//------------------------------//
// Chapter 7: The Good, The Bad and The Hurt 
// Story: The Legendary Knights of Friendship 
// by Shadow Master 
//------------------------------//

After a chat with his mysterious contact, Nezha headed straight to the underground garage. He arrived at the catwalk, where he witnessed scientists and engineers were working and testing on twelve of Cybertronian Knights function. He found Starkiller, Sushi Tsunami and Ripper were supervising Project: Royal Knights, on the edge. He approached them. They turned and bowed in respect to their leader.

"My liege, welcome back," Sushi Tsunami greeted darkly, "The project goes well. We're making sure that these Knights won't have glitches."

Ripper nodded, "Seems to be strange lately if you ask me. Someone was trying to sabotage them. It costs us some delays..."

"Just as Death Tactic warned me of it some times ago," Nezha Vengito snarled darkly and angrily. He turned and looked at Starkiller, "I want you to search and hunt him down. Dead or alive..."

Starkiller growled, "As you command..."

Nezha Vengito turned to both Ripper and Sushi Tsunami, "Where are the rest especially Dr. Ciel?"

"Guard duty," Ripper said in amusement, "Soki and Silverclaw got issues with what happen from yesterday. And they don't want to talk with us either."

Sushi Tsunami nodded, "Ciel and ZeekCrimson headed to Camp Everfree. And they said that they have unfinished business with Shorty Thinking especially to ensure the cure is destroyed."

"Is that so?" Nezha Vengito asked dryly before hummed suspiciously, "Loyal yet suspicious of them."

"My lord?" Sushi Tsunami asked in concern.

"I already have my spy to deal with it. How did they know Shorty Thinking will be there when I tell nothing?" Nezha Vengito narrowed his angry eyes, "Keep your eyes on them especially Ciel. Something's not right..."

"Yes, sir!" Sushi Tsunami, Ripper and Starkiller exclaimed and saluted firmly.

Nezha Vengito turned his attention at Cybertronian Knights, "I cannot stop now. I'm close. My brethren will be free and take what is rightfully theirs..."





At the Fire Opal Tent, Tailtech was researching on Rainbow Energon of Light and Darkness while analyzing, experimenting and devising the cure to the artificial energy source. Laxtinct was there guarding and looking after his best friend, though he shivered and quivered in fear while eating his potato chips frantically and wildly.

Tailtech groaned in annoyance, "Laxtinct, would you cut it out?! I'm trying to focus on my research!"

"Well. Sorry for that, buddy," Laxtinct exclaimed in annoyance while eating his potato chips, "because I'm still panicking that we're still at stupid camp! I wanna get out of here now!"

Tailtech sighed in annoyance, "Don't you ever get tired of repeating that? It's getting annoying."

And you're no help too, TT." Laxtinct said in annoyance.

"Whatever..."

"So how long are you gonna do this? You sure that you can make a cure."

"I don't know, Lax. But I'm doing my best to create one, no matter how long it takes. We can't let Nezha win. And we've gotta find and save our friends too."

"Well... That's some inspirational you've make, Tails, even though it's just a nerd talk."

Tailtech scoffed in annoyance, "Thanks for some supports, pal." He sighed as he turned to his chemistry table, " Now if you excuse me, I've got some work to do. And I need some peace and quiet."

Laxtinct scoffed, "Yeah. Whatever, bud-!" 

Laxtinct yelped in surprise as he was being grabbed from the outside.

"Lax, I need some peace and quiet. And I really mean it," Tailtech said angrily and firmly as he continued typing down on his laptop. As he continued his work, he felt someone poking. He ignore it once. But after some poking, he got irritated and annoyed by it. He groaned as he turned to his back while screaming in anger, "Laxtinct! Will you cut it-!?"

Tailtech gasped in shock and concern as he was looking at two familiar characters. The young mutated fox was grabbed by his neck up high while looking at his enemy.

"If you don't mind, my friend would like to access your data..." ZeekCrimson said darkly.

Ciel nodded firmly as she approached the laptop, "It won't be long..."





At Decepticons-Cobra Hidden Base entrance; Megatron, Cobra Commander and their minions guided and led their nemeses out.

"Thank you for everything, Megatron," Optimus Prime thanked calmly, "Your cooperation is appreciated especially our temporary alliance."

Duke nodded, "Yeah. You guys really help us this time."

Cobra Commander smiled beneath his mask while shaking Duke's hand, "It's our pleasure to work together, my dear brother-in-law."

"Indeed," Megatron said in agreement yet amusement, "Let us hope we can prevent the prophecy before it comes true."

Both Optimus Prime and Duke nodded in agreement. And just before the leaders of team could turn and walked away, they held back by both Megatron and Cobra Commander. Their nemeses whispered to their ears with three to five words

"Ask her find Black Alpha."

Optimus Prime and Duke nodded in understanding. They turned and led their team and allies back to Camp Everfree. While the leaders were confident and firm about the alliance with their nemeses, their team were uncertain and concern of it.

"You sure we can trust them?" Applejack asked her friends in concern, "What if they backstabbing at us?"

Shadow Dragon sighed, "We don't have much choice, Applejack."

"I don't think they will," Sunset Shimmer said calmly and firmly, "Until we find a way to stop prophecy or find and get the Black Alpha, Nezha is gonna win in the end."

Twilight Sparkle sighed, "I hope so. I want the nightmares end as soon as possible. I can't bear with it much longer."

Everyone noticed and heard of Twilight Sparkle's muttering. They all suspect that she's hiding the truth behind her nightmares and insecure. They hoped that she can tell them soon enough about it.





After an hour and half of driving, three teams have returned to Camp Everfree. They also found the camp is safe from harm and danger especially their nemeses made no attempt of attacking the campers. Everyone were doing their usual activities peacefully and quietly. However, they noticed their allies were nowhere to be found except Lance Justicestrike and Cutie Mark Crusaders approaching them in a rush.

"Nyx," Twilight Sparkle asked as she held and carried Nyx up on her shoulder, "What's wrong?"

Applejack held Apple Bloom's shoulders, "Are you hurt?! Are you alright?!"

Rarity gulped, "Did something bad happen?!"

"Was it Decepticons and Cobra?!" Rainbow Dash demanded as she showed off her karate, "Coz I'm gonna kick their butts for lying to us!" 

"We're fine!" Apple Bloom exclaimed in concern, "But Lax and Tailtech-!"

"They got caught and beat up by red Robocop!" Scootaloo exclaimed in concern.

Sweetie Belle nodded in concern, "The other guys tried to fight back but he's way too strong and tough!"

"And that's not all," Nyx said in concern, "There's a girl accessing and working on Shorty's computer. I don't know what she's doing but it's not good."

Lance Justicestrike hummed in concern, "What was her name again? It starts with 'C'. I think."

Shorty Thinking gasped in concern, "No! She's gonna destroy them! I've gotta stop her! I need them for my work!"

Shorty Thinking charged in while pushing his friends aside as he headed off straight to his Fire Opal Camp. Everyone but Dragon Strike Force and Twilight Sparkle were confuse and concern of Shorty Thinking. What was that? How is he connected to this mysterious girl?

"Can someone tell us what is going on?" Rainbow Dash asked in concern.

