> Help! I've Turned Into a Princess!
>  by ScorchingFlamesInc
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Chapter 1: I'm at a Loss for Words...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I stared out the small windows of the horse-trailer, as the vehicle up front drug the trailer along the road. The only light entering the cramped trailer was the bright light coming from the sun.

I bet you’re wondering, "Why is this weirdo in a horse trailer?"

Yeah... it's pretty complicated shit.

I might as well start from the beginning...


Earlier in the morning...


I opened my eyes, my sight greeting the sunrise that was growing outside. Already, I wasn't excited for another day in college.

Sure... ever since my grandma told me about a comic-book college, I've wanted to go. Even though my drawing skills are shitty and I am pretty much lazy 75% of the time, I still wanted to go.

But that didn't stop me from hating the work and classes that the college provided.

Every good person would say that it was nice that I graduated like many other students, and had a family that had enough money to send me to college. And they were right. But come on, a guy can't hate classes surrounding a subject he likes?

After checking the time, I knew that I couldn't spend another minute in bed. So I slowly got up before going over to the clothes dresser that my dorm had. I wasn't one for fashion, so I pretty much tossed on a fresh pair of underwear, blue jeans, and a simple shirt. I can wait for another day to look nice.

As I made my way to the bathroom, my roomate left the bathroom at the same time. His name is Dale, whom I've met when I first arrived at the college. We get along pretty well, and I guess we're good friends if you put it that way. He also knows that I'm a brony.

Yep. My Littly Pony: Friendship is Magic is a show that I still love. The show ended about six years ago, but I still prefer it more than the other My Little Pony generations that aired after Friendship is Magic. In fact, I still think about it. Dale thinks it's weird, but he agreed to not tell anyone else. I'm pretty much lucky that I have a roomate/friend like him.

Anyway, back to the present story...

"Mornin'," Dale said as soon as he passed me.

"Good morning," I mumbled as I entered the bathroom, picked up my toothbrush, and began to put toothpaste on it.

Dale didn't reply. But I didn't care. We usually don't talk much when getting ready for classes, anyway.

Once I finished, I spat my toothpaste back in the sink and began to search for the required items I needed for the classes.

After collecting our items and leaving the room, Dale and I retrieved our breakfast and sat down at the table.  A couple of our other pals, Evan, Joey, and Jeremy, sat with us too, and we just talked about other things. Just like Dale, these guys knew I was a brony, though it took more begging to convince them to not tell anyone.

"Another day..." I muttered. 

"Yeah," Dale replied before eating some scrambled eggs. 

I nibbled on a sausage.

"Hey," Evan began. "My dad's birthday is coming up."

"Oh yeah," Joey remembered. "Planning on sending him anything this year?"

"Of course! If I sent him something last year, I'll do it this year. It is his birthday, after all."

"Do you have any ideas on what to get him?" Jeremy queried.

"I have a few ideas..." Even replied.

Soon, the bell rang, and we got up.

"Class time!" Dale picked up his things and turned to head to class. We all followed suit.

The five of us stood together, walking to the class. Soon, we entered the large classroom and took our seats, all of us sitting up to two seats away from each other. The fact we're close a lot makes me feel like I'm in a group. It's nice.

As soon as I sat down, I started to feel a headache.

As soon as everyone was in the room, the teacher began to do attendance, before moving on to the teaching/working portion of the class.

Comic college is definetly different than I pictured. But every single thing is unique.

My headache started to throb more, and I cussed under my breath.

"Leo..." Dale whispered. "What's up?"

"I have a damn headache..." I rubbed my forehead.

A nearby classmate shushed us.

I looked back at the teacher, and my vision suddenly began to act funny. Everything I saw started to ripple like waves. My eyelids also began to feel heavy.

I tried to pay attention. But at the same time, I felt like I was going to need a trip to the nurse or something.

And then, with the flick of a switch, my hearing dulled.

I plugged my nose and blew in an attempt to unplug my ears. But unlike times where I am on planes, I still was deaf. Oh well. I don't go deaf on planes anyway, so why did I even bother.

I finally gave in. I raised my hand.

I couldn't hear my teacher's muffled words, but whether he told me to shut up or asked me what I wanted, I went for it.

"Can I go to the nurse?" I asked, my voice muffled in my hearing. "I'm not feeling well..."

Again, whatever my teacher told me, I went for it. I staggered out of my seat and began to hobble past my classmates. I made my way away from the desks, and closer to the doorway.

And then everything suddenly went dark.


***


I groggily opened my eyes, completely blank on the events that last transpired.

I weakly lifted my head, finding it odd that the room was darker than usual.

I groaned, my voice sounding feminine.

I rubbed my eyes, feeling the lack of fingers on my arm.

But then I caught a glimpse of my arms and my eyes went wide. The light entering the trailer made it easier for me to see many different changes to my body and the area around me. 

First, instead of my regular clothed arms, my arms were now pink logs with the ends looking like marshmallows. Not only that, but these arms were oddly cartoony and very familiar.

Second, as soon as I saw my arms, I noticed a pink blob in between my eyes. I used my arms to feel the blob.

My heart jumped when I came to the realization that the pink blob was part of my face.

Then, I came to the discovery that there was a huge wave of unkempt hair hanging off my face. I could see a streak of peach on the hair, a streak of hot pink, and out of the corner of my eye, a streak of purple. I yanked it with my hooves and tugged.

It was hair. My real hair!

My attention was brought to the enclosed space I was in. There wasn't much, but it appeared as if I was in some sort of horse trailer.

Still, I was in a state of panic.

"W-where am I?" I stammered. I shoved my familiar arms in my weirdly-shaped mouth. I brought my hooves away. "W-who am I?"

Then I started to come to reality. The voice... the color of my body and nose... the shape of my arms and face... and the hair colors... they all started to piece together.

I started to check my full body for the signs that I felt were there.

I felt my head, only for my stubby arm to feel something potruding from my forehead.

I turned my head to get a glimpse of my body. But as expected, I didn't see the body of my human self. Instead, I saw the body of a horse! Equipped with what appeared to be wings, and a tail the same color of my hair. Biting my lip, I lifted the arm and moved the wing, only to catch sight of a familiar picture...



I rolled back to my former position, and then saw a bucket of water. It was a stretch, but I needed to attempt a final test. All the evidence was there, but I wanted to do one last double-check.

I lifted my stubby arm, hooked the bucket, and knocked it over. The water seeped under my arms. It was uncomfortable, but I didn't care. 

I leaned forward to look into the puddle.

And I saw Princess Cadance from My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic staring right back at me!
> Chapter 2: Princesses Don't Ride In Trailers
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The confirmation that I was now Princess Cadance gave me mixed feelings.

"Dear god, I'm Cadance..." I muttered to myself. "Ok... let's just process this shit..."

Hearing Cadance's voice swear was weird, yet funny. 

"I won't get used to that..." I chuckled, rubbing the spot under my horn. "Ugh... I used to wish to become a pony, but now that it actually happened, I regret it..."

I looked around my cramped surroundings.

"How the hell did I get here anyway?" I asked myself. "Right... somebody probably put me in here after I fainted. They were probably called over after I transformed... though I don't want to know how they actually believed the caller."

My mind immedately shifted focus to my position. I didn't really want to lay down any longer. I've been in only two positions, and I needed to get on all four hooves if I was gonna be stuck like this and live to tell the tale.

I shifted my hooves closer to my body and lifted, a soft groan escaping my lips. When I fully stood, my hooves were shaking vigorously. I felt like I was gonna fall. But luckily, despite my shaking limbs, I managed to stand.

I had a better view of what was outside the trailer. It wasn't much. Just acres of field, along with the road that we were driving on.

Although the trailer was small and slightly cramped, there was enough room for me to walk and turn around.

"Ok..." I mumbled. "How do you do this..."

I moved my back left hoof and front right hoof forward, both hooves landing on the ground without issue. I moved my back right hoof and front left hoof next, and just like last time, managed to take those steps without falling. However, now my muzzle was pressing against the door of the trailer.

Alright. Figuring out who and where I was? Check. Attempting to learn to walk in a small trailer? Check.

Now to get the hell out of here!

Without falling, I turned around carefully and slowly. I made my way to the back of the trailer, hoping for the best. I looked out the back window, and saw what appeared to be a van. I had a feeling it was animal control, though why they had a horse-trailer is beyond me. For all I care one of them cares for horses.

"UM... EXCUSE ME!" I called out. "COULD YOU STOP THE VAN?" 

No response.  They probably can't hear me. Or maybe they will if I yell loud enough.

"COULD YOU STOP THE VAN?" I screamed louder.

Nothing.

"STOP THE GODDAMN VAN!!!" I shrieked at the top of my lungs before stomping my hoof with full force.

I heard nothing. No reply.

I growled, stomping my hoof yet again. I then turned and punched my hoof on the wall, leaving a deep dent.

I huffed, my throat feeling hoarse, and my hooves shaking yet again.

I sat down and looked out the window, my eyes starting to water.

I just stared out the window, multiple thoughts crossing my mind.

I wonder what my four college pals think of this...



At the college...



It's only been twenty-five minutes since Leo transformed into a character from that My Little Pony show he likes, and seventeen minutes since two members of animal-control picked him up. Almost everyone talked about the sudden turn of events as they left their classes. Especially Leo's four friends.

"What happened to Leo was ape-shit crazy!" Dale remarked, walking alongside his friends in the hallway.

"Yeah... poor guy..." Jeremy muttered. "Do you think it was right for them to call animal-control like that?"

"Beats me," Joey shrugged. "I mean, transformations and cartoon ponies are more like things the government would study."

"What does that have to do with anything?" Evan raised his brow.

"Just sticking with logic. But as for my opinions on Leo, they probably shouldn't have cut to the chase and called animal control. They could have waited for him... or her... to wake up. That way they could have seen if Leo was still there at least mentally."

"Yes, but they would still probably think he was a monster or alien," replied Dale.

"If only we were allowed to leave, and knew where Leo was going..." Jeremy put his fist on the table. "We could've been able to help."

"Well, we're no rule breakers," Joey determined. "Though we could somehow try to play a part while we're still here."

"What do you propose?" Evan asked.

"No clue. But we'll figure something out... he may be a brony... and he may be one of those characters from that pony show... but he is our friend. And we all care about him."

The four friends were near their next designated area.

"We'll discuss this later," Dale said as he and the other three friends entered the room.



The van...



Darryl and Hunter's day has taken a weird turn. Earlier in the morning, these two animal-control workers had to drive to a university over twenty minutes away. The caller said that there was a strange, weird horse in the classroom. But apparently, the caller wasn't extremely specific. Because when the two workers arrived, they found the strangest horse that they have ever found. It was a pink cartoonish horse, with wings and a horn. Her long mane and tail were both colored purple, peach, and hot-pink. And on her rump was a very strange tattoo.

It was very  weird for the men to haul this animal to the car. The adult in the classrom also claimed that this animal used to be one of them, only to transform into what it is now.

As of now, Hunter and Darryl were only minutes away from their destination. A few minutes ago, they heard the creature whinny very loudly, but they ignored it. It probably hated being confined and wanted to be set loose. 

"So..." Hunter began, keeping his eyes on the road. "...what will we do with the creature? Turn her into the government?"

"Like they'll believe us..." Darryl muttered before sipping a beer. "They'll hang up as soon as we tell them our situation.”

"We can just find a number, call, and not be specific. Just tell them that there is a creature that must be studied. We also make it sound like we're NOT crazy, making them more likely to believe us."

Silence.

"You know..." Darryl began. "That teacher... why did he call us anyway? He could of been the one to call the government, not have us be the ones to harbor this creature."

"He probably didn't want it in his school," Hunter shrugged. "But this horse did look cleaner and more pampered than others."

"She also looks like she came from a cartoon," Darryl gruffed.

"Maybe she came from Mars," Hunter joked.

"If that were true, that would be something," Darryl took another sip of his beer.



The trailer...



For minutes I have seen nothing but fields while staring out the window of this damn trailer. But finally, I saw buildings come into view.

I didn't see much people on the sidewalks. Those who I did see on the sidewalk paid no attention to me. I guess they don't care about horse-trailers that much?

I suddenly felt the trailer turn in a more sharp angle than before, and I could see a large dirt parking space enter my view. I could also see a building with a sign that said Animal Control in large letters.

"Aw shit..." I muttered.

Another rough turn occured, and the vehicle, along with the trailer, slowed down to a stop.

I heard the doors open and I tried my hardest to see what the hell was going to happen next.

Then, a large man with a grey beard suddenly passed by the window I was looking out of. He then left my sight.

I then moved to the door, and saw another man with a red bandana enter my view along with the first man.

"So whether the government arrives or not, what should we do with her?" the first man asked.

"We have no stable or anything to put her in," the second man muttered. "We'll have no choice but to leave her here. She doesn't belong inside with the others, either, and I don't want her to make a mess inside. If the government doesn't come, we'll either have a spot for her built, or we'll just put her down."

"Why would we put down an unknown creature like this?" the first man asked.

"Christ, I don't know!" the second man threw his hands up in the air. "We'll bring a vet! Anything! I don't care!"

"Um... excuse me?" I spoke. The two men turned their heads to me. "I know  this is weird, but if you let me out and let me roam free, I promise I will explain everything."

What they did next caught me by surprise.

"Hey, girl..." the first man spoke to me like how others speak to horses. Both men walked closer to the door. "Don't worry. Everything will be okay."

"No it won't be okay! I don't want to be dissected or put down, thank you very much!" I growled.

"Hey, should we give her a name?" the second man asked.

"No. We'll probably get attached to her or something," the first man replied.

"Do you not understand me?" I scowled.

"We'll be back girl," the second man said. "We promise."

The two men turned and walked away.

I was dumbfounded.

"They don't understand me!" I growled. "Well this is just great! Not only am I a horse, but I am a horse that neighs and whinnies according to the human ears. And now I'm stuck in this trailer!"

A metaphorical lightbulb appeared above my head.

"Wait... I'm an alicorn..." I mumbled to myself. I rubbed my horn. I had a feeling this would fail, but I had to try. I pointed my horn at a nearby wall.

"Come on..." I grumbled. "Blast this wall off..."

I imagined firing projectiles, a fist punching through a wall, and even an explosion. Nothing happened.

"Fudge..." I groaned. "Alright then... time for plan B... buck this door open!"

I turned so my rump was facing the door. I had no clue if I was gonna successfuly buck or just fall flat on my face.

There is only one way to find out.

I took a deep breath and prepared to exert as much strength as I could from my legs.

And as fast as I could, I lifted my legs and kicked the door, hearing a loud BANG and a quieter CRACK!!! Immediately after my hind legs quickly landed on the ground.

"Huh... I didn't fall..." I muttered. 

I turned around, and saw what I had done. There was a large dent in the door, but I had a feeling something happened to the door as well.

"WHAT THE HELL WAS THAT?" I heard a faint voice yell.

Well... it's now or never.

I turned around and bucked again.

Another BANG and CRACK erupted from the door. But I knew the door wasn’t  open just yet.

I went for a third.

BANG! CRACK! CREeeeeaaak...

I whipped my head to look behind me and I saw the door was open.

A hopeful smile etched on my face.

I bolted out of the trailer, turned left, and began to ran. 

But before I even made it a few feet from the trailer, I suddenly felt a mosquito bite my butt. I suddenly started to feel doozy.

I turned my head to look at my rump. The source of the bite wasn't a mosquito. The red fluff potruding from the item on my butt was a dead giveaway. I could see the two men from earlier behind me, one holding a gun of sorts.

"Motherfu-" was all I was able to say before collapsing on the ground.
> Chapter 3: How Does it Feel to be Possibly Screwed?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Damn horse broke the trailer..." Darryl muttered, examining the busted trailer. "If we didn't have that tranq gun, she would of gotten away."

"Are we able to fix it?" Hunter asked, pulling the dart out of the pony's rump.

"We'll just need to replace the locks and a couple other things... maybe the door itself," Darryl analyzed. "Nothing too severe... though now we'll have to find another place for this creature to stay, since there aren't any horse-friendly spots for her here."

"But where will we bring her?" 

Darryl scratched his chin for a moment, and then suddenly snapped his fingers. "Hey, you remember George?"

