//------------------------------// // Raiding Ponyville // Story: Sweet Affection 3 // by Masterob //------------------------------// Back on the train, Twilight was reading up on something she had grabbed from the library in Celestia's castle. Starlight was staring out the window, looking really concerned over this Changeling and Siren situation. "We shoud be getting close to The Crystal Empire, hopefully we'll get what we need there," Sunset said. "The library there is quite vast, it's bound to have something on The Sirens that we can use," Sunburst added. "Maybe we can even make sure the guards there know about the situation with The Changelings and Flurry Heart," Twilight said. "We'll be able to send some scouts to go find her." "It still riles me up knowing that they would take such a small and innocent filly, especially after hurting Rumble the way they did, poor foal did not deserve that," Trixie said. "I take it Rumble is the name of your friend?" Sunset asked. "No, not exactly, in fact I'm pretty sure he doesn't really like me, mainly since I see him as a little bratty," Trixie said. "...So, even though you two are at odds, you still feel concern for him?" Sunset asked. "Well yeah, even if we don't get along, I still wouldn't want to see him hurt," Trixie said. "Plus Trixie, Rumble and his friends do like you more than you think," Twilight said. "They just wish you'd tone down your...shall we say, playful attitude?" "That's a weird way to put it, I know they think I'm arrogant, but I see it as self-confidence," Trixie said. "Maybe you can try teaching them that self-confidence, especially to Tender Taps," Sunburst said. "That poor foal could use some more confidence, at least when he's not dancing, and dating Apple Bloom certainly didn't help," Trixie said. "Of course he can do better." Twilight sighed in annoyance, "This is why you and the foals don't always get along Trixie." "Well I have my reasons," Trixie insisted. "I'm just being honest with them, which according to you and your friends, is an Element of Friendship." "Even Applejack would agree that there's a certain limit as to how far honesty should go," Twilight said. Trixie huffed in annoyance, "What do you think Starlight, I'd love to get the opinion of my best friend, am I right to be tough but honest with those foals?" Trixie got no answer, Starlight was still staring out the window. "Ahem...Starlight!" "Huh?" Starlight turned to see Trixie and the others facing her way. "Sorry, were you saying something?" "Are you feeling ok Starlight?" Twilight asked. Starlight shook her head, "Not really, I'm still worried about everypony back home, especially the foals." "We'll be done in no time, remember all of our friends are doing their best to protect Ponyville and the foals, as well as rescue my niece," Twilight said. "The Crystal Empire's just a few minutes away, we'll have plenty of answers by-" Sunburst's reassurance was suddenly interrupted when they felt something hit the train, hard enough to rock it a little. "What was that?" Something hit the train again, worrying not only Twilight and her group, but also the other passengers on the train. "Is it Changelings?" Sunburst asked, facing toward Starlight who was checking out the window. She saw a giant whip of energy emitting from the air. "No, it's some weird type of magic, it seems to be-" Starlight's explanation was cut off again when the energy whip hit the train, rocking it some more. "Quick, put up a shield!" Sunset ordered, though before they could cast a shield, the train was lifted off the tracks, frightening all the ponies on board. "Yikes! Second plan, protect all the ponies on boa-" Twilight was cut off by the train being tossed aside. As it flew through the air, the four Unicorns were quick to focus their magic and place a protective barrier around all the other ponies on the train just before it collided with the ground below. Despite protecting the ponies, they still felt an intense force when they hit the ground. The train was now a pile of rubble, one the four ponies managed to pull themselves out of, along with other nearby passengers. "Ow, the pain! The sheer unimaginable pain!" Trixie whined. "Knock it off, you're not the only one that got caught in that attack," Sunset scolded. "As long as the bystanders are fine then we should be good." "They seem to be alright," Sunburst said, gesturing to the freaked out ponies. "They're scared out of their minds, but aside from that, they look peachy." "Peachy?" Sunset asked. "That