Flash Sentry nodded in concern, "He must be serious but more grouchy lately."

"I'll explain later," Shadow Dragon said in concern, "We'd better make sure he doesn't do something stupid again."

Rarity nodded in concern, "He's been off lately. I'm worried now."

The team went after and followed Shorty Thinking as they all headed straight to Opal Fire Camp. Upon arriving at the area; they found four G.I. Joe and even Shane were fighting with ZeekCrimson, who managed to dodge and avoid the attacks while striking one punch or kick at them hard and down. Prowl, Drift, Crosshairs and Breakaway were standing by while looking after some campers.

"Is that who I think it is," Saber Dragoon asked in concern.

Crossed her arms, Aquastroke sighed while shaking her head, "No doubt. It's definitely him alright. And that means she's here too. Shorty's gonna get angry now."

Overheard of what her friends said, Fluttershy hissed, "That's not good."

"Wow! That guy really looks like Zero from Megaman X Franchise!" Pinkie Pie exclaimed in amusement.

Rainbow Dash groaned in anger, "Pinkie Pie, not now! This isn't the time to be random!"

"Ouch! That guy's tough," Flint cringed in concern.

Lady Jaye nodded, "Yeah. I wonder if Roadblock can handle him."

"Well, I sure love to give him piece of my mind," Roadblock said in amusement. He cringed upon looking at ZeekCrimson punching down on 

"You're seeing what I'm seeing?" Smokescreen asked in surprise and concern.

"We do, kid," Hound said in concern, "I just don't believe it. I'm actually looking at a human made into a robot."

Arcee sighed in concern, "And I thought that making an android is impossible..."

ZeekCrimson gave uppercut punch on Shane's jaws hard, causing himself flipped and fell on the ground hard. Cade Yeager and Tessa quickly approached and helped him up.

"You okay?" Tessa asked in concern.

Shane grunted in pain, "I'm fine. Just a little ache. Didn't know you care for me so much, babe."

Tessa groaned in annoyance, "Don't get comfort, babe. I'm still mad at you."

"Seriously," Shane asked in disappointment, "Man. I'm heartbroken, babe. How long must you hurt me, Tessa?! I can't take it anymore!"

Cade sighed, "Guys, now's not the time to bicker about love problems."

ZeekCrimson grabbed and threw Tunnel Rat on Ripcord and Jinx to the ground hard. Three team regrouped and readied themselves to fight. Shorty Thinking, angered and annoyed, approached the crimson android without his Flame Volley Blaster. ZeekCrimson remained firm and calm as he glared at the team's scientist and medic.

"Professor..." ZeekCrimson greeted dryly, "It's been a while, hasn't it?"

Shorty Thinking rebuffed in anger, "Spare me of your formality, let my assistant and bolder go now! And more importantly, where is she?!"

"Geez, what happen to your calmness and patient," The soft voice said gently. Everyone looked at Ciel emerging from the tent. As young as she is, she looked cold yet calm and patient. This made them scared of her while Shorty Thinking glared at her. She remained cold, "Hello, Wally."

"Hello to yourself, Ciel," Shorty Thinking snarled in anger, "You've got a lot of nerve for showing your face around after you abandoned me and Asami!"

"Wow. Look at how the intelligent and patient professor has fallen. You're much more grouchy and hot-tempered than the last time we have this conversation. Where's your sense of logic and facts before emotion? Did you lose it because of the fight we have?"

"Nice try with the insults, Ciel. It's not gonna work on me." 

"Whatever. I wasn't even trying anyway."

"Ciel, do you even know what you have done for six months?!" Shorty Thinking demanded in anger. Ciel remained quiet yet showing cold-stone attitude. His eyes narrowed in anger, "I know it was Nezha Vengito did terrible experiment to some villages and rural area across the countries! And you and ZeekCrimson were involved of it! Do you really want to be part of massacre?!"

Ciel narrowed her angry eyes, "All of this is for the greater good. The Humans must understand what the Mutants have been through! It's time to end this stupid racism once and for all! Don't you want your mutant friends to get respect and equality for once in life time?!"

"More important than anything else! But siding with psychopathic, self-righteous and merciless mutants like the Ultimates?! That is not the way to achieve peace! And besides, we've already achieved the peace and harmony between two kinds!"

"The treaty! The laws! The citizenship! All nothing but lies! The Humans still treating the Mutants like slaves and outcasts! I won't accept it! With Rainbow Energon and its dark counterpart, we will change everything for better world!"

"You have no idea of what they are capable of! These artificial energy source is more than just fuel and weaponry, they're very alive! If you use them on the Cybertronian Knights or innocents, lives will be at stake! Everything will be destroyed! Think about what you're doing!"

"I know what I'm doing. And I'm not gonna stop. There's no turning back."

"I can't let you or Ultimates do it."

Ciel scoffed in anger, "Do what you want, Shorty. We're close to our goals. And there's nothing you can do. You're not even close of making cure."

"Don't assume you can win it," Shorty Thinking remarked in anger, "But I can promise you one thing - I will find the cure!"

Shorty Thinking turned and entered his camp at once. He has to check on his researches. He hoped that they're alright and safe.

"Then I wish you luck, Shorty..." Ciel remarked dryly. She then turned and approached ZeekCrimson, "We're done, ZeekCrimson. Let's go back home."

ZeekCrimson nodded and bowed, "As you wish, Doctor."

As Ciel and ZeekCrismon moved towards Shorty Thinking's team, the little girl gave a hard push on Sunset Shimmer aside. And at the same time, ZeekCrimson swiftly placed a small object hard drive-like into the camper's pocket. A sudden sense of feeling gives a chill to Sunset Shimmer as she heard of voice again like before.

"The clues will help you make a cure. I hope one day you'll see and understand why Zeek and me act this way, big brother..."

"What?!" Sunset Shimmer asked in shock. As both ZeekCrimson and Ciel continued walking, she turned and looked at them, "Wait! What do you mean 'clues to make a cure'?! What are you really after?"

Ciel turned and glared at Sunset Shimmer as she rebuffed dryly, "I don't know what you're talking about. If you're a mutant, then I suggest you learn to respect people's privacy, pony!"

ZeekCrimson held Ciel's shoulder, "Forget it. We've got more important matters to deal with."

Ciel nodded in understanding as she and ZeekCrimson headed off at once. They were exiting Camp Everfree. The team were confused and shocked of the confrontation Shorty Thinking had with Ciel. They then heard the angry screams. They turned to the Fire Opal Tent as Shorty Thinking, Laxtinct and Tailtech exited.

"It's gone! All of my data and research on everything is gone!" Shorty Thinking exclaimed in anger. He screamed in anger as he slammed a hard punch straight on the tree, "Damn it! She really destroy everything!"

Tailtech patted Shorty Thinking's back, "Shorty, calm down. Everything is not lost!"

Laxtinct nodded in agreement, "Yeah! You've done this before, you can do it again. Piece of cake!"

"You idiots!" Shorty Thinking shouted in anger. Everyone yelped in concern and shock. He turned and snapped at both Tailtech and Laxtinct, "Those research are not just mine, they're from the Dark Terrorist's! Without either of them, I can't analyze or determined of how to make a cure! The world will fall into chaos because of you two! Damn you both! I should never have let you handle this!"

