//------------------------------//
// Chapter 19: The Shadow's Bride 
// Story: Dancing With The Shadows 
// by Vocal Sweets 
//------------------------------//

At the woods, the entire group went in further, the corners were dark, the ground was misty, and the trees were carved with faces.The whole group pushed forward, along with the kids.

Starlight and the rest entered the darkest part of the Everfree forest, the ambience started to change, as the fog thickened a little, and sounds from every corner could hear.

“I'm not liking this Starlight, do you really think she went this way?” Applejack said unsure of where this is going.

“Judging by the tracks momma, she was definitely here!” Honey Crisp said, investigating the tracks.

“Mom, are we fine?” Cotton Berry asks, a little frightened by what they saw.

“We're fine Sweetheart, were fine!” Pinkie Pie said, putting her son behind her, shielding him.

“We stick together, no matter what happens!” Prism’s face became serious, he went side by side with his mom.

“THIS IS GONNA BE AWESOME!” Squeals Confetti Pop, who was bouncing beside Honey Crisp. 

“As long as we stick together we're going to be fine!” Prism said, his tone confident.

“I am not stopping here.” Harmonia said, her voice full of determination. Her horn lit up, she illuminated into the darkness, along with the other unicorns and Cadence, Cadence looked at her kids.

“My sweet peas, stay behind mommy and daddy ok!” Cadence said, gathering Crystal and Flurry Heart behind her. 

“I don't like the look of this one bit…” mutters Shining Armor. 

The spear lights up with illumination.

“Be prepared for anything, keep moving forward.” Said Starlight. 

The bushes brustled wildly, whispers heard from the trees and plants near, a black figure was standing near a broken down tree, twitching a little.

“Excuse me, are you alright? Are you lost?” Starlight asks, her tone cautious, she goes near the figure, the figure didn't respond, all it did was twitch and twitch, whispering something at the same time.

More of them appeared, appearing slowly in front of them, it surrounded them little by little. Their eyes glowed green eyes, red Iris and purple mist coming out of it.

Starlight went up to one of the figures, as it turned around and shrieked at Starlight. Starlight’s eyes widened and she took a step back, she blasted the monster with her magic, the figure disappeared in a black puff of smoke. 

Starlight blew the thin smoke coming from her horn. “It's definitely the work of Sombra!” she warns. 

A wicked cackle erupts through the forest.  One of them spoke, but this time it was Sombra's voice.

"You dare come here, but I do think you remember me..." The figures charged at them.

The figure charged up to Shining, the kids hid behind him, Shining shoved the shadow off and stabbed it with the spear, the shadow looked at him and roared in a demonic tone, shining finish it off with a blast of light from his horn. 

“Watch your backs, don't let them swarm you!” Shining yelled, as he stabbed a creature through the chest, the creature fades returning back to the shadows.

Cadence was pounced by a shadow, but she blasted them off, she stood up looking at the others, Applejack and Honey Crisp bucked the shadow off of Pinkie Pie, while Pinkie Pie and Confetti blasted some with the party cannon.

“They just keep coming!” Harmonia yelled, blasting more coming her way, the shadow shrieked at her but she shot it's mouth, letting it fade.

“We need to get out of here! Everyone run back now!” Starlight yelled, carrying Harmonia behind her.

“I didn't know he came back…” Rarity said, as she blasted a shadow figure nearby Fluttershy, Fluttershy hid behind Rainbow Dash and Prism, she hugged her son tightly.

“Stay with me sweetie!” She hugged her son tightly, shielding him from the fight. They both ran out along with Pinkie Pie and the others. Rarity and Ophelia followed Applejack and Honey Crisp to safety.

Rainbow Dash fended off some of the shadows, but they moved back slowly. 

“There's too many of them!” Rainbow shouts, bucking a few away.

“I just said that!” Harmonia screams back, blasting more shadow figures. 

“That’s it! We are leaving! Follow me!” Prism yells, letting her mother follow him and the others.

Rainbow Dash leads the others who are about to escape out of the forest.

One of the shadows spoke in Sombra’s voice, it's eyes different from the rest of the shadows, it was color red, signifying anger.

"Escape while you can, and I will spare you, you resist and you will face severe consequences..." The shadows just kept charging on and on, the former shadow that spoke was blasted, but another shadow had it's eyes glowing red.

Shining shot his horn at the shadowy figure.  “I'd rather take the latter!” He sneers at the shadow, getting ready to retreat with Harmonia and Applejack and Starlight. Cadence ran out with the others along with Crystal and Flurry Heart. 

The other shadow replied, with the same voice and eyes as the previous shadow

"As you wish Shining Armor...your sister will die along with many other ponies that are breathing your precious air!" The shadows charged on and on, Shining had no choice but to retreat, they all pulled back, running away from the monsters that were chasing them, they reached the end of the forest, where the monsters stopped chasing them, they all growled and moved back to the shadows.

The group ran back to the castle.


***


                               

The guards were shocked by how exhausted the group came from running, Starlight slammed the door shut and locked it, she sat down and panted for awhile.

“Have you seen Twilight?” Questions Tempest. 

“No, but we were attacked by Sombra! He returned…” Starlight panted heavily, trying to catch her breath.

“I thought we defeated him! How could this be happening, Twilight…” she sits down catching her breath.

“I know Twilight, she's the tough type, she's braver than me she knows how to handle her danger, right now we gotta go back in there and save her!” He said opening the door a little but he was stopped by wife's voice.

“We can't! The Forest is flooded with those creatures!” Cadence said to Shining, shining closed the door and putting his spear down.

“What creatures?” She questions with great concern, she helped the princess get up slowly from exhaustion.

 “Shadow like creatures, their faster and stronger in the dark!” Harmonia spoke up, trying to catch her breath.

“IT WAS INSANE OUT THERE!” Confetti and Cotton Berry yelled at each other, shivering in fear.

“You got that right, there faster than me and Mom!” Rainbow Dash brushed her son's mane, smiling at him. 

“It was scary, really scary!” She hugged her son, her son was shivering in fear, she rubbed the back of her son trying to calm him down.

“What do we do?” Pinkie Pie questions everyone, she then looks at Starlight, she was thinking of a plan but nothing came to her yet.

“Honey, what should we do?” Shining  looks at Cadence, getting up slowly, his hooves wiggly and tired from running really fast. 

Cadence looks at the scared group of fillies and colts. “I'm not entirely sure.... Even I don't have a plan, we might not even save Twilight in time.” Cadence said

“For now we need to rest for the night.” Starlight recommends to everypony, everypony nods.

“I also believe Twilight wasn't wandering around, she was kidnapped!” Starlight moved back and forth, thinking possible ways about Twilight getting kidnapped or lost.

“By King Sombra you say?” Tempest places a hoof on Starlight's shoulder, she calmed down a little, smiling at Tempest.

“Yeah, she showed me the markings, all evidence leading to Sombra, and he's got my sister!” Shining went back down with other royal guards who were behind Shining, while more were guarding the rooms and the living room.

“Cadence, it's better if we head in there again, with the help of the Guards we can get through the Forest, all we need is magic that can blast these creatures back to the shadows! Can your husband teach them how to fire a light beam? “ She asked Cadence as she gestured to the royal guards.

“I'm sure, it's possible. It may take a day or so but I believe it's possible!” Cadence said to Starlight, she turned back to the guards looking at them.

“Good, Shining, tomorrow morning tally up your finest, we're gonna go in by sunset tomorrow, Twilight needs us!” Starlight commanded Shining to train the guards. 

 “On it!” Shining ordered the guards in defensive positions, he looked to Cadence, he hugged her wife in a tight hug. 

“Kids, it's time for us to rest, go upstairs, get yourselves comfortable.” Starlight said, guided the kids upstairs.

“We will get her back, I promise, I know she's tough! She can make it through this.” Shining reassures Cadence, as she cries softly onto his fur.

Tempest and the royal guards were in the living room. Shining visits them, with a serious look on his face. “All of you, line formation!” Shining shouts. The Royal Guards followed, Tempest alongside Shining.

They discussed the training they're gonna take tomorrow.

“I hope you're ok Twilight…” She mutters to herself, as she thought of Harmonia.
            

***

Harmonia, Meadow, Ophelia, Prism, Cotton Berry, Confetti Pop and Honey Crisp were all gathered into one room of the castle. With the door closed. 

“That was terrifying! I do not wish to go back there!” Honey Crisp said, her voice raggedy and scared.

“But we have to go back! Aunt Twilight is trapped by that monster!” Prism said, ready for anything ahead of him.

“How? We don't even know how to stop him!” Ophelia said, stopping Prism from flying to the door.

 “I'm sure our Mom's will come up with a plan to stop him once and for all.” Meadow said, standing up but still shaking.

“Elements of Harmony....” Harmonia mutters to herself, but her eyes widened. 

“What was that, Harmonia?” Confetti Pop looked at Harmonia, a bit confused.

