> The Crimson Moonlight
>  by Octavia Philharmonica
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Debt of Moonlight
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Drip, drop, drip. I can hear the rain, every drop hitting the floor at such high speeds, my mind can't help but analyze everything around it, I'm scared, and I can't speak. I can't help it. I could die right here. I probably will. There's nopony around to help me. I left all my friends behind. Why didn't I listen to them? Why did I get mixed up in this? I don't know what to do. I'm tied up here in an alleyway, bound against my will, this evil mare standing over me. My vision is getting blurry, I can't remember anything, what was her name? What did she look like? I wish I could scream for help, but I'm too tired… I can see a blur. She's gonna do it now… she's gonna kill me… my life is flashing before my eyes… She walked up to me and spoke, just seven words that made my heart shatter with fear. “Neither a Borrower nor a lender be.”… I am Rainbow Dash… does my story really end here?

One week earlier, my life was different. I woke up that morning, same as any other, I got up, and fixed my rainbow colored mane, yeah it's rainbow, like, Roy G. Biv or whatever. Just then a gray blonde maned Pegasus named Derpy flew over my head, I looked up and that's when her bag hit me right in the face. “Ow!” I said as the Pegasus landed next to me to apologize, as she landed I glanced at the bubbly cutie mark on her flank, it sure was fitting for her.

“Sorry Rainbow Dash! I got distracted thinking about muffins, and panicked when I saw I missed you! I have a letter in there for you somewhere!” she explained, her eyes crossed as always. One looking up, the other looking down. I wondered how she could see me at all like that.

“Huh, a letter? I don't normally get letters. All my friends live nearby.” I reached in the bag and found the letter “Here it is, thanks Derpy! See ya later, and be more careful with that thing.” She nodded and left with her usual cross eyed smile. I opened the letter up and read though it casually, my eyes grew wide. “No way… It’s finally happening! It's my time to shine!”

“What’s happenin', Sugar Cube?” My friend AppleJack said as she walked up with my other four friends. She was an orange earth pony and had a long blonde mane and a cowboy hat, and her cutie mark was simple enough, just three apples arranged in a sort of triangle style. She was a farmer who worked at the Sweet Apple Acres, making apples for everypony.  Next to her was Twilight Sparkle, a purple unicorn with a dark purple mane, it had a dark pink streak running through it and her tail. She was the smartest of all of us, knowing more spells than any unicorn ever, her cutie mark looked like some kind of pink star or something, and it was sparkling. Then there was Pinkie Pie, she had a pink curly mane, like crazy curly, and she loved to party, which is why she had three balloons as her cutie mark. Next was Rarity, she was the girliest unicorn, or any mare for that matter, I had ever met. She loved to design dresses and loved expensive and shiny things, that's why her cutie mark showed three little diamonds. Last but not least was Fluttershy. She had a long light pink mane and she loved animals, her cutie mark was a trio of butterflies, which I guess is because she's innocent and never hurts anyone or anything. She's been my best friend since I was a filly, before I ever moved to Ponyville

“Yeah Rainbow Dash, what’s going on?” Pinkie Pie said, in her usual cheery voice.

“I just got a letter from the Wonderbolts! It says that I'm eligible to join them if I can pass their final entry exam, and after all that training at the Wonderbolt academy I know I can do it!” The Wonderbolts were the fastest air force in Equestria. They were legendary, and it's been my dream to join them since I was just a little filly. “I can't believe this is happening!” I said as I continued to read the letter, my smile quickly turned sour “What the Heck?!”

“What’s wrong, Rainbow Dash? I hope we aren't intruding...” Fluttershy said, blaming herself as always.

“It's not you guys, it's this entry letter! It says I have to pay 1,500 bits in three days to take the exam! I don't have that kind of money!”

Rarity gasped “That just isn't fair, dear! How can they expect you to pay that? Your job does not pay nearly enough!”

“Gee thanks for reminding me, Rarity” I said, still annoyed at the whole situation. I couldn't possibly come up with that kind of money anytime soon, and according to this letter I had three days to do it. I needed a plan, a smile suddenly arose on my face.

Twilight looked at me worried “Rainbow Dash? Why are you smiling like that? What are you thinking about?”

“It's easy guys! I just have to borrow the 1500 bits and pay it back when I'm a Wonderbolt! They make easy money!” I was prideful of my brilliant idea, and I knew it would work without a hitch.

“That's a terrible idea!” Twilight shouted, bruising my ego. “Borrowing that kind of money can get really dangerous! I mean, what if you never even get to take the exam? Then what? The money will be gone and you'll be bankrupt! Besides, haven't you ever heard the saying 'neither a borrower nor a lender be'?” Twilight said with a serious tone, it was obvious my idea annoyed her. “We'll come up with a way to raise the money.”

I sighed, and agreed to avoid an argument. “Fine. But I really don't see how you expect to do it, none of us could make that money in three days, even together.”

“Don't worry Rainbow Dash, well do it for ya!” Said Pinkie Pie, giving her widest smile, her smiles always made me feel reassured....but not this time, this time things were desperate, and I needed to think. We all said goodbye and went off in different directions. It was weird though, I had a feeling we were being watched.

That night as I was walking home from working on the weather, too tired to fly, I could hear someone call out to me. “psst....come here....over here to the alley, quickly!” I don't know why I didn't run, but for some reason I felt the need to listen, so I walked over to the voice, as I entered the alleyway I could make out a figure, it stepped closer revealing itself to be a mare, a unicorn with dark purple hair, a lot of mares have purple hair around here for some reason. Myself included, even if it's only a part. Her eyes though, they were scary. Blood red, with a look of revenge. She was a pure black mare, it was hard to even see her, she blended into the shadows, and her cutie mark seemed to be a crimson moon. Thankfully, she only wanted to talk about something.

“Hello dear, how are you doing tonight?” she said, with a sweet voice, it sounded sincere.

“Hey...I'm fine, why?” I said, a little confused about this whole situation.

“Oh no reason, you just seemed troubled. Are you sure nothing is wrong? Your face looks worried, as though you were in a panic, you need something done fast, don't you? Perhaps there is a way I can assist you?” It was like she knew. Am I that obvious?

“No, sorry I don't-....well, maybe, I am having a little trouble.”

She grinned, she seemed so happy to find this out “Tell me then dear, I promise I can make all your problems go away with little effort, doesn't that sound wonderful?”

“Well… Yeah it does, but unless you have 1500 bits I could-” She cut me off quickly, not letting me finish the joke.

“Of course I do. I have more money than I would ever need, so I could give you a loan, granted you can be trusted to pay it back?” she said, her grin turning more sinister as she went on. I needed a moment to think, then I spoke.

“Of course I can pay it back, by when?” I asked, I already regretted my choice, but I kept going “I gotta know just in case, I mean when I'm a Wonderbolt, I can pay you back easy!” I sounded confident, even though I felt like I was lying.

“Oh well, I'm sure that's true, but it is a lot of money, so let’s say… Sunday?” She chuckled as she said this.

“WHAT?! That's really short notice!!” I shouted in pure disbelief, even if I was a Wonderbolt could I pay it off that fast?

“Now now, keep your voice down. I understand, my apologies, I suppose you don't want the money then. Oh well, I'm sure there are other ponies out there who would, sorry to bother you, Rainbow Dash” she turned to walk off, I didn't consider for a split second how she knew my name, I had to stop her.

“Wait!” I shouted “I'll take it! I'll pay it off by Sunday I promise!” I couldn't stop myself, my mouth was writing checks I knew I couldn't cash, I needed to stop, but I didn't want to. I wanted the money, I wanted to take the exam, and I wanted to finally live my dream!

She turned around, grinning “Excellent.” she turned and reached for a bag, then she tossed it to me “There you are, 1500 bits. Just what you needed right?”

I nodded. “Right, thank you so much! You've saved my life! Well, my dream, but same thing!” I paused for a second “Say, whats your name?”

She hesitated, it was strange, like she took a moment to process what I asked. “Call me Moon, please.”

“Alright” I said “Moon it is, thanks again, and I’ll see you Sunday, once I'm a Wonderbolt!” I was so happy I decided to fly home, I went at record speed too, and the money bag didn't slow me down in the slightest. Things were finally going my way, and my dream was just around the corner. All I needed to do was take that test, and make sure my friends never caught on to what I was doing. Easy enough, right?

Tuesday was a pretty boring day for me, I pretty much sat around and did nothing, except for when Fluttershy came over and asked me to go to Cloudsdale with her. It wasn't far so I decided to say yes, I had business there anyway. The exam was on Thursday but I needed to go to Cloudsdale to turn in the money. The two of us didn't have much to do there so we didn't pack or anything, we just left. The reason she asked me is because only Pegasi can go there, 'cause unless a unicorn uses a spell, only we can walk on clouds.

When we got there I looked around. “Hey Fluttershy, I need to go do something.” I pointed to a nearby cafe and said “meet me over there in about 15 minutes okay? Or whenever you get done with what you need to do.”

“Oh…okay” she said. “Sorry if I'm getting on your nerves… I’ll meet you there, I promise, I'm only getting some special food for Angel Bunny.” She waved as she walked off.

This was my chance to go by the Wonderbolt academy. I managed to sneak the money in here past Fluttershy, so I flew off as fast as I could towards the Academy, my rainbow mane blowing back in the wind. As I got close to it I slowed down and I walked into the office building, there was a receptionist at the desk, she was typing something but didn't seem busy. I walked up to her slowly. “Hi, I'm here to turn in some Exam money?” I said, holding up the bag

Without looking up she said “mhm, how much hun?”

“All of it.” I said, holding the bag to her. She looked up and her eyes widened, she didn't seem to expect a full payment. She simply pointed down a nearby hall, still in shock, as if she expected me to walk that way. Ahe was pointing at Spitfire's office. Spitfire was my idol, she was the best of the Wonderbolts and I had met her a few times before. I wondered if she’d be happy to know I had the money. I began to walk down the hall, holding the money firmly in my right hoof, I moved the hair out of my face as I didn't want to look bad seeing Spitfire again. I knocked on the door quickly.

“Come in!” I heard somepony call, so I opened the door and walked inside. There she was, sitting at her desk with her awesome fiery mane. “Oh! Rainbow Dash, good to see you! What’s up?” I didn't know what to say so I put the money on her desk “What is this?” she asked “Is this your exam money?” I simply nodded “Wow, in full too?” She asked as she took out the money and counted through it, I nodded again “C'mon, cat got your tongue?”

“N-no” I said, nervously “I was just waiting for your reaction.”

“Well, color me impressed, I can't wait to see you Thursday. I've known you a while Rainbow Dash, and I know for sure you can pass this test. You'll be one of us, I guarantee it. Best part, your first paycheck will be on Sunday morning, truth be told we do that to pay you back for the exam.” She said with a smile.

“Oh wow! Thanks Spitfire!” I said excitedly. “Well, I gotta go meet a friend at the cafe, I’ll see you later, okay?”