"Yeah. Our friend who lives a mile from here," Hunter replied. He then came to the realization. "Of course! He's got a few horses himself. And they ain't in stables either! They're in a huge chunk of land, surrounded by a barbed-wire gate!"

"Perfect. We'll go over to his place, and if he agrees with our terms, we'll leave her there."

Hunter grabbed the pony by reaching under the side of her that was on the ground. 

"Hold it!" Darryl came over, stopping Hunter from what he was doing. "Before we transfer her, we need to clip her wings."

"Right," Hunter set the creature down. "Don't want her to fly away. Should we get rid of the horn too?"

"Leave it. If she was magical, she would of freed herself long ago. Stay here. I'll get the scissors."

Hunter nodded before Darryl took off back to the building. A minute later, he came back out with a pair of scissors.

"Grab her wing," Darryl ordered when he was close enough.

In response, Hunter bent down, grabbed the wing on the pony's body, and unfolded it, exposing the many feathers to the sunlight.

"Hold still..." Darryl muttered, bending down to his knees and getting to work. For the next few minutes, Hunter held up the wing as Darryl clipped them as deep as he could go. When finished, Hunter rolled the body over and unfolded the next wing, which Darryl proceeded to clip.

When they were done, Hunter went over to open the back door of the van. When he came back, the two men worked together to haul the unconscious mare into the back of the van. Carefully, they set her down, before closing the door. Then they disconnected the trailer from the van, before they finally entered the vehicle and went on their way.



A couple minutes later at George's House...



When Hunter and Darryl arrived at George's house, Hunter slowly parked the van in the driveway. When the van was parked, the two men inside opened the doors and stepped out. At the same time, the door to the house opened, and a thin red-headed man with scruffy stubble stepped out.

"Darryl! Hunter!" he called out as he ventured closer too the van. "Nice to see you two. What brings you fine gents here?"

"You see, George, Darryl and I encountered one of the craziest things ever today," Hunter explained. "We got a call from a school that a horse-like creature was in a classroom. We picked it up, despite a few of the people in the classroom telling us not to, and brought it to our shelter. But as soon as we stepped inside, the thing escaped the trailer we put it in and we had to tranq it. We thought we could bring it here to harbor it for a while. Can we?"

"That depends..." George replied. "Lemme see it."

Darryl and Hunter guided George to the van and opened the door. Upon sight of the horse-like creature, George's jaw dropped.

"Well I'll be..." he smirked. "That looks like a cartoon character from a show that used to be on TV."

"Really?" Darryl raised his brow. "What is it?"

"Some sort of pony show..." George mumbled. "My daughter wanted to watch it. But upon watching an episode, she came to the conlusion that the show was cheesy junk! And I agree because I saw a bit of it with her. Cheesiest shit I've ever seen."

"Interesting," Hunter scratched his upper lip. "So... you wouldn't mind if we kept it here for a while and then turned it into the government, would you?"

"Hell, I don't care! But if you get money out of it, you give me a third of it."

"You got yourself a deal!" Darryl held out his hand, which George shook in response.

"Alright, boys!" George rubbed his hands. "Let's haul this thing! And when we call the government about it... let me do the talking."



Thirty minutes later...



My eyes slowly opened as I recovered from what just transpired. Part of me hoped that it was a dream. But when I felt the grass under me and opened my eyes enough, I knew I was still a pony.

I checked my body. Yep. I was still Princess Cadance, and still in this damn mess.

And then when I saw one of my wings, I did a double take.

I don't remember my feathers being shorter with square-like tips.

Unless...

"Those damn bastards clipped me..." I groaned.

Those men must have had the feeling that I would try to fly! That's why they clipped my wings!

I turned my gaze away from my body and got up on my hooves to check my surroundings.

The good news is that I'm no longer trapped in a stupid trailer. The bad news? It appears that I'm now with a bunch of normal horses, and surrounded by a large gate of barbed wire.

Avoiding the huge piles of crap, I went closer to the gate. It was as tall as I was! I had no idea if I would make the jump over the gate or not. And the barbed wire was close to the point where the gaps where too small for me to crawl out. And I couldn't lift it and crawl out at the same time without getting poked. I would need someone else to lift it.

I began to feel like God was not on my side today.

The only good thing about this was that I had more open space. But then again, there were horses and poop everywhere!

And then there was the possibility of either being kept as a pet or being shipped off to the government!

I guess my only options are to either practice jumping higher than all the other horses, or practice magic.

And all I can do in the meantime is to hope that I find a way out before something even worse happens!
> Chapter 4: I'm Gonna Be Here For a While, Aren't I?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The three men sat at the kitchen table, each sipping a beer.

"Alright," George set his can down and rubbed his hands together. "So how are we gonna do this? If we want the government here to give us cash and fame, we'll need to do more then a phone call. They'll either think we're crazy, pranking them, or just won't want to listen."

"Don't you have the sheriff's phone number?" Hunter asked.

"Yes. How so?"

"Well..." Hunter began. "We need to start with a law-related group higher than us. It will then build like a trail. Depending on how it goes, it could go from us, to the police, to another higher power, all the way to the president himself!"

"Not a bad idea," Darryl admired. He shoved his hand into his pocket and pulled out a clump of cartoonish feathers, a few of them purple while others were pink.

"Where did you get those?" queried George.

"When we clipped the creature's wings, I pocketed a few for myself when we did so."

"Why?"

Darryl shrugged. "No reason. But I pulled these out so we can mail it to the sheriff and then have him mail it to others. If we're lucky and the package is shipped to someone with ties to the government, they should be here to pick the horse up in a couple weeks."

"I'll get the orange envelopes!" Hunter proclaimed getting off his chair.



Outside... a few minutes later...



I've only been outside for a few minutes and I'm already going crazy!

As I said earlier, there is shit almost everywhere! I actually feel like I'm walking on land mines. I actually found a clean, poop-free spot and began to go territorial over it.

"Shoo!" I screamed to a horse getting near. "MY spot!"

It looked at me as if I lost my marbles, before it turned around and went on it's way.

If there was ever the chance I would need to use the bathroom (which I hopefully won't), I planned on going into the minefield and hoping for the best. Even though I knew I would hate it with all my heart. But luckily, I had no reason to go. So I just sat down.

I can already see my mane begin to get frumpy and unkempt. And my body also began to get dirty, with clumps of dirt and a few minor scratches from God knows what! Maybe the guys drug me across the dirt accidentally while I was unconsious. I don't know. I wasn't awake!

I heard the door open and I looked up.

From a distance, I saw a man, one that I haven't seen before, make his way to the gate. He appeared to be holding something in his hand.

"COME HERE, GIRL!" he called. All the other horses came over, but I stayed where I was, hoping he wasn't calling for me.

But I guess he actually was calling for me. Because even with all the other horses standing in front of him, posssibly staring at what he had in his hand, he was still calling for one more horse... or in this case, pony.

"COME HERE GIRL! COME HERE!" he said again. And do you want to know what he did next? He actually clicked his tongue and whistled!

I mean, seriously? What part of this don't you understand? I was a male human, turned into a female pony, that is also royalty! And yet you think I forgive you for the shit you put me into, and expect me to come over there?! No way! And I don't care if you can't understand a word I say! And maybe you weren't one of the men that stuck me in a horse-trailer and tranqued me. But I don't care! It's still not enough to make me like you!

Eventually, he gave up. 

"ALRIGHT! IF YOU DON'T WANT TO COME OVER NOW, THAT'S FINE!" he calmly yelled. "TAKE YOUR TIME!"

And then, from the looks of it, he fed whatever he had in his hand to one of the horses. He then left and returned to the house.

"Good riddance, bastard..." I huffed.

As soon as he opened the door and entered, I continued to sit there.

And seconds after he closed the door, I came to the decision to attempt my magic-breakout.

I turned and faced the barbed wire that was the closes to me.

I took a deep breath and pointed my horn at it.

"Imagine... firing a gun..." I whispered to myself. "Or a projectile of any sort... build up your mental thought... exert all the strength... and then try to imagine something similar to what you want to do..."

I took more deep breaths and tried to exert all my strength, mental and physical (sort of), to my head. I then imagined a firing projectile and...

Nothing!

I tried again, only more in-depth thought and strength. Again nothing.

"Seriously?" I growled.

Again, I tried with the same result. I cussed out the wire and cussed out my magic before turning around and sitting back on my haunches.

I rubbed my forehead.

"I'm gonna be here for a while, aren't I?" I muttered.



College... hours later...



Jeremy, Dale, Joey, and Evan all hung out together at the table, eating their dinner and discussing the whole situation.

"I feel like we should go out there!" Dale exclaimed. "Judging from the creature he is, it's not safe!"

"We have cars," Evan proclaimed. "And we're allowed to leave on our own spare time as long as we return to the dorms."

"Perfect," Jeremy said. "We go out, find the shelter Leo's been sent to, and get him... or her... out of there!"

"The closest shelter is around twenty minutes away," Dale explained. "We'll ask to go after we eat, and hope we're not too late. If we're lucky, the shelter won't be closed and Leo will still be there."

"I can't believe that we're going to do this..." Joey muttered. "We'll be breaking rules, you know... they took her, breaking and entering-“

"Better than having our friend have God knows what happened to him," Evan retorted. "He may be an odd creature, but he's still our friend. And I doubt he's an alien from outer space or something."

"I'm looking up hours for the animal control place right now," Dale looked up from his phone that he took out mere seconds ago.

Evan, Joey, and Jeremy grouped around Dale and saw the place that they had their eyes on.

"Yep..." Jeremy muttered. "I could of sworn I saw that logo on their hats..."

"Then it's official," Evan proclaimed. "We go there tonight!"
> Chapter 5: I Wonder What the Humans Are Up To...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I resumed sitting in my spot, still in deep thought over all of this. But my attention was soon brought to three men getting into a pickup truck before driving off.

Where are those three going?... I wondered.



Police Station... 13 minutes later...



A pickup truck soon parked near the police station. Three doors opened, and three men stepped out. One man, Hunter, was carrying an orange envelope.

"Alright," George muttered. "Let's just do this. Over and out."

George, Darryl, and Hunter entered the police station. They went to the front desk, which had a woman typing on a computer behind it. The three men patiently waited for the woman's attention.

Seconds later, she looked up from her computer.

"Well hello," she greeted. "What can I do for you three."

"Hi. Is the chief here?" Hunter asked.

"One second..." the women picked up a walkie-talkie. "Frank, they're here."

Seconds later, the first door in the nearby hallway opened, and a tall man stepped out.

"Boys!" he said, before nudging his head back. "Step into my office."

Doing as they were told, Darryl, Hunter, and George all ventured into the sheriff's office before he closed the door behind him. All four men took their seats.

"So..." Frank put his hands on the desk. "You said you had something important to show me? Something that requires us to look through? Is it evidence of some sort?"

"In a way," Darryl shrugged while Hunter set the envelope on the desk. Sheriff Frank grabbed the envelope and opened it, before looking inside. His face shifted to confusion before he reached into the envelope and pulled out a purple-ish feather.

"What the hell is this?" he queried. "Is this a prank?"

"If it was a prank, how would it look like it came out of a cartoon?" George replied.

Frank grabbed the envelope and flipped it upside down, dumping out all the contents. All of the contents were feathers, some purple, some pink.

"I don't believe it..." he muttered.

"Want more proof?" Hunter quipped, taking out his phone. He tapped the screen a few times before handing it over to Frank.

Frank watched the recording, which showed an unconsious cartoon-like horse creature in a barbed-wire gate. The voices speaking belonged to the three men across from him. When the video ended, the sheriff handed Hunter back his phone.

"Interesting..." he muttered.

"So... do you believe us, or will you need to see her yourself?" George questioned.

"Hmm..." Frank pondered. He looked at the feathers. "Just this once, I'll consider what you all showed me enough. I'll put these feathers back in an envelope. Do any of you have just pictures of this animal?"

All three men admitted they did.

"Well, I'll only need one photo to print out for extra measures," Frank explained. "I'll admit, I don't have the direct contacts of the people you may be looking for. However, I know of a vessel. If anything, you should expect a reply in one to two weeks. But maybe I can have a note on the back of the printed photo requesting a direct arrival from a few members of the government."

"Arlight," Darryl nodded. "Thank you."

"Before you go, I will need one of your phones," Frank stated.

George took out his phone.



The animal-control place...



A chevy slowly parked in front of the place that the four college kids have intended to go to.

You have arrived at your destination! the GPS said.

Evan, the driver of the car, tapped on the screen in the car, shutting off the GPS.

"Alright!" Evan exclaimed. "We're here."

"And twenty minutes away from college!" Joey hissed.

"Calm down," Dale reassured. "We'll just see if Leo is here, retrive her if she is, and get out."

"So we're all settling on calling him a chick?" Jeremy piped.

"Is that a horse trailer?" Dale pointed out the window.

"It's open," Evan analyzed. "We may need to search inside for where they put her. Or at least clues. We may also need to risk asking the people here."

"There is a good chance they will lie their asses off!" Joey claimed.

"I'm still going," Evan undid his seatbelt and opened the door. "Stay here."

Evan got out of the car and closed the door behind him. He  made his way to the door of the shelter.

He looked inside the door window. The lights were... off? Evan tried to open the door. It was locked! He knocked on the door. No response.

And then he saw the opening hours.

Tonight was a Friday. The closing time was 9:00 pm. Evan checked his phone. It was only 7:15. And the door had no signs saying they would be closed for the day.

"Weird..." Evan mumbled. He turned and ventured back to the vehicle, returning to his spot in the driver seat.

"I take it they were closed?" Jeremy asked.

"Even weirder..." Evan replied. "Their hours on Fridays last from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm. But the time right now is 7:17! Usually animal control has many people, so it seems weird that they’re closed early.”

"Ok... so Leo's a lost cause?" Joey queried.

"Not until we know for sure..." Dale said. "Maybe we should return tomorrow."

"I guess we could do that," Evan agreed. "This whole 'closing without warning' deal makes me a bit suspicious..."

"Return tomorrow?" Joey sputtered. "Forget it. I'm not gonna be in the mood to check the shelter for our friend every day."

"Really?" Jeremy cocked his brow. "You won't come? Fine. I'll just show Shelly your birthday gift and ruin the surprise.”

Everyone looked at Joey.

"You wouldn't!" Joey sputtered.

"Try me!" Jeremy challenged.

Joey and Jeremy just stared at each other.

"F-fine!" Joey stuttered. "I'll go. Just don't show the gift!"

"Alright, then!" Evan proclaimed. "We return tomorrow, and keep returning until we have conformation on Leo's fate!"

And then Evan backed the car out of the driveway.
> Chapter 6: Someone Save Me Already!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Thanks again for helping us keep the creature contained," Darryl thanked.

"No problem," George replied, keeping his eyes on the road. "As I've said earlier, you two should be lucky you have a loyal friend like me. Otherwise, I'd keep her for myself."

"And we trust you," Hunter admitted. "Darryl and I will resume our hours at the shelter, but close thirty minutes earlier to check up on our little pony."

"You do you," George responded



The next day... breakfast at the college...



"Check this out," Dale showed a photo to his three friends.

Jeremy, Joey, and Evan all saw a picture of a familiar cartoon character on the phone.

"Isn't that the pony that Leo transformed into?" Evan analyzed.

"Looks like it. Where did you find it?" Jeremy asked.

"This whole pony-situation yesterday prompted me to check it out," Dale explained.  "As I checked it out, I found a photo. I did some deeper research, giving me more minor info."

"Like what?" Joey queried.

"The character's name is Princess Cadance," Dale described. "And she's the Princess of... love, I think."

"Leo's a princess?" Jeremy then laughed. "I mean... heh... turning into a female pony is weird, but a princess of love? Priceless!"

"Well, hopefully when we find him, we can figure out a way to reverse it," Evan muttered.

"So going there is still on the cards?" Joey sputtered. 

"You know you're going!" Dale proclaimed. "Leo is your friend after all."

"I can't have anxiety for going when this may be a lost cause?" Joey exclaimed.

"How about this?" Evan remarked. "We don't argue! Joey can have anxiety, but he can keep his thoughts hidden? Got it? Done! We go tonight, and that's that!"