Harmonia turned to them. This time speaking in a bit louder. 

“Elements of Harmony. There are these little pieces of stone that got turned into jewelry back when my mom was a bearer of one of them.” Harmonia said, thinking of a plan for the Elements of Harmony.

“I'm not wearing some girly jewelry!” Prism shouted, sticking to his pride.

“Well I certainly wouldn't oblige “ Ophelia said, unsure of what's gonna happen.

“But that's just an old mare's tale.” Meadow Bliss said, not believing any of this.

“No it's not, what my niece is saying is true.” Starlight walked in, everypony looked at her.

“These elements saved Equestria many times, your parents are the bearers of these Elements.” Starlight said, sitting down beside Harmonia.

“This is one if the pieces to saving Equestria again. Your mother's are also the ones holding onto these stones. Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, and Twilight…” Starlight looked at her niece and gave her a tight hug. 

“Without Twilight we can't use the elements, but I think you guys can.” She smiled at the kids.

 “So, are you prepared for it sweetpea?” She looks at Harmonia, rubbing her nieces back and mane.

“I guess, but where do we find those Elements?” She questioned Starlight, Starlight giggled at Honey Crisp for a second, Honey Crisp’s face was etched with confusion.

“Well your mother's hold elements of Harmony, that's why they wear the necklace around their necks, to keep it safe and secure, and those necklaces are the Elements of Harmony.” She explained to Harmonia, her friends were shocked that their parents were the carriers of the elements of Harmony.

Everypony looked at each other, having the same idea to tell there mom's to use the Elements of Harmony, but Prism had a negative expression.

"Where are the Elements now?" Confetti wonders. 

Starlight sighed. "Well your mother's had to give them back to the tree."

 “I told you I wasn't wearing no girly jewelry!” Prism shouted one more time, he grumbles, slightly annoyed by everyone.

“It's for the greater good of Equestria, so either ask your mom, or where all done for!” Ophelia snapped at Prism.

“Now let's calm down, I'm gonna go ask my mom about it, any of you with me?” Meadow Bliss looks at everypony around him.

 “I am!” Ophelia replied

“Me!” Harmonia replied

“Count us in!” Cotton and Confetti replied. 

 “If it helps Aunt Twilight then count me in!” Honey Crisp stood beside Meadow Bliss. 

Everypony looks to Prism awaiting his answer. 

He huffs, thinking for a moment. “I guess you can count me in!” Prism said, groaning a little.

Everyone replied, Meadow Bliss was about to open the door.

“Anyone objecting?” He questions everypony, shook their heads, Meadow smiled.

 “Then, everyone downstairs now!” Meadow Bliss headed down stairs,the others left Harmonia and Starlight alone in the room. Starlight was still hugging Harmonia, calming her down.

“Will get your mother back, I promise.” She says to Harmonia, a face of determination etched on Starlights face.


 ***

Sunset, and Phoenix walks to Twilight’s Castle, it was in the middle of the night, they were outside in their pony form, she knocks at the door but nobody answered.

“Uh? I really thought Twilight would be here.” Sunset said, looking at the window.

“Don't tell me we have to do more walking.” She complains to her mother. 

“That's strange, is anyone at home?” Sunset said, trying to call out anypony who might reply from the inside.

 She waited for ten minutes, but to no avail nopony answered. 

“Maybe aunt Twilight went somewhere.” Phoenix said, looking at her mother.

“Maybe in the Crystal Empire, she loves visiting her sister in law.” Sunset said, walking down the steps of the castle.

Phoenix looked at her mother a giddy, starstruck expression appears on her face. 
“AN EMPIRE MADE OUT OF CRYSTALS!? THAT IS AWESOME!” she squeals. 

Sunset giggled. ”Yes sweetie, and we are going to see your aunt!” She says with joy in her tone.

"Hey need a lift?" Asks a mysterious voice. Sunset and Phoenix turned to the mysterious voice it was Spike. 

“Hey Spike! Haven't seen you in forever! How have you been?” Asks Sunset. 

“I’ve been great actually! Just been extremely busy with the Dragon Lands and what not! Great to see you again Sunset.” Spike said, smile gently at the two. 

“Enough with the talking. I'm tired of walking so we can definitely use a lift!” Phoenix whines, the two giggled.

“Sure! Hop on you two, I'm gonna visit Twilight in the Crystal Empire anyway. I missed her so much.” Spike said lowering himself down a little, the two got on his back.

Spike opened his wings, the two climb up on Spikes back, holding on tightly to his back.He started hovering, flapping his wings harder he flew to the air, and headed straight for the Crystal Empire.

“Hold on! It's gonna get windy!” Spike flew forward fast, the two held on tightly.

“So, how are you two? He asked, his voice a bit loud from the wind gushing towards them.

“We've been hanging in there! Things have been rough with us for the past few weeks.” Sunset yells over the strong wind brushing against them.

“Whatever it is, I'm sure you two are doing well in coping in with it! I think Twilight is with her sister in law, we can pay a visit!” Spike yelled loudly, balancing himself as the wind gushed the three.

“May I ask what happened? Is it something serious?!” He said loudly as he could.

“It's nothing major!” Sunset yells back. 

Phoenix gawks at her mother. "Nothing major! Mom.... We just walked out on Dad! Because you couldn't handle arguing anymore!" She yells over the wind.

Spike keeps quiet, not wanting to trigger another fight.

“Alright, putting that aside, I heard Twilight and the gang have kids! Kids you'll love to meet!” He yells at Phoenix, trying to change the subject.

Sunset sighs, trying to brush off the feeling of guilt.

“Really?! I hope they're the same kids I saw a few months back.” Phoenix wished, looking down at the clouds.

“You'll like them even more, their the best sweet peas you'll ever meet, in fact were already here!” He giggles and he stopped flying, he landed carefully on the ground, on the other side of the Crystal Empire gate. 

Phoenix and Sunset landed on their hooves, their saddle bags in place. Spike cleaned his wings a little. Sunset and Phoenix cleaning themselves up.

“You guys wanna meet the gang?” He asks, as he brushed off the dust of dirt off of his shoulder.

Phoenix held a giddy expression on her face. “Sure!” 

Spike went ahead, guiding the two around the place. “I have been meaning to see them for a while now, feels like a decade since I last saw them.” He said, as he took in the fresh air of the Crystal Empire, crickets making relaxing sounds, the night sky shining down on them, stars twinkling in the dead of night.

‘So, what brings you two here?” He questions Sunset as they walked.

Sunset sighs. "It's more of a stay than a weekend visit here." She mutters to the dragon.

“Judging by what your daughter said earlier, it's better to keep things subtle.”
He whispered quietly to Sunset, making sure the daughter didn't hear.

“ Well it's glad to have you back, and the gang missed you so much.” He chuckled.

“And I think it's just right around...there!” He spotted the castle of Twilight's sister in law, but his expression changed from happy, to a slight worried look, since the mane 5 were there, un-relaxed and not well rested.

“We have a problem here…” He said, his tone was worried.


        ***


Heavy rain and lightning strikes clouded the sky above. 

Raindrops sliding down both Twilight’s fur and muzzle along with what she was up against…. Canterlot guards. 

“It doesn’t matter how many of you there are. Each of you will fall.” Twilight said. 

They charged towards Twilight, causing her to go into defense mode and began to fire a blast at them causing them to fallback. 

“Twilight! Stand down.” Shining called out to her. 

Twilight narrows her eyes at her brother. “You’re the one who should stand down dear brother while you still can.” Twilight warns. 

Shining draws his sword from his shaft. “I’m sorry, but I can’t.” He said, his voice full of confidence. 

“Then you shall fall with them.” Twilight sneers, firing a blast at Shining. 

Shining manages to dodge his sisters on coming attacks. Once he was in throwing range he throws his sword at his sister barely missing her only to graze her fur. 

“I knew you’d never have the guts to fight back.” Twilight said. 

“Twilight I can’t fight you.” Shining said, his voice breaking. 

“Then you will never be able to protect Equestria!” Twilight said, charging at him with a sword of her own. 

Shining quickly reacted by pulling out one of his own the sound of metal against metal clanging. 

Shining Armor woke up in a puddle of sweat, his breathing heavy as he looked over at his wife who was still sleeping. 


***


“Princess Celestia, Princess Luna as the  Captain of the Canterlot Royal Guard I have sworn my life to protect whatever threat Equestria holds at all cost. However as a bother I cannot face my sister in battle and so it is with a heavy heart that I resign as Captain of the Royal Guard.” Shining said, taking off his helmet. 

Celestia and Luna looked at one another, before nodding and looking at Shining Armor. 

 “Shining Armor you have served Equestria and Canterlot for many years. We want to thank you and we want to say that we respect your decision on the matter at hoof.” Celestia said. 

“But the question we have for you Shining Armor is… who will take your place?” Luna asked. 

