//------------------------------//
// Prologue: A Plague 
// Story: Journey through Demon Land 
// by Shadow Master 
//------------------------------//

At the spa, Twilight was inside the large tub; along with Applejack and Fluttershy. Rarity was relaxing on her bench, with two cucumbers on her eyes and dressed in her golden robe. Pinkie was being massaged by the spa ponies. Both Aquastroke and Rainbow Dash were lying down on the beds. They were chatting happily while giggled in amusement about the jokes they had. They were enjoying their time and fun together.

Rarity sighed in relief, "Now... this is life. I could use this break for some time."

Applejack nodded her head in agreement, "You said it, partner." She sighed happily, "I'm just glad that we are together to have some chats and talking. I miss that part so much."

"That's not only the best part," Fluttershy commented, "We've brought our boyfriends to enjoy it. And they're happy for it too, and my boyfriend likes it too."

Pinkie nodded her head in agreement, "Eeyup. Partying everyday sure tired me a lot." Her eyes widened in shock and worry as she exclaimed, "EVERYDAY -  I TELL YA! EVERYPONY GOT THEIR OWN BIRTHDAY EVERYDAY!"

Pinkie sighed happily as she slowly laid down on her bed. The Spa Pony started to massage on Pinkie's back as she mumbled happily.

Twilight nodded her head, "Yes." She sighed in relief, "We have our own responsibilities to perform and deal with, but... nothing is important to spend some times with my friends and boyfriend..."

"You're telling me..." Rainbow agreed. Her friends turned and looked at their best friend and Aquastroke were struggling in getting out from the beds. The spa ponies were pinning them both down as some tried to polish their hooves and massaging their bodies. Rainbow exclaimed, "Can it be something more fun and awesome than this?! I'm getting itchy now! No way I'm gonna be in stupid Gabby Gum's Newspaper!"

"Chillax, Rainbow Dash. Nothing bad has happen. I mean seriously nothing," Pinkie exclaimed happily as she came out from the tub, "We already say sorry to those girls for getting our privacy and embarrassing moments out for their Cutie Marks."

Applejack smiled and nodded her head, "Pinkie's right. You've got nothing to worry about. So, relax now, Rainbow Dash."

Rainbow groaned in annoyance, "Fine... Not like I'm doing something for someone else."

"Yeah... Says someone who wanted to be with the Wonderbolt," Aquastroke remarked in amusement before sighed in annoyance, "And I can't believe that I'm doing this for mine. I should have gone with Burnblast and Wild Maniac for wrestling game. That could have been fun."

Rarity huffed in annoyance before she spoke, "Tsk. Tsk. This is about relaxing, not some barbarian games. I will not tolerate that in my relaxing."

"Rarity has the point. I really need some relaxing," Fluttershy nodded her head.

They heard the door opened. Twilight and her friends turned to the entrance. They spotted Shadow Dragon, Caramel, Soarin, Cheese Sandwich, Terrorcreep, Shorty Thinking, Blazefist and Saber Dragoon entered the area. Mane Six's Boyfriends checked on their own love-interests while chatted happily with the the girls happily.

Fluttershy got out from the tub and gave Terrorcreep a kiss on his right cheek.

"How're you doing? Does it relax you?" Fluttershy asked happily.

Terrorcreep gave a breathe. He took a sniff. Gently and smoothly smell, he sighed, "I wish those mortals stop ruining my breathe. That's my nature."

Fluttershy giggled in amusement of Terrorcreep's remarks.

"So, how's my favorite cowgirl doing? Enjoying relaxing?" Caramel asked in amusement as he came into the tub and gave her a massage on her back.

Applejack smiled and sighed in relief, "Eeyup. That sure relax me so much. I could... really use that now."

"So, whatcha you're doing?" Cheese asked happily.

Pinkie giggled happily yet funny whenever the spa pony massage on her back, "Feeling... Whopsy-daisy!"