“Alright Rainbow Dash, See ya!” she said with a wave as I left her office, beaming with joy. It was all finally happening for me, come Thursday I was gonna be a Wonderbolt, and at that point my life would have been absolutely perfect. When I finally got to the Cafe, Fluttershy wasn't there yet, I was confused so I ordered a couple drinks for us, and some muffins. A minute or so after I ordered she showed up, she took a seat at my table and we started talking.

“I'm sorry I took so long Rainbow Dash…” She said, looking down at the table.

“It's fine Fluttershy, I don't mind, honestly I was a little bit late too, you only showed up a minute after me.” I smiled, trying to assure her it was fine. Her and I hadn't been here since we were fillys. We grew up in Cloudsdale and it brought back memories to be here again, mostly of her getting bullied by some jerk and me having to come to her rescue, which still happens from time to time, but I don't mind protecting her. She's my best friend after all. I got lost in these thoughts when she suddenly snapped me out of it.


“So we came up with a way to raise the money by Thursday… if that's okay” I was frozen with fear now, what could I say? I couldn't tell the truth, if I did she would be furious… no… no even worse, she'd cry. She'd cry her eyes out, and I’d feel like garbage. I wasn't about to make her cry, I had to find a way out of this… it sure is a good thing AppleJack is the honest one.

“Really? That's great to hear, but uh, I already got it covered.” I said, not looking her in the eyes. This was hard to do, I hated lying to her. “Spitfire already agreed to pay for me, since we're friends and all”

“Oh that's great! Everyone will be so happy to hear that, I can't wait to tell them when we get home. Oh, speaking of, we should go now, it's getting late and tomorrow we have to help AppleJack and Pinkie Pie with some house work at Sugarcube Corner.” I had forgotten about that, Pinkie Pie asked us to help her clean Sugarcube Corner, the sweets shop she lives at with Mr. and Mrs. Cake. Fluttershy was right, it would be a long day and we'd need the rest. Somepony had recently broken in there and busted it all up, nopony knows who or why, they didn’t take anything, just break stuff.

“Alright Fluttershy, that's probably a good idea.” after that our muffins and drinks arrived, Fluttershy was thankful I ordered them but she insisted on paying, so I gave in and let her. !e headed home with our food and talked on the way about the next day. I was looking forward to hanging out with them.

The next day was the same as any other, woke up, fixed the mane, the usual. I headed over to Sugarcube corner and met up with Pinkie Pie and AppleJack who were already there and cleaning, Fluttershy was late for some reason, so I joined the others in cleaning, we were almost done when Fluttershy showed up.

“Hey there Sugarcube! What was holdin' ya up? We're darn near finished cleanin'” AppleJack said playfully, she wasn't upset, just curious

“O-oh, I'm sorry...I didn't mean to take so long...I was watching something, and I couldn't look away...” Fluttershy said, upset with herself again

“Oh don't be sad Fluttershy! Whatever it was I'm sure it was important! Now give me a great big smile!” Said Pinkie Pie, making a silly face to cheer her up, it made Fluttershy smile and we all laughed, we had fun together cleaning the rest of the house and finished with time to spare, that was when Twilight ran in, and she looked worried.

“Guys! Rarity's house was broken into! Someone destroyed everything she had! She just got through having a panic attack and went to the police for help! But this is the worst part, investigations show that it was the same person who vandalized Sugar cube corner, using the same magic!” This was getting to be a problem, nobody knows why it was happening, it just was, and it was getting everyone down.

“Someone needs to find out who's doing this and stop it, and when I'm a Wonderbolt I'll be the one to do it!” I said Sternly, I was serious, the first person I was gonna hunt was this vandal. “That's a promise.” When we had double checked to make sure everything was in place we decided to go comfort Rarity in her hard time, well, the rest of them did, the day had gone by so fast, and I didn’t realize it. It was only 9:00 but I wanted to sleep early, my exam was too important to stay up late. Tomorrow was the day, the day I would become a Wonderbolt!

The next morning I woke up, much earlier than normal, I was ready for the exam, I knew everything I needed to, I flew off as fast as I can to Cloudsdale to take the exam. When I got to the classroom there were several Pegasi there, ready to take this exam too. I knew all of them couldn't join, and thanks to Spitfire I knew I was a shoo-in, that was when Spitfire walked in. I took my seat and she spoke “Alright everypony, it's time for your Wonderbolt entry exams, this will decide once and for all if you have the knowledge it takes to be a Wonderbolt. You'll get three hours to finish, at the alarm you put your pencils down, no matter what, if you keep going it's an automatic zero. Good luck, and remember to stay focused!”

she set a timer and we all began the exams, it all came naturally to me, I knew exactly what I was doing, all the answers were so obvious to me, I whispered to myself “heh, this is so easy, there's no way I can fail.” I kept going and going till I had finally finished with 30 minutes to spare, I turned in my test and said bye to Spitfire, I told her how well I knew I did and  she looked proud of me, I was excited, come Saturday I would get a letter telling me I passed, then I'd be able to pay off Moon on Sunday. Everything was perfect, absolutely perfect. I couldn't be happier, I was so happy I decided to go to a concert I heard about. Two musicians named Vinyl and Octavia would be playing, and I head they were pretty good. I was out until at least 3:00 in the morning, just having the time of my life. When I got home I crashed and fell into a deep sleep

Friday I woke up at 6:00 in the afternoon, with Rarity Shaking me furiously “Wake up, dear! Wake up! It's simply awful! You must wake up!” I groaned, I didn't wanna wake up, I was still too tired. Eventually she got through to me and I had to speak up, I opened my eyes and sat myself up.

“Ugh… what is it Rarity? I'm way too tired to do anything today…” I yawned deeply before she spoke.

“AppleJack is hurt! Someone broke into her home at Sweet Apple Acres and vandalized it just like Pinkie Pie and myself! Except AppleJack walked in on it and the culprit attacked her, she can't remember much about the attack, but she remembers this, her magic aura was red, blood red. That is all we know though!” I was stunned, I didn't know what to say, so I didn't say anything, I just grabbed Rarity and took off, flying over to Sweet Apple Acres with her, when we arrived I ran into AppleJack's room, and there she was, her head in bandages. She looked badly hurt, and I got furious. I couldn't help but notice all the broken things, I'm amazed her bed was still in one piece.

“Applejack, are you okay? What happened?” I asked concerned

She thought for a second then started to tell us what happened. “Well, I was just comin, back from my last load o' apple pickin', same as any night. Then, I heard some thumpin' sounds comin' over from the house. I thought it mighta been Applebloom and her friends, since they had a sleepover last night, but then I went on inside and saw somepony smashin' all out stuff! So, I tried tah stop 'em, but when I got too close, they turned around. I could tell it was a unicorn 'cause of the glowin' horn that I saw. It was glowin' as red as a fresh picked apple, but even darker, like… blood! Then, outta nowhere, a chair smacked me right in the side of mah head, and then the unicorn brought her hoof right down onto mah face before runnin' off. Just like a chicken!” Whoever it was must have been tough to have beaten AppleJack. We comforted her, she was still really dizzy but the doctors said she'd be out of bed in a day, it was only a mild concussion. Compared to yesterday, today was just awful, why were all my friends getting attacked? It wasn't right, and it was too weird to be coincidence. Were we being targeted for some reason? I dunno. I agreed to stay with AppleJack tonight, to make sure she was okay, but Fluttershy insisted on staying with us. None of us really spoke too much while we were there, we were too concerned with AppleJack. Eventually after Twilight, Pinkie Pie, and Rarity left the three of us fell asleep, it was amazing how fast I got tired after waking up so late.

When I woke up in AppleJack's room the next morning I was alone, I had no idea where Fluttershy and AppleJack had gone to, but I'm sure they were fine, my mind was one thing only, my exam letter, it was dated to arrive Saturday and that's what day it was, I looked around for Fluttershy and AppleJack real fast but I couldn't find them so I headed home.

When I arrived home I checked the mail, there was nothing there, I was disappointed but I decided to wait inside for it to arrive, when I opened the door confetti and balloons shot out in all directions, the first thing I noticed was Pinkie Pie and the others yelling “Surprise!” at the top of their lungs, it scared the heck outta me but that's when they told me what was going on. “I found your letter in the mail and when I saw it was from the Wonderbolts I knew I had to throw you a party before you opened it! Today's the big day Rainbow Dash!”

“Wow, thanks all of you, I feel so special! You guys really didn't have to do this for me.” My face was bright with joy, and music began to play, all of us danced, played games, we laughed and we had an all around good time, Rarity was furious when Pinkie pie startled her and made her spill punch on herself, and Twilight was sorta into a book through most of it, but we managed to get her focused on the party. Pinkie Pie had balloons all around and AppleJack and Fluttershy were talking to each other a lot, I didn't know what they said though, they would change the subject when I got close. Even so the party was amazing. It lasted all day long and was just so fun, we were awake till 11:00 and when it was over it was finally time to open the letter. “I can't wait!” I shouted as I ripped the seal off the letter and opened it up, I read it out loud for everyone to hear. “Dear Rainbow Dash, we thank you for taking the Wonderbolt entrance exam, we appreciate your participation and your payment of 1500 bits, however, we regret to inform you… that you did not meet the minimum grade requirement on the exam… you will not be admitted into the Wonderbolts… please, try again next year…” I was heartbroken, it was like everything in my life came crumbling down on top of me in a single second, I didn't know how to react. I just stood there, with my mouth hanging wide open.

“That's not fair!” Said Pinkie Pie, looking frustrated

“I'm mighty sorry to hear that Rainbow Dash, it just ain't right, you're the best o' the best at flyin'!” AppleJack said in an attempt to comfort me.

“They should have chosen you regardless of grades, I know you studied harder than I ever have in my life for that test!” Shouted Twilight, she was really upset too.

“I'm so sorry Rainbow Dash… So sorry” Fluttershy got teary eyed after speaking, she really wanted this for me.

“Of all the worse things that could happen, this is the WORST possible thing!” Rarity shouted in distress, normally she exaggerates when she says that but… I agree this time… That was when I left. I dropped the letter and ran away, taking off into the air as fast as I could. I had to be alone, I had to hide, I had to think about what I was gonna do. It was Saturday, I had one day to get the money back... I flew to Cloudsdale and rented a hotel room. I needed to come up with a plan.

Sunday morning, I had almost no time left, I needed the money by tonight, or she might have ruined my good name, and I wouldn't let that happen. I had one plan. I flew quickly to the Wonderbolt academy, and without talking to the receptionist I rushed into Spitfires office “Spitfire! I need help, please!!”

Spitfire stared at me for a second then spoke “Look Rainbow Dash, if this is about the test results I'm real sorry, I was hurt myself to see you didn't make it in, but you can try again next year, ya know.”