“I’ve had countless of my guards risk their lives for Equestria. He is superior in their skills, but I believe this type of leadership should be handled within my family and should be passed down for generations yet to come. So I would like to appoint my daughter Flurry Heart as the next Captain of the Royal Guard.” Shining said, his voice was full of confidence. 


***

Shining Armor and Cadence sounds muffled through the closed bedroom door. 

“Are you sure Shining?” Cadence asked her husband her voice full of concern.  

“I’m sure of it, but we will discuss this more over dinner tonight.” Shining said, before opening the bedroom door.


***


Flurry Heart spits out her tea. “What?! You want me to be Captain of The Royal Guard?!” Flurry asked her tone in disbelief. 

“What do you say?” Shining asked, giving her a small smile. 

“But Father she’s a princess not much less the protector of the Crystal Empire as future Queen.” Crystal said. 

She then came to the realization and gasped. “Does that mean I get to be the next future queen of the Empire?!” Crystal squeals. 

Shining and Cadence laughed. “Not exactly. I mean yes you are but this is Flurry’s decision to make. She’s still the future heir to the Empire throne till further notice.” Cadence said. 

Crystal crossed her hooves with a frown. “But I know what’s best for the Empire.” 

“I’m sure you do Crystal, but like your mother said this is Flurry decision and her decision alone.” Shining said looking at Flurry. 

“But dad, I don’t even know what to do to take your place even if I agree to it.” Flurry said. 

“Sure you do, besides I’ve seen you practice with Tempest a million times. You have the skills Flurry Heart.” Shining said, smiling at her.

“Dad…. that was just practice! And for fun not much less with Crystal by my side.” Flurry said.

“Hey!” Crystal said.

“But you do have what it takes Flurry. We have the utmost confidence in you and your abilities.” Cadence said. 

Flurry sighs. “Can I at least think about it? Sleep on it at least?” Flurry asked

“Of course. I know this is a lot to take in, but just know whatever decision you make we will still support you.” Shining said, smiling at his daughter. 


***


Flurry laid in her bed, tossing and turning. Her eyes remained closed, as if she was having a dream of some sort. 

Flurry Heart's eyes opened, she awakened surrounded by a crowd, but they weren't cheering for dear Flurry Heart, she stood up, looking at herself, she wasn't herself, but instead it's the grown up version of her, she was in shock to what she saw when she rushed to a nearby glass.

“Is this...i-is this real!?” Flurry asks, looking around at her surroundings. 

“Hello?!” She yelled, but no pony listened to her, as if Flurry Heart was invisible, she turned her attention to the pony they were cheering for, it was no other than Harmonia, ready to be crowned as princesses of Equestria and friendship, Flurry Heart felt a touch of comfort, as she dug through the crowd making her way to her cousin, but the environment changed, as darkness engulfs the area, leaving Harmonia and Flurry Heart to themselves, nobody was with her beside Harmonia, no guards, just Flurry Heart and her, Harmonia was suddenly wrapped by tentacle shadows wrapped around her wings and legs, she was being dragged, Harmonia cried out Flurry's name, saying these words.

“Help me Flurry!” Harmonia yelled.

Tears streamed down her cousins face, Flurry Heart rushed towards her and she grabbed Harmonia's hoof, pulling her back but to no avail, she was too late, Harmonia was now gone, swallowed by the raging darkness around them, from behind Harmonia, was a figure, with purple mist coming out of its head.

“You've failed everyone…” the figure spoke to Flurry.

The figure multiplied, repeating the same words, as they surrounded Flurry Heart, Flurry Heart covered her ears, gritting her teeth, trying not to listen, tears streamed from her eyes, until she snapped.


Twilight looked at her niece and a calm expression was on her face. 

Flurry's eyes were filled with tears. "Aunt Twilight... What's going on? Why are you with Sombra of all ponies?!" She asks, slightly confused. 

Twilight lightly giggles at her niece’s curiosity. "Sweetie, if you knew what I knew then you will come to an understanding that he is nothing but a gentlecolt." She swoons.

Flurry looked at her aunt. "Wait what?! Okay timeout how is Sombra somepony of any worth?! He enslaved crystal ponies for crying out loud!" 

Twilight laughter went from innocent to sinister. Her eyes glowing green and red iris and from the corners of her eyes came a purple mist. "And you won't be living to tell it!" She said, blasting dark magic at her niece. 

Flurry yelps. "Aunt Twilight! Snap out of it! This isn't you!" Tears formed in the corners of her eyes. 

Twilight didn't listen to the young filly, she held up a shield around her. "But I prefer this much better!" She snears, firing once more. 

Flurry jumps up from her sleep, sweat pouring down her face. Her heart racing as she tried her best to get her breathing back to normal. 

“Aunt Twilight...with Sombra, that can't be right! It can't be right…” Flurry mutters, she tears up a little, trying to gather herself from the event that just happened.

Flurry Heart then thought of an idea that could change the course of their daily lives, she then wipes her tears, as she smiled to herself.

“Yeah, that could work!” She said to herself as she went back to bed, she wrapped herself around her blanket, before she slept she looked at the picture of Twilight and her with Crystal.

“I'm doing this for you Aunt Twilight.” She mutters, she closes the lights and she goes back to sleep.


***


The next morning, Flurry Heart was no longer in bed, she went to her sister's room, but not wanting to wake up the others.

“I wonder if Crystal's awake…” She wondered to herself, she then opened the door slowly, she saw her sister sleeping, snoring ever so loudly, Flurry giggled and crouched, she trotted slowly near Crystal, but she stopped when she saw Crystal shift to a new position in her sleep hugging her pillow tightly.

“Hey Crystal…” She walked up to her slowly, shaking her a little.

“Not now mom...I'm busy…” She groaned at nopony, Flurry Heart giggled a little and she shook her again. 

 “Crystal it's me Flurry.” She went up to Crystal's face, when Crystal opened her eyes, she was surprised and she hit her head on the beds railing behind her. Her face was cringing in pain.

Flurry Heart laughed. “That's not funny Flurry Heart! I was trying to get some beauty sleep!” She yelled at her sister.

“Sorry! But I need to tell you something. “ Crystal narrowed her eyes at her sister. 

“If this is about another one of your dress emergencies then go bother Rarity or Ophelia for that matter... Just let me catch my beauty sleep....” She grumbles the last bit to herself, before drift back off to sleep. 

Flurry pounces on the bed, making her sister jump. “I swear to Celestia, Flurry if you do not get off of me- “ She threatens.

“But it's really important!” Flurry said with urgency. She kept on bouncing on the bed until her sister snapped.

“ALRIGHT!.. Just say it…” Crystal snaps. Flurry Heart smiles and she stops bouncing, she sits down.

“Well I know this is a bad time to say this but, do you want to be a Royal Guard?” Flurry said to her annoyed sister.

“Where are we going about this Flurry? And besides we're Princesses we don't do the heavy duty, we do light duty!” She bluntly stated at her sister.

“ I know, but- “ Flurry was cut off by her annoyed sister.

“Heavy duty is not our style Flur. You know that it's left to the colts and stallions.” She bluntly explains to her sister, her face filled with irritation towards her.

“Just listen to me! I had this dream where I saw Aunt Twilight with Discord, and that she doesn't want to be with us anymore!” Flurry said. 

Crystal rolls her eyes. “Oh please, that's just a nightmare Flurry, it's just a bad dream and it's all in your head!” She states to Flurry Heart, not wanting to make a conversation any further.

“Do you want to lose mom and dad too?” She asks Crystal.

“No, wait… what does this nightmare have to do with mom and dad?” Crystal questions her sister. 

Flurry sighed, slightly annoyed. “Would you let me finish?” she asks. 

“......Fine.” Crystal mutters, crossing her hoofs over her chest. “But if I fall asleep through any of my duties today, I’m blaming you.” 

“This will be fast I promise! Sombra will take our parents away if we don't do something, he might even do worse, take away everyone we know and care about the most! That is why I am asking you if you want to become a royal guard!” She says to Crystal, she's huffing from speaking too fast.

“Ok...I guess that can be an option, if needed…” She said with approval upon Flurry's request.

“There is no option! You wanna know why? Because I have this strange feeling that Aunt Twilight is in on this too!” Flurry Heart said, her tone full of suspension. 

 “But, Aunt Twilight wouldn't hurt the ponies she cares about Flur you know that.” Crystal lies back down, covering herself with the blanket, covering her ears with the pillow.

“You don't understand she attacked me in my nightmare but...it felt like a vision of some sort...but it doesn't matter, we need to take matters into our own hooves, and I say we become Royal Guards!” She states with dedication.

“Many lives are counting on us, including our parents, friends, and Harmonia and Aunt Twilight, Harmonia needs her mom more than ever Crystal, please have the heart to help her and me on this.” She said pleading to her sister, Crystal's ears perked up when she heard the word “parents”.

 "If I say yes, will you please get out of my room?" Crystal asks her sister.

Flurry beams at her. "Yes!" 

Crystal groans. ".... Fine. But if I break a hoof or something you are paying for whatever damage is done!" She snaps. 

