//------------------------------// // 13: You're My Best Friend // Story: Code Lyoko: EG // by Azure Sandora //------------------------------// Theme Song: A World Without Danger 13: You're My Best Friend They had passed through two levels of security in Sector 5, which meant according to Twilight they had to get through four more. Currently they were traveling through the connecting highway to the third security level. “Twilight, we're coming up on the security section,” Rainbow Dash said, Pinkie Pie, Applejack, and Rarity catching up to her. Fluttershy of course was riding with Pinkie Pie on her Tera-Bike. “According to my readings, this one is an arena, and the monsters I'm seeing are bikers,” Twilight said, “Fluttershy, you and Pinkie Pie need to search for the switch opening the way to level 4 while the others deal with the bikers.” “Leave it to us,” Pinkie Pie said, “Now that I know how these levels work, I can totally protect her highness.” The girls rode their Tera-Bikes into the security section, this time not abandoning their vehicles when they entered. They had learned the hard way not to ever fight bikers without their Tera-Bikes. Back in the real world, Twilight and Luna were at the computer watching the enemies appear. Twilight had asked Luna to come with them this time just in case she needed to go into Lyoko herself. As long as one of them was there she could transfer directly into Sector 5, and she was making the finishing touches on her own personal Tera-Bike, choosing a more royal color scheme of purple and golden. “How have you been holding up, Twilight?” Luna asked, putting her hands on Twilight's shoulders. “Pretty well,” Twilight said, “I… haven't told anyone yet about… you know...” Luna pursed her lips, “Twilight...” “I know, I know, I will tell them, soon,” Twilight said looking down, “But my fears are so overwhelming. Truth is, sometimes I even have nightmares, especially after that time last week when Pinkie Pie got captured.” “That was disturbing,” Luna said, “If it wasn't for how dangerous XANA was, I'd insist that you all stop and let the authorities handle it.” “Sometimes, I wish we could,” Twilight admitted, “But if we do that, they'll turn the computer off, and Fluttershy will die.” “That's why you need to tell your friends how afraid you are,” Luna said, “They'll help you deal with this, I'm sure.” Twilight wanted to tell her friends. A few times she almost told Applejack. Every time she got close to telling her though, she clammed up. Applejack was their leader, but Twilight guided them for the most part. Truth was, most of this was still going because Twilight was the one pushing it. If they knew she was so afraid of XANA… When the girls arrived in the arena, they were greeted by six bikers riding in from the other side. Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy rode to the side where they saw a staircase leading up while Rainbow Dash, Rarity, and Applejack rode in separate directions guiding the bikers around the arena. Two bikers pulled out their laser guns and fired at Rarity's back, but she rode out of the way and made a sharp turn in front of the bikers. One rode into her bikes energy stream dying, but the other one turned right on time missing the stream and riding next to Rarity. Rarity saw Rainbow Dash riding up toward her left, and made a sharp turn to the left herself. At the same time, Rainbow Dash rode in front of the biker chasing Rarity causing it to ride into her energy stream. Dash threw a kunai at the single biker chasing her, but it rode to the side out of the way and fired at Dash's bike. It sparked as it took damage. “Hey! No fair!” Dash whined, “I don't attack your rides!” She made a sharp turn left, but the biker followed her and rode right next to her. It tried to fire at her, but she slowed down suddenly to stay out of the way of the attack. The biker looked forward and panicked right before running into a wall. Dash started cracking up seeing that. “Man, where did you guys get your license?” she laughed riding off to deal with another biker. Above them, Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy were moving through a dangerous obstacle course. The floor opened and closed and parts of the ceiling dropped down around the two girls as they ran in search of the switch. “Twilight! I don't see the switch anywhere!” Pinkie Pie said. “Just keep going,” Twilight said, “You should see it-” she gasped, “Pinkie Pie! Mantas are flying your way!” “Mantas?!” Pinkie Pie asked. “Pinkie Pie, look out there!” Fluttershy cried out pointing to the side. Flying up toward them were three large black and white monsters shaped like manta rays. These, much like all the monsters in Sector 5, were super strong, and no one had figured out how to take them out easily. Normally there was at least one person who was super effective against a monster on Lyoko. So far, no one was strong enough to easily fight the monsters in this sector. The mantas started firing at Pinkie Pie, who rolled into a ball to defend against the attacks. She then ran back over to Fluttershy and grabbed her hand. “Let's get moving!” Pinkie Pie cried out. The two of them ran as fast as they could, but kept having more close calls now that they were also dodging laser fire. Applejack looked up to see the trouble they were in. “Damn!” she shouted, “They need help!” “There are less bikers around now,” Twilight said, “One of you should go up to help them!” “Dash, yer up!” Applejack said, “Go help Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy!” “On it!” Dash said riding over to the staircase. She jumped off her bike and used her super sprint ability to get to where Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy were. Once she was up to their level, she ran over to the mantas and jumped on one. “Dashie!” Pinkie Pie called out. “Rainbow Dash, be careful!” Fluttershy urged. Dash pulled out her kunai to throw it into the symbol on the monster's back, but had to use her arm guards to block the attacks from the other two mantas. These monsters had a rate of fire that was almost as fast as tarantulas, but were twice as strong. One shot from them would kill Dash immediately. The manta that Dash was riding on fired at Fluttershy, but Pinkie Pie pushed her out of the way taking the attack head on. Pinkie Pie: 0 HP “Pinkie Pie!” Dash cried out. She let her guard down for one second, but it was enough for both mantas to get clean shots on Dash. Rainbow Dash: 0 HP When Fluttershy saw that both Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash were devirtualized, she backed up against the wall in fear. “Twilight, help!” Fluttershy cried, trembling as the mantas flew over to her. Rarity and Applejack saw that and rode next to each other. “Fluttershy is alone!” Rarity said. “Rares, go help her!” Applejack commanded, “Ah'll be fine!” Rarity nodded and rode up to the stairs. She ran over to Fluttershy and used her sword to deflect the manta's attacks away from Fluttershy. “Rarity, thank you,” Fluttershy said. Rarity nodded smiling and shot her shock wave from her sword at the manta in the center. It looked like it took a bit of damage, but as she didn't hit the symbol it wasn't an instant KO. Rarity took her hand and guided her further into the obstacle course. As they ran, the scyphozoa came up and began stalking Rarity and Fluttershy. “Twilight, the scyphozoa is here!” Fluttershy cried. “Got it,” Twilight said setting up a few programs, “I'm on my way.” She first set up the program to send her Tera-Bike down to Sector 5. She then set up Code: Earth so they could get Fluttershy out. She didn't need to set up the devirtualization as Fluttershy herself knew how to do that. Finally, she