Rarity turned and looked at Shorty Thinking, "And how do you feel, Shorty? Are you feeling better now?"

"60 percent, I think," Shorty answered before he stretched himself out, "but I feel better now."

"And you, my lady? How's your treatment?" Soarin asked while smiling.

Blazefist nodded, "Yeah, you girls sure have lots of fun."

"Not exactly," Aquastroke grumbled while crossed her hooves.

Rainbow nodded, "Tell me about it."

Shadow Dragon walked on the stairs and entered the tub. He approached to her before giving her a nuzzle.

"So, how's your relaxing? Better than meditating?" Twilight asked happily.

Shadow Dragon smiled, "It is, Twilight. Thanks. I could use that, though meditating is more relaxing to my mind."

Twilight giggled in amusement, "You're spending too much time in meditating. You should try something new on modern days. And trust me, there's something you'll like it."

Smiled in amaze of his girlfriend's joke, Shadow Dragon has his eyes rolled over, "Of course, Twi. I'll try. But don't expect me to like it. And trust me, the last time I tried on Tailtech's modern technology was to ruin my cool spiky mane."

Saber Dragoon nodded his head, "It's true. And it would be hilarious to see Shadow Dragon getting a long mane than the short. I miss that messy one."

"Yup," Blazefist snickered, "that shows he's Wild Maniac's crazy cousin."

Everyone laughed happily yet in amusement of what both Saber Dragoon and Blazefist had commented.

Before they could do anything, Shadow Dragon had a sudden burst of coughing. Everyone turned and glanced at him with their concerns and worry. Twilight patted on his back gently.

"Are you alright," Twilight asked in concern.

Shadow Dragon shook his head gently, "Yeah... I'm fine. That's kinda weird. I never have that before."

"Definitely weird..." Pinkie said mysteriously and eerily while holding her torchlight shined on her shock yet scary face.

"Maybe you should check up with the doctor," Rarity suggested, "I have the feeling this is not just something stuck on your throat."

"I'm fine, Rarity. Don't worry," Shadow Dragon insisted calmly. He then looked around of his surrounding, "By the way... Where're the kids?"

Applejack smiled, "Let's they're having some fun. And your son is sure love the fillies and foals since he got a good training from his mother."

Twilight nodded her head, "Applejack's right. Nyx seems like Lance so much." She sighed in happiness, "It does remind me of me and Shining Armor being close and together. We both are very BSBFF. I hope those two are still together and not against each other."

"Relax, Twi," Rainbow smiled, "It's not gonna be another Canterlot Wedding Mess again. Everything's fine. Besides, they've got Spike to be their Jiminy Cricket."

Fluttershy nodded her head, "After all, Lance does have his father's courage and his mother's kindness. That make him a better brother as Shining Armor."

Shadow Dragon sighed in relief, "He sure does..."

Feeling an itch on his throat, Shadow Dragon coughed out loud yet painfully. His friends turned and looked at him as they checked on him of what had happen to him.





Cutie Mark Crusaders cried and screamed happily and wildly, along with Spike, Twist, Pipsqueak, Dinky Doo, Jade Adventure and Babs Seed as they were all trying to run away from something or someone...

They ran across through the long alley of Ponyville before exited to the Ponyville's Square. They gathered around as they chatted happily before nodded their heads in agreement. With the haste of smoke emerged, they quickly split out and moved to different direction.

A shadow loomed over the fountain. A mysterious character approached to it.

Behind the fountain was Pipsqueak and Babs Seed lowered their heads down to the ground as they prayed that they wouldn't be found. As the shadow loomed over him, they gasped in shock. They looked up. Pipsqueak and Babs Seed screamed in fear.

Both Dinky and Twist were hiding inside the boxes as they were shivering in fear and worry. They heard the walking steps. They gasped softly before they covered their mouths quickly as they listened carefully to the sound. For the moment has passed, the walking sounded. They both sighed in relief.

CRACK! The box's top layer was opened. Both Dinky and Twist screamed in fear and worry.