Flurry rolls her eyes. "You can be such a drama princess." She said, her tone slightly sarcastic. 

She noticed that Crystal was pulling the covers back up on her. "What do you think you're doing?" Flurry asks, slightly curious. 

"What does it look like I'm doing I'm going back to sleep?!" She mutters, her tone full of sarcasm, her eyes remained closed. 

Flurry Heart grunts in anger, she pulls the covers away and she pulls her sister out of bed.

“We are going to see the pony that knows how to train us!” She says, slightly burdened by pulling her sister, she pulled her as hard as she can.

"But we have to go now!" Explains Flurry Heart. 

"It's 6:15 am. Who do you know that can train us at this time of the morning?!" Crystal asks, slightly annoyed. 

Flurry smirks, mostly to herself. "I have an idea who..."

“Great...more hard labor…” Crystal mutters to herself, she let's Flurry pull her until they reach the stairs.

“Am I gonna drag you down the stairs or your gonna walk down there like a normal pony would do.”  She questions Crystal in sarcasm.

“Can you please put me down! I think I know how to walk.” She hisses at her sister.

"Flur! Our hair is messed up! Do you expect us to go meet with Celestia knows who your talking about looking like hobo ponies?!" She narrows her eyes at Flurry. 

"Worry about your hair later! We have Equestria to save!" Flurry said.

“FINE JUST PUT ME DOWN!” She snaps at Flurry, Flurry let's her down but Crystal hits the floor with a semi hard thud, she shakes her head.

“ Not...funny...now let's go and see your "mentor".” She chuckles at Flurry Heart as she went down the stairs

“This mentor just happens to be the same pony who destroyed Canterlot all those years ago.... You don't know her, but I do sorta.” Flurry Heart said, as she grabs her saddlebag by the door.

“Wait who exactly is your "mentor" and why did that pony try to destroy Canterlot?” She questions with fear in her tone.

“Relax she's now reformed and she's a Royal Guard, she knows her stuff very well.” Flurry Heart said opening the door.

“Wait your “mentor” is a she!?” Crystal was shocked with so many surprises.

 “Ask questions later. Now come on we're losing daylight.” Flurry said walking out.

“It's almost 6:20 am, do you really think your mentor is up this early?” She puts her saddlebag on her back, following Flurry Heart out the door.

“Apparently she's training other Guards right now!” Flurry said sure of her actions,
She opens the door to the garden, seeing Tempest with the royal guards, training them with Combat weapons.

“Flurry do you think this is "appropriate" for little Fillies like us?” Crystal questions with sarcasm.

“Come on, I'm sure she will be thrilled to teach ponies like us.” Flurry said smiling at her sister.

“We are not like other ponies, we are Canterlot Royal Princesses' not Canterlot royal guards!” She hisses low to Flurry Heart as they slowly, but steadily approach the mare.

“Crystal, believe me when I say this but she'll be gentle with us, I'm sure of it!” Flurry said to her very annoyed sister.

“Your "sure of it", I'm not so sure you know what you're doing Flur.” She says bluntly.

“Well geez! Thanks for being so confident in me!” She mutters, Flurry and Crystal both get distracted by the moment of the soon to be next royal guards. 

Both so engrossed with their movements and use of swords that they didn't notice the mare standing over then, engulfing them in her shadow. 

Tempest clears her throat, slightly startling the young mares.

“Gah!” Crystal jumps in the air and lands on her side.

“How may I help you young mares today?” Tempest was behind them, holding a sword

“Oh you scared us! My name is Flurry Heart, daughter of Princess Cadence and Shining Armor of the Crystal Empire, and so is my sister Crystal.” Crystal stands behind Flurry, shaking in fear.

“I was wondering if you can…” She gulps, nervous about what she was about to say.

 “Go on?” Tempest said, letting the girls talk.

 “If you could... Um…” She gets lost by the appearance of the unicorn- or once unicorn, she noticed that her horn was broken. 

Crystal even took notice of the unicorn's broken horn. Crystal who stood behind Crystal shaking in fear asks Flurry in a hushed and low tone. 

“Is that a unicorn with a broken horn!?” Crystal was shocked, Flurry nudged her sister with her wing. 

“Shut up Crystal!” She hisses, her tone slightly threatening. 

Flurry then cleared her throat once again. "Y-Yes, I was wondering if you could train my sister and I to be a Royal Guard?" She swallowed the lump in her throat once again, still nervous as she waited for the mare to answer them.

“You two, Royal Guards?” She giggles, trying to hide her smile.

“I tell you being a Royal Guard is hard work dear, and I don't think you're ready for the task.” She said, looking back at the guards training with staff levitated on their horns.

“But if you are truly worthy, try carrying this sword.” Tempest stabs the sword in front of them, piercing the soil. The two staggered a bit and taken aback by the sudden sword slam.

“Go on, don't be scared.” Tempest said, grinning at them, their eyes widened. 

“You know what, I'm just going to go back to bed....” Crystal said, about to leave.

“I don't think you can leave.....” Flurry said, gulping a little.

“The little prissy pink princess is right powder puff, you can't.” Tempest said, she smirks at the two. 

“Hey! What's that supposed to mean?” Flurry asked, slightly offended. Crystal tries to levitate the sword out of the ground with her magic, but to no avail it didn't budge. 

Flurry tried next, it wiggled just a tad, but even by Alicorn magic it still didn't budge. 

Crystal tried once more, not giving up just yet. "How deep did you even stick this in the ground?!" She asked, still struggling to pull it out.
 
“If you are willing to be Royal Guards, you have to pull out the sword from the ground, to show me that you're worthy of being apart of my Royal Guard.” She said to Crystal.

“And powder puff it seems you can't pull the sword out of the ground.” Tempest replied, making fun of Crystal a little.

“DON'T TEMPT ME!”  She pulls harder, but to no avail, she runs out of breath and lies down, breathing heavily.

“Can you at least train us?” Flurry asks. 

Tempest nods, giving them a shred of hope to train. “Are you prepared?” she asks. 

Flurry nodded, Crystal nodded a little. Tempest quickly pulls the sword from the ground, setting it aside. She then hands the two girls two wooden swords.

“Here take these.” She instructed.

Flurry grabs the wooden sword’s handle with her hooves, she looks at Tempest.

“Now what?” Flurry Heart looks at Tempest, questioning her. 

She quickly turns her back to her former guards in training. “You guys can leave for the day. I will be dealing with these two.” Her eyes narrowed at the two. Crystal gulps slightly scared. 

Crystal trips Flurry with her sword, laughing as she falls to the ground.

“What was that for?!” Flurry asks, slightly annoyed.  Crystal’s only response was to stick out her tongue.

Tempest sighs, groaning. "This is going to be a long day!"


***


“A problem?” Sunset looked at Spike, a worried expression was on her face.

Spike reached the group, Fluttershy looked up from her gloomy mood, she saw Spike. “Spike, I-is that you?” she asked. 

“Hey Fluttershy.”  He smiled as Fluttershy hugged Spike tightly.

“We missed you so much!” She hugged him tightly crying a little. Sunset and Phoenix arrived as well. Rarity and Rainbow Dash greeted Sunset and the daughter.

“I see our girl has her own little bundle of joy.” Rainbow dash smiled at Sunset and she looked at Phoenix.


She giggled a she rubbed Phoenix's mane, she giggled.

“Darling we have a problem, Twilight is missing and we can't find her anywhere!” Rarity said, frantic and stressed.

“Twilight’s missing!?” Both replied.

“Yeah, but we have our lead, it's King Sombra that took her, and where running out of time to save her.” Starlight said, as she opened the front door Spike and Sunset were shocked by the news, Spike started to panic. Sunset tried to calm him down.

“Twilight's missing....” He hyper ventilated, Sunset and Phoenix tried to calm Spike down a little.

“Hey easy big guy, easy! I'm sure Twilights ok let's not think of the worse right now!” Sunset said calming him down.

“You can put your things in there Darling, for now you can place your little sweet pea upstairs with the rest of the kids.” Sunset nodded she then turns her attention to Phoenix.

“I need you to stay upstairs, you'll find your new friends there ok?” Sunset told her daughter, her daughter nodded.

“Ok.” Phoenix kissed her mom in the cheek and she placed both of their stuff on the living room couch.


 “Is Shining and Cadence alright?” She questioned Rarity.

“Were all fine darling but were so worried about Twilight.” Rarity replied to Sunsets question, a little worried.

“I thought Sombra was defeated when you guys handled him.” Sunset looked at them all stressed and frantic.

“We thought wrong sugar cube, his back and breathing.” Applejack said, anger engulfing her.

“THIS TIME STRONGER!” Pinkie Pie replied, she snapped in between Applejack and Rarity.

“Let's go inside, Spike?” Sunset said. Spike nodded and calmed down a little, they all went inside.

 “Nice to meet you again Sunset, what brings you here?” Starlight questions Sunset.

