Umbra said waving goodbye to the two Alicorns as he followed his father.
The Park

Windy was sitting on her knees in the grass watching everything around her; children playing; couples going out; clouds passing by and taking shape; birds flying, squirrels climbing tree, rabbits running; and the flowers were pretty. Windy sighed happily then she spotted Big Mac and Cheerilee taking a walk. The couple spotted her too and walked up to her. "Hello, I don't think we've met. My name is Cheerilee and this is my fiance, Big MacIntosh."

"Eeyup!"

Windy smiled, "Nice to meet you. My name is Wind-In-The-Mane, but you may call me Windy. I come from the Thunder Horse Tribe."

"The Thunder Horse Tribe?" Cheerilee asked.

"Yes. My tribe are distant neighbors of Appaloosa." Windy told the teacher while straightening her feather, "I like to travel. What do you do?"

"I'm a teacher." Cheerilee replied.

"And I'm a farmer." Big Mac added. Before they can continue their conversation, they spotted King Sombra and Prince Umbra coming towards them.

"Oh, I'm sorry. Was I interrupting anything?" Sombra asked.

Big Mac and Cheerilee bowed and stood back up as Sombra stood in front of them. "No, what can I do for you you're highness?" Cheerilee asked.

"You may call me Sombra. My son has been wanting to attend to your school, Cheerilee. How soon can I sign him up?"

Cheerilee, looking delighted said, "You can sign up today! Follow us."

Cheerilee and MacIntosh led the King and Prince to the schoolhouse. Windy, out of curiosity, followed them. Sombra told Umbra that he can play on the playground while Sombra signs Umbra up. Umbra sat on a swing and noticed Windy sitting on the other. "Who are you?" he asked.

The mare looked at him and smiled, "My name is Wind-In-The-Mane, but you may call me Windy. What's your name?"

"My name is Umbra. I'm the Prince in Seleneville."

"A prince?" Windy asked as she got off the swing and bowed.

"You don't have to do that, but thank you." Umbra told her.

Windy got up, "Everypony should bow to a prince; it shows respect, Umbra. Who is your father?"

"His name is Sombra."

"Sombra? King Sombra?" Windy asked in a bewildered tone of voice.

"Yes. Have you heard of him?"

"Why, yes. He is a legend where I come from." this colt doesn't seem to know about his father's past, but it's not my place to tell him. she thought as she notice Umbra looking puzzled. "Your father is pretty famous, young prince. Almost everypony knows him."

"Really?"

"Yes. He must be a good king."

"You bet he is! He gives to others, keeps us safe, loves us, and his magic is powerful. By the way, where did you come from?"

"I come from the Thunder Horse Tribe."

"Where is your tribe?"

"We live in the mountains close to Appaloosa; we're neighbors. And did you say Seleneville?"

"Yes, you've been there?"

"No, but it sounds like a pretty place."

"Yes, it is." Umbra took a map out from under his cape and unrolled it. He puts his right hoof on a picture of Ponyville, "We're right here...." then he puts his hoof on the picture of Seleneville, "And this is Seleneville right here. I have two maps, but you can have one." he hands her the map.

"Why thank you, young prince. This will help me a lot while traveling. Oh, I almost forgot! Who is your mother?"

"My mother is Luna. She was the Princess of the Night, but since she married dad she has been called Queen of the Night."

King Sombra walked out of the schoolhouse with MacIntosh and Cheerilee, "Thank you kindly for your time, ma'am." Sombra said to Cheerilee who smiled.

"You're welcome, and I look forward to having your son in my class."

Sombra nodded and went over to his son, who was still talking to Windy. As Windy got a better look at Sombra, she was breathless. "So handsome...." she whispered.

"Wind-In-The-Mane, I presume?" Sombra asked.

Windy bowed, "Yes, you're majesty. How did you know my name?"

"Thanks to my magic Crystal Ball I've learned the names of many ponies, where they came from, and where they are right now."

"You know everypony?" Windy asked while getting up.

Sombra chuckled, "Wouldn't that be something? No, I don't know everypony. And since I didn't check my Crystal Ball today, I had to ask for directions to where Cheerilee might be. But it was alright with me."

Back at the Daycare Eclipse was talking to Rainbow Dash. "So there's going to be a rainstorm tomorrow night?" Eclipse asked getting a little concerned.

"That's right. And the sky should be clear during the day." Rainbow replied.

"Thank you. I just hope the thunder doesn't scare the kids that much."

"Ah, if anypony can handle kids so well it's you! Besides, you sing for them when their upset or scared do you?"

"Yes, even when I'm foalsitting. I even sing them lullabies when I put them to bed. Why do you ask?"

"It's just I heard rumors that your singing voice puts children and adults to sleep."

Eclipse blushed and put a hoof to her chin, "Welllllll, coming to think of it I have noticed the last few times I foalsit that when I sing to them they start to get a little drowsy and before I finish the song they go to sleep."

"Awesome! Why don't you talk to Twilight about it? I bet she'll love to hear about it, knowing her." Rainbow suggested.
Friendship Rainbow Kingdom

Eclipse explained everything. "Interesting...." Twilight said. "This ability seems similar to Fluttershy's stare, only she can do it at will. And to Pinkie Pie's Pinkie Sense, but it comes and go. Do you use your magic while you are singing?"

"No, I don't think so."

"Has there been any complaints?"

"No. The kids' parents do tell me the next morning after foalsitting that their kid slept well and they felt very soothed. There is no side effects." Twilight wrote it all down as Eclipse spoke. "And I have noticed that when I sing to myself around adults or animals it has the same effect."

"This is so fascinating! Hey, Eclipse? Can you sing to me? I would like to experience this for myself." said Twilight.

Eclipse was a bit hesitant, "Are you sure? Because when I put others to sleep they might remain asleep for a few hours or maybe more."

They went to Twilight's bed. Twilight sat her alarm clock and a recorder on her night table, got into bed and pulled up the covers. "Let's hear it." she said.

Eclipse took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and sung: "How I love to sing after dark my friend Twilight, looking up at the stars as I lie in the grass like this every night, I listen to the sounds of the nocturnal creatures as I look at the light. The light given by the stars and the moon, it's such a beautiful sight...." Twilight yawned and motioned her to continue singing. Flash Sentry was walking through the hallway and he heard Eclipse sing: "Let the sounds of the night help you relax and sleep, or imagine sheep and count them as they leap, think anything positive as you drift into sleep, and you'll have many sweet dreams and your worries will seep...."

Twilight and Flash, who was watching, were getting very drowsy. "What's happening?" he yawned, "I'm getting sleepy...." he rubbed his eyes and continued watching Eclipse singing to his girlfriend:

"How I love to sing after dark my friend Twilight, looking up at the stars as I lie in the grass like this every night, I listen to the sounds of the nocturnal creatures as I look at the light. The light given by the stars and the moon, it's such a beautiful sight....
It's such a beautiful sight...." She opened her eyes and Twilight was sound asleep. Eclipse spoke through the recorder: "What you just heard was my lullaby. I have recently learned that I have an ability to put others to sleep with my singing voice. Twilight asked me to sing to her so she can experience this for herself, and she has fallen asleep so I'll leave her alone. This is Eclipse the Alicorn, thank you." with that she turned off the recorder. Eclipse pulled up the blanket up to Twilight's chin and left the room. Eclipse was surprised when she found Flash Sentry, who fell asleep still standing on his hooves, right next to Twilight's door. "Oh my...." She lifted the Pegasus up with her magic and sat him on a couch next to the fireplace that was out. She took the blanket that was on the couch and put it over the Royal Guard. She nodded and left the room.
An hour later....

Twilight's alarm clock went off. She slammed it with a hoof, got up and stretched. "Don't I feel good?"

At the same time Flash Sentry woke up and yawned, "That was a good nap...." he looked around and recognized the room he was in.

Twilight left her room and found Flash Sentry leaving the room he slept in. "Flash?"

"Twilight? You have a good nap?"

"Yeah, I think it was the best nap I've ever taken. What are you doing here?"

"I came to check on you and I heard Eclipse's song. I guess it must have put me to sleep." Flash replied with a chuckle. "And to think I haven't taken a nap for a long time...." he added. They walked to the throne room.

"Eclipse has this ability to put others to sleep with her singing so I asked her to try it on me, as an experiment." Twilight told her boyfriend.

"What do you make of it?" Flash asked.

"In theory, her ability seems to only occur whenever she sings by herself and maybe when she's singing with others her ability doesn't work. I've seen her sing with children, and they didn't show any signs of being sleepy. Strange, huh?" Twilight asked.

"Yeah, but in a good way." Flash replied.

Twilight gasped, "I have to write all this down!" with that she left the room.

Flash chuckled again, "Oh, Twilight...."
The next night....

After a long day of playing, and after a pillow fight, all the kids gathered around with their snacks and juice as Scorpan told them stories about a thousand years ago and what things were like in those days. "When my brother refused to give up his plans I warned Princess Celestia and Princess Luna and they locked him into Tartarus. I've been friends with them ever since."

"Wow!" a colt said.

"But how did you meet King Sombra and Miss Eclipse?" a filly asked.

"I was flying through a thunderstorm on my way to visit the Royal Sisters until I got struck by lightning." all the kids gasped.

"Did it hurt?" another colt asked.

"Oh yes. It hurt very much. It felt so bad that I lost consciousness and fell into the sea below me. I washed up on the island of King Sombra and his guards found me. They took care of me and I was grateful. So grateful that I swore loyalty to him. Do you all remember Starlight Glimmer and the trial?" Many of the kids said yes, yeah, or nodded. "It was before the trial started that I met Eclipse. Do you remember, my dear?"

Eclipse smiled and blushed. "Oh yes. I was love at first sight when I first met him. Since that day we started going out and we eventually became a couple."

"Love comes in all forms." Scorpan added putting an arm across Eclipse's shoulders and took a hoof in his other claw, "Since we're telling stories, why don't we tell them how much we love each other?" Scorpan suggested.

"Good idea." Eclipse said as they made kissy faces.

"Ew!"

"Yuck!"

"Mushy!" some of the kids said.

The couple laughed. "We're just kidding!" Scorpan assured them.

"Is your brother still in Tartarus?" a colt asked.

The couple let go and they sat back down. "Not that long ago, King Sombra decided that Tirek deserved a second chance; If King Sombra and Discord could change their ways after a thousand years, so can Tirek." Scorpan took out a picture of Tirek, Saphira, Midknight Ruby, Sir Stonehorn, and the General together from behind him and showed it to the kids. Some of the kids looked scared of Tirek in his armor. "Because of Tirek's skills, King Sombra made him his Colonel and was given responsibilities. And not to worry; King Sombra made sure Tirek won't do anything bad. Sadly, my brother has not forgiven me yet. But I'll never give up on him; eventually he will turn good."

"Who's the pretty lady?" another filly asked.

"Oh, her name is Saphira. King Sombra ordered her to help Tirek change his ways in any way she can." Scorpan replied.

"Do they love each other?" another colt asked.

Scorpan shook his head, "I truly do not know, but I've seen them spend a lot of time together the past several weeks so it's quite possible that the two might have feelings for each other."

"Have they kissed?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"No. I've never seen them kiss. Love and friendship is just what my brother needs, though."

"Love and friendship can change a creature with a black heart." Wild Forrest said.

Scorpan nodded, "You're quite right young colt. Without those two you'll be lost." he told the kids who all appeared moved.

"Say, can you tell us a scary story?" Polkey Dots asked.

All the other kids agreed and begged him to tell them. Scorpan scratched his chin and thought for a moment. Then he said, "Have any of you ever heard heard the legend of the Golden Hoof?" They all looked at each other and shook their heads or said no. "Well, it was a long time ago. Long before you kids were born. There lived a stallion with a wife who went by the name of Goldy because her coat and mane were gold colored. She was born with only one hoof so a solid gold hoof was made for her. She was so proud of her golden hoof that she never went anywhere without it and she never removed it even when she went to bed. She and her husband lived happily for many years until they reached a great age. Before Goldy died, she begged her husband to bury her with her golden hoof. He loved his wife so much and he wanted the golden hoof to remember her for the rest of his days so after she died he took the golden hoof and put it in a place in the house so nopony could find it. Not long after her funeral something very strange happened. This might be scary, but do you want me to go on?" the kids begged him too. "Okay, I'll go on. It was a few days after her funeral on a cold winter night. The wind was howling like somepony was groaning. The stallion was awakened by the sound and he heard: 'Where is my golden hoof?'. Just imagination, he thought, but he was scared. To make sure he went to his window and looked outside. It was so dark out, but he thought he saw a gold colored light and again he heard: 'Where is my golden hoof?'. He thought his mind was playing tricks on him so he closed the curtain. Again the voice said: 'Where is my golden hoof?'. Panic-stricken he rushed down stairs and went to the door. Before he could lock it the voice called out to him: 'Where is my golden hoof?'. He quickly locked the door and went back to his bed. His head barely touched the pillow when the voice called louder than before: 'WHERE IS MY GOLDEN HOOF!?'." Some of the kids huddled together and some hugged their pillows, stuffed animals, or blankets. "The stallion hid under his blanket. Then came the sound of the door slamming open and hoovesteps. He got out of bed and locked his bedroom door. He turned around and the voice said again: 'Where is my golden hoof?'. He ran to his bed and hid under the blanket again and shivered, 'It's a nightmare; I'll wake up soon....' he told himself, but it was all real. The hoofsteps got louder and closer until he heard someone or something trying to open the door! Then the door, the door he knew that he had locked good and tight, unlocked and opened by itself making a creaking sound." Scorpan moved his claw forward like he was pushing something and made the creaking sound as the kids shivered. "Then he saw it! The ghost of Goldy. She floated to her husband and groaned: 'Where is my golden hoof?!'." Then Scorpan jumped up and shouted, "YOU GOT IT!!!!" making the kids scream or hide under their blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals. Eclipse had a hoof on her chest and a surprised look on her face.

Eclipse recovered and comforted some of the kids who were so frightened they didn't want to come out of hiding. "It was just a story; it's not real." she assured them.

"I'm going to have nightmares for weeks!" one of the colts said as Eclipse hugged him with her arms and wings.

"That was a good story!" another colt said to Scorpan.

"There's a lesson to learn from that story." Wild Forrest said to his friends.

"What's that?" Polkey Dots asked.

"You should always respect others' wishes." Forrest said to them.

"Good point." Apple Bloom agreed.

"Alright, children! It's time for bed." Eclipse told them.

"But Miss Eclipse, we want to stay up longer." a filly replied.

"Yeah, maybe all night!" a colt yelled making the others cheer and play.

"Children! Settle down." Eclipse ordered then sighed, "Okay, maybe just a little while longer." suddenly there was the sound of thunder. Most of the kids got scared and hugged Eclipse and Scorpan shivering. Eclipse rubbed one of the kids backs, "It's okay, it's just thunder...." then came the sound of rain. "And a little bit of rain...." then the lights went out.

"Uh-oh!" Scorpan said before the kids started to scream.

Eclipse lit up her horn, looked around, and used her magic to get the lantern and turn it on. "I'm scared, Miss Eclipse!" a filly said.

Wild Forrest found Apple Bloom and said, "This kinda reminds me the time when I walked into a bear's cave during a storm. Wasn't he mad?!" he said laughing at the last part.

"Did he hurt you?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Nah, I picked up his scent and then he chased me through the Forrest until I fell into a pit. I was lucky my bear friend, Beary, was there to get me out. I truly don't know what I would have done If he have not been there. Then he invited me to stay in his cave until the storm ended." Wild Forrest told her.

"Wow!"

Then the thunder came again making Apple Bloom grab Wild Forrest, "There's nothing to be afraid of." he assured the filly.

The thunder started getting louder and all the kids gathered around Eclipse for protection. Wild Forrest was not afraid, but he and Apple Bloom joined them. "I'm afraid...." a filly said.

"It's alright. You're all safe here...." Eclipse assured the filly putting her hoof under the filly's chin.

"Can you sing to us?" a colt asked sweetly.

"Why, of course. If it'll make you feel better...." all the kids who were scared nodded. Eclipse thought for a moment, closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and sung in a sweet voice: "How I love to sing dear sweet children after the twilight, looking up at the stars as I lie in the grass every night, I listen to the sounds of the nocturnal creatures as I look at the light. The light given by the stars and the moon, it's such a beautiful sight...." Scorpan sat down and leaned against the wall while the children were starting to feel better and smile. "Let the sounds of the night help you relax and sleep, or imagine sheep and count them as they leap, think anything positive as you drift into sleep, and you'll have many sweet dreams and your worries will seep...." The children and Scorpan, who was fighting it, were all getting a little drowsy. "Don't let darkness, confuse or frighten you, look at it another way, without the beautiful night, there can be no beautiful day, trust me and I promise you will not go astray, yes my children that's what I say...." The children and Scorpan were drifting off to sleep as Eclipse finished her song: "How I love to sing dear sweet children after the twilight, looking up at the stars as I lie in the grass every night, I listen to the sounds of the nocturnal creatures as I look at the light. The light given by the stars and the moon, it's such a beautiful sight...." Eclipse opened her eyes and she saw that Scorpan and the children were fast asleep. She smiled and used her magic to pull the blankets over the children and Scorpan then she turned off the lamp. "Night night...." she said before laying down and falling asleep as well.

By morning the storm ended. It was about 9:00 in the morning when the parents and guardians came to pick up the children. All the kids have woken up and felt really good, even Scorpan. All the kids said goodbye to Eclipse one by one, or few by few.

"You're great Miss Eclipse!"

"I feel good Miss Eclipse!"

"I don't feel scared of thunder anymore, Miss Eclipse!"

Eclipse waved at the children, "Goodbye kids! I'm glad you had fun!" Scorpan put an arm across Eclipse's shoulders and waved as well.

When all the kids left Scorpan said, "You know, I haven't slept this good in a long time. I also enjoyed myself, did you?"

Eclipse smiled at her boyfriend, "You know it. We should do this every once in a while."

Scorpan smiled back at her, "That sounds like fun." he and Eclipse looked back in the Daycare.

"We have to clean up this mess before we do, though." Eclipse told him using her magic to hand him a broom.

Songs: Eclipse's lullaby part 1 and part 2

Chapter Five: Independent

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Chapter Five: Independent
Schoolhouse

"Good morning class!" Cheerilee greeted.

"Good morning Ms. Cheerilee!" the class greeted back.

"Before we begin I would like to introduce you to your new classmate from the Kingdom of Seleneville: Prince Umbra." with that Umbra came into the room. He still wore his cape, silver shoes and crown and he carried his own blue book bag.

"You may call me Umbra, Ms. Cheerilee." he said standing next to her.

"Okay, then!" Cheerilee said with a giggle. "Now class, please be polite to Prince Um.... oh, I mean Umbra; it's his first time being in school. That means you too, Guitar Emo."

Emo grunted, "Oh man!"

"Umbra, please tell the class a few things about yourself." said Cheerilee.

"Let's see.... I like to study dark magic, learning, reading, and traveling. Dad said if your heart is pure and you have no bitterness, hatred, or any other negative emotion the dark magic can't make the user bad. I have been working on my Shadow Form for some time." he said as he concentrated and turned to his Shadow Form, which didn't last long. Umbra fell on his bottom as he turned back to normal, "Ow! Darn!" some of the kids giggled.

"Are you okay?" Cheerilee asked caringly.

"Yes, thank you." Umbra stood up, "My father is King Sombra and my mother is Queen Luna. My grandfather is the captain of the guard in Seleneville, Midknight Ruby. And my grandmother is Sapphire Gemstone; she works in a Jewelry Shop in Seleneville. I've only known know my grandparents for a short time because...."

"Why's that?" Twist asked.

"I don't know how, but somepony trapped them into a crystal and banished them into Eternal Darkness." Umbra explained making the teacher and students gasp. "I don't know how he did it, but Dad was able to set them free after so many years. They told me it was like being trapped for a few minutes. They now live with us."

"That's amazing!" Snips said.

"Yeah, being trapped for a thousand years and all!" Snails added.

"Much can change while you're away for so long. Imagine that!" Twist told them.

"I call my grandfather Pappapa, and my grandmother Gramma." Umbra told everpony in the classroom, "I also like animals, making friends and hanging out with friends. Sooooo, yeah! I think that's it." he winked an eye.

Cheerilee smiled, "Thank you Umbra. I have a desk ready for you."

"Thank you Ms. Cheerilee." Umbra said as he nodded and went to the desk. On his way he stopped by Silver Spoon, "Silver?"

Silver Spoon blushed, "Hi Umbra.... nice to see you again." she held out her hoof.

Umbra took the hoof in his hoof and kissed it. "Such a gentlecolt...." another filly said.

Umbra passed Wild Forrest and both their right hooves hit each other, "Hooves!" they both said. Umbra took his seat and class began.

During recess The CMC and The CMS met with Umbra. "How's your Crystal Spell coming along?" Polkey Dots asked.

"Yeah, you have been at it a while. With your skill I bet your crystals could go a mile!" Rapper Mouth rapped.

"Can you show us?" Sweetie Belle asked sweetly.

"I can try...." Umbra said as he started to concentrate and his horn glowed. With that a small black crystal appeared floating in the air before him.

King Sombra watched through his Crystal Ball and smiled, "That's my boy!"

"Awesome!" Scootaloo yelled.

"Can you make it bigger?" Apple Bloom asked.

Umbra shook his head, "No, I've tried though. My magic is just not fully developed yet...."

Silver Spoon, Diamond Tiara, and Guitar Emo came and looked at the crystal. "You did that?" Diamond asked surprised.

Umbra nodded, "Yes, but I'm still learning."

"That crystal would look on jewelry." Silver Spoon complimented.

Umbra smiled, "Thank you, Silver."

"Can you do different colors?" Silver asked.

Umbra shook his head again, "Not yet. For now my Crystal Color is black. You can keep the crystal if you want." Silver's eyes opened wide and a huge smile came to her face.

Then the filly who bedazzled Apple Bloom's bow one time came up to the crystal, "Wow!"

"Get lost!" Guitar Emo scorned making the filly duck and her ears fold down.

"That was not necessary." Umbra told Emo angrily before helping the filly stand up and kissing her hoof. The filly blushed and Silver looked jealous.

"Um.... your black crystal is pretty and I like to bedazzle things and I was wondering if maybe you could...."

"Certainly!" Umbra said as he made another small black crystal appear in front of her. The filly's eyes sparkled as the crystal floated and turned into shards small enough to bedazzle other objects.

She took the pieces in her arm, "Oh, thank you your highness!" she nuzzled against his cheek.

Umbra blushed, "Oh....uh.... you're welcome. Please, call me Umbra....."

"Oh thank you Umbra!" the filly thanked again before leaving with her new shards.

"Phew...." Umbra sighed.

"You okay, Umbra?" Sweetie asked.

"Yeah, I just need to rest my horn. That's all. Thank you for asking."

King Sombra watched and said, "It'll take a lot of time to handle this new magic, my son. But you're doing great and you're using your powers for giving...."

Sombra smiled as Luna appeared by his side, "Just how we raised him...." she said before resting her head on Sombra's shoulder.

"Hey, Umbra? Would you like to hang out after school?" Polkey Dots asked.

Umbra smiled, "Sure! If it's okay with my parents."

Sombra and Luna looked at one another smiling, and nodded.

After school Luna came to Umbra. "Hi mom!"

"Hello, honey. How was school?"

"It was better than I hoped!"

Luna chuckled, "Good!"

"Hey, mom?"

"Yes dear?"

"Can I hang out with my friends?"

Luna smiled, "Of course you can!" the two hugged.

"Whenever you're ready to come home use the Luna Medallion and I'll be right over."

"Okay mom!" After Luna kissed her son's head the two let go, "See you later!" with that Umbra ran off and joined the CMC and CMS.

Cheerilee came up to her, "You have an amazing son, your highness." she said. Luna smiled as the teacher said, "He is so polite, well behaved, and he has a lot of knowledge beyond his years. He even gave some of my students black crystals." Cheerilee squealed with joy, "He has such great potential!"

Luna smiled again, "Why, thank you Cheerilee." Luna sighs happily as she watches her son play with his friends.
Carousel Boutique

Rarity has just finished a new dress while humming to herself when her Cutie Mark started glowing. "Somepony needs me!" with that she ran out.
Ponyville

The CMC were skipping, with Sweetie Belle leading, while the boys were running behind or beside them when Sweetie Belle stopped making the others behind her crash. "What's the big idea?" Scootaloo asked. They looked and saw Rarity, who's Cutie Mark is still flashing, run over to the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom.

"Let's follow her!" Polkey suggested.
Friendship Rainbow Kingdom

Twilight, Rainbow, Applejack, and Rarity sat around the Cutie Map looking at where three of their Cutie Marks were. It appeared to be around a pyramid in front of a village.

"What's with the pyramid?" Rainbow asked.

"This is Pyramidville." Twilight replied, "It's a kingdom in the middle of a desert ruled by the Alicorn, Ra Isis. I sure you've heard of her." Rainbow Dash, Applejack, and Rarity looked at each other for a moment and shook their heads no. "You're kidding?" Twilight asked with a surprised look on her face. Twilight cleared her throat and said, "Ra Isis is said to be created from the heat of the sun when Celestia first raised the son in the middle of the desert. The villagers who lived in the desert found her, raised her, and made her their leader when she came of age. To show their respect the villagers built Ra Isis a pyramid and eventually made the village bigger. Since then the village became known as Pyramidville. And according to my studies Ra Isis is very strict and critical. Just ten years ago she married a stallion and they had a daughter together. Her name is Princess Aziza and she lost her father just a few years ago in an accident."

"Oh, poor thing...." Rarity said.

"That's too bad...." Applejack added.

"But, why does the map say we have to go?" Rainbow asked Twilight.

"I don't know. But I talked to Celestia about it one time after I learned about Pyramidville."

"What did she say?" Rainbow asked Twilight again.

"Celestia said that since the accident Ra Isis have not been letting her daughter grow, make friends, or become independent." Twilight gasped after saying that, "Maybe the three of you can talk her into letting her daughter become independent and to make new friends!"

"I see! It's because we're skilled guardians isn't it?" Rainbow asked.

"Yeah, I guess so." Twilight replied before turning to a door, "You can come out now."

The kids came out of hiding and came into the door. "Sweetie Belle, do you know it's not right to eavesdrop?" Rarity asked.

"What? Discord does it all the time." Sweetie Belle replied pointing up.

They all looked up and spotted Discord standing on the ceiling grinning and waving at them. "DISCORD!!!" Twilight, Rarity, Rainbow, and Applejack yelled in unison making Discord scream and fall to the floor.

He landed on his stomach with his tail pointing straight up. Discord quickly recovered, got back up, and brushed the dust off. "I'm sorry! I know I promised, but I just can't help myself." he said, "And if you're planning on going to Pyramidville I suggest you pack plenty of water because it can get very hot or humid down there. I know, I've been to Pyramidville a long time ago." he then tried to keep a straight face and put his talon on his mouth.

"What's so funny?" Twilight asked.

"Oh, I just remember my first visit there." Discord said before sighing, "Back in my day I turned the houses and the pyramid upside down just for a laugh." Then Discord laughed, "Oh, boy! Wasn't Ra Isis mad?! But I put the houses and the pyramid back to the way it was. But before I left I put a little surprise in Ra's throne room."

"What was it?" Rainbow asked.

"I sat up a booby trap! She walked through a string causing a bucket of ice cold water to fall on top of her and then over a hundred pounds sugar fell on top of her!" Discord laughed again, "HAHAHA! I still remember that look on her face! Then I appeared in front of her and yelled, 'Hia Sugarcube!'. Get it? Sugar and ice cubes? Get it? Hahaha! Ah, never mind. Anyway, before I teleported out of there she got so mad a sandstorm came right towards me! She missed me! And that was the last time I saw her."

Rainbow laughed, "I should try that prank some time!"

"Why were you in Pyramidville?" Twilight asked.

"I was bored." Discord replied, "I've been meaning to apologize, but I don't know if she holds a grudge against me. Sooooo, can the three of you talk to her and tell her I'm sorry for me?"

"Sure thing, partner!" Applejack said.

"Thank you. Oh, and be sure to get a souvenir or two! They're fabulous! Toot-a-loo!" with that he disappeared.

"Can we come with you?" Umbra asked nicely.

Rarity put a hoof to her chin, "Welllll, I don't know...."

"Of course!" Sombra's voice said as a blue shadow appeared in the room, took shape, and he appeared.

"Hi dad!" Umbra yelled.

"Hello son. Yes, you may go to Pyramidville as long as you stay with Rarity, Applejack, and Rainbow Dash." Umbra jumped up and down in excitement as his father said that.

"You can count on us!" Applejack said to Sombra. Sombra nodded and he disappeared in a blue shadow.

"It wouldn't be fair if Umbra only gets to go, so you may come too." Rarity told the other kids. They all jumped up and down cheering.

After packing their bags, Rapper and Polkey asking permission from their parents, Twilight turned on the teleporter and the kids and the three of the Mane Six jumped in.
Outside of Pyramidville

They all landed in the sand; The CMC got their heads stuck in the sand; The CMS landed in a pile; Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash landed on their head, back, or stomach. Rarity got up, groaned, and shook the sand off. Wild Forrest grabbed Apple Bloom's tail and pulled her out and did the same with the other two. Sweetie Belle rubbed her eyes; Scootaloo spat out sand; and Apple Bloom got sand out of her ear by hitting the other side of her head with her hoof. "Yal okay?" Applejack asked.

"Yeah, we're fine." Apple Bloom replied before looking around, "Where's Umbra?"

"HELP! Get me down!" they looked and saw that Umbra was hanging on to the top of a palm tree below the leaves.

"He's up there!" Apple Bloom yelled.

"Help me down, I'm scared!" Umbra cried making his tail wrap around the tree.

"Oh, Umbra! You've climbed trees bigger than that." Sweetie Belle told him before she and the others giggled or laughed.

"Hang on, sugar!" Applejack said before climbing up a tree and getting him down.

"You alright?"

"Yes, I'm fine. Thank you Applejack."

"Are you afraid of heights?" Scootaloo asked.

Embarrassed, Umbra said "It's just.... I never teleported up a tree before.... yeah, that's it...." Scootaloo snickered.

Then they all looked and saw they were at the entrance of Pyramidville. Two statues of alicorns dressed as pharaohs stood on both sides of the entrance and the walls were made of stone. "Looks like we're here." Rainbow said as they picked up their bags and walked in.
Inside of Pyramidville

They looked around them and saw the citizens of Pyramidville dressed in clothing similar to Egyptian's clothing, buildings made out of mud bricks, fruit stands, pottery shops, souvenir shops with stands on the outside too. Some of the houses had walls around them and the yards. Rarity stopped and used her magic to take out a sun hat, "It's pretty warm here." she said before seeing a stand with different kinds of clothing.

"We'll shop later, we have to find the queen." Rainbow reminded her. Rarity groaned and caught up with her friends.

They walked and walked until Rarity stopped and went to a stallion, "Excuse me. Kind sir, can you tell us where we can find Queen Ra Isis?"

"Are you an acquaintance of the Queen?" the stallion asked.

"No sir, not yet."

"For what reason do you need to see her?"

Rarity and the others explained why they were here. "I see. Well, it's true. Queen Ra Isis took the loss pretty hard and fears for her daughter's safety. Not to mention that she spoils her daughter too much. Queen Ra Isis and Princess Aziza may be immortal but accidents can still happen and they can still get hurt." then he motioned them to follow, "I'll show you the way." They followed the stallion as he told them, "Her royal majesty is very critical and very strict so it's best if you don't upset her. The last time I upset her is when I accidentally knocked over her Aziza Statue and she had me pay for it. It costed me a bundle to replace it."

Umbra walked up next to him, "Is she nice?"

The Stallion nodded, "Yeah, but she sure knows how to run a kingdom. If you kids are lucky you might meet Princess Aziza. She is a sweet little filly and I've heard rumors that she is a bit lonely and she needs new friends. If you're a prince, young colt, you two would be perfect together."

"I am a Prince. My name is Umbra."

The stallion grinned, "Well, Prince Umbra what Kingdom do you come from?"

"I come from Seleneville."

"Seleneville, eh? I take it you're King Sombra's and Queen Luna's son?"

"Yes, sir. How did you know?"

"Young Prince, everypony knows. You're the Prince." Umbra put on an embarrassed smile when he said that.

"Why did you ask?" Sweetie Belle asked.

"I knew Sombra and Luna had a son, but I never knew his name until now." the stallion told her before turning to Umbra. "Pardon me for not bowing, Young Prince. I wasn't thinking."

"That's okay, thanks." Umbra replied.

They came to a really big pyramid with walls around it as well. The entrance had two guards wearing white kilts, headdresses, and they both held spears. "Here we are. Now, be on your best behavior. And don't worry; the guards won't hurt anypony unless the Queen wants them too."

"Thank you kindly." Rarity said.

"Yes, thank you sir." Umbra said next.

