> The Little Pony Legend: The Crystaling and To Where and Back Again
>  by MaggiesHeartLove
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> The Chrystaling part 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


*(~)*



Revelation 3:12~



"He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name."



*(~)*








The Crystalling part 1







"Okay. Library... Library... Where did they put the library?" Starlight Glimmer asked herself as she wandered around aimlessly through the castle hallways. She felt so small compared to the rest of the household, with its massive tall ceilings and long endless hallways with a variety of doors that all looked the same with no sign to indicate where they led. She opened the first door which she believed was the library, or would at least lead her to it. When she did, all she saw was yet another line of hallways in opposite directions. The unicorn sighed in annoyance.

"This castle looked a lot smaller from the outside." she said before closing the door and turning to open another one with her magic when she did she heard the sound of running water. Inside, Spike was brushing his teeth in front of a mirror, wearing a towel around his waist and fuzzy slippers. He turned and waved at the unicorn, his mouth covered in toothpaste, making his greeting sound muffled. 

"Morning, Starlight!"

"Whoops!" Starlight Glimmer quickly shut the door and shielded her eyes. While technically Spike never did wear cloths, and he didn't appear embarrassed about seeing the unicorn, Starlight didn't like the feeling of interrupting someone while they were in the bathroom. At least she caught him brushing his teeth instead of anything else. "Sorry, Spike! I guess I'm still trying to find my way around. You don't happen to know where the library is, do you?"

Spike poked his head from the door and pointed with his toothbrush. "Next door on the left!" he said, his voice still muffled. 

Starlight turned her head to the door that was right in front of her. She was already standing in front of the library this whole time. "Oh. Thanks!" using her magic, Starlight opened the door and walked right in to see Princess Twilight looking over some scrolls. Once she noticed the company, she stopped and greeted her friend.

"Starlight, good morning, come in! What brings you here? Everything alright?" Twilight asked.

It had been no more than a month or two since Starlight had reformed and joined the new Air Nation. So far, she was accustoming nicely to their ways, especially the vegetarian lifestyle. Tenzin was a wonderful teacher in regards to her new elemental powers, and of course Twilight Sparkle and Avatar Korra were tasked with teaching the pony all about friendship. Them along with the rest of Team Avatar. 

In that time, Starlight also reconnected with her long lost friend, Sunburst. It was a tac rocky at first, being rather hesitant to reveal her past to him, but in time she finally was able to, and to her amazement and relief, Sunburst didn't think any less of her. If anything, it made him happier they could be friends again, realizing how much she needed it. 

Sunburst had definitely grown during their time apart. He was incredibly courageous, selfless, loyal and strong-willed. He was a great influence on the unicorn.

"Yeah, everything's fine. Fantastic, even." Starlight said, in response to Twilight's previous question. Though, Twilight could tell from the tone of her voice that this was not the case. 

"What's wrong?" Twilight asked, raising an eyebrow, which would get her to confess.

Starlight  sighed before replying, "It's Sunburst."

"I thought everything was going great between you two." Twilight said, already sounding concerned. 

"It is. I'm glad we could be friends again and we're getting along great. Better than ever, actually. It's just been six months now and I was, sort of, possibly considering…" the unicorn trailed off, her face tainted with purple colored blush.

Twilight Sparkle studied her body language from afar. Her lowered ears indicating shyness, rubbing leer hoof, not looking directly in someone's eye as she spoke. It didn't take much time for Twilight to connect the dots. The princess squealed with delight. "Oh my gosh, oh my gosh! You're going to confess aren't you?!"

Starlight Glimmer's blush depend. Ever since they were foals, Starlight was always in love with Sunburst. In fact, that was why it was so incredibly hard for her when he left for Canterlot due to his parents sending him away before she could even say goodbye. During the time they had spent together, Starlight realized her feelings for her old friend had grown even stronger than before. She had long since wanted to tell him, but was scared of how it would effect their rekindled friendship. 

"Well, that's the plan. I'm more nervous about it really. I mean, I've loved him for so long but…I don't know if I'll be any good at this relationship stuff. Not to mention, what he doesn't feel the same way about me?"

"What are you talking about? He's been spending practically very day with you, and me and Flash have noticed the way he looks at you." Twilight said with a wink.

"I guess. But, I'm still relearning all this friendship stuff, I don't know the first thing about romance. And, since you and Flash Sentry have been around for so long I thought, maybe…you could give me some advice?"

Twilight wrapped her hoof around her friend, smiling compassionately, "Starlight, there is only one thing you need to know when it comes to loving someone. Love is about placing another's needs before your own. It's about going the extra mile for that person, even if it means giving something up. It's about sacrifice and teamwork. But most of all, it's not about feeling butterflies in your stomach, you have to choose to make those sacrifices. That's what a committed relationship is really all about but so many others forget it."

"Wow. That's…pretty deep."

"Well, I speak from experience." the princess said with a light chuckle. "Besides, you don't have to worry about him not feeling the same way, he definitely does! You did say he spent years trying to find you again. Why would he go through so much trouble if he didn't care?"

"I guess." Starlight said, her ears lowering shyly, her cheeks blushing. "Can you at least give me advice on how to tell him without tripping over my words at least?"

"Of course, I can. Why don't we do a little role playing? I'll be Sunburst and you try and tell him how you feel." Twilight assumed the position, cleared her throat and attempted to speak in a much deeper tone to resemble that of a male pony. "Ahem--"Hey, Starlight. What's up?" Now you try." she said in her normal voice again.

Starlight gulped nervously before speaking, "Uh, hey Sunburst. You look…nice."

"Thanks, I just had my uniform washed." Twilight spoke in her deep voice once more.

"So, anyway, there's something I've been…meaning to tell you."

"What is it? You know you can always tell me anything."

Starlight could feel her heart pounding hard against her chest, drops of sweat dripping from her brow as she tried to say the words. "Well…you see…I…I…I….I can't do this!" the poor flustered unicorn shielded her face like a frightened puppy dog and rested her stomach on the castle floor.

"It was a good try." Twilight said sympathetically, stroking her friend's mane.

"It's no use. If I so much as look into Sunburst's eyes I'll panic." Starlight's ears perked up and set stood up quickly when an idea formed in her head. "I know! You can make me a list of things to say. I'll rehearse them so that way I won't chicken out if I run out of words."

"I don't know." Twilight said with uncertainty, "A confession like this should come from the heart, not a list."

"Please, Twilight?" Starlight pleased, her lower lip quivering and her eyes becoming as big as a puppy dog's. Twilight still thought this wasn't necessary, but the unicorn was still learning. Maybe she could comply this one time.

"Fine. I'm still against it, but if it'll put you at ease."

"Thank you!"

Twilight rolled her eyes and levitated a quill and scroll to start. "In the meantime, why don't you go join the others in the throne room? They're planning our trip to the Crystal Empire when Shining Armor and Princess Cadance have their baby! Why don't you go with them while I make your list."

"Throne room! Got it!" Starlight quickly galloped out of the library and headed for the throne room…only to return a few short seconds latter, "U'm, which way is the throne room again? All these doors look the same." the unicorn said with a nervous laugh, making Twilight sigh and roll her eyes with a smile.


(~)


Starlight Glimmer entered the throne room and, just as Twilight has stated, all of Team Avatar was present. Each of the Mane Six sat on their respected thrones while Asami and Mako stood beside them. The only one not present was Bolin, who was already off working with Kuvira in the earth kingdom.

"Well, I think we should leave ASAP." Rainbow Dash said as she sat on her respected throne. "I don't want to miss the Crystalling!"

"Be patient Rainbow Dash." Mako said as he stood beside her, crossing his arms. "We have to wait for the invitation to get here first."

"Frankly, I'm not exactly clear on all the customs and traditions of the Crystal Empire, especially when it comes to a Crystalling." Applejack said, sitting on her respected throne.

"What's a Crystalling?" Starlight Glimmer asked just as she walked in.

Rarity was the first to answer her question, "Well, that's just it, darling. Princess Cadance and Shining Armor's baby is due any day, and we're still not sure. The Crystal Empire was gone for a thousand years. A lot of their customs are a bit murky."

The raven haired Asami Sato attempted to explain to the unicorn the knowledge they managed to gather. "We so know it's got something to do with the new baby."

"And a party!" Pinkie Pie said rather quickly as she poked her head from underneath the rounded table, surprising both Starlight and Asami. The pink pony smiled widely, her nose practically touching a still surprised Starlight. 

"And the Crystal Heart." Fluttershy said.

"And a party!" Pinkie exclaimed, just as quickly as before, frightening Fluttershy so much she instinctively blasted a gust of wind at the pony, sending her flying across the room to hit a wall. "I'm okay!" Pinkie called out.

"And some kinda cool energy." Rainbow Dash said last, only to have Pinkie Pie appear on the table.

"And… a party!" the pink pony cheered while exploding confetti everywhere. Rainbow Dash gave her friend a deadpan glare, and Starlight looked at the pegasus in confusion. Rainbow simply shrugged. There was just no fully understanding that pony.

"It's not hard to understand. Most things in the Crystal Empire aren't." Spike said as he and Korra entered the room. The human alicorn was carrying an ancient purple colored vase with beautifully artistic images painted around it. Spike jumped onto his throne and unfolded a scroll he was carrying, revealing an image of himself holding the Crystal Heart. "Like how I'm a big hero there, for example!" the dragon smiled proudly. 

The dragon was met with indifferent looks from the rest of the group, while Rarity stifled a giggle, slightly breaking the silence. Korra only rolled her eyes and placed the vase onto the table. "Plus, me and Twilight did do a lot of research on Crystallings."

"Oh, can I explain it? Please!" Spike pleaded, giving her his big puppy dog eyes.

Korra simply shrugged and smiled, "Fine. Go ahead."

The dragon smiled with glee before clearing his throat and told everyone the process of a Crystalling by using the images depicted on the vase. Each side had a drawing of the events that took place during this ceremony.

"Whenever a baby is born in the Crystal Empire, the parents bring it before the Crystal Heart. They get the purest shard of crystal they can find, then pick a crystaller to present the baby to everypony who comes. Then they all share the light and joy they feel, feeding it into the crystal that joins with the Heart, and increases its power! And this is going to be a royal Crystalling, so pretty much the whole empire will show up. That hasn't happened in a millennia!"

"What do you mean it increases the Crystal Heart's power?" Starlight asked the Avatar.

"The energy it uses to protect the Crystal Empire. Without, the entire place would be lost to the Frozen North."

Asami's gaze fell to the floor, crossing her arms sadly. "I wish Bolin was here to see it." she said sadly. Her boyfriend had taken a job, helping to stabilize the Earth Kingdom with Kuvira, Varrick and the Earth Queen. She was very proud of him, but his job did keep her away from home, not to mention he was helping settle a very difficult land dispute at the moment, so there was no way he could be there on time with the baby coming so soon, and the Crystalling happening short afterwords.

Mako placed a comforting hand on his friend's shoulder. "Me too. But, we'll be sure to take a lot of pictures to send him."

"I'm on it!" Pinkie Pie said, right before taking a picture with a camera she somehow managed to obtain. A powerful flash practically left the two blind. Once their vision had cleared, they both glared in annoyance at the pony, who smiled apologetically.


(~)


Back at Air Temple Island, P'Li hummed a happy tune while folding her laundry in the room she and Starlight had been sharing ever since she moved in. She spotted the now anthro unicorn walk into the room. "Hey, Starlight. Back already?"

"Yeah, just went to see Twilight at her castle. Got a little turned around in the process."

P'Li gave a light chuckle. "Yeah, that thing looks a lot smaller on the outside."

"I know, right!" Starlight said, also chuckling. However, P'li noticed the hint of nervousness in there as well.

"Still worried about Sunburst, hu?"

"I'm sorry to bring up my love life. You know, because you…" Starlight trailed off, not wanting to remind her friend of her past relationship.

P'Li smiled in reassurance, "It's okay, I know what you mean." she said while taking a seat and inviting Starlight to sit beside her at the corner of the bed. "You've chosen wisely, you know. Sunburst is a wonderful stallion. Smart, kind, courageous, loyal."

"I know. I can't but feel nervous about telling him."

"That's perfectly normal. Back when me and Zaheer were still very young, I had a hard time confessing my feelings too."

Starlight looked at her in surprise. "You did?"

"Oh, absolutely! I was a nervous wreck. But, we both know how that story ended so, not the best example. My point is, just as Sunburst didn't think any less of you after you told him about you becoming…"

"Totally evil?" Starlight said with regret.

"I was going to say a little bit exaggerative." P'Li said, prompting the two to laugh, "I'm sure he won't think any less of you if you tell him how you feel. You have nothing to be afraid of."

Starlight smiled as she hugged her friend, "Thanks, P'Li."

"Anytime. I may not be he best at romantic advice, but I'm always here if you ever need a hug. Or someone to talk to." P'Li said while stroking the pony's mane.


(~)


The next day, Starlight could already feel her body shaking as she approached Sunburst's new home in the city. She knocked not the door, and once hearing him invite her in she turned the knob and walked right in, seeing her friend organizing several police files on his kitchen table. He was wearing a plain white shirt with short sleeves, which exposed his perfectly toned human arms, being currently in his anthro form, and wearing dark pants and some slippers. On his forearm, was his cutie mark. While mares had their on their cheek while in anthro form, a stallion's was on their arm.

Starlight had to mentally slap herself back to reality before greeting him. Her face red. "Hey, Sunburst, can I talk to you…everything okay?" she asked, noticing that it wasn't just police files he was reading. One of the papers in his hand appeared to be a letter of some kind. As he read it, he didn't look at all too thrilled to read what it said.

"Oh, yeah. Fine." he suggested, placing the papers down on the table. "It's just that..."

"What's wrong?" Starlight asked. She knew something was bothering him.

Sunburst sighed, tracing his fingers across his orange sunset hair. "I…got a letter from my dad."

Starlight blinked in surprise. She had not seen Sunburst's parents ever since he left for magic school and she left the village. She only remembered the two were very talented unicorn ponies who excelled in magic and always pushed Sunburst to do the same. Naturally, their blood ran through his veins for her got his cutie mark in magic. However, after they were reunited, Sunburst had mentioned that his mother passed away three years ago due to illness, and had not spoken to his father in a long time, even long before his mother passed, who was the only one he kept in touch with before her passing. His relationship with his father had become rather distant, and she knew why.

"What did he want?" she asked, rather hesitantly, not wanting to step on any toes. 

"He said he wants to see me. Probably to make amends. We've barely spoken since I dropped out of magic school five years back, and even less since my mom passed."

"Where does he live now?"

"At the Crystal Empire. He didn't say much, only that he's been living there for a few months. Says here he's hoping to make amends."

"That's great!" 

"There's just one problem." Sunburst said as he scratched the back of his neck, "He already knows I dropped out of magic school, but…I never told him about me being a cop."

"Why?"

"Because I don't know how he will take me using my magic for law enforcement instead of studying to be a wizard like he was."

"Well, maybe he won't. You are still technically using your magic, and you're really great at it."

"Maybe." Sunburst's ears pressed down against his head. "My dad's always been the…stubborn, type. It's been a long time since we've talked. I'm just not entirely sure if I can handle facing him again."

My dad wasn't all too happy about me leaving magic school. He and mom wanted me to carry on the family tradition of powerful unicorns." 

"I can relate." Starlight said as she took a seat opposite him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "I was so scared about telling you all about my past mistakes. I'm still not proud of them."

Sunburst smiled and placed his hand over the one she currently had on his shoulder. "Hey, you're not that pony anymore. I've known you for years, I know the kind of pony you really are, Starlight."

Starlight blushed at his compliment. "Thanks, Sunburst." she was silent for a moment before speaking once again, "You know, if I learned anything from our reunion, it's that sometimes you need to face your fears instead of running away from them."

"Well, listen to you being all wise." Sunburst said, flashing her a charming smile which made her blush deepen. She playfully punched his arm.

"Stop it!"

"But, you do make a good point. Who knows, maybe he's over it." he said. But, even Starlight could see the hesitation in his eyes. He wanted to see his father, but was too scared to do in fear of how it will turn out. Even she herself felt nervous for him. It was then, she realized she didn't want to leave him to do this alone. She wanted to help him. She wanted to be there for him. She wanted him to know he wasn't alone on this. It can be hard to pick up where two folks left off, and the way things were with Sunburst and his father, she could understand how anxious he must be feeling. Without even a second thought, Starlight said….

"Why don't I go with you to see him?"

Sunburst's ears perked upwards in alert. "Really?"

"Yeah, for moral support."

"I don't know, Star.Nnot sure if you remember much about him but he's not exactly the jolly type. Maybe it's best if you just sit this one out."

"No. I want to." Starlight firmly stated, "You've always been there for me, I want to do the same for you."

Sunburst blinked in surprise. "I…I don't know what to say. Thank you." he wrapped his arms around his best friend, hugging her tightly. Starlight lost herself in his embrace, until the reality of the situation hit her. At that moment, all of her confidence withered away, being replaced with the same worry and concern Sunburst was just feeling.

"What are friends for?"


(~) 


Starlight grunted angrily once again when she found herself lost in the massive castle…again. "Ugh! I am never gonna find my way around this place!"

A door opened and Spike walked out, seeing the distressed unicorn. "Gee, Starlight, what's wrong?"

"I don't know, Spike. Things have gotten all turned around. I just told Sunburst I'd go with him to see his dad at the Crystal Empire and now, I'm not too thrilled to see him again."

"Then why did you say you would?"

"I don't know! It just slipped out! All I wanted was to be there for Sunburst, but I was so caught up in wanting to help him I completely forgot one little detail."

"What's that?"

Starlight Glimmer sighed as she explained to Spike more about her childhood with Sunburst, as well as her history with his family. "When Sunburst and I were foals, he knew everything there was to know about magic. He always knew just what to do. And he was always there to help me. But, his parents were always pretty hard on him. They weren't always too keen on me being around. They were incredibly talented unicorns, coming from a long line of them. I guess it's not surprising that Sunburst got his cutie mark in magic and... went off to Princess Celestia's school the moment his parents found out. But when he left…"

"You blamed cutie marks and stripped a whole village of theirs, and when Twilight and the others stopped you, you went back in time and almost destroyed Equestria." Spike finished, which only made Starlight feel worse. "Um…but that's all in the past now." he said, trying to take back his blunt response.

"That may be so, but it's not really stuff I'm super eager to tell Sunburst's dad about. If he didn't like me then, I can't imagine what he will think if he knew what I ddi. Not to mention he was so upset about Sunburst leaving magic school, he'll probably blame me for it."

"Why would he blame you? It wasn't your fault he decided to leave. And I bet if he saw Sunburst now he'd be proud."

"That's another thing. What if he ends up thinking I'm not good enough to be friends with his son? Sunburst is a part of the Republic City Police department now and… I can't even find my way around Twilight's castle."

"You know, you thought the exact same thing before you told Sunburst about your past, remember? He didn't hold it against you, so maybe his dad won't either."

"Maybe."

"I'm sure once you see him everything will turn out fine. Besides, if Sunburst's dad is that good at magic, maybe he'd appreciate your, uh…" Spike cleared his throat, trying to find a much more appropriate word to use, "exploits. You should talk to Twilight about it. I'm sure she'd want to hear what you have to say."

"I know. But I don't want Sunburst to think I don't want to be there for him." the unicorn grunted in frustration, "Urh! This friendship stuff is harder than it looks."

"That's why you have us, to help you through it." Spike said, comforting his friend.

"Spike! Come quick!" Twilight's voice called out from the balcony, where she and Korra waited eagerly, looking out into the distance. Starlight and Spike arrived not too long after she had called for her assistant. A cold wind blew in their direction, carrying what appeared to be a snowflake that sparkled in the sunlight. It was unusual for there to be a gust of cold wind during this time of day, or during this time of the year.

Still, the two princesses smiled excitedly once the snowflake landed on Korra's hand. The snowflake was made of paper, the edges designed with crystal styled hearts. It also doubled as an envelop, opening up in four pieces with a note inside. 

"It's a Crystalling invitation!" Spike said excitedly upon seeing the letter.

"Shiny and Cadie are parents!" Korra exclaimed with joy.

"And I'm an aunt!" Twilight exclaimed, equally thrilled and levitated the letter, "Korra, look! It says Cadance wants you to be the official Crystaller for the baby!"

"Are you serious?!" Korra snatched the letter back, reading the words once more. She gasped, a hug smile grew on her eyes and her eyes sparkled as she leaped up into the air, "Whoohoo! I'm a godmother!"

Starlight smiled for her friends, "I'm so happy for you guys!"

"Hey, this is perfect!" Spike said, remembering their previous conversation. "You and Sunburst can come with us to the Crystal Empire. That way you can see the Crystalling and see his dad."

"Sunburst's dad?" Twilight asked, her eyes blinking in surprise, which made Starlight gulp nervously.

"Wait, wasn't he the one who basically pushed Sunburst into the next train to Canterlot before he could even say goodbye which eventually led to your slow descend into madness?" Korra asked, remembering the time Starlight had told her the story, to which Twilight, Mako, Bolin and Asami already knew about beforehand.

Starlight's ears lowered sadly. "Yeah, that's him. As if trying to tell Sunburst how I felt wasn't scary enough."

"Did he invite you to see him?" Twilight asked.

"No, I mostly invited myself. I just saw how nervous he was and, I don't know what came over me!"

"I do." Korra said, softly lifting the pony's chin up. "It's called being there for your friends. One of the first things one learns when it comes to friendship."

"I guess." Starlight replied, looking down with uncertainty until Twilight wrapped her hoof around her.

"Don't worry, since this is your first real test in friendship, we'll be right there to help you so your visit with Sunburst's dad goes off without hitch, and we'll finally get to meet the baby! I can't wait!"

Starlight smiled awkwardly during the tight hug. "Right…me neither." she said, though really there was no hiding the fear and worry in her voice.


(~)

> The Chrystaling part 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The day had finally arrived and Team Avatar were well on their way to the Crystal Empire for the Crystalling of the newborn child. Each member came with a bearing for the child. Asami had a Future Industries baby ratel, Mako held a teddy bear and Korra made a small little tiara for the baby, which according to the invitation, was a girl. She used her ice based powers to create the base, adding several gemstones Rarity had given her for the final touch. It was styled to look like a crystal heart. The gift sparkled in the light.

Rainbow Dash yawned from her seat, waking up from her nap, looking over at Applejack's gift, which was covered by a blanket. "Um, Applejack, what is that?"

"Oh, just a little somethin' for the young'un." Applejack pulled the blanket off, using her mouth, to reveal a wooden baby crib with apple imprints on it. The pony smiled proudly at her work. "Made from genuine Sweet Apple Acres apple trees. We make 'em for all the Apples, and anypony related to Twilight is practically family."

Twilight felt deeply touched by both the gift and the comment. Rainbow Dash, on the other hand, rolled her eyes. "Yeah, it's okay... But it's no Cloudsdale mobile! Bam!" the pegasus proudly showcased the baby mobile with rainbows, clouds and lightning bolts hanging off of them.

"Ooh! Pretty!" Pinkie commented as she taped on one of the hanging lightning bolts. The touched caused it to shall off and shatter on the floor. Rainbow Dash narrowed her eyes at the pink pony, who smiled apologetically. 

"Well, a mobile is real nice... as long as you have somethin' to lay in so you can look at it." said Applejack, tapping her hoof to the crib.

"And a fetching blanket to keep you warm." Rarity said as she placed a blanket she had made for the child and placed it neatly on the bed of the crib, making it look even more adorable.

"I'm sure Shining Armor and Princess Cadance will love all our gifts." Twilight said, "But I think they're more happy we'll be attending the baby's Crystalling."

"I'm so excited!" Korra said as she placed the tiara into its gift box and then into her shoulder bag, "We haven't been to the Empire ever since…" the Avatar hesitated to continue, since the Sato heiress was sitting right beside her and Mako. 

"Since I got possessed by NightMara and cursed the Crystal Heart and nearly doomed the land to an eternal dark winter?" Asami finished for her friend, crossing her arms while the couple beside her blushed awkwardly. Asami only giggled, "Guys, it's fine. It doesn't bother me anymore."

Korra chuckled and smiled in relief, "That's good. Besides, I'm not one to dwell on the past."

From another seat, in opposite corner of the train from the three humans, Starlight and Sunburst sat together with Spike. "How does the Crystal Heart work, exactly?" Sunburst asked, "I've heard about it before, but details are still a bit sketchy.

"It's magic is still pretty hard to understand, even for the Crystal Ponies themselves." Mako explained, "What we do know is that it's powered by the ponies' love and light, which spreads across the Empire and Equestria."

"Without it's magic, the entire Empire would be lost to the Frozen North." said Flash Sentry.

"Wow, this Crystalling sounds pretty important." the male unicorn said. "You guys sure you won't need a few extra hooves to help out?"

"No, I think we'll be good." Twilight said with confidence, making Sunburst frown in disappointment, his ears pressing against his head. "Besides, we don't want to get in the way of you visiting your dad, Sunburst."

"Right…really appreciate it." he said with uncertainty.

Spike, the little dragon in front of them, smiled in reassurance. "Don't worry, everything will be just fine."

"Thanks, Spike. I'm just…really worried about seeing my dad again. I don't know how he'll react to me being a cop now.."

"Well, lucky for you, I am the right hand assistant to the Princesses of Friendship! Whenever you get stumped, I'll be there to coach you. I even brought with me a list of steps to take when seeing old friends again." the little dragon pulled out a scroll from his back, which rolled onto the floor, extending on and on across the train floor, making the two unicorns laugh nervously. The little dragon had definitely taken after his friend. "Step one, head to your friend's house and get you two started on the right hoof." Spike read out loud, which only made the two groan simultaneously.

"Star, are you sure you want to do this?" Sunburst asked, "You know you don't have to feel forced to see him. I'll understand."

While it was true, Starlight was afraid, she was even more afraid of not being a good friend to Sunburst. She was scared, she was nervous, she was anxious, she was all these things but more importantly…she cared about Sunburst. She would never forgive herself if she backed down on her word now.

"No, I'll be fine. I promised I'd be there for you, so that's exactly what I'm going to do."

Sunburst felt deeply touched by her words. He knew she would be there for him…he was just scared she'd have to deal with the consequences latter on. He hoped he would be wrong about this father this time.

Flash and Twilight watched them from their seat. "They really are perfect for each other." Flash said, his girlfriend nodded in agreement.

The train came to a stop and the team boarded off. Twilight immediately spotted a familiar pony waiting for them at the station. "Shining Armor!" the alicorn exclaimed joyfully, which resulted in waking up the sleeping unicorn prince, who had been snoring when they arrived. He shook his sleepy head and smiled upon seeing his little sister.

"Twilight…!" he greeted, his voice sounding…incredibly tired. Not only did he sound tired, but he looked terrible. His mane and tail were a complete mess, he had bangs under his eyes and they could even see a few little hairs under his chin. Not only that, but his breath didn't smell all that good either.  

"I didn't know you were meeting us!" Twilight said.

"Of course I am! It's me, right here. Here I am. Why wouldn't I come meet my sister? Though we have met before, heh-heh…"

Korra arched an eyebrow "Are you alright? You don't look so good."

"Never better! Being a father is amazing! And wonderful, and amazing, and confusing, and amazing, but surprising too, you know? I mean, not that you'd know. You wouldn't know, I know... You know?" the exhausted prince forced a smile, his eyes widening and his irises shrinking to indicate he was loosing his mind. Once he realized he wasn't fooling anyone, he took a step back and sighed. "Sorry. I haven't really slept since Cadance had the baby. Come to think of it, she hasn't either. It sure would be great to get a break."

"Oh, of course!" Twilight said, placing a hoof on her brother's shoulder, "I don't know what I was thinking! You two probably need all kinds of help!"

"Luckily for you, you've got Team Avatar on your side!" Korra said with great confidence as she wrapped her arms around Mako and Asami, bringing them in closer. The three of them smiling proudly.

Shining Armor could already feel the weight being partly lifted from his shoulders. "Thanks you guys."

Mako, Rainbow Dash and Flash Sentry stood before the prince, straightening themselves and saluting to the prince, "Sir, waiting your orders, Sir!"

Sunburst saluted as well, only for Twilight to giggle, "At ease, soldier. You, Starlight and Spike go on and see your dad. We'll take care of things from here."

Spike gave her a salute, "Aye-aye, Princess!" he said before marching ahead.

Starlight gave a nervous laugh, "Yeah, really appreciate it, Spike." he said nervously as he followed Spike.

Sunburst laughed nervously, "Yeah…" he said before saying the next thing through gritted teeth a he followed the two, "Appreciate it."

Once they were gone, Twilight turned back to Shinning Armor, "Alright, big brother, let's go see this amazing baby pony!"