the best term you can come up with? After saying how scared they looked?" "I'm sorry, what else can I-" Sunburst's apology had been cut short when they heard what sounded like a roar. "That doesn't sound good." A black aura appeared in the skies above the ponies, scaring the train passengers and surprising the four ponies. "What in the world!?" Starlight said. "Where did that come from?" "It couldn't be Stygian again? Could it?" Sunburst asked. Twilight shook her head, "No, it isn't, but it's very familiar..." The aura took the shape of a cloudy head, two green eyes glaring down upon the ponies on the ground. "Twilight Sparkle..." Twilight's eyes widened in fear, "King Sombra..." "King Sombra!?" Sunburst asked. "As in the evil shadow king who banished The Crystal Empire for 1000 years!?" "Wait, I thought he'd been destroyed!" Starlight shouted. "He should be!" Twilight said, then glared up at the shadow king. "How did you come back!?" "Only a faint life exists in this realm, you and your pitiful friends may have destroyed my body, but by spirit still exists, and soon, it will have a stronger body to go with it," Sombra said. "Wait, how do you plan to get on getting this stronger body of yours!?" Twilight asked. "If I told you everything now, then that would be just dull, wouldn't it Princess?" Sombra said with cold snark. "Hey! Don't start getting all mysterious on us Sombra! You owe us some answers!" Twilight shouted. "Sorry, maybe another time, though speaking of time, I suggest you stop wasting yours, if you want to be quick enough to save those you love," Sombra warned. "What does that mean!?" Twilight asked as Sombra disappeared. "Hey! Don't ignore me! I'm talking to you!" Soon he was completely gone, leaving Twilight frustrated. "Great, that just left things even more confusing, how is Sombra back anyway?" "Chrysalis..." Starlight said, getting their attention. "You think that's what she's been up to?" Twilight asked. "I'm sure of it, how else would Sombra be back just as Chrysalis began to attack again?" Starlight said. "Which means this is bigger than we thought," Sunset said. "Seems like Chrysalis is getting all the allies that she can for this." Starlight began to look concerned, "You don't think she also tried contacting Tirek, do you?" "Let's not even think of that possibility," Twilight said. "Besides it'd be hard for her to get into Tartarus. Given her limited allies I don't think she'd even want the headache of doing that." "I suggest we hurry toward the Crystal Empire," Sunset said, then observed all the damage from the train. "Though getting there is going to be a hassle without a train." "Not to mention making sure all these ponies are alright," Sunset said. "I don't even know if we shielded all of them or if it was even enough." "Right, much as I'd like to hurry, we can't leave anypony unattended," Twilight said. "I only hope that whatever's happening, our friends are able to handle the situation before it gets bad." Back at Ponyville, Chrysalis turned her attention to the mind controlled ponies. "All of you go down first, it should let their guards down for a brief moment. When the time comes, we'll swoop in and attack." "Yes my Queen, whatever you command," Thunderlane said, leading the other ponies toward town. As they marched, Aria turned her attention to Adagio, "Why didn't we grab the other two Elements? Wouldn't they have helped?" "I wanted to, but I could sense their strong will, if we tried controlling them, they'd probably break free," Adagio explained. "Besides we absorbed their energy from them, both the positive and the negative, it's going to take a while for them to recover, and by the time they do, it will be too late." "Still don't think it was a good idea leaving them as they were," Aria said. "That was Chrysalis's idea, not mine, I would have liked to dispose of them, but it can't be helped I guess," Adagio said. "Besides we can always do that later, once it dawns on them how powerless they truly are." "Ooh, evil, I like it," Aria said with a partial smirk. "Huh, never heard you admit to liking something before," Adagio sassed. "Don't get used to it," Aria said. "Anyway how long before we attack?" "Once Thunderlane and the others get the ponies to let their guards down," Adagio said. "Which he seems to be doing right now." Thunderlane and the ponies marched into town, being led by Shining Armor. Many ponies noticed them from within their homes, each of them worried and concerned, but somewhat relieved to see these