The stallion bowed, "My pleasure. Good day!" he said as he got back up and left.

Scootaloo looked at the size of the pyramid with her eyes wide open, "It looked much smaller on the map."

Just then a yellow alicorn filly came out. She had a black mane combed down; a black tail; two gold rings on her left arm; a golden necklace, shoes, and headband with rubies, emeralds, and sapphires; and her eye color was gold. She spotted the others and walked down the stairs towards them. She spoke politely to them, "Hello. I have not seen you all around before. My name is Aziza."

"Howdy! My name is Applejack."

"I'm Apple Bloom!"

"My name is Rarity. Nice to meet you."

"I'm Sweetie Belle!"

"Hi! I'm Rainbow Dash!"

"I'm Scootaloo!"

"You can call me Wild Forrest."

"Hello, my name is Polkey Dots."

"You may call me Rapper Mouth, and I speak in raps and rhymes. I do it so much that I mess up sometimes!"

Aziza smiled, "An extreme pleasure to make your acquaintance. I hope we can all be friends." then she spots Umbra who blushed when he saw her. Aziza trotted over to him, "Hi, I'm Aziza. What's your name?"

"Um.... my name is Umbra...." he stuttered and stammered.

"Are you alright?" Aziza asked.

"You're beautiful...." Umbra replied sheepishly.

Aziza giggled as Umbra took her hoof and kissed it. "You're such a gentlecolt. And you're horn is so beautiful the way the sun shines on it."

Aziza told him making him blush again, "Oh.... thank you....."

"Aziza!" a mare's voice yelled. Then a yellow Alicorn adult came out of the entrance as the guards bowed. her mane was black and combed down; her tail was black and had sapphires, rubies, emeralds, and gold jewelry; she wore a yellow and blue Pharaoh crown with a gold cobra behind her horn; she had a emerald, a ruby, and gold around the front of her head; gold rings with rubies, sapphires, and emeralds covered her whole neck; her breastplate was gold with ruby, emerald, and sapphire patterns; on her back she carried a yellow and blue crook and flail; she had three gold rings on her left arm; her shoes were gold with rubies, sapphires, and emeralds as well; her eyes color was gold; and her Cutie Mark was an orange pyramid with a golden horse faced sphinx. She looked and saw Aziza talking with the others. Her horn glowed and she teleported in front of them.

Aziza saw her, "Mother!" she ran up to her mother.

"Who are they? Were they bothering you?" the mother asked.

"Mother! No! They're visitors." Aziza told her.

The alicorn approached them, "I am Queen Ra Isis. Who are you? And why are you here?" she demanded.

They all bowed down. Applejack stood up and said, "We're Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Wild Forrest, Polkey Dots, Rapper Mouth, and Prince Umbra your majesty. We're from Ponyville and we're friends with the Princesses. We're here to visit you, your daughter, and discuss a few things."

Ra Isis nodded, "My apologies. Follow me."

Ra Isis led the others through the kingdom. The inside of Ra Isis' huge pyramid was like an Egyptian tomb; they're were hieroglyphics, pictures and paintings on the walls and pillars; golden statues of many alicorns and animals; and thousand year old artifacts like weapons, pottery, and art were on display. Torches lit up the rooms. Rarity wiped the sweat off her forehead, "It kind of hot in here...." she whispered.

Ra Isis heard that and turned her head towards her, "It's not hot in here. It's normal."

"You'll get used to it." Aziza added. "It cools down when it's night time."

They came to the throne room and Ra Isis took a seat. "Colts and fillies, you may look around the kingdom or play but don't touch anything. Understood?" the kids said yes or nodded. "Aziza, dear, you may go with them. Mother needs to speak with these three in private."

Aziza smiled, "Yes, mother." with that she trotted away with the others. Once the kids were out Ra Isis asked, "What is it you need to speak to me about?"

"You see, we've heard about what happened to your husband and we're terribly sorry." Rarity said with Rainbow and Applejack nodding. "And we're convinced that your keeping your daughter in against her will. Is it because of what happened to your husband?"

Ra Isis had a surprised look on her face. She recovered and said, "Yes. I fear for my daughter's safety. Even though we're immortal we can still get hurt. We Alicorn's have healing powers, but my daughter's powers are not yet fully developed."

"We don't know what you're husband was like, but don't you think he would've wanted his daughter happy?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"How could you say that?" Ra Isis asked angrily.

"We don't mean to be nasty, your majesty. But don't you think you're bein' a little hard on the little sugar cube?"

"Yeah, a child should be free. Free to grow, learn, play, become independent, not to mention make new friends. They can't stay cooped up forever." Rainbow added.

"I do not wish to burden my daughter; I only wish for her to stay safe and stay here until she comes of age. If it weren't for that freak accident....." Ra Isis started to say before tears filled her eyes. Rarity used her magic to give Ra Isis a hanky, "Oh, thank you...." she took it at dried her eyes.

"Tag! You're it!" Apple Bloom yelled.

"Okay, you better run!" Aziza yelled chasing Apple Bloom. She passed a jar. Out of the jar came Wild Forrest who also ran.

Aziza then lost sight of Apple Bloom, then Scootaloo passed by on her scooter, "Catch me if you can!" she yelled.

"HEY!"

After running for a while they all met up. Some of them, except Aziza and Wild Forrest, were sweating a little. Some servants brought them grapes and gold cups of water. "Thank you kindly." Umbra said to them. The servants bowed and left.

"Phew! This is probably the most fun I've ever had!" Aziza told her new friends.

Umbra smiled, "I'm glad."

All the others agreed by nodding or saying 'me too!' 'me three!'.

"I don't have this much fun often...." Aziza said.

"Why's that?" Scootaloo asked.

Aziza sighed and said, "Because my mother doesn't let me leave the pyramid unless if she's heading out. She's been doing this since the day my father passed away...." she closed her eyes sadly. Umbra's horn glowed and a black gem appeared before him. Then he handed it to Aziza who opened her eyes. "Is this for me?" she asked bewildered. Umbra blushed and nodded. She took the gem in her hoof, "Oh Umbra, you're sweet...."

Umbra turned his head shyly. "You.... you can think of it..... as proof of our friendship...."

"Thank you.... would you all like to play some more?" the other quickly obliged, finished their grapes and water, and they all walked together. Aziza walked beside Umbra, "Umbra?"

"Yes Aziza?"

"I think you and the others are the best thing to happen to me; I don't feel so lonely anymore."

Umbra smiled, "I'm happy for you."

"Thank you, and Umbra?" Aziza moved her mouth to his ear and whispered, "I think you are cute." then she kissed his cheek. Umbra froze, his body turned to different shades of red, and red hearts were in his eyes. Then he fell down.

"That's the reason why you can't keep your daughter in against her will." Rainbow told Ra Isis.

"Just think of how she must feel because she is being cooped up." Rarity added.

"If you please, think this over. Do it not for yourself, but for your daughter." Applejack said before they all looked and saw the kids playing with a ball and laughing. "Yal see how happy she is?"

Ra Isis looked too, "That look on her face..... I have not seen it since the accident..... is she..... happy again?" she asked as tears came to her eyes again. "All I've ever wanted was to see her happy and well...."

Aziza, who had the ball stuck on her horn, shook it off before seeing that her mother is crying. She ran over to her mother, "Mother? Are you alright? Why are you crying?"

Ra Isis wrapped her arms around her daughter, "Aziza, please forgive me...."

Aziza was puzzled, "For what?"

"For not letting you have the fun all children must need and bringing this burden on you. I should never keep a child locked in here. You must play, make new friends, make your own decisions, and see the outside of our kingdom. This is what your father would have wanted, and what I want: for you to be happy."

"Mother? Are you saying...." Aziza asked with her eyes wide.

"Yes, you are free to travel through Pyramidville, make new friends, and have fun. But check with me first." Ra Isis said.

Aziza gasped, "Oh mother!"

"Aziza...." they hugged each other tight.

"I love you so much, mother....." Aziza said crying.

"I love you too, my precious little girl...." Ra Isis said crying too and nuzzling her daughter while hugging.

Apple Bloom rested her head against Applejack; Rarity wrapped an arm around Sweetie Belle; Rainbow Dash wrapped a wing around Scootaloo; and Wild Forrest, Polkey Dots, Rapper Mouth, and Umbra all watched happily. "Mother?"

"Yes, dear?"

"Can I hang out with my new friends in Pyramidville?"

Ra Isis shook her head and chuckled, "Of course you can." they hugged again and with that the kids ran out of the Pyramid.

"Whoa, geez!" Rainbow Dash yelled. "Hey, that reminds me! Ra Isis, does the name Discord ring a bell?" Rainbow asked.

Ra Isis frowned and had an angry look, "Hmph! Miserable Draconequus.... what about him?"

"Oh yeah, we have a message from him to you." Applejack replied.

"Yes, he said that he is sorry for pulling those pranks on Pyramidville and on you." Rarity added.

Ra Isis was surprised, "So, he's reformed? So the message Celestia sent me was true." she thought for a moment and said, "Tell Discord if he would like to apologize, apologize to me himself. Thank you Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Applejack for this talk and for the message. You, your friends and family are all welcomed here anytime day or night."

All three bowed. "You're welcome." Rarity said.

"Anytime!" Applejack said.

"Don't mention it!" Rainbow said last.

"We better follow them." Rarity told the other two. "Goodbye for now!" with that they all left the throne room and exited the Pyramid.

Ra Isis smiled, "Maybe it's time I paid my old friends in Canterlot a visit. Guard!"

One of the guards came in, "Your majesty?"

"I'm going to be visiting some friends. Unless if it's Aziza or any of her new friends, don't let anypony in."

The stallion saluted, "Yes ma'am!" then he trotted away. She spread her wings and flew out of the Pyramid.
Canterlot

Ra Isis appeared before Celestia who smiled at her. "Celestia.... I....."

"Say no more, Ra Isis. You've have accepted what had happened and allowed your daughter to be happy again. For that I am proud of you...." Celestia said before she and Ra Isis hugged.

Chapter Six: The Boogie Mare

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Chapter Six: The Boogie Mare

Thanks to Ra Isis' teleporting spell her daughter can go to the School in Ponyville. When Aziza stepped into Ponyville for the first time she sniffed the air and stretched, "It's so cool here...." she said. She met with the CMC, the CMS, and Prince Umbra at the Schoolhouse. Umbra and Aziza blushed when they saw each other.

"Hi Aziza!" Sweetie greeted.

"Hi guys!" Aziza greeted back.

Aziza felt a cool breeze, "Is it always this cool around here?"

Scootaloo shook her head, "Only at this time of year. Winter's coming."

"Winter?" Aziza asked.

"Yes. Winter is the time for snow!" Apple Bloom said.

"Snow? I've never seen or felt snow before. Is it cold?" Aziza asked again.

"Oh yes. It's a good thing we have plenty of food to last us." Wild Forrest replied.

"Is it bad?" Aziza asked again.

"Yes and no. If you're not bundled up you could get sick. But you can make snowmare's, go ice skating, have snowball fights, build igloos, not to mention play ice hockey." Polkey Dots told her.

"Igloos? Ice hockey? I guess I have a lot to learn." said Aziza.

They went into the school and took their seats. Ms. Cheerilee stood in front, "Good morning class!"

"Good morning Ms. Cheerilee!" the class answered.

"We have a new transfer student who came all the way from Pyramidville. Please be polite to her and let's give her a nice warm welcome! Princess Aziza, please come up here."

Aziza left her desk and walked up to the front, getting some of the colts attention. "Whoa...." Snips whispered.

"Oh boy...." Snails whispered next.

"So pretty...." whispered Pipsqueak.

Aziza stood next to the desk Cheerilee was sitting at. "Princess Aziza..."

"Please, call me Aziza." she said sweetly.

"Okay, Aziza. Please tell the class about yourself."

Aziza scratched her arm with one of her hooves and looked down, "Um, I'm a little nervous...." she whispered to the teacher.

"It's alright. Take your time." Cheerilee told her nicely.

Aziza took a deep breath and said, "My name is Aziza. I'm the Princess of Pyramidville...." she began spreading out her small wings before folding them again. "My mother is Ra Isis, the Queen of Pyramidville. My father was King Asim before he passed...." she said sadly.

"Oh, I'm so sorry...." Cheerilee said.

Many of the students looked sad, even Diamond Tiara who couldn't imagine losing her father. "Thank you Ms. Cheerilee. My mother rules Pyramidville alone now. And this is my first time being outside of Pyramidville since the accident and I've never felt cool weather before. It's all so interesting and there's is also so much to learn. My Alicorn powers are not fully developed and I'm still learning how to fly." she said as she flapped her wings and was in the air for a few seconds. "I also like having fun, learning what there is to learn, traveling, and hanging out with my new friends Prince Umbra, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, Wild Forrest, Polkey Dots, and Rapper Mouth. If you would like to be my friend, you may. Thank you." Aziza bowed her head and returned to the seat that was the closest to Umbra.

During recess Umbra pushed Aziza on the swing, "Higher! Higher! Wheeee!" she yelled, enjoying herself. Silver Spoon watched, looking jealous. "I'm flying Umbra! Whoo-hoo!" Aziza yelled jumping off the swing flapping her wings. Umbra gasped and ran over to where Aziza would've landed. Aziza landed on Umbra's back, knocking him out.

"Umbra....." Sweetie Belle's voice said.

"Are you alright?!" Aziza's voice said next.

"Are you okay buddy?" Polkey Dots asked next.

Umbra slowly opened his eyes. His vision was blurry at first, but it cleared up. He found herself in Luna's arms. "Whoa....." he groaned.

"Umbra!" Luna yelled as she hugged him.

"Mom, can you read me the story about Angel Bunny?" Umbra asked quietly.

"Are you alright?" Luna asked.

Umbra shook his head fast, "Yeah. Just got the wind knocked out of me...."

Aziza trotted over to Umbra and Luna nervously, "I'm so sorry...."

"It's alright. Nothing is broken." Umbra assured her. Luna helped Umbra stand up. "At least Aziza, or anypony else didn't get hurt...." said Umbra. Luna smiled and kissed his head.

"Do you want to stay at school today?" Cheerilee asked caringly.

"Yes, Ms. Cheerilee. I'm okay, really." Umbra assured her.

Umbra stayed at school that day. Aziza still felt guilty for knocking her friend out, but he kept assuring her that he's alright. Aziza, Umbra, the CMC, and the CMS got milkshakes and sat on a bench. "Umbra..... I..... thank you for helping me....." Aziza said quietly.

Umbra smiled, "You're welcome. Any of you would've done the same for me."

"I would!" Polkey Dots said.

The others agreed with nods or 'So would I!' and 'Me too!'

Aziza blushed then took a sip of her vanilla milkshake. "This is so good!" she began sipping faster.

"Uh, you might wanna...." Apple Bloom began to say until Aziza put her shake down and put both hooves to her head going,

"Ow! Ow! OW!"

"Slow down or you'll get brain freeze." Apple Bloom finished.

"Now you tell me! Ow!" Aziza yelled again.

"Don't worry, it'll wear off." Umbra assured her.

"Yeah, brain freeze doesn't last for long so don't get sad. Like Apple Bloom said drink slower and it won't be that bad." Rapper Mouth rapped.

The brain freeze wore off, and she began drinking her milkshake again. She began shivering, "Is it getting cold, or is it the milkshake again?"

Wild Forrest looked around, sniffed the air, and put a hoof up, "Yes, it is getting cold. Snow is coming." he said.

"Snow?" Aziza asked as a snowflake landed on her nose, "Achoo!" Soon more snowflakes began falling.

"We better get to Twilight's." Scootaloo suggested.
Friendship Rainbow Kingdom

They all walked in. "Brrrrr!" Aziza yelled while shivering.

Twilight approached them, "Hi kids!" she greeted.

She notices Aziza, "Why, hello there! You must be Princess Aziza. My name is Princess Twilight Sparkle, but you may call me Twilight.

"Hello Twilight. I've heard many things about you. You have my respect." said Aziza before bowing. Aziza then stood up and looked around. "This place is beautiful!" she notices the different colored lights, wreaths, and tinsel. "What is this?" she asked.

"It's almost Hearth's Warming Eve. My friends, my boyfriend and I are decorating." Twilight replied.

Aziza gasped, "Hearth's Warming Eve?! Already?"

Twilight chuckled, "Oh no. It's not until four weeks. You celebrate Hearth's Warming Eve?"

"Oh, yes! But I've never celebrated anywhere else before."

Before Twilight could say anything, Flash came in all tangled up in lights. "Can someone give me a hoof?" he asked before seeing the kids, "Oh, hello!"

Twilight grinned, "Flash, what kind of mess did you get yourself into?" she asked with a giggle.

"Got myself tangled why trying to put up these light on a ladder, Pinkie Pie bounced me, and I fell down."

"Oh my gosh! Are you okay?" Twilight asked.

"Yes, I'm fine. No harm done!" Flash replied still struggling to get the lights off. Twilight's horn glowed and she carefully removed the lights, "Phew! Thanks Twilight! Say, would you kids like to help with the decorating?" all the kids jumped up and down with enthusiasm.

"YEAH!"
Seleneville

Tirek was helping some knights carry a really big pine tree into the castle. They got to the center of the ballroom and put the tree on a stand. Saphira came in, "You picked the perfect tree!" she said to Tirek.

Luna came in, "Yes, good job Tirek."

Tirek nodded and left the ballroom. "What's the matter with him?" one of the knights asked.

Saphira sighed sadly, "Tirek told me that he hates Hearth's Warming Eve...."

"That's to bad." another knight replied.

"Why would he hate such a holiday?" Stonehorn asked.

"I don't know. He never told me." Saphira replied. Tirek went to his room and sat down in front of the fireplace. The thought of Hearth's Warming Eve disgusted him and he slammed his fist into the floor making a hole. Then he covered his face with both of his hands as he moved his head down.
Crystal Empire

"Our first Hearth's Warming Eve with Alexandrite!" Cadance squealed, "I'm so happy I could just burst!"

"Not in front of him." Shining joked. They hugged each other and looked over to their son who was on a rug playing with his toys. They stepped out on the balcony and saw that the Crystal Ponies were getting ready for the holidays too.
Ponyville

Silver Spoon was walking through the market wearing a scarf and a hat with an angry look on her face. Diamond Tiara and Guitar Emo approached her. "Hi Silver!" Diamond greeted.

"Why the long face?" Emo asked.

Silver grunted, "It's Aziza, that's why! Umbra is spending time with her when he could be spending time with me.... er, I mean us!"

"You like him, don't you?" Guitar joked.

Silver blushed, "No! It's just that, why would a prince be hanging out with somepony like Aziza, Apple Bloom, and the others?" Silver asked.

"Good point, Umbra would be better off being friends with us. What do you think, Emo?" Diamond asked.

"Yeah! Umbra is a winner hanging out with losers!" Emo replied. "Hey, that reminds me! Have you heard a rumor about a haunted building close to the Flame Geyser Swamp?"

"No, what is it?" Silver asked.

"They say that the building has been haunted for many years and whoever stays in that building doesn't stay there for long because they would get scared out. Few have seen the ghost, but others would just hear noises."

"Sounds spooky." Diamond said.

Silver Spoon gasped, "That gives me an idea! Let's huddle!" they huddled together and whispered.

"I like it!" Emo yelled.

"That'll teach her!" Diamond added.

"It might work!" Silver said.

Than they said altogether, "Bump! Bump! Sugar lump! Rump!"

Later, after helping the others with the decorating, Aziza put on a yellow winter hat and scarf and started walking through the market. The snow has covered the roads and Aziza thought leaving hoofprints was fun. She started running in circles laughing until she bumped into Filthy Rich. Aziza rubbed her head and looked up at him, "Oh no! Sorry!"

"Oh, that's okay. No harm done. Are you Aziza?"

"Yes, I am. What can I do for you?" Aziza asked.

"My daughter, Diamond Tiara is looking for you. She said she wants to be friends with you."

"Oh! Where can I find them?"

"They're at the Sugarcube Corner."

"Okay, thank you sir!" Aziza ran off as excited as can be.
Sugarcube Corner

"Hi! Are you Diamond Tiara?" Aziza asked eagerly.

"Yes, and you're Aziza?"

"Yes, I am!"

"I'm Silver Spoon!"

"I'm Guitar Emo!"

"Would you like to hang out with us?" Diamond asked.

"I would love too!" Aziza yelled as the other three winked at each other.

"We're going to check out a house." Diamond told the Alicorn filly.

"A house?" Aziza asked.

"Yes, a house that nopony has lived in for years and there is no rules about playing in that house or making it our secret base. Just imagine, a whole place to ourselves!" Silver Spoon sighed at the last part.

"Sounds like fun! When are we going to check it out?" Aziza asked getting more excited.

"Whenever you're ready." Emo replied.

"Then let's go!" with Aziza darted off.

"She's kinda cute." Emo whispered to Silver. Diamond elbowed him grunting.

Aziza came back, "Which way is it?"

Silver grinned as the other two grabbed their bags, "Follow us!"
A few hours later at the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom

"Hey, have you seen Aziza?" Umbra asked Apple Bloom.

"She left a few hours ago. She's probably explorin' Ponyville and makin' new friends."

"Let's just hope Silver Spoon, Diamond Tiara, and Guitar Emo don't get to her." Scootaloo added.

"My friends, I know that they are bullies and all, but I think they deserve a chance." Umbra told them.

"Maybe you're right. Nopony can be bullies forever." Sweetie replied.

"As they mature, they might learn." Forrest told them.

"Why don't we go find her?" Polkey suggested.

"Yeah, and I can tell that she doesn't know Ponyville very well." Rapper Mouth rapped.

They put their hooves together, "Cutie Mark Crusaders and Supporters, out!"

They stepped outside the castle and haven't gotten far when a Blue Jay landed in front of Wild Forrest tweeting wildly. I saw those bullies walking with your yellow friend!

Forrest tweeted back, What?! Where are they heading?

The bird tweeted back, They're heading towards Flame Geyser Swamp! I think they're heading towards the abandoned house not far from Yykees' haunted mansion!

"What is he saying?" Apple Bloom asked.

"Diamond Tiara, Silver Spoon, and Guitar Emo are taking her to the abandoned house everypony has been talking about! No doubt that they're up to no good!"

"We have to help her!" Umbra yelled.

Forrest tweeted again, Can you show us the way?

The bird tweeted back, Yes! Follow me! the bird took off and the kids followed him.

The bullies and Aziza were still walking through the forest. It was cold and Aziza was shivering, "I-I-I'm freezing!"

"Don't worry, we're almost there." Silver assured her with a snicker. They came to an abandoned, damaged house. It's white paint was peeling; it's windows were shattered; the black roof looked like it would cave in; and the door was opening and closing because of the wind. Somepony looked outside and saw the kids, but they didn't see her.

"Whoa...." Aziza whispered.

"Yeah, whoa! Let's check it out." said Emo. They walked up to the door and pushed it open. The door made a creaking sound as the floor did as they walked in. As soon as they walked in the door closed by itself! Or did it? "Spooky!" Emo told the other two bullies who winked at him. It was dark in the house so Aziza made her horn glow. The inside was like a haunted house.

"Take a look at this place.... I've never seen anything this creepy before!" She looks around her and doesn't see the other three, "Guys?" Guitar Emo hid behind a corner with his electric guitar and played a really loud note making Aziza scream and hide under a table with a torn white tablecloth. "Guys? Where are you?" she called out again. Diamond Tiara hid behind a wood cabinet with glass doors. It was full of old dishes. She pushed the cabinet down and it made a crashing and breaking sound. Aziza screamed again and went further under the table shaking with fear. "Guys? This isn't funny anymore! Where are you?" she back up further until she bumped into something. A flashlight lit up and showed a horse skull! "AAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!" She ran out and bumped into a bat and a mummy, "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!"

Silver Spoon came out with the skull mask laughing. The other two did the same. "Wow! You should've seen the look on your face!" Emo yelled falling to the floor laughing.

"We got you good!" Diamond yelled next.

Silver spat raspberry and ran outside with the others while the door was open. They quickly closed the door as Aziza tried to get out too. "Hey! Let me out!" The three bullies held the door shut. "Please! I'm scared! Let me out!" Aziza cried.

"Sorry, the door is stuck!" Silver yelled making her friends snicker.

Aziza began to cry, "Please! This isn't funny!"

Suddenly there was a woman's voice whispering: Get out of here....

Aziza was even more spooked, "Please! I think they're somepony in here!" she turned around again and saw two purple lights coming right towards her!

Again the voice whispered loud enough so the bullies could hear: Get out of here.....

Having heard the whispers the bullies looked at each other and said, "Uh-oh!" they began pulling the door trying to get it opened.

"This ain't budging!" Emo yelled.

"You push, we'll pull!" Silver yelled next.

Aziza pushed on the door as hard as she can. She turned around and saw the lights getting closer! "MOMMY!!!!!"
Pyramidville

Queen Ra Isis was sitting on her throne until her horn glowed. She heard her daughter's voice yell: "MOMMY!"

Ra Isis gasped, "Aziza?!" she spread her wings and took off as fast as her wings could take her.
Meanwhile

The kids were still running through the forest when they ran into the bullies who seemed panic-stricken. "Umbra! It's Aziza!" Silver yelled.

"Is she alright?!" Umbra demanded.

"We don't know! We were just pulling a prank on her and what the others were saying about the house must be true!" Emo yelled.

"Take us there!" Umbra ordered and the three bullies obliged.
Abandoned House

Aziza woke up and found herself in a room gasping. She was on a dusty bed. She brushed the dust off and looked around. "You're awake finally...." the voice said.

"W-who's there?" Aziza asked.

As soon as she did a green mare with a long purple mane floating and a purple tail came in. Her eye color was dark purple and she wore a white torn dress and she was floating in the air!

Aziza screamed and fell backwards. She shook in fear as the ghost floated right towards her, "P-please! Don't hurt me!" she begged.

The ghost chuckled, "I have no intention in hurting you, child. And I apologize for the way a scared you a while ago. I get carried away whenever I try to scare somepony out of my house."

"W-who are you?" Aziza asked, still nervous.

"I am the Boogie Mare. Now that you are awake, you may now leave and join your friends." the ghost answered sadly.

"I-I can leave?"

"Yes, before I change my mind...."

"But why? I'm not your prisoner?" Aziza asked.

Suddenly the ghost mare's appearance changed; she now looked like a floating corpse with no eyes! "I SAID GO!" with that Aziza screamed and left the room and exited the house. The mare turned back to normal and covered her face with her hooves crying.

Aziza stopped catching her breath and looked back at the house. "Aziza!" Umbra's voice yelled. Aziza's friends and the bullies ran up to her.

Aziza hugged Umbra crying, "Oh, Umbra!"

Ra Isis appears out of nowhere and lands next to the kids. "Aziza! Are you alright?!" Aziza let go of her friend and hugged her mother, still crying. "Oh, my poor baby!" Ra Isis yelled hugging her daughter back and kissing her.
Friendship Rainbow Kingdom

Aziza calmed down and explained everything to her mother, Twilight, and Flash Sentry. "A ghost mare?" Twilight asked surprised.

"Yes. Before she let me go I saw her eyes; I saw that she was sad and lonely."

Ra Isis turned towards the bullies with anger in her eyes. Her eyes glowed light yellow as she came up to them and the bullies were backing up nervously, "For what purpose did you put my daughter in danger?!" she demanded.

"We..... we....." Diamond began.

"OUT WITH IT!" Ra Isis shouted.

"We didn't know that house was actually haunted and we thought it was just a rumor...." Diamond answered quietly.

"We thought it would be a good idea for a joke, you're majesty...." Emo added.

"What made you decide to pull such a stunt?!" Ra Isis demanded again getting angrier.

Silver Spoon stepped up slowly, "It was my idea. I was jealous because I thought Aziza might have feelings for Umbra, and we thought Umbra should hang out with us so we tried to scare your daughter...."

Umbra couldn't believe his ears, "So you did that to her out of jealousy?! You should be ashamed!"

"Yes you should be ashamed! And you're just lucky that my daughter isn't hurt! But, I will talk to your parents!" Ra Isis yelled motioning them to leave, "Don't let me catch you pranking my daughter again!"

Umbra followed them outside, "Silver Spoon?"

She turned around, "Yes, Umbra?"

"I'm afraid I'm going to have to end our friendship....." Silver gasped, "But, I believe we all should have a chance. Until you mend your ways, or at least apologize to Aziza and make up for what you have done, our friendship is over. I'm sorry...." Umbra turned around and went back into the castle. Silver Spoon started crying. Diamond wrapped and arm around her and together they walked with Emo.

Twilight turned on her teleporter and jumped in. Then she came back with Yykees and Spectra. "Oh, hello children!" he greeted.

Then he notices Ra Isis, "Your majesty...." he whispered as he bowed.

"Who are you?"

"My name is Yykees, your majesty. And this is my daughter, Spectra."

Spectra bows too, "An extreme pleasure...."

Yykees and Spectra got up, "How may I be of service?" Yykees asked.

Aziza walked up to him, "Just a while ago the bullies tricked me into entering an abandoned building. Then a ghost mare came, and I fainted. Then she let me go."

Yykees' eyes opened wide, "Did you say ghost mare?"

"Yes, I did...."

"What did she look like?"

"Well, her coat was light green, her mane and tail were purple, her eyes were dark purple, she wore a white torn dress, and she can float and change form...."

"Soooooo......" Yykees said, "She is still alive, or undead in her case...."

"Do you know her?" Twilight asked.

"I knew she would be..... I never gave up hope...."

"Who?" Twilight asked again.

Yykees sighed, "She's my first daughter!" he cried. Everypony, even Spectra, gasped. "Yes, I'm sorry Spectra. I never told you...."

"What is it, father?"

Yykees dried his tears and said, "Back when I first moved into the mansion, I needed company and an assistant. As you know I found a Spell Book which I used to create Spectra. But, Spectra was not the first; I created a ghost before I created Spectra...."

"The Boogie Mare?" Aziza asked.

"Yes, she's named herself as well. After I finished she came out as a ghost filly. When I first laid eyes on her, I instantly fell in love with her; she was my first daughter. When she laid eyes on me she fled my mansion. I searched everywhere, but I couldn't find her. It broke my heart, but I went home. I never gave up on her though. I created Spectra to be my second daughter and to be the Boogie Mare's sister. Even though I have not seen her for a while, I love her as much as I love Spectra....."

Yykees began to cry as Spectra hugged him, "I love you too, father...."

Aziza was deeply moved by this and nuzzled against her mother who kissed her. "Now I know that she's still undead, she must come home...." Yykees told everyone. Ra Isis nodded and with her teleporting magic they all teleported out of the room.
Abandoned House

The Boogie Mare was still crying in her room when she heard the others appear and looked outside. She instantly recognized Yykees and her eyes glowed white in anger.

"Creepy. Just how I like it...." Yykees said looking at the house.

"This house must have been abandoned for years...." Flash replied.

"Perfect place for ghosts." Twilight added.

"Very perfect...." Spectra said to Twilight before floating towards the house with Yykees walking by her side.

Yykees' horn glowed white, "She in there alright. I can feel it...."

"BE GONE INTRUDERS!" the Boogie Mare yelled making everypony jump. Then she floated out of the window and landed in front of Yykees and Spectra in Corpse Form groaning.

Yykees gasped, "My daughter.... it really is you!" he walked up to her. Before Yykees can get close the Boogie Mare screamed and sent out what appeared to be thought waves from her eyes right at her father.

The Boogie Mare floated towards him but Spectra blocked the way, "You.... my replacement!" she screamed again and sent out thought waves as Spectra sent out hers.

These thought waves collided making both ghosts back up. "There is no need for this, my sister!" Spectra yelled.

"You replaced me!" Boogie Mare floated towards Spectra quickly but was stopped by magic. Yykees' magic!

"Stop!" he ordered. "I know you're upset, but what you think is all a big misunderstanding!" The Boogie Mare gasped and turned to normal form. "Yes, calm down and we'll talk it over." Yykees ordered slowly.

"Why? Why are you here? Why did you create her? Why did you abandon me?" the Boogie Mare asked.

Yykees shook his head, "Oh, no honey. I didn't abandon you. Not in a million years would I want to hurt my children in any way. As soon as you were created you fled from my lab."

Then that memory came back to her, "Yes, that's right. I escaped. I was having fun and when you were searching for me I thought you were playing with me...."

"No, I searched everywhere but I lost sight of you. Even my horn couldn't detect you. I was saddened because I thought I lost you, my first daughter. I never lost hope that you would still be out there."

"But, why did you create another spirit? When I matured I regained the memory of you and returned home. I looked through a window and I saw you and Spectra embracing!" the Boogie Mare began crying as she dropped to her knees, "YOU.... REPLACED.... ME!"

Yykees shook his head again and put a hoof on her shoulder, "No.... I would never, ever replace you or Spectra. Yes, I created Spectra to be your sister so you won't have to be lonely when you came back...."