Everyone else gave a deadpan stare when they saw Shinning Armor snoring, while muttering, "Ahhh… the baby…"

Korra cleared her throat before gently waking up the sleeping prince. "HEY SHINNY!"

"AH! I'M AWAKE!"


(~)


The two unicorns made their way around the stunning Crystal Empire. Starlight wanted so desperately to explore the place, see the sights, admire the architecture, but sadly her curiosity was clouded by her nerves. But, she had already promised she'd go with him. She could tell Sunburst was scared, so was she, but she remained strong for him. Even if his father would resent her in some way, at least she would know she had done her part and was there for Sunburst. It was strange, caring about another pony really thrived her to become better. She wasn't doing this for her, she was doing it for him.

Spike noticed the concerned looks on their faces, "I know you're both a little worried about this reunion, but you don't have to be. You've got me and Starlight with you."

"Right." Starlight muttered to herself, feeling more and more unsure of herself. 

Sunburst abruptly stopped when he saw a gigantic statue of the little dragon, carrying a Crystal Heart in his claw. "Wait a sec, is that…you?" he asked in awe.

Spike stopped for a moment to see he was pointing at the statue. "Huh? Oh yeah, it sure is. Now, where did you say your dad's house was? Down the left side street or the right?"

"Why is there a statue of you in the Crystal Empire?" Sunburst asked curiously.

Starlight was startled when a female crystal pony appeared, answering Sunburst's previous question, her eyes sparkling in awe as she explained. "Because Spike the Brave and Glorious saved all of us from King Sombra!"

"And then again during the Equestria Games!" said a secondary Crystal Pony, equally enthusiastic at telling Spike's heroic tale.

"Really?" Sunburst's asked in surprise. He had no idea this little dragon was such a hero.

"Really!" A male crystal pony replied and shook hooves with Spike, "Big fan."

"When were you going to tell us about this?" Sunburst asked, even more interested.

Spike blushed and scratched the back of his neck, "Nah, it's no big deal."

"It most certainly is!" a swarm of Crystal Ponies surrounded the little dragon and his two friends, surprising them all the more.

"Please tell us about your heroic tale, Spike the Brave and Glorious!" one little filly asked, her crystal eyes shimmering adorably.

"It's okay, Spike." Sunburst insisted, "I think we can spare a few minutes."

Starlight didn't know if to say something or not, but then again, maybe waiting a few more minutes would ease their nerves a bit. Besides, she was just as interested to know about Spike's tale. The two unicorns levitated two bags of popcorn and sat down as a group of crystal ponies surrounded Spike, eager to once again hear his tale.


(~)


Shining Armor led the group down the crystal hallway unto they reached the baby's nursery, which was adorned with a pink heart at the top of the door. "Before we go in, I should probably tell you. Seeing the baby might be a…bit of a shock."

Korra only chuckled, "Come on, Shinny. We've seen babies before."

"I once saw one being born." Fluttershy said, reminiscing the time where she saw Pema during her time of labor when Rohan was born.

Twilight used her magic to open the door and allow themselves to walk in. "Besides, after everything we've been through, I doubt seeing a baby will be such a challenge."

The entire group walked into the nursery, where the new mother, Cadance, and the alicorns, Luna, Celestia and Leilani awaited. Cadance appeared exhausted with dreary eyes and messed up mane and tail. The alicorns bowed and allowed the group to walk towards the crystal bed, where the most adorable little light pink bundle of joy rested soundly, wrapped around in a cyan blanket. Korra allowed Twilight to go first, her heart leaping once she saw the child up close.

She couldn't believe it, she was an aunt. Everyone in the team was absolutely enchanted by the newborn child. She was of light pink in coat color with a long unicorn horn, light purple hair with cyan streaks and a cute tiny little nose that made them want to rub their own against to give her nose kisses. 

Korra was especially moved to see the little one. She had seen a human child be born, but never a baby pony. It was just as beautiful as when Rohan was born.

"Oh, I wish Bolin was here to see this." Asami said, her eyes sparkling as she gazed at the baby, her hands against her cheeks in awe.

"She looks so peaceful." Mako said, whipping away a single tear that escaped his eye.

"I saw that, tough guy." Rainbow said with a smirk, elbowing his shoulder.

"What? No, I just had something in my…okay, so I'm not made of stone!"

Flash smiled proudly at his girlfriend as she leaned in closer to see her niece. "Hello, little one." she said softly, "It's your Aunty Twilight. I've been waiting so long to meet you."

"Twilight, look she's waking up." Flash said as the baby began to wiggle, her eyes fluttering open. They were a stunning light blue that reflected the brightness of the crystals that made her room. She wiggled even more, unraveling the blanket that was wrapped around her, revealing her tiny pony body, adorable hooves, tail and ears. However, it wasn't the hooves or ears everyone was looking at.

Multiple gasps were heard when the baby was now completely exposed to the group, wearing a blue diaper and cooing in the most adorable sound they had ever heard, but even more shocking…were the large pair of pink feathered wings that sprouted out the moment she wiggled out of her blanket. 

Korra and Mako, on the other hand, only stood there in confusion, not gasping or gazing in shock, just standing there with hands on their hips. Korra arched an eyebrow at everyone's reaction. "Seriously? This is such a big shock? Bumi getting airbending was more jaw dropping!"

"You're not even a little surprised?" Asami asked, more amazed to see Korra so perfectly calm.

"Not really." Mako said casually. "Celestia and Luna were born alicorns, so it's really nothing too new."

Korra explained next, "Not to mention, our genetic structure is incredibly strong, so it's highly possible for alicorns to be born naturally even if only one parent is an alicorn." she said. The baby let out a burbling sound with its mouth and began sucking on her tiny hooves. "Awww!" Korra swooned and wrapped the baby in her arms, tickling her chin. "Hey, little cutie. Who's a little cutie, you are! Yes you are!" the Avatar cooed, making the baby giggle.

Asami shook her head, trying to recollect her thoughts, "So, alicorns can be born and made?"

"Only by accomplishing a great princess worthy deed, darling." Rarity stated.

"Even if she is born with them, the little one still has a lot to learn when it comes to being a true princess." said Celestia, as she smiled at the little baby, still in Korra's arms. She felt so comfortable taking care of a child. She could get used to this motherhood business.  

Pinkie Pie then popped up excitedly. "Wow! A unicorn, and a Pegasus! So she could be a super-strong flyer and have crazy baby magic!"

"Well, I know all about super-strong flying!" Rainbow Dash said as she made a soft air flip to emphasize her point, crossing her hooves and smiling confidently. 

"And Korra and I can help keep tabs on her magic!" Twilight said, as the baby cooed in Korra's arms.

Mako approached the child, feeling his heart swell up when she giggled upon seeing him. He tickled her little chin, making her giggle and rub her tiny little pony nose against his hand. 

"You want to hold her?" Korra offered. 

Mako looked at her in slight surprise. He had never held a baby pony before, let a lone a baby alicon. Still, Korra gently placed the child into his arms and before long the baby was comfortably snuggled in his embrace. "Hello little one." he said as the baby reached out her hooves to touch his face, making him smile. To his amazement, Mako was a natural when it came to holding babies. It felt so right to be carrying a child in his arms, seeing them smile and giggle as they looked at you with their innocent eyes. 

The baby let out an adorable yawn, indicating she was getting sleepy. Mako gently placed her down on her bed. But once she was placed, her nose crinkled. Everyone was eagerly awaiting for a cute little sneeze.

A powerful beam of light came shooting out of the baby's horn the moment she sneezed, shocking everyone in the room, forcing them to step back. Their eyes widening in shock as the beam blew a hole right through the ceiling. One of the pony nursemaids poked her head from one of the floors, the top part of her hair completely singed.

All eyes fell back on the baby, eyes wide and jaws dropped. The baby rubbed her nose and went to sleep. 

Korra blinked, her mouth wide open. "Okay…that I wasn't prepared for."

Leilani rubbed the child's sleepy head. "Just as expected. Her magic is more powerful than that of a newborn unicorn. Perfectly normal for alicorns, but a tad dangerous for normal ponies."

"No kidding!" Mako said, his eyes still looking up at the damage done by one little pony.

"Uh, guys." all head turned to Flash Sentry, who stood by the window, and pointing his hoof towards the many ponies arriving. "Looks like the crowds have already started forming."

Pinkie Pie pulled out an empty green ballon and blew on it, inflating it instantly and wrapping a string around it as she allowed it to rise her up from the floor. "This Crystalling is gonna be some party!" she said as the ballon lifted her up, only to pop a few seconds latter. 

Cadance looked at her equally tired husband while their baby sucked on her mother's hoof. "Do you think we should call it off?" she asked the father.

Rainbow Dash scoffed while crossing her hooves, "Um, we've all faced a lot worse than baby magic."

"I can't imagine canceling such a beautiful and important ceremony over something so potentially adorable!" Rarity said.

Korra nodded her head and smiled at the sleeping baby alicorn. "I agree. Besides, knowing now how much magic she really has, this Crystalling is more important than ever."

"Korra is right." Leilani said, "The powerful magic of the the Crystal Heart will help stabilize her magic for the time being." the alicorn queen turned to the pink alicorn, "Perhaps you should address to your subjects and remind them of that." she said.

Princess Cadance nodded in agreement before lovingly kissing her daughter's forehead. The four alicorns exited the nursery, though Cadance looked back to take one last glance at her little girl. Despite her powerful and unpredictable magic, she still loved this child more than life itself. She hatted having to leave her now, but she would soon have all the time in the world to spend with her.

Shinning Armor snored, resting on the pillows of his daughter's bed. His sister gently nudged him awake. "Shining Armor! Do you have everything you need for the ceremony?"

Shining Armor managed to weekly wake himself up, processing Twilight's recent question. Once he did, the poor prince's sleepy eyes widened so much he looked as if he were going mad and started pacing around the nursery in a panic frenzy. 

"Oh, no! I still have to interview the honor guards, choose the purity crystal, and pick a crystaller!"

"You already did." Korra reminded me, "It's me."

"Oh, right. AH! What about my fitting? I haven't even--"

"Alright, take it easy." Twilight managed to calm her brother down by holding his shaking body still. "Pinkie can stay here with me and Korra and keep an eye on the baby."

Pinkie Pie squeed in reply, while the little baby was attached to her face, to which Pinkie Pie did not mind whatsoever. Even if the child was touching her very eyeballs.

"And we'll all help you with everythin' else." Applejack said to reassure the prince…only to arch in eyebrow once he started snoring again, resting on the crystal floor, shaking his back leg like a dog.

"That is, if you can stay awake long enough to tell us how." Mako said with a deadpan stare, which mirrored Rarity's. 


(~)


Meanwhile, back with Sunburst and Starlight, the two were actually pretty fascinated with Spike's tale about how he saved the Crystal Heart, just as much as the large crowd of crystal ponies that had formed over the course of his storytelling. 

"…and that's how we found the Crystal Heart, defeated King Sombra, and saved the Empire." Spike concluded. The crystal ponies cheered for their hero. 

A couple of crystal fillies chanted, "We love you, Spike!"

"Tell the one about the Equestria Games!" one of the fillies said eagerly.

"Well, as much as I love reliving my heroic deeds, my friends and I have somewhere to be."

"Awwww!" the little fillies sighed in disappointment. Sunburst's expression fell but remained silent. As fun as it was to hear about Spike's adventures, there was no denying the inevitable. The ponies all sighed in disappointment but complied none the less and dispersed.

Sunburst looked down to the ground sadly and Starlight placed a sympathetic hoof on his shoulder. He sighed. "Let's go get this over with."


(~)


Sunburst could feel his stomach turning once they reached his father's house. It was a crystal green quartz house with a roof that resembled an orange wizard's hat with diamond shaped windows. It looked very small, but no doubt big enough for a single pony.

The moment they reached the doorstep, Sunburst hesitated. So many questions were running through his mind right now. Would his father be proud? Had he finally come around? Would he say something mean to Starlight? The latter was more worrisome for him. If he did this Starlight would be heartbroken, and she had gone through too much already. 

Seeing his hesitation, Spike shoved Starlight forward. Motioning her to go to him. She gulped but walked on over to Sunburst, placing a reassuring hoof on his shoulder. This immediately placed his mind at ease. He took in a deep breath and knocked on the crystal door. For a moment, all was silent until the door creaked open. Sunburst tried to peek inside, seeing mostly darkness. 

"Um…hello?"

From a small opening a yellow male unicorn with orange hair, styled into a messy mohawk-like style, with a thin orange beard and wearing a pair of glasses over his nose looked through the opening. His eyes were purple, appearing darker in the dim lighting.

"Yes? What can I do for you?"

"It's… It's me, Sunburst."

Upon hearing the name, the door immediately burst open to reveal Sunburst's father, Blazing Saddles. He looked a great deal like his son, minus for the coat and eye colors, as well as the way they choose to wear their hair. Sunburst's hair was brushed to the side while his father's was a somewhat messy mohawk. "Oh, Sunburst! I'm so happy you could make it!" Blazing Saddles surprised his son with a tight hug. All of Sunburst's previous worries slowly started to fade. Maybe his father had changed after all.

Blazing Saddled was so thrilled, and relieved, to see his son back. However, his happiness quickly changed to surprise when he saw a familiar female unicorn behind his son. She had grown much from when they were children, sporting a new beautiful hairstyle.

Blazing Saddles released his son, his gaze still on the girl. "I see you brought Starlight Glimmer." he said, his tone sounding…anything but excited to say the least.

And just like that, all of Sunburst's previous concerns returned.  "Yeah, from when I was little. You know, before I went off to magic school."

"Yes, of course I remember!" Blazing Saddles approached the unicorn, who smiled nervously but tried her best to hide it. She could practically hear her heart pounding like crazy in his presence. My goodness, it's been a long time hasn't it? What, uh, what have you been up to?"

Starlight felt her body tense. She knew she couldn't just upright and tell the stallion about her past mistakes. Even Sunburst didn't know the minute they saw each other again. But, in this case, it would probably be best if he didn't know at all. 

"Me? Oh! You know, some of this, some of that, different... stuff. Right now, I'm sort of part of the new air nation now."

"Oh, you're an airbender? How…interesting. So, what brings you here?"

"I was just accompanying the Princesses of Friendship to see the royal Crystalling."

Blazing Saddle's eyes widened upon hearing this. "The royal princesses? You're with them now?"

"Yeah. I'm a new friend." so far so good, Starlight thought.

"So, Dad, what have you been up to?" Sunburst asked. "In your letter you never told me what you were doing since you moved here."

"What? Oh. Y-Yes! Uh, y-yes, what I do, I um…I just got a job as the new magic history professor here and I still have a lot of papers to grade, but I can squeeze a few moments with my son and his…friend. Come on in." 

The two unicorns entered the establishment with Spike in tow. The little dragon whispered to Starlight, "See? You've not nothing to worry about." he said.

Maybe he was right, maybe everything would go well for Starlight….or so she thought.


(~)

> The Chrystaling part 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Princess Cadance, now having fixed her hair a bit, stood on the stage with the three alicorns beside her. The stage was decorated with a large heart shaped arc with a  single yellow star above it. A large curtain was behind it, and from behind the curtain, the father peeked to hear is wife speaking to the crowd. 

"Dearest citizens, I am sure you are all just as thrilled and ready for this Crystalling as myself and Shining Armor." 

The ponies cheered excitedly. Shinning Armor could already hear them talking about the baby and how wonderful the ceremony will be. As if the prince wasn't worried enough. He turned back to the line of crystal guards, awaiting for him to choose which one of them would have the honor of being in the ceremony. Shinning Armor began to release short panicked breaths. He hadn't gotten any sleep in the past three days, he could barely think straight and had completely forgotten what he needed to look for on an honor guard. 

"I'm not ready!" he exclaimed, his eyes widening.

Flash Sentry flew down before him with Rainbow Dash, both holding knight helmets. "Take it easy!" Rainbow Dash said, "Just pick whoever looks the most like honor guard material."

"Right… right." said the prince, levitating the two helmets. He really wasn't thinking much and just randomly picked the first two the helmets landed on…backwards and in their faces. The two chosen, or they assumed they were chosen, tumbled backwards due to the helmets shielding their visions and the other guars whimpered as they backed away.

Shining Armor sighed in regret to the others. "I'm sorry. Fatherhood is way more stressful than I ever thought."

"I hear ya, buddy." Mako said, earning a few questionable looks from the others.

"I'm pretty sure three little lizard spirits aren't nearly as challenging as a newborn alicorn." said Applejack.

"Have you tried getting those kids to eat their vegetable?" Mako said, crossing his arms, "It's no picnic."

"Plus, Ali's a bitter." Asami said, looking at her finger and cringed a bit. She could still remember the sting she felt when those tiny little teeth one time when she was babysitting them.

Rarity then levitated a velvet box before Shinning Armor, opening it to reveal five bright blue crystals. "Now, I know choosing the crystal of purity is a very important decision. So I have gone through the trouble of arranging them in order from incredibly pure to outrageously pure."

"Um, Rarity, don't they all sort of look the same?" Fluttershy asked, looking at how disturbingly similar the jewels all looked.

"Oh, well, to the untrained eye, perhaps. What do you think, Shining Armor?" Rarity levitated the opened box towards the prince, who began to stammer incoherently, his eyes increasing in size once more and his body trembling in anxiety. 

"I don't know!" he cried out before lowering down and covering his face while the others only looked on in pity. 

Asami whispered to Flash Sentry, "I hope the others are having better luck with the baby!"


(~)


"Just like the magic inside of you…."

The baby yawned and snuggled in Korra's arms. She had just finished singing a song for the little one, and just as expected she fell right asleep. Korra gently placed her back into her bed, covering her with a blanket and kissed her little head. 

"Aww. She's so peaceful." she said….right before turning back to Twilight and Pinkie Pie, who looked like they had been through a tornado as did the rest of the room. There were a couple scorch marks on the walls. The baby had already learned how to use her horn and was shooting magical yellow beams around the place. Twilight managed to keep her in check, and even Pinkie Pie tried to hold her down when she was flying everywhere, but only did Korra's singing actually calmed her down.

"I can't believe you managed to get her to sleep." Twilight said, breathing heavily due to exhaustion. She never knew one little baby could cause her so much trouble.

"I sing for Rohan all the time." Korra said, once the child was sound asleep. "You know, I could really get used to this mother stuff. It just feels so right." she flipped her hair a bit and turned back to her friends, "Okay, now that that's done, let's go check on…" she trailed off when she saw the two now nervous ponies pointing their hooves, urging the Avatar to turn around. Korra didn't even bother and just gave an unsurprised deadpan stare.

"She's flying again, isn't she?"


two seconds latter…


"Well… at least she's having... fun!" Pinkie said as she, once again, tried sustaining the child who flew around the room once again, shooting more magical beams everywhere. Both Korra and Twilight managed to keep the beams at bay, by countering them with beams of their own.

"Pinkie, hold her still!" Twilight exclaimed. 

"I'm tryiiiiiiing!" Pinkie cried out, her hooves screeching across the floor as she held onto the flying baby. Taking care of this powerhouse was going to be a lot harder than they thought.


(~)


Back at Blazing Saddle's home, the unicorn sat on a table with his son and his guest. Spike saw with them as well, chewing on a few little sandwiches the unicorn had put up for his guests. The sound of his chewing was basically the only line of dialog either of them had shared during the entire visit.

Blazing Saddle's home was filled with shelves upon shelves of books, each one about magic. Magic spells, magic history, magic manuals, ect. It really didn't surprise Starlight, even as a child Blazing Saddles had a variety of books in his collection. It was how Sunburst learned so much.

Starlight's eyes darted around the place as she held the teacup in her hooves. Sunburst was also hesitant to talk, still trying to figure out a way to ease the whole him being a cop news gently. Thankfully for both of them, Blazing Saddles spoke first. 

"So, what have you been up to son?"

"Oh, um…well, I moved to Republic City." he said, trying his best to not showcase his nervousness. 

"I've heard of it." his father said, sounding somewhat interested. "What's it like?"

"It's great. I've made a lot of new friends and found my own place."

"Do you have a job?" Blazing Saddles asked, unintentionally making his son gulp nervously.

"Y--Yes."

"Well, that's good to hear."

"Sunburst's ears perked up in surprise. "It is?"

"Of course. I know I was upset about you dropping out of magic school, but it's still a relief you've found something to support yourself."

"I'm so happy to hear you say that!"

"So, what are you working on now? Keeping your magic skills sharp I hope."

Just when he thought things were going smoothly, they went south fast. "Actually…I'm…uh…" he loved over at Starlight, who smiled and nodded. Encouraging him to tell his father the truth. Sunburst took in a deep breath and confessed. "I took a job at the Republic City Police department!"

Blazing Saddles surprised his guests by spitting out his tea in shock. "You're a cop?!"

"Technically, it's deputy right now. I'm still working my way up."

"W--Well, surely it must require some knowledge about magic, right?"

"Not really. It's not obligatory, but it is accepted by choice. A lot of Equestrians are getting jobs there." 

Blazing Saddles shook his head in disbelief, "I…this is…I don't know what to say."

"He really is amazing." said Starlight, finally gaining the courage to speak up. "Chief Beifong says he's the best rookie cop they've had since Mako."

"Who's Mako." Blazing Saddles asked.

"He's like my mentor." Sunburst explained, "He's also royal adviser to the princesses, and Princess Korra's boyfriend. He's teaching me everything I know."

Blazing Saddles eyes his son suspiciously. "You're learning from…a human?"

"Well, yeah. Why is that a problem? Do you have something against humans?"

"Of course not! It's just…well, I was hoping you'd take on a career that would best exercise everything you were taught."

"But dad, I dropped out of Magic School, don't you remember? You were so upset."

"I was at first, but I didn't loose faith in your talents, son. Just because it didn't work out at school doesn't mean you still can't improve. You were just nervous around those other kids, that's all."

"That's not the reason dad. I knew all the spells by heart but I couldn't cast any of them. I soon realized my magic is at its strongest when I use it to serve and protect people. I tried to tell you this before but you wouldn't listen."

Blazing Saddles remained silent, levitating his tea and taking a sip. His eyes drifted over to Starlight, who was silent all throughout their conversation. "So, Starlight Glimmer, how long have you known the Princesses of Friendship?" he asked, completely changing the subject.

"Oh, just a few months really. I mostly spend my time learning airbending from Master Tenzin. He's an amazing teacher. Wise too."

"I see. Well, that's…wonderful." the unicorn sounded anything but pleased. If anything, he sounded more suspicious than anything. "So, what did happen to you after Sunburst left for magic school?"

"What? Nothing!" Starlight replied quickly, slamming her hooves onto the table, causing the teapot to shake. Realizing her outburst she laughed nervously and began pouring herself some more tea. "I-I mean, I don't see what that has to do with anything. W-Why would you even ask that?" Starlight tried desperately to play it cool but the look on Blazing Saddle's eyes only made her more nervous. She stopped pouring the tea, realizing the cup was overflowing and tea was spilling onto the table. She placed it back on the table.

"What about you, dad?" Sunburst asked, in hopes of easing the tension between them. "How has your new job as a professor been treating you?"

Blazing Saddle's eyes suddenly widened and adjusted his glasses, "Oh, right, right! yes, wonderful! Everything is fantastic, I couldn't be prouder. There is nothing more satisfying that doing what you love."

Sunburst smiled, "I'm really happy to hear that, because I'm very happy where I am right now."

"Are you sure?" his father asked.

"Of course I'm sure. I just said I was."

"Well, that's…fine." Blazing Saddles said before taking a sip of his tea.

"What's that supposed to mean?" Sunburst asked, his eyes slightly narrowing in suspicion.

"Nothing."

"Dad, I know that tone." Sunburst exclaimed, his ears pressing against his head, indicating anger. "You don't like that I'm a deputy, do you?"

"It's not that son, I'm just…a little disappointed you choose a job like this instead of becoming a wizard. You have so much talent and you're just waiting it away!"

"I'm not waisting it away, I'm using it the way I'm supposed to! Just because I'm not a professor like you doesn't mean I'm not good."

"I just don't understand why you would quit school for something like this! Working with a bunch of meat headed bodyguards who spend their free time eating donuts and cracking up bad jail puns?"

Starlight shrunk down in her seat as both father and son glared angrily at one another. Spike then tried frantically to look for a solution with the list. "I'm sure there's something here that can help."

At this point, Starlight would be happy with a paper bag over her head.


(~)


Back at the palace, Rarity was brushing Shinning Armor's mane, now wearing his royal prince jacket and breathing heavily. Flash Sentry coached the prince. "In an out, in and out, in and out." he repeated and the prince did as he instructed. 

The doors opened and Cadance walked out with the alicorns behind her. Her hair was brushed beautifully and she was now wearing a stunning light blue dress with crystal symbols on the skirt. Her husband sighed in relief, his hair now perfectly manageable. 

"Okay. I chose the honor guard, picked the purity crystal, got my suit, and we've already chosen our crystaller. So, all we need is…" the prince rubbed his chin in thought, trying to remember what else he was forgetting, while his wife gave him a deadpan look before rolling her eyes.

"The baby?" she said, stating the obvious.

Shinning Armor's eyes widened and his lips pouted in shock. How could he forget their own baby? The guest of honor? The whole purpose for this Crystalling to begin with? 

"We're here!" Korra called, making Shinning Armor breathed a sigh of relief. Twilight kept the baby contained within a magenta colored bubble, where she kept on flying in circles around it, with Pinkie Pie holding on tightly onto her little torso. 

"She's a really strong flyer!" said the pink pony, still holding onto the child.

Korra phased her hands through the bubble and took the baby into her arms once more. Twilight deactivated the bubble, freeing Pinkie Pie. Korra tickled the child. Anyone could tell the baby took a real liking towards the Princess Avatar, and vice versa.

"Okay, little one, you've had your fun now it's time to go back to mommy." Korra handed the child to Cadance, allowing the mother to levitated her with her own blue colored magical aura, separating the two new friends. 

The baby began whimpering sadly the moment she was separated from Korra, who stood beside her friends. Her eyes filled with tears, her lip quivering. She didn't want to be apart from her new aunty Korra. The poor child sniffed sadly before releasing a powerful and broken hearted cry. 

A sonic wave came from the baby's powerful cry, bouncing off of the walls, becoming a booming echo that outstretched all across the empire, surprising many citizens. The Team instinctively covered their ears, their hair, tails and cloths billowing against the wind created by the booming noise. 

Once the whaling finally stopped, the Crystal Heart suddenly stopped spinning. The sound of cracking came shortly after…followed by the sound of shattering glass.

The baby burbled as she landed on her mother's extended hoof, all the while she and the others stared in horrified shock. They didn't think it was possible, but the Crystal Heart…was broken!

Bits and pieces of the once stunning magical item were splattered across the floor, there were so many of there there was no way they could be able to put it back together, let alone figure out which piece was which. That would take years in of itself. 

Flash Sentry felt woozy and passed out right then and their while Applejack approached the broken pieces. "I'm guessin' that's gonna make it harder to do the Crystalling."

"It's worse than that." Mako said in despair as he opened the curtain. 

From the outside they watched as the sky turned a frightening dark shade of blue, powerful cold winds were forming and horrifying dark clouds formed overhead, followed by various snowflakes. Even Mako himself shivered at the cold.

"Without the Heart, the Crystal Empire's about to be buried under a mountain of ice and snow!"


(~)

> The Chrystaling part 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The atmosphere was getting colder and colder by the minute, the storm clouds were fast approaching and now their only form of protection was currently shattered into a million tiny pieces. 

Rarity's ears lowered in despair, "So… not only can we not take part in a fabulous ancient ceremony, but we're also about to be frozen solid!"

"I don't understand." Asami voiced out, "I thought the Crystal Heart couldn't be destroyed so easily! Even when I was NightMara the most I could do was curse the thing!"

"That's because you aren't an alicorn." Korra corrected, "Our emotions are incredibly powerful. Since the baby's magic is unstable, and the Crystal Heart is powered by emotions added with powerful magic, it overloaded the thing!"

"So, it's just reacting to the baby's mood?" Flash asked.

"It appears so." Leilani said.

"Without the Crystal Heart's magical protection, the entire city's about to become a winter wasteland!" Twilight exclaimed, her voice dripping with fear.

"But what about when King Sombra ruled the Crystal Empire and the Crystal Heart was missin'? The city wasn't covered in snow then!" said Applejack.

"The Heart wasn't missing." Korra stated, "It was still in the castle. King Sombra had just hidden it." 

"I'm afraid Korra is correct, and the storm clouds are already forming." Celestia said, her amethyst eyes looking up at the clouds which she pointed with her hoof. Lightning cracked from above, illuminating the sky as the clouds drew in closer and closer.

Rainbow Dash flew upwards, pounding her hoofs together. "I can totally fly up there and bust those puppies! No problem!" she said with confidence before preparing to fly out there, only to have the curtains close due to Leilani's magic, stopping the pegasus in her tracks.

