> My Little Pony: One as a Family.  "Trials of Friendship"
>  by SaburoDaimando
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Arc 1(A Nightmare from the past)-1: Welcome back Wanda
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Welcome back Wanda



Wanda was wandering alone in the middle of a dark forest.  A light fog only dampened her vision a bit as she looked left and right.  
“Mommy?” Wanda yelled.  “Aunt Woona?  Sunset?  Big sis?”
Wanda’s voice echoed through the forest.  But there was no sign of any one.  Wanda covered her arms with her hands, shivering in fear as the wind brushed along the bushes and trees.
“Where is everyone?” Wanda asked as she looked around.
“There is no one to save you, child.” Wanda stood there in panic from the words of a disturbing voice.  She looked left and right, jaw dropped to the ground.
“Who’s there?” Wanda yelled.
“Your worst nightmare,” the voice said.  “Look behind you.”
Wanda turned around, fearing the worst.  But to her surprise, there was nothing, except for her shadow on the ground.
“Where are you?”  Wanda yelled.  “I know you’re out there.”
A cackling laugh echoes through the dark valley as the voice yells out “Right here.”  Wanda looked down to see her shadow jump out and land in front before turning to face her with a sinister chuckle.
“Who,” Wanda said with a hint of hesitation.  “Who are you?”
“Some call me the Shade of Hate,” The shadow said as it shapeshifted into a horse-like creature.  “But you may call me…the Pony of Shadows.”
“The…Pony of Shadows?”  Wanda said as she stood there, helplessly.
“Yes,” The Pony of Shadows said. “And soon, you will have no one left.  Your destiny is to be alone for ETERNITY!”
With that, the Pony of Shadows leaped at Wanda as the little girl screamed in fear.

Wanda awoke in the middle of the night with a loud gasp.  She breathed fast and heavily before slowing down with a sigh of relief.  No longer was she wearing her dress, but rather her pajamas. 
“That nightmare felt so real,” Wanda said as she wiped the sweat off her forehead.  
Wanda turned to her right to see Abigail Albright, fast asleep on top of an empty nightstand.
“Where would I be without you, Abby?” Wanda whispered.  “It was not long ago that you spoke your first word.  And the same can be said of Spike the Dragon.  But now, it feels like everything is becoming too distant since we last saw most of our friends at the Grand Gallopin Gala.”
 Wanda then looked at Sunset Shimmer, who was still fast asleep before the Man’s Cub climbed out of bed.
“Sorry sis,” Wanda whispered.  “But I’m too anxious to stay asleep.”
Wanda slowly walked away from the bed and towards the doorway, where she slowly opened the door.  She took a few steps forward before walking out and exiting the bedroom.  But as she disappeared, Sunset Shimmer slowly opened her eyes.
“I think she’s scared,” Sunset whispered to herself.

Wanda walked down the hallway, keeping her feet muffled with every step.  She looked inside the master bedroom where Princess Celestia would sleep.  But when Wanda looked in, Princess Celestia was not present at all, not even in her own bed.
“Mommy?” Wanda whispered.  “Where are you?”
Wanda stuck her head out of the room before walking down towards the hall.  Her eyes spot a slightly opened door in front of her.
“That’s Aunt Woona’s room” Wanda whispered.  “Maybe she’s fast asleep.”
Wanda snuck up to the bedroom and took a peek inside.  She scanned the entire room, from the dresser to the closet all the way to the bed.  But like with Princess Celestia, the entire room was vacant.  Wanda began to worry.
“Where are mommy and Aunt Woona?” Wanda said, nervously.
As Wanda pulled her head out from the room, her ears began to perk up.  She looked down the hallway and noticed a faint light at the end.
“Do you suppose?” Wanda said to herself.  “Maybe they’re talking downstairs.  I could let them know of my nightmare.”
Wanda continued to walk down the hallway, towards the faint light at the end.  With each step, the light glows brighter and brighter as she approaches the staircase at the end.  She looked down and saw a light in a room at the Grand Foyer.
“That must be where mommy and Aunt Woona are,” Wanda said to herself.  “I hope they won’t be upset that I’m awake.”
Wanda’s insect-like wings formed on her back as closed her eyes and levitated into the air.  She flies off from the balcony and slowly descends down into the Grand Foyer.  Her feet quietly touched the floor before her wings disappeared.
“There,” Wanda whispered.  “Now to check to see if Mommy and Aunt Woona are there.”
Wanda slowly walked towards the lit room in the Grand Foyer, keeping her footsteps silent with every step. Unbeknownst to her, a shadow popped up from the hallway in the balcony above, glaring down at the defenseless Man’s Cub.

In the lit room of the castle, Wanda took a peek inside from behind the doorway.  She stood silent as she observed.
“My goodness,” Wanda whispered.  “I didn’t expect Mommy and Aunt Woona to be up for a meeting.
Inside the room, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were in the middle of a conversation with Chancellor Cinch, Prince Blueblood, Bright Mac, King Myrrh and Queen Novo.  The looks on their faces were of worry and shock.
“I can not believe the nerve of Gold Banks,” Princess Celestia said.  “The fact that she used the Horse News Network along with other news stations to put fear into the minds of the ponies of Equestria.”
“And after that incident at the Grand Gallopin Gala, one month ago,” Princess Luna said.
“Unfortunately,” Prince Blueblood said.  “There’s nothing I can do.  Gold Banks made good on her word that I would be ousted as CEO of the Horse News Network and now I’m nothing more than the Duke of Manehattan.”
“And there are reports of Ponies refusing to visit other parts of the nation,” Princess Luna said.  “They bought into Horse News Network’s propaganda of the attack on the Gala by the Windigo’s Guild and the Changeling Swarm.”
“Unfortunately, I can confirm this,” Chancellor Abacus Cinch said as she slowly got up, only to observe a severed unicorn horn right next to her before drawing her attention to the rest of the group.  “When I paid a visit to the ponies of Apploosa, they’ve barely stepped hoof outside of town, fearing that the Windigo’s Guild and the Changelings would try to kidnap them.”
“We’ve been trying to transport apple trees to Apploosa since the end of the Gala,” Bright Mac said.  “But not a single soul wants to accept those trees.  They said that the changelings or the cult members would take them by surprise.”
“Our kind is not known to be wandering around with the rest of Equestria,” Queen Novo said.  “But to see ponies hide indoors for fear of these troublemakers just saddens me.  They’re not as menacing as the Storm King or his army.”
“Not to mention the border is far tighter than ever,” King Myrrh said.  “I have never seen so many royal guards on patrol in that section of Equestria.  Times have changed for the worse.”
“Speaking of royal guards,” Princess Luna said.  “I got word from Guard Captain Thompson that the Royal Guard Academy was shut down just yesterday due to the Horse News Network Propaganda.”
“A despicable act,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “I heard what happened with Shining Armor sometime after he joined up, only to be shut out after the academy was closed off.”
“So what can be done about Gold Banks’ new propaganda?” Princess Celestia asked.
“I’m afraid that’s easier said than done,” Prince Blueblood said.  “I got word that the Equestrian Senate will vote down any means to punish the Horse News Network along with the other news stations of the nation.  They’re also threatening to censure anyone who speaks out against what Gold Banks is doing.”
“Including myself,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “These are some troubling times.”
“Princess,” Queen Novo said.  “I know you now live in hard times.  But they can’t live forever in the shadows.  All of this mass hysteria, and the ponies could unintentionally summon the Windigos for real.”
“I know,” Princess Celestia said.  “But when you have Gold Banks blasting that noise across the nation and you’re powerless to stop it….”
“We’ll figure out a way,” Princess Luna said.  “We’ll always figure out a way.”
“I hope you’re right,” Princess Celestia said.  “Because I’m losing faith in myself far more than when I became Daybreaker.”
“By the way,” Queen Novo asked as she turned towards Bright Mac.  “What has been of Golden Lace since she moved to Ponyville?”
“I’m afraid to say this to you,” Bright Mac said as he took off his hat with a somber look on his face.  “But Golden Lace never arrived in Ponyville for the Rich family to take in.”
“She didn?” Queen Novo said with a shocked look on her face.
“You didn’t hear the report,” Prince Blueblood said.  “Two weeks ago, Magistrate Creme Dream blocked the Rich family and Silver Banks from allowing Golden Lace to live in Ponyville.  She took sides with Gold Banks.”
“That doesn’t sound right,” Queen Novo said.
“So what you’re saying is that Golden Lace is still in Canterlot?” King Myrrh asked.
“No,” Prince Blueblood said as he reached down under the table and pulled out a newspaper before throwing it onto the table.  “You know the reason why Gold Banks pulled Golden Lace out of the School for Gifted Unicorns.”
Princess Celestia levitated the paper with her magic and read it.  Her jaw dropped from the words on the paper before she slammed it onto the table.
“She was transferred back to Manehattan?” Princess Celestia yelled.
“To a boarding school known as Daisy Joy Tech,” Prince Blueblood said. “It’s a place for so-called wicked fillies.”
“Just the mere description of that makes me want to puke,” Bright Mac said.  “How can one greedy little mare treat her own daughter like that, turn Silver Banks into a henpecked husband, scare the population of Equestria into sheltering in place and get away with it?”
“It’s as if all political power in Equestria is slowly fading away,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Gold Banks has been gaining political power since the end of the Grand Gallopin Gala.  And I fear it will get worse the more this goes on.  Only the calm and reassuring voices of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna will comfort the rabble.”
“I know,” Princess Celestia said.  “But what if they don’t listen?  What if the ponies of Equestria are gripped deeply with fear?”
“We will have to try,” Princess Luna said.  “Perhaps that magic of Starswirl of Bearded involving ground bridges might be ideal to introduce.”
“That’s a great idea, sis,” Princess Celestia said.  “I remember the kind of crystals needed to power the ground bridge.  And it just so happens I have plenty in the basement, and more where that came from.”
“Good,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “But we must make sure the Windigo’s Guild and the Changelings do not learn to reverse engineer this spell.  Otherwise, they could figure a way into ponies’ homes when they least expect it.”

Back at the doorway, Wanda continued to keep her eye on Princess Celestia and the others in the room.  Though she was out of the sight of all of the adults, her ears could pick up the conversation going on.
“Ponies of Equestria living in fear?” Wanda whispered to herself.  “Gold Banks now in charge of the Horse News Network?  And even Golden Lace is forced to live at that…Daisy Joy Tech place?  Wow.  I thought my own nightmares were horrible.”
Wanda looked back up at the adults in the room, who continued to debate amongst each other, all while they were unaware of Wanda’s presence.
“If only I could talk with mommy,” Wanda said to herself.  “I want to tell her about the nightmare I had involving this…Pony of Shadows, and being all alone.  But now, I’m too afraid to go in there.  What if no one believes me?  What if they’re too busy to notice this Pony of Shadows?  What if I…”
But before Wanda could speak any further, something touched her on the shoulder.  The moment she felt the hoof on her shoulder, she screamed really loud and landed on the floor, directly outside the doorway.  The high volume of her scream caught the attention of the adults in the other room.
“Wanda?” Princess Celestia said, caught off guard by Wanda’s presence.
“Man’s cub?” Chancellor Cinch said.
“Cousin?” Prince Blueblood said.
“Smallfry?” Queen Novo said.
Wanda laid there on the floor, covering her eyes and shivering in fear.  Princess Celestia got out of her chair and walked up to Wanda, before reaching down and tapping her with her hoof.
“Get away from me you big mean Pony of Shadows,” Wanda cried as she covered her face.
“It’s okay, my Darling Wanda,” Princess Celestia said.  “It looked like you had a bad dream.  That explains why you were out here.”
Wanda opened her eyes and looked up at Princess Celestia.  Though the princess has a calm and pleasant tone, Wanda’s eyes filled up with tears.  All she could do was to leap onto Celestia’s chest and cry right into it.
“Mommy,” Wanda cried.  “I don’t want to be alone.”
“Alone?” Princess Celestia asked.
Princess Luna got out of her chair and walked up to both Princess Celestia and Wanda Young.  She looked down at the Man’s Cub and placed her hoof on Wanda’s cheek.
“It’s the same dream she’s been having for the past month since the Grand Gallopin Gala,” Princess Luna said.  “Night after night, Wanda’s dream has been getting worse.  The Pony of Shadows.”
“Sister, are you alright?” Princess Luna and Princess Celestia turned to the doorway where Sunset Shimmer, Princess Cadance and Abigail Albright emerged.  The two youngsters looked up at Celestia and Luna with shame in their faces.
“We wanted to see what was up with Wanda,” Princess Cadance said as she turned beet red.  “We didn’t mean to scare her.  Our apologies, mother.”
“Apology accepted,” Princess Celestia said.  “But to make up for what you did, you both have to clean the entire castle once a day.”
Cadence and Sunset’s face turned white as they yelled out “WHAT?”
Celestia let out a playful smirk and said “Gotcha,” causing Princess Cadance and Sunset Shimmer to breathe a sigh of relief.
“That was a low blow sister,” Princess Luna said with a deep tone.  “Don’t do that again.”
Princess Celestia blushed for a bit and said “Sorry sis.  Didn’t mean to do that.”
Wanda looked to her side to see Sunset approach her.  She barely budged from her spot as Sunset reached out towards her sister.  
“Wanda,” Sunset said.  “I know you’re hurt from that surprise we made.  But I trust that it was not intentional.  I just wanted to see if you’re alright.”
Wanda looked down at Sunset Shimmer’s hoof.  She barely reached out before she placed her hand on top.  Wanda slowly lets go of Princess Celestia before she allows Sunset to wrap her arm around her.
“Don’t worry,” Sunset said.  “I won’t scare you like that again.  Promise.”
Chancellor Cinch got out of her chair and walked up towards Wanda and Sunset.  She picked up the unicorn horn from the table and held it next to her.
“Man’s cub,” Cinch said in a soothing voice.  “Do you remember the story I told you about how I lost my parents?”
“Yeah, I do,” Wanda said.
“Back when I was Princess Celestia’s adopted daughter and student,” Cinch said.  “I used to live in the countryside near Canterlot with my parents.  They were similar to Bright Mac and Buttercup of Sweet Apple Acres.”
“Never thought you were more of a country bumpkin like me,” Bright Mac said.
“But one night,” Cinch said.  “My mother woke me up and told me I had to escape.  She said a fire was started in the house, caused by a monster of a pony.  I did what she said and made my escape.”
“I’ve heard of this story before,” Sunset said.  “Where you were the only one who escaped, and the rest of your family succumbed to the smoke and burning embers.”
“Indeed I was the only survivor of the Cinch family farm,” Cinch said.  “I was traumatized by the loss of my mother, my father and my siblings.  I never understood how that fire was started, nor why it built up so fast and burned everything within.”
“I was alerted to the fire back then,” Princess Celestia said before she pointed to Princess Luna.  “Your aunt was quick to take me to the inferno.  But by the time I arrived, I was too late.  The fire had already consumed everyone, and I assumed that there were no survivors.  Until I met Abacus Cinch, the lone pony who lost everything.  I noticed there was a unique power within her.  But also to the fact that she was traumatized by the loss of an entire family.”
“Celestia adopted me following the loss of my folks,” Cinch said.  “She allowed me to live in the palace, where I could heal from my trauma, and mourn for my fallen family.  It was where I also met her.”
“Met who?” Wanda asked.
“Reach out with your hands,” Cinch said.  “And I will tell you.”
Wanda held her hands out as Cinch levitated the filly unicorn horn, and gently placed it on top of the girl’s palms.
“This horn belonged to a sister of mine,” Cinch said.  “Her name was Fizzlepop Berrytwist.  She helped get me back on my hooves once we met.  Like me, she lost her family and she was adopted by Princess Celestia.”
“Does that make us all sisters?” Sunset asked.
“In a way,” Luna said.  “You both, plus Princess Cadance, are younger sisters to Chancellor Cinch.”
“It’s a small world, after all,” Princess Cadance said.
“Fizzlepop Berrytwist was more of a wingpony to me,” Cinch said.  “She helped me through my first couple of years since Princess Celestia adopted me.”
Wanda held the horn piece into the air and looked directly at it.  She noticed the jagged end of the horn where it broke off.  Rough and sharp below.  Wanda placed her finger on the end of the horn and gently felt the edges.  She lifted her finger back towards her face and saw small scratches on the small flat surface of her skin.
“So how did this happen, Miss Cinch?” Wanda asked as she let the horn sit on the palm of her hand.
“What I am going to tell you will be heartbreaking,” Cinch said.  “And it will make you appreciate your sisters far more.  In fact, I hope you do appreciate your sisters far more once you hear this story.  Are you ready to hear it?”
“Yes,” Wanda said as she nodded her head before holding out the horn piece closer to Cinch.  The Chancellor levitated the horn off of Wanda’s palm and placed it on the table while Sunset Shimmer, Princess Cadance and Abigail Albright walked up next to the Man’s Cub.
“I didn’t know Cinch had a sister of her own,” Sunset Shimmer said.
“I’ve heard this story before,” Princess Cadance said.  “Let’s say Fizzlepop Berrytwist was the older sister to Cinch.”
Chancellor Cinch placed the horn back on the table and began to clear her throat.  She turned her attention towards Queen Novo, who winked towards the Chancellor.
“I know Princess Celestia is here,” Queen Novo said. “But in the event that she breaks down in tears, I’ll be happy to comfort her and her sister.”
“Deeply noted,” Chancellor Cinch said.
Chancellor Cinch turned back to Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer, Princess Cadance, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.  She adjusted the collar of her dress and sat down right in front of the group.
“Wanda,” Princess Celestia said.  “This story will make you cry.  So either me, Luna or Novo will comfort you afterwards.”
“I’m a brave girl,” Wanda said.  “I can handle this.”
“Even brave girls can be broken,” Princess Luna said.  “And unfortunately, I knew how it ended.”
“Now then,” Chancellor Cinch said as she got the attention of everyone in the vicinity.  “This happened long ago when I was adopted by Princess Celestia.  It was on a fine summer afternoon in Canterlot Castle, back when the scars of the fire were slowly fading away.  Me and my older sister Fizzlepop Berrytwist enjoyed the fine day without a care in the world.  But little did we know, my second tragedy would unfold in front of me.”


	To Be Continued in….


	Cinch’s Carefree Fillyhood

> Arc 1-2: Cinch's Carefree Fillyhood
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Cinch’s Carefree Fillyhood



“Now Little Abby.  You promise to do what your big sister Fizzlepop Berrytwist said.  And make sure you’re back at the castle by the time my sister has lowered the sun completely.  Do you understand me?”
Those words came from my adopted aunt Princess Luna.  She and Princess Celestia have looked over me since I lost my family two years ago to that day.  While Princess Celestia was a cheerful parent who looked after my well-being, Princess Luna was very protective.  As for me, I felt as if I had almost become my former self again since the fire.  But I vowed not to let her down, or let mother Celestia down.
“I won’t, Aunt Woona,” I said to the alicorn of the moon in the most determined and naive tone possible.  “I promise you that I won’t.”
“Luna,” Princess Celestia said as she walked up to her sister and myself.  “You know that Cinch is only allowed to be within the city limits and the town, nearby.”
“I know,” Aunt Luna said.  “But the wildlife lately has been getting out of control.  And I’m hoping they both remain safe during their playtime.”
“You’re not talking about the bigger creatures like the rocs or the chimeras,” Princess Celestia said, which caused me to shake a little in fear.
“If I was, I would recommend against sending the little ones out into the field,” Princess Luna said, which gave me some relief.
I suddenly heard a voice behind me.  I turned and there was my older filly sister, Fizzlepop Berrytwist.  Her coat was dark like a purple raspberry and her mane was shaped into a mohawk with a darker tone of dragonfruit.  But I still recognize my sister.  A smug pony who kept me going strong for the last two years since I lost my family.
“Come on, Abby,” Fizzie yelled as she waved her hoof at me.  “We don’t have all day, you know.”
I was anxious to run up to my sister and run through the streets of Canterlot just to enjoy the day like every filly and colt would.  But I was also scared, especially with what Princess Luna said.
“Go on, Abby,” Princess Celestia said to me with a sweet, gentle tone.  “You don’t want to keep Fizzie waiting.”
Those words gave me a hint of courage in my soul.  I mustered it all up and ran up towards my sister.  We had a playful clap with our hooves together, showing a sign of our sisterhood.  We giggled and clapped before we readied ourselves.
“So here’s the plan sis,” Fizzie said to me.  “We’ll run through the streets and say hello to the ponies of Canterlot.  Afterwards, we’ll break for some milkshakes at the Canterlot Ice Cream Parlor and just enjoy the sights.  Then you get to decide on what to do next.”
“Deal,” I said with glee.
“Then let’s go,” Fizzie said as the both of us took off through the castle gates, ready to face the day ahead.

We ran down the streets of Canterlot, laughing as if we didn’t have a care in the world.  We greeted each pony with a warm smile as we continued our journey through the city limits.  Many ponies back then were friendly in a way where you not only knew everyone, but also it was a far pleasant place to be in.  
I waved towards the city folk who enjoyed their day in this beautiful city, while Fizzlepop continued to run through the street, showing off some of her skills with both her magic and her legs.  Yes, back then, Fizzlepop loved to leap into the air, showing off to the ponies of Canterlot with her aerobics combined with her magic.
“Hey Abby,” Fizzie said as she landed on her four hooves and she looked like she was ready to pull something phenomenal off.  “Get a load of this.”
I came to a stop the moment Fizzlepop spoke to me.  I knew that Fizzie enjoyed leaping into the air as if she were some kind of pegasus, or an alicorn.  I just stood there, watching in anticipation before Fizzlepop leaped into the air.  The horn on her head glowed brightly, surrounding my sister in a warm light.  She flew around in the skies of Canterlot with just her magic.  My jaw dropped at the mere sight of a pony that could fly without wings, much less my older sister.
“Hey Abby,” Fizzie yelled as she was showing off in the air.  “Can you fly like I can?”
Now, I knew a lot about magic during my time at the School for Gifted Unicorns.  But I did not have as advanced a pedigree compared to Fizzie.  But still, I gave it a shot.  I tried to levitate myself in the air using only my magic.  I only got two feet off the ground as the magic surrounded me.  But unlike Fizzie, I couldn’t keep myself properly in the air, much less slightly off the ground. 
When I lost my focus, I landed tummy-first on the ground.  Some of the other citizens gathered around me either asking if I was okay or trying to help me up.  Though I still remembered what happened with my family two years ago on that day, I was a tough filly and I didn’t waste my time getting myself up.  As I got up, Fizzie flew down towards me, and I knew she cared alot for my well-being.
“Sis, are you alright?” Fizzie asked me.
“I’m fine,” I said.  “I guess flying without magic isn’t for me.”
I know I was trying to be the realist.  But Fizzlepop Berrytwist was the determinator.  She told me “It takes a lot of practice to learn how to fly without magic.  One day, I should spend some time so I could help you master the ability of flying without magic.”
That was Fizzie in a nutshell.  No matter what problem I had gone under, she always had my back, keeping me hoisted up so that I could keep going.  I smiled and giggled at my friend, with the knowledge that she would be by my side until I was a fully-grown mare.  
"Come on," I said to my older sister.  "Where should we head next?"
"Take a guess," Fizzie said with a smirk on her face.
"Oh right," I said with an embarrassing tone.  "Great Apple's applestand."
"Come on," She said.  "I heard that Great Apple brought his daughter with us."
Fizzlepop turned around and took off in a hurry.  I knew she was excited to see Great Apple.  So without a second thought, I ran after my older sister, hoping to catch up.
It didn’t take us long to arrive at Great Apple’s apple stand in Canterlot, located within the middle of the city.  There was Great Apple, a bright red stallion with a yellow-orangish mane similar to Bright Mac’s son Big Mac.  He had been selling his fresh produce since early this morning.  Hungry customers gathered around to buy everything he had, from his freshly picked fruit, to the cider and pastries that he and his family made.  
We ran up to the famous apple farmer, yelling and screaming his name, hoping to catch his attention.  And sure enough, he knew where to look.
“Abby, Fizzie,” Great Apple yelled as we ran up to his apple stand.  “I was hoping when you two would show up today.”
“Just came here to say hi, Mr Apple,” I said with a gleeful tone.
“Well it’s always a pleasure to see the two Princesses of Equestria come up to my apple stand for a visit,” Great Apple said with a tip of his hat.
“Me?  A Princess?” Fizzlepop said.  “When I grow up, I’m abandoning my title of Princess and want to be an adventurer.”
I’ve known Fizzie since Princess Celestia adopted me.  She had more of the heart of an adventurer and less of wanting to rule over a kingdom.  Fizzie wanted to go see the world when she grew up.  She wanted to see the beauty of it all with her very eyes.  And back then, a part of me wanted to follow in her hoofsteps, partially because it sounded like something for me, and partially to get away from the pain the death of my family had caused me.
“I’m with you on that,” I said to Fizzie.  But before I could speak more, Great Apple had something else to say.
“To see the whole world?” Great Apple laughed.  “Now that is something that I wanted to do when I was a little colt.  I wanted to see beyond the farm of my namesake and beyond Harvestia.  To help feed the hungry stallions and mares, fillies and colts, and beyond.  And I did just that with my father.  But now, I just want to take it easy and sell my wares here with me and my family.  Especially my daughter, Granny Smith.”
Back then, I thought it was silly for a stallion like Great Apple to settle down in one place to be boring.  But when I looked back at his words, they had some sort of meaning to it.   Like you found the perfect place to settle down and live out your life to the fullest.  But those words escaped Fizzlepop Berrytwist, who’s excitement just went up after hearing that name.
“Did you say Granny Smith?” she said.  I heard that name, but never met the pony before.
“I sure did,” Great Apple replied.  “In fact, she should be coming up any time now.”
No sooner does Great Apple finish his sentence do we hear someone yell out “HEY PA!”  We turned our heads to see Granny Smith walk up to the stand.  Back then, she was already a teenager, making her older than either me or Fizzie.  But she was full of energy and had an adventurous heart.
“Pa,” Granny Smith yelled as she pulled in a cart full of apples.  “Sorry for being late.  I’ve had ponies wanting my merchandise.”
Great Apple laughed with a merry chuckle as he called out “It’s alright, little Granny Smith.  Come up and I’ll unload the apples for you.”
We stood back as Granny Smith came up to the apple stand with a cart full of apples.  Great Apple walked up towards the stand and wasted no time pulling out each basket full of the delicious fruit.  While Great Apple was unloading, Granny Smith walked up to the both of us.  It was the first time we saw her in person.  She was already a teenager, older than a filly, but younger than a mare.
“Hey,” Granny Smith said to us.  “Pa told me about you two.  You’re both the Princesses of Equestria, correct?”
“Princess?” Fizzie said with a smirk on her face.  “Soon to be ex-Princess when I’m grown up.  I’m Fizzlepop Berrywist.  And this here is my faithful sister, Abacus Cinch.”
Back then, while I was ecstatic to see those who I was familiar with, I was rather shy with new faces.  I barely tipped my head away from Granny Smith as I said with a small meek voice “Hi.”
“Are you alright?” Granny Smith said to me.  “You sound like you’re afraid of me.”
I swallowed hard and said “Yes.”
“Now don’t you worry,” Granny Smith said.  “I promise I won’t be harsh on ya.”
“I think there’s more to her than you may realize,” Fizzie said, having approached Granny Smith while staying near me.  “She lost a family two years ago, and she is a bit shy and bashful.”
“It’s true,” Great Apple replied.  “The Cinch family were good friends of ours.  That accident that happened two years ago left this one homeless and us without a partner.”
“Oh dear,” the younger Granny Smith said, taken aback by what my sister said.  “I’m terribly sorry.  No youngling deserves to lose a family and be like that.  Is there anything I can do to help out?”
I know that she was trying to be friendly and help out.  But I was still afraid of her, compared to her father, Great Apple.  I barely peaked my head out from behind my sister and got a glance at Granny Smith when I heard a voice that made me hide behind Fizzie again.
“Oh why ask for the help of a simple farmer’s daughter when I can help you out, dear?”  That voice, despite being pleasant, belonged to Creme Dream, who long ago was the Chancellor of Equestria.  Back then, I was afraid of her.  Horrified at even looking at her face.   Even in spite of her cheerful tone, something about her just felt off to me.  Well more to the fact that her voice sounded like me today, except lighter in tone and more optimistic.
“Chancellor Creme Dream,” Great Apple said in a cold tone.  “What brings you here?”
“Oh,” Creme Dream said with that sugary sweet, and yet deep, voice.  “Nothing more than to wander among the commoners of Canterlot.  Especially the daughters of Princess Celestia.”
The moment I heard Creme Dream mention me and Fizzie, I hid my face even deeper into my older sister’s side, hoping not to be seen.  But I got startled when I felt her hoof touch my shoulder, causing me to scream in horror and startle Fizzie at the same time.
“Don’t be frightened,” Creme Dream said to me as I turned around and faced her scared half-to-death.  “I mean you no harm.”  But fortunately for me, Fizzie came to my defense.
“Now look, Chancellor,” Fizzie said as she stood in front of me.  “My sister has been anxious and afraid ever since she lost her parents.  Could you please let her be?”
To my surprise, Chancellor Creme Dream backed off a bit with a solemn look on her face.  But despite her humble tone, something about her just felt off for me.
“I am terribly sorry,” Creme Dream said.  “I didn’t mean to frighten your sister.  All I wanted to do was to greet every citizen of Canterlot.”
“I know you mean well, Chancellor Creme Dream,” Great Apple said in a stern tone as he walked towards the front of his fruit stand with his eyes on her.  “But some ponies have mental scars from the trauma they’ve been through.”
Chancellor Creme Dream fixed up her puffy mane and said “Very well.  Besides, there are others to greet before I get down to my meeting with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna about the changeling problem.  I don’t want to keep them waiting.”
With that, I watched as Chancellor Creme Dream walked off from the apple stand and down the streets of Canterlot.  Fizzlepop Berrytwist stood by me, keeping me protected as I barely looked at her disappear into the crowd.  Great Apple and Granny Smith just stood there, glaring down the street.
“Something tells me this chancellor is up to no good,” Granny Smith said.
“Right you are,” Great Apple replied.  “Even in spite of her pleasant tone and optimistic outlook, there is something about Chancellor Creme Dream that makes my fur crawl.”
But as Granny Smith and Great Apple put their mind back onto their apple business, I slowly walked out from behind Big Sis Fizzie.  I tapped on Granny’s hoof, catching her attention.
“Oh, little Abby,” Granny Smith said.  “Don’t mind that sugary sweet chancellor.  If anything, daddy and I got your back like your sister does.”
And with that, Fizzie tapped me on the shoulder, causing me to turn my head towards my older sister.  She held out a few bits and said “How about I buy you some lunch before we get some milkshakes?”
Back then, I enjoyed the famous Canterlot Ice Cream Parlor triple fudge milkshake.  Fizzie and I would spend our days there just enjoying the moment without a care in the world.  And once Fizzie told me about treating me to those delicious treats, my mood went up north.
“Great,” I said to Fizzie as I gave her a big hug.  “I’m up for it.”
WIthout a second thought, Fizzie pulled out four bits from her bag and placed them on the table.  She signaled to Great Apple and said “Two Apple Sandwiches on nutmeg bread, and your finest Apple Juice.”
“I was hoping you would go for that,” Great Apple chuckled as Granny Smith wasted no time slicing up two apples, spreading some of that cinnamon butter on each slice of bread, and placing the sliced apple onto the butter side of the breads before pressing them into delicious sandwiches.  Great Apple reached underneath the table and pulled out two glass bottles full of Apple Juice and placed them in front of us before Granny Smith planced down the sandwiches next to them.
“You two enjoy the day, and maybe later on I can take you down to the Cinch memorial so you can pay your respects,” Great Apple said with a warm smile on his face.  “Just like I’ve done many times since you came here.”
I will never forget just how delicious that sandwich tasted, even though I have had it many times in my lifetime.  The crisp crunch of the apple felt so refreshing, while there was a sweet and tangy taste from the cinnamon butter.  The nutmeg added that right kick of spice that topped off that lunch, and the way that apple juice just quenched my thirst in almost a snap.  There was no better lunch than what Great Apple and Granny Smith would sell to us.

But later that day, Fizzlepop Berrytwist and I were just relaxing on a bench in the park, enjoying our after lunch milkshake.  It felt like a nice compliment to a delicious lunch from Great Apple and Granny Smith.  Without a care in the world, we just gazed our eyes up in the sky while we enjoyed our milkshakes.
“Fizzie,” I asked my older sister as my gaze stared at the sky.  “What’s on your mind right now?”
“Well,” Fizzlepop said.  “One day, I’d like to go out and see the whole world and what it would bring us compared to this sheltered life here in Canterlot.”
“Are you really sure about that?” I said with a concerned look on my face as I took a sip of milkshake.
“I am,” Fizzie replied.  “As much as I appreciate what Mother Celestia has done for us, the life of a princess is not for me.  I want to reach out and meet all new ponies, go on an adventure beyond even Equestria, and even meet many interesting ponies.”
Fizzlepop Berrytwist always had a lot on her mind.  From the time she said she was fascinated with technology like a video game system, or one of those newfangled computers.  I always listened to what she said and it somehow fascinated me.  But on that day, when she told me about wanting to leave Canterlot, I felt uneasy.
“I’m not so sure if I want to go down that route, Fizzie,” I said with my own sense of doubt.  “Ever since I came here as Princess Celestia’s adopted daughter, I see Canterlot as more of a sanctuary.”
“A sanctuary?” Fizzie said, surprised by my statement before she took a sip of her milkshake.
“Yeah,” I replied as I took in the atmosphere of the park.  “I always see this place as a safe haven for ponies to frolic, play and other pony things.  Where anyone, be it Pegasi, Earth Pony or Unicorn, are welcomed to live among us.”
It wasn’t something you would ever hear me say.  But back then, I considered Canterlot to be a safe haven, considering what I had gone through.  Fizzlepop Berrytwist just looked down at me with a smile and gave me a playful noogie.
“Sounds like you don’t want to leave this place,” Fizzie said to me in a warm tone.  “It could get pretty boring.”
“It’s not just that,” I said back to her.  “I also fear that I could lose my own family, or even you.”  The moment I said those words, she did grow concerned for me.
“Abby,” Fizzlepop said to me.  “I understand your concern for me.  But I promise I’ll be alright.  I’m a tough pony, and I can handle whatever the world throws at me.”
“Really?”  I said, curious about her words, but also cautious.  
“And not only that,” Fizzlepop Berrytwist said.  “I promise that if I see the world, I will bring back a souvenir for you to treasure.  One that reflects what the world could bring to us.”
“You really think so?”  Those words did cause my concern to melt away, and bring me a sense of excitement about the outside world.  
“I believe the world can bring to us what we can’t learn in a castle or the walls of this town,” Fizzie explained as my attention drew to her voice.  “What other ponies exist beyond Equestria, or even other species?  Like Dragons, Yaks, Griffins, Hippogriffs, and other species that could exist.”
“You mean like with Princess Celestia’s fillyhood friend Queen Novo?” I said in excitement. 
“Yeah,” Fizzie said.  “The last time she was here, Queen Novo told us that one day, she wanted to have children of her own.  And sometimes, she does get lonely ruling atop Mount Aris without a significant other by her side.”
“Yeah,” I said with a solemn face.  “It must be hard for Queen Novo to not have someone to be by your side, to make you happy, to get you through the day.”
“That’s why I want to go see the world,” Fizzie said.  “I want to see every creature have that spark of optimism.  That’s why I want you to be happy when I’m gone.”
“Me?” I said, with my face turning to a bit of shock.
“I’m not going to be around forever,” Fizzie said back to me.  “When I’m no longer in Canterlot, promise me you’ll be a tough pony and stick it out.  Because I know you can handle anything.”
I barely had anything to say from Fizzlepop’s promise.  Those words caught me by surprise, as if something horrible was going to happen.  But I swallowed my pride and gave my best response.
“I’ll…” I said.  “I’ll try.”
I knew my response was rather weak.  But Fizzie didn’t care.  She cracked a warm smile for me and took a sip of her milkshake.
“That’s the spirit, Abby,” Fizzie said.  “I know you’ll become a great pony when you grow up.  You’re as apart of this society as I am, like a warm family.  And as a family, we are one together.”
I just laughed at Fizzie’s phrase before I said “I thought you didn’t want to be a princess.”
“I know,” Fizzie replied.  “But being apart of a family is more important than some silly royal title.
With that, the two of us just laid back and looked up at the sky, enjoying our milkshakes for that afternoon, as if we both didn’t have a care in the world.  But little did I realize, I was about to experience another trauma, two years in the making, and that Fizzlepop’s words of no longer being around in Canterlot were about to come sooner than I realize.


	To Be Continued in…


	To Bear the Loss

> Arc 1-3: To Bear the Loss
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


To Bear the Loss



It was a wonderful afternoon in the nearby town of Harvestia.  Compared to the busy city of Canterlot, Harvestia was a rather quiet town where the farmers grew their crops from carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, onions and spinach, to fresh fruit like lemons, grapes, oranges, pears, and even tropical fruits like mangos.  But the one crop that often was the eye of the land was apples, grown by Great Apple and the Apple Family.  They were the first to settle down in Harvestia, one of the few towns surrounding Equestria.
But there was one that my late family grew in this town: Olives.  We grew olives back then for ponies to put into their side dishes, or for the exquisite olive oil.  When my family died in that tragedy, some of the olive crop survived that disaster.  One member of the Apple family named Nectar Apple, who was Great Apple’s sister, felt sorry for the loss of an entire family, and volunteered to grow the Olive crops in their memory.  And since then, she erected a monument towards the Cinch family for the hard work they put in their crop.
On that late afternoon, Great Apple, Granny Smith, Nectar Apple, Fizzlepop Berrytwist and I were at the memorial for my lost family.  Though the others looked up to my late father and mother in pride, I kept my eyes closed and sunk my head down, reminded by the tragic fire that took their lives.
“It’s a real shame what happened two years ago,” Fizzie said.  “When I heard about the fire that burned down the house and took their lives, I was horrified.  Who in their right mind would pull a sick stunt like that?”
I didn’t know what to say.  Though I understood Fizzie’s frustration over my family’s death, my focus was more on mourning their deaths.
“We don’t know who it was,” Nectar Apple said.  “One thing I know was that it was no accident.  As a farmer of Harvestia, a loss of another farmer is a tragedy unto itself.  No one deserves to lose a family member like that.”
Those words ‘As a Family, we are one together,’ rang true when I heard what Nectar Apple said.  Even though they put out different products on the market, like Apples from the Apple family or Olives from my late family, we all stand by together like we know the lay of the land.  The two years I spent under Celestia have caused me to lose my farmer roots.  But the memories of living on that farm still stuck to me.
“Agreed, Nectar,” Great Apple said.  “A loss of one is a loss for us all.”
“So what happened that night, two years ago to this day?”  Granny Smith asked.
“They say a group of bandits came by, demanding that Cinch’s father give up their olives and their possessions,” Great Apple said.  “When old stallion Cinch refused, they came back that night and torched the place.”
I’ll never forget what happened on that night.  The words of Great Apple reminded me of the fire that swept up through the entire house, and how I had to run out the window to escape.  Though I survived back then, the thought of losing my own folks brought me down like an emotional tidal wave.  And had it not been for Princess Celestia, I would have been in a lot worse shape, or maybe share my family’s fate.  But just thinking about what happened made my eyes water.
“Abby,” Fizzie said to me.  “Are you alright?”
“No,” I cried.  “These painful memories still flow within me.”
“Then it’s okay to cry,” Fizzie said as she wrapped her arm around me.  “Sometimes we cry to help toughen us up, and to remind us that we still have a long way to go.”
The words that Fizzie told me weren’t a sign of weakness.  They were a sign of strength.  We cry to help us get over our pain.  So I did exactly that and cried into her chest as loud as I could.  I felt my tears roll down my cheek and onto Fizzie’s chest.  But all she did was comfort me by rubbing the mane on my head.
“Don’t worry,” Fizzie said.  “Until that day comes, I’m going to be with you.  Promise.”
But my crying began to stop when I heard the sound of wings flapping.  I turned around and looked up to see Princess Celestia and Princess Luna fly down from the sky and land right next to us.  Great Apple looked up at the two alicorn princesses, took off his hat and bowed.
“Princess Celestia, Princess Luna,” Great Apple said.  “I didn’t expect you both to come by.”
“Well we weren’t either,” Princess Celestia said in an energetic tone.  “But for some reason, our meeting with Chancellor Creme Dream went faster than usual.”
“That’s saying a lot since we don’t care for politics,” Princess Luna said as she and Celestia landed their hooves on the ground.
“True,” Princess Celestia replied.  “In fact, if I had things my way, I would step down from my position and open an orphanage.”
Back when I was young, I was too naive to understand the whole purpose of politics, nor did I care enough for it.  But I was still glad to see Princess Celestia show up back when I once called her mommy.  Her presence always filled my heart and melted away my worries.  So the moment I saw her land in front, I ran up to her and gave her a big hug.
“Mommy,” I said as I had my arms wrapped around her leg.  “I’m hoping you won’t be mad at me.”
“Now why would I?” Celestia giggled.  “After all, you did say you were going to pay your respects to your family today, and I wanted to give you the chance to do so.”
“Princess,” Fizzie said as she walked from the memorial to the both of us.  “Even back when we adopted my little sister, I still couldn’t understand why bandits would want to set the house on fire and traumatize little Abby here.  She did nothing wrong.”  
Though Fizzlepop was Celestia’s adopted daughter, she referred to her as Princess out of a deep respect.  It was something I couldn’t understand why.
“It’s something that has still puzzled me for two years,” Princess Celestai replied.  “As horrible as the incident was, we still haven’t found out the motive behind that senseless attack.”
I was hoping Princess Celestia would have the answers.  But I was disappointed to find out.  My fear started to churn back up over her words, which caught Celestia’s eyes in almost an instant.
“But don’t you worry, little Abby,” Princess Celestia said.  “We’ll find out who did this, and we will bring them to justice.”
I cracked a little smile as Princess Celestia slowly lifted her arms from me.  Fizzie walked up to help me walk a few steps away from the memorial, all while Great and Nectar Apple looked up at the carving of my late family.
“You know what’s horrible about this madness?” Great Apple asked as he looked up at the monument with a tear in his eye.
“I do,” Nectar Apple said.  “These punks have been at it for more than ten years.  No matter how many guards we hire, how many defenses we have in Harvestia, and how many of us fight back, they always seem to come back for more.  It’s like a never-ending fight.”
“And the worst part about it is that they don’t even try to steal our harvest,” Great Apple said.  “They want to destroy everything that we hold dear.  Our food, our livelihood, everything.”
Nectar Apple stood by her big brother, observing the memorial of my late family while Fizzie and I observed next to Celestia and Luna.  Though their voices were a bit quiet, I could overhear Nectar saying “No matter what happens, we need to keep Harvestia protected from these vicious bandits.  If we fail, Equestria could fall into a food shortage.”
I have heard about the food shortages that have occurred throughout the legacy of Equestria.  The bandits that have been attacking Harvestia are only a small sample of the various famines that have enveloped our history.  It did make me worry a bit, as I imagined an Equestria under a food shortage.  But Fizzie stood beside me, putting her arm around behind my back.
“Don’t you worry, little Abby,” Fizzie said to me.
“Fizzie?” I said in confusion.
“I’m not going to let any food shortage get in between our sisterhood,” Fizzie replied.  “Nor am I going to let those bandits take you away.”
“Really?” I replied.
“Promise,” Fizzie replied.  “As long as I’m by your side, nothing will bring us down.”
I stood by Fizzlepop Berrytwist, embracing her warm hug with a comforting smile.  But just as my mind was about to drift off into a positive trance, my ears picked up something horrible, like the sound of hooves running through dirt at a brisk pace.  This also alerted Princess Celestia, who turned her head towards the horizon.
“They’re coming,” Princess Celestia said with an alarmed tone, which alerted Great and Nectar Apple.
“The Bandits,” Great Apple said in a cold tone.  “They want to destroy Harvestia.”
Princess Luna immediately walked up to Fizzie and I with her wings extended out.  Judging by the look on her face, I knew what was going to be done.
“Fizzie, Abby,” Luna said to the both of us.  “Get on my back.  I’ll get you both back to the castle.”
Luna turned around and sat down, allowing FIzzie to get up on her back.  But just as I was about to get up, Celestia put her hoof on my shoulder.
“Be very careful,” Princess Celestia said to me.  “The Bandits may not be powerful, but they are crafty.”
I nodded to Princess Celestia as I jumped onto Luna’s back.  Luna flapped her wings and began to fly up from Harvestia while Celestia, Great Apple, Nectar Apple, a number of villagers and guards marched up towards the front of the village and stood ready.
“Sister was wise to bring in the calvary to ward off this invasion,” Princess Luna said.
“Do you think they’ll hold them back?” I asked, having remembered what happened two years ago to that day.
“They will,” Princess Luna said.  “Those bandits are no match for the best soldiers in Equestrian History.”
From atop Luna’s back in the sky, I looked down at the soldiers and villagers that stood by Princess Celestia, Great Apple and Nectar Apple.  It was the first time that I saw an acting army in person, and I felt like I had some confidence in them.
“Wow,” I said, amazed by how dedicated they were to defending their village. “I have never seen this many ponies fight.”
“As long as they defend the town to their very core,” Fizzie said to me.  “They won’t let this village fall, and nothing bad will happen to us.”
But as Luna was about to fly away from Harvestia, she looked over the horizon at the bandits galloping towards the village.  Though the invaders were small in numbers, they had something ferocious right behind them.  A giant bear-like creature ran by their side towards the village.  I turned my head towards Princess Luna, who’s pupils shrunk down in complete fear.
“AN URSA MAJOR!”  Luna screamed in total panic.  “I NEED TO GET YOU BOTH OUT.”
Luna immediately turned towards Canterlot and began to fly as fast as possible.  Fizzie and I held on for dear life while Luna dashed through the air as fast as possible.
“What’s an Ursa Major?” I asked.
“A bear-like creature whose presence reflects the Polaris North Star,” Luna said.  “They are docile.  But some ponies tend to raise them to be vicious attack dogs.  And judging by that Ursa Major marching towards the town, I’d say someone decided to turn it into a rampaging war beast. ”
I did not like what Luna said about the Ursa Major, and neither did Fizzie.  We held on for dear life as Luna flew us far away from the village, all while we saw Princess Celestia, Great Apple, Nectar Apple, the villagers and the guards brace for the advancement of the bandits and the Ursa Major.
“Aunt Luna,” I said.  “Has Princess Celestia ever faced down an Ursa Major?”
“Unfortunately yes,” Luna replied.  “There was that one time where Princess Celestia had to put down an Ursa Major after the Windigo’s Guild used it as an attack dog.  And judging by what’s going down, I fear she may have to do so again.”
I wanted to bury my face into Luna’s mane.  But my eyes were focused on that Ursa Major making its way towards Harvestia.  Nearby, Princess Celestia, the guards and villagers held their ground as the bandits advanced, armed with weapons and lit torches.  Celestia leaped over the barbaric invaders and held her ground against the Ursa Major, using her magic to hold that beast back as it lashed out with its claws.
“Don’t look, Abby,” Fizzie said as she shielded my eyes.  “Whatever you do, keep your eyes away from the fighting down there.  I don’t want you to be traumatized even further.”
Though my eyes were covered, I did exactly as she said as I allowed Fizzie to hold my face to her chest.  I wanted to keep my face buried in her fur all while we both held onto Princess Luna.  My ears picked up the fighting going on down below in the town, from the clashing of metal to the burning crackles of fire.  But when I heard the roar of the Ursa Major, I buried my head deeper into Fizzie’s chest and covered my ears.
“Hang on,” Luna yelled.  “The sooner we get back to Canterlot, the safer you both will be.”
I kept my focus on Luna’s voice and wings as I kept my face buried in Fizzie’s chest.  I kept my eyes shut completely tight as Fizzie held onto me.  But without a warning, Fizzie and I were violently knocked off of Luna.  Somehow, a blast of magic came out of nowhere and hit us when we least expect it.  Fizzie lost her grip on me as I fell down towards the forest below me, with Luna and Fizzie right above me.  I screamed in terror at the horror of it all, catching the attention of my older sister.
“I’M COMING FOR YOU, ABBY,” Fizzie yelled as she inched closer to me.  “HANG ON!”
Try as I might, I couldn’t even reach the tip of her hoof, let alone grab onto it.  Fizzie descended closer towards me as I reached out with every inch of my body, hoping to grab her.  But just as I was about to grab her arm, something swooped out of the sky and grabbed Fizzie and I, slowing our fall towards the forest.  I looked up, and there was Princess Luna.  She had grabbed both me and my sister and held us in her arms.
“Are you both alright?” Luna yelled.
I was about to say something when I noticed her right wing.  It was badly bruised from the impact of a magical blast.
“What happened, Aunt Luna?” I asked.
“Something hit me when I was flying you two back to the castle,” Luna said.  “All I can do is to slow your fall.”
We held onto Luna tightly as the Princess of the Moon descended into the forest.  But the moment Luna landed on a thick tree branch, Fizzie and I lost our grip and fell downward from the Alicorn, and we both yelled until we landed into a bush, cushioning our fall from the sky.
“Abby,” Fizzie said as she got out of the bush and shook the leaves from her mane.  “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine,” I said with my mane now covered in leaves and tree branches.
The moment I got out of the bush, I looked up to see Princess Luna still stuck up in the trees. She was covered in vines and struggled to break free, screaming for help.  I was about to yell up to her when I overheard a horrifying roar.
“Oh no,” I said as I cowered in fear.  “That can’t be good.”
Fizzie and I turned to our right to see the Ursa Major staring down at the both of us.  Its teeth and claws were razor sharp, and its eyes glowed a crimson red.  I stared at that giant bear, too afraid to even move an inch.
“Fizzie, Abby,” Luna yelled, snapping me out of my trance.  “RUN NOW!  SAVE YOURSELVES!”
Without a second thought, Fizzlepop Berrytwist and I turned tail and ran the opposite path, with the Ursa Major chasing after us.  We ran through the forest as fast as possible, hoping to escape the jaws of this giant beast.
“KEEP RUNNING, SIS,” Fizzie yelled to me.  “WE CAN’T LET HER GET TO US!”
I said nothing as I continued to run through the vicinity of the forest, dodging trees left and right as that giant bear ran through, knocking down every tree in its path.  Though we were ahead of the Ursa Major, we saw some of the trees fall near us, showcasing a testament of its brute strength.  It was enough to startle me, but not to cause me to stop running.
“I wish we were back at the castle,” I chanted repeatedly as I kept running.
I quickly jumped onto a dead tree branch in hopes of staying by my sister.  But the moment I did, another tree landed right on the opposite end of the branch, sending me flying away from Fizzie.
“ABBY!” Fizzie yelled as she watched helplessly.
I landed nearby in an open part of the forest, twenty feet away from Fizzlepop Berrytwist.  The sound I made when I landed caught the attention of the Ursa Major, who made a beeline towards me.  Without a second through, I got back up and made a run for it.

The beast continued to chase me throughout the forest as I ran as fast as I could.  I didn’t even bother to look behind me, knowing what was chasing after me.  Trees continued to fall with every step the Ursa Major took as it inched closer to me.
I saw a light at the end of the forest.  And I knew it was a way out into the valley.  So with all of my strength, I ran as fast as possible, hoping that where I was going would be either a group of ponies awaiting my rescue, or even Princess Celestia who was made aware of what happened.
But when I reached the end of the light, I came to a complete stop.  There were no ponies at the end.  In fact, where I reached was the end of the line.  A cliff was directly in front of me, positioned right next to the top of a waterfall.  Below the waterfall was a powerful river waiting to swallow up any unlucky younglings who would be foolish to jump.
I turned around and made my way back, only to stop instantly.  The Ursa Major stood in front of me as saliva poured from its teeth.  I backed up all the way to the cliff, completely helpless and at the mercy of the giant beast.  I tried to yell, but I was too afraid to even do just that.  The Ursa Major inched closer towards me as my fate was to be a filly fricassee to that creature.
“ABBY!” My ears picked up the voice of a familiar sister.  I turned to my right to see Fizzlepop Berrytwist run out from another part of the forest and towards me and the Ursa.  She continued to yell as much as possible, making it look like it was trying to attract the bear.  But it was laser focused on me, ignoring the loud voice of my older sister.  I shifted my eyes from Fizzie back to the Ursa Major, who looked like she was about to swing her paw back.
All I could do was to duck down and cover my face, assuming the worst that would happen.  Thoughts about my family, my sister, and both Princess Celestia and Princess Luna flowed into my head, as I was about to face my fate.  But suddenly, I heard the sound of Fizzie screaming in pain.  I looked up, and saw Fizzlepop Berrytwist take the blow of the Ursa Major’s attack.  She had somehow ran up and defended herself from the beast’s attack.
But I was also in shock.  The tip of her horn broke off and landed next to me as Fizzlepop Berrytwist was knocked off the cliff and fell into the river.  I screamed out her name as she disappeared into the waters below.  
“Fizzie,” I cried.  “Please be okay.  Please don’t leave me like this.”
I was so shocked by what my sister did, that I did not pay attention to the Ursa Major behind me, who was about to hit me with her paw.  But before she did, a blast of magic hit the Ursa Major and sent her flying right into the forest, knocking her out and catching my attention.  I looked to the right and saw Princess Celestia marching towards the beast with her horn glowing brightly, saying completely nothing.
“MOMMY!” I yelled out, catching Celestia’s attention as she ran up to me.
“Abby,” Celestia said.  “Where’s Fizzie?”
WIthout a second thought, I pointed to the river below.  Celestia’s face turned pale white as she immediately flew down into the cliffside.
I looked down and saw Fizzlepop Berrytwist’s horn piece that landed next to me.  I picked it up and looked right at it as tears flowed from my eyes.
“Fizzie,” I said, holding the horn.  “Please be alright.  Please be okay.”
I stared at the horn for what felt like hours when Princess Celestia flew up next to me.  I looked up at her face and noticed something was wrong with her.
“I’m sorry, Abby,” Celestia said to me.  “I couldn’t find her.”
I struggled not to cry.  But I couldn’t hold it in.  I grabbed onto Celestia and cried right into her, holding the horn piece of Fizzlepop Berrytwist.  I couldn’t believe that she was dead, but I had lost my adopted sister, two years after losing my original family.  The emotional wounds that I carried with me had grown worse on that day.  

Later that day, Celestia walked me back to Harvestia, or rather what’s left of it.  The entire village was razed to the ground and most of the crops were burned completely.  Great Apple and Nectar Apple looked down and cried at the destruction of their crop, while Granny Smith dug around to find any surviving plants.  Even the monument dedicated to my family was destroyed as well.
To make things worse, there was Princess Luna, with her wing all bandaged up and her pride struck down.  She looked down at me and smiled a bit, only for her smile to disappear.
“What happened here?” I asked.
“The bandits didn’t just come with an Ursa Major,” Celestia said to me.  “They came fully prepared with weapons of war.  Some of our troops and a few villagers didn’t make it.  Harvestia is no more.”
Princess Luna nudged at Great Apple, who approached me with Nectar Apple and Granny Smith.  I looked up at Great Apple’s face as he saw me right next to Princess Celestia.
“Is it true?” Great Apple asked.  “Is Fizzie gone?”
A tear fell from my eye as I said “Yes.  She’s gone.”
“Then our worst fears have come true,” Nectar Apple said.  “Not only have those bandits destroyed Harvestia, but they have claimed the life of one of Princess Celestia’s daughters.”
“Daddy,” Granny Smith said.  “What are we going to do now?”
Great Apple took off his hat and held it to his chest.  He looked at his sister and said  “When I said I wanted to take it easy, it was to be a free and easy life, with a lot of hard work to help feed the ponies of Equestria.  But with Harvestia gone, I don’t know if we should stay here anymore.  Even if the Apple Family has been here for hundreds of years.”
“Considering that you lost your own wife long ago, Great Apple,” Nectar Apple said.  “I agree.  Those bandits have gone too far this time.  To be armed to the teeth and to sic an Ursa Major on us just to destroy what we all treasure.  We cannot stay here for our own safety.”
“Come on, Granny Smith,” Great Apple said, turning his head towards his daughter.  “Let’s find whatever is left of our supplies, pack up and find some new place to settle down.”
As I watched the three members of the Apple walk off, Granny Smith turned around and looked at me.  She ran up and gave me a hug, all while I heard her cry.
“I’m terribly sorry that you had to lose so much,” Granny Smith said, as I held onto her.
I said nothing as I let Granny Smith cry into me.  I’ve barely known her since that day, and to see her leave Harvestia because of the bandit attack just dug into me.  It was like losing another sister.  But as I reflected on losing Fizzlepop Berrytwist and having to watch Granny Smith move out, I felt a warm touch on my shoulder. I looked up to see Princess Celestia and Princess Luna look down at me with a comforting smile.
“Abacus Cinch,” Celestia said to me.  “No matter what happens, I will remain by your side and help you get through this pain.  Never forget that.”
I said nothing as Princess Celestia reached over and gave me and Granny a hug.  Tears flowed from my eyes, having been through what was now another worse day in my life.  Two years ago to that day, I lost a whole family to those bandits, and now two years later, I lost a sister, and a whole village to those monsters.  It would take a long time for me to recover from those wounds and grow up to be the Chancellor of Equestria.



	To Be Continued in


	A Chancellor’s Revelation

> Arc 1-4: A Chancellor's Revelation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


A Chancellor’s Revelation



“Even though time heals all wounds, I still remind myself of what I had lost since my fillyhood.  My family, my former fillyhood home, my sister, and a community all taken away by the bandits.  You have two sisters that care for you, look after you, and keep you going.  My only wish to you Man’s Cub, is now for you to grow up with more happiness on your face than you realize.  Never forget this tale.”
Wanda Young looked to her side where her two sisters Princess Cadance and Sunset Shimmer sat, alongside her cat Abigail Albright.  She looked back up at Chancellor Cinch and looked like she was about to cry.
“It’s okay, smallfry,” Queen Novo said.  “If you wish to cry into me or your Aunt Luna…”
“No,” Wanda replied.  “I’m only sad because I now feel sorry for Miss Cinch.”
“Then if you wish to cry, Man’s Cub,” Cinch said with a solemn tone.  “Then I’m ready.”
The tears from Wanda’s eyes ran down her cheek.  She jumped right into Cinch and cried right into her chest.”
“I’m sorry you had to go through all that,” Wanda cried.  “I wish your sister survived that bad moment and was still alive.”
Cinch stroked Wanda on her head as she softly said “I know.”
Nearby, Princess Cadance, Sunset Shimmer and Abigail Albright just watched on as Wanda cried right into Cinch’s chest.  
“I didn’t know that Cinch had a bigger sister like you, Cadance,” Sunset said.  “Like I am to Wanda.”
“Cinch told me the same story back when I was a filly,” Cadance replied.  “Back before I met you and Wanda.  Ever since then, I made a promise to always be there for any little sister or brother that Princess Celestia chooses to adopt.  And since you and Wanda are now in my life, let’s say I’ll always be there for my sisters, no matter what happens.”
Sunset Shimmer smiled as she reached out and gave Princess Cadance a big hug.  The older sister looked down at her younger sister and held her close with a smile on her face.  But as they embraced each other, they heard the sound of someone saying “Sister.”  Sunset and Cadance looked to their left to see Abigail Albright looking up at them.
“Sister,” Abigail said.
“Okay Abigail,” Sunset said.  “Come join us.”
Abigail meowed with excitement as she jumped in between Sunset and Cadance before pushing herself up to the top, allowing the two sisters to cuddle the little kitten.
“You know, I feel like saying this,” Cadance said.  “But it does feel like Abigail is our youngest sister.”
“I know,” Sunset replied.  “Had Wanda not rushed in to save her from those crows, I don’t know what would have been of Abigail.”
As Sunset, Cadance and Abigail snuggled together, Prince Blueblood looked on with a smile on his face, and a tear flowing down his cheek.  He wiped the tear off with his hoof and cleared his throat.
“You know what is the one thing that I’m envious of Wanda, Sunset and Cadance over?” Prince Blueblood asked.
“That’s a question that I do not know the answer of, young stallion,” King Myrrh said as he stroked his beard in a curious tone.  “But I’m willing to hear it.”
“It’s easy,” Prince Blueblood replied.  “I never had a single brother or sister.”
“Not a single brother or sister?” Bright Mac said.  “Why is that?”
“My mother died when I was born in this world, and my dad died more than a year ago,” Prince Blueblood said.  “As a result, I never had a single brother or sister.”
“I pity you, Prince Blueblood,” Queen Novo said in a sad tone.  “If I had one wish for you, it would be to have a brother or sister to keep you smiling.”
“I never thought I would say this,” Prince Blueblood said as his tone was a bit positive.  “But I appreciate that complement.”
Queen Novo said nothing, but nodded with a smile.

Later on, Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer and Abigail Albright were fast asleep in bed without a care in the world.  At the doorway, Princess Celestia and Chancellor Abacus Cinch looked at the younglings with a slight smile on their faces.
“Those two are fortunate to have a mother like you to look after them,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “:Well , them and the kitten.”
“And yet, at the same time,” Princess Celestia said as her tone became a bit depressed.  “I do worry for them, especially ever since this castle was invaded by the Windigo’s Guild and the Changelings.  And there’s also the fact that ponies are starting to leave Canterlot.”
Chancellor Cinch put her hoof on Celestia’s shoulder and said with a calm tone “It’s going to be alright.  You will be there for those two, like you were with me after I lost my sister Fizzie.  And you will always be there for your people.  Never forget that.”
Celestia let out a sigh and said “I will try, even in these trying times.”
Chancellor Cinch took off her glasses and wiped them with a cleaning cloth.  She placed them back on and said “Back when the world was introduced to the Man’s Cub, I was critical of her.  My fear was that she would be Equestria’s own demise with the magic she possesses.  But the more I look at her, the more I see my former self.  Back when I had Fizzie with me.  It’s like my own past was trying to remind me to remember about the good times I had with Fizzie.”
Celestia turned to face Cinch with a slight smile on her face.  She nodded to her former adopted daughter and said “Then it’s a sign that the Cinch I knew back then is starting to grow back.”
“Maybe so,” Cinch said with a smirk on her face.  “On a side note, how’s the development of the Ground Bridge Magic?”
“It will take some time to get it working,” Princess Celestia said.  “Even back then, I still couldn’t figure out how Ground Bridge Magic worked.  And it’s also a very risky task.”
“Take your time on this,” Cinch said with a nod.  “Any and all magic can be dangerous in the wrong hooves.  But in the meantime, I bid you goodnight.”
Celestia nodded as Cinch turned around and walked down the hallway towards the staircase.  As Celestia turned her head away from Cinch towards Wanda, Sunset and Abigail sleeping in bed, Luna and Cadance walked up to the elder Alicorn from the opposite side of the hallway.
“You look a bit worried, sister,” Luna said.
“I still remember the day when I saw the Ursa Major strike Fizzlepop Berrytwist and sent her flying down that waterfall,” Princess Celestia said.  “And I fear that the same thing will happen one day where I lose another daughter to that same incident.”
“That was where you went nuts and brought down the bandits, once and for all,” Luna replied.  “Considering what they did with that Ursa Major, I think it was justified.”
“That’s why I fear what may happen with Sunset Shimmer or even Wanda Young,” Celestia said with a sigh.  “What would happen if either the Windigo’s Guild, or the Changelings, or even another group were to do the same thing to either?”
“That’s why I’m here,” Cadance said as she stepped forward.  “I’m not just concerned for Wanda, Sunset or even Abigail, I’m also concerned for Twilight Sparkle.”
“Cadance, no,” Celestia said with a big of shock in her tone.
“I know what you’re thinking,” Princess Cadance said.  “But considering the fact that both the Windigo’s Guild and the Changelings were able to invade the castle, I would be willing to put my own life on the line to protect my younger sisters.  And both you and Aunt Luna.”
Celestia and Luna were at a total shock.  They tried to speak, but nothing came out of their mouths.
“I know what you’re thinking,” Princess Cadance said.  “But what happens if you both were to die?  What happens to Equestria?  To Wanda and Sunset?  Or even Twilight?  I don’t want to lose you both to the worst case scenario, and neither would the ponies of Equestria.”
Celestia let out a sigh and said “You’re right.  I do worry for others more than my own well-being.”
“Maybe tomorrow,” Princess Luna said.  “We can think of some way to keep them safe and content, until the Ground Bridge Magic is ready.  That way, Wanda, Sunset, Twilight and the others can see their friends in La Maresa again.”
“True,” Celestia said as she let out a long yawn.  “But in the meantime, I’m off for bed.”

Later that night, we see Chancellor Cinch walk down the streets of Canterlot City by herself.  Her mind had been focused on the moon with the image of the monster-like pony embedded on the surface.  She came to a slow stop and pulled out the horn of Fizzlepop Berrytwist with her magic, looking down at it with a depressed sigh.
“All those years,” Cinch said to herself.  “All those years I looked back at.  The day when you were taken away from me by that Ursa Major.  So much was lost since you became my sister, since Princess Celestia took me in after I lost my own family.  Perhaps I have been too attuned to this kind of fate that I took it out on Celestia’s human daughter.”
Cinch closed her eyes as she placed the horn back into her pocket before walking down the streets once more.  But in an instant, something caught her eye in the nearby alley.  A shadow, perhaps?
“Who’s there?” Cinch said as she turned her head towards the alleyway.
The shadow stood there, completely motionless.  Cinch looked right at it, not taking her eyes off.
“I warned you,” Cinch said as her horn lit up.  “Whoever you are, show yourself if you know what’s good for you.”
Cinch took a few steps forward towards the shadow as the light on her horn grew bright.  But as she approached, the shadow turned out to be nothing more than some trash bags, piled on high.  The glow on Cinch’s horn disappeared as she breathed a sigh of relief.
“For a moment,” Cinch said as she took out a handkerchief with her magic and wiped the sweat off her forehead.  “I thought it was a member of the Windigo’s Guild, or one of Queen Chrysalis’s changeling spies.  Guess the events of the Grand Gallopin Gala have been getting to me.”
“And judging by your attitude, you haven’t changed much Abby.”  Those words caught Abacus Cinch by surprise as she stuffed her handkerchief back into her shirt.  Her horn lit up once more as she looked around in the empty alley.
“Who’s there?”  Abacus Cinch said. “I know not of any pony who would call me Abby.”
“Not even your long lost sister?” Cinch raised her head up and looked down to see another shadow approach her.  It stepped out of the shadows, revealing to be a unicorn with a dark orchid coat, a mohawk-shaped moderate rose mane, and a broken horn on top.  Cinch’s face turned into complete disbelief at the presence of the unicorn in front.
“Fizzie?” Cinch said.  “Is it you?”
“If it wasn’t me,” Fizzlepop Berrytwist said.  “I would be either a member of the Windigo’s Guild or a Changeling, like you said.”
Tears flowed from Abacus Cinch’s eyes as a smile formed on her face.  She ran up to her older sister and gave her a big hug.
“I don’t know what to say,” Cinch cried.  “I thought you were gone forever.”
Fizzlepop just laughed and said “I think we should discuss this at your place.”
Cinch got up and said “Oh, right.  How uncouth of me.  Then we shall.” 
Cinch brushed her dress off and walked down the street with Fizzlepop Berrytwist following from behind.  Though Cinch felt a surge of happiness in her body, there was a bit of unease from Fizzlepop Berrytwist.

Later at the top of the night at Cinch’s manor, the chancellor had poured tea into two separate cups.  Next to each cup were flat crumpets topped with zapp apple jam.  Cinch took a seat as Fizzlepop Berrytwist took a sip of tea.  Cinch was excited, but also nervous at the same.
“So,” Cinch said.  “I always wondered since seeing your face again.  How did you survive the waterfall plunge?  No pony could have done that.”
Fizzie put her cup down and said “Even I couldn’t figure out how I survived that.  But what I can tell you was that as I was struggling to keep afloat, some figure pulled me out and got me to shore.  An older being of some sort.”
“Who is this older being?”  Cinch said as she sipped some tea.  “I’m lucky that whoever did this had a good heart of some sort.”
“Well I can’t tell you who he is,” Fizzie said before turning her head a bit.  “I made a promise to not tell anyone about the one who saved me, nor his occupation.  Had it not been for him, I wouldn’t be here.”
“I…see,” Cinch said.  “But what matters to me is that you’re alive and well.”
“I appreciate it,” Fizzie said before taking a bite of crumpet.
Cinch looked up at Fizzie’s broken horn.  She reached into her pocket with her magic and pulled out the broken tip of Fizzie’ horn before placing it on the table.
“Fizzie,” Cinch said.  “Ever since that horrible incident, I had held onto your broken piece of your horn.  I believe that this belongs to you, now.”
Fizzie looked down at her horn and touched it with her hoof.  Though she cracked a smile at it, she looked up at Cinch with a slight tear from her eye.
“I appreciate it,” Fizzie said.  “But I’m afraid that horn piece would no longer fit on my broken horn.  After all, this individual promised me to grow my horn to its former self.  And besides, this is why I’m still a blank flank.”
“Well I hope whoever he is,” Cinch said. “Does fulfill his promise of restoring your horn.  And besides, I hope you do get your cutie mark.”
“That I hope he does and I hope I do get that cutie mark,” Fizzie said before taking a sip of tea.  “But you’re wondering why I’m here.  Why did I choose to come back to check up on my younger sister.”
“That is something I was intending on asking, Fizzie,” Cinch said.
Fizzie got out of her chair and walked up to Cinch.  The unicorn with the broken horn cleared her throat and said “I overheard what happened here in Canterlot regarding the Windigo’s Guild and the Changelings.  News travels far and wide across the world.  Then I thought about you, and the fact that you’re Chancellor of Equestria.”
“So in other words,” Cinch said.  “You were concerned about my well-being.”
“You could say that,” Fizzie replied. “I didn’t get the news about it until recently.  But my rescuer did say I could come down here to check up on you.  And I’m glad you are still here.”
Cinch breathed a sigh of relief as she said “And I’m glad you are still alive.”
“By the way,” Fizzie said with a smirk.  “Did I ever tell you that I wanted to go see the world?  To not be bound by the ways of being a princess?”
“It was one of those statements you made to me before I lost you,” Cinch replied.  “How is the world so far?”
Fizzie looked outside the window and said “Both beautiful and ugly at the same time.  Beautiful because there are wonderful people out there.  And ugly because there are dangers going on out there, beyond the Windigo’s Guild and the Changelings.  There are others out there that could prove worse than what you had to put up with.”
“Such as this Storm King we’ve been hearing about,” Cinch asked.
Fizzlepop turned towards Cinch, smiled and said “You could say that.  In fact, I bet there are monsters who are even worse than this Storm King.”
“Deeply noted,” Cinch said.  “But that being said, it’s great to see your face again.”
And with that, Abacus Cinch and Fizzlepop Berrytwist reached over and gave each other a hug, all while tears of joy flowed from their respective eyes.  They looked each other in the eye before nuzzling each other with their warm cheeks.
“Will I ever see you again?” Cinch asked.
“If your heart believes so, then yes,” Fizzlepop replied.  “I will return.  But I will say this, I am proud of you for looking after our mother after I was gone, and the fact that you’ve been helping raise her new daughters.  Maybe one day, I would be happy to meet them.”
“And I would be honored to introduce them to you, Fizzie,” Cinch said as she gave Fizzlepop Berrytwist a hug.

Sometime later, Chancellor Cinch had changed into a nightgown and had placed the horn of Fizzlepop Berrytwist on a fancy nightstand right next to her glasses.  She sat down on the bed and looked down at the broken horn, now with a smile on her face.
“Goodnight, Fizzie,” Cinch said as she lied down on the bed.  “I hope your journey leads you to your own destiny.”
With that, Cinch closed her eyes and went to sleep.

But outside of the vicinity of Canterlot Castle, Fizzlepop Berrytwist looked on from a perch with a solemn look on her face.  Though she tried to regain her composure, she felt troubled on the inside, as if there was a guilty conscience looming over her.
“Abby,” Fizzlepop said.  “If only you knew the truth of who saved me.  The very being who you and the rest of Equestria calls a monster is the one who has been raising me this whole time: The Storm King himself.”
“Well now.  No need to be formal to your sister, Tempest Shadow.”
Fizzlepop turned to a nearby tree and said “You’ve been standing there for a long time, have you Storm King?”
A shadow emerged from behind the tree, revealing itself to be a light grey-white, slightly bulky satyr decked out in dark, navy blue armor.  He carried a staff with a light blue jewel embedded atop.  The being known as the Storm King approached Fizzlepop Berrytwist, towering over the unicorn with the broken horn.
“You know, had I taken your sister Abacus Cinch away from Princess Celestia when she least expected it,” The Storm King said.  “You would have felt more complete.  In fact, I bet you and her would have been a great duo in our conquest of the whole world.”
“But it’s not right,” Fizzlepop said.  “Had I done so, I would have broken Princess Celestia’s heart ever further, and have her live out these many years without daughters to look after.”
The Storm King just shook his head as he said “Siblings will always be siblings.  But enough said.”  He then used his staff to vault himself up on the tree, catching Fizzlepop’s attention.
“I take it we’re about ready to disembark,” Fizzlepop said.
“We are, Tempest, ” The Storm King replied.  “There’s a kingdom of dragons that I have always wanted to crash.  I’ll need you for the job at hand.”
“And I assume you have no intention of taking over Equestria,” Fizzlepop replied.
“Oh it’s not just your word,” The Storm King replied.  “Let’s say it’s not in my best interest to rule Equestria from the throne of Canterlot.  After all, there are bigger fish to fry.”
Fizzlepop Berrytwist cracked a smile and said “Good.  Because you promised to grant me a new horn, and you said you wouldn’t invade Equestria.”
The Storm King laughed and said “So I did.  Now come.  We have much work to do.”
With that, Fizzlepop Berrytwist ran off from the cliff and far away from the city of Canterlot.  The Storm King remained perched atop the tree, looking towards the city limits.
“Besides,” The Storm King said to himself.  “Magistrate Creme Dream told me not to invade until the time is right.  So until then, I will abide by her will.”
And with that, The Storm King leaped off the tree and followed Fizzlepop Berrytwist, or rather Tempest Shadow, into the night, as the moon with the pony-like monster embedded on its surface gazed over the land of Equestria.

	To Be Continued in


	Arc 2: School Blues


	Another Day at School

> Arc 2(School Blues)-1: Another Day at School
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Another Day at School



It was a beautiful morning in the city of Canterlot.  The citizens were going about their regular routines involving trade goods, produce, and specialty goods.  But as the citizens went about their day, Wanda Young, Abigail Albright and Sunset Shimmer ran down the street in a hurry.  Judging by the looks of their faces, they were deeply afraid.
“This is the second time this week that this has happened,” Sunset said as she looked right behind her.
“Keep your eyes focused on the road, sis,” Wanda said in a frantic tone.  “We don’t want that mutt to catch up.”
As she ran, Wanda opened up her backpack and lowered it down, allowing Abigail to leap into the bag.  She closed it to the point where Abigail’s head was sticking out before she swung it towards her back.
“Don’t you worry, Abby,” Wanda yelled.  “I’ll keep you safe.”
Wanda and Sunset ran as fast as possible while Abigail hunkered down in Wanda’s backpack.  Right behind them, a vicious bulldog chased after the two sisters, barking wildly and snapping his jaw like mad.
“That dog’s catching up,” Sunset said as she faced forward.  “We gotta get our speed up and get away from that mongrel.”
“Easy for you to say,” Wanda said.  “Maybe I could fly and get us both away from that bad dog.”
“You promised mother and Miss Cinch that you would refrain from flying during the school days,” Sunset said.
“So what am I supposed to do?” Wanda asked.  “Let that dog tear me to shreds?”
“Just keep running,” Sunset said.  “Sooner or later, we’ll be safe at the school.”
Wanda slumped down a bit as she kept running before she said “At times like this, I wish Miss Cinch was here.”
Up ahead, Chancellor Abacus Cinch was walking down the crossway from a nearby side street, when her ears picked up the sound of Wanda and Sunset screaming. She turned to her right to see the two younglings running as fast as possible with Abigail’s head sticking out of Wanda’s backpack.
“That’s not like the Man’s Cub and her sister to run with that much panic,” Cinch said to herself.  “After all, school doesn’t start for another half hour.  Unless….”
Cinch gazed her eyes behind Wanda, Abigail and Sunset, where she saw the bulldog chase the girls with mad barking and vicious sharp teeth.  Immediately, Cinch took a few steps back and braced herself.
“I should have known that lazy no-good citizen would let his dog roam free,” Cinch said to herself.  “I’ll deal with him after I deal with his mutt.”
Cinch kept her eye on the bulldog just as Wanda, Abigail and Sunset darted past the chancellor.  But the moment the bulldog was near the girls, Cinch jumped right in front of the dog and glared at him, causing the canine to come to a stop.
“YOU LEAVE THOSE KIDS ALONE YOU BAD, BAD DOG!” Cinch said in a deep, dark tone.
The bulldog yelped in fear as it turned around and ran off in the opposite direction, leaving Cinch to smirk in the direction of that scared canine, all while Wanda and Sunset slowed down to a stop.  Both sisters and Abigail just stared at Chancellor Cinch.
“Did she just?” Wanda said.
“She did,” Sunset replied.  “Even I don’t believe it.”
As the duo and Abigail just stood there, Chancellor Cinch turned her attention towards Wanda and Sunset before walking up towards the duo.  Both younglings just looked up at the Chancellor without moving an inch.
“Err, thank you Miss Cinch,” Wanda said with a hesitant tone.
“No need to thank me, Man’s Cub,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “The streets of Canterlot are becoming less safe, and that dog you both had to deal with was proof of it.  Normally I’m not one to escort younglings to school.  But for today, I’ll escort you both to your school.”
Both Wanda and Sunset breathed a sigh of relief as Abigail jumped out of Wanda’s bag.  The three lined up next to Chancellor Cinch, eager to get to school.
“Now come,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “The day is young and there is alot to look forward to.”
“Now now, Chancellor.  Going off so soon?”  The tone of that voice was enough for Wanda, Sunset and Abigail to hide behind Chancellor Cinch.
Cinch let out a sigh and said in a sarcastic tone “Magistrate Creme Dream.  What a delightful surprise.”
Wanda, Sunset and Abigail took a peek out from behind Chancellor Cinch and shook nervously.  In front of them was none other than Magistrate Creme Dream, who bared a pleasant and friendly tone on her face.
“Oh don’t mind me, daughter of Celestia,” Magistrate Creme Dream said.  “I’m only here to check up on your fellow sister princesses.”
“Please do not refer to me as a princess,” Chancellor Cinch said, rolling her eyes.  “I’ve long since set myself apart from that title.”
“Oh nonsense,” Creme Dream laughed.  “Besides, I saw what that horrible dog tried to do to Celestia’s precious children.”
As Magistrate Creme Dream approached Wanda, Sunset and Abigail, the trio hid behind Chancellor’s Cinch’s gown in fear.  This caused the Chancellor to walk in front of the Magistrate with a glare pointed directly at the alicorn.
“I don’t think it will be wise to scare the little ones,” Chancellor Cinch said.  
“You’re right, Chancellor,” Magistrate Creme Dream said with a playful snort.  “What was I thinking?  After all, I do have my precious daughter Majesty.”
Magistrate Creme Dream backed away from Chancellor Cinch and began to walk away from her.  But as the chancellor began to escort Wanda, Sunset and Abigail away, the Magistrate came to a stop and cleared her throw, catching the attention of the Chancellor and the younglings.
“One last thing,” Magistrate Creme Dream said.  “Did you hear the word going out?”
“That there are a number of ponies leaving Canterlot?” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Magistrate, I am aware of what’s going on since the Grand Gallopin Gala.”
“You’re still as sharp as a tack, Chancellor,” Magistrate Creme Dream said with an amused chuckle.  “But at the same time, you do know that so many Equestrians are losing faith in the safety and protection of Princess Celestia.  After all, you should be paying more attention to the news on TV.”
“Forget it,” Cinch said as she stomped her hoof on the pavement, scaring Wanda, Sunset and Abigail.  “The only thing I want to associate with what you call news is nothing more than mere dribble.  Especially Horse News Network.”
“Oh you mean Stallion News Network,” Magistrate Creme Dream said.  “After the board of directors fired Prince Blueblood for being so naughty about the Changeling Attack, they chose someone else to lead the group and give it a new identity.”
“I know who you’re talking about,” Chancellor Cinch said, turning her gaze towards Creme Dream.  “As if this Stallion News Network isn’t a putrid garbage heap, you had to go and hire some conspiracy-theory nutcase named Neigh Nanners.  At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if he led an insurrection against the ponies of Canterlot.”
“My my, such a temper,” Magistrate Creme Dream said with a giggle as she swished her tail.  “But then again, there’s nothing wrong with being angry.”
With that, Magistrate Creme Dream walked off in the opposite direction, all while Cinch continued to glare at the youthful alicorn.
“She’s been around for a thousand years and she has the nerve to act like that,” Chancellor Cinch said to herself before looking down at Wanda, Sunset and Abigail, who held onto her dress all while shaking in fear.
“That’s a bad pony,” Wanda said as she looked like she was on the verge of tears.
Cinch’s tone changed from cranky to sympathetic as she said “It’s alright, younglings.  Don’t pay any attention to Magistrate Creme Dream.  After all, I don’t know what your mother sees in that witch.”
“Neither do I,” Sunset said as she took a peek out from behind Cinch’s dress, watching as Magistrate Creme Dream walked down the path.
Immediately, Abigail whispered into Wanda’s ear, catching the young girl’s attention.  She looked up at Cinch and said “Shouldn’t we be heading to school?”
“You’re right,” Cinch said. “Come this way.  We mustn't be late.”
And with that, Cinch led Wanda, Abigail and Sunset Shimmer down the road as the morning sun shone upon Canterlot.  But as they walked away, Magistrate Creme Dream came to a stop, shifted her eyes on Cinch and the younglings, and grinned.
“My dear Wanda Young,” Magistrate Creme Dream said in a low voice.  “It’s time you knew how painful reality truly is.”

Up ahead at the School for Gifted Unicorns, Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor had arrived at the front gate.  But while it was a fresh new day, everyone’s expression looked down.
“I can’t believe that happened, Shining,” Princess Cadance said.  “You were looking forward to your time at the academy and they just shut down?”
“I’m afraid so,” Shining Armor said.  “They said something about too many students being pulled out of fear of a changeling attack.”
“That’s just not fair,” Danged Spell said as he stomped his front hoof on the pavement.  “The Royal Guard is said to be home to the toughest ponies in all of Equestria.  What made them all chicken out over changelings?”
“Spell,” Moondancer said.  “Ever since that day at the Grand Gallopin Gala a month ago, ponies are more superstitious about changelings than ever.  And when word got out about a changeling spy at the academy, parents got paranoid and started to pull them out.”
“You think that’s bad?” Starlight said, pulling out a newspaper and holding it out towards Danged Spell.  “Get a load of this.”
Danged Spell levitated the newspaper to his face and read the front of the cover.  His jaw dropped down as he eyed the big words in bold.
“WONDERBOLTS SUSPEND ALL PERFORMANCES UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE?” Danged Spell yelled.
“And it’s not just that,” Sunburst said.  “Rainbow Dash told us that because of the paranoia over changelings, they had to shut down the Wonderbolts Academy.  Spitfire was really peeved out of all this.”
“But we’re not supposed to be afraid of anything,” Danged Spell said.  “We’re supposed to be the toughest creatures on this planet.  Why are we all turning chicken over changelings?”
“It’s because changelings can transform into just about anyone, and anything,” Twilight said.  “And that’s in spite of the fact that we drove them off during the Gala.  I thought earning my Equestrian Pink Heart of Courage was my highest honor.  Turns out it was one last bit of comfort before everything fell apart.”
“I sure hope we don’t have to move out of Canterlot because of this,” Starlight said as she rubbed her front left hoof on her front right arm.  “I would miss all of you if that happened.”
“None of us are leaving Canterlot,” Moondancer said.  
“Moonie?” Starlight said as she looked up at Moondancer.
“We’ve known each other since we first stepped into the School for Gifted Unicorns,” Moondancer said.  “Our friendship will survive whatever life throws at us, be it what happened at the Ponyville Providence Fair in La Maresa, or the Grand Gallopin Gala here.  We’re not going to let something like a fearmongering tactic break apart our friendship.”
Danged Spell threw down the newspaper and said “You know, you got a point there.  I’m not going to let something stupid like that get in our way.  Especially the Changelings and the Windigo’s Guild.  They both need to either chill out or bug out.”
And with that, everyone yelled out “DANGED SPELL!” before bursting into laughter.
“What?” Spell said.  “Someone had to lighten the mood.”
As Princess Cadance turned to her left while laughing, her eye caught four familiar figures.  She turned to the others and said “Heads up, guys.  My sisters have arrived, and it seems Chancellor Cinch is with them.”
Those words were enough for Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell to line up beside Princess Cadance and Shining Armor.  The group watched as Chancellor Cinch approached them with Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer and Abigail Albright by her side.
“You finally made it,” Twilight said as she ran up to Wanda, Sunset and Abigail with Spike following behind her.  “We were wondering why you were late.”
“Let’s say a neighbor’s dog wanted to treat them as its chew toy,” Chancellor Cinch said.  
“That sounds messed up,” Danged Spell said.  “And I know that considering that I have the Wolf’s Breath curse.”
“Oh it’s not just messed up,” Sunset Shimmer said as she walked away from Wanda, Abigail and Cinch and walked towards Danged Spell.  “Ever since a couple of weeks ago, we had to put up with that dog chasing us around the town.  And even worse, the owner refuses to take responsibility for his dog’s constant rampage.”
“And it tried to sink its teeth into Abigail,” Wanda said as she picked Abigail up, who only buried her face into the man’s cub’s chest.  “That dog is really scary.”
“I think from here on out,” Princess Cadance said.  “I should consider walking with Wanda and Sunset to school.”
“I highly recommend it,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Because lately, besides that filthy mongrel, there has been a rise in delinquency ever since citizens started to move away from our fair city.”
“It’s because of those rumors about changelings hiding among the ponies,” Twilight said.  “Personally, I think this Stallion News Network is too much of a fear mongering propaganda piece.”
“That also explains why there haven't been many fellow classmates around,” Sunburst replied.  Those words caught the attention of Wanda Young, whose eyes popped out a bit.
“Wait,” Wanda said.  “What do you mean by that?”
Sunburst brushed the top of his mane off with a sigh before raising his head towards Wanda and said “Lately, there have been students that have been pulled from the School for Gifted Unicorns.  So far, my parents have decided for me to stay, and the same can be said for Starlight as well.”
“But that being said,” Moondancer said, walking up to Wanda.  “I think our biggest fear is having to move away from Canterlot, and leaving you behind.  All because of that stupid Stallion News Network propaganda.”
Wanda just stood there, frozen in place by the words of her friends.  She was about to open her mouth when she heard another voice in the distance.
“Worried about losing your friends?”  The voice said, causing everyone to turn towards the nearby street.  “That should be the least of your worries.”
Stepping forward from the shadows was a white alicorn filly with a blue mane and a flower pattern cutie mark.  Wanda took a good look at her face and immediately hid behind Princess Cadance.  Starlight also hid behind Princess Cadance, right next to Wanda.
“Get away,” Wanda cried.  “You scare me.”
Sunset glared down at the alicorn filly and said with a sigh “Majesty.  Still think you can boss us all around, considering who your mother is?”
“Me?” Boss you around?” Majesty said with a hearty laugh.  “Don’t you realize that me and my mother are a melting pot of friendship?  We don’t mean any harm.”
Sunset Shimmer just sighed as she and Abigail walked up to Wanda, Starlight and Princess Cadance.
“Don’t you two worry,” Sunset said.  “If big sis isn’t with you, I’ll be.”
Wanda and Starlight looked out to see Sunset reaching out with her hoof extended.  They look up at Princess Cadance, who gives a nod to both her human sister and her close friend.
“It’s okay,” Princess Cadance said.  “After all, we’re a family.”
Immediately, Wanda turned towards Sunset Shimmer and reached out with her right hand, allowing her adopted sister to grab and pull her forward.  The duo looked back at Starlight, who still hid right beside Cadance.
“She’s still afraid, isn’t she?” Shining Armor asked.
As Wanda looked at the scared Starlight, she turned towards Majesty, who’s eyes were directly on the Man’s Cub’s face.  Wanda immediately turned away and buried her head into Sunset’s chest.
“Don’t you be so frightened,” Majesty said in a friendly tone.  “I’m not here to hurt you.”
“I’m not taking any chances,” Wanda cried.  “You’re as scary as your mother Creme Dream.”
But as Majesty approached Wanda, Sunset and Abigail, Chancellor Cinch stepped in front of the alicorn filly, staring down at her.
“That will be enough, young lady,” Chancellor Cinch said.
“Hmph, very well,” Majesty said with her smile not heaving her face.  “But don’t let yourself become complacent.”
Majesty swished her tail in the air before she walked towards the school entrance.  Everyone just looked at her with a disdain on their face.
“I don’t like Majesty’s attitude,” Moondancer said with a scowl on her face.  “She just reeks of arrogance and selfishness.”
“No argument there,” Danged Spell said.  “If anything, even Golden Lace was not as vile as Majesty.  In fact, I’ll go as far as to call Majesty a royal pain.”
Everyone yelled out “Danged Spell” before bursting out into laughter.  Especially Starlight Glimmer, who was laughing so hard, she fell on her side, still continuing to laugh.
“A royal pain,” Starlight chuckled.  “I don’t want that to get out of my head.”
Immediately, Starlight felt two golden shoes pick her up from the ground, all the way up.  She looked up and saw Princess Celestia right in front of her with a warm smile on her face.
“Seems like you’re in a delightful mood, Starlight Glimmer,” Princess Celestia said in a cheerful tone.
“Oh let’s just say we weren’t in the mood to see Majesty,” Sunburst said, walking up to Princess Celestia.
Celestia just laughed as she tickled Starlight on the belly, causing the little filly to giggle with delight.  Celestia then sat Starlight down and said “I can understand why.  Despite her cheerful tone, she is Magistrate Creme Dream’s daughter, like Cozy Glow.”
“But there’s something I don’t get,” Moondancer said.  “Why is Majesty like that compared to Cozy Glow?”
“Well you’re not going to believe this,” Celestia said as her smile turned into a frown.  “But I believe that Majesty is seen as more of the favorite, while Cozy Glow is seen more as the runt of the litter.”
“Favorite?  Runt of the litter?” Twilight asked in a confused tone.”
“It means Majesty gets a lot of attention compared to Cozy Glow,” Celestia said.  “The reason why I believed that was that I have been observing both younglings during my off-time.  I’ve noticed Majesty as more of a satisfied and ecstatic pony.  Whereas Cozy Glow often feels frustrated, and sometimes desires attention.”
“Maybe that explains why Cozy Glow found a friend in Golden Lace,” Princess Cadance said.  “And why she chose to go with her to Daisy Joy Tech.”
“I’m afraid it is true,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “When she found out that Golden Lace was being transferred to Daisy Joy Tech, Cozy Glow ran away from Canterlot all the way to Manehattan just to see her friend again.  It’s a darn shame.  I actually felt sorry for the kid.”
But just before Wanda could open her mouth, the school bell rang loudly, catching everyone’s attention.
“Okay class,” Princess Celestia said. “We’ll talk about this later in the day.  But for now, it’s time to go inside.”
Immediately, Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell and Majesty walked past Princess Celestia, heading through the massive doorway into the School for Gifted Unicorns.  But when Princess Cadance and Shining Armor were about to step forward, Princess Celestia stepped in front of them.
“I have a favor to ask of both of you, and I’m sorry I had to do it,” Princess Celestia said.
“What’s wrong, mother?” Princess Cadance asked.
“Due to the number of students that were pulled from this school,” Princess Celestia said.  “We had to lay off nearly every teacher.  But considering how busy I am, are you up for teaching the last students we have?”
Princess Cadance and Shining Armor were at a loss for words.  They were caught off guard by Princess Celestia’s request, and the look on their face was a sign that they weren’t fully prepared for this moment.
“Are you really sure about this?”  Shining Armor asked.  “I have no teaching ability.”
“Actually, by observing how you help your sister Twilight out,” Princess Celestia said.  “You might have some teaching capabilities.  And besides, I know of one role you can fill the most.”
“And what about me?” Cadance asked. 
“I believe you have a strong leadership role, not just with the ponies of Equestria,” Celestia stated.  “But also your sisters Wanda and Sunset.  That is why I ask you to take on this role.”
“She’s right, Caddy,” Shining Armor said.  “Besides, when Celestia and Luna were trapped in the nearby desert of Saddle Arabia, you were able to take on the role of acting ruler of Equestria, all while looking after Wanda when she was sick.  I know you can do this.”
Princess Cadance’s face went from shock to determined.  She looked at her adopted mother and said “Very well.  If I can handle Wanda and Sunset, then I can handle her friends.  Especially Twili.”
“That’s the spirit,” Princess Celestia said. “Princess Luna is waiting for you inside with the lesson plans for today.”
“I hope today goes well for all of you,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “In the meantime, I have a certain owner of a mongrel that I wish to have a word with.”
Princess Celestia nodded to Chancellor Cinch before the latter turned tail and walked off.  Immediately, Princess Celestia, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor walked towards the entrance of the school, where the remaining younglings waited with anticipation.


	To Be Continued in…


	The Only Students Left

> Arc 2-2: The Only Students Left
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Only Students Left



As the school bell rang once more, Wanda, Sunset, Twilight, Starlight, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell and Majesty were already waiting in their seats, with Abigail and Spike also occupying a pair of empty desks.  In the back, a number of desks were stacked up, indicating the younglings who once occupied this room.
“Man,” Moondancer said.  “I knew the school felt a little empty.  But this is saying a whole lot.”
“I’m at a loss for words,” Danged Spell said.  “In fact, I don’t think I can come up with a pun to describe the atmosphere in the air.”
“We were told that a number of students were pulled from class,” Sunburst said.  “But at the same time, it does feel odd to be the only students left in this school.”
“Oh don’t feel like you’re unimportant,” Majesty said, causing everyone to turn their attention to the alicorn.  “After all, you all are Princess Celestia’s special students.”
“Special students?” Moondancer said in an unnerved tone.  “Excuse me? I don’t see anything in that title.”
“You’re selling yourselves short,” Majesty said as she got up from her desk and walked over to Moondancer.  “That's considering the fact that you all faced down the Windigo’s Guild at the Ponyville Providence Fair, fought against Gold Banks’ goons at the Canterlot Hospital, and drove off both the guild and Queen Chrysalis’ changelings during the Grand Gallopin Gala.  That’s what makes you special.”
“I don’t know if I should feel proud or disturbed by that statement,” Danged Spell said in an uneasy tone.
Immediately, Starlight jumped out of her seat and ran up to the door.  She levitated a stool next to her and got up on it before looking out the window.  Her face beamed before she turned her attention towards the class.
“Hey guys,” Starlight said, catching everyone’s attention.  “You’ll never guess who’s coming this way.”
Immediately, Starlight jumped off the stool before levitating it out of the way.  She ran back to her seat, just as the door opened.
“Well at least class is finally about to start,” Twilight said, wiping some sweat off her forehead.
Behind the unicorn, Abigail and Spike jumped in the air, yelling out “YAAAY!”
The door opened wide as everyone inside waited with anticipation.  But as the door finally came open, Wanda and Sunset’s faces popped wide over in total shock.
“Sis…sister?” Wanda and Sunset said as Princess Cadance walked on in.
“Hello class,” Princess Cadance said.  “I know you’re expecting my mother to be teaching today, and myself to be taking another class.  But due to a number of teachers being laid off, I was asked to fill in for her as the new teacher.”
“New Teacher?” Danged Spell yelled.  “You?”
“Wait a minute,” Twilight said before she shook her head in disbelief.  “Why did Princess Celestia think this was a good idea?”
Princess Cadance walked up to the desk, faced towards the students and said “It was because she believed I would be capable of doing this after what I did when I was a temporary ruler of Equestria.”
Twilight’s eyes popped out a bit before she said “I’ve forgotten about that.  You took over when Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were stuck in Saddle Arabia, all while Wanda was sick in the hospital.”
“I’ll never forget that,” Danged Spell said.  “In fact, I still haven’t forgotten when Gold Banks broke in with those Debt Collector goons she had, what kind of gas she tortured us with and the way she smacked me aside.”
“None of us are going to forget that moment,” Sunset said.  “I still remembered the fact that Gold Banks tried to pull Wanda away from her room.”
“I know,” Wanda said as she held herself tight.  “I sometimes get nightmares about that horrible moment.”
“But what’s past is past,” Princess Cadance said as she reached down into the desk and pulled a book up, slamming it on the table.  “Today, there is a subject that Princess Celestia wants to bring up with you.  Can anyone tell me what today’s subject is?”
As the students just stared at the big book, Majesty was quick to raise her hoof in the air.
“Majesty?” Princess Cadance said, pointing at the alicorn in the room.
“That’s easy,” Majesty said.  “Today’s subject is the Elements of Harmony.”
“Correct,” Princess Cadance replied.  “But what are the Elements of Harmony?”
But just before Majesty could raise her hoof back into the air, Twilight Sparkle raised hers in the air, catching Princess Cadance’s attention.
“Twilight,” Princess Cadance said.
“The Elements of Harmony goes as follows: Honesty, Loyalty, Kindness, Generosity, Laughter and Magic,” Twilight replied.  “It was also said that long ago, Princess Luna used the Elements of Harmony to save Princess Celestia from the Shade of Hate.”
“That’s correct,” Princess Cadance said.  “It was also said that these elements came from a sentient plant known as the Tree of Harmony.  Where it came from, we will discover more with today’s lesson.”
Princess Cadance’s eyes shifted towards Wanda, who had her hand in the air.”
“Sis..I mean Wanda,” Princess Cadance said.
“I don’t know about the name Shade of Hate,” Wanda said. “When I had a nightmare, this Shade of Hate called itself the Pony of Shadows.”
Immediately, nearly every youngling in the classroom let out a loud gasp.  The only ones who didn’t were Sunset Shimmer and Abigail Albright.
“Wow,” Majesty said.  “That’s one way to ruin your reputation, Wanda.”
“I’m afraid what she said was true,” Sunset said.  “Not long ago, Wanda had a nightmare about being confronted by the Shade of Hate, and it called itself the Pony of Shadows.”
“I know,” Princess Cadance said.  “What the Pony of Shadows also told Wanda was that it was her destiny to be all alone for eternity.”
Upon hearing those words, Starlight Glimmer turned towards Wanda, who looked a little depressed.  The twin-tailed filly got out of her chair and walked up to the Man’s Cub before getting on her hind legs and giving her a big hug.  Twilight, Sunset, Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell all let out a big “Awwww” all while Majesty sat there with a slight chuckle.
“Princess Cadance,” Twilight asked.  “By any chance, did Princess Luna tell you about that dream?”
“She sure did tell me about that,” Princess Cadance said.  “Though I am surprised that you’ve picked up on that.”
“But of course,” Twilight said.  “After all, you told me about the dreams Princess Luna looked at, including one about my brother when he danced with you under the pale moonlight.”
Immediately, the entire classroom erupted into laughter.  Sunset Shimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell and Majesty all cracked up with Spike and Abigail giggling. Even Wanda and Starlight couldn’t hold back their laughter as they both tumbled down onto the floor, rolled onto the backs and chuckled loudly.  Princess Cadance looked at the entire class as a bead of sweat poured down her forehead.
“Mother told me there would be days like this,” Princess Cadance said as she grabbed a nearby book, opened it and covered her face with it.
As the younglings laughed, Spike and Abigail were able to get their laughter under control before turning towards each other.
“Fun?” Abigail said.
“Fun,” Spike replied.
The two immediately held paws together as they watched the younglings continue to burst out into laughter.

Later that day in the field, Wanda, Abigail, Spike, Sunset, Twilight, Starlight, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell and Majesty were lined up against the wall, looking eager as ever to await the teacher to instruct them.  But Twilight Sparkle looked eager, as she jumped up and down with excitement, catching the attention of Sunset Shimmer.
“Twilight.” Sunset said.  “You seem to be in a good mood.”
“Oh I can’t wait,” Twilight replied.  “I just got word that my big brother will be serving as the P.E. teacher for today.”
“Wait,” Wanda said.  “Your brother will be teaching today?”
“First Princess Cadance as our main teacher, and now Shining Armor as our P.E. teacher,” Moondancer said.  “I wouldn’t be surprised if Princess Celestia hired Granny Smith or Queen Novo to play teacher for us.”
“Well you could say that this is surely a teaching moment,” Danged Spell chuckled.  “Get it?”
“Danged Spell,” Everyone, except Majesty, yelled as Danged Spell laid his back on the wall with a smug look on his face.
“That was worth it,” Danged Spell replied.
Sunset turned to face Majesty, who just stood there with a smug look on her face, confusing the unicorn filly.
“Majesty,” Sunset said.  “I’m surprised by your lack of reaction to Danged Spell’s pun.”
“What’s the point?” Majesty said.  “Everything in life is like a pun.  And no matter what you say, everyone around you will always suffer the pun-ishment.”
Danged Spell’s ears immediately picked up Majesty’s speech as he turned towards the white alicorn.  His smug smile flipped downwards into a confusing frown.
“Okay,” Danged Spell said in a cold tone.  “That statement was too disturbing, even by my standards.”
“Believe me,” Sunset whispered to Danged Spell.  “I’d rather have your cheesy puns compared to what she said.”
But before Danged Spell could open his mouth, he overheard the sound of a whistle being blown.  Everyone turned to face the front, where Twilight Sparkle’s face beamed with excitement.
“BIG BROTHER!” Twilight Sparkle screamed.
Right in front of the younglings stood Shining Armor, who was decked out like a P.E. coach, complete with a baseball cap on his head and a whistle hanging from his neck.  He held a clipboard by his side with a pen underneath the clip.
“How’s it going, champs?” Shining Armor said as he flicked his hat up a bit with his magic.  “Today, I’ll be your new P.E. Coach.”
 Immediately, Twilight Sparkle ran up to Shining Armor and leaped towards her big brother, causing the hunk of a stallion to grab his sister before he spun around in the air, holding her up tight.  The two giggled in front of the rest of the younglings, especially an embarrassed Sunset Shimmer.
“This somehow reminds me of how big sis treated me and Wanda,” Sunset said with a bead of sweat pouring from her head.  “But at least it can’t get any weirder.”
But as Sunset shifted her head to the left, she saw Danged Spell staring at Shining Armor, panting like an excited dog.
“Spell,” Sunset said.  “What is with you?”
“Come on,” Danged Spell said.  “He wants to be Royal Guard material.  He’s the kind of stallion to look up to.”
Sunset let out a sigh and said “Yep.  It got weird.  But it can’t be any weird than that.”
Sunset turned to face Starlight Glimmer, who was squeeing loudly.  This also caught Danged Spell’s attention, who turned to face the little twin-tailed filly.
“Hey,” Danged Spell said.  “What do you have with Shining Armor?”
“Sure he may not be my big brother,” Starlight said.  “But ti’s still fun to hang out with him while living with Twilight and her family.”
And with that, Starlight let out the loudest squee, embarrassing both Danged Spell and Sunset Shimmer.  Next to them, Sunburst, Moondancer and Wanda were giggling at the sight of their friends.
“That’s Starlight for ya,” Sunburst said.  “She really hates being an only child.”
“Oh?” Sunset asked.
“Sunburst told me about this,” Moondancer said.  “Sometime after Starlight was born, her mother Starseeker found out that she could no longer give birth to any more ponies.  A condition of some sort.”
“That’s horrible,” Danged Spell said.
“I feel sorry for Starlight,” Wanda said.  “To not have brothers or sisters of her own.  How did that happen?”
Immediately, Moondancer reached down to Wanda’s ear and whispered something in it.  Wanda’s face burst with total shock.
“Oh dear,” Wanda said in a depressed tone.  “I’m sorry to hear that.”
Just then, the sound of a whistle went off, causing Wanda, Sunset, Starlight, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Abigail and Spike to face towards Shining Armor, who held Twilight in his arms.
“Okay everyone,” Shining Armor said.  “Princess Celestia has assigned me to a number of tasks for you on this day. So I want you all to follow me to the middle of the field.  I wanna see you all in tip top shape.”
With that, Twilight jumped out of Shining Armor’s arms and landed on the grass.  Shining marched over towards the middle of the P.E. field, with Twilight Sparkle following from behind.  Immediately, Sunset Shimmer, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Spike and Abigail followed from behind.
“So what do you suppose Shining Armor will have us do?” Sunburst asked.
“I’m just hoping he trains us like we’re recruits in a boot camp,” Danged Spell said with excitement.
“You really want to be Royal Guard material, Danged Spell,” Moondancer giggled.
“Guilty as charged,” Spell replied.
“Well let’s hope he doesn’t make us do one hundred push ups,” Starlight giggled, causing everyone to laugh.
Wanda stood there on the wall, watching her friends walk off.  She looked as if she was daydreaming without a care in the world.
“It feels great to have friends like those,” Wanda said to herself.  “Maybe this is why mommy told me that Friendship is Magic, like how as a family, we are one together.”
Immediately, Wanda shook her head, popping herself out of her trance.  She looked a little anxious as she marched in place at a frantic pace.
“Oh my gosh,” Wanda said.  “I need to catch up.”
But just as Wanda was about to run after her friends, Majesty tapped her on the shoulder, causing the man’s cub to stop in place and turn towards the alicorn filly.
“Eh?” Wanda said, confused.
“You seem to be in a hurry to catch up to your friends,” Majesty said.
“Well yeah,” Wanda said in a hesitant tone.  “After all, mommy told me…”
But Majesty put her hoof on Wanda’s mouth before she said “I know what you’re thinking.  But here’s the reality.  Friendship won’t last forever.”
Wanda moved Majesty’s hoof from her mouth and said “Say what?”
“You heard about what’s going on across all of Equestria,” Majesty said.  “Ever since the attack on Canterlot during the Grand Gallopin Gala, ponies have been moving away from each other, becoming more distant.”
“I am aware of that,” Wanda said.  “But the one thing I can hope for is that our friendship remains bright as ever.”
But just as Wanda was about to run after the group, Majesty let out a big “I don’t think so.”  This caused Wanda to trip and fall down on her face.
“Oww,” Wanda said as she slowly got up.
“I’m not kidding,” Majesty said as she walked up to Wanda.  “There could come a day where all your friends will move away from Canterlot.” Those words made Wanda a little nervous.
“What do you mean by that?” Wanda asked.
“It’s simple, really,” Majesty said.  “Because of the threat of the Changelings and the Windigo’s Guild in Canterlot, their parents may force their kids out of this school and away from Canterlot.  One moment, you’re close to your friends, the next moment they will be long, long gone.”
“Long gone?” Wanda screeched.
“And unfortunately, what I say is the truth,” Majesty said.  “Ponies are beginning to distrusts being in Canterlot, and as a result, more ponies will not be anywhere near this capital.  Which also means, you may have to say good-bye to your friends.”
Tears began to flow in Wanda’s eyes.  She looked as if she was about to cry.
“That….that’s not true,” Wanda said as she struggled to hold her tears in.
“Like it or not,” Majesty said in a somber tone.  “It’s the truth.  In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if Princess Celestia decided to ship you to a family far away from Canterlot.  Maybe to one that is completely foreign to you just for your sake.  It’s the new reality we live in.”
Immediately, Wanda bawled her eyes out before running away from Majesty, bolting down towards the back entrance of the school.  Majesty stood there with a smug look on her face.
“I can’t believe she’s so easy to break,” Majesty said to herself.
But further up on the grass, Shining Armor had his eyes on Majesty and Wanda.  He watched as Wanda ran through the doorway, crying her eyes out, before the stallion shifted his eyes to Majesty.  Abigail, Spike, Twilight, Sunset, Starlight, Moondancer and Danged Spell also watched, glaring down at Majesty.
“I can’t believe Majesty made my sister cry,” Sunset said as she stomped her hoof on the ground.
“Neither do it,” Shining Armor said.  “I’m going to have a word with her.”
Immediately, Shining Armor left the group of younglings and ran up to Majesty.  Everyone else stood there, glaring at Majesty’s smug smile.
“The nerve of Creme Dream’s daughter,” Moondancer said.  “She’s more obnoxious than Golden Lace was before her reform.”
“Yeah,” Danged Spell said.  “And she made my time as a bully look amateurish in comparison.”
“At least this day can’t get any worse,” Sunburst said.
Suddenly, Twilight turned to Sunset Shimmer, who was laying on her side, groaning in deep pain.  Twilight immediately rubbed her hoof on Sunburst’s shoulders.
“Guys,” Twilight said.  “We’ve got a big problem now.”
Immediately, Starlight, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Abigail and Spike turned to face Sunset, who was suffering in pain all while a dark reddish aura glowed around her body.
“Sunset?” Moondancer said.  “What’s going on?”
“The…pain,” Sunset said.  “It’s….coming…back.”
Immediately, Danged Spell turned his head towards Shining Armor and yelled out “COACH!  COACH!  GET BACK THERE!”  Just as Shining Armor approached Majesty, he turned around at the sound of Danged Spell’s voice and saw Sunset laying on the ground in pain.
“Oh no,” Shining Armor said.  “Princess Celestia told me this would happen.”
Immediately, Shining Armor ran from Majesty towards the rest of the younglings, keeping his eyes focused on Sunset Shimmer.  The aura around the sun pony glowed bright and brighter as everyone stood there, helpless.
“Shining Armor,” Sunset said in pain.  “Help….me.”
Immediately, Shining Armor turned to Twilight and said “Twili. Follow Wanda and find Princess Celestia.  Tell her Sunset’s demon side is starting to take hold of her psyche.”
“On it, big bro,” Twilight said as Spike jumped on the filly’s back.  Immediately, Twilight raised herself into the air and ran off in the opposite direction with Spike holding onto her.
As Twilight ran off towards the back entrance of the school, Shining looked down at Sunset and said “Hold on, Sunset.  Help is on the way.”

Deep in the halls of the School for Gifted Unicorns, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna walked alongside a slumping Princess Cadance.  While the two older alicorns looked cheerful, Cadence felt embarrassed.
“Still thinking about your first time as teacher, Princess Cadance?” Princess Luna asked.
“It’s about that dream with Shining Armor,” Princess Cadance said.  “Why did Twilight had to go and let the cat out of the bag?”
Princess Celestia giggled and said “You think that’s embarrassing?  You should have seen the fifth day of class where Twilight mentioned a dream where she and Shining Armor were playing together in the fields as if they were both the same age.  And even more so, she claimed she saw a glimpse of Princess Luna in her dream.”
“Twilight may be a lot to handle,” Princess Luna said.  “But she still has a heart of gold.  And that’s saying a lot since she drove Queen Chrysalis away from Canterlot.”
But suddenly, Princess Celestia’s ears began to perk up as she heard the sound of a little girl crying.  She held her arm in front, stopping Princess Luna and Princess Cadance.
“I take it that something happened to Wanda,” Princess Cadance said.
“Yes,” Princess Celestia said.  “And judging by the volume of her voice, she’s close.”
Immediately, Princess Celestia ran down the hallway with Princess Cadance and Princess Luna right behind her.  She immediately turned her head to see Wanda Young bawling her eyes in a nearby corner.  Celestia ran up to Wanda and placed her wing on the Man’s Cub’s back.
“Wanda,” Princess Celestia said in a sweet tone.  “Are you alright?  What happened?”
Wanda wiped the tears from her eyes before she faced Princess Celestia and said “It’s Majesty.  She told me that my friends will one day move away from Canterlot, and I would have to be shipped away to a family I don’t even know.”
“I’m terribly sorry,” Celestia said as she got down and pulled Wanda to her with her wing before she gave her adopted daughter a hug.  “No one is going anyway, and you’re not going to move away from us.”
“You think so?” Wanda asked.
“I know so,” Celestia said.  “In fact, I have been speaking with their parents recently and they have agreed to let them stay in Canterlot.  In fact, I may arrange for Starlight and Sunburst’s parents to move here to help out.”
Wanda’s whimpering began to settle down as she hugged Princess Celestia closely.  The Man’s Cub barely cracked a smile as she rubbed her face on Celestia’s chest, just as Princess Cadance and Princess Luna walked up to Celestia.
“I take it Majesty said something to Wanda that made her cry,” Princess Luna asked.
“Correct,” Princess Celestia said.  “As soon as Wanda’s all better, I’m going to have a talk with Majesty.”
“I hope you do,” Princess Cadance said.  “Wanda’s my sister, and I don’t like it when someone else gives her a hard time for their own amusement, even the daughter of the Prime Magistrate of Equestria.”
Suddenly, everyone’s ears began to perk up.  They turned their heads further down the hall to see Twilight Sparkle riding on in with Spike holding on tight.  Wanda lets go of Celestia as her attention is shifted to her close friend.
“Twilight,” Princess Celestia said.  “Did something happen?”
“It’s Sunset,” Twilight said.  “She collapsed on the field with some kind of strange aura surrounding her.”  In an instant, Celestia, Luna, Cadence and Wanda all began to worry.
“I was hoping this wouldn’t happen,” Princess Celestia said.  “But it seems the very demon within her is starting to take over.”
“D…demon?” Twilight asked.
“Back when Wanda was a baby,” Princess Luna said.  “There was a report of a demon that attacked the orphanage.  They were able to locate all but one orphan, which Wanda somehow was able to discover.”
“That orphan was one who became our own sister: Sunset Shimmer,” Princess Cadance replied.  “Mother was able to put two and two together and was able to keep Sunset’s Demonic spirit at bay with her magic.”
“But it seems the ward that has kept it at bay is beginning to weaken,” Princess Celestia said.  “Come.  We must get it under control before it’s too late.”
Celestia laid flat on her stomach as Wanda climbed onto her back.  The eldest alicorn got up her four legs, then signaled towards Luna, Cadence and Twilight.
“I’m hoping you can help her, Princess,” Twilight said.  “Sunset’s not just your daughter, she’s also our friend.”
“Then let us make haste,” Princess Celestia said.
Wanda held onto Princess Celestia as she rode off down the hallway, with Princess Cadance and Princess Luna in pursuit.  Twilight turned her head towards Spike.
“Help…her,” Spike said.
“I know, Spike,” Twilight said.  “I’m just hoping that they can.”
And with that, Twilight ran off after Wanda, Celestia, Luna and Cadance with Spike holding onto her.



	To Be Continued in…


	The Sister’s Demonic Curse

> Arc 2-3: The Sister's Demonic Curse
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Sister’s Demonic Curse



Sunset Shimmer continued to wince in pain on the grass, all while her friends and Shining Armor watched helplessly.  Her dark aura grew brighter and brighter, concerning everyone around her.  The lone exception was Majesty, who had her back to the school wall, observing the incident.
“What’s happening to Sunset Shimmer?” Starlight asked.
“I have never seen this before,” Sunburst said.  “Is it something new?”
“It’s worse than you imagined,” Shining Armor said.  “Princess Celestia told me that Sunset Shimmer was possessed by the spirit of a she-demon that once laid waste to Equestria.”
“A demon?” Danged Spell said.  “That sounds even worse than my Wolf’s Breath curse.”
“It is,” Shining Armor said. “Whatever you do, keep your distance until Princess Celestia arrives.  Got it?”
But before any of the younglings could respond, Sunset Shimmer rose up and faced the entire group.  The iris in her eyes glowed a bright red, all while a purple aura flowed from her eyeballs.  She growled at the group before she marched towards them.
“Uhh guys,” Starlight said as tears began to flow from her eyes.  “I think she’s approaching me.”
“Everyone, stand behind me,” Shining Armor commanded before he pointed his horn at Sunset Shimmer.  “I’ll try to keep her at bay.”
As Sunset approached the group, leather wings emerged from her back.  Fangs formed from her teeth.  Her horn grew and curved into a crescent moon shape.  Her tail extended out like a cat.  She roared like a ferocious tiger, causing Abigail to hide behind Shining Armor’s leg.
“Scary,” Abigail cried.
“Everyone,” Shining Armor said.  “Stay close.  It’s about to go into the air.”
Immediately, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, and Danged Spell gathered around Shining Armor and Abigail, just as Sunset Shimmer flew into the air.  Shining kept his eyes on Sunset Shimmer before emitting a shield around him and the rest of the younglings.
“There,” Shining said.  “This will keep you safe.”
Sunburst looked to the side to see Majesty just leaning back at the nearby wall without a care in the world.  He turned back to Shining Armor.
“Shining,” Sunburst said.  “We’re missing one, and it’s Majesty.”
Shining Armor turned to his left to see Majesty wave right back at him.  His face went from focused to terrified.
“Shoot.  I forgot about Majesty,” Shining Armor said. 
The lack of focus was enough to cause the shield around Shining Armor and the younglings to disappear, leaving them all vulnerable.  Danged Spell looked up in the air to see the demon-like Sunset Shimmer dive bomb at them. 
:”EVERYONE,” Danged Spell shouted.  “MOVE OUT OF THE WAY!”
Immediately, Shining Armor grabbed Abigail by the scruff of her neck with his teeth and jumped out of way with Starlight, Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell scattering away, just before Demon Sunset hit the ground with a powerful shockwave to send the group flying to the ground.  Her mass was no longer the size of a filly, but now an alicorn like Princess Celestia.
“MEEEEOWWWW!”  Abigail screamed as Shining Armor held her by the scruff of her neck.
“It’s okay,” Shining said as he let go of Abigail.  “I’m not going to see your sister fall.”
Shining Armor got up on his four hooves and fired a few blasts of magic around Demon Sunset Shimmer, catching the former filly’s attention.  Shining jumped in front of Abigail as he glared down Sunset.
“Sunset,” Shining Armor said.  “It’s okay.  I’m not here to hurt you.  I just want to help calm you down.”
Shining Armor and Demon Sunset circled each other, keeping their focus directly on their opposite counterpart.  Shining kept his horn glowing bright, while Demon Sunset growls viciously.
“Easy,” Shining Armor said.  “We’re here to save you, Sunset.”
But suddenly, Demon Sunset’s ears picked up the sound of a pony whimpering.  She turned her attention to Starlight Glimmer, who was now hiding behind a tree, unable to get her sight away from Demon Sunset. 
“Sunset, NO!”  Shining Armor yelled.
But it did him no good.  Demon Sunset Shimmer roared loudly, causing Starlight Glimmer to scream loudly and run off in the opposite direction.  Demon Sunset Shimmer gave pursuit to the young filly, her roar filling the air with fear.
“Oh no,” Shining Armor said before pursuing Demon Sunset.  “Starlight’s in trouble.  I’ve got to save her.”
But as Shining Armor went in pursuit, Danged Spell looked at Starlight Glimmer running away from Demon Sunset.  The colt’s face was both focused and somber.
“Forgive me, Sunset,” Danged Spell cried.  “But I’m left with no choice.”
Immediately, Danged Spell’s eyes turned completely white as his Wolf’s Breath curse took over his mind.  He howled into the air before pursuing after Demon Sunset Shimmer.  Shining Armor was quick to take notice at Danged Spell and his face turned completely white.
“SPELL,” Shining Armor yelled.  “NO!”
Demon Sunset’s ears picked up Shining Armor’s screaming, causing her to turn her head towards Shining Armor before belching out a fireball.   The flame connected to Shining Armor, causing him to lose his footing and tumble onto the grass before landing on his back.  Sunburst, Moondancer and Abigail ran up to Shining Armor.
“Shining Armor,” Moondancer said.  “What happened?”
“I don’t know what Spell is doing,” Shining Armor said.  “But he better be careful.  Otherwise, he’s going to be a roasted wolf when this is over.”
Abigail looked at Danged Spell, still in pursuit of Demon Sunset, and her face was completely horrified.
“Wolf’s…breath,” Abigail said.

Up ahead, Demon Sunset continued her pursuit of Starlight Glimmer, who was running for her dear life.  The poor pony could barely keep ahead of her friend-turned-monster.  She ran as fast as she could, panting fast as if she was losing her breath.
“Sunset,” Starlight cried.  “It’s me….Starlight….don’t….hurt me.”
Suddenly, Starlight tripped over a loose tree root, causing her to go flying into the air, screaming loudly.  She landed on her back and slid a bit.
“Oww,” Starlight groaned.  “Not now.”
Starlight looked up and saw Demon Sunset charge towards her.  The twin-tailed filly laid there, helplessly as what was once her friend charged closer and closer to her.
“Sunset,” Starlight cried as she covered her face.  “Don’t do it.”
But as Starlight kept her eyes closed, she heard the sound of what appears to be a magical shield of some sort being smacked upon.  Starlight looked up and saw one shield surround her in a protective bubble, all while Demon Sunset struggled to break it free.
“That shield,” Starlight said.  “Could it be Shining Armor?”
But before Starlight could turn her head, she noticed Demon Sunset pause for a moment before roaring in pain.  Starlight shifted her eyes to Demon Sunset’s back right foot, where Danged Spell sunk his teeth in.
“Spell no,” Starlight cried.  “You’ll get hurt.”
Immediately, Demon Sunset shook Danged Spell off, sending the colt flying back on his four hooves.  Danged Spell immediately barked back at Demon Sunset, who roared ferociously.  She proceeded to smack Danged Spell aside with her paw, sending him flying to the ground.  But Spell immediately gets up and continues to bark wildly at his corrupted friend.

Nearby, Shining Armor, Abigail, Sunburst and Moondancer stood helplessly, watching as Danged Spell dodged swipes by Demon Sunset.  Shining Armor kept his focus on the shield surrounding Starlight Glimmer without breaking a sweat.
“This is getting nowhere,” Moondancer said.  “At this point, Spell’s going to be sliced to ribbons and Sunset’s chew us out.”
“I wish I could help out,” Shining Armor said as he kept his focus on the shield around Starlight.  “But I don’t want Starlight to get hurt.”
Sunburst looked around near Danged Spell, Demon Sunset and Starlight Glimmer.  Immediately, his eyes caught a tree that was near where Starlight was..  Sunburst turned towards Shining Armor and poked him on the shoulder.
“Shining Armor,” Sunburst said.  “There’s a tree near Starlight.”
“Good eye,” Shining Armor said.  “I’ll get her there.”
A bigger burst of magic flowed from Shining Armor’s horn towards the shield bubble that surrounded Starlight, lifting it into the air, much to the surprise of the twin-tailed filly.  Shining Armor then levitated the shield bubble with his magic towards the nearby tree.  But nearby, Danged Spell continued to dodge Demon Sunset’s claw swipes while continuing to bark at what was once his close friend.
Starlight looked down at the tree from the safety of the shield bubble and said “I think I know what Shining’s doing,” Starlight said.  “If he gets me behind the tree, I should be able to take cover while Danged Spell deals with Sunset.  At least I won’t have to worry about that demon that took over her mind.”
But just before the shield could begin to float behind the tree, Demon Sunset’s tail swung in the air and smacked the shield hard enough for it to burst.  Starlight flew from the shield and landed with a loud scream.
“STARLIGHT!” Shining Armor yelled as his magic returned to his horn.
Demon Sunset turned away from Danged Spell towards Starlight Glimmer, causing the twin-tailed filly to hide behind the tree.  Demon Sunset moved towards little Starlight, growling deeply and causing the little filly to freeze there, nervously.
“Sunset,” Starlight said.  “It’s me, Starlight Glimmer.  Don’t you recognize me?”
Demon Sunset approached the tree and turned towards Starlight.  The little filly stood there, shaking nervously as she held onto the tree.  The demon held her paw into the air.
“PLEASE DON’T HURT ME!” Starlight cried.
But before Sunset could swipe at Starlight, she paused right in her place before letting out a painful groan.  Demon Sunset turned her back to see Danged Spell holding her back with his mouth holding down her tail.  Danged Spell growled at the demon without turning away from her visage, which caught Starlight’s attention.
“Spell,” Starlight said.  “Don’t overdo it.”
But just before Demon Sunset made a move, Danged Spell leaped into the air and flung her by the tail, slamming Demon Sunset on the ground and creating a small dust cloud.  When the cloud cleared up, Demon Sunset was on her back, completely dazed.
“She’s down,” Shining Armor said.  “Now’s my chance to hold her down until Celestia arrives.”
Shining Armor fired off a blast of magic that lifted Demon Sunset’s arms and legs into the air before tying them together.  This action woke Demon Sunset up, who began to break loose from her bindings and pull Shining Armor away from Abigail, Sunburst and Moondancer.
“It’s not enough,” Shining Armor said as he struggled to pull himself back from Demon Sunset.  “She might be powerful enough to break herself free.”
“Then we’ll pitch in,” Moondancer said as she fired off a beam of magic to strengthen the bindings around Demon Sunset’s arms and legs.
“Moondancer,” Sunburst said.  “Are you crazy?”
“Better than standing around and doing nothing,” Moondancer said as she kept her concentration on Shining Armor’s magical bindings.  “Now give us a hoof.”
Sunburst closed his eyes and fired off magic from his horn right into Shining Armor’s magic, strengthening the magical bindings that held Demon Sunset’s arms and legs together. 
Nearby, Starlight continued to hide behind the tree, looking outward at Demon Sunset as she was held down by the magical bindings.  Danged Spell backed himself next to the tree, barking wildly at Demon Sunset.
“Spell, I dunno if I can help out,” Starlight said.  “I’m too afraid to even fight back.”
Spell turned towards Starlight with a slight whimper coming from him.
“I know,” Starlight said.  “You’re stuck in that Wolf’s Breath curse and you can’t use magic at this point.  What are we going to do?”
But as Shining Armor, Moondancer and Sunburst continued to hold down Demon Sunset, they began to tire as sweat poured from their heads.  Abigail hid behind Shining Armor, cowering in fear.
“I dunno if we can hold on long enough,” Shining Armor said.  “Sunset’s demon form is a force to be reckoned with.”
“But we have to, even if Starlight’s too afraid and Danged Spell can’t turn back,” Moondancer said.  
“She’s right,” Sunburst said, despite looking tired.  “We have to do this for Danged Spell and Starlight.”
But just as Shining Armor looked like he was about to collapse, another beam of magic hit Shining Armor’s magical tether, strengthening it and holding Demon Sunset’s arms and legs together.  Shining Armor opened his eyes to see the third beam hitting his magic.
“Who?”  Shining Armor said.  “Who’s doing this?”
“All I know is that it’s not Danged Spell nor Starlight Glimmer,” Sunburst said.
Shining Armor felt Abigail rub up against his arm, causing the teen stallion to turn down towards the little kitty.
“Look,” Abigail said as she pointed to the front wall of a nearby school building.
Shining Armor looked up to see Majesty firing that beam right into his magical beam.  While the alicorn kept her focus, she began to sweat a bit from exhaustion.
“Majesty?” Shining Armor said.
“No time to explain,” Majesty said.  “Keep this up until Princess Celesti arrives.”
Shining Armor nodded as he kept his focus on the bindings that held down Demon Sunset.  The former filly roared in agony as it struggled to break free.
Nearby, Princess Celestia rode out from the back entrance of the school with Wanda riding on top.  Princess Cadance, Princess Luna and Twilight Sparkle galloped in from right behind with Spike riding on Twilight’s back.  They all saw Shining Armor, Sunburst, Moondancer and Majesty hold down Demon Sunset with the magical bindings.  Twilight looked at Demon Sunset’s face and her jaw dropped down in horror just as Spike leaped off her back.
“Sunset?” Twilight shreked. “Is that her?”
“I’m afraid so,” Princess Luna said.  “For some reason, Sunset Shimmer was born with a demon’s soul bound to her.”
Wanda leaped off of Princess Celestia’s back before she said “Mommy.  Please help sister out.”
Celestia nodded as she ran off towards Demon Sunset.  Twilight frantically chased after Princess Celestia.
“Princess,” Twilight yelled.  “It’s too dangerous.”
Suddenly, Twilight Sparkle froze in place as Princess Cadance levitated her away from Princess Celestia.  Twilight struggled to break free as Cadance brought her close.
“LET ME GO,” Twilight yelled. 
“It’s going to be okay,” Princess Cadance said.  “This isn’t the first time my mother's done this.”
“Say what?” Twilight said as she began to calm down.
“Sunset has had these same fits thanks to the soul of the demon that she was born with,” Princess Luna said.  “It’s far worse than the Wolf’s Breath Curse that Danged Spell, Golden Lace and she possesses.”

Up ahead, Princess Celestia ran up to Demon Sunset, who still struggled to break free from her bindings.  As the eldest alicorn approached Sunset, the Demon roared in anger and agony.
“Sunset Shimmer you poor thing,” Princess Celestia said.  “You’re forced into this kind of state through no fault of your own.  Time and time again, we have had to contain the demon within just to keep you and all of Equestria safe.  It was part of the reason why I chose to adopt you, and even just to see you suffer like this makes me suffer as well.  But you are my adopted daughter, and I love you as much as I love Wanda, Cadence and all your friends.”
Celestia’s horn glowed brightly.  She placed her horn on Demon Sunset Shimmer’s head, emitting a powerful light that covered most of the field.  Everyone covered their eyes as Shining Armor, Sunburst, Moondancer and Majesty withdrew their magic.
“Is she…” Twilight said.  “Is she going to be okay?”
“She will,” Wanda said as a tear fell from her cheek.  “It’s not the first time I’ve had to see Sunset turn into that.  But I’m glad she’s coming back to normal.”
“Sunset,” Spike cried.
When the light disappeared, Princess Celestia stood over what was now Sunset Shimmer, having been reverted back to being a filly.  Sunset opened her eyes and looked up at Princess Celestia.
“Welcome back, my daughter,” Princess Celestia said with a smile.
Sunset slowly got up and looked around.  She saw the faces of her friends and family smiling back at him.  Danged Spell barked with excitement as Starlight teared up with joy.
“Oh dear,” Sunset said.  “I did it again.  What am I going to do?”
Suddenly, Starlight ran from the tree and grabbed onto Sunset Shimmer, crying right in her chest.
“Starlight,” Sunset said.
“I’m just glad you’re back to normal,” Starlight cried.  “I don’t know what would have happened to you if Princess Celestia didn’t save you.”
Sunset didn’t know what to say.  But just as she was about to put her hoof around Starlight’s back, she heard the sound of Wanda’s voice cry out.  Sunset looked up to see Wanda run up to her and Starlight.
“Sister,” Sunset said as she waved to Wanda.
Wanda leaped into the air and grabbed onto Sunset and Starlight, hugging them both.  Sunset pulled her arms out and hugged both Wanda and Starlight.
“I was so worried about you,” Wanda cried.  “I didn’t want to be alone without you.”
“Wanda,” Sunset said.  “You’re not going to be alone.  As long as you have me and the rest of the gang, we’ll keep you safe and content.”
“That includes me,” Starlight said as she wrapped her left arm around Wanda’s back. 
“Thanks guys,” Wanda said.  “It’s good to at least have friends like you guys.”
Princess Celestia looked down at Sunset, Wanda and Starlight, smiling with delight.  She wiped a tear from her eye before composing herself.  But her attention was taken by the feeling of a small paw brushing up against her leg.  Celestia looked down to her right to see Abigail meowing at her.
“Sunset…alright?” Abigail asked.
“She’s alright, Abigail,” Celestia said as she picked up the little kitty with her magic.  “It’s happened many times before, and while it is stressful to keep her demon form at bay many times, I still do it because I care for her, and her sisters.”
With that, Celestia patted Abigail on the head before she sat the little kitty on her back.  Abigail walked up to Celestia’s neck and rubbed her head on the alicorn’s hair.  Celestia smiled at Abigail before turning her attention to Danged Spell, who looked up to the alicorn princess whimpering like a dog.
“Spell you poor thing,” Celestia said.  “You forced yourself into your Wolf’s Breath Curse just for the sake of Sunset Shimmer, and now you’re stuck.  No worries.  This should be a simple task.”
Princess Celestia lowered her horn on Danged Spell’s forehead.  WIthin seconds, a small light formed from her horn, causing Spell’s eyes to glow brightly until his iris and pupils were restored to normal.  When the light in Celestia’s horn disappeared, Danged Spell shook his head.
“Sorry for worrying you, your majesty,” Danged Spell said.  “But I didn’t want Sunset to hurt the others.”
“I know you mean well,” Celestia said. “But you were a bit reckless with that curse, putting yourself in danger.”
“I know,” Danged Spell replied.  “But at the same time, danger seems to come to us, regardless.”
“You act as if the whole world is forced on your shoulders, Spell,” Celestia laughed.  “Remember, you don’t have to carry this burden by yourself.  There will always be others to aid you when you’re overwhelmed.  Never forget that.”
“I’ll try,”  Danged Spell said.  “But I do understand one thing: I may be forced down this path through no fault of my own.”
Celestia laughed and said “Well, we’ll make sure you don’t have to.”   Abigail followed up with a meow, making Danged Spell chuckle a bit.
Nearby, Twilight Sparkle looked up at the group ahead of her, all while Princess Cadance held onto her.  Next to her, Princess Luna breathed a sigh of relief while Spike was dancing around in celebration.
“See, what did I tell ya?” Princess Cadance said as she gave Twilight a hoof noogie, causing the filly to giggle.  “Mother can handle any problem.”
“Well except Queen Chrysalis,” Twilight joked.
Luna laughed and said “Well you got us there, considering it was you who drove her off.”
“But still,” Twilight said.  “I do worry for Princess Celestia’s well-being, just like Sunset and just like Wanda does.”
“And just like me,” Princess Cadance said.
“Just like you?” Twilight asked.
“Sure Princess Celestia can handle tough tasks like Sunset’s demon form,” Princess Cadance replied.  “But as you said, not Chrysalis.  If Canterlot was invaded once again by the Changelings and Coldnelius Snap’s Windigo’s Guild, I’m afraid we might get overwhelmed.”
Twilight held her hoof to her mouth and said “Oh dear.  I never thought about that.”
Spike looked up at Twilight and said “Worried?”
Luna looked down at Spike and said “She’s not the only one.”
Twilight Sparkle and Princess Cadance broke into laughter over Luna’s comments.  Spike looked up at the two and also started to laugh.  But while the two ponies and baby dragon laughed, Luna looked up at the others with her smile unwavering.
“As soon as the school day is over,” Princess Luna said.  “Princess Cadance will look after the two girls while we prepare a special guest for them.  Or rather a familiar face to live with us until everything is settled.  One that we smuggled into our castle sometime last night.”

Nearby, Majesty was walking away from the group when she overheard the sound of someone calling her name.  She turned around and saw Shining Armor, Sunburst and Moondancer run up to her.
“What do you guys want?” Majesty asked.
“I know there are some issues you had with Wanda,” Shining Armor said.  “But there is one thing I can say: Thanks for pitching in.”
Majesty just smiled and said “You don’t need to mention it.  Besides, I’ll have to admit.  Demon Sunset did scare me a bit.”
Without a second thought, Majesty walked away from the group, leaving Shining Armor a bit satisfied, though Sunburst and Moondancer a bit odd.
“I don’t get it,” Sunburst said.  “Even compared to Golden Lace, Majesty does put me off despite her helping out.”
“That’s true,” Moondancer replied. 
“She gets alot of that from her mother Creme Dream,” Shining Armor replied.  “And while I am thankful for her help, I am a bit cautious about her.”
“Is it because her mother might have some sinister motives?” Moondancer asked.
“I don’t know,” Shining Armor said.  “But considering that Creme Dream’s apprentice Gold Banks has control of all of the news media in Equestria, I wouldn’t be surprised if it were true.”
Up ahead, Majesty looked back at Shining Armor, Moondancer and Sunburst with a smirk on her face before running forward.  A half mile ahead of Majesty, Creme Dream stood there waiting for her daughter.  It didn’t take long before Majesty was right next to her mother.
“I’m surprised that you helped contain Sunset’s Demon form,” Creme Dream said.
“It would be a shame if your favorite daughter were to bite it,” Majesty said.
“Point taken,” Creme Dream said.
With that, Majesty and Creme Dream walked together down the back wall of the School.
“I take it you want to use that in a future propaganda piece,” Majesty asked.  “Maybe to question the princesses of Equestria.”
“No need for that,” Creme Dream replied. “Right now, I wish to stay the course in the fear of Changelings and Cultists.  After all, they are now our puppets.”
“And what about dear sister Cozy Glow?” Majesty asked.
“That fool of a daughter doesn’t know that there is a surveillance spell placed on her,” Creme Dream said.  “And right now, we’ve seen what kind of pain her best friend Golden Lace has been going through when she tried to vandalize Daisy Joy Tech’s mascot just to get expelled last night.  Foolish girl.  But still, Cozy Glow still has her usefulness, as our spy.”
Majesty giggled and said “I think we know where she’s gonna stay now.”
Creme Dream chuckled and said “All just to keep our friends close and our enemies closer.”


	To Be Continued in…


	Arc 3: Golden Lace’s Lament


	A Pariah at Daisy Joy Tech

> Arc 3(Golden Lace's Lament)-1: A Pariah at Daisy Joy Tech
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Arc 3: Golden Lace’s Lament


A Pariah at Daisy Joy Tech



One day ago, prior to Wanda’s return to a school where she, her friends and Majesty were the only students left, Golden Lace was inside a classroom at Daisy Joy Tech, taking a test of some sort.  Despite its welcoming decorations and the presence of the teacher, the students looked cold and calculating.  Some were staring at Lace’s face as if they were distrustful of her.  But Lace kept her focus on her test, not looking up at any of the students.
“I know you can do this,” Lace thought to herself.  “This is just a simple test, and many of the answers you’ve studied your butt doing will make this a piece of cake.”
Golden Lace continued to write as fast as possible, marking down spots where she believed the answer was correct, writing down essays in the exact spot, and labeling certain answers either true or false.
Nearby, many of the other students continued to look at Golden Lace with such disdain.
“Just look at that dweeb,” One student said.  “And she’s supposed to be friends with those overrated princesses?”
“And she used to be such a mean-spirited filly,” Another student said.  “My how the mighty has fallen.”
“Maybe she should crawl back into her shell,” A third student said.  “Ahh who am I kidding?  She deserves to be ridiculed.”
Golden Lace paid no attention to the murmurs of her from the other students as she continued to write as fast as possible, keeping her focus on the test.
Suddenly, someone kicked the chair underneath Golden Lace, causing her to fall down on the floor.   The entire class laughed out loud as Golden Lace looked around before holding her head down with her arms.
“That’s enough, class,” the voice of the teacher said in a stern tone.  “You are to focus on your test, not focus your misery onto others.”
The students sighed and said “Yes, Mr Starshine.”
In front of the class at the desk, Argyle Starshine watched as Golden Lace got up, readjusted her chair and sat back down to the take the test.  The teacher had a light blue coat, a royal blue mane and tail with white and purple streaks, a dark maroon-rimmed glasses in front of his eyes, and had a Yellow Shooting Star as a cutie mark.
“I do see alot of potential in Miss Lace,” Argyle said to himself.  “But I’m afraid of how she will react when I am forced to fail her for this test, under the orders of Headmistress Honey Twist.  And it’s not the first time any of us has had to fail her.”

Later that day, Golden Lace was in her dorm room by herself, waiting nervously on her bed.  Besides a few toys, a computer, a closed closet door and a bathroom nearby, there was not much else in the room.  Golden Lace let out a sigh as she waited anxiously.
“Still worrying about the test, are ya?”  Golden Lace turned to the nearby closet, where Cozy Glow popped out from behind the door.
“Yeah,” Golden Lace said.  “I’m hoping this time, I pass with flying colors.”
“I am aware of that,” Cozy Glow said as she flew up onto the bed and sat right next to Golden Lace.  “I’m also aware of the last few tests you failed despite studying hard for it.”
“I’m sure that I will pass this test,” Golden Lace said.  “After all, how could I forget about those answers, when you’ve beaten them into my head?”
Cozy Glow giggled and said “Well what are friends for?  After all, I wanted to make sure you got that A+ on that test, no matter how many times they’ve given you an F.”
But as Golden Lace was about to chuckle, she heard the sound of a door knocking loudly.  Lace turned to Cozy Glow and said “Quick, hide.”
Cozy Glow nodded before she jumped off the bed and hid underneath.  Golden Lace readjusted her mane and turned to the door.
“Come in,” Golden Lace said.
The door swung open violently as a pair of students marched in with smirks on their faces and their sight set on Golden Lace.  One student had yellow fur and a pink, short mane, while the other had pink fur with a yellow, long curly mane tied into bon tail.
“Marcie Pan, Fawn Doo,” Golden Lace said nervously.  “How can I help you two?”
“Oh we’re here to remind you that despite you being the daughter of Gold and Silver Banks,” Fawn Doo said.  “You’re nothing special.”
Marcie Pan marched up to the bed and sat right next to Golden Lace.  Her weight was enough to press the bed on Cozy Glow below,
“Urrgh,” Cozy Glow said silently.  “Couldn’t that big butt eat less pastries and more vegetables?”
Golden Lace glanced at Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo before she said “So?  I don’t want anything to do with my folks, especially my mom.”
“Oh that’s right,” Fawn Doo said.  “You despise your own parents.  I thought you looked up to them.”
“I did until a few friends and the Queen of the Hippogriffs told me how wrong my path was,” Golden Lace said.  “And then my own folks showed me their true colors afterwards.”
“Aww that’s too bad,” Marcie Pan said in a sarcastic tone.  “Maybe what you need is to harden your own heart against the friends you had to abandon.”
“I didn’t choose to abandon my friends,” Golden Lace said as she slammed her hoof on the bed.  
“Don’t lie to us,” Marcie Pan said as she placed her hoof on Lace’s chest.  “Deep on the inside, you wanted out from that failing School for Gifted Unicorns and all that mushy pushy Friendship is Magic hogwash.”
“It’s not hogwash,” Golden Lace yelled as she pushed Marcie’s hoof aside.  “I actually wanted to move to La Maresa, only for my mom to force me to move to this horrible school.”
“Actually, she’s right sis,” Fawn Doo said as she took a few steps away from Golden Lace and Marcie Pan.  “I heard that Gold Banks threatened to demonize her own husband on the Stallion News Network, formerly the Horse News network, unless you were transferred to this fabulous establishment.  Silver Banks was forced to back down and allow it to happen.  Poor baby.  Do you miss being able to do what you want?”
Golden Lace jumped off the bed and onto her four hooves.  She marched over to Fawn Doo and yelled out “I MISS THE COMFORT THAT FRIENDS AND REAL FAMILY COULD BRING COMPARED TO THE CRUELTY THAT MY MOTHER SHOWED ME!”
“My my,” Fawn Doo said. “Such a lack of temper.”
“Oh dear sister,” Marcie Pan said as she got off the bed, giving breathing room to Cozy Glow below.  “Seems Golden Lace is not use to these kinds of harsh realities.”
“What exactly are you talking about?” Golden Lace asked as she turned her head towards Marcie Pan.
“Here at Daisy Joy Tech,” Marcie Pan said.  “Friendship is not magic.  Knowledge is real magic.  And testing is the true source of knowledge.”
“You should abandon your friends and harden your heart,” Fawn Doo said.  “You don’t need all that garbage.”
“They’re not garbage,” Golden Lace said.  
“Oh don’t lie to yourself, Lace,” Marcie Pan said.
“Speaking of which,” Fawn Doo said.  “I heard about the results of today’s test.  And from what I understand, you not only got the lowest score on the test, but you also failed.”
“Say what?” Golden Lace’s face went into complete shock as her eyes shrunk down and her jaw dropped to the floor.
“Oh you didn’t get the memo?” Marcie Pan said.  “That was why we came by.  To give you that horrible news.”
“Well anyway, see you around?” Fawn Doo said with a laugh.
And with that, Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo left the room with each of them letting off a sinister and chilling laugh, all while Golden Lace stood there motionless.  As soon as the door closed, Cozy Glow flew right out of the bottom of the bed towards Golden Lace.
“Lace, you okay?” Cozy Glow said as she waved her hoof in front of Golden Lace’s face.
“This….this can’t be true,” Golden Lace said.  “I’ve got to find out.  I need to talk to Mr Starshine.”
With that, Golden Lace opened the door and raced out of her room with Cozy Glow standing there, dumbfounded.
Cozy Glow let out a sigh before she said “I hate it when they put too much pressure on Golden Lace.”  
With that, Cozy Glow flew back to the closet, opened the door, went inside and slammed it shut.

Meanwhile, in Argyle Starshine’s classroom, Argyle waited nervously with a stack of papers next to him.  He tapped his left hoof on the table, keeping his eyes on the doorway leading out.
“The same old dance routine that I have been forcing Golden Lace to go through,” Argyle Starshine said to himself.  “Everytime she believes she’s going to pass the test, and everytime I’m forced to fail her through no fault of her own.”
Immediately, Argyle Starshine picked up the sound of a door slamming open.  He turned to the right to see Golden Lace march in, who was breathing heavily.
“Lace,” Argyle Starshine said.  “I take it you wish to see the results of your test.”
“Yes,” Golden Lace said as she continued to breathe anxiously.  “Tell me the results of my tes.”
Argyle Starshine turned his head away before pulling out a piece of paper and moving it across the desk by the bottom of his hoof.  He lifted his hoof up, allowing Golden Lace to lift the paper with her magic.
“I’m afraid you’re not going to like what you see,” Argyle said.
But as Golden Lace looked at the paper, her eyes began to water as her mouth slumped down into a miserable frown.  On her test paper, there was a big red F at the top with a zero right next to it.
“I…I failed again?” Golden Lace said in a dejected tone as the paper slipped from her hoof down onto the floor.  “But I don’t get it.  This is the twentieth time that I flopped on a test, and I still don’t understand why.”
“Then it’s time you knew the truth,” Argyle Starshine said.  “Even though it will cost me my job.”
“What truth are you talking about?” Golden Lace replied.
Argyle Starshine got up from his seat and walked around the desk towards Golden Lace.  He placed his hoof on his forehead and said “This will cost me my job, but it’s time you knew the truth.  From the very start, Headmistress Honey Twist has been out to make your life miserable.”
Argyle Starshine picked up the test paper with his hoof before placing it on his desk.  Golden Lace looked down at the F on top of the paper, still startled by the grade.
“Truth be told, you actually got all of the answers right,” Argyle Starshine said.  “But the Headmistress demanded that you be given an F for one reason: To satisfy her desire to torment you.”
“What?” Golden Lace said.
“And believe it or not,” Argyle Starshine said as he adjusted his glasses.  “This wasn’t the first test where I was forced to fail you.  With every test you took previously, you got every answer right, and you wrote like you were some kind of scholar from Canterlot.”
“And then this Headmistress decided that I should fail every test I take?” Golden Lace said.
“Yes,” Argyle Starshine said.  “Honey Twist told me if I didn’t keep giving you an F on your tests, I would lose my job.”
Golden Lace snatched the paper from the desk and looked at it with a distaste in her eyes.  She crumbled it up with her magic before tossing it in the trash.  Her eyes looked reddish as she was on the verge of losing her temper.
“If that was the case,” Golden Lace snarled.  “Why did you take up this job in the first place?”
“Because unfortunately,” Argyle said. “This was the only school in Manehattan that was available.”
Lace calmed down as she said in a confused tone “Say what?”
“A few months ago,” Argyle Starshine said in an optimistic tone.  “I graduated from the academy of teachers up north.  I dreamt of wanting to come down to Manehattan to teach younglings willing to grow like a seed wanting to become a flower.  I wanted to pass on my fascination with society, with our history, to a new generation of ponies.”
Argyle’s tone became somber as he added “But when I came down to Manehattan to find my job, I realized a dark truth: Nearly every school in the vicinity was closed down.  The teachers who used to work there were forced to find jobs elsewhere.”
“And how did you find this place?” Golden Lace asked.
“One day, as I lamented the loss of another school,” Argyle said.  “I noticed a flier of some sort right next to my hooves.  I picked it up and it mentioned a newly opened school called ‘Daisy Joy Tech: The Best and Only school meant for Manehattan, and perhaps all of Equestria.’  Having read the information, I felt as if it were the only place I could go to in order to finally get that teaching job.  While it didn’t take me long to get this job, I realized just how awful it has been.”
“I don’t like where this is going,” Golden Lace said.  “But go on.”
“Many of the students just don’t feel compelled to learn,” Argyle said.  “To study.  To grow at all.  They would rather pick on other students and feel superior to them.  To make matters worse, the pay is awful.  Barely enough to support my sisters and my mother.”
“So why not find another job?” Golden Lace asked.
“It’s a lot harder than you realize,” Argyle said as he walked towards his chair and sat down.  “First off, there are reports of teaching jobs across Equestria that are disappearing before our very eyes.  I don’t know what’s going on, even with the School for Gifted Unicorns up in Canterlot.  But more and more teachers are stepping away from their jobs and schools are closing down.  Second off, even finding a job here in Manehattan has become far more difficult.  No one is hiring for any position.  Not even retail or factory work.”
Golden Lace let out a sigh before walking over to Argyle Starshine’s seat and said “I can’t believe what Equestria is turning itself into.  All over the paranoia that sprung from the Grand Gallopin Gala that I had to endure with my friends.”
Argyle placed his hoof on Golden Lace’s shoulder and said “These are trying times.  Don’t lose hope, no matter what.”
“I’ll try,” Golden Lace said.  “But it won’t be easy.”

A few minutes later, Golden Lace stepped out of Argyle Starshine’s class with a defeated look on her face.  She slumped down the hallway, ignoring the other students of the school.  
“All that hard work,” Golden Lace said to herself.  “All that studying, all that cramming, all for nothing.  What am I doing here?  Can’t this day get any worse?”
Suddenly, Golden Lace was hit by a splash of water, scaring the little filly.  She dropped to the ground, soaking wet, all she did was try to blow the front of her mane up.
“Yep,” Golden Lace said.  “It got worse.”
Golden Lace’s ears picked up the sounds of mean-spirited chortles.  She looked up and saw the students around her laughing right at her face.
“Look at the Broken Lace,” one student said.  “She’s all washed up.”
“Yeah,” another student laughed.  “More like a wet dog if I say so myself.”
“This is one of Princess Celestia’s finest students?” a third student laughed.  “What a hasbin.”
The students’ laughter caused Golden Lace to look all around, as if she were on the verge of tears.  She got up and ran off crying as the students continued to break down in hysterics.
“There goes that shadow of her former self,” A fourth student said.  “Maybe she shouldn’t have shown her face anywhere in Equestria.”
“You said it,” a fifth student laughed.
Golden Lace ran as fast as possible down the school halls, crying her eyes out as she tried to ignore the horrible laughter of the mean students.
“I hate them,” Golden Lace said to herself.  “I hate all of them.  I hate what I was before.  I hate my mother the most for putting me in this horrible, horrible place.”
Suddenly, a gush of thick ketchup stopped Golden Lace in her tracks as she was covered in this red, thick tomato sauce.  She wiped the ketchup off her face before she looked up, watching as more students laughed at her.
“I think Broken Lace is seeing red right now,” one of the students teased.
“Yeah,” another said.  “If I were a bull, I would send her flying off the planet with that color.”
As the students continued to laugh at Golden Lace, the ketchup-covered filly got up and ran off again, crying even louder.
But not far from where Golden Lace was humiliated, a middle-aged earth pony with a yellow coat, a grey-whitish pouf mane, and what looks like an expensive business suit, watched over the students’ laughter.
“Ahhh nothing like seeing fresh forms of humiliation in the afternoon,” the pompous pony said.  “It always brings a smile to my face.”
She looked down the hallway and got her eye on Argyle Starshine’s classroom from a distance.
“And I assume Mr Starshine told her the whole truth and nothing but the truth,” the pompous pony said before turning her attention to the opposite side of the hallway.  “Good.  It’s only a matter of time before she makes the biggest mistake of her entire life.  And I welcome it.  So say I, Headmistress Honey Twist.”

Later, in Golden Lace’s dorm, the ketchup-covered filly slammed the door open before shutting it closed.  She ran towards the bathroom area and jumped into the tub before turning on the shower.  Cold water poured from the showerhead, right on Golden Lace’s face, who shivered at the touch of the water.  The sound of the shower was enough to cause Cozy Glow to emerge from the closet and run into the bathroom, where she saw Golden Lace partially covered in ketchup trying to wash it off.
“Lace,” Cozy Glow said.  “What happened?”
Golden Lace looked at Cozy Glow and yelled “THIS HAPPENED!  I THOUGHT GETTING ANOTHER F ON THE TEST WAS BAD ENOUGH!  BUT THIS!  THIS HAS GONE TOO FAR!”
Golden Lace’s words were enough to freak Cozy Glow out, causing the pegasus filly to fly out of the room in fear.  Golden Lace looked on and her tone changed.
“Oh no,” Golden Lace said.  “I did it.  I scared my own friend.”
Immediately, Golden Lace shook the excess water and ketchup off her body, causing quite a mess in the bathroom.  She jumped out of the tub and ran out into her main dorm, where Cozy Glow was backed into a corner, scared half-to-death.
“Cozy,” Golden Lace said.  “I didn’t mean to…”
“Get away,” Cozy Glow yelled.  “You scare me.”
“But I’m serious,” Golden Lace said. “I just got so upset over being humiliated when someone threw ketchup and water at my face, that I took it out on you.  It doesn’t mean I hate you.”
Cozy Glow looked up at Golden Lace, who reached her hoof out with a solemn face.  But as Cozy Glow slowly reached out, she and Lace heard a knock on the door.
“Hide, quickly,” Golden Lace said.
Cozy Glow did nothing but hide underneath the bed once more.  Golden Lace got up and ran towards the door.  But before she could move the knob with her magic, the door slammed open, startling Golden Lace.  Immediately, Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo marched on in.
“Wha…” Golden Lace said.  “What brings you girls in at this time?”
“Oh nothing more,” Fawn Doo said.  “Except the need to Ketchup to what you’ve been up to.”
Golden Lace glared at Fawn Doo and said “Seriously?  Even Danged Spell wasn’t that cruel with his use of puns.”
“Well whoever that Danged Spell is,” Marcie Pan said. “He must sound like a real dork.”
“Yeah,” Fawn Doo said.  “A dork.”
Golden Lace growled at both Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo, causing the two earth pony fillies to just laugh at her.
“Well now,” Marcie Pan said.  “Someone must think she’s a dog.”
“Yeah,” Fawn Doo said.  “Maybe what she needs is a collar and a leash to keep her in control.
But as the two laughed even further, steam began to shoot from Golden Lace’s ears.
“You two better watch yourself,” Golden Lace said.  “I happen to be one of those unicorns in possession of the Wolf’s Breath Curse, and I’m not afraid to use it.”
“Is that so?” Marcie Pan said.  “Are you going to huff and puff and blow our houses down?”
“Or maybe she’s gonna eat us,” Fawn Doo laughed.
“In that case,” Marcie Pan said with a laugh.  “We better make like a pig and run for it.”
With that, Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo stepped outside the dorm room, laughing as loudly as possible.  Golden Lace then held the back of the door with her hoof and slammed it shut in a huff.
“I HATE THIS SCHOOL!”  Golden Lace yelled.   “I HATE THESE SOCIOPATHS!”
As Golden Lace stood there, breathing like an angry dragon, Cozy Glow flew out from out of the bed in a hurry, dashing towards Golden Lace.
“Lace,” Cozy Glow said.  “They’re gone for now.  It’s okay.”
Golden Lace slumped over to her bed as she said “No.  It’s not.  Mom’s punishing me for being nice to Wanda and her friends by making me stay at this school for who knows how long with a bunch of sadistic students.  The fact that the Headmare is forcing the teachers to fail me at every test on purpose makes this even worse.”
“Well why don’t you consider running away?” Cozy Glow asked.
“I wish I could,” Golden Lace said before she sat on her bed.  “But these guys are like a hawk when it comes to sneaking in and out.  Though I’m still surprised that you were able to sneak into the school.”
“I’ll have to be honest,” Cozy Glow said.  “I was rather surprised to even break into the school just to keep an eye on you.  Though on the flip side, I would be surprised if they didn’t expel you for something cruel.”
Golden Lace’s eyes lit up as her frown turned into a smile.  She turned to Cozy Glow and said “That’s it.  I’ll figure out a way to get myself expelled from this horrible school.  And I know just what to do.”
Lace got up on her four hooves and walked over to her computer desk.  She pulled open a drawer and pulled out a book called ‘Rules and Policy of Daisy Joy Tech.’
“What are you doing?” Cozy Glow said in a worrisome tone.
Golden Lace flipped over the book and began to scan through the various pages as she said “If there’s one thing Daisy Joy Tech prides itself on, it’s the mascot of this stupid building.  And you know what happens when you do just that.”
Before Cozy Glow could say anything, Golden Lace held an open part of the book in the pegasus filly’s face.  Cozy Glow took a look at it before shifting her eyes back towards Golden Lace.
“Vandalizing the statue of Daisy Joy the Elephant is punishable by immediate expulsion?  No excuses?” Cozy Glow said in a cold tone.
“So here’s the plan,” Golden Lace said.  “That night while everyone is sleeping, I am going to sneak out onto the front part of this lousy school, take as much ketchup as I can, and spray that elephant as good as possible.  My goal is to get caught by the guards for my little stunt, and once I confess to Headmare Honey Twist, she’ll kick me out and I’ll finally be free.”
“As much as this plan sounds devious,” Cozy Glow said.  “I do worry about your sanity.”
“Oh relax, Cozy,” Golden Lace said as she opened her closet and pulled out a mini fridge.  “I have this in the bag.”
Golden Lace opened the mini fridge and pulled out a large bottle of ketchup.  She opened the container and looked inside before smiling evily.
“More than enough to cover that pachyderm,” Golden Lace said.  “Now all we need to do is wait until the curfew hour.  And then, I strike.”
As Golden Lace laughed like a maniac, Cozy Glow just looked at her with a complete deadtone.
“I wonder if it's too late for me to join the Windigo’s Guild?” Cozy Glow said to herself.  “Or Queen Chrysalis’ Changelings?  Or even find a new friend in Tartarus?”


	To Be Continued in…


	Truth and Consequences

> Arc 3-2: Truth and Consequences
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Truth and Consequences



It was late that night at the outskirts of Daisy Joy Tech.  Every pony was sound asleep in their dorms, with the exception of a few guards that patrolled the outer fields of the school for anyone who tried to break in or escape.  
Deep within the halls of the dorms, Golden Lace snuck through with a saddlebag on her back.  A bottle of ketchup peaked out from inside the bag.  Lace’s footsteps are fast, but quiet as she made her way down the hallway.
But as Golden Lace made her way up to the door leading outside, she turned to her left and saw a window with its latch in the locked position.  Golden Lace’s horn glowed brightly as she undid the lock of the latch before pushing it open with her magic.  She jumped onto the top of the lockers before making her way out the window.
Outside, Golden Lace pulled herself out of the window and on the roof of the student dorm building.  She checked the inside of her bag before taking a few steps to the edge of the roof.  Lace looked down and saw the guards making their rounds in the garden area of Daisy Joy Tech.
“Wow,” Golden Lace said to herself.  “Those guards take their duties more seriously than the teachers.  Makes me wonder how Cozy Glow was able to sneak in without being detected.”
Golden Lace snuck across the roof of the building, with each hoof step as quietly as possible.  She kept her eyes out in front of her along with the guards below, hoping not to attract their attention for the moment.  She scanned her eyes around the front garden of the school.
“No sign of that elephant status,” Golden Lace said to herself.  “Not yet.  But if I know how pridefully they take their mascot, they stick it near the entrance of this blasted school.”
Immediately, Golden Lace jumped right behind a portion of a building and looked from behind the corner.  A spotlight moved through the roof of the building, scanning for any intruders or escapees.  Golden Lace kept herself hidden as the spotlight moved through.
“I gotta be careful until the very end,” Golden Lace said.  “If I want this expulsion, I have to avoid being detected until that final moment.”
As soon as the spotlight moved away from the area near Golden Lace’s position, the filly jumped out of the corner and dashed forward once more.
“That’s just one of many spotlights of this blasted institute,” Golden Lace said to herself.  “If I remember correctly, there are a total of four in the front area.”
Golden Lace looked forward, where she saw the spotlight emitter right in front of her.  Lace jumped right behind the platform where the spotlight stood, with the operator of the light unaware of her presence.  Golden Lace looked up at the pony operator scanning the bottom area.
“This has got to be the worst job to get in this blasted city,” the operator said to himself.  “I was hoping to be a teacher for the students, and instead they assigned me this borefest.”
Golden Lace snuck off from behind the operator.  But before she took off, she whispered to herself “I’m starting to feel sorry for some of these workers.  It’s as if we share a similar misery even though we’re different.”
Golden Lace shifted her head to her right, where she continued to scan the garden area where guards continued to patrol the area.  
“I should be getting close to the entrance,” Golden Lace said.  “Once I vandalize that statue, the headmare will have no choice but to kick me out.”
Golden Lace looked up ahead to see the entrance of the school shut tight, with a number of guards standing in front.  She quickly hid behind another building corner before looking over the wall.
“Look at all those guards,” Golden Lace said, looking down at the ground that is surrounded by the city of Manehattan from behind the wall. “They take escapees seriously.  I try to go out this way and I will be ”
Golden Lace turned her head away from the wall before turning it towards the garden.  She scanned the area, spotting a few guards and plants before her eyes saw a giant, golden statue of a cute Elephant wearing a skirt and holding a flower in the air.  On the base of the statue was a plaque that said “Knowledge and Logic are your only friends.”
“That’s it,” Golden Lace said.  “That’s the statue that this school takes pride in.  From what I understand, there should be magical sensors built into the statue that detects any form of vandalism.  All I gotta do is spray that statue down with the ketchup as much as possible.  Once the guards come by, I’ll surrender myself and await my expulsion.”
Golden Lace threw down her saddle bags and opened it up.  She pulled out a total of five ketchup bottles from the bag with her magic and proceeded to open the tops.  Then she turned her attention towards the statue. 
“I’m really nervous about doing this,” Golden Lace said to herself. “But at least Cozy Glow was able to steal these bottles from the other students as an act of revenge for that humiliation I went through.  Time to put this to good use.”
Golden Lace looked at the spotlight that shifted back and forth at the front of the statue.  She shifted her eyes at the guards positioned at the gate, who looked half-asleep.  Golden Lace took a deep breath and backed herself up.
“This is it,” Golden Lace said.  “My freedom awaits.”
Golden Lace ran as fast as she could and jumped off the roof.  She landed in the bushes below, startling a guard nearby.
“What was that?” the guard said, taking notice of the movement of Golden Lace and the rustling of the bushes.
The guard marched forward, holding a prod in front with his right arm.  He slowly approached the bush, nervously pointing the prod at the greenery.
“Whoever you are,” the guard said.  “Come on out.  We have you surrounded.”
But just as the guard inched closer, Golden Lace leaped out and squirted ketchup in the guard’s face, blinding him and causing him to drop his prod.  Lace picked up the prod with her magic and made a run for it while also levitating the ketchup bottles.
“AHHH!” The guard screamed.  “I’VE BEEN KETCHUPED! SOUND THE ALARM!”
Immediately, the alarm went off, causing Golden Lace to jump into another bush.  She kept her eyes focused on the guards while she kept the prod and the ketchup bottles next to her.  Lace watched as the guards marched past her all the way to the downed guard.
“That was close,” Golden Lace whispered.  “No way am I ready to be nabbed yet.”
Suddenly, Golden Lace felt two arms grab her unexpectedly, lifing her out of the bush.  She looked up and saw another guard holding onto her.
“I GOT AN ESCAPEE!” The guard yelled.
“LET ME GO YOU CREEP!” Golden Lace said before she lifted the stolen prod with her magic and smacked the guard in the face.
“AHHH!” The guard yelled as he dropped Golden Lace from his arms and held his face in agony.  
Immediately, Golden Lace grabbed the ketchup bottles and the prod with her magic before running off.  The sound of the guard’s scream caused the other guards to turn towards Golden Lace.
“THERE’S THE RUNAWAY!” One of the Guards yelled.  “GET EM!”
The guards chased after Golden Lace, pointing their prods right at the filly.  Lace turned around to see the guards chasing her before turning right back and focusing on the statue.
“Come on,” Golden Lace said.  “Almost there.”
Lace immediately turned to her right to see another guard running right towards her.  With a mighty leap and the magic in her horn transferring into her body, she jumped into the air, dodging the guard before it could grab her.  She landed on the ground and ran off with the guard in hot pursuit.
“That was close,” Lace said to herself.
Lace saw the statue of Daisy Joy the Elephant.  Looking around, there were a few guards heading right towards her.
“Give it up,” one of the guards yelled.  “You’re surrounded.”
“Not yet,” Lace said to herself.
Immediately, Lace charged up her horn once more, causing some of the guards to back off a bit.
“She’s gonna blast us,” one of the guards yelled in fear.
But instead of firing off a blast, the magic infused into her body once more, causing Golden Lace to leap upwards with an impressive two stories tall jump.  The guards just looked up, watching Golden Lace leap into the air.
“That pony is amazing,” One of the guards said.
“Yeah,” another said.  “But if she leaped over that wall, the others will be there to catch her.”
But as they saw Golden Lace fly into the air, the filly landed on top of the Daisy Joy Statue, holding the ketchup bottles in the air with her magic before throwing the prod away.
“What do you think she’s gonna do?” One of the guards said.
“I don’t like where this is going,” Another guard said.
Immediately, a guard with a megaphone pointed it at Golden Lace and said “You are surrounded.  Drop whatever you have and surrender.  There is no escape.”
Golden Lace lit up her horn before transferring the magic into her throat.  Then she yelled “Not until you see your precious mascot get what I got early ago.”
Golden Lace held the ketchup bottles in the air, pointing them right at the face of the Daisy Joy Elephant statue’s face.  The guards looked up as if they’re about to freak out.
“DON’T DO IT!” the guard with the megaphone yelled in terror.  “DON’T VIOLATE THAT STATUE.  YOU DON’T KNOW WHAT CONSEQUENCES YOU WILL BRING IF YOU DO THAT!”
Golden Lace looked down at the guards and yelled “ACTUALLY, I DO!”
And with that, Golden Lace used her magic to squeeze out every ounce of ketchup from the bottles, covering the upper part of the statue in the thick sauce.  Every guard in the vicinity yelled in horror as an even louder alarm went off.
“YOU KNOW WHAT YOU JUST DID?” one of the guards yelled.  “NOW WE’RE ALL GOING TO BE IN TROUBLE!”
“Exactly,” Golden Lace said as she emptied the ketchup bottles and threw them away.  “That was the plan all along.”
Immediately, the guards ran around like a bunch of crazed maniacs as the second alarm echoed through the school.  One of them ran into the other, knocking the prods out of their hooves and sending it flying right at the legs of the statue, tipping it towards its back.
“I think I overdid it,” Golden Lace said as she felt the statue fall back.  “But at least it was worth it.”
Immediately, Golden Lace jumped off the statue as it fell back and landed with a loud thud on the ground.  Lace landed in the middle of the garden, watching as the guards continued to freak out.
“These are the toughest stallions to patrol this school?” Golden Lace said with a disappointed tone.  “I’ve seen changelings that had better bite in their teeth.”
As the guards continued to flail around like a bunch of scared children, the loud roar of someone yelling “ENOUGH” echoed through the air, causing the guards to come to a half before they lined up nervously.  Golden Lace turned around to see Headmare Honey Twist and a number of administrators approached her.
Immediately, Golden Lace held her hooves in the air and said “I surrender.”
Headmare Honey Twist stared down at Golden Lace and said “I will deal with you in a second.  For now, the guards must be taught a lesson in failure.”
The two administrators grabbed Golden Lace and held her arms behind her before binding her hooves with handcuffs.  Honey Twist looked down at the guards with total disdain.
“Look at you,” Honey Twist said in a scolding tone.  “You’ve failed in your duties to keep the peace of this school, and you allowed a juvenile delinquent to besmirch the sacred statue of Daisy Joy the Elephant.”
“But how were we supposed to know she was going to do that?” One of the guards said.  “We assumed her to be an escapee.”
“No excuses,” Honey Twist said.  “All of you will now clean that statue off and place it back on the pedestal.  I will withhold all of your meals until further notice.  Do I make myself clear?”
“Y…yes my lady,” One of the guards said as he bowed before Honey Twist.
Another Guard rose up and said “You heard lady Honey Twist.  Get that statue cleaned off and get it back on the pedestal.”
As the guards began to march towards the downed statue of Daisy Joy the Elephant, Headmare Honey Twist marched towards Golden Lace, who just glared up at the headmare with a cold stare.
“Tell me,” Honey Twist said in a cold tone. “Why did you vandalize my precious statue?”
“I WAS SICK AND TIRED OF BEING TREATED LIKE A TARGET!”  Golden Lace yelled.  “I was tired of all those students making me look like some kind of clown, and I was tired of all the Fs I’ve been getting since I first stepped hoof in his awful school.  So I did it.  I sabotaged that statue as a way to let my anger out.  There, satisfied?”
Honey Twist looked at Golden Lace with a cold tone before lifting her head up and laughing out loud, confusing the little filly.
“What’s so funny?”  Golden Lace said.
Honey Twist was able to contain her own laughter before she said in a more satisfied tone “Truth be told, I was hoping you would pull a stunt like that.”
“What did you say?” Golden Lace said as her face was a bit surprised.
Honey Twist turned to one of the administrators and nodded her head.  Immediately, the administrator tapped a button on her collar and said “Bring him out.”  Golden Lace looked at the front gate as two more administrators dragged Argyle Starshine from the door.  The teacher was held at the end of a leash by his chest.
“MR STARSHINE,” Golden Lace yelled.
“I’m sorry, my faithful student,” Argyle Starshine said.  “But they were on to me and they wanted to lure you into a trap.”
“A trap?” Lace said before she turned her head towards Honey Twist.
“That’s right,” Honey Twist said.  “First I had to trick Argyle Starshine into confessing my plan to you, giving you an F on every test possible, no matter how well you did.  Even if you got all the answers right.  Your mother, Gold Banks, wanted you to be humiliated after you chose to disobey her and side with those foolish friends back in Canterlot.”
“Even if they are foolish,” Golden Lace said.  “At least they’re not monsters like you.”
Honey Twist shut Lace’s jaw gently before she said “Tis better to be a monster than a fool, Miss Lace.  And furthermore, the reason why I tricked Argyle Starshine in confessing what I’m doing to you was simply put: to trick you into pulling a stunt that would get you expelled, such as knocking down my statue.”
“That you have right,” Golden Lace said.  “I did knock down and vandalize that statue.  I read your rulebook and I know I violated that rule.  Therefore, according to the rules, I am to be expelled from this school, shunned by the communities around me.”
Honey Twist laughed before she said “Except there’s one detail you missed.  I lied.”
“You what?” Golden Lace said.
“I lied about the punishment,” Honey Twist said with a delightful tone.  “About your expulsion.  It was all a trap to see who would be foolish to pull a stunt, expecting to be kicked out.  Oh no.  Expulsion is too good for you.  I have a more suitable punishment for you and for Argyle Starshine.”
“YOU TRICKED ME!” Golden Lace yelled as the Administrators held her right.
Honey Twist walked up to the administrator and said “Take her and Argyle Starshine to the kitchen area.  They will both wash the pots, pans and dishes all night.  And find the rogue daughter of Creme Dream.  She’s in this school.”
Golden Lace paused for a moment upon hearing the words that came from Honey Twist.  She looked up at the headmare and said “You know of Cozy Glow?”
“Oh we’ve known you had Cozy Glow smuggled in this school for quite some time,” Honey Twist said.  “But don’t worry.  You will reunite with her shortly.”
WIth that, the administrators dragged Golden Lace and Argyle Starshine away from Honey Twist, all while the sadistic administrator turned to the guards struggling to lift the statue back up.
“So much pain, so much suffering,” Honey Twist said.  “And now, I am most pleased.”