Inside the Sugarcube Corner's kitchen area; Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were hiding inside the sink. They hugged with each other hard and tight as they prayed that they won't get captured. While they continued to pray, the sink's door opened in two. They gasped in shock and feared.

"Peek a boo, Crusaders!" The voice exclaimed wildly.

Three Crusaders screamed in fear before the mysterious figure grabbed three of them at once...





Lance whistled happily as he came across the Ponyville Hall. He smiled proudly, "Looks like I'm winning the 'Hide-n-Seek'. And trust me, I'm good at it."

"As if, Lance;" Scootaloo complained. Lance turned and glanced at the seven Cutie Mark Crusaders who looked upset and grumpy. She continued, "You still need to find Nyx, Spike and Jade."

"Yeah. The game's not over till you find those three. And trust me, partner; they're good at it," Apple Bloom remarked happily.

Sweetie Belle nodded her head in agreement, "Yes-yes-yes. You still need to catch them first."

Lance chuckled in amusement, "Trust me, girls... I intended to." He turned to the front as he smiled, "Ready or not; here I come."

Lance headed off to Town's Hall as he searched and looked around of the hall and even its distance. Cutie Mark Crusaders smiled before they giggled and snickered happily and amusement while covering their mouths.

As Lance came across the entrance of Town Hall, he opened the door. And when it opened, something dropped on his head - a bucket of colorful paints. Lance groaned in annoyance. Cutie Mark Crusaders giggled happily and in amusement upon seeing Lance had his head wet and painted by the colorful paintings.

As Cutie Mark Crusaders entered the hall, Lance removed it before shaken his body off the paintings. Able to get rid of most, but some remained on his mane. Heard of some laughters, he then turned and looked at the front. He spotted three familiar characters approaching to him.

"That was my favorite mane. Very funny, Nyx," Lance remarked angrily, "This is 'Hide-n-Seek', not 'Prank War'."

Nyx giggled happily before nuzzled on her step-brother's leg, "Aw come on, it's just a game. And you like it."

Spike nodded his head, "Eeyup. That was so classic."

"But the best we have in mind to pull a prank on you," Jade commented, "Besides, you're not gonna hit your own sister, aren't you?"

"It's stepsister, Jade," Lance sighed in annoyance as he hated what Jade had mention. He lowered his head down and nuzzled Nyx's head gently, "No, I wouldn't. I wouldn't do such a thing to my sister."

Spike chuckled, "Don't you mean 'stepsister'?"

"Oh... Come on, Spike," Nyx whined a bit, "Just because we have different parents, doesn't we don't love each other like a real family."

Lance smiled and nodded his head, "Nyx does have a point, Spike. After all, you're maybe a dragon but you're part of Twilight's family."

Spike thought for the moment before he smiled, "Yeah... I guess you're right. Just because we're different, doesn't mean we don't love each other."

Lance smiled and nodded his head, "Hey, listen. Why don't you guys go get some ice-cream at Sugarcube Corner? I need to wash some paints off from my mane. I still can feel them. Treats on me."

"Got it!" Cutie Mark Crusaders and Spike exclaimed happily.

Cutie Mark Crusaders and Spike charged out from the hall before Lance came out. They went in different ways: the former headed to Sugarcube Corner while the latter headed to the washing chamber for washing his mane.





At the Bathing Room of Friendship Rainbow Kingdom, Lance was washing the paints off his mane with the help of mane shampoo. During his bathing, he mumbled and grumbled angrily yet annoyingly about Nyx messing up with his mane.

As he finished his washing and drying himself out, Lance quickly left the Friendship Rainbow Kingdom. He then heard a giggling sound from the left alley. He sighed in annoyance as he entered the alley. He searched and looked for the voice on both sides of the alley buildings.

Lance groaned in annoyance, "Nyx... If you think you can prank on me, think again."