The Boogie Mare gasped, "You.... did that for me?"

Ra Isis walked up to the ghost mare, "A parent's love is forever. You should never think that your father would not care or love you."

"After I found out he created Spectra, I wandered town to town but everypony seemed to have a problem with me. No matter how hard I try to fit in, they would just look at me and scream or run away from me...." she cried harder, "They just judge me before they get to know me and they won't accept me. And worse of all I thought I had no family!"

Yykees embraced the crying ghost mare, "You have always had a family.... and no matter what, I love you and Spectra forever." The mare put her face on his shoulder still crying. Twilight wiped her eyes with a hanky as Flash put an arm across her shoulders. Even the other children were very moved.

"Father? Can.... can I come home?"

Yykees cried happily, "Of course you may!" they embraced again.
Friendship Rainbow Kingdom

"I'm really happy for the Boogie Mare!" Polkey said to his friends.

"Me too!" Scootaloo said. "Yeah, they must have a lot to talk about." Sweetie replied, "I can't imagine not seeing my parents for years...."

"And I can't imagine not seeing my mother for years." Aziza added before her mother nuzzled her. "By the way, did Yykees say he lives in a haunted mansion?" Aziza asked.
Yykees' Mansion

The ghost sisters were in the music room. "Spectra? Can you ever forgive me for trying to hurt you?" the Boogie Mare asked.

"Of course, you're my sister...." the two ghost sisters hugged.

"It's so good to be home...." the Boogie Mare said.

"I see hugging!" Yykees yelled coming into the room with a box on his back. "Now, who wants to give this old unicorn a hoof with the decorating?"

"Why are we decorating, father?" the Boogie Mare asked with a puzzled look.

"Why, it's almost Hearth Warming's Eve my dear!"

"Hearth Warming's Eve? Is that the time for giving and families getting together?" the Boogie Mare asked.

"That's right! And it's not until four more weeks, but we can still decorate the mansion. First we'll start in this room and work our way around. Spectra, you can get the lights. Boogie Mare, you can hang up the tinsel."

"Father?"

"Yes Boogie Mare?"

"Um, you may call me Boo or Boogie if you want too."

"Alright then, Boo! You may help with the tinsel. And I'll get the tree up."

"But, isn't that hard?" Boogie asked.

"Not for your old stallion. And get this: the tree is a black and orange pine tree!" Spectra cheered and hugged her sister again. "Oh yeah, that's reminds me!" Yykees' horn glowed and a camera came in, "Why don't we get our picture taken?"

"Good idea!" Boogie agreed.

"Wonderful!" Spectra added. The ghost sisters floated beside their father on both sides and Yykees use his magic to make the camera take their picture. After they got the photo they saw that Yykees' cobra was in the picture making a funny face. Yykees turned around and looked at the cobra angrily while his daughters snickered.

"Oh, I haven't introduced you to my pets yet. This is my cobra, Sliver." Yykees introduced.

Boogie floated up to the snake and put both hooves on both of the snake's cheeks, "Awe, aren't you a pretty black reptile?" she asked baby talking.

"Well, well, well!" Sliver said with a grin.

"And my wolves." Yykees added before putting a hoof in his mouth and whistled. Then the two black wolves came in while making snarling sounds. "They are the wolf brothers, Midnight and Flint." Boogie gasped and floated towards the wolves and hugged them both.

They both licked her face, "Oh, aren't you the sweetest things?"

"We sure are!" Midnight and Flint answered.

"Hey, why don't we all get our pictures taken? Places everyone!" ordered Yykees.

They all stood together and Yykees made the camera float in the air and take the picture. Yykees made the picture bigger with one of his machines and put it in a frame and hung it in one of the hallways.

Chapter Seven: The Phantom of Canterlot

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Chapter Seven: The Phantom of Canterlot

It was only two more weeks until Hearth Warming's Eve, and everypony and creature were still preparing. Twilight Sparkle, Bon Bon and Lyra were on their way to Canterlot to celebrate Hearth Warming's Eve at Moondancer's house. Moondancer told Twilight that she can bring Prince Umbra, Princess Aziza, the CMS, and the CMC. The more the merrier Moondancer said. The mare's walked down the streets to Moondancer's house with presents on their back and the kids following them.

Moondancer's house has been cleaned, repainted, and repaired. Her yard was covered with snow, and a wreath hanged from the outside of the door.

"Canterlot is beautiful!" Aziza said looking everywhere, "Your aunt must be a wonderful princess!"

Umbra blushed, "Yes, yes she is wonderful...." he said.

Twilight knocked on Moondancer's door. Moondancer opened, "Twilight!"

"Moondancer!" they yelled and hugged.

"And Lyra!" they hugged too.

They let go and Twilight introduced the kids to her friend. "Everypony, this is Moondancer. Moondancer, this is Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, Wild Forrest, Polkey Dots, Rapper Mouth, Prince Umbra, and Princess Aziza."

"Pleasure to make your acquaintance, ma'am." Prince Umbra said politely.

"Hi kids! Welcome to my house. Please, come in!"

They all walked in. Lemon Hearts, Twinkleshine, and Minuette were sitting on the couch enjoying hot choculate and talking about random things and laughing. "Twilight! Lyra!" Minuette yelled crashing into them hugging them. Then the other two joined in.

"So good to see you again!" Lemon Hearts yelled.

Twinkleshine ran up to the kids, "Oh, and you brought children with you too! And Bon Bon, Hi!"

The kids sat their bags down, the mare's sat the presents under Moondancer's empty tree and they all sat down in the living room. "I don't believe it! Meeting Princess Celestia's nephew in pony! You're much cuter up close!" Minuette squealed.

"Oh, thank you...."

Minuette turned to Wild Forrest, "And look at those muscles!"

Wild Forrest flexed his small muscles, "I work out in Everfree Forest." he told them.

"It's true." Apple Bloom added.

"And you're from Pyramidville?" Minuette asked Aziza.

"Yes, and my mother is Queen Ra Isis and my father was King Asim before he passed."

"Awe, that's to bad." Bon Bon said hugging the alicorn filly.

"We're sorry...." Moondancer added.

"Thank you." Aziza replied.

"What was your father like?" Twinkleshine asked.

Aziza thought for a moment and said, "My father was a unicorn stallion. His coat was a bluish green, his mane, tail, and eye color was emerald green, and his Cutie Mark was the phoenix. He was so kind, loving, charming, fair, and, like my mother, protective. We never had one argument and was the best father I ever had."

"He sounds like a good stallion." Polkey Dots said.

"Yes, and he always will be. Even though he passed I still love him. He'll always be my father." Aziza replied.

The mares, colts, and fillies were very moved by this. Umbra reached into his bag and got out a picture of he, King Sombra, and Queen Luna in front of the Crystal Empire. He held the picture close before putting back into his bag. "Umbra?"

"Yes, Twilight?"

"Is something the matter?"

Umbra shook his head, "No...."

Moondancer went into the kitchen and came back with a plate full of cookies. They all got their cookies and continued their conversation. "How have things been Moondancer?" Twilight asked.

She adjusted her glasses, "I've been doing great! And if you haven't helped me I would've stayed reclusive."

"I'm happy for you." Twilight replied.
Seleneville

Tirek walked down the decorated halls in Sombra's and Luna's castle with a disgusted look on his face. "Hearth's Warming Eve, who cares?" he asked himself.

The General stopped him, "Hello Colonel. Having a merry day?" he asked enthusiastically.

Tirek grunted, "I'm never merry on Hearth Warming's Eve....."

"Oh, come on! Hearth Warming's Eve is the time to be merry, to forgive, to give, and be with family and friends." the General said as Tirek yawned as if he was bored.

"Happy holidays General...." he said sarcastically and continued on his way.

One of Luna's knights asked the General, "What is it that could make a Centaur like him so cold and hard?"

The General shook his head, "A very good question."

One of Sombra's knights joined the conversation, "Hello! Are you doing anything special for Hearth Warming's Eve?"

The General and Luna's knight looked at him. The General said, "Yes, I'm going to be celebrating Hearth Warming's Eve with my girlfriend and her family. What about you?"

"Same here. She said that she has a big surprise for me and I got one for her too." the knight said taking out a small box, "This Knight is going to propose!"

"Good for you! I'm going to be having dinner with my girlfriend tonight and celebrate Hearth's Warming's Eve with her and her family too. On Hearth Warming's Eve of course." Luna's knight replied.

Saphira approached the three, "Good evening, sirs. Have you seen Tirek?"

The General pointed in the direction Tirek went, "He went that way. I think he's going to the Throne Room."

"Thank you kindly."

"She's gorgeous...." the General said. "Just don't tell your girlfriend." Sombra's knight replied before they laughed.

Saphira caught up with Tirek, "Hello Tirek!"

He looked down at her, "Hello Saphira.... Is everything alright?"

"Oh yes, everything is just fine! Is something the matter, my lord? You have been acting kind of grumpy these past few weeks." Saphira asked concerned.

Tirek grunted, "I don't want to talk about it...." he muttered.

They passed a hallway, stopped, and backed up. They saw Scorpan and Eclipse. Scorpan handed Eclipse a present, "This is for you." he said before blushing. Eclipse happily took it and opened it.

She gasped and took out a amethyst necklace with a purple chain. "Scorpan, it's beautiful! I got something for you too." Eclipse handed him a present. Scorpan opened it. Scorpan took out an ornament of himself and Eclipse. "I made it myself." she said.

"It's.... it's very good! I didn't know you were an artist." Scorpan said in a surprised tone of voice.

"It's one of my hobbies. You like it?" Eclispe asked.

"I love it!" Scorpan yelled before looking up, "Hey, isn't that the mistletoe?" he asked.

"Uh-huh!" Eclipse wrapped her arms around Scorpan's neck and kissed his face.

Saphira chuckled before she and Tirek continued down the hallway. Out of curiosity Tirek asked, "Where did Scorpan get that necklace?"

Saphira looked up at him, "Scorpan hired some dogs to help him search for purple diamonds and gems. The Diamond Dogs I think they're called. They were kind enough to let him keep the amethyst he found. After all, he helped them find a lot of diamonds and gems. And between you and me, I think your brother is trying to befriend them."

"Really?" Tirek asked.

"Really really! He's such a nice gargoyle, your brother." Saphira replied.

"He's always had a soft spot for others....." Tirek muttered.
Canterlot

The mares and kids stood in front of the Donut Shop with some musicians. Lyra was playing the harp as they played Hearth Warming's Eve music. Twilight picked up a music stick with her magic as she stood in front of her friends, "Ready?" she asked receiving a nod from the others. They sung: "On the first day of Hearth Warming's Eve my true love gave to me: a very sweet cookie!"

Bon Bon: "On the second day of Hearth Warming's Eve my true love gave to me: Two tasty bon bons!"

Altogether: "And a very sweet cookie!"

Scootaloo: "On the third day of Hearth Warming's Eve my true love gave to me: Three fast scooters!"

Bon Bon: "Two tasty bon bons!"

Altogether: "And a very sweet cookie!"

Sweetie Belle: "On the fourth day of Hearth Warming's Eve my true love gave to me: Four shiny gems!"

Scootaloo: "Three fast scooters!"

Bon Bon: "Two tasty bon bons!"

Altogether: "And a very sweet cookie!"

Apple Bloom: "On the fifth day of Hearth Warmin's Eve my true love gave to me:"

Altogether: "FIVE DELICIOUS APPLES!"

Sweetie Belle: "Four shiny gems!"

Scootaloo: "Three fast scooters!"

Bon Bon: "Two tasty bon bons!"

Altogether: "And a very sweet cookie!"

Moondancer: "On the sixth day of Hearth Warming's Eve my true love gave to me: Six books are stacking!"

Altogether: "FIVE DELICIOUS APPLES!"

Sweetie Belle: "Four shiny gems!"

Scootaloo: "Three fast scooters!"

Bon Bon: "Two tasty bon bons!"

Altogether: "And a very sweet cookie!"

Lyra: "On the seventh day of Hearth Warming's Eve my true love gave to me: Seven strumming harps!" she strummed her harp.

Moondancer: "Six books are stacking!"

Altogether: "FIVE DELICIOUS APPLES!"

Sweetie Belle: "Four shiny gems!"

Scootaloo: "Three fast scooters!"

Bon Bon: "Two tasty bon bons!"

Altogether: "And a very sweet cookie!"

Twinkleshine: "On the eighth day of Hearth Warming's Eve my true love gave to me: Eight stars are sparkling!"

Lyra: "Seven strumming harps!"

Moondancer: "Six books are stacking!"

Altogether: "FIVE DELICIOUS APPLES!"

Apple Bloom: "Yummy!"

Sweetie Belle: Four shiny gems!"

Scootaloo: Three fast scooters!"

Bon Bon: "Two tasty bon bons!"

Altogether: "And a very sweet cookie!"

Lemon Hearts: "On the ninth day of Hearth Warming's Eve my true love gave to me: Nine donuts baking!"

Twinkleshine: "Eight stars are sparkling!"

Lyra: "Seven strumming harps!"

Moondancer: "Six books are stacking!"

Altogether: "FIVE DELICIOUS APPLES!"

Sweetie Belle: "Four shiny gems!"

Scootaloo: "Three fast scooters!"

Bon Bon: "Two tasty bon bons!"

Altogether: "And a very sweet cookie!"

Minuette: "On the tenth day of Hearth Warming's Eve my true love gave to me: Ten hour glasses emptying!"

Lemon Hearts: "Nine donuts baking!"

Twinkleshine: "Eight stars are sparkling!"

Lyra: "Seven strumming harps!"

Moondancer: "Six books are stacking!"

Altogether: "FIVE DELICIOUS APPLES!"

Apple Bloom: "At Sweet Apple Acres!"

Sweetie Belle: "Four shiny gems!"

Scootaloo: "Three fast scooters!"

Bon Bon: "Two tasty bon bons!"

Altogether: "And a very sweet cookie!"

Wild Forrest, Polkey Dots, and Rapper Mouth: "On the eleventh day of Hearth Warming's Eve my true love gave to me: Eleven tree houses to hang out in!"

Minuette: "Ten hour glasses emptying!"

Lemon Hearts: "Nine donuts baking!"

Twinkleshine: "Eight stars are sparkling!"

Lyra: "Seven strumming harps!"

Moondancer: "Six books are stacking!"

Altogether: "FIVE DELICIOUS APPLES!"

Sweetie Belle: "Four shiny gems!"

Scootaloo: "Three fast scooters!"

Bon Bon: "Two tasty bon bons!"

Altogether: "And a very sweet cookie!"

Umbra and Aziza: "On the twelfth day of Hearth Warming's Eve my true love gave to me: Twelve priceless crystals!"

Wild Forrest, Polkey Dots, and Rapper Mouth: Eleven tree houses to hang out in!"

Minuette: "Ten hour glasses emptying!"

Lemon Hearts: "Nine donuts baking!"

Twinkleshine: "Eight stars are sparkling!"

Lyra: "Seven strumming harps!"

Moondancer: "Six books are stacking!"

Altogether: "FIVE DELICIOUS APPLES!"

Apple Bloom: "Yeeeee-haw!"

Sweetie Belle: "Four shiny gems!"

Scootaloo: "Three fast scooters!"

Bon Bon: "Two tasty bon bons!"

Altogether: "And a very sweet cookie!"

After they finished the crowd watching cheered. Twilight Sparkle turned around and bowed with her friends. Twilight's horn glowed and five sugar cookies the size of pizzas appeared, cut into pieces, and everypony got a piece. Twilight went to Moondancer, "That was a great idea, Moondancer!"

"Thank you Twilight. It took me all night to bake all those big cookies, but it was worth it!" Moondancer replied looking at the ponies who got a piece of the cookies. They were all happy and enjoying the sweet cookies. In the crowd a stallion wearing a black hood and robe looked at Lyra. Lyra looked over to him. He gave Lyra the creeps.

"Um, Bon Bon?" Lyra said looking at her then looking back.

The stallion was gone. "Yes, Lyra?"

"It's.... it's nothing....." Who was that pony? Lyra thought to herself.

"That was so much fun, it's to bad we're done!" Rapper Mouth rapped.

"Yeah, and it's my first time singing in front of a crowd." Aziza replied.

"Were you nervous?" Umbra asked.

"Just a little, but I'm alright. Thanks for asking." Aziza said before kissing Umbra's cheek making him blush.
Seleneville

Tirek and Saphira walked down the streets in Seleneville. Saphira seemed to be enjoying herself, but Tirek looked like he was in a bad mood.

Then the children Tirek saved from the changelings ran up to him with saddle sacks on their backs. "Tirek!" one of them yelled.

"Tirek, Tirek, Tirek, Tirek!" another one yelled.

"Oh, how cute!" Saphira said.

"You remember us?" a filly asked.

"You saved us!" a colt added.

Tirek took a good look at them and said, "Yes, I remember. What can I do for you?"

"We've been wanting to give you these!" a colt answered. They gave him their saddle sacks. Tirek was surprised but he took the sacks and opened them up. Inside he found pictures of him drawn by the kids, clay models of him, homemade ornaments, and different kinds of cookies.

"These are for me?" Tirek asked in a bewildered tone of voice as he went through the pictures.

"It's our way of saying thank you for saving us and it's almost Hearth Warming's Eve." a filly said.

Tirek was at a loss for words. No one outside my family has ever given me anything before..... Tirek thought.

"Oh, look at this one!" Saphira said getting Tirek's attention. Tirek looked and saw a drawing of himself and Saphira in a heart made out of fake flowers. "This is lovely!" Saphira told the kids.

Tirek grinned, "I never thought I say this, but thanks...." Saphira smiled at him after he said that.

The children started bouncing up and down. "Are you two boyfriend and girlfriend?" a filly asked.

Tirek and Saphira looked at each other and smiled, "I'm willing to give it a try." Tirek said.

"Me too." Saphira replied.
Canterlot

The mares and kids were walking through Canterlot enjoying the scenery. Canterlot is really beautiful at that time of year. They stopped at a park and Wild Forrest saw some kids sliding on the ice and motioned Apple Bloom to join him. Apple Bloom was on his shoulders waving her arms in the air as he slid on the ice spinning around in circles. "Yee-haw!"

Apple Bloom almost lost her balance and covered Forrest's eyes. "Hey! I can't see!" then they crashed into a tree making the snow fall on them. Some of the kids laughed as Forrest dug his way out of the snow and helped Apple Bloom out.

"That was fun! Let's go back to where we started and do it again!"

Polkey Dots, with help from Minuette, made some snowballs and started juggling them. "Go, Polkey, go!" Minuette yelled.

"I can do this all day!" Polkey Dots yelled.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders started building a snowmare after yelling, "Cutie Mark Crusaders Snowmare Builders!"

"You never get tired of rapping?" Lemon Hearts asked out of curiosity.

"Never, rapping is what I was born to do. And I can also rhyme, dance, and moonwalk too!"

"Wow, that's very good!" Twinkleshine complimented.

Twilight Sparkle and Moondancer were sitting on a bench having a conversation while Prince Umbra and Princess Aziza were going for a walk. "Even the park is beautiful...." Aziza whispered.

"Yes, it is. But not as beautiful as you...." Umbra replied before gasping. Oh boy, did I say that out loud?

Aziza blushed, "You're so romantic...."

Umbra blushed again, "Oh.... I'm.... just a nice dark unicorn...." he said.

Aziza giggled, "Not only you're cute, but you're humble...." she said before she rested her head on Umbra's shoulder.

Bon Bon sat down on a another bench while Lyra was playing her harp. "Just listening to your harp makes me want to relax...." Bon Bon said with a sigh.

"Thank you Bon Bon." Lyra continued playing her harp unaware that the same hooded pony was watching from a distance.
Moondancer's House

They went back to Moondancer's house. Aziza warmed herself at the fireplace before helping her friends decorate the tree. "Cutie Mark Crusaders Tree Trimmers!" the CMC yelled together.

Lyra came into the room with a box of decorations. Bon Bon was helping Moondancer and Twilight Sparkle make dinner. Minuette, Lemon Hearts, and Twinkleshine were in another room wrapping presents. "Twilight is going to love these!" Minuette said putting some beakers in a box before wrapping it up.

"Forrest will look good in this sweat band. Can you imagine living in the wilderness your whole life?" Lemon Hearts asked before putting a green sweat band with a picture of Wild Forrest's Cutie Mark on it into a box and wrapping it.

"No, it must be hard." Twinkleshine replied before putting a bow on one of the wrapped presents.

"By the way have you noticed something wierd going on today?"

"Now that you mention it, I think Lyra has been a little nervous since caroling." Minuette said.

"I have been seeing somepony dressed like a phantom, but it's a little late for Nightmare Night." Lemon Hearts said making herself and her friends giggle.

"Who could he, or she, be?" Twinkleshine asked.

Soon the tree was done and after dinner Moondancer was about to plug in the lights. "Everypony ready? Here we go!" she plugged it in and the tree glowed. They all gasped in awe as the CMC looked at their blank flanks. No Cutie Marks much to their disappointment. Aziza's eyes sparkled with delight, "So.... pretty...."

"Pappapa and Gramma would love to see this." Umbra added. Moondancer, with help from Lyra and Bon Bon, brought in a piano with their magic.

"Music time!" Moondancer yelled as they sat the piano down.

"Oh boy!" Umbra yelled getting on the seat.

"Do you know how to play the piano?" Aziza asked. "Yeah, I've been taking lessons from my dad." Umbra replied before he started playing Deck the Halls. They all watched Umbra playing the piano unaware that the same phantom was watching through a window. He took a good look at Lyra and teleported. Forrest's ears perked and he looked at the window.

He reappeared in a cave behind the waterfall outside the kingdom. He walked in and met some stallions in tuxedos. "Is everything ready?" the phantom asked.

"Yes, boss. Your organ is ready and the musicians are eager to get started." one of the stallions said.

The phantom nodded, "Good, now all we need to do is wait until midnight."
After midnight

Minuette, Lemon Hearts, and Twinkleshine went home. Everypony in Moondancer's house was asleep. Umbra and Aziza slept in front of the fireplace on a big pillow; the CMC slept on the couch; The CMS slept on a chair. Forrest slept on top of the chair, Rapper Mouth slept on the right arm of the chair, and Polkey dots slept on the other. Bon Bon and Lyra shared the same bed as did Twilight and Moondancer. Lyra woke up, craving for water. She went to the kitchen quietly and went to the sink with a cup. After she had her fill she started heading back to bed. Suddenly came the sound of a harp playing. She looked outside the window and saw a harp with wings playing and floating by itself, or was it? Lyra rubbed her eyes and looked again. Her eyes didn't deceive her. The music was the Pas De Deux from The Nutcracker, one of Lyra's favorite songs. Drawn by it she went outside and dared to touch the harp. The harp floated away making Lyra follow it. A little while later Wild Forrest woke up and yawned, "Was that the harp?" he got off the chair and went to the room Bon Bon and Lyra slept in. Lyra wasn't there. Wild Forrest checked every room but he didn't find Lyra anywhere. "WAKE UP!" he yelled making everyone jump. Bon Bon hit her head on the ceiling, Umbra and Aziza grabbed each other, Rapper Mouth and Polkey Dots fell off the chair, The CMC huddled together, Twilight and Moondancer grabbed each other.

"Hey, what's the big idea?" Polkey demanded.

"We're trying to get some sleep!" Scootaloo added.

"What's all the hubbub about?" Moondancer asked.

"Lyra is missing!" Forrest yelled.
At the cave behind the waterfall

Lyra followed the harp into the cave without thinking twice and soon she heard more harps being played much to her delight. She came to deepest part of the cave and gasped. Icicles hanged from the ceiling, candles were lit, and mares were playing their harps. "Wow! What is this?" Lyra asked getting one of the mare's attention.

"This is all for you. You are Lyra Heartstrings, are you not?"

"Why, yes. I.... I....." Lyra was at a loss for words. She walked further and looked around, "It's beautiful!" she was stopped by the phantom.

"I'm glad you like it, my dear." he said.

Lyra instantly recognized him, "You're..... you're that pony I saw earlier today!" the phantom nodded,

"Yes. Please forgive me. I don't mean to cause you any fright...." he said before removing his robe and showing his face. He was a dark purple unicorn with a black mane combed down and in a ponytail, a black tail, bluish green eyes and suit, and his Cutie Mark was two white horse shaped opera masks with one sad and one happy and they had a red rose behind them. The left side of his face was covered by a black mask with a bat-wing ear. Lyra gasped as he took her hoof and kissed it, "I am Fantome, and you are the most beautiful harpist I have ever seen and heard."

Lyra blushed, "Oh, why thank you...." he such a gentlecolt. Lyra thought, Creepy, but gentlecoltly....

Fantome's horn glowed and the harp with wings appeared before Lyra. "This is for you, my dear." Fantome said.

"Why, thank you! You're very generous. And how did you know that Pas De Duex was one of my favorite songs?"

Fantome chuckled, "Lucky guess I suppose."

"Why did you bring me here?" Lyra asked making Fantome smile as he motioned the mares and stallions to start playing.

Fantome, being an opera singer, sung: "You're are here for love my dear, your beauty have moved me so,
I feel as though my horn could glow...." Fantome began showing Lyra around the cave. More candles were lit, and many instruments were displayed and music filled the whole place as Fantome sung: "When I see you I don't feel the same, it must be love, I've seen many beautiful mares, but you are up above. But I would love you for who you are, not just what you look like. And there's nothing about you I don't seem to dislike...."

Outside the cave Twilight and Bon Bon followed Wild Forrest who sniffed Lyra out. Moondancer stayed behind to watch the other kids. Wild Forrest sniffed again, "She's in that cave, but I smell other ponies in there and a bat...."

"A bat?" Bon Bon asked.

"Must be a bat cave." Twilight guessed.

"I smell only one bat...." Wild Forrest said leading them inside the cave.

Fantome continued singing: "Lyra, my dear, I have fallen in love with you even though I haven't known you long. It was love at first sight, and that can never be wrong. I feel like I'm completely whole, all because of you. And this is a feeling that I never knew, Until I laid my eyes on you....."

Lyra was very moved and she smiled. "I'm..... I'm flattered Fantome. But why do you wear a mask?" she asked.

Fantome gasped before he sung: "That, is an answer for another day. I'm not ready to show you out of fear of frightening you.... the only mare I have ever grown to care for. You make me forget the pain I went through.... Even though I haven't known you long, I have fallen in love with you.... And this is a feeling that I never knew."

Wild Forrest, Twilight Sparkle, and Bon Bon snuck in unnoticed and found Fantome and Lyra in a room. Wild Forrest sniffed the air, "He's the bat...." he whispered. "And I don't think he's like Appula either...." Fantome and Lyra didn't notice them.

Fantome sung: "I feel like I'm completely whole, all because of you. And this is a feeling that I never knew, Until I laid my eyes on you....."

Their eyes opened wide, "Is he in love with Lyra?" Bon Bon asked Twilight.

"He must be.... but why does he smell like a bat to you, Forrest?" Twilight asked.

Wild Forrest sniffed the air again, "It must have something to do with that mask he's wearing....."

"I'm just a lonely, humble unicorn stallion my dear." Fantome said to Lyra, "But when I'm around you I don't feel lonely anymore and I don't feel like a monster."

"Because you're not a monster, Fantome. I think you're a special stallion. Even though I don't know why you wear that mask, I also think you're a good stallion and not to mention a great opera singer." Lyra said making Fantome smile. "It's not that I don't want a lover, but I think we should start off as friends."

Fantome looked disappointed at first but he nodded in agreement, "Yes, perhaps you're right. If it'll please you, my dear. We must know one another first and I shouldn't keep secrets from you if we're friends."

Fantome moved a hoof to his mask and slowly removed it. Forrest's and Twilight's jaws dropped while Bon Bon gasped and fainted when she saw his face. Fantome's left side of his face was bat-like and his left eye was yellow. Lyra's jaw dropped and she backed up a bit. "Oh my goodness.... what happened?" she whispered.

Fantome put the mask back on his face. "Have you heard of Prof. Appula?"

Lyra nodded, "Yes, he lives in Ponyville."

"I was once his unicorn assistant until an accident made Appula the way he is today and did this to me. I wanted to fly too, so I took the potion I helped him make and drunk it. It had a much more different affect on me than Prof. Appula and what I showed you are the results. I wear this mask because I'm disgraced...." Fantome said sadly as he looked down at his front hooves.

Lyra put a hoof on his shoulder, "I understand, Fantome. You may be different, but it doesn't mean you're ugly. From what I've learned from friendship it's real friends will like you for who you are not by what you look like. I was surprised, I'll admit, but I've never seen such a special stallion like you."

"You mean, you don't mind my face?" Fantome asked.

Lyra shook her head, "No, not at all. How about you come over to Moondancer's this week?" she suggested. "We're having a Hearth Warming's Eve party and you can bring your musicians too. I'll just ask Moondancer."

"You don't have too." Moondancer's voice said surprising the others. Moondancer came out of hiding. "You are all welcomed to come over to my house to celebrate Hearth's Warming Eve."

Twilight, Forrest, and the now conscious Bon Bon came out of hiding. "What are you doing here?" Twilight asked Moondancer.

"I got worried and asked Minuette to watch over the kids while I look for you. And Fantome, your singing voice is one of the best singing voices I have ever heard and I have heard that there is a spot open at the theater. In case if you're interested."

Fantome's eyes opened wide, "Do I have to remove my mask?"

Moondancer shook her head, "I think your mask gives you a more unique and interesting look."
Four days later at the Opera House

King Sombra, Queen Luna, Prince Umbra, Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, Alexandrite, Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia, Discord, Princess Isle, Eclipse, Scorpan, Tirek, Saphira, Queen Ra Isis, Princess Aziza, the CMC, the CMS, the rest of the Mane Six, Spike, Easter, Lyra, Bon Bon, Moondancer, Minuette, Twinkleshine, Lemon Hearts, and all their families and friends were gathered in the the Opera House. The host appeared on the stage, "Mares and Gentlecolts, creatures of all ages! Tonight we bring you a very unique, yet mysterious stallion, who is about to perform on stage for the very first time." with that the crowd cheered. "Please welcome Fantome, the Phantom of Canterlot!" with that he left as the curtain opened up as the crowd cheered.

Fantome wiped the sweat off his face, I don't believe it. I'm about to live my dream! he thought. He looked over at Lyra who smiled at him. When the crowd calmed down, music began to play. Fantome took a deep breath and sung: "You're are here for love my dear, your beauty have moved me so, I feel as though my horn could glow.... When I see you I don't feel the same, it must be love, I've seen many beautiful mares, but you are up above. But I would love you for who you are, not just what you look like. And there's nothing about you I don't seem to dislike.... Lyra, my dear, I have fallen in love with you even though I haven't known you long. It was love at first sight, and that can never be wrong. I feel like I'm completely whole, all because of you. And this is a feeling that I never knew, Until I laid my eyes on you..... I was afraid to show you my secret. I'm wasn't ready to show you out of fear of frightening you.... the only mare I have ever grown to care for. You make me forget the pain I went through.... Even though I haven't known you long, I have fallen in love with you.... And this is a feeling that I never knew.
I feel like I'm completely whole, all because of you. And this is a feeling that I never knew, Until I laid my eyes on you..... Until I laid my eyes on you......."

The crowd cheered wildly. Fantome took a hanky and wiped his head before he bowed and the curtain closed. "That was so beautiful!" Minuette yelled.

"And this is his first time too!" Lemon Hearts added.

Fantome was about to leave when a crowd of ponies came from out of nowhere and started asking for autographs and answers to their questions. Fantome was shocked at first but he took a pen his magic and signed his signatures. Twilight and the others saw this and smiled. Celestia came in and everypony bowed as she passed. She approached Fantome with a smile. Fantome bowed too as she said, "Fantome, your performance was one of the best performance's I have ever seen so I'm making you a full time opera singer."

Fantome gasped and looked up, "No kidding?!" Celestia nodded. "I.... I don't believe it! My dream came true!"

Lyra rushed over and hugged him, "Congratulations Fantome!" then she realized what she did and let go blushing and chuckling.
Moondancer's house

Moondancer, Minuette, Twinkleshine, Lemon Hearts, Pinkie Pie, Twilight Sparkle, the CMC, the CMS, Umbra, and Aziza were opening presents. "Thank you Lemon Hearts!" Wild Forrest said before putting on the sweat band.

"New beakers! Just what I needed. Thank you Minuette." Twilight said before hugging Minuette.

Pinkie Pie put on a sombrero from Minuette and held up some maracas and began shaking them, "Cha-cha-cha!"

Moondancer got a new history book from Twilight, “Ooh, thank you Twilight!” Aziza and Umbra exchanged gifts. Umbra got a bright red scarf while Aziza got gold sunglasses.

“Thank you, Umbra!”

“Thank you Aziza!” they hugged.

While everypony were opening their gifts Fantome stepped outside and looked up at the night sky. Lyra saw this and went outside with him. “Are you alright?”