Later that night, Argyle Starshine and Golden Lace were locked away in the kitchen area, scrubbing down the dishes, pots and pans in the vicinity.  Lace looked dejected, all while Argyle Starshine just looked at her with a hint of concern.
“I’m sorry this happened, Lace,” Argyle Starshine said.  “It’s all my fault.”
“No,” Lace said as a tear fell from her eye.  “We were all deceived by that monster Honey Twist, tricked into pulling that stunt just for her own amusement.  And now, the taste of freedom by expulsion was an illusion that lead us to this torture.”
“It’s not the first time I was locked away here,” Argyle Starshine said.  “One week ago, I was locked away here just because I was visiting a relative due to someone close to her passing away.”
“That’s sick,” Golden Lace said.
“She wouldn’t let me leave to attend the funeral,” Argyle Starshine said.  “So after I chose not to return here, risking a termination, she pulled me away after the funeral and locked me here for forty eight hours. Afterwards, I was forbidden from leaving the school grounds until further notice.”
“And now we have to suffer together,” Lace said as she placed the clean plate atop a pile of clean plates.
“Even worse,” Argyle Starshine said.  “I fear for your friend.  Cozy Glow, was it?”
“Yes,” Lace said.  “Magistrate Creme Dream’s least favorite daughter who is now a friend of mine.  I fear someone may have taken her and is doing horrible things.”
Suddenly, they heard the sound of metal clanging in the walls.
“Or maybe not,” Argyle Starshine said
Argyle Starshine turned towards a vent covering before grabbing it with his hooves.  He pulled hard enough to pry it free.  As soon as he did, Cozy Glow came tumbling down from the vent.
“Cozy,” Golden Lace said in a happy tone as she grabbed Cozy and gave her a hug.  “You’re alright.”
“Of course I am,” Cozy Glow said.  “What are friends for?”
“You must be Cozy Glow,” Argyle Starshine said, holding his hoof out.  “I am Argyle Starshine, Golden Lace’s teacher.”
Cozy Glow reached out and shook Argyle’s hoof and said “Nice to meet you as well.”
“But tell me,” Argyle said.  “How did you avoid detection?”
Cozy Glow released her hold on Argyle’s hoof and said “Believe it or not, I followed Golden Lace from right behind when she least expected it.  I wanted to see if she would pull that stunt off and get herself expelled, all while I stayed hidden away from prying eyes.”
“I didn’t know,” Golden Lace said.
“But when I saw Honey Twist arrest you and heard what she said,” Cozy Glow said,  “I began to freak out.  I had to hide away in the vents of the school, hoping to avoid any detection.”
“And they never expected to see you?” Golden Lace said.
“No,” Cozy Glow said.  “In fact, I was surprised there were so few guards that were looking for me, especially after I saw their punishment for failing to stop you from vandalizing the statue.  And furthermore, I felt sorry for them.”
“I hate to say it as well,” Golden Lace said.  “But so did I.  They may have been the ones who wanted to impede my progress, but even they didn’t deserve that kind of treatment.”
Argyle Starshine placed his arm around Golden Lace and said “You have a wonderful friend, Golden Lace.  And I believe Princess Celestia once said that Friendship is Magic.”
“It is,” Lace said.  “But I’m afraid for Cozy Glow’s well-being.  Once the Headmare finds out where she is, I may lose her for good.  If there was a way to smuggle her out.”
Immediately, Lace heard someone calling her name.  She turned to her left to see a portal form in the kitchen, with Princess Luna walking in.
“Princess Luna,” Golden Lace said with her face beaming.
Golden Lace and Cozy Glow let go of each other before the two ran up and gave Princess Luna a big hug.  Argyle Starshine got up, took off his glasses and wiped them with a handkerchief before putting them back on.
“It’s great to see you again, Princess Luna,” Golden Lace said.
“The feeling is mutual,” Princess Luna said with a warm tone from her voice.  “I’m sorry that you had to go through all this madness.”
“But how did you know I was going to be here?” Golden Lace said.
“Prior to your departure from Canterlot,” Princess Luna said.  “Princess Celestia placed a spell on you. It allowed us to know where you were so we would come to visit every once in a while.  A shame that it had to be on such dreary notice.”
“Dreary is an understatement, Miss Woona,” Cozy Glow said.  “Golden Lace and her teacher were forced to wash every dish, pot and pan in this room as punishment for Lace’s attempt at expulsion.”
Princess Luna let out a sigh and said “Lying about a punishment just to lure anxious ponies into a trap.  Well, let's see her go through this lie.”
Princess Luna lit up her horn and emitted a light from it, covering the room with the bright light.  When it disappeared, every dish, pot and pan in the room was sparkling clean.  Argyle Starshine, Golden Lace and Cozy Glow looked around, amazed by the results.
“My word,” Argyle Starshime said.  “So this is the true power of the alicorns.”
“Only a fraction of it Mr…” Luna said.
“Starshine,” Argyle said.  “Argyle Starshine, at your service.”
Luna nodded to Argyle Starshine before turning to Golden Lace and said “By the way, Miss Lace.  There is someone who wants to see you.”
Princess Luna stepped aside from the portal, causing Golden Lace to tear up.  Emerging from the portal was none other than Silver Banks.
“Daddy?” Golden Lace said.
“I never thought I would say this,” Silver Banks said.  “But it is good to see you, my daughter.”
Silver Banks held his arms out as Golden Lace ran up and gave him a hug.”
“I am terribly sorry for all the horrible things I’ve done to you,” Silver Banks said. “The abuse, the mean words that I cannot take back.  Even if you don’t forgive me, what matters is seeing your face again once more.”
“I’m just glad to see you again, Daddy,” Golden Lace said.
Golden Lace looked up at Silver Banks as the two shed tears from their eyes.
“My only regret was allowing you to attend this horrible school,” Silver Banks said.  I should have taken the fall and become a pariah for your sake, maybe let you stay with Princess Celestia so that you would be safe.”
“Daddy,” Golden Lace said.  “I know why mom forced you to do this.  But truth be told, it wasn’t just you that she would ridicule.  It would have been me, and my friends.  Especially Princess Wanda and Princess Sunset Shimmer.  And especially Cozy Glow.”
Princess Luna walked up to Golden Lace and said “Speaking of which, it’s time you knew of Cozy Glow’s little secret.”
“Secret?” Golden Lace said as she turned to Cozy Glow.
The pegasus filly flew up to Golden Lace and said “Truth be told, I’m not a Pegasus despite my appearance.”
“Wait,” Golden Lace said.  “You’re not telling me that you’re…”
Cozy Glow held the front of her mane back, revealing a unicorn horn on her forehead.
“Yes,” Cozy Glow said.  “I’m an alicorn like Princess Luna.”’
“My word,” Argyle Starshine said.  “I didn’t know that you’re an alicorn like Princess Luna.”
“I only kept this secret because of my shame with my own mother,” Cozy Glow said.  “And my sister Majesty.  I was treated like dirt when it came to Magistrate Creme Dream.  But she treated Majesty as if she were a favorite while I was undesirable to her.”
Lace’s face turned into a sad frown as she turned towards Luna before she said “Princess Luna, I wish for you to take Cozy Glow away from this school.”
“Lace,” Luna said with a bit of a surprise.  “I didn’t expect you to say that.”
“Unfortunately, I am not safe here,” Cozy Glow said.  “The school is aware of my presence and is now hunting me down.  I don’t know what would happen if I were detected.  Lace is right.  I must leave this school for my own sake.”
“Poor daughter of Creme Dream,” Silver Banks said.  “You don’t deserve to be in this predicament.”
Luna nodded and said “Very well.  Cozy Glow, when we depart, you will accompany us.  Are you sure of this?”
“I am,” Cozy Glow said before turning to Golden Lace.  “But I will miss my bestest best friend.”
Silver Banks placed Golden Lace on the floor as Cozy Glow flew up and gave her friend a big hug.
“And I will miss you too,” Golden Lace said.  “My alicorn friend.  It’s too bad I can’t go with you.  My mother would freak out and turn the Princesses into instant Pariahs the moment I was in their vicinity.”
Argyle Starshine walked up to Silver Banks and said “Mr Banks.  I would be honored to look after your daughter even further.”
“Make it so,” Silver Banks said in a somber tone.  “Keep her happy in this dreary place, no matter what.”
“It shall be done,” Argyle Starshine said.
As Golden Lace gave Cozy Glow one last hug, Princess Luna walked up to Lace and said “We will try to pay a visit every once in a while to keep your spirits high.  And should they disable your magic beacon, we’ll be ready.”
“You think so?” Golden Lace said.  
“I know so,” Princess Luna said.  “The moment that magic beacon is removed, we will be alerted to it and we will make our move. But for now, it’s safe within you, and we will come to you when needed.  Never forget that.”
“Princess Luna,” Golden Lace said.  “I won’t.”
With that, Princess Luna hugged both Golden Lace and Cozy Glow as Argyle Starshine and Silver Banks watched with warm smiles on their faces.
“One day, my daughter,” Silver Banks said.  “You will be free as a bird.  And you will know happiness once more.  I promise you that.”


	To Be Continued in…


	Arc 4: Cozy Glow’’s new home


	Far From Her Friend.

> Arc 4(Cozy Glow's New Home): Far From her Friend
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Arc 4: Cozy Glow’s New Home


Far From Her Friend



It was the middle of the night at Canterlot Castle.  A portal opened up before Princess Luna and Cozy Glow stepped out.  As soon as they were on the castle floor, the portal disappeared.
“So how will Mr Banks handle not having his daughter and my friend Golden Lace?” Cozy Glow asked.
“Silver Banks, despite his stubbornness,” Princess Luna said. “Has a heart of gold.  He’s been rediscovering that heart since Golden Lace saw the error of her ways.  But his own wife Gold Banks, as mean spirited as she is, did everything in her power to keep Silver Banks in check.  As much as I hate to say this, Gold Banks is the real problem when it comes to the Banks family.”
“And poor Lace had to be put through the ringer just because that mean ol Gold Banks wanted it,” Cozy Glow said.
But before Luna could say anything, she overheard the sound of Princess Celestia saying “Luna, are you back already?”  Luna turned to see Princess Celestia walk in levitating a candle with her horn.
“Yes I am, sister,” Luna said. “And we have someone brought in from Daisy Joy Tech.”
Princess Celestia looked down to see Cozy Glow hide behind Princess Luna.  Celestia’s eyes popped open a bit as she walked towards the filly.
“Cozy Glow,” Princess Celestia said.  “I didn’t expect you to be here at this time of night.”
But before Cozy Glow could open her mouth, Luna said “She smuggled herself into the school just to keep an eye on Golden Lace.  But when I found out that the Headmare was on to her, Lace suggested that I take Cozy out of the school just to keep her safe.”
Celestia lowered herself down to Cozy Glow’s level and said “That was a dangerous thing to do.  But at the same time, it’s understandable.”
“Oh?” Cozy asked.
“You’re willing to do that for a friend,” Celestia said.  “To ensure that she’s safe and happy.  But it seems at Daisy Joy Tech, friendship is not allowed there.”
“Anyway,” Princess Luna said.  “It’s very late.  So I think it’s time we all went to bed.”
“Oooh,” Cozy Glow said.  “Maybe I can greet Wanda and Sunset.”
“Actually,” Princess Celestia said. “I would like for you to sleep with us tonight.  I want to keep this a secret from Wanda and Sunset until they get home from school tomorrow.”
Aww,” Cozy Glow said as she slumped down in a disappointed look.
“Don’t worry,” Luna said. “When they see you, they will be excited.”
“But for now, come with me,” Celestia said as she walked down the hallway.
Princess Luna and Cozy Glow followed Princess Celestia down the hallway towards the royal bedroom.  Cozy Glow turned towards Princess Luna with a solemn look on her face.
“What about my mother Creme Dream?” Cozy Glow asked.  “I’m worried that she could find out.”
“We’re fully aware of how Creme Dream treats you, Cozy Glow,” Luna said.  “So don’t you worry.  We will keep you safe and protected.”
And with that, Celestia, Luna and Cozy Glow walked into the royal bedroom as the night continued on through Equestria.

But later that night, Cozy Glow was fast asleep right next to Princess Luna.  Despite that, her face began to twitch as if she were suffering in a way.  In a flash of light, Cozy Glow was now in the middle of a dark and dreary field, running away as fast as possible.
“Don’t get near me,” Cozy Glow yelled.  “I don’t want anything to do with you.”
“Oh but I want everything to do with you, my daughter,” a voice said echoing through the void.  “After all, you’re nothing more than a major disappointment in my family.”
“How am I a disappointment to you?” Cozy Glow cried as she continued to run.  “I didn’t do anything wrong.”
Just then, Cozy Glow ran into the leg of a pony, knocking her to the ground.  She shook her head and looked up to see Magistrate Creme Dream look down at her.
“It’s because of who you are,” Creme Dream said.  “A failure.  A fraud.  Nothing more than a pony who’s not worthy of even being a pony, let alone an Alicorn.”
Cozy Glow picked herself up and began to back away.  She stared in fear at Magistrate Creme Dream and said “Then maybe I don’t want anything to do with you.”
Suddenly, Cozy Glow was grabbed by a pair of arms.  She looked up to see Majesty hold her close, causing the curly-maned alicorn filly to scream
“LET ME GO!” Cozy Glow yelled.  “I DON’T WANT ANYTHING TO DO WITH YOU!”
“Quit being such a crybaby, sister,” Majesty gloated.  “After all, you’re not the favorite of mommy dearest.”
Majesty held a struggling Cozy Glow tightly as Magistrate Creme Dream marched closer and closer towards the curly-maned filly.  Cozy Glow looked up at her mother, looking like she’s on the verge of breaking down.  
“Do not worry,” Magistrate Creme Dream said as she pointed her glowing horn at Cozy Glow.  “This won’t hurt a bit.”
But as Cozy Glow held her head away from Magistrate Creme Dream, she overheard some pony call her name out.  Immediately, a flash of light emitted in the room, causing both Creme Dream and Majesty to disappear in a puff of colored smoke. Cozy Glow fell on her tummy, confused by everything that transpired around her.
“What’s going on?” Cozy Glow said as she got up.
Cozy Glow looked in front of her to see Princess Luna approach the filly with a warm smile.
“Do not worry, Cozy Glow,” Princess Luna said.  “I have ended your nightmare for the time being.”
“My nightmare?” Cozy Glow said.
“Unfortunately, it’s as I feared,” Princess Luna said. “I have received rumors about you being neglected by Magistrate Creme Dream and your sister Majesty.  And sadly, the dream world tells harsh truths about the very ponies, and this is no exception.”
Cozy Glow just turned her head back in shame, dropping a single tear from her eye.  Luna placed her hoof on Cozy Glow’s face cheek, causing the pony to look up at her.
“You’ve suffered for a long time, Cozy Glow,” Princess Luna said.  “Here.  I will turn your nightmare into a pleasant dream so that you can heal from your emotional wounds.”
With a flick of Princess Luna’s magic, the environment transformed from a barren and cold place to the middle of the School for Gifted Unicorns.  Cozy Glow’s face turned to amazement as she looked around her dream.
“It’s beautiful,” Cozy Glow said.
“Yes it is,” Princess Luna said.  “But it is just the beginning.  For the next few nights, I plan on introducing a dream therapy to help you cope with your own stress and abuse.  And to get you started, there is one pony that will visit you.”
Princess Luna pointed her horn at the nearby door and fired off a blast of magic.  When that door opened, Golden Lace emerged from it.  She looked completely surprised at the presence around her.
“One more I drifted into dreamland after Princess Luna helped out with those dishes for me and Argyle Starshine,” Golden Lace said.  “The next moment I’m here.”
“And with good reason,” Luna said to Golden Lace.  “You’re here to see a familiar face.”
Golden Lace looked at Cozy Glow, who just stood there in the middle of the field with a surprised look on her face.
“Cozy?” Golden Lace said as she ran up to her friend.  “Is that you?”
“It is,” Cozy Glow said. “But how did you know I was here?”
“It is because of my ability as a dream walker,” Princess Luna said.  “Not only can I look into the dreams of individuals, but I can also reunite them within the dream world.  Here, you little ones will be safe from the dangers of the waking world.”
With that, Cozy Glow reached up to Golden Lace and gave her a big hug.
“So does that mean we can see each other again in the dream world?” Cozy Glow asked.
“If what Luna said is true,” Golden Lace said.  “Then yes.  I’m glad to be by your side once more.”
Princess Luna laughed as she approached both Cozy Glow and Golden Lace.
“Well,” Luna said.  “While this dream is but a small taste of what’s to come, I will leave you two to talk once more before you wake up.”
“Thanks Princess Luna,” Cozy Glow said.  “Even though I know this is a dream, it feels so real.”
“And that, my dear Cozy Glow,” Luna said.  “Is the power of dreams in Equestria.”

The next morning, Cozy Glow lay asleep in Princess Luna’s bed.  Other than the little filly, there was not a soul within the vicinity.  The only sounds were the birds chirping outside.  Cozy Glow opened her eyes before she got up and yawned.
“Wow,” Cozy Glow said.  “Did I oversleep?  I think seeing Golden Lace again in my dreams must have done it in.  I hope she’ll be okay without me.”
Immediately, Cozy Glow jumped out of bed and walked up to the mirror.  As she observed herself in her reflection, she noticed how messy her mane was and how her alicorn horn was exposed.
“Yuck,” Cozy Glow said to herself.  “This will not do.”
Cozy Glow’s horn glowed brightly as its magical aura surrounded her mane.  With a quick poof, Cozy Glow’s mane was as curly as it was before, covering up her alicorn horn completely.
“There,” Cozy Glow said as she touched her mane with her hooves.  “Much better.  I may not like using alicorn magic in front of others.  But at least I can find ways to put it to good use.”
Cozy Glow stepped away from the mirror and walked towards the entrance of the royal bedroom.  She looked a bit confident, but also a bit worried.
“I wonder what Golden Lace is doing now that I no longer see her at Daisy Joy Tech,” Cozy Glow said to herself.  “I sure hope she’ll be alright.”
Cozy Glow stepped outside the room and walked down the hallway.  But she suddenly came to a stop as she saw Majordomo Kibitz walk towards her.
“Excuse me, Miss Glow,” Kibitz yelled out to her.  “Majordomo Kibitz at your service.”
“Err, uhh,” Cozy Glow said in an odd tone.  “Nice to meet you.”
“Princess Celestia instructed me to look at you during her time at the School for Gifted Unicorns,” The Majordomo said.  “She will be back in the afternoon.”
“Well where’s Princess Luna and Cadance?” Cozy Glow asked.  “And Wanda and Sunset?”
“They are unfortunately also at the school,” Majordomo Kibitz replied. 
“Well nuts,” Cozy Glow said.  “Guess it’s going to be awhile before I can see Wanda and Sunset again.”
“Do not worry,” Kibitz said.  “I will keep you entertained until the Princesses return.  First, I believe you are due for breakfast, and I know just the thing.  Follow me.”
Kibitz immediately turned around and walked down the hallway.  Cozy Glow followed from behind, curious by Kibitz’s words.
“By the way, young lady,” Kibitz said.  “Do you like pancakes?”
“Oh I do love pancakes,” Cozy Glow said.  “But I haven’t had them in a long time.”
“Then what kind of pancakes do you enjoy?” Kibitz asked. “Strawberry?  Blueberry?  Chocolate chip?  Or do you like Banana?”
Cozy Glow smiled and said “I wouldn’t mind a mix of Chocolate Chip and Banana.”
“Excellent choice,” Kibitz said.

A bit later in the day, Cozy Glow was sitting at the table, enjoying a plate of scrumptious chocolate chip banana pancakes while Majordomo Kibitz sat next to her, enjoying a plate of buckwheat vanilla pancakes.
“So,” Cozy Glow said after swallowing a piece of pancake.  “How long have you been serving Princess Celestia and Princess Luna?”
“A long time since my uncle passed away,” Kibitz said.  “He taught me everything to know about the Princesses, about their way of life, and about their compassion for those who need it.”
“Such as the orphans?” Cozy Glow asked.
“Correct,” Kibitz said.  “In fact, Wanda, Sunset and Cadance were not the first orphans that Princess Celestia adopted, nor was Chancellor Abacus Cinch.”
“Wait,” Cozy Glow said.  “Chancellor Cinch was one of Princess Celestia’s adopte daughters?”
“As was her surrogate sister: Fizzlepop Berrytwist,” Kibitz said.  “Until that fateful day at the town of Harvestia, where bandits and thieves let loose an Ursa Major onto the town, where it chased the two sisters towards a waterfall, and knocked poor fizzy off.  Princess Celestia had to put the beast down.  But little Abby was not the same pony after that event, and it was that tragedy that took her down a dark path into who she became.”
“Oh geez,” Cozy Glow said as she looked a bit pale.  “After hearing that, I’m feeling uneasy.”
“I’m terribly sorry,” Kibitz said.  “I never meant to traumatize you, Cozy Glow.”
“It’s okay,” Cozy Glow said.  “Maybe sometimes getting that stuff out of your system, despite how sad it is, is a good idea.”
Kibitz smiled and said “I know.  But I didn’t mean to worry you.  Perhaps I could tell you more about Celestia and Luna, and the orphans they raised.”
 “What about the princess’s filly hood?” Cozy Glow asked.
Kibitz laughed before he said “I may be old.  But I am not that old.”
Cozy Glow laughed with Kibitz before she took another bite of pancake.
“But that being said,” Cozy Glow said.  “I think it’s time you heard about my story.”
Kibitz stopped laughed before he brushed off his moustache and said “Very well.  What is your tale, Ms Glow?”
“Well,” Cozy Glow said.  “There is one thing I must show you.”
Cozy Glow leaned forward and moved a bit of the front of her mane, revealing her unicorn horn.  Kibitz’s face beamed with surprise.
“Good gracious,” Kibitz said.  “You’re an alicorn?”
“I am,” Cozy Glow said before she covered her horn back up with the front of her curly mane. “But unlike my sister and mother, I don’t appreciate being an Alicorn.”
“Well why not?” Kibitz asked.  “After all, I’ve seen how wonderful Alicorns like Celestia, Luna and Cadance truly are.”
Cozy Glow took a deep breath and said “Well unlike Celestia, Luna or Cadance, I have an abusive mother by the name of Creme Dream.”
Kibitz was aghast by Cozy Glow’s words.  He looked down at the little filly and asked “I forgot.  Your mother is the very pony who many say is the de facto ruler of Equestria.”
“De facto ruler?” Cozy Glow asked.
Kibitz lowered his head down before he said “Long ago, when Celestia and Luna lost their mother Queen Eternia, they were able to stake it out on their own thanks to the help of Starswirl the Bearded, along with a harsh trial that they had to go through.  But one day after they founded the kingdom of Canterlot, they met with another Alicorn by the name of Creme Dream.  She served as a surrogate mother to them until they were ready to rule Equestria with a warm, and yet solemn, heart.”
“But why would you claim Creme Dream was the de facto ruler of Equestria?” Cozy Glow asked.
“Though Celestia and Luna were the Monarch rulers of Equestria and there was an established Democracy,” Kibitz said.  “Creme Dream called the shots in private.  She used her advice to push not just her agenda on Celestia and Luna, but also on the very Senate that was established almost a thousand years ago, along with the courts.”
“So in a way,” Cozy Glow said.  “She was basically invincible?”
“Invincible is an understatement,” Kibitz replied.  “If anyone spoke out against her, they say Creme Dream would just smile and make that individual a pariah.  The citizens were taught how to mock and torment the one who would protest, and they would run away in shame.  Even criticizing the Princesses for their inability to hold Creme Dream accountable is the same as criticizing the shadow ruler of Equestria.”
“So,” Cozy Glow said.  “Does that mean Celestia and Luna are nothing more than puppet rulers of Equestria?”
“Not quite,” Kibitz said.  “There has been word about Princess Celestia and Princess Luna’s recent questioning of Magistrate Creme Dream, the very pony that has been their advisor since Canterlot’s founding.  In fact, this has been going on even before Creme Dream became chancellor of Equestria, which was long before you were born.”
Cozy Glow let out a sigh and said “The more I learn about my own mother, the more disturbed I am about her.  To think, she verbally berates me for not being as great as Majesty.”
“And that explains why you’ve run away from her,” Kibitz said.  “Celestia and Luna told me all about it.”
“Wait,” Cozy Glow said, startled by Kibitz’s words.  “How did they know about how my mother treats me?”
Kibitz got out of his seat and said “It’s more on Princess Luna’s part.  Believe it or not, she’s a dream walker: A pony who can enter the dreams of any individual during the night.”
“A dream walker?” Cozy Glow said.  “So I take it that she saw my dreams one night?”
“Yes,” Kibitz said.  “Princess Luna made her sister and I aware of your own nightmare about your mother and sister.  About how they taunt and torment you and you don’t know why.  But Luna also told me about her ability to reunite individuals with one another.”
“Yeah,” Cozy Glow said.  “Now I can’t wait to fall fast asleep again tonight.  Maybe I’ll get to speak with Wanda and Sunset in their own dreams.”
“Sunset, yes,” Kibitz said.  “But lately, Luna has had a problem trying to fix up Wanda’s dream.  For some reason, Wanda keeps getting the same nightmare involving the Pony of Shadows.”
“The Pony of Shadows?” Cozy Glow asked.
“We refer to it as the Shade of Hate,” Kibitz said.  “Long ago, this Shade of Hate took possession of Princess Celestia, turning her into a being known as Daybreaker.  She turned against her own people with the intent to traumatize and torment them for eternity.  Princess Luna was able to take up the Elements of Harmony, six gemstones that possessed a magic far greater than an alicorn.  It was these Elements that Luna freed her sister Princess Celestia from the Shade of Hate, before banishing it to the moon.”
“So why does this Pony of Shadows continue to taunt Wanda’s nightmares?” Cozy Glow asked.
“Princess Luna has had a theory on why that’s been happening,” Kibitz said.  “Revenge.  Revenge for what happened that fateful day one thousand years ago.  Revenge for taking away his chance of ruling Equestria.  But as long as the Shade of Hate is sealed away on the moon, he won’t be going anyway.”
“I hope so,” Cozy Glow said.  “I wouldn’t want to see the visage of that monster.”
Kibitz laughed before he sat down and said “Don’t worry.  Neither do I.”
The two laughed as they enjoyed their pancakes together.

Later that day, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna emerged from the front entrance of the castle.  Celestia wiped the sweat off her brow as her younger sister entered into the Grand Foyer of the palace.
“Controlling Sunset’s demon side was hard work,” Celestia said. 
“But I’m still surprised that it popped up when we least expected it,” Princess Luna replied.  “At least Starlight Glimmer and Danged Spell are alright.”
“And that was mighty reckless of Spell to stand up to Sunset,” Celestia replied.
“Admit it, sis,” Luna said.  “If you were in Spell’s horse shoes, you would have done the same.”
“You’re right, I would,” Princess Celestia said.  “But then again, I too have the Wolf’s Breath Curse.”
Both Celestia and Luna laughed as the former closed the front door of the palace.  They both walked down the Grand Foyer, towards one of the nearby rooms.
“Cozy Glow,” Celestia yelled. “Majordomo Kibitz.  We’re home.”
In the palace library, Cozy Glow and Kibitz were busy playing chess together on one of the tables when they overheard Princess Celestia’s voice.
“That’s Princess Celestia,” Cozy Glow said.  “She and Luna must be back.”
“Then we should put our game on pause and greet them,” Kibitz said.
Immediately, Cozy Glow and Kibitz got up and walked away from their chess game, heading towards the entrance of the library. 
“Heads up, my lady,” Kibitz yelled.  “We’re coming out.”
Outside in the Grand Foyer, Kibitz and Cozy Glow emerged from one of the doors where they saw Princess Celestia and Princess Luna look up at them.  Luna waved at the duo while Celestia nodded.
“I was wondering when you would wake up from your dream world, Cozy Glow,” Luna said.
Cozy Glow giggled as she flew down from the second floor of the Grand Foyer towards Princess Luna, who she proceeded to give a big hug.
“I wished that dream lasted forever,” Cozy Glow said.  “But Golden Lace said she had things to do today at that horrible Daisy Joy Tech school.”
“If only there was a way to get Golden Lace out of that horrible place,” Celestia said.  “Unfortunately, Gold Banks would waste no time demonizing us on the Stallion News Network, and we wouldn’t see the end of that.”
“I can never understand why you both have to suffer through what my mother is putting you though,” Cozy Glow said as she pulled away from Princess Luna and flew up to Celestia.
“Well if it makes you feel better,” Celestia said.  “We could hire you to steal all the magic in Equestria using powerful artifacts, and hide them away in another dimension.”
Cozy Glow glares at Celestia before shouting “HEY!”
Celestia just laughed and said “Kidding, kidding.”
Kibitz walked down the staircase before he said “It’s good to see you in high spirits.  But I take it that something happened today at the School for Gifted Unicorns.”
“It did,” Luna said.  “Majesty said something horrible to Wanda Young about being alone, and then Sunset’s demon side decided to take hold of her again.”
“My word,” Kibitz said.  “It’s pretty typical for Majesty to pick on other ponies.  But to hear what happened to Sunset, I feel sorry for the little princess.”
“At least everything worked out in the end,” Princess Luna said.  “Though surprisingly, Majesty decided to help keep Sunset under control, despite what she did.”
Celestia just laughed before she said “At least today can’t get any worse than it did.”
Suddenly, there was a knock on the front door, catching the attention of everyone.  A voice from behind the door said “Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, it’s me: Magistrate Creme Dream.”  Everyone in the vicinity looked like they had seen a ghost.
“Kibitz,” Celestia said.  “Take Cozy Glow to Wanda and Sunset’s room for the moment.  We will address Creme Dream.”
“At once, your majesty,” Kibitz said as he bowed to Princess Celestia.  He turned to Cozy Glow and said “Come with me, Miss Glow.”
“I’m way ahead of you,” Cozy Glow said as she followed Kibitz up the stairs and through another doorway.
Luna looked at Celestia and said “Let’s get this over with.  I have a feeling Creme Dream is here because of Cozy Glow.”
“That, I will keep in mind,” Celestia said.



	To Be Continued in…


	A Sisterly Problem

> Arc 4-2: A Sisterly Problem
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


A Sisterly Problem



It was the afternoon in the middle of Canterlot City.  Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell were playing together with a rubber ball, tossing it back and forth to each other.  They appeared happy and content.  But nearby, Sunset Shimmer sat next to Princess Cadance and Shining Armor on a nearby bench, watching her friends play with a worried look on her face.
“Aren’t you going to play with your sister and her friends?” Princess Cadance asked.
“Not after what I nearly did to them,” Sunset said as she lowered her head down.
“It wasn’t your fault,” Shining Armor said.  “You never knew that the demon inside you would take over and make you attack them.”
“But what if it takes hold of me again?” Sunset asked.  “What if I become that very demon that came close to attacking my sister and her friends?”
“Don’t worry,” Cadence said.  “Mother taught me the very spell that will put it at bay.  So the next time it comes, we’ll be ready for it.”
“Considering who your big sister is,” Shining Armor said.  “That’s saying a whole lot.”
With that, Shining Armor gave Sunset Shimmer a hoof noogie, causing Sunset to giggle.
“Hey knock that off,” Sunset laughed.  “That tickles.”
“Shining’s just here to cheer you up,” Cadence said.  “After all, you are family.  And as a family, we are one together.”
Sunset Shimmer shook her head, restoring her mane to her former self.  She looked up and laughed a bit.
“Maybe you’re right,” Sunset said.  “But I sure hope you can help keep it under control.”
“Trust me,” Princess Cadance said.  “If it happens again, I’ll be ready.”
Immediately, Shining Armor held his hoof out, catching the ball that was thrown right at him.  He bounced the ball with his hoof ont he ground before tossing it into the air and catching it with the tip of his hoof.
“Sunset,” Shining Armor said.  “You and Wanda have a lot in common with my sister, Twilight.  You worry alot, and we do what we can to help you out.  And sure we give our little ones a hard time.  But it’s just for fun and not to be a big meanie.”
“Hey big bro, can we have our ball back?”  Shining Armor turned to the other younglings who were standing there looking at Shining Armor.  Twilight Sparkle held her arms up in the air as if she were ready to catch a ball.
“Oops,” Shining Armor said.  “Forgot you were still playing with this.  Here.  Let’s go long.”
Shining Armor swung his arm back and tossed the ball right into the air.  The younglings all looked up, watching the ball disappear into the sky.
“Big brother,” Twilight said.  “I think you may have overdone it.”
“Relax sis,” Shining Armor said with a smug grin on his face.  “In fact, it’s starting to fall any time now.”
Wanda looked upwards to see the ball start to fall down from above.  She tapped on Twilight’s shoulder and pointed upwards.
“I think there’s your answer,” Wanda said.
“Great,” Twilight said before she bent down as if she were getting to jump.
“Twilight,” Sunburst said.  “What are you doing?”
“Watch this,” Twilight said as the magic of her horn surrounded her body.
And with that, Twilight Sparkle jumped right into the air, flying right at the falling rubber ball.  Before she collided with the ball, Twilight Sparkle spun herself in the air with a forward kick, smacking the ball with her right leg and sending it flying down towards the group.  Starlight Glimmer looked up at the falling ball and immediately hid behind Wanda.
“Don’t let it hit me,” Starlight cried.  “I don’t want my face to be smashed.”
Starlight kept her face hidden behind Wanda Young as she cowered in fear.  But mere moments passed by, and Starlight opened her eyes.  She peeked out from behind Wanda, who only rubbed the filly on the head.  But when Starlight looked on, her face beamed with excitement.
“I…” Starlight said.  “I don’t believe it.”
In front of Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Danged Spell, Wanda, Abigail and Spike, Moondancer stood on her arms, holding the ball in the air with her legs.  Everyone stood there, amazed at Moondancer’s trick.
“What do you think?” Moondancer said.  “Neat huh?”
“You’re telling me,” Danged Spell said with a smug tone.  “With that kind of performance, you’re really having a ball.  Get it?”
“Danged Spell,” everyone else groaned in disgust, except for Moondancer who giggled a bit.
Twilight Sparkle landed next to Moondancer as the light yellow greyish pony tossed the ball aside before landing back on her four hooves.  She flicked the back of her mane before trotting over to her friends.
“I may be a space geek,” Moondancer said.  “But that’s not the only thing I’m good at.”
Danged Spell approached the ball and levitated it into the air with his magic, planting it on his right hoof.  He spun the ball on the tip of his hoof with his magic, all while sporting an arrogant grin on his face.
“Now this is what I call having a ball,” Danged Spell said while balancing the ball on his hoof.
But when Danged Spell took a step forward, he tripped over a crack in the pavement and fell, sending the ball into the air before he slammed his face on the ground.  The group laughed right at Danged Spell’s misfortune.
“Oww,” Danged Spell said.  I think that performance was a little flat.”
Just as Danged Spell finished speaking, the ball fell down and bonked him on the crown of his head.   The group laughed even louder than that.
“Not really flat,” Moondancer said.  “I’d say it went around the world.”
As the group laughed even harder, Danged Spell lifted his head up before placing his face cheek on his right front hoof.
“Oh hah hah,” Danged Spell said in a sarcastic tone.  “Real cute, you chowderheads.”
As the group of younglings continued to laugh, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor and Sunset Shimmer just watched on from the bench.  Sunset cracked a smile and looked like she was about to laugh.  But Cadance and Shining Armor turned towards each other.
“Cadance, dear,” Shining Armor said.  “Could you do Twili a favor and look after Spike for a bit?”
“Well why’s that?” Princess Cadance asked.
Shining Armor reached over to Princess Cadance’s ear and whispered into it.  Princess Cadance’s face popped up with excitement.
“Oh that,” Princess Cadance said.  “Consider it done.”
“What’s going on?” Sunset Shimmer asked.
Princess Cadance reached down and whispered into Sunset Shimmer’s ear, surprising the little filly.
“I see what you mean,” Sunset Shimmer replied as Cadance gave her a wink from her eye.


Later that day, Princess Cadance was walking through the city of Canterlot with Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer and Abigail Albright, with Spike the Dragon riding on top of her back.  She greeted the citizens of Canterlot, who waved right back at her.
“I’m surprised that Twilight wants us to look after Spike,” Wanda said. 
“Well it’s because Twilight and Shining Armor have a lot of important work to do,” Princess Cadance said.  “And they need us to keep Spike happy and content.”
“What kind of work?” Wanda asked.
“You’ll see,” Princess Cadance said. 
“That being said,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “What do you think Chancellor Cinch did with the owner of that dog that chased us early this morning?”
“Knowing Cinch’s harsh tone and her desire to get things done,” Princess Cadance replied.  “I’d say it should be in the bag.”
But as the group walked down the street, Abigail looked in front of her and freaked out.  She tugged on Wanda’s dress, all while she said “Dog.  Dog.”
“Abby,” Wanda said. “Are you saying that dog is here?”
“Unfortunately,” Sunset said.  “That would be a yes.”
Wanda, Princess Cadance and Spike looked in front to see that bulldog glaring up at them, teeth bare and growling menacingly.
“That’s the dog that’s been giving you a hard time?” Princess Cadance laughed as she walked up to the bulldog, all while Spike jumped off Cadance’s back.  “Doesn’t seem like a threat to me.”
“Sister,” Wanda said.  “Be careful.”
“Oh relax,” Princess Cadance said as she approached the bulldog.  “What’s it going to do to me?”
Princess Cadance placed her left upper hoof on the bulldog’s head and proceeded to pet it.  But the mongrel was annoyed by her hoof, his face began to twitch.  The dog proceeded to open his jaw wide before snapping it on Cadance’s arm.  
“YEEEOUCH!” Cadance yelled before she pulled her arm out of the dog’s mouth.  “That hurt.”
The bulldog growled at Princess Cadance as the older alicorn sister backed away from the vicious animal.  Sunset, Wanda, Abigail and Spike cowered behind the older sister.
“Guys,” Cadence said as she sat down.  “Get on.”
Wanda, Abigail, Sunset and Spike climbed onto Princess Cadance’s back without hesitation.  Despite their weight, Cadence was able to slowly lift herself up.  But when she extended her wings and tried to fly, she could barely lift herself off the ground.  Cadance looked at the bulldog, who growled right back at her.
“I think we might be too much,” Wanda said.  “If you want, I can hop off.”
“No,” Cadance said.  “Because we’re RUNNING FOR IT!”
Immediately, Princess Cadance turned to her right and made a run for it with Wanda, Sunset, Abigail and Spike holding on for dear life.  The Bulldog barked madly before it chased Cadance in pursuit.
“THAT’S THE SECOND TIME TODAY!” Sunset yelled.  “WHAT KIND OF BEEF DOES THIS DOG HAVE WITH US?”
“Twilight,” Spike said.
“Don’t you worry, Spike,” Wanda said as she held Spike close.  “I won’t let that big mean mutt take a bite out of you.”

Down the street, Chancellor Cinch was slumping down the road, soaked in water, with a peeved look on her face.  She looked behind her, scowling at the street behind her.
“The nerve of that owner,” Chancellor Cinch snarled.  “All I demand is that he keep that dog on a leash, and he had the audacity to splash a bucket of water in my face.  I swear, the Man’s Cub’s antics are far more innocent and pure.”
Cinch’s ears twitched, causing her to get up on her hind legs and to look to her right.  In the distance, she saw Princess Cadance running as fast as possible with Wanda, Sunset, Abigail and Spike holding on for dear life. Cinch looked down further to see the same bulldog chase after Princess Cadance.
“Not again,” Cinch said as she prepared herself.  “I swear, that dog is becoming a total annoyance.”
The moment Princess Cadance sped past Abacus Cinch, the Chancellor jumped right in front of the dog, causing the animal to skid to a stop.  Cinch’s horn glowed as the magic zapped right into her vocal cords.
“I TOLD YOU TO LEAVE THOSE YOUNGLINGS ALONE YOU BAD, BAD DOG!” Cinch yelled with a ton of reverb amplifying her voice.
The Bulldog yelped again as it turned tail and ran off in the opposite direction.  Cinch’s frown turned into a smile as she saw the animal run in the distance, darting past the ponies of Canterlot.
“Good riddance you flea-ridden mongrel,” Cinch said in a satisfying tone.
“You…you actually got rid of him.” Cinch turned around to see Princess Cadance walk up to her with Wanda, Sunset, Abigail and Spike walking right next to her.
“You don’t need to thank me, Princess,” Cinch said.  “Besides, I’m surprised that a mere dog can give you trouble, considering that you have a tendency to smack cultists and changelings with folded chairs.”
Princess Cadance rubbed the back of her head embarrassingly before she said “Well I’m not one who would want to hurt these kinds of animals.”
Cinch walked over to Wanda, who looked like she was going to hide behind Princess Cadance and cry.
“Young lady,” Cinch said.  “I originally placed a restriction on your ability to fly in Canterlot just to ensure that you’re on your best behavior.  But after having put up with that monster for so long, I will let your mother know that I’ll be lifting the restriction.  Your safety comes first.”
Wanda’s face lit up.  She wiped a tear from her eye as she jumped up and down, cheering.  Cinch walked back as the others looked at the Chancellor, completely surprised.
“You’re not kidding, are you?” Princess Cadance said. 
“Sadly, I’m not,” Cinch said.  “Considering that this dog’s owner refuses to cooperate and decided to give me a cold shower, I’d say this is justified.  Now come this way.  I’ll walk you all to the castle.”
With that, Chancellor Cinch walked past Princess Cadance and down the streets of Canterlot.  Princess Cadance followed Cinch from behind as Wanda, Abigail, Sunset and Spike marched from behind.
“I can’t believe it, sis,” Sunset said.  “Now you can fly when you want.”
“I can’t wait,” Wanda said with an excited tone on her face.
Abigail and Spike lined up next to each other with the kitty walking on two legs.  They both held hands and looked each other in the eyes.
“Proud,” Abigail said.
“Yeah,” Spike said.

Meanwhile, at the castle, Princess Celestia opened the front door with her magic.  Outside, Magistrate Creme Dream and her daughter Majesty stood outside as if they were waiting patiently and with anticipation.
“Princess Celestia,” Magistrate Creme Dream said.  “I’m sorry to have to disturb you on this fine afternoon.”
“Oh not at all,” Princess Celestia said.  “After all, I did have a busy day and I was hoping to enjoy some time with ourselves.  But I know why you’re here.  It’s about the next budget for Equestria”
“You guessed correctly, Princess,” Creme Dream said as she and Majesty walked inside the castle. “But most of the money is needed for the courts.”
“But I thought the courts were fully funded,” Princess Celestia said.  “After all, you got the lion’s share of the last budget.”
“Oh that’s true,” Creme Dream said as she flicked her horn with magic, conjuring up a thirty page document.  “But I don’t think it was enough.  We’re experiencing a judge shortage and we need the extra bits to cover any future judiciary’s salary.”
Celestia let out a sigh and said “Okay.  Bring it over here.  We’ll take a look at it.”
Princess Celestia walked with Magistrate Creme Dream over to a nearby table.  Creme Dream set the document on the table before flipping it open.  As she does, Princess Luna walked over to the Magistrate.
“I’ve assigned Majordomo Kibitz to take care of some tasks upstairs,” Princess Luna said.  “Would you like for me to get you something to drink?”
“Perhaps a spot of tea would be perfect for this occasion,” Creme Dream said.  “With a bit of honey and lemon.”
“Coming right up,” Princess Luna said before she darted towards the kitchen.
Princess Celestia took a seat at a chair in front of the documents and looked down at them.  She glanced at the wording, paying close attention to each letter.  But her eyes quickly shifted over to Majesty, who looked up at her.
“You look pretty nervous, your majesty,” Majesty said in a smug tone.  “Can you handle it?”
Princess Celestia let out a cocky laugh before she said “Kid, you’ve already seen what I could do to save my daughter, Sunset.  Watch a master work her magic.”

Outside of the palace, Chancellor Cinch walked up the stairs and right in front of the doorway with Princess Cadance by her side, and Wanda, Sunset, Abigail and Spike right behind them.  Princess Cadance wiped the sweat from her brow and tossed it to the side.
“So how come that dog decided to chase us?” Princess Cadance asked.  “What did we ever do to it?”
“To be honest,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “There was a complaint about the dog chasing citizens left and right.  So when I went to take my complaints to the owner, he had the audacity to splash a bucket of water in my face and told me to get out, stating that he doesn’t want the government to tell me what to do.”
“Wow,” Princess Cadance said. “Some ponies are just so stubborn.”
“Well that’s saying a lot,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “And I can name a few of them at the back of my head.”
“Well regardless of how many stubborn ponies we’ve run into,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “What matters is that you’ve arrived home safely.  And that’s what matters the most.”
Chancellor Cinch stepped forward and noticed that the door was open.  She stepped inside and saw Princess Celestia alongside Magistrate Creme Dream and Majesty.  Cinch’s face turned white as she took a few steps outside.
“I completely forgot,” Cinch said as her face turned to panic.
“What did you forget, Miss Cinch?” Wanda asked.
“Magistrate Creme Dream was going to come by today,” Cinch said.  
“Oh no,” Wanda said.  “Not her.  I was hoping I wouldn’t see her again.”
“And she isn’t here for show,” Cinch replied.  “It was about the budget for Equestria.  And word has it she wants more money for the judiciary.”
“The what?” Wanda asked.
“Basically,” Princess Cadance said to Wanda.  “The courts all across Equestria.  From what I heard, despite all the extra funding, there is a shortage of judges going across the nation.”
“A shortage?” Sunset Shimmer replied.
“Yes,” Princess Cadance said.  “Some judges are retiring from their bench.  Others have chosen to resign over the fears of the changelings and the cultists.  Because of this, both criminal and civil cases have been put on hold until further notice.”
Chancellor Cinch was about to step into the castle.  But she immediately stuck her head out and turned towards Wanda, Sunset, Cadance, Abigail and Spike.
“I know you all don’t like being alongside Magistrate Creme Dream,” Cinch said.  “So I recommend, with my blessing, to fly up to your own room.”
Wanda, Sunset and Cadance nodded to Abacus Cinch before the Chancellor stepped through the doorway.  Cadance turned towards her younger sisters before signaling her head towards a window in the castle.
“Sunset,” Cadance said.  “I’ll carry you and Spike to your bedroom.  Wanda, take Abigail and follow from behind.”
“Roger that,” Wanda and Sunset said.
Princess Cadance lowered her back down, allowing Spike the Dragon and Sunset Shimmer to climb up on it.  Cadance then got up on her four legs as Wanda picked up Abigail Albright before her wings materialized on her back.
“Come on,” Princess Cadance said.  “Let’s fly up to your room.
Sunset Shimmer and Spike the Dragon held onto Princess Cadance before the older sister extended her wings and flew upwards towards the room.  Wanda flapped her wings as fast as possible, holding Abigail tightly before flying up right behind her older sister.
“Safe?” Abigail asked.
“Don’t worry,” Wanda said.  “We’ll be safe from that bad Creme Dream.”

Meanwhile, back in the Grand Foyer of the Castle, Chancellor Cinch approached the table with the papers on the surface.  The sound of her hoofsteps caught the attention of Princess Celestia, Magistrate Creme Dream and Majesty.
“Chancellor Cinch,” Magistrate Creme Dream said.  “I was wondering when you would show up.”
“I was trying to deal with the owner of a rogue dog that tried to bite into the youngling Princesses,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Unfortunately, he won’t take no for an answer and chose to wash me up.”
“Anyway,” Princess Celestia said.  “You all know why the Magistrate is here.”
“It’s because of the budget for the judiciary,” Chancellor Cinch said.
“Correct,” Princess Celestia replied.
Just then, Princess Luna walked in from another room with a tray that held up four cups of tea.  She walked over to the table and set the tray next to the papers.
“Chancellor Cinch,” Princess Luna said. “I had a feeling that you would show up.”
“I came this close to missing today’s meeting,” Chancellor Cinch said.  
“She said it had something to do with a dog that’s been giving my daughters a hard time,” Princess Celestia said.
“Hard time is an understatement,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Even Princess Cadance is afraid of it.”
“Well as soon as we take care of the plans for the judiciary budget,” Magistrate Creme Dream said. “I could order a newly hired judge to impose a fine on that dog owner.”
“Oh believe me, Magistrate,” Chancellor Cinch said before she rolled her eyes.  “The owner’s a far stubborn fool.  He would go as far as to disregard a fine for allowing its dog to roam the streets.”

But as Cinch continued to chat with Celestia, Luna, and Cream Dream in the Grand Foyer, Kibitz was leading Cozy Glow through the upper hallways, showing the little filly every room in the castle.
“And now my dear Cozy,” Kibitz said as he stopped in front of another room.  “This is the room that belongs to Princess Wanda Young and Princess Sunset Shimmer.”
“Oh I know what this place is,” Cozy Glow said.  “But I’m so excited to see it again.  Lemme take a look.”
Kibitz laughed before he opened the door and said “Oh very well.  But don’t mess anything up.”
Cozy Glow immediately dashed towards the entrance of the room and took a peek inside.  Her face beamed at the bright colors that reflected off the sun.
“I know I’ve been in here before,” Cozy Glow said.  “But it looks so magnificent during daylight.”
“Oh I am aware of that,” Kibitz said.  “After all, the last time you were in here was when the two Princesses invited their friends to a slumber party after the Grand Gallopin Gala.”
Cozy Glow took a few steps in, observing every nook and cranny within Wanda and Sunset’s room.  She was amazed by the toys, books and even the video games that decorated the shelves, plus the two drawers filled with normal clothing.  She also looked down at the color of the rug and a certain spot on there.
“This was where I slept during our Slumber Party night,” Cozy Glow said.  “I sure miss all of them, especially the ponies from La Maresa and that Prince Blueblood character.”
“Well speaking of which,” Kibitz said.  “Prince Blueblood lost his job as head of the Horse News Network.  He was replaced by this propaganda mouthpiece named Neigh Nanners, and the station was changed to the Stallion News Network.”
Cozy Glow groaned in disgust before she said “First off, I don’t like watching the news, especially this Stallion News Network.  Second off, I’ve heard of Neigh Nanners.   This jerk is a total conspiracy nut.”  Cozy’s tone turned into a more somber one as she added “But third, I’m sorry that Prince Blueblood lost his job there.”
“It’s okay,” Kibitz said.  “According to Blueblood, you can be as hot headed as possible when it comes to the news networks of Equestria.  But do one good deed, even if it means opposing the Windigo’s Guild and the Changelings, and you’re a pariah in their books.”
“I overheard my mom talk about that long before I met Golden Lace,” Cozy Glow said.  “And according to her, she’s the sole owner of every news station and paper in Equestria.  So she basically dictates every bit of gossip out there.”
“Well that is unfortunately true,” Kibitz replied.  “But despite their friendly tone towards Magistrate Creme Dream, it seems Celestia and Luna have begun to sour on Creme Dream.  In fact, they’ve known your mother for almost a thousand years.”
“A thousand years?,” Cozy Glow said.  “My mother is that old?”
“Indeed she is,” Kibitz replied as he walked towards the window.  “Just like Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, Magistrate Creme Dream’s advantage of being an alicorn is to live longer than most creatures.  In fact, some say she’s older than even the Queens that preceded the Princesses.”
But Kibitz’s ears picked up the sound of wings flapping.  He looked outside the window, then turned to Cozy Glow.
“I’m afraid we’ll have to discuss this another time,” Kibitz said.  “The royal daughters have arrived home and they’re not supposed to see you right now.”
Cozy Glow’s eyes shrunk down, her teeth chattered and she looked left and right.
“What am I going to do?” Cozy Glow asked.
Kibitz eyed a nearby closet with Sunset Shimmer’s name on it.  He turned to Cozy Glow and said “Go in there.  Sunset doesn’t use her closet as much as Wanda uses hers.”
Cozy Glow nodded.  She dashed towards Sunset Shimmer’s closet, opened the door and dove in before shutting it tight.  Kibitz dusted himself off before he approached the window and opened it.
“Well,” Kibitz said.  “Time to greet the daughters.”
Kibitz stepped aside as Princess Cadance flew in with Sunset Shimmer and Spike riding on her back.  Wanda Young flew in from behind, carrying Abigail Albright.
“Welcome home, my ladies,” Kibitz said.
“Kibitz,” Princess Cadance said as Sunset Shimmer and Spike the Dragon hopped off her back.  “I didn’t expect you to meet us at my sister’s room.”
“Oh I was just tidying up the place,” Kibitz replied.  “Now is there something I can get you three?”
“Not really,” Sunset said.  “After today’s class, I am exhausted.”
“Yeah,” Wanda said as Abigail leaped out of her arms.  “Being chased by a dog twice in one day is enough to just want to kick back and relax in our room.”
“Well then I might as well leave you to rest up while I prepare dinner,” Kibitz replied before bowing to the three sisters and stepping out of the room.
Princess Cadance yawned before she said “I’m beat.   I’m gonna go take a nap before dinner tonight.”
Immediately, Princess Cadance stepped out of the room and walked down the hallway.  Wanda and Sunset watched as their big sister disappeared out of the room before they sat down on the bed.
“So we’ve gone from having to put up with that dog to having to put up with Creme Dream downstairs,” Sunset Shimmer said.
Wanda let out a sigh and said “Can’t this day get any worse?”
Sunset put her hoof on Wanda’s back and said “I think as long as we don’t make any noise, we won’t get her attention.  Besides, I don’t want to even go near Creme Dream at all.”
Wanda smiled back at Sunset and said “You and me both, sister.”
With that, Wanda reached over and gave Sunset Shimmer a big hug.  Abigail and Spike both leaped onto the bed and proceeded to give both sisters a hug as well.
But inside the closet, Cozy Glow spied on Wanda, Sunset, Abigail and Spike from behind the door.  She turned her head away and sat down near the door.
“What was I thinking about coming back here?” Cozy Glow said to herself.  “I know Princess Celestia and Princess Luna said they would look out for me.  But at the same time, I now have my own mother to deal with.  At this point, hiding out in a cage in Tartarus is starting to sound like a better alternative.”


	To Be Continued in…


	An Unexpected Reunion

> Arc 4-3: A Sisterly Problem
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


An Unexpected Reunion



At the halls of the Grand Foyer of the castle, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Chancellor Cinch read over the budget plans on the table with Magistrate Creme Dream enjoying a cup of tea while Majesty observed.  Cinch looked rather puzzled as she looked at a corner of the paper.
“I don’t see the point of cutting back on the education budget,” Chancellor Cinch said.
“Well,” Magistrate Creme Dream said after she placed her cup of tea on a nearby table.  “You’ve heard about the number of younglings being pulled from school thanks to the recent fear of Changelings and Windigo’s Guild Cultists.  There’s a lack of trust in the air these days.”
“Still doesn’t make any sense,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “After all, I’ve dealt with those sadistic brutes, especially the leader of the guild Coldnelius Snap.”
“I’m going to have to agree on that,” Princess Celestia said.  “After all, there are colts and fillies across Equestria that deserve to learn more about the history of Equestria and the lessons of friendship.”
“There is one place for colts and fillies to go to,” Creme Dream said after taking a sip of tea.  “Daisy Joy Tech.  A boarding school that will shape the future of Equestrian minds.”
“I don’t know,” Princess Luna said.  “I’ve heard some bad things about Daisy Joy Tech.”
“So have I,” Princess Celestia replied after taking a sip of tea. “I would never let my daughters into that organization.  Especially Wanda.”
“I beg to differ,” Magistrate Creme Dream said as she placed her tea cup on the plate.  “I think the man’s cub would benefit more from attending this school, rather than being enclosed in your School for Gifted Unicorns.  Case in point: There’s a wider variety of students that are of other types like Earth Ponies and Pegasi.  Plus, she will get the proper education that the School for Gifted Unicorns lacks in.”
“Not to object to that,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “But I’ve heard stories of how students are mistreated, ostracized, or even humiliated.  I would never let the Man’s Cub even step foot in that dreadful place.  Besides, having her attend a school outside of Canterlot is out of the question.”
Magistrate Creme Dream just laughed before she said “Oh nonsense.  Ponies, along with the Man’s Cub of a princess, need to learn how to stand up for themselves, how to fight back when they’re kicked to the ground.  Kinda like the phrase that goes ‘Pull yourself up by the bootstraps.’  Does have a nice ring to it.”
“It’s still not right,” Princess Celestia said.  “Wanda attending that school?  And I agree with the Chancellor.  Even if she greenlit Wanda attending schools outside of Canterlot, I would never let her step foot into that school.”
Magistrate Creme Dream just smiled for a bit before she said “My dearest Princess.  You will realize that it may not be yours, or the Chancellor’s decision.  Equestria has entered a new dark age thanks to the attack on your castle by the Changelings and the Cultists.  You have to learn to let go, and let her truly be the citizen of Equestria that she was meant to be.”
Majesty gave a wink to Princess Celestia, disturbing her a bit.
“Okay,” Celestia said in an awkward tone.  “That will give me nightmares for weeks.”

But as Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Chancellor Cinch were debating with Magistrate Creme Dream, Wanda and Sunset were relaxing on top of their bed, staring at the ceiling.  Abigail and Spike sat right next to the two sisters, staring out at the window.
“I’m bored,” Wanda said.  
“You’re telling me,” Sunset Shimmer replied.
“I wonder how long mommy and Miss Cinch will be with that scary Creme Dream?” Wanda asked.
“Beats me,” Sunset said.  “I don’t know what they’re proposing for the budget, be it for the courts or the schools.”
“The only thing I want to do is to fly out once more and to play with my friends,” Wanda said as she sat up on the bed.
“Right now,” Sunset said as she rolled onto her belly.  “We promised our mother that we would be here by dinner.  We have tomorrow to play with Twilight and the others.  Besides, I think we can hold out until then.”
But as soon as Sunset Shimmer stopped speaking, her tummy growled.  Wanda, Abigail and Spike stared at Sunset Shimmer as the unicorn blushed embarrassingly.
“Hungry?” Abigail asked.
“Oops,” Sunset said. “Guess all that play this afternoon definitely worked up an appetite.”
“Maybe we could sneak into the kitchen and get some fresh fruit as an appetizer,” Wanda said.
“That does sound good,” Sunset said.  “But what if they’re used for tonight’s main course?”
“Ooooh, good point,” Wanda said.  “Well, guess I’m gonna starve until then.”
Abigail turned her head at her human friend, who drifted back towards the ceiling.  But as soon as Abigail began to sit up, her tummy began to growl.
“Hungry,” Abigail said.
“I know, Abby,” Wanda said.  “We’ll get some grub as soon as that scary Creme Dream is gone.”
But inside Sunset’s closet, Cozy Glow peeked out from behind, looking at Wanda, Sunset, Abigail and Spike.  Her mind was filled with dread as she began to chatter.
“Get yourself together, Cozy,” Cozy Glow whispered to herself.  “As long as they don’t come to this closet, or I don’t make any sudden movements, they will depart and I can sneak out.”
Cozy Glow continued to take a peek at the sisters and the companions outside of the safety of the closet.  But her eyes caught Spike the Dragon, who sat and yawned.
“Doesn’t that dragon belong to Twilight Sparkle?” Cozy said, still continuing to be silent.  “What’s he doing here?”
But as Cozy pondered to herself, Spike opened his mouth and belched a long stream of fire, startling Wanda, Sunset and Abigail.  The flames traveled close to the closet, surprising the curly-maned filly.
“YIKES!” Cozy Glow yelled.
Cozy Glow fell on her rear from the danger of the dragon fire.  She hit a shelf full of books, causing her to scream as the books all collapsed on her.
Outside, the sound of Cozy’s screaming and the books falling had caught the attention of Wanda, Sunset, Abigail and Spike.
“What was that?” Wanda said.
“Let’s go check it out,” Sunset replied.

But downstairs in the Foyer, the sound of Spike’s belch, Cozy Glow’s scream, and books falling was enough to catch the attention of Magistrate Creme Dream, Majesty, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Chancellor Cinch.
“That’s strange,” Creme Dream said with curiosity.  “For a moment, I heard the scream of my youngest daughter, Cozy Glow, right in the bedroom of your daughters.”
Celestia and Luna began to blush as the older alicorn sister said “That’s nothing to be concerned about.”
“Nothing to be concerned about, eh?” Creme Dream said.  “Perhaps I should check it out to see if your daughters are home and okay.”
Magistrate Creme Dream got out of her seat and walked towards the staircase with Majesty right behind her.  Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were sweating nervously, with Cinch turning her gaze at the two alicorn princesses.
“What’s this all about?” Cinch said in a cold tone.
Princess Luna reached down and whispered into Cinch’s ear, causing the Chancellor’s face to pop out.
“Are you kidding me?” Cinch said in a stern, yet quiet, tone.
“I’m not kidding,” Princess Luna said.
“We better follow her upstairs,” Princess Celestia said.  “I have a bad feeling about this.”
Luna nodded as she, Princess Celestia, and Chancellor Cinch followed Magistrate Creme Dream and Majesty.

Back in Wanda and Sunset’s room, the two sisters with Spike and Abigail slowly approached the closet door, moving cautiously out of fear.
“What do you suppose that is?” Wanda asked.
“A mouse of some sort?” Sunset replied.
“I don’t think mice can grow that big,” Wanda replied.
“Maybe a changeling that wants to eat us,” Sunset said as fear began to course through her veins.
Abigail shook nervously as she hid behind Wanda’s leg.
“Changeling,” Abigail said.  “Scary.”
“Not all changelings are scary, Abby,” Wanda said as she rubbed Abigail on the head.  “But there are still those who would serve that mean Queen Chrysalis.”
“Hey girls, what happened?” Wanda, Sunset, Abigail and Spike turned their heads to see Princess Cadance walk on in.  While her mane was a bit frazzled, her face was wide awake.
“There’s something in my closet that caught our attention, big sis,” Sunset said.
Princess Cadance walked up to the closet and said “Well, let’s see what we’ve got.  And if it’s a changeling or a monster, I’ve got your backs.”
Princess Cadance opened the closet door with her magic.  Wanda and Sunset looked inside to see a pile of books right at the base of the closet.
“And I just got this cleaned up, yesterday,” Sunset pouted.
“Wait,” Wanda said, pointing at a curly, pale light grayish arctic blue and light arctic bluish gray tail.  “Look at that.  Do you know who that belongs to?”
“That’s Cozy Glow’s tail,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “You don’t suppose.”
“Only one way to find out,” Princess Cadance said.
Princess Cadance ignited her horn as she lifted the books up, revealing Cozy Glow.  The little filly was covering her head as if she were shielding herself from the books.
“Cozy Glow?” Wanda said.  “What are you doing here?  I thought you were at Daisy Joy Tech looking after Golden Lace.”
Cozy Glow opened her eyes and turned her face towards Wanda, Sunset, Cadence, Spike and Abigail.  She grabbed one of the books that Princess Cadance was levitating and covered her face with it.
“Don’t look,” Cozy Glow said.  “I wasn’t supposed to see you until later tonight.”
“See us?” Sunset Shimmer said.  “What do you mean by that?”
Cozy Glow moved the book away from her face before she said “It’s because Princess Luna brought me here and Princess Celestia wanted it to be a surprise for you.”
“Surprise?” Spike said, confused.
Princess Cadance let out a sigh before she said “I think mother and Aunt Luna have a lot to explain about this.”
“But why would they want to hide Cozy Glow from us?” Wanda asked.
But before anyone could answer, Majordomo Kibitz walked in through the doorway and tapped Princess Cadance on the shoulder.  His eyes quickly caught Cozy Glow, who sat there inside the closet.
“Kibitz,” Princess Cadance said as she turned towards the Majordomo.  “What’s going on?”
“Seems you’ve discovered Cozy Glow unintentionally,” Kibitz said, turning his eyes back to Cadance.  “But I’ve got some terrible news.  Magistrate Creme Dream is coming upstairs, and it appears she’s coming to this very room.”
Wanda, Sunset, Cadence, Cozy Glow, Spike and Abigail’s faces dropped down in utter fear as they stood there.
“What are we gonna do?” Wanda said.
“Yeah,” Cozy Glow said.  “I don’t want to look into the eyes of my own mother again.”
Princess Cadance pondered for a bit before she said “Wait.  I’ve got an idea.”

Down the hallway, Magistrate Creme Dream and Majesty walked towards Wanda and Sunset’s room.  Right behind them were a very nervous Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Chancellor Cinch, following the Magistrate and her daughter from behind.
“You really have no reason to look into my daughters’ room,” Princess Celestia said in a scared tone.  “After all, I did not recall them coming home this early.”
“But I heard their voice,” Magistrate Creme Dream said with her smile untarnished.  “You should lie to others, Princess Celestia.”
Chancellor Cinch walked up to Princess Celestia and whispered in her ear “I’m afraid what she said is true.  Your two youngest princesses were afraid of Creme Dream.  So I had them and Princess Cadance fly up to their rooms so they wouldn’t be noticed.”
Celestia glared at Cinch and said “You should have told me this.”
“I would have,” Cinch said.  “But one, you were in the middle of budget negotiations and two, I wanted to at least give them some peace of mind.”
Princess Luna rolled her eyes back and said “This complicates things.”
Immediately, Majordomo Kibitz stepped outside of Wanda and Sunset’s room, stood in front of Magistrate Creme Dream, and bowed to her.
“Magistrate Creme Dream.” Kibitz said.  “I take it you heard something in the room of the little princesses.”
“I sure did,” Creme Dream said.
“Nothing to be alarmed of, Lady Dream,” Kibitz said in a reassuring tone.  “Princess Sunset Shimmer’s attempt at cleaning out her bookshelf ended horribly.  Princess Wanda Young has already volunteered to help Princess Sunset out.”
“A very convincing story,” Creme Dream said with a smirk on her face. “Two daughters of Princess Celestia having to rearrange Sunset’s books.  Except there is one small problem.”
“And what would that be?” Kibitz said as he began to sweat at the forehead.
“When I overheard the crash, I overheard was sounded like my daughter, Cozy Glow,” Creme Dream said.
“So if we were you,” Majesty said.  “We would move out of the way so we can see if she’s in here.”
Kibitz let out a sigh and said “Okay.  But I doubt you’ll find her in there.”
As Majesty and Creme Dream walked past Kibitz, the older alicorn said to him “The last thing we need is a lie from your mouth, Majordomo.  I’ve already had to scold Princess Celestia for her lie.”
As Majesty walked on by, Kibitz pulled out a handkerchief and proceeded to wipe the sweat from his brow with it.  Cinch, Celestia and Luna walked up to the Majordomo, looking inside the room with Celestia turning back to Kibitz.
“You did all that you could,” Celestia said.  “You have no regrets.”
“I fear that I have put the three princesses in peril,” Kibitz said.
“All we can do now,” Cinch said.  “Is wait.”
“Wanda, Sunset, Cadance,” Princess Luna said.  “Good luck.”

Inside the room, Wanda, Sunset, Abigail, Spike and Cadance all stared at Magistrate Creme Dream and Majesty, with Wanda holding her back against Sunset’s closet door.
“Well,” Creme Dream said in a pleasant voice.  “The princesses, all in the same room.  And I overheard that you had a problem with books falling down.”
“Yeah,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “I made the mistake of pulling too many books and they nearly fell down on me.”
“So little sis Wanda has agreed to pitch in for her,” Princess Cadance said.
“Helping out a sibling when things don’t go their way,” Creme Dream said.  “Fascinating.  But that isn’t the reason why I am up here.”
“It isn’t?” Sunset said, causing Abigail and Spike to shiver.
“No it isn’t,” Creme Dream said.  “I overheard what sounded like my daughter Cozy Glow up in your room.”
“Cozy Glow?” Sunset said.  “I don’t recall anyone being up here.”
Majesty walked up to Sunset and said “We didn’t just hear her.  We could smell her in this room.”
“That’s enough, Majesty,” Creme Dream said.  “Perhaps the other princess is more convincing.”
Sunset and Cadance’s face turned to sheer horror as Magistrate Creme Dream walked up to Wanda.  The Man’s Cub just looked up at the Magistrate and just stood there in total fear.
“Now tell me,” Creme Dream said in a sweet tone to Wanda.  “What’s behind the closet?”
“Books that fell down by accident,” Wanda said in a nervous tone.  “I was going to help pick them up.”
Creme Dream let out a subtle chuckle before picking Wanda up with her magic.  The man’s cub looked like she was on the verge of tears as she stared at Creme Dreams’ face.
“You’re lying to me,” Creme Dream said, never letting her smile disappear.  “And we mustn't tell lies.”
Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Majordomo Kibitz and Chancellor Cinch stood outside the room, helpless, as Magistrate Creme Dream placed Wanda down next to the closet door.  Sunset, Cadance, Abigail and Spike stood next to the bed, cowering at what Creme Dream would do next.
“Now,” Creme Dream said.  “You will do me a favor and open that closet door.  After all, you don’t want to be called a liar by your peers.  Do you?”
Wanda nodded all while she shook in fear.  She slowly reached her hand towards the door knob and gripped it tightly.

Inside the closet, Cozy Glow peeked her eyes out from underneath the pile of books.  She noticed the closet door was starting to open up and her eyes popped out.
“Oh no,” Cozy whispered.  “Mother found out about me.”
Immediately, Cozy Glow ducked down under the books and began to cover her head.  
“Please just go away, please just go away, please just go away,” Cozy Glow cried in silence.
A slight amount of light entered the closet door as Cozy Glow hid under the pile of books.  The light grew as the door creaked slowly opened up.
“Lace,” Cozy Glow cried.  “I wish I never had to leave you.” 
But suddenly, Cozy’s ears began to perk up as the sound of the creek stopped.  She looked out from the safety of the books and noticed the light stopped growing.  
“Oh dear,” a voice said from behind the door.  “I just remembered.  The budget isn’t due till next week at least.  And I have another appointment about a juvenile delinquent from Cape Coltnaveral.”

Outside of the closet room, Magistrate Creme Dream dusted herself off and walked outside of Wanda and Sunset’s room, with Wanda standing there, completely confused.  Celestia, Luna, Kibitz and Cinch stepped aside as Creme Dream began to walk down the halls, only for Majesty to follow in pursuit.
“Mother,” Majesty said with a frown.  “But what about the noise in their room?”
“Oh that’s not much to worry about,” Creme Dream said as she turned her head towards Majesty.  “After all, it’s all in good hooves.”
Creme Dream gave a wink to her daughter Majesty, who’s frown turned into a smile.
“Ohhhh,” Majesty said.  “That’s what you meant.”
Creme Dream walked up to Princess Celestia and said “Forgive me for having to depart so soon.  But time is of the urgency.”
“Err, forgiven,” Celestia said in an awkward tone.
And with that, Creme Dream and Majesty walked down the hallway and away from the four adults in the room.  Kibitz took out his handkerchief and wiped his brow once more.
“I’ll see to it that she exits the castle safely,” Kibitz said.
“Excellent idea,” Luna said.
As Majordomo Kibitz walked down the hall, Chancellor Cinch tapped on Princess Celestia’s shoulder, catching the attention of a slightly nervous alicorn princess.
“I believe you have an explanation to give to the princesses,” Chancellor Cinch said.

Inside the bedroom, Wanda opened the closet door, where Cozy Glow hid underneath the pile of books.  The little filly jumped out from the book pile and grabbed right onto Wanda’s torso, giving her a big hug.
“Thank you,” Cozy Glow cried as she snuggled Wanda.  “I don’t know what would have happened if my mom found out I was here.”
“You don’t need to thank me,” Wanda said as she held Cozy Glow tight.  “Besides, I don’t think I could have handled your mother.”
Sunset Shimmer walked right behind Wanda and tapped her younger sister on the shoulder, getting Wanda and Cozy Glow’s attention.
“Sister,” Sunset said.  “I think our mother has a lot of explaining to do.”
Wanda held Cozy Glow close to her as she nodded towards Sunset Shimmer.  The Man’s Cub walked with Cozy Glow out of the closet, smiling at Princess Cadance, Abigail and Spike.  But when she turned to face Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, her smile turned into a frown.  Celestia looked at her daughter and gulped in fear.
“Mommy,” Wanda said in a cold tone.  “Could you explain why Cozy Glow was in my sister’s closet?”
As Celestia looked at Wanda with a feeling of dread, Cinch nudged at the older princess.
“I’m not going to bail you out of this mess,” Cinch said.  “You’re on your own.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of,” Celestia said.


	To Be Continued in….


	A New Sister for the Family

> Arc 4-4: A New Sister for the Family
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


A New Sister for the Family



“Are you deeply sure you don’t want to stick around, Magistrate Creme Dream?”
Those words came from Majordomo Kibitz.  He stood at the entrance of the castle while Magistrate Creme Dream and Majesty stood outside.  Creme Dream held the documents next to her with her magic while Majesty stood by her mother, looking as smug as ever.
“Oh that won’t be necessary,” Creme Dream said.  “After all, duty comes before pleasure.  And I assure the princesses that I will have the budget finalized before week’s end.”
“Very well,” Kibitz said before he took a bow.  “Good day, Magistrate.”
“Good day to you too,” Magistrate Creme Dream said before she and Majesty turned tail and walked off with the document by her side.
Kibitz looked back inside and said “I better check up on Princess Celestia.   Something tells me Wanda and Sunset are going to be pretty grumpy.”
As Majordomo Kibitz closed the front door of the castle, Creme Dream and Majesty looked back at the door all while they walked away.
“So mother,” Majesty said.  “You know that she’s there?”
“But of course I do,” Creme Dream said.  “After all, she doesn’t know it.  But Cozy Glow has a spell placed on her that allows me to see everything around her.”
“So even though she’s gone rogue,” Majesty said.  “She’s still useful to us.”
As Creme Dream continued to walk alongside Majesty, the older alicorn mare said “But of course.  Deep on the inside, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are becoming weary of us.  So I’d figured, why not use our renegade of a child as a means of keeping an eye on the Alicorn sisters and using their own emotions to our advantage?”
“You mean like prying their most embarrassing secrets on Stallion News Network?” Majesty asked.
“Oh no no no no,” Creme Dream chuckled.  “I’ve already discovered word about a Ground Bridge magic being tested at this time.  One developed by the late Starswirl the Bearded.  On the day they unveil their Ground Bridge, is the day we will put those useful idiots at the Windigo’s Guild and the Changelings to good use.”
Majesty giggled evilly before she said “And what else are you going to do, mother?”
“Anything that would humiliate the two princesses and even their daughters to the point where they have become a living joke,” Creme Dream laughed.
Majesty laughed with her mother as they walked out of the gate of Canterlot Castle.

Back in Wanda and Sunset’s room, Wanda had her arms crossed as she glared at her adopted mother Princess Celestia.  Next to Celestia was Princess Luna and Chancellor Cinch.  Cozy Glow sat next to Wanda as Sunset Shimmer, Princess Cadance, Spike and Abigail also glared up at the two princesses.
“Well you see,” Princess Celestia said.  “Golden Lace didn’t want to see any harm done to Cozy Glow.  And recently, she tried to get herself expelled from Daisy Joy Tech just to get away from that place.”
“So by her recommendation,” Princess Luna said.  “We pulled Cozy Glow out of Daisy Joy Tech and brought her here.  I wanted to bring Lace with me.  But I didn’t want to invoke the wrath of Gold Banks.”
“But why didn’t you tell us about this?” Sunset Shimmer asked.  “Why did you keep it a secret that Cozy Glow was in this very castle?”
“Because we wanted to make it a surprise,” Princess Celestia replied.  
“A surprise?” Wanda said in a cold tone, not keeping her eyes away from Princess Celestia.
“I wanted to wait until this afternoon to let you three know,” Princess Celestia said.  “Cozy Glow is going to be living with us until further notice.”
“And I take it Creme Dream’s sudden appearance was what threw everything off,” Princess Cadance replied.
“Yes,” Princess Celestia said.  “And for all the trouble that we have caused to you three, we are sorry.”
Celestia and Luna bowed down to Wanda, Sunset, Cadence, Spike and Abigail in shame.  Wanda looked down at both her adopted mother and aunt before she loosened up her arms.
“Apology accepted,” Wanda said as her frown turned into a smile.  “But next time, please tell us in advance, okay?  None of us want a repeat of what we went through.”
“Deal,” Celestia said as her cheerful tone came back to her.”
Immediately, Sunset Shimmer picked up Cozy Glow and gave her a big hug, causing the curly-maned filly to struggle to break free.
“Did you hear that?” Sunset Shimmer said.  “We’re going to become sisters from here on out.”
“Great,” Cozy Glow said in a weak voice as she had a bit of a hard time breathing.  “By the way, you’re squeezing me too hard.”
Sunset paused for a second before placing Cozy Glow down.
“Sorry,” Sunset said as she blushed with embarrassment.
“By the way,” Princess Celestia said.  “There is one other secret that Cozy Glow would like to share with you three.”
“What would that be?” Princess Cadance asked.
Celestia turned to Cozy Glow and said “It’s okay to show them.”
Cozy Glow turned away and said “But I’m afraid to do so.  What if they reject it?”
“Reject what, Cozy?” Wanda asked.
“From what I’ve been told,” Celestia said.  “I’d say it’s a wonderful thing.  And don’t worry, I won’t be angry about it.”
Cozy Glow nodded.  She placed her hoof beneath the front bangs of her mane and lifted it up.  Wanda, Sunset, Cadance, Abigail, and Spike were all surprised, looking at Cozy Glow’s forehead.
“You’re an alicorn?” Wanda said.
“I don’t believe it,” Sunset Shimmer replied.  “Our new sister is an alicorn.”
“It was rather obvious that she would be an alicorn,” Princess Luna said.  “After all, her mother is Magistrate Creme Dream and her sister is Majesty.”
“That being said,” Cozy Glow said.  “I chose to style my hair this way to hide my unicorn horn.  The reason is because while I do appreciate having magic of my own, it does bring me shame because it reminds me of both my mother and my sister.”
“Oh dear,” Wanda said.  “An alicorn who’s ashamed of being one.”
“Well when you think about it,” Princess Cadance said.  “When one’s parents neglect their own child in favor of another, it would change the child for the worse.”
“Like with Cozy Glow,” Wanda said.  “That explains why you’re okay with taking her in, mommy.”
“That’s right,” Princess Celestia said as she walked up to Wanda.  “If Cozy Glow spends enough time with us, then she can regain her own confidence as an Alicorn, and not have to pretend to be a Pegasus.”
Princess Celestia sat down, extending her arms outward.  Wanda, Sunset and Cozy Glow reached out and hugged Princess Celestia all while the older alicorn wrapped her arms around the three younglings.
“Mommy,” Wanda said.  “We’ll look after Cozy Glow and help her out.”
“Thanks,” Princess Celestia said.  “And as long as I’m around, I’ll be looking out for you and your sisters.”
Sunset turned to Cozy Glow and said “I may be the only sister without the ability to fly.  But I will make sure to be a great sister to you.”
Cozy Glow just smiled and giggled, giving Sunset a warm smile.
Princess Cadance, Abigail and Spike walked over to Princess Luna and Chancellor Cinch, just as Kibitz walked up from the hallway.  
“Still can’t believe we have a fourth sister in this castle,” Princess Cadance said.  “But how did you figure out the warning signs?”
“Prior to Cozy Glow sneaking out of Canterlot to go see Golden Lace in Manehattan,” Princess Luna said.  “Celestia and I bore witness to Creme Dream and Majesty berating Cozy, calling her names, mocking her, and even knocking her down into a puddle of water.  
“They did what?” Princess Cadance said in a shocked tone.
“I didn’t believe Princess Celestia’s own words when she told me that,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “But when I saw it for myself, I was completely appalled.  And I know what you’re thinking: I should have called her out.  But Creme Dream is the most powerful politician in all of Equestria.  Had I done something like that, she would have figured out a way to wreck my political career and turned me into a pariah of some sorts.”
Princess Cadance let out a sigh and said “What kind of nation are we?”
“I don’t know,” Chancellor Cinch said.  
Kibitz immediately turned to Chancellor Cinch and said “Magistrate Creme Dream had already departed the palace grounds with Majesty by her side.”
“Thank you,” Chancellor Cinch said as she turned to Kibitz.  “But I do worry if Magistrate Creme Dream will use this moment to make us all pariahs just for taking away her daughter.”
“What struck me as odd,” Kibitz said.  “Was that she was on the verge of opening the closet door, only to back off at the last moment.”
“Good eye,” Chancellor Cinch replied.  “That was rather suspicious of Magistrate Creme Dream to back off at the last moment.  Perhaps she might be hiding something.”
Luna turned her head towards Princess Celestia, Wanda, Sunset and Cozy Glow.  Despite a sigh of relief from the moon princess, she still felt a bit of worry.
“I wonder how Golden Lace is doing,” Princess Luna said.  “After all, she no longer has Cozy Glow by her side.”
“Something tells me frequent visits to Lace’s dorm may be in order,” Princess Cadance said.
“You might be right,” Princess Luna said.  “But if I were to tap into the dream world, I can get Wanda, Sunset, Cozy Glow and their friends to meet with Golden Lace there.”
“Excellent idea,” Princess Cadance replied.  “With what Lace is going through, she will need all the comfort of friends more than ever.”
Spike and Abigail looked at Wanda, Celestia, Sunset and Cozy Glow before turning towards each other.
“Sisters?” Spike asked.
The only thing Abigail did was nod in agreement.

Meanwhile, as the sun was setting in the city of Manehattan inside Daisy Joy Tech, Golden Lace was sitting at a desk, jolting down an essay on a piece of paper.  In front of her, Argyle Starshine watched on patiently.  
“How are you doing, Miss Lace?” Argyle asked.
Golden Lace sighed and said “I’m doing fine.  Even despite the fact that I do miss Cozy Glow.”
“She was a great friend, I take it,” Argyle asked.
Golden Lace placed her pencil down and said “She was more than that.  It was as if she were a sister to me.  And now, I don’t have anything left despite being locked away in this prison-like school.”
Argyle Starshine just laughed and said “Believe me.  You’re not the only lost soul here in Daisy Joy Tech.  Look to your right.”
Golden Lace did just that and took notice of an earth pony with a pale, light grayish olive coat, and long, strong cerulean mane with moderate arctic blue streaks.  This Earth Pony was also focused on writing in her essay.  Lace got up out of her desk and sat in another desk close to the earth pony.
“Hello there,” Golden Lace said.  “I’m Golden Lace.  What’s your name?”
The Earth Pony looked up at Golden Lace and said “Oh.  I’m Juniper Montage.”
“Juniper,” Golden Lace said.  “That sounds like a nice name.  Where are you from?”
“That’s…something I’m not comfortable with,” Juniper said as she turned her head away. 
“I’m…sorry,” Lace said as she rubbed the back of her front, right hoof.  She looked at Juniper and said “You know, you sound a bit like me.”
“Oh?” Juniper said, turning back towards Golden Lace.
“You see,” Golden Lace said.  “I happen to be an outcast here at Daisy Joy Tech.  Picked on by the other peers like those horrible sweet sisters Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo.”
“Wait,” Juniper replied.  “I was also picked on by those two meanies.  As are a couple of friends of mine like Gloriosa Daisy, Wallflower Blush and Vignette Valencia.”
“I didn’t know,” Golden Lace replied.
“Those two are some of the biggest bullies here in Daisy Joy Tech,” Juniper Montage replied.  “Not only do they like to pick on ponies that they dubbed weak, they encourage others into doing the same thing, and from what I heard, they’re rewarded by the headmare of this horrible boarding school: Miss Honey Twist.”
“That explains the hostile mood,” Golden Lace said.  
Juniper Montage stared down at the table and said “Truth be told, I miss my uncle Canter Zoom.  He used to show me everything that makes movies so wonderful.  I dreamt of one day, working alongside him as a gofer.  Or even to become a director.  But one day, my school shut down because of the rumors of changelings and Windigo’s cultists.”
“And then what happened?” Golden Lace asked.
“My parents had no choice,” Juniper Montage said. “But to ship me here to Daisy Joy Tech.  And since then, my life has been miserable.”
“So it seems we have a lot in common,” Golden Lace said.  “As do your friends Gloriosa Daisy, Wallflower Blush and Vignetta Valencia.”
Juniper Montage looked up at Golden Lace and smiled.
“So what was your life back where you came from?” Juniper asked.
“Back then,” Golden Lace said.  “I used to be a bully.  I used to pick on some friends back at the School for Gifted Unicorns, which included the adopted human daughter of Princess Celestia.  What got me to change my ways was Queen Novo of the Hippogriffs, who told me that what I was doing was wrong, and that it also made me question my own parents.  Since then, things fell apart with me and my folks, and it reached a boiling point when I made amends with my daddy, and he wanted me to live with my Uncle and Aunt.”
“And I take it your mother shipped you here out of spite,” Juniper asked.
“She sure did,” Golden Lace replied.  “But at the same time, she threatened to make my dad a pariah if he allowed me to live in Ponyville.  We both wound up agreeing and I was shipped here instead.”
“I feel sorry for you,” Juniper Montage said.  “To have a mother that is totally cruel.”
“Thanks,” Golden Lace replied.  “Guess there is more to us than meets the eye.”
“You’re right,” Juniper Montage replied.
As Golden Lace continued to chat with Juniper Montage, Argyle Starshine looked on and smiled greatly.
“In an age where friendship is considered forbidden, and nastiness is considered a requirement,” Argyle Starshine said.  “It’s nice to see that the spark of friendship has not flickered out.”

Later that night at the castle, Wanda Young was once again snug in her bed with Sunset Shimmer.  Right in between them was Cozy Glow.  Spike and Abigail were sleeping next to each other at the far end of the mattress.
“So how long will I get used to sleeping with you two?”  Cozy Glow asked.
“Oh until tomorrow morning,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Mother wanted to bring out one of our older beds.”
“So you didn’t get rid of your separate beds?” Cozy Glow said.  “In fact, why do you both sleep together now?”
Wanda giggled and said “Well ever since I’ve been having these nightmares about this Pony of Shadows, mommy suggested that I share a bed with Sunset.”
“Yeah,” Sunset said with a grin on her face.  “That way, if the Pony of Shadows strikes again, we’ll be waiting.”
Cozy Glow took a peek outside of the bedroom window and said “That does sound scary.  Do you think the Pony of Shadows will come for me?”
“Well if you do get nightmares,” Wanda said.  “We’ll be there to protect you.”
“Yeah,” Sunset replied.  “That’s what real sisters are for.”
Cozy Glow giggled a bit before she yawned and stretched out her arms.
“Thanks,” Cozy said as her voice got weak.  “That’s what I need to hear.”
And with that, Cozy Glow was fast asleep.  Wanda and Sunset looked at the sleepy filly and just laughed.

Outside, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna looked right at the window that leads into the bedroom of the younglings.  Though Celestia was content, Luna looked worried.
“To think,” Celestia said.  “All that Cozy Glow needed was a friend to look out for her.  If anything, I’m glad that happened because I can only imagine what would happen if she was denied friendship.  Like she ended up becoming Equestria’s greatest monster.  The last thing I need is to lock her in Tartarus for her and Equestria’s own sake, or to turn her to stone.”
“And yet, I do have a sense of worry for her,” Princess Luna said.
“It’s about what Kibitz said, right?” Celestia asked as her tone went south.
“Why would Creme Dream depart so soon when she was on the verge of revealing Cozy Glow’s location?”  Luna said as she pondered.  “That’s not like Creme Dream to give up that easily.”
“You’re absolutely right,” Princess Celestia said.  “Creme Dream is very thorough when it comes to detail.  That makes it absolutely suspicious that she would just depart in almost an instant.”
“Still,” Luna said.  “I should worry more about Creme Dream’s departure while you worry about Wanda’s birthday.”
“That’s right,” Princess Celestia said as her tone went up.  “Believe it or not, when we first discovered Wanda so many years ago, she came with a note on when her birthday was.  Which was rather odd since she’s a human and not a pony.”
“But how did this…Eleanor Young deduce Wanda’s birthday?” Luna asked.
“Perhaps I can explain everything.”  The sound of a gentle voice caught Celestia and Luna’s attention.  The two sisters turned around to see a human woman, wearing a white cloak and a purple regal dress.  Luna’s face turned to surprise as Celestia stood there with a smile on her face.
“Sister,” Princess Luna said.  “Who is that?”
“Princess Luna,” Princess Celestia said.  “Allow me to introduce Wanda Young’s real mother: Eleanor Young.”
Eleanor Young took off the hood from her cloak, revealing her head and face.  She looked like Wanda, except both the back of her hair and the hair bangs on her forehead were longer.  Her cheeks were less noticeable, her chin was shaped like a normal human’s, her nose was smaller and less round, and her ears were pointy.
“Ever since I left Wanda behind for Princess Celestia to look after,” Eleanor Young said.  “I chose to remain in Equestria not just to look after Wanda, but also to learn more about the land I chose as my daughter’s childhood home, and to protect myself from the dangers of my home.  As a result, I had to seal the portal, trapping me here.”
“Well it does make a lot of sense,” Princess Luna said.  “After all, I suspect something horrible happened on planet Earth.”
“Actually sister,” Princess Celestia said.  “Wanda and Eleanor aren’t from planet Earth.”
“They’re not?” Luna replied.
“We’re not from Earth, even though my husband is from Earth,” Eleanor replied.  “Truth be told, Wanda and I are from Planet Evevanya.”
“Planet…Evevanya?” Luna replied.  “I…I have heard about Planet Evevanya.  Is it true that Wanda is from Evevanya?”
“It’s true sister,” Celestia said.  “A planet even more magical than Earth.”


	To Be Continued in…


	Arc 5: Break-In at Coltsom


	The Prison Life is for me

> Arc 5(Break-In at Coltsom)-1: The Prison Life is for me
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Arc 05: Break-in at Coltsom


The Prison Life is for me.



It was a beautiful day near the town of La Maresa.  The Everfree Forest dwarfed the quiet town with its majestic and enchanting beauty.  Animals roamed through the woods, searching for food while birds sang towards the morning sun.
But outside of the forest, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score ran as fast as possible, laughing and taunting, all while Bright Mac chased after the trio with a lasso in the air.
“Come back here,” Bright Mac yelled.  “You three are going to get it when I rope you all in.”
Score let out a big raspberry and yelled out “Maybe you and that hag of a granny shouldn’t have hit the snooze button.”
Hoops, Dumbbell and Score ran as fast as they could, leading Bright Mac on a wild goose chase through the plains of La Maresa, dodging and jumping over rocks, and running through the tall grass.  Bright Mac continued to chase after the two, smashing through the rocks that got in his way and slicing through the tall grass.
“When I get my hooves on you three,” Bright Mac yelled.  “You’re definitely going to get it.”
Hoops, Dumbbell and Score ran as fast as they could with Score continuing to taunt the pursuing Bright Mac.  Hoops ran a bit back and smashed Score on the head, causing the tormenting pegasus colt to bite his tongue.
“Quit doing that you iggit,” Hoops said in an angry tone.  “Wait until we get away from that big apple stallion.”
As the colt trio ran towards the end of the grassy field, they came to a sudden stop.  Right in front of them was the edge of the cliff, with the bottom being around three stories tall.  But up above was another cliff that stood around two stories taller than their position.   Two wooden logs at the end of each cliff were all that was left of a wooden bridge that connected the two cliffs.
“Nowhere to run and no place to hide,” Dumbbell said.
“Are you out of your mind?” Hoops said as he flapped his wings.  “We’re pegasi.  We can clear that with ease and get that mad apple farmer off of our backs.  Now come on.”
Hoops ran as far back as he possibly could, paying no attention to Bright Mac approaching him with the rope lasso in his teeth.  Hoops’ wings extended outward before he ran forward and jumped as high as he possibly could.  At the height of his jump, he flapped his wings and flew upwards, until he reached the top of the opposing cliff.  Then he turned to Dumbbell and Score, who stood on the previous cliff below.
“Come on you two,” Hoops yelled.  “We don’t got all day.”
Dumbbell and Score nodded before they ran all the way back into the grass before running towards the opposing cliff that Hoops was on.  They extended their wings out like Hoops and flapped it really hard before they jumped into the air.  Dumbbell immediately flapped his wings, flying towards Hoops at the top of the cliff.  But before Score could flap his wings, he felt something tug at his rear.
“HEY!”  Score yelled as he struggled to fly towards the group.  “Something’s got me.”
Hoops and Dumbbell looked at Score to see a lasso wrapped around his waist.  They looked at the far end of the lasso, where Bright Mac was trying as hard as possible to pull him back.
“There’s no use escaping,” Bright Mac said as he held the rope with his front arms.  “It’s time you delinquents face the consequences.”
“So you want to play Tug-O-War, eh?” Hoops said as he extended his wings out.  “Well you got it.”
Hoops and Dumbbell flew from the cliff side and grabbed onto Score as hard as they could, trying to pull him free from the rope.  Bright Mac held his ground, holding the rope as firm as possible.  The three colts struggled to break free as Bright Mac began to pull the trio towards him.
“Hold onto him good,” Hoops said to Dumbbell.  “I’ve got a nasty surprise for him.”
Dumbbell nodded as he flapped as hard as possible, all while Hoops let go of Score.  
“Hey,” Score said as he reached out to Hoops.  “You’re not going to leave me, are ya?”
“We’re not,” Hoops said.  “We’re in this together.”
As Bright Mac continued to pull the trio close to him, Dumbbell held onto Score while Hoops flew as fast as possible towards the big earth pony.  Bright Mac watched as Hoops flew below the cliff that the earth pony is on.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Bright Mac said as he continued to pull Dumbbell and Score towards him.
“Why, sending you on a nice trip,” Hoops said.
With a couple of powerful kicks, Hoops smacked the area of the cliff below Bright Mac, causing the ground to quake a bit and for the apple pony to lose his grip.
“Knock that off,” Bright Mac yelled.  “What are you trying to do, kill me?”
Hoops swung his legs back and said “Oh I’m just trying to get my kicks in.”
Hoops swung his hind legs so hard, it caused the point of the cliff under Bright Mac to crumble.  The apple pony looked down under and began to freak out, losing his grip on the rope and allowing Dumbbell and Score to fly away.  Hoops flew up to Bright Mac and stuck his tongue out in mockery.
“Have a nice trip, sucker,” Hoops said before he flew up from Bright Mac.  “See you next fall.”
But before Bright Mac could do anything, the ground underneath him gave way and fell down the cliff side.  Bright Mac immediately grabbed onto a newly formed cliff edge, holding himself and preventing him from falling down.
“Blast it,” Bright Mac said.  “This time, they’ve gone too far.”
Bright Mac pulled himself up from the cliff edge, all the way up until he was finally on the safety of solid ground.  He turned on his back, took off his hat and wiped the sweat off his forehead.
“Ma’s not going to like the fact that those hoodlums got away,” Bright Mac said.  “And I can only imagine her reaction.”
“You don’t need to imagine that reaction, my son.  I had a feeling they would blow off their punishment and fly the coop.” Bright Mac looked up to see Granny Smith walking up to him.  The younger apple pony rolled onto his hooves and stood up, looking ashamed.
“I’m sorry, ma,” Bright Mac said as he picked up his hat and placed it on his chest.  “Those three slipped away from my hooves.”
“It’s not your fault, Bright Mac,” Granny Smith said.  “Since we forced those three back to La Maresa after banishment only made their behavior worse, we tried a number of techniques to get them to shape up.  The only thing they shaped up was our patience, our temper, and a good number of our apple crops.”
“But what can we do about them?” Bright Mac said.  “I hate to see those three give Wanda and her friends a hard time.”
Granny Smith approached Bright Mac and said “Word has it that there is a Juvenile Detention Facility nearby called Coltsom.  Those three have a thing for trouble and they’re willing to check it out for their own amusement.  But once they fall into that kind of trap, I figured some time in the slammer will shape them up.”
“Coltsom?” Bright Mac said.  “I’m fond of harsh punishment for those kinds of delinquents.  But even that’s overkill.”
“Not exactly,” Granny Smith said. “And I have a feeling those three bit off more than they could chew.”

Further down the plains, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score laid on some rocks and stared at the sky. The trio looked completely relaxed as if they didn’t have a care in the world.  Nearby, the rope lasso that was wrapped around Score laid there as if someone cut the loop off.
“We sure showed that stupid farmer,” Hoops said.  “The nerve of that guy nullifying our deserved banishment from that boring place.”
“Yeah,” Dumbbell said.  “If anything, his attempts at punishing us were completely pathetic.  Stupid chores around Sweet Apples Acres.”
“And you should have seen the look on his face when we decided to knock some of his trees down,” Score said. “That was priceless.”
“Bros,” Hoops said.  “From here on out, let’s be the most hated ponies in Equestria.  The despised.  The loathed.   The Scrappies.”
“Yeah,” Dumbbell said.  “Scrappies sound like a fun name.”
“If the majority of Equestria hates us because of the fact that we’re a bunch of trouble-making delinquents,” Score said.  “I’d say that’s worthy of an achievement.”
The trio laughed at Score’s remark before sighing and looking at the sky.  Dumbbell sat up and stretched his arms and wings out.  But just as he got done stretching, something caught his eye.
“Hey guys,” Dumbbell said.  “Do you see what I see?”
Hoops and Score got up on their four hooves and looked in the direction of Dumbbell’s eyes.  In the distance, they saw what appeared to be a greyish building surrounded by a mix of a stone wall and some fencing with barbed wire on top of it.  The towers on the buildings each had some search lights attached.  In the fields within the walls looked like colts around their age, wearing orange jumpsuits.
“Oh yeah,” Hoops said.  “I’ve heard of that place: The infamous Coltsom Juvenile Detention Facility.  A place for trouble makers like us if you got arrested and had the book thrown at you.”
“So, you wanna check the place out?” Score asked.
“Check it?”  Hoops replied.  “I’d say we should consider breaking into the joint, get our own jail cell, and test the system out.  See if we can drive it mad within a year.”
“You really want to do that?” Dumbbell asked.
“Of course we do,” Hoops said.  “After all, we have a new reputation to uphold: To be the most hated ponies in Equestria.  And if we can break into a prison and cause some ruckus, that will ensure our status as the Scrappies.  You boys in?”
“YEAH!” Dumbbell and Score yelled in sync.
“Then come on,” Hoops said.  “We got a prison to check in.”
Hoops, Dumbbell and Score extended their wings out and flew towards the Coltsom Detention Facility in anticipation.

At the chain link fence part of the prison, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score landed outside of the prison, where Dumbbell’s eye caught some young inmates lined up as if they were awaiting orders.  Dumbbell tapped Hoops’ shoulder and pointed to the inmates.  Many of them looked a bit roughed up.
“You thinking what I’m thinking?” Hoops said.
“We break in and become part of the group?” Score replied.
“Exactly,” Hoops replied.  
“But how do we blend in?” Dumbbell asked.  
Hoops pointed to a nearby dumpster inside the prison grounds and said “Lo and behold.”
Dumbbell and Score looked at the dumpster.  On top were three orange jumpsuits lying out in the open.  Dumbbell smirked at the sight of those prison garbs.
“Nice find,” Dumbbell said.  
Score looked above and noticed a nearby camera that’s in a fixed position.  He tapped on Hoops’ shoulder
“Hey Hoops,” Score said as he pointed Hoops in the direction of the camera.
“A camera that doesn’t move at all,” Hoops said.  “Something tells me there is more to this facility than meets the eye.”
“What do you mean, Hoops?” Dumbbell asked.
Hoops pulled Dumbbell and Score to him, huddled down and said “So here’s the plan.  Since that camera is fixed like that, we’ll sneak in when no one is looking, sneak up to that garbage bin, grab the garbs, put em on, and line up.  And before you know it, we’ll be occupying our own prison cell.”
“Sweet,” Dumbbell said.  
“Imagine the look on their faces when they find out that we broke into a prison and caused some ruckus,” Score said.
“Now come on,” Hoops said as he looked at the opposite side of the fence.  “Let’s get this done.”
Hoops, Dumbbell and Score extended their wings out and flew up, jumping over the fence with the razor wiring and landing on the opposite side.  Immediately, they ran towards the dumpster before hiding behind it.  Hoops looked down to Dumbbell and Score before shishing them.
“Stay low,” Hoops whispered.  “There’s a guard nearby.”
Hoops, Dumbbell and Score stood still behind the dumpster, watching the guard walk by.  But for some reason, the guard looked worried.
“What was I thinking of signing up for this job?” the guard said.  “What’s the point of watching these delinquents with all these long hours and pitiful pay?”
As the guard walked off in the opposite direction, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score popped their heads out, surprised by the guard’s tone.
“Sounds like there is truly more to this prison than meets the eye,” Score said.
Hoops looked up at the prison garbs and said “Now’s our chance.  Grab 'em and don’t mind the smell.”
Immediately, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score reached out and grabbed the orange jumpsuits.  They went behind the dumpster and put on the clothing, starting with the pants, and then the buttoned shirt.  Once they were done, they stood on their four hooves and looked down at their new outfits.
“What do you think, boys?” Hoops said.  “Think we’ll stand out?”
“You bet,” Score said.
“Then come on,” Hoops said.  “Time to reveal ourselves as the new colts on the block.”
Immediately, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score ran out from behind the dumpster and lined up alongside the other inmates.  While the pegasi trio kept their cool, they also looked a bit nervous.  But in their comparison, the other inmates looked scared, like they were terrified of their own lives.
“Hey, what’s with those dweebs?” Dumbbell asked.
“It’s like they can’t toughen up,” Score replied.
One of the inmates turned to the trio, and his eyes popped out a bit.
“Wait a minute,” the young delinquent said.  “I…I’ve never seen you in here before.”
“We’re the new Scrappies on the block,” Hoops replied.  “What are you in here for?”
“Well,” the delinquent said as he rubbed the back of his left arm with his right arm.  “I was locked in here because I got sick and my parents looked after me.  I even had a doctor’s note for proof.”
“Wait,” Hoops replied.  “You were taken away and locked here because you were sick?”
“Yeah,” the inmate said.  “The school approved of it.  But sometime as I was recovering, some stallions came by and took me away.  Told me it was because I was playing hooky.”
“That’s messed up,” Score said.  “Who gets themselves arrested for being sick?”
“And here’s the worst part,” the inmate said.  “Despite protest by my own school and my students, I was sent here as punishment, no court trial at all.”
“All that punishment just for something that isn’t worthy of a delinquent,” Dumbbell said.  “The standards are falling.”
Suddenly, they heard someone shouting “ALL YOU WORTHLESS MAGGOTS BETTER BE LINED UP!”  Immediately, the inmates stood tall, looking upwards as if they were expecting the worst.  Hoops, Dumbbell and Score looked at the row of inmates before turning towards each other.
“I think we better do what they are doing,” Hoops said.  “Maybe we’ll get noticed by whoever called that out.”
Dumbbell and Score nodded, and immediately they along with Hoops lined up next to the other inmates, looking proud and tough.  Immediately, a stallion dressed in an officer’s garb marched down the line, inspecting each and every colt lined up.  But despite his job, there’s a sense of disappointment in the officer’s look.
“Does the warden call these guys juvenile delinquents?” The officer said to himself.  “I’ve seen tougher delinquents in the alleyways of Manehattan.”
Immediately, the officer’s eyes roll over to Hoops, Dumbbell and Score, changing his mood from disappointed to surprised.
“Now where did those three come from?” The officer said to himself.
The prison officer walked up to the three juvenile pegasi and glared at each of them.  He looked down at the orange jumpsuits that they were wearing and took a close look at their numbers. 
“I don’t know how you three got in,” The officer said.  “Or the fact that you’re wearing jumpsuits that belonged to three delinquents that were transferred to a correctional facility near Canterlot.  But don’t expect me to go easy on you.”
“NO SIR,” Hoops, Dumbbell and Score yelled.  The officer looked at the trio and smiled.
“Then from here on out,” the officer said.  “You are now inmates of the Coltsom Detention Facility for Delinquent Colts.  My name is Blue Heat.  I will be your correctional officer from here on out.  I don’t want to see any monkey business coming out of you three.  Understand?”
“YES SIR!”  Hoops, Dumbbell and Score yelled.
“Very well,” Blue Heat said.  He turned to a guard and said “Escort them to their cells.  Show these three their new roommates.”
The guard nodded before approaching the group of inmates and said “March you deadbeats.  To your cells this instant.”
Immediately, the line of inmates marched off towards the giant doors that lead inside the prison.  Hoops, Dumbbell and Score marched right behind in anticipation.
“Did you see that?” Dumbbell said.  “It worked.  We’re in.”
“Yeah,” Hoops said.  “I can’t wait to see what our cell is going to be.”
“Maybe we’ll be in a cell with a number of psychopaths,” Score said.  “Or maybe thieves, or even puppy-punters.”
Hoops and Dumbbell glared at Score with a hint of score all while they continued to walk in a line.  Score looked at his bros and just blushed with embarrassment.
“What?” Score said.  “It was worth a shot.”
As Hoops, Dumbbell and Score were marching towards the facility entrance at the back of the line, prison officer Blue Heat turned towards a couple of the guards.
“See to it that they get into their cells,” Blue Heat said.  “I need to talk to Warden Steel Bolt about this.”
The two guards nodded before they walked up and marched alongside the row of juvenile inmates, especially Hoops Dumbbell and Score.  Immediately, Blue Heat walked past the line of juveniles and towards the entrance of the prison.

Inside, Blue Heat walked up to a door with a sign that said ‘Warden Steel Bolt’s office,’ and knocked on it.
“Enter,” The voice inside said.
Blue Heat pushed open the door and walked into the room.  Inside, a light-grey, well-built stallion with short brown hair and a mustache  sat at a desk.  He tapped his hooves together with patience.
“Warden Steel Bolt,” Blue Heat said as he saluted the Warden.
“I see you have something to report,” Warden Steel Bolt said.  “Bout time something happened in this dumpster fire of a prison.”
“As a matter of fact I do,” Blue Heat said.  “Three juvenile delinquents that are not in the system somehow got into this detention facility, thinking they are inmates.  And I also believe they took some of the jumpsuits that may have been thrown in the dumpster.”
“Inmates eh?” Steel Bolt replied as his serious face turned to curiosity.  “Now you’ve got my attention.”
Steel Bolt looked down at the button on his desk and pressed it.  To his left, several tube-based television screens turned on, showing monochrome images of the interior of the prison and every miserable juvenile inmate that either marched down the halls, sat in their cells, or just ate in the cafeteria.
“Now tell me, Blue Heat,” Steel Bolt said.  “Who are these juvenile delinquents that want to play inmate?”
Blue Heat’s eyes quickly caught the attention of Hoops, Dumbbell and Score as they entered into the prison halls, right behind the others in line.  He walked up over to the screen and pointed to the scrappy colt trio.
“Those three,” Blue Heat said.
Steel Bolt rubbed the bottom of his chin.  He got out of his seat and walked over to the very monitor, looking at Hoops, Dumbbell and Score marching down.
“Excellent find, Blue Heat,” Steel Bolt said.  “In fact, something about these three just gave me some inspiration.”
“Warden,” Blue Heat said.  “What should we do with them?”
“Let them play inmates for now,” Warden Steel Bolt said.  “I’m going to concoct a plan for those three.”
“Yes sir,” Blue Heat said with a salute before he turned tail and walked out of the room, shutting the door in the process.
Warden Steel Bolt walked back to his desk and pressed a button, freezing the footage in place.  He then shifted his hoof towards a button that says ‘Magistrate Creme Dream’ before pressing it.
“The Magistrate needs to know about this,” Warden Steel Bolt said.
A tube-television with a camera attached to it popped out of the ceiling and moved down in front of Warden Steel Bolt.  The screen turns on, revealing Magistrate Creme Dream on the display.
“You have something you wish to report, Warden Steel Bolt?” Creme Dream asked.
“As a matter of fact I do,” Steel Bolt said.  “I was just informed that three juvenile delinquents broke into the Coltsom Prison, took some jumpsuits that belonged to three transferees, and think they’re inmates.”
Magistrate Creme Dream chuckled a bit before she said “Well that’s new.  Failures in life that they they want to be inmates at a Juvenile Detention Facility.”
“I have the footage for proof,” Steel Bolt said.
“That won’t be necessary,” Creme Dream said.  “Besides, I know your prison hasn’t been getting enough funding for maintenance, or to even keep your doors open.”
“That’s an understatement,” Steel Bolt said.  “These convicts aren’t worth the cloth that they’re wearing.  Besides, those hacks up in the Senate couldn’t legislate new funding for this dump of a prison.”
“Then I have a proposal,” Magistrate Creme Dream said.  “There is a new maximum security detention facility that’s being made for rowdy juvenile delinquents near Appleoosa.  All you need to do is to convince one of the three newcomers to stage a jailbreak and I will make you warden of this new prison.“
“Convince one of them, eh?”  Warden Steel Bolt said.  “I like how that sounds.  And I think I have an idea.”
Magistrate Creme Dream giggled with a sinister tone before she said “Then by all means, show them what you’re made of.”
The screen that showed Magistrate Creme Dream’s face shut off as Warden Steel Bolt sat there, eyes looking anticipated, mouth looking sinister.
“It’s time to execute Operation Handout,” Steel Bolt said.  “And the one who gets sent to Solitary Confinement, will be the one to carry it out.”


	To Be Continued in…


	Coltsom Prison Blues

> Arc 5-2: Coltsom Prison Blues
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Coltsom Prison Blues



“Welcome to the Coltsom Detention Facility.  You will be staying here for a long, long time.”
Those were the words that came from a prison guard as he shoved Hoops, Dumbbell and Score into the same prison before shutting the cell grats shut and locking it tight.  The trio grabbed onto the bars and watched as the guard escorted the other inmates to their cells.
“I can’t believe it,” Hoops said in excitement.  “We made it.  We’re in.”
“And to think,” Dumbbell said.  “We didn’t need to go through a stupid court system just to get locked behind bars.”
“Yeah,” Score said.  We’re the Scrappies, and we’re number one.”
“You guys didn’t go through a court system just to get in here?” Hoops, Dumbbell and Score turned their heads to the right.
“Who said that?” Hoops said in confusion.  “Reveal yourselves.”
“We did,” another voice said.
And just then, the two voices sang “WELL YOU’VE GOT SOME OPPORTUNITY IN THIS VERY COMMUNITY.  HE’S FLIM, HE’S FLAM, WE’RE THE WORLD FAMOUS FLIM FLAM BROTHERS.  TRAVELING SALECOLTS NONPAREIL!”
Hoops, Dumbbell and Score just stood there, holding those bars before they let go and fell on their back, laughing out loud.
“So what are you two in here for?” Hoops said as he was laughing. “Horrible singing?”
“That was the worst thing I ever heard,” Dumbbell chuckled.
“How about you get some better singing lessons,” Score chortled.

At the cell next to Hoops, Dumbbell and Score, two unicorn colts sat there with a discouraged look.  Both had a pale, light grayish olive coat with a moderate red with white stripes mane and tail.  One had what appeared to be a piece of an apple for a cutie mark. The other an apple with a slice missing for a cutie mark, and had a fake moustache on his upper lips.
“And seriously.  Flim and Flam?” Hoops laughed from the other cell.  “That’s the weakest names I’ve ever heard.”
Flim got up on one of the cell beds and said “That’s not funny.  Just so you know, we’re in here just because we were selling goods without a license.”
“Yeah, the nerve of some ponies,” Flam said.  “All we wanted to do was to make an honest living, and they’re telling me we’re not allowed to do so at this age?”
“What kind of free market is this?” Both Flim and Flam yelled.
The laughter in the other cell amplified even louder.  You could hear Dumbbell yell out “Free market?  Honest Living?  What a complete joke.”
“What next?” Score yelled in complete hysterics.  “Getting thrown in prison for wanting to imitate the Wonderbolts?”
Immediately, another voice yelled out “Unfortunately, yes.” Back in the cell near Flim and Flam, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score stopped laughing as the look on their faces started to become dumbfounded.
“Wait,” Hoops said.  “Jail time just for pretending to be a Wonderbolt?”
“Actually, it was because we wanted to be more than just the Wonderbolts,” A second, more squeaky voice, said.
“Hey,” Hoops said.  “Who’s that over there?”
The first voice yelled out “My name’s Rolling Thunder.  And my cell mate and friend here is called Short Fuse.”
In the cell to the left of the colt trio, were two Pegasi colts.  The tallest one had a purple coat with a white, grey-bluish, curly mane.  His cutie mark represented a thunderbolt emitting from a storm cloud.   Right next to him was a short, pudgy, reddish colt with yellow spiky-hair, and no cutie mark.
“So you two are in here just because you want to be better than the Wonderbolts?” Hoops yelled from his cell.
“You’re darn right,” Rolling Thunder said.  “In fact, our desire to double down on being better than these Wonderbolts increased after they disbanded.”
“No kidding,” Score said from the other cell.  “And what about your partner?”
Short Fuse just rubbed the back of his left front hoof and said “I’m a baaaad boy.”
“No you’re not,” Rolling Thunder said.  “In fact, you used to be disgusted, and now you try to be amused.”
“Yeah,” Short Fuse said.  “Through those aerial tricks.”
“That ain’t nothing,” Rolling Thunder replied.  “It’s a shame I can’t get you to do the same.”
“But Rolling,” Short Fuse said.  “I’m scared of heights.”
“Since when was a pegasus afraid of heights?” Dumbbell yelled in the other cell.
“Long story short,” Rolling Thunder yelled.  “He got grabbed by a roc and I had to save him.”
There was utter silence between the three cells for a moment as Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim and Flam stood there, completely at a loss for words.
“I take it you guys don’t believe me,” Short Fuse said as his tone went from scared to annoyed.
“Oh it’s not to the fact that it sounds like a tall tail,” Hoops said.  “But I’ve heard stories about how little colts and fillies were eaten by rocs.  I may be a tough pegasi, but even I fear those giant beasts.”
“Who doesn’t?” Flim yelled.  “Some say only Alicorns are capable of bringing down an roc.”
“Well that doesn’t explain how a certain Buck Withers was able to conquer his own fear and save that human snowflake and one of her friends from that roc,” Score said.  “He even put it out of its own misery.”
“Well I don’t care if Buck Withers brought down a rock.” Short Fuse said.  “I’m afraid of rocs and I feel safer in dis here box.”
At the middle cell, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score huddled down and began to talk with one another.
“It’s apparently clear that we feel too much like the alpha in this prison,” Hoops said.
“Yeah,” Score said.  “Too many of these inmates don’t look that tough.  In fact, for some of these guys, they were in here for things that shouldn’t be considered a crime.”
“So what are we going to do, Hoops?” Dumbbell asked.
“It’s gonna take some time,” Hoops said.  “But one thing is clear: This prison isn’t the nightmare we expect it to be when too many delinquents aren’t as brave as we are.”
“What do you mean brave?” Flim yelled.
“I meant tough like me,” Hoops yelled back.  “And who gave you permission to jump into our conversation?”

But little do the colts know, a security camera pointed directly at them during their conversation.  And even more so, there is a microphone buried deep within the walls of Hoops’ prison cell to pick up any recordings of the juvenile delinquents.  Both the audio and the video were being transmitted to Steel Bolt’s office, where the warden watched and listened to the conversation with officer Blue Heat right next to him.
“Hmm,” Steel Bolt said as he scratched his chin.  “Something about this Hoops brat seems like he’s got leadership material.”
“Compared to who I believe are his two brothers,” Blue Heat said. “I believe this delinquent is that kind of pony you’re looking for.”
“And what about Operation: Handout?” Steel Bolt asked.
“It should be ready by tomorrow in one of the Solitary Confinement cells,” Blue Heat replied.
“Excellent,” Steel Bolt said.  He turned to Blue Heat and said “Get some sleep.  Tomorrow will be the last day of this miserable dump of a prison.”
Blue Heat nodded and said “I’m looking forward to it, old friend.”
With that, Blue Heat turned around and walked towards the entrance of the room.  Warden Steel Bolt reclined back in his chair, pulled out a bag full of shelled walnuts and popped one into his mouth.
“That’s the thing with state-runned facilities like this hunk of junk,” Steel Bolt said.  “They’re not so easy to exploit compared to private facilities.  After all, what’s the point of a penal system if you’re not making money off these losers?”
And with that, Steel Bolt let out a little chuckle, observing the pegasi trio up close and listening to their conversation, all while munching on walnuts

The next day, a number of prison guards opened the cells and escorted the juvenile inmates out.  Hoops, Dumbbell and Score lined up with Flim and Flam in the front and Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse behind them.  The trio got a look at both the Flim Flam brothers as well as the two pegasi behind them.
“I don’t think these guys are too bad,” Score said.  
“That’s true,” Hoops said.  “But at the same time, take a look at the rest of these clowns.”
Dumbbell and Score looked around, observing the facial expressions of the other inmates of Coltsom.  Many of them looked down and depressed as if their lives were over.
“Wow,” Dumbbell said.  “Talk about a pathetic state of mind.”
“Many of these inmates were locked up just for minor infractions,” Flam said.  “Some even just for no reason at all.”
“No reason at all?” Hoops said, surprised by Flam’s statement.
“Yeah,” Rolling Thunder said.  “Like we said last night.  We’re in here just because we  pretended to be Wonderbolts.  Wanting to be the best of the best.”
“But they said that the Wonderbolts are disbanded,” Short Fuse said.  “And we’re not supposed to be Wonderbolts if they aren’t around, anymore.”
“Talk about saying no to a bunch of washups,” Score said.
“Washups, eh?” Rolling Thunder said.  “I like that.”
“So how come you guys never thought about escaping?” Dumbbell asked.
“They have some power dampening crystal that prevents us unicorns from using our magic in strong ways,” Flim said.
“And there’s supposed to be a spell cast above that prevents pegasi from escaping,” Short Fuse said.
“Well that doesn’t make any sense,” Hoops said, pondering to himself. “For a facility that claims to be escape proof, it didn’t stop us from getting inside.”
“Well how did you three get inside?” Rolling Thunder asked.
“We just simply hopped over the barbed wire gate,” Score said.
Those words caused Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse to drop their jaws in shock.
“You mean to tell me we could have FLOWN OVER THAT FENCE?” Short Fuse yelled.

Back in the warden’s office, Warden Steel Bolt watched on with glee with Officer Blue Heat standing right next to him.
“Is that the reason why you left that part of the anti-pegasi barrier open?” Blue Heat asked.
“But of course,” Steel Bolt replied.  “After all, curiosity killed the cat.”
“So what’s our next course of action?” Blue Heat said.
“Split them up,” Steel Bolt said.  “But make sure the leader of the group is outside.  I want him to start something with Short Fuse, enough to get them locked up together in solitary confinement.  That’s where Operation: Handout will play through.”
“And what would you recommend?” Blue Heat asked.
Steel Bolt let out a smug smirk and said “Provoke that brat into attacking you, by any means necessary.  Once that’s done, cuff him and throw him into that special cell.  There, he will discover the means to commit the crime.  Do that, and Operation: Handout will be complete.”
“At once, sir,” Blue Heat said with a salute before he walked towards the doorway.
“And now,” Steel Bolt said, tapping his hooves in anticipation.  “Let the fun begin.”
Steel Bolt let out a joyful, yet sinister, laugh as he observed the inmates being taken down from their cells towards separate rooms.

Later that day, we find Score and Flam in the library going through books.  While Flam was reading a book called ‘The Life of the Merchant,’ Score was going through tons of books, struggling to find anything that would catch his interest.
“Hundreds of books and nothing good to read,” Score said.  “What kind of library is this?”
“Will you please keep it down?” Flam said.  “I’m trying to focus on this for when Flim and I get out.”
“But that’s just it,” Score said.  “I don’t see anything interesting to read.  I mean, where are the comic books?”
Flam let out a big sigh as he reached his hoof into a book labeled ‘Dracoltula’ and pulled it out.  He then tossed it to over to the other side of the table where Score was looking through books.  The moment the book slammed on the surface of the table, Score turned towards the title.
“Dracoltula?” Score said.
“It’s a book about a vampire pony looking to take over the world,” Flam said.  “You may find him interesting if you’re into villains.”
“Now you’re talking,” Score said as he grabbed the book and opened it, focusing his eyes on the story.
Flam placed his focus back on his own book, reading each line slowly and carefully.  He quickly shifted his eyes toward Score, who was focused on his own book.  But as Flam shifted his eyes back to the book he was reading, he placed the book down and turned his head towards Score.
“Score, is it?” Flam asked.
But Score didn’t respond.  His eyes were glued to the tale of Dracoltula, not once shifting his eyes towards the sales colt.
“Do you worry about your brothers?” Flam asked, finally getting Score’s attention.
“Yes,” Score said as his tone changed to a more depressed tone.  “I do miss them.”
“I also worry about my brother Flim,” Flam said.  “There are times when we are separated from each other, I wonder how he’s doing without me.”
Score let out a slight chuckle and said “Tell me about it.  I wonder what Dumbbell and Hoops are doing without me.  Sometimes, it does feel lonely without the other brothers to back me up.”
“Everyday, when I’m separated from my brother,” Flam said.  “It does get lonely here.  Sure there are other inmates like me.  But they do not carry the same charm that Flim gave me.”
“You’re telling me,” Score said.  “Hoops, Dumbbell and I enjoyed pulling pranks on those losers together.  A pegasi with cross eyes.  A unicorn who thinks she’s a great magician.  And even a man’s cub who’s the daughter of Princess Celestia.”
“The daughter of Princess Celestia?” Flam said.  “My word.  I never imagined you and your brothers picking on her.  Imagine the kind of wrath Princess Celestia would have shown if she caught you doing that.”
“Funny,” Score said.  “We have yet to endure her wrath.  But it’s that dumb apple farmer who’s far scarier.”
“A dumb apple farmer?” Flam replied.  “Do you mean Bright Mac of Sweet Apple Acres?”
“That’s the one,” Score said.
Flam just laughed before he said “Father told me that farmers like him are some of the most gullible fools in the world for their inability to capitalize on their produce and max out their profit.”
“Heh.  Who knew?” Score said.

Meanwhile, in the mess hall, every inmate sat down, eating the gruel that was on the table.  Dumbbell sat alongside Flim and Rolling Thunder as the three slowly ate the food on the table.  The expressions on their faces point towards dissatisfaction with the taste and texture, though Dumbbell was eating this stuff faster than the rest of the gang.
“It’s not so bad once you get used to it,” Rolling Thunder said as he struggled to eat the gruel.
“I’ve had worse,” Dumbbell said.
“How worse?” Flim asked.
“Do forest mushrooms ring a bell?” Dumbbell replied.
“Wait,” Rolling Thunder replied. “You’ve spent time eating mainly that stuff?”
“And anything we can steal,” Dumbbell replied.  “After all, we’re outcasts from La Maresa.”
“How did you end up as outcasts?” Flim asked.
“Oh it’s a long story,” Dumbbell replied.  “But believe it or not, one of our earliest stunts got us banned from the Ponyville Providence Fair.  So the next year, we decided to crash the place just for our amusement.  Even go after the Man’s Cub.”
“You mean the adopted daughter of Princess Celestia?” Rolling Thunder replied.
“Guilty as charged,” Dumbbell replied.  “Of course, after we got caught many times, they made us clean the place up as punishment for not only sneaking in despite our ban, but causing even more trouble.  So on the final day, we threw tomatoes at those dumb morons as payback for that punishment.  And as a result, we were banished.”
“Banished from La Maresa?” Flim said.  “You guys actually got banished fron La Maresa?”
“Oh we did,” Dumbbell said.  “So if we couldn’t cause trouble in La Maresa, then maybe we should take our act across the nation.  Case in point, we taunted this unicorn named Alpha Bittle, caused him to break down crying every time he hears the words Magic, Wing, Feather, or Mayonnaise.  In fact, we even used a jar of mayonnaise just to prove our point.  But then, there was our time in Canterlot.”
“I can only imagine the kind of chaos you three got yourselves into,” Rolling Thunder said.
“Oh plenty,” Dumbbell said.  “We gave one of the Man’s Cub’s friends with an equal sign for a cutie mark a wild ride.  We ruined the act of that La Maresa dum dum Trixie.  We even decided to snatch one of Queen Novo’s chicks.”
Both Rolling Thunder and Flim looked at Dumbbell like they saw a ghost.
“You do realize that you might have suffered the wrath of Queen Novo,” Flim stated.
“Oh it wasn’t her wrath that the three of us had to deal with,” Dumbbell said.  “It was that apple farmer Bright Mac, who was even more upset when he found out about what we did since our banishment.  And so, he dragged all three of us back home, told the Mayor and forced us to work at Sweet Apple Acres to pay our debt to society.  So we took a hike the moment he turned his back and ran off, and that’s how we found this place.”
“And you mentioned how you and your brothers broke into the Coltsom Detention Facility,” Rolling Thunder said.
“Yeah,” Dumbbell replied.
“You three never cease to amaze me,” Flim said.  “But at the same time, I do worry for your brothers like I worry for mine.”
“Yeah,” Rolling Thunder said.  “I also worry for Short Fuse.  After all, he’s more of a timid tabby despite his name.”
“I heard that your brother Hoops is alongside Short Fuse, Dumbbell,” Flim said. 
“My brother is the toughest of the tough,” Dumbbell said.  “No one can mess with him and get away with it.”
“I hope you’re right,” Rolling Thunder said. “For Short Fuse’s sake.”

But meanwhile, in the field of the prison, every inmate was either playing basketball, volleyball, soccer, or even softball.  All except for Short Fuse, who hid behind one of the benches and quivered with fear.  
“Please let this be over, please let this be over, please let this be over,” Hoops whispered.
“Hey squirt.  What are you doing acting like a coward?”  Short Fuse jumped into the air and screamed loudly.  When he landed on the ground, he turned around and looked up, only to see Hoops standing over him.
“Don’t scare me like that,” Short Fuse yelled.  “You realize I’m extremely anxious.”
“I’m surprised that you’re not out in the field along with those losers,” Hoops said.
Short Fuse let out a big sigh and said “Truth be told, ever since that roc grabbed me, I have been afraid of the world.   Been afraid of showing my face among the crowd of ponies, just out of fear that another roc would fly down and grab me.”
“I don’t blame you,” Hoops said.  “Judging by your tone, you’ve got some trauma in your eyes.”
“How do you know about trauma?” Short Fuse said in a calm tone, surprised by Hoops’ statement.
Hoops paused for a moment, stunned by Short Fuse’s question.  He turned his head away from the pudgy colt pegasi.
“That’s…something I keep to myself,” Hoops said.  “It’s how I harden my heart.”
“Oh come on,” Short Fuse said.  “I won’t say a single word to anyone.  Promise.”
Hoops turned towards Short Fuse with a solemn face.  He barely pulled his eyes away as if his face looked depressed. 
But just as Hoops was about to open his mouth, he heard the sound of Short Fuse screaming.  He turned to see a couple of guards throw Short Fuse down onto the ground.
“Yeah, how do you like that, you stupid little delinquent?” one of the guards laughed.
“You snobby little brats need to learn to respect us when we show our faces,” another guard laughed.
Hoops glared at the two guards picking on Short Fuse.  His eyes turned bright red and steam poured from his nose.  He bore his teeth out and scratched the surface of the ground with his hoof.
“This is why I HATE AUTHORITY!” Hoops yelled.
Immediately, Hoops ran up to one of the guards and ram right into him from behind, knocking him to the ground.  The other guard turned and pulled out a stun blaster.
“FREEZE, PUNK!” the guard yelled with his blaster out.
Immediately, Hoops spun hard enough that he knocked the blaster out of the guard’s hoof with his tail.  He then swung back and kicked the guard in the face, sending him flying to the ground.  The first guard began to pick himself up, catching Hoops’ attention.
“Oh no you don’t,” Hoops said.
And with that, Hoops ran up to the guard, grabbed him by the shirt with his teeth, swung him around and threw him into a nearby wall, knocking him out cold.  

Inside the Warden’s office, Warden Steel Bolt watched the incident play out on camera.  He smiled with a devilish grin as he placed his hoof above a button on the panel.
“I love it when I throw these worthless grunts into the field,” Steel Bolt said.  “That way, the real enforcers can do their job.”
And with that, Steel Bolt pressed the button on the panel.  Immediately, a voice echoed from the speaker as it said “I read you, Warden.  Loud and clear.”
“That punk’s taken the bait,” Steel Bolt said.  “Lock him and his new friend up in that special solitary confinement cell.  Then recall all specialized units to my quarters this instant.”
“Roger that,” The voice said before it shut itself off.
Steel Bolt reclined back in his chair and continued to watch Hoops beat the tar out of the two guards.
“What a shame to put such worthless trash on the line,” Steel Bolt said.  “After all, they are doing this for a cause that benefits Magistrate Creme Dream.”

Back on the field, a deployment of prison guards moved out and surrounded Hoops and Short Fuse.  While the angry pegasi looked ready to attack, Short Fuse held him back.
“Don’t do it,” Short Fuse said.  “You’ll get yourself killed.”
In front of Hoops and Short Fuse, Officer Blue Heat emerged from the guards that surrounded the duo.   He looked down at the two with a sickening smirk on his face.
“You two have made a big mistake,” Blue Heat said.
“Yeah, so what?”  Hoops said.  “You’re all the same.”
“And you may be right for the wrong reasons,” Blue Heat replied.  He turned to one of the guards and said “Escort these two to solitary confinement cell number one zero one six.”
“Yes sir,” The guard said.
Immediately, The guards held down Hoops and Short Fuse and placed hoof cuffs around their arms before escorting them off the field and towards the prison.
“Now we’re gonna get it,” Short Fuse said as he shook in fear.  “Solitary Confinement.  We’re in deep trouble.”
“I’ve been through worse,” Hoops said in defiance.  “I’d say…bring it.”
“Are you crazy?” Short Fuse said, completely shocked.  “What kind of maniac would say something like that?”
“A maniac that has lived on the lamb for a long, long time,” Hoops replied.
And thus, Hoops and Short Fuse were marched by the guards into the detention facility’s main building with every juvenile inmate in the vicinity watching out of curiosity or fear.

That night, both Short Fuse and Hoops were sharing a Solitary Confinement cell.  Hoops just lied down on the cot all while Short Fuse banged on the locked door, having gone haywire.
“LET ME OUT!” Short Fuse yelled.  “I didn’t do anything wrong.  I was set up by a pair of bully guards.”
“Relax, okay?” Hoops said.  “We’ll be fine.”
“We’ll be fine?” Short Fuse said as he turned towards Hoops.  The pudgy pegasus colt then yelled “WE’RE LOCKED AWAY IN SOLITARY CONFINEMENT AND WHO KNOWS HOW LONG WE’RE GOING TO BE HERE, AND YOU’RE TELLING ME TO RELAX?  HAVE YOU LOST YOUR MARBLES?”
Hoops just laid back on the cot and said “Look.  I just had to go after those punk guards because I don’t like authority.  I don’t like the big grown ups telling us kids what to do.  And I didn’t want you to suffer that way.  At least they won’t harass you while we're here.”
Short Fuse’s jaw dropped to the ground.  He turned towards a nearby wall and slammed his hoof against it.  Hoops just laughed a bit until Short Fuse pulled his hoof back.
“Hold it,” Hoops said. 
“I don’t think so,” Short Fuse said.  “I’m done being calm and collective.  I’m tired of getting in trouble.”
“Not that,” Hoops said.  “Look at the wall.  You must have some kind of super strength.”
“Say what?” Short Fuse said as he calmed down.
Short Fuse turned his attention to the wall that he threw a punch at.  A deep imprint of his hoof had dug itself into the structure with cracks forming.  Short Fuse’s face turned to amazement.
“Wow,” Short Fuse said.  “I didn’t know I could do that.”
Hoops got up and placed his hoof on another part of the wall before he tapped it.  The sound made from the tapping echoed through the room and perked up Hoop’s ear.
“This wall is poorly made,” Hoops said.  “Sounds like someone botched up the construction of this building.  Oh well.”
Hoops swung his hoof back before delivering a powerful punch that shattered the wall in front of him and Short Fuse, whose face turned to complete surprise.
“Honesty,” Short Fuse said.  “I did not know that could happen.”
“Neither do I,” Hoops said.  “Now come on.  Let’s take advantage of this screw up.”

But as Hoops and Short Fuse jumped through the newly-made hole in the wall, a security camera was catching everything and submitting the broadcast to the warden’s office, where Warden Steel Bolt, Officer Blue Heat and a good number of guards watched in anticipation.  Nearby, Magistrate Creme Dream’s face appeared on a monitor, also observing the actions of both Hoops and Short Fuse.
“Everything is going according to plan, Steel Bolt,” Creme Dream said.
“That’s right,” Steel Bolt said.  “But the purpose of this plan isn’t just to destroy the reputation of this pathetic excuse for a public facility.  It’s also to feed propaganda towards your media partner The Stallion News Network.”
“And so far, I like what you have brought to me,” Creme Dream said.  “Once the Coltsom Riot has claimed this building, I will have Neigh Nanners air this on the network and point out the dangers of failing Juvenile Detention Facilities, all while talking about the miracle of newly-made Private Facilities.”
“Those suckers won’t know what hit them,” Blue Heat said.  “Even more so, their faces will be broadcast live across the nation.  They will be hated by every Earth Pony, Unicorn and Pegasi on the planet.”
“Only a matter of time before those two find the secret cache of goods,” Steel Bolt said.  “But are you sure they won’t trace it back to us?”
“Oh they won’t,” Magistrate Creme Dream said.  “Thanks to the work of a confidant that disguised herself as a changeling and snuck it in here, the plan will work and we can also blame this on the Changelings and the Windigo’s Guild as well.”
Steel Bolt laughed as he said “Two birds with one stone.  I love it.”
“Now then,” Magistrate Creme Dream said.  “I will give you some time to record as much footage of the riot as possible.  When I give you the signal, activate the escape mechanism.  That way, you and the other Debt Collectors will make their escape while they tear this run-down dump to the ground.”
“Consider it done,” Steel Bolt said with a salute.


	To Be Continued In…


	The Inmates Revolt

> Arc 5-3: The Inmates Revolt
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Inmates Revolt



Hoops and Short Fuse made their way through a dark cavern located deep within the Coltsom Juvenile Detention Facility.  Behind them was the Solitary Confinement Cell that they were put in.  In front of them was darkness that was nearly impossible to see.
“I don’t know about this,” Short Fuse said.  “I feel like there’s going to be a roc nearby.”
“Don’t worry,” Hoops said.  “As long as you stand by me, I’ll keep you safe.”
“Easy for you to say,” Short Fuse said as he wandered around in the dark.
Suddenly, Short Fuse slams his face into an object, falling down on the ground.  Hoops looked down and reached his hoof out to Short Fuse, who just knocked it aside.
“I can take care of myself, thank you very much,” Short Fuse said as he got up.
As Hoops looked at Short Fuse with a confused look on his face, he turned towards the object, where it is revealed to be some sort of wooden chest.
“Hello,” Hoops said.  “Where did you come from?”
Hoops placed his hooves on the front of the chest and pried it open.  Inside appeared to be a set of pistols and some bombs.  Hoops pulled out one of the pistols and looked at it.
“I’ve seen these babies,” Hoops said.  “Magitech blasters.  Not military grade.  But I’ve seen royal guards conceal these as a last resort.”
Hoops pointed the blaster towards the deep void of the cavern and pulled the trigger.  The blaster fired a set of energy rings that flew through the cavern before disappearing.
“Just as I thought,” Hoops said.  “These are stun blasters.  Non-lethal variants.”
Short Fuse looked into the box and pulled out what appeared to be a metal sphere with a button on that.  Hoops turned around took notice of the sphere that Short Fuse has.
“So what are these things?” Short Fuse asked.
“These are a special kind of stun grenade,” Hoops said.  “Unlike your traditional ones that produce a blinding light, these ones were made to shock the victim until they’re knocked out.  They aren’t meant to be lethal.   But I’ve heard of some cops who resort to that.”
Short Fuse placed the stun grenade back in the box, looking a little scared.  But Hoops walked up to Short Fuse and twirled the blaster with his wing.
“Are you thinking what I’m thinking?” Hoops asked with a devilish grin on his face.
“Wait,” Short Fuse said, looking a bit nervous.  “You’re not thinking of turning those weapons against the guards, are ya?”
“Exactly,” Hoops said before he tossed his blaster into the air before catching it with his hoof.  “This is your chance to reunite with Rolling Thunder, and to pay those snowflakes back for what they did.”
Hoops pulled another blaster out of the box and handed it over to Short Fuse.  Fuse took the blaster and held it before his face let out a devilish grin.
“Where do I sign up?” Short Fuse said.

Meanwhile, Dumbbell and Score were just observing the moon with the imprint of a shadowy pony on it.  Next to their cells slept Flim and Flam in one and Rolling Thunder in another.
“How do you think Hoops is doing without us?” Score asked.
“I’m not so sure,” Dumbbell said.  “But then Hoops has been through worse without us.”
“I’m beginning to wonder if being here was such a good idea,” Score said.
“I still think it was,” Dumbbell said.  “But for the wrong reasons.  Maybe for reasons I didn’t even know existed.”
“I mean,” Score said with a chuckle.  “It’s not like Hoops is going to bust in here like he’s some power-charged super villain.”
Suddenly, smoke filled the room as the door leading out of the main cellroom hall blew right open with one of the guards tumbling through.  The sound woke Flim, Flam and Rolling Thunder as they, along with Dumbbell and Score, looked outside their cells.
“What in the world is going on?” Flim yelled as he held onto his bar doors.
“Wait,” Rolling Thunder said.  “I think I can make out that familiar face.”
When the smoke cleared, Hoops and Short Fuse marched forward, carrying blasters and shock grenades, all while Short Fuse had a large bag hanging from his left shoulder.  Rolling Thunder, Dumbbell, Score, Flim and Flam were surprised by their presence.
“Bro,” Score cheered.  “I knew you could make it.”
“But what in the heck do you have?” Dumbbell asked.
“A little bit of treasure that we found,” Hoops said as he pulled out a key.  “Which got me this.”
Dumbbell and Score cheered as Hoops stuck the key into the cell’s keyhole and turned the key.  He immediately pulled the cell door open, allowing Dumbbell and Score jump on out and give Hoops a big hug.
“Glad you managed to break loose bro,” Dumbbell said.
“That’s nice,” Hoops said as he pulled the key out of the keyhole.  “Now enough mushy stuff.  We better get the others out and lay waste to this dump.”

But inside the Warden’s office, Warden Steel Bolt, Officer Blue Heat and the guards observed the action closely with Magistrate Creme Dream from a separate monitor.  Every one of their faces shows a sign of satisfaction.
“So far, we have recorded a good chunk of those brats going nuts with those stun blasters and shock grenades,” Warden Steel Bolt said.
“And we are downloading more of the footage onto the servers, Warden,” Creme Dream said.  “The Stallion News Network will have a field day with this one.”
“It’s rather funny,” Blue Heat said as he watched Hoops, Dumbbell, Score and Short Fuse break the others out of their cells.  “Those miserable brats always believe they’re fighting against authority, when in reality, we’re always ten steps ahead of them.”
“By the time they realized that they had soiled their own name with this riot,” Steel Bolt said. “It will be too little, too late.”
“Continue recording the video,” Creme Dream said.  “I will inform you when you can make your escape.”
“Consider it done, Magistrate,” Steel Bolt said.

Meanwhile, back in the cell hall, Rolling Thunder, Flim and Flam emerged from their respective cells as Hoops, Dumbbell, Score and Short Fuse gave them each a blaster and at least three shock grenades.  Hoops then walked up to more cell doors and unlocked each of them with the key, freeing more and more inmates.  The crowd of juvenile delinquents cheered as they made their way out of the cell door.
“Come on,” Dumbbell yelled.  “Let’s trash this place and get out of here.”
Suddenly, a battalion of guards made there way into the cell hall, armed with batons and shield.  Hoops held onto one of the shock grenades and eyed the guard leading the group.
“Wadda say we test these bad boys out,” Hoops said as he clutched the grenade in his hoof.
Hoops pressed a button on the shock grenade and threw it into the crowd of incoming guards.  The sphere detonated, sending a surge of energy through the guards, causing them to scream in pain before collapsing.  Some of the remaining guards just watched in horror as their companions fell, while others charged at the inmates.
“LET EM HAVE IT!” Dumbbell yelled.
Immediately, Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse fired off their stun blasters at the guards, emitting rings of energy that knocked each of the officers down.  Some of the inmates quickly ran up and grabbed the shields of the unconscious officers.
“We’ve got your back,” one of the inmates yelled.  “Follow us.  We’ll get you out.”
As the inmates with the shields began to charge at the guards, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score watched on with pure delight.
“Didn’t realize that they had it in them,” Hoops said.  “Guess I was wrong about the other prisoners.”
“There’s no time to reflect,” Rolling Thunder yelled as he grabbed a fallen guard’s shield.  “Let’s give those chumps a taste of their own medicine.”
“Oh, right,” Hoops said.  “Almost forgot about those clowns.”
Hoops flew right into the air and threw another shock grenade into the crowd of guards.  The sphere detonated and gave them the shock of a lifetime, allowing the inmates with shields to push back against them.
Hoops turned to Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse before he said “The path is clear.  Can you free the other inmates from their cells?”
Rolling Thunder saluted Hoops before he said “Consider it done.”
With that, Hoops tossed the key towards Rolling Thunder, who caught it with the tip of his wing.  He pulled it down with his front left hoof and held onto it.
“Oh I’m down with it,” Short Fuse said, slamming his hooves on the floor and glaring at the guards.  “Besides, I feel like a bull in a porcelain shop.”
“I’m surprised,” Rolling Thunder said as he flew upwards into the air.  “Something about Hoops just made you braver.”
With a mighty flap of his wings, Rolling Thunder flew over the downed guards and through the doorway with Short Fuse flying after him.  When one of the guards tried to grab Short Fuse, the custodian was hit by the energy rings of Flam’s stun blaster, knocking him out cold.
“That’s the spirit, brother,” Flim said as he blasted another guard out cold.
“Thanks, brother,” Flam replied.  “I needed that.”

Down the hallway, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse flew above the guards that were making their way into the previous cell hall, each taking turns at blasting down the sentinels that tried to hold the peace of the detention facility.  They dodged the batons of the soldiers while bouncing off their shields.
“Did you ever get the feeling that these guards feel underwhelming?” Rolling Thunder asked.
“Now that you mentioned it,” Short Fuse said. “They did feel like they were easy, as if someone was sending them to their doom.”
It didn’t take long for Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse to get into another room full of inmates locked in their cells.  But standing in front of the cells were more guards, armed with batons and shields.  Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse looked at each other and smiled.
“So you wanna blast them with the stun blasters?” Rolling Thunder asked.
“Or do you wanna shock them with the shock grenades?” Short Fuse replied.
They both looked at each other and said “Both.  Both is good.”
And with that, Rolling Thunder flung the shock grenades right into the crowd of guards before pulling out their stun blasters and firing at them.  As the grenades went off and shocked good chunks of the guards unconscious, the blasts of rings hit the ones in the front, knocking them to the ground.
“Nice one,” Rolling Thunder said.  “You’ve really come out of your shell, Short Fuse.”
“Thanks Rolling Thunder,” Short Fuse said as he rubbed the back of his head with his hoof.
Suddenly, they all heard the sound of someone yelling “FREEZE, PUNKS!”  Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse turned to see more guards enter the cell hall, looking ready to tackle both pegasi to the ground.
“Rolling,” Short Fuse said, priming his blaster once more.  “Unlock the others.  I’ll deal with these clowns.”
“You sure you got this?” Rolling Thunder asked.
“Trust me,” Short Fuse replied.  “I’m not afraid anymore.”
Rolling Thunder flew away from Short Fuse and began to unlock the cell doors with the key.  Short Fuse stared down the guards, who slowly approached the lone pegasi.
“This is your last warning,” One of the guards commanded.  “Return to your cells or we will use extreme force.”
“I’ve had enough of your warnings,” Short Fuse said as he pointed the blaster at the guards.  “I go pew pew, AND YOU KISS THE DIRT!”
The guards charged at Short Fuse, shields in front and batons in the air.  Short Fuse tossed a few more grenades into the crowd of guards before he pointed his stun blaster at the incoming prison police and pulled the trigger.  As the rings of energy emit from the blaster and hit the guards in the front, the grenades detonate, shocking numbers of guards and knocking them out.  Short Fuse continued to fire at the guards, sending each of them to the pavement and rendering them unconscious from the energy of the blasters or the grenades.
“Now that’s what I call cleaning the house,” Short Fuse said as he twirled his blaster.
Suddenly, Short Fuse’s flank began to glow brightly as Rolling Thunder unlocked the caged inmates from their cells.  They all watched as Short Fuse’s flank glowed brightly, blinding some of the guards.
“Hey Short Fuse,” Rolling Thunder said.  “Is that what I think it is?”
“No way,” one of the inmates said.  “The pipsqueak’s gonna get his cutie mark.”
When the light disappeared, Short Fuse looked down at his rear, and smiled greatly, for it now bore the image of a fire.
“Well wadda know,” Short Fuse said. “I got my cutie mark.”
“You sure did, Fusey,” Rolling Thunder said.
Short Fuse jumped into the air and yelled out “I GOT MY CUTIE MARK AND I LOVE IT!”  As he celebrated, Rolling Thunder fired at the bedazzled guards while more inmates grabbed their shields and batons and began to push back.
“Think you can handle it from here?” Rolling Thunder asked.
“We sure can,” One inmate said.  “Go catch up to whoever sent ya, and give them my thanks.”
Rolling Thunder gave a wink to the inmate as he and Short Fuse jumped into the air and flew away from the inmates, all while they continued to throw what’s left of their shock grenades into the crowd of guards.  The inmates cheered as they pushed back against the guards. 
“SOMEONE HELP,” one of them yelled.
“WE’RE GETTING OVERWHELMED HERE,” Another screamed.
“THESE CRETINS ARE MONSTERS,” A third shouted.
The guards retreated as fast as they could, with the inmates overpowering them.  

But further up, many of the guards began to retreat in fear as Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim and Flam charged through with their blasters and shock grenades.  The inmates followed from behind, cheering and hitting their stolen shields with the batons.
“Keep this up, folks,” Hoops yelled.  “We got those chumps on the run.”
“Yeah,” Score yelled.  “DOWN WITH THE AUTHORITY!”
Dumbbell turned his head towards Hoops and said “I’m still surprised that you managed to get all that cool stuff.”
“I still don’t know how they got there,” Hoops said.  “But if anything, I’m glad we broke into this facility and tore this place up.”
“No argument there,” Dumbbell said.
Flim tapped on Hoops’ shoulder and said “By the way, seems the cavalry has arrived.”
Hoops looked up to his left to see Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse pour out of one of the hallways with guards sandwiched in by the inmates.  Hoops looked up at Short Fuse’s flank and noticed a fire cutie mark on his hip.
“And not only that,” Hoops said.  “He’s finally got his groove going.  I knew he would come out of his shell.”
Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse fired off more blasts of ring energy at the guards, knocking some of them out and sending the rest of them retreating out of the building.  Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim and Flam charged right at what’s left of the guards as the inmates cheered.

Back inside the Warden’s office, Warden Steel Bolt, Officer Blue Heat, a good number of elite guards and Magistrate Creme Dream on an opposite monitor observed the damage that Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse were doing, and the rest of the guards retreating from the building.  All of them looked satisfied.
“Warden Steel Bolt,” Magistrate Creme Dream said.  “The footage that has been downloaded to my servers is enormous.  The Stallion News Network will have a field day with this one.”
“All in a day’s work, Magistrate,” Steel Bolt replied.  “The more we convince these losers that Private Prisons are the new thing, the better.”
“Anway, you have completed the task,” Creme Dream replied.  “It’s time to make your retreat.”
“At once,” Steel Bolt said as he gave a salute before Creme Dream disappeared from the monitor.
“All units,” Officer Blue Heat yelled.  “Group up.  It’s time to depart.”
The private guard unit gathered around Steel Bolt and Blue Heat, preparing for the worst.  Steel Bolt typed a few keys on the keyboard, causing a red light on the console to light up.
“Preparing special evacuation,” A voice on the console said.  “Input voice command.”
“Commence Evacuation Order Six…Six,” Steel Bolt said.
“Voice Command approved,” the voice said.  “Preparing evacuation.”
The room began to rumble as the guards stood there, unmoved.  The doorway behind them was gated up with a new metal doorway.  Steel Bolt sat in his chair in anticipation and Blue Heat stood tall.
Suddenly, the floor began to sink downward like an elevator as Steel Bolt, Blue Heat and the guards descended towards beneath the Warden’s office.  As they all went down, Warden Steel Bolt let out his biggest grin ever.
“Sayonara, suckers,” Steel Bolt said.  “When you all make news, you will forever be pariahs to all of Equestria.”
And with that, Steel Bolt, Blue Heat, and the guards descended down into the abyss until they disappeared without a trace.

But above ground in the night, the remaining guards retreated from the building as the inmates pushed them out.  They chanted and cheered as the last guard fled from the grounds of the Coltsom Detention Facility.  Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse emerged from the build as the inmates cheered.
“Today is your day of freedom,” Hoops yelled.  “Never again will you be tormented by the authority.  Down with the authority and down with the snowflakes.”
The crowd cheered “Down with the authority and Down with the snowflakes” as they emerged from the building and into the fields surrounding the Detention Facility, pushing down all of the fences surrounding it and even leaping over the barbed wire.
“We did it,” Flim said.  “We drove them out of this place.”
“Yeah,” Dumbbell said.  “But at the same time, there is something about this place that could prove useful to us.”
“We should consider sprucing it up,” Rolling Thunder said.  “We could use more comrades in arms.”
“Very well,” Hoops said.  “But for now, let’s enjoy this sweet smell of freedom.”
With that, Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse ran off in another direction, enjoying every waking moment.

Later that morning outside the abandoned Detention Facility, Bright Mac and Granny Smith stood outside, completely shocked at the damage done to this place.  Nearby was Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat, the latter who was breaking down crying.
“I..I don’t believe it,” Bright Mac said, still unable to comprehend the damage to the facility.  “Those three actually pulled that off?”
“It’s true,” Steel Bolt said in a solemn tone.  “And they had help in more ways than one.”
“More ways than one?” Granny Smith asked.
“They discovered a cache of weapons that were stolen by Changelings,” Officer Blue Heat sobbed.  “And they used them to knock out some of our guards and sent the rest of them running for their lives.  They were relentless.”
“But don’t you worry,” Officer Steel Bolt said.  “They’re already at the hospital, recovering from their injuries.  They’ll be back up before you know it.”
Granny Smith looked at her son Bright Mac, who took off his hat and held it in shame.
“It’s not your fault, son,” Granny Smith said.  “We didn’t know about what those Changelings pulled on us.”
“No, it is,” Bright Mac said.  “I thought they could be disciplined and taught a harsh lesson about the stunts they pulled.  I thought maybe some tough love would snap them out of it.  But after what they pulled, I don’t think any punishment in Equestria would ever make them see the error of their ways.  I’m afraid they are beyond redemption and beyond any disciplinary action.  Even Tatarus would be seen as a playground to those three.”
“I know you wish to regret what they did,” Granny Smith said.  “But you have a birthday party that you and the other younglings have to attend in Canterlot.  I’ll let Buttercup know about what happened.  But no matter what, stay strong for Wanda, okay?”
“I’ll try, ma,” Bright Mac said as he put on his hat.  “I’ll try.”
Bright Mac and Granny Smith walked away from abandoned facility as Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat watched on.  But as soon as the two apple farmers were gone, the two turned to a nearby tree where Magistrate Creme Dream was eavesdropping from afar.  Creme Dream walked up to the two, who stood tall for her.
“They bought into it,” Creme Dream said. 
“Hook, line and sinker,” Steel Bolt said.
“Neigh Nanners is already putting together the footage from the security video,” Magistrate Creme Dream said.  “Once the report is out, their names will be forever soiled and the ponies of Equestria will be convinced to support Privatized Prisons and Juvenile facilities.  And I believe there is a Supermax Juvenile Facility that has your name on it.”
“Glad to hear of it,” Steel Bolt said.  “If anything, good riddance to government-runned prisons.”
“That reminds me,” Blue Heat said.  “There will be other guards who could believe that we abandoned them in their time of need.”
“Don’t you worry,” Creme Dream said.  “I have big plans for that.  In fact, I have dispatched members of the Debt Collector Squad to re-capture them, either for new imprisonment, or to take them to the mysterious Dream Valley, where none have escaped.
“Dream Valley?” Steel Bolt said, looking a bit uneasy.
“Oh don’t you worry,” Creme Dream said.  “After all, they don’t come back as….boys.  Now come.  We have work to do.”
Magistrate Creme Dream walked away from the abandoned Coltsom Detention Facility with Blue Heat and Steel Bolt following from behind.

But sometime later, Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse returned to the now abandoned facility, looking up at it.  The group looked at each other with anticipation.
“So wadda think?” Hoops said.  “Our new base of operations?”
“I like it,” Rolling Thunder replied.  “Ironic how what was once our prison has become our fortress.”
“No doubt we’ll need supplies to reinforce this place,” Flim said.  “And there’s also the matter of that crystal that dampened our powers.”
“That I can take care of, brother,” Flam said.  We can alter that crystal so that our magic won’t be affected.”
“And the crystal that also prevents pegasi from flying above and outside the building,” Short Fuse said.  “We’re going to be rulers of this region.”
“You know,” Dumbbell said.  “With all this good we did for those inmates, I have a funny feeling that we might be losing our edge.”
“No doubt about it,” Score said.  “The last thing we need are a bunch of ponies who see us in a positive light.  We’re supposed to be the most hated characters in Equestria.”
“You’re both right,” Hoops said.  “After all, we’re the Scrappies.  We were meant to be hated.  We were meant to cause ponies to rage at our appearance.  And we have a notorious reputation to uphold.”
“Then might I have a suggestion?” Flim said, holding up a newspaper to Hoops, Dumbbell and Score’s face.  “There is a birthday celebration for one Princess Wanda Young.”
“The human snowflake?” Score said with a chuckle.  “What’s so special about her birthday?”
“Well her party is strictly invitation only,” Rolling Thunder said.  “But if you want to prove to be the most hated ponies in Equestria, then you should consider doing some party crashing.”
“Well consider it done,” Hoops said with a devilish grin.  He turned to Dumbbell and Score and said “Come on boys.  We have a notorious reputation to uphold.  Let’s head back to Canterlot and crash that monkey’s birthday.”
“Here here,” Dumbbell and Score said.
And with that, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score turned tail and flew off towards the morning sun to the east.  Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse watched as the pegasi trio disappeared into the atmosphere.
“So,” Flam said.  “Do you think those three will have what it takes to be the most hated villains in Equestria?”
“If they could help bring down an entire prison,” Rolling Thunder stated.  “Then they could do anything they want.”
“Which reminds me,” Short Fuse said.  “We should set up this place to be a fortress of fear of some sort.”
“And we could use that to celebrate your Cute Ceanera,” Rolling Thunder said.  “After all, you have a cutie mark now.”
“Oh yeah,” Short Fuse said in a satisfied tone.  “Gotta get used to having this bad boy on my hip.”
“The next thing we need is a cake to celebrate,” Flim said.  “And believe it or not, I happen to have some mad skills at baking cakes.”
“But we will need ingredients,” Flam said.
“They did leave behind all those goodies in the pantry,” Flim said.  “So we should be set.”
“Then prepare yourself for the sweetest Cute Ceanera ever, Short Fuse,” Rolling Thunder said.
Short Fuse laughed as he, Rolling Thunder, Flim and Flam walked back towards the abandoned Coltsom Juvenile Detention Facility.


	To Be Continued In…


	Arc 6: Wanda’s Birthday Catastrophe


	A big surprise to anticipate

> Arc 6(Wanda's Birthday Catastrophe)-1: A Big Surprise to Anticipate
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Arc 06: Wanda’s Birthday Catastrophe


A Big Surprise to Anticipate



It was a lovely day at the School for Gifted Unicorns.  The bell rung and the doors opened wide with Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, and Danged Spell emerging from the entrance.  The younglings looked like they were excited.
“Can’t you believe it?” Twilight said.  “We’re going straight to Princess Celestia’s castle.”
“And not just for any ordinary day,” Moondancer said.  “Today is Wanda’s birthday.”
“That’s actually a surprise that Wanda gets to celebrate her birthday,” Sunburst said.  “Even while she lives with us and not where she came from.”
“Believe it or not,” Twilight said.  “Princess Celestia was able to acquire the information for Wanda Young’s birthday.  I don’t know how, but it makes me even more excited.”
Twilight got on her two legs and began to dance around with pure joy.  She grabbed Starlight by the hooves and danced with her, causing the twin-tailed filly to scream a bit.
“Okay okay,” Starlight said.  “I get it.  You can stop having me as your dance partner.”
Twilight looked at Starlight and proceeded to let go of her hooves before she blushed with embarrassment.
“Yeah Twilight,” Danged Spell said as he walked up to both fillies.  “What are ya, some kind of party animal?”
And with that, everyone yelled out “DANGED SPELL!” before they burst into laughter.  Danged Spell stood there with a smug look on his face.
“Worth it as always,” Danged Spell said.
Sunburst calmed his laughter down and wiped a tear from his eye before clearing his throat.
“By the way,” Sunburst said.  “I just got word that the ponies from La Maresa are also at the castle, ready to celebrate Wanda’s birthday.  Bright Mac brought them here.”
“Wait,” Starlight said as everyone calmed down.  “You mean, even Trixie is back in town?”
“Yes,” Sunburst said.  “Sunset told me all about it.”
“I can’t believe it,” Twilight said.  “I bet Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy are waiting to see all of us.  This is going to be the best day ever.”
“Oh Twilight,” Moondancer laughed.  “You sure know how to get excited.”
“Maybe even their friend Ditzy Doo will also show up,” Sunburst said.  “In fact, I hate to say this, but even I’m getting pretty excited.”
“Well what are we waiting for?” Danged Spell said.  “We have a party to attend and no time to waste.”
With that, Twilight, Starlight, Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell took off from the School for Gifted Unicorns and ran towards the Canterlot Castle.

Meanwhile, in another part of the city at a nearby shop, a television screen showed the face of Neigh Nanners, an Earth Pony Stallion dressed up in a gray business suit with a black tie.  On the upper right corner of the screen was the image of the now-abandoned Coltsom Juvenile Detention Facility, plus the faces of Hoops, Dumbbell and Score.
“There you have it folks,” Neigh Nanners said on the TV.  “Thanks to the work of three renegades who are still at large, the Coltsom Juvenile Detention Facility is no more.  What they did is completely unforgivable.  In fact, if they were thrown into a cell in Tartarus, they would break out and tear the place apart.  But that being said, this attack also proved just how weak our prison system has become.  It is time we started abandoning Equestria-runned prisons and start supporting safer and more secure Privatized Prison.”
But nearby in an alley corner, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score had already stuck their heads out, listening to the news that came out of Neigh Nanners.  The trio smiled with glee before pulling back behind the alley.
“Did you hear that, boys?” Hoops said.  “We’re hated across Equestria thanks to that stunt we pulled back at Coltsom.”
“Oh yeah,” Dumbbell said.  “Maybe that will teach that farmer into thinking that we can be punished.”
“Maybe we should take his advice and break into Tartarus next,” Score said.  “Imagine what the news would say.  Oh I can’t wait.”
“Patience, Score,” Hoops said.  “We aren’t just here for a sightseeing tour into Tartarus.  We’re here to trash that monkey’s birthday party and make her break down in tears.”
Hoops looked out from behind the alleyway and pointed into the direction of Canterlot Castle.  Dumbbell and Score looked on with anticipation.
“Come on, boys,” Hoops said.  “Let’s fly over and crash the party.”
But before any of them could move, someone shouted “Hey.  You’re the three delinquents who trashed Coltsom.”  Hoops, Dumbbell and Score turned to the right to see a group of Canterlot citizens hover over them. They looked extremely livid at the presence of the three pegasi colts, and yet Hoops, Dumbbell and Score were unmoved by the presence of the angry mob, who slowly approached the trio.
“You three should be ashamed of yourselves,” one member of the mob yelled.  “Destroying a juvenile correction facility all for your own amusement.”
“When we get our hooves on you,” another mob member yelled.  “We’re going to give you the punishment of your lives.”
“Hey boys,” Hoops said with a smug grin.  “Wadda say we throw out the garbage?”
Dumbbell and Score nodded with a sinister laugh.  They, along with Hoops, immediately grabbed the nearby garbage cans and threw them right at the mob, who freaked out and tried to move out of the way.  The cans burst open upon impact with the floor, sending the garbage flying right at the mob and covering them with disgusting filth.  Hoops, Dumbbell and Score continued to chuck garbage cans at the mob until they were completely covered with the most putrid waste in Canterlot.
“Hate to make our escape,” Hoops said.  “But you all stink.”
Hoops, Dumbbell and Score laughed out loud as they ran away from the mob before they jumped into the air and flew off.  The mob of citizens barely got out of the garbage just as they saw the three boys fly off.
“One million bits just for their arrest,” one citizen said.  “And they slipped away from our hooves.”
“Forget them for now,” another citizen said.  “I’m going to need a long bath after that mess.”

Meanwhile, inside the ballroom at the castle, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Trixie, Ditzy Doo, Cozy Glow, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Chancellor Cinch, Shining Armor, Bright Mac and Buttercup were setting up various party decorations around the entire vicinity.  Presents were set up on one table, while another had various goodies, like pizza, punch, a large birthday cake, and even apple pie.  While everyone was excited to set the whole room up, Bright Mac looked a bit gloomy.
“Honey, you alright?” Buttercup asked.
“I’m still thinking about how those three were able to run an entire prison into the ground,” Bright Mac said.
“Bright Mac, don’t worry about that,” Buttercup said.  “I know Granny Smith wanted you to be strong.  But I insisted on going with you just so you can cheer up for Wanda.”
“Ma’s right, pa,” Applejack said.  “Who cares if those goons could turn Tartarus worse than an abandoned amusement park.  What matters is that we at least look forward to life, put in the hard work, and not have to think about those three hoodlums.”
“You’re right,” Bright Mac said.  “I’ll be strong…for Wanda.”
“Hearing about what those three did is rather surprising,” Shining Armor said.  “I didn’t know they could rally inmates at a Juvenile facility into trashing the place and sending the guards running.”
“It’s true that what they did was horrible, and I sometimes wish I wasn’t so harsh on those three,” Bright Mac said.  “But what’s past is past.  There’s a big birthday girl who’s about to get the surprise of her life.”
Pinkie Pie bounced on over and said “Yeah.  After all, we can’t wait to give that big surprise to Wanda when she steps in here.”
“Well,” Fluttershy said.  “What’s surprising was that this was the very place where the Grand Gallopin Gala was held.  And that nasty surprise those Changelings and the Windigo’s Guild gave to us.”
“Oh that’s nothing,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Unlike those party crashers, my surprises are supposed to be fun and exciting.”
“Oh I don’t like surprises,” Fluttershy said.  “They always cause me to want to hide under the table.”
“Oh don’t you worry about that,” Pinkie Pie said, grabbing onto Fluttershy.  “I don’t pull those things off since I know you prefer more subtle parties.”
“By the way, speaking of parties,” Rarity said before she turned her head towards Cozy Glow.  “Thanks for coming by to help.  Sorry to hear about Golden Lace.”
“Anytime,” Cozy Glow said as she was setting up a banner with Rainbow Dash and Ditzy Doo.  “That being said, while I do respect Golden Lace’s decision to remain behind, I do miss her.”
“Aww, I’m sorry to hear that,” Ditzy Doo said as she patted Cozy Glow on the back.
“Thanks, Ditzy,” Cozy Glow said.
“You know, that reminds me,” Rainbow Dash said.  “I heard Queen Novo and Princess Skystar aren’t going to make it.”
“Well now, I wouldn’t say that,” Princess Celestia said.  “They’re running late today.  But they promised that they would make it.”
“Is that so?” Pinkie Pie replied.  “Ooooh, I can’t wait to see Skystar again.”
Trixie got up on an empty table and took off her magical hat before presenting it to the rest of the group.
“And I, the Great and Powerful Trixie, cannot wait to demonstrate my new magic to Wanda,” Trixie yelled.  “For I will make this the best magic show that would make father proud.”
“Well duh,” Rainbow Dash said.   “But it’s not just Wanda you’re excited to show off your new magic.  It’s also Starlight Glimmer.”
Trixie put her hat back on, lowered herself down to her four hooves and blushed with embarrassment.
“Well,” Trixie said.  “I think you got that one right.”
As the younglings all laughed out loud, Bright Mac turned to Princess Celestia.
“Princess,” Bright Mac said.  “As much as their joy begins to heal my broken heart, I do have one question.”
“Go right ahead,” Princess Celestia said.
“How did you figure out Wanda’s birthday?” Bright Mac said.
Celestia let out a playful raspberry and said “Oh that’s a secret we won’t tell.”
“Aww come on,” Bright Mac replied.
“There are some things that Princess Celestia and Princess Luna wish to keep a secret,” Chancellor Cinch said. 
“Besides,” Princess Luna said.  “If we told you the truth, you wouldn’t believe it.”
“Fair enough,” Bright Mac said.
Suddenly, the front door to the ballroom slowly opened up.  Everyone turned their attention to the front door as Pinkie Pie ran up to the doorway in anticipation.  Slowly, but surely, the door
“SURPRISE!” Pinkie Pie yelled.
But entering through the doorway were Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell.  Majordomo Kibitz stood right next to the group.
“Well, that was a delightful surprise,” Kibitz chuckled.
Twilight just laughed at Pinkie Pie and said “Pinkie.  You know we came here to help you give Wanda that surprise.”
Pinkie Pie just blushed with embarrassment as Twilight, Starlight, Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell walked on in.  Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were quick to waltz up to Twilight, while the other unicorn younglings approached the rest of the group.
“How’s it going, Twilight?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Oh, just trying to get through another day at the School for Gifted Unicorns,” Twilight said.  “But I did miss you guys.
“We missed you as well, Twilight,” Applejack said.  “Along with the rest of your friends here in Canterlot.”
“By the way,” Rarity asked.  “Where’s Spikey-Wikey of all dragons?”
“I asked Wanda and Sunset to look after him for the moment,” Twilight said.  “Seems that baby dragon enjoys hanging out with Wanda’s companion Abigail.”
“Well that’s too bad,” Fluttershy said.  “I would have loved to rock that baby dragon in my arms.”
Rainbow Dash laughed as she said “Fluttershy.  You sure have a thing for animals, Shy Gal.  In fact, I think you have a thing for little Abby.”
Fluttershy just giggled and said “Guilty as charged.”
Shining Armor immediately ran up to Twilight and gave her a big noogie.
“You made it, Twili,” Shining Armor said.  “I take it you’re here for the big birthday bash for Wanda.”
“Oh I am, big bro,” Twilight said.  “But I think you just came here for Princess Cadance.”
Shining Armor laughed as he said “Oh you know it.”
But as Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash and Applejack talked together, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell walked up to one of the nearby tables with some of the party goodies.  Trixie jumped off the empty table and walked up to Starlight Glimmer
“Glim glam,” Trixie said.  “You made it.”
“I’m glad to see you too,” Starlight said as she and Trixie got up on their hind legs and gave each other a hug.
“If there’s anything to go by,” Moondancer said.  “The flames of friendship can still burn bright, no  matter how far we are from each other.”
“I’ll say,” Danged Spell said.
Immediately, Danged Spell walked up to the table and grabbed an orange plastic horn, surprising Sunburst of all ponies.
“Spell, wait,” Sunburst said.  But Spell wasn’t paying attention at all.  His gaze was focused on the other younglings with the horn in his hoof.
“The one thing that matters today,” Danged Spell said as he squeezed the horn with his hoof.  “Is to make sure Wanda has a smashing good time at her Birthday.”
And with that, Danged Spell crushed the horn with his hoof.
“DANGED SPELL,” Sunburst yelled.  “I NEEDED THAT!”
Spell looked at Sunburst and said “Wait.  Why did you need this?”
“It has my name on it,” Sunburst replied.
Danged Spell looked down at the horn he crushed.  On the bell part of the plastic horn was the name ‘Sunburst’ written on it.”
“Oops,” Spell said as he dropped the broken horn.  “Well, you can have mine.”
The others laughed at Danged Spell as he blushed with embarrassment.  Twilight walked up to Princess Celestia, who looked eager and excited.
“So is this Wanda’s first birthday party?” Twilight asked.
“Not really,” Princess Celestia said. “Before I sent Wanda to attend my School for Gifted Unicorns, it was a rather small party between her sisters, Luna, and myself.”
“That being said,” Twilight replied.  “How did you really figure out Wanda’s exact birth date?”
“Well,” Celestia said.  “That’s a secret that I cannot reveal.”
“Come on,” Twilight said in a playful tone.  “Did someone tell you who her birthday is?”
Celestia rubbed Twilight on her head and said “If you’re good enough, then I’ll tell you.”
Twilight shook her head, looked up at Celestia “Okay.  But I just hope Wanda and the others will make it here for the big birthday bash.”
“Wanda’s not one who wants her parties to be like the Grand Gallopin Gala,” Celestia said.  “She prefers smaller parties, and this is no exception to the rule.”
“That reminds me,” Luna said.  “When do you think Wanda, Sunset and Cadance will arrive?”
“Judging by the time,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “I’d say give them at least a half hour.  At least the Man’s Cub is not one who’s late for important dates.”