As Lance took a peek on the end of the alley, he heard someone giggling as he can sensed that someone was closed by. She giggled in amusement before took a bite on his tail. He yelped in pain. The mysterious unicorn galloped at once. He turned and glared at her who was few meters away from him.

"I'm gonna get you for that, Nyx," Lance exclaimed angrily.

Lance galloped at once as he went and chased after the unicorn he suspected. Almost reaching to the end, she stopped at once. He jumped and tackled her to the ground. They both grunted. He gasped in shock and surprised as he found someone else, instead of Nyx.

He saw a beautiful yet gracefully white unicorn with blond gentle long mane and tail and her Cutie Mark was Drawing Pad and A Sparkling Pencil. His eyes sparkled with rainbow colors lighted while his heart beaten. The girl looked at him as hers shined brightly while hers beaten as well.

'Wow... Is this... how my dad, my mom and Twilight felt when they faced and looked at each other's eyes?' Lance thought, 'She's... she's amazing and beautiful...'

"You're not Nyx," Lance said in shock as he got off.

Snap to reality, The mysterious unicorn giggled in amusement as she got up, "Nope. My name is Shiroi Bai." 

'Wow... Even her name is beautiful...' Lance thought.

"And yours?" Shiroi asked.

Lance shook his head as he returned to reality, "Yeah. My name is Ance. I mean- Long! I MEAN LANCE! Lance Justicestrike!" He nodded his head calmly, "Yeah, name's Lance Justicestrike."

Shiroi giggled in amusement as she lift her left hoof up, "Nice to meet you too."

"You must be new, right?"

"Yes, that would be me. My family and I traveled around the Equestria to learn something ancient from the past. And of course, we were searching for a new home to stay."

Lance smiled, "Nothing to worry about, Shiroi. This is Ponyville. And you're gonna love this place."

Shiroi gasped in surprise as she looked around of the hometown's building, "And this is Ponyville? And I also heard about Friendship Rainbow Kingdom. And... wow... Wow... It's beautiful, quiet and peaceful place to live," She then spotted a crystallized castle-like, "- and especially the castle. It's incredible."

"I'm glad you like it, Shiroi. That castle is where I live."

Shiroi gasped, "Really?! Then, that means... You're a Prince?! As in Princess Twilight's Boyfriend?!"

Lance yelped in shock, "No way! I'm actually her... stepson."

"Really?"

"Yeah." 

"Wow... You must be proud of your heritage to be her heir..."

"Well... Not exactly. I'm more proud to be a warrior like my dad."

"Really? So, who's your dad? And do you have brothers or sisters?"

"My dad is Shadow Dragon, the Ultimate Mystic Warrior of Darkness. And as for bros and sis-!" Lance gasped in shock, "Oh no! I forgot about them! I'd better get going now!"

"Can I join with you?" Shiroi asked.

Lance smiled, "Sure. And you're gonna love them."

Shiroi smiled as she and Lance headed off in meeting up with Nyx and her friends at Sugarcube Corner.





At Sugarcube Corner, Nyx and her friends were eating their ice-cream while chatting happily with each other. As they continued, Nyx looked concern and upset as she wondered where and what Lance had been doing.

Noticed Nyx's concern looks, Spike asked, "Hey, you're okay?"

Nyx nodded her head, "Yeah. I'm just wondering what Lance's been doing. I just hope he's not upset with me about messing up his mane... again..."

"Come on, Nyx; just because we mess up his mane doesn't mean he had to be angry with us. Trust me, he'll be okay with us."

"Hmm... I guess so..."

"Hey guys," Lance called out. Cutie Mark Crusaders and Spike turned to the door as he entered, "So, what's up? Hope I didn't miss anything."

"Well, almost," Scootaloo answered, "Nyx is a worried and scaredy filly."

Sweetie Belle nodded her head, "Eeyup. Now she feels of what it likes to have a sibling with us."

"And to mention, she nearly want to get herself a trouble," Apple Bloom remarked.

Nyx gasped before she had her face burned in red, "Girls! Come on!"

