//------------------------------//
// Chapter 5: Hope Finds A Way 
// Story: Twilight Destiny 
// by Shadow Master 
//------------------------------//

After the nasty encounter with Sombra and Sunset Shimmer, Burnblast and Lightningblade took and led both Twilight Sparkle and her family to their dojo for recovery and rest. Both teachers were making and preparing green tea and sushi sets for their lunches, which the ponies are disgusted about eating meats and fishes.

Lightningblade ate his lunch enjoyably and warmly while his master Burnblast ate them quickly and wildly yet happily. Nyx was drinking her cup of green tea while Spike was eating dog biscuits. However, Twilight Sparkle didn't took a sip of her drink as she was still upset and depressed of what Sombra and Sunset Shimmer has said to her.

Lightningblade noticed Twilight Sparkle's depress looks, "Haven't gotten over what Sombra and Sunset has said to you?"

Finished drinking his sake, Burnblast burped out loud, "Chill up, kid. Don't let those jerks' words against ya. They've got nothing to beat you down."

"You don't know the half of it," Twilight Sparkle said in upset tone. Everyone looked at her. She sighed, "Sunset Shimmer is right. I don't know the first thing about this place. And not to mention, Sombra was right about my nightmare too."

"Twilight..." Nyx said in concern.

Twilight Sparkle held and clenched her cup tightly, "I guess I have no chance at all..."

"There's always a chance, Twilight-Chan," Lightningblade said calmly. Twilight Sparkle looked at him. After taking a sip of his green tea, he spoke, "No matter what trickery or strategy they've played, you must rise up and defeat them with everything you have."

Burnblast chuckled a bit while nodded, "And not to mention, never give up. If you have something worth fighting for, then keep on fighting and don't give up too."

Lightningblade nodded, "That is correct. And above all, hold your hope till the end as well. Hope will find its way to bring you victory."

"Sure, you got some issues of fitting here kiddo. Even I didn't get well here," Burnblast joked. "But I've overcome and managed it well. And do you know why?" He asked amusingly, making Twilight Sparkle shook her head. He smirked, "Coz I'd never give up and got a friend like Lightning."

"That is correct," Lightningblade said firmly. He approached Twilight Sparkle. He patted her head gently, "So, whatever Sombra and Sunset Shimmer has said to you, don't give up. And if you need anything, ask us. We can help you."

Nyx awed in amazement and surprise, "Wow. That's awesome..." Spike nodded and barked in agreement. She giggled as she patted him, "Yeah, you're right. We should do the same thing too."

After some thinking of two teachers' chats, Twilight Sparkle smiled as she jumped and hugged Lightningblade while Burnblast chuckled amusingly at the scene.

"Thank you, Lightningblade Sensei," Twilight Sparkle thanked happily. She departed while smiling at her teachers, "You and Burnblast Sensei were right. I've got something to fight for. I can't give up now. Hopefully, I can find a way to turn the tide."

"So are we! We won't give up either!" Nyx cheered wildly. Spike barked happily. She smiled, "You've said it, Spike."

Burnblast whistled wildly, "That's the spirit, kid. Now, that's what I like to hear about."

"I'm honored to hear it, Twilight. But I'm glad that your fighting spirit has risen up." Lightningblade said calmly and proudly, "So, if you need anything, you can come and visit us for advice and guidance."

"Or better yet," Burnblast said calmly as he stood up proudly while armed with Shinai, He smirked widely and devilishly, making Twilight Sparkle and her family scared, "I can teach you the way of the samurai! After all, I am the descendant of Masamune Date! And Date Clan hates being insulted and losing a big fight with someone like them!"

Twilight Sparkle hissed and panicked in fear, "No thanks! I rather not."

"Me too! I'm just a kid." Nyx said uneasily and nervously while holding Spike up, "Plus, I need to look after my doggie too. I don't want to have broken 'arms' to play with him."

Burnblast groaned while giving death glares and making both girls scared and nervous, "Weakling..."

"Master Burnblast, enough," Lightninblade nudged Burnblast's chest hard. He sighed while looking at Twilight Sparkle and Nyx, "You may go now. Come back when you really need advice only."

Twilight Sparkle and Nyx nodded in understanding, "Got it. See ya."

