//------------------------------//
// The Day Flash Sentry Died 
// Story: Flash Sentry, Defender of the Peace S5 
// by Banshee531 
//------------------------------//

Ponyville Park didn't have many visitors this time of year. The temperature had dropped to the point where you would need to wear something warm to be outside, yet there was no snow yet. Due to this, there wasn't anything really fun in the park, making no reason for ponies to go there unless they use it for a jogging track or a place to walk their pets.

Today was not one of those rare exceptions, nopony around as the grassy plain of the park was experiencing something. Within a wilted flowerbed, the plants were trying to hibernate as the cold drifted in. But as they did this, a pitch-black coloured flower began to sprout. It stood alone over the curled up flowers around it, its life on full display as its bulb opened to show a dark purple head.

It stood there, the wind lightly pushing its stem as a ladybug began to fly down. It wings beat the flower's tip for a split-second, making the plant shake before a cloud of black dust suddenly shot out of it's head. The ladybug was engulfed in the mist, its body tumbling in mid-air as soon as cloud consumed it.

And as it tried to fly away, the bug suddenly fell like a rock, smattering the ground before its body stopped moving altogether. As for the flower, it stopped shaking, the plant towering over the flowerbed as the black dust around it disappeared.





Meanwhile...

At the castle of friendship, Twilight and Spike were busy cleaning up one of the formally empty rooms of the castle. The two had spent the better half of the morning dusting the room, Spike now walking out of the bathroom with mop and bucket in claw. "All clean. Those floors are so clean, you could ice skate on it."

"Thanks Spike," Twilight replied as she magically fluffed a pillow. "But did you put the toiletries in alphabetical order?"

Spike raised an eyebrow at this, "Alphabetical? I thought you said you wanted them in size order?" This made Twilight's eyes go wide, only for Spike to start laughing. "Gotcha! Don't worry, they're all lined up from dental floss to toothpaste."

Twilight let out a sigh of relief, shooting Spike a quick glare next. But before she could reprimand him, the sound of voices outside caught their attention, making the princess walk out of the room. "Misty, Trail, it's so great to see you!" She exclaimed as her boyfriend's parents walked down the corridor with their children, Twilight then pulling Misty into a hug.

"It's great to see you as well Twilight," Misty responded before pulling away.

"Thank you for letting us stay during our visit," Trail added as Twilight hugged him as well.

"It's no problem, as you're always welcome here. This castle might technically be mine, but it's Flash and Scootaloo's home as well. Of course their parents are welcome to stay whenever you want."

The two older ponies smiled at this, Scootaloo now jumping around them. "So what are we gonna do during your visit?! We've only got a week to do everything we could possibly want to do before you leave!"

They all laughed at her eagerness, Misty ruffling the filly's mane, "Don't worry sweetheart, we can do whatever you want."

"But I'm guessing they'll probably want to get some rest after their long journey from Manehatten." Flash commented as he carried his parent's luggage through the room.

Trail shook his head at this, "Actually, we're pretty well-rested from train ride. Not much to do except sit down and relax, though I wouldn't mind something to eat. Due to past circumstances, I know to...never trust station food."

Flash and Twilight exchanged at glance before replying, "Don't worry, we know a great please to get some lunch."

Twilight nodded, "You ever try Neighponese food?"

"Um...no?" The two older ponies replied.

"Then you're in for a treat. Follow us."

With that, the five ponies and one dragon all headed out the castle, soon making their way to Shichimi and Wasabi's stand. "Welcome," the male unicorn said as they all walked in, "May I take your orders?"

A round of orders and getting food later...

"Wow," Trail commented after taking the first bite, "This stuff's great."

"You honor us," Shichimi replied, the statement soon earning them a free plate of spring rolls.

It wasn't long till the meal was over, all of them moaning in satisfied fullness. "I don't think I'll need to eat again for a month," Misty added as they all tried to walk off their lunch.

"Yeah...but it's worth it. Though its too bad that Springer is out on patrol. He loves that place." Flash responded as they began to lazily stroll through the park's grassy meadows. "So, how's life treating you two in Manehatten?"

"Pretty good. It took a while to get used to living in one place after years of wondering, but it's not as hard as we thought it would be."

Misty nodded in agreement. "We've even been giving lectures at the Manehatten school of history. Turns out our years of research into the Sacred Light was the perfect resume."

"Speaking of the Sacred Light," Trail turned to Flash, "Anything new happen with your abilities since the last time we saw you?"

Flash just shrugged, "Nothing much. Other than being able to combine my light with my Celestic Gear to pull off a new super move...eh, nothing else."

"What about you all?" Twilight asked next, "Weren't you trying to decipher all the text you got from the temple?"

"We have..." Trail grumbled while crossing his hooves, "It's been slow going, but we've made some progress. The rest of the text has been brief history lessons about some original pony kingdom, which seems to be the Lost City of Faust."

"Seriously?! But that's just a legend!" Twilight gasped, her eyes now wide as Flash just blinked in confusion.

"Of what we've researched, it exists." Misty added while rubbing her chin, "According to the scripts, long before the creation of Equestria and the three tribes, there existed a single city of Alicorns known as Faust. It was said to have been named after the god of creation."

"Interesting..." Twilight commented, scratching the side of her head, "I've read very little texts over that city, but...I didn't know the name had that kind of significance. But if what you're saying is true, does that mean this god was the original magic that the Sacred Light first came from?"

"Yes. Along with its exact opposite, the Corrupted Shadow."

"Huh. If that's the case...that could reveal a lot more in terms of new magic! That's so exciting!" Twilight exclaimed, clapping her hooves. The parents giggled at her expression as Flash and the others all rolled their eyes at this.

Flash slung a hoof around is marefriend, "Calm down Twi, there's no need to get worked up."

"Flash! You should know that the pursuit of knowledge, especially magic, is super important!"

Flash rolled his eyes again, "Uh-huh. And I'm not more important?"

Twilight stuck her tongue out, "Compared to new magic for me, the Element of Magic? Yes."

"Oh really?" Flash playfully hissed before put his wing on her side, soon tickling her.

"Hee hee! Stop it Flash!"

Scootaloo and Spike both gagged at the sight, the filly moaning as she turned away, "That's it, I'm gone."

"Scootaloo?" Misty tried to say, only for her daughter to look back and shake her head.

"I'll be back later. I don't wanna see any more lovey-mushy junk."

"Yeah! They do it way too much already." Spike added before following after her, the group giggling as they watched them left.

"Kids..." Trail commented, shaking his head.

"Don't worry about them." Twilight replied before clapping her hooves, "Please, let's continue! I still can't believe we know so little about the Sacred Light and Corrupted Shadow."

Trail shrugged at this, "Not much else I'm afraid, as the information was lost to time. Even the temples scrolls we've been researching are...well, it feels like there's not many answers. Unless you have a way to travel back to that time and see for yourself, we're not sure how much else we can learn."

"Well, we're definitely not doing that," Twilight assured him. "Time travel has way too many issues involved with it, and I know from experience."

"No kidding." Flash added before rubbing his forehead, "I don't wanna do that mess again."

"Not only that, if we went back as far as you're suggesting, who knows what damage we could end up doing."

Misty nodded in agreement, "I couldn't agree more there, and I'm someone that sees the future from time to time. The past is best left the way it is. You'd have to be an idiot to try and change-" and as she said those words, her mouth suddenly stopped moving. Instead, her eyes went wide before staring straight ahead.

"Uhh...Misty?" Flash asked before turning to Trail, "Is she-"

"Having a vision? Yes." Trail replied, only for Misty's eyes to start blinking, her head shaking rapidly next as a frown appeared on her face. "Misty? What happened? What did you-"

"Where's Scootaloo?!"





Meanwhile...

Scootaloo's mouth released the largest sigh possible in her filly's long life, "I'm so bored."

"Same." Spike added as he and her walked over a field of flowers in the park. "Makes me wish I brought one of my comics."

"Yeah...that's got to be something fun around here." Scootaloo continued as she started to scratch the side of her head, "Maybe we could go see if Sweetie Belle or-hmm?"

"What?" Spike asked as he turned to the filly, only to see her staring at the ground. "Scootaloo, what's....what is that?"

