Aria’s POV
Twilight… Why did you do that? Why did you lie to us? To me? Something serious is happening to you and you shut yourself down?! Why carry that burden on your own? I could have helped you if you just gave me a chance…
I still had tears on my eyes. As soon as I cleaned them, I heard Applejack's voice.
"Aria." I turned around and spotted the cowgirl approaching me. "Ah'm sorry you two had that fight. Everythin' happened so fast, and-" I silenced my friend by raising a hand at her.
"Don’t be sorry." I replied bitterly before sighing. "Of course, I didn't want any of you to see that, but it couldn't be avoidable. We’re all worried about her, and like you said, it all happened too fast."
I frowned sadly and thought back on everything that happened since I started looking for a job. Trying to think of any signs I might have missed. Then again how could I have? I practically cut off Twilight. Of course I wouldn’t have known. Why did I have to avoid her this much? Just then a dreadful thought occurred to me and I turned to ask Applejack a question, dreading the answer. "Tell me… was I mean? Was it wrong of me to tell her not to talk to me unless she's ready to talk about her problem?"
Applejack crossed her arms, looking doubtful. "Honestly? Ah don't know. It's clear that there's somethin' wrong with her and she's tryin' to hide it. Ah didn't hear her talk to herself but ah heard you mentioning it. And when we were on our way here, on the bus, Rarity and ah noticed her acting odd."
"Odd how?" I asked.
“She fell asleep on the bus, that’s how. She’s not like that. She said that she was up all night checkin' her equipment but her eyes were red and they still are.”
"I noticed them too, not to mention the bags under her eyes." I said. "I wish I knew what's wrong…"
"I know what's the problem!" A familiar voice said from behind us. Applejack and I turned around to see Sunset running towards us.
"You know?" I stared at her blankly. “How?"
Sunset stopped right in front of us. She took a moment to catch her breath. "I accidentally read her mind. I normally wouldn't tell you something personal from her but, Aria... this is serious. Has she told you what happened to her shortly after she first met us? It was during a sports event called The Friendship Games."
"The Friendship-?" I cut myself off when I remembered that Twilight told me about it. "Yes, she did. She told me that she never wanted to participate but was blackmailed. She also turned into a magical monster."
Sunset nodded using frantic gestures with her arms. "Yeah. That monster never left. She's still inside of her and is messing with Twilight's sleep. She's the reason Twilight is so tired and moody lately!"
"Wait, what?!" My eyes widened in shock. "You mean the one Twilight was arguing with was herself?!” It sure didn’t feel good to be right this time.
Sunset nodded. "That surely was it, yeah."
I groaned, frustrated, as I paced around. "Why hasn't she said anything then? Asked for help?"
The pony girl shrugged. "I didn't get that far. I barely saw what I told you. I can't control my new powers."
"Damn it… damn it!" Enraged, I punched a tree nearby. I didn't control my strength so the tree started to fall. "Oh, shoot!" I ran to try to catch it but it fell too fast.
"Applejack, look out!" Sunset called at our friend. The farmer girl looked up and, instead of jumping away, she lifted her arms as she screamed. To our surprise, not only was Applejack able to stop the tree, but she also pushed it far away from us.
The jaws of both Sunset and I dropped while Applejack watched the tree she just pushed away with a dumbfounded expression.
"Ah-Ah didn't just do that… did ah?" Applejack said as she slowly turned to us.
"Okay, I’m pretty sure that was magic." Sunset said after recovering from her shock.
"Wow, super-human strength." I said before smiling widely. "Finally, a worthy foe! Our battle shall be legendary!" I finished by fist pumping the air.
"What?" Applejack was confused, but Sunset chuckled.
"Oh my gosh, Aria." The pony said. "I understood that reference!"
I smirked. "Not everything Sonata likes is bad.” I said while smirking and shrugging before worriedly turning to my farmer friend. "But seriously, I'm glad your magic decided to show up. Otherwise-"
"No worries, sugarcube." Applejack said with a smile. I nodded at her before I heard one of my sisters calling for me.
"Aria!" I turned around to see Adagio rushing to me, hugging me as soon as she reached me. I also saw Trixie approaching behind her. "Trixie told me what happened. I'm so sorry you and Twilight had a fight!"
"Adagio…" I blushed, feeling embarrassed, but this time I was glad for her support, so I hugged her back. "Thank you."
"Speaking of which." Sunset spoke. "Trixie, did you see Twilight on your way here?"
"I did." Trixie said as she walked towards Sunset. "She just changed her clothes. She said that she was going to try crafting paper lamps."
"Okay. I'll check on her later.” Sunset said as she placed her hand on her chin. At this point, Adagio released me from the hug. I still felt bad for what happened with Twilight, though.
"There's something I need to ask." I said, looking at everyone. I already asked Applejack, but... I have to know. "What I did… was it wrong?"
"Oh, Aria…" Sunset said as she placed a hand on my shoulder. "You did what you did because you felt betrayed. Twilight hid something serious from us. You're her girlfriend and she didn't trust you with that information."
"So I was right…" I asked, still troubled.