"I wouldn't advise it, Rainbow Dash." said the alicorn queen, "Those storm clouds are not like the ones you know.""

Princess Luna looked on in concern, "This far north, the weather has a will of its own, and now it will only grow stronger, enveloping everything in its path."

"Including the Crystal Empire!" Cadance said, her eyes widening in fear as she held her baby close.

"And us along with it!" Twilight added, equally terrified. Pinkie Pie rushed to her side, hugging her while her teeth chattered, her body shaking in fear.

"Can't you guys put it back together?" Mako asked Korra and the rest of the alicorns. "If alicorn magic broke it can't it also put it back together?"

"I'm afraid it isn't that simple." Leilani replied, "It's not always easy to fix a broken heart."


(~)


This visit wasn't going as Starlight had hoped. From a corner of the house, Spike frantically kept on trying to go over the list to find a solution, but nothing here seemed to be of any help. Well, they were helpful advice, but not for this specific situation. "There's gotta be something…" the dragon said frantically as he searched, but there was nothing here that could help Starlight to deal with a father and son argument. 

"Why did I even consider coming here? You'll never change!" Sunburst yelled at his father, now standing on his two legs while slamming his hooves onto the table.

"You think it's easy to watch my son waste his life away?!" Blazing Saddles yelled in response, his yellow face turning red due to his anger. "You've been doing that since you were a foal, wasting time with this filly when you could have been studying and becoming stronger!" Blazing Saddles exclaimed in anger, pointing his hoof at Starlight Glimmer. "I always knew she was a bad influence on you!"

Starlight felt in immediate pang in her chest. She always knew Sunburst's father didn't like her, but this was the first time he had ever came close to saying it.

"Don't you dare talk to Starlight that way!" Sunburst flared his nostrils at his father, breaking apart the teacup and causing the tea within it to spill all over the table and drip to the floor. "This is between you and me, Dad! I'm sorry I'm not the powerful wizard you always wanted me to be, but I couldn't spend the rest of my life wasting my talents on trying to be something I'm not!"

"That's because you quit while you were ahead!" Blazing Saddles said angrily, "You could have been a great wizard, probably the best, I just don't understand why you don't want this!"

"Maybe because it's not what I want, it's what you want!" After a brief moment of silence, Sunburst sighed and walked away from the table, approaching his friend. "I'm sorry, Star. Let's get out of here." he said, leading Starlight towards the door. 

She really didn't deserve to tolerate his father's behavior. This was between them, not her. Starlight levitated Spike, who was now wrapped around the list from top to bottom and carried him outside along with her. Sunburst looked back at his father once more, narrowing his eyes.

"Goodbye, dad." he said before slamming the door behind him, leaving Blazing Saddles to huff to himself. Once outside, Sunburst took a moment to release his frustration by breathing in deeply. He looked at his best friend with regret, his ears lowered and pressed against his head. "I'm really sorry you had to see that."

"It's okay. I can see now why you were so hesitant to come here. To be honest, I thought it was that you were embarrassed for him to see me."

Sunburst's ears perked up in surprise. "What? That's ridiculous! I really do appreciate you coming here. It means a lot." his words made the unicorn blush. "I don't regret you coming, but I was also worried about what my dad would say about you and…I was afraid you'd regret coming."

"I don't!" Starlight insisted, "I'm just sorry this didn't turn out like the visit you hoped. What either of us hoped."

"It's not your fault. My dad's always been…stubborn. He just can't accept the fact that I don't want to use my magic the same way he does."

"But you're just as good at him, even if you do use your magic differently. When we were kids you knew more about magic than I did."

"Knowing much is not enough to be good at something. I was taught to use magic to better myself, and when I tried doing it like that I could never cast the right spell. It took me a while to see it but, I eventually realized I was always at my best when I was helping you." the statement made the female unicorn blush. "That's when I knew what my cutie mark really meant. It's funny, you spent most of your life thinking you've found your calling, when really you've been looking at it the wrong way."

"I know exactly what you mean." Starlight said, "For so long, I blamed cutie marks over us splitting up, but really it was because I had my own insecurities to work out."

"I wish I could have been there for you more, and I'm sorry I wasn't. Maybe if we had stayed together you could have helped me figure out my way instead of waisting all those years searching for a lost cause and I could have helped you…"

"Not become totally evil?" Starlight said with a  bashful smile, which only made Sunburst and her chuckle. The past was behind them, and if Sunburst was ready to start anew, then so should she. She was given a second chance, a new start…a new name, and Sunburst had already found his, now he was helping guide Starlight through hers.

"Come on, let's go get something to eat. On me." Sunburst suggested. And good thing too, they needed something to get their mind off of this craziness. As the three friends walked away from the house, the door creaked open and Blazing Saddles watched in sadness as his son grew farther and father away yet again.


(~)


The storm clouds were approaching fast and cold air blew against the curtains, making Twilight tremble from the colds. "There must be another way to restore the Crystal Heart!" she exclaimed, "A spell or something?"

"Perhaps." said Princess Luna, "But it isn't something that any of us know."

"The library here at the castle is nearly as extensive as the one in Canterlot." said Cadance, as she handed her husband the baby. "There's a good chance we can find something there!"

"Can you guys hold off the storm?" Mako asked the three alicorns. 

Luna nodded her head, but still looked on with concern. "Yes, for a time, but even our magic will eventually succumb to the power of the Frozen North."

Leilani spread open her wings and flew upwards, "We will do what we can, but you must hurry. Come, my daughters." the queen flew out of the palace with the princesses close behind, ready to fight off the storm as hard as they possibly could. Leilani took the first blast, releasing a powerful beam from her horn. Celestia's horn glowed brightly yellow, releasing a powerful flame at the storm, causing many of the clouds to disperse. She and Luna worked together, alongside their mother to fight this faceless menace. But, as powerful as alicorns were, even they were not fully invincible.

Twilight watched the scene unfold, peeking through the curtain before turning back to her friends, primarily her boyfriend, Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Fluttershy. "I don't know how long it will take to find the right spell, but you should probably tell the crowd outside to get somewhere warm!"

"And try not to mention the Crystal Heart." Cadance said, "We don't want to start a panic."

Applejack gave the princess a salute, "Yes, ma'am. C'mon!" she said, leading the others to face the awaiting crowd. 

Korra turned to the remaining members, "We're gonna need all of your help. The crystal library is enormous!"

"You can count on me." Mako said.

"Me too." Asami said with a nod. 

"And me." said Shinning Armor while carrying his baby. She started to giggle and disappeared in a flash of golden light, reappearing right on Pinkie Pie's face, causing her to shriek and yank the baby off of her. 

Shinning Armor quickly rushed in to catch his child before she fell, but she only teleported away. "Where'd she go?!" the father frantically looked around for any sign of the baby, as did his wife. 

They heard the sound of distant giggling and Cadance picked up on the sound by twisting her ear a bit. "This way!" she called out, running into the palace with the others right behind her.


(~)


After leaving Blazing Saddle's house, Sunburst, Starlight and Spike stopped to but some snacks. Sunburst was currently purchasing them from a nearby stand while Starlight and Spike stood beside a crystal fountain. The unicorn sighed sadly. 

"Well, Spike, looks like my biggest fears came true."

"Aw, it's not your fault. I'm the one who said we needed was this list." the little dragon said in disappointment before blowing fire at the scroll, bursting it into flames.

"It's not the list, Spike. Or you. Or Sunburst. I'm the one his dad doesn't want being friends with his son." Starlight looked down in depression. "Not that I blame him."

Spike's ears lowered in sadness. Starlight really did try to be a good friend to Sunburst, and she was, and yet she was still being hard on himself. She was still hung up on her past that she couldn't see what was right in front of her. The little dragon refused to let her think this way any longer. Starlight wasn't the same mad for revenge pony she was, and even then it was all fueled by insecurity, fear and pride. She was starting anew, everyone was giving her a chance, but she had yet to give herself a chance.

"Well, Sunburst obviously thinks you're worth being friends with." Spike said, smiling compassionately as he placed a claw on Starlight's leg. "And not just him, Twilight, Korra, Team Avatar, the Airbenders, Tenzin, the kids, and don't forget about P'Li."

A soft smile formed on Starlight's face. "How can I? She understands me almost as well as Sunburst does."

"Ya see? You've already got plenty of friends who know you've changed, and they accept you. And I do too!" Spike surprised the unicorn with a hug. "Everyone else is giving you a chance, but you also got to give yourself one too."

Starlight felt her heart swell up. Spike was right, so many folks had open up their arms to her, showing her that even though she had made mistakes they still gave her a second chance. Maybe she had yet to fully work over her own doubts and insecurities, but maybe instead of wallowing in the past, she should have done something she should have done many years ago…

Trust your friends.

Starlight hugged Spike in return, feeling a lot better about herself and her future. "Thanks, Spike. It really does feel good to have friends, even if one of them has dragon breath." she said with a playful wink

Spike exhaled against his claw, seeing his own breath. "Uh, that's not dragon breath. It's freezing!"

It was then that the two took notice of the disturbing shift in weather. Once, it was bright and sunny, and now snow was falling all around them. Sunburst returned with the snacks being levitated with his magic, shivering due to the cold.

"Oh, you're right!" Starlight said, looking at how the falling snow was beginning to accelerate. 

"Where did all this snow come from?" Sunburst asked, "I thought the Crystal Heart was supposed to keep the cold weather out."

"It is…" Spike said, pondering, "unless something's happened! Come on!"


(~)


Back at the palace, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Applejack and Flash Sentry stood before the large crowd already awaiting to see the Crystalling. The weather continued to get colder and colder, but the crystal ponies barely felt it. Their coats were pretty much used to the cold, and the snowflakes didn't surprise them. Every now and again when the weather outside of the empire would get too much some snowflakes would fall, but so long as the Crystal Heart was activated there really was nothing to worry about. But these ponies didn't know about the Heart, and the group's orders were not to inform them about it. Which proved to be their toughest challenged when it came to getting the ponies out of the area.

"We're just saying that it might not be the best idea to stay outside!" Rainbow said, trying for what felt like the twentieth time she tried to get them to leave. 

"I camped out all night for this spot! I'm not about to just give it up!" one very, very stubborn female crystal pony said, sitting on her beach chair, crossing her front hooves, refusing to leave.

Fluttershy spoke next, attempting her own approach. "Still, when you think about it, the view is just as good a little further back, like... inside your house?" she said with a hopeful smile, but her attempt were in vain for the ponies only continued to complain.

A male crystal pony, wearing a hat and jacket with a variety of pins on them, said, "The Crystalling ceremony is one of our most sacred traditions! And when that foal is held before the Crystal Heart, I plan to be as close to the action as possible!"

"Honestly, I don't know if there's gonna be a Crystallin'." Applejack said.

Flash Sentry stepped forward, hoping they would listen to a royal guard. "The truth is, the baby's an Alicorn and her magic's a little bit…unpredictable, so you might not want to be that close after all."

"A baby Alicorn?" the stubborn female crystal pony said in awe. "Wow, I can't wait to see that!"

"Oh, those little wings are probably so cute!" said the Pin Pony, already gushing over the baby.

"I know, right?"

Rainbow Dash face hoofed herself and groaned in annoyance, "Look, I am a hundred percent sure the Crystalling isn't happening." 

The group looked up once they heard the sound of explosions coming from the castle. Beams of yellow light came shooting out from various spots inside the castle, illuminating the darkened sky. The crystal ponies marveled at the sight. "No Crystalling, huh? Then why are they starting the fireworks show?" asked a mustached male crystal pony, prompting the others to start cheering.

Rainbow face hoofed herself again and landed onto the ground, flat on her stomach while covering her face. Fluttershy compassionately comforted her friend.

Flash and Applejack shared the same worried looks, while saying in unison: "We're dead."


(~)


Inside the Crystal Library, Cadance, Twilight, Korra and Mako continuously searched for a spell that could help them. Cadance and Korra hovered over the upper shelves, reading various book covers, but none seemed to be of any use. Mako searched the lower shelves while Twilight speed read as fast as she could to find the right spell. All the while Shinning Armor tried desperately to catch his little daughter, who giggled as she flew all around the library.

"Young filly, come back here!" the tired father said as he chased after the child. 

Pinkie Pie also chased after the baby filly by hopping after her, trying to appeal to her playful nature. "Come to your Auntie Pinkie Pie!"

Twilight closed one book and placed it on the "rejected" stack before opening up another. She continued this processes for what felt like forever. "Bridle Buck's Boat Chants, Hayhoof's Intonements, Mystic Maps and Mazes…" the princess groaned in frustration, "Anything up there?"

"Not yet!" Korra said as she hovered over the highest shelf, levitating around twenty books at once, and carrying a few in her hands. 

Mako poked his head from one of the lower shelves by brushing a few books aside, "Still looking! Any luck, Cadance?"

"No. I'm not even sure how these are organized!" Cadance said as she frantically searched the shelves. Her daughter appeared on one of the shelves and Cadance attempted to slowly grab her, but the child let out another sneeze, releasing a powerful light beam to which Cadance quickly flew downward to avoid. The baby teleported from the shelves and down beside her aunt Twilight. Shinning Armor chased after her. 

"Shining Armor, I thought you were taking care of the baby!" Cadance said.

"I'm trying!" her husband called out as she turned a corner to try and catch his little girl. Every time he thought he finally had her, she just teleported herself right out of the way and reappeared in the opposite direction. Trying to catch her was like trying to grab a moth in a snowstorm, which might as well be the case. 

The baby giggled, having the most wonderfully fun time flying around the library. Her laughter died down when she spotted Rarity blocking her path, levitating a butterfly net beside her.

"Gotcha!" she called out, ready to use the net…except the baby just teleported away and reappeared behind the unicorn, completely avoiding the net. "Or not…"

The baby giggled once more, flying all around the library, only to have Asami jump down from one of the high shelves and grabbed hold of the baby with her own butterfly net. However, because the baby was stronger than she appeared, she continued to fly around the library, while inside the net, and dragging the heiress with her. Asami screamed as she held on tightly to the stick of the net while Rarity and Pinkie Pie chased after her to help.

Starlight, Spike and Sunburst entered the library, surprised to see all of the commotion that was happening. The princesses and Mako were searching for various books while the others were trying to keep the rambunctious little rugrat steady. The baby eventually broke free of the net, finally releasing Asami beside the stairs, where Pinkie Pie came galloping down chasing after the child, only to slide and crash into a pile of books.

When the baby shot another energy beam, Sunburst immediately shielded his two friends, the three of them ducking down from the blast.

"What is going on?!" Starlight asked, still feeling very confused as to what was happening.

"You want the long or the short version?" Pinkie Pie asked was being dragged across the floor by the baby who held onto her back leg.

"Short?"

Pinkie Pie then started explaining, rather quickly while still being dragged across the floor. "The baby's an Alicorn and she accidentally destroyed the Crystal Heart, so Twilight, Korra, Mako and Cadance are looking for a spell to put it back together and save the Crystal Empire from turning into a giant wasteland of ice and snow."

Starlight and Sunburst blinked in surprise. "Oh." they said simultaneously.

Mako was beginning to loose hope, there wasn't a single book around here that could be of any help. Until his eye caught sight of one very old looking book with golden trim and old velvet material, adorned with a decorative symbol of a shield with a horse shoe with several flags and stars behind it. It also contained a lock that required a key. Thankfully for him, the lock was open. 

"What about this?" he asked, showcasing the book to the three princesses, "Trotter's Tome of Reliquary?" 

Twilight levitated the book and placed it on the table. She opened the book and skimmed through the pages. She smiled once she landed on a particular page. "I think this is it!" she said, showcasing the page to Korra, who took the book in her hands, reading the words out loud. The Avatar smiled.

"Spell of Relic Reconstitution"! Yes!" Korra wrapped her arms around Mako's neck, kissing his cheek, causing him to blush. "Babe, you're a genius!" 

Cadance sighed in relief, "Thank you, Mako. I can't believe we found it!"

"It's a good thing, too!" Twilight said, equally relieved. "Without this, I don't know what we'd do!" she said with a smile…only to she shocked when her nice appeared before her, causing the stack of books to fall before flying away. 

"That's it!" Asami said, finally fed up with all of this. She jumped onto the table after the baby, leaping forward like a ninja and tackled the baby alicorn to the ground. The two rolled on the floor as Asami held the child tightly, shielding her with her arms. Once they stopped, Asami sat upright, holding the baby. The little mischievous pony was still giggling, treating everything like a game. 

Asami sighed in relief, "Okay, you're caused enough trouble for one day, little cutie."

"Nice catch, Asami!" Pinkie complemented.

"Thanks." the heiress said with a satisfactory smile, only to be replaced with a look of pure terror when the baby released yet another powerful sneeze, a beam of yellow came shooting out of her horn, the impact causing Asami and the child to be pushed back.

Rarity countered the blast by levitating a mirror, causing the beam to direct at Shinning Armor, who quickly created a shield to deflect it, which in turn caused Sunburst and Starlight to deflect it with a force field when it was coming at them. Mako instinctively pulled Korra and Cadance out of the way just as the beam came shooting at them. Twilight ducked under the desk, briefly forgetting she was still levitating the book Mako had found….leaving a gigantic hole right through it!

"Ooooh…crud." Asami said in dismay, while still holding the baby.

Twilight's ears lowered, her irises shrinking and her wings rising, "That spell was the only thing we found in the whole library that was even close to what we needed!"

"I'm so sorry, Twilight!" Starlight said, feeling awful for having partly caused the beam to hit the book.

"It's not your fault, Starlight. None of us were expecting any of this."

"Seriously? Nobody was expecting the birth of an alicorn here?!" Mako exclaimed, earning himself a few dirty looks from the others. "Sorry."

"Do you think you and Korra can remember the spell?" Cadance asked her sister-in-law.

"We only read it through once!" Twilight exclaimed. 

"Well, if anypony can exactly remember something she read for the first time two minutes ago, it's you, Twilight." Rarity said with confidence.

"And Korra, you're a master at memorizing spells." Mako said.

Korra and Twilight exchanged concerned looks, but they did make a good point. Twilight was good at remembering words on a page, and Korra could pick up a new spell in a snap.  

"We can try." Twilight said, "But I'm not sure how long it'll take."

A cold wind came in through one of the holed of the castle, created by the baby's magical blasts, followed by several traces of snow. From the hole they could see the dark clouds zooming in quicker and quicker as the wind blowed ferociously like a hungry beast.

"Is quickly an option?" asked a nervous Pinkie Pie.

"I'll help if I can, but we should evacuate the city just in case!" Cadance said while Asami handed her the baby and she placed her on her back. She turned to her husband, "You need to lead everypony to the train station before the tracks freeze over!"

Shining Armor nodded, "We will. But between you, Twilight and Korra, I'm sure you'll remember the spell." he said. The married couple touched horns in farewell.

Mako turned to his girlfriend. The two shared a loving embrace. "I know you can do this." he said as he held her close. He kissed her forehead before bursting through the library doors open and running out to warn the public with Shinning Armor, Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Asami close behind. 

Twilight levitated a quill and a scroll and began writing down what she could manage to remember from the book before it got friend. "I only hope this spell is the one we need." she said.

"That makes two of us." Korra said, sitting beside her to try and remember what she read as well.

"Is there anything we can do?" Sunburst asked the Avatar. 

"I don't think so." it was then, Korra remembered one little detail, "Wait, Sunburst you studied at Celestia's school of magic, right? Surely you must know a spell or something that can help us!"

Sunburst lowered his head in regret. "I'm sorry, Korra. I don't."

Starlight pondered for a moment, then gasped in realization, "But I think I know somepony who might!"

"Who?"

"Your father!"

Sunburst's eyes widened. As much as he didn't want to face his father again, she was right. "You're right!"

"Who is your father?" Cadance asked.

"Blazing Saddles! You must know him, he's a professor."

Cadance looked at the male unicorn curiously, "I'm afraid I don't know the name. But, if he's as knowledgeable as you say he is you should bring him here."

Starlight and Sunburst nodded and both galloped away to retrieve Blazing Saddles, in hopes he would have the solution to their problem. Once they left, the sky roared and thunder boomed down. From the glass window they could see the alicorns, still fighting against the storm before completely disappearing from their view, the mother and daughters becoming engulfed by the clouds.


(~)

> The Chrystaling part 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Starlight and Sunburst came bursting in through the door, nearly escaping the powerful snowstorm that was increasing with each passing hour. The two strained as they worked together to push the doors closed, panting in exhaustion once they did. Traces of snow managed to make its way inside. 

Sunburst quickly turned to his father, who was busy organizing several books from his collection. "Dad! Haven't you looked outside?!" 

Blazing Saddles looked out from his window, only just now noticing the incredibly large dark clouds and snow falling hard from the sky. Seeing a bit of snow here and there around the Empire wasn't anything new, but this powerful and this sudden was definitely odd.

"Snow? That's... not right. The Crystal Heart—"

"Is gone!" Starlight stated, finally gaining the courage to speak to the older unicorn, even if it was just to warn him about what was going on. "The baby – Shining Armor and Cadance's baby – it's an Alicorn!"

Blazing Saddle's eyes widened and hose mouth opened wide, causing his spectacles to slide down before adjusting them back into position. "Really?!"

"Really!" Sunburst replied, expressing equal amount of fear as his female counterpart. "And her magic is a little berserk, and well, I guess she destroyed the Heart! But Twilight and Korra think they can fix it and Princess Cadance thought you could help!"

Blazing Saddles's froze in place, his shrunken irises darting back and forth. "Me?"

"Of course! You've studied magic all your life, you know magic better than anypony else I know and it's your profession! It just makes sense!"

Blazing Saddles, walked a few steps back, knocking over a few books and scrolls from his shelves. His eyes darted from one end of the room to the other, adjusting his glasses. "Right… right... right right right." he said, his gaze turning away from the two. His son and his companion awaited for him to come up with a solution, but the older unicorn only proceeded to levitate the fallen books back onto the shelves.

"You know, I'd like to help, I-I really would. I-I just have so much, um, important work to do around here."

"Huh?!" Sunburst and Starlight looked at Blazing Saddles in confusion and then back at each other. 


(~)


"You can't stay here!" Applejack said to the impatient crowd, speaking in a more authoritative tone than she did before. The wind continued to howl and the snow increased, but the ponies remained in their spots.

"Did I mention this was a Royal Crystalling?" said the mustached crystal pony, "When the crystaller holds the young one aloft, all of the Empire will share their joy and light, and the Crystal Heart will beat stronger than it ever has before!"

The pin pony wiped away a single tear, "It really is a moving ceremony!"

"I really don't think it's going to happen." Fluttershy said, her voice becoming stronger as her patience with the ponies was growing thinner and thinner as the weather became colder.

Rainbow Dash was already shivering, hugging her body, "Come on, it's freezing out here!"

"Uh, this is the Crystal Empire. We've seen snow before." said the stubborn female pony.

"Not like this!" Shinning Armor said, getting the crowd's attention as he walked onto the stage, accompanies by Mako and Asami Sato. 

"We don't have time to argue! Princess Cadance has decided to evacuate the city!" Asami said to the crowd, her raven locks billowing in the wind.

"But the Crystalling…!" one pony exclaimed.

"I don't know if we'll ever have another Crystalling again!" Shinning Armor said and proceeded to give the crowd the awful news that was kept from them. "The Crystal Heart... is shattered."

The Crystal Ponies all gasped in horror! Their one and only form of protection was now gone. All eyes fell upon Asami, who suddenly felt very uneasy at the hundred of dirty looks they were giving her. The last time something happened to the heart she was the cause of it.

Asami raised up her hands in surrender, "Hey, you can't fault me for this one!" she said.

"Then it's true!" said the stubborn female pony, finally facing the reality of the situation. "It's not safe here!"

Flash Sentry groaned and hoof faced himself, "That's what we've been trying to tell you!"

Mako leaped from the stage and landed before the frightened crowd, taking charge. "Alright, everypony head for the train station. Stay close to your loved ones and leave nopony behind! Go!"

The ponies obeyed and ran towards the train station, with Shinning Armor and the others leading the way. As they ran, they passed by several houses, where a few ponies still remained. Flash and Rainbow flew from house to house, knocking on their windows.

"You need to leave!" Flash called out, "The Empire's about to be buried in snow!"

"The Crystal Heart is shattered!" Rainbow Dash called out, "Everypony to the train station!"

Upon hearing of what became of their beloved Crystal Heart, the ponies hurried out of their homes as quickly as they could, meeting up with the rest of their crystal brothers and sisters in a race against time to leave their beloved home before they all froze over.


(~)


"Sir, we know you're busy, but did you hear what we just said?" Starlight said to Blazing Saddles, who continued to organize the books on his shelves. 

"Oh, I heard you, but-but like I said, when you have a career like mine, the work just piles up."

"Dad!" Sunburst called out, already growing impatient. His yell was enough for his father to drop all of his books and turn to face him, while cleaning his glasses with a rag.

"Look, Sunburst, I want to help. I do. But I can't. I wish I could."

"What do you mean?!"

"Fixing an ancient relic? I-I can't even come close to doing something like that!"

"But, you taught me even the most advanced spells." Sunburst said, "You were top of your class in Celestia's school of magic when you were young. You've spent your entire life studying magic. You come from a long line of talented unicorns, you know more about magic than even I do!"

"Your son's right." Starlight said, seeing Blazing Saddle's eyebrow twitch and his ears press down against his head, bitting his lower lip, almost as if he were trying to keep himself from snapping and angrily yelling at her, but Starlight knew there was more at stake here than just how he felt towards her being friends with his son. "Ever since I was a filly I've always admired your vast knowledge, surely you must know something that can help us fix the Crystal Heart."

"I don't" Blazing Saddles exclaimed, his voice raising and his nostrils flaring, causing Starlight to back away in surprise. "I don't have the magic to fix the Heart!"

"But, you're a magic professor!" Sunburst said.

"I lied! I'm not a professor and I'm not a powerful wizard. I never was one!" the room fell into silence upon Blazing Saddle's confession. The unicorn galloped into the next room, away from his son and Starlight. 

Sunburst went after his father, with Starlight close behind, "Dad, what are you talking about?"

"I didn't want you to find out this was. As a matter of fact, I never wanted you to find out."

"Why not?"

Blazing Saddles wouldn't even face his son and kept his back turned to him. "You wouldn't understand."

"Why wouldn't I understand? Dad, tell me!"

The older unicorn closed his eyes shut. He had long hoped he wouldn't have to have his own son find out…but, as it would seem, he had no other choice. He turned to face Sunburst, looking at his only son with great shame.

"While it is true, we do come from a long line of talented unicorns, I was never completely honest with you." Blazing Saddles sat on the table as he told his tale. "When I was a foul I had such a gift for magic. I could do so many things, and I knew so much. I could say about twenty spells at a time without a single mistake. But, when it came to casting them…I was a failure. I was a failure as a magic student and I never got over it. It was the biggest regret of my life. When your mother and I discovered you had such raw talent for magic I tried so hard to make sure you wouldn't fail like I did. That's why I was so devastated when you dropped out of magic school. I'm not upset that you choose to be a cop, I am upset that you had to take it because you inherited my lackluster talent after I tried so long to make sure it wouldn't happen to you! So you wouldn't face the humiliation and regret I did." the unicorn hung his head in shame. "I'm sorry I'm not the powerful wizard you always thought I was."

Starlight looked at the stallion with sympathy. He was trying to make up for his own shortcoming as a father and magic user by making sure his own son would succeed where he had failed.…kind of like when Starlight mimicked Amon's methods so she could make up for her lack of friends by forcing everypony to be the same. Blazing Saddles was trying to make Sunburst into himself so he would no longer feel regret…just like Starlight did to the ponies in the village. Both of them tried to justify their actions, but really it was never about anypony else…it was always about themselves.

Sunburst sat with his father on the table, showing no resentment once discovering the truth. "Dad, I don't care if you're a wizard or not. I'm just surprised." 

Starlight also sat at the table, trying to help comfort the father. "And you didn't fail in teaching Sunburst." she said, placing a hoof over his, to which he immediately pulled away.

"You wouldn't expect you to understand." Blazing Saddles said bitterly.

"Why wouldn't I understand that?" 

"Please, you're a protege to the Princesses of Friendship."

"Well, I'm really more a student, actually. Besides, even if you didn't do well at magic school that doesn't mean you don't know about magic. You've taught Sunburst so much, even I remember all the spells you taught him."

"Well, reading about magic is one thing, but you don't know what it was like for me! To know so much and not be able to do any of it and worse, to watch your own son walk down the same path, carrying on a legacy of failure!" the unicorn flared his nostrils in anger.