"I don't know." Scootaloo replied as she leaned down, now blinking at the ground below her. In the flower patch they had been walking over was now a long black and purple flower standing straight up. Around it was weeds and dead plants, the sight making both shiver as Scootaloo squinted her eyes, "Weird. What is that?"

Spike looked over her shoulder, "No idea. Though uh...maybe it'd be better to leave that thing as it is. I don't like the look of it."

"Oh relax, what could a little flower do?" Scootaloo added as she rolled her eyes at his comment. Her faces was only inches away as she was about to take a sniff-

"SCOOTALOO!" The filly jerked her head back, both turning to see Flash charging right at them. "Get away from that flower!"

Scootaloo raised an eyebrow at this, then turned back to the flower as she tried to ask why. That is, till she saw the flower's bud contract. The sight made her mutter out, "What the-"

And as the flower opened its bud, time began to slow down. Before she could do anything, Flash channeled his Sacred Light into his wings, covering the distance instantly. Within a split-second, he shoved the filly out of the way, just as the flower shot out a black cloud of dust. He then fumbled over, coughing as he tasted dirt.

"Holy gems!" Spike yelped as he saw both pegasi hit the ground.

"Ugh..." Scootaloo moaned as her eyes now showed swirls. "Oww…"

"Scootaloo!" yelled Misty as her and Twilight ran up to them, tears in her eyes, "Are you okay?" She took the filly in her magic and pulled her over, the unicorn now examining every inch of her.

"I'm fine. My head hurts though..."

"Oh, thank Celestia!" Misty pulled her into a hug. "I had a vision of you being hit by that plant's pollen. Then you...you..." She couldn't bring herself to finish the sentence, tightening her grip.

Twilight's horn shined as she summoned a magic shield around the flower, "What is this? I've never seen a plant like this before."

"Me neither," Trail replied, now looking down and saw the many dead plants and insects around it. "But whatever it is, I get the feeling it's toxic."

"Good thing I got Scootaloo away from it then," Flash commented as he got up, shaking his head. But as he did this, he put his hoof on his head, "Uh..." He rubbed his face as his hooves began to shake, "What is...what the..."

"Flash? Are you okay?" Twilight asked as she saw him sway around.

"I...I'm not sure." He replied, only for his eyes began to blink rapidly, "Wha…"

THUMP!

That was the sound of the defender's legs gave out, his face instantly eating dirt. "FLASH?!" Twilight yelped, running up to him and putting her wing on him, "Flash, what's wrong?! Please don't tell me you inhaled any of that flower's pollen."

"Twi...light..." Flash moaned out, only for his eyes to shut close.

"Flash!" Scootaloo screamed as she went up and shook him, but got no response from her brother. "Wake up! Please wake up!" Tears began to fill her eyes as Misty pulled her close.

"What's wrong with him?" Spike asked next.

Trail and Twilight turned back to the flower, "He's been poisoned."

"We have to get him to the hospital." Twilight commanded as she used magic to teleport a glass jar into her hooves, pulling out the plant next before putting it inside. She then sent it away before turning back to Flash, "Meet us there."

With that, she teleported herself and Flash away, Scootaloo and Spike jumping on the older pony's backs as they began rushing to the medical facility.

One trip across town later...

By the time the rest arrived, they didn't like the sight of Twilight pacing inside the hallway leading to the operating room. Misty spoke up first as she asked, "How is he?"

Twilight turned to them, a huge frown on her face, "Still being examined. The doctors said they've never seen anything like this before."

"That sounds bad," Spike replied as she leapt off of Trail's back. "What do we do now? Wait?!"

"No, there's something we can do." Twilight responded as she put a hoof on his shoulder, "Go tell everypony what's happened. They'll wanna know." The dragon nodded and ran down the corridor, the rest sighing as they knew they would have to do the worst thing of all: Waiting.

And as they did this, the defenders soon came over. Rainbow and Fluttershy were next, Pinkie and Wild following this before Rarity and Applejack arriving last. "How is he?" Rarity asked as Twilight just looked away, unable to respond.

Seeing this, Trail spoke up, "The doctors still haven't found anything."

Scootaloo let out a sniffle, tears in her eyes. "This is all my fault."

"Oh sweetheart, it isn't." Misty pulled her into a hug. "You couldn't have known that that flower would do this."

It was at that moment that the doors opened before a group of doctors walked out, pushing a bed with Flash on it. His eyes were closed with a breathing mask over his mouth, one of the unicorn doctors casting a shielding spell around him. Everypony got up, only for the lead doctor to motion for him to be put into another room. "I'm afraid I can't let any of you near him." He pulled his mask down, "We need to get him into quarantine."

"Quarantine?!" Grand gasped, "He's contagious?!"

"We don't know. We've never seen this illness before. We have no idea if it can spread, so it's better to be safe than sorry."

"We understand," Twilight responded as she pushed Scootaloo back, "Do you have any idea how to treat him?"

The doctor shook his head, "I'm sorry. But unless we figure out what's poisoned him, there's no hope of curing him. The good news is that he doesn't seem to be in any danger right now. His vitals are stable...but he's in a deep coma over what this poison did."

Twilight's horn sparked as she summoned a jar with the flower inside, "This is what did this. Do you know it?"

The doctor took the jar, only to shake again, "No, but I'll look into it."

Trail then put his hoof on top of the jar, "Just don't open it. It seems to fire the pollen when something gets to close." The doctor nodded before walking away, locking the door behind him as the rest crowded to a window they could use to see inside. Flash was the same as before, his breathing heavy as sweat poured down his body.

"Why isn't his Sacred Light doing anything?" Rainbow asked as the others turned to her, "Doesn't it heal him from being sick?"

"Not always," Fluttershy replied, "Remember when he caught the Feather Flu?"

"That was just a basic cold for a pegasi, darling." Rarity responded, "This is a poisoning. He's been protected from stuff like this before, so why not now?"

Before anypony could reply to that, a loud beeping sound made them turn back to see Flash's breathing increase, the machines now blaring. "FLASH!" Several cried out as the doctors all rushed to his body.

"He's crashing!" A mare cried while another doctor prepared a defibrillator. But before they could try it, Flash's body suddenly started glowing. The doctors all backpedaled as the Sacred Light consumed Flash's form, soon fading to reveal a still panting Flash.

The doctors then checked him over, one gasping "He's...stable. Amazing."

The watching ponies all sighed in relief as Pinkie commented, "That wasn't fun."

"What just happened?" Wild asked next.

Misty's eyes began to water as she frowned at her son, "I think...I think the Sacred Light is fighting back against the poison. It's possible whatever's attacking him is something it can't fully fight back against, but it's just able to keep him alive. Whatever this plant is...it's powerful."

And as those words left her mouth, the doctor returned with the plant, Twilight speaking up, "Doctor? Did you find out what that thing is?"

The doctor shook his head, now giving the plant back to her, "I'm sorry, but I can't find anything that mentions this flower. No pony on staff has any idea about what it is. It's...a mystery." He then turned away, "They need my help in there. I'm sorry princess."

As they watched the doctor go in to join the rest to staff, Twilight now glaring at the plant, "I don't get it. What is this thing?!" She then grit her teeth, crossing her hooves, "We don't have time to just research this thing. We need to help Flash."

"Then what do we do?" Rainbow added.

"I don't know. We need an expert..." Twilight responded as she rubbed the side of her head, only to gasp, "Wait...Heather Bloom!" Twilight turned around to Grand, "She might know what flower this is! And maybe First knows a way to treat Flash."

Grand shook his head, "That's a good idea lass...but the issue is them getting here. Their last report said they were on the other side of Equestria right now. Getting here could take several days and..." he turned to stare at his student, "Flash might not have that long."

Twilight crossed her hooves at her hooves, "If that's the case....there's only one other pony we can ask!"

"Who?"





"Oh...yeah, this makes sense. She could definitely help." Rainbow commented as they entered a certain zebra's house. The potion maker inside was quite surprised when Springer and the Mane Seven mares were now walking inside her house. The Defenders had wanted to come, but the numbers were too great for the little hut, so they chose to hang back.