Fantome smiled, “Yes, I’m just fine. Lyra, I don’t know how to thank you and your friends for today....”

Lyra smiled back at him, “No need, it’s what friends do for each other. Would you like to go out for dinner in Ponyville later?” Lyra invited.

“I would love too.”

“It’ll be just the two of us.” Lyra added before blushing.

“Oh, that reminds me.” Fantome said before reaching under his cape and taking out a small box with his magic. “This is for you.”

Lyra took the box and opened it. Inside was a magic mint and sparkly rose, the same color as Lyra’s coat. “It’s pretty....” Lyra whispered.

“I grow roses." Fantome said.

"Really?"

"Yes, I have a greenhouse full of them. I was going through my roses until I found the rose that matches your coat perfectly."

Lyra blushed again, "Oh, thank you Fantome. It's lovely." then their eyes met and they stared at each other happily.

After a few minutes, Moondancer yelled "It's time for dinner!"

"Shall we?" Fantome asked holding out his arm.

Lyra wrapped an arm around it, "Yes...." together they went back in the house and closed the door.

Songs: Twelve days of Hearth Warming's Eve
Feeling I never knew
Feeling I never knew reprise

Chapter Eight: Black Ice

View Online

Chapter Eight: Black Ice
Pyramidville

Only five more days until Hearth Warming's Eve. Aziza was in the Throne Room talking with her mother."We're going where?!" Aziza asked getting excited.

"Yes, we're going to Freezerburg to visit my brother, Glacier, sister-in-law Arctica, and your cousin Flurry since you've gotten used to the cold in Ponyville. Best we do a little shopping before we leave because we're celebrating a Hearth Warming's Eve there." Aziza began bouncing up and down when her mother said that. They headed out and came back in an hour or so and packed their bags.

"Can Umbra come too?" Aziza asked.

Ra Isis thought for a moment and said, "Sure, why not? You've grown quite attached to that colt haven't you sweetheart?"

"Oh, yes he's the colt-I mean best friend I ever had!" Aziza said blushing at the mess up.

"Very well, guard!"

The guard came in, "Yes, your majesty?"

"My daughter and I are going to visit some relatives. Make sure nopony enters the pyramid while I'm away."

The guard saluted, "Yes, ma'am!" Ra Isis nodded and used her magic to put her daughter and bags on her back before teleporting.
Seleneville

Ra Isis and Aziza appeared in the Throne Room surprising King Sombra, Luna, and Umbra. Umbra was overjoyed to see Aziza and vice versa. They ran to each other and hugged. Luna trotted over to Ra Isis and they nuzzled.

"Good evening Ra Isis." Sombra greeted. "What brings you here?"

"Good evening Sombra. My daughter and I are just about to visit our relatives down in Freezerburg and Aziza would like Umbra to come with." Ra Isis said.

Umbra started bouncing up and down, "Can I dad?" he asked.

"Of course you may. But you need to pack your warmest clothes because it's always cold down there." Sombra told his son.

"Okay dad!" with that he ran off.

Aziza looked aroud her, "This castle is beautiful!"

"Thank you young one." Sombra said.

"You have been a great friend to our son, and to show our appreciation we decided to give you this." Sombra said as Luna approached Aziza with a Luna Medallion. "You may use this Medallion to contact me whenever to need me.” Luna said using her magic to put it around Aziza’s hoof. “Don’t worry, it won’t break even if you dropped it.”

Aziza looked over her new gift, “Cool!”

Umbra came back with a full saddle sack on his back, “Okay, I’m all ready to go!”

Luna hugged him, "Have fun!"

Sombra hugged him next, "See you later, son!"

"Bye mom! Bye dad!" Umbra said before he rushed towards Ra Isis and Aziza then all three teleported out of the Throne Room.

Sombra shook his head, "Kids...."
Freezerburg

They reappeared at the entrance of Freezerburg. Walls made of ice surrounded the village and a white yeti wearing blue armor and holding a spear made out of ice was guarding the closed doors. Ra Isis, Aziza, and Umbra walked up to the yeti and he stopped them. "Halt! Who goes there?" he asked.

"I am Ra Isis, Queen of Pyramidville and the twin sister of King Glacier. This is my daughter Aziza and her friend Prince Umbra, son of King Sombra and Queen Luna." Ra Isis replied as the guard stepped aside.

"My apologies. You may go in." he said unlocking the door. After they walked in the yeti closed and locked the door resuming his duty. Umbra's and Aziza's eyes opened wide in awe.

"Wow!" Aziza said.

"Cool!" Umbra said next, "Hey, I made a pun!"

The houses were completely made of ice and snow and they were igloos too. Living in the village were other yetis in different colors, shapes, and sizes, penguins, seals, and ponies as well. The ponies coats and eyes were dark blue, light blue, different shades of blue, white, purple, and violet. Their manes and tails were the same colors and some of them wore ice and snow as jewelry, clothing, and head wear. "This is amazing!" Aziza said before they looked ahead and saw a castle made of ice. "Is that Uncle Glacier's castle?" Aziza asked her mother.

"Yes, it is. Beautiful, is it not my dears?"

"The castle shines like crystals!" Umbra said getting excited.

"Since you kids are new here, why don't we look around before we visit King Glacier?" Ra Isis suggested before she realized that they already ran off. "Oh, kids...." she said.

Umbra and Aziza got ice cream from an ice cream store before they began looking around. "Mmm, lemon!" Aziza said licking her ice cream. "What did you get?"

Umbra tasted his, "Raspberry!" he took another lick, "It was also very nice of that Yeti to let us try free samples before we decided to pick what we wanted."

Aziza agreed, "Yeah, and that Yeti looked like a really big teddy bear too." she giggled.

"Imagine sleeping with a teddy bear that big." Umbra replied.

They both looked left and right as they walked down the icy roads. Aziza was amazed that the ponies who lived in Freezerberg were not bothered by the cold. Like the citizens being used to the heat in Pyramidville, the citizens in Freezerburg were used to the cold. Then someone yelled, "Out of the way! Coming through!" they looked ahead and saw a penguin sliding on his belly towards Umbra and Aziza who stepped out of the way in time.

"What's the rush?" Umbra asked.

A young penguin walked up to them, "He is the mailpenguin. One of the fastest belly sliders around." he said. "I've got to tell you kids, he really loves his job." he said before making a braying sound.

A young brown seal slid up to the kids, "Who are you? Are you new here?"

"My name is Umbra, I'm from Seleneville." Umbra said shaking the seals flipper.

"Hello, my name is Aziza, I'm from Pyramidville."

"Well, nice to meet you Umbra and Aziza. My name is Leon."

The penguin stepped up, "And my name is Slapper. Would you like to hang out with us?"

Aziza smiled, "I would love to!"

"Me too!" Umbra said next.

Then a young white Yeti ran up to them, "You can't do anything without me!" he said. "I'm Little Stomp. Who are you?"

"I'm Umbra of Seleneville." Umbra said shaking the Yeti's paw.

"I'm Aziza of Pyramidville. Nice to meet you Little Stomp!" she then spotted a unicorn colt behind the Yeti. He came nervously. His coat was blue, his eyes were purple, his mane and tail were dark blue with white lines, an icicle was on his horn, and his Cutie Mark was a Blue Raspberry Popsicle.

"Um, and my name is Cold Hooves....." he whispered shyly.

"Hello, Cold Hooves!" Aziza greeted politely. Cold Hooves backed up blushing.

"Come on, don't be timid." Little Stomp said picking him up and putting him in front.

They put their hoof, paw, and flippers together and they all said: "Together we're the Popsicle Gang!"

"Popsicle Gang? That's an interesting name." Umbra said.

"Sound good too!" Aziza added making the boys laugh.

"Um.... do you know Princess Flurry?" Cold Hooves asked Aziza nervously.

"Aziza is my cousin, though I never met her before." Aziza replied.

"Well, what do you know you're a princess too!" Little Stomp yelled before he and his friends bowed.

Aziza blushed, "Oh, you don't have to do that...."

"Are you a Prince, Umbra?" Slapper asked.

"How did you know?" Umbra asked.

"Wasn't hard to figure out. Your shoes, armor, your cape, and your red horn." Slapper replied, "Your horn is pretty by the way."

"Oh, thank you Slapper." Umbra said before Aziza rested her head on his shoulder.

"It looks like I'm not the only one that thinks so too." she said as Umbra blushed.
Seleneville

Tirek, Saphira, Midknight Ruby, Sapphire Gemstone, King Sombra and Queen Luna were in the throne room talking. "Freezerburg, eh?" Tirek asked.

"Yes, Ra Isis took her daughter and our son to Freezerburg to visit her brother Glacier. Why do you ask?" Sombra asked concerned.

"Last I heard about Freezerburg, which was centuries ago, it was attacked by the Black Yeti." Tirek said.

"The Black Yeti? Can you tell us about it?" Sapphire Gemstone asked.

"Well, it's an old tale today...." Tirek began. "It takes place after my imprisonment and Luna was banished to the moon. I know this because I had a little bit of magic left and I used it to look at the outside world from Tartarus. Back when Freezerburg was founded by King Glacier after he came of age Yetis, Penguins, Seals, and the Ice Ponies lived in harmony and looked up to King Glacier. I admit Freezerburg was very beautiful, and it probably still is today. King Glacier's adviser, a Yeti appropriately named Coldheart the Black Yeti, also once looked up to King Glacier."

"Once?" Midknight asked.

"Yes, once. Coldheart helped King Glacier run the kingdom and Glacier got all the credit, or so the Yeti thought. King Glacier considered Coldheart his closest friend, but Coldheart thought the opposite and became jealous. One day, out for a walk, Coldheart came upon a black crystal shard buried in the snow. He went back to the King and presented it to him. When the King got a good look at he was horrified for the magic crystal was created by and incredibly evil being and had some Dark Magic. The King ordered Coldheart to dispose of the crystal, and Coldheart made it look like he did by substituting another black crystal and smashing it with his paws." Tirek explained.

"Why would he do that?" Saphira asked.

"Coldheart wanted to study the crystal and did so behind the King's back in hopes of getting respect in the kingdom. As the months passed he studied the crystal unaware that the darkness was slowly taking over because of his jealousy. When the King accidentally found out, he was pretty angry. The King ordered the Yeti to dispose of the crystal at once, but Coldheart snapped and the darkness completely took over. Coldheart gained the ability to generate cold and create black ice. King Glacier and Coldheart fought but Glacier eventually got the upper hoof and weakened Coldheart greatly. It pained the King to do it, but he exiled Coldheart. Before Coldheart left he vowed that someday when his powers return he'll come back, take revenge on Glacier, and take over Freezerburg. Glacier left never to be seen or heard from again."

"How awful!" Sapphire Gemstone said.

"Jealousy darkens it's victim's ways and eventually turns them into monsters. And I should know....." Luna said sadly.

Sombra put an arm across his wife's shoulders to comfort her, "I know how that feels...." King Sombra muttered.

Sapphire Gemstone, knowing what she was talking about, walked up to her daughter-in-law, "Honey, It's nothing more than a bad memory now." she said.

"Yes, I know. Even though I have forgiven myself and others have forgiven me, some hurts just never go away...."

Midknight Ruby stepped up, "My dear, memories may not go away but you once told my son that you can use your memories to be wise. Like him you have learned from your mistake and vowed to never repeat it. The past doesn't matter anymore and we all should move on."

Luna smiled at her father-in-law, "Thank you Midknight. And thank you for understanding. By the way, Tirek?"

"Yes?"

"Is this Black Yeti immortal?"

Tirek scratched his beard, "It's a possibility that the Dark Magic has made him immortal, but I don't know for sure. But, I wouldn't worry about it; after Coldheart has left King Glacier had a wall built around his icy kingdom and made it so no evil being can enter. To be on the safe side he has his Yeti Guards keep an eye out 24/7 because King Glacier made their horns magical so they feel whenever there's a Yeti like Coldheart coming. They each take turns of course. And that was the last time I've ever heard of Freezerburg."

Saphira gasped, "Wait a minute! You used your magic to look at the world from your prison right?" Tirek nodded. "Have you used your magic to try to find Coldheart?"

Tirek shook his head, "No, but I can try. But with King Sombra's Crystal Ball and my magic to working together it'll be much easier."

King Sombra nodded and his horn glowed making his Crystal Ball appear in front of Tirek. Tirek moved his hands around as white aura surrounded his fists then he fired a magic beam at the Crystal Ball. With that a huge mirror surprising everyone but Tirek. "Yes, it's working!" Tirek said. "Now, show me the location of Coldheart the Black Yeti." he ordered the mirror as Tirek's reflection began to change it's appearance. Then the mirror show mountains full of snow and a dark cave. The mirror then showed the inside of the cave. It was covered with black ice and there was a huge chunk of ice in the end of the cave. Tirek made the mirror take a closer look and it showed that Coldheart was frozen solid! "Well, it looks like Coldheart must have imprisoned himself in ice either by accident or from disgrace. Cold old coward...." Tirek said as the mirror turned back into a Crystal Ball. "Since he is frozen solid, there IS nothing to worry about, your highness."

"I sure hope you're right, Tirek. Because I know from experience that Darkness can always find a way to come back....." Sombra replied.
Coldheart's Cave

The cave was very quiet. Coldheart stood there in his icy slumber motionless. Suddenly that black stallion entered the cave and stood in front of the frozen yeti. "So, this is the famous Coldheart?"

Then an evil voice ordered, "Yes, now awaken him...."

"As you wish...." the black stallion stood there and his eyes and horn glowed, "Coldheart, awaken from your slumber and finish what you have started all those years ago...." after he said that the Yeti's eyes opened up inside the ice!

The evil Yeti broke free from the ice with a roar as the black stallion teleported. He stretched, "Ahhh! At last after all these years I am free. I am fully rested and I can feel my powers slowly returning!"

The evil voice said, "Glad to hear it my ice cold friend...." the yeti looked around fast and saw yellow eyes in the dark.

"Have you awakened me?" the Yeti asked.

"Yes, with the help of my assistant of course."

"Why would you help me?" Coldheart demanded.

"Because I like your hatred and jealousy and I can't let such potential go to waste...."

The Yeti bowed, "I am grateful, don't get me wrong whoever you are, but I could've broke free on my own!"

"Confident in your abilities I see. I like that. You have tried taking your revenge once before but look where that got you....." the voice said as the Yeti growled. "Coldheart, I'll make you a deal: if you agree to work for me I restore your powers completely and make them powerful than ever...."

"Power......" Coldheart whispered. "Yes, all I want is power....."

"Do we have a deal then?"

Coldheart thought for a moment and said, "Alright, I'll work for you. After all you did set me free and I owe you."

"Good....." the voice said before laughing wickedly.
Freezerburg

The Popsicle Gang, Umbra, and Aziza played in a park full of swings, slides, and many things kids would love. Aziza went down the slide with Umbra, "Wheeee!"

When they reached the bottom of the slide Ra Isis stood there smiling down at them. "Are you having fun?" she asked.

"You know it!" Umbra said.

"We're having a blast!" Aziza added, "We also made new friends."

The Popsicle Gang came up to Ra Isis and bowed. "This is Leon, Slapper, Little Stomp, and Cold Hooves." Aziza introduced as they nodded one by one as she said their names.

"A pleasure to meet you, young ones." Ra Isis said.

"It's a great honor to friends with the Prince and Princess. And it's a great honor to meet a queen." Slapper replied.

"A noble penguin. I like that." Aziza said with a chuckle before looking back at Aziza and Umbra. "Are you ready to meet Glacier and his family?"

Aziza gasped, "Oh yes!"

Umbra nodded before looking at his new friends. "We'll see you later, guys!" he said before walking with Aziza and her mother.

"Seeya!" Leon yelled.

"Take care!" Slapper yelled next.

"Smell you later!" Little Stomp added.

"Bye....." Cold Hooves said quietly.

They went to Glacier's Castle. After Ra Isis spoke to the guards they went in. Like the outside the inside was made out of ice except for carpets, cushions, banners, and paintings. "Whoa.... this is like the Crystal Empire...." Umbra said with his eyes wide.

"Yeah, not to mention it's colder in here than it is out there....." Aziza added shivering a little. They came to the Throne Room. The thrones were also made of ice. Sitting on one of the thrones was purple male Alicorn with a light blue; tail and mane covered with ice, white snow covered hooves with icicles sticking up, ice on his elbows, an necklace made out of ice, and his crown was made out of ice. His eyes were blue and his Cute Mark was an iceberg with snow at the bottom. Sitting next to him was a light blue unicorn with purple eyes, dark blue mane and tail with ice and snow, purple cape with ice, an ice necklace, white shoes with icicles sticking up, her horn had in icicle at the tip, and her crown was made of ice. Her Cutie was a blue, purple, and white wind with snowflakes. It was King Glacier and Queen Arctica.

When King Glacier saw Ra Isis he gasped. "Ra Isis?!" he got off his throne and approached her.

Ra Isis shed a few tears, "Oh, Glacier.... my brother...." she approached King Glacier and when they got close enough they hugged each other. As soon as they touched steam came from them.

"Oh Ra Isis, you stubborn old so-and-so! It's really you!"

"Yes, you cold hearted goat, it is I!" Ra Isis replied as they laughed at the names. Arctica trotted up to her sister-in-law happily. Ra Isis let go and she hugged Arctica.

"Hi Ra Isis! Long time no see." she said returning the hug and shedding tears.

"Oh, it's so good to see you two again!" Ra Isis said shedding more tears.

Umbra and Aziza watched from a distance smiling. "Now that's a family reunion." Umbra said as he and Aziza watched them talk.

Then Ra Isis called them, "Umbra! Aziza!"

They trotted over to the adults. "Ra Isis, is she....." Glacier began to ask.

"Yes, she is Princess Aziza. My beloved daughter. Aziza this is your Uncle Glacier and your Aunt Arctica." Ra Isis said as Glacier moved his head down and took a closer look at his niece.

"You have grown up so much....." he said.

"Oh, come on! Give your aunt and uncle a hug!" Arctica said as Aziza ran up to them and they embraced her.

"Just look how beautiful you are. You have your mother's solid gold eyes...." Glacier said as he put a hoof under his niece's chin, "And you have your father's chin.” he said before laughing.

“It’s so wonderful to see you again, dear niece.....” Arctica said crying a little.

“I’m happy to see you too, Uncle Glacier and Aunt Arctica!” Aziza replied still hugging them.

Glacier then noticed Umbra, “Is he your son?” he asked his sister.

Ra Isis laughed, “Oh no! He is a close friend of Aziza.”

Umbra walked up to the King and Queen and bowed, “Nice to meet you. My name is Umbra, the son of King Sombra and Queen Luna.” he said as he held out his hoof and Glacier shook it.

“Nice to meet you, Prince Umbra. Aziza, have you known him long?”

“Yeah, for about a month!” Aziza replied. “He’s the best friend any filly can ask for!”

Umbra blushed, “Awe, shucks.....”

Arctica gasped, “I almost forgot! You three have to meet our daughter. Flurry!” she called as a light blue Alicorn filly trotted up to her parents. Her eyes were turquoise, her mane and tail were blue and white, her hooves were turquoise with snow at the bottom and pieces of ice on top, her necklace as well as her crown was made of ice, she wore what looked like a dark blue headband under her crown, snow with icicles pointing down were on her shoulders and wings, and there was ice on her tail. Like her mother she had an icicle at the tip of her horn.

She nuzzled against her mother’s arm before she noticed the other three, “Who are they, mama?” she asked sweetly.

Aziza and Umbra trotted up to Flurry. “I’m Aziza, your cousin!”

Flurry looked at her closer, “My cousin?” Flurry asked receiving a nod from Aziza. Flurry smiled and she hugged Aziza.

Aziza returned the hug, “It’s so good to finally meet you, Flurry!”

They let go and Flurry noticed Umbra, “Hello cutie! Who are you?”

Umbra blushed, “Hello, my name is Umbra. I’m a friend of your cousin.” with that Umbra’s horn glowed making Flurry jump.

Then a black crystal appeared in front of Umbra and he presented it to Flurry, “This is for me?” Umbra nodded, “You’re so sweet! Just like my friend Cold Hooves. I’ll keep it to show we’re friends! Hey, you want to go ice skating?” Flurry asked motioning them to come with her.

“I would love to learn how to ice skate!” Aziza said.

“Me too!” Umbra said next as they ran off.

“Awe, our daughter made fast friends....” Arctica said to her husband and sister-in-law.

Glacier chuckled, “So Ra Isis? What have you been up to?” he asked.

Umbra, Aziza, and Flurry went to a frozen pond wearing ice skates. Flurry went first and made a figure eight. “Wow, that was pretty good cousin!” Aziza yelled.

“My turn!” Umbra said before he started skating. He went straight before he started moved his legs around wildly and falling down. Aziza couldn’t help but giggle as Flurry helped Umbra stand up.

"Keep practicing!" she said. Aziza then got on the ice and tried to go straight but she went in circles. She stopped and landed on her bottom.

Her eyes were going in circles in opposite directions, "I think I'm going to be sick...."

Flurry laughed, "Like this!" she said before she started skating like a professional ice skater. Umbra helped Aziza stand up and they watched the Ice Princess skate. First she skated on her hind legs, then on her front hooves, then on one back hoof, then on one front hoof, "Look one hoof!" then she spun on her front hoof then her back hoof, "I can do this all day! Whee!"

Umbra and Aziza clapped their hooves, "That's very good cousin!" Aziza yelled.

"Yeah, you might have a future as a great ice skater!" Umbra added.

"Thanks! Watch this!" Flurry yelled before she did a back flip, then she jumped in the air spun in the air.

"Whooo! Ahhhhh!" Aziza and Umbra yelled.

Flurry stopped in front of her new friends and bowed. "Tada! Thank you, thank you! You're too kind."

Aziza got up, "Wow! You were incredible, you got to teach me how to that."

Flurry stood beside her cousin and put an arm across her shoulders, "Sure thing, cousin! Just follow my lead."
Miles away from Freezerburg

Coldheart walked towards the direction of Freezerburg shaking the ground with every step he made. Coldheart stopped, smiled an evil smile, and laughed. "Soon Freezerburg will be mine!" with that his horns glowed and Yeti shaped black ice sculptures came out of the ground alive! The ice sculpture approached their creator and bowed as Coldheart laughed again. Then he looked at the ice sculptures and sung: "On a dark cold night, I was betrayed. By an Alicorn who claimed I was his friend. I helped him run the kingdom, and he left me unpaid. I deserved at least respect which I did not get, and to think I vowed to serve him until the end! I was a fool, until the crystal opened my eyes!
King Glacier prepare for the biggest surprise: I am awake and ready to take my revenge!

The ice sculptures stood up and marched behind their master as they sung: "On this dark cold night, he will have.....
his revenge! It's himself that he will avenge! On this dark cold night, he will have..... his revenge! It's himself that he will avenge!"

Coldheart laughed, then he sung: "Once I am king of Freezerburg, I run things differently! I make it so only Yeti's can live and black ice is worshiped! All the ponies, seals, and penguins will be enslaved incidentally! And I'll show King Glacier who is worthless! I'll see him put him into place! I'll make sure others see him as a disgrace!

Ice Sculptures: "On this dark cold night, he will have.....
his revenge!

(Coldheart: Sing it!)

It's himself that he will avenge!

(Coldheart: I'll avenge myself for sure!)

On this dark cold night, he will have..... his revenge!

(Coldheart: And it'll be sweet!)

It's himself that he will avenge!"

(Coldheart: "Yes, and just me!")

Coldheart sung by himself: "King Glacier, beware your rule is about to end! It'll only be a matter of time before I'm through with you! It's what you deserve for the pain you caused, so called old friend! I could humiliate you, but that's too good for you! So instead I'll trap you in ice....."

With that Coldheart laughed as he and his ice sculptures continued on their way while the ice sculptures chanted: "On this dark cold night, he will have..... his revenge! It's himself that he will avenge! On this dark cold night, he will have..... his revenge! It's himself that he will avenge!"
Seleneville

Back in the throne room Sombra and Luna checked the Crystal Ball. "Everything seems alright...." King Sombra said before the Crystal Ball got to Freezerburg and he saw their son, Aziza, and Flurry Ice skating on the frozen pond laughing and having a great time. They smiled until the ground in Freezerburg began to shake! Then the Crystal Ball went to the entrance of Freezerburg and showed Coldheart trying to break down the entrance to Freezerburg! An alarm sounded as they citizens ran for cover. Luna gasped, "Our son! He's in there!"

Sombra growled before he called, "Tirek! Scorpan!" they ran to the room.

"Yes?"

"Freezerburg is in danger! Tirek, you come with us! Scorpan, contact Twilight Sparkle!"

"Yes, sir!" Scorpan saluted and flew out of the castle. With their teleportation spell, King Sombra, Queen Luna, along with Colonel Tirek teleported out of the room.
Back in Freezerburg

Coldheart used his new dark magic to overwhelm the magic protecting Freezerburg and stormed in laughing! "Attack!" he yelled as the Ice Sculptures began breaking everything and attempting to hurt anyone and fighting the guards in their way!

King Glacier, still in the Throne Room, said, "Ra Isis and I will handle this. You must stay with the children." he ordered his wife as the kids were standing close to Arctica shivering from fear. The Alicorn adults flew out of the Throne Room.

Coldheart made his way towards the castle when the two Alicorn siblings stood in front of the evil Yeti. "Well, if it isn't my old friend Glacier and his sister Ra Isis! This will make my vengeance much more sweeter." the Yeti said before laughing.

"How are you still around, Coldheart?!" Glacier demanded.

Coldheart laughed again and said, "After my defeat I was very weak and I caged myself in ice so my powers could return undisturbed. Now I have awakened and my powers are stronger than ever!" then he laughed maniacally.

"Coldheart, my friend, what had become of you?" Glacier asked sadly.

"The Coldheart you once knew is long gone! Now there is only ME!" Coldheart bellowed before dark aura surrounded his fists and he started punching the Alicorns who ducked and dodged. Ra Isis charged her horn and fired a hot magic beam at the Yeti who let it hit his belly. It had no effect! Then Glacier fired an ice beam at Coldheart, but it had no effect! The Yeti laughed, "Hot and cold have no effect on me!"

Coldheart fought the two Alicorns. Flurry, Aziza, Umbra, and Arctica heard the noise coming from outside. "Mama, what's going on?" Flurry asked frightened.

"Someone is trying to hurt all of us, but your father and aunt will stop him."

Coldheart surrounded the Alicorn Siblings with black ice as King Sombra, Queen Luna, and Colonel Tirek arrived before Coldheart can fire a dark magic ball at it. Tirek charged at the monster ramming his horns at the Yeti's back! Coldheart roared in pain as he turned around. "You dare challenge the great Coldheart!"

Tirek smirked, "Great Coldheart? More like Big Black Fuzzball to me!" Coldheart roared and pounded on his chest before throwing a punch at Tirek who disappeared. Sombra and Luna then fired a combined magic beam at the Yeti's face! Coldheart covered his face with his paws as he roared in pain again. When he moved his paws he saw that King Glacier and Queen Ra Isis broke free and they along with Luna, King Sombra, and Colonel Tirek surrounding him. Coldheart roared in anger and pounded his chest again as the Alicorns, King Sombra, and Colonel Tirek powered up their horns as did the Yeti's. They fired magic beams at the Yeti who made a black barrier around him protecting himself from the magic beams.

"You can't hold up forever!" Tirek yelled.

Coldheart laughed again, "You maybe, but my power is limitless!"

"Don't be too sure!" Rainbow Dash's voice yelled. The Mane Six, Discord, Celestia, and Eclipse arrived. Twilight, Discord, Celestia, and Eclipse began combining their magic with the others magic.

"You can't stop friendship and teamwork!" Twilight yelled as the barrier began to break.

"WHAT?!"

"I suggest we take this outside!" Discord said before he teleported them all outside of Freezerburg. The barrier broke and the Yeti was hit!

They all powered down and the smoke cleared. Coldheart got up and laughed. "Impressive, very impressive! But you can't beat the darkness!" he said as his paws became surrounded by black aura again and his horns glowed. He fired a beam at the others but Tirek got in front of them and blocked it with his own magic barrier! Coldheart stopped and looked at Tirek amused, "If it's all the same to you I rather snap your horns with my own paws." he said cracking his knuckles.

Tirek lowered the barrier and smirked, "This might be fun after all!"

"Tirek, be careful!" Luna said as Tirek nodded and approached the Yeti. Tirek then ran up to the Yeti and threw a punch, but Coldheart dodged quickly as he threw a kick but Tirek dodged too! Tirek then lifted the monster over his head and tossed him. Coldheart quickly recovered and began throwing punches and kicks at the Centaur who ducked and dodged all of them. Tirek turned around and used his hind legs to kick his foe in the face and sending him to the ground. Tirek then jumped in the air and was going to deliver a punch in the stomach by Coldheart used his feet to stop him and throw him.

Tirek recovered quickly, "You're good, I'll give you that. But if you try to take over Freezerburg there will be a price to pay!"

"Oh really, and how would you know? Don't answer that!" Coldheart then grabbed Tirek and held him face to face, and Tirek didn't look worried.

"You are a fool....." Tirek said.

"YOU are the fool, thinking you can beat me!" Coldheart yelled in Tirek's face.

"I wasn't trying to beat you.... I was getting you into the position for me to do THIS!" Everyone watched as Tirek began absorbing Coldheart's powers! And surprisingly Tirek didn't get any bigger.

"What's happening?! I'm losing my powers!" Coldheart yelled as he felt himself weakened.

"You mean you LOST your powers!" Tirek said as the Ice Sculptures went into pieces and the citizens cheered. Coldheart dropped him and backed up. "Take this!" Tirek yelled as he slammed his fist to the ground and ice began surrounding the beast caging him again!

"NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!"

Tirek brushed both his hands, "Nothing to it....."

Twilight Sparkle ran up to Tirek angrily, "Don't tell me you....."

"Relax, the darkness is still inside of him. I only took his Ice Powers." Tirek said.

Twilight put a hoof to her chest, "Oh, good!

"He's yours now...." Tirek said backing away as Twilight nodded. The Mane Six surrounded Coldheart and used their Elements of Harmony on him, breaking the ice in the process.

Coldheart collapsed on his knees as King Glacier approached him. "Coldheart, all powers you have had are all gone...." he said.

Coldheart looked up at him sadly, "I'm.... Please forgive me..... I let my jealousy get the better of me and the crystal took advantage of it....."

"Coldheart, tell me why you were jealous." Glacier ordered.

"I was jealous because I helped you run the kingdom in the past and you got all the glory, and I got none...."

"Why did you not tell me?" Glacier asked.

"Because, I was afraid you would punish me or humiliate me....." Coldheart replied as Glacier shook his head.

"No, I would never do that. Not to my friend...."

"You still consider me a friend after all I put you through?" Coldheart asked.

"Yes, I do. And I'm sorry for not noticing your pain. You are welcomed back into Freezerburg, but you need to help correct what you've damaged and make up for what you have done before I let you become my adviser again."

Glacier said and Coldheart nodded, "Yes, I'll do as you command..... and I'll see to it that I work real hard and try to earn everyone's trust....." he promised.

Pinkie Pie taught him the Pinkie Promise and Coldheart got to work on the damage he caused. Flurry ran up to her father and hugged him, "That was so scary papa!"

"Don't worry, snowflake, it's over now...." Aziza hugged her mother and Umbra hugged his parents and aunt.

Celestia approached Tirek, "Tirek, you have done a very selfless act. I am proud of you."

Tirek bowed, "You honor me, Princess Celestia and I'll try to put these new Ice Powers to good use."

Discord heard that and he smiled. Eclipse bowed to King Glacier, "Should we help Coldheart, sir?"

Glacier shook his head, "No, Glacier must do it himself. If I know Coldheart he is a very skilled builder and is true to his word. I am also relieved that no one is hurt."

Eclipse nodded in agreement, "Me too."
Hours later.....

Coldheart wiped his head, "Phew! All done!" he had fixed the buildings he and his minions damaged.

King Glacier smiled, "Great work Coldheart! You still got ways to go...."

"Yes, I know. I promise I'll be good to others from now on...." Coldheart said as he bowed.

Glacier nodded, "Good. You must be exhausted from all that hard work. Why don't you rest for a while?"

"Good idea...." Coldheart replied before following King Glacier to the castle. Coldheart went to a sofa and laid down. Then he was asleep within moments.

Flurry went over to her father, "Is he a good yeti now, papa?"

"Yes, he is. And he'll be joining us to celebrate Hearth Warming's Eve with your aunt, cousin, and friend."

King Sombra and Queen Luna were taking a walk down a snowy park; Tirek, joined by Saphira, signed autographs for the kids; Discord was enjoying Ice Cream with Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash; Scorpan, Eclipse, Fluttershy and Easter played with the young penguins, seals, Yeti's, and the colts and fillies even Umbra, Aziza, and Flurry; Rarity was checking out the clothes store and her eyes sparkles when she saw the sparkly coats and capes; Applejack was trying the frozen fruit at the Fruit Market; Twilight Sparkle looked around the village with Celestia and took note of everything she saw. "This place is amazing, Celestia!" Twilight said.