“Well I did come to visit Twilight, but now that's out of the question.” She said, her tone filled with worry.

“Well, at least we got a lead to where Twilight went, somewhere deep in the Everfree Forest I should say, we got Royal Guards with Shining and Tempest.” Starlight said to Sunset, she smiled at her friend.

“Wait who's Tempest?” Sunset questioned. Tempest walks up behind the group. 

“That shall be me.” Sunset turned around, shocked by her appearance.

Sunsets eyes widened from the sudden appearance of Tempest.

“Oh you must be Tempest, nice to meet you.” She giggles nervously, shaking the hoof of Tempest.

“Pleasure to meet you miss Shimmer, Twilight has told me all about you, I was once a villain too, now reformed and given a new beginning thanks to your dearest friend, and we're doing the best we can to find the Princess.” She states. Sunset nods in agreement.

“Maybe we can help? After all you guys need an extra hoof.” Sunset said. 

 “To be honest, we can use all the help we can get.” Applejack said looking at Spike and Sunset.

“That's why we're here,  we are going to  find Twilight.” Spike said calming down a little.

“His right, we already got a plan or we can make one?” She questioned Starlight.

“We already got one, and it's underway, Shining and Tempest already rallied some Guards for searching and protection, I hope Twilight is ok.” Fluttershy replied to Sunsets question.

“Let's not stray further, Twilight is fine, you all know how Twilight handles her own situation.” Rarity said, reassuring them.

“She's right!” Rainbow Dash replied.

“Are we done? We still need to plan out for search party members.” Starlight said still thinking of a plan.

“Do you have any suggestions Sunset dear?” Rarity questions Sunset.

Sunset thought for a moment. She shook her head. “None that I can think of at the moment.” Sunset said as she scratched the back of her head.

“Maybe she and I can go with the Royal Guards, or if you want I can accompany. In case things get bad.” Spike recommended to the others.

“You sure Spike?” Starlight questions spike.

“For Twilight.” He said to Starlight smiling at her.

“I like your spirit!” Applejack beamed.

“Alright Applejack, Rarity and Spike you go with the search party, we leave at daybreak.” Starlight commanded at the others.


Spike and the two nodded.

“Sunset you can stay with us for awhile, we will make our move once we hear news from the search party.” Starlight said to Sunset, Sunset nods.

“You got it!” Pinkie replied

“Well, I guess I can tag along.” Fluttershy replied, with a hint of worry in her voice.

“Are you with us Sunset?” She questions Sunset.

“Definitely! “She nods her head, her voice full of determination.

“Alright, then that's about it! Tempest and Shining got the Royal Guards, we have nothing to worry about, and for Twilight, let's not waste too much time. She's counting on us and her daughter. Let's not put this to waste. Everyone lets sleep, tomorrow morning we go with the plan as follows. Our priority is Twilight, she's our friend and she did everything for us, it's time we repay the favor!” Starlight said, her tone full of confidence. 

Everyone cheered with determination in each of them.


***

After a few hours, Celestia and Luna with Discord were already inside a royal carriage, were two Pegasus royal guards were prepared for take off, along with 3 escorts, The carriage flew to the Crystal Empire.

"I feel like it's my fault Luna, I should've never done this in the first place..." She said to her sister, Luna was surprised that Celestia only thought of this now, Luna snapped "And you realized that now!? After all of the setbacks you made on Twilight, taking her husband away from her!? You are truly sick Tia!" She spat at her sister, foul words that stunned Celestia, Celestia felt guilty, she went silent, Discord watching done at the ground wondering if she was ok, or taken back to the Castle of the Crystal Empire.

The argument lasted over 20 minutes until they reached the Crystal Empires landing space, the royal carriage landed, the guards opened the doors, Luna rushed out being followed by the 3 Guards, Celestia and Discord, as they reached the castle doors.

They saw the Mane 5 with Spike and Sunset, Luna reached the group, but she was stunned by their faces when they looked upon Celestia.

"What are they doing here?" Applejack wonders, her tone full of distaste. 

"Sadly, they are here to help." Mutters Luna.

"We didn't come here to play Guilt Trip, we came here to help you find Twilight." Explains Discord. 

"Well I don't think we ask for your help." Sneers Rainbow Dash. 

Harmonia peeks from behind Rarity, silently observing the situation. 

"Mom is gone because of you." She mumbles.

The Princesses happen to over hear the tiny draconequus.

Discord’s eyes widened at her daughter's words, he slowly came forward, kneeling down in front of Rarity, looking at her daughter. "I know it's daddy's fault sweetheart, and I'm terribly sorry...b-but right now...we have to focus on Twilight." He said to her daughter, wiping her tears away, he stood up looking at Rarity, her glare filled with distaste and anger. 

Sunset entered the scene, slightly confused, Spike on the other hand was observing from above. "What's going on here? They're here to help us girls!" She looked at the mane 5, confused at the situation in front of her.

Pinkie Pie bounced between the ground, giggling. "Ooooo yeah, she's left in the dark about everything..... well.... You missed her being born." Pinkie Pie explains, holding up Harmonia. “And you missed Twilight and Discord wedding, which crashed and burned.” Pinkie mutters the last bit to herself.

“Miss.Pie!” Rarity snapped at Pinkie Pie, Pinkie pie's eyes widened and she placed Harmonia back to the ground, Rarity explains the current situation. "Well you see dear, Discord here left Twilight, and he is the reason for all of ''THIS” !" She snapped as she looked at Discord, Discord growled at the white unicorn.

Applejack went in front of Rarity, looking at Discord right in the eye "To be honest with y'all, I think it's best if we start searching, and stop fighting, because Twilight needs us, right Discord?" She looked at Discord right in the eyes, Discord calmed down and said "yes".

Sunset's eyes widened at Discord, she looked at him and she shook her head, not believing any of this to be true. "Twilight loved you...you sold her out to who!" She yelled at Discord, Discord pointed bluntly at Celestia, who was looking at the ground, tears streaming from her eyes.

Sunset was furious, she didn't say anything except these words "I can't believe you, my teacher, my mentor, and all of this, because of replaceable love, you should've known better..." She then turns away.

Sunset was ashamed of her mentor, that she was even capable of something like this. 

"The longer we spend here arguing, the longer Twilight is still trapped with that monster." Explains Spike, who was hovering over the group. 

"He's right." Mutters Shining. 

"So please, let us help you." Begs Celestia.

 Luna looks at her sister, she looks at the mane 5, tears streaming down on Harmonia's face, Luna's expression was serious, she then ordered "Let's go save our princess of friendship..." She said as the whole group cheered, Discord and Celestia were silent.

The Royal Guards were now ahead of Shining and Tempest, with their weapons ready and their armour heavy, the kids followed their parents behind Cadence and Starlight, Sunset and Phoenix we're at the back of Spike, who was flying above them.

"Where was her last known location, Starlight?" She questions Starlight, who was beside Luna and Cadence.

"Her last known location was here to be exact." Starlight explains. 

"But it lead us to the forest." Explains Honey Crisp. 

"Then that's where we will go." Said Luna. 



***

The group entered the forest, all unicorns illuminated their horns, Shining announced with great urgency "May I advise you that we will encounter a threat deeper in this forest, blast it with your light, and they will go away, do not stray from the group, that's an order to everyone!" He commands to the entire group, all unicorns and the others nodded.

Discord said in silence "I don't like the feeling that I sense in these woods, reminds me of that pony who is always on edge." 

Pinkie Pie replied to Discord "Is it Sombra your talking about? His always the edgy villain isn't he?" Discord replied to the pink fluffy pony "And to think that he’s the villain, who has my..." He clenched his paw, shaking away the anger.

Luna broke the conversation "Let's just keep moving Pinkie, no time to waste." She looked at Discord, and looked at the trail that they were following, they stopped at the place where they were attacked before.

Shining made the group stop, as the Royal guards were around inspecting the are for any signs or tracks.

Celestia looked at them, then questioned "What do we have here?"

"Stay close, you don't want to attract attention to these things..." Shining said to the guard that neared the dark corner of the forest, they heard a brustle from a nearby bush, the guards surrounded the group, readying their horns.

Cadence shields her daughter's, the mane 5 did the same, Harmonia hid behind Starlight. "Something bad is about to come out, and here it comes..." Discord said as he heard a shriek coming from his side, a sound of a demonic shriek was heard from the dark forest.

Celestia shields her sister, her horn glows brightly. "Sister I can handle myself!" Luna said to her sister "Even if your mad at me my duty as your sister stands, I don't want you to get hurt!" She snapped at Luna, after all of the fighting.

"I'm not a filly anymore Tia you know that!" The shadow figure jumped out from the side of Cadence, roaring at her, Shining blasted the creature back from the shadows.

"What are those things?" Phoenix asks. 

