What would happen if Aria Blaze WAS Starlight Glimmer? What if she returned to Equestria and made everypony equal? Well then this story will answer your question! Watch as the Mane 7, Adagio Dazzle, and Sonata Dusk come together to bring back Aria!
This story is my prediction on what would happen if Aria Blaze really WAS Starlight Glimmer. What if she was the one who made everypony equal? Well this story might answer your question ! This story also features two of my OCs named Aurora Moonlight and Periwinkle Moonstone. I know what you're thinking, 'Aria isn't Starlight! Blah blah blah!', but what if she REALLY was? Just a little something I wanted to make. So PLEASE don't hate me!
After getting defeated by the Rainbooms and getting their pendants destroyed and are now unable to sing, the Dazzlings went to where the statue near Canterlot High was. They were ashamed, and felt bad for what they have done. They never experienced the magic of friendship before, but now they did.
"You know girls?" said Adagio Dazzle, the leader of the Dazzlings, "I feel like there should be another side of us." Sonata Dusk and Aria Blaze looked at Adagio.
"I guess you're right." said Sonata, "A talent is not just for popularity, it's also for expressing yourself of who you are."
Aria Blaze was not listening, she was still upset after losing. She wanted to be a good leader and have some attention, but she felt unappreciated by Adagio and Sonata, and never got her chance. She thought of a plan of what she can do to get what she really wanted.
"Aria?" said Adagio calling the purple-haired girl's name, "Are you alright?" Aria looked up at them, she didn't know what to say, and didn't want Adagio and Sonata to know or be involved in her plan.
"I'm fine." she said to them, looking down, "I just need some time alone." Adagio and Sonata were wondering why she wanted to be alone. Is she mad? Or is she just depressed?
"Um, okay. Come back later." said Sonata as she and Adagio walked away.
Aria did not know what to do, as she tried to lean her elbow over the gateway to Equestria which she didn't realized that was finally open, her elbow went through it. She was surprised and couldn't believe it, the gateway is open, and she could go back to Equestria! It’s been awhile since she and her other Dazzling friends were banished to the human world from Equestria, but now she’s planning on going back. So she then stands up, takes a breath, looks around so that no one can find out, and then walks into the gateway.
When she went into the other side, she realizes that she was back in Equestria, but instead as a pony instead of a siren. She wondered why, probably because the Rainbooms defeated them through the music of friendship and destroy their gem pendants, breaking their spell on the school and rendering them unable to sing. So Aria is no longer a siren, if her friends were to come with her, they’d be ponies also as well. But Aria didn’t matter about them, she was in the throne room of Princess Twilight Sparkle’s castle, which she didn’t know about. After finding her way out of the castle without getting caught, she then travels around Equestria to start off her plan.
While traveling around Equestria, Aria then realized something, she can’t let anypony notice her, so she decided to put on a cloak and get some help from somepony. She bumps into a unicorn. She had a blonde wavy mane and tail with hot pink highlights, her coat was a light pink, and she had aqua blue eyes that are a bit similar to Fluttershy’s. Her cutie mark was a white spark of light with yellow and hot pink in the center of the light, and sparkles were surrounding it.
“Sorry, I didn’t see you there.” Aria said to the pony.
“It is alright, any help you are needing?” the pony asked Aria. Aria wondered if she can actually help her without finding out who she really is, so she decides to ask her anyway.
“Do you know a spell that can change my voice, my hairstyle, make me into a unicorn, and create a fake cutie mark to cover my real one?” she asked her, the pony was wondering why she asked her this familiar question.
“Why do you need all of that?” the pony asked.
“Um, well. I need to disguise myself so that um…..” Aria tried to make something up so that the pony wouldn't find out about her plan, “Uhhh...so that.....my arch enemy doesn't see me.” she lied to the pony.
The pony decided to help Aria out, “Very well then, so what’s your name?”
Aria then flinched, she couldn’t tell her real name, so she had to think of a fake name.
“Umm….” said Aria trying to think of a name, then it came to her. “Starlight Glimmer.” She said to the pony.
“Starlight Glimmer?” the pony asked, Aria nodded her head.
“Oh well, nice to meet you Starlight.” said the pony with a smile, “My name is Aurora Moonlight.” The pony introduced herself to Aria. She started to lead Aria to her house.
“Follow me, I think I know how I can help you.” said Aurora as she lead Aria to her home.
When they arrived, Aurora lifted up a spell book with her unicorn magic, she flipped through the pages to find the spell, and she found one. She then backed away from Aria a bit to start the spell.
“Alright, ready?” Aurora asked her.
“Ready.” said Aria.
With her unicorn magic, a light blasts into Aria from the spell Aurora was casting on her. She then started to transform. After the transformation, she was different. Her hairstyle was different, her cutie mark with a purple and white star with two blue glimmering streams, and she was a unicorn. And her voice sounded different too.
“Wow, I look different. The same color, but I feel different.” said Aria with a different voice. “Thanks.” she said.
Aurora nodded with a smile, “Anytime, now be careful out there, you wouldn’t want to get into any trouble.” Aria winked at Aurora and was happy with her new look.
“Oh I will.” she said with a smirk on her face. She waved goodbye to Aurora as she walked out the door.
After hours of traveling and thinking about what her plan could be, she then spots a village of ponies. They were all happy and were getting along, there were no situations of anything. Everypony was enjoying their wonderful lives. Aria took a closer look at their cutie marks, and it came to her. It finally gave her an idea for her plan. She then seeks a cave close to the village to start off her plan.
She used her new unicorn magic to create a magic wall. Then, she picks up a wooden staff that she found in the desert and uses her magic to make it have a special power. What is the power? You’ll have to find out eventually. She then finds some makeup, and uses it on her cutie mark to cover it up and make an equal sign on in.
“Perfect.” she said to herself, “Now all I need to do is give everypony my little reward of making them equal, and so I can be adored!” she said with an evil smile.
A reprise of Welcome To The Show started, Aria can actually sing again, but with a different voice. Once the music started, she started singing.
I will show them all That I’m smart and tall Once they’re all the same I’ll get to have my fame! I will be adored Tell me that you want me I won't be ignored It's time for my reward Now you need me Come and heed me Nothing’s gonna stop me now!
The song ended and Aria was about to go to the village. Now, everypony was going to be………..equal!
At the Dazzlings’ house, Sonata Dusk was finishing putting on her night clothes. When she was done, she when to the living room where Adagio Dazzle was sitting on the couch waiting for Aria Blaze to come back.
“Aria hasn’t come back yet?” Sonata asked, it’s been a few hours since they left Aria at Canterlot High to have some alone time next to the statue, and she hasn’t returned.
“No.” Adagio sighed, she was starting to get worried about what’s taking her so long, same with Sonata.
“I hope she’s alright, should we go get her?” Sonata asked.
“How about I get her, you stay here and get some rest.” said Adagio as she walk to the door.
“Alright, good luck.” said Sonata as she went into her room to go to bed. Adagio then opened the front door and made her way out.
When she went back to the statue of Canterlot High, she realized that Aria was gone. She was in shock of whatever happened to her, she couldn’t believe that Aria has vanished.
“Aria!” she gasped, she started to get even more worried. What happened to Aria Blaze? (You should know from chapter 1)
“Where is she?!” Adagio was starting to get scared, so she decided to find the Mane 7 so that maybe they can help. So she went to the stage where she thinks the Rainbooms might be, and she actually saw them. They were just hanging out for a bit and talking. Adagio was nervous to go out and talk to them after all of the trouble she, Sonata, and Aria have caused at Canterlot High, but then the Mane 7 actually spotted her on the front of the stage.
“Hey! Are you the leader of the sirens?” said Rainbow Dash pointing at Adagio, butterflies were starting to appear in her stomach, she didn’t know what to say, she didn’t know what to do.
“…Ummmm…” said Adagio nervously, she was too shy to say anything else, but she had to say something. “Yes.”
The Rainbooms saw how nervous and shaky Adagio was, she was looking down at the floor, very quiet.
“Why are you here?” Applejack asked, they didn’t know why Adagio came here. “Is she here to insult us? Or is she here to apologize?” they wondered.
“I came here for two reasons.” she replied a bit silently, at least not too silent so that they couldn’t here her.
“And what exactly are the two reasons?” said Rarity curiously.
Adagio was ready to say the two big words to the Rainbooms, and those words were true. She took a deep breath and opened her mouth, about to say the two words.
“I’m sorry.” she finally answered. The Rainbooms were surprised that Adagio Dazzle, the leader of the Dazzlings, who were evil sirens who wanted power and popularity, was actually apologizing to them.
“You were right, you’ve got to find the music in your heart. A talent is about who you are, not just for power and popularity.” said Adagio, “If only I understood friendship”. Adagio felt very ashamed, the Rainbooms were still surprised that Adagio was starting to be nice to them, and is apologizing.
“It’s alright.” said Twilight, “Just remember, one day you'll find your true talent. And we can show you friendship.”
Then, the Mane 7 got close to Adagio for a group hug. Tears of joy were starting to come out of Adagio’s eyes, she smiled proudly. The Mane 6 broke up the hug and to listen to what Adagio is about to say next.
“So what's your name?” Fluttershy asked.
“I’m Adagio, Adagio Dazzle.” Adagio introduced herself, “The girl who was on my left during the battle was Sonata Dusk, and the one from my right was Aria Blaze.” Suddenly, it came to her again. She had to get help from the Mane 7 to find Aria.
“Speaking of Aria. Have you seen her?” Adagio asked, “She wanted to be alone for a bit, and when I came back to check on her, she was gone!”
The Mane 7 got surprised about Aria vanishing, “How did she leave?” they wondered.
“Where was she when you last saw her?” Sunset Shimmer asked.
Adagio pointed out the Canterlot High horse statue, “She was right over there, and when I came back, she was gone!” she answered.
All seven of the girls gasped in shocked, they actually realized that Aria has entered the portal, and went back to Equestria!
“What?” Adagio was confused and worried on why the Mane 7 were shocked.
“That’s the gateway back to Equestria!” said Twilight, the portal was now opened, so anybody/pony can go through the mirror anytime.
“Wait, that’s where me, Sonata, and Aria came out of when we were banished!” said Adagio, “How is it still opened?”
“Well, with a bunch of mechanical parts, and using my magic journal as a battery, I was able to energize and reopen the portal.” Twilight explained to Adagio.
“Oh, well. That’s clever.” Adagio nodded.