"And beautiful too." Celestia added.

Cold Hooves used his magic to carry bouquet full of blue flowers and went to Flurry nervously. He presented them to her and blushed. "This is for me?" he nodded. "Oh, you're so sweet and very generous!" Flurry said before kissing his cheek. Cold Hooves stood there frozen for a second then he fell down in the snow. Umbra and Aziza saw this and smiled at each other.

Soon Spike, Flash Sentry, Shining Armor, Princess Cadance and their baby Alexandrite came and attended the Hearth Warming's Eve party at King Glacier's and Queen Arctica's castle with the others, even Tirek. Aziza gave Flurry a pair of sunglasses and Flurry gave Aziza blue mittens and they hugged each other. Coldheart and Tirek shook hands, "For helping me you and the others have earned an ally...." Coldheart said, "And I wish you well on turning good completely, my lord."

Saphira wrapped her arms around Tirek's arm, "He's getting there." she said as Tirek looked down at her and grinned. Applejack, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash brought Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, Wild Forrest, Polkey Dots, and Rapper Mouth and they befriended Flurry and the Popsicle Gang. Since Flurry had no Cutie Mark she became a Cutie Mark Crusader. And Flurry taught the CMC and the CMS how to ice skate. Fluttershy and Easter kissed under a mistletoe while no one was looking. Spike was following Rarity with hearts in his eyes and floating in the air. Scorpan and Eclipse were surprisingly good at ice skating and they ice skated like they were in ballet. Pinkie Pie was enjoying herself and bouncing around. Flash Sentry and Twilight Sparkle were having a little chat when Rainbow Dash held a mistletoe over their heads giggling. Flash Sentry and Twilight Sparkle happily kissed. When it was dinner time they all sat in chairs at a big table all made of ice. King Glacier raised a ice cup with his magic and said, "First I would like to welcome my old friend Coldheart back into Freezerburg and I would like to thank all of you for helping me and my sister bring the good Coldheart back. We couldn't have done it without all of you, thank you! And even though it's only a few more days I would like to wish everyone present a Happy Hearth Warming's Eve!" they all lifted their ice cups, "Cheers!" then they drunk their fruit juice, started eating, and some started having conversations.
In a cave miles away

"Hmph! That fool Coldheart has lost this battle and the powers I have gifted him centuries ago....." the evil voice said as the black stallion bowed.

"My apologies, sir. I didn't think THEY would show up during the battle...."

"No matter. It's still only the beginning..... and I have plans for all of them!" then the voice laughed his evil laugh.

Chapter Nine: Happy Hearth Warming's Eve!

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Chapter Nine: Happy Hearth Warming's Eve!

Just one more day until Hearth Warming's Eve, and everyone was was out and about. Making dinner for the next day, last minute shopping, and some had more decorating to do. Tirek himself, even though he didn't show it, kind of started looking forward to Hearth Warming's Eve according to his girlfriend. Sombra gave Tirek the day off and it was snowing. Tirek exited Seleneville and went for a walk and came to a very clear area. It had no rocks or trees as far as he can see. He looked at his fist and it covered itself with ice then the ice broke off when he tightened his fist. The ice fell to his front hooves. Tirek looked at the ice and how the ice shined in the light. Tirek grinned, "I have an idea!" he slammed both of his fists to the ground and ice came out of the ground.

Saphira was taking a stroll around Seleneville with Umbra. "Aren't you excited, sis?" Umbra asked. "Tomorrow is Hearth Warming's Eve! And I can't wait!"

"Oh, yes! Hearth Warming's Eve is the most wonderful time of the year." Saphira replied.

"Hey, Saphira? If you were created from a lifeless crystal about a month ago, how do you know about Hearth Warming's Eve?" Umbra asked out of curiosity.

"I remember everything that the crystal I came from had been through. Like I remember a time when I colt drew on me when I belonged to somepony out of spite, and I remember a time when a stallion took a piece of me so he can make a ring for his girlfriend. Yes, I was lifeless and I didn't feel pain either but I recall everything even Hearth Warming's Eve. Why, I even remember being used as Hearth Warming's Eve decoration." Saphira told her adopted brother before he laughed at the last part. "And you also may call me an antique; my crystal lasted for over ten centuries. And with age, comes with knowledge. Now that father has brought me to life I can experience everything for myself, even family and love."

"That's amazing! And also, I can't remember when I celebrated Hearth Warming's Eve for the first time but I somehow know about it." Umbra told her.

Saphira immediately knew what Umbra was talking about for she was there when he was the Sombragon and when he was revived as a colt. As a crystal of course. But it was not her place to tell him where he came from. "How strange...." was all she said.

"Yes, very strange. But I guess it's no big deal so I won't worry about it." Umbra decided. "We've celebrated Hearth Warming's Eve with our friends and family recently and that was a very good experience."

"Oh, yes! And my favorite experiences is helping Tirek, making friends with others, and having you as a little brother...." Saphira knelt down so Umbra can hug her and she can hug him back.

"I'm happy to have you as my big sister...." Umbra said making Saphira smile and kiss his head.

In the castle King Sombra and Queen Luna were finishing up on the presents they got for their son and the rest of their family and friends. Luna has just put a bow on a present for Celestia and put it under the really big tree in the ballroom. Sombra just put another present under the tree and said, "That's the last one."

"And this will be the best Hearth Warming's Eve our son has ever had!" Luna added.
Friendship Rainbow Kingdom

Twilight Sparkle and Spike were making dinner for the next day. "Spike can you get the flour?"

"Sure thing Twilight!" Spike got a stool and reached for the flour in a cupboard.

Flash Sentry came in, "Hi Twilight! Hi Spike!" Spike has just grabbed the flour and then fell off the stool throwing the flour at Flash Sentry! Flash now was all white. "Well, it looks like we're going to have a white Hearth Warming's Eve after all." he said after looking at himself. The three laughed at the joke.
Carousel Boutique

Rarity was humming Hark on the Bells while putting the finishing touches on a dress and putting it in a box. She wrapped up the box and put it with the other presents. "Almost done....." she said.

Sweetie Belle came in, "Hi Rarity!"

"Hello Sweetie Belle."

"Can you help me wrap some of these presents?"

"I'll be right there." Rarity said before picking up a needle and red thread.
Cafe

Hecko, Lolo, and Polkey Dots were in front of the café. Hecko and Lolo were telling jokes while Polkey was balancing on a ball juggling snowballs. "Where does the snowmare go dancing?" Hecko asked Lolo.

"At the snowBALL!" Lolo answered making the ponies watching laugh. "What is the snowmare's personality?" she asked Hecko.

"Flakey!" Hecko answered making them laugh more.

Polkey Dots threw the snowballs in the air, did a back flip on his ball, landed on one front hoof on the ball and started juggling the snowballs on his back hooves making the audience cheer.
Sugarcube Corner

Mrs. Cake hired Guitar Emo to play his electric guitar. Emo was playing Jingle Bells on his guitar. Some of the ponies, even Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara, stopped to watch before going into Sugarcube Corner.

Pinkie Pie was selling cakes while wishing everypony a Happy Hearth's Warming Eve. "Deck the halls with boughs of holly! Fa lalalala lalalala. Tis the season to be jolly! Fa lalalala lalalala!" she sung while getting more cakes ready.
Sweet Apple Acres

Big Mac was chopping wood and piling them up. Apple Bloom, Rapper Mouth, and Wild Forrest were having a snowball fight. Granny Smith was making hot chocolate. Applejack has just put the wood in the fireplace and walked back outside. A snowball hit her face, "Hey!" Apple Bloom laughed and then Applejack joined the snowball fight. Rainbow Dash was carrying Scootaloo on her back when they saw the others having a snowball fight. They looked at each other and nodded. With Scootaloo holding on tight Rainbow swooped down.

"Look out below!" Scootaloo yelled. Rainbow and Scootaloo dove into snow covering the others in the process. They all popped out of the snow and laughed. "Lets do that again!"
Fluttershy's Cottage

Fluttershy and Easter, after getting done checking on the animals, sat down on the sofa with a blanket covering them. Easter put an arm across Fluttershy's shoulders and Fluttershy rested her head on Easter's shoulder. Angel Bunny jumped on the sofa, curled up and fell asleep next to Fluttershy. The couple looked at the tree they put up and decorated then kissed.
Yykees' Mansion

Zecora just came to the door with presents on her back and rang the doorbell. The doorbell sounded like a woman screaming in a horror movie. Then spiders came down and landed on Zecora! Zecora screamed and dropped the presents. She then realized that they were fake spiders. Yykees opened the door and laughed, "Wow! You should've seen the look on your face!"

Zecora was annoyed at first, but she smiled. Yykees helped her pick the presents and they went inside. Yykees led Zecora to the music room and put the presents under the black and orange tree. Even the ornaments and lights were black and orange. "It's beautiful my beloved Yykees." she complimented before she looked down and saw what was around the bottom. "Why did you cover the base with spikes?"

"While my daughters and I were going through our decorations I found these collars my wolves used to wear and they wanted it to be around the base. For decorating I suppose." Yykees told her before a mare's ghostly groaning was heard.

"Is that the Boogie Mare I hear?

"Yes, it is."

"Her groaning sounds scary to my ear...." Then the Boogie Mare went through the wall in her corpse form groaning. She floated until she was close enough to Zecora's face. Zecora stood there not looking intimidated.

Then the Boogie Mare turned to her normal form, "Scared you, didn't I?" she asked.

"Floating, undead, your groaning, and eyes lit. That was very scary I will admit."

"My name is Boogie Mare, but you may call me Boo or Boogie if you want too." Boogie said extending her hoof.

The zebra shook it, "My name is Zecora, nice to meet you Boo. My beloved Yykees has told me all about you."

Spectra came out of the floor in front of Zecora and yelled, "Boo!" making her jump.

"What have we here? Why it's the ghost mare Spectra, my dear." Zecora and Spectra hugged.

"My wolves and my cobra would love to see you." Yykees said before whistling for them. Flint and Midnight rushed into the room and pounced on Zecora licking her face. Zecora laughed and stroked their heads then Sliver came in and rubbed against her legs making a hissing sound. "What did I tell you?"

Count Appula and Rose came into the room. "Hi Zecora!" Rose greeted

"Hello Zecora." Appula greeted next. Rose ran up to Zecora and they hugged.

"Hello Appula, hello Rose I am happy to see you." Zecora said.

"Zecora is going to be staying with us until Hearth Warming's Eve." Yykees told them.

"And I brought you all gifts too." Zecora added pointing at the presents she brought.

Suddenly the doorbell rang. "Now who could that be?" Yykees asked before going to the door and opening it. When he saw who they were Yykees couldn't believe his eyes. It was a green unicorn stallion with brown eyes, grey mane and tail, and his cutie mark was a wrench. Next to him was an orange unicorn mare with green eyes, light black mane and tail, and her cutie mark was needle and thread. They also carried packages with their magic. "Ma?! Pa?!"

"Oh, Yykees...." his mother started crying. "I thought I would never see you again....." she hugged Yykees.

"Hello son. You don't know how happy we are to see you again...." Yykees father said before hugging him too.

"Ma, Pa, how did you find me?!" Yykees asked in a bewildered tone of voice. Yykees let go and noticed a unicorn stallion and a unicorn mare behind them. The stallion had a grey coat, black mane and tail, green eyes, and his cutie mark was an empty book and feather pen. The mare had an orange coat, brown mane and tail, dark orange eyes, and her cutie mark were three pumpkins. The stallion and mare approached Yykees.

"Hello big brother." the mare greeted. Yykees' jaw dropped when he realized that they're his brother and sister!

They all went inside and Yykees showed them the way to the music room where the others waited and put the packages under the tree. Appula was the first to greet them, "Hello Uncle, hello Auntie! Long time no see."

They hugged their nephew, "Hello Appula!" his aunt greeted back. After they let go Appula approached the other two. "Hello, I don't think we've met. My name is Count Appula."

The stallion shook his hoof, "My name is Ghastly Books. I write novels. Scary novels mostly, and I'm Yykees' younger brother."

"I see. It's a great pleasure to meet you, cousin." Appula said before going to the mare. Appula held her hoof and kissed it, "And who are you?"

"My name is Pumpkin Cream. I'm the youngest sister of Yykees. I make deserts out of pumpkins and I own a pumpkin patch." she said. "And you're our cousin, Appula?"

"Yes, I am. My father is an Earth Pony and my mother is a unicorn and your mother's sister." Appula told her.

Yykees brought Zecora, Rose, Boogie, and Spectra over to his parents. "Everyone. I would like you to meet my parents whom I have not seen for about eighteen years." Spectra and Boogie floated up to them and nearly scared them half to death. "Ma, Pa, they are my daughters Spectra and Boogie Mare. Spectra and Boogie Mare, this is your grandfather Workaholic Wake and your grandmother Tailor."

Wake and Tailor were at a loss for words at first, but Wake said to his wife, "Well, would you imagine that? We're grandparents!"

"It's an extreme pleasure to finally meet you, grandfather and grandmother." Spectra said.

"They sure are pretty, Yykees." Ghastly complimented. "You can call me Uncle Gas."

"And you can call me Auntie Cream." Pumpkin Cream added.

"Ooh! I got to write this down!" Ghastly said taking out a paper and pen. "A stallion based off myself having ghost nieces based off of them will make an excellent ghost story."

"Forgive your uncle. He writes stories and whenever he gets an idea we writes it down." Tailor told her adopted granddaughters. Rose approached them.

"Hello, my name is Rose." she greeted shaking their hooves. "I'm Appula's girlfriend and I grow flowers."

"Nice to meet you, my dear." Wake said. Then Zecora came up to them. "Zecora?"

"Yes, Wake and Tailor it is I. Your eyes do not lie." she hugged them.

"It's so good to see you again...." Tailor said before letting go and looking over her. "You look great."

"How have you been?" Wake asked.

"I have been doing very well. You are doing well too, I can tell." Zecora replied.

"Zecora, it great to see you haven't changed a bit. And I always loved it when you rhyme." Tailor told her. Then she felt Sliver against her legs. "AHHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

"AHHHHHHH!" the cobra screamed back. "You sssssssssssssssssscared me!"

"You scared me!" Tailor replied before putting a hoof on her chest and breathing heavily.

"Oh, I forgot. You still hate snakes do you?" Yykees asked his mother.

"I'm terrified of them!" she replied. Sliver smirked and raised his head and spread his hood. "Ugh! Get that thing away from me!" she whined.

"Sliver, cool it." Yykees ordered. Sliver put his hood back and slivered out of the room. Yykees brought in some chairs and recliners into the music room. Midnight rested his head on a recliner's arm with Pumpkin's hoof on his head. Flint sat down next to Wake who was sitting in a wooden chair. Yykees explained everything that had happened since he got kicked out of his hometown.

"Wow, now THAT is a story!" his brother said.

"I never thought you would go through such a hard time." Pumpkin Cream said.

"Yeah, it was pretty rough for me. By the way when were you two born?" Yykees asked.

"I'm sorry, I never told you." Tailor said before her youngest son and daughter could say anything. "Before you were kicked out I was pregnant with twins. I meant to tell you, but because of your hobbies and what had happened I never got a chance to tell you."

"Oh...." was all Yykees could say.

"Son, I hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive us for letting you go. There was nothing we could do...." Wake said sadly.

"Pa, it was not your or Ma's fault. I shouldn't had gotten carried away with my pranking and disturbing others. I had it coming, I say. And yes, I was bitter and very lonely which is why I did what I did to the fillies and the others. Of course if it weren't for them and Spectra I wouldn't have reunited with Zecora." Yykees told everyone. "And I'm just curious how did you two get your cutie marks?" Yykees asked his siblings.

Ghastly Books spoke first. "Me and Pumpkin Cream grew up hearing about you, brother. I wanted to be like you, but I stink at pulling pranks and inventing. I did have some scary ideas in my head so I decided to write it all down. Then I ended up writing ghost stories. After publishing my first scary story I got my cutie mark. I have been writing stories ever since."

Yykees was very surprised. Pumpkin spoke next, "What he says is true. We did grow up listening to stories about you. Hearing about your cutie mare is what got me interested in pumpkins and pumpkin deserts. I started growing my own pumpkins, selling them, making them into jack-o-lanterns, and I eventually learned how to cook pumpkin seeds, make pumpkin spice, pumpkin ice cream, you name it. After mastering them I earned my cutie mark. As I said, I now have my own business. Not only I have a pumpkin patch, I also have an ice cream and candy store."

"Oh, my brother and dear sister." Yykees said before getting up and trotting over to his siblings. "You don't how much this means to me...." they got up too and hugged their older brother. Everyone else was very touched by this. Then their parents joined them.

"We really missed you, son." Wake said.

"I.... I missed you too...." Yykees sobbed. After they let go they went back to their seats. "By the way, how did you find me?"

"About a week ago, while I was writing a new chapter, I sneezed and blew some papers off my desk. I was picking up my papers until an old newspaper caught my eye. I read it, and it said about a haunted house discovered in Flame Geyser Swamp then I read another old newspaper telling about the owner and the truth of the haunted house. Your picture was in it and I showed it to ma." Ghastly explained.

"And when I saw that picture I immediately recognized you. We did some shopping, packed our bags, and left as soon as we can." Tailor added. "And that reminds me. You are like a legend back home and everypony has let it all go so I think you can come back anytime you want."

"Really?" Yykees asked.

"Yes"

"That's.... I truly do not know what to say.... but you see...."

"If you would like to stay here, we'll all understand. We love you son and we always will no matter where you live or what you look like." Wake told him. His wife and youngest son and daughter nodded in agreement.

"I love you all too and I would be more than happy to come home. But.... you see I'm going to be running a business here soon so I might be staying but I do promise to visit you all." Yykees said.

"Business? What kind of business?" Ghastly asked.

"I'm going to be opening up my own Nightmare Night Store that will be open all year round. It'll have anything related to Nightmare Night, costumes, and sweets. And I might also work in repairing old or broken machines and selling inventions that are safe. I'll call my business 'Zoinks! Costumes, Sweets, and Machinery.'

"Why, that's wonderful!" Tailor said.

"That's my boy!" Wake yelled.

"Congratulations, brother!" Ghastly yelled next.

"Sounds like a lot of fun." Pumpkin added.

"You bet. My sister and I get to give our customers a good scare." Boogie replied getting off her seat and floated towards them. She stared at her adopted grandparents for a moment then screamed as she turned to Corpse Form. They screamed and grabbed each other as Boogie turned back to normal and laughed. They recovered and laughed with the others.
Friendship Rainbow Kingdom

Twilight, Flash, and Spike have just finished making dinner and put it all in the fridge. "Phew!" Spike said.

"Now that the dinner is done, the presents are all wrapped, and the castle is decorated we just have to wait for tomorrow." Twilight said to them.

"Yeah, I can hardly wait!" Spike replied.

"Me neither." Flash said. Twilight stood in the doorway of the kitchen where a mistletoe hung over her head. Flash came over to her and the two kissed. Spike began imagining himself and Rarity standing under a mistletoe and kissing.

"Spike, can you take care of the dishes?" Twilight asked immediately getting Spike's attention.

"Oh, sure thing Twilight." he said before noticing that the dishes were already cleaned.

"Just kidding!" Twilight said before she and Flash laughed.

"Very funny!" Spike said.
Sugarcube Corner

It was dark out and Pinkie has just finished packing up the cakes that she was going to bring to the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom. Gummy jumped on the counter. "Oh, okay. One gumdrop." Pinkie said before taking a gumdrop from a container and throwing it. Gummy opened his mouth and caught the gumdrop then swallowed it. Pinkie yawned and looked at the clock. "It's closing time."

"Yes, it is." Mrs. Cake said putting a closed sign at the door.

"We'll see you in the morning, Pinkie Pie." Mr. Cake said before he and his wife went to their room.

"Okay, good night." Pinkie Pie said before taking the wrapped up cakes to her room with gummy on her back. She sat the cakes down and looked out her window. It was night time, many ponies have decorated their homes with lights, stars were out, and it was snowing. It was a rather pretty sight. She looked down and saw Vinyl, with her headphones on and some bags on her back, walking down the street and meeting Octavia who also had bags on her back. Careful to not let one another look into their bags they walked home together. She also saw children playing in the snow with their parents, couples going for walks, then she spotted Party Favor coming towards the Sugarcube Corner with a present on his back. Pinkie gasped and immediately rushed outside to greet him. "Hi Party Favor!"

"Hi Pinkie Pie!" Party greeted back before they hugged.

"What are you doing around these parts?" Pinkie asked.

"I got a present for you." Party replied taking the present off his back and giving it to Pinkie.

"For me? Oh, you're the dearest-dear!" Pinkie yelled before nuzzling him, making him blush. "Would you like to come in and stay for a while?"

"Oh, don't mind if I do. It's a really long way back to Seleneville and it's cold out here." together they went into Pinkie's apartment. After Party warmed himself he sat down at the table. Pinkie cut up some cake for herself and for him and put them on two plates before sitting down at the table with him. "Thanks Pinkie. Smells great!" he took a bite, "Tastes great too!"

"Thanks! I made it myself." Pinkie Pie took a bite, too. "Mmm, and to think I made this three months ago." Party Favor spat out his cake and coughed. "Kidding! I made this three days ago." Pinkie assured him before laughing.

Party laughed too, "You really got me there!" he wiped his face off with a napkin. "By the way have you heard about Tirek today?"

"No. What's up?"

"I have heard a rumor that Tirek is building something using his new ice powers. It's for his girlfriend I suppose."

"Saphira?"

"Yes, that' her. You know, I'm really starting to think Tirek might really have feelings for her."
Seleneville

Saphira was in the Throne Room talking with King Sombra, Queen Luna, and Umbra. "Do you mind if I call you father?" she asked King Sombra.

"Of course you may. You are one of my greatest creations." Sombra told her. Overjoyed Saphira hugged King Sombra who hugged her back.

"And you may call me mother or mom if you want to." Luna told her before joining the hug.

After they let go Saphira asked, "Can I ask you something, father?"

"Of course. Anything." Sombra replied.

"It's about Tirek." she sighed, "Do you believe in love at first sight?"

King Sombra and Luna looked at each other for a moment then back at their adopted daughter. "Yes, as a matter of fact I do." King Sombra told her. "When I first met your mother, I felt love. She was my very first friend, later girlfriend, now my wife. You still remember that day, my dear?"

"Oh, how can I ever?" Luna asked. "I remember it as if it were yesterday." she and Sombra kissed. "Why do you ask?"

"Because, when I first saw Tirek I felt weird if you know what I mean." her parents nodded. "Tirek is very good-looking to me, brave, very strong, and had become very loyal even though he never admits such things. As the time we spent together this past month I have grown rather fond of Tirek. I know he looks scary to others and can be very ambitious, but I believe that he is a tortured good-hearted creature. It's just.... I believe to have fallen in love with him. I just don't know how I can tell him...."

"Just take your time. Be yourself. It's all you can do." Sombra told her. Then Tirek came in and spotted Saphira.

"Oh, there you are! I have been looking for you." Tirek said to her. "Can you come with me? I would like to show you something." Saphira smiled and looked at her adopted parents who nodded a yes.

Together she and Tirek were on their way to the spot Tirek has been all day. "Tirek, there is something I have been meaning to talk to you about."

"It's funny." Tirek replied.

"What's funny?" Saphira asked.

"I wanted to talk to you about something too." Saphira blushed and got a feeling that she knew what he wanted to talk to her about.

"Tirek, where are we going?"

"If I told you that would ruin the surprise." Tirek replied. "We're almost there." they eventually made it to the spot and Saphira gasped. In the spot was a really huge mum flower made out of ice. It sparkled as if it were a crystal and it shined in the moonlight.

"It's.... it's beautiful...."

"I made it for you, Saphira."

Saphira's smile got bigger as she looked up at her boyfriend. "You did all this.... for me? Oh Tirek!" she wrapped her arms around him. Tirek looked down at his girlfriend and smiled. He wrapped his arms around her. His arms and hands felt warm. "Tirek?"

"Yes Saphira?"

"What I wanted to talk to you about is.... well.... you see.... when we first met I felt attracted to you...."

Tirek grinned, "I felt the same way about you when I first laid my eyes on you.... it was a feeling that I never felt until I met you...."

Saphira smiled, "I have never felt this way before either until I met you too. I mean I have friends that are like family to me, but I have never felt so in love as I am with you before...." Saphira gasped when she realized what she just said.

"You're in love with me? With a demon?" Tirek asked in a bewildered tone of voice.

Saphira was very hesitant at first, then she said, "Yes, I am in love with you. You are not a demon to me, you are a gifted centaur."

"You really mean that?" Tirek asked.

"Yes, I do my lord. Do you feel the same way for me?" Saphira asked.

Tirek was now hesitant for a moment then he answered, "Yes, I feel like I'm in love with you. In the beginning I did not know anything about love and friendship and I desired power. I think it was because I didn't know about friendship, love, and family that I became power-hungry and very ambitious. I had made plans to overthrow King Sombra, to be honest, but he made it so I wouldn't be able to do that and I was very displeased. When I first saw you, I thought I could use a queen by my side. But you have changed me, and you were able to reason with me. And the more time I spent with you, the lot more different and better I felt. When I started doing good things I soon realized that I was not just doing it for myself I was doing it for others and for you mostly. I suppose you can say that I have reconsidered and I would rather spend all eternity with you."

"Oh, Tirek.... you have changed so much.... and I want to be with you always as well...." Saphira replied. "And I can't keep it to myself anymore. I love you Tirek...." she hugged him again and rested her head on his muscular chest.

"I.... I.... I love you too Saphira. More than anything...." Tirek returned the hug then their eyes met. Then they had their very first kiss. They were unaware that they were being watched by some ponies who decided to follow them and Discord. In the sky Rainbow Dash and Soarin were just passing through spending quality time together when they too spotted Tirek and Saphira kissing.

"Ew, gross!" Rainbow Dash said.

"I think it's great that Tirek had found love at last." Soarin said happily.

"Yeah, maybe you're right. I'm just not used to Tirek, well you know, being a good demon and him having a centauress as girlfriend." Rainbow Dash. "Then again, love comes in all forms doesn't it?"

Soarin smiled and nodded. "Yes, like Eclipse and Scorpan, Discord and Celestia, and Spike having a crush on Rarity."

"Not to mention a class clown and a great Wonderbolt." Rainbow added before putting a hoof on her mouth. Soarin smiled again as Rainbow Dash blushed. "Oh, boy...."

"That reminds me, there is something I have been meaning to talk to you about in private." Soarin said. Rainbow immediately knew where this was going but she followed Soarin.

"Happy Hearth Warming's Eve, Tirek...." Saphira said.

"Happy Hearth Warming's Eve, Saphira...." Tirek said before they hugged and kissed again. They let go and looked at the ice sculpture and the stars. Discord motioned the other ponies to go back to Seleneville before he teleported.
The next morning....

Shining Armor, Cadance, Alexandrite had their first Hearth Warming's Eve together at the Crystal Empire. Alexandrite walked over to one of his presents and tried opening it up. His parents watched happily before they kissed.

Moondancer and her sister were celebrating Hearth Warming's Eve at Moondancer's house. Moondancer got her sister a new tea set and a coffee maker while she got Moondancer new books and a new book bag with Moondancer's cutie mark on it. They hugged and nuzzled each other.

Queen Ra Isis gave her daughter gold coins and jewelry. Aziza gave her mother a clay model of a sphinx that Umbra helped her make. Ra Isis kissed her daughter's head and looked at the model happily before putting it on display.

Cold Hooves went to Princess Flurry and gave her a Blue Raspberry ice cream cone while blushing. Flurry took it and licked it, "Mmm! My favorite! Thank you." she kissed Cold Hooves cheek making him blush until he was different shades of red. Flurry gave Cold Hooves Blueberry Ice Cream. He recovered and took it happily before they went on a walk. King Glacier has just given his wife a new necklace made out of ice. Queen Arctica gave her husband a dark blue blanket with Glacier's cutie mark on it before they kissed.

Vinyl has just given Octavia a new bow and strings for her cello. Octavia has just given Vinyl new records before they hugged and started playing music together.

Luau Tiki Island celebrated Hearth Warming's Eve by exchanging gifts and dancing.

Pumpkin Cream gave Yykees a pumpkin pie. Yykees gave her a mechanical pumpkin that he built that acts like an alarm if anypony tries to sneak into her property. Ghastly gave Yykees five scary stories that he had written. Yykees gave his brother empty books he found in his library for him write in. Tailor gave Yykees a new cape while Wake gave him new tools and supplies for his work. Yykees gave his father access to his lab and his new teleporter Twilight and George helped him build. Yykees gave his mother access to the room where he makes costumes and a lot of new material. Rose gave Appula a sack full of apples and apple juice while he gave Rose a bouquet of different colored roses he got at Fantome's greenhouse. Yykees gave Appula fake vampire teeth and Rose a watering can with a red rose on it while they gave Yykees more mechanical supplies. Zecora gave Yykees a book of medicine while Yykees gave her a zebra striped cloak. Boogie and Spectra gave each other ghost pony shaped ornaments and gave their father a new yellow plastic skull mask. "We made it ourselves." Spectra told him. Yykees gave his daughters new white dresses. Yykees gave his wolves rope toys to play with and his cobra a basket with a lid. They were all happy with their gifts and were more happy because their family is back together.

At Rapper Mouth's house Rapper just gave Guitar Emo new guitar strings and hair dye. Guitar Emo gave his brother a box and motioned him to open it. Rapper did and a pie came out and got on his face! Emo laughed so hard that he fell on his back. After he recovered and Rapper wiped his face off Emo gave his brother a pair of black sunglasses with yellow lightning bolts on the sides and grinned. "Children, your Hearth Warming's Eve pancakes are ready!" their mother yelled.

"All right!" Emo yelled before he and his brother ran to the dining room.

"Did you open any presents?" their father asked.

At the comedians' house Hecko and Lolo gave Polkey Dots a joke book. Polkey gave Hecko a new squirt flower and Lolo a new jester baton then they all embraced. After they let go, Lolo told Polkey Dots, "You're going to be a big brother, soon." Polkey gasped and they hugged again.

"Wait till my friends hear about this!" Polkey yelled before running out of the house. Hecko and Lolo looked at each other, smiled, and kissed.

"If it's a boy, we should name him PJ." Hecko said.

"PJ?"

"Practical Joker."

Lolo giggled, "If it's a girl, we should name her Jessie Jester. JJ." Hecko chuckled and they kissed again.

Flash Sentry, Spike, Twilight Sparkle, Easter, Fluttershy, Party Favor, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Soarin, Rainbow Dash, Wild Forrest, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo, and Sweetie Belle were just about to get ready for the party when Polkey Dots stormed in. "Hey guys! My parents are going to have a baby soon!" with that they all cheered.

Wild Forrest trotted up to him, "Congratulations, buddy!"

"You're going to be a big brother!" Twilight said before hugging the little clown.
In Seleneville

"Tirek, this is for you." Saphira said giving Tirek a present. Tirek opened it up and found a black cape. "I made it. And it has a gold T and the cape matches your black and gold armor."

"Yes, it does." Tirek replied putting the cape on. "Thank you Saphira."

"I got you something, too." Scorpan said handing him a present. Tirek just looks at him and then opens the box. Inside was a black pocket watch with #1 Brother in gold letters. "Happy Hearth Warming's Eve, you big jerk." Scorpan said punching his brother's arm playfully.

Tirek grinned, "Happy Hearth Warming's Eve, you big pain." he replied before flicking Scorpan on the forehead. He and Scorpan hugged each other. "I didn't get you anything." Tirek said after they let go.

"You came back to me, brother. That's the greatest gift I ever had." Scorpan replied.

Eclipse trotted up to them. "I saw hugging!" she said happily. "Everything alright between you two?"

"Yes, everything is good." Scorpan replied. Tirek nodded in agreement.

"Did you tell him?" Eclipse asked.

"Oh, no I didn't. Tirek, I got big news." Scorpan said.

"Take a look at my horn." Eclipse told Tirek and Saphira. They looked and saw a silver ring with an amethyst. Saphira gasped when she saw what it was. "Scorpan proposed! We're getting married!" Saphira and Eclipse squealed with joy and hugged each other.

Tirek looked at Scorpan and put a hand on his shoulder, "Congratulations, little brother."

"Thank you, big brother."

At the tree in the ballroom, Umbra received many presents: sapphire shoes from Luna; sapphire breastplate from Sombra; a practice sword from Midknight Ruby; different kinds of gems from Sapphire Gemstone; and a miniature crystal sculpture of Prince Umbra and Princess Aziza from Saphira. "Wow, this is great! Thanks everyone!" Umbra yelled. "I got you all something too. This is for you, Pappapa and Gramma." Umbra said giving them a picture of them and Umbra in a picture frame Umbra made out of Popsicle sticks painted white and in colorful letters it said 'I love my Gramma' and 'I love my Pappapa'.