"I don't know, but whatever they are you stay behind me!" Sunset blasted a shadow that was headed for them, the guard picked up hoofprints that leads deeper to the forest. "Everyone head forward! Tempest give me a hoof, we need to give them time!" Shining ordered the group to head forward as Starlight picked up more hoofprints, Sunset and Starlight headed forward along with the group, leaving Spike with the royal guards and Tempest.

"Shining, you stay safe!" Cadence kissed Shining before she ran with the group, Shining nodded as he blasted another 
shadow back, the guards guarded the entrance to the deeper part of the forest fending off any shadows.

"Starlight, look more hoof prints, she must be close by!" Sunset said as the whole group followed. "Great, were nearing her!" Starlight said as she rushed.


***

It's been 9 years since Twilight has been captured, but if Twilight had to be honest Sombra hasn't been all that horrible to her. He has his days sure, but he wasn't that cruel.

Twilight looks around her chamber. Sombra emerges from the shadows.

Sombra circled around Twilight like he always does, Sombra wicked grin at Twilight, and turned his attention to her cage. "You truly are a keeper, for surviving this long in my sanctuary, yet you resist my love for you, how is that Ms Sparkle?" He questions Twilight with a wicked grin on his face.

Twilight looks at her capture. "Because I don't have feelings for you!" She narrows her eyes at him. 

"But... I gave you everything you desire. What more do you want?" He questions the young Alicorn. 

"Well I want my freedom." She explains.

"And I gave that to you, but as for seeing your loving daughter?" He said with a wicked expression on Sombra's face, he neared Twilights face in-between the bars "You will never see Harmonia again, because your going to be, what I always dreamed about..." He laughed at Twilight as he backed off from the cage.

Twilight eyes widen with fear as tears aligned her eyes. Fear swept through her body like a tornado.

"Let's see how you like it, when hatred surges through you..." The Chambers lights opened up, revealing Crystal's aligned at the cage, dark magic surging from each crystal. "Soon your friends will fear you, your ex-husband will fear you, and soon, your daughter will fear you, with this magic I can make you into my own kin, my own wife..." He said as he grinned. "You know you should be grateful that I'm trying to make you happy! Such a shame that all this would've gone smoothly if you didn't resist..." He cackles at Twilight.

Twilight tried her best to blast the darkened crystals, but failed as her magic backfired on her. 

Fear still swept through her. She felt like panicking, her eyes darted around the room, trying to find another way of escaping, but she was stuck, for the first time in forever she had no plan in mind.

"I want you to yell, cry in front of me, begging me to stop this from ever happening to you, because this will be the last time that you'll be seeing the light of day...My Queen..." He laughed as he illuminated the Crystal's, all of the electric current now strikes the cage, electrocuting Twilight painfully.

Twilight clenched her teeth, her head throbbing from the amount of pain she was receiving. 

Tears streamed down her face. Mixed with anguish, fear and hurt.

"Are you going to give up now Twilight Sparkle, or should I amp the pain even more..." He laughed as he turned up the currency of the electricity that's hitting the cage. 

"Come on, speak..." He looked at Twilight, his eyes locked on to the young alicorn in pain.

Her head throbs, worse than it ever has before. She couldn't speak, being shocked really took the power of her words and her own process of thinking. 

She screamed out in pain. Everything ached on her and through her. Her head bothering her the most.

"YOUR DAUGHTER WILL BE CORRUPTED YOUR FRIENDS, WILL LIVE IN OBLIVION, BECAUSE OF YOU!" He laughed as he maxed the amount of magic given to the crystals, the cage was now surging with electricity. 

"What now Twilight Sparkle, WHAT NOW!" He looked at Twilight, his teeth sharpening.

Twilight lays down, her body weak, she cried out for her friends, her eyes changing slowly like Sombra's.

"Please, STOP THIS!" Twilight pleads, but Sombra didn't listen, Twilight stood up automatically, her body changing, her fur changing and her eyes changing.

"Now, you'll feel what I feel..." Sombra laughs at Twilight as she tried to resist the change.

She gasped for air, as tears streamed down her face. “N-no….” she whimpers, trying to resist for as long as she needed to.

But, Twilight teeth beard and slowly begin to sharpen. As her head continued to pound, the emotions that she never wished to feel she actually felt: hate and fear.

"Everyone you cared and love, will succumb to your hate...and fear..." He neared the cage, as the electric current stopped hitting the cage, the cage opened slowly revealing Twilight changing.

"How does it feel, Miss Sparkle?" He looked at Twilight with a grin.Twilight walks out of the cage. Her eyes and face casting and giving a sinister smile. 

She gave a wicked grin to her master. "Much better."

"That's my girl..." He said to Twilight as he kissed her, Sombra's anger gotten bigger from the sense he felt outside of the chamber.

"Looks like we have unwanted visitors...are you ready to greet them..." He grinned at Twilight.

Twilight gave a nod at her master. 

Both of them made there way to see who their visitors where.

Sombra made his way to the upper levels of an abandoned Temple of the outskirts of the Crystal Empire.

"These "friends" of yours will soon cower in fear, your daughter will become, one of us..." He laughed as he can imagine the daughter's torment, he felt the Intruders coming nearer, but he was calm.

Twilight looks at her master, before looking onward, a sly but wicked smile spread across her lips.

The mane 5 group followed the trail that lead to a solid door, the flooring were cobblestone bricks that were leading to the temple, everyone stopped running.

"What's the hold up, Twilight needs us!" Rainbow Dash said to Starlight, her tone was filled with worry.

Starlight tried to figure out how to open the door "Hang on, give me a moment!"

Discord looked behind them seeing a horde headed their way.

"WE DON'T HAVE A MOMENT!"  Discord yells as he moved everyone aside, Discord snaps his fingers that opened the solid door, everyone went inside as Discord shut the door tightly, The creatures were pounding the solid door.

Sunset painted, catching her breath, she then looks at the group, everyone was panting from exhaustion. "How is everypony?"

 All of them replied "We're fine." 

Starlight continued forward, following the prints that led to a staircase headed downstairs, the halls were slightly illuminated by dimly lit candles that lead them to alcoves and hallways. They slowly reach the chamber where they saw a cage in the middle, revealing a pony inside. Everyone held their position as Starlight went forward.

Starlight carefully made her way slowly up to the cage. She cautiously reached out a hoof to Twilight. "T-Twilight..." her tone was nervous. 

The middle section of the cage was illuminated by a bright light, the cage opened slowly, an echo voice came out from every side.

"I'm surprised all of you made it this far, I was getting worried you all won't attend our wedding..." Sombra laughed, hidden in the shadows.

Sunset moved from her place and yelled at Sombra "WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER!?" She screamed at Sombra, her anger increased. 

"I just have her what she wanted, a loving husband, which is me!" He revealed himself in the corner, his grin widened and his eyes glowing.

"Meet the new and improved, and my lovely wife...Twilight Sparkle..." 

Twilight came out of her cage, walking towards Starlight and the group.

Their eyes widen in fear at Twilight's appearance. All of them were speechless. 

Twilight flashes a wicked grin at them, showing her sharp teeth.

"Such a shame, I thought you would be happy for us, and I thought Discord and Celestia moved on..." He chuckled at Discord and Celestia, he moves beside Twilight as Sombra flashed a wicked grin at them all.

"Sugarplum, is that you..." Discord said to Twilight, trying to get to her senses. Discord was tearing up, Harmonia went with Discord as they approached her and Sombra.

"Sugarplum!? You are truly disgusting...isn't that right my dear..." Sombra looked at Twilight. 

Twilight narrows her eyes at him. "Very." Twilight tone was full of pity sarcasm, but her devilish grin held another expression.

"Soon, Equestria will be ours to rule, Equestria will be ruled by two higher beings of magic and power! And there is NOTHING, IN THIS WORLD, That would stop it's progress!" He grinned at Starlight.

"Now, be a dear and dispose of them for me, after your done playing we'll proceed with the wedding..." He grinned at the others as Sombra backed up a little, giving Twilight center stage. He  watched Twilight as she handled the others.

Twilight looks at her former mentor, family members, her nieces and nephews, friends, her daughter and especially her ex husband, a sly smirk displays on her face. 

Twilight pauses for a moment thinking out loud. “..... but before I can sentences you all to death. How about I prepare you all a lovely meal? See I’m not that cruel, am I?” Twilight asked, before turning to leave. 

The others, even Sombra looked at her confused. “You all just stay here at the kitchen table and I’ll be right back with the food.”


***

“Since when does Twilight know how to cook/bake anything?” Sunset asked. 

“Well she’s baked and cooked a few times in the past, as far as I can remember. I remember when I was trying to one up her in cooking by having a cook-off between her sweet potato muffins and my cauliflower bites, sadly hers was better.” Spikie said, slightly grim over the memory. 

“Actually they were both great.” Fluttershy said. 

From the other side of the table, Luna felt unease. “..... something feels off…” Luna muttered quietly to herself. 

Flurry’s ears pricked upward, hearing Luna muttered to herself. She looks at her slightly confused. Everypony sat there for a moment, deep in thought.