set up the transfer like she always did, so it would start when she stepped into the scanner. Interestingly, Rainbow Dash stood over her watching what she did closely. “Alright Luna, I need you to take the wheel,” Twilight said to the Vice-Principal. “Um… okay,” Luna said switching places with Twilight, who walked over to the elevator, “What do I need to do?” “When I arrive in Lyoko, click the screen that shows the Tera-Bike and push enter,” Twilight explained, “Once I've given you the signal, type the screen for Code: Earth and push enter. That will bring Fluttershy back so she can devirtualize Rarity, Applejack, and myself.” Luna nodded as Twilight closed the elevator and went into Lyoko. She walked over to her scanner and entered it, causing it to automatically close and begin the transfer procedure. Once she was matched with her dance mage avatar, Twilight was transferred into Lyoko with a white flash. She took form in Sector 5, landing in the dome leading to security level 3. “Luna, send my Tera-Bike,” Twilight requested. A second later, her purple and gold Tera-Bike appeared next to her. She got on and rode straight to the security area, her bike leaving a purple energy trail behind it. When she arrived in the security section, she saw Applejack get overwhelmed by three bikers and shot off her Tera-Bike. Applejack: 0 HP As Applejack devirtualized, Twilight wasted no time riding to the staircase and climbing it to get to Fluttershy and Rarity. She was immediately fired upon by the mantas, but she did a series of front flips out of the way. Once she was in position, she spun around and elegantly held her hands out at her sides firing two large energy beams out of her hands at two of the mantas knocking them out of the sky. Twilight then did a back flip out of the way of the third one and did a full split holding her arms out firing another beam out of her hand killing the final one. “Twilight, be careful,” Luna said, “Doing that ate away at your health a bit.” “I know,” Twilight said, “But I had no choice. How's Rarity?” “It looks like something is being uploaded into her,” Luna said, scaring Twilight. “No! The scyphozoa got Rarity!” Twilight swore running forward, careful to avoid the opening ground and falling ceiling. When she got to Rarity and Fluttershy, sure enough Fluttershy was lying on the floor helplessly watching as the scyphozoa resumed its upload from the last time. Installation: 48% Installation: 56% Installation: 63% Twilight held her hand out building up a single energy field, she shot it at Rarity, instantly devirtualizing her. Rarity: 0 HP “Luna, initiate Code: Earth!” Twilight cried out as the scyphozoa turned to her and Fluttershy. “Activating Code: Earth!” Luna said. Immediately Fluttershy began to break apart seeming to devirtualize, but in reality she was just being sent back to the real world. Normally when the scyphozoa lost Rarity it floated away. This time though, it floated toward Twilight. “Stay back XANA!” Twilight said firing her energy beams at the scyphozoa, who seemed completely unaffected. “Fluttershy, hurry!” Twilight said beginning to panic, “XANA is… he's going to...” Back in the computer room, the elevator opened up, and Fluttershy ran to the computer. “Move!” Fluttershy commanded. Luna wasted no time getting out of Fluttershy's way as she sat down at the computer and got to work, “Twilight, I'm bringing you back now! Devirtualize Twilight!” The scyphozoa backed Twilight up against a wall, and was about to grab her, but she was pulled out of Lyoko right before it could get her. When the scanner opened back in the real world, Twilight fell to her knees in the scanner and broke down crying. She didn't know what would have happened to her if the scyphozoa had gotten her, but she did know one thing. Whatever XANA was doing to Rarity, it was Twilight that he really wanted. After she calmed down enough, Twilight came up to the computer room, where she played off her emotional state as it being her first time seeing the scyphozoa in person, which it was. That seemed to appease everyone except for Luna, who clearly knew better. “Well, that mission was a complete failure,” Twilight said taking her seat back near the computer, Fluttershy standing next to her. “XANA is getting more aggressive,” Rarity said rubbing her arm, “Scyphozoa is even more relentless.” “You'd think if XANA wanted us to break the security there he'd make it a little easier,” Dash said. “Maybe he doesn't actually want us ta break the security?” Applejack asked. “No, Eos was pretty clear that XANA wanted something there,” Twilight said, “and that he needs us to break the security so he can get it.” “It seems to me that XANA is doing this to torture you,” Luna said leaning against a wall with her arms folded, “Like he gets some creepy satisfaction in seeing you girls in pain.” “He's definitely sadistic,” Pinkie Pie said, remembering when she got captured, “He could have gone after a better fighter like Applejack or Dashie, but he chose me. Probably because I would be the most afraid.” Twilight looked away in shame, but only Luna noticed. “For now, we need to rest,” Fluttershy said, “I say we try this again tomorrow.” “Agreed,” Applejack said, “Tomorrow's a weekend, so we'll have plenty of time,” she turned to Luna, “Ya comin too?” “W-well, I guess,” Luna looked away awkwardly, “That is… if you all don't mind...” “I don't mind,” Pinkie Pie said skipping over to Luna taking her hands, “You're our friend now.” Luna looked at Pinkie Pie in shock, “F-friend? Me?” “Uh-huh,” Pinkie Pie nodded, “We only let our friends see our secret base, and you've been really helpful to us. So that makes you our friend now.” “Friend...” Luna looked down, considering what Pinkie Pie said, “I-I-I should probably go. I actually live kinda far from the school, so…” Luna finished her statement by lightly pulling her hands from Pinkie Pie and to the elevator going up. Dash, Applejack, Rarity, and Fluttershy walked over to Pinkie Pie. “Smooth move, Pinkie Pie,” Dash scolded. “I think you made her uncomfortable,” Rarity said. “Mmm, nope,” Pinkie Pie said, “That's not it.” “Pardon?” Applejack asked. “She actually wants to be friends,” Pinkie Pie said, “I think she's just scared.” “More like she doesn't want to be friends with a bunch of teenagers,” Dash said, “She made it clear that she was only here as our adult contact.” “I don't know Dashie,” Pinkie Pie said as they all walked to the elevator, “She seems kind of sad to me.” “Twilight?” Fluttershy asked turning to the computer, where Twilight stayed sitting in front of, “Aren't you coming?” “Oh, um… I'll be there in a bit,” Twilight said, “I'll meet you in your room, okay?” Fluttershy shrugged and walked into the elevator, joining the others. Now alone, Twilight took a few seconds to think about what Pinkie Pie said, which made this the second time she cried that day, this time in shame. “You're not the most afraid Pinkie Pie...” Twilight sobbed, “I am...” Luna drove about halfway to her house, stopping her car near the park. Here she sat back in her seat thinking about something else Pinkie Pie said. “Am I their friend?” Luna asked, “I said that I only was just going to help them, but I do enjoy being near them.” She hadn't had friends since… well, she couldn't remember the last time she had a friend. The only friend she could remember having was Celestia, and maybe Discord. She didn't even remember how they met him. But those girls felt different. When she was with them, she felt less like their guardian, and more like she was a part of their team. But did she really want them to see the real her? When Luna got home, she saw Celestia was still up. Most people didn't know that