Everyone was in shock and concern. They had never seen how angry and upset Shorty Thinking is especially scream at his own friends. Cutie Mark Crusaders and even the pets and Minicons were scared of him.

"Shorty, please!" Rarity pleaded in concern as she held Shorty Thinking's hand, "They did their best! And besides, no one knows this happen! That Ciel is indeed horrible and selfish girl."

Shorty Thinking snarled in anger as she slapped Rarity's face hard. She fell to the ground hard. Everyone gasped in concern and shock. Both Sweetie Belle and Applejack helped her up. Rarity was shocked, scared and pained by Shorty Thinking's response.

"Not best enough!" Shorty Thinking shouted in anger, "Don't you dare insult her!"

Sunset Shimmer grunted in anger, "What is wrong with you?! Lax and Tail did their best to keep the research safe! Rarity's trying to help you! And you defended Ciel after what she has done?!" Shorty Thinking remained silent. She scoffed in anger, "Is it because she's your sister?!"

Everyone was in shock and concern. Dragon Strike Force, Twilight Sparkle and even Shorty Thinking were silent for the moment.

"You know I wondered why she behave like this," Sunset Shimmer asked angrily and calmly while glaring at Shorty Thinking, "Is it because of how bad you really are to her as her big brother? It's no wonder you both don't get along! You're grouchy and selfish!"

Everyone gasped in shock and concern of what Sunset Shimmer has said. This caused Shorty Thinking clenched his fist hard as he turned and punched her face hard. Flash Sentry held and helped her up slowly and gently.

"Don't you dare talk to me like that!" Shorty Thinking snarled in anger, "I would never mistreat Ciel like that! She maybe pain to my neck, but she's my sister! I cared for her! I raised her! I love her too much!"

Sunset Shimmer grunted in pain, "Then why? Why would she do this to you? And more importantly, what did Nezha to do to villages and rural area with Artificial Energon?! What do you mean 'cure'?"

Everyone looked at Shorty Thinking while giving demanding looks. They wanted to know of what's really going on. He knows something about it. He turned to his team as they too wanted to know of what's really going on. Tailtech nodded to him to tell them. Shorty Thinking sighed and began explaining of his story with Ciel and purpose of making 'cure'.

"Other than Asami, Ciel is also my adopted sister. Three of us were very close family together. We enjoyed science, physic and maths, and even inventions and chemistry. We've always help each other, no matter how hard it is.We all  dreamed to become scientists, making a better place for the world." 

"Sounds like you and your sisters got along well," Rarity commented.

Sweetie Belle giggled, "Just like me and Rarity."

Shorty Thinking sighed while clenched his fists tightly, "But things change when I took and brought Dark Terrorists' Artificial Energon Supplies and its information for studies.

"What happen?" Twilight Sparkle and Nyx asked in concern.  

"A month has passed since we began studying them, Ciel got obsessed and interested in it." Shorty Thinking said uneasily, "She pleaded me to let the world know and use them. I told her 'no' and give reason why it's dangerous. At first she understood it well, but I was wrong. She took most of my research, my experiment and left me. ZeekCrimson followed her as well. I was just so angry and disappointed in her. I couldn't understand why she did it until..."

"News broke out about people gone insane or turned into zombies-like. And the government was forced to kill them all when the infected attacked and killed others." Tailtech answered uneasily, "As we feared and suspected, we did some test on the Artificial Energon. We even analyzed the victims too. It's not only used for weaponry, fuel and electrical energy source; it poisoned and infected people or mutants into monsters."

Everyone but Tailtech gasped in shock and concern of what they just heard.

"Oh my goodness," Fluttershy said in concern, "This is horrible."

"What the hell?!" Crosshairs asked in shock, "You must be joking."

Ripcord nodded, "Yeah. This isn't some kind of horror movie they make up?!"

"No way..." Tunnel Rat and Smokescreen said in shock and concern, "This can't be..."

"I wish it is," Shorty Thinking said in shame and pain. He sighed, "And the only person who could do such a thing is the Ultimates. They are the group of powerful and deadly mutants. They did for this world and their kind, but they also harbor great hatred for humanity. They're the group that Ciel was working for and delivering the work to them."

"Why didn't the government let us know about this," Flash Sentry demanded in anger, "Everyone could have been alerted about this!"

"If they did, everyone will be paranoid and panicked without thinking! They will get themselves killed especially when Nezha Vengito could take that advantage of it. Everyone will die." Shorty Thinking said firmly and angrily. Everyone turned to silent. He added on, "And of course, the UN have no idea about Artificial Energon. This was ordered by both former and current Secretary of United States to keep everyone safe."

Twilight Sparkle thought carefully, "Make sense..."

"Shorty, do you think you can make a 'cure' without your research?" Shadow Dragon asked in concern.

Duke nodded in agreement, "Yeah. I hate to imagine of what these things do to us."

"We cannot afford to delay," Optimus Prime said firmly yet concernedly, "First Cybertronian Knights, and now the infected virus Energon. What else Nezha Vengito and his accomplices have in store to accomplish his goals?"

"I'd never know," Shadow Dragon admitted in concern, "But I know Nezha is not gonna stop until the humanity either surrender or died while mutants roam freely. We can't let this happen."

"It won't be easy," Shorty Thinking said in concern, "Without my research, I don't know where to start. It's hopeless..."

Everyone sighed in defeat. They may not have the chance to save the world and cure 'infected' people and mutants. Sunset Shimmer sighed in defeat as she crossed her hands. She then noticed both Wheelie and Brains looking at her. It irritated and annoyed her about their thinking.

"Wheelie! Brains! This is not the time for you to be pervert!" Sunset Shimmer said in annoyance.

Mikaela nodded, "Can't you guys be serious for one day?"

"Yeah. We're dealing with some serious crises here," Sam Witwicky said angrily, "And all you can think about girls with nice looks and body?!"

"We weren't!" Brains exclaimed frantically.

"There's something in Sunny's pocket!" Wheelie exclaimed in concern, "I detect some kind pf hard-drive with loads of info in it.!"

Sunset Shimmer looked surprise and shock about it. She quickly patted on her left pocket. She felt something on it. She took it out at once. She and her friends looked surprise and shock of it. It was revealed to be a hard-drive.

"It happen again," Sunset Shimmer said in surprise, "Just like before at Ultimates' Headquarter. And it's a hard drive."

"Wow. That's something," Flash Sentry said in surprise and shock, "But who would give you this?"

Sideswipe hummed thoughtfully, "Could be magic or a spy maybe?"

Bumblebee nodded in agreement, "No other explanation."

"Impossible," Shorty Thinking rebuffed angrily, "While you seven girls and Shadow Dragon may have the magic, but it doesn't appeared in the pocket without the reason especially when we don't have a spy amongst the enemies"

Snake Eyes held and patted Shorty Thinking gently and calmly, causing the scientist to turn and look at him. The black ninja shook his head gently while held and clenched his right hand against his chest as he shook a bit at Sunset Shimmer's holding hard drive.