"Oh, this is sweet! Thank you!" Sapphire yelled kissing Umbra's head.

"Yes, it's very creative. Thank you, son!" Midknight said next before giving Umbra a noogie.

Umbra trotted over to his parents. He presented Luna with a full moon ornament he made out of clay with 'MOM' carved into it. He presented Sombra with a diamond shaped clay model ornament painted light green with 'DAD' carved into it. Sombra smiled, "My son, you never cease to amaze me." Umbra smiled and hugged his father.

"This is excellent! Thank you, Umbra." Luna complimented before hugging her son too and kissing his head. After they let go Sombra and Luna used their magic to put the ornaments on the tree.
Canterlot

Discord, Isle, and Sombra were in the decorated Throne Room. Discord gave Isle a staff similar to her staff except it had a decorated Hearth Warming's Eve tree instead of palm tree leaves and carved coconuts. Discord gave Celestia a sparkly new dress that had the same colors and pattern at her mane. "This is lovely! Thank you." Celestia said before kissing Discord.

"This is fantastic!" Isle yelled holding up her new staff with her left hoof. "We have something for you too." She and Celestia motioned the guards to bring in a big present.

"Now THAT is what I call a Hearth Warming's Eve gift!" Discord yelled with his eyes wide open. He rushed over to it and opened it up with his magic. Discord gasped when he saw that it was his throne!

"Discord, you have done so much good and we believe that you are now ready to take your throne back." Celestia said with a smile.

"You mean it?" Discord asked in a girly voice as Celestia nodded. "This will look great in my house! Only it will be my castle!" Discord gasped, "I can't wait to get started!" with that he teleported with his throne. He teleported back, "Happy Hearth Warming's Eve Celestia and Isle! Drop by my castle, when it's finished, anytime!" he teleported again. Celestia and Isle looked at each other, smiled, and exchanged gifts.

The Mane Six, Easter, Flash Sentry, Party Favor, Spike, the CMC, the CMS, and their families and friends started the Hearth Warming's Eve party at the Friendship Rainbow kingdom. There was music, dancing, gift exchanging, foods and drink, and anything imaginable. Twilight looks at the screen and yells, "Happy Hearth Warming's Eve Everypony!"

Chapter Ten: Hot! Hot! HOT!!!

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Chapter Ten: Hot! Hot HOT!!!

It was almost spring time and that evil being and his stallion assistant were up to no good again. The stallion approached the two glowing yellow evil eyes and bowed, "Why have you waited until now, sir?" he asked.

"Because this evil I am about to awaken from his slumber is weak during the winter time. Now that it is spring time his powers should be at his strongest!" the evil voice replied.

"Evil, sir?"

"Yes. He has quite a temper, but it's his rage that I have taken a liking in."

"Wait, you don't mean?"

"Yes, he is the Lord of the Volcano. Magmata...." the evil voice said before letting out an evil laugh.
Under the sea

In the deepest, darkest bottom of the sea was what appeared to be a cave. The evil voice said, "Lord Magmata, awaken from your watery slumber!" he ordered. Then bright yellow eyes opened in the dark cave and an evil laugh was heard.
Ponyville

Prince Umbra and Princess Aziza were hanging out with the CMC and the CMS at the playground near the Schoolhouse. The weather was cool and the snow was still melting. "It's that time of year again. It will soon be spring." Wild Forrest said to his friends.

"Yeah, but don't feel sad. Spring is not really that bad." Rapper Mouth rapped.

"Springtime is nice, and it'll be warmer." Polkey Dots added.

"I agree. And many of my animal friends will wake up from hibernation soon." Forrest replied before a snowball hit his face. "Hey!" Umbra and Aziza laughed then they all had a snowball fight.

Silver Spoon, still bitter for what happened between herself and Umbra, watched them play. Guitar Emo spotted her and trotted up to her. "Come one, Silver. Let it go! He's probably not the colt for you anyway."

"Yeah, maybe you're right...." Silver replied before joining Guitar Emo and Diamond Tiara.
Outside of Seleneville

Tirek, with an arm across Saphira's shoulders, stood in front of the ice mum flower and watched it melt. "It's still beautiful...." Saphira said before resting her head on her boyfriend's shoulder.

"Yes, it still is. It's a good thing we have the picture taken during Hearth Warming's Eve." Tirek replied before taking out the picture and showing it Saphira. It was a picture of Tirek and Saphira standing in front of the ice mum flower the night before Hearth Warming's Eve. Next he took out a picture without himself and Saphira in it.

Saphira then showed Tirek a picture of herself and Umbra in front of the ice mum flower. "Umbra, he looks up to me like a big sister. And he is like a little brother I never had...." she told Tirek. "He, his parents, you, your family, and all our friends are like family to me."

"You don't have a family?" Tirek asked.

"Not biologically, no. But we don't have to be biologic to be family." Saphira replied.

"I'm sorry to hear that, my dear. And you are right, we don't have to be blood related to be family. What happened to your family?" Tirek asked.

"I'm afraid that is a story for another day, my lord." Saphira told him.

"If you rather not talk about it, I understand." Tirek replied.

"Thank you, my lord."

"You can just call me Tirek if you want too."

"Okay, Tirek." she and Tirek kissed.

Suddenly there was an earthquake that lasted only a few seconds. Tirek and Saphira grabbed each other, "What the heck was that?" Tirek asked before they rushed back to Seleneville.
Seleneville

"Is everyone alright?" Luna asked.

"Yeah, we're alright!" Scorpan answered. "That sure was odd."

"I have hoped that he would never awaken...." Sombra said getting everyone's attention.

"What are you talking about?" Midknight asked walking into the room.

Sombra looked at his father then at Scorpan, "Scorpan, get Twilight Sparkle and the others."

Scorpan saluted, "Yes, sir!" he flew away.

In the Throne Room Sombra, his parents, Celestia, Luna, Isle, Scorpan, Tirek, Saphira, and the Mane Six soon met. "This earthquake we felt a while ago was no ordinary earthquake." King Sombra told everyone.

"What other earthquake is there?" Rainbow asked.

"Right before the earthquake I felt another evil being awakened. Waking up probably caused that earthquake."

"Not another bad guy!" Rainbow groaned.

"Who is he?" Twilight asked.

Sombra closed his eyes for a moment and said, "His name is Lord Magmata. My old friend."

"Magmata? Who's Magmata?" Pinkie asked.

"Magmata is the Lord of the Volcano." Celestia answered. "I thought he was long gone...."

"So did I...." Sombra replied.

"How do you know him?" Sapphire Gemstone asked.

Sombra was reluctant at first, but he said, "After my corruption, banishing you and father into Eternal Darkness, and hurting Luna I have allied myself with Lord Magmata. He too was ostracized because of his gift to create and control heat, fire, and lava and was rejected by his parents. We had a few things in common and as the weeks passed we became close friends. I wanted to take over the Crystal Empire and shroud the world in darkness; Lord Magmata wanted to make the world so hot. We couldn't achieve both goals so we stopped working together. Lord Magmata attempted to evaporate the sea and dry up Luau Tiki Island and all other lands in the process but he was stopped by the Deep Sea Queen Aqua Marina and sealed away in a volcano under the sea. That was the last time I ever saw him." Sombra told everyone. "Now that he is awakened he might finish what he had started all those years ago. Tirek, can you find the location."

Tirek nodded and used his magic on Sombra's Crystal Ball creating the mirror. "Show me Lord Magmata." he ordered. Then his reflection started changing until an island with a volcano was shown coming out of the sea. Then out of the volcano came an unicorn with a body that looked like it was made out of lava and flint. His crown was black flint, his mane and tail were fire, his eye color was yellow, and his horn looked like a small black volcano, he had flint on his hooves, and he had black flint spikes and black volcanoes on his back. He smiled an evil smile and laughed as his eyes glowed bright yellow.

"Oh, no! He's going to make the volcano erupt!" Sombra yelled. "We must stop him! General and father, you and the others guard the castle while we're away." they both saluted. King Sombra, Tirek, the Mane Six, Scorpan, Isle, Celestia, and Luna teleported out of the room together.
The Volcano

They all appeared on the island unnoticed my Magmata who was still powering up the volcano. "it's pretty warm here..." Rarity said.

"I wonder why." Rainbow replied sarcastically. They all looked up and saw Lord Magmata still on top of the volcano.

Sombra's horn glowed, "The volcano is about ready to erupt and I sense a darkness identical to what Coldheart had. I'll take him on. Luna, Celestia, and Isle will restrain him when I give the signal. Tirek will take away his powers and when he is weakened the Elements of Harmony will remove the darkness that's inside of Magmata just like they did with Coldheart. Understood?" they all nodded.

"Be careful, dear. Magmata can turn into his Dragon Form at any time." Luna warned.

"Yes, I know...." Sombra said before he and his wife kissed. Sombra turned to blue shadow form and flew up to the volcano. "Magmata!!!"

Magmata's eyes turned to normal and saw King Sombra. "Ah, King Sombra my old friend." he said in a raspy voice. "You have been set free too, I see. And you seem different somehow."

Sombra flew over to his old friend and turned back to normal. "I am not the King Sombra you used to know, old friend."

"I can see that. You appearance has changed a lot."

"I mean I have realized the error of my ways, given up hostile takeover, redeemed myself, and I became a Crystal Pony." Sombra explained.

"What?!" Magmata yelled making smoke come out of his back and horn. "You have became one of those who have treated you so bad?! How long have we been sleeping, anyway?"

"This may be a surprise to you, Magmata. But a thousand years has passed. Things are much more different today. Numerous ponies respect those that are different from them and they have forgiven me and accepted me as well. Magmata, while you still have the time it is not to late to reconsider and used your gifts for good."

Magmata just looks at him and laughs. "You have grown way to soft, old friend. Being good gets us nowhere!" his eyes glowed and more smoke came from his horn and back, "I have never experienced love or friendship because I was rejected, abandoned, tossed aside! Now, if not those from a thousand years ago, their descendants shall feel my RAGE!"

"Magmata, please!"

"I am through listening to others....

King Sombra sighed, "If it's a fight you want, then I'll give you one. But know this: You will regret this." with that he got into battle position as did Magmata. They circled around the volcano keeping their eyes on one another. Magmata strikes first by firing lava from his horn as King Sombra created a crystal shield. He then lowered the shield and fired a blue magic beam at his foe. Magmata countered it by breathing fire from his mouth. The stream of fire and the magic beam struggled until King Sombra surrounded the Evil Lord with blue crystals and stopping the fire. The crystals began to turn red and started melting.

Magmata laughed, "Is that all you got?!"

"I can do more!" King Sombra yelled turning to Blue Shadow Form and taking to the sky.

"Two can play at that game!" Magmata yelled turning in Fire Form and went after Sombra. It was similar to King Sombra's Shadow Form ability except it's fire. The two tackled each other and hit their heads. They tried to push one another until Magmata smirked and unleashed smoke from his mouth. King Sombra coughed and lost sight of Magmata. His horn glowed then he felt Magmata just about to attack from behind! King Sombra turned around fast as a stream of fire hit him. King Sombra screamed in pain then fired a another magic beam at Magmata.

"This battle really is HEATING up!" Pinkie yelled.

"You make a pun now?!" Rarity asked looking horrified.

Tirek looked at saw Magmata's horn. "Wait, that's it!"

King Sombra and Magmata continued their battle until an ice beam came from below and hit Magmata's horn causing it to harden and shatter. "NOOOO! MY HORN!" he yelled in anguish. King Sombra looked down at Tirek who nodded. King Sombra nodded back and fired another magic beam at Magmata causing him to fall down and turn to his normal form. King Sombra turned to his normal form and landed on the volcano with the Evil Lord. King Sombra was going to help Magmata up but he pushed Sombra's hoof away and stood up laughing. "You have brought help, I see...." he began backing up. "Let's see how well you all do when...." he fell into the volcano and into the lava.

"Magmata, no!" Sombra yelled. Suddenly the ground began to shake then out of the lave came a dragon make out of lava and hardened lava. Magmata laughed wickedly as he came out of the volcano and looked down at Sombra. Magmata's eyes glowed and a new horn was made out of lava then it hardened making it look like a volcano. Then lava came from the volcano. The alicorns used their magic to lift Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Tirek as they, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash flew off the island being covered in lava. When the lava made contact with the sea the lava hardened and steam came out. Magmata roared making the ground shake again. "Magmata...." Sombra turned to his giant blue shadow form ready to fight again.

"Golly!" Applejack yelled.

"This is a disaster!" Isle yelled next.

"We have to help him!" Tirek yelled creating an iceberg. The alicorns sat Rarity, Pinkie Pie, Applejack on the iceberg. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash landed on the iceberg. Still carrying Tirek, the Alicorns flew off to help Sombra.

Magmata was firing lava from his horn as Sombra ducked and dodged. The lava kept hitting the sea making the lava harden. Sombra unleashed a magic beam at Magmata's face making him roar in pain and breath fire. Sombra created a crystal shield and blocked the fire. The alicorns flew behind Magmata unnoticed. Tirek created a blizzard hitting Magmata's volcano's his back. As the ice made contact Magmata began to harden as the ice melted. Magmata roared in pain and turned around fast. The four alicorns fired their magic beams at the monster's face. Sombra then combined his magic with the Alicorn's magic and Tirek's blizzard. Outraged Magmata made the ground shake and the volcano below him erupt. The lava surrounded the whole island and hardened when it made contact with the sea. Magmata laughed as he stepped out of the volcano becoming part of the lava flow. He arose from the lava flow ready for more until the sky started getting dark and storm clouds were coming. Then a huge merpony arose from the sea. She looked like Valtameri, only older and bigger, the fins on her back were green, pink, and yellow and the two of them were like huge wings, her eyes were water blue, she wore a gold necklace with a purple crystal, her golden crown was made out of stone, shells, and coral, and her cutie mark was a redheaded mermaid and three bubbles. "Aqua Marina!" Celestia yelled, surprised to see her.

When Magmata saw her he roared and breathed fire mixed with lava from his horn at her. Aqua Marina summoned a tidal wave to shield her. Then Aqua Marina summoned an even more bigger tidal wave big enough to cover Magmata! Magmata tried to go back to the volcano but the water reached him. Magmata began to harden as he roared in anguish. Soon his body was completely hardened and he stood there like a really big statue. "Magmata...." Sombra said sadly. The alicorns got the others with their magic before landing on the island with Sombra and Tirek. Aqua Marina swam up to them. "Aqua Marina...."

"Fear not, King Sombra. Your friend is still alive...." Aqua Marina assured him.

"What a relief...." King Sombra said before his horn glowed. "He still has the darkness feeding on his rage. Tirek must first take his powers then the Elements of Harmony can save him."

"What will we do with him?" Rainbow asked.

"Magmata was always rash, foolish, and very bad even before the darkness took over him. So I'm afraid I'm going to have him put him in my dungeon. Tirek, get to work." he ordered.

"Gladly...." Tirek replied before he used his power. The magic left the immobilized Magmata and Tirek absorbed it. Tirek felt the heat go through his veins. Twilight then used the Elements of Harmony on Magmata. The magic made the statue crumble unleashing Magmata in the process. Magmata roared before he shrunk back to his normal self unconscious.

King Sombra scanned Magmata with his horn, "His powers are completely gone along with the darkness feeding on his rage."

"Hey, look!" Isle yelled flying over the island. The alicorns used their magic to carry the ones who couldn't fly and Sombra turned to blue shadow form before joining them. "Magmata has made a whole new island!"

"And so he did...." Aqua Marina said.

"It will take some time, but the island will become green and become inhabited. I will call it the Island of Magmata!" Isle decided.

"Aqua Marina, thank you...." Celestia said. Aqua Marina nodded and returned to the sea.

"That was Aqua Marina?" Rarity asked.

"Yes. It has been so long since I've last seen her...." Celestia replied. "Let's go home."
King Sombra's and Queen Luna's Castle

King Sombra, using his magic to carry Magmata, went to the dungeon with Luna, Tirek, and the Mane Six. Tirek opened a cell then King Sombra sat Magmata on the bed. Tirek closed and locked the cell. "It pains me doing this to my friend, but like other villains he must learn. Twilight, I give you and the others my permission to visit Magmata and see what you can do to straighten him out." they nodded in agreement then they all left the cell.

Shortly after they left Magmata awakened and looked around fast. When he saw that he was imprisoned and couldn't use his powers he roared in anguish. "NOOOOOO!!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!! AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!"
In a cave miles away

"Just as I suspected.... even Lord Magmata couldn't deal with them...." the evil voice said.

"Sir, if I may ask, why did you let Magmata and Coldheart get defeated?" the black stallion asked

"Because they have what I want: the darkness within...."

"Darkness, sir?"

"Yes, those fools are unaware that whenever they remove the darkness from them I take it for myself. Rage and Jealousy is what I have taken so far...."

"I see. So with each defeat you become more powerful?" the stallion asked.

"Precisely...." then the evil voice laughed. "And when I a strong enough and when I am set free the world will be mine!" he laughed again.

Chapter Eleven: The Medals

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Chapter Eleven: The Medals
Seleneville

Tirek was in the spot wear he does his training outside of Seleneville. He picked up a rock and made it melt in his hand. The melted rock got on the ground and started to burn before Tirek stepped on it, putting it out. He looked at both of his hands and concentrated. His right hand was on fire and his left hand was covered with ice. He then looked at a boulder and sent fire from his right hand to it. Soon the boulder was red and hot. Then Tirek fired ice from his other hand cooling off the boulder. Then he slammed both hands to the ground making fireballs and ice come out of the ground. When the two made contact a huge cloud of steam was made, "This will make excellent smokescreen...." Tirek said before firing a beam from his between his horns clearing away the steam.

"That was awesome!" Saphira yelled.

Tirek looked surprised, "How long have you been here?"

"Just a few minutes. By the way, your tail is on fire."

"What?" Tirek looked back and saw the tip of his tail lit up. "Oh, well would you look at that." he said before putting a finger and thumb on the lit part of the tail putting it out.

"Is your hand hot?" Saphira asked before giggling.

"Haha, that's funny Saphira. No, my hands feel fine. I guess I have gotten impervious to hot and cold since I got these new powers." he looked at the melted rock. "Maybe I could use my fire powers to make new armor and weapons."

"That's not a bad idea. Speaking of melting, a blacksmith just moved to Seleneville." Saphira told him.

"Really?"

"Yes, and he has opened up his own workshop. He also has three daughters. He is speaking to King Sombra in case if you wanted to meet him."

Tirek scratched his beard, "Sure, why not?" he held out his arm and Saphira wrapped her arms around it before heading back to Seleneville.
King Sombra's and Queen Luna's Castle

And light brown unicorn stallion was shaking Sombra's hoof. He had a dark brown mane and tail, green eyes, and an anvil with a hammer cutie mark. He also had a brown beard and mustache. "Thank you so much, sir! I promise you won't regret this." he said.

"You are quite welcome, Smith." Sombra said before turning looking towards his unicorn daughters. The oldest's coat and eyes were gold, her mane and tail were yellow with gold, and her cutie mark was two gold bars. She also wore a gold crown shaped tiara on her head. The second oldest's coat, tail, and mane were silver. Her eyes and headband were greenish blue, and her cutie mark were two silver bells. The youngest's coat was bronze, her mane, tail, and eyes were dark brown and bronze, and she had no cutie mark. "And what are your names, my dears?"

"I'm Carat Gold. I have the magic to turn whatever my horn touches to solid gold. Observe!" the gold unicorn walked over to a blue vase and touched it with her horn. And in a few seconds in turned to gold.

"Remarkable! You have a very rare gift called the Golden Touch, my dear. It is very hard to reverse that kind of magic so I suggest you watch where you move your horn." Sombra suggested.

"Thank you, sire. And don't worry, I am very careful." Gold replied.

The silver unicorn stepped up, "I'm Silver Belle! Nice to finally meet you, sire!"

"Nice to meet you too. And what can you do?" Sombra asked.

"I have the magic to repair or clean old or broken bells. Bells are my specialty!" Belle told him.

"Excellent! And what's your name, young one?" Sombra asked the youngest.

The filly turned her head nervously, "Um.... my name is Bronze Medal, sir...." she said quietly. "I don't know my talent, yet...."

"Oh, it's okay. You'll find it and earn your cutie mark in time. But remember, you have to earn them not work for them." Sombra said.

"Oh.... yes, sir...."

Saphira comes in and picks up the filly, "Oh, aren't you adorable?" she asked holding Bronze like a baby.

"Young ladies, this is Saphira. She loves us ponies even young ones." Sombra told the three sisters.

"Nice to meet you, Saphira!" Belle greeted.

"Hello, I'm Carat Gold. And this is Silver Belle and Bronze Medal." Carat said politely.

Tirek comes into the room. When Bronze sees Tirek she struggles and gets out of the centauress's arms and hides behind her oldest sister. Silver's eyes opened wide, "So.... big.... up close...." was all she said.

"Everypony, this is my boyfriend Colonel Tirek. And don't worry, he won't hurt you." Saphira assured them.

"I won't hurt anyone unless if it's self defense, defending or helping others, or if I'm provoked." Tirek added. "And did I hear that one of you have the Golden Touch?"

"I do, sir." Carat replied.

"According to my knowledge the Golden Touch is a very rare and unique magic that turns whatever the latter touches to solid gold even living things. I also heard about how complicated it is to reverse such a spell." Tirek said.

"Yes, it is. The last time I accidentally turned a pony to gold it took me hours to reverse the spell. I just use my gift to help others in need of gold." Carat replied.

"That's right and since she made a lot of money helping others we eventually earned enough to move to such a beautiful kingdom." Belle added.

Their father stepped up, "So you're the famous Tirek?" he asked.

"In the flesh." Tirek replied.

"My name is Smith. And if you need your armor or any of your weapons sharpened, made, or fixed I'm just the stallion for the job."

"Much appreciated, blacksmith." Tirek said.

"Oh, I almost forgot. Do you have a school?" Smith asked.

Sombra answered, "Yes, we have a schoolhouse in Seleneville. My son goes to the Schoolhouse in Ponyville."

"Good grief! That's pretty far." Smith replied.

"My wife and I teleport or fly our son to Ponyville so it's not a problem. And Princess Twilight Sparkle has made me a teleporter." Sombra pointed the a mirror looking teleporter. "Using it is pretty easy; just think about where you want to go and it'll show you a picture of where you want to go then just jump in and you'll be there in a short time. You or your daughters may use it if you are interested."

"That is sooooo COOL!" Belle yelled.

"Thank you so much, your majesty." Smith said bowing. "I can get supplies for my workshop quickly!"

"Um.... can I go to Ponyville, daddy?" Bronze asked.

"Of course. As long as your sisters come with." Smith said, "You three be careful, you hear?"

"Yes dad!" all three said.

"Well. got to get back to my workshop. Again, thank you King Sombra." Smith said bowing again.

"Anytime, blacksmith." Sombra replied. Smith left and Bronze went close to the mirror. She thought of the word Ponyville and the picture showed on the glass. She nervously touched it and then she got sucked in!

"Ahhhhhh!"

"Bronze!" Belle yelled before jumping in after her. Then Carat jumped in after them.

"Have fun!" Saphira yelled.
Friendship Rainbow Kingdom

They landed in Twilight's room from youngest to oldest landing on one another. Twilight walks up to them, "Welcome to the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom." she greeted.

The three sisters got up and brushed themselves off. "Are you Princess Twilight Sparkle?" Carat asked.

"Yes, I am. But you may call me Twilight. You came from Seleneville?"

"Yes, we did." Carat looked around, "Is this your room?"

"Yes, it is. And you just came through my teleporter."

The three sisters looked behind them and back at Twilight. "How cool is that!?" Silver Belle yelled.

Carat stepped up, "Forgive our manners. My name is Carat Gold and they are my sisters, Silver Belle and Bronze Medal. We just moved to Seleneville with our dad." the three bowed and got back up.

"I see. What can i do for you?" Twilight asked.

"Oh, nothing! We're just visiting Ponyville." Belle replied. "it's outside your castle, right?"

"Yes, it is. Follow me." Twilight led the three sisters through the castle. They looked around left and right in amazement.

"Your castle is beautiful! Just as beautiful as King Sombra's castle." Carat complimented.

"Thank you. And that reminds me. I have to register you all in my security robot so he won't bother you. Wait here." Twilight teleports. After a few minutes she came back. "Now you can come in anytime you want." they continued down the hallway to the entrance. After walking out Belle immediately saw the robot and rushed over to it.

"This is soooooo COOL!" she yelled. "What do you call him?"

"Not him, it." Spike said approaching the three. "It is named Alibot. Alicorn Robot. And I have to tell you, Alibot takes it's security duties very seriously. Drives me crazy, sometimes."

"That it's program, Spike." Twilight told him.

"Neat!" Bronze said.

"Oh, and if you need help you can find Pinkie Pie at Sugarcube Corner, Applejack at Sweet Apple Acres, Rainbow Dash around here somewhere, Rarity at the Carousel Boutique, and Fluttershy. I think she's by the lake." Twilight said to the three sisters.

"Thank you, Twilight." Carat Gold said before motioning her younger sisters to follow her.

"Thanks for you help, Princess!" Silver said. Bronze waved goodbye while following her older sisters.

After they left Twilight smiled, "They're interesting mares...."
Ponyville

The three sisters walked through Ponyville. Some of the stallions stopped and saw the older sisters with their eyes wide and jaws opened. "This place is not bad." Carat Gold said to her sisters.

"Yeah, and the air is really clean." Belle replied sniffing the air. "I wonder if they have any bells here?" then she noticed the Schoolhouse. Some worker ponies were trying to fix the bell on top. Belle's eyes lit up and she smiled before she teleported to the roof. "Hi! What is wrong with the bell?"

"Hello, this bell is not ringing and we're trying to figure out why." one of the workers said.

"Bells are my specialty." Belle told them.

"Oh?"

"Here, let me have a look." Belle went inside the bell and used her horn as a flashlight. "This bells does need to be cleaned out for one thing." she said. "Hey, what's this?" then the bell rung loud making Belle shake and fall off the roof. One of the workers tried to catch her but it was to late. Belle fell to the ground, "Ow! It's working now...." she groaned. "Don't worry. I'm okay!"

Carat and Bronze rushed over to their sister and helped her up, "Are you alright?" Carat asked.

"Why are you yelling in my ear?" Belle asked.

After she recovered they continued on their way through Ponyville seeing what there is to see. Pinkie Pie jumped and landed in front of them. "Hi! Haven't seen you around here before! Did you just move here? I'm Pinkie Pie!"

"Hello, my name is Carat Gold and they are my sisters. No, we just moved to Seleneville and King Sombra let us use his teleporter to get here."

"Yeah, we're just looking around is all." Belle added. "Are you the Pinkie Pie Twilight Sparkle told us about?"

"Rightaroonie! And since you are new here how about I give you a tour around Ponyville? Playing guide pony is one of my favorite things to do!" Pinkie offered.

"We do appreciate it." Carat said before the pink pony started bouncing. "She's more rambunctious than you are." she told Silver Belle before they followed her.
Sweet Apple Acres

After Apple Bloom and Wild Forrest got done working for the day the started playing their version of Hide and Seek. Forrest started counting and Apple Bloom went to hide. After the wild colt got done counting he started sniffing the air and the ground until he came to a basket full of apples. "You're in the basket, Apple Bloom! Try again."

Apple Bloom jumped out of the basket, "His senses are more keen than Pinkie Pie's Pinkie Sense." she said to herself.

Apple Bloom hid again and Forrest sniffed around again until he came to a tree that was full of blooms. "You're really living up to your name, Apple Bloom!" he joked.

She jumped out of the tree, "You found me again!"

She hid again and again Wild Forrest sniffed around then yelled, "Apples in the barrel!"

The lid popped off and Apple Bloom jumped out, "You're so good at this!" Wild Forrest sniffed the air again. "What do you smell?"

"Pinkie Pie and new ponies!" they looked over to the entrance of Sweet Apple Acres then trotted towards them. "Hi! I haven't seen you three around here before. My name is Wild Forrest."

"And I'm Apple Bloom. Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres!"

"Hello, my name is Carat Gold."

"Hi, little cuties! I'm Silver Belle."

"Um.... and my name is Bronze Medal...." she whispered turning her head nervously.

"What was that?" Apple Bloom asked.

"She said her name is Bronze Medal." Forrest replied.

"Howdy!" Apple Bloom greeted before noticing that Bronze Medal has no cutie mark. "Would you like to be a member of the Cutie Mark Crusaders?" she invited.

Bronze turned her head shyly, "Um.... what is the Cutie Mark Crusaders?" she whispered.

"The Cutie Mark Crusaders search for their cutie marks." Forrest explained, "I'm a member of the Cutie Mark Supporters. The Supporters help the Crusaders find their cutie marks any way they can and we are always looking for new recruits if you're interested."

"Oh, how sweet! Why don't you give it a try, Bronze?" Belle suggested.

"Um.... okay...." Bronze followed Apple Bloom and Wild Forrest to their clubhouse.
Meanwhile

Prince Umbra and Princess Aziza were enjoying milkshakes while sitting on a bench unaware that Silver Spoon was watching them looking very jealous. Silver still has not gotten over what had happened months ago nor has she done anything to make it up to Aziza. Emo caught Silver staring at them. "Hey, Silver!"

"Oh, hey Emo...."

"Still haven't gotten over him, huh?" Emo asked.

"No...."

Diamond Tiara trotted up to them. "Hi, what's up?"

"Oh, nothing...." Silver replied.

"Oh, come on! If Umbra chooses to hang out with Princess Blanky over there, it's his loss." Diamond told her friend.

"Maybe you're right. Let's go...." Silver followed her friends. She looked back and saw Aziza rest her head on Umbra's shoulder while he was blushing. Silver grunted and turned away.

A little while later the three sisters headed back into Ponyville. Bronze was wearing her new CMC uniform and they just went into Sugarcube Corner. They came out with paper bags full of cookies when Belle spotted the Joke Shop. Her eyes opened wide and her jaw dropped, "Jokes and pranks take me away!" she took off in full speed into the shop.

"Bronze, can you wait in front of the Sugarcube Corner? I got to go get our sister before she becomes to prank happy again." Carat asked.

"Okay, Carat...." she sat down and Carat went into the Joke Shop after Belle. Bronze took a cookie out and took a bite, "Mmmm! Caramel...."

The bullies were just passing by when they spotted Bronze Medal eating her cookies. They looked at each other and smirked. Bronze was enjoying her cookies when she noticed that she was being watched. "Oh.... hello...." she greeted quietly.

"Hi Little Brownie! You enjoying your cookies?" Emo asked making his friends giggle.

"Yes.... thank you.... my name is Bronze Medal...." she replied quietly.

"Bronze Medal? More like Dirty!" Diamond rudely said.

Not wanting to be left out Silver said, "It looks like she has been tanning too long." she and her friends laughed as Bronze began to cry. "Maybe you should stay out of the sun!" Bronze cried harder.

"Awe, little foal gonna cry?" Emo asked tugging Bronze's cheek, "Wah! Wah!" Umbra and Aziza were passing by when they saw the bullies picking on the bronze filly. Before they could do anything Bronze's horn glowed light bronze.

Carat has just dragged Belle out of the Joke Shop when they heard their sister yell, "LEAVE ME ALONE!!!" then there was a light bronze flash.

"Bronze!" they both yelled before running back to the Sugarcube Corner. They found her lying on the ground crying and the three bullies turned to bronze statues.

"Oh, Bronze...." Carat said taking her youngest sister into her arms.

"What the heck happened?!" Belle asked.

Umbra stepped up, "They were bullying her and there was a bronze colored light."

"And it looks like she turned them into statues!" Aziza added just as surprised as the others were. "You must take them to Twilight Sparkle! We'll get their parents!"

"Yes, please do that!" Carat replied. Carat and Belle used their magic to carry the bullies to the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom while Carat carried Bronze, who was still crying, on her back.
Friendship Rainbow Kingdom

They were in Twilight's room; Carat and Belle explained everything to Twilight. Bronze was laying down on a pillow still crying. "Unbelievable! She has the very rare magic called the Bronze Magic. I've read it in a book."

"I.... I didn't mean too...." Bronze sobbed.

Twilight put a hoof on her back, "I know. It was an accident and don't worry I'll do what I can to reverse the spell." she assured her. "Flash!" she called.

Flash Sentry came into the room. "Yes, my lady?"

"I need to go find a spell book. Can you stay here with them?"

Flash looked over to them, "Of course."

"Thank you...." Twilight left the room.

"If there is anything you need until Princess Twilight Sparkle gets back, don't hesitate to ask." Flash told them before noticing the statues. "What are the statues for?"

"Our youngest sister accidentally turned them into bronze and we can't reverse the spell." Carat replied. "And I say, you are a very handsome Royal Guard." she said getting close to him making him blush.