"You know we have lunch and dinner, leading to another arguement like this right?" Dale pointed out.

"I'll be sure to not let that happen..." Evan declared.



Mr. Devon's class...



Yesterday was a weird day for Mr. Devon. During his class yesterday, one of his students suddenly transformed into a creature new, yet familiar. Last night, he talked with his wife, who worked with the news as a reporter. He planned on bringing her and a cameraman to the shelter to show the news of the creature to the world. It would make him known.

He sighed as he took another bite of his breakfast.



The shelter... many uneventful hours later.



Evan yet again parked the van in the parking lot of the shelter they visited last night. The only difference? There was a van there. The time was 8:23.

"Alright, I'm going back out," Evan announced. "Do what you did last night. Stay here."

Evan heard his replies as he opened the door and exited the car... right at the same time the door to the shelter opened and two men walked out. Evan recognized them immediately. These were the men that took Leo!

Evan ran over.

"Excuse me," he called out, earning the attention of the two men. "I think I remember you two."

"You do?" one of the men asked. 

"Yes. Weren't you at a college yesterday morning?"

"No," the other man answered.

"I think I saw you two retrieve a cartoon pony."

"I have no clue what you're talking about," the first man claimed.

"Alright..." Evan muttered, suspicious. "Any chance I could... look around a bit?"

"Go ahead," said the second man. "We close in seven minutes. We're just out here grabbing a smoke before we do."

Evan opened the door and went inside. It wasn't very full inside. There was the lobby he stood in right now, with three doors... one possibly led to the cages, another leads to a unisex bathroom, and another behind the desk.

Evan checked the bathroom first. It was empty. Just a toilet, sink, a paper-towel dispenser, and a garbage can.

Evan went to the door possibly leading to the cages (it did lead to the cages). Evan quickly ran around the room, screaming Leo's name. There were a few barking dogs in cages, but he couldn't find Leo.

There was only one door left... the one behind the desk that possibly led to the office.

If he was lucky, Evan would be able to see if Leo was in there before those two men returned.

Evan quickly ventured out of the room, went behind the desk, and fiddled with the doorknob. It was locked.

"Shit..." Evan muttered. "Wait..." 

Evan looked up, meeting face-to-face with a clear window. With hope in his heart, Evan peeked through the best he could. But there was no trace of Leo anywhere.

Fortunately, as soon as Evan got out from behind the desk, the door opened and oen of the men peeked inside.

"Closing time!" he bellowed.

"I was just leaving," Evan quickly said, squeezing past the man and out of the door.

Evan returned to his car and got in.

"I take it you had no luck?" Joey asked.

"No," Evan admitted. "But we're not leaving."

"Say what?"

"These two men were the ones that took Leo," explained Evan. "They claimed they never picked her up, and when I checked inside, I couldn't find her. We're going to follow them when they leave."

"Are you nuts?" Joey hissed.

"If this doesn't work, we'll give up!" Evan threw his hands in the air. "There, happy?"

Joey had no reply.

The four friends watched as one of the men locked the door, before getting in the van and backing out. Luckily, there was another exit to the road, so Evan didn't have to move the car at all. Once the men were about to exit into the road, Evan began to follow. And when the van went into the road, Evan followed them close behind.

"This is stupid!" Joey hissed. 

"Hush," Evan muttered.

He continued following the van. Evan felt that something was wrong. And he was going to get to the bottom of it!

No matter what it took!
> Chapter 7: These Men are Jackasses!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Eventually, the van took a right. Evan and the others could see what makes up a yard, meaning the men have possibly arrived at a house. To be safe, Evan didn't follow the car into the driveway. Instead, he parked it on the side of the road.

"What are you doing?" Joey asked.

"I think these men parked in a driveway," said Evan. "I don't want to take any chances."

Evan turned off the car.

"So what now?" Dale asked.

"Now... we get out and sneak in," Evan proclaimed.

"Hold up..." Joey piped. "This is someones house! I think it's obvious that we'll be caught sneaking around."

"Not if we sneak through the woods," Evan replied. "I can see a small trail next to the house. We can sneak through there, while peeking out to the house on my command, to see if we can find Leo or a spot she could be in."

"I'm not going!" Joey crossed his arms.

"...*cough*... Playboy magazines... *cough*..." Jeremy coughed.

"Fine!" Joey threw his hands up.

The four friends left the car. One by one, all four of them entered the trail and entered. Evan entered first and Joey entered last. 

"Check!" Evan whispered a couple yards later.

All four friends leaned forward and carefully tried to get a good glace of the house (Joey and Jeremy had to take a few quiet steps).

"I see something!" Dale remarked.

The four other friends admitted to seeing something too.

A pink blob with purple, peach, and hot-pink hair.


Leo...



"Pssst!"

I lifted my head and felt my ears perk up at the sound coming from behind me.

"Psssst!" I head again.

I looked behind me and I could of sworn I saw four faces peeking at me. Four familiar faces.

My eyes went wide as I stood up and turned around. I was happy and shocked at the same time. On the one hand, at least my friends somehow tracked me down. But on the other, if they get caught, it's over.

"Guys?" I said. "You came for me! You actually came to get me?"

"What is she saying?" I heard Joey's voice say.

Shit, that's right! They can't understand me! 

Now what?

"If you're Leo, try to stand on two hooves," Dale whispered.

I pushed on my forehooves and almost stood on my hind hooves, before falling back on all fours. I tried again. And I failed again.

"Close enough," Dale said.

"Get me out of here," I hissed, knowing that my friends don't understand me.

"She's in a gate of barbed wire," Jeremy analyzed. "If only we had something to break this wire..."

"We can just move it... somehow," suggested Evan.

"The bottom wire isn't close to the ground. Let's lift it," Dale suggested. "She can crawl through."

"But what if she scratches herself?" Joey brought up.

I whinnied to get their attention and made an "it's fine" gesture.

"What does that mean?" Jeremy asked.

"She's probably okay with it," Evan proclaimed. "Grab a spot that won't hurt and try to lift."

My friends all put their hands somewhere on the gate, all careful to not spike their hands. 

I got on my belly.

"HEY!!!"

I suddenly sat up and turned my head, only to meet the bright light of the flashlight in my face. I could make out the figure of a familiar man holding the flashlight.

"Shit!" I heard Jeremy hiss, before I turned my head and saw my friends bolt.

I'm not even upset about it.

I brought my gaze back forward and saw the man with the flashlight take off. His running speed was fast.

And the fact that my friends are in the woods make for a disadvantage.

"Shit..." I got on my belly and put my face in my hooves.



Leo's four friends...



Joey, leading the group of four, ran through the trail as fast as he could, but the restrained space made it difficult.

So when the man that caught the group suddenly appeared and blocked the exit to the trail, Joey stopped mere inches from the man.

"What do you four bastards think your doing..." he gruffed.

"You're harboring our friend!" Jeremy growled.

"Friend? The horse?"

"That 'horse' is our friend, Leo, who was turned into one!" Dale explained. "And we came to get her back!"

Two familiar men then arrived, stopping next to the man blocking their only spacious exit.

"George, what the hell is going on?" one man questioned.

"These bastards were trying to take our horse," said George.

"Well I'll be..." the second man said. "Hey Darryl, isn't that guy in the back the one who went into our shelter?"

"I think so," the first man smirked.

"Listen, we just wanted to get our friend back," Joey stuttered. "If you don't get us in trouble or hurt us, we'll leave! We promise!"

Jeremy slugged Joey in the shoulder.

"Well I don't want to take my chances..." George muttered. "You four look like twenty-year old college kids. Do you go to college?"

"Why does it matter?" Jeremy asked. "And actually, I'm 19..."

"Answer me!" George demanded, taking out a pocket knife.

"Yes! We go to a college! A comic-college!" Joey whined.

"DUDE!" Jeremy slugged Joey in the shoulder again.

"Hm... the only one I know of is twenty-five minutes away," George muttered. "Do you two go to the college twenty-five minutes away?"

"I'm not-" Evan began.

"ANSWER ME!" George demanded, gripping the pocket knife.

"YES!" Joey piped.

"How many times will I have to bruise your shoulder..." Jeremy hissed.

"I think I know that place," one of the men next to George said. "That's where we got the pony."

"Well then," George still held the knife. "That is where you go, correct?"

Only Joey nodded. Dale facepalmed.

"Well... you guys may be in your twenties," George began. "But you folks still go to school. And we're older. If you guys return to take our horse, I swear to god, I'll make you pay. I'll either call the school and give them a reason to kick you out, or I'll give this knife a new friend. Understand?"

This time, everyone nodded.

"Good," George put his knife away. "Now get the hell out of here."

George moved out of the way and the group of four retreated to the car. Evan, unsure of what to do now, started the car, left his parked spot, did a U-turn, and began his drive back to the school.

"Now what?" Jeremy queried.

Evan shook his head. "I don't know."



The three men



"Were you really gonna stab them?" Darryl asked as he and his two friends made their way back to the house.

"No," George answered. "I had a feeling it would get the information out. I wouldn't stab them if they came back either. Though I might call their school and frame them for drug-use or beating dead-animal carcasses or something."

"Huh..." Hunter muttered.



Leo...



I was yet again staring off into space as I processed what happened.

I was still stuck here. And even though my friends tracked me down and found me... the man that was imprisoning me chased them away.

My only hope of escape was gone!
> Chapter 8: Be Prepared For Timeskips and Hopelessness
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

My only hope of escape was gone and I was mixed with feelings of anger and sadness. But the feelings only lasted for a second before a lightbulb appeared over my head.

Getting up, I walked to the nearest post holding barbed wire. I was gonna buck the damn thing! But alas, it was only small enough for one hoof.

So hoping my alicorn strength would pay off, I turned around, lifted a hind leg, and kicked. 

It only left a dent.

I tried three more times, but the damn thing didn't break. I suddenly realized something.

"Right..." I hissed under my breath. "If they can't break a damn tree with both of their legs, I can't break a thick post with one leg! This just goes to show how desperate I am..."

I returned my look to the lowest section of barbed wire on the gate. If I wanted to crawl out, I couldn't lift it due to my inability to use magic. I would need another helper. And I have no helpers.

So I just returned to my spot and let sleep take over.


The next night...



Thirty minutes before it was time to close their shelter, Darryl and Hunter heard a knock on their door.

"Who is it?" Hunter asked.

"Probably another one of those damn college students," Darryl hissed, making his way to the door. He opened it, prepared to confront the possible college kid. But instead of a college kid, it was a man Darryl recognized.

"Hey...” Darryl scratched his chin. "Aren't you the teacher that called us to pick up the cartoon pony earlier?"

"Y-yes I am," the man said. "I'm Adam Devon."

"If you came here to get the horse, you missed your chance."

Darryl prepared to close the door, but Adam stopped him.

"Oh I know," Adam admitted. "I was just wondering... my wife is a news reporter, and I was wondering... if there was a chance I could convince my wife about what happened, could we do a story on this whole situation?"

"And have people show up at our door?" Darryl scoffed. "No thanks."

"I'll pay you!"

Darryl stopped his second attempt to close the door.

"Pay me?"

"I'll give you and your friend fifty dollars!" Adam offered.

"You're that desperate, huh?"

"Well, I mean... along with your recognition, I'll get recognized as the guy who found the pony. And if the government comes, they can pay me for finding it."

Darryl closed the door. 

"Hunter!" he called. "You remember that teacher? He wants his wife to do a news report! And he'll give us fifty bucks each! What do you suggest?"

"Let him do it," Hunter suggested. "If the government comes, there will be a news story about it anyway. There needs to be, and his wife is perfect for the job. If the government calls bullshit on us, that's an even bigger reason to do a report. And he offered us money."

"But he might get the share!" Darryl rebuked.

"He's offering us fifty dollars," Hunter said. "Even if he got a share, he technically paid $50 to us back. As long as George gets $50 and the bastard doesn't double-cross us, we could go for it."

Darryl groaned.

"I hope you know what you're doing..."

Darryl reopened the door. Adam was still there.

"Listen," Darryl began. "We brought our horse to a friends house and sent a letter, along with proof of the horse to the government. We're expecting a reply in a week or two. If they decline, you and your news team can immediately come over. If they accept, come over in the same day they come over. Does your wife know about this?"

"She doesn't know which creature it is," explained Adam. "She only knows of the incident. She's in the car right now, so maybe we can come over to wherever you're keeping her and I can show her."

"You can give us our payment now," Darryl said. "Since you'll probably get a quarter portion of what the government pays us, you may as well pay us our fifty bucks when we arrive to our friends house."

"Of course!"

"Good. Return to your car. We'll be out in a minute."



Meanwhile...



George picked up his phone and answered the call.

"What?" he groaned.

"George!" Darryl's voice rang. "So... big news! We're bringing a reporter and her husband to show them the horse!"

"What for?" George said, slightly alarmed.

"The reporter's husband wants us to show the reporter the horse so they could do a news story on it."

"Have you lost your shit?" George hissed. "He'll get a quarter of our payment! We'll get less money!"

"He'll paying us fifty dollars!"

"That will be nothing compared to our portions from the government!" argued George.

"We don't even know if the government will pay us!" Darryl rebutted.

"It's 2025!"

"Listen. Give it a chance," Darryl promised. "Besides, if the government declines, we'll need this news story so they can discover that we were right!"

"And if they accept?"

"Someones gotta do a news story!"

"Fine! Bring him! But if this jackass double-crosses us, there will be hell to pay!"

George hung up the phone in a huff.



Thirty minutes later... Leo...



"We got guests, boys," I muttered.

Just now, I noticed the three familiar men holding me hostage head over along with two other humans... one of them being my teacher, Mr. Devon, along with a women I don't recognize.

Despite being on the other side of the gate, I could tell  the woman gasped upon sight of me.



The humans...



"Honey..." Sheila grabbed Adam's arm. "What the hell is that?"

"Some sort of cartoon horse," Adam said, not mentioning how she was one of his former students. "I was hoping you would do a news story on this."

"Are you kidding me? The whole world must know of this!" Sheila exclaimed.

"Now hold on just a minute," said George. "I'll only allow you to do a news story on two occasions. We already sent proof of her to the government, but whether they accept to come or not is a mystery. If they say no... we do the story as immediate as we can. If they say yes... you and your news crew can head over and do the story while the government picks her up. Sounds fair?"

"I guess," Mrs. Devon shrugged.

"Great!" Darryl said. "We'll call you if we get any news!"

And then the group of humans left.



One week later...



George checked his email account yet again, hopeful that a government agent gave him a reply. As soon as the tab popped up, his eyes went wide and his head fluttered. When he, Darryl, Hunter, and the sheriff wrote the letter, they also wrote George's email so they could respond to him through there. And he got the response!

To George,

I am Agent Beckey, and our team of government officials have recieved your proof. After much discussion over whether this is genuine, we came to the conclusion that we would come over to your home. Just like I was assigned to write you this email, I was also assigned to join the others that are on their way here as of now. You should expect us to arrive within four days to a week.


Best of luck,

Agent Beckey


And the first thing George did was pick up his phone. He had some calls to make!



Two weeks later...



These past two weeks were the roughest.

Despite my refusal to eat, I eventually gave in out of starvation, but even after I eat I'm still hungry. My coat is all dirty and my mane is unkempt and frumpy. And the bathroom situation was extremely unsatisfying.

I've tried to get out. Many times. I'd keep on kicking one of the posts holding the wire, but it didn't fall. I'd run to jump over the gate, but I'd always chicken out at the last second. I would also try to crawl out from under the gate, but as I suspected, I couldn't lift it and crawl out. Eventually, I just gave up.

And to make matters worse, I felt empty. But oddly, it wasn't for my friends. It wasn't for my college. And I wasn't sure if it was for isolation or my own family. It was something else, but I couldn't put my fin- I mean hoof on it.

It was starting to get late and I was getting tired.  

But just as I was about to sleep, a faint bright light caught my attention. I looked up. 

And even though it was dark and what I saw was halfway hidden by the house, I could make out the sight of a large, shiny black van.

And I suddenly felt emptier inside.
> Chapter 9: Then the Government got Involved...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

George looked out the window, and felt his heart jump. A black van he's never seen before has parked in his driveway, but he had the strong belief of what it was.