"We can't tell you that." Sunset spoke again. She crossed her arms. "Couples argue. We can be there for you and Twilight, but in the end, you have to be the one to solve your issues with her."
"She's right, Aria." Adagio said. "You and Twilight never argued like this. You have to walk this path on your own."
"I…" I hugged myself and walked a few steps away from my friends. "I don't want to break up. I still love her…" I turned around to look at my friends again. "But she should have said something."
"Ah know." Applejack said as she approached me. "Ah think you guys just need time. Don't worry, Aria. We'll try to help her with her problem." She gave me a reassuring smile. It worked, a little at least.
"Thank you." I managed to smile a little. "I might still be angry at Twilight, but it means a lot to me that you guys will look after her." Sunset nodded while Applejack and Trixie smiled.
"You should focus on yourself for now." Adagio said as she placed her hands on my shoulders. "Before coming for you, I arranged a little something for you at the kitchen."
I smiled. "The kitchen? You have my attention."
Adagio returned the smile. "Good. Come with me, now. Soon, you'll-"
"Oh, Aria, there you are!" I saw Tree Hugger approaching us, interrupting my sister.
"What is it, Tree Hugger?"
"I can't find my cousin. Have you seen her? I need to tell her something important."
"No, I haven't seen her but I can look for her if you want." I said.
"Thank you!" Tree Hugger smiled as she opened her map and pointed in the distance. "There's a cave there. For some reason she goes there often so I would start there."
"I will. Thanks."
"Wonderful! I trust you'll find her, Aria. Tell her I'm looking for her." Gloriosa's cousin said before walking away. I groaned as soon as she was out of view.
"Great, now I have to look for my boss."
"Now, hold on." Sunset said as she got closer to me. "You focus on cheering up. I'll look for Gloriosa."
My eyes widened in surprise. "You would do that for me?"
Sunset grinned. "Of course! You're our friend. Just go with Adagio, we'll take care of it."
"But-" I was cut off by my sister, who grabbed my arm and started to drag me away.
"No buts, Aria. Our friends will take care of Gloriosa. I have people waiting at the kitchen. We have to go now."
"We'll see you later!" Applejack said as she and our friends waved. I waved back until I lost sight of them.
Adagio released me shortly after and glanced at me. She looked concerned. "Feeling better?"
"A little bit, yeah." I said with a small smile. "Sunset and company are good at cheering others up."
"Just wait until you see my surprise." Adagio said with a smirk.
"By the way, who's waiting for us in the kitchen?"
My sister wagged a finger at me and shook her head. "No hints."
"Aww, really?" I chuckled. "You're mean."
"Quite mean, yes. Thank you." Adagio said, smiling with pride.
“You’re enjoying this way too much.” I commented with an exaggerated roll of my eyes. Adagio grinned but said nothing else. I had no choice but to wait until we reached the kitchen to see my-
“Surprise!” Both Pinkie Pie and Sonata exclaimed as soon as Adagio and I entered the kitchen. They received me with a hug.
“H-Hello.” I awkwardly said as I returned the hug. I looked around as I did so and saw cupcakes and cookies of every size shape and, knowing these two, every flavor under the sun, which seemed to be recently made. “Oh.” I glanced at my older sister, who smiled and nodded, before turning my head back to Sonata and Pinkie Pie. “I see you have been busy.”
Both Pinkie Pie and Sonata nodded excitedly.
“And this time there were no accidents!” My little sister commented.
“I hope you enjoy them!” The party girl said.
“I will.” I said as I walked towards the table. I grabbed a cookie and didn’t hesitate to give it a bite. “Mmm, delicious!” I smiled and glanced at my sisters and friend. “Don’t worry, I’ll share. Twilight made me promise that I’ll always-” When I mentioned my girlfriend, I lost my smile. She’s in a worse position than me. She has that evil thing inside of her and I’m here eating cookies because she doesn’t want me to help her…
“Aria, dear...” I heard Adagio say as she rushed towards me to clean tears I didn’t notice flowing from my eyes. “I know that what I’m about to say won’t sound nice, but… try not to think of Twilight for now.”
“But Adagio… sh-she needs us...” I said with a whimper.
“I know, but if she doesn’t ask for help, she won’t accept it. I know it's hard to accept, you two are so close but this is something we need to handle delicately.” My older sister cupped my chin with her index finger to make me look at her. “Maybe now that she saw you upset she’ll seek help herself. Just give her time, okay?”
I nodded and managed to smile a little. “Y-Yeah, I’ll try.”
“Good.” Adagio released me and looked at the food on the table. “Now, go eat some junk food.”
“Yes, ma'am.” I said as I continued eating my cookie. Sonata and Pinkie Pie joined me.
“Yummy! Come to me, strawberry cupcake.” Sonata said as she took her cupcake. I glanced at my other sister, who was standing away from the table and watching us.
"Adagio, join us. You can have some too." I said with a smile.
"I think I'm fine." Adagio said, wagging her hands.
"Come on, Adagio, one or two sweets won't ruin your figure. Just look at me. I eat lots of them and with my regular exercise I'm fine."
"I don't know…"
"Just have a cookie. I promise that I won't annoy you anymore." I took a cookie and raised it to her. Adagio looked at it, then at me and finally she sighed.