ponies back safely. They arrived at the castle, knocking on the door to get the attention of the ponies inside. The door was answered by Night Glider. "Shining Armor!? You're back? Did you find your daughter!?" "Unfortunately not, though we do know where they are located, Chrysalis has tougher defenses than we thought, so we'll need some extra help getting through them," Shining Armor said. "Extra help huh?" Night Glider said. "Well that's what we're here for, we'll be more than happy to assist you with whatever you may need." "Glad to hear, I do miss my daughter tremendously, so any help we can get will be very beneficial...now do you have any word on Twilight and where she is?" Shining Armor asked. Night Glider shook her head, "No, not yet, she's probably still in Canterlot" "Ah, I see, well I'm sure she'll be back soon," Shining Armor said. "I'm a little concerned though, she's been gone for a while, wonder what's happened to her?" Night Glider asked. "Don't worry about her," Thunderlane said, getting Night Glider's attention. "She's a strong filly, she can take care of herself, and her friends." "I guess so," Night Glider said, then observed Thunderlane's face. "Wow, looks like you took a few hits, you feeling alright?" "Few lucky blows, but nothing I can't handle," Thunderlane boasted. "Anyway I'd like to check on my little brother if that's alright with you." "Yeah that's fine, he's in his room, though I heard he tried to sneak away before Sugar Belle caught him," Night Glider said. "Too stubborn to lie still, kinda like that about him." "Yeah, that Rumble, always so mischevious," Thunderlane said with a slight yet somewhat forced chuckle. "Yeah, well, go check on him if you'd like," Night Glider said, gesturing to the room. Thunderlane trotted past her, Night Glider felt a little odd as he walked by, something was a bit different about him. She brushed it off, he did come back from a battle after all. Inside Rumble's room, he's still having his kissing session with Sweetie Belle. The two then heard the door open to reveal Thunderlane. "Big brother?" Rumble said, looking towards his older brother. "Hi Thunderlane!" Sweetie Belle said, waving at her coltfriend's older brother. Rumble took note of his brother's bruises, "Hey, are you alright? You look a little banged up." A thought went through Rumble's head, "Was it Adagio? Did she hurt you too?" "Don't worry about her, soon this whole situation will finally be finished," Thunderlane said, flashing an unnerving smile. Sweetie Belle looked confused, "Hey Thunderlane, are you alright? Did you hit your head hard or something?" Rumble looked very suspicious, "Something's wrong." Sweetie Belle became a little concerned, "What's going on." "Just sits still, it will be all over soon," Thunderlane said. Rumble whispered to Sweetie Belle, "He might be a Changeling, use your magic to expose him." Sweetie Belle looked worried, "Are you sure? He looks so real." "That's what Changelings do, just try it. The worse that can happen is that he's real and got zapped at for nothing, better to be safe," Rumble said. Sweetie Belle nodded and quickly used her magic to zap Thunderlane, hoping to expose the Changeling within him. However after a few seconds they noticed that he was still a pony, no magic illusion. Thunderlane shook off the zap, "That was unexpected." "Oh, you were real?" Rumble said, then sheepishly rubbed his head. "Sorry about that bro, you were acting a bit weird and I got concerned for Sweetie Belle's safety." "No worries little bro, we all make mistakes," Thunderlane said, unusually calm. "Yeah, funny huh?" Rumble asked. "Sorry we mistook you for a Changeling." "Yeah, I'm really sorry for zapping you," Sweetie Belle said. "The only mistake you should be sorry for right now," Thunderlane said, with an evil smirk. "Is assuming you're still safe!" Outside, Sugar Belle is about to enter the room when she heard two terrified screams. "What in the world!?" She opened the door to see Thunderlane with both Rumble and Sweetie Belle in his hooves, holding them tightly while glaring at Sugar Belle. "Hey, thanks for watching over my brother, it was really nice of you, your efforts will be well rewarded." Sugar Belle's eyes widened and her pupils shrank, "This isn't good." Back with Night Glider, the mare was looking around, a little curious. "Hey, where are Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie?" "Uh...they're back near where Chrysalis is located, they're keeping an eye on things," Shining Armor