Cutie Mark Crusaders giggled in amusement with Nyx's reaction. Apple Bloom patted on Nyx's back gently and commented, "Come now, Nyx. It's just a joke. Nothing to be serious. Yeesh. You're almost worry and scared as Twilight."

Spike nodded his head, "You need to chill for once, Nyx. Nothing goes wrong."

"Speaking of nothing," Sweetie Belle said calmly as she spotted a unicorn behind Lance, "Who's that? Never seen her before."

"Yeah... Is she new?" Scootaloo asked happily.

Shiroi came in as Lance introduced, "Cutie Mark Crusaders and Spike, this is Shiroi Bai. She's new in town." He turned to Shiroi and introduced her to them, "Shiroi, these are Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Babs Seed, Twist, Dinky Doo and Pipsqueak. And of course, these are my brother Spike and my little sister: Nyx."

"Hi, Shiroi," Cutie Mark Crusaders and Spike greeted.

Shiroi gasped in fear as she moved back slowly and away from both Nyx and Spike. Noticed her reaction, Lance asked, "Hey, what's wrong?"

"These two... They're... They're Demons," Shiroi said in fear.

"Demons?!" Nyx and Spike asked in shock.

Cutie Mark Crusaders looked worry and scared of what they were watching. Shiroi acted like she was afraid of Nyx and Spike.

Lance sighed as he patted on Shiroi's back gently, "Come on, Shiroi. Nyx and Spike are not Demons. Why would you say that? Nyx's a pony while Spike's a dragon. They're both good."

Shiroi sighed in concern, "Sorry. I didn't mean to hurt their feelings, Lance. Seeing their eyes... It reminded me of some terrible adventure from Demon Land, and especially heard some tales about Nightmare Moon. That was very scary to hear..."

"Demon Land?" Spike asked in shock, "What's a Demon Land? I never heard of that before in my life."

Nyx nodded her head, "Yeah... What is it? Where have I heard that before? It's... so familiar to me..."

Shiroi nodded her head before she sighed calmly, "Sure... The Demon Land is a terrible and dark place, fills with Dark Magic. No ponies and not even Mystic Ponies ever want to go to that land. It's the home of all kinds of dangerous and dark monsters and demons and especially Tirek and Scorpan." Everyone gasped in shock and surprise. She continued, "Yes, it's true. When my family and some travelling ponies came to that land, we were trying to learn about that land. But we were attacked and driven off by the Demons. Some of my friends were killed while most manage to escape. So we vow not to go to that place again. It's... it's too frightened for me to handle..."

Lance nodded his head in understanding, "I get it. But trust me, Nyx and Spike are not demons. They're good kids."

Shiroi smiled and nodded her head, "Yeah... I guess I overreacted to them because of their eyes. And of course, I'd never met a dragon before in my life. I always wanted." She turned and looked at Nyx and Spike, "Sorry of how I reacted. I didn't mean it."

"Hey, no worries about it. Besides, I'm the nice dragon. You've got nothing to worry about," Spike answered.

Nyx nodded her head, "Don't worry. It wasn't the first time for someone to criticize me about my eyes since I was Nightmare Moon's Reincarnation."

"Really? You're Nightmare Moon's Reincarnation?" Shiroi asked in shock. Nyx nodded her head. The former continued, "Hmm... You're very different than what I was told about the story. You seem... nice and gentle pony."

Nyx smiled, "I'm glad you like it. So, can we be friends? I would like to get to know about you."

Shiroi thought for the moment as she grew in concern and thoughts about making friend with Nyx. She then glanced at Lance who smiled at her. She smiled weakly before looked at Nyx, "Sure. I... I would like to get to know about you too. I just hope nothing bad about you when you got 'reborn'."

Nyx smiled, "Trust me. You're gonna like it."

Lance nodded his head, "Right. My treat."

Lance turned and headed to the counter as he ordered some ice-cream treats for his friends from Mr. and Mrs. Cakes.