But meanwhile, in the streets of Canterlot City, Wanda Young was skipping through without a care in the world, and with Abigail by her side.  Behind her walked Princess Cadance and Sunset Shimmer, with Spike riding on Princess Cadance’s back.
“La la la, it’s my birthday, la la la,” Wanda sang.  “I can’t wait till I become an older human.”
Sunset and Cadance looked at each other and laughed.
“Still can’t believe Wanda is now a year older,” Princess Cadance said.  “It felt so long since we discovered her as a baby.”
“But one thing that has stuck with us,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Is the fact that she’s our little sister, and we care all about her.”
“Yeah,” Princess Cadance said.  “That and the fact that her birthday is Trotober Sixteenth.”
“I still can’t believe mother knows when her birthday is,” Sunset Shimmer replied.  “Makes me wonder where she got the info from.”
“Some say the letter that Celestia got when she adopted Wanda has the exact date of her birth,” Princess Cadance said.  
“And what about others?” Sunset Shimmer asked.
“No one knows,” Princess Cadance said.
Spike waved his hands into the air and yelled out “Party.”
“Yes, Spike,” Princess Cadance said.  “We’re going over to the castle for Wanda’s birthday party.”
But Sunset and Cadance came to a stop when Wanda let out a slight scream.  In front of them were Gold and Silver Banks.  While Gold Banks looked both optimistic and smug, Silver Banks looked a bit embarrassed.
“Well hello child,” Gold Banks said in a sickening, yet cheerful tone.  “I take it that today’s your birthday.”
Abigail hissed at Gold Banks while Wanda ran up and hid behind Princess Cadance, who glared down at the two older ponies.
“You’re lucky that restraining order was repealed by your boss Creme Dream,” Cadance yelled.  “Otherwise I would have gotten my mother to have your butts locked up.”
“Now now,” Gold Banks said.  “No need to throw a nasty fit, Princess Cadance.  After all, today is your little sister’s birthday.”
Gold Banks uses her magic to move PrincessCadance aside, causing Spike to lose his balance and to fall off Cadance’s back.  Sunset was quick to jump out and grab the little dragon as Gold Banks walked up to a scared Wanda.
“Now then,” Gold Banks said.  “Let’s see how you have gotten.”
Wanda tried to make a run for it, only for Gold Backs to lift Wanda up with her magic and positioned the man’s cub right in front of her.  Wanda could do nothing, but shiver in fear.
“Gold,” Silver said.  “Leave her alone.  She’s been through enough.”
“Patience, darling,” Gold Banks said.  “Patience.”
As Wanda hovered above the ground, shivering and fear and on the verge of tears, Gold Banks observed her height, her face and her hair.
“Hmm,” Gold Banks said.  “I don’t notice anything different about her.   Not much has changed, except for the fact that she has gotten chubby from too many sweets.”
Gold Banks released her magic from Wanda, causing the Man’s Cub to fall to the ground and hurt her knees.  Wanda looked up at Gold Banks as tears began to flow down her cheeks.
“That’s about enough,” Princess Cadance yelled.  “Step away from my sister, NOW!”
Gold Banks laughed as she said “Very well.  But know this: Your little sister would probably be better off attending Daisy Joy Tech at Manehattan.  At least they won’t spoil you like how your mother makes you too much of a Mary Sue.”
Gold Banks walked away from Wanda Young with Cadance, Sunset, Spike and Abigail all glaring at the older mare.  Silver Banks’ eyes were too focused on Wanda, who’s tears grew with each passing second.
“I don’t deserve to even be near her,” Silver Banks said. “Not after what we did at the Canterlot Hospital.”
Silver Banks turned around and walked after Gold Banks, hiding his head in shame.  Princess Cadance, Sunset Shimmer, Spike and Abigail were confused by Silver’s choice of words.
“Never thought I would hear Silver Bank show a sign of remorse,” Sunset said.
“Neither would I,” Princess Cadance replied.  “I hate to admit it, but Silver’s changed since that incident.”
Suddenly, the two heard the sound of crying.  Sunset and Cadance looked down to see Wanda bawling her eyes out as her tears formed twin waterfalls.
“That Gold Banks is the worst pony,” Wanda cried.  “I don’t want to see her face anymore.”
Princess Cadance levitated Wanda with her magic, causing Wanda’s crying to settle down.  She looked up and smiled a bit as Cadance gave her little human sister a big hug.
“Don’t worry,” Princess Cadance said.  “As long as I’m around, I won’t let that mean ol Gold Banks get the best of you.”
“Yeah,” Sunset said as Spike and Abigail lined up next to her. “We’re sisters, no matter what.  We look out for each other and we support each other.”
“T…thanks guy,” Wanda said as she wiped the left side of her cheek.
Wanda lets go of Princess Cadance as the alicorn’s magical aura disappears from her younger sister.  The Man’s Cub landed her two feet on the pavement as Sunset got on her two legs and gave Wanda a noogie.
“Now come on,” Sunset said.  “You have a birthday to celebrate.”
As Wanda giggled at her sister’s noogie, Abigail turned her head to the left and suddenly jumped onto her four legs, yelling out “DOG! DOG!”  She hissed loudly, getting the attention of Wanda, Princess Cadance, Sunset Shimmer and Spike.
“What is it, Abby?” Wanda asked.
Wanda, Sunset, Cadance, and Spike looked to where Abigail was hissing.  In front of them was the same ferocious bulldog with wings.  But this time, it had a horn atop its forehead.  Wanda immediately shivered again at the sight of the dog.
“Oh no,” Sunset said.  “It’s that bulldog again.”
“And it looks like it has a unicorn horn,” Princess Cadance replied.  “But how?  I thought only ponies could get those kinds of features.”
“I don’t like that dog,” Wanda cried.  “Let’s go another route.”
Princess Cadance nodded as she used her magic to put Wanda, Spike and Abigail on her back.  Afterwards, Princess Cadance and Sunset Shimmer walked to the right, ignoring the bulldog who growled at them.
“Just don’t pay any attention to the dog and we won’t have problems,” Princess Cadance said.
“I…I hope so,” Sunset Shimmer said.
Suddenly, the Bulldog leaped into the air and landed right in front of the sister group, growling even louder than before.
“Sister,” Sunset said.  “I don’t like where this is going.”
The bulldog took a couple of steps forward towards the group, growling even louder.  An angry Princess Cadance looked down at the dog as her horn glowed brightly.
“I know I’m not supposed to hurt animals,” Princess Cadance said.  She raised her horn in the air and yelled “BUT I WON’T LET A MONGREL LIKE YOU TURN MY SISTERS INTO YOUR CHEW TOYS!”
Princess Cadance fired off a beam of magic right at the bulldog, who stood there undeterred.  Wanda and Sunset gasped in horror while Spike and Abigail held each other closely.
Suddenly, the Bulldog’s horn glowed brightly as it swung its head upwards, reflecting the magic shot into the air.  Princess Cadance stood there, completely dumbfounded.
“Wha?”  Princess Cadance replied.  “But that’s….that’s impossible.”
The bulldog stared down the group, growling even louder than before.  Cadance and Sunset’s legs shook as they stood there, while Wanda, Abigail and Spike watched from the back of Princess Cadance.
“Guys,” Wanda said.  “We should make a run for it.”
Immediately, Princess Cadance yelled “FLEE FOR YOUR LIVES FROM THAT BULLDOG!”
Immediately, Wanda, Abigail and Spike held onto the Princess Cadance as the older alicorn sister and Sunset Shimmer turned tail and made a run for it.  The bulldog immediately chased after the group, barking loudly.
“How is it that dog knows where we are?” Sunset Shimmer yelled.
“What matters is that we don’t let him take a chomp out of us,” Princess Cadance yelled.
“I DON’T WANT TO BE EATEN BY THAT DOG!” Wanda screamed as she held on tight.  
As Wanda, Spike and Abigail held on, Princess Cadance and Sunset Shimmer ran across the city with the bulldog in pursuit.  Many citizens were horrified by the event playing out as the sisters toppled over barrels and crates to try to slow the dog down, who only leaped over the obstacles with ease.
“Nothing’s slowing that dog down,” Sunset yelled.  “We need to think of something fast.”
Suddenly, Wanda felt her legs begin to move.  She held on even tighter as her legs lifted up by a magic aura.
“HEEEEEELP!” Wanda scream.  ‘SOMETHING’S PULLING ME BACK!”
“It’s that blasted dog,” Princess Cadance yelled.  “It wants to eat her.”
Sunset Shimmer turned her head back to see Wanda struggling to hold onto Princess Cadance with Abigail and Spike holding on and covering their eyes.  Behind Wanda, the Bulldog flew it close to her feet and opened its mouth as Wanda’s legs floated helplessly in the air.
“Oh no you don’t,” Sunset said.
Immediately, Sunset Shimmer fired a blast of magic right at the dog, knocking it down to the ground, and causing Wanda’s legs to fall.  The man’s cub landed on Cadance’s back, but held on as tightly as possible.
“I think that did the trick,” Sunset said.  “We should be in the clear.”
But the bulldog flew back into the air and dived towards the group, barking loudly before opening its mouth.
“You have got to be kidding me,” Sunset replied.
Princess Cadance noticed an opened door in front of her attached to a nearby wall bunker.  She turned to Sunset and said “We’ll hide out here until it goes away.”
“But Wanda’s party,” Sunset said.
“That will have to wait for now,” Princess Cadance replied.
With Wanda, Spike and Abigail holding on for dear life, Princess Cadance ran into the open door with Sunset right behind her, with the bulldog diving even closer to them.  But as soon as the group was inside, Wanda, Spike and Abigail jumped off Princess Cadance’s back before the alicorn got on her two legs and slammed the door shut.  The bulldog quickly landed on the ground and barked wildly at the door.

Inside, Wanda, Sunset, Cadance, Spike and Abigail breathed a sigh of relief as they heard the sound of the bulldog barking wildly.
“That was a close one,” Wanda said.
“The last thing I needed was to lose my sister on her birthday,” Sunset replied.
Princess Cadance looked outside from a nearby window.  She saw the dog bark even louder with not a single citizen paying attention.  
“Well,” Princess Cadance said.  “Guess I’ll have to contact mother and let her know where we are.”
Immediately, Princess Cadance pulled her cellphone out of her mane and tapped the screen with her hoof.  Wanda, Sunset, Abigail and Spike watched on before they sat down and held each other tight.
“Don’t worry, sis,” Sunset said.  “Once mother finds out about this, she’ll know what to do.”
“I hope so,” Wanda said.  “I’ve waited so long for this birthday.  I don’t want to miss out on it through no fault of our own.”
“I know it’s not your fault,” Sunset said.  “But don’t you worry.  We’ll find a way out.  Sister knows what to do.”
Wanda held Sunset tight as the unicorn filly rubbed Wanda on the head.  Spike and Abigail walked up to Wanda and Sunset and gave them both a hug.  The four looked like they were relaxed.
“Guys,” Princess Cadance said.  “I have a problem.”
Sunset raised her head up and said “What’s going on?”
“It’s my phone,” Princess Cadance replied.  “For some reason, I can’t get any calls at all.  No service either.”
Those words opened up Wanda’s eyes, as she looked at Princess Cadance’s smartphone.  On the upper right hand of the screen, the words ‘No Service’ flashed.
“Oh no,” Wanda said.  “Can’t this day get any worse?”


	To Be Continued in…


	A Party Denied

> Arc 6-2: A Party Denied
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


A Party Denied



Evening began to fall on the kingdom of Canterlot.  The citizens walked around like it was an ordinary day.  But inside the bunker where the bulldog was barking like a maniac, Wanda, Sunset, Spike and Abigail stood there, completely surprised by Princess Cadance’s smartphone.
“So,” Wanda said.  “We can’t contact mommy at all?”
“We can’t,” Princess Cadance replied.  “I don’t know, but for some reason, I can’t get a signal at all.”
“And now we’re trapped like rats,” Sunset said, turning her head towards the locked door.  “Rats that could end up being dog chow.”
Wanda looked towards the doorway and heard the sound of the dog barking loudly.  She got up on her two legs, struggling to hold in her tears.
“Wanda,” Sunset said.  “Wanda, are you alright?”
“WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!” Wanda cried as tears flowed from her eyes.  “WE’RE GONNA BE HERE FOREVER!”
Sunset turned towards Princess Cadance and said “The moment mother finds out that we haven’t arrived, she’ll suspect something’s wrong and will go look for us.”
“I hope you’re right,” Princess Cadance said.  “For Wanda’s sake, and for our sake.”
Abigail and Spike stood there, holding each other tightly.  Neither individual took a single step from their location.
“Trapped,” Spike and Abigail both said.

Meanwhile, at the ballroom of the castle, everyone waited patiently for the door to open.  While there was a hint of calm in the room, Celestia had a hint of worry on her face.
“Something’s not right,” Celestia said.  “Wanda, Sunset and Cadance are not ones to arrive late.”
“Give it some time,” Buttercup said.  
“I know you mean well, Buttercup,” Princess Celestia said in an anxious tone.  “But there’s something in me that just feels like trouble.”
“Sister,” Princess Luna said. “I’m sure that Wanda, Sunset and Cadance must have gotten sidetracked.”
“I don’t believe that,” Twilight said. “I’ve known all three and I know they’re either on time, or early.”
“Well what are we waiting for?” Rainbow Dash said as she jumped onto an empty table, looking primed to go. “Send me out.  I’ll have them back in a flash.”
“Not yet,” Princess Luna said.  “We’ll give it a moment and…”
But before she could finish her sentence, they heard the sound of a door begin to creak open.  
“That must be her,” Shining Armor said.  “Maybe Sunset and Cadance as well.”
Pinkie Pie ran up to the door once more as it opened slowly.  The moment the door was opened…
“SURPRISE!”  Pinkie Pie yelled.
But in front of her was Kibitz once more.  This time, his face looked worrisome.
“I’m sorry,” Kibitz said.  “But I have not seen Princess Wanda, Princess Sunset, Princess Cadance or the two companions within the vicinity of the castle.”
“What?” Pinkie Pie yelled.
“Well it’s worse than I thought,” Kibitz said.  “I tried looking around outside of the castle.  Not a sign of either of them.”
“OH NO!” Twilight yelled.  “Now Spike is in danger.”
“This is bad,” Princess Celestia said.  “I knew I should have been with them so they wouldn’t disappear.”
“Sister,” Luna said.  “How about you use your phone to locate them?”
Celestia calmed down a bit and said “Good idea.  I forgot about that.”
Princess Celestia pulled her smartphone out of her mane and tapped it with her hoof many times.  She immediately placed the phone on her ear in anticipation.
“Do you think they got sidetracked?” Bright Mac asked.
“We’ll find out once Princess Celestia gets a hold of them,” Luna said.  “At least this can’t get any worse.”
“Hey hey,” Danged Spell said.  “Don’t try to jinx it.”
Suddenly, Princess Celestia pulled her phone away from her ear and looked at the screen.  The words ‘Receiver not available’ lit up, causing Celestia’s jaw to drop in horror.
“Oh no,” Celestia said.  “Wherever they are, they can’t get any reception.”
“Wait,” Luna said.  “Let me try to use a form of telepathy to try to contact them.”
“Tele wha?” Applejack asked.
“Telepathy,” Luna replied.  “The ability to read the minds of individuals, even from afar.  I can use this to get in touch with Princess Cadance to see if they’re alright.”
“Excellent idea, sis,” Princess Celestia said.  “Do you need my help?”
“That won’t be necessary,” Princess Luna said.  “I’ve got it.”
Princess Luna sat down on the ground and closed her eyes.  She immediately opened them up, with her irises and pupils replaced with stars.

Inside Luna’s mind, she is deep within the city of Canterlot, watching as citizens wander about, minding their own business.
“Okay,” Princess Luna said.   “Already established a connection to the outside world with my mind.  It’s time to see if they have gone inside a building.”
Princess Luna focused her eyes on a number of buildings.  Inside, there were ponies either talking, eating, sleeping, playing games, or just enjoying life.
“Hmm, “Luna said.  “Nothing out of the ordinary.  But no sign of Cadance’s signature, nor any sign of Wanda and Sunset.  It’s time I took this on the road.”
Luna scraped the bottom of the street with her hooves and ran off in one direction.  She looked around into the insides of each house.  While she saw ponies inside the houses, other houses were empty.  
“Looks like not everyone is at home,” Princess Luna said. “No worries.  I’ll find them in a jiffy.” 
Luna continued to run through the entire town of Canterlot, looking left and right at each building.  But the more she looked, the more frustrated she got.  
“This has to be some kind of a joke,” Princess Luna said.  “I can’t seem to find where any of them would be.”
Luna began to run through the houses, searching far and wide for any sign of Princess Cadance, Sunset Shimmer, Wanda Young ,Abigail Albright and Spike the Dragon.  But she grew nervous, looking around and seeing no sign of her nieces, or their animal companions, passing through ponies and walls as if she were a ghost.
“Where are all of you?” Luna said as her frustration grew.  “I’m trying to find out if you’re okay or not.  But there are so many ponies around.  It’s like I’m being overwhelmed without a single sight of you.  Please TELL ME WHERE YOU ARE!”
Suddenly, Princess Luna ran right into a wall, and fell down on her back, losing consciousness and disappearing.

In the waking world, Princess Luna woke up on her back as Princess Celestia, Chancellor Cinch, Shining Armor, Bright Mac, Buttercup, Majordomo Kibitz and the younglings all gathered, looking concerned for the moon princess.
“Luna,” Celestia said.  “What happened?”
“I…I don’t know,” Luna said as she held her head.  “One moment I was using telepathy to find where Wanda, Sunset, Cadance, Abigail and Spike were.  The next moment, I ran into something and blacked out.  Didn’t know what it was.”
“Then I think it’s time we flew out and looked for them,” Princess Celestia said.  
Princess Luna got on her four hooves and stood up as everyone around her backed up.  She extended her wings out and flapped once for good measure.
“I’m game,” Luna said.
Princess Celestia turned to Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy, both of which looked eager.
“I take it you two wish to help in the search,” Princess Celestia asked.
“Reporting for duty, Princess,” Rainbow Dash said while saluting her with her wing.
“I’ll do it,” Fluttershy said.  “If it means making sure Spike and Abigail are alright, I’ll do it.”
Princess Celestia turned to Cozy Glow, who looked like she was afraid.
“It’s your choice, Cozy,” Princess Celestia said.  “I know I don’t want you to go out because you fear your mother.  But at the same time, you want to see Wanda, Sunset, Cadance, Abigail and Spike again.”
“I’ll…pass,” Cozy Glow said. “I know I wanna see them again, but I don’t feel comfortable stepping outside this castle.”
“Fair enough,” Celestia said as Cozy Glow turned her head away.  “And it’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
Chancellor Cinch tapped on Celestia’s shoulder and said “We will wait in the Grand Foyer in case you find the Princesses,”
“Understood,” Princess Celestia said.  “If one of us is missing after the search, don’t hesitate to search for any of us.”
Princess Luna opened the back doors of the ballroom wide open.  She extended her wings out as Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy lined up next to her.  Princess Celestia walked away from Cozy Glow and stood next to her little sister.
“Are you ready for this?” Princess Luna asked.
“Let’s find Wanda and the others and bring them home,” Princess Celestia replied.
With that, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash took a running start and ran out the doorway into the royal garden.  They flapped their wings hard and took off into the sky.  Everyone looked up and watched as Celestia, Luna, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flew above Canterlot’s streets.
“Good luck to them,” Applejack said.  “Ah sure hope they can find Wanda, Sunset and Cadance.”
“And Spike and Abigail,” Twilight said, nervously.
“Especially Spikey-wikey,” Rarity said.  “The poor dragon must be out there scared and lonely.”
“The only thing we can do is hope for them to find the princesses and bring them home,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “That way, we can get on with the celebrations of Princess Wanda.”
“Doesn’t she usually prefer to be called Man’s Cub?” Moondancer asked.
“Well that too,” Cinch said.
“All I want to do is to call her a friend,” Ditzy replied.
“Funny,” Pinkie Pie said in a somber tone.  “That’s what I want to call her as well.”
“Right now,” Majordomo Kibitz said.  “We should wait at the Grand Foyer for any updates in case they do find lady Wanda.”
Everyone nodded at Majordomo Kibitz before they stepped away from the back doorway, and made their way towards the front entrance of the ballroom.  Kibitz shut the back doors and locked it tight.
“There you go,” Kibitz said.  “Now nothing can break into this place.”
Kibitz followed the others towards the front entrance of the ballroom, who still had a sense of disappointment.
“First those three boys decided to trash a Detention Facility,” Bright Mac said.  “And now Wanda, Cadance and Sunset Shimmer are gone.”
“We’ll make sure we see them again,” Buttercup said.  “I promise you that.”
Bright Mac smiled back at Buttercup and said “I hope so.  She may not even be our adopted daughter, but we care for that little bumpkin very much.”
Danged Spell turned his head towards the others and said “Now I’m getting worried for Wanda and Sunset.”
“We’re all worried for tme, darling,” Rarity replied.  “Though Twilight is more worried about Spikey-poo as I am.”
“And I made a promise that I, the Great and Powerful Trixie, would pull the greatest magic act of all time.”
Danged Spell sighed and said “I dunno.  We’re supposed to be waiting for Wanda, Sunset and Cadance to show up, and so far…nothing.”
“Spell,” Trixie said in a cold tone.  “Is that any way to feel that down in the dumps?”
Danged Spell looked at Trixie and said “Right now, it’s a lot better than brightening up.”
As Spell walked away from Trixie and Rarity, the two unicorn fillies just stood there, completely dumbfounded.
“For a lame pun,” Trixie said.  “That sounded more depressing than cringe-worthy.”
“I heard that when he’s in that bad of a mood,” Rarity said.  “He’s reluctant in delivering the puns.”
“Ohhh” Trixie replied.
But nearby, Twilight walked alongside her brother Shining Armor.  The big bro looked down at his little sister, who looked depressed.
“I know what you’re thinking,” Shining Armor said.  “You’re still thinking of Spike.”
“I am,” Twilight said.  “Spike means the whole world to me.  I’m worried about what would happen to him.”
“So am I,” Shining Armor said.  “Him and Princess Cadance.”
“That’s right,” Twilight said.  “The very foalsitter who looked after me.”
“We’ll make sure she comes back safely,” Shining Armor said.  “Promise.”
Everyone soon stepped outside the ballroom as the door shut tight, leaving the food, the presents, and all of the party decorations and instruments behind.
But nearby at a window, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score took a peek inside the ballroom.  Once they saw the big cake, their faces turned completely sinister.
“Can’t believe how easy this was to break in,” Hoops said.  “This must be a dream come true.”
“Yeah,” Dumbbell said.  “The guards must have gone off-duty in guarding this place.”
“Actually,” Score said.  “We just found a hidden entrance and snuck in here.”
“Nevermind that,” Hoops said.  “Let’s break in.”
Hoops, Dumbbell and Score ran up to the back entrance of the ballroom.  Hoops attempted to open the door, but it was locked.
“Well shoot,” Hoops said.  “How are we to maintain our status as the most hated ponies in Equestria if this gets in our way?”
“I got an idea,” Score said.  “What if we all charged in together?”
“Bright idea,” Dumbbell said.  “If we can break a prison down, then we can do the same for a castle doorway.”
“I got a better idea,” Hoops said as he pointed to a nearby window.  “It’s not as resilient as the door.”
Hoops, Dumbbell and Score flew up to the window and positioned themselves right in front of it.  They flapped their wings as hard as they could, anticipating the damage that was to come.
“Are you ready?” Hoops said.
“READY!” Dumbbell and Score replied.
With a push of their wings, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score flew at top speed at the window, shattering it to pieces upon impact, and sending the shards scattering into the room.  They landed inside, and looked around at the cake, the pizza, the punch, apple pie and other delectables, as well as the presents, the decorations, and even the birthday hats and horns.  Which includes a broken orange horn. 
“Once we pull this off,” Score said.  “No one would ever want to be around us again.”
“Bah,” Hoops said. “That’s already done.  Let’s make sure we maintain our status as the most hated ponies in Equestria.”
With that, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score let out their most diabolical laughter.

Meanwhile, back inside the wall bunker, Wanda, Sunset, Abigail and Spike just sat there, looking depressed, all while they heard the sound of the bulldog barking its brains out.  Nearby, Princess Cadance has been in a meditation for quite some time, only to snap out of it.”
“Any luck?” Wanda asked.
“Nothing,” Princess Cadance replied.  “I can’t even reach out from inside these walls.”
“You know,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “I heard a story about how this building was enhanced with a spell that protects everyone inside from all forms of magic.”
“What did you say?” Wanda asked.
“Actually, it’s what mother told me,” Sunset replied.  “Some of the blocks that make up these walls were fortified with special gemstones that could block out all magic.  It served well as a means of protecting one from not just offensive magic, but also from being detected by magic itself.
“But that means,” Wanda said.  “If they can’t reach out to us with magic, then we can’t reach out to them with our magic.”
“That unfortunately may be true,” Sunset Shimmer stated. 
Princess Cadances’ eyes glowed brightly as she returned to meditation.  Through her sight, she focused entirely on the walls that surrounded her, Wanda, Sunset, Abigail and Spike.  There, she noticed thousands of specs on each block, glowing a bright red.  
“I think I can see them,” Princess Cadance said.  “And it feels overwhelming.”
Princess Cadance broke out of her meditation and shook her head off.  She got up and walked towards the small window who’s light shined down on the trapped sisters and companions.
“So now what?” Wanda asked.  “If we can’t use our magic to call for help, what should we do?”
“That window is too small, even for Spike or Abigail to get through,” Princess Cadance said.  “But if I could send out a magic flare, I think I can send a signal out to get anyone out here.”
“Excellent idea, sis,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Let me make sure you can do that.”
Sunset Shimmer picked up a nearby rock with her magic and threw it right at the window, shattering it open.  Princess Cadance pointed her horn at the now opened window and charged up her magic.
“Okay,” Princess Cadance said.  “This should do it.”
Princess Cadance fired off a bolt of magic from her horn, shooting past the broken window.
“That should do it,” Princess Cadance replied.  “Now all that is needed is…”
Suddenly, the magic blast was vaporized by another blast of magic that came out of nowhere.  Cadance, Sunset, Wanda, Abigail and Spike stood there, completely surprised.
“For the spell to be destroyed by that dog’s counterspell,” Princess Cadance replied, still in disbelief.
“Clever girl,” Sunset replied.
Immediately, Wanda broke down in tears once more, catching the attention of Sunset Shimmer and Princess Cadance.  Cadance walked up to Wanda and hugged her close.
“I’m sorry, sis,” Cadance replied.  “I tried everything to get you to your birthday, and so far, I’ve turned up empty.”
“I hate to say this,” Sunset said.  “But I have a feeling we won’t be celebrating tonight, or even returning to the castle.”
“I know,” Cadance replied. “I fear we may have to spend the night here.”
Wanda continued to cry in Cadance’s chest as the sun began to set in the west.

Meanwhile, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna flew over the capitol city of Canterlot, looking down at the citizens wandering about.  Both alicorns looked worried as they continued to keep their eyes out below.
“Still no sign of Wanda, Sunset, Cadance, or even Spike and Abigail,” Princess Luna said.
“Keep looking,” Princess Celestia said.  “They have to turn up.  They have to be okay.”
“I will do what I can,” Princess Luna said.  “But I’m afraid I’m losing hope in even finding a trace of them.”
“So am I,” Princess Celestia said. “I wonder how Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy are doing.”
Immediately, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy flew up to Celestia and Luna.  Both pegasi fillies looked even more discouraged, much to the worry of both alicorns.
“Judging by the looks on your faces,” Princess Celestia said. “You couldn’t find them.”
“I’m afraid not,” Rainbow Dash said.  “I dashed around every block in the city to search for them.”
“And I asked every citizen if they saw the princesses, a little cat or even a baby dragon,” Fluttershy replied.  “None of them knew where they went.”
“This is starting to get dire,” Luna said.  “Wanda deserved that birthday party and we don’t want her to miss it.”
Suddenly, Luna’s belly grumbled.  The alicorn looked at her sister and blushed slightly.
“Okay” Luna said.  “I’m starting to get a bit hungry.”
“So am I,” Rainbow Dash said.  
“Then it’s settled,” Princess Celestia said.  “We’ll head back to the castle and fuel up for the moment.  But we’ll have to let everyone know that the search has gone cold.”
With that, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Rainbow Dash flew back towards the castle.  Fluttershy looked down at the city with a sad look on her face.
“Don’t you worry, Wanda,” Fluttershy said.  “We’ll save you a whole cake when we find you.”
Fluttershy turned towards the castle and flew after Rainbow Dash, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.

It didn’t take long for Celestia, Luna, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy to return to the entrance of the castle.  Inside the Foyer, Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Cozy Glow, Trixie, Ditzy Doo, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Shining Armor, Bright Mac, Buttercup, Chancellor Cinch and Kibitz got up and approached the rescue party.
“Any sign of Wanda or the others?” Bright Mac asked.
“No,” Princess Celestia said.  “Even more so, we’re famished right now, and all we can think about is food.”
“Oh dear,” Ditzy Doo said.  “Where could Wanda be?”
Rainbow Dash let out a sigh and said “I hope the changelings and those stupid cultists didn’t try to kidnap them.”
“Oh don’t be a downer, Rainbow,” Pinkie Pie said in a cheerful tone.  “We’ll find her, lickety-split.”
“Right now, I don’t wanna think about Wanda or Sunset,” Fluttershy said.  “All I can think about is food.”
“Then I propose we all go into the ballroom and have some pizza before it gets cold,” Buttercup said.  “At least we will have full bellies.”
“That’s what I was thinking,” Luna said as her tone began to change a bit.  “Come on.  Let’s go get a bite to eat.”
Immediately, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Chancellor Cinch,Majordomo Kibitz, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Trixie, Cozy Glow, Shining Armor, Bright Mac and Buttercup walked down the hallway and through the doors leading to the ballroom.  But at the front, Twilight Sparkle kept her eyes focused on the city of Canterlot with Ditzy Doo observing.
“Twilight?” Ditzy Doo asked.  “What are you doing?”
Twilight sighed as she said “I’m still worried about Spike.  I know I should just join them in the ballroom.  But what if something horrible happens to him?  What if the changelings kidnapped Spike as revenge for what I did to Queen Chrysalis?”
“Wait,” Ditzy said.  “You’re not thinking of doing what you are going to do?”
“I am,” Twilight said as she got on her hind legs and swung her arms in the air.  “I’m going to find the gang and make sure they’re safe.”
With that, Twilight Sparkle ran out of the castle, down the front garden and through the gates leading into the city.  Ditzy Doo immediately ran after her.
“WAIT!”  Ditzy yelled.  “COME BACK!”
As Ditzy Doo followed Twilight Sparkle into the city, the distant figure of three pegasi colts also flew into the city limits, laughing out loud.

Meanwhile, in the hallway, everyone walked up to the entrance to the ballroom, looking discouraged.
“I still can’t believe Wanda, Sunset and Cadance are still missing,” Cozy Glow said.  “And I was looking forward to surprising her.”
“Well when we have a nice meal,” Princess Celestia said.  “Then we can get our minds at ease and make sure we find them in time.”
Princess Celestia used her magic to push open the doors to the ballroom.  But when they swung wide open, everyone’s jaws dropped in total horror.
“Wha?”  Luna said in disbelief.  “What just happened?”
Inside the ballroom, everything was a complete mess.  Presents were stomped on and thrown across the room.  Food was scattered across the floors, especially the birthday cake.  Every birthday hat and horn were crushed completely, and all of the decorations were scattered on the floor.  
“My….my party setup,” Pinkie Pie said as her mood went south.  “Ruined.”
Immediately, Pinkie PIe broke down in tears, pouring twin waterfalls from her eyes.  Bright Mac and Buttercup walked up to what was left of the apple pies.
“And we worked so hard on these,” Bright Mac said.  “For Wanda.”
“First Wanda and her sisters go missing,” Buttercup said.  “And now the party’s ruined.”
“I don’t believe it,” Rainbow Dash said as she stomped in fury.  “We worked hard to get those gifts for Wanda and now they’re crushed.”
“Who could have done this?”  Trixie said.  “Who could be that cruel to pull a stunt like this?”
“I hate to say this,” Bright Mac said.  “But I believe Hoops, Dumbbell and Score were the ones who pulled this stunt.”
“That’s something that I would expect from those hoodlums, after all they did to Coltsom,” Applejack said in a huff.  “But how the hay did they break in?”
“Look up,” Moondancer said as she pointed to a broken window.  “I think that solves your answer.”
Rainbow Dash quickly flew up to the broken window and saw a piece of it fall out.  She growned in frustration and slammed her hooves on the floor.
“I CAN’T BELIEVE IT!”  Rainbow Dash yelled.  “WHEN I GET MY HOOVES ON THOSE PUNKS…”
“Rainbow, no,”  Danged Spell said as he held Rainbow Dash down.  “We shouldn’t sink down to their level.”
“I don’t care if I do,” Rainbow Dash said.  “They ruined Wanda’s birthday and they’re going to pay.”
Rainbow Dash struggled to break free from Danged Spell’s vice grip, who held on as tightly as possible.  Rarity, Starlight and Sunburst walked up to Rainbow Dash, who used their magic to hold the pegasi in place.
“Rainbow, get a hold of yourself,” Rarity said.  “What if those fools at the Stallion News Network decided to use your act of revenge to paint you in a negative light?  You’ve already lost the Wonderbolts.  You don’t want to lose your reputation.”
“Rarity’s right,” Starlight said.  “Don’t sink down to their level.  Airazor and Spitfire will be disappointed in you, Wonderbolts or no Wonderbolts.”
Rainbow Dash began to calm down as she began to cry.  Sunburst walked up to Danged Spell and signaled to him.
“You can let go of her,” Sunburst said.
Danged Spell nodded and released his grip from Rainbow Dash, who threw herself to the floor and cried loudly.
“I’ve heard about crying over spilled milk, but this is just too much for me,” Danged Spell said.
“You and I both,” Sunburst replied.
Bright Mac and Buttercup picked up what’s left of the food and threw it in the trash can, only for the entire can to collapse completely.  Bright Mac stood there in shame while Buttercup hugged him tight.
“Guess this party turned out to be a disaster,” Bright Mac said.  “Once ma finds out about this, she’s going to be depressed by this.”
“We’ll let the young'uns know that we’re going to be heading home,” Buttercup replied.
Shining Armor walked up to Bright Mac and Buttercup, looking really somber.
“I’m sorry about what happened to your food,” Shining Armor said.  “In fact, I’ll admit I was looking forward to trying out your pie.”
“Thanks,” Bright Mac said.  “But I’ll admit.  I wish I was watching over this place while they were out looking for Wanda, Sunset and Cadance.”
“In fact,” Shining Armor said.  “I bet Twilight would have been really disappointed that this party turned out to be a disaster, and that you all have to return home in that kind of mood.”
“I know,” Bright Mac said.  “If there was any way we could make her happy right now.”
Suddenly, Cozy Glow flew up to Bright Mac, looking a bit anxious.
“Sorry to disturb you,” Cozy Glow said.  “But do you know what happened to Twilight? I don’t see her anywhere.”
Everyone paused upon hearing Cozy Glow’s words, especially Shining Armor, whose face turned to horror.
“She…She couldn’t have…” Shining Armor said.  “Oh no.”
Immediately, Shining Armor ran out the front door in a hurry.  Kibitz looked around at the entire group and noticed something was odd.
“I hate to also be a bearer of bad news, my ladies,” Kibitz said.  “But I don’t see Ditzy Doo in the group.”
Bright Mac threw down the wrecked pie tin and said “Our situation has just been made worse.  We can’t go home unless we find Ditzy Doo and Twilight now.”
“Then follow me,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “We’ll look for those two and for the Princesses.”
With that, Bright Mac and Chancellor Cinch ran off out of the ballroom’s front door and after Shining Armor.  Everyone stood there, now more worried than ever.
“Just when things have sunk to a new low,” Luna said as her heart raced.   “We’ve lost Twilight and Ditzy.”
“I hate to say this,” Celestia said.  “But all we can do now is wait.”
“We can’t return home without Ditzy Doo,” Buttercup said.  “What would her parents say?  What will Granny Smith say?”
But nearby at the front entrance of the ballroom, Eleanor Young looked inside and saw the mess that was meant to be Wanda’s birthday party and the faces of concerned ponies.
“Be strong, my daughter,” Eleanor said.  “And don’t you worry.  I will undo what those three did.  But it will require some cooperation with Princess Celestia.”


	To Be Continued in….


	To Salvage a Birthday

> Arc 6-3: To Salvage a Birthday
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


To Salvage a Birthday




Night had fallen on the land of Canterlot.  Buttercup, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Trixie, Cozy Glow, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell and Kibitz were back in the Grand Foyer of the castle, waiting patiently.  Their moods had soured since early ago and their hope began to dwindle.
“What a day,” Applejack said. “First Wanda, Sunset, Cadance, Abigail and Spike go missing, then those hoodlums trashed Wanda’s Birthday party, and now Twilight and Ditzy Doo have gone missing.”
“And now we’re stuck here until Ditzy and Twilight are found,” Fluttershy said.
“Right now,” Buttercup said.  “All Bright Mac can do with the Chancellor is to find where they went.  But considering what happened with the Princesses, I fear they could be lost as well.”
“Of all the horrible possible things,” Rarity said in a dramatic tone.  “This is THE…WORST…POSSIBLE…THING!”
Rarity pulled a nearby couch to her with her magic and jumped right on it, crying on the armrest.  Everyone looked at Rarity with pity.
“A part of me just wants to do what Rarity did,” Danged Spell said.
“I’m with you on that,” Moondancer replied.  “After what happened, I just want to cry on the couch of my own.”
“I knew I should have stopped them when I had the chance,” Cozy Glow said as she slammed her hoof on the floor.  “But nooo.  I had to let my hunger get the best of me.”
“Cozy,” Trixie said.  “None of us are at fault.  These things happen because they happen.”
“Say what?” Cozy Glow asked.
“I think what she means is that sometimes, bad things do happen even when we’ve done nothing wrong,” Starlight replied.  “And we have to live with that.  It may be out of our control, but I think we can prove to be stronger than what we’ve been going through.”
“Never thought to hear something optimistic from you, Glim Glam,” Sunburst said.
“No kidding,” Spell said as his tone began to lighten up.  “Anything is better than being…Down in the Dumps.  Get it?”
“DANGED SPELL!” Every youngling yelled before bursting into laughter.
“At least I got everyone to laugh,” Danged Spell said.
“By the way,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Why are Princess Celestia and Princess Luna doing back in the ballroom?”
“Oh that is a secret,” Majordomo Kibitz said.  “And I would advise you to wait here until everything is ready.”
“I don’t know,” Pinkie Pie said.  “My Discord sense is tingling, and it’s not my legs falling asleep.”
“You’re right,” Applejack said.  “I wonder what Celesti and Luna are planning.”

In the ruins of Wanda’s party within the ballroom, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna stood next to Eleanor Young, who observed the damage done to the food, the gifts, and just about everything else.
“So this is all that needs to be done for our daughter,” Eleanor Young said.
“Yes,” Princess Celestia said. “I know I wanted to do this myself.  But you insisted on doing this.”
“I know,” Eleanor Young said.  “After all you’ve done to keep my precious Wanda safe, this is the least I can do.”
“Is there anything we can do to help out?” Princess Luna asked.
“That won’t be necessary,” Eleanor Young said.  “Wait in the Foyer, and I will work my magic.”
Celestia and Luna nodded as they turned around and walked towards the entrance of the ballroom.  Eleanor Young held out her hands and hummed.
“Oh great magic of Evevanya,” Eleanor chanted.  “You see that the party has fallen into decay.  Restore this to its former self, and give my daughter a wonderful birthday.”

But at the walled bunker outside where the Bulldog fell asleep, Wanda, Sunset, Cadance, Spike and Abigail looked down, depressed, and hungry.  They looked like their energy had been sucked dry.
“I think that dog’s finally fell asleep,” Sunset said.  “You wanna sneak out?”
“I don’t want to risk it,” Cadance said.  “For some reason, that dog has a strong sense of some sort. It’s as if it could sense where we are.”
A single tear fell from Wanda’s eye.  She tried to burst out crying, but she just slumped her hands down onto the floor.
“Too…tired…to…cry,” Wanda said.
“Wanda,” Cadance said. “Get some sleep.  I think by tomorrow morning, that dog will have lost interest in us and we can make our escape.”
“Sleep…good” Wanda said before she fell asleep.
Abigail jumped onto Wanda’s lap and curled itself up before going to sleep.  Spike walked up next to Wanda and sat right next to her before falling asleep as well.  Sunset and Cadance looked at the three before they yawned.
“Yeah,” Sunset said.  “It’s too bad Wanda couldn’t celebrate her birthday.  Perhaps a belated birthday party will make up for it.”
“I’m hoping so as well,” Princess Cadance said.  “If we get out.”
“But you did say once that dog is gone the next morning,” Sunset said.  “That it should be safe to leave.”
“That’s what I believe will happen,” Princess Cadance replied.  “But I heard legends about how some dogs wait out their prey.  Thankfully, that’s just a bulldog.  Though I am surprised why this one grew wings and a horn.”
“Me too,” Sunset said.  “In fact, I wonder why anyone would own a bulldog that can grow wings and a horn.”
“I’ve never seen this species of bulldog before,” Princess Cadance said.  “In fact, I wonder why it came here.”
“Well regardless,” Sunset said as she yawned. “I think we’ll find out more in the morning.”
Sunset walked up to Wanda young, parked herself next to her human sister and fell asleep.
“You’re right,” Cadance said with a yawn.  “I’m hungry, but I feel too tired to worry about food.”
And thus, Princess Cadance curled up and went to sleep.

Meanwhile, out in the streets of Canterlot, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score landed nearby in an alleyway.   The trio high hoofed each other and laughed out loud.
“We did it,” Hoops said.  “We crashed that monkey’s birthday party.”
“We can only imagine the look on that chimp’s face when she comes home to a wrecked party,” Dumbbell said.
“Yeah,” Score said.  “After our stunt at Coltsom and now this, it feels good to be hated.”
“Here’s to us,” Hoops said.  “The Scrappies.  Intentionally or not, being hated is the best thing ever.”
And with that, the three pegasi trio rolled onto their backs and laughed once again.
“So what do you think we should do next?” Score asked.  “Ruin some guy’s dinner?  Knock over some brat’s sandcastle?  Dump mud on Magistrate Creme Dream?”
“The possibilities are endless,” Dumbbell said.
Suddenly, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score heard the sound of hooves running in the distance, causing the trio to jump up onto their four legs.
“Did you hear that?” Hoops said.  “Sounds like we really got them steaming mad.”
“Let’s take a gander at it,” Score said.
Hoops, Dumbbell and Score slammed their backs against the wall and looked around the corner.  They perked their ears up as the sound of gallop grew larger.
“Let’s hear what they have to say,” Dumbbell said.
As they put their ears closer to the edge, they overheard someone say “Come on, Ditzy.  What if the Windigo’s Guild got their hooves on Spike?”  This confused Hoops Dumbbell and Score.
“That doesn’t sound angry,” Score said.
Suddenly, they saw Twilight Sparkle and Ditzy Doo run past them.  The trio fell down and landed on their four hooves, curious about the filly duo.
“That was Twilight Sparkle and that snowflake we picked on,” Dumbbell said.
“Oh yeah,” Hoop said.  “What do you say we give them what’s coming?”
“Here here,” Dumbbell and Score chanted.
And so, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score ran after Ditzy Doo and Twilight Sparkle, all in the dead heat of the evening.

But meanwhile, in another part of town, Shining Armor ran as fast as he could, looking around for Twilight Sparkle.  Behind him was Bright Mac and Chancellor Cinch, who struggled to catch up.
“Slow down,” Bright Mac yelled.  “You don’t know what you’re getting yourself into.”
“I can’t,” Shining Armor said.  “I’m worried not just about Twilight, but also Spike and the others.”
“He’s right,” Chancellor Cinch yelled.  “None of us knows where we can find the Princesses, or the other younglings.”
“I don’t care,” Shining Armor said.  “I just want to make sure Twili’s not hurt.”
Shining Armor immediately jumped high into the air and leaped over a small group of three ponies, who looked up in shock and awe.  Bright Mac and Chancellor Cinch paused and watched as Shining Armor landed on the ground and continued to run.
“I think Twilight Sparkle takes after her brother,” Bright Mac said.
“That’s my guess as well,” Chancellor Cinch replied.
Immediately, the two kicked dust into the air and ran off after Shining Armor, who continued to run as fast as possible.
“Shining Armor,” Bright Mac yelled.  “Don’t overdo it.  What if you put too much strain on yourself?”
“I know what you’re thinking,” Shining yelled.  “But I care more about Twilight’s well-being, and I don’t want her to get hurt.”
“You’re not thinking clearly,” Chancellor Cinch yelled.  “You’re going to get yourself hurt or even worse.”
“I can handle it,” Shining Armor yelled.
Shining Armor slid a bit near an alleyway as he turned left and ran down the street.  Chancellor Cinch was quick to turn left and follow from behind.  But when Bright Mac tried to turn, he tripped and rolled down the alleyway.  The screams he made from the blunder caused Shining Armor and Chancellor Cinch to pause instantly.
“That sounded like Bright Mac,” Shining Armor said.
“We better go check up on him,” Chancellor Cinch nodded.
Shining Armor and Chancellor Cinch turned around and walked towards the alleyway.  When they looked down, they saw Bright Mac lying down on his stomach with a couple of trash cans piled onto his legs.  Shining Armor walked up to Bright Mac with a horrified look on his face.
“Bright Mac,” Shining Armor said.  “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine,” Bright Mac said.  “Just a scratch and all.”
But when Bright Mac tried to pick himself up, he screamed really loud before falling down onto the pavement.  Shining Armor and Chancellor Cinch looked at the garbage cans that pinned Mac’s legs down.
“Come,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “We must help him.”
Shining Armor nodded with a solemn look on his face as he and Chancellor Cinch used their magic to lift up the garbage cans that pinned Bright Mac’s legs down.  After they set them back up, Shining Armor looked down at Bright Mac’s left leg, and gasped at what he saw.
“Bright Mac,” Shining Armor said.  “Your knee.  It looks red.”
Bright Mac turned onto his back and attempted to look up at his knee.  He attempted to move it, only to wince in pain.
“Dag nabit,” Bright Mac said.  “I can’t move.”
Chancellor Cinch walked up to Bright Mac before turning to Shining Armor and said “I’ll look after Bright Mac.  Go find Twilight and the others.”
“No,” Shining Armor said.  “It’s my fault he broke his knee.  If I wasn’t so reckless, none of this would have happened.”
“What’s past is past,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “You go find Twilight Sparkle and…”
“I’ll look after Bright Mac,” Shining Armor said.  “After my carelessness got him hurt, I should take responsibility and look after him.  You go find Twili and the Princesses.”
Cinch tried to speak up.  But she froze before she could say anything as she looked at Shining Armor pulling a wooden beam out from a trash can along with some rope, cut the beam down to a reasonable size and tied it up to Bright Mac’s broken leg.
“Very well,” Cinch said in a somber tone.  “I’ll go find them.”
Cinch turned around and ran off in the opposite direction, turning right before running down the street of Canterlot.  Bright Mac looked up at Shining Armor.
“You should have gone with her,” Bright Mac said.  “And let me stay behind.  I would have slowed you down.”
“I know,” Shining Armor said.  “But I feel responsible for my recklessness.  And while I am disappointed in what Twilight did, she will be more disappointed in me.”
“I understand,” Bright Mac said.  “But still, I worry for Twilight and for Ditzy Doo, along with the Princesses and their companions.  I can only hope that Cinch can find them in time.”
“So do I,” Shining Armor said.  “So do I.”

Meanwhile, Twilight Sparkle was running as fast as she could, with Ditzy Doo sprinting right behind her.  The purple filly looked left and right, nervously searching as hard as she could.  Little do the two know, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score were following right behind them.
“Twilight,” Ditzy cried. “Slow down. I can’t keep up.”
“No time,” Twilight said.  “I need to find out where the others are and hope that Spike is okay.”
“But what about the others back at the castle?” Ditzy yelled.  “And what about your parents?”
“What would they say if Spike was no longer here?” Twilight said.  “After all, they did give Princess Celestia their approval for Wanda to look after her.”
“But I don’t think it’s a good idea to just run off like this,” Ditzy said.  “It’s not good.”
As Ditzy ran as fast as she could after Twilight, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score chased after her.
“Come on, boys,” Hoops said.  “We’re getting close to that snowflake of a pegasi.”
“Call me crazy,” Score said.  “But those two don’t notice us.”
“Yeah,” Dumbbell said.  “I hate to say it, but they seem worried about something else.”
“Knock it off, you two,” Hoops said.  “Focus on the snowflakes.”
“But we’re being serious, bro,” Dumbbell said.  “Why do you think those two are running like mad and not taking notice of the three of us?”
“Now that I think about it,” Hoops said.  “They aren’t acting in fear of us.”
“You think they’ll lead us to the monkey and her sisters?” Dumbbell said.  
“Oh I’m counting on it,” Hoops said with a devilish grin.
“Yeah,” Score said.  “As a matter of fact, I…”
Suddenly, Score tripped over a piece of the pavement and flew uncontrollably in the air.  Hoops and Dumbbell looked behind them and saw an out-of-control Score spin towards them.
“NO YOU FOOL!” Hoops yelled.  “NOT HERE!”
WIth a loud smack, Score hit Hoops and Dumbbell and they continued tumbling along together down the street, tangled up in a ball shape.  Hoops and Dumbbell rolled down the street as they glared at Score.
“Nice going, Score,” Hoops said in a sarcastic tone.  “Now we’re out of control.”
“What?”  Score said in a nervous tone.  “I didn’t realize that the pavement was broken.”
Hoops, Dumbbell and Score tumbled out of control down the street and after Ditzy Doo and Twilight Sparkle, who paid no attention to the danger behind them.  As a matter of fact, Ditzy Doo struggled to catch up to Twilight.
“Twilight,” Ditzy Doo said.  “You’re not thinking clearly.”
“Not while Spike is out there,” Twilight said.
“But what about the others back at the castle?” Ditzy asked.  “Surely they must be having pizza and cake right about now.”
“I’m not in the mood for cake,” Twilight said.  “I want to see Spike again.”
But the only thing that came out of Ditzy’s mouth was a big “OOOF!”  Twilight’s eyes shrunk down, her ears flopped downward and she lifted her head up.
“I don’t like where this is going,” Twilight said to herself.
Twilight turned her head around and saw Ditzy Doo along with Hoops, Dumbbell and Score tangled up in a ball tumbling towards her.  All four pegasi looked extremely scared as they rolled closer and closer towards the unicorn filly.
“GET US OUT OF HERE!” Hoops screamed.
“WE’RE ALL GONNA DIE!” Dumbbell yelled.
“I WISH WE WEREN’T MEANIES TOWARDS MOMMY!” Score whined.
“DON’T WORRY ABOUT ME, TWILIGHT,” Ditzy hollered.  “RUN FOR YOUR LIFE!”
Twilight Sparkle ran as fast as she could before letting out a loud scream.

Meanwhile, inside the wall bunker, Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer, Princess Cadance, Spike and Abigail were fast asleep, worn out from the day.  But the peace ended the moment Twilight Sparkle’s scream went off, waking everyone up.
“Uggh,” Wanda said.  “Mommy?  Is that you?”
“No wait,” Cadance said. “That sounded like Twilight.”
“You think she’s close by?” Sunset asked.
But before they could answer, the front door smashed open as Twilight Sparkle, Ditzy Doo, Hoop, Dumbbell and Score crashed inside and hit the wall, coming to a complete stop.  Princess Cadance, Sunset Shimmer, Wanda Young, Abigail Albright and Spike the Dragon all gasped in horror.
“Twilight,” Princess Cadance said.  “Are you alright?”
Twilight pulled herself out from the others and got up on her four hooves.  Princess Cadance picked her up and gave her a big hug.
“Princess Cadance,” Twilight said.  “Is Spike here?”
“He’s here, Twilight,” Sunset said.  “And he’s safe.”
Spike the Dragon walked up to Princess Cadance and Twilight Sparkle and said “Twili?”
“Spike,” Twilight said as her eyes began to tear up.  “You’re alright.”
Wanda picked up Spike and flew her to Princess Cadance and Twilight Sparkle.   Cadance opened her arms up, allowing Wanda to position Spike next to Twilight, who proceeded to hug the baby dragon.
“Oh Spike,” Twilight said as she snuggled her dragon.  “I was so worried.  I’m glad you’re alright.”
“Twili,” Spike said.
“Well at least,” Wanda said.  “Twilight’s with us.”
Immediately, Ditzy Doo pulled herself away from Hoops, Dumbbell and Score and walked up to Wanda and Sunset.
“Ditzy?” Sunset said.  “Why are you here?”
“Well,” Ditzy Doo said.  “After Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy failed to find you, Twilight decided to go look for you and especially Spike, and I decided to follow her.”
“That was pretty reckless, Ditzy,” Wanda said.  “But at least you cared about us.”
Abigail walked up to Ditzy, extended her paw out and said “Friend.”
Ditzy smiled back and said “Friend” before shaking Abigail’s paw.
Hoops, Dumbbell and Score got up and shook their heads before opening their eyes.  They looked at Wanda, Sunset, Cadance, Abigail and Spike embracing each other.
“Oh yuck,” Hoops said.  “We went from that debacle to this mushy mess.”
“Yeah,” Dumbbell said.  “I think I’m about ready to take a hike.”
Score looked to his left and began to freak out.  He frantically tapped Hoops’s shoulder.
“Hey guys,” Score said. “What has wings, an alicorn horn, looks like a bulldog, and has sharp teeth?”
Hoops and Dumbbell looked to their left to see the bulldog look down at the trio, snarling with its teeth fully bare.
“That’s an Alicorn Bulldog,” Hoops said as he began to shiver.  “Legends say that its power rivals that of an alicorn, and they’re ten times more ferocious than a pitbull, an orthos or even a cerberus.”
Dumbbell turned to the girls and yelled out “HEY YOU SNOWFLAKES!  YOU GOT A DOGGONE PROBLEM HERE!”
Those words caught the attention of Wanda, Sunset, Cadance, Twilight, Ditzy, Abigail and Spike.  They looked at the remains of the front door, and their faces began to turn red in horror.  Immediately, turned to see the face of the alicorn bulldog.
“Oh no,” Wanda said.  “When you crashed in here, you destroyed the front door.”
“I’ve heard about Alicorn Bulldogs,” Twilight said as she looked scared.  “They say they’re the most vicious creatures in Equestria.”
Princess Cadance turned to Hoops, Dumbbell and Score and yelled out “I don’t care about the fact that you three trashed a prison.  All I can say is get over here if you value your lives.”
Hoops, Dumbbell and Score wasted no time running up to a nearby table as Wanda, Sunset, Cadance, Twilight, Ditzy, Spike and Abigail climbed up.  But as they all stood on the table, Score slipped and fell to the ground.
“SCORE,” Hoops yelled.
The Alicorn Bulldog ran inside, barking wildly as it ran towards the entire group.  Score hid behind a chair as Princess Cadance shot a blast of magic at the dog, knocking it aside.
“Score,” Hoops yelled.  “Go get help.  We’re all in big trouble.”
Score nodded and ran towards the front door.  But before he could reach it, the Alicorn Bulldog leaped from the center of the room and landed right in front of the entrance, glaring down at Score with teeth bare.
“Nice doggie,” Score said with a nervous tone.  “Please don’t eat me.  I taste terrible.”
Score backed up as the alicorn bulldog marched right towards him.  Wanda, Sunset, Cadance, Twilight, Ditzy, Abigail, Spike, Hoops and Dumbbell watched helplessly as Score crawled up to the table leg and held on tightly.
“We’re in big trouble now,” Wanda cried.  “First I miss my birthday, and now we’re all going to be dog chow.”
“I’m in no position to disagree, monkey,” Hoops cried.  “In fact, I wish we all weren’t in this predicament.”
Everyone watched helplessly as the bulldog hovered over Score and opened its big mouth.


	To Be Continued in…


	A Birthday Party Ever After

> Arc 6-4: A Birthday Party Ever After
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


A Birthday Party Ever After




Score held onto the leg of the table, staring down at the Alicorn Bulldog in total fear.  Atop the table were Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Spike the Dragon, Sunset Shimmer, Princess Cadance, Twilight Sparkle, Ditzy Doo, Hoops and Dumbbell, who were all horrified at Score’s helplessness.
“Nice doggie,” Score said in a scared voice.  “Please don’t eat me.  I taste terrible.”
The Bulldog snapped at Score, who was quick to pull his legs away.  The dog snapped again, trying to bite into Score’s legs.  Score kept moving them away from the sharp teeth of the Alicorn Bulldog as it tried to bite them again.
“Do something, sis,” Sunset said.  “Even Score doesn’t deserve this kind of cruelty.”
“Right,” Princess Cadance said with a nod.
Before the Bulldog could snap at Score’s legs again, Princess Cadance blasted it with a bit of her magic, sending it flying to the wall.  It got up and glared right at Princess Cadance.
“Go,” Princess Cadance said to Score.  “I’ll distract that mutt.”
Score nodded as he ran out from under the table towards the doorway.  The Alicorn Bulldog turned its attention towards Score, only for Princess Cadance to blast it again with her magic.
“HEY, UGLY!”  Princess Cadance yelled.  “WHY DON’T YOU PICK ON SOMEBODY YOUR OWN SIZE!”
The Alicorn Bulldog turned to Wanda, who took notice and hid behind Princess Cadance.  The dog lit up its horn, levitating Wanda into the air.
“Guys,” Wanda said as she was on the verge of freaking out.  “I think that dog really wants to eat me.”
Hoops jumped into the air and grabbed onto Wanda before pulling her down to his level.  But the dog pulled back, dragging Wanda and Hoops towards the edge of the table.
“Oh no you don’t,” Princess Cadance said as her horn lit up.
Princess Cadance surrounded Hoops with her magical aura and began to pull him back all while the pegasi colt held onto Wanda.  But the bulldog pulled even harder, dragging both Wanda and Hoops off the table and towards his maw.
“GUYS!” Hoops yelled.  “I DON’T WANT TO BE A DOG’S DINNER!”
“SISTERS!”  Wanda yelled.  “HELP ME!”
“HANG ON,” Princess Cadance yelled as she struggled to pull Hoops and Wanda back.  “I GOT YA.”
Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle fired off magic of their own, surrounding both Wanda and Hoops in their own magical aura.  They began to pull back as hard as they could, attempting to get Wanda and Hoops away from the bulldog.
“We got you both,” Sunset said.  “Don’t give up.”

Meanwhile, outside of the wall bunker, Score panted loudly as possible as he struggled to catch his breath.  He wiped off the sweat from his forehead before he took a deep breath.
“I have to find help,” Score said.  “But I don’t know if I can do it.  Everyone hates us now and wishes we were dead.  What I wouldn’t give for some help.”
Score looked ahead and saw Chancellor Cinch at the entrance of a house, speaking to the occupant.
“It’s that old hag,” Score said.  “The one who scared us when we first harassed that Derpy pegasi and the stallion that looked after her.”
Score pondered for a bit before an idea lit up in his head.
“I got it,” Score said to himself.  “It’s risky, but I’ve got no other choice.”
As Chancellor Cinch stepped away from the house dejected, Score took a deep breath in.
“HEY YOU OLD HAAAAAAG!” Score yelled with all his breath, catching the attention of Chancellor Cinch.
The Chancellor turned to face Score, who pulled down his eyelid and stuck his tongue.
“So,” Score said.  “How does it feel to know that we trashed that snowflake’s birthday party.”
“YOU MISERABLE LITTLE BRAT!” Cinch yelled.  “I’LL MAKE YOU PAY FOR THAT!”
Score ran back into the entrance of the wall bunker, causing Cinch to pursue after the juvenile delinquent.
“GET BACK HERE!”  Cinch yelled as she ran towards the door.  “YOU’RE NOT GETTING AWAY WITH THIS!”
Suddenly, Cinch came to a pause the moment she heard the scream of Wanda Young.  Her anger subsided into total fear as she looked directly at the entrance.
“That was the Man’s Cub,” Cinch said to herself.  “They better not be doing anything horrible to her.”
Cinch marched towards the doorway and walked inside, fearing for the worse.  But when she turned to her left, her face dropped in horror.
“MY GOODNESS!”  Cinch yelled.  “WHAT IS GOING ON?”
Cinch watched in total shock as the Alicorn Bulldog was pulling Wanda and Hoops towards its vicious mouth.  Ditzy Doo and Dumbbell pulled on both Hoops and Wanda while Princess Cadance, Twilight Sparkle and Sunset Shimmer used their magic to pull the two back.  Abigail and Spike hid behind Princess Cadance in fear while Score stood near the Chancellor.
“That’s why I had to trick you here,” Score said.  “They’re in trouble and they need help.”
“As much as I’m upset at what you and your brothers did,” Cinch said.  “You made the right choice in getting me here.”
The Bulldog bit at Wanda many times as she frantically moved her legs, causing the dog to miss every time.  The Bulldog then pulled even hard with its mouth wide open.
“I SWEAR!”  Hoops yelled.  “I ONLY TRASHED YOUR OWN PARTY BECAUSE I WANTED TO MAKE YOUR CRY!  I DIDN’T WANT YOU TO BECOME A DOG’S DINNER!  EVEN THAT’S TOO CRUEL FOR ME!”
“NOW IS NOT THE TIME FOR CONFESSIONS, HOOPS!” Princess Cadance yelled.   “WE GOTTA GET YOU OUT BEFORE YOU’RE BOTH GONERS!”
Wanda could do nothing but scream loudly as she and Hoops were being pulled towards the dog’s mouth, ready to gobble both up in one bite.  Dumbbell and Ditzy held on as much as possible, but they were on the verge of slipping off the table.
“Don’t give up,” Dumbbell said.  
“I can’t,” Ditzy cried.  “I’m tiring out.”
“You can do it,” Dumbbell said.  “Just keep it up.”
Cinch’s face turned to anger as she marched towards the bulldog.  The sound of her hoof smashing the pavement of the place was enough to catch everyone’s attention, especially the dog who released its hold on Wanda and Hoops and turned towards the Chancellor.
“I TOLD YOU TWICE, AND I WILL TELL YOU AGAIN,” Chancellor Cinch said in the Royal Canterlot Voice.  “YOU LEAVE THE MAN’S CUB AND HER SISTERS ALONE YOU NAUGHTY, NAUGHTY DOG!”
The Alicorn Bulldog yelped in fear as it turned tail and ran out the front door, screaming loudly into the night.  Wanda, Sunset, Cadance, Spike, Abigail, Twilight, Ditzy, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score all breathed a sigh of relief.
“Never thought I’d say this,” Princess Cadance said.  “But I’m glad you came, Chancellor.”
“IT was the least I could do,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “By the way, I owe you a lesson in the Royal Canterlot Voice in case that dog tries to harass you three again.”
“Noted,” Cadance replied.
Wanda breathed as hard as she could as if her life flashed before her eyes.  Hoops helped Wanda up on her two feet as the Man’s Cub slowed her breathing down.
“There,” Hoops said.  “I may have a thing for making snowflakes cry.  But I cross the line in seeing them die.”
Wanda turned towards Hoops, who looked ashamed.  All she did was extend her hand out.
“Thanks,” Wanda said. “Thanks for at least making sure that dog didn’t eat me.”
“I don’t deserve your thanks,” Hoops said.  “It’s true what I said.  I wrecked your surprise birthday party with my brothers just to make you cry.  I wanted to do this just to maintain my status as the most hated pony in Equestria.  But when I saw what that dog was doing to you, that’s a line that I wouldn’t cross.”
Dumbbell and Score walked up to Hoops as Wanda looked at them, totally confused.
“Wait,” Twilight said.  “Hoops, Dumbbell and Score destroyed Wanda’s birthday party?”
“It’s a long story,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “But what they said is true.  They are the ones who destroyed your party, and while I am upset at what they did, the fact that they did try to save you from that bulldog does lessen my anger towards them.”
Wanda Young walked up to Princess Cadance and whispered something in her ear.  She turned and whispered something into Wanda’s ear, causing the Man’s Cub to nod in agreement.
“Come on,” Hoops said to Dumbbell and Score. “Let’s get going.  We know when we’re not wanted.”
Hoops, Dumbbell and Score walked past Chancellor Cinch and towards the front door, only to hear the sound of an “Ahem” come out, causing the trio to turn towards the rest of the group.
“As much as I want to chime in,” Princess Cadance said as she stepped down from the table with Sunset, Twilight, Ditzy, Abigail and Spike.  “I believe my little sister wishes to say something.”
Wanda Young walked up to the pegasi trio and looked down at them.
“As Princess of Equestria and the adopted daughter of Princess Celestia,” Wanda said.  “You three are under arrest.”
“Oh come on,” Hoops said.  “You know we three are irredeemable monsters.  We trashed a whole juvenile detention facility just to prove a point.”
“Do as she says or I will drag you to the castle with my magic,” Chancellor Cinch said. “Do I make myself clear?”
Hoops, Dumbbell and Score backed up a bit with their ears folded down before they said “Yes Ma’am.”
“Good,” Cinch said.  “Now march you three.”
Chancellor Cinch led Hoops, Dumbbell and Score out the doorway as Wanda, Sunset, Cadance, Twilight, Ditzy, Abigail and Spike followed from behind.
“I can’t believe you just arrested those three,” Sunset said.
“I can’t believe they trashed your party while you were locked in here,” Twilight said.
“I’ll decide their punishment once we reach the castle,” Wanda said.
“Far enough,” Sunset said.
As soon as everyone had stepped outside, they saw Shining Armor walk up in the distance.  Twilight’s face beamed with excitement, but there was a hint of shame on Shining Armor’s face.
“Big brother,” Twilight said as she ran up to Shining Armor.
“Twili,” Shining Armor said in a cold tone.  “I’m disappointed in you tonight.”
“What?” Twilight said as her face changed to a shocked tone.
“You did something that was completely reckless,” Shining Armor said.  “You placed yourself and Ditzy in danger, going out to find Spike and the others, and you could have gotten killed.  And that’s why I’m disappointed in you.”
“I…I’m sorry about..,” Twilight said before Shining raised his hoof in the air.
“Which is what I would have said,” Shining Armor said as his tone became more solemn.  “But I don’t deserve to say those words to you.”
“What do you mean by that, big brother?” Twilight asked.
Shining Armor pointed to his left where Bright Mac sat in a wheelbarrow.  His leg was still wrapped up in a splint, though his spirit was still high
“Shining?” Twilight said.  “What did you do?”
“When I looked through Canterlot hoping to make sure you’re alright,” Shining Armor said. “I ignored the advice of both Chancellor Cinch and Bright Mac.  And as a result, he tripped and broke his own leg.  And this is my fault that it happened.”
“I’m sorry about that,” Twilight said.  “If mom and dad found out, they would be upset at the both of us.”
“That’s true,” Shining Armor said.  
“If it makes you feel better,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “I will argue on your behalves.  Besides, they wanted the Man’s Cub to look after Spike so that you both could prepare for her birthday.  So they do deserve some blame.”
“Thanks Chancellor,” Twilight said. 
“So now what?” Bright Mac asked.
“We return to the castle,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “And salvage what’s left of Wanda’s party.”
Sunset looked at Hoops, Dumbbell and Score and said “Come on you guys.  Let’s go.”
Hoops snorted and said “Fine fine.  Don’t get your tail in a twist.”
SHining Armor placed himself in the harness of the makeshift cart as he walked Bright Mac down the street.  Following from behind was Chancellor Cinch, Princess Cadance, Sunset Shimmer, Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Spike the Dragon, Ditzy Doo, Twilight Sparkle, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score
“I’m all tuckered out,” Ditzy said.  “Dunno if I can keep myself awake.”
“Look on the bright side,” Wanda said.  “It can’t get any worse than this.”
Suddenly, they heard a crash from a nearby corner and the sound of a stallion screaming in pain.  Twilight and Shining’s ears perked up and their face flushed red in fear.
“That sounded like dad,” Twilight said.
Princess Cadance looked at Shining Armor and said “Go investigate it.  I’ll look after Bright Mac.
“Are you sure?” Shining asked.
“Trust me,” Princess Cadance said.  “After what you’ve been through, you deserve some relief.”
“Don’t worry,” Bright Mac said.  “I’ll be alright.  Go check up on your parents.”
Shining Armor nodded as he removed the harness from his back before he and Twilight ran to the corner.  Once they arrived, they found Night Light backed up against the wall, holding his own leg in pain.  Next to him was Twilight Velvet freaking out.
“Honey,” Twilight Velvet said.  “I told you not to run like that.  Now look at what you did.”
“I’m sorry,” Night Light said.  “I just freaked out during our search for Spike.”
“Mom?  Dad?”  Shining Armor said. “What’s going on?”
Night Light and Twilight Velvet turned to face both Twilight and Shining, only for Night Light to turn his head in shame.
“Shining my dear,” Twilight Velvet said.  “I’m sorry to say this.  But when we were walking down the street, Twilight told me about Wanda being late for her birthday, and we decided to help her find not just them, but also Spike.  And now look at what happened.  Your father’s frantic search for Spike caused him to fall and break his leg.”
Shining Armor turned to Twilight Sparkle, who held her head back.
“Twili,” Shining Armor said in a semi-cold tone.  “Why didn’t you tell me that you told mom and dad about Spike’s disappearance?”
“Didn’t have the heart to do so,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “Besides.  I don’t think you would have believed me.”
Shining’s frown turned into a smile as he rubbed Twilight on the head.
“I can’t be angry at you,” Shining Armor said.   “Especially since we’ve all been reckless tonight.  Come on.  Off to the Castle to salvage what’s left of Wanda’s party.”
“What’s this about salvage?” Twilight Velvet asked.
“It’s a long story,” Shining Armor said.  “And let’s say Wanda placed them under arrest for that stunt.”
With that, Shining Armor levitated Night Light onto his back as he, Twilight Sparkle and Twilight Velvet walked back towards the group.

Later that night at the castle, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Trixie, Cozy Glow, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Buttercup, Kibitz and Princess Luna waited with anticipation in the Grand Foyer.
“How long do you think they’ll be?” Moondancer asked.
“Not long,” Princess Luna said.  “They should almost be done.”
“And what about Wanda?” Cozy Glow asked.  “She wanted a birthday so badly, and she might miss out on it.”
“I don’t know,” Luna said with a smile.  “I have a feeling that they’re alright.  Though they have two ponies who have suffered injuries.  And I’m afraid one of them is your husband.”
“Oh no,” Buttercup said. “I’ll do what I can to tend to his injuries.”
“Ooooh,” Fluttershy replied while she winced in pain.  “That’s gotta hurt.”
“I know,” Buttercup said.  “It’s not like pa to hurt himself like that.  It may take days or weeks before he’s up and about again.”
“Also,” Luna said.  “I believe they caught the ones responsible for the crime.”
“They finally caught those three troublemakers?” Pinkie Pie said with excitement. She got up on her two legs and shouted “FINALLY!  JUSTICE HAS BEEN SERRRRRRVED!”vc
Everyone looked at Pinkie Pie awkwardly, causing the pink pony to fall into her four hooves and blushed embarrassingly.
“What else did it serve?”  Danged Spell asked.  “Strawberry Ice Cream?”
“Danged Spell,” Everyone in the room shouted, causing Danged Spell to smirk with a slight chuckle.
“Worth it,” Danged Spell said.
Majordomo Kibitz walked up to the door and peeked through.  Immediately, he opened the door before he stomped his hoof on the ground.
“Fillies and Gentlecolts,” Kibitz said.  “May I present to you, Princess Cadenza Mi Amore, Princess Sunset Shimmer and the birthday girl: Princess Wanda Young.”
Everyone got up and cheered as Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer and Princess Cadance walked in with the Alicorn teen pulling a cart with the two injured ponies: Bright Mac and Night Light.  Behind them walked Twilight Sparkle, Spike the Dragon, Twilight Velvet, Abigail Albright, Ditzy Doo, Chancellor Cinch, and Shining Armor, who was marching Hoops, Dumbbell and Score into the castle.  All those three pegasi could do is cover their faces in disgust.
“Come on you three,” Shining Armor said.  “Inside.”
“Fine,” Hoops said.  “But don’t think we’ll like it.”
As Wanda took a bow towards the group, Pinkie Pie ran up to the Man’s Cub.
“You finally made it,” Pinkie Pie said as she grabbed onto Wanda and gave her a big hug.  “We were so worried about you.”
“You would not believe what we’ve been through,” Wanda said. “But at least, the worst is over.”
“I’ll say,” Rainbow Dash said.  “And you caught the crooks who wrecked your party.”
“We’re glad to see you again, Wanda,” Rarity said.
Applejack and Buttercup  walked up to the cart where Bright Mac and Night Light sat.  She jumped up and sat next to her apple father.
“Daddy,” Applejack said.  “What happened?”
“Long story short,” Bright Mac said.  “Our frantic search for Wanda resulted in my leg being broke.”
“And it happened to me as well,” Night Light said.
Bright Mac chuckled and said “Guess you know the phrase Misery Loves Company.”
“Yeah,” Applejack laughed.  But she cleared your throat and said “But you could have gotten killed with that.”
“I know,” Bright Mac said.  “But we wanted to make sure the younglings were safe.”
“Dad,” Applejack said. “Promise me you’ll stick around for a long while.”
“My dear daughter,” Bright Mac said before he snuggled Applejack.  “I promise.”
Buttercup laughed a bit as she got up on her four hooves and snuggled Bright Mac.
As nearly everyone in the room cheered and talked together, they heard the sound of a hoof being stomped three times.  Everyone turned to the back of the Foyer where Princess Celestia stood proud.
“Princess Wanda Young,” Celestia said with a tear falling down her cheek.  “I am glad that you and your sisters are safe.  And I’m sorry for all that you’ve gone through.  But I have a surprise for all of you.”
“Mommy?” Wanda said in confusion.  “I thought my party was ruined.”
“It was,” Celestia said. “But not anymore.”
“Wait,” Hoops said.  “What did you say?”
Princess Celestia turned her tail and said “Follow me.  Because you’re in for the surprise of your life.”
Princess Celestia walked down through the doorway and down the hall, with everyone looking confused.
“Come on,” Princess Cadance said.  “We should see what mother has planned for us.”
WIth that, everyone got out and followed Princess Celestia through the back door.

At the front doors of the ballroom, Princess Celestia stood next to the closed doorway as everyone stood nearby.  Wanda Young walked up to Princess Celestia and looked up at her adopted mother.
“Go ahead, my darling Wanda,” Princess Celestia said.  “Open it.”
Wanda placed her hand on the door handle and pulled it open.  A bright light emitted from the ballroom, causing everyone to cover their eyes.
“What is this?” Sunset asked.
“I think Princess Celestia must have had a backup plan, just in case,” Twilight Sparkle replied.
When the light disappeared, Wanda’s eyes beamed with excitement.  The presents were restored to their former selves, along with the party props, the decorations, the food, and especially the cake, which was now bigger than ever.  Nearly everyone else was surprised by the entire ballroom setup, except Hoops, Dumbbell and Score, who’s jaws dropped to the ground in horror.
“This..” Wanda said.  “This is my…”
“OH MY GOSH!” Pinkie Pie said.  “BEST SURPRISE EVERRRRRRR!”
“Everyone,” Princess Celestia said.  “That’s your cue.”
And with that, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Twilight Sparkle, Trixie, Ditzy Doo, Sunset Shimmer, Princess Cadance, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Cozy Glow, Shining Armor, Bright Mac, Buttercup, Kibitz and Chancellor Cinch all yelled out “SURPRISE!  HAPPY BIRTHDAY WANDA YOUNG!”
Wanda’s eyes flowed with tears, but her mouth formed a smile.  She wiped the tears from her face and turned to her friends.
“Thank you, everybody,” Wanda said. “Not just for this birthday surprise, but also for not losing faith in me, my sisters, Abby and Spike.”
“We couldn’t,” Starlight Glimmer said as she walked up to Wanda and gave her a hug.  “You’re our friend, and friends don’t leave other friends behind.”
“After all,” Trixie said as she walked up to Wand and Starlight.  “You deserve a Great and Powerful Birthday.  So says I, the Great and Powerful Trixie.”
“If there’s one thing you shouldn’t underestimate,” Sunburst said.  “Is how powerful friendship can be.  After all, Friendship is Magic.”
With that, everyone in the group walked into the doorway, cheering for Wanda.  The only exceptions were Hoops, Dumbbell and Score, who just sat there while Shining Armor looked at the trio.
“Come on,” Shining Armor said.  “Inside.  March.”
Reluctantly, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score walked inside, grumbling to themselves.
“Still can’t believe they undid the damage we did to the party,” Hoops grumbled.
“Yeah,” Dumbbell said.  “How do we maintain our status as hated when they find a way to fix the mess we made?”
Wanda looked at Hoops, Dumbbell and Score, then proceeded to tap Princess Celestia’s shoulder, causing the alicorn to drop her head down.  Wanda whispered something in her ear before Celestia whispered back into her ear, to which Wanda nodded.
“May I have your attention everyone?” Princess Celestia said.  “I wish to address the damage that Hoops, Dumbbell and Score did to the party before it was undone.”
“Come on, you two,” Shining Armor said.  “It’s time you paid for your crimes.”
Hoops, Dumbbell and Score walked up to Princess Celestia and Wanda Young, who stared down at the trio.
“What you three did was not okay,” Princess Celestia said in a harsh tone.  “Wanda had a birthday to anticipate and you chose to trash it out of spite.”
“Of course we did,” Hoops said.  “We’re supposed to be reviled by everyone in Equestria.  That’s how we roll.”
“That being said,” Princess Celestia said as her tone mellowed out.  “I was also made aware that you somehow saved Wanda from being eaten by a bulldog, even at the risk of your own lives.  For that, I am grateful.”
The three turned their heads back as Dumbbell said “We wanted to make her cry, not kill her.”
“However,” Celestia said.  “Because this is her birthday, and it’s also her personal wish, Wanda will cast her judgment on you three.”
Princess Celestia took a few steps back as Wanda stepped forward in front of the three colt pegasi.  She cleared her throw and stared down the trio.
“Well get on with it,” Score said.  “Do your worst.”
“Hoops, Dumbbell and Score,” Wanda announced. “As Princess of Equestria, I hereby sentence you three…..TO ATTEND MY BIRTHDAY!”
Everyone, except Princess Celestia, freaked out at the words of Wanda Young.  Even Hoops, Dumbbell and Score were completely shocked by Wanda’s decree.
“Have you gone crazy?” Applejack said.  “After what they did?”
“Yes,” Wanda said. “Especially after their confession.”
“Young lady,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Are you really sure about giving them a lenient sentence for these three?”
“For once, I agree with you,” Hoops said.  “Throw in prison, in Tartarus, turn us to stone.  But please, did it have to be attending a party?”
“Unfortunately, yes,” Wanda said.  “On our way back home, Uncle Bright Mac told me about what happened at Coltsom and how those three wrecked the whole place, and how they found so-called stun blasters.  But it made me wonder who put those kinds of weapons deep within a Juvenile Detention Cell?”
“And she’s right,” Bright Mac said.  “I’m beginning to suspect foul play and the fact that these three, despite all they have done, may have been used to cause the breakdown of that place.”
“Even more so,” Wanda said.  “I realized another thing.  You three were punished greatly for what you did, like what happened at the Ponyville Providence Fair and here in Canterlot.  And time after time, the punishments you got did nothing to set you on the right track.  Especially banishment from La Maresa.  All it did was that it convinced you three that you’re better off as criminals than as members of society.  That’s on us.”
“And sadly, she’s right,” Bright Mac said.  “I got caught up so much in punishing Hoops, Dumbbell and Score, that I didn’t realize that it was only encouraging their behavior.”
“That’s why I chose to make attending my birthday party their punishment,” Wanda said. “Because our goal is to correct their actions, make them realize how wrong they are, and to make them realize the kind of happiness they were missing.”
“And I think my dear sister taught her well,” Princess Luna said.  “It may not push these three to total reform.  But it will set them on the right path.”
“Don’t think our way will change with this punishment,” Hoops said as he crossed his arms.  “I don’t expect any sympathy with what we did.”
“That’s because you’re too proud of what you did,” Pinkie Pie said as she offered a plate of cake to Hoops.  “It’s time you saw things our way.  And don’t even think about throwing that cake piece.”
Hoops looked at the cake piece before picking it up and taking a bite.  He chewed with delight before swallowing.  Wanda walked up  to the trio with a smile on her face.
“So,” Wanda said.  “Will you accept tonight’s party?  Because if you don’t…”
“For now,” Hoops said.  “We’ll play your game.  But next time, we’ll tease you like we used to.”
“Deal,” Wanda said.  She turned to everyone else and said “Now let’s all PARTY!”
With that, everyone in the room cheered loudly.

Later that night, everyone was enjoying themselves as Wanda blew out the birthday candles.  They cheered as they enjoyed apple pie, pizza, drinks and all the goodies there.  Wanda unwrapped her gifts, smiling at each one.  Bright Mac sat next to Night Life as they drank punch together.  Even Hoops, Dumbbell and Score were enjoying the moment as they sat next to Rainbow Dash, Ditzy Doo and Fluttershy.
“So tell me,” Rainbow Dash said.  “What makes you three think you can outrace the legendary Sonic Rainboom Master?”
“What makes you think you can do so?” Dumbbell asked.
“I nearly caught up with you when you swiped Silverstream,” Rainbow Dash replied.
“This makes me wonder why you three can’t be more like us,” Ditzy Doo said.  “Besides, I think you three lied about ditching your parents.”
“Well now,” Hoops said embarrassingly.  “That’s something that’s between brothers.”
“Oh come on,” Fluttershy said.  “I bet they loved you well and wanted what was best.”
“At least you three didn’t have a cruel mother like I did.”  Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Ditzy Doo, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score turned to the crowd where Cozy Glow flew up to the six.
“Hey Cozy,” Ditzy said.  “Came to chat with us?”
“Actually,” Cozy Glow said.  “There is something I should show those three.”
Hoops, Dumbbell and Score leaned over as Cozy Glow moved a part of her mane up, revealing her alicorn horn.  The trio looked completely surprised.
“You?”  Score said.  “You’re an alicorn?”
“Sadly,” Cozy Glow said as she let her mane cover her horn. “Much like my mother and sister.”
“Long story short,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Cozy’s mother treats her like garbage and she chose to ran away.”
“Oooh,” Dumbbell said.  “That’s horrifying.”
“You three know what else is horrifying?” Bright Mac said as he chugged down a cup of punch.  “Ever heard of the Pony of Shadows?”
“Are you talking about the Shade of Hate?” Hoops asked.
“Oh yeah,” Bright Mac said.  “Let’s just say it made Princess Celestia into a demonic monster that would have been Equestria’s demise.  You don’t wanna mess with the Pony of Shadows.”
“Bright Mac,” Night Life laughed.  “I think you’ve had too much punch.”
“So I did,” Bright Mac laughed.  “So I did.”
As Bright Mac, Night Life, Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Ditzy Doo and Cozy Glow laughed, we cue to a nearby table with Rarity, Danged Spell, Starlight Glimmer, Trixie, and Moondancer, who were eating pizza together.
“So how long are you three going to be here?” Moondancer asked.
“Sadly,” Rarity said.  “We’re only going to be here for a short while.  Tomorrow, we return to La Maresa.  But it’s great to be back here.”
“It’s also great to see my favorite Glim Glam once more,” Trixie said.  “Too bad the Great and Powerful Trixie couldn’t perform for you or Wanda.”
“But it’s still great to see you again,” Starlight said as she and Trixie gave each other a hug.
“I think those two are the ideal friends,” Moondancer said.
“Yeah,” Danged Spell said with a smirk.  “That’s one bright friendship.  Get it?”
With that, Starlight, Trixie, Rarity and Moondancer all yelled out “DANGED SPELL” before they broke down in laughter.
“What can I say?” Danged Spell said. “I’m the life of the party.”
But as the group laughed, we cue to Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Twilight Sparkle, Shining Armor, Twilight Velvet, Buttercup, Sunburst, Sunset Shimmer, Princess Cadance, Wanda Young and even Chancellor Cinch as they all gathered together, enjoying some cake.  Next to them was Abigail and Spike, who sat next to each other enjoying some pizza.
“How are you enjoying the party, Wanda?” Twilight asked.
“Even in spite of what we’ve been through,” Wanda said.  “Best party ever.”
“Wheee,” Pinkie Pie cheered.  “I’m glad you enjoyed it.”
“I think what you said about Hoops, Dumbbell and Score may be right,” Applejack said.  “We were so caught up in punishing those three that we forgot about making sure they don’t pull those stunts again.”
“Sure they’re going to keep giving us a hard time after tonight,” Sunset said.  “But at least this is the first step towards their reform.”
“But what about the fact that their names have been soiled because of what they did at Coltsom?” Twilight Velvet asked.
“That’s just the news media and their desire to rile up fur,” Princess Cadance said.  “They don’t care about the truth.  They do this for attention.  Don’t pay any attention to that.”
“Princess Cadance is right,” Applejack said.  “Miss Velvet, don’t pay any attention to that dangerous propaganda.”
“She’s right, mom,” Shining Armor said.  “I have a feeling that they’ll find out what we’re doing with those three.  And once that happens, we gotta stand up against the noise machine.”
“Don’t worry,” Twilight Velvet said.  “They want a piece of me?  I’ll give it to them.”
Twilight Velvet smashed her hoof on the table, causing the food to shake a bit.  Everyone looked at Twilight Velvet and laughed a bit.
“Miss Velvet,” Sunburst said. “I think you’ve had too much cake.”
“Oops,” Twilight Velvet said as she blushed embarrassingly.  “That’s on me.”
As the group laughed, Pinkie Pie walked up to Wanda, who was enjoying her cake.  Abigail and Spike got up on the table and cheered for the Man’s Cub.  Twilight Sparkle sat next to the Man’s Cub, who was enjoying her pizza and punch.
“So how does it feel to be older, Wanda?” Pinkie Pie asked.
“I don’t feel that much older, “Wanda said.   “But I’m glad I’m becoming a bigger girl.  I hope next year’s Birthday party will be even better.”
“Oh believe me,” Pinkie Pie said.  “I’ve got bigger plans for your next party.  After all, you and your sisters are proud to have you.”
“Maybe we could invite you down to La Maresa to celebrate your next birthday,” Buttercup said.  “That way, you can have the birthday of your life.”
“Only if mommy would approve of it,” Wanda replied.
“Oh I think I might consider talking to Princess Celestia about setting your next birthday in La Maresa,” Buttercup replied.
Abigail meowed before she said “Birthday.”
“Thanks Abby,” Wanda said before she petted Abigail on the forehead.  She did the same thing to Spike, who only cooed at the touch of her fingers.
“Wanda,” Twilight said.  “Could you watch over Spike for just a bit longer?”
“Oh?” Wanda said.
“I think you did a good job at keeping Spike safe despite all you’ve been through,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “And I hope you keep him safe even longer.”
“Thanks,” Wanda said.  “And I promise I will.”
Suddenly, someone shouted “May I have your attention, everyone?  We have a surprise guest.”  Wanda turned towards the front before everyone where Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Majordomo Kibitz stood in front of the open door.
“Mommy?” Wanda asked.  “What’s going on?”
“Why?” Princess Celestia said.  “Someone who wanted to see you.”
“And I bet you’ll be glad to see them.” Princess Luna said.
Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Majordomo Kibitz stepped aside, and Wanda’s face lit up.  In stepped Queen Novo, Princess Skystar, Prince Blueblood, Buck Withers, Lemony Gem and Gad Zookes.
“Aunt Novo, Cousin Skystar, Cousin Blueblood, Buck Withers, Lemony Gem, Gad Zookes,” Wanda said.  “You made it.
Wanda jumped out of her seat before she ran up to the group and gave Queen Novo a big hug.  Princess Skystar walked up and gave Wanda a hug as well.
“When I heard about what happened to you, Small Fry,” Queen Novo said.  “We feared the worst.  But I’m glad you got out safely with your sisters.”
“And I heard you were able to show three bullies the errors of their ways,” Princess Skystar said.
“Not quite yet,” Wanda said.  “But we’re getting there.”
Wanda looked to her side as she saw Prince Blueblood, who bowed towards his human cousin.
“When you last had a birthday, I was but a miserable brat,” Prince Blueblood said.  “But now, I come truly as your cousin to wish you the best birthday ever.  I hope you enjoy life far more than I did.”
“Oh don’t you worry, cousin,” Wanda said with a wink.  “I will.”
Immediately, Wanda lets go of Queen Novo as Sunset Shimmer, Pinkie Pie, Princess Cadance and Danged Spell ran up to the group.  
“How’s it going, Skystar?” Pinkie Pie said with delight.
“Oh it has been a long time since the Grand Gallopin Gala,” Skystar said.  “How’s life been back in La Maresa?”
“Boring,” Pinkie Pie said.
“It’s been that boring?” Wanda asked.
“Well since the Gala,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Even less ponies are visiting.  Though there were some that came by just to live there out of fear of their own safety.”
“Wow,” Sunset said.  “I didn’t know that.  Sounds like we’re living in troubled times.”
Danged Spell turned towards Buck Withers, who gave the little colt a hoof noogie.
“And how have you been, Spell?” Buck Withers asked.
“Wish I could say fine,” Danged Spell said.  “But lately, life has been a bit crazy since the Gala.”
“By the way, did you hear?” Lemony Gem said.
“Hear what?” Danged Spell said.
“Bucky and I are getting married,” Lemony Gem replied.  Those words caught Princess Cadance’s attention.
“Congratulations,” Princess Cadance said.  “Is there anything we can do to help out?  Maybe figure out the place for the wedding, like this castle.”
Buck Withers laughed and said “Don’t you worry.  We’ll figure something out.  But you don’t need to do this for us.”
“Yeah,” Gad Zookes said.  “Bucky here knows how to plan a wedding like he knows how to take out a hydra.  And how to babysit twenty foals in one day.”
“You did all that?” Danged Spell said.
“Oh that was a nightmare,” Buck Withers said.  “I think I’ll stick to one foal.”
“Well if you two need any advice,” Queen Novo said.  “I could be of some assistance.”
As Danged Spell, Buck Withers, Lemony Gem and Gad Zookes all laughed, Prince Blueblood walked up to Sunset Shimmer.
“I heard a certain pony at Daisy Joy Tech could use some comfort,” Prince Blueblood said.  “Considering that she’s all alone without Cozy Glow.”
“I think I have an idea,” Sunset replied.
But as everyone enjoyed the night away, Eleanor Young watched from behind the front door of the Grand Ball, smiling at Wanda’s joy.
“I’m proud of you, my daughter,” Eleanor Young said.  “I’m proud of the fact that Princess Celestia has taught you well in this world.  I know it’s hard for us to be here.  But after what happened in Evevanya, I can not think of any better planet for you to be.  And no matter what, I will continue to watch over you, as your mother and as your guardian angel.”

Later that night at Daisy Joy Tech, Golden Lace lay down in her bed, looking up at the ceiling.  She looked down and depressed, as there was not a living soul around her.
“Dear Cozy,” Lace said to herself.  “You should have seen the look on Miss Honey Twist’s face when I bested her best at the spelling bee.  Boy was she furious and she decided to disqualify me.  After that, I got a week’s worth of dish scrubbing for that stunt, stating that bad girls need to be put in their place.  Well if they didn’t force me to attend the bee, none of these would have happened.”
Suddenly, Lace got up when she felt a light come out from the wall.  She turned to face the light and saw Princess Luna, Cozy Glow and Wanda Young emerge holding a slice of cake on a plate.
“Wanda?”  Golden Lace said.  “Cozy Glow?  You’re all here?”
“We’ve come to check up on you by request of your father, Silver Banks,” Luna said.
“Truth be told,” Cozy Glow said.  “I’ve missed you since moving in with the Princesses.”
“And I have a little something to give,” Wanda said.  “Even thought it is my Birthday.”
Wanda walked up to Golden Lace and placed the piece of cake right next to her.  Lace tore off a piece of the cake with her magic and bit into it, chewing with delight.  Tears flowed from her eyes as she cracked a warm smile.
“You really shouldn’t have, Wanda,” Golden Lace said.
“I insisted,” Wanda replied as she sat down next to Golden Lace.  “After what you’ve been going through, you deserve every bit of comfort.”
“We won’t be long,” Princess Luna said.  “But don’t you worry.  We will return to check up on you.  After all, you are a friend to Wanda, to Cozy Glow, and everyone else.  And they did say they miss you.”
Golden Lace leaped onto Wanda and cried into her chest.  Wanda did nothing but brushed Lace’s mane with her fingers, shedding a few tears herself.
“Wanda,” Cozy Glow said.  “I’m glad you got to see the better side of Golden Lace.”
“And I’ve got Aunt Novo to thank,” Wanda said.  “After all, it was her who made Lace see the error of her ways, and it made me realize that she was in true need of a friend.”
“That is correct,” Luna said.  “Not only are we One as a Family, but Friendship is Magic.  A magic that is more…than meets the eye.”

With that, Wanda and Cozy Glow embraced Golden Lace as the night continued across all of Equestria.


	To Be Continued in


	Act 7: The Lost Soul of Nightmare Night


	The Secret of the Cosmic Cores

> Arc 7(The Lost Soul of Nightmare Night)-1: The Secret of the Cosmic Core
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Arc 07: The Lost Soul of Nightmare Night


The Secret of the Cosmic Core




“So you’re telling me we’re still stuck in Canterlot for the time being?”
Those words came from Bright Mac as he laid in bed at a guest room in the Canterlot Castle.  His leg was in a cast, hoisted up on some firm pillows.  On his smartphone on the nearby lamp table was Granny Smith.
“I’m afraid so,” Granny said.  “And I’m sorry I haven’t seen you for a couple of weeks.  Word has it that the Changelings and the Windigo’s Guild have created roadblocks leading between Canterlot and La Maresa.  It will be a long time before that mess is cleared up.”
“Well fiddlesticks,” Bright Mac said as he hit the cushion of his bed.  “I better give them the bad news.”
“Also,” Granny Smith said.  “I’m still thinking about what those hooligans did to Wanda’s party.”
“No doubt about it, ma,” Bright Mac said.  “But what’s surprising was Wanda’s choice of punishment: Force them to attend her party.  She mentioned how our ways didn’t really put them back on the right path.  From that banishment from La Maresa to the fact that they ran off after we tried to make them work.”
“And that Juvenile Correction Facility they trashed,” Granny Smith said. “But why did she choose to make them attend her party as punishment?”
“Perhaps it was to teach them what they have been missing in life,” Bright Mac said. “What they chose to deny themselves.  And when word got out, the Stallion News Network wasted no time tearing into Princess Wanda’s decision, along with Princess Celestia’s decision to stand by her daughter.”
“It’s a darn shame that they had to go all out not just criticizing Wanda’s judgment,” Bright Mac said.  “But also by going as far as to target the younglings just for attending the party.  Even Applejack got mocked for it.”
“I had a talk with the mayor about what happened,” Granny Smith said.  “As much as she was still upset about what those boys did, even she thinks the words of Neigh Nanners and those hooligans went too far.  In fact, the ponies of La Maresa were flipping out over what Neigh Nanners said.”
“We’re living in darker times, ma,” Bright Mac said.  “But at least we know there are some ponies who won’t let themselves be consumed by that madness.  And I’m glad of that.”
“Bright Mac, “Granny Smith said.  “You get some rest up in Canterlot.  Big Mac will fill in for ya and some volunteers are already set to harvest apples by the bushes.”
“I will, ma,” Bright Mac said.  “Thanks for checking.”
Bright Mac placed down his smartphone as the image of Granny Smith disappeared from the screen.  Buttercup walked on in with Majordomo Kibitz, pushing a cart with some apple pie on it.”
“Buttercup,” Bright Mac said.
“How’s Granny doing so far, honey?” Buttercup asked.  “Especially after what the Stallion News Network said in order to demonize poor Wanda?”
“You’re not going to believe this,” Bright Mac said.  “But there are ponies who are more outraged at Neigh Nanners’ choice of words compared to Wanda’s decision to invite Hoops, Dumbbell and Score to the party.”
“Speaking of which,” Buttercup said.  “Where did those three boys go to?”
“They said they still didn’t feel ready to be apart of society,” Bright Mac said.  “And at first, I thought they were beyond redemption, and I know they will be up to no good. But after last night, I think there might be hope for those three.  Besides, I think we were stupid enough to believe that they trashed a correctional facility on their own.”
“That’s the spirit,” Buttercup said.

Meanwhile, it was a fine evening at Castle Canterlot.  Despite the commotion going on outside, Wanda felt comfortable as she was wearing a witch costume.  On the bed, Spike and Abigail just watched as Wanda danced in her new costume.
“Cute,” Abigail said.
“Scary,” Spike said.
“Scary and cute, eh?” Wanda said.  “You think so?”
“Yes,” Abigail and Spike said in unison.
“Wow,” Wanda said. “Now that’s a compliment I can live with, you two. 
Immediately Sunset Shimmer ran into the room, catching Wanda’s attention. The unicorn filly was wearing red-orangish shoes, a necklace, fake wings and even a crown that covered most of her head.
“Sunset,” Wanda said.  “You look excited for tonight.  Though I’m surprised by your costume.”
“Of course I am,” Sunset said. “After all, mother is letting me dress as Daybreaker, her former alter ego.”
“I just wanted to be a witch,” Wanda said with a giggle.  “Nothing more, nothing less.”
“I’m also surprised about the last week or two since your birthday,” Sunset said.  “And the commotion that came out of it.”
“Truth be told,” Wanda said, “I wanted to hide out after seeing so many ponies curse my name out for my judgment towards Hoops, Dumbbell and Score.”
“Thankfully,” Sunset said.  “Mother knew what she was doing, and she was able to calm down the crowd with her voice.”
“That and Chancellor Cinch had to use the Royal Canterlot voice just to calm the crowd down,” Wanda laughed. 
“Oh boy,” Sunset said.  “When Cinch uses that voice, ponies quiver in fear.”
Suddenly, they heard the sound of someone laughing maniacally, causing Wanda and Sunset to hold each other while trembling, while Spike and Abigail jumped by the shock.
“Who…” Wanda said as her voice shook.  “Who goes…there?”
 Standing outside of the door was an alicorn in dark, cornflower blue fur, wearing a regalia that was similar to Daybreaker, but was of a light blue tone, and the crowd was round, not pointy.  Wanda and Sunset looked horrified as this alicorn walked in, only for her to take off her helmet.
“Aunt Woona?” Wanda said as she and Sunset stood there.
“What is that?” Sunset asked.
Princess Luna let out a big raspberry and said “Since we have one pony who was given the right to cosplay as my sister’s alter ego Daybreaker, I came up with an ideal counterpart of my own: Nightmare Moon.”
“Nightmare Moon?” Wanda asked.
“Yes,” Luna said as she put the helmet on.  “A fallen angel who’s heart was corrupted by pure evil.  While Daybreaker vowed to make all of Equestria suffer under the sun, Nightmare Moon’s goal is this: TO MAKE THE NIGHT LAST FOREVER!”
With that, Luna, dressed as Nightmare Moon let out a horrifying laugh, causing Wanda and Sunset to scream, all while Abigail and Spike hid behind the bed.
“That’s scary,” Wanda said as she held Sunset close to her.
“Aunt Luna,” Sunset said.  “This isn’t funny.  What if some monster popped up out of nowhere?”
Suddenly, someone let out a devious laugh, causing Wanda and Sunset to scream in unison.  Princess Luna let out a subtle laugh at her nieces.
“I am not the only one who has turned evil,” Princess Luna said as she stepped away. “BEHOLD!”
Wanda and Sunset held together in fear as Queen Chrysalis stepped right by Princess Luna.  She looked down at Wanda and Sunset and laughed with delight.
“How does it feel to know that you are now the prisoner of the great Queen Chrysalis?” Chrysalis said.  “HOW DOES IT FEEL TO KNOW THAT NOT EVEN YOUR MOTHER CAN SAVE YOU?”
Wanda and Sunset stood there, crying their eyes out as Princess Luna and Queen Chrysalis laughed loudly.  But when Abigail stuck her head out, she took a sniff of the air and looked at Queen Chrysalis.
“Cadance,” Abigail said.
“Hey,” Queen Chrysalis said as she looked at Abigail. “I’m not Princess Cadenza Mi Amore.  I AM THE GREAT QUEEN CHRYSALIS!”
But Abigail was not deterred.  She ran up to Queen Chrysalis and rubbed her body against Chrysalis’ leg, purring loudly.  Wanda and Sunset looked at Abigail, and suddenly, their fear went away.
“Big sis?” Wanda said.  “Is that you?”
“Okay, you got me,” Chrysalis said before she took off her mask, revealing to be Princess Cadance in disguise.  Wanda and Sunset looked at Cadance’s outfit and breathed a sigh of relief, all while Princess Luna let out a good laugh.
“Don’t scare us like that,” Sunset Shimmer said. “What if that was Queen Chrysalis?  After all, she’s still got a grudge against us.”
As Princess Luna wiped a tear from her eye in laughter, she recomposed herself and said “Actually, the reason why we came in her wasn’t to scare you, but to show you both a little something that we all have.”
“Really?” Wanda asked.
“But in order to do that,” Princess Luna said. “I wanna make sure I set the stage.”
“Set the wha?” Sunset asked.
But before Wanda could respond, Princess Luna cast a spell into the air, turning the entire environment around everyone into outer space.  Wanda, Sunset, Abigail and Spike looked around, amazed by stars and planets.
“It’s so beautiful,” Wanda said.
“It’s like we can see the whole universe,” Sunset said.
“Ironic how you say that since what I am talking about is also related to universes,” Princess Luna said.
“What do you mean by that, Auna Luna?” Wanda asked.
“Look closely,” Princess Cadance said.  “You’re about to see the very thing that makes us all unique.”
Luna stood on her hind legs and closed her eyes.  With her horn glowing bright, a sphere emerged from her body and floated in front of her.  Inside the sphere were billions of stars, some that formed into galaxies.
“What is that?” Wanda asked.
Princess Luna opened her eyes and said “That, my darling Wada, are Cosmic Cores.”
Abigail and Spike stood there, amazed by Princess Luna’s own Cosmic Core, while Wanda and Sunset looked at it with curiosity.
“What are Cosmic Cores?” Sunset Shimmer asked.
“They are a part of us when we are born,” Princess Luna said.  “And they stay with us when we die.  After all, they are our soul.”
“Our soul?” Wanda asked.
“Basically,” Princess Cadance said.  “Cosmic Cores are our true forms.  They make up all life within the universe.  Wanda, Sunset, as my sisters, you both possess Cosmic Cores, as I do.”
“Wow,” Wanda said.  “So I have one of those in me?”
“Yes,” Princess Luna said.  “They represent our memories, our true selves.  But they also possess another element: Our magic.”
“Magic?” Sunset asked.
“The more complex the inside of the Cosmic Core,” Princess Luna said.  “The more powerful the magic of its user.  Within my own Cosmic Core, lies billions of stars that represent my magical potential.”
“So anyone can use magic?” Wanda asked.
“Nearly any life form in the Universe can use magic,” Princess Luna said.  “Though it was said that the humans of planet Earth lost contact with their own magical properties of their Cosmic Cores.”
“But if that’s true,” Wanda said.  “Then why do I have magic like all of you?”
“It is said that a human that enters Equestria takes the form of a pony, or another creature,” Princess Luna said.  “But it is rare for one to retain their own original form.  Even more so, when in Equestria, the magic of a human is restored.”
“So that explains why I could use magic,” Wanda said. “Neat.”
Sunset Shimmer looked closely at the Cosmic Core and said “You know, I always wonder if there was a whole universe deep inside our Cosmic Cores.”
“There is,” Princess Luna replied.  “In addition to containing our memories and our magic potential, our Cosmic Cores are said to contain different universes within.  Stories that pour out of our own sparks that we put on writing, on picture, or other forms of expression.  Sometimes, it does feel like there are individuals that live within our own Cosmic Cores.  Hence why we consider the Cosmic Core to be a thing of beauty.”
“But can a Cosmic Core be destroyed?” Sunset Shimmer asked.
“No life form in the Universe can destroy a Cosmic Core,” Princess Luna said.  “Except one: The Heart of the Universe.”
“What is the Heart of the Universe?” Wanda asked.
“The Heart of the Universe is the Cosmic Core of this very Universe,” Luna explained.  “But it takes on the form of a crystal.  While it’s said to have its own universe inside, its magic potential dwarfs any individual.  It was said that long ago, one being was able to acquire the Heart of the Universe and use its power to become more than a god: A Titan.  With it, this individual could bend the entire Universe to its will, and make everyone bow before this Titan-wannabe, at the risk of having their Cosmic Cores destroyed and their souls extinguished.”
“Who was this Titan, and whatever happened?” Sunset asked.
“No one knows who this individual was,” Luna replied.  “But it was said that a group of heroes sacrificed their lives to destroy this Titan, finally bringing peace to the universe.  But the Heart was lost after the fight.  No one knows where it had disappeared to.  But it was for the best that the Heart of the Universe was never seen nor heard of again.”
With a tap of her hoof on the floor, the illusion of the stars in the sky disappeared, and everyone returned to the bedroom.  Luna’s Cosmic Core returned to her body as she opened her eyes and looked down at Wanda and Sunset with a Smile.
“Aunt Luna taught me all this before I met you both,” Princess Cadance said. “She insisted on sharing this story with you just to see how amazing our Cosmic Cores truly are.  And there are other wonders out there that would fascinate and amaze you.”
“I’ll say,” Sunset Shimmer said with a smirk on her face.  “After that scare you both pulled on us, this does make up for.”
Princess Luna and Princess Cadance rubbed the back of their heads and blushed a bit.
“Well,” Luna said in an embarrassing tone.  “It is Nightmare Night.  And I know you want to see your friends as you all go Trick or Treating.”
“As a matter of fact,” Princess Cadance said.  “Mother said that they’re here.  Let’s take you down so you can join them.”
“Sweet,” Sunset Said in an excited tone.  “I can’t wait.”
Sunset Shimmer, Princess Luna and Princess Cadance all walked out of the bedroom and down the hallway.  Wanda turned to Spike and Abigail, who looked up at her with a smile on their faces.
“What do you guys think?” Wanda asked.  “Should we tell them about the secret of the Cosmic Cores?”
“Sure,” Abigail and Spike said. 
“Why not?” Wanda said with a wink.  “Now come on.  They’re waiting.”
With that, Wanda, Spike and Abigail ran out of the room and down the hallway, chasing after Luna, Sunset and Cadance.

Downstairs at the Grand Foyer of the castle, the Unicorn and La Maresa younglings stood patiently, but anxious with Princess Celestia by their side.  Each of the younglings were dressed up in a different costume, and each carrying their own empty sack for candy.  Princess Celestia was dressed up in fine royal guard armor.  Though judging by her showing off, much to the annoyance of Danged Spell and Applejack, she seemed to enjoy every moment of it.
“Hey will you knock it off, Princess?” Danged Spell said, completely annoyed.  “You’re starting to creep me out?”
“Now tell me, Spell,” Princess Celestia said in a humorous tone.  “Have you ever considered not paying attention to me?”
“The thing is,” Danged Spell said. “That armor represents the pride of the Royal Guard.  And to see you show off in that, even during Nightmare Night, is just ridiculous.”
“Oh come on, Spell,” Moondancer said with a laugh, brushing her hoof on Danged Spell’s canine-themed costume.  “You want to be Royal Guard material.  So why not just let Princess Celestia have some fun?”
“It’s one thing to wear armor like that for battle,” Danged Spell said.  “But when you pose around like you’re the center of attention, then it makes a good warrior guard to find.”
Everyone just went completely silent, except Princess Celestia, who was too focused on her poses.
“Wow,” Moondancer said, completely surprised.  “It’s one thing to deliver a lame pun.  It’s another to do so in that kind of deadbeat tone.”
“I’m afraid Spell’s right,” Applejack said.  “I’ve seen some ponies who want to show off and that is a prime example.”
“Well no offense to you both,” Rarity said.  “But what’s wrong with Princess Celestia showing off?”
“Yeah,” Rainbow Dash said.  “I think you both need to lighten up about the Royal Guard.  Not everything has to be serious business.”  Rainbow Dash paused for a bit before she said “And that goes double about the Wonderbolts.”
Danged Spell and Applejack paused for a moment, stunned by Rainbow Dash’s word.  Twilight glared at the Rainbow pegasi.
“Was that completely necessary?” Twilight asked.
“Actually, I can relate to her a bit,” Danged Spell replied as he calmed down.  “Rainbow Dash takes a lot of pride with the Wonderbolts.  But ever since they were disbanded because of the fear mongering going on in Equestria, Rainbow Dash was heartbroken by this.  If only there was a way I could help her out.”
“Aww,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Poor Rainbow.  To finally be apart of the Wonderbolts’s junior training squad, only to watch as the whole group had to disband because of all that propaganda.”
Princess Celestia stopped posing before she got down on her four hooves and said “Even I was surprised by the Wonderbolts being disbanded.  I’ve been in contact with Airazor and Spitfire since they all split.  We’re trying to get them back together.  But thanks to the Stallion News Network, that’s become a task unto itself.”
“So what can we do about it?” Twilight Sparkle asked.
“Right now,” Princess Celestia said.  “Airazor and Spitfire are located back in La Maresa.  But the rest of the crew are spread out across all of Equestria.”
Danged Spell let out a sigh as he said “If there was something I could do to help out.”
Suddenly, someone yelled out “We’re finally here.”  The younglings and Princess Celestia looked up at the top of the staircase, where Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, Abigail Albright and Spike the Dragon stood.  The younglings all cheered for the group.
“You guys finally made it,” Pinkie Pie said as she let out a huge “BACAWK!”  Everyone laughed at Pinkie’s random speech.
“That’s our Pinkie,” Applejack said.  “Always willing to have fun on Nightmare Night.”
“Yeah,” Danged Spell said.  “If I didn’t know better, I’d say that costume put her in fowl mood.  Get it?”
“Danged Spell,” the younglings yelled before bursting into laughter.  Danged Spell just looked around with a smug look on his face as Wanda, Sunset, Abigail, Spike, Cadance and Luna walked down the steps.  However, some of the younglings stopped laughing the moment they saw Cadance’s costume.  Especially Starlight Glimmer, who hid behind a stern Twilight Sparkle.
“Keep it away,” Starlight cried.  “She’s becoming a changeling.”
“Oh no,” Cadance said with a laugh.  “This is my Nightmare Night costume.  And besides, why would I want to take your love away?”
Twilight looked at Princess Cadance and smiled as she jumped out of the group and ran up to the teen alicorn, leaving Starlight to hide behind Danged Spell.
“That’s actually a pretty good costume, Princess Cadance,” Twilight said.  “But in case the real changelings do show up, how can we tell it’s you?”
“Easy,” Princess Cadance said.  “I decided to cast a spell on myself.  That way, if you want to know if I am the real me, my body will shine with a gorgeous pink to your eyes.”
Princess Cadance took a pose as her body shined pink.  Everyone oooh and awwed at Cadance’s color.
“Pink eh?”  Twilight said. “Now you’re talking.  You know what that means?”
Wanda and Sunset overheard what Twilight said and they began to facepalm.
“Oh no,” Wanda said. “Not this again.”
“My least favorite part,” Sunset said as she covered her ears.
Immediately, Princess Cadance and Twilight Sparkle lined up and danced as they chanted “Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake.  Clap your hooves and do a little shake.”
Starlight turned her eyes away from Twilight and Cadance before turning them over to Trixie.
“Do you think we can do a dance like those two?” Starlight asked.
Trixie laughed and said “We should come up with one before the night is done.”
“Deal,” Starlight said.
Everyone gathered together and grouped up, with Wanda, Sunset, Cadance, Abigail and Spike standing in front of the youngling group.
“Okay,” Princess Cadance said.  “You all are wearing great costumes tonight.  But what are you?”
Rainbow Dash jumped out and said “I’m a Shadowbolt, a corrupted Wonderbolt.  You can thank Airazor for giving me this idea.  Too bad she and Spitfire aren’t here.”
Pinkie Pie stepped forward, clucked and said “I’m a chicken.  BA-GAWK!”
Rarity took a few steps forward and said “I’m a Vampiress.  And your worst nightmare.”
Applejack looked at Rarity with an awkward tone before she stepped forward and said “I’m a scarecrow.  And no, it doesn’t come with a Tin Pony nor a Cowardly Lion.”
Fluttershy barely stepped out before she said “I’m…a bunny.  But I’d rather make like a bunny and hide.  Nightmare Night gives me the creeps.”
“Oh don’t you worry, Fluttershy,” Pinkie Pie said as she fluffed the top of Fluttershy’s head.  “I’ll make sure those hooligans won’t come after ya.”
Fluttershy just stared at Pinkie Pie and said “That’s the least of my worries.”
Ditzy Doo flew up in the air and said “I’m Captain Muffins, protector of the righteous and defender of Truth, Justice and the Muffin way.”
Trixie stood there, striking a pose before she said “I am Trixie, the GREAT AND POWERFUL WARLOCK OF TARTARUS!”
Twilight Sparkle stepped forward and said “I believe most of my friends know who this is.”
“Yeah,” Danged Spell said with a smirk.  “That’s a nice clown costume, Twilight.”
Twilight glared at Danged Spell and said “Spell.  That’s not funny.”
“I kid, I kid,” Danged Spell said with a laugh.  “You’re Star Swirl the Bearded.”
Twilight smirked at Danged Spell before she said “There.  That’s better.”
“You know,” Princess Luna said.  “That really is an accurate take on the costume. The stars, and especially the bells.  You really got it right.”
“Thanks,” Twilight said.  “Did a lot of studying on Star Swirl just to make sure I got the costume right.  But I think the others wish to show off their costumes.”
Starlight Glimmer struck a pose and said “I am the champion of love and justice: The Magical Pony Girl.  And in the name of love, I WILL PUNISH YOU!”
Sunburst held up a fake goblet and said “I am Count Coltula, Lord of Darkness.  And what is a Pony?  A miserable little pile of secrets.”
Moondancer held the side of her helmet as she said “This is Major Moondancer to Ground Control.  I’ve left forevermore.”
“Let’s just say,” Rainbow Dash said.   “She’s an astronaut.”
Danged Spell just stood there before he bent his head upwards and howled.
“Getting into the spirit of your curse, Danged Spell?” Sunset asked.
“You betcha,” Danged Spell said.  “Since I happen to possess the Wolf’s Breath Curse, I might as well embrace it as a wolf.”
“Say,” Wanda said, looking around.  “Isn’t Cozy Glow supposed to be here?”
“That’s a good point,” Princess Celestia said as she turned to the group and added “Come on out, Cozy.”
Emerging from the group of younglings was Cozy Glow, except she had a sheet covering her body, and two holes that represent eyes.  
“Cozy,” Princess Cadance said.  “You’re a ghost.”
“It was the only way I could do this Nightmare Night with you guys,” Cozy Glow said.  “That way, mother won’t know it’s me.”
“And not to mention I cast a spell on the cloth so that Creme Dream won’t be able to notice her,” Princess Celestia said.  “That way, she’ll be able to wander about during Nightmare Night.”
“Good point there,” Sunset Shimmer replied.  
Princess Cadance walked up to the front entrance of the castle before turning towards the younglings.
“Alright, every pony,” Princess Cadance said.  “Who’s up for the BEST NIGHTMARE NIGHT EVER?”
Every youngling cheered in unison as they allowed Wanda, Sunset, Twilight, Abigail and Spike to stand in front, ready to go out into the world.
“Then come on,” Princess Cadance said as she used her magic to swing the door wide open.  “Let’s have some fun.”
Princess Cadance marched out of the foyer and into the front garden as the younglings, lead by Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Wanda Young, Abigail Albright and Spike the Dragon, followed the teen alicorn.  Princess Celestia and Princess Luna watched as the younglings marched towards the front gate, ready to embrace Nightmare Night.
“The one thing I can say is that those kids are going to have a fun time,” Princess Luna said.
“But there is one element that they will be encountering,” Princess Celestia said.
Immediately, Eleanor Young walked up from behind, observing the younglings make their way out of the gate.  Her eyes were fixated on Wanda Young marching alongside Sunset and Twilight.
“I can’t believe this is the first time my daughter gets to spend Nightmare Night with her friends,” Eleanor said.  “Where I came from, we called it Hallowed Night.”
“Interesting,” Princess Luna said.  “Seems there is more to Pony and Evevanyian kind than meets the eye.”
Eleanor shifted her eyes to Starlight Glimmer, who looked cheerful marching down the streets of Canterlot.
“I take it you need me to intervene on behalf of that one,” Eleanor Young asked.
“Yes,” Princess Celestia said.  “Her name is Starlight Glimmer.  There is a particular Cosmic Core that has been hanging out at the graveyard nearby.  That core belongs to Meteor Flare, a pony who died saving his mines from the Windigo’s Guild.  If they wind up there, I want you to bring his core over to Starlight so that she could see him once more.”
“Consider it done,” Eleanor Young said.


	To Be Continued in….


	The March of Nightmare Night

> Arc 7-2: The March of Nightmare Night
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The March of Nightmare Night



“NIGHTMARE NIGHT!  WHAT A FRIGHT!  GIVE US SOMETHING SWEET TONIGHT!”
Those words came from the younglings dressed in their costumes as the door opened up.  The owner of the house placed a piece of candy, all while complementing on their costumes.
“Oh what fun costumes you’re all wearing,” the mare said as she passed out candy to each of the younglings.  She looked down at Twilight and said “And what are you?  A Court Jester?”
Twilight looked down with a disgruntled tone while Sunburst looked up at the house owner.
“She’s Star Swirl the Bearded,” Sunburst said.
“Oh, my apologies,” the mare said as she put another piece of candy in Twilight’s bag. “I didn’t know.  Anyway, Happy Nightmare Night.”
Twilight walked away from the house, looking a bit disgruntled while Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell looked at her, completely concerned for her well-being.
“Hey Twilight,” Moondancer said.  “You alright?”
“This is the sixth house that got my costume wrong,” Twilight said.  “How could any pony not recognize the Legendary Star Swirl the Bearded?”
“No kidding,” Danged Spell said.  “I mean, look at how well you did the hat, Twilight.  You put a lot of effort into it.”
“Thanks,” Twilight said.  “By the way, I’m surprised that you haven’t gone into your usual set of puns.”
“I know you want me to be punny,” Danged Spell said with a slight laugh.  “But considering the tone you’re in, I think I’m more in the mood to want to cheer you up.”
“Like for example,” Sunburst said.  “Did you know that Star Swirl was aided by six individuals who call themselves the Pillars of Old Equestria?”
“As a matter of fact,” Twilight said as her tone began to lift.  “I do.”
“Hey guys,” Princess Cadance yelled.  “Come on.  We have more houses to go to before I take you down to a secret surprise.”
“Coming, Cadance,” Twilight shouted as she, Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell ran towards the rest of the group.
“Wanna talk about this another time?” Sunburst asked.
“Yeah,” Twilight replied.  “Another time.”

“NIGHTMARE NIGHT!  WHAT A FRIGHT!  GIVE US SOMETHING SWEET TONIGHT!”
As the younglings chanted, the door opened and out appeared a jollyful, yet slightly plump, mare, who held out a bowl full of candy.
“Oh what delightful costumes you all are wearing,” The mare said.  “Here.  One for each of you.”
With that, the plump mare passed out candy to each of the younglings, one-by-one.  Cozy Glow stepped forward and held her back out, much to her warm, yet hesitant, delight.
“Oh you are such a cute ghost,” The mare said.  “Here’s two for you.”
With that, Cozy Glow walked away with the bag and smiled a bit.  Twilight approached the mare and held her bag out.
“Oh that is such a cute costume,” the mare said.  “I take it you’re Hoofdini the great.”
With that, Twilight Sparkle fell to the ground in shock, causing Rainbow Dash to fly up to the mare.
“Uhh, she’s supposed to be Star Swirl the Bearded,” Rainbow Dash said.
“Oh dear,” The mare said. “I am terribly sorry for the confusion.  Here, a little extra for your troubles.”
Twilight laid there in shock as the plump mare placed three pieces of candy in her bag.  Rainbow Dash flew down and picked Twilight up and began to walk away from her.
“Young lady,” the mare said. “Aren’t you forgetting something?”
“Who? me?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Your treat,” The mare replied.
“Oh, right,” Rainbow Dash said embarrassingly.
Immediately, Rainbow Dash flew up to the mare and held her bag out, accepting a piece of candy.  She nodded to the mare before flying back down to Twilight.
“Sorry bout that, Twilight,” Rainbow Dash said.  
“It’s okay,” Twilight said, dejected.  “At least ponies like your costume.”
“What’s wrong with that?” Rainbow Dash said. “I know they won’t get it right the first time.  So it’s not that hard to explain.”
“But Rainbow,” Twilight said.  “Lots of Ponies are supposed to know about Star Swirl the Bearded.  And yet, they act as if they don’t know who he is.”
“Well cheer up, Twilight,” Pinkie Pie said as she bounced towards Twilight and Rainbow.  “At least you get more candy for your troubles.”
“But it’s not about the candy,” Twilight said.  “I was hoping more and more ponies were more aware of the legend of Star Swirl.  Turns out it’s been nothing more but trouble.”
“Don’t feel that discouraged,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Maybe the next one, you can talk about how great Star Swirl was.”
“You’re right,” Twilight said.  “Maybe I should.”

“NIGHTMARE NIGHT, WHAT A FRIGHT, GIVE US SOMETHING SWEET TONIGHT!”
The younglings were in front of another house owner.  This time, it belonged to a stallion who was holding a bowl of candy.  He passed out each of the candies into each of the individual’s bags.  
“Those are some fine costumes, young ones,” The stallion said.  “Especially with yours, little Wanda.  A witch, correct?”
“That’s correct,” Wanda said.  She looked at Twilight and said “And my friend here is Star Swirl the Bearded.”
Twilight struck a pose as she said “If you want, I can explain what made Star Swirl so great.”
“Err, who’s Star Swirl?” The stallion asked.  “Was he one of those astronomers?  By the way, nice hermit costume.”
Twilight froze completely with her jaw dropped down.  She dejectedly picked up her bag and walked away from the house, completely disappointed.  The stallion and the other younglings watched as Twilight walked away.
“Was it something I said?” The stallion asked.
“Twilight’s been having a hard time,” Sunset replied.  “House after house, people keep getting her costume wrong, and it really hits her.”
The stallion looked at Twilight before turning to Sunset and said “My apologies.  I barely keep up with Equestrian History.”  He dug into his candy bowl and handed out a few bars.
“Are these for her?” Sunset asked.
“As an apology for getting her costume wrong and for besmirching Star Swirl,” The stallion said.
Sunset nodded as she took the candy out of his hoof with her magic.  As the others accepted their share of the candy, Wanda and Sunset walked up to Twilight, who looked discouraged.
“Hey Twilight,” Sunset asked.  “Want some chocolate bars?”
“No thanks,” Twilight said.  “You can have ‘em.”
“Twilight,” Wanda said.  “I know you’re upset about how ponies kept thinking of your costume as anything, but Star Swirl the Bearded.  But you shouldn’t let that hold your enjoyment back.”
“I know,” Twilight said.  “But at the same time, I feel like many ponies don’t know or are fully unaware of Star Swirl the Bearded, or even the Pillars of Old Equestria who aided the legend.”
“And not to mention that mother and Aunt Luna were his own pupils, long after Queen Eternia disappeared,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “That being said, Wanda’s right.  You really shouldn’t let that hold you back from having a good time.”
“So what am I going to do?” Twilight asked.
“Twilight?  Are you alright?”  Wanda, Twilight and Sunset turned their heads to see Princess Cadance walking up to them with Abigail and Spike right next to her.
“Not really,” Twilight said as she looked up to Cadance.  “Every time, ponies mistook my costume for something else, not aware of the legacy of Star Swirl the Bearded.
“I don’t think every pony knows how great Star Swirl is,” Cadance said.  “But that being said, don’t let it get you down.”
“Yeah,” Spike said.
“You really think so?” Twilight asked.
But before Princess Cadance could reply, someone said “Star Swirl the Bearded?  Who has time for that dead coot?” Immediately, Wanda and Sunset hid behind Princess Cadance, who turned her head to the right to see Magistrate Creme Dream walk up to the group with Majesty, dressed in a business suti, right next to her.  Nearly every youngling froze in place.
“I don’t like the look of her,” Danged Spell said as he shook in place.
“I’m with you on that,” Moondancer replied.
Princess Cadance kept her eyes focused on Magistrate Creme Dream and said in a cold tone “What do you want?”
“Oh I just saw a group of fillies, colts and a Man’s Cub walking down the street,” Creme Dream said.  “Also, apologies for my daughter’s choice of words.  She has no respect for the past.”
“Look.” Princess Cadance said.  “We have no time for these shenanigans.  We have houses to visit, candy to pick up, a special treat to take them and a filly who’s dreams about Star Swirl were broken.”
“Aww that’s too bad,” Majesty said, walking up to Twilight and touching the bell on her hat.  “Maybe you should ditch the past and embrace the future of Equestria.  And I’m only being truthful here.”
Twilight pulled her hat back and said “Never.”
“My my,” Majesty said.  “Let’s not be rude.”
Majesty turned to the rest of the group, who stood there, completely afraid.
“And I see you brought your friends with you,” Majesty said as she walked up to the group of younglings.  “Some friends they turn out to be.”
“Well,” Pinkie Pie said, shaking in fear.  “I happen to be the reincarnation of Discord.”
“Discord?”  Majesty replied.  “Discord was nothing more than a fictional tale.”
“Well the last pony who said that,” Rainbow Dash replied.  “Saw the error of her ways thanks to Queen Novo.”
“More like she fell off the beaten path,” Majesty replied.  “But don’t worry.  She’ll see the true error of her ways and return to being like me.”
As Majesty walked by, Rainbow Dash looked at Majesty before growling in anger.
“Rainbow,” Rarity said.  “Tis not a good time to be upset.”
“I know,” Rainbow Dash said.  “But something about her feels far worse than Golden Lace was.”
Majesty turned her attention towards Fluttershy, who immediately hid behind Sunburst.
“My,” Majesty said.  “Aren’t you the scared little rabbit?”
“G…go away,” Fluttershy cried.  “I don’t want to be near you.”
“Aww,” Majesty said.  “The little rabbit is afraid of a snake like me?”
“The fact that you call yourself a snake out of glee says a whole lot,” Sunburst said, glaring down at Majesty while Fluttershy hid behind the unicorn colt.
“How rude,” Majesty said.  
“I don’t care,” Fluttershy said.  “You scare me.”
“Well,” Majesty said.  “That’s your lost”  
Majesty’s eyes shifted away from Fluttershy towards her right.  But she came to a quick stop when she saw the ghost costume that covered Cozy Glow.  Cozy’s eyes saw Majesty and began to back up.
“Wait a minute,” Majesty said as kept her eyes on Cozy Glow’s costume.  “Something about you feels familiar.”
Majesty walked up to Cozy Glow in her ghost costume, shoving aside Applejack, Moondancer, Danged Spell and Ditzy Doo.  All Cozy Glow could do was stand still as her older sister approached her.
“Okay you,” Majesty said.  “Show yourself.  Who are you under the shroud of a ghost?”
But before she could lay her hoof on Cozy Glow’s costume, she heard the sound of Creme Dream yell “That’s enough, Majesty.  We have other things to do.”
Majesty rolled her eyes before she walked away and said “Yes mother.”  Cozy Glow watched as Majesty walked away before breathing a sigh of relief.
“Man,” Applejack said.  “How rude.”
Wanda and Sunset came out from behind Princess Cadance as Magistrate Creme Dream walked away with Majesty next to her.  Princess Cadance placed her arms around her two sisters while Spike and Abigail also leaped onto the two younglings, shivering right behind them.
“It’s okay,” Wanda said.  “They’re gone for now.”
Princess Cadance turned towards the younglings and waved her hoof at them.  As the group of younglings began to walk off, Twilight came to a sudden stop.  Behind him was the very stallion who occupied the house.
“Hey, I saw what just happened,” the stallion said.  “And I feel real sorry for all of you for putting up with Magistrate Creme Dream.”
“No worries,” Twilight said.  “Besides, I don’t think there’s anything you could have done to stop her without getting in trouble.”
“No kidding,” the stallion said.  “Besides, as much as I can’t stand her, I’m also deeply afraid of what she will do if I did come to your defense.  Equestrian Politics is nothing to laugh at.”
Twilight let out a sigh and said “I wonder how we will get out of this mess.”
Suddenly, Twilight felt something drop into her bag.  She looked up as she saw the stallion lift his hoof out, completely empty.
“Here,” the stallion said.  “Something as a form of sympathy.  You’ll need all of it in today’s world.”
“Thank you,” Twilight said.  “But I don’t think I deserve it.”
“Keep it,” the stallion said.  “We need more good ponies like you in this world.”
Twilight nodded towards the stallion as she turned around and ran towards the others as the stallion watched with a smile on his face.
“You may not realize it,” the stallion said with a smile on his face.  “But it’s children like you that bring hope who need it.  I just wished my own daughter was alive to meet you.”

Sometime later, Princess Cadance led the group of younglings into the Canterlot Graveyard.  The entire environment was surrounded in a thick fog, clouding their vision.  Some of them began to freak out.
“Oh come on,” Danged Spell whined.  “Why did you have to lead us into this place?”
“This place is scary,” Starlight said as she hid behind Trixie.
“I’m with Danged Spell on this,” Moondancer said.  “A graveyard is no place for any of us to be.”
“Relax, everyone,” Princess Cadance said.  “We’re here on a special occasion.”
“Is it when we see the many Cosmic Cores that will come during Nightmare Night?” Wanda asked.
“Exactly,” Princess Cadance replied.
“I believe I recall Granny Smith, Ma and Pa telling me about these stories,” Applejack said.  “That Great Apple’s spirit still wanders these parts as one of dem Cosmic Cores.”
“But it does make us wonder if only our bodies are mortal and we are all immortal,” Twilight replied.
“Maybe that explains why Pinkie Pie keeps bragging about being Discord’s reincarnation,” Rarity said.  “After all, Cosmic Cores contain memories of our previous incarnations.”
“That does make me wonder what my previous life used to be,” Sunset Shimmer said.
“Yeah,” Moondancer said.  “I wonder if I was some kind of vicious monster in my previous life.  Maybe one that would sneak up on an unsuspecting pony with the desire to eat him or her up.”
Suddenly, a bolt of lightning hits near Moondancer, causing her to scream into the air, throw off her helmet, and run behind a tree without any leaves on its branches.  She looked out at Danged Spell, who was laughing at Moondancer’s misfortune.
“Spell,” Moondancer said, angrily but shaking nervously.  “That wasn’t funny.”
“As much as I want to confess to that,” Danged Spell laughed.  “I’m afraid someone else beat me to the stunt.”
Danged Spell pointed to the sky above, to which Moondancer looked up.  There was Rainbow Dash sitting on a cloud and laughing loudly.
“YOU MISERABLE LITTLE RASCAL,” Moondancer yelled.  “YOU THINK THAT’S FUNNY?”
“Oh you are so much fun to scare, Moondancer,” Rainbow Dash laughed as she flew her cloud down and picked up Moondancer’s helmet.  “Just seeing you react to that was a hoot.”
Moondancer marched up to Rainbow Dash and snatched the helmet out of her hooves.  She placed it back on and glared at the Rainbow-maned pegasus.
“You realize that you’ve just made it onto my list, Rainbow Dash,” Moondancer said as Rainbow Dash laid on her cloud with a smirk on her face.

Meanwhile, as the younglings all continued to explore the graveyard with Princess Cadance leading the pack, Eleanor Young hid behind the outside of a Mausoleum building, keeping her eyes glued to the presence of the group.  But her focus wasn’t on her daughter Wanda Young, it was on Starlight Glimmer.
“I was told that little Starlight Glimmer will be meeting Meteor Flare tonight,” Eleanor Young said.  “But one problem.  Why would his Cosmic Core be here when his body was buried in the place known as Sire’s Hollow?”
Eleanor ducked her head behind and began to ponder to herself for a bit, until something popped up.
“I was told by my mother, the previous queen, that Cosmic Cores have a habit of popping up in graveyards,” she said to herself.  “Even once their vessel had been given its funeral rites somewhere else.  A connection between the living and the dead, allowing the dead to return to the world in their Cosmic form.”
It didn’t take long for a lone Cosmic Core to levitate near Eleanor Young.  The subtle movements of this core was enough to attract Eleanor’s attention.
“Hello there,” Eleanor said.  “What do we have here?”
Eleanor placed her right hand around the Cosmic Core and closed her eyes.  The core lit up, as did her eyes when she opened them.  
“I know who you are,” Eleanor Young said.  “But before you can reunite with your niece, I believe it’s time to call on those who have departed this world.”
Eleanor Young reached her hands out as her body glowed with a bright green light.  The land around her began to pulse with magic, all while the sky above her began to form clouds.

Back with the youngling group, everyone gathered closely around Princess Cadance.  The clouds began to form and the wind picked up.  Owls hooted in the night, scaring some like Starlight, Ditzy, Fluttershy, Cozy Glow and Wanda.  Princess Cadance stood firm, with her smile not leaving her face.
“What’s going on?” Wanda said as she held onto Princess Cadance.
“I don’t like where this is going,” Rarity said as she shook nervously.
“I know you’re out there,” Trixie said.  “The Great…and Powerful….Trixie….is not afraid.”
“I don’t know about you guys,” Danged Spell said as he started to shiver.  “But this place really gives me the chills.”
“Someone wake me up,” Ditzy Doo cried.  “This place gives me the creeps.”
“I wish I never left Sire’s Hollow,” Sunburst said as he covered his face with his cape.
The younglings freaked out as they looked up at the sky, watching the clouds swirl about and lightning shoot downward.  Twilight looked up at Princess Cadance, who just watched the storm go through.
“Cadance?” Twilight said.  “What’s going on with you?”
“It’s okay,” Princess Cadance said.  “The spirits of the deceased have come to pay a visit.”
“The deceased?” Moondancer said.  “Are they coming to eat our brains?”
“No no no,” Princess Cadance replied.  “They just came to say hello.”
Suddenly, the very earth shook beneath everyone’s hooves or feet, causing the younglings to crowd around Princess Cadance.  Abigail and Spike held onto each other, shaking nervously and helplessly.  Immediately, the ground beneath everyone lit up, causing the younglings to watch in terror.
“I take it back,” Cozy Glow said, covering the eye sockets of her ghost costume.  “Mother is not as scary as this.”
“Oh it’s not meant to be scary,” Princess Cadance said.  “It’s meant to be fun.”
When the light disappeared, the younglings all looked up to see orbs, each with what appears to be a galaxy on the inside, floating above the entire graveyard, and around the group.  Wanda, Sunset, Spike and Abigail looked up and were amazed by their sight.
“I know what those are,” Wanda said.
“They’re Cosmic Cores of the deceased,” Sunset replied.
“That is correct,” Princess Cadance said.  “These Cosmic Cores consist of ponies who have long left this world.  And it’s not their first incarnation.  They have had previous lives before their most recent.”
“Wow,” Spike said as he and Abigail reached out towards the floating Cosmic Cores that floated about.
“To think,” Twilight Sparkle said as she was amazed by the cores that surrounded them.  “They used to have lives before becoming this again.”
“Actually,” Sunset said.  “The cores represent our true forms.  They also contain the memories of our previous lives.”
“I wonder what my previous life was like before I became who I am,” Rainbow Dash asked herself.
“One can never realize what our own history was like before this day,” Applejack said.
“Or one could know who he or she was before this day,” Pinkie PIe said.  “After all, I’m the reincarnation of Discord.”
The younglings all broke into laughter from Pinkie Pie’s speech.  Even Princess Cadance couldn’t hold her chortles in.  Their laughter also caused many of the cores to emit some form of amusement from their ethereal forms.
“Well that just made our day,” Moondancer said.  “From a scary moment to a more amazing moment.  I don’t think even the stars can be this beautiful.”
“I’ll say,” Danged Spell said.  “We’re definitely having a Ghoul Time here.”
“DANGED SPELL!”  The younglings yelled before laughing again, all while Danged Spell smirked to himself.
“At least it’s better than being scared half to death,” Danged Spell replied.
Suddenly, one of the Cosmic Cores flew down to Starlight Glimmer, alerting the Twin-tailed Pegasi.  Starlight approached the lone core and touched it with her hoof.
“Something about this one feels familiar,” Starlight Glimmer said.
The moment Starlight touched the core, it took the ghostly form of a stallion and stood over the young filly.  Starlight looked up at it and her jaw dropped.
“Hello, little Glim Glam,” the stallion ghost said. “It’s been awhile since we saw each other while I was alive.
“I don’t believe it,” Starlight Glimmer said in disbelief.  “UNCLE METEOR FLARE?”



	To Be Continued In…


	A Nightmare Night to Remember

> Arc 7-3: A Nightmare Night to Remember
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


A Nightmare Night to Remember



Starlight Glimmer stood there, amazed by the presence of her late uncle Meteor Flare.  Everyone else stood by, unable to approach Starlight.  Princess Cadance gave a nod to the ghost, who turned back to his niece.
“But,” Starlight said.  “You died back in Sire’s Hollow.”
“I did,” Meteor Flare said.  “But in the physical world, death only means we lose our physical forms temporarily.  In due time when we feel that we’re ready, we take on a new physical form and start the process again.”
“But why are you still here?” Starlight asked.  “Why haven’t you reincarnated into a new life?”
“Because you miss me,” Meteor Flare said.  “And you wish for some comfort since my passing.”
“That’s right,” Sunburst said.  “Starlight was sad that her favorite uncle died saving the kids from the Windigo’s Guild, after he declared the mine unsafe for anyone.”
“And here he is,” Twilight said.  “No longer in the flesh, but now in spirit form.”
Meteor Flare’s ghostly form floated down towards Starlight Glimmer, who reached out and touched his chest area with her hoof.  Tears flowed down from her eyes as she held her hoof on his chest.
“I missed you so much,” Starlight said.  “I wish you weren’t taken away from me.”
“I wish for that as well,” Meteor Flare said.  “But the reason why I had to do what I had to do was because I saw what they were trying to do with the younglings of Sire’s Hollow.”
The younglings gathered around the spirit of Meteor Flare, especially Starlight who stood in front of her late uncle.
“Tell us what happened,” Sunset Shimmer asked.
“When I was told about the instability of the mine,” Meteor Flare said. “I was disappointed.  I wanted to help provide more gems to help with the economy of the town.  Mining was a life I had been adapted to since I was ten years old.  But I also realized just how dangerous the mines had become.  ”
“And so you closed it all down?” Applejack asked.
“I did,” Meteor Flare said.  But what I didn’t know was that the Windigo’s Guild took notice of the closed-off mines and built a base within.  We were all in danger and we were unaware of it.”
“Was that the reason why Starlight and I were shipped off to Canterlot?” Sunburst asked.
“No,” Meteor Flare replied.   “Your parents let you come here because you were gifted students.  And I wanted to see how my favorite niece would turn out after training under the wing of Princess Celestia.”
“And I remembered those words before we first departed to Canterlot,” Starlight said.  “No matter what happens…”
“Always keep your hope shining bright like the diamond,” Meteor Flare said.  “It was the last thing I remembered from you when I was alive.”
“So afterwards, you found out about the colts and fillies’ disappearance,” Starlight asked. 
“I did,” Meteor Flare said.  “I sent a telegram to Firelight and Starseeker warning them not to return, not just for your sake, but also for your friend Sunburst.  Afterwards, I had to sneak back into the mine and rescue the kids from their imprisonment.  Their leader, Coldnelius Snap, communicated to the branch of the Guild with a demand: Convert the younglings into new recruits.”
“And what about the cave-in?” Danged Spell asked.
Meteor Flare closed his eyes and cleared his throat before turning his gaze towards the group.
“I’m afraid that was my doing,” Meteor Flare said.
“SAY WHAT?” Starlight yelled.
“Just as I was able to free the last child from his imprisonment,” Meteor Flare said.  “The Windigo’s Guild ambushed me.  They knew that I was a threat to their operation and they were willing to kill me, then stage a direct attack on the town afterwards.  I was trapped with the lone pony cub.”
“I didn’t not know that,” Sunburst said.  “The Guild was willing to wipe out our town out of spite?”
“I knew if I didn’t do something fast,” Meteor Flare said.  “A whole town would be sent to the ice age, and everyone there would have died.  Luckily, I realized that the guild were so arrogant and egotistic, they had left themselves wide open.  I used that opportunity to launch a counter attack, knocking them all to the ground.”
“And what happened after that?” Twilight asked.
“Thanks to my intervention,” Meteor Flare explained.  “I was able to get the last youngling out of there.  But one of them was able to strike me down, leaving me unable to use my legs.  They couldn’t catch up to the kid, but they had to make due with me.”
“And that’s where you made that choice?” Starlight asked.
“I knew I couldn’t make it out alive,” Meteor Flare said.  “But I also knew that if those frozen zealots escaped, they would attack Sire’s Hollow, re-take the younglings, and even go as far as to wipe the entire town off the face of the planet.  So I did the one thing that stopped them in their tracks at the cost of my life: I destroyed one of the support beams that held the mine up with my magic.”
Everyone was surprised by Meteor Flare’s words, especially Starlight.  A few tears poured from her eyes as she looked up at Meteor Flare.
“So what happened, afterwards?”  Starlight said as she struggled to hold back her tears.
“One moment, I was buried under the boulders of the mine, the next moment, I had emerged into the outside world as if I was unscathed.  But when I looked down at myself, I realized that my body had expired.  Death had taken it.  And yet, I could still exist as a Cosmic Core.”
“Amazing,” Applejack said.  “So this is what death feels like.”
“But as proud as I was to have stopped the Guild from doing something worse,” Meteor Flare said.  “I have made a little filly cry: Starlight Glimmer.  And she’s been crying since I laid down my life for the ponies of Sire’s Hollow.”
“Uncle Meteor?” Starlight said as she wiped a tear from her eye.
“I miss the days of being able to play Ogres and Oubliettes with you,” Meteor Flare said.  “To at least give you a reason to smile during my off times.  Your mother, my sister Starseeker, was proud of having you as a daughter.  And I couldn’t agree with her more.”
“So,” Starlight cried.  “What’s going to happen?”
“Well,” Meteor Flare said.  “There are legends that state that once a Cosmic Core is ready, they can ascend to the afterlife for a bit before being reborn as a new life.  But right now, I do have unfinished business here in this world: Looking after you.  Making sure you smile more.  So my Cosmic Core has decided to be with you so that you can grow more as a pony.”
“You?” Starlight said.  “You really mean it?”
“Yes,” Meteor Flare said.  “My wish to see you smile more, laugh alongside your friends, and to see my sister Starseeker once more.  Will you do it?”
Starlight Glimmer looked up at the ghost of her uncle and cried out “YES!  YES I WILL!”  She ran up and held onto Meteor’s ghostly form, crying into him as Meteor Flare patted his niece on the head.
“Don’t worry,” Meteor Flare said.  “For me, helping you get up when you need it is my unfinished business.”
“But how will that be done?”  Wanda asked.
“That I can explain,” Princess Cadance replied.  “It is possible for a body to house more than one Cosmic Core at a time.  Some like Starlight can house up to two cores.  An adult could house up to three cores.  An alicorn can house up to four cores.  And there are reports of individuals who could house even more cores in their body.”
Applejack nudged Pinkie Pie and said “If you were Discord, I bet you could hold one hundred Cosmic Cores in your body.”
“Say,” Pinkie Pie said.  “That does sound like a good idea.”
Starlight looked up at Meteor Flare and said “Will this hurt?”
“It’s your choice, Starlight,” Meteor Flare said.  “What will you say?”
Starlight looked up and said “I’ve missed you so much.  I’ll accept.”
Meteor Flare nodded as his spirit disappeared into his Cosmic Core, before flying through the air.  Starlight stood on her hind legs as she extended her arms out.  The Cosmic Core of Meteor Flare flew right into Starlight Glimmer and disappeared in a flash of light.  When the light went away, Starlight stood down on her four hooves and looked at everyone.
“How does it feel, darling?” Rarity asked.
“It feels strange,” Starlight said.  “Knowing that I now have two cores within.  But I don’t feel anything else that’s off.”
“That’s normal,” Princess Cadance said.  “If your body had more than the certain amount of cores it could hold, you wouldn’t be able to handle it, and you would have to eject the core or risk the loss of your life.”
Starlight gasped at what she heard from Princess Cadance.  But before she could say anything, Meteor Flare’s spirit popped out and looked down at her.
“Are you alright?” Meteor Flare asked.
“I….I don’t want to die,” Starlight said.  “But I don’t want you to leave me.”
“Starlight,” Meteor Flare said.  “If you wish to, my Cosmic Core can just float beside you.  I won’t be going anywhere for a long time.”
“No no,” Starlight said.  “I just want you to be by my side, Uncle Meteor.  But not like that.”
“I see,” Meteor Flare said.  “But no matter what, you stay strong.   As long as you wish for it, I will remain by your side.”
Starlight looked up at Meteor Flare’s spirit and smiled before she wiped her eyes.  Starlight once again got on her hind legs and hugged the spirit of Meteor Flare.
“I hope you do,” Starlight said.  “And thanks.”
Sunset Shimmer stood by her sisters as she watched Starlight hug Meteor Flare’s spirit.
“You know,” Sunset said.  “After tonight, I think we’ve all learned about the mysteries of Cosmic Cores.  They serve as our souls through various incarnations, they showcase our magical potential, and there is an entire universe hiding within.”
“Entire Universes?” Twilight said as she danced around excitedly.  “Ooooh, I can’t wait to take a test based on that.”
Meteor Flare looked up at Twilight dancing around before he said “By the way, that’s a Star Swirl the Bearded Costume, correct?”
Twilight paused for a moment before turning towards the spirit of Meteor Flare.
“I can’t believe it,” Twilight said.  “You know who Star Swirl the Bearded is?”
“Of course I do,” Meteor Flare said.  “Learned all about him while I was in school as a little colt.  In fact, Star Swirl chose to look after Princess Celestia and Princess Luna after Everfree City collapsed thanks to the war and because of the disappearance of both Queen Eternia and Queen Icelina.”
Twilight turned to Starlight and said “Starlight, if you want, I can look after Meteor Flare’s Cosmic Core.”
Starlight glared at Twilight and said “No.  He’s my uncle.”
“But I bet he’s like an encyclopedia,” Twilight said.
“But he’s still my uncle,” Starlight yelled.
Starlight and Twilight yelled at each other, with Twilight becoming more excited and Starlight becoming more agitated. Everyone stood by, watching them bicker.  Though Cadance and Meteor Flare do look a bit amused.
“Was this how Starlight acted?” Princess Cadance asked.
“Every once in a while,” Meteor Flare replied.  “Sure she can act like this.  But it’s rare for her to do so.”
“I think it’s because of her clingy attitude towards you, Meteor,” Princess Cadance replied.
Suddenly, they heard the sound of a dog growl.  Everyone turned towards the entrance of the graveyard where the Alicorn Bulldog stood guard, eyeing everyone in the vicinity.  Wanda, Sunset, Twilight, Ditzy, Spike and Abigail quickly hid behind the rest of the group in fear
“Is that the bulldog that trapped you in that bunker?” Cozy Glow asked as she peeked her head out from the sheet.
“It is,” Wanda said, shaking nervously behind the group.
“That’s the dog that trapped us during Wanda’s Birthday,” Sunset said.  
Princess Cadance stood in front of the group and kept her vision on the bulldog.  
“Don’t worry, kids,” Princess Cadance said.  “Last time, I didn’t know this technique.  But this time, I do.”
The Bulldog barked loudly as it ran towards the group, with Wanda, Sunset, Twilight, Ditzy, Spike and Abigail screaming loudly. 
“No time for that,” Danged Spell said as he grabbed a nearby candy sack with his teeth.
“Spell, wait,” Sunburst said.
Danged Spell ran as fast as he could towards the bulldog, carrying the sack of candy with his teeth.  Before the canine could leap at Princess Cadance, Danged Spell swung the bag at high speed, hitting the dog and breaking the bag open.  Candy flew out from the sack as the dog landed on the ground.  
“SPELL!” Sunburst yelled.
Danged Spell walked up to the bulldog, who now looked a bit frightened.
“NOW GET LOST YOU BLOODTHIRSTY MANIAC,” Danged Spell yelled.
The Alicorn Bulldog got up and ran off out of the graveyard, yipping loudly in fear.  Danged Spell stood there, victorious.
“Guess that mutt’s bark was worse than his bite,” Danged Spell said.  “That certainly sacked his pride.”
“DANGED SPELL, I NEEDED THAT!” Sunburst said, stomping towards Danged Spell.
“Needed what?” Danged Spell said, confused.
Sunburst pointed to what was left of the candy bag and said “You used my candy bag against that dog and broke it open.”
“But I thought that was my bag,” Danged Spell said.
Princess Cadance walked up to Danged Spell and said “I think you might have grabbed Sunburst’s bag by accident.”
Everyone laughed as Danged Spell blushed with embarrassment.  He immediately walked up and grabbed his bag before walking back and presenting it to Sunburst.
“Here,” Danged Spell said.  “You can have mine.  I’ll take what’s left of yours.”
Sunburst sighed as he grabbed Spell’s candy bag.  Danged Spell used his magic to pick up all of the candy off the ground and group it into one huge cluster.  Everyone began to walk off towards the entrance as Spell walked behind them carrying his cluster of candy with his magic.
“Boy what a night,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Learning about Cosmic Cores, Trick or Treating, Twilight having costume blues, and encountering Starlight’s uncle in ghostly form.  Can’t wait till tell mother about this.”
But Wanda’s mind was wandering to her left.  She spied what appeared to be Eleanor Young hiding behind the Mausoleum, catching her attention.
“Wanda?” Sunset said, noticing Wanda’s lack of attention.  “Are you alright?”
“I’m not so sure,” Wanda said.  “But I feel like someone familiar was right behind that building.”
“I don’t see anything,” Sunset said.  “Must have been some kind of ghost.  Come on.”
As the group walked off, Wanda looked at the Mausoleum and said “I could have sworn I saw a familiar presence.”  Behind the Mausoleum, Eleanor Young hid carefully so as to not catch the attention of her daughter’s sight.
“That was a close call,” Eleanor said.  “As much as I want to see my daughter again, now is not the time to do so.  All I can do is for Princess Celestia to continue raising her until the time is right.”

Later that night, at the palace, everyone was in the ballroom dancing around and enjoying the food.  Pinkie Pie passed out goodies to everyone while Fluttershy and Rarity lined up next to her.
“So you had one last Nightmare Night plan, did ya?” Rarity said.
“Of course,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Even after that birthday party was salvaged into something spectacular, I’d figure one good party deserves another.”
“That’s why we like being around you Pinkie,” Fluttershy said.  “You always know how to throw the best parties in La Maresa.”
“And I’m glad you got to join us for tonight,” Pinkie Pie said before squawking out a big “BAGAWK!” 
“Normally, you don’t like going out Trick or Treating with us,” Rarity said.  “And it was great for you to try it out.”
“Well it was nice,” Fluttershy said.  “But I prefer hiding under the blankets and telling stories with my animal friends.  Last year, I did so with Mr Bovine.”
“I wonder how he’s doing without us?” Pinkie Pie asked.
Danged Spell immediately popped his head out and said “Well I bet he’s having a MOOOOOVING good time.”
And with that, Fluttershy, Rarity and Pinkie Pie yelled out “DANGED SPELL” before bursting out into laughter.
Next to them, Twilight and Starlight were eating some cake together.
“So,” Twilight said.  “What do you think of our first Nightmare Night together?”
“I thought it was fun,” Starlight said.  “Going to houses in Canterlot, accepting treats, and even seeing my uncle for the first time since he died.”
Twilight took a sip of punch and said “I’m actually hoping that Hearth’s Warming Eve will turn out great.  Maybe we can build snowponies or enjoy marshmallows roasted over an open fire.”
“I thought we eat that kind of stuff during the summer,” Starlight said.
Twilight nodded and said “Mom and dad always enjoyed that kind of stuff during this time.  So does Shining Armor.”
Trixie popped out of nowhere and said “So the Weak and Pathetic Star Swirl thinks he can defend all of Equestria?  Well you stand no chance against the Great and Powerful Warlock named TRIXIE!”
“Bring it, Warlock,” Twilight said with a smug tone.  “For the humble, yet powerful, Star Swirl will defend Equestria with his life.”
Starlight took a sip of juice and said “Isn’t it nice to have friends like these?”
On the stage, Rainbow Dash, Applejack, Ditzy Doo, Moondancer and Sunburst were dancing the night away, enjoying every moment of it.  Ditzy jumped into the air and flew around with her wings extended.
“Ditzy,” Rainbow Dash yelled.  “The dance floor is down here.”
“But it feels so restrictive,” Ditzy Doo said.   “Besides, I’m Captain Muffins.”
Rainbow Dash looked like she was about to fly off, only for Moondancer to pull her down.
“Moonie,” Rainbow Dash complained.
“Relax,” Moondancer said.  “We’re here to enjoy ourselves.”
“Moondancer’s right,” Applejack said.  “It’s time we just kick back and enjoy the moment.”
But just as Applejack finished speaking, Ditzy Doo flew down and above Applejack, causing the apple filly to duck down before looking up.
“Told ya,” Rainbow Dash said.
“It figures,” Moondancer said as she hoofpalmed.
As Rainbow Dash flew up and chased after Ditzy Doo, Sunburst stopped dancing and looked up at the two pegasi flying.
“I’m jealous of those two,” Sunburst said.
“Now why in tarnation would you say that?” Applejack asked.
“Considering that they can dance in the air,” Sunburst said.  “That’s the reason why.”
Applejack looked at Sunburst and said “Excuse me?  Dance in the air?  What next?  Pretending that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars?”
“Funny you should say that,” Sunburst said. “That’s actually one of Twilight Sparkle’s favorite songs.”
Applejack stopped dancing before she pulled down her hat and said “You know what, nevermind.”
Moondancer looked at Sunburst and said “Smooth move, Smartie.”
“What?” Sunburst said.  “I was just pointing out the facts.”
Nearby, as the younglings were enjoying themselves, Princess Cadance watched on, enjoying a slice of cake, with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna next to her.
“I take it Eleanor’s trick at the graveyard worked perfectly,” Princess Celestia said to Cadance.
“It did,” Princess Cadance said.  “And I was glad to have met Eleanor Young.  Can’t believe she’s Wanda’s real mother.”
“She is,” Princess Luna said.  “But she wants us to look after Wanda a bit more.”
“Call us crazy,” Princess Celestia said.  “But I believe Eleanor puts a lot of trust into all of us in looking after Wanda.  It was as if she knew this would be the perfect place for her.”
“No place is perfect, unfortunately,” Princess Cadance said.  “But it takes a strong heart to raise a little girl and to teach her right from wrong.”
“And I think Wanda has the right friends to help her out,” Princess Celestia said.  “Not just with Sunset Shimmer and you, but also with the friends she made in Canterlot, La Maresa and Seaquestria.”
“By the way,” Princess Luna said, taking off her Nightmare Moon helmet.  “Where are Wanda and Sunset?”
“Just enjoying some time by themselves,” Princess Celestia said.

Outside of the ballroom, Wanda, Sunset, Spike, Abigail and Cozy Glow sat together next to the wall with their bags of candy.  Sunset had her eyes closed, her front hooves around her chest area and her horn glowing.
“What’s she doing?” Cozy Glow asked.
“Watch and learn,” Wanda responded.
Sunset’s chest glowed brightly.   She thrusted her arms out as her Cosmic Core emerges from her body.  It pulsed a bit, as if it were active.
“Wow,” Cozy Glow said.  “That’s what a Cosmic Core looks like?”
“Yeah,” Wanda said.  “But I’m surprised that it’s moving like that.  I thought Cosmic Cores were still objects on the outside.”
Cozy Glow pondered for a bit before she looked down at her chest.  She placed her front hooves towards her chest and lit up her alicorn horn.
“Maybe,” Cozy Glow said.  “Maybe I should see what my own Cosmic Core looks like.”
Wanda turned her attention towards Cozy Glow and said “Great idea  I can’t wait to see it.”
Cozy Glow’s chest glowed brightly before she thrusted her arms out like Sunset did.  Her Cosmic Core emerged from her chest, and like Sunset, it too was pulsing a bit with activity.
“Yours too?” Wanda said.  “That’s amazing.”
Cozy Glow opened her eyes and looked down at her Cosmic Core, amazed by its appearance.  Inside her core lie galaxies that span with the confines of the core.
“Hey Wanda,” Sunset said as she opened her eyes.  “What about yours?  Can we see it?”
“Sure,” Wanda said as she placed her hands near her chest.  “I’ll see what I can do.”
Wanda’s chest and hands glowed brightly.  She thrusts her hands out, and watches as her Cosmic Core emerges.  But to her surprise, the Cosmic Core pulsed even faster than Sunset Shimmer and Cozy Glow’s own Cosmic Cores. 
“Wow,” Sunset said.  “Yours moves faster than ours.”
“What does that mean?” Cozy Glow asked.
“I don’t know,” Wanda replied. “I know that Aunt Luna’s core is still and calm.  But mine ripple faster than the both of yours.”
Sunset, Cozy Glow, Abigail and Spike stood there, amazed by the rapid movements of Wanda’s Cosmic Core.  Wanda looked inside her core and saw a bright light that emitted from one of the galaxies within her core.
“Wanda,” Sunset asked.  “What is that?”
“I don’t know,” Wanda said.  “But it sure is pretty.”
“Pretty,” Abigail said.
“Cool,” Spike said, reaching out to Wanda’s Cosmic Core.


	To Be Continued in…


	Arc 8: Pool Party Crashers


	A Heat Wave in the Fall

> Arc 8(Pool Party Crashers)-1: A Heat Wave in the Fall
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


A Heat Wave in the Fall



Queen Chrysalis laid on her bed, deep within the catacombs of the Changeling Hive. Spots of her body were covered in a green ooze, indicating the injuries she suffered.  Her mood was completely sour despite the calm, relaxing atmosphere.  Nearby, Princess Chrysalis II stood there, looking a bit nervous.
“Daughter,” Queen Chrysalis said in a cold tone.  “Would you come here for a sec?”
Princess Chrysalis II slowly walked towards Queen Chrysalis, shaking in fear at the sight of her own mother.
“M…mother,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “You’re still mad about what happened that night at the Gala.”
“OF COURSE I AM!” Queen Chrysalis yelled as she grabbed a nearby lamp and threw it at the wall, shattering it to pieces, causing Chrysalis II to hide under the bed. “I’m still bitter about what Twilight Sparkle did to me, and my injuries have yet to heal completely.”
Princess Chrysalis II pulled herself out from under the bed and said “Well.  Ever since that incident, there have been a lot of ponies moving out of Canterlot out of fear that you will strike once more.”
Queen Chrysalis placed her hoof on her face before she said “Those idiots?  They don’t know the difference between safety and cowardness.  I’m only upset that Twilight Sparkle has yet to move away from Canterlot.”
“Well,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “Why not send the Predacon brothers to try to capture her?”
Queen Chrysalis stared down Princess Chrysalis II, who scooted back a bit without keeping her sight off her mother.  The elder changeling relaxed herself as she lifted her head away from her daughter and cracked a smile.
“You know,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “That actually is a good idea.”
Queen Chrysalis placed her hoof on a crystal ball on her nightstand and waved it around.  The image of Locust appeared within the orb, standing ready.
“My queen,” Locust said.  “You call for me?”
“As I have,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Send the Predacon Brothers into my room this instant.  I have an assignment for them.”
“As you wish, your majesty,” Locust said before his image disappeared.
Princess Chrysalis II got up on her four legs and walked towards her mother.  But before she could say anything, the doors to Queen Chrysalis’ bedroom swung wide open, with Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator marching right in.
“You called for us, Royalty?” Inferno asked.
“I have,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Do you remember the events of the Grand Gallopin Gala and a certain lavender unicorn that bested me in battle?”
“You’re not talking about that Twilight Sparkle brat,” Quickstrike said.  “Are ya, boss?”
“I am,” Queen Chrysalis said.   “I want you three to sneak back into Canterlot, kidnap Twilight Sparkle and bring her here.  But ensure that no harm is caused to her.  I want her alive.  I want to turn the filly who bested me into a changeling out of spite.”
“Oooh,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator like that idea.  Force filly bug into true bug.”
“And what about the Man’s Cub?” Inferno asked.
“If you somehow bring her to me alongside Twilight Sparkle,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Then I will give you three a reward beyond your wildest dreams.  Now go.”
“At once, My queen,” Inferno said as he bowed before Chrysalis.
With that, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator turned tail and walked towards the bedroom entrance.  Princess Chrysalis II looked at the trio with glee before turning towards her mother.
“So,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “Did you hear about their new transformations?”
Queen Chrysalis slowly got off the bed on her four hooves and said “Transformations?”
“Oh I can’t wait to tell you,” Princess Chrysalis II said as she stood by her mother. 
“Tell me all about these new transformations of the Predacons,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “On our way to the ooze baths to help heal my wounds.”
Queen Chrysalis and Princess Chrysalis II walked out of the bedroom, laughing in unison.

Meanwhile, back at the castle, Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer, Cozy Glow, Spike the Dragon, Abigail Albright, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Trixie and Ditzy Doo all laid around in the youngling’s bedroom.  Some of them were sweating from the heat of the sun.  Wanda was wearing her swimsuit.  Sunset was fanning herself with her right hoof.  Rainbow Dash flapped her wings to keep some of her friends cool.
“I don’t get it,” Wanda said.  “If this is supposed to be the fall, then why is it so hot?”
“Beats me,” Sunset said.  “But I know one thing: I cannot stand this heat.”
“My wings are starting to wear out,” Rainbow Dash said in a weak voice.  “I don’t know if I can keep this up.”
“I don’t think you can,” Rarity said.  “I don’t see much of a difference.”
“So now what?” Cozy Glow asked.  “How do we keep cool?”
“Pinkie,” Applejack said.  “You’re the reincarnation of Discord.  Can’t you conjure up something to help keep us cool?”
“I…can’t,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Too….weak.”
“Well so much for that,” Fluttershy said.
Wanda’s ears perked up at the sound of hoofsteps.  She tapped Sunset Shimmer and pointed to the open doorway as Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Princess Cadance walked in.
“Mommy?” Wanda asked.  “What’s going on?”
“Just so you know,” Princess Celestia said.  “Princess Luna and I will be away in Manehattan for a diplomatic meeting with the yaks of Yakyakistan.  Princess Cadance will look after you while we’re gone.”
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna moved aside as Princess Cadance walked in.  Nearly every youngling in the room got up, amazed by Princess Cadance’s presence.
“So,” Rainbow Dash said.  “You’re going to watch all of us?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“That’s right,” Princess Cadance responded.  “But I won’t be doing this by myself.  Shining Armor’s coming over with the others and I have a great idea.”
“Ooooh,” Trixie said.  “What’s it going to be?  Experimentation in the kitchen?  Explore the basement of the castle?  Or maybe a magic show starring me, the Great and Powerful Trixie?”
Princess Luna laughed as she said “Actually, since the weather has been hot even with this time of year, I’d figure you guys could enjoy a good dip in the pool.”
“That’s even better,” Ditzy Doo said as she flew up with excitement.
“Maybe Ma can come down and swim with us while Pa rests his leg out on one of the lounge chairs,” Applejack said.
“Great idea,” Princess Cadance said.  “I’ll let them know about this.”
While most of the younglings gathered around Princess Cadance, Wanda walked up to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.
“Mommy,” Wanda asked.  “Are you sure we’ll be alright?”
“You’re still worried about what happened last time, my darling Wanda,” Princess Celestia said as she reached down and placed her hoof around Wanda.
“Yeah,” Wanda said. “And not just to the fact that I got sick.”
“I also remembered what happened when Gold Banks tried to take you away,” Princess Cadance said.  “It was the reason why I filed that restraining order.   Too bad Magistrate Creme Dream overrode it.”
“But don’t you worry,” Princess Celestia said.  “You’ve already gotten better resilience against the Hay Fever Virus, and we’ll make sure the Banks won’t bother you.”
“Besides,” Luna said.  “The Banks will be present at the meeting with the Yaks of Yakyakistan.  So they won’t be anywhere near the castle.”
Wanda’s face burst with excitement.  She jumped high into the air, cheering loudly.  Many of the other younglings chuckled at Wanda’s excitement.
“Oops,” Wanda said as she slowly landed on the ground, blushing with embarrassment.  “Sorry about that.”
It didn’t take long for Celestia, Luna and Cadance to laugh alongside the other younglings as Wanda blushed even brighter.  The little Man’s Cub placed her arms behind her back and moved her left leg as she grinned with embarrassment.  
“Well,” Princess Celestia said as she struggled to contain her laughter.  “I believe that a certain someone is expecting us at the pool.  Come.  We should greet them.”
Immediately, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Princess Cadance stepped out of the room with the younglings following from behind.  Wanda picked up Spike and walked out with Abigail right behind her.
“Hey Spike,” Wanda said. “Are you looking forward to taking a swim in our pool?”
“Yeah,” Spike said.
“Swim,” Abigail said as she walked alongside Wanda.
“You too Abigail?” Wanda said.  “Wow.  Guess not all cats are afraid of water.”
With that, Wanda stepped out of the room holding Spike while Abigail walked alongside her.