“That's not what it's about.” I said quickly. “The money I gave you, it was a loan, I needed to be able to pay it back and there's no way I can since I'm not a Wonderbolt! You have to help me please! Can I have the money back?”

“.......” She just stared, trying to figure out if I was serious, eventually she spoke. “Alright, I’ll see what I can do for ya Rainbow Dash. Just wait here, this will be a while.” as she left I sighed and took a seat, I had gotten myself into so much trouble, I didn't know what to do otherwise, I could hear two ponies talking in the other room, a mare and a stallion, I could tell from the voices. I couldn't help but listen in.

“So did you hear? Another house got hit in Ponyville, some poor Mares cottage, I think her name was Fluttershy or something.” one female voice said, my jaw dropped.

“Yeah, everything was destroyed, and the place was burnt to the ground, it's a good thing for her she was at some party, otherwise she might have died.” the male voice said.

“Oh no… Fluttershy… No…. No… this is horrible… I have to get back home… but I have to wait for Spitfire...” I sighed and continued to wait, eventually I fell asleep waiting and was woken up by Spitfire shaking me. I opened my eyes “Huh...?”

“Sorry kid, the money’s gone, there's nothing I can do. I tried my hardest, but all I can do is offer to pay for your test next year, if ya want.” she said, slightly disappointed.

“It's fine Spitfire… thanks for trying, and I’ll take that offer… hey what time is it?” I asked out of curiosity.

“Oh it's about...” She looked at a wall clock that I didn't seem to notice at first. “7:00 pm, why?”

I began to panic, I was out of time. I had to go, right then. “Sorry Spitfire, I gotta leave!” I stood and bolted out of her office. When I was out of the academy I quickly started running, then I flew off to the alleyway I met Moon in, my hair was damp, and that’s when I realized it was raining, hard. I couldn't stop though, everything was going downhill, I eventually made it to the alley. I landed and walked inside. “Moon? Are you here?”

A figure walked towards me from the other side, it was Moon alright. I couldn't help but remember that blood red moon on her flank. It was still intimidating, but I had to stay strong. She spoke “Do you have my money, dear? I have been waiting ever so patiently for you.”

I was silent for a moment. “No, sorry, I don't have it. Things went wrong, I failed my exam, and now I'm flat broke. Is there anything I can give you instead?” I asked with a hopeful look, then… she grinned, she grinned like she expected this to happen. She even started laughing

“Of course there is dear, just come over here.” I felt relieved hearing her say that… sort of, I also felt scared, I took a step over and her horn began to glow red, blood red, why did that seem familiar? Just then my body began to glow red too.
I couldn't move, she had hold of me with her magic. She lifted me up and slammed me into the floor, all of a sudden I couldn't feel anything, my skull crashed into the cement, and she began to tie me up with a rope. I couldn't do anything to stop her. The rain poured down harder, and it was getting in my eyes. She spoke some more “You are such a fool. I can't believe you didn't figure it out. I set you up. I knew you would fail, I edited your test! I used it to get you out of the way while I destroyed your friend’s homes. You were around too much, it was the perfect plan. You should have listened to your friends, Rainbow Dash. Now, killing you will be more than enough to repay me, and my vengeance will be that much closer to being complete.” She used her magic again and again to slam me up and down, and into the walls. She used it to grab a nearby trash can and slam it against my head repeatedly. I was starting to lose all feeling as the blood flowed down my face with the water. Things got more blurry by the second and I was losing my ability to think straight, I couldn't think of a way to get out of this, she stopped and my head fell to the floor.

Drip, drop, drip. I can hear the rain, every drop hitting the floor at such high speeds, my mind can't help but analyze everything around it, I'm scared, and I can't speak. I can't help it. I could die right here. I probably will. There's nopony around to help me. I left all my friends behind. Why didn't I listen to them? Why did I get mixed up in this? I don't know what to do. I'm tied up here in an alleyway, bound against my will, this evil mare standing over me. My vision is getting blurry, I can't remember anything, what was her name? What did she look like? I wish I could scream for help, but I'm too tired… I can see a blur. She's gonna do it now… she's gonna kill me… my life is flashing before my eyes… She walked up to me and spoke, just seven words that made my heart shatter with fear. “Neither a Borrower nor a lender be.”… I am Rainbow Dash… does my story really end here?

“STOP RIGHT THERE!” I heard a shouting voice. It was familiar, it was Twilight, I knew it was! At that moment a purple blast of magic shot out toward Moon, it hit her and she was knocked back slightly.

“Y'all ain't doin' nothin' tah harm Rainbow Dash on my watch!” It was AppleJack too, what were they doing here?

“Twilight?! Curses, I was hoping this wouldn't happen. I knew she would get to you, that's why I tried to kill Fluttershy first!” She did what?! Why!? What was going on? I had finally snapped out of it. I could see Moon run for the alley exit, just then Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie were standing in front of her, blocking the way. AppleJack began to untie me as Twilight walked towards Moon, she spoke again. “You will not stop me Twilight Sparkle, I will get my revenge on you!

Twilight spoke back. “Revenge? For what? What did any of us do to you!?” Twilight seemed completely confused.

“I want revenge not for me, but for my best friend and cousin, you humiliated her, you made her obsess with defeating you, you made her only focus to become better than you! You took her from me… My name is Sinister Moonlight, here to take revenge for Trixie Lulamoon! And mark my words you meddlesome pests, I will return, and I will defeat you! This is not the last you will hear from me!” She panted heavily in anger. “But I know I can't beat all of you yet… so for now, I think I will take my leave!” Her horn glowed again and she was suddenly covered in smoke, when it faded she was gone. My friends decide not to chase her, they were much more focused on me. They ran over to me to make sure I'm alright, Twilight was stunned though, she couldn't believe that Mare was the family of her arch enemy and magical rival, Trixie.

Once I was back on my hooves I started talking. “How… did you know? How could you have known… I was here...? I didn't... tell anyone…” I was having trouble talking, all the blood loss and the concussions were affecting my brain.

Fluttershy looked down, I think, it was hard to tell. “I-I'm sorry Rainbow Dash, I was worried, so I was spying on you when you took the money... and when you gave it to the Wonderbolt academy... I'm so sorry… and the reason I was late to clean up Sugarcube corner... I was spying on that Mare, and I found out what she was gonna do to you! But I couldn't bear to tell you I spied on you! So I just tried to tell the others, to make sure you were safe. When I finally got the chance we all ran here as fast as we could to save you...”

I was stunned… “Fluttershy… I'm sorry… This is all my fault… I should have listened to you all… when you said not to borrow the money in the first place… Is there anything I can do to make it up to you...?” 

The girls all looked at each other, then Fluttershy spoke up/ “Yes, Promise us you will never ever do anything like this again…”

I smiled weakly “… I promise…” I limped over to Fluttershy and hugged her. That's all I remember, before I passed out in her arms.

In the Distance of the alley, as Rainbow Dashes friends carried her to the hospital, two red eyes glare at them. The eyes of Sinister Moonlight. “I will return, and I will punish you all. I will make your lives miserable. Mark my words, you will all suffer… for Trixie.”

> The Crimson Apples
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“Three days have passed since Rainbow Dash was severely beaten. Now she’s resting in the hospital, and according to the doctors she will be in there for quite a while. Multiple bones were broken, and there is a lot of internal bleeding, but they say she will live through it. She will be back on her hooves and flying in no less than two weeks. This means I have little time to act, as I do not want to be bothered dealing with her again.” The black unicorn, Sinister Moonlight, sat atop the roof of Sugarcube Corner. It was the dead of night and all was silent around her. She was at peace, until the annoying sounds of construction began once again. She looked off into the distance, towards Everfree forest.

“That infernal noise has kept me up for two days now, the racket of them rebuilding the cottage of that worthless pink haired Pegasus. How I despise Pegasi… oh well, it is no bother to me.” she said, still speaking only to herself. “My plan for the farmer is ready to commence, let us see how much she likes honesty when I am through with her.” Sinister Moonlight stood, and closed her eyes. Her horn began to glow that crimson red color of blood that other ponies have used to identify her, and in an instant she vanished in a flash of crimson light.

The next morning at Sweet Apple Acres started just as any other did. Applejack awoke and immediately began working in the orchard with her brother, Big Macintosh, he's a large stallion, with a coat the color of a red apple and a short orange main and cropped tail. His cutie mark  consisted of a large sliced green apple, Green eyes and freckled face, he wore large yoke around his neck, and always had a string of wheat hanging out of the side of his mouth.

“C'mon Big Mac!” Applejack shouted as she carried a large basket full of apples around “We gotta get tah work if were gonna sell these here apples today!”

Big Macintosh, sometimes called Big Mac by his family, also carried a basket, it was empty though. “Eeyup.” He replied as he walked over to the nearest apple tree and turned away from it, kicking it with his hind legs, the tree shook and all the apples fell out perfectly into the basket on his back.

“Good one, Big Mac! Now ah got plenty o' apples already, so I think I'm gonna head on over to Ponyville and get started on sellin' 'em, you can handle yerself right? Or do yah need me here to help yah?” Applejack said, with a smirk on her face.

“Nnope.” he said with a grin, his responses were mostly short and simple like that, if you asked him anything that could be answered with a yes or a no, that's all you would get from him.

“Heh, well alrighty then. I’ll be off on my way to Ponyville, good luck in the orchard!” she turned and hurried off towards Ponyville as fast as she could, it wasn't a long walk but she was eager to start selling right away.

Big Macintosh continued to work and work in the orchard, bucking trees, collecting apples, until he had several baskets full and he wasn't even tired yet. He stopped working when he heard a loud scream in the distance. It was loud enough to make the birds all take off at once. He looked in the direction it seemed to have come from. “huh?” he asked himself, not knowing who could have done it. After all it didn't sound like anyone he knew. He dropped his current basket full of apples and rushed off towards the source. When he arrived he saw none other than the black unicorn, Sinister Moonlight. Unfortunately for him, Applejack had yet to tell him about the events that took place with Rainbow Dash, since he was not there the night she told the rest of the family. He walked up to the mare and tilted his head. “You alright?” he said with a concerned look, she didn't look to be hurt at all.

Sinister looked up at him and, with tears in her eyes, she spoke. “N-no I am not… I think I sprained my leg… It hurts to move.” she twitched her leg and winced in pain.

Big Mac looked at her with sympathetic eyes. “What were yah doin' way out here in the first place?” he said, as he quickly picked her up and onto his back.

“I had heard that Sweet Apple Acres looked really beautiful this time of year… You see, I am new in Ponyville, and I really wanted to see it… I apologize for this, I did not see that apple on the floor, and I tripped over it and… here we are.” she sniffled as though she were about to burst into tears.

Big Mac did not look back to where Sinister had fallen, if he had he would have clearly seen there was no apple on the ground, or anywhere near the area. He simply kept marching towards the barn. When he arrived he swung open the barn doors and rested Sinister on a hay stack, she looked him in the eyes, and he looked back in hers.