"Fine, I'll have one." My sister said as she took the cookie. "But if I get fat, I'm blaming you." She hesitated, but she eventually took a bite. "It's… delicious."
"Thank you!" Pinkie Pie said with a grin. Meanwhile, I smirked and continued to enjoy my sweets with my sisters and friend. I'm feeling good. I'm still sad, of course, but I'm not feeling like crying. Pinkie Pie sure knows how to put a smile on my face.
An hour later, I was doing my rounds when I noticed Sunset and Twilight missing. I went to look for the rest of my friends. I found them by the broken docks, alongside my sisters.
"Hey, have any of you seen Sunset or Twilight?"
Everyone shook their heads.
"Ah haven't seen Sunset since she went to look for Gloriosa an hour ago."
"And Twilight went with her." Spike said.
"Oh, she did?" I asked.
"Yes. She said a walk could help her to clear her mind." Fluttershy said.
"I see..." I crossed my arms, trying not to look upset. "How is she…?"
"Not good. She's a mess." Rainbow Dash replied, causing Rarity to elbow her. "Ouch! What was that for?!"
"Be more gentle!" Rarity whispered harshly. I felt terrible finding out about Twilight's condition, so I turned around to avoid being seen cleaning my tears. "Aria, darling. Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I'm good." I turned around again and forced a smile to my friends. "Thank you." Rarity smiled back.
"So…" Rainbow Dash suddenly said, catching our attention. "If Gloriosa isn't around… what do we do? Without supervision, some people could cause problems."
"There's supervision, dummy." Pinkie Pie said. "We have Tree Hugger!"
"Ah haven't seen her anywhere in the past hour either." Applejack said.
"Aria's still here." Adagio said. "Trust me, when she scowls at anyone, they won't dare to question her." My older sister finished with a smirk.
"Thank you, Adagio." I said, smiling proudly.
"I hope Sunset and Twilight find Gloriosa soon." Fluttershy said.
"Sunset has a good eye." Trixie commented. "Don't worry. I'm sure they'll-" She was interrupted when we heard someone scream. We got startled, but wasted no time in running to where the scream came from.
"What the-?!” I exclaimed as soon as we reached the area the scream came from. My friends gasped when we saw big plants all over the place. There were also plants which looked like capsules.
"What are… these?" Rainbow Dash said as she approached the strange green capsule. But just as she was about to touch it, Adagio raised her voice.
"Wait, don't touch it!" The athletic girl stepped back, startled.
"What? Why not?" Rainbow Dash asked, confused.
"It's… moving. Look!" My older sister pointed at the capsule. Just like she said, it was moving. Everyone gasped and stepped away. I took a proper look and noticed what seemed to be vines… wait, vines, big green capsule… I read about this on my training about the local flora, but on a smaller scale. That's… that's-!
"I know what it is!" I said before pushing Rainbow away. "Stay back! It's a plant pod of some kind!"
"A what?!" Adagio said, surprised and disgusted. "A… plant pod?"
Fluttershy took a closer look and gasped. "She's right! It's just like ones I saw at-" The pod moved again so Fluttershy gasped and stepped back as Trixie and Rarity got in front of her.
"What's in there?!" Sonata exclaimed.
My sister Adagio moved closer and pushed her face close to the pod to look inside, gasping almost immediately.
"Tree Hugger?" Adagio gasped pointing at the pod.
Several of us moved closer to see the pod was indeed very thin and we could barely make out the figure of Tree Hugger inside. Applejack tried ripping the pod open but she clearly lacked the strength to do it, and her magic didn’t seem to be giving her the same strength as before. I stepped back pushing my friends back and gave the pod a few quick taps with my finger. It was thin and I was sure I could break it with my siren strength.
"Stand back. I’m gonna rip and tear this pod apart.” I snarled cracking my knuckles.
Everyone stepped back and my sister stood between me and my friends as I drove my hand into the pod. I was quickly able to make a small hole with my fist in it. I then gripped the inside with both hands and gave it all I had. The pod was strong enough that I had to use all my strength, but with my siren strength Applejack came up with an axe and I stepped aside so she could cut into it. The pod split more and I continued to rip it open. Then, Tree Hugger slipped out covered in slime. Applejack dropped the axe before she and Trixie helped the poor girl out.
Gloriosa's cousin coughed out some slime before opening her eyes and seeing us, as I wiped my hands on a handkerchief. "Oh, it's you!" Tree Hugger cried out before noticing the axe resting on the ground. "You released me! Thank you!"
"You're welcome." I said as Fluttershy and I helped her to stand up.
"What's going on?" Adagio asked. "Where did those pods come from?" Before Tree Hugger could answer, the vine I just cut joined itself again so we all took a step back.
Moments later, the screams we heard before returned and we saw several campers running away from something. I couldn't see the culprit, but I did see more vines raising. Some of the campers were captured by them.
"Where are those things coming from?! Applejack asked.
"From her!" Tree Hugger said as she pointed with her index finger to a person standing in the middle of the chaos. I didn't recognize her at first, but when the woman turned, I recognized my boss. She looked different and was now wearing a necklace of stones, but that was undoubtedly Gloriosa Daisy. She looked completely different.