As Lance sat down with his friends and Shiroi, they both chatted and laughed together. She told them about her adventures and her traveling family on going around the Equestria. They then told her about their long adventures which involved mostly Mane Six's Adventures, Cutie Mark Crusaders', Nyx's Story, Third Mystic War and Rainbow Rocks Event. 

Shiroi smiled in impress, "Wow... That's very interesting of you all. All of you are nice and good, and especially Nyx. You're not really that bad."

Nyx smiled, "I'm glad to hear that too. And it was amazing of you to be an archaeologist."

"Actually... I preferred to be an artist than archaeologist. I love to sketch and draw everything on my drawing pad. It's my favorite hobby. I just hope that I can become one. It's what I really want."

"I'm sure you can. Besides; with friends to support you, you've got nothing to worry about."

"Well... I guess you're right about it. But thanks for the support."

Shiroi smiled and gave Nyx a hug. She hug the former back. Lance smiled in relief, along with Spike.

"Glad to see those two get along. I thought she's gonna against Nyx," Spike commented.

Lance smiled, "No worry, Spike. Those two get along well. Nothing bad can happen." He turned and looked at the sun setting down, "Well, we'd better get back home now. We wouldn't want to have our mom to be mad at us for being late again."

Spike groaned, "Yeah... Tell me something I don't know about. I wouldn't want to go through Twilight's Rage again. It's scaring me off so much."

"So, we'll see you tomorrow?" Nyx asked happily.

Shiroi smiled, "Of course, Nyx. I'm looking forward to know what kind of Cutie Marks you and your friends are hunting for. And of course, I would like to start my sketch on this place and the friends I have made."

"Trust us. You're gonna love it," Scootaloo commented happily.

Sweetie Belle nodded her head, "Even if we didn't get our Cutie Marks, we'd always have fun with each other. That's the best part."

"You said it, Sweetie Belle," Apple Bloom agreed, "Can't wait to start one tomorrow."

As Lance and his friends left the Sugarcube Corner, they departed. Shiroi headed straight home while Lance and his friends headed to Friendship Rainbow Kingdom in meeting up with their family members.





Upon arriving at Friendship Rainbow Kingdom, they spotted Dragon Kick standing and waiting for them at the gate. Lance and his friends looked worry and concern as they approached to Dragon Kick. Dragoking looked upset and pain as he growled and moaned in upset.

"Dragon Kick, what you're doing here?" Nyx asked in concern, "Is something wrong?"

Dragon Kick sighed in despair, "You're gonna have to see it for yourself. You're not gonna like it."

Lance and his friends looked worry and concern of what Dragon Kick had said. Dragon Kick took them to Friendship Rainbow Kingdom.





They had arrived on the sleeping chamber. As Dragon Kick opened it; they saw Mane Six, their boyfriends and three members of Dragon Strike Force were sleeping on their beds. Several Quarantined Bubbles kept Twilight and her friends within. They all moaned painfully. Tao, Zecora, Tailtech and Icy were checking on Twilight and her friends.

Lance and his friends quickly approached to their family members: Lance, Nyx and Spike headed to Twilight and Shadow Dragon while Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo checked on Applejack, Rarity and Rainbow Dash.

Lance turned to Tao, "Grandfather, what happen? How did they get like this?"

"What's happening? Is it like disease or something?!" Spike asked in worry.

Tao sighed in concern as he nodded his head, "I'm afraid so. This disease is not like anything we have seen. This is the work of Dark Plague..." Lance, Spike and Cutie Mark Crusaders gasped in shock and feared. He continued, "Dark Plague is very rare and dangerous disease. If anyone got caught with it, they will have the worse disease to deal with for two days. Then, they will have their strengths, magic and abilities weakened by it on third days. And above all, they will lose their memories on fourth day. And if they are not cured for next three days, then they will died."

Lance, Spike and Cutie Mark Crusaders gasped in shock and feared.

"How did they get that ill?!" Spike asked in worry.