“Thank you so much… you are so kind… so helpful… so foolish!” she laughed as her horn began to glow. Big Mac looked confused when a bright flash of red blinded him, suddenly he didn't feel right. His eyes were glowing momentarily, then they reverted to normal. Sinister stared at him with an evil smile, and he stared back blankly. “There now, you feel great don't you?” She said as she stood up, stomping the leg she claimed to have sprained on the ground, it was stiff after holding it still for so long.

“Eeyup.” he said with a nod, although it wasn't of his own free will, something was making him do this.

“Excellent! That means you are truly under my control. Now that infernal Applejack will see just how far a lie can get you, Ahahahaha!” she laughed with a smirk on her face as her plan came to fruition. “Now then, Big Macintosh, you are to do one simple thing for me. Infect the apples. Taint every single one in tomorrow’s batch. Make them so horrible that after a single bite a pony will be sick for hours on end, thus successfully destroying the good name of Sweet Apple Acres. Do this right, and you will be rewarded, I assure you. Here you can use this.” She walked up to him and gave him a peck on the cheek, as if only to mock the fact that he could not stop it. She then placed a large vial of purple liquid in his mouth. “That will do all the hard work for you.” she said. He had no reaction on the outside, but on the inside he felt awful and angry. He could clearly see what he was doing was wrong but had no control of his body to stop it. He tried to resist the urges to obey but his efforts were futile. Before exiting she spoke one last time. “Oh, one last thing darling. I want you to make sure that Applejack thinks the whole fiasco is her fault. I want her to feel miserable, can you do that for me?”

Big Mac turned to her and simply nodded. “Eeyup.”

Sinister grinned a wicked grin with the joy she felt because her plan was working so excellently. “Perfect. Get to it then, and let nopony know about our discussion here.” Sinister's horn glowed again, it flashed red and she vanished once more.

Big Macintosh looked around before walking out. He quickly ran over to each basket, taking the vial in his hoof and sprinkling the liquid on all of the apples, before moving onto the next basket to repeat the process. After about ten minutes he had contaminated every apple he had collected so far. He began bucking more trees and collecting more apples from the orchard, then contaminating them as well, there was just enough in the vial to contaminate every single apple. His heart was aching, he was ashamed of what he was doing and he wanted to stop, but he couldn't. He had come to accept the fact. His body was not his to control anymore.

Meanwhile Applejack was busy selling apples, business was lively too. Everyone was lined up for her sweet apple treats, apple fritters, apple pie, and best of all, delicious glasses of apple cider. The bits were flying in as treat after treat were sold. When almost all the apples were sold a hooded pony walked up to the stand. Applejack couldn't make out the face but the mere presence of this pony sent chills all across her spine. Even so, business was business, she had to sell those apples. “Howdy! Can I interest yah in some apple treats? Made fresh with apples from Sweet Apple Acres!”

The pony spoke, with the familiar voice of a mare. “Yes, I would greatly enjoy a sweet treat.” She placed a few bits on the counter and took one of the apple pie slices, biting into it, a moment later she spit it out into Applejack's face.

“Hey! What'd yah go an’ do that for?!” Applejack shouted, slightly disgusted by the chewed apple pie she was no wiping out of her eye.

“My apologies.” the mare said insincerely. “But that was the absolute worst dessert I have ever tasted. Perhaps if it were left alone it would have tasted better as just an apple, or perhaps all your apples taste dreadful. If I were you, I would stop selling these before you make everypony sick.” The mare smirked at Applejack, and Applejack managed to catch a glimpse of blood red eyes. Somehow this seemed familiar to her.

Her thoughts on the matter quickly faded as the mare walked away. “Hey now! You may not like em but everypony else does! So I'm gonna keep on sellin mah apples and apple treats as much as I wanna!”

The hooded mare laughed at Applejack's remark as she continued walking away. “Don't say I didn't warn you!”

Applejack just pouted as the mare walked away. It took about half hour but she managed to get the last of the apple treats and drinks sold. She had saved a glass of Cider though, and some of the extra profit as she planned to take the Cider to Rainbow Dash, and buy her the new Daring Do book that had come out. She quickly packed everything away and headed off to the nearest bookstore. Thankfully when she arrived there was still one copy left, the rest had sold quickly and she was lucky to have gotten the last one. She was happy about being able to bring her friend a nice pair of gifts. She ran off to the Ponyville hospital with a smile on her face.

When Applejack had finally arrived at the hospital she signed in at the front desk and rushed over to Rainbow Dash's room. As she walked inside she waved a hoof. “Howdy Rainbow Dash! How're yah feelin'?” Applejack said with a cheery voice.

Rainbow Dash sighed. “I'm doing better I guess, but I'm just so bored.” She said, as she sat upright in her bed.

Applejack chuckled “Well don't you worry 'bout that no more! I got somethin' here for yah, Dash!” she placed the Cider next to Rainbow Dash's bed and handed her the book.

Rainbow Dash's face lit up with joy. “All right! The new Daring Do AND a glass of Cider? This is awesome! Thanks Applejack!” It could be easily told that Rainbow Dash was ecstatic. The only book she would ever actually read is Daring Do, and she had wanted to read this copy for the longest time.

“Well I'm glad yah like it Dash, I thought I'd bring yah a gift before I headed back home. I gotta be sure Big Macs alright without me.” Applejack said with a grin. “I'll see yah real soon, alrighty Rainbow dash?”

Rainbow Dash had already opened the book and begun reading. She practically had her face buried in it. “Alright Applejack! See ya later, and thanks again for the gifts. You're awesome!” She took a sip of her Cider before getting back into her book.

Applejack walked out and back into the hospitals waiting room, after signing out she casually walked home, not in any hurry as she was sure Big Macintosh had finished doing the work he needed to do. When she finally arrived after about 15 minutes she was pleased to see all the apples were already gone and more than likely being prepared for the next day of apple sales. Today was truly a great day for her.

As she walked inside her home the first thing she noticed was the floors were almost completely covered in some foul smelling mess, she couldn't make out what it was, until she noticed apple chunks inside of it. It was vomit and it smelled horrible. She maneuvered her way around it, and quickly made her way to her sister’s room. “Applebloom?” She called out after walking inside. She saw her sister lying in bed, not wearing her usual pink bow. The red haired yellow coated filly turned her head to Applejack.

“Sis? Is that you? I don't feel too good...” said the filly, groaning and holding onto her stomach with both hooves.

“What happened, Applebloom?” Asked Applejack, her face fraught with concern for her little sister’s well-being.

“I dunno! Me, an' Granny Smith were both eatin' some of your apple pie…” Applebloom said with a stressed look on her face. “An' all of a sudden we felt our stomachs get all tight and we couldn't stop… well… you saw, didn't ya?”

“Yeah, I saw.” Applejack replied. “I can't think o' what coulda done this to yah though.” Applejack thought about it, but she couldn't come up with anything in particular that would make her sister and Granny smith sick. Maybe it was just a cold, or the flu, or some stomach virus. Who could say for sure? “Well Applebloom, you need tah rest up, so do I, I had me one heck of a long day. Don’t you worry ‘bout the mess, I’ll clean it up in the mornin’. G'night Applebloom”

“G'night Applejack.” Applebloom said with one last groan before Applejack closed the door to her room.

Applejack was tired and worried now. Her family was getting sick and she didn't like it. There was nothing she could do about it though, not now anyway. She had to rest so she went over to her room and walked in, closing the door behind her. She calmly went over to the bed and took a nice and comfortable position under the blankets, the warmth underneath made her sleepy and she quickly fell asleep.

A couple hours had passed since Applejack went to sleep. The door to Applejack's room was opened, and in walked the black unicorn, Sinister Moonlight. She looked down at the Sleeping earth pony and grinned, whispering to herself. “This is too easy. Soon, your life will crumble, and you will be locked away, and be framed for harming so many ponies. Then, once I'm done with you I can call Trixie, and begin phase three. Oh she will positively love me for this one.” The unicorn snickered to herself, and she closed her eyes. “Sweet dreams.” The black unicorn’s horn glowed, and a similar glow appeared around Applejack's head, causing Applejack to twitch a bit. Sinister smirked and walked out of Applejack's room, leaving her to rest.

That night, after Sinister’s visit Applejack had an awful nightmare. She was walking through the everfree forest alone, looking for Applebloom who had recently gone missing. “Applebloom?! Where are yah?! Come on out!” She shouted, over and over, when suddenly she found herself in a large clearing, void of any trees. She ran into a large stallion standing in front of her. She couldn't make out the figure. “Hey mister, have yah seen mah sister Applebloom anywhere?” She asked.

“Nnope” the figure responded, and Applejack's eyes went wide hearing that voice, the voice of Big Macintosh.

“Big Mac? What are yah doin' way out here?” Applejack asked, confused. Big Macintosh didn't respond, instead he lifted his hoof and swung it at Applejack. She was surprised and unable to react in time. She took the full force of the hit and was pushed to the side. Big Mac charged at her quickly and tackled her back into the tree filled areas of the forest, ruthlessly attacking her over and over. He charged and slammed her into a tree, while she was disoriented he did it again and again and again until she couldn't move, she was dizzy, hurt, and bloody. He turned away from her and she spoke “Big Mac...please stop....”

Big Mac lifted his hind legs “Nnope” he swung his legs back into Applejack's head, and her vision flashed white as she sat up in bed, sweating and in a panic.

“Wh-what the heck was that all about...?” She asked herself. She was confused, and scared. Applejack got out of bed and stood up, going over to her mirror to brush her hair really quickly. She put on her hat and walked outside. She couldn't find Applebloom, Granny Smith, or Big Mac anywhere, and the mess was already cleaned, so she assumed they went to the hospital. “Gosh, I hope they’re alright… well, I'd better start makin' the apple treats fer today.”

Applejack began making the treats, baking all the apples Big Mac had collected into pies, fritters, and other delicious desserts. After she had finished preparing the snacks she gathered them all up and rushed them off to Ponyville to begin another day of business.

When she arrived at her usual spot she set up shop, just like yesterday several Ponies lined up all at once and took their share of treats, leaving their bits behind as payment. Applejack was happy, until she noticed everypony around her began to look sick and pale. Almost immediately they started throwing up the apples, it was a fiasco, everypony all got sick at once and Applejack immediately figured out why. “D-did I do this?” She asked herself, her eyes welling up with tears.

“Eeyup” Her brothers voice came from behind her, Applejack turned around suddenly.

“Big Mac?” she asked, surprised “What do yah mean? I really did this?”

Big Mac Nodded. “We gotta run.” he said. “You'll be in trouble.”

Applejack just stared, dumbfounded. She remembered what the hooded mare had said the night before. “So the Apples really were terrible…” She began to cry.

“Nnope. The apples were fine, it was yer treats.” he said sternly. “Yer the one who did this, and we gotta get yah out of here.”