She was darker skin toned almost like a dark oak tree, her hair was green like the grass and she looked like a villain from a Hawkman video I watched not long ago that controlled plants. From her plant like clothing she was a straight movie villan ripoff but her magic was all the more scary.
"What is she doing?!" I asked in disbelief.
"She completely lost control of her magic!" Adagio angrily said before glaring at our friends. “I knew this would happen!”
“We’re sorry, okay?!” Rainbow Dash said as she raised her arms in annoyance. “You can scold us later. Now’s not the time!”
“Rainbow’s right, Adagio.” I said as I frowned. “There are people in danger.”
“I know, I know.” My older sister groaned before turning to Tree Hugger. “Listen, we have experience with these sorts of things. We’ll handle it. You should stay back.”
“You mean you know about magic?” Tree Hugger blinked before shaking her head. “O-Okay, I will. Just, please, be gentle on my cousin. We’re still going through hard times.”
“I’ll make no promises, but we will try.” I said. Tree Hugger nodded and ran away to help keep people away. After she left, Adagio and I turned to the rest of the group. “Okay, we need a plan.”
“I’m on it.” My older sister said as she placed a hand on her chin. “The vine we just cut grew again, so the axe isn’t a viable option for permanently getting rid of them.”
“But we still had time to pull Tree Hugger out.” I said as I put the axe on my shoulder.
Adagio looked to where Gloriosa Daisy was. With each passing moment she caught more campers and trapped them inside pods. “We could free her, yes, but at this rate, Gloriosa will trap too many for us to free. Not to mention that as soon as she sees us, she’ll try to trap us too.”
“What about magic?” Sonata said as she raised her hand. “Our friends could try to cut those vines.”
“But we still have no idea how to fully control our magic.” Applejack said.
"It's our best shot." My older sister said as she crossed her arms. "Go in pairs and keep an eye open in case you find Sunset or Twilight." I could feel my blood boiling. If any of them are hurt, I won't be kind to my boss. I looked at Adagio, who was now addressing our younger sister. "Sonata, make sure Pinkie Pie has enough sugar."
"We'll make those vines go boom!" Sonata exclaimed before taking Pinkie Pie by the arm and running towards the kitchen.
"Okay." Adagio said before turning to Rainbow Dash. "You said you have super speed, right?"
"Y-Yeah…" The athletic girl nodded.
"Try to save as many campers as you can. Bring them to a safe spot." My sister said before turning to Rarity. "That will be you. See if you can create a barrier to repel the vines. Trixie, stay with her."
"I'll do my best." Rarity said before she, Trixie and Rainbow left. Adagio turned to Fluttershy next. "As for you, sweetie…"
"U-Umm… I suppose I could go with Rarity and see if I can ask the wildlife to build a tunnel out of the camp…"
My sister's eyes widened and then she smiled approvingly. "Good idea. Go ahead."
Fluttershy nodded and ran in the direction Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Trixie went.
Finally, Adagio glanced at Applejack and me. "Aria, get another axe. You two will buy our friends more time. I'll join Rarity."
"You got it." I said nodding before turning to the farmer girl. "Follow me."
"Ah'm right behind you." I went to the shed where Applejack got the axe from to grab another for myself.
"Have you used one of these before?" I asked.
"Yeah. Ah had to cut down some of my apple trees back at my farm." Applejack said as I grabbed an axe testing the edge. "These vines are hard to cut, though.
"Thanks for the heads up." I said after nodding. We then headed towards the nearest pod. "I'll cut this one while you free the camper inside."
"Okay." Applejack said as she frowned in concentration.
Applejack and I fist bumped and charged outside. Thankfully, her magic returned. With her magical strength she was easily keeping pace with my natural siren strength. I was so glad I managed to retain something of my past self, even as basic as my brutish strength.
Applejack and I took turns releasing the campers from the pods. As we worked, I could see the rest of my friends and sisters doing their best as well. My friends' magic worked sometimes, but they were still struggling. I could see Rainbow Dash losing her super speed or how some of the cupcakes Pinkie Pie threw didn't explode.
We cut pod after pod but there was no sign of Twilight or Sunset. We told everyone we saved to run to the safe zone under Rarity's shield.
Unfortunately, Gloriosa eventually turned her attention to us and started to create vines and other plants specifically to attack us.
We dodged and cut through the plants, but Gloriosa kept sending more and more. For a while Applejack and I were doing well holding our own against the plants, but we quickly began to run out of steam. Applejack was the first to succumb to fatigue and the vines struck her away with enough force to send her skidding across the ground.
"Applejack!" I called for my friend, but the plants came after me. I managed to cut some, but I couldn't avoid getting caught.
"Aria, no!" I heard Sonata cry. I looked at her and I saw that she was rushing towards me with Pinkie Pie. However, before they could do something, the plants holding me vaporized. It was so sudden that I couldn't soften my fall. I twisted my ankle upon hitting the floor.
"Damn it!" I cried, holding my hurt ankle. I glanced at Gloriosa and I realized that she was looking at something behind me. Then, her eyes widened before crossing her arms in front of her face just before she was hit by a strange dark orb. Gloriosa got thrown backwards before she hit the floor.