Tailtech sighed, "If I'm not mistaken... It happen when Shadow Dragon and I went to Guildenstern's Lab for some investigation and scavenge. I remember what he said. He found some kind of orange liquid. He must have accidentally touch it before the glass broke and got contact with it. At first he was okay since last week, I thought it was just a feint. But I was wrong. And I didn't see it. I'm so stupid."

Icy sighed, "Don't blame yourself, Tailtech. It's not your fault." 

Nyx quickly asked, "Is there anything we can do?! Is there any way to cure them?! Please tell us!"

Zecora sighed in defeat, "I'm afraid what you seek will not be an easy journey. The only one can cure your family's and friends' illness but it is very rare to find."

"Please tell us. We need to know it," Apple Bloom insisted.

"Not to mention, where can we find them?!" Scootaloo asked in worry.

"Yeah, I can't stand to see them like this," Sweetie Belle exclaimed in fear.

Zecora sighed, "As I had said before, what you seek will not be easy journey. There were eight items you require to make a cure for Dark Plague: Courage Flame Orb, Purist Seashell, Night Flower, Poison Frog's Slime, Thunder Serpent's Scale, Venus Seed, Demon Wing and Dark Soul's Aura. These are the most important items to perfect a cure. But they all can be found... from Demon Land..."

"WHAT?!" Everyone asked in shock.

Lance shook his head hard before spoke, "If that's the only place to get, then I'll go and get it."

"Absolutely not!" Tao exclaimed in denial, "It is too dangerous! I will not let any of you to go until further notices."

"But grandfather-!" Nyx was about to beg.

"No means no! I know all of you care for your family, but I will not put any of you at great risk. By tomorrow morning, I will have an audience with the Council to send some best warriors to Demon Land to retrieve it. Do you understand?!" Tao firmly stated. Lance and his friends sighed in defeat before they nodded their heads. He continued, "Good to hear it. For now, talk with them a while. But not too long. I feared the Dark Plague may infect others."

Lance and his friends sighed in upset as they all turned and headed in checking up with their family as they had some chats.

Apple Bloom approached to Applejack's Bubble, with both Granny Smith and Big Mac standing outside while looking at her.

"Sis... You're gonna be alright, right?" Apple Bloom asked in concern.

Applejack smiled weakly, "Now don't you worry about me, little filly. You'd better start worry about the Sweet Apple Acres. That's the important part."

"But-!"

"Apple Bloom, I really appreciate and happy to have you with me. I really am. Having you here means a lot to me. Be strong for me..."

"Applejack..." Apple Bloom sniffed in despair. Applejack smiled before coughed painfully. Both Granny Smith and Big Mac sniffed and sobbed in despair before hugged with each other.

Sweetie Belle touched on Rarity's bubble caused the latter to look at her.

"Are you alright, Sweetie Belle? I'm so sorry," Rarity apologized weakly.

Sweetie Belle shook her head while crying and sobbing, "No! You shouldn't apologize! You never done anything wrong. You never did. You never..."

"I'm afraid I did... I make you... pain and sad to see my like this. What kind of older sister am I to leave my sister behind with heavy burdens?"

"Don't say that! You'll be fine! I promised!"

Rarity shook her head, "Listen to me, Sweetie Belle. If I don't make it, I want you go with our parents and stay with them. I don't want you to take my job. You're not ready." Sweetie Belle was about to deny but Rarity spoke, "Promise me!"

Sweetie Belle sighed in defeat and upset before nodded her head. Rarity smiled weakly before coughed out loud.

Scootaloo approached to Rainbow Dash's bubble. Rainbow smiled and looked at Scootaloo.

"Hey squirt," Rainbow called calmly, "How're you doing?"

"How am I doing?! Not so well! I can't believe this is happening! I can't believe it!" Scootaloo exclaimed angrily before cried in pain and despair, "It's not fair. It's not fair!"

"Scoots, listen to me. There was nothing you can do about it," Rainbow said calmly. Scootaloo looked down in upset. She continued, "Listen, squirt; I want you to stick with my family. They'll look after you, just the way they did for me. And I want you do your best to find what you want, not what I want."

"Rainbow Dash..."

"Promise, Scootaloo. If anything goes wrong, go with my family. And don't do anything what I did. You're not ready. You need more time..."

Scootaloo sniffed painfully before nodded her head in agreement. Rainbow Dash smiled in relief before she sighed.

Lance, Nyx and Spike approached to Twilight's and Shadow Dragon's bubble.

"Mom... Dad... Are you alright?" Lance asked.

Twilight smiled, "We're okay... for now..."

Nyx sniffed, "Mommy, daddy; don't worry - Grandpa Tao said that he's gonna get help from the Council. He said that he's gonna send some warriors to Demon Land to get the items and save you."

Shadow Dragon sighed, "I figured my father would do something like this. Lance, Nyx and Spike; I need you all listen to me." Three of them looked at him. He continued, "If anything goes wrong with us, I want you all go with your grandfather and stay with him."

"What?! Why?! You're not gonna died! You're not gonna died!" Spike exclaimed in denial.

Nyx nodded her head in agreement and exclaimed, "Spike's right! It's not over! You'll be better! You'll be! Nothing can go wrong! Please don't said that!"

Twilight looked at Nyx, "Please; Spike and Nyx. Just do what your father had said, it's for your safety. And he's right. We won't... We won't be here if the cure won't be found in time."

"But mom-!" Nyx argued.

Shadow Dragon interrupted, "Nyx! Please... do as you were told. That same goes to you, Spike. I want you both followed Lance and Tao, no matter what. Can you do it?" Nyx and Spike sighed in defeat before they nodded their heads in agreement. He turned to Lance, "Lance... As their big brother, look after them. I want you do what you can to protect and care them at all cost."

Lance looked down before sighed in defeat, "I will, dad. I will."

Shadow Dragon smiled, "Good to hear. Protect our family and friends. That's the important job for you three to do."

Twilight sighed in relief, "All of you are good children. We're so proud to have you all with us. So no matter what happens, stick together and be there for each other. And always remember, we love you so much."

Lance, Nyx and Spike looked down for the moment before they sniffed and sobbed in tears and despair. They placed their right hooves and claw on the plastic bubbles for the moment while Shadow Dragon and Twilight did theirs as well.

Both Pinkie and Fluttershy smiled as they watched and seen what had happen.

Pinkie smiled, "So much things to do, but we end up losing ours. I can't believe this is happening."

"At least we have each other and especially our loved ones. I won't be alone and neither do any of our pals," Fluttershy said calmly.

"Yeah... I guess you're right," Pinkie nodded her head in understanding.

Fluttershy smiled in agreement, along with their sickened boyfriends and Dragon Strike Force members.

As Lance and his friends finished their talks with their relatives, Tao called them to leave Twilight and her friends to rest. Lance and his friends gave to Twilight and her friends a smile while the latter returned a smile to the former.

As soon as Lance and his friends left the room, Tao closed the sleeping chamber's door. He turned and looked at Lance and his friends.

"Rest assure, everyone. Everything will be fine. I promised," Tao said calmly and determinedly, "For now, go to sleep. I'll keep an eye on your family. But stay out of the troubles." Lance and his friends nodded their heads in understanding. Tao sighed, "Goodnight, everyone."

"Goodnight," Lance and his friends said softly.

Lance and his friends turned and headed straight to their own bed chambers for sleeping. During their walking through the corridor of doors, Lance gave a narrowed determined angered eyes. Nyx did had the same reaction as Lance. Spike noticed the looks as he had some suspects and knew he had same thoughts as theirs. Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo noticed the looks as well. They then looked at each other before nodded their heads in agreement.

Five Ponies and a Dragon refused to do nothing about saving their family and friends' lives. They had to do it for their family and friends... Somehow...

To Be Continued...

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