“Thanks.” said Twilight with a cute little smile on her face, “Maybe I can help you bring her back.”
“Really?” said an amazed Adagio, she felt happy that Twilight was going to help her find Aria.
“Thank you….um.” Adagio didn’t know the Mane 6’s names except for Sunset Shimmer, so she decided to ask them. “What are your names?”
“I’m Twilight Sparkle, I’m a Princess back at Equestria.”said Twilight introducing herself to Adagio.
“Wait, you’re a princess?” Adagio said surprisingly, she didn’t know that Twilight became an alicorn princess back at Equestria since she was still in the human world with Sonata and Aria when it all happened.
“Yup, the princess of friendship!” said Spike with a smile.
“Wow, that’s amazing!” said Adagio.
“Yeah, and these are my friends’ human counterparts: Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash.” said Twilight introducing the Mane 6.
“And I’m pretty sure you know me.” said Sunset Shimmer walking up to Adagio.
“Yes, I do. And I’m sorry if me and the other two were being a bit cold hearted to you.” said Adagio apologizing for the events and cruelty she and the Dazzlings have caused.
“It’s alright, maybe I can help you get Aria back.” said Sunset Shimmer.
All of the girls including Adagio were surprised that Sunset Shimmer is actually going back to Equestria to help Twilight and Adagio. It’s been a while since Sunset Shimmer left Equestria and went into the human world, but now she seems ready to come back.
“You’re going back?!” Pinkie Pie asked surprisingly with her eyes wide.
“Yes, because I want to help you.” said Sunset Shimmer to Adagio with a smile, she kind of missed Equestria, but she’s still going back to the human world, since it’s now her new home.
“Thank you Sunset Shimmer.” said Adagio as she hugged Sunset Shimmer, she hugged her back.
“I better get Sonata.” Adagio mentioned, Sonata was still asleep, but the three are gonna need her help to bring back Aria.
“Ok, good luck.” said Rainbow Dash as Adagio ran to her home to get Sonata.
When she came home, she knocked on Sonata’s door where her bedroom was. Sonata opened the door, rubbing her eye since she was asleep.
“Hey Adagio.” she said yawning, “Did you find her?”
Adagio then explained about what happened and that Twilight and Sunset Shimmer are going to help them find Aria.
“What?!” said Sonata in sudden shock, “What are we gonna do?"
“I told you, Twilight and Sunset Shimmer are gonna help us. Now hurry up and get dressed.” said Adagio, Sonata when to her room and then 5 minutes later, she came back in her normal clothes.
“Alright, I’m ready.” she said coming out of her room.
“Ok, then let’s go.” Said Adagio, leading Sonata to the door.
They went back to the Canterlot High statue where the Mane 7 was, and they spotted Adagio and Sonata.
“You’re here!” said Pinkie Pie running up to Sonata and hugging her tightly, “We forgive you!” she said with a bright smile. Sonata blushed with happiness and decided to hug Pinkie back.
“Alright, I think we’re ready Twilight.” she said breaking the hug.
“Well, I guess this is goodbye until next time.” said Twilight.
“Yeah, but I’m still coming back.” Sunset Shimmer nodded.
“So are we.” said Adagio and Sonata at the same time.
“Alright, good luck girls.” said Applejack as she and the others come in for a group hug.
“Thanks.” said Sonata smiling.
“Bye!” said the human Mane 5 waving as Twilight, Spike, Sunset Shimmer, Adagio, and Sonata entered the portal back to Equestria.
Back at Princess Twilight Sparkle’s castle, the pony Mane 5 were sitting on their thrones, waiting for Twilight to come back ever since she left yesterday to the human world to help defeat the sirens.
Then, they finally saw Twilight and Spike come out of the mirror, but instead with Sunset Shimmer, Adagio Dazzle, and Sonata Dusk. The two pony sirens and Sunset Shimmer were wondering where they are since they weren’t there when Tirek was defeated by the Mane 6, who were wondering why Sunset Shimmer came back, and who were Sonata and Adagio.
“Twilight’s back!” said Pinkie Pie jumping up and down on her throne with excitement.
“That’s great! But why is she here?” said Rainbow Dash pointing at Sunset Shimmer.
“Yeah, and who are those two?” questioned Applejack pointing at Sonata and Adagio.
Twilight decided to explain about why Sunset Shimmer, Adagio, and Sonata was with her.
“Don’t worry girls, Sunset Shimmer has learned from her past. She even helped us defeat the sirens.” Twilight explained.
“Yeah, and I’m sorry for stealing your crown, Twilight.” said Sunset Shimmer disappointed.
“It’s alright.” Twilight smiled as she hugged Sunset Shimmer.
“That explains why she’s here.” said Rarity, “But who are the other two?” She was obviously questioning about Adagio and Sonata.
“These are two of the sirens: Adagio Dazzle, and Sonata Dusk.” said Twilight introducing her friends to the two pony sirens, “Don’t worry, they learned from their past also. So they won’t cause any harm.”
“Oh, well it’s nice to meet you.” Fluttershy greeted to them.
“You too.” said Sonata giggling with joy.
“So what brings you three here to Equestria?” Applejack asked.
Adagio was ready to explain about why they returned.
“You see, one of the sirens, Aria Blaze, went through the portal back to Equestria.” Adagio explained.
The Mane 5 gasped in shock, just like their counterparts did back in the human world when Adagio told them where Aria was left alone.
“She came back?!” said a surprised Pinkie Pie.
“I think so, she wanted to be alone for a bit next to where the portal was, and when I came back to check on her, she was gone.” said Adagio.
“That means she’s somewhere here in Equestria.” said Rainbow Dash.
“Wait, aren’t you two suppose to be sirens?” Pinkie Pie asked curiously.
“We were defeated, and our pendants broke, and we're no longer sirens, just pony-sirens. So now we can’t sing anymore.” said Sonata who felt disappointed. “Oh yeah, that’s right.” said Pinkie Pie.
“So what are we gonna do?” asked Rainbow Dash.
“I’m not sure, we have to think of a way to find Aria before something bad happens to her.” Twilight answered as she jumped on her throne.
Suddenly, everypony’s cutie mark began to glow, causing lights from the thrones and Sunset Shimmer along with Sonata and Adagio to shine upon the star-shaped platform in the center of the room. The castle suddenly comes alive to construct an elaborate holographic map of Equestria. Everypony was amazed of the huge map, even Spike who was walking around it.
“This is incredible, it’s got all of Equestria!” said Spike with amazement.
Pinkie Pie looked at the rock farm where she use to live with her family, she was happy to see it.
“Hi mom and dad!” said Pinkie Pie to the little rock farm on the map, until Spike steps on it, which disappointed Pinkie Pie.
Twilight then realized that her cutie mark was glowing, including everypony else, Pinkie Pie and Sonata giggled.
“What’s going on with our cutie marks?” Sunset Shimmer asked.
Then, floating images of the ponies' cutie marks including another cutie mark that was unknown who it’s from pointed toward a location far off from Ponyville. Twilight used her magic to levitate Spike away from the map.
“But, if this is Ponyville. Why are our cutie marks over there?” Fluttershy wondered pointing at the location the cutie marks were at.
“Yeah, and who’s cutie mark is that?” said Sonata pointing at the other cutie mark who belongs to somepony.
Suddenly, the Mane 9 (I thought of the idea) heard a knock on the front door. Twilight got down from her throne to find out who it is.
“I’ll be right back girls, there’s someone at the door.” said Twilight as she walked down the hallway to the front door. She opened the door with her magic and saw a unicorn named Aurora Moonlight.
“Hello, are you Princess Twilight Sparkle?” Aurora asked.
“Yup, that’s me.” Twilight nodded with a smile, “So what brings you here?”
“You see, while I was taking a walk around Ponyville, I realized that my cutie mark was glowing, and it lead me here to your castle.” Aurora explained showing Twilight her cutie mark. Twilight got surprised that the unicorn’s cutie mark was the same exact one as the little image of it on the map.
“Your cutie mark.” said Twilight, “It looks just like the one that was on the map!”
“What map?” Aurora asked curiously.
While leading her to the throne room, Twilight explained to the pony of how the map appeared and that little images of their cutie marks went to a location on the map. When they finally arrived, the girls were curious on why there was another pony in the castle.
“Um, who is she?” Adagio asked.
“Is she the one who has the unknown cutie mark?” said Sonata Dusk.
“Um, yes.” Aurora nodded, “My name is Aurora Moonlight.”
“It’s nice to meet you Aurora" said Twilight. "These are all of my friends: Sunset Shimmer, Adagio Dazzle, Sonata Dusk, Applejack, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Rainbow Dash.”
“Nice to meet ya, sugarcube.” Applejack greeted Aurora.
“You too.” Aurora said smiling. “So why are our cutie marks over there?” she said pointing at the location the cutie marks were at just like Fluttershy did before.
“I don’t know, but it seems like the map wants us to find out.” said Twilight. “The tree, the chest, this castle. And now the map.”
“Maybe it leads us to where Aria is.” said Adagio.
“Aria?” Aurora asked wondering, she met Aria who claimed she was “Starlight Glimmer”, but didn’t know her real name was actually Aria Blaze.
“Aria Blaze, she’s a member of me and Adagio’s former band. The Dazzlings.” Sonata answered.
“The Dazzlings?” Aurora questioned, she wasn’t there at the Battle of The Bands because it took place in the human world.
“Yeah, we use to be sirens here in Equestria. We used our eerie songs to turn ponies against one another and fed on the negative energy from their hatred and distrust, which made us powerful enough to control minds. But before we could conquer Equestria with our magic, Star Swirl the Bearded banished us to that mirror which is a gate-way to another world.” said Adagio pointing at the Crystal Mirror, “But then in the other world, Twilight, Sunset Shimmer, and their friends from that world defeated us. Sunset Shimmer joins Twilight and her friends, and their combined magic creates a rainbow shockwave that weakens us and severs our spell over everyone. The magic of friendship builds inside Sunset, which got her to pony up. All the students then join in. Then, the magic coalescing in the sky takes the form of a giant alicorn that destroyed our astral projections as well as our gem pendants. And with our power sources destroyed, we’re now unable to even sing and re-cast our spell. But don’t worry, we’ve learned from our past.”
“Wow, interesting.” Aurora replied.
“Yup!” Sonata giggled.
“Y'know what? said Rainbow Dash as she flied above the map to look at it. “There's a ton of room for dangerous adventure along that route. Count me in!”