Meanwhile, somewhere in an alley in Canterlot, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score laid down nearby, looking up at the sky.  Despite their content tone, they looked pretty bored and a bit anxious.
“Hey Hoops,” Score said.  “Do you think since we had to attend that Man’s Cub’s birthday party as a punishment, we’re starting to get a little soft?”
“Yeah,” Hoops said.  “I’m beginning to think that way.   I wonder what the Flim Flam Brothers, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse are doing back at the abandoned Coltsom Detention Center?”
“Maybe we need to start getting our act even further,” Dumbbell said. “Maybe kidnap that purple dragon that they have and make them really mad at us.”
“Oh that sounds good,” Hoops said.  
“So how are we going to sneak back into the castle?” Score asked.
“That’s easy,” Hoops said.  “Those guards are too arrogant to notice us.  We can sneak on by and get to them.”
“Now that’s what I’m talking about,” Score said.
“Come on, boys,” Hoops said as he got up on his four hooves.  “Let’s take their dragon and really get them riled up.”
Hoops flapped his wings as fast as possible before lifting himself off the ground.  He pointed towards the Castle before flying off with Dumbbell and Score following from behind.  But nearby deep within the alley, three of the nearby trash cans shapeshifted into Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator.
“Did you see those brats take off to the castle?” Quickstrike asked.
“Seems they have an interest in a purple dragon,” Inferno said.  “I heard that the dragon belongs to Twilight Sparkle.”
“That means if we find that dragon,” Quickstrike said.  “Then we find the pony that Queen Chrysalis has been looking for.”
“Ooooooh.” Waspinator said.  “Maybe we kidnap dragon bug alongside Twilight bug and human bug for Queen Chrysalis.   Waspinator would be happy if Queen Chrysalis is happy.”
“Excellent idea,” Inferno said as he began to flap his wings.  “Come.  Let us follow those three to the castle, kidnap Princess Wanda, Twilgiht Sparkle and the purple dragon that they were talking about.  For the glory of the royalty.”
And thus, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator flew off after Hoops, Dumbbell and Score and towards Castle Canterlot, all while Waspinator laughed menacingly.

Outside of the castle in the back area, there was a giant pool that was around one hundred meters long. Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Princess Cadance stepped out of the entrance with the younglings following from behind.  Wanda stepped out from behind Sunset Shimmer and Cozy Glow before taking in a huge breath and exhaling.
“I can’t wait to go for a dip,” Wanda said.
“The same can be said for the rest of us, Wanda.”  Wanda’s ears perked up over the voice of what sounded like Shining Armor.  She turned towards the right to see Shining Armor waving to the group.  Next to him was Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell.
“Shining Armor! Everyone!” Wanda cheered as she as Sunset ran up to Shining Armor and the other Unicorn younglings, with the rest of the youngling group right behind them.
“We were wondering if you would show up,” Shining Armor said as Wanda leaped into his arms.  The big stallion proceeds to give Wanda a noogie on her head.
“Me?”  Wanda said as she giggled over Shining Armor’s head noogie.  “I was hoping you and the others would show up.”
“Well that’s my big brother in a nutshell,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “He sure knows how to put on a surprise.”
Twilight turned towards Princess Cadance, who waved towards her.  She happily skipped towards the teen alicorn in a giddy tone.
“Princess Cadance,” Twilight said.
“Twilight,” Princess Cadance said.
Wanda opened her eyes and saw Twilight and Cadance standing in front of each other.  Her face looked like it was about to go sour.
“Oh no,” Wanda said as she covered her ears and closed her eyes.  “I know what’s going to happen next.”
Immediately, Twilight and Cadance danced together as they chanted “Sunshine, Sunshine, Ladybugs Awake.  Clap your hooves and do a little shake.”
Sunset Shimmer just stared at Twilight and Cadance before turning her head towards Wanda, who kept her eyes closed and her ears covered.
“This again?” Sunset said.
“What’s wrong with Twili and Cadance’s chant?” Shining Armor asked.
“It’s so cheesy,” Sunset Shimmer replied while rolling her eyes.
“Yeah,” Wanda said as she opened her eyes and looked up at Shining Armor.  “There’s no way you’ll catch me and Sunset reciting something like that.”
But just as the La Maresa ponies were laughing, Princess Celestia tapped on Applejack’s shoulder, catching the attention of the apple filly.
“I believe there is someone who I asked to also help out with Princess Cadance’s foalsitting duties, and they’re right over there,” Princess Celestia said as she pointed towards the lounge chairs, where Bright Mac and Buttercup sat.
“Mom, dad,” Applejack said in a cheerful tone before she ran up to the two parents.
Buttercup took her sunglasses off as Applejack ran up to her parents.  Bright Mac still had a cast on his leg, but he was in good spirits.  Right next to the group was Majordomo Kibitz, who looked content.
“I’d figure since you all are going to enjoy some time out here,” Buttercup said.  “We’d join you poolside.”
“Yeah,” Bright Mac said.  “Sure my leg is still healing from that accident.  But at least I get to see you all in good spirits.”
“I do miss being back in La Maresa, with Granny Smith, Big Mac and Apple Bloom, and back on the farm,” Applejack said.  “But at least I’m glad to see you happy.”
Applejack leaped into his father’s arms, who proceeded to give his daughter a hoof noogie, causing the little filly to laugh.  Princess Celestia and Princess Luna walked up to the group, to which Bright Mac and Buttercup turned to the princesses.
“So,” Bright Mac said.  “I take it you’re not taking an escort out to Manehattan.”
“Considering that we’re still going to be in Equestria,” Princess Luna said.  “That won’t be necessary.”
“And in case something happens to Wanda or the others,” Princess Celestia said.  “Don’t hesitate to contact us.  We’ll be back here, lickety split.”
“You can count on us, Princess,” Buttercup said.
Princess Celestia turned to Princess Cadance and said “And I hope you can do a great job in watching over your sisters and their friends.”
“Watch over them?” Princess Cadance said with a raspberry.  “I watched over an entire nation when you two were trapped in a sandstorm.  This should be a breeze.”
“Then with that,” Princess Celestia said as she extended her wings out.  “We’re off.”
With that, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna flew upwards, away from the pool yard and away from Canterlot Castle.  Everyone looked up, watching as the two alicorns flew eastbound towards Manehattan before they were nothing more than a spec in the sky.
“Well.  There they go,” Moondancer said.  
“Will they be okay?” Sunburst asked.
“Considering that it’s not outside of Equestria,” Moondancer said.  “They’ll be alright.”
“Will we be alright?” Sunburst asked.
“Are you kidding me?” Moondancer said with a laugh.  “We can face anything that comes at us.  Be it cultist or changeling, nothing can truly stop us.”
Suddenly, a splash of water drenches Moondancer from behind, causing Sunburst to freak out.  The space geek stood there, clenching her teeth.
“WHO DID THAT?” Moondancer yelled.  “WHO DARES TO SPLASH WATER IN MY FACE?”
Moondancer turned towards the pool where Ditzy Doo emerged from the water.  She looked up at Moondancer and blushed a bit.
“Oops,” Ditzy Doo said.  “My bad.”
Moondancer breathed a sigh of relief as she shook the water off her fur, getting Sunburst wet.
“Hey,” Sunburst said.  “Not around me, Moonie.  People are going to laugh.”
“I don’t know,” Danged Spell said, walking up to both Sunburst and Moondancer.  “I’d say Moondancer’s not known for dry humor.  Get it?”
“Danged Spell,” The younglings yelled before laughing out loud.
Shining Armor and Princess Cadance watched the younglings laugh from nearby as the sun shone on their warm faces.  Their smiles blended in with the sun’s radiance.
“So big boy,” Princess Cadance said. “Think you can help me with raising my sisters and their friends?”
“Oh I am so ready,” Shining Armor said with a chuckle.  “Besides, compared to Gold Banks and her Debt Collector Squad, this is actually a piece of cake.”
Princess Cadance laughed before she said “Then let’s have some fun in the sun.  Even in the midst of fall.”
With that, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor ran up to the youngling group, who cheered while Wanda, Sunset, Abigail and Spike danced around in excitement.

But behind the wall that separates the pool from the city, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score peeked from atop.  Their eyes were set on Spike the Dragon and they all let out a quiet, yet sinister, laugh.
“There he is,” Hoops said.  “The purple dragon that belongs to that purple egghead.”
“So how are we going to get it with all those snowflakes surrounding him?” Dumbbell asked.
Hoops turned to Score and said “Bring out the secret weapon.”
Score salutes Hoops before diving behind the wall and bringing up a water balloon.
“One water balloon?” Dumbbell said in disbelief.  “How is that going to distract them?”
“Oh it is one water balloon,” Hoops said.  “Out of thousands.”
Dumbbell looked underneath him and saw what looked like crates and crates full of water balloons.  His face beamed with excitement.
“No kidding,” Dumbbell said.  “Where’d you steal that from?”
“Call it a gift from the Flim Flam Brothers,” Hoops said.  “Now when I give you the signal, you pelt the pony that’s a nice target with that balloon.  Got it?”
Both Score and Dumbbell saluted as they said “Got it.”
“Good,” Hoops said.  “Only a matter of time.”

But nearby at the entrance, a couple of guards stood in front, observing the city for anything out of the ordinary.  Their eyes spot three Royal Guard patrol troops coming this way.
“There’s a problem at the south entrance,” One of the incoming patrols said.  “They could use your help.”
“What about the castle gate?” One of the two guards asked.
“Don’t you worry,” Another patrol said.  “We’ll make sure no one slips by us.  You go take care of the mess at the city entrance.”
“You got it,” Another guard said as he and his companion sprinted down towards the city with their spears by their side.
The three Royal Guard troops watched as their two companions ran into the city.  The three smirked before shapeshifting back into Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator.
“Those iggits fell for it, hook line and sinker,” Quickstrike said.
“Princess Celestia must have low standards when it comes to the Royal Guards,” Inferno said.  “Then again, the same can be said of any Pony warrior.  Not worthy of facing the Predacon Brothers or the royalty.”
“So what do we do next, big brother?” Quickstrike said, salivating the moment.  
Inferno looked around at the front of the castle and at the various walls that surrounded the vicinity.  Their eyes caught Hoops, Dumbbell and Score, who were peeking over the wall.  Beneath them were crates full of water balloons.
“There,” Inferno said, pointing to Hoops, Dumbbell and Score.  “That is where we will make our stand against the ponies of Equestria.”
“But what about the two Alicorns?” Waspinator asked.  “Surely they won’t fry Waspinator.”
“They won’t,” Inferno said.  “I caught them flying due east.  Which means the occupants in there are unguarded and ours for the taking.”
Waspinator rubbed his hooves in anticipation as he said “Ooooh.  Waspinator likes this.  Waspinator anticipating the kidnapping.”
“Me too, little bro,” Quickstrike said as he wrapped his left arm around Waspinator’s back and pulled him tight.  “We’re gonna show those brats not to mess with the Predacons.”
“Then come,” Inferno said.  “While those brats distract each other with pointless toys, we will make our move and grab the Man’s Cub, the baby dragon and the one known as Twilight Sparkle.  For the glory of the Royalty.”
Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator laughed out loud as they ran through the front courtyard of the castle and towards the wall where Hoops, Dumbbell and Score were observing the rest of the pool partiers.



	To Be Continued in….


	Predacons Terrorize

> Arc 8-2: Predacons Terrorize
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Predacons Terrorize




It was a beautiful, yet hot, afternoon at the Canterlot Castle.  Nearly every youngling from Twilight Sparkle to Cozy Glow was enjoying the pool in the back part of the castle vicinity.  Wanda swam in the royal pool with Cozy Glow, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie and Starlight Glimmer enjoying their time in the pool.  The Man’s Cub felt relaxed and cool while she enjoyed her time under the water before emerging for air.
“How do you like the water?” Starlight asked.
“It feels cold, but great,” Wanda said as she shook the excess water out of her hair.
“Hey,” Starlight giggled as she covered her face from the excess water.  “Not in my face, silly.”
Wanda blushed before she said “Sorry, Glimglam.  Didn’t mean to do that.”
Starlight smirked for a bit before she slammed her hooves into the water, splashing Wanda in the face.  Wanda smirked back and splashed water right back in Starlight’s face.   Immediately, the two proceeded to splash water in each other’s faces all while they giggled.
“This is fun,” Wanda said. 
“Yeah,” Starlight said.  “Too bad we didn’t do this back at Seaquestria.”
Immediately, Wanda and Starlight came to a stop as Fluttershy floated on by, appearing calm and collective.  Wrapped around her upper arms were a pair of air-bags in the shape of an armband.
“Sorry Fluttershy,” Wanda said.  “Didn’t mean to splash you.”
“Oh,” Fluttershy said as she opened her eyes.  “I didn’t notice anything.”
“Hey Fluttershy,” Starlight said, pointing to her armbands.  “What are those?”
Fluttershy got herself up and submerged her lower half into the water.  She was now floating on the armbags by her arms with her head and shoulders above water.
“These are my floaties,” Fluttershy said.
“Your floaties?” Wanda asked.
“Yeah,” Fluttershy replied.  “I’m…very afraid of drowning underwater.  And so, I wear these when I swim.”
“That actually does make sense,” Starlight said.  “If one is unable to swim, then they would have something like that.”
“I used to wear that when mommy first taught me how to swim,” Wanda said.  “Back then, I was afraid of swimming.  But during that time, Aunt Novo was also around to teach me the wonders of the water and how beautiful it is to swim underwater.”
“Queen Novo taught you that?” Fluttershy asked.
“She did for the both of us,” Sunset Shimmer said as she swam up to Wanda, Starlight and Fluttershy.  “Back then, I was also afraid of the water.”
“Guess we share a lot more in common,” Fluttershy said as Wanda, Sunset and Starlight giggled.
But as Wanda, Fluttershy, Sunset and Starlight enjoyed the water, Bright Mac was relaxing on one of the pool chairs with Buttercup right next to her and Applejack emerging from the water.  Despite the calm and happy tone, Bright Mac felt worried.
“Honey,” Bright Mac said.  “I do wonder how Granny Smith is doing with Big Mac and Apple Bloom.”
“I worry about that as well,” Buttercup said.  “Sadly, there is nothing we can do till the road is clear.”
“Besides pa,” Applejack said.  “Your leg isn’t healed yet, and it’s going to be some time before you can get back on your four hooves again.”
“I know,” Bright Mac said.  “But still, I wonder if they are holding out without us, or if they’re experiencing some trouble out there.”
“Relax, pa,” Applejack said.  “I had a talk with Granny Smith from our tablet phone, and she and Big Mac have been making sure Apple Bloom is doing alright.”
Bright Mac laughed and said “Maybe I do need to relax.  But that’s just the anxious pony in me.”
Applejack laughed before she said “At least nothing bad is going to happen to us while we’re here enjoying the moment.”
Suddenly, a splash of water drenched Applejack, leaving her wet.  She shook off the water and turned towards Pinkie Pie, who emerged from the surface of the water.
“Pinkie,” Applejack yelled.  “I told you not to splash on me.”
“Oops,” Pinkie Pie said, blushing.  “Didn’t mean to do that.”
Applejack stepped away from her parents and proceeded to shake the water off her coat and mane.  Rarity, who was lounging nearby, covered her face from the excess water from Applejack’s coat.
“Next time, darling,” Rarity said in an annoyed tone.  “Shake your water off somewhere else.”
“Whoopsies,” Applejack said as she brushed the back of her head in embarrassment.  “I thought you were splashing around in the water.”
Rarity picked up a nearby towel and wiped her face with it before placing it back down.  She turned to Applejack and said “Well I was.  But then I realized just how wonderful the sun is for my coat.  Doesn’t it shine like a diamond?”
“One moment ago, you were unable to bear the heat in the castle,“ Applejack said. “And now you just want to bask in the sun?”
“Well at least there’s a cooler breeze outside the castle compared to the inside,” Rarity stated.  “
“Ridiculous,” Applejack said with a smirk on her face.  “I bet you would shine like a diamond when you enjoy a nice dip in the pool.”
Suddenly, another splash of water hits Applejack, leaving her drenched once more.  She turned towards Pinkie Pie and yelled out “Didn’t I tell you not to splash me?”
Pinkie Pie just stood there with her head and shoulders above the water and said “Not me this time.”  She pointed to Trixie on her left, who emerged from the water and saw Applejack completely drenched again.
“Oops,” Trixie said in an embarrassed tone.  “That’s on Trixie.”
Applejack placed her hoof over her face and walked away from Rarity, Pinkie Pie and Trixie.  Once she was at least ten feet away from the pool, Applejack shook the excess water from herself again.  She let out a sigh as Shining Armor and Princess Cadance walked up to Applejack.
“Something wrong?” Princess Cadance asked.
Applejack let out a sigh and said “Let’s just say I’ve been splashed one too many times like a pig in a pig pen.”
“Don’t be upset,” Shining Armor said.  “At least you’re not in Twili’s horseshoes.”
“Twilight?” Applejack said in a confused tone.  “Care to explain?”
“Well,” Shining Armor said.  “Sometimes she goes a little Twilinanas.”
Applejack chuckled over Shining Armor’s choice of words.
“Sometimes Twilight takes things a bit too seriously,” Princess Cadance said.  “And sometimes she goes off the rails.  But we do remind her that we will always be by her side, just like with my sisters Wanda and Sunset.”
“Just like how Big Mac looks after us when ma, pa and Granny Smith aren’t around,” Applejack said.  “Sure wish he was here.”
“Look on the bright side,” Shining Armor said.  “With the two of us around, we’re sure to have a big splash here.”
Suddenly, there was the sound of water splashing with Rarity screaming in agony.  Princess Cadance, Shining Armor and Applejack turned to see Rarity completely drenched in water, with what looked like a water balloon piece on her mane.  The white unicorn youngling looked as if she were about to blow her stack.”
“Who did this?” Rarity snarled.  “WHO THREW A WATER BALLOON IN MY FACE?”
The other younglings looked at Rarity and began to shiver.
“I swear,” Trixie said as she swam away from Rarity. “The Great and Powerful Trixie never brought any Water Balloons.”
“I don’t like where this is going,” Ditzy said as she swam behind Twilight and hid.
Twilight looked to the wall and saw Hoops, Dumbbell and Score standing atop, holding water balloons on their front hooves.  Her eyes glared at the trio before she tapped Wanda’s shoulder.
“Hey Wanda,” Twilight said.  “Remember those three that you made to attend your birthday as punishment?”
But just as Wanda looked up, Hoops flung a water balloon right in her face, soaking her completely.  But despite all that, Wanda looked undeterred.
“So you came to torment us again, monsters,” Wanda said in a hamish tone.  “Haven’t you learned your lesson from wrecking my first birthday party and that alicorn bulldog?”
“The only reason why we’re here is for your dragon,” Hoops said.  “We’re not going to hurt it, we just wanna keep it as a pet.”
Twilight swam up to Spike, who was sitting next to Abigail.  The unicorn filly reached out and grabbed Spike, holding onto the baby dragon as she lowered him to the water with his head and shoulders sticking out.
“You’re not getting Spike,” Twilight said.  
“Oh we beg to differ,” Hoops said as he nodded towards Dumbbell and Score.
Twilight held on tight and closed her eyes as Dumbbell and Score flung water balloons straight at Twilight’s face.  The balloons traveled closer and closer to Twilight, aiming to soak the filly in water.
But before the water balloons hit, another pair of water balloons flew out of nowhere and collided with the first set.   All four balloons bounced away from Twilight and Spike and landed near Abigail.  The kitty cat screamed before leaping into the water and emerging next to Twilight.
“Huh?” Dumbbell said.  “Who did that?”
Hoops, Dumbbell and Score turned to the right side of the pool, where Danged Spell, Moondancer, Cozy Glow and Rainbow Dash stood there with water balloons of their own.  Bright Mac sat nearby, looking at the three boys with a smile on his face.
“I had a feeling you three would try to wreck our pool party,” Bright Mac said.  “So I had Buttercup fill up some water balloons of our own.”
“No fair,” Score said as he stomped on the concrete wall.  “That’s cheating.”
“Quit being such a drip,” Danged Spell said.
“Okay,” Hoops said as he grabbed two more water balloons.  “It’s one thing to surprise us with your own water balloons.  But lame puns like that?  Oh that deserves a punishment.”
Hoops flung the water balloons right at Danged Spell and Moondancer.  But the two smiled as they jumped out of the way, watching as the two balloons missed their mark and exploded on the ground.
“Now that wasn’t nice,” Moondancer said in a confident tone as she held the water balloon in her hoof.  “You boys keep messing with us, and we’ll have to keep teaching you a lesson.”
“Now you see here,” Hoops yelled.  
But before Hoops could say anything else, a water balloon smacked him in the face.  He turned to see Rainbow Dash with her arms behind her back, whistling innocently.
“Big bro,” Dumbbell said.  “You okay?”
Hoops grabbed a couple of more water balloons and flung them right at Rainbow Dash.  But before a single one could hit her, Cozy Glow stepped forward and stopped them with her magic.  Hoops stood there with his face turning from anger to fear.
“Uhh,” Hoops said.  “Maybe we can talk things out.”
Cozy Glow took a few steps forward with the water balloons and said with an evil laugh “You miscreants chose to launch the attack, and now you have to suffer the consequences.”
But before Cozy Glow could throw the water balloons, Rarity pulled them to her with her magic, surprising the alicorn filly.
“Hey,” Cozy Glow yelled.  “I was gonna do that.”
“This is personal,” Rarity said.  The unicorn filly turned to the trio and said “You dare to embarrass me with this wet prank?  I’LL GIVE YOU SOMETHING TO SPLASH ABOUT!”
Rarity swung the water balloons violently with her magic before throwing them at mach speed right at Hoops, Dumbbell and Score, who could barely move out of the way before being hit by em, soaking them badly and sending them falling off the wall.  Everyone looked at Rarity as if they had seen a ghost.
“Rarity,” Applejack said.  “Was that completely necessary?”
“It sure was,” Rarity said as she pounded the pavement.  “NOBODY SOAKS ME AND GETS AWAY WITH IT!”
Bright Mac looked up to see Hoops, Dumbbell and Score pull themselves up to the wall and stand tall.  They were soaked in water, but they had a few more water balloons in their front hooves.
“You three really need to give it up already,” Bright Mac said.  “You’re outnumbered in spades, and you’re just going to embarrass yourselves.”
“No way,” Hoops said.  “And don’t use the ‘Reward as Punishment’ method this time.  In fact, this time, we will stand victorious.”
Bright Mac let out a sigh and said “I warned you kids.  But you’re going to have to suffer a huge humiliation.”
The three pegasi boys held their water balloons high in the air as every youngling in the pool got out, with Twilight holding onto Spike while Abigail pulled herself out.  They all stood there, anticipating the trio’s use of the water balloon.
But just then, a blast of magic hits Score from behind, causing him to scream in pain and drop the water balloon.  Everyone stood there in shock as Score fell off the wall and down towards the pool.
“Oh no,” Bright Mac said as he got up.  “This is worse than I thought.”
“Honey,” Buttercup said.  “No.  Your leg.”
Bright Mac jumped out of the chair and landed on his good back leg.  He watched as an unconscious Score fell into the pool before jumping right in.  

At the bottom of the pool, Score’s eyes closed as air bubbles drifted from his mouth.  He struggled to reach out, only for his arm to limp helplessly.
“Bro…thers,” Score said before he passed out.
Suddenly, Bright Mac grabbed a hold of Score and pulled him up to his chest.  He swam upwards, holding Score close to him.  Everyone watched in horror as Bright Mac dragged the unconscious Score from the pool and towards the edge of the pool.  Cozy Glow flew out and lifted Score from the pool with her magic before placing him on the concrete.  Bright Mac lifted himself out of the pool and slid towards the unconscious Score as Hoops, Dumbbell and the rest of the younglings gathered around Bright Mac, Cozy Glow and Score with Princess Cadance and Shining Armor running up to Buttercup.
“What happened?” Shining Armor asked.
“No time to explain,” Bright Mac said.  “I better perform CPR.”
Immediately, Bright Mac turned Score onto his back and began pressing on his chest area ten times before breathing into his mouth.  He repeated the technique once more, sweating nervously with Hoops and Dumbbell standing there, helplessly.
“Brother,” Hoops cried.  “Please don’t die on us.”
“Even he didn’t deserve that,” Wanda said as tears began to flow from her eyes.  “Poor Score.”
“But what could have done this?” Twilight asked.  “Who would pull a stunt like that on Score?”
As soon as Bright Mac breathed right into Score’s mouth once more, the pegasi colt woke up, coughing up water and breathing once more.  Everyone breathed a sigh of relief as Hoops and Dumbbell ran up to Score.
“You’re alright,” Hoops said as he gave Score a big hug.
“What happened?” Score asked.
Wanda wiped a tear from her eye as she approached the three and said “You nearly drowned, Score.”
“Wait,” Score said.  “Last thing I remembered was that I was hit from behind and sent flying into the pool.”
“And I still want to know who would pull a cowardly stunt like that?”  Twilight said.
Ditzy Doo tapped on Twilight’s shoulder, catching the lavender unicorn’s attention.
“I think those three are responsible,” Ditzy Doo said as she pointed to the top of the wall.
Twilight Sparkle turned to face the top of the wall, where Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator stood there with a big grin on their face.  Hoops turned to face the three Predacons and his face went red hot.
“You three,” Hoops snarled.  “YOU DID THIS TO SCORE?”
Inferno pointed his hoof at Score and said “You fools were so busy with your own agenda, you forgot about the little ambush that we set up for you.  After all, didn’t you and your brothers deserve for what you did to your own kind?”
Bright Mac glared at the three changelings before he said “They may be a pair of mischievous brats.  But compared to you three, they’re not the kind of monsters that the Stallion News Network painted them out to be.  And the fact that you had the gall to attack them goes too far.”
“So now the apple farmer’s lost his touch,” Quickstrike said with a laugh.  “Ain’t that a kick in the cactus.”
“Much funnier to see pony bug feel what Waspinator felt,” Waspinator said.  “And that makes Waspinator happy.”
Princess Cadance walked in front of the younglings and pointed her horn at the three Predacons.
“This is your last warning,” Princess Cadance said as her horn glowed.  “Leave us or I will use lethal force.”
“That is what you think,” Inferno said.  He turned to his brothers and said “Quickstrike, Waspinator.  It’s time to TERRORIZE!”
Quickstrike and Waspinator cheered as they and Inferno lined up and glowed.
“Quickstrike, TERRORIZE!” Quickstrike yelled.
“Waspinator, TERRORIZE!” Waspinator yelled.
“Inferno, TERRORIZE!” Inferno yelled.
With a flash of light, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator transformed into bipedal, robot-like variations of themselves.  Everyone shrieked at what they saw, observing the new forms of the Predacon brothers.
“Oh no,” Fluttershy said.  “They’ve assumed the form of the Beast Wars toys.”
“Beast Wars toys?” Danged Spell asked.
“It’s a long story,” Fluttershy said.  “But why did it have to also be Waspinator?”
Inferno pulled out a huge blaster from his side hip and pointed it at Princess Cadance, who stood firm at the presence of the transformed changeling.
“This is what I think of your warning, Princess,” Inferno said.  “FOR THE GLORY OF THE ROYALTY!”
Inferno fired a blast of magic from the blaster, sending it flying towards Princess Cadance.
“So be it,” Princess Cadance said as she fired a blast of magic right at Inferno’s fire blast, neutralizing it completely.  Inferno stood there, laughing out loud.
“Fool,” Inferno said.  “You fell for the oldest trick in the book.”
Princess Cadance lit her horn up again and said “What do you mean by that?”
Suddenly, Princess Cadance was hit by a green magic blast, knocking her to the ground.  Her body unleashed a green aura around her as she ached in pain.
“Wha….” Princess Cadance groaned.  “What is this?”
Quickstrike leaped off the building and pointed his snake arm right at Princess Cadance.  Shining Armor ran up to Princess Cadance, only to back off when Quickstrike pointed his snake arm at the stallion.
“Do you know what this is, Tin Horns?” Quickstrike said in glee.  “This is a special changeling poison that I applied to your girlfriend.  Oh she’s not seriously sick.  She’s just unable to move.  Don’t worry, it will clear up.  But she’ll remain helpless as a rabbit in a bear trap.  And the same will happen to you if you even think about pouncing on me.”
 Shining Armor stood there as the anger on his face turned into fear.  He looked down at Princess Cadance, who struggled to move even her arms as she ached in pain.  Shining looked back at Quickstrike, who continued to point his snake arm at the unicorn.
“You’re a sick snake, you know that,” Shining Armor said.
“Awww, you’re trying to flatter me,” Quickstrike replied in a mocking tone.  “But it won’t matter.  We’ve outpowered you polecats and there’s nothing you can do about it.  Now hand over that man’s cub of a Princess, the one known as Twilight Sparkle and their little dragon friend as a bonus prize.”
“You’re not taking my sister,” Shining Armor said in a cold tone as his horn lit up, only for Quickstrike to grab it with his snake arm.
“Ahh ahh ahh,” Quickstrike said as he held onto Shining Armor’s horn.  “You’re not gonna pull off any big hero moments.”
Shining Armor stared down Quickstrike, who gloated at the unicorn’s unfortunate position.   But as Quickstrike began to charge up his snake arm, Danged Spell jumped out of nowhere and bit right into the cobra-like arm, causing Quickstrike to lose his grip on Shining Armor’s horn and scream in pain.
“LET GO OF ME YOU MANGY MUTT!” Quickstrike yelled.
But Danged Spell held on as tight as possible, growling loudly as Quickstrike tried to shake him off.  Inferno jumped down from the wall and proceeded to grab onto Danged Spell in an attempt to pull him off.
“You dare to sink your teeth into my fellow Predacon brother?” Inferno said as he pulled as hard as he could.   “Just for that, you will meet your doom.”
But as Inferno was tugging onto Danged Spell as hard as he could, Moondancer fired a blast of magic in his face, catching the attention of the now transformed Predacon Changeling.  Inferno turned towards Moondancer, who lit her horn up towards the towering pseudo transformer.
“So you dare to confront the mighty and invincible Inferno?” Inferno said as he approached Moondancer.
“You have a lot of nerve to attack us on our pool day, cause grave harm to us and to steal my catchphrase,” Trixie said as she walked up next to Moondancer.
“Trixie no,” Moondancer said.  “I don’t want you to get hurt.”
“Sorry,” Trixie said.  “But no changeling hurts my friends and gets away with it.”
Trixie stood by Moondancer, charging up her horn.  She kept her focus on Inferno, who continued to march towards the two fillies.
“So a pair of younglings wishes to burn,” Inferno said as he pulled out his blaster and pointed it at the duo.  “Then so be it.”
But before Inferno could pull the trigger, Hoops slammed right into his face at top speed before slamming him onto the concrete floor.  He glared down at the Changeling-turned-Transformer.
“THAT’S FOR WHAT YOU DID TO MY BROTHER!” Hoops yelled.
“Your brother?” Inferno laughed.  “You silly pony.  The only purpose of fodder like him is to suffer in the name of our Royalty.”
Hoops grit his teeth before opening his mouth and biting right into Inferno’s arm, causing the changeling-turned-transformer to yell really loud before transforming back into his changeling form.  Hoops glared down Inferno, who just looked at him with a smirk on his face.
“You’re going to do me a favor, monster,” Hoops said.  “You’re going to take your brothers, get lost and never see any of us again.”
“Oh I beg to differ,” Inferno said.  “Take a look behind you.”
Hoops turned around to see Waspinator holding up Dumbbell and Ditzy Doo.  Both the colt and the filly were scared completely as Waspinator held them up.
“Waspinator caught younglings while stubborn pony bug fought big brother,” Waspinator said. 
“Run, brother,” Dumbbell yelled.  “Forget about me.”
Ditzy was scared half-to-death as Waspinator held her and Dumbbell close.  She couldn’t even open her mouth.
“Dumbbell, no,” Hoops said as Inferno blasted him off, sending the youngling tumbling close towards Waspinator, who held him down with his cybernetic foot.
As Danged Spell held onto Quickstrike’s arm, his attention turned towards Waspinator, who held Dumbbell and Ditzy with his arms and pinned down Hoops with his foot.  
“This is what you get for not paying attention,” Quickstrike said as he shook Danged Spell off his arm.  The young unicorn colt fell and tumbled on the ground, yelping in pain.
Shining Armor attempted to run up to Waspinator, only for the shapeshifted changeling to point a blaster at the head of Dumbbell while holding Ditzy close.
“Stay back,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator commands you to stay back.”
Shining Armor came to a stop and said “Okay okay.  Don’t hurt them.”
“Now Waspinator commands you to go near the downed alicorn bug,” Waspinator said as he pointed his blaster at Shining Armor.
Dejected, Shining Armor walked up to the injured Princess Cadance, who was still glowing green from Quickstrike’s poison.
“How did these guys get so serious?” Shining Armor said in disgust.
“I don’t know,” Princess Cadance said.  “But the one thing I do know is that we’re in big trouble now.”
Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Twilight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer, Trixie, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Cozy Glow, Wanda, Abigail and Spike all gathered around Shining Armor and Princess Cadance, all while Bright Mac held onto a weak Score with Buttercup by his side.  Inferno transformed back into his robotic counterpart and walked along with Quickstrike up to Waspinator.  The younglings all glared at the Predacons with Danged Spell growling at them.
“What do you want?” Sunset Shimmer snapped.  
“Oh it’s easy,” Inferno said.  “Surrender to us the Man’s Cub, the one known as Twilight Sparkle and the baby dragon, and we will let them go.”
“What?” Wanda yelled.  “You want me to?”
“That’s right, sugar bug,” Quickstrike said.  “It’s time you and little Twilight over there to come with us, along with that baby dragon of yours.  We’re about to make you three bonafide changelings.”
“I will never go with you,” Twilight said.  “Your queen is a vicious monster, and I will not reduce myself to being her servant just out of an act of revenge.”
“You have no other choice, Twilight Sparkle,” Inferno said.
As Waspinator held his blaster to Dumbbell, Score struggled to reach out to his brother while Bright Mac held him back.
“Don’t do it,” Bright Mac said. “It’s not worth it.”
“But it’s my brothers who are in trouble,” Score yelled.
“You don’t want to make this worse than it has to be,” Bright Mac said as his voice started to sound sad.
Quickstrike turned towards Bright Mac, Buttercup and Score, then grinned a bit as he walked up to the three and pointed his snake arm at the three ponies near the lounge area.
“This is your last warning, tenderfoots,” Quickstrike said.  “Either you surrender Twilight, the Dragon and the Man’s Cub, or you’re going to have yourselves a rodeo of a funeral.”
“MA! PA!” Applejack yelled as Rarity held her in place.
“Applejack, don’t be reckless,” Rarity said.  “You don’t want the same to happen to you.”
“I know,” Applejack said.  “But I don’t wanna see my folks die.”
“This is just unfair,” Rainbow Dash said.  “These three decide to transform into their Beast Wars toy counterparts and kick our butts.  Even Hoops, Dumbbell and Score don’t deserve this.”
Fluttershy marched out of the group and yelled to Waspinator “Why?  Why take the side of Queen Chrysalis?”
“Because when Queen Chrysalis is happy,” Waspinator said.  “Then Waspinator is happy too.”
Shining Armor turned his attention towards Princess Cadance, who still looked a bit woozy from Quickstrike’s poison.  Wanda looked down and reached out towards her older sister.
“No, stop,” Shining Armor said, causing Wanda to freeze in place.  “It’s not worth getting poisoned over.”
“But big sister is hurt,” Wanda cried.  “I want her to be better.”
“I don’t know what to say,” Shining Armor said.  “We’ve beaten huge swarms of changelings before, only to be outclassed by the Predacon Brothers.”
“So what can we do?” Wanda asked.
But before Shining Armor could respond, he overheard what sounded like Sunset groaning in pain.  Shining and Wanda turned towards Sunset Shimmer, who held her head down with what appeared to be dark mists floating out of her eyes.
“Sunset?” Wanda said.  “What’s going on?”
“Demon?” Abigail said in a scared tone.
“Help….me,” Sunset said.  “Pain….too….great.”
The tone of Sunset’s voice caused Princess Cadance’s ear to twitch.  She barely moved her head as she saw Sunset wincing in agony.
“Oh no,” Princess Cadance said.  “Just when things have gotten horrible, they’re about to get worse.”



	To Be Continued in…


	Equestrians Maximize

> Arc 8-3: Equestrians Maximize
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Equestrians Maximize



Sunset Shimmer continued to wince in pain as most of the younglings, Spike, Abigail, Shining Armor and a weakened Princess Cadance gathered around her helplessly.  Inferno observed the whole scene with curiosity.  Quickstrike kept Score, Buttercup and an injured Bright Mac on one of the lounge chairs with his snake arm pointed right at them.  Waspinator held Dumbbell and Ditzy with his left arm while holding down Hoops with his foot.
“Hey big bro,” Quickstrike said, observing Sunset Shimmer’s pain.  “What do you think is going on with that pony?”
“I have no idea,” Inferno said.  “But now I believe she may be useful to our queen.”
Inferno marched up to the youngling group, who ignored the predacon’s presence and focused completely on Sunset’s pain.  Princess Cadance barely lifted her head and turned towards the Predacon.
“You…have a lot…of nerves…to attack us….like this,” Princess Cadance said, staring down Inferno.
“I have decided to change the offer, Princess,” Inferno said.  “In addition to the Man’s Cub, the one known as Twilight Sparkle AND the baby dragon, we also demand the sun filly.
“You’re….not getting…Sunset,” Princess Cadance said as she struggled to pick herself up.  “Nor…will you take….Wanda….Twilight….and Spike.”
“You’re in no condition to negotiate,” Quickstrike said as he continued to point his Snake Arm at Bright Mac, Buttercup and Score.  “We have ya pinned down like a cougar atop his prey.  Now surrender dem young’uns or never see your precious loved ones again.”
As Princess Cadance attempted to pick herself up, Wanda and Twilight held her by the front hooves and slowly began to pick her up.
“How are you feeling?” Wanda asked.
“A bit better,” Cadence replied.  “But it pales in comparison to what Sunset is going through.  I recommend you all get clear, right now.”
Wanda and Twilight turned to Sunset Shimmer, who was starting to surround herself with dark energy.   The other younglings began to back off as Sunset began to shapeshift.
“Everyone get back,” Shining Armor yelled.  “She’s going to lose it.”
But just as the younglings were about to turn tail, Inferno pointed his blaster at them, causing all of them to pause instantly.  Inferno proceeded to march towards the younglings, making them back up into a crazed Sunset Shimmer.
“You don’t know what you’re doing,” Shining Armor said.  “There is something wrong with Sunset Shimmer and…”
“SILENCE!” Inferno yelled, scaring the younglings in front.  “I will hear no excuses.  Now march back and allow those that I have described to march forward to their surrender.”
“Excuse me,” Pinkie Pie said.  “There is something wrong with Sunset Shimmer, and unless you are looking for a plot-kicking, you better run.”
“Oh we won’t run like a skunk with its tail tucked between its legs,” Quickstrike said.  “We;re the Predacon brothers and we’ll do whatever we want.”
“Waspinator’s afraid of nothing,” Waspinator yelled as he continued to hold Ditzy and Dumbbell with his arm and kept Hoops pinned down.  “Waspinator bravest of changelings.  Waspinator best Predacon of all time.”
Wanda looked at Sunset Shimmer, who was starting to change into her demon form. Her face went blue as Sunset’s fur became dark red once more.
“In that case,” Wanda said as she turned to the Predacons.  “Don’t say we didn’t warn you.”
Immediately, the younglings all scattered around the pool area as Sunset Shimmer’s transformation into her demon form was complete.  It stared down Inferno, who just looked up at the now demonic filly
“You think a transformation of your own will stop us?” Inferno said.  “Ridiculous.  Nothing will…”
But Inferno was interrupted by Demon Sunset, who fired off a blast of magic right in his face, sending him flying out of the pool vicinity.  Quickstrike and Waspinator stood there, terrified at the mere sight of Demon Sunset, all while =Buttercup and Score stepped away from the Predacon with Bright Mac dragging himself from behind.  Nearby, Waspinator stood in fear as his grip around Dumbbell and Ditzy began to weaken.
“Uhh, nice pony,” Quickstrike said in a scared tone.  “I taste horrible, you know.”
Demon Sunset roared loudly at Quickstrike, who yelled in complete fear.  Demon Sunset then followed by grabbing Quickstrike with her teeth and shaking him around before tossing him aside, sending the scorpion/cobra fuzor Predacon changeling flying into the nearby wall before he fell down.
“Oww,” Quickstrike groaned in pain.  “I saw that coming.”
Demon Sunset turned to Waspinator, who proceeded to let go of Dumbbell and Ditzy and lift his foot off of Hoops.  As the three pegasi made a run for it, Demon Sunset approached Waspinator.
“Waspinator not like new Sun Bug,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator better make a run for it.”
Immediately, Waspinator turned tail and made a run for it with Demon Sunset pursuing him from behind.  Waspinator looked behind him and freaked out as Demon Sunset began to approach the Predacon.  Immediately, Waspinator flapped his wings and began to fly.
“Must get away,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator not wanna be food for Sun Bug.”
Demon Sunset came to a stop as she bent down before leaping upward and falling towards Waspinator.  By the time Waspinator looked up, Demon Sunset slammed right on top of the Predacon, pinning him down.
“GET OFF WASPINATOR,” Waspinator said in fear.  “Waspinator don’t wanna be chow.”
Nearby, Bright Mac and Buttercup ran up to the door leading into the castle with Hoops, Dumbbell, Score and Ditzy following from behind.  But just as Bright Mac opened the door, he saw Majordomo Kibitz standing in front of them, holding a metal platter with a vial filled with a pink liquid.
“I see something must be the matter,” Majordomo Kibitz said.  “Does it involve both Princess Cadance and Princess Sunset?”
“I’m afraid it does,” Bright Mac said as he pointed towards Demon Sunset before directing his hoof towards a weakened Princess Cadance with Shining Armor next to him.
“No worries,” Kibitz said.  “I know just what to do.”
Kibitz ran past the group and ran up towards Princess Cadance and Shining Armor, who looked at the Majordomo with a smile on their faces.
“I was…wondering…when you’d….show up,” Princess Cadance said with a smile on her face.
“Here,” Majordomo Kibitz said as he picked up the vial with his hoof and presented it to Princess Cadance.  “I heard one of those hooligans was using a kind of changeling poison based off the cobra snake.”
“And you found the solution,” Shining Armor said as he lifted the vial out of Kibitz’s hooves.
“It has to be taken orally,” Kibitz explained.
“No problem there,” Shining Armor said with a smirk.
Princess Cadance opened her mouth as Shining Armor fed her the vial of the pink liquid.  Immediately, the green aura surrounding her disappeared and she breathed a sigh of relief before picking herself up.
“Thanks, Kibitz,” Princess Cadance said.  “Now to fix up Sunset Shimmer.”
“Are you sure about that?” Shining Armor asked.
“Of course,” Princess Cadance said.  “Mother had to teach me this spell in case Sunset became a demon again.”
Princess Cadance walked up to Demon Sunset shimmer, who was pounding on Waspinator by the back, causing the changeling-turned-transformer to yelp in pain.  The Alicorn Teen ignited her horn and placed it on Demon Sunset’s head, causing the demonic filly to pause.
“Do not worry, dear sister,” Princess Cadance said.  “Like how mother calmed you down, I can do so as well.”
With a pulse of her magic, Demon Sunset shrunk down and her colors changed to the point where she became Sunset Shimmer once more.  Now a filly, Sunset shook her head and looked down at Waspinator.
“Sun Bug not a demon anymore?” Waspinator said.  “What a relief for Waspinator.”
Sunset Shimmer smiled before she said “That’s what you think, bucko.”
Sunset jumped off of Waspinator before lifting him in the air with his magic.  She swung the Predacon around in the air, causing him to revert back into a changeling as he yelled in fear.
“LET GO OF WASPINATOR,” Waspinator yelled.  “WASPINATOR NOT WANT TO GET SICK!”
“Then let me make you BETTER!” Sunset yelled.
Immediately, Sunset Shimmer flung Waspinator, sending him flying helplessly towards the wall near Quickstrike.  But before Waspinator could hit the wall, Score flew out of nowhere and rammed right into Waspinator, sending him flying into the distance.
“That was for your brother’s attempt at drowning me,” Score said as he rubbed his nose.
As Waspinator fell down into the city limits, the other Younglings looked up and began to gather back towards Sunset Shimmer and Princess Cadance, with Buttercup, Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Ditzy Doo Shining Armor, and Majordomo Kibitz joining in.  Bright Mac walked from behind Buttercup while balancing his broken leg in the air before resting it on a cushion.  Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, especially Ditzy and Applejack.
“I still can’t believe those changelings would waltz in here and cause this much chaos,” Rarity said.  
“Yeah,” Rainbow Dash said.  “The nerve of those bullies.  And I didn’t even get a chance to smash those bug-brained killjoys.”
Applejack ran past Rainbow Dash and ran up to Bright Mac and Buttercup before leaping into her father’s arms.  Buttercup joined with Bright Mac in snuggling their apple daughter
“Mom, Dad,” Applejack said, embracing her parents.  “I thought you both were a goner to those mean-ol Preds.”
“Don’t you worry about us,” Bright Mac said.  “It will take a lot more than that to do us in.  That I can assure you.”
“Not even a broken leg?” Applejack asked.
“Not even a broken leg,” Buttercup said before she, Applejack and Bright Mac burst into laughter.
Nearby, as Sunset Shimmer wiped the sweat off her forehead, Wanda, Abigail, Spike and Cozy Glow ran up to the sun filly and gave her a big hug.
“Guess you guys were afraid I would remain a demon again,” Sunset said. 
“Yeah,” Wanda cried.  “I still worry for you, sis.  Especially after what happened at the School for Gifted Unicorns.”
“And I heard all about it,” Cozy Glow said as she cried on Sunset’s back.  “I don’t want you to become a she-demon for the rest of your life.”
“Don’t worry,” Sunset said.  “As long as the other alicorns are present, nothing bad is going to happen to me.”
But Wanda and Cozy Glow continued to cry on Sunset Shimmer.  Sunset just looked at them both before reaching out and hugging her own human sister and the daughter of Creme Dream.
“Maybe I should teach you both how to break me free from my cursed form,” Sunset said.
Danged Spell immediately walked up to Wanda, Sunset and Cozy Glow.  He rubbed his hoof on Sunset’s side, whimpering like a dog.  Sunset, Wanda and Cozy Glow looked down at Danged Spell, who looked at the three with puppy dog eyes.
“Sorry Spell,” Sunset said.  “But I don’t know anything to get you back to normal.”
“But I do,” Princess Cadance said as she ran up to Danged Spell and placed her horn on his head.  A white light emitted from her horn before it disappeared, causing Danged Spell to jump and cheer.
“Well it’s about time,” Danged Spell said.  “I think I need to scale back on forcing myself into my Wolf’s Breath curse.”
“You sure did,” Wanda said.  “Maybe you should take it easy, Spell.”
“Easy for you to say,” Danged Spell said with a laugh.
“DANGED SPELL!” The younglings yelled before erupting into laughter.
Suddenly, they heard the sound of Quickstrike groaning in pain.  The younglings turned to the wall where Quickstrike, now a changeling once more, slowly got himself up and shook his head.
“Now I know what it's like to be chewing gum,” Quickstrike said to himself.  “And that’s an experience I don’t wanna feel again.”
Immediately, Rainbow Dash flew out from the group and grabbed Quickstrike’s tail with her teeth, causing the changeling to scream.  Rainbow Dash spun the Predacon around and around as fast as possible.
“This isn’t funny you iggit,” Quickstrike yelled.  “Let me go.”
Rainbow Dash’s frown turned into a grin before she released her hold on Quickstrike, sending him flying out of the wall before falling into the Canterlot City Limits with a loud thud.
“And stay out you slimy snakes,” Rainbow Dash yelled.  “That’s for ruining the Grand Gallopin Gala and our little pool party.”
As Rainbow Dash let out a loud snort from his nostrils, Ditzy Doo ran up to Rainbow Dash and gave her a big hug.
“Thanks for driving that bad changeling out,” Ditzy Doo said.
Rainbow Dash laughed before she said “You’re welcome, Ditz.”
But Rainbow Dash immediately turned towards Hoops, Dumbbell and Score, who nodded to the rainbow filly before turning tail and walking away. Rainbow tapped Ditzy and pointed towards the three.
“Excuse me,” Rainbow Dash said.  “There’s something I have to take care of.”
Ditzy Doo released her grip on Rainbow Dash before the rainbow-maned filly ran up to Hoops, Dumbbell and Score.  Right behind her, Ditzy ran up with Bright Mac and Buttercup right behind her.
“Hey wait,” Rainbow Dash said, causing the three colt pegasi to come to a stop.
“I’m surprised that you want our attention,” Hoops said.  “Which makes me wonder why you would want the attention of three irredeemable bullies like us?”
“You claim to be irredeemable and while you may have a point, considering that you tried to take Spike,” Rainbow Dash said.  “You wound up being decent compared to those three Predacon changelings.”
“No need for any thanks,” Hoops said.  “I had to lash out after they nearly drowned our baby brother.”
“But it also showed that you aren’t the irredeemable monster that you three claim to be,” Bright Mac said, limping on one leg.  “Even if you do have behavior issues and you act like bullies, you’re far better than you claim to be.  Which is ironic since a few days before Wanda’s birthday, I had to chase you three down for abandoning your punishment.”
“Though it does make us wonder what really happened to your parents,” Buttercup said.  “You claimed to have killed your own folks.  But the look on your faces says otherwise.”
The three boys let out a sigh as Hoops said “What you say is true.  We don’t even know what happened to our parents.  Still doesn’t excuse what we do.”
“Then I think it’s time you saw things our way a bit more,” Shining Armor said as he and Princess Cadance walked up to the boy trio.  “When Wanda chose to make you celebrate her birthday, it was to teach you three what you were missing in your life instead of going down this path of cynicism and nihilism.”
“Missing?” Score said.
“That’s right,” Princess Cadance said.  “It was to show you what was missing in your heart and to at least convince you that this way is better.  In fact, after what Score went through, I’d say you three should consider it for your health.”
The three colts immediately huddled to each other and spoke together.  Their voices were low to the point where one could barely make out what they were saying.  Immediately, they turned back to the group.
“We’ll consider it,” Hoops said.  “Though we may believe that we’re getting soft, we’re willing to take you up on your offer…for now.”
“Great,” Princess Cadance said as the younglings began to cheer.
Suddenly, a water balloon hit Hoops right in the face, drenching him completely.  He turned to see Applejack holding another water balloon.
“Lemme guess,” Hoops said with a smile.  “Payback for hitting you with water balloons?”
“Exactly,” Applejack said. 
And just as Applejack finished speaking, she got hit by a water balloon, drenching her completely.  Applejack turned to her right and saw Fluttershy also holding a water balloon.
“Fluttershy, you too?” Applejack said.
“Had to,” Fluttershy said.  “After what those big meanies did, even Waspinator, I’d figure I'd do something to help keep my mind off of that.”
Applejack held her water balloon back before she yelled “Oh it is on.”  She threw the water balloon right at Fluttershy, only for the yellow pegasi filly to duck, causing the balloon to fly over her and smack Rarity right in the face.  The gorgeous filly screamed in terror as she was drenched in water before turning towards Applejack, who looked like she was on the verge of freaking out.
“That does it,” Rarity snarled.  “You wanna make me look like a wet dog, WELL HERE’S A TASTE OF YOUR OWN MEDICINE.”
Immediately, Rarity grabbed a nearby water balloon and threw it right at Applejack, soaking her once more and leaving Rarity with a smirk on her face.   But just before Applejack could grab another water balloon, she was hit by a stray water balloon, soaking her once more.  
“WATER BALLOON FIGHT!” Moondancer yelled as nearly every youngling started chucking water balloons at each other.
“You know what,” Trixie said as she held a water balloon.  “The fact that those three decided on a water balloon fight says a whole lot.  So says I, the Great and Powerful Trixie.”
Immediately, Trixie flung a water balloon in one direction before getting hit by another one from behind.  Despite falling down on her face with her mane completely wet, Trixie laughed it up.
But nearby, Wanda, Sunset, Abigail and Spike dove right into the pool and emerged.  They swam up to the edge and held their heads low as they watched everyone fling water balloons at each other, which included Bright Mac despite having a bad leg.
“Isn’t it great to see everyone in high spirits?” Wanda said.
“Yeah,” Sunset said.  “Even those three.”
“Well compared to the Predacon Changelings, they’re not so bad,” Wanda said.  “Even if they did pull some nasty pranks on us.”
“Maybe there is hope for the three of them,” Sunset replied.
Suddenly, Pinkie Pie slid away from the crowd of water balloon slingers and stopped near Wanda and Sunset.
“Pinkie,” Wanda said.  “Are you alright?”
“Oh I’m fine,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Just enjoying some water balloon fights.”
Wanda giggled before she said “That Pinkie.  Always known to have fun with her parties, even ones that are wet and wild.”
Immediately, they spot Sunburst, who was sneaking away from the rest of the group as if he was trying to avoid the water balloons.
“Hey Sunburst,” Sunset said as she waved to the sun colt.  “Over here if you’re afraid.”
“No thanks,” Sunburst said as he snuck off.  “I’ll just hide in a corner and wait it out.”
Wanda, Sunset, Abigail, Spike and Pinkie Pie just watched as Sunburst ran into the castle through the back door.  The group just giggled to themselves.
“Guess not everyone can enjoy the water,” Wanda said.
“You said it,” Sunset replied.
“That being said,” Wanda said.  “Considering that the changelings chose to attack us, I’m worried about what would happen if mommy found out.”
“Yeah,” Sunset replied.  “Everyone was suffering because of those three Predacons.  In fact, we’re lucky that an entire hive didn’t just come up and nabbed us all.”
Immediately, Princess Cadance emerged from the crowd with Starlight Glimmer and Majordomo Kibitz at her side.  She had pulled her phone from her ear and approached her two sisters along with Pinkie Pie, Abigail and Spike.
“I just got a word from Princess Celestia,” Princess Cadance explained.  “During the meeting at Manehattan, Coldnelius Snap and the Windigo’s Guild decided to attack everyone with the intent of ransoming everyone for your capture.”
“Are you kidding me?” Wanda said.
“She’s right,” Starlight said.  “First those three attacked us while we were having a good time, and now those big mean windigos decided to give us a hard time.”
“So it looks like they won’t be coming back for quite a white,” Princess Cadance explained.  “Until then, I’ll be glad to look after you all for a while longer”
Sunset Shimmer placed her hoof on her face and said “Of course.  Evil never takes a rest.”
“I know, Sunset,” Wanda said.  “I know.”
Pinkie Pie took alook around at the group of younglings throwing water balloons at each other.  But something felt off for her.
“Hey guys,” Pinkie Pie said.  “What happened to Cozy Glow?”
“I dunno,” Wanda replied.
Abigail and Spike looked at each other and held their hands up in confusion.

Meanwhile, in the outskirts of town, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator hid in one of the alleyways, watching as the royal guard were searching all around for them.
“Blast those ponies,” Inferno said.  “One day, we will capture the Man’s Cub and the Princess, and we will please Queen Chrysalis.”
“Oh I’ve got a score to settle with those brats,” Quickstrike said as he slammed his fists together.  “Nobody makes a monkey out of Quickstrike and gets away with it.”
“Waspinator not like filly bugs,” Waspinator said.  “But Waspinator loathes colt bugs the most.”
“You’re right, brother,” Inferno said. “One day, we will get our revenge on those three juvenile delinquents.  And one day, we will prove to Equestria that we are a force to be reckoned with.”
But as Inferno stood tall and proud, his ears caught the sound of a dog growling, along with Quickstrike and Waspinator cowering in fear.  Inferno turned around to see the Alicorn Bulldog growl at the changeling.
“You dare to besmirch the changelings with your presence?” Inferno said.  “We do not fear lesser creatures like you.  Now be gone, or burn.”
The Alicorn Bulldog was undeterred.  It barked loudly and wildly, causing Inferno to cower a bit.
“You know what,” Inferno said.  “Forget what I said.  I think we better be running.
And with that, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator flew out of the city and into the skies of Canterlot.  But nearby, Cozy Glow watched as the dog chased after the Predacons.
“Who knew luring that mutt towards those party crashers was a good idea,” Cozy Glow said.  “At least I know my mother is already in Manehattan, attending that diplomatic meeting with the yaks.  So it didn’t hurt to get out just this once.”
With that, Cozy Glow laughed as she flew back towards the castle as the sun began to set in the west.


	To Be Continued in…


	Arc 09: Amending Fences


	Return to the Abandoned Orphanage

> Arc 9(Amending Fences)-1: Return to the Abandoned Orphanage
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Arc 09: Amending Fences


Return to the Abandoned Orphanage



It was a beautiful day in Canterlot.  As the ponies of the city mingled with each other, the bell at the School for Gifted Unicorns went off, with Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Spike the Dragon, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell emerging from the entrance of the school.  Everyone felt excited today, as if they were ready to take on the world.
“What a beautiful day,” Wanda said as Abigail jumped onto the back of her right shoulder.  “And what a day to have fun.”
“As someone who enjoys studying,” Sunburst said  “ I’ve never felt this ecstatic on leaving the school just to enjoy the afternoon.”
“Consider the fact that we haven’t been assigned homework,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “I’d say that’s saying a lot.  But I still wish I did have homework.”
“Come on, Twilight,” Sunset said.  “It’s time not to obsess over overworking.”
“Yeah,” Danged Spell said.  “You don’t really want to burn yourself out over all that homework, Egghead.”
“I know what you mean by that,” Twilight said.  “But sometimes I like having homework for one reason: To keep my mind occupied and challenged, and because it’s fun.”
“I’m afraid they’re right,” Moondancer said.  “The last thing we need is for you to depart Canterlot for some town in the middle of nowhere just to do an assignment on friendship, and leave all of us behind.”
“Oh come on, Moondancer,” Twilight said.  “Me?  Depart to a town for an assignment on friendship?  Now that’s overkill.”
“I thought you enjoyed doing homework,” Danged Spell said with a smirk on his face.
“I do,” Twilight said.  “But not to the point where you guys are not with me.”
“Yeah Spell,” Starlight said before giving Danged Spell a hoof noogie.  “Even Princess Celestia isn’t willing to do something like that.”
Danged Spell looked at Starlight and blushed with embarrassment.
“Now come on guys,” Danged Spell said.  “I was only kidding.”
“Only kidding, huh?” Sunset said, staring down Danged Spell with a smirk on her face.
“Guys,” Danged Spell said with a nervous tone.  “This isn’t funny.”
As Sunset, Starlight and Wanda giggled a bit, Twilight Sparkle turned to her right and saw Twilight Velvet walking down the street.  She immediately tapped Sunset on the shoulder, catching her attention.
“Hey guys,” Twilight said.  “Isn’t that mom?  I thought she was going to greet me at home.”
“That’s very unusual for her,” Sunset Shimmer said. “From what you described to me, she’s usually a stay-at-home kind of mare.”
“Maybe mommy knows why she’s out and about,” Wanda said.
Twilight just laughed and said “I don’t think Princess Celestia would be able to answer that, Wanda.”
“Still,” Sunburst said.  “You might want to catch up and talk with her.”
Twilight nodded.  She whistled to Spike, who ran up and hopped onto the filly’s back before she took off after Twilight Velvet.  The rest of the younglings watched on with Abigail reaching out to Spike and letting out a sad meow.
“Don’t you worry, Abby,” Wanda said, rubbing Abigail on the back of her head.  “He’ll be back once this is settled.”
“Still,” Sunset said.  “It wouldn’t be right just to let them go by themselves.  We should follow along.”
“Right,” Wanda said.  “Let’s go.”
With that, Wanda, Sunset, Abigail, Starlight, Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell slowly followed Twilight Sparkle from behind.

Up ahead, Twilight Sparkle ran up to Twilight Velvet with Spike riding on her back.  While Twilight Sparkle looked content with seeing her mother, Twilight Velvet looked a bit preoccupied.
“Mom,” Twilight Sparkle said, catching the attention of Twilight Velvet. “I didn’t expect you to be out here today.”
“Twilight,” Twilight Velvet replied.  “I’m sorry I had to depart the house on such short notice.  But there is something I need to take care of.”
“Take care of?” Twilight Sparkle said in a curious tone.  “What do you mean by that?”
“Have you ever heard about the abandoned orphanage in Canterlot?” Twilight Velvet asked.
Twilight thought for a second before she said “Oh yeah.  That was where Sunset Shimmer came from.”  She frowned for a bit before she said “But she still blames herself for what happened to the place.”
“Why’s that?” Twilight Velvet asked as she and Twilight Sparkle walked down the street.
Twilight Sparkle took a deep breath and said “Sunset believed that she was the one who destroyed the orphanage unintentionally, by becoming this big she-demon out of her own control.  And I know what you’re going to say: That’s ridiculous.  But Princess Celestia was also aware of this, and I have seen it with my own eyes.”
“Oh dear,” Twilight Velvet said   “Princess Celestia told me that Sunset Shimmer was that demon.  But I never truly expected her to become something like that.”
“Unfortunately, it’s true,” Twilight Sparkle said as Spike looked on from her back.  “And ever since then, Princess Celestia has looked after Sunset Shimmer to make sure she doesn’t end up like that again.”
Twilight Velvet breathed a sigh of relief and said “Well thank goodness.  With a mother like Princess Celestia, Sunset Shimmer will be alright.  But I do have some concerns for her well-being.”
“Why’s that?” Twilight Sparkle asked.
“Because she used to have friends back at the abandoned orphanage,” Twilight Velvet said.  “Three earth pony fillies who used to call her friend, but they had a falling out.  Their names are Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk.  Furthermore, they were once part of an orphanage.”
“Wow,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “I didn’t know that Sunset Shimmer had friends before meeting Wanda Young.”
“Well the reason why I know about this is thanks to Princess Celestia,” Twilight Velvet said.  “She told me about the plight of these fillies and the fact that one of them is unwilling to leave the ruins of the orphanage.  Mentioned something about breaking up their friendship with Sunset and how it’s hurt her since.”
Twilight Sparkle’s face turned into a frown as she shifted her eyes to the ground.  Her ears flopped down as she turned her face downward.
“Wow,” Twilight said in a subtle tone.  “I wonder what happened that had Sunset and the trio break apart as friends.”
“It’s more of a feeling of betrayal than what you stated about Sunset,” Twilight Velvet said.  “Sunset made a promise that she would be close friends with the trio, especially Adagio Dazzle.  But after Sunset Shimmer was adopted by Princess Celestia and took up some new friends like you,  Adagio Dazzle felt betrayed by Sunset’s new life, and chose to break their friendship up.”
Twilight looked up at her mother and said “I wish I could meet them, and convince them that we can all be friends.”
“Then let us head towards that orphanage and help amend broken hearts,” Twilight Velvet said.  “Besides, I’m not the only one who’s needed to help out the trio.”
With that, Twilight Velvet and Twilight Sparkle walked down the street with Spike riding on the little Twilight’s back, and the rest of the group following the duo from behind without any notice.

Meanwhile, outside the gates of the abandoned orphanage, Twilight Sparkle, Twilight Velvet and Spike looked in between the bars.  The ruins of the orphanage looked in horrible shape, with cracks forming along the walls and vines steeping upwards.  Some of the glass windows were shattered open, piercing light into the hallowed halls.  The upper left part of the mansion was torn off as if a monster emerged from the place.
“I still can’t believe Sunset Shimmer came from this orphanage,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “Why didn’t she tell me more about this place?”
“I believe she felt uncomfortable about what she claimed she did,” Twilight Velvet said.  “But it wasn’t her fault.  In my mind, it felt more like a misunderstanding.”
“Like a form of guilt?” Twilight Sparkle asked.
“Yes,” Twilight Velvet said as she eyed the opened door of the gate.  “Now come.  It’s time we met her former friends in person.”
Twilight Sparkle nodded as she followed Twilight Velvet through the gate with Spike riding atop the little filly.  Once through, the duo ran towards the mansion with Spike holding on.
But nearby, Wanda, Sunset, Abigail, Starlight, Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell approached the gate of the orphanage.   Sunset looked through as she saw the ruins of the very mansion that she once lived in and let out a big sigh.
“Never thought we’d be seeing this place again,” Wanda said, looking at the ruined mansion.
“So this is where Sunset Shimmer came from?” Starlight said as she observed the remains of the mansion.
“Exactly where she came from.”  Those words caused some confusion from Starlight, Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell, all while Sunset just stared at the mansion.  Wanda and Abigail turned to their right, where Princess Celestia and Princess Luna approached the group.
“Mommy?” Wanda said.  “I’m surprised that you and Aunt Woona are here.”
“Well I had a feeling that you both would be coming down to this place again,” Princess Celestia said.  “And not to mention the assignment I gave to Twilight Velvet.”
“Wait a minute,” Sunburst said.  “Assignment?  What assignment?”
Princess Luna approached the younglings and said “Not that long ago, sometime after Wanda got her cutie mark, she had her necklace stolen by an earth pony filly, who took it to this building.  It was there that Sunset Shimmer discovered old friends who were bitter about her no longer living with them.”
“In that abandoned building?” Starlight asked, pointing to the ruins of the orphanage.
“Yeah,” Sunset said in a rather drained tone.  “In there.”
“It was rather reckless for Wanda and Sunset to come to this place,” Princess Celestia said.  “And I was disappointed in them.  But after hearing why they had to do it, I had to come here to talk with Adagio Dazzle, in hopes of giving her a chance to start a new life in the castle.”
“But it didn’t take long for mommy to reveal that they declined the offer,” Wanda said.  
“They declined?” Starlight replied.
“Yes,” Princess Luna said.  “Apparently, Adagio Dazzle was too hurt to accept the offer or make amends with Sunset Shimmer, and she was too ashamed.  Sister didn’t want them to be put in danger.  But at the same time, she chose to respect their wish to remain.”
“As a result,” Princess Celestia said.  “I chose to buy out the land and allow Twilight Velvet to look after the trio.”
“It was all because Adagio Dazzle believed that Sunset Shimmer abandoned her and the sisters for you guys,” Wanda said with Abigail meowing in agreement.
But before anyone could speak, Danged Spell raised his hoof into the air, catching both Princesses’ attention.
“Danged Spell,” Princess Celestia said.  “Do you have anything to say about this?”
“As a matter of fact, I do,” Danged Spell said in an irritated tone.  “Why didn’t any of you tell us about this?  And not just Wanda or Sunset, but both Celestia and Luna?”
“I’m afraid he’s right,” Moondancer said.  “You guys should have told us about this instead of keeping us in the dark about these three fillies.”
Celestia was at a loss for words.  She turned to Luna, who just nodded her head in embarrassment.
“You’re right,” Celestia said.  “We should have.  But at the same time, we didn’t want you to put yourselves in danger.”
“In danger?” Danged Spell said.  “No offense, but we don’t need to go in there if we want danger.  It always comes to us, everytime.  Like with the Ponyville Fair, Gold Banks’ decision to send her Debt Collectors to kidnap Wanda, or the changeling invasion at the Grand Gallopin Gala.”
“Point taken,” Luna said.  She turned to Celestia and said “I think we’re on thin ice when it comes to convincing them otherwise.”
Celestia just laughed and said “I think we owe them more than just an explanation.”  She turned to the younglings and said “Come.  It’s time we introduced ourselves to the Dazzling Sisters.”
“Oooh,” Starlight said as she wagged her tail with excitement.  “We actually get to meet them?”
“Sounds like we are,” Wanda said. She turned to Sunset before she said.  “Though I don’t think my sister is excited to see them.”
Starlight turned towards Sunset, who just slumped her body on the bars and starred in the distance.
“Hey Sunset,” Starlight said.  “You wanna come in with us?”
“No thanks,” Sunset said in a depressed tone.  “You go without me.”
Starlight turned to Wanda and said “Poor Sunset.  What should we do?”
Suddenly, Wanda felt something brush against her leg.  She looked down and saw Abigail use her paw to rub Wanda’s leg in a panicked tone.
“Abby?”  Wanda said.  “What’s going on?”
But all Abigail could say was “Dog.  Dog.”
Wanda and Starlight turned to their left to see the Alicorn Bulldog approach them, fangs bare and growling loudly.  The two immediately grabbed each other and began to quiver in fear, catching everyone else’s attention, especially Sunset who’s depressed tone turned to fear, and Celestia, who’s eyes were focused on the dog.
“This mutt again?” Danged Spell said as he jumped in front of Wanda and Starlight and glared down at the Alicorn Bulldog.
As Danged Spell and the Alicorn Bulldog stared down each other, Princess Celestia leaped over the young colt and stood in front of him.
“Spell, stand down,” Princess Celestia said.  “I’ll take it from here.”
Spell looked up at Princess Celestia and smiled before taking a few steps back.  Celestia smiled back at Spell before turning her gaze towards the Alicorn Bulldog, who could only stand there and stare helplessly at the alicorn princess.
“You will leave my daughters and her friends alone, you NAUGHTY, NAUGHTY DOG!” Princess Celestia yelled with her voice reverbing from her windpiles.
The Alicorn Bulldog yelped as loud as possible before turning tail and running off in the opposite direction.  Celestia just stood there with a smile on her face before turning back towards the rest of the group.  Sunset was just standing there, staring at where the dog used to be while Danged Spell walked towards the sun filly.
“Unless you want to be a dog’s chew toy,” Danged Spell said.  “I suggest you come with us.”
“No argument there,” Sunset Shimmer replied.
Immediately, Sunset ignited her horn and surrounded herself in a magic aura.  She levitated herself over the metal fence before landing on the other side.  She immediately got up and ran towards the back part of the gate as Celestia turned towards the front part of the gate and used her magic to open it up.
“I’m ready,” Sunset said.
“I was hoping you would be,” Celestia replied.  “Though I wish it wasn’t because of that dog.”
Wanda emerged from right behind Celestia before she approached Sunset and said “And don’t worry.  I had to call out Adagio for what she said to you.”
“You don’t have to remind me,” Sunset said with a smile on her face as she held out her hoof.  “From what I understand, your words really pierced through Adagio’s skin and brought her mood down for what she said.”
Wanda gripped Sunset’s hoof tight before she said “Then let’s make amends with Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk.”
Sunset nodded as she and Wanda walked down towards the mansion.  Right behind her, Princess Celestia looked on with a smile on her face.
“This is why I’m proud of raising these two,” Princess Celestia said.  “They can demonstrate what honesty, loyalty, generosity, kindness and laughter is truly about.”
Celestia turned her head and nodded towards the other younglings before following Sunset Shimmer.  Right behind her, Abigail, Starlight, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell and Princess Luna walked through the gate and towards the mansion.  Abigail let out a confident meow as she walked behind Princess Celestia.
“So what do you think we’ll find at the abandoned orphanage?” Sunburst asked.
Danged Spell cracked a grin before he said “Word has it that the souls of the dead orphans haunt that place, waiting to claim anyone who dares to step hoof there.”
Danged Spell let out a terrifying laugh, causing Starlight Glimmer to scream before hiding behind Moondancer, who glared down at the stubborn colt.
“Spell,” Moondancer said.  “That’s not funny.”
“Oh come on,” Spell said with a smirk.  “Loosen up a bit.”
“Easy for you to say,” Starlight said as she hid behind Moondancer.
As the group walked towards the mansion, Princess Luna looked up at one of the broken windows.  She could barely make out a silhouette of an earth pony filly, staring out at the sky.
“I sure hope that Sunset’s old friends will be able to make amends with her,” Princess Luna said.  “Not just for Sunset’s sake, but for their sake as well.”
But as Princess Luna, Abigail, Danged Spell, Sunburst, Moondancer and Starlight Glimmer followed Princess Celestia, Sunset Shimmer and Wanda Young, Gold Banks appeared right across the street from the gate, with two Debt Collector agents right next to her.  Her eyes were fixated on the entire mansion.
“Just because you bought out the land doesn’t mean you will be getting your new orphanage, Princess,” Gold Banks said as she pulled out a parchment and unraveled it.  “Who knew swiping this place under her nose would be so satisfying.”
“My lady,” One of the Debt Collector soldiers said.  “Say the word and we’ll start the demolition.”
“Patience,” Gold Banks said.  “I’ll give her time to make peace with those three brats who live there.  And should they survive, I have a surprise waiting for them.”

At the entrance of the mansion within the foyer, Wanda and Sunset pushed the door open and stepped inside.  They observed the interior of the orphanage, still a hollowed shell of its former self since their last visit.
“I don’t know about this,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “What if Adagio Dazzle yells at me again?”
“Then I can deal with it,” Wanda said.
“But what if she makes you cry this time?” Sunset asked.
“Then I think you should leave that to us.”  Wanda and Sunset turned around to see Princess Celestia, Abigail Albright, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell step through the doorway.
“Mother, I appreciate what you’re doing,” Sunset said.  “But this is something I need to handle myself.  After all, I feel responsible for abandoning them.”
“You don’t have to,” Princess Celestia said, placing her hoof on Sunset’s shoulder.  “I’m here to help you out this time, to help amend a broken friendship.”
“But what can I do?” Sunset asked.
“I have an idea,” Princess Celestia said.  “Follow from behind.  I’ll introduce your friends to the Dazzlings before you show your face to Adagio.”
“Relax, Sunset,” Starlight said.  “Besides, we would be happy to meet them in person.”
Sunset Shimmer let out a sigh and said “Alright.  I’ll let you introduce them to my former friends.   Then, I’ll pop in to make amends with Adagio.”
Celestia nodded back to Sunset Shimmer before walking towards the staircase.  Abigail, Starlight, Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell followed from behind, while Wanda stood by Sunset.
“Nervous?” Wanda asked.
“Even with them, yes,” Sunset said.
“It’s okay to be nervous, Sunset.”  Sunset Shimmer turned around to see Princess Luna standing outside the front door of the mansion.  Her reassuring smile calmed Sunset Shimmer.
“Aunt Luna,” Wanda said.  “Aren’t you going to join mommy and our friends in introducing yourself to the Dazzlings?”
“I will, but not right now,” Luna said.  “I will stand guard, just in case this place is in danger.  Go.  Follow my sister up the stairs.”
Wanda and Sunset nodded before turning around and walking towards the staircase.  Princess Luna stood there with a smile on her face.
“I know I won’t be by your side when you come face to face with Adagio Dazzle,” Princess Luna said.  “But I know one thing: Her heart is aching and only you can mend it, Sunset Shimmer.”


Meanwhile, upstairs in the attic of the mansion, Adagio Dazzle continued to look out the window, staring at the sun.  Nearby, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk stood there, looking at Adagio.  The two sisters looked concerned for their big sis.
“Poor Daggi,” Sonata Dusk said.  “Can’t believe she’s been like this since she ended her friendship with Sunset Shimmer.”
“It’s too bad she turned down Princess Celestia’s request to live in the castle,” Aria Blaze said. “She would have been happier there at least.”
“Yeah,” Sonata Dusk said.  “And as much as I want to live in that castle with Sunset, I didn’t want to leave Daggi behind.”
“Neither do I,” Aria Blaze said.  “But I hope Twilight Velvet has some good news for us.”
Suddenly, there was the sound of a baby dragon sneezing, causing Sonata Dusk to jump into the air screaming.  She landed right on Aria Blaze’s arms, who just held her with an annoyed look.
“THERE’S A GHOST IN THIS HOUSE!” Sonata Dusk screamed.
“That’s just a baby dragon,” Aria Blaze said before placing Sonata Dusk down.  “Twilight Velvet told us about him.”
“Oh, right,” Sonata Dusk said, blushing embarrassingly.
Both Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk’s ears picked up the sound of footsteps.  They turned around to see Twilight Velvet walking up the staircase.  Right next to her was Twilight Sparkle and Spike the Dragon, the latter who rode on the former’s back.
“Twilight Velvet,” Sonata Dusk said in a cheerful tone.  “You  made it.”
“And we didn’t come alone,” Twilight Velvet said as Twilight Sparkle walked up the stairs with Spike on her back.  “Allow me to introduce my daughter, Twilight Sparkle.”
But before Twilight Sparkle could speak, Sonata Dusk ran up to the little filly, grabbed her hoof and shook it in delight, causing Spike to jump off Twilight’s back.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Twilight Sparkle,” Sonata Dusk said.  “Is it true you’re friends with Sunset and that human girl?  What are your other friends like?  And what’s it like to be Princess Celestia’s prime student?”
Twilight Sparkle gently removed her hoof from Sonata’s hooves before placing it back on the ground as Spike walked up next to his lavender filly friend.  Aria walked up, giggling a bit as Twilight Sparkle composed herself.
“My apologies for my sister’s behavior,” Aria said.  “I’m Aria Blaze.  Nice to meet you.”
“Nice to meet you as well,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “But I also came here to see your big sister Adagio Dazzle.”
Aria’s face turned into a frown as she pointed Twilight towards Adagio Dazzle, who continued to drift off staring out through the window.  Twilight Sparkle just looked at Adagio as her mood went down a bit.
“Wow,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “All over what happened between her and Sunset Shimmer?”
“More like what she said to Sunset,” Aria Blaze said.  “And what Sunset’s sister Wanda said to her.”
“Sad,” Spike said as a tear fell from his eye.
“It is sad, Spike,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “I don’t know what we can do about it.”
Twilight Velvet walked up to Twilight Sparkle and said “I think what we need right now is for Sunset Shimmer and Adagio Dazzle to patch things up with each other.”
“I don’t know if that is possible,” Aria Blaze said.  “Big sis felt betrayed by Sunset’s decision to move in with Princess Celestia, and I don’t think she wants to make up for what happened.  In fact, I think that was the reason why she turned down Princess Celestia’s invitation to move into the castle.”
“But why did you and Sonata Dusk turn down being adopted by Princess Celestia?” Twilight Sparkle asked.
“It’s simple,” Aria Blaze said.  “We didn’t want to leave Adagio Dazzle behind.  She may have her issues, but she’s still our older sister.  And nothing is going to change that.”
“And as much as I would love the idea of living with Sunset and Wanda,” Sonata Dusk said. “I don’t want Adagio to be left behind.  That’s why we chose to stay.”
Twilight Sparkle turned to Twilight Velvet and said “Mom.  I wish there was something we could do to help them out.”
“There is,” Twilight Velvet said as she eyed the staircase.  “As a matter of fact, I believe they’re coming up.”
Twilight Sparkle and Spike looked down the staircase before stepping aside.  Twilight Velvet looked down before turning back towards Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk. 
“What’s going on?” Aria Blaze asked.
“I believe Princess Celestia decided to join us for today,” Twilight Velvet said.  “And she’s brought some friends as well.”
Immediately, Twilight Velvet stepped aside as Princess Celestia walked up from the stairwell before stepping hoof on top of the attic floor.  Right next to her were Abigail Albright, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell.
“Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, it’s been awhile,” Princess Celestia said.
“And these are all of Sunset and Wanda’s friends, I take it,” Aria Blaze said.
Danged Spell approached the two fillies and said “You betcha.  But we ain’t just Sunshine and Lollipops, sister.  In fact, when it comes to Sunset, we’re practically Sol-Mates.”
Sonata Dusk giggled a bit as Starlight, Sunburst and Moondancer yelled “DANGED SPELL!”  Danged Spell turned to his friends and cracked a smirk.
“Do you always let loose those kinds of puns?” Sonata Dusk asked.
“Not all the time,” Danged Spell said.  “I have this curse within me called Wolf’s Breath.  It causes me to become like a wolf, trading magic for physical strength and instinct.”
“Interesting,” Sonata Dusk said.  “A unicorn that can become a wolf in spirit.”
“Well you could say that,” Moondancer said, walking up to Sonata Dusk.  “But you sound like a pony who enjoys striking up a conversation.”
“Really?” Sonata Dusk asked.
“Yeah,” Moondancer said.  “In fact, there’s a friend of Wanda and Sunset who happens to like this delicacy called a taco.”
Sonata Dusk’s mouth began to drool.  Her eyes drifted off as she awwed in delight.
“Tacos,” Sonata Dusk said.  “I’ve dreamt of wanting to eat one of those delicious treats.  Black beans, vegetables, and salsa all wrapped in a tortilla.  The perfect food for a pony like myself.”
As Sonata’s mind went to dreamland, Moondancer looked at her and rubbed her head in embarrassment.
“Wow,” Moondancer said.  “Mention tacos and she thinks it’s the most awesome food ever.”
“Just wait till she finds out about curry,” Danged Spell said.  “Now that’s a dish worth eating.”
But as Moondancer and Danged Spell laughed, Aria Blaze looked at the staircase in disappointment.  Starlight and Sunburst noticed Aria’s facial expression and immediately walked up to her.
“Are you alright?” Starlight asked.
“No,” Aria Blaze said.  “I thought Sunset Shimmer was going to be here.”
“She is,” Sunburst said.  “It’s just that she wanted to introduce us to you before she showed her face again.”
“And we’re glad we got to.”  Aria peeked over Starlight and Sunburst to find Wanda Young walking up the stairs.  Abigail and Spike ran up to Wanda, cheering her name.
“Wanda,” Aria said.  “You’re back?”
“I am,” Wanda said as she rubbed Abigail on the back of her ear.  “But I’m not without my sister.”
“Wait,” Aria said.  “You mean, Sunset Shimmer is here?”
But before Wanda could speak, Sunset Shimmer walked up the stairs and stood by the Man’s Cub.  Aria and Sonata looked at Sunset Shimmer, who only turned her head back in shame.
“Sunset Shimmer,” Aria Blaze said.  “Did you come back again?”
Aria’s words caused Adagio Dazzle’s ears to perk up.  She turned around and came face to face with Sunset Shimmer, who barely made eye contact.  Princess Celestia looked at Sunset Shimmer, and despite her calm posture, even she looked nervous.
“It’s all up to you, Sunset Shimmer,” Celestia whispered. “It’s time for you and Adagio Dazzle to make amends and to repair the bond of your friendship.”


	To Be Continued In…


	Friendship Under Siege

> Arc 9-2: Friendship Under Siege
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Friendship Under Siege



Princess Luna stood outside the entrance of the abandoned orphanage.  In front of her, there was not a single sign of life within the front yard of the building, all while on the other side of the gate, the citizens of Equestria walked about their daily lives.  But Luna’s eyes quickly shifted to the upper window of the mansion.
“Sunset Shimmer, I know you can do it,” Luna said.  “We’re here for you in case Adagio Dazzle is unable to mend her friendship with you.”
But as Princess Luna continued her gaze towards the window, her ears picked up the sound of machinery.  Luna turned around and saw bulldozers and wrecking balls approach the place.
“A wrecking crew?” Princess Luna said.  “At this time of the day?”
Immediately, Princess Luna ran from the entrance of the building towards the demolition crew.  The Forestallion took notice of Princess Luna and slammed on the brakes, coming to a complete stop with his companions following suit.
“Princess Luna?” The Forestallion said.  “What are you doing out here?”
“What’s going on?”  Princess Luna asked.  “Dear sister didn’t call for a wrecking crew.”
“I’m afraid you’re right,” The Forestallion replied.  “Gold Banks gave us the green light to tear down this wreck of a place.”
“Gold Banks?” Luna screamed.  “Why would she want to tear down a property that Princess Celestia took claim of?”
“Because I am now the sole owner of this land.”  Princess Luna shifted her eyes to the back of the bulldozer, where Gold Banks emerged from behind, holding a deed with her magic.
“Gold Banks,” Princess Luna said.  “How did you get your hooves on land that belongs to my sister?”
“I have my connections, Princess,” Gold Banks said, holding the deed up in front of Princess Luna’s face.  “Far more than you can realize.”
“You’re not forcing one of my sister’s adopted children to get your hooves on it,” Luna said, glaring at Gold Banks.  “Are ya?”
Gold Banks laughed and said “Are you kidding?  Those snot-nosed brats?  Oh you can thank my new buds in Manehattan for acquiring these.  In fact, you can thank Neigh Nanners for doing the job for us.  Now do yourself a favor and get off these lands.”
“But my sister is in that mansion,” Princess Luna said.  “Along with two of her daughters and their friends, including three orphans who they are trying to amend.”
“Wait,” The Forestallion said.  “You never told me about ponies still being there.”
Gold Banks turned to the Forestallion and said “Who cares?  You have a job to do.  Tear that place down so we can put in a new factory.  After all, it would be a perfect replacement for all those useless schools in Equestria for the little brats.”
“I can’t do that,” The Forestallion said.  “If they find out, I could have my license revoked.”
“If you don’t do as I said,” Gold Banks said, hitting the bulldozer with her hoof and scaring the Forestallion.  “Not only will I revoke your license personally, but I will make sure you and the rest of these slackers will push a shopping cart on the streets for the rest of your miserable lives.  DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?”
Princess Luna was appalled at Gold Banks’ tone.  She turned towards the Forestallion, who just slumped up to the moon alicorn.,  Luna lowered her head towards the Forestallion’s position just as he approached her.
“Are you alright?”  Luna asked.
“No I’m not,” The Forestallion said.  “I don’t want them to get hurt or worse.  But I fear her wrath, and what she’ll do if I don’t comply.”
“Isn’t there anything I can do?” Luna said.
“Get them out as fast as you can,” The Forestallion said.  “I’ll try to stall for time.”
Luna nodded to the Forestallion before turning around and extending her wings out.  She jumped into the air and flew towards the mansion.
“Best of luck, your majesty,” The Forestallion said.
But outside the gate of the mansion, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor were walking down the street when they took notice of Princess Luna, the wrecking crew and Gold Banks.
“What do you think’s going on?” Shining Armor asked.  “And why is Princess Luna involved?”
“That’s a good question,” Princess Cadance said.  “It’s not like Aunt Luna to work with Gold Banks.  Unless there’s something she’s trying to do.”
“Come to think of it,” Shining Armor said.  “I haven’t seen my mother around since this morning.  I wonder where she went.”
“Actually,” Princess Cadance said.  “That I can explain.  She told me that Princess Celestia asked her to look after three orphans in that abandoned orphanage.”
“Wait,” Shining Armor said. “Three orphans in an abandoned orphanage?”
“They’re supposed to be former friends of Sunset Shimmer,” Princess Cadance said.
Shining Armor’s face went south over Cadance’s words.  He saw the open gate nearby and began to run for it.
“Shining, wait,” Princess Cadance said, running after Shining Armor.
“No time,” Shining Armor said.  “I have a feeling mother and those three orphans are in danger.”
“But you’ll attract Gold Banks’ attention,” Princess Cadance said, causing Shining Armor to come to a stop.
“But what can I do about it?” Shining Armor asked.
Princess Cadance shifted her eyes to the front yard of the mansion.  Bushes dotted the outer part that lined the gate and the wall.
“I have an idea,” Princess Cadance said.  “We’ll take the bushy route.”
With that, Princess Cadance ran through the entrance and jumped into the bushes.  She rustled her way through before sticking her head out and signaling Shining Armor.
“Always planning ahead,” Shining Armor said.  “Clever.  But she gets too much influence from Danged Spell’s use of puns.”
With that, Shining Armor ran through the entrance and jumped into the bushes before following Princess Cadance through.


Meanwhile, in the attic of the mansion, Sunset Shimmer and Adagio Dazzle stared down at each other with Sunset’s family and friends, along with Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk watching helplessly.  While Sunset Shimmer had the face of remorse, Adagio Dazzle was surprised by Sunset’s presence.
“What do you think will happen?” Starlight Glimmer asked.
“I don’t know,” Wanda Young replied.  “But I still remember the last time I was here.”
“Pain,” Abigail meowed.
Though Adagio Dazzle stood in place, Sunset Shimmer walked up to her former friend.
“Adagio,” Sunset said.  “I’ve had a lot of thoughts since we last saw each other, and you were right.  I did forget about you when Princess Celestia adopted me and Wanda became my sister.  I was so caught up in the moment, that I forgot about you, Aria and Sonata.  I broke that promise, and as a result, I broke that friendship.  If you are still upset because of what path I went down without you, you have every right to be upset.  And if you don’t think our friendship can ever be repaired, then I am terribly sorry for what I have done.”
Sunset Shimmer was about to turn around and walk towards Princess Celestia, closing her eyes as she faced away from Adagio Dazzle.  But as she took a step, Adagio looked at Sunset and she began to cry.
“Wait,” Adagio said, causing Sunset to stop.
Sunset turned around and said “Adagio.  Was it something I said?”
But just as Sunset finished speaking, Adagio Dazzle ran up to Sunset and tackled her to the ground.  She held onto her former friend and cried right into her chest.
“No Sunset,” Adagio cried.  “The last time we spoke, I said some horrible words to you.  It was because I was both selfish and angry.  Your sister is right.  And because of me, I’ve allowed too many fellow orphans to hurt emotionally, including my own sisters, especially when Princess Celestia offered to let us live in the castle.  I was just too angry to accept it.”
“Adagio,” Sunset said as she placed her hoof on Adagio’s head.
“I don’t know if I can truly take back everything I said to you,” Adagio Dazzle said. “But if I had one wish, I wish I could live in that castle with you to at least give my sisters a form of happiness.”
Wanda walked up to Sunset and Adagio with Abigail by her side.  Her footsteps were enough for Adagio to open her eyes and look up at the Man’s Cub and her cat companion.
“And I also realized how hurtful my words were to you after you lashed out at my sister,” Wanda said as a tear fell from her eye.  “I was angry back then, upset at how you treated my sister, and how selfish you sounded.  But looking back, I felt awful with what I said, regardless if it was true or not.  I was wondering if you can accept my apology as I had a lot to think about.”
Adagio Dazzle opened her eyes and looked up at Sunset, who nodded back at her.  Adagio turned towards Wanda, looked her in the eyes and began to extend her hoof out.
Suddenly, everyone was started by the sound of glass breaking through.  The entire group turned towards the now broken window where Princess Luna landed nearby.  
“Sister,” Princess Celestia said.  “You looked distressed.  What happened?”
Luna stood up and said “I’m afraid Gold Banks has somehow seized the land beneath the ruins of this orphanage, and she has forced a demolition team to tear this place down and replace it with a factory.”
“Are you kidding me?”  Twilight Sparkle snarled.  “Doesn’t she know that we’re in here to help out the Dazzlings?”
“I did bring that up to her,” Princess Luna said.  “But she told the forestallion that if they don’t tear this place down right away, she’ll take away their license and make them homeless for the rest of their lives.”
Every youngling along with Twilight Velvet gasped in horror.  Starlight turned towards Sunburst and cried right into his chest while Danged Spell smashed his hoof on the floor.
“Is she kidding us?” Danged Spell yelled.  “She wants to force them to take our lives away?”
“The Forestallion has told me that he’ll try to stall for time,” Princess Luna said.  “But we don’t have that much.  We need to get you all out of here.”
“Easy said than done,” Twilight Velvet said.  “After all, you two are the only flyers who can get us out, one at a time.”
“That may be true,” Princess Celestia said as she extended her wings.  “But we have a third who can help us out: My adopted human daughter Wanda.”
Twilight Velvet turned to Wanda Young, who glowed brightly until her insect wings formed on her back before nodding to the mother of Twilight Sparkle.
“They may be heavy for me,” Wanda said. “But don’t you worry Ms Velvet.  I can help out.”
Wanda jumped in the air and fluttered in one spot for a bit before she flew down and picked up Sonata Dusk.  Aria Blaze jumped on Princess Luna’s back while Adagio Dazzle and Sunset Shimmer jumped onto Celestia’s back.
“Wanda, Luna, are you both ready?” Princess Celestia asked.
“Ready,” Both Luna and Wanda replied.
“Then let’s get them out of there before we go for the rest,” Princess Celestia said.
With that, Princess Celestia jumped out the window with Adagio Dazzle and Sunset Shimmer holding on.  Right behind her, Princess Luna jumped back out with Aria Blaze holding on while Wanda flew behind her, holding onto Sonata Dusk.  All three fliers landed on the ground, prompting Adagio, Sunset and Aria to jump off the alicorn sisters’ back while Wanda sets Sonata on the ground.
“That’s just the first set,” Princess Luna said.   “We have to go back for the others.”
“And you better hurry,” Sunset Shimmer said, pointing to the bulldozers slowly making their way towards the mansion.  “I don’t think they’ll delay any longer.”
“Right,” Princess Luna said.  “We better hurry.”
But just before Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Wanda Young were about to take off, they noticed a rustling in the nearby bushes.  Princess Celestia walked up to the bushes, where Princess Cadance and Shining Armor emerged and landed their hooves on the grass.
“Princess Cadance, Shining Armor,” Princess Celestia said.  “You picked the right time to come here.”
“Mother,” Princess Cadance said.  “I take it those bulldozers are going to tear apart the whole mansion, and there are still ponies inside.”
“Unfortunately, that is correct,” Princess Luna replied before Celestia could say a word.  “But now is not the time to explain.  We need your help getting everyone else out.”
“What can I do?” Shining Armor asked.
“Gather everyone together and get them out of the way,” Princess Celestia said.  “We’ll go get the rest out of harm’s way.”
Shining Armor nodded.  He turned to Sunset, Adagio, Aria and Sonata and said “Come.  Let’s get you out of the way.”  Immediately, Shining Armor ran towards the bushes with Sunset Shimmer, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk in pursuit.  Celestia, Luna and Cadance extended their wings out while Wanda flapped her insect wings at a rapid pace.
“Let’s get the others out before it’s too late,” Princess Celestia said.
With that, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance and Wanda Young flew back up towards the broken window at the top of the mansion.
But nearby, Shining Armor was able to get Sunset Shimmer, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk to the bushes nearby.
“Everyone accounted for?”  Shining Armor asked.
“So far, yes,” Adagio Dazzle.
Sonata Dusk turned to face Sunset Shimmer, causing her jaw to drop in horror.  She immediately tapped Shining Armor by the flank.
“Excuse me,” Sonata Dusk said.  “But there is something wrong with Sunset Shimmer.”
Shining Armor turned his head towards Sunset Shimmer, where the poor filly was lying on the ground, wincing in pain as if something was bursting out.
“Oh no,” Shining Armor said.  “As if our day couldn’t get any worse.”

Back inside the mansion, Celestia, Luna, Cadence and Wanda flew through the open window, where Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Twilight Velvet, Spike and Abigail awaited them.  Twilight Sparkle’s face beamed at the sight of Princess Cadance.
“Caddy,” Twilight Sparkle said.
“No time for our dance, Twilight,” Princess Cadance said  “We have to get you all out.”
Princess Cadance turned around and lowered her back down, allowing Twilight to hop up on Cadance’s back.  
“But what about Spike?” Twilight Sparkle asked.
“Leave that to me,” Princess Celestia said.  She turned to Moondancer and said “And that includes you, young lady.”
Princess Celestia levitated Spike and Abigail into the air and gently placed the duo on her back.  Moondancer came running up and hopped on Celestia’s side, struggling to pull herself up.  Celestia smiled before she levitated Moondancer into the air and onto her alicorn back alongside Spike and Abigail.
“Unfortunately,” Princess Luna said.  “We can’t get everyone out in this round.”
Danged Spell stepped forward and said “I’ll stay here with Twilight Velvet.”
“Spell, no,” Moondancer said from atop Celestia’s back.
“Don’t worry about me,” Danged Spell said.  “Get yourselves out before it’s too late.”.
“Then that leaves Sunburst and Starlight,” Princess Luna said.  She turned to Wanda and said “Wanda, are you able to get Starlight out of here?”
“Leave it to me, Aunt Woona,” Wanda said with a salute.
Wanda flew down towards Starlight Glimmer before picking her up with her arms.  At the same time, Princess Luna levitated Sunburst into the air and placed him on his back.  Sunburst turned towards Danged Spell and Twilight Velvet.
“Spell,” Sunburst said.  “Be careful.”
“And keep mom safe,” Twilight Sparkle said.
“I will,” Danged Spell replied.
With that, Celestia flew out of the window once more with Moondancer, Abigail and Spike holding on for dear life.  Luna flew after her sister with Sunburst holding on with Cadance following right behind with Twilight Sparkle hanging on.  Right behind them, Wanda flew out of the window holding onto Starlight.
“I hope Danged Spell makes it out alright,” Starlight Glimmer said.
“So do I,” Wanda said.  “So do I.”
Danged Spell approached Twilight Velvet and placed his hoof on hers.
“If it makes you feel better,” Danged Spell said.  “I won’t leave your side until they come back.
“Thanks Danged Spell,” Twilight Velvet said.  “If I make it out, I’d like to tell your parents Fortwright and Shanoa on how wonderful and loyal you are.”

Outside, Celestia, Luna, Cadence and Wanda landed on the grass once more.  Moondancer, Spike, Abigail, Sunburst and Twilight Sparkle jumped off the respective alicorn’s back while Wanda released her grip on Starlight.
“That’s nearly everyone,” Princess Luna said.  “All that’s left is Danged Spell and Twilight Velvet.”
Suddenly, Shining Armor ran up to the group from the nearby bushes alongside Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk.  Twilight Sparkle looked at her brother’s face and noticed the despair in his eyes.
“Shining,” Princess Celestia said.  “What happened?”
“It’s Sunset,” Shining Armor said.  “She’s on the ground in pain.”
“Oh no,” Princess Celestia said.  “As if we didn’t have one problem to worry about, now we have Sunset’s demon form trying to break out again.”
Princess Cadance ran towards the bushes as she said “Leave that to me, mother.  Go get Danged Spell and Twilight Velvet out.”
Celestia stood there as Princess Cadance ran up to Sunset Shimmer, who was beginning to mutate into a demon.  But before she could move, Luna placed her hoof on Celestia’s shoulder
“She’s got this,” Princess Luna said.  “Let’s deal with Danged Spell and Twilight Velvet.”
“Right,” Princess Celestia said.  “Lead on.”
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna extended their wings out before flying back up towards the broken window atop the mansion.  Wanda looked upwards, watching her adopted mother and aunt until they disappeared into the window.
“Be careful mommy and Aunt Woona,” Wanda said.
Shining Armor placed his hoof on Wanda’s shoulder and said “Come on.  We need to get you and your friends to safety.”
Immediately, Shining Armor ran towards the bushes with Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Spike the Dragon, Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk in pursuit.
But meanwhile, the bulldozers continued to move slowly towards the mansion with the Forestallion in the front of the pack.  The Forestallion watched as the younglings followed Shining Armor towards the bushes before shifting his eyes towards Sunset Shimmer, still aching in agony and slowly transforming into her demon form.
“Poor kids,” The Forestallion said.  “And judging by the alicorn princesses’ actions, there’s still some left in the building.”
Suddenly, The Forestallion heard a knock on his bulldozer.  He turned to his left to see Gold Banks trotting along, glaring at the Stallion.
“What are you doing?” Gold Banks screeched.
“I’m not risking my career just to result in the deaths of younglings,” The Forestallion said.
“You will do it unless you want to be forever homeless on the streets,” Gold Banks yelled.
“Why?” The Forestallion said. “Because you want me to be a child killer?  I wouldn’t forgive myself if that happened.”
Gold Banks snorted loudly before grabbing The Forestallion with her magic and throwing him out of the bulldozer, causing the rest of the group to come to a complete stop.  Gold Banks jumped into the bulldozer and sat down, placing her hooves on the controls.
“You want a job done right,” Gold Banks said.  “You have to do it yourself.”
Gold Banks moved a couple of levers, causing the Bulldozer she’s in to pick up speed.  The Forestallion just watched as Gold Banks drove that giant vehicle towards the building.
“Princesses,” The Forestallion said.  “I tried my best.  Now it’s up to you.”

Inside the attic of the mansion, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna immediately ran up to Danged Spell and Twilight Velvet.  Danged Spell got up on his four hooves, looking nervous, and yet excited.
“Is it time?” Danged Spell asked.
Princess Luna levitated Danged Spell upwards before she said “We haven’t got much time to waste.  Something is wrong with Sunset Shimmer and Princess Cadance is trying to keep Sunset’s demon form under control.”
As Danged Spell landed on Luna’s back, he said “Well what are we waiting for?”
Princess Celestia immediately levitated Twilight Velvet into the air before placing her on her back.  The sun alicorn immediately nodded to her sister.
“That should be everyone,” Princess Celestia said.  “Let’s go.”
Princess Luna and Princess Celestia walked up towards the broken window.  But when they looked down, they saw a lone Bulldozer barrel towards the mansion.  Twilight Velvet held onto Celestia as she looked down, shrieking in horror at seeing Gold Banks operating the behemoth of a machine.
“Is she crazy?” Twilight Velvet said.  “What is she trying to do, kill us all?”
“Not on my watch,” Princess Celestia said.  “Now hang on.”
Immediately, Danged Spell held onto Luna as she jumped out the window.  Celestia followed from behind with Twilight Velvet holding on for dear life.

Outside, Celestia and Luna extended their wings and slowed down their fall as the bulldozer dashed past the group.  Celestia, Luna, Danged Spell and Twilight Velvet watched as the bulldozer was now inches away from the building.
“When we hit the ground,” Princess Luna said.  “Jump off and look away.  It’s not going to be a pretty sight.”
As Celestia and Luna landed on the grass, Danged Spell and Twilight Velvet jumped off the alicorn sisters’ backs and ran towards the rest of the group, keeping their eyes turned away from the mansion.
“This has got to be some sick joke, this has got to be some sick joke, this has got to be some sick joke,” Danged Spell chanted.
The moment Danged Spell and Twilight Velvet approached the group, Moondancer got on her two legs and hugged onto Danged Spell, who proceeded to close his eyes.  Shining Armor and Twilight Sparkle ran up to Twilight Velvet and gave her a hug.
“You’re alright, mother,” Shining Armor said.
“You scared all of us.” Twilight Sparkle said.
“Scary,” Spike said.
“Don’t you three worry,” Twilight Velvet said.  “Thanks to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, we’re safe.”
Nearby, Princess Cadance’s magic surrounded Sunset Shimmer in a warm aura.  The filly’s aching began to subside as she transformed back into her filly form.   Sunset opened her eyes and saw her big sister look down at her.
“Welcome back.” Princess Cadance said.
Sunset Shimmer said nothing, only to jump at her older sister and give her a big hug.  Adagio Dazzle came up behind and hugged Sunset from the back, crying into her fur.
“Please don’t scare me like that again,” Adagio Dazzle cried.  “I don’t want to lose you.”
“It’s not a guarantee,” Sunset said.  “But I’ll try my best.”
Suddenly, they heard the sound of metal crashing against word.  Everyone turned around and saw the Bulldozer slam many times into the mansion, tearing a big hole into the foundation.  Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk could only watch helplessly as the orphanage ruins were being torn apart.
“Our home,” Sonata Dusk cried.
“We had so many fun memories there,” Aria Blaze lamented.  “Now it’s all gone.”
With one last smash, the bulldozer hit another part of the foundation of the mansion before pulling back.  Gold Banks looked up with a smile as the Mansion began to fall apart, crumbling under what’s left of the foundation.   Everyone could only stand there and watch as the former orphanage was crumbling completely.
“This isn’t how it’s supposed to end,” Starlight said before planting her face into Wanda’s chest and crying, causing Wanda to pat Starlight on the back.
“What a despicable mare,” Sunburst said.  “To put our lives in danger like that.”
The Forestallion and his wrecking crew walked up to Princess Celestia before the head of the group said “I’m terribly sorry.  Gold Banks got impatient and decided to take matters into her own hooves.”
“It’s not your fault,” Princess Luna said.  “Gold Banks forced you into doing the task while my sister, my nieces and their friends were still in what was once the abandoned orphanage.”
“Wait,” Wanda said as Starlight continued to cry into her chest.  “Mean Banks did that?”
“Yes,” Princess Luna said.  “Gold Banks stole Celestia’s land with the purpose of replacing the orphanage with a factory.  And she wanted to force the wrecking crew into tearing the place as fast as possible, with no regard for life.  Even more so, she threatened to have the Forestallion’s license revoked and to forever be homeless if he didn’t go along with his plan.”
“That is despicable,” Shining Armor said.  “Putting my sister and mother in danger for her own personal gain.”
“You’re right,” Princess Celestia said.  “In fact, I think she has a lot to explain for that senseless act.”
“On the contrary.”  Everyone turned their heads to the bulldozer that stood in front of what’s left of the orphanage ruins, where Gold Banks stomped towards the entire.
“There’s no contrary,” Princess Celestia said in an angry tone.  “You put my daughters, their friends and even the mother of one of them in danger.  Even more so, you had the audacity to seize something that I bought fair and square.”
“It was their fault for even being there in the first place,” Gold Banks said.  “And besides, you were letting the land go to waste.  So I had to seize it so that it could be put to good use.”
Celestia glared at Gold Banks before she said “That gives you no excuse to put lives in danger.”
“I beg to differ,” Gold Banks said.  “As a matter of fact, I hereby place you, your sister Princess Luna, your own delinquent daughters and their so-called friends under arrest for trespassing and impeding progress.”


	To Be Continued in…


	Friendship Reforged

> Arc 9-3: Friendship Reforged
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Friendship Reforged



“You have a lot of nerve to arrest us after putting us in danger, Gold Banks.”
Princess Celestia stood in between Gold Banks and the younglings who cowered behind both the prime alicorn, along with Princess Luna and Princess Cadance, all while Twilight Velvet glared down Gold Banks.  Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk turned their heads away from Gold Banks while Abigail hissed at the rich pony.  Wanda held onto Starlight Glimmer, who continued to cry in the man’s cub’s chest.  Danged Spell growled at Gold Banks with Shining Armor standing by Twilight Sparkle.
“And not to mention you took the land that my sister bought fair and square,” Princess Luna stated.  “You have no right to it.”
Gold Banks smiled and said “Courageous words coming from two Equestrian fugitives.  But no matter.  Unless you turn yourself in, I will call forth the Debt Collectors and have you all apprehended.”
“And not to mention that you made us put them in danger,” The Forestallion complained with his fellow wreckers standing by his side.  “What will the Equestrian License Board say about this?”
“I’ve already made it clear that I will have your license revoked,” Gold Banks said, turning her attention to the Forestallion.  “And if the License Board objects to it, I will have them dissolved and replaced with yes mares.  And there is nothing you can do to stop it.  So deal with it as your path towards eternal homelessness becomes inevitable.”
 Shining Armor and Twilight Sparkle marched towards Gold Banks, staring down the rich diva of a mare, all while Spike stood by Danged Spell.  Gold Banks turned towards the brother and sister duo, all while keeping her smile on her face.
“The student of Princess Celestia and her wannabe military brother,” Gold Banks said.  “Whatever you wish to say, speak now and amuse me.”
“Oh we have something to say,” Shining Armor said.  “After what you tried to do to my mother and sister.  And you have the audacity to place us under arrest just so you can get away with your own crimes?”
“Big Brother is right,” Twilight Sparkle yelled.  “And let’s not forget the time you tried to take Wanda away while she was sick at the hospital.”
Adagio Dazzle covered her mouth in horror upon hearing those words come from Twilight Sparkle.  She turned to Sunset Shimmer and asked “Is this true?”
“Unfortunately, yes,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “I was there when she tried to take Wanda away.  And that’s after she covered nearly every one of her friends in smoke.”
“That’s despicable,” Sonata Dusk said.
“How could anyone do something as mean-spirited as that?” Aria Blaze said.
Adagio Dazzle looked around and noticed a patch of fresh mud near a tree.  She signaled to her sisters with her hoof.
“Come with me,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “I have an idea.”
Sunset Shimmer looked at the mud patch nearby and said “I think I know what you’re up to.”
“Oh believe me,” Adagio Dazzle said. “I’m willing to get down and dirty with this.”
Sunset laughed before she said “And to think, we had to put up with Danged Spell with these kinds of puns.”
Sunset Shimmer followed the Dazzlings to the nearby mud patch.  But nearby, Shining Armor and Twilight Sparkle continued to argue with Gold Banks while everyone else watched.  Despite the anger and energy that came out of the brother and sister, all Gold Banks could do is yawn in boredom.
“And most importantly of all,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “You don’t even respect your own daughter Golden Lace.  You would sooner see her suffer than let her live the life she wants to live.”
“Even more so, I heard how your own husband is being treated,” Shining Armor said. “And that his own anger was nothing more than a facade.  You are nothing more than a selfish mare out for your own interests.”
But just as Shining Armor finished speaking, Gold Banks slapped some metal hoof cuffs around his wrists, all while slapping smaller cuffs around Twilight Sparkle’s wrists.  The brother and sister were horrified at their bindings, linked by metal bars.  Twilight Velvet screamed out loudly and tried to leap towards her son and daughter, only to be held back by a crying Princess Luna, while Celestia snarled at Gold Banks.
“What did you do to us?” Shining Armor yelled 
“Easy,” Gold Banks said.  “I waited until the right time then proceeded to cuff you and your sister like the pigs you are.  And it comes with a little feature.  Try testing your magic out.”
Shining Armor pointed his horn at Gold Banks and said “For what you did, I’m willing to do that.”
But just as Shining Armor’s horn began to light up, the cuffs around his wrists let out an electric charge, shocking Shining Armor and causing him to scream in pain before collapsing on the ground.  Twilight Sparkle watched in horror, looking like she’s on the verge of crying.
“What you did has gone too far!” Princess Celestia yelled.  “Let them go right now or I’ll…”
“Correction,” Gold Banks said with a smirk on her face.  “Stay in your place, or I will manually activate your pupil’s own hoof cuffs and give her the same treatment I gave her brother.”
Princess Celestia’s anger turned to fear.  She helplessly looked at Twilight Sparkle, whose tears were flowing down her cheek as she turned towards the eldest alicorn.
“Princess,” Twilight Sparkle cried.  “Help me.”
“I’m sorry, my faithful student,” Princess Celestia said as a tear flowed down her cheek.
Twilight Velvet jumped out of Princess Luna’s arms before she walked up to Princess Celestia and cried right on her wing.
“Please,” Twilight Velvet said.  “Please make sure my babies are alright.”
“We’ll do what we can,” Princess Celestia said.  “We’ll do what we can.”
“Oh I beg to differ,” Gold Banks said as she glanced over the entire group.  “You may be the Prime Princess of Equestria, but I call the shots.  I give the orders.  I’m the true Queen of Equestria.  And there is nothing you can do to dethrone me.  That being said, I believe the rest of you are overdue in your new restraint cuffs.  But who should be the next to suffer the consequences?”
Gold Banks took her eyes off of Celestia and Twilight Velvet and looked at Princess Luna, who only glared back, then towards Danged Spell and Spike, who only growled at her.  She shifted her eyes towards Princess Cadance, Moondancer, Sunburst and Abigail, who looked pretty peeved.  Then she shifted her eyes towards Wanda, who held Starlight close to her check.  Gold Banks looked at the duo and unleashed a devilish grin.
“And thus, my choice has been made,” Gold Banks said as her horn lit up.
With a tug of her head, Gold Banks levitated Wanda Young and Starlight Glimmer towards her, causing the duo to scream in unison.
“Starlight,” Sunburst cried as he helplessly reached out to Starlight Glimmer.
Gold Banks sat Wanda and Starlight right in front of her before pulling out two more small restraint cuffs.  She slapped the first pair of cuffs around Wanda’s wrists first before doing the same thing to Starlight with the second pair.  Wanda and Starlight looked down at the steel bars that linked them together.
“Get used to it, you little brats,” Gold Banks said.  “You’ll be wearing them when you’re both enrolled in my new factory program.”
As Gold Banks lets out a sickening laugh, Wanda Young and Starlight Glimmer could do nothing, but cry.  The human and pony duo could not wrap their arms around each other due to the cuffs.  But they could hold their hooves and hands together as they continued to cry.  Everyone else stood there, helplessly, watching the Man’s Cub and the twin-tailed filly cry their eyes out.
“See how juvenile delinquents tremble with shame at my presence,” Gold Banks said.  “Such is the way of today’s youth.  Anyway, I believe there are more who need to be cuffed up and transferred to this new program.  Who wishes to volunteer?”
But before she could react, Gold Banks felt something bite her legs.  She jumped into the air, screaming loudly in pain and proceeded to shake her legs violently until the pressure of teeth were gone.  When she turned around, she saw Danged Spell land on his hooves with Spike landing next to him.  Danged Spell growled like a wolf while his eyes glowed brightly with Spike imitating him.
“No hurt,” Spike said with a growl.
“So it seems a pair of juvenile delinquents wishes to defy my will,” Gold Banks said.  “Very well.  I’ll teach you both some respect.”
Gold Banks swung her legs back and kicked both Danged Spell and Spike.  The impact caused Danged Spell to yelp in pain before he and Spike flew a few feet off the ground before hitting a nearby fence.  The duo barely got up as Twilight Sparkle shrieked in horror.
“That’s one of my friends and my own dragon buddy,” Twilight Sparkle screamed.
“All I see are a pair of delinquents who need to be taught a lesson,” Gold Banks said as she pulled out two pairs of small restraint cuffs with her magic.  “And it’s time I delivered on that.”
Danged Spell glared at Gold Banks, growling as loudly as possible.  Spike hid behind him, looking like he’s about to cry.  Gold Banks hovered over the male duo, holding two restraint cuffs with her magic.
“Don’t even think about pulling any last-minute stunts,” Gold Banks said.  “There is no escape from your fate.”
Suddenly, a mud ball flew from behind and hit Gold Banks in the back of the head.  Gold Bank’s sinister smile turned into a scowl as she turned around, causing Danged Spell and Spike to run away from the egotistical mare and back towards Princess Celestia and Twilight Velvet.
“Who did that?” Gold Banks yelled.  “Show yourself.  I command it.”
But as Gold Banks finished speaking, another mudball flew right out of nowhere and slammed right in her face, covering it in mud.  Gold Banks shook the mud off in frustration as she faced towards her front, with her eyes closed because of the mud.
“Answer me,” Gold Banks yelled.  “Whoever did that will be spending the rest of their lives in Tartarus.”
“Why don’t you see for yourself, witch?” Gold Banks removed the mud from her eyes and looked forward, where Sunset Shimmer stood there holding a ball of mud.  Next to her were Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk scooping the mud from the patch and forming balls out of them.
“You!” Gold Banks snarled.  “The older of the two brats.”
“First off, it's the second oldest,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “And second off, you want to arrest us to satisfy your ego?  Well here’s something to knock it down.”
With that, Sunset Shimmer, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk flung mud right at Gold Banks, pelting her with the wet dirt balls, and once again covering her eyes.   Gold Banks screamed in anger as she lit her horn up.
“You ungrateful ingrates,” Gold Banks yelled.  “I’ll subject you to the worst, possible punishment I can think of.”
Suddenly, more mud flew right out of nowhere and smacked Gold Banks on the side.  She quickly brushed her eyes off and saw Twilight Velvet levitating some mud balls with her magic while Spike held onto her.  Next to Twilight Velvet and Spike, Princess Celestia tapped Danged Spell on the head, causing his eyes to return to normal and his snarl to shift into a smile.
“What you did to my babies is unforgivable,” Twilight Velvet screamed.  “IT’S TIME YOU PAID FOR YOUR CRUELTY!”
Twilight Velvet flung the mud right at Gold Banks, once again covering her eyes as the mud began to cover the details of her clothes, fur and mane.  Gold Banks screamed even louder as mud flung from two sides began to cover her.
“I knew I should have joined Sunset in pelting that crowbait with mud instead of resorting to my Wolf’s Breath Curse,” Danged Spell said.
“Well now may be the time to do just that,” Princess Celestia said. 
Danged Spell winked at Celestia before running behind his friends and towards Sunset and the Dazzlings, who continued to pelt Gold Banks with mud.
“Hey Sunset,” Danged Spell said.  “Do you think that quartet could form into a quintet?”
“If you’re up for getting your hooves dirty,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Then by all means, go for it.”
“With pleasure,” Danged Spell said as he scooped up a ball of mud.
With that, Danged Spell joined Sunset Shimmer and the Dazzlings in throwing mud at Gold Banks, who struggled to break out of the mess that was being made on her.
“Stop this,” Gold Banks commanded.  “Stop this all of you.”
Wanda Young and Starlight Glimmer stopped crying to look up at Gold Banks, who was helplessly being pelted by mud from Sunset Shimmer, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, Danged Spell and Twilight Velvet.  Their faces turned into a sinister smirk.
“Hey Starlight,” Wanda said.  “You thinking what I’m thinking?”
“That she somehow trips and falls on her face?” Starlight replied.
“Exactly,” Wanda said.
Wanda Young and Starlight Glimmer got on their two legs despite the restraint cuffs that held their wrists tight.  As Gold Banks struggled to keep herself standing, Wanda and Starlight thrusted forward, hitting Gold Banks in the front arms with the metal bars on their cuffs.  Gold Banks screamed as she tripped and fell, landing on the dirt floor.
“Who did that?” Gold Banks yelled.  “Who dares to knock me off my pedestal?”
As Gold Banks wiped the mud off her eyes again, she was hit in the face by another mud ball.  Gold wiped her face off to see Sunburst holding another mud ball with Moondancer cheering.
“Do it again,” Moondancer said.
“Gladly,” Sunburst said.  “After all, no one hurts Starlight Glimmer and gets away with it.”
But before Sunburst could fling the mud ball, Gold Banks got hit by another one on her right side.  She turned to see the wrecking crew lead by the Forestallion approach her, each holding their own mudball.
“Since I’m going to be out of a job along with my workers,” The Forestallion said. “I’ve got one thing to say to you: HERE’S MUD IN YOUR EYES!”
With that, the Forestallion and the rest of his crew flung mud balls right at Gold Banks, causing her to get up in fear and turn towards the entrance.
“You miserable cretins,” Gold Banks yelled.  “You’ll pay for this treachery.”
Gold Banks ran as fast as she could as she was pelted by mud balls.  During her run, a key fell from her pocket and landed nearby, catching Wanda’s eyes.
“A key,” Wanda said as she ran up to the key.  “Maybe that can free us from this mess.”
“Go for it, Wanda,” Starlight said.
Wanda picked up the key with her right hand and tried to position it towards the lock.  But the way the cuffs were designed prevented her from doing so, leaving her a bit frustrated.
“Come on,” Wanda said.  “Fit in.  I wanna be free from this.”
Suddenly, magic surrounded the key and levitated out of her right hand before inserting itself into the lock and turning.  The cuffs came open and landed on the ground, freeing Wanda’s wrists.  She turned to her left to see Twilight Velvet and Spike approach her with Twilight Sparkle and Shining Armor, still cuffed to their wrists, walk by her side.
“You’ve been through a whole lot today,” Twilight Velvet said.  “It’s time to do a favor for your mother.”
“Yeah,” Shining Armor said.  “After that shock I had to go through, I’d say it’s deserving.”
As Twilight Velvet placed the key into Twilight Sparkle’s cuffs and turned it, breaking her free from her bindings, Starlight Glimmer walked up to the group, to which Shining Armor used his own cuffs to scoop her up gently.  Starlight giggled as Shining Armor placed her next to Wanda.
“That was fun,” Starlight said.  “Do it again.”
“If I get cuffed again,” Shining Armor said as she scooped up the now de-cuffed Twilight Sparkle with his own cuffs.  “I may consider it.”
“Say,” Twilight Sparkle said. “What do you think will happen to Gold Banks now that she’s covered in mud?”
“I don’t think it will be pretty,” Twilight Velvet said.  “But as soon as we get you all free, we should take a look.”

Outside, Gold Banks ran out from the gate and ran as fast as possible, still covered completely in mud.  She tripped and fell onto her face, catching the attention of Chancellor Cinch, who was walking down the sidewalk and minding her own business.
“For someone who threatened us at the Canterlot Hospital,” Chancellor Cinch said in a disappointing tone.  “You looked like you’ve gone through a major humiliation.”
“Do not play that game with me, Chancellor,” Gold Banks snarled.  “Your own Man’s Cub and her friends were responsible for this.  You will use your authority to place them in custody so that I can punish them.”
Chancellor Cinch turned towards the gate and looked through.  She saw what’s left of the abandoned orphanage with a bulldozer next to it.  She turned to see a line of bulldozers and wrecking balls right next to each other before turning to see the Forestallion and his crew march up to the gate.  She also eyed Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, Sunset Shimmer, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, Danged Spell, Moondancer, Sunburst, Abigail and Spike nearby.  But when she looked down, she saw red marks on the wrists of Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer and Shining Armor, causing her jaw to drop.
“What did you do?” Chancellor Cinch said in a low tone, keeping her eyes on the entire group.
“I went to arrest them for intruding,” Gold Banks said.  “That includes the brat of a chimp.”
Chancellor Cinch looked at Wanda’s wrists and also noticed the same red mark.  Her eyes turned blood red as she turned towards Gold Banks, snorting steam out of her nose.
“YOU DID THAT TO THE MAN’S CUB?” Chancellor Cinch yelled.
“Of course I did,” Gold Banks said.  “That property is mine.   I bought it fair and square.”
“That property belongs to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna,” Chancellor Cinch snarled.  “I know that because I was the one who oversaw them claim the deed.”
“So now you choose to neglect your own duties and side with those delinquents?” Gold Banks said.  “I should have you removed from your post for this.”
Chancellor Cinch calmed herself down before using her magic to remove some mud from Gold Bank’s tail.
“Then you left me no choice,” Chancellor Cinch said, holding the ball of mud with her magic.  “Since you chose to respond to me in a juvenile matter, I shall return the favor in a juvenile response.”
Chancellor Cinch swung the mud ball back before smashing it in Gold Banks’ face, causing Banks to tumble backwards and fall down.  The citizens around looked at Gold Banks and laughed loudly.
“All of you,” Gold Banks yelled.  “Make a fool out of me will ya?  Well you fools haven’t seen the last of Gold Banks, and I’ll make you regret it.”
With that, Gold Banks turned tail and ran down the streets, yelling like a total maniac.  Chancellor Cinch cracked a smile on her face before turning towards the rest of the group.
“I take it she gave you all a hard time?” Chancellor Cinch said.
“Of course she did,” Princess Luna responded.  “She wanted to arrest us all for her own personal gain.”
“Oh I am aware of that,” Cinch said, adjusting her glasses.  “It doesn’t take a genius to figure out what she did was wrong.  And I also assume that the younglings were responsible for throwing mud in her eyes.”
“Of course we did,” Danged Spell said.  “It was a dirty job, but someone had to do it.”
“Danged Spell,” The rest of the younglings yelled before breaking down into laughter. 
“I’m beginning to like this guy,” Adagio Dazzle laughed.
The Forestallion walked up to Chancellor Cinch and said “When we took this job, we assumed that Gold Banks had the rights to this land.  But what we didn’t know was that she was willing to put lives in danger just to carry her own agenda out.  She even threatened to have our licenses revoked and to forever live out in the streets if we didn’t do so.  If what we did would result in us losing our licenses, then we would be willing to surrender them.”
“No, that won’t be necessary,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “I plan on launching an investigation into Gold Banks’ theft of this land and her behavior.  Maybe that would finally put a spotlight on her, and maybe make Magistrate Creme Dream think twice about the support she gives to her lackey.”
The Forestallion looked like he was on the verge of tears, but his smile shined like the sun.  He got down on his knees and said “Oh thank you, Chancellor.  Thank you.  I will never forget this.”
Chancellor Cinch let out a chuckle before she said “There’s no need for that kind of humbleness, Forestallion.  Besides, you’re making the others laugh.”
The Forestallion got up and saw the younglings giggle at him.  He turned around and blushed with embarrassment. 
“Wow,” Moondancer laughed.  “That’s something I won’t get out of my head.”
“No argument there,” Sunburst replied.
Chancellor Cinch walked through the gate and approached Wanda.  She looked down at Wanda’s swollen wrists and lifted them with her hoof.  Wanda just looked up at Cinch with a smile.
“I’ve been harsh on you during your early times, Man’s Cub,” Cinch said.  “But there are some lines that I would never cross, which says a lot compared to what Gold Banks did to you.  And yet, each and every day, you still proved to be a far better soul than most ponies.  Never forget that.”
“I won’t,” Wanda said.
Cinch turned and looked at Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk.  All three looked proud, but also sad.  Cinch immediately turned to Princess Celestia.
“I take it those three are the orphans that Sunset Shimmer was friends with,” Cinch said.
“They are,” Princess Celestia said.  “They considered the ruins of the orphanage their home, and Gold Banks tore it down out of malice.   They deserve better.”
“Indeed,” Chancellor Cinch said.  She looked at Celestia’s face before she said “But by the look of your face, you do wish to look after them.”
“That is my wish,” Princess Celestia said as she looked down at Sunset Shimmer.  “Not just for their sake, but also for Sunset Shimmer’s sake.  To amend the fence of former friends.  To give them the happiness that they denied themselves.  They deserve more than to remain alone.”
“Then it is your decision and yours alone,” Chancellor Cinch said with a smile.  “Just like you did with Princess Wanda and Sunset Shimmer, like you did with Princess Cadance, and like you did with me and Fizzie.  And I know you made the right decision.”
With that, Cinch turned tail and walked towards the gate, waving back at Princess Celestia.  Celestia nodded to Luna, who nodded back before walking up to Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk.
“Dazzling sisters,” Luna said in a somber tone.  “I am terribly sorry for what happened to the orphanage you lived in.  But I promise you three this: we will make it right.”
“It wasn’t just a building,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “It was home.  And now it’s gone.  We have nothing left.”
“Then I believe it’s time you had a new home to live in,” Princess Luna said.  “From henceforth, you will now live with Princess Celestia in the castle.”  Those words caused the three sisters’ jaws to drop.
“Wait,” Aria Blaze said.  “In the royal castle?  After all we did?”
“Yes,” Princess Luna said as she pointed to Sunset Shimmer.  “And with one you once called friend.”
Adagio Dazzle looked at Sunset Shimmer before she wiped a tear from her eyes.  She ran up to who was her ex-friend and grabbed her, giving her a big hug.
“I’ll take it,” Adagio cried.  “And truth be told, I do miss you Sunset.”
“And I miss you too, Adagio,” Sunset said as she hugged Adagio Dazzle back.
“This is going to be exciting,” Sonata Dusk said.  “We’re going to live with Sunset Shimmer again, and all her new friends.”
“Never thought it would be the day where we live with Sunset Shimmer once more,” Aria Blaze said.  “And especially with her sisters.”
Wanda and Abigail ran up to Sunset and the Dazzlings with Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Spike the Dragon, Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell right behind her.  She gave her pony sister a fist noogie, causing the filly to giggle.
“I can’t wait to show them some of our new friends,” Wanda said. 
“Then it’s true with what they say,” Sunset said.  “As a family, we are truly one together.”
Suddenly, everyone came to a pause as they heard the sound of a familiar voice screaming in the distance.  They looked up and saw a fireball of some sort crash nearby in the grass.
“What the hay was that?” Starlight Glimmer asked.
“I have a feeling it’s a certain pink party pony who thinks she’s Discord,” Twilight Sparkle said.
Emerging from the crater was none other than Pinkie Pie.  She stood tall on top of the edge, looking upwards at the sky.
“Have no fear,” Pinkie Pie said as she stood up on her hind legs.  “Pinkie Pie is here.”
Pinkie PIe jumped from the crater and landed near the rest of the group, pulling a telescope out from her mane and looking through it.
“I heard word about three newcomers to the vessel, mateys,” Pinkie Pie said, mimicking the vocal tone of a Pirate Captain.  “Who wishes to join the crew?”
Sunset Shimmer poked at Pinkie Pie’s shoulder and said “Pinkie Pie, I want you to meet the Dazzling sisters.”
Pinkie Pie turned towards the Dazzlings, who looked at the pink pony with an awkward tone, with the exception of Sonata Dusk, who waved at Pinkie Pie excitedly.
“Oh my gosh,” Pinkie Pie said.  “You three are the newcomers to this wonderful family?  And I heard you patched things up with Princess Sunset Shimmer.  I can’t wait to bake you three a welcome cake.”
“That’s one of your sisters?” Adagio Dazzle said, looking like she’s on the verge of laughter.
“Actually, a friend from La Maresa,” Sunset Shimmer replied.  “But a friend nonetheless.”
“And we have plenty of friends from La Maresa that we wish to introduce you to,” Wanda Young said.
As all of the younglings were laughing loudly, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor and Twilight Velvet watched on with smiles on their faces.
“Twilight Velvet,” Princess Celestia said.  “Thank you for watching over those three.”
“You’re welcome, your majesty,” Twilight Velvet said.  “And I know they will be in safe hooves.”
“It’s one thing to have two little sisters,” Princess Cadance said.  “But now far more?”
“If you need help with foalsitting,” Shining Armor said.  “I’ll be happy to help.”
Princess Cadance laughed before she said “You’re just saying that because you want to be around me more.  But I’ll take the extra hooves.”
With that, Shining Armor grabbed Princess Cadance and swooped her off her hooves, causing the eldest sister to giggle loudly.
“So what are we going to do with six younglings from here on out?” Princess Luna asked.
“Six Younglings?”  Princess Celestia said.  “Big whoop.  Remember when we looked after twenty younglings?”
Princess Luna laughed before she said “No argument there.”
And with that, Celestia and Luna laughed as the sun began to set in the west.


	To Be Continued in….


	Arc 10: Holly the Toy Maker


	The Joy of Hearth’s Warming Eve

> Arc 10(Holly the Toy Maker)-1: The Joy of Hearth's Warming Eve
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Arc 10: Holly the Toy Maker


The Joy of Hearth’s Warming Eve



It was a wintery evening in the city of Canterlot.  Ponies walked around the town with cheer in their voices.  Decorations were hung around the city.  Everyone chanted “Hearth’s Warming Eve is here once again.”  Some were buying gifts for their loved ones.  Others cooked up delicious baked goods for this moment.
At Canterlot Castle, the exterior was decorated to reflect the warmth and cheer of the holidays with lights strung around the edges and a big wreath hung on the front.  But on top of the roof, Eleanor Young looked down on the city with a smile on her face.  She wore a heavy coat to cover herself up.
“It amazes me how similar the ponies are to us,” Eleanor Young said.  “Even though this is another Hearth’s Warming Eve for me.”
“And this time, you won’t be alone.”  Eleanor turned her head to her left to see Princess Celestia walk up to her, holding two mugs full of cocoa.  She placed one down next to Eleanor, who picked it up and took a sip.
“Still one to be full of cheer, Princess Celestia,” Eleanor Young said. 
“Of course,” Princess Celestia said.  “But I also take it you have a holiday of your own to celebrate with the people of Evevanya.”
“But of course,” Eleanor Young said before taking another sip of cocoa. “Have you ever heard of the Blessing of Winter?”
“The Blessing of Winter?” Princess Celestia said.  “I’ve heard of tales about the Blessings of Winter, a holiday almost similar to Hearth’s Warming Eve.”
“As we Evevanyians are more attuned to nature,” Eleanor stated.  “They see winter as a time for rest, a time for cheer, and a time for joy.  We settle down in our houses and castles, plan a feast for our people to celebrate the year, and to mourn those who have passed.  After all, we see the Blessings of Winter as a means to reflect back on the year, on moments that made us smile, and moments that made us sad.”
“Guess our own species do have more in common when it comes to the holidays,” Princess Celestia said.
“And not just that,” Eleanor said.  “My husband came from planet Earth.  Like with Hearth’s Warming Eve and the Blessings of Winter, they have holidays they celebrate, from Hanukkah to Kwanza to the Winter Solstice.  But there is one holiday that the children there look forward to: Christmas.”
“Christmas?” Celestia laughed.
“Some say that a jolly man by the name of Santa Claus pays a visit to the good girls and boys, and brings them toys,” Eleanor said.
“Sounds alot like the three Gift Givers of the Grove,” Princess Celestia said.  “Aurora, Bori and Alice.”
“Or like the two spirits of Winter,” Eleanor said.  “Kazahana and Hyoushou.  They identify the Evevanyians with warm hearts and gifts them with toys to get them through the cold winter.”
“Sounds like we, along with the Earthlings, may have more in common than we realize,” Princess Celestia said.
Eleanor and Celestia laughed as they both took a sip of cocoa.  
“But it does sound like Evevanyian lore is also tied to the folklore of the Japanese people of Earth,” Princess Celestia said.
“You’d be surprised by how similar Evevanyian lore is tied to when it comes to the people of Earth,” Eleanor Young said.  “Mainly Japanese like you said, along with Chinese and Hawaiian.”
“It does make me wonder if we three planets used to be one,” Princess Celestia pondered.
“Well that being said,” Eleanor said.  “I think my daughter could use your attention.”
“Oh right,” Celestia said.  “She said she was helping the Dazzlings with dinner tonight.”
But before Princess Celestia could move, Eleanor tapped on her wing.
“One last thing,” Eleanor said as she pulled out a book of some sort.  “I borrowed this from your bookshelf just out of curiosity.  But I recommend reading that to them when you can.”
Princess Celestia levitated the book towards her face and looked at the cover.
“Holly the Toy Maker,” Princess Celestia said.  “I like that idea.”
“Now go,” Eleanor said.  “I’ll join you in a bit.”
Princess Celestia nodded before she took the book and her cocoa and walked towards the door leading back into the castle.  Eleanor just looked back down at the ponies of Canterlot before sipping her cocoa again.
“Hearth’s Warming Eve, Blessings of Winter, Christmas,” Eleanor Young said.  “Maybe there is more to the three planets.  Perhaps we used to be one.”

Inside in the kitchen of the castle, Sonata Dusk placed a large plate onto the counter before placing down hot tortillas on the plate.  She took a spoon with her hoof and placed spoonfuls of black beans on each tortilla before adding in shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced onions and salsa before folding each one up.
“Is this what they call a taco?” Wanda Young said as she licked her lips.
“Walla,” Sonata Dusk said.  “Taco ala Hearth’s Warming.  Dig in.”
With that, Wanda reached out and grabbed one taco before a number of hooves grabbed their own, leaving only a few left.  But it didn’t take long for a cat’s paw to reach out and grab the taco.
Around the counter, Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Sunset Shimmer, Cozy Glow, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Trixie, Ditzy Doo, Aria Blaze and Adagio Dazzle were enjoying their black bean tacos with delight, all while Sonata Dusk continued to cook more tortillas and black beans on the stove.  Nearby, Majordomo Kibitz just stood there, observing Sonata’s cooking skills.
“Wow,” Cozy Glow said.  “So this is what a taco tastes like.”
“Duh,” Sonata Dusk said.  “What did you expect?”
“Not much,” Cozy Glow said.  “Considering what my mother usually feeds me.”
“I take it that what you have are all those bland hor d’oeuvres and not much else,” Pinkie PIe said.
“Now Pinkie,” Rarity said in disgust. “Not everyone would consider them bland.  I happen to be an expert in that profession.”
“No she’s right,” Cozy Glow said after swallowing another piece of taco.  “All she served me and Majesty were all those hor d’oeuvres.  And they were the blandest thing I have ever tasted.  Didn’t have as much flavor nor a good texture.  Then again, I dunno why Majesty enjoyed them.”
Pinkie Pie looked at Rarity with a smile on her face, while Rarity just placed her hoof on her face.
“You’re right,” Rarity said.  “One day, I am going to teach that alicorn filly how to make really good hor d’oeuvres.”
“I’ll take tacos over hor d’oeuvres any day,” Applejack said.  “In fact, have you tried my mom’s apple tacos?  They are such a treat.”
“I happen to be a taco fan myself,” Rainbow Dash said.  “But boy.  Are these the kind to sink my teeth into?  The spice, the bean quality, the tortilla.  Delicious.”
Majordomo Kibitz walked up to the group and said “You can thank Princess Luna for having a huge garden of a variety of peppers.  Though personally, I’m more of a fan of the El Diablo pepper.  Spiciest stuff on this planet.”
Rainbow Dash laughed with embarrassment before she said  “Thanks.  But I tried that stuff.  Waaaaaay too much for me.”
Kibitz laughed and said “Suit yourself.”
Fluttershy looked up at Adagio Dazzle and said “So you and your sisters used to live in an orphanage?”
Adagio Dazzle swallowed a bit of taco before she said “The ruins of an orphanage.  And back then, I swore off Sunset Shimmer as a friend because I assumed she ditched me and my sisters for trading away our friendship for hers.  It was the biggest mistake of my life.”
“But what matters is that we’re now together again,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “And Princess Celestia is looking into reclaiming the land and building a new orphanage.”
“But I still miss that place,” Adagio Dazzle said, turning her head towards Sunset.  “There was something special there, even back when we grew up together.”
“Surprisingly, so do I,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Even back when I moved in with Princess Celestia, I still remember the halls that we used to travel down together, the fun we had, the food we ate and even the only Hearth’s Warming Eve that we enjoyed.”
“Yeah,” Aria Blaze said.  “It felt like a magical place.”
Wanda giggled before she said “You know, it does make me wonder what would have happened if I did wind up with you guys at the orphanage instead of being found by mommy.”
Abigail looked at Wanda and said “Curious.”
“It is a curious thought, Abby,” Wanda said before she scratched Abigail on the back of her ear.
“One thing is that we may not have met our friends at the School for Gifted Unicorns, nor these guys from La Maresa,” Sunset said. “But I think our friendship would have been strong.”
“One small problem,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Your demon form.”
Sunset sighed before she said “You’re right.  I forgot all about that.”
“Yeah,” Ditzy said.  “It’s horrifying to see it pop up when we least expect it.  But how come it always happens, Sunset?”
“Lately,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “That very form that Princess Celestia was able to bury under my head began to root itself out at random points in recent times.  Sometimes I try to resist it, but it always takes my mind over.”
“Well I’m not going to let a demon form get the best of all of us,” Trixie said as she put her taco down and climbed onto the table before standing on her hind legs.  “For I, the Great and Powerful Trixie will hold the field back so that Sunset Shimmer can become whole again.”
Sunset laughed before she said “Trixie, I don’t think you have what it takes to soothe my mind and let me become myself again.  But I appreciate your concern for me.”
Trixie took off her hat with her right upper hoof, twirled it into the air and said “Well I’m willing to learn.”
Trixie placed her left upper hoof under her hat to catch a falling egg that emerged.  She squeezed the egg with her hoof hard enough for it to burst into stardust. Trixie turned around and threw the stardust into the air and away from the group, causing them to oooh and aww at the sight.
“You’re pretty amazing,” Sonata Dusk said as she placed down another plate of tacos on the table.
“You can thank my father, the Legendary Jackpot,” Trixie said before putting her hat back on.  “In fact, I should invite you all, plus the other unicorns, to his stage shows.  It’s a real blast.”
Wanda clapped her hands and said “Yes.  I always wanted to meet Jackpot the Legend.  Maybe he’ll show up in the new Equestrian year.”
“And that I can guarantee.”  Every youngling in the vicinity turned towards the entrance of the kitchen, where Princess Celestia arrived, still carrying her hot cocoa with her magic.  Underneath her left wing was the book that Eleanor Young gave her.
“Mommy,” Wanda said as she waved towards Princess Celestia.  “Come and have some tacos that Sonata Dusk made.”
“Sonata Dusk made tacos?” Princess Celestia said.  “Don’t mind if I do.”
Princess Celestia walked up to the counter where everyone was enjoying their tacos before she picked one up from the center plate.  She opened her mouth, took a bite of her taco and chewed with delight before swallowing her bite.
“Mmmm,” Princess Celestia said.  “A nice crunch, with black beans, vegetables, and some house salsa.”  
“I know,” Cozy Glow said.  “Isn’t it wonderful?  Tacos are my favorite food.”
“They’re mine, too,” Sonata Dusk said.  “And I’ve waited a long time to make them for just about any pony.”
Princess Celestia turned to Kibitz and said “And I take it you taught her how to make them, plus utilized the peppers in the royal garden.”
“I did,” Majordomo Kibitz said.  “But I would have recommended the El Diablo pepper for their salsa.”
Princess Celestia laughed before she said “That won’t be necessary.  Besides, when Cinch was a kid, she tried that stuff out, and it took three tubs of peppermint ice cream to get rid of the heat.”
“Yeeouch,” Applejack said.  “I heard they were spicy, but I didn’t recall them being that spicy.”
“Oh dear,” Fluttershy said.  “Even I wouldn’t be able to handle that kind of heat.”
Sunset Shimmer looked at Celestia’s wing and noticed the book that was tucked under.  She cleared her throat and said “Mother.  Why do you have a book with you?”
“Glad you were able to take notice, Sunset,” Princess Celestia said.
Princess Celestia placed her hot cocoa on a nearby table and proceeded to pull the book out.  But before she could lift it into the air, Pinkie Pie said “I take it the book is about a toy  maker named Holly, and how a mean-ol Duchess of Auric wanted her to give up making toys.”
Princess Celestia only laughed before she said “I guess someone knew I was going to read this to you all.”
“Wait,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “You’re going to read us all a story about that?”
Wanda turned to Adagio and said “Mommy used to read that story to us on every Hearth’s Warming Eve, and we both look forward to it.  Besides, it does make me interested in wanting to learn how to make toys.”
“Toys,” Abigail said with a delightful cheer.
“Now why would you want to learn to make toys?” Rainbow Dash asked.  “That sounds like an interesting hobby.”
“Well what’s wrong with wanting to make toys?” Wanda asked.  “Especially ones that are super-awesome?”
“Now you’re reading my language, kid,” Rainbow Dash said with a wink.  “After all, any toy that screams awesome deserves a spot in my set.  Be it balls for kicking, birds that fly, or action figures that are two hundred percent cooler.”
“She’s right,” Pinkie Pie said.  “After all, the best thing about the toy is who made the toy.  Maybe Wanda could become the number one toymaker in all of Equestria.”
“Well I would,” Wanda said before pointing to her flower cutie mark on her shoulder.  “But my destiny was decided for me with my cutie mark.”
“Now who said cutie marks made you stuck to the way you are?” Princess Celestia said before she gave Wanda a hoof noogie, causing her to laugh. 
“Mommy,” Wanda giggled.  “Cut it out.”
“She’s right, sis,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “I may have a cutie mark that represents the sun.  But that doesn’t mean I won’t have other interests.”  
Princess Celestia lifted her hoof off of Wanda’s head before placing it on the ground.  She pulled the book up and walked towards the end of the table.
“So,” Cozy Glow said.  “Is it true that toys bring miracles to the younglings?”
“Let me guess,” Aria Blaze said.  “You never had a toy before.”
“Before I met any of you guys, I did have a fascination for toys,” Cozy Glow said.  “And surprisingly, so did my sister Majesty.  But our mother forbade us from owning a single toy.”
“So Majesty used to be almost like you?” Sunset Shimmer asked.
“That’s a story for another time,” Cozy Glow replied.
“Aww,” Ditzy Doo said.  “I feel bad for you, Cozy.”
As Ditzy Doo flew up to Cozy Glow and cuddled with her, Princess Celestia approached the end of the counter and opened up the book.
“So I think since this has been a yearly tradition,” Princess Celestia said.  “I will read to you all ‘The Tale of Holly the Toy Maker.’  Does anyone have any questions before we begin?”
Rarity raised her hoof into the air, attracting Princess Celestia’s attention.
“I do have one,” Rarity replied.  “Where are Princess Luna and Princess Cadance?”
“That’s an easy question,” Princess Celestia said.  “They’ve gone to help Shining Armor and Twilight Sparkle go shopping for the others’ Hearth’s Warming Eve gifts, plus a little surprise if you are all nice.”
Rarity lowered her arms down and crossed them before she said “Oh I have been very nice.”
Rainbow Dash reached over to Rarity and said “More like very…Naaaaaaughty.”
The other younglings laughed hard as Rarity blushed with embarrassment.  Their laughter only stopped when Princess Celestia whistled into the air.
“That will be quite enough,” Princess Celestia said with a smile.
“Sorry mommy,” Wanda said.  “Too much of a habit.”
“Anyway,” Celestia said as she shifted her eyes towards the book.  “Prepare yourselves as I tell you the tale of Holly the Toymaker, the two daughters that she looks after, a handsome young captain of the guard, and a terrible duchess who has seized control of the kingdom with the intend to rule as she sees fit, and to make the ponies completely miserable.”


	To Be Continued in…


	The Tale of Holly the Toy Maker Part 1

> Arc 10-2: The Tale of Holly the Toy Maker Part 1
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Tale of Holly the Toy Maker Part 1




In the magical land of Harmonia, lies a small town called Joy, located on the outskirts of the city.  The ponies who live there were among the happiest of the bunch.   Some say it’s because they were rich in wealth, or the fact that they were in great health.  But what makes them stand out was because of one little thing: Toys.
The colts and fillies loved their toys.  Some played with figures that resembled animals.  Some made buildings out of pieces and logs.  Some played pretend as a doctor, a guard, a grocer, a baker, a candlestick maker, or even a farmer.  Some even played house as if they were living out a different life.  Some rode on wagons, bounced on pogo-sticks, or even flew kites.  And some made music, much to the joy of the grown ups.
But where did they come from?  Where could something that brings so much joy originate from?  That, my friends, comes from a mare on the hill named Holly.
Holly was a master when it came to making toys.  With her tools and either wood, metal, cloth or other materials, Holly crafted these toys.  She could create wonders with the tools at her disposal.  She could craft wooden ducks on wheels without breaking a sweat.  She could carve out a doll with ease and have time to complete the dress.  She could fix together a small dollhouse in a quarter of a day.  A toy pony soldier would be dressed up for battle in little-to-no time at all.
But where does she get the material?  Holly was not only a professional wood-cutter when it came to toys, she could acquire wood needed from the nearby forest.  The paint she bought with her own money along with any nails or glue.  But in recent times, ponies from town began donating their own materials to her: wood, metal, cloth, glue, paint, nails, spare tools, and even pieces of gold and silver.  
When she first realized that, she was surprised.  No one has donated a mountain of supplies and money to her.  She approached the townsfolk, eager to find out why.
“I thank you all for what you have done,” Holly said.  “But, I can’t accept this.  It feels against my own nature to take it as a gesture of goodwill.”
But the Mayor approached her and said “This is for you because of the joy you bring to the town of Joy.  The joy you bring to the colts and fillies with your toys.  You have done a lot for us, and I believe that when one pony brings you joy, give them as much joy of your own as possible.  But also because you wish to spread that joy to the rest of Harmonia.  So take it, so you can realize your own dream.”
Holly was touched by the Mayor’s words.  She knew he wouldn’t take no for an answer, and so she said “Thank you.  I will take what you gave me and I will make the best toys so that every colt and filly will know that same joy.”
And the ponies of the Town of Joy cheered.  They knew that the joy they felt here could spread across Harmonia, and so did Holly.  While she was a humble pony, Holly dreamt that one day, every Colt and Filly across Harmonia would be filled with joy by the craft of her toy.

But the joy she saw in the Town of Joy was the only thing in her life.  Believe it not, she adopted two orphan fillies to look after while she makes her joy.  Their names are Sundrop and Moonrain.  It is unclear where they came from as they were found in front of her house while they were foals.  But regardless, Folly sees Sundrop and Moonrain as the joy of her life.  For you see, Holly also makes toys for her adopted daughters, so that they could experience the joy as well.
The one day while Holly was painting some new toys, she turned to face her daughters, who were enjoying the toys that she made for them.  Sundrop enjoyed playing with figures that resembled the soldiers while Moonrain was enjoying the figures based on the animals.
“Do not worry, animals of Harmonia,” Sundrop said, playing with her soldier figures.  “I will defend you from the evil that desires to capture you.”
“Oh thank you, brave warrior,” Moonrain said, playing with her various animal figures.  “We will never forget your kindness.”
But as Sundrop and Moonrain continued to play together, Holly watched from her worktable, and just laughed.  She laughed because she enjoyed seeing her daughters play with her toy.  And she imagined the many ponies who enjoyed playing with her toys, and she smiled some more, knowing that they would enjoy the toys that she made.

But her work did not go unnoticed.  One day, she was brought to the central kingdom to meet the two queens who ruled with a warm heart: The Queen of the North and the Queen of the South.  The queens had taken an interest in Holly’s skills as a toymaker after word got out about how her toys brought colts and fillies joy.  So one day, Holly was called to the throne room of Castle Harmonia, so that she may address the queens.
“We have heard stories about how your toys have brought the fillies and colts joy,” The Queen of the North said.  
“But we believe that your potential is being held back by the fact that you work alone,” The Queen of the South said.
“So,” The Queen of the North stated. “We proposed to hire some workers to help you with your workload, and will also cover their expenses so you don’t have to.”
“You can help provide the details on how your toys are made,” The Queen of the South said.  “And they can help build them for you.  And through your quality control, you can create more toys for the ponies of Harmonia.”
But it didn’t take long for Holly to make her decision.  And hers was one that stood grounded in her belief.
“I appreciate your help, Your Majesties,” Holly said. “But I do not wish to burden anyone into helping build my toys, out of fear that I may end up a selfish pony.  Therefore, I must decline your proposition.  I am terribly sorry.”
The two Queens were discouraged.  But they knew Holly’s words rang true to her selfless character.
“We understand,” The Queen of the North said. “And we will abide by your words.”
“If ever you change your mind,” The Queen of the South said.  “Let us know.”
With that, Holly departed the castle in peace, returning to her workshop, greeted her daughters, and went back to work.

For a time, Harmonia has seen happiness flow throughout the land.  But in a distant area of the Kingdom lay a town of Auric.  Despite its name and its vast wealth, the ponies of Auric lived in depressing times.  Many could not afford basic necessities like food, medicine, or clothes, let alone the donation of a single toy.  Travel between Auric and the rest of the Kingdom lay bare due to the taxes levied on traveling merchants.  There was no joy, no harmony, in this facade of a town.
In the manor of Auric, the greedy Duchess of Auric stood down at her people with a scorn on her face.  Next to her were mountains and mountains of gold piled up.  Her furniture was some of the most exquisite in the land.  But despite all that wealth, the Duchess was not happy.  Her attention turned towards the central city of Harmonia, the capital of the Kingdom.
“All this gold in Auric,” she snarled.  “And yet my hunger still remains.”
She closed the curtains in a huff before marching towards her gold and laying onto it.
“Count,” the Duchess yelled.  “Come here.”
From another hallway came the Count of Auric, approaching the Duchess without a shred of emotion.  While the Duchess appeared mighty and proud, the Count was a humble pony with a stern look on his face.  
“You call, Duchess?” The Count asked.
“As long as the two Queens rule over Harmony,” The Duchess said.  “I will never be satisfied.  All this gold in Auric, and all it has led to is a dissatisfied and bored life.”
“Perhaps if you had a bit of joy in your life,” The Count said.
“If you’re talking about toys, forget it,” The Duchess said.  “These despicable objects, along with the very younglings who play with them, are the bane of the financial system.   All those younglings do is to play with those stupid toys, thinking they’re something that they shouldn’t be.”  She pounded the gold with her hoof and added “They should be working like every pony in this land.  They should be taught to work, work, work.  No time for fun, and no time for pointless lessons from school.  They should be serving food in the restaurants, cleaning wagons for the adults, and scrubbing soot from the chimneys”
“My Duchess,” The Count.  “Younglings should be younglings, not emotionless servants.”
“I don’t care,” The Duchess yelled before throwing a gold goblet in frustration.  “I want control of the kingdom so that I may teach the younglings a lesson they will never forget.”
“Your obsession with children disturbs me, Duchess,” The Count said.  “It makes me wonder why the Queens haven’t looked into your activities, considering the fact that they will be leaving to meet with the Kirin across the sea.”
Those words caught the Duchess off guard, and her frown flipped into a smile.  She got an awful idea that she just had to let it out.
“Count,” The Duchess said.  “You did say that the Queens were leaving to meet the Kirin.”
“I did,” The Count said.  “For about a month.”
The Duchess reclined back and said with a sinister smile “Excellent.  It would be a shame if we were to lose our poor, poor Queens.”

The words that came from the Duchess did cause concern for the Count.  But regardless, the Queens had departed Harmonia for the Kirin Kingdom to expand their friendship.  But over a month later, their ships had yet to return.   What had happened to the Queens?  And why has no letter arrived to the Kingdom on what’s going on at the Kirin Kingdom?  For the many citizens, it was a major cause for concern.  But for the Duchess of Auric, she wasted no time seizing the throne and declaring herself acting ruler.  Soon, she occupied the throne of the Queen of the North while tossing the throne of the South aside.
“As your acting ruler of Harmonia,” The Duchess proclaimed.  “I hereby enact a new law that goes into effect today.  Immediately, all toys are banned throughout the kingdom.  They are not to be played with, enjoyed, or even observed on a shelf.  I will send the guards to take the troublesome toys away.  Anyone who resists in surrendering their toys will face the consequences of their actions.  So says I.”
And with that, the soldiers of Harmonia marched across the land.  In each town, they entered every citizen’s house, and demanded every toy, be it a vehicle, an animal, a soldier, a kite, a doll, a yo-yo, a puzzle, building logs, or even play tools.  The toys were loaded up in a wagon and taken to the central castle, where the Duchess ordered them burned to ash.
But the actions of the soldiers caused despair among the younglings.  They saw the little colts and fillies cry.  They knew that what they were doing was wrong.  But the law had to be obeyed, and if they questioned it, they could lose their rank or even be thrown in the dungeon.

It was that evening at the house in the outskirts of the Town of Joy.  Holly had observed a number of royal troops take the toys away from the colts and fillies of the town, and she felt awful.
“Why are they doing this?” Holly said.  “Why are the guards taking toys away from the children?  Why also take away their joy?  Their happiness?”
But Holly quickly pulled her head back in and shut the windows.  Then she said to Sundrop and Moonrain “They’re coming.  The royal troops are coming this way.”  And she was right.  A battalion of troops marched towards her house with the Duchess leading the pack.  Holly moved her daughters under the table and placed a tablecloth atop so that they may be safe.  But no sooner did she do so, the front door slammed open, and the Duchess of Auric stepped in.
“What’s going on here?” Holly asked.  “Why are colts and fillies losing their toys?”
“Because it is the law now, toymaker,” The Duchess said before stomping her hoof on the floor.
The guards wasted no time marching into Holly’s workshop, and seizing everything from her, not the just toys that she made, but also the materials and her tools.  Holly was appalled by the royal troops’ actions.
“As of now,” The Duchess said. “I hereby declare this house to be under the property of the crown.  And as such, you will abandon your status as toymaker and dedicate yourself to tax collecting.”
“Tax collecting?” Holly screamed.  “That is ridiculous.”
The Duchess just laughed as she walked up to the table that was next to Holly.  She looked at the table and said “You will do it for the sake of your own brats.”
With that, The Duchess yanked the tablecloth off the table, exposing both Sundrop and Moonrain from underneath.  The Duchess lowered herself down and smiled with a despicable grin, all while Sundrop held Moonrain in fear.
“Holly you naughty outlaw,” The Duchess said.  “I will give you one week to convert your house into a haven for tax collection, and to dedicate yourself to collecting taxes from the Town of No Joy.”
“And what if I don’t?” Holly asked.
“Then,” The Duchess said.  “I will have to take your delinquents away and lock you in the dungeon for the rest of your life.  And don’t count on the Queens to save you: They’re gone, and they will never come back.”
The Duchess laughed as she walked out of the house, leaving it a barren abode.  Many of the guards stepped out, following the Duchess, except one: The Captain of the Guards Silversword.  He felt a shred of guilt inside his body despite having helped remove every toy, material and tool from Holly’s house.
“I wish I didn’t have to do what I did,” Captain Silversword said.  “But the Duchess is the acting ruler, and going against her wishes would result in treason.”
With that, Captain Silversword stepped out of the house, leaving Holly in despair, and both Sundrop and Moonrain in tears.  Holly looked down and hugged both of her daughters.
“It’s okay,” Holly said.  “As long as I am by your side, I won’t let anything bad happen to you.”

Back at the palace, The Duchess stood on the balcony, satisfied with her decree and the results.  She watched from afar as on the streets of the central city, a mountain of toys were set ablaze by the fire set by a member of the royal guard.  No one in the vicinity was happy, not even the guard who had to set fire to what was once pure joy.
“Nothing like seeing joy itself crumble into ashes,” The Duchess said as she turned around and walked into the castle.  “They will feel despair like how it was meant to be.”
The Duchess walked up to the throne of the North and sat down, still smug from her actions.  She dreamt up dangerous thoughts, salivating at what she would do next.  The deeper her thoughts, the more sinister her smile was.
“Duchess,” The Count of Auric said, stepping into the throne room.  “Are you sure that was a good idea?  To deprive Harmonia of its joy?”
“Of course it was,” The Duchess said.  “Joy and happiness are the very plagues that poison the minds of these fools.  Their minds must be focused on three things: Work, work, work.  And they have to be miserable about it.”
“Reconsider,” The Count said.  “The Queens saw their joy as the strength of Harmonia, not the weakness.”
“It was their idea of strength that led to their demise,” The Duchess said.  “That individuals could have joy in their hearts, and happiness in their souls.  They were naive about it, and it cost them dearly.”
The Count was discouraged.  He turned around and walked towards the entrance.  While the Duchess would be satisfied with her results, it seems her ego couldn’t let her hold back.  And so she jumped out of her seat and walked up to the Count.
“Oh and by the way,” The Duchess whispered.  “About the ultimatum I gave to Holly?  I lied.”
“You what?” The Count said as he came to a stop and turned his head towards the Duchess.
“I never intended on holding my end of the bargain,” The Duchess said.  “I only forced her into becoming a tax collector for my own personal entertainment.  Once that week is up, I intend on taking her brats away and locking her in the dungeon.  Such a fool this Holly is.”
WIth that, the Count walked away no longer in a slump, but now completely disturbed by the Duchess’s words, who laughed loudly at the Count’s expense.

Later that night, the Count held a lantern as he walked into the barracks of the kingdom and approached Silvershield.   Judging by the despair on the Count’s face, Silvershield was worried.
“I’m afraid to ask what’s going on,” Silvershield said.  “But what happened?”
“I’m afraid it’s Holly,” The Count said.  “You remember those words that the Duchess said to her that afternoon.”
“Yeah,” Silvershield replied.  “She has one week to dedicate her house to collecting taxes.  And if she fails, she will have her younglings taken away and she will be thrown in the dungeon.”
“Then I must relay this bad news to you,” the Count said.  “She lied.  She never cared about fulfilling her promise.  As a matter of fact, she plans on waiting till the last minute, and will order you to take her daughters away, and to arrest her and throw her in the dungeon.  She even went as far as to refer to Holly as foolish.”
Silversword was beyond pale.  The words from the Count of Auric haunted every inch of his body.  Silversword was able to muster up the energy to say “I don’t believe it.  The Duchess lied to us about Holly?  What am I supposed to do?”
“Find Holly, get her and her younglings to safety,” The Count said.  “I will distract the Duchess as much as I can until the Queens return.”
“Understood,” Silversword said with a nod before he signaled to two of his fellow guards and made his way out of the barracks.

Later that night, many of the citizens of the Town of Joy are anything but.  Mothers and Fathers held their younglings close as they cried into their chests.  Some felt saddened by the loss of the very toys that Holly gave them.  Many tried to hold in their hooves what they imagined to be their toys, only to slump down in failure.  There was no joy to be found from every pony in the Town of Joy.
And in the outskirts of Joy, Holly prepared a nice bit of food for her daughters Sundrop and Moonrain.  Despite how scrumptious dinner was, the two fillies were depressed.
“I know it’s going to be hard to be in a house without any toys,” Holly said.  “But I promise I will do what I can to keep you both happy.”
“But it’s no fun without a single toy,” Sundrop said.
“Yeah,” Moonrain said.  “The law is wrong.  Why do we have to suffer just for the sake of the Duchess?  And where are the Queens?”
“I wish I could help you out,” Holly thought to herself.  “But I’m afraid you’re right.  As long as the Duchess is in charge, the only thing I can do is abide by her law and convert this place into a service for tax collecting.  I only hope she can uphold her end of the bargain.”
And suddenly, there was a knock at the door, catching Holly’s curiosity.  She walked up to the door and opened it.  Outside, Captain Silversword and a couple of guards stood at the entrance.  But Holly was not in a merry mood.
“You have a lot of nerve to come here after what you did this afternoon,” Holly said.  “Now there is no joy to be had in the Town of Joy, or even in this house.”
“And I’m afraid it’s going to get worse,” Silversword said.
Holly was not convinced by Silversword’s words.  But there was a bit of patience within the toymaker.
“I’m all ears,” Holly said.  “So tell me why you came all the way here.”
“Do you remember the warning that the Duchess gave to you after we had to seize your toys and the rest of your workshop?” Silversword asked.
“How can I forget,” Holly replied.  “When it has traumatized Sundrop and Moonrain?”
“Because the Duchess never intended on fulfilling her part of the bargain,” Silversword said.  “Even if you fulfill your obligations into becoming a tax collector, the Duchess will take your youngling away, and lock you in the dungeon for her own amusement.”
Holly’s anger melted away into sorrow.  She slumped back to the table and sat down, staring at her uneaten food.  All Sundrop and Moonrain could do is look at their adopted mother, concerned for her well-being.
“Mother?” Sundrop asked.  “Are you alright?”
“No,” Holly said as a tear fell from her eye.  “They’re going to take you away, regardless if I dedicated myself to tax collecting, and they’re going to lock me away in the dungeon.”
“I don’t believe it,” Moonrain said as she was about to cry.  “We’re going to be separated from you after all?”
And thus, Sundrop and Moonrain burst out in tears, crying loudly.  Their sad song filled the house, much to the despair of Holly, and much to the concern of Captain Silversword and the guards.
“Holly.” Silversword said.  “May I make a suggestion?”
Holly let out a sigh and said “Let’s hear it.”
“I wish to move you away from this place and into a safe spot so you and your daughters can hide from the Duchess,” Silversword said.
Holly looked up at Silversword and said “What good would it do, knowing that I will now be a fugitive on the run from the law?”
But to Holly’s surprise, Silversword pulled out a few tools from his knapsack and placed it down on the table.  Her face beamed over seeing her old tools again.
“Because those who once enforced the law have chosen to go against it,” Silversword said.  “I was able to recover those before they were burned, and I wanted you to have them again.  They mean a whole lot to you.”
Holly grabbed the tools and held them close to her heart.  Her eyes cried not of sorrow, but of joy once more.  But she looked up at Silversword, whose sorrow never left his face.
“What do you mean you have chosen to go up against the law?” Holly said.  “Does that mean you have stepped down from your position just to help me?”
“I didn’t step down,” Captain Silversword said as he stepped aside.  “We all chose to leave the Duchess.”
Holly got up from her table and stepped outside of the house.  To her surprise, a number of royal guards stood tall, saluting Holly with pride.
“Toymaker Holly,” The guards said.  “We will now follow you to the ends of the earth so that you may be protected from the Duchess.”
Holly’s smile deepened.  She wiped away the tears from her eyes before turning to her younglings.  Their faces were also optimistic, judging by their adopted mother’s new found joy.
“Mommy,” Moonrain said.  “Is that what I think it is?”
“It’s true,” Holly said.  “Pack your things.  We’re going to a new location, and we’re going to build toys in defiance of the law.”
The two fillies cheered with excitement as Holly and Silversword danced together.  The now-renegade guards stomped their hooves in celebration as the two danced together like a rodeo of some sort.  But suddenly, Silversword came to a stop.
“Hold it,” Silversword said.  “There is one last thing you forgot.”
“And what’s that?” Holly asked.
“Your meal,” Silversword said.  “You should finish it.”
Holly, Sundrop and Moonrain blushed embarrassingly as they returned to the table and began to eat their food.  They couldn’t stop.  They enjoyed every bite from their plate until there was nothing left.  Well except for Holly, who had a small portion remaining.
“Aren’t you going to finish that?” Silversword asked.
But Holly handed the plate to him and said “This is for helping me out.  It’s yours.”
Silversword looked like he was on the verge of tears.  He accepted the plate and took a bite from the food and chewed with delight.  His face cried tears of joy over the taste of food.
“This is the best meal I have ever had,” Silversword said.  “I will never forget this moment, Holly.  You have my thanks.”
And with that, Holly, Sundrop and Moonrain gathered as much as they could before emerging from the house.  But they were amazed at how large the crowd had gotten.  Before, it was nothing more than rogue guards.  Now the citizens of the Town of Joy stood by, cheering Holly on.
“This,” Holly said.  “This is what I think it is?”
“It’s called altruism,” The Mayor of Joy said, emerging from the crowd.  “We care for the well-being of our fellow townsfolk, and that includes you, Holly.  I know you didn’t want any help.  But we’re all here.  We’re all here to help protect you from the Duchess of Auric.  And you can thank the guards for alerting us on what she will do to you.”
“Thank you, everyone,” Holly said.  “I will never forget this.”
And with that, Holly, Sundrop and Moonrain left the house for the last time, walking with Captain Silversword and the royal guards, along with the citizens of Joy.   Soon, not a soul remained at the house, nor at the Town itself.  Though Joy was now a hollow shell of its former self, the citizens were bound to find happiness once more.

But the next day, the Duchess was in a foul mood. She threw objects all around the room in a fit of rage, from goblets to furniture to priceless pieces of art.  And all the Count could do was hide.
“What do you mean the guards have gone renegade?” The Duchess yelled.  “They’re my soldiers, and they have to do what I tell them.”
“I’m sorry, Duchess,” The Count said.  “One of them must have been eavesdropping on our conversation last night and relayed it to the rest of the troops, and now they’ve deserted us.”
“Well two can play at that game,” The Duchess commanded.  “Take down a note, and make sure it is clear.”
Without any hesitation, the Count pulled out a quill and dipped it in ink before putting it to a blank parchment.
“As your ruler,” The Duchess stated as the Count began to write.  “It has come to my attention that the royal guard has chosen treason over loyalty.  They have chosen to desert all of you for their own gain, all just to violate the law.  Effective immediately, every member of the Royal Guard is now a wanted criminal.  They are to be arrested and thrown in the dungeon, no trial.  Furthermore, I will be hiring mercenaries and bandits to become our new Royal Guard.  One that will ensure loyalty to the crown compared to the traitors.  So says I, the Duchess of Auric.”
“Mercenaries and bandits?” The Count said.  “To resort to low lifes to enforce the rules?”
“And there will be a handsome pay for anyone who wishes to sign up,” The Duchess said.  
The Count wrote into the parchment, copying everything that the Duchess said.  The Duchess looked over at the parchment, and smiled with a devilish grin.
“Excellent,” the Duchess said.  “Now announce it to the ponies of Harmonia.  It is time for a new era of Law and Order.”
“As you wish,” The Count said hesitantly before departing from the throne room, leaving the Duchess all alone by herself.
“Make a fool out of me, will ya Ex-Captain?” The Duchess said.  “Well how will you like it when you all rot in the dungeon for your treason?  And make no mistake: Your Queens will never return, because I left them for dead.  I blackmailed the captain of that ship to strand the Queens at the Kirin Kingdom and to declare that no one there is allowed to step hoof here.  Soon, they won’t refer to me as Queen Auric, but rather Empress Auric, the ruler of the newly crowned Auric Empire.”
And with that, The Duchess laughed loudly, releasing a negative vibe into the air that would plunge all of Harmonia into further despair.  But what would be of Holly, her younglings, the renegade guards, and the citizens of Joy now that they are wanted criminals?