Applejack couldn't help it anymore, she started crying. She couldn't live with herself thinking she had done this to anypony. All the ponies around her were still vomiting, and things were getting worse. Big Mac pushed her forward and started running, Applejack soon followed after him. They ran far away from Ponyville. Applejack was thinking the whole time about what she caused. While Big Mac was fighting his body's movements the whole time, he was resisting with everything he had but it wasn't enough. As they kept running Applejack noticed how late it had already gotten. The moon was showing and it was getting hard to see. They ran into the Everfree forest together, it seemed like they were there for hours as they went in what seemed like circles until they found themselves in a large clearing void of trees.

“This looks just like… that dream.” Applejack became fearful again remembering who she was with during that dream as well. “Big Mac, I don't think we-” At that precise moment, Big Macintosh swung a hoof at Applejack, however this time she dodged it. He then charged and tackled her to the ground. He attacked her repeatedly, spilling blood from her nose. He dragged her back out of the clearing and pushed her against a tree, propping her up against it. He turned around and lifted up his hind legs. Applejack couldn't speak, or think straight for that matter. As he pushed his legs back a white flash blinded Applejack, and she heard a familiar voice call out.

“The unicorns spell had taken your mind, but that potion should make you feel fine.” Said the voice. When Applejack could see again she saw none other than Zecora, the Zebra. She was a potions expert who lived in the forest and once was feared by everypony, but is now a close friend.

Big Mac shook his head, he could feel his body returning to him as he stretched. He felt as though he hadn't moved an inch for days. He quickly ran to his sister. “Applejack!”

Zecora spoke before he could. “Do not worry dear Big Mac, you needn't worry about the attack. Your sister knows it was not you, that it was something you would not do. You may have hurt her, nearly killed, but forgive you I know Applejack will.”

Big Mac looked at Applejack. “Really?” He asked, doubting her forgiveness for him doing such horrible things.

Applejack worked up the strength to speak. “... heh heh... Eeyup.”

Big Mac was relieved, he smiled and hugged his sister. They both started to cry.

“We can keep her in my home, until she's fully healed her bones.” Zecora said as she looks up at the sky. “My home is not far, we simply follow the stars.”

Big Mac nodded and picked up Applejack. Zecora walked into the clearing, and Big Mac followed her, looking at Zecora before speaking. “How'd you know?”

“In the forest the other day, I noticed something going astray. I saw a Pony, dark as night, I recognized Sinister Moonlight. She's an evil unicorn, this I knew, so a spellbreaker potion I chose to brew.” Zecora explained. As they reached the center of the clearing a large shot of red energy hit Applejack right off of Big Mac and she rolled across the ground, crying out in pain. Big Mac and Zecora looked towards the source, the hooded mare standing before them.

The mare pulled the hood back, and showed her face, her blood red eyes, and her black horn. Sinister Moonlight glared at Big Mac and Zecora. “It looks like I will have to take matters into my own hooves again.” Sinister looked aggravated, especially at Zecora. “I did not expect to see you again, Zecora. I suppose I will finally get the chance to kill you like I wanted to when I asked for that potion.”

Zecora growled in frustration. “I told you once, I will say it twice, that potion simply was not nice! Were she even as weak as a flower, it would simply give Trixie too much power!”

“Be quiet! Trixie deserves that power after what she went through, and by the end of these two weeks she will have what she always wanted! But for now, I am going to destroy you, destroy Big Macintosh, and destroy Applejack, then I shall continue with my plan to give Trixie control over Ponyville, and perhaps… all of Equestra! Then she and I will rule together, as family, and as friends!”

Big Mac gritted his teeth, looking over at Applejack, he knew if he went over to her she would be targeted again. “... Nope!” he charged at Sinister, getting ready to tackle her.

“You sad, pathetic, imbecile!” Sinister shouted. Her horn glowed and she shot out another ball of crimson energy at Big Mac, however he jumped over it this time, but it wasn't enough as she simply shot out another immediately after he jumped. He was unable to dodge it from the air and it hit him directly in the stomach, pushing him back and flinging him across the clearing. “You are no match for me, you worthless earth pony!” Sinister looked at Applejack, charging another attack. “Oh Applejack, for an honest pony you are so gullible, you know. I cannot believe you actually thought your treats were bad, I'm sure you've figured out by now that it was I who caused this. I took the mind of your brother, and forced him to taint all the apples in the orchard with a poison that causes one to become so sick they cannot eat anything solid for several hours. And if they do, well, you know that much already.” Sinister said, laughing as her horn began to glow brighter, the magical attack becoming more powerful.

Zecora shouted. “That is it! I've had enough, now it is time for me to play rough!” She brought out a potion from her pouch. “This potion I have created will leave you feeling very Jaded. All unicorns who have faced it fell, because it disabled all of their spells!” Quickly, Zecora tossed the potion towards Sinister.

“What?! Disable my spells?! No, I don’t think so Zecora! You won’t beat me that easily! Next time you are mine, rest assured I will come for you when you least expect it!” Sinister, in a bit of panic cast her transportation spell, her horn glowed and she vanished in a flash of crimson light.

Zecora spoke to Big Mac, who had now gotten up and began carrying Applejack again. “Come, Big Mac, we must be hasty, and get Applejack to Safety.” The two quickly hurried to Zecora's home, where Applejack would be resting for a while, her skull was damaged by Big Mac, and her muscles were exhausted. She was unable to feel anything at all, she could barely breathe, and she couldn't speak. She needed her rest, and thankfully for her, Zecora had a potion or two that would aid in her healing.

Meanwhile, Sinister Moonlight had appeared next to what was once Fluttershy's cottage. When she realized this she growled in frustration. “Of course, I would end up here. Curse that Zecora, she ruined everything. But at least Applejack will be out of commission for a while.” Sinister walked around the cottage, she considered setting the cottage on fire once again, simply so she could laugh at the destruction. A few second later she tripped over something and fell to the floor “Ah! What did I just trip over?!” She yelled, in anger. As she looked, she saw a small white rabbit, looking up at her with worried eyes. She had seen it before. Her next phase had just walked right up to her. “Well, well, well. Hello there, Angel. Have you been well since I burnt down your home?” She laughed as the picked up Angel with her magic. Angel began to squirm and panic, but before being able to make a sound Sinister used a spell to put him to sleep. “Now is a better time than ever, I will message Trixie and meet her in Canterlot. I love it when everything lines up perfectly.” She laughed as she walked away with Angel, making her way towards the Ponyville train station to ride away to Canterlot.

> Bracelets of the Red Moon
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	The Ride to Canterlot was heavy on Sinister Moonlight. Every time that Angel Bunny would awaken she would struggle to put him back so sleep. He was feisty, and he knew how to fight, even if he was small and not very strong. She eventually decided to let him fight, and just outlast him until he was too exhausted to move. After a good thirty-seven straight minutes of avoiding an attacking rabbit, he finally collapsed on his own. Sinister looked around the Train, carrying the bunny with her magic. She couldn't help but notice all the strange looks she was getting from the other passengers. She glared at small filly staring at her. The poor mare couldn’t be more than 8 years old and Sinister's evil glare caused her to break down in tears. The filly's mother  quickly held her daughter close, trying to calm her down.  Sinister carried Angel to the Exit car just as the train came to a stop in Canterlot. She walked out and looked around, seeing the fancy Canterlot ponies greet each other as they exited the train themselves. Sinister scoffed as she walked on her way to the nearest Canterlot hotel. After about 5 minutes she arrived, and as she approached the door to the check in counter she overheard two Stallions talking and stopped in her tracks.

“Did you hear about that bracelet She found?” Said the first Stallion, Sinister couldn't help but note they were both unicorns as she eavesdropped.

“Why yes, I did! It is supposedly some legendary magical artifact, yes?” Replied the second Stallion.

“Apparently so, it seems to be one of four, and they say whoever wears all four gains an unimaginable amount of power!” said the first, obviously fascinated by the sound of unimaginable power. This conversation was making Sinister grit her teeth with pure anger, she wanted to attack the two unicorns now, but chose to hold herself until they said who had them.

“Unimaginable power? Dear Celestia, that is outstanding! What I wouldn't give to have those bracelets myself.” the second one said, lost in his own thoughts of power.

“Well, don't get your hopes up old sport. All the bits in Equestria couldn’t buy even one, Celestia herself has it locked away in her own chambers from what I hear. She doesn’t want anypony getting their hands on this. I mean, if all four lead to unimaginable power, imagine what just one can do for the average unicorn?” the first explained. Sinister was now furious. She had a thirst for blood. As the two of them wondered what one bracelet could do she narrowed her eyes. She knew what only one could do. Absolutely nothing, they only granted power as a set. She stormed into the hotel and checked in, paid her bits for a night’s stay and ran off to her room, locking the door behind her. In frustration she threw the sleeping angel onto the bed as hard as her magic would let her, which unfortunately for Angel was actually pretty hard. Thankfully though the padding of the bed kept him safe from harm.

“This worthless imbeciles! How dare they even Think of taking a bracelet for themselves?!” she yelled. In her rage she knocked over a nearby lamp using her magic. “And now, as if things were not bad enough with the company of this annoying rabbit, I find out that Celestia of all ponies has one! This is unbelievable!” she panted, having used a lot of energy on her rant. “Well, there is no use in complaining about it now. I will merely have to go collect it later… although… perhaps there is a better way? Yes, indeed! A solution in which I do not have to dirty my own hands! A way… I can force Celestia to give me the bracelet, without her ever knowing, and I know just the pack mule to pick it up for me.” Sinister searched the room for a bit. Angel just sat on the bed staring at her, he had finally lost his will to fight back knowing what the end result would be if he started now.  Once Sinister had found what she was looking for, two slips of paper and a pen, she quickly used her magic to write a letter on one.

“Dear Fluttershy,” She spoke out loud as she wrote the letter. “I have your pet, Angel, in my captivity. He is weak, and at my mercy. If you ever wish to see him alive again, I suggest you heed the following instructions. Take the train to Canterlot, and meet with Princess Celestia. Once you have gotten a room in her castle you are to acquire a very special bracelet, known as the Bracelet of the Red Moon. It is one in a set of four, but you need not worry about the other three. Celestia has this bracelet, locked away in her bedroom. I do not care how you acquire it, but absolutely nopony must know you why you need it. Once it is in your possession you are to bring it to the highest point of the cliff just outside Canterlot. I will be waiting for you there every day for three days, from noon to 1:00. You will come alone. If you are even a Minute late on the third day, Angel bunny will die.” She finished writing and put down the pen as Angel began to panic, he jumped off the bed and backed as far away from Sinister as was physically possible in the small room. Sinister's horn glowed red, as did the letter she wrote. After a second the letter was gone. “The countdown starts now.”

