//------------------------------// // Chapter 6 // Story: Time Heals All Wounds // by Brony4Ever1992 //------------------------------// It was a normal day in Equestria. Ponies in the town where about doing their business while Twilight did some reading in her castle. She was still trying to hide her jealously about not being able to go to Griffonstone earlier. Sunset Shimmer was seated at the desk in her room reading a scroll when Spike popped his head in. "I was wondering if you wanted daisy sandwiches for lunch?" asked Spike. "Crap!" cried Sunset. Spike took a step backwards. "A simple no would do." replied Spike flatly. Sunset quickly turned around. "Oh Spike, I didn't realize you where here." said Sunset. "So...you do want daisy sandwiches for lunch?" asked Spike. "Yes, but not right now." answered Sunset. Spike walked over to the yellow and red unicorn. "What's wrong?" asked Spike. "Another abduction." answered Sunset worried. "Anypony we know?" asked Spike worried. "A mare named Cherry Jubilee from Dodge Junction." answered Sunset. "Oh no!" gasped Spike. "You know here?" asked Sunset surprised. "Way back before Twilight's brother and Cadence got married, the town hall was accidentally damaged by Derpy so Applejack entered a rodeo to use the money for repairs. However, she extended her stay so the six girls left and found her working for Cherry Jubilee. She didn't win a blue ribbon and lacked enough money for the repairs so she worked to earn the rest. The girls told her she was more important and she came home." explained Spike. "Applejack is sure is something." mused Sunset impressed. "I can't believe she's been captured." said Spike worried. "The Dodge Junction/Appaloosa area is the epicenter of the missing pony epidemic." noted Sunset. Spike gulped worriedly. "Do...you think it's Starlight?" asked Spike anxious. Sunset sighed heavily. "We're pretty confident now." answered Sunset flatly. Sunset unrolled another scroll. "This is the list of missing ponies thus far." said Sunset. Spike read over the list. "I don't see Applejack's cousin Braeburn on the list." noted Spike relieved. "Luckily, he and Sheriff Silver Star are among he ponies who've avoided capture." said Sunset. "So many ponies captured though." muttered Spike. "The Sheriff has organized a vigilance committee to help keep ponies safe and Braeburn is in charge. Hopefully, that will help." added Sunset. "What about the buffaloes?" asked Spike. "So far, they haven't been targeted. But, Chief Thunderhooves has agreed to help protect the ponies." answered Sunset. "Glad to see they're still working together." replied Spike. "According to Sheriff Silver Star, these disappearances have revived some tension between the two sides." said Sunset flatly. "But, they know it's the Equalists!" declared Spike. "Some ponies are spreading rumors the buffaloes are working with the Equalists to regain their lost land. Chef Thunderhooves hopes that helping protect Appaloosa will dispel these rumors." explained Sunset. "I can't believe somepony would start such a terrible rumor!" exclaimed Spike. Sunset shook her head sadly. "Take it from experience, all you have to do is start a rumor and it'll spread whether it's true or not." sighed Sunset. "Is this from your past in the other world?" asked Spike curious. Sunset looked at the floor forlorn. "Yup. I ruined a lot of lives spreading rumors." answered Sunset guilty. "We should tell Twilight." said Spike. "But, she's not exactly the best when it comes to dealing with pressure." said Sunset. "She does freak out." admitted Spike. "But, she doesn't want to be let out either." realized Sunset. "We'll be there to help her." noted Spike. Sunset took a deep breath. "Yeah. Let's go." agreed Sunset. The two left and found Twilight reading in the study. Both Sunset and Spike joined her. "Hey..." began Sunset. "Hello." replied Twilight warmly. Sunset and Twilight shared a kiss. "What are you reading?" asked Sunset curious. "It's Mooncurve's Theory on Time Manipulation and I must say it is quiet the fascinating read." answered Twilight giddy. "That sounds really good. Tell me more." requested Sunset interested. Spike merely rolled his eyes. "So according to Mooncurve..." began Twilight excited. Spike cleared his throat. "Spike, why did..." began Sunset. Sunset remembered why she was here. "On second thought, maybe later." said Sunset sadly. "What's going on?" asked Twilight. Sunset looked to Spike to gave her a thumbs up. "More ponies are vanishing and it's most likely the Equalists." answered Sunset nervously. Twilight gave a deer in the headlights glare. "It's okay Twilight. Just take deep breaths if you need to." said Sunset. Twilight did just that taking multiple deep breaths. 'How are you doing?" asked Sunset. "I feel better know you're here." answered Twilight. The two shared another kiss. "Get a room." groaned Spike. "Careful Spike or we'll take you up on that." said Sunset teasing. Spike pretended to gag. "Honestly, I always knew these abductions where due to the Equalists." admitted Twilight. Twilight took a moment. "How many?" asked Twilight bluntly. "Fifteen so far." answered Sunset. "And Cherry Jubilee was the most recent." added Spike. "Applejack won't like hearing that." sighed Twilight. "It started with Trouble Shoes and is focused in one area." said Sunset. "And it began after Starlight and her Equalists escaped." added Twilight flatly. "There's no way this is a coincidence." sighed Sunset. "Any news from Princess Celestia?" asked Twilight hopeful. "The army is doing all it can." answered Sunset flatly. Twilight winced at this. "You know that this isn't your fault. Starlight Glimmer started her cult before Sombra returned." said Sunset. "The logical