Jinx nodded in understanding, "Sensei is right, Professor. As you have said, there is no spy among the enemies, then he wouldn't have sent this to us. "

"This could be our only chance to make cure," Drift insisted confidently and calmly.

Spirit nodded in agreement, "You must have leap of faith to do it."

Three teams chatted with each other about whether or not they should take the risk of using hard drive. Shorty Thinking thought carefully and calmly about it.

"You know as everyone said about this," Flare Tiger said calmly, "It's better than nothing."

"We have to try. We need the cure," Sunset Shimmer said in agreement, "We can't let another city or village get infected."

Twilight Sparkle hummed uneasily, "Or even turned into a monster..."

"They're right, Shorty." Rarity pleaded as she held Sweetie Belle close to her while patted her left hand on his shoulder, "This is the risk we must take. We have to prevent losses."

"I can't argue with you. Your opinions are reasonable and valid points," Shorty Thinking said in concern while taking hard drive from Sunset Shimmer, "We'll do it. But I will not guarantee if this drive is gonna help us to make the cure."

"Good to hear," Shadow Dragon said in relief as he patted Shorty Thinking from the back, "Do your best, buddy."

"Attention, campers!" Principal Celestia's voice announced through outdoor speaker, "Anyone who's interested in making floating paper lanterns, please meet us by the picnic tables."

"I don't know about the rest of y'all," Applejack said in concern, "but I've been looking forward to coming here for a month. Maybe we forget about this new magic, alliance with the bad guys and even brother-sister problem for a bit and just try to focus on enjoying our time at camp?"

Rarity smiled, "I was also excited about designs I've come up with for the camp fashion show."

"And I've barely gotten to whoop anybody in tetherball." Rainbow Dash muttered in upset.

"I think we should try to figure it out." Sunset Shimmer said. She sighed, "But if letting it go for now is what the rest of you want..."

Everybody chatted and nodded in agreement that they want to take a break while not dealing with the problem. 

Twilight Sparkle wasn't sure if she wanted to ignore it especially her encounter with the nightmare of Black Alpha. Yet she refused to disclose the information with her friends and boyfriend. She doesn't want to put a burden on them.

Shadow Dragon sighed, "Well, looks like decision has been made. But we should think about our situation. We can't just-!"

"Senpai, come on, cut them some slack," Flash Sentry interrupted, "They did say they want to take a break from crazy adventure and fighting. And I would like that too. Plus, you and your girlfriend need to get some love together as one, senpai. Just one day..."

Shadow Dragon grunted a bit, "Can't argue about it."

"You guys go on ahead," Shorty Thinking said firmly as he entered the camp, "I've got a lot of work to do. I need to create the cure at once." He came out and reminded his friends, "And don't use new magic yet! We don't even know if it's safe or not. We need more tests on it."

As Shorty Thinking entered his camp, Tailtech sighed, "I'd better go with him now."

"Me too," Laxtinct exclaimed in agreement, "No way I'm gonna stay outdoor again!"

Tailtech and Laxtinct entered and helped Shorty Thinking in working on the project. Everyone could only look and pray that the scientist could finally achieve his mission. Rarity also prayed and hoped that her friend doesn't overdue his work, or else it will stressed him out...





In the evening, the campers were gathered at the picnic tables. They all began making and designing their own lanterns. Autobots, G.I. Joe and the staff members were watching the event, including Mr. T, who was observing the student's creativity and activity while writing it down. This attracts Saber Dragoon's attention about it as he grew more concern and suspicious about the camp counselor's doing.

The campers were almost finishing their touches on the lanterns especially Pinkie Pie, who literally combined marshmallows and her lantern together. Everyone find it disturbing and uneasy, though they laughed and giggled at it.

Shadow Dragon sighed in annoyance while shaking his head as he never understand what Pinkie Pie was thinking. Speaking of thinking, he noticed that Twilight Sparkle was siting with Lance Justicestrike, Nyx Midnight and Spike while distanced from him and her friends. 

"Something's not right," Shadow Dragon hummed in concern as he turned and looked at Dragoking, "Ever since we came here, Twilight's been off lately. I wonder what's been bothering her."

"Why don't you talk with her," Dragoking suggested, "She's your beloved mate."

"I guess you're right," Shadow Dragon nodded in agreement. His friends laughed in amusement. Realized what his pet has said, he groaned in anger as he glared at his anaconda, "That wasn't funny! It's girlfriend, not mate! Never use that word, you dumb snake!"

Dragoking chuckled in amusement, "It is! You and her enjoyed mating with each other..."

Shadow Dragon groaned before gave a hard punch on Dragoking's head. His friends laughed and giggled in amusement at their friend's embarrassment.

Twilight Sparkle and her siblings continued designing and making their lanterns. Lance Justicestrike, Nyx Midnight and Spike were concern and worry yet confuse of her being distanced from her friends and Shadow Dragon.

"Hey, Twilight, why aren't we with everyone else?" Lance Justicestrike asked in concern.

"Others said something at camp is causing a mess here especially Shadow Dragon and other girls get new magic." Twilight Sparkle whispered to her family, "I think it's Midnight Sparkle. She's still part of me. I can feel it. And I think her magic is infecting my friends."

"It can't be," Nyx insisted in concern, "Shorty said it wasn't you. It has to be someone or something else make this mess.."

"I'm with Nyx about this," Spike said in agreement, "What makes you think of that?"

"I don't know," Twilight Sparkle admitted. She recalled what Black Alpha has said to her from both nightmare and reality. She sighed, "But I feel like it was her doing. I don't know what else to do now."

"Twilight..." Lance Justicestrike, Nyx and Spike said in concern.

"Okay, everyone!" Gloriosa Daisy called out as she and other staff members were standing on the dock, "It's time to watch your lanterns fly!"

Everyone chatted and commented happily as they finished their painting on the lanterns. They took theirs and headed straight to the docks. They all can't wait to lift theirs up to the sky and watch the lanterns light and floated in the air.

Twilight Sparkle and her siblings have finished theirs as they headed straight to the dock. While her siblings were happy about it, but not Twilight Sparkle. Sensing his chance, Shadow Dragon and Dragoking approached her from behind. But instead, they both stopped as they found Timber Spruce approached her.

"Hey, cool lantern! Mine's my face." Timber Spruce commented.

Timber Spruce shown his lantern with cartoon looks of his. Twilight Sparkle laughs nervously while her siblings giggled in amusement. Nevertheless, Twilight Sparkle reversed her happy to frown and concern. She headed off. Her siblings followed her. Timber Spruce looked concern of her as he went after her.

"Him again," Shadow Dragon groaned as he held his black lantern with golden dragon while clenched his right fist, "Why must he keep bothering her?! I'm her boyfriend. He has no right to talk with her. I'm getting irritated by him."

As Shadow Dragon muttered in anger, his body glowed darkly yet burned with crimson aura of anguish and ragingly. Dragoking sensed it and he looked concern and uneasy.

"Master, calm down," Dragoking pleaded, "She loved you... Control your anger now..."

Shadow Dragon snapped out of his anger as his dark aura vanished in thin air. He shook his head gently. Realized of what has happened, he sighed calmly and gently. He turned and patted his anaconda's head gently. Dragoking hissed happily.