explained. "Oh, that's smart...I think, they won't get caught will they?" Night Glider asked. "That's...what I said, but they insisted, you know Rainbow Dash, so hot headed," Shining Armor said with a slightly nervous laugh. "Uh...you feeling ok Shining Armor?" Night Glider asked. "Just fine," Shining Armor said, his eyes glowing briefly, causing some concern for Night Glider. "I'm feeling just fine..." "Uh, what's going-" Night Glider's question was interrupted when she heard Sugar Belle scream. "What was that?" Shining Armor then used his magic to trap Night Glider in mid-air. "I'm sure it's nothing, just your friends in peril." "What the!?" Night Glider struggled to move. "Shining Armor, what are you doing!?" Shining Armor turned to a nearby pony, "Go signal Queen Chrysalis and the Dazzlings." "Wait, you're not Shining Armor, you're a Changeling!" Night Glider shouted. "That what you think? You're sorely mistaken," Shining Armor said. Outside the ponies had used a magic blast to send a signal to the sky, getting a satisfied smile from Chrysalis. "Time to attack," Chrysalis said as she and the Sirens rushed into Ponyville with the Changelings. They wasted no time in using their magic to blast several of the houses, scaring all the ponies into running outside. "You think I'd get tired of frightening the ponies of this town, but alas, I can't get enough of their terrified screams," Chrysalis said with a sinister cackle. "There's the castle up ahead," Adagio pointed out. "All Changelings, round up as many ponies as you can!" Chrysalis ordered. "The Sirens and I will take over the castle!" The Changelings did as commanded as Chrysalis and The Sirens barged into the castle, noticing a battle going on between the Crystal soldiers still loyal to Cadance and the ones that Chrysalis and her allies mind controlled. "Let's keep an eye out just in case any of the other Elements are nearby," Adagio said. "They're not," they heard Shining Armor say. The mind controlled Unicorn entered the room with Night Glider trapped in his magic. "None of them are here, they're all out looking for you, or at least a way to defeat you." "I imagine most of them are doing the latter, otherwise they would have joined with the pink mare and that arrogant rainbow pony," Chrysalis said. "It matters not, they can try to find us, it won't matter, it will end in their defeat." "The only one who's going to be defeated is you Chrysalis! There's no way you're going to succeed!" Night Glider said. "Big talk coming from a pony restrained by magic," Chrysalis taunted. "Do us a favor and keep your annoying mouth shut, it's rather pitiful to see you struggling the way you are." "Don't you lecture me you waste of a Queen! When I break free I'm going to knock you for a loop, it's the least I could do after what you all did to Twilight and her friends over the years, even moreso knowing that I can get revenge for what you did to Rumble," Night Glider said. "Rumble?" Adagio said. "Oh, he's the colt who dared to oppose us, so he's around here is he?" "Hey you better not go near him! Wait, are you the one who hurt him!?" Night Glider shouted. "You vile creature, once I break free I'm going to pay you back tenfold for hurting him!" "Yeah I seriously doubt that," Adagio blankly stated. "Just you wait, I'm going to totally kick your flank to next week!" Night Glider shouted. "How about I do that to you now? You really are ticking me off after all," Adagio said. "Don't waste your energy, she's harmless as she is now," Chrysalis said. "Who says it's a waste if I'm having fun?" Adagio said with a wicked smile. "Besides, I can feel the hate radiating off of her, it'd be a shame to let it go to waste." Before Adagio could do anything, Shining Armor was rammed into the sides by Double Diamond, taking everypony by surprise. "Where'd he come from!?" Aria asked. Night Glider was free from Shining Armor's spell, then did a quick kick to Adagio's face, knocking her back to the wall. "Boo-yah!" Aria and Sonata rushed to check on Adagio, who quickly waved it off, "Never mind me, go after them!" The two Sirens glared at the two ponies, prompting them to run and try to escape, giving the Sirens the chase. The two ran through the halls of the castle, avoiding all fights among the loyal guards and the mind controlled guards. "We gotta find those foals and get to safety!" Night Glider said. "What about the other ponies?" Double Diamond asked. "They can take care of themselves, but our main priority was keeping the foals