They all watched as Zecora took off the lid of the plant. As she did this, the plant instantly began to shake, its bud preparing a blast of dust. But as the bud spat out the poison, Zecora pulled out another jar and grabbed the pollen with a single swipe. Quickly placing lids on both, she squinted her eyes at the jars, "Yes...I've heard of this deadly plant before." She put the jars down and headed over to a bookshelf. "A dangerous flower that shoots a deadly spore." She pulled out one of the books and opened it up to a page, holding it out for Twilight.

The alicorn took it and read it over, "Flos-Mortem. One of the world's deadliest plants, extinct since the sixth Celestial Dynasty. Was systematically hunted and destroyed after it rapidly spawned and wiped out a third of the pony population. This says...its a magical flower that can instantly kill anything that breathes its spores in!"

"But Flash didn't die," Springer added.

"Flash's Sacred Light must be protecting him," Rarity guessed with a small shrug.

"But that doesn't mean he's safe." Twilight responded as she kept reading, "Should the spores infect something with some form of magical protection, it'll begin to slowly attack the mind, causing nightmares that can cause the infected to die of heart failure or other methods. The longest recorded case of survival after infection is...three days."

The others all went wide-eyed, Applejack turning to Zecora, "Now hang on! There's gotta be a remedy! Somethin' to cure this."

Zecora put a hoof to her chin, humming as she responded, "There may be a way, but it's a long shot." She took the book and flipped it to another page. "A legendary plant that may hold the key that is sought."

Twilight stared down at the paper, now seeing a flower with golden petals. "The Golden Acanthus? It says its a rare plant that grows in enchanted soil. This plant has the power to cure any ailment, but only when creating a tea from its leaves. However, once picked, the plant will only last two hours before it wilts and dies."

Everypony else all stared over her shoulders, Springer then asking, "Where does it say it grows?"

Twilight just shook her head, "It doesn't say. Just says it only grows in enchanted soil. But who knows where that could be."

"Well, we need to find it," Rainbow responded, "I don't know about you, but its obvious Flash doesn't have much time."

"I know," Twilight turned back to the zebra. "Thank you Zecora."

Zecora nodded before taking a potion and beginning to pour it in her cauldron. "I will prepare the tea for when you find the plant, and hope your search shall not disenchant." The others nodded and headed out the hut, ready to return to the castle to research for the Golden Acanthus.





Meanwhile...

Back at the hospital, Flash's body shook like a leaf. He had suffered two more attacks since the others had left, both times having been saved by the Sacred Light. But as this happened, Flash's body poured sweat as the poison began to do something more.

And it began as Flash opened his eyes, "Uh....where am I?" he muttered out, his eyes blinking before looking up, now looking at his surroundings. He was in a kitchen, ovens and shelves all around, with most of them filled with doughnuts, "Huh?! Why am I-"

"YOU!" screamed a unicorn that slammed a door open, a familiar looking baker now pointing at the defender, "So you're back again, eh little thief?!"

"Little?" Flash replied, only to look down at his body. The sight made him gasp, now seeing he had colt sized wings along with tiny hooves, "What's-"

"Put those down!" Donut Joe yelled as he charged at the colt, Flash's instincts kicking in as he quickly hopped over the baker. And as he did this motion, he noticed his mouth suddenly had a bag in it. "Huh?" he said despite the bag in his mouth, "Is this-"

"Get back here!" Flash's body began moving on its own, the colt sprinting out the kitchen and into the street, Joe screaming at him, "You'll pay for steal from me!"

Flash couldn't help but get a sense of deja-vu, his mouth trying to respond before taking another corner.

THUD!

"Ow!" he yelped as him and another pony hit each other, the colt falling back from the blow. He then began to rub his head, only to look up and see what he had ran into, "Twilight?"

It was a familiar purple unicorn filly, who was currently rubbing her flank. Seeing this, the world around him began to fizzle out of focus, turning to a black void before coming back into want looked like a familiar-looking park. "This is-"

"My books!" He turned to the sound of that voice, now spotting the unicorn filly being bullied by a trio of teenage colts. They were tossing her bag around, the memories of this day going through his head.

But as he started to move towards her...he stopped. His mouth opened as he said, "Why should I help her?" He then turned around, the colt now starting to slowly walk away as he commented, "Nopony's ever helped me, so why should I have to help her?"

'No, this isn't supposed to happen. I'm supposed to...to...what am I supposed to do?' his mind said to him, the park fading around him.

'Wait...why am I thinking about that?'





Back at the Castle of Friendship...

Everypony was now in the map room, the whole place surrounded by books. Pages after pages were flying by as each pony kept trying to find anything. It was here that Spike spoke up, "Hey Twilight?" Everypony turned to him, "What about the Everfree Forest? That place is enchanted. Maybe it's there."

Twilight shook her head, "No. The Golden Acanthus doesn't just need enchanted soil to grow. It also needs large amounts of sunlight and clean water, two things the Everfree Forest doesn't have."

"Rats!" Spike moaned, slamming his book shut.

Lightning, who was staring at the Flos-Mortem, raised an eyebrow, "What I'd like to know where this thing came from. If it was supposed to have been destroyed years ago, how'd it get to Ponyville park? Heck, how did nopony notice?!"

"I've been wondering the same thing," Twilight added as she glanced at the flower, "It's possible a seed survived but laid dormant until recently, though I'm not sure what caused it to start growing now."

"Maybe something that happened recently," Iron suggested. "Some kind of magical contaminant that affected the park."

"What about the Everfree Forest?" they all turned to Pinkie's comment, "That's not too far from the park, and it did overgrow recently."

"You mean Discord's plunderseeds." Twilight replied as she hummed into her hoof, "I suppose its possible the vines sent some enchanted soil into the park, contaminating to allow the seed to grow." She shut her book and moved over to the Cutie Map, "But that doesn't help us now. We need a Golden Acanthus, which means we need to find a place with enchanted soil, lots of sunlight and freshwater. But where could that be?"

"We know." They all turned to the new voice, now seeing Trail, Misty and Scootaloo at the door.

"What are you all doing here?" Springer asked, "You should be with Flash."

"We couldn't just stand in that hospital and do nothing," Trail responded while walking over to the map. "We came to see if you have a way to save him...and by the looks of things, you have one."

Twilight nodded before doing a small explanation, "You said you knew a place where we could find the flower."

Misty trotted over to the map, glancing it over, "Years ago, we came across a mountain with rocks on it that had a strange quality that negates magic. It also has a large river of freshwater that runs down from the top, which lets it have rich nutrients for its soil. At least, I suspect it does."

Everypony smiled at this, Twilight gasping as she asked, "Do you remember where it is?"

Trail smirked before pointing at a mountain several hundred miles east of Ponyvile. "Right there."

Everypony stared at the distance, Grand grimacing as he commented, "Sweet Celestia...it'd take a week to get there."

"Not if I teleport us," Twilight instantly countered, making everypony turn to her.

"Twilight..." Spike muttered out, "You've never teleported that far before."

"I teleported us here from the dragon lands. This is just as far."

"But that was only a few of us," Rarity added. "That means you'll only be able to send what...four ponies alongside you?"

"I guess..." Twilight replied while rubbing her forehead, "I mean...I wasn't an alicorn back then. But that doesn't mean I can't do it."

"I'm going," Trail chimed in. "I know that mountain and where the river is. You'll be wandering around aimlessly without me."

Rainbow spoke up next, "I'm coming too. With my speed, searching for this flower will be a walk in the park."

"Ya'll can count me in too," Applejack added while tipping her hat. "This place is gonna need ponies with major kickin' experience."

"Alright, that just leaves-"

"Me." They all turned to Grand, "I'm coming too. I'm not gonna let this plant take my student from me."

"Are you sure?" Misty asked as she put a hoof on his shoulder, "The mountain's rocks will likely make your Celestic Gear useless."

"I'm more than just my Celestic Gear. I'm going."

Twilight wanted to tell him no...but it was pointless. Letting out a long sigh, she looked back at the mountain, "Alright, we have our team. Let's get ready to move out."

"Hold on there." Misty chimed in, raising a hoof, "You'll have to prepare for a long journey. This mountain is treacherous, so you'll need a lot of gear to climb it."