That was the final straw. Starlight had held her tongue long enough in front of this stubborn as a mule stallion. She stomped her hooves onto the table, surprising both father and son, finally snapping. "Well, you don't know what it was like to be left behind! To be forced to say goodbye to the first pony you ever really loved! And then getting so bitter that you steal the cutie marks from an entire village and then get defeated by Twilight and her friends, so you travel through time to get back at them, but they beat you again and teach you about friendship, but you're so terrified ponies will find out what you did that you can't make any friends!"

The unicorn sat back on her seat, sobbing as tears fell from her eyes. The room fell into silence as she wiped her eyes, leaving Blazing Saddles jaw dropped. His spectacles slid down only for him to adjust them.

"Did you really travel through time?" Blazing Saddles asked, sounding incredibly surprised and…impressed even. But he wasn't the only one who was shocked.

"Did you say you loved me?"

Starlight's face turned red, her heart racing. In her outburst, she confessed her feelings towards her best friend. She looked over at Sunburst and…he smiled. His cheeks were also red, his blue eyes shimmering with hope. Could it be that he…felt the same way about her?

Starlight got off form her seat and walked into the other room, not facing him. Sunburst followed, patiently waiting for her answer. The unicorn finally faced him, ready to be face the truth. There was no going back now.

"Yes." she finally confessed, "That's why it was so hard for me when you left. I've always loved you, Sunburst. Actually, I think I love you more now than I did then. I was so ashamed of telling you the truth about my past but you still accepted me. Not my mistakes, but the new me. I always used to think we were the same but really, we're not. You were always more confident and strong-willed than I ever was…and I'm happy for that. I'm glad we're different and I wish I had known that years ago. I let my own insecurities and pride lead me. I can't expect you to feel the same way if you don't, but If you do…I hope I'm enough."

Sunburst's eyes filled with tears as he lifted up Starlight's chin, wiping away several of her tears in the process. "You've always been enough, Starlight. And you don't have to worry about me not feeling the same way…because I do."

Starlight's eyes sparkled and she smiled. "Really?"

"Why do you think I tried so hard to find you after I came back?"

"I'm so sorry. About everything."

"I forgive you. Can you forgive me for not being there for you when I should have?"

"Of course I do, always. I love you."

"I love you, too."

The two unicorns held one another in a loving embrace, the love within their hearted radiated with such intensity it even brought warmth to Blazing's cold home…and his heart. The father wiped away his tears, realizing he was wrong to try and mold his son to be like him. In fact, maybe it was good that Sunburst didn't finish magic school, because if he had returned he never would have become an officer, and if he hadn't he wouldn't have found his best friend again. He should have thought more about Sunburst's well being instead of his own. Maybe he and Starlight had more in common than he thought.

One the two ended their hug, Blazing hung his head in regret. "I'm sorry, Starlight. I was wrong to try and keep you two apart. I too let my pride guide me. Knowing much is not enough to be wise, and I'm far from being wise. Can you ever forgive me?"

Starlight smiled and hugged the stallion. "Of course I can."

"Me too, dad." Sunburst said as they all shared in a warm group hug. For a moment, Starlight had completely forgotten about the coldness of the storm. 

The unicorn snapped her eyes open, remembering why they came here. She gasped. "I forgot! They're evacuating the city!" she then began pushing father and son out the door, "You need to get to the train station, unless you've got a spell here that will drive back the Frozen North and fix the Crystal Heart so the baby can have her Crystalling?"

"Crystalling…! Of course!" Blazing Saddles galloped back towards his shelves of books, levitating several of them, all while wearing a big old smile on his face while Starlight and Sunburst looked at him curiously.


(~)


The three alicorns fought off against the storm as hard as they could, their horns emitting smoke from all of the blasts they had fired at the dark clouds, but even with Celestia's firebending the blizzard only grew stronger and stronger. Their bodies grew tired, heavy and colds due to the frost that had started to form on their bodies because of the cold, but they pushed on. The safety of the empire was more important, they couldn't give up. 

"Push them back, my daughters!" Leilani exclaimed, grunting as she unleashed every bit of her magic onto the clouds as did her daughters.

"The storm is getting too powerful!" Luna called out while continuously releasing more beams of magic from her horn. A bold of lightning came shooting from the clouds, striking Celestia at her wing. The older princess cried out in pain and plummeted to the ground, loosing consciousness.

"Celestia!" Luna and Leilani screamed as they raced to rescue her. They held her up as the sun princess groaned, her vision clouded. More thunder was heard from above and Luna and her mother looked at each other in distress. There was nothing more they could do now.

From down bellow, the entire population of Crystal Ponies galloped as quickly as they could, the snow increasing and the temperature dropping at an alarming rate.  

"This way!" Shinning Armor called out to his citizens, while the others helped in making sure they all stayed together. One Crystal pony slid on the ice, falling onto a pile of snow. Fluttershy quickly rushed to her aid and helped her to stand back up before the quick quickly galloped away.

Rainbow Dash and Mako worked together, using their firebending to blast at the storm clouds roaming in closer to the city. Flash Sentry also worked alongside Rainbow Dash in using their pegasus weather manipulation to clear the sky of the clouds, but just like the alicorns, frost began to cover their wings, preventing her from flying faster, or even flying at all. They quickly landed onto the ground beside Mako before running ahead to catch up to the others. 

"Just a little bit further!" Asami called out to the ponies, "The station's just up ahead!"

As they ran they spotted four figures approaching them, but the cold wind and harsh snow made it difficult for them to distinguish who they were. As they approached closer, the figures were revealed to be Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst and Blazing Saddles. Everyone stopped once they approached them, and the alicorns landed beside them.

"We have to go back!" Starlight called out.

"I know how to stop this!" Blazing Saddles said. Celestia, now having regained consciousness though still shaken from the blast, knew she had seen this unicorn before. She smiled.


(~)


Cadance and Spike paced back and forth while Korra and Twilight tried finishing the spell. Between the two of them, they were able to remember the words they had read from the pages. Twilight wrote them down in the scroll. Once she was done she shared it with Korra. The Avatar read the words over before showing it to Cadance. 

"Uh, I think that's everything?" Korra said as the older alicorn read the words. 

"It looks right to me, but... there's only one way to find out!" Cadance assumed her position, allowing the two princesses of friendship to activate the spell, reading the words from the scroll. 

Twilight aimed a magical beam at the broken crystal shards, causing them to rise upwards. Korra then unleashed her own beam from her hands, the star on her forehead glowing as she did. Finally, Cadance aimed her magical beam to the Heart. Between the three of them they managed to place the broken shards into place, creating the form of the Heart just as it was before. Once they had done it, the three smiled with joy. The Heart was back together again! However, it still had crack lines all around it and broke apart once again in a matter of seconds after being put back together.

Korra got down on her knees in defeat and Twilight looked down in dismay. "The spell failed. I don't know what else to do."

"An old student of mine believes he does." said Princess Celestia as she and everyone else walked in through the curtain. Blazing Saddles approached the shattered remains. He carried a saddle bag filled with the books he needed. 

"The baby did this?!" the stallion asked in surprise. He knew alicorns were powerful, but this came from a newborn? It was incredible.

Twilight levitated the scroll with the spell written on it and showed it to Blazing Saddles. "We tried putting it back together with—"

"The spell of Relic Reconstitution, but that won't do much." the stallion said as he levitated a book from his bag and skimmed through the pages. "The Crystal Heart's been around for millennia, and since this was caused by unstable alicorn magic, restoring a relic like this is way beyond just one spell. You need to combine it with something else. Something unique to the relic itself. Something that strengthens it and provides it with power…"

Korra's eyes sparkled as she connected the dots, "Something involving the baby…"

Twilight gasped in realization. "The Crystalling!"

Blazing Saddles nodded his head, "Combining that spell with the light and love of everypony gathered for the ceremony, together with…" Blazing Saddles gave both Starlight and Sunburst one of his books, "Somnambula's Weather Abjuration to clear away the snow…" he then turned to Cadance and Shinning Armor, giving them a scroll, "and a little Fledgling's Forbearance for the parents…" he tickled the baby's chin, making her giggle, "That should curb the little one's power fluctuations."

Cadance smiled in gratitude as her child happily tapped the unicorn's nose. "You must be Sunburst's father. Starlight said you were a powerful wizard."

"Oh, I'm no wizard." the confessed, earning multiple gasps from the others. 

"But he studied magic his whole life!" Starlight Glimmer said, "You should see his house! And since nopony has any better ideas, what do we have to lose?!"

"I say we listen to him!" Asami said, while hugging her frost covered body and trembling. "Mostly because the weather's not getting any warmer and I can't feel my toes."

Shining Armor looked at his wife, who smiled in agreement. If this Crystalling really was their only hope, then so be it. However, since the alicorns will be working together casting the relic reconstitution spell to help keep the Heart in place, there just remained one important element remaining to properly perform the ceremony.

"We had planned on Princess Korra to be our crystaller, but since it seems like she and Twilight be busy…" Shinning smiled as he levitated his daughter, placing her in Blazing Saddle's hooves, much to his surprise. 

He couldn't believe it, the prince was asking him to be the child's crystaller. He looked over to his son, who smiled proudly. "I'd be honored!"

"Well, what are we waiting for?!" Twilight said eagerly.

"Let's get this Crystalling started!" Korra said, equally eager. 

The rest of the group hurried out to begin the ceremony, leaving the five alicorns, Starlight and Sunburst to work on the Crystal Heart. Just like before, Twilight levitated the shards and Korra helped place them together, casting the spell once more. The two strained as they tried to keep the Heart in place. Leilani and her daughters aimed their own magic at the heart, also keeping it steady. Starlight and Sunburst read the Weather Abjuration spell from the book Blazing had given them and together they unleashed their own beam, casting the spell it onto the Heart. Sunburst and Starlight held hooves the entire time as they casted the spell. 

Meanwhile, Blazing Saddles walked up on stage and stood before the crowd with the royal family and the others beside him. He carried the child in his hooves as the parents both kissed her keeps. Their horns glowed, casting the Fledgling's Forbearance on their child. She giggled as her body began to glow a radiant yellow as she slowly rose up into the air. 

Rarity gave Blazing Saddles the case of purity crystals, from which he choose the one he saw was best. The winds continued to howl, but nopony else paid mind to it, for it was the ceremony itself that had their undivided attention.

Blazing held the purity crystal with his magic and addressed to the crowd, "Citizens! May I present the newest member of the Crystal Empire!"

The baby spread open her wings as her body and horn glowed brightly like a radiant star, giggle adorably. She was absolutely stunning, even the harsh winter winds succumbed to her light, no longer making the ponies shiver, and even melting away the frost that had formed on their bodies.

Cadance and Shinning Armor had never been prouder. This beautiful creature was their child, crazy magic or not, she was theirs and no doubt she would grow up to become a wonderful princess who would wash over her people for generations.

Several crystal ponies teared up upon seeing the new princess. "She's beautiful!"

"Oh! It's just so moving!"

The Crystal Ponies all kneeled down, their hearts filling with such love and light that radiated from their bodies, illuminating the ground they stood upon. The entire empire was lit up with the light of the Crystal Ponies. Blazing Saddles placed the purity crystal on the ground and the powerful positive energy was absorbed into it. Quickly, he levitated the crystal and rushed back to where the Heart was and injected the crystal into the Heart, causing it to glow brightly. The others stopped unleashing their magic once the Crystal Heart started to glow brightly and spun around rapidly as it once did. The others waited anxiously for the results. 

A beam of light emitted from the Crystal, unleashing a sparkling wave that touched the alicorns and unicorns. Korra and Twilight joyfully gasped once they realized their bodies had been crystalized, as were Celestia, Luna, Leilani, Starlight, Sunburst and Blazing Saddles. The wave also touched the others on the stage, changing their coats and hair to crystal form once again, changing their hair styled along with it. Mako now wore a snazzy prince-like outfit while Asami wore a light violet dress that reached her knees, wearing a golden broach on her gorgeously styled hair, brushed over her shoulder in a low ponytail. Even the baby now sparkled, now wearing a lovely headband over her head.

The crystal ponies sparkled like the crystals of their homes. The sparkling wave spread all across the empire, causing the snow to disappear, restoring their beautiful empire as it once was. The ponies cheered happily and a beam of rainbows came shooting out from the tip of the Crystal Palace, increasing the powerful wave which pushed the dark storm clouds away and back to the frozen north from where it came. 

The baby landed safely towards her parents, who happily embraced their child. Not only had they finally got their Crystalling ceremony, but the Crystal Heart had been restored, and was now stronger than ever!

Korra and Twilight rushed to their respected boyfriend, hugging them tightly. Korra laughed victoriously, "I think I speak for all of us when I say; Best Crystalling ever!"

Cadance and Shinning Armor handed Twilight their niece, who giggled happily upon seeing her aunt again. Even gave her a soft kiss on the nose, making Twilight tear up a bit. "I love you too, little one."

Sunburst and Starlight hugged happily while Blazing Saddles simply smiled at the two. They really did make a lovely couple. He nearly fell when his brother gave him a strong pat on the back. 

"For a pony who isn't great at magic, you did pretty well." Starlight said, smiling proudly at the unicorn.

"I'm proud of you, Dad."

"I'm proud of you too, Son."

Leilani nodded in agreement, "Indeed. I'm glad to see you've found a way to share your unique gift, Blazing Saddles. You may be more of a wizard than you think."

Blazing Saddles bowed before the queen in gratitude, while Sunburst and Starlight gazed into each others eyes and shared a romantic kiss, which only made their new crystal bodies sparkle even brighter.

Starlight had to admit, this trip really didn't go as she had planned…it was even better!  


(~)


After the ceremony, the group arrived at the train station, ready to be heading back home. Their crystal forms had disappeared by this point. The train pulled into the station and two unicorn ponies walked out. A male and female, the female unicorn had a gray coat, light blue eyes and a purple mane with white streaks and purple stars on her cutie marks. The stallion, her husband, was blue with darker blue mane and brown eyes with a yellow crescent moon and a single blue star for a cutie mark. They were Night Light and Twilight Velvet, Twilight Sparkle and Shinning Armor's parents.

"You would not believe the crazy weather that delayed our train." Night Light said once he and his wife boarded off of the train, "Came out of nowhere."

Twilight Velvet smiled as she approached her new granddaughter. "But it was all worth it to see this peaceful little angel!" she cooed at the baby being held by her father. "Awww, so sweet! Come to your grandmare!"

"Yeah, peaceful now, anyway." Mako said, earning a playful slap on the chest from his girlfriend. There was no rush in informing the two about what really happened just yet. 

"I suppose that spell really did the trick!" Flash Sentry said, sighing in relief and whipping a few drops of sweat from his brow. 

At long last, the danger had passed…until the baby inhaled once again, ready to sneeze! her nose was twitching and her mouth opened wider than before. They all knew that this was going to be a real doozy!

"Hit the deck!" Mako called out, quickly ducking both Korra and Asami down while the ponies also ducked, bracing themselves for the impact.

"AAAAA….CHOOOO!!!"

Everyone blinked in surprise once they realized that nothing happened. There was no beam of light, no buildings being destroyed, nothing. The baby just rubbed her nose and snuggled in her father's embrace. 

"We have Blazing Saddles to thank for that." Shinning Armor said. 

"I hope he takes his role as crystaller seriously." said Cadance, "Something tells me the baby will need a pony like him to look to for magical advice."

Twilight Velvet levitated the baby towards her, holding her in her hoof. "Cadance, darling, aren't we gonna name the poor little dear, or are we gonna spend our entire visit just calling her "the baby"?"

Both parents smiled at each other and Cadance gave her in-laws their answer. "We were thinking... "Flurry Heart"."

"You know, to remember the occasion." Shinning Armor said.

Rarity laughed, "Oh, goodness, how could anypony forget?"

Twilight smiled and kissed her nice on the cheek. "I think it's lovely." she said. The baby's wing started to flap and hug her aunt's head before flying off to land in Korra's arms.

"I'm sorry you couldn't be the crystaller, Korra." Shinning Armor apologized.

"It's okay." The Avatar assured, as the baby giggled.

"You know, not being the cyrstaller doesn't mean you don't still get to be her godmare."

Korra gasped, "Are you serious?!" The married couple nodded their heads and Flurry Heart nuzzled against her new godmother's face, making the Avatar giggle.

"Oh, that reminds me!" Night Light's horn glowed and levitated a bouquet of flowers for his daughter-in-law. The flowers had multiple colors on each petal, giving them the appearance of a rainbow.

"Why thank you!" the princess said, taking a whiff of the plants, "Irilisises are my favorite!"

"Say what now?" Korra asked, never having heard of such a name.

"Oh, they're these rare rainbow colored flowers that bloom every few months during summer." Twilight explained, "I just call them the "Iris" flower for short."

"Iris…" Korra repeated the name, "I like the sound of that."

While everyone else boarded onto the train, Sunburst and Starlight were saying their final farewells to Blazing Saddles. "Well, I think you're the Crystal Empire's big important wizard now, Dad. Whether you like it or not."

"I don't know if I'll have time for any wizarding. I'm a crystaller now. That's a big responsibility."

"Well, I can't think of anypony more qualified." Starlight said proudly.

"Just, promise me you'll take good care of my son, Starlight."

"Of course."

"And son, don't let this one get away again."

"Wouldn't dream of it." Sunburst replied confidently and the three shared one final hug goodbye before boarding onto the train. 

From the window, Korra and Mako happily watched the three and smiled at the way the two unicorns looked at one another. "They really do make a good couple." Mako said, his girlfriend nodding in agreement.

"And I think Starlight is off to a pretty good start at learning about friendship."

"I know she is." Flash Sentry said as he wrapped his hoof around his girlfriend, "She's got the best teachers."

"I don't know, Flash. I think I have a lot to learn about being a teacher." Twilight said with uncertainty. 

"What are you talking about?" Mako asked, "Starlight and Sunburst learned a great lesson." 

"They both got over their past and Sunburst rekindled his relationship with his dad!" said Spike, sitting beside the human couple.

"No thanks to me or any of us." Twilight said sadly.

Korra smiled at her friend in reassurance, "Well, I know she needed to be put on the right path, but giving her the space to make her own decisions worked pretty well. Besides, isn't that how Celestia and Leilani taught us?"

Twilight giggled, "You know, I never thought about it! But I guess it is!"

"See? You're a better teacher than you thought."

"Takes one to know one."

The two princesses shared a laugh and Sunburst and Starlight boarded onto the train, taking their seats next to each other and waved goodbye to Blazing Saddles. From that day forward, Starlight Glimmer had decided to place the past behind her and instead learn from her past experiences to help guide others towards the right path. Even though she still had a lot to learn and there was no telling what the future would hold, one thing was absolutely certain.

None of them would be facing it alone. 


*(~)*



Revelation 3:12~



"He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name."



*(~)*

> To where and back again part 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


*(~)*



Matthew 13:14-33~



Another parable He put forth to them, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. So the servants of the owner came and said to him, "Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?" He said to them, "An enemy has done this." the servants said to him, "Do you want us then to go and gather them up?" But he said, "No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into the barn."



Another parable He put forth to them, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest on its branches. "Another parable He spoke to them: "The kingdom of heaven is like heaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of metal till it was all leavened. 



*(~)*








To Where and Back Again





It has certainly been an interesting six months since Bolin and Varrick left to join with Kuvira, as well as since Starlight Glimmer reformed and started a new life with the Air Nomads. First, the team headed to the Crystal Empire to celebrate the birth of Cadance and Shinning Armor's new baby, and for Starlight's old friend Sunburst to reconnect with his extended father. But, the visit didn't go quite as either party had anticipated.

The newborn alicorn princess had shattered the Crystal Heart due to her crying, and Sunburst had a falling out with his father, Blazing Saddles, because he didn't directly follow in his hoofsteps. Thankfully, with Starlight's quick thinking, she managed to help Sunburst and his father make amends, restore the Crystal Heart and have a beautiful Crystalling for the baby, who they then named Flurry Heart, in honor of the event. Though, in all honesty, how can anyone forget?

As an added bonus, Sunburst and Blazing Saddles buried the hatchet, and Starlight Glimmer finally mastered the courage to confess to Sunburst her true feelings. As to be expected, her loyal, kind-hearted childhood best friend returned her feelings, and have been happily together ever since.

As for the rest of the team, it had been a pretty uneventful time. Or, at least, there was no "end of the world" crisis in any way. 

Rarity and Pinkie Pie spend time with Maud in Manehattan, where the fashionable unicorn helped her hyperactive friend to find the perfect gift for her sister. Brokenheartedly, but with such well meaning intentions, Pinkie sacrificed her party cannon to get Maud a rock pouch, but loving Maud returned the pouch so Pinkie could have her cannon back. It didn't matter how big the gift was, her love for her sister was greater than anything. And any gift Maud received from Pinkie, she would always treasure, five-ever.

That's even longer than forever.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders, now with their brand new cutie marks, were fulfilling their destinies by helping other ponies with their cutie mark problems. Even though they did have a few setbacks here and there. From learning to help others, even when not constantly together, to helping their new friend, a kid-hearted misfit griffon named Gabby, into getting her own cutie mark. Sadly, Gaby could not gain what she wished for, but the Crusaders none the less helped her realize she didn't need a cutie mark to know her life's purpose, and she became their new CMC member!

Spike also had his own adventure, when he and all the other dragons in Equestria were summoned by the Dragon Lord to compete for the tittle of the new Dragon Lord. Reluctant to compete, but determined to try, Spike competed and even befriend the dragon Princess Ember, while also facing his old nemesis Garble in the process. Spike not only won the Gauntlet of fire, but instead gave to Ember, who saved him from Garble in return to his earlier kindness. 

Twilight, Rarity, Mako and Korra had tagged along, constantly hiding from the dragons, not wanting to intervene with Spike's task, but were still present in case he needed help. In the end, they were discovered, only to realize they had no need to hide in the first place once they knew who Korra and Mako were. Turns out, dragons have a great respect for firebenders, and treated them like honored guests. Needless to say, they extended their stay for a bit, especially so Twilight could gather some information on the dragon culture in general.

Starlight Glimmer formed many friendships among the airbenders, but when the task to make a brand new friend before a dinner with the royal family, the poor unicorn was a little more than just nervous. However, she did manage to make a new friend after all…

Trixie.

The self-loving illusionist unicorn had made her most recent stop in Republic City, and Twilight and Korra were less than thrilled to see her. None the less, they tried to give Starlight the benefit of the doubt, though Mako, being the overprotective softy that he was, couldn't help but keep a watchful eye on the two former evil unicorns. Trixie and Starlight formed a surprisingly good friendship, and Starlight even offered to help with her new "apology" tour. 

Unfortunately, when Starlight chose to instead help Trixie with her show rather than go to the dinner, the princesses, and Mako were less than happy about it. Even worse, Trixie saw this as a "win" against Twilight Sparkle, only for Starlight to realize Trixie used her to best Twilight, breaking her heart. Realizing her mistake, Trixie tried to make it up to her, but it was too late. Mako and the Princesses then apologized for not having trusted Starlight to make a new friend, and after seeing the regret in Trixie, realized she really did value their friendship. Before Trixie could severely harm herself performing an incredibly dangerous magic act, Starlight came to her aid, rekindling their friendship.  

Rainbow Dash performed with the Wonder Bolts during an arial show, Rarity opened up her new boutique in Manehattan…after a few shortcoming, and a very, very detailed oriented interviewer, but her grand opening was a complete success. Fluttershy received a visit from her younger, lazybones brother, Zephyr Breeze, and managed to inspire him to learn to do things on his own, even if he fails, but to get up and try again anyways. 

Rainbow even got to see her old friend, Daring Do again, and met a fellow, though somewhat egotistical, fan named Quibble Pants. In the end, they managed to form a good friendship, despite having different opinions about the books.

The team even got to have some, rather mean spirited fun, in teaching the mischievous Kai a lesson after his pranks started getting out of control. They managed to get half the city in on a prank to pretend to have become zombies after Kai switched the CMC's pony scout cookies with joke cookies, that turned one's face rainbow colored once eaten. It was terrifying for the boy, but at least he finally learned his lesson in that one can never have too much of a good thing.

Who could forget the time Discord got to experience guy's night for the first time, with Spike, Big Mac, Mako, Flash Sentry, even Mako's cousin Tu. Though reluctant at first, but after some coaxing from Asami, the chaotic spirit gave it a try, and found out to really enjoy it. And the guys really enjoyed his company as well.

There was also the time Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie played Buckball, and the time Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack and Asami all decided to go on a boat trip, only to come back angry with how disastrous it was. Korra, Mako and Spike tried to figure out what really happened, but each one had a different interpretation as to who's fault it was.

Turns out, the boat crashing was neither of their faults, and that in reality they each had something planned, but didn't realize the others did the exact same thing. Not only was their friendship rekindled, but they managed to have a much more enjoyable boat trip after all. While, playing with a Tri-Horned Bunyip.

Of course, while some adventures were minuscule in scale, compared to their much grander ones, some did test our heroes in a lot of ways.


(~)


After Starlight's time travel event, she helped Korra and Twilight restore the map, which immediately called on Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Mako and Asami to the Fire Nation. This was quite the surprise for Mako, and a part of him hoped to find something regarding his mother. Interestingly enough, it happened only two days away from the anniversary of his parents' death.

They were tasked with helping a pony father and daughter restaurant owners of a place called The Tasty Treat. An exotic place located in the most prestigious, and most expensive, city in the Fire Nation. The father and daughter were unicorns, from the exotic land of Marewari, and moved to the Fire Nation to share their spicy foods. Saffron Masala was a beautiful unicorn who was passionate about cooking and welcomed the group with a warm smile. She was also a highly talented firebender to boot. However, her father, Coriander Cumin, was not too confident about their restaurant, considering nobody had come to eat their food and believed they were too different from any of the fire nation citizens to try. The only way for their restaurant to be a success was to gain high ratting from a famous food critic, Ms. Ting.

Being such savvy business ladies, Rarity and Asami assisted with helping Coriander with making the restaurant look more presentable, especially since Asami's father was once fiends with the critic herself. While Mako and Pinkie Pie helped Saffron with getting the word out and getting the folk's attention. In the process, Mako took the opportunity to find anything about his mother, since this city was where she grew up in. All he managed to uncover from one of the oldest residence was that she once lived in a village not too far from the town, and frequently visited the place where the Taste Treat now resided. 

Sadly, both plans backfired. In their good intentioned efforts, Rarity and Asami stripped the restaurant of its unique atmosphere (even though they themselves personally preferred the old way as well), and the second party couldn't get anyone to come, minus one tourist couple.

When Ms. Ting arrived, she was less than pleased, leaving the group dishearten, until Saffron makes them the food she and her father always made together, lifting their spirits. Rarity and Asami apologized for focusing more on the business aspect rather than what made the place unique, genuinely believing it was the only way to get Ms. Ting to like the place. Saffron then noticed Mako's picture of his mother, and the bracelet she always wore started to glow.

Mako discovered, before they left, Korra enchanted his photo so he would have a better chance at finding information on his mother. Thanks to a flashback spell, the picture revealed that the bracelet once belonged to his mother, Naioki, who gave it to the kind restaurant owner before his restaurant went out of business. Interestingly enough, the old restaurant was located in the same place where Saffron and her father made the Tasty Treat. Saffron reveals the bracelet was still there when they moved there.

The picture also revealed that on the day Naioki and her parents left for Republic City, a storm caused her parents deaths and she became an orphan in the city, becoming a hard working but stoic woman until she met San and was reminded of her happiness and that good people don't always have a sad ending. 

This revelation helped Mako realize exactly what they need to to. While he and Pinkie Pie helped restore the restaurant back into it's rightful glory, Asami and Rarity (using their reputations) managed to draw in a crowd, which made the Taste Treat, literally, and overnight success, despite Ms. Ting still showing distant, because it wasn't like the other restaurants. But, this proved to work in the father and daughter's favor, for something unique was exactly what the people of the city never knew they needed, but once they tasted it, they realized being original was better than having the same every day. 

Not only did the restaurant stay, but Saffron and Coriander were reminded of why they choose to open a restaurant in the first place: They loved cooking together, and sharing that same passion with others.

Mako allowed Saffron to keep the bracelet, as a sign of their new friendship, and he returned home, where he and Korra silently show respects to Naioki and San.


(~)


There was also one time when Twilight was preparing to visit her brother, sister-in-law and niece, only to receive and urgent message from Sunburst, saying his father informed him of a changeling haven been spotted in the city. With her friends accompanying her, Twilight hurried to the Crystal Empire to help, all the while Spike was, once again, showed with praise from the crystal ponies.

During their search, Spike encountered the changeling…only to surprisingly realize that he was…friendly.

The changeling was named Thorax, and he had left the changeling kingdom due to his desire to want friendship and share love rather than steal it, having witnessed it by the Mane Six during the Canterlot Wedding innovation. Feeling compassion, as well as empathy for the fellow misfit, Spike offered to help. But when other others rebuffed the idea of befriending a changeling, Spike instead got Thorax to change into a crystal pony, calling himself Crystal Hoof, and showed him around the empire, where he made fast friends, not only with the crystal ponies, but also with the Mane Six.