Surprised, I turned my head around to find Twilight, with a hand lifted towards Gloriosa. She's fine! Wait… Did she… was she the one who-
"Aria!" My line of thought got interrupted by Sunset, who just emerged beside Twilight. The fiery girl ran towards me and knelt to check on me. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah, it's just my ankle, I’ll be fine." I replied before turning my attention to Twilight again. She looked different. Her expression was serious and I felt a strange aura around her. "What happened to Twilight? Why does she look so different?"
Sunset's expression darkened. "She… that's not Twilight."
"What?!" I tried to stand up, but the pain on my foot didn't allow me to do so. "Sunset, what do you mean?"
"When we found Gloriosa, she was about to use some magical stones she had. She trapped us inside the cave we were in. Twilight got desperate to escape, so… she allowed Midnight to take over. I-"
"And you just watched?!" I interrupted Sunset. I was furious! "I thought you would keep her safe!"
"I tried, Aria! But she wouldn't listen! I'm sorry!" Sunset looked remorseful, but I was too angry to listen to her apologies. We didn't have time either. Twilight was in danger!
"Twilight!, listen to me!" Again, I tried to stand up, but this time Sunset stopped me.
"Aria, your foot…"
"I don't care!" I cried. My eyes started to get wet. "My girlfriend needs me!"
"Aria?" That voice… it was Twilight! I looked at her and I saw that she was looking at me with sorrow. However, in the blink of an eye, she smiled maliciously again and when she spoke, her voice was different. "Don't worry, my Queen. We will make sure this pathetic creature ceases to be a problem!"
"What? No! Don't kill her!" I exclaimed, but Midnight turned around and faced Gloriosa again.
"Your laughable magic is not comparable to our power. You will be purged!" Midnight said before raising her hand towards Gloriosa. I saw how an aura started to form in that hand.
"Twilight, snap out of it!" Sunset tried to reason with her best friend, but it didn't work. Midnight released a powerful blast of magic that could have toppled me and looked like it could kill Gloriosa in one shot.
Fortunately, Rarity got between my boss and Midnight and raised a barrier. As Midnight's magic destroyed the barrier Rarity got thrown away and hit the ground hard.
"Rarity, no!" Adagio exclaimed. She was unable to help our friend because she was defending herself from vines.
However, Rarity's intervention worked. It weakened the blast. When Gloriosa got hit, she was still sent skidding backwards until she crashed into a tree. In the moment of the hit, the necklace she was wearing broke and the stones broke free. I noticed that they fell close to each of my friends as if drawn to them.
"This is…" Sunset said as she examined the stone which landed near her.
"Rarity!" I heard Applejack cry as she ran towards the girl in question. The farmer girl dropped the axe I gave her and took Rarity into her arms. "Rarity, talk to me!"
Rarity barely opened her eyes and smiled. "Jackie… I… I…" She wasn't able to say more because I think she passed out.
"Rarity!" It was Twilight's voice again filled with grief. "Oh, no… what have I done?!" Her voice changed to Midnight's before speaking again with her eyes glowing brighter.
"Forget about her! You don't need her! Aria is the only one who matters!"
Twilight's voice returned. "No! My friends are important too, you despicable monster! Get out of my head! The deal's off!" Twilight fell on her knees while grabbing her head. "Go away!"
"Sunset!" I called my friend. Fear was clear in my voice. "We have to do something before she loses herself again!"
"I…" The fiery girl took the stone she was examining and looked at me. "I might have an idea. I have no time to test it-"
"No, we don't!" I interrupted her.
"R-Right!" Sunset said before taking me by my arms to help me stand. "Adagio, Sonata, join us at Twilight! Everyone else, assist Rarity, Gloriosa and the campers!"
"On it!" Rainbow Dash said with a salute while my sisters, Sunset and I headed towards where Twilight was.
"What are you thinking, Sunset?" Adagio asked as she helped Sunset to carry me.
"I feel a connection with this stone." Sunset explained. "The magic feels familiar and I think I know how to use it to help us enter into Twilight's mind and help her from the inside… hopefully."
"Then let's do it!" I said as I glanced at my girlfriend who was still on her knees. "The more we wait, the less chance we have to help her!"
"I concur." Adagio said. "I feel strong dark magic from within her."
"And familiar too!” Sonata spoke next. "Do any of you feel it too?"
"What are you…?" At first, I was confused, but then I felt it. The dark magic possessing Twilight did really feel familiar. I have had contact with it before, but… how? I glanced at my older sister. She had a hand on her chin in a thoughtful manner. She recognized it too.
I shook my head. Now's not the time to think about the connection! "Nevermind. Sunset, take us in!"
The fiery girl nodded. "Alright, grab onto me!" She said before closing her eyes and her fist in which she was holding her stone before placing her free hand on Twilight's head.
Not a second passed before she opened her eyes wide, a brilliant white light shining from within. Immediately afterwards, we felt how we got transported into Twilight's mind. The trip was disorienting, but we made it.
Inside, we found ourselves in a dark void filled with fog. I also noticed that I could stand with both of my feet here.