Grand nodded in agreement, "Then we'll head out tomorrow."

"Tomorrow?!" Scootaloo yelped, "But Flash needs the cure now!"

"I know," Grand patted her on the shoulder. "But if we rush, then we could make a mistake and that could lead to Flash never getting the cure." He turned to the princess, "You said this thing has a time limit when using it, right?"

"It does. We only get two hours when we get it. That means we have to be careful." Twilight growled at her own words, turning to the rest as she crossed her hooves before sitting in her throne, "I don't want to say this, but...we need to rest up and do this tomorrow. As such, we'll leave at the crack of dawn. Until then, let's gather everything we need to scale this mountain."

The others nodded and all headed off to get what was needed. Applejack went to her farm to get as much rope as she could find, Rarity now going to her boutique in order to make some clothing for the mountain climb. Everypony else was getting food, water and whatever else Trail and Misty suggested they might need.

The only one who didn't help with the preparations was Twilight, the alicorn now back at the hospital. She stared at the bed, seeing Flash began to moan again as the Sacred Light continued to shine all over his body. Twilight could feel her heart clench as tears went down her face, "Flash...please stay strong." she began to sniff as she wiped away some tears, "We've found a way to cure you. Just hold on a little longer..." She then let out a long sigh, her mouth continuing to move, "You've been there for us whenever we've needed you. Now it's our turn to save you."





Meanwhile...

A fifteen-year-old Flash was flying through the streets, a bunch of pegasi guards now on his tail. He had a duffle bag on his back, the sound of metal clinking inside the container, "Get back here!" He heard the guards yell, only to look back and blow a raspberry. They continued to fly all over the city, Flash dodging each guard attack before seeing the castle in front of him, an open window straight ahead.

"Catch me if you can!" He flew into the window, zipping down an empty corridor as the guards tried to get inside in single file. He let out a laugh as he rushed around the corner, only to feel something smack the side of his head, "YOW!" He moaned as he staggered back, holding his now throbbing nose.

"So...we meet again." said a low voice, Flash looking up to see a familiar white and blue unicorn in armor.

"Shining Armor. To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Shining eyed the duffle bag, growling, "What'd you steal this time?"

"Me?!" Flash did a small gasp, "Does that sound like something I'd do?"

"Yes!" Shining's horn began to glow, summoning a barrier around Flash, "Your little crime wave ends now."

"Hey! Let me out!" Flash yelled as he slammed against the barrier, only to slump over. But as he tried a third charge, he came to a stop and sighed, "Alright. You got me." He held out his hooves, "Take me to jail."

Shining raised an eyebrow, slowly pulling out some cuffs as the rest of guards now walked into the corridor, "Nice work Armor," one of them said.

Seeing the many guards, Shining dropped the force field. But as he did this, Flash quickly kicked off the cuffs, slamming another hoof into the unicorn's nose. "AUGH!"

Flash then hopped over the guards, quickly zipping across the hall before spotting another window, "See ya!" He leapt out with a glass shattering kick, spinning in mid-air before taking to the sky. He let out a chuckle, only to suddenly feel a painful surge of electrical energy flow through his body. "AAAAAUUUUGGGGGHHHHH!" He instantly fell to the ground, landing on his wing with so much force that he felt it break in several places. "GYAH!"

As he laid there in pain, he heard hoofsteps and rolled over to see a pair of blurry ponies looking down at him. "Nice shot Lightning."

"Thanks gramps. Too bad this guy is such a waste."

Grand shook his head, pulling out some rope next, "Yes...all those skills and he chooses to use them for crime." The two began tying him up, being...semi careful with the broken wing. "It's clear you don't have anypony waiting for you back home. If you did, you wouldn't attempt such crazy stunts."

Flash said nothing, pain straining every part of his body as Lightning chuckled. "No kidding. Bet if you died tomorrow, nopony would miss you."

And as they picked him up, only one thought went through Flash's head, 'Miss me? Who...who would miss me if I was gone?'





The next day...

As soon as the sun rose, Twilight, Rainbow, Applejack, Trail and Grand appeared in the map room. All were carrying full saddlebags, climbing gear on every piece of their bodies. The rest of their friends were also there, the only ones absent being Springer, Misty, Scootaloo and Fluttershy, as they were all at the hospital.

"You all ready?" Lightning asked first.

"We are," Twilight replied as she looked over the map.

Trail then held out a photograph. "Here. This is a snapshot of the mountain."

Twilight took the image, blinking at an image of a grassy forest-like area. "You just had this lying around?"

"It was actually in a scrapbook Misty wanted to show you all of our journey around Equestria. Guess it came in more handy than we figured."

Twilight nodded and took the picture, her eyes focusing on it as she began to close her eyes. Her horn began to spark, soon summoning a bubble of magic around her that the other four walked into.

"Good luck," Spike added.

"We know you can do it," Pinkie continued.

"And be careful," Lightning finished. "Flash would never forgive himself if any one of you got hurt trying to help him."

They all nodded as Twilight upped the power in her spell, soon causing the bubble to vanish in a blink of an eye. The others all stared at the spot, the castle shifting into silence as they stood there. "So..." Wild chimed in as he turned to the others, "What now?"

Spike pulled out another book, "We keep looking for places this flower could be. If it's not there, then we need to be ready to head to another spot as soon as they get back."

They all nodded again, all soon picking up tomes to get to work reading, all the while praying they had been right about the Golden Acanthus on this mountain.





In a flash of purple light, five ponies appeared inside a wooded area, all surrounded by rocks. As they got their bearing, Twilight nearly collapsed as Applejack and Grand caught her. "You okay?" The knight asked the princess.

"I'm fine," Twilight panted as she leaned over, "That was...quite a lot."

"Don't push yerself sugarcube," Applejack commented as she helped Twilight back up. "We can't have yah having trouble this early."

Twilight just shook her head, only to go wide eyes as she saw the area around them, "Wait...this isn't where I was trying to teleport us! Where's the mountain?!"

Rainbow quickly zipped above the trees, spinning around while putting a hoof over her eyes. As she did this, she saw the mountain they were looking for, seeing it was about a mile away and was covered different trees, though the top was strangely barren. "There it is!" She pointed at it before flying back down, "I found it, but uh...you sure the flower's gonna be there? The top doesn't look like something a flower can live on."

Trail nodded despite this, "The magic in this area's rocks are very strong. That's probably why Twilight's spell dropped us here."

Twilight then used her magic to pick up a rock, seeing she wasn't having any issues. But as she took a few steps, her magic suddenly cut out, dropping the rock. "What the-he's right." She tried to lift the rock again, now seeing her magic having trouble even forming, "Strange. It's like an anti-magic barrier. And if it's strong enough to nullify my magic, the rocks must be really powerful."

"Well, it's not so much nullifying it as its more...sucking it out of you. At least, that's what Misty and I theorized when we here last."

Twilight just growled at this, "I'd usually say that's fascinating, but we don't have time for this. The Golden Acanthus requires highly wet soil to grow, so it can't grow far from a constant source of water. That means we need to find the river this mountain has."

Trail nodded and flew up, "The good news is that we're on the side of the mountain that has the river. Let's get going." He then zipped across the sky, the others chasing him as a quick hour passed on the trail to the mountain. And as they got near, the sound of running water caught their ears. They changed course and followed it, soon finding a small river running down the hill away from the mountain.

"This is it?" Grand dipped his hoof into the water before sniffing it, only to give his hoof a lick. "Wow! That's...the best water I've ever tasted. Definitely clean enough for the plant to grow here."

"So the flower's here?" Rainbow asked as she glanced around.

Twilight shook her head, "No. Don't forget, it needs sunlight as well." They all looked up, now seeing the thicket of trees laying on the mountains. "We need to head upriver to find it."

It was here that time began to pass, all going through every canopy opening they could find. Despite this, there was no Golden Acanthus to be found. And by the third hour, five openings and three miles up the mountain, they saw that Twilight was starting to break down.

"No!" she yelled as they searched a sixth opening, only for no results. "We're wasting time! Its got to be here somewhere!"

"Twilight..." Trail gripped her shoulder, "You need to stay calm."