Especially a certain pink-haired yellow pegasus, once realizing they shared a love for animals and played with the ones in the crystal petting zoo, who took an instant liking to Thorax, despite being a changeling.

Sadly, his cover was blown when he got too close to Flurry Heart and reverted back to his true form, frightening everyone as he tried desperately to fight his natural instinct. Spike, being too overwhelmed by all the fear, and the pressure among his family and peers, didn't know what to do. 

Heartbroken at the fact Spike sided with everyone else and didn't defend him, Thorax ran off and hid away in the frozen caves, only for Spike to begged for forgiveness and finally tells everyone that Thorax is good, and his friend. But, even with his heartfelt speech (and song), many were still skeptical. Thankfully, Fluttershy vouched for Thorax, knowing that animals would have run away from Thorax had they known he was evil, but they didn't, which proved that what Spike said was true. Twilight and Korra expressed how proud they were of Spike sacrificing his reputation as a hero for his new friend, and Thorax was welcomed into the Crystal Empire.


(~)


The second time the map called for the friends, was when it sent Applejack, Fluttershy, and Flash Sentry to Las Pegasus, where they met the charismatic Gladmane, the owner of a hotel and casino. As well as running into the Flim Flam brothers, who surprisingly were against each other instead of working together. After some investigating, especially with Flash Sentry's detective skills, they realized that while Gladmane was a good "friend" to his employers, and they loved him greatly, he was secretly telling lies that put them against each other, so they would remain in his hotel rather than expand their craft and leave. 

With the help of the Flim Flam brother's con-artist ways, and using his police tape recorder, the trio managed to get Gladmane to confess and revealed it to the entire crowd, especially his employers who quit on the spot. 

That day, Applejack realized that even sleazy ponies like Flim and Flam can change and do good….well, when they want to, that is.


(~)


While Starlight had grown greatly, both in maturity as well as in magic and airending talents, she still had a lot to learn. Particularly, when to not lean on taking total control of the situation in order to get things done. 

When she was overwhelmed with tasks to do with her friends, tasks which Twilight and Korra told her were her friendship lessons, Starlight panicked and used a combination of spells that would make her ponies open to suggestion. However, rather than making them open, it made them downright obedient to the point they couldn't have their own thoughts anymore.

The Mane Six, Asami included, were completely under Starlight's control, though this was not what she original intended, but still used it to her advantage in order to finish the tasks, such as baking a cake with Pinkie, making a dress with Rarity, scrap booking with Applejack, "chilaxing" with Rainbow Dash, helping Fluttershy tend to the animals, and working with Asami with the blueprints of a new road in the works. 

Of course, it backfired when they all took her instructions too literally, and the castle became a mess. To make matters worse, Twilight and Korra arrived early from their presentation at Celestia's School for gifted unicorns, and schooled the unicorn for her recklessness, right after they removed the spell from their friends.

The Princesses didn't understand why Starlight would do such a thing, especially since she had excel in her studies in magic, but her friendship lessons turned out so horribly. Starlight confessed that she had been avoiding the friendship lessons on purpose because she was afraid of messing things up if she did any of the things she was asked to do with the girls. 

Turns out, the lessons weren't to learn how to bake, or sow, but it was to spend time with her friends by doing things they loved and get to know them. Starlight really missed the point there.

The following day, she apologized to everyone, who were experiencing severe morning headaches due to the powerful spell. They forgave Starlight, of course, and helped her clean up the castle. Starlight learned a very valuable lesson about patience, and something it's okay not to be in complete control of a scenario, but to just let go and let someone else take the reigns. Who knows, one might even learn something new along the way.


(~)


The third time the map called, was for Twilight, Rainbow Dash and Korra to help two aspiring wonder bolt students at the academy with a friendship problem of their own.

Two long time friends, Vapor Trail and Sky Stinger where a great flying team. Sky was rather egotistical and proud of his talents as a flyer, while Vapor Trail was rather meek and soft spoken. However, once Twilight, Rainbow and Korra watched the two perform, they noticed that the only reason why Sky was so good, was because Vapor Trail was using her powerful gusts of wind to give him a boost, something he had been unaware of since they first met as kids.

Vapor was only trying to help her friend, but in the process, not only was she demolishing his chances to improve, but also held herself back from fully growing as a flyer. 

Twilight trained Sky on his own to help him get better, but still believed he was a good flyer, despite his poor performance. While Rainbow Dash trained Vapor Trail, boosting her confidence in the process. But, when the truth finally came out, not only was Sky's confidence destroyed, but also Vapor Trail felt she had lost her friend. Twilight helped Sky realize that he can get better with practice, while Rainbow Dash helped Vapor trail realize being a Wonderbolt was exactly what she wanted for her life.

Once they had both friends facing each other, using her own experiences as a pro-bender, Korra reminded them that while it's always important to encourage your friends, and help them when they struggle, a true, healthy relationship should be that both parties help bring out the best in each other, on equal grounds. That they help each other to become a better friend, but also better individuals, that for even when apart, their influences will still remain in their progress and growth.

This helped the two friends to perform greatly during their solo trials, and rekindled their friendship, with newfound confidence for Vapor Trial, and humility for Sky Stinger.

Overall, while some adventures were more relaxed compared to others, these past six moths have certainly been eventful one way or another.


(~)


It was a rather lazy day, so naturally Twilight and Korra managed to find something to do. Even if it was moving some older books into the Air Temple library's reference section. Starlight Glimmer was more than happy to assist, if only because she loved organizing the old history books almost as much as Twilight, especially the ancient airbending history books. Over time, Starlight developed a deep passion for airbending in general, and was, but what Tenzin has said, one of his most promising students.

The three girls placed the last boxes into the library, while Spike trailed behind them, struggling to keep his balance while holding the large box of books. It especially didn't help that he couldn't see where he was going due to the large size of the box. Because of this, the little dragon tripped, and thankfully, Starlight was able to catch him before he or the books fell from the box thanks to her levitation magic.

Spike chuckled and scratched the back of his neck, "Well, we don't all have magical horns."

"Okay, that's the last box." Korra said after she placed said box down and started levitating the books out, placing them on the shelves. 

Tenzin, who was behind said shelf, placing several more books in place, revealed himself to the group. "I've been meaning to move these older books to my reference section for a while." 

"Good choice." Twilight said, "Got to keep the new books front and center!" 

"Thank you all for your help." Tenzin then turned to the anthro unicorn, placing his hand on her shoulder, "And thank you Starlight. I'm sorry you had to reschedule your lunch plans with Opal and Moon Dancer to do this."

Starlight only scoffed, "Are you kidding? After all you guys have done for me, this is the least I can do."

"Oh, please. We haven't done that much." Twilight said humbly.

"Nah. You just taught me how to be the best airbender I could be, not to mention the value of friendship. Not much at all." Starlight said with playful sarcasm.

Korra giggled, "Well, we may have offered you some guidance, but you are responsible for the pony you've become." 

"Korra is right." Tenzin said, smiling proudly, "You've come a long way from the pony you once were. I'm proud to call you my student and my friend." he placed a hand on Starlight's shoulder, to which she placed her own hand over, smiling contently.

While she had experienced a few rocky steps along the way, Starlight felt that the pony she once was was now miles away. She had made so many new friends, even gained a loving boyfriend in the process, and learned so much. Her life was only just beginning, and she couldn't be happier.

"Now we just need to get rid of these boxes. Spike, can you—?"

"Korra! Twilight! Where are you?!" a frantic voice called out, prompting the group to exit the library at top speed. They came to a screeching halt when the one who had called stood before them, panting from exhaustion.

"Thank Celestia!"

"Asami, what's wrong?!" Korra asked, already mentally preparing herself for what was to come. "Is someone hurt?"

"Were you robbed?" Starlight asked, equally concerned. 

"Are you being blackmailed?" Twilight asked.

Asami gave them a questionable look, arched eyebrow and all. "No. Why would you automatically assume the worst?"

The three girls dropped their arms, allowing them to dangle against their upper torsos. "Says the girl who was screaming at the top of her lungs like somebody died."

"Well, nobody died, but I do have some great news!" Asami practically squealed as she showcased them several letters in her hand.

"Oh, the network finally responded to your letter to reboot the ending of LKT?" Twilight asked, pointing at the said letters.

"No." Asami replied, her once beaming smile rapidly morphing into a disappointed frown. "But thanks for opening up old wounds."

Korra rolled her eyes, "Okay, Asami. 1) Get some help. 2) What's the real news?"

"I got a letter Varrick saying he's dropping by to see the new shipment of satomobiles, and Bolin's tagging along. He's coming home!"

Korra and the others could only scream with delight over the news. After six months of traveling with Kuvira, Bolin was coming home for a visit. Asami missed him every single day, so there was no mystery as to why she was so excited to the point she would burst.

"Oh, before I forget, there's a letter for Starlight too."

"For me? Who'd be sending me a letter?" Starlight asked, taking said letter and opening it to read what was inside. Her eyes scanned the paper, taking in ever ink printed word. Her expression shifted from curious to a look of distress. "It's… the ponies from my old village." she finally said after reading the entire letter. 

"Are they in danger?" Tenzin asked with equal concern.

"Are they upset with you?" Spike asked. 

"No… they…they've invited me to the annual Sunset Festival."

"That's great!" Twilight said encouragingly, "I just know they'll be happy to see you again!"

Starlight gave a nervous smile. "Yeah…happy."


(~)

> To where and back again part 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Starlight Glimmer inhaled and exhaled deeply as she made her way into the village. Ponies were already preparing for the festival, hanging up decorations, putting up stands, as well as a large banner, depicting all three of the pony races. Unique in their own way, just as it should be.

Starlight was amazed at how far they had come. Even some of the fillies had already gained their individual cutie marks. To think, she was so close to depriving them of this beautiful experience. Well, she knew better now, and despite her nervousness, she was excited to spend some time with them. Maybe finally form true friendships that she never gave them the chance to do before.

"Uh, hey there, everypony." she greeted. The first two ponies she stumbled upon were Party Favor and Double Diamond. 

The two stallions had just finished putting up the banner, but simultaneously froze in place the moment they heard Starlight's voice. Her eyes darted back and forth, noticing that everypony else had the exact same reaction.

"Uh… Hey, Starlight. What are you doing here?" Parti Favor asked, in an rather suspicious tone.

Starlight noticed all the other ponies approach her, each with matching expressions of shock and distain. She levitated the letter she received and showed it to the two male ponies. 

"I-I… I was invited. To the Sunset Festival?"

Double Diamond arched an eyebrow at the letter and then narrowed his eyes at Starlight herself. "Uh, yeah, but we didn't think you'd actually show up."

"You didn't think we really wanted you here, did you?" Party Favor said as he levitated the letter away from Starlight with his own horn, and Double Diamond shredded it right in front of their supposed guest.

"But… I... apologized. I thought everything was fine." Starlight said, only to be met with the two ponies laughing derisively. The rest of the village surrounded Starlight, their deranged laughter increasing, louder and louder, frightening the poor unicorn.

The skies turned dark, clouds loomed over, lighting cracked, but the ponies continued to laugh, their eyes deranged and psychotic, irises glowing a devilish red, their pears became pointier and slightly curved as if they had turned into horns, and fangs grew from their upper rows of teeth. Even some pegasus wings lost their feathers, instead gaining wings reminiscent of bats.

Starlight felt so helpless and frightened. What's worse, is that one by one, the ponies all began to shift and morph into identical versions of herself. Or rather, how she was before, with her even bangs and equal cutie mark, all while levitating the Staff of Equality, which was already proven to be a fake, but what it symbolized was still fresh in her mind.

Starlight cowered in fear, closing her eyes shut, preparing for the vampiric versions of herself to either tear her to shreds or devour her.

"Please...! Stop...! Stop!"

The sound of laughter died down and the pony hesitantly opened her eyes. The clones were gone. The atmosphere had changed into a serene, foggy night, the full moon being the only source of light in the entire land. The village remained the same, but now Starlight was all alone.

"What happened?" Starlight asked herself, as the thick snowy white fog came in, nearly engulfing the village, to the point she could hardly see the ground anymore, almost as if she were walking on air. The sound of faint hoofsteps echoed in the night. 

"Is anypony there?" Starlight turned around, ready to face whoever it was that had come for her. From the dispersing thick fog emerged an alicorn, with a mane resembling a starry night sky, and cyan green eyes that radiated with such grace, mystery, but also wisdom. She recognized her on the spot, especially when she saw her moon shaped cutie mark.  

"Princess Luna? W-What are you doing here?"

"Dreams are my domain, Starlight Glimmer. I am here because you need me to be."

Starlight took in a sigh of relief, "Oh. It's only a dream."

"It may only be a dream, but the feelings in it are real."

Starlight sighed once more, only this sigh was one of disappointment rather than relief. "Great. So I guess I'm more afraid of going back to the village than I thought. What do I do now?"

"I have been helped time and time again by a group of every special friends. They helped me overcome my past. You're fortunate to have them as friends. I suggest you share your concerns with them." 

The princess of the night walked up into the sky via an invisible staircase, and her hooves emitted a sparkling aura as she walked, amplifying her mysterious beauty and magic as she approached the moon above them. She softly turned once more, smiling to Starlight. A smile so warm and loving, she would think it came from her own mother.

"I see much of myself in you, Starlight Glimmer, and I can tell you from personal experience that things do indeed get better." 

Feeling more at ease with herself, Starlight watched as Luna disappeared into the moon, and she awoke in her own bedroom, taking into account what the princess had advice her to do.

From the opposite side of the room, her roommate P'Li was still sound asleep. Not wanting to wake her, Starlight decided to wait until morning.


(~)


"…and Princess Luna said I should tell you all how I was feeling. So... there it is. I'm afraid to go back to the village for the celebration."

Starlight stood before The Mane Seven, Tenzin, the airbender children, Opal and P'Li, informing them about how she was feeling and the advice Princess Luna had told her. She continuously looked downwards even after she finished explaining.

"But why, darling?" Rarity asked, "You went back to apologize. They accepted. Everypony has moved on."

"But have they? They don't really know how much I've changed. Or even worse, maybe I haven't changed as much as I think I have!" 

"Trust me. You are a totally different pony now." Rainbow Dash said with confidence. "I mean, you were pretty awful."

"Rainbow Dash!" Opal exclaimed, narrowing her eyes in disappointment at the pony's bluntly honest reply.

"What? She was! It's a compliment!"

Jinora smiled kindly at Starlight, "I don't think they would've sent the invitation if they didn't want you to come. I'm sure they'd be happy to see you."

"And getting an invitation to a party and not going?!" Pinkie PIe exclaimed in horror, taking Starlight by the collar, much to her surprise. "That's like... I-It's like...! Well, I don't know what it's like, but it is definitely bad." the pink pony said as she calmed down and released her friend. 

"Just be honest with them." Applejack advices, "I'm sure they'll understand where you're comin' from."

"I understand how hard this is for you." P'Li said, "If you'd like, I could come along for moral support." 

"That's a great idea." Korra said, "Bringing a friend along will make things easier."

"Or a few." Starlight asked, "I was also hoping on asking Sunburst to come along too."

"I think it's perfect." P'Li said, "Anything to make this trip better for you."

"Thanks, P'Li." Starlight said, hugging the combustion woman. "I really appreciate it."

"Anytime."

"I'll arrange a bison for you to take." Tenzin offered. So far, things were starting to turn out well for Starlight.

Everyone's attention turned towards the main entrance, where Asami and Mako walked in, looking surprisingly saddened. 

Korra was the first to stand up and walked towards the two. "What happened? Is everything alright?

"It's Bolin." Mako said with regret. "He's…not coming after all."

"He got held up." Asami said sadly, looking as if she were on the brink of tears.

Korra and the others looked visibly distressed by the news. "Oh, no…"

Silence filled the room for several seconds before…. 

Bolin came out from in between his bother and girlfriend, all three simultaneously exclaiming; "Psych!"

"Gotcha!" Bolin called out, while Asami and Mako high fiver, laughing at their charade. 

Everyone else followed suit, laughing with joy and practically tackled the earthbender with great big hugs. Rainbow Dash ruffled Bolin's hair, Pinkie Pie nearly suffocated him with her own hug, and Spike jumped up into his arms, hugging the earthbender.

"Oh, I missed you guys! Man, you all look….exactly the same as when I left!"

"It's only been six months." Twilight said, laughing.

"I know, but it felt like eight! Man, it's great to be home!"

"It's great to have you home." Asami said, kissing him on the cheek.

"So, what did I miss?"

Everyone could only laugh in reply. They had a lot of catching up to do, they wouldn't even know where to begin. 


(~)


Latter that afternoon, Sunburst had just finished putting on his police uniform, only to receive a knock on the door. "Coming!" he called out. Once he opened the door, he was met with a kiss on the lips, curtesy of Starlight.

"Well, that's one way to say hello." he said with a smile.

"Morning."

"You seem in a good mood."

"I a better mood, actually. I was invited to my old village for the Sunset Festival, and I wanted to ask you to come with me."

Sunburst's smile faded and he looked down in regret. "Oh."

"What's wrong?"

"I'd love to come, really I would, but Chief Beifong requested the entire police force for this three day seminar. They just mentioned recently it and I now can't miss it."

Starlight lowered her head in disappointment. "Oh, I see."

"Lin's been very strict about it. Says everyone has to be there, or else."

"Or else, what?"

"It's Lin, would it make a difference if we did know?"

"Good point."

Sunburst kissed his girlfriend's cheek and hugged her. "I'm really sorry."

"It's not your fault. I'm just so nervous about going back."

"You don't have to be. You're not that same pony anymore."

"Everyone keeps saying that, but I'm still not sure if I believe it."

Sunburst lifted Starlight's chin, locking their eyes. "You have changed. Let no one make you think otherwise. You're going to have a great time, trust me."

No matter how she was feeling, the male unicorn always found a way to make her feel better.

"I love you, Sunburst."

"I love you too, Starlight."


(~)


Disappointedly, Starlight strolled along the park, notching her friend Trixie performing a few party tricks for a group of children. The unicorn smiled at the way the children laughed and gasped in awe at the illusions Trixie performed. While the blue unicorn herself could be a bit…rough around the edges at times, for Starlight, she was still a good friend who understood her almost as well as P'Li did.

The children waved goodbye once their mothers called to them, each leaving with a special gift, either a flower, a balloon or a bouncy ball, and Trixie waved farewell. As always, she wore her signature magicians hat and cape, while wearing some eastern styled clothing, adorning a few stars and moons on her shirt and boots. She spotted her best friend and waved.

"Hey, Starlight!"

"Hey, Trixie."

"You look bummed out. Princess Twilight giving you a hard time?" Trixie asked, rather smugly.

"No, I just asked Sunburst to the Sunset Festival at my old village, but he has this police seminar he has to go to."

"Oh, bummer." Trixie's ears them perked up, "Hey, I don't really have anything planned this weekend…."

Starlight's spirits immediately rose back up, her smile beaming so wide her face might break.


(~) 


Trixie was just about done loading the sky bison's saddle, with help from P'Li and Starlight. Twilight, Korra, Tenzin and the others stood by. Mako, Flash and Sunburst came by to bid them farewell. Mako and Twilight, specifically, kept their arms crossed as they watched the blue unicorn jump down from the saddle, flaunting her cape, her hat currently absent. 

"Thanks so much for doing this, Trixie." Starlight said, "Korra was right, having more than one friend coming along was definitely a great idea."

"It certainly is." Trixie said, and smiled at the two princesses, and police firebender. "Don't worry, Princess Twilight, I– Starlight's best friend – will be right there by her side on this difficult journey." she said, once again, speaking as arrogant as she always did.

"Thanks, Trixie." Twilight forced a smile and speaking through gritted teeth.

"Really appreciate it." Mako added, also through gritted teeth.

Korra, ironically, remained the most composed out of the two. "Way to be subtle." she whispered.

"The festival lasts a whole week, but I'm sure we won't stay that long." Starlight said.

Trixie wrapped an arm around her fellow unicorn, "Oh. I don't know, Starlight. Time really flies when you're spending it with your best friends!"

Starlight hugged her boyfriend once more, "I'll see you when I get back. Have fun at your seminar."

"Or as fun as it can get." Flash said, "It's really not like Beifong to just arrange a seminar so suddenly."

"I know." Mako agreed, feeling a little bit suspicious as to why the always punctual, and strictly organized chief of police would inform all of her officers about a seminar on such short notice. Even they didn't hear about it until Sunburst brought it to their attention. Which was ironic, considering they were almost always the first to know about these kinds of things. Perhaps Lin had a reason for this, they would certainly find out at the seminar.

Starlight, Trixie and P'Li mounted onto the bison, with P'Li at the helm, all waving farewell as the beast took off into the sky and flew directly into the portal out in the ocean, entering the land of Equestria.


(~)


The group eventually arrived at the village. With the two ponies once again in their natural pony forms, they jumped off of the bison, saddle bags and all, while P'Li carried a simple shoulder bag. She really didn't have much to pack, unlike Trixie.

The trio approached the very edge of the mountain, which led downwards to the village. Just like in Starlight's dream, ponies had decorations and banners all set in place, looking as content as they did in her dream.

"There it is!" Trixie pointed her hoof to the location, :The town where you—

"Magically stole everypony's cutie marks, replaced them with equal signs, and forced them all to hide their natural talents? Yes." Starlight hung her head in regret.

"I was going to say where you came from, but yours is a more... emotionally traumatic answer."

"Not really helping, Trixie." P'Li said, placing a hand on her hip.

The blue pony sucked in her lips in responce. While she knew this incredibly tall human was one of Starlight's friends, she was still rather intimating with just her presence alone. She would be wise not to mess with her. 

Starlight inhaled deeply, and exhaled, "I just want to... blend in. Be just another pony in the crowd enjoying the Sunset Festival with my friends."

P'Li squatted down and petted the pony's mane. "You'll be fine."

"And if things get weird for you, just let me know. I've got your flank." Trixie said.

"Is that a promise?"

"Not just a promise. A great and powerful promise!" Trixie pulled out a few smoke bombs and threw them to the ground, causing the three to caught due to the smoke.

"Well, I couldn't ask for more than that." Starlight said.

"Though, maybe keep those smoke bombs in your sack for now." P'Li said, wouldn't want any of these ponies getting asthma."

"Good call." Trixie said in between coughs and the three made their way down, with the bison patiently waiting near an area with luscious greens to eat. 

"If we're gonna do this, let's do it." Starlight gulped, but just the fact that her friends were here made things all the much less terrifying.


(~)


Upon entering the village, Starlight was almost bewildered at how nearly identical it all looked compared to her dream. While it wasn't one hundred percent identically, it most certainly felt like it did in her dreams. Her fears would have driven her to run in an instant have not P'Li and Trixie right beside her.

Double Diamond and Party Favor were the first to greet her. Just like in her dream, they had just finished placing the banner. But, unlike her dream, they didn't show any hesitation to greet her, and instead looked rather happy and excited that she arrived.

"Oh! Starlight, you came!"

"We were worried you wouldn't be able to make it!" Party Favor said, equally excited.

"It's…great to see all of you too." Starlight replied, already feeling her anxieties wither away.

"And you brought friends along! Awesome!"

"Everypony, this is Trixie and P'Li."

"Nice to meet you." P'Li said as she crunched down to shake Party Favor's hoof. "Starlight's told me a lot about you all."

"Are you staying the whole week?" Party Favor asked, "We have different events planned each day!"

"How is it living in Republic City?" Sugar Belle asked.

Double Diamond clapped his hooves, "It is so good to see you!"

Trixie smirked, "Oh, yeah. These ponies are terrifying." she said in a mock-whisper before giggling. Starlight didn't take it to heart, she was already coming to the realization that she really didn't have anything to worry about after all.

"I have to say, I was surprised when I received the invitation, but I'm really glad I came."

"You got here just in time. We were having some debate about these banners." Party Favor showcased a few of the banners, being held up by some of the pegasus ponies, "Which do you think feels more "sunsetty"?"

And just like that, Starlight felt her nerves slowly returning. She remembered how she basically made every decision for them when she ran this village, never once giving them a chance to think for themselves. Last thing she wanted, or needed, was to be reminded of how terrible she once was. Or to be placed in a position of power. 

"O--Oh, you don't need me to decide that. Heh. Whatever you think is probably best."

"I like the first one." P'Li said, earning an proving nod from the other ponies.

"How about helping us with the routes for the relay races tomorrow? Can you take a look?" Double Diamond asked.

"Oh, I-I shouldn't." Starlight took a few steps back, "You all go ahead. I-I just want to enjoy the festival."

"But you will be a judge for the baking competition, right?" Sugar Belle asked excitedly. "I bet you'll be great since you've been in Republic City and all. I've heard they make the best fruit cakes!"

"We had a few questions about the order of the acts for the talent show. You always were great at organizing."

"And the unicorns have a fireworks show planned!" Night Glider said, "With your talents, we could really use your help!"

One by one, more and more ponies surrounded her, eagerly asking if she wanted to participate in this, or that, asking for some advice, asking if she'd prefer this over that. In reality, they were only trying to make her feel like she was a part of the festival, so she could feel like their friend again. But for Starlight, it was live a reversal of her dream, only instead of everyone turning into a version of her past self, she saw them eager to put her in a position of leadership, which was the last thing she wanted. What if the power went to her head again and she lost it? After all, she did use a literally mind control spell on her friends and nearly destroyed Twilight's castle, and that was just taking care of a few friendship lessons. Starlight wasn't always good at allowing others to take the lead, and when she finally decided she wanted to be a follower, not a leader again, everypony around her trusted her to be the latter.

She couldn't do it. She wouldn't do it.

"No! "

Starlight's horn glowed bright, emitting a powerful blast of wind that knocked everypony, save for P'Li and Trixie away from her. The two managed to keep a firm stance, but were still pushed back a few feet. Starlight trembled, her stomach to the ground, covering her eyes and her horn stopped glowing.

P'Li quickly rushed to the little pony's aid, while everypony else looked at her with concern and confusion. 

"Starlight, what's wrong?" Sugar Belle asked. "We just wanted to make you feel like you were part of the festival."

Starlight continued to tremble. "I can't! I can't!" she exclaimed in fear.

P'Li calmly addressed to the other ponies, "We appreciate your invitation, but I think it's best we leave. Starlight's, not feeling so well. I apologize for the inconvenience. 

"The Great and Powerful Trixie would like to thank you all for being such an amazing audience. Sadly, it is time for us to depart. Good night, fillies and gentlefolk!"

"It was nice meeting you all!" P'Li said before Trixie threw the smoke bombs, which caused several ponies to cough as the others made their leave, with Trixie shielding Starlight with her cape.


(~)


P'Li handed Starlight a bottle of water as they flew on the bison over the land of Equestria, sitting on the beast's head beside the combustion bender. 

"Ugh! I was horrible when I led that town! I was ready for them to not trust me, but... I wasn't ready for them to put me in charge again!"

"They only wanted you to feel welcomed." P'Li said. "I don't think they were expecting you to be their permanent leader or anything."

"Still, with my past, I should never be in charge of anything! Remember how I freaked out and used a spell on my friends because I didn't know how to handle a friendship lesson?"

"So you messed up. Big deal." Trixie said, "You're not the only one."

"She's right." said P'Li, "We've all done things we're not proud of. I used to date a mad man who wanted to bring chaos into the world because I was brainwashed into believing some false philosophy. All the people I've hurt, it's not an easy thing to get over, or to forgive. But just because it's not easy, doesn't mean it isn't possible. It just takes a little more time is all."

Trixie removed her hat, allowing the winds to blow against her white/blue mane. "Don't tell anyone else I said this, but even Trixie's made mistakes."

Both Starlight and P'Li gave he a deadpan stare. "You don't say." they said with subtle sarcasm.

"I know! The trick is to just move on and pretend they never happened."

"Actually, that's not true." P'Li stated, "You can't always forget your past, and sometimes you shouldn't. The point isn't to pretend they never happened, but to accept them and learn from them. After all, how can anyone learn without messing up first?"

"You know, that's actually pretty good advice." Starlight said.

Trixie rolled her eyes and crossed her hooves over her chest. "Yeah, yeah."


(~)

> To where and back again part 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The bison landed on Air Temple Island, and Starlight was just relieved to be back home. Once they arrived, Starlight's ears began to flicker back and forth and she looked around the island. Normally, at this time of day, nearly everybody would be out and about, but the island was…surprisingly, nearly deserted, with only a few airbenders out and about, and none of the even speaking to each other. 

"That's strange." P'Li said. "I've never seen the island so…quiet."

"I thought it was always quiet." Trixie said, "You know, being a place of tranquility and all."