Quickly he made his way outside, to meet up with the people that exited the vehicle. Two had suits while two others were dressed like SWAT members.

"You the man who sent us that letter?" the female agent asked.

"Yes I am... but I wasn't alone," George replied. He held out his hand. "The name's George."

"Beckey," Agent Beckey shook his hand. "So... the horse... is it here? Or is this just a prank you managed to pull off?"

"Yep. Right this way."

George led the people to where he has been keeping the horse for two weeks. When the visitors saw the pony, their eyes went wide and their jaws dropped.

"She looks familiar..." Beckey muttered.

"Before you pick her up, I need to invite some friends over," George explained. "They took part in this as well. And another person I need to invite is the news."

"How far are they from here?" Beckey asked.

"My two friends are five minutes away," George answered. "And from what I know, the news station is about eight minutes away. The reporters husband should be... maybe ten minutes?"

"I don't think we have time to wait until then," Beckey said.

"Well, maybe you could take some tests on her while we wait," George suggested.

"We don't have the people and the equipment for that."

"Well at least give me some time to invite the gang over. How about I make you sandwiches and help you feel welcome?"

Beckey sighed.

"Alright," she began. "If you keep on insisting we stay, then we'll stay. But if it takes longer than fifteen minutes for everyone you call to arrive, we take the horse, without payment. Understand?" 

"Right..." George chuckled, bringing his phone out of his pocket. "Come on inside. When I finish the calls, I can make the sandwiches."



Darryl and Hunter...



Just as Darryl and Hunter were about to close, Hunter's phone rang. He grabbed it and answered the call.

"Hello?... Uh-huh... hmm... Really? Great, see you then."

Hunter put his phone away.

"The government's here," Hunter began. "Let's go get out cash."

Darryl smiled.



Sheila...



Sheila was in a room hanging out with a couple cameramen when her phone rang. She picked it up.

"Hello?... Really?... Now?... Alright, be there in eight."

She put her phone away.

"Let's go, boys," she smiled. "We got a live news story to make. I'll just tell the ancorman our news and we'll be on our way."



Adam...



Adam's phone rang. He swallowed his bite of steak and answered the call.

"Yes?... Ok... Alright, I'll be there as fast as I can."

Adam put his phone away, wrapped his unfinished dinner in siran wrap, and put it in the fridge. He then grabbed his coat and ran out the door.

And ten minutes later, George's driveway was filled with vehicles.



The college...



Every night, Dale watches the local news on his phone. And every night, he and his friends hang out together in the same room, doing their own thing.

"Yes, thank you Frida for the report on the fox, the anchorman said. He then tapped his earpeace. "Oop. I just recieved word from Sheila Devon that the government is here to apprehend an exotic creature. Take a look."

What the camera switched to caused Dale's eyes to go wide.

"Yes, as of now, I am standing in front of the cage containing this creature," Shiela said. "As of now, a few members of the  government is taking residence in the house of George Silver, who is discussing with his friends about the creature and recieving payment. We don't know how long it will be until the government folks head outside, but one of the agents I've asked said it will take twenty minutes for them to finish their snacks, sign some forms with the people taking care of the horse, and leave with the horse herself. Mow that a discovery has been made, we'll get to explore more of the functions of not just the world, but beyond. Do aliens exist? We'll just have to see..."

"Guys!" Dale piped. "Leo is still at that house."

"Please don't bring that up..." Evan muttered. "I still feel guilty."

"The government is here to take her! We have to go and help!"

"How?" Jeremy questioned. "That house is about twenty-five minutes away."

"We'll just have to break a few laws to save a life..." Dale said.

"Are you serious?!" Joey's eyes went wide.

"Don't worry... I took acting class once. You'll have to trust me."

"But if we go, we're screwed!" Evan rebutted.

"They can't do anything to us when the government is there. We break the speed limit and avoid all obstacles? We should get there mere seconds before they leave. So... who's with me?"

Jeremy, Evan, and Joey didn't even flinch. But seconds later, Evan got up. Followed by Jeremy. Only Joey was left.

"Oh... fine," he got up.

"Now let's get out of here," Evan smiled.

So the four friends dashed out of their dorm, through the hallway, and out the door, thankfully not running into an older adult.



Five minutes later...



Evan speeding the car has already cut a good chunk of time. They would only stop when gettine to a stoplight (they had to slow down earlier, obviously. Luckily though, there were no small towns to slow them down). They passed many cars, going off the side of the road when there was a car on the other lane.

At some point, a police car was coming up from behind them.

"Shit!" Evan began slowing down. "What now?"

"Trust me..." Dale promised. The police man from behind got out of the car. "I got this."

Suddenly, Dale started twitching wildly, making gasping and choking sounds.

Evan rolled down the windw, meeting eyes with the bearded officer.

"Good evening officer," he greeted in a mixture of calm and panic.

The officer looked at Dale, who continued gasping, choking, and grasping his shirt.

"Alright, I'll leave you off with a warning," the cop said. "But just remember to not speed in a non-emergency."

"Of course sir," Evan nodded. "May I-"

"Go ahead."

And Evan floored it.



Leo... thirteen minutes later...



I didn't realize it took this long for the government to make a deal with those men.

But finally, they came out and approached my cage, before moving over to the side of the cage to get closer. One of the guys in the SWAT clothing lifted something.

Before I knew what it was, I felt a tranq dart in the side of my barrel, giving the feeling of a mosquito bite.

And just like that, everything went dark.



The humans...



The two SWAT members entered the barbed wire gate and picked up the unconsious body, which was lighter than it looked. They carried the body to the van, put it in the back, and closed the doors.

"And as promised, here's your cash," Agent Beckey said, giving Darryl, Hunter, Adam, and George each a neatly packaged stack of one-hundred dollar bills.

"Thank you," George said, his smile wide.

And the government agents and SWAT members all entered the van, backed out of the driveway, and drove off.



College students...



"We're almost there..." Evan muttered. The car has amazingly avoided any accidents during it's speedy run, and now they were only a minute away from their desired location.

But finally, the car slowed down, and turned into the familiar driveway. All four college students got out of the car.

"Where the hell are the government trucks?" Dale asked.

The door to the house opened, and out came George, along with his two accomplices.

"I thought I told you four bastards to stay the hell off my property," he hissed.

"Where is the pony?" Evan growled.

George smiled.

"You four are too late," he grinned. "The government took her."

"You son of a..." Jeremy marched over to George and swung his fist, punching George in the jaw with a loud CRACK!!!

As soon as George recovered, the attention of the seven humans was suddenly diverted to a blazing white burst of light.



Leo...



I groggily opened my eyes, only to find myself back in a small space. Only it was neater and had hay on the ground. Though there was only one window. I looked through the window and saw the inside of the van, containing two agents and two SWAT people.

"I'm screwed..." I whimpered.

And then I noticed a blue glow on my forehead. I looked up, but the glow followed. I returned my gaze to the window and all four humans in the van suddenly vanished in blue bursts. Through the window, I could see the wheel began to glow blue.

"I'm not the one doing this..." I muttered.

But then it hit me. Even if I'm not driving, once I stopped this van in a safe spot, I'm free!

"I'm free!"

For the first time in a week, I truly smiled. 

"I'M FREE! I'M... HUH?!?"

I suddenly saw a sharp turn up ahead, with a metal bar on the other side of the turn blocking off a cliff. If I drove straight forward, I'd fly off the cliff!

And then I noticed the wheel no longer glow blue!

"NO!!!" I shrieked. I tried to use my magic and regain control of the wheel, but to no avail.

I was done for!

CRASH!!!

The van suddenly burst through gate, and began to fall down to the bottom of the cliff.

Then the front of the van quickly tilted downward. My body fell.

And I landed on my head on the van wall.

CRACK!!!

And without feeling any pain, I was out like a light.



Later...



I awoke, immediatly feeling sharp pains in my head and an extra appendage on my side. I immediatly sat up and put my arms over my head, hoping this was a dream and I was human again. 

"Mommy?"

My eyes opened and I turned my head to the source of the voice. My eyes shrank.

The room I was in was cartoony and filled with a crystal gradient. My blurry hearing cleared, and I could hear a beeping heart monitor.

But that was only one of the two most important things I noticed.

And in the middle of my sight was a filly, who appeared to be five years old. She had a coat that was a mix of pink and bright purple. Her mane was a darker shade of purple, with a streak of blue on it, along with a streak of blue on each chunk of hair that hung on either side of her head.

And on her forehead was a horn. And I could see large wings on her side.

Her expression of confusion turned to one of joy.

"MOMMY!" she shrieked, jumping up and wrapping her arms around my side. I grimaced as I felt the pain on the mystery appendage, which was my wing, increase... and I immediatly realized I was still Princess Cadance!

I turned my head to the sound of yawning and saw a familiar stallion who was sitting on a chair wake up. His mane was a few different shades of blue, one shade being turqoise, and his coat was white. And he had a large horn poking out of his head.

He looked at me and his eyes went wide. He shook his head wildly before he looked back the kid that was latched on to me.

"Flurry!" he exclaimed, appearing to be alarmed.. "Be careful!"

"But Mommy's awake!" Flurry replied, before being covered in a magenta glow and being taken off of me. The pain in my wing calmed down. Shining Armor put the pouting Flurry on the chair next to him and he came over to the... hospital bed that I was on.

He put his hoof on my hoof.

"Welcome home, Cadance," he smiled.

Well shit...
> Chapter 10: ...and Now I'm in Equestria!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"S-Shining Armor?" I stuttered. "How I get here?"

Wait. Did I just... say that sentence wrong.

"Oh yeah... the doctors said you have a concussion,"  Shining explained.

"What's a concussion?" asked Flurry.

Before Shining could answer, the door opened and a nurse walked in. It wasn't a nurse from the show, so this was a whole new character. 

"Ah, your majesty!" she gave a quick bow. "You're awake."

"I ask again," I said, ignoring my screwed up sentences. "What I doing here?"

"You were gone for a week," the nurse explained. "Luckily, Princess Twilight was able to find you and save you before it was too late."

"Is Princess here?" I queried.

"No, but she actually plans on visiting you," the nurse answered. She looked in her clipboard. "I take it you already know about the concussion. But when we retrieved you and brought you back, we also found out that your left wing is fractured, and you have lost a ton of weight."

"Okay..." 

"Anyway, just came to check on you. I'll be back in a few."

The nurse then turned and left.

What was it she said again along with my concussion? Fractured wing? Lost weight?

Suddenly, my senses of pain increased, and the pain in my wing suddenly increased to how it felt when Flurry hugged me. I briefly let out a loud groan of pain.

"Mommy?" Flurry came up to me.

"Don't worry, kid..." I moaned. "But before we go talk other subject..." Ugh! This damn concussion! "...I need to say that I'm-"

I looked at Flurry. She gave me a look that made me against telling the truth. She's only five, and five year olds believe almost everything, whether it's a truth or lie. If I told her, who knows what would happen?! Then again, she is five... Gah, this headache is killing me.

I settled on telling Shining when Flurry wasn't in the room. If I pretended to be Cadance, I'm screwed!

"I need alone time with Shining," I managed to say.

"Well lucky for you, I've got some guards out to watch Flurry," Shining replied, before turning to his daughter... who is technically my daughter now too.

"Sweetie, Mommy wants to talk with Daddy alone," he began. "Could you maybe go and hang out with the other guards so we can talk?"

"But Daddy-"

"No, Flurry. I understand you're happy to see your mom again, but we need to talk right now. I promise you will get your chance to be with her."

Flurry scrunched her face.

"Fine," she pouted before turning. Shining opened the door and Flurry walked out, before Shining closed it.

"So what is it you want to tell me, Cadance?" Shining queried, coming up to my bed.

"Shining... I need to get this out..." I said, prepared. Better to tell him than to pretend to be someone I'm not. "I-"

"Miss your little cuddlebug?" he leaned on my shoulder, thankfully on the side of my body that has the good wing.

"Yes, that too," I quickly said. "But I-"

The nurse then entered the room.

"Sorry..." she apologized. "... I know it's barely been a minute, but visiting hours are over."

"That's alright," Shining said. He then nuzzled my cheek, which made me feel uncomfortable. "See you tomorrow, sweetie."

And so he turned and left the room. The nurse followed.

Even in Equestria, my days as Princess Cadance have sure been the unluckiest.

But then it dawned on me.

Am I far from home? Sure. Is there the chance I may never see my family and friends? Absolutely.

But I was free! No horse-trailers! No barbed-wire gates! No government people coming over to take me! I was free!

"I'm free..." I whispered, a smile crawling on my face. "I'm free!"

I decided to look at the time. It was actually getting late. I then looked at the window. Although the blinds were closed, I saw the light in a sunset-shade.

I lied my head back down on the pillow, waiting for time to pass.



Hours later...



Aside from the visit from that nurse, my evening was pretty uneventful. I passed the time by reading some graphic novels and Daring Do books from years ago. The nurses thought it was weird, but their expressions faded when I got some other books. My concussion also got better. Although my head still hurts, I can finally say normal sentences.

When it was 9:14, a thought occured.

How skinny am I?

I noticed a mirror in the corner of a room, so I carefully got of the bed, wincing due to the wing, and slowly walked over to the mirror. I didn't walk far enough to the point where the IV behind me would be yanked.

I had no hospital gown, so what I saw in the mirror was unsettling.

They did not lie when they said I lost weight! My body was very thin. Thin to the point where I could see my ribs, and my belly was smaller. My cheeks were slightly hollow, and my eyes looked tired. My wings were both bound to my body with bandages. The only thing that looked better was my coat and mane, which appear to have been cleaned and restyled while I was out.

"Shit..." I muttered. "Poor Cadance... or me. Wait a minute... if I'm here... and the real Cadance is nowhere else to be found... then that means..."

My eyes shrunk.

"I'm the real Cadance!"

Shit, I can't believe I realized this now!

The door then opened and the nurse poked her head in.

"Your majesty," my nurse (I haven't learned her name yet,) said. "Um... why are you off your bed?"

"Just seeing something," I shrugged.

"Oh... well, you have a visitor."

"I thought visiting hours are over," I say as I sat on the ground.

"This is a special visitor, who really needed to see you."

"Oh... then I guess you can send her in."

"Ok. One sec..." the nurse then retreated from the door, which was still open.

And a couple of seconds later, Princess Twilight Sparkle walked in.

My jaw fell open.

"T-Twilight?" I sputtered.

"Hi," Twilight greeted, sitting in front of me. "I know this is late, but I wanted to see you as soon as I can and I had a very busy day... being a Princess and all."

"I can't imagine what that feels like..." I muttered under my breath.

"What was that?"

"Nothing important..." I brushed off. "So... before we get into further discussion, I really need to tell you something."

"I need to tell you something too," Twilight said. "Something that concerns you."

"Something about me?" I raised an eyebrow. "Well then... I guess you could tell me first."

Princess Twilight took a deep breath. Then she spoke.

"I know you're not Princess Cadance."
> Chapter 11: Well, at Least I Know Why I'm Cadance...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I blinked. "I'm sorry... what?" 

"I know you're not Cadance," Twilight said again. "Wait... Scratch that... I know you're controlling Cadance's body."

"Can someone please tell me what the hell is going on?" I say.

"I guess I can explain..." Twilight began. "Starting with a little flashback spell..."

Twilight immediatly lit up her horn, and before I could even say anything else, I suddenly felt a quick sense of lightheadedness.

And then my vision turned completely white.

When my vision returned, everything was different. The only thing that remained the same was Twilight, who still sat in front of me.

But we were no longer in my hospital room,

Instead, we were in the crystal throne room.

"Where are we?" I asked. 

"A flashback," Twilight answered. "Watch, and your questions of why you're my sister-in-law will be answered."

"Okay then..." I muttered.

I turned my head right, and saw... myself, sitting on the throne. No, not my human self. Princess Cadance. She had royal guards on each side of the throne. Cadance also appeared to be reading a scroll or something. Was it a spell? A letter? I had no idea.

I heard the doors open and I turned my head the other direction. I saw Shining Armor and Flurry enter the room. Shining had a bag that looked as if it had beach stuff.