As Timber Spruce approached Twilight Sparkle, he asked, "Uh, you okay? Coz you don't seem like yourself tonight."

Twilight Sparkle nodded calmly as she and her siblings arrived and joined her fellow campers at the dock

And just before Timber Spruce could move, Shadow Dragon passed and nudged camp counselor aside. And at the same time, Dragoking slithered underneath of Timber Spruce while coiled and pulled his legs, making the camp counselor fell on his back hard. The Anaconda chuckled in amusement, making Timber Spruce groaned in annoyance and anger.

"Sorry about that," Shadow Dragon said slyly yet amusingly while patted his pet's head, "He tends to prank on lots of strangers like you. He doesn't like and trust you."

Twilight Sparkle groaned a bit while gritted, "Shadow Dragon..."

Timber Spruce groaned and muttered, "Why didn't I follow Mr. T's advice?"

As Shadow Dragon and Dragoking arrived at the docks, his lantern got lighted up by Principal Celestia as his fellow campers. As they all stood on the docks while facing at the water and sky. Gloriosa Daisy smiled as she gave the signal.

With that, everyone let the lanterns take flight and floated to the air except Pinkie Pie's since hers was made of marshmallows. Instead of disappointment, she ate the marshmallows happily. Everyone awed in amazement yet happy as they watched the lanterns floating and lighting across the night sky. It was beautiful view they ever seen...

While looking at the view, Mr. T smiled widely yet sinisterly while tapping his pen down on his notepad.

"I believed I have everything I needed to know about you, my little friends..."





Nighttime...

After watching the view of lantern lighting in midair, the campers were heading back to their camp for a goodnight sleep. Twilight Sparkle, Nyx and Spike were heading back to Sapphire Tent while Lance Justicestrike headed back to Ruby Tent. With her sister and pet entered the tent, Twilight was about to go in as well.

"Twilight!"

Twilight Sparkle stopped. She turned to her back and found Shadow Dragon and Dragoking running towards her. They both stopped before her.

"Shadow Dragon? What's wrong?" Twilight Sparkle asked.

"We need to talk," Shadow Dragon said in concern. Twilight Sparkle remained silent while looked away from him. He sighed, "Twilight, is there something wrong? You can tell me."

"Nothing bothers me. I'm just tired."

"Twilight... Please, tell me what's really going on. I'm worry about you."

Twilight Sparkle sighed in defeat as she turned and faced him, "Ever since the Friendship Games, everything happen so quickly but terribly and horribly wrong because of me. This is all my fault. I wish I'd never have done that in the first place."

"Twilight, no one is blaming you for that. What happens before happened especially today," Shadow Dragon comforted while patted Twilight Sparkle's shoulder gently, "All we can do is to move on. Forgive yourself."

Twilight Sparkle sighed, "I wish I could but I can't. It's not easy."

"I know, Twilight," Shadow Dragon nodded in understanding. He approached and gave Twilight Sparkle a passionate hug, "But you have friends and me stand by your side, we will help you get through. You'll be fine. I promised."

Twilight Sparkle couldn't help but smile as she hugged her boyfriend, "Thanks, Shadow Dragon. That was sweet of you." Departed from hugging, She giggled a bit, "I didn't know you're charming gentleman."

Shadow Dragon smiled, "What can I say? I'm just good. I'm glad you're okay, Twilight."

"Yeah, me too. Talking with you always makes me better," Twilight Sparkle admitted. She sighed while giving her lovely attractive eyes, "Goodnight, my brave Dragon Hero..."

Shadow Dragon winked while smiling, "Goodnight, my sweet princess..."

Twilight Sparkle smiled as she gave a passionate kiss Shadow Dragon's lips. He kissed her back. As they departed, they parted ways while looking and smiling at them briefly. As soon as he left the Sapphire Tent, she sighed calmly while closing the tent.

"He may have calm your anxiety," Black Alpha's voice said darkly, "But your guilt of the past has yet lifted. Your nightmares continues haunt you. Your powers have grown out of control. Chaos continued reigning and rising. The time is now! Come with me now! The Darkest Hour is at hand!"

"Don't lose faith," The girl's voice said calmly and firmly, "You have not lost. You still have time. Believe in Magic of Friendship. Magic and Light is your strength and hope, not weakness. Remember, your friends will always be with you..."

Twilight Sparkle hissed in concern yet anger as she held and crossed her arms tightly. She can't get the voices out of her head. She can't stand on it! Why won't they leave her alone?! What do they want with her?!

"I'm gonna end this," Twilight Sparkle snarled in anger, "by midnight!"

Overheard of Twilight Sparkle's talking, Nyx and Spike became concern and worry for her while pretending to be sleeping. They prayed that she's not doing something stupid.





Shadow Dragon returned to Ruby Camp, where he found Lance Justicestrike arrived at the area. Surprisingly, he found Flash Sentry emerged out from the tent as his apprentice was wearing swimming trunks while holding towel over his left shoulder. This made both Shadow Dragon and Lance Justicestrike curious about it.

"Is it a bit late for you to swim, Flash?" Lance Justicestrike asked in surprise.

Shadow Dragon hummed suspiciously, "Yeah. What's with that?"

"Uh..." Flash Sentry said uneasily while his cheeks burnt in red, "I kinda... I just wanna go for swim. That's all. I've been wanting it so badly ever since I came here."

"Right..." Shadow Dragon remarked calmly yet amusingly, "Well, just enjoy your swimming, but not too much. Otherwise, you'd get into trouble."

"Wait? What?" Lance Justicestrike asked in confusion.

Flash Sentry chuckled uneasily, "Yeah. Got it. I'll see you guys later."

Flash Sentry headed off to the docks while leaving his friends behind.

"What was that about?" Lance Justicestrike asked in confusion.

Shadow Dragon chuckled a bit, "You'll understand it when you're 16, kiddo. And trust me, it'll make you crazy to think about having time with your girl"

"Like you?"

"Sort of. Let's just get some sleep..."

"Right..."





Flash Sentry arrived at the docks, where he spotted Sunset Shimmer removed her clothes off while showing off her orange bikini with purple and yellow stripes. She slowly turned to him while showing her attractive eyes and smiling amusingly. He smiled as he approached her. He then touched her left cheek while she touched his right side.

"What took you long handsome," Sunset Shimmer asked amusingly.

Flash Sentry smirked before kissing her forehead briefly, "Sorry about that, beautiful. I got caught up by S.D."

"Did he knows about this?"

"Kinda of. But he didn't bother by it since we both know what we were doing. And trust me, I'm loving it."

"Yeah, me too. Lake?"

"Definitely." 

As Flash Sentry held and lifted her up, Sunset Shimmer giggled happily as she held around of his shoulder. They both kissed passionately and gently for the moment. And at the same time, he carried her straight to the lake. They both sat down gently while sighed in relief. 

Flash Sentry kissed on Sunset Shimmer's neck gently, making her moaned happily. She held his face up before kissing his lips gently and passionately including licking and interacting her tongue with his, he responded it back. He gently touched her bottom part, making her sighed a bit. She touched and rubbed gently on his chest while he rubbed on hers gently as well. They have their bodies leaned towards each other as they moved and shaken rough yet passionately. 