After picking and putting Spike in the bag, Twilight Sparkle and Nyx exited the dojo as they all headed off for planning their next move. With them left, Lightningblade took his seat and have a chat with his master.

"What do you think that Sombra is really after lately?" Lightningblade asked in concern, "First, it was Sunset Shimmer, and now Twilight Sparkle. It's like he knew they have someone with powers."

Burnblast nodded, "You could be right, LB. I don't know what tricks he has, but I don't really like it especially when he was looking at the statue. Think that has something to do with the girls?"

"Maybe... Maybe..." Lightningblade said in concern, "And perhaps, Twilight could help us out in solving the case with him."

Burnblast groaned, "I certainly hope so. And trust me, old friend, those girls are wimps!"

"Don't underestimated them. There is more to them than meets the eye," Lightningblade said humbly, "I believe there's something special about her and Nyx."

Burnblast sighed, "I hope so. I hope I could get a tempura pawn! That was my favorite meal! And I should have bought them more!"

Lightningblade groaned in annoyance, "Really?"





Twilight Sparkle and Nyx were walking across the hallway of lockers. They were discussing of making plans in winning the votes for Princess of Fall Formal.

Twilight Sparkle hummed calmly, "If I'm gonna really win votes, we need to do some research."

"Research?" Spike asked in confusion from the bag.

Nyx nodded in understanding and agreement, "This place is a school. And so, it's gotta have a..."

Twilight Sparkle and Nyx gasped upon looking at familiar place. They awed in amazement, "Library!"

Spike groaned, "I shouldn't have known..."

"Let's check it out," Twilight Sparkle cheered.

Twilight Sparkle and Nyx entered the library while checking around of it. They were amazed and happy that they're at familiar places they loved the most. However, unknown to them, a dark brown-colored pre-teen boy with red spiky hair with a goggle on his head while worn black coat with wrench cutie mark, black long pants and boots emerged out from the plant pot.

"So, that must be those girls Sombra and Sunset mentioned," The boy asked amusingly. He chuckled as he activated his mechanical bag in emerging cameras, "Oh, I can't wait to get started. Tech is gonna win this! I just love cyber-bullying! But I need invisibility!"

Activating another buttons on his bag, Tech's body disappeared in plain sight. Though his whistle can be heard, he walked casually in the library to spy and recording with his camera on Twilight Sparkle's humiliation.

Twilight Sparkle and Nyx came across a strange TV screen with various files and images, a board with various alphabets and numbers and a smallest strange device that connects to it. They all awed in amazement and surprise at the strange machines.

"W-What is this?" Nyx asked in surprise while poking at the screen, "It's like a movie screen or something."

"Yeah. We need some help with this," Twilight Sparkle nodded in agreement. She turned and found Cheerilee-lookalike was rearranging and putting books on the bookshelves. She called, "Excuse me, Miss Cheerilee. Can you help us?"

Heard the student calling her, Cheerilee turned to her while smiling, "Yes, what can I do for you?"

Twilight Sparkle turned and looked at the screen and board, "So I just push the letters here, and then the words and moving pictures will come up here?"

"I'm guessing that you'd never use computer before?" Cheerilee asked calmly. Twilight Sparkle nodded uneasily. She sighed, "That's right. And you can move the mouse around to click the file or internet for information. But be easy with it, okay?"

Twilight Sparkle nodded happily as she turned and tested on the computer and keyboard, which surprised and amazed her and Nyx.

"Wow. This is like watching a real magic." Nyx commented.

"Oh no. It's not magic. It's technology." Cheerilee laughed as she headed off.

"Right. Sorry..." Twilight Sparkle apologized. She sighed while turned to computer, "Okay, where do we start? How do we use 'mouse'? Kinda weird name."

Nyx shrugged, "Tell me about it. We just have to get use to it."

Twilight Sparkle used her fists in typing down on the keyboard while looking at the screen, hopefully to look and find what she needed to win competition. Nyx did her best to help her older sister, even though she wasn't good at it either.

Nevertheless, Twilight Sparkle and Nyx continued their research, though struggled with technologies and without their magic such as typing the computer's keyboards, holding many books and trying to figure out on photocopy machine. Spike was there to assist and advice them of what they can or can't do since he has experience in holding and moving stuffs with his 'claws'. However, it's not very easy for her to handle it especially when she's a human now.