“Aw, shoot, I reckon you're right.” said Applejack
“Well, I was planning on organizing my baking sheets, but okay!” said Pinkie Pie with joy.
“Very well.” Rarity sighed.
Pinkie Pie and Rarity walk up to Fluttershy to find out if she wants to come, Rainbow Dash flew to her for the same reason. She was too nervous to go.
“Um, maybe I'll just stay here with Spike.” she said nervously.
“Really?” said Adagio with an annoyed expression.
“Awesome!” said Spike cheerfully, “Me and Big Mac have a huge weekend ahead of us talkin' hoofball, and... and trading hoofball cards, and arguing about hoofball stats...”
Fluttershy decided to go anyway since she didn’t want to be involved in Spike and Big Mac’s weekend of hoofball.
“O-o-on second thought, m-m-maybe I'd better go with them. In case they need me.” Fluttershy replied.
“Looks like it’s time for a road trip.” said Twilight as she walked up to Fluttershy.
“ROAD TRIP!” shouted both Pinkie Pie and Sonata at the same time with excitement and joy. Everypony was about to leave the castle to go find the location of the map.
“Well, suit yourself. But he's got a Hock Fetlock rookie card I plan to sweet-talk right into these hot little claws.” Spike said smirking.
The girls were on their way to the location on the Friendship Express. When they arrived, they walked out of the train, and it drove off. Twilight was reading the map, she lead the girls to the location by following the map. Finally, they stopped at a village.
“That's it! That's the place on the map!” said Twilight with happiness.
“Right. let's get down there and find the spa.” said Rarity about to walk into the village. She was a bit exhausted and wanted to relax, but now’s not the time.
“I’m with you, Rarity.” said Adagio following Rarity, but before they started walking, Twilight uses her magic to teleport in front of Rarity and Adagio to stop them from going.
“Wait. We don't know why the map sent us here.” she said.
“Yeah, we shouldn't just walk right in. It could be dangerous.” said Sunset Shimmer.
“Yes!” said Rainbow Dash with excitement, she wanted some danger so that she and the ponies would leap into action. Pinkie Pie then zooms to them fast, and then stands in front of them with her hooves out.
“Stay behind me, everypony! I'm on it!” said Pinkie Pie.
“Me too!” said Sonata running up to Pinkie Pie. The two of them begin to step out of the cliff into the village.
“Careful, you too!” Applejack warned with fear.
Pinkie Pie and Sonata then rolled down the hill, and started leading the girls. Arriving at the village filled with creepy smiling ponies.
“This is where the map sent us? It looks like the most boring place in Equestria.” said Rainbow Dash, she wasn’t that amused of the village.
“It's just an ordinary village full of ordinary pony folk.” said Applejack.
“Yeah.” said Aurora.
“It could certainly use a few more architectural flourishes.” said Rarity, “Or any architectural flourishes.” She wasn’t that amused of the village either.
“I think it's lovely.” said Fluttershy smiling.
“I think so too.” said Aurora who also smiled.
“I don't like it. I don't like it one bit.” said Pinkie Pie, she definitely wasn’t amused at all because of how the ponies were smiling widely.
“I know smiles. And those smiles? They're just not right.” she said suspiciously.
“Yeah, they look creepy.” said Sonata, she wasn’t amused either.
“Forget the smiles. Look at the cutie marks.” said Twilight as she pointed out the ponies’ cutie marks, they were all equal signs. Ponies were everywhere with creepy smiles, and the same cutie mark.
“Woah.” said Adagio surprisingly.
“Okay, that's weird.” said Rainbow Dash who was a little creeped out.
“I’ll say.” Adagio replied.
“I don’t get it. An entire village with the same cutie mark?” said Twilight who was puzzled.
“How can that be?” Sunset Shimmer asked.
“I bet there's some sort of horrific monster behind it.” said Rainbow Dash suspiciously.
“What makes you say that?” Sunset Shimmer wondered.
“'Cause fighting a horrific monster would be super-awesome!” said Rainbow Dash joyfully.
“Ugh! Give me a break!” said Adagio rolling her eyes.
“I reckon we just ought to head into town and talk to some locals, find out what's goin' on.” Applejack suggested.
“Applejack’s right.” said Sunset Shimmer.
“Great idea, AJ. Let's go!” said Rainbow Dash as she zoomed to the village, the rest of the Mane 10 follow her. Pinkie Pie and Sonata weren’t happy about the villagers’ smiles.
“Those smiles are bad news. “ said Pinkie Pie with a glare.
“I’ll say!” said Sonata who also glared as she and Pinkie followed the girls into the village.
When they were walking down the village, creepy smiling ponies were looking at them. Greeting them.
“Welcome!” said a male pony.
“Welcome!” said a female pony.
“Welcome!” said another male pony.
“Welcome!” said another female pony.
“Okay, this is creepy.” said Adagio who was a little frightened.
“Welcome!” said another male pony.
“Welcome!” said another female pony.
“Welcome!” said the pony’s four little fillies.
“This must be the most pleasant place in Equestria!” said Fluttershy who seemed happy about the friendly (but creepy) ponies along with Aurora.
“I think I’m gonna like it here.” Aurora smiled.
“Welcome.” said a pegasus named Night Glider who flew up to Fluttershy and Aurora, they both giggled.
“Ugh. Thanks a lot, map.” said Rainbow Dash in disgust.
“Welcome!” said another male pony whose name is Party Favor, “Pardon my forwardness, but are you an Alicorn?” He was impressed to see an Alicorn like Twilight. Twilight grinned timidly.
“That there's the Princess of Friendship!” said Applejack introducing Twilight to Party Favor.
“Well, you've certainly come to the right place for friendship.” said Party Favor. A white male pony named Double Diamond walked up to them.
“What brings you to town?” he asked with a smile.
“We're not entirely sure.” said Twilight.
“Yeah, some map lead us here.” said Sunset Shimmer.
“I see. Well, all are welcome here in our little village.” said Double Diamond, he introduced himself and Party Favor. “My name is Double Diamond, and this is Party Favor.”
“Howdy, Double Diamond.” greeted Applejack who was about to introduce her and the Mane 10 to the two colts. “I'm Applejack, and this here's Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Adagio Dazzle, Sonata Dusk, Aurora Moonlight, Sunset Shimmer, and Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight grinned again.
“And you all have your own unique cutie marks.” said Double Diamond who looked at Twilight and Pinkie Pie’s cutie marks, Pinkie Pie covered hers up with her poofy tail.
“If you don't mind, has there been any sort of... trouble here, lately?” Twilight asked who was curious about the ponies’ cutie marks along with the other Mane 10.
“Trouble? Why, I don't think we've ever had trouble in our little village.” explained Double Diamond.
“It's true. You'll see. Hm.” said Party Favor.
“Perhaps you'd care to speak to our founder Starlight Glimmer.” said Double Diamond.
Suddenly, Aurora felt surprised that Starlight Glimmer (who is actually Aria Blaze) is the founder of this village!
“I know Starlight Glimmer, I’ve met her before!” she announced with a surprised expression.
“You’ve met Starlight Glimmer?” asked Sunset Shimmer.
“Yeah, she wanted me to help her with a spell.” explained Aurora.
The other Mane 10 were curious about who this Starlight Glimmer pony is.
“I wish everypony in Equestria was as friendly as these ponies are.” said Fluttershy who was happy to be in the village.
“Me too.” said Aurora who was also happy.
“We’ve got our eyes on them.” said a suspicious Pinkie Pie.
“Yeah! Something's rotten in... whatever the name of this village is that we're in right now!” said Sonata who was also suspicious.
Double Diamond and Party Favor both knocked on a door, probably Starlight’s house or office.
“Starlight, we have some new visitors.” said Double Diamond leading the Mane 10 into the room.
They then walked into the room, and was about to wait for Starlight Glimmer to come.
“Be ready to fight. We don't know what's gonna come through that door.” Rainbow Dash said to Applejack, she was getting a bit curious about what’s gonna come through the door.
Then, came Starlight Glimmer (who is actually Aria Blaze). She smiled.
“Welcome! I’m so pleased to have you here!” she said. Suddenly her eyes got wide when she spotted Adagio, Sonata, and Aurora.
“Why are they here? Did they realize that I left? I hope they don’t notice me!” she thought.
“Hi Starlight!” said Aurora walking up to Starlight Glimmer.
“Oh...um…hi, Aurora.” Starlight Glimmer said nervously, she didn’t know why Aurora was here either, even the “Rainbooms” were here.
“This is Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, Adagio Dazzle, Sonata Dusk, Sunset Shimmer, and Twilight Sparkle.” said Double Diamond introducing the Mane 10 to her. Twilight smiled again. Aria already knew Aurora, Sunset Shimmer, and her two bandmates, Adagio and Sonata.
Aria looked at Twilight strangely, since she didn’t realize that she was an Alicorn.
“Forgive my bluntness, but I'm assuming it's Princess Twilight Sparkle? she said to Twilight. “We don't get many Alicorns around here.”
“Yes, but "Twilight" is fine.” Twilight replied.
“So! How did you hear of our little village?” asked Starlight Glimmer smiling.
“It's kind of a long story.” Sunset Shimmer answered.
“Yeah, let's just say we found it on a map.” said Adagio.
“Technically, it's a Tree-chest-castle-map!” said Pinkie Pie happily as she and Sonata popped up.
“A magical Tree-chest-castle-map!” said Sonata. The two ponies stood back, glaring.
“Well, however you found us, we're happy to have you!” said Starlight Glimmer. “We're happy to have anypony who wants to experience true friendship for the first time.”
“Say what?” said a curious Applejack.
“True friendship?” asked Aurora.
“Oh, indeed. That's what's so unique about our village, you see. Around here, we don't flaunt our special talents because we don't have any special talents to flaunt.” explained Starlight.
“Is that why you all have those cutie marks?” asked Twilight pointing at Starlight’s “cutie mark”.
“Perhaps it would be easier to understand if I gave you a tour of the village!” she said grinning.
The music begins and Starlight comes out of the house and gets ready for the musical number.
“Heads high, ponies! Marching proud! All together now! Every one of you! No pony left behind!” she said with joy, then she begins to sing.