they still lived together. Not out of necessity on either of their parts. Their incomes would have been perfect for them to get their own places. It was more out of comfort than anything else. “Sister, what are you doing still up?” Luna asked Celestia, who was sitting at the dining table with her laptop. “I'm just reading an email from a friend,” Celestia said, apparently now typing a reply to the email, “What about you? You certainly came in late.” “Ahh, well Twilight and her friends needed some extra help with their project for the workshop,” Luna lied, “I'm probably going to meet them again tomorrow.” “You've been spending a lot of time with them,” Celestia said. “Is that bad?” Luna asked raising an eyebrow, “Should I stop?” “I wasn't saying that,” Celestia said, closing her computer once she apparently finished her response, “I was just taking note. You seem happier these days.” “Oh…” Luna said walking to the kitchen. Celestia walked over to Luna and embraced her from behind. “You like them, don't you Lulu?” Celestia asked with a smile. “They're my students, Tia,” Luna said seriously, “I can't be friends with them.” “We're friends with Twilight,” Celestia pointed out. “That's different,” Luna said, “We practically raised Twilight.” “But we are her friends,” Celestia said, “Even though we're her Principal and Vice-Principal.” “Twilight's a good kid,” Luna said. “All of them are good kids,” Celestia said. “Not Applejack,” Luna pointed out, “She's a delinquent.” “She just doesn't like authority,” Celestia said, “And you make it so easy on her with how animated you get. Don't you remember what it was like when you were her age?” Luna chuckled remembering her childhood, before shaking her head, “Either way, I don't know about becoming friends with those kids.” “Oh Lulu,” Celestia let go of Luna and sauntered out of the kitchen, “You already are friends with them.” Luna poured a glass of orange juice and thought about what Celestia said. She did like them, a bit, but they were her students. She couldn't show weakness to them, and that was one of the important things about being friends. Luna was in what appeared to be a dark forest. She was now wearing a royal blue generals uniform and a long black cape, and she had a rapier at her side. She found herself in this place a lot, and it seemed like she knew it well. “Selene...” Was that a child? Luna turned around and saw a little girl with long white hair wearing a white dress standing ahead of her. “Selene… Come home Selene...” “Home…?” Luna asked, her head feeling a little odd, “Where is… home…? “Come home Selene… Daddy misses you...” The little girl turned and skipped deeper into the forest, vanishing. Luna gave chase, but fell back when she saw a blue and red jellyfish in her forest that seemed out of place. The monster's tentacles reached out to grab her, and she felt something invade her mind as the monster wrapped its tentacles around- Much like always, Luna woke up with a sudden gasp. She had been having strange dreams every night since joining Twilight and her group. These dreams were usually very vivid, either being still images with voices she could clearly see, or being full on dreams she could remember easily. They all felt like memories to her, but they seemed to always pertain to the super computer, or the factory. She got up and put on her blue robe, deciding to go downstairs and get something to drink. It was still nighttime, so she needed to be quiet as to not wake up her sister. As she passed Celestia's room though, she heard talking. “I'm scared, Jon. What if the seal get's broken? I mean, I do believe in them, but this isn't something they can handle. She could kill them if- Yes, you're right. I just can't stand seeing Luna like this.” “Seeing me… like what?” Luna asked herself. “You had to throw that one at me, didn't you,” Celestia continued with a sigh, “Yes, I knew the results when I did that, but we lost the source codes. After what Sombra did, there wasn't anything we could do. But seeing my sister sealed hurts me so much,” Celestia started crying, “I hate my self for what I did to Luna.” Luna backed away from the door standing against the wall, her heart racing. “What you did to me?” Luna asked, “What are you talking about?” Twilight arrived back at the factory first, deciding to get some extra work done before anyone else got there. She also wanted some time separate from everyone else. That was the only part she didn't like about having a roommate now. It was harder to get her private time. And the only place she could do her work privately was right above the thing that wanted her dead. She stopped working and rubbed her eyes, trying to calm her beating heart. She wanted so badly to talk to her friends about her fears, but if they knew exactly why she was afraid. “I had a feeling I'd find you here.” Twilight turned around as the elevator opened to see Rainbow Dash walk in. “Dash? What are you doing here so early?” Twilight asked. “Fluttershy sent me to look for you,” Dash said walking over to the computer, “She's worried about you. She said that you seem really tense lately.” “She did?” Twilight looked down. “This… wouldn't have anything to do with XANA, would it?” Dash asked, surprising Twilight a bit. “What do you mean?” Twilight asked. “Twilight, come on, I'm not stupid. You're afraid, right?” “N-no!” Twilight denied, “I'm not afraid of XANA!” “I never said anything about being afraid of XANA,” Dash said with a raised eyebrow. Damn it, she was caught. Twilight tried to think of a way to fix this, but she couldn't. In the end, she just broke down, crying harder than even yesterday. She knew Dash was going to make fun of her, or say something about her being a wimp, or a coward, or- Or she would hug her… “Goddamn it, Twilight,” Dash said softly, “If you were this upset all you had to do was talk to me.” “You… d-don't think I'm being… a wimp?” Twilight asked through her tears. “Why would-” Dash looked into Twilight eyes incredulous, “Is that why you didn't tell anyone?” When Twilight nodded, Dash flicked her forehead, “Twilight, we're your friends. We're not going to think you're being a wuss or anything. If anyone tried to criticize you for being afraid, I'd punch them in the face.” “Rainbow Dash…!” Twilight fell back into Dash's embrace, who this time held her tighter. “Come on, let's get you out of this room,” Dash said, “We'll tell the others to hold off on coming down.” “I… still want… to...” “We'll worry about that later,” Dash said helping Twilight to the elevator, “Right now, you need something that feels good, and that to me means a milkshake, my treat.” After texting everyone, including Luna, that they might be going to Lyoko later, Dash took Twilight to her favorite place that served milkshakes. Surprisingly, they both like strawberry milkshakes the best. After they got their milkshakes, Rainbow Dash brought Twilight to a seat further back so they could talk in relative private. “So, what's got you so upset, besides XANA just being XANA?” Dash asked, “I mean, he's done some pretty nasty stuff to all of us, but with how scared you are, it seems almost as bad as when Fluttershy sees the scyphozoa.” Twilight took a deep breath before she spoke, “XANA wants to kill me.” “I'm sure he does,” Dash said, “He sort of hates all of us.” “No, I mean he himself wants to kill me,” Twilight said, “He… told me.” “He told you?” Dash asked. “I've had the most direct contact with XANA,” Twilight said, “In fact, I've technically seen XANA in person twice. The first time was when you guys were trapped in that virtual sphere months ago, and he was impersonating me.” Dash shuddered, “Yeah, that was creepy. I mean, when you think computer