Suddenly Aziza and Umbra ran into the room with the bullies parents behind them. Emo's mother ran over to him and hugged him crying, "My baby! Oh, my baby!" her husband tried to comfort her.

Silver Spoon's mother did the same, "Oh, our poor little angel...." Silver's father said.

"Our little Diamond...." Tiara's mother said hugging her and crying.

"Our poor little girl...." Filthy said.

Twilight came back in with the book, "Oh, hello there...." she greeted the parents.

"Please, save our children!" Silver's mother begged.

"Well, you see.... I have good news and I've got bad news. The good news is that they are still alive and the spell can be reversed." Twilight told them.

"Thank heaven!" Tiara's mother cried before hugging her husband.

"But what's the bad news?" Filthy asked.

"The bad news is that this spell is so rare that very few have reversed the spell and the latter of that spell can reverse it...." Twilight said looking over to Bronze who had her face stained with tears. Twilight walked up to her, "Bronze, I'm afraid it's up to you...."

"Please try!" Emo's father begged.

Twilight handed Bronze a hanky and she dried her face. After she had calmed down she walked over to the three bronze bullies. "I'll do my best...." with that sweat drops came down her face as her horn glowed light bronze. "Come on! Work!"

Belle and Carat wrapped an arm around their sister. "You can do it, I know you can!" Carat said.

"What she said!" Belle added.

Bronze's horn glowed brighter and brighter as she grunted and groaned. Suddenly her flank glowed and the place was full of light bronze light getting a lot of ponies attention. They watched in awe as the light faded. Applejack, Apple Bloom, Wild Forrest, Rarity, Sweetie Belle, Rainbow Dash, and Scootaloo watched too. When the light died down they rushed into the castle. Bronze was on her knees panting. She looked and saw that the bullies have returned to normal groaning and stretching. "Did anyone get the number on that wagon?" Emo asked before their parents ran towards them and hugged them crying.

"Bronze, you've done it!" Belle congratulated.

"You don't know how proud I am of you, little sister." Carat added.

The CMC, their sisters, and Wild Forrest came into the room. "That's Bronze Medal! The filly I told you about!" Apple Bloom told her friends before they ran up to her. Apple Bloom stopped and gasped, "Bronze! Your cutie mark!"

Carat looked, "My goodness!"

Belle looked too, "You go mare!"

Bronze looked at her cutie mark and saw a light bronze star with four smaller light bronze stars circling it. "My.... my cutie mark...." she whispered before she fainted. She woke up on the sofa with the others watching her. Bronze looked at her cutie mark, "It wasn't a dream...."

"Congratulations, Bronze Medal." Twilight said getting the filly's attention. "You have earned your cutie mark not just by your ability to turn anyone or anything to bronze and turning them back to normal, but the bond you and your sisters share. Without their love and support this would not have happened...."

Bronze began to cry from happiness. "Thank you, Twilight...." she looked over to the bullies and their parents. "Please, forgive me.... I didn't mean to turn you three into bronze statues.... I just lost control...."

"Young lady, we have talked it over. We forgive you." Filthy told her.

"Yes, it was not your fault...." Silver's mother added.

"And it's also time we gave our kids another stern talking too!" Emo's father said looking at his son angrily.

"Oh, and congratulations on getting your cutie mark." Emo's mother said sweetly.

Bronze sobbed, "Thank you.... all.... and again I'm sorry...."

The parents nodded and left the castle. "Tiara, I'm not going to yell. I'm so relieved that you are alright, but you are grounded for a week." Filthy said to his daughter.

"Yes, dad...."

"You are grounded too, but you can still go over to your friend's house and school but nowhere else. Understand?" Silver's mother said.

"Yes, mom...."

"No guitar playing for a week!" Emo's father scolded.

"Yes, pa...."

"To bad for them...." Sweetie Belle said hearing them.

Forrest sighs, "It appears it'll take longer for them to learn than I thought. But at least Emo won't be so noisy."

"Hey, Bronze Medal?"

"Yes, Apple Bloom?"

"I would like you to meet our friends. Everypony this is Bronze Medal, the new Cutie Mark Crusader. Er, I mean Cutie Mark Supporter and her sisters!" the kids cheered.

"Howdy, I'm Applejack. Apple Bloom's older sister and the second oldest."

"Hi, I'm the one and only Rainbow Dash! And this is my adopted sister, Scootaloo!"

"Hi!"

"Hello, my name is Rarity."

"I'm Sweetie Belle!"

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintances." Carat said shaking Rarity's hoof.

"Your manes and coats are simply dazzling!" Rarity complimented.

"Why, thank you." Carat replied.
In a cave miles away....

The evil being was watching the whole thing from a portal he has created. "Interesting...."

"What is it, sir?" the black stallion asked.

"These three unicorns have very unique gifts and I sense that their hearts are pure. However, I know a rodent who is very greedy and his Greed is the next element I need to become powerful again...."

"Rodent, sir?"

"Yes, and they call him Sparky Rattail...."

"Sparky Rattail? The rat actor?"

"Yes, the rat. He now lives in the sewers of Manehattan and commands the rats that live down there. He spends his time gathering whatever he can find that in his opinion is valuable and he is gifted with the power to manipulate electricity due to that freak accident...."

"Shall I search for him, sir?"

"Yes. I don't care how you do it, just bring that vermin here...." the evil voice commanded.

"As you wish...." the black stallion bows and then left the cave.

Chapter Twelve: Rats!

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Chapter Twelve: Rats!
Carousel Boutique

Rarity and Carat Gold were in Rarity's workroom. Rarity was working on a new dress for the Canterlot Carousel while talking with Carat Gold like they were old friends. "Carat?"

"Yes, Rarity?"

"I've been thinking...."

"Yes?"

"You and your sisters have given me an idea for new dresses. Can your golden touch turn clothes to gold and can still be worn?"

"Of course!"

"Great! There, done!" Rarity just finished a pure white dress with long sleeves, collar, no jewelry. "Let it rip!" Carat touched the dress with her horn and it turned to a beautiful sparkly gold dress. Rarity's eyes sparkled at the sight of it. "Dazzling!"

"Very dazzling! I outdid myself." Carat replied.

"Say, how would you like to work with me here and at the Canterlot Carousel?" Rarity offered.

Carat's eyes opened wide, "No kidding?!"

"No kidding!" Carat, full of excitement, hugged Rarity who hugged her back. After they let go they got back to work. "Maybe we can add a little silver and bronze to the dress...."
Lunar Eclipse Daycare

Silver Belle has just put a silver bell with a black handle in front of the door and hid with Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie who tried to keep straight faces. When Eclipse came out she saw the bell. "Oh, a pretty bell. What a pleasant surprise!" she picked it up with her mouth. "I can use this for...." than she moved like she was being electrocuted, "AHHHHH!" she threw the to the side as Belle, Rainbow, and Pinkie jumped out laughing.

"You should've seen yourself!" Pinkie yelled.

"You fell for the shock bell prank!" Rainbow yelled. Eclipse gave a look like she was annoyed at first but she was amused since it was just a practical joke.

Eclipse smiles and notices Silver Belle, "Hello, I'm Eclipse. Who are you?"

Belle stops laughing and tries to keep a straight face, "I'm Silver Belle!" then she starts laughing again, "I'm sorry! I just can't get over your reaction."

"Are you new here?" Eclipse asked.

"Yeah, my family and I recently moved to Seleneville. Dad got a job as a blacksmith and is still in Seleneville as far as I know. My sisters and I came to Ponyville to check it out and I got to tell you this place is great and I made new friends!" Belle jumped up and down at the last part.

Eclipse looks over at the two laughing mares, "Hi Pinkie! Hi Rainbow!"

Pinkie bounced over to Eclipse, "Hi Eclipse!"

Rainbow flew over to her, "How's it going?"

"Been doing great! You three are hanging out?" Eclipse asked.

"Rightaroonie!" Silver and Pinkie said together before laughing.

Eclipse looks over at the bell and smirked, "Can I use it on my boyfriend?"

"Of course! And you can keep it I can make another one." Belle replied.

"Why, thank you Silver Bell." Eclipse picked it up with her magic and sees the kids making noise in the daycare. "I have to go take care of the kids. Thanks for the bell!"

"Alright, seeya!" Rainbow said before the black alicorn walked back into the daycare with the bell.

"She's a nice alicorn, but she kinda gives me the creeps." Belle admitted.

"I thought the same thing more than once." Rainbow replied.

"But, you'll get used to her! I know I have!" Pinkie added. "Who are we going to prank next?" the three mares looked around and saw Applejack pulling a wagon full of apples. They looked at each other and smirked.
CMC's and CMS's Clubhouse

The CMC, CMS, Umbra, and Aziza were in the Clubhouse. Sweetie Belle was in front with Bronze Medal. "Umbra, Aziza, Rapper Mouth and Polkey Dots, I would like you to meet the newest member of the Cutie Mark Supporters: Bronze Medal."

The two trotted up to them. Polkey was wearing his clown costume again and when Bronze saw her she screamed and jumped to the ceiling. "What's with her? To much coffee or something?" he asked.

"Um, I think she's afraid of clowns." Scootaloo replied.

"Oh, be right back!" he left the clubhouse and came back without his costume and makeup. "How's this?"

Bronze took a look at him, lost her grip and fell. Umbra caught her, "Hello, I'm Umbra of Seleneville." he sat her down.

"Hi, I'm Aziza of Pyramidville." Aziza greeted.

"And I'm Rapper Mouth, no need to be shy. We're all friends here and that's no lie!" he rapped.

"And I'm Polkey Dots, the juggler. Sorry for scaring you."

Bronze turned her head shyly, "Um.... my name is Bronze Medal.... thank you for being my friends...."

"Don't mention it!" Scootaloo replied.

"Um.... did you say Supporters help the Crusaders find their cutie marks?" Bronze asked.

"Exactamundo!" Polkey said.

Bronze blushed, "Oh.... how do we do that?"

"In anyway, I say!" Rapper rapped again.

"You want to get started?" Apple Bloom asked Bronze who nodded a yes. Apple Bloom held out her hoof, "C'mon yal!"

They put their hooves together with Bronze putting her hoof on last. "Altogether!" Sweetie yelled.

"Cutie Mark Crusaders and Cutie Mark Supporters to Ponyville!" with that they left the clubhouse.
Magmata's Cell

King Sombra was sitting in front of Magmata who looked so mad. Magmata tried to breath fire but all that came out of his mouth was smoke. "Give it up, old friend. Tirek has drained your powers and you'll have to start from scratch." Sombra said.

"Hmph! It's bad enough that you have turned against me, locked me up like an animal. And now you have what you call friends and you have forgiven those who rejected you?"

"I told you before: it was a long time ago and they have moved on even I have moved on. Those who I ever hurt have forgiven me and I have forgiven them and you should do the same."

"We could have made them pay and taken the world for ourselves!" Magmata yelled.

"None of that matters anymore!" Sombra yelled back. They were both quiet for a minute.

"None of it matters?" Magmata asked in a bewildered tone of voice. "None of it matters? But what about the times we've had together? Does that matter? What about our plans? Does that matter? And what about me? You're.... you're like my best friend.... don't I matter?"

Sombra sighed, "I'm sorry, Magmata. And yes I still consider you as my friend and friends forgive each other and never give up on each other. I have learned the hard way that what we were doing was wrong and the Royal Sisters were right to seal me away in the ice. Aqua Marina was also right to seal you under the sea. Let me tell you something: When I awakened I was blinded by the darkness that consumed me and power was all I desired. When I was corrupted I have forgotten the ones I have loved, and I was defeated by the Crystal Heart and by the love, light, and friendship the ponies had in them. When I came back my eyes were finally opened and I was given a chance to redeem myself. And I succeeded."

"What are you getting at?"

"I'm saying that now that you are back and the darkness that corrupted you is gone you now have the chance to put your skills to good use and redeem yourself. It's your decision, old friend. Either go out there and do your best to be good, or stay here going about the hostile takeover, destruction of the planet nonsense and be alone."

"Sombra.... you are an idiot...." Magmata said slowly.

"What was that?"

"Oh nothing! It's too late for me to change anyway...."

Sombra turned to blue shadow form, "You're the fool if think you cannot change!" he roared before turning back to normal. "You are immortal, Magmata and in an immortal's case it is never too late to change."

"What about the mortals? Hm?"

"Yes, mortals have time on earth as well...." Sombra's horn glowed and a portal showing the outside world appeared. "Look, what do you see?"

Magmata looked and saw many ponies happy, making up after arguments or hard times, and others that are hurt, going through hard times. Magmata than noticed a stallion who has returned from rough day at work and his kids and wife embracing him. A colt being bullied and later making friends with a filly who stuck up for him. "I see many ponies struggling through hardships, and yet many of them look happy later."

"Do you know why, Magmata?" Sombra asked.

"No...."

"Because many of them have love and friends. Many of them experience happiness despite their hardships. Many of them try to make the best of it. And yes it is true that there are creatures and ponies who choose to be evil for their own reasons, but...." then the portal showed a mean looking stallion, "Take this stallion for example. He was once a robber who knew little or nothing about friendship and was very miserly. While he was going through his hometown disguised he ended up helping a mare who was being mugged. He had no intention of making friends with her, but she invited him over to her house. You can say one thing led to another and the two started dating. The more time he spent with her the better he felt and he eventually felt remorse because he realized that friendship and love is more important than money. He loved her so much that he couldn't keep secrets from her. And when he did he turned himself in and that mare supported him. And when he got out they got married and had kids. He has raised the kids well, I might add and made them better than he ever was. After that he had fully redeemed himself." Sombra turned the portal off, "Friendship and love is more important than money, greed, and power and are the greatest things that can ever happen to anyone. But because the way you are you'll never experience these things and you'll forever be alone. And while they have the time on earth, they have to live life to the fullest."

"I don't even know anything about friendship or this love...." Magmata replied.

"I know, and I plan to teach you once you served your sentence here. If you have good behavior, I'll shorten your sentence."

Magmata grunted, "Very well.... but if this friendship and love don't work out, you'll be sorry...."

"Good choice, and you have to promise to really try...."

"Fine! How long am I going to be here, anyway?"

Sombra scratched his chin for a moment and said, "You have one month to go.... if you'll excuse me...." Sombra leaves the dungeon and is greeted by Luna who nuzzled against him. Magmata watched the two and sighs.
In a cave miles away....

The black stallion came to the evil being and bowed, "Sir, I have found the rat...."

"Excellent! Send him in...." the evil voice ordered. Then a creature appearing to be half rat and half human came into the room. His fur was black, his paws and tail were pink, his eyes were red, and he had a white lightning bolt mark on his chest. The end of his tail was crooked as well.

"You have summoned me?" he asked.

"Yes, Sparky Rattail. I have plans for you, vermin...." the evil voice replied.

"What do you want?" the rat snapped.

"I have an important job for you....."

"A job? Ever since I've lost my job as an actor no one has ever given me a job or have cared about me!" Sparky replied.

"You have a job, now...." the evil voice said.

"What do you want me to do?" Sparky asked. "Well, come on! I haven't got all night."

The evil being made a portal and the rodent looked into it. He saw Carat Gold helping Rarity and he gasped when he saw her use her Golden Touch. "This is Carat Gold, the mare gifted with the magic called the Golden Touch. As you just saw she can turn anyone or anything to solid gold. I want you to kidnap her and have her use her ability for you...."

"Wait, your letting me have her?" Sparky asked in a bewildered tone of voice.

"Yes, and with that much gold you may become rich and you won't have to wander around in the sewers, stealing to survive, and live the way you desire to live...."

"Hey, wait a minute! Why do you want me to kidnap her anyway?"

"I am only helping you, rodent and I like the greed in you...." then the evil beings eyes glowed yellow.

"Well, I really do appreciate you helping me and I want to be rich again so I'll do it...." Sparky decided.

"Excellent!" then what appeared to be iron gloves appeared in front of Sparky. "These will protect you from Carat Gold's magic and she and her sisters won't give you any trouble I promise you that but beware, vermin, she is friends with Princess Twilight Sparkle and King Sombra so I suggest you proceed with care and bring your rat army to assist you...."

The rat cackled, "I owe you big for this!" then he and the evil being laughed wickedly.
Later that night in Seleneville

Everypony was asleep, even the three sisters and their father. A lid that led to the sewers opened up and rats in huge numbers came out. Sparky came out last. "Alright, my rat army! Spread out and steal whatever booty you can find but remember the mare called Carat Gold is mine!" with that the rats ran in different directions and found their own ways into the houses and coming back with jewelry, coins, gems, or anything that valuable and dragged them back to the sewers. Sparky looked high and low until he came to a workshop. Then a rat came up to him and squeaked wildly. Sparky smirked, "Thank you, my smelly friend...."

He climbed to the roof and found a window left wide open. He carefully snuck in and found Silver Belle asleep in her bed. He crawled on all four and opened her bedroom door and got out. He looked and came to a room that had it's door opened. He crawled in and found Bronze Medal fast asleep. He was about to leave the room when Bronze woke up! Sparky ducked down so she would see him. Bronze sniffed the air, "What's that smell?" Sparky sniffed himself and shrugged his shoulders. Bronze opened a window and let the air in. Bronze laid there and dozed off. Sparky sighed in relief and walked out the room. Then Bronze woke up again.

Sparky then came to the next room, Carat Gold's Room! He tried to open it but it was locked. Sparky's claw began to crackle with electricity he zapped and melted the lock. He pushed the door open and put on his gloves. "This will be a walk through the sewers...." he whispered. He looked in and his jaw dropped. In there was Carat Gold fast asleep. Her mane and coat glowed light gold and she looked so peaceful sleeping there. Just the sight of her made him walk closer. He was just about to grab her when her nose twitched and she woke up. Before she could scream Sparky covered her mouth and looked at her in the eyes. Thanks to her glowing coat and mane Carat saw who the creature and fainted. Sparky put her over his shoulder and opened her window. Before he could jump out Bronze came in and screamed making Sparky scream and jump out the window carrying Carat. Rattail landed and made a loud rat screech getting all the rats attention. "Back to the sewers!" he ordered before jumping in the hole with the rats following him.

"Daddy!" Bronze yelled getting him up.

"What is it, honey?" he asked before yawning.

"It's..... it's Carat Gold! Someone took her!"

"What?!" Smith jumped out of bed and looked into Carat's room. "NOOOOO!"
The next morning....

Carat Gold groaned and woke up. She got up fast and looked around her. She was in a room made out of concrete and bricks, and not to mention it smelled bad. "Yuck! Where am I?" then she realized she was sleeping on a disposed bed, "Ew!" she jumped off of it.

"You are in the sewers below Manehattan, that's where you are!" Sparky answers walking out of a tunnel.

"Aaaaah! An overgrown rat!" Carat yelled.

"Yes, I'm a rat alright." Sparky walked up close to her and showed his sharp teeth. Carat thought she would faint.

Then she noticed the lightning bolt mark on his chest. "Wait a minute! Aren't you Sparky Rattail?"

Sparky stood straight, "Thee one and only!"

"The actor?"

"No, the cheesehead! Of course the actor!" Sparky said sarcastically. "I was a celebrity specializing in horror movies."

"You were until, well you sort of...."

"Say it! A Pegasus took me and a unicorn to go see Cloudsdale. I was having a terrific time up there and I was recognized as a star until a prankster snuck up on me and used a thundercloud to try to scare me but she lost control and my unicorn friend tried to save me but he hit me with his magic while I was being electrocuted. It felt so bad that I lost consciousness for a few days. It gave the others quite a fright, I'll have you know and after I regained consciousness I accidentally discovered my new gift: to generate and manipulate electricity!" with that his claws surrounded themselves with electricity and then stopped. "Then I got a new role as a superhero called the Thunder Rat, but it was short lived because..... it still upsets me...." Sparky snarled.

"What happened?" Carat asked.

"I didn't have full control over my new powers and I accidentally caused such an uproar that I got fired. I lost everything: my job, my money, my reputation, my fame, and eventually my house. I had no choice but to live here, in the sewers. I steal to survive."

"Oh, I really do feel sorry for you Mr. Rattail. Really I do, but why did you abduct me?"

Sparky turned around fast and smiled an evil smile, "You have what I need to get me back to the surface: your Golden Touch! I want you to turn everything my rat army will bring you to gold."

Carat's eyes opened wide, "Really, is that all? You could have just asked instead of taking me, you know?"

"It doesn't matter! You are here now. Rats!" then many rats came in from all the holes carrying anything imaginable. "Now, get to work! And when I am satisfied I might let you go back to the surface."

Carat grunted, "Well! If you insist." the one by one rats brought up items. They brought up cheese, junk, tools, toys, you name it. And one by one Carat turned the items to gold. Carat did have a disgusted look on her face, "Rodents are adorable, don't get me wrong, but you all just stink! When was the last time you all took a bath?"

Some of the rats sniffed each other, made faces and fainted. Sparky even sniffed himself, "It doesn't stink in here; it's normal. You'll get used to it in time. Now be quiet and keep working!" he ordered.
Seleneville

Bronze told everyone present in the center of Seleneville. "My older sister was taken by a rat!"

Many of the ponies muttered to each other. "A rat?"

"Must be a big one!"

Then a mare stepped up, "That robber took my jewelry!"

"He took my skis!" Double Diamond added.

"He even stole all the cheesecakes I worked so hard on!" Sugar Belle yelled.

King Sombra walked up to them, "What's all this about?" everypony cleared the way and bowed as King Sombra walked up to the filly. "What's going on?"

Bronze bowed and stood up, "My sister has been foalnapped, sir! By a really big rat!"

"A rat?"

"Yes, sir. He was almost as big as Tirek, but not really big."

"Interesting.... I'll will order an investigation and I'll send out a search party at once."

Bronze hugged his arm, "Oh, thank you!"

"Anything for all of you. Now listen up!" Sombra ordered everyone present. "Keep anything valuable to you locked up at night and make sure to seal every hole in you house. There is a chance that there might be more than one rat on the loose and don't let your kids out after dark until this is over." everypony obliged and got to work.

"How can we repay you?" Smith asked.

"No need. It's one of my duties. Poor girl, I sure hope she's alright...." Sombra said unaware of a rat watching from a dark corner. The rat ran and found another way into the sewers. The rat walked many miles until he got to Sparky's lair.

Carat Gold was still changing whatever her horn touches to gold while talking with the big rat. "The first thing what I'm going to do when I'm done here is take a really long and hot bubble bath." Carat said before changing a tin can to a golden can.

"Stop complaining!" Sparky ordered.

"I am not complaining, I am thinking about what to do today. By the way, do you plan to sell all this gold?"

"Precisely! Once I have enough I start my own business and auction all this gold to the highest bidder and I'll become rich again!" the the rat climbed up Sparky's tail and on to his shoulder and squeaked into his ear. "They're planning on trying to find me, eh?"

"I knew my family and friends would never abandon me!" Carat said in delight.

"Sure must be nice...." Sparky said sadly.

"What was that?"

"Get back to work....."

"If you tell me, I will get back to work." Carat snapped.

Sparky sighed, "Very well. My father hated me, and my mother was always absent. I had nine brothers and ten sisters and we all looked out for each other. I was the middle child, you know."

"I see...."

"My father didn't like my skills which was acting and dressing up and my mother was not very supportive. I've had dreams of becoming an actor, a celebrity. To this day I still don't know why they were against me...."

"Did you siblings support you?" Carat asked.

"Yes, and they've had their own dreams as well. Their dreams and goals had one purpose: to get rich...."

"Are you all greedy?" Carat asked out of curiosity.

"We wererats are driven by greed, and we can't help it and that's how we like it. It may sound bad to you ponies but it's not bad to us!"

"You don't have to raise your voice at me. I am a lady, you know."

"Whatever!"

"Go on...."

"Well, if you insist. When I was a teenager I couldn't put up with my parents any longer so I ran away from home. Two of my sisters, and three of my brothers chose to come with me while the others chose to stay. We eventually part ways and found our own jobs. They have achieved their dream goals of course and I achieved mine. The rest is history...."

"I'm so sorry to hear about that. Did you ever hear from your family?"

Sparky nodded, "Yes, we sent letters to each other but after I lost my job I lost contact with them...."

"Again, I'm really sorry. Truly I am...." Carat couldn't imagine not seeing her sisters and father for years. "Is there anything I can do for you, Mr. Rattail?"

"Yes, keep turning anything your horn touches to gold...."

Poor Sparky...., Carat thought. Greed runs in his family, his parents weren't there for him, and he feels like he lost everything.... maybe he just needs a friend. "Hey, Sparky?"

"What is it, now?" Sparky snapped.

"I was thinking...."

"Yes? If it's about gold, I like to hear it."

"Actually it is something more valuable than gold."

"I'm listening...."

"How would you like to be my friend?"

Sparky was dumbfounded, "Did you say friend?"

"Yes, friendship is more precious than gold. And once you have friends you can't be lonely anymore."

"Why would you want to make friends with a wererat like me, anyway?" Sparky asked.

"Because, it's right. And I see that you are very lonely and consumed with greed and doubt. I would like to help you change it."

"Forget it!" Sparky yelled turning his back.

"Alright, but if you change your mind you are welcomed to our house." Carat said. Sparky growled and walked away.
Ponyville

Everypony had heard about the big rat, even Twilight Sparkle. She went through her books and came across an encyclopedia of monster. "Let's see.... ah! The wererat."

"What does it say?" Spike asked.

"It says here that wererats are driven by greed and will collect anything in their opinion is valuable and will even go as far as stealing."

"I guess that explains why he foalnapped Carat Gold."

"Yes, to make her turn anything to gold." Twilight added.

"Does it say what their habitats are?" Spike asked.

"Yes, it also says that they often make their homes in the sewers."

"Ew! Sounds pretty messy...."

"Spike...."

"What?"

"Never mind. Like it or not we're going to have to search the sewers everywhere."
Sweet Apple Acres

"Have you ever seen a big rat?" Apple Bloom asked Forrest.

"I've seen plenty of rats, but I've never seen rats as big as a stallion." Wild Forrest replied before sniffing the air. Wild Forrest looked and saw a rat peeking out of a basket full of apples.
Carousel Boutique

Rarity was making sure that every hole in the boutique was sealed with Sweetie Belle watching. "Why does it have to be rats?" she asked.

"What, are you afraid of rats?"

"No, I just don't like them touching me and these rats have been stealing valuable stuff. I can't let them do that!" then they hear Opal meow loudly. They looked and saw her chasing a rat around the room. Rarity screamed and jumped on her table. Opal cornered the rat. Sweetie Belle then put a jar over it and caught it much to Opal's dismay.

Sweetie Belle lifted the jar, "Oh, aren't you the cutest little thing? Can we keep him?"

"Absolutely not!" then the rat began squeaking loudly.

"Don't you think he's trying to say something?" Sweetie asked.

Rarity gasped, "Maybe he's in league with the foalnapper!"

Sweetie gasped next, "And Forrest can understand animals! We have to find him!" with that she ran out of the room with the jar with Rarity following behind.
Friendship Rainbow Kingdom

The Mane Six, CMC, Wild Forrest, Tirek, and Saphira met at the entrance. "You say that you have found the location of the foalnapper?" Tirek asked.

Forrest bowed, "Yes sir! The rat Apple Bloom and I caught said that he has a lair in the sewers of Manehattan."

"And what did the other rat say?" Saphira asked.

"He said that the foalnapper's name is Sparky Rattail." Forrest replied.

"No way!" Rainbow yelled.

"The actor?!" Pinkie asked.

"For real?!" Applejack asked next.

"And that's not all; Sparky Rattail has the ability to create and control electricity." Forrest added. Rainbow had a troubled look on her face. Then a red unicorn with a black mane in three ponytails and a black tail showed up. His eye color was purple, his top hat and suit was purple, his bow tie was blue and attached to a dark pink shirt, and he wore a blue cape covering his cutie mark.

"Did someone say Sparky Rattail?" he asked.

Rainbow immediately recognized him, "Soothsayer?! What are doing here?!"

"Ah, Rainbow Dash! Haven't seen you since we were kids."

"Everyone, I would like to introduce you to my old friend Soothsayer, the fortuneteller!" Rainbow said.

"How do you do?" Soothsayer greeted while tipping his hat. "And again, did you say Sparky Rattail?"

"Yes, sir. We did." Forrest replied.

"And he has electrical powers!" Pinkie yelled.

"Just as I feared...." Soothsayer said looking up at Rainbow who looked guilty.

Twilight noticed this, "Do you know something, Rainbow?" everyone looked.

Rainbow was sweating a little then she said, "I do have a confession to make.... if it weren't for me and Soothsayer Sparky wouldn't have gained these electrical powers." everyone was surprised to hear this. "You see, when I was just a filly I was wandering around Cloudsdale scaring the others with my storm cloud. But I got carried away with it, and soon I saw Sparky Rattail and Soothsayer. You see, I befriended them and invited them to come up to Cloudsdale. They didn't notice me and I decided to pull a prank on them. I never should've done it...."

"Rainbow Dash snuck up on Sparky and unleashed thunder and accidentally lightning. She lost control over it and Sparky got electrocuted. I was young and didn't know how to control my magic well, but I wanted to save him so I fired a magic beam at him. It stopped the electrocution, but my magic had knocked him unconscious. He was rushed to the hospital that day. Rainbow Dash and I visited him and when he woke up he blew fuses and shut down some of the machines in the hospital with his new found powers." Soothsayer added.

"I remember that day! It was pretty awesome, but I've always felt guilty for electrocuting him." Rainbow said.

"It was an accident; you didn't mean for it to happen." Soothsayer assured her. "After he recovered he eventually lost his job because of an accident he caused while playing one of his roles and I have not seen him since. And I am also not surprised that he abducted this Carat Gold so she can use her Golden Touch; Sparky always had a very greedy side, you know?"

"How did you know about Carat Gold and her gift?" Applejack asked.

"I am Soothsayer. I know." he replied.

"Nothing ever escapes you, does it?" Rainbow asked.

"Never. It's my gift. Good day!" He left.

"He's mysterious...." Pinkie admitted.

"It looks like we have to go to Manehattan again!" Applejack said.

"Ooooh! I can't wait!" Rarity squealed.

"I'm going to. It is my duty to stop such creatures." Tirek said.

"I'm going with you." Saphira told her boyfriend. They went inside the castle and Twilight turned on her teleporter. Together, except for the CMC and Spike, they jumped through the portal.
Manehattan

They appeared in an alley. "That was interesting." Tirek said.

"This must be the area so his lair must be below our hooves." Twilight concluded. Then they noticed a manhole with a lid.

Rarity had a disgusted look on her face, "Oh, no! I'm not going down there."

"We have no choice, whatsoever." Tirek replied.

"And how are you going to fit down there?" Rainbow asked.

"Easy...." Tirek answered before cracking his knuckles. He went to the manhole and slammed both his fists on the ground creating a hole big enough for all of them.

"Whoa...." Rainbow said.

Wild Forrest jumped in first. Soon all except for Rarity jumped in. Tirek was about to jump in when he noticed Rarity so hesitant. He sighed, "Wimp...." he picked her up and put her on his back. "Hold on...." he jumped in with Rarity who was holding on tight.
Manehattan Sewers

They walked through the sewers. The floors were wet, the walls were dirty, and it reeked. Rainbow, Fluttershy, and Twilight flew while Applejack trotted and Pinkie Pie bounced. Wild Forrest sniffed the air. "Smell anything?" Applejack asked.

"Besides the stench in the air, the rats and bugs down here no." Forrest replied.

"This place stinks!" Rarity complained covering her nose.

"Gee, I wonder why?" Applejack replied snickering.

"Shh! I hear something." Forrest said. They all remained quiet and listened.

They all heard laughing and someone yelling, "I'm rich!"

Then they heard Carat's voice ask, "Can I go home now? I really need to take a bath!"

Tirek put an ear to a wall and he heard: "Give me more gold!"

"They are in there!" Tirek slammed his fist into the wall and it broke down. They all looked in and saw a bunch of sewer rats, Carat Gold and Sparky with surprised looks on their faces. Tirek drew his sword, "Release her, vermin!"

"How did you find me!" Sparky demanded.

"Some of your rats RATTED you out!" Rainbow answered. "Hey, get it? Ratted? Rat?" some of her friends giggled and tried to keep a straight face.

Sparky immediately recognized her, "YOU!" he claws and tail were covered with electricity, "YOU did this to me! Because of you I lost my job, my home, and everything!"

"C'mon, Sparky! It was accident. I didn't mean to electrocute you." Rainbow replied.

"I don't care! Now that you are her, I guess I'll get my revenge before I become much richer!" they all looked and saw a pile of golden objects.

"You think you can handle him?" Tirek asked.

"Are you kidding? I've taken on creatures bigger than him!" Rainbow dashed towards him while Sparky charged at her at lightning speed. Sparky threw some electric punches, tail whips, and claws at her but she dodged every one of them. Then Rainbow tackled him leaving her trail blaze in the process. Rainbow was going to tackle him again but this time he was ready and grabbed her tail.