"But Flash needs us!" She cried, turning to him as Trail saw tears in her eyes. "The higher we go, the further we'll have to retrace our steps to get back to the base. That means it'll take longer to get it to Flash, not to mention that the plant can only survive being picked for two hours. For all we know-"

"Don't finish that sentence!" Grand interrupted, slamming his hoof into the dirt. "Flash isn't gonna to lose to some stupid flower! He's stronger than anypony else in Equestria. I don't care what that plant does to him, he isn't gonna let it kill him."

"Yeah!" Rainbow added, "You gotta trust him!"

Applejack nodded in agreement, "Ah'm sure he trusts yah ta not give up Twi. That plant is on this mountain, ah can feel it. We just gotta keep looking."

Twilight sniffed, using her wing to wipe her eyes. "I'm just...I'm scared we'll be too late."

Trail sighed and shook his head, "So am I. That's why we can't waste a second wondering about what might go wrong. We just need to keep going."

The group then left the opening, continuing their journey upstream. But as they did this, they soon found themselves in front of a waterfall, its sides being smooth thirty meters high cliffs.

"That'll take a while ta get around," Applejack commented before turning to Twilight, "Any ideas?"

"Maybe." Twilight grumbled, rubbing her chin as she replied, "Applejack, how much rope did you pack?"

Five minutes later...

Twilight, Trail and Rainbow were now flying up, the pegasi carrying two lines of rope tied around the waists of the earth ponies. Once at the top, Twilight found a large rock and gestured to the winged ponies, "Over here."

Trail and Rainbow tied the ropes around it, giving them both a good tight tug, "Alright," Trail looked back down the cliff, "You all ready?!" Grand and Applejack nodded before the three flyers began pulling on the ropes, the two trying to help shift the weight.

It was slow going, the two earth ponies proving to be quite heavy. And as five minutes passed, they began to hit the thirty-meter mark as Twilight called out, "Almost there!"

"Alright!" Applejack replied, only to look back up and went wide-eyed, "Uh-oh."

Grand did the same, gulping as he saw the rope began to show signs of snapping, "Stop!" he yelled, the others stopping their tugging, "Applejack's rope is about to break!"

"It's fine!" The farm pony barked back, "Keep going!"

"Are you crazy?!" Rainbow called down to her, "We're sending you back down."

"Don't! That'll make the rope fray even more." Grand yelled before reaching out his hoof, "Grab onto me. If you fall, I'll be able to catch you." Applejack nodded and tried to reach out to him, Grand soon having to swing over as well, "Hang on, we're just about-"

SNAP!

"AAH!" Applejack cried as she began to fell, Grand's hoof just missing her.

"APPLEJACK!" The others all screamed, looking away from the next sight. But as this happened...there was no sound of impact. "Applejack?" They all looked back down and sighed in relief, seeing Applejack being suspended just above the ground. Grand hadn't been able to catch her, but he had managed to catch the torn end of her rope in his mouth.

"Nice catch!" Rainbow cheered, "You okay Applejack!"

"Just dandy!" The earth pony barked back, making sure her hat didn't come off. "Ya'll mind getting us back up before Grand's jaw gives out?" They nodded and continued to pull, eventually getting Grand and Applejack up onto the cliff. As they recovered from the round of danger, Applejack tipped her hat at Grand, "That was close. Thanks pardner."

"No problem," Grand said while rubbing his jaw. "But I don't think I'll be able to eat solid food for a week."

"It could have been worse. Now come on, we gotta a lot left to climb."





The whistle of a train awoke Flash from his slumber, making him yawn as he pulled his head out of a train bench. As he did this, the conductor walked by him. "Next stop, Ponyville!" This made Flash blink before hopping off his seat, ready to leave the train as he felt the engine come to a stop.

And once the doors opened, he flinched at the bright sunlight. After spending seven years in jail, he wasn't used to such shine, the sight making him slightly uncomfortable. "Ugh...that's hot." he muttered as he walked into the station, "Best not complain though. After all Flash, you're in a new town, a new place. I'm ready for a new start!"

He pumped his hooves as he walked up to the main street of the town, only to find himself standing in front of a pink earth pony, "Hiya! I'm Pinkie Pie, wanna be friends?!" Flash began to smile as he began to speak up- "Well, you can't! I don't wanna be friends with a criminal!"

Flash's face morphed back to a frown, only to feel something slam into his side. The next thing he knew, he was laying face first in a puddle of mud. "Blaugh!" he yelped as he pulled his head back up, the sound of laughter making him look ip to see a blue Pegasus glaring down at him from a cloud.

"Hey loser. Just so you know, I'm keeping my eye on you. The second you try and steal something, you're gonna get sonic rainboomed."

"I'm not gonna steal-"

"Yeah right. Thieves like you never change. Do the town a favor and get lost."

Flash shook his head as he started cleaning himself with his wings, patting the mud down. As he did this, he walked away, only to find himself now standing at an apple cart with an orange earth pony standing behind it. Feeling a twinge of hunger, he pulled out a few bits from his bag.

"What do you want?!" Applejack barked, slamming her hoof into the cart.

"Can I have an apple?" he put the bits on the cart, only for the earth pony to just growl.

"Mah apple's twice that."

"What? But-"

"If yah ain't gonna pay, git lost. Yer holding up the line for real customers." Flash took out some more bits, the mare quickly taking the money before tossing an apple at him. He soon took a bite, only for his face to shrivel up, his tongue aching at the taste.

"This is...rotten."

"Ya'll don't deserve a good, clean apple. Now git lost!"

He the walked away from the cart, slowly moving to the edge of town. It was here he heard somepony gasp, making him turn to see a bunny running down the road. "Stop Angel! Come back here!" Flash's reflexes kicked in, quickly grabbing the bunny.

He turned to the bunny's owner, a pegasus mare with yellow fur. "Here."

However, the pegasi now showed a look of pure terror on her face, fear consuming her form as another voice yelled, "Put him down, you brute!" He felt something wack him on the head, making him hiss and drop the rabbit. He turned to see a unicorn mare holding several rolls of fabric, only for her walk over to the pegasus. "Are you alright darling? He didn't hurt you, did he?" The pegasus shook her head before the unicorn turned back to him, "Stay away from us. Don't think we'll let you take advantage of poor Fluttershy."

"But I wasn't-"

"Save your excuses! Just get out of here!"

With that, the two walked away, making Flash sigh as he slumped over. He could feel tears began to go down his face, only to rub them away. As such, he continued his journey through the town, now seeing everypony glare at him and doing their best to avoid him. Eventually, he came across a large tree-like structure with windows and doors, alongside a sign saying 'Golden Oaks Library.' Blinking at the sight, he knocked on the door, only for it open by itself.

Blinking at this, he slowly stepped inside, his eyes scanning the room over. As he did this, his heart suddenly came to a stop. In front of him was the most beautiful unicorn he had ever seen...and locking lips with some random pony he couldn't even identify.

But as he stared, the act of opening the door caught their attention and made them turn, the unicorn growling, "You mind?! You're interrupting our makeout session."

"I just-"

"Just nothing." Her horn began to glow, a magic aura now gripping his body. "Just because you don't have anypony special in your life, it doesn't mean you can ruin other's times with theirs. Now get lost and don't let me see you here ever again!"

She threw him flying out of the library, the pegasi now slamming into another mud puddle. "Augh!" He moaned as he felt pain strike his body, only to slump over in the messy liquid. And as he tried to get up, he put a hoof to his chest...only to think, 'Why? Why did hearing those words from the mare hurt so much?'





BEEEEEEEEEEEP!!!

The sound made a flurry of doctors race to Flash's side, ready to charge the defibrillator. But as they did this, another flash of light consumed his body...only to barely shine. It was dim, making them grimace as Flash began to breathe normally again.

"Looks like he's stable." one commented as everypony else frowned at this sight.

"What's happening?" Scootaloo asked while turning to Misty and Springer. "Why's the Sacred Light taking so long to react?"

"I...I..." Misty tried to reply, but no words came to her.

That is, till Springer yelled, "That does it!" The jakhowl ran up to the door, kicking it open with a single blow.

"Hey! You can't be in here!" One of the doctor's barked, but Springer just ran past him, hopping on the bed before placing her paws on Flash's face.