“What do you mea-” she was about to ask. However, Pinkie Pie interrupts her. 

“..... well I’m sure whatever Twilight is planning on baking will be delicious!” Pinkie Pie said. “Besides I’m hungry!” 

“Pinkie? When are you not hungry?” Applejack questions. The girls quietly laughed, but Twilight’s voice rings through the kitchen, which made them jump. 

“I apologize if the food is taking a tad longer to prepare. Sombra is helping put the last finishing touches on the food, give or take another five minutes or so.” Twilight explains. 

“Oh it’s fine. Take your time Twi.” Rainbow Dash said.

Once the kitchen door closes, Rainbow spoke in a hushed whisper. “..... okay why the hay would Twilight just randomly invite us all in for dinner?” She asked. 

“..... something doesn’t make sense.” Muttered Starlight questioned. 

“.... what doesn’t seem to make sense?” Twilight asked, walking through into the dining room hall. 

“Discord! You know how he is about never making sense.” Rainbow Dash said, nervously laughing. 

Twilight looks at her with suspension. “...... right….” she muses, looking at her ex-husband.

“Well I just came to tell you that the food is done. Sombra and I will bring it out in just a moment.” Twilight said, smiling at them. 

10 mins later….

”Finally.” Twilight said as she watched Sombra bring out the food. 

“Are you sure you don’t need any help?” Twilight asked. 

“No thanks my dear, I’ve got this.” He said, smiling at her. 

“Now that everypony is seated, accounted for and that the food is here let’s eat!” Twilight said, passing the bowls of food around. 

Everypony looks at the bowls with suspicion. “Are you not hungry?” Twilight asked. 

They said nothing. 

“Our hooves are clean, trust me I don’t eat first without washing my hooves.” Twilight explains.

Again they said nothing. 

“Sweet Celestia! The food hasn’t been tampered with!” Twilight said, rolling her eyes. 

“Pinkie Promise.” Pinkie Pie pipes up, her voice stern. 

“What?” Twilight asked, slightly taken aback by Pinkie’s statement. 

“I said, Pinkie Promise.” Pinkie Pie repeats again her voice stern than before. 

Twilight rolls her eyes, slightly annoyed that she would believe that her friends think she was capable of something this sinister. 

“Cross my Heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye that I didn’t tamper the food, now let’s eat.” Twilight said, digging into the bowl herself. 

Everypony else followed. 

“This food looks simply divine.” Rarity said, gazing at her plate of food. 

“Indeed! Twilight you’ve really outdone yourself.” Fluttershy said, giving her a soft smile. 

“Oh it was nothing.” Twilight said, brushing off her friends comments. 

Sombra coughed from beside her. “.... but with Sombra’s help we were able to pull it off.” Twilight said, smiling. 

“My dear, it was your idea.” Sombra said. 

“Yes and I couldn’t have gotten it done without you.” Twilight said, smiling. 

“Would anyone like some punch, cider, water?” Twilight asked, sending out the three options with her magic. 

Rainbow Dash was the only one to take cider, others took an option of punch or water. 

The only sound that filled the room was the sound of forks and spoons scraping against plates. Twilight rubs her temples “okay what’s with the deadly silence?” She asked, confused.

“..... it’s just why are you being so nice to us?” Flurry asked, confused.

“It’s called treating my guest with humility and respect, my dear sweet Flurry Heart. I mean wouldn’t you’re father and mother do the same thing for dignitaries or others?” Twilight asked. 

“.... I guess you’re right.” Flurry mutters, sipping her water. 


*** 


For the next few hours the dinner was running along smoothly almost too perfect and smoothly. 

“Who wants dessert?” Twilight asked. 

“Oooo is it cupcakes? Pastries?” Confetti asked. 

Twilight lightly giggles. “Not exactly. Sombra and I made a 3 layered hypnotic cake.” Twilight said, bring the black and white cake into the center.

“A 3 layered hypno what now?” Applejack asked, confused. 

“A 3 layered hypnotic cake AJ. However, I’m a baker and I’ve never heard of a cake like that.” Pinkie Pie said, looking at Twilight. 

“It’s my speciality.” Twilight said, smiling and cutting the cake before giving them each a slice. 

Starlight looks down at her slice. “What’s with the black and white hypnotized theme?” She wonders. 

“Sombra and I just really enjoy themes for special events, now dig in.” Twilight said, levitating her fork.

The others did the same, but something felt off. 
After they took a bite all of them started to feel funny- dizzy, drowsy, or having an oncoming of a headache. 

A sinister smile crept across Twilight’s face as she put her fork down her piece that she took off the cake a few seconds ago untouched. 

“Oh dear, are you guys okay?” Twilight asked, her voice laced with concerned for her friends. 

Twilight gets up from her seat and walks over to Celestia. “Twilight what did you put in that cake exactly?” Luna asked. 

She noticed that Luna and Celestia had a headache as well as feeling dizzy. As for the others they were starting to feel the symptoms at once, maybe two symptoms or one over the other. 

Twilight walks over to her daughter, raking her daughter’s mane. “Oh nothing really Luna, just baking powder, butter, eggs, milk, flour…” Twilight said, going on about her used ingredients. 

She noticed the group was starting to get drowsy. “Oh and…. Rozerem.” Twilight said, a cunning smile at them. 

Before they knew it they were out cold. “Oh don’t worry the risk is low didn’t want to harm the children now did we?” Twilight asked, her teeth bared. 

Sombra looks at the group who were out cold. 

“And I thought the minimum amount that was dashed in the food and drinks would hit them right then and there. Good thing we had the dessert.” Twilight mused. 

“So while we have our wedding what are we going to do with them?” Sombra asked. 

“We invite them to the wedding of course.” Twilight said. 

“And why couldn’t you have done it while they were awake?” Sombra asked. 

“You know they wouldn’t have agreed to come to it or comply, especially my daughter. So let’s just say I took extra precautions.” Twilight said, giving Sombra a sinister smirk. 

“Send one of my guards to get them situated while we get ready.” Sombra said. 

“Of course.” Twilight said. 


***

6 hours later…. 

“Ugh…. my head.” Starlight mutters. 

“Where are we?” Cadence asked. 

“Everypony okay?” Fluttershy asked. 

“Why are in a church?” Applejack asked. 

“Well we certainly didn’t come here to praise our lord and savior Princess Celestia.” Confetti Pop mutters. 

“No offense.” Mutters Cotton Berry. “Excuse my sister’s rather unpleasant comment.” He said narrowing his eyes at her. 

“Your forgiven.” Celestia mutters. 

“And why can’t I move?!” Rainbow Dash asked, struggling against her will. 

“Why can’t any of us move?!” Luna asked. 

“It’s like we are being held against our will.” Rarity said. 

“I can’t even use my magic to set us free!” Flurry said. 

“Neither can I!” Crystal said, trying to ignite her horn. 

“I don’t believe none of us can.” Shining said. 

“So we are supposed to sit here like earth ponies?! Being magic-less and flightless?!” Honey Crisp asked. 

“Uh no offense Momma or Aunt Pinkie Pie.” Honey Crisp said, looking bashful at the two. 

“None taken sugarcube, but I believe Twilight done something to us.” Applejack said, her teeth slightly bared. 

“You think?!” Rainbow hissed. 

“Harmonia? You’re a draconequus can you use your magic to set us all free?” Opheliah asked. 

Harmonia who was two rows over was slowly but surely coming too. 

“Where am I? Why are we in a church?” Harmonia asked, her mind hazy. 

She tried her paw at magic, but nothing but a small raspberry spark came out. 

“Apparently we’re going to learn about our lord and savior Celestia.” Sunset said, her tone sarcastic. 

“Really?” Prism said, coming to. 

“No.” Starlight said, her tone blunt. 

“Okay is anypony going to question why is there a preacher there? Are we sure we’re not learning about Celestia?!” Meadow Bliss asked. 

“Pretty positive your not little one.” Celestia said. 

“Is anypony going to question why King Sombra has approached in a tux?” Shining asked. 

“Wait ... if everyone is here then where is Twilight?!” Discord asked. 

It then dawned on Shining Armor. “If we weren't chained down to these pews and our magic and wings weren't penalized for use in a church I swear to Celestia you would be a dead stallion by now!!!” Shining sneerers. 

Sombra gave a pout. “Awe, you know I’d hate to kill my own brother-in-law on the day of his sister’s wedding day.” Sombra said smirking at him. 

“You truly sick.” Mutters Harmonia

“Is that any way to talk to your father-in-law?” Sombra asked. 

“You are not my father.” Harmonia sneered. 

“Your not of any type of in law to any of us.” Crystal said. 

Sombra gave a glance to Crystal. “..... not yet anyways.” Sombra said, his tone nonchalant. 

As if on cue, the doors open to reveal Twilight, who was all dawned in black lace wedding dress attained, her mane done in an elegant updo and on her mane was a crown similar to her old one, but this one was coal-grey-ish black and held the Element of Magic in place. 