After checking the surroundings, I soon spotted Twilight. She was trapped in a magical cage while beside her a demon stood, guarding her.
It didn't take long for Twilight to see us. She seemed confused, but smiled. "Aria! Guys! How are you here? I'm so glad to see you guys!"
The demon turned around, glaring at us. "Intruders!" She angrily shrieked at us, but when she saw me, she… smiled at me… I think. She looked similar to Twilight, but her smile was so bizarre and wrong. “Oh! My Queen! You’re here!? How delightful!”
"I'm not your Queen, demon!" I angrily raised my voice. "Release Twilight! This body does not belong to you!"
"Oh, but it does. Twilight and I are one. Besides, she finally realized who should have control. Isn't that right, Twilight?"
"I'm sorry…" Twilight said between tears. "But the danger…"
"There's no danger to us anymore. No one can defy us! Don't you see it, Dazzlings? It will be like before! Us, together once again!"
"Once again?" I raised an eyebrow, confused. "You didn't exist back then!"
"Aria…" Adagio called me. "Can't you feel it? The familiar sensation we felt before Sunset took us here… it's stronger now."
"She's right!" Sonata said. "It looks like it's coming from…" My little sister turned to Midnight and pointed at the monster. "Her!"
I glanced at Midnight, feeling even more confused. "Who… are you?"
Midnight smirked maliciously. "I'm that what you thought was lost. Your glory, your true power! I am the embodiment of the magic which was stolen from you by that pathetic pony!" She said while glaring at Sunset. "And her stupid friends!"
"That's impossible!" Sunset took a step forward, defiant. "We never took that magic. We expelled it!"
"Not all of it." Midnight spoke again. "You were protected from the songs, but your shield only trapped the sirens’ dark magic. When Twilight here showed up with her gyzmo…" The monster said as she cupped Twilight's cheek with malice. My girlfriend was in no position to brush her off.
"She sucked up that dark magic as well, alongside part of your magic. Naturally, dark magic is superior, so it easily overwhelmed your pathetic pony magic. And when Twilight sucked up enough magic, I was born from within her. She and I are one. We could have become unstoppable if she accepted me!" Midnight scowled with a hiss in her tone.
"There’s no ‘we’, you freak!” Twilight yelled at the demon. “YOU took over me and attacked Canterlot High... and my friends…"
“Stop caring about these inferior creatures!” Midnight continued. "You might have stopped me once, but I won't give up on my quest! And you, Aria Blaze,” Midnight offered her hand with a kind smile, one that I could tell had a dark undertone behind it. “You can rule by my side! Together, with your magic restored. This world and maybe even Equestria shall be ours! It's our destiny!"
I glanced at my sisters, who were disgusted as much as I was. Then I turned to Sunset, who seemed worried. Was she thinking that we were considering Midnight's offer? I better do something about that.
I walked towards Midnight. She smirked and opened her arms to welcome me.
"Oh, Aria. I knew you were smart!" The monster said.
"Yes… I am." I said before raising my fist and punching Midnight in the face. The monster lost her balance and fell on the floor. "Did you honestly think that I would choose you over Twilight? That I would let you hurt my friends and ruin my new life? I told you, you're nothing to me! Leave my girlfriend's body and disappear!" I yelled before turning to Sunset. "Do your thing, pony. Let's purge this thing."
Sunset smirked, visibly relieved. "Gladly."
"No!" Midnight disappeared in smoke and reappeared in front of Sunset, tackling her. "No one will stop us from fulfilling our destiny of being with our Queen!"
Fortunately, Adagio and Sonata were next to our friend so they went to her rescue.
"Go away, you villain!" Sonata said as she punched Midnight, making her release Sunset. Next, Adagio grabbed the demon's arms and held them tight.
"Aria, give us a hand!" My older sister said to me before glancing at Sunset. "We'll restrain her. Release Twilight!" Sunset didn't need to be told twice. She nodded and ran towards where Twilight was trapped while I joined my sisters.
"Your little entourage won't keep me away from you forever, filthy pony!" Midnight exclaimed enraged.
"Your face is an entourage!" Sonata said while pouting angrily.
"Sonata, that's not…" Adagio tried to explain the meaning of the word before I interrupted her.
"Forget it! Focus on Midnight! Don't let her loose!" I said while glaring at the demon. "I won't let you hurt Twilight anymore."
"I wield the power! I could have returned your former glory! We could have been together!" Midnight said. I could swear she sounded heartbroken.
"I don't want power anymore! I don't want your curse!" I said before punching the demon in her face again. Damn, it felt so good! "I just want you out of our lives for good!" I took a quick glance to Sunset. She was transformed with her pony ears and tail, using her magic to break the cage.
"You're making a mistake!" Midnight said right before receiving another punch in her face. This time from Sonata.
"You're a mistake!" My younger sister said. "You mean ugly monster!"
"Enough!" Midnight exclaimed as an invisible force pushed my sisters and me away from her. Adagio and I could cushion our fall but Sonata slipped and hit the ground.
"Sonata!" My older sister exclaimed as she and I rushed to our fallen sister.