Sinister laughed at her own brilliance, having an innocent and unsuspected pony do all the evil work for her. She picked the pen back up with her magic and spoke again as she wrote another letter. “Dear Trixie, my sweet and beautiful cousin. It has been far too long since I have seen you in person, thankfully though, I finally have reason to show my face to you. I have wonderful news! I have devised a plan to take revenge out on that infernal Twilight Sparkle, the one who humiliated you and tarnished your perfect name. I would like to ask you to join me in this vengeful act. I would dearly enjoy seeing you again after so long, and it would be very nice to spend some time with the only pony on the planet I actually like. If you accept my offer, please meet me at the Canterlot Hotel nearest to the cities train station, room number 427. Your loving cousin, Sinister Moonlight.... P.S. Make sure you bring the black box I had you store for me.” Sinister let out a sigh as she put the pen down and sent the letter the same way as the first. She looked at Angel, who had now made his way over to her, looking up at her sympathetically. “You will tell nopony of what you saw just now.” she said, in a stern voice. Angel simply nodded.

Meanwhile, back in Ponyville, Fluttershy was on her way to her Cottage, which was still in construction. As she approached it she noticed a note on top of her charred door mat. Confused, she picked it up and read through it slowly and carefully. Her eyes widened as she read, and she gasped when she was finished. “Angels been bunnynapped? Oh no, oh no...” She began to tear up and sob, dropping the letter. She was scared for her pets life, and she knew she had to go to Canterlot immediately, she also knew she had to go alone.

That was when Twilight walked up to her. “Hey Fluttershy! There you are, I've been looking all over for you!” Said Twilight, with a smile, which quickly turned into a frown upon seeing Fluttershy’s tears. “Is something wrong? You're crying…”

“Oh…. N-no Twilight, everything is okay… I just got ash in my eyes… ” She looked away, which was normal behavior for her, so Twilight believed it.

“Well, okay, if you're sure you’re alright… hey I wanted to talk to you about maybe watching Owlowicious while I'm away for a few days?” Twilight asked.

“Oh…. I'm sorry Twilight, I can’t. I have to go to Canterlot for the next few days.” Replied Fluttershy, upset she couldn't help her friend.

“Canterlot? Really? What a coincidence, that's where I'm going too! Princess Celestia sent me a letter saying there was an artifact she wanted me to look at. Apparently its incredibly powerful, so I was gonna go stay at the castle and examine it with her.” Twilight said, in a happy tone. “Maybe you could come with me?”

“Oh… that would be great Twilight, it would be really nice to have someone there with me.” Fluttershy said relieved. She was happy she wouldn't have to go alone, even though the letter told her to. Since she hadn't actually told Twilight about the letter, shed still be keeping the conditions.

“Great! Well then, now I just need to find someone who can watch Owloicious for me. Who's watching Angel?” Twilight asked

“Angel? Oh, um… well you see…” Fluttershy had to think fast, she couldn't let on that he'd been kidnapped. “Angel is big enough to take care of himself… he made that very clear yesterday when I told him I was leaving. Why doesn't Spike just watch Owloicious?” Flutterhsy asked, trying to change the subject.

“Spike? Oh, right, well Spike has been really busy with Rarity lately. He promised her he would help around the boutique.” Twilight said as she looked away. “He's been a little clingy with her lately.”

“Oh my… I'm sorry Twilight… ” Fluttershy looked downwards, then back up. “Well, I think you could let Pinkie Pie take care of him, she seems like the best option right now.”

“Hmm, yeah that's a pretty good idea. I'll go get that taken care of. Meet me at the train station a little later, okay?” Twilight asked for confirmation.

Fluttershy nodded. “Alright Twilight. See you soon… ”

“Bye Fluttershy!” Twilight said, as she walked off towards Sugar Cube Corner.

Fluttershy looked around her broken cottage, she was still saddened by the wreckage. She walked around inside for a bit, and saw Angels old bed. It was blackened and crispy. She got teary eyed again. Fluttershy couldn't stand being in her own home at this point, it was too heartbreaking. She walked out, and picked the note back up off the floor. She quickly took it back inside her house and tossed it in a pile of ashes, before running out in tears again. She stopped just outside her house. This was all too stressful for her, she couldn't believe it was happening. She felt that Angel's kidnapping would be the worst thing to happen to her for a very long time. Just then, she noticed Zecora walking up to her.

“Hello Fluttershy, I know you are blue, but I have come here to look for a clue.” Said Zecora, rhyming as she usually did.

“Oh… Hi Zecora, um, clues to what exactly?” Asked Fluttershy, very curious.

“Why, clues on the mare who burnt down your house. She is sly as a fox and quick as a mouse. I know her well from past events, I would tell you more but I don't wish to Vent. I hope you don’t mind if I look around, before you head off into town?” Asked Zecora, already heading inside.

Fluttershy became nervous, but couldn't refuse without seeming suspicious. She hoped Zecora wouldn't find the letter, but given Fluttershy didn't hide it well, it was more than likely she would. “Um... Go ahead, Zecora.” Fluttershy said, biting her lip.

Zecora scanned around the insides, quickly and easily spotting the obvious letter, as it was the only completely white thing left in this room. She picked it up and read over it, turning to Fluttershy. “This is perfect, it couldn't be better. Fluttershy, when did you find this letter?” Zecora asked, tossing it back on the ground.

“I-it was just here on the doorstep when I came from the hospital… ” Fluttershy replied.

Zecora sighed and spoke. “I do not wish to make you feel fright, but this letter is from Sinister Moonlight. The handwriting is as clear as day, and I'm afraid she's serious. She doesn't play. If in the end you meet her at this location, be wary as she will attack without provocation. She will more than likely lie to get you there, so be on the lookout for danger everywhere. She enjoys using magic that has been banned, so be careful, do you understand?” Fluttershy just nodded. “Very good, now go off to the station, I don't want to keep you from your vacation.” Zecora said, trying to show she would keep the secret of the letter safe. “I should also warn you, tell your friends, Sinister attacked Applejack to no end. She wanted to make her heart and bones break, I stopped her, and she is now at my home safe.”

Fluttershy was surprised to hear about Applejack, she began to worry and panic even though Zecora had just said she was safe. She quickly calmed herself down and nodded to Zecora again. “Okay… ” She would warn them when she had gotten Angel back, she didn't want them thinking she was in any danger by telling them about Sinister Moonlight, and she certainly didn't want to worry Twilight while she was with the princess. “Goodbye Zecora.” Fluttershy said as she walked off.

Zecora spoke as she waved. “Goodbye Fluttershy, and remember her magic! Another accident would be very tragic!”

As Fluttershy arrived at the train station Twilight was waiting for her. According to Twilight, Pinkie was more than happy to take Owloicious for a few days, as she felt her own pet Gummy needed someone to play with. Together the two boarded the train and headed off to Canterlot together, enjoying every second of the ride there as they talked about lots of different little things. Fluttershy was happy with Twilight, even if sometimes Twilight would say things Fluttershy couldn't comprehend in the slightest.

When they finally arrived in Canterlot they exited together. They didn't wait for a second to run as fast as they could to Canterlot Castle, where Princess Celestia would be waiting for them. When they approached the castle gardens, they we greeted by a dark blue Alicorn. Her dark wings and long horn were stunning, they made her look intimidating even though she was really very nice. Her coat was dark blue and her mane and tail were a lighter form of blue. She had light blue eyes and a black tiara, her cutie mark was a black spot with a crescent moon in the middle representing her ability to raise the moon.

“Princess Luna!” said Twilight. “It's good to see you, how have you been?”

Luna looked at her “I have been fine, Twilight. I do not have time to talk though, I am only here to tell you that my sister is away. She did some research on the bracelet, and felt the need to go out herself and try to find the other three. She will be back on the morrow. Your room will be the same guest bedroom Rarity used during her visit some time ago, do you understand?”

Twilight Nodded. “Yes Princess, I understand.”

“Very well then, I must be on my way. See you soon, Twilight.” Luna said, as she spread her wings and took off.
.
Fluttershy watched her as she flew. “So Twilight… where do you think she's going?”

“Probably to raise the moon, it is getting pretty late. We might even need to go to bed soon, I'm sure we both have long days ahead of us tomorrow.” Twilight answered.

Fluttershy nodded. “Yeah… That's probably true.”

Twilight started walking into the castle. “Then let's rest up, I don't think we’re gonna get anything done just standing here.”

Fluttershy followed her inside, she seemed to know her way around. The two of them quickly arrived in the guest room they would be staying in, there was a very large princess sized bed for each of them. They each looked at each other, and Twilight spoke. “Aren't you going to unpack?”

Fluttershy simply looked away. “I… didn't bring anything… I'm sorry.”

“Well don't apologize to me!” said Twilight. “You can borrow anything you need while were here, okay Fluttershy?”

Fluttershy simply smiled and nodded. The two of them were already having a nice time here, although Fluttershy couldn't fully enjoy it with the fear for Angel's life still constantly on her mind. She kept imagining the worst, and was doing her best not to, but it wouldn't work. She quickly decided she needed sleep to take her mind off of it. She crawled into her bed, Twilight crawled into her own, and the two looked at each other.

“Goodnight Fluttershy” Said Twilight, closing her eyes.

“Goodnight… Twilight…” Fluttershy said in a more hushed voice than usual, before closing her eyes.

Meanwhile, in the dead of that night, Sinister sat in bed inside her hotel, awake and reading a book. Angel managed to fall asleep at the foot of the bed. A knock was head on her door, and Sinister noted the time as 11:57 pm. She wanted to keep this moment memorable. She stood and walked to the door, opening it with her magic and outside it stood a blue unicorn. She had very light blue hair and purple eyes, and wore a purple cape with multi-colored stars over the back, with a matching purple hat, also with stars all over it. Her barely visible cutie mark featured a magic wand with a blue star and pixie dust.

The unicorn spoke. “It's good to see you again, Sinister.”

“Trixie Lulamoon, my dearest cousin, I am ever so delighted to see you!” Sinister smiled, a real smile, not one that looked wicked but one that made her look happy. She had only ever done this around Trixie and that fact was still true.

“Yes, I agree, now what was it you called Trixie here for? Your letter mentioned revenge on Twilight Sparkle?” Trixie asked.

“Yes, indeed it did. You see, I have a plan for revenge that is already in the workings. Revenge for humiliating you that fateful night in Ponyville, when Twilight Sparkle battled the Ursa Minor. I do not intend to leave her be after that. Phase one so far has been to get rid of her friends, one by one, by any means possible. So far I have dealt with Rainbow Dash and Applejack, and I am currently working on Fluttershy. Phase two, however, can be completed during Phase one, did you bring the box?” Sinister asked, as Angel tried to sneak out of the room underneath them. Sinister's horn glowed as she picked Angel up with her magic and threw him back into the room against the wall. Sinister moved to make room for Trixie to enter.