"Yeah, but never this quiet. There's hardly anybody." Starlight said, "I don't even hear lemurs chattering."

"Did, something happen while we were gone?" P'Li asked. 

Starlight quickly spotted Opal and Pinkie walking along the nearly deserted island, and called out to them. "Opal! Pinkie Pie!"

The two stopped chatting amongst each other once Starlight approached them. Pinkie Pie greeted first, "Hey... you!"

"Is everything okay? Where is everybody."

"They're…probably out somewhere. You know, helping spread harmony and peace, and all that…good, airbender stuff." said Opal, "So, what brings you here?"

Starlight arched an eyebrow, "I… live here?" Opal and Pinkie Pe blinked in surprise, which only made Starlight all the more confused. "Anyway, you're probably wondering why I'm back so soon."

"Where were you?" Pinkie asked, which kind of surprised Starlight.

"I… went to my old village? For the festival?"

"Ooh, sounds fun! How was it?" Pinkie Pie asked, excitable as always, but at the same time…somewhat stiff.

"It was kind of a disaster. I came back early because I freaked out!"

"Wow, sounds awful, bye!" Opal said, sounding uncharacteristically uninterested in the rest of the story and she and Pinkie Pie walked away. The latter still smiling widely for some reason. 

Starlight, Trixie and P'Li gave each other questionable looks, "That was... strange." Starlight said.

"Isn't Pinkie always strange?" Trixie asked, while removing her hat and cape.

"Yeah, but not like that. Especially not Opal." Starlight said until she noticed Tenzin walking out of the building and rushed to greet him. "Master Tenzin!"

The airbender froze in place and slowly turned to the unicorn. "Yes? Can I help you?"

"Yes. Where are the other airbenders? Is there an emergency."

"Oh, no my dear. We're just…very busy, is all. You know we airbenders travel the world to help bring peace and harmony. Today is no different."

"But, I was only gone for twenty four hours. If something happened, don't you think I should know too?"

Tenzin forced a warm smile, placing his hand on Starlight's shoulder. "Don't fret, dear child. Everything is as it should be. Why don't you and your friends go out to lunch, get your mind off of things."

Starlight only gave a skeptical look as Tenzin walked away without a second glance. Tenzin was always the no-nonsense type, but today he felt rather…off. It was like, it was still him, but something in his mannerisms and speak pattern seemed different somehow. 

Not long after he left, Asami, Bolin, Fluttershy, Applejack and Rarity arrived at the island. Starlight smiled to see more familiar faces and ran up to greet them. "Hey! I'm back early."

"Ah. Welcome back?" Asami said, rather unsurely.

"Have you guys noticed anything weird about the island?"

"Looks like it always does." Bolin said.

"Told you." Trixie said smugly, while P'Li rolled her eyes.

"Anyway, I wanted to talk to all of you. Things didn't go the way I thought they were going to go at the Sunset Festival."

"Oh, dear!" Fluttershy said, placing her hand over her heart in concern.

"What happened?" Rarity asked.

"I kind of freaked out and ran out of the village." Starlight confessed…only to be met by hysterical laughter from her friends. They all tilted their heads back, hugging their stomachs, some even pointed at the unicorn, like playground children making fun of a fellow classmate"

"You freaked out and ran away from a festival? Ha! That's the funniest danged thing I've heard all day." Applejack said in between laughs.

"Oh my. Let me guess. The decorations were terrifying!" Rarity taunted.

"Did you mistake a streamer for a snake?" Bolin laughed, pointing at Starlight, which really wasn't like him. Bolin was never the kind of person to laugh at another person's expense, yet here he was, making fun of Starlight and her insecurities. 

Even Trixie and P'Li found this behavior strange. Fluttershy, the kindest and most considerate of the group was joining in on this, probably laughing the hardest.

Asami wiped away a single tear that managed to escape her eye. "Wow! Talk about bad lame!"

"Asami? What's gotten into you?" P'Li asked, she knew the heiress would normally never be this rude. 

While they laughed, Mako, Flash Sentry, Rainbow Dash, and even Sunburst arrived, the laughter dying down. Starlight smiled upon seeing her boyfriend and rushed to greet him, nearly tackling him with a great bear hug.

"Sunburst!"

"Hey! What's the uniform!" he exclaimed, practically shoving her off of him with brute force. Starlight nearly fell to the ground but managed to keep her balance. Sunburst dusted his sleeves, adjusted his uniform, and sleeked his red hair.

"Sunburst?"

"Yes?"

"What happened? Did the seminar not go well?"

"The seminar went just fine, thanks for asking." Sunburst replied, in such a cruel and thoughtless tone. A complete and total contrast to his loving, compassionate spirit.

"Why are you acting so…so mean?"

"Maybe because I don't like crazy fan girls tackling me and wrinkling my uniform!"

Starlight stepped back, away from…whoever this was. "This…this isn't you."

Mako, stepped forward, blocking Starlight's view of her boyfriend, narrowing his ember eyes. "Excuse us, ladies. We need the rest of the team. Very important friendship business." he emphasized, speaking in an equally cold tone.

The rest of the team walked away from the group, heading towards the crystalized bridge which connected the island to Korra's palace. As they left, Rainbow Dash flipped her mane as well as her tail, nearly wiping P'Li wrist with it with her great speed and force. Starlight watched in heartbreak as Sunburst gave her one final cold stare and walked along with the others. Tenzin awaited for them near the bridge, and joined them in entering the castle.

"I have to say, I'm really not as impressed with your friends as the rest of Equestria is." Trixie said, inspecting her nails.

Starlight felt an awful pit in her stomach. Something was definitely wrong here, she could feel it as the others entered the palace, closing the door behind them.

"Somethings wrong." she half-whispered to herself and rushed towards the bridge, reaching for the handles, only to surprisingly find the doors locked. She grunted and struggled to open them, but when her efforts proved in vain she resulted to knocking.

"Korra? Twilight? Hello?"

The door opened a creek, and Starlight let out a yelp to see and angry Flash Sentry standing at the door. "What do you want? The Avatar is very busy!"

"Flash, I really need to speak with her!"

Spike appeared from behind Flash's legs. "Make an appointment! She's a princess, after all!"

Flash prepared to close the doors, only for Starlight to stop him midway, keeping it open. "What's gotten into you two? Why are you being so—"

"Rude?" Twilight intervened, opening the doors completely, revealing Korra beside her in the process. "I think a certain dragon didn't get his nap today."

Spike grunted as he walked back inside. "Yeah, right. Whatever."

Twilight then narrowed her eyes at Flash Sentry, "Could you give us a moment, sweetie?"

Flash only rolled his eyes but complied none the less, all the while blowing a raspberry at Korra, who then slapped him behind the head, all times Starlight looked on in confusion and surprise.

"Sorry. He's been acting a little off all day. I think he missed a meal or something." Twilight said, looking back at Flash.

"He's not the only one. Everybody's acting a little strange today."

Korra and Twilight stiffed for a brief moment, and the Avatar fiddled with her long hair. "Oh, yeah. It's definitely been one of those days. How are you?" she asked the unicorn in a sweet tone.

"Not great, actually. Sunburst isn't acting like himself, and the island is nearly deserted. I think something's up."

Korra laughed it off, "There's nothing going on. I just sent some airbenders to do some scouting outside the city and the earth kingdom, that's why the island is so empty. Nothing to worry about."

"But, that doesn't explain why Sunburst got so angry with me."

"He's probably stressed from work." Twilight said, "It's been so crazy lately with the seminar, you really can't blame him. I'm sure once he cools down he'll apologize."

Despite their reassurance, Starlight didn't feel that much better. "I guess." 

"Is that all?"

"Actually…no. You're probably also wondering why I'm back from the village so early." Starlight said as she stepped a few feet further inside, while the two princess took hesitant steps back.

"We didn't want to bring it up, but yeah, it did seem strange. Did it not go well?" Twilight asked with concern. 

"The townsponies kept asking me things, like they expected me to be in charge again. But being a leader is the last thing I should ever be. So we left. Very suddenly. In a literal puff of smoke." Starlight said in embarrassment. 

"Wow, you should definitely never go back to that village." Korra said, surprising the unicorn. 

"What?"

"Oh, definitely. If you were worried about what they thought of you before, it's probably way worse now. I'd cut my losses."

"I second that." Twilight said, disturbingly with a smug smile.

Starlight took a few steps back. "That's… surprising advice, coming from you two." 

"Trust us. We're the Princess of Friendship. You don't need those ponies. You can always make more friends." Twilight smiled. 

Mako walked down the stairs, asking them to come up with the others. "Ah! Speaking of friends, if you'll excuse us, important business to attend to!" Korra said rapidly before she and Twilight rushed behind Mako up the stairs, closing the door in Starlight's face in the process. 

The airbending unicorn was left alone outside the palace, now filled with more questions than answers. "Cut my losses? That can't be right."


(~)


Starlight Glimmer strolled down the village at night. Tumbleweeds rolled along the open space as a soft fog rolled in. The doors of every house opened, and ponies walked out. Each one carrying a blank, stern expression. Starlight saw Double Diamond walk by.

"Hey, I wanted to apologize for my behavior earlier." she said, but the white earth pony completely ignored her and walked away. Party Favor also came strolling along, and just like his friend, he walked by Starlight as if she wasn't even there.  

"Party Favor, can you hear me?"

"I told you you can never speak to them again!"

Starlight gasped once she heard the sound of Korra's angry voice. The Avatar, along with Twilight and the rest of the team made themselves known. Even stranger still, the ponies were all in their anthro forms, which made so sense since they were in Equestria, where they couldn't morph.

"What are you all doing here? And, how are you in anthro form?"

"We came to make sure you did what we said!" Twilight exclaimed, "We are your Princesses, aren't we? Didn't we say to never come back here?!"

"Yes, but that just doesn't seem right. You aren't acting like yourself."

"Something is wrong!"

A second voice called out, speaking simultaneously over Starlight's. The wind blew and Team Avatar evaporated from existence. 

"A dream? This is another dream!"

"Starlight Glimmer…!" the voice called out once more. 

"Princess Luna?" Starlight looked around, hearing the voice calling her name again. "Princess Luna, where are you?"

The moon above her glowed brighter, appearing almost like a portal of some kind, and saw the princess of the moon struggling to pull herself out. 

"Starlight Glimmer, there is no time! You must get help!"

"What? What are you talking about? This is just a dream!"

"Not here! In the waking world! They've taken my family and I! The airbenders, Beifong and her police! It's worse than the last time!" Luna cried out, still struggling to keep herself up, she appeared be continuously pulled back by some unseen force. "Your dream called to me, and I was able to break through! You must find help!"

"What are you saying?! Who's taken you?!"

"Be careful who you trust! You need all the help you can find! The changelings have returned and—" before she could speak anymore, the princess gasped and shrieked when insect-like pony abominations reached out and pulled her back. Luna's screaming echoed into the night. 

"Princess Luna!" Starlight called out to the princess, only to have everything in her dream, including herself, to be sucked away into the moon, disappearing in a blinding light.

The unicorn woke up, panting anxiously, sweat dripping nearly from every inch of her face. The memory of the princess and those creatures was so fresh it her mind, she could almost see it flawlessly in front of her right now.

P'Li jolted awake at the sound of her roommate's screaming. "Starlight! What's wrong?!"

"They're back!"

"Who's back?"

Starlight morphed into her anthro form and quickly covered P'Li mouth. Using her horn, she teleported them out of Air Temple Island, and to Aang Memorial Island, in the dark of night.

P'Li pried the unicorn off of her. "Starlight Glimmer, what's going on? Who's back?"

"I--" Starlight proceeded to explain, only to remember the words Luna spoke to her only moments ago. "Be careful who you trust!" Starlight took a fighting stance in front of P'Li. "If you're really P'Li, what was the first real secret I ever told you?"

P'Li arched an eyebrow, "What does that have to do with anything?"

"Answer the question!"

"I can't!"

"Why not?"

"Because, after you told me, you made me promise never to say it out loud!"

"Well, I'm telling you to say it out loud, now."

The woman sighed in exasperation, "The first time you cast your first spell, you messed up by sneezing, you fell into a muddy puddle, and wounded up with a twig stuck to your--"

"Okay! Okay, I believe you!" Starlight stopped her midway, blushing in embarrassment. 

"Now that that's taken cared of, can you please explain to me why you teleported us to Aang Memorial Island?"

"I saw Princess Luna in my dream again! She, and the other alicorns were taken by the changelings!"

P'Li's eyes widened in horror. "Changelings?! As in, those freaky bug-like things that can change into anything and feed off of a person's love like a parasite?"

"On point, yes."

"But-how--when--we have to tell Korra!"

"If I'm right, then it's already too late for that. Luna said they took Lin, her police and the airbenders!" Starlight then gasped in realization, "The seminar…it was a set up! Lin was already replaced and she created the whole seminar excuse to get the changelings to replace the police force too! They have Sunburst, Flash, Mako and Rainbow Dash!"

"Wait, if they have Rainbow, then that means…"

Starlight bit her knuckles, her ears pressing against her head. She may be wide awake, but every minute felt like a nightmare.


(~)


The duo rushed to Republic City park, where they saw Trixie's magic wagon. Starlight knocked hard on the door. "Trixie? Trixie, it's Starlight! Are you awake?"

From inside, Starlight and P'Li could hear Trixie speaking muffled against the wooden door. "Of course, Princess Celestia... I'd love to perform for peanut butter crackers…" she said deliriously. 

"Trixie, wake up!" Starlight knocked harder with her fist, this time most certainly waking up the unicorn inside. As well as causing a few of her fireworks to come shooting out.

Trixie opened the window, still in her pony form, rubbing her sleepy eyes and wearing a long sleeping hat. "Starlight? What time is it?"

"It's late. I think I figured out what's wrong with my friends!"

Trixie yawned, "I have a whole list of things that are wrong with your friends. We can go over it in the morning." she said as she closed the window, only to have P'Li forcibly open it and yank the pony right out of her wagon, dropping her to the ground. If she wasn't awake before, she most certainly was now.

"This isn't a game, Trixie! We're in danger!"

Sighing in frustration, Trixie morphed into her anthro form, still looking sleepy with bangs under her eyes. "Okay, fine! Aside from lack of sleep, how are we in danger?"

"I think the—!" P'Li stopped midway, and eyed the pony suspiciously. "What did you tell me never to tell anybody else?"

Trixie rolled her eyes, "P'Li, if you guys woke me up to play guessing games—"

"After we left the village, what did you tell us to never tell another person you said?"

Trixie sighed and spoke through very gritted teeth, "Thateventrixiesmademistakes."

"Trixie, there's no time for this! What did you say?"

"That even Trixie's made mistakes! Okay? Are you happy?!"

Starlight and P'Li both sighed in relief. "Yes. Sorry. We just had to make sure you weren't... one of them!" Starlight said in a hushed tone.

"One of who?"

"A changeling! They've taken the alicorns, the airbenders and the police force!"

Trixie's eyes practically bulged right out of her head, her hair standing on end. "What?! Are you sure?! I mean, what do we—? We have to tell Twilight!"

"I don't think that'll work." a voice said, coming from above. The group looked around, only to see three little lizard spirits with dragon fly wings flying towards them.

"Mika? Ali? San?" Starlight asked, only to see Pabu and Naga emerge from the shadow behind a tree. "Naga and Pabu? What are you guys doing here?"

"Mom and Uncle Bolin kicked them out." Ali said.

"Even dad threw us away like yesterday's bad noodles." San said, "They're not themselves."

"We want out mommy and daddy back!" Mika said, practically on the verge of tears. Naga whimpered while P'Li petted her head to comfort the heartbroken polar bear dog, while Pabu scurried up her shoulder. 

"What are we going to do?" Ali asked Starlight, who looked up at the night sky, only to spot a familiar streak of rainbow and bleu soaring over the sky. 

"Hide!"

The group hid themselves underneath the trees, and watches as Rainbow Dash flew overhead, heading towards Air Temple Island. Starlight automatically knew what she had to do it they were going to help their friends.


(~)


Ever so silently, Starlight managed to inconspicuously enter Air Temple Island, with Trixie, P'Li and the trio of spirits close behind. "Why are we here again?" Trixie asked in hushed tone.

"If I'm right, and I'm pretty sure I am, then we have to figure out what they're plan is. Just keep quiet."

The others nodded their heads as they made their way through the corridor, following the sound of unintelligible mutterings from across the hallway. They peeked through the door of the eating area, where they saw the entire Team Avatar, along with the airbenders and several police officers, though none of them appeared to have been doing their jobs, but instead were just lounging around, eating whatever they could get their greedy hands on.

Even Team Avatar weren't acting like themselves. Fluttershy sat with her feet on the table like a ruffian, Applejack ate a pear and tossed to Kai's head, not even bothering to apologize. Asami drank a carton of juice, and wrapped away the liquids from her lip with her sleeves and burp loudly.

Spike was drawing on the wall, only to be tripped by Ikki, and laughed at by Rarity and Bolin. Mako, Flash, and Lin placed black shinny stones on the table. Everyone became silent when Korra entered the room, alongside Twilight. 

"Is it ready?" the alicorn asked, with an uncharacteristically wicked smirk on her face.

Tenzin approached, wearing an identical smirk and holding a fourth stone in the palm of his hand. "Just one more."

Tenzin placed the last dark stone on the table. Each was was positioned in a square formation, and once by one they opened, revealing that they were not stones, but beetle-like talismans. Magical green colored energy cracked as rays of green emitted from the beetles, forming together to create a large circular mirror-like orb with green and black energy dancing around it like flames. The center revealed an image of a sickly-looking unicorn creature with long teal hair that look damped as if she had just emerged from the waters. Her body was dark, almost skeletal, in appearance, and on her forehead rested a distorted horn. Her eyes were green, with cat-like slits, and on her back were torn transparent insect wings. On her head, rested what appeared to be a crown, matching her skin, with blue orbs standing on the pointed ends.

Everyone in the room bowed before the creature and she smiled, baring her sharp teeth. Starlight gasped at the sight. She had heard the stories, she had seen her pictures in books. She never imagined she would one day look into the eyes of one of the most vile, wicked, and sadistic enemies in all of Equestria. 

"Queen Chrysalis!"

The queen looked at the audience before her in disgust, her teal mane moving like soft waves as she turned her head to look at each and every one of them. Her empty stomach felt like turning inside out. 

"Ugh. I can't take any of you seriously when you look like that."

"Oh, right." said the Avatar with a wicked smart. One by one, a sickly green glow engulfed each member of Team Avatar, every airbender and police officer present, and their once human and or pony appearance completely disappeared. The room seemed to have grown even more uninviting when the trio of friends saw a number of anthro changelings. Their faces almost looked human, but with insect-like eyes, black sickly skeletal bodies, curved horns on their foreheads, fangs sticking out from their upper row of teeth, and they each wore identical clothing; torn dark midnight blue pants with torn dark green shirts. On their backs were their insect-wings. 

The creatures hissed at one another, as a way of showing how happy they were to be back in their true forms. Disguising as those 'goody-goody' heroes made them feel so dirty.

Chrysalis smiled in satisfaction. "Much better. Now report!"

"Everything here is going according to plan!" said the changeling, who was posing as Korra, "We've replaced the Avatar, and her friends, and have taken control of Air Temple Island!"

"The police force has been replaced as well." said another changeling, who was masquerading as Lin Beifong. "Now, we have complete control over both the castle here, and the one in Ponyville."

"What about that moronic president?" Chrysalis asked, "He doesn't suspect anything, does he?"

"Not a thing."

"Excellent. Replacing him would have been a waste. And I've just received word that the royal family from Canterlot have successfully been replaced as well." the queen said, prompting her changelings to laugh in victory, all the while Starlight, Trixie and P'Li watched in fear. Trixie's body was trembling like crazy, but tried her hardest not to draw any attention to them. 

Starlight knew something was wrong, had she was right. It was no wonder nobody was behaving like their real selves. She listened attentively in hopes of hearing the changelings say more about their plan. 

"We thought too small last time. One kidnapped princess wasn't enough. With all the most beloved ponies and humans taken care of, nobody can stop us!" Chrysalis smiled the most devilishly horrifying smile anyone could imagine, her laughter echoing inside the room, and her changelings laughed alongside her.

The image of Chrysalis disappeared, leaving the room to be silent once more, but not without a few remaining chuckling changelings. The trip knew this was their chance to make their leave, but as they tried, Starlight accidentally tapped the door, causing it to creak. The changelings heard this and began hissing like hungry snakes. Her fork tongues sticking out, slithering like worms and spit came shooting from their mouths. 

Their bodies became engulfed in the green aura once more, transforming back into the heroes. They exited the room, heading down separate paths to try and find the source of the noise. They couldn't risk anyone discovering the truth. 

Starlight, P'Li, Trixie and the spirit trio had huddled together, with Starlight using a camouflage spell to hide themselves by blending with the wall, but only if they remained perfectly still.

The changeling disguised as Kai sniffed the air. He was standing dangerously close to the others, who did their best to remain as still as possible. The Kai changeling sniffed the air, his nostrils flaring, but when he didn't find anyone, or anything, he retread and returned to the others.

Once the coast was clear, Starlight removed the spell and teleported them back to the park, where Naga and Pabu awaited them. Trixie was hyperventilating once they arrived. All of the unicorn's confidence and bravery completely disintegrated, now she was a nervous wreck on the verge of a heart attack.

"I can't deal with this! I'm just a performer! This is... This is princess-level stuff! But the changelings have the Avatar, and all the alicorns… We're doomed!" Trixe cried out and morphed back into her pony form to tremble and shake.

"Maybe not." Starlight said, "Uh, Queen Chrysalis only said they took Leilani and her daughters, and obviously Korra and the others, but they don't have President Raiko. If we go to him, I'm sure he can get the united forced to help."

"That would be a good plan, if it weren't for the fact that they also have the police force and the entire Air Nation replaced." P'Li pointed out. "You really think Raiko, or anyone else, will believe a former terrorist, a cult leader and a unicorn who enslaved an entire town with a power increasing dark amulet, over the Chief of Police, the patriarch of the entire new Air Nation, and the very people and ponies who saved the world from oblivion?"

"Okay, you make a good point. But, maybe Cadance is still safe. Our best bet is to get to the Crystal Empire before the changelings do. That way we can—"

"There's no help coming from the Crystal Empire." 

The group heard a voice coming from behind the bushes. Before Starlight or P'Li could even take their fighting stance, another changeling emerged from the bushes. However, unlike the others, his skeletal body seemed slightly more whole, not as skinny or distorted as the rest. His eyes weren't blue, but rather a bright aquamarine color, but had the same dark skin. His cloths weren't as torn as the others, but they could still see some holes in and there, as well as on his tail. Unlike the changelings, who were practically bald with only spiky hair sticking from behind their necks, he had a full head of gray hair, styled to look almost like that of an eighteen-year-old man, short on the back, apparent somewhat like a mullet on the back, and bangs over his forehead, the main one swept slight to his left due to the curved horn sticking out. His wings, while insect-like, had traces of crystals sprinkles on the surface, giving them an enchantingly, magical apparel. His presence didn't frighten the group, not even Naga or Pabu hissed or growled at him.

Though, the same could not be said for Trixie, who started screaming at the top of her lungs, only for P'Li to quickly cover it and hold the unicorn down. Starlight bravely approached the changeling, having recognized him the moment he appeared. 

"Thorax?"

"Yes."

"Your wings look... different."

Thorax slightly turned, flapping his wings twice, causing the light to fleet off of his wings, which sparkled like moonbeams. "I guess they do."

"Wait, that's the changeling Spike befriended?" P'Li asked. "Fluttershy mentioned him before.

Starlight smiled with glee, happy to see another friendly face, but then Luna's words replayed in her mind and her relief shifted into caution. Her horn glowed bright and she approached the changeling, causing him to step back due to her fighting stance, all the while Trixie continuously struggled in P'Li grip.

"How do I know you aren't some other changeling pretending to be Thorax?"

"You were there when Spike defended me to the ponies of the Crystal Empire. Princess Twilight said—" Thorax engulfed his body in a blue glow, unlike his fellow changelings, which were always green, and took on the form of a pony alicorn Princess Twilight Sparkle, speaking in her voice and all

"As the Princess of Friendship, I should set an example for all of Equestria. But today it was Spike who taught me—"

"Okay, okay. I believe you. We don't need the whole speech."

Thorax changed again, this time into Princess Avatar Korra, also speaking in her voice. "You know, once you get pass the insect qualities, he's actually kind of cute."

Starlight arched an eyebrow at him and Throax changed back into himself. The changeling blushed. "Sorry. Nobody's ever called me cute before." he said. It was one of the first compliments he ever received, and he enjoyed hearing it sometimes. It made him feel like he could be more than just another one of the changelings.

Naga sniffed Thorax, surprising him. The changeling boldly petted the polar bear dog, who panted happily, wagging her tail and then licking his face. Even back at the Crystal Empire, Thorax was a natural with animals, it was one of the many things he and Fluttershy bonded over during her stay. Even Pabu climbed on his shoulder with complete confidence. 

Seeing that this changeling meant no harm, Trixie slowly calmed down, but was stilled being subdued by P'Li, who also covered her mouth. The combustion woman tried to calm the pony. "Trixie, it's okay. Thorax is a good changeling. He's on our side. Understand?"

Trixie nodded her head and, ever so slowly, P'Li released the pony. Thorax offered her his hand, politely introducing himself. "Hi. It's a pleasure to…"

But Trixie quickly hid behind the combustion bender, still trembling, "If Starlight and P'Li say you're on our side, I believe them. But maybe just stay over there for now, okay?"

P'Li, on the other hand, offered her hand in friendship to the changeling. "My name's P'Li. It's nice to meet you."

"Likewise."

Ali, Mika and San hovered over the changeling, studying his appearance. "So, can you really change into anything?" San asked. "Like, could you change into a ballon?"

"How many forms can you take?" Ali asked.

"Does your voice chance every single time?" Mika asked.

Thorax blinked. "Yes, only one at a time, and we changelings have vocal manipulation. We can even change our voices without changing our appearance."

"Wow!" San said in awe, "That would be so cool if it weren't for the fact our parents were just kidnapped and are being held against their will by some evil monster queen."

"Thorax, you said there wasn't any help in the Crystal Empire." Starlight said, "Did the changelings get Cadance too?"

"They took Cadance, Shining Armor, and Flurry Heart! Blazing Saddles sent me here to get Princess Korra's help, but... but it sounds like it's too late for that, too! So... what should we do?"

"Yeah, Starlight. What are we gonna do?" Trixie asked, griping her friend's arm in desperation. 

Starlight, looked at everyone and then down at her feet. She was, literally, drawing a blank here. Her friends, boyfriend, teachers, everyone had been taken. She didn't know what to do. Obviously, the smart thing would be to rescue them, but how? Like P'Li said, there was a slim chance Raiko would believe people like them, even worse if they knew a changeling was with them. Plus, the Canterlot royal army was at the command of the changelings disguising as Queen Leilani and her daughters, not to mention the Tenzin, Korra, Lin and Twilight had Raiko's loyalty and trust 100%, as well as the United Forces. They were outnumbered.

"I… I don't know! There has to be somebody else who can handle this?"

"There is nobody else! Everybody with powerful magic is already gone!"

"You know whenever ponies talk about powerful magic, they always leave me out. If I weren't so evolved, I might decide to take it personally." 

The group saw none other than the spirit of chaos himself, lounging Trixie's wagon, knitting some kind of rabbit plush toy. "Well, isn't this quite the combination of secondary characters? Where are Korra and the others?"

"First, how do we know that you're really you?" Starlight asked. 

With a snap of his fingers, Discord made the flowers get up and dance, a tree into a cookoo clock, and the ground they were standing on into slippery soap. Thorax managed to avoid slipping and falling by flying upwards. Even Trixie's wagon turned into a literal pumpkin carriage.  

"Shall I continue?" Discord said, smiling smugly.

"Okay, we believe you." P'Li said, and Discord changed everything back to normal. "Well, it's a good thing you're here, Discord. We're in trouble."

"What happened."

"Chrysalis and the changelings are back. They've kidnapped all of the most powerful ponies in Equestria! Leilani, Celestia, Luna, Cadance, Shining Armor, Flurry Heart, Twilight, Korra, The Mane Six, the police force, the airbenders. We need to—"

"Wait!" Discord interrupted, "They took…Fluttershy? And Rainbow Dash? And Pinkie Pie, and Rarity, and Asami, and Mako, and Spike, and Opal, ad Tenzin's kids, everybody?!"

"Yes!" the group replied.

"They have mom and daddy!" Mika said, practically on the verge of tears.

Discord saw the spirit cry, and for the first time in his life..he froze in place. His eyes became distant, almost as if her were no long consciously with them. P'Li waved her hand in front of the chaos spirit, trying to get his attention. "Discord? Discord!"