"I-I'm okay." Sonata said as we helped her to stand.
"Not for long!" The demon said as she walked towards us and smirked with malice. She had her hand raised at us and was preparing to attack us with magic. "Have you forgotten that you're all brute force now? You’re nothing without me, my Queen! I wield your magic! You have nothing! Without me you’d perish!"
That hit me hard. I recalled when my old pack leader said something similar to me long long ago. I felt a heavy weight in my heart as the words echoed in my head.
"But they have me!" That voice… Twilight!
Right after Twilight spoke, a magic blast hit Midnight, knocking her over. My sisters and I turned around to find Twilight approaching with Sunset right on her heels.
"Are you okay?" I asked as soon as she stood next to us. My girlfriend spared me a quick smile and a nod before glaring back at Midnight.
"I'm tired of you! Of your twisted views! Of your continuous attempts to steal my body! I have had enough!" I felt another invisible push, but this time from Twilight. My sisters and I were unaffected, but Midnight, who was trying to stand up, was pushed into the floor again. "You hurt my friends! And you also were about to hurt Aria! I'm not going to let you push me around anymore!"
"Twilight." I called for her and smiled to give her more confidence. My girlfriend replied with a nod, without moving her eyes from the demon.
"Leave us alone! You're not wanted here. You never were!"
"You ungrateful fools! After everything I offered you!"
"Seriously, just shut up!" I said as I stood next to Twilight. I took my girlfriend's hand to support her. I noticed that Sunset took Twilight's free hand while Adagio held my free hand and Sonata did the same with Adagio's. When we all held each other, I felt something. I'm not sure what it was, but it felt as if part of myself left my body through my hand and passed through Twilight's hand. I could also feel my sisters' energy moving through my body and onto Twilight's hand as well.
Just a moment later, an energy ball formed on Twilight's chest. The ball grew larger until it was big enough to hold my sisters and me. Midnight cried enraged and tried to cast magic, but nothing happened. Twilight was in full control.
"Do not come back!" My girlfriend said before releasing the energy ball on Midnight. The demon was helpless to stop it. The ball hit her.
Midnight started to cry in pain as the energy ball disintegrated her completely. Once she was no more, the ball exploded in a blinding flash, forcing me to cover my eyes.
When I removed my hands, I noticed a change of scenery. We were back at the camp. I was lying on the ground with my sisters, Sunset and Twilight around me. Wait…
"Twilight!" I called as I tried to stand up. However, a strong pain reminded me of my twisted ankle. "Ouch! Damn it!" I complained as I sat and massaged my injured leg.
Sunset knelt and helped Twilight to stand up as my sisters recovered.
"Aria, let me." Adagio said as she helped me to stand. I put an arm around my sister's shoulder and was careful to not step on my bad foot.
"Thanks." I said to Adagio, who replied with a smile.
"How are you feeling, Twilight?" Sonata asked while holding one of Twilight's hands with both of her own.
"I'm feeling a little dizzy…" My girlfriend said as she massaged her forehead. "But other than that, I think that I'm fine."
"Are you sure?" Sunset asked. "We can take you to the infirmary."
"No, no. I'm fine, thanks." Twilight replied with a smile before her eyes met mine. She got instantly worried. "Oh my gosh, Aria!" She ran towards me. "I'm so sorry you got hurt! If only-"
"It wasn't your fault, Twilight. Gloriosa was the one who injured me." I said as I patted her head. Twilight still looked worried, though. Without a warning, she hugged me tightly. I was about to return it, but she quickly released me.
"I-I'm sorry… I forgot we're not on good terms right now." Oh, Twilight…
I smiled a little and pinched my girlfriend's cheek to call her attention. "Listen, I'm going to have my ankle checked. Then, we'll talk, okay?"
Twilight was confused, but then she nodded and smiled. "Okay…" I patted her head to let her know I wasn't as angry as before. But I still needed some answers. I hope we can work it out in our talk.
I turned around and headed towards the infirmary with the help of Adagio. My sister looked at me before speaking.
"I'm glad you were nicer to her. It was strange to see you two arguing."
"I know. I hated that." I said before sighing. "But I had no choice. That… demon inside of her had our dark magic. It was too dangerous for her to fight it alone."
"And to think that we used to be like Midnight." My sister said before shaking her head. "With Twilight purging her like that… Never again. We can finally be happy. Have a normal life."
"Yeah…" I smiled. "I'm so glad that we're no longer dependent on magic. Especially after you told me what could have become of us."
"I will mourn Forte Pulse until my passing." Adagio said before sighing sadly. "If only we knew we could heal ourselves from the curse…"
"We wouldn't have cared." I said, growling a bit. "We loved our lives before our friends took our magic from us."
"I know…" My sister dropped her head. I just-" She wasn't able to continue because a familiar voice interrupted her.
"Excuse me… Aria Blaze." Adagio and I turned around to find Tree Hugger and Gloriosa with her arm in a cast. The latter being the one who interrupted our conversation. "I-I want to apologize…"
I quickly got on guard. Although Adagio stood in front of me. "For attacking us?"
"Yes, for that and… for being so strict with you." Gloriosa said.
I raised an eyebrow, confused. "What do you mean?"
