//------------------------------// // Equestria's Depletion of Magic Day One: After School // Story: Spike the Fairy // by PonyJoel //------------------------------// It's 3:00 in the afternoon. The teachers and counselors are on their way to the office. Students are going home and wondering why unicorns are unable to use magic. "Neighsay, you alright?" Yona asks. "I'm not sure. My magic has never failed on me," Neighsay said, trying to conjure a simple spell. "Something is screwy," Sandbar said. "You think?" Gallus sarcastically says. The Unity Seven are outside of the school while the teachers are in Starlight's office trying to figure out who's temporary Headmare or Headstallion. "Who could it be?" Silverstream asks. "I have a notion on who it could be," Neighsay said. "Who, Neighsay?" Smolder asks. "Tirek. He has powers capable of absorbing magic. I lucked out when he didn't come after the EEA. However, I witnessed many ponies losing their magic, strength, and flight. It was terrifying." "Where is Tirek?" Ocellus asks, sounding nervous. "In Tartarus. That's where all evil intended creatures go if they don't reform or atone. There is a slight possibility that he escaped once more." "And if not?" Sandbar says. "There could be someone working with him or some creature with evil intent to make all of Equestria suffer," Neighsay says. "You think it's Queen Chrysalis?" Ocellus asks. "I'm not sure. Queen Chrysalis is powerful in her own right, but her taking magic from all of Equestria may be out of her element. Not even singularity spells could do such a thing. Maybe an old relic is in play, but even so, there isn't much left that has the power to take all magic away," Neighsay answers. "Also, why would you suggest Queen Chrysalis, Ocellus?" Yona asks. "She has hatred on Equestria, especially Starlight Glimmer. With the hive changed for the better, she's the only Changeling that hasn't transformed. I believe she may have some intentions of ridding Equestria's magic, so there is no defense once she unleashes her wrath..," Ocellus looks down a bit. "That is possible. We should take that into consideration," Neighsay said. "Yak agrees," Yona nods. "So, what can and should we do?" Silverstream asks. "Let's check in with teachers. I'm sure Professor Spike knows what's going on better than the rest of them," Ocellus suggests. "Alright, let's go look for Professor Spike," Neighsay leads his friends inside the school to search for Spike. During this time, Sunburst, Trixie, Maud, and the CMC Counselors are in Starlight's office, wondering what to do next. "Should we suspend school until Twilight and the others solve this crisis?" Sweetie Belle suggests. "I vote yes for the matter," Sunburst raises his hoof. "I'm not sure. Starlight entrusted us to teach during situations like this," Trixie exclaims. "Perhaps we shorten the school hours until things go back to normal?" Maud calmly says. Cozy Glow walks through the door. "I have a suggestion." "Cozy, what are you doing here?" Apple Bloom asks. "Professor Spike is the Head-Dragon of the school and has decided to grant me some power to override what goes on." "Excuse us?" Everyone in the room said except for Cozy. "Why you and not one of us?" Sweetie Belle asks. "I'm the one that knows the severity of the situation. I'm the one that helped Twilight, Starlight, and their friends on their quest. Plus, I helped pull every creature together after classes were over while you all came here to discuss what is next. Spike entrusted me to help out after answering many questions since he's under the weather. Isn't trust also part of friendships? Do you not trust me with the vital information I have?" "Well, when you put it that way, uh..," Sunburst is trying to come up with an answer. "Trixie doesn't like this. A filly in charge of the school?" "Yet, you have three fillies as counselors of the school. You afraid that a filly can do much more than an older mare or stallion?" Cozy asks. "That's not it," Maud answers. "It's the responsibility that comes in taking over the school." "Plus, what happened to Spike?" Scootaloo asks. "He's not feeling well. I put him in a quiet place where he can rest," Cozy smiles. "How thoughtful," Apple Bloom says but, having suspicious thoughts about Cozy Glow's behavior. "Also, what other options do any of you have that you can agree on?" Cozy asks. Everyone sighs and turns to Cozy. "We have three days before all