safe!" Night Glider said. The two reached an intersection in the castle, both looking around frantically. "Too bad it's easy to get lost in this place! I don't know where any of them might be!" Double Diamond said. "We have to keep-watch out!" Night Glider warned as a mind controlled pony approached Double Diamond. Fortunately and surprisingly, Scootaloo had arrived on her scooter, getting some air and bonking the pony on the head. "Whoo! Score!" Scootaloo said as she landed down, then noticed the two other ponies. "Sup? You two alright?" "Uh, we should be asking you that, that was totally dangerous!" Night Glider said. "Pretty rad though," Double Diamond said, getting a slight glare from Night Glider. "What? Like you didn't think it was cool too?" "Well, yeah...I did," Night Glider sheepishly admitted. "But it's still risky to be doing." Double Diamond notice the pony Scootaloo knocked for a loop was beginning to stir, "We'll talk about this later, let's ge the other foals and get out of the castle before we run into more trouble." "I know where they went, to Rumble's room to check up on him, follow me!" Scootaloo said, leading the two older ponies to Rumble's room. Thankfully she knew her way around the castle a lot better than they did. They got closer to Rumble's room when they heard some commotion inside, worrying all three ponies. "That sounds bad! Let's go!" Scootaloo said, the three rushing inside to find a curious sight. All the other foals were in the room, Tender Taps tended to what seemed like a hurt Sugar Belle while Thunderlane was effortlessly dodging magic blasts from Party Favor. "How dare you hurt Sugar Belle! I won't forgive you for that!" Party Favor shouted, trying to zap Thunderlane. "She got in my way, she had it coming!" Thunderlane taunted, then flew in to kick Party Favor across the face, knocking him to the wall. "Next time you try to take me on, come better-" Thunderlane's boasting was cut short when Night Glider flew in with a powerful kick to the side of his head. "Ha! Take that you jerk!" "Night Glider!" Rumble said, getting the attention of the mare. He was still in bed, holding Sweetie Belle close to him. "Glad you're alright little guy," Night Glider said, rubbing his mane. "What happened in here?" "I don't know, first Thunderlane started acting all weird, then he tried to capture me and Sweetie Belle, then Sugar Belle came into the room. She tried to help us but he was too strong!" Rumble said, looking really upset over this. "Thankfully Party Favor had arrived not too long later, but I don't get why my brother's acting like this." "He's not a Changeling," Sweetie Belle confirmed. "I checked, he's the real Thunderlane." "Must be mind control or something," Apple Bloom said. "Ah heard when Chrysalis pretended to be Cadance during her wedding to Shining Armor, he was placed under a type of spell." "Then we have to break it!" Rumble said. "Unfortunately we don't know how," Night Glider said, then noticed Thunderlane standing up. "And we have to run." "But my brother..." Rumble said, then was lifted onto Night Glider's back. "No time for that, I promised to help protect you and that's what I'm doing," Night Glider said, then turned to Tender Taps, who was trying to help up Sugar Belle. "Is she hurt?" "A little, I wish I could carry her," Tender Taps said. "I'm fine Tendy, just a little-" Suddenly Sugar Belle felt herself getting lifted onto Party Favor's back. "I got you, I won't let you get hurt again," Party Favor said. Sugar Belle blushed a bit, "Um, this is really nice of you Party Favor, but it seems like a bit much." Thunderlane began to get up again, though was knocked back out by Apple Bloom's buck kick. "That'll buy us more time." "Apple Bloom! What the heck!?" Rumble shouted in disbelief. "He's triyng to attack us, ah think he'd rather be out cold than knowing that he hurt you against his will! Now let's move!" Apple Bloom said. "Might be hard to get out with all the fighting outside," Babs said, gesturing to all the fights. She then got a look of confusion from the others. "What?" "Sorry, but who are you again?" Night Glider asked. Babs looked rather annoyed, "Babs Seed, Apple Bloom's cousin from the city, I was here yesterday!" "Sorry, we know, but we never got fully acquainted so..." Night Glider started saying. "We'll get acquainted later!" Apple Bloom shouted. "Let's focus on getting out while we can!" "I got it!" Party Favor said, then charged a magic beam strong enough to blast a hole in the castle wall, leading