Life is so grand in Our Town We're always filled with cheer We never have to look around To know that we're all here
[Citizens] In Our Town, in Our Town We don't have to wait To find out that our destiny Is just to emulate
Starlight Glimmer: Let's see those big, happy smiles! Life is a smile in Our Town Our cutie marks the same Because we do not separate Ourselves by more than name
[Citizens] In Our Town, in Our Town We dare not compete Winning only breeds the worst Ego-filled conceit
Starlight Glimmer: You see? Now everypony wins! Life is a joy in Our Town We're all equal here No one is superior And no one shakes in fear
[Citizens] In Our Town, in Our Town We work as a team You can't have a nightmare If you never dream
[Starlight Glimmer] Other ponies argue Do you ever wonder why? When you think your talent's special You don't see eye-to-eye There's just too many differences That lead to disarray But when you learn to act as one It's like a holiday
[Citizens] In Our Town, in Our Town We don't complicate When you learn to simplify Life is oh, so great Join in our utopia Come out of the dark Banded by equality By our cutie mark!
Once the song ended, Rainbow Dash laughed. She and the gang wouldn’t want to give up their cutie marks.
“You're kidding, right? Give up our cutie marks? No way!” she said.
“Yeah, I wouldn’t even want to give up mine!” Adagio chuckled.
“Rainbow Dash, Adagio, don't be so rude! I don't think we should judge them.” said Fluttershy with an unhappy look as she walked up to them along with Aurora.
“Yeah, they all seem perfectly happy with their choice.” Aurora suggested. The two ponies liked the village because it was kind hearted, Pinkie Pie and Sonata hated it because of the creepy smiles.
“Yeah, that isn’t right!” Adagio said angrily to the pegasus and unicorn.
“Don't believe their smiles, girls.” said Pinkie Pie giving her a look along with Sonata.
The Mane 10 were still confused on why they have the same cutie mark.
“I'm sorry, I guess we're just a little confused by all of this.” said Twilight walking up to Starlight.
“We have no judgements here in our village.” said Starlight with a smile, “Each of us was confused once as well, blinded by the false promise of our cutie marks.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Is she for real?” said Rainbow Dash, Twilight gave her a look.
“When we were sent to this village, we assumed it was to help in some way.” she said.
“Yeah, but, well, it doesn't seem like you need any help.” said Sunset Shimmer.
“Have you considered perhaps that you might have been sent here so we could help you?” said Starlight.
“After all, nopony has ever come to our village and wanted to leave. Why should you be any different? But that is entirely your choice. Please enjoy our little corner of Equestria. We're all quite fond of it. No doubt you will be as well. Double Diamond, please help our guests with whatever they might need.”
Double Diamond walked up to the Mane 10 with the creepy smile.
“Of course.” he replied to Starlight. The Mane 10 were curious about what’s about to happen.
“Well, this will certainly provide a boost to our little community. When the rest of Equestria sees that a princess gave up her cutie mark to join us, they'll finally understand what we're trying to accomplish.” she said with a smirk on her face. “What I’m trying to accomplish.” She whispered.
While they were following Starlight Glimmer, more creepy ponies were greeting them.
“Welcome!” said a male pony.
“Welcome!” said a female pony.
“Welcome!” said another male pony.
“Okay, this is creeping me out.” said Adagio who felt frightened by the ponies.
Fluttershy gave her a look, she thought she was being rude, in her opinion.
“What?” she said with an annoyed tone. “I’m not being rude or anything, they’re staring at us and they’re all equal! Gosh, you’re so naive, Fluttershy!” Adagio rolled her eyes.
“Well you should at least be nice to them!” said Fluttershy, Adagio started to get very annoyed.
“Ugh! Do you mind?! We all know there’s something not right with this village, and you don’t even notice it?!” she scolded Fluttershy.
“Now you’re even worse than Rainbow Dash!” Fluttershy starting to yell. Rainbow Dash heard the argument and how she was mentioned.
"Don't drag me into this!" she complained as she flew up to them.
"This is none of your business, Rainbow Dash!" Fluttershy scolded angrily at the rainbow pegasus, which made Adagio even matter.
"Don't talk to her like that!" she snapped at her.
"Hey, you two are being so rude to these villagers! Why did we ever bring you here in the first place?" Fluttershy snapped, Adagio was getting tired of how Fluttershy was acting.
"Oh shut up!" she responded angrily, "These villagers are creepy! The smiles! The cutie marks! Everything! It isn't normal!" Rainbow Dash backed away since she didn't want to be involved in the argument.
"Actually, YOU should've stayed behind!" Fluttershy started to yell, "Because you're so disrespectful and rude! You've never changed, you just came here just so you can start being rude!" This made Adagio even MORE madder, even madder than ever. She finally snapped, BIG time.
"So you think I never changed?!" Adagio yelled, "WELL YOU HAVEN'T CHANGED AT ALL!!!"
Flutershy and Adagio continued to fight, until Sunset ended it all.
“Girls! Now’s not the time for fighting!” she said ending the argument. “We just have to find out why were here so that we can help, and maybe they’ll help us find Aria.” So the ponies continued walking, Fluttershy and Adagio glared at each other, and looked away.
“Turns out YOU'RE the worst!” Fluttershy said to Adagio, she growled with anger.
“Enough with the fighting, and on with the REAL issue!” said Sunset Shimmer giving them a look.
“A cutie mark is a representation of a pony's unique” talents and skills. How is it possible to—” Before Twilight could finish, Rarity gasped with shock when she spotted some ragged cloaks for sale.
“What in the name of Equestria is that?!” she said in shock.
“Welcome!” said the shopkeeper, “Care to sample some local fashion? We've got cloaks this month!” Rarity began to gag with disgust, she definitely didn’t like the cloaks.
“Wha— Ooh, er, perhaps another time, good sir, thank you.” She said as she and the girls walk to a bench.
“No wonder nopony's wearing anything!” she whispered to Applejack.
“Really, girls! They may do things a bit differently than we're used to, but that's no reason to be rude.” said Fluttershy angrily, she was very annoyed that the girls were being rude in her opinion.
“How about we can all stop being rude.” Adagio said to Fluttershy, “If you just SHUT UP FOR ONCE!” Fluttershy and Adagio glared at each other.
“Need something?” asked Double Diamond on the other side.
“Actually, yes.” said Adagio, “We need someone to tell this naive pony to stop being so…NAIVE!” She glared at Fluttershy.
“You haven’t changed at all, you don’t ever mind your manners!” Fluttershy scolded.
“Well you haven’t changed either, because you’re too stupid to not notice anything and think that we all have to be nice about it with a bunch of magical pathetic butterflies and bunnies everywhere!” Adagio yelled back at her.
“Uh, no! We're good! You’ll have to excuse those two.” said Twilight who gave the two ponies a look. “Fluttershy's right. If we're going to get to the bottom of why the map sent us here, we'll need the help of these ponies.”
“Told you so!” Fluttershy said to Adagio with a firm look, Adagio groaned and rolled her eyes.
“I think we ran off to the end of Equestria before we even knew what that map was!” said Applejack who was very annoyed.
“If we were at the end of Equestria, we'd be sitting on a big 'A'! Get it?” Pinkie Pie giggled while joking around.
“Hehe, big ‘A’!” Sonata giggled, she enjoyed the joke.
“Oh, please, Miss Pie! This is hardly the time for jokes! We've come all this way and for what?” said an annoyed Rarity.
“Maybe you're right. But we're here now.” said Twilight.
“And it sure feels like something's wrong.” said Aurora.
“That and two bits'll get you a cup of cider.” said Applejack.
“Is this a bad time?” asked the pony who appears to be a baker named Sugar Belle.
“We shouldn't be bickering like this in front of our new friends.” said Fluttershy, “Really, Applejack, you're almost as bad as Adagio!”
“Well you’re almost as bad as your own self!” Adagio angrily scolded Fluttershy with a glare.
“Says the siren who was being the most rude and disrespectful one on this trip!” Fluttershy yelled back.
“Oh shut up, you pathetic little goody two-shoes!” yelled Adagio.
“Is your friendship ending?” said Sugar Belle who walked up to the arguing pesagus and siren.
“Are you crazy?!” said Pinkie Pie with joy, “We'd never let a disagreement get in the way of food!”
“Yay, I’m so hungry I could eat the whole table!” said Sonata exaggerating as the others looked at her funny, “Well, not literally.”
“O-kay, well, my name is Sugar Belle.” Sugar Belle introduced herself to the Mane 10, “What can I bring you? We have: muffins...” Pretty much that was the only thing on the menu, muffins.
The Mane 10 looked at her funny, then at each other. Why was there only muffins on the menu?
“Then I guess we'll take ten muffins.” said Sunset Shimmer.
“Make that 20!” said Sonata.
“Yes, 20!” said Pinkie Pie with happiness. The others looked at them funny.
“What? We’re hungry!” Sonata whined.
“Come on, girls. We've got to stick together. It doesn't matter what happened before, we're here now.” said Twilight.
“I guess you're right. And the sooner we figure out why, the sooner we can find Aria, and go home.” said Applejack.
“Aria! I forgot about her!” Adagio remembered in shock, she forgot that Aria was somewhere here in Equestria.
“Don’t worry Adagio, maybe she’s somewhere here in the village.” said Fluttershy smiling at Adagio, “And I’m sorry about the argument.”
“No, I should be sorry. You’re right, sometimes we just have to show a little kindness, even if those types of ponies or creatures are strange.” said Adagio as she hugged Fluttershy.
“So what does Aria look like?” Applejack asked.
“Well, she has a purple and light teal mane and tail.” Sonata explained Aria features, “And her coat is lavender.”
The ponies got surprised about hearing about Aria’s features, they were similar to Starlight Glimmer’s!
“Wait a minute, something came to me when we first saw Starlight Glimmer.” said Adagio suspiciously, she’s wondering about Starlight and Aria’s similarities.
“Aurora.” she called Aurora’s name, “Why did Starlight Glimmer want you do to a spell on her?”
Aurora tried to remember why “Starlight” wanted the spell.
“I think it was to ‘hide from her arch enemy’ or something.” she answered.
“What did she look like before the spell?” Adagio asked.
“I’m not sure, she had a cloak on. But I think her hairstyle was different, she had long bangs on each side or something.” said Aurora trying to explain how she saw “Starlight Glimmer” before the spell.
Suddenly, it came to her. Starlight Glimmer is Aria Blaze!
“That’s Aria!” Adagio gasped, she was so shocked of the fact that Aria came to the village to make everypony equal. Why?
The other Mane 10 gasped in shock as well, they couldn’t believe that Aria took away the ponies' cutie marks.