Equestrian magic depletes. On the first day, which is today, unicorn magic and spells will vanish. On the second day, creatures will lose their magic abilities. On the third day when the sun sets, magic artifacts and relics will stop working." Everyone gasps in the room except for Maud, as she shows little emotion. They can't believe what's happening. "What should we do?" Sunburst asks. "Dismiss classes until further notice. Teachers and counselors should go home and rest until Equestria is back to normal. For students that want to continue their study or try to help one another, I'll be here doing my part until Head-Dragon Spike comes and take his rightful position until Starlight returns. Head-Dragon Spike asked me to sent you all home." "Alright, Trixie will respect Spike's wishes and rest," Trixie leaves the office. "With Applejack gone, Big Mac is going to need help at the farm. I better skedaddle," Apple Bloom leaves the office. "I better go back to the Crystal Empire. Princess Cadance and Shining Armor may need my help with Flurry Heart. With their magic depleted, trying to stop Flurry Heart from taking off would be harder," Sunburst leaves the office. "I'll come back to check on you and Spike from time to time," Maud said as she leaves the office. "I guess we should help Apple Bloom, right Scootaloo?" Sweetie Belle turns to Scootaloo. "Yea," Scootaloo nods. "The Cutie Mark Crusaders stick together," Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle leaves the office. Cozy happily sighs. "Such good hearts and friends," Cozy flies and sits on Starlight's chair. "I'll be making more and more as time goes by. Thank you, Spike, for entrusting me with power," Cozy chuckles a bit. "Speaking of which, I should check on him," Cozy leaves the office. The Unity Seven runs into Sunburst as they are on the search for Spike. Sunburst looks at them and wonders why they are in a hurry. "Hey, Neighsay, Ocellus, Sandbar, Yona, Smolder, Gallus, Silverstream. Why are you seven in a hurry?" "We're looking for Professor Spike. Yak and friends want to know what's going on." "Spike is under the weather, according to Cozy Glow. Things in Equestria may change for the worse. I have to get going. I don't want to worry any of you," Sunburst leaves. "Let's go look for Cozy Glow," Silverstream said. The Unity Seven go in search of Cozy Glow. They spotted her going into the library and proceed with caution. As they enter the library, Cozy goes down the shaft to the basement of the school. "What the..?" Smolder is confused as to why Cozy Glow would go down there. "Something is not right; why would anyone go to the basement of the school that way?" Sandbar says. "Yona don't know? Neighysay?" Yona turns to Neighsay. "I'm as clueless as every creature else is. For reasons like this, we should investigate." "Agreed," Sandbar goes down first. "Guys, there's a ladder," Sandbar reaches the basement. "Geez, it's dark. Can one of you grab a flashlight or something?" "I'll grab some flashlights," Silverstream zooms to the nearby closet to grab a few flashlights. Moments later, she returns with four flashlights. "This is all I can find at short notice." "Alright, let's go down," Neighsay said. He and his friends climb down the ladder slowly and turn on the flashlights to see the cave. The Unity Seven see crystal roots and branches all around. "What is this place?" Silverstream asks. "We're in the basement of the school," Gallus answers. "Doesn't look like any basement I've ever seen," Neighsay said. "Nor any caves I've seen in the dragon lands," Smolder said. The crystal roots and branches glow while a sparkling alicorn approaches the group. The area illuminates in a sparkling glow, igniting the crystal branches and roots to generate a bright light. "Welcome," The sparkling alicorn says. "Princess Twilight Sparkle?" Ocellus says. "Aren't you supposed to be solving the Equestrian Magic crisis?" Sandbar asks. Every creature is confused and wants answers. "I am not Princess Twilight Sparkle. I am a representation of the Tree of Harmony." "The Tree of what now?" Gallus is in shock as well as his friends. "Why are you taking the form of Twilight Sparkle?" Sandbar asks. "She is a representation and the Princess of Friendship. You seven are here for a purpose to save Equestria," Tree of Harmony explains. The Unity Seven takes a step back with the revelation. They don't know why or how to save Equestria. "As I speak