virus, you think something more mechanical, but XANA did a pretty good job. I mean, let me rephrase that, he did a horrible job of impersonating you, but he didn't seem mechanical.” “He seemed more alive, right?” Twilight asked, Dash nodded, “You guys came at the tail end of everything, but I had actually talked to XANA in depth before you came.” “So… what is XANA like?” Dash asked. “He's terrifying,” Twilight said, her memories going back to that day, “Or she's terrifying, I don't know. XANA doesn't really have a gender. I could tell because of the way my clone in the virtual sphere moved. What I do know is that XANA is the purest of evil there could ever be. He's sinister, malicious, almost like a sociopath. He is a sociopath. The scary part is, he's completely sentient. He can think, feel, he has a personality and everything.” “So, XANA isn't just sentient… he's alive?” Dash asked. When Twilight nodded Dash took a deep breath, “Okay, not gonna lie, that is unnerving.” “When I looked into his… my eyes, I saw the eyes of a demon. I realized that he could kill me at anytime he wanted, but he didn't want to kill me just yet. He was actually having fun seeing me afraid. “The second time I saw him what after we materialized Fluttershy, and he brought his monsters into the real world,” Twilight continued. “You mean when he took control of the krab, right?” Dash asked. Twilight nodded, remembering being chased and hunted down by the krab. “That was my first taste of XANA's true hatred for me. He even told me that he wanted to kill me personally, saying that the only one allowed to kill me was him. He was relentless, and he didn't waste any time. If he had the opportunity, he would have taken it,” Twilight's hands began trembling, “Whenever I think about it, I get so terrified I can barely think straight. What's worse is that XANA knows that I can't kill him.” “Not without killing Fluttershy,” Dash said, “Geez, XANA has you good.” “And that's another reason I haven't told anyone,” Twilight said, “I know that if Fluttershy knew this, she'd just blame herself.” Dash wanted to deny it, but in the end she just rolled her eyes nodding, “Yeah, that sounds just like Her Highness. Next thing you know, she's running to the super computer to turn the damn thing off herself.” “Exactly,” Twilight said, “She feels like everything is her fault, when in reality, it's mine.” “What are you talking about?” Dash asked. “Dash, everything XANA is doing is so he can get to me!” Twilight cried, “What he did to Pinkie Pie last week, it was me he wanted to get! The scyphozoa, he doesn't want Rarity! Whatever he's doing he's settling for Rarity, but the actual one he wants is me! I'm the one putting all of you in danger! I'm the one who initially turned the computer on in the first place! If it wasn't for that, we wouldn't even have to deal with XANA in the first place!” “Twilight, calm down!” Dash said taking Twilight's hands, “Yeah, you did turn the computer on, but you also saved Fluttershy. She's one of our closest friends now, and your girlfriend. If you think about it, had you not turned the computer on, none of us would be friends right now. And me personally, despite XANA, fighting on Lyoko is kind of fun, you know? Don't even pretend you don't have fun. I've seen the way you fight on Lyoko. There's no reason for you to move your hips like that when you fight.” Twilight actually blushed smiling, “W-well, I'll admit, when I saw what my powers were on Lyoko, and how they were like the main character of this one video game I played, I sort of had the idea of impersonating them, so...” “See? Even you like being a Lyoko Warrior,” Dash said, “Look at the positive as opposed to the negative, cause there's a lot more positive than negative.” “You're right, there is,” Twilight said, “Listen, think for now, we could keep this a secret? The only other one who knows right now is Vice-Principal Luna.” “Eh, sure. I'll keep it a secret,” Dash said like it was the easiest thing ever, “I still think you need to tell everyone else, but at least you told me.” “Thanks Dash,” Twilight said smiling, “I see why Pinkie Pie loves you so much. You're pretty awesome.” “Uh, yeah, I know that,” Dash said drinking her milkshake, “The whole world knows I'm awesome. You're just late to the party.” Twilight laughed when she said that, which made Rainbow Dash smile. Yeah, she was arrogant, but the one thing Dash lived for was making others smile. She wasn't as good at it as Pinkie Pie, who just did it naturally, but Dash had her moments. Luna didn't know why she felt disappointed when she got Twilight's text. She was a little surprised when she received a group text clearly planned for everyone. Seemed they actually did consider Luna to be a part of their group now. Still, this meant that she needed to come up with something else to do to kill time. She didn't want to stay home, as she would be too nervous to sit still. But she didn't want to go to the school either as she'd run into Celestia. She always trusted her big sister. She loved Celestia more than anything, and always idolized her. But based on what Luna heard last night, Celestia had done something to her. Did she know about the weird dreams? “What's going on with me?” Luna asked as she walked down the street, “Celestia… what did you do to me?” She stopped and looked up when she realized where she was. The Everfree Mansion, a place filled with as much mystery as the factory. The family that lived there vanished ten years ago when there was an accident. Any traces of their existence was seemingly destroyed. Luna looked at the side of the house and got a shock. She saw the little girl from her dream standing near the house looking right at her. She smiled enigmatically at Luna and then skipped into the house. “H-hey!” Luna called out. She ran to the gate looking for a way inside. Eventually she gave up there and decided to look for another way. She didn't know it, but Applejack was skating nearby and saw her. Applejack raised an eyebrow and skated after her. The inside of the Everfree Mansion was sort of haunting. No one had lived there in years, and it showed. Dust was everywhere, the walls looked cracked, like the whole place was falling apart. “Shoot,” Luna said looking around and waving her hand to move the dust, “If I had known it would be this bad. I really hope I remembered to bring-” “Yo.” Luna screamed loudly and hid behind a shelf. She heard familiar laughter behind her, and she stepped out with a frown. “Applejack… I should have known,” Luna groaned. “Ah ain't never heard anyone scream like that! Maybe we should call you Yer Highness instead of Fluttershy!” “It's not… funny!” Luna said, feeling her chest tighten up. She reached into her purse frantically, relieved when she found the object she was looking for. Applejack was wide eyed when she saw Luna pull out and use a small red and white inhaler. Luna breathed out in relief and put the inhaler back in her purse. “You… got asthma?” Applejack asked slowly. Luna turned to Applejack with a serious expression, “Yes actually, I do. Thanks to a combination of all the dust in here and your stupid prank, I had an attack. It's lucky that I had my inhaler with me.” Luna turned around with a huff and walked deeper into the mansion. Applejack sighed, groaned, and skated after the Vice-Principal. “Hold on! Look, Ah'm sorry, alright? Ah didn't know, an' Ah wasn't thinkin,” Applejack said. “No, you weren't thinking,” Luna scolded, “If I didn't have my inhaler I would have needed to go to the emergency room.” “Ah said Ah was sorry,” Applejack said irritated. “Hmph!” Luna turned her nose to the air and walked faster away from Applejack. “Ya know, you make it