"While it would have been unprofessional for you to talk with your girlfriend and friends too much, I shouldn't have forbidden you from talking to them altogether."
"Oh…" I said as I let my guard down. "Yes, it wasn't easy to hold myself from talking to them."
"I know, and I'm sorry for that." My boss said before looking away. "I was under too much stress. My brother is dead and I'm about to lose this camp which has been in my family for generations… In the end I couldn't hold myself together anymore and I lost my mind. But I can make it up to you."
"How?" I asked, confused.
"I won't be as strict with you for the rest of your working days here. You have also been doing a good job so far. If you keep this up, I'll write a letter of recommendation for you. You deserve it after all you’ve done for us.”
I couldn't stop myself from smiling. "Really?"
Gloriosa nodded, but this time Tree Hugger was the one to speak. "Yes. You're responsible, Aria. We believe you can do anything you set your mind to. We'll help you in any way we can."
"Thank you so much!" I said, grinning.
"You're welcome. Gloriosa said with a smile. "We have to go. Have your leg checked and take it easy the next few days."
"I will. Again, thank you."
Gloriosa and Tree Hugger nodded before waving and walking away. Adagio smiled at me as soon as they were gone.
"Look at you. You're making contacts! I'm proud of you."
"I'm proud of me too." I said, smiling. Twilight will surely be proud of me too! I lost my smile. Twilight… we still have to talk. There's something important I have to ask her. But first… my ankle needs to be taken care of.
I had my foot bandaged and splinted at the infirmary. They also gave me crutches to move around. But as I suspected, I just twisted my ankle. It wasn't broken in any way. I went to find my friends gathered near their tents. As soon as Sonata saw me, she ran towards me to hug me.
"I'm happy to see you too, Sonata." I said as I happily patted her head. I raised my head to see that our friends soon surrounded us. Twilight wasn't with them.
"So…" Rainbow Dash was the first to speak. "The vines, the magic… they sure were something."
“Well, at least they made this camp unforgettable.” I said with a smirk. “Would you recommend our wonderful camp to others?”
“If you promise it to be magic free the next time, then yes.” Applejack commented with a smile.
“But what about that Filthy Rich guy?” Adagio asked. “Didn’t he want to buy this place?”
“Maybe what he just witnessed scared him off?” Rarity said.
"I hope so." Sonata said. "This is a nice place. I don't want it gone."
"I like this camp too." I commented. "I hope Gloriosa doesn't give in." I sighed. I would like to keep talking to them, but I have somewhere else to be. "By the way. Do any of you know where Twilight is?"
"Yes." Fluttershy answered. "She said she would be by the docks."
"Okay, thanks. I'll catch you later." I waved at my friends before turning around.
"Good luck, you two!" Sunset said as she and everyone else waved back. I moved as fast as my crutches allowed me. Don't worry, cub. Here I come!
When I arrived, it didn't take long to find Twilight. She had her body facing me but her eyes were closed. Spike was on her lap. He got happy to see me, judging by his wagging tail. Unfortunately, that woke Twilight up.
"A-Aria!" My girlfriend stood up abruptly as soon as she saw me. She held Spike between her arms. "Are you okay? Do you need help?" Twilight asked as she put Spike on the floor and walked towards me.
"No, no. I'm fine. Don't worry." I said with a smile.
"Are you sure?" Spike asked.
"Yes, I am." I replied while I scratched Spike's head. "Listen, boy, I don't want to kick you out, but Twilight and I need privacy right now."
"Oh, sure! Don't mind me." Spike said, wagging his tail more.
"I'm sure Fluttershy has a treat for you." Twilight said.
"Oh, goodie!" Spike jumped excitedly and ran in the direction of the tents. I chuckled before turning to Twilight and noticing that she seemed distracted.
"Sparks?" Twilight blinked and glanced at me. "Shall we sit down?"
"O-Okay…" Twilight said before going to sit at the docks. I followed her and sat down, leaving the crutches next to me. She was looking down instead of looking at me. An awkward silence followed until Twilight spoke again. "So… you called me your girlfriend when you were… inside my head."
"I did." I tried to make eye contact with her but she kept avoiding my gaze. "So?"
"So… I thought that you b-broke up with me…"
My heart sank. Is that what she thought it happened? "I never did such a thing."
Finally, Twilight looked at me. She seemed confused. "But… you were so angry. Y-You walked away from me when I refused to tell you about my problems."
"I needed space. We needed space. You were shutting yourself in and I thought that if we were apart, you would realize that you had to open up." I sighed, feeling guilty. "But instead… things got worse. If I had known walking away would release Midnight..."
"Actually, that's not why that monster took over me…" Twilight looked away.
"What do you mean?" I asked as I scooted closer to her. "How did she then?"
"She possessed me because…" She closed her eyes. She was struggling to speak but I allowed her to take her time. "Because I allowed it. I-I gave in…"
"What?! I exclaimed louder than I intended. My girlfriend nodded and her eyes got wet. "Twilight… why?"
Twilight sniffed and looked into my eyes. "Because I was helpless to come to your aid. Everyone was in danger. You were in danger! I had to do something!”