“Wait a minute!” said Aurora surprisingly. “She didn’t want me to do the spell just so she can hide from her ‘enemy’, she wanted me to do it so she can disguise herself so she won’t be notices, and then come here to this village and make everypony have the same cutie mark!”
“I don’t understand. Why would she come back and do such a thing?” said a puzzled Sunset Shimmer. Suddenly, Adagio remembered what happened before she and The Dazzlings were about to enter the cafeteria of Canterlot High to sing “Battle of The Bands” to the students. Aria wanted the girls to follow her lead, but Adagio wants her to follow her lead instead. It finally came to her, the reason why she left was because she felt unappreciated by Adagio and Sonata, and wanted to have attention and be a leader. And since she was defeated with The Magic of Friendship, she decided to think of her own way to spread friendship, which was a no good type of friendship.
“I think I know why.” Adagio sighed with disappointment, the other Mane 10 were listening to her about what she was about to say.
“Why did she leave?” asked Aurora.
“Because she felt unappreciated by me and Sonata, and she just wanted to have attention and to be a true leader. So maybe she came here and took over this place by making everypony equal, claiming it’s true friendship, which isn’t.” Adagio explained. Then, Sugar Belle brings in a pile of muffins on the table, they don’t look that good.
“Forgive me for overhearing, but just a moment ago you were disagreeing.” Sugar Belle mentioned. “And now it sounds like you’re…agreeing.”
“Uh-huh.” said Applejack who wasn’t that amused.
“Well, you had such differing opinions.” said Sugar Belle, “And cutie marks.”
“We have different opinions all the time, darling.” explained Rarity.
“Yeah, it’s not that much of a big deal.” said Sunset Shimmer.
“But you look like you’re friends.” said Sugar Belle.
“We are friends.” explained Twilight.
“Yeah, a simple disagreement wouldn’t change that.” said Sunset Shimmer, Double Diamond heard the conversation.
“I’m sorry, I’m just having a hard time understanding.” said Sugar Belle, “Different talents lead to different opinions, which lead to bitterness and misery. So...why aren’t you bitter…” Before she could finish Pinkie Pie and Sonata each ate a muffin, it tasted terrible and they spit them out of their mouths. The other Mane 10 gave them looks.
“Mmmm…good.” said Pinkie Pie pretending to like the muffins so that she wouldn’t hurt Sugar Belle’s feelings.
“I’m loving them.” said Sonata with fake joy.
“It’s all right.” said Sugar Belle, “ I know I’m not a very good baker, At least, I know I’m not any better than anypony else in the village.” She felt disappointed, Double Diamond then looked at her, worried.
“Well, I...hope you enjoy our little village!” said a stubborn Sugar Belle as she walked away. Pinkie Pie and Sonata were scrubbing muffins crumps off their tongues with their hooves. Sugar Belle then came back.
“Come inside before you go!” she whispered to the Mane 10, “Meet me downstairs!” She then gave Double Diamond a fake smile and went back into her house. The Mane 10 were curious about what just happened.
“Okay, that what weird too.” Rainbow Dash said.
“Let’s all sit here and eat these muffins and act normal.” said Twilight picking up one of the muffins with her magic. “I think we’re being watched.” Ponies were staring at them with their creepy smiles.
“You think?” said Rainbow Dash.
“No, not like that!” said Twilight.
“She means that somepony here doesn’t want us talking to Sugar Belle.” said Sunset jerking her head a little to the right, which was where Double Diamond was, eating a muffin.
The Mane 10 were trying to think of an idea on what to do, then, Applejack finally had one.
“I got an idea. But you gotta eat all of them muffins Pinkie Pie and Sonata.” Pinkie Pie and Sonata were surprised and upset that they have to eat all of the muffins.
“Us?!” said Pinkie Pie in shock.
“Why us?!” Sonata complained.
“You both got stronger stomachs than any of us, and those fillies in there might be our best chance at findin’ out what the hay is goin’ on round here.” Applejack answered. Pinkie Pie and Sonata were scared to eat the terrible muffins, but it’s the only way to find out what’s going on.
5 minutes later, they finished eating every single muffin, and they were full and felt very sick.
“I can’t believe you ate all our muffins, Pinkie Pie and Sonata!” Applejack stilted so that no one can notice they’re plan. “We’d better go inside and get some more!”
They then walk into the house and went downstairs to meet with Sugar Belle.
“Nice work, you too.” said Twilight as they walked down. Pinkie Pie and Sonata tumbled down the stairs since they gain weight.
“I’ve accidentally eaten cardboard tastier than that…” Pinkie Pie complained disappointedly.
"That's gotta suck..." Sonata responded.
“Hello? Sugar Belle?” said Twilight calling Sugar Belle’s name. Sugar Belle finally came, walking up to them, smiling. The Mane 10 were wondering why they were wanted to come down here with Sugar Belle.
“Why did you want us to come down here?” Sunset Shimmer asked.
“So nopony could see what’s about to happen.” said Sugar Belle smirking. Then came Party Favor and Night Glider who had creepy smiles too. They were about to get closer and closer to the Mane 10. Before Twilight could do a spell to escape, Party Favor went up to her.
“Are you really the Princess of Friendship?” he asked.
“Do you know Princess Celestia?” asked Night Glider.
“I love your cutie marks!” said Sugar Belle looking at Adagio’s cutie mark, she was a bit frightened.
“How can you be friends with different cutie marks? Don’t you end up hating each other?” said Night Glider. Sugar Belle went to Fluttershy to look at her cutie mark.
“Oh, look at this one! This one’s great too! I’d love to have my special talent back even just for a day!” she said with joy, she then felted sad, “Make something besides those disgusting muffins…”
“So what’s stopping you? Go get your cutie marks back.” Rainbow Dash suggested to the unmarked ponies.
“Daydreaming is one thing.” said Party Favor, “But you mean actually having it put back on? That seems extreme.” Rainbow Dash rolled her eyes.
“I’m not sure Starlight would like that.” said Sugar Belle disappointedly, she was obviously talking about Aria. “She wants us all to be happy in our sameness.”
“How do you take somepony’s cutie mark anyway?” Sunset Shimmer asked.
“The cutie unmarking is a beautiful experience! Starlight uses the Staff of Sameness to magically take them away and replace them with these.” said Night Glider showing them her equal sign cutie mark, along with Sugar Belle and Party Favor.
“But nopony should keep you from your cutie mark.” said Twilight.
“Yeah, it represents such an essential part of who you are.” said Aurora.
“Oh, we’re not kept from them.” said Night Glider, “They’re in the vault up in the caves. We can visit them any time we like to remind us of the heartaches of a life with special talents.”
The Mane 10 were curious about this “cave” they were talking about.
“Can we visit this cave?” said Twilight, so that they can find out the solution to this problem.
Later, Starlight Gimmer lead the Mane 10 to the cave where the “cutie mark vault” was.
“I’m delighted you’re interested in our cutie mark vault.” said Starlight, “We hope someday every pony in Equestia will make a pilgrimage here to our little village to have theirs removed too, and our message of...” While Starlight was talking, the Mane 10 finally realized why they were here.
“This must be the reason we’re here.” Twilight whispered.
“Pilgrimaging?” asked Pinkie Pie.
“No, helping those ponies get their cutie marks back from Aria.” explained Twilight.
“Oh, are you sure, Twilight?” said Fluttershy.
“Yeah, maybe they miss them a little, but even they didn’t seem all that unhappy.” said Aurora.
“Then why did they want to meet us in secret? And why did they ask us not to tell Starlight who told us about the vault?” said Adagio suspiciously.
“Something's not right.” said Sunset Shimmer with a worried look.
They finally arrived at the cave, about to go inside.
“Just through here!” said Starlight showing them the outside of the cave. Then, inside the cave, she leads them to a wall filled with all of the ponies’ cutie marks.
“Behold!” she said showing them what the “vault” is. It was an entire wall of everypony’s cutie mark! The Mane 10 were in shock of what they just saw.
“Our cutie mark vault!” said Starlight introducing the girls to the wall of cutie marks.
“I've never seen anything like it!” said Twilight.
“Me neither.” said Adagio. Starlight then walked to a wooded staff that was standing up on a little table.
“And here is the Staff of Sameness.” she said showing the Mane 10 the staff.
“It was one of the great mage Meadowbrook's nine enchanted items. We are incredibly fortunate to have it here. This is the tool that allows us to free ourselves from our marks!” She then became curious on why they wanted to visit the vault.
“I'm curious – how did the subject of the vault come up?” she asked wondering.
“Oh, some ponies were telling us how much they missed their cutie marks, and—” before Pinkie Pie was about to finish telling the truth, Twilight interrupted her.
“Pinkie!” she said giving her a look.
“Oops!” said Pinkie with embarrassment.
“Were they?” Starlight gasped, “Well, it seems you inspire all sorts of free thinking, don't you?” She started glaring at Adagio and Sonata.
Rarity laughed nervously, “Well, w-we certainly didn't intend to cause any disruptions to your charming little—”
“Good.” said Starlight interrupting Rarity, “Let's just make sure of that, shall we?”
Suddenly, more creepy smiling ponies begin to crowd around then, it was a trap!
“It's a trap!” Twilight gasped in shock. When she, Sunset Shimmer, Adagio, and Sonata were about to run to Starlight to stop her, but then she used her magic staff to zap them, about to remove their cutie marks. Starlight had an evil smirk on her face.
Their cutie marks began to peel off of them, the four groaned in pain, and then the cutie marks finally came off, giving them equal sign ones. Starlight then puts their cutie marks in the vault.
Starlight did the same thing with the rest, removed their cutie marks with the staff and placed them in the vault. The gang was depressed that they lost their cutie marks, their special talents.
“Aw. I don't blame you for what you tried to do here today.” said Starlight walking up to the gang, “You've spent your whole lives thinking those marks are a good thing.”
“Give them back!” Adagio demanded with anger.
“Well, now you can spend the rest of your lives here with us!” said Starlight, “And we'll teach you just how much better life can be without your cutie marks!” She put the staff back where it was and smirked at Adagio and Sonata.
“Who’s ‘the worst’ now? Adagio and Sonata!” she said glaring at them.
“So it is Aria!” Adagio whispered to herself in shock.
“I'm curious – how did the subject of the vault come up?” she asked wondering.
“Oh, some ponies were telling us how much they missed their cutie marks, and—” before Pinkie Pie was about to finish telling the truth, Twilight interrupted her.
“Pinkie!” she said giving her a look.
“Oops!” said Pinkie with embarrassment.