real hard ta be yer friend,” Applejack said. “If I recall, I mentioned in the beginning of the school year that I was not your friend,” Luna said. “Yeah, ya did, before Twilight told ya about the super computer an' had ya scanned, makin ya one of us.” “So just because I'm a part of the Justice League now I'm supposed ta be friends with everyone?” Luna asked stopping and turning to Applejack. “Might help, Batman,” Applejack said, apparently comparing Luna to one of the members, and the least social one at that. “Well sorry to disappoint you, Superman, but I'm. Not. Interested.” “Well, fine then,” Applejack said folding her arms. “Fine,” Luna said folding her arms. “Fine!” Applejack said. “FINE!” Luna shouted. They stood there silently for a few seconds, until Luna decided to continue her investigation. Applejack sighed and skated after the older woman. “Why are ya even here, anyway?” Applejack asked. “None of your business why,” Luna answered, “And take your skates off.” Applejack looked around and held her arms out, “This place is abandoned. Ah really doubt anyone's gonna be offended. Well, except certain blue haired cunts.” Luna walked over to Applejack and got right in her face, “Do we have a problem, young lady?” “Ah don't know, do we?” Applejack said getting in her face in response, “You've had an issue with me since day one. Ah'm jus' returnin the favor, tit fer tat.” “Seems you forgot that I'm still the Vice-Principal of Canterlot High!” Luna exclaimed. “So what?! We ain't in school at the moment, so Ah figure Ah don't have ta censor myself! Ya see, Ah think Ah know what yer problem with me is.” Luna laughed, “Oh really? Then pray tell, what is my problem with you?” “Yer used ta havin everyone in the school scared stiff of ya,” Applejack said with a smirk, “Ah heard the stories of Luna, known throughout the school as Nightmare Moon, because of how terrifyin she is. Ya love that feelin, don't ya? Every student afraid ta even breathe wrong in your presence. Then here comes some kid from down south, who ain't scared of ya. She don't quake in her boots when ya walk by, an' always got somethin real smart ta say to ya. That's yer problem with me.” “You think that's my problem?” Luna asked, “You don't know anything!” Luna stormed off, surprising Applejack a bit, “Then what is yer problem with me? It can't jus' be because Ah stole Twilight. Ya ended up basically getting her back.” “You wouldn't understand,” Luna said, sort of wishing Applejack would go away now. Sadly she knew that Applejack wasn't going anywhere. As she walked, she saw the girl in the white dress run past her, “Hey! Come back!” Luna called out running after her. Applejack skated after her, both of them stopping when they reached a staircase. They heard the girl giggle at the top of the stairs. Luna and Applejack looked up and saw her run down the hall. Luna ran up the stairs, Applejack right behind her. The girl led them to what appeared to be a girl's bedroom. “Huh,” Applejack said looking around, “This is really a nice room.” “Where did she go?” Luna asked. “That girl ya were chasin? Who knows?” Applejack said sitting on the bed, “Maybe she's hidin. Probably thinks yer a monster or somethin.” Luna gave Applejack a sharp look and began looking around the room. There were a few books left behind, most of them were fairy tales about princesses. Luna picked out one book at random and saw the cover, which showed a princess with a long green and white gown, almost like Fluttershy's form on Lyoko. “This sort of looks like Fluttershy,” Luna said. Applejack skated over to Luna and took the book looking at it. “Sure does,” Applejack said, “Actually, that's pretty hauntin. This one's called The Forgotten Princess.” “I've know that book,” Luna said, “Celestia used to read it to me all the time when I was little. Its about a princess who's entire kingdom fell under a curse. When she woke up, everyone in her kingdom was gone, and she had no memory of who she was.” “Sounds real scary,” Applejack asked, “Ya read those sort of books ta get ta sleep?” “I had really weird tastes when I was a kid,” Luna said looking around the room some more. “Oh, what else do ya like that was weird? Any weird fetishes?” Applejack asked. Luna secretly blushed. “I'd… rather not talk about it…” Luna said. Applejack rolled her eyes, now looking around the room herself. She stopped when she saw a picture, and was surprised by what she saw. “Now this looks real familiar,” Applejack said, catching Luna's attention. When she saw the picture, she almost had a heart attack. In the picture was a man with long black hair, wearing a red sweater and gray pants sitting in a chair. Standing over him was a woman with really long white hair wearing a white dress and matching high heels. What caught their attention was the teenage girl sitting in the man's lap smiling brightly. It was Fluttershy. “What the hell?” Luna asked, “I thought Fluttershy was a computer program created on Lyoko.” “She is,” Applejack said, “At least, Ah thought she was. Who's this?” Applejack turned the picture around and saw the names, “Mi Amore, Fluttershy, an' Sombra? The date on this is ten years ago. How is that-” she was cut off when she heard Luna groan in pain. She looked and saw Luna holding her head, “Luna? What's the matter?” “That name...” Luna said, “S-Sombra… Do I… know him…?” “How would Ah-” “AHH!!!” Luna screamed, surprising the hell out of Applejack, “My head…! Something is…” “Luna, yer scarin me,” Applejack said. “No… NO!!!!” Luna screamed loudly. She fell to her knees crying, and Applejack put an arm on her shoulder looking really worried. “Hey, hey, what's up with ya?” Applejack asked. “I… I've been here before…” Luna sobbed. “Wait, when?” Applejack asked. “I don't know!” Luna cried, “I have a feeling though. This place, and that name… they all feel familiar to me.” “Well, that's not odd at all,” a man's voice said from behind them. Applejack turned around and saw a man with shoulder length gray hair, a bushy beard, white shirt, blue pants, a white lab coat, and white glasses with a pure white lens covering his eyes, “There was a time when this place was very important to you, Selene.” “That name...” Luna said standing up and walking over to the man, “I've heard that name before in my dreams… Why… why do you and the little girl call me that?” “Daddy!” the little girl said running up to the old man from the hall and embracing him, “Did I do a good job, Daddy?” “Yes, child, you did,” the man said, “I'm very proud of you.” “Luna asked ya a question,” Applejack said stepping forward, “Why do ya keep callin Luna Selene?” “Oh, my apologies Applejack, I didn't mean to ignore you,” the man said, “You see, Selene is the name I know this woman by. I've been trying to reach her for a while now, so I can bring her home.” “Home?” Luna asked, “Bring me… home?” she seemed to be in a trance of some sort and started walking over to the man, but Applejack grabbed her arm. “Hang on one minute,” Applejack said, “What's all this about? An' how did ya know my name?” “Oh, its quite simple, Applejack,” the man said, “You and I are very close. In fact, you see me every day.” “What are ya-” Applejack stopped when she saw a red XANA symbol appear over the man's glasses, “XANA!” The man held a hand out and fired electricity right at Applejack knocking her out. Luna snapped out of her trance and looked at Applejack in shock, and then turned to the man. “Are you...” Luna asked stepping away. “Now, its time we got to work on fixing what Eos did to you,” the man said charging up electricity in his hands. He fired it at Luna, who screamed loudly in pain before her entire world went dark. Pinkie Pie had wanted to borrow a game