For half an hour passed, they both departed while panted heavily. They both smiled happily while looking a bit tired. Flash Sentry held and pulled Sunset Shimmer close to him as they both held each other's shoulders.

"Well..." Flash Sentry sighed, "That was exciting, right?"

"Yeah..." Sunset Shimmer sighed happily, "This is the best. We should keep doing this everyday."

"Let's not get this carry it a way too much, otherwise your brothers will chase me off for doing this. They'd never leave us alone."

"Don't let them bother you. I don't care of their opinions because you're the guy I want to be with, Flashie. Can we continue?"

Flash Sentry chuckled a bit, "Wow. Somebody's impatient with it."

"Just do it. I need this," Sunset Shimmer said impatiently, "This sex is way too awesome to ignore."

Flash Sentry shrugged yet smiled in amusement. He and his girlfriend began kissing passionately on each others' lips for the moment. Suddenly, they heard a branch snapped. They yelped in surprise and shock.

"What was that?" Flash Sentry asked in concern.

Sunset Shimmer turned and spotted a familiar figure dressed in camp clothes, who was heading straight to the forest. She was surprise yet confused.

"Twilight?" Sunset Shimmer asked in concern. She quickly got out from the water while getting dressed, "Flash, get Shadow Dragon! I'm gonna after her now!"

Flash Sentry yelped in surprise as he got up, "What?! What happen?!"

"I don't know," Sunset Shimmer admitted, "But I'm gonna find out. It's time I get the truth out of her."

Flash Sentry nodded. Sunset Shimmer headed to the forest while Flash Sentry went to the Ruby Camp in waking his friend up.





SNORE! Shadow Dragon, Lance Justicestrike and Dragoking were snoring and sleeping peacefully and happily until Flash Sentry burst into the tent. He then shook and woke Shadow Dragon hard and quickly, making him yelped in shock and surprise.

"Wh-What?! What the hell?!" Shadow Dragon groaned and moaned. His eyes got blurred while looking at Flash Sentry, "Flash? Do you know what time is it? It's almost midnight."

"Yeah, sorry to ruin your beauty sleep! But we've got major problem!" Flash Sentry exclaimed frantically, "Twilight's out of the woods!"

"What?!"





Passing through bushes, Twilight Sparkle charged straight to the middle of the forest. She panted heavily before looking up at the night sky. She then screamed in anger and upset.

"Come out now! Show yourself now!" Twilight Sparkle demanded in anger. However, there was no sound. She groaned in anger, "What do you want?! Why are you tormenting me?! What have I done to you?! Tell me! What is going on?!"

"I told you before," Black Alpha's voice said darkly, "The Darkest Hour is upon us! Come with me now! That is not a request!"

The girl's voice exclaimed, "If you do it, then you will lose your friends! Stay with them! Remember what you've been learning! Everything will be fine!"

"Do not heed her! She knows nothing! She understands nothing! Everything will be destroyed if you remain here! Come with me now!"

"Would you abandon them and lived in nightmares of guilt forever?! You know this is wrong!"

"You're a fool into believing that friendship can resolve everything especially the sin you have committed from the event!"

"That is not true! You were forced to use it! It's not your fault!"

"Stop disillusioning her now!"

"You stop from hurting her! She had enough of nightmares and guilt!"

"You be quiet, fool!"

"Leave her alone now!"

"Sttttoooooooooppppppp!" Twilight Sparkle screamed in pain and anger while blocking her ears from hearing two voices, "Ennnnoouuuuggghhhhhh!"

Twilight Sparkle then sobbed tearfully in despair and confusion. She slammed her hands on the ground hard while panted heavily. She breathed and sighed calmly. She looked up and found Nyx and Spike standing before her.

"What the-?!" Twilight Sparkle asked in shock and concern, "You saw and heard everything?!"

"Yeah..." Nyx nodded in agreement, "Sis, what's going on? What's happening to you lately?"

"This isn't so like you." Spike said in concern, "You've gotta tell us what's going on."

"I can't! I just can't!" Twilight Sparkle denied, "You all wouldn't understand."

"Understand? Understand what?" The calm voice asked in concern. Twilight Sparkle and her siblings turned to their back. They found Sunset Shimmer emerged from the bushes. Sunset approached and held her friend's hand, "Twilight, what's going on? Why are you-!"

Sunset Shimmer gasped in surprise as her eyes glowed in white. Twilight Sparkle and her friends recognized it. She's entering Twilight Sparkle's mind.






[Twilight Sparkle's Mind]


Sunset Shimmer looked through Twilight Sparkle's flashbacks, which involved of her fear and concern about Midnight Sparkle, confrontation and conversation between Black Alpha and mysterious girl's voice during her stay at the camp. Sunset Shimmer was in shock and surprise of it as she understand what and why Twilight Sparkle has been acting off lately...





Sunset Shimmer returned to normal as she turned and looked at the concern and uncertain Twilight Sparkle, Nyx and Spike.

"You saw everything?" Twilight Sparkle asked in concern, "Now you know why I've been freaking out."

"Yeah," Sunset Shimmer nodded in agreement, "But Twilight, there's no Midnight Sparkle, there's only you. What happens today isn't your doing especially gaining your 'levitation magic' or our friends gained theirs. You have to stop looking at this as a bad thing."

"How would you know?!" Twilight Sparkle said in guilty and shame tone. She hissed while clenched his fists tightly. She looked down shamefully at her tightened fists, "I've done nothing but causing troubles."

"Twilight, you're wrong. You didn't cause the troubles!"

"I am! All of my gadgets and tools used for my studies are stolen and abused by Ultimates to find and capture Cybertronian Knights, and now, look what happened today! Everything is becoming worse ever since the Friendship Games!"

"Twilight, you can't blame yourself for that event. You didn't know it. You have to let go of that guilt. Everyone forgives you."

"Easy for you to say," Twilight Sparkle said in despair as she looked at her friend, "Magic turned you into something beautiful. The last time I tried to use it, it turned me into a monster. I'm just so afraid it's gonna happen again." She sighed in defeat, "Maybe he's right. Black Alpha was right about me. I'm nothing but a monster - Agent of Chaos! Midnight Sparkle will come back!"

"He's wrong, Twilight." Sunset Shimmer protested. Twilight Sparkle was shocked and surprised. She continued, "last time I turned into something amazing, but I've let magic turn me into a monster, too. So if anyone understands what you're going through, it's me. I can help you, Twilight. And the rest of our friends can be there for you, too. So are our boyfriends. We can work this out. But not if you keep hiding the truth from us."

Twilight Sparkle was unsure and uncertain. She turned to Nyx and Spike, who nodded firmly and confidently while smiling. She thought carefully and thoroughly of what Sunset Shimmer has said.

Twilight Sparkle sighed, "Okay, I'll tell the rest about it." This makes Nyx and Spike sighed in relief. She continued in concern, "But I don't think it's a good idea for me to be near the rest of our friends right now. Not until why is this happening especially the nightmares and voices I have in my head."

"Understood," Sunset Shimmer nodded in relief, "Now, tell me - do you have any idea of what and why  Black Alpha wants with you? Do you know where his location is? Who is this girl's voice in your head? Why are those two fighting about? What does he mean 'Darkest Hour is upon us'?"