But Discord was lost in his own thoughts. Or rather, his own memories. His mind flashed back to when Fluttershy first offered him her friendship, or when Twilight admitted she was jealous of the fact her friends were becoming such good friends with Discord, while she was left out. Signaling she wanted to be his friend. Who could forget the times he would make games for the airbender children to play with, or how he bonded with the boys during Guy's night, or when he danced with everyone at the Grand Galloping Gala, and how much he enjoyed everyone's company. They were his friends…his family.

But now…they were gone. Snatched up from under his nose by a greedy queen. Everyone he knew and cared about, save for P'Li, was taken, held hostage somewhere far away. For the first time in a long time, Discord felt the loneliness he never knew he had sweep over him. His paw and chicken arm clenched tightly, his red pupils becoming slits, his teeth bare as he growled like a rabid dog. 

Discord looked at Starlight, speaking in a chilling, menacing tone. "You said changelings took them?" he asked her in a hushed tone.

"Yes!"

"Where?"

"The Changeling Kingdom. With you on our side, I can—"


(~)


Starlight didn't even get the change to finish. Next thing she knew, she was in Equestria, pony form and all, with P'Li, Trixie, Thorax, Naga, Pabu, the spirit trio and Discord. She, Trixie and P'Li had bags with supplies on their backs, as did Naga, and even Discord carried bags on him, along with a blue scarf. They were transported into the middle of a forest, in a place none of them were familiar with.

"Odd. I was trying to take us right to our friends." Discord said, lifting a rock and his eyes, literally, scanned underneath for any signs of his friends. "But I don't see anyone."

"Uh, I think I have a pretty good idea where they might be…" Trixie trembled, pointing her hoof towards the horizon. Before them was a barren wasteland, filled with jagged rocks, dead trees and grumbling roots. At the heart of this area, stood a large stone castle, resembling a castle of some sorts, with holes all around it, and swarms of black creatures buzzing around it. This was the domain of the masters of deception, and their mistress.

The Changeling Kingdom.

"I'd hoped never to see that place again." Thorax said, turning his head to Starlight, "Now what?"

All eyes fell on Starlight Glimmer, even their animal companions looked to her for assistance, but she shared Thorax's same question.

Now what?


(~)

> To where and back again part 4
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Oh, this is so strange." Discord said, "We're here and that's there, and I clearly meant for us to be there and not here."

"Oh, I-I can probably explain—" Thorax began, only to be silenced by Discord, who cracked his knuckles. 

"Oh, well. If at first you don't succeed…" Discord readied to snap his fingers, only to be stopped by P'Li to gripped his arm.

"Maybe we should come up with a plan first?"

"A what?"

"You know, figuring out the best way to do something before you actually do it." Trixie explained, rather bluntly. Speaking as a pony who had to learn the hard way, being impulsive and charging into something without thought was hardly ever a good idea. At least, most of the time.

Discord only laughed, petting Trixie on the head, while covering her face with her magicians hat. "Oh, that's adorable. But you see, unlike you, I can do anything."

"Uh, actually—" Thorax tried to explain again, only to be silenced again when Discord placed his finger over the changeling's mouth. 

"That's all very nice, but really a waste of time. We have me. And what else could we possibly need?"

Trixie rolled her eyes. "A draconequus with magic and half a brain might help."

"Why are you here again? I mean, it's not like you're going to stop the changelings by pulling a rabbit out of a hat." Discord explained, while taking Trixie's hat, and pulled out a copy of herself from it. "At least my magic can do something."

"The thing about magic here is—" Thorax, again, tried to explain, only to be cut off, yet again.

"Like this!" Discord snapped his fingers, and was now ridding on a flying pig, wearing a knight's helmet and wielding a sword. "I'm coming, everybody!" Discord charged forward, but once he reached the edge of the cliff, the flying big, his sword and helmet all disappeared, and he nearly fell.

"Yaaah!" 

P'Li and Naga rushed to help him back up. Once on land, he snapped his fingers again, sending yet another flying big towards the edge, but just like before, it disappeared. Evaporating into nothing like mist.

Thorax face hoofed himself. "I've been trying to tell you! Nothing other than changeling magic works here. Chrysalis' throne is carved from an ancient dark stone that soaks up outside magic the same way changelings soak up love. It's how she keeps the hive safe."

Starlight attempted this to try and cast a spell over the edge, but just like with Discord's attempt, it also disappeared into the wind. P'Li attempted to shoot a small combustion blast, but it also disappeared before it could even hit so much as a pebble. Even her power was useless now.

"So, uh, what kind of plan were you thinking?" Ali asked Starlight.

"Without magic, I have no idea. But nobody else is coming. So somebody better come up with something." Starlight waited for somebody to come up with an idea, but none of them spoke. "Anybody? Anything?"

P'Li was the first one to speak. "Hmm. This throne – if we get into the hive and destroy it, can we get our magic back?"

Thorax nodded his head, "Uh-huh!"

"Well, that's a terrible plan." Discord said, "How are we even supposed to get to the hive?"

"Well, we do have a polar bear dog." Trixie said, hopping onto Naga's saddle, along with P'Li and Starlight, while Thorax flew beside them. 

"Yes, but how is she supposed to take us there?"

"By, walking." Trixie replied as Naga slid down the slope of the hill. 

Discord looked at the distance from where he stood, and to where they needed to go, and shuddered in disgust. "I haven't traveled that far in a millennia!"

"Just get on the dog!" Ali exclaimed in annoyance, and Discord sadly complied. Thankfully, he wasn't heavy for Naga so she made her way towards the changeling castle, running as fast as she could.


(~)


Naga made great time with her speed, but eventually the poor creature started to wear out, especially with how hot the temperature was. P'Li jumped off and gave the polar bear dog water to drink.

Discord sighed in despair. "Oh, I don't know how any of you manage not being able to disappear and reappear whenever you want!"

"Well, I, for one, definitely miss you being able to disappear!" Trixie exclaimed, already growing impatient with the whinny draconequus

"Give Discord a break." Starlight said, "None of us knew we weren't going to be able to use magic."

Thorax rose his hoof, "I did."

"If we get separated, it might make sense to have a way to make sure we are who we say we are."

Discord's ears perked up, "Oh! Like a secret code! How about if I say "we are" and you say "doomed"? Or you say "rescue" and I say… whoa!" the chaotic spirit tripped and fell over a stone, making Trixie laugh. 

"How about if we say "klutzy" and you say "draconequus"?" the blue unicorn taunted.

"Klutzy draconequus". Works for me." Starlight said. 

"I'll definitely remember it." Thorax said, letting out a small chuckle, along side Ali, Mika and San, leaving Discord to pout.


(~)


Thanks to Thorax, the group was able to get past the palace guards, a duo of changelings wearing helmets and armor. The good changeling led the team to an opening on the wall and they quickly rushed inside, with Discord serving as bridge for them to walk on for easier access. 

Once inside, Pabu hissed, his hairs standing on end, and Thorax had to pet his head to calm the fire ferret. Naga whimpered at the sight. The inside of the castle was literally a hive, made entirely out of stone, with holes opening and closing at random, as well as jagged rocks on the ceilings, and green glowing cocoons hanging down from almost every inch of the place. 

"Okay. I am definitely glad you came." Trixie said to Thorax. "I don't think we'd be able to find our way without you."

"You definitely wouldn't." Thorax pointed to the opening from which they came, only to have it close instantly. 

"Um, where's the way out?"

"It's a changeling hive. It shifts and changes like we do, and we're the only ones who can navigate it. It's total chaos to non-changelings." 

Thorax led the group down another opening which just appeared, and they walked in as quickly as they could. Discord pulled his tail back, in the nick of time before the opening closed.

"Well, it's decent chaos. I don't know if I'd call it "total"."

With Thorax leading the way, the group walked as close to each other as they could, making sure not to accidentally get separate. Now was more important than ever that everybody stuck together. 

Ali, Mika and San flew down low, two of them kept their eyes locked on the changeling, while Ali couldn't help but look at her surroundings. She saw how each pathway opened and closed, never in the same place twice. But, as she examined them, and the further they walked into the hive, she started to notice something.

All of a sudden, her wings, began to reflect on the surface of the walls. This had never happened before. It was as if her wings were serving as magnifying, allowing her to see some kind of markings on the walls, markings that went unseen by everybody else.

"Mika, San, look." Ali signaled her siblings to come closer as she hovered near a wall.

"Ali, what are you doing?" Mika said in a hushed tone. "Starlight said we needed to stick together." 

"I know, but look at my wings." Ali showed them her wings, placing them side by side with the wall. Her wings reflected the surface, but there appeared to be some kind of markings on her wings, which were not seen on the walls.

"That's weird." San said, as he also noticed his wings, "Hey, I've got it too!"

Indeed, all three siblings could see that their wings reflected what could not be seen on the walls. Ali dawned a look of determination, and once she saw an opening, she flew right into it. 

"Ali! Come back!" Mika called out and she and San followed their sister, just as the opening closed up.


(~)


P'Li didn't know if it was because of the constant opening and reopening on the walls or not, but the changeling hive seemed even more elaborate than it appeared outside. Some aspects didn't even feel architecturally accurate for the design of before. It reminded her of how Twilight's castle was magically larger in size inside than outside, so it could have had the same workings as the hive.

Of course, that didn't make it any less uninviting. The sound of echoing changeling wings buzzed and hummed, bouncing off of the walls from one way to the other. Thankfully, Thorax knew every trick and pathway, so if there came any changeling, he would know when and from where. Still, they were fortunate enough not to run into any changelings at this point. Starlight hoped it stayed that way until they found the others.

"Are we sure that I'll get my magic back when we destroy this throne thingy?" Discord asked.

"If Thorax is right, then yes." Starlight replied.

Discord rolled his eyes, "Well, that's reassuring." he said sarcastically.

"And how are we supposed to destroy the throne when we find it?" Trixie asked, her eyes looking back and forth from Starlight to their surroundings. Aside from Thorax, Trixie was being constantly observant if any changeling came about.

Starlight hung her head, her ears pressed against her head. "I… don't know." she said honestly.

"Maybe Naga can help destroy it." P'Li suggested, petting the said creature's head. "She once bended metallic bars like a box of cardboard."

"That could work!" Trixie said enthusiastically. 

"Um, fellas." Discord looked around, his ears lowering down, looking surprisingly terrified. "Has, anyone seen the kids?"

"I thought they were with you!" Starlight said.

"I thought they were with P'Li!"

At that moment, everyone reacted. They were so focused on keeping their eyes open for the changelings, they didn't notice the children weren't with them anymore. 

Discord started pulling his ears, stomping his feet in anxious anticipation. "Oh, no, no, no, no! This is bad! If Korra and Mako find out we lost their kids, it'll be a fate worse than what the changelings will do to us!"

"Why are you so afraid of that pampered princess and her overprotective boyfriend?" Trixie asked with an arched eyebrow. 

"Says the pony who's never had to face a mother's wrath!" 

"Obviously. You really think anypony with common sense would entrust their kids on the Lord of Chaos who can't go for a walk without whining nonstop?"

"Yes, but when the throne is destroyed, I'll be able to rip the very fabric of reality to save our friends, while you'll still be a self-absorbed, below-average illusionist!"

"Self-absorbed?! Why, you…!"

"Cut. It. Out!" Starlight Glimmer came in between the two, pushing them both aside, trying her best to keep her calm, and her voice as low as she possibly could. If she had blood pressure problems, right now, they would be through the roof. 

"I'm just barely keeping it together, and it would be wonderful if you two could actually try to help instead of bickering like foals!"

Discord and Trixie looked at one another apologetically, knowing that their bickering wasn't going to solve anything. Especially now that they had just lost three of their companions. 

"Okay." Discord said in defeat as he and Trixie followed Starlight up a set of stairs.

"How can we help?" Trixie asked. 

"Don't ask me! I couldn't even handle giving advice at the Sunset Festival, and I had magic then! And the three of us are as good as useless!" 

"But what about the kids?" Discord asked, "We have to look for them."

"We don't even know where they went. At least Thorax knows where we're going, so if we find them--"

"Um, guys? I think we're lost." Thorax said, standing over the edge of a small cliff-like rock, inside an expanding room filled with spiraled stone pathways, and constant opening and closing holes.

Trixie sighed in exasperation and threw her materials to the ground, sitting. "Oh, great. We might as well just sit here and wait for the changelings to soak up all of our love or whatever gross thing it is that they do. How often do you all get hungry?"

"Actually, I haven't been since I met Spike." Thorax said, thinking about it. "And changelings are always hungry. We can never get enough love."

"Well, that's just super—" Trixie began, only to get cut off by P'Li closing her mouth. 

"But you aren't hungry at all now?" the woman asked.

Thorax didn't really think about it until now. But, now that he was. "Huh. Once I made a few friends, I guess I just sort of forgot about the whole feeding thing."

"Is that about the same time your wings changed?" Starlight asked, pointing her hoof at his wings, which flapped once, causing the lights to reflect off of them like a shimmering crystal stone. 

"I guess so."

Discord let out and uninterested yawn, "While I would love to sit around chitchatting about feeding and not feeding, I have a family to save!" His last sentence echoed throughout the cave, so loud it would be impossible for nobody to have heard it.

"Can you please lower your voice?!" Trixie said in a hushed tone, "You're gonna get us all captured!"

"Oh, you keep saying that, but I haven't seen an actual changeling since we got into this hive."

Not too long after the words left his mouth, Naga immediately started growling at an invisible threat. "What is it, girl?" Starlight asked, followed by the distant sound of humming, and latter hissing.

Trixie was already trembling in fear. "W-What's that?"

Thorax could feel his heart beating hard against his chest. He knew this sound better than anyone. Even now, it was his least favorite sound in the world.

"A changeling patrol!"

The sounds of screeching and hissing grew louder, as did the sound of flapping insect wings. Naga continued to growl, while P'Li held her back. Thorax was hyperventilating, while Starlight tried her best to calm him down by patting his back.

"This seems like one of those moments where we need a plan." Discord said.

"What kind of plan?!" Trixie asked anxiously. "We have no magic, and it's not like my illusions are gonna save us!"

Starlight's ears perked up and her eyes sparkled. "Do you have any of your smoke bombs?"

"Are you kidding?"


(~)


As the changelings closed in, Trixie smiled cockily at the approaching swarm. "Looking for somepony?" she said before throwing one of her smoke bombs. The changelings flew after her, completely ignoring the smoke, but found she had already disappeared. 

"Is that the best you've got?!" Trixie laughed and reappeared behind them in a completely different spot.

The changelings hissed and flew after her, only to once again see her disappear in a cloud of smoke. She appeared and then reappeared in different locations, and each time, the changelings went after her, only to be met with the same results. 

When they did finally see her, she galloped away. From an opening above a coriander, Starlight and the others saw three changelings follow Trixie, while two more saw an opening and quickly went into it before it closed.

"Not exactly great and powerful, but effective." Discord said, earning a smug smile from Trixie beside him.

"Hm. I'll take it."

They turned around, only to see another Trixie appear before them. The group hesitantly stepped back. 

"Klutzy"…"

"…"draconequus"!" Trixie and Thorax said simultaneously, and the "Trixie" copy turned back into Thorax, who was really the one having distracted the other changelings. Since he was the only one who could still use magic, he took advantage of it. 

"Ugh. I really think we need a new code word!" Discord said in annoyance.

"That was a pretty good plan." Thorax said, earning a lick on the cheek by Naga. 

"But we still don't know where we're going." P'Li said. 

"Actually, we might." Starlight said, "Two of the changelings didn't go with the rest."

Thorax face hoofed himself in realization, "Oh! With an intruder in the hive, they went to protect the queen! Good thinking, Starlight!"

Starlight briefly froze in place at his compliment, as well as from the approving smiles from everyone else. The unicorn gave an embarrassed laugh. "It was nothing. Really, anypony could have done it."

P'Li crunched down to Starlight's level, lifting up her chin. "Don't sell yourself short, Starlight. I bet Sunburst would be so proud."

Starlight blushed at the memory of her beloved, which only motivated her all the more to seek him and the others.


(~)


"I knew sneaking off was a bad idea." Mika said as she and her siblings flew high on the walls of the hive, being careful not to be seen by any changeling.

Ali kept her focus on the walls. Every now and again, they would find markings that reflected off of their wings. The little spirit knew there had to be a pattern with these symbols. They were in a language Ali couldn't read, but many images were drawings, of changelings throughout history. 

"Girls, look at this!" San called out, showcasing what was seen on his wings. 

They were drawings of changelings, emitting some kind of beam from their chests, and another image left the three nearly speechless.

"No…way!"

"We have to tell the others!" Ali picked up speed and the three flew off to find their friends. This was important information that needed to be shared.


(~)


Thorax led the group down a coriander. "We better hurry. We can't let anyone else know we're--" unfortunately, the changeling was cut off by another swarm of changelings that came at them. Naga growled and charged at the creatures.

"Naga!"

Ignoring their cries, the polar bear-dog used her front paws to swat the changelings away. Using her powerful jaws, she gripped several into her mouth and hurled them across the hive. Even Pabu jumped off of P'Li's shoulder and got the changelings to chase after him, away from the others. But despite the size of the beast, the changelings were no cowards. 

Thorax saw another opening, "This way!"

"What about Naga?!" Starlight said, only to receive a howl in reassurance from the polar bear dog. Discord took P'Li, Trixie and Starlight into the opening, and a few more changelings came at them, only to be blocked by Naga once more.

The group arrived at the opening of a long wide stalagmite, with a spiraled staircase that led upwards. Starlight looked back at the opening, thinking about how Naga and Pabu sacrificed themselves to save their friends. 

"Starlight, come on." P'Li said hushly, but with much compassion. The group walked up the stairs until they reached a large cave-like entrance with insect wings for curtains, and several changelings sporting guard-like armor stood front and center. This no doubt was the domain of the changeling queen. And where there was a queen….there was her throne. 

"Now what?" Trixie asked Starlight.

"We… go in." she replied, still shaken from the experience from earlier. 

Thorax trembled in fear, "Even if I wanted to, there's no way past the guards. We'll be spotted for sure."

"We need some kind of... distraction." P'Li said. 

Trixie reached into her bag, "I'm fresh out of smoke bombs."

Discord scratched his head. "Normally, I'm the most distracting thing I can think of, but without magic…"

Once again, Starlight's eyes sparkled in realization. "You shouldn't underestimate yourself."


(~)


The insect curtains of the entrance closed after several changelings flew in. The guards looked before them to see a strange, mix-matched creature standing before them, tapping a microphone. Discord still wasn't a hundred percent sure if this would work, but if it was to save his friends, he would do so.

"Hello, changelings and changelettes! Believe me, I was just as surprised as you are that I'm here! When I heard that I'd be playing for a bunch of changelings, I was beside myself! Then I realized, it was just one of you."

Normally, if he had his magic, he would make a rimshot sound effect, but the only sound he heard where changelings snarling. The chaotic spirits laughed nervously, tugging on his scarf. 

"But, seriously, this isn't the toughest crowd I've ever been in front of. But it's definitely the easiest to bug!" the changelings gave him questionable looks. "To bug"? Is this thing on?" he tapped on the microphone and the changelings snarled while closing in on him.

Seeing their chance, P'Li used her strength to open the curtains, allowing for the two unicorns, Thorax and herself to go through without the changelings knowing. Once they were in the clear, Discord made his leave. 

"Well, if you think that you can do any better, be my guest!" Discord tossed the microphone away and the changelings ran after him, while the others watched from behind the entrance. 

"It is absolutely ridiculous that that worked." Trixie said. Though, she must admit, the chaotic spirit did a rather impressive job. Even if she wouldn't admit it out loud.


(~)


Discord quickly hid behind a rock, and the changelings flew by him, taking down another pathway. Once the coast was clear, the chaotic spirit gave himself a pat on the back. 

"It is certainly a pleasure to have such dedicated fans. I'll have to come back with some new material after I rescue everybody." just as Discord was about to make his leave, he heard the sound of familiar whimpering, not too far away.

"Please, help!"

Discord followed the sound, his path illuminated by several green glowing cocoons, both hanging from the walls, as well as on the ground. The whimpering grew louder as she got closer, seeing a familiar yellow pegasus mare with pink mane and tail, which was currently smashed under a rock. Beside her was a female human, her leg also jammed underneath the large rock that kept them both trapped.

"Fluttershy! Asami!"

"Discord! We're stuck!"

"You certainly are! And I should probably help you two get free. But... oh-ho-ho-ho-ho…" Discord wagged his finger while laughing. 

"But what?" the human woman asked, her raven hair a tangled mess.

"But you are obviously not Fluttershy or Asami!" he said pointing his finger at her nose. The pony and human hung their heads in sadness. 

"Oh."

"I mean, I'm separated from the group and just happen to come across two of the friends I've risked neck and tail to come and rescue? I can smell this setup a mile away."

Even Asami began to sniff and cry. "No. You're right. There's no way you should trust us." 

"Just go find the others." Fluttershy wailed, tears spewing from her eyes, "I understand!"

Discord still wasn't buying it, "Oh, come on!" unfortunately, they weren't the only ones crying. 

From behind him, Discord hear even more crying from a multitude of voices. There wasn't just Fluttershy or Asami anymore, but also Rarity, Ikki, Jinora and Opal, along with more copies of them, Fluttershy and Asami all around, crying while either stuck to the wall, or behind rocks.

"We're probably all changelings." Asami said, her hand hung, the raven locks blocking view of her face. "You shouldn't rescue any of us." she slowly rose her head, the raven locks partly covering one eyes, and a wicked smirk formed across her lips, making the normally kind-hearted heiress look like a twisted sociopath. 

"Unless, you think, maybe one of us might be your real friends. Oh, that certainly would be a nasty changeling trick, wouldn't it?"

"It's me Discord!"

"Don't you know me?"

"I'm the real Fluttershy."

"Please help me!"

"Don't leave us!"

Discord was frozen in place. They sound so much like his friends, but he knew they couldn't be them. Even if he still knew it was a trick, he didn't have much time to figure it out.

If any.


(~)


Thorax peeked out, but still saw now sign of their ally. "We can't wait for Discord. Between seeing him, Naga and Trixie, the castle will be crawling with guards soon."

"But if we do manage to destroy Chrysalis' throne, we'll need him." P'Li said, "He could take on the entire changeling army by sneezing if he wanted to."

"He's probably already been captured!" Trixie trembled. 

"Hello?" a voice called out, walking through the curtain. It was Discord, trying to call out to them. "Fellow rescuers?"

Seeing him alright, the group walked out. "We can't stay here." Thorax said, "We gotta find the throne."

"Ooh! I heard some of the changelings who were chasing me say that they know where it is!" Discord said. But, the group instantly noticed that there was something off about Discord. Particularly in the way that he spoke.

He no longer sounded genuinely urgent to save the others, nor did her do any of his sarcastic, or comedic gestures or remarks. His speech pattern felt like he was trying too hard to be cheerful. If there was one thing P'Li knew about her chaotic friend, it was that he was never hesitant to be himself. Something wasn't right.

"Klutzy"…?" P'Li said, waiting to see his reply. 

"Hmm? Oh. Yeah. I-I can be klutzy. Now, follow me." Discord led them down the path, and the group followed, but they felt anything but trusting towards this creature. 

"You know that's not Discord, right?" Starlight whispered to Trixie. 

"Obviously."

Thorax nodded in agreement, as did P'Li. This was clearly not Discord, but a changeling posing as him. They have gotten to him too.

The changeling impostor reached two openings and went down the one of the left side. "This way! We're almost there!"

Thorax stopped first, "I know this trick. If he says to go left, we should definitely go right. He's leading us to a swarm waiting to attack!"

Starlight tried to think of a way out of this, while Thorax was shivering in fear. Trixie looked at the two, and recalled the moment Naga risked her own tail to protect everyone. She never seen such a display of loyalty and self sacrifice, even from an animal. Then, something stirred inside of Trixie, something she had felt before, but often brushed aside. Not this time.

"Okay, I'll handle it." said the blue unicorn as she made her way into the left tunnel, "You three just get ready to run into the other tunnel."

"Wait, what?! Trixie, you can't!" Starlight exclaimed, stopping her friend, "I won't know what to do! We've already lost the kids, Naga, Pabu and Discord; I can't lose you too! Without magic, I—"

"Starlight. You got us this far with just my illusions and Discord's annoying personality. You don't need magic to figure out what to do next. I know you're afraid to be in charge, but you are really good at it!" 

"Listen to her, Starlight." P'Li said, smiling warmly. "Listen to your best friend." 

Starlight felt overwhelmed at the moment. Trixie believed in her, and so did P'Li. Her friends all believed in her, as did Twilight, Korra and Tenzin always have. Maybe, it was high time for her to let go of the past, and finally embrace the pony she was meant to be.

Trixie and Starlight hugged and the blue unicorn made her way into the left tunnel. "Hey, Discord! Want to see the new trick I've been working on?" Trixie placed a cloth under Discord's chicken hand and her hoof, "I call it the "Changeling Catcher"!" 

She removed the cloth, only to reveal a colorful collection of tried together rainbow cloths, tied together, binding their wrists. The changeling snarled, having been found out.

"Run!"

Starlight, Thorax and P'Li followed Trixie's command and hurried to the other tunnel. The Discord importer changed back into a changeling and flew after them, only to be stopped by Trixie's long string of multi-colored cloths, which she used to hold the changeling back. Hissing sounds were heard from above, as the swarm revealed themselves before her.

"Ta-da…" Trixie chuckled nervously, and prepared for the swarm to come at her.


(~)


Starlight Glimmer, P'Li and Thorax panted as they made their way down the right tunnel. They heard changeling wings buzzing, and the silhouette of the creatures fly by. Starlight pointed down and tunnel, to which she and P'Li both took, while Thorax took the other.

The room gave an eerie green glow, more so than any of the other rooms, It was even larger in scale, with several stone pillars sustaining it. Starlight walked deeper into the room, feeling a wet, gooey substance land on her horn.

Looking upwards, she saw them. 

All of her friends, from Team Avatar, the airbenders, Lin and her entire police force, the alicorns, even Sunburst, Discord, Trixie, Naga, Pabu, everyone. Each one hung upside down in a cocoon, filled with green liquid. Some managed to open their eyes, only to be closed again. Some even had their limbs twitching slightly, almost as if their minds were actively trying to escape, but their bodied could not respond completely. 

The cocoons hung everywhere, on the walls, all across the ceiling, each one with an airbender and police officer. There was no time to waste, she had to find a way to free everyone. 

Right in the center of the room, and underneath the cocoon, stood the queen's throne, rising from the ground. Like the changelings' legs, it had severals holes around it, even on the large spider-web styled chair. A green light shinned downwards, illuminating its stone surface.

As Starlight approached it, the sound of evil laughter stopped her in her tracks. She knew this voice. All too well. 

"One little pony all by herself." the voice said. The sound of insects scattering was heard from above, and a skinny creature with torn insect wings, and teal colored tail, with long legs, adorned with holes, and a green insect-shell on her back. Her joints cracked as she moved upside-down. It especially didn't help that her green eyes were exaggeratively  widened, making her look all the more creepier.

She was now face to face with none other than Queen Chrysalis herself.

"Oh, how will I ever prevent this daring rescue?" she taunted as was her head, which turned upwards in the most unsettling fashion.

Changelings emerged from the openings on the walls, screeching and hissing at the intruder, outnumbering her and binding her front legs to the ground with a green sticky substance. 

Chrysalis flew down from the cocoons and landed on her throne, laughing at the unicorn. "Well, well, well. It would appear that one little airbender pony got away from me. No matter. Even if you weren't foolish enough to come, nopony would have believed you over their beloved heroes."

Starlight strained to break free of her bindings. "You won't get away with this!"

"I already have." Chrysalis said, showcasing her prisoners above her. "Nopony is coming to save you. Your little squad was it. And now, there's just you."

"Thorax is still out there."

"Don't mention that traitor's name in my kingdom!" the queen spatted and flew down, snarling at the imprisoned pony. "He was a fool to leave and even more a fool to return! When I find him, he'll learn just what happens to those who betray the hive!"

Starlight whimpered as Chrysalis gazed into her eyes, noticing an interesting lack of reflection in them. There was only one creature in Equestria who she knew had eyes like these.

"And it seems I don't have far to look, do I…Thorax?"

Chrysalis's horn glowed a sickly green and shot a green blast at the unicorn, engulfing the pony a green glow, revealing his true form. The changelings hissed at the traitor, who shrunk down as the queen towered over him, ready to make an example of him to everyone.

She stopped when she heard rocks pounding on her throne. The real Starlight Glimmer, along with P'Li, where using rocks to try and break the throne. So far, P'Li was having better luck due to her physical strength, but it still wasn't enough. The two were discovered and jumped out of the way when Chrysalis shot a green beam at them. The two friends hid inside the throne, with P'Li carrying Starlight in her arms.