to the outside. "There." "Twilight's not going to like that," Sweetie Belle pointed out. "She can get mad at me later, let's move!" Party Favor said, the ponies running out of the castle, trying to get far away as possible. "Where do we go now?" Night Glider asked. "You're all going nowhere!" They heard. They turned around and saw some Changelings, curiously one of them had Flurry Heart in a bubble. "Flurry!" Rumble shouted. "Wumble!" Flurry shouted from the bubble. The Changeling chuckled sinisterly, "Let's capture these foolish ponies and bring them to the Queen." "Yeah, that'll show that Sonata we're capable fighters, I mean seriously, we helped take over this castle last time! We sat in that stupid map room of their's!" the other Changeling said. "Time to earn our respect back," the first Changeling said. As they got close, suddenly two extra Pegasus ponies arrived, knocking all of them for a loop. Rumble's eyes widened and watered when he recognized the two ponies. "Flitter! Cloudchaser!" "You alright little stallion?" Cloudchaser asked. "I'm fine, we all are, aside from my wings and Sugar Belle being a little banged up," Rumble said. "Your wings...the Siren who did this to you is here isn't she?" Cloudchaser asked. "I'm going to find her and teach her a lesson." "Wait, we should try to escape! Find some help!" Rumble said. "We'd love to, but somepony needs to help save as many ponies in this town as possible," Flitter said. "Exactly, you four take the foals someplace safe, the two of us will keep you covered," Cloudchaser ordered. Two more Changelings went to attack, but the Pegasus twins knocked them both out with strong kicks. This freed Flurry from her bubble and she quickly flew toward Rumble. "My Wumble!" Rumble brought her in for a hug, "Oh Flurry, I've been so worried about you! Now I can continue to protect you!" Sweetie Belle huffed in annoyance, "Now I have to deal with that again." "Gee now you know how we all feel," Scootaloo said mockingly. "Be happy she's safe, we really need to get her out of here." Flurry looked around, "Mama?" "Your mom's at Canterlot," Dinky said. "Um, not sure if you can understand that though." "You'll see yer mom again soon, let's just get going!" Apple Bloom said. "Right, we'll be fine for the time being," Cloudchaser said. "Oh, and Sweetie Belle?" The young unicorn turned to Cloudchaser. "Take care of Rumble for us." Sweetie Belle nodded, "Of course, I'm not letting him get hurt." The ponies quickly ran off as Flitter and Cloudchaser stayed behind to fight off the extra Changelings. Back with Fluttershy, she and her group were making their way to The Hollow Shades, hoping to find any of the Pillars there that could help. Though as they approached, they heard Cadance calling to them. "Fluttershy!" Fluttershy looked up to see Cadance, nearly out of breath, likely from flying fast. "Princess Cadance?" Cadance landed down and took a moment to catch her breath, "I'm glad I caught up to you, any luck in your travels?" "Yes, we went to Mage Meadowbrook's old village, but neither she nor any of the Pillars were there, so we were hoping to find more information at The Hollow Shades," Fluttershy explained. "How about you?" "Well we did find some information at Canterlot, turns out that Princess Celestia's former pupil Sunset Shimmer had an encounter with Sirens before, she has an idea of how to beat them, and it involves singing," Cadance said. Lightning Dust looked bemused, "Did you say...'singing'?" "Singing!" Rarity said, getting between all the ponies. "If singing's all we need then look no further, for I can handle the task!" "You can't be serious!" Lightning Dust said. "Singing isn't going to save Equestria!" "What's this about singing?" they all heard. They turned to see Starswirl, Stygian and the other Pillars making their way over. "Starswirl! It's an honor to see you," Cadance said, bowing down to him. "Please, no need for that," Starswirl said. "We're all familiar with each other, let's not worry about formalities." "Good, cause I'm not bowing," Lightning muttered, then felt Fluttershy hit her sides. "Don't say things like that," Fluttershy angrily whispered. Rarity cleared her throat to get their attention, "Well, we do have a bit of a problem Starswirl, not only has the former Changeling queen returned, it seems she's brought Sirens with her, and they aim to take over Equestria." "Good heavens, that's terrible," Starswirl said. Applejack stepped forward, "We were actually on our way to meet you, since