"I wish I knew. I don't know what he wants with me because he keeps insisting me to follow him. I don't know his location or who the girl's voice is. And she's fighting with him because she believed that I should embrace the magic and believed in Magic of Friendship. And If I guess correctly, it must be the prophecy he was talking about!"

"Hmm... It does make sense. The prophecy does refer to Black Alpha since he is the Lord and Leader of Thirteen Cybertronian Knights. But what we need is pure heart to tame him. What is it we're looking for?"

"I really don't know, Sunset. I hope we can find and get it before the Darkest Hour occur."

"Agree. Let's go now."

SNAPPED! Three girls and a dog yelped in concern and surprise as they heard some noise. They looked around of surroundings in search of the noise. Spotted an axe raised up in front of them, they all screamed in fear. So as the mysterious attacker or woodcutter?!

"Oh, wait. Twilight?"

"Timber?" Twilight Sparkle asked in surprise. Timber Spruce smiled and nodded. She smiled, "I'm so glad it's just you!" 

"Wait, what are you doing out here?" Nyx asked suspiciously, "With an axe?"

Timber Spruce pointed at the wagon of woods, "I was chopping down firewood."

"In the middle of the night?" Sunset Shimmer asked suspiciously.

"We needed more for tomorrow night's campfire. And if I didn't take care of it tonight, it would be one more thing Gloriosa would add to her list." Timber Spruce complained in annoyance. He imitated his older sister's tone, "I've got this!"

Twilight Sparkle giggled in amusement while her friends did not find it funny. Timber Spruce hummed suspiciously while looking at her.

"What about you girls?" Timber Spruce asked suspiciously, "Why are you hanging out in the woods in the middle of the night?"

Twilight Sparkle gulped in concern as she was thinking of some excuses while not mentioning about her problems.

"Oh, I was sleepwalking." Nyx said while showing her innocent eyes, "Twilight found me and was bringing me back to camp."

"Nyx..." Twilight Sparkle said in surprise. She cleared her throat while nodded calmly, "Yeah, it's true. She's always have sleepwalk after some story."

Timber Spruce smiled, "Come on, I'll walk you guys back. I'll protect you from-" He make some spooky noise, "Gaea Everfree! Everfree! Everfree!"

Sunset Shimmer's eyes rolled while remarked in amusement, "Come on, that's obviously just a spooky story you made up to tell around the campfire."

"Oh, no. It's legit." Timber Spruce shook his head, "How else would you explain what happened at the docks? And that weird thing where the earth shook?" Though Twilight Sparkle and her friends weren't convinced by it, he rolled his eyes as he decide to drop it, "Uh, come on, I know a shortcut back to the tents."

Timber Spruce raised his hand up before Twilight Sparkle. She blushed a bit but she was nudged by frowned Nyx, who was very against it. Twilight Sparkle sighed while rolled her eyes in annoyance as she decide to ignore her younger sister and taken camp counselor's hand. Timber Spruce smiled as he led Twilight Sparkle and Nyx while bringing the wagon of woods back to the camp.

Though unconvinced and suspicious of Timber Spruce's activity and story, Sunset Shimmer decided to put it aside while following him back to the camp.





10 minutes have passed, they spotted the camp ahead of them - few meters away. They also spotted Shadow Dragon and Flash Sentry entered the scene. The boys stopped as they found their friends. Shadow Dragon looked shock yet angered and raged upon looking at Timber Spruce holding Twilight Sparkle's hand.

"Shadow Dragon?" Twilight Sparkle in surprise.

Timber Spruce smiled, "Hey there. You must be looking for-!" 

Timber Spruce yelped in pain as he got his stomach punched and rammed by Shadow Dragon. The camp counselor fell to the ground hard. Everyone was in shock and concern of what they just saw.

They saw Shadow Dragon's body glowed in darkness but very pitch of black while his iris turned into demonic serpent irises-like, his teeth turned into fangs and his nails sharpened into claws-like. He snarled in anger. Standing besides him was a spiritual yet demonically Chinese Dragon-like Monster.

"Th-That's Aura Dragon Power?! Why would he do that for?!" Flash Sentry asked in concern, "Is he nuts?!"

"Shadow Dragon?! What are you doing?!" Twilight Sparkle demanded in anger.

Shadow Dragon growled a bit, "Teaching him a lesson!" Everyone was in shock of his tone and anger. He snarled, "I'm getting tired of him getting close to you, trying to steal you away from me and more importantly, he's making me angry! I'll tear you apart now! No one steals my girl!"

"That is it," Timer Spruce spitted the blood out as he slowly got up and armed himself in ready to fight, "I've had it with your attitude! I was trying to befriend with Twilight, not stealing her! You'd better get that through your skull now, punk!"

"Liar!" Shadow Dragon rebuffed in anger, "I know you got crush on her! I know it ever since we came to Camp Everfree! Just admit it!"

"Okay! I admit it! I got crush on her! But that doesn't mean I'm the guy gonna steal somebody's girlfriend! Scout's honor!"

"Like I'm gonna believe of what you say! Not a chance! I won't let someone like you get my girl without the fight!"

"Damn it! You know what?!" Timber Spruce asked angrily, "Ever since you came here, you've been nothing but a jerk and brat to me! It's no wonder Twilight's a lot nicer than you are. I'd never understand why she liked someone, who preferred fighting than caring others like her!"

Angered by Timber Spruce's insults, spiritual dragon flew and entered Shadow Dragon's body. He screamed in pain as he glowed in pitch black of darkness.

Shadow Dragon charged and rammed Timber Spruce to the ground hard. The young hero gave the camp counselor some hard punches, causing the latter kicked the former off. As Shadow Dragon slowly got up, Timber Spruce charged and punched him hard for five times. As the camp counselor was about to punch, the young hero blocked while swiftly swiped the former's legs and kicked him off. Shadow Dragon jumped and began punching on Timer Spruce, who also returned some punches back at him. Both of them continued fighting and attacking each other fiercely and painfully.

Twilight Sparkle and her friends were in shock and pain of seeing it. They have to stop it at once!

"Shadow Dragon, stop it! Please!" Nyx pleaded in concern.

Flash Sentry struggled in stopping Shadow Dragon, "Dude, quit it now! Seriously, knock it off!"

"This isn't you!" Sunset Shimmer exclaimed in concern, "This is your magic doing! You're letting your anger and jealousy corrupted magic and blinded you! Stop now!"

"Please stop... Please stop... Please..." Twilight Sparkle said in pain and despair as she watched both Shadow Dragon and Timber Spruce brawling with each other. She couldn't take it anymore. She screamed and sobbed in despair, "Shadow Dragon, that's enough! You're hurting me!"

Shadow Dragon stopped at once from launching a hard punch on Timber Spruce. He turned and looked at Twilight Sparkle's eyes crying and sobbing in tears. He gasped in shock and concern. His aura of darkness slowly dimmed down and disappeared. His spiritual dragon screeched in pain as it disappeared at once. His demonic form slowly returned to normal.