"Flash...wake up already!" he yelled, a blue aura consuming his body, "We're linked Flash, you and me are connected! So please...just talk to me! Whatever's attacking you, you have to fight it!" But as his aura began to go into Flash's, the jakhowl suddenly let out a high pitched scream. "AAAHHH!" He cut the connection, staggering back as he clutched his head.

"Springer!" Scootaloo cried as she and Misty ran inside, now seeing Springer keep his balance.

He let out a hiss as he stared back at Flash, "No way. I don't...something's blocking me from making a connection. Whatever that plant did to him, it's more than just a poison. It's almost like...it's alive."

Misty turned back to her son. "Trail...Twilight...please hurry."





"Is this good or bad?" Rainbow asked as the five ponies walked out of the wooded area of the mountain. They were now nearing the peak, looking up to see the sun slowly heading to the horizon.

"I'd say it's good," Trail told her. "More sunlight means a better chance of finding the plant we're looking for."

"Huh...wonder why there ain't any trees here though. The soil seems pretty good." Applejack commented as she tested the ground. She would then get her answer when Rainbow decided to land, only for her hooves to start slipping.

"WHOA!" She yelped as she slid down the hill, only for Applejack to grab her by the tail.

"Guess that explains it. Its all but mud." Applejack added as she pulled her up, "Anything bigger than a flower would just slip down the hill."

"Makes sense," Trail continued as he helped Applejack, "The spring is feeding the river right at the top, coming all the way through the mountain from the base. This section of the mountain's so small, the water's bleeding into the soil."

"If that's the case, that means we'll need to go higher." Twilight said as she crossed her hooves, "Let's keep move-"

THOOM!

The sound of rocks rumbling made them look up, eyes going wide as multiple cracks appeared on the cliffs above them. Water erosion had created on these, and the motions of the group had finally made them give away. It was here that the largest rock snapped off the cliff face, now turning into a rolling boulder bowling for the group.

"MOVE!" Twilight screamed as the rock began to pick up speed, Rainbow and Trail taking to the air. This proved to be a mistake, as the rock hit another that let it shatter a small one, knocking a barrage of rubble at the pegasi. They quickly began to dodge them, Twilight now flying as she tried to dodge the main boulder. But as she did this, a large rock spun into the air-

"AUGH!" Twilight yelped as the rock sunk into her wing, her form instantly dropping. Seeing this, Grand and Applejack quickly dove, catching her in a quick sliding motion.

"Ya'll okay?!"

"I'm fine!" Twilight barked as she began clutching her wing, the pegasi now flying down beside her.

"Stay behind us," Applejack and Grand both said as they stepped in front of them, the two spinning like tops as Applejack began bucking the boulders, Grand doing the same with a tornado of punches. They continued to do this for a full minutes, the rockslide starting to come to an end before both collapsed in pure exhaustion.

Rainbow tried to help them as Trail leaned over at Twilight, focusing on her wing, "Yikes..." he stared at the wound, now seeing a clump of rock sticking out of it. "This is bad. We need to fix this, now."

"How?" Rainbow asked, trying to hold back her vomit at the sight of Twilight's injury.

Trail took off his saddlebag and handed it to her, "First aid kit and matches." Rainbow raised an eyebrow, but did as she was told. As she did this, Trail slowly pulled the rock shard out of Twilight's wing.

"Ahh!" Twilight hissed as the rock moved.

"And...there. Now, it looks like it didn't hit anything vital, but we still need to stitch it up before you lose too much blood." Rainbow then gave him the items requested, "Take out a needle and light a match to sterilize it." Rainbow and Applejack did as they were told, Applejack lighting a match while Rainbow held it over the flame.

Once Trail was sure the needle was ready, he took it and knotted a thread through it before beginning his work. She hissed at the pain, squirming as Trail started to operation. As he did this, she moaned out to the others, "Keep looking for the flower. I'll be fine."

They all nodded, knowing not to argue as they began to look around again. But as minutes began to pass, soon turning to another hour as Trail finished the stitches and made Twilight lay and rest. He knew she wanted to get up and starting searching, but he made sure to keep her still. And as the hour passed, Rainbow flew back to them with a moan, "There's...nothing."

"Nothing at all?"

"Sorry sugarcube," Applejack added as she walked up and took her hat off. "Looks like it ain't growing here."

Twilight felt herself tearing up again, only to look back up at the mountain, "Grr...stupid mountain! Why don't you...you..." her eyes went wide before glancing back at Rainbow, "Rainbow...did you check the top?"

"The top?"

"Right at the top, where the spring starts." Twilight got up and began to stumble up the muddy hill, "That's where the water would be cleanest." They all followed after her, but as she began to get close, yet another cliff-like structure stood in her way.

"Ah gotcha sugarcube," Applejack commented as she grabbed Twilight and began helping her up.

"Thanks!" Twilight replied as she began to climb, the others joining her as they made their way to the top. And as they got to the last step, they suddenly found themselves staring at a beautiful oasis-like area filled with a large pond surrounded by many flowers. And one of those flowers...was a Golden Acanthus. "IT'S HERE!" She scrambled over while the others arrived at the top, watching as she carefully picked the flower before taking out a jar.

She placed it inside as they gathered around her. "Finally, a way to save Flash. But..." Trail then blinked at Twilight's wing, "How do we get it to him? You can't teleport us from here, and it'll take hours to get back down to the bottom."

Twilight stared at the flower, sighing as she looked back at Trail. "You're right. I didn't expect getting injured. We need something else..."

"What if I took it?" They turned to Rainbow, who was taking off her saddlebag in preparation of flying at full speed.

"Are you sure?"

Rainbow patted her chest, "I'm the best around Twi. You know I am."

Twilight giggled at this, everypony noticing it was the first time she had shown any kind of happiness today, "You're right Rainbow. That might be our only chance," She then handed her the jar. "You have to get this to Zecora before it dies."

"Alright," she took it, only to glance back at Twilight, "But how do I find my way home? I've got no idea where we are."

It was here that Trail spoke up, pointing to the setting sun. "We're east of Ponyville. Follow the sun until you see something you recognize." Rainbow nodded and flexed her wings, ready to go all out as fast as she could to save her friend.

"You got this sugarcube."

"We know you can do it."

"Please," she turned to Twilight, "Save Flash."

"No problem." Before anything else could be said, Rainbow shot off the mountain top and rocketed towards the sun at max speed. Any faster and she would go Sonic Rainboom. Pumping her wings as fast as she could, she zipped across the ever-changing landscape, her sole direction being where the sun was setting. She flew over forests, lakes and even a desert.

By the time the first hour passed, she arrived at an area she knew. And just in time, as the sun was now completely set with the moon taking its place. "Stay with me!" She told the flower in the jar, "My friend needs you!" She then felt herself beginning to grow tired, her wings starting to go slower as she saw a certain town on the horizon. "Almost there!" She said with only half an hour to go, the flower already starting to wrinkle.

Ten minutes later, Rainbow found herself flying over the Everfree Forest. "Come on!" She dodged a few Everfree clouds before dropping into the canopy, finding herself standing in front of Zecora's hut. The athlete slammed the door open, Zecora gasping at the sight as Rainbow gave her the jar. She didn't even talk, just slumping over at the zebra took the container in her hooves.

"You've brought the flower. It's hard to believe," Taking the plant out, she moved over to an elaborate chemistry set. "I'd begun to think this task was impossible to achieve." She plucked the petals off the flower and placed them in a beaker of water, soon setting the beaker over an open flame while placing a plastic tube on the top. "The journey to get it must have been filled with strife, but now we have a chance to save Flash's life."

Rainbow just panted as she watched the water with the petals turn gold as it evaporated and flew up the tube. That tube lead to another beaker, mixing with a new clear liquid. The gas then sank into the solution, turning it golden as Zecora took it off the holder. She then held it out to Rainbow, "Take this to Flash and have him drink. It should clear the poison...I think."

"Got it."





"Blaugh!" Flash yelped as he was thrown out of a building, rain pouring down on him as he fell into a puddle. "Ow!"

"It'll hurt worse if I see you near my store again!" Bon-Bon screamed before slamming a door behind her.