you've fought Changelings before, so maybe you would know how to help us, then we heard about singing." "Why yes, singing could work," Stygian said, stepping forward. "From our experience, we had to use the Magical Artifacts to seal them away, though that meant distracting them long enough to cast the spell." "If ya need, we can get those Artifacts and not only seal those pesky Sirens away again, but also that queen too," Rockhoof said. "Would that really work?" Applejack asked. "Well, it may not be that simple," Starswirl said. "If you recall, we needed assistance from your Elements of Harmony since The Artifacts have lost some power over the years, and we had to risk losing them to seal away the Pony of Shadows." "Right, we only kept them because they were mainly used to save Stygian rather than just seal away the Shadows," Fluttershy said. "Then let's get siiingiiing!" Rarity sang. Lightning turned to the seven ponies, "Is that really going to work?" "It can, don't count that out, though none of us have decent singing voices to make that work ourselves," Stygian said. "Plus I had a different mindset when it came to villains," Starswirl said sheepishly. "Use whatever works for you," Flash Magnus said. "Who knows, you could even try to befriend them." The other Pillars seemed to agree with that statement. "Yeah we're not doing that," Lightning Dust said, annoying the other ponies. "Might want to mind your attitude young mare," Mistmane said. "Sirens feed off negative emotions, and they can also control your mind." "Yes, best not to go after them when you feel lots of anger within you," Starswirl said. "It's highly risky." Applejack's eyes widened in worry, "Wait, that's what Shining Armor and Thunderlane did! Dang it, they might be heading into danger!" Cadance gasped in worry, "I have to go save my husband!" She quickly flew off, leaving the others behind. "Hey! Don't leave without us!" Lightning Dust said, flying after her. Fluttershy shook her head and turned to Starswirl, "Thanks for your advice, now we have a world to save." "Best of luck to ye lass," Rockhoof said. "Remember to believe in yourself, Hope is a strong tool," Sonambula reminded. Fluttershy nodded and flew off, as the other ponies said their good-byes and left as well. "Huh, such brave ponies," Rockhoof said, then turned to Starswirl. "Shouldn't we go help them?" Before Starswirl could answer, he felt a cold shiver. "Hm...there ,might be more to worry about, I sense a dark magic." He turned his attention back to Rockhoof, "If you desire, you may go assist them." He turned to Flash Magnus, "You may go as well, I get the feeling this is going to be intense." The two nodded and went in the same direction as the ponies. After they left, Mistmane turned to Starswirl, "What did you sense?" "I'm not sure...but I do worry for Twilight and the others," Starswirl said. "Come, follow me." He led them away, in the same direction as The Crystal Empire. Back with Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie, they had been founded by Metamorphized Changelings, and brought to Thorax, Ember and Spike, where the three helped nurse their wounds. "Man, Chrysalis did this to you?" Spike asked. "She got lucky," Rainbow Dash insisted. "I'll get her next time." "It wasn't just her Dashie, it was also the Sirens, they were tough!" Pinkie said. "I knew I should have gone after them myself, they wouldn't last two seconds against me," Ember declared. "Now's not the time to boast strength, Chrysalis looks like she's gotten stronger, and she might cause even more trouble for us," Thorax said. "Plus she has those Sirens, we don't know a lot about them." "I saw the one that hurt Rumble, really wanted to return that pain," Rainbow Dash said. "In fact, I'm ready for Round 2!" "After you're done healing, you took quite a beating," Thorax said. "It's nothing I can't handle! I'm a Wonderbolt remember!" Rainbow Dash said. "Speaking of Wonderbotls, where are they anyway?" Thorax asked. "Looking for Chrysalis and the others of course, hopefully they're all doing fine," Rainbow Dash said. Spike noticed some ponies coming there way, "Probably not." Rainbow Dash turned and saw Spitfire along with some others, looking really banged up. "Captain Spitfire!" Rainbow Dash said, rushing towards her and catching her before she fell. "Who did this? Was it Chrysalis!?" "No..." Spitfire said with a cough. "Some Dark King, I think he knows you. *cough*" "Dark...King?" Rainbow Dash said, then grew worried. "Oh no, that's not good."