"Very clever." Chrysalis half taunted as she looked for them inside her throne, the two hid from her view sight as best they could. 

"And clearly Thorax revealed to you the secret of my throne. I can't have powerful ponies and benders using their abilities against me. Even with your rather embarrassing little rescue attempt, everything has gone according to my plan."

"What plan?" P'Li asked, "Why did you do all this?!"

Queen Chrysalis stuck her head into the hole near the girls, who reeled back. "So I could feed, of course! By replacing the most beloved figures in Equestria and in the human world, my drones will be able to store all the love meant for them and return it here to me." 

"And replacing the airbenders and police force, you'd have the perfect alibis to help keep the charade, right?" Starlight said, narrowing her eyes.

"Correct, little pony. After all, the Air Nation is rather beloved by many, and the police force will make sure to silence anyone who is the wiser. What better cover than law enforcement?" she said as she sat back on her throne. "From this day forward, everyone will do as I command, and my subjects and I will feed on their love for generations!" 

Chrysalis laughed maniacally while her changelings hissed in delight. P'Li remained inside the throne, while Starlight gestured she would go out to try and distract the queen while the combustion woman found a way to break the throne. 

The unicorn hid behind a rock, trying to come up with a plan. She saw Thorax trembling in fear, his crystalized wings shimmering. She remembered how Thorax no longer needed to feed like the other changelings once he learned how to share love rather than steal it. Maybe the solution didn't need to be violence. Maybe...

"What if you didn't have to?" Starlight asked, prompting the queen to land before her. 

"Ridiculous!" Chrysalis hissed, snatching Starlight by the tail and throwing her across the room. P'Li watched in horror at the treatment of her friend, while the guards held her down. 

"The hunger of changelings can never be satisfied!"

"Exactly!" Starlight explained, "Thorax left the hive and made a friend. He shared love, and now he doesn't need to feed. You don't have to live your lives starving all the time!"

The changelings all looked at one another in confusion. They did wonder why Thorax's wings were suddenly the way they were. Could it really be the result of sharing love instead? How was that possible? Changelings don't know how to give love. 

Did they?

Queen Chrysalis's horn's glowed, levitating Starlight to her in a green glow, her pupils shrinking in reflection of her anger. "You know nothing of the changelings or what it takes to be their queen!" 

P'Li saw Chrysalis toss Starlight once more, hitting the wall. This encouraged the combustion woman to work harder at breaking the throne from the inside. Once they had their magic, they will be able to stop the queen. But no matter how hard she tried, all she could do was a few small dents, and that was by hitting the same place constantly. The dent was barely enough to break the thing. The would need something stronger to break this throne, but Naga was already captured, and no doubt even the polar bear dog wouldn't be enough.

Chrysalis towered over Starlight, while the other changelings reeled back. P'Li then noticed something peculiar. The changelings looked…frightened. Frightened by their queen, and the idea that she had complete dominion over what they choose to do. A queen so filled with pride and self-adoration believed she could force her subjects to do things she believed were for their own good, but were harming others in the process. She kept preaching she was doing it for her subject so they could eat, but what good was it if others got hurt for her cause.

Just like with Zaheer all those years ago. Or, even Starlight when she forced other ponies to give up their cutie marks so they wouldn't argue over differences. She was reminded of what Princess Korra used to say.

At the core, we're really not so different after all.

"I decide what is best for my subjects, not some mewling grub!" the queen spatted, but Starlight Glimmer stood her ground, speaking the truth.

"I know what it's like to lead by fear and intimidation!" Starlight said, "And I know what it's like to want everypony to do what you say because you're scared of loosing everything! But I was wrong. A real leader doesn't force her subjects to deny who they are! She celebrates what makes them unique and listens when one of them finds a better way!"

The changelings all looked at one another. The pony's words didn't make all that much sense? The idea of them actually having a choice? That there could be a better way to life than just constantly seeking food? Could it be possible?

"But, stealing love is the only way we know." once changeling said, prompting Chrysalis to hiss in his direction. The changeling cowered in fear.

"Enough! The only thing Thorax has found is what happens to those who turn their back on the hive!" Chrysalis's horn glowed green, ready to attack the frightened changeling. But before she could, she felt something sharp slice her cheek.

"AH!" she screamed in pain, rubbing the area which stung. Green blood oozed out and she saw the culprit. A winged lizard creature with green/blue scales, with two more hovering beside her.

Starlight smiled in relief, "Ali! San! Mika! You're okay!"

"Starlight Glimmer is telling the truth!" Ali said, speaking loudly for all to hear. "You don't have to spend your lives stealing love to survive. Your ancestors found a better way, just as Thorax did. Look!"

The three spirits positioned themselves, forming a triangle within the room, their wings reflecting the green light illuminating the cave, causing rays to hit the walls, revealing markings, symbols and drawings of changelings. Some were in one form, their current states with broken legs, torn wings and fangs. But, another revealed something else. 

When one changeling was stealing love from some innocent pony, in another image, was a changeling emitting a ray from his chest, a ray that was restoring love to the pony, and the changeling didn't have holes on his legs or torn wings. But wings that appeared whole. 

The changelings gasped and questioned amongst each other, while Chrysalis hissed. "How is this possible? You have no magic in my kingdom!"

"Magic has nothing to do with it!" Ali replied, "Our dad always said; No matter how well it's hidden, the truth will always revel itself. Chrysalis has been keeping this knowledge from all of you!"

"Why?" Thorax asked, "If you always knew we could find a better way than steal love, why didn't you tell us?"

Chrysalis hissed, her spit nearly hitting his eye. "Because what good is to give love when at the end, all you wound up with is nothing!? Everypony preaches about how "love is so powerful", "Love is about giving, never taking"!" she said, making a bad happy pony impersonation. "Bah! That's exactly the problem! It's all give, give, give, give, it's all about giving! The more you give, the more you lose! But by taking, we can have everything! We can have power, unlimited food, we can have it all to ourselves! And we never have to lose it. Don't you see? When changelings learn to give love, they stop caring about themselves. That's the very definition of weakness!"

"You're wrong!" Thorax voiced out, loosing all of his fears and addressing the queen with great courage. "You said I was loosing everything when I left the hive, but the opposite is true! Sure I left my home behind, but if I hadn't I wouldn't have made friends who love me for me. I don't care about what I lost, because what I have now is everything I could ever want. Yes, love is about giving, but by giving everything, you gain so much more. Eventually, the food you get will run out, and then you'll just keep searching for more, and never be satisfied. I already am satisfied! You may be queen, but you will always be a lonely, greedy, selfish, coward!"

Chrysalis released a blood curling screech, her irises shrinking, her eyes bulging due to her increasing anger. Using her magic, she trapped the three lizard spirits in sticky green good, trapping them to the wall and the levitating Thorax up into the hair.

"You will pay for your insolence!"

"No! Stop!" Starlight cried out, but was stopped by the other changelings.

"Just as soon as I drain every last ounce of love from him and show my subjects what a real leader is!" Chrysalis opened her mouth, and from Thorax's stomach, came out a sparkling pink mist that made it's way into the queen's mouth, which was opened wide in the most psychotic smile.

"No!" P'Li ran out of the throne, and ran right into Thorax, pushing him out of the way, saving his life…but at the risk of her own.

"P'Li!" Starlight screamed in terror at watching Chrysalis instead begin to suck up all the love within the combustion woman. P'Li got down on her knees, the pink energy sucking away from her body and into Chrysalis's stomach. Her hair started to turn white, her skin became wrinkled, the color in her eyes dulled and she collapsed to the ground. Chrysalis licked her lips once she had all of the love inside of her. It might not have been Thorax, but anything that she could feed on was good enough for her.

Starlight watched helplessly at P'Li, who now looked like an elderly woman, laying on the ground, struggling to stand up. Her eyes were still open, but they were hazy, dull and lifeless. Her fingers twitched as if trying to move, but she could feel her heartbeat slowly stopping. She wouldn't' last long. 

The unicorn shed tears of heartbreak. "No…no!"

Thorax couldn't believe P'Li sacrifice her life for his. She acted out of friendship, and love. It was then, something ignited within Thorax, something that prompted him to stand back up, and growl in anger at Chrysalis.

The queen laughed maniacally. "See what happens when you give for love? Maybe this will teach you not to question your queen!"

Thorax hissed threateningly and charged at Chrysalis, tapping into the strength he never knew he had and was able to knock her down. The queen rolled across the floor, hissing in reply. Thorax hissed in return and the two changelings took to the air, battling. Chrysalis shot beams of green magic at Thorax, who managed to dodge each attack, zooming down and knocking again against the queen. Chrysalis never knew a changeling could be so powerful.

"You could have been one of my most powerful drones, Thorax!" she said, "You could have had everything!"

Thorax only hissed and charged at the queen, hissing and scratching at each other like felines on wings. Thorax managed to bit Chrysalis's mane and yank her away, flinging her across the room where she hit her throne, hard, creating a crack. The queen sneered at this and was able to knock Throax down. He groaned deliriously from the impact and Chrysalis took the chance to subdue him with her magic once more. She smiled wickedly.

"Now, where was I?" she opened her mouth again, sucking in the love from the changeling.

Thorax strained to keep the love inside of him, but it would appear the queen had finally bested him. "I can feel the love inside me slipping away...! I can't hold onto it much longer…!"

Starlight could only look on with blurry eyes, trying desperately to think of a way out of this. But, it would seem all hope was lost.

Or, maybe not. She remembered the images from the wall. Maybe there was still hope.

"Then don't! Sharing love is what made you different to begin with! You should share yours with Chrysalis! Give her all of it!"

Thorax let go of his fears, and instead, allowed all of the love he had shared to expand. To be set free. Suddenly, a powerful wave of energy came shooting from his chest. From his heart. The pink colored beam shook the very cave, and Chrysalis could no longer absorb it. She could feel herself being pushed back. The force was too strong, she couldn't control it. 

She was sent flying through the air, once again crashing into her throne. The crack from earlier grew in size, and several more cracks formed across the base. The queen watched helplessly as Thorax's body radiated with such a powerful energy she could no comprehend. 

Suddenly, the energy wrapped itself around Thorax, creating a cyan-colored cocoon that radiated with light and hovered above the ground. The changelings which where holding Starlight back allowed her to step forward, hesitantly reaching for the shimmering cocoon.

It expanded, a brilliant light filled the room, and Thorax was released. Starlight opened her eyes, having closed them due to the powerful rays, and gasped at the sight.

The little changeling also opened his eyes, looking down at his body, he realized he was…taller now. He felt different, and judging by his new light lime green colored hooves…he looked different as well.

Thorax was now almost the size of Princess Celestia. His legs and head where now light lime green, with traces of brilliant orange fading down his neck, which was adorned with bright blue opal stones. His stomach was mow a moderate emerald green, with a dark azure back and moderate rose shells, which were open revealing his new sparkling violet wings. Even his tail appeared to resemble his wings. His eyes were moderate rose as well, his ears with an orange inside, his horn still remained, but now had orange beetle-like mandibles on his head, resembling the horns of a mighty stag. He studied his new body, and looked at the other changelings, who had their jaws dropped at the sight. They have never seen such a change before in their lives.

Thorax was at a loss for words, but his new form didn't matter much as he looked over at P'Li's unmoving body. Her breathing was slowly decreasing. She wouldn't last long. He approached her, pressing his two new horns to her side. They emitted a light turquoise magical aura which engulfed P'Li's entire body. Her hair became dark brown again, her skin youthful and smooth, her eyes bright again, and her heart was beating at a normal rate. She gasped for oxygen and jolted upwards. Her body felt stronger now. Her heart felt stronger. 

Starlight shed tears of joy and ran up to the human, who embraced the pony lovingly. P'Li looked up at the new creature. 

"Thorax?"

"Yes." he replied. He sounded almost the same, only slightly older now. It was still him, and he looked…beautiful. "You sacrificed yourself for me. Why?"

She smiled. "…That's what friends do."

Thorax smiled and used his new powers to free the spirit children, who gathered around the three. Starlight addressed to the other changelings. 

"See? This is what happens when you give love freely instead of taking it!"

The changelings didn't need anymore convincing. They saw the images on the walls, they saw the transformation. They saw what real love was. P'Li gave her life for Thorax, but in the process because of his own love, she was revived. They now understood. When you share love, it becomes stronger. Taking it left them empty no matter how many times they fed. They didn't want this, Chrysalis did. They had a choice in the matter, they knew that now.

One by one, each changeling decided to do what they were always taught they couldn't do. They shared love. Rays of pink colored magic shot from their hearts, engulfing the entire cave in a brilliant aura, so powerful it began to crack Chrysalis's throne. The queen watched in horror as her entire throne room was blasted away. Her throne broke into a million pieces, and all she could was watch helplessly as her own subjects turned against her. They accepted love, and left her…with nothing. Just as she always feared.

The top of the castle was completely destroyed, but now with the throne gone, Starlight could crate a force field that protected her, P'Li, the children and Thorax. The group looked on in astonishment at the changelings.

No two looked exactly alike anymore. They each had their own color schemes, eyes, shells, wings. They…they were beautiful! And they no longer had holes on their legs, or felt hungry, not in the slightest. They never imagined they could feel this way. They felt free. Happy, for the first time in their lives! And nobody frightened them into doing this. They chose it freely. Their kingdom was made anew, and so were they!

The cocoons which had kept the prisoners inside had broken, green ooze spilled on the ground as the Mane Six woke from their slumber, helping each other back up. Flash helped Twilight back up, the alicorn stretched out her wings, seeing all of the green slime on her feathers. They were slightly delirious, and unsure on what had happened. 

Korra rubbed her head, groaning as she awoke, feeling the slimy substance on her hair. She ignored it and assisted Mako back up. Ali, Mika and San flew towards their parents, happily kissing their cheeks, and Naga came in, licking Korra's face.

Bolin helped Asami back up and Pabu crawled up his shoulder. Starlight saw Trixie and Sunburst emerge from their cocoons, and she rushed on over to hug them, crying tears of joy.

Opal assisted her aunt Lin to her feet, while Luna and Celestia both assisted their mother to her hooves again. Cadance and Shinning Armor were reunited with Flurry Heart at last, and Thorax helped free his friend, Spike. Airbenders helped one another, as well as the police officers, each one questioning where they were and what had happened.

Discord felt like he had been dreaming the whole time as he staggery got up.

"Discord?" a voice called out. He knew who it was. He turned around.

"Fluttershy?"

It was her. It was them. Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Spike, Pinkie Pie, Mako, Korra, Bolin, Asami, Opal, the airbender kids, all of them! Discord knew it was. He knew they were his friends. He didn't waste a second and wrapped them all in a gigantic bear hug. 

"You're all okay!" he said with such happiness, he was almost on the verge of tears.

"It's, um, good to see you, too." Jinora said as he hugged tighter.

Tenzin was helped by his wife, while a changeling returned to them their son Rohan. Starlight helped her teacher back up as well, the elder rubbed his head.

"Starlight? What happened?" Tenzin asked.

"Well, you were all kidnapped by changelings, we defeated them with no magic at all, and... they're all kinda... good now."

Thorax nodded his head, and upon seeing him, Fluttershy approached the creature. Looking at him curiously. Could this really be the same kind-hearted changeling she met at the Crystal Empire?

"Thorax?"

"It's me, Fluttershy." he said. His voice did sound familiar. The pony gazed into his eyes, and immediately she recognized that aura of kindness she saw before. The pony smiled and hugged him. 

"It is you!"

Princess Luna approached the unicorn, smiling proudly. "Well done, Starlight Glimmer. It seems as though you've learned a great deal since we last spoke."

The entire crowed turned their heads in alarm when something began to move underneath the rubble. Queen Chrysalis emerged, hissing threateningly at everyone, only to stop upon seeing how outnumbered she was. Ponies, alicorns, changelings, airbenders, earthbenders, non-bender, dragon, draconequus, spirits. All species, all together, facing the former queen. She couldn't fight them all on her own. Their power was far too grate. As much as she hatted to admit it, she would have to accept defeat.

Starlight, on the other hand, was the only one to approach Chrysalis. The winds flapped in their manes. 

"When Team Avatar defeated me, I chose to run away and seek revenge! You don't have to! You can be the leader your subjects deserve."

Everyone else watched in anticipation, as Starlight Glimmer did exactly what Twilight Sparkle did for her not too long ago.

She offered Chrysalis her hoof in friendship. The looked looked at her hoof, and then at the unicorn. Her eyes shimmered, a glimmer of hope sparkled within them. Slowly, Chrysalis rose her hoof, reaching for Starlight…

Only to swat it away in anger.

"There is no revenge you could ever conceive of that will come close to what I will exact upon you one day, Starlight Glimmer!" Chrysalis rose up and sneered at the others. "I'm not finished with any of you! Someday, I will get my power back! And when I do, everything you know, everything you love, will be mine!"

The changeling queen flapped her wings to make her escape, only to suddenly realize that her wings could no longer carry her weight. They flapped, but they could not carry any altitude. She knew her power was weakened, but she didn't expect not being able to fly as well.

"No. No, no!"

She tried to reach back for the cliff, her legs moving in rapid desperation to reach land again, but before anyone could reach out and pull her in, Chrysalis's weight gave in and she fell down from the tower at accelerating speed, screaming as she went.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!"

Her screaming came to a halt, followed by the crushing sound of her body, piercing and breaking apart once it landed. Green ooze spilled from every piece, parts of her body had broken apart, her entire anatomy was dis-alined.

From above, everyone cringed, screamed, and gaged at the sight. It was hard for them to genuinely feel sorry when the carcass was so…unsettling to look at.

"Eww!"

"Gross!"

"That is nasty!"

"I think I'm gonna be sick!"

Flash had to cover his mouth and look away, feeling the food coming back upstream. "That is not a pretty way to go."

"I can't tell what's her face or her stomach!" Opal said, looking down through her fingers, trying to look away from the sight.

But, despite the horrifying sight, Starlight was genuinely saddened that Chrysalis denied her offer of friendship. Twilight wrapped her hoof around the unicorn, smiling.

"I tried." Starlight said.

"I know. And I'm very proud of you."

"So, what happens now?" Thorax asked.

"Well, now with Chrysalis, the changelings are going to need a new leader." Korra said, gesturing to the other newly colorful creatures, who all bowed before Thorax.

Thorax himself took a few steps back, "M-Me? But, I can't be their king. I don't know how."

"Of course you do." Starlight said, "When you really needed to, you faced against Chrysalis all by yourself."

"Yeah, but I was still scared."

"That doesn't matter. Everyone gets scared, but you were brave enough to face that fear to protect your friends."

"Well, if that's the case, then that's what I'll be." Thorax's body changed into a more miniature version of his new self. His stomach, eyes and back remained the same color, and his mandrils were gone, but still kept his horn and the stones around his neck. His legs and head were now a grayish olive green, with faint yellow green on his neck and the tip of his horn. When he spoke, his voice sounded exactly as it did when he was in his original form.

"I'll be your leader, but before anything…I want you all to see me as your friend. I may have to take some time getting used to the whole "king" thing."

Leilani nodded her head, "Well Thorax, as the new leader of the changelings, I look forward to discussing how we can improve our relationship in the future." she said with a bow, which he returned. The queen turned back to the others. "However, for the moment, perhaps it is best that we leave the Changeling Kingdom to the changelings."

"Well, this place is definitely going to need some changes." said Thorax. "We can restore the land to how it used to be. Have the forest grow again, and maybe even have the animals return."

"Oh, that sounds wonderful!" Fluttershy said eagerly, "And if you ever need any help, you know where to find me."

"I always will." he said, rather boldly. The changeling blushed and turned away shyly. Fluttershy blushed as well, both smiling sweetly.

"Discord, why are you wearing a sailor's hat?" Bolin asked the chaotic spirit, who was indeed wearing a sailor hat.

"Oh, this? Nothing! Nothing at all. Why you ask?" he immediately tossed aside the hat, whistling innocently. 

"Discord was pretty worried about all of you." Mika said to her parents.

"I was not! I was just…well, okay I was concerned, but I wasn't that worried."

"Oh, really?" Mako asked, arching an eyebrow, smiling smugly.

Discord noticed everyone looking at him, and the spirit just sighed in defeat. "Alright, alright. Yes, I was worried sick. When I heard Chrysalis took all of you, I realized I…I….I lo--" he struggled to say, and cleared his throat. "I lo…lo….looo…."

"We love you too, Discord." Fluttershy finished for him.

Discord blinked seeing everyone surprise the chaotic spirit with a group hug. He cried tears of joy and hugged them all in return. They were more than just his friends…

They were his family. And they knew it. Even if he didn't always say it out loud. 

"Okay, okay, that's enough of the sappy stuff. Now who's ready for some celebratory tea and Pema's steambuns at Air Temple Island?!"

Pema looked around the crowd, "Oh! Uh, everybody?"

"Actually, now that you can snap your claws and send us absolutely anywhere again, I think I have a better option." Starlight said with a wink.


(~)

> To where and back again part 5
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


*(~)*



Matthew 13:14-33~



Another parable He put forth to them, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. So the servants of the owner came and said to him, "Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?" He said to them, "An enemy has done this." the servants said to him, "Do you want us then to go and gather them up?" But he said, "No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into the barn."



Another parable He put forth to them, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest on its branches. "Another parable He spoke to them: "The kingdom of heaven is like heaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of metal till it was all leavened. 



*(~)*








To Where and Back Again part 4







Party Favor and Double Diamond were happily chatting until they saw a familiar unicorn appear before them. "Uh, hey, Starlight." Party Favor greeted, "What are you doing here?"

"You left in such a hurry before, we kinda thought you didn't wanna come." said Double Diamond.

Starlight hung her head in regret. "Yeah… I guess after the way I used my magic on all of you, I wasn't sure I was somepony who should even be in charge of a baking contest. I was afraid I might go back to being the pony I used to be." the unicorn then smiled, "But I realize that sometimes you don't have a choice. You have to step up. And I have changed! I can handle it. Whether that means saving Equestria or helping friends out with the Sunset Festival. Speaking of which, I know the Festival's almost over, but I kinda invited a few of my friends to join." 

Starlight gestured to her visitors, which consisted of Team Avatar Harmony, Discord, Trixie, Sunburst, P'Li, the spirit trio, the alicorns, Cadance, Shinning Armor and Flurry Heart, the airbenders, Lin Beifong and…..Thorax and the changelings. The entire village stared in awe at how beautiful these creatures looked. They happily greeted the ponies with warm smiles.

"Hope that's okay."

Double Diamond laughed happily, "Are you kidding? Of course!"

"Great! Now where's that baking contest? This pony needs a cupcake!" Starlight happily walked off with her friends, while everyone else went off to join the festivities.

Ali, Mika and San floated beside their parents. "So, are we in trouble for, you know, facing an evil monster without your permission?" San asked nervously.

"Or sneaking off from the group?" Mika asked.

Korra and Mako shared the same disapproving looks and looked back at their children. Mako spoke first, "Well, considering we were trapped inside slimy cocoons, and you kids did do a pretty good job deciphering that lost changeling history, we'll let it slide this time."

"It was more Ali, really." Mika said, making her older sister blush. "She really took charge."

Mako smiled proudly at Ali, petting her head with the tip of his finger. "I'm very proud of you, sweetie. You'll make a great detective one day."

Ali gasped, "You really think so, dad?"

"I have no doubt."

The three spirit children hugged their parents. They were so lucky to have them around.

Sunburst caught up with Starlight and kissed her cheek. "See? I told you you would be fine."

"Thanks for believing in me, Sunburst."

"I always have, Starlight. And I always will."

Tenzin approached the two, petting Starlight's head. "You've made all of us proud today, Starlight Glimmer. You thought on your feet--er, hooves. You've shown you can be a terrific leader. Probably even…troop leader, material."

Starlight gasped, "Are…are you saying?"

Tenzin nodded his head. "Yes. Starlight Glimmer, how would you like to be one of the Air Nations official troop leaders?"

The unicorn smiled with glee, creating a spiraling wind tornado that lifted her up into the air, "YES!!!" she lowered down, realizing her inappropriate outburst and clear her throat. "I mean. I would be honored, Master Tenzin."

The airbender only laughed and hugged the unicorn. Starlight couldn't have been happier. She finally overcame her fears, and realized she could be a good leader, without reverting back to her old ways. She couldn't be happier.

Meanwhile, Discord and Trixie stood beside each other, unsure on what to say. "So I'm able to rip the very fabric of reality again." Discord said.

"Yeah, yeah. And I'm still a self-absorbed, below-average illusionist, right?"

"Actually, I was going to say a couple of those illusions were slightly above average. If you ever need a little chaos in your act, let me know."

"Ha! When pigs fly!"

"Your wish is my command!" Discord snapped his claws and two flying pigs appeared beneath the two, carrying them across the village, while Discord was laughing, Trixie was screaming her head off. 

"Whoa! Whoooooaaaa!"

Team Avatar watched the two race across from the table they sat. "Somepony is really gonna have to catch us up on what we missed." Rainbow Dash said.


(~)



The ponies played their instruments, as did the changelings and airbenders, playing an upbeat song.



Changelings:



Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh



Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh



Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh



Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh



Starlight Glimmer:



I messed up tonight



I lost another fight



I still mess up but I'll just start again



I keep falling down



I keep on hitting the ground



I always get up now to see what's next



The unicorn danced alongside Sunburst and Trixie, moving to the beat while everyone clapped and cheered. 



Starlight:



Birds don't just fly



They fall down and get up



Nobody learns without getting it wrong



Thorax, P'Li and Discord joined in the dance as Starlight sang the song from her heart. Discord used his magic to create a night-like setting, and a hovering disco ball for effect.



I won't give up



No, I won't give in till I reach the end



And then I'll start again



No, I won't leave



I wanna try everything



I wanna try even though I could fail



Thorax took Fluttershy to dance with, while Double Diamond danced with Applejack and Twilight danced with Flash. Bolin, of course, took Asami to dance with, while Mako danced with Korra. Sunburst took Starlight's hoof and the two spiraled across the floor, dancing to the beat. Discord danced with P'Li, and Tenzin danced with Pema.



I won't give up



No, I won't give in till I reach the end



And then I'll start again



No, I won't leave



I wanna try everything



I wanna try even though I could fail



Changelings:



Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh



Starlight:



Try everything



Changelings:



Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh



Starlight:



Try everything



Changelings:



Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh



Starlight: 



Try everything



Changelings:



Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh



P'Li:



Look how far you've come



You've filled your heart with love



Baby, you've done enough, take a deep breath



Sunburst:



Don't beat yourself up



Don't need to run so fast



Sometimes we come last but we did our best



This time, everyone sang together in perfect harmony to the song, dancing in perfect sync. Even Lin has having a blast dancing with the colorful changelings. 



Everyone:



I won't give up! 



No, I won't give in till I reach the end



Then I'll start again



No, I won't leave



I wanna try everything



I wanna try even though I could fail



I won't give up! 



No, I won't give in till I reach the end



Then I'll start again



Though I'm on the lead



I wanna try everything



I wanna try even though I could fail



Starlight:



I'll keep on making those new mistakes



I'll keep on making them



Everyday!



Those new mistakes



Starlight hugged both Korra and Twilight, saying her thanks for everything they have taught her. Because of them, she was on the path to a better life. She couldn't imagine a better day.



Everyone:



Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh



Try Everything!



Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh



Try Everything!



Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh



Try Everything!



Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh



I'll keep on making those new mistakes



I'll keep on making them



Everyday!



Those new mistakes



Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh



Try Everything!



Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh



Try Everything!



Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh



Try Everything!



Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh



Starlight:



Try Everything…



(~)


Back in the changeling kingdom, Chrysalis's carcass was completely disposed of…all except for once small piece of her horn, which was covered in dried up green blood. A bird flew down and caught the object in its beak, mistaking it for some kind of nut. The bird flew far away from the changeling kingdom, and attempted to break the nut, only to give up once realizing it would never open.

The bird tossed the piece down the tree, where it was carried off by a river that led to another forest, far off from Equestria. The piece eventually reached dry land, where it sunk into the soil, reaching all the way to an underground cave, where it grew into a very small cocoon.

The cocoon was observed by a wolf-like creature. He smiled, baring his sharp teeth.


*(~)*



Matthew 13:14-33~



Another parable He put forth to them, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field; but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat and went his way. But when the grain had sprouted and produced a crop, then the tares also appeared. So the servants of the owner came and said to him, "Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have tares?" He said to them, "An enemy has done this." the servants said to him, "Do you want us then to go and gather them up?" But he said, "No, lest while you gather up the tares you also uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, "First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into the barn."



Another parable He put forth to them, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest on its branches. "Another parable He spoke to them: "The kingdom of heaven is like heaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of metal till it was all leavened. 



*(~)*