Unknown to her, Tech has been recording her struggles while snickered and laughed amusingly yet softly. He has managed to record everything he needs. He turns and escaped the library before anyone noticed him...





In the evening at Ponyville, Equestria; Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders returned to Golden Oak Library. They all fell to the ground hard. They were all exhausted and tired after the difficult and struggled works they have faced.

As the sun was setting down while the moon raised up in the sky in nighttime, both Royal Sisters have arrived at the library. And they found the ponies were panting heavily on the ground.

"I see everypony is here," Princess Celestia said calmly with a smile, "Despite the difficulties you all have faced, you've managed it."

"Tell me about it," Pinkie Pie remarked dryly while panted, "Doing chores is one thing, but doing so many? That's crazy. I'm exhausted!"

"You'd think that's tough?" Rainbow Dash asked dryly, "Try my side. Those animals won't listen to me, not one bit! I was lucky that Scootaloo solved the problem and help me out by feeding them before locking them up." She groaned, "I'd never understand of what they wanted."

"Well, it can't be worse as mine," Applejack said in upset tone, "I have a hard time of making clothes. Not many ponies appreciate it."

"Neither does mine, darling," Rarity said in disappointment, "No one loved my styles of clouds."

Fluttershy sighed, "Ooh. I don't think I can handle this anymore especially making ponies smile and laugh. It's too much. I can't take it anymore..."

"I understand, my subjects. But you must remain strong and hold on," Princess Luna insisted calmly and firmly. She turned to magic mirror, "Until they return. And hopefully, she has the answers to restore your cutie marks."

"I hope they're alright. I hate to think something bad to them," Apple Bloom said in concern.

Sweetie Belle nodded in understanding, "Yeah, me too, Apple Bloom." She turned and looked at her older sister and her friends, "But for now, we need to think of something about this. I don't think they can handle with their new jobs much longer."

"Yeah. We need to do something," Scootaloo said in concern, "I don't want them stuck with their cutie marks much longer."

"Tell me about it." Apple Bloom said in concern while remembering Cutie Pox event. She then thought carefully, "Say... What if we get our sisters and friends get back to their real jobs? That might make things easy for them."

"Yeah. You're right, Apple Bloom," Sweetie Belle said in agreement, "That might help them get their real cutie mark back. Why didn't we think about it?!"

Scootaloo giggled uneasily, "Guess we were too busy of helping them to get use to their lives, instead of getting them back to their old ones."

Princess Celestia hummed thoughtfully, "Perhaps, you are right, my little ponies. After years of research on the spell he created, Starswirl the Bearded comes across with theories that he can restore. He believed that going back to the very beginning of earning cutie marks should able to reverse the spell and return to normal."

"Really?!" Rainbow Dash asked in surprise.

Rarity gasped, "Then, that means we can go back to the way it was! I'm so overjoy!"

"But if that is counter spell, then didn't write on the book?" Applejack asked in concern, "Did something went wrong from a long time ago?"

Princess Luna sighed, "Unfortunately, yes. The ponies, he has accidentally cast the spell on, end their own lives because of hardships, duties and the cutie marks that they were unable to perform."

"And therefore, Starswirl the Bearded did not continue his research and works. He feared that he might cause more sufferings and might be wrong of his theories." Princess Celestia said in guilty. Ponies looked at her in confusion and shock. She continued, "I thought Twilight could solve it. I've seen what she can do with researches and experiments. Therefore I've sent it to her."

Princess Luna nodded, "Yes. If the book falls into wrong hoof, enemy could use it against us. And that is why we need every counter spells and potions to counter it, just in case."

"That make sense..." Pinkie Pie said happily.

Fluttershy nodded in agreement, "Either way, we should try this theory tomorrow. It's better than nothing. And if we do succeed it, then we can write on it for Twilight."

"Good idea, Fluttershy," Applejack said in agreement.

"Can we help out, Applejack," Apple Bloom asked, "After all, you do need some reminder about of how it works."

Sweetie Belle nodded happily, "And also, it is our idea."

"Plus, we don't want you all do something silly too," Scootaloo joked.