"Hi!" I turned my head right again to see Cadance smiling happily at her husband and daughter. She hopped off her throne and made her way to her family.

"How was the beach?" she asked.

"It was fun, though Flurry wished you could've went," Shining answered.

"Well, maybe I'll come next time," Cadance promised.

"Mommy, I found something at the beach," Flurry chirped.

"Really?" Cadance bent down so her muzzle was at the same height as Flurry's. "Would you like to show me?"

"I got it right here," Shining said. He lit his horn before the bag draped on his side opened. Out floated a pearl that was probably the size of my eye... my pony eye, of course. Technically Cadance's eye.

"Oooh," Cadance admired. "Well, Flurry, that looks like a pretty valuable pearl that you found. How about we go put that somewhere safe in your room while Daddy watches the throne?"

"Okay," Flurry bounced.

And so Flurry and Cadance walked past Shining Armor, who made his way to the throne to probably watch over it.

The landscape suddenly rippled before going pitch black. But despite that, I could still see Twilight as well as myself.

"If I may ask, why does this flashback matter?" I queried.

"I will explain after," Twilight replied. "Let's fast-forward..."

Again, the landscape began to ripple, but when it formed, we were no longer in the throne room. Instead, we were in a large bedroom, and it appeared to be night.

I already knew that this was Flurry Heart's bedroom, due to the large amount of five-year old girl items. I turned my head, taking notice of a glow coming from an open closet.

Flurry Heart, who was in her bed, appeared to be sleeping.

I turned my head back to the closet before a sudden bolt of strange, indescribable lightning shot out of the closet and struck a stuffed bunny on the ground. The stuffed bunny suddenly transformed into an ice sculpture of a pineapple upon impact of the lightning.

Another bolt shot out and struck another stuffed animal, turning it into a ball of cheese.

I noticed Flurry groaning and slowly opening her eyes.

The door open and I turned my head around. I saw Cadance in the doorway, with Shining Armor behind her.

"Flurry? GAH!"

A bolt suddenly flew past Cadance and Shining and struck a photo hung on the wall behind them. It turned into green slime and oozed down the wall.

"Mommy?" Flurry muttered.

"What is going on?" Shining queried.

"I think it came from the closet where I put the pearl," Cadance muttered, slowly entering the room.

"Mommy? What are you doing?" Flurry questioned.

"It's ok, sweetie," Cadance assured, before looking in the closet and brought out a familiar pearl.

"The pearl seems fine..." Cadance looked to Shining. 

And then she took a step forward and stumbled on another stuffed animal.

The blue aura around Cadance's horn and the pearl faded in a snap, and the pearl fell to the ground.

Upon impact, a bolt shot out of the pearl... and struck Cadance right in the barrel!

And just like that, Cadance was gone!

"M-Mommy?" Flurry whimpered.

"CADANCE!" Shining shrieked.

I suddenly felt lightheaded yet again, and my vision turned blazing white. Within seconds, I found myself back in the hospital room. I shook my head and brought my gaze back to Twilight.

"I'm sorry for not saying much," Twilight apologized. "I could have explained as we went, but I chose not to."

We only saw what happened to Cadance and not me, but this was still a lot of information. A lot of information that I wanted to review.

"So let me get this straight..." I began. "You're saying this all began because of a pearl?"

"Yes," Twilight nodded. "After Cadance vanished, Shining sent me the message right away. Discord was visiting when I heard the news, and he was near the room as well when he heard about the pearl. Apparently, for reasons yet to be discovered, the pearl Flurry found harbors a large amount of chaos magic. When Flurry found it, it activated the magic."

"And when Cadance dropped it, a large bolt lashed out, struck her, and put me in this situation," I finished.

Twilight blinked, shocked that I was able to finish her explanation. Honestly, I didn't know either, but I wasn't going to say anything.

"Y-yes, that is the explanation we have so far."

"And how did you know I'm not Cadance?" I asked.

"I worked with Discord to find you," Twilight explained. "When we tracked you down and brought you here, Discord checked your mind and came to the conclusion that you are not Cadance, but rather, another life form. Only Discord and I know who you really are, since it was only the two of us when we brought you back."

"So now that you found me, what next?" I asked. "Could we maybe work on getting me home? Hire Discord or something?"

"I wish we could get Discord," Twilight sighed. "But a few hours ago, the pearl went missing. Discord went missing as well. Guards are out looking for his whereabouts. Shining is supposed to join the search tomorrow."

"So what am I supposed to do until then?"

"Live your life until further notice," Twilight advised. "Whether you want to pretend to be Cadance or not is up to you. But it would be easier if everypony knew the truth. I wish you luck."

Twilight got up and turned to leave.

"Wait!" I called out. Twilight stopped in her tracks and turned to me. "If I'm in the real Cadance's body... then what about Cadance herself?"

"Do you have a feeling she is somewhere in you?"

I opened my mouth to speak. But I said nothing. I have never thought of that before. I never felt that Cadance was with me. But now that Twilight brought it up...

"I... don’t even know!”

Twilight then nodded. "I promise to return when I can. Again, I wish you luck and hope to see you soon."

"Alright..." I waved a hoof. "See you..."

Twilight waved goodbye before she left the room closed the door, leaving me alone yet again in the hospital room.
> Chapter 12: Then I was Alone for a Minute...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I needed to process what just happened. It wasn't just because of the flashbacks I saw. It wasn't because I met Twilight. And it wasn't because I was alone.

No. It was mainly the way Twilight acted.

Thoughts stormed through my mind about her. I don't know about you, but aside from the flashbacks, and the few small things she told me, Twilight pretty much left me out to dry. Heck, it didn't even seem like she felt bad for me. She just came, showed me the flashbacks, told me some stuff, and left. What was the deal? 

Was she just skeptical? Was she busy and wanted to get it out of the way? Or was it something else? The first part makes more sense... but I wasn't sure. Those would be questions I would uncover when talking to someone who actually had ties to Twilight. They know her best, after all. 



Princess Twilight...



Princess Twilight Sparke just left the hospital where Cadance... or the human controlling Cadance's body... was residing.

She felt bad for leaving her the way she did. And she felt bad for showing the flashbacks, giving only a small bit of information, and leaving.

But at the same time, she did it because she was skeptical. She's seen humans before, but that was a different world than where Cadance was in. That world wasn't the mirror world. So Twilight wasn't sure if the humans would be the same.

But she had a plan. If this human controlling Cadance was one she would trust, she would happily make amends and answer her questions yet again, only in a better manner.

If only she wasn't busy trying to figure things out for herself...


Leo...



I really didn't want to return to the bed and risk feeling pain in my wing again. I was just going to wait until I had an opportunity to return to the bed with the worst result being a minor soreness. For minutes, I paced around the room, imagining God knows what.

I went over to the window and looked out. I could see the city of the empire. It was the first beautiful sight I've seen in over a week. The stars sparkled in the sky, and the crystal buildings and lamposts sparkled below. I could see the castle.

I began to wonder what Shining Armor and Flurry were thinking. Along with that, I wondered what they would think when they found out who I truly was. 

Then the thought of Shining and Flurry brought me to the thoughts of my own family. And all I could say was that it sucked. 

I lost my own family and friends, and now, the family and friends I have now aren't even supposed to be mine. 

I rubbed my forehead to clear the thought about telling them, when I suddenly realized the lantern in my room was still on.

I turned my head to the lantern, and I saw my shadow standing near the light.

Why is this important? Because I noticed a few details that told me something wasn't right.

For one, the shadow wasn't connected. I didn't notice that right away, but I took notice moments after I saw it. I also noticed where it was. I don't think my shadow was supposed to be standing there.

And when I tilted my head, the shadow remained unmoving.

And then the shadow moved on it's own.

It didn't just move. When it lifted it's hoof, the hoof actually came out of the wall. Instead of a 2-dimensional shadow hoof, it was now a 3 dimensional hoof that was still made of shadow.

I backed away, my rump bumping into the wall. The shadow put it's hoof on the ground and half of it's head came out of the wall.

Then the shadow brought another hoof forward, and when it put it down, it was halfway out of the wall!

My heart thumped as the shadow finished it's trek out of the wall. When it was completely out, two blinding white eyes opened and the shadow began to make it's way to me!

"No..." I muttered. I raised a forehoof and shielded myself, shutting my eyes. "S-stay back!"

Moments later, I looked back at the shadow. It stood where it was when I last saw it, almost as if it listened to me. It lifted a hoof and waved.

"W-who are you?" I stuttered.

My heart resumed pounding as the shadow made it's way closer to me. When it stopped, it was only just a few feet from me.

The shadow placed it's hoof on its chest, and then brought it's hoof to my chest.

"I don't get it..." I muttered. "Are you saying... you're me?"

The shadow nodded.

It took me a split second to catch on. I let out a silent gasp upon realization.

"P-Princess Cadance?"

And the shadow nodded in reply.
> Chapter 13: Even Cadance has more Answers Than Twilight.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Can't you speak?" I asked the shadow... also known as Princess Cadance, of course.

Shadow Cadance just stared for a moment before she slowly shook her head and gave me a sad look.

"Hmmm..." I pondered what else to ask before I noticed a small blackboard nearby. I pointed to it. "What about magic? Can you do magic?"

Shadow Cadance looked at the blackboard before she closed her eyes. Her horn began to glow a shade of grey. That same grey glow covered the blackboard and a piece of chalk, before they both lifted into the air and levitated to her.

"Okay... you can..." I say. "Do you see where I'm going with this?"

Shadow Cadance nodded before she scribbled on the blackboard. I read what it said.

Yes.

"Alright," I began. "I still have a few questions. Why was Twilight cutting to the chase over the flashbacks and my questions? How are you even here?"

Cadance scribbled on the blackboard.

To answer your question about Twilight, the best answer I can think of is that she's skeptical. She's seen humans, but they were from a whole different dimension.

Cadance erased her writing and wrote a couple more sentences.

She wasn't sure just how different you "Earth" humans are to the mirror world humans.

Cadance erased and rewrote.

To answer your second question, I was here for a while. It was magic that allowed me to take control of your shadow.

Yet again she erased and rewrote.

Ever since you first took control of my body after the incident, I've been locked in the deepest part of your mind. *erase, rewrite* I was unable to do magic that affected the outside world, and you had no idea how the properties of magic worked. So I was unable to help you. *erase, rewrite* However, I could still do magic inside your head. So I was working on accessing spells that could tie my magic to yours. *erase, rewrite* Luckily, while you were in that mysterious transport device... what I learned was called a van... I finally managed to connect my magic to yours and grab the thing that steers the truck.

"That was you?" I replied. "That explains why my magic suddenly activated and grabbed the wheel! That wasn't me, that was you!"

Cadance nodded and wrote on the blackboard.

After you went unconsious, I began working on a spell to bring me out of your body. *erase, rewrite* And now, it worked. Though only you can see me.

"How come I never encountered you when I was dreaming?"

Because the place I was trapped in was so deep in your mind, it would have taken effort to find me. For both of us.

"Oh."

Does that answer all of your questions?

"It does. So what now?"

I can't return to your mind until sunrise. That's how the spell works. The spell I casted enabled me to leave your head at will every sunset, but I can't return until sunrise.

"There's a spell for everything, huh?"

Actually, it was just convenient that there was a spell like that.

"So... when I return to the castle... what should I do? I mean... you have a family. Can't you just switch places with me? I'm the shadow and you're... you? I don't want to have to deal with telling ponies who I am."

Unfortunately, I can't. It will have to be up to you to care for the family. Whether you want to tell everypony who you are is up to you.

"Twilight said the exact same thing. But what will ponies think? I can't lead a whole place. I'm just a guy from college who suddenly got in this mess and is no longer home and-"

I suddenly noticed my vision get coated with a shade of grey, and I felt my body pull closer to Cadance. She wrapped her hooves around me.

"What are you doing?"

I saw Cadance write on the blackboard and she turned it to me so I can see.

My link to your mind is allowing me to feel the amount of anxiety you are having. I'm trying to comfort you. I know you may not need it but... 

"It's fine... thanks."

Listen, we can talk about this tomorrow. I can give you advice on watching over the place, and telling the truth to my family. And maybe I can even prove to them that I'm still here. They can't see me. But they can see the objects I move.

"That's not a bad idea..."

I felt my body lift and lower into the bed. I guess Cadance knew I didn't want to risk feeling extreme pain?

"So... I guess you probably thought it was stupid that, when I was in the barbed wire gate, I didn't crawl out and risk a few scratches?"

The lowest piece of wire was too low. You wouldn't fully crawl out without deep scratches anyway.

Cadance then turned her head and noticed something on a stand. She went over and picked it up with her magic.

It was a drawing. I didn't notice until now. It looked like it was from Flurry. She probably left it while I was out. The drawing was messy, but it appeared to be me. The writing, however, was indecipherable.

I noticed Cadance's white eyes curve into sad eyes.

I guess it was my turn to comfort her.

"You still miss them... don't you? I bet you felt sad just bringing the subject up... Flurry's drawing just brought upon a deeper impact."

Cadance nodded.

"Don't worry... remember the plan you thought of. As long as you use your magic to prove that you're there, maybe you'll feel a little bit better."

Cadance looked at me.

I wasn't sure if she was giving me a smile of sorts, since she had no mouth. but I had the feeling.

"You'll just have to wait..." I looked at my wing and sighed. "For a while."

Cadance looked at my wing. Then at hers. She then carefully put her hoof on my fractured wing. Before I knew what was happening, I saw the wing on Shadow Cadance slowly disappear... along with the pain in my wing. By the tine Cadance's wing was completely gone, my wing felt better.

"What did you do?" I asked.

Cadance got her chalkboard back and wrote.

Another convenient spell. I risked a part of my shadow body to heal your wing. Once the doctors take notice that you're 100% fine, we'll be free to go.

"Well thank you," I leaned my head back into the pillow. "I don't think I could handle a few weeks of feeling a fractured wing."

I yawned.

"Well... I gotta sleep at some point. You?"

Cadance wrote on the blackboard. 

I may be a shadow, but I can fall asleep as well. I wish sweet dreams.

Cadance set the blackboard down, lowered to the floor, and lied down.

"Are you sure you can handle sleeping on the floor?" I questioned.

Cadance nodded.

"I mean, it's unconfortable."

Cadance shrugged.

"Hang on..."

I grabbed the pillow with my teeth and held it in front of Cadance. 

She waved it off, as if to tell me it was fine.

"I insist... I'll be fine."

Cadance looked at it.

"Just take it... please."

Cadance actually gave in and placed the pillow under her head. She rested her head on it.

Ignoring the fact that a shadow is lying her head on a pillow, I brought my head down on the bed. It was less comfortable, but the fact that Cadance was locked in my mind and she isn't able to speak to her family, I felt bad. Besides, I was trying to be nice.

But when I fel asleep, I had a strange thought... I don't know how... and I don't know why... but I could have sworn that I've seen a tiny bit of my personality in Cadance.

And... if I turned into Cadance... then why am I the real Cadance and it's like I'm possessing her?
> Chapter 14: Are Things Going to Get Harder?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

My eyes slowly opened, allowing the bright light to fill my sight. For a split second, I thought that everything was a dream, and I was either back at college as myself, or trapped at the bottom of a cliff as Cadance.

But when I fully opened my eyes and scanned the room, it immediately struck me that this was all real.

"Ugh..." I rubbed my head. At least my wing felt better...

Speaking of which, I opened the appendage, which was no longer restrained to my body, and rubbed it with my hooves.

It felt weird, but I felt no pain.

So my encounter with Cadance last night was also real...

And the fact that my wing was better was a good thing. Because now I can get out of here and figure out a way to return home.

I looked around for something to buzz the nurse in. To my convenience, there was a button. I pressed it, put it down, and waited.

I then mulled over my thoughts of all my encounters. I felt Cadance was more open to me than Twilight. But as she said (or wrote), Twilight doesn't trust me. At least... we don't think. Plus, Cadance probably knows every thought and memory inside my head.

And the more I thought of it, the more I questioned Twilight's motives.

If she knows I'm some guy who isn't suitable enough to care for a family and a kingdom, why make me do it? Is it because, again, she doesn't trust me? Is she testing me? Or is she trying to cover things up? The last one, in its own way, is debatable, as it depends on her motives.