“Were they?” Starlight gasped, “Well, it seems you inspire all sorts of free thinking, don't you?” She started glaring at Adagio and Sonata.
Rarity laughed nervously, “Well, w-we certainly didn't intend to cause any disruptions to your charming little_”
“Good.” said Starlight interrupting Rarity, “Let's just make sure of that, shall we?”
Suddenly, more creepy smiling ponies begin to crowd around then, it was a trap!
“It's a trap!” Twilight gasped in shock. When she, Sunset Shimmer, Adagio, and Sonata were about to run to Starlight to stop her, but then she used her magic staff to zap them, about to remove their cutie marks. Starlight had an evil smirk on her face.
Their cutie marks began to peel off of them, the four groaned in pain, and then the cutie marks finally came off, giving them equal sign ones. Starlight then puts their cutie marks in the vault.
Starlight did the same thing with the rest, removed their cutie marks with the staff and placed them in the vault. The gang was depressed that they lost their cutie marks, their special talents.
“Aw. I don't blame you for what you tried to do here today.” said Starlight walking up to the gang, “You've spent your whole lives thinking those marks are a good thing.”
“Give them back!” Adagio demanded with anger.
“Well, now you can spend the rest of your lives here with us!” said Starlight, “And we'll teach you just how much better life can be without your cutie marks!” She put the staff back where it was and smirked at Adagio and Sonata.
“Who’s ‘the worst’ now? Adagio and Sonata!” she said glaring at them.
“So it is Aria!” Adagio whispered to herself in shock.
Meanwhile, the Mane 10 got locked inside one of the village houses as unwilling permanent residents. Aria Blaze was talking on the speaker.
“In sameness, there is peace. Exceptionalism is a lie.” she said on the loud speaker. Rainbow Dash was pounding on the door so that the Mane 10 can escape.
“Free yourself from your cutie mark. Choose equality as your special talent.”Aria continued, Rainbow Dash tried pounding harder, but it was no use. Without her cutie mark, her special talent, she can’t break the door open with her strength.
“Difference is frustration. To excel is to fail.” said Aria as she finished her speech. Pinkie Pie was reading a book with all the pages as equal signs.
“Hey, this is pretty good!” she said as she flipped the pages, Sonata Dusk walked up to her and saw the pages.
“Hey, you’re right. It is!” she smiled.
Twilight Sparkle was pacing around the room, trying to think of a way to escape.
“Ugh, we've gotta find a way out of here!” she said with a worried tone, “ I can't take much more of that voice!”
“I still can’t believe that Aria betrayed us like that.” said Adagio Dazzle, “I thought she was our band mate.”
“We shouldn’t of treated her like we did.” Sonata sighed shamefully.
“Oh, this is horrible!” said Rarity as she began to cry, tears were running down her face, ruining her eye shadow. Fluttershy and Aurora Moonlight went up to Rarity to cheer her up.
“There, there, Rarity... It's not so bad...” said Fluttershy trying to make the sad unicorn feel better.
“Yes, it is!” said Rarity as she pointed out the raggy curtains, “Look at those drapes! I have no idea if they're tacky or not!
“Well, I think they're nice.” said Aurora who also tried to cheer up Rarity. Her equal sign cutie mark glowed, she began to cry even more.
“So do I!” she burst into tears, Adagio hugged Rarity, feeling bad for her. Fluttershy saw a red bird near the window, and decided to ask it for help.
“Oh, thank goodness! Can you help us, little birdie?” she asked with joy to the bird, her equal sign cutie mark glowed, and she couldn’t do her talent of communicating with animals.
“Go on, now! Fly away and get us help!” she told the bird, the bird didn’t understand her, so it flew away.
“Oh, even tweets don't make sense any more!” said Fluttershy.
Applejack tried to buck the door open, but it was impossible.
“This door's shut tighter than a... summer of...” she couldn’t make countryisms anymore, her equal sign mark glowed.
“...uh, piglets in... shoot! I can't even make countryisms no more!” she said with disappointment.
“I don't know! Maybe it'll be super fun to be all the same!” Pinkie Pie suggested happily, her equal sign cutie mark glowed, and she couldn’t think of happy thoughts.
“Sort of. More pleasant than fun, I guess...” she said with a moody expression.
“Something odd about that staff.” said Twilight, “I haven't studied Eastern unicorns as much as I should have, but I'm pretty sure Meadowbrook only had eight magical items, not nine. And I don't remember any of them being a staff.” Aria only found the staff in the desert, and it was not one of Meadowbrook’s magical items.
“Well, it looks like you'll have plenty of time to try to think about it.” said Applejack as she lied down with her hat over her head.
Two days passed. Then, Sunset Shimmer finally thought of an idea.
“I've got it!” she said with joy, the others got surprised.
“I know how we can get out!”
Rainbow Dash sighed, “Forget it, Sunset. This door’s not opening.”
“And I'm afraid the windows are much too small for escape.” said Rarity.
“But there is a third way.” said Sunset Shimmer.
“Of course!” said a joyful Pinkie Pie, “Eventually the wind and the weather will wear down the walls until they start to crumble! Then all we have to do is wait for a big enough hole to form and we can just walk out! It's the perfect plan!” Her equal sign cutie mark glowed again. “I guess.” she said with gloom.
“We don't actually have to escape. They'll just let us out when they think we've accepted their philosophy!” Sunset Shimmer explained.
“But they're never gonna believe we switched over in just one night.” said Applejack.
“There's two of us they might believe.” said Sunset Shimmer as she and the others looked at Fluttershy and Aurora with smirks on their faces.
“Oh! Us?!” said Fluttershy with a timid, surprised tone.
“You two have been saying how great this place is since we got here!” said an annoyed Rainbow Dash.
“But that's because everypony's so nice and their village is so pretty, and, and...” said Aurora who was also kind of nervous.
“Oh, you're right. They probably would believe us. I hate to lie to them.” said Fluttershy.
“Yeah, they've been so welcoming and friendly... aside from locking us in here and trying to brainwash us into abandoning the things that make us special...” said Aurora.
“We’ll do it.” said Fluttershy.
“Count me in.” said Adagio as she walked up to Fluttershy and Aurora.
“Wait. You’re joining them?” asked Sonata.
“Of course, I want to make it up to you for being rude to the villagers.” answered Adagio, she was starting to lighten up.
“Oh it’s okay, Adagio. They may be different, but they’re still kind hearted, even if they are strange. And those ponies need our help. Besides, you HAVE changed after all.” said Fluttershy with a smile as she hugged Adagio, she smiled as she hugged back.
“I know, it’s just that I’m new to this whole friendship thing, and I know that I have a lot to learn.” said Adagio.
“We’ll teach you everything about it.” smiled Fluttershy.
“Woo-hoo!” Pinkie Pie shouted with joy, but then became glum again. “I mean, cool.”
“But what do we do once we’re out?” asked Aurora.
“You've gotta find a way to get our cutie marks back.” answered Twilight. Fluttershy gulped nervously.
“Don’t worry, Fluttershy. We’re here for you.” said Adagio.
“Thanks, you two.” said Fluttershy smiling.
Aria then talks over the loud speaker.
“Oh, good morning!” she said, she then walks into the house. “I trust you had a pleasant night?” She was about to lead then to the door, “This way, please. There are some friends who'd like to see you.” As they all walked out the door, there was a crowd of ponies gathering around.
“Gather round, friends, gather round!” called Aria, “We've come to ask if any of you are ready to join us! There are so many friends to be made once you realize you don't need your cutie marks or the talents that come with them.”
“We have a welcome ceremony for new friends!” said Double Diamond, “The whole village joins together to build you your own cottage—” Before he could finish, Rainbow Dash interrupted him.
“Not interested! You may have them now, but we're going to get our cutie marks back!” she said angrily.
“Y'all don't understand, do ya? You can't force nopony to be friends! It don't work like that!” said Applejack.
“Please, join us!” said a male pony.
“We love new friends!” said a female pony.
“It's all right, everypony.” said Aria, “This is a perfectly normal part of the equalization process for those who haven't... quite seen the light yet. We'll try again tomorrow once you've had a bit more time to consider our philosophy!”
The others were sent back into the house, except for Fluttershy, Aurora, and Adagio.
“I’d like to join!” said Fluttershy.
“So do we.” said Aurora and Adagio.
The ponies started chattering, they were happy that Fluttershy, Adagio, and Aurora were going to join them. The other Mane 10 were in fake shock.
“Fluttershy, Adagio, Aurora! How could you?!” said Twilight trying to sound surprised.
“If giving up our cutie marks means we get to stay in this lovely village with these lovely ponies, then we'll do it.” said Aurora. As the others walked in the house Sunset Shimmer winked at them for starting the plan right. And the door closes.
“We have three new friends, everypony!” said Aria with joy.
The other ponies walked up to the unicorn, pegasus, and pony-siren with happiness that they decided to ‘join’ them. “Now, there's one more order of business. It seems some in our midst might be... dissatisfied with the village life!” said Aria with shock. The other ponies gasped.
“Unfortunately, it's all too true, my friends!” she said, she then walks up to Adagio.
“Will you kindly tell us the names of those friends who so desperately miss their cutie marks that they would sneak around in the shadows talking to strangers about it? Just so we can be sure your intentions are indeed pure.” Aria said to Adagio, she gulped nervously.
“Um, we don't know who they were.” Aurora lied, “Um, we’re sorry. We don't know your names and faces yet.”
“Nonsense!” said Aria, “Obviously these ponies must have asked you directly. Kindly point them out!” She then pointed out Party Favor, Sugar Belle, and Night Glider. Then, Party Favor finally spoke up.
“It was me!” he said as the ponies looked at him. “It was only me! But I only wanted it back for a little while!” Aria walked up to him.
“And you're quite certain it was only you?” she said smirking.
“I just wanted to remember what it was like.” answered Party Favor.
“And no thought to the pain you'd cause your friends. Such selfishness.” said Aria with fake disappointment as she sent Party Favor to the house.
“I'm sorry, everypony! I never wanted to leave the village! I love all of—” The door then closes before he could finish. Sugar Belle and Night Glider were surprised that Party Favor was sent into the house.
While he was in with the other Mane 10, he was disappointed that he betrayed his town. Suddenly, a unicorn pony came out of a door from a room of the house. She had a periwinkle colored mane and tail (her mane was short), her coat was periwinkle too, but much lighter. She also had fuchsia eyes, thick cyan glasses, and her cutie mark was also an equal sign as well. She was very gloomy as well as Party Favor was when he was sent in here.