"Good point," Mane Five cheered.

Princess Celestia smiled, "Good. Now, rest, my little ponies. Rest here now, you will need them. And it will be easy for us to look after you all."

"I shall stay here to look after the mirror," Princess Luna said calmly, "Just in case, if they returned."

Princess Celestia nodded in understanding as she led Mane Five and Cutie Mark Crusaders upstairs to sleep in Twilight Sparkle's bedroom while Princess Luna was looking after the magic mirror.





Back at Human Realm, Twilight Sparkle and Nyx were exhausted and tired after doing their serious researches and suffering from their humiliation and embarrassment. They were at the table that filled with thousands of books. As they were both yawning, they heard a voice from the speaker on the ceiling's walls.

"The library will be closing in five minutes."

Twilight Sparkle gasped in realization, "I hadn't even thought about where we're gonna sleep tonight!"

"Oh! What are we gonna do?" Nyx asked in concern.

Underneath the table, Spike overheard it and smiled, "Way ahead of you."

Spike then led Twilight Sparkle and Nyx all the way to the end corner of library, where they found a large cloth covered a large pile of objects underneath. They wondered of what is it as Spike approached it while holding the cloth's end corner.

"It's a little," Spike coughed a bit as he removed the cloth, "dusty. But it doesn't seem like anybody comes up here."

Twilight Sparkle and Nyx awed in amazement and surprise upon looking at the pile of books were formed as a large bed-like. They turned and looked at Spike. They all smiled as they were happy and relief to have him on by their sides.

Twilight Sparkle smiled as she patted Spike's head, "It's perfect, Spike."

Twilight Sparkle sat down on the bed while Nyx playfully tickling Spike's belly. The teenager held and looked through the book.

Spike whined happily, "So, how did your research go?"

"I found this book. It's called a yearbook. It seems to be something they use to keep a record of things that have happened at the school." Twilight Sparkle said calmly as she looked at the picture of five youth of Mane Five, "Look. That's Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Fluttershy, and Rarity."

Spike climbed up on the bed. He looked at the yearbook. He awed at it especially photo of Rarity, "She's even beautiful when she's a kid or human. No matter what version she is, Rarity is always beautiful."

Nyx groaned, "Oh boy..."

"Hmm... That's interesting. They look like they're friends with each other." Twilight Sparkle said calmly while looking closely on yearbook's picture, "But it doesn't seem like they're friends now."

"Not so much," Spike remarked in concern.

Nyx hummed, "At least, CMC are still good with each other. But what cause this?"

"I don't know," Twilight Sparkle said in concern as she lied down on the bed, "I just can't help but get the feeling that Sombra and Sunset Shimmer had something to do with it."

"I wouldn't put it past them. But she wanted your crown 'cause she's planning on doing something even worse!" Spike said uneasily, "If you're gonna stop them, you have to focus on making friends here."

"Yeah. Spike's right," Nyx said while looking at yearbook, "Can't worry about why these girls aren't friends anymore. Even if they-" She yawned loudly, "-do remind us of our Ponyville friends."

"You're right, Spike," Twilight Sparkle sighed while looking up at the night sky, "I wonder how were they doing. I just hope they're not in troubles."

"Don't worry, Twilight. They'll be fine. They've got Princesses and CMC to look after them," Spike assured calmly. Twilight Sparkle was still unhappy and upset. He hummed, "How about a drink or snack?"

"Good idea. I'm hungry and thirsty. Luckily, Granny Smith gave us free mayonnaise sandwiches," Nyx said calmly. As she opened the bag, she gasped in shock upon looking at something familiar. She took the box out, "What the..."

Spike gasped, "Hey, isn't that..."

"The box..." Twilight Sparkle said in shock as she took the box, "What is it doing here?" She gasped while thinking, "Did Princess Celestia put it in my bag?"

"I think so. But why?" Spike asked in concern.

Nyx hummed in concern, "I don't know. Princess Celestia and Azure Phoniex are very mysterious ponies for not telling us anything. But sometimes, they give us pain to our ass."

"Ass?" Twilight Sparkle demanded while giving angry looks at Nyx, "Where did you learn that, young lady? That is not nice words."

Nyx giggled uneasily, "Sorry. I got it from a weird guy with goggle."