part of me knows that." said Twilight. "And the other part of you?" asked Sunset concerned. Twilight needed a moment. "I don't know." answered Twilight sadly. Sunset gave Twilight a caring hug. "It's okay Twilight." said Sunset reassuring. The hug ended. "So, what do we do about the abductions?" asked Spike. "At this rate, we may need to declare martial law." answered Sunset flatly. "But, the ponies would never accept that!" exclaimed Twilight worried. "It might be only our choice." shrugged Sunset. Twilight let out a worried groan. "It's okay." said Sunset softly. Sunset turned to Spike. "Spike, please write a letter to the Princess asking for any updates and plans for situation." requested Sunset. "Can do." replied Spike. "Twilight, let me know if anything is wrong." said Sunset worried. Meanwhile, an elderly stallion wandered around Canterlot. The stallion was a white earth pony wearing pants. Diamond Double was scouting Canterlot under the age spell Starlight used at the Grand Galloping Gala and the pants where to hid his cutie mark. As he looked around, Double Diamond bumped into a unicorn. "I'm so sorry sunny. My old eyes aren't what they used to be." said Double Diamond. "That is quiet alright." replied Fancy Pants. Fancy Pants looked over the stallion. "I haven't seen you before." noted Fancy Pants. "I'm from Baltimare. Just visiting." replied Double Diamond. "Well I hope you're enjoying our city." said Fancy Pants happily. "Quiet so." said Double Diamond. "Fancy! Our table is ready" called a female unicorn. The female unicorn stood in front of a bistro. "One moment!" called Fancy Pants. "I'll let you eat." said Double Diamond. "Would you like to join us?" asked Fancy Pants. "I'd hate to impose." answered Double Diamond. "Nonsense. I insist." said Fancy Pants. "He does appear to be an aristocrat. I might be able to get information out of him." thought Double Diamond. Double Diamond joined Fancy Pants and Fleur De Lis for their meal. "The food here is simply exquisite!" declared Fancy Pants as they dug in. "Zesty Gourmand did award it with three hooves." said Fleur. They continued eating. "I can't help but notice you're awfully quiet." said Fancy concerned. "Just never been to Canterlot before. Taking it all in." said Double Diamond. "Soak it in! Life is a party after all!" declared Fancy. "Speaking of parties, we have that cocktail party tonight." noted Fleur. "Yes. The one Photo Finish will be holding to show off her latest works." mused Fancy. "It's sure to be a who's who of notable ponies there." shrugged Fleur. This certainly peaked the interest of Double Diamond. "Are any other notable ponies going to be there?" asked Double Diamond, feigning ignorance. "Her coltfriend Hoity Toity." answered Fancy. "I think Jet Set and Upper Crust will be attending too." said Fleur. "Oh yes." mused Fancy, less than happy. "What's wrong with them?" asked Double Diamond. "They can be a bit stuck up. It is disheartening." answered Fancy. "Perfect Pace should be attending. Sapphire Shores was asked and could not attend. I believe some of the Wonderbolts might show as well. Soarin' should be there and maybe Fleetfoot. Sadly, Spitfire cannot make it." said Fleur. "You can come with us if you want." offered Fancy. "Oh no thank you. I can't stay up late to save my life anymore." replied Double Diamond. Double Diamond began sipping his soup. "Wasn't Prince Bluebood going to attend?" asked Fleur. Double Diamond nearly choked on his soup. "Are you alright?" asked Fancy concerned. "Fine. Just went too fast." answered Double Diamond. "To answer your question, he should be arriving." answered Fancy. "Comrade Glimmer is going to love this." thought Double Diamond. Double Diamond had a thought. "What about Princess Twilight?" asked Double Diamond. "I am afraid she will be staying in Ponyville." answered Fancy Pants. Double Diamond could already hear the praise from Starlight. "That sounds like a fun time." said Double Diamond. "Are you certain you cannot joining us?" asked Fancy Pants. "No, but I'd love to hear more about life in Canterlot." answered Double Diamond. "That I can do." replied Fancy Pants. Double Diamond listened to Fancy Pants and Fleur De Lis talking about Canterlot and the important ponies in the city. He made sure to memorize every word. Fancy Pants and Fleur where forced to leave allowing Double Diamond to write it all down. Double Diamond then left Canterlot and returned to his comrades. Starlight was talking with new friend Cheery Jubilee, but quickly turned her attention to Double Diamond. Starlight reversed the age spell returning Double Diamond to his natural age. "How did it go?" asked Starlight. "Great. I conned two of those aristocratic ponies into talking about the city and important ponies who we will need to target." answered Double Diamond. "You never fail me Lieutenant." chuckled Starlight. "There is also a party tonight and many elite ponies will be there including Wonderbolts and Prince Blueblood." reveled Double Diamond. Double Diamond handed the list of party goers he wrote to Starlight. "Typical elitists." replied Starlight. "I was thinking we could crash it." proposed Double Diamond. Starlight looked at the list. "I am afraid we are not ready. Attacking that party would only do damage to our cause." said Starlight annoyed. "Understood." replied Double Diamond disappointed. "However, this list will come in handy we when capture Canterlot and began liberating ponies of their cutie marks." said Starlight. Double Diamond perked back up. "If there's anything else..." began Starlight. "Ma'am, I know where Princess Twilight is." answered Double Diamond. A wide grin came to the face of Starlight Glimmer. "Do go on." requested Starlight.