If we meet again, I'm telling her my thoughts. She didn't give me much tasks and information to work with, so I'll need to pry it out of her.

Until then, Cadance is my go-to source if I can't handle things or make decisions. Seems unlikely, but it's possible.

Just then, the door opened.

"Hey," I greeted.

"Hello," the nurse replied warmly. "You buzzed?"

"Yeah, I just need you to check out my wing... it's feeling better."

I opened my wing.

How am I doing that? I didn't even train myself on it... I pondered.

"Did you remove the bandages last night?" the nurse asked.

"Well... yes," I answered. "But only because my wing was better at the time."

What? I wasn't going to tell her of my encounter with Cadance.

"Well... you opened the wing without pain..." the nurse muttered. "Let me feel..."

The nurse went over and massaged her hooves around my wing. Again... it felt weird having an appendage on my back, especially when it was being touched.

"Amazing..." she muttered. "How did a fractured wing like that heal so fast?!"

"Ummm... healing spell?" I said. I technically wasn't lying.

"Huh... it makes sense. You had a concussion, and when you were fully recovered, you healed your wing."

I nodded. Now that was a lie.

"Well alright then..." the nurse turned to leave. "If you're wing is better and you've fully recovered, I think it's safe to say that you may return home."

"Really?! That's great!"

"We'll just need to fill a few things out with you and you're family, and then you're good to go."

"That's fine," I say, sporting a smile that was sort of fake, and sort of real.

"I'll be back," the nurse said before leaving the room and closing the door.

I exhaled and leaned my head back on the pillow.

I was finally going to get out of here. And once I do, I'm going to figure out how to get back home, while also dealing with the weight of caring for a family and a kingdom.

Because apparently, according to Twilight, that's my only option...



Later...



I finally stepped out of the hospital, with Shining Armor and Flurry Heart behind me. When I took a few more steps away from the building, I scanned my very shiny surroundings.

"It's nice to be back here... isn't it?" I heard Shining ask from behind me.

I didn't turn to look at him. But I did nod in response.

"Y-yeah."

"Are you ok?" Shining questioned.

"I'm fine. It just..." I took a deep breath. "... feels weird to be back."

More like it feels weird to be here in general.

"I understand that you probably went through a lot when you were gone," Shining said, now walking beside me.

"You have no idea..." 

An idea went through my head.

"Any chance I could stop by the library?" I asked.

"I don't see why not," Shining shrugged. "But I suggest you make yourself at home  and let everypony know you're back, first."

Well shit... I groaned in my head. I guess it wouldn't hurt to wait a bit longer. I pretty much have all the time in the world, so I have no need to be in a hurry.

"Yes, that's what needs to be done first," I agreed, giving out another fake smile.

"And Flurry's also been dying to play with you."

I turned my gaze to the child also walking beside me now.

"Can we play later?" she asked.

Well... I couldn't say no to her. She missed her mother, who I have become, and I can't say no to a child who's now my daughter. Even though I've never had a child that ends up becoming mine.

"Sure sweetie." I rubbed her head, ignoring the fact that I was still walking on three legs.

Sweetie? Well... you gotta match a loving mother the best you can, after all...

As we continued speaking, and the castle began to get closer, I began to ponder on what would happen next.

How difficult will it be to watch over a kingdom or do Princess-duties when the moments come? How difficult will it be to watch a child? How long until I encounter Princess Twilight again?

And when I announce my return to the Crystal Empire, should I risk causing panic and say who I really am?

An answer began to form in my mind not long after I thought of that question.

No.
> Chapter 15: Shining... I'm Not Your Wife!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

On my way to the castle, I began to get the attention of many crystal ponies. All of them either stared, whispered to their peers with glee, or greeted me. I knew right off the bat that they would be relieved to see their Princess back in the Crystal Empire.

Soon, we finally returned to the castle. We kept on going through the hallways, Shining continuing to speak to me.

And then, when we were near Flurry's room...

"Now Cadance, nearly the whole Empire was worried about you when you were gone-"

"-and they'll probably be expecting me to pull off some sort of speech signifying my return and that everything is all right," I interrupted. 

Shining blinked.

"Um... yes, that was kind-of it." Shining said. "Are you all right? You seem distant.”

I looked at Flurry, who stood beside me. Since we were close to her room, I took the chance.

I moved to stand in front of her and bent down to her eye level.

"Sweetie, go play in your room for a moment," I instructed in a mother-like voice (that I didn't even intend to use). "Daddy and I will need to talk for a moment."

"Ok, Mom," she happily replied before she went to her room.

Flurry closed the door to her room as soon as she got in.

"You want to talk with me?" Shining questioned.

"Not when we're this close to her room..." I answered. 

"Ok..."

So we both began to walk away from Flurry's room. For half a minute, we were quiet, with no word being spoken.

"So... what is it you wanted to talk about, Cadance?" Shining asked.

Since I felt that we were far enough, I stopped. Shining Armor took a few more steps before turning around to face me.

I didn’t say anything for a second.

“Before I tell you this, I need to promise you that my concussion is long gone, and I’m not crazy. And this will not be a joke. Understand?”

“O-okay?” Shining stammered, unsure of where I was going with this.

I took a deep breath.

“Shining, I’m not Cadance. Well... sort of. When that chaos magic sent her away from this world, she ended up in my world. When she arrived, however, somehow we merged and now my mind is in her body. I have a feeling her brain merged with mine also. Who I really am is a 20 year-old named Leo. I went to a college for comic books and hung out with my four friends.”

Shining blinked.

“Oh,” I remembered. “And I used to be a guy.”

“Okaaay...” Shining raises his brow. “I find that a little hard to believe. I don’t think your crazy, but are you sure your mind is 100% fine?”

“Is there some way I can prove this to you?”

Shining rubbed his chin.

“Alright... let’s read that story that always makes the both of us cry on the last chapter.”

“We’ll only read the last chapter, right?” I asked.

“It always makes the both of us cry like it’s a reflex so... yeah.”

This was definitely something odd. But if my predictions were right, I wouldn’t cry, and Shining would be sobbing.

Shining sobbing at the end of a sad book definitely  sounds like something he would do...



One long read later...



After reading, I levitated the book back to the shelf I got it from.

Now, as I predicted, I didn’t shed a single tear. But Shining was crying a literal river. My forehoof was actually around him, patting his back while he sobbed into my coat.

Again, this definitely felt like something I would see him doing in the show. Or a fanfiction.

Not only that, but I could have sworn that I heard the loud sound of sobbing in my head. And it sounded like... Cadance?

“Well... the ending was sad... and disappointing...” I began. Shining brought a tissue to blow his nose. I cringed as I continued speaking. “And now I know how the story ends if I’ll read it... even though I won’t. But see? I’m not crying or anything (even though I can hear Cadance crying in my head).”

Shining sniffled and wiped his tears.

“I don’t get it,” he said, tears still rolling. “We’ve read this ending over fifty times and always cried! How are you not-“

“Because... I’m not Cadance,” I replied. “NOW do you believe me.”

Shining, who was now silently crying, looked away for a moment.

“I... need a minute,” he says before getting up and leaving.

“I’ll... just stay here,” I said.

Now... looks like it’s time for more inner thinking.

I’m not sure if what just happened is going to convince Shining. He did say they both cry while reading this as if it’s a reflex, but I’m not sure it’s enough. I’ll just have to wait until he returns.

The crying in my head has subsided. I found it strange... I’ve never heard sounds from Cadance while she was in my head before. So this means there are three possibilities: I’m hearing things, she could be getting stronger and soon I’ll hear every word she says, or it’s nearly time for her to exit my head and become my shadow again.

I continued thinking. As I always do. Can you blame me? Which of you has ever turned into a Princess pony with a husband and child before? Answer: none of you.

Minutes later, the door opened. Shining was no longer crying, but I couldn’t tell his mood or where he stood on all of this. Plus, he wasn’t making eye contact with me. Does he even believe me now because I didn’t cry while reading? 

“So... I guess you’ve thought about all of this?” I queried.

“Mhm...” Shining nodded, still not looking at me.

“So... what do you have to say? Do you believe me?”

This question provoked Shining to finally look at me again. He opened his mouth and spoke.

What he said was something that caught me off guard. It wasn’t yes. But it wasn’t no.

“How does it feel down... there?”
> Chapter 16. What the hell do I say?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I blinked.

"Um... excuse me?"

"How does it feel... not having..." Shining cleared his throat. "How does it feel not having what makes you... male?"

I blushed.

"Er... um... well..." I shuffled my hind legs a bit. "It feels... weird. Empty. Never noticed the difference until now..."

"No. Describe it in detail," Shining replied.

I turned as red as a tomato.

"What?! No!"

A guard then came in. Saved by the bell.

"Princess Cadance. The crystal ponies are gathering outside," he said.

I gulped.

"What should I say?!" I hissed.

"What?!" Shining hissed back.

"Help me out here! What should I say?!"

"I don't know! Something like... 'Everything's going to be all right. I'm definitely not a human possessing the real Cadance!'"

"Dude! Are you even on my side?!"

"I'm sorry... I want to help!" Shining admitted. "But this is still so hard to take in. Look, just be reassuring, and seem brave. Tell them that everything will be fine."

I just sighed.

"Alright... let's do this!"

I turned, my tail swishing like a skirt. The guard led me to where I needed to go, though why he did lead me I didn't know. Do they always do this? Right... guards.

Finally, we arrived, and I stepped out onto the balcony. There were so many crystal ponies below me... the thought of lying to so many folks made me feel queasy.

"Um..." I cleared my voice. Wait! There's no mic! Right... I need to speak loud. Does it have to be Royal Canterlot voice loud?

So many thoughts... must... calm... down.

"CITIZENS OF THE CRYSTAL EMPIRE!!" I called out. Wait, I didn't intend to say that. I didn't even intend to move my mouth! I suddenly stepped forward, but I didn't intend that either.

It almost felt as if I wasn't in control of my body anymore... almost as if someone else is controlling, and I have to sit back and watch.

"I APOLOGIZE FOR MY ABSENSE, AS WELL AS THE PANIC THAT IT HAS CAUSED YOU! BUT NOW THAT I'VE RETURNED, ALL PANIC CAN SUBSIDE! AND THE OBJECT THAT CAUSED MY DISAPPEARENCE WILL BE TAKEN CARE OF AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, WITH THE HELP OF PRINCESS TWILIGHT SPARKLE! IN THE MEANTIME, STAY SAFE, STAY HAPPY, AND STAY POSITIVE! THANK YOU! THAT IS ALL!"

Wait... that's it? That wasn't even thirty seconds long!

As my body turned and began to walk away, I suddenly felt myself phase back into control... was that the right sentence?

Shining ran up to me.

"See? What were you so worried about?" he assured. "You did great for a ten second speech!"

"Yeah, well here's the thing..." I muttered. "I... don't think that was me."

"What?" Shining tilted his head.

"When I began, I suddenly felt like I lost control. Almost as if someone else was in control..."

"You don't think-"

Shining was cut off when a letter suddenly appeared. My heart jumped as I lept.

He opened it.

"Meet me up front... Your's truly, Princess Twilight Sparkle."

"Oh boy..." I muttered. When we last met, Twilight just wanted to cut to the case it seemed, and she brought the burden of caring for a kingdom and family on me.

Thinking about it, it seemed so unfair. And here I thought Twilight would actually be understanding and not a bitch.

"What?" Shining asked.

"It's nothing..." I muttered. "It's just that when we last met, she pretty much cut to the chase. She pretty much explained how I got into this mess, and then left me to care for everything."

"What? That's unfair! And kind of weird for her to do..."

"Look, we'll meet her outside, and see what she has to say."

"Well... okay."

And then the both of us began our venture to the exit.




Minutes later...




Minutes later, Shining and I arrived outside. At the same time, Princess Twilight was just getting off her chariot. Her mane looked a bit unkempt. And was she... twitching?

"Twily?" Shining raised his brow at the state his sister was in.

"Hey, Shining! Hey Cadance... I can call you Cadance, right?" Twilight said in a quick pace.

"Are you okay?" I ask.

"Oh, I'm fine," Twilight replied, still speaking kind of fast. "Listen, I'm sorry for not explaining much to you and having you care for the family and kingdom! I was skeptical of you back then, I barely knew you, and I was running out of time before I could go back to my Princess duties! So when I wasn't doing my daytime or nightime duties, I would research that object that brought you in this mess in the first place! And everytime I got tired, I'd drink six cups of coffee!"

Well. That explains her current state. But why six cups? Something tells me her Twilighting resurfaced...

Her right hind leg started to thump on the ground.

"And then I tried to ask Discord for help, but then he told me that his magic somehow vanished!"

Wait... what?

"So I kept researching for any way to help you, and I haven't come out victorious yet!"

"So... why come here?" Shining questioned.

"To apologize!" Twilight grinned.

"Alright, let's take you inside..." I muttered.

"But why?!"

"I agree with Cadance... wow, what should we call you?" questioned Shining before he stepped forward and wrapped his hoof around Twilight. He began to lead us inside. "Anyway, come on inside, and we can settle things down."



Inside...




After the tough process of getting Twilight to snap out of it (we yelled at her, splashed water on her, Shining even tried to give her decaf), she eventually calmed down.

"In all seriousness, I really wasn't thinking straight when putting you in this situation," Twilight says. "I probably should have came at a time where I wasn't out of time to go do something, and I also should have learned about you a bit more."

"Whether I should forgive you or not is on the cards..." I reply. "But at least you're coming to your senses. Though, when I had to give a ten-second speech, I felt like I wasn't the one doing it. It felt like I was being controlled."

"Interesting..." Twilight rubbed her chin. Her eyes went wide. "Have you... ever spoke to the real Cadance? In your head, or anywhere?"

I sighed.

"Once. The night you approached me. After you left, my shadow gained a life of its own... it became Princess Cadance! It was her."

"Wait. Is she here now?" Shining asked.

I shook my head. "She only comes out at night. Though I guess today is an example that she still shows herself during the day."

Suddenly, with a whiff of green flames, a scroll suddenly appeared and landed on the crystal floor.

"What's that?" Shining asked.

"It's from Spike..." Twilight opened the scroll. For a few seconds, she read it, before she gasped.

"Oh no... I have to get back to Canterlot right away!"

"What? What happened?" I queried.

Twilight sighed.

"Queen Chrysalis, Lord Tirek, and Cozy Glow broke out of their stone prison."
> Chapter 17: More Like Me?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"WHAT?!?" Shining immediatly shifted into a defensive position. 

"Now wait just a minute." Twilight held up her hoof. "It says here that when Spike went over to the garden, he found the villains wandering in the garden. When he gathered the guards and attempted to back them in a corner... they didn't fight back! In fact, they were afraid! And when they were backed into a corner, they pleaded for mercy! They even claimed that they weren't Chrysalis, Tirek, and Cozy Glow, but instead, they claimed that... they were creatures from another world... possessing... them..."

As the realization began to dawn on Twilight, her sentence slowed. Both her and Shining brought gazes to me.

I started to realize it too. Could they be humans in the same situation I was in?

"I don't get this," Shining said. "How did they even get out?!"

"That's a question we'll figure out later," Twilight replied. "Spike told me that they're holding the villains in a cell until they hear what I have to say. Cadance... I can call you that, right?"

"Knock yourself out," I shrugged.

"Those three villains may be very dangerous," Twilight explained. "But considering it's possible that they broke out after your arrival, along with the fact that only Shining, Spike, and I all know who you really are, their situation may be genuine. If it's alright with you, I request that you come to Canterlot and see this for yourself. Considering how you're in the situation they claim to be in, if what they say is true, you can have contact with those who are in the situation you're in. Plus, you can ask them about your home and confirm to us if what they're saying is true. It's your choice."

"But what if they're lying and attack me?!" I asked.

"Even if they know how to use magic, the guards restrained their magic. They can't hurt you."

I thought about it. It's my choice... on the one hoof, seeing my favorite villains in the flesh and living to tell the tale sounds awesome. But there was a part of me I'd never thought I'd feel on the subject of the villains being freed... worry.

Nevertheless, mainly because I wanted to, I said, "Well... as long as the kingdom remains safe... I guess I could see for myself. What do you think Shining?"