form Twilight, but as she wasn't back yet, she texted Twilight to ask if she could just get it. Thankfully Twilight was reasonable, and the door was still open. Pinkie Pie wasted no time skipping to Twilight and Applejack's room, but stopped when she heard the laptop's alarm going off. TOWER ACTIVATED LOCATION: MOUNTAIN SECTOR 27 LAT, 21 LONG Pinkie Pie immediately pulled out her cellphone and called Twilight. “Twilight! The super scan is going off!” Pinkie Pie said, “XANA activated a tower!” When Applejack came to, she found herself in a dark room like a basement. She tried moving, but found her hands shackled to a pipe behind her, and her ankles shackled together. She looked around and saw that man strapping a panicked Luna to a chair hooked to a small yet advanced computer. “Who are you?” Luna asked the man when he finished strapping her, “Are you… XANA?” “Yes Selene, I am XANA,” the elderly man, now revealed to be XANA said, “This man is a scientist that I turned into a specter for my personal use,” he heard Applejack struggle with the cuffs and lightly turned to her, “There's no point in struggling Applejack. I've already taken extra precautions to ensure you wouldn't escape.” Applejack chuckled, “Well, shows how much ya know,” she taunted, “Twilight an' the others will-” “Find that both you and Selene's signals are completely untraceable,” XANA said as the little girl came up showing Luna and Applejack's cellphones, “I've temporarily hacked into them and shut down their service. As long as they're in this building, they won't give off a signal.” Applejack looked down in frustration. “What are you going to do to us?” Luna asked. “Oh, I'm going to kill Applejack,” XANA said, “However, like I said before, I want to bring you home, Selene.” “You keep calling me that!” Luna pulled at the straps on her wrists, “My name isn't Selene! It's Luna!” “Yes, your earthbound name is in fact Luna,” XANA said going to his computer, “However, the name that I always knew you by was Selene, your codename.” “Codename?” Luna asked, “Why would I have a codename, and what do you mean by home?” “I'm referring to Lyoko,” XANA said, “You are very important to me, Selene, and I miss you.” “Lyoko…?” Luna said, a look of panic coming over her as she shook her head violently, “No! No!!! NO!!!! Don't take me there!!!” “So this is what that seal did to you,” XANA said thoughtfully, “Sweetheart, help me find that particular book. We need to break the seal if we're going to bring Selene home with us.” “Yes Daddy,” the little girl said. She and XANA skipped out of the room, leaving Luna and Applejack alone. Applejack looked at Luna in shock. She had never seen her like this. Luna was stern, unyielding, much like a soldier in a sense. This Luna though was nothing like that. She was crying, and she looked terrified. “Luna...” Applejack said, taking in the sight she was seeing. For the first time ever, Applejack felt genuinely sorry for her. Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy were all gathered in the super computer room. Applejack hadn't answered her phone, so Twilight was searching for both her and Luna. Neither of their phones were giving a signal. “This isn't good,” Twilight said, “The tower isn't showing any activity either.” “From our past experiences, that means XANA is using a specter,” Fluttershy said, “He probably has Applejack and Luna held somewhere.” “Where?!” Rarity asked urgently, “Where is Applejack?! Find her!” “I'm trying,” Twilight said, “But without her phone, the super computer can't track her down.” “Either way, we need to deactivate that tower,” Dash said, “I say one of us stays out here and searches for Applejack and Luna while the others go into Lyoko with Fluttershy to deactivate the tower.” “Agreed,” Twilight said. “I'll search for Applejack,” Rarity said, surprising everyone. “Rarity, are you sure?” Pinkie Pie asked, “Maybe Dash should search.” “Nyet,” Rarity said shaking her head, “If Applejack is in danger then I need to go. She saved my life, but I haven't returned favor yet. Besides, if I go into Lyoko, scyphozoa may show up, and we can't afford to waste time.” “Rarity is right,” Twilight said setting up the transfer, “Try searching the downtown and residential area. Applejack said something about skating today, and she stays around those areas.” “Dah,” Rarity said running to the ladder and climbing up. Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy went into the elevator to the scanner room. “Transfer Rainbow Dash!” Twilight said as Dash stepped into her scanner. “Transfer Pinkie Pie!” Twilight said as she stepped into her scanner. “Transfer Fluttershy!” Twilight said as Fluttershys lowly entered her scanner. “Scanner Rainbow Dash,” Twilight said as her ninja avatar rendered on screen. “Scanner Pinkie Pie,” Twilight said, now rendering Pinkie Pie's neko avatar. “Scanner Fluttershy,” Twilight said, rendering Fluttershy's true princess form. Once they were all matched to their virtual forms, Twilight pushed the enter key, “Virtualization!” In the Mountain Sector, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, and Fluttershy were all rendered into the sector and dropped onto the ground a few kilometers away from the tower. The three girls wasted no time running ahead, but stopped as a red stream shot out in front of them. They looked to the side and saw a megatank rolling up to them, flanked by two krabs. Right in front of the tower were two tarantulas. “Take cover, Your Highness,” Dash ordered, “We'll handle this. Pinkie Pie, can I count on you to handle those tarantulas?” “You kidding?” Pinkie Pie got on all fours and stretched, “Those are my favorite monsters to fight, nya!” Pinkie Pie rolled into a ball and charged toward the tarantulas while Rainbow Dash threw a kunai at the megatank to get its attention. As she ran away guiding the megatank and krab away, Fluttershy ran toward a large boulder, but stopped as three hornets fired at the ground right in front of her. “Oh no!” Fluttershy cried, “Twilight, what should I do?” “You need to find cover! Once Dash and Pinkie Pie are done with their fights, I'll send them to search for you!” Twilight said. Fluttershy nodded and ran away from the tower to find someplace to take cover. Dash jumped above one of the krabs throwing a kunai at its symbol killing it, but took a shot in the back from the other krab when she landed. Rainbow Dash: 70 HP “Pinkie Pie, hurry with those guys and go after Fluttershy!” Dash ordered. “Okay!” Pinkie Pie said. She used her Homing Attack on one of the tarantulas knocking it back and killing it, but had to do a series of back flips out of the way as its partner started firing at her. Fluttershy was trying hard not to go too far from the tower, but she was running out of room to run. One hornet flew in front of her and shot her in the stomach knocking her back. Fluttershy: 60 HP “Fluttershy, be careful!” Twilight urged, “You can't take too many hits!” “I know,” Fluttershy said forcing herself to get up as fast as she could. She ran to another boulder and jumped behind it. The hornets started firing at the boulder, while one flew around the boulder to find Fluttershy. Singing was heard for a few seconds, and the hornet looked around not seeing Fluttershy, just seeing what looked like a smaller boulder right next to the large one. Deep inside that “rock” was Fluttershy, who put up a rock shield around herself to hide. “This won't fool them forever,” Fluttershy said leaning against the boulder and praying, “Twilight, please tell the others to hurry.” Rarity searched all of the downtown area and saw no sign of them, and had hit the end of the residential area. She tapped her foot impatiently and folded her