"But I didn't do anything!" Flash yelled back, but there was no response. He could only sigh as he lifted himself from the puddle, once again jobless and in trouble. This always happened. No matter what Flash did, even agreeing to the most demeaning of jobs, he always got blamed and would be fired without a second's thought.

All Flash could do was slump over, tears pouring down his face as the rain continued to shower him, "Why?! Why can't the world just give me a break?!"

"Because the world is a cold and heartless place." Flash opened his eyes, gasping as he suddenly found himself in a dark void. The ground below him felt wet, like he was standing on the surface of water.

"Huh? What is...going on?"

"Simple. I'm here to help you." called out a voice, making Flash's eyes dart around, only to see nothing.

"Who's there?"

"A friend. Somepony who wants to help end your suffering."

The words made Flash's eyes twitch, sniffing as another batch of tears began to fall down, "End...my suffering?"

"Yes. I can help you. I can give you that break you want from the world."

Flash went wide-eyed, his lips quivering as he responded, "You...you can? How?"

"Let me handle that. You just need to relax and let me do all the work. After all, what have you got to lose?"

Nothing. That was what Flash had to lose. Nothing at all. "Finally...somepony will help me!" Flash slumped over, more tears going down his face. "Thank you. Please...please help me!"

And as he sat down, the dark void began to warp around him. As it did this, his body began to slowly sink under the black water beneath him.

"And this time, you won't escape."





Everypony was standing outside Flash's room, watching the pegasi continue to deteriorate. Nothing but looks of sadness were on their faces, exhaustion on every face as they had spent the rest of the day studying over any location for the flower. And as they watched, another loud beeping sound shook the room as Flash began to crash again...only for something new to happen.

As the doctors rushed in, the Sacred Light began to kick in...only for just a small dim light to consume him. "What's happening?!" Scootaloo screamed, the light fading as her brother continued to convulse.

"Something's wrong!" The nurse yelled, "His stats are continuing to drop!"

"Get the defibrillator!" Another nurse quickly chucked the machine on him, charging it up. "Clear!" They zapped him, only for his body to have no reaction.

"His heartrate's still dropping!"

"FLASH!" Scootaloo screeched, Misty now pulling her away from the window. The others were all just as shocked, the mares beginning to cry while the guys all shook in anger.

"Damn it, Sentry!" Iron barked, "Don't you dare lose to this thing!"

Lightning nodded in agreement. "Don't make me come in there and zap you myself."

But their words meant nothing. Their friend just laid there, his body completely still as the doctors continued to zap him. The sight made them all grimace, knowing what it could mean.

And as began to look away, a powerful gust of wind suddenly shot through an open window, something slamming into the wall next them. They turned to see Rainbow, the pegasi laid out, red-faced and panting. "Rainbow?" Fluttershy and Rarity gasped, "Are you alright?"

"What happened to the others?"

Rainbow didn't answer their questions, instead holding up the bottle with the golden liquid contained within it. "Flash...cure...drink....hurry." The others blinked at the bottle, only for Springer to snatch it up and charge into the room.

"Hey! I told you before! You can't be in here!" A doctor yelled, only for Springer to hop on the bed and tear off the mask on Flash's mouth. "What are you-" He didn't finish as Springer poured the potion into Flash's mouth, the pegasus subconsciously swallowing it.

"Come on Flash." They all said as they watched, only to smile as Flash's Sacred Light reappeared around him a few seconds later.

However, its glow was only a tiny bit brighter, the defender still completely knocked out and deteriorating, "What's happening?" Scootaloo asked. "I thought that was supposed to cure him!"

"I...I don't understand," Misty whispered.

It was here that one of the doctors spoke up, "Its...its possible you were too late. Or maybe...maybe he's just lost the will to live."

Hearing this, Springer just growled before placing his paws on him. "I won't let that happen. I have to try again." He reached out with his aura, only to feel a surge of pain. The jakhowl began to scream in pain...but then something new happened. The Sacred Light began to shine once more, consuming Flash and now Springer. Feeling this, he switched to his battle form, pouring more aura into Flash as he said, "Flash...Flash, can you hear me?!"





Flash was almost completely below the water, his eyes closed as he let out a comforting sigh. "Its over...its finally over. No more suffering. I'm...I'm free."

"Flash!"

"Huh?" Flash's eyes began to open, his ears twitching at the voice, "Wha-"

"Flash! Flash, can you hear me?!"

"Who-"

"Ignore it." his own voice said back to him.

"But...they know my name. Nopony knows me."

"So? The only ones that know your name hate you. All they want to do is make you suffer."

"I..." Flash tried to reply, only to sigh as he began to close his eyes, "You're right. They'll-"

"Flash! Please, answer me! I'm here!"

Flash's eyes opened again, this time his head pulling out of the water, "Wait...do you hear that?"

"Ignore it. They only want you to suffer."

Flash shook his head, "But...I've never heard that tone of voice before. They don't sound like they want me to suffer." Flash's body began to ascend out of the void, "They sound...worried. Worried...about me."

"FLASH!" An explosion of light happened next, soon taking shape to form a bipedal dog. The creature opened his eyes and shined a big grin, "Flash!"

"What...are you?"

The dog tilted his head at this, "Huh? What are you talking about Flash? Its me, Springer!"

Flash just blinked at him, "Springer? I'm sorry but...I don't know you."





Back in the real world, the other ponies saw a look of worry appear on Springer's face. "What's wrong?" Iron asked, Springer opening his eyes with a grimace.

"He said he doesn't know me. It's like...his memories have been wiped."

"What?" Misty asked, "You can't wipe somepony's memories."

"Then they've been blocked or something. He doesn't recognize me. And if he doesn't recognize me-" He didn't have to say anything else, the others all gulping at the conclusion.

That is, till Pinkie bounced up to Springer, putting her hoof on his paws. "Then let's remind him what to fight for!"

"Remind him? But-"

"No buts Springer! We gotta save Flash!" Pinkie responded as she gripped his hoof, "Can't you just do what we did for you back when you fought that Shade meanie? Let's see if we can do the same for Flash!"

"You mean...link all your auras into Flash?" The pink pony nodded back, making Springer gasp, "Huh...okay, let's try it! Let's make him remember us!"

"Then link us too!" Scootaloo put her hoof on the pile, alongside Misty with the others all doing the same. They closed their eyes and began to think back to their favorite times with Flash, the jakhowl slowly connecting his aura to theirs. The doctors watched as they all glowed blue, gasping at the sight.





Flash watched as Springer seemed to fade away for several seconds, only for a new explosion of light to appear. "Here. If you can't remember me or your friends, then watch as they remember you." With that, balls of light floated out of the jakhowl, all of them beginning to fill the void.

Flash backpedaled at the sight, his eyes looking slightly down as the first orb floated up to him. He went wide-eyed as he saw one of the ponies that had previously pushed him away together. Inside, he saw himself smiling and laughing with others, a sight he couldn't believe was happening. He saw himself helping set up a party with Pinkie, apple bucking with Applejack, wearing a suit Rarity had made for him, racing against Rainbow Dash and playing with animals with Fluttershy. After this, he was reading a story to a filly he didn't know, fighting alongside Lightning and a gray earth pony in various battles.

"This...is me?" Flash muttered as he watched more images fly past him, "I'm...I'm..."

Another image then showed itself, this one revealing a unicorn holding him as a foal, kissing his forehead. The sight made tears flow down his face, "Is that...is that really me?! I...have parents? Somepony...somepony actually cares about me?!"

Springer nodded with a big grin, "That's right. This is who you truly are."

"That's...that's..." Flash put his hooves to his head, tears streaming down his face, "That can't be! I'm...I'm just a...just a worthless criminal that this world hates! My life...its nothing but suffering!"

"Its not." Springer instantly replied, cracks beginning to form around the void. "You're so much more Flash. I don't know why you can't remember, and I honestly don't care. What matters is that you're really important to so many ponies." The cracks continued to grow and connect, white light now flowing through them. "You're Flash Sentry, a defender of the peace. The Knight of Friendship. OUR FRIEND!"

As he yelled this, the cracks all linked up before the void shattered, now revealing a white void filled with Flash's memories. The pegasus gasped as these images flowed into his mind, making him relive his whole life. His whole...incredible life.