"Prepare yourself for a SHOCK!" Sparky yelled before electrocuting her. Rainbow screamed in pain and passed out. Sparky laughed wickedly and tossed her to her friends.

"Rainbow!" Twilight yelled.

Rainbow woke up, "That was shocking...."

"HELP!" Carat yelled as Sparky, with his gloves on, put her over his shoulder.

"Get them!" Sparky ordered as rats came in from everywhere. Rarity screamed and hugged Tirek's face. Sparky jumped through a hole as the rats surrounded the Mane Six, Wild Forrest, Tirek, and Saphira.

Wild Forrest stood in front of them and started squeaking. "What is he doing?" Tirek asked.

"He's talking to them." Applejack said before squeaking again and again. He looked back at his friends, "They won't listen to me! They serve Sparky as their king and are loyal to him. And they won't go down without a fight!"

"I guess it's time to cut the cheese!" Rainbow said as everyone looked at her. "What?"

Fluttershy got in front and did the stare. "Please, listen to Forrest...." she ordered as the rats looked at her hypnotized.

WIld Forrest squeaked again, and this time the rats made an arrow out of themselves pointing them into the direction of their leader. "They're saying that Sparky Rattail is probably going to the abandoned subway tunnels!"

Fluttershy stopped staring, "Thank you, and I'm very sorry...." she said to the rats as they ran off in different direction. The another rats squeaked and jumped up and down.

"He wants us to follow him!" Forrest yelled then the rat ran off with the others following behind them.

They eventually made it to the abandoned subway tunnels. They walked down the stairs and looked around the place they didn't go far when they were all zapped. They all screamed in pain, then Tirek used his magic to blow it all away. All the pony's manes and tails and Saphira's hair stood up like they got static shocked.

"Ouch...." Pinkie groaned.

"Oooh, my mane!" Rarity complained looking in a nearby mirror. "It's ruined!"

Sparky's laugh echoed through the tunnels.

"Show yourself!" Tirek ordered before noticing the ground was wet. "Water conducts electricity...." he looked at and spot, "And that spot is not wet...." he said getting the other's attention. "I have a plan to use his powers against him. Just follow my lead!" then they saw red eyes coming towards them then Sparky came out of hiding.

"Why would you go through all that trouble just to save her?" Sparky asked pointing up. Carat was in a cage hanging from the ceiling.

"Because she's our friend, and it's what friends do for each other!" Twilight said.

Sparky laughed, "Wretched vermin! I pity each and every one of you, I truly do. You all have no understanding that gold is more precious than anything!"

"That's wrong and you know it!" Applejack yelled.

"Yeah, we know about your friendship with Soothsayer!" Pinkie yelled next.

"Don't you mention him! It was also his fault that I lost my job, not just Plainbow Crash!" Sparky yelled.

"My name is RAINBOW DASH!" she yelled back.

"Whatever!" Sparky replied before he claws and tail surrounding themselves with electricity then he fire a stream of electricity towards them. Tirek quickly created a magical shield. "Alright, here's the plan: while you all fight him, lead him to that spot and I'll create ice pillars around him and when the timing is right I'll provoke him to used his electrical powers...."

"I get it! It'll trap him and electrocute since ice is made out of water." Twilight concluded.

"Precisely! Now, attack!" Tirek ordered.

They all spread out and Twilight fired a beam at Sparky's chest, but it bounced off! Pinkie Pie used her party cannon on him, "YEOW! Why you little!" Sparky was about to go after her, but Fluttershy blocked the way and attempted to use her stare on him but Sparky was fast and shocked her.

"Leave her alone!" Rainbow yelled tackling him in the back. Applejack then kicked him in the chin. Sparky grabbed both ponies and before he could do anything Forrest screamed his Tarzan scream while swinging on a chain kicking the rat's face making him lose his grip on the other two. During the fight Tirek created shark ice pillars around them and used his heat to make the ice melt and wet.

"Stand clear!" Tirek ordered as the others fled. Tirek approached him, "I'll take you on!" with that his right hand was on fire and his left hand was covered with ice.

"Fire and ice vs electricity? Now this will be fun!" Sparky said as his claws and tail surrounded themselves with electricity again. "Bring it!" he dashed towards him and attempted to punch Tirek, but Tirek teleported and Sparky punched a wet ice pillar instead. Tirek reappeared at another ice pillar and they did the same thing until all the ice pillars were surrouned by electricity. Tirek than used his ice powers to freeze Sparky's feet and used freeze the ground around him and attach them to the pillars. "Hey!"

"This will calm you down...." Tirek said touching the frozen floor and melting it.

Within seconds streams of electricity went down to the wet floor and electrocuted the rat! "AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!"

Tirek then used his absorbing powers to take away Sparky's powers. Electricity surrounded his fists as he clapped his hands and stopped electrocuting Sparky. Sparky groaned and collapsed. "Now's your chance!" Tirek yelled as the Mane Six circled around the rat and used their Elements of Harmony on him, removing the darkness inside him.
In a cave miles away....

The evil voice chuckled as the darkness that left Sparky entered his yellow eyes. "Shall I dispose of him, sir?" the black stallion asked.

"Where's the fun in that? He'll probably feel remorse and pathetically attempt to be good, and struggle...." the evil voice chuckled, "It's very amusing...." he laughed.
Back at the abandoned subway

They got Carat down and Tirek broke the cage with his bare hands. Carat hugged all of them, "Thank you so much for saving me!"

"It's what friends do for each other, dear." Rarity said before sniffing Carat. "You reek! You need a bath!"

"You need one too!" Carat said to her.

Tirek lifted Sparky over his shoulder, "Come on, let's go!"

"That's the best idea I heard all day!" Carat said making the others laugh.
The dungeon

King Sombra's guards put Sparky, who had bandages on some parts of his body, on to the bed. They got out and locked the cell up. King Sombra approached Carat Gold, the Mane Six, and Wild Forrest. "Is he going to be alright?" Carat asked with concern in her voice.

"The doctors said he'll make a full recovery...." Sombra replied.

"Thank goodness! I was pretty worried...."

"You tried to be friends with him?" Rainbow asked.

"Yes, because he was not truly evil; he was just lonely, depressed, and greedy...."

"You are all welcomed to visit Magmata and Sparky Rattail anytime you want. Friendship is just what they need...." Sombra said.

"Magmata?" Carat asked before she noticed him glaring at her.

"Yes, he's serving time for attempting to take over.... Come, we must leave them...." Sombra and the others headed out of the dungeon. Carat looked back at Magmata and followed the others.

Smith, Silver Belle, and Bronze Medal were all overjoyed when they saw Carat return and all hugged her despite her smell. "I was so worried, my sweet little marigold!" Smith yelled.

"I was so frightened, sis!" Silver Belle yelled.

"I'm so glad you're alive!" Bronze sobbed.

King Sombra, Queen Luna, Prince Umbra, Tirek, Saphira, the Mane Six, and Wild Forrest watched them happily. Umbra nuzzled against his mother as she wrapped an arm around him. "Let's go home...." Twilight said to her friends before opening her portal.

"Yes, I still need a bath!" Rarity agreed before jumping into the portal.

"See you later!" Applejack said before jumping into the portal. After the goodbyes the Mane Six and Wild Forrest jumped into the portal.

Chapter Thirteen: Molten Gold

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Chapter Thirteen: Molten Gold
The Dungeon

"Another day bites the dust...." Magmata said using a rock in his mouth to write a line cross four other lines. He drops the rock, sits down in bed and looked at the Crystal Ball King Sombra have given him. It showed him the island created by Magmata's Volcano; plants were already growing. It disgusted him because they weren't burning. Magmata tried to breath fire but just smoke came out. He looked at the thermometer in his cell. It said 89 degrees. Carat Gold, after asking permission to from King Sombra, walked through the cell with a basket on her back. Magmata watched as she went to Sparky's cell and unlocked it. Sparky was sleeping so she left a whole piece of cheese and a card saying get well soon on his table then got out and locked the cell again.

Then she stopped at Magmata's cell. "Hello, Magmata." she greeted.

"Who are you?" he demanded.

"My name is Carat Gold. And I brought you something." her horn glowed and her basket teleported inside the hot cell. Magmata looked and went through the basket and found red peppers, jalapenos, pepper jack, horseradishes, and spicy chili. "King Sombra told me that you like spicy food."

Magmata took a horseradish in his mouth, chewed and swallowed it whole. "What do you want?"

"I've heard a lot about you, my lord. King Sombra told me everything and I've also heard that you're going to be getting out soon."

"Why would you care? No one ever did care about me before...."

"Yes, I know and I can't help but feel sorry for you."

She's beautiful, but what is she trying to do? Magmata thought to himself. "Why would you feel sorry for me even though we haven't met before?"

"You can feel sorry for others even though you don't know them very well...." Carat replied.

"Is that so? And again, what do you want?"

"Oh, yes! Of course. My father recently opened up his own shop. He's a blacksmith and he had a spot open for those who are good with heat." Carat told him. "We thought you would be interested because fire is your expertise."

Magmata turned his head for a second, "I do like burning and melting things...." he muttered.

"Is that a yes?"

"No! Even if I wanted to, I lost my powers because of that overgrown centaur!" he snapped.

"You don't have to shout, my lord. And I also talked to King Sombra about that, too. King Sombra will have Colonel Tirek give you a little bit of your powers if you promise no double crossing and once you get a little bit of your powers back you'll have to work to make them strong again. And you're going to have to live with me and my family."

"He really said that?" Magmata asked in a bewildered tone of voice.

"Yes, he did...."

"Why is a beauty like you helping a monster like me?"

"Thank you for the compliment, and I don't think you're a monster. I think you are a gifted unicorn, and very special too. Being different makes you special, you know? Not to mention you have great potential, my lord."

"You really think so?"

Then a guard came in and motioned her to come, "I have to go, but please think about the offer. I'll come back later, I promise." she left.

Magmata was very speechless and dumbfounded by the visit from the golden mare. He lay down in bed and stared at the ceiling thinking about her and what this job would be like.
Ballroom

"One, two, three! One, two, three!" Silver said while dancing with Bronze Medal.

"What are you doing?" a guard asked.

"We're dancing because this is the ballroom, is it?" Silver asked.

"Yes, it is ma'am but this room is going to be cleaned in a while so I'm going to have to ask you and your sister to leave."

"Okay!" the two left the room and met Carat Gold down a hallway. "Hi Carat! How'd it go?"

"Did you make friends with him?" Bronze asked.

"It actually went kind of well, and he seems to be attracted to me." Carat replied. "And I feel really bad for him because he has been neglected his whole life and the only friends he ever had were other bad guys and King Sombra when he was evil."

"Did he accept the offer?" Belle asked.

"No, not yet. He just needs some time, that's all...."

"Do you have a crush on him?" Bronze asked before snickering.

Carat blushed, "Heavens, no! We just met!"

King Sombra came in and approached them, "I take it your visit with Magmata went well?" he asked.

"Yes, your majesty. When do you plan to let him out again?" Carat asked.

"Next week, my dear. And you are doing the right thing helping my old friend and letting him live with you. You all must treat him well because he never had a loving family which is one of the things that fueled his rage. Maybe, maybe experiencing what he had never known might change him. And I must warn you that he has a really bad temper."

"Yes sir."

During the rest of the week Carat Gold paid daily visits to Magmata and Sparky. Sparky was slowly recovering from his injuries and Magmata learned to like these visits from Carat. Carat sometimes brought Magmata spicy food for him to snack on. He even surprised Carat by drinking a bottle of hot sauce. "You really have a thing for anything hot, do you?"

"You know it!" Magmata replied.

"Doesn't it burn your tongue?"

"No, not at all. I am made out of coal and fire after all."

"But what about your coat?"

"It only looks like it's made of magma...."

"Wow! It looks so real.... and what about your mane and tail? Is it always on fire?"

"I can ignite and reignite at will...." he replied before making his mane and tail go out and turn back on."

"That is so amazing!" A guard motioned Carat to come. "See you tomorrow!"

"Alright, see you!" after Carat left the dungeon and Magmata got on the bed.

"You so have the HOTS for her, hey Magmata?" Sparky asked chuckling at the pun.

"She is the most beautiful mare I have ever seen and the only mare that ever treated me like a normal unicorn...." Magmata replied. "Are you feeling any better?"

"Yeah, just some burns here and there." he touched a bandage and squeaked in pain. "It's to bad I lost my powers...."

"Oh, you can't get out with electricity; you have to melt these bars."

"Good call because this metal, iron something or other conducts electricity...."

"Is that how you got your name, Sparky Rattail?"

"Nah, it was the white lightning mark on my chest and my crooked tail. Father said so himself."

"You have a father and mother?"

"Yeah, why?"

"I did, a long time ago...."

"Oh, well that's to bad...." Sparky yawns, "Nap time is calling my name." he went into bed and lay down fast, "OW!"
The next morning....

Two guards came to Magmata's cell and unlocked, "Rise and shine, Magmata! It's time for you to go." Magmata obliged and got out of bed.

"Hey, what about me?!" Sparky yelled.

"You still have time to serve, Mr. Rattail." a guard replied before escorting the fire unicorn out of the dungeon.
Throne Room

King Sombra and Queen Luna sat on their thrones with Prince Umbra sitting close to his mother. Tirek stood on Sombra's side while Saphira stood on Luna's side. The guards escorted Magmata to the two. "Kneel!" the guard ordered as Magmata got on his knees.

"Magmata, your time in the dungeon has come to an end." Sombra began, "You are to be released and put under the care of the Medal family until you are fully rehabilitated. You will work with Smith in his workshop providing the heat he needs and you'll spend time with him and his daughters."

"Yes, King Sombra...." Magmata said quietly. "Will it be like a family?"

"Yes, if you care for them and they care for you in return...." Luna replied.

"Tirek." Sombra ordered. Tirek nodded and powered up his horns and fired a beam at Magmata's chest. "Now you have some of your powers back, but as I said before you must work and train hard to make it stronger."

"You are free to go, Magmata. Saphira will take you to Smith's home." Luna said receiving a nod from her.
Seleneville

Saphira with Magmata beside her walked through the village. Some of the passing ponies were amazed by Magmata, but he paid no attention. He looked around him and saw how the buildings were built and ponies going about their lives. "I must have been asleep longer than I thought...." he said.

"Yes, much has changed while you were imprisoned underwater." the centauress replied. "Here we are."

"This Smith's workshop?"

Saphira giggled, "Oh, no! This is his house. His workshop is in the basement." he looks up and saw the chimney smoking. "He must be working up a sweat down there." she knocked on the door.

Carat answered, "Hello Saphira, hello Magmata." she greeted.

"Hello, Carat Gold...." Magmata greeted back while staring at her. Her eyes seem to sparkle and her coat seemed to shine.

"Come on in." Carat invited as Magmata walked into the house. "Would you like to come in?" she asked Saphira.

"I would love to, but I have to get back to the castle. And Carat, I wish you and your family the best of luck."

"Thank you. See you later!"

"Seeya!" Saphira trotted off.

Carat closed the door and saw Magmata in the living room. Bronze Medal was fast asleep on the couch. "Who's she?" he asked.

"She's my youngest sister, Bronze Medal. You remember me telling you about her?"

"Oh, yes. The shy one who got her cutie mark not that long ago. It's a very big accomplishment."

Silver Belle came down the stairs holding a bell she just polished. "Hey, Carat! Whoa!" she saw Magmata and dropped her bell. "Oh, I'm so sorry! You kinda surprised me, haha!" she laughed nervously.

"You're Silver Belle, I presume?" Magmata asked.

"Yes, I am. Carat has told you about me?"

"Yes, you're the eccentric one who has a love for bells and jokes."

"Rightaroonie!" she picked up her bell. "I can clean and repair old and broken bells as you can see." she rang it. "What a lovely sound...."

"I am Lord Magmata, Silver Belle. I'm going to be staying here for a while if you don't mind."

"No, not a all. In fact we have a room prepared for you! Follow me!" Belle went back up the stairs with Magmata and Carat following her. "Here we are!" she opened the door. The walls were red, the bed blankets and pillows were yellow, and there was an orange rug on the floor with a black recliner on top of it. "It's not much, but I hope you like it."

"Yes, I do." Magmata walked in and looked at the recliner. He felt it and sat in it making it go back. "Well, this chair ain't bad."

"I'm glad you like it, my lord. I picked it out." Carat said. "You want to meet our dad?"

"Sure, Saphira told me he is in the basement."

"Yep! Must be working up a sweat down there!" Belle replied. "He runs a shop in case you didn't know and builds weapons, armor, anything imaginable for his shop."

Carat and Magmata followed Belle to the basement. It was very hot down there and Magmata liked it. "Phew! Stay down here much longer and I'll be sweating like a horse." Carat said. "Dad!"

"Yes, honey?" Smith's voice yelled.

"Magmata is here!"

"Be right there!" then there was the sound of a hammer against metal. After a minute he walked towards the stairs where his daughters and Magmata was waiting. "Hello, my name is Smith. And you're Lord Magmata?" Smith shook his hoof.

"Yes, I am. And I have to say that I can spend all day in here as hot as it is." Magmata replied.

"Excellent! But I heard you just got your powers back and you need to work on it. I have a burn pile for a bonfire you can practice with. It's in the backyard."

"Okay, thanks."

"I look forward to working with you, my lord." Smith said as Carat and Belle led Magmata out of the basement.

Belle and Carat took Magmata to the burn pile. It was filled with wood, sticks, and paper. "Okay, here we go...." Magmata stood in battle position and breathed smoke. He breathed smoke again and again until embers came out.

Carat gasped, "You almost got it!"

Magmata breathed again and again until a stream of fire came out and hit the burn pile and in no time it was blaze. "Since when did this get so hard?"

"You did it!" Carat yelled.

"Yeah, way to go HOT stuff!" Belle yelled next before giggling.

"Hot stuff?" Magmata asked looking back at her.

"It's kinda like saying you're handsome, and it's also a pun because anything hot is your specialty." Belle explained.

"Me, Magmata, Lord of the Volcano handsome?" he asked in a bewildered tone of voice.

"Of course, and you have a good looking face too." Carat added. "And I also just noticed something."

"What?"

"It's your yellow eyes, my lord. When I first saw you your eyes looked like it was filled with anger but now it looks like you have calmed down and your yellow eyes are now pretty...."

Magmata blushed, "Oh.... I guess I have changed a little, haven't I?"

"You know it!" Belle yelled. "Say, can you put fire out?"

"I can. It's the ability I haven't lost." with that his eyes glowed and the fire went out just like that. Only burnt wood and ashes were left behind.

"Wow! That was awesome!" Belle squealed.

Bronze Medal walks out of the house yawning, "What's all the noise?" she looks and sees Magmata. "Ahhh!" she hid behind Belle.

"Looks like Carat Gold was right about you, young one...." Magmata said not amused.

Carat trotted up to Bronze, "It's alright, little sister he won't hurt you. This is Magmata, the fire unicorn I told you about."

"He.... he looks scary...." Bronze whispered.

"Bronze...." Carat groaned.

"Now, now she's right. I'm one of the scariest ones around here." Magmata told her.

Suddenly Twilight appeared, "Hi Carat, hi Belle, hi Bronze!" she greeted.

"Hi Twilight!" Belle greeted back. "What's up?"

"I've heard that Sombra let Magmata go and he's now living with you." she notices him. "Oh, hello Magmata."

Magmata growled at her, "Don't be impolite, my lord. Say hello back." Carat told him.

"Greetings, Princess Twilight Sparkle...." he muttered. "It would be amusing if I can burn you right now, but I've got orders that I have no choice but to obey...."

"Glad to see you're doing well, too...." Twilight said sarcastically.

"What was that?" Magmata asked.

"Nothing, I was just checking on you and seeing if you were okay living here." Twilight replied.

"So far, so good." Carat told her.

"Good. I also have some questions for you, Magmata."

"Oh, and what would that be?" he asked.

They went back into the house and all sat down at the dinner table. Smith, after taking a bath, joined them. Twilight took out a paper and pen. "Magmata, I am interested in you and your past. Now, in your own words, can you tell me how you came to be what you are right now and about your childhood?" Twilight asked.

"My childhood is nothing but misery...." Magmata said angrily.

"Why's that?" Belle asked.

"I inherited my powers from an ancestor. It shamed my parents because my ancestor was evil...." Magmata began.

"I see...." Twilight said.

"Like Sombra and his dark powers, I and my powers were ostracized by the others on my home island...."

"You grew up on an island?" Carat asked amazed.

"Yes, I did. We were distant neighbors of Luau Tiki Island and we had no alicorn leader like our neighbors did. Anyway, no one wanted me around growing up because they believed that I was possessed by an evil spirit. I swore that I was not, but they kept rejecting me. And to make it worse my parents were disgraced because of the resemblance to my ancestor and my powers. So disgraced that they threw me out...."

"How awful! How could they do such a thing?" Carat yelled.

"Things were very different during those times...." Twilight replied, feeling sorry for Magmata. "What did you do after that?"

"I traveled to the volcano on that island in steamy tears. I was so angry that I fired fire from my horn and accidentally found a a secret closed off entrance that led to a tomb underground. Out of curiosity I went into the tomb and saw that nopony has visited it in years. Then I came to manuscripts and pictures on the walls. I looked around and saw it...."

"What did you see?" Bronze asked.

"I saw a carving of my ancestor...." everyone looked at him in shock. "Yes, that was when I realized I was in the tomb of my ancestor. Then, I heard a voice saying my name. I yelled 'Who's there?!' then the voice said, 'Do not be alarmed, my descendant....'."

"The Spirit of your Ancestor?" Smith asked.

"Yes, it was him. I demanded him to tell me who he is and what he wanted, then I got my answer: he wanted me to finish what he started which was creating more land and increase the heat. His voice then led me to a room that had a statue resembling myself. The voice told me to touch the statue and his power will be mine. I was young, angry, rash, and foolish and I saw this as an opportunity to get my revenge so I touched the statue. As a result, he made me who I am right now."

"How can a pony be so evil even after their time comes?" Twilight asked.

"That's a very good question, my dear...." Magmata said before continuing. "After obtaining these new powers I spent my childhood down in that tomb until I have mastered these powers. And as you can guess, I got my revenge on the island by burning everything in sight...."

"That's terrible!" Belle yelled.

"You don't mean you...." Carat was about to ask.

"I truly don't know what became of my parents afterwards, but I didn't care because I believed that they got what they deserved in the end. And I don't know what happened to the ponies that lived on that island when I destroyed it, but as I said before I got my revenge."

"I heard that you were ruthless, my lord. But this...." Carat was about to say.

"I know, but I was to blinded by my rage to realize what I had done. After King Sombra was corrupted he was interested in my powers and we started working together. He was the only friend I ever had, and even though we became friends we eventually lost interest in ruling together because we visioned things differently: I wanted to make more land and increase the heat; Sombra wanted to make the world eternal darkness. I was about to put my plan into effect when Queen Aqua Marina came from the sea because she had heard about my evil plans and wouldn't allow her sea to be covered. She put up a fight, but in the end my powers were no match for her powers for obvious reasons and she magically sealed me in a cave under the sea. The rest you already know...."

"That's quite a story, my lord...." Smith said.

"I got it all written down." Twilight said next.

"Don't you feel bad for what you did?" Bronze asked.

Magmata was silent for a moment, then he said, "Until my powers were taken away and I was defeated, no. I suppose the Elements of Harmony removed my ancestor's spirit as well. But, I'm very bitter over what happened...."

Carat put a hoof on Magmata's hoof, "Princess Twilight Sparkle and the others did what had to be done, my lord. You should be grateful for that...." Carat realized she was holding Magmata's hoof and let go blushing.

"Yes, it's true about what we did. But now it's all over you should stop living in the past, forgive those who have hurt you and yourself, and hope for a better life and a better future." Twilight told him.

"Hm, you are wise at your age. Forgiving? I truly don't know if I can go there.... unless...." Magmata looks over to Carat, "You are willing to help me through it...."

Carat blushed again, "Oh, yes. I would be more than happy to help you...."

"Me too!" Belle yelled.

"I'll.... I'll help too...." Bronze said quietly.

"Count me in!" Smith yelled next.

"We will all help you through this...." Twilight said.

A tear turned to steam on Magmata's face. "Truly, I can't thank you enough. But I'll need some time to forgive you, Twilight Sparkle and the others before I let you all help me...."

Twilight nodded, "Understood. Take as long as you need. If you need me I live in Ponyville at the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom. Goodbye for now!" she teleports.

Some time later Magmata was with Smith at his shop. The shop was filled with metal mini sculptures of animals, shields, swords, tools, and horseshoes. "You built all of these?" Magmata asked.

"Yep! I sell them too." Smith replied.

"For what purpose, I may ask?"

"Why, for other ponies and their needs of course."

"I see.... you think about others and not just yourself." Magmata concluded before looking out the window and seeing Carat Gold, Silver Belle, and Bronze Medal play ball. His eyes were mostly on the oldest. Smith looked too.

"They grow up so fast.... one minute you're changing their diapers and the next minute they're grown up." Smith said.

"Time changes everything...." Magmata added. "Carat Gold, did she choose to come to see me when I was in prison?"

"Yes, my lord. Carat Gold always had a heart of gold, even as a filly."

"Oh...."

"Is something the matter, my lord?" Smith asked with a concerned look on his face.

Magmata shook his head, "No.... it's nothing...."
Throne Room

King Sombra and Queen Luna were sitting on their thrones when Magmata came up to them and bowed. "Ah, Magmata! What brings you here?" King Sombra asked.

"How is your day going with the Medals?" Luna asked next.

"It's doing well, surprisingly. Is there a rule for asking for advice?" Magmata asked.

"No, there is no rule. We'll be happy to help you in any way we can." Sombra replied.

"What's on your mind?" Luna asked.

"About Carat Gold. She has been treating me a lot more different than anypony has treated me before and this experience is all so new to me...." Magmata began. "I think I'm becoming fond of her and I think she feels the same for me."

Luna smiled, "I see...."

"You are in love, Magmata. You shouldn't be afraid to say it." Sombra said.

"Yes, and if you plan to tell her you should wait until you are ready. And you have to remember to be yourself." Luna added.

"I've.... I've never felt this way before.... she is the most beautiful and kindest mare that I have ever met. I'm now feeling that maybe I should do something for her, but I don't know what...." Magmata told them.

"Why not make her something?" Sombra suggested.

"Or take her somewhere?" Luna added.

Magmata scratched her chin, "Perhaps...." he thought for a moment. Then smoke came from his horn, "Yes! Of course!"

Magmata went back to Smith and asked for permission to use his tools. "Sure! But what do you need them for?" Magmata whispered something in his ear making him smile. "That's very thoughtful of you, my lord."

Magmata went to Smith's workshop with a big rock on his back. He breathed fire on the rock, melting the gold out of it into a container. "My fire may not be strong as before, but it's very useful for this project." he said to himself.

After many hours, Smith closed his shop for the night and returned home. The Medal sisters already had dinner ready and sat the table. "Hi dad!" Belle greeted.

Bronze hugged him, "Hi daddy! How was work?"

"It went pretty well today." Smith replied hugging her back.

"Hi dad. Magmata has been using your workshop all day." Carat said.

"I know. I gave him permission to do so." Smith replied.

"He seemed to be really busy with something." Belle added. "I can't get him out even if I mentioned spicy food."

"Did you say spicy food?" Magmata asked before walking into the dining room dirty from all that hard work.

"What were you doing down there?" Carat asked surprised.

Magmata grinned, "If I told you that would ruin the surprise." he went back down to the workshop for a moment and came back with a golden necklace. The necklace was shiny, it had islands and the sea molded around it, and had sun molded on the top. It looked almost real. Magmata presented it to Carat, "I made this for you, my dear.... to show my appreciation for your kindness and your generous hospitality...."

Carat gasped and looked at the designs closely. "Oh.... Magmata.... it's.... it's.... lovely...." she used her magic to put the necklace around her neck. "How thoughtful...." Magmata turned his head and blushed. Then Carat kissed Magmata's cheek causing him to straighten up.

Bronze jumped up and down giggling, "You kissed him!"

Smith smiled and approached him, "Magmata, I've been thinking."

"Yes?"

"I'll ask you right out: How would you like to be part of our family?"

Magmata's eyes opened wide and smoke left the volcanoes on his back. "What?"

"You are a good stallion; you have been good to us and you helped me with my business and not to mention made my daughter happy." Smith said as Carat blushed. "It's just that you had a rough childhood and later fell into a wrong crowd. But with Carat's help, you have proven that you are not such a bad guy after all. You also need help and a loving family, which is what you want is it?".

Magmata's eyes began to tear up and the tears turned to steam. "Yes, a family.... that's all I ever wanted.... was a family...."

"So you're gonna stay?" Bronze asked getting excited.

Magmata nodded, "Yes, I'll stay.... I know I have a long way to go, but with help from my new family I won't have any problem getting there...."

"That's great!" Carat yelled before hugging the Lord of the Volcano who hugged her back. Then they looked at each other and blushed. "Oh, sorry about that...." she said before they both let go. "Oh, and Magmata?"

"Yes, Carat Gold?"

"No offense, but I think you need a bath." she replied.

Magmata looked at himself; his coat was a mess. "Non taken."

"I'll get the bath ready!" Bronze yelled before running off.

"Make it hot, will you?" Magmata asked making the others laugh.

After Magmata bathed they had dinner. After dinner Magmata and Carat sat outside on a porch swing looking up at the stars and the moon. They were both silent until Carat asked, "Magmata?"

"Yes, Carat Gold?"

"Um, I was wondering: do you like me?"

Magmata was very hesitant at first. He thought and said, "Yes, I do like you. I also find you very interesting, my dear."

"Interesting?"

"Yes, because no mare have ever treated me as well as you do and you don't mind my appearance and my abilities. You are also the most beautiful golden creature that I have ever seen and met. But I don't just like you just because of your beauty, but for who you are...."

Carat blushed, "It's funny, because I feel the same about you...." then she covered her mouth after realizing what she just said.

"What was that?" Magmata asked.

"I.... well.... I only meant that I.... I kinda like you too...." Carat blushed again. "When I first saw you when Sparky Rattail was being taken to his cell I saw how miserable you were and I wanted to do something about. I spoke to King Sombra about it and he told me everything he knew about you and, as I said before, I feel really bad for you because you never had a loving family and how rough your life was. As the time I spent with you in the dungeon passed.... one thing led to another and I have grown fond of you...."

Magmata then remembered what King Sombra showed him about that former criminal and his wife. "Do you think this...." he was about to ask.

"A beginning of a friendship, or something more?" Carat asked.

"Yes, I suppose so...." Magmata replied before he felt Carat's head on his shoulder. Magmata gulped and slowly put and arm across her shoulders.
In a cave miles away....

A portal was showing this evil being and the black stallion everything that was going on at the Medal's home. "So, Lord Magmata now has a family...." the evil voice said.

"How touching...." the black stallion said sarcastically.

"Struggling to be good is very amusing...." the evil voice added.

Soothsayer walked in, "How long do you think it'll last?" he asked.

"Ah, Soothsayer.... my old friend and servant.... how good of you to come...." the evil voice said as yellow evil looking eyes looked towards him.

"You and I have never been friends, and let's not start pretending that we are." Soothsayer snapped.

"Show some respect, fortune teller!" the black stallion yelled.

"That's quite alright...." the evil voice said. "I like his attitude and the evil that has corrupted him since he was a colt...."

"What brings you here, anyway?" the black stallion asked.

"I have come to tell you that I have spoken to Queen Ela and she is more than willing to help you achieve your goal. But she is unaware about your true intentions." Soothsayer explained.

"Excellent work, Soothsayer." the evil voice said. "Queen Ela is very capable to deceive others; she can hypnotize others; spit acid and has lethal venom." the evil voice laughs. "Her Deceit is the next element I need to get strong enough and be set free!" he laughs wickedly again.
Back at the Medal's House

Magmata and Carat Gold sat there on the swing looking up at the stars. Carat yawned, "I think it's time for me to turn in for the night...." she said before getting off the swing.

"I think I'll stay out here for a little while longer...." Magmata said.

"Okay, good night...." she kissed Magmata's lips, which was just a second, and went back into the house. Magmata stood there frozen. After a few seconds he fell off the porch swing and heart shaped smoke came from his horn and back.

Tirek's Last Chance

by DrewCarriker6231993

Chapter One: Colonel Tirek

Chapter Two: The Cowcolt and the Indian

Chapter Three: Family Reunion

Chapter Four: Night at the Daycare

Chapter Five: Independent

Chapter Six: The Boogie Mare

Chapter Seven: The Phantom of Canterlot

Chapter Eight: Black Ice

Chapter Nine: Happy Hearth Warming's Eve!

Chapter Ten: Hot! Hot! HOT!!!

Chapter Eleven: The Medals

Chapter Twelve: Rats!

Chapter Thirteen: Molten Gold