"I don't trust them, but you being in their supposed 'situation' may give confirmation," Shining responded. :And if they are like you, you have more genuine folks to bond with. So I say, if you want to go... feel free to go. I can handle things here. I've done it before."

"Then it's settled..." I began. "... I'm going."



Canterlot...



The chariot landed near what I assumed was the place that led to where the villains were being held. Was that small building the size of a shed always there?

I exited the chariot. Twilight followed. And Spike was waiting outside.

"Hey, Twilight and... do I call you Cadance?" he said.

"Yes, it's fine," I reply.

"Which cell are they being held in?" Twilight asked.

"The one with the most guards," Spike pointed into the doorway. "Want me to go in?"

"No thank you, Spike. You may resume to your usual duties."

Spike did a salute.

"Right away, your majesty!"

And then he opened his wings and flew off.

"Ready?" Twilight asked.

I nodded. "Mhm..."

And then she opened the door and we entered. Instead of a room, there was only a staircase that descended downward. 

"This staircase was added a few years ago as another pathway to a downstairs prison," Twilight explained. "We usually have guards here, but I guess Spike had them go down to the cell."

"I see..." I muttered.

We soon hit the hallway at the bottom of the staircase. We travelled down the hallway for a few more minutes.

And then we turned a corner... and saw at least six guards standing around a cell. Two of them came over and bowed.

"Your majesties..." one of them began. "Behind this cell are the three villains, which some call 'the Legion of Doom'. What is it that you plan to do with them, Princess Twilight?"

Ok, so they aren't confused as to why I'm here? Or they're probably hiding it.

"We're going to talk with them and go from there," Twilight replied. "We would like to see them."

The guards got up.

"Right away," the other guard said, before they parted, allowing room for us to look in the cell. Both Twilight and I stepped forward and looked inside.

And all three of them were there.

And they looked afraid. And unsure about their future.

Cozy Glow paced. Tirek and Chrysalis sat and stared at the ground. I noticed a ring on Tirek's finger and a ring on Chrysalis' horn. Were those magic inhibitor rings?

Chrysalis was the first to look up.

"Twilight!" she got up and ran to the cell, before the others followed suit. "Listen, I know you can't trust us, but please hear us out! We're not who you think we are!"

I looked over to Twilight, and then a guard.

"Let me in the cell," I ordered.

The guard looked at me like I was crazy, but then nodded. He went forward, Twilight and I backed away, and he opened the door. I slowly stepped inside, and heard the door close behind me. I noticed the guards shift into more battle-ready positions. Sure they have restrained magic, but they could still be physical.

"P-Princess Cadance?" Cozy stuttered. "W-what are you doing?"

"What are you three?" I asked.

"We-we're bipedal creatures from Earth!" Tirek answered. "We're called humans!"

"We don't know what happened!" Chrysalis said. "The three of us were just minding our own business, chillaxing at his house..." Chrysalis pointed at Cozy. 

His?! Is the possible human possessing Cozy a guy?! I guess I'm finally not alone...

"...and when we fell asleep, we woke up, here, surrounded by bits of rock!" Chrysalis finished.

"Very interesting..." I muttered.

"Wait... you believe us?" Tirek seemed genuinely taken aback by the fact that I'm not trying anything against him. And not because his plan was working... because he didn't expect any of us to listen to the fact that he may be in my situation. "But... why?"

For a second, because I briefly forgot the presence of guards, I said:

"Because I am one of you."
> Chapter 18: Pop-culture References Galore!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I turned my head to the guards. I noticed on how they seemed more alarmed.

"Princess Cadance..." one of them stammered. "W-what do you mean?"

I sighed.

"I'm just like them. I'm a human from the planet Earth, trapped in Princess Cadance's body... forced to be the brain."

"Oh phew..." another guard wiped his brow. "For a second there, I thought you meant you were evil and had the desire to conquer Equestria..."

The guard next to him elbowed his chest.

"Wait..." Chrysalis began. "You're a human... like us?"

I nodded. "Yes. However, I'll need to confirm some things to make sure you all are telling the truth."

"Lay it on me," Cozy spread her hooves wide.

"Alright. First, before I get some pop-culture, I'm going to need your names."

"I'll go first," Cozy piped. "I'm Kenny."

So I guess the human in Cozy is a guy.

"I'm Cheryl," Chrysalis said.

"The name's Frederick," Tirek states.

"Alright... good to know... my name is Leo," I say. "Now, I'm going to ask you all to name me some pop-culture things from 2020 or earlier, so that I will be able to confirm if you all are telling the truth. Understand?"

The villains nodded.

"Right... now, name me some TV shows or video games or something."

"Well, let's see..." Cozy/Kenny rubbed her chin. "Oh, I got one... Star Wars!"

"Don't remind me of that," Tirek/Frederick grumbled. "The original movies were fine, and the prequels were decent, but the sequel trilogy sucks ass!"

"Eh, I don't know... I thought they were all right," Chrysalis/Cheryl shrugged. "Oh, what about that game from 2017... what's it called... Fortnite! Yeah, that's it!'

"It was the talk of the town for at least a couple years..." Cozy/Kenny said.

"I'd also like to name the Avengers," Tirek/Frederick said. "Man, those movies were great. Especially Endgame!"

"I, for one, prefer Infinity War," Cozy/Kenny admitted.

"I prefer both," Chrysalis/Cheryl said.

"Let's bring up some celebreties too..." Tirek/Frederick mumbled. "Oh! Like Justin Bieber!"

"Ugh! I hate that guy!" Cozy/Kenny spat. 

"Oh, Billie Eilish is a good one!" Chrysalis/Cheryl chirped. "I still listen to Bad Guy."

"Let's shift gears..." said Cozy/Kenny. "It's amazing on how they're still making FNaF games and books."

"I enjoy that. I love new content every now and then," Tirek/Frederick stated.

"And that new Walking Dead video game is awesome!" Cozy/Kenny hoof-pumped.

"Alright, alright... I think that's all I need to hear..." I say as I get up. "Don't move until I give them my verdict!"

The villains agreed.

I left the cell and met up with Princess Twilight.

"So?" she raised a brow.

"Everything they mentioned were all actual Earth things..." I tell her. "They're telling the truth. Let them out."

"But where will they go?" Twilight asks.

"They'll stay with me," I insist. "I mean, we're all in the same boat, so why not? Just in case though, we'll have their magic restrained, and we'll keep a close eye on them."

Twilight took a deep breath.

"Very well..."



Crystsal Empire...



The chariot landed in front of the castle, in the same spot where it was before I left. Shining was waiting outside.

"I take it they're being honest?" he questions.

"Yeah. They'll be staying with us. We're going to watch them," I answer.

"You three will go inside. I'll need to talk with Cadance for a minute."

The three villains left the chariot and were escorted inside.

"What is it you need to talk with me about?" I ask.

"Look, about you watching the kindgom and Flurry... as I said, I wasn't in the right place back then, what with all the distrust and the rushed manner. So I have to ask just to get your view... do you even want to watch the place?"

I looked at the castle. And then I looked out to the mountains. On the one hoof, Cadance just returned. What would happen if I left again? Granted, I could dub it a vacation, but who knows how long I'll be in this body. I can't take a risk of telling anyone else in the Empire. On the other hoof, I've never really been a Princess or a parent, and who knows what struggles it will bring?

I sighed. I had an idea.

"Listen, how about this... I stay here, and make sure that things are safe every now and then. But at the same time, I won't do as much important things as Cadance does. I'll see what strings I can pull to make the fact that I'm not doing much hidden. But I'll stay here, make sure Flurry and the kingdom are well in order, and in the meantime, you can figure out how I get the buck out of here!"

Twilight nodded.

"Fair enough. I'll notify you if anything comes up, whether it concerns you or the villains."

"Alright. I'll see you later."

I hopped off the chariot and immediately made my way into the castle, as I heard Twilight's chariot ran off.



Ten minutes later...



As I paced around a random room, I kept on thinking of what I was going to do. An obvious answer would be to try and get Shining to agree to do what needs to be done. Knowing I'm not his wife, he'll probably do it. But there's the chance he'll refuse. My only option that's bigger than that would be the help of... Princess Cadance herself! Of course!

She proved to me that she could still make contact with physical objects of the outside world! And she even proved that she could take control of the body. I don't know how I can pull it off, but maybe Phantom Cadance could do me some favors if she's up for it, and then Shining could do what we're both unable to do.

It may be flawed, but I'm losing options here.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK

"Come in!" I say aloud.

The door opens and Chrysalis/Cheryl (tell you what... I'm calling her Cherylis) walked in.

"Hey... could I talk to you for a moment?" she asked.

"Uh... sure," I shrug. "What's up."

"I have to tell you something important."

"What is it?"

"I need you to look me in the eyes and promise not to do anything physical."

I stared right at her. "Oh...kay?"

She took a deep breath.

"My name is Cheryl Blaine," she said. "And my father, George Blaine, was the man that kept you hostage for almost two weeks."
> Chapter 19: Chances
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I blinked. 

"Sorry... what?"

"You heard me," Cherylis said. "My father was the man that kept you for weeks."

"How do you even know?" I ask.

"He... texted me a photo of you. You seemed miserable. Why couldn't you escape? You have magic."

"I didn't know magic, and I doubted I'd get hurt without any major scratches."

"Well... *sigh*... I still felt bad for you. Look, I've hated My Little Pony... but I felt sympathy. When I got in my car a few days later and tried to get to you to see for myself, I suddenly saw a bright light, and now I'm here."

"Do you even understand how sick that man was? He chased away my friends for trying to save me. Granted, he couldn't understand a word I said... but it was obvious I wanted freedom, and a good man would set a miserable skinny animal free."

"He only cares about money..." Cherylis muttered.

"I mean, I feel upset that your father made me miserable," I reply. "But you are also not him. You're his daughter, but that's it. And even though you hated MLP, you said it yourself that you feel bad."

"So... no hard feelings?" Cherylis said, hopeful that I would be on good terms with her.

"Don't push it, pal..." I mutter. "I don't 100% blame-you-for-everything hate you, but if you don't want me to hold a grudge against you or your family, it's best that you don't make my life harder than it already it was."

I walked past her, bumping her on purpose on the way out.

I never thought that I would feel this way to someone or their family. Just saying.

I ventured through the halls, before I came across Shining.

"Hey," he greeted.

"Hi," I reply. "How are Kenny and Frederick doing?"

"They're having lunch. I had some food made for you. Do daisy sandwiches sound appetizing?"

"As a human, I'd say no, but considering my pony form I guess I have no choice in the matter."

Before any of you ask if I'm going tell Shining I eat meat, I'd rather wait on that moment in the plot.

"Could you maybe-" I began.

"-lead you to the dining room?" Shining finishes for me. "Sure. Right this way..."


Dining room...


I've never seen the Crystal Empire dining room. That, or I just don't remember. Either way, it was a big room. Big table, too. It was pretty much what I expected since this is a dining room of royalty. 

I took my seat in the spot Cadance usually sits.

None of the human-turned-villains were here. I was told by Shining on the way here that they'd be escorted here by a few of the guards.

It only took a few minutes before they started coming in. First came Cozy/Kenny (Kenzy), then Tirek/Fredrick (Tirick), and then last but not least, Cherylis, who gave me an awkward smile that I simply ignored.

I sighed.

"This is going to be a long night..."


Later...


Not much happened after dinner. I wasn't sure what the human-turned-villains did, though one thing for certain was that they were being closely watched. Although they proved themselves innocent, anything can happen, whether the original villains take control, or they somehow weeded the thoughts right out of my mind to create fibs. I personally believe them, but again... anything can happen.

I spent a good chunk of my time after dinner sitting on the throne. Books were brought to me to pass time, but half of them weren't to interesting. I considered asking for comic books, but I decided to hold off.

Eventually, little Flurry came along and wanted me to watch her play with toys. I, being a softhearted person trying to stay in character for the sake of this kid, agreed. 

So I went over to her room and watched her roleplay with stuffed animals and dolls. I had to admit, it was cute. Soon, she wanted me to join. Again, I accepted.

"...and so the brave knight Thir-Bearington went out to save the pretty Princeth..."

Oh yeah, she's missing a tooth. Kids grow up so fast. She gets an occasional lisp. Kinda cute. 

I cleared my throat and did my best fake voice.

"Alas, I shall go out, and save my beloved from the-"

I turned my head and paused. There, in the corner, was Shadow Cadence. She was watching us. I could see her blank white eyes curved in a manner that expresses sadness.

"Excuse me, Flurry... mommy needs to get some water."

"But moooom..." she whined, disappointed that I was leaving as soon as I got started.

"Keep up a good attitude, and you can have some ice cream when we're done playing," I calmly promised.

That immediately cheered her up.

I stood up and left the room. Considering our minds were linked, I could tell Shadow Cadance knew I wanted to talk to her.

I left Flurry's room and went down the hall, before entering in a random room that I knew wasn't occupied. 

"So... I can see you're back."

The shadow nodded.

I was silent.

"You miss them..." I began. "Don't you?"

Another nod.

I pondered. Then remembered what happened earlier today. When I was no longer in control. I remembered that it was her. If she somehow took control of my body, then I figured that she could do it again.

"I know what you did earlier... taking control of my voice earlier..." I spoke. "You really saved my skin. Thank you."

Cadance did an 'aw shucks' motion with her hoof.

"Hey... if you did it earlier today... why not do it again? For the rest of the night?"

Cadance looked around the room, before she found what she was looking for... a notepad and a pen.

"That was convenient for you..." I mutter.

She wrote, and wrote, and wrote. It felt like it was taking forever for her to finish and hand it over to me.

I read.

I suppose. It's a complicated spell, and one of the only ones I know how to use in your head. I will mention that I doubt the villains know how to use it, so there is no worry for them escaping and regaining very brief control. Let me return to the topic and explain what I mean for brief control... when I took control earlier, I didn't get your consent. When I don't get your consent, it's for a very short amount of time. However, if I do have your permission, I will remain in control either until midnight, or until you want to be in control again. When midnight comes, you will be in control again, and I won't be able to regain control until I return as this in the evening.

"Seems like you know your stuff."

Cadance nodded.

"Alright..." I took a step back. "Let the process begin."

Cadance clapped her hooves in excitement before she suddenly took a huge leap in the air and dove for me. Once she made contact, I suddenly felt like I was launched backwards. My body backflipped before landing on the floor.

And for a moment, everything was dark, before I heard a blurry voice.

"Are you ok?"

I slowly opened my eyes, and everything was different. Not only was I now in the hallway (I guess Shadows go through walls), but Princess Cadance's eyes were staring into mine.

It worked... I said in my head.

"It worked!" Cadance repeated for me.

Oh, right... I guess we can't mentally hear each other if one of us is a shadow. 

She squealed in happiness.

"Thank you!" she exclaimed.

I gave a thumbs up, feeling weird when seeing my arms being composed of shadow.

"Do you need this?" she held a couple things out. The notepad and pen.

I held out my hands and took the items. I wrote, and I had Cadance's attention.

I wrote:

No problem. And thanks for mentioning the villains... it eases some of my worries. Just do me a favor and sleep on a couch or sofa or something. I feel like I’d feel weird if I woke up in your bed with him...

I handed over the notepad. Cadance took it and nodded.

"You have my promise. You can retreat into my- or our mind if you feel like it. Just touch my forehead. One more thing: you do have the ability to block off my thoughts."

I gave another thumbs up and immediately reached out my arm and touched the base of her horn. I suddenly felt like I was sucked into a vortex.

But only for a second. When that feeling was gone, I was floating. In nothing but a black void, just like any other fanfiction with this premise. 

I looked at my hands. I was no longer a shadow. I was myself... but still 2D.

"Hello?" I say.

My voice was back too.

I can't believe I'm back... I heard Cadance's voice. I'm going to make the most out of this in any way I-

I snapped my fingers with the intent of blocking off her thoughts. I didn't really know if snapping my fingers (poorly) would do anything. But it did, because just then, everything was silent.

I decided to see what else I could do. I snapped my fingers again, and I was suddenly back into one of my old bedrooms.