	To Be Continued in…


	The Tale of Holly the Toy Maker Part 2

> Arc 10-3: The Tale of Holly the Toy Maker Part 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Tale of Holly the Toy Maker Part 2



It was the early morning, deep within the wilderness of Harmonia.  Holly, holding onto her tools and guiding her daughters, stood by Captain Silversword and the guards who had abandoned their post.  Next to them, the Mayor led the citizens of Joy along the path of woods, rocks and water.  Though the journey seemed treacherous, their spirits were still high.
“How are you faring so far?” Captain Silversword asked.
“I’m doing fine,” Holly said with both Sundrop and Moonrain walking next to her.
“If you want,” Captain Silversword said.  “We could camp here for now and rest up before we continue to push our way through.”
Holly scanned her eyes around the entire land that lay around the entire group.  Trees that were as high as the eye could see populated the forest.  Thick grass stood in front of Holly, Silversword and everyone else.  There was a waterfall nearby that released tons of fresh water.  The rocks that surrounded the waterfall were large and slippery.
“You know what?” Holly said.  “This does look like an ideal place to stay for now.”
“Then it’s settled,” Captain Silversword said.  “We will set up camp here and prepare the land for a new village.”
The crowd of villagers cheered loudly as they set their supplies down and pulled out the tents.  They began to set up their tents, tying the rope down to the stakes until they stood tall and proud.  Some even set up miniature tables to set their supplies down.  The Mayor opened his backpack up and pulled out as much food as possible.
“We will need more supplies to get us through these harsh months,” Captain Silversword said.  “Search for wood, a source of food, and report any danger that you find.”
Two of the guards saluted Silversword and departed.  But as they did, another guard approached the group with a frantic look on his face.
“Captain,” the guard said.  “I have some bad news.”
“Report,” Captain Silversword commanded.
“The Duchess figured out that we have gone rogue and she’s hired bandits and mercenaries to take our place,” the guard reported.  “Even more so, she has placed a price on our heads and ordered the village of Joy to be burned to the ground.  I saw what they did to the place.”
“Our village was burned down?” The Mayor said.  “Is there no end to the cruelty of the Duchess?”
Captain Silversword felt uneasy by the guard’s words, as if a sense of regret filled his veins.  He turned to the guard.
“There is a part of me that wished we removed the Duchess from power until the Queens returned,” Captain Silversword said.  “But at the same time, we made a promise not to resort to that desperate act.  So for now, we must keep our eyes peeled in case they discover our camp.”
“So that’s it?” Holly said.  “They’re going to hunt us down and drag us to the palace?”
“I’m afraid so,” Silversword said.  “And if we make our leave, they will continue to hunt us down to the very end.  We’ll need to take a stand.”
Silversword directed his gaze towards his fellow soldiers and said “Build a wall around this place with a gate.  We need to prepare for when they hunt us down and invade us.”
The guards saluted Silversword and said “Yes, sir,” before galloping towards some of the rocks near the waterfall.  
“What should I do?” Holly asked.
“We will provide to you material needed to keep the youngling’s morale high,” Silversword said.  
“And I will do just that,” Holly said with a nod.
Soon, every soldier and citizen began to build the land up as much as possible.  Many pulled their weight in stone to create the wall.  Some continued to set up tents, while others went to gather food and other supplies from around the forest.  A few of them brought down some wood to give to Holly, who wasted no time carving it out to build new toys.  But while Holly began to get to work, Sundrop and Moonrain took notice of the giant stones being placed around the encampment.
“Mommy,” Sundrop said.  “Why are the villagers and the guards placing stone around us?”
“It’s to protect us,” Holly said as she began to carve one of the pieces of wood.  “From ferocious animals and the Duchess’ own troops.
“Do you think so?” Moonrain asked.
“I don’t think so,” Holly said.  “I know so.”

But at what’s left of the Town of Joy, bandits and mercenaries cheered among the ruins of the once proud and bustling village, now reduced to a smoldering shell of its former self.  Some carried torches, others carried stolen tools.  Their cries into the daylight would send chills down the spines of ordinary citizens.
But not for the Duchess of Auric.  She stepped out of her gold-plated carriage to observe the damage caused by her new soldiers, all while the Count stepped out from behind.  She cracked a smile of satisfaction, reveling in the destruction of the Town of Joy.
“Joy is no more,” The Duchess said.  “As it should be.  Though I am disappointed in the lack of a single soul in what’s left of this town.”
“A lack of a single soul?” The Count said, horrified by the Duchess’ words.
“Come on, quit being a stick in the mud,” The Duchess laughed.  “Imagine the look on their faces the moment they saw their own town set ablaze.  Oh the despair and the pain that would come out of those peasants.”
The Count just shook his head in disbelief from the Duchess’ words.  Despair?  Pain?  It sounds like The Duchess is a sadistic pony who enjoys seeing others suffer.  And that made the Count a little queasy.
“My empress,” A Mercenary yelled out, running up to the Duchess.
“Report,” The Duchess replied.
“Our scouts have discovered a wall being built around an encampment,” The Mercenary said.  “It’s got to be Holly, the villagers and those traitors.”
The Duchess immediately pondered over the words of the mercenary, plunging herself into deep thought.
“Seems those fools aren’t so foolish after all,” The Duchess said to herself.  “They’re trying to protect themselves from my forces.  And by the time we arrive, the wall will be complete.”
Suddenly, an idea popped into the Duchess' mind.  She smiled with a sinister grin and turned towards the Mercenary.
“As your Empress,” The Duchess announced.  “I also have a talent for alchemy.  In fact, my skills as an alchemist are dedicated towards explosives.”
“Explosives?” The Mercenary asked.
“Yes,” The Duchess said before pointing to her royal wagon.  “I brewed some explosives early this morning in case something like this would happen.  Gather them up and take them to the wall.  Then detonate the explosives to create a hole in the wall, and take them all prisoner.  Understand?”
The Mercenary saluted the Duchess with a “Yes my Empress,” before he turned tail and ran towards the royal carriage.  The Count covered his mouth in shock before turning towards the Duchess.
“Are you out of your mind?” The Count said.  “You could end up taking lives from this madness.”
The Duchess just laughed and said “You are so amusing.  But nonetheless, desperate times call for desperate measures.”
As the Duchess walked away from the Count, the second-in-command took off his glasses and rubbed them in disgust.
“What have I done?”  The Count said.  “I have gone too far to support this Mad Mare.”

Later that night, an entire makeshift wall was built around the encampment.  A wooden gate stood tall to keep intruders out.  Some of the rogue soldiers stood on top of the wall, observing the forest that surrounded them.
Within the walls, everyone celebrated in cheer and happiness.  Villagers and guards danced together to the music.  Some sat down and enjoyed the food and the drinks.  It felt like a merry night for everyone.
But nearby, Holly had completed carving out a top from the wood.  She pulled out a paintbrush and dipped it into a small container of paint before she decorated it.
“Wow,” Sundrop said.  “It’s as if you haven’t lost your skills, mommy.”
“Oh I haven’t,” Holly said as she placed the top in front of her eyes and took a look at the quality of the toy.  “Even after all that we went through, I can still make toys with the best of my skills.”
“Even though you only have a few tools at your side?” Moonrain asked.
“Even despite that,” Holly said.  “It’s not the tools that matter, it’s also the skill and the passion that one can put.”
“Skills and passion?” Sundrop asked.
“Yes,” Holly said as she began to carve up another toy.  “The skill and passion that we put into our projects is what allows it to stand out. It’s what gives it life.”
“That’s why your toys are so special,” Moonrain said.  “It’s because you put in skill and passion into these projects.”
“And it’s what I’m the best at,” Holly said as she held her incomplete toy into the air.  “And while I am thankful to know ponies who enjoy my projects, I’m not one who wants to hire others to help me. 
“Why not?” Sundrop asked.
Holly held the incomplete toy to her chest and said “It’s because I don’t want to burden anyone with my projects.  I fear that by doing so, I would be painted as a selfish pony, and I don’t want that.”
“But mommy,” Moonrain said. “What if they want to help you out with making your toys?  What if they want to carry that same passion?  Even if you did say you don’t want to burden anyone with your projects.”
Moonrain’s words caused Holly to pause for a moment.  She looked down at her incompleted toy and began to ponder for a moment.
But outside of the wall, as the guards paced back and forth, a couple of bandits snuck through the shadows and placed a bomb nearby.  One of the bandits lit the bomb with a spark of magic before sneaking away back into the forest.  The sound of the bomb’s hissing caught the guard’s attention, who looked down and saw the explosive.
“EVERYONE!”  The guard yelled.  “GET OUT OF THE WAY!  SHE’S GONNA BLOW!
It didn’t take long for the guards to leap off the wall and land near the villagers.  But the moment they all got clear, the bomb exploded, tearing a hole into the stone wall and exposing the encampment to the elements.  The blast caught the attention of Holly, who immediately grabbed both Sundrop and Moonrain.
“Come,” Holly said as she escorted Sundrop and Moonrain.  “We must get you out of harm’s way.”
Immediately, Holly walked up to a nearby bush and placed Sundrop and Moonrain within.  She looked down at the two fillies, who stuck their heads out.
“Mommy,” Sundrop said.  “I’m scared.”
“As long as you stay hidden,” Holly said.  “You will be alright.”
Sundrop and Moonrain hid their heads deep within the bushes, completely out of sight from everyone else.  Holly turned towards the hole in the wall, where an army of bandits and mercenaries made their way in.  
“Everyone, stand your ground,” Silversword shouted. “Do not let them take an inch.”
The rogue guards stood their ground and held the bandits and the mercenaries back as much as they could.  But despite being superior in strength, they were outclassed in numbers.  More and more of these soldiers of fortune made their way in and overwhelmed the guards before pushing forward to the villagers.  One of them grabbed Holly, causing her to scream.
“LET ME GO!” Holly yelled.  
“You’re under arrest by the order of the empress,” The Mercenary stated.
Soon, the freelancers were able to restrain both villagers and guards and placed wooden cuffs around their arms.  A few of them pulled Holly, Silversword and the Mayor to the front of the hole in the wall, where the Duchess of Auric entered.
“You,” Holly said in a cold tone.  “You’re the one who’s been causing all this trouble.”
“Oh I beg to differ,” The Duchess laughed.  “You see, it was your obsession with making toys that led to this fine mess.  If you had abandoned your foolish quest to keep these simple-minded fools happy, you wouldn’t have to have my new guards apprehend you.”
“Don’t play games with us,” Silversword said.  “You were going to take her children and throw her in the dungeon, regardless if she complied or not.”
“Oh you’re absolutely right,” The Duchess said.  “I intended on doing so anyway, because Holly’s skills as a toy maker were creating such delinquency among the juveniles of what will be the Auric Empire.”
“You won’t get away with this,” The Mayor said.  “When the Queens return, you will answer for your crimes.”
“Oh I beg to differ,” The Duchess replied.  “The Queens are dead, and as a result, I named myself as their successor.  And there is nothing you can do about it.”
The Duchess laughed loudly as Holly glared right into her soul.  “How could someone that cold-hearted rule an entire nation, not to mention declare a number of its citizens as criminals?”
But the Duchess turned towards the mercenary and said “Take them back to the castle, and lock them deep within the dungeon.”
Soon, the bandits and mercenaries escorted Holly, The Mayor, Silversword, and every citizen and renegade guard out of the encampment.  The remaining freelanders tore apart every tent, smashed every bit of supply, and even crushed the newly-made toys under their hooves.  Soon, they departed, and there was not a soul left in the now-ruined encampment.
Except for two: Sundrop and Moonrain.  They stood hidden within the bushes while they watched the Duchess and her new hench ponies escort everyone out of the encampment ruins.  And now, they were alone.
“Mommy,” Moonrain cried.
Sundrop jumped out of the bushes and said “There’s no way we’re letting mommy stay in that dungeon for the rest of her life.”
“But big sis,” Moonrain said as she jumped out of the bushes.  “If we get caught, they’ll lock us away as well.”
“That’s true,” Sundrop said.  “But they’ll realize that we weren’t taken captive, and they’ll send for more of those big meanies to hunt us down.  We have to rescue mommy, the villagers and the good soldiers of the Queens.”
Sundrop wasted no time running towards the gigantic hole where a good portion of the wall used to be.  Moonrain yelled out “Wait for me,” pursuing after her big sister in the cold of the night.

But back at the castle in the throne room, The Duchess was extremely ecstatic.  She cheered and partied with the Count and a few freelancers observing from the side.  
“We finally got her,” The Duchess said.  “And all those traitors who took her side.  Let it be known that I am the law of the land.”
“But my Empress,” The Count said.  “What are you going to do with them?”
The Duchess turned towards the Count and said “Why, let them suffer in there.  Let them know what true despair truly is, now that they know that the Queens are dead.”
“The Queens dead?”  The Count said.  “Tell me this isn’t true.”
The Duchess pulled out a letter and said “Oh, but it is true.  It showed up recently this morning as I was preparing to capture the treacherous members of the royal guard.”
The Duchess gave the letter to the Count, who immediately read every letter of the paper.
“To the ponies of Harmonia,” The Count read.  “It is with a heavy heart that I report the recent tragic deaths of the Queens.  Our ship had run afoul with a ravenous kraken that decided that we were the main course.  Though I had survived the destruction of the vessel, I’m afraid the Kraken has claimed the lives of the Queens.  And now, Harmonia is left leaderless and in crisis.  Please tell the ponies of Harmonia that the Queens have died.  Signed: The Captain.”
“And I am not kidding you,” The Duchess said.  “In fact, I could use this as an excuse to either blackmail the Kirin Kingdom, or to declare war on them for assassinating the Queens with a Kraken.”
“Are you mad?” The Count said as he threw down the note.  “War against the Kirins?”
“Now where is your adventurous spirit?” The Duchess said, laughing loudly at the Count’s objection.  “After all, what’s more of a money-maker than a good old fashion war?”
But as the Duchess was dancing the night away, one of the mercenaries walked in, catching the attention of the greedy lady.
“My Empress,” The Mercenary said.  “I counted up all of the prisoners, but it seems we are missing two.”
This caused the Duchess to pause for a moment before turning towards the Mercenary.
“Two, you say?” The Duchess said in a stern tone.
“Yes,” The Mercenary said.  “And they happen to be the daughters of Holly.”
“Rats,” The Duchess said as she slammed the cushion of the throne.  “I knew we were missing something.  But nevermind.  Send your troops out to locate them, and bring them here, alive.  They will serve as an example of what happens when the law is disobeyed.”
“At your command, my Empress,” The Mercenary said before he turned tail and ran out the entrance.
Soon, the Duchess danced once more, chanting “It is inevitable you see, that the Auric Empire will worship me.   And anyone who gets in my way, there will be a horrible price to pay.”
But nearby, the Count just watched on as the Duchess danced the night away.
“What have I done?”  The Count said to himself..  “Something has to be done about this.”
With guilt in his heart, the Count immediately ran out of the throne room and down the hallway.  But the Duchess quickly took notice of the Count’s departure, and her smile could not be any sinister.
“That’s right you fool,” The Duchess said.  “Go and help those pitiful traitors.  Like it will do you any good.”

On the outer walls of the Castle, Sundrop and Moonrain snuck through, keeping their eyes aware of the new guards who patrolled the perimeter.  They mainly stuck with the bushes that surrounded the exterior.  
“Wow,” Moonrain said.  “So many of these bad ponies.  Where does the Duchess hire them?”
“Right now,” Sundrop said as her eyes caught a nearby window.  “We need to get inside, find where the dungeon is, and free mommy and everyone else.”
Once the Auric Guard had turned its back away, Sundrop and Moonrain advanced towards the window on the side of the castle.  Sundrop helped Moonrain jump into the window of the castle before the latter pulled her up to her level.  Once both of them were on the still of the window, they went through and landed on a floor within the palace.
Inside, the hallway was bare.  Not a soul could be seen within the perimeter.  Sundrop and Moonrain looked left and right to check for any sign of the new guards, plus a decision on where to go.
“What do you think?” Sundrop asked.  “If you were a dungeon, where would you be?”
Moonrain pointed to the left and said “That way.”
“Sounds good,” Sundrop said.
Sundrop and Moonrain ran down the hallway and towards the doorway.  But the moment they went through, they ran into another individual and fell to the ground.
“Oww,” Moonrain said.  “What happened?”
Sundrop and Moonrain looked up to see the Count of Auric standing above them.  The two fillies looked like they were about to scream.
“Shhh,” The Count said as he shushed the two fillies.  “I don’t know why you’re here, but I'm not here to arrest you.”
The two fillies calmed down at the words of the Count.  Sundrop looked up at the Count and asked “But why?”
“I’ve had it with the Duchess’ actions,” The Count said.  “Not only did she choose to arrest the guards as well as the villagers of what’s left of the Town of Joy, she wants to declare war on the Kirin Kingdom for her own personal ambition.”
The word war was enough to leave both fillies in shock.
“War?” Moonrain said.  “But we don’t want war.  And yet the Duchess wants to declare war for her own gain?”
The Count walked down the hallway that both fillies came down.  He turned his head towards the two and said “I know why you’re here.  You wish to see Holly and the others.”
“Yes,” Sundrop said.  “Can you lead us there?”
“Come with me,” The Count said.  “I will do exactly that.”
And thus, Sundrop and Moonrain followed the Count of Auric down the hallway, unaware of the danger all three were in.

Later in the dungeon area, Holly stood alone in a prison cell, staring out at the moon.  She looked down at her hoof, completely bare and devoid of any object.  Nearby, there were prison cells filled with villagers and rogue guards, each and every one of them depressed and gloomy, as if all hope had been sucked away.  The guards had their weapons and armor taken away, leaving them wearing nothing but cloth garments.
“Holly,” Silversword yelled from his cellblock.  “Are you okay?”
“No,” Holly said.  “Not only do I miss my ability to make toys, I also miss the fillies that I have cared for.”
“Poor Holly,” The Mayor said.  “She was targeted out of sheer prejudice by the Duchess, all because of her passion for making toys.  And now I can only imagine the sheer delight that the witch is going through with Holly locked up by herself.”
“If only there was a miracle that could help us out,” Silversword said.
“There aren’t any miracles,” Holly said.  “The Duchess has made it clear that we are never to step hoof outside of this terrible place again.  And judging by her tone, I’m afraid she’s right.”
“Well it’s not like one is going to pop up when we least expect it,” The Mayor said.  “If that happens, then I’ll eat my hat.”
Suddenly, they heard the sound of a door opening.  Holly, the Mayor and Silversword looked out of their cell to see the Count, Sundrop and Moonrain run down the stairs and towards their cells.
“Sundrop, Moonrain,” Holly cried.  “What are you doing here?”
The Count pulled out a ring of keys and said “They’re here because they want to see you again.  And I’m here to undo what the Duchess has done.”
The Count stuck one of the keys into the doorway holding Holly imprisoned and turned it.  He pulled the door open, allowing Holly to run out.
“Daughters,” Holly cried with joy in her heart.
“Mommy,” Sundrop and Moonrain cried as Holly picked them up and gave them each a hug.
“I thought I would never see you two again,” Holly said as she held her daughters close.
“We thought we wouldn’t see you again,” Sundrop said, snuggling with her adopted mother.
Immediately, The Count unlocked the other dungeon cells, freeing the villagers and the rogue guards.  As Silversword stepped out, breathing in the air once more, he saw the Mayor take off his hat and began to eat it.
“Mayor, please refrain from eating your hat,” Silversword said.  “It’s not good for you.”
The Mayor spat out the hat and said “Uggh.  Fine.”
Everyone in the dungeon was full of hope.  They all cheered within the hallowed halls, celebrating their own freedom.  The Count turned to them and waved his hoof in the air, catching their attention.
“Come,” The Count said.  “We must make haste for the exit.”
“Not so fast!” But before anyone could move, the Count looked up and saw the Duchess blocking the entrance of the dungeon with some of her new guards standing by her.
“You,” The Count snarled.  “You realize the trouble you have caused by seizing the throne of the Queens.  That was why I had to betray you.”
“Oh I knew you were going to betray me from the start,” The Duchess said.  “But I kept you close to me for my amusement.  All just to torment you with my rise to power, and just to see you suffer.  And I decided that now was the time to tell you that your usefulness has ended, traitor.  But I didn’t expect you to do me one last favor by gift wrapping me two naughty little fillies.”
The Count quickly walked up to Holly and her younglings and stood in front.
“You stay away from them,” The Count said.  “I know you hate colts and fillies with a passion, and you would want nothing more than to see them miserable throughout their entire lives.”
The Duchess laughed and said “Oh that is true, that is true.  But I’m afraid that what you’re doing is quite futile.”
The Duchess stomped her hoof on the ground, causing a Mercenary to run down the stairs and shove the Count aside before grabbing Moonrain.  Silversword and a few rogue guards tried to intervene, only for a few more bandits to block their path.  The filly screamed loudly as the Mercenary ran up the stairs and stood next to the Duchess.
“Now you will do exactly as I say,” The Duchess said as the Mercenary held Moonrain.  “You will parade around in shame in the morning if you ever want to see this filly again.”
Holly, the Count, Silversword, the Mayor, and the villagers and rogue guards paused for a moment.  They looked up at Moonrain, concerned for her well-being.  The little filly looked like she was on the verge of crying while the Duchess took delight in this moment.
“Now now,” The Duchess said.  “Time's wasting.  We don’t have all night.”
Moonrain turned her attention and said “They wouldn’t agree to your sick amusement.”
The Duchess turned towards Moonrain and said “But they have no choice.  I have won, and there is nothing you nor anyone else can do about that.  What do you have to say for yourself?”
Moonrain looked at the exposed arm of the Mercenary that held her and said “THIS!”  She immediately bit into the arm of the Mercenary, causing him to scream loudly and drop Moonrain.
“YOU FOOL!” The Duchess yelled.  “Grab her.”
But just as the Duchess finished scolding the Mercenary, Moonrain tackled the Duchess on the side area, causing her to lose her footing and fall down, landing near the stairs.  Immediately, Silversword ran up and held down the Duchess while Moonrain ran down the steps and back into the arms of Holly.
“Moonrain,” Holly said.  “You’re safe.”
“Don’t worry mommy,” Moonrain said.  “I won’t leave you.”
Nearby, Silversword continued to pin the Duchess down as some of the bandits and mercenaries ran down to her side.
“Let me go you treasonous snake,” The Duchess yelled.
“Never,” Silversword roared.
Some of the rogue guards stood in front of Silversword and the Duchess before holding the mercenaries and bandits back.
“Run,” Silversword said.  “Make your way out of the castle.  We’ll take it from here.”
“But you’ll die here,” Holly said.
“I know,” Silversword said.  “But it’s better this way than to let her win.  Now go.”
Holly nodded towards Silversword once more before she, Sundrop and Moonrain turned towards the Count.
“This way,” The Count of Auric said.  “I will get you to safety.”
With the bandits and mercenaries focused on the royal guards, The Count led Holly, Sundrop, Moonrain, the Mayor and the villagers out of the dungeon and down the hallway.  But despite being free, they were not out of the danger just yet.  But much to their unawarement, they may be getting some unexpected help when they need it.


	To Be Continued in


	The Tale of Holly the Toy Maker Part 3

> Arc 10-4: The Tale of Holly the Toy Maker Part 3
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Tale of Holly the Toy Maker Part 3



Deep within the dungeon, the rogue guards fought off against their replacement, holding them back while Silversword held down the Duchess.  Neither side held back in this clash of the two sides.  
“Don’t hold back,” Silversword said.  “We need to hold them back until Holly can get out.”
The rogue guards cheered as they held back the mercenaries and the bandits, all while the Duchess struggled to break free from the clutches of Silversword, screaming loudly into the room.
“You have gone too far,” The Duchess yelled.  “When I get out of this, you will pay for your treason in spades.”
“You’re one to speak,” Silversword said.  “Even without the queens at our side, you will pay for your crimes against the ponies of Harmonia.”
But as Silversword held down the Duchess, he was knocked to the side by a bandit who broke through the defense lines.  Another set of mercenaries followed from behind and were able to get the Duchess back on her hooves.  
“Your attempt to protect your Toy Maker will end in failure,” The Duchess taunted.  “And you have failed to contain me.  Now watch as we recapture Holly, and make her suffer for even existing in the first place.”
The Duchess laughed as she and a group of mercenaries and bandits walked up the stairs and departed the dungeon, with some of them remaining behind to block any from leaving.  But Silversword is not deterred.  He grabbed a nearby shield and held it down.
“YOU WILL NOT HOLD ME BACK!” Silvershield yelled.
A number of renegade guards grabbed unused shields nearby and held them up.  Though the replacement guards held their weapons out, the rogue guards charged and slammed right into the opposing group of cutthroats and freelancers, knocking them to the ground.
“Come,” Silversword commanded.  “We must make haste before it’s too late.”
And with that, Silversword and the guards bolted out of the dungeon in pursuit of the Duchess, for the sake of Holly, the fillies, and the villagers.

Meanwhile, Holly, Sundrop, Moonrain, The Count, the Mayor and the villagers ran down the hallway of the castle as fast as they could, not stopping to look behind, or looking to the sides.
“Don’t stop,” Holly yelled.  “The sooner we exit the castle, we will make our way to the harbor and take the next boat out.”
“It’s a shame that we have to go into exile,” The Mayor said.  “I’m only hoping that Silversword and the other guards can arrest the Duchess and take over in memory of the Queens.”
“I know,” Holly said.  “But as long as we are far away from the Duchess, we will be able to thrive in the new world, and make toys to bring joy to the colts and fillies there.”
“I only wish this was in better circumstances,” The Count said.  “I feel like I am to blame for your misery.”
“It’s not your fault,” Holly said.  “The Duchess was using you for her own personal gain as she said.”
“But,” The Count said before Holly silenced him with her hoof on his lip.
“It’s okay,” Holly said.  “The sooner we’re outside the kingdom, the better.  
But as they near the grand foyer of the palace, mercenaries, bandits and thugs blocked the exit, causing the entire group to come to a stop.  Holly and the others took a few steps back from the minions of the Duchess.
“You’re not going anywhere,” The lead Mercenary said.  “The Duchess has big plans for all of you, to show the newly crowned Auric Empire that they are the new leaders of the world.”
“NEVER!” The Count yelled.  “Tell the Duchess I quit.”
Holly was quick to spot an opening nearby.  She signaled to the others “THIS WAY” and ran down towards the doorway, with the refugees from the Town of Joy alongside the Count following from behind.
“Don’t let them get away,” a Bandit yelled.  “Otherwise the Empress will be mad.”
The army of cutthroats immediately went in pursuit of Holly and her companions, chasing them all down the halls of Harmonia Palace.  They ran as fast as they could, keeping one step ahead of those loyal to the Duchess.
“Don’t think leaving this country will keep you safe,” Another minion yelled.  “We will hunt you down wherever you go, for Auric isn’t just a nation.  It’s the entire world.”
Moonrain turned her head and gave a big raspberry to the mercenaries and the bandits, just as Holly and her companions reached a doorway with light emerging.
“I think that might be our ticket out,” The Mayor yelled.
“Thank the Queens,” The Count said. 
“Don’t count your blessings just yet,” Holly said.  “Once we’re outside, we have to make our way to the dock.”
“Right,” The Mayor said.  “No time to relax just yet.”
The moment the entire group stepped outside, they immediately turned left and ran down the side of the palace, with the cutthroats pursuing after them.  Those meanies were relentless in their pursuit, inching closer to Holly and her friends, and not seeming to tire.
“They’re gaining on us,” Sundrop yelled.
“Then we’ll have to take a giant leap,” Holly said.  
“Are you kidding me?” The Count yelled.  “What if we fall into the wilderness, or even the ocean below?”
“We won’t,” Holly said.  “And if I know the layout of the palace well, then I know where we’re going to fall.”
Holly ran as fast as she could, darting down the side of the palace.  With a great leap, she jumped into the air and flew over the wall before falling down towards the front yard.  Immediately, she turned towards her allies. 
“It’s okay,” Holly yelled as she fell.  “Run as fast as you can and jump.”
“If Holly says it’s okay,” The Mayor replied.  “Then let’s do it.”
The Count let out a sigh and said “Very well.  Better to pull that than to be in the clutches of the Duchess.”
As Holly fell down towards the front yard of the palace, The Count, the Mayor, Sundrop, Moonrain and the townsfolk ran as fast as possible, even despite the bandits and the mercenaries gaining ground.  With one mighty leap, the companions of Holly jumped into the air.  One bandit did try to grab onto Sundrop, but she was able to leap in time and out of their clutches.  Soon, they fell down towards the courtyard and right towards Holly, much to the dismay of their pursuers.
“Come on,” Holly yelled.  “Let’s get going.”
As Holly, the Count, the Mayor, Sundrop, Moonrain, and everyone else ran as fast as they could out of the premises of the palace, the bandits and mercenaries pouted in frustration, watching as the former prisoners had made their escape.
“Blast,” one of them said.  “We let them get away.”
“Not quite,” another said.  “They mentioned that they’re heading down towards the docks.  Let’s take a shortcut to the docks and nab them when they least expect it.”
“Yeah, great call,” a third said.
And thus, the cutthroats ran down the corner of the castle and down another route, in hope that they would capture Holly and her friends, and win favor from the Duchess of Auric.

Deep within the town square of the central city, Holly and her friends ran down as fast as they could, darting all the way down to the harbor.  The sound of their hooves galloping all over the pavement caught the attention of the citizens, who looked out the door with curiosity.
“Sister, do you see that?” Sundrop said.  “Seems we caught the attention of the ponies here.”
“Should we explain to them why?” Moonrain asked.
“I don’t know,” Sundrop said.  “We are in a hurry to get to the harbor.  And we don’t want to waste their time.”
But Holly overheard what Sundrop and Moonrain were saying.  With one deep breath, Holly yelled out “We are refugees from what’s left of the Town of Joy, trying to make our escape from the Kingdom and from the wrath of the Duchess of Auric.  If anyone is willing to lend a hoof, we would be willing to accept.”
Those words were enough to convince every citizen of Central City to emerge from their homes and gallop by Holly, the Count, and everyone from what’s left of Joy.
“My word,” The Mayor said.  “Holly, I never expected you to ask for help.”
“Normally, I am not one who wants to ask for help, as I don’t want to burden anyone,” Holly said.  “But in this time of crisis, I am making an exception.”
One of the citizens ran up to the Mayor and said “And none of us here like the Duchess.  She has the nerve to sit on the throne of our beloved Queens.”
“She’s been trying to tax us into poverty,” Another citizen said.  “And she took away the toys that Holly made for everyone.  So we’re willing to be by her side to the very end.”
Holly looked like she was about to cry, but it was more of joy than of sorrow.
“Thank you, everyone,” Holly cried.  “I will never forget this.”
Surrounded by the citizens of Central City, and cheering as loudly as they could, Holly and the ponies of Joy ran down through the streets, yelling loudly in harmony right into the cold air.

It didn’t take long for both the townsfolks of Joy and the Central City citizens to arrive at the Harmonia Harbor.  Everyone ran down the docks, eyeing the biggest ship in front of them.
“That ship looks like our best escape,” Holly said.  “If we get on, we can take this to a new land, far and wide.”
But the Count looked at the size and the shape of the ship, and looked at it curiously.
“Strange,” The Count said.  “That design looks like it came from the Kirin Kingdom.”
“The Kirins?” Moonrain asked.
“Maybe if we leave this land,” The Count said.  “I could take you and your sister to meet the Kirins, and pay our respects to the Queens.”
But the moment the entire crowd got close to the ship, The Duchess and the many cutthroats that took her side emerged, causing everyone to come to a stop.
“You,” Holly said.
“I’m impressed that you managed to get every citizen in Central City to your side,” The Duchess said.  “But it won’t do you any good.”
“You’re one to speak, usurper.”  The Duchess looked to another ship nearby, where Silversword and the Royal Guards emerged and took the side of every citizen of Harmonia.
“It’s over, Duchess,” The Count said.  “You are surrounded and outnumbered.”
“Oh it may be true,” The Duchess said.  “But I believe it’s the opposite.  Look behind you, fools.”
Every citizen turned around to see the remaining mercenaries and bandits block off the exit from the Harbor, trapping everyone on the wooden deck of the docks.  Holly turned back towards the Duchess.
“You will never get away with this,” Holly yelled.  “The moment the entire world finds out about your plan….”
“There will be nothing they will do about it,” The Duchess replied, laughing loudly.  “Money makes the world go round, and I intend on using this money to stage a war against the entire world, starting with the owners of this very vessel.”
“You’re not talking about the Kirin Kingdom,” The Count yelled.
“Oh yes,” The Duchess said.  “I don’t know how this vessel got here.  But I will use it as a means of accusing the Kirins of wanting to declare war on the Auric Empire.  And once we force war onto the Kirins, we will launch our new weapons into their kingdom and push them to the brink of surrender.  Once other kingdoms find out about our capabilities, they will fall like dominoes, and soon, the whole world will become Auric.  And there is nothing you can do to stop me.”
The Duchess walked down the steps from the Kirin ship and towards Holly, all while the bandits and mercenaries from behind marched closely towards the rest of the citizens of Harmonia.
“And just to make sure you’ll do as your told, I will be taking the ones closest to you,” The Duchess said as she snagged both Sundrop and Moonrain.
“No,” Holly yelled.  “Give them back.”
“Mommy,” Sundrop cried.  “Help.”
“Let us go you big meanie,” Moonrain cried.
The Duchess looked at the two helpless fillies and said “See how even the most innocent of hearts are helpless before the Duchess?”
“The crimes that you have committed are unforgivable,” The Count said.  “Not only have you defiled the entire Kingdom, but you wish to defile the entire world.”
“And there is nothing any of you can do about it,” The Duchess said.  “You are nothing beneath me.  And you wanna know what else?   I was the one who ended the lives of the Queens.”
Tears began to flow from Holly’s eyes the moment she heard what the Duchess said.
“It can’t be,” Holly cried.  “You killed the Queens?”
“I merely blackmailed a captain into stranding the queens there,” The Duchess said.  “But I hired an assassin to make sure that they stay dead.  And since they are not back, then you must accept the fact that the Queens are dead.”
“You LIE!”  Silversword yelled. 
The Duchess laughed and said “Face it.  You’re washed up without your precious queens.  Now you will refer to me as Empress, and there is nothing you can do about it.”
But as the Duchess finished speaking, a bright light emerged from the Kirin Ship.  The Citizens, the Royal Guards, and even Holly looked up, and their faces beamed with both joy and surprise.  This caught the attention of the Duchess.
“What’s going on?”  The Duchess said.  “Why are you not glum and depressed?”
Holly looked at the Duchess with a smug look on her face and said “Why don’t you see for yourself…Empress?”
The Duchess turned around towards the Kirin Boat, and her face turned to complete horror.  Emerging from the light, were the Queen of the North and the Queen of the South, rumored dead by the Duchess’ words.  The mercenaries and the bandits at the entrance of the dock ran as fast as they could, while the remaining cutthroats froze in fear.  The two Queens had their gaze directed at the Duchess, and they were not happy, for not only were they furious at the Duchess’ words, but also the fact that she was holding Sundrop and Moonrain captive.
“Duchess of Auric,” The Queen of the North yelled.  “Release those fillies this instant.”
Without saying a word, the Duchess released Sundrop and Moonrain from her grip, who immediately ran up to Holly and gave her a big hug.
“Mommy,” Sundrop and Moonrain cried.
“I’m glad you’re both safe,” Holly said as she cuddled both Sundrop and Moonrain.
But right in front, The Duchess cowered in front of both Queens, who walked towards the aristocrat, glaring down at her soul.
“Duchess of Auric,” The Queen of the South said.  “You have tried to strand us at the Kirin Kingdom, sent an assassin to end our lives, and we have heard reports of what you have done in our absence.”
“You usurped the kingdom for your own gain,” The Queen of the North said.  “Your cruelty towards younglings was bitter and unjust.  And you tried to imprison our guards, an entire town, and most importantly, a toy maker with a heart of gold and two caring daughters.”
“But how did you both get back?” The Duchess asked.
“We found out that you had blackmailed our captain with the intent of leaving us stranded in the Kirin Kingdom,” The Queen of the South said.  “Furthermore, once we found out from the assassin on why you would have our lives ended, the Kirins gave us this seaworthy vessel and allowed us to return.  We had already forgiven the captain, for he told us what was going on.  But not towards you.”
The Queen of the North turned to Captain Silversword and said “Captain, arrest the now ex-Duchess.”
Captain Silversword saluted the Queens before he ran down one of the boats and down the docks, with the citizens standing aside to allow the Captain to run through.  Once Captain Silversword ran up to the Ex-Duchess, he pulled up her wrists and slapped cuffs on it.
“Former Duchess of Auric,” Captain Silversword said.  “You are under arrest for countless crimes against the Kingdom of Harmonia, especially towards the Town of Joy, and the citizens of Auric.”
The Count of Auric walked up to the Queens and said “Even though I helped Silversword in trying to get Holly to safety, I feel responsible for what I have done, and if necessary, I wish to turn myself in.”
The Queens looked down at the Count.  But it was not of shame, it was of pride.  The Queen of the North said “Count.  We’ve heard that you disapproved of what the Duchess was doing.  You are not at fault.  Furthermore, what you said was true.  You wanted to help Holly out, and what you did was more than you could imagine.”
“Henceforth,” The Queen of the South said.  “You are hereby named the Duke of Auric, and will lead its people to a new tomorrow.”
The Count bowed in respect and said “Thank you.  My first act would be to issue refunds to the ponies of Auric so that they may have joy in their hearts once more.”
“There’s no need for that kind of pleasantry,” The Queen of the North laughed.  “After all, it’s okay to be humble, but not on that level.”
“Oh,” the Count, now the Duke, said as he got up on his four hooves and said “My apologies.”
The Queens turned towards Holly, the Mayor, Sundrop and Moonrain before stepping towards them.
“My Queens,” The Mayor said.  “The Duchess has forced us out of homes.”
“And we have been made aware of what she did to your town,” The Queen of the South said.  “Henceforth, we will send the royal carpenters to rebuild your town bigger than ever.  Joy will see joy once more.”
The Mayor cried before he said “Thank you.  I will never forget this.”
The Queen of the North turned towards Holly and said “And we will have your workshop rebuilt as compensation for what the Duchess did.  We know you’re not one to ask for help.  But you deserve every bit as possible.”
“And you are right, your majesties,” Holly said.  “Before you left for the Kirin Kingdom, I didn’t want to burden anyone with helping me make the toys out of fear that I would become a selfish individual.  But after what so many were willing to do for my sake, and for my daughters’ sake, I would be happy to take any help as possible.  And if necessary, I would be willing to pay them for their hard work.”
“Then so be it,” The Queen of the South said.  “Anyone who wishes to help Holly with making her toys, is free to do so.”
And thus, the citizens and the guards cheered in harmony upon hearing the words of both Queens.  Except the Ex-Duchess, now cuffed and taken away by Captain Silversword.
“So I take it I am to be…” The Ex-Duchess said.
“No, that’s too good for you,” Captain Silversword said.  “What the Queens have planned for you is far worse than that.”
The Ex-Duchess hung her head low and said “I was afraid of that.”

And thus, with the Queens restored back to their thrones, the citizens of Harmonia cheered, delighted to see the return of the warm-hearted monarchs.  From Central City, to the town of Auric and the newly rebuilt town of Joy, everyone celebrated with newly crafted toys not just in the hooves of colts and fillies, but also mares and stallions.  Joy filled the hearts of every pony in Harmonia.
The Count, now the Duke of Auric, gave the gold to its people, filling their hearts once more with joy and happiness.  He even gave them plush bears for them to snuggle, courtesy of Holly.
“Holly has taught us all one thing,” The Duke of Auric said.  “That happiness should be a requirement in life.”
And at the rebuilt town of Joy, ponies drank Apple Juice and celebrated by spinning tops, bounced a small ball and scooped up jacks, sped toy wagons down the roads, and even played with dolls.  The Mayor looked at his people and smiled once more, clutching a plush bear in his arms.
“Holly,” The Mayor said.  “It’s not just your skills that keeps us all happy.  It is also your heart.  That is what makes you great.”

But nearby, at the craft shop, now built bigger than ever, there were plenty of ponies who were crafting toys.  From trains to dolls to horns, balls, pogo sticks, wooden equipment or even kites.  There has never been this much activity inside Holly’s home.  Even Sundrop and Moonrain were hard at work themselves, putting together their own unique spin on toys.
But despite the extra help, Holly was still hard at work with her toys, crafting them to perfection, making sure that each and every detail is perfect.
“And how are you doing?” Captain Silversword said as he came out from a nearby room.
“Despite all of the help that I have gotten,” Holly said.  “There are some things that remain the same.”
“Still got a passion for making toys, I take it,” Silversword asked.
“And not only that,” Holly said.  “The Duke sent me an accountant to help keep track of the money we earn from making these toys.  In fact, I was surprised that the ponies of Harmonia are willing to send me money for my toys.”
“Because of what you do to please the ponies of Harmonia,” Silversword said.  “They want to repay you by making sure you and your daughters stay happy with a roof over your head.”
“At first, I didn’t like that idea,” Holly said.  “But now, I am welcome to change in a way.  But I hope that what I do will help keep the spirit of happiness across this mighty land.”
“Oh it will,” Silversword said.  “It will.”
Suddenly, Sundrop and Moonrain ran up to Holly and yelled out “Mommy.  Look at what we built.”
Holly took a look at the figures and smiled warmly.  Silversword also looked down and was completely surprised.
“Are these the queens as fillies?” Silversword asked
“Don’t tell me they gave you some inspiration to make these,” Holly asked.
“Oh that was supposed to be our secret,” Sundrop said.
“But since you found out,” Moonrain said. “Yes.  It is.”
“Well,” Holly said, observing the figures.  “Since you made this so special, I’ll put in a good word to the Queens and let them know I am considering making more of these just for the ponies of Harmonia.”
And thus, both Sundrop and Moonrain cheered into the air, yelling out “YAAAAAY!”  
Holly turned towards Silversword and said “By the way, how is our special worker doing?”
“Don’t you worry,” Silversword said.  “She’s going to be here for at least twenty years.  But we will make sure she will be the best worker you ever had.”
“Oh Silversword,” Holly said.  “You are such a clown.”
But as Silversword and Holly laughed, in another room, the Ex-Duchess was chained to an iron ball, crafting out toys with a scowl on her face.  Three guards stood next to the Ex-Duchess, ensuring that she doesn’t escape.
“This is the kind of punishment I got?” The Ex-Duchess snarled.  “I would have sooner lost my head than to put up with this.”
“Now where’s the fun in that?” One of the Guards said.  “After all, some ponies see death as too much of an escape.”
The Ex-Duchess snarled even further as she continued to put together another toy.
And thus, Holly, Sundrop, Moonrain, The Duke of Auric, Captain Silversword, the Mayor of Joy, The Queens of the North and the South, and every pony in Harmonia lived in joy and happiness.  Well except the Ex-Duchess, who was denied her rise in power, and now wished for death.


	End of the Tale of Holly the Toy Maker.


	Stay Tuned for…


	Friends and Family for Hearths’ Warming Eve

> Arc 10-5: Friends and Family for Hearths’ Warming Eve
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


	Friends and Family for Hearths’ Warming Eve



“And thus, Holly, Sundrop, Moonrain, The Duke of Auric, Captain Silversword, the Mayor of Joy, The Queens of the North and the South, and every pony in Harmonia lived in joy and happiness.  Well except the Ex-Duchess, who was denied her rise in power, and now wished for death.”
Those words came from Princess Celestia as she closed shut the Tale of Holly the Toy Maker.  Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Sunset Shimmer, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, Cozy Glow, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Trixie and Ditzy Doo had been paying attention to Celestia’s storytelling while Majordomo Kibitz stood to the side, enjoying the moment and some cranberry juice.
“Wow,” Pinkie Pie said.  “I didn’t know you had a story like that.  Is that the only copy in existence?”
“Oh no,” Princess Celestia said.  “It’s a popular story in Equestria, as it does inspire the one lesson to colts and fillies.”
“Altruism,” Rarity said.  “When one puts the needs and concerns of others over one’s self.”
“That is true,” Princess Celestia said.  “But Holly had also learned a lesson of her own: Just because she’s willing to help out doesn’t mean she should bear the burden of her altruism to herself.  One must not be afraid to accept help when needed.”
“Oh yes,” Fluttershy said.  “Like if a certain pony feels like she needs help, even though she thinks to herself that she doesn’t, then they should consider asking for help.”
“Yeah,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “I know how that feels to want to push help away, and it almost cost me my life.”
“But if there was one thing you had on your side,” Aria Blaze said, holding Adagio’s hooves together.  “It was us.  We stood by your side because we didn’t want you to be alone.”
“Yeah,” Sonata Dusk said.  “No way would we let you suffer by yourself.”
But it didn’t take long for Sunset Shimmer to leave her seat, approach the Dazzling sisters and them all hug, especially Adagio Dazzle.
“And not only that,” Sunset said.  “But we also amended our own friendship after we went our separate ways.”
“Yeah,” Adagio said.  “And even though we have become friends again, I’m still ashamed of those horrible words I said to you.”
“Even despite that,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “I still have my own demons to conquer, and sometimes I still fear that I will cause great harm to all of you.  Especially my sister Wanda.”
“Which is why we will be here to help you out,” Princess Celestia said.  “And I do have a feeling that you will be more afraid in the future.  So if that does happen, they will let me know and I’ll be there to help.”
“I’ll give it a shot, mother,” Sunset said.  “But it won’t be easy.”
Pinkie Pie got up on the table, trotted up to Sunset and the Dazzlings and said “It won’t be easy.  But it’s these hard challenges that make friendship worth fighting for.”
“I’ll try to remember that,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “But there is a good chance that I might break down because of my fears.”
“Note taken,” Pinkie Pie said.
Everyone laughed as Pinkie Pie got back into her seat.  Princess Celestia contained her own laughter before she turned back to the younglings.
“Now that the moral of the story was taken care of,” Princess Celestia said.  “Do you all have any other opinions on the rest of the story?”
Applejack quickly raised her hoof, catching Princess Celestia’s attention.
“Applejack,” Princess Celestia said. “I take it you have an opinion.”
“As a matter of fact,” Applejack said.  “What ever happened to those bandits and mercenaries that ran off the moment they saw the Queens of the North and the South?”
As every other youngling in the room went “Oooooh,” Princess Celestia laughed and turned her attention towards the group.
“Some say they fled the Kingdom of Harmonia, vowing never to step hoof there again,” Princess Celestia said.  “Others were ordered by the Queens to perform community service to atone for their crimes.”
“Sounds like deep on the inside,” Rarity said. “Those ruffians were deeply afraid of the queens.”
“That makes a lot of sense,” Fluttershy said.  “In fact, if there was an animal that stepped out of line, I would give them the stare.”
“The stare?” Wanda asked.
“It’s something I rarely use,” Fluttershy said.  “But I only use this as a last resort.  And I hope I don’t have to use it on other ponies.  Seriously.  That would be frightening.”
“Noted,” Wanda said.  “Besides, I would hate to be on the receiving end of that.”
Pinkie Pie ran up to Wanda and said “You said it.  Some say Fluttershy’s stare could cause a Manticore to cower at her hooves, even though she’s a filly like me.”
As Wanda and Pinkie Pie laughed, Princess Celestia cleared her throat and asked “Are there any other comments about the story?”
Rainbow Dash got up on the counter and said “Yeah.  Silversword sounds like an awesome pony.  The way he chose honor and loyalty to the kingdom, the Queens and to Holly, and the fact that he’s willing to fight back.  If he were a pegasi, then he would be Wonderbolt material.”
Ditzy Doo clapped her hooves and yelled “YAY!  GO SILVERSWORD!”
Rainbow Dash turned to Ditzy Doo and said “Glad I’m not the only one who thinks that way.”
Kibitz cleaned his glasses and said “Personally, I am a fan of the Count of Auric.  Even despite being by the side of the Duchess, his duty was more to the well-being of the ponies of Harmonia than to the Duchess’ own personal agenda.”
Rainbow Dash flew up to Kibitz and said with a smirk on her face “Well at least the Royal Guards could fight back.”
Kibitz’s smile remained on his face as he said “But it was the Count who convinced the Royal Guard to side with Holly, and it was the Count who helped Sundrop and Moonrain free everyone from the dungeons.”
Rainbow Dash slumped down and said “Point taken.”
Trixie flicked the front of her mane and said “That’s actually saying a lot compared to the bandits and mercenaries who took the place of the royal guard when they decided to go rogue.”
“Yeah,” Ditzy Doo said.  “Those meanies weren’t nice when they set the Town of Joy on fire, and especially when the Duchess took amusement to that.”
“Thank you for reminding me,” Princess Celestia said before turning to the rest of the younglings.  “What are your thoughts on the Duchess of Auric?”
Immediately, every youngling in the room Booed loudly.
“Guess it’s unanimous,” Princess Celestia said.
“Oh that’s an understatement,” Rarity said.  “First off, she decided to keep the ponies of Auric in poverty just to satisfy her greed.”
“And what gives her the authority to just march onto the castle and declare herself Empress when the Queens have gone missing?” Adagio Dazzle yelled, stomping her hoof onto the counter surface.
“And her hatred of toys,” Pinkie Pie said.  “What’s wrong with toys?  Why push colts and fillies into not having fun?”
“And what gives her any right to replace the Royal Guard with a bunch of selfish cutthroats?” Rainbow Dash yelled.  
“Overall,” Ditzy Doo said.  “She’s a bad, bad pony who needed to be taught a lesson.  Thank your name the Queens came back and punished her.”
Princess Celestia looked at Ditzy Doo and blushed a bit.
“Uhhh,” Princess Celestia said in an embarrassing tone. 
Cozy Glow immediately raised her hoof into the air, catching Celestia’s attention.
“Cozy Glow,” Celestia asked.  “I take it you have a comment on the story.”
“I do,” Cozy Glow asked.  “Is it me, or do Sundrop and Moonrain remind me either of Sunset Shimmer and Wanda Young, or rather younger versions of you and Princess Luna?”
Everyone started to talk with each other over Cozy Glow’s comment.  Princess Celestia looked at the group and stretched out her metal collar, causing steam to come out.
“Tough crowd, mommy?” Wanda asked.
“Well,” Princess Celestia said.  “I can guarantee that I have never been to Harmonia before.  Not the one that’s described in the book.”
Abigail looked at the cover of the book and saw a name under the title.  She brushed her paw on Celestia’s arm and said “Eternia?”
Every youngling came to a stop as they turned towards Princess Celestia, who let out a sigh and picked up the book.
“It’s true,” Princess Celestia said.  “My mother, Queen Eternia, wrote this story back when Luna and I were fillies and we lived with her.  The original book that we carried was one of the surviving artifacts from Everfree City.  Furthermore, Starswirl the Bearded has used his magic to keep the book intact for as long as possible, even going as far as to create duplicates of the book.  Once I learned that spell from Starswirl, I continued with his work of keeping the book in circulation to keep ponies inspired by mother’s story.  And even to this day, I had kept a copy by my side so that I could read it to the orphans I look after.”
“Wow,” Cozy Glow said.  “I never knew your mother wrote that story.”
“Mother has always been wanting to keep the memory of Queen Eternia alive, even after so long,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “And that story that she told us was one of Eternia’s legacies.  Sure she is gone, but Luna and I will never forget the kindness and warmth that she gave to us.”
“Aww,” Fluttershy said.  “To lose your mother so long ago.”
“Yeah,” Pinkie Pie said  “When Princess Luna showed the class the history of Equestria, they did state that Queen Eternia had disappeared after the Great Everfree War.  And it’s so sad that Princess Celestia and Princess Luna became orphans afterwards.”
“I hope that with this Hearth’s Warming Eve,” Princess Celestia said. “We can all share the warmth together, knowing fully well that you all have loved ones that care for you that want to see you thrive in Equestria.”
“And we hope to always be together as both friends and family,” Wanda said.  “After all, as a family we are one together, and friendship is magic.”
Suddenly, everyone overheard the sound of Princess Luna yelling “We’re back.”  When Celestia turned towards the kitchen entrance, there was Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Twilight Sparkle and Spike, carrying a bag of gifts with them.
“Aunt Woona,” Wanda cheered as she got out of her seat and gave the moon princess a hug.
“Wanda,” Luna laughed.  “We were only gone for an hour.”
“I know,” Wanda said.  “But I missed having you around.”
“And so did I,” Shining Armor said as he gave Wanda a head noogie, causing Wanda to giggle.
Twilight Sparkle walked up to the counter and got up to an empty seat, where Pinkie Pie and Sunset Shimmer gave her a high hoof.  Abigail got off the counter as Spike ran up to her and gave her a hug.
“So what did I miss?” Twilight asked.
“Oh, just a story that mother told us,” Sunset replied.
“And these delicious tacos that Sonata made,” Pinkie replied.
Sonata Dusk placed a plate of tacos in front of Twilight Sparkle and said “Here.  I still got plenty of tacos left to make.”
Twilight Sparkle picked up one of the tacos and took a bite, chewing with delight.  She swallowed in a gulp and said  “Wow.  So tacolicious.  I didn’t know you could make that.”
“Surprising, isn’t it?” Sonata Dusk said.
“It’s one of Sonata Dusk’s hidden talents,”  Sunset Shimmer said.  “Well that and she’s a great singer.”
Princess Luna walked towards Princess Celestia, all while holding Wanda Young closeby.  Princess Cadance and Shining Armor walked up next to the moon princess, each holding a huge sack of goodies.
“We were expecting to fight packed crowds,” Princess Cadance said.  “But once again, we were given the royal treatment.  And while we did try to decline it, they still insisted.”
“Guess this means Equestria takes our celebrity status a bit too far,” Princess Celestia joked.
“The one benefit from this is that it didn’t drive my sister all Twilinanas.” Shining Armor said, spinning his eyes in a tizzy.
“Hey,” Twilight said from the counter.  “I do not go Twilinanas.”
Shining Armor smirked at his sister before he said “Explain ealy ago when you went over a list of what to get the others for Hearth’s Warming.”
“Oh speaking of which,” Princess Cadance said.  “I had to bring them along.”
“Oh?” Princess Celestia said.  “And where are they?”
But just as Princess Celestia finished speaking, in comes Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell, running down through the kitchen before coming to a stop.  The other fillies cheered as Trixie, Sunset and Ditzy Doo got out of their seats.
“Starlight,“ Trixie said as she ran up to Starlight and gave her a hug.  “I didn’t expect you to come by, tonight.”
“Well,” Starlight said.  “We were busy helping Twilight and the others out with gift shopping.”
Sunburst shook his head before he said “All those crowds at the malls in Canterlot.  Hoo boy.  I’ll stick with the shops in Sire’s Hollow, thank you very much.”
“I’ll say,” Danged Spell said.  “Lio Lani never had that many ponies buying up toys and gifts for Hearth’s Warming Eve.”
“I think Cape Coltnaveral had its fair share of holiday shoppers,” Moondancer said.  “Then again, I think Canterlot topped it.”
Twilight got down and walked up to Moondancer before she said “By the way, what are your thoughts on the stars above Canterlot right now?”
“You mean for Hearth’s Warming Eve?” Moondancer replied.  “They are beautiful.”
“I take it you would want to stare at the stars with that telescope of yours,” Sunburst asked.
“I would,” Moondancer replied.  “It would be so amazing just to see them.”
“That’s Moondancer,” Twilight Sparkle replied.  “Always a real stargazer.”
But as Moondancer and Sunburst laughed at Twilight’s comment, Sunset walked up to Wanda, who still held onto Princess Luna, and tugged on her dress.
“Hey Wanda,” Sunset said.  “You might want to go cuddle Starlight for a bit.
Wanda lets go of Princess Luna before running up to Starlight and giving her a hug, with Trixie wrapping her arms around the Man’s Cub’s back.  
“I was wondering when you would come by,” Wanda said.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the whole world, Wanda,” Starlight said.
“Maybe we should become a trio,” Trixie said.  “Wanda the Wonderful, The Glimtastic Starlight, and me, the Great and Powerful Trixie.”
“A trio?” Wanda asked.
“An inseparable crew,” Trixie replied.  “Even if I’m away, I should come by to visit to make sure you two are happy and content.”
“I would look forward to it,” Starlight said.
“Me too,” Wanda said.
As the younglings laughed in harmony, Princess Luna watched as Sonata Dusk place down a plate of tacos in front of her.
“So,” Princess Luna said.   “You know how to make tacos.”
“Try them,” Sonata Dusk said.
Princess Luna picked up one taco and took a bite, chewed slowly before swallowing.
“Not bad,” Princess Luna said. “But I wish you used my El Diablo Peppers.  That packs a kick.”
Sonata Dusk smiled before she said “Next batch, I’ll consider it.”
“Yeah,” Danged Spell said as he got up on his seat.  “After all, variety is the spice of life.”
And thus, everyone laughed out loud as they got up and began eating tacos.
“Here’s to all of us,” Wanda said.
“Happy Hearth’s Warming Eve,” Princess Celestia said.
“Happy Hearth’s Warming Eve,” The younglings shouted.
But as Wanda, Sunset and all their friends cheered with Celestia and Luna, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance looked at the younglings as they snuggled together.
“What a chaotic night,” Princess Cadance said.  “Maybe we should have spent Hearth’s Warming Eve just enjoying life with our sisters and their friends.”
“No argument there,”  Shining Armor replied.  “Maybe next year, we should buy the gifts in advanced.”
“Agreed,” Princess Cadance said.

Later that night, on the roof of the palace, Eleanor Young looked down at the ponies of Canterlot, sipping more hot cocoa.  Her ears picked up the sound of a door opening as Bright Mac and Buttercup walked out, carrying a plate of tacos.
“Eleanor Young, I presume,” Bright Mac asked.
“I was told you would come up in place of the Princesses,” Eleanor Young said.
“And she sent you a little treat,” Buttercup said.
Buttercup placed the plate of tacos next to Eleanor Young.  She picked up a taco and took a bite, chewing before swallowing.  Though her face looked a bit red, she took a swig of hot cocoa before it returned to its normal color.
“Not bad,” Eleanor Young said.  “The El Diablo pepper, I take it.”
“It was Princess Luna’s suggestion,” Buttercup said.
Eleanor laughed before she said “Have you ever heard of the Kilauea Volcano Pepper?  It puts the El Diablo to shame.”
“Kilauea Volcano Pepper?” Bright Mac asked.
“The spiciness of this pepper on Evevanya puts the El Diablo to shame,” Eleanor said.  “One bite and you will breathe fire like a dragon.”
Bright Mac and Buttercup laughed embarrassingly as the latter said “I think we’ll stick with the El Diablo.”
Eleanor Young looked down at Bright Mac’s legs and said “I see your legs are back to normal.”
“Yeah,” Bright Mac said.  “It took a couple of months.  But my leg is fixed up.”
“Sadly,” Buttercup said.  “The path to La Maresa was blocked off by some boulders, and it seems some changelings and Windigo’s cults are preventing the demolition team from clearing it.”
“That’s horrible,” Eleanor Young said.  “Maybe after Hearth’s Warming Day is over, I can go and give them a hand.”
“You mean hoof,” Bright Mac said.
Eleanor laughed before she said “Different species.”
“Anyway,” Buttercup said.  “You might want to come inside.  It’s starting to get chilly.”
“I’ll be alright,” Eleanor said.  “Between this hot cocoa and the El Diablo pepper tacos, I’ll be warm tonight.”
“Well,” Bright Mac said, tipping his hat towards Eleanor.  “I think it’s time we bid you goodnight, for now.”
“And I believe I should say,” Eleanor Young said.  “Happy Hearth’s Warming to you.”
“And to you,” Buttercup said. “Happy Blessings of Winter.”
“And Merry Christmas,” Bright Mac said.
Bright Mac and Buttercup walked towards the doorway and went inside, leaving Eleanor Young looking down at the ponies of Canterlot.
“You know,” Eleanor said.  “I think Equestrians, Evevanyians and Earthlings have more in common than we realize.”

Back inside, Bright Mac and Buttercup looked out at Eleanor Young before turning towards each other.
“Do you think we have a lot in common with the Earthlings and Evevanyians?” Buttercup asked.
“We may be equine,” Bright Mac said.  “But there is more to all of us than meets the eye.”
Bright Mac and Buttercup nuzzled their heads together with their eyes closed and with a smile on their faces.  But their moment was halted when Bright Mac felt a poke on his leg.  Bright Mac looked down to see Applejack looking up at him.
“Pa?” Applejack said.  “Who’s that outside?”
Bright Mac turned to Eleanor Young, who was still looking down at the citizens of Canterlot.
“My dear Applejack,” Bright Mac said.  “That’s a guardian angel.”
“A guardian angel?” Applejack asked. 
“Let’s just say,” Buttercup said.  “She’s been looking out for us for a long time.”
With that, Applejack gave Bright Mac and Buttercup a big hug.

Outside, the moon rose to its highest peak as the snow fell down towards the city of Canterlot.  Ponies continued to enjoy the moment of the night as they walked around the city of Canterlot, handing gifts towards each other, singing, eating food, and enjoying the night.  The bells chimed loudly into the Hearth’s Warming Eve night as the clock reached the top of the hour.  


	Happy Hearth’s Warming Eve


	Stay Tuned for…


	Arc 11: Sunset’s Sickness Blues


	No Thrill for the Ill

> Arc 11(Sunset's Sickness Blues)-1: No Thrill for the Ill
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Arc 11: Sunset’s Sickness Blues


No Thrill for the Ill



“AAAAACHOOO!”
Sunset Shimmer laid down in bed with a blanket covering her legs and torso area. She was blowing her deep red nose on some tissues before tossing them in the trash can. Atop her head was an ice pack.
“I hate being sick,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Even compared to transforming into a demon at random moments, this is the worst.”
“Well at least you got friends to look after you.”  Sunset looked at the entrance of the bedroom, where Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk walked in with a hot bowl of soup on a metal serving tray.  All three of them were dressed in maid gowns.
“Well that’s true,” Sunset said.  “But at the same time, I’m disappointed that I don’t get to play with my friends today.   Especially Wanda.”
Adagio Dazzle walked up to Sunset Shimmer with Aria Blaze placing a bedside table on Sunset’s lap.  Adagio placed the tray on top of the table with the soup emitting steam from the surface.
“Well we’re not gonna leave your side while you’re sick,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “So we brought you some spicy tortilla soup.”
Aria Blaze placed a soup spoon next to the bowl, to which Sunset used it to scoop some of the soup into her bowl before taking a sip.  Her face turned red as steam poured from her ears.  Immediately, she pointed her head to the side and breathed fire before fanning her tongue.
“That is one spicy soup,” Sunset said.
“Oops,” Sonata Dusk said.  “Almost forgot.”
Sonata Dusk walked up and placed an empty cup on the serving tray before pouring some water into the cup.  Sunset took a drink of the water before sticking her tongue out in relief.
“Thanks guys,” Sunset said.  “I know it sucks that you’re not spending time with the others.”
“I know,” Aria Blaze said.  “But it also sucks that you got sick.”
“You think that’s bad,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “When Wanda got sick, she came down with the Hay Fever virus and she had to go to the Canterlot Hospital.”
“Oh dear,” Sonata Dusk said.  “How bad was it?”
But before Sunset said a word, someone said “She almost died thanks to that virus.  Even more so, Gold Banks almost took her away just as she was recovering.”  Everyone turned to see Cozy Glow standing at the doorway, holding a small bottle of medicine.
“Cozy,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “What brings you here?”
“Well I’m not gonna let the Dazzling sisters be the only ones to look after you,” Cozy Glow said as she flew up to Sunset with the bottle.  “Besides, Princess Celestia asked me to deliver this.”
Sunset Shimmer looked at the bottle of medicine and looked like she was gonna gag.
“Uggh,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Not this stuff again.”
Cozy Glow poured a bit of medicine onto a clean spoon and said “Well it beats being hospitalized and having to wear an oxygen mask.  That’s the last thing Princess Celestia wants to see you at.”
“Point taken,” Sunset replied.
Sunset lifted the spoon with the medicine on it from Cozy Glow and stuffs it into her mouth.  She pulls the now empty spoon out and swallows hard.  Her face turns purple as she sticks her tongue out in disgust.
“Nasty stuff, I take it,” Sonata Dusk said.
Sunset immediately grabs the bowl of spicy soup and chugs it down until there was not a single drop left.  After swallowing the contents, she grabbed the water glass and drank every bit of it until it was empty.  The moment Sunset opened her mouth, steam poured from it.
“Woah,” Aria Blaze said. “I don’t think that was a good idea.”
“It was better than having to put up with that nasty taste in my mouth,” Sunset Shimmer said as the steam in her mouth disappeared.
Sunset Shimmer attempted to lift the metal serving tray from the table, only for her to  sneeze, resulting in the bowl and cup to fall off the tray and to land on the bed.  Adagio Dazzle and Sonata Dusk were quick to scoop up the bowl and cup before they rolled off the bed.
“That bad, huh?” Sonata Dusk asked.
“Yeah,” Sunset Shimmer said as she grabbed a tissue and blew into her nose.  “That bad.”
“Sunset.  Are you alright?”  Sunset Shimmer, the Dazzlings and Cozy Glow turned towards the doorway, where Princess Cadance entered with Shining Armor by her side.
“No,” Sunset said.  “It really stinks that I have to end up sick at this point.”
“It stinks that you have to be sick,” Shining Armor said.
“And in case you’re curious,” Princess Cadance said.  “Wanda is going to have to sleep outside of this room until you feel better.”
“So why is it that Wanda and Sunset get to sleep in one room?” Cozy Glow asked.
“It’s because of how Wanda and Sunset support each other,” Princess Cadance said. “They lift each other when needed, and they often sleep together as if they want to protect each other.  But for now, mother has allowed Wanda to sleep with her until Sunset’s health returns.”
“That says a whole lot,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “In fact, I could compare it to how I see my own sisters.  Until Sunset and I broke our friendship, I used to be willing to stand by my own sisters.  But when I lost faith with Sunset, I became distant with Aria and Sonata.”
“Yeah,” Aria Blaze said.  “And yet, even when you became distant, we refused to leave your side.  As we said, we didn’t want you to be alone.”
“Guess that’s the major benefit of siblings,” Shining Armor said.  “Without them, or rather without Twili, I would have been far more cynical and apathetic.”
Princess Cadance nodded towards Shining Armor.  But when she turned to Cozy Glow, she saw the filly turn her head and sulk nearby, which also caught the attention of Sunset Shimmer.
“Cozy?” Sunset Shimmer said before sneezing to the side.  “You alright?”
“I forgot,” Princess Cadance said.  “You’re at odds with your mother and sibling.”
Cozy barely turned her head before she said “Odds is an understatement.  And even though I’m now with all of you, it feels like they’re still lurking over me, like they’re mocking me for being with you.”
Princess Cadance placed her hoof on Cozy’s cheek and said “Now don’t say that.  I know you have tons of major issues with your mother and sister.  But as long as we’re here, we’ll make sure you’re happy and content.  Never forget it.”
“I’ll try,” Cozy Glow said.  “But it won’t be easy.”
Princess Cadance nodded as she removed her hoof from Cozy Glow’s cheek.  Then she turned to the filly and said “We’re going to be doing a little shopping around Canterlot.  If you need anything, let me know.”
“Thanks,” Cozy Glow said.  “But I’ll be alright.  Maybe Sunset could use something.”
 Sunset turned to Princess Cadance and said with a slight cough.  “That won’t be necessary.  All I want is a little rest and relaxation.”
“Well if you change your mind,” Princess Cadance said.  “I’m always here.”
Princess Cadance turned to Shining Armor and nodded to him.  The two then walked towards the entrance of the bedroom and made their way out.  Sunset Shimmer just laid back in her bed, coughing into her hoof while Cozy Glow and the Dazzlings turned towards her.
“If there’s anything we can get you,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “We’re here.”
“Thanks,” Sunset said with a sniffle.  “But right now, I feel like napping.”
Adagio nodded.  She turned towards the entrance to the bedroom and walked out with Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk following from behind.  Cozy Glow grabbed the tray, the dishes and the bedside table off from the bed.
“Sunset,” Cozy Glow said.  “I hope you get better.  Not just for your sake, but also for your sisters’ sake.”
Sunset Shimmer just smiled and said “Won’t be easy.  But I’m not one to back down.”

Meanwhile in the Grand Foyer of the palace, Bright Mac sat in one of the chairs, looking at his electronic tablet, with Buttercup by his side.  On the screen was a worried Granny Smith.
“So you’re telling me that the rock slide is finally cleared,” Bright Mac said.  “That means we can finally come home.”
“Not so,” Granny Smith said.  “The ponies of La Maresa are being called to bunker down because a snowstorm is going to hit.  So if I were you and Buttercup, I would stay put.”
Bright Mac tossed his hat aside and said “Dagnabbit.  Another obstacle that prevents us from returning to La Maresa.”
“Well if worse comes to worse,” Granny Smith said.  “We may have to come up to Canterlot just to seek shelter from the coming snowstorm.”
“First we missed out on Nightmare Night in La Maresa,” Buttercup said.  “Then we had to spend Hearth’s Warming Eve here in Canterlot, and now this.  It will be way past Hearts and Hooves day before we can return.”
“Don’t you worry,” Granny Smith said.  “The apples have been harvested thanks to help from other towns.  And I have placed tarps over the apple trees so they don’t get caught in the frostbite.  You stay put in Canterlot where you’re nice and toasty, okay?”
Bright Mac let out a sigh and said “Yes, mom.  But I will say this: I miss you.”
“I miss you as well,” Granny Smith said.  “And you take care up there.  Tell Applejack that Apple Bloom misses her big sister, and tell Sunset Shimmer to fight that darn cold that’s holding her back.”
“Oh we will, ma,” Buttercup said.  “We will.”
Granny Smith waved to both Bright Mac and Buttercup before her image disappeared from the tablet.  Bright Mac picked up his hat and placed it on his head, discouraged by his mother’s words.
“Don’t you worry, Bright Mac,” Buttercup said.  “We’ll be back in La Maresa soon with the younglings.”
“Truth be told,” Bright Mac said.  “I am worried for Applejack and the others because they’ve been stranded here through no fault of their own.”
As Bright Mac placed his digital tablet to the side, he looked up and saw Shining Armor and Princess Cadance walking down the staircase.
“Top of the morning to you, Bright Mac and Buttercup,” Shining Armor said.
“Top of the morning,” Shining Armor said.
Princess Cadance looked out the front door and said “I don’t know if Wanda going out with a few of her friends is a good idea.”
“She’ll be fine,” Shining Armor said.  “Besides, if that dog gets in her way, we’ll scare 'em off.”
“I hope you’re right,” Princess Cadance said. 
Bright Mac just laughed and said “Okay you two.  I know you’re going out to have fun, but be careful.  Okay?”
“We’ll do, Mr Apple,” Shining Armor said.
Buttercup laughed before she said “You don’t need to call us that.  Just Bright Mac or Buttercup.”
Shining Armor nodded to the apples before he and Princess Cadance walked up to the front door of the castle.
“So do you think Wanda will be alright?” Princess Cadance asked.
“Relax,” Shining Armor said.  “And besides, the Chancellor is in town, and she may give that dog a piece of her mind if that happens.”
“I hope you’re right,” Princess Cadance said as she held onto the handle of the door with her magic.  “Besides, it’s not like that dog will be in front of our faces.”
But as Princess Cadance opened the door of the palace, she looked in front and saw the Alicorn Bulldog in front of her.  The dog growled at her as if it were ready to lunge at the princess.
“Caddy,” Shining Armor said as he stepped in front of her.  “Stand back.  I got this.”
“Shining, wait,” Princess Cadance said.
But before Princess Cadance could reach out, Shining Armor looked down at the Alicorn Bulldog before taking in a deep breath.  His horn lit up, surrounding his throat with magic, before he exhaled what sounded like the deep roar of a dragon.
“Oh dear,” Princess Cadance said as Shining’s roar shook the foundation.  “I forgot he could do that.”
The blistering sound of the roar was so great, the Alicorn Bulldog yelped in fear before turning tail and making a run towards the gate.
“The old fashioned imitation dragon roar,” Shining Armor said.  “Works every time.”
“Next time, let me scare the mutt,” Princess Cadance said in a silly tone.
“Very well,” Shining Armor replied.  “But nuff said.  Let’s get going.”
Princess Cadance nodded as she and Shining Armor walked out the doorway and through the front garden towards the gate.  Princess Cadance lit her horn up, closing the door behind her.  But just as the door closed tight, Buttercup got up and looked up the staircase.
“We should check up on Sunset Shimmer,” Buttercup said.
“I was hoping you would say that,” Bright Mac said as he got up and picked up the digital tablet next to him.  “And I know she’s Princess Celestia’s adopted daughter.  But there’s no way we’re gonna let her suffer like that.”
With that, Bright Mac and Buttercup walked up the staircase and towards the doorway leading to the bedrooms.

Not long after, Bright Mac and Buttercup were walking down the hallway towards Wanda and Sunset’s bedroom, where Sunset Shimmer lay sick.  Approaching them were the Dazzlings and Cozy Glow.
“How’s Sunset?” Bright Mac asked.
“She’s asleep,” Sonata Dusk said.
“And let’s just hope her illness doesn’t wake her up,” Adagio Dazzle said.
“It’s that bad, is it?” Buttercup asked.
“It sure is,” Adagio replied.
Cozy Glow looked at the entrance to the bedroom and said “It’s not as horrible as it was back when Wanda got sick.  But I do hope that Sunset gets better.”
“I know how you feel about that,” Bright Mac said.  “I still remember when Wanda got sick with the Hay Fever virus, and she had to go to the hospital.  Poor thing almost died.  Thankfully Dr Trotdale was able to heal Wanda in time and get her some resistance to that virus.”
“And I was told that Gold Banks tried to take her away,” Adagio Dazzle asked.
“Oh she did try it,” Bright Mac said.  “And she went as far as to attack younglings, family members, close friends, and even Hippogriff royalty.  It took Princess Cadance, and the help of a few friends of hers, to finally put a stop to Gold Banks.  And though she put a restraining order on Gold Banks for what she did, Magistrate Creme Dream reversed it.”
The words of Bright Mac were enough to cause the Dazzling Sisters to drop their jaws in disgust.
“That’s just low,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “I knew Gold Banks was despicable after what she tried to do to us.  But to try to take Wanda away while she was sick?”
“She’s a self-centered lowlife who would harm anyone she wants for her own personal gain,” Cozy Glow said.  “She even decided to punish her daughter Golden Lace because she was shown the error of her ways.”
“How is it that she can get away with this?” Aria Blaze asked.
“It’s the fact that she controls the entire news in Equestria,” Cozy Glow explained.  “Newspaper, media, social networks.  She has full control of every piece of propaganda that you can think of.  And she likes to use the Princesses as her scapegoats.”
“All of a sudden,” Sonata Dusk said.  “I’m starting to feel queasy just hearing that.”
But as Sonata Dusk finished speaking, everyone overheard the sound of Sunset Shimmer wincing in pain.  Immediately, they turned towards the bedroom.
“Oh no,” Buttercup said.  “Princess Celestia told us that Sunset will sometimes transform into a demon.”
“Go get Princess Celestia and Princess Luna,” Bright Mac said.  “If Sunset tries to transform, we’ll try to slow her down.”
Buttercup nodded, turned around and ran back down the hall, all while Bright Mac, the Dazzlings and Cozy Glow ran into the bedroom.

Inside, Sunset Shimmer was struggling to control herself, as her body began to shape shift.  The Dazzlings and Cozy Glow stood at the entrance, scared for what’s happening to Sunset, while Bright Mac pulled a rope out of his hat.
“Guys,”  Sunset said.  “Get…mother.   It’s…Back.”
“We’ve sent someone to do that,” Bright Mac said as he swung the rope over his head.  “Right now, we’re going to try to get you under control until then.”
With a powerful swing, Bright Mac tossed the rope around Sunset and pulled it tight, just as the sick filly began to transform.  Bright Mac pulled as hard as he could, holding Sunset Shimmer in place through her transformation.  But as her body began to grow, the rope began to stretch out a bit.
“I don’t like where this is going,” Sonata Dusk said.
“Hang on,” Bright Mac yelled.  “It’s going to be a bumpy ride.”
Bright Mac held as tight as he could.  But as Sunset Shimmer continued to transform, the lasso around her ripped, causing the rope to snap into two pieces and Bright Mac to fall on his back.  Bright Mac pulled back the loose rope and looked at it.
“Not good,” Bright Mac said.  “Her transformation was too much.”
“Don’t you have a backup rope?” Aria Blaze asked.
“I’m afraid that was my only set,” Bright Mac said.
Bright Mac, the Dazzlings and Cozy Glow stood helplessly as Sunset Shimmer transformed into her demon form.  The demon immediately rolled out of the bed and roared into the air.
“I never thought I would have to see that again,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “If only there was a way to bring her down.”
Suddenly, Demon Sunset paused for a bit before it inhaled uncontrollably.  It huffed in, as if it were about to let loose a loud sneeze.  Bright Mac looked up and began to panic.
“Everyone, out,” Bright Mac yelled.  “It’s gonna be a big one.”
Bright Mac, the Dazzlings and Cozy Glow quickly ran out of the room as Demon Sunset huffed in even more.  The moment the ponies hid behind the wall, Demon Sunset let loose a powerful sneeze, sending her flying backward right into her own closet door.  The demon sneezed more and more, causing her to lose control.
Bright Mac took a peek from behind the doorway and saw Demon Sunset sneeze out of control.  His face went from panic to sorrow as he watched helplessly.
“Poor Sunset,” Bright Mac said.  “Even in that form, she’s still suffering from her cold.”
“Nevermind that,” Cozy Glow said, pointing to Demon Sunset.  “Her body is shrinking.  I think her illness is holding her demon form back.”
And Cozy was right.  Demon Sunset’s form was shrinking down in size.  Furthermore, she was reverting back with every sneeze.  She sneezed again and again, until she transformed back into Sunset Shimmer.  Everyone else just stood there, surprised by Sunset’s return to normal.
“Well this is a first,” Bright Mac said.  “All it took was for her to get sick just to hold back her demon form.”
As Sunset Shimmer pulled out a tissue and blew her nose, Adagio Dazzle ran into the room and immediately hugged Sunset, crying right on her shoulder.
“Please don’t scare me like that again,” Adagio cried.  “I don’t know what would have happened if you became that thing again.”
“I’m sorry,” Sunset said.  “But at the same time, I’m surprised that I transformed back because I’m sick.”
As Bright Mac, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk and Cozy Glow all breathed a sigh of relief, the stallion felt a tap on his shoulder.  He turned around and saw Buttercup alongside Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.
“We got here as soon as Buttercup told us,” Princess Luna said.
“Well for some reason,” Bright Mac said.  “Her cold undid her curse for the time being.”
Princess Celestia peeked into the room and saw Adagio Dazzle hug Sunset.  She looked around the room and saw the broken remains of the lasso part of the rope.  She also looked behind Sunset and saw the broken piece of the closet door.
“Well you’re absolutely right,” Princess Celestia said.  “She did do some damage in her demon form.  But I’m surprised that she transformed back without my help.”
“Which leads me to one question,” Sonata Dusk asked.  “Is it true that demons are helpless against illness?”
“That is something none of us knows,” Princess Celestia said.  “Not until now.”
Princess Celestia walked up to Sunset Shimmer and Adagio Dazzle.  The sound of her hooves caught the attention of both fillies, who looked up at the princess.
“I..guess I can explain everything,” Sunset said.
Princess Celestia rubbed the top of Sunset’s head and said “No need.  Seems even your demon form has its limits.”
Sunset laughed and said “If that’s true, then maybe being sick is more of a blessing for me.”
Princess Celestia picked up Sunset Shimmer and Adagio Dazzle before she said “Now Sunset.  You can’t be sick forever.  After all, we’re here in case that demon form of yours does get out of control.”
“But do you think you’ll be able to hold that back forever?”  Adagio Dazzle asked.  “I don’t want my friend to be a demon forever.”
“Oh I’m gonna make sure that doesn’t happen,” Princess Celestia said in a smug tone.
Princess Celestia placed Sunset Shimmer on her bed and covered her with the blanket until only her head and shoulders were sticking out.  She placed Adagio Dazzle right next to the bed where Sunset laid down.
“Aren’t you worried about getting sick yourself?” Celestia asked.
“Not really,” Adagio said.  “Even if I do get sick, then at least I know Sunset’s getting better.”
“Sounds like you really missed her,” Princess Luna said walking up to Adagio Dazzle.  “Like with Wanda, you are more of a sister to Sunset.”
“Are you sure about that?” Adagio asked.  “Even though I abandoned her long ago?”
“Yes,” Princess Luna said.  “You care for her as a sister, just like you do with Aria and Sonata.  Sure you may have your disagreements like I do with my sister.  But it’s how you care for each other that makes you effective sisters.  It’s something you should never forget.”
“Oh I won’t,” Adagio Dazzle.  “Between Sunset and the other Dazzlings, I’d say it’s a bond that’s stronger than rope.”
As Celestia, Luna, Sunset and Adagio laughed, Bright Mac and Buttercup looked on with Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk and Cozy Glow by their side.
“I’m glad that’s been taken care of at least,” Bright Mac said.  “But what could we have done if she did transform completely?”
Cozy Glow looked up at her forehead and said “While I am an alicorn, I don’t think I have the capabilities to revert Sunset back to normal should it happen again.”
“Well,” Buttercup said.  “Maybe we will need to rely on Princess Celestia.”
Suddenly, Bright Mac felt another tap on his shoulder.  He turned around to see Majordomo Kibitz stand outside.
“Pardon the interruption,” Kibitz said.  “But there is someone who wishes to see Sunset Shimmer at this time.  She had to pull away from her friends to check up on her.”
Bright Mac looked to the side of Kibitz, where Pinkie Pie stood there, waving to Bright Mac and Buttercup.
“I know I’m not Applejack,” Pinkie Pie said.  “But my Pinkie sense, and my Discord soul, told me that Sunset Shimmer tried to transform into a demon again, and she could really use a bit of cheering up.”
Bright Mac, Buttercup, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk and Cozy Glow all looked at each other, pondering Pinkie Pie’s words.
“Wasn’t she with Twilight and the other La Maresa ponies?” Cozy Glow asked.
“She was,” Buttercup said.  “But it seems some friends need more help than we realize.”


	To Be Continued in…


	Diagnosis from the Pie

> Arc 11-2: Diagnosis from the Pie
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Diagnosis from the Pie



“Pinkie Pie.  I’m surprised that you came back just for me.”
Those words came from Sunset Shimmer, still bedridden and sick.  Pinkie Pie walked up to the ill unicorn filly, with Bright Mac, Buttercup, Majordomo Kibitz, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk and Cozy Glow standing in the doorway.  Right next to the bed were Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Adagio Dazzle. 
“Oh you have no idea,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Normally, I was just gonna let you rest and relax.  But Twilight wanted to make sure you’re alright.”
“Twilight did?” Sunset Shimmer said.
Celestia looked down at her adopted daughter and said “Twilight Sparkle has this thing for the well-being of others.  It’s been like this recently.”
“Did Wanda’s hospitalization have to do with all of this?” Sunset asked.
“It might have,” Princess Luna responded. “But another theory of mine was when she witnessed Princess Celestia’s near death experience at the hooves of Queen Chrysalis.”
“But wait,” Sunset said.  “Why would you come along when Twilight was concerned for me?”
“Because,” Pinkie Pie said with a grin.  “Twilight wanted to check up on you.  But I insisted on doing that in her place.  She insisted on doing so and wouldn’t stop whining about it.”
“But you wanted to do this because you’re the incarnation of Discord,” Sunset joked.
“I would have done so regardless,” Pinkie Pie replied.
“Oh real cute, Pinkie,” Sunset laughed.  “And I take it you have a diagnosis about me.”
“But of course,” Pinkie Pie said as she pulled up a clipboard and began to jolt down notes.  “Besides the illness, you suffer from a fear of being alone, without your friends, and without your sisters.  And not just Wanda or Cadance.”
Sunset looked at Adagio Dazzle before turning towards Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk, all while the latter waved back at her.
“Wait,” Sunset said.  “You’re saying they’re also my sisters?”
“But of course,” Pinkie Pie said.  “After all, sisters don’t need to be directly related to qualify.”
Sunset laughed and said “Wow.  I didn’t realize that.”
“Me?”  Adagio Dazzle said.  “Sister of Sunset?”  Adagio let out a raspberry and said “That’s something I didn’t even expect.”
“It’s as I said,” Pinkie Pie said.  “If sisters care for one another, then why does it have to be directly related?  Even colts can be brothers the same way.”
“Maybe that means I can be your sister,” Sunset asked with an innocent look in her eyes.
Pinkie looked down at Sunset and said “My child.  Don’t push yer luck.”
The words of both Sunset Shimmer and Pinkie Pie were enough to cause Princess Celestia and Princess Luna to laugh.  Even Adagio Dazzle couldn’t hold in her laughter.  But as Celestia and Luna’s laughter started to fade, Bright Mac walked up to Princess Celestia and whispered in her ear.
“Are you sure about that?” Princess Celestia asked.
“We can look after her while you and Luna take care of looking after the kingdom,” Bright Mac said.
“But what if she transforms again?” Princess Luna asked.
“Then I have a backup plan, just in case,” Princess Celestia said as she cast a spell in her mane and pulled out a sparkling stone.
“What is that?” Bright Mac asked.
Princess Celestia levitated the stone in front of Bright Mac and said “This jewel contains a fraction of my magic.  If Sunset is forced into her demon form, use this on her forehead to change her back.”
Buttercup walked up to Bright Mac and said “I hope this can help out.  We may have experience raising younglings.  But Sunset Shimmer may be a different matter.”
Bright Mac held out his hoof, allowing Celestia to place the sparkling stone on his hoof.  He looked down and said “It’s better than having no plan at all.  We’ll do it.”
With that, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna walked towards the entrance of the bedroom with Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, Cozy Glow and Majordomo Kibitz moving out of the way.
“We have some tasks to take care of,” Princess Celestia said.  “Which unfortunately means having to put up with the Equestrian Senate.”
“Though judging Sunset’s illness and her curse,” Princess Luna said.  “I’d say a trip to the golden land may be necessary.”
“Golden land?” Aria Blaze asked.
“We’ll discuss this later today,” Princess Celestia said.  “But for now, take care and be on your best behavior.”
With that, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna walked down the hallway until they disappeared through another doorway.  Aria, Sonata, Cozy and Kibitz watched on before turning towards each other.
“I have never heard of this Golden Land before,” Cozy Glow said.
“Neither have I,” Sonata Dusk responded.
“Oh it’s a place that’s perfect for healing the mind and body,” Kibitz stated.  “Only Princess Celestia and Princess Luna know how to access it.  Unfortunately, when Wanda got sick, there was no way to take her there.”
“That explains why Wanda had to be in the hospital,” Cozy Glow said.  “If what you said is true, then they could have used the Golden Land to heal Wanda of her illness.”
But before anyone could say anything, they overheard the sound of Sunset Shimmer groaning in pain.  The group went inside and saw Sunset Shimmer start to transform into a demon once more.  Bright Mac had his eyes focused on the sparkling stone before shifting it back to Sunset while Adagio, Pinkie Pie and Buttercup watched in horror.
“Sunset,” Aria Blaze yelled.
Kibitz turned to Bright Mac and said “Now.  Use the jewel.”
Bright Mac held the jewel in his hoof before he said “You don’t need to remind me.  I know just what to do.”
As Sunset Shimmer struggled to hold back turning into a demon, Bright Mac ran up to the sick filly and placed the stone on her forehead. 
“Be gone, foul demon,” Bright Mac said.  “And do not disturb Sunset Shimmer again.”
The sparkling stone glowed brightly, filling the room with light.  The demon form of Sunset Shimmer receded, turning her back into her former self.  Bright Mac breathed a sigh of relief before removing the stone from Sunset’s head.
“Guess being sick wasn’t enough to keep it back,” Sunset Shimmer said.
“What matters is that you’re back,” Bright Mac said, holding the sparkling stone.  “And what matters is that you’re safe, even despite your illness.”
“Don’t worry,” Buttercup said.  “While your mother and aunt are gone, we’ll look after you.”
“Yeah,” Pinkie Pie said.  “You will always be in good hooves, no matter who.”
“I hope you’re right,” Sunset said with a sniffle.  “I don’t know how long I can handle this demon form.”
“Well as long as he has that jewel that Princess Celestia gave him,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “You should be alright.  Besides, we’re not going to leave your side this time.”
“She’s right,” Bright Mac said.  “You have friends and family who support you.  And we won’t leave your side.”
“Are you sure about that?” Sunset said before coughing into her hoof.  “I don’t want you to get sick after your leg just healed.”
“Don’t worry about me,” Bright Mac said.  “I can handle a broken leg, and I can handle being sick.  Nothing can take me out.”
Sunset Shimmer laughed before letting out a small sneeze, causing everyone else to laugh out loud.
“All that time I spent away from Sunset,” Adagio laughed.  “I think I missed way too much.”
“There’s nothing wrong with a little laughter,” Pinkie Pie said.  “After all, laughter is medicine for the soul.”
“Medicine for the soul?” Adagio Dazzle asked.
“Yeah,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Sometimes we need to brush all that gloominess away, and it takes a bit of laughter to do just that.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Adagio Dazzle replied.
Nearby at the doorway, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, Cozy Glow and Majordomo Kibitz were also laughing out a bit, though not as loud as everyone in the room.
“It really doesn’t take much from Sunset to get everyone laughing,” Aria Blaze said.
“Oh?” Cozy Glow asked.
“Back when she was in the same orphanage as the rest of us,” Sonata Dusk said.  “Sunset Shimmer used to make us all laugh.  Some called her the orphan clown of the group.  Even the matrons found her funny.”
“Quite a fascinating origin story from Sunset Shimmer,” Majordomo Kibitz said.  “It’s a shame that her happiness there ended when she transformed into that demon and tore right into the orphanage.”
“Yeah,” Sonata Dusk said.  “Truth be told, I wish it didn’t happen.  But at the same time, it would have meant Sunset Shimmer would have never become a princess, nor met her sister Wanda.”
But as the group were about to walk in, Adagio Dazzle walked up to her sisters, Cozy Glow and the Majordomo.
“I think we should give Sunset Shimmer some time to rest,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “Bright Mac and Buttercup said they’ll look after her.”
“What about Pinkie Pie?” Cozy Glow asked.
Adagio turned towards Sunset Shimmer, where Pinkie Pie stood by her bed and looked at her.
“You sure you’re going to be alright?” Pinkie Pie asked.
“I’ll be fine,  Pinkie,” Sunset said.  “I bet Twilight is worried sick about you.”
“Aww,” Pinkie Pie said, looking a bit dejected.  “And I wanted to make sure Twilight worried less.”
“Then tell her this,” Sunset said.  “She doesn’t need to worry about me.  I’ve been in far worse situations than being sick.   And she has my word.”
Pinkie Pie nodded.  She walked away from the bed and towards the rest of the fillies.  But she turned towards Sunset and waved at her.
“Promise me you’ll get better,” Pinkie Pie said.
“You better believe it,” Sunset Shimmer replied.
And with that, Pinkie Pie nodded before following Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk and Cozy Glow out of the room.  Majordomo Kibitz nodded to Sunset Shimmer before following the fillies out of the room.
“Once I get better,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “I’m going to be playing with my friends for who knows how long.  Especially Wanda and the Dazzlings.”
“Sounds like you have a strong connection with your sister,” Buttercup said.
“More like sisters,” Sunset said.  “Wanda may be my youngest sister.  But I also consider the Dazzlings to be sisters in their own right.  And while I do miss the days of the orphanage, I’m glad they’re living here.”
“Well as long as they’re by your side,” Bright Mac said.  “You’ll never be alone.  You have friends and family who are here to look out for you.”
“Even if I am sick?” Sunset asked.
“Even if you are sick,” Bright Mac said with a laugh.

Later that day in the royal courtyard, Pinkie Pie, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk and Cozy Glow laid down in the grass, looking up at the sky.
“Hey Pinkie,” Adagio said.  “I have a question to ask.”
“Fire away,” Pinkie Pie said.
“You claim to be the reincarnation of Discord,” Adagio asked.  “Why do you believe that?”
“Well believe it or not,” Pinkie Pie said.  “I have this special sense that allows me to detect anything from the future.  Some call it a Chaos Sense and many in La Maresa refer to me as the reincarnation of Discord.”
“They do?” Adagio Dazzle said, getting up from the grass.
“That sounds like a major conspiracy,” Aria Blaze replied.
“Not really,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Sometimes, I conjure these kinds of powers up.  Case in point.”
Pinkie Pie reaches her hoof into her mane and pulls out a cupcake.  She holds it in front of Adagio, who takes the treat.
“Enjoy,” Pinkie Pie said.
Adagio Dazzle took a bite out of the cupcake, and her face popped out a bit.  She swallowed before taking a bigger bite, chewing with delight.
“Wow,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “How did you know I like double chocolate fudge?”
“Guess.” Pinkie Pie said.
“Even I can’t seem to understand Pinkie Pie,” Cozy Glow said.  “She’s an enigma who would baffle modern day psychologists.”
“Psychologists?” Sonata Dusk laughed.  “Are you nuts?  They’re all hoarse.”
Aria Blaze just laughed before she said “That was completely random, sis.  I didn’t expect you to say that.”  Soon, Adagio, Cozy and Pinkie were all laughing it up.
“Surprisingly,” Pinkie Pie laughed.  “I understand that reference.  And I’m afraid to tell you where it came from.”
“You don’t need to tell us,” Cozy Glow laughed.  “I’d rather we didn’t know.”
Pinkie Pie wiped a tear from her eye as her laughter began to recede.  She got up on her four hooves and stretched out her legs.
“Hey wait,” Adagio said.  “You’re about to go?”
“I have to depart,” Pinkie Pie said.  “I think Twilight might be worried about me.  And besides, there might be other friends that could use my guidance.”
“Hey do yourself a favor and be careful,” Aria Blaze said.  “Word has it that the Predacon Brothers are still in Canterlot.”
“Oh I’m aware of them,” Pinkie Pie said.  “They want Wanda because of her magic potential, and they want Sunset because of her adoption ties to the Royal Family.  But they want Twilight because of Queen Chrysalis’ revenge.”
“So,” Sonata Dusk said.  “Are you going to give them what they deserve?”
“Oh if they mess with Twilight,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Then they mess with me.  Anyway, catch ya on the flip side.”
With that, Pinkie Pie bounced down towards the gate, leaving Adagio, Aria, Sonata and Cozy to stare back up in the sky.
“That pony is an enigma, wrapped up in a sugary sweet layer,” Aria Blaze said.
“That may be true,” Adagio Dazzle said. “But at the same time, she sounds like one of the most helpful ponies ever.”
“What if I told you three that she could easily handle those changeling Predacons?” Cozy Glow said.
“Wait,” Adagio said, sitting right up and looking at Cozy Glow.  “She could handle the Predacons?”
“Let’s just say she helped out when the changelings and the Windigo’s Guild attacked us during the Grand Gallopin Gala,” Cozy Glow explained.  
“That reminds me,” Sonata Dusk said.  “We did experience some changelings breaking into the orphanage ruins during that night.  One of them pretended to be Sunset Shimmer.”
“Yeah,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “But while I was in a sad mood during that time, I knew that changeling wasn’t Sunset Shimmer for three reasons.  One, I was still hurt for what I did to her.  Two, the fake Sunset who approached me sounded more optimistic despite the swarm.  And three, I assumed that she was trying to stay safe in the castle during the invasion.”
“Well you weren’t kidding,” Cozy Glow said.  “Sunset, most of our friends, and even I were stuck in the castle with the changelings and cultists in pursuit during the invasion.  But even despite their numbers, we were able to fight back.”
“It was that bad, huh?” Adagio asked.
“It was,” Cozy Glow said.  

Meanwhile, near the walls of the castle, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator peeked over, looking at Cozy Glow talking with the Dazzlings.
“Do you see that?” Quickstrike said.  “Four little fillies, ready to be plucked from the garden.”
“It’s tempting, but it’s not our goal,” Inferno replied.  “Right now, we follow that pink filly to where Twilight Sparkle is.”
“Aww,” Quickstrike said.  “But I want to kidnap one of those little brats for a consolation prize.”
“We’ll worry about that later,” Inferno explained.  “We are under orders from the queen to kidnap Twilight Sparkle and bring her back, so she may punish her.”
“Waspinator like that idea,” Waspinator said.  “At least not surrounded by endless fillies and colts, ready to tear us apart.”
“And most likely,” Inferno said.  “Twilight Sparkle will have fewer ponies surrounding her.  So capturing her will be a breeze.”
“Oooh, give us the signal, big bro,” Quickstrike said in anticipation.  “I’m ready to kick some keister and bring Twilight back to the boss.”
“Then let us be on our way,” Inferno said.  “Follow that pink pony to Twilight Sparkle, and bring her to the colony.  For the glory of the royalty.”
With that, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator transformed into three separate pegasi and ran through the streets of Canterlot, hoping to capture Twilight Sparkle.
“If we Predacons capture Twilight bug,” Waspinator said.  “Then maybe Queen Chrysalis will give us a vacation in Kludgetown.  Best place for drinks and random fights.  Waspinator miss that place.”


	To Be Continued in


	Arc 12: A Doggone Afternoon


	Danged Spell’s wolf blues

> Arc 12(A Doggone Afternoon)-1: Danged Spell's Wolf Blues
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


	Arc 12: A Doggone Afternoon


	Danged Spell’s Wolf Blues



It was a bright day in the central city of Canterlot.  Ponies were going about their business as if there was not a care in the world.  But at Danged Spell’s house, the colt stood there in disgust in the bathroom as his mother Shanoa brushed his mane.
“Mom,” Danged Spell said. “Is this really necessary?  All I’m doing is just sharing a day with Moondancer and Ditzy Doo.”
“Now Spell,” Shanoa said.  “You know you have to look your best on your date with Moondancer.”
“But it’s not a date,” Danged Spell said.  “It’s just a hangout with friends.”
 Shanoa laughed before she said “But it’s important for you to be handsome towards your friends.  And besides, your mane has a lot of hair tangles.”
Immediately, Fortwright walked into the bathroom, holding baby Dream Seeker in his arms.  He looked down at Danged Spell with a smile on his face.
“So,” Fortwright said.  “I heard you’re going on a date with Moondancer.”
“It is not a date, dad,” Danged Spell snarled.  “It’s just a hangout with Moondancer and Ditzy Doo.”
“Now son,” Fortwright teased.  “Let’s not get testy.  You don’t want your sister to be upset.”
Danged Spell let out a sigh as Shanoa lifted the brush away from his mane.  He looked in the mirror and stuck his tongue out at his new mane do.
“What’s wrong, Spell?” Shanoa asked.  “Don’t you like your new look?”
“Oh please,” Danged Spell said.  “I liked it better when I was shaggy.”
Danged Spell immediately shook his body, restoring his mane to his more frizzled look.  Shanoa just looked at Spell and laughed a bit.
“Well that’s our son,” Shanoa said.  “Never did like to have his mane brushed.”
“Oh that reminds me,” Fortwright said.  “Moondancer and her friend Ditzy Doo just arrived.”
“Well,” Danged Spell said.  “It’s about time.”
Danged Spell ran under his father and out the door, sprinting towards the staircase.  Fortwright turned around, all while Dream Seeker giggled in delight.
“I know,” Fortwright said.  “But I think we should see him off.”
Downstairs, Danged Spell ran up to the front door and opened it.  Outside was Moondancer and Ditzy Doo, waiting patiently.
“Well what took you so long?”  Moondancer asked.  “Did you take a bath?”
“Real funny, Moonie,” Danged Spell replied.  “Mom was trying to brush my mane.”
“And you shook it off?” Ditzy asked.  “I would have enjoyed your new mane do.”
Danged Spell just glared at Ditzy Doo, who grinned in embarrassment.
“Sorry,” Ditzy said.  “My bad.”
Moondancer just looked at Danged Spell and said “Come on, Groucho.  Let’s get this show on the road.”
Danged Spell’s frown turned into a smile as he began to walk out the door.  But before he could step out, he heard someone shout “HOLD IT!”  Danged Spell’s smile flipped back upside down as he turned around to see Fortwright standing there, holding Dream Seeker.
“What is it now, dad?” Danged Spell asked.
“Oh nothing more,” Fortwright said.  “Except try not to rely too much on your Wolf’s Breath Curse.  You’ll find out that you are more capable of doing so than you realize.”
Spell smiled as he said “I’ll keep that in mind.  Anyway, aloha.”
With that, Danged Spell ran past Moondancer and Ditzy Doo out the door.  Moondancer bowed before Fortwright before following Danged Spell out the door.  Ditzy stood there, waving her hoof at Fortwright.
“Thank you for being Danged Spell’s father, Mr Fortwright,”  Ditzy said before she ran out the door.
Fortwright stood there with a smile on his face, cradling Dream Seeker in his arms.
“E akahele ’oe, my son,” Fortwright said as Dream Seeker giggled in his arms.

Later that day  at the outdoor cafe, Danged Spell was enjoying a oatburger with Moondancer and Ditzy Doo, sitting outside in the bright sun.
“You know,” Ditzy Doo said.  “It’s a wonder why this place is all warm and toasty while outside the city, it’s snowing.”
“Never truly thought about that,” Moondancer said.  “I mean, it’s not like Princess Celestia directed the sun down into this city.”
“That might be a possibility,” Danged Spell said.  “Next time we see her, we should ask her.”
“You just want an excuse to play outside the city,” Moondancer said with a smirk on her face.
“Guilty as charged,” Danged Spell replied.
“But why would you want that?” Ditzy Doo asked.  “Especially when it’s so cold beyond the gates?”
“Well you know Spell,” Moondancer said.  “He’s the kind of smart aleck who would want to have a snowball fight with the rest of us.”
Danged Spell swallowed the bit of oatburger that he was eating before directing his gaze towards Moondancer and said “You got that right, sister.  It’s one way to have a cool party.”
As Ditzy Doo giggled from Danged Spell’s comment, Moondancer shook her head with a smile on her face and said “That’s Danged Spell.  Always willing to let loose a pun when we least expect it.”
“Yeah,” Ditzy said.  “But at least he knows how to give us a good laugh.”
While Ditzy laughed with Danged Spell taking another bite of his oatburger, Moondancer’s smile turned into a frown as she looked up at the sky.
“By the way,” Moondancer said.  “Do you all remember those three changelings that ruined our pool party?”
“Three changelings?” Ditzy asked.
Danged Spell swallowed his bit of oatburger and said “They call themselves the Predacons Brothers, Queen Chrysalis’ elite fighters sent out to do her dirty work.  They were with her when she invaded Canterlot, and I got a good glimpse of them when they attacked us.”
“Glimpse?” Moondancer said.  “You bit into one of them when they took on the form of those Beast Wars toys.”
“Heh,” Danged Spell said with a laugh.  “So I did.  Guess I underestimated my own strength.”
“Well word has it that they’re back in town,” Moondancer said.  “And they have their focus on capturing a certain youngling for Queen Chrysalis.”
“Oh no,” Ditzy said.  “Does that mean they’re after Sunset Shimmer?  Or maybe Wanda Young?”
“Actually,” Danged Spell said.  “From what I heard, they’re after Twilight Sparkle.”
“Why Twilight Sparkle of all ponies?” Ditzy asked.
Danged Spell cleared his throat and said “Because she was the one who defeated Queen Chrysalis at the climax of the invasion of the Grand Gallopin Gala.  No one knows why she had all that power.  But she put it to good use and sent her to Cucamanega.”
“So that’s why Queen Chrysalis wants her revenge against Twilight Sparkle,” Ditzy said as she looked like she was going to cry.  “I don’t want anything bad to happen to her.”
Spell’s smug attitude flipped down as he placed his hoof on Ditzy’s and said “Woah, Ditzy.  I didn’t mean to make you cry.  I wanted to assure you that things will be alright.”
“Easy for you to say,” Ditzy said as tears flowed down her eyes.
“Spell’s right,” Moondancer said.  “We stood up to Queen Chrysalis before, and we can do it again.”
“Are you sure?” Ditzy asked.
“I am sure,” Moondancer replied.  “After what they did to all of us, I’m not going to show her, or those Predacons, mercy.”
“That’s the spirit,” Danged Spell said.  “We’re not going to let those morons bug us out.”
Upon hearing Danged Spell’s words, Ditzy Doo broke out in laughter, chortling over that comment.
“Bug us out,” Ditzy laughed.  “That’s a good one.”
Moondancer turned to Danged Spell and said “Thanks for using one of your puns to cheer her up.”
“No problemo,” Danged Spell said.  “It was the least I could do.”
As Ditzy Doo continued to laugh, Danged Spell and Moondancer continued to enjoy their oatburgers in the bright noon sun of Canterlot.

Later that day, Danged Spell, Moondancer and Ditzy Doo were walking down the streets of Canterlot, bypassing various ponies who were going about their lives.  All three younglings seem very content.
“So,” Ditzy said.  “Do you think we can find Twilight Sparkle and warn her about the Predacons?”
“Of course we will,” Danged Spell said.  “After all, she needs to know about this and be prepared for the worse.”
“But doesn’t she have a spell to detect any changelings in the vicinity?” Moondancer asked.
“It was the first thing we all learned the school day after the invasion,” Danged Spell replied.  “Though I wonder why some chose to stick by their queen.”
“I think I can explain that,” Moondancer replied.  “I heard that in order to feel powerful, they look up to Queen Chrysalis for power, as if she were the most powerful being of them all.”
“Like how we look up to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna?” Danged Spell asked.
“Exactly,” Moondancer replied.  “But Queen Chrysalis is far more egotistical.  She uses her charisma to draw her own hive into supporting her cause against the ponies of Equestria.  But while she may be narcissistic, she has the power to back up her claims, making her a dangerous threat to Equestria.”
“So that means,” Ditzy said.  “We may be at war with the changelings?”
“Not quite,” Moondancer said.  “I heard that some changelings saw her as too dangerous for the species and chose to defect.”
“That’s right,” Danged Spell said.  “That changeling baby Ocellus and her parents were among the defectors.  Last I heard, Queen Novo has given them sanctuary at Mount Aris and Seaquestria.”
“I hope they’re okay,” Ditzy said.  “Considering that those changelings consider her and her family traitors, I just hope they don’t do anything bad.”
“Nah,” Danged Spell said.  “I heard Queen Novo and her Hippogriffs are tough warriors.  If those changelings tried to nab Ocellus and her family, they’ll make them regret it.”
“That may be true,” Moondancer said.  “But don’t forget about what the Storm King tried to do to them.”
“Oh yeah,” Danged Spell said.  “That creep’s a sick monster.”
Suddenly, Moondancer came to a stop and said “Speaking of which, look in front of you.”
Danged Spell and Ditzy Doo came to a stop and saw the Alicorn Bulldog standing in front of them.  It growled at the three younglings, baring its teeth, looking as if it were about to charge the group and take a chomp out of them.
“Not that beast again,” Ditzy Doo said as she hid behind Danged Spell.
Moondancer looked to her left and right, but there was no other pony in sight.  The street was pretty bare with only the trio and the dog in front of them.
“Guys,” Moondancer said.  “We’ve got bigger problems.  There’s no other pony around us.  We need to run for it.”
“No,” Spell said as his eyes began to glow.  “I’ll handle this.”
“Spell, wait,” Moondancer yelled.
Danged Spell glared down at the Alicorn Bulldog as his eyes glowed a bright yellow.  Like with the canine, he growled loudly and his teeth sharpened like that of a wolf.
“Oh no,” Ditzy Doo said.  “Don’t tell me he’s using his Wolf’s Breath Curse.”
“I’m afraid he is,” Moondancer said.  “And for some reason, he’s been forcing himself into his curse recently, which makes it more difficult for him to let go.”
Danged Spell and the Alicorn Bulldog stared at each other, growling loudly and baring their teeth, all while Ditzy stood behind Danged Spell completely scared, and Moondancer stood to the side.  Both the cursed colt and the canine looked as if they were about to charge each other and tear each other apart.
“Spell,” Ditzy said.  “Don’t do something that foolish.  I don’t want you to die.”
But Danged Spell stood his ground, keeping his focus on the Alicorn Bulldog, who also kept its focus on the colt with the Wolf’s Breath curse.
“Ditzy,” Moondancer said.  “As soon as either that dog or Spell makes their move, I’m going to pull you aside so you don’t get hurt.”
“Wait,” Ditzy said.  “I don’t want you to pull me into that beast’s mouth by accident.”
But just as Ditzy finished speaking, the Alicorn Bulldog charged right at Danged Spell with its mouth wide open.  Moondancer saw the chance and surrounded Ditzy in a magical aura, pulling her away from Danged Spell and close to her.
“Stay close,” Moondancer said.  “I think Spell knows what he’s going to do.”
“I hope you’re right,” Ditzy said as she buried her face in Moondancer’s chest.
Danged Spell stood there with his teeth bare as the dog charged right at him, mouth wide open.  With a great leap, the bulldog lunged at Spell.
“Spell,” Moondancer said, closing her eyes.  “Please be safe.”
Danged Spell’s bare teeth turned into a grin as he rolled under the Alicorn Bulldog and proceeded to grab the beast’s tail with his teeth, causing the dog to yelp in pain.  Moondancer opened her eyes to see Danged Spell lift the dog into the air and slam it onto the ground.
“Ditzy,” Moondancer said.  “Look.”
Ditzy Doo directed her face towards Danged Spell, who grabbed the Bulldog by the collar with his teeth and began to swing the beast around.  The bulldog yelped helpless as Danged Spell swung it around and around as fast as possible.
“Oh my gosh,” Ditzy Doo said.  “Is he doing…that?”
Moondancer laughed and said “I guess Spell’s technique has definitely gone to the dogs.”
As Ditzy Doo laughed at Moondancer’s comment, Danged Spell released his hold on the bulldog’s collar, causing it to go flying forward until it crashed right into the street.  As the bulldog got up, it saw Danged Spell approach it, teeth bare and growling loudly.
“Wow,” Ditzy said.  “That was awesome.”
Danged Spell barked loudly, causing the Alicorn Bulldog to yelp before turning tail and making a run for it down the street.  Ditzy Doo and Moondancer walked up to Danged Spell, surprised and rattled, but unharmed.
“Sometimes,” Moondancer said.  “I underestimate how he puts that curse to good use.”
Danged Spell turned towards Moondancer and gave her a wink before thrusting his head into the air and howling up into the sky.
“What an amazing colt,” Ditzy Doo said.  “Sometimes, I wish I had his curse.”
“I don’t think the Wolf’s Breath curse affects pegasi,” Moondancer said.
Ditzy’s ears flopped down as she said “Aww.  But I want to be a brave wolf like Danged Spell.”
“Did someone say wolf?”  Moondancer, Danged Spell and Ditzy Doo turned to their left to see Princess Cadance and Shining Armor walk up to them.
“Princess Cadance,” Moondancer said.  “What are you and Shining Armor doing here?  I thought you were looking after Sunset Shimmer.”
“Sunset should be fine,” Princess Cadance said.  “She’s got Princess Celestia and Princess Luna to at least look after her.”
“And if not them,” Shining Armor said.  “Then Bright Mac and Buttercup are looking after her.”
Suddenly, Princess Cadance felt something brush up against her right arm.  She looked down to see Danged Spell rubbing it with his hoof, whimpering as if it were sad.
“Oh no,” Princess Cadance said.  “You got yourself stuck in your Wolf’s Breath curse again.  Don’t worry.  I got this.”
Princess Cadance closed her eyes as the tip of her horn lit up with magic.  She lowered her head down and touched Danged Spell’s forehead with the magical tip.  A small light flashed for a second before disappearing.  In almost an instant, Danged Spell shook his head and let out a groan.
“Sorry,” Danged Spell said.  “I think my pops was right.  I do rely too much on my curse.”
“Well with or without your curse,” Shining Armor said.  “I think you’re the coolest cat in Canterlot.”
Danged Spell stared up at Shining Armor and said “Seriously?  My curse is canine-based, not feline.”
“Easy there, fido,” Moondancer said. “He was just giving you a complement.”
Princess Cadance walked towards Moondancer and asked “So, what brings you down here on this bright afternoon?”
“Just hanging out,” Moondancer said.  “Enjoying an oatburger, watching Danged Spell send that scary bulldog running.”
“So that’s why you forced yourself into your Wolf’s Breath curse,” Shining Armor said.  “You didn’t want it to harm your friends.”
“I had to,” Danged Spell said.  “That dog’s been giving us a hard time, and I didn’t want it to eat Ditzy or Moondancer.”
“Spell,” Shining Armor said.  “I know you rely a lot on your Wolf’s Breath to protect your friends, and I appreciate that.  But there may come a time where you may not have access to it.”
“I know,” Danged Spell said.  “But at the same time, I feel like I rely on this alot because that is where I feel my strength is.”
“That’s not the only form of strength,” Shining Armor said, pointing to Danged Spell’s horn.  “Like your friend Moondancer, along with Princess Cadance and myself, you possess magical powers as a unicorn.”
Shining Armor looked at a nearby crate and lit his horn up.  An aura surrounded the crate as it levitated into the air and moved towards Shining.
“I mean,” Danged Spell said.  “It is cool and all, but doesn’t that make us overpowered compared to Pegasi and Earth Ponies?”
“Not really,” Shining Armor said.  “While we Unicorns possess the power of arcane, Pegasi can control the weather with their wings, while Earth Ponies can create nature with their hooves.”
“Alicorns are the ones who are more overpowered,” Princess Cadance said.  “We possess all three powers of an Earth Pony, Unicorn and Pegasi all rolled up into one.  Though to be honest, I started out as a Pegasi.”
“And there’s no way you’ll make me an alicorn,” Danged Spell joked.  “After all, Alicorn are supposed to be royalty.”
“Not all alicorns are,” Princess Cadance said.  “Besides the ones we got, there were some in the past that aren’t even a part of the royal family.”
“She’s right,” Moondancer said.  “We’ve looked that up in class many times.  I’m just surprised that you don’t want to be an alicorn if it happened to you.”
Danged Spell just sighed and said “I’ve got a lot of reasons to explain, and it would be a doozy.”
“Well anyway,” Shining Armor said.  “We have to get going.  Got a lot of stuff to take care of.  Do me a favor and try not to overdo it with your Wolf’s Breath curse.”
With that, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance walked down the street and away from the group.  Princess Cadance turned around and gave a wink to Danged Spell before walking away.
“I didn’t know you didn’t want to be an Alicorn,” Ditzy Doo said.
“Like I said,” Danged Spell said.  “I’ve got a lot of reasons to explain.  One of which is that I don’t like the stereotype that is associated with Alicorns and their ties to royalty.  Even more so, let’s just say there is a part of me that is embarrassed about where I came from.”
“Now that you mentioned it” Moondancer said.  “Where exactly did you come from?  Vanhoover?  Manehattan?  La Maresa?  Appleoosa? ”
Danged Spell slumped down a bit before he said “Ever heard of Lio Lani?”
“Lio Lani?” Moondancer said.  “I’ve heard of it, but I never expected someone like you to be from Lio Lani.”
“You’d be surprised to learn more about where I came from,” Danged Spell said.  “But that discussion is another time.”
With that, Danged Spell walked away from the group, leaving Moondancer and Ditzy to just look at the colt with a solemn face.
“Wow,” Ditzy said.  “What’s eating him?”
“I’ve known Danged Spell to be a prankster and a class clown,” Moondancer replied.  “And sometimes, he does get under my fur with his antics.  But I never expected him to be from Lio Lani, nor to have some embarrassment about the place.”
“But what is Lio Lani?” Ditzy asked.
“An archipelago,” Moondancer said.  “A group of islands due west of the Equestrian mainland.  They are known for the welcoming atmosphere and the local ponies who live there.  Though they’re supposed to consist of Earth Ponies, it is said that the ruler of the island is an alicorn, just like Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Princess Cadance.”
“Just like all three princesses,” Ditzy Doo said.  “But what does that have to do with Danged Spell?”
“I have a theory about that,” Moondancer said.  “But first, we need to talk with him about his time in Lio Lani.”
Moondancer and Ditzy Doo ran after Danged Spell in a hurry, kicking dust into the afternoon air where there was barely anyone nearby.
But up atop a nearby building, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator looked down at the three younglings.  Inferno’s eyes were focused on Danged Spell and his sinister smile glistened in the sun.
“Don’t tell me you have your eyes on those three,” Quickstrike said.
“I especially have my eyes on that colt down there,” Inferno said, pointing his hoof at Danged Spell.
“Oh yeah,” Quickstrike said.  “That was the snake who bit my tail and slammed me like I was a sack of potatoes.”
“Waspinator not like doggy bug,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator thinks doggy bug needs to be defanged.”
Inferno just laughed before he said “But of course.  Queen Chrysalis taught me the very spell that can disable the Wolf Breath’s curse.”
“The wha?” Waspinator asked.
“The Wolf’s Breath,” Inferno explained.  “Unicorns are born with this curse, and it causes them to shift their minds into a primal instinct, like that of a wolf.  WIth the very spell that the Royalty has taught me, I can disable his curse and leave him helpless.  But just to be on the safe side, I will also cast a hex to disable his unicorn magic.  And affect his unicorn friend for added measures.”
“Now that’s what I’m talking about,” Quicksilver said.  “It’s like blasting fish in a barrel.”
“Waspinator like that idea,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator ready to teach doggy bug a lesson.”
“Then follow me,” Inferno said.  “We’ll ambush them when they least expect it, then disable the curse and their magic, and they will be easy practice for when we capture the one known as Twilight Sparkle.   For the glory of the Royalty.”
With that, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator ran across the roof of the buildings throughout Canterlot, pursuing after Danged Spell, Moondancer and Ditzy Doo, who were unaware of their presence.


	To Be Continued in….


	Defanged, but still Dangerous

> Arc 12-2:Defanged, but still Dangerous
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Defanged, but still Dangerous



“Spell!  Spell wait up!”
Danged Spell came to a stop and turned around to see Moondancer and Ditzy Doo run after him.  While Moondancer and Ditzy were concerned for Spell, the unicorn colt just looked at the two mares awkwardly.
“Spell,” Moondancer yelled.  “About your time in Lio Lani.  What happened?”
Danged Spell just turned around and said “I think it would be better if you didn’t know about it.”
“Spell,” Moondancer said.  “We’re your friends.  Why would you shut us out of the story of Lio Lani?”
“Because I’m not comfortable with it,” Danged Spell said.  “I know you wish to learn more, but now is not the time.”
“Come on, Spell,” Ditzy Doo said.  “We can keep a secret.”
“It’s not that,” Danged Spell said.  “It’s far more of an old shame that I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Old shame?” Moondancer asked.
“Yes,” Danged Spell replied.  “Something that I wish I didn’t do.”
But before Moondancer could talk, Ditzy Doo whispered something into her ear.  She whispered back into Ditzy’s ear, sparking curiosity from the cross-eyed pegasi filly.
“Spell,” Moondancer said. “I have this theory as to why you won’t talk about it, and why you’re also forcing yourself into using that curse of yours.  Is it because you once tried to lash out at a particular someone with that curse?”
Danged Spell was particularly troubled by Moondancer’s words.  But before he could answer, his ears picked up the sound of buzzing.
“Wait,” Danged Spell said.  “I sense trouble on the horizon.  You hear that?”
Disturbed by Danged Spell’s words, Moondancer attuned her ears to the air right off the bat.  Her face turned to horror the moment she heard the sound of buzzing.
“Oh no,” Moondancer said. “Changelings.”
“Changelings?” Ditzy said.  “They’re here?”
“Even worse,” Danged Spell said.  “They’re above us.  GET BACK THIS INSTANT!”
Immediately, Moondancer and Ditzy Doo ran under a nearby cart as Danged Spell looked up at the sky.  Above him, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator dove downwards at the colt, with their laughter filling the air.  
“You creeps again,” Danged Spell yelled as Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator landed in front of him.
“Yes, child,” Inferno said, pointing to Danged Spell.  “We were here for the one known as Twilight Sparkle.  But you will do for a practice run.”
Danged Spell turned his head towards Moondancer and Ditzy Doo, winking at the duo.
“Spell,” Moondancer whispered.  “Be careful.”
Danged Spell turned towards the Predacon Brothers and said “You wanna mess with my friends?  You just bit off more than you could chew.”
Danged Spell scraped the surface of the road before his eyes glowed once more and he snarled like a wolf.  He looked as if he was ready to leap onto the Predacons and tear them apart.
“Oh no,” Quickstrike said in a fake tone.  “He’s using his Wolf’s Breath curse again.”
“Waspinator not like Wolf bug,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator about to be torn limb from limb.”
Danged Spell directed his focus onto Inferno, teeth bare and growling loudly.  But Inferno stood there calmly while Quickstrike and Waspinator pretended to be scared.
“That’s right you fool,” Inferno said as he pointed towards Danged Spell.  “Come and get me.”
Danged Spell barked loudly as he charged towards Inferno, ready to sink his teeth into the Predacon’s chitin.  Inferno just looked at the charging colt before his horn lit up.
“It’s time to muzzle you like the dog you are,” Inferno said.
And with that, Inferno blasted Danged Spell with a magic blast, hitting him directly.  Spell yelped loudly before being knocked to the ground.  The hit from the blast was enough to rile up Moondancer and Ditzy Doo in fear.
“SPELL!” Moondancer yelled.
Danged Spell groaned in pain as he tried to get up and the glow in his eyes disappeared.  Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator all hovered over the colt with a smug grin on his face.
“Now you are a wolf no longer,” Inferno said.  “A gift from my queen.”
“What did you do to me?” Danged Spell groaned.
“We not only took away your ability to be some mangy mutt,” Quickstrike said.  “We even disabled your magic.  Just try it.”
Danged Spell pointed his horn right at Quickstrike and focused really hard.  But no spark came out of his horn, causing the colt to panic.
“No magic, no curse,” Danged Spell said.  “I’m…I’m useless.”
“And not only that,” Waspinator said.  “No one will be able to help you, doggy bug.  You are now our prisoner.”
Suddenly, Waspinator gets hit by a blast of magic, sending him flying right into a vase and getting his head stuck.  Inferno and Quickstrike turned to their right to see Moondancer with her horn emitting a small puff of smoke.  Next to her is a rather peeved Ditzy Doo, standing tall and proud.
“Well wadda know,” Quickstrike said.  “We missed one.”
Inferno and Quickstrike directed their gaze towards Moondancer and Ditzy Doo, marching forward towards the two fillies.  Moondancer and Ditzy started to march back, sweating off the top of their heads.
“RUN YOU TWO!” Danged Spell yelled as he got up.  “RUN AND DON’T LOOK BACK!”
Immediately, Moondancer and Ditzy Doo turned tail and ran off in the opposite direction.  Inferno turned towards Danged Spell, who only smirked in his face.
“We’ll deal with you later,” Inferno said.  “For now, we have a pair of brats to capture.”
Inferno turned to Quickstrike and said “Come.  Let us TERRORIZE!”
In a flash of light, Inferno and Quickstrike transformed into their Beast Predacon forms and ran off after Moondancer and Ditzy Doo, leaving Danged Spell to get up on his four hooves.
“You two be careful,” Danged Spell said.  “There’s no way I can help you without my magic and my curse.”
Danged Spell’s ears picked up the sound of a head popping out.  He turned around to see Waspinator freed from the vase, shaking his head.
“Waspinator not like that cheap trick,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator wants REVENGE!!!”
Waspinator looked around the block, but all he could see was Danged Spell, who faced down the bug.
“Hey, bug brain,” Danged Spell yelled.  “You want revenge?  Come and get it.”
“Waspinator will have to deal with muzzled doggy bug,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator….TERRORIZE!”
Waspinator flashed in a bright light, transforming into his Beast Predacon form.  He looked down at Danged Spell before pulling out a blaster.
“Now,” Waspinator said. “Muzzled Doggy Bug will taste Waspinator’s mustard.”

Meanwhile, Moondancer was running down the street, being chased by Quickstrike.  Ponies screamed at the sight of the Beast Predacon, jumping to the side to avoid him.
“Out of my way, flatfoots,” Quickstrike yelled.  “I got a filly that needs to be punished.”
Moondancer turned her head back at Quickstrike and yelled “GET LOST YOU CREEP!  I DON’T WANT TO SEE YOUR UGLY FACE!”
“Now just wait a darn minute,” Quickstrike yelled, pointing his snake arm at Moondancer.  “Even us Predacons have feelings.”
Quickstrike fired a blast of green energy from his snake arm right at Moondancer, scaring the other ponies nearby.  Though the blast landed near Moondancer’s legs, it exploded, sending Moondancer flying into the air, screaming helplessly, before she landed on her back right on top of some blankets.
“YEE HAW,” Quickstrike yelled.  “Bagged a brat.”
Moondancer struggled to get up with some of the blankets getting caught in her legs.  As she tried to move out of the way, Quickstrike jumped into the air and landed in front of her before pointing his snake arm at the helpless filly.
“I don’t want to have to shoot ya,” Quickstrike said before he placed his scorpion hand to his chest.  “But it’s the law of the west.”
Quickstrike held his snake arm to Moondancer’s head, letting out a click that signals the readiness to fire.  Moondancer stood there, staring down the barrel of the metallic cobra mouth, looking completely scared.
“HEY NIMROD!  WHY DON’T YOU PICK ON SOMEONE YOUR OWN SIZE!”
Moondancer and Quickstrike turned to the side, where Pinkie Pie stood there, glaring down at the Predacon.
“Hey, I know you,” Quickstrike said, pointing his snake arm at Pinkie Pie.  “You’re that friend of Twilight Sparkle, and the very pony who thinks she’s Discord.”
“In the fur,” Pinkie Pie said.
Quickstrike points his snake arm closer to Pinkie Pie and said “Well you better kiss your hide good-bye, because I’m going to send you to CucaManega.”
Pinkie Pie just looked down the Snake Arm of Quickstrike and just yawned.
“Hey,” Quickstrike yelled.  “What do you think you’re doing?”
“Oh nothing,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Except that you just fell into my trap.”
But before Quickstrike could move or say anything, a loud boom echoed through the town, followed by a cannon ball that flew right out of nowhere and hit Quickstrike on the side.  The impact sent the Predacon flying into a nearby wall, crashing through and transforming him back into his changeling form.
“Ohhhh.  Who left the light on that cannon?” Quickstrike groaned before he collapsed.
Moondancer removed the blankets off her legs before getting back up on her four hooves.  Pinkie Pie walked up to her with a smile on her face.
“When in doubt,” Pinkie Pie said as she pulled her party cannon out from a nearby hut, extended by a rope.  “Always bring in the artillery.”
“Thanks,” Moondancer said.  “But what are you doing down here?”
“Well I was here to find Twilight and the others,” Pinkie Pie said.  “But I noticed that you and Ditzy Doo were being pursued by the Predacons.”
Moondancer freaked out immediately and said “Oh my gosh.  I must have split up from her.  We better find her before that Predacon makes mince meat out of her.”
Suddenly, Ditzy Doo flew right past the duo and down the street.  Pinkie Pie looked to the other side to see Inferno fly after the pegasi filly, chanting “FOR THE GLORY OF THE ROYALTY!”
“Oh no,” Moondancer said.  “Ditzy.”
“Relax,” Pinkie Pie said as she pulled her party cannon up.  “We’ve got a bug to squish.”

Down the street, Ditzy Doo flew as fast as possible, panting as loudly as possible.  Behind her, a cackling Inferno was in pursuit, inching closer to the pegasi.
“GET AWAY FROM ME!”   Ditzy Doo said.  “I DON’T WANT TO BE YOUR DINNER!”
“There is no escape, fool,” Inferno laughed.  “For you cannot escape the wrath of our Queen and the Changeling swarm.”
Ditzy Doo turned her head back towards the front and tried to fly as fast as possible, only to get snagged onto the surface of a nearby cloth banner.  Ditzy struggled to break free, pulling the banner back like a rubber band.  Inferno, noticing the trouble that Ditzy was in, came to a stop and gloated with glee.
“This shouldn’t be this easy,” Inferno said, pointing his blaster at Ditzy.  “But if it is this easy to deal with this scared filly, then Twilight Sparkle will be a swig of fire water.”
As Ditzy Doo struggled to break free from the cloth banner, Inferno pointed his blaster at Ditzy Doo and fired.  The burst of fire energy flew as fast as possible towards the helpless pegasi filly.  But the sound of the shot was enough to catch Ditzy’s attention.
“Oh no,” Ditzy said as her wings folded back up in fear.
But before the shot could hit Ditzy Doo, the banner snapped, sending her flying backwards as the shot missed before exploding in the air.  Ditzy went flying out of control right towards Inferno.  But before the Predacon could react, Ditzy slammed right into him, sending them flying down towards the ground.
“I’M TERRIBLY SORRY, MR PREDACON!” Ditzy cried.  “I DIDN’T MEAN TO KNOCK YOU DOWN!”
Unable to control his body, Inferno crashed right into the ground with Ditzy Doo landing on top of him.  The impact was enough to transform the Predacon back into his changeling self.  Ditzy got up and got a good look at changeling Inferno before jumping off of him.
“Oh no,” Ditzy said.  “I must have hurt him.  Is he dead?”
But slowly, Inferno got up and pulled himself out of the hole he made, ignoring Ditzy Doo as he crawled on the ground.  He could barely flap his wings as he lifted himself a few inches off the ground.
“Ohhh my head,” Inferno said.  “I think this filly is too much trouble for me.  I must find a place to recuperate.”
Inferno turned his head away from Ditzy Doo before flying off in another direction, just as Moondancer and Pinkie Pie arrived with the Party Cannon.  They just looked at Inferno flying off before turning towards Ditzy Doo, who looked a bit ruffled up, but okay.
“Ditzy?” Moondancer said.  “Did you just….beat him?”
Ditzy looked at the duo and said “Oops.  My bad.”
“Aww don’t be sorry,” Pinkie Pie said.  “The fact that you took down a changeling, much less a Predacon, says alot.”
“Really?” Ditzy asked.
“Yeah,” Pinkie Pie replied.  
Ditzy smiled for a bit before she said “Oh if only Danged Spell could see me now.”
Suddenly, Moondancer freaked out before she said “Oh no.  We forgot about Danged Spell.  I bet he has one more Predacon to worry about, and his Wolf’s Breath curse and magic has been disabled.”
Pinkie Pie grabbed Moondancer by the shoulders and said “Quick.  Where is he?”
“Let go of me and I’ll lead you to him,” Moondancer replied.
Pinkie PIe just looked at Moondancer before she let go of the unicorn filly and said “Sorry.  I tend to get anxious.”
“Then come on,” Moondancer said.  “We have no time to waste.”
Moondancer ran back down the opposite path in a hurry, with Pinkie Pie following behind with her party cannon.  Ditzy extended her wings out and flew off after Pinkie and Moondancer.
“Wait up,” Ditzy yelled.  “I wanna help bring down that other Predacon.”

But back in the central plaza, Danged Spell stood on the ground, dodging shot after shot from Waspinator.  The Beast Predacon was in air, firing blasts of energy from the air with ease.
“For a Predacon,” Danged Spell yelled.  “You are such a horrible shot.”
“At least Waspinator can still fight back,” Waspinator said.  “Muzzled doggy bug can’t even leap towards Waspinator.”
Waspinator fired a couple more shots at Danged Spell, who only dodged each and every one of them.  But one shot fired from Waspinator’s blaster pistol exploded nearby, sending the unicorn colt flying into a nearby mud patch.
“Direct hit,” Waspinator cheered.  “Waspinator is best Predacon.”
Danged Spel lifted his head out of the mud and shook it off.  He got up as Waspinator hovered right in front of him.
“You are really starting to bug me,” Danged Spell said in a cold tone.
“Flattery will get you nowhere, muzzled doggy bug,” Waspinator said, pointing his blaster at Danged Spell.  “Any last words before doggy bug becomes Queen Chrysalis’s prisoner?”
Danged Spell looked down at the mud patch that his right hoof was on before turning back towards Waspinator and said “Yeah.  You like mud pie?”
“Mud pie?” Waspinator said, confused.
“Then how about a sample,” Danged Spell said before he flung some mud right into Waspinator’s eyes.  
“ARRGH!”  Waspinator screamed.  “Waspinator cannot see.”
As Waspinator tried to rub the mud off his eyes, Danged Spell got up and stared down at the Beast Predacon.
“My dad and Shining Armor told me that I relied too much on my Wolf’s Breath curse,” Danged Spell said.  “But I’ll have to admit, they’re right in a way.  So instead of biting you as a wolf or using my magic, I’ll have to fight dirty.”
But just as Waspinator was able to get the mud out of his eyes, Danged Spell turned around, swung his legs back and kicked Waspinator in the crotch.
“ARRGGHAAGARGH!” Waspinator groaned as he held his crotch in pain.
Danged Spell turned around and said “Oh yeah.  He doezzzzzzn’t like that.”
As Waspinator fell on his knees, Danged Spell grabbed Waspinator in a headlock with his left arm and held his right hoof in the air.
“HOOOOOOOF NOOOOOOOGIE!” Danged Spell chanted before he rubs Waspinator on his forehead with his right hoof.  Waspinator screamed in agony as Danged Spell applied the noogie to his head.
Danged Spell then proceeded to spin Waspinator with a kick to the face, causing the Predacon to stumble back on his feet.  The poor fool could barely make a move, trying to recover from the hit to the groin and the noogie he got.
“And now, time for the grand finale,” Danged Spell said, scraping his hoof on the mud.  “One right on his BIG, FAT, STRIPEY…”
Danged Spell charged as fast as he could before connecting his horn right on the rear end of Waspinator.  The impact sent the Predacon flying into the air before crashing into the ground with a thud and a loud grunt.
“Now buzz off,” Danged Spell yelled.
Waspinator got up, shaking wildly before he said in a light voice “Uggh.   Waspinator thinks it’s time to…retreat now.  Buzzz.”
Immediately, Waspinator transforms back into his changeling form before he flies off, leaving Danged Spell standing there with a smirk on her face.
“If only daddy could see me now,” Danged Spell said.  “And all without using my Wolf’s Breath curse.”
“I’d say you’ve come pretty far, my son.”
Danged Spell turned around to see Fortwright walking on down his path.  He was carrying two knapsacks on his back.  In one of them was some fresh produce while in the other was Dream Seeker, who looked cheerful.
“Dad?” Danged Spell said.  “What are you doing out here?”
“Well your mom asked me to get some groceries for tonight’s dinner,” Fortwright said.  “But at the same time, I didn’t want your sister to be left out of the fun.”
Danged Spell walked up to Dream Seeker and looked down at his little sister. He gently rubbed his sister on the head, causing her to giggle in delight.
“Well you’re not going to believe why I had to fight back like that,” Danged Spell said.  “One of them disabled not only my Wolf’s Breath curse, but also my magic.  Observe.”
Danged Spell jumped back a few steps before focusing his mental energy on his unicorn horn.  But nothing came out of it.  Not even a single spark.
“Oh dear,” Fortwright said.  “I’ve seen that kind of hex before.  In fact, I was hit with it back when I was your age.  Luckily, your grandmother’s teaching was able to help me survive without my magic.”
Danged Spell sighed as he said “Is she still upset at me over what I did?”
“I don’t think so,” Fortwright said.  “In fact, I don’t think she was upset at all.”
But before Danged Spell could speak another word, he heard someone call out his name.  Danged Spell turned around to see Moondancer run towards him with Ditzy Doo and Pinkie Pie by her side, with Pinkie still pulling her party cannon.
“Moondancer,” Danged Spell said.  “You’re alright.  Did you both deal with those other Predacons?”
Just as Danged Spell finished speaking, Moondancer leaped into the air and tackled Danged Spell to the ground with a hug, holding the colt tight.
“I couldn’t hold him off,” Moondancer cried.  “I wish you weren’t hit by that hex, Spell.  But at least Pinkie Pie was able to save me.”
Danged Spell turned his head towards Pinkie Pie, who waved at him while standing by her Party Cannon.
“Well someone had to do it,” Pinkie Pie said with a giggle.  “And if I do it, I get a scolding.”
Moondancer released her grip on Danged Spell before the unicorn colt got back onto his four legs.  He shook himself off a bit and walked up to Ditzy.
“So how bad was it on your end?” Danged Spell asked.
“You should have seen it,” Ditzy Doo said.  “I brought that Predacon down with just one slam.”
“You did, huh?” Danged Spell said.  “Sounds like an impressive feat.”
“Yeah,” Pinkie Pie said.  “By the time we arrived, she somehow slammed the Predacon down like it was an inedible cake.  For a filly who’s timid, she’s got some strength.”
“That says a lot compared to me,” Moondancer said, lowering her ears down with her smile turning into a frown.  “Of the three of us, I was the only one who needed help in bringing down my Predacon attacker.”
“It’s okay,” Pinkie Pie said, wrapping her arms around Moondancer’s back.  “Sometimes, we can’t do these things alone.  And we’re here to help out in case we need it.”
“And she’s right,” Danged Spell said, walking up to Moondancer with Ditzy Doo by his side.  “Had you and Ditzy not lured two of those Predacons away from me, I would have been a prisoner of Queen Chrysalis.  So that I owe you both.”
“Aww,” Moondancer said as she gave Danged Spell a hug.  “Thanks Spell.  I know we have our fights.  But at least I’m glad to have you as a friend.”
“Hey speaking of which,” Ditzy Doo said, directing her eyes towards Pinkie Pie.  “Weren’t you going to see someone?”
“Oh yeah,” Pinkie Pie said.  “I still have to warn Twilight about those Predacons we faced.  Well just in case they want revenge against me for spoiling their plans.  Anyway, see you all on the flip side.”
With that, Pinkie Pie grabbed her party cannon by the rope and bounced off in another direction, singing out a delightful song about cupcakes.
“Well my son,” Fortwright said while Dream Seeker giggled once more.  “I believe you have a lot to learn about relying on your friends.  But at least you’ve proved that you can fight without your curse.  And surprisingly without your magic, as even I didn’t expect that.”
“That reminds me,” Danged Spell said before whispering into Moondancer’s ear.
“Wait,” Moondancer said.  “Is this true?”
“Well since you helped me out,” Danged Spell said.  “I’d figure I’d tell you a reason why I left Lio Lani.  You earned it.”
“Spell,” Moondancer said.  “I know you’re a bit of a pain.  But after what you said, I do feel sorry for ya.  And I hope you get to make amends to the ponies of Lio Lani one day.”
“I dunno if I can,” Danged Spell said.
“I do believe it will happen one day,” Fortwright said.  “You’ve already made amends to Moondancer since you became a hero.  And I can assure you that you will make amends with the ponies of Lio Lani.  Though judging by the look on your face, you seem pretty satisfied right now.”
“As a matter of fact,” Danged Spell said. “I owe these two a milkshake on me.  After what they did, they deserve it.  Then maybe if the hex doesn’t wear off, I can ask one of the Princesses to help remove it.  Come on you two.”
Moondancer lets go of Danged Spell, following from behind as the unicorn colt walks off in another direction.  Ditzy Doo followed from behind, excited about the news.
“So what do you guys like?” Danged Spell asked.
“I’m more into plum milkshakes,” Moondancer said.
“Make mine a peppermint milkshake,” Ditzy replied.
“Deal,” Danged Spell said.  “After all, that’s one way to stay cool.”
As Moondancer and Ditzy Doo laughed at Danged Spell’s pun, Fortwright watched with pride as he picked up Dream Seeker from her pouch and snuggled her gently.  Dream Seeker turned her head towards Danged Spell’s direction, giggling at the presence of her brother.
“Stay strong, Danged Spell,” Fortwright said.  “No.  I mean…La Walakeli.”


	To Be Continued in…


	Arc 13: Harmonic Friends


	Just the Six of Us(And a Baby Dragon)

> Arc 13(Harmonic Friends)-1: Just the Six of Us(And a Baby Dragon)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Arc 13: Harmonic Friends


Just the Six of Us(And a Baby Dragon)



In a nearby attic at the top of a building, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator were tending to their injuries.  Inferno was trying to readjust his back.  Quickstrike was stretching out his side.  But Waspinator had an ice pack on his head and his crotch.
“Uggh,” Inferno said. “Who knew that little colts and fillies were such a menace?”
“You said it,” Quickstrike said.  “First they fought back when we invaded their gala with the help of the Windigo’s Guild, then they attacked us because we ruined their pool party, and now they humiliated us in front of those miserable ponies.”
“Humiliation is an understatement,” Inferno said.  “That one gray pegasi filly that I was pursuing hit me like a ton of bricks.  There is something unnatural about her weight despite her size.”
“At least you didn’t get humiliated that badly like Waspinator did,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator thought muzzled doggy bug was worthless without his bite.  But doggy bug fought back, hit Waspinator in horrible places, and grinded on Waspinator’s head before kicking Waspinator with a powerful kick.  Waspinator thinks more needs to be done to truly muzzle doggy bug.”
“At least you guys didn’t get ambushed by a trickster of a filly,” Quickstrike said.
“Trickster?” Inferno said as he and Waspinator turned their attention to Quickstrike.  “Tell us more.”
“Oh I was able to pin down one of that varmint’s friends,” Quickstrike said.  “But then a pink filly came up and let loose an ambush from the side with some powerful cannon.  Oh I’ll never forget that pink filly.  That skunk of a pony may look sweet and playful, but the moment you turn your back, you better kiss it good-bye.”
Suddenly, Quickstrike’s ears attuned to the sound of a filly singing to herself, causing the changeling to slam his hooves on the ground.
“Now I can hear that voice,” Quickstrike said. “I know who it is.”
“I can hear her voice as well,” Inferno said.  
Inferno took a peek down from the window of the attic, where he saw Pinkie Pie bouncing down through Canterlot without a care in the world, singing a song with her voice, all while pulling her party cannon at the end of a rope.   Quickstrike took a peek from the window and his eyes turned blood red while Waspinator threw down the ice packs and took a peek next to Quickstrike.
“That’s her,” Quickstrike said.  “That’s the varmint who humiliated me.”
“I do recognize her,” Inferno said.  “She’s friends with the one known as Twilight Sparkle, and judging by the information we got, she may be going to see Twilight Sparkle.”
“Ooooh,” Waspinator said.  “That means pink filly bug will lure us to Twilight Sparkle, and we can take her back to the Queen.”
“Correct,” Inferno said.  “Right now, let us put aside these mindless squabbles and follow her to Twilight Sparkle.  Once we nab her, then you can get your revenge, Quickstrike.”
“YEE HAW!” Quickstrike yelled as he danced around with excitement.  “I can’t wait to do this.  Just say the magic word and we’re off.”
“But of course,” Inferno said.  “FOR THE GLORY OF THE ROYALTY!”
Inferno pries open the window of the house and flies off after Pinkie PIe, with Quickstrike and Waspinator following from behind.
“Waspinator ready for round two,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator will triumph.”

Meanwhile, Pinkie Pie continues to hop down through the streets of Canterlot, singing in the air without a care in the world, all while pulling her party cannon.
“My name is Pinkie Pie,” Pinkie sang.  “And I am here to say, I’m going to make you smile and I will brighten up your day.”
Pinkie Pie came to a sudden stop.  She looked up to see her mane vibrate like crazy.
“Oh my gosh, oh my gosh,” Pinkie said.  “They’re close by.  I wonder where they are?  A nearby alleyway?  The library that Twilight goes to?  Under the bridge downtown?”
“Pinkie.  We’re right over here.”  Pinkie Pie looked to her left to see Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy and Twilight Sparkle wave to her, with Spike the dragon cheering nearby.
“Guys,” Pinkie said as she trotted towards her friends.   “Glad I could catch up.  You will not believe what I’ve been through since meeting up with Sunset Shimmer.”
“Speaking of which,” Rainbow Dash said.  “How’s she doing?”
“She’s resting up so far,” Pinkie Pie said.  “But I also reminded her that she’s not alone, even though she is sick.  She’s got plenty of company with her sisters, and not just Wanda and Cadance”
“Wait,” Applejack said.  “Are you suggesting that Adagio, Aria and Sonata are also her sisters?”
“As a matter of fact, I do,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Sisters are those who care for you, who look after you.  Just like brothers.”
Twilight just laughed before she said “I wish Sunset wasn’t sick.  Then I would show her that I can be a sister to her like her own sisters.”
“In a way,” Pinkie Pie said.  “You’re pretty much a sister to Sunset.”
“Pinkie’s right, Twilight,” Rarity said.  “It doesn’t matter if they’re related or not.  The fact that they care for each other says a whole lot, just like how your brother Shining Armor looks after you.”
“Speaking of which,” Twilight said.  “ I wonder when big brother and Princess Cadance will be here.  I heard they’re doing some shopping.”
Rarity giggled before she said “Oh don’t you worry, Twilight.  I bet they’re enjoying the life of Canterlot like every pony else, and like we are.”
“Pony life,” Spike said, reaching out to the other ponies who were walking around.
Rarity picked up Spike and said “Oh silly Spikey Wikey.  There is more to this life than meets the eye.”
But as Rarity held Spike up high, they both froze in place as they heard the sound of a dog growling.  The rest of the fillies turned to see the Alicorn Bulldog glare at all of them with its teeth bare, though now with a bump on the top of its head.
“Isn’t that the same dog that almost made Wanda miss her birthday party?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“It is,” Twilight said, standing there nervously.  “I still have nightmares about that dog.”
Fluttershy looked at her friends before turning back towards the alicorn bulldog.  She took a step towards the mongrel when Applejack jumped in front of her.
“Don’t do it,” Applejack said, standing on two legs and holding her arms out.  “You don’t want to be fast food for that ferocious canine.”
“Applejack,” Fluttershy said, walking around Applejack.  “I have to scare that dog off.  For all of you.”
Applejack stood there, turning her head towards Fluttershy, watching as she marched up to the bulldog.  
“Fluttershy,” Applejack said.  “Don’t you do anything silly.
“Relax,” Pinkie Pie said.  “If anything, Fluttershy has scared off worse than that mutt.”
The bulldog kept its eyes on Fluttershy, snarling louder with saliva dripping down from its teeth.  But the pegasi just stood there, undeterred.
“Now you listen here,” Fluttershy said in a loud and stern tone.  “I’ve about had it with you chasing down my friends with the intent to eat them.”
But the bulldog ignored Fluttershy’s words and growled even louder.
“Don’t you growl back at me, young lady,” Fluttershy said as she flew up to the dog’s eyes and stared down at her.  The bulldog looked up at Fluttershy’s eyes and her growl ceased.
“Uh-oh,” Rainbow Dash said. “I know what this is gonna turn out.”
“Yeah,” Rarity said.  “Fluttershy’s about to give that beast…the stare.”
Fluttershy kept her eyes on the alicorn bulldog, and all the canine could do was stare helplessly at the pegasi filly.
“I don’t want to see you trying to eat my friends, be it the ones next to me, or any of my other friends,” Fluttershy said with a deep stare.  “DO YOU UNDERSTAND?
With a mighty loud yelp, the Alicorn Bulldog turned tail and ran off in the opposite direction, screaming in fear with ponies moving aside.  Fluttershy flew down onto the ground as her frown turned into a smile.
“Well I’ll be,” Applejack said.  “She just sent that beast packing.”
“I wish I knew her during the Fall Formal when that roc attacked,” Twilight said.
Fluttershy turned to her friends and said “Truth be told, I think I may have overdone it with that stare.  But at least she won’t cause you any more trouble.”
“Well as much as I do appreciate that,” Rarity said, holding Spike with her two arms.  “I do have one question.  How did you know that it was female?”
“Oh Rarity,” Fluttershy said.  “It’s a speciality of mine.  I don’t think any of you would get it.”
Rainbow Dash just playfully nudges Rarity before she said “She’s got a point there.”
“Anyway,” Twilight said.  “I think standing around here isn’t going to get us anywhere.  I’d say we should go explore once more through the city of Canterlot.”
“Well it’s about time,” Pinkie Pie said.  “I was wondering when we would get this show on the road.”
“Then come on,” Twilight cheered.  “Let’s have the time of our lives again.”
Everyone cheered as Rarity set Spike down.  Twilight lowered her back down to allow for Spike to run up and jump onto her back.  Once Twilight was back on her four hooves, everyone walked down the street, checking out the sights of the city.
But nearby in the top of the buildings, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator spied on the Six fillies and baby dragon, all while maintaining their cover from the other ponies.
“Okay big bro,” Quickstrike said.  “How are we to nab Twilight Sparkle and make our way out of there, all while dealing with that pink pest.”
“Not while every pony is in the vicinity,” Inferno said, looking down at the ponies of Canterlot.  “For once, I would like not to cause another incident.”
“Speaking of which,” Waspinator said, pointing towards the sky.
Inferno looked up and saw a small group of pegasi flying through the sky.  The uniform they were wearing caught his attention.
“Strange,” Inferno said.  “I thought the Wonderbolts were splitting up.”
“Wonderbolts?” Quickstrike said, looking up.  “Weren’t those the varmints that beat the stuffing out of us when we invaded them?”
“They were,” Inferno replied.  “And almost a month after that incident, the news wasted no time besmirching their name to the point where they had to split up.  But why now?”
“Beats me,” Quickstrike said.  “But if anything, this is the last time I trust the news.”
“Well with that now in our minds,” Inferno said.  “We have to be even more cautious if we are to nab Twilight Sparkle.  But what to do?”
“Waspinator has suggestion,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator think we should disguise ourselves as pegasi ponies.”
“Excellent idea,” Inferno said.  “We can take this form and keep close tabs on those pesky fillies.  And I have the perfect idea.”
In a flash of light, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator transformed into different colored, pegasi colts.  They look down at each other, observing their new disguise.
“Perfect,” Quickstrike said.  “No one will suspect three innocent colts of kidnapping Twilight Sparkle.”
“Then come,” Inferno said.  “Our queen awaits the capture of Twilight Sparkle, and we intend to fulfill her duties.”
Immediately, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator jumped off the roof of the building and flew off in pursuit of the young fillies and their baby dragon.

Meanwhile, the six fillies and Spike were wandering down through the city of Canterlot, walking past the citizens who paid no attention to them.  Twilight Sparkle was looking around the city as if she was trying to locate someone.
“Twilight,” Pinkie Pie said.  “You okay?”
“I just want to know if Princess Cadance and Shining Armor are here,” Twilight said.  “I was told they would meet us here for a short time.”
“I don’t think we can find them in this crowd,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Maybe if I flew up and looked down at the crowd, I could find them.”
Twilight’s face lit up before turning to Rainbow Dash and said “Excellent idea, Rainbow Dash.  We’ll need all the help we can get.”
Rainbow Dash saluted Twilight Sparkle before she flew up to the top of Canterlot City.  She then looked down at the crowd of ponies, who wandered through the town without a care in the world.
“Now where could Princess Cadance and Shining Armor be?” Rainbow Dash said.  “At least the princess should be easy to spot in a crowd, what with her being an alicorn.”
But as Rainbow Dash continued to scan through the crowd of ponies, she looked up at the empty parts of the city.  There were barely any ponies, much less any who were familiar to her.  Rainbow Dash looked towards the far end of the city, but no sign.
“This is strange,” Rainbow Dash said.  “I thought Princess Cadance would be a snap to find.  But it’s like finding a needle in a haystack.”
Suddenly, Rainbow Dash felt a bump behind her with the sound of someone saying “Oww.”.  She turned around to see three pegasi colts floating near one.  One of them looked like he slammed right into a pole.
“Hey,” Rainbow Dash said.  “You need to be careful.”
“Oh I’m terribly sorry,” One of the colts said in a strange voice.  “My brother here wasn’t paying attention and he didn’t mean to bump into you.”
“Yeah,” another colt said, also in a strange voice.  “So we’ll just be on our merry way.”
Rainbow Dash floated there, watching the three colts fly off in another direction and towards a nearby roof.  Her face looked both confused and worried.
“Something’s not right,” Rainbow Dash said.  “I better warn the others.”

Meanwhile, near the crowd, Twilight Sparkle and the rest of the group sat nearby, staring up at the sky, all while Spike cuddled next to Twilight.  Even despite the busy crowd, they seem to be enjoying the moment.
“I sure wish Princess Cadance and Shining Armor can find out where we are,” Twilight said as she rubbed Spike on the head.
“Relax, Twilight,” Rarity said.  “I bet they were caught up in their shopping and forgot about the time.”
“I’m with Rarity on this one,” Applejack said.  “Give it time, Twi.  They’ll show up.”
“I hope you’re right,” Twilight said.  “But at the same time, I hope we get some news from…”
“Rainbow Dash,” Spike said, pointing up to the sky.
Everyone looked up to see Rainbow Dash fly down towards the level.   Twilight got up from her seat and walked up to Rainbow Dash.
“Rainbow,” Twilight said, looking excited.  “Did you find them?”
“Negative,” Rainbow Dash said, causing Twilight’s mood to flip.  “But that might be the least of your worries.”
“What do you mean, Rainbow?” Fluttershy asked, picking up Spike from the chair.
“I somehow ran into three colts who bumped into me,” Rainbow Dash said.
“Wait,” Applejack said.  “You’re not talking about Hoops, Dumbbell and Score, are ya?”
“Personally, I wish it was them because of the way these three sounded,” Rainbow Dash said.  “As if they were older than they looked.”
But as Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy and Twilight were confused by Rainbow Dash’s words, Pinkie Pie’s mane went on the fritz.
“Oh no,” Pinkie Pie said.
“What’s the oh no for?” Rainbow Dash said.
“Do you guys remember those three changelings that attacked us during that pool party we had?” Pinkie Pie asked.
“Those three despicable ruffians?” Rarity said.  “Oh they made Hoops, Dumbbell and Score looked well behaved before Princess Wanda made them change their ways.”
Pinkie Pie quickly looked left and right before she said “Let’s talk about it, inside.  I have a bad feeling about this.”
“Unfortunately,” Twilight said.  “I’m going to agree with you on that.”
Spotting a nearby open door, Pinkie Pie said “Come.  We’ll be safe inside.”
With that, Pinkie Pie walked through the doorway, all while Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy with Spike in her arms followed from behind.
But in the air, the three colts, who happen to be the Predacons in disguise, looked down and watched the fillies walk into the building.
“Well ain’t that just swell,” Quickstrike said.  “They’re onto us.”
“Then it’s time we consider drastic actions,” Inferno said.  “But what to do?”
“Waspinator has an idea,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator suggests we transform into a giant beast and scare the ponies out.”
Inferno smiled before he said “Why not?”  

Inside, the fillies took a nearby seat  at a table while Fluttershy placed Spike below.  Twilight sat next to Fluttershy, looking down at Spike who cooed back at the lavender unicorn filly.  
“I’m afraid to ask,” Twilight said.  “But are those three colts the Predacons?”
Pinkie Pie said nothing, but nodded in agreement.
Rainbow Dash slammed her hooves down and said “Those creeps again.  It was one thing for them to crash our pool party.  But now they have to hound us?”
As they talked, a waitress walked up to the six fillies with a notepad in one hoof and six menus in another.  
“What will it be?” The waitress asked.
Pinkie Pie immediately slammed some bits onto the table and said “Seven root beer floats.  Keep the change.”
“You got it,” The waitress said as she gathered up the bits and walked off.
As the waitress walked off, Twilight turned to Pinkie Pie and said “So why exactly are those creeps in Canterlot?”
“Twilight,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Remember when you defeated Queen Chrysalis just to save Wanda?”  Those words were enough to cause Twilight Sparkle to turn to shock.
“I remember,” Twilight said as tears began to fall down her cheek.  “I didn’t want Queen Chrysalis to turn Wanda into a changeling, even after those horrible words she said and the fact that she nearly killed Princess Celestia.”
“Was it really that horrible?” Rarity asked.
“It was,” Twilight said.  “Queen Chrysalis was successful in gaslighting Wanda into joining her.  And she would have succeeded if not for me.”
“But what mattered was the fact that you had the power within to fight back against Queen Chrysalis,” Rainbow Dash said.  “And because of that, you became a hero to the ponies of Equestria.  But more importantly, you helped save Wanda and Celestia.”
“I know,” Twilight said.  “But Queen Chrysalis said she would vow revenge on me after what I did.  I don’t know what to do now that the changeling hive is after me.”
“Now don’t you worry about that,” Applejack said.  “We ain’t gonna let that snake grab ya and take you back to her hive.”
“You better believe it, Egghead,” Rainbow Dash said.  “If I saw them try to lay a hoof on you, I’d give them a SPLAT!”
“Okay okay,” Twilight said.  “I get your point.  You don’t have to be so dramatic about it.”
Pinkie Pie turned to her left to see the waitress walk up with a tray full of seven root beer floats.
“Here you go,” The waitress said, placing down the floats on the table.  “Enjoy.”
Immediately, each of the six fillies grabbed their root beer float and took a sip at it.  Twilight grabbed two before placing one of them down under the table, where Spike grabbed it and took a sip.  Twilight then grabbed her drink and sipped it.
“That being said,” Fluttershy said.  “I’m surprised that they just want to capture Twilight over Sunset and Wanda.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure,” Applejack said.  “They still want Sunset Shimmer and Wanda Young, just like they want Twilight.   You’ve seen how they want to convert individual lifeforms into changelings, right?”
“I wish I didn’t during the Gala those months ago,” Fluttershy said.  “How could they side with a monster like Queen Chrysalis?”
“I have this theory,” Twilight said, taking a gulp of her float.  “And it sums up in one word: Fear.”
“Fear?” Everyone else said.
“Yes,” Twilight Sparkle replied.  “They say that the power of fear allows Queen Chrysalis to keep her subjects in line.  They can range from a fear of persecution by other races, to a fear of extinction.  Fear is one of the most powerful emotions that can drill down into our minds.  But sadly, changelings aren’t the only species that can be subjected to fear.”
“Sort of like what we can go through,” Pinkie Pie said.  “But not from Princess Celestia.”
“No,” Twilight said.  “You don’t need to be in charge just to commit to fear.  In fact…”
But before Twilight Sparkle could finish, her ears picked up the sound of a roc roaring loudly.  She screamed really loud, grabbed her float and dove under the table.
“Did you hear that?” Rarity said.  “That sounded like a roc.”
“I know,” Twilight said, shivering under the table as she drank her float with Spike next to her.  “Wanda and I nearly got eaten by one during the Fall Formal Festival.”
The remaining fillies looked out the window to see ponies left and right running away in total fear.  The entire commotion caused some confusion with the younglings.
“What is going on?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“I don’t know,” Fluttershy said.  “First we heard a roc’s cry, and then ponies are freaking out.”
“Uhh, guys,” Pinkie Pie said, looking up.  “I think we have a problem.”
Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy looked up and saw what appeared to be a roc flying overhead, circling the city.  The group looked almost paralyzed just seeing it.
“What is a roc doing here in Canterlot?” Rarity asked.
“I don’t know,” Applejack said.  “But if we stay inside, we should be safe.”
“I hope you’re right,” Fluttershy said, shivering in place.  “I don’t want to be eaten by a roc.”
The waitress ran up to the window and looked up to see the roc.  Her jaw dropped down, staring in total disbelief.
“What is this world coming to?” The waitress said.  “And it’s not the first time a roc decided to invade this city."

Meanwhile, in another part of the city, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor were walking down the street with Airazor and Spitfire by their side.  They seem to be enjoying themselves, having not yet noticed the panic going on.
“So that’s why you want to get the Wonderbolts back together,” Princess Cadance said.
“After what the Stallion News Network did to demotivate us,” Airazor explained.  “I wanna show them that we are Equestrian strong, that we will not back down to fear.”
“Yeah,” Spitfire said.  “Besides, I miss having Rainbow Dash by my side.”
“And I miss wanting to sign up and become a member of the royal guard,” Shining Armor said.
As soon as the four turned their heads to the front, they took notice of the panicked crowds, who were running in total chaos. 
“What the hay is going on?” Shining Armor asked.
“Beats me,” Airazor said.  “I’ve never seen the citizens of Equestria lose their minds over nothing.”
Spitfire looked up at the sky and her eyes shrank down in fear.  She tapped on Airrazor’s arm and said “I think your nothing is right above you, Captain.”
Airazor, Cadence and Shining all looked up to see the roc circling above the city.  Their faces turned to total horror, just staring at the big bird.
“Another roc?” Shining Armor said.  “And I still have nightmares about the previous one that tried to eat Twili and Wanda.”
“But why would a second roc be in town?” Princess Cadance said.  “It just doesn’t make any sense.”
Princess Cadance paused for a bit before turning to face Shining Armor.
“Oh no,” Princess Cadance said.  “I think Twilight might be in trouble.”
“Not only that,” Shining Armor said.  “But I also think Wanda could be in trouble, along with her friends.”
“I’ll dispatch the remaining Wonderbolts to locate Princess Wanda,” Airazor said.  “Find Twilight and make sure she’s alright.”
Princess Cadance and Shining Armor nodded to Airazor before taking off in another direction.  Airazor immediately turned to Spitfire.
“I have a funny feeling that Queen Chrysalis is up to no good and that roc is a fake,” Airazor said.  “Go with Princess Cadance and Shining Armor.   Word has it the Predacons are in town.”
“Yes ma’am,” Spitfire said with a salute before she took off after Princess Cadance and Shining Armor.
Airazor turned her attention towards the roc and extended her wings out.
“Predacon or not,” Airazor said.  “I’m not going to let that thing cause harm to the citizens of Canterlot.  That is my vow as a Wonderbolt, and I stand by it, one hundred percent.”


	To Be Continued in…


	Once a Wonderbolt, Always a Wonderbolt

> Arc 13-2: Once a Wonderbolt, Always a Wonderbolt
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Once a Wonderbolt, Always a Wonderbolt



The ponies of Canterlot continued to run in fear, screaming loudly as the roc circled the town.  Airazor was flying upwards toward the bird in hopes of driving it off.  But inside the cafe, the six fillies and Spike hunkered below the table.  They held onto each other while drinking their root beer floats.  Twilight Sparkle had already chugged her float and now there was an empty cup.   The waitress stood guard next to the window, awaiting the worst.
“Please let this be a nightmare,” Twilight chanted.
“Don’t you worry,” Applejack said.  “As long as we’re down here, we won’t let that bird get the best of us.”
“Wait,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Something is not right.  And I mean the bird.”  
Pinkie turned to Fluttershy and said “Come with me.”
Fluttershy nodded as Pinkie Pie took a chug from her root beer float and crawled out from under the table.  Fluttershy followed from behind and looked up at the roc.
“Younglings,” The waitress said.  “It’s too dangerous.”
“I know,” Pinkie Pie said.  “But something’s up.”
Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie looked up to see the roc continue to fly in a circle, ignoring Airazor entirely.  The waitress looked up and also saw the roc flying in that same pattern.  
“That’s really unusual,” Fluttershy said.  “If it saw prey, then it would have attacked.”
“You’re absolutely right,” The waitress said.  “My father studied the behaviors of these kinds of birds, and this is out of the ordinary.  It would have attacked us if it saw us as either food or we took something that belonged to it.”
“Which means one thing,” Pinkie Pie said as her tail shook violently.  “That’s just a distraction.”
“A distraction from what?” Fluttershy asked.
Pinkie looked out the window and then yelled out “IT’S A TRAP!”
Pinkie, Fluttershy and the waitress dived under the table as Quickstrike and Waspinator, having transformed into their Beast Predacon forms, smashed right through the window before slamming their feet onto the ground.  Fluttershy looked like she was on the verge of screaming, only for Rainbow Dash to cover her mouth.
“Shhh,” Rainbow Dash shushed.  “We don’t want them to know where we are.”
The waitress turned towards the fillies and said “Stay right here.  I’ll deal with these clowns.”
“Thanks,” Twilight said.  “Ms Waitress.”
The waitress smiled before she said “Call me…Helga.  Helga Hearthsoup.”
Helga Hearthsoup pulled herself out from under the table, just as Waspinator and Quickstrike had their backs turned.  Neither Predacon knows that she was right behind them.
“No sign of those fillies,” Quickstrike said.  “They must be using some kind of invisibility spell.”
“Waspinator will find them,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator will use detect-o-vision.”
Waspinator’s eyes lit up as he began to scan the room, observing the ponies in complete panic.  But little does he know, Helga Hearthsoup was sneaking up behind the Predacon.
“No sign of those blasted ponies,” Waspinator said.  “But Waspinator will be victorious.”
But as Waspinator turned towards the broken window that he came through, he noticed Helga Hearthsoup, holding a tray with her hooves.
“Hey what the?” Waspinator said.
And in an instant, Helga smacked Waspinator upside the face, sending him tumbling to the ground.
“Hey,” Quickstrike said, pointing his snake arm at Helga.  “What in tarnation is going…”
But before Quickstrike could finish, Helga swung again, hitting the Predacon in the face with the tray and sending him flying to the wall, knocking him out.  
Helga turned towards the younglings and yelled out “RUN FOR IT!  I’LL DISTRACT THESE PARTY CRASHERS!”
Immediately, Spike jumped onto Twilight Sparkle’s back as she and the other fillies made a run for the back of the cafe.  Quickstrike was quick to take notice of the six fillies and Spike.
“Oh no you don’t,” Quickstrike yelled, pointing his snake arm at Twilight Sparkle.
Suddenly, Quickstrike’s arm was knocked to the side by a nearby chair, swung at it by Helga Hearthsoup.  Quickstrike yelled in pain as he held his arm.
“DAG NABIT,” Quickstrike yelled.  “THAT HURT YOU SLITHERING SNAKE!”
“Then maybe you should think twice about disturbing the guests you monster,” Helga Hearthsoup said.
Immediately, Waspinator flapped his insect wings and flew off past Helga, surprising the slightly overweight waitress.  
“Nya nyah,” Waspinator taunted.  “You can’t catch Waspinator, fatso.”
Helga attempted to go after Waspinator, only to trip and fall on her face.  She got up and looked at Quickstrike, who held his foot out.
“Just try it, you pudgy pig,” Quickstrike said.  “I’m gonna make sure you don’t rescue those kids.”
Helga just smiled and said “And I’m gonna prove why they don’t call me pudgy for nothing.”
Helga got up and stood over Quickstrike, who looked up at the waitress and gulped in fear.

Meanwhile, the Six Fillies with Spike on Twilight back ran out from the back entrance of the cafe, and ran down the street as fast as they could.  
“Quickly,” Twilight said.  “We need to get as far as we can.”
“You’re telling us,” Applejack said.  “Something tells me one of those Predacons are gaining on us.”
“Ooooh,” Rainbow Dash said in a steamed tone.  “I swear.  If I get my hooves on one of those Preds, I’ll make em go SPLAT with a capital SPLAT!”
“Easy, Rainbow,” Applejack said.  “You don’t want to go all scrappy right now when they’re in pursuit.”
Pinkie turned around and said “Speaking of which, we got one flying behind us.”
Everyone turned around to see Waspinator fly towards the group at top speed.  Despite how fast they were running, Waspinator was flying faster than the fillies.
“EVERYONE!” Twilight yelled.  “DUCK!”
Immediately, the six fillies ducked as Waspinator flew on by in an instant.  It was almost as if they had dodged the grab.
“Are we alright?” Twilight asked as she began to get up.
“We aren’t,” Fluttershy yelled.  “Look at your back.”
Twilight looked at her backside to notice Spike was gone.  Her face turned white with the disappearance of her baby dragon companion.
“SPIKE!” Twilight yelled.  “WHAT HAPPENED?”
Pinkie Pie pointed upwards and said “I think that Predacon just took Spike.”
Everyone looked up to see Waspinator flying in the air, holding Spike the Dragon, who struggled to break free from his grip.
“HEEEEELP!” Spike yelled.
“You want Dragon bug back?” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator suggests that Twilight Sparkle surrender.”
Waspinator laughed before turning around and flying off, carrying a helpless Spike in his arms.
“WHY YOU DIRTY LITTLE CHEATER!” Rainbow Dash yelled, extending her wings out.
But before she could take off, something pulled at Rainbow Dash’s tail.  She turned around and saw Spitfire, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance.
“Spitfire?”  Rainbow Dash said.  “What are you doing here?”
“No time to explain,” Spitfire said.  “Right now, I’ll be helping you knock that bug out of the sky and get Twilight’s dragon friend back.  You up for it?”
Rainbow Dash just smiled before she said “Always have been, always will be.”
With that, Rainbow Dash and Spitfire took off into the air, chasing after Waspinator.  The rest of the ponies turned towards Shining Armor and Princess Cadance, who looked up with a smile on their face.
“Princess Cadance,” Twilight said. “Will Spike be okay?”
“Personally,” Princess Cadance said.  “I would question the well-being of that Predacon Changeling, considering how Wonderbolts fight.”
“And how dangerous Spike is,” Shining Armor said.
“But what can we do against the other two Predacons?” Rarity asked.
Shining Armor smiled before pointing down the street behind him, where Quickstrike emerged from the cafe with Helga Hearthsoup chasing him with a frying pan.
“GET AWAY FROM ME YOU BRUTE!” Quickstrike yelled in fear. “YOU’RE NOT TURNING ME INTO THE SOUP OF THE DAY!”
“YOU GET BACK HERE THIS INSTANT!” Helga yelled with that frying pan held high in the air.
Princess Cadance stood down at the incoming Quickstrike, and charged up her horn, ready to attack.
“I’ll deal with this,” Pinkie Pie said, stepping in front of Princess Cadance.
“Pinkie,” Princess Cadance said.  “You don’t know..”
“Actually.” Pinkie Pie said with a wink.  “I’ve dealt with this pred before.”
Princess Cadance allowed her magic to dissipate and stepped back.  Pinkie Pie turned to her right and yelled out “CAAAAANNNNNNON!”  From out of a nearby alley, Pinkie Pie’s party cannon emerged and rolled right up to the pink filly, who pointed it at Quickstrike, still running from Helga Hearthsoup.
“The sooner I get away from that nutcase,” Quickstrike said.  “The better.”
But when Quickstrike faced forward, he saw Pinkie Pie aiming his party cannon right at him, and came to a stop.
“Awww horse apples,” Quickstrike said.
Pinkie held her cannon in front and said “Hasta La Vista, baby.”
With one push of the button, the party cannon fired off a powerful blast, which hit Quickstrike in an instant and sent him flying back towards Helga.   Quickstrike could do nothing but fly backwards helplessly as Helga swung back.
“WHY DID IT HAVE TO BE THAT PINK PONY?” Quickstrike yelled.
With a powerful upwards swing, Helga Hearthsoup hit Quickstrike, sending him flying into the sky.  
“I’LL GET THAT PINK FILLY IF IT’S THE LAST THING I EVER DOOOOOOOO!” Quickstrike yelled as he fell down in a far part of the city with a loud crash.
Princess Cadance looked down at Pinkie Pie, who just looked up at her with a smile on her face.
“Note to self,” Princess Cadance said.  “Never underestimate Pinkie Pie.”
“That reminds me,” Shining Armor said.  “How is Airazor doing with that roc in the sky?”
Everyone turned towards the sky, where the roc was no longer flying in a circle.  Instead, it was actively fighting off against what appeared to be Airazor holding it back.
“Hey,” Rarity said.  “Isn’t that Airazor fighting against that giant bird?”
“I just hope Rainbow Dash and Spitfire can get Spike down in time,” Twilight said, shaking in her hooves.  “That roc looks scary.”
“I don’t think that’s a roc,” Princess Cadance said.  “I think that’s one of the Predacons sent by Queen Chrysalis to capture you, Twilight.”
Twilight ran up behind Shining Armor and said “That’s even worse.”
The others looked at Twilight Sparkle, worried for her.  But as they did, Fluttershy walked up to Princess Cadance and whispered something in her ear.
“That might be a good idea,” Princess Cadance said.  “It’s risky, but I think it might be worth it.  But I’ll back you up, just in case.”
“Fluttershy, dearie,” Rarity said.  “What did you tell Princess Cadance?”
“I was going to use the stare on that Predacon,” Fluttershy said.
Rarity’s eyes popped out as she backed up and hid behind Applejack, much to the shock of the apple filly.
“Oh dear,” Rarity said.  “I wouldn’t want to be in his horseshoes if Fluttershy gave him the stare.”
“While I am with you on that,” Applejack said.  “I wish you hid somewhere else.  Even I need to hide right now.”
Princess Cadance turned to Shining Armor and said “Look after the others.  Fluttershy and I are going to aid Airazor.”
Shining Armor saluted Princess Cadance as she and Fluttershy took off towards the roc and Airazor, who are still fighting each other in the sky.
“Take care, darling,” Shining Armor said.  “Whatever you do, make sure it works.”
“They’ll be alright,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Besides, Fluttershy actually used her stare on a fully grown-up dragon before.  You do not want to mess with her.”
Shining Armor just laughed before he said “A dragon?  Now that is something of an achievement.”