"He has some bad manners," Twilight Sparkle said dryly. She turned and looked at the box, "But why? Why did she hid this in my bag? What does this thing have to do with this?" She clenched it tightly, "There must be reason. She knows that I couldn't open it but why hid it in my bag?!"

"Twilight, calm down!" Spike insisted.

Twilight Sparkle sighed, "Sorry. I got frustrated after what has happen today. Everything is not find. It becomes worse." She groaned in frustration while looking at the box, "What am I gonna do now?"

"Mummy..." Nyx said in concern.

Twilight Sparkle looked up at the night sky as she began singing about her struggles and problems she's dealing with especially helping her friends.

Twilight Sparkle: I have to find a way
To make this all okay
I can't believe this small mistake
Could've caused so much heartache
Oh why, oh why?

Twilight Sparkle imagined of the sufferings and struggles Mane Five were dealing with the problems from her home. She have some thoughts what Sombra and Sunset Shimmer did to her Human Friends here. The more she thinks, the more worry and fear she gets about not helping them to solve the problem especially dealing with the box.

Twilight Sparkle: Losing promise
I don't know what to do
Seeking answers
I fear I won't get through to you
Oh why, oh why?

Twilight Sparkle sighed while clenched the box tightly, "What am I gonna do? What can I do?"

"Mummy, we can't give up," Nyx pleaded. Twilight Sparkle turned and looked at her. She continued with a smile, "Hope will find its way."

Spike nodded, "Yeah. We can do this. We just need some help."

"Spike... Nyx..." Twilight Sparkle thought carefully of what her little ones have said. She smiled and nodded, "You're right, guys. This is only the beginning." She held the box up, "I won't lose. And I won't give up. I'll solve this box. I'll win this competition. I'll save my Human friends and get Sunset back to goodness. I'll come home and help them. That's the promise."

"Yeah!" Spike said in relief, "That's the spirit."

"Good to hear," Nyx said in relief. She yawned, "Let's get some rest. I'm beat. We're got competition to win and beat Sombra in his game."

Twilight Sparkle hummed, "Yeah. Eye on the prize."

Twilight Sparkle, Nyx and Spike then laid down on the bed peacefully and happily. However, unknown to them, Lightningblade and Burnblast saw and overheard of everything from behind of bookshelf.

"What the hell are they?" Burnblast asked in shock.

Lightningblade hummed in concern, "I don't know, Lord Bunrblast. There's really more to them than meets the eye. We should investigate on them more. They're like ours."

"Maybe. But we've got work to do," Burnblast said firmly, "Gotta find out of what that jerk is up to."

"Yes. You're right." Lightninblade said calmly, "Let us go."

Burnblast and Lightningblade turned and headed to the entrance as they phased through it. Who and what are they?





At abandoned warehouse, Tech and Sunset Shimmer were working and editing on his recording tape while Sombra were contacting with the stranger via a dark communicator portal.

"M'lord, we will get and deliver the crown to you as promised," Sombra said calmly, "And also, we have three ponies coming here uninvited from Equestria Realm. Like Sunset before, they don't have magic here. Worry not, they possess no threat against us."

Mysterious Figure hummed, "Good. Do not fail me, Sombra. I want that crown intact. It has a great potential for my military might and the world domination. And more importantly, do not underestimate them, even if they don't have powers."

"I assure I won't fail you. You have my word."

"I will accept it when you meet one of my contact at the entrance. Make sure you get it before meeting him. I don't like empty handed."

"As you wish..." Sombra said calmly and firmly as the communicator portal closed down. He turned and approached Sunset Shimmer and Tech, "How is it?"

"Almost done! Will be post on websites soon!" Tech said proudly.

Sunset Shimmer smirked amusingly, "And it's gonna bring Twilight's spirit down."

"Good to hear. But just in case if it doesn't work, we prepared the second traps." Sombra said calmly and proudly. Both Sunset Shimmer and Tech nodded firmly. He smirked and muttered, "Not only I have to get the crown to him, I'll add her in my collection. Her beauty will not be wasted on someone else..."

Overhearing his mutter, Sunset Shimmer hummed while glaring at her mentor, "What are you up to?"

To be Continued...

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