Harmonia eyes filled with tears as she was forced to watch her mother marry the monster that corrupted her and one that she will never call her “father”. 

“Mom… no…” Harmonia whispers. She tried to get up, but was met by an electrical shock. “Ow!” Harmonia wailed. 

“Be a well behaved daughter and SIT YOUR FLANK DOWN!” Sombra sneers. 

“Um sir…” The preacher tried to speak up, but was met with Sombra’s meanching glare. 

“DO NOT SPEAK UNLESS SPOKEN TO!” He sneered. 

The preacher said nothing more. “The next pony to move from their spot won’t live to tell it!” Sombra sneered. 

The group looked onward at the destruction that was displayed before them… as much as it pained them they were forced to watch. 

The preacher continued. “Ladies and gentlecolts, species, creatures… we have gathered here today to witness the union between a King and his Queen. May we have the rings please?” 

“Sombra, Do you take Twilight as your lawful wife, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?"

“I do.” Sombra said, looking at Twilight. 

"Twilight, Do you take Sombra as your lawful husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do you part?"

“I do.” Twilight said, smiling at her soon to be husband. 

“If anypony can show just cause why this couple cannot lawfully be joined together in matrimony, let them speak now or forever hold their peace" The preacher announced. 

“I ob-” They all try to shout, but Sombra quickly ignited his horn, silencing the group. 

“Mhm!!!” They all huffed, they couldn’t speak, but throw glares at Sombra. 

The preacher looked astounded for a moment, not knowing what to say next. “...... Well if all is in order and no pony is willing to object then I now pronounce you husband and wife! You may now kiss the bride.” The preacher announced. 

Sombra then takes Twilight in for a passionate kiss, before looking out at the sea of ponies, who didn’t have the exact same joyous expression as them. 

“Who cares what you ponies think! We are lawfully married now and there's nothing you can do about it! However we can now begin our after-party.” Sombra said. 

“.... and that constants of?” Harmonia asked, slightly worried of what the response would be. 

“Getting rid of you two!” Twilight said, firing her magic at Celestia and Discord. 

Cadence quickly throws her defense shield around the two. As much as she disliked the way they both played Twilight, she knew they didn’t deserve this. 

“Oh don’t worry, their not my only main target. So are all of you!” Twilight sneers. 

“How about before we destroy such a beautiful church we do this in a more vast area of destruction.” Sombra suggested. 

“Very well thought out my King.” Twilight said, before kissing him once more. 


***


Starlight went in front of Discord and Harmonia, Harmonia reached out for her mom, Harmonia screamed the word "MOM! IT'S ME!" Harmonia cried as Starlight carried Harmonia.

"I don't think she cares at the moment Harmony, dear." Ophelia said, her tone laced with fear. 

"SHE'S MY MOM, MOMMY PLEASE LISTEN TO ME!" Harmonia jumped off from Starlight's back, she hugged her mom's leg tightly, Starlights eyes widened as she might get hurt.

Discord yelled and ordered Harmonia to get back "Fuzzball get back here now! She's not the mother we know!" Discord said his eyes filled with tears.

"Harmonia I need you back here now, that's not Twilight!" Starlight ordered Harmonia to come over to her, Harmonia latched on to her mother, crying and sobbing hard on her leg, Everyone watched as Harmonia hugged her mom tightly.

"Little one we need you back here now!" Celestia ordered her student, but Harmonia did not listen.

Sunset looks at Starlight "What do we do now!?" Sunset questions Starlight.

Starlight thinks for a moment. The only the only thing she could think to do was try and get Harmonia off of Twilight. She ignites her horn, wrapping Harmonia in her aura.

Harmonia held onto her mother, she cried loudly as she tried to pull Harmonia off of Twilight, Harmonia looked at her mother, her eyes filled with tears.

"I WANT MY MOTHER BACK...MOM LISTEN TO ME, I LOVE YOU SO MUCH!" Harmonia demanded, she still held on to her mother tightly.

"Nothing's working darling!" Rarity said, as she tried to help Starlight pull her off.

"Be gentle with her! She's just a child, we need to reason with Twilight!" Fluttershy said, the kids watched in horror to what they saw.

"I want my sister in law back!" Cadence replied to Sombra, as she blasted a light magic on him, but Sombra faded back into the shadows, watching.

"Sugarcube, listen to our voices, it's us your friends, his not your husband!" Applejack yelled at Twilight. 

Twilight looks at them with distaste. "Yeah, right." She rolled her eyes. "And if you don't get off of my hoof. But let me put this in a way that you idiots will understand. " Twilight said, sneering at her daughter. 

Harmonia's eyes widened at her mother's words, her mind was filled with fear, she didn't let go as she still hugged her mom, trying to get to her senses.

"I want my mom back...please, listen to me mom, it's me Harmony!" She sniffled and buried her face onto her mom's hoof.

Rainbow Dash gritted her teeth in anger and dashed for Sombra, Sombra appeared beside Twilight, not minding Harmonia, He disappeared again as Rainbow Dash hits the cage, she falls down her head spinning. “Well that didn't work.” She mutters. Prism follows behind her. 

Prism shook his mom rapidly "Mom, are you okay?” The tone was rather worried for her.

“I'm fine, Prism.” Rainbow Dash mutters, rubbing her head. 

Starlight looked at Twilight, reasoning with her.

"Is this what you want Twilight, hurting everyone you made friends with, EVERYONE LOVED YOU! AND YOU LOVED THEM! I need you to resist and comeback to yourself!" She neared Twilight, her eyes filled with tears but her expression filled with Bravery, Sunset and the others followed Starlight carefully.

"I am tired of wasting my time with them dear...dispose of them..." Sombra whispered in Twilight's ear.

“Gladly.” She snears. She blasts dark magic at them. They dodge out of the way, avoiding getting hit. 

"Did anypony bring the Elements of Harmony?" Honey Crisp asks. 

"No!" Cotton Berry said. 

"That would probably be really helpful right about now!" Wails Phoenix.

Ophelia panicked and hyper ventilated "WE'RE GONNA DIE DOWN HERE!" Honey Crisp tried to calm her down as they took cover. "Nobody is dying down here! Just be careful!" The kids hid in one of the pillars.

Starlight looked at Twilight and Sombra, Discord and Celestia were right in front of them after they've dodged the attack. "Twilight, please find your heart and spare these ponies you attack, but find it in your heart that these ponies love you!" Celestia responded to Twilight, but she didn't care.

"I believe it's about time we stop this madness before things get out of hoof." Sombra said calmly as a barrier of shadow blocks their way, Harmonia was pulled from her mother from the blast, she lay unconscious on the ground, her ears ringing loudly, Discord picked up his  daughter and carried her, Harmonia cried onto Discords shoulder, he made his best to calm her down.


*** 

Harmonia and the group escaped from the chamber of the everfree forest, Discord carrying her daughter. 

Harmonia cried her ears still ringing, but her mind clouded with confusion and pain. She then looks at the one carrying her, Discord looked at her own daughter.

"Put...me down..." Harmonia commanded, her voice Stern and strong. Discord didn't listen, he just walked with the group still carrying Harmonia, Harmonia gritted her teeth and demanded one last time.

 "I SAID, PUT ME DOWN!" she yelled at her father as she bucked his face, removing herself from her father's grasp, Harmonia landed with a hard thud on the ground, tears forming in her eyes until she sobbed. Harmonia said to herself quietly "It's my fault mom left...I miss mom..." She started sobbing harder, screaming as she begged for her mother to come home "I WANT MOM BACK!" She laid down on the ground, curled up covering her face from the others, Starlight hurried up and grabbed Harmonia.


"We will get her back, I promise." Starlight said, her face held a look of determination.

"I want...M-mom back..." She looked at Starlight, her eyes filled with tears and bloodshot red, she hugged Starlight tightly, sobbing onto her fur, they stayed like that for awhile until the Harmonia looked at Celestia, her anger beginning to over take her again.

"It's your fault...that dad left us..." She gritted her teeth, looking at Celestia, filled with hatred in her tone and look.

"I'm sorry little one, I should've known this was the outcome of my misdeeds..." Celestia said, going near Starlight and Harmonia, her tone full of pity.

Starlight looks between the two, feeling the slight tension between them. 

Harmonia breathing went ragged. "You just better hope that we get her back." Harmonia eyes narrowed at the Princess, her teeth bared.

Celestia didn't reply, the tension between her and Harmonia was too big to bear for Celestia, she felt so threatened, she gritted her teeth and she looked at Harmonia, she didn't say a thing but she walked away with Discord out of the everfree leaving Harmonia and Starlight and the group to stand in confusion.

Applejack yelled at the two "HEY GET BACK HERE!" But Discord and Celestia were already gone out of sight. She turned her attention to the two on the ground, giving a pitiful look on Harmonia, Harmonia's sobbing didn't stop as she still remembered the times she spent with her mother.