Up in the skies above Canterlot, Airazor was dodging each attack from the talons of the roc, who laughed as it swiped right at it.
“Inferno, was it?” Airazor said.  “Very clever to attack Canterlot while taking on the form of a roc.”
“Interesting that you would compliment me, pony,” Roc Inferno siad.  “But flattery will get you nowhere, now that my brothers are going to take away your precious Twilight Sparkle.”
“I wouldn’t be so sure of that,” Airazor said, dodging a few more swipes.  “Right now, you’re messing with six of the bravest fillies in Equestrian history.”
“More like foolish,” Roc Inferno said, swiping again at Airazor.  
But as Roc Inferno swiped at Airazor, the Wonderbolt leader kept dodging each and every swipe of his talons, dodging left and right without a hint of being tired.
“I’m flattered,” Airazor said.  “But unimpressed.”
Roc Interno swung his talons back before pecking right at Airazor, who dodged each and every stab of the beak.  Inferno looked like he was starting to get frustrated.
“You know,” Airazor said, dodging Roc Inferno’s beak.  “If you want to take a break, I’ll be willing to do so.”
“I will never rest,” Roc Inferno said.  “Not until Twilight Sparkle is taken to the Queen, and this whole city is razed into a new Changeling hive.”
“Keep dreaming,” Airazor said, dodging another peck from Roc Inferno. 
Airazor spins to the side, dodging a powerful wing flap from Roc Inferno.  But as she recovered, Princess Cadance flew up to her with Fluttershy by her side.
“Princess Cadance,” Airazor said.  “I take it that Twilight Sparkle and her friends are alright.”
“They are,” Princess Cadance said.  “But sadly, Spike was taken captive.”
Airazor noticed Fltutershy and said “But why bring her up here?  Isn’t this dangerous for a timid child like her?”
“I may look timid,” Fluttershy responded.  “But I have a secret weapon that can take out that fake roc.”
Suddenly, Roc Inferno flew up to Airazor and swiped at it with his talons once more.   However, Airazor was quick to notice it and dodged out of the way as Princess Cadance grabbed Fluttershy just in the nick of time.
“Fool,” Roc Inferno said.  “Never turn your back on the royalty’s favorite.  You’re as foolish as they come.”
Fluttershy looked up at Roc Inferno and her eyes burned like fire.  She wiggled herself out of Princess Cadance’s grip before flying upwards.
“Fluttershy, wait,” Princess Cadance said, reaching out.  “Not yet.”
“This is personal,” Fluttershy said.  “I’m not letting that fake traumatize my friend.”
Roc Inferno came to a stop as he saw Fluttershy fly up to him.  He took one good look at her face and laughed out loud.
“I know you,” Roc Inferno said.  “You’re one of Twilight Sparkle’s friends.  What do they call you?  Fluttershy is it?”
“Yes,” Fluttershy yelled.  “And I’ve had it with you picking on my friend Twilight Sparkle for your own enjoyment.”
“Enjoyment?” Roc Inferno said, staring down at Fluttershy.  “Listen here you.   They Royalty commanded me and my brothers to capture Twilight Sparkle and to bring her to the hive so that she may pass her judgment on her and make her one of us.  After all, Twilight was the one who humiliated our Queen.”
“It’s because your Queen chose to invade us during the Grand Gallopin Gala,” Fluttershy said, staring back at Roc Inferno.  “Now you transform back from that form and stay away from Twilight Sparkle and her friends.”
Roc Inferno laughed with a slightly hesitant tone and said “What can you do to stop me from doing so?  You are not worthy of being near the presence of the Royalty, much less the eldest of the Predacon Changelings.”
“When I said Stay Away from Twilight,” Fluttershy said as she gave Roc Inferno the stare.  “I MEAN IT!”
Roc Inferno looked into Fluttershy’s eyes and began to quiver.  He transformed back into his changeling form as Fluttershy stared further into the Predacon’s soul.
“You know what?” Inferno said, quivering in fear.  “I just remembered.  I have to go down twenty kegs of fire water.”
With that, Inferno turned tail and flew off in the opposite direction.  Princess Cadance and Captain Airazor flew up to Fluttershy as the little filly smirked at the fleeing changeling.
“Wow,” Princess Cadance said.  “I almost felt sorry for that Predacon.  Guess there is more to Fluttershy than meets the eye.”
Airazor approached Fluttershy and said “That was a risky move, young lady.  But at the same time, it was more than enough to drive that Predacon away.”
Fluttershy looked up at Airazor and said “Oh.  It was nothing.”
“Say,” Airazor asked.  “How would you like to join the Junior Wonderbolt program?  We’re thinking about getting the gang back together to resume our performances to bring hope to those who need it.”
“I appreciate the offer,” Fluttershy said.  “But I’m more of an animal lover than an ace flier.  So I’ll decline.”
“Fair enough,” Airazor said.  “But if you change your mind, let me know.”
Fluttershy nodded to Airazor with an innocent smile on her face.  Nearby, Princess Cadance watched and breathed a sigh of relief.
“Whew,” Princess Cadance said, wiping the sweat off her forehead.  “Judging by that Predacon’s reaction, I really don’t want to mess with Fluttershy.”
But in a burst of speed, Waspinator flew past Princess Cadance all while holding onto Spike, sending the alicorn teen spinning like a top before coming to a stop.  Immediately, Rainbow Dash and Spitfire sped past her, pursuing after the Beast Predacon.
“Uggh,” Princess Cadance said.  “Someone get the license for that wagon.”
Airazor looked at the fleeing Waspinator, who still held onto Spike and was being chased by Rainbow Dash and Spitfire.  Fluttershy looked on, watching as Spike struggled to break free while he screamed out for Twilight Sparkle.
“Oh dear,” Fluttershy said.  “Spike is in big trouble.  I have to help.”
But before Fluttershy could speed off, Airazor held her arm out in front of Fluttershy, stopping the filly in her place.
“Airazor,” Fluttershy said.  “I need to rescue Spike from that horrible monster.”
“Don’t worry,” Airazor said.  “Knowing Rainbow Dash and Spitfire, I’d say they have Spike in good hooves.  Which is unfortunate for that minion of Queen Chrysalis.”
Up ahead, Waspinator held onto Spike as tightly as he could, flying away from Rainbow Dash and Spitfire, who kept up the pursuit.
“LET GO OF THAT DRAGON YOU BIG PALOOKA!” Rainbow Dash yelled.
“Rainbow Bug can’t catch up to Waspinator,” Waspinator said.  “Now surrender Twilight Sparkle, or Waspinator will not let go of dragon bug.”
Rainbow Dash’s face scrunched down in anger.  She flapped her wings as hard as she could and began to inch closer when Spitfire tapped Rainbow Dash on the back.
“Rainbow,” Spitfire said.  “I have an idea.”
“What kind of idea” Rainbow Dash asked
Spitfire flew up to Rainbow Dash’s head and whispered right into her ear.  Rainbow Dash looked up at Spitfire and cracked a sinister smile.
“This is gonna be an awesome idea,” Rainbow Dash smirked.
“Then let’s shake up that bug and get that dragon back,” Spitfire said.
Rainbow Dash and Spitfire flew side by side before flapping their wings as hard as possible.  Waspinator looked behind them and saw their wings flap, worrying the Predacon.
“Waspinator not like this,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator take a different route.”
Immediately, Waspinator flew downwards towards the city streets, holding onto Spike as tight as possible.  Spitfire looked down at Waspinator and her smile extended even further.
“That’s our cue,” Spitfire said.
“Let’s do it, to it,” Rainbow Dash said.
With a clap of their hooves, Rainbow Dash and Spitfire transformed into an aura of energy and flew downwards towards the city.  They sped so fast, that they passed Waspinator on the way down, much to his confusion.
“Huh?” Waspinator said.  “Rainbow bug and fire bug flying downwards?  This not make sense for Waspinator.”
Immediately, the aura made a sharp U-turn and flew upwards at Waspinator.  The Predacon could only look in horror as the energy surrounding Rainbow Dash and Spitfire inched closer to him.
“Oh no,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator about to feel pain.”
In an instant, the energy aura punched Waspinator right in the jaw.  The impact was so great that Waspinator lost his grip on Spike the Dragon.  Spitfire flew up to grab Spike with her arms and held onto her for dear life while Rainbow Dash spun backwards before facing Waspinator.
“Hey bug boy,” Rainbow Dash yelled.  “This is for taking someone close to my close friend.”
Before Waspinator could regain himself, Rainbow Dash blasted forward and slammed his head into Waspinator’s stomach, causing the Beast Predacon to scream in pain.  The impact was powerful enough to send Waspinator flying downwards until it crashed into a nearby part of the town with a loud thud, followed by the sound of chickens screaming in panic.
“Good riddance,” Rainbow Dash said with a snort from her nose.
Spitfire flew up to Rainbow Dash, holding Spike in her arms.
“Nicely done,” Spitfire said.  “Guess we showed that party crasher a lesson.”
“Yeah,” Rainbow Dash said before looking down at Spike.  “Plus we got Spike back.  Wait till Twilight sees this.”
“Judging by the stunt we pulled,” Spitfire said.  “I think she took notice.”
“Anyway,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Thanks for your help.  Couldn’t have kicked his butt without you.”
“Anytime,” Spitfire said as she and Rainbow Dash flew down towards the town streets, all while holding onto a more cheerful Spike.

Back on the ground, Shining Armor ran up to the central part of the square with Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Twilight Sparkle and Helga Hearthsoup by his side.  Rainbow Dash and Spitfire flew down from one part of the sky with Spike in Spitfire’s arms.  Princess Cadance, Fluttershy and Airazor flew down from another part of the sky and landed right in front of Shining Armor.
“You never cease to amaze me, Caddy,” Shining Armor said.
“I know,” Princess Cadance said.  “But there’s a part of me that wished you had wings like me.”
“Noted,” Shining Armor replied.
Spike jumped out of Spitfire’s arms before leaping onto Twilight and giving her a big hug.
“Spike,” Twilight cried.  “I was so worried about you.”
“I’m safe,” Spike said, crying into Twilight’s chest.
“Yes,” Twilight cried.  “You are safe for now.”
As Spike and Twilight hugged each other, the rest of the group gathered around, breathing a sigh of relief all while smiling at the reunion of the unicorn filly and baby dragon.
“It’s great that Spike’s back with Twilight,” Pinkie Pie said.  “After what happened, I feared what would have happened if those three got their way.”
“I strongly agree, Pinkie,” Rarity said.  “Especially for poor Spikey.  He’s going to have a horrible nightmare after that experience.”
“Well you should have seen me when I confronted one of the Predacons,” Fluttershy said.  “He chickened out the moment I got under his skin.”
“Oh I was seeing it,” Twilight said as she wiped the tear from her eyes and turned towards Fluttershy.  “You proved to be brave when you faced that Predacon face-to-face.  But I don’t think I could have bested him.”
“It was because you thought the one known as Inferno disguised himself as a roc,” Airazor said.
“You’re right, Captain Airazor,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “That being said, I’m not surprised that his name is Inferno.”
“I’ve seen my fair share of crazies in my lifetime,” Helga Hearthsoup said.  “But those three?  That was something even I didn’t expect.”
“Believe me,” Airazor said.  “As the leader of the Wonderbolts, these three are a prime example of the dangers of Equestira.”
Applejack breathed a sigh of relief and said “Well at least everyone is safe and sound.  Though I wouldn’t say the same for those Predacon varmints.”
Suddenly, Princess Cadance’s face turned to worry before she said “Oh no.  I was so busy focusing on those three, that I forgot about Wanda.  I hope she and her friends are alright.”
Airazor turned to Princess Cadance and said “Like I said, I’ve sent some Wonderbolts to make sure Princess Wanda is alright.”
“No,” Princess Cadance said.  “I’ve got to find her before something bad happens.”
Immediately, Princess Cadance turned tail and ran off in the opposite direction, leaving everyone behind.
Shining Armor let out a sigh before he said “No rest for the best of the best.”  He turned to Airazor and said “Could you look after Twilight and her friends for the time being?”
“But of course,” Airazor said.   “I’ll see to it that no harm comes to them.”
“Thanks,” Shining Armor said.  “I’ll see you all on the flipside.”
With that, Shining Armor took off after Princess Cadance, leaving the six fillies and Spike alongside Spitfire and Airazor.
“Well,” Helga said.  “I best be heading back to the cafe.  You’re all welcome to come by in case.”
“I would appreciate that Miss Hearthsoup,” Airazor said.  “And thanks for your help today.”
“It was nothing,” Helga said.  “Besides, no one scares my customers and gets away with it.”
Helga walked off in the opposite direction, waving good-bye to the group before making her way towards the cafe.  As everyone waved good-bye, Twilight turned around and watched as Shining Armor disappeared into the depths of the city.
“What would I do without friends or my big brother,” Twilight said.  “Or even Princess Cadance?”
“Twilight,” Rainbow Dash said.  “No matter what, you’re going to have friends by your side, be it those close to you or far away from home.”
“She’s right,” Spitfire said.  “You have plenty of friends by your side.  And judging by the fact that you’re best friends with the princesses, I’d say that’s saying a whole lot.”
“Maybe you’re both right,” Twilight said before looking down at Spike.  “After all, thanks to you both, Spike’s back in my arms.”
“That reminds me,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Something tells me we haven’t seen the last of those Predacons.  I’m gonna go deal with them in case they go after Wanda next.”
Pinkie Pie turned to her left and yelled out “CAAAAAAANNNNONNNNNN!”   Pinkie Pie’s Party Cannon emerged from the alley way and rolled up to Pinkie Pie, to which she grabbed the rope attached to the cannon and held onto it.
“Well you be careful,” Twilight said.  “Who knows what other beasts await?”
“Oh believe me,” Pinkie Pie said.   “You’d wish you’d told that quote to those three.”
With that, Pinkie Pie bounced off, pulling her party cannon with her down the street.  Everyone else watched on, amused by Pinkie Pie bouncing down the streets of Canterlot.
“There’s always something about Pinkie Pie that just makes us glad we’re friends with her,” Applejack said.
“And what would that be?” Twilight asked.
“Even though she’s an enigma of a pony,” Applejack said.  “She’s one pony that shouldn’t be messed with.   I guarantee you that.”
“Well whatever the case,” Twilight said.  “I hope Pinkie’s skills can help Wanda out just in case.”
Spike reached out to Pinkie Pie and said “Abby.”
“Oh I’m sure Wanda is keeping Abigail safe,” Twilight said.  “Along with Trixie, Sunburst and Starlight Glimmer.  I wonder what kind of adventures those five are up to.”
“Judging by what we’ve gone through,” Spitfire said.  “I’d say a whole lot more than we realize.”


	To Be Continued in


	Arc 14: Wanda’s Afternoon Blues


	Romance in the Air?

> Arc 14(Wanda's Afternoon Blues)-1: Romance in the Air?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Arc 14: Wanda’s Afternoon Blues


	Romance in the Air?



“HEEEEELP!  MAD DOG WANTS TO EAT US!”
Wanda Young ran through the streets of Canterlot in a hurry.  Running alongside her were Abigail Albright, Starlight Glimmer, Trixie and Sunburst.  Right behind them was the Alicorn Bulldog, chasing after the younglings, barking wildly and with her teeth snapping at them.
“GET AWAY!” Trixie yelled. “SHOO SHOO!  LEAVE US ALONE!”
But the Alicorn Bulldog responded by snapping at Trixie, causing her to scream and back off.
“Why can’t that big mean dog just leave us alone?” Starlight cried.
“I know,” Wanda said.  “I thought the roc in the sky was gonna eat us, and we decided to hide out.  But then that mutt thought we would be on today's menu.”
“NOT DINNER!” Abigail screamed.
“Just keep running,” Sunburst said.  “The sooner we find a place to hide, the better.”
As the group ran as fast as they could, they noticed a wall bunker in front of them with the door held wide open.  Wanda had a brainstorm in her mind.
“Hey I know that place,” Wanda said. “We should hide in there until the dog goes away.”
“Wanda,” Sunburst said.  “With all due respect, you almost missed your birthday when you, Sunset, Cadance, and even Spike and Abigail locked yourself up in there.”
“At least this time,” Wanda said.  “I don’t have anything important to worry about.  But it’s better than nothing at all.”
“I’m afraid she’s right,” Trixie said.  “Better to bunker down again than to put up with that dog.”
But as the group came closer to the door, the Alicorn Bulldog flew into the air and landed right in front, blocking them from entering the doorway.  Wanda fell down on her rear and stared at the dog in fear.
“Wanda,” Starlight said.  “Wanda get out.”
But Wanda could not hear Starlight’s words.   She stared helpless at the dog, who growled at the Man’s Cub.  Starlight immediately jumped out and ran up to Wanda, holding her tightly.
“Starlight,” Sunburst yelled.  “Get back here.”
“I’m not leaving Wanda’s side,” Starlight said. 
Starlight struggled to pick Wanda up as the dog growled at both of them.  Immediately, Trixie and Sunburst used their magic to pull Wanda and Starlight back while Abigail meowed by the two unicorn’s side.
But the bulldog was undeterred.  With a flash of her magic, the bulldog began to pull Wanda and Starlight back towards its gaping maw, snapping right at them as she pulled them closer.

Nearby, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor ran down the street as fast as they could.  When they saw Wanda and Starlight being pulled in by the bulldog, they came to a stop.
“That’s Wanda and Starlight,” Cadance said.  “And that dog again.”
“Can’t that dog just leave us alone?” Shining Armor said in a huff.  “Guess I have to scare it off again.”
“Not this time,” Cadance said.  “I got this.”
As Princess Cadance ran towards the group, Trixie and Sunburst struggled to pull Wanda and Starlight back from the bulldog, who continued to snap at the duo.
“HEEEEELP!” Starlight cried.  “ WE DON’T WANT TO BE A DOG’S DINNER!”
Abigail immediately ran towards the bulldog as Trixie and Sunburst struggled to pull Wanda and Starlight back.  The kitten jumped right into the air and landed right on the dog’s face before scratching her in the eyes.  The dog let out a loud yelp, and lost her magical grip on Wanda and Starlight, causing the duo to fly back towards Trixie and Sunburst.
“INCOMING!” Trixie yelled.
With a loud crash, Starlight and Wanda collided with Trixie and Sunburst, causing them to fall towards the ground.  Abigail got up and ran towards the four younglings before turning back towards the Alicorn Bulldog.
“Wanda,” Starlight said, all while Wanda continued to stare off in fear.  “Wanda, snap out of it.”
The Alicorn Bulldog marched up to Wanda, Abigail, Starlight, Sunburst and Trixie, and growled loudly, causing the four younglings to turn towards the ferocious canine.  Abigail stood there, growling and hissing at the dog, while swiping at her.
“Guys,” Wanda cried.  “It’s been fun knowing you.”
But with a loud and thunderous smash, Princess Cadance landed behind the group, and stared down the Alicorn Bulldog.  She cast some magic onto her vocal cords before glaring at the beast.
“I DON’T WANT TO SEE YOU HARASSING MY SISTERS OR HER FRIENDS AGAIN YOU NAUGHTY, NAUGHTY DOG!” Princess Cadance yelled with her voice reverberating in the air.
The high volume of Princess Cadance’s voice was enough to cause the Alicorn Bulldog to yelp, turn around and make a run for it in the opposite direction.  Princess Cadance looked at the fleeing dog and cracked a smile.
“You four alright?” Shining Armor said as he ran up to the younglings.
“We’re fine,” Sunburst said.  “Thanks to Princess Cadance.”
“Never thought I would finally put that Royal Canterlot voice to good use,” Princess Cadance said with a smirk.  “I have to thank Chancellor Cinch for teaching me this spell.”
Princess Cadance turned towards the group with a smile on her face.  While Trixie, Sunburst and Abigail smiled with relief, Wanda and Starlight burst into tears, crying loudly.
“Wanda, Starlight,” Cadance said. “What’s wrong?”
“WHY DOES THAT BAD DOG HAVE TO KEEP CHASING US?” Wanda cried.  “WE DID NOTHING WRONG!”
“YEAH!” Starlight cried.  “I NEARLY LOST WANDA TO THAT BEAST!”
Princess Cadance turned towards Shining Armor, who picked up both Starlight and Wanda and gave them a comforting hug.
“We were so worried about what the Predacons were going to do to Wanda,” Shining Armor said.  “We forgot about this ferocious beast that kept giving us problems.”
“I think we should accompany them for a while until we feel that it’s safe,” Princess Cadance said.
Shining Armor nodded.  He turned towards Wanda and Starlight and said “Tell you two what.  We’ll stick around and keep you safe, be it from that mutt, or from any other danger.  Not even a roc will get past us.”
“You…” Wanda said, wiping a tear from her cheek. “You think so?”
“I don’t think so,” Shining Armor said.  “I know so.”
Wanda cracked a smile before Shining Armor lets go of her and Starlight.  Starlight looked at Wanda and gave her a big hug.
“Wanda,” Starlight cried.  “Please don’t scare me like that, again.”
“Don’t worry,” Wanda said.  “I won’t.”

Later that day, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor were walking down the street with Wanda Young, Abigail Albright and Trixie by their side.  Right behind them were Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst walking together. 
“After all that we’ve put up with,” Shining Armor said.  “I’m glad we get some time to ourselves.”
“Well that and looking after my youngest sister,” Princess Cadance said.  “Along with her friends.”
Wanda turned around to see Starlight happily walking alongside Sunburst.  She looked at the two and smiled for them before turning back towards Princess Cadance.
“Big sis,” Wanda asked.  “Could I whisper something into your ear?”
Princess Cadance turned to Wanda and said in a sweet tone “Well this is unexpected, little sis.  What’s up?”
Princess Cadance lowered her head down, to which Wanda whispered into her ear.
“Are you sure about that?” Princess Cadance asked.  Wanda only responded by nodding.
“What’s going on?” Trixie asked.
Wanda turned towards Trixie and proceeded to whisper into her ear.  Then Trixie turned to Shining Armor and whispered into his ear.  But the scene of Trixie whispering into Shining’s ear caught the attention of Starlight and Sunburst.
“What are you all up to?” Starlight asked.
“Oh, just pondering about that dog who kept chasing us,” Wanda said.  “And the Predacons that they told me about.”
“Oh,” Starlight replied.
Sunburst looked at the group in front and thought to himself “That’s rather strange.  I wonder what’s really going on.”
Immediately, Princess Cadance walked up to Shining Armor and whispered into his ear.  Shining Armor nodded before he split from the front group before walking up to Starlight and Sunburst.
“Tell you what,” Shining Armor said.  “Princess Cadance is going to get dinner with Wanda and Trixie helping out.  “How about I take you guys out to a nearby toy store while we wait?”
“YAAAAY!” Starlight cheered.  “We’ll go.”
“Okay?” Sunburst said.  “I guess.”
“Then come on,” Shining Armor said.  “Let’s go have some fun.”
Shining Armor ran off in the opposite direction with Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst following from behind, leaving Princess Cadance, Wanda Young, Abigail Albright and Trixie Lulamoon behind.
“So,” Princess Cadance said.  “You want to set up a special dinner for Starlight and Sunburst.”
“That’s right,” Wanda said, pounding her chest once with excitement.  “There is a spark within those two that I also see between you and Shining Armor.”
“You think so?” Trixie asked.
“I know so,” Wanda said.  “Starlight told me that she’s been close friends with Sunburst since their days as foals.  But I believe there is a greater spark between Starlight and Sunburst.”
Trixie looked down the street, barely seeing any sign of Starlight, Sunburst or Shining Armor, before she said “You know what, O Princess of Love?  You may be right.  There is a spark between Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst, and you must make sure that spark stays bright.”
“Oh believe me, I will,” Wanda said.  “And by the way, I’m not really a Princess of Love.  That belongs to my big sister.”
Trixie looked up to Princess Cadance who said “She’s got a point.  I am a Princess of Love.  And like Wanda, I do believe there is a spark between those two.  They’ve known each other long before coming to Canterlot, and so we should make sure the spark in their friendship will stay strong into adulthood.”
“Then what do you say?” Wanda said.  “Will you help us prepare a meal for Starlight and Sunburst?”
Trixie Lulamoon stood on two legs before she said “The Great and Powerful Trixie wishes to aid the Princesses in ensuring that Starlight and Sunburst will grow up to be a Great and Powerful romantic couple.”
Abigail got on two legs and clapped for Trixie before yelling out “Yay” in a meek voice.
“Then come on,” Princess Cadance said.  “I know a good place and a good friend who can help take care of that.”
Princess Cadance walked off in another direction with Wanda, Abigail and Trixie following from behind.

Later, Princess Cadance walked up to a familiar cafe.  Behind her, Wanda, Abigail and Trixie looked up at the sign before turning towards Princess Cadance.
“Is this a good place for Starlight and Sunburst?” Wanda asked.
“It is,” Princess Cadance said.  “In fact, Twilight and her friends were here earlier to get themselves some root beer floats.  In fact, I think I can ask Helga to help us out on this.”
“Helga?” Trixie asked.
“Helga Hearthsoup,” Princess Cadance said.  “The head waitress of this establishment.  Trust me.  You’re going to enjoy her presence.”
“Well what are we waiting for, big sis?” Wanda asked.  “Let’s go talk with her.”
Princess Cadance laughed before she said “Guess there’s no reason to hold you both back.  Come on.”
With a scrape on the surface of the street with her right front hoof, Princess Cadance walked into the cafe once more with Wanda, Abigail and Trixie following from behind.  Inside, Helga Hearthsoup had placed down a tray of food on a table with customers before turning towards Princess Cadance and the younglings.
“Princess Cadance,” Helga said.  “Back so soon?”
“Funny thing is,” Princess Cadance said.  “My little sister wants to do a favor for a couple of friends.”
Helga turned to Wanda and said “Princess Wanda, is it?”
Wanda looked up at Helga and said “Y..yes ma’am.  There are a couple of friends that I would like to reserve for a special dinner.”
“But of course,” Helga said.  “I have a special booth for your two friends.”
“And can you make it romantic?” Wanda asked.
Helga laughed before she said “Anything for the Princess of Equestria.”
Princess Cadance placed some bits onto the table and said “Here’s an advance payment for the special dinner.  Hope they enjoy it.”
“Believe me.” Helga said, scooping up the bits.  “I’ll make it really special for her friends.”
As Princess Cadance smiled for Helga, she felt a tap on her leg.  Cadance looked down to see Trixie looking up at her.
“What do you wish for me, the Great and Powerful Trixie, to do?” Trixie asked.
“Trixie Lulamoon,” Cadance said.  “It won’t be long until Helga has a booth ready.  Could you go get Starlight and Sunburst, and let them know we found a good place for dinner?  I believe Shining Armor took them to the toy shop.”
Trixie saluted Cadance before she said “It will be done, so says the Great and Powerful Trixie.”
With that, Trixie turned tail and ran out the opposite way, leaving Princess Cadance, Wanda, Abigail and Helga in the cafe.  Wanda turned to Helga, who was walking towards the kitchen.
“Miss Helga,” Wanda asked.  “Is there any way I can help out?”
Helga turned to Wanda and said “No customer has ever asked me that before.  Especially a Princess.”
Wanda bowed to Helga and said “Don’t worry.  Me and my partner Abigail will be a great help.  I promise you that.”
But Helga only laughed before she said “Oh you don’t really need to help me, Princess Wanda.  But if you and your kitty friend wish to pitch in, then I will allow it.  Just know that I won’t go easy on you despite Princess Celestia being your mother.”
“Then I promise to ensure that everything will be done,” Wanda said.
“With that out of the way,” Helga said with a firm tone.  “Follow me.  I’ll need all the help I can get.  From you and your kitty friend.”
With that, Helga turned towards the kitchen with Wanda and Abigail marching right behind her.  Princess Cadance was laughing mildly, struggling to hold in her laughter.
“My sister is one who would do anything to help,” Princess Cadance said.  “I think mother taught her too well.”

Meanwhile, at the toy shop, Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst were in one corner, observing a set of kites, while Shining Armor looked at some Ogres and Oubliettes figures nearby.  
“There’s always something fascinating about these kites,” Starlight said.
“The aerodynamic design?”  Sunburst asked.  “The colors?”
“A bit of both,” Starlight giggled.
“Yeah,” Sunburst said.  “That’s what I’m also thinking.”
“And the other thing that I like about kites,” Starlight said.  “Is that they’re a great way to relax and unwind.  As if your cares disappeared.”
“I do miss those days of just flying my kite in the skies above Sire’s Hollow,” Sunburst said.  
“Back then,” Starlight said.  “Outside of our board games, Uncle Meteor Flare used to show me some really neat kite tricks that give off the illusion of being a bird.”
“I remember back then,” Sunburst said.  “Your uncle really knew how to fly one of those.”
Starlight looked down at her chest and said “I wonder what he would say right now?  What kite would he recommend I buy?”
“I haven’t seen much of him since he chose to be by your side as a cosmic core,” Sunburst said.  
“Neither have I,” Starlight said.  “But I’m glad to know that he’s still with us, even though his original form passed on.”
As Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst looked down at the filly’s chest, they both heard the sound of another filly clearing her throat.  The two younglings looked to the right to see Trixie standing there.
“Trixie,” Starlight said.  “So I take it you, Wanda and Cadance found a good place to eat.”
“But of course,” Trixie said.  “And as your Great and Powerful escort, I will lead you to din din.”
Sunburst giggled before he said “Din din.  Now that’s something I should remember.”
Starlight laughed before turning towards Trixie and said “Lead on, Trixie.”
“Then come this way,” Trixie said.  “Our din din awaits.”
Trixie marched down the aisle of the toy shop, with Starlight and Sunburst following from behind.   But nearby, Shining Armor continued to observe the Ogres and Oubliettes figures.
“These figures have some pretty awesome quality,” Shining Armor said. “I should buy a few for 8-Bit, Gaffe and Poindexter.  I wonder what Starlight and Sunburst would say.”
But when Shining Armor turned to his left towards the kites, he noticed that Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst were gone.  This caused Shining Armor to place the figure back and freak out.
“OH NO!”  Shining Armor said.  “Starlight.  Sunburst.  Where are they?”
Shining Armor frantically looked around the perimeter of the toy shop, looking around for Starlight and Sunburst.  But he came to a stop when he saw Trixie walking out of the store with Starlight and Sunburst following from behind.
“Wait a minute,” Shining Armor said.  “I think I know what’s going on.  Princess Cadance has found the ideal sp..I mean food for dinner tonight.  I can’t wait.”
With nothing in his hooves, Shining Armor walked down the aisle and outside the door.  Nearby, an employee rearranged the Ogres and Oubliettes shelves before turning towards the departing Shining Armor.
“What a shame,” the employee said.  “And I was hoping he would buy a few figures.  After all, grown stallions and mares are suckers for these babies.”

A few moments later at the Cafe, Trixie marched up to the entrance of the establishment.  Behind her were Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst, with Shining Armor following from behind.  She looked inside before turning back towards the two unicorn younglings from Sire’s Hollow.
“Your seat has been prepared,” Trixie said.  “You may enter.”
“Wait,” Starlight said.  “Our seat?  But what about yours?”
Trixie smiled and said “Oh don’t worry.  The Great and Powerful Trixie already has a Great and Powerful seat of her own.”
“Trixie,” Sunburst said.  “That’s not what she meant about your seat.”
Trixie laughed before she stepped aside and said “Well all jokes aside, make your way inside.”
Starlight and Sunburst turned towards each other before shrugging their shoulders.  They stepped forward, making their way towards the entrance.  Behind them, Shining Armor came to a stop with a smile on his face.
“I sure hope they enjoy it,” Shining Armor thought to himself.  “If anything, I think they deserve a good bit of happiness.”
But as Shining Armor followed Starlight and Sunburst towards the entrance, up on the roof, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator observed the ponies going inside.
“Now why attack the same place twice in a row?” Quickstrike asked.  “Don’t they have an alicorn by their side?”
“Capturing Twilight Sparkle turned into a total failure,” Inferno said.  “And as stupid as this is, capturing Princess Wanda Young may be a better alternative.  Besides, I have a little surprise for her once we make our attack.”
“Oooh,” Quickstrike said in anticipation.  “Don’t tell me that’s the alicorn nullifying spell that Queen Chrysalis taught you.”
“Not just alicorns,” Inferno said.  “But also unicorns.  Once we make our move, we will disable the magic of every alicorn and unicorn around us.  Then taking the Princess to Queen Chrysalis will be a breeze.”
“Waspinator like that idea,” Waspinator said.  “If ponies can’t fight back, then we Predacons will win.”
“Then take your positions,” Inferno said.  “When I give the signal, we’ll launch our attack and give them the surprise of a lifetime.”
Quickstrike and Waspinator nodded before the two Predacon changelings jumped off the roof and hid behind some trash cans.  Inferno looked down at the cafe with a sinister grin on his face.
“I hope you’re hungry, little ponies,” Inferno said.  “Because we’re about to serve up chaos and destruction.”

Inside, Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst stood there, staring at a neatly decorated booth nearby.  Wanda Young, Abigail Albright and Helga Hearthsoup stood next to the booth, holding their arms out to direct the two younglings to the table.  Princess Cadance stood nearby as Shining Armor and Trixie walked up to her.
“How?” Sunburst said.  “How did you know it was for us?”
“Surprise,” Wanda said.  “This is for the both of you.”
“But,” Starlight said.  “You didn’t have to do this for us.”
“It was the insistence of Princess Wanda and Princess Cadance,” Helga said.  “I have an ideal speciality for you both.  Now come.”
Starlight turned to Sunburst and said “Well, when in Canterlot.”
Sunburst nodded before he and Starlight walked up to the table and got into their seats.  They noticed the high quality tablecloth that covered the table, some tall lit candles nearby, two perfectly folded napkins, and some exquisite cutlery in front of them.
“Now will you excuse me?” Helga said.  “I have dinner coming up for you both, courtesy of Princess Cadance.”
Helga then stepped away from the group before walking towards the kitchen.  Starlight and Sunburst turned towards Wanda, who stood there with a smile on her face.
“Wanda,” Starlight said.  “What’s going on?”
“It’s just something special for you and Sunburst,” Wanda said.  “After all, you’re both really special.”
“Really what?” Sunburst asked.
“Really special,” Wanda said.  “Because you’ve both known each other for far longer than the rest of us, I think you both deserve a real treat.”
“Oh I do appreciate this,” Starlight said.  “But you and Princess Cadance didn’t have to go out of the way to do this.”
Sunburst tapped on Starlight and said “Maybe we should play along.  After all, she did this all for us.”
Starlight stopped for a moment before turning to Sunburst and said “Okay.”
Sunburst’s nose suddenly picked up an irresistible aroma.  He turned to his right to see Wanda and Abigail step to the side as Helga brought out two plates of delicious food, along with two root beer floats, all on a serving tray.
“Here you go, a speciality of mine,” Helga Hearthsoup said.  “Manehattan spaghetti with oregano oatballs, and two root beer floats.”
“Enjoy,” Abigail said.
As Helga stepped away, Starlight and Sunburst looked down at the food and their mouth began to water.
“This looks so delicious,” Starlight said.  “I want to try just one bite.”
“So do I,” Sunburst said as he picked up a fork and knife with his magic.
Sunburst cut off a piece of the oatball before eating it.  He chewed for a few seconds before swallowing.  His eyes watered with delight as he licked his lips.
“How was it?” Starlight asked.
“This is unbelievable,” Sunburst said. “The flavor just pops right in your mouth.  Try it.”
Starlight Glimmer picked up her fork and knife with her magic and cut a piece of an oatball from her plate off before biting into it.  After chewing for a few seconds, she swallowed before her eyes started to water.
“You’re right,” Starlight said.  “I can’t wait to show mom and dad this.”
“You know,” Sunburst said.  “I’m glad we’ve been friends for a long time.”
As Sunburst ate a bit of spaghetti, Starlight said “You’re right.  And not only that, we’ve been making friends here in Canterlot, such as Princess Wanda, Princess Sunset, Princess Cadance, Twilight Sparkle, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Golden Lace, Trixie, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Ditzy Doo and even Cozy Glow to name a few.”
After Sunburst swallowed, he said “I wonder what would have happened if we both didn’t come to Canterlot.”
Starlight’s smile slumped down to a frown as she said “I can only think of one thing, and I don’t think it would be pretty.”
Sunburst looked up at Starlight and said “Don’t worry about that.  We’re not going down that path, and I can assure you.  So stay strong for all of us, for our friends and family, and out cutie marks.”
Starlight Glimmer looked down at the cutie mark on her hip and said “Don’t worry.  I will.”
As Starlight and Sunburst drank their root beer floats, Wanda and Abigail walked up to Princess Cadance, Shining Armor and Trixie, all of which had a satisfying smile on their face.
“You were right,” Trixie said.  “They do have some kind of spark.”
“Just like big sis and Shining Armor,” Wanda said.
Shining Armor blushed before he said “Now come on, Wanda.  We’re not that big of a deal, yet.”
Wanda scooted up to Shining Armor and said “Don’t lie to us, Shining Armor.  I know you care alot for big sis.”
As Shining Armor blushed with embarrassment, Princess Cadance looked down at Wanda and said “Hey Wanda.  Do you have a certain someone in your life?”
Wanda looked down and said “I don’t think so.  After all, I’m the only human here in Equestria, and I don’t think I can find a certain someone to spend my life with.”
Princess Cadance wrapped her arm around Wanda’s shoulders and said “Don’t worry.  We’ll find a certain someone that will care for you like I do, like the rest of the family does.”
“Oh big sis,” Wanda said with a smile.
Suddenly, a huge crash echoed through the room, causing everyone to scream in surprise, with one individual yelling “NOT THIS AGAIN!”  Helga Hearthsoup stepped out from the kitchen observing the damage done to the glass window.
“Oh for crying out loud,” Helga yelled.  “And I had the window replaced about an hour ago thanks to these delinquents.”
Wanda looked up above the broken shards of glass and screamed in horror.  In front of her, and around everyone else were Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator, once again assuming their Beast Preadcon forms.
“You three again?” Princess Cadance said.  “Can’t you leave us in peace?
“I’m afraid that is out of the question, Princess Cadance,” Inferno said.  “Since we failed to capture Twilight Sparkle, we have a new target…your sister Princess Wanda Young.”
Princess Cadance pulled Wanda close to her and glared at Inferno as Shining Armor and Trixie took their side.  Helga Hearthsoup stood by Starlight and Sunburst, who both hid under the table.
“I don’t know what is in the minds of you three,” Helga said.  “But I will not let sadists like you trash my establishment and threaten my customers.”

	To Be Continued in…


	The Fury of a Friend

> Arc 14-2: The Fury of a Friend
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Fury of a Friend



“Wanda.  Stay behind me.  I’ll drive them off.”
Those words came from Princess Cadance as Wanda and Abigail hid behind her.  The alicorn princess alongside Shining Armor stepped forward, confronting Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator.
“You have three seconds to leave now,” Princess Cadance threatened.
“I don’t think so,” Inferno said.
Inferno held his palms out and immediately fired two blasts of magic, one hitting Princess Cadance and one hitting Shining Armor, knocking them down.  Wanda, Abigail and Trixie quickly moved out of the way as Shining and Cadance hit the floor.
“BIG SIS, SHINING,” Wanda yelled.
Trixie turned to the three Beast Predacons and yelled “WHAT DID YOU DO TO THEM?”
Quickstrike laughed and said “See for yourselves.”
Princess Cadance got up on her four hooves and said “You just made a big mistake, mister.”
Princess Cadance pointed her horn at Inferno and prepared to charge up.  Only for nothing to come out of it.  Cadence looked up in fear as she struggled to get any magic out.
“What’s going on?” Princess Cadance said.  “My magic.”
“Mines too,” Shining Armor said as he struggled to get any magic out of his horn.
Inferno laughed before he said “You fools.  I’ve devised a spell that prevents a unicorn or alicorn from casting any magic.  Now you’re helpless without it.”
“But you still have me to deal with.” Inferno turned to his right to see Helga Hearthsoup stand in front of the special table with Starlight and Sunburst hiding underneath.  She held up a metal tray, ready to strike the Predacon in the face.
“Oh no,” Quickstrike said.  “Not this ham of a pony again.”
“Waspinator suggests teaching her a lesson,” Waspinator said.
Inferno laughed and said “So this is the pony that gave you both a hard time.  Very well.  Let me show her the fury of the Predacon.”
Inferno and Helga stared each other down with everyone standing in place.  Starlight and Sunburst looked from under the table, shaking in fear.
“I don’t like this,” Starlight said.  “What if those big meanies come after me?”
“Stay perfectly still,” Sunburst said.  “As long as they don’t try to knock this table off, we’ll be safe.”
As Helga stared down the Predacon, anticipating an attack, Inferno quickly flew to the side, catching her off guard.
“Don’t even think about it,” Helga said, repositioning herself in front of Inferno.
“Nice move,” Inferno said.  “Except you forgot one thing.”
“What do you mean by that?” Helga asked.
“I’m not the only one who can strike back,” Inferno said.
Suddenly, Helga heard the sound of a burst of magic firing off.  When she turned around, Waspinator had fired a missile from his blaster that flew over her.
“Oh no,” Helga said to herself.
The missile collided with the table and exploded, knocking it to the side, and sending the spaghetti with oatballs and root beer floats soaring into the air before landing on the table.  The table cloth was burnt by the explosion, the silver wear bent and the candles snapped in half with the flame extinguished.  Wanda looked from next to Princess Cadance and her jaw dropped.
“NOOOOOOOO!” Wanda yelled.  “AFTER ALL WE’VE DONE!”
Inferno gloated as he eyes Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst, who held onto each other and shivered with fear.
“What do we have here?” Inferno said.  “Two younglings who don’t belong.”
Helga stood in front of Starlight and Sunburst before she said “You will leave this place and never come back.”
“Lady,” Quickstrike said.  “You’re in no position to demand.”
“My brother is right,” Inferno said.  “As a matter of fact, I think a little negotiation is in order.”
Inferno pointed his blaster above Helga and fired another blast, creating a hole in the wall that leads outside, and scaring Starlight to the point where she loses her grip on Sunburst.
“You bully,” Princess Cadance said as she grabbed a vacant chair nearby.  “I’ll make you pay for this.”
But as Princess Cadance swung the chair forward, Inferno grabbed it with his two hands and pulled it away from the alicorn princess.
“You resort to such childish attacks?”  Inferno said, looking at the chair.  “Pitiful.”
Inferno took the chair and swung it around with the intent of hitting Princess Cadance, who along with Helga Hearthsoup quickly dodged out of the way from the furniture.  But Inferno laughed before letting go of the chair, causing it to smash into splinters nearby, scaring the customers.  Starlight looked to her left and saw Quickstrike and Waspinator approach her
“I CAN’T TAKE THIS ANYMORE!” Starlight yelled.
And with that, Starlight jumped out of the hole and made a run for it, down town.  Quickstrike and Waspinator flew out of the hole and chased after Starlight Glimmer in hot pursuit, while Inferno laughed out loudly.
“Here’s your ultimatum,” Inferno said.   “Surrender Princess Wanda or never see that filly again.”
Inferno suddenly felt something claw at his leg.  He looked down and saw Abigail bite into it.
“Buzz off,” Inferno said before kicking the kitty out of the way, sending her near an emotionless Wanda.
“Oww,” Abigail said as she picked herself up.
And with that, Inferno flew out of the hole and joined his brothers in pursuit of Starlight Glimmer, leaving everyone in fear.
“Starlight’s in trouble,” Shining Armor said.  “And we can’t fight back without our magic.”
“Magic or not,” Princess Cadance said.  “We have to go after those Predacons and save Starlight Glimmer.”
Princess Cadance and Shining Armor nodded as they jumped out of the hole and ran off after Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator.  But nearby, Wanda Young walked up to what’s left of the table and the food and got down on her knees.
“We worked so hard on this,” Wanda cried.  “And now…it’s all…gone.”
Wanda placed her face onto her palms and cried into it.  Sunburst, Trixie, Abigail and Helga walked up to the man’s cub, to which Helga place her arm around the human child.
“I’m sorry about what happened,” Helga said.  “We worked so hard for Starlight and Sunburst, and those monsters had the nerve to ruin it all.”
“Yeah,” Trixie said.  “The Great and Powerful Trixie won’t let this injustice stand.  We will try again and make a better table for Starlight and Sunburst.”
“You did this all for us?” Sunburst asked.
“Yes,” Trixie said.  “Because you and Starlight cared for each other, and we wanted to do this for you both.”
But before Sunburst could speak, Wanda’s crying soon turned into an angry screech as she looked up with fire in her eyes.  Sunburst, Trixie, Abigail and Helga backed off as Wanda turned towards the hole.
“Wanda,” Abigail cried.
“Those three ruined the dinner for Starlight and Sunburst, and now they want to endanger Starlight,” Wanda said.  “THEY’RE GOING TO PAY!”
Wanda’s wings formed on her back as she flew through the hole and in pursuit of Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspiantor, leaving Trixie, Helga, Sunburst and Abigail behind.
“Come back,” Helga said.  “You’re putting yourself in danger, Princess.”

Down the street, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were walking alongside Airazor, enjoying the calmness of the city and the ponies around.
“I’m glad you’re considering getting the Wonderbolts back together,” Princess Celestia said.
“We came here to find anyone who’s willing to try out,” Airazor said.  “But we have our hooves full with those three Predacons.”
“Speaking of which,” Princess Luna said.  “I heard Spitfire is with Twilight Sparkle and the rest of her La Maresa friends.”
“Not all of them,” Airazor said.  “One of them believes the Predacons are still nearby, and is actively searching for them.”
“That’s pretty dangerous,” Princess Celestia said.  “But considering how she was able to take one of them down, I’d say holding her back would be a mistake.”
“At least we don’t have to worry about those three,” Princess Luna said.
Suddenly, they heard the sound of a filly screaming in terror.  Celestia, Luna and Airazor turned to see Starlight Glimmer run past them in a hurry.
“Was that Starlight Glimmer?” Luna asked.
“That was,” Princess Celestia said.  “But why was she running that fast?”
In a flash, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator flew past the trio and in pursuit of Starlight Glimmer.  All three looked at the Predacons and they all freaked out.
“Oh no,” Airazor said.  “Those three again.  And they’re in pursuit of Starlight Glimmer.”
“Quick,” Princess Celestia said.  “We must stop them and…”
But before she could finish speaking, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor ran past the trio, still in pursuit of the three Predacons.
“That’s Princess Cadance and Shining Armor,” Airazor said.  “Guess they’re trying to stop the trio.”
“Still,” Luna said.  “I think we should aid them so that they don’t take Starlight Glimmer away.”
But as Princess Celestia was about to say something, she saw something in the opposite distance.  It was Wanda Young, who was flying at top speeds down the street.  The expression on her face seemed to be of anger.
“Wanda?” Princess Celestia said.
But Wanda was undeterred.  She flew past Celestia, Luna and Airazor and down the alley, inching closer to Cadance and Shining Armor.
“What just happened?” Princess Luna said.
“I don’t know,” Princess Celestia said.  “But I think I better get to the bottom of this before Wanda gets hurt.”
Princess Celestia kicked her legs into the air and galloped off in pursuit of Wanda, leaving Princess Luna and Captain Airazor behind.
“Please don’t do anything reckless,” Princess Luna said.  “You and my niece.”
“Still worried for her safety?” Airazor asked.
“After what Queen Chrysalis almost did,” Luna said.  “Yes.”

Down the street, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor ran as fast as they could after the Predacons, who were chasing down Starlight Glimmer.
“HALT!” Princess Cadance yelled.  “YOU LEAVE THAT FILLY ALONE!”
Waspinator turned around to see Princess Cadance and Shining Armor run after them in hot pursuit.  He pulled out his blaster and pointed it at the duo when Inferno quickly grabbed the barrel.
“No brother,” Inferno said, pointing to a nearby steel water tower.  “Shoot over there.”
Waspinator aimed at the water tower and fired right at its leg with the missile.  It connected and exploded, sending the tower falling down between the Predacons and the pursuing ponies.
“LOOK OUT!” Shining Armor said as he and Princess Cadance came to a stop.
The water tower collapsed onto the ground, breaking open and spilling water all around as Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator continued their pursuit of Starlight Glimmer.
“Those good for nothing preds,” Princess Cadance said, stomping her hoof on the ground.
“If only we had our magic,” Shining Armor said.  “Then we could blast through and resume our pursuit.  Now what do we do.”
Princess Cadance noticed a red aura above her.  She looked up and saw Wanda fly over the collapsed water tower.  But when Cadance saw Wanda’s face, her eyes shrunk down in horror.
“That’s Wanda,” Princess Cadance said.  “I think what those three did just angered her.”
“Oh no,” Shining Armor said.  “No one told us that this would happen.”
“What would happen?” Princess Cadance and Shining Armor turned around to see Princess Celestia walk up to them.
Princess Cadance let out a sigh and said “We were treating Starlight and Sunburst to a magical dinner for each other with Wanda’s help.  Suddenly, the Predacons attacked us, disabled our magic and ruined their dinner before going after Starlight Glimmer.”
“We didn’t expect Wanda to flip out and pursue the Predacons,” Shining Armor said.
“Nether do I,” Princess Celestia said.  “I’ll clear a path.  Let’s hope we can get to them before it’s too late.”
Princess Cadance and Shining Armor stepped back before Princess Celestia blasted the collapsed water tower, breaking the container in half and creating a path.  Immediately, Princess Celestia, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor ran through and down the street.
But down the street, Pinkie Pie, still carrying her party cannon, saw Starlight Glimmer run down with Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator in pursuit.  
“I knew it,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Those Predacon changelings are after Starlight Glimmer.”
But before Pinkie Pie could move, Wanda Young flew past her in a fit of rage, still pursuing the Predacons.  Pinkie Pie looked down and saw Wanda fly off in the distance.
“That’s not good,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Something snapped within Wanda and she could put herself in danger.  I’ve got to do something fast.”
Pinkie Pie turned to her right and ran off down the street, pulling the party cannon right behind her

Further down, Starlight Glimmer ran as fast as she could, trying to get away from the Predacons.
“GET LOST!”  Starlight cried.  “I want nothing to do with you three meanies.”
“Oh,” Inferno said. “But you have a lot to do.  You’re our ransom ticket for Wanda Young.”
“Once we trade you for the Princess,” Quickstrike said. “The Queen will give us a nice reward.”
“Waspinator like reward,” Waspinator said.  “So Waspinator will aid brothers in capturing mary sue bug.”
Starlight screamed as she ran as fast as possible, trying to stay one step ahead of the Predacons. 
“LEAVE ME ALONE!”  Starlight screamed.
Suddenly, Starlight tripped on a rock and fell down before rolling forward and hitting a wall.  She fell onto the street and looked up, watching helpless as the Predacons approached her.
“Oh no,” Starlight said as she got up and backed herself into the wall.
“There’s no escape, missy,” Inferno said as he, Quickstrike and Waspinator landed on the pavement and marched towards Starlight.  “You are our ticket to capturing Princess Wanda and bringing her to the Queen.”
“NO!” Starlight cried.  “I don’t want to be your hostage.”
“You have no other choice, missy,” Quickstrike said.  “So you best come quietly like the good little filly you are.”
Starlight held her hooves and closed her eyes, crying in the process as the Predacon trio approached her.
“YOU STAY AWAY FROM HER THIS INSTANT!”  Those words caused Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator to come to a stop, completely confused.
“That sounded like Princess Wanda,” Waspinator said.
“You’re right,” Quickstrike said.  “But does that mean she’s gonna surrender herself?”
Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator turned around to see Wanda Young stand here, glaring at the three Predacons.
“So,” Inferno said, stepping in front of his brothers.  “You wish to turn yourself in for the sake of this filly.”
“That filly is my friend,” Wanda said.  “You ruined her dinner with Sunburst, you scared her half-to-death, you disabled my sister and her boyfriend’s magic, and you KICKED…MY…ABBY!”
Quickstrike just laughed as he approached Wanda and said “Awww.   What’s a little Man’s Cub like you gonna do to us?  You’re nothing compared to us three.”
Wanda turned to her left and saw a trash can with a lid on it.  She grabbed the lid and smacked Quickstrike in the face.  The resulting impact caused his face to shake violently before he fell to the ground.
“Oww!” Quickstrike said.  “Who sent that bull in my face?  I wasn’t ready.”
Inferno and Waspinator looked up at Wanda, who held the trash can lid firmly in her hands.
“You have a powerful bite,” Inferno said.  “I’m impressed.”
“Not Waspinator,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator thinks we should take her together.”
“Right you are,” Inferno said.  
Inferno and Waspinator walked towards Wanda, who stood firm against the duo.  She looked towards and wall before looking back at the two Predacons.
“This is for what you did today,” Wanda said.
Immediately, Wanda flung the trash can lid at high speeds towards the wall.  It ricocheted off before flying towards Inferno and Waspinator, hitting them both in the head and knocking them to the ground.
“Oww,” Inferno groaned.  “She’s really getting on my nerves.”
“She just gave Waspinator a headache in his whole body,” Waspinator said in an angry tone.
Inferno and Waspinator picked themselves up and shook their own heads.  They picked up Quickstrike, who shook his own head out of his confusion.
“That kid’s asking for it,” Quickstrike said.
“Then join us in punishing her for the Queen,” Inferno said.
Quickstrike turned towards Wanda before he, Inferno and Waspinator marched towards the Man’s Cub, who only stood firm against the trio.
“You made the big mistake in giving up your means of defense,” Inferno said.  “Now nothing can save you now.”
As Wanda looked up at the trio with the anger in her face not departing, a familiar party cannon rolled in before coming to a stop in front of Wanda.  The three Predacons looked down at the cannon and began to freak out.
“Oh no,” Quickstrike said.  “I know who that belongs to.”
Wanda looked down at the party cannon before looking up to Starlight Glimmer.
“Starlight,” Wanda yelled.  “Move out of the way.”
Starlight quickly ran up behind a nearby trash can as Wanda pointed the cannon at Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator with a smirk on her face.
“Please don’t hurt Waspinator or his brothers,” Waspinator said as he got on his knees and begged.  “Have mercy.”
“After what you three did,” Wanda said.  “Never.”
Wanda slammed her fist onto the button of the party cannon.  The barrel fires off a powerful cannon ball, colliding with the trio and sending them flying into a wall, causing them to crash through.  
“That,” Wanda said.  “Was for all the trouble you caused my friends.”
Starlight quickly ran out and jumped onto Wanda, giving her a big hug before crying into her.
“Wanda,” Starlight said.  “Thank goodness.  I thought I was done for.”
Wanda held onto Starlight and said “It’s okay.  I’m not letting those mean Predacons take you away.”
“But where did you get the cannon?” Starlight asked.
“I can explain that.” Wanda and Starlight turned to their right to see Pinkie Pie bounce up to them.
“Pinkie Pie,” Wanda said.  “You did this?”
“Of course,” Pinkie Pie said.  “I was pursuing after the Predacons in case they were going to pull this kind of stunt.  Luckily I noticed you were after them and I decided to lend you a hoof.”
“Well thank goodness,” Wanda said.  “After what happened, at least the Predacons won’t be bothering us again.”
“Which is a lot to say considering how reckless you were, young lady.”  Wanda, Starlight and Pinkie PIe turned around to see Princess Celestia, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor approach the three younglings.  Wanda’s smile turned into a frown as she stepped aside as Celestia approached her.
“I’m sorry, mommy,” Wanda said.  “But I couldn’t bear to see those three harm Starlight Glimmer, or even big sis.”
“I know you meant well, Wanda,” Celestia said.  “But you could have gotten yourself captured, hurt, or even killed.  I’m disappointed in you.”
“But what if Starlight was captured?”  Wanda cried.  “What if the predacons hurts Princess Cadance and Shining Armor?  What if…”
Before Wanda could finish her sentence, Princess Celestia placed her hoof on Wanda’s lips, hushing her.
“Wanda,” Celestia said.  “There is a time to be brave, and a time to be cautious.  It was reckless for you to go after those three, especially after one of them disguised him as a roc just to scare everyone.”
“But mommy,” Wanda said.
“No butts,” Celestia said.  “We’ll discuss this at the castle and..”
Suddenly, Princess Celestia was shot on the side, sending her flying to the ground and causing her to scream in pain.  Wanda, Pinkie, Starlight, Cadence and Shining Armor all gasped in horror.
“MOMMY!” Wanda yelled.
“MOTHER!” Cadence screamed.
“NOOOOO!” Starlight screamed.
Princess Celestia attempted to get up, only to be hit by another shot, causing her to yell in pain.  She looked to her side to see the Predacon trio approach her, with Waspinator holding his blaster pointed right at her.
“You were foolish to scold your own daughter while not noticing us,” Inferno said.  “And now it has come to bite you when you least expect it.”
“Waspinator shot you well,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator expects you to suffer with no way of fighting back.”
Princess Celestia attempted to cast magic from her horn, only for nothing to come out of it.
“My….my magic,” Princess Celestia said.  “I can’t use it.”
“Don’t bother,” Quickstrike said.  “Not only can you not use your magic, but even your Wolf’s Breath curse has been locked.  You’re as helpless as a fish in a barrel.”
“No,” Celestia cried.  “It can’t end like this.”
Princess Cadance watched as the Predacons approached the injured Princess Celestia.
“First my sister is in trouble and now mother is in trouble,” Princess Cadance said.  “I’ve got to do something.”
But in a flash, Quickstrike pointed his snake arm at Cadance and Shining Armor and said “Stay put, unless you wanna suffer like your dear princess.”
Princess Cadance and Shining Armor looked at Quickstrike before turning towards each other.
“I don’t like where this is going,” Shining Armor said.
“I know,” Princess Cadance said.  “Mother is down and we can’t use our magic.  I’ve never felt so helpless in my life.”
Inferno stood over Princess Celestia and said “It’s a shame that you got yourself hurt and captured by our hands.  I’m disappointed in you.  There was a time to be brave and a time to be cautious.  But like your fool of a daughter, you chose to be reckless to try to save her.  You and that idiot of a chancellor taught her the wrong lessons.  And what a pity.  You won’t discuss this at the castle with her, because you’ll be dead, and your daughter will belong to Queen Chrysalis.”
Inferno pointed his blaster at Princess Celestia and began to cry.
“Luna,” Celestia cried.  “I’m…sorry.”
Wanda looked at Inferno and her face began to boil red.  Starlight and Pinkie Pie looked at Wanda and began to back off.
“I don’t like where this is going,” Pinkie Pie said.
“Yeah,” Starlight said, shivering with fear.  “Something within Wanda is about to go off, and I’m afraid of how this will end.”


	To Be Continued in…


	A Friendship that Stands By Each Other

> Arc 14-3: A Friendship that Stand By Each Other
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


	A Friendship that Stands By Each Other



Quickstrike kept his snake arm pointed at Princess Cadance and Shining Armor, keeping them at bay.  Inferno and Waspinator stood above Princess Celestia with their blasters pointed at the helpless alicorn.  But Pinkie Pie and Starlight Glimmer’s eyes were set on Wanda, who stared at the three Predacons with anger in her eyes.
“Wanda,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Now’s not the time to do this.”
But Pinkie Pie’s words were not reaching out to Wanda, nor were they attracting Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator.  Princess Celestia stared helplessly at Inferno and Waspinator.
“So Princess,” Inferno said.  “Any last words before your time on this planet is over?”
Tears flowed down from Princess Celestia’s eyes before she said “Do what you want with me.  But leave my daughters alone.  Leave her friends alone.  Leave my sister alone.”
“Oh I’m terribly sorry,” Inferno said.  “But had you been a good mother and simply turned Princess Wanda over to our queen, your life could have been spared.”
“Say good night, Princess Celestia,” Waspinator said with a sinister laugh.
“PREDACONS!”  Wanda yelled, finally catching the attention of all three changelings.
“What in the blazes?” Inferno said in confusion.
Wanda Young held two spheres of magic in her hands as her anger reached a critical level.  Before any of the Predacons could move, Wanda fired the blasts right at Inferno and Waspinator.  The impact from the magic was powerful enough to blast Inferno and Waspinator out of the way, flying right into Quickstrike and sending them falling to the ground.
“Wanda,” Celestia cried as Wanda, who breathed really heavy, marched over to the Predacons.
“What is going on?” Princess Cadance said.  
“I’ve never seen her this angry before,” Shining Armor said.
“Neither do I,” Princess Cadance said.
“What’s happening to Wanda?” Starlight Glimmer asked.
“I think this is where her pent-up anger just exploded like a volcano,” Pinkie Pie said.  “And I have a feeling it had to do with some kind of trauma she got.”
Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator looked upwards to see a slightly weakened Wanda stand over the trio.  The three Predacons all cowered in fear as Wanda looked down at them.
“Now you listen to me and listen to me good,” Wanda said as her voice reverberated in the air.  “I don’t want to see you harm my friends, my family, and especially my MOMMY!  DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME?”
Inferno looked up in fear and said “Y..yes Princess Wanda.  We best be on our way now.”
“Yeah,” Quickstrike said with fear coming out of his voice.  “No use messing with a coyote like you.”
“Waspinator agree,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator shall exit, stage right.”
With that, the Predacons transformed back into their changeling forms and flew off in the distance.  Princess Cadance looked up and cracked a smile on her face.
“Good riddance to bad rubbish,” Princess Cadance said.  “And this time, it’s for good.”
“No argument there,” Shining Armor said.
“Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, what happened?” Princess Cadance and Shining Armor turned around to see Princess Luna and Captain Airazor approach them.
“It’s worse than we thought, Aunt Luna,” Princess Cadance said.  “The Predacons struck down Princess Celestia and took her magic away.”
Princess Luna gasped in fear before she ran up to Princess Celestia, who struggled to get up.
“Sister,” Luna cried.  “What happened?”
“All I can say is,” Celestia said as she finally got up on her four hooves.  “This is the last time I scold Wanda without looking for any danger around us.”
“This isn’t the time to be joking sister,” Luna cried.  “You almost died again and…”
Celestia turned towards Wanda, who breathed heavily from her exhaustion.  The Man’s Cub got down on her knees and broke down crying.  
“Princess Celestia,” Starlight said as a tear fell from her eye.  “What happened to Wanda?”
“I now know why she pulled that stunt..twice,” Celestia said.  “And it had to do with my near death during the Gala and nearly losing her friends.”
“Poor Wanda,” Pinkie Pie said.  “To be traumatized after Queen Chrysalis nearly killed you.”
“I think it’s time I gave her a more comforting talk,” Princess Celestia said.
Princess Celestia limped over to Wanda, who continued to cry into the air.  She placed her hoof on Wanda’s shoulder, causing her crying to slow down before stopping.  She looked up at Celestia, who looked sad and depressed.
“Mommy,” Wanda said.  “I’m sorry I…”
Celestia put her hoof on Wanda’s mouth and said “It’s alright.  I know why you did that, even if it was reckless.  But then again, your mother was as reckless as you are.”
“Huh?” Wanda said in confusion.  “What do you mean?”
“Wanda,” Celestia said.  “This is the second time that I was almost killed by the changelings.  I did say that there was a time to be brave and a time to be cautious.  Turns out, that was a lesson I should have taken to heart.  I was far more reckless in my actions and I put you, and myself, in danger.  You don’t need to apologize to me.  It’s me who needs to apologize to you.  I’m sorry.”
Wanda looked up at Celestia and her tears began to flow again.  She struggled to hold back before she cried right into Celestia’s chest.  All Celestia could do was to rub her adopted daughter on the head.
“I think we all had a long day,” Princess Luna said.  “We should head back to the castle.”
“Wait,” Princess Cadance said.  “There’s still that dinner that Wanda and Helga made for Starlight and Sunburst.”
“Yeah,” Shining Armor said.  “Until those Predacons ruined it.”
“Then might I suggest we return to the very restaurant that you were at?” Airazor asked.
Luna nodded and said “Good idea.”
Wanda pulled her head out from Celestia’s chest as she got up and wiped her tears from her face.  Starlight Glimmer walked up to Wanda and gave her a big hug with Pinkie PIe right behind her.
“Come on,” Celestia said.  “Let’s finish what you started, my darling Wanda.”
Princess Celestia limped alongside Princess Luna, Captain Airazor, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor down the street with Wanda Young, Starlight Glimmer and Pinkie PIe following from behind.
“Wanda,” Starlight said.  “I’ve known you since we met at the School for Gifted Unicorns.  But I’ve never seen you that angry before.”
Wanda looked down at Starlight and said “I’m sorry that I scared you.  But I didn’t want those meanies to hurt you, or mommy.”
Starlight placed her hoof on Wanda’s cheek before she said “Even though you were scary back there, I do appreciate what you did for me, and for your mommy.  Even though we’re different, we still have a strong heart, and I’m glad to have you for a friend.”
“Aww,” Wanda said.  “Thanks Starlight.”
“Well what can we say?” Pinkie Pie said, bouncing along with her party cannon following behind her.  “After all, Friendship is Magic.”
Starlight looked behind Pinkie Pie and said “Hey Pinkie.  How come your party cannon is moving right behind you without you pulling at it?”
Pinkie Pie smiled before she said “Oh sometimes I use a rope to pull the cannon.  And sometimes, it’s got a mind of its own.  And right now, it wants to walk alongside me.”
Wanda and Starlight laughed alongside Pinkie as they, along with Celestia, Luna, Cadence, Shining and Airazor walked down the streets of Canterlot City.

Later in the evening, the group arrived back at the cafe, where Helga Heartsoup, Trixie Lulamoon, Abigail Albright and Sunburst waited for them.  Helga was surprised by the presence of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.
“Princess Celestia, Princess Luna,” Helga said. “I’m honored by your presence.  But why are you here?”
“I heard that you and Wanda prepared a special dinner for Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst,” Princess Celestia said.
Helga quickly noticed the blast mark on Celestia’s side before she said “Sweet bread rolls.  What happened to you, your majesty?”
Princess Celestia looked at her side and said “A reminder to why my daughter’s been suffering lately.”
“Wow,” Sunburst said. “Those Predacons did a number on you.”
“And they locked my magic and Wolf’s Breath curse out,” Celestia said.
“The same thing happened to Danged Spell when he had to defend himself against the Changelings,” Pinkie Pie said.  “From what I heard, he had to resort to fighting dirty to hold off one of them.”
“He did that, huh?” Princess Celestia said.  “Maybe I should consider that the next time I lose my magic and curse.”
“Mommy,” Wanda said.  “Now’s not the time to be joking.  You almost died again.”
“Your daughter’s right,” Luna said with a smirk.  “I think we all need to relax and just enjoy the moment.”
“You’re right, you’re right,” Princess Celestia said.  “Come on.  Let’s get some grub.”
Helga held her arm out and said “I’ve prepared a special booth for all of you as a token of gratitude and due to what happened to the last one.”
“Last one?” Celestia asked.
Wanda looked at Starlight and Sunburst before she said “Truth be told.  I helped Helga with the last one because….well….I see a spark within Starlight and Sunburst.”
“A what?” Starlight and Sunburst said.
“I think you two were meant to be with each other,” Wanda said.  “That’s why I pitched in.  That’s why big sis, Trixie, Shining Armor and Abby helped me out.”
“Look on the bright side, Wanda,” Trixie said.  “We made sure this one is great and spectacular.”
“What do you mean by that?” Wanda asked.
“Go look inside,” Sunburst said.  “I think you’ll be surprised.”
Immediately, Wanda ran past Princess Celestia and Helga Hearthsoup and into the cafe.  When she looked at the back of the cafe, her face beamed with excitement.  One large table had been set up with a similar tablecloth and napkins.  Candles were lit for the mood.  And there were steaming hot plates of Manehattan spaghetti and seasoned oatballs, with frothy mugs of root beer floats.  
“I…I don’t believe this,” Wanda said.  “You did all this while I was gone?”
“You wanted to do all of this for me and Starlight,” Sunburst said. “And truth be told, I didn’t expect you to do this because you saw a spark between me and Starlight.  But I appreciate it.”
Starlight walked up behind Wanda and said “Wanda, you’ve proven to us that you’ve been a great friend.  And because of that, I’m grateful.”
“Come on Wanda,” Trixie said.  “Let’s go inside and enjoy the moment.  So says I, the Great and Powerful Trixie.”
Wanda giggled as Trixie, Starlight and Sunburst lead her to the table, where they all got up in their chairs and sat down.  Pinkie Pie and Abigail Albright ran up behind before sitting next to the group. 
“I was wondering if you would join us,” Starlight said.
“Yeah,” Wanda said.  “After all the help you did for us, you deserve a seat at the table.”
“Awww,” Pinkie PIe said.  “Thanks you guys.  You’re some of the best friends I’ve ever had.”
With that, Wanda, Abigail, Starlight, Sunburst, Trixie and Pinkie all picked up their mugs of root beer and clanged them together in celebration, cheering in the night sky.  But at the entrance, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor watched as the younglings all enjoyed their spaghetti.  
“What do you say, hot stuff,” Princess Cadance said as she wrapped her tail around Shining Armor’s chin.  “Wanna go get a bite to eat?”
But the only thing Shining Armor said was “Hubba hubba hubba hubba.”  Cadance looked up to him and smiled.
“Come on, big boy,” Princess Cadance said. “Lets join in like the good ol days.”
With that, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor walked up to the table where the younglings were enjoying their spaghetti.  But nearby, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Captain Airazor and Helga Hearthsoup observed from afar.
“You have such wonderful daughters when it comes to Wanda and Cadance,” Helga Hearthsoup said. 
“Thanks,” Princess Celestia said.  “But I do worry for Wanda.  Twice today, she lost her anger.  One was over Starlight Glimmer . And the other was because of me.”
“I believe Wanda may be suffering from Autophobia,” Princess Luna said.  “A fear of being alone.  Remember that nightmare she had?”
“About the Pony of Shadows taunting her about how she will forever be alone?” Princess Celestia said.
“Yeah,” Princess Luna said.  “Those nightmares are getting worse and worse by the days, and I fear that Wanda’s psyche could break unless we remind her that she’ll never be alone.”
Princess Celestia let out a sigh and said “After what happened, I felt like I’ve only worsened her fear.  I know I’ve looked after many orphans.  But I feel like a failure as a mother.  Maybe a trip to the Golden Land will help her out.”
“Sister,” Princess Luna said.  “It’s okay.  We can help her out.  Right now, she’s enjoying her time with her friends and I think it’s what she needs after all she’s been through.”
“She’s right,” Captain Airazor said. “You do have a wonderful daughter.  And she needs all the help she can get, be it from you, your sister, her sisters, her friends and even the Chancellor.  It’s time to put away your worries and enjoy some time with her.  A little kindness will go a long way.”
Celestia chuckled a bit before she said “I think you’re right.  Besides, I’m starting to remind myself of Wanda.  Very well.  It’s chow time.”
With that, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Captain Airazor approached the table.  But suddenly, Princess Luna  turned to Helga Hearthsoup.
“By the way,” Princess Luna said.  “How did you know that there would be more to come by?”
Helga laughed before she said “An ancient Hearthsoup technique.  It involves how hungry the pony is and how many around them know what food to eat.”
“Very clever,” Princess Luna said with a grin on her face.  “By the way, my sister and I will be sending you some construction workers tomorrow to fix up the hole in the wall that was caused by those Predacons.  It’s on us.”
As Princess Luna walked up to the table, Helga Hearthsoup stood there and said “It’s moments like this that make me appreciate my job.  Full bellies and satisfied customers are what makes life worth living.”
At the table, everyone was enjoying their spaghetti and root beer.  Especially Wanda, Starlight and Sunburst.
“Wow,” Wanda said.  “This is great.  I knew the aroma was irresistible.  But I never thought I would enjoy something like this.”
“Yeah,” Starlight said.  “It’s too bad those Predacons ruined our first plate.”
“But at least,” Sunburst said.  “We got a chance to enjoy some good food.  Thanks Wanda, and tell Trixie, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor that we really enjoy it.”
“Anytime,” Wanda said.  “Anytime.”
As Wanda enjoyed her meal with Abigail by her side, Starlight and Sunburst turned towards each other, having each taken a bite from their oatballs.
“What a day,” Sunburst said.  “Can’t believe we went through all that trouble thanks to those Predacons.”
“But at least we have each other,” Starlight said.  “But, I wonder why Wanda thinks we have a spark between us.”
“But we do,” Sunburst said.  “As friends.  Just like with Trixie, Wanda, and all our friends at the School for Gifted Unicorns.”
“Sunburst,” Starlight said.  “Do you think we’ll be more than friends?”
“I dunno,” Sunburst said.  “I’ve known you for a long time since we were foals.  And honestly, I’m not that kind of pony to be a romantic casanova.”
Starlight giggled before she said “Sunburst.  Thanks for being my friend.”
“Anytime, Starlight,” Sunburst said.  “I’ll always be there to the very end.”
As Sunburst enjoyed the spaghetti on his plate, Starlight turned her head towards Wanda, Abigail and Trixie, who were busy eating their food.
“It’s great to have friends like Sunburst, Trixie and Wanda,” Starlight thought to herself.  “Always there to be by your side, no matter what.  Sunburst is reliable since we’ve known each other, and I really like hanging out with Trixie.  She’s definitely one pony who knows how to put on a show.  Great and Powerful indeed.  I would like to meet her father Jackpot.”
But Starlight focused her attention towards Wanda, who rubbed the back of Abigail’s neck, causing the kitty to purr gently.
“That being said,” Starlight said.  “I don’t know why.  But I feel like there is something magical about Wanda.  Sure she wants what’s best for me and Sunburst.  And yet, the more I look at her, the more I care alot about Princess Celestia’s adopted daughter.  Maybe it’s because of Wanda being a prime example of Princess Celestia’s teachings, along with her sister Sunset Shimmer.  But at the same time, I think there is more to her than meets the eye.”

Back outside in a nearby alley, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator wandered down the place, having transformed back into their changeling forms.  The trio looked completely worn out and beaten up.
“Oh Queen Chrysalis,” Inferno said in a solemn voice.  “I have failed you, and now I must face the music that you will rain on us.”
“I am not looking forward to being yelled at by Queen Chrysalis,” Quickstrike said.  “Attempting to kidnap that mutt of a pony, Twilight Sparkle and Princess Wanda, along with our failed assassination of Princess Celestia.  After so many failures today, my mood has sunk to a new level.”
“Waspinator don’t know,” Waspinator said.  “After being yelled at by Princess Wanda, being yelled at by Queen Chrysalis is gonna be so relaxing.”
Inferno and Quickstrike stared at Waspinator like he’s gone mad.
“Waspinator,” Inferno said.  “I think you need to see a doctor about that.”
“Yeah,” Quickstrike said.  “Especially if Chrysalis’ shouting will mean nothing to you.”
“What’s the point?” Waspinator said.  “It can’t get any worse than this.”
Suddenly, the trio caught the attention of a dog growling.  Wasapinator began to shake nervously as Inferno and Quickstrike looked behind him.
“Don’t tell me that blasted mutt is behind us,” Inferno said.
“Waspinator thinks she is,” Waspinator said.
The Predacons turned around to see the Alicorn Bulldog standing right behind them, growling loudly as saliva dripped from its mouth.
“Brothers,” Inferno said.  “We must fly as fast as we can and make it to the hive.  At least our Queen’s harsh words will be soothing.”
“I’m with you on that, brother,” Quickstrike said, flapping his wings as fast as possible.
With that, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator flew far away from Canterlot with the Alicorn Bulldog flying in pursuit, chomping right at it while barking loudly in the evening sky.
But nearby, Coldnelius Snap looked up at the fleeing Predacons before turning his attention down towards the Ponies of Canterlot.
“A shame that the Predacon Brothers failed in their attempt to capture Princess Wanda or even Twilight Sparkle,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “But no matter.  It is time to prepare for Operation: Eternal Winter.  We have gathered enough negative energy from the ponies of Equestria, and soon, the cold will last…forever.”
Coldnelius Snap laughed loudly before he turned tail and leaped across buildings, all the way towards the border wall of the city and out of the boundaries towards the forest.



	To Be Continued in…


	Arc 15: The Golden Land


	Silver Banks’ Rescue

> Arc 15(The Golden Land)-1: Silver Banks' Rescue
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Arc 15: The Golden Land


Silver Banks’ Rescue



“You mean to tell me that you failed many times to capture Twilight Sparkle, and you got humiliated by Princess Wanda Young when you came close to assassinating Princess Celestia?”
Those words came from an agitated Queen Chrysalis, who sat in her throne, glaring down at Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator.  Next to her was Princess Chrysalis II, also casting a glare down the Predacon trio.  The three bowed before the Queen and Princess in shame.
“My apologies, my Queen,” Inferno said.  “But we were unprepared for the friends of Twilight Sparkle.  One of them had a stare that could pierce through the heaviest of rock.”
“And then there was one who rocked us three times with her party cannon,” Quickstrike said.
“And one mean colt kicked me where it really hurts,” Waspinator whined.
“I do not WANT TO HEAR YOUR EXCUSES,” Queen Chrysalis said with a powerful yell that shook the interior of the hive.  “YOU FAILED IN YOUR ATTEMPT TO BRING ME TWILIGHT SPARKLE, AND ALL YOU BRING ME ARE EXCUSES!”
But when the shaking stopped from Chrysalis’ yelling, Princess Chrysalis II looked down, and saw something odd.
“This is strange,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “The Predacons are not quivering in fear like they normally would.”
Queen Chrysalis looked down to see Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator continue to bow their heads in shame.  
“Seriously?” Queen Chrysalis said in an awkward tone.  “You’re not….fearing for your lives?”
“No offense, my queen,” Inferno said. “ But I’m afraid your royal voice has been…how I should say this…refreshing compared to the screech of Princess Wanda Young.”
“Refreshing?” Queen Chrysalis said, confused and slightly offended.  “Since when was my voice meant to be….refreshing?  I’m the queen of the changelings.  I was meant to inspire fear into my subjects.”
“I’m afraid your minions are right.  Your voice pales in comparison to Princess Wanda Young.” Queen Chrysalis and Princess Chrysalis II looked to their right to see Coldnelius Snap emerge from the shadows and approach the duo.
Queen Chrysalis sighed and said “Go ahead and amuse me with your story, Bad Mr Frosty.”
Coldnelius Snap laughed and said “I didn’t just see it with my eyes, I heard it with my ears.  When your Predacons stood over Princess Celestia and were on the verge of killing her, something within that Man’s Cub snapped.  She blasted down the trio as if they were mere minions before yelling right at the trio, demanding that she never wants to see them again.  Her voice was loud enough to shake an entire planet.”
“Louder than even the likes of my voice?” Chrysalis said.
“Yes,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “Louder than yours.”
Queen Chrysalis slammed her hoof on the armrest of her throne and said “Then why didn’t you aid them when Princess Wanda threatened them?”
“It was on them,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “They made the decision to anger Princess Wanda with their decision to assassinate Princess Celestia.  Besides, I know you don’t truly trust me.  You would assume that I would take the Man’s Cub for myself and use her power to create an eternal winter.”
“You have a fair point,” Chrysalis said.
“Mother, please let me at Twilight Sparkle and Princess Wanda,” Princess Chrysalis II asked.  “I’ll show them what royalty can do.”
But before Queen Chrysalis could speak, Coldnelius Snap said “That would be unwise, young lady.  For you see, those Predacons somehow were able to draw off some of Princess Wanda’s rage towards my Windigo power.”
“And what does that mean,” Princess Chrysalis II said.
“The Windigos feed off of anger, hate and spite,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “For some reason, due to her feelings towards her friends and family, Princess Wanda Young’s anger towards your Predacons fed into my Windigo Magic.  Surprisingly, while I didn’t help them, they helped me with my own agenda.”
“I’m rather surprised,” Inferno said.  “To the fact that the very fear we felt from the Man’s Cub became your power source.  You have a lot to explain about.”
“In due time,” Coldnelius Snap said.    “But now, all I need is the spark of hate and anger.  And I know just the pony to take care of that.”
Coldnelius Snap held out his hoof and a crystal ball materialized right out of the cold air around him.  He held the ball into the air as the image of Gold Banks materialized right in the image.
“Who in my mother’s name is that?” Queen Chrysalis asked.
“Gold Banks,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “The wife of Silver Banks, and the one who calls the shots when it comes to propaganda across Equestria.  She’s been using your image as a means of fear mongering ponies into fleeing the capitol.  But lately, she’s been having a major fallout involving what’s left of an orphanage in Canterlot, and her issues with her henpecked husband.”
Queen Chrysalis looked curious as she got up from her throne and said “Ooooh.  Tell me more.”
“I see with my eyes that her mentor Magistrate Creme Dream has had a fallout with Gold Banks over the orphanage land not because the deed to the land was a forgery,” Coldnelius Snap said, “but to the fact that she wants Princess Celestia to be rendered helpless, and what Gold Banks did somehow caused many ponies to cheer for her.”
“So that means,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “She’s going to take her anger out on her husband before her mentor thought what she did was a bridge too far.”
“Waspinator like this,” Waspinator said.  “Now Waspinator knows there is someone suffering worse than Waspinator.”
“Correct you both are,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “I will journey to Manehattan to acquire the spark of hate from Gold Banks at that right moment, and then the snow storm of the millennium will cover Equestria in pure cold.  It will halt all traffic, cause ponies to retreat into their homes, and it will make them easy targets.”
Queen Chrysalis laughed before she said “I like how this plan is turning out.  Carry it out, and make sure Equestria enjoys a dish best served…cold.”
“It will be my pleasure, my queen,” Coldnelius Snap said before bowing to Queen Chrysalis and departing the room with the crystal ball in his hoof.
Queen Chrysalis walked back to her throne and laid back on the cushion and armrest, looking up at the ceiling.  Princess Chrysalis II turned to the Predacons, who were focused on the departing Coldnelius Snap.
“Mother,” Princess Chrysalis II, turning towards Queen Chrysalis.  “If Coldnelius Snap should fail, do you have another plan?”
“As a matter of fact, I do,” Queen Chrysalis stated.  “Word has it that a stallion named Buck Withers is going to marry Lemony Gem, here in Canterlot.  And I intend to crash the party and take all that sweet love.  But it will require every changeling, Predacon included, to assist me with this plan.”
Princess Chrysalis II turned to the Predacons and said “You heard her.  Prepare for the next plan in case Coldnelius Snap fails.  Got it?”
Quickstrike and Waspinator saluted the Queen and Princess before Inferno bowed and said “It will be a pleasure.”
And with that, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator flew out of the royal chambers and into another part of the hive, leaving Queen Chrysalis and Princess Chrysalis II all by themselves.
“By the way,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “If it’s true that Princess Wanda Young made her voice sound scarier than mine, then I may need your help in making my voice shake the foundation of this planet.  What do you say, my daughter?”
Princess Chrysalis II just sat there with a scared expression on her face, horrified at the words of her mother.

Meanwhile, in Manehattan, at the top of a towering skyscraper where a penthouse suite stood, Gold Banks climbed out of her private chariot, steaming angry.  Behind her was her husband, Silver Banks, who looked frantic.
“The nerve of that Creme Dream, undoing the deed I forged for that land,” Gold Banks snarled.  “Does she realize what good this would have done to the job market?”
Silver Banks pulled out a newspaper and said “With all due respect, you did attack Princess Celestia’s daughter in daylight.  As a result, and the way you bullied Princess Celestia, ponies actually expressed sympathy towards the royals.  And not to mention that your mentor didn’t approve of stealing the property.  It was privately owned by Princess Celestia.”
Gold Banks turned towards Silver Banks and said “As far as I’m concerned, everything in Equestria belongs to me.  Not the Princesses, not the chancellor, and especially not my so-called mentor.  And every pony in Equestria, be it Earth Pony, Pegasi and especially Unicorn, should be kneeling before me.”
Silver Banks was at a loss for words from his wife’s words. Though he tried to turn his head away, Gold Banks grabbed him and pulled him close.
“Don’t you dare turn away,” Gold Banks said.  “When I am speaking, I demand attention, and you will listen to me.  Do you understand?”
All Silver could do was nod his head in agreement.  Gold Banks released her hold on her husband as her angry tone returned to pure calm.
“That’s better,” Gold Banks said.  “And now that’s out of the way, I think it’s time for me to retire.”
Gold Banks marched towards the entrance of the penthouse suite and walked through the door.  Silver dusted himself off and followed Gold Banks from behind.
“Honestly,” Silver Banks said.  “It cannot get any worse than this.”
But as Silver Banks approached the entrance, the door was shut in front of him.  He looked inside to see Gold Banks stare out at him.
“Since I’m still in a bad mood,” Gold Banks said with a grin on her face.  “You’ll stay outside for the time being.  Good night.”
Gold Banks turned around and walked away from the entrance, leaving Silver Banks outside and alone.  He glared at the doorway before turning around and walking towards the chariot.
“Well good riddance,” Silver Banks said.  “I think it’s time I head back to Canterlot and spend some time there.”
But when Silver approached the chariot, two members of the Debt Collectors stepped in front of the rich stallion.
“Gold Banks’ orders,” one of the troops said.  “You are to remain here until further notice.”
“Also, don’t bother taking the escape ladder,” the other troop said.  “We’ve locked it off so you don’t escape.”
The two Debt Collectors boarded the chariot and locked it, leaving Silver Banks on the roof as the pegasi attached to the chariot pull it away from the penthouse and the building, flying westward away from Manehattan.  Silver Banks reached out towards the chariot, jaw opened and motionless.
“My…” Silver Banks said.  “My ticket away.”
Silver Banks slumped back towards the small staircase and sat down.  He looked down at the group as snow fell downwards.
“What did I do to deserve this?” Silver Banks said to himself.  “I’ve been faithful to my wife, and now this is what I get.  Worst off, I’m stuck in this horrible place.  What am I going to do now?”
The sun began to set as more snowflakes settled down in the area.  Silver Banks looked up to see clouds cover the evening sky.  He let out a sigh, staring upwards at the cold winter air.
“So this is it,” Silver Banks said.  “This is where I suffer in my loneliness.  Once I was a great aristocrat, and now I’ve become a shell of my former self.  Might as well let this snow grant me this cold sleep I deserve.”
But as Silver Banks began to lie down, he noticed a light nearby.  Silver banks got up and walked towards where the light shined.
“What is going on?” Silver Banks said to himself.  
When he approached the light, he noticed that a portal had formed in the middle of nowhere.  Silver’s frown turned into a smile at the revelation.
“I think I know who’s here to help out,” Silver Banks said.
Emerging from the portal was none other than Princess Luna.  Silver Banks looked up at the alicorn princess and smiled.
“Princess Luna,” Silver Banks said.  “It’s so good to see you.”
“It’s good to see you as well, Silver Banks,” Princess Luna said.  “Though I’m not surprised that your wife is treating you like this.”
“Well I wish I could divorce Gold,” Silver Banks said.   “But if I did, Gold Banks would waste no time demonizing me with her connections towards the news media.”
“It’s okay,” Princess Luna said.  “Right now, I’m concerned about your daughter.”
“Golden Lace?” Silver Banks said.  “What happened?”
“I’ll explain everything,” Princess Luna said.  “Right now, you need to come with me.”
Princess Luna turned towards the portal and walked through, with Silver Banks following from behind.  When the duo disappeared through the portal, it shrank down and popped out of existence.
But nearby at a window, Gold Banks had observed Princess Luna take Silver Banks away.  She smashed her hoof on the window still in anger.
“Blast that Princess Luna,” Gold Banks said.  “I’ll scar her image if it’s the last thing I ever do.”
Gold Banks turned around and marched towards a nearby room before slamming the door shut.   Outside, the snow fell peacefully as Coldnelius Snap looked up at the penthouse from a nearby rooftop.  The smile on his face felt of satisfaction for the leader of the Windigo’s Guild.
“The spark has been lit,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “And now, only a matter of time before Equestria experiences its first, eternal winter in ages.”

Meanwhile, at Daisy Joy Tech, the entire boarding school appeared to be locked down.  But there was not a single soul in sight.   It was as if the entire place was abandoned.  But it was not the case.  Inside a single dorm room, locked down tightly, Golden Lace laid down in her bed, depressed and saddened.  Next to her was Juniper Montage, who stared up at the ceiling with a sigh.
“Why did they lock us here?” Juniper Montage  said. “We didn’t do anything wrong.”
“That’s Miss Honey Twist in a nutshell,” Golden Lace said.  “She’s been treating me this badly since I was forced into this miserable school.  And as a matter of fact, she didn’t even let Mr Argyle Starshine stay with us.”
“I wonder what happened to him?” Juniper Montage asked.
Golden Lace signed and said “I don’t know where he is.  But I hope he’s not stuck in his classroom just for Miss Honey Twist’s sadistic pleasure.  Though I do wonder what happened to the rest of our friends?”
“Let’s just say Miss Honey Twist made them leave,” Juniper Montage said.  “I saw it with my own eyes.”
Golden Lace got up and said “She did that?  That’s horrible.”
“I thought being separated from my uncle Canter Zoom was bad,” Juniper Montage said.  “Now to just see friends of mine departing without me just breaks my heart.  Wallflower, Vignette, Gloriosa.  I miss them all.”
“At least you don’t have a parent who’s a mean-spirited monster,” Golden Lace said.
Golden Lace laid back on her bed as Juniper Montage stared at the ceiling.   But just then, a light shined on her left cheek.
“Wha?” Golden Lace said.  “What in the hay is going on?”
Golden Lace sat up and turned to her left to see a portal form next to the wall with Juniper Montage following suit.  Emerging was Princess Luna and Silver Banks.  Golden Lace’s face beamed with excitement.
“Daddy,” Golden Lace said as she jumped out of bed and into the arms of her father.  “You’re here.”
“When Princess Luna told me about you and your friend,” SIlver Banks said.  “I had no choice, but to rush here and pick you up.”
“But daddy,” Golden Lace said, releasing her grip from her father and dropping to the ground.  “What would mother do if she found out?”
“I already have a lawsuit planned just in case she does,” Princess Luna said.  “What she and Miss Honey Twist are doing to you is considered youngling neglect.”
Silver Banks looked up to Juniper Montage and said “You’re a friend of my daughter, correct?”
“Yes I am,” Juniper said.  “And I take it you’re the father.”
Golden Lace turned to Juniper as SIlver held out his hoof and said “If you wish for your freedom from this horrible place, come with me.”
Juniper looked at Silver Bank’s hoof with a hesitant look on her face.  Golden Lace turned to Juniper and said “Don’t worry.  You won’t be alone if you come with us.”
Assured by Golden Lace’s words, Juniper reached out and grabbed onto Silver Bank’s hoof.  She turned to Princess Luna and nodded to her.
“There is one last place I need to go to in this school,” Princess Luna said.  “And I know what pony needs our help.  Come with me.”
Princess Luna turned towards the portal and jumped through, disappearing without a trace.  Juniper Montage released her grip from Silver Bank’s hoof before jumping off her bed and running through the portal.  
“Come,” Silver Banks said.  “A teacher that you look up to needs your help.”
“Are you talking about Argyle Starshine?” Golden Lace asked.
“Yes,” Silver Banks said.  “Princess Luna told me about his predicament.”
Golden Lace walked alongside Silver Banks as they both went through the portal.  As soon as they disappeared, the portal shrunk down and plopped out of existence.

Somewhere within the school, deep within a classroom, Argyle Starshine read through one of his textbooks.  He looked both bored and depressed, turning the pages of his book.  His eyes shifted to a photo that was mounted on a small frame on his desk.  On the phone was a younger Argyle Starshine, alongside a filly his age, his parents and various uncles, aunts and cousins.
Argyle let out a sigh and said “I wish I could see you all again.  But that monster Honey Twist has me locked up while the rest of the school is out on leave.  I wish there was a miracle.”
No sooner did Argyle finish his speech, than a nearby portal materialized out of nowhere and expanded so that it was bigger than a doorway.  Emerging from the portal was Princess Luna, Juniper Montage, Silver Banks and Golden Lace.
“Princess Luna,” Argyle Starshine said.  “I never thought I would see you again.  And you rescued Golden Lace and Juniper Montage.”
“And for a good reason,” Princess Luna said.  “I got a report from Chancellor Cinch that Miss Honey Twist was dismissing the entire school for a few weeks.  However, she told me that one teacher and two students were on her blacklist of dismissals.”
“And once she found out that my daughter Golden Lace was on that list,” Silver Banks said.  “She wasted no time looking for me so that I could get her, Juniper and you out of the school.”
“I appreciate everything you’ve done,” Argyle said as Golden Lace ran up and gave him a hug.
“Just because we’re breaking out for the time being,” Golden Lace said.  “Doesn’t mean we don’t want you left behind.”
“Now that being said,” Princess Luna said.  “I have some bad news.  “I learned that Miss Honey Twist has placed a tracking spell over your family home.  If you try to step hoof there, she will find out.  Though I was able to nullify the tracking spell of this school, I’m afraid the tracking spell there is too powerful to remove.”
Argyle Starshine slumped down and said “I knew it.  She assumed I would go there the moment I escaped.”  This caused Golden Lace to release her hold on Argyle and look up at him.
“So what can he do about it?” Juniper asked.
“The good news is that there is no such spell at the castle,” Princess Luna said.  “ I can take you there for the time being.  In fact, we’re heading up to a place known as the Golden Land.”
“Wait,” Argyle Starshine said, slowly getting up.  “Did you say…Golden Land?”
“It’s a place we go to for healing, be it for the body, the mind, or the soul,” Princess Luna said.  “Would you like to join us?”
Argyle Starshine got on his four hooves and said “Yes.  I wish to come.”
“Then let us make haste,” Princess Luna said.  “To the palace.”
Princess Luna turned around and walked towards the portal, with Juniper Montage, Golden Lace, Silver Banks and Argyle Starshine following from behind.
“Hey Lace,” Juniper said.  “Do you think they’ll follow us to where we’re going?”
“No idea,” Golden Lace said.  “But at least, I’ll be able to see Cozy Glow once more.”
“I hope this Cozy Glow is as nice as you describe,” Juniper said.
“She is,” Golden Lace replied.  “But she’s got issues with her mother: Magistrate Creme Dream.”
As they spoke, Golden Lace and Juniper Montage followed Princess Luna and jumped through the portal, disappearing.  Silver Banks followed from behind and jumped through.  But Argyle paused for a moment.
“My father told me all about the Golden Land when I was a colt,” Argyle Starshine said.  “If only he was still around to see it.”
Without a second thought, Argyle Starshine jumped through the portal, disappearing completely.  The portal then shrunk down and vanished without a trace.  

Meanwhile, at an unknown location, the events that transpired at Daisy Joy Tech were being relayed to Magistrate Creme Dream and Majesty through a magical projection.  A smile cracked on the Magistrate’s face, observing and hearing everything.
“The Golden Land,” Magistrate Creme Dream said.  “I never thought I would see the day where I can experience it with my own eyes.”
“So what is this Golden Land?” Majesty asked.
“It is a sacred place that only a select few have discovered,” Creme Dream explained.  “The magic of this land is powerful enough to cleanse the mind and body of all toxins.  Luckily, I have the one pony who can tell me all about it.”
“You mean,” Majesty said.  “When my sister doesn’t even realize it.”
“That’s right,” Creme Dream said.  “I placed a spell on Cozy Glow to observe the world around her.  Her real goal was to show us the way to the Golden Land, even though she’s unaware of it.  And once we have the coordinates, we will take it over and draw out its magic for our own gain.  And then, Princess Celestia’s usefulness will finally end after more than a thousand years.”
“For a pony with a rook for a cutie mark,” Majesty said,  “Cozy Glow is more of a pawn.”
“Now that being said,” Creme Dream said.  “You’re wondering what to do about Miss Honey Twist’s escaped delinquents.”
“Ooooh,” Majesty asked.  “Are you gonna tattletale on them?” 
“No,” Creme Dream said with a sinister smile.  “After that stunt Gold Banks pulled with forging a deed to the land under the ruins of the orphanage, I’d figure keeping her and Honey Twist in the dark would be a proper punishment.  But for now, let us retire for the night.  Tomorrow is a big day, and we will learn the location of the Golden Land.”
With a cackling laugh, Creme Dream stepped away towards the door with Majesty following behind, as the magical project shrinks down and vanishes without a trace.


	To Be Continued in…


	Forward to the Golden Land

> Arc 15-2: Forward to the Golden Land
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Forward to the Golden Land



It was a bright morning at the city of Canterlot.  In one of the rooms at the palace, Applejack looked as giddy as a filly in a candy shop.  But Bright Mac and Buttercup were completely focused on their tablet, talking to Granny Smith through the video chat.
“So you mean to tell us that you’re evacuating La Maresa?” Bright Mac said.
“I’m afraid so,” Granny Smith said as Big Mac walked in with Apple Bloom in her knapsack.  “The good news is that the path to Canterlot is cleared up.”
“Eeyup,” Big Mac said.
“Oh dear,” Buttercup said.  “And we were about to consider leaving here after Applejack is done with her time at the Golden Land.”
“I know you two want to go check out the Golden Land with Applejack,” Granny Smith said.  “But right now, your concern is to ensure everyone from La Maresa is alright.”
Bright Mac turned towards Applejack, who still bounced around with excitement, and let out a depressing sigh.”
“Ma,” Bright Mac said.  “What am I going to tell Applejack that her trip to the Golden Land is called off?”
“Tell her she’s still going,” Granny Smith said.
“Say wha?” Bright Mac said, turning back towards her mother.
“I know you made a promise to her that you would go to the Golden Land,” Granny Smith said.  “But tell her the bad news, and let her know that she can go up with her friends.  After all, she has Princess Celestia by her side.”
Granny Smith’s words were enough to catch the attention of Applejack, who walked up to her parents with a sense of worry on her face.
“Ma, pa,” Applejack said.  “What’s going on here?”
Bright Mac turned towards Granny Smith on the video tablet, who nodded back at him.
“Tell her it’s going to be alright,” Granny Smith said.  “She deserves that trip, one hundred percent.  Then speak to me when you’re done.”
Once Granny Smith’s image disappeared from the tablet screen, Bright Mac and Buttercup looked up at Applejack.
“Applejack,” Bright Mac said.  “We’ve got some bad news for you.”
“Wait,” Applejack said as her ears flopped downwards.  “Are you trying to tell me that we can’t go to the Golden Land?”
“Granny Smith just gave us some news about the ponies of La Maresa departing to Canterlot,” Buttercup said.  “And worse off, she’s asked us to help get them in here as soon as possible.”
“But does that mean,” Applejack said.  “I have to cancel my trip and help out?”
“No,” Bright Mac said.  “We can’t be with you at the Golden Land.  But we want you to go there and have fun with your friends.”
“But Pa,” Applejack said.  “I don’t think it will be right for you two to stay behind while we go to the land.”
“They will be alright.  I promise you that.”  Applejack turned towards the doorway, where Princess Celestia and Chancellor Cinch stood by.
“Princess Celestia?” Bright Mac said.  “Chancellor Cinch?”
“We overheard everything about refugees coming in from La Maresa,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “That being said, I have pondered something like this when the weather reported unusual snow storms across the land.”
“As a result,” Princess Celestia said.  “We’re going to open the palace to the refugees until the storm dies down.”
“Oh bless your heart,” Buttercup said.  “We’ll do what we can to keep them comfy.  After all, they are our brothers and sisters in spirit.”
Chancellor Cinch turned towards Applejack and said “Come, little one.  It’s time you head downstairs to the portal leading to the Golden Land.”
Applejack turned towards Buttercup with a frown on her face, only for her mother to smile back warmly.
“Tell you what,” Buttercup said.  “We’ll accompany you to the portal vault where the others should be.  I know you’re disappointed that we can’t come with you.  But please be happy for your friends, and for your family.”
“I’ll,” Applejack said, “I’ll do it.”
“That’s the spirit,” Bright Mac said as he got up.  “With that, let’s get you ready for the trip.”
Princess Celestia watched with a smile on her face as Applejack bounced around with excitement before Bright Mac and Buttercup cuddled her with excitement.
“Reminds me of when I used to be a filly,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Long before that incident in Harvestia.”
Princess Celestia turned towards Chancellor Cinch and said “Guess we better find Wanda and let her know that everyone is waiting for her.”
Chancellor Cinch nodded as she and Celestia walked away from the room and down the halls of the palace.

Not long after, Princess Celestia and Chancellor Cinch were in the lower halls of the palace.  While Celestia looked ecstatic, Cinch looked rather worried.
“Are you sure about it?  Going to the Golden Land when a snowstorm is on the verge of touching down here in Equestria?” Cinch asked.   “Considering that there are refugees from La Maresa coming to the castle.”
“Sunset Shimmer’s been having more than just a mere cold,” Princess Celestia said.  “I fear the demon within her is starting to take control, and she’s started to resist my magic.  Plus, I also have my concerns for Wanda Young.”
“I heard what she did,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “It was dangerous for the Man’s Cub to face those three.   But it was also double dangerous for you to scold your daughter when you weren’t aware of your surroundings.”
“Noted for the third time,” Princess Celestia said.  “But it wasn’t the fact that Wanda carelessly attacked those Predacons.  She attacked them because of two ponies close to her.”
“Two ponies?” Chancellor Cinch said in a curious tone.  “Who would they be?”
“The first one happens to be her close friend: Starlight Glimmer,” Princess Celestia said.  “Wanda, Princess Cadance and Trixie prepared a special feast for her and Sunburst.  But those three changelings decided to crash the party and chase after Starlight.”
“It appears they have gotten more bold in their attacks,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “And vicious.  But that being said, who was the other pony that caused her to become this reckless?”
Princess Celestia came to a stop as she placed her hoof on her chest and said “Me.   Because of what they did to me while I had my back turned, Wanda lost her temper and struck them down.  They fled as if they had seen a monster.”
Chancellor Cinch’s face turned into shock as she said “I feared it would come to this, ever since that day at the Gala when Queen Chrysalis almost killed you.”
“I know,” Princess Celestia said.  “The trauma she gained from that incident must have given her a new fear: That everyone she knew would be gone, and she would end up all alone.”
“I’ve been harsh on her in the past in hopes that she would shape up,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “But now, I can relate more to her because like you, I lost a particular someone in my past.”
“That would be your sister, Fizzlepop Berrytwist, correct?” Princess Celestia asked.
“Not exactly,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Not long after I told my story to her, I somehow ran into her many years after that fateful incident with the Ursa Major.”
“WAIT!  SHE’S ALIVE?” Celestia yelled, only for Cinch to shush her.
“Yes, she is,” Cinch said.  “I don’t know how she survived.  But I’m glad she is.  But that being said: It wasn’t the original loss of my sister Fizzie that makes me relate to the Man’s Cub.  It was the loss of my own family.”
Celestia calmed down a bit before she moved her eyes up to Cinch and said “I know.  You were all alone when I flew down there to Harvestia, all because of that fire that someone set to your place.  I wish I could find the rest of your family, Chancellor.”
“After what the Man’s Cub went through,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “It feels as if we have become sisters.”
Suddenly, they heard someone yell out “LOOK OUT MISS CINCH!”  Celestia and Cinch turned to the nearby hall where Wanda Young, who was wearing her magenta swimsuit instead of her dress, was sliding out of control down the floor.  
“Wanda,” Princess Celestia said in a gentle, yet concerned voice as she used her magic to grab Wanda and pick her up.  “You need to be more careful.”
Princess Celestia pulled Wanda over and hugged her closely.  But Wanda had a feeling of guilt on her face.
“Sorry mommy,” Wanda said.  “I saw you and Cinch down the hall and I was gonna let you know that I’m ready.  But I slipped on a nearby water puddle and slid down.”
Chancellor Cinch looked nearby and saw a small puddle of water on the floor next to a staircase.  She immediately poked Princess Celestia on the shoulder.
“I’m afraid she’s right,” Chancellor Cinch said, pointing to the water puddle.  “Someone didn’t clean that up.”
Celestia let out a sigh and said “I’ll talk with the Majordomo about this.”  She placed Wanda down on the floor, who turned towards the puddle.
“Bad puddle,” Wanda said, pointing at it.  “No bubble bath for you.”
“Now now,” Chancellor Cinch said with a laugh.  “No need to antagonize the water puddle.  It could be a bad omen.”
Princess Celestia looked down at Wanda and said with a giggle “Now come on, my darling Wanda.  It’s time we made our trek to the Golden Land.”
Wanda jumped into the air and yelled out “YAAAAY!”  She walked alongside Princess Celestia down the stairs and towards another part of the room.  Cinch looked down and smiled at both human and alicorn, though she also started to worry.
“To think,” Cinch said to herself.  “The Man’s Cub is willing to protect her own friends and family from evil.  Though the Princess is right.  What happened at the Gala changed her in a way where she becomes enraged if either friend or family is harmed.  I can only hope that her time at the Golden Land will heal her mind”

Wanda Young and Princess Celestia walked through the castle and down the halls, diving deeper and deeper into the basement of the palace.  Around them were treasures that decorated the walls of the vault.  Some of them involved various gold, jewels and decorations.  Others were completely oddball, as if they never belonged in Equestria in the first place.  But the duo kept their focus on the door in front of them.  With one wave of her magic horn, Princess Celestia pried open the door.
“There,” Princess Celestia said.  “That should do it.  As a matter of fact, they should be waiting for us at any moment.”
“You’re talking about everyone else, I take it,” Wanda said.
“Not everyone,” Princess Celestia responded.
.As the two stepped inside, Abigail Albright ran from inside the room and leaped onto Wanda’s arms.  Wanda giggled as she scratched the back of Abigail’s ears.
“Abby,” Wanda said. “You were expecting me?”
“Everyone,” Abigail said.
“What do you mean, everyone?” Wanda asked in confusion.
Celestia tapped Wanda on the shoulder and said “It’s exactly as she said, my darling Wanda.”
Wanda looked up and her face beamed with excitement.  In front of her were her friends Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Cozy Glow, the Dazzlings, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Trixie and Ditzy Doo.  Next to them were Bright Mac, Buttercup, Captain Airazor and Spitfire.
“You’re,” Wanda said.  “You’re all here.”
“Not all of us,” Starlight Glimmer said.  “Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor have gone ahead to the Golden Land.”
“And your friends aren’t the only ones who will join us at the Golden Land,” Princess Celestia said.  “In fact, I think they should be here, anytime now.”
And with that, a portal materialized out of nowhere, much to the surprise of nearly everyone in the room.  Princess Luna emerged from the portal with Argyle Starshine, who was holding a book and some pens, by her side.  But right behind them were Silver Banks, Golden Lace and Juniper Montage.  
“We have returned,” Princess Luna said.  “In time for our trip to the Golden Land.”
Golden Lace waved to everyone and said “Hey guys.  Did you miss me?”
Immediately, Cozy Glow gets a glimpse of Golden Lace before jumping out of the group and glomping onto her friend in an instant.  Wnada was also quick to run up to Golden Lace and hug her and Cozy Glow at the same time.
“Lacey,” Cozy Glow said.  “I didn’t expect you to show up.”
“You can thank Princess Luna and my dad for this,” Golden Lace said.  “Otherwise, Argyle, Juniper and I would be stuck in that horrible school.”
Princess Celestia walked up to Silver Banks and said “I’m surprised that you went out of your way for Golden Lace.”
“After what my wife did to me,” Silver Banks said.  “It was the least I could do for you.  Besides, I still have to make up for how cruel I was to Golden Lace.”
“So I take it you wish to join us in the Golden Land,” Princess Celestia asked.
“As honored as I am about your offer,” Silver Banks replied.  “I’m afraid I’m going to have to turn it down.  Right now, I just want to head into my mansion in Canterlot and just hide there for awhile.”  
Those words caught Golden Lace’s attention, who turned her attention towards Silver Banks, much to Cozy Glow’s worry.
“Daddy?” Golden Lace asked, looking up at her father.  “Don’t you wanna come with me?”
“I wish I could,” Silver Banks said.  “But I still have a lot to do before I do feel like I have earned their trust, no matter what they say.  That being said, don’t worry about me.  You have good friends who will look after you while you’re up in the Golden Land.  In fact, there is one who is really attached to you.”
Golden Lace turned back to Cozy Glow, who gave nothing more than a warm smile to her friend.
“Maybe he is right,” Golden Lace said.  “After all, you stood by me before I asked you to return to Canterlot, only because I didn’t want Miss Honey Twist to cause harm to you.”
“I do miss you,” Cozy Glow said.  “But at the same time, I’m glad you had me go to Canterlot, even if I do have the fear of my own mother breathing down my neck.”

But little do they know, the entire group was being spied upon by Magistrate Creme Dream and Majesty.  They were viewing everyone in the Canterlot Vault through a magical portal, through the eyes of Cozy Glow, at an unknown location.
“Aww,” Majesty said.  “How sweet that sister cares so much about her friend Golden Lace.”
“And to think,” Creme Dream said.  “I paid Miss Honey Twist just to look the other way so we can finally know the location of the Golden Land.  After all, dear Cozy Glow cares alot about her best friend, and she wouldn’t want to depart to the land without her.”
“So,” Majesty said.  “How long until Princess Celestia opens the ground bridge to the Golden Land?”
Creme Dream turned to Majesty and said “It will be a matter of time.  After all, this ground bridge, or rather a more permanent portal, to the Golden Land was created by Starswirl the Bearded.  But ever since his disappearance along with the rest of the Pillars of Equestria, the knowledge of creating the ground bridge has been lost.  As a result, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna have been researching the development in creating similar ground bridge magic for a thousand years.  But everytime, they fail at it, be it the crystals used for containing the magic or creating the focus for the portal, or other elements unknown to the Princesses.”
“Do you think they’ll succeed in creating the ground bridge magic?” Majesty asked.
“As much as I enjoy seeing them fail,” Creme Dream said.  “I also believe that this ground bridge magic would be more of a benefit…than a burden.”
“So you’re hoping that they do succeed in recreating this ground bridge magic?” Majesty asked.
“And there is a good reason why,” Creme Dream said.  “Princess Celestia knows how important ground bridge magic is when it comes to the safety and security of the citizens of Equestria.  And there may be a way to tap into the fear of the ground bridge magitech and scare those ponies into thinking about the dangers all while tapping into its potential in secret.”
“I like how you’re thinking, mother,” Majesty said.
“Of course,” Creme Dream said. “A shame that Gold Banks couldn’t see things my way recently.  And she was so good at being my apprentice.”

But back at the secret vault of the royal palace, every youngling gathered together as Princess Celestia and Princess Luna stood in front of a large stone portal frame.  Near the entrance, Silver Banks, Captain Airazor, Bright Mac and Buttercup stood nearby, watching as the younglings all awaited what lay ahead.  All except for Applejack, who ran up to her parents along with Spitfire and Rainbow Dash, who ran up to Airrazor.
“Ma, pa,” Applejack said.  “Are you sure you don’t wanna go with us?”
 “As much as we want to, we can’t,” Bright Mac said.   “Right now, our focus is on the refugees from La Maresa.  And Princess Celestia is allowing us to help shelter them till further notice.”
“Applejack,” Buttercup said.  “You and your friends go have fun at the Golden Land.  We’ll be alright.”
“But,” Applejack said.  “I was hoping to at least share the place with you.”
“Another time, Applejack,” Buttercup said before she kissed Applejack on the forehead.  “Another time.”
“You sure you can’t come with us, Captain?” Spitfire asked.
“A few Wonderbolts and I will stand by with the royal guard while you’re gone,” Captain Airazor said.  “Go with Rainbow Dash and the rest of the younglings.  We’ll be fine.”
“Aww,” Spitfire said.  “I was hoping you would explore the Golden Land with us.”
“Don’t worry,” Rainbow Dash said as she placed her wing around Spitfire’s back. “We’ll be fine where we’re going.”
Near the portal archway, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are tuning the power crystal of the portal.  But they came to a stop when they saw Argyle Starshine observe his empty book and pen.
“I take it you’re going to document your time at the land,” Princess Celestia said, nearly causing Argyle to lose his grip on the book.
“Yeah,” Argyle said, holding on to the book as tight as possible.  
“I think that’s a good idea,” Princess Luna said.  “After all, this is your first visit to the Golden Land, and so you want to talk about it in your own words about the memories you wish to share.”
“Wait,” Argyle said as he turned towards the alicorns.  “Why do you trust me in writing down my own visit?”
“Many visitors who joined us in the Golden Land,” Princess Celestia said, “often kept journals to describe the memories of this place.  Sometimes, we hold onto them as a means of remembering each individual who came by, who experienced the wonders of the Golden Land.”
“So what do you say?” Princess Luna asked.  “Are you up for documenting your own journey?”
Argyle Starshine looked down at his book and pen for a bit.  He turned back to the two princesses and said “Yes.  I’ll do it.”
“That’s the spirit,” Princess Celestia said, who’s words attracted Wanda’s attention.
“Mommy,” Wanda said.  “Are we ready to go?”
Princess Celestia placed her hoof above the crystal and said “Yes.  It’s time.”

Back at the unknown location, Magistrate Creme Dream and Majesty watched from the viewing portal as Princess Celestia placed her hoof on the crystal.
“This is it,” Magistrate Creme Dream said.  “I’ve waited more than a thousand years for this moment.”
“Ooooh what are you going to do with the magic of the Golden Land?” Majesty asked.
“It’s simple,” Creme Dream explained.  “I will harness its magic to become stronger, and order the Debt Collectors to steal every inch of resource from the land.  Once the shine of that land is no more, then I will make Princess Celestia beg to me for forgiveness and humbleness.  Only then will we conquer Equestria and end the usefulness of that fool: Gold Banks.”
On the viewing portal, the power crystal fires a blast of magic right into the focusing crystal, amplifying its magic.  A larger ray of magic fired out of the focusing crystal, hitting the portal frame and creating a small portal within the middle.
“Ooooh, they’re doing it,” Majesty said.  “They’re opening the portal.”
Creme Dream and Majesty watched from the viewing portal as the portal to the Golden Land began to grow inch by inch, covering three fourths of the frame within the vault.  Its size looked to dwarf Celestia and Luna.
“This is it,” Creme Dream said.  “The knowledge of where the Golden Land is soon, nothing shall stop me from acquiring what shall be mine.”
Suddenly, the image of the viewing portal turned bright white, blocking out everything before it shrunk down and disappeared.  Creme Dream and Majesty just stood there, dumbfounded.
“My….my knowledge of the Golden Land,” Creme Dream said.  “What happened?”
“Did that bratty sister of mine figure out the spell you cast on her?” Majesty asked.
“No,” Creme Dream replied.  “For some reason, that portal must have disabled my visual tracking spell.”
“Well can’t you just sneak in there and open the portal yourself?” Majesty asked.
“I’m afraid not,” Creme Dream said.  “From what I’m aware of, the portal crystal can be altered to accept the magic of certain ponies, and judging from that crystal’s hoofprint, the magic of that ground bridge portal can only be activated by Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, Chancellor Cinch, or the late Starswirl the Bearded.  Right now, we’re out of luck.”
Majesty slammed her head on the table and said “Well that’s just great.  Now we’ll never know the secret of the Golden Land.”
Creme Dream looked at where the viewing portal was and said “Very clever of you to have a safeguard, Princess Celestia.  But no matter.  One day, I will learn the secret of the Golden Land, and you will gravel at my hooves.”

Back in the deep part of the vault, the ground bridge portal has opened up completely, enveloping the room with its bright light, causing the younglings to awe at its sheer presence.
“That’s the portal to the Golden Land?” Starlight asked.
“It is,” Wanda said.  “Mommy’s teacher Starswirl made this before he disappeared.  We got there just to relax and unwind.”
“I bet there lies a swamp made of chocolate and trees that taste like peppermint,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Or maybe a lake that tastes like a frosty soda or a forest that consists of lollipops.”
Wanda laughed before she said “Silly Pinkie.  I think you were talking about Candyland.”
“Whoops,” Pinkie blushed.  “That’s what I get for having that candy-coated dream last night.”
 “Well at least you weren’t sugar coating it,” Danged Spell joked.  “Get it?”
“Danged Spell,” The younglings laughed.
“That’s pretty typical of him,” Moondancer chuckled.  “He knows how to turn any moment into a punny moment.”
“Moondancer,” The rest of the younglings laughed.
But as the younglings all laughed, Princess Celestia cleared her throat, catching their attention.  
“Fillies, gentlecolts, and my Darling Wanda,” Princess Celestia said.  “The time has come to jump through the portal, and emerge into the Golden Land.  Head on through and meet up with Princess Cadance and Shining Armor.  Luna and I will catch up.”
With a loud cheer in the air, Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Golden Lace, Juniper Montage, Cozy Glow, the Dazzlings, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Trixie, Ditzy Doo and Spitfire ran up to the portal and jumped through, disappearing entirely.  Princess Celestia and Princess Luna turned towards Bright Mac, Buttercup, Captain Airrazor and Silver Banks, who stood at the entrance.
“We’ve heard about what’s going on with the ponies of La Maresa,” Princess Luna said.  “It would be recommended to use the castle as a shelter.”
“And if anything happens, let Chancellor Cinch know,” Princess Celestia said.  “She’s the only one who can activate the ground bridge portal to the Golden Land.”
“We’ll be alright, Princesses,” Bright Mac said as he took off his hat.  “You go look after those young’ums.”
Princess Celestia nodded at Bright Mac before she turned to Argyle Starshine and said “Okay Mr Starshine.  Are you ready?”
“Yes,” Argyle nodded.  “I’m ready.”
Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Argyle Starshine turned towards the portal before running up to it and jumping through, disappearing entirely.  The moment they were gone, the portal shrunk down and disappeared, leaving Bright Mac, Buttercup, Captain Airazor and Silver Banks behind.
“Now that I think about it,” Silver Banks said.  “I do recall snow beginning to fall the moment I was forced to camp out in the yard of the Manehattan Penthouse.  I think it might be a worse indication of what’s to come.”
“Then we don't have much time,” Captain Airazor said.  “Come.  We must see to any refugees that need shelter.”
“That I can do,” Silver Banks said.
With that, Silver Banks, Captain Airazor, Bright Mac and Buttercup ran out of the vault room, leaving it completely vacant.

Later that day, Bright Mac and Buttercup were back in their guest room, once again with their eyes on the video tablet with Granny Smith’s face on it.  Right behind Granny Smith was Big Mac, packing as much goods into the wagon, which includes some bushels of apples, and Apple Bloom tucked in his knapsack on his back.
“Applejack has left for the Golden Land, as promised,” Bright Mac said.  “That being said, I wish we could be with her.”
“It’s okay,” Granny Smith said.  “What matters to her now is the fact that she’s happy and content there with all her friends.”
“Especially Wanda,” Buttercup said.  “I heard she lashed out at the Predacon brothers because they came this close to killing Princess Celestia.”
“Oh dear,” Granny Smith said.  “That poor kid, having to defend her mother like that.  I sure hope her time in the Golden Land will ease her mind.”
“Now granny,” Buttercup said.  “How long until the first batch of refugees will be here?”
Granny Smith squinted her eyes in seriousness and said “The first batch of refugees will arrive as early as tomorrow.  Big Mac, Apple Bloom and I will be a part of this batch.  Are you two able to handle it?”
“Ma,” Bright Mac said.  “We’re up for anything that’s thrown at us.  And that’s despite the fact that we have help from the Royal Guard, the Wonderbolts, and especially the Chancellor.  You can count on us, one hundred percent.”
“That’s the spirit,” Granny Smith said.  “We’ll see you tomorrow.  Catch ya then.”
As Granny Smith and Big Mac’s image disappeared, Bright Mac and Buttercup turned towards each other with a worry on their face.
“Do you think they’ll all make it up here?” Buttercup asked.
“We’ll make sure they will,” Bright Mac said.


	To Be Continued in…


	A Golden Paradise at Last

> Arc 15-3: A Golden Paradise at Last
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


A Golden Paradise at Last



The light that surrounded Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk settled completely.  The trio opened their eyes and looked around to see their friends in awe.  They looked up, and their faces beamed with excitement.
“Wow,” Sonata Dusk said.  “What a place.”
“I have never seen anything like this before,” Aria Blaze said.  
“This is unlike anything I have ever seen in my life,” Adagio Dazzle said.
But in front of the group, Wanda Young and Abigail Albright stood there, facing the group each with a smug smile.
“Fellow friends,” Wanda said. “Welcome…to the Golden Land.”
Wanda and Abigail stepped aside as everyone observed the surrounding land.  Every hill, every forest, every side of the mountain, even the waters itself, looked as if it were covered in gold.  A nearby palace, slightly smaller than Canterlot Castle, also appeared to be covered in gold.  Even the sky was a bright golden color.
“The Golden Land,” Sunburst said.  “Mom told me about this place.  But I never thought I would see it with my own eyes.”
Right behind the group, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Argyle Starshine appeared from behind the ground bridge portal.  While the two alicorns were amused by the reactions of most of the younglings, Argyle Starshine was completely surprised.  He took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes a bit before looking through again.
“I never thought I would see the day where I get to experience the Golden Land,” Argyle said.  “If only I could have brought my family with me.”
“I also wish that my uncle saw this,” Juniper Montage said.  “He would have been amazed.”
“Wanda,” Pinkie PIe said, jumping down to the ground and hugging Wanda by the legs.  “You never told me you came to this land before you met us.  How come?”
“Well truth be told,” Wanda said, before Celestia cleared her throat, catching everyone’s attention.
“We never intended on showing this to every pony in Equestria,” Princess Celestia interrupted.  “This is a place that is barely touched by pony hooves and human hands, for its beauty should never be tarnished.  But its beauty is also the reason why we take Wanda Young and Sunset Shimmer here.  It allows one to heal, to meditate, to relax.”
Wanda cleared her throat, causing Princess Celestia to look down at her.  The man’s cub glared up at her adopted mother, upset and disappointed.
“Mommy,” Wanda said in a cold tone.  “I was going to tell my friends about this place.”
Celestia looked at Wanda and blushed embarrassingly.
“Smooth move, Sunny,” Luna smirked.
But before Celestia could speak, her ears twitched at the sound of a familiar voice shouting her name.  Princess Celestia turned to the front to see Princess Cadance and Shining Armor run up to the group.
“Mother,” Princess Cadance yelled as she ran up to the group.  “Glad you could make it.  And you brought everyone here.”
“Well, by everyone,” Princess Celestia stated. “That would be an understatement.  A few extras joined in with us.”
Suddenly, Shining Armor ran up to Wanda and picked her up before giving her a noogie.
“How’s my favorite wittle monkey?” Shining Armor said.
“Hey, watch it,” Wanda said.  
But every youngling around Wanda and Shining Armor just laughed, much to Wanda’s annoyance. She just looked at the others before covering her ears.
“Why me?” Wanda sighed.
Princess Cadance walked up to both Argyle Starshine, who stood next to Golden Lace, Cozy Glow and Juniper Montage.
“Princess Celestia told me about you, Mr Starshine,” Princess Cadance said.  “How you looked after Golden Lace and introduced her to Juniper.  You would be a great teacher at the School for Gifted Unicorns.”
“I appreciate the offer,” Argyle Starshine said.  “But I’m afraid my contract with Ms Honey Twist prevents me from quitting my job.  Not to mention I do worry for the well-being of Miss Lace and her friends.”
“It’s great that daddy and Princess Luna got us out of there,” Golden Lace said.  “And it’s been a long time since I’ve been out.  But sadly, when this is over, I may have to return.”
“Oh I’m sorry to hear that,” Princess Cadance said, placing her hoof on Golden Lace’s cheek.  “If my mother could, she would adopt you in an instant.  But sadly, Gold Banks would banish her in an instant, should that happen.”
“Even compared to my own mother,” Cozy Glow said, hugging Golden Lace.  “Gold Banks is crazy.”
Princess Cadance felt a tap on her shoulder.  She turned to her right to see Juniper Montage signal to her.
“Miss Amore?” Juniper said.  “There is something I would like to whisper to you.”
Princess Cadance lowered her head down to Juniper’s level, where the little filly whispered something into her ear.  This caused Cadance’s eyes to pop out a bit.
“She wants to do what to my sister?” Princess Cadance said.
Those words were enough to catch everyone’s attention, especially Starlight Glimmer, who jumped into Shining Armor’s arms and hugged Wanda closely.
“What exactly is going on?” Princess Celestia said.
“As much as I want to know why,” Princess Luna said.  “I believe we should talk about it at the Golden Land Palace.  Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle would want to know as well.”
“Agreed,” Argyle Starshine said.  “Princess Celestia, will you lead on?”
“I will,” Princess Celestia said.
Shining Armor released his hold on Wanda and Starlight, who held each other together.  Everyone gathered up and, despite the unease within them, walked all the way towards the Golden Land Palace in front of them.

Inside the palace of gold, the colors of the interior consist more of warm colors than just gold.  The place looked even more massive compared to the likes of Canterlot Castle.  Nearby, laying down on a sofa was Sunset Shimmer, with Twilight Sparkle and Spike right next to her.  It didn’t take long for the three to notice everyone approaching.
“Everyone,” Sunset said with a sniffle.  “You all made it.”
The younglings all ran up to Sunset and Twilight, with Abigail running up to Spike and giving each other a hug.  Wanda walked up to Sunset and Twilight, all while Starlight hugged the man’s cub closely.
“I was wondering when we would see your face again, egghead,” Rainbow Dash laughed.
“Sorry my folks couldn’t make it here, Twi,” Applejack said.  “Some of the ponies of La Maresa are coming up to Canterlot due to the snowstorm, and they chose to stay behind and help out.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Twilight said.  “They would have enjoyed every moment of it.  But that being said, I believe our video tablets will be able to reach them from this place.”
“You think so?” Applejack asked.
“I can actually confirm it,” Princess Celestia said, walking up to Applejack. “We may be in a different place, but we figured out how to communicate with the rest of Equestria from the safety of the Golden Land.”
“Just think,” Pinkie Pie said, grabbing onto Applejack and hugging her.  “Not only can we talk with your folks, but also my folks, the Cakes and even my sisters.  Including Maud.”
“The big question is,” Rarity said.  “How is it that you can send a message through these video tablets to the outside world, and yet not get tracked down?”
“That’s actually pretty simple,” Princess Celestia said.  “In addition to serving as a gateway between this land and the castle, the ground bridge portal can also transmit an encrypted connection to the land of Equestria.  Top that with the castle serving as one of the best locations for the net and BOOM!”
“So I take it this land can also serve as a layline for the Canterweb,” Sunburst asked.
“It does,” Princess Celestia replied.
But immediately, Cozy Glow flew up to Celestia and tapped her on the shoulder, catching the alicorn’s attention.
“Not to bother you on your big speech,” Cozy Glow said.  “But didn’t Juniper Montage and Princess Cadance mention something about Wanda?”
“That’s right,” Princess Celestia said.  “And I believe Princess Cadance has the message with her.”
Everyone turned towards Princess Cadance, who cleared her throat nervously.
“What Juniper Montage told me,” Princess Cadance said. “Is that Miss Honey Twist wants to force Wanda Young to attend Daisy Joy Tech.”
Nearly everyone within the vicinity gasped in horror, especially Wanda, who Starlight held tight.
“Me?” Wanda said.  “Why would they want me to attend that place?”
“That’s preposterous,” Princess Celestia said.  “Even if the School for Gifted Unicorns was shut down, I would never send my darling Wanda to that horrible place.”
Argyle Starshine walked up to the group and said “Between the last time I met Princess Luna and busting out of the school, I overheard Miss Honey Twist speaking to someone named Gold Banks.  Apparently, Mrs Banks stated that she wants to force Princess Celestia into enrolling Wanda into the school.”
“Force my sister?” Princess Luna yelled.  “Has she gone mad?”
“As much as I appreciate Wanda as a friend,” Golden Lace stated.  “I don’t want her to attend this horrible school.  Miss Honey Twist and the students there would break her with a sick, sadistic glee like they did with me, Juniper, Mr Starshine and some of the other outcasts.”
“I don’t blame you, Golden Lace,” Princess Celestia said.  “And I am glad that this topic was brought up.  The moment I see eye to eye with your mother, I’m going to have a long word with her, even if I risk being banished from Equestria.”
“Thanks, Princess Celestia,” Golden Lace said.  “And while it is risky, I would sooner take your side than to watch you suffer.”
Suddenly, they heard the sound of two younglings cry.  Princess Celestia and Golden Lace turned to see Wanda and Starlight holding each other while they cried really loud.
“Wanda, Starlight,” Princess Celestia said as she walked up to the two sad friends.  “You don’t need to worry.”
“But what if that bad Banks does take Wanda away?” Starlight cried.
“I don’t want to attend that horrible school,” Wanda cried.  “I don’t want to be the target of that horrible monster.”
Princess Celestia extended her left wing out and pulled Wanda and Starlight close to her before hugging the two.
“It’s alright,” Princess Celestia said as she gently snuggled Wanda and Starlight.  “I’m going to make sure my darling Wanda never attends that horrible school.”
“Mommy,” Wanda said as she dried her tears.  “I hope so.  Compared to Queen Chrysalis and Coldnelis Snap, Gold Banks is a real monster.”
But nearby, Danged Spell looked agitated.  He marched up to a nearby wall, turned around and kicked it as hard as possible.
“Spell,” Moondancer said.  “Are you alright?”
“No,” Danged Spell said.  “Just hearing that news just really boils my blood.”
“I think now would be a time for one of your infamous puns,” Moondancer stated.
After kicking the wall a second time, Danged Spell said “I’m sorry.  But I’m not in the mood to let loose a few chuckles.”
As Danged Spell walked away from the group, Sunset Shimmer got up from the sofa and walked up to Moondancer.
“It’s scary to see Danged Spell in that kind of mood,” Sunset Shimmer said with a slight sniffle.
“No kidding,” Moondancer said.  “Sure Danged Spell can be annoying.  But when he becomes this serious, I sometimes do miss his more clownish side.”
“Right now,” Sunset Shimmer said, “We should give Spell some time to cool off.  He may be a clown, but he cares alot for our well-being.”
“I dunno,” Sunburst said.  “I think I should check on him to see if he’s okay.”
“Are you sure about that?” Twilight asked.
“Yeah,” Sunburst replied.  “Spell is one of us, and even he needs some form of comfort.”
Sunburst scratched his hoof on the floor of the palace before running off after Danged Spell, leaving everyone behind.
“Poor Spell,” Wanda said, still the arms of Princess Celestia with Starlight Glimmer by her side.  “I thought I was upset about going to that school, but it seems he’s more upset.”
“Ever since I shaped him up and helped him with his Wolf’s Breath curse,” Princess Celestia said, “He’s become more and more selfless.  It’s a strength, but sometimes it can also be a weakness.”
“What do you mean by that, mommy?” Wanda asked.
“He’s willing to stand up to defend his friends,” Princess Celestia stated.  “But at the same time, he can get himself hurt doing so, regardless if he’s using his curse or not.”
“If there was something that Sunburst could do to help him,” Starlight said. “I think he may have something in his mane to do so.”
“I hope you’re right,” Wanda said.
Nearby, Spike and Abigail held hands together, watching as Sunburst walked out of the castle, following Danged Spell from behind.
“Hurt,” Abigail said.
“Yeah,” Spike replied.

Outside, Danged Spell sat down on the outside of the Golden Palace and looked up with only a frown.  Sunburst emerged from the entrance and walked up to the depressed Spell.
“Spell,” Sunburst said.  “Are you alright?”
“No,” Danged Spell said.  “It feels like fate is being too cruel to Wanda.”
“I know,” Sunburst said.  “And I can understand why you’re angry.  You don’t want Gold Banks to take her away.”
“You’re not kidding,” Danged Spell said.  “When she first enrolled in the school, I saw her as nothing more than some dumb monkey that was nothing special.  But over time, I began to realize why Princess Celestia adopted her.  She is special not just to her, but to all of us.  Kinda makes me wish she was a pony like the rest of us.  And you know why I’m worried about her now.”
“It’s because of Gold Banks,” Sunburst said.  “She never liked Wanda, nor did she like any of us.  In fact, I think she would be more satisfied if we were all made to be some sort of slave labor to her.”
“I never really liked Gold Banks,” Danged Spell said, kicking some dust into the air.  “She’s got this cruel attitude that puts her as the center of attention.  She acts as if she were the ruler of Equestria, disregarding Princess Celestia and the Equestrian Senate, even the chancellor of all ponies.  She even has the entire media eating out of her hoof.”
“Tell me about it,” Sunburst said.  “Even my folks think that Gold Banks is full of it. And that’s before what happened when she invaded the hospital while Wanda was extremely sick.  Once they found out, they were furious.”
“My folks were upset as well,” Danged Spell said.  “They were even more upset that the news media chose to spin this in Gold Banks’ favor.  As a result, we stopped watching the news like it was some kind of harbinger of doom.”
“I’ll say,” Sunburst said.  “As horrible as Queen Chrysalis and Coldnelius Snap are, we know that we can always fight back against them, even if the odds aren’t in our favor.  Gold Banks on the other hand, she acts as if she’s immune to everything and can get away with even the most despicable of crimes.  Case in point, she actually wanted to buy out all of Sire’s Hollow, and was willing to violate homeowner laws just to get everything her way.”
“You know, Sunburst,” Danged Spell said.  “We seem to have a lot in common when it comes to our own worries.  We care alot for Wanda, we care for our friends, and we both despite Gold Banks.”
“Yeah,” Sunburst said, scratching the back of his head in the process.  “Now that I think about it, I do share a lot of your frustration, especially considering the last time Gold Banks tried to torment us.  The way she cuffed both Wanda and especially Starlight.”
“And the way she sent me and Spike flying when we tried to retaliate,” Danged Spell said.  “I’ll never forget how much that hurt.  That being said, the fact that you chose to talk to me about it does make me feel at ease about this, knowing that I have friends who cannot stand that witch.”
“That’s what friends are for,” Sunburst said.  “We look after each other and we care for each other.”
“Thanks for at least soothing my nerve, Sunburst,” Danged Spell said as he got up.  “What do you say we go back inside?”
“Sounds good to me,” Sunburst said as he also got up.
With that, Sunburst and Danged Spell walked back towards the entrance of the Golden Palace, where Sunset Shimmer stuck her head out, noticed the duo, and smiled.  Behind her was Twilight Sparkle.
“Guess there is more to their friendship than meets the eye,” Sunset said.
“I’ll say,” Twilight said.  “What do you think we should do about the problem Wanda is going through?”
“Right now,” Sunset yawned.  “It’s starting to get late here.  The sun will go down soon and night will fall upon this land.  Besides, I’m starting to feel tired.”
“Good point,” Twilight yawned.  “We’ll help Wanda out in the morning.”

Later that night in the upper portion of the Golden Palace, everyone was walking down the hallway.  There were doors that lead into separate bedrooms, each almost as huge as a house.
“So here’s the deal,” Princess Celestia said.  “Each of you will be assigned your own room for our stay in the Golden Land.  Luna and I will also be sleeping in separate rooms of our own.”
Ditzy Doo looked into one room.  Though the place looked as beautiful as the morning sun, Ditzy felt uneasy.
“I don’t know,” Ditzy Doo said.  “Right now, I don’t feel comfortable about sleeping by myself.  I had a nightmare about being alone in the forest.”
“Then I will permit one to be your roommate,” Celestia said.  She turned to the other younglings and said “Who will accompany Ditzy for the time here?”
Immediately, Fluttershy raised her hoof in the air before stepping forward.
“I’ll do it,” Fluttershy said.  “I know what it’s like to be scared at night, and I’ll make sure Ditzy Doo will be alright.”
Ditzy Doo ran up and hugged Fluttershy before she said “Thanks.  I appreciate it.”
Princess Celestia walked up to Wanda and said “Right now, Sunset Shimmer’s going to have a room of her own due to her illness.  But I will permit you, my Darling Wanda, to have a roomate of your own.  You may choose one pony to bunk with you along with your companion Abigail.”
Wanda looked at the rest of the youngling group before she pondered for a bit.  Her eyes shifted around before narrowing it down to a familiar face.
“I choose,” Wanda said,  “Starlight Glimmer.”
Immediately, Starlight Glimmer jumped into the air, cheering loudly.  The twin-tailed filly ran up to Wanda and leaped right onto her with a glomping hug.  Wanda and Starlight giggled as Abigail ran up to the duo with a cheerful meow.
“Well,” Princess Celestia said.  “Seems you two have become an inseparable duo.”
“I’m not so sure why,” Wanda said.  “But I like hanging around with Starlight.”
“Me too,” Starlight said.
Celestia turned to the crowd and said “Well, it looks like we have two individuals who have roommates of their own.  So it looks like I will be changing the rules.  If you wish to, we can assign you to a roommate, provided that said roommate has agreed to it.”
But immediately, Danged Spell and Sunburst stepped forward and said “We wish to be roommates.”
Those words caught the attention of Starlight, who turned to Sunburst and said “Are you going to be alright, Bursty?”
Sunburst walked up to Starlight and said “I will.  Feels like I have a lot in common with Danged Spell despite having different perspectives.”
“Yeah,” Danged Spell said.  “After all, we are un-buddy-lievable.  Get it?”
Immediately, the younglings in the room burst into laughter, with Moondancer yelling out “Bout time you threw in a pun for once.”
Danged Spell just stood by Sunburst with a smug smile on his face and said “After my talk with Sunburst, I’d say that felt cathartic.”
“Same here,” Sunburst said.
But as the younglings continued to laugh, Princess Celestia cleared her throat, catching their attention.
“Since we have three groups of roommates that will share a room with each other,” Princess Celestia said, “I have a proposal.  If you wish to share your room with another, feel free to step forward.”
Immediately, Adagio Dazzle, Golden Lace, Rarity, Twilight Sparkle and even Spitfire stepped forward.
“As Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk are my sisters,” Adagio Dazzle said, “I wish for them to bunk with me.”
Immediately, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk ran up to Adagio Dazzle and embraced their sister with laughter.
“I miss Cozy Glow a whole lot,” Golden Lace said.  “But I also care alot for my new friend Juniper Montage.  Therefore, I wish for both to be my roommate.”
Golden Lace’s words were enough for Cozy Glow and Juniper Montage to walk up and give Golden Lace a hug.
“Luckily for you both,” Celestia said, “There are a few rooms that can bunk more than two younglings.”
“As the junior Wonderbolt to Captian Airazor,” Spitfire said,  “I wish to bunk with Rainbow Dash.
Immediately, Rainbow Dash leaped into the air and yelled out “YES!”  Nearly everyone stared at her with a few chuckles.
“Ehehehehe,” Rainbow Dash laughed with an embarrassing tone.  “Got a little carried away.”
“Since Moondancer and I are close friends,” Twilight said, “I wish to bunk with her for our time here.”
“I’m fine with that,” Moondancer said, walking up to Twilight and placing her arm around her back.
“I’ve noticed that Applejack has been feeling a bit lonely due to her parents staying behind,” Rarity said.  “So I propose that I wish to bunk with her.”
“You really mean it?” Applejack asked.
“I do,” Rarity said.  “Even you deserve to have a friend by your side.”
“Thanks Rarity,” Applejack said.  “I appreciate it.”
But as nearly every youngling grouped together with smiles and warm hearts, Princess Celestia looked to the side to see Pinkie Pie stare into the group.  Despite her smile, Pinkie Pie felt a bit of depression in her eyes.
“Pinkie Pie,” Princess Celestia said.  “Is something wrong?”
“Yeah,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Everyone gets a bunk mate, except me.”
Immediately, Trixie popped out of nowhere, wrapped her arms around Pinkie Pie and said “Well you’re in luck.  For the Great and Powerful TRIXIE wish to bunk with you.”
Pinkie’s mood flipped back upwards as Trixie hugged her before the pink pony said “Aww, I forgot about you, Trix.  Sorry about that.”
“Then it’s settled,” Princess Celestia said. “Roommates have been decided.  And thus, the day is over and we can all get some sleep.”
“Come on, younglings,” Princess Luna said.  “It’s time for bed.”
One by one, each of the youngling groups walked into the various bedrooms through the hallway.  All except Twilight and Moondancer.  Twilight walked Spike the Dragon up to Sunset Shimmer, who was walking towards her only room.
“Sunset,” Twilight said.  “I know you don’t have a roommate.  So I figure you should let Spike be with you tonight.
“Twilight?” Sunset said.  “Are you sure?”
“I am,” Twilight said.  “I don’t want you to be all alone while you’re sick.  And besides, whatever you have Spike can’t get due to his immunity to your virus.”
“Twilight,” Moondancer said.  “Are you sure you want to leave Spike with Sunset?”
“It’s okay,” Twilight said.  “Besides, I know Sunset enjoyed having Spike in the castle while I was away.”
Sunset Shimmer extended her arms out towards Spike the Dragon, who ran up to the sun-themed filly and leaped into her arms.  The baby dragon cooed as Sunset gently held him.
“Thanks Twilight,” Sunset said.  “I’ll be sure he stays safe with me.”
“Anytime,” Twilight yawned.  “Anyway, I’m feeling tired.  So all I can say is have a good night.”
Sunset Shimmer nodded before Twilight and Moondancer walked up towards a separate room, leaving the adopted daughter of Princess Celestia with Spike the Dragon.  
“Spike,” Sunset said, looking down at the baby dragon.  “I know I’m not as wonderful as Twilight.  But I promise I will be the best roommate you’ll ever have.”
Spike giggled with a hearty laugh, causing Sunset to laugh as she carried Spike into the other room, leaving Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor and Argyle Starshine by themselves.
“I believe it’s time we turned in for the night as well,” Shining Armor yawned.  “I’ve got a room by myself.  But I’ll be okay.”
Night Shining,” Cadance said before giving Shining Armor a kiss on the cheek.  It was enough to cause him to go kooky with love before he waltzed over to his bedroom.
“Ahhh young love,” Princess Luna said.  “Too bad my last lover passed away long ago.”
“Maybe there is still hope for you, sister,” Princess Celestia said.  “After all, we may be more than a thousand years old, but I bet there are stallions out there who find us attractive.”
“I wish,” Luna laughed.  “Anyway, it’s time I hit the hay.  Goodnight, sis.”
“Goodnight to you too,” Princess Celestia said.
Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Princess Cadance walked away from each other and towards their own separate rooms, leaving Argyle Starshine by himself.
“As much as I want to go to sleep,” Argyle said. “I believe it’s time I write about my first experience here.”

Later that night, Argyle Starshine was sitting on a table with his book wide open.  Not a single page had any form of written text on it.  But next to the book was an ink bottle and a quill dipped into it.  Argyle Starshine picked up the quill with his right hoof and began to write into it.
“I never thought to see the Golden Land with my very eyes,” Argyle wrote.  “A place of immense beauty that stretches as far as the eye can see.  The colors are far more beautiful than the very metal that it was named after.  It was as if my mind was calmed by its very presence.  But there is still far more to discover with the very land that Princess Celestia comes down to.”
Argyle stopped for a moment and placed the tip of the quill to his lip, pondering for a moment.  Then he had an idea in his head and began to write once more.
“But there is one thing that is far more beautiful than the land itself,” Argyle wrote.  “We were accompanied by Princess Celestia’s daughters and all of their wonderful friends.  Each of them has a story to tell.  Six unicorns that stood by Princess Wanda Young and Princess Sunset Shimmer, a kitten and a baby dragon for companions, an older brother of one of the unicorns, two friends of one of the unicorns who need all the care and comfort from the ugliness of the world, three sisters who stood by each other since their orphanage was destroyed, a young apprentice to the Captain of the Wonderbolts, and seven unique ponies from the town of La Maresa, each with a heart that glows brighter than the sun itself.  Perhaps the real beauty lies not with the Golden Land, but with friends that support you to the very end.  There may be more to these friends…than meets the eye.”
Once he wrote the last word in his book, Argyle Starshine placed the quill back into the inkpot.  He then turned towards the lit lantern.
“I know that Equestria has magitek like video games and tablets,” Argyle said.  “But I’m far more old fashioned when it comes to preserving Equestria’s legacy.”
And with that, Argyle Starshine blew out the flame in the lantern, turning the room pitch black, save for a window.  Argyle walked up to his bed and laid down before falling asleep.
Outside, the crickets made a wonderful noise as nighttime passed around the Golden Land.


	To Be Continued in…


	Waters as beautiful as Sapphires

> Arc 15-4: Waters as Beautiful as Sapphires
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


	Waters as Beautiful as Sapphires




“It’s too bad you missed coming with us to this place, ma and pa.  Calling it the Golden Land was an understatement.”
Those words came from Applejack, looking down at a video tablet of her parents Bright Mac and Buttercup, all while the morning sun shone down upon her face.  Despite her disappointment, Applejack remained as optimistic as ever.
“I know it was a sight to behold, my daughter,” Bright Mac said. “But right now, our priority is for the ponies of La Maresa to shelter from the winter storm.”
“Any sign of Granny Smith, Big Mac or Apple Bloom yet?” Applejack asked.
“Not yet,” Buttercup said.  “A few ponies from La Maresa have arrived.  But we have yet to see Ma come by with the rest of the group.”
“Truth be told,” Applejack said.  “I am worried about them.  They’re family to me, and I don’t know what would happen to me if something bad happens to them.”
“No need to worry,” Bright Mac said.  “She and the others will arrive by tomorrow.  You just focus on relaxing and unwinding at the Golden Land, and tell us the tales about your time there.”
“You deserve that time there, my sweet apple,” Buttercup said.  “Just be happy and don’t let worry bog you down.”
“I will ma,” Applejack said.  “And I love you both.”
“We love you as well, Applejack,” Bright Mac said.  “You have a good time.”
Buttercup blew a kiss to Applejack before the screen with her and Bright Mac disappeared.  Applejack let out a sigh before lowering the screen part of the tablet down on the table, all while Rarity walked up to her.
“How did it all go?” Rarity asked.
“I wish they were here,” Applejack said.  “But more importantly, I wish I was with them.”
“You’re worried for them, are you?” Rarity responded.
“I am,” Applejack said, slumping down on the table. “Even though they tell me it’s going to be okay and that I should enjoy my time here in the Golden Land.”
“I think you should take their advice,” Rarity said, placing her arm around Applejack’s shoulders.  “They want you to have a good time here, even though they’re back in Canterlot helping out the ponies of La Maresa.”
“I’ll try,” Applejack said.  “But it’s not going to be easy to get that feeling off my back.”
“Then come with us,” Rarity said as she led Applejack towards the door.  “If we can explain this to Princess Celestia, I think she will understand.”
Applejack said nothing as Rarity let her outside of the doorway and down the hall where the other younglings emerged from the bedrooms, getting up bright and early.  But out of another room, Wanda emerged in a new pair of pajamas, stretching her arms out.  Once she loosened her arms and let them fall downward, she felt a tap on her shoulder.  Wanda turned around to see Trixie looking up at her.
“Morning Trixie,” Wanda said as Abigail emerged from the room.  “I’m surprised that you want my attention.”
“It’s my concern for the Great and Powerful Glim Glam,” Trixie said.
“Glim Glam?” Wanda asked.  “You mean Starlight?”
“Yes,” Trixie said.  “And I ask this to my Great and Powerful Princess friend.  The Great and Powerful Trixie wants you, Princess Wanda, to protect Glim Glam, and give her a reason to smile.”
“Me?” Wanda asked.
“Yes,” Trixie said, placing her hoof on Wanda’s chest.  “You have the friendship that blooms like a flower.  It is your friendship with Glim Glam that makes her smile.  And thus, that is why I ask of thee to ensure that Glim Glam can smile.  Will you do it?”
Wanda only pondered for a bit before turning to Trixie and said “Starlight is my friend.  So that won’t be hard to do.  After all, she…”
But Trixie interrupted her by simply hugging the Man’s Cub, all while Starlight and Abigail came out of the room right behind Wanda.  Starlight saw Trixie hugging Wanda and looked a bit confused.
“Trixie,” Starlight asked.  “Do you want to switch roommates with me?”
Trixie turned towards Starlight Glimmer and said with an embarrassing blush “Uhh no.  I was…making sure Wanda would keep you happy on our trip.”
“Oh,” Starlight replied with a smile on her face.  “I get it.  But I wouldn’t mind switching roommates with you so you can hang out with Wanda a bit more.”
Trixie turned back to Wanda, who only grinned back at the magician pony.
“Did you ever have one of those days?” Trixie sighed.
Abigail walked up to Trixie and said “Yes,” causing the magician filly to pull her hat down in embarrassment.

Later that day, outside of the Golden Palace, Wanda Young, now in her swimsuit, and Abigail Albright were leading Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Twilight Sparkle, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, Trixie, Ditzy Doo, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Golden Lace, Cozy Glow, Juniper Montage and Spitfire through the peaceful environment. 
“It’s too bad Sunset is still recovering from her illness,” Twilight whispered to Moondancer.
“I know,” Moondancer said.  “She’s going to miss this moment.”
“At least Spike is staying with her,” Twilight said.  “But still, I wish she was with us.”
“Maybe when she recovers,” Aria Blaze said.  “She can join us in another one of these….whatever it is.”
Rainbow Dash jumped into the air and flew over to Wanda and Abigail.
“Hey Wanda,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Where are you leading us to?  I’m anxious to see it.”
Wanda just smiled and said “Look behind you.  I think you’ll be pleased.”
Rainbow Dash turned around and her jaw dropped.  All of the other younglings, sans Wanda and Abigail, ran up beside Rainbow Dash and dropped their jaws in awe.  In front of them was a massive lake that was as sparkling, beautiful blue.
“What is this place?” Rainbow Dash said.  “It looks twenty percent cooler than I expected.”
“Twenty percent cooler, eh?” Danged Spell said.  “Any cooler than that and it will be as cold as ice.  GET IT?”
“Danged Spell!” Everyone else groaned.
“Way to ruin my catchphrase,” Rainbow Dash said.
As Danged Spell smirked at everyone else’s reaction, someone said “Not ice.  But more like a sapphire.  Welcome to Sapphire Lake.”  The younglings all turned towards the left part of the lake to see Princess Cadance and Shining Armor approach them.
“Big sis,” Wanda cheered.  “Shining Armor.”
“Sorry mother can’t make it,” Princess Cadance said.  “Right now, she and Aunt Luna are helping out Sunset Shimmer with her illness.”
“So as of the moment,” Shining Armor said, “We get to join you all at the Sapphire Lake.”
Twilight Sparkle jumped into the air and yelled “Oh my gosh.  My favorite foalsitter gets to join me.”
Twilight Sparkle ran up to Princess Cadance and began to prance around, much to the annoyance of Wanda.
“Oh no,” Wanda groaned, covering her ears.  “Here we go again.”
“Sunshine Sunshine, ladybugs awake.  Clap your hooves and do a little shake,” Princess Cadance and Twilight Sparkle danced.
Shining Armor walked up to Wanda and said “I take it you don’t care for their little chant.”
“That’s an understatement,” Wanda said.  “Sunset and I cannot stand it.”
“Tell me about it,” Shining Armor said with a straight face.  “They sometimes like to annoy me with this just for their own amusement.”
Wanda nodded to Shining Armor with a giggle of her own before the big stallion turned to face the rest of the younglings.
“I had an experience with Sapphire Lake before you all got here,” Shining Armor said.  “Like there are some special properties in the water.  The only way to experience it is to enjoy your time here and check it out.”
“Yeah,” Wanda said.  “I think you all should.”
Most of the younglings cheered in unison as Rainbow Dash, Spitfire, Pinkie Pie, Sunburst and Moondancer were the first to run towards the lake and jump in with a loud splash.  Wanda and Abigail ran up to the lake and jumped right in as the rest of the younglings floated to the surface with no effort.
“Wow,” Pinkie Pie said as Wanda floated up.  “It feels like I’m floating in this water.”
“Yeah,” Rainbow Dash said.  “I think Spell was right when he said that this water is more than twenty percent cooler, though not as cold as ice.”
“And that’s not all,” Wanda said.  “Try staying underwater without holding your breath.  I think you’ll be surprised.”
Wanda bounced into the air before diving down under the water.  Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie looked down to see Wanda look up at the duo, all without holding her breath.
“How did she do that?” Rainbow Dash asked in a confusing tone, to which Pinkie Pie had an immediate thought in her head.
“Oh I get it,” Pinkie Pie said.  “You can breathe underwater without drowning, just like a fish.  It’s a magic that isn’t even native to Equestria.”
“Is that a fact?” Rainbow Dash smirked.  “Well then, lemme test that out.”
Rainbow Dash immediately bobbed up before diving underwater, with Pinkie Pie following from behind.

Down under the surface of the lake, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie swam to the bottom where Wanda laid there without a care in the world.  She waved to the two ponies before giving out a playful raspberry.
“Wow,” Rainbow Dash said as bubbles emerged from her mouth.  “This is neat.  The ability to breathe underwater like a fish.”
“What I’d tell ya?” Pinkie Pie said.
Wanda swam up to the duo and said “Mommy told me that the waters of this land allow for us to breathe underneath, without the need of any oxygen tank or magic to aid you.”
“I take it this is the reason why you enjoy swimming underwater,” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Are you kidding?” Wanda responded.  “Sunset and I once spent the night underwater with mommy’s permission.  It was a fun experience.”
“I wonder what the others would say if they could experience what we’re experiencing,” Pinkie Pie giggled.
“Then come on,” Wanda said. “Let's tell the others to come join in on the fun.”
Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie nodded before they followed Wanda up towards the surface of the water.  Once they emerged, Spitfire, Sunburst and Moondancer swam up to the trio.
“What happened?” Moondancer asked.  “You were down there for quite a white.”
“You’re not going to believe this,” Rainbow Dash said.  “But you can breathe while under the water.  It’s so awesome.”
Sunburst looked down at the surface of the water before submerging his muzzle into the liquid.  He closed his eyes and breathed slowly within the water.  After a short time, Sunburst lifted his muzzle out, surprised.
“You’re absolutely right,” Sunburst said.  “I don’t know how it’s done, but it’s amazing.”
Spitfire turned to the others and yelled out “Hey.  You hear that?  The water’s all fine.  Come on in.”
Immediately, Twilight Sparkle, Rarity, Danged Spell, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, Cozy Glow, Golden Lace, Juniper Montage, Trixie and Ditzy Doo ran up and jumped into the water, splashing it in Wanda, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie PIe, Moondancer, Sunburst and Spitfire’s face.  Wanda smiled before shaking the excess water out of her hair.
“Wow,” Ditzy Doo said as she laid on her back and floated on the water.  “This is nice.  As a matter of fact, it feels so relaxing.”
“What I’d tell ya?” Rainbow Dash said.  “It’s more than twenty percent cooler.  It’s epicly awesome.”
“Epicly awesome?” Rarity said.  “Please, Rainbow Dash.  I’d say it is as divine as the manes of Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.”
“Hey by the way,” Rainbow Dash said, “How come Applejack isn’t joining us?”
Rarity turned to face Applejack, whose focus was too much towards the portal archway.
“Applejack, are you alright?” Rarity asked.
Applejack turned to face Rarity and said “I know you told me I should follow my parents’ advice and have fun.  But I do worry for them.”
“I know you do, dear,” Rarity said.  “But I think you should let your own cares melt away and jump on it.  They would be proud if you got a chance to experience this once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Applejack let out a huff and said “I’ll try it.  But you better get your hides out of the way, because it’s going to be a big one.”
Applejack ran a bit away from the lake before facing forward.  With a powerful sprint, Applejack ran towards the lake before jumping as far as she could.
“Oh dear,” Rarity said, seeing Applejack fly through the air.  “I think I may have overdone it.”
Twilight Sparkle swam up to the group and said “Leave that to me.”
With a flash of Twilight Sparkle’s horn, Applejack was covered in a magical aura, allowing her to fly over the water before splashing down, soaking Aria Blaze and Juniper Montage in the process.  The moment Applejack emerged from the water, the two ponies immediately splashed her all while giggling.
“Maybe I do need to simmer down,” Applejack laughed as she splashed the water back at the two.
Meanwhile, Fluttershy just looked down at the waters of the lake, barely even touching the surface with the tip of her hoof before backing off. 
“I don’t know,” Fluttershy said.  “Would I drown in something like that?  I mean, I know it’s more buoyant than the waters back home and the fact that I can breathe underwater.  But, I still have second thoughts and…”
Suddenly, Fluttershy was hit by a wave of water, soaking her through and causing her to scream.  She looked down and saw Danged Spell laughing at her.
“You should have seen the look on your face,” Danged Spell laughed.  “You went from timid to scared in ten seconds flat.”
But as Danged Spell laughed, Fluttershy’s timid face turned into a devilish smirk.
“So you think that’s funny,” Fluttershy smirked.  “Well laugh this off.”
With a mighty leap, Fluttershy flew into the air before diving right down towards the lake.  Danged Spell continued to laugh as hard, not paying attention to Fluttershy’s descent towards the lake, all while everyone else began to back off.
“Hey,” Danged Spell said as his laughter began to disappear.  “Where’d everyone go?”
But just as Spell looked up, Fluttershy hit the water in almost an instant, creating a powerful tidal wave towards the stubborn unicorn.  Danged Spell could only look up at the wave.
“Mother,” Danged Spell said.
SPLASH!  The wave crashed right into Danged Spell, burying him under the water.  Danged Spell emerged from the surface, completely drenched.  He spat out the excess water from his mouth as Fluttershy emerged from the water.
“So,” Fluttershy said in a satisfied tone before booping Danged Spell on the nose.  “How do you feel being all washed up?”
Immediately, everyone laughed at Danged Spell, filling the air with their hysterical chortles.  Danged Spell just glared at the others and turned his head in disgust.
“Really funny you chowderheads,” Danged Spell said before braying a bit like a donkey.
But as Wanda laughed out loud, she quickly noticed Starlight Glimmer, also hesitant in jumping into the water like she was scared.
“Starlight?” Wanda said.  “Are you alright?”
“No,” Starlight said as she barely moved from her position.  “I’m afraid of the water.”
Everyone stopped laughing to turn towards Starlight.  Even Danged Spell was quick to shift his eyes towards the twin-tailed filly.
“It’s okay,” Trixie said.  “Even if you can’t swim, you can still breathe underneath.”
“But what if some kind of monster emerges to eat me?” Starlight said in a scared tone.
Wanda just giggled before she held her hand out to her.
“I won’t let any creature try to eat you,” Wanda said.  “That’s a promise.”
“Are you sure?” Starlight asked.
“She is sure,” Trixie said.  “She’s your friend like I’m your friend.  And she won’t let any monster eat you.  Besides, no monster in his lake can eat the Great and Powerful Trixie.”
Starlight Glimmer swallowed deeply before reaching out and grabbing onto Wanda’s hand.  Then she slowly walked up to the end of the lake, where Wanda extended her left arm out.
“It’s okay,” Wanda said.  “I got you.”
Without a second thought, Starlight jumped from the edge and right into Wanda’s arms.  The impact on the water caused a smaller splash that barely edged out.  As Starlight held on, she looked down at the water and felt a bit of calmness in her mind.
“Wow,” Starlight said. “Right now, I do feel calm.”
“What did I tell ya?” Wanda said.
Immediately, Starlight Glimmer released her grip from Wanda and swam across the surface of the water.  She giggled with delight as she floated on top of the lake.
“Wow,” Starlight giggled.  “This is fun.”
“What’d she tell ya?” Trixie said.  “That’s your Great and Powerful Princess Wanda helping you.  So says I, the Great and Powerful Trixie.”
Starlight Glimmer held onto Wanda’s hands as the two twirled atop the water, laughing out loud together.  Trixie hangs back as Pinkie Pie swims up to her.
“You really like seeing those two together,” Pinkie Pie said.
“Any friend of Glim Glam is a friend of mine,” Trixie said.  “Besides, I don’t really know how to make a friend feel better.”
“Oh it doesn’t take much,” Pinkie Pie said.  “But at least I know you’re looking out for her well-being.”
But nearby, as Danged Spell continued to shake the water out of his ears, Moondancer swam up to the stubborn colt.
“So Spell,” Moondancer smirked.  “Feeling all washed up?”
“Not really,” Danged Spell said.  “But I didn’t expect Fluttershy to make me look like a monkey.  Which reminds me.”
Danged Spell swam up to Moondancer and whispered something in her ear.
“You really want to do this?” Moondancer asked.
“Yeah,” Danged Spell said.  “Even if Sunset Shimmer is not available, I would still wanna let them know of this.”
Moondancer nodded as Danged Spell swam up to the edge of the lake and pulled himself out.  He turned towards the other younglings and cleared his throat.
“May I have your attention?” Danged Spell said, causing everyone to turn towards him.  “I think I have a confession to make about myself.”
“Spell?” Golden Lace said, swimming closer to Danged Spell.  “That’s the first time I’ve heard about this.”
“It’s the first time anyone has,” Moondancer replied.
“You’ve all known me as Danged Spell, ever since I started attending the School for Gifted Unicorns,” Danged Spell said.  “But in reality, that is only a secondary name that my parents gave me.  My real name…is La Walakeli.”
“La Walakeli?” Golden Lace asked.  “Are you from…Lio Lani?”
“I was from Lio Lani,” Danged Spell said. “But unfortunately, I have been banished from the place.”
This caused everyone to gasp in horror, especially Abigail, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance, who walked up to the young colt before Shining placed his arm around Spell’s back.
“How did you get banished from a place like Lio Lani?” Shining Armor asked.
“On Lio Lani, the Kapu, or laws and regulations, forbid attacking the island chieftess,” Danged Spell said.  “We all hold Chieftess Pele to a high standard, even myself. I saw her as the light that guides the ponies of Lio Lani.  But one day, I lost control of myself and went into a berserker rage through my Wolf’s Breath curse.  When Chieftess Pele tried to intervene, I unintentionally sunk my teeth into her arm.”
“Oh dear,” Princess Cadance said.  “You bit into your own chieftess?”
“Yes,” Danged Spell said.  “And like I said, harming the island chieftess, even by accident, breaks the Kapu of the islands.  As a result, I was sent away from Lio Lani, which meant banishment, and I had to change my name from La Walakeli to Danged Spell.  I was ashamed at what I did and the Wolf’s Breath curse that harmed my g…I mean the chieftess.”
“But then you had to use it to save Princess Wanda and Chancellor Cinch from the Windigo’s Guild,” Shining Armor said.  “That gave you a new lease on life and allowed you to see past your own banishment.”
“It did,” Danged Spell said. “Sure I was a jerk to Princess Wanda when we first met.  But now, because of saving her and because of the friendship she gave me, I’m glad I got a second chance.  But at the same time, I still felt as if the past was reminding me of my own failures.”
“Guess I wasn’t the only one who was worried,” Applejack said.  “But that being said, I’m surprised that you chose to tell us this as opposed to keeping it all bottled up.”
“I was hesitant about talking about my past,” Danged Spell said.  “But after a close-encounter with the Predacon brothers, I’d decided to get it off my chest, first by telling it to Moondancer.  And then when I had the chance, I’d tell it to you all.”
“I think the more we know about each other,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “The more we open up.  But I understand why you kept it bottled up for a while.  You’re ashamed of what you did back then and you were uncomfortable with talking about it, until now.  But I hope one day, you can truly put your own past behind you.”
“I’ll try,” Danged Spell said.  “But it won’t be easy.”
Suddenly, Danged Spell felt a splash of water hit his face.  He looked down and saw Fluttershy smirking at him.
“Just needed to cheer you up,” Fluttershy smirked.
Danged Spell looked at her and said “Okay.  You asked for it.”
Danged Spell quickly backed up before taking a running start.  Fluttershy playfully covered her face before Danged Spell leaped into the air and dove right into the water, splashing Fluttershy, Adagio Dazzle and Cozy Glow with water.  The trio laughed as Danged Spell emerged.
“How do you like that?” Danged Spell said.  “Now we’re even.”
But Fluttershy only playfully splashed in Spell’s face while she said “I don’t think so, Spelly.”
With that, Danged Spell and Fluttershy continued to splash water at each other as every youngling around them laughed it off.
“I can’t believe we’re all enjoying this,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “Who knew this lake was perfect for having fun.”
“Tell me about it,” Sonata Dusk said, swimming up to Adagio Dazzle.  “If only Sunset Shimmer saw us.”
Immediately, Cozy Glow jumped out of the water and flew towards Princess Cadance and Shining Armor, who just observed the other younglings have fun.
“Hey where is Sunset Shimmer?” Cozy Glow asked.
“Well,” Princess Cadance stated.  “Princess Celestia took Sunset Shimmer to a place where she can heal up.  But don’t worry.  She’ll join again before we leave.”
“Spa,” Abigail.
“A spa?” Cozy Glow said with an awkward look on her face.
“Well you could say that,” Shining Armor said.  “Either that or a long walk in the Emerald Woods.”  But in a menacing tone, Shining Armor added “Or maybe she’s gone full demon and wants to eat us.”
Unamused, Cozy Glow positioned herself above the water before placing her hooves in it and splashing it in Shining Armor’s face.  Princess Cadance burst into laughter as Shining Armor was drenched in water.
“I asked for it, didn’t I?” Shining Armor said.
“You sure did,” Cadence laughed.
As Cadance continued to laugh at Shining Armor, Wanda and Starlight joined in the laughter as Cozy Glow dropped herself back in the water.
“So it’s actually that fun to splash around?” Starlight asked.
“It is,” Wanda said. “As long as you don’t overdo it.  Mommy said so.”
“I wonder if there are other activities to do in the Golden Land?” Starlight asked.
“Believe me,” Wanda said.  “This is only the tip of the iceberg.”