As Trixie walked inside she looked around before answering. “Yes, Trixie has brought it. but you see, the great and powerfu-”

“Would you kindly stop doing that, cousin?” Sinister interrupted. “I already know of your power. Your spells may not be a strong as mine, Nopony has spells as strong as mine, but I am aware that you have a much farther range of spells. Now could you please give me the box?”

Trixie stared at her for a second. “Very well.” Her horn glowed a light blue color and out from beneath her cape came a little black box. She placed it in front of Sinister.

Sinister quickly opened the box, smiling evilly yet again, for inside the box was three silver bracelets, each with a gemstone the color of blood in the center. “The Bracelets of the Red Moon. My prized creation. With four times the power of the Alicorn Amulet, sadly they only work as a set, and my dear cousin it would seem Celestia has the last one.”

Trixie looked away. “Celestia? Well it would seem there is no getting to it in that case.” Said Trixie with no hint of disappointment whatsoever.

“Ah but that is where you are wrong, Trixie, for you see I already have somepony picking it up for me. I am positive you have asked yourself why the animal is here, I am holding him as a hostage until Fluttershy can deliver the bracelet to me. When she does I will be unstoppable!” Sinister said, laughing. “Now, I do not want you getting blamed for any of this, so I will be going to the meetings alone.”

“No.” Trixie said sternly. “Trixie… does not mind the possibility of trouble, she wishes to accompany you.”

“Are you sure cousin?” Asked Sinister.

“Yes.” Replied Trixie.

“Very well, we will be waiting for her for the next three days at noon until one o’clock, hopefully she has it soon. I am sure she will, with her pet’s life on the line.” Sinister said with a chuckle before going over to the bed and laying down on it. “Now feel free to stay here with me, I do not mind sharing a bed.”


“Very well, thank you Sinister.” Said Trixie, taking her up on her offer she walked over to the bed taking the space next to her cousin. “Good night.”

“Goodnight, Trixie.” Sinister said with yet another genuine smile before the two of them drifted off into sleep.

The next morning back at Canterlot Castle, Fluttershy was just waking up from a rough sleep, she had a nightmare about Angel being in danger and it caused her sleep to be almost pointless. When she looked around Twilight was already gone. She quickly went off to go find them as she didn't want to be alone. After a walking around she noticed a few guards standing at a door, while no other doors were guarded in this hallway. “Um… Excuse me, I'm sorry, but are Twilight and Princess Celestia in there?” She asked the guard nervously.

The guard nodded and said. “Yes they are, Miss Fluttershy, the princess instructed me to allow you inside if you wished.”

“Oh, thank you so much. Um, also, do you have the time?” Fluttershy asked as the guard opened the door for her.

“Yes Ma'am, the time is 11:04 A.M.” The guard replied.

“Oh, thank you…” She said as she walked inside, noticing the long corridor that led to a set of large double doors. The time repeated over and over in her head. She knew if she were to act quickly she would be able to make it in time for the meeting today, and not have to worry for an extra two. She had to do whatever it took to make sure Angel was safe. As she reached the double doors she pushed them open. Inside stood her friend Twilight and a large white Alicorn, with a cutie mark of the orange sun. She wore a golden tiara and had light purple eyes. Her flowing mane and tail were many different colors such as green, blue, and pink. In between them was a black chest with a golden silk pillow inside, on top of that pillow was a silver bracelet with a blood red gem in the center.

Twilight Spoke. “Oh Fluttershy, there you are, did you sleep well?”

“Not really… ” Fluttershy responded. “Good morning Twilight, Good morning Princess Celestia.” she said, greeting the two with a smile.

“Good morning Fluttershy.” Said Celestia. “We were just taking a look at the bracelet, it definitely doesn't have any power stored inside it like it is now, but it is still strange. We decided to keep it under lock and key when we were through with it, would you like to take a look Fluttershy?” asked the Princess.

Fluttershy smiled and nodded. “I'd love to.” As she walked over to them her heart stared to beat rapidly, and she held back the urge to start crying. She couldn't let on what she was doing or Angel could wind up dead. This thought did not help, as it caused her to shed a few tears the moment she reached the two.

“Something wrong, Fluttershy?” asked Twilight with a look of concern and confusion.

Fluttershy just stared at Twilight before she responded. picking up the bracelet. “Yes… I'm so sorry.” she took that moment, filled with intense fear, and flew out of the room at high speed, crying her eyes out as she did. She hated herself more than anything right now. She flew out the door, startling and confusing the guards as Celestia quickly flew out after her.

> Rising Moon, Fallen Pony
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	“Stop her!” Shouted Celestia. “She has the bracelet!” She chased after Fluttershy as fast as her wings could take her, and Twilight followed on her hooves.

“I'm so sorry!” Fluttershy cried out, as tears ran down her face with the bracelet on her hoof. She made it to the castle doors and flew outside quickly, into the air and out of Canterlot as fast as she could. She made her way around the mountain that the castle was built on and flew into a cave. She didn't know how much time she had left, but she needed to rest and calm herself down. She cried to herself in the cave, tears dropping onto the floor like rain. Just then she heard a voice behind her.

“Stealing? From the Princess? Well that's not like you at all Fluttershy. It just doesn't make sense, and I like that!” The familiar voice said. Fluttershy turned around with wide eyes. Behind her was a Draconequus, known as Discord. He had the head of a pony, a deer antler on the right side of his head, and a blue goat horn on the left, one long fang, different-sized pupils, a snake tongue, a goat beard, and white bushy eyebrows. His right arm was the arm of a lion, the left being the claw of an eagle, right leg of a lizard and left leg of a goat. On his back were a bat's right wing and a pegasus' left wing. He had a horse's mane and a dragon-like snake's tail with a white tail tuft. He walked up to Fluttershy and put his right paw on her head. “What's going on Fluttershy? Why did you steal a powerless bracelet?” Discord asked

“I-… I-… I liked it?” Fluttershy replied, lying through her teeth.

“You liked it that much? Well I suppose I understand that feeling, usually when I want something I'll just take it too.” Discord said as he chuckled. “Well I guess I'll let you go off then, I don't wanna see my only friend end up in the Canterlot Dungeon. Not that Celestia would do that to you, probably just yell or something. She can be so boring sometimes.” Discord turned and started walking out of the cave “Bye Fluttershy, see you later!” He snapped his fingers and vanished.

Fluttershy continued to cry for another 15 minutes before she finally calmed down, she took a deep breath and fluttered out of the cave, and over to the cliff she was instructed to go to. When she landed there she looked around, she had no idea what time it was so she waited. She kept waiting and waiting until finally a flash of red light startled her, when it faded Sinister Moonlight was standing there with Trixie. Sinister was wearing the other three bracelets already, and Angel was also there, floating and unconscious in Sinister's magic.

“Well, well, well.” Said Sinister. “It would seem she made it here before we did, how shocking, and on the first day too. This is very pleasing.”

“The great, and powerful, Trixie agrees.” said Trixie.

“Trixie… is here too?” Fluttershy asked, confused.

“Yes, I decided to invite my cousin to this meeting, as there is so much for us to do together now.” Sinister said, laughing. “Now quickly, toss the bracelet over here and you will get your precious Angel back.”

Fluttershy complied without hesitation, throwing the bracelet over to Sinister. Trixie caught the bracelet with her magic and Sinister started laughing evilly.

“You fool! You have just doomed yourself and everypony in Equestria!” Sinister shouted as she threw Angel to the side, allowing him to roll against the floor. Sinister quickly slipped the other bracelet on and the gems inside immediately began to glow, as did Sinister. She laughed, but Fluttershy didn't care. She ran over to Angles side in a panic, hoping he was not badly hurt, and thankfully he was breathing. “Now that I have finally been restored to full power, it is time for you to die, Fluttershy! You will not have to worry about Angel though, he will be joining you in the afterlife very quickly!” Her horn glowed red as she charged an attack. It got very large much more quickly than it used to, as the bracelets caused her eyes to become a bright, bright red. Not just her eye color but the entirety of her eyes was glowing red. She launched the attack at Fluttershy, causing her to break down in tears one last time. Fluttershy was terrified and she didn't know what to do, so she closed her eyes and waited for the end.

Fluttershy's ears were ringing. The laughter coming from Sinister Moonlight was terrifying to her. It was more than she could take. Time seemed to slow down as the ball of red energy came at her, she couldn't help but just keep crying. She didn't want things to end this way. Her life and Angels, about to be extinguished, and it was all her fault.

“Goodbye Fluttershy! I hope you enjoyed being my pawn!” Shouted Sinister, very pleased with herself. Trixie showed no emotion in this instance, instead she just looked away. She didn't want to watch.

The attack from Sinister Moonlight came closer and closer, until it hit Fluttershy square in the face. Fluttershy yelled out in pain, but then she realized it didn't hurt. She opened her eyes and noticed that all around her was nothing but feathers, tickling her nose. “What...?” She asked, confused.

“What in Equestria?! My magic… it turned into… feathers? Who is responsible for this?!” Sinister yelled, she was angry that Fluttershy was unharmed.

“That would be me.” Out of nowhere Discord appeared next to Fluttershy, looking rather full of himself. “I won't have you hurting my friend anytime soon, if you want to get to Fluttershy, you'll have to go through me first.” he said, putting his lion arm in front of Fluttershy.

Sinister laughed. “Oh, you wish to battle me do you? Discord, master of Chaos? Well, let us see what you can do while I have the strength and power of one thousand unicorns, and when I'm through with you, Fluttershy will be next!” Sinister quickly charged up another spell, but this one seemed different. She fired it into the air and the sky became dark, the only light came from a red orb in the air. “Discord, I hear you enjoy chaos. You enjoy it when things make little sense. Well that being the case, since you are going to die here… I feel you should die happy! We will see just how much you enjoy chaos when I am through with you.” Sinister said with her signature evil grin.

“Oh I can already tell this is going to be a fun battle, I wont go easy on you though!” Discord said, as he snapped his fingers and the layout of the cliff changed dramatically. It was now seperated into a large amount of floating rock platforms. He and Fluttershy were on one side, with Sinister and Trixie on the other, below them was several thousand feet of air. “One wrong move and it’ll be your last!”

Sinister only smirked. “Very well, Discord, I will play along. It only goes to aid me anyhow!” She jumped quickly from platform to platform, shooting another ball of energy at Discord with every jump.

Discord managed to dodge each shot quickly, making sure none would go for Fluttershy afterward. As he noticed Sinister was about to land on another platform he used his own magic to make the platform move from beneath her.

“Huh?!” Sinister was caught off guard but she managed to focus enough to cast a spell that caused the wind to blow her back up above the platforms, giving her enough momentum to land closer to Discord. “That won’t be enough to stop me! You are wasting your time!” She said, as she looked up into the sky. Discord looked up with her, he noticed the red orb immediately. It was growing fast, and shaping itself into what looked like a full red moon.

“Is that your trick? A big moon? What are you gonna do, give it a creepy face and throw it at me?” He asked, laughing. “Face it, you can’t beat me! I'm stronger than you in every way, so just give up and go home and I won’t have to hurt you!”