"Cool..." I grin. I contemplated on abusing my power, and eventually I went for it. So for a while, I'd be playing my made-up phone, with my made-up TV on, and with my room decorated by all the items that I own, or wanted and didn't own.

That was how it went. And soon, when the time came, I immediately felt tired. I couldn't tell if it was Cadance's tiredness causing mine, or if it was completely on it's own. But either way, I decided it was finally time to turn in for the night. So with the snap of my fingers, the lights were off, my devices were off, I was in pajamas, and I was under my covers, safe and sound.

And out of all the concepts of what it would be like inside a mind-scape, I was damn lucky this was the true one.
> Chapter 20: This Explains the Weirdness...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

I woke up, immediately with a dull feeling in my head. I guess this is what it felt like to return to a physical body or something...

Anyway, one of the first things I took notice of was that I wasn't on a bed... I was on a couch, obviously, since Cadance seems like one to keep promising. Now, let me just say that the mindscape, and reliving my younger life, was awesome. Even better, I could experience owning things I didn't own before. So it was pretty neat owning a slick gaming station, with one of those glowing keyboards and speakers. Sure, it's happened in my past dreams, but it felt more real.

I got off the couch. All my royal regalia was neatly piled on the floor nearby. 

For the heck of it, I put it all on. I noticed I had bedhead, which I never worried about. However, to respect Cadance and just in case I went outside, I (with the help of some guards. Jeez this place was huge) went to the bathroom to fix my mane the best I could. And I had to say, it wasn't as hard as I thought. All I needed to do was run it along the hair so everything can be flattened and neat. I was a bit worried it would undo itself, but I reminded myself that this was the daily style, and it would probably be fine.

So, without struggle, I got that done, and went to the next place I thought I had to be at: the dining room. I needed a bit of guidance yet again, but halfway through, I caught on and took it from there. When I came in, I saw that Cherylis, Tirick, and Kenzy were there, but no sign of Shining and any other guards.

"Morning," Kenzy greeted. 

"Good morning," I replied. "Have any of you seen Shining?"

"He went out looking for you," Tirick explained.

As I took my seat, the doors opened, and Shining came in.

"Hey, Cadance! Or... Leo... I was looking for you," he said.

"Hey, Shining," I greet in response. "Looking for me so I could be ready for breakfast?"

"Well..." he started. "I was hoping you could."

I blinked. Everyone else did too.

"Excuse me, what?!"

"Come on, it's not too bad," Shining assured, lighting his horn and pulling me out of my seat. And I don't know about you, but something about this wasn't right. Up until now, I've never decided to speak out against how wrong everyone was acting.

"Now listen, Shining!" I exclaimed. "First, humans on Earth do things that I should consider inhumane! Then, I'm being forced to rule to keep up a ruse! And now, you're making me cook?!?"

"You can cook, though, right?" Shining asked.

"Well... not too much," I explained.

"Then you'll be fine."

Shining led me out of the room.

"Wait, where's the kitchen?!"

"You'll find it."

Shining closed the doors, leaving me perplexed.

Well, time to look for the guards again.


Later...


It didn't take long for me to find the guards. As they led me to the kitchen, I was deep in thought.

Up until now, I've never thought about how nearly everyone I met was acting. I don't think humans, or the government, would go as far to get their hands on me. Would the government even pay to get their hands on me? Not only that, but Equestria wasn't much different either. Would Twilight really do what she's been doing? It seems like she's trying her best, but still having me rule for a ruse is still slightly strange. I understand... she doesn't want to stir panic. But there could always be other ways around this.

And I thought Shining, even though he probably agreed with Twilight's choice, had my back in other ways. But now I wasn't as sure. Siding with Twilight was enough, but this was too much.

We soon found the kitchen, which surprise surprise, wasn't actually far. Honestly, I thought it would be next to the dining room, but this was fine too.

The guards wished me luck and left me alone to make breakfast.

Wait, what did Shining even want me to make?!

I checked some places for cookbooks, but when I finally saw them, I saw something move out of the corner of my eye. 

I turned around.

And I saw my shadow staring at me, and waving... something I wasn't doing.

For a second, I thought that Cadance managed to come out earlier in mornings, but then my mind realized that wasn't it. For one thing, it seemed less... natural. Alright, becoming Cadance during school while Cadance herself becomes a shadow was already unnatural enough, but the way this thing was moving was off...

And then it stopped waving.

And then I saw two hooves come out of the wall.

They weren't black, or misty, or shadow-y. As soon as the hooves came out of the wall, they changed. They had an appearance that I found very familiar...

Remember how Discord's magic looked when Tirek sucked it out of him back in the season 4 finale?

The hooves looked like that. Only they were shaped like... hooves. And very distorted.

The shadow crawled out, looking like this strange manifestation the more it came out. 

I wanted to back away, but I was frozen in place.

When it fully came out, it stood in front of me, motionless. It did have Cadance's structure, but it was very deformed, and looked highly unstable.

We both stared at each other. The thing twitched.

"What are you..." I asked.

I heard a dull voice calling for me. But I felt too interested in this creature to even move. Was I in a trance? The only thing I could tell was still in my control was my consciousness.

Just then, the kitchen doors burst open, and Shining went in. I snapped out of it, looking at him.

"*phew...*" he wiped under his horn. "You're alright."

I looked at the creature again, only to find it was gone... my shadow was back on the wall, as it should be.

"Come on, let's go to the dining room..." he nudged his head. "There's a bunch of things we really need to talk about! It has to do with all of this! Princess Twilight, your situation, even the humans, and-"

"Wait," I started. "I thought you were making me cook!"

Shining, pupils shrunken in fear, slowly shook his head.

"That wasn't me."
> Chapter 21: Now Let's Get to What's Important...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Okay, so repeat to me what happened," Shining said to me after we had breakfast. It was just us two in the room at the moment.

"You... or at least I thought it was you... forced me to make you food," I explained. "And so I went to the kitchen. And while I was there, my shadow crawled out of the wall. It looked very weird, and... unnatural. And then you come in and say that it wasn't you that had me make food."

"And it wasn't."

"So... what do we do?" 

"One thing's for sure... we aren't safe," Shining declared. "None of us are."

"And I'd like to mention that this may or may not be connected to my situation."

"How so?"

"The shadow changed its look," I explain. "Where I come from... I'm someone who's literally seen your history on a screen. A bunch of my kind have, too. One of the things I've seen was Tireks attack on Equestria, when Twilight and her friends were still around. At some point, Discord, who ended up joining him, was betrayed by Tirek and had his magic taken. And when Tirek took Discords magic, I saw what it looked like... it's a bit hard to describe. But the reason why I mentioned it was this... when my shadow crawled out of the wall, it looked just like that magic!"

Shining blinked.

"Well... that's a lot to learn," he muttered. "Anyway, are you sure it looked like that?"

"It had to be... I remember it... *gasp*!"

I then remembered. The flashback that Princess Twilight showed me. That night, when Cadance was cast to Earth, and resulted in me controlling a body, there were bolts of magic shooting out of the orb.

And it looked just like it. The chaos magic!

"The pearl... I know how powerful that pearl is!" I shake Shining. "And that's what makes it dangerous! It's chaos magic! Your sister showed me a flashback... and that bolt that brought Cadance to Earth looks just like the shadow, Discord's magic, all of it! And if the pearl's gone... then that makes things really bad! It makes so much sense as to why Cadance was sent to Earth, and my mind or soul was put in her body! But now that I talk about it... I feel like there's more to it than that."

"Wait a minute, I need to interject..." Shining said. "How do you even know if what you're saying is true?"

"Well... I don't... but although there are times where I forget things, this is not one of them. That pearl is gone... hence why Discord's gone too! Yes, I was told that as well!"

"That does have a good link... but why would Discord be gone too?"

"Either he took it, or something wild is happening," I guessed.

"I'm not going to let us sit here and do nothing!" Shining stood. "I'm going to alert my sister right away!"

"I'm coming with you!"

"That's probably for the best... we'll also bring some guards."


***


When we got to the castle, things seemed fine at first. There were guards there, and there wasn't much going on. But as we got closer to the throne room, something started to feel more... wrong. Were there less guards than usual? And if so, why is everyone else being ignorant? Or maybe I'm being paranoid since I haven't been this far in the castle before.

Shining assured me that we'd be fine, but I could tell that he was unsure. At least we had a bunch of crystal guards by our side.

It wasn't long though, before we finally reached our destination. The throne room doors were open... and the room was dark and empty.

"Hello?" Shining called out, stepping closer inside. "Twi?"

"Maybe we should turn back?" I whimper, going past the door.

That turned out to be a mistake, as the doors suddenly slammed behind me, separating Shining and I from the rest of the guards.

"Shit!" I ran to the door and pounded my hooves on them. They didn't even jiggle. Shining helped, but nothing happened.

Suddenly, I heard the sound of a small scuttle.

"Did you hear that?"

Shining nodded.

The sound hissed again, but in a completely new direction than what I thought I heard it from. Shining Armor and I both slowly looked around the room. I could feel the force of my heartbeat increase.

And then something landed on the ground in front of us. It raised its head.

It was Princess Twilight. She didn't look too happy to see us.

"Princess!" I exclaim. "What's going on? Why is the place-"

"You have no right to come here," she snarled.

"Listen, Twi, we're here because there was an incident concerning Leo's shadow," said Shining.

"I don't care."

"Don't care?!" I was shocked to hear Twilight say that. I would've never expected somepony like her to say that, especially to her own brother. "Twilight, Shining and I were talking, and I think there's some sort of danger lurking around. We need your help."

Twilight's frown turned into a sneer. "How can I help... when I won't be there to do it?"

"Huh?"

Twilight's eyes all of a sudden rolled back, and her head dropped. It looked like she passed out, but... why was she still standing?

And then I saw it. Something was protruding out of her neck. Not in a gory fashion, but it was still obvious. It looked like strings, but why were they shadow-like?

My eyes followed the strings... shadows... whatever... until they finally saw where the straws were sourced.

My shadow held the strings, connected by a shadow-y operating cross for puppets, something that I definitely wasn't holding.

The shadow grinned at me. I looked at Shining.

He could see it too.

I returned my gaze to the shadow. Suddenly, with all its might, it pulled the cross, which pulled the strings, which pulled Twilight herself, right to the wall.

I expected Twilight to slam into the wall, but instead, she vanished right into it, as if it was a portal to another world.

"TWILIGHT!" Shining and I ran over to where she disappeared. The only thing that remained was her royal regalia, which fell and clattered to the ground when Twilight was taken.

I took one last peek at my shadow.

It smiled, and then it swirled out of existence.
> Chapter 22: What is Even Happening?!
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After everything that happened, Shining Armor and I quickly proceeded to leave the castle.

"What is even going on?!" I shrieked. 

"We're in terrible danger!" Shining exclaimed. "We need to do something!"

"How?! Twilight's gone, there's a rogue-shadow creature, and..." That's when I remembered. Cadance! "Oh no! Cadance! What if she's in danger?!"

Shining, remembering what I told him about original Cadance, stopped in his tracks. 

"I never even thought of that..." he mumbled. "Dear Celestia... whatever it is... it took Twilight... maybe Cadance..."

"Cadance or no Cadance, with all that is going on, I feel like something else is going to happen. We need to return to the Empire right away!"

"Don't need to tell me twice!"

Our mad-dash continued. Both Shining and I had the feeling that something bad would happen if we didn't return to the Crystal Empire in time.


...


Shining burst right through the crystal doors, and I followed. The guards didn't stop running either, obviously.

Our first task was to get to Flurry Heart's room to make sure she was safe. When we got there, Shining busted the door open. We both gasped.

Flurry Heart was gone.

"No!" Shining bellowed. 

"Where could she have-"

I was cut off from a very loud noise coming from the crystal throne room. Shining and I both knew where we had to go next. Quickly, we made our way through the castle and to the throne room. When the doors were in sight, however, Tirick suddenly crashed through the doors, and into the wall.

"Ouch..." he groaned. 

I rad to his aid. "Are you okay?"

Tirick groaned, and lifted a shaky finger, before being pulled away into the room. I looked into the throne room, and Shining did too.

What we saw was Flurry Heart, raised in the air, holding Cherylis, Tirick, and Kenzy with her telekinesis. 

"Now..." she spoke in a distorted voice. "Who's next!"

"Flurry!" Shining shouted. "What are you doing?!"

Flurry's ears perked up.

"Well, well, well... look who lost the race."

"Race? What race?" I ask.

"From Canterlot to here, of course."

"What are you talking about?" 

"Either you're not catching on, or you're just stupid..." Flurry scowled. "It's me! The creature that you kept encountering throughout the course of today. The one from the kitchen. The one who took Twilight!"

"You?!"

"Yes..." she smiled. "Me. Let me tell you, it's been fun seeing your face and condition during your time as Cadance, but our direct encounters were much more fun."

"What do you mean? How long have you been around?"

"Much longer than you thought. But I'd rather not get into it right now. If you'll excuse me... I have some work to do, and I want you out of my way!"

The guards looked at Shining. I knew their looks. They weren't sure if they wanted to attack since... you know... that's Shining and Cadance's kid. That was all I could see though, before something opened underneath my hooves, and I fell. I grabbed onto the edge of the rift, my hooves slowly sliding closer to the gap. I looked underneath me. It was a portal to what reminded me of Discord's chaos dimension. But something felt different.

Before I could do anything, though, Flurry reached down a long, slender, arm manifested of magic, and then tapped my horn. All of a sudden, I felt weaker. And I could see a magic ball of blue glowing above the finger.

Was that... my magic?

"I expected to already have Cadance's magic when I took her spirit away from you..." Flurry said. "But this works too. And I don't need you two anymore, either..."

Flurry then created another rift and tossed Tirick, Cherylis and Kenzy in, before snapping it shut. She looked at me, struggling to stay up, and scowled.

Then, I could hold on no longer. But right as I fell, Shining came to the rescue, and grabbed my hooves with his magic.

"Sorry for not going sooner..." he groaned. "Too much to look a-"

Flurry, for some reason, swatted Shining to the wall, causing him to let me go. I was partially out of the rift already, but then I felt it start trying to suck me in like a vacuum, and I was back to square one.

"Say hi to Discord for me..." Flurry grinned.

And that's when every last ounce of strength I had bailed on me, and I was sucked in. I saw the rift shut itself closed as I fell.

Last I heard, the chaos realm had no gravity. So why was I falling, while also screaming for my life?

Before I could mentally answer that question, I landed in something wet, but soft.

I slowly got up and groaned. My wings were slightly sore, but everything else was still fine.

I looked around to see what had broken my fall. I was on... a giant chocolate cake.

Yes. A chocolate cake.

"Yeah, this is definitely... a... chaos dimension..." I mumble, before licking some frosting off the cake ground that I stood on.

Trying not to slip, I staggered to my hooves, covered in frosting. It was sticky, and I hate being sticky, so that made the experience all the more uncomfortable.

I looked around, in hopes of finding the others. I could see a bunch of floating cakes, but no living beings.

"Mmmph mph"

I looked around. I heard muffled screaming, but I couldn't-

Wait...

Were those pink hooves sticking out of a nearby cake?

"Kenzy? Is that you?"

"MMMph."

The smaller cake seemed to be floating on its own upside down, thankfully coming closer. I jumped with the hopefulness of grabbing her legs with my forehooves. But instead, my body twisted, and I landed on the cake. Think of it like a Mario Galaxy game.

I got up, now seeing that I was standing on that upside-down cake, which was above my cake.

So... does that mean these cakes have gravity?

Hoping to take advantage of it, I went over to Kenzy, bent down, wrapped my forehooves around one of her legs, and pulled. I expected it to fail and I'd resort to biting and pulling her tail, but she ended up sliding out of the cake with ease, and we both toppled over. Kenzy took a deep breath.

"Phew... thanks."

"No problem. Where are the other two?"

"Over here!" I heard a faint voice yell. Kenzy and I both looked around, until she spotted something.

"There!"

I could see faintly beyond the edge of the cake I was previously on. I saw Cherylis and Tirick  both on a distant cake.

"How are we gonna get over there?" Kenzy asked.

I looked around my surroundings, and then I got an idea.

"These cakes have gravity... so we're gonna do this Mario Galaxy style..."