Somewhere in an unknown location, Sunset Shimmer was relaxing in a hot spring with a towel wrapped above her head and Spike the Dragon by her side.  Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were also enjoying themselves in the spring.
“Thanks for considering this for me, mother,” Sunset said.  “But I kinda wished Wanda joined me.”
“I know,” Princess Celestia said.  “But we’re trying to minimize the chances of the others getting sick.”
“Though I’m surprised that the Dazzling sisters and Pinkie PIe weren’t able to get your illness,” Princess Luna said.  “Cozy Glow, on the other hoof, is an Alicorn.  So she possesses natural immunities to these kinds of viruses.”
“You know,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Wanda told me that she wished I was an Alicorn.  That she wants me to fly with her and that it was lonely for her to be the only flier.”
“That is true,” Princess Celestia said.  “But it’s not really easy to become an alicorn from either an earth pony, unicorn or pegasus.  You recall the tale Princess Cadance told you about how she became an alicorn as a filly younger than you.”
“I do,” Sunset said.  “But I still don’t understand the kind of magic it takes to become one.”
“I think you have the capability to become an alicorn, Sunset,” Princess Luna said.  “But I think there is an inner part of you that still needs to be tamed before your path will be set clear.”
“The demon form, correct?” Sunset asked.
“That is true,” Princess Celestia said.  “The atmosphere of this land soothes the beast within, allowing you to keep control of it.  But what matters is that you must learn how to control it, or rather to find peace with it.”
“I know, but I am afraid,” Sunset said, holding her hoof to her heart.  “What if I lose control and lash out against my friends, or my sisters, or even you?  You did say that you’re starting to struggle in controlling my demon side.”
“I am,” Celestia said.  “And it is starting to wear me out.”
“While I can help contain the demon,” Princess Luna said.  “It may not be long until neither of us can control it.  It’s up to you to help bring peace to your demon form.”
Sunset let out a sigh and said “I just hope it doesn’t come too little, too late.”
Spike looked up at Sunset and said “Late?”
“Yes, Spike,” Sunset said.  “I hope it doesn’t come too late.”

But in a bedroom in the palace, Argyle Starshine was writing in his book with a hint of fascination in his eyes.
“Waters as clear as sapphires,” Argyle Starshine wrote.  “I’ve never seen a lake this beautiful and clean in all of Equestria.  Such is the fascination of the Golden Land.  But to younglings such as the daughters of Princess Celestia, they see it as a time for innocence, for fun, for joy.  A joy that is missing in our world, for they play without a single care.  It reminds me of my youth when I used to play with my sisters when I was a little colt.  Almost similar to the house I lived in before I moved to Manehattan for my role as a teacher.”
Argyle Starshine dipped the pen in the inkpot before proceeding to write once more.
“But I wonder why we chose to give up that joy and happiness?” Argyle wrote.  “Why did we choose to labor endlessly for a mere wage just to support a fragile economy that favors only a few?  And why not just at the expense of our well-being and peace of mind, along with a land that we cherished so long ago?  Why turn our back on nature, considering we possess the very powers of nature in our horns, wings and hooves?”
As Argyle Starshine dipped his quill into the inkpot once more, he thought long and hard about the words he’ll write before placing the tip of the pen back on the paper.
“There are times where we wish we could become young again,” Argyle wrote once more.  “To experience that joy and happiness that we missed.  One that we can share with the rest of Equestria.  Maybe one day, we can put aside this horrible demand for a never-satisfied economy and learn to enjoy life as it was meant to be.  No worries about the kind of money you get from your job.  No fear of going hungry for a night or more.  No revelation of no longer having a roof over one’s head.  One day, I wish to see that time come during my lifetime.  For there is more to the beauty of joy….than meets the eye.”
With that, Argyle Starshine placed his quill back into the inkpot and looked down at his words with a smile.
“Perhaps it was fate that brought me to this land,” Argyle Starshine said.  “Or maybe it was more.”



	To Be Continued in…


	The Library and the Wing

> Arc 15-5: The Library and the Wing
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Library and Wing



“So you’re telling me that the waters were as clear as sapphires.  No wonder why they called it Sapphire Lake.”
Those words came from Bright Mac, who was on the video tablet alongside Buttercup.  Sitting on the table and watching the screen was Applejack, with Rarity by her side.
“It wasn’t just that,” Applejack said.  “There’s some kind of magic in the lake that allows one to float above with no trouble.  Furthermore, one can actually breathe underwater without gills.”
“Wow,” Buttercup said. “I have never heard of breathing underwater without gills.  You’re right.  There is some kind of magic in that water.”
“But I take that’s not why you’re calling us up, Applejack,” Bright Mac said.
“It isn’t,” Applejack replied.  “I’m still worried for Granny Smith, Big Mac and Apple Bloom.  I just hope they’re alright.”
“Funny you should say that,” Buttercup said.  “Because there is someone who wishes to speak to you.”
Applejack’s jaw dropped to the floor as Bright Mac and Buttercup stepped away from the screen.
“Wait,” Applejack said.  “You don’t mean to tell me…”
Immediately, Granny Smith appeared on the screen from the left side and sat down before looking down at the screen.
“Granny Smith?” Applejack said. “You made it?”
“Not just me, Applejack,” Granny Smith said.  “Big Mac and Apple Bloom also made it to Canterlot.”
As Granny Smith finished her sentence, Big Mac walked up next to his grandmother, carrying Apple Bloom in his arms.
“You,” Applejack said, ecstatic, “You all made it.”
“Eeyup,” Big Mac said.
Tears flowed from Applejack’s eyes as she looked at Granny Smith, Big Mac and Apple Bloom.  She wiped the tears from her eyes as her smile shined brightly.
“I’m glad you all made it,” Applejack said.  “I don’t know what would have happened if you all were lost in that snowstorm.”
“What matters is that we’re all safe, Applejack,” Granny Smith said as Big Mac held Apple Bloom up.  “Even Apple Bloom missed you.”
“And I’ve been missing Apple Bloom ever since we got stranded up in Canterlot,” Applejack said.  “Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Ditzy Doo may have the ability to fly back to La Maresa.  But they chose to stick around because they care alot about us as friends.  Still, I wish I could come by and give you all a lending hoof.”
“Well don’t you worry about us,” Granny Smith said.  “You have a good time there with your friends.  And tell Sunset Shimmer that I hope she gets better.”
“Truth be told,” Applejack said, “She might be on the mend from her illness.  I think as early as tomorrow, she’ll be ready to play with us.”
“That’s terrific,” Granny Smith said as Big Mac and Apple Bloom cheered alongside her.  “If you see her and Wanda, tell them I said hi.  And you take care of yourself.”
“I will Granny,” Sunset said.  “I will.”
Granny Smith, Big Mac and Apple Bloom wave at Applejack before they disappear from the video tablet.  Applejack placed the table down with a smile on her face before staring upward.
“What a relief,” Applejack sighed.  “To know that your own family is safe in Canterlot.”
“Hey Applejack.”  Applejack turned towards the doorway where Sunset Shimmer and Spike the Dragon stuck their heads in.
“How y'all feeling, Sunset?” Applejack asked.
“I think that hot spring really did the trick,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Even Spike enjoyed it.”
“Relaxing,” Spike cheered.
“By the way,” Applejack said before turning to face Sunset.  “I heard Wanda’s going with Rainbow Dash and Twilight.  Care to fill me in on it?”
“Wanda is going to fly with Rainbow Dash, Spitfire and Ditzy Doo,” Sunset explained.  “And Twilight is taking Cozy Glow, Moondancer, Danged Spell and Sunburst down to the infamous Ruby Library.”
“Ruby Library, eh?” Applejack said.  “You know, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to check the place out.  But that being said, I do have one thing that’s been scratching at my brain.”
“Oh?” Sunset asked.  “What would that be?”
“Why is it that Wanda, being a human and all, is capable of flying like a pegasi?” Applejack asked.
“You know,” Sunset answered, “I’ve been asking that question as well.  Even I don't even know why she can fly.”
But Spike just looked up and said “Fly.”  Applejack and Sunset looked down at him and just giggled.

Meanwhile, in another part of the Golden Land, a giant building that shined as red as the ruby towered over Twilight Sparkle and Rainbow Dash.  Next to them were Abigail Albright, Cozy Glow, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Sunburst, Spitfire, Ditzy Doo and Wanda Young, who stared up at the monstrous structure.
“Wow,” Rainbow Dash said.  “So this is what Princess Celestia was talking about.”
“Starswirl the Bearded and the pillars of Old Equestria built this place in the Golden Land before they disappeared,” Twilight Sparkle said as she hopped with excitement.  “Some consider it a gift of knowledge.  Others consider it a historical site.  I think it has to be both, considering the design of this magnificent building and the treasure trove of books that lie inside. I can’t wait to go in.”
“Hey you crazy cerebrum,” Danged Spell said.  “Pipe down. You’re scaring all of us.”
Twilight Sparkle paused before turning to face all of her friends, who just looked at her with either an awkward or a hilarious tone. 
“Oops,” Twilight blushed.  “My bad.”
“That’s okay,” Ditzy said.  “I usually say that when I mess up.”
“But that being said,” Twilight said, looking back up at the building, “I have never seen a library like this before.”
“Sunset and I used to go here during my previous times at the Golden Land,” Wanda said.  “All the books that are lined up.  You could be there for years.”
Those words caused Twilight’s excitement to jump ten folds.  The violet pony danced around and around in anticipation, with Cozy Glow glaring down Wanda.
“Smooth move, Princess,” Cozy Glow said.
“Well that being said,” Moondancer said.  “I think we should consider going inside and checking the whole place out.”
“You guys go on ahead,” Wanda said.  “I promised Rainbow Dash I would fly with her and the other pegasi.”
“Are you sure about that?” Twilight asked.  “We’ll miss you.”
“It’s okay,” Wanda said as she rubbed the back of Abigail’s ear.  “Abigail can look after you all while we’re out flying.”
Twilight looked down at Abigail as the little kitten walked up to the unicorn filly and rubbed her body on the filly’s legs, purring gently.
“Well, you are friends with Spikey-Wikey,” Twilight said as she picked up Abigail.  “So why not?  Welcome aboard, Abby.”
Abigail let out a playful “YAY” as Twilight gave the kitty cat a hug.
“Well Twilight,” Wanda said.  “Hope Abigail will keep you comfy.  In the meantime, it’s time we took off.”
With that, Wanda’s insect wings formed on her back as she, Rainbow Dash, Spitfire and Ditzy Doo took off for the skies, leaving Twilight Sparkle and Abigail Albright with Moondancer, Sunburst, Danged Spell and Cozy Glow.
“You know,” Sunburst said.  “I always wonder why Wanda is able to form those kinds of wings on her back.”
“Wanda told us that she doesn't even know why she can fly,” Moondancer said.  “So right now, we’re all clueless as to why she can fly.”
“You’re right,” Twilight said as she placed Abigail down.  “Let’s head inside and see if we can find anything that can teach us more about Wanda.”
Moondancer, Cozy Glow, Abigail, Sunburst and Danged Spell nodded before Twilight Sparkle began to walk towards the door.  But just as the group was about to step inside, Twilight stopped for a moment.
“Wait,” Twilight said.  “Spell, weren’t you supposed to make a pun about this moment?”
“Don’t look at me,” Danged Spell said.  “Not every moment is meant to be punny.”
With that, Twilight, Moondancer, Cozy Glow, Sunburst and Abigail broke out laughing, with Danged Spell standing there, confused.
“Note to self,” Danged Spell said.  “Stop being the number one source for puns.”

A little later inside the Ruby Building, Twilight Sparkle pushed open the front door and walked inside with everyone else right behind her.  She came to a sudden stop and looked all around in awe.
“Oh my gosh,” Twilight said.  “This place is amazing.”
All around the interior of the building were shelves and rows full of books that stretched all the way to the sky.  Staircases and rooms separated the shelves from each other.  While Danged Spell, Sunburst, Moondancer and Cozy Glow were intrigued, Twilight Sparkle couldn’t stop staring as if her excitement level was going through the roof.  As she began to shake, Danged Spell and the others began to take notice of Twilight’s mood.
“Uh-oh,” Danged Spell said.  “HIT THE DECK!  SHE’S GONNA BLOW!”
Danged Spell, Cozy Glow, Moondancer, Sunburst and Abigail were quick to hide under a nearby table as Twilight Sparkle rocketed up into the air before reaching the top and yelling out “THIS IS THE BEST PLACE EVER!”  Her words rocked the foundation of the Ruby Building.
“I THINK ALL THOSE BOOKS ARE GETTING TO HER!” Cozy Glow yelled.
Moondancer looked up at Twilight and yelled out “HEY TWILIGHT!  FIRST OFF, YOUR YELLING JUST CAUSED THE BUILDING TO SHAKE, AND YOU MIGHT DAMAGE THE BOOKS!  AND SECOND OFF, HOW DO YOU PLAN ON GETTING DOWN?”
Twilight looked down from above and gulped for a second before falling down from top.  She screamed loudly as she plummeted towards the floor of the library.
“I got this,” Cozy Glow said, flapping her wings.
Immediately, Cozy Glow flew up towards Twilight Sparkle, who was still descending downwards.  But before she could hit the floor, Cozy Glow quickly grabbed her by the back, stopping the unicorn in mid-air.
“Cozy,” Twilight said. “You saved…”
But Twilight looked up and saw Cozy Glow struggle to hold the unicorn filly up.  The only thing Cozy Glow could do was to slow her descent towards the floor and release Twilight Sparkle from her grip.
“Sorry,” Twilight said.  “Guess I got too carried away.”
“That’s okay,” Cozy Glow said, stretching her back out.
“But you’re an alicorn,” Twilight said.  “How come you struggled to carry me?”
“I may be an alicorn,” Cozy Glow replied.  “But for some reason, I’m not as strong as I’m supposed to be, like Majesty is.”
“That’s rather unusual for an alicorn,” Sunburst said as he, Moondancer, Danged Spell and Abigail ran up to Twilight and Cozy Glow.  
“Oh it’s not just that,” Cozy Glow said.  “I also stink at magic despite being an alicorn.   Flying is the only thing I’m capable of doing.”
“An alicorn whose strength is only in flying,” Danged Spell said.  “Talk about a horrible way to live.”
“She wasn’t the first to have that kind of disability.”  Everyone turned towards the entrance to see Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Argyle Starshine enter.   Argyle Starshine had his journal in his right arm and a saddlebag on his back.
“Princess Celestia,” Twilight cheered as she ran up to the alicorn princess.
“How’s it going, my faithful student?” Celestia said as she muzzled with Twilight.  “I take it you’re surprised by the Ruby Library.”
“I’ll say,” Twilight said.  “This makes all the libraries in Equestria pale in comparison.  Boy I can’t wait to pull a book out at random and spend all day reading it.”
“As much as we want to do that,” Luna said.  “There is one secret wing of the library that you should check out.”
“A secret wing?” Twilight said, shifting her hooves in anticipation.  “I can’t wait.”
Argyle Starshine laughed before he said “I take it Twilight Sparkle has a thing for books.”
“That’s an understatement,” Princess Celestia said.  “The first time I introduced Twilight Sparkle to the royal library, she spent a whole week there.  Wanda had to use an encyclopedia to lure her out.”
“I’ve heard of younglings who aren’t keen on reading,” Argyle laughed.  “But a filly who’s obsessed over books? That’s a new one.”
“Oh believe me,” Princess Celestia said as she walked up towards a random bookcase.  “The moment she sees the books in this secret wing, she’ll want to camp out here for days.”
Princess Celestia lowered her horn towards one of the books before lighting the tip of it with her magic.  The book was covered in a magical aura before flying out and opening up, turning the pages until an ancient set of words were displayed.  The words glowed brightly, causing the bookcase to shake.
“What the hay’s going on?” Sunburst said as Abigail hid behind the colt.
“Watch and learn,” Luna said with a smile on her face.
Slowly, the bookcase moved to the right, revealing an open doorway that’s larger than Princess Celestia.  The moment that the bookcase was completely on the right side, the room lit up.  Twilight Sparkle looked inside the doorway and her jaw dropped with excitement.
“This,” Twilight said, “This is unbelievable.”
“Oh no,” Moondancer said.  “I think Twilight’s lost it.”
Twilight Sparkle revved up her back legs before dashing into the room.  Inside, there were even more shelves full of books than outside in the main hall of the Ruby Building.  Danged Spell, Moondancer, Sunburst, Abigail and Cozy Glow looked inside to see Twilight Sparkle pull a few books off the shelf before placing them on a nearby table.
“Thanks alot, Princess Celestia,” Danged Spell snarled, turning his head towards the alicorn.  “You just made your prime student’s book addiction far worse.  I hope you’re proud.”
“I am,” Princess Celestia said.  “After all, you just took the words right out my mouth.”
The other younglings groaned as they said “Ugggh, Princess Celestia.”
“Well Princess Celestia has a point,” Argyle Starshine laughed.  “There’s nothing wrong with being addicted to books, or to reading.  In fact, I’m proud that you have a student who is fascinated with books, which is saying a lot compared to most of the students at Daisy Joy Tech.”
“Indeed,” Princess Celestia said.  “And as a matter of fact, I believe we should all go inside and check out the wing of the Ruby Library.”
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna walked through the doorway leading to the secret wing of the library.  Behind them, Argyle Starshine, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Cozy Glow and Abigail Albright followed the duo in anticipation.
Inside, the younglings were quick to run up to Twilight Sparkle, who was extremely focused on one of the books she was reading.  Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Argyle Starshine stood back and watched Sunburst, Moondancer and Abigail sit next to Twilight while Danged Spell and Cozy Glow explored the entire wing of the library.  Sunburst looked down at Twilight, still with her eyes on the book.
“Twilight,” Sunburst said.  “Equestria to Twilight.  Are you there?”
“That’s Twilight in a nutshell,” Moondancer said.  “The moment she has her eyes in a book, she can’t let go.”
Nearby, Danged Spell and Cozy Glow looked around the secret wing of the library, exploring every nook and cranny within, and scanning every book on the shelf.
“I wonder why Princess Celestia and Princess Luna want us to explore this part of the library,” Danged Spell asked.  “After all, there are plenty of books around in this place.”
“Maybe it’s because there might be some juicy secrets to uncover,” Cozy Glow said with a devilish grin.
“Oh please,” Danged Spell said.  “If I want juicy secrets, I would follow a conspiracy theorist.”
“Come on, Spell,” Cozy Glow said.  “Aren’t you a bit on the curious side?”
“Like I would find it here, kid,” Danged Spell replied.
As Danged Spell scanned the perimeter of the wing of the library, he saw a stack of books piled high nearby.
“Wow,” Danged Spell said.  “If anything, Princess Celestia needs to do a little rearranging.”
“I’m surprised with all her obsession with books,” Cozy Glow said, “Twilight never thought to stop and look at this stack.”
“No kidding,” Danged Spell said.  “I’m surprised that Twilight’s not having a meltdown over this.”
As Danged Spell observes the stack of books in front of him, his eyes catch a title name on the spine of a book at the bottom.
“Hey, Dracoltula,” Danged Spell said. “I haven’t read this in a while. I wonder if Celestia won’t mind me borrowing this for a bit.”
“One problem,” Cozy Glow said.  “You pull that book out and the entire stack falls down.”
“You’re right,” Danged Spell said.  “But maybe moving some of the books out of the way won’t hurt.”
Danged Spell lit his horn up and surrounded the top part of the books with magic.  He lifted the books carefully off the top of the stack and placed them to the side.   Then he carefully levitated another set of books off the top of the stack and placed them on the side.
“Seriously,” Danged Spell said.  “What were the Princesses thinking in stacking them like this?”
But as Danged Spell was about to lift another set of books, he felt a tickle in his nose and began to huff and puff.
“Oh no,” Cozy Glow said.  “You just inhaled dust, didn’t ya?”
“Yeah,” Danged Spell said.  “I’d run if I were you because I’m about to sneeze.”
Nearby, Sunburst, Moondancer and Abigail just stood by while Twilight was too focused on her book.
“So what do we do now?” Moondancer asked.
“I dunno,” Sunburst said.  “Maybe join in with a book of her own.”
Moondancer looked around on the table, scanning the cover of every book.  Her eyes suddenly caught a book with a title that said “The Secrets of Evevanya.”
“Hey Sunburst,” Moondancer said.  “See that?  Does that strike you as intriguing?”
“It does,” Sunburst said.  “As a matter of fact, I should take care of it.”
But as Sunburst began to light his horn up, he heard the sound of Danged Spell sneezing in the distance.  Sunburst looked up and saw a huge stack of books fall right on top of the Secrets of Evevanya book.  The nose was enough to rile up Abigail, who meowed loudly.  But Twilight was still fixated on her book as if nothing happened at all.
“DANGED SPELL!” Sunburst yelled.  “I NEEDED THAT!”
“SORRY!” Danged Spell yelled from afar.
Moondancer placed her hoof on her face and said “Just what I need, Danged Spell acting like a total goofball.”
Twilight looked out from behind her reading and saw a massive amount of books piled up in front of her.  She just smiled and said “Wow.  Guess the books are begging me to be read.  I know that makes me glad.  But I wanna focus more on this book.”
Moondancer, Sunburst and Abigail all looked at Twilight with her eyes focused on the book.
“She’s a brave soul to ignore that kind of danger,” Sunburst said.
“That’s what I’m worried about,” Moondancer said.
“Catastrophe,” Abigail meowed.
Back up near what was the stack of books, Danged Spell just looked down at the top of the list, where the copy of Dracoltula stood ready to be picked up.  But he still felt shaken up from the complete collapse of the tower of books.
“Okay,” Danged Spell said as he sniffled a bit.  “I didn’t expect all that dust to get me shaken up.”
“Way to go, moron,” Cozy Glow said in a snarky tone.  “Next time, aim your sneeze away.”
“Oh come on,” Danged Spell complained.  “How was I supposed to know that this place was dusty?”
“That’s actually our fault.  We forgot to rearrange the books before we brought you here.”  Danged Spell and Cozy Glow turned around to see Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Argyle Starshine approach them, with Argyle still holding his book in his right arm and still carrying his saddlebags.
“No kidding,” Danged Spell sneezed.  “I was trying to be careful and fate caused me to sneeze those books off.”
Luna smirked before she said “Well guess that dusty moment just knocked you down a peg.  Get it?”
Danged Spell growled like a wolf at Princess Luna before he picked up the Dracoltula book with his teeth and marched off.
“Someone’s a little grumpy today,” Luna said.
“Of course he is,” Cozy Glow sneered.  “Considering the dust that got in his nose and the mess he made.”
“Well look on the bright side,” Celestia said.  “At least Twilight is going to be enjoying more books.”
Argyle watched as Danged Spell marched down the staircase with the book in his mouth, still a bit steamed.
“I think I better cheer him up,” Argyle Starshine said.
With that, Argyle Starshine followed Danged Spell down the staircase, leaving Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Cozy Glow behind.
“You know,” Princess Celestia said.  “It’s amazing that we have younglings who just want to enjoy life as it is.”
“Indeed,” Princess Luna said. “But alas.  Some individuals like Creme Dream, Gold Banks, Coldnelius Snap and Queen Chrysalis don’t see it that way.  Poor kids can’t enjoy themselves thanks to today’s sociopaths.”
“Maybe what we need is some filly to find six artifacts and use them to drain the magic of Equestria,” Princess Celestia joked, causing Cozy Glow’s eyes to pop out a bit.
“Say what?” Cozy Glow said in shock.
“Great idea,” Princess Luna said.  “As a matter of fact, I think Cozy Glow would be the perfect pony for the job.”
“Now wait just a minute,” Cozy Glow demanded.
“Oh agreed,” Princess Celestia said.  “Maybe she could use Daisy Joy Tech as a conduit to send all that magic to another dimension.”
“But what would happen if she were caught and sent to Tartarus for her crimes?” Princess Luna asked.
“Then maybe we should break out you-know-who,” Princess Celestia said.  “And have him pretend to be the most powerful villain in Equestria.  Then we break Cozy Glow out from Tartarus, find a powerful artifact, enhance our strength and take over the world.”
“Hah, brilliant,” Princess Luna said.  “It sounds evil, but I’m game.”
“HOLD IT!” Cozy Glow yelled, finally catching Celestia and Luna’s attention.  “I DON’T KNOW WHAT YOU TWO ARE PLANNING.  BUT THIS IS TAKING IT TOO FAR!”
As Cozy Glow fumed from her ears, Celestia and Luna just stood there, laughing out loud.
“Oh Cozy,” Celestia laughed.  “It was only a joke.  We didn’t mean to rile you up.”
“But,” Cozy Glow said.  “What you said…”
“We were just messing with you,” Princess Luna said, hugging Cozy Glow closely.  “Mainly because we’ve been fed up with both villains  hounding us and politics as usual.”
“Besides,” Celestia said.  “We wouldn’t want to put you in harm’s way like that.”
“Good,” Cozy Glow said.  “Although the idea of draining magic from Equestria sounds interesting.”
“Tell you what,” Celestia said.  “If it ever comes to this and Luna and I are left with no choice, we may let you in on our scheme.”
“Deal,” Cozy Glow giggled
“By the way,” Luna said.  “I think Twilight’s going to be here for a while. Do you think we should have a slumber party here?”
Celestia laughed before she said “Sounds like a great idea.  We should find Wanda and tell her about this.”

Meanwhile, Danged Spell was outside of the secret wing of the library, reading Dracoltula nearby.  Argyle Starshine walked out of the wing and up to Danged Spell before setting his book aside and taking his saddlebag off.
“Danged Well, was it?” Argyle asked.  “How are you doing?”
“Dusty,” Danged Spell sneezed. “And a little annoyed.”
“From all those books?” Argyle asked.
“Sometimes, it’s from the Princesses,” Danged Spell said.  “And that’s saying a lot considering that I’m a bit of a smart aleck.”
“Oh I’ve heard you are a bit of a class clown,” Argyle said.  “But sometimes when you’re on the receiving end, it’s okay to take it in stride.”
“Yeah,” Danged Spell said.  “But sometimes while I do resort to these kinds of puns just for fun, what I get feels a lot worse than what I dish out.”
“A lot worse?” Argyle laughed.  “Oh believe me.  During my time at Daisy Joy Tech, I have seen students that are outright mean-spirited.  They treated some of my students like Golden Lace and Juniper Montage a lot worse than you could have imagined.  They threw tomatoes at her, dumped lumpy milk on her, and one time kidnapped her in the middle of the night and tied her up to the Daisy Joy Elephant statue.  And the worst part about it, is that Headmistress Honey Twist encourages this kind of behavior.”
“Wow,” Danged Spell said.  “I’ve heard stories about that kind of school.  But coming from you, that is just mean-spirited taken to eleven.”
“What matters is at least Princess Celestia is teaching you the right things and not to be as cruel and vicious as Miss Honey Twist,” Argyle said as he opened his book up.  “As a matter of fact, you just gave me inspiration to write down in my journal.”
“Your journal?” Danged Spell said as Argyle pulled out his ink bottle and quill from his saddlebag.
“Yes,” Argyle Starshine stated.  “I write down my own personal thoughts about the Golden Land.  But I also write down the experiences that we all share together.  And I think this one is really special.”
“I can’t wait,” Danged Spell said in excitement.
Argyle Starshine opened his bottle of ink before dipping his quill into the well and placing the tip onto the paper.
“I have seen libraries in my life when I was a colt,” Argyle Starshine wrote.  “But never on the level of the legendary Ruby Library.  Books as far as the eye can see in various rooms.  One important wing of the library that is hidden away contains even more than I can imagine.  Some tell tales like Fiction or Fantasy.  Some reflect on real life from Non-Fiction.  Some will tell you the facts about the world and the very wonders that surround us.  Even in the age of the Canterweb, a simple book is still a close friend that can show you more than you can imagine.”
“More than we can imagine,” Danged Spell said.
“That’s not all,” Argyle stated.
Argyle Starshine dipped his pen into the inkwell again before placing it onto the paper.
“But what makes me proud are the younglings willing to read just to learn more about the world,” Argyle wrote.  “The very students that Princess Celestia taught showed me their own fascination for books.  One happens to like a tale called Dracoltula, showcasing the fascination with the villains, their motivations, charms, depths and, in some cases, how they are defeated.”
“Nice,” Danged Spell said, observing Argyle’s writing.  “I think you nailed that to a T.”
Argyle just laughed before he dipped his pen into the inkwell and wrote again.
“Others are extremely obsessive with books,” Argyle wrote.  “And that’s not a bad thing.  One desires to learn, to grow, to become the leaders that will help shape the future of our planet.  And because of that, it does give me hope for all of Equestria.  And I hope that one day, more and more younglings can learn about the benefits of books and the wonders that they can bring.”
With that, Argyle Starshine placed his quill down and blew into the page, causing the ink on the page to set.
“Kinda wish I had a journal of my own,” Danged Spell said.  “Imagine what the future would say of our tales.”
“Imagine that,” Argyle Starshine said.
Suddenly, they heard the sound of a door opening.  Danged Spell and Argyle Starshine turned to see Rarity and Applejack step through from the entrance, with Applejack carrying her video tablet in her right arm.
“Sorry we’re late,” Applejack said.  “Rarity and I couldn’t decide if we should go hiking with Shining Armor and Princess Cadance through the Emerald Woods, or come by to the Library.”
“A shame that I have to miss out on those beautiful forests,” Rarity said.  “But I figured the Ruby Library must be so divine.”
“Well you haven’t missed out much,” Argyle said.  “I believe there may be some interesting books that could catch your attention.
“Yeah,” Danged Spell said.  “With Applejack being a fan of farming and Rarity a fan of fashion, I’d say your day should be….BOOKED!  GET IT?”
It didn’t take long for Argyle Starshine, Applejack and Rarity to laugh as the two fillies walked up to Danged Spell.
“Never change, Spell,” Applejack said.  “We like you for who you are.”
“Yeah,” Rarity said.  “And we wouldn’t want anything otherwise coming from you.”
“Aww thanks guys,” Danged Spell said.  “The feeling’s mutual.”



	To Be Continued in…


	Lost in the Emerald Woods

> Arc 15-6: Lost in the Emerald Woods
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Lost in the Emerald Woods



“A library that’s bigger than the one in Canterlot?  What will they think of next?”
Applejack was sitting down at a table in the secret wing of the Ruby Library, looking into her video tablet with Bright Mac, Buttercup and Granny Smith looking at her.  Next to Applejack were Danged Spell and Rarity, while Twilight Sparkle, Moondancer, Sunburst and Abigail were at another table, looking into the piles of books stacked up on the table.
“After Danged Spell and Argyle Starshine showed us the whole place,” Applejack said.  “I was amazed by it.”
“I’m no professional tour guide,” Danged Spell explained.  “But at least I was able to show them how big this place is.”
“Well that’s great,” Buttercup said.  “Too bad we can’t be there due to the number of La Maresa refugees coming.”
“I take it the entire town is already there,” Applejack sighed.
“Now don’t you worry,” Granny Smith said.  “We have everything under control thanks to Captain Airazor of the Wonderbolts, members of the Royal Guard and Chancellor Cinch.  Besides, I heard there may be some books involving secret means of apple farming.”
“Considering that this library has books that may have been lost to time,” Rarity said, “I’d say that might be a possibility.”
“Also,” Bright Mac said.  “I heard word that you might be spending the night at the library instead of your rooms at the Golden Palace.”
“You can thank Twilight for that,” Applejack said.  “She’s glued to those books like a nail hammered down to a wooden board.”
“Yeah,” Danged Spell.  “She’s the main bookmark for this group.”
It didn’t take long for Bright Mac, Buttercup and Granny Smith to break out in laughter.
“Don’t mind Spell,” Applejack chuckled.  “He tends to be the class clown of the Canterlot unicorns.”
“Considering that I see him along with his friends,” Bright Mac laughed.  “That’s saying a lot.”
“But I do wonder how we will cope with our friends and family at La Maresa coming by,” Rarity asked.  “Truth be told, I worry for my folks and for Sweetie Belle.”
“They’re alright,” Granny Smith said.  “In fact, they’re tougher than a stampede of bulls.”
“Granny,” Buttercup laughed.  “No need to go overboard on the details.”
“I know,” Granny Smith smirked.  “But it wouldn’t hurt to brag about how they got here.”

As Applejack, Rarity and Danged Spell communicated with Bright Mac, Buttercup and Granny Smith on the video tablet, Sunburst pulled a book from the bookpile that said “The Secrets of Evevanya,” before opening it.
“Bout time,” Sunburst said.  “If it weren’t for that mess Danged Spell made, I would have gotten to it sooner.”
“Open it,” Twilight said.  “I can’t wait to see what’s in that book.”
Sunburst opened the book up and flipped to a few pages with Twilight and Moondancer looking at it over Sunburst’s shoulder.  Abigail jumped on the table and looked down at the book the moment Sunburst stopped turning the pages.
“This looks really interesting,” Sunburst said, looking down at the book.
“Are you talking about the drawing of that human-like character?” Moondancer asked.
“Actually, two drawings,” Sunburst said, pointing to the two humanoid drawings in the pages of the book.  “One of them has these intriguing bat wings on their back, like a demon of some sort.”
“A demon?” Twilight asked.
“I think I’ve seen those kinds of wings on the back of a dragon,” Moondancer said.  “So those might be an example of a dragon-like race?”
“They call themselves the Dusk,” Sunburst said before pointing to the other figure.  “They are the polar opposite of their own ally race: the Dawn.  Notice anything familiar?”
Moondancer, Twilight Sparkle and Abigail looked down at the figure and saw what appeared to be insect-like wings on their back.
“That looks similar to what Wanda has,” Twilight said.  “What a coincidence.”
“Do you think Wanda is a Evevanyian?” Moondancer asked.  “Or rather, a Dawn?”
“Good question,” Sunburst said.  “But I don’t think Wanda knows what an Evevanyian is.  Maybe showing her this book later tonight will clear things up.”

Meanwhile, Wanda Young is flying through the air with Rainbow Dash, Spitfire and Ditzy Doo by her side, looking down at the Golden Land.
“This place is amazing,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Almost like it’s the perfect place to fly.”
“I know,” Wanda said.  “Mommy lets me fly around in the Golden Land.  But I wish Sunset Shimmer could fly like me and big sis.”
“Well how come Sunset Shimmer isn’t a pegasi like us?” Ditzy Doo asked.
“It’s the way she was born,” Wanda replied.  “Though the only alternative I can think of for her to fly is to become an alicorn like Mommy, Aunt Luna and Big Sis.”
“That reminds me,” Spitfire said.  “How come you have the ability to fly?”
“You know,” Wanda said,  “I honestly don’t know why I can fly compared to the rest of the humans I belong to.  Mommy told me that humans aren’t supposed to fly.”
“So does that mean you might not be a human?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Maybe so,” Wanda said.  “But it still doesn’t explain why I am human, and yet not.”
“Wanda,” Ditzy said.  “It doesn’t matter if you’re human or not. What you are is my friend.”
“Ditzy?” Wanda said as she paused in place.
“You may not be a pony like us and you may not be a human,” Ditzy Doo replied.  “But what matters is you care for us, just like how Princess Celestia trained you.”
“Ditzy’s got a point,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Even if you aren’t human, you’re still our friend, one hundred and twenty percent.  Never forget that.”
Spitfire turned to Wanda with a smug on her face and said “So.  Think you can fly fast with those wings of yours?”
“I never flew fast like you would,” Wanda replied.  “But I’m game.”
With a flap of her insect wings, Wanda flew off in the distance, with Spitfire flying right behind her.  Rainbow Dash and Ditzy Doo looked at the duo fly off in the distance and then an idea popped up in their head.
“You thinking what I’m thinking?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“We chase after them?” Ditzy Doo responded.
“Exactly,” Rainbow Dash said with a grin on her face.
Flapping their wings as fast as possible, Rainbow Dash and Ditzy Doo took off, chasing after Wanda Young and Spitfire.

Meanwhile, somewhere within the middle of a nearby forest, Princess Cadance was walking through while observing a map, all while carrying a heavy saddlebag on her back.  Behind her was Shining Armor, who looked concerned for his alicorn girlfriend.  Walking alongside Shining Armor were Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Starlight Glimmer, Trixie, Golden Lace, Juniper Montage, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk.
“Caddy,” Shining Armor said. “Are you sure you know the way through the Emerald Woods?”
“I’m sure of it,” Princess Cadance said.  “I’ve been through these woods with Wanda and Sunset before.  In fact, there’s a neat spot we like to go to as our destination.”
“Neat spot?” Golden Lace asked.
“Well,” Pinkie Pie said, “It’s a hidden location that they go to as a place to relax and meditate.”
“How do you know about this?” Trixie yelled.  “You never met them until they came to La Maresa?”
“Guess,” Pinkie Pie said in a smug tone.
“Oh right,” Trixie said.  “You’re Discord’s reincarnation.”
Golden Lace just shook her head and said “At least these fillies aren’t big bullies like the ones back at Daisy Joy Tech.”
“I heard it was horrible back there,” Shining Armor said. 
“Horrible is an understatement,” Golden Lace replied.  “Many of the students there were just plain mean and sadistic.”
Princess Cadance looked down at Juniper Montage and asked “And I take it you had the same experience at that horrible school, correct?”
“I did,” Juniper said.  “After my school was shut down, my parents transferred me to this horrible place.  They treated me along with a few other fillies like dirt.  And the two ponies who take pleasure in these moments were Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo, who picked on me and Lace, along with Wallflower Blush, Gloriosa Daisy and Vignette Valencia.”
“That’s horrible,” Princess Cadance said.  “And the headmistress there doesn’t mind it?”
“Doesn’t mind it?” Juniper replied before she stopped in place and stomped her hoof on the ground.  “She encourages it to her students, as if it were the moral thing to do.”
“Wow,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “And here I thought Gold Banks gave us all a hard time after she brought down the orphanage we used to live in.  Never thought how messed up this world truly is.”
“That being said,” Sonata Dusk said. “Do you know where we are right now?”
“That’s easy,” Princess Cadance said.  “We’re lost.”
Immediately, everyone came to a stop as they yelled out “SAY WHAT?”
“Cadance,” Shining Armor said.  “Are you out of your mind? You said you knew your way around the Emerald Woods.”
“I do,” Princess Cadance said with a grin as she rolled up her map.  “And we’re lost.”
“I think I know what it means,” Pinkie Pie said.  “This is a place called Lost.”
“That’s correct,” Princess Cadance giggled.
Everyone looked around at the surrounding environment and were awed.  There was an open space in front of them with log-like stones surrounding a spot for a campfire.  The trees that surrounded the place looked perfect for climbing.  Behind them was the only path out.
Shining Armor just laughed and said “So this is what you meant by lost.  It’s more of a secret hideout that you, Wanda and Sunset liked to go to.”
“You got it, Shining,” Princess Cadance said before using her magic to take the saddlebag off.  “As a matter of fact, it’s time you all experienced the same thing that I gave to them.”
With a pulse of magic from Cadance’s horn, the saddlebags opened and stuff flew out of it.  Tents unfolded in an instant and lined up around the circle of stones.  A table landed nearby with a number of chairs lined up around it.  Other items like pots, mugs, sleeping bags, and even ice chests full of food lined up next to the table.  The younglings all stared at the newly set-up camp, unable to take their eyes off of it.
“That was amazing,” Aria Blaze said.
“All of that in one go,” Juniper Montage replied.  “I’m stunned.”
“Even the Great and Powerful Trixie pales in comparison to this,” Trixie said.
Shining Armor walked up to the campsite and observed for a bit before turning to face Princess Cadance.
“You are such a showoff,” Shining Armor said.
Princess Cadance let out a playful raspberry before she said “I wasn’t born with it.  But at least it has its uses.”
Shining Armor turned towards the younglings and said “So now that we have camp set up, who wants to get some firewood?”
Immediately, Fluttershy flew into the air and screamed with delight, causing everyone to cover their ears in pain.
“Is she like this all the time?” Golden Lace yelled.
“Not really,” Pinkie Pie replied with a loud voice.  “She’s more of a timid pony.  But she has the assumption that she’ll find animals to befriend.”
As soon as Fluttershy touched the ground, she blushed for a bit before she said “Oops. My bad.  I mean I will go get some firewood.”
Pinkie Pie uncovered her ears before she walked up to Fluttershy and stood next to her.  Starlight followed suit, looking almost as eager as Fluttershy.
“I’ll volunteer to help Fluttershy out,” Pinkie Pie said.
“Ditto,” Starlight replied.
“Alright you little filly scouts,” Shining Armor said.  “Find us some firewood and bring it back here.  You got it?”
Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Starlight Glimmer saluted Shining Armor before they said “YES SIR!”  Immediately, they turned tail and marched off in the opposite direction.
“It’s this scene that makes me wish I did make it into the Royal Guard,” Shining Armor said, watching the three fillies march off.
“I dunno,” Princess Cadance said, placing her arms around Shining Armor.  “You would make a far better prince.”
“Don’t push your luck.” Shining Armor smirked.
Trixie watched as Starlight marched alongside Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy deep within the woods.
“Please be careful,” Trixie said.

Meanwhile, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy and Starlight Glimmer were gleefully marching through the Emerald Forest, looking around for firewood.  
“Hey Fluttershy,” Starlight asked.  “How come you were eager to look for firewood?”
“Well it’s not just that,” Fluttershy said, coming to a stop.  “I heard there were some cute and cuddly critters living here.”
Fluttershy turned her head towards a nearby rustling bush, to which a raccoon emerged, staring at the pegasi while rubbing its ear with its hand.
“See what I mean?” Fluttershy responded, pointing to the raccoon.
“Wow,” Starlight said.  “I didn’t know.”
“Well you do now,” Pinkie Pie said, giving Starlight a hoof noogie.
Fluttershy bent down and held her right front hoof out, holding some blueberries on top, and mimicking the sound of a raccoon with her tongue tapping the roof of her mouth.  The raccoon looked at Fluttershy for a moment, blinking twice.
“I don’t think that’s…” Starlight said before Pinkie Pie placed her hoof on Starlight’s mouth.
“Wait for it,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Fluttershy’s known to attract animals to her.”
Immediately, the raccoon ran up to Fluttershy and sniffed the blueberries.  It immediately picked one up and threw it right into its mouth, chewing it before swallowing it whole.  The raccoon cooed loudly before taking a few more blueberries and eating them.
“Wow,” Starlight said.  “I didn’t know she could do that.”
“Oh you have no idea,” Fluttershy said as the raccoon ate more blueberries out of her hoof.  “Ever since I got my cutie mark, I have always been fascinated by the animals of Equestria.  My Uncle Wegefrolick took notice of this  and actually invited me to his famous zoo at San DiNeighgo.  It was unlike anything I have ever seen.  He had monkeys, flamingos, snakes, rhinos, cheetahs, kangaroos, elephants, lions, tigers and a variety of bears.”
“Oh my,” Starlight said.
“Oh my indeed,” Pinkie said with a grin.  “Anywho, while you two talk, I got firewood to gather.”
With that, Pinkie Pie hopped off in another direction, leaving Starlight and Fluttershy behind.
“Tell me more,” Starlight said.
“Uncle Wegefrolick wanted to show all of Equestria the various wonders of the world,” Fluttershy explained.  “It was long ago that a special exposition happened at Balbronco Park, long before my time.  Wegefrolick was still a young lad who had taken a career as a surgeon.  But during his time, he was fascinated by the animals that were on display.  When the exhibition came to an end, he petitioned Princess Celestia into opening a zoo in San DiNeighgo.”
“I think I read all about it,” Starlight said.  “Mommy gave me a book about the San DiNeighgo Zoo, which told about how Wegefrolick petitioned Princess Celestia into donating land for a zoo.”
“That’s right,” Fluttershy said.  “Princess Celestia negotiated with the council of San DiNeighgo to put some land to good use for a proper zoo.  One that did not use cages, but created special enclosures to keep the critters satisfied.  She even paid some of them to give fish, hay bales and even fruit for the creatures.  In fact, he allowed some of the animals to pay a visit to the Ponyville Providence fair early ago this year.”
“That sounds really fascinating,” Starlight said.
“Oh it is,” Fluttershy replied, shuffling her hooves in excitement.  “I enjoy paying a visit to my uncle’s famous Zoo.  In fact, I can’t wait to invite you and your friends there.  I bet you’ll enjoy all sorts of critters like bats, tortoises, hippos, and even a variety of pigs.”
Starlight Glimmer froze for a bit before she said “Did…did you say…pigs?”
“Yes I did,” Fluttershy said.  “Why’s that?”
Starlight shuffled back for a bit before she said “Pigs scare me.”
“Oh dear,” Fluttershy said.  “I didn’t know you were afraid of pigs.”
Immediately, Pinkie Pie zipped right back in, with her tail holding a huge bunch of firewood.
“Got as much as I could,” Pinkie Pie said.  “How was your end?”
Fluttershy immediately pointed Pinkie Pie towards Starlight Glimmer, who was cowering next to the tree.
“Let me guess,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Starlight’s afraid of pigs.”
“Yeah,” Starlight shivered.  “Pigs are heavy creatures that want to smash you to pieces.”
“No they’re not,” Pinkie Pie giggled.  “In fact, Applejack works with pigs on the farm and they’re nice creatures.  After all, they’re great for digging up truffles.”
“Besides, Starlight,” Fluttershy said.  “You weren’t afraid of the pigs when you came down to the Ponyville Providence fair.”
“That’s because they were behind a steel pen,” Starlight whined.  “And that meant I couldn’t get crushed by them.”
“Are you sure about that?” Pinkie Pie asked.  “Because not long ago, you were happy and content with petting the pigs at the Ponyville Providence Fair.  Did you get some kind of nightmare after you left La Maresa?  Maybe that explains why you’re afraid of pigs.”
“Well,” Starlight said nervously.  “I can’t really describe it well, but…”
“Well don’t worry,” Fluttershy said.  “I think one day, we’ll help you like pigs again.  But look on the bright side, I don’t think you will have to worry about pigs in the Golden Land.”
Suddenly, they all heard the sound of a bush rustling nearby.  Pinkie Pie, Starlight Glimmer and Fluttershy turned towards the bushes, with Starlight still shivering in fear.
“What do you suppose that is?” Pinkie Pie asked.
“Whatever it is,” Fluttershy said.  “I don’t think it will be a danger to us all, like a wolf or a cougar.”
“At least that’s nothing to worry about,” Pinkie Pie said.
The bushes stopped rustling as a pig jumped out, oinking loudly.  Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy looked at it with an “Awe.”  But Starlight looked straight at the swine, and her eyes shrunk down.
“PIIIIIIIG!” Starlight yelled before turning around and frantically climbing up a tree.
Pinkie Pie looked up at Starlight and said “Yup.  Somehow, Starlight now has Swinophobia:  A fear of pigs.  I dunno how that happened, but it looks like she doesn’t want to be near those oinkers.”
The pig curiously looked at Starlight Glimmer, who still held onto the nearby tree, before walking up to her.  Starlight looked down and screamed even louder.
“GET IT AWAY!” Starlight cried.  “HE’LL CRUSH ME!  I DON’T WANT TO BE A PONY PANCAKE! LEAVE ME ALONE YOU MEAN PIG!”
“Oh dear,” Fluttershy said.  “This is far worse than we imagine.”
Fluttershy flew right up to Starlight Glimmer and grabbed onto her, holding the twin-tailed filly tight.  Starlight felt Fluttershy’s arms wrap around her before she opened her eyes. 
“Don’t worry,” Fluttershy said in a comforting voice.  “If you’re afraid of the pig, I’ll hold onto you tight and won’t let you go.  You can trust me.”
Starlight slowly released her grip from the tree as Fluttershy gently pulled her away.  She looked down at the pig, who just stared at her curiously.  
“Please don’t let me go, please don’t let me go, please don’t let me go,” Starlight cried.
Pinkie Pie looked at the pig nearby and said “I think we need to let Princess Cadance and Shining Armor know about this.”
Fluttershy nodded, holding Starlight close.  She turned around and flew off, holding the twin-tailed filly close by, while Pinkie Pie bounced from behind, still holding all that wood in her tail.  But unbeknownst to the fillies, the pig followed Pinkie Pie from behind.

Meanwhile, up in the air, Wanda was flying around with Rainbow Dash, Ditzy Doo and Spitfire when she heard Starlight’s scream fill the air.
“That sounded like Starlight,” Wanda said.  
“You think something happened to her?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“I did promise Trixie I would keep her safe,” Wanda said.  “Though Trixie said she was gonna let me off for the time being.”
“It does sound like something bad happened to her,” Spitfire said.  “Wanna go check it out?”
“Sure,” Wanda said.  “If I recall, the scream came from the Emerald Woods.  And I think I know where to go.”
“I hope Starlight doesn’t get eaten by pigs,” Ditzy Doo said.
Everyone just looked at Ditzy with an awkward look on their faces.
“What?” Ditzy replied.  “Starlight told me that she recently had a fear of pigs.”
“That sounds rather surprising, considering our precious trip to the Ponyville Providence Fair,” Rainbow Dash said.  “But just in case, we should check up on her.”
“I think I know where she will be,” Wanda said. “And it’s a place called Lost.  Something that my sisters and I came up with.”
“Sounds like a scary name,” Ditzy Doo said.
“It is,” Wanda said.  “But it’s a place we go to just to be lost from the noise of Canterlot.”
“Then what are we waiting for?” Spitfire said.  “Let’s get ourselves lost.” 
With that, Wanda, Rainbow Dash, Spitfire and Ditzy Doo flew towards the center of the Emerald Forest.

Meanwhile, deep within the Emerald Woods, within the lost area, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor were preparing some food on the table, while Trixie, Golden Lace, Juniper Montage and the Dazzling Sisters all waited with anticipation.
“What do you think she’s making?” Juniper Montage asked.
“I hope it’s tacos,” Sonata Dusk said.
“Sonata,” Aria said.  “You have tacos on the brain.”
Golden Lace’s ears picked up the sound of Starlight Glimmer wincing in fear.  She turned to her left to see Fluttershy fly in, holding the timid Starlight Glimmer.  Behind them was Pinkie Pie, bouncing in with the wood tucked away in her tail.
“Hey guys,” Golden Lace said.  “I think there’s something wrong with Starlight.”
Shining Armor and Princess Cadance turned towards Fluttershy, who sat Starlight down next to Trixie.
“Starlight,” Princess Cadance said.  “What happened?”
“P-p-p-p-pig,” Starlight cried.  “Wanted to crush me.”
“Wait,” Shining Armor said.  “Since when were you afraid of pigs?”
“It might have been some nightmare she had,” Pinkie Pie stated as she sat the wood down near her. “And I believe it may have been sometime after she joined us at the Ponyville Providence Fair.” 
“Well that doesn’t make any sense,” Trixie said.  “I know Starlight didn’t have a problem with the pigs at the fair.  So what kind of nightmare would cause her to fear pigs?”
But before Princess Cadance could say anything, everyone heard the sound of a pig oinking.  This caused Starlight to scream loudly and jump right into Princess Cadance’s arms.  Everyone else looked to see the same pig walk up to them.
“Wow,” Sonata Dusk said, looking at the pig.  “I have never seen a pig before.  What a cutie.”
“Daddy used to have some pigs around where I lived,” Juniper said. “Truth be told, I actually miss em.” 
“You used to have pigs where you live?” Golden Lace asked.
“Yeah,” Juniper replied.  “While my uncle is into cinematography, my mom and dad are farmers.  Though I’ll still never understand why they shipped me to the city just for that stupid school.”
“Honestly,” Golden Lace said.  “Neither do I.”
But as most of the younglings’ focus were on the adorableness of the pig, Starlight just stood there in Cadance’s arms, quivering in fear.
“I don’t want that pig anywhere near me,” Starlight cried as she buried her head in Cadance’s chest.  “Just make sure it doesn’t.”
“Well don’t worry,” Princess Cadance said.  “I think that’s the only pig that we have to worry about.”
Suddenly, Starlight and Cadance heard the sound of bushes rustling.  They turned their heads to see more pigs emerge from the bushes.  Starlight looked at them as her eyes shrunk down before screaming really loud.
“GET THEM AWAY FROM ME!” Starlight cried as she buried her head in Cadance’s chest once more.  “TOO MANY PIGS!”
“Oh dear,” Princess Cadance said.  “I wanted to assure Starlight that it was going to be alright, only for more danger to show up.”
“Poor Starlight,” Shining Armor said.  “If only there was a way to ease her mind.”
Shining Armor’s ears picked up the sound of wings flapping.  He looked up and saw Wanda Young, Rainbow Dash, Spitfire and Ditzy Doo fly down from above and land down.
“Big sis,” Wanda said.  “We heard Starlight cry from afar.  What happened?”
“You’re not going to believe this,” Princess Cadance said as she held Starlight.  “But Starlight Glimmer is afraid of pigs.”
“Pigs?” Rainbow Dash said.  “That’s a rather silly fear.”
Ditzy flew up to Starlight, who continued to cry while Cadance held onto her.
“I feel sorry for her,” Ditzy Doo said.  “All this over being afraid of pigs.”
As Wanda looked up at Starlight, she felt a hoof touch her right had.  Wanda looked down and saw Trixie look up at her.
“Thanks for coming by, Wanda,” Trixie said.  “I knew you would keep your promise.”
“Starlight’s my friend,” Wanda said.  “Just like everyone else is.  And in a way, Starlight reminds me of myself.  I’ll see what I can do to help her.”
Wanda walked up to Princess Cadance before flying up and placing her hand on Starlight’s shoulder.  Starlight pulled her face out and looked at Wanda in the face.
“Wanda,” Starlight said.  “You came back for me.”
“I wouldn’t want to let you be scared,” Wanda said.  “After all, we’re friends, and friends help one another.”
“Then,” Starlight cried.  “Get me out of here.  I don’t want to be here if there’s going to be a ton of pigs in this world.”
Wanda looked up at Princess Cadance and nodded towards her big sister.
“Starlight,” Princess Cadance said. “I’m sorry I couldn’t give you a fun time here within the Emerald Woods.  If I had known there were pigs and that you recently had a fear of pigs, I would have left you with Princess Celestia.  So I’m going to let Wanda take you back to her.”
“Thanks,” Starlight said.  “But I’m sorry you’re going to be down a pony.”
“That’s okay,” Rainbow Dash said.  “As a matter of fact, I’d like to stay here and help out with the camping.”
“So do I,” Spitfire said.  “Captain Airazor told me I should consider camping out to be the best of the best.  And I’d say this makes a great location.”
“And I’ll be happy to remain here,” Ditzy Doo said.  “I love camping.”
“Then it’s settled,” Shining Armor said.  “Wanda, you’re free to take Starlight back to Princess Celestia.”
“I’ll inform Princess Celestia of this change through my personal video tablet,” Princess Cadance said.  “She’ll understand.”
Wanda nodded to Shining Armor and Princess Cadance as Starlight Glimmer looked down at Trixie.
“No matter what happens,” Trixie said, “You’ll always be my Great and Powerful Friend.”
Starlight giggled as Wanda ascended towards the upper clearings of the forest.  Starlight looked down and waved good-bye, with everyone else waving back at her.
“By the way,” Wanda said.  “I’m heading by the library, and I’ll let mommy know about what happened.  Are you up for it?”
“Am I?” Starlight cheered. “I am.”

But at the Ruby Library, as most of the younglings there were busy reading, Argyle Starshine was writing once more in his journal.
“Early this morning,” Argyle wrote.  “I went for a walk in the Emerald Woods, and I got myself lost.  Well lost is a harsh word, because I was amazed by the flora of this place.  The leaves of the trees shined brighter than emerald jewels.  The way the light just shined in the place created an ambience that felt relaxing and cathartic.  Even the flowers were more precious than jewelry and gold.  Why we choose to destroy nature in favor of stripping its resources for money and power is a tragedy onto itself.”
As Argyle Starshine dipped his quill pen into the inkwell, he felt a tap on his shoulder.
“Just a heads up,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “Princess Celestia was informed by Princess Cadance that Starlight Glimmer is coming back here courtesy of Wanda.  Seems she has Swinophobia: A fear of pigs.”
“Thanks for letting me know, Twilight,” Argyle said.  “And as a matter of fact, you may have given me some inspiration.”
“Inspiration?” Twilight asked.
“Fear,” Argyle Starshine replied.  “The fact that we are often afraid.  That is something I wish to add to my journal.”
Twilight giggled and said “I hope it turns out great, and I bet I’ll be glued to it.  Looking forward to the completed book.”
As Twilight Sparkle walked off towards the others, Argyle placed his quill back on the paper.
“But as beautiful as the forests are,” Argyle wrote.  “They can also be scary places for the inexperienced.  Sometimes we develop a fear for the place, based on its flora or fauna, or far worse.  Sometimes it is okay to be afraid.  It’s natural for us to do that.  But friends help us with our fears, how to deal with them, and how we can adapt to our own fears.  Sometimes the fears can be silly, while other fears are serious.  The friends or family that help us with our fear are the ones we look up to, who we are comforted by.  Though fear can weigh us down, it takes the help of friends and family to help us conquer our fears, and to become stronger in spirit.”
With that, Argyle Starshine placed his quill in the inkwell before blowing on the page a bit.
“It sure is hard work,” Argyle Starshine said.  “But writing about these stories is what keeps me going.  I hope this story does inspire future generations.  Maybe a foal of my own if I do choose to marry.”


	To Be Continued in…


	Two Slumber Parties for the Price of One

> Arc 15-7: Two Slumber Parties for the Price of One
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


	Two Slumber Parties for the Price of One



“Wow.  I never thought that Starlight Glimmer would be afraid of pigs, much less to the fact that she wasn’t afraid during her time at the Ponyville Providence Fair.”
Those words came from Granny Smith, who was communicating from the video tablet to Applejack, who had Twilight Sparkle and Spike by her side.
“It’s kind of weird,” Applejack said.  “She didn’t have any trouble with pigs, only to freak out at the sight of them in the Emerald Forest.”
“So how come she developed Swinophobia?” Granny Smith asked.
“From what Princess Luna told me while she talked with Princess Cadance,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “Starlight Glimmer had a nightmare involving giant pigs rolling at her with the intent to crush her, and it started sometime after our trip to the Ponyville Providence Fair.  In fact, it’s more like a bit after the Grand Gallopin Gala.”
“That’s horrible,” Granny Smith said.  “I know pigs are the most gentle creatures ever, and I know that through experience.  But it does break my heart to see a little one develop an unintended fear of these creatures.”
“It does for me as well,” Applejack said.  “If there was only something we could do to help her fear of pigs.”
“Isn’t that Wanda sweetie helping get Starlight back to where you are?” Granny Smith asked.
“She is,” Twilight replied.  “Wanda’s a flier, so she can get her to the Ruby Library, safe and sound.  Also, Sunset Shimmer just arrived and Spike’s with us as you can tell.”
“I’m glad she’s getting better,” Granny Smith laughed.  “It would be a shame for her to miss out on the fun there.”
“You and me both,” Twilight giggled.
“Hey Granny,” Applejack asked.  “How are ma and pa doing with the refugees?”
“You don’t need to worry about ‘em,” Granny Smith chuckled.  “They’ve got some serious help from the Royal Guard, the Wonderbolts, and even the Chancellor’s pitching in.”
“I sure hope things don’t get any worse in Canterlot,” Applejack said.  “For the people of La Maresa, for my parents, and for you.”
“Worry,” Spike said.
“I know you worry for her, Spike,” Twilight said.  “But don’t you worry.  

Meanwhile, in another room of the Ruby Library, Princess Luna was looking down at a video tablet with Princess Cadance and Shining Armor’s face on it.
“This is our fault, Princess Cadance,” Princess Luna said.  “I should have told you all about Starlight’s Swinophobia.”
“It’s still weird that she developed this between our time at the fair and now,” Princess Cadance said.  “She wasn’t afraid of pigs, back then.  But now?”
“Like I said,” Princess Luna said.  “I should have warned you, Shining Armor and Starlight Glimmer about the pigs in the Emerald Woods.  That’s on me.”
“I also heard that Sunset Shimmer is going to pay a visit to the Ruby Library,” Shining Armor said.  “Glad she’s feeling better.”
“I’m glad of that as well,” Princess Luna said.
“By the way,” Princess Cadance said.  “I heard Starlight’s not the only one with a phobia of her own.”
“You’re right on that,” Princess Luna said.  “Danged Spell has a phobia of his own.  Have you heard of Katsaridaphobia?”
“That’s a fear of cockroaches, right?” Shining Armor replied. 
“It is,” Princess Luna said.  “Spell got it prior to coming to Canterlot.  .One look at a cockroach and he freaks out.”
“Can’t he use his Wolf’s Breath curse to nullify his phobia?” Shining Armor asked.
“I’m afraid not,” Princess Luna said.  “Spell’s fear of cockroaches will override his Wolf’s Breath Curse the moment he takes a look at those insects.  And he’s not the first with this curse that was overwritten by a phobia.”
“I know,” Princess Cadance said.  “Despite the fact that Princess Celestia has the Wolf’s Breath curse as well, she loses it when she sees a chicken.”
“Wait,” Shining Armor said.  “What made Princess Celestia afraid of chickens?”
“You don’t wanna know,” Princess Cadance replied.
“Well speaking of which,” Princess Luna said.  “Princess Celestia and Argyle Starshine are waiting outside for Wanda and Starlight to show up.  In fact, Abigail is waiting out there as well.”
“Did Sunset Shimmer also arrive?” Princess Cadance asked.
“And she brought Spike with her,” Princess Luna said.  “Actually, I think she’s with Celestia, Argyle and Abigail at the moment.”
“Well I’m glad she’s feeling better,” Shining Armor said.  “She’s a strong filly who never gives up, and that’s the best thing about her.”

Outside of the Ruby Library as the sun was setting , Princess Celestia, Sunset Shimmer, Argyle Starshine and Abigail Albright looked up in the air as Wanda flew towards her, carrying Starlight Glimmer in her arms.
“I heard about Starlight’s swinophobia,” Argyle said.  “Didn’t imagine there were some pigs in the forest.”
“This was something I should have addressed to Starlight before she went in there,” Princess Celestia said.  “Boy are her parents going to chew me out for that.”
“It’s okay, mother,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “We all make mistakes.”
“I know,” Princess Celestia said.  “But at the same time, we should have accommodated  Starlight Glimmer’s swinophobia.”
“Swinophobia?” Abigail asked.
Celestia scooted Abigail by her side and said “It’s a fear of pigs.  For some reason, Starlight developed this sometime after the Grand Gallopin Gala.”
“I wish there was something I could do to help her out,” Sunset said.  “Maybe help her with her swinophobia.”
“In time she will conquer it,” Princess Celestia said.  “But for now, let us greet Wanda and Starlight.”
The moment that Princess Celestia finished speaking, Wanda Young touched down nearby, slowly releasing her grip on Starlight Glimmer.  Once Starlight’s four hooves were planted on the ground, Sunset Shimmer ran up to Starlight Glimmer and gave her a big hug.
“Starlight,” Sunset said.  “I’m glad you made it here.”
“After what I had to go through,” Starlight said as she looked at Sunset with a smile, “I’m glad to at least be back here.”
“Well you’re in luck,” Sunset said.  “We’re having a slumber party here at the library.”
“A slumber party?” Wanda said.  “Mommy never told me about this.”
“Well when I arrived here,” Sunset said, “Mother told us about the idea of the slumber party, considering Twilight Sparkle’s fascination for books.  So she went ahead and brought some sleeping bags for the night.”
Starlight released her hold on Sunset before she jumped into the air, yelling out “YAAAAAY! SLUMBER PARTY WITHOUT PIGS!”
“And the best part is that we have plenty of things to do tonight,” Princess Celestia said.  “I’ve had Majordomo Kibitz bring some food in for all your friends, plus we’re going to tell some scary ghost stories.”
“That sounds great,” Wanda said.
“And best off,” Princess Celestia said, “Is that there won’t be any phobias that you have to worry about.  You have my word.”
Suddenly, the sound of a nearby bush rustling caught Starlight’s attention.  She immediately held onto Wanda, shivering in fear.
“Oh no,” Starlight cried.  “The pigs must have followed me here.”
“Oh don’t you worry,” Wanda said.  “Mommy will scare any pigs off if they approach.”
“That’s right,” Princess Celestia laughed.  “After all, the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
But as the bushes began to rustle faster, the sound of a chicken clucking echoed through the air.  This caught Princess Celestia’s attention as her eyes shrunk down.
“Oh no,” Princess Celestia said. “I spoke too soon.”
Immediately, a chicken emerged from the bushes and landed on the ground, pecking at it with its beak.  Princess Celestia got one good look at it and her irises shrunk down in fear.
“AHHHHHH!” Celestia screamed before she ran back inside, leaving Starlight, Sunset, Wanda, Abigail and Argyle outside.
“What just happened?” Argyle Starshine asked.
“Something we forgot to bring up,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Mother is afraid of chickens.”
“Wow,” Starlight said, staring at the chicken.  “I feel sorry for Princess Celestia.  In fact, it’s surprising that she has a fear like I do..”
“I guess you and mommy have a bit in common, Starlight,” Wanda stated.
“Scary,” Abigail said.

It was later that evening inside the Ruby Library.  Sleeping bags were rolled out across the floors of the secret wing.  Food was placed on a table for hungry sleepers.  Nearby, Princess Luna was reading a tale to Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Cozy Glow, Applejack and Rarity.  Nearby, Princess Celestia and Argyle Starshine observed everyone enjoying themselves.
“And with the wolf running as fast as possible,” Princess Luna read. “Little Red Riding Hood was thankful for her grandma’s help.  Together, they lived happily ever after.”
Most of the younglings clapped to Luna’s storytelling, with the exception of Danged Spell, who looked disappointed.
“Seriously?” Danged Spell replied.  “They treat the wolf as the bad guy?  Couldn’t they have used a hyena?  A jackal?  Or a wolverine?”
“Spell,” Sunburst laughed.  “You take that story too seriously.”
“Yeah,” Moondancer giggled.  “Not all wolves were meant to be good.”
“Well at least it was Little Red Riding Hood and not the Three Little Pigs,” Starlight Glimmer said.  “I read that story and it makes my nightmares worse.  What kind of monsters on this so-called planet Earth would make this sadistic tale?”
Danged Spell held Starlight close to her and said “This is why I would be the Big Bad Wolf to protect you from those nasty little pigs.  I’ll huff, and I’ll huff, and I’ll SMASH their houses down.”
As Danged Spell stood by Starlight Glimmer, howling into the air, everyone around Danged Spell laughed out loud.  Even Starlight couldn’t help but put in a chuckle.
“Seems Danged Spell really wants to be more like his Wolf’s Breath curse,” Sunset giggled.
“You’re not kidding,” Twilight said.  “I’ve read up about some ponies who are comfortable with their own curse to the point where they embrace the idea of being a wolf over a pony.”
“Personally,” Applejack laughed.  “I think Spell’s really gone to the dogs.”
Spell got up close to Applejack and said “You’re barking up the wrong tree, Applejack.  I’m more than a mere dog.  I’m a wolf, and a wolf fears nothing.”
“Fears nothing?” Applejack said with a smug look on her face.
Danged Spell walked up next to Starlight Glimmer and said “That’s right.  As the mighty wolf, I won’t let ANYTHING get in my way.  For the wolf is strong.  The wolf is smart.  The wolf is invincible.”
Suddenly, Abigail pointed to a nearby corner and said “Roach.”  Danged Spell’s eyes shrunk down as he slowly turned towards the corner.  
“Oh no,” Danged Spell said.
Standing right at the corner was a small cockroach that scurried across the ground towards Danged Spell’s legs.  The colt looked down and shivered in fear, looking like he was about to scream.
“AHHHHHHHHHHHH!” Danged Spell screamed.  “ROACH!”
Nearby everyone in the vicinity gasped in shock as Danged Spell jumped onto the table, screaming at the roach.  
“Wait just a second,” Cozy Glow said.  “Danged Spell is afraid of roaches?”
“Honestly,” Applejack said. “I did not see that coming.”
“I’ve read up about that,” Sunburst said. “Katsaridaphobia.  A fear of roaches.”
Suddenly, Danged Spell reached out and grabbed a book next to Sunburst that said “The Secrets of Evevanya.”  
“Spell, wait,” Sunburst yelled.
But Danged Spell didn’t pay attention. Instead, he was focused on chasing down the roach in an attempt to squash it with the book in his hooves.
“GET BACK HERE YOU SLIMY MANIAC!” Danged Spell yelled, slamming the book many times on the floor.  “I’LL SMASH YOU INTO A ROACH PANCAKE!”
Sunburst got up and ran towards Danged Spell before pulling the book out of his hooves.
“Careful Spell,” Sunburst said.  “I was reading that.”
Danged Spell breathed in a panic, staring at the roach as it scurried down another path.  Starlight Glimmer looked down and watched as the roach slipped down into a crack at the bottom of the wall.
“Wow,” Starlight said.  “I never saw a roach before.  Curious creatures.”
“No offense Starlight,” Rarity said.  “But they looked disgusting.  If one of those creeped up behind me, I would have freaked out as well.”
Sunburst looked down at the book and said “Well what matters now is that the book is intact.”
Wanda took a look at the book’s title and said “Hey Sunburst.  What is an Evevanya?”
“Not just a what,” Sunburst said, opening the book.  “A place and a people.  Come take a look.”
Wanda walked up to Sunburst as he flipped the pages of the book.  Moondancer, Twilight Sparkle, Abigail and Spike all gathered around Wanda and Sunburst.  The moment Sunburst stopped turning pages, Wanda noticed two drawings of human-like creatures, especially one with insect wings.
“That…that looks just like me,” Wanda said, pointing to the sketch of the human with insect wings.
“It’s called a Dawn,” Sunburst said.  “They are one of the two main humanoid species of what is suppose to be Evevanya.  They have the ability to conceal their fairy-like wings, which they use for flight.  They’re also capable of magical feats.”
Wanda looked at her back as her insect-like wings formed.
“So,” Wanda said.  “I may be this…Dawn creature?”
“It might be possible,” Sunburst said, pointing to the humanoid figure with bat wings.  “But Dawns aren’t the only humanoids of Evevanya.  The ones with demon wings are called Dusk.”
“It’s like how Dawns represent the light and Dusks represent the dark,” Twilight said.
“Wow,” Wanda said, amazed.  “I never realized that I might be one of these Dawns, and not an Earthling.”
“Don’t count that out,” Sunburst said.  “Dawns and Dusk usually mate with each other.  But on a rare case, they also mate with humans from the planet Earth.  So there's a chance that you’re the off-spring of a Dawn and a Human.”
“Wanda is a human and a dawn?” Starlight said.  “That’s wonderful.”
Danged Spell shifted his eyes towards Wanda and said “So the monkey from Earth is really a fairy from this…Evevanya?  That is a pixelated revelation.”
“And I think I do have some explanation about this,” Princess Luna said.  “Back then, we assumed you to be an Earth-bound human.  But when you first revealed your fairy wings, we knew something was off and we couldn’t put our hoof on it.”
Danged Spell turned towards Luna and said “But you should have told us about this.  We would have understood if Wanda was an Earthling or this…Dawn creature.”
“Spell’s right,” Cozy Glow said, flying right next to him.  “We deserve to know who Wanda really was.”
Princess Luna just smiled and said “You’re right.  We should have been more thorough about this.  But then, why did we leave that book out in the open?”
Everyone looked at her and said “Wha?”
“Think about it,” Princess Luna said.  “We didn’t even bother to hide the book before you got here.  In fact, I may have purposefully left it out so that you could all learn about this third world called Evevanya, and the Evevanyians.”
“Evevanya,” Abigail said.  “Amadeus.”
Wanda looked down at Abigail and said “Abby.  Are you also from Evevanya?”
Abigail looked up at Wanda and said “Yes.”
“Wow,” Spike said, walking up to Abigail and placing his hand on the kitty’s cheek.
“So little Abigail is also from Evevanya,” Rarity said, petting Abigail on the head and causing the kitty to purr.  “What a coincidence that Wanda’s close companion is from the same world that she was born in.”
“Now that I think about it,” Sunburst said, “I read about this cat species known as the Abyssinians.  Some say they didn’t originate from this planet, but migrated from another planet.  When I read about The Secrets of Evevanya, they also talk about the cat species that existed alongside the Dawn, the Dusk, the Centaur, and other creatures.  Ironically, this also includes Ponies.”
“Ponies exist in Evevanya?” Sunset said.  “So does that mean we had a species of pony that migrated to Evevanya?  Or did we originally exist there?”
“To be honest, I’m not so sure,” Sunburst said.  “Our history goes far back to the founding of Equestria, to the era of Princess Platinum, Clover the Clever, Commander Hurricane, Private Pansy, Chancellor Puddinghead and Smart Cookie.  It might be possible that our species originated in Evevanya, and that we migrated to Equestria before its founding.”
“It would be amazing if we were from Evevanya,” Starlight said before she ran up to Sunburst and gave him a big hug.
“Starlight,” Sunburst said as Starlight Glimmer held him tight.  “Now’s not the time for huggies.”
“But the fact that you told us all about this means a whole lot,” Starlight said before kissing Sunburst on the cheek.  “Thanks.”
Sunburst blushed with embarrassment as Starlight held him close, causing everyone in the vicinity to burst into laughter.
“Wow,” Wanda laughed.  “That’s gotta be embarrassing.”
“Well you know what they say,” Danged Spell laughed.  “A kiss is as good as a mile.  Get it?”
“Danged Spell,” everyone laughed.
“Never change, Danged Spell,” Cozy Glow laughed.  “Never change.”
As nearly everyone laughed out loud, Princess Celestia and Argyle Starshine watched from afar with smiles on their faces.
“It’s amazing how you were able to unite these students together, Princess Celestia,” Argyle Starshine said.
“I’ve had a ton of experience not just with teaching younglings,” Princess Celestia said, “But also with raising younglings of my own.”
“But still,” Argyle said.  “The mysteries of not just Wanda’s origins, but also our origins, are fascinating to learn.  It makes us wonder if we did come from this Evevanya.”
“Well,” Princess Celestia said.  “You might want to write that down, in case there are ponies who want to learn about this.”
“Good idea,” Argyle Starshine said.
Immediately, Argyle Starshine walked up to his book and opened it before picking up the quill from the inkwell and placing the tip onto the page.
“The land of Evevanya,” Argyle Starshine wrote.  “What is this place like?  Is it as magical as Equestria, or far more than even we can imagine?  And the people of Evevanya, calling themselves the Dawn and the Dusk, resemble humans from the planet Earth.  But at the same time, they possess features that are not in ordinary humans, such as insect or bat wings, and magic of their own.  The Evevanyian people are a curious species to us ponies.  But to know one Evevanyian by the name of Wanda Young allows us to learn from them, while teaching them about what we, as a people, represent.”
Argyle dipped his pen back into the inkwell before placing the tip back on the page.
“And yet,” Argyle Starshine wrote.  “There is more to us than meets the eye.  Ponies exist in Evevanya.  But what are they like?  Are they civilized like us?  Or do they enjoy the simple life?  Furthermore, there is word going on that our kind actually existed in Evevanya before the era of legends like Princess Platinum, Clover the Clever, Chancellor Puddinghead, Smart Cookie, Commander Hurricane, and Private Pansy.  If it is true that we came from Evevanya and not Equestria, then we may be more connected to the Evevanyians than we realize.”
As Argyle placed his pen back into the inkwell, Princess Celestia walked up to the young stallion teacher.
“Ever considered what you want to do with this book once you’re finished?” Princess Celestia asked.  “Like show it to the whole world?”
“Honestly,” Argyle Starshine said.  “I have no idea on what to do when I’m done.”

Later that night, deep within the Emerald Woods, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor looked up at the night sky with a bonfire nearby and a pair of sticks planted next to it with marshmallows on top.  Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Ditzy Doo, Spitfire, Trixie, Golden Lace, Juniper Montage, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk were roasting marshmallows around the fire with metal sticks.
“This was a great idea to camp out here,” Pinkie Pie said.  “The great outdoors and hanging out with your best friends.”
“It’s too bad that Starlight Glimmer isn’t with us,” Fluttershy said.  “I felt sorry for her after she got scared by the pigs.”
“She’s going to be alright,” Princess Cadance said. “I just talked with Princess Celestia recently, and she told me that she’s getting along great with the Ruby Tower slumber party group.  Especially Wanda and Sunburst.”
“That’s what matters the most,” Trixie said.  “For the Great and Powerful Glimglam to have some form of happiness.  That is the Great and Powerful Trixie’s wish, and it shall be fulfilled.  That is why I thank the Great and Powerful Wanda for helping out Glimglam.”
“You don’t need to worry, Trixie,” Adagio laughed.  “She’s got the best of friends from Canterlot and from La Maresa.  Which includes you.”
“Oh,” Trixie blushed.  “Sorry about that.”
As everyone chuckled, Shining Armor pulled his marshmallow stick out from near the fire and touched it.
“Guys,” Shining Armor said.  “I believe the marshmallows are done.”
Everyone pulled their marshmallows away from the fire and pulled them off their respective sticks.  They all placed it on top of their respective pile of graham crackers and chocolate before placing another wafer of graham cracker on top.
“I never had a smore before,” Golden Lace said, looking at the smore.  “But this looks irresistible.”
“It’s amazing what you can do with simple things to create a delicious snack,” Shining Armor said.
Golden Lace looked at her smore before biting right into it.  She chewed slowly, smiling deeper with every taste of the cracker, chocolate and marshmallow before swallowing the bite.
“Wow,” Golden Lace said.  “I never knew what I was missing.  I wish I grew up like this.”
“My parents used to make smores during those summer nights with my uncle Canter Zoom,” Juniper Montage said.  
“Must be great to have parents like that,” Aria Blaze said.  “We never had smores until now.”
“Yeah,” Sonata Dusk said with a bit of marshmallow, chocolate and graham cracker in her mouth.  “These ain’t tacos, but they’re delicious.”
Aria placed her right hoof on her upper face and said “Sonata. Don’t talk with your mouth full.”
Sonata Dusk swallowed the food in her mouth before she said “Oops.  Sorry.”
But as Ditzy Doo took a bite out of her smores, Rainbow Dash starred up into the sky, slowly nibbling on her delicious treat.  Ditzy swallowed the piece of food before turning towards Rainbow Dash.
“Hey Rainbow,” Ditzy asked.  “What are you looking up there for?”
“Look at all those stars,” Rainbow Dash said. “Even compared to back home in La Maresa, it’s a beautiful sight to behold.”
Ditzy looked up at the night sky and said “Yeah.  They’re purty like diamonds.”
“You all see that up there?” Rainbow Dash said, pointing to a cascade of stars in the eastern sky.  “They look far different than the ones back in Equestria.”
“Oh yeah,” Fluttershy said, looking up at the sky.  “I think one of them looks like a bird that soars across the sky.”
“I can see them as well,” Shining Armor said. “One of them looks like a shield.  If only I could reach out and grab it, I could use it to defend my family and friends from evil.”
“Still willing to put your life on the line, Shining Armor?” Princess Cadance laughed.
“That’s been my dream for a long time, Shining Armor said.  “To be a member of the Royal Guard.  Too bad the academy shut down because of the fear mongering by that Neigh Nanners character.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Golden Lace said.  “If he wasn’t on my mother’s payroll, none of this madness would have happened.”
“It’s not your fault, Lace,” Shining Armor said in a reassuring tone.  “You don’t need to apologize.  Sometimes, fate can be a cruel mistress.”
“Well speaking of which,” Sonata Dusk said.  “I think I can see a taco in those stars.”
“You and your tacos,” Adagio Dazzle laughed.  “Always thinking about them twenty-four seven.”
“I don’t see anything wrong, sis,” Sonata Dusk said.  “Besides, it’s not wrong to obsess over one’s favorite food.”
“You’re right,” Ditzy Doo said, looking up at the sky.  “As a matter of fact, I can see muffins in the sky.”
“Muffins?” Sonata Dusk asked.
“Yeah,” Ditzy said. “Delicious delectables that you want to sink your teeth in.”
“You know what I can see?” Trixie said, pointing up at the sky.  “I can see myself on stage, putting on a Great and Powerful show for all of Equestria to see.”
“Oh Trixie,” Golden Lace laughed.  “Still dreaming of being the top magician in Equestria like your father Jack Pot?”
“Oh you betcha,” Trixie said.  “I dream of one day making my father proud by becoming the best magician in all of Equestria, to truly live up to that title of Great and Powerful.  That is my ultimate dream.”
Rainbow Dash turned to Pinkie Pie and said “Hey Pinkie.  What do you see in those stars?”
“Well, I can see,” Pinkie Pie said, before pausing for a bit.
“Pinkie?” Rainbow Dash said, noticing Pinkie’s hesitation.
“Well,” Pinkie Pie blushed.  “You don’t really want to know.”
Rainbow Dash slammed her hoof on the picnic blanket and said “Oh come on.  I deserve to know.”
“Don’t say I didn’t warn you,” Pinkie Pie said.  
Pinkie Pie reached over and whispered right into Rainbow Dash’s ear.  For some reason, Rainbow Dash’s eyes shrunk down as her face popped up with a surprised look on her face.
“You know what,” Rainbow Dash said.  “You got a point there.  Hoo boy, I’m not going to get that mental image out of my head.”
As Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash giggled, Golden Lace and Juniper Montage looked up at the sky with amazement.  The two La Maresa ponies stopped laughing to turn towards Lace and Juniper.
“Hey Lace,” Pinkie Pie said. “What do the stars remind you of?
“When I look up at the sky,” Golden Lace said,  “I see all the friends I made paired up together, like we were meant to be together.”
“Like a magic that burns bright?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Yeah,” Golden Lace replied.  “As if we were all united not just as friends, but also as family.”
“When I look up at the sky,” Juniper Montage said.  “What I see is a movie reel showing a feature.  It has all of us enjoying our time here at the Golden Land.”
“And you want to become a director,” Golden Lace said.  “Just like your uncle.”
“Yeah,” Juniper Montage said.  “Maybe if I do see Uncle Canter Zoom once more, I may ask him for a spare video camera that I can use to create a movie about all of us.”
“That sounds like a way past cool idea,” Rainbow Dash said.  “But if he doesn’t, then I think one of us has a camera to use to shoot our movie.”
“I think all of us have a camera on our phones,” Golden Lace said.  “And if one of us uses that to shoot the movie, then we’re all set.”
“Then tomorrow morning,” Juniper Montage said, “We should head back to the Ruby Library and let them know of the idea of a movie about us at the Golden Land.”
“Great idea,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “I’ll be happy to pitch in as well.”
“So will I,” Trixie said.  “For the Great and Powerful Trixie is up for any challenge.”
As every youngling talked with each other about the movie, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor watched from afar, their smiles had left their faces, and their hearts were still as warm as the bonfire that kept them warm.
“A movie?” Shining Armor said.  “Now that’s something I’d be up to.”
“We’ll talk with Princess Celestia sometime in the morning,” Princess Cadance said. “I think I have a phone that can shoot video in ultra high definition.”
“Great idea,” Shining Armor said as Princess Cadance placed her arm around his back.  “Wait till Mom and Dad get a load of the finished product.”
Everyone continued to talk the night away as the moon in the sky shone across the entire Golden Land, as if their fun and happiness would last forever.


	To Be Continued in…


	An Apple’s Responsibility

> Arc 15-8: An Apple's Responsibility
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


An Apple’s Responsibility



It was an early morning in the Golden Land.  The birds chirped loudly to celebrate the dawn of a new day.  But inside the Ruby Library, a nervous Applejack looked down at her video tablet, where Bright Mac, Buttercup and Granny Smith looked up at her.
“So you’re telling me that the refugee crisis from La Maresa has gotten worse?” Applejack said.
“We’re afraid so,” Bright Mac said.  “The snowstorm is starting to grow bigger in La Maresa and nearly everyone has abandoned the town.”
“What’s more,” Buttercup said, “Is that more snowstorms are starting to materialize across Equestria.  Ponies are marching from across the nation to take shelter in Canterlot.”
“Applejack,” Granny Smith said.  “I know you’re worried about us, and I know I’m worried about our apple trees.  But what matters is that you’re safe in Golden Land.  You don’t need to worry about us.”
In a fit of anger, Applejack slammed her hooves on the table.
“Worry about you all?” Applejack yelled.  “You’re working as hard as possible to make sure the ponies there are alright, and I feel like I’m just lounging her like a lazy sloth on a boring day.”
“Applejack,” Granny Smith said.  “You’re safe over at the Golden Land.  You should relax and unwind for the moment.  We’ll be fine.”
“I beg to differ, Granny,” Applejack said.  “And I’m sorry to have to not fulfill this wish. But I’m afraid my mind is made up.  I’m coming back to Canterlot to help out.”
“Applejack,” Buttercup said.  “You don’t need to do this.”
“I’m sorry, ma,” Applejack said.  “But I can’t stay here like a selfish pony while you’re all trying to help those refugees out.”
“I hope it wasn’t going to come to this,” Bright Mac sighed.  “But if you wish to help out, let Princess Celestia and the others know about this.  We’ll meet you at the portal entrance.”
Applejack nodded back to her folks before the screen disappeared in a blink.  As Applejack placed the screen part of the tablet down on the tablet, Moondancer appeared behind the apple filly and walked up to her.
“I heard a loud sound of a bang on the table,” Moondancer said.  “What happened?”
“I’m afraid I can’t stay here,” Applejack said.  “I need to go back and help out the ponies of La Maresa.  Contact Princess Celestia and let her know.  I’m going to go pack up.”
“Go back?” Moondancer said.  “But didn’t your parents tell you not to worry?”
“And they told me again not to worry,” Applejack said as she got out of her chair and picked up her video tablet.  “But I’m afraid I can’t sit back and let them suffer.  I’m helping out, regardless if they like it or not.”
As Applejack walked out the vicinity, Moondancer stood there with a worried look on her face.
“Poor Applejack,” Moondancer said.  “The others will be upset once I tell them all about this.  But they’ll understand why.”
But nearby, Applejack walked down towards another room where Princess Celestia slept, when she ran into Rarity, knocking both ponies down.  Applejack shook her head and looked at Rarity, who got herself up and dusted herself off.
“Rarity,” Applejack said.  “What are you doing up so early?”
“I overheard what you said, Applejack,” Rarity said.  “It’s true, isn’t it?”
“It is,” Applejack said.  “I have to go back and help my parents out.”
“After all they said not to worry?” Rarity replied.
“Yes,” Applejack replied.  “Even against their own wishes.  I can’t stand by and let them suffer.  I need to help them out.”
Rarity let out a sigh and said “Then I don’t suppose you want some help.”
“Help?” Applejack said.  “Rarity, are you saying you want to come with me?”
“Yes,” Rarity nodded.  “I’ve also become a bit worried about my own parents, and with Sweetie Belle.  Furthermore, the more I heard you worry about your own parents, the more I wish I could also help out.  So I was wondering if I could…”
“You don’t need to say anything,” Applejack interrupted, placing her hoof on Rarity’s forehead.  “If you want to pitch in and help out, I’m not gonna stop you.”
“Thanks,” Rarity said.  “Now come on.  Let’s go talk with Princess Celestia together.”
Applejack nodded before she and Rarity walked towards the room where Princess Celestia slept.


Later that morning, within the Emerald Woods as the sun rose upward, everyone was up from their sleeping bags and were chatty amongst each other.  Some were rolling up their sleeping bags while others started to fold up the tables and chairs.  Shining Armor inspected the remains of the campfire area, ensuring that no fire would start up again.  But Princess Cadance was speaking to Princess Celestia on the video tablet, with a concerned look on her face.
“So Applejack desires to return to Canterlot,” Princess Cadance said.
“Not just desire,” Princess Celestia said.  “The refugee crisis from La Maresa is starting to get worse.  Although her parents and Granny Smith insisted that she stay and enjoy herself, Applejack chose to end her vacation early to help with the refugees.”
“I’m not surprised by this revelation,” Princess Cadance said.  “Her grandmother instilled a lot of morals into her life, which includes the idea that hard work pays off in the end.  But on the other hand, Applejack cares a lot for her family, and for the ponies of La Maresa.  That must explain why she chose to go back.”
“And I take it you’re only going to be out of the forest just so you and the others will say their good-byes to Applejack,” Princess Celestia said.
But before Princess Cadance could say anything, Rainbow Dash flew up in front of her and looked down at Princess Celestia on the video tablet.
“You think I’m gonna let that apple farmer leave on her own?” Rainbow Dash said.  “She and I may have had our differences, but I still care alot for her.  In fact, I don’t think she should go back to Canterlot alone.”
“Rainbow,” Princess Cadance said.
“It’s okay,” Princess Celestia replied.  “Though I did have a talk with Chancellor Cinch, and right now, she said that neither Princess Luna nor I are needed at the moment.  But I don’t think there’s anything for you to worry about, Rainbow Dash.”
“Horse apples,” Rainbow Dash said, pounding her hoof on the ground.  “If Applejack goes back, so will I.  She’ll need all the help she can get.”
“Rainbow,” Princess Cadance said.  “Are you sure about this?”
“I’m sure,” Rainbow Dash said.  “If I want to be the best of the best, I’ve gotta put my hoof forward and help out.”
“It’s a difficult task, Rainbow Dash,” Princess Celestia said.  “Rarity told me that she also wants to help Applejack out.  But if you are up for it, then come by the Golden Palace.”
Rainbow Dash turned towards Spitfire, who stood by with an eager look on her face.
“I take it you want to help out,” Rainbow Dash said.
“I do,” Spitfire said.  “I also assume that Captain Airazor was able to assemble as many Wonderbolts as possible.  Therefore, I wish to join up and help out in any way possible.”
Rainbow Dash smiled before holding her hoof out.  Spitfire reached out and bumped Rainbow Dash’s hoof with her own.  Princess Cadance smiled at the duo before turning back towards the video tablet with Princess Celestia on it.
“You heard what they said, mother?” Princess Cadance said.
“Loud and clear,” Princess Celestia said.  “It’s going to be hard to have four fillies return to Canterlot to help out with the refugees from La Maresa.  But the fact that they’re willing to help out says alot about their character, and I’m proud of that.  I will await your arrival today.”
“And we will be arriving,” Princess Cadance said.  “Cadance out.”
Princess Celestia nodded at Princess Cadance before she disappeared from the video tablet.  As Princess Cadance placed her tablet into her saddlebag, she looked up at Juniper Montage, who sat there depressed.
“What’s wrong with Juniper?” Princess Cadance asked.
“She wanted to do a movie of some sort with everyone in it,” Shining Armor said.  “But after news broke out about Applejack leaving, her chance just slipped away completely.”
“Go talk to her before we head out,” Princess Cadance said.  “See if we can cheer her up.”
“Gotcha,” Shining Armor said.
Shining Armor walked up to Juniper Montage and placed his hoof on her shoulder.  Juniper slowly turned towards Shining, her depressed look still visible.
“I know you’re disappointed that you can’t shoot that movie with a small group of us heading back to Canterlot.”
“It’s not fair,” Juniper said. “I wanted to at least do a movie about all of us enjoying our time here at the Golden Land.  But with four fillies heading back to Canterlot, it feels…empty.”
“Then why not improvise?” Shining Armor asked.  “Create a movie about the friends we still have during our time at the Golden Land?”
“But it wouldn’t feel right,” Juniper replied.  “Leaving out Rainbow Dash, Spitfire, Rarity and Applejack.  I don’t want them to feel left out.”
“And that’s okay,” Rainbow Dash said, flying up to Juniper.  “We don’t need to be a part of your movie just to make it special.  In fact, I may ask someone back at Canterlot to record us helping out.  It’s going to be hard, but we can make it work.”
“But Rainbow,” Juniper said, only for Rainbow Dash to place her hoof on Juniper’s mouth.
“Trust me on this one,” Rainbow Dash said.  “We can make it work and it will be way past cool.”
Juniper came to a stop.  She looked up at Rainbow Dash before turning towards Shining Armor, who nodded back at her.
“Alright,” Juniper said.  “I’ll do it.”
“That’s the spirit,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Keep that and you will go sky high.”
“Rainbow Dash.” the other younglings yelled out before bursting into laughter.  Rainbow Dash just looked around and blushed with embarrassment.
“Okay,” Rainbow Dash said.  “I think I may have caught Danged Spell’s use of puns.”
“Puns aside,” Golden Lace said as she walked up to Rainbow Dash and Juniper Montage with her laughter subsiding.  “Thanks for helping out to reassure Juniper.”
“No sweat,” Rainbow Dash said. 
“Truth be told,” Golden Lace said. “I didn’t know how to help out Juniper because I was never in that kind of scenario before.”
“I know,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Considering that you’re still new to the friendship thing, we can help you out.  Heck, even Pinkie Pie is also here to help out.”
“And that’s a darn fact,” Pinkie Pie said, bouncing towards Golden Lace.  “No matter what happens, we’re here to help you on how to be a friend, and being perfect examples of the magic of friendship.  After all, there is more to us than meets the eye.”
Golden Lace just laughed as she gave Juniper a hoof bump and said “Without you guys, or even Queen Novo, I still would have been as mean-spirited as my mother.”
As Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Golden Lace and Juniper Montage laughed together, Princess Cadance walked up to Shining Armor, who had a big smile on his face.
“It’s going to be sad to see four fillies return to Canterlot to help with the refugees,” Princess Cadance said.  
“It is,” Shining Armor said.  “But we have to make the most of it.  In fact, if the worst comes to worse, I’ll head back and help out, any way possible.”
“The times are getting harder,” Princess Cadance said.  “But as long as we stick together, we can get through them.”

Later that day, outside of the Golden Palace at the portal archway, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna stood by with Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer, Abigail Albright, Applejack and Rarity by their side.  Princess Celestia had her saddlebag on her back with her video tablet tucked inside.  Nearby, Argyle Starshine stood by, with his saddlebags on his back.  Behind him,  Twilight Sparkle, Spike the Dragon, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell and Cozy Glow stood at the ready to say good-bye.  Princess Cadance marched on in with Rainbow Dash and Spitfire by her side, and with Shining Armor, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Trixie, Golden Lace, Juniper Montage, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk and Ditzy Doo following from behind.  The moment the group came up, Rainbow Dash and Spitfire ran up to Applejack and Rarity, eager but also worried.
“So this is it,” Wanda said.  “Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Spitfire are going back home?”
“Not really,” Princess Celestia explained.  “Applejack is going back to Canterlot to help out with refugees of La Maresa.  Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Spitfire are choosing to help out.”
“Does that mean,” Wanda cried.  “We won’t see them for a while?”
“A while may be shorter than you realize,” Princess Celestia explained.  “They may be back a lot sooner than expected.  But for now, we should choose to respect their wishes.”
“It’s still odd that four of us are leaving back for Canterlot,” Sunset said.  “Even after her own parents said she could stay with us.”
“Sometimes, the easy choices aren’t exactly the best,” Princess Luna said.  “We all choose these decisions not just for ourselves, but for the sake of others.  These choices show who we are as individuals.”
Wanda and Abigail walked up to Applejack, who, alongside Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Spitfire, stood ready to await the portal opening.
“You gonna be alright?” Wanda asked.
“I will,” Applejack said.  “I’m a tough pony, and this isn’t the first time I had to step away from loved ones.”
“Not the first time?” Wanda asked.
Long before I met you,” Applejack said.  “I chose to journey to Manehattan in order to find my calling.  My parents, Granny Smith and Big Mac were supportive of my choice to live with Uncle and Aunt Orange, wanting to live a glamorous life.  But truth be told, I didn’t care for the life there.  It felt different from being a good-old country gal, and I missed the life of the farm.  But when I saw that rainbow that emerged from La Maresa, I realized that where my true calling was: Sweet Apple Acres and home sweet home.  So I said my good-byes to the Oranges and came back home, where my family welcomed my return.”
“Wow,” Wanda said.  “So it’s not the first time you had to make a difficult decision?”
“Not only that,” Applejack said.  “But by realizing what my destiny was, I earned my cutie mark.  But it was rather ironic that I found out it was Rainbow Dash’s Sonic Rainboom that inspired me to come home.”
“Well it was nothing,” Rainbow Dash said before turning to Wanda.  “That being said, I’m still sorry that my Sonic Rainbooms have caused you to wince in pain.  If only there was a way to get you to enjoy them without having to suffer.”
“It’s okay,” Wanda said.  “But I still don’t know why the Rainboom causes pain in my head.”
“One day,” Rainbow Dash said, “I’ll figure out a way to get you to enjoy the Rainbooms without having to suffer.  I promise you that.”
Rainbow Dash held her hoof out towards Wanda, who swung her arm back before placing her hand on Rainbow’s hoof, gripping it tight.  The two smiled and nodded before Wanda released her grip.
But nearby, Princess Celestia felt a buzz in her saddlebag.  She used her magic to pull out her video tablet and turned it on, where Bright Mac and Buttercup’s image appeared.
“Are you in position?” Princess Celestia asked.
“We are,” Buttercup said.  “And we’re waiting for the portal to open up.”
“Then that’s my cue,” Princess Celestia said.  “Stand by for the opening of the ground bridge portal.”
Princess Celestia placed the video tablet back into her saddlebag as the image of Bright Mac and Buttercup disappeared.  She powered up her alicorn horn, forming a spark on top before firing off a beam of magic at the power crystal connected to the portal archway.  The crystal glowed brightly and fired off a blast of magic, creating a wormhole around the archway.
“Well,” Rarity said.  “This is it.  All we have to do is wait for Bright Mac and Buttercup.”
Moments after the portal opened up completely, Bright Mac and Buttercup stepped out of the wormhole and onto the ground of the Golden Land.  They looked up in amazement of the environment before looking down at Applejack.
“You ready to go back to Canterlot, champ?” Bright Mac asked.
“Not just me,” Applejack said.  “Rarity, Spitfire and Rainbow Dash wish to join us in returning to Canterlot.”
Spitfire walked up to the apple parents and said “I heard about what’s going on in Canterlot, with the refugees of La Maresa having to stay at the castle for the moment because of the snowstorm.  Therefore, I have chosen to join Airazor in helping out in any way possible.”
“Very well,” Buttercup said.  “I’ll inform Airazor of your decision to return to Canterlot.”
Bright Mac looked up at Princess Celestia and said “Thanks for looking after my daughter for the time being.”
“It was my honor, Bright Mac,” Princess Celestia said.  “Especially after all those times you gave my daughters a reason to smile.”  
Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy walked up next to Wanda and Sunset.  Their smiles, despite a sense of pride in them, hid a bit of sorrow for their four friends.
“Promise me you’ll come back after the refugee crisis is over.” Wanda said.
“I promise,” Applejack said.
“You promise to be stronger than anything the winter storm will put out?” Pinkie Pie asked.
“Are you kidding me,” Rainbow Dash replied.  “I’m the fastest thing alive, I’m the toughest pony to ever live, and I’m way past cool.”
“We are going to miss you for the moment,” Fluttershy said.
“It may be for the moment,” Rarity said.  “But it will feel like a long time.  Be a tough girl for all of us.”
“So what will Airazor say once she finds out you want to pitch in?” Sunset Shimmer asked.
“She’ll understand why,” Spitfire said. “Considering the mess Equestria is in with all this snow.”
Immediately, Wanda, Applejack, Sunset, Spitfire, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy all reached over and gave each other a hug.  Wanda and Pinkie were quick to shed a tear, knowing that Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Spitfire had to go.
“Well,” Wanda said, dropping her arms down from the hug.  “Guess this is it.  You hang in there.”
“We will, Wanda,” Applejack assured.  “We will.”
Spitfire turned towards Bright Mac and Buttercup before she said “We’re ready to return to Canterlot.”
“It’s going to be tough,” Buttercup said.  “But I know you all are tough ponies on the inside.”
With that, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack and Spitfire all walked through the portal, disappearing completely.  Bright Mac turned towards Princess Celestia.
“Chancellor Cinch is going to speak with you in a moment,” Bright Mac said.  “She’ll talk to you about the refugee crisis from La Maresa.  Till then, we’ll see you later.”
“You take care,” Princess Celestia said.  “And don’t worry, she’ll understand what I have to say.”
Bright Mac tipped his head to Princess Celestia before he and Buttercup walked through the portal and disappeared.  Once both ponies were gone, the wormhole shrunk down and vanished without a trace.
“Guess they’re gone,” Cozy Glow sighed.  “Four ponies returned to Canterlot while we remained here in the Golden Land.”
“You look like you wanted to help out, Cozy Glow,” Princess Cadance said. “Maybe if the situation gets worse, we’ll think of something for you to do.”
Suddenly, Princess Cadance heard the sound of a pony clearing her throat.  She turned to the other side, where Starlight Glimmer looked up at her.
“Miss Cadance,” Starlight said. “I know I’m afraid of pigs, but I wanna give the whole camping out thing a second go after hearing how you all enjoyed your time there.”
“Well we’re going back into the woods later today,” Princess Cadance said.  “So with Rainbow Dash and Spitfire gone, I think we can work something out.”
“Yeah,” Pinkie Pie said, walking up to Starlight Glimmer  “We’ll try to put up some kind of barrier so those nasty pigs won’t bother you at night.”
“Great,” Starlight said.  “Adagio Dazzle told me of what you all were doing on our way here.”
“And we would like to try out this so-called Library Slumber Party,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “I heard Starlight had a blast while staying with the rest of the crew.”
“Maybe I could make some tacos while we’re there,” Sonata Dusk said.  “There’s a new recipe I want to try out.”
“That sounds like a great idea,” Princess Luna said.  “But now Princess Cadance will have even less ponies to camp out for the night.”
“Leave that to us,” Wanda said, walking up to Starlight Glimmer with Sunset Shimmer and Abigail Albright right next to her.  “We’d like to go camping out for the night at the Emerald Woods.”
“Yeah,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Just like old times, and even bring Abigail in to show them out we camp out.”
“Camping,” Abigail cheered.
Danged Spell immediately walked up to Wanda, Sunset and Starlight with a smug look on his face.
“Well you two aren’t going with Starlight without me,” Danged Spell said.  “If any mean little pig tries to make Starlight cry, I’ll huff, and I’ll puff and I’LL BLOW THEM AWAY!”
“DANGED SPELL!” The younglings all shouted before bursting into laughter.
Danged Spell stood there with a smirk on his face before he said “I love being a big bad wolf.”
As the younglings were laughing, Princess Celestia felt a buzz go off in her saddlebag.  Once again, she pulled out the video tablet, where Chancellor Cinch’s image popped up.
“Chancellor,” Princess Celestia said.  “Have Applejack and her friends arrived?”
“They have,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “And it seems Applejack is eager to get started.”
“She cares a lot about hard work,” Princess Celestia said.  “And she prefers to take her time to get the work done to show how well her work pays off.”
“She does,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “But right now, I am keeping my eye on the refugee crisis from La Maresa.  The Worst case scenario is that you may have to cut your time there short to address it.”
“Actually,” Princess Celestia said.  “If more ponies keep pouring in, I may have to do the unthinkable.”
“You’re not thinking about turning the Golden Land into a refugee camp,” Chancellor Cinch replied.
“I’m not going to let a single pony suffer because of this snowstorm,” Princess Celestia explained.  “If there is no more room in the castle, then I may consider letting them into this place.  That way, they can ride out the storm in the safety of the Golden Land.”
“We’ll talk about it should that time come,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “In the meantime, go enjoy your moment with your daughters and their friends, and I’ll update you with the snowstorm.”
Princess Celestia let out a sigh as Chancellor Cinch’s image disappeared from the video tablet.  She placed the tablet back in her saddlebag before turning towards the younglings.
“Come,” Princess Celestia said.  “Let’s continue our time here in the Golden Land.”
Every remaining youngling, including Spike and Abigail, gathered around Princess Celestia and Princess Luna as they, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor made their way back to the Golden Palace.  But Shining Armor turned towards Argyle Starshine, who stood there next to the portal archway pulling out his book, quill and inkwell.
“Mr Starshine,” Shining Armor said.  “Aren’t you coming back?”
“Go on without me,” Argyle Starshine said.  “There is something important that I have to write before I lose sight of it.”
Shining Armor nodded reluctantly before he followed the rest of the group back towards the castle, leaving Argyle Starshine to dip his quill into the inkwell before opening his book and placing the quill’s tip on the page.
“The easiest decision is not always the best decision we make,” Argyle wrote.  “Sometimes, it feels good to get our important commitments out of the way so that we have less of a means to worry.  Sometimes, we take the easy path because we do not want to deal with stress, tension or even conflict.  But sometimes, even going down that path is not a good idea, as we tend to make a lot of errors in our choices.  And sometimes, we end up making a horrible decision that we will come to regret in our future.”
Argyle dipped the pen back into the inkwell and placed the tip onto the page once more.
“But even the hardest decisions aren’t so easy to decide once and for all,” Argyle wrote.  “We sometimes fall back and think about our decision that we’re left with.   Is it a good idea or a bad idea?  What will the consequences be for our choices?  What are the uncertain elements that go into our decision making?  But in the end, it’s not the results of the choice we make that matters, it is how we think about the consequences of our actions.  Something we all must keep in mind when we have choices to make.”

Meanwhile, in the city of Canterlot, snow started to fall at a brisk pace.  Inside a familiar wall bunker, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score looked down at a video tablet of their own, where they saw the faces of Rolling Thunder, Short Fuse, Flim and Flam hiding out in some kind of train car.
“It’s a shame the path to Canterlot was blocked off because of those changelings before this winter storm picked up,” Rolling Thunder said.  “We missed you three.”
“We missed you as well,” Hoops said.  “But just as the blockage was cleared up, old stallion winter decided to make our lives miserable.”
“I hate winter,” Short Fuse said.  “It’s so miserable and boring.”
“Shhh,” Rolling Thunder hushed.  “Not so loud.  The conductor will hear us if you scream.”
“So how long until you guys arrive in Canterlot?” Dumbbell asked.
“Only an hour,” Flim explained.  “A darn shame that we had to leave the Coltsom Detention Facility because of the winds.”
“We’ll wait for you all at the train station today,” Hoops said.  “Just hang in there until then.”
“Roger that,” Rolling Thunder said.  “We’ll see you later.”
Once the image of Rolling Thunder, Short Fuse, Flim and Flam disappeared, Hoops set the video tablet on the table.
“Just when we were going to be bad again,” Score said.  “This mess had to happen.”
“Though I was surprised that Princess Wanda gave us one of her tablets,” Dumbbell said. 
“She knows who we’re communicating with,” Hoops said.  “And right now, I want to at least see their faces once more.  After all that time away from Coltsom, I’ll be glad to see those four once more.”
“We all will,” Score explained.  “And no winter storm is gonna keep us separated again.”
As Hoops, Dumbbell and Score hunkered down in the wall bunker, the snow around Canterlot fell even further and the winds began to pick up.  High within the sky, windigos appear out of nowhere, howling loudly as they gallop through the open air.



	To Be Continued in…


	Arc 16: Shelter from the Windigos Winds


	Refugess from La Maresa

> Arc 16(Shelter from the Windigo’s Winds)-1: Refugees from La Maresa
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Arc 16: Shelter from the Windigo’s Winds


Refugees from La Maresa



“O brothers and sisters from the winter winds, lend me your voice.  O brothers and sisters from winter colt, your time is nigh.  O brothers and sisters, the time has come to walk the winds of the eternal cold.  Go forth, and bring eternal winter to all of Equestria.  For Queen Icelina.”
Those words came from Coldnelius Snap, who held his hooves in the air perched atop a cold mountain.   The Windigos flew in from the depths of the dark clouds, howling loudly into a snow-covered afternoon in Equestria.  Canterlot, La Maresa, Manehattan and all other points on the map were covered by the snow of the Windigos.  Many citizens hid within their homes or migrated to Canterlot city.  
Coldnelius Snap looked down upon the nation of Equestria with fury in his eyes and ice in his heart.  
“The hate within that foolish Gold Banks was more than enough to call forth the Windigos,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “Her abuse of her own spouse, her disdain for the ponies of Equestria, and her desire to overthrow her own mentor Magistrate Creme Dream will serve as Equestria’s demise.  Foolish mare.  You think you can the whole world, when it comes back to send you, and all those pathetic followers of Queen Eternia, to an icy doom.”
Coldnelius Snap grabbed his cloak by the teeth and proceeded to throw it off.  He flapped his wings upwards before leaping into the air and flying off.
“Now,” Coldnelius Snap yelled.  “LET EQUESTRIA FOREVER BE BURIED UNDER ETERNAL WINTER, FOREVERMORE!”
Coldnelius Snap’s body shapeshifted into a Windigo as he stood alongside the other ghostly, cold horses.  Together, they traveled across the atmosphere in an attempt to freeze all of Equestria..for good.

Meanwhile, in a guest room in Canterlot, Buttercup was looking down at a video tablet where Wanda Young looked up at the apple mare.
“So they’re already at work with the refugees?” Wanda asked.
“Applejack was the most eager to get her hooves on the ground,” Buttercup said.  “She, Bright Mac and Big Mac are already serving out soup to the refugees.  Rainbow Dash and Spitfire already informed Captain Airazor of their willingness to help out.  She was reluctant at first because she didn’t want to put them in danger.  But she figured out what to do.  Rarity was asked to help Granny Smith look after Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Diamond Tiara.  And believe me, it’s not easy.”
“Sounds like that’s a lot of hard work,” Wanda replied.
“It is,” Buttercup replied.  “But as long as we have plenty of room left in the castle, we should be okay.  Still, if it does get too crowded, we’ll have to inform your mother about it.”
“I don’t know,” Wanda said.  “I heard there may be more on the way, and not just from La Maresa.”
“Well don’t you worry,” Buttercup said.  “Some volunteers are already on board and they’re already at work as we speak.”
Wanda let out a sigh and said “I hope this storm ends for all of us.”
“It will end,” Buttercup said with a warm smile.  “All storms will end.”

In the Grand Foyer of the Castle, Applejack, Bright Mac and Big Mac were hard at work at a makeshift kitchen, serving up hot food for the refugees that arrived.  But while Applejack was hard at work, she was also worried for the ponies coming in.
“How are you doing, champ?” Bright Mac asked.
“Doing the best I can,” Applejack said, pouring a ladle of soup into a bowl before giving it to a refugee next to her.  
“I can tell in your eyes why you’re doing this,” Bright Mac said.
“Yeah,” Applejack said.  “They’re our neighbors back in La Maresa.  Just seeing them suffer makes me cry on the inside.”
“Eeyup,” Big Mac agreed.
“They make me cry on the inside as well,” Bright Mac said.  “But we chose to help them out to at least give them a glimmer of hope.”
“That may have been the reason why I chose to help you out, dad,” Applejack said, pouring another ladle full of soup onto a bowl.  “I want to at least help them out after the winter storm brought their lives down.”
“Truth be told, you really didn’t have to do so,” Bright Mac said, giving another pony a bowl of soup.  “But the fact that you wanted to do this as opposed to staying back in the Golden Land says a lot about yourself.”
“The fact that I have an altruistic heart?” Applejack asked.
But before Bright Mac could say anything, Big Mac placed his hoof on Applejack’s shoulder with a smile on his face.
“It’s your greatest strength, sis,” Big Mac said.  “It’s what we all taught you, and you took it to heart.  It’s what makes you tough on the inside.  It’s what makes you who you are.  And for that, we’re proud of you, sis.”
“Aww,” Applejack said, bringing out another empty bowl.  “You don’t have to be that appreciative, Big Mac.”
“And here I thought Fluttershy was the sappiest pony I’ve known.  But that’s what made her a true friend.”  Applejack, Big Mac and Bright Mac turned to the front to see Mr Bovine stand in front with a smile on his face.
“Mr Bovine,” Applejack said.  “You actually made it.  I can’t wait to tell Fluttershy.”
“You don’t have to go out of your way to do so,” Mr Bovine said.  “Speaking of which, I heard you and Fluttershy were in this Golden Land of some sort.”
“Was,” Applejack said.  “Ma and Pa were alright with me staying in the Golden Land.  But I wanted to help out with the refugee crisis from La Maresa.”
“It’s how she thinks, Mr Bovine,” Bright Mac said.  “She cares a lot about our fellow La Maresians.  And she worries a lot about our well-being.”
“It’s a kind of worry that is worth holding onto,” Mr Bovine said.  “I was the same thing when I was a little calf, when I worried about my own folk’s sake.”
Bright Mac brought out a big bowl and said “So I take it you need some soup to keep yourself warm.”
“Not just warm,” Mr Bovine said.  “Gonna need the strength to help plow the snow so the refugees can make it to the city.”
“Are you sure about that?” Applejack said. “You do have back problems according to Fluttershy.”
Mr Bovine laughed and said “That was before Fluttershy’s parents decided to take me to a chiropractor, to help get my back adjusted.  They even decided to pay for my well-being.  Worked better than I realized.  So I’m paying them back by helping them out.”
Bright Mac handed the bowl of soup to Mr Bovine and said “Well you be careful out there.  The snow storm is starting to pick up even more so than the first few days of this madness.”
“Don’t worry,” Mr Bovine said.  “This ain’t my first rodeo.”
Mr Bovine downed the entire bowl of soup in one gulp before neatly placing the bowl next to Applejack.  He wiped the remnants of the soup before walking over to the entrance.
“If you see Fluttershy,” Mr Bovine said.  “Tell her I’m helping out for the moment, and not to worry about me.”
“I will,” Applejack said.  “Just be careful out there, okay?”
“Am I ever?” Bovine said before walking out of the doorway, leaving Bright Mac, Big Mac and Applejack to serve more soup to the other refugees.
“That is one brave bull,” Applejack said.  
“He may be a bit stubborn,” Bright Mac said.  “But at least he’s got a heart of gold.”
“Eeyup,” Big Mac nodded.

Meanwhile, in the skies above Canterlot, Rainbow Dash and Spitfire were already dressed up in their Junior Wonderbolt outfits, flying alongside Captain Airazor, Magnum and Firefly, looking down at the snow-covered forest and valley surrounding Canterlot.  A barrier of fire surrounded the group to keep them warm and to protect them from the elements.
“What do you see, Spitfire?” Airazor asked.
“No sign of any life so far,” Spitfire yelled.
“None on my side, either,” Rainbow Dash said.
“Keep looking,” Airazor said.  “No pony left behind.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Rainbow Dash and Spitfire said with a salute before they continued to scan the ground.”
“One last thing,” Captain Airazor said.  “I’m surprised that you two want to put your lives at risk to help out the ponies of La Maresa, considering your age.  This kind of work is dangerous, even for the likes of the most elite of Wonderbolts.”
“There’s a number of reasons why I’m pitching in,” Rainbow Dash said.  “One is that Applejack wanted to help out, and I wanted to play my role as well.   Two, these are the ponies from La Maresa, our brothers and sisters.  We’re not leaving them behind.”
“I may not be a La Maresian,” Spitfire said.  “But my mother told me about how important it is to look after those who need it in case of these kinds of emergencies.”
“The great Stormy Flare,” Airazor replied.  “Your mother and my mentor.  I made a promise to raise you into a Wonderbolt, and you live up to her expectations.”
Firefly immediately tapped Airazor on the shoulder and said “Captain, there’s an overturned train nearby.”
Firefly pointed down in the valley where a train lay down on its side off the track as if it was knocked off..  There were some ponies trying to pull others out through the windows while others pulled themselves out from the doorways.
“That must have been some storm,” Spitfire said.
“I don’t think it was natural,” Airazor said.  “But regardless, we need to get them to safety.”
“What do you need us to do?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Follow me,” Airazor said as she made her descent towards the trains.
Rainbow Dash, Spitfire, Magnum and Firefly nodded before pursuing after Airazor towards the trains.

The moment the Wonderbolts and younglings landed, they approached the Conductor of the train, who sat on the ground a bit dazed.  Magnum walked up to the Conductor and picked him up.
“What happened?” Magnum asked. “Are you alright?
“Not exactly,” The Conductor said as Magnum got him back on his four hooves.   “One moment the winter winds picked up and struck the cars many times, the next moment I flew out of one of the windows and landed here before the trains collapsed.”
Magnum turned to Captain Airazor and said “The snowstorms make it worse than we imagined.  I don’t think this snowstorm is natural.”
“Princess Celestia will need to know this as soon as possible,” Captain Airazor said.  “But for now, get those who are out to Harvestia.  There’s a path there that will lead them to Canterlot.”
“Roger that,” Magnum said.  “And good luck.  We’ll need all of it.”
Magnum turned towards the ponies that got out along with the Conductor and signaled to them before walking towards the east.  The Conductor and the pony passengers followed Magnum down the field of snow towards the town of Harvestia, where a frozen waterfall stood at the base of the town.
Firefly turned towards Airazor and asked “What should we do now?”
“Pull as many of the refugees from the train,” Captain Airazor stated.  “No one is going to be left behind.”
“Do you want us to help out as well?” Spitfire asked.
“Normally I would say no,” Captain Airazor said.  “But we are stretched thin in trying to locate the rest of the refugees.  So I need you both to help out as much as possible.  But don’t push yourselves too hard.  Understood?”
Rainbow Dash and Spitfire gave a salute and said “Yes ma’am.”
“Very well,” Captain Airazor said.  “Let’s get them out on the double.”
With a kick of snow into the air, Rainbow Dash, Spitfire, Firefly and Captain Airazor galloped over to the turned over train car, to which many ponies were pulling themselves out.  The two Wonderbolts leaped onto the side of the car and ran up to the window before pulling ponies out, while the Junior Wonderbolts jumped through the window.

Inside, there were many ponies who were still dazed from the train’s collapse.  But the worst that came from them were only some minor bruises. However, one mare, with a greenish coat and a purplish mane, had her legs trapped under some suitcases.  Rainbow Dash and Spitfire were quick to run up to the injured mare.
“Are you alright?” Rainbow Dash asked.  “We’ve come to help.”
“I’m not fine,” the injured mare said.  “Someone help me get these suitcases off.”
“We’re on it,” Spitfire said.
Immediately, Rainbow Dash and Spitfire grabbed the fallen suitcases and threw them to the side, getting them off the legs of the mare, one by one.  It didn’t take long for the mare to get her legs free.
“Finally,” The mare said as she pulled herself out.  “I owe you younglings big time.”
But as the mare touched her leg on the floor, she screamed in pain.  Rainbow Dash and Spitfire immediately ran up to the mare.  
“Are you alright?” Spitfire asked.
“Not really,” the mare said.  “I think those suitcases bruised my hind legs.”
Spitfire looked up at one of the windows where Captain Airazor and Firefly were pulling ponies out from the train car.  
“Captain Airazor,” Spitfire yelled.  “We have a problem.  One of the passengers is unable to walk properly.”
Airazor looked down at the mare, who rested her legs on the floor in pain.  
“What’s your name?” Airazor asked.
“Applesauce,” the mare said.  “Aunt Applesauce of the Apple family.”
“Stay still and be calm,” Airazor explained.  “My fellow Wonderbolt will pull you out.”
Firefly nodded before she jumped down through the window and landed nearby.  She slowly placed her upper arms under Aunt Applesauce before picking her up, minding her bruised legs.  
“By the way,” Aunt Applesauce said in a sassy tone.  “Do you have a brother?”
Firefly just blushed before she said “No. I only have sisters.”
“Well nuts,” Aunt Applesauce said in a disappointed tone.   
Firefly flapped her wings as hard as possible, ascending upwards through the window, carrying Aunt Applesauce in her arms.  The middle-aged, and yet attractive, mare just laid there still slightly disappointed.
“You’re going to be alright, ma’am,” Airazor said.  “We’ll get you to safety.”
“Take your time,” Aunt Applesauce said.  “You got other ponies in there that need your help.” 
As Firefly flew Aunt Applesauce away from the downed train, Airazor looked down at Spitfire and Rainbow Dash before she said “You both did a fine job in raising awareness for an injured passenger.  But there are still more to locate.”
“Leave that to us,” Rainbow Dash said.
“No one will be left behind,” Spitfire said.  “Not as long as I still have some strength left.”
“That’s the spirit,” Captain Airazor said.  “I’ll try to get them all gathered up before we make for Harvestia and then Canterlot.”
Spitfire and Rainbow Dash saluted Captain Airazor before they both ran down through the various passenger cars of the train.  Airazor turned down towards another pony, who she helped get out.
“I can only hope we can get them out before the worst of the storm hits us,” Airazor thought to herself.
Meanwhile, at another cart, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse emerged from one of the broken windows, each of them carrying Flim and Flam with their arms.
“Who knew a winter storm like this would bring down an entire train,” Rolling Thunder said.  “Mother nature can be a harsh mistress.”
“I’m ain’t afraid of no storm,” Short Fuse said as he placed Flam down on top of the snow.  “It’s got nothing on me.”
“You silly,” Rolling Thunder laughed as he placed Flim down next to Flam.  “”You were the loudest screamer when the train turned on its side.
“I WAS NOT!” Short Fuse yelled.
“Well before this turns into an argument,” Flim said, “I suggest we make our way to Canterlot.”
“Agreed,” Flam said.  “The closest town is Harvestia.  From there, the path to Canterlot should be a breeze.”
“But wasn’t that town destroyed by greedy bandits?” Rolling Thunder asked.
“It was,” Flim said.  “But Princess Celestia financed its restoration and it’s already looking better than it was.”
“Well in that case,” Rolling Thunder said.  “Let’s press on.”
But as Rolling Thunder, Short Fuse, Flim and Flam were about to make their way up, Airazor looked to her left and saw the four colts walk casually away from the train.  She jumped into the air and landed right in front of the group, startling them.
“And just where do you think you four are going?” Airazor asked.
“We’re just four street rats traveling across Equestria,” Rolling Thunder explained.  “So will you step aside?”
“I don’t know how you four were able to make it through this snowstorm,” Airazor said.  “But I am not going to let you endanger your own lives even further.”
But before Rolling Thunder could say anything, Rainbow Dash and Spitfire emerged from the train, looking a little distressed.
“Captain,” Spitfire said.  “We’re going to need some big help in getting another passenger out.  She locked herself in the bathroom and it’s broken.”
“And we could use someone’s help,” Rainbow Dash explained.
Airazor turned to Firefly and said “Accompany Rainbow Dash and Spitfire in breaking down a door for another.  I’ll keep an eye on the passengers.”
“Roger,” Firefly said after setting Aunt Applesauce down.
Immediately, Firefly flew up towards the open window and entered with Rainbow Dash and Spitfire following from behind.  Airazor then turned back towards the four colts.
“Hey wait a minute,” Short Fuse said.  “Those two are fillies.  Why are they helping you out?”
“I was hesitant on wanting to have them join us, in fear of putting them in danger,” Airazor said.  “But they wanted to help out in any way possible, even if it did mean putting their lives in danger.  Furthermore, they’re familiar with being in danger in the first place, considering what they went through at the Grand Gallopin Gala.  Your four, on the other hoof, were a little reckless in your decision to wander in this snowstorm.”
“Aww come on,” Short Fuse said, stomping his hoof on the group.
“Though on a side note,” Airazor said, “Had you four still remained at Coltsom, I would have risked my reputation and busted you out.  You don’t deserve to freeze in there.  Now march.”
As Airazor marched the four colts to Aunt Applesauce and the other passengers, Short Fuse snarled to himself.
“How did she know who we were?” Rolling Thunder asked.
“Lucky guess,” Short Fuse snarled.

Meanwhile, back at the Canterlot Castle, Rarity and Granny Smith were in Wanda and Sunset’s room.  Rarity was cuddling Sweetie Belle while Granny Smith looked after Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Diamond Tiara in their cribs.
“Rarity,” Granny Smith said.  “You look a little disappointed.”
“Well truth be told,” Rarity said.  “I was hoping that I would be helping out with the refugees, giving them a chance to be happy for once.  After all, my parents taught me about the lessons of generosity.”
“And your parents would be proud of what you are doing,” Granny Smith said.  “By helping out with the foals, you at least spare them from one burden while they deal with another.”
“Oh?” Rarity asked.
“Before you and the other came back,” Granny Smith explained, “Buttercup was burdened by the fact that she had to look after these kids while refugees poured in.  She wanted to help, but she also wanted to make sure I wasn’t alone in looking after these four, which includes your sister Sweetie Belle.”
Rarity looked down at Sweetie Belle, who looked up and giggled right at her.
“Is that right?” Rarity asked, to which Sweetie Belle nodded.
But before Granny Smith could say anything, she and Rarity heard the sound of a loud crash that came outside of the room.  The sound was enough to cause the foals to break out in tears.  Rarity rocked Sweetie Belle in an attempt to calm her down while Granny Smith looked out the door.
“I’m going to check to see what happened,” Granny Smith said.  “It won’t take long.”
As Granny Smith walked towards the door, Rarity looked down at Sweetie Belle, who touched big filly sister on the nose.
“Did you ever have one of those days?” Rarity asked.

Outside of the room, Granny Smith saw a mess of broken dishes and food scattered across the hall next to a tipped serving cart, and two unicorn colts that laid next to it in a daze.  One was short and pudgy with a light opalish gray coat, brilliant orange mane and tail, and a pair of scissors for a cutie mark.  The other was thin with a slightly long neck, a light amber coat, a moderate turquoise mane and tail, and a snail for a cutie park.
“Snips, Snails,” Granny Smith said.  “What in blazes happened?  You look like you two took the ride of your life.”
Snips shook his head off and said “Aww come on, Granny Smith.  We’re trying the best we can.”
“Yeah,” Snails said.  “So many ponies wanted food and we couldn’t keep up.”
But before Granny Smith could speak, she heard the voices of other ponies whining and demanding food, wanting to know where it was.
“Oh dear,” Granny Smith said.  “I’m going to have to have a word with Bright Mac about assigning you two to food duty when it’s this stressful.  I think you two deserve a far less stressful job.  Come with me.”
Granny Smith walked back into the room with Snips and Snails following from behind.  Nearby, Big Mac walked down the hallway and saw the mess made on the floor.
“I’m going to have a word with father about making those two work this kind of madness,” Big Mac sighed.

 Back innside the room, Rarity turned her head to see Granny Smith lead Snips and Snails inside.  
“Snips?  Snails?”  Rarity said in a confused tone.  “What are you two doing here?”
“They were doing a job that they weren’t fit for,” Granny Smith said. “No doubt they were asked to do this by my own son.  And all those ponies demanding food where they could barely keep up.”
“Just out of curiosity,” Rarity said.  “But how come some of the ponies require the food to be delivered to them?”
“From what we heard,” Snails said, “Some ponies can’t move on their own.   That’s why they have to have food delivered to them.”
“We thought it would be an ideal way to help out,” Snips said.  “But we got caught up in the moment and wrecked everything.”
“Well your hearts were in the right place,” Rarity said.  “But I think you overdid it, not thinking about your own well-being.”
“You two help Rarity look after the foals,” Granny Smith said.  “I’m going to ask someone else to take care of food deliveries.”
“That will be me.”  Everyone turned to the entrance where Big Mac stood in front.
“Big Mac,” Granny Smith said.  “You overheard what happened?”
“Eeyup,” Big Mac said.  “Especially the loud crash.  I’ll be willing to take over that duty while you continue to look after Apple Bloom and the other fillies.”
Granny Smith smiled before she said “Very well.  Let your father know about this and that you’ll take it from here.  I know you very well, Big Mac.”
“That’s because you expected the best from me, grandma,” Big Mac said.
“Even if you do fail,” Granny Smith said, “You always know how to pick yourself up and try again.  That’s what makes you who you are.”
Big Mac nodded before he left the room with Granny Smith turning back towards Rarity, Snips, Snails and the foals.
“Well I’m going to go take care of the mess outside,” Granny Smith said.  “You three look after the young'uns till I get back.”
As Granny Smith walked out, Rarity snuggled Sweetie Belle close while Snips and Snails walked up to Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Diamond Tiara.
“Hey little ones,” Snips said.  “How are you doing?”
“Don’t mind us,” Snails said.  “We’re just here to watch over you all.”
But the three foals just stared at the two colts in confusion.
“Snips, Snails,” Rarity said, walking over to the two colts.  “I’ve known these four foals for quite some time since their birth.  Especially Sweetie Belle here.  Apple Bloom is a pony that will stand by your side if needed.  Scootaloo loves to be a bit wild, while Diamond Tiara deserves a lot of attention.
Snails looks down at Diamond Tiara, who just touched him on the tip of his nose.
“Aww,” Snails said.  “I think she likes me.”
“Give her some time and she’ll grow attached to ya.”  Rarity, Snips and Snails turned around to see Applejack walk in from the entrance.”
“Applejack,” Rarity said.  “I thought you were helping your father out with the food downstairs.”
“We’re taking a break at the moment and Big Mac told me about what happened,” Applejack said.  “I’d figure I’d come up to check up on all three of you till Granny Smith gets back.”
Applejack walked up and picked Apple Bloom up before holding her close.  
“Well since I have this break,” Applejack said as Apple Bloom giggled at her.  “I might as well check to see how Apple Bloom’s doing.  She missed me so much since we were gone from La Maresa, thanks to what those nasty changelings did.”
“Tell me about it,” Snips said.  “Those nasty changelings kept scaring us back into our houses while you were gone.”
“Then there were those mean Predacon Brothers who kept giving us a hard time for a bit,” Snails said.  “They did go away sometime later, but I heard they were heading up to Canterlot under some Queen’s order.”
“So those doggone Predacon pests decided to give La Maresa a hard time before coming up to Canterlot?” Applejack said.  “That’s just despicable.”
“I wish they didn’t give us a hard time,” Snails said as he gently picked up Diamond Tiara.  “If only they weren’t such mean bullies.”
“Now you be careful with Diamond Tiara,” Rarity said.  “She can be a bit fussy.”
“I’ll try,” Snails said, carefully holding Diamond Tiara, who giggled at his silly face.
Snips looked down at Scootaloo, who just looked up at the older colt.
“Hey there, little one,” Snips said.  “Do you want to play with your Uncle Snips?”
But in a flash, Scootaloo jumped out of the crib and onto Snips’ face, causing him to lose his balance before falling over on his rear end.
“Oww,” Snips said. “I didn’t expect this foal to be that excited to see me.”
Rarity, Applejack and Snails laughed out loud as the other foals joined in with the laughter.
“You have a lot to learn about younglings, Snips,” Rarity giggled.
“Yeah,” Applejack laughed.  “Luckily we’re here to help out.”
Snips pulled Scootaloo off his face and looked down at her, who only cheered back at him.
“Aww, I can’t be angry at you,” Snips said as Scootaloo rubbed his cheek on Snip’s face.  “You’re just that precious.”

Meanwhile, back at the Golden Land, Argyle Starshine was in his room in the afternoon, writing down some text in his book with his quill.
“What is it like to worry about others?”  Argyle wrote.  “To care a lot about their well-being?  To be concerned if they are okay or not?  As I write this, I relax in the Golden Land along with the remaining younglings who chose to stay.  But at the same time, I also worry for the ponies of La Maresa, who are stranded in Canterlot because of the snowstorm.  Four friends of Wanda had to return home just to help out with the ponies who now shelter at the castle.  And yet, as I write this, I still worry for the ponies of La Maresa.”
Argyle Starshine dipped his pen into the inkwell and placed the tip back onto the book page.
“But why do I worry for the ponies of La Maresa?” Argyle wrote.  “Because I don’t want to see them suffer as I did before.  I want to see them survive what they’re going for.  And yet, at the same time, I feel helpless in not being able to help them out.  A part of me wished I went with the four younglings to see what was going on over there, and how I could pitch in for those who need it.  For what they go through is an unfortunate loss, and they need all the help they can get in order for their lives to be rebuilt back to the way it was.  Perhaps our altruistic nature is why we have a concern for others.  Altruism: The idea where selflessness comes to mind, and we become concerned for the well-being of others over ourselves.”
As Argyle Starshine dipped his pen back into the inkwell, Wanda Young emerged from behind and approached the older stallion.
“Mr Starshine,” Wanda said.  “What are you writing?”
“Words that I wish to tell to the whole world,” Argyle Starshine said.  “Words that ponies and other creatures, including you, are curious to read.”
“Oh?” Wanda asked.
“Perhaps when I’m done,” Argyle Starshine said, “I could teach you how to do that.”
“Oh I wish I could,” Wanda said.  “But I came here to let you know that I’m going to the Emerald Woods with Starlight Glimmer, Sunset Shimmer, Danged Spell and little Abby.  So I wanted to say good-bye until tomorrow morning.”
“Well then,” Argyle said as he got out of his seat.  “Perhaps tomorrow, I can let you write one page in my diary.”
Wanda reached up Argyle Starshine and gave him a big hug.



	To Be Continued in…


	The calm before the Windigo’s Storm  

> Arc 16-2:The calm before the Windigo’s Storm
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


	The calm before the Windigo’s Storm  



“So it’s bad back at Canterlot?”
Those words came from Sunburst as he sat next to Moondancer in the secret wing of the Ruby Library, looking down at a video tablet with Applejack and Rarity on it.
“Rainbow Dash and Spitfire came back to report about a train that derailed thanks to the winter storm,” Applejack said.  “There were a number of refugees from La Maresa that needed a bowl of soup.”
“And I’m watching over Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom, Scootaloo and Diamond Tiara,” Rarity said.  “With help from Snips and Snails.”
“Sounds like it’s getting worse before it gets better,” Moondancer said.  “I hope you two are taking it carefully.”
“We’re trying as best as we can,” Applejack said.  “But with more problems going out in Equestria, I think you hit the bullseye with that statement.”
“There was also the deal about four colts that Rainbow Dash, Spitfire and Captain Airazor found,” Rarity stated.
“Four colts?” Sunburst asked.
“Yeah,” Applejack said.  “Somehow, according to Rainbow Dash, they snuck onto the train when no one saw them and hid out until the train was knocked off.  They turned out to be the colts who took over that blasted Coltsom Detention Facility.  The Wonderbolts escorted them along with a number of ponies to Canterlot.  But the moment they stepped hoof onto the city grounds, they made a run for it.  The snow made it impossible to catch up to them.  So that’s a bummer.”
“Well I hope they’re alright,” Moondancer said.  “No one deserves to die in that kind of colt.”
“No doubt about it,” Applejack replied.
“By the way,” Rarity said.  “Where is Wanda?”
“You just missed her,” Sunburst said.  “Wanda left for the Emerald Woods with Sunset, Abigail, Danged Spell and Starlight.”
“But isn’t Starlight afraid of pigs?” Applejack asked.
“She is,” Moondancer said.  “But they’re all pitching in to keep the pigs out.  Shining Armor is building a wall of some sort to keep the pigs out.  Danged Spell said he wants to stand guard with his Wolf’s Breath curse to scare them off.”
“Well not to channel Danged Spell’s use of puns,” Applejack said.  “But he sure likes to hog the moment.”
Those words caused Sunburst and Moondancer to break out into laughter.  Rarity even broke out into a giggle.
“Well as much as we want to laugh out loud,” Rarity giggled, “I’m afraid our break is about to run out.  So we better get going.”
“You take care,” Sunburst said before the image of Applejack and Rarity disappeared from the screen.
Moondancer placed the screen of the video tablet down on the table’s surface before letting out a big sigh.
“Something up?” Sunburst asked.
“I’m beginning to wonder if the snowstorm back in Equestria is going to get worse,” Moondancer said.  “It’s as if it were powered by Windigo magic.”
“Oh that’s a scary thought,” Sunburst said.  “In fact, I still have nightmares about the Windigo’s Guild since both the Ponyville Providence Fair and the Grand Gallopin Gala.”
“Let’s just hope that this isn’t the worst case scenario,” Moondancer said.  “That this is nothing more than a powerful winter storm that will ease in the coming days.”
“I hope you’re right,” Sunburst said.

Meanwhile, deep within the Emerald Woods at the open area called Lost, Shining Armor had built a giant fence out of wood.  There were some stones stacked up on the back of the fence.  Inside the perimeter, Princess Cadance nodded at the fence with a sense of satisfaction on her face, while Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer and Abigail looked after Starlight Glimmer, who had a cautious look on her face.  Nearby, Danged Spell, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Trixie, Ditzy Doo, Golden Lace and Juniper Montage looked eager to begin their activities, with the tents and sleeping bags set up once more, and a new campfire lit up in the center of the area.  Juniper held up her smartphone, aiming the camera lens at her friends.
“There,” Shining Armor said, placing the last stone in place.  “That should hold em.”
“But what about getting out?” Ditzy Doo asked.
“If you all need to escape,” Princess Cadance said, “We have a gate installed at the front with a latch to lock and unlock it.”
“Neat idea, sis,” Wanda said.  “Even for those who can’t fly out.”
“So what do you think?” Shining Armor asked.  “Will this keep those oinkers away?”
“I hope so,” Starlight Glimmer said.  “The last thing I need is to be crushed under a pig’s butt.”
“Don’t you worry,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “We’re not going to let any pig get through that fence.”
“All this over pigs?” Juniper asked.
“Starlight’s got Swinophobia,” Princess Cadance explained.  “If she sees a pig, she freaks out.”
“Yeah,” Danged Spell said.  “The last thing we need is for them to hog our campsite.  Get it?”
“Danged Spell,” Every youngling sans Starlight yelled before bursting into laughter.
Danged Spell just looked around and said with a smug smile on his face “Someone had to brighten up the mood.  But at least we don’t have those oinkers to worry about.”
Suddenly, the sound of pigs oinking filled the air surrounding Lost.  Starlight’s ears picked it up, causing her to scream a bit before leaping into Wanda’s arms.
“PIGS!” Starlight cried. “THEY’RE HERE!”
“It’s okay,” Wanda said, hugging Starlight.  “We won’t let those pigs bother you.”
“Yeah,” Danged Spell said.  “As a matter of fact, will you excuse me?”
Danged Spell leaped onto the stones placed next to the fence before leaping over it.  The moment he landed outside of the perimeter, he saw three pigs looking up at the fence while struggling to reach upwards.
“I found your pig problem,” Danged Spell said.  “And they’re trying to get in.”
“Scare them off,” Starlight cried from behind the fence.
Danged Spell turned his attention towards the pigs before he started barking right at them, all while his eyes remained normal.
“Spell,” Trixie said.  “Don’t just pretend to bark.  Go into your Wolf’s Breath and scare those pigs away for Glimglam’s sake.”
But Danged Spell did not respond to Trixie’s words despite hearing them.  He marched forward towards the pigs, barking loudly at them and startling the hogs.
“Shoo shoo,” Danged Spell said.  “Go away.  Leave us alone.”
The pigs immediately turned tail and ran off into the forest, leaving Danged Spell standing there with a smug look on his face.  He looked up to see Juniper Montage point her camera at him and gave a wink to the filly with glasses.
“I’m ready for my close up, Mr Devill,” Danged Spell said with a smirk on his face.
Juniper Montage peeked out from behind her phone and just giggled as Danged Spell leaped onto the fence and jumped back into the enclosure.
“So,” Trixie said.  “Did you scare those nasty pigs away from poor Glimglam?”
“Sure did,” Danged Spell said. “But I’m surprised that they ran off like that over me pretending to be a dog.”
“Aww couldn’t you just lead them out of this place instead of scaring them off?” Ditzy Doo asked, flying up to Danged Spell.  “After all, they’re a bunch of cuties.”
“You know I’m not the pony who takes chances, Ditzy,” Danged Spell said.
“Spell’s right,” Pinkie Pie said, bouncing up to Ditzy Doo.  “Until Starlight gets over her fear of those oinkers, we’re going to have to send them off.”
Ditzy Doo just hung her head down in disappointment from Pinkie Pie’s words.
“But I wanted to play with the pigs,” Ditzy said.
“But there are plenty of animals in the forest that are so cute and cuddly,” Fluttershy said as a bunny hopped nearby and rubbed up against her arm.  “It doesn’t just have to be pigs.  It can be rabbits, raccoons, squirrels, or even kitty cats.”
As Wanda sat down, Abigail jumped onto her lap and looked up at her human friend.  Wanda gently rubbed Abigail on the head, causing the kitten to purr.
“Yeah,” Wanda said, massaging Abigail’s head.  “Take little Abby here.  You, sis, and Danged Spell remembered when we rescued her from those crows, right?”
“And it was Wanda who healed her back to health,” Sunset said.  “Though she did collapse after doing just that.”
“I also remember that day as well,” Princess Cadance said.  “Wanda gave us a shock when she fell down after using her magic to heal Abigail.  It also showed why she doesn’t use her magic as often because it wears her out.”
“And not to mention Wanda screeching out in pain when Rainbow Dash performs a Sonic Rainboom,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Amazing what limits our human friend has, much like how you have limits.”
“Me?” Starlight said as Pinkie Pie pointed her hoof at her.
“And back then,” Golden Lace said, “I was once the biggest bully of the School for Gifted Unicorns, trying to fit in to be like my mother.  It took Queen Novo’s words to open up my eyes to how wrong I was, combined with the fact that I no longer see my mother that high on the pedestal.”
“Guess we all have come a long way,” Starlight said.  “Back then, I was eager to attend the School for Gifted Unicorns alongside Sunburst.  To learn new spells, and to become one of the most powerful ponies in Equestria.”
“And even the most powerful pony can have her own fears,” Princess Cadance said.  “Not just a silly one like chickens, but also one other fear.”
“What kind of fear is that?” Starlight asked.
Princess Cadance walked up to Starlight Glimmer and said “The fear that something bad would happen to her three adopted children, or to all of Equestria.”
“Oh dear,” Starlight replied.  “She fears for all of us?”
“Mommy does,” Wanda said as she held Abigail before standing up.  “And I also have a deeper fear of my own: Losing all of you and losing my mommy.”
“Was it because Queen Chrysalis almost killed Princess Celestia?” Juniper Montage asked.
“It was,” Sunset Shimmer replied.  “When I saw Queen Chrysalis carrying what I thought was my dead adopted mother, I freaked out because I thought she was gone for good.  And truth be told, I didn’t know what to say when I saw the deed.  In fact, I also nearly lost Princess Luna when that monster struck her down.”
“I remember seeing that,” Princess Cadance said.  “To think that Queen Chrysalis could gaslight my little sister into thinking she would end up a pariah because of what happened to mother.”
“What matters was that Twili was able to send her packing,” Shining Armor said, stomping his hoof on the ground.  “You recall when she used a power within her to best that witch.”
“Honestly, I was surprised when something within Twilight was able to take down Queen Chrysalis in one blow,” Sunset Shimmer said,  “It was as if she had this kind of power within her.  But I digress.  Too much of this is blowing my mind away.  We should just relax and enjoy the moment.”
“You know what?” Princess Cadance said as she pulled out some skewers with Marshmallows on the tips.  “You’re absolutely right.”
Princess Cadance threw the skewers in the air, awing the younglings.  When they all fell, they landed around the campfire in a perfect formation.  Princess Cadance then brushed her hooves with a smirk on her face.
“This never gets old,” Princess Cadance replied.
“If Twili saw that,” Shining Armor said with a smirk, “She would make you her favorite princess.”

Later on, the marshmallows were already cooked to a golden brown.  Each and every pony pulled their skewer out and laid their respective marshmallow onto a layer of graham crackers and chocolate before placing one on top in the form of s’more.   Wanda had placed two marshmallows on separate piles of graham crackers and chocolate before placing another graham cracker on and giving one of the two s'mores to Abigail.
“S’more?” Abigail asked.
“Yes Abby,” Wanda said.  “Big sister taught us about these delicious goodies.  And they are oh so good.”
Abigail bit into the s’more and chewed for a bit before swallowing.  Her face lit up by the taste of the snack.
“Good,” Abigail cheered.
“What I’d tell ya, Abby?” Wanda said.
But as Wanda rubbed Abigail on the head, she looked up at the sky, and her smile turned into a frown.
“Wanda,” Golden Lace said.  “Are you alright?”
Wanda let out a sigh and said “No.  Truth be told, I do worry for the refugees in Canterlot.”
Wanda’s words caught the attention of everyone around her, especially Princess Cadance, who turned towards her younger sister.
“Is it because Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Rarity and Spitfire decided to go help them back in Canterlot?” Princess Cadance asked.
“Not just that,” Wanda said.  “I did recall that Applejack was worried about her own family, like I do worry about mine.”
“I think for you sis,” Sunset said.  “Worrying has become an integral part of you.”
“It has?” Wanda asked.
“Yeah,” Sunset replied.  “It’s a part of who you are.  You worry for those who are in need of help.”
“And yet,” Wanda said, “There is a part of me that wished I went with Applejack and the others back to Canterlot. Because I don’t like how they are all suffering there.  Especially those three colts.”
“You mean Hoops, Dumbbell and Score?” Ditzy asked.  “The ones you made to attend your birthday party?”
“Yes,” Wanda said.  “No matter what they did in the past, they don’t deserve to suffer in the cold.  Them and that scary bulldog.”
“You’re talking about the dog that kept trying to eat you and Sunset,” Fluttershy asked.
“Even though that dog scares me,” Wanda said, “I still worry for its well-being.  In fact, I don’t want it to die in the cold, just like how I don’t want the refugees to die.”
“I don’t know what you can do about it,” Danged Spell said.  “Even with my Wolf’s Breath Curse, I would still be struggling to help ponies out.”
“Still,” Sunset said.  “It wouldn’t hurt to at least give those ponies, even that bulldog, a chance to have a sign of hope.  Maybe tomorrow, we should go give them a hoof.  What do you all say?”
Princess Cadance and Shining Armor turned towards each other and whispered, causing some curiosity among the younglings.
“What do you suppose is going on?” Fluttershy asked.
“I think it had to do with Wanda’s own personal worry,” Pinkie Pie said.  “She’s a sweet girl and she also cares for those who need it.  But I also think it’s because of our worries as well.”
“You mean towards the refugees of La Maresa?” Sonata Dusk asked.
“Yeah,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Every one of them.”
Immediately, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor turned back towards Wanda.
“Tell you what, sis,” Princess Cadance said.  “Tomorrow morning, we can talk with our mother about your desire to help out the refugees of La Maresa.”
“Yeah,” Shining Armor said.  “In fact, I think I might pitch in as well.”
“Really?” Wanda asked in a cheerful tone.
“I think we all might pitch in and help out the ponies of La Maresa,” Princess Cadance said.  “They have a wonderful culture with their fair and their food.  They deserve a leg up after all they’ve done for the ponies of Equestria.”
But before Wanda could speak, she heard the sound of bushes rustling nearby.  It was enough to catch everyone’s attention, including Starlight Glimmer, who jumped right into Trixie’s arms.
“PIGS!” Starlight cried.
“Hey, easy Glimglam,” Trixie said.  “We’re safe as long as we have this fence up.”
Danged Spell pointed his nose towards the west end of the encampment and his eyes glowed brightly.  He growled as vicious as a wolf before he ran past the other younglings and jumped over the fence. 
“Spell, wait,” Golden Lace yelled as Juniper Montage pointed her video camera at Danged Spell.

Once Spell got over the fence, he looked north towards some bushes that were rustling.  His teeth lay bare as his snarl became scary.
“Spell,” Golden Lace said as she and Juniper Montage looked over the fence.
But as Spell growled at the bushes, a few rabbits jumped out and looked up at the colt.  Spell’s growl disappeared as the rabbits jumped towards him.
“It’s only rabbits,” Juniper Montage said.  “But at the same time, I was amazed at what Danged Spell has.”
“It’s called the Wolf’s Breath Curse,” Golden Lace explained.  “Some unicorns were born with this curse and it often happens in the face of danger.  Danged Spell is a prime example of this curse, but he uses it for noble purposes.”
But as the rabbits jumped towards Spell’s arm and rubbed up against it, Spell’s eyes somehow returned to normal, much to his confusion.
“This is strange,” Danged Spell said.  “For some reason, my curse just wore off.”
Starlight Glimmer peeked her head out and saw Danged Spell with some rabbits nearby.
“Oh thank Celestia,” Starlight said with a relief.  “I thought they were going to be pigs.”
But looking down at Spell, Starlight knew that there was some disappointment in the colt’s eyes.
“Spell,” Starlight said.  “What happened?  Where’s your wolf form?”
“It just went away,” Danged Spell said.  “I don’t understand why.”
Spell just petted one of the rabbits on the head before turning towards the fence and jumping over it.  Golden Lace, Juniper Montage and Starlight Glimmer jumped down and walked up to the disappointed Danged Spell.
“Your curse is gone?” Starlight asked.
“That’s rather surprising,” Golden Lace said.  “Lately, you’ve forced yourself into your Wolf’s Breath curse to help us out, only to need Celestia’s help to remove it.  Now it just disappeared like that?”
“Yeah,” Danged Spell said.  “I dunno why.”
“Maybe you look a little tired,” Shining Armor explained. “After all, it’s been a long day since Applejack and her friends went back to Canterlot.”
“Yeah,” Adagio Dazzle yawned.  “I’m starting to feel a little tired.”
“Then let us finish up on our s’mores and head for our sleeping bags,” Princess Cadance said.
As Danged Spell walked back to his spot with a worried look on his face, Starlight returned to where Wanda, Sunset and Abigail were.
“Now I’m a little worried for Danged Spell,” Starlight said.  “If he can’t maintain his curse, then how can he protect us?”
“I think he might be overreacting to the effects of the Golden Land,” Sunset explained.  “It helped keep my demon form in check.  And I think it helps Danged Spell keep his Wolf’s Breath curse in check so he doesn’t lose control.”
“But what if bad ponies were to get into this land?” Starlight asked.
“They won’t,” Wanda said.  “Sure I’m worried about the ponies in Equestria.  But here, you’re all safe from the winter winds.  And mommy said it’s because of the magic of the Golden Land.”
“I hope you’re right,” Starlight said.
“For now,” Sunset said, “Let’s finish our s’mores and enjoy ourselves before we hit the hay.”
Starlight giggled as Sunset and Wanda snuggled up to their best friend, while Abigail continued to nibble on her s’more.

Meanwhile, back at the Ruby Library, Sunburst, Moondancer, Cozy Glow, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk have fallen asleep in their respective sleeping bags, with Luna napping nearby.  But Argyle Starshine was up with a lit lantern next to him and his quill pen on the surface of his journal.
“There has been some tension in the air since Applejack, Rainbow Dash, Spitfire and Rarity left us for Canterlot,” Argyle wrote.  “While the younglings enjoy themselves, some of them express concern about the ponies in Canterlot, with the winter winds picking up even more than it had.  Reports of trains being derailed and ponies nearly freezing to death have been popping up across while we remain in the Golden Lands.  Canterlot Castle is now a refugee shelter for the ponies who need it the most.  There are reports of younglings helping out to make sure no one stays hungry or cold.”
Argyle dipped his pen into the inkwell before placing it back on the page.
“I also worry for my own family,” Argyle wrote.  “Especially my mother and my sister.  Not long ago before I took up my job as a teacher for Daisy Joy Tech, my father passed away from cancer after my graduation from earning my degree as a teacher.  But with the job market in terms of teachers shrinking due to schools closing down, I was left with no option, but to work at the tech just to provide for my mother and sister.  Now as I write this, I fear for their safety due to these winds, and I hope that one day, I could see them again.”
Argyle Starshine placed his pen back into the inkwell and sighed.
“Dear mother and sister,” Argyle said.  “Please be safe.”
But nearby as Argyle placed his open book to the side, Twilight Sparkle and Spike the Dragon were right next to Princess Celestia, looking down at one of the books.
“How do you think Starlight is doing with Wanda and the others?” Twilight asked.
“With word that Princess Cadance and Shining Armor have set up a fence around Lost,” Princess Celestia said, “I’d say she’s doing just fine.”
“Well if it didn’t work,” Twilight said, “Wanda could bring her back here.”
“That’s true,” Princess Celestia said.
But Twilight’s eyes shifted from her book towards the ceiling.
“Dear Princess,” Twilight said.  “Do you think the refugees of Canterlot will be okay?”
“I believe so,” Princess Celestia said.  “This isn’t the first time we’ve had this kind of snowstorm in Equestrian history.  But I believe in the faith of the ponies there.”
“Still,” Twilight said.  “I think it would be a good idea for them to come to the Golden Land.  That way, they can ride out the storm.”
“That might be something I’ve been considering,” Princess Celestia said.  “If the storm gets worse, then I will let them come to the Golden Land.”
“That’s great, “Twilight said, only for Celestia to hush her.
“Not so loud, “Celestia said with a smile.  “We don’t want to wake up the others.”
Twilight blushed and said “Oops.  My bad.”
Spike looked up at Twilight and just giggled.

But back in Equestria atop the mountains, Coldnelius Snap transformed from his Windigo form and landed right on top.  The other Windigos turned towards the cult leader and bowed before him.
“That’s right my fellow Windigos,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “Thanks to that fool Gold Banks, Equestria will now suffer its permanent, world wide winter.  Not a single place will be spared the cold touch of death.  Not even Princess Celestia and Princess Luna will hide from your wrath.”
The windigos chanted with glory, filling the air with their horrifying shreks, before taking off for the sky.
“Brace yourselves, My Little Ponies,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “For you will beg for the mercy of winter’s cold embrace and will finally be forever at peace with your icy tombs.  In the name of Queen Icelina, be forever frozen.”
And with that, Coldnelius Snap transformed back into a windigo and pursued his fellow ghostly horses, intensifying the winter winds that surround Equestria.



	To Be Continued in…


	Sympathy for a Beast

> Arc 16-3: Sympathy for a Beast
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Sympathy for a Beast



It was a cold night in Canterlot.  Snow poured down upon the city and every pony took shelter within their own homes.  Not a single soul was outside.
But nearby, inside a familiar wall bunker, Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse huddled up to a makeshift fire made out of pieces of a broken crate.  Some of them were shivering.
“I hope we can ride this storm out,” Score said, holding his hooves to the fire.
“Sorry we couldn’t make it to the train station,” Hoops said.  “I heard the train was knocked down by the snow.”
“It’s alright,” Rolling Thunder said.  “None of us could have seen the storm pick up this badly.”
“What matters is that we have to stay warm until this snowstorm dies off,” Flim explained.
“I dunno,” Short Fuse said.  “I think the cold around us is starting to overpower the warmth of this fire.”
“Well none of us are going to step outside for our own sake,” Dumbbell said.  “We step hoof onto Canterlot streets, we’re ponysicles.”
“How is it we get into these messes?” Flam sighed.
“All I can say is,” Hoops said, “Fate can be a cruel mistress.”

Meanwhile, at the Ruby Library, as the younglings and Spike gathered around Princess Luna and Argyle Starshine, Princess Celestia was in a nearby corner, speaking to Chancellor Cinch on the video tablet.
“I’m afraid the storms are getting worse and your castle is starting to fill up,” Chancellor Cinch stated.  “Ponies from across Equestria are starting to make their way here.  We even had to bring the citizens of Canterlot in.”
“How is it that the winter storms are getting this horrible?” Princess Celestia asked.
“I’ve heard reports that Windigos are riding through the night sky,” Chancellor Cinch explained.
“Windigos?” Princess Celestia said with shock.  “So Coldnelius Snap figured out how to bring the Windigos back without causing ponies to lash out at each other.”
“I don’t know how he did it,” Chancellor Cinch said,  “But one thing is clear.  I don’t think we can house any more refugees from this terrible winter cold.”
“But Chancellor,” Princess Celestia stated.  “How do we explain to the people that they have to be left out in the cold to perish?”
“I don’t know what else to do,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Do you have any ideas on what to do?”
Princess Celestia thought about it for a bit before a light bulb lit up.
“I have,” Princess Celestia said.  “I’m going to open the Golden Land up to the refugees.”
“Princess,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Are you certain about this?  What would Starswirl say if he saw you do this?”
“He would be proud,” Princess Celestia said.  “Before his disappearance, Starswirl told me that if there is ever an emergency like a powerful snowstorm that would cause every pony to come here, open the Golden Land up and let them be safe there until it all tides down.  That’s our solution.”
Chancellor Cinch breathed out for a bit before she said “Very well.  We’ll do it.  Head to the ground bridge portal.  I’ll meet you there.”
Princess Celestia nodded before Chancellor Cinch disappeared from the video screen.  Celestia got up and walked towards Princess Luna, Argyle Starshine and the younglings.  Luna immediately turned towards Celestia, holding a video tablet of her own.
“Luna,” Princess Celestia said.  “Contact Princess Cadance.  Let her know of the events going on in Canterlot and why I must make my way to the ground bridge portal.”
“Actually,” Princess Luna said.  “I have Princess Cadance on call right now.”
Princess Luna immediately turned the video tablet towards Princess Celestia, where Princess Cadance and Shining Armor were present.
“Hi mother,” Princess Cadance waved.
“Princess Cadance,” Princess Celestia said.  “What are you doing up so bright and early?”
“Well,” Princess Cadance said.  “We wanted to tell you that little sister Wanda wanted to help out with the refugees.”
“So we all packed up and came over to the ground bridge portal,” Shining Armor said.
“So we were wondering if you could come by,” Princess Cadance asked.
“Stay right there,” Princess Celestia replied.  “There is something I want to talk to you about once I arrive.”
Princess Cadance’s smile flattened out as she said “Is something wrong?”
“Wrong won’t begin to describe it,” Princess Celestia stated.  “Till I arrive, stay put. Okay?”
“Okay,” Princess Cadance said.  “We’ll wait for you.”
As the image of Princess Cadance and Shining Armor disappeared, Princess Celestia turned towards Princess Luna.
“Could you and Argyle watch over the rest of the kids while I’m gone?” Princess Celestia asked.  
“It will be done, sis,” Princess Luna nodded.
As Princess Celestia ran towards the door, Twilight Sparkle was quick to take notice as she immediately ran up to Princess Celestia and held her leg down before the alicorn could open the door.
“Princess,” Twilight asked.  “Where are you going?”
“I have to go do some things at the portal,” Princess Celestia said.  “Promise me to be on your best behavior with Princess Luna while you’re gone, okay?”
“I…,” Twilight said before she released her grip.  “I’ll try.”
Princess Celestia gently rubbed Twilight on the head, causing the filly unicorn to giggle.  Immediately, the alicorn princess opened the door and ran out in a hurry.  Cozy Glow and Adagio Dazzle immediately walked up to Twilight.
“Now what’s going on with Princess Celestia?” Cozy Glow asked.
“I dunno,” Adagio Dazzle replied.  “But judging by the look on her face, not good.”

Meanwhile, at the ground bridge portal of the Golden Land, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor paced back and forth, waiting for Princess Celestia.  Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Sunset Shimmer, Starlight Glimmer, Danged Spell, Golden Lace, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Juniper Montage, Trixie and Ditzy Doo just stood nearby, observing the two teen ponies.
“How long until mommy arrives, big sis?” Wanda asked.
“Won’t be long,” Princess Cadance said.  “But I’m normally impatient when it comes to waiting.”
“Sister,” Sunset said.  “It’s going to be okay.  Once mother knows what’s going on, she’ll understand.”
Pinkie Pie turned her head to the left and saw a familiar white alicorn run up to the group, causing the party pony to get onto her four hooves.
“She’s here,” Pinkie Pie screamed.  “Princess Celestia is here.”
Princess Cadance, Shining Armor and the younglings all gathered up as Princess Celestia ran up to the group.  But just as Celestia came to a stop, the ground bridge portal activated, catching Wanda by surprise.
“Mommy,” Wanda said.  “What’s going on?”
“Your answer will arrive,” Princess Celestia explained.
Immediately, Chancellor Abacus Cinch emerged from the portal and approached Princess Celestia.  Right behind her were Bright Mac and Buttercup, both looking distressed.
“Did you inform the ponies in the castle about the Golden Land?” Princess Celestia asked.
“I have,” Chancellor Cinch explained.  “But not everyone was convinced.”
“Mommy,” Wanda said.  “What’s this about the Golden Land?”
But before Princess Celestia could say anything, Cinch turned towards Wanda and said “Your mother and I have made an agreement.  The refugees are going to stay in the Golden Land until further notice.”
Wanda breathed a sigh of relief before she said “Thank goodness.  Now the ponies of Equestria will have a place to stay safe from the bad bad winter.”
Princess Celestia turned towards Princess Cadance and asked “I take it Wanda wanted to help out with the refugees.”
“Yes,” Princess Cadance replied.  “Last night, Wanda wished she went with Applejack and the others back to Canterlot to help them out.”
“That explains why you all arrived so soon,” Princess Celestia said.  “But not to worry.  Once we get everyone here, we can make sure they stay comfortable within the Golden Land.”
Every youngling around Princess Celestia cheered with delight.  But Wanda cheered for a bit before coming to a stop.
“Wait a minute,” Wanda said.  “Did you rescue that Alicorn Bulldog that kept eating me?  Or those three troubled colts?”
“I’m afraid not,” Bright Mac said, walking up to Wanda.  “We did not see any sign of that dog, nor those boys and their friends.”
Immediately, Wanda’s face went into shock over the revelation.  She was about to run towards the portal when Chancellor Cinch stepped in front of her.
“Young lady,” Cinch said.  “I know you mean well.  But it is not wise to put yourself in danger.”
“But I don’t want them to die,” Wnada cried.
“I’m afraid Cinch is right,” Princess Celestia said.  “The snowstorm is picking up even further, and I don’t want you to get caught in the blizzard.”
“But mommy,” Wanda cried.
“No butts, young lady,” Celestia said in a stern tone.
“Your majesty,” Bright Mac said.  “With all due respect, she’s not going to take no for an answer, no matter how hard you try.”
“Bright Mac,” Celestia said.  “That’s rather unusual for you to say those words.”
“It is,” Bright Mac said.  “Even if Princess Cadance agreed not to open the portal for her, Wanda could find an opportunity to slip out and find those missing young’uns and the dog.”
“You’re kidding me, right?” Princess Celestia said in an awkward tone.
“I’m not kidding,” Bright Mac said.  “I often trick ma into grounding me just so I can sneak out of the house as a challenge of my own.  She sometimes sets up bars around my window to prove a point.  But they were only a mere obstacle to me in escaping just to rub it in her face.  And I often like to do it without any help. Once she realized I was playing her for a fool, she decided to end the groundings, and instead pull some fast ones on me for her own amusement.”
“Sounds like your family is a little messed up,” Cinch replied.  “But it isn’t going to convince Princess Celestia.”
“But all jokes aside,” Bright Mac said.  “Let her do this.  If you don’t, she could do something reckless and put herself in even bigger danger.  Besides, she survived the Windigo’s Guild’s attack on the fair, the invasion during the Grand Gallopin Gala, nearly missing her birthday thanks to that dog, and nearly losing you twice.”
Princess Celestia looked stressed out from Bright Mac’s words.  She turned to Wanda with a reluctant tone on her face.
“Wanda,” Celestia said.  “After hearing Bright Mac’s testimony, and knowing that you will do something reckless if I deny it, I will grant you this permission.”
Wanda bowed down to Princess Celestia and said “Thank you mommy.”
“Under one condition,” Princess Celestia said.  “You must have one older than you to accompany you.”
Shining Armor walked up to Princess Celestia and said “I’ll look after her.”
Wanda walked up to Shining Armor and said “Deal,” before giving him a fist-to-hoof bump.
“So squirt,” Shining Armor said.  “You ready for this?”
“Not yet,” Wanda said. “I also need the help of a few others.”
Wanda pointed her finger at Sunset Shimmer, Fluttershy and Danged Spell respectively.
“Sunset,” Wanda said.  “I need you to help me tame the Alicorn Bulldog.  Danged Spell, you and Shining Armor will serve as my backup.  Fluttershy, we need dog food to carry this plan out.”
“I’m with you on this one,” Sunset Shimmer said, stepping towards Wanda.
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” Danged Spell said as he stood proud.
“You can count on me,” Fluttershy said.
“I have some dog food in the royal pantry to help out,” Celestia said.
“Great,” Wanda said. 
Suddenly, Wanda looked down to see Abigail Albright meowing at her.
“Wanda,” Abigail begged.
“No Abby,” Wanda said.  “Stay here.  Keep Starlight happy.  I don’t want you in danger.”
Abigail’s ears drooped to the ground as she walked away from Wanda and towards Starlight.
“Wanda,” Starlight said.  “You should be careful.”
“I will,” Wanda nodded.
“And do come back in one piece,” Buttercup said. “But more importantly, be strong.”
“That’s a promise, Aunt Buttercup,” Wanda said.
With that, Princess Celestia said “Then come.  We must make our way through the portal and the palace.”
Princess Celestia, Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer, Fluttershy, Danged Spell and Shining Armor immediately ran through the portal before disappearing without a trace, leaving the rest of the group behind.
“To think,” Cinch said.  “I used to be that mischievous before I lost Fizzie long ago.”
As Starlight Glimmer held Abigail Albright, Trixie walked up next to her best friend while looking at the portal.
“Stay safe, Wan Wan,” Trixie said. “Stay safe.”

On the other side of the portal, Wanda hopped onto Princess Celestia’s back as she, Sunset Shimmer, Danged Spell, Fluttershy and Shining Armor ran as fast as they could through the vault and all the way to the staircase.  They ran upstairs into the main floor of the palace where many ponies sat among the walls.  But as they ran through, they passed by Granny Smith, Applejack and Rarity, catching their attention.
“Now what do you suppose is going on with Princess Celestia?” Granny Smith asked.
“Well one thing is clear,” Applejack said.  “It looks like Wanda wants to help out.”
“You got a good eye, Applejack,” Granny Smith said.  “But still, why did Princess Celestia and the others run past us in a hurry?”
“That’s a very good point,” Rarity replied.  “Perhaps the ponies at the Golden Land will know.”
“Then come,” Granny Smith said.  “We better head there immediately.  Since you both know where it is, you both lead.”
Applejack and Granny Smith both nodded before they led her down the path that Princess Celestia came from.
Meanwhile, Princess Celestia, Shining Armor and the other younglings managed to reach the Grand Foyer.  Wanda jumped off Princess Celestia and looked up at her.
“Wanda,” Princess Celestia said.  “I know you want to do this.  But the cold outside will pierce through your swimsuit and your skin.”
“I take it you need me to run upstairs and get a coat from my closet,” Wanda asked.
“That won’t be necessary,” Princess Celestia said.  “Gather around.  I will cast a spell to keep you all warm.”
Wanda, Sunset, Spell, Fluttershy and Shining Armor all gathered together as Princess Celestia lit her horn up.  With a flash of light, a warm glow surrounded the group.
“What is this?” Sunset asked.
“This will protect you all from the cold winds outside,” Princess Celestia explained.  
“A source of warmth that isn’t an extra layer of clothing,” Danged Spell said.  “That’s a warm idea.”
“Danged Spell,” Wanda, Sunset, Fluttershy and Shining Armor said before bursting into laughter.
“Well that being said,” Celestia chuckled.  “I think it’s time I let them all know to head towards the portal.  I’ll ask Majordomo Kibitz to lead them there.”
“And what about the dog food?” Fluttershy asked.
“Come with me,” Princess Celestia said.  “I’ll lead you to the pantry before we help out Wanda and her friends.”
“Wait,” Wanda said.  “You’re not coming with us?”
“No,” Celestia explained.  “This is where you all come in.  Since you made this decision, you have to locate the dog and the younglings to make sure they’re alright.  But I now know you can do it.  I believe in you.”
“Thanks mommy,” Wanda said.
As Fluttershy and Princess Celestia ran down through the Grand Foyer, Wanda turned to Shining Armor with a nod.
“Come,” Shining Armor said.  “Let’s find that pooch and get ‘em to safety.”
Wanda hopped onto Shining Armor’s back before he ran out of the doorway with Sunset Shimmer and Danged Spell following from behind.

Outside, Canterlot City looked almost like a ghost town as many ponies made their way towards the castle.  Shining Armor ran through as fast as he could with Wanda on his back, and Sunset Shimmer and Danged Spell right behind him.
“See any sign of the beast?” Shining asked.
“Negative,” Wanda said.  
“Mother was right,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “The snow is just horrible and it would have been really cold if not for this warmth spell.”
“Just keep your eyes peeled for anything,” Shining Armor said.  
But as the group ran as fast as they could, they saw something right in front of them.  The ponies came to a stop and saw said thing take on the form of a bulldog shape.
“That must be it,” Wanda said.  “The Alicorn Bulldog.”
“Oh I remember the last time we saw that beast,” Shining Armor said.
“Same here,” Danged Spell replied.
Wanda got off Shining Armor and approached the Alicorn Bulldog cautiously with Sunset Shimmer walking up next to her.  Danged Spell stood by Shining Armor, preparing himself for the worse.
“So what’s the plan?” Sunset asked.
“The moment that dog runs at us,” Wanda said.  “We use the Royal Canterlot voice.”
“Are you sure about that?” Sunset asked.
“Big sis was able to put it to good use,” Wanda explained.  “We can combine our voices and scare the creature.”
“That sounds like a good idea,” Shining Armor said.  “But if it goes wrong, we’ve got your back.”
“You got this, Wanda,” Danged Spell said.  “Don’t give up.”
Wanda turned towards the Alicorn Bulldog, who, despite the harsh cold, growled back at her and Sunset.
“Listen,” Wanda said. “I don’t want to hurt you.  But I’m also concerned for your well-being.  Let me take you to the castle and to the Golden Land.  You’ll be safe there.”
But the bulldog didn’t listen.  It stood there, growling even louder at the two sisters.
“Don’t make this mistake,” Sunset said.  “We don’t want you to freeze to death.  Come with us.”
Though the bulldog growled even louder, it still stood there as if it were waiting for a chance to strike.  Wanda and Sunset looked scared, but also puzzled.
“We gotta get this beast to attack us,” Sunset said.
“I have an idea,” Wanda said.  “Act scared.”
“Scared?” Sunset said.  “Are you out of your mind?”
“Trust me,” Wanda said.  “When there is fear in our eyes, the dog will lunge at us.”
Sunset Shimmer took a deep breath and said “Alright.   Let’s do this.”
Wanda and Sunset stood there, staring down at the Alicorn Bulldog.  Their brave faces slowly melted away, revealing a pair of scared sisters looking nervously at the dog.  The two held onto each other, shaking nervously.
“What are they doing?” Danged Spell said.
“I think I know what they’re up to,” Shining Armor explained.  “Observe.”
The alicorn bulldog, noticing the fear in Wanda and Sunset’s eyes, barked loudly before charging at the duo, mouth wide open and teeth bare in the open.
“NOW!” Wanda yelled.
With a deep inhale, Wanda and Sunset projected their voice outwards towards the bulldog.
“DON’T YOU EVER, EVER, ATTACK US LIKE THAT AGAIN YOU NAUGHTY, NAUGHTY DOG!” Wanda and Sunset yelled with their Royal Canterlot voice.
The bulldog shrieked in fear before it ran off in the opposite direction.  Wanda immediately jumped onto Shining Armor’s back in a hurry.
“After it,” Wanda yelled.
Shining Armor took off in pursuit of the bulldog with Wanda on his back.  Sunset and Danged Spell grouped up next to the stallion, joining in the pursuit.
“Where’s it going?” Sunset asked.
“The closest place that it can hide in,” Shining Armor said. “And I have a feeling it’s home sweet home.”
The bulldog ran as fast as possible from the group, dashing through the doorway of a nearby house.  Shining Armor wasted no time running through the doorway with Wanda on his back, all Sunset and Danged Spell followed from behind.