for everyone, how are we intended to save Equestria? We don't know the root of the situation," Neighsay says. "Yona is confused. What are we supposed to do?" "Yona? We're confused, and we're looking for answers," Gallus said. "The answers you seek, I shall explain. A creature is using relics to take away Equestria's Magic. This creature is innocent on the outside, deceptive on the inside. This creature wishes to use friendship as power, not love or unity. You seven have extended the love of friendship to new bounds. You're all united as one. Only you can rid of the evil that's taking away Equestria's magic." "Where do we go?" Neighsay asks. "I'll guide you. From there, you'll know what to do," The Tree of Harmony's form descends into the ground creating a pathway to the source. "I'm scared," Gallus says as he sees the trail way leading into a shallow cave. "Why is Griffin scared?" Yona asks. "I.., I.., I..," Gallus stutters a bit. "Are you claustrophobic?" Ocellus asks. Gallus nods. "I hate small spaces!" Gallus balls up a little. Ocellus and Silverstream comfort Gallus. Yona and Smolder don't know what to do or how to help with claustrophobia. "Guys, we should go in together. No creature gets left behind," Sandbar helps Gallus up. "Focus on us. Your friends, your pals that won't let you down." "Hold hooves, claws, and paws as we walk together," Neighsay says. He extends his hoof to hold onto Gallus' claw. "In the name of friendship, we're getting through together." "Yeah!" Everyone cheers. "Wait!" Gallus shouts as he looks at the trail heading into the shallow cave. "I should lead, I.., I need to overcome this fear." "Lead the way," Smolder said. Gallus leads his friends into the shallow caves that the trail marked. As they travel and the caves get denser, they hear a familiar voice speaking loudly. A few minutes later, the trail ends by a window. Down below the window, the Unity Seven sees six relics and Head-Dragon Spike within the magic containment bubble. "Oh, I'm sorry that it came down to this, Professor Spike. I can't have you telling the Princesses and ruin all my plans," Cozy smiles and enjoying the suffering of Spike (Discord). "Innocent on the outside," Sandbar says. "Deceptive on the inside," Neighsay says. "With the teachers gone, Headmare Glimmer to be trapped in Tartarus with her friends, they'll be no one stopping me from completing my objectives. Seizing friendship as a weapon to overthrow the remaining Princesses of Equestria, thus I'll proclaim to be the Empress of Friendship! There is one other creature that can pose a threat but, he isn't feeling well," Cozy chuckles. The Unity Seven sees Spike breathing heavily and becomes worried. Cozy Glow notices Spike's change of demeanor. Spike (Discord) reverts within the magic containment bubble. Everyone is stunned to see Spike turning in Discord. "D-Discord?" Then it hits Cozy. "Golly! Discord was Spike this whole time! And that means..," Cozy's smile widens. "I've defeated the Lord of Chaos!" Discord is unable to use his magic as he's horribly weak of not using his chaos magic. No matter how many times he snaps his claw, he remains in the bubble. The Unity Seven turn back a little. "Discord was Spike this entire time?" Silverstream is in shock. "What happened to Spike if Discord was him the entire time?" Ocellus asks. "I..," Neighsay shakes his head. "I have no clue. I don't think anyone knows what happened to the real Spike except Discord." "What should we do?" Sandbar turns to Neighsay as well as the rest of his friends. "We need to formulate a plan. We have two days to rescue Equestria's magic. With Discord trapped in that bubble, we have one way of reaching Princess Celestia and Luna." "How?" The Young Six asks. "I have a medallion that'll allow me to teleport where I need to be. I need to get to my room and grab it. As for the six of you, find a way to lure Cozy Glow away from there. Perhaps get some help from our counselors." "Wait, can't you use the medallion to get to Tartarus and back?" Silverstream asks. "I have never been to Tartarus, so I have no idea how to get there. Our best chance is to get Princess Celestia and Luna into the fray." "Let's head back before Cozy notices we're missing," Smolder suggests. The Unity Seven go back the way they came. Cozy Glow is relishing Discord's predicament. She monologs that her spell needs three days to transport the magic of Equestria into another dimension.