“Welcome.” said the pony very depressed, looking at the Mane 7 (Fluttershy, Aurora, and Adagio aren’t here anyway).
“You ended up here too?” asked Twilight.
“Yes.” answered the pony, “My name is Periwinkle Moonstone.”
“Nice to meet you, Periwinkle.” said Sunset Shimmer. “I’m Sunset Shimmer. And this is Sonata Dusk, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Princess Twilight Sparkle. The Princess of Friendship.” Twilight grinned again.
“Wow, I didn’t know that you were a princess.” said Periwinkle with amazement.
“Well, I am.” Twilight smiled.
“You lost your cutie marks too?” Periwinkle asked, since she did see equal signs as their cutie marks.
“Yeah.” said Rainbow Dash, “Three of our friends named Fluttershy, Aurora Moonlight, and Adagio Dazzle are gonna help us bring them back.”
“Wonderful!” said Periwinkle happily.
“How long have you all been stuck without your cutie marks?” asked Sunset Shimmer.
“Three days ago.” answered Party Favor.
“Yeah, Starlight Glimmer was new to the village, and started the philosophy.” said Periwinkle.
The Mane 7 got surprised, the Battle of The Bands from the human world was three days ago, the day when Aria went back to Equestria!
“Are you new here?” asked Periwinkle.
The Mane 7 nodded.
“They came from a different part of Equestria.” answered Party Favor.
“Yes.” nodded Twilight, she then explained all about how she became a princess, how she experienced the human world, who the Dazzlings were, who ‘Starlight Glimmer’ really was, and how they got here and lost their cutie marks. Periwinkle and Party Favor were surprised after hearing about all of this, that Starlight Glimmer was actually Aria Blaze.
“I never knew that Starlight…I mean…Aria was a siren.” said Periwinkle.
“Neither did I.” said Party Favor.
“She was a siren, along with me and Adagio.” said Sonata.
“Wow.” said Periwinkle. “When we lost our cutie marks, Aria did a spell on everypony so that we could be brainwashed and like the philosophy. Everypony except me, since I escaped from the spell. I told her that I didn’t like the idea of giving up my cutie mark, and she sent me in here.”
The Mane 7 felt bad for Periwinkle, she was the only villager who wanted her cutie mark back, along with Party Favor.
“What was your special talent?” he asked as he walked up to her.
“Science, biology, and chemistry, physics, etc.” Periwinkle answered.
“I like that talent, Peri.” Party Favor smiled.
“Peri?” asked Periwinkle, it was the nickname Party Favor wanted to give her.
“Just a nickname I wanted to give you.” said Party Favor.
”Oh, well. Thanks.” Periwinkle smiled.
“Name’s Party Favor by the way.” said Party Favor introducing himself to the unicorn.
“It’s nice to meet you, I see you a lot here in the village.” said Periwinkle.
“So do I, with you.” said Party Favor, “I really miss having my special talent.”
“Me too.” said Periwinkle.
“What was I thinking?” sighed Party Favor, “I can't believe I even considered asking for my cutie mark back.”
“Don't worry.” said Rainbow Dash, “Fluttershy, Aurora, and Adagio will have us out of here in no time!”
"Didn't you see what just happened out there?!” Party Favor cried with fear, “Your friend has accepted our way! You will all accept our way! It's only a matter of time!” He then went to another side of the room and sat down with depression and had tears running down his face from his eyes, Periwinkle came up to him to cheer him up.
“I’m really sorry for what happened out there.” she said.
“It’s alright, I deserved it.” said Party favor as he sobbed, Peri hugged him.
“This guy's a barrel of laughs.” said Rainbow Dash sarcastically.
“Laughs don't come in barrels. They come from inside you as your body's response to delight.” said Pinkie Pie flatly, the others looked at her.
"So what are we gonna do while Fluttershy, Aurora, and Adagio are out there lookin' for our.” said Applejack who was about to whisper the word, “Cutie marks?”
“We have to stay as positive as we can.” said Sunset Shimmer.
"Yeah, if Party Favor sees how much we really do like each other, even though we're all different, maybe we can use him to spread our message to the rest of the village.” explained Twilight. Then, Aria started talking on the loudspeaker.
“To excel is to fail.” she said on the speaker.
“Let's hope they don't convert any of us first.” said Rarity worriedly as Aria continued.
Meanwhile, ponies were greeting Fluttershy, Aurora, and Adagio.
“Welcome!” said a mare.
“Welcome!” said another mare.
“Welcome!” said a stallion.
“Gosh, Fluttershy and Aurora were right. You really are the nicest ponies I've ever met.” said Adagio who blushed. Fluttershy and Aurora smiled at her.
“Come.” said Aria walking up to the pegasus, unicorn, and siren. “All new friends stay with me until their cottage is completed.” She then lead them to her house.
“Let's get you settled, and then you can enjoy all that our little village has to offer.” said Aria, Sugar Belle and Night Glider smiled nervously and waved at the three. They nervously smiled too, and Aria had a smirk on her face once they got inside.
Later at night, Fluttershy, Adagio, and Aurora came out of the chimney coughing out dust. Ready to get back their cutie marks. They shaked all around to get all of the dust out of them.
“Alright.” said Aurora about to explain the plan, “We just need to sneak through the dark up to the cave with the magical staff and get the cutie marks back.”
"Okay, you're doing great, girls. The cave's gotta be close now...” said Fluttershy as they began walking. Just kidding, they’re not even going anywhere since Fluttershy’s FAKE walking!
“We’re not even going anywhere.” said an annoyed Adagio.
“Excellent work, Double Diamond.” said the voice of Starlight Glimmer, the three looked down to see what was going on, without getting spotted. Double Diamond brought a box with the Mane 10’s cutie marks in little jars, including Periwinkle’s.
“Of course, but I don't understand why you wanted me to bring them here. Fluttershy, Aurora, and Adagio are one of us now. Surely they can be trusted.” he said curiously as Aria lifted up the box with her magic into her house, Double Diamond followed her. The girls went down to a window to see what was going on inside.
“This one belongs to a princess.” said Aria picking up Twilight’s cutie mark with her magic, “It could be very important to our cause.” Fluttershy got frightened.
“But if Twilight Sparkle becomes our friend, then why do we care about this old cutie mark?” asked Double Diamond. I just want to keep them close until everything is... settled.” said Aria with a smirk. “You may go, Double Diamond.” Double Diamond then headed out, the girls hided so that he couldn’t see them. Once he left, they came back to the window. How will they get their cutie marks back now?
“Oh no. How are we ever going to get the cutie marks back now?” said Aurora worriedly. They then heard an “ow!” from upstairs, so Adagio and Fluttershy flew up to go check it out.
“Tell me what’s going on over there.” said Aurora.
“We will.” answered Adagio.
It appears that Aria tripped on a bucket of water, and she got all wet.
“Ugh! Starlight, you clumsy fool!” she said to herself angrily, she went to get a towel to dry herself up. When she was finally done, her cutie mark showed (the one from Aurora’s spell). It started to peel off and it exposed her real cutie mark which was a purple star with a black swirl behind it. The two were in shock to find out that Aria’s equal signed cutie mark was fake. She then threw away the paper cutie mark, and added some makeup to make her equal signed cutie mark. She then looked out the window to see if she was being spied on, Fluttershy and Adagio flew back down to Aurora so they couldn’t get caught.
“What happened?” she asked.
“Aria's equal sign cutie mark is fake!” whispered Adagio in shock. Aurora then got shocked as well.
“She lied?!” she whispered in shock.
“We’ve got to do something about this!” whispered Fluttershy.
The next day, everypony gathered around again, and the rest of the Mane 10 came out of the house. Aria was about to announce something to the ponies.
“I've got a good feeling about today!” she said joyfully, the Mane 10 felt gloomy.
“So, do any of you have anything you'd like to say?” Aria asked the gang, they still looked very gloomy.
“Aw, pity. Well, let's try this again tomorrow, shall we?” she said as they were sent back to the house again.
“No new friends today, I'm afraid!” said Aria. Fluttershy, Aurora, and Adagio had to think of a way to stop them from getting their friends locked back inside. Then, Adagio thought of an idea.
“Wait! I'd like to lock them in.” she announced to the ponies, Aria was surprised.
“Marvelous, Adagio! That's the spirit!” she said happily, she then saw Party Favor and Periwinkle.
“Party Favor, will you join us, please?” Aria asked suspiciously. Party Favor then ran to her with excitement while the gang walks into the house. He actually wanted to join again.
“I'm sorry, Starlight! I'm sorry, everypony! I've seen the error of my ways! I never want to look at my cutie mark again!” he apologized, Peri was in shock from what she just saw.
“It seems there's cause for celebration after all!” said a happy Aria.
“Hooray!” cheered the ponies with joy.
“Party Favor! How could you?” said Peri in shock and fear.
“They tried to break me!” said Party Favor, “They wouldn't stop talking about how different they are, and that somehow makes their friendship stronger!”
“It does, and that’s no need to be equal!” said Peri.
“But I didn't listen! I knew what they were up to, and I didn't listen!” said Party Favor now back in their group. Tears were filling up Peri’s eyes and running down her face, she took her glasses off to wipe them off with her hoof.
“Well done, Party Favor! We welcome you back with open hooves!” said Aria joyfully, “And I believe Periwinkle still needs time as well.” She gave Peri a look.
“Um, Starlight?” said Aurora, “I think we might have three more friends joining us today.” Twilight, Sunset Shimmer, and Sonata then walked out of the house nervously. The ponies gasped with amazement.
“Is this true?” Aria asked suspiciously.
“I-I think so.” answered Sonata.
“But we just want to be sure. If we agree to leave our cutie marks in the vault, we'll really be happier?” asked Sunset Shimmer.
“Just look around! Equality has given us more happiness than you've ever known!” said Aria.
“And you wouldn't let us just live here in the village with our old cutie marks?” asked Twilight looking at her new cutie mark.
“Out of the question. A pony with a different cutie mark in our midst would destroy our entire philosophy.” said Aria, “We are all equal here!” The crowd muttered.
“Then how do you explain this?!” Adagio snapped as she and Fluttershy were up and the air, as they dumped a bucket of water on Starlight, which she backed away from.
“I knew you couldn't be trusted!” Aria said angrily, a water drop was on her cutie mark, and it rinsed out a bit of the make up, exposing her real cutie mark, Party Favor took off his cloak to get rid of the make up to see Aria’s real cutie mark.