Inside the house, Shining Armor and Wanda Young looked at a nearby corner where the alicorn bulldog was trapped.  It stared at Wanda and Sunset, shivering in fear.
“Never thought that the dog would wind up at your place, Shining,” Sunset said.
“Neither did I,” Shining Armor siad.  “But regardless, we got ‘em in its place.  It’s time you worked your magic.”
Wanda jumped off Shining Armor before she and Sunset approached the bulldog, who was cowering in the corner, staring helplessly at the Man’s Cub.  Sunset stopped for a moment before turning to Danged Spell.
“If Princess Celestia is outside,” Sunset asked, “Let her know where we are.”
“Right,” Danged Spell said before he ran out the front door.
As Wanda approached the dog, it yelped even louder in deep fear.
“Hey, it’s okay,” Wanda said, reaching out.  “I’m not going to hurt you anymore.  I only yelled at you because I wanted you to stop trying to eat me.”
As Wanda held her hand out, the bulldog looked at it before sniffing her palm.
“I’m not your enemy and I’m not supper,” Wanda said.  “I’m here to help.”
The bulldog slowly reached over and licked Wanda’s hand.  Wanda just giggled before she placed her hand on the dog’s ear and scratched it gently.
“See,” Wanda said.  “I’m your friend.  I’m here to help you.”

Outside, Danged Spell looked up in the air and on the street with a hint of impatience in his eyes.
“Where are they?” Danged Spell said to himself.  “They should be here by now.”
But his ears picked up the sound of hooves running as fast as possible.  Danged Spell turned to the left, where Princess Celestia ran in with Fluttershy and a bag of dog food on her back.
“Princess,” Danged Spell said as Celestia came up to her.
“Where’s Wanda?” Celestia asked as Fluttershy jumped off.  “Did she do it?”
“She and Sunset did it,” Danged Spell said.  “They tamed the bulldog.”
“I don’t believe it,” Fluttershy said, picking up the dog food with her wings.
Danged Spell pointed to the entrance to Twilight Sparkle and Shining Armor’s house before he said “They’re inside.  Wanda’s doing what she can to comfort it.”
But as Danged Spell finished speaking, they all heard the sound of Wanda giggling inside.
“I think she might have succeeded,” Celestia said with a warm smile.  “Come.  Let’s finish the job.”
Fluttershy carried the bag of dog food inside with Danged Spell and Princess Celestia following from behind.  Inside, Sunset and Shining stood there with smiles on their faces while the Alicorn Bulldog pinned Wanda down, licking her face and causing her to laugh before nuzzling his head on her cheek.
“I don’t believe it,” Fluttershy said.  “An actual alicorn bulldog.”
Fluttershy flew up to the dog, who got off Wanda and stood in front, growling loudly at her.
“It’s okay,” Fluttershy said.  “I’m not here to hurt you.  In fact, I have some food for you.”
Fluttershy opened the bag of dog food and pulled out a few scraps of the meat.  She held it out for the dog, who sniffed it before licking it off her hoof, eating it with delight.
“Well guess that solves its hunger issues,” Shining Armor said.  
“It does,” Fluttershy said.  “When I observed it, it looked rather scrawny for a dog.  They’re supposed to be far rounder than what you see.”
“Something tells me the owner doesn’t treat it right,” Princess Celestia said.  “When this storm is over, I will have a word with him about feeding his dog.”
Fluttershy looked at the bulldog and said “Would you like some more you little cutie?”
The dog barked back at Fluttershy, who was happy to pull more food out from the bag.
“What did it say?” Danged Spell asked.
“It’s a she,” Fluttershy explained.  “And her name is Karen.”
“Karen?” Danged Spell asked.
Wanda got up and continued to pet the dog on the head while she enjoyed the food that Fluttershy gave it.
“Hey Spell,” Wanda asked.  “Do you suppose your curse can allow you to speak to the dog?”
“That’s a good question,” Danged Spell said.  “And as a matter of fact…”
But before Spell could finish, everyone heard the sound of wings flapping and hooves landing on the ground.  They turned to the door and saw Captain Airazor walk in.
“Princess Celestia,” Airazor said.  “I caught you when you entered this house.  And you're a sight for sore eyes.”
“Do you have anything to report?” Celestia asked.
“Rainbow Dash and Spitfire have located a plume of smoke emerging from a wall bunker nearby,” Airazor explained.  “It may be the missing colts from the train.”
“You mean those friends of Hoops, Dumbbell and Score?” Sunset asked.
“I believe so,” Airazor said.  “But we need someone to convince them to get to safety.”
Celestia turned towards Wanda and said “Wanda, I know this is to put a lot of burden on you.  But could you and the others go with Airazor?  Fluttershy and I will look after the dog.”
“You can count on me, mommy,” Wanda said with a thumbs up.
Wanda jumped on Shining Armor’s back as Sunset and Danged Spell stood by the big stallion.
“Karen,” Wanda said.  “We’re going to go help out some others.  Will you be a good girl and behave for us?”
Karen the Bulldog barked at the group with a sense of enthusiasm on her face, resulting in Wanda giggling at her.
“Well with that,” Shining Armor said.  “We’re off.”
Immediately, Shining Armor ran out the door with Wanda on his back, and with Sunset, Danged Spell and Airazor right behind him, leaving Fluttershy and Princess Celestia behind.
“Will they be okay?” Fluttershy asked.
“If you’re talking about the boys,” Celestia said.  “I do worry for them, and I hope they’re alright.

Back in the Golden Land at the Ruby Library, Argyle Starshine once again wrote in his journal with the quill’s tip on the page.
“Word has it that the snowstorm has gotten worse, and the ponies of Equestria cannot remain in the castle,” Argyle wrote.  “But Princess Celestia has made the important decision to get everyone into the Golden Land as fast as possible.  What’s more, little Wanda Young has decided to go rescue an Alicorn Bulldog and a pair of colts that were stranded.  It’s dangerous not just for the man’s cub, but also for her adopted mother.  I only hope that they can make it.”
Argyle dipped his pen back into the inkwell before writing once more.
“But I still fear for my mother Sunlight Starscout and my sister Bright-Eyes Starshine,” Argyle wrote.  “I have lost my father not long ago and I do not want to lose them this soon. They still have a lot of life left in their years and to have them consumed by this terrible storm.  I only hope, by Princess Celestia’s will, that they make it here.  Sunlight Starscout and Bright-Eyes Starshine.  They are the hope that keeps my spirit healthy, and I don’t know what would happen if they were gone from the world.”
As Argyle Starshine placed the pen back into the inkwell, he looked down at the pages and just sighed.
“Please be safe, mother Sunlight and sister Bright-Eyes,” Argyle said.


	To Be Continued in….


	Snow Way Out

> Arc 16-4: Snow Way Out
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Snow Way Out



“SHE DID WHAT?”
Those words came from a panicked Granny Smith.  She breathed heavily as Applejack and Rarity stood next to her right at the ground bridge portal of the Golden Land.  Nearby, a stern Bright Mac stood next to Buttercup, Princess Luna and Chancellor Cinch.  Nearby, ponies poured out from the portal into the Golden Land.
“She would have done so without her mother’s permission,” Bright Mac said, “And put herself in grave danger.”
“I was talking about Princess Celestia,” Granny Smith said.  “Why would she put her own children, or herself, in danger like that?  In fact, why would she go out when it’s deathly cold out there?”
“It’s to make sure a stray animal and a pair of juvenile delinquents make it here safely,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “I was against it.  But I also knew she would do so regardless of our approval.”
“Of all the times you could have stopped her,” Granny Smith said,  “You chose this time not to?  For one who is as strict towards Wanda, you managed to disappoint me on that level.  I hope you’re proud of it.”
“And I would have gone with her,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “But my duties are to the refugees of this blasted snow storm.”
“Nevermind that,” Granny Smith said before turning towards Applejack and Rarity.  
“Grandma,” Applejack said. “Do you need me to do anything?”
“I’m afraid so,” Granny Smith said.  “Take Rarity and go with Princess Luna towards the nearby palace where your friends are.  I’m going to have a word with Princess Celestia the moment she steps hoof in this land.”
Applejack and Rarity nodded before they ran up to Princess Luna, who escorted them towards the Golden Palace.
“Do you think Wanda will be alright?” Applejack asked.  “And especially Princess Celestia?”
“Princess Celestia has been through worse than that,” Princess Luna said.  “She’ll keep them fine.”
“I sure hope so,” Rarity said.  “But when we tell them about Granny Smith’s own concern about Wanda and Celestia…”
“I’m also thinking about what would happen if we don’t,” Princess Luna said.  “Better to tell them the truth and let them know what’s going on.”
“Agreed,” Applejack said.  “As horrible as the truth is, lies are a lot worse.”
But as Princess Luna, Applejack and Rarity were nearing the castle, Granny Smith turned towards Cinch and was about to speak when she felt a tap on her shoulder.  Granny Smith turned around to see Majordomo Kibitz with a medium-sized wagon with Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Diamond Tiara inside.
“Granny Smith,” Majordomo Kibitz said.  “I believe you forgot these four tykes.”
“Ma,” Bright Mac said in a stern tone.  “You were supposed to look over those four while we’re gone.”
“Me?” Granny Smith said.  “I thought Big Mac was going to look after them.”
“I assigned Big Mac to take down the makeshift kitchen and move it here,” Bright Mac said.  “And as a matter of fact, look behind you.”
Granny Smith turned around to see Big Mac walk on in, pulling a large wagon that had the entire makeshift kitchen from inside the castle.
“Did I miss something?” Big Mac said sarcastically.
Granny Smith hung her head low and said “Oh for crying out loud.  Now I’m starting to fall apart as a parent.”

Meanwhile, outside of the wall bunker, a tiny plume of smoke emitted from one of the buildings.  But nearby, all Rainbow Dash and Spitfire could do is wait.  They paced back and forth impatiently.
“What’s taking Airazor so long?” Rainbow Dash said.  “She should have been back by now.”
“Patience, Rainbow,” Spitfire said.  “The last thing we need is to scare them out and send them scattering across Canterlot.”
“But what if that bonfire inside there goes out?” Rainbow Dash said.  “What if they freeze to death?”
“They won’t.”  Rainbow Dash and Spitfire were startled by the words that came out behind them.  When they turned around, they saw Captain Airazor alongside Shining Armor, Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer and Danged Spell.
“Wanda?” Rainbow Dash said.  “What are you doing here?”
“Mommy asked us to help out with those troubled colts,” Wanda explained.  “She and Fluttershy are looking after the bulldog that tried to eat Sunset and I.  Besides, you remember when I had to deal with Hoops, Dumbbell and Score, correct?”
Rainbow Dash flew up to Airazor and said “No offense.  But letting Wanda deal with them?  Have you lost it?”
“Oh it wasn’t my idea,” Airazor said with a smirk.  “You can thank Princess Celestia for giving Wanda this responsibility.”
“Maybe we should give her a chance,” Spitfire stated. “If Wanda knew how to deal with Hoops, Dumbbell and Score, she can do it again with those guys.”
But before Rainbow Dash could say something, her eyes caught the window of the wall bunker.  The smoke that came out disappeared without a trace.  Rainbow Dash’s face turned ghostly white in sheer horror before she turned towards Wanda.
“Alright,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Do what needs to be done, Wanda.”
Wanda nodded to Rainbow Dash as she and Sunset Shimmer approached the door.  Wanda gripped the handle and swung it wide open before she stepped inside with Sunset right behind her.
Inside, Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse all stared in disbelief at what was left of their bonfire.  Wanda and Sunset took a few steps forward, observing the colts’ despair.
“Our fire,” Short Fuse said in a meek voice.  “It went out…so fast.”
“What the hay are we going to do now?” Flam asked.
“I don’t know,” Dumbbell said.  “At this point, I feel like I wanna curl up into a ball and cry.”
But before Hoops could say anything, Wanda placed her hand on his shoulder, catching his attention.  Hoops looked up and saw the man’s cub looking down at him with a smile on her face.
“You okay?” Wanda asked.
But Hoops immediately got up from his position before turning towards Wanda and getting down on his knees, sobbing in tears.
“Oh please forgive us Princess,” Hoops cried.  “We were supposed to be going back to the Coltsom Detention Facility just to be with those guys.  But this stupid snow storm trapped us here, our close friends had a run-in with a train derailment and we have no warmth whatsoever.”
Wanda immediately kneeled down and placed her hand on Hoop’s shoulder for reassurance.
“It’s okay,” Wanda said.  “I know why you were in Coltsom.  You wanted to prove that you were irredeemable, that you wanted to forever be a pariah just for the sake of notoriety.  But what’s past is past.  All I care about is getting you and your friends to a warm place to hunker down.”
“My sister’s right,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Mother found out that the three of you were in Coltsom just to check the place out, while the rest of you were there for minor infractions that don’t justify that kind of lockup.  Furthermore, had you all still been in Coltsom, we would have demanded your transfer to the Golden Land so you wouldn’t freeze to death.  There’s still a chance for you all, and we’re willing to give it to you.  So, would you come with us to the Golden Land?”
Hoops got up on his four hooves as Wanda took her hand off his shoulder.  He turned towards the rest of the troupe with fire in his eyes.
“Boys,” Hoops said.  “It’s time we swallow our pride for our own sake.  We’re heading to whatever this Golden Land is.”
Dumbbell, Score, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse all cheered loudly as they gathered up to Hoops and gave him a hug.  Wanda and Sunset took a few steps back to let the colts embrace each other as Spitfire and Rainbow Dash walked in.
“Never thought it would work so well,” Rainbow Dash said.  “You both did a great job.”
“It wasn’t just about saving their lives,” Wanda explained.  “It was also making sure we push them into the right direction.  It was what mommy would do.”
“Well you both have a great mother,” Spitfire said.  “And you both carry on her legacy as Princesses of Equestria.”
“But now is not the time to celebrate,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “We need to return to Twilight Sparkle’s house, where Princess Celestia and Fluttershy are watching over Karen the Alicorn Bulldog.”
“Wait,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Aren’t you concerned that it will eat you?”
“Not anymore,” Wanda giggled.  “Turns out, the beast has been extremely hungry all this time.  But enough talk.  We have to get back to mommy.”
Spitfire turned towards the colts and said “Come.  We have to make our way back to Twilight’s house before we get you all to the Castle.  Once there, we can take you to a portal that leads to the Golden Land.”
The colts nodded before Wanda, Sunset, Rainbow Dash and Spitfire led them out of the wall bunker.   Outside, Shining Armor, Danged Spell and Airazor greeted the group as the storm began to pick up.
“Never thought you two would pull it off,” Airazor said.  “But you did it.”
“No time to complement us,” Wanda said. “We need to get back to mommy and get to the castle this instant.  I don’t want them to freeze.”
“And she’s got a point,” Shining Armor said.  “Let’s head back to my house and give Princess Celestia the good news.”
Everyone nodded in agreement before Wanda hopped onto Shining Armor’s back.  With a mighty neigh, Shining Armor galloped off into the distance with Wanda on top of his back, all while Sunset Shimmer ran alongside him.  Rainbow Dash, Spitfire, Airazor, Hoops, Danged Spell, Dumbbell, Score, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse followed from behind.

Back at Twilight’s house, Princess Celestia peeked her head out, observing the snow fall at a faster speed.  Fluttershy and Karen the Bulldog stuck their heads out as well.
“I did not expect this snowstorm to pick up this fast,” Fluttershy said.
“Nor did I,” Princess Celestia said.  “I just hope they can make it back safely.”
“I’m sure they will,” Fluttershy said.  “I’ve seen their spirit, and I believe they can make it.”
Karen the Bulldog turned to her left, and looked down a nearby street before her face beamed with excitement, followed by the alicorn bulldog barking wildly.
“Karen,” Fluttershy said.  “Do you see them?”
Karen turned to Fluttershy and nodded in agreement.  Princess Celestia looked down and saw numerous shadows in the distance, becoming more and more detailed as they approach.
“You might be right,” Princess Celestia said.  “I can make out Shining Armor with Wanda on his back, Sunset Shimmer by his side, and I also see a number of colts running right behind him.  And there’s also the Wonderbolts.”
“I was right,” Fluttershy said.  “They did make it.  We’re going to be okay.”
Celestia looked up ahead and saw Shining Armor riding closer with Wanda riding on top, waving to her.  Sunset was next to him, waving back at Princess Celestia.  Immediately, Princess Celestia flung the door open and ran out, leaving Fluttershy and Karen behind.
“PRINCESS!”  Fluttershy yelled.  “BE CAREFUL!”
But as Princess Celestia ran out the door and onto the street, she heard the sound of Wanda yelling out “LOOK OUT, MOMMY!”  Celestia turned to her left, only to be hit on her side by a runaway wagon, knocking her down and causing the alicorn to scream in pain.
“MOMMY!” Wanda screamed in horror as everyone came to a stop.
Wanda got off Shining Armor and ran up to Princess Celestia, who laid on the ground with a turned-over wagon right next to her.  Her tears began to build up, looking down at her injured adopted mother. 
“Mommy,” Wanda cried.  “Mommy.  Get up.”
As Celestia struggled to get up, she said “Wanda.  This was why I didn’t want you to come out here.  I warned you about how dangerous it was.  But in my own foolishness, it was I who took the fall.  And yet, who am I kidding?  You would have disobeyed my order and the results would have been the same..or even worse.”
“Mommy,” Wanda cried as Sunset ran up to her.  “You have to get up.  Please.  I don’t want to lose you.”
But as Celestia got up, she slipped on a bit of the pavement and fell down on her side again, causing Wanda and Sunset to shriek.  Celestia looked up at her daughters with a smile on her face.
“Mother,” Sunset said with tears in her eyes.  “Don’t you die on us, like you almost did with Queen Chrysalis.”
“It’s…only a hard bump,” Celestia said with a smile.  “I’ll be fine.”
“A hard bump?” Shining Armor said in an angry tone.  “This is the third time you’ve scared your own daughter like that.  What were you thinking?”
But before Princess Celestia could say anything, her eyes noticed the appearance of a human-like figure in a white robe, who walked up to her.   This also caught the attention of Wanda, Sunset and Shining Armor, just as everyone else walked up to them.
“Who?” Wanda said, curiously.
“Do not be alarmed,” the figure said.  “I took notice of your brave deed, and I came to assist.”
The human figure placed her hand on Princess Celestia’s side, glowing brightly.  An aura surrounded Celestia’s torso with a warm light.  When the light faded, the human withdrew her hand to her side as Princess Celestia slowly turned to her side.
“I owe you one,” Celestia said as she got on her two front hooves.
Wanda looked up at the figure and asked “Excuse me. But who are you?”
The figure took off her hood, revealing herself to be Eleanor.
“I’m a guardian angel,” Eleanor explained.  “And I look after those who need it.”
“Another human like Wanda?” Sunset said.  “I never realized humans could exist in Equestria.”
As Celestia slowly got herself up, the others approached the alicorn princess for concern of her well-being, while Shining Armor approached Eleanor.
“Well whoever you are,” Shining Armor said, “I appreciate what you’ve done for Princess Celestia.”
“You don’t need to thank me,” Eleanor explained.  “It’s what I do for the ponies of Canterlot.  But for now, I must locate anyone who needs a helping hand.”
Eleanor bowed towards the group before turning around and walking off in another direction, disappearing within the snow.   Wanda just stood there, staring at where Eleanor used to be.
“Call me crazy,” Wanda said.  “But for some reason, I feel as if I’ve known her before.”
“No kidding,” Sunset said.  “In fact, doesn’t she look almost like you?”
 Before Wanda could say anything, she heard Fluttershy voice.  Wanda turned around to see Fluttershy and Karen the Alicorn Bulldog run up to her.
“What happened?” Fluttershy asked.  “And who was that person?”
“Just someone who was watching over us,” Princess Celestia.
Suddenly, Karen turned towards the nearby street and started to bark wildly.  Celestia slowly turned to the area, where Silver Banks walked up to the group with two mares walking with him.  The eldest of the two had a dark apricot orange coat and a magenta and purple mane, with a glowing star for a cutie mark.  The youngest had a lighter shade of blue coat, a light royal blue mane, and a pair of stars for her cutie mark.
“Silver Banks,” Celestia said.  “I didn’t expect you to be out here.”
“Neither did I expect you,” Silver Banks said.  “When I heard your scream from a distance, me and these two went to your side to see what’s wrong.”
“Those two?” Danged Spell asked.  “Who are they?”
The eldest came up to Danged Spell with the youngest walking up next to her and said “My name is Sunlight Starscout.  My daughter is Bright-Eyes Starshine.  We came up to Canterlot to escape the snowstorm and we came across Mr Banks.”
“Wait,” Wanda said.  “Your daughter’s last name is Starshine?”
“That’s right,” Bright-Eyes Starshine said.  “I’m the younger sister of Argyle Starshine.”
Celestia turned towards Sunlight and said “Your son is staying with us at the Golden Land.  If you wish to do so, you can come with us.”
“We’ll do it,” Sunlight nodded.  “I don’t care what kind of tracking magic that the headmistress of Daisy Joy placed on us.  I want to see my son.”
“That may be great and all,” Silver Banks said.  “But I believe you have a problem with some of the colts following you.”
Princess Celestia looked down and saw Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse frantically rub their forearms as their legs began to develop frost around it.
“I can’t feel my arms,” Flam said, struggling to rub his hooves warm.
“Forget my arms,” Short Fuse complained.  “I can’t walk at all.”
Princess Celestia attempted to light her own horn.  But the cold air began to cover it in frost, dimming the light.  She began to worry.
“The cold air is preventing me from using my magic,” Princess Celestia said.
“Mine too,” Shining Armor said as his horn struggled to light up.  “I think the warmth spell is starting to wear off.”
Wanda held herself close as she began to shiver.  Sunset Shimmer got onto her hind legs and held onto her adopted sister to keep her warm.
“Mommy,” Wanda said.  “I’m starting to freeze.”
“Either the spell wore off,” Sunset said.  “Or the cold is starting to pierce through that warmth you gave us”
Princess Celestia looked at the tipped over cart that knocked her down.  She ran up to the cart and pulled it up right, setting it down on its wheels.  
“There,” Princess Celestia said.  “That’s your mode of transportation.”
She pulled down the back of the cart before she lifted Wanda and Sunset and placed them in.  Rainbow Dash, Spitfire and Fluttershy immediately flew into the bed of the cart as their wings began to freeze over.
“My wings,” Rainbow Dash said.  “I can’t feel em.”
“This is worse than I imagined, “Airazor said as she landed on her four hooves with her wings frozen solid.  “We can’t fly back to the castle.  If we don’t get back, we’re goners.”
Princess Celestia, Shining Armor and Silver Banks lifted each of the colts up and placed them onto the bed of the cart.  As Danged Spell placed his hooves on top of the cart, he looked down at Karen, who just whimpered right at him.
“I can’t believe I’m saying this,” Danged Spell said.  “But I feel sorry for the mutt.”
“Spell,” Fluttershy said.  “Can’t your Wolf’s Breath curse allow you to communicate with the beast?”
“I dunno,” Danged Spell said.  “But I’m surprised that you want me to talk with her when you can communicate with animals.”
“I know,” Fluttershy said.  “But I’m curious if the effect of the Wolf’s Breath curse can let you talk with canines.  Give it a try.”
Princess Celestia nodded at Danged Spell, who shifted towards his Wolf’s Breath Curse in an instant.  He looked down at the Alicorn Bulldog and barked right at it.  The bulldog wasted no time barking right back.
“What did he say?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“I’ll let Spell be the one to translate,” Fluttershy said.
“Unfortunately, he won’t be able to shift out of his curse,” Princess Celestia said.  “With my horn frozen, he’s stuck until we can get to the Golden Land.”
“Luckily, I borrowed this from Twilight’s house,” Fluttershy said as she pulled out a notepad and pencil from her mane.
“One of Twili’s school supplies,” Shining Armor said. “Clever.”
Fluttershy gave Danged Spell the notepad and pencil, to which Danged Spell opened it and wrote down on the pages.  Once he was done, he gave the notepad to Fluttershy.
“Wow,” Fluttershy said, looking up at Danged Spell.  “That’s exactly what she said.”
Danged Spell nodded towards Fluttershy, who then looked down at the words on the pad.
“Read it, Fluttershy, for goodness sake,” Rainbow Dash said.
“I am terribly sorry for what I did to you and your friends,” Fluttershy read.  “I have been hungry for a long time, and my master kept denying me my food.  So I assumed that eating you and your friends would be a good idea.  Please forgive me and get me out of this blasted cold.”
Fluttershy looked down at Karen, who just whimpered back at the filly.
“Aww,” Fluttershy said.  “All you wanted was food all along.  That’s why you wanted to eat us.  Well come on in.”
Sunlight Starscout picked up Karen and placed her in the bed next to Hoops and Rolling Thunder.  She and Bright-Eyes jumped into the back of the wagon bed and sat down as Shining Armor placed the yoke around Celestia.
“You sure about this?” Shining Armor asked.  “You did suffer a serious blow from this same cart.”
“I am,” Princess Celestia said.  “Besides, that guardian angel did a great job at healing my wounds.”
As Shining Armor locked the yoke to Celestia’s torso, he, Silver Banks and Airazor stood next to the princess of the sun, ready to take off.
“I’m going to need my Wolf’s Breath curse to get us to the castle,” Princess Celestia said.  “So hang on.”
Everyone in the bed held onto the corners as tight as possible as Princess Celestia’s eyes glowed brightly.  WIth a howl into the air, Princess Celestia took off with the power of her Wolf’s Breath curse, all while Shining Armor, Silver Banks, and Airazor ran alongside her.
“Hurry,” Wanda cried.  “Don’t let this snowstorm freeze us.”
Princess Celestia pulled the cart as fast as possible, galloping through the empty city of Canterlot, panting loudly like a wolf.  Everyone in the cart continued to hang on as Shining Armor slowed down to the point where he’s now running alongside the cart.
“How are you holding up?” Shining Armor asked.
“We’re struggling,” Sunset said, holding Wanda tight.  “I don’t know how long we can last.”
“Don’t you worry about that,” Shining Armor said.  “We’re getting close to the palace.”
“You have a strong connection with those two,” Bright-Eyes said. “Are you their brother?”
“No,” Shining Armor said.  “I have a sister back at the Golden Land named Twilight.  These two have an older sister named Princess Cadance.”
“Well regardless,” Bright-Eyes said, “You do a great job as a surrogate brother towards those two, just like my big brother Argyle.”
“Then we better kick it up into overdrive,” Shining Armor said.
Back in the front, Princess Celestia kept her focus on the road, barreling down towards the open gates to the castle, with Silver Banks and Airazor by her side.
“I’m surprised by your stamina, Mr Banks,” Airazor said.
“I may be old,” Silver Banks said.  “But I can still pull it off.”
With a kick of snow into the air,  Airazor, Shining Armor and Silver Banks made their way through the front garden of the castle, with Princess Celestia still pulling the cart.  They bolted through the front gate of the castle, down the grand foyer, and through the halls.  The place looked abandoned and cold.
“What happened?” Dumbbell yelled.  “This place looks like a ghost building.”
“Trust us,” Sunset said.  “We’re almost to the Golden Land.”
The group descended down the hallway as fast as possible, all while frost built onto their limbs, horns and wings.  They made their way down the nearby staircase, all while the cart shook violently.
“This isn’t what we meant by trust,” Rolling Thunder said with his voice shaking.
“I’ve been through worse,” Rainbow Dash replied.
Once they reached the bottom of the stairs, Celestia pulled the cart through the vault area with Shining Armor, Silver Banks and Airazor by her side.  But the Princess began to tire.
“Princess,” Shining Armor said.  “What’s going on?”
But no words came out of her mouth, all while her horn was frozen solid.  Celestia continued to pull as much as she could, despite her legs slowing down.
“I think we’re all at our limits,” Airazor said. 
“She’s right,” Silver Banks said.  “But we have to push on towards the portal.”
Everyone kept pushing forward as hard as they could, even as they began to tire.  Up ahead, the portal was still wide open as if it were waiting for them.
“There’s the portal,” Spitfire said.  “We’re almost there.”
“Wait,” Short Fuse said.  “We’re going through that?  Are you all crazy?”
“You ain’t seen crazy yet,” Rainbow Dash said with a smirk.
Nearly every colt yelled loudly as Princess Celestia jumped into the air and dove into the portal with the cart right behind her, followed by Shining Armor, Airazor and Silver Banks.

Meanwhile, at the Golden Land, Granny Smith paced back and forth impatiently.  Nearby, Bright Mac, Buttercup, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, Chancellor Cinch and Argyle Starshine stood by, watching.  Argyle had his journal and quill set nearby on a stone railing.
“Where could they be?” Granny Smith said.  “Everyone’s already in the Golden Land and they’re still missing.”
“Patience, ma,” Bright Mac said.  “Besides, it was Princess Celestia who chose to supervise them.”
“I know that,” Granny Smith said.  “But I’m also worried for her sake.  Already plan on giving them a stern talking to for that kind of recklessness.”
“Even though you’re not in charge of them?” Chancellor Cinch said.
“Yes,” Granny Smith said, glaring at the Chancellor.  “You got a problem with that?”
Chancellor Cinch nervously backed up for a bit before standing right next to Princess Luna.
“I’ve never seen her act this tense,” Chancellor Cinch said.
“I have,” Princess Luna said.
Suddenly, the portal began to light up.  Everyone turned their attention towards the portal before Princess Celestia jumped right out, pulling a cart with Wanda, Sunset, Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Karen the Bulldog, Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder, Short Fuse, Sunlight Starscout and Bright-Eyes Starshine holding on for dear life.
“WHAT IN TARNATIONS?” Granny Smith yelled, watching as the cart flew over her.
But as Princess Celestia landed her hooves on the ground, she tripped and fell down, tipping the cart over and causing everyone inside to fly out and land on the ground.  Once the cart came to a stop, Shining Armor, Airazor and Silver Banks emerged from the portal.
“SISTER!” Princess Luna yelled as she ran up to Princess Celestia.
The warm atmosphere of the Golden Land melted away the frost on the legs, arms, wings and horns of those who entered the portal.  Princess Celestia and Danged Spell’s eyes disappeared as the curse returned them to normal, all while Karen walked up to Danged Spell and licked his face.
“That’s the second time this happened,” Danged Spell said as he slammed his hoof on the ground, all while Karen licked him.  “What is wrong with my curse?”
“It’s because of the magic of the Golden Land,” Sunset said as she got up with Wanda by her side.  “If you are stuck in a curse, it will allow you to break free of it as long as you’re here.”
“That explains last night,” Danged Spell groaned.
Nearby, Argyle looked at the nearby cart before turning his eyes towards Sunlight and Bright-Eyes.  Immediately, his face lit up with enthusiasm.
“Mom, sis,” Argyle said.  “You made it.”
“Dear Argyle,” Sunlight said.  “We’ve missed you.”
Argyle ran up to his mother and sister before getting on his two legs and gave them both a big hug.  Bright-Eyes reached out and held her brother tight.
“So you made it all the way here, big bro?” Bright-Eyes asked.
“All thanks to Princess Celestia,” Argyle stated.  “And I’m glad you both are safe.”
As Argyle embraced Sunlight and Bright-Eyes, Shining Armor walked up to Princess Cadance, who ran up to him and held him tight.
“Don’t you worry about me, Caddy,” Shining Armor said.  “I looked after Wanda and Sunset while they went out to rescue that Alicorn Bulldog and those boys.”
“You’re the bravest pony I’ve ever known,” Princess Cadance said before kissing Shining Armor on the lips.
But nearby, Princess Luna and Chancellor Cinch helped get the yoke off of Princess Celestia before getting her back on her four legs.  But as Celestia struggled to get up, Granny Smith marched over to her.
“What were you thinking, Princess?” Granny Smith snapped.  “Putting your own kids in that kind of danger?”
“She would have ignored my orders if I said no,” Princess Celestia explained. 
“That’s no excuse to pull a stunt like that,” Granny Smith said.  “You’re lucky I’m not part of the Equestria Youngling Protection Agency.  Otherwise, I would have taken them away for your recklessness.  You should be ashamed of yourself.”
“For your own information,” Rainbow Dash said, “We volunteered to help those ponies out alongside the Wonderbolts.”
“Kid’s got a point,” Airazor said.  “I was hesitant.  But due to our forces being stretched thin, I allowed it.”
“You put your own trainees in danger like that?” Granny Smith snapped.  “What would the world say for doing something like that?”
“But,” Spitfire said.
“No butts,” Granny Smith said.
As Granny Smith walked towards Wanda, Princess Luna and Chancellor Cinch turned towards Celestia.
“I take it back,” Luna said.  “I’ve really never seen her this angry before.”
“Agreed,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “I thought I was harsh before.  But this takes the cake.”
But as Wanda and Sunset got themselves up, they looked up at Granny Smith, who stared down at them.
“And I’m extremely disappointed in the both of you,” Granny Smith said.  “You went out in the cold when you’re not supposed to, even with your own mother’s permission, and even with the Chancellor’s blessing.  Do you realize what kind of danger you three got yourselves into?”
“Yes,” Sunset said.  “That’s why we had to get them to safety.”
Sunset pointed to the colts and the bulldog, who just looked up at Granny Smith with a smile on their face.
“That may be an admiral reason,” Granny Smith said.  “But it doesn’t excuse what you two did, and with what your mother did as well.”
“But Granny Smith,” Wanda said.
“No excuses,” Granny Smith said.  “As punishment for endangering your own lives, and without the word of the Chancellor or the Princesses, you two will have to help out the refugees, this instant.”
Immediately, Wanda’s face burst with excitement.  She tried to hold it in, but her wings formed instantly as she flew up into the air.
‘“YES!”  Wanda cheered.  “I GET TO HELP WITH THE VOLUNTEERS!  BEST PUNISHMENT EVER!”
But as Wanda flew down, Granny Smith’s jaw dropped down with a surprise on her face.
“Wait a minute,” Granny Smith said.  “You wanted to help out with the refugees?”
“She did,” Sunset said with a smile.  “Last night, Wanda had a regret in not following Applejack and the others to the portal, wishing she would help out with the refugees.  Well thanks to you, she got her wish.”
Granny Smith hung her head down as she said “What the hay was I thinking?”
“And since you declared it a punishment,” Danged Spell said as he got up with Karen the Bulldog next to him, “You gotta carry it out.”
“Oh fine,” Granny Smith said.  “We’ll do it.”
As Princess Celestia finally got back on her hooves, she said “Well now that we’re all safe and sound, let’s head down to the golden palace and help out.”
Everyone nodded, except Argyle Starshine, who walked up to Princess Celestia.
“Begging your pardon, your majesty,” Argyle said.  “But I would like to spend some time with my mother Sunlight and my sister Bright-Eyes.”
“Very well,” Celestia giggled.  “But be sure to catch up when you can.”
As the rest of the group began to walk away, Bright Mac and Buttercup walked up to Wanda Young, who looked proud.
“You seem to be in a good mood after what ma put you thought,” Bright Mac said.
“I am,” Wanda said.  “I made peace with the bulldog, I helped save Hoops and the colts from impending doom and now I get to help out the rest of the refugees.”
“That’s amazing,” Buttercup said.  “I hope you leave a lasting impression on every pony here.”
“I know it will be hard,” Wanda said.  “But I’m ready to put all of my effort into this.”
“Glad you’re going to do so,” Bright Mac said.  “Compared to how Ma accidentally left the foals behind.  Thankfully Big Mac came to the rescue before it got worse”
Wanda immediately came to a stop as her smile disappeared into a frown.  She slowly turned to Granny Smith, causing the middle-aged mare to freeze in horror, all while everyone turned their attention to them.
“What just happened?” Princess Celestia asked.
“Someone didn’t pay attention to their younglings,” Princess Luna said with a smile.
“I’ve never seen Wanda this angry,” Danged Spell said.
“Neither did I,” Sunset replied.
As Wanda glared at Granny Smith, the matriarch of the Apple Family looked at her with sweat pouring from her head.
“You left the foals by themselves?” Wanda said in a cold tone.
“Now let’s be honest,” Granny Smith said.  “I was concerned for your well-being.”
“AND YOU FORGOT TO BRING THE LITTLE ONES IN?” Wanda yelled, causing everyone around her to shake in fear.
“I’m beginning to think scolding the man’s cub was a terrible idea,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “I never thought I would be teaching her this.”
A flame of anger surrounded Wanda as Granny Smith looked up at her.
“I’m disappointed in you, Granny Smith,” Wanda said.  “You came to the Golden Land and forgot to bring those foals with you?  What if they froze to death?  What would your own son say if you neglected them like that?”
“Honest, “Granny Smith said.  “It was an accident.”
“No excuses,” Wanda said.  “By my royal decree, and as your punishment, you must aid me in helping out the refugees, this instant.”
Granny Smith hung her head and said “That girl packs a meaner bite than I do.”
As Granny Smith walked towards Celestia with shame in her heart, Hoops walked up to the man’s cub.
“Never thought you to be that ruthless,” Hoops said.  “Ever thought about joining us in the future?  Maybe ditch that seal skin and wear some cool threads?”
“Not really,” Wanda said.  “That kind of life ain’t for me.  Besides, I’ve got some refugees to help out, and ponies that need the fullest attention.”
“That’s too bad,” Hoop said.  “After seeing how you saved us, I think you’re one of the coolest individuals we know.”
“My sister is full of surprises,” Sunset said.  “And that ain’t half of it.”
As everyone walked towards the golden palace, Argyle Starshine opened up his book and placed his inkwell next to him before dipping his pen into the ink and placed it on his page.
“Writing in your journal, I take it?” Sunlight said.  “That’s my boy.”
“Of course, mom,” Argyle said.  “You taught me to always record my tales into a book, and I still take it to heart.”
“Oooh, I can’t wait,” Bright-Eyes said.
And with that, Argyle wrote into his book.
“I never thought I would see my mother and sister again,” Argyle wrote.  “But thanks to the pure heart of one little human girl, her mother, her sister, her friends, and other kind-hearted individuals, I am finally glad to see them again.  Words cannot describe the warmth in my heart just to see their eyes once more.  But it’s sad that I cannot see my father ever again, since his death while I was away.  Furthermore, I wonder what Daisy Joy Tech will do now that they know I violated my own clause.”
As Argyle dipped his quill into the inkwell, Bright-Eyes placed her hoof on his.
“It’s about that tracking spell they placed on us, correct?” Bright-Eyes asked.
“Yes,” Argyle said.  “They will know what I did, and I fear for the both of you.”
“What matters is that we are back together again, my son,” Sunlight said.  “And besides, I should let Princess Celestia know more about this.”
Argyle nodded with a smile on his face before he placed the quill onto the page.
“But I digress,” Argyle wrote.  “For as I write, the warmth I feel is comforting.  To know that family is back together.  It isn’t fully understood.  But at the same time, it’s as if my worries melted away.  As if that sense of hope and joy filled my heart.  A joy that individuals share with loved ones, be it family or friends.  For now, I am glad they are a part of my life again.  And together, we will help out those who need it the most.  For there is more to hope and joy….than meets the eye.”
As Argyle placed the pen back into his inkwell, he turned to his mother and sister with a proud smile on his face.
“What do you think?” Argyle asked.
“It’s wonderful,” Sunlight said.  “You make me proud, my son.”
“Well you taught me very well, mom,” Argyle said.
“Come on,” Bright-Eyes said.  “Let’s go meet the other refugees.”
Bright-Eyes and Sunlight ran off towards the Golden Palace, leaving Argyle to pack away his inkwell and close his book shut.
“Thank Celestia the ink dries fast on these pages,” Argyle said.
Argyle Starshine placed the book under his arm before taking off after his mother and sister.  But behind him at the portal, Eleanor Young stepped out from behind, just as the portal disappeared once more.  She looked from next to the archway towards the Golden Palace, watching Wanda Young disappear through the doorway.
“That’s my girl,” Eleanor said with a smile.



	To Be Continued in….


	Reflections of the Heart

> Arc 16-5: Reflections of the Heart
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


	Reflections of the Heart



The city of Canterlot was completely empty with the exception of the snow that fell atop the city.  Houses were empty of any life, be it pony, dragon, human, or otherwise.  Many goods that once decorated the front windows were gone.  Doors were locked.  The central capitol  of Equestria was as eerily as a ghost town.
But up in the skies, the Windigos took flight, covering the land under a blanket of bone-cold snow.  One of them landed on the buildings before transforming back into Coldnelius Snap, who observed the city below.
“Strange,” Coldnelius Snap said. “The entire land has been frozen solid in preparation for its path to eternal cold.  And yet, not a single soul remains.”
Coldnelius Snap looked around the perimeter of the city.  His view gets more and more puzzled, seeing no signs of anyone around.  His eyes glowed brightly as he scanned the interior of the houses that dot the city, plus the various buildings that represent the commerce.  
“Stranger and stranger,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “It’s as if they weren’t there anymore.”
Coldnelius Snap turned his attention towards the castle before scanning the interior.  Though the doors were wide open and the winter snow poured in, there was not a single soul.
“Not even the castle has a single pony that’s suffering through the cold,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “How can I expect to make the ponies of Equestria suffer, if there are no ponies?”
But as he scanned the castle, his eyes caught an archway at the bottom of the palace.  His smile cracked once more.
“Now I get it,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “An ancient ground bridge portal.  And no doubt that crystal used to triangulate the destination has a safeguard that prevents me from going through.  But if I were to figure out how to bypass the safeguards, then I can enter the portal and spread eternal winter to where they are.  And soon, they will suffer their icy cold deaths.  For Queen Icelina.”
With that, Coldnelius Snap transformed into a windigo and flew towards the castle doors with a loud howl into the air.

Meanwhile, back in the Golden Land, Golden Lace was walking alongside Bright Mac, Cozy Glow and Juniper Montage through the valley.  Juniper had her phone out, recording every footage of her surroundings.  However, it seems Lace had a look of curiosity on her face.
“So I heard about what was happening at Canterlot,” Golden Lace said.  “But that still doesn’t explain why you came to me by yourself.”
“Well ma is helping Wanda and Sunset out with the refugees,” Bright Mac said.  “Buttercup is looking after the foals, and Big Mac is helping out with the soup kitchen with Shining Armor and Danged Spell.  So I decided I wanted to be the one to give you that surprise.”
“Ooooh,” Cozy Glow said.  “What kind of surprise is it?”
“That’s what I want to know,” Golden Lace said.  “Especially with all the ponies in Equestria pouring into the Golden Land.”
Juniper Montage immediately pointed on Lace’s shoulder and said “Hey Lace.  Isn’t that your daddy in front of you?”
Golden Lace looked in front of her while Bright Mac had a smug smirk on his face.  Silver Banks walked up to the duo with a warm smile on his face.
“Daddy?” Golden Lace said.  “You made it?”
“I would have been here later,” Silver Banks said.  “But Princess Celestia was helping her daughters save some refugees, and I figured I’d go with her just so I could get away from that winter blizzard.  But most importantly, to be with you once more, my daughter.”
Golden Lace’s eyes began to tear up.  She wiped them off her eyes before she jumped up and gave her father a big hug.
“I was hoping you would make it,” Golden Lace cried.  “At least you’re safe from that snowstorm.”
“I don’t know why winter has gotten worse,” Silver Banks said.  “But at least we’re all safe from whatever is going on out there.”
But as Golden Lace held her father closely, Cozy Glow, Juniper Montage and Bright Mac just looked on while Juniper recorded.
“Guess Mr Banks has had a change of heart,” Juniper Montage said.
“Silver Banks was only that angry just to impress his wife and make himself look tough,” Bright Mac stated.  “But deep on the inside, he has a real heart of gold and a true care for his daughter.  Can’t say the same for Gold Banks, who was more of a despicable monster.”
“Nor my own mother,” Cozy Glow said.
“Hey Cozy,” Juniper asked, pointing the camera phone at Cozy Glow.  “Didn’t you have a father of your own?”
“I never got to meet my own father,” Cozy Glow said in a depressed tone.  “From what I heard from Majesty, he died prior to my own birth.  But it was unclear how he died.  Even though my sister always loved to heckle me and make my life miserable, she was in the dark about his fate.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Juniper said.
“You don’t need to be,” Cozy Glow said.  “Both my sister and my mother have it in against me for who knows what.  But at least I have my own safe space thanks to Princess Celestia.”
“You sure do,” Juniper said before Cozy Glow glomped onto her, causing them both to giggle before Juniper dropped her phone on the ground.

Meanwhile, inside the Golden Palace, Pinkie Pie was in the kitchen preparing as many baked goods as possible.  Mrs Cup Cake was helping Pinkie Pie out, alongside a thin stallion with a slightly wide jaw, a light brilliant amber coat with light brilliant orange freckles, a light brilliant orange mane and tail, and three cakes for his cutie mark.
“How are the preparations, Mr Carrot Cake?” Pinkie Pie asked as she pulled a prepared cake out of the oven.
“It’s hard work,” Mr Cake said as he frosted another cake.  “Even with all these refugees.  But we’re making sure they do eat cake while they’re here.”
As Pinkie Pie placed another cake on the counter, she said “Well just because they’re far away from their home doesn’t mean they shouldn’t leave behind the good stuff that is La Maresa.”
“And you’re right, Pinkie,” Mrs Cake said as she placed a pan full of cake batter on the counter.  “It was also great for Princess Celestia to donate all these ingredients to make the cakes.  Not to mention the apples given to us by the Apple family.”
Pinkie Pie opened the oven before grabbing the cake batter pan and placing it inside before shutting the oven door once more.
“Not to mention she has at least three ovens for this place,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Makes the cake baking so much more streamlined.”
“If your parents saw what you were doing,” Mr Carrot Cake said, “They would be proud of you.  In fact, your mother Cloudy Quartz enjoyed the lava cake that you made for her.”
“Never underestimate my mother’s vicious appetite,” Pinkie Pie said.  “She once chugged down a lava soup that some dragons offered her.”
“Wait,” Mrs Cake said. “Dragons?  Lava Soup?”  Wouldn’t that burn a hole in her stomach and everywhere else?”
“Nah,” Pinkie Pie said. “I’ve seen her bathe in lava before.  Stuff’s like water to her.”
Mr and Mrs Cake both looked at each other as if they had gone nuts. But before they could say a word, Mr Carrot Cake felt a tug on his apron.  He looked down to his right to see Wanda, Sunset, Abigail and Granny Smith look up at him.  Granny Smith had a cart connected to a yoke that surrounded her waist.
“Excuse me,” Wanda said.  “We came here to deliver the cakes to the refugees.”
“Wanda,” Mrs Cake said.  “I was hoping to finally get to see you.  It was a shame I only got a glimpse of you at the fair.”
“Well she’s been busy since returning to Canterlot,” Granny Smith explained.  “Far too busy if you ask me.”
“Well since you brought that cart,” Mr Carrot Cake said as he placed the cakes atop the cart, “This will make our lives much easier.  That way, we can focus more on baking.”
“Too bad I can’t help out with you all,” Wanda said.  “Especially with the refugees hunkering down here.”
“Well you’re doing us a big favor,” Mrs. Cup Cake said.  “And like my husband said, without your help, we would have had to carry the cakes to the refugees ourselves.  So it’s something to be proud of.”
But before Wanda could say anything, she heard a crash nearby with the sound of colts groaning.  Wanda, Sunset and Granny Smith turned to their left to see Snips and Snails on the floor with a tray full of food tipped over.
“Again,” Granny Smith said, placing her hoof over her face.  “I thought we assigned them easier tasks.  I’m going to have a word with my son over this.”
“Don’t worry Granny Smith,” Sunset Shimmer said with an enthusiastic smile.  “I got this.”
Sunset Shimmer walked up to Snips and Snails, who were struggling to get themselves back up.
“You two alright?” Sunset asked.
“No,” Snips said.  “It was bad enough that we had to help out with the food back at Canterlot, and now we have to do it again here.”
“I thought we were going to look after the foals again,” Snails said.  “But instead, we got caught up with this.”
“Tell you what,” Sunset said as she lit her horn up.  “How about I give you both a hoof?”
With her magic, Sunset Shimmer picked up the tipped over cart and got it back on its four wheels.  She picked each food off the ground, removing any traces of dust and dirt on it before placing it back on the cart.  For some of the foods that were badly damaged, Sunset picked each one up and used her magic to reassemble it back to its original form.  Both Snips and Snails stared at her in amazement.
“Wow,” Snips said.  “You can do that with your horn?”
“Of course I can,” Sunset said.  “After all, we’re unicorns.”
“Too bad we can’t do anything like that,” Snails said.  “Every time I try to do something like that, it always explodes in my face.”
“Yeah,” Snips said.  “That’s the worst thing about our magic.”
“Then while we make this delivery,” Sunset Shimmer said,   “I can teach you both a few pointers.”
“You really can?” Snails asked.
“Of course,” Sunset said. “After all, that’s what friends are for.”
As Sunset Shimmer led Snips and Snails down the hall, Wanda, Granny Smith, Abigail, Pinkie Pie, Mr and Mrs Cake starred in amusement.
“Well that’s my sister for ya,” Wanda said.  “She takes after mommy.”
“No kidding,” Granny Smith giggled.  “No wonder she’ll go out of her way to help out other ponies.”
“Oh speaking of which,” Wanda said, “We better get those cakes to the refugees, pronto.”
“Roger that,” Granny Smith said.
Granny Smith pulled the cart with cakes atop along with Wanda and Abigail by her side, with Pinkie Pie, Carrot Cake and Cup Cake watching from afar.
“Hey Wanda,” Pinkie Pie said.  “You keep smiling for those refugees, no matter what happens.”
“I will,” Wanda waved.
“Cake,” Abigail meowed, waving at Pinkie Pie.
As Wanda, Abigail and Granny Smith walked away, Cup Cake wiped a tear from her eye in pride.
“Aren’t you glad to have a friend like Wanda?” Cup Cake asked.
“Yeah,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Sure she’s doing this during our staycation here in the Golden Land.  But it’s the thought that counts.”
“I could do it blindfolded and the results would still be the same,” Carrot Cake said, causing Pinkie Pie and Cup Cake to laugh out loud.
“I wouldn’t be so sure of that, honey,” Cup Cake said.  “You’ll end up causing a catastrophe.”
“Maybe I would,” Carrot Cake giggled.  “Maybe I would.”

Meanwhile, outside on a makeshift stage, Trixie stood on top with Starlight Glimmer and the Dazzling sisters by her side.  Off the stage, some of the refugees gathered around with Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Karen the Bulldog, Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Spitfire, Danged Spell, Sunburst and Moondancer joining in the audience.
“Gather around, all ye from Equestria, and watch the work of the Great and Powerful TRIXIE!” Trixie yelled.  “I will bring to you wonders that will dazzle your eyes.”
Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk danced together, singing and chanting “Be amazed by the wonders of magic.  Without its mystics, our lives would have been tragic.”
As the members of the audience clapped, a smug look formed on Hoops’ face, only for Rainbow Dash to turn towards the colt.
“Don’t even think about it,” Rainbow Dash said. 
“Okay okay,” Hoops said, pushing the bag of tomatoes aside with his leg.  “I won’t sabotage the event.”
“Though I’ll say this,” Sunburst said.  “I do find the Dazzlings’ singing to be rather enchanting.”
“Yeah,” Danged Spell said.  “I don’t know how they do it.  But the way they sing is so…enchanting.”
On stage, Trixie laid Starlight Glimmer flat on the table.  She took a few steps back and held her arms in the air.
“And now,” Trixie said.  “Without using any magic from my horn, watch as my assistant levitates into the air.”
Everyone in the audience stared right at Starlight Glimmer for a moment before the filly lifted into the air without any form of support.  Trixie pulled out a hoop from behind the table and passed it around Starlight.   The audience was awed by Trixie’s spectacle.
“How does she do it?” Danged Spell asked.
“That’s a secret only Trixie knows,” Fluttershy giggled.  “None of us La Maresians will speak about it.”
“No seriously,” Danged Spell said.  “How does she pull it off without any form of magic?”
“Our lips are sealed, Spell,” Rainbow Dash said.
As Starlight Glimmer slowly levitated down to the surface of the table, Trixie bowed to the audience, who cheered the filly’s act.
“And now for my next trick,” Trixie said as she pulled a saw out from behind the table, “I will cut a pony in half, and I will need a volunteer.”
With a smug look on his face, Hoops raised his hoof in the air, catching Trixie’s attention.
“You there,” Trixie said, pointing to Hoops.  “Come on up.”
Hoops trotted towards the stage and jumped up with his smirk not disappearing while Starlight sat up and watched the smug pegasus colt land onto the stage.  Trixie brought out a box atop a wheeled table and opened it up.
“And now, for your enjoyment,” Trixie said, “The volunteer will jump into the box and I will saw it in half.”
“Oh sure,” Hoops said in a sarcastic tone.  “Go ahead and split me into two pieces.  It will be great entertainment.”
Hoops jumped into the open box and laid down with his head and legs sticking out, his smug smile still showing.  Trixie closed the box and held her saw in the air.
“Feast your eyes on the magical powers of the GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE!” Trixie yelled as she placed the saw on top of the middle of the box.
Trixie cut the box in half with the saw as Hoops snickered in silence.  Once the box was cut in half, Trixie separated the two and showed the inner pieces, causing the crowd to cheer.
“Oh no you don’t,” Hoops said as he jumped out of the box completely whole.  “Don’t cheer for her, you dolts.  She’s a phony.”
Hoops jumped up and down, chanting and ranting against Trixie.  But as he jumped, his upper torso bounced up from his lower torso as if it were split in half.  Hoops looked down with a shocked look on his face.
“How,” Hoops said.  “How does she do it?”
“Oops,” Trixie said with a smug grin on her face.  “Almost forgot.”
With a spark of her horn, Trixie zapped Hoops’ torso with a blast of magic.  Afterwards, Hoops jumped up a bit without his upper half separating from his lower half.  Hoops breathed a sigh of relief before glaring at Trixie.
“I’ll get you for this, Trixie,” Hoops said.  “Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but someday.”
Hoops marched off the stage as the crowd cheered, which included Dumbbell and Score.  Trixie stood there laughing as Starlight got off her table and clapped for her friend.
“That my friends,” Trixie said,  “Is the mysterious powers of the Great and Powerful TRIXIE!  And I have my father, the legendary Jackpot, to thank me for teaching me these skills.  I only wish he was here to see it.”
But back in the audience, the younglings cheered for Trixie and Starlight as Hoops marched behind them in disgust.  He glared at Dumbbell and Score, who were also cheering the two.
“I feel like the odd pony out,” Hoops said in disgust.
But as the younglings cheered, Sunburst looked down at Karen the Bulldog with an uneasy look on his face.
“By the way,” Sunburst said.  “Why is this alicorn bulldog with us right now?”
“Oh didn’t we tell you?” Fluttershy said as she rubbed Karen on the back of her ear.  “Wanda, myself and the rest of us were able to tame Karen.  Turns out, she was starving.”
“Who knew?” Moondancer said.  “The poor thing needed food.  Though that means her owner treated her horribly.”
“You know,” Spitfire said.  “Captain Airazor told me about rumors of an illegal monster-fighting venue deep within the underground portions of Equestria.  They often treat their own contestants like that just to get them to fight viciously.”
“That’s horrible,” Fluttershy said as she stomped her hoof on the ground.  “I’ve read about how some horrible ponies would resort to that.  How come they can get away with that schtick?”
“Honestly, even I don’t know,” Sunburst said.  “It’s already illegal.  But no one, not even Princess Celestia, nor the Chancellor, knows about the underground monster fights.”
The words were quick to catch Hoops, Dumbbell and Score’s attention.
“What’s this about underground monster fights?” Score asked.
“It’s what they said,” Hoops said.  “And personally, I think it’s cowardly and disturbing.  Putting monsters into fights for their own amusement and money.  We may be rebels, but this is one thing we should never do.  Agreed?”
Dumbbell and Score placed their hooves out and said “Agreed.”

Meanwhile, back at the Ruby Library, Twilight Sparkle and Spike the Dragon sat next to Princess Celestia, who had some parts of her body patched up.  Princess Luna had Diamond Tiara, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo by her side as they all looked up at the moon princess giggling.
“That was some blizzard,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “Just glad you’re alright.”
“Oh I am,” Princess Celestia said.  “I got myself hurt, but I can survive worse.”
“Dunno how Wanda is dealing with the fact that she has to help those refugees,” Twilight said as Spike rubbed his head up on Twilight’s nuzzle.
“I would worry more about Granny Smith after Wanda had to come down on her for neglecting the foals that she was supposed to look after,” Princess Celestia said.  “After all, she takes after the Chancellor.”
“Really funny, sis,” Luna said in a sarcastic, yet amused, tone.
“Well when Wanda is exposed to the tone of Chancellor Cinch,” Celestia joked, “It often resorts to her being harsh.  Then again, I may have had a hoof in teaching Cinch how to be harsh.”
“That might explain, considering you were her foster mother,” Twilight giggled.
Suddenly, Diamond Tiara crawled up to Twilight Sparkle and touched her on the nose with a giggle on her face.  Twilight looked down at Diamond Tiara as Spike crawled up to the foal.
“Now why do you want my attention, Diamond Tiara?” Twilight asked.
As Diamond Tiara giggled, Spike sat next to the foal with a smile on his face.
“Friend?” Spike asked, holding his hand out.
Diamond Tiara looked down at his hand with a confused look on her face.
“Friend means someone who has a strong bond with another,” Twilight said.  “After all, Friendship is Magic.”
Diamond Tiara looked down at Spike’s hand before placing her hoof on it.  She looked up at Spike and nodded.
“Twilight,” Luna said.  “Looks like you’re becoming a surrogate mother in your own right.”
“Wait,” Twilight said.  “Me a mother?  I only see Spike as a little brother.  Why would I want to be a mother?”
Luna giggled before she said “I’m only messing with you.”  Those words were enough to cause Celestia to laugh.
“With all the refugees pouring into the Golden Land,” Celestia said, “I think we need all the means of keeping a positive attitude going on.  After all, if we can ride out this blizzard, we should be alright.”
As Celestia and Luna laughed, they noticed Argyle Starshine, Sunlight Starscout and Bright-Eyes Starshine nearby looking down at a book with an inkpot nearby.  Twilight got up and walked over to the three adult ponies.
“I see you’re curious about Argyle Starshine,” Celestia said.
“In a way,” Twilight said.  “But I’m also glad he brought his family with him.  It's a shame that his father died before I could meet him.”
“It is,” Luna said.  “Argyle cared a lot about his father as much as the rest of his family.  The fact that he couldn’t attend his funeral says a whole lot.”
“Go check up on him,” Celestia said.  “I think he needs all the comfort in the world, even with his mother and sister back by his side.”
Twilight nodded to Celestia and Luna before walking up to Argyle Starshine, who was showing the inside of his book to Sunlight Starscout and Bright-Eyes Starshine.
“Excuse me,” Twilight said.
“Twilight,” Argyle Starshine said.  “I was hoping you would notice my journal.”
“I’ve been noticing it for quite a while,” Twilight said.  “And you’ve been writing about your tales here at the Golden Land.”
“Oh he has,” Sunlight Starscout said. “All those times he spent with you all, following his departure from Daisy Joy Tech.  You all had a wonderful time here.”
“Well even with this refugee crisis,” Twilight said,  “We’re still having a wonderful time.  And I’m glad of that.”
“Oooh,” Bright-Eyes said.  “I bet you like writing about your own tales.”
“Well,” Twilight said, rubbing the back of her head in embarrassment.  “In a way, I do.  But I’m not one who shares my own tales to others.  I tend to be shy about that.”
Argyle Starshine just laughed before he positioned the book in front of Twilight Sparkle.
“Then tell you what, Miss Sparkle,” Argyle said.  “How about you write a page into my book?”
“Me?” Twilight said. 
“Go right ahead,” Argyle replied, nudging the inkpot with the quill in it to Twilight.  “You have a blank page to tell your tale to the future of Equestria.  The pen is yours.”
Twilight took a deep breath before she used her magic to lift the quill from the inkwell and placed it on the page of the paper.
“My name is Twilight Sparkle,” Twilight wrote.  “I am a student of Princess Celestia at the School for Gifted Unicorns.  When we came here to the Golden Land, we came to relax and unwind.  Many friends who accompanied me included Starlight Glimmer and Sunburst from Sire’s Hollow, Moondancer from Cape Coltnaveral, Danged Spell from Lio Lani, and Celestia’s own adopted children: Sunset Shimmer and the human Wanda Young.  We’ve been good friends since we first met.”
Twilight Sparkle dipped the quill into the inkwell before placing it back on the page.
“But even with the refugees pouring in from La Maresa and Canterlot,” Twilight wrote, “We continue to be in good spirits.  With help from our new friends like Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Trixie and Ditzy Doo, we keep all of the refugees in good spirits so they have a reason to be happy in these tough times.  After all, Princess Celestia taught us to be friendly to those who need it, through Honesty, Kindness, Generosity, Loyalty and Laughter.  They’re all magical elements that are binding by a spark that keeps us united together.  For there is more to our friendship….than meets the eye.”
As Twilight placed the quill back into the inkwell, Argyle looked down at the page and smiled.
“This page you wrote represents your true self, Twilight Sparkle,” Argyle Starshine said.  “It’s what tells our tale to the ponies around Equestria.  It’s what keeps us united as one.”
“It does?” Twilight asked.
“Yes,” Argyle Starshine said.  “Never lose sight of the friendships you created.  For they will keep us united and strong.”
“I won’t,” Twilight said.  “Promise.”
Nearby, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna watched with a smile on their face while Spike, Diamond Tiara, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo giggled.
“Maybe we should have Wanda write a page in Argyle’s journal,” Luna said.
“Agreed,” Celestia said.  “But right now, we should rest up.  For as long as the portal to Canterlot remains closed, we should be safe.”

But at the ground bridge portal outside, the portal started to form on the inside of the archway.  It grew bigger and bigger until it filled up the archway.  Immediately, windigos popped out from the portal and flew up into the air.   Princess Cadance, Shining Armor and Chancellor Cinch watched from afar as the Windigos poured out from the portal and flew upwards into the sky.
“I don’t like where this is going,” Shining Armor said.
“How is it that the Windigos are able to figure out the portal and get into the Golden Land?” Princess Cadance said in a shock.
“The scenario has gotten worse than I expected,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “We must warn Princess Celestia about this.”
Princess Cadance and Shining Armor nodded before they and Chancellor Cinch ran towards the Ruby Library in a hurry.


	To Be Continued in…


	A Warm Embrace

> Arc 16-6: A Warm Embrace
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


A Warm Embrace



The Windigos flew from the portal, all the way up to the skies of the Golden Land.  One of them landed on the clouds and transformed into Coldnelius Snap.  He looked down at the refugees below with a smug grin on his face.
“So that’s where every pony has gone to,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “They wanted to escape the deathly cold of the Windigos.  But they only delayed the inevitable.  Now that I have figured out the portal crystal to this place, it won’t be long until every pony tastes the deep freeze of the Windigos.  Glory to Queen Icelina.”
With that, Coldnelius Snap transformed back into a Windigo and flew deeper into the sky, creating clouds that covered the sun that shined downwards.

Meanwhile, as Princess Celestia opened the front door of the Ruby Library, she quickly stepped aside as Princess Cadance, Shining Armor and Chancellor Cinch ran in.
“You three look like you’re in a hurry,” Princess Celestia said.  “What happened?”
“Take a look outside,” Princess Cadance said.  “You’re not going to like what you see.”
Princess Celestia peeked her head out of the door and looked up before she gasped in horror.  Above in the skies, the windigos galloped around, forming clouds that released snowflakes around in the Golden Land.
“The Windigos?” Princess Celestia said.  “But the portal crystal was made so that Princess Cadance, Princess Luna, Chancellor Cinch and I are the only ones who can activate it.”
“For some reason,” Chancellor Cinch said,  “The Windigos figured out how to activate the portal crystal and teleport themselves here.  I'm puzzled by how they were able to pull that off.”
But before Celestia could say anything, she heard Princess Luna yell out “Sister, did something happen?”  Celestia turned towards the back end of the library, where Princess Luna, Twilight Sparkle, Spike the Dragon and Argyle Starshine emerged from the secret passage.
“I’m afraid things just got worse,” Princess Celestia said.  “For some reason, the Windigos figured out how to get the portal up and running.  Now they’re in the skies above the Golden Land, threatening all of us with a harsh winter that will freeze us all.”
Princess Luna walked up to the door and looked outside.  The Windigos circled around in the sky as more snow fell to the ground, covering up the flora in pure cold.
“This is worse than I could imagine,” Princess Luna said.  “We must get everyone into the castle.”
“Wait,” Twilight said.  “Does that mean we have to head back to the castle?”
“Yes, Twilight,” Princess Celestia explained.  “It’s not going to be safe at the library.”
“There’s also the matter of Wanda,” Shining Armor said.  “Unlike the rest of us, Wanda doesn’t have a layer of fur to keep her warm.”
“Oh no, Wanda,” Twilight said
“The last I’ve seen Wanda,” Princess Luna said, “She was helping Granny Smith out with the refugees.”
“The one thing I’m hoping for is that Granny Smith is able to get Wanda to someplace warm,” Princess Celestia said.  “With all this blustery cold going on, she’ll need all the warmth she can get.”
“What can I do to help out?” Twilight asked.
“Take Spike and follow your brother towards the castle,” Princess Celestia said.  “Argyle, Luna and I will get the foals together and meet you there.”
Twilight looked down at Spike, who reached up towards the little filly.  She looked up at Celestia with a determined look on her face.
“Understood,” Twilight said before she lowered her back down.
Spike jumped onto Twilight’s back before she got up and ran next to Shining Armor, who gave a salute to Princess Celestia.
“Be careful out there,” Princess Celestia said.
“I will,” Shining Armor replied.
With that, Spike held onto Twilight Sparkle as she and Shining Armor ran out the front door, leaving Celestia, Luna, Cadence, Cinch and Argyle behind.
“There are some blankets scattered in the secret hall of the library,” Argyle said.  “I’ll ask my mom and Bright-Eyes to use them to gather up the tykes and bring them to the castle.”
“Excellent idea,” Princess Luna said.
“Afterwards,” Princess Celestia said, “We should head for the Golden Castle and make sure everyone is inside.  No pony will be left behind.”
“Including the Man’s Cub,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “She doesn’t have fur like the rest of us and you won’t be able to use your magic to keep her warm.”
“I know,” Princess Celestia said.  “But I can only hope that she can find a warm place to hunker down until the snowfall ends.”

Later, as a faster flurry of snow fell upon the Golden Land, ponies began to pour into the Golden Castle in a hurry.  Some fled the Ruby Library while others emerged from the Emerald Forest.  Inside, Wanda struggled to keep herself warm while escorting some of the refugees into the castle, with Abigail and Granny Smith behind her.
“Wanda,” Granny Smith said.  “I think it’s time you took a break for your own sake.”
“Not yet,” Wanda shivered.  “Not until we’re all inside.”
Granny Smith placed her hoof on Wanda’s hand and said with a concerned tone “I know you wish to help them out right now.  But you’re in no condition to do so.”
“But I don’t want them to suffer outside,” Wanda said.  “Even after the blizzard decided to appear out of nowhere.”
“It’s no ordinary blizzard,” Granny Smith said.  “The Chancellor, Shining Armor and your big sister told you that it came…from the WINDIGOS.”
“I know,” Wanda said. “But it doesn’t give me any excuse to leave them out.”
As Wanda stood by some of the ponies entering the castle, Abigail rubbed her paw on Wanda’s leg, catching the attention of Abigail.
“Cold,” Abigail said.  “You cold.”
“Abby,” Wanda said.  “You don’t need to worry about me.”
“Wanda,” Granny Smith said.  “While I do appreciate the fact that you still care for the ponies who need it, it’s not really a good idea if you put yourself at risk.”
But before Wanda could say anything, a gust of cold wind blew into the foyer of the Golden Palace.  Wanda covered her arms with her hands, shivering horribly.
“I think you might be right,” Wanda said. 
Granny Smith pulled a blanket out from the middle of the cart and wrapped it around Wanda.  The little human girl held the blanket tight as she continued to shiver.
“It’s going to be alright,” Granny Smith said.  “As of now, I’m releasing you from your punishment due to the hazardous conditions of this weather.”
“Thanks,” Wanda said.  “But still, I do feel bad that I have to leave these refugees by themselves.”
“Leave that to us.” Wanda, Granny Smith and Abigail turned to the entrance where Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Trixie and Ditzy Doo stood next to the refugees.
“You’re all here,” Wanda said.  “But why?”
“Darling,” Rarity said.  “You’ve done all that you could to give the refugees something to smile about.  Now you have to look after yourself.  And that’s what matters the most.”
“Rarity’s right,” Applejack said.  “Even though I also tend to be as selfless as you are, you also have to take time for yourself.  Otherwise, you won’t be fit to help out the ponies who need it.”
“Besides,” Pinkie Pie said.  “We aren’t the only ones who got this.  Your close friends from Canterlot are doing what they can to make sure they stay safe during these hard times.”
“All of them?” Wanda asked.
“Yeah,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Sunset, Starlight, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, and even egghead Twilight.  Though I heard she’s on her way.”
Within an instant, Shining Armor ran through the door and around some of the ponies coming in with Twilight Sparkle and Spike following from behind.
“Twilight,” Rarity said.  “You’ve made it.”
“You can thank Princess Celestia for sending me here,” Twilight said as Spike jumped off her back.
“We came here to make sure that you’re safe,” Shining Armor said.  “Considering the snow storm going on outside and the windigos.”
Wanda’s eyes looked very watery.  She reached out and gave Shining Armor a big hug as Twilight Sparkle cuddled the Man’s Cub by the side.
“Thank you,” Wanda said with a silent cry.  “I know I want to do everything to help out.”
“And you have,” Shining Armor said.  “Now come on.  Let’s get you to some place that’s warm in the castle.”
Wanda released her grip from Shining Armor before she jumped on his back with Abigail leaping up right behind her. 
“We’ll catch up,” Applejack said.  “Just make sure Wanda stays warm.”
“We will,” Twilight said.
With that, Wanda and Abigail held onto Shining Armor as he and Twilight rode down the hallway, leaving Granny Smith behind with the rest of the younglings.  Ditzy immediately flew up to Granny Smith and poked her on the shoulder.
“Will Wanda be alright?” Ditzy Doo asked.
“As long as we hold on,” Granny Smith said, “She will.  Promise.”
“Note to self,” Trixie said.  “Get Glimglam over to comfort Wanda.”

It was later that night at the Golden Palace.  The windigos that rode in the skies howled loudly into the night.  Snow covered the once glistening landscape and buried the front door of the castle.  Inside at a banquet hall, every refugee was enjoying the night away, eating food and telling stories to each other.  Despite the danger outside, it seems there was barely a care in the world.
But for Princess Celestia, she looked outside at the sky, completely worried, while Bright Mac and Buttercup walked up to the prime alicorn.
“Is something wrong?” Buttercup asked.
“There is,” Princess Celestia said.  “Do you recall how the Windigos retreated from Equestria?”
“It was because of how we embraced each other with the warm heart of friendship,” Bright Mac said.  “Ma told me that story when I was a youngling.”
“That’s correct,” Princess Celestia said.  “But there’s something that’s been troubling me.  Even though there are ponies who are embracing each other with the warm heart of friendship, the magic of the Windigos are growing.  Not shrinking.”
Bright Mac looked outside the window and gasped at the sky.  The Windigos continued their march across in the clouds, screeching louder and louder.  All Bright Mac could do was pull his head away from the window.  Buttercup got a good look at the Windigos in the sky and her worry built up within her.
“You’re absolutely right,” Bright Mac said.  “They’re not getting weaker.  They’re getting stronger.”
“And it’s going to get worse,” Princess Celestia said.  “I don’t know how it happened.  But it appears that the warm embrace of friendship has no effect on those ghostly ponies.”
“So what can we do about it?” Buttercup asked.
“I believe I may have the answer.” Princess Celestia, Bright Mac and Buttercup turned towards one end of the hall, where Silver Banks walked in carrying a book in his arms.  Next to him was Golden Lace, Juniper Montage and Cozy Glow.
“Mr Banks,” Bright Mac said.  “You know about the Windigos?”
“And it’s a lot more complicated than it appears to be,” Silver Banks said as he walked up to Princess Celestia with the book in tow.  “I found a book involving the Windigos after my reunion with my daughter, and I discovered something horrible.  Have you ever heard of a Windigo spell called Venom Frost?”
“Venom Frost,” Princess Celestia said.  “I’ve heard the words many times since taking power a thousand years ago. but I don’t understand the definition.
Silver Banks opened up the book and placed it on a nearby table before pointing towards the word “Venom Frost” directly on the page.
“Venom Frost is a lost Windigo art,” Silver Banks said.  “It can extract spite from just one pony and amplify it to give strength to the Windigos.  The way it works is that anyone with advanced knowledge of Windigo magic can turn this spite into Windigo fuel.  What would normally take an entire continent of hatred can be condensed by just one pony.”
“That explains why the Windigos are on a rampage,” Buttercup said.
“It gets worse,” Silver Banks said.  “The strength of the spite extracted from a pony can enhance the Windigos’ power even further than before.  Meaning that it can be strong enough to cancel out the warm embrace of friendship.”
“No wonder why everyone being so merry has no effect on the Windigos,” Princess Celestia said.  “And I think I know who’s behind it.”
“Coldnelius Snap of the Windigos Guild,” Silver Banks said.  “No doubt he was spying on my fight with my estranged wife Gold Banks.  He figured out how to extract all that hate from her and use it to enhance the power of the Windigos.”
But before Celestia could say anything, she looked down at Golden Lace, Juniper Montage and Cozy Glow.  All three fillies looked depressed from hearing Silver Banks’ words.
“Are you alright?” Celestia asked.
“No,” Golden Lace said.  “Hearing what my father had to say about the Windigos, and it just made us all dreadful.”
“Yeah,” Cozy Glow said.  “This is why I prefer to be cynical.  “If it weren’t for Lace’s mother, we wouldn’t be in this mess.”
Celestia placed her hoof on Lace’s cheek and said “Don’t you worry, little lady.  We’ll get out of this mess, somehow.”
“But how?” Golden Lace asked.  “Because of my mother’s pure hatred, she pretty much doomed all of Equestria.  We’ll all become ponysicles because of her.”
“That’s where you’re wrong, my daughter,” Silver Banks said.  “While reading up on Venom Frost, I learned that it has one weakness.  It requires the pure love and joy of one individual within the vicinity of that hate.  And there were two ponies in that vicinity.  One was my wife Gold Banks, whose hate fueled the Windigos.  The other…me.”
“Wait,” Golden Lace said.  “You’re the one who can stop this snowstorm?”
“I am, my daughter,” Silver Banks said.  “While my love as a father has burned brighter, it may not be enough.  To truly embrace you as a daughter, it will require the help of friends closest to you.”
“Wow,” Juniper Montage said.  “Your father has the solution to this problem?”
“I hope so,” Golden Lace said.  “For Equestria’s sake.”
“Then I have a proposition,” Princess Celestia said.  “My daughter Wanda Young is up in bed, trying to keep warm from the Windigo’s cold.  If you take Golden Lace upstairs and let her interact with Wanda, it may help with warding off the Windigos.”
“Excellent idea, your majesty,” Silver Banks nodded.
“Daddy,” Golden Lace said.  “What does that mean?”
“It means you and your friends should come with me,” Silver Banks said.  “We have a solution to deal with the Windigo problem.”
Silver Banks ran towards the opposite doorway of the banquet hall with Golden Lace, Cozy Glow and Juniper Montage following from behind, leaving Princess Celestia, Bright Mac and Buttercup behind.
“Do you think he can use the warmth of friendship to break the curse?” Buttercup asked.
“Considering what we’re up against,” Princess Celestia said.  “Any help will be appreciated when it comes to beating back Coldnelius Snap’s Venom Frost curse.”
Suddenly, they heard someone screaming like they were having a good time.  Celestia, Bright Mac and Buttercup turned towards the stage where Short Fust was dancing like a wild maniac and singing loudly and off-key..  Next to him, Rolling Thunder was jamming on a guitar, though it also sounded off-tune.
“Oh geez,” Bright Mac said as he covered his ears.  “That is the worst singing and guitar playing I have ever heard in my entire life.”
As Bright Mac and Buttercup covered their ears, Celestia stood there with a smile on her face.
“With so many ponies here, it can be hard to keep track,” Celestia thought to herself.  “Early ago, I did run into both Filthy and Spoiled Rich and they were too busy helping out their fellow ponies from La Maresa.  It’s a good thing Argyle Starshine is looking after their daughter.  Otherwise, this could have gone worse for them.”

Meanwhile, in one of the bedrooms of the Golden Palace, Wanda Young laid in bed with  the blanket wrapped around her torso and legs.  Her arms, shoulders and head stuck out as she drank some hot cocoa from a mug.  Abigail laid next to the Man’s Cub, rubbing her head against her arm.  Next to her, Granny Smith watched on with Shining Armor, Sunset Shimmer, Snips, Snails, Spike the Dragon, Starlight Glimmer, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Twilight Sparkle, Trixie and Ditzy Doo right beside her.
“How do you feel, Wanda?” Shining Armor asked.
“Cozy,” Wanda said. 
“That’s great to hear,” Shining Armor said.  “As long as we can keep this place warm, you’ll be alright.”
“It’s too bad you don’t have fur like us ponies,” Granny Smith said.  “That way you can stay warm when it gets this cold.”
“By the way,” Wanda said. “Where are Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell?”
“I told them they could go enjoy themselves downstairs,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Along with Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder, Short Fuse and Spitfire.”
“Yeah,” Rainbow Dash said.  “They don’t need to worry about you.  Though Spell said he can best Spitfire in a pun contest.  Anyone who listens to that will suffer severe pun-ishment.”
“Rainbow Dash,” Every youngling yelled before bursting into laughter.
Rainbow Dash just stood there and said “Eat your heart out, Danged Spell.”
As Snips and Snails stopped laughing, they looked up at Wanda, who struggled to hold in her chortles.
“Princess Wanda,” Snips asked.  “How come you don’t have fur like the rest of us?”
“Me?” Wanda said.  “I’m not so sure.  Though I wish I had fur like you all.”
“Yeah,” Snails said.  “You would be warm like a pony like all of us.”
“I would,” Wanda giggled.  “Maybe I’ll ask mommy to make that happen.”
“And maybe if you decide to come down to La Maresa again,” Snips said, “We could give you a royal tour of the entire town.”
“After all,” Snails said,  “We’re the best at what we do.”
As Wanda continued to giggle at Snips and Snails, there was a knock coming from the door.  Granny Smith walked up and placed her hoof on the doorknob.
“Hold on,” Granny Smith said.  “I'm coming.”
As Granny Smith opened the door, she looked up and saw an enthusiastic Silver Banks with Golden Lace, Cozy Glow and Juniper Montage by his side.
“Mr Banks,” Granny Smith said.  “I’m surprised you’re here.”
“I’ll explain later,” Silver Banks said.  “Right now, I request permission to let my daughter be with little Wanda.”
“Permission?” Granny Smith laughed.  “You don’t need no permission to see Wanda.  In fact, she needs all the comfort she can get.”
“Really?” Golden Lace said with an excited tone.
“Yeah,” Granny Smith said.  “Come on in.  Last thing she needs is to be alone.”
Golden Lace ran up to the bed where Wanda laid on it, still sipping her cocoa.  Lace looked up at the Man’s Cub with a smile on her face.
“Hey Wanda,” Golden Lace said. “How are you doing?”
“I’m doing fine,” Wanda said.  “But it’s still a shame that I’ve been shivering for a while.”
“I know,” Golden Lace said.  “It’s because of this blasted cold and the Windigos.”
“Yeah, I’ve noticed,” Wanda said.  “I was told that it takes a warm embrace to send those Windigos packing.”
“Not these,” Golden Lace said.  “They say Coldnelius Snap is behind the incident with something called the Venom Frost curse.”
“Venom Frost curse?” Wanda said, surprised.
“I’ve heard about the Venom Frost curse,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “The curse involves the very hate extracted from an individual that was used as fuel to power the Windigos, bypassing the need for the anger of large crowds.”
“You have?” Wanda asked.
“And to make matters worse,” Twilight said, “Windigos powered by this curse cannot be vanquished through the warm embrace of friendship.  It requires those within the vicinity of the individual to give out their own warm embrace of a friend or family member to break the spell.”
“So,” Wanda said.  “The Windigos are this powerful because of this…Venom Frost?”
“That’s what daddy said,” Golden Lace said.  “But even if being by your side as a friend doesn’t send the Windigos packing, then at least I’m glad to be by your side, as are all your friends.  In fact, I think there is one friend who really enjoys being around you and she’s close to your bed.”
Wanda turned to her left and saw Starlight Glimmer staring at her.
“Come on, Starlight,” Wanda said.  “Join us.”
“Me?” Starlight said, pointing to herself.
But just as Starlight answered, Golden Lace levitated Starlight into the air and placed her on the bed between the cream-colored pony and Wanda Young.  Starlight looked at Abigail and rubbed her behind the ears, causing the kitten to purr and rub her head on Starlight’s hoof.
“Why me?” Starlight asked, turning her eyes towards Golden Lace.
“Because back when I was a big bully,” Golden Lace said, “You and Wanda were the ones I picked on.  I saw you both as weak due to how easily you both broke down in tears.  But thanks to the words of one Queen Novo, a revelation about my own mother, and the time I spent at Daisy Joy Tech, I realized just how important friendship truly is.  And I saw how you both embraced your friends in a way I never imagined.”
“Oh yeah,” Starlight said.  “You were mean back then.”
“She was,” Sunset Shimmer replied.  “But not anymore.”
“I hope that if we do make it out,” Golden Lace said, “I want to be with you all more than anything else in the whole wide world.  There are a lot of things I missed out on, like the famous Ponyville Providence Fair.  And if you all decide to travel the world…”
“You want to join us and share the moments together?” Pinkie Pie said.  “No problem-o.  We could always use an extra friend to join in on the fun.”
Golden Lace giggled for a bit as Wanda picked up a tea kettle nearby and poured hot cocoa into an empty mug.
“Here,” Wanda said as she placed the tea kettle down.  “There’s some cocoa left if you want.”
“Wanda,” Golden Lace said.  “You don’t have to…”
Wanda picked up the mug full of cocoa and held it in front of Golden Lace, who picked up the cup with her magic and took a sip.  After taking a small gulp, her face lit up warmly.
“Wow,”  Golden Lace said.  “Thanks.”
“That’s a sign that means you’re truly one of us,” Wanda said.  “And we couldn’t have it any other way.   After all, you are a true friend, and we stick around to the very end.”
Golden Lace took another sip of cocoa as Starlight came behind and gave Lace a hug.  Everyone awed at the sight of two ponies while Trixie wiped a tear from her face.
“I’m proud of my Glimglam,” Trixie said.
“Say,” Rarity said.  “Are those tears?”
Trixie freaked out for a bit and said “I was…uhhh…wiping my nose.”
“Yeah right,” Rarity said with a smug grin on her face.  “If you were, I would be disgusted by it.”
“She’s right,” Fluttershy said.  “Besides, don’t you use a handkerchief instead of your hoof to wipe your nose?”
As Trixie just stood there, blushing embarrassingly, Silver Banks stood at the doorway with Juniper Montage and Cozy Glow by his side, smiling warmly.
“This is what my daughter truly wants,” Silver Banks said. “I’m proud of her.”
“Lace is lucky to have all these friends by her side,” Juniper Montage said.  “I wonder if I can be like her.”
Silver Banks looked down at Juniper and said “Go up to them.  My daughter could use some company.”
Juniper Montage smiled as she and Cozy Glow ran up to Wanda.  Twilight lifted Spike onto the bed, who crawled up to Wanda and gave her a big hug.  Starlight returned to rubbing Abigail on the back of her ear with a smile on her face, while the rest of the younglings cheered.
“I don’t care if we all perish,” Granny Smith thought.  “As long as we’re all together, that’s what matters the most.”

Meanwhile, in another room, Argyle Starshine was sitting at his desk, putting his pen to the page of his book.  On a nearby bed, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Diamond Tiara watched on with Sunlight Starscout and Bright-Eyes Starshine by their side.
“The Windigos have cast their spell across the Golden Land,” Argyle wrote.  “Some say it is the work of the leader of the Windigos Guild: Coldnelius Snap.  Somehow, they came through the portal and are now tormenting everyone here with a bitter cold that has never been seen before.  While Windigos can be sent away with the warm embrace of friendship, it seems they are undeterred by this warm light.  I have never seen this kind of deterrence in Windigos, or in any creature in my entire lifetime.”
Argyle dipped his pen back into the inkwell before placing it on the paper once more.
“And yet,” Argyle wrote, “Despite all uncertainties, there is still a cause for celebration going on within the ponies that take refuge here in the Golden Castle.  Everyone young and old were enjoying the time of their life as if it would be the last time they would do so.  Little Wanda Young, on the other hand, cannot join in on the festivities due to the fact that she is a human and not a pony.  But I heard that they are keeping Wanda warm and content while she keeps herself snuggled up in bed.  And judging by the sound of laughter, they seem to be enjoying every moment that they can. Sometimes, no matter how tough the times are, we can find ways to keep ourselves happy so that there is still a glimmer of hope remaining.”
As Argyle placed his quill into the inkwell, Sunlight Starscout placed her hoof on Argyle’s shoulder with a smile on her face.
“That’s my boy,” Sunlight said.  “Even with uncertain doom awaiting us, you still keep your spirits up.”
“Thanks, mom,” Argyle said.  “I bed dad would be proud.”
“He would,” Bright-Eyes said as Apple Bloom crawled up to her.  “And I bed every pony before us would be proud as well.
“All we can do is hope and embrace each other,” Argyle said.  “But as long as we keep that warmth in our heart, no cold can keep us down.
“Agreed,” Sunlight said as she walked back to the bed, sat down and hugged Bright-Eyes.  “No matter what, we will make it through to the very end.”
But outside in the hall, Eleanor Young looked through the door where Wanda and the other younglings were.  She cracked a smile on her face as she heard the sound of colts and fillies giggling.
“If I don’t make it back to Evevanya,” Eleanor said,  “At least I’ll be with my daughter Wanda.  For you are truly a princess, be it in Equestria, or back home.”


	To Be Continued in…


	Winter Wrap-Up

> Arc 16-7: Winter Wrap-Up
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


	Winter Wrap-Up



Wanda Young woke up that very fine morning.  She sat up and stretched out her limbs.  Nearby, Golden Lace, Starlight Glimmer, Spike the Dragon and Abigail Albright slept on her bed without making a sound.  Near her laying on the floor were Sunset Shimmer, Snips, Snails, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Twilight Sparkle, Trixie, Ditzy Doo, Juniper Montage, Cozy Glow, Granny Smith and Silver Banks, fast asleep as if they were exhausted.  On the small table next to the bed were the empty mugs and tea kettle, once containing hot cocoa.
“Wow,” Wanda whispered.  “I didn’t realize we all had a blast last night.  Guess Friendship truly is magical.”
But Wanda’s ears picked up the sound of birds chirping.  Slowly, she got out of bed and walked up towards the window before taking a look outside.  But one glance out into the Golden Land, and her face beamed with excitement.
“Oh my goodness,” Wanda whispered.  “Can it be?”
Outside, the foliage of the Golden Land shined once more as the snow was slowly melting away.  The skies above were clear once more and many birds and animals gathered around in harmony.
Wanda couldn’t hold herself in.  She looked around inside her room and saw a path around the sleeping ponies.  Slowly, but surely, Wanda tip-toed around her friends, all the way up to the doorway.  Then she got one more look at them.
“I’m sorry to have to leave you all,” Wanda whispered.  “But this I’ve got to see up close.”
With that, Wanda left the room and walked down the hallway, her excitement increased with every step forward.
Soon, Wanda made her way downstairs where ponies slept together in the halls of the Golden Palace.  Their faces looked as if they were satisfied.  Nearby, Wanda noticed Danged Spell, Moondancer, Sunburst, Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Rolling Thunder, Short Fuse, Spitfire, Flim, Flam and the Dazzlings were sleeping right next to Bright Mac and Buttercup.
“Wow,” Wanda whispered.  “Guess they were right about the others.”
Wanda slowly made her way through the hallway, keeping her footsteps quiet as possible.  She made her way to the front door without breaking a sweat.  Once there, she turned towards the ponies, who were still asleep.
“Thank mommy,” Wanda said.  “I didn’t want to bother them while they slept.”
Wanda turned around and made her way through the front door.  But unknown to her, Princess Celestia opened her eyes and saw her adopted daughter make her way out.
“If I didn’t know better,” Princess Celestia whispered, “I swear Silver Banks’ tactic worked like a charm.  Guess I better go greet her before waking everyone up.”

Outside, Wanda ran through the open plains of the Golden Land, only a small distance away from the castle.  She giggled at the restored golden environment, as it shed the last of the snow, before dancing around on the grass.
“This is amazing,” Wanda said.  “It’s as if winter has finally left the Golden Land and spring has finally sprung.  I’m glad it’s no longer cold.”
“And I’m glad you no longer need to bundle up, my Darling Wanda.”  Wanda turned around to see Princess Celestia standing over her with a warm smile on her face.
“Mommy,” Wanda said, surprised.  “Am I in…in….”
“Trouble?” Princess Celestia responded.  “No you’re not.  In fact, I’m glad you are able to come out once more into the sunlight.  And you can thank Silver Banks for breaking the curse of the Venom Frost.”
“Curse of Venom Frost?” Wanda asked.  “What’s that?”
“A hex created by Coldnelius Snap by extracting pure hate from any one,” Princess Celestia said.  “And it was Gold Banks that provided the fuel to power the Venom Frost curse needed to enhance the Windigos.  When Silver Banks figured it out, he allowed his daughter Golden Lace to be with you in hopes it would break the curse.  And it worked.”
“Wow,” Wanda said.  “Guess I do owe a big thank you to Mr Silver Banks.”
“You do,” Princess Celestia said.  “And while you’re not in trouble for anything, there is one thing you do owe me.”
“And what would that be?” Wanda asked with a slightly nervous tone.
Celestia picked up Wanda with her magic and extended her left wing.  She placed the tip of her wing on Wanda and rubbed it back and forth, causing the little girl to laugh out loud.
“Knock it off, mommy.” Wanda giggled.  “That’s ticklish. ”
Celestia slowed down on tickling Wanda before she folded her wing back.  Wanda continued to laugh out loud until she came to a stop and looked up at her adopted mother.
“Sorry,” Celestia said. “Just wanted to make sure you were in a great mood.”
“Well I already am,” Wanda said before she lunged out and gave Celestia a hug.  “Even before you tickled me, mommy.”
“Well my Darling Wanda,” Celestia said.  “I think it’s time we woke everyone up and gave them the good news.”
“Actually, we’re already up.  It was Wanda’s laughter that caught our attention.”   Wanda and Celestia turned towards the entrance of the Golden Palace, where Princess Luna, Moondancer, Sunburst and Danged Spell stood by with smug looks on their faces.
“And I see the snow and the Windigos are gone,” Sunburst said.  “Bout time, too.”
“Yeah,” Danged Spell said.  “I guess this moment was thaw-dropping.”
Moondancer and Sunburst glared at Danged Spell, who stared back with his smug smile still intact.
“Don’t push it,” Moondancer said.
Princess Luna walked up to Princess Celestia and said “So it’s true?  Silver Banks’s suggestion to send the Windigos fleeing paid off?”
“It did,” Celestia said.  “Guess the rumors of the Venom Frost were completely accurate.”
“And I owe Mr Banks a thank you,” Wanda said.
“We all owe him a thank you for his help,” Luna said, giving Wanda a noogie.
“But first,” Wanda said.  “Isn’t this the time we have our Winter Wrap-Up?”
“By goodness, you’re right,” Princess Celestia said.  “While we only had one evening of snow here in the Golden Land, there should be plenty of snow to clear out now that spring is here.”
“I almost forgot that Spring has arrived,” Luna said.  “And what Coldnelius Snap did nearly made us miss the Winter Wrap-Up.”
“Then let’s get everyone ready for the Winter Wrap-Up,” Wanda cheered.
“We must,” Celestia said.  “But first, breakfast.  Everyone should be getting up and they will be starving.”
Wanda looked down at her tummy as it growled loudly.
“Oops,” Wanda said.  “Guess I am hungry.”
Wanda held onto Princess Celestia as she and Princess Luna walked up to the Golden Castle, where Moondancer, Danged Spell and Sunburst waited.

Later that day in Canterlot, the skies were cleared up like in the Golden Land, and the snow started to melt away around the landscape.  Ponies marched out from Canterlot’s front gates, joined by the younglings of both Canterlot and La Maresa with Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Karen the Bulldog  and Spike the Dragon by their side wearing green vests.  The Wonderbolts flew out from the windows and landed next to their fellow brethren.  But emerging from the group were Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Chancellor Cinch, Bright Mac, Buttercup and Silver Banks, who looked up at the sky with pride.
 “I never thought my plan would actually work out,” Silver Banks said.  “Coldnelius Snap’s Venom Frost is as good as gone.”
“And we have you to thank, Mr Banks,” Wanda said.
“Oh you don’t really need to thank me,” Silver Banks laughed.  “It is the spirit of friendship within your friends that you have to thank.”
“But it was your idea to channel that warmth into your daughter,” Princess Cadance said.
“Well regardless of who it was that saved us all,” Princess Celestia announced with pride, “One thing is clear.  The Windigos are gone once more, Coldnelius Snap’s plan has been foiled, and spring has sprung across Equestria once more.
The crowd burst out cheering, with every pony jumping up and down with a renewed vigor.  Even the younglings danced in celebration.
“And now,” Princess Celestia said.  “My daughter Sunset Shimmer and my prime student Twilight Sparkle will explain the Winter Wrap-up that we will do in both Canterlot and Harvestia..”
Princess Celestia stepped aside as Sunset Shimmer and Twilight Sparkle took the stage, armed with a long checklist.
“Fellow citizens of Canterlot,” Sunset said.  “We will split into three teams for the ponies of Harvestia and we have compiled a list of tasks to do, and we have assigned certain ponies the following.  Those who are on the blue team will be in charge of clearing the skies and defrosting the lakes.  Those on the green team will be assigned to plant the food within.  And those on the tan team will handle waking up hibernating animals.”
“This tradition was given to us by the ponies of La Maresa,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “For they believed that it takes more than magic to bring spring to Equestria.  It takes teamwork that requires the help of everyone around us, be it pony, dragon, cat, or human.  And together, we’ll bring spring back to Equestria and bring us a new day.”
“And now, everyone,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Put on your assigned vests, and let the Winter Wrap-Up begin.”
With a loud cheer, everyone poured away from the capitol and down towards the town of Harvestia.  The pegasi and alicorns took to the skies to clear up the remaining clouds that hover over Canterlot.  Some ponies remained in the capitol to shovel out the remaining snow from the streets, while the rest of the group left the capitol to head down the path to the town of Harvestia.  But Wanda did look a bit confused.
“Miss Cinch,” Wanda said. “Wasn’t the town of Harvestia destroyed by bandits?”
“It was,” Cinch said.  “But thanks to Princess Celestia, they were able to rebuild the town into its former glory.”
“Wanda,” Sunset said.  “You’re not forgetting this stuff, are you?”
“With all the madness that we had to go through,” Wanda said, “Yes.”
“Fair enough,” Sunset replied.”

As the ponies made their way into the town of Harvestia, everyone got to work planting new seeds into the ground.  Chancellor Cinch led some of the ponies down to the very town with Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Spike the Dragon, Karen the Bulldog, Bright Mac, Buttercup, and Shining Armor following behind.
“Never knew you to be a pony that’s capable of planting,” Bright Mac said.
“Where I grew up,” Chancellor Cinch said, “I knew everything it took to grow olives, be it for casual consumption, for exquisite dishes or for oil.  It was a Cinch family tradition until I lost my entire family.”
“That’s a lot to know,” Shining Armor said.  “And knowing is half the battle.”
But nearby, Fluttershy looked into the burrows of the various animal holes, making chirping noises with Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell nearby.
“I take it that’s how you bring out the animals during Winter Wrap-up,” Moondancer asked.
“It’s a natural talent,” Fluttershy said.  “Even before I got my cutie mark.”
In an instant, some rabbits popped out of the hole and hopped out, seeing the snow around them melting into water.  Fluttershy pulled out a carrot and placed it in front of the rabbit, who sniffed it before taking a bite.
“Now isn’t that wonderful?” Fluttershy said.  “You’re already enjoying your first day of spring.”
“Who knew that all it takes to get those rabbits out are carrots,” Sunburst said.
“I’ve seen daddy do something like that when we had to do our Winter Wrap-Up,” Moondancer said.  “These critters have a taste for carrots.”
Danged Spell noticed a stack of lettuce nearby and a burrow where woodchucks were sleeping.  He grinned a bit before grabbing a head of lettuce nearby.
“Well if it’s easy to bring out the rabbits,” Danged Spell said.  “Then maybe it’s easy to bring out the woodchucks.”
“Spell, be careful,” Fluttershy said.  “Woodchucks can’t resist the taste of lettuce.”
“All the more worth it,” Spell said, holding the head of lettuce in front of the woodchuck’s burrow.
Suddenly, the earth beneath Danged Spell shook violently.  Spell looked down the woodchuck’s burrow and he gulped loudly.
“I think I may have overdone it,” Danged Spell said.
In an instant, a whole school of woodchucks bursted out from the burrow, knocking Danged Spell into the air and snatching the head of lettuce that he had, tearing it to shreds and eating the scraps.
“I knew this was going to happen,” Fluttershy said, covering her eyes.
“Spell,” Moondancer said, hanging her head downwards.  “You had to go and mess that up.”
As the woodchucks enjoyed the scraps of lettuce, Danged Spell landed right near them with a loud thud.  The woodchucks looked at Spell and laughed loudly.
“Oh hah hah,” Danged Spell said, sarcastically.  “It is to chuckle you menacing woodchucks.”
Spell suddenly felt a pig nose bump up against him.  He turned to his right and saw a pig looking down at him, oinking with curiosity.
“What are you snorting at, Frumble?” Danged Spell said.
Nearby, Moondancer, Fluttershy and Sunburst’s disgusted look suddenly turned to laughter, as the trio couldn’t hold in their chuckles.
“You know what,” Moondancer said.  “I changed my mind.  This is too hilarious.”
“That’s not the only thing that is hilarious,” Sunburst said, pointing to a nearby forest.  “Look.”
Immediately, Fluttershy and Moondancer turned towards the forest, where Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk were running for their lives as a herd of wild pigs chased after them and the lettuce heads they were holding.  While Adagio Dazzle and Aria Blaze were scared for their lives, Sonata Dusk was looking at the incoming porkers with curious eyes.
“THIS IS WHY STARLIGHT GLIMMER IS AFRAID OF PIGS!” Aria Blaze yelled.
“But they look so adorable,” Sonata Dusk said, staring at the pig while running at the same time.
“YOU WANNA GO PET THE PIGS?”  Adagio Dazzle yelled.  “BE MY GUEST!”
Sonata Dusk nodded as she jumped away from her fellow sisters and landed nearby.  She looked at the pigs coming at her and got up on her behind before holding her arms out.
“Come on,” Sonata Dusk said.  “I wanna hug a piggie.”
But the pigs ignored Sonata Dusk and ran past her, continuing to chase after Adagio Dazzle and Aria Blaze.  Sonata just looked at them with a disappointed look on her face.
“Aww nuts,” Sonata said.
Nearby, Danged Spell got up and walked towards Moondancer, Fluttershy and Sunburst, whose laughter grew by the sight of the Dazzlings’ screw up.
“Oh my gosh,” Sunburst laughed.  “I have never seen anyone screw up with pigs before and make it that funny.”
“I think I should consider helping them out with their pig problem,” Fluttershy said.
“Well look on the bright side,” Danged Spell said.  “They did bring home the bacon.  Get it?”
Moondancer just glared at Danged Spell with a smug grin on her face before throwing a pack of mud right at his face.  Spell just glared down at Moondancer with a cold look.
“Seriously?” Spell said.  “Mud slinging?  What is this a political debate?”
“What?” Moondancer said.  “I just wanted to get my hooves dirty.”
And with that, Moondancer, Fluttershy and Sunburst laughed out loud while Spell stood there with the mud on his face falling to the ground.

Nearby at a table, Rarity, Golden Lace, Juniper Montage, Cozy Glow, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse were weaving bird nests.  Rarity was decorating the nests with colorful ribbons, much to the confusion of everyone else.
“I don’t get it,” Golden Lace said.  “Why make a bird nest for the birds, especially one that’s dressed like that?”
“It’s a special tradition down in La Maresa,” Rarity said.  “When the birds do come by from their winter stay, we make them a place to live and lay their eggs.”
“Really fascinating,” Juniper said.  “Mom and dad used to make bird nest during our Winter Wrap-up.”
“I don’t know,” Cozy Glow said, holding up a jumbled mess that was supposed to be a bird nest.  “I’m not that good at making this stuff.”
Rarity laughed and said “Oh darling.  No one is perfect at making bird nests.  Lemme show you a few pointers.”
But just as Rarity was about to pick up the mess of hay and sticks from Cozy Glow’s hoof, she heard the sound of someone yelling out “BLASTED BIRD NEST!  CAN’T YOU GET IT RIGHT FOR ME?” She turned to see Short Fuse slam his mess of hay and sticks on the table.
“Short Fuse,” Rarity said.  “What happened?”
As Short Fuse breathed really fast, Rolling Thunder turned to Rarity and said “Well that’s the thing.  Short Fuse hates these kinds of projects that require precision and practice, practice, practice.”
“Wow,” Juniper Montage said.  “Talk about a lack of anger management.”
“Tell me about it,” Golden Lace said.  “He reminds me of my mother, and not in a good way.”
But as Short Fuse picked up his mess of a bird nest with his hooves, someone tapped his shoulder gently, calming him down, followed by the words “Let me show you how it’s done.”  Short Fuse looked up and saw Bright-Eyes Starshine looking down at him with a smile on her face.
“Uhhh,” Short Fuse said, holding out his mess of a nest.  “Okay.”
Short Fuse placed his mixture of hay and sticks on the table.  But before he could lift his own hooves, Bright-Eyes placed her hooves on his and directed him to rearrange the straw and sticks bundle, carving the nest out.
“Wow,” Short Fuse said.  “You’re showing me how it’s done?”
“It takes a lot of practice,” Bright-Eyes said.  “But in due time, you will be able to create the bird nest like my mom and dad used to.”
As Short Fuse continued to carve out his bird nest with the help of Bright-Eyes, Rarity turned back towards Rolling Thunder, who continued to shape out his own nest.
“Rolling Thunder, was it?” Rarity said.  “This is out of curiosity.  But how come you’re on our team compared to the blue team?”
“Unfortunately,” Rolling Thunder said, “Short Fuse and I got the short end of the stick, and now we can’t clear the skies like the others.  But then again, I don’t mind these kinds of tasks.  They do remind me of the way I used to fly back in Zephyr Heights.”
“Hey Rolling,” Golden Lace said.  “I heard you once went to Coltsom.  How did you get there?”
“If I told you that it was just for our daredevil stunts,” Rolling Thunder said, “You wouldn’t believe me.”
“Actually I would,” Golden Lace said.  “I heard colts get put into that place just for even minor offenses, like merely whistling in public or eating candy during the day.  Thank Celestia, it’s shut down.”
“They actually do that?” Rarity said in a shocked tone.
“It was my mother’s favorite project,” Cozy Glow said.  “All because they could make money off of imprisoning little colts in there.”
“Oh dear,” Rarity said.  “After hearing that, I sure am a bit on the livid side.”

Meanwhile, at a nearby frozen lake near Canterlot, Pinkie Pie was skating around, carving the ice up as much as possible with the ice skates on all four of her hooves.  Joining her was Shining Armor, who was showing off with the skates on his hooves, while Princess Cadance struggled to place her hoof on the surface of the lake.
“Hey Princess Cadance,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Need some help?”
“Oh no,” Princess Cadance said in a hesitant tone. “I’ve got this.”
Shining Armor nodded his head in disagreement as he said “Caddy.  I thought you were an expert in skating.”
“Of course I am,” Princess Cadance said as she slowly stepped onto the ice.  
But the moment Cadance placed her hoof on the ice, she slid forward out of control at a brisk speed, sending her barreling down the lake screaming loudly.  Shining Armor saw her coming towards him and started to freak out.
“Caddy,” Shining Armor said.  “Look out.”
Shining Armor tried to move out of the way.  But Princess Cadance slammed right into him, sending the two sliding down the lake.   The duo could do nothing but scream as they slid down the ice before crashing into a snowbank, causing Pinkie Pie to stop and cover her face before they collided with the snow..
“Are you both alright?” Pinkie Pie asked as she slid back down the ice, just as Princess Cadance pulled herself out of the snow with a slightly disgruntled Shining Armor laying on his back.
“I’m fine,” Princess Cadance said.  “But that ice felt a bit unstable.”
Shining Armor got back on his four hooves and said “Stand back, fair lady.  I’ll handle this.”
Shining Armor scratched the skate of his front right hoof on the snow before dashing back towards the frozen lake.
“Wait,” Pinkie Pie said.  “That’s not a good idea.”
But the moment Shining Armor slid onto the ice, part of it broke off, creating a hole into the water under him.  Shining looked down with a scared gulp before he fell into the drink.
“Shining,” Princess Cadance yelled.  “Are you alright?”
Immediately, Shining Armor jumped out of the water, screaming in agony.  He ran up next to Princess Cadance, shivering like crazy.
“You know what,” Shining Armor shivered.  “I think carving out the ice was a bad idea.”
“Oh no, silly,” Pinkie Pie said.  “You don’t need to go like that.  As a matter of fact, take a look at those two and learn from their skills in ice cutting.”
Shining Armor and Princess Cadance looked onto the ice, where Snips and Snails were skating on it as if they were professional ice skaters.
“Hey Princess, hey Mr Armor,” Snails waved.
“Look at us,” Snips said.   “What do you think?”
As the two colts dashed through ice with no problem, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance turned towards Pinkie Pie.
“How the hay are they able to pull it off without breaking a sweat?” Princess Cadance asked.
“It’s all in the mind, Princess,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Or rather, it would be best not to think about it, and just go with the flow.”
“Go with the flow, huh?” Shining Armor said.  “It’s worth giving a shot.”
But just as Shining Armor was about to get up, Rainbow Dash landed next to him, Princess Cadance and Pinkie Pie.  The rainbow pegasi got up and glared up at the sky.
“Ditzy Doo you feather brain,” Rainbow Dash yelled.  “What did I tell you about moving the clouds over there?”
Pinkie Pie looked up at the sky where Ditzy Doo stood atop a cloud, to which Spitfire, Dumbbell and Score struggled to break out.
“Oops,” Ditzy Doo said.  “My bad.”
Spitfire was fortunate enough to pull herself out while Dumbbell and Score struggled to break free from the clouds.
“Ditzy,” Spitfire said. “I think it’s time I taught you about directions.”
“Now go easy on her.  She’s new to this.”  Spitfire looked up to see Captain Airazor fly towards the fiery filly.
“I wish I could,” Spitfire said.  “But she’s been going all over the place with her confusing directions.”
Captain Airazor flew up to Ditzy Doo, who just looked up at the Wonderbolt leader and smiled embarrassingly.
“Let me show you a few pointers,” Captain Airazor said, petting Ditzy Doo on the head.
Airazor flew into the air with Ditzy Doo following from behind, leaving Dumbbell and Score stuck in the clouds.
“Hey,” Score said.  “Could someone get us out of here?”
“I wish Hoops was with us,” Dumbbell said. “Not assigned to planting seeds.”
Spitfire just sighed and began to separate the clouds from Dumbbell and Score.
“Don’t worry,” Spitfire said.  “I got this.”
Back near the lake, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Snips, Snails, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance all looked up at Spitfire, Dumbbell and Score, all while Rainbow Dash kept her eyes on Ditzy Doo and Captain Airazor.
“Well,” Rainbow Dash said.  “That’s Captain Airazor for ya.  A tough pony on the outside, but a real softie on the inside.”
“I doubt the current Captain of the Guards is like Airazor,” Shining Armor said.  “But at least I know there are ponies who truly care for one another.”
“I dunno,” Princess Cadance said.  “I heard Captain Thompson is both tough and kind like Airazor.  But then again, I’m just a mere Princess.  What do I know?”
“Well you’re still pretty smart, Miss Cadance,” Snails said.
“Aww,” Princess Cadance said. “You don’t have to be that nice.”
“But you are that smart,” Snips said.  “It’s too bad we’re not like you.  Then again, we happen to be a bit clumsy.”
“I beg to differ,” Shining Armor said. “Considering your skills on the ice, you’re not as clumsy as you appear to be.”
Shining Armor’s words caused him, along with Rainbow Dash, Snips, Snails, and Princess Cadance to laugh.  But Pinkie Pie was lost in thought, thought with a smile on her face.
“I wonder what Wanda would say about how Winter Wrap-Up is going along,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Too bad we can’t repeat this back in La Maresa.  But at least we know Princess Celestia is going to send the Royal Guard to take care of that.”

Meanwhile, at the fields of Harvestia, Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Starlight Glimmer, Trixie, Applejack, Hoops, Bright Mac, Buttercup and Chancellor Cinch were all planting seeds into the ground, one by one.  Despite Wanda looking all worn out, she continued to go at a brisk pace.
“Don’t wear yourself out, Man’s Cub,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “If you’re feeling exhausted, you may want to rest and get some water.”
“I’m fine, Miss Cinch,” Wanda said.
“You know Miss Cinch,” Applejack said.  “For a unicorn, you seem to be more close to the ways of the earth pony.”
“It was because I was the only unicorn of my family,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Before I was adopted by Princess Celestia, I knew the ways of the Cinch family traditions of planting and harvesting.”
“Seems like you’re more in tune with the earth pony ways than the unicorn ways,” Buttercup said.
“What’s surprising is that despite being a unicorn,” Chancellor Cinch explained, “I also possess magic that is reserved for an earth pony.   Observe.”
Chancellor Cinch turned her attention towards the soil underneath her and stomped the ground with her hoof.  In a flash, Cinch jumped out of the way as a tree sprouted from the ground and grew tall.  Everyone looked at Cinch, totally surprised.
“Wait,” Bright Mac said.  “You possess earth pony magic?”
“Surprised?” Cinch smirked.  “Even I didn’t know what to make of being the only unicorn with earth pony magic.”
“That is so great and powerful,” Trixie said.  “A unicorn with the magic of an earth pony.”
“Who knew that old hag had the power to grow plants with a stomp of the hoof,” Hoops said.  “I wish Dumbbell and Score were here to see this.”
“Personally, we’re not impressed.”  Everyone turned towards the south, where Flim and Flam sat atop a mechanical contraption of some sort.
“And just what is that supposed to be?” Bright Mac said with a smirk on his face.
“Why it is our automatic seed dispenser,” Flim said.  “Tell him, brother.”
“With just a push of the button,” Flam explained, “We can plant whole rows of seeds into the ground and enough fertilizer to give them life.”
Applejack just looked at the duo and said “Are you two kidding?  You need tender loving care to plant seeds.  Not some ridiculous machine.”
“Tomato, tomahto,” Flim said with a smug look on his face.  “Now observe.”
Flam placed his hoof on the switch, flipping it to on and causing the machine to humm with life.   Applejack turned her attention to her own father with a scorn on her face.
“The nerve of these hoodlums,” Applejack said.  “What makes them think that scrap of parts can do what we can’t?”
“It ain’t the first time I’ve seen this before,” Bright Mac said.  “And considering what these two remind me of, it will result in the same disaster.”
“What disaster, pa?” Applejack asked.
Suddenly, Applejack’s ears picked up the sound of a machine malfunctioning.  She turned towards the Flim Flam brothers, who were holding onto dear life as their machine was shaking wildly.
“What in the name of hee hay is going on?” Flam yelled.
“I swore I got the bugs out,” Flim yelled.
Wanda, Abigail, Starlight, Trixie, Hoops, Cinch, Bright Mac and Buttercup covered their eyes as the machine exploded in a cloud of smoke.  The group turned back as the dust disappeared, leaving Flim and Flam covered in soot.
“Oy,” Hoops facepalmed.  “Idiots.”
“What the hay just happened?” Starlight asked.
“Easy to explain,” Bright Mac said.  “The two young’uns wanted to show off with a machine that could plant seeds faster than we can.  But they unfortunately forgot to test the thing if it was safe or not.  And as a result, it blew up right in their faces.”
“Oww,” Wanda said.  “That has got to hurt.”
“Failure,” Abigail said.
“Maybe that will teach them a lesson not to showboat like that,” Applejack said.
Wanda, Abigail, Starlight, Trixie and Applejack broke out in laughter as Hoops buried his face into the dirt.
“Wow,” Starlight said.  “I’d hate to be in that situation.”
Suddenly, Starlight’s ears picked up the sound of a pig, causing her eyes to shrink down and for Hoops to pull his head out.  Starlight turned to her left, where a pig hovered over her, oinking loudly.
“A PIG!” Starlight yelled.
Starlight immediately jumped onto Wanda’s arms, much to the surprise of the Man’s Cub.
“Starlight,” Wanda said.  “You’re making me lose my balance.”
Wanda stumbled backwards, holding onto a screaming Starlight.  Her foot tripped over a rock, causing the two to fall backwards.
“WANDA!  GLIMGLAM!” Trixie yelled.
With a loud splorch, Wanda and Starlight fell right into a patch of mud, sending small bits of wet dirt right onto them.  Wanda shook some of the excess mud off of her face and looked at the pig.
“How did that pig get here?” Wanda asked.
“I don’t care,” Starlight said as she held onto Wanda.  “Get 'em away.”
Hoops burst into laughter as Bright Mac walked up to the pig and directed him away.
“Don’t worry, Miss Glimmer,” Bright Mac said.  “I’ll take care of this.”
Wanda looked up at Chancellor Cinch, who looked like she was on the verge of laughter.  The man’s cub just stared at her in confusion.
“Miss Cinch?” Wanda asked.  “What’s so funny?”
“Well not to cite that ruffian friend of yours,” Chancellor Cinch chortled.  “But you both are in a muddy situation.”
Wanda just looked at Cinch and laughed out loud.  Starlight looked up, confused by Wanda’s laughter.
“Wanda,” Starlight said. 
“It’s okay,” Wanda said.  “The pig’s gone and Miss Cinch cracked a joke.”
Immediately, Starlight bursted out into laughter as she held onto Wanda.  She slammed her hoof onto the wet patch of mud, sending it flying right into Applejack’s face.
“Oh real cute there, Starlight,” Applejack said.
“Well when we’re done,” Buttercup said, “I’ll get you both cleaned up.”
“Alright,” Wanda said.”
Abigail just looked at Wanda and Starlight before rolling onto her back and laughing out loud.

Later on, at another location in the village, Argyle Starshine had his journal and inkset on a bench, writing down on the pages once more.  Sunlight Starscout, Big Mac, Granny Smith and the foals were nearby, just enjoying the peace around them.
“I don’t know how Mr Silver Banks did it,” Argyle wrote.  “But the snowfall has disappeared and spring has sprung in Equestria once more.  I have never seen every individual celebrate this lively.  We had all partake in the Winter Wrap-Up in the town of Harvestia, located near Canterlot.  Some ponies are dedicated to clearing the skies and carving up the lake.  Some bring out the animals from their winter hibernation.  Others plant fields to bring in a new harvest of crops.  For the life of the pony, this is the way.”
Argyle dipped his pen into the inkwell and placed it onto the page once more.
“But no matter our celebration,” Argyle wrote, “We will always be presented with a new set of challenges.  No matter the difficulties our path lies, we will face it together.  No matter the uncertainties, we will stick together as one.  For to do so, we must remain loyal towards each other, be generous to those who need it, show kindness to friends and family, be honest with one another, and share in the laughter.  Only then, will that magical spark keep united together.  For there is more to our friendship, than meets the eye.”
As Argyle placed his pen back into the inkwell, Granny Smith looked up and smiled, for Spoiled and Filthy Rich walked on in.
“Filthy and Spoiled Rich,” Granny Smith said.  “I barely saw you during our time at the Golden Land.”
“We were trying to find out where you all were,” Filthy Rich said.  “But there were so many ponies, we had a hard time trying to find you.”
“We were all in the sleeping quarters of the castle,” Granny Smith replied.  “But that place was more confusing than Canterlot’s own palace.  Personally, the family house is the best place to be compared to that labyrinth.”
“Eeyup,” Big Mac said.
Spoiled Rich looked down at Diamond Tiara, who looked up at her mother and giggled.
“Sorry we were away, my little Tiara,” Spoiled Rich said.  “But I’m glad we are able to see each other again.”
Spoiled Rich picked up Diamond Tiara, who squealed in delight, while Big Mac pulled the other fillies up, allowing them to hug the big stallion.
“It feels great to see everyone enjoying this moment,” Sunlight Starscout said.  “Especially after all we’ve gone through, yesterday.”
“Tell me about it, mom,” Argyle Starshine said.  “After that horrible snowstorm by the Windigos, I’ll take sunshine and lollipops over pure cold and ice cream.”
But as the group burst into laughter, Coldnelius Snap stood atop a nearby mountain, looking down at the ponies of Harvestia and Canterlot.
“I can’t believe that fool Silver Banks broke my Venom Frost,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “I assumed his heart had turned cold.  But it seems he has warmed up since his mistreatment by Gold Banks.  Nonetheless.  This was only a minor setback.  Next winter, I will find someone who’s heart is colder than ice, and I will bring the eternal winter to Equestria once and for all.  And as for you, Man’s Cub, you will serve the Windigo’s Guild and the New World Order.”
With that, Coldnelius Snap turned tail and ran off in another direction, just as the voices of ponies filled the air with joy, as they sang “Winter Wrap-up.  Winter Wrap-up.  Let’s finish our holiday cheer.  Winter Wrap-up.  Winter Wrap-up.  Our path has never been clear.  Winter Wrap-up.  Winter Wrap-up.  You don’t need to shed a tear.  Winter-Wrap up.  Winter Wrap-up.  Because now spring is here, because now spring is here, because now spring is heeeeeeeeeere.”

But meanwhile, in Manehattan, Gold Banks marched and screamed around outside.  The roof of her penthouse suite was crushed under the weight of now-melting snow.  All of the expensive furniture and decorations were ruined.  Her own pool had remains of her roof at the bottom.  Even the landing pad was in shambles.
“I can’t believe this,” Gold Banks yelled.  “My entire penthouse: RUINED!  And it’s all because of this blasted winter storm.  When I get my hooves on whoever did this, I’ll make them wish they were never born.”
Suddenly, Gold Banks heard something buzz nearby.  She ran up to her video phone and tapped on it before putting it to her ear.
“Gold Banks,” Gold Banks said.
“Mrs Banks,” a voice from the phone said.  “We regret to inform you that your daughter, Golden Lace, has been expelled from Daisy Joy Tech.  And you can thank your husband for the stunt he pulled.”
Gold Banks’ eyes shrunk down before she threw her phone down and yelled right into the sky.


	To Be Continued in….


	One Last Golden Day

> Arc 16-8: One Last Golden Day
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


One Last Golden Day



Deep within an unknown area, Magistrate Creme Dream looked over her datapad as her daughter Majesty walked alongside her.  
“So they figured out how to break the Venom Frost and send those Windigos packing,” Magistrate Creme Dream said.  “Fascinating.  I would assume that Gold Banks’ foolishness with her husband would have doomed us all.”
“So does that mean we’re all in the clear?” Majesty asked.
“For the time being my pet,” Creme Dream replied with a smirk on her face.
Creme Dream looked down at the bottom of her datapad, where an alert flashed in the corner.  She pressed the location with her hoof, and in an instant, Miss Honey Twist appeared on the screen of the tab.
“Ahh, Miss Honey Twist,” Creme Dream said.  “I take it you gave Gold Banks the bad news.”
“It was at your command, Magistrate,” Miss Honey Twist said.  “A shame that we can’t keep her around like the animal Golden Lace is.”
“A shame indeed,” Creme Dream explained.  “But Gold Banks’ foolishness in treating her husband like that is not to be taken lightly, especially when she nearly killed us all.”
“Judging by how our receptionist heard her screams,” Miss Honey Twist explained, “She didn’t take it very well.”
“I also assume that she will be coming down to Canterlot during a wedding that is coming up,” Creme Dream asked.
“You mean the one between Buck Withers and Lemony Gem,” Miss Honey Twist replied.  “I thought they had already gotten married.”
“I thought they had already tied the knot as well,” Creme Dream replied with a smile on her face.  “But regardless, I expect to see what Gold Banks will do when she crashes the wedding just to confront her husband and daughter for the latter’s expulsion.  I also intend on being there to confront her as well.”
“And what of the Man’s Cub?” Miss Honey Twist asked.
“I may consider putting up a petition to force Princess Celestia to attend your school,” Creme Dream replied.  “Surely the School for Gifted Unicorns is suffering due to the decline in students.  Though I am surprised that there are still ponies who attend that failure of an institution.”
“I look forward to subjecting her to the will of the school, my liege,” Miss Honey Twist replied.
“For the time being, carry on with the plans at your school,” Creme Dream said.  “I will let you know if we succeed in forcing Princess Celestia into surrendering the Man’s Cub to your institution.”
“Understood,” Miss Honey Twist said before her image disappeared from Cream Dream’s screen.
As Creme Dream placed her datapad onto a nearby counter, she looked down at Majesty, who had a curious look on her face.
“Mother,” Majesty said.  “What shall we do about Cozy Glow, now that the spy spell you used has been shattered?”
“Nothing,” Creme Dream said.  “No further need for that failure of a filly.  At least for now.”

Back in the Golden Land, nearly every youngling was running through the Emerald Forest, looking around for brightly colored eggs and each carrying a basket.  Hoops, Dumbbell and Score were among the participants, though Dumbbell was rather confused.
“I don’t get it,” Dumbbell said.  “Why are we partaking in this game?”
“Beats me,” Hoops said.  “Maybe when it comes to our rebelliousness, we are truly starting to fall apart.  And yet, there is something satisfying about gathering these eggs.”
“Hey, what are you three talking about?” Sunset said.  “Don’t you wanna beat us at egg collecting?”
“Oh it is on,” Hoops said with a smirk on his face as he pursued Sunset Shimmer.
“Guess we are a shell of our former selves,” Score said.
“But hey,” Dumbbell said.  “If it’s worth beating them at their own game, then so be it.”
Nearby, Filthy and Spoiled Rich observed as the latter held Diamond Tiara in her arms.  Bright Mac and Buttercup were next to the duo, all while Buttercup held Apple Bloom in her arms while Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo cheered from their cribs.  Spike and Abigail sat right next to them, observing as Wanda and Twilight each picked up eggs from the nearby bushes or directly on the grass.
“Still can’t believe this is the last day these younglings will spend in the Golden Land,” Bright Mac said.  “To think, not long ago they cleaned up Canterlot and Harvestia through the Winter Wrap-Up.”
“Time flies really fast,” Filthy Rich said.  “And sometimes, it can be hard to keep track of time when you’re enjoying yourself.”
“Well the one thing they’re happy with right now,” Spoiled Rich said, “Is the Spring Rabbit Festival that they’re taking part in.”
“You said it,” Filthy Rich said.  “Reminds me of the time I used to celebrate Spring Rabbit back when I was a colt.”
Buttercup turned to her right to see Juniper Montage pointing the camera lens of her video phone to the rest of the younglings, who were going about their business to gather eggs.
“Now how come Juniper Montage is just merely recording the moment instead of partaking in the moment?” Buttercup asked.
“Juniper said as much as she liked the idea of collecting eggs,” Bright Mac explained, “She preferred recording the moment, and every moment that we’ve had since they came to the Golden Land and the refugee crisis from La Maresa.”
“Well that explains a lot,” Buttercup said.  “Sadly, it will be some time until we can return to La Maresa.”
“I don’t know,” Spoiled Rich said.  “Last I heard, Princess Celestia sent the Royal Guards and the Wonderbolts to take care of the Winter Wrap-Up there, and they’re all but done.  In fact, I heard some of the ponies were fixing up the apple trees there.”
“Well that’s wonderful,” Bright Mac said.  “Sweet Apple Acres is back in business.”
Meanwhile, hiding behind a tree, a nervous Short Fuse looked out at the other younglings gathering up eggs.  Behind him, Rolling Thunder walked up to his friend and tapped him on the shoulder, causing the little run of a colt to jump up in the air with a big surprise.
“Don’t scare me, you big palooka,” Short Fuse whined.
“Shhhh,” Rolling Thunder shushed.  “You seem to be in a pickle when it comes to Spring Rabbit eggs.”
“Of course I am,” Short Fuse whispered.  “How am I going to get a single egg when they keep grabbing them at a lightning pace?”
“Didn’t you forget one thing?” Rolling Thunder said.  “They planted eggs in the trees.  In the actual trees itself.  They’re so focused on finding the eggs in the bushes and on the ground, they forgot about the trees themselves.  And that includes the other pegasi.”
Short Fuse looked directly up at one of the trees, and noticed something standing out from the leaves that was colored blue.  Near it was another object colored pink.
“Ohhh,” Short Fuse said.  “I get it.  They planted eggs in the trees.”
“That’s the spirit,” Rolling Thunder said.  “Now go up that tree and show them you mean business.”
Short Fuse looked at the tree with a smug look of confidence.  He took a big breath of air before exhaling it.
“Come on, you big stack of lumber,” Short Fuse said with confidence.  “Show me what you got.”
But as Short Fuse took a big step forward, his hoof landed on top of a stray egg, causing him to slip.  Short Fuse stumbled out from behind the tree and sped, out of control, past every youngling.
“What in the world?” Applejack said as she jumped out of the way.
Short Fuse looked in front of him and saw the big tree right in front.  He screamed as loud as he could before crashing right into the trunk.  Short Fuse slid down from the trunk and turned onto his back, groaning in pain.
“This cannot get any worse,” Short Fuse said.
Suddenly, colored eggs fell from the tree towards Short Fuse, who screamed loudly before covering his face with his arms.  Many of the eggs landed near him unharmed.  Some of the eggs landed in his basket while only a couple bonked him on the forehead.  Short Fuse screamed in agony as every youngling ran up to the little pipsqueak.
“Me and my big mouth,” Short Fuse groaned.
“You alright?” Short Fuse looked up to see Score look down at him as if he were concerned.  Short Fuse just got up on his four hooves, steaming mad.
“DO I LOOK LIKE I’M ALRIGHT?” Short Fuse yelled.  “THIS WASN’T WHAT I EGGSPECTED!”
Immediately, the other younglings burst out into laughter, much to Short Fuse’s annoyance.
“What are you all laughing at?”  Short Fuse said in a cold tone.
“That was a pun you just recited,” Moondancer said.  “Normally reserved for our residential pun master.”
Danged Spell walked up to Short Fuse and said “Yeah.  When I unleash a pun, expect a major Pun-ishment.  Get it?”
As the younglings burst into laughter once more, Short Fuse just buried his head in a nearby bush, which was filled with colorful spring rabbit eggs.
“Why me?” Short Fuse said to himself.
As the group laughed out loud, Spike and Abigail watched from next to the foals, barely containing their laughter.

Meanwhile, at the Golden Palace, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, and Eleanor Young were cleaning up the interior of the castle, rearranging everything back to its original spot.
“Never thought we would have to depart this place once more,” Princess Luna said.  “After hosting for our vacation, and for the refugees.”
“It was fun while it lasted,” Princess Celestia said.  “And we might be coming back again in the future.  Judging by the reaction of every youngling here, they enjoyed it to the very end.”
“That’s the hard part,” Princess Luna said.  “Having to leave just as we were all having fun.”
“Reminds me of our first time here in the Golden Land with Wanda and Sunset,” Princess Celestia replied.
Princess Cadance turned to Eleanor Young, who was busy rearranging the furniture with her magic.
“Hey, uhh,” Princess Cadance said. “You’re Wanda’s biological mother, correct?”
“Yes I am,” Eleanor Young said. “But would you please not tell her that I am?”
“How come?” Princess Cadance asked.
“Cadance,” Shining Armor said.  “I don’t think that’s a good idea.”
“It’s okay,” Eleanor Young said.  “Truth be told, I’ve been keeping my identity as her mother a secret for one specific reason: I see how my darling Wanda has been enjoying her time here in Equestria with her friends and family.  And to just pop out and let her know who I am, that would make her assume that I will be taking her back home to Evevanya.”
“Wow,” Shining Armor said.  “All this just because you prefer her being around all of us.”
“And you said it was a bad idea to ask,” Cadance said with a smirk.
“It’s no joke,” Princess Celestia said.  “Eleanor pays us a visit every once in a while to check up on Wanda.  And she sealed the portal between Equestria and Evevanya just to keep her safe from the dangers there.”
“I have yet to reopen the portal to Evevanya,” Eleanor said.  “In fact, it has been a long time since I saw my husband and the rest of my kingdom.  I had declared him acting ruler of the kingdom along with my counterparts known as the Dusk.”
“Dawn, Dusk,” Shining Armor said.  “I’ve heard about the legacy of the Evenvanyian people, plus rumors that our ancestors came from Evevanyia.”
“You may be right on that,” Eleanor said.  “After all, ponies do live in Evevanya, and they celebrate holidays like what you call the Spring Rabbit Festival.”
“Say,” Princess Cadance said.  “If we celebrate the Spring Rabbit Festival, what do you celebrate there?”
“Much like how our Blessing of Winter coincides with your Hearth’s Warming Eve,” Eleanor explained, “We have a holiday of our own to coincide with your Spring Rabbit Festival.  The Sakura Blossom Festival.”
“Sakura Blossoms?” Shining Armor asked.
“On Evevanya,” Eleanor said, “We hold the Sakura tree to be in high regard as a time for renewal.  The blossoms of the Sakura cherry trees show a sign of a new season for a harvest, and a time for a renewed strength.  It’s a similar festival to a small group of humans from the planet Earth, but far from the only spring festival.”
“So there are multiple festivals that humans celebrate,” Shining Armor replied.
“Yes,” Eleanor said.  “Besides their take on the Sakura Blossom Festival, there are other holidays.  Some celebrate a holiday called Passover, reflecting back on their escape from slavery, through traditions and symbolism .  Some like the celebration of colors referred to as the Holi celebration.  For some, there is one holiday that they celebrate: Easter.”
“I take it this…Easter is similar to our Spring Rabbit Festival,” Princess Cadance said.
“In a way,” Eleanor said.  “But they also commemorate the resurrection of who they call their lord and savior.  Their use of Easter Eggs symbolizes the empty tomb of their savior.”
“I think we adopted a lot of our holidays from the Earth folk,” Princess Luna laughed.  “In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised that our ancestors knew the people of Earth.”
“Who knows,” Princess Celestia said. “Maybe our late mother knew more about the humans of Earth, and was fascinated by the customs of its people, be it good and bad.”
“Anyway,” Eleanor laughed.  “I believe we better fix this place up before Wanda and her friends return.”
“You’re right on that.” Princess Celestia said.  “Besides, Buck Withers and Lemony Gem are in town and they’re going to prepare for their wedding.”
“Is that so?” Princess Cadance said.  “I thought they did get married.”
“Well let’s just say their plans for a wedding last year were interrupted by the changelings,” Princess Celestia said.  “So we’re going to give them a wedding that they will never forget.”

Later that evening, Argyle Starshine sat on a bench while Wanda looked down at the open pages of his book.  Next to it was the inkwell and pen that he carried around with him.
“Are you sure I can write in here?” Wanda asked.
“Go right ahead,” Argyle Starshine said. “Your friend Twilight Sparkle wrote in here, and now the page is set for you to tell your tale.”
Wanda picked up the quill pen from the inkwell and placed it on the page of the book.
“My name is Wanda Young,” Wanda wrote.  “I am the adopted daughter of Princess Celestia and the only human who wishes to tell my tale to you all.  We came here to the Golden Land to relax and unwind from the chaos from Canterlot.  But we all got caught up in the madness from not just the refugees from Canterlot and La Maresa, but also the harsh winter that came from the Windigos.  It was hard work to help out the ponies who needed it.  But in the end, we came through and gave them a reason to be happy.”
As Wanda dipped the pen into the inkwell once more, she looked up at Argyle and said “How is it?”
“Like I said, it’s your story,” Argyle said.  “It’s what’s in the heart that matters.”
Wanda nodded before placing the tip of the pen back on the page.
“It’s a shame that our time here at the Golden Land is coming to an end,” Wanda wrote.  “But I’m glad we had the time of our lives.  Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash and Spitfire were friends who were loyal to those who needed it.  Hoops, Dumbbell and Score, despite their rebellious attitude, are just misguided souls with a heart of gold hidden within.  The alicorn bulldog that chased us for a long time, Karen, turned out to be neglected by her owner and just needed some tender loving care.  But with close friends like Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Golden Lace, Cozy Glow, the Dazzling sisters, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity Applejack, Fluttershy, Ditzy Doo, Trixie,  and especially Starlight Glimmer, we all go through it together.  And believe me, there is more to our friendship that meets the eye.”
As Wanda placed the pen back into the inkwell, Sunset and Starlight watched from afar, the latter with a tear in her eye.
“I can’t believe this is our last day here,” Starlight said.  “I’m going to miss this place.
“Well look on the bright side,” Sunset said.  “The Golden Land is open in case we need some more rest and relaxation.”
“I know,” Starlight said.  “But I’m going to miss this place, even despite the pigs that gave me a hard time.  That being said, I actually want to pay back Wanda for her hospitality.”
“Wanda, huh?” Sunset said.  “Got an idea in mind?”
“Not really,” Starlight replied.  “I have no idea.”
“Wait,” Sunset said.  “You wanted to dive under the Sapphire lake for a good amount of time.  But you couldn’t because of the events that happened.”
“That’s right,” Starlight said.  “Maybe we can do so before we leave tomorrow.”
“I’ll go talk to Wanda about this,” Sunset said.  “Maybe she’s up for it.”
As Sunset ran off towards Wanda Young and Argyle Starshine, Starlight Glimmer stood on the grass with a smile on her face.
“I’m glad I have friends like Sunburst, Sunset Shimmer, Trixie Lulamoon and Wanda Young,” Starlight said as she wiped a tear from her eye.
“And I’m proud that you do.” Starlight Glimmer noticed a ghostly hoof on his shoulder.  She looked up and saw Meteor Flare’s ghost look down at him with a warm smile on his face.
“Uncle Meteor Flare,” Starlight Glimmer said.  “I forgot that you’re with me.”
“And I will be with you however long you wish,” Meteor Flare explained.  “But you really want to do something special with Wanda.”
“I do,” Starlight explained.  “I want to spend a moment with Wanda under the waters of Sapphire Lake to finish off our trip here in the Golden Land.”
Meteor Flare looked around the valley of the Golden Land and of the evening sun.  He looked down at his niece and placed his hoof on her head before gently rubbing it.
“Even if this is your final moment here,” Meteor Flare said, “Do not think that it will be the last time you’ll set hoof in this majestic place.  Then again, this is the first time I’ve seen this land at all.”
“What do you mean?” Starlight asked.
“Back when I was young and alive,” Meteor Flare said, “There was this place in Equestria that I enjoyed visiting with my family, especially your mother Starseeker.  It was like a hidden paradise located near Maretime Bay.  When we left, I was sad because I thought it would be my last time at that place.  But my parents assured me and my sister that we would see it again.”
“Golly,” Starlight said.  “Guess I may be visiting this place once more.”
“Indeed, little Starlight,” Meteor Flare said.  “Indeed you will.”
Suddenly, Starlight heard the sound of Wanda yelling out “Starlight.  I’m up for Sapphire Lake.”  Starlight looked up to see Wanda, Abigail and Sunset run up to her.
“YAAAAY!” Starlight cheered as she jumped into the air while Meteor Flare looked up at her.
“Starseeker,” Meteor Flare said.  “I’m glad you have a caring daughter like Starlight.”

Sometime later, Wanda, Sunset, Starlight and Abigail arrived at the Sapphire Lake, just as the sun began to set in the distance.
“Mommy said we can be out here until the sun disappears into the horizon,” Wanda said.  “We may not be able to spend the night underwater.  But at least we can enjoy our last moments here.”
“Yeah,” Starlight said.  “I can’t wait to jump into the water.”
“Last pony to dive in is a rotten cultist,” Sunset said with a smirk on her face.
“You’re on,” Starlight replied.
Sunset Shimmer and Starlight Glimmer crouched down before leaping into the air and diving right into the water, leaving Wanda and Abigail behind.
“Those two,” Wanda giggled.  “Always into a competitive spirit.  Guess we better join them, Abby.”
“Yes,” Abigail cheered.
Wanda and Abigail took a few steps back before running forward and jumping into the air.  They extended themselves downward before diving into the water.

Underneath the surface of the water, Sunset and Starlight swam together, observing the beauty of the underwater world.  Their jaws dropped in awe at its miraculous sight.
“I knew the water was great,” Starlight said.  “But never like this.”
“And you can actually breathe while underwater,” Sunset said.  “This is the magic of the Golden Land.”
“Wow,” Starlight said as bubbles came out of her mouth.  “This is truly amazing.   I wish I got to swim underwater more often here.”
“That goes double for us,” Sunset said as Wanda and Abigail swam up to them.
“Hey Starlight,” Wanda said.  “There’s a secret place we usually go to while underwater.  You wanna see it?”
“Do I?” Starlight said.  “Show me.”
With a nod to each other, Wanda and Sunset swam towards an underwater cave with Starlight and Abigail swimming up behind them.  
Inside the underwater cave, the entire grotto resembled the inside of a bedroom.  There were some hammocks nearby that looked very sturdy, a dresser that was carved up from stone with a mirror attached at the top, and even a few waterproof toys nearby.
“So this is like a secret base here?” Starlight asked.
“More than just a base,” Sunset replied.  “When mother would let us, we spent the night underwater at this secret location.  The waters that surround us do more than just give us a nice sleep.  They’re also refreshing.”
“It’s too bad we can’t spend the night here,” Wanda said.  “But at least you got to see it, Starlight.”
“Yeah,” Starlight said, swimming up to the mirror and just looking into it.  “But at least I got to check it out.  Thanks.”
Wanda, Sunset and Abigail swam up behind Starlight, looking as if they were ready to give that twin-tailed filly a hug.
“That’s what friends are for, Starlight,” Sunset said.  “Next time we come back, we should spend the night here, underwater.  I think you’ll enjoy it.”
“Would I?” Starlight said as Wanda, Sunset and Abigail gave her a big hug.
“Maybe you should bring Trixie and Sunburst with you,” Wanda said.  “After all, any friend of Starlight is a friend of ours.”
“Friends,” Abigail cheered.

But back out on dry land at the Golden Palace, Eleanor Young looked out at the Sapphire Lake with a smile on her face, and a tear rolling down her cheek.  Next to her was Princess Celestia, who looked proud.
“Princess Celestia,” Eleanor said.  “Thanks for looking after my daughter.”
“It was my pleasure,” Celestia said.  “Though I think I may let them spend the night down there, like old times.  Maybe even send Trixie and Sunburst to join them.”
“I’ll have to say this,” Eleanor said.  “Evevanya has had many great locations.  But never a Golden Land like this place.”
“You never had a Golden Land like this?” Celestia asked.
“We do have water that anyone can breathe in,” Eleanor said  “But not a land as majestic as this place.”
“He may be long gone,” Princess Celestia said.  “But at least, you have Starswirl the Bearded to thank for discovering this place.”
“I will,” Eleanor said.  “After all, he was one of the many ponies who left Evevanya for Equestria.”


	To Be Continued in…


	Arc 17: Revenge of the Wedding Crasher


	Queen Chrysalis’ Ambition

> Arc 17(Revenge of the Wedding Crasher)-1: Queen Chrysalis's Ambition
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


	Arc 17: Revenge of the Wedding Crasher


	Queen Chrysalis’ Ambition



Deep within the lair of the changelings, Queen Chrysalis broods on her throne, her eyes focused on the outside world.  Princess Chrysalis II sat next to her while Locust stood tall next to the entrance and Coldnelius Snap leaned on a nearby wall.
“I’m rather surprised that they were able to break your Venom Frost curse, Snap,” Chrysalis said in a cold tone.  “Considering that the fool known as Gold Banks was responsible for the curse to begin with.”
“I believe it was the husband of the wife who figured out how to break the curse,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “But regardless, I plan on figuring out how to find another angry soul and use their spite to power a new winter storm in the future.”
“But that will take forever,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “And I have no time to waste.  As a matter of fact, I have a new plan in place.”
“A new plan, your majesty?” Coldnelius Snap asked.
“Yes,” Queen Chrysalis said, tapping her hooves in anticipation.  “As you know, there is a wedding that’s coming up between two friends of Princess Cadance and Shining Armor: Buck Withers and Lemony Gem.”
“A shame it’s not Princess Cadance and Shining Armor,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “Oooh it would be so much fun to use them to conquer Canterlot.”
“It would,” Queen Chrysalis replied.  “But that egotistical hero wannabe will have to do. At least he’s pretty stupid to begin with.”
“My queen,” Locust saluted.  “What would you request for me to do?”
“Ahh, eager to get your hooves dirty, Locust,” Queen Chrysalis said. “Very well.  Call forth the Predacon Brothers.  I will explain my plan to them.”
“At once,” Locust said before grabbing the rope tied to a bell and ringing it, causing Princess Chrysalis II to cover her ears.
“Mother,” Chrysalis II whined.  “Why did you have to make that bell so loud?”
“Oh lighten up” Queen Chrysalis said  “It is to make sure I have everyone’s attention,”
From above, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator flew in from the hole in the ceiling before landing right in front of Queen Chrysalis, bowing before the monarch.
“What is your command, Royalty?” Inferno asked.
“Prepare the troops, Inferno,” Queen Chrysalis commanded.  “There is a wedding that will be planned between two ponies.  I will make for Canterlot to place the one known as Buck Withers under my hypnotic control.”
“A wedding?” Waspinator said.  “Oooh, Waspinator likes invading weddings.”
Queen Chrysalis took out a parchment and levitates it to Inferno, who grabbed it with his hoof.
“This document contains the details on our plan,” Queen Chrysalis explained.  “When I give the signal, you will launch the invasion on those stupid ponies.  And make sure you have drunk your fill of fire water.”
“Now that’s what I’m talking about,” Quickstrike said in anticipation.  “I can’t wait to scare those softies with my beast form.”
“You may do that,” Queen Chrysalis said.   “But use it to terrorize them.  Not to kill them.  But for now, prepare yourselves.  Understood?”
“Yes,” Inferno bowed.  “My queen.”
With that, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator turned tail and flew off towards the hole in the ceiling before going through, leaving a satisfied and giddy Queen Chrysalis in her throne.”
“This plan is going to be so perfect,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “And I love it when Inferno calls me that.”
“If anything goes wrong,” Coldnelius Snap said, “My cult will back you up.”
“Oh please,” Chrysalis said.  “This time, we may not need your cult to defeat those morons.  After all, I have power over ponies, though they appear complex.  And yet, they will fall like playing cards, and I control the deck.”
“Mother,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “You observe way too many thieves and cobblers.”
“Ahh ponies and their cultural references,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “So worthy of turning on them.”

Meanwhile, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator were at the changeling bar, chugging down as much fire water as possible.
“A wedding eh?” Quickstrike said.  “I never thought I would be partaking in crashing a wedding.  And yet, I’m so excited.”
“Waspinator loves weddings,” Waspinator said.  “But Waspinator loves the part where the bride doesn’t get the groom.”
Inferno placed down a parchment on the bar counter and slid it towards Quickstrike and Waspinator.
“These are the details that were given to us,” Inferno said.  “While our real goal is to conquer Equestria, these will be our queen’s targets.”
Inferno looked down at the parchment and saw the faces of Twilight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer and Wanda Young on it.
“Those miserable brats?” Quickstrike said.  “That would be as easy as stealing candy from a baby.”
“But it will be my queen who will nab them,” Inferno said.  “That being said, here are the scenarios that will play out.  If my queen succeeds in capturing one or two of them, they will serve as our hostage to ransom off the others and control of Canterlot.  Once we have all three, we will turn them into changelings and they will be the ones who will devastate the kingdom of Canterlot.”
“I can’t wait,” Quickstrike said.  “Two ponies and a man’s cub as changelings.  This day is going to be perfect.”
“But what if Queen Chrysalis captures all three?” Waspinator asked.
“Good question,” Inferno said with a smirk.  “She’ll use them to demand Equestria’s surrender and conquer other parts of the world with them by our side.  Maybe even other words that exist beyond ours.”
“I take it back,” Quickstrike said.  “Perfect may be an understatement.”
“Waspinator on board with this plan,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator giddy about working with brat bugs.”
Inferno raised his mug full of fire water into the air and said “To Queen Chrysalis, and to the downfall of the soft skin ponies.”
“To the Queen, and to the end of Equestria,” Quickstrike and Waspinator cheered.
With that, they chugged down their fire water once more before letting out a hearty laugh.
“Ahh that’s the stuff,” Inferno said.  “High quality changeling fire water.  There’s no other place like this.”
“You said it,” Quickstrike said.
“When Queen Chrysalis is happy,” Waspinator said.  “Then Waspinator will be happy too.”

But as the changelings were preparing for the big day in Canterlot, Gold Banks was still stewing over the damage to her penthouse in Manehattan.  Though there were construction workers present in fixing it up, she was furious.
“First my penthouse suite gets destroyed by…whatever that thing was,” Gold Banks fumed.  “And now I learned that Golden Lace was expelled from Daisy Joy Tech.  What kind of an idiot do they take me for?”
Gold Banks looked down at a stray hard hat before turning around and kicking it, sending it flying off before it bounced off a number of walls and girders.
“Well at least that will help cool off my anger,” Gold Banks said.
But as she walked away, the hard hat smacked her right on the back of the head, sending her falling, face-first, into the ground.  Gold Banks glared at the hard hat before getting back on her four hooves.
“You miserable excuse for a head cover,” Gold Banks said.  “GET LOST!”
Gold Banks picked up the hard hat and threw it even harder.  The hat bounced off the walls and girders again before smacking her in the face.  As the hat fell to the ground and came to a stop, Gold Banks just looked at it with a cold glare on her face.
“Ahh heck with it,” Gold Banks said.  “It’s not like my day is going to get worse.”
Suddenly, a helicopter of some sort landed on the helipad, with a Debt Collector soldier jumping out before marching up to Gold Banks.
“Lady Banks,” the soldier saluted.  “We have a message involving your husband, Silver.”
“Fire away,” Gold Banks said, unenthusiastically.  “Let’s see what that old goat is up to.”
“According to recent reports,” the soldier explained.  “He will be attending the wedding of Buck Withers and Lemony Gem at the Canterlot Castle.  Furthermore, your daughter Golden Lace will be there.”
“So this is all the things I get for putting up with that stubborn mule,” Gold Banks steamed.  “Nevermind.  Take me there.  I will deal with my husband and that rebel of a daughter if its the last thing I ever do.”
“At once, my lady,” the soldier said.
The Debt Collector grunt led Gold Banks towards the helicopter and stood to the side, watching as the matriarch of the Banks family stepped inside before hopping on in.
“Take us to Canterlot, on the double,” Gold Banks said to the pilot.
“Yes, my lady,” the pilot said before clutching the collective pitch controls.
As the copter began to fly off from the penthouse suite, Gold Banks looked down at the city of Manehattan, her frown flipped into a sinister smirk.
“Isn’t it grand to have technology that would make a princess jealous?” Gold Banks said.  “This is why grifting those taxpayer bits into private helicopters paid off.”
“That’s not the only thing it’s good for, my lady,” The co-pilot said.  “Observe.”
As the doors of the helicopter shut tightly, the co-pilot pressed a button on the cockpit controls.  Wings with two thrust engines extended out.  The blades of the helicopter folded up as the wing engines fired up and shot towards the west, flying away from Manehattan.  Gold Banks just sat back, her smile widening.
“Oh right,” Gold Banks said.  “I invested in that tech.  Silly me.”

Meanwhile, at the Canterlot Castle, Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer and Abigail Albright waited in anticipation.  Wanda was no longer wearing her swimsuit nor her regular dress, but her purple gown that Rarity made for her for the Grand Gallopin Gala.
“I wonder what’s taking big sis so long?” Wanda asked.
“Patience, Wanda,” Sunset said.  “Big sis has a little surprise for us all.”
“I know,” Wanda said. “But I’m so anxious to see what she’s wearing.”
“So am I,” Sunset laughed.  “But good things will come to those who wait.”
“That’s what mommy said,” Wanda said, directing her attention to Sunset.
“Exactly,” Sunset said.  “I know you’re anxious to see big sis as I am as well.  But if we wait long enough…”
But before Sunset could finish her sentence, she heard the sound of a door beginning to open.  Sunset paused and turned her attention towards the door with Wanda by her side.
“Guess that answers your question,” Wanda said.
“Our patience will pay off,” Sunset finished.
The door opened slowly until a shadow emerged from the doorway.  When the light shined, the shadow transformed into Princess Cadance, who was wearing a lavish blue-greenish gown.
“Pretty,” Abigail said.
“Wow,” Wanda said.  “I never thought you had a dress like that, big sis.”
“I do,” Princess Cadance said.  “But that wasn’t the reason why we were waiting.”
“Wait,” Sunset said. “You mean to tell me we were waiting for something else?”
“That’s right,” Princess Cadance said.  “Come on in and see for yourselves.”
Princess Cadance stepped to the side, allowing Wanda, Sunset and Abigail to step through the doorway.  Inside, Lemony Gem struck a pose, wearing a gorgeous wedding gown.
“Hey girls,” Lemony Gem said.  “What do you think?”
“It looks beautiful,” Wanda said.
“Never thought I would see you in a wedding dress, Miss Gem,” Sunset said.  “In fact, I think that dress looks perfect.”
“Oh you don’t need to thank me,” Lemony Gem said. “In fact, a friend of yours was responsible for this dress, and she’s right next to you.”
Wanda, Sunset and Abigail turned to their left, where Rarity walked up to them.  Nearby was a sewing machine, having already been used to craft a number of dresses.
“Surprised, aren’t you?” Rarity said.
“Not really,” Wanda said.  “You did make gala gowns for all of us.”
“Yeah,” Sunset said.  “WIth you at our side, who needs a professional couturier?”
“Oh girls, please,” Rarity blushed.  “Truth be told, I didn’t expect to be sewing up a wedding dress at this age.  But who knows?  We may all be a series of prodigies when it comes to our raw talents.”
“That’s true,” Lemony Gem said.  “I was going to go for a wedding dress at the nearby tailor.  But they were closed down for the time being.  Poor timing on that part..  But when this filly heard about my plight, she wanted to take care of that as a challenge.  And look at the quality of this dress.  She did something that would make an adult mare or stallion blush.”
“Maybe we have talent of our own,” Wanda said.  “Though I dunno about my talent, despite my cutie mark.”
“That being said,” Rarity said.  “There is something I want to tell you both.”
“Well this is unexpected,” Sunset replied.  “But go ahead.”
Rarity took in a deep breath and exhaled anxiously.  She turned towards Wanda and Sunset with a solemn look on her face.
“Wanda, Sunset,” Rarity said.  “The ponies of La Maresa and I were honored and grateful to be with you while we were stuck here.  But that being said, after the wedding is over, we will be heading back home.”
Wanda’s smile depressed downwards, turning it into a slight frown.
“So,” Wanda said.  “This is it.  You’re going back to Ponyville.”
“Yes,” Rarity said.  “As much as I want to continue my time here in Canterlot, we have to be back home in La Maresa.  And believe me, I am reluctant to leave this lavish metropolis.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Sunset said.  “And I am going to miss you.”
“Well look on the bright side,” Rarity said.  “You can always come down to La Maresa if you desire.  We will be there to welcome you both with open arms.”
Wanda’s eyes became a bit watery.  She reached out and gave Rarity a hug.
“I knew this day was going to come, Rarity,” Wanda cried.  “I will miss you.  But at least I will always be able to see you again.”
“Besides, darling,” Rarity said as her eyes watered up,  “We would like to see you, Sunset and all of the others come down to La Maresa once more.  Or maybe we should show you San Di’Neighgo.  Now that’s a city worth coming down for.”
“We might consider doing that,” Sunset said.  “After all, there is a particular zoo that’s owned by a Dr Wegefrolick.”
“Oh you simply must do so,” Rarity said as she released her hold on Wanda.  “He’s Fluttershy’s favorite uncle who designed the zoo, all thanks to petitioning your adopted mother: Princess Celestia.”
Suddenly, Wanda’s ears picked up the sound of a familiar filly singing.  She got up and walked towards the doorway, catching Rarity and Sunset’s attention.
“Wanda, darling,” Rarity said.  “Where are you going?”
“That’s just Twilight,” Princess Cadance said.  “She’s too excited for the wedding just to pay attention to…important details.”
Wanda looked outside and saw Twilight Sparkle prancing down the hallway, singing about love and marriage.  The Man’s Cub stepped out from the doorway and ran up to Twilight.
“Hey Twilight,” Wanda said.  “Equestria to Twilight.  We need to speak about the wedding.”
But Twilight did not pay attention to Wanda’s speaking.  She continued to prance down the hallway with her singing, leaving Wanda just standing there.  Sunset Shimmer walked outside, taking notice of Wanda’s confusion.
“What is with her?” Wanda asked.
“This is the first time she’s attending a wedding,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “So she’s going to be acting like that.”
“But I promised mommy I would tell her the important details about this wedding,” Wanda said.
“Don’t worry about it,” Princess Cadance said, stepping out from the room.  “I know why Princess Celestia gave you the responsibility to tell Twilight about our plans for the wedding.   But I think as time goes on, she’ll understand why.”
Wanda let out a sigh as she said “Why can’t things be so easy when they’re so hard?”
“Sad sis.” Wanda looked down to see Abigail look up at her with a solemn look on her face.”
“I know, Abby,” Wanda said.  “But I just hope everything will go according to what mommy has planned.”

Meanwhile, deep within the city of Canterlot, Buck Withers, Shining Armor and Gad Zookes were walking down the street past the citizens.  Buck Withers was wearing a dashing tuxedo and was carrying a small jewel box in one of the pockets.
“Excited about your big day?” Shining Armor asked.
“I’ll say,” Buck Withers said, tapping the jewel box that was in his pocket.  “We did try to get married around the time of the Gala.  But we chose to hold it off because we wanted to invite everyone.”
“And those rings you got,” Shining Armor said.  “You didn’t get the stones off another Rock Monster, did ya?”
“No,” Buck replied.  “It was getting too repetitive to take them down.  But wait till you hear this story about a dragon-like rock creature with aquamarine stones in their eyes.”
“Oh you don’t need to tell me,” Shining Armor said.  “I saw you pull that off, even with some trouble.  But I would have been happy to pitch in.”
“None needed,” Buck Withers said.  “After all, I am the best adventurer Equestria has.”
“Personally, if you asked me,” Shining Armor smirked, “I think you are one of the craziest ponies I have ever met.  One that would put Princess Celestia to shame.  But on the flip side, you do put your money where your mouth is when it comes to talking down monsters.  I’ll have to say, you are the prime monster hunter in Equestria.”
“No need for the flattery, Shining,” Buck Withers said.  “Besides, you at least faced down far worse than the beasts I had to take on.”
“If you’re talking about Coldnelius Snap and Queen Chrysalis,” Shining Armor said, “I’m not truly proud of taking them on.  Besides, they’re a lot more clever than you realize.”
“By the way,” Buck Withers said. “Did I ever tell you how Lemony, Gad and I endured that windigo storm from that sick cult leader?”
“About a thousand times,” Shining Armor replied.
Suddenly, Gad Zookes tapped Buck Withers on the arm and said “Hey Buck.  Do you see what I see?  Looks like a trio of pegasi colts have some serious issues going on.”
Buck Withers looked up ahead, noticing Hoops, Dumbbell and Score walking down the street as if they were troubled.
“Good eye, Gad,” Buck Withers said.  “Those must be the three pegasi that used to give Princess Wanda a hard time.  Let’s go see what’s going on.”
Buck Withers, Gad Zookes and Shining ARmor ran up to the three pegasi, who were looking around frantically.
“Hoops,” Shining Armor said.  “You look like you’re missing something.  Is something wrong?”
“Oh there is something wrong,” Hoops said.  “It’s about that bulldog Karen.”
“Shhhh,” Shining armor shushed.  “Whisper it to us.  No need to give it away.”
Hoops reached over to Shining Armor and whispered something in his ear.  His eyes popped out as he turned his head to Buck Withers and Gad Zookes.
“What happened?” Buck asked.
“They can’t find Karen the Alicorn Bulldog,” Shining Armor whispered.
“Call me crazy,” Gad Zookes said.  “But doesn’t that creature have an owner of some sort?”
“An owner?” Hoops said.
“Yeah,” Gad Zookes said.  “The Chancellor told us that her owner is one of the rudest ponies she has ever met.   In fact, from what I understand, he drenched her in a bucket of water when she asked to keep Karen on a leash.”
“Oh yeah,” Shining Armor said.  “That was during the time when Karen the Bulldog was still aggressive towards Wanda and Sunset, and even towards Caddy.”
“And back then,” Hoops said, “Even we were afraid of that mangy mutt.  Well until that Man’s Cub of a Princess was able to tame it.”
“And all it took was a bit of food and the will to finally scare that dog into submission,” Buck Withers said.  “Maybe I should consider looking after the girls and teaching them the ropes of bringing down monsters.”
“If you’re lucky,” Shining Armor said.
“Look” Hoops said.  “My boys were searching for that dog for…important business.  But for some reason, she’s gone missing.”
“Tell you what,” Gad Zookes said. “I’ll pitch in and help you find that mutt.”
“Gad,” Buck Withers said.  “I’m surprised that you’re going to help them out.”
“I’ll be fine,” Gad Zookes said.  “Besides, you have a wedding to get to.  And don’t worry.  I’ll catch up.”
Buck Withers nodded to Gad and said “Gad.  You’re the best stallion I’ve ever known.  Go show those kids how to find that dog.”
Gad Zookes saluted Buck Withers before he took off with Hoops, Dumbbell and Score following from behind, leaving Shining Armor and Buck Withers behind.
“So, Bucky,” Shining Armor said.  “You ready to head towards the castle and get hitched?”
“Not quit yet,” Buck Withers said.  “I need to spend some time getting myself mentally ready for this moment.  I’ve waited a long time for this.”
“Well don’t take too long,” Shining Armor said. “You don’t want to keep Gem waiting.”
As Shining Armor took off towards the castle, Buck Withers pulled out the box and looked at it.
“I’m nervous about today,” Buck Withers sighed.  “I feel like I’m ready to tie the knot.  But for some reason, a part of me says I’m not.  I’ll even say that it was Princess Cadance, I still would not be ready.  What am I going to do?”
Buck Withers placed the box back into his tuxedo pocket and walked down the street, looking up at the morning sky.  His smile disappeared, his face looked concerned as he made his way through the streets of Canterlot, paying no attention to everyone else around him.
“One thing I know,” Buck Withers said. “My life will change forever.  Will I still be able to be an adventurer?  Or will I dedicate myself to being a father to a youngling or two?  I don’t even have the courage to tell her if I’m ready or not.”
Suddenly, Buck Withers heard someone whistle out to him.  Buck looked down the nearby alley where the whistle came from.
“Someone whistling to me?” Buck Withers called as the whistle grew louder.  
Despite his own concern, Buck Withers slowly walked down the alleyway, looking around for any sign of danger.
“Where is that whistling coming from?” Buck Withers said.  “I swear it sounds familiar.”
But Buck Withers came to a complete stop the moment he saw a shadowy figure in front of him.  Buck stood his ground and pulled out his whip, holding it firmly with one hoof.
“Who goes there?” Buck Withers said.  “Show yourself.”
But emerging from the shadows of the alleyway was Lemony Gem, who apparently was not wearing her wedding dress.”
“Lemony,” Buck Withers said, loosening his stance.  “What are you doing here?   Aren’t you supposed to be preparing for our wedding?”
“Oh not at the moment,” Lemony Gem said.  “I just came out here to wish you the best of luck for when we tie the knot.”
Buck Withers placed his whip back into the pocket of his tuxedo.  Then he walked up to Lemony Gem with sweat on his forehead.
“Well,” Buck Withers said.  “Easy said than done.  I don’t know if I am ready for this wedding.”
“But I know you are,” Lemony Gem said, walking up to Buck Withers.  “You’ve waited your entire life for this moment, and I know you can do this.”
Buck Withers pulled the collar of his tuxedo, emitting steam out of it.  Then he turned towards Lemony Gem, who was right up to his face.
“Don’t just do this for yourself or for me,” Lemony Gem said.  “Do this for those who look up to you.”
And with that, Lemony Gem kissed Buck Withers on the snout.  His eyes popped out a pair of hearts as he made silly sounds with his voice.
“I will, my darling,” Buck Withers said.
Suddenly, Buck Withers’ eyes turned completely green, leaving him in a trance-like state.  Lemony Gem smiled as she placed her hoof on Buck’s shoulder.
“That’s a good boy,” Lemony Gem said.  “I’ll meet you at the castle, and I’ll put on my best for this day.”
“You said it,” Buck Withers said.
Immediately, Buck Withers turned tail and ran down the alleyway before making his way down the streets of Canterlot, leaving Lemony Gem by herself.
“That was almost too easy,” Lemony Gem said in a sinister tone.
As soon as she took a few steps back, Lemony Gem transformed into Queen Chrysalis, gloating about as Princess Chrysalis II stepped out from the shadows.
“You did it, mother,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “You got that moron, hook, line and sinker.”
“That stallion is a total buffoon,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Putting him under my spell was far easier than I realized.”
“So what is he going to do?” Princess Chrysalis II asked.
Queen Chrysalis walked towards the shadows and said “My precious daughter.  I didn’t just hypnotize that fool.  I also planted instructions into his mind.  When I give him the signal, he will grab Princess Celestia’s daughters and bring them to me.  I will use them as a hostage for Princess Celestia to surrender Twilight Sparkle and the Kingdom.  Once that’s out of the way, we will turn them into our new changeling generals and send them to enslave every pony in Equestria.”
“Oh goodie,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “But what if Buck Withers grabbed Twilight as well.”
“I have my doubts,” Queen Chrysalis replied.  “But if he does grab Twilight Sparkle, then it would be an unexpected bonus.  Now come.  Let us alert the Predacons about our progress and prepare for phase two.”
“Alright,” Princess Chrysalis II said.
But as Queen Chrysalis and Princess Chrysalis II blended into the shadows, they did not notice Eleanor Young spying on them from above on the roof.  
“So these must be Queen Chrysalis and Princess Chrysalis II,” Eleanor said.  “I think it’s time I informed Princess Celestia about this.”
Eleanor Young extended her hands out before a light appeared on her back, materializing her insect-like wings.  She turned towards the castle and flew towards that direction.


	To Be Continued in…


	Here come the Queen

> Arc 17-2: Here comes the Queen
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


	Here come the Queen



Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator were hiding out on top of the wall that surrounded Canterlot.  Numbers of Changelings were at their side.
“So,” Quickstrike said.  “How long until the boss gets here?  I’m getting rather antsy here.”
“Patience, brother,” Inferno said in a calm voice.  “We have to wait for the signal from the royalty.”
“Yeah,” Quickstrike said, anxiously.  “But I wanna terrorize those ponies.  I wanna scare them half to death.”
“Waspinator with Inferno on this one,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator enjoys launching sneak attack on ponies.”
“Eager to give those soft skins a taste of fear, are we?” Inferno’s eyes shifted to the side, where Queen Chrysalis and Princess Chrysalis II emerged from a doorway and approached the changelings.
“Royalty,” Inferno said.  “I take it that fool Buck Withers is under your control.”
“About as easy as stealing candy from a baby,” Queen Chrysalis chortled.
“Bout time,” Quickstrike said.  “Now when do we get to give those flea-ridden varmints the one-two?”
“Not yet,” Queen Chrysalis said. “Once Phase three gets into play, that’s when you all give those ponies the terror of their lives.”
“Aww man,” Quickstrike said, sulking down.  “But I’ve waited all day to give those soft skins something to scream about.”
Suddenly, they heard the sound of a jet flying through the sky, causing Waspinator and Chrysalis II to jump up in the air screaming.
“Where is that loud noise coming from?” Queen Chrysalis said.
Inferno looked down at the meadow outside of the city and noticed a helicopter of some sort landing in the grass nearby.
“Royalty,” Inferno said.  “What do you make of that?”
Queen Chrysalis looked down at the helicopter in the valley area.  The door to the copter’s passenger quarters opened up, and stepping out was Gold Banks, who looked cross.
“Well.  What do we have here?” Queen Chrysalis said, amused.  “That must be the matriarch of the Banks family.”
“Oooh,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “That looks like someone they can deal with.”
“Why not?” Queen Chrysalis laughed.
“Royalty,” Inferno said. “What do you wish for us to do with that money-grubbing moron?”
“Go have some fun while you wait,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “And make sure she suffers as horrible as possible.”
“It will be done, my queen,” Inferno bowed.
As Queen Chrysalis and Princess Chrysalis II walk off, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator transform into members of the royal guard.  They flew from the top of the wall and landed in front of the gate to Canterlot as Gold Banks marched up to the duo.
“Out of my way you fools,” Gold Banks demanded.  “I’ve got a bone to pick with my husband.”
“None may pass,” the disguised Inferno said, stomping his hoof on the ground and causing Gold Banks to come to a stop.
“Didn’t you hear what I said you buffon?” Gold Banks yelled.  “I said, OUTTA MY WAY!”
“And as I said,” the disguised Inferno said.  “None may pass.”
“Yeah, you heard my fellow soldier,” the disguised Quickstrike said.  “Now GET LOST YA TIN-HORNED IGGIT!”
“What kind of royal guards treats me, the most important pony in Equestria, like trash?” Gold Banks snarled.
“You?”  the disguised Inferno laughed.  “Most important pony in Equestria?  Don’t make me laugh, you simpleton.”
“Now you just listen here,” Gold Banks roared.  “When my boys at the Stallion News Network hears about this, you will be spending the rest of your lives in Tartarus.  Do you understand me?”
“Go ahead and tell them,” the disguised Inferno laughed.  “It won’t save you from your worst nightmares.”
As the three disguised changelings began to laugh, Gold Banks just looked at them totally confused, but still mad.
“What is going on here?” Gold Banks said.  “Why are you all mocking me?”
But just as Gold Banks finished speaking, the Predacon brothers transformed back into their changeling form, laughing in a sick, demented tone.
“That’s because idiot bug is about to face the wrath of the Predacons,” Waspinator laughed.
With a loud scream, Gold Banks ran off from the Predacons, shouting “CHANGELINGS!  CHANGELINGS ARE LOOSE IN CANTERLOT!”
As Gold Banks ran off in the distance, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator stood there with a satisfied look on their faces.
“Now that my brothers,” Inferno said, “Is how a Predacon always wins.”
“Waspinator loved doing that,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator felt invincible.”
“You think that’s fun,” Quickstrike said.  “Wait till our queen gets up phase three.  That’s when the real fun begins.”
And with that, the Predacons all gloated into the morning air.

Meanwhile, Gad Zookes, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score were standing outside a fence.  They looked through to see Karen the Bulldog chained to a post.  Her wings were clamped down, her horn had a magical ring hooked at the base, and her mouth was muzzled.
“Wow,” Score said.  “Poor dog.  What