This made Sinister laugh. “I have yet to begin trying! I'm conserving my energy for Fluttershy. If I wanted to I could destroy you right now, but I would much rather just wait it out until the finishing touches are prepared!” Sinister began to attack Discord again and again, while Discord either dodged her attacks or flung them back at her. The two of them continued fighting like this for a while, as the red moon above them grew larger and larger until it was almost as large as the actual moon,  this moon seemed to have no pull, like it was some kind of illusion. Meanwhile, Trixie was making her way over to the motionless Fluttershy, who was just watching the battle take place, scared for her life and Angels.  Trixie was approaching from the side, going unnoticed by both Discord and Fluttershy.

“You'll have to do better my dear! Your attacks just aren't enough for me!” Discord shouted in boredom.

“Very well then, if you insist, the spell has completed! The moon is powerful now, and so am I! Just look for yourself!” Sinister shouted back, laughing maniacally. Discord looked up at the red moon, and the bright red light coming from it caused his eyes to hurt. Her rubbed them and looked back at Sinister, but found himself confused at the sight of 10 Sinister Moonlights glaring at him, they all seemed to move in sync, and the amount of platforms around him seemed to have multiplied as well, the Sinisters all spoke at once but only one voice was heard. “You see now?! The red moon is known for its ability to cause insanity, as are my red eyes! You will fall by the chaos your own eyes create. You will never see my attacks coming, and you will be helpless to fight me! Now sit there and die like a good boy!” The team of Sinisters all charged and fired an attack at the same time, they all curved towards Discord. He dodged most of them but found three hitting him, only one actually made him feel pain though and he was unable to trace which one it came from. His head was spinning as the light from the red moon made his vision blurrier and blurrier by the second. He felt the sting of several more attacks hit from random directions, but he couldn't see them coming anymore.

Trixie, now having gotten right next to Fluttershy uttered two words. “Trixie apologizes.” her horn glowed light blue and she zapped Fluttershy with a strange spell, causing her to howl out in agony before collapsing.

“Fluttershy?!” Discord shouted as he turned his head towards her. The sound of her cry caused him to snap out of the illusions created by the red moon. He quickly rushed over to her side, checking up on her in a panic. He couldn't detect her breathing, no matter how close he brought his ear to her mouth. He clenched his fists and glared at Sinister. “Very well then, I didn't want to have to do this, but you've left me no choice!” Discord shouted as he pointed his hand at the red moon. The moon began to distort and react, it cracked in several places.

“Ah, so you've decided to destroy my creation? Very well, I didn't fortify it, or summon all of its power so it was not worth keeping anyhow.” Sinister said laughing. “Also, good work to you Trixie, taking Fluttershy out while I was distracting Discord. You have made things much easier for me! We should be on our way now.” Sinister's horn began to glow yet again, and in another bright flash of red light both her and Trixie has vanished, leaving only Fluttershy, Angel, and Discord on the cliff which had now returned to its normal state.

Discord turned to Fluttershy, still hopeful she would survive. He picked her up and placed Angel on her back. “Don't worry Fluttershy… I'm not about to let you die… but, if you do…” he sighed “I will make that unicorn suffer.” Discord looked in the sky, which had also returned to normal. He flew upwards with the two held tightly in his arms as he made his way back to Canterlot to explain the situation to Celestia and hopefully get help for Fluttershy and Angel.

As Discord was busy with Fluttershy, Sinister and Trixie had made their was to the train station. They took no time buying tickets and taking the trip back to Ponyville. On the way there the two of them chatted.

“So, Sinister, what is your next plan? Who is next?” Trixie asked, trying to prepare for whatever was coming.

“Well, I already have a plan for Pinkie Pie. She has a party coming up soon, and that is where I intend to strike. That still leaves Rarity though, I am not sure what I should do with her. There are many ways to mentally scar her, I just cannot decide which will be the most effective.” Replied Sinister.

“Well, if you think of anything at all, remember to tell Trixie what the idea is.” Said Trixie, she seemed desperate to know what Sinister was thinking at any time.

After a while they arrived back in Ponyville, and the two unicorns got out of the train as quickly as possible. They walked around for a while, thinking of what they could do next. They had free time, as Sinister explained to Trixie that the party Pinkie Pie was throwing for her cousin was not for a couple days.

Things were silent for a moment, until Trixie spoke again “Sinister?” She asked.

“Yes, Trixie?” Replied Sinister.

“This plan for revenge, what purpose does it serve?” Trixie asked, the slightest bit nervous about her cousin’s response.

Sinister stopped walking “… This plan is for you, Trixie. I heard every detail about your humiliation, when it happened I could no longer get in contact with you. I was heartbroken. So I decided I would avenge your good name by eliminating Twilight Sparkle so you could be the most renowned unicorn in all of Equestria again.” She replied, no longer looking at Trixie.

“Oh… I see.” Trixie said, dropping the way she spoke in third person given the matter was so serious. “Well you see… you don't have to-” Trixie was cut off by the shouting of three voices, all saying the same thing.

“CUTIE MARK CRUSADER CRIME STOPPERS!” The loud shout of the voices caught the attention of both unicorns as three fillies jumped out of a nearby bush. Apple Bloom was one, and others were an Orange coated, purple maned, and purple eyed Pegasus named Scootaloo and a white coated green eyed Unicorn named Sweetie Belle with a purple and pink mane and tail. The fillies were each wearing a red cape, which depict an emblem of a filly wearing a cape. The three of them glared at Sinister and Trixie, Apple Bloom speaking up.

“We know y'all are the ones who hurt my big sister, and we're gonna make sure yer brought to justice!” Apple Bloom shouted with a fierce look in her eyes.

“Yeah, you can’t just hurt ponies like that, it’s not right! So were gonna stop you!” Scootaloo added.

Sinister simply stared at them, she did not have any idea whether or not they were seriously about to challenge her. She prepared an attack but Trixie stopped her by putting a hoof in front of Sinister. “Don't do that.” Trixie said.

“Why not? They wish for a challenge, so I shall give them one.” Sinister responded, sounding very annoyed.

“Because… Because look at that one.” Said Trixie, directing Sinister at Sweetie Belle. “That is Rarity's sister.”

This made Sinister smirk. “Is she now? Very interesting indeed. In that case I know what must be done.”

“Huh?” Sweetie Belle asked, confused. “What do you mean by that?”

Sinister laughed. “Nothing at all dear! We just need you to come with us. You'll do that, won’t you?”

“N-no way!” Shouted Sweetie Belle. “My Sister taught me not to go off with strangers!”

“Ah, your sister.” Sinister said while chuckling. “Well, before I force you to come with us, you should know, this is mostly her fault.” Sinister's horn began to glow, before shooting off a light that blinded the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

“Ah! Can't see! Can't See!” Scootaloo said in a panic.

“Where'd yah go off too yah coward!” Apple Bloom said as she stumbled around, helpless.

Sinister walked over to Sweetie Belle and used her hoof to hit her in the side of the head, causing her scream briefly before falling unconscious. Trixie just watched the whole thing happen, she did nothing to help Sinister or the Crusaders. Using her magic Sinister picked up Sweetie Belle and went over to Apple Bloom. Sinister whispered in her ear. “You will tell Rarity what you have seen here, but only Rarity is to know. If anypony else finds out, I will do worse to this girl than I did to Rainbow Dash.”

“So it was you who hurt Rainbow Dash!? You jerk, come here! I'll beat you up so bad! Nopony hurts Rainbow Dash!” Scootaloo shouted in anger.

Sinister merely laughed as she walked away. “Come now, Trixie. We have business to attend to. We will contact Rarity later.”

Trixie Nodded. “Very well. Trixie will begin writing a letter whenever we get to… wherever we are going.” She said as she followed after Sinister.

A few minutes later the remaining Crusaders could see again, and they looked at each other with tears in their eyes. “It's all our fault, ain't it Scoot?” Apple Bloom asked, sounding heartbroken.

“Yeah… It sure is…” Scootaloo replied. “Let’s hurry up and tell Rarity!” She said as she ran off, Apple Bloom quickly following her. The two of them were extremely worried about their friend. They didn't know what was going to happen to her, if she was going to be alright or not, and what Rarity was going to do when she found out.  All they could do was hope for the best as they ran off to Rarity's home, the Carousel Boutique.

Meanwhile back in Canterlot, Twilight Sparkle, Discord, and Princess Celestia were all gathered around the hospital bed of Fluttershy. She was hooked up to a heart monitor. The beeping coming from the machine was very slow, and there were several seconds in between each one. They all stood there, hoping for the best, knowing full well what could happen. A few seconds later the monitor let out one long extended and never ending beep. Twilight began to cry, Discord simply looked away in shame. Celestia looked out the window and towards the sky. Celestia Spoke. “Sinister Moonlight. You have gone too far, I swear by all the power I have that I will find you, and I will stop you… ”

“Fluttershy… I'm sorry… I'm so sorry.” Twilight repeated again and again, mourning the loss of her friend.

“What have you got to be sorry for? It's my fault she’s here. Rather than taking her and running I instead decided to stay and fight, then that blue unicorn got behind me and did this while I was distracted.” Discord said, trying to calm Twilight down, with no Success.

Twilight stopped crying for a moment, after realizing what Discord had said. “Wait… Blue unicorn? You don't mean…Trixie, do you?” She asked.

Discord nodded. “That was her name. She was the one who cast the spell to end Fluttershys life…”

“That's not possible though! Trixie and I already made up, I understand her cousin being angry at me still… sort of… but Trixie wouldn’t do something like that for no reason, especially not something so drastic!” Twilight shouted in Trixie's defense. “Something's not right here… I think I know what it is too, keep Fluttershy here, don't move a thing until I get back. I'm going to Ponyville to find those two… chances are they are still going after my friends.”

“Very well, Twilight.” Said Celestia. “When you find them though, have Spike send me a letter and I will make my way to Ponyville immediately and help you put a stop to their plans. There will be no more violence on my watch.”

“Alright Princess.” Twilight responded. “Discord, you should stay here with Fluttershy, I have a feeling, a really strong one, and it’s telling me you need to be with her right now.”

“Be with her? How can I be with her… She’s done… It's over… There's nothing I or anypony else can do to change that…” He said, holding back his own sadness.

“Trust me!” Twilight said. “Things are gonna work out I can feel it, just stay here with her!”

Discord stayed silent for a full minute before nodding. “Alright, I will stay here with her until you get back.”

Twilight smiled at him. “Thanks. Now I have to get going, Goodbye Discord, Goodbye Princess Celestia.” The purple unicorn ran out of the room, hurrying as fast as she could to the train station so she could return to Ponyville.

“That pony is going to put a stop to this. I can tell. Don’t worry, Discord. If Twilight says things will work out, they will.” Celestia said, with a smile.

Discord gave a faint smile back to her. “Well, if you say so.”