arms looking around. “Applejack...” Rarity said nervously. She turned around and saw the Everfree Mansion behind her, the door opened. Had someone gone in? This place was abandoned though, and most people knew to stay away from it. Rarity had to take a chance. She saw a way through the gate and took it, going inside. Once she was in the mansion, she heard a shrill scream, like someone was being tortured. Rarity followed the scream to the basement, where she saw a sight that horrified her. Applejack's wrists were chained to a pipe behind her, and her ankles were chained together. In the center of the room was Luna, strapped to a chair that was connected to a computer being controlled by an elderly man in a lab coat with a little girl next to him. The chair that Luna was in had electricity flowing through it, and it looked like the machine was doing something painful to her. “Stop!” Luna urged, “Please make it stop!” “It'll be over soon, Selene,” the elderly man said, “You'll be able to come back home very soon.” Rarity slowly walked over to Applejack and touched her shoulder to get her attention. Applejack flinched a bit, but smiled when she saw who it was. “Rares!” Applejack whispered. Rarity smiled and pulled two hairpins from her hair. “Do you know how to pick lock?” Rarity asked. “Do Ah?” Applejack asked with a smirk, “Ah'll handle my wrists if you can get my ankles.” “Dah,” Rarity said. She kissed Applejack on the lips briefly before getting to work on her ankles while Applejack carefully handled her wrists. “So nice of you to join us as well, Rarity,” the man said right as Applejack's ankles were freed. He shot an electric blast at Rarity knocking her into a shelf. “RARITY!!!” Applejack screamed, careful to not lose the hairpin Rarity gave her. “I was hoping the scyphozoa would finish uploading the virus into you while I retrieved Selene,” the man said looking at Rarity, “But I suppose I can deal with this too.” “You are… XANA, aren't you?” Rarity asked forcing herself to her knees. “That's correct,” XANA said, “I must say, you are a true soldier, just like Selene here. I would love to add you to my ranks.” “I'll never join you, XANA!” Rarity said through gritted teeth, “You are monster, and I'll never do anything to help you!” “Oh, but Rarity, you already have helped me,” XANA said, “Why, its thanks to you that I'm even still alive. Or did you forget that it was you who saved my life by turning the computer back on?” “That wasn't for you, XANA!” Rarity said getting to her feet awkwardly, “I did that for Fluttershy!” “Maybe so, but it doesn't change the fact that you betrayed your friends by saving your enemy,” XANA explained, “Face it, Rarity, you don't belong here with them. It's only a matter of time before everyone realizes that you are a traitor and begin to shun you.” “Nyet!” Rarity shook her head, “Friends will not shun me! I did not betray friends! I saved Fluttershy!” The little girl looked behind XANA and panicked, “Daddy, behind you!” XANA looked behind him a little too late. Applejack was right behind him holding the chains and whacked him in the face with them, knocking him down. The little girl was about to charge at Applejack, but Rarity jumped on top of her and held her down. “AJ, get Luna out of here!” Rarity urged. Applejack ran over to Luna and undid her bindings. She then carried her out of the basement. XANA saw that and shot lightning at Rarity, knocking her back from the little girl. “Go child!” XANA urged, “Leave Rarity to me!” The little girl ran out of the basement at high speed, and XANA walked over to Rarity. He picked her up and electrocuted her. “You don't have a choice but to join me, Rarity,” XANA said, “Once my virus finishes taking effect, you will betray your friends.” “N-never!” Rarity exclaimed, “I won't betray friends!” “You humans amuse me,” XANA said, “You believe that human will can overpower technology, but you will learn soon enough. I am absolute, Rarity. You cannot overcome my will.” XANA threw Rarity onto the ground. As she tried to get up, he kicked her in the stomach knocking her to her back, and then sat over her charging up one hand and holding Rarity's neck with the other. When he tried to thrust the hand into Rarity, she grabbed XANA's arm stopping him. “I admire your drive, Rarity,” XANA said, “But you cannot delay the inevitable. You, Selene, Fluttershy, and Twilight will all be mine.” “NYET!!!!!” Rarity screamed, still unable to push XANA off of her. “Hey, Luna!” Applejack called, shaking Luna till she woke up. When she did, Applejack saw the weakness in her eyes. “Apple...jack...” Luna said slowly. “Yer gonna be alright, ya hear?” Applejack said smiling at Luna, who looked a little confused. “Did you… save me?” Luna asked. “Well, Rares helped,” Applejack said, “Ah'm worried 'bout her somethin fierce.” “You can go...” Luna said closing her eyes and turning her head away, “Leave me here...” “No can do,” Applejack said, surprising Luna. “But… why? Rarity is in danger, isn't she?” “Probably, but she can take care of herself,” Applejack said with visible reluctance, “You need someone protectin you, don't ya?” Applejack noticed Luna breathing heavily and pulled out her inhaler, “Ah managed ta grab this before we left the basement. Figured ya'd need it.” Luna looked at Applejack intently, taking in her smile. It was almost like the smile Celestia gave her when they were kids. The kind that said “it's going to be okay”. Luna nodded and took the inhaler, using it immediately, “T-thank you.” “No problem Luna,” Applejack said. “Call me… Lulu...” Luna said looking away blushing, “That's what my… friends… call me.” Applejack looked surprised, but she smiled and lightly hit Luna's arm, “In that case, ya can call me AJ if ya want, Lulu.” Luna and Applejack looked at each other and smiled. They probably would still be somewhat antagonist with each other, but the feeling was there. Luna couldn't deny it. She had a friend now. Ironically it was the one person she initially wanted nothing to do with. “There you are!” they heard from down the hall. They turned and saw the little girl glaring at them, her pupils now looking like XANA symbols, “Daddy said you're not allowed to leave!” “Well sorry ta disappoint!” Applejack said getting up, “But Ah'm gettin Lulu outta here!” “No! No! No!” the little girl said stomping her feet, “I'm not going to disappoint Daddy!” Applejack skated over to the girl as she charged toward Applejack. Luna watched as the two of them fought violently, silently wishing that she were stronger. Back in Lyoko, Pinkie Pie managed to kill the last tarantula. “Dashie, I'm going to track down Fluttershy!” Pinkie Pie said running off. “I'll be fine here! Be careful!” Rainbow Dash said charging to her remaining enemy, the megatank. She ran in a triangle formation around the megatank, creating two clones of herself at each corner. The megatank fired at one Dash, killing her instantly, but the real Rainbow Dash jumped on it and looked right at the eye. She threw her kunai at the eye and elegantly flipped off, pushing the megatank into a nearby boulder. It exploded on contact. Pinkie Pie tracked down Fluttershy's hiding place and jumped up, “Homing Attack!” she shouted homing in on one of the hornets killing it. She then homed in on another one. Rainbow Dash an up to them at high speed and threw her kunai at the last one killing it. “Hey, its safe to come out Your Highness,” Dash said. The wall that Fluttershy created digitally vanished, and Fluttershy emerged running up to Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie. “Now, let's go back to that tower,” Pinkie Pie said. “Girls! Trouble!” Twilight said, “More monsters are heading your way!” The