Shadow Dragon turned and looked at Timber Spruce, who took a lot of beatings. Camp counselor groaned and moaned in pain as his face was bruised and wounded. The young hero looked at his hand as he found them filled with blood. He was in shock and concern.

"Wh-What have I done?" Shadow Dragon asked in shock. He turned and looked at Twilight Sparkle, "Twilight... This... This isn't what you think! I-!"

"Stay away! Please!" Twilight Sparkle exclaimed in shock and concern, "I'm sorry! I... I just can't now!"

"Twilight..."

Everyone heard clearing throat. They turned to their back and found the camp counselors and teachers. The staffs weren't please of it especially Gloriosa Daisy.

Timber Spruce gulped in concern, "Sis... I-!"

"I didn't mean to start this," Shadow Dragon pleaded in concern, "I don't know what-!"

"In my office," Mr. T said strictly and sternly, "Now... All of you!"

As Mr. T turned and headed towards his office, the staff members remained silent as they all followed him at once. Timber Spruce and Shadow Dragon glared at each other for the moment before they sighed in defeat. The boys headed off at once while not before they took a glance at Twilight Sparkle, who was still crying in shame and pain.

Twilight Sparkle sighed, "How could this have happen? Why would he do this? This isn't him!"

"I know. But remember what Shorty said about his Aura Dragon Power?" Flash Sentry asked in concern. Twilight Sparkle nodded in agreement. He sighed, "This is what he meant if Shadow Dragon let anger, rage and jealousy blind him. I guess Timber didn't know about it."

Twilight Sparkle sighed, "It's all my fault. I shouldn't have done this."

"None of us know it happens." Sunset Shimmer comforted Twilight Sparkle, "But come on, let's check on him. And just hope, he won't get detention again."

"I hope so too..." Twilight Sparkle nodded in agreement.

Twilight Sparkle and Flash Sentry headed off at once. Sunset Shimmer, Nyx and Spike were about to but stopped at they spotted a familiar gemdust on the floor. They looked up and found Timber Spruce also have them from his back pocket.

"Legit, huh?" Sunset Shimmer asked suspiciously as she took some of gemdust into plastic bag, "I think we just found our Gaea Everfree."

"But why would he work so hard to make us think she was real?" Spike asked in concern.

Nyx nodded, "Yeah. I think he done a pretty good job for making my sister upset and blaming herself for this. Maybe Shadow Dragon has the right mind about this."

Sunset Shimmer shook her head, "I don't think so. You heard what he said about wishing his sister would sell this camp. If nobody wants to come here, because it's home to some angry ancient nature spirit, it sure would help his cause. But I guess Shadow Dragon and Saber Dragoon were right about this guy."

"We should tell Twilight." Nyx hissed in concern.

Spike nodded, "Yeah. She deserved it especially when Shadow Dragon's right about that guy."

"Not yet." Sunset Shimmer stopped both Nyx and Spike, "She's obviously going through a lot right now especially the fight both Shadow Dragon and Timber got into. We should probably be a hundred percent sure before we tell her the guy she likes is a jerk who's trying to run everybody out of camp."

"You're right," Nyx nodded in understanding, "I just hope everything will be fine..."

"Uh-huh!" Spike nodded in understanding.

Sunset Shimmer, Nyx and Spike headed off and followed their friends now. They all prayed that Shadow Dragon won't get punished harshly and badly...





Throughout whole night, Shorty Thinking continued working and researching on Artificial Energon especially studying and analyzing on the information from hard disk. Both Tailtech and Laxtinct were tired and exhausted as they slept on Saber Dragoon while leaving their friend alone to work. As he studied on schematic and chemicals, Shorty Thinking struggled in understanding it, causing him to lose tantrum and destroy his tools. 

Shorty Thinking sighed in defeat before slammed on his laptop's keyboards. A familiar figure entered the scene in nightgown while bringing food as well.

"I brought you midnight snacks, darling," Rarity said calmly and gently. She noticed how stressful and tired Shorty Thinking is. She sighed as she approached and patted him, "Shorty, please rest now. I can't bear to see you like this."

Shorty Thinking groaned a bit, "You know I can't stop. I need to know." He then looked at the schematic of both Rainbow Energon and its dark counterpart, and even the list of herbal and medical ingredient and even gemdust. He looked at the canister of gemdust, "I don't understand is why?! Why the gemdust?! They're just dust with colors. They do nothing, even mix herbal medicine! But why?!"

"The gemdust must be special since Timber's story is true about Gaea Everfree."

"I doubt it. I didn't detect any sign of energy frequency within it. They're not like magic or Energon, just a dust."

"Shorty, I can't pretend to understand of science. But I do know that if we don't try, then how would we know? It's better than nothing."

"But what if we failed? Then everything we have done and been through is for nothing. It's impossible. There is no cure for the Artificial Energon now."

"Shorty..." Rarity said in concern, She thought carefully and thoroughly. She then looked at herself. She clenched her fist against her chest. She sighed, "There's one thing I can help you."

"Rarity, I appreciate your-!"

Shorty Thinking paused after he turned to Rarity. He gasped in surprise while blushed in red. He was looking at Rarity taking out her nightgown and even bra and panty. She took some of pins out, making her hair straight down. He quivered and shivered in shock and surprise while his face turned into red. His nose even bleed.

Shorty Thinking yelped in concern, "Great Lord! Rarity, have you gone-!" 

"Shhh..." Rarity shushed while putting her finger on Shorty Thinking's mouth.

After wiping the bleed out from nose, Rarity helped removing and taking out Shorty Thinking's lab coat and everything out from him. He was stunned and surprised by her action. She held and picked him up straight. She then have his hands placed around her body's back as she leaned hers against his while placing on the chest.

Shorty Thinking hissed, "Rarity, I don't think..."

"Shorty, I want this," Rarity insisted while sobbing tearfully, "I've been wanting this for a long time. Shorty, I love you! I really do. This is the moment I wanted..."

Shorty Thinking was surprised and shocked of it. Though he was very against it, but deep down in his heart, he knew what he wants with her. And just before Rarity could say or do anything, she yelped in surprise while being lifted up. She turned and looked at him, who was holding her thighs. Her face blushed in red.

"Shorty..." Rarity said in surprise.

Shorty Thinking sighed, "Believe me, Rarity. I also love you. But I was... I was nervous, shy and uncertain of asking until now. Are you prepare for this? Do you need-!"

"I'm prepared, darling. I'm ready. Are you?"

"I am. I'll take this as my break."

Rarity smiled as she leaned her chest on Shorty Thinking's. She kissed on his neck, causing him to kiss and lick on her chest, making her moaned happily. She held his head up for her to kiss on lips. He kissed her back while shaking her on his bottom for few times. She yelped a bit before shook hers against his firmly. They both moaned passionately and happily. 

Shorty Thinking sat down while laid Rarity down on his camp bed. They both nuzzled each other's bodies passionately and gently yet firmly while kissing and licking lips and tongue.

Rarity sighed, "This is... I can't stop! Keep going!"

"I agree..." Shorty Thinking sighed happily, "This is... So peaceful..."

Shorty Thinking and Rarity moaned as they passionately and happily nuzzled each other's heads and faces while kissing on lips, and also licking and interacting their tongues. 

To be Continued...

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