"No!" The disembodied voice cried as the shattered darkness turned to a slime-like entity, the darkness massing together into a blob of shadows, "I will not let you escape me!" The shadow shot several spikes of solid slime at Springer, instantly making him disappear. It then shot them at Flash, but before impact could happen, the pegasus was suddenly surrounded by a tornado of light.

"Not happening," Flash replied as he spun around as the tornado exploded, now showing him in his armor. "I remember everything now. You tried to make me forget so I wouldn't fight back, but I know who I am now. I am not letting myself be taken down by you...because I have way too much to live for!"

The shadow let out a scream in response, now firing several more spikes, only for more light to block them. The light was coming from the memories that surrounded them, the sunlight-like beams evaporating the shadows as the light flew down and began to take shape.

"WHAT?!" the shadow screamed as the light began to morph, now showing Flash surrounded by images of all his friends.

"Getting a little crowded in here roomie," Flash said before charging at the shadow, swiftly cutting the blob in half with his light swords. A scream of pain came from the shadow as he asked, "Sure you don't wanna vacate?"

But as the shadow heard these words, it disappeared into the ground as it yelled, "Vacate?! Where do you think we are?!" In that moment, shadow vines shot out of the void, instantly wrapping around Flash's legs, wings and waist. "You pathetic little worm! Don't you remember?! I am the one that will end your suffering from this world! I have taken root in Flash Sentry, mind, body and soul! I will not stop until your light is extinguished!"

As these words left its mouth, the vines began to tighten, Flash now screaming, "AAAAAHHHHH!!!"





"Flash!" Scootaloo screamed, now seeing Flash's body shake. "What's happening?! What happened in there for Springer?"

As for Springer, he had been knocked to the floor after the shadow hit him, the others helping him up as he replied, "Flash...is fighting. We gotta-"

"FLASH!" They all turned to see Twilight, Grand, Trail and Applejack standing at the door, the alicorn rushing to the side of the bed. Everypony watched her grab his hooves, putting her head on his chest as she cried, "Please...stay strong. You can beat it. Don't...don't leave me."





Those words rang through Flash's ears, the memories around him all changing to show pictures of the alicorn. As they did this, the light around Flash glowed brighter.

"What?!" The shadow screeched, hissing in pain as its vines started to burn from the light. "No!"

Flash opened his eyes, which were now glowing, as he started pulling at the vines. "I think you'll find that my light isn't so easy extinguished!" With that, he let out a mighty roar before pulling himself free.

"NO!" The shadows yelled as Flash's light began to form into a orb.

"It's over!" Flash then spun around, back-hoofing the orb as he yelled, "GET OUT OF ME!"

"I will not be defeated!" The shadow screamed as it fired a spiral of vines, the orb morphing into an arrow as it collided with the vines. And as the two forces began to push against each other, an explosion of light began to fill Flash's mind.





BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!

The hospital room fell silent at the noise, the long beeping of the machine now filling the room. All everypony could do was stare at Flash's still form. Scootaloo, Misty, Fluttershy, Rarity and Pinkie all covered their mouths while Trail, Iron, Lightning, Rainbow, Applejack and Spike stood shaking in horror.

And as for Twilight, she was white as a ghost.

Flash's heart has stopped, the light had faded, and his breath...was non-existent. He was...gone.

"No...please no." Twilight's face fell onto his chest as she cried into his fur, "Flash...no. Don't leave me! Please...please..."

Nopony said anything as they saw her cry, the doctors also silent as they watched the scene. And as the first minute began to pass-

Beep...beep...beep.

Twilight's eyes shot open at the sound, everypony looking over at the machine as they watched a line began to hop up and down. She then placed her ear on Flash's chest, gasping as she heard a rhymical thumping, followed by a sound of a slow intake of breath from the pegasus. "Flash?"

The princess turned to the face, now seeing his eyes crack open as a weak smile appeared on his face, "Hey. How's it going?"

Twilight's tears began to stream down her face again, soon letting out a cry of joy as she quickly hugged him, the rest doing the same as tears fell from every face.

Flash was alive.





Meanwhile, in an unknown remote part of Equestria...

"RRRRAAAAAAUUUGGGHHHH!!!" yelled out a voice, a figure now clutching his chest as grunts of discomfort escaped his mouth. The being started to stumble out of his throne, heavy pants escaping his breath.

The sound of doors slamming open came next, a certain unicorn running into the room, "Beloved?!" She gasped at the next sight, running up to the figure as she rubbed his chest, "My love, are you alright?! Do you need medical care? Just say the word and I'll go find the best doctor in Equestria and kidnap them right away!"

"No!" he yelled back, making her backpedal, only for him to start hacking again, "Just...no. I'm...I'm fine, Tempera."

"But master-"

"Stop." he moaned as he pointed at the mare, "Just...I just...felt something. That's all."

"What?"

"It felt like...like something that's not me, but connected to me has died. The pain it caused hurt like hell, but then...it stopped. It was as if it died again."

"I don't understand master." Tempera replied, going back up to put her hoof to his face, "Are you sure you're alright? I've never heard of anything like that."

The figure growled, swatting her hoof away, "It doesn't matter. How long until the others arrive?"

Tempera sighed, backpedaling as she replied, "Salix and Wingill will be here tomorrow while Storm and Terror should be here by the end of the week. Apparently, a recent deal went south and-"

"That's enough. I don't need to know what happened, just when they're arriving. Now...leave me be."

"But-"

"GET OUT!" he screeched, Tempera quickly backpedaling and nodding before turning around. There, she gave him one last glance before walking away, soon exiting the room as the figure sat back on his throne. As she left, he rubbed his chest as he moaned, "Why?" He summoned a crystal orb next, which changed to show the pegasus he had seen a while back. "Why did you appear in my mind when I felt that? Just...what did you do to me?!"

And as he stared at the orb, a small eye spied on him past the doors. It was Tempera, her form squirming as she saw him slump back into his throne. But as he did this, a pitch black magical aura consumed the sphere as he let out a long pained hiss.

THOOM!

That was the sound of a huge crack appearing under the throne, a pitch black magic field embracing the room as a large crack went through the crystal orb, shattering the image of Flash in two. The sight made him growl as he said, "Whatever you are...my shadow will consume you."





A day had passed since Flash's near-death experience, the defender still in his hospital room, which was now filled with flowers and 'get well soon' cards. Since his revival, Flash had gotten visits from almost every citizen of Ponyville, the only ones being the Rich Family and Silver Spoon, but Flash was fine with that. He was more than happy to sit there, reading his comics as he considered it to be a small vacation from defending.

It was here that a knock of the door made him look up to see Twilight, walking in with a box from Sugarcube Corner, "Hey Flash, I got your favorites. Special treat from Pinkie herself."

"Thank Celestia," Flash put his comic down. "Food here ain't bad, but it ain't good either."

Twilight giggled as she put the box on his bedside table, soon hopping on the bed with him as she replied, "Speaking of Celestia, she's coming with some floral experts to inspect the Everfree Forest to make sure there aren't any more Flos-Mortems hanging around. She said she'd also come visit you, and see how you're doing."

"Eh, she doesn't need to worry about me. I'll be out of here in no time." Flash responded while flexing his hooves, only for Twilight to show a big frown in return. This made him lower his hooves, Twilight now laying down and snuggling up to him, "Twi..." he then put his wing around her. "Twilight...I'm okay."

"I know. I know you're okay, but...I was so scared I'd lost you."

"Yeah, I know you did." he then started rubbing her head, "But it was thanks to you all that I was able to stay." His eyes drifted to her wing, which was wrapped in bandages. "Though uh...I'm sorry you went through all that for me."

"You don't have to apologize." Twilight muttered before looking up at him, "I mean, wouldn't you do the same for any of us?"

Flash chuckled back, nodding in agreement. "I uh...yeah, I would."

"Then of course we'd do the same for you." She then laid her head on his shoulder, "No matter what, we'll always be there when the other needs them. That's just how we roll."

Flash shook his head before putting his head on hers, the two relaxing as both closed their eyes. "Yeah...and let's keep rolling just like that."