warning came too late though, as Pinkie Pie was shot in the back and devirtualized. Pinkie Pie: 0 HP Pinkie Pie's scanner opened, revealing a horribly bummed out Pinkie Pie. “Aw damn it,” Pinkie Pie said, “I never got to test out that new technique.” “Run!” Dash said taking Fluttershy's hand and leading her to the tower as two tarantulas ran after them. The monsters got on their hind legs as they walked and fired at Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, two shots hitting both of them. Rainbow Dash: 20 HP Fluttershy: 10 HP “FLUTTERSHY!!!!” Twilight screamed. This was the lowest her life has ever been. “Fluttershy, you need to get to that tower,” Dash said forcing herself up, “Make a break for it. I'll cover you.” Fluttershy nodded and got to her feet. She ran to the tower as fast as she could while Dash blocked the incoming attacks with her arm guards and kunai. One shot got through her defense knocking her back. Rainbow Dash: 0 HP She devirtualized right as Fluttershy made it to the tower, fazing right into it. Fluttershy ran to the center of the tower, and allowed herself to be lifted up to the higher platform. Applejack was knocked into a wall by the little girl's electric attack. “AJ!” Luna cried out. When the little girl turned to Luna, she backed away from her in fear. “Come home, Selene. Daddy will take care of you,” the little girl said. Luna forced herself to her feet and ran away, but fell back when the girl appeared right in front of her. “Stay away from me!” Luna begged. “Let's go home now, Selene,” the girl said with a sweet smile, one that to Luna was truly malicious. Fluttershy landed elegantly on the platform and calmly walked over to the holographic control panel. Rarity was backed up against a wall by XANA, who held her up with one hand and charged up electricity in the other. “You'll never win, XANA!” Rarity said. XANA chuckled. “If that's what you think, then you underestimate me, Rarity,” XANA said, “I've already won.” Fluttershy began typing on the control panel hacking her way into the tower's security. She was finished in only a few seconds, pulling up the touch screen. “Already… won?” Rarity asked. “You see Rarity,” XANA said lowing his specter's glasses a bit, allowing Rarity to see the confident look in his eyes, “I never needed that tower for very long. In fact, deactivating that tower would do me a favor. I do all the work, and you girls do the clean up for me.” “What did you do to Luna?!” Rarity asked. XANA shoved her against the wall hard. “All I did was set her free,” XANA said, now giving Rarity the most unnerving grin she had ever seen. Fluttershy placed her hand on the touch screen. FLUTTERSHY CODE LYOKO The little girl vanished right before she grabbed Luna. Needless to say, Luna was greatly relieved. She heard a groan behind her, and saw Applejack forcing herself to her knees. “AJ!” Luna ran over to Applejack and hugged her, “You're alive. I was worried about you.” “Aw, Ah'm fine,” Applejack said returning the hug, “Ah'm jus' glad yer okay, Lulu.” XANA let go of Rarity and stepped away. “This was nice, Rarity,” XANA said, “We need to do this more often.” “XANA, wait!” Rarity called out too late. The man XANA had possessed fell down limp as black mist came out of him. For the first time ever, Rarity had a feeling that deactivating this tower wasn't necessarily a good thing. “Tower deactivated,” Fluttershy said in relief, looking down into the abyss. Twilight immediately activated Code: Earth to pull her out, and contacted the others. She needed to know what happened. “He kept calling me, Selene,” Luna said to the group when she arrived at the computer room. Twilight looked down thoughtfully, “First Eos, and now Selene.” “What does that name mean?” Luna asked, “Who is Selene? Does this name mean something to you?” Twilight looked at everyone and sighed before speaking, “Eos, Selene, Chaos, Proteus, and Thanatos, those are the names of the Architects of Lyoko. I'm in contact with Eos on an everyday basis, but according to XANA, you're actually one of the Architects too.” “So, this means I created Lyoko?” Luna asked. “At least one fifth of it,” Fluttershy added, “We don't know who Eos is, and we haven't even met the other Architects at all.” “But she don't remember bein an Architect,” Applejack asked, “Ah wonder why.” “And what the hell was XANA trying to do anyway?” Dash asked. “Whatever he did, he succeeded,” Rarity said a bit away from everyone. They all turned to her in shock. “What?!” Twilight asked. “I tried to stop him, but XANA told me that he finished what he wanted to do to Luna. Twilight, I'm sorry. Lately all I do is mess up.” Twilight took a deep breath, “No, this isn't your fault. XANA played his cards too well again.” “How do you feel, Luna?” Pinkie Pie asked. “Lulu,” Luna corrected, “I'd like it… if from now on… all of you called me that...” “Does this mean we're all besties now?” Pinkie Pie asked. When Luna nodded, Pinkie Pie jumped for joy, “YAY!!! Now you and I can play video games together!” “Are you sure?” Twilight asked Luna, who turned to Twilight. “Y-yes! I am!” Luna started smiling, “I want… to be your friend from now on!” Everyone looked at each other, considering what Luna said. She was actually a little nervous, until… “Alright then,” Dash said with a shrug, “Lulu it is.” “I think nickname is adorable,” Rarity said with a giggle, “Lulu suits you, in odd way.” “I would love to be your friend, Lulu,” Fluttershy said bowing. “Welcome to the team, Lulu,” Twilight said with a smile, “Officially.” Applejack, who had already had a nice moment with Luna, just nodded. Luna couldn't remember the last time she was this happy. Now she fully understood what Twilight loved so much about her friends. Being here with Twilight and her friends, Luna felt absolutely safe. Dear Eos, I'm a little concerned. XANA did something really weird today. He captured my Vice-Principal, and began doing something to her on a computer. According to Applejack and Rarity, he was trying to break some sort of seal. The thing that I thought was odd though, was that XANA kept calling her “Selene”. I know that Selene is the codename for the second Architect of Lyoko, but why did he think that my Vice-Principal was Selene? Did he make a mistake? No, I don't think so. XANA doesn't make mistakes like that. He knew what he was doing. What was that seal he talked about? Do you know? And if my Vice-Principal is Selene, why doesn't she remember? I really hope I'm being paranoid this time. Sincerely, Twilight Sparkle Celestia was trembling as she read Twilight's latest email. Normally these were the highlight of her night, but this time she was terrified. “Tia?” Luna asked knocking on the door to her bedroom, scaring Celestia. She didn't know what to expect when Luna came home. Was she still herself? Or was she now… “Tia? Are you still up?” Luna asked. “Yes Lulu, I'm up,” Celestia said putting her laptop aside. Luna walked into the room looking somewhat awkward and afraid. “Um… I decided that… Twilight and her friends… are my friends now too,” Luna said slowly. “Does that mean Applejack too?” Celestia asked teasingly. Luna sighed. “Yes, including Applejack. She's still a delinquent, and I'm sure she's still going to antagonize me,” Luna said. “I'm happy that you're making friends,” Celestia said, “Come here, little sister.” Luna walked over to Celestia and sat down on the bed next to her. Celestia then pulled Luna into her loving embrace. “I love you, Lulu,” Celestia said softly. “I love you too, Tia,” Luna said just as softly. They may not have noticed, but that night, both sisters were in tears, for both different yet related reasons. Ending Theme: Can't Fight The Moonlight