“No! Get away!’ she begged as she stepped away from the cloak, everypony saw her real cutie mark and gasped in shock. She tried to cover it up with her tail.
“Wha... What are you looking at?!” she said nervously, “They're the problem, not me!” She glared at the Mane 10.
“How could you?” said Party Favor in shock.
“You said cutie marks were evil! You said special talents led to pain and heartache!” said a shocked Double Diamond.
“They do! Don't you see?! Look at them!” Aria said pointing at the mane 10.
“Then why?” asked Sugar Belle as she walked up to Aria, “Why did you take ours and not give up your own?”
“I... I had to, you fools!” Aria snapped, “How could I collect your cutie marks without my magic?!”
“But the staff has all the magic we need!” said Night Glider.
“The staff is a piece of wood I found in the desert!” said Aria, “It's my magic that makes all this possible! You'd all still be living your miserable lives thinking you're better than everypony else if it weren't for my magical abilities!” She was about to reveal her true identity.
“I brought you friendship! I brought you equality! I CREATED HARMONY!” she yelled at the villagers.
“You lied to us!” said Double Diamond angrily, the other ponies were angry too.
“So what? E-Everything else I said is true! The only way to be happy is if we're all equal!” said Aria nervously.
“Except for you!” said Peri firmly. Aria threatened to use her magic on Peri, but Twilight stopped her.
“Everypony has unique talents and gifts, and when we share them with each other, that's how rea—” Before Periwinkle could finish, Aria interrupted her. “QUIET!” she yelled, Peri was frightened.
“You can't have a cutie mark, Starlight! Either we're all equal, or none of us are!” said Sugar Belle.
“The name’s not Starlight!” yelled Aria, “It’s Aria Blaze!” She then uses her magic to push everypony away, and then ran into her house.
“Come on! Let's get our cutie marks back!” Double Diamond shouted with joy, the crowd cheered and ran all the way to the cave to get back their cutie marks.
“Come on! Let's go get our cutie marks!” cheered Rainbow Dash.
“Our cutie marks aren't in the vault!” said Fluttershy.
“Yeah, they're in there with her!” said Aurora pointed at Aria’s cottage.
When the villagers arrived at the vault, they were banging on it to break it so they can get their cutie marks back.
“Stand back, everypony!” shouted Double Diamond as he ran up and threw the staff into the wall, causing it to break and setting free the cutie marks. All of the villagers got their cutie marks back, and were happy to have their special talents again. They ran out of the cave to go find Aria. The Mane 10 saw the cutie marks coming back, and were amazed.
“Even without my cutie mark, I can tell this is beautiful!” said Rarity joyfully. Aria looked out the window inside her house.
“They think they can come to this village and ruin my plan?” she said angrily, “Let's see how they like spending the rest of their lives without their precious cutie marks!” She then lifted up her bed, showing a basement underneath. She runs inside, taking the cutie marks with her.
The Mane 10 were trying to get inside the house to get back their cutie marks. Then, they heard a whistle. They realized that it was Night Glider.
“Stand back, everypony!” she shouted as she flew down and knocked down the door. Sugar Belle, Party Favor, Double Diamond, Periwinkle, and the Mane 10 ran inside and searched for her cutie marks. When Fluttershy, Aurora, and Adagio went upstairs to where the cutie marks were, they realized that they were gone!
“They're gone! They were right over there!” said Fluttershy pointing at the dresser where the cutie marks were. Then, they spotted the door that lead them to the basement. They all walked inside to see if they were there. Leading them to a road to the snowy mountains.
“Look!” shouted Rainbow Dash pointing at where she might have seen Aria. Party Favor’s special talent was making things out of balloons, so me made binoculars to see where Aria is.
“She's headed for the pass!” he said in shock, Aria was about to go through the mountains.
“If she makes it into those mountains, we'll never find her!” said Party Favor, Pinkie Pie tried out the binoculars, and liked them.
“These are amazing!” she said looking around with them, she handed them to Sonata, who also liked them.
“You’re right, these are amazing!” she said as well.
“There's a whole network of caves up there! Your cutie marks will be gone forever!” said Sugar Belle in fear.
“Then let’s get moving, y’all!” said Applejack as everypony ran to the mountains. The mane 10 were going slower than everypony else, which annoyed Rainbow Dash.
“Oh, come on!” she said with an annoyed tone.
The ponies chased Aria as fast as possible to get back the Mane 10’s cutie marks.
“Are you all so willing to give up everything because of these strangers?!” yelled Aria as she ran. She uses her magic to make snow fall on Night Glider.
“We gave up everything for you, because we thought you were our friend!” yelled Sugar Belle. The Mane 10 were ahead of everypony else.
“I can't believe we have to count on these other ponies to save our cutie marks!” said rainbow Dash who was very annoyed.
“If we hadn't come here to help them, they'd still be living under her rules!” said Sunset Shimmer, “Now it's their turn to help us!”
“And I know they can do it!” said Adagio happily.
“That’s the spirit, Adagio!” said Fluttershy joyfully.
The villagers kept on chasing her and chasing her. Sugar Belle’s special talent was baking, so with her unicorn magic, she uses some snow to make a pie.
“My newest recipe– snow pie!” she said as she threw the snow pie at Aria. Causing the barrel to break, and making the cutie marks fall off of the road. Aria uses her magic to lift them back up so the jars wouldn’t break and set free the cutie marks. Once she went to the other side, she uses her magic to destroy the bridge so that the villagers wouldn’t cross.
Party Favor then uses some balloons to create a bridge for the ponies to cross, and it was a success! The ponies bounced across the bridge to go after Aria.
“She’s gonna get away!” shouted Rainbow Dash on top of a mountain with the Mane 10.
While chasing Aria, Double Diamond spots his old skis, he gasped with amazement.
“My old skis!” he said joyfully, "This is where I first met Starlight. I mean...Aria"
“Maybe you can reminisce another time! She's almost to the caves!” said Night Glider.
‘Feel like an air drop?” said Double Diamond, his special talent was skiing.
Aria was almost at the cave, until Double Diamond is seen skiing on the mountain next to the cave, causing snow to dump on Aria. The other ponies walked up to the pile of snow, and saw the jars drop and break. While the Mane 10 were walking, their cutie marks were back!
“Yee-haw! Finally, I can buck like a five-bit snake herder in an Appleloosa ranch house again!” said Applejack with joy, she even got her countryisms back too!
“And you got your countryisms back, too!” said Sonata.
The Mane 10 ran to where the ponies were, when they arrived, Aria came out of the snow pile, and saw the ponies. She started to do a spell on them, until Twilight stops it with a magic shield spell.
“Wh– I just studied that spell! How can you—” before Aria could finish, Twilight interrupted.
“I've studies magic before too! But what I didn't know then was that studying could only take me so far.” said Twilight walking up the Aria. “Each of my friends has taught me something different about myself! It was their unique gifts and passions and personalities that helped bring out the magic inside of me! I never would have learned that I represent the element of magic without these five!"
“And she certainly wouldn't be here to stop you now!” said Adagio, Aria rolled her eyes.
“Spare me your sentimental nonsense!” Aria yelled, “I gave these ponies real friendships they never could've had otherwise!”
“How do you know that?! You never even gave us a chance!” said Double Diamond, Aria then did a teleportation spell to go into the cave and escape.
‘She’s getting away!” shouted Rainbow Dash.
“We’ll never find her in there!” said Double Diamond.
“We just have to hope that when she's had a chance to think it over, she realizes that you all have taught her something.” said Adagio.
“It's you who have taught us something.” said Party Favor, “We all came to this village because we were searching for something missing from our lives. We thought Aria had given it to us, but now... now it seems it was in front of us all along. It's us!” Party Favor, Double Diamond, Sugar Belle, and Night Glider then came in for a group hug.
“Does that mean you'll stay in the village?” asked Sunset Shimmer.
“It's our home. I'm not going anywhere.” said Night Glider happily.
“Actually, I think I wanna move to where you’re from.” said Periwinkle.
“Really?” said Twilight, “You want to move to Ponyville with us?”
“Of course. I am gonna miss these ponies, but I think it’s time I move on.” said Periwinkle.
“Well, you can come with us later on once we leave.” said Sunset Shimmer.
“Really? Thank you!” answered Periwinkle as she was hugged by the Mane 10.
“Besides, this is a chance for all of us to get to know each other again for the very first time!” said Double Diamond.
“And I finally have a chance to bake something besides terrible muffins!” said Sugar Belle, everypony laughed with happiness.
The village then had a celebration party for the return of their destinies, everypony was having a great time!
“Now those are real smiles!” said Pinkie Pie.
“For realsies!” said Sonata.
Applejack then sees her cutie mark glowing, along with the rest. Including Peri’s!
“I’ll never get use to that.” she said.
“I think it’s divine.” said Rarity who was amused.
“Why is my cutie mark glowing?” asked Peri.
“Not sure.” answered Aurora.
“Does that mean that the map is calling us somewhere else?” asked Fluttershy.
“I have a feeling it means our work here is done.” Sunset smiled.
“I just hope Aria is okay, let’s us know the next time you see her Twilight.” said Adagio.
“Don’t worry, Adagio. We got everything under control.” said Twilight.
“I’m just glad this village isn’t creepy anymore like it use to be.” said Rainbow Dash.
“Rainbow, don’t be so rude.” said Adagio playfully, the Mane 10 laughed as they all join in the party with the rest of the villagers.
Back at the castle, Adagio, Sonata, and Sunset were ready to go back to the human world.
“Aren’t you girls gonna stay here in Equestria?” asked Rarity.
“We’d love to stay, but I think the world where CHS is at is our new home.” said Sunset Shimmer.
“We know that our old home is here, but our new home is now in the human world.” said Sonata.
“Yeah, but we’ll miss you all very much.” said Adagio.
"But we'll visit sometime." Sonata nodded.
‘So will we.” said Rainbow Dash as everypony came together for a group hug.
“Bye girls!” said Adagio.
“Bye!” said the Mane 6 at the same time as Adagio, Sonata, and Sunset walk into the portal.
“Turns out they did learn from their past.” Fluttershy smiled, “Even Adagio.” The Mane 6 laughed together happily.
! This story also features two of my OCs named Aurora Moonlight and Periwinkle Moonstone. I know what you're thinking, 'Aria isn't Starlight! Blah blah blah!', but what if she REALLY was? Just a little something I wanted to make. So PLEASE don't hate me! 
