The sun rose brightly the next morning. Cadence walked to Flurry's room to see if she was feeling better from the events of the past night.
"I hope she is feeling better...", Cadence thought. She entered Flurry's room. "Flurry?"
It was then that Cadence found the note on Flurry's bed. She ran up and read it. She gasped when she finished and ran to her husband.
"Shining!!"
Shining Armor ran up to her. "Cadence, what's wrong?!"
Tears were streaming down Cadence's face. "Flurry ran away!"
"What?!", Shining exclaimed in shock.
Cadence pulled out the note. "Look at this!"
Shining read the note, and his eyes widened. "Oh no!"
"We got to find her!", cried Cadence.
"Right", Shining said. "Guards!"
Two Guards rushed up. "Your Highness?"
"My daughter ran off", Cadence cried. "Find her!"
"Yes Princess!"
The Guards ordered a search party. They searched the entire empire, but had no luck.
Cadence was crying in full panic while Shining tried to comfort her.
"My filly....M-My filly.....W-Why did she run away?", Cadence wondered as she wept. "I thought she was okay...."
"Maybe she wasn't deep down", Shining wondered out loud. "She probably didn't want to risk us losing our lives for her sake".
"I just want her back...."
"I do too".
They held each other hoping their daughter was alright.
Emerald walked up. "Prince Shining? Princess Cadence?"
Shining turned to her. "Emerald?"
"I knew Flurry would run off....", said Emerald. "But she....." She began to cry. "I'm so sorry!!"
Shining comforted the filly. "Calm down Emerald, tell us what happened".
Emerald explained everything from the past night. Shining and Cadence were astonished. Emerald sniffled and weped as Shining nuzzled her.
Cadence sighed. "Where could she have gone?"
Meanwhile, Flurry was wondering through the frozen north feeling terrified.
She suddenly heard a voice. "Flurry Heart".
Flurry was startled. "Who's there?"
The voice spoke again. "It is I...Amalthea".
"What do you want with me?", Flurry asked.
"To let you know I am watching over you", Amalthea said. "But I also speak to convince you turn back, hear the cries of your mother....".
Flurry heard Cadence's voice and her cries for her in her head.
"No", Flurry cried shaking her head. "I won't take the chance!!!!!!!"
Flurry spread her wings and flew off at top speed.
"You are being foolish little filly", said Amalthea.
"Go away!!!!!!!" yelled Flurry.
"I shall protect you on your journey little one, but not from everything.....", Amalthea warned.
Flurry flew until she was pooped out. She landed in a forest like area and rested under a tree. Just then, a sound came from the bushes.
Flurry flinched. "Who's there?"
Out of the bushes came a little grey rabbit. It hopped a little closer to Flurry.
"Hello little guy, what are you doing out here?"
A howell sounded in the distance and then, timberwolves emerged. Frightened, Flurry picked up the rabbit and flew off as the timberwolves chased her. Flurry kept going until she came across a hut in a tree. She flew over and knocked frantically. The door opened to reveal Zecora.
"What is your hurry?", asked Zecora, "What brings you here Princess Flurry?"
"I'm being chased by timberwolves!".
"Stay in here if you choose, what do you have to lose?".
"Thanks".
Flurry flew in.
"What brings you to my hut?", asked Zecora, "Is something of your life in a rut?"
"Sadly Yes", answered Flurry.
"Then tell me what has you down", Zecora said calmly, "What is it that makes you frown?"
"Some of the crystal ponies think that I'm a threat", told Flurry.
"Hmm; I feel that you going on the run, is a plan that is not a smart one".
"I don't care what you or anypony might think. This is the only way so I can't hurt anypony".
"Amalthea doesn't think so, trust me I know".
"Amalthea's trying to torture me with her words!"
"You think this but it's not true; she is trying to guide you".
"On what?", questioned Flurry, "A path of destruction?"
"Amalthea is wise", said Zecora, "She sees through all of one's disguise, she is helping you grow, but away from home is not where you should go".
Flurry groaned. "Some help you are".
She walked out leaving the rabbit to be with the zebra.
"Please Flurry", pleaded Zecora, "Don't go off in a hurry; stay here with me, so that I may return you to your loving family, but if away you go, I will be also in tow".
"Sorry Zecora, but my decision is final".
Flurry flew off as Zecora followed.
"At least travel in daylight", Zecora suggested, "Then to Ponyville to see you Aunt Twilight".
"I can't go to her"
"Avoiding them won't last long", Zecora said in a solemn voice, "Soon your mother will send an army many dozen strong".
Flurry was unconvinced. "I'm good at hiding. Besides, that necklace I always wore was also some tracking item. They won't find me when I'm not wearing it for I left it at home".
"Do you not know; how far a mother will go?", asked Zecora, "She will not care whatever the fare; if she wants you, she will find you".
"It's best that she forgets about me", said Flurry.
"That is not so", Zecora exclaimed, "Never is that where a mother's mind will not go...".
Catching Zecora off guard, Flurry banged the zebra on the head with a small log knocking her unconscious. She then flew off in a different direction.
Meanwhile in Ponyville, Twilight was pacing back and forth in worry.
"Why would Flurry run off?",Twilight wondered, "I know she got embarrassed but that's no cause to run off like this!"
"I know darling", said Rarity, "But worrying does nothing to help little Flurry".
Spike let out a huff. "This is all Amalthea's fault".
"Spike!", Twilight cried in shock.
"I'm serious!", Spike continued, "Amalthea made Flurry born an alicorn, so it's her who's to blame!"
"Spike you know better than that...", scolded Rarity, "Amalthea is not to blame, she was born for a reason, she just needs to figure out why".
"But most of the crystal ponies have blamed Flurry for nearly causing the empire to be lost!", Spike yelled.
"Yet we fixed the problem" said Twilight, "The point is my niece needs to be found".
"When we do" said Spike, "I'll make those crystal ponies who mocked her wish they were never born".
"Now Spikey; Rarity said assuringly, "That's what mum's do".
Spike crossed his arms while grumbling.
"Where do we start looking first?", asked Applejack.
"How about we ask Zecora?", suggested Starlight Glimmer.
"We should start there maybe...", Twilight said thoughtfully, "But it's a long shot".
"Let's go then", said Starlight.
The 8 friends all headed off to Zecora's hut. As they walked to Zecora's hut, they noticed a figure laying on the ground.
"What is....", Twilight gasped, "Zecora!" She ran up to her along with the others.
Twilight examined the zebra. "Zecora..."
"Is she alright?", asked Spike.
"I'm gonna revive her". Twilight used her magic to heal the zebra's injuries. Zecora then came to.
"My vision is blurry.....Wh-Where is Flurry?"
"You saw her?", asked Twilight.
Zecora nodded.
"Where is she?", asked Starlight.
"Calm down Starlight...", Twilight told her student. "She just woke up".
Zecora groaned. "That filly is not right in the head, what she does next, wherever she goes...I dread".
"What does she mean, 'Not in the right head'?", wondered Spike.
"Flurry is not thinking straight", answered Zecora "We must find her right away!
Elsewhere, Flurry was running through the forest, and timberwolves were on her tail again. They snarled & barked, even sniped at Flurry's tail.
Flurry soon reached a dead end. Just when the wolves were about to attack....... *ZAP* Two magic beams blasted them to bits. Flurry looked and saw two mysterious hooded ponies. The ponies removed the hoods revealing themselves to be.......... Sombra and Radiant Hope.
"Back off you piles of twigs!", shouted Sombra.
The timberwolves ran away in fright.
Sombra turned to the young filly. "Are you alright Flurry?"
"Yes", Flurry answered.
"Good", Sombra said with a smile, "Cadence will be happy to know we found you".
"She's so worried about you", Radiant said with a frown, "Your father is also worried".
Flurry groaned. "Oh no, not you too!!!!!!"
"PLEASE; see reason Flurry...", begged Radiant, "Do you have any idea how hurt your parents are?"
"How can I be a princess when I nearly destroyed the empire?!", cried Flurry.
"By trusting your teachers and those around you that love and help you....", replied Sombra, "Does your parents love mean nothing? Or your family? Any friends?"
Flurry glared at Sombra. "Did that mean anything to you before you shattered Princess Amore?"
"Sombra was under dark magic by birth", replied Radiant, "YOU were born under NO such magic young filly!"
"I learned and was helped", Sombra said, "You can have the same help".
Flurry turned away from them. "Thank you, but no thank you".
"I'm sorry Flurry..." said Radiant, "You have no say....".
Radiant used her magic to knock Flurry unconscious. Before Sombra and Radiant could pick Flurry up, her body mysteriously vanished.
"What?!", Radiant cried.
When Flurry woke up, she found herself in some kind of fun looking garden. "Where am I?", wondered Flurry, "How did I get here?""
"Feel safe now?"
Flurry turned and saw a friendly looking Draconequus with a white head.
"Are you alright Princess?"
"Yes", Flurry said. "What happened?"
"You were knocked out", answered the Draconequus.
Flurry groaned, "Stupid Sombra and Radiant".
"I know Flurry".
The draconequus then told Flurry that he brought her to this place because he had overheard her talk with Sombra and Radiant about how she wanted to keep away from everypony so they wouldn't get hurt.
"Fear not Flurry; I heard your plans and I'm here to help you".
"Really?", Flurry asked in amazement. "How can you do it?"
"You can stay here Princess; The draconequus answered, "Here, you can never harm anypony you love ever again".
Flurry hugged him. "Thank you. What's your name by the way?"
"My name is Tranquil", said the draconequus.
"Well Tranquil", said Flurry, "I think you and I will be the best of friends".
"Of course", replied Tranquil. The two hugged.
*Back in the Crystal Empire......*
Cadence was a mess from worrying about her daughter, Sombra, and Radiant were looking very down.
"I'm sorry, said Radiant, "But we tried to get her".
"It's not your fault", Shining assured, "Flurry is just very powerful".
"That's just it", said Sombra, "She did not teleport away...She just....vanished".
"Only question is, How?", wondered Sunburst.
"We don't know....", replied Radiant.
"Hopefully Cadence punishes those who called Flurry a threat", said Spike.
"She might", thought Twilight, "Or just a stern talk".
"A stern talk isn't enough Twi!", said Spike, "They deserve more than just a slap on the wrist!"
"They didn't cause real harm Spike", said Twilight, "It's not serious enough as Flurry running off is".
"What about when Shining banned you from his wedding?" Spike asked with a glare.
"That was different Spike and you know it", told Twilight.
"Typical", Spike said coldly, "Your just like Celestia and Luna, too soft spirited to give the right punishments".
Twilight gasped at those words. "Spike!"
"How could you talk like that?!", cried Rarity.
"It's true!", Spike shouted, "Since the beginning, Celestia and Luna never dealt with their enemies the right way. They never executed them or had them beaten, like Tirek!"
"They know what's best!", retorted Twilight.
"We are to be better than that Spike....", said Rarity, "What's wrong with you Spikey?...."
"What's wrong with me?', Spike asked in disbelief, "WHAT'S WRONG WITH ME?!?!?!?!?!"
"Spike! calm down!!", The purple alicorn pleaded.
"NO!" Spike's outburst made Twilight shut her mouth.
Rarity looked sad and hurt. "Spike...."
"Let me tell you what's wrong", Spike said now filled with rage, "All of Equestria is messed up!!!!!!!!! Everypony knew exactly how to deal with their enemies and serious situations back then, but now Equestria has suddenly fallen soft and blinded to the threats and dangers we face today!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Think about what you're saying Spike!", pleaded Twilight.
"Honestly Spike, why such talk over a runaway filly?", questioned Rarity, "We'll find her alright??"
"DON'T TELL ME WHAT TO DO!!!!!!!!!!!!" Spike shouted.
Twilight zapped Spike to knock him out, but it didn't work. Spike growled and slashed Twilight across the face. Twilight shrieked and held her face to stop the flow of blood.
The girls were horrified.
"Spike!", cried Rarity in horror, "You hurt Twilight!"
Rainbow Dash held Spike down. "NOT cool Spike".
"All this fightin's doin' NOTHIN' to help Flurry!", said AJ with authority in her voice.
Spike bit Rainbow's foreleg.
"OW!", Dash cried in pain, "Spike?! What the heck?!"
Applejack held Spike down and actually clocked him out cold with her hoof.
Starlight grabbed Applejack by the neck with her magic. "How dare you hurt him!!!!!"
"NOT you too!", cried Rarity.
"Starlight, he attacked Twilight and BIT me!", yelled Dash.
"Let her go Starlight" ordered Twilight, "He is out cold not hurt".
Starlight growled at her mentor.
"Starlight please....", begged Twilight, "Let AJ go....."
"St-Starlight...", gagged Applejack, "Yer hurtin' me.....".
Starlight hurled Applejack across the floor.
Fluttershy was in tears, including Pinkie.
"Please...", the pink party mare begged while sniffing, "Friends don't fight....Not when there's a young filly out somewhere missing!"
"You're no friends of mine....... Starlight said coldly, "Not anymore".
"Starlight!" Twilight wore a sad expression as blood from where Spike attacked her dripped from her face.
"Why are we fighting Starlight?...", asked Rarity, "This is not helping us find Flurry".
"I'm not helping anymore", said Starlight grimmley, "Neither is Spike".
"Please...", Twilight begged while shedding tears.
"You don't abandon friends.....", weeped Pinkie.
"You're all too ignorant to be my friends", Starlight said grimmly. She turned to Twilight. "You can find yourself a different Guidance Counselor, because I quit".
"Starlight!", cried Twilight, "This is not ignorance..."
"What isn't?", asked Starlight, "That you devote everything you do to a goddess that doesn't even show her face?!"
"It is in her time and her way she acts," Twilight said with urgency. "She shows herself to those she deems time to be heard or seen by; I have heard her talk to me".
"Really?", Starlight questioned. "When?"
"Not too long after Flurry ran off", answered Twilight, "She told me she has an eye on her".
"Then give up the search!", retorted Starlight.
"She did not say quit on her Starlight...", said Twilight, "You NEVER quit on somepony, especially family....".
"I'm not her family", said Starlight.
"You're the Guidance Counselor for my friendship school, and when I was a student to Celestia, she was a mother to me. You are like a sister".
Starlight lowered her head. "............Sorry Twilight, but your on your own now". With that, Starlight walked out of the room.
Twilight sadly frowned. "We are here when you want to come back Starlight...All 6 of us...".
Starlight went to the train station and walked up to the ticket booth.
"Where to miss?", ask the ticket pony.
"Sire's Hollow", Starlight said laying out some bits.
"Very well".
The pony gave Starlight her ticket. Starlight then climbed onto the train.
As she sat on one of the chairs, Starlight's consciences spoke questions: "Is this the right decision? Just leaving after a fight? Is fighting going to help Flurry? Or be a good friend?"
Starlight just brushed it all off, knowing that she made her decision.
Suddenly, a voice spoke.
"Starlight".
Starlight was startled. "Who's that?!"
"Fear not" , said the voice. "It is I, Amalthea".
"Amalthea?", Starlight wondered. She then frowned. "What do you want?"
"I heard your frustration and that of Spike", said Amalthea. "But anger will not help Flurry".
Starlight pouted. "What would you know about it?"
"I know she is in the care of a draconequus named Tranquil", Amalthea said warmly.
"She is?!", Starlight exclaimed in surprise. "Where can I find her?"
"She is unreachable where she is, this is a lesson for her, she will come back on her own when she learns her lesson".
Starlight looked down in sadness.
"Patience Starlight...", told Amalthea.
"Alright", said Starlight. "I will be".
"You still heading home or do you wish to reconsider?", Amalthea asked.
"I'm still going home", answered Starlight.
"Very well Starlight".
The train began to move, heading for Sire's Hollow.
*Back at Twilight's castle......*
Twilight was sitting at the table feeling depressed. Not only was her niece missing, but now she also lost her friend and Guidance Counselor of the School of Friendship. Plus, Spike had locked himself in his room, refusing to come out.
"It will be fine darling", Rarity tried to reassure.
"What about Spike", asked Applejack.
Twilight sniffled and weeped, then rubbed her face where she was hurt. Fluttershy tried her best to comfort the purple alicorn.
"This is all messed up 6 different ways", said Rainbow.
"How so?", asked Applejack.
"Besides Flurry missing", said Dash. "We fought each other and Spike attacked Twilight, TWILIGHT for Amalthea's sake".
"Not to mention Starlight choking AJ and throwing her across the floor!", said Pinkie.
"Yeah", replied Dash. "That was bad".
"Now what do we do?", asked Pinkie.
"We don't give up", answered Twilight. "No doubt Shining and Cadence have not".
"Right", Applejack spoke with determination. "We'll find Flurry if it's the last thing we ever do!"
"Yeah!!!!!!!!"
While Spike was in grudge mode and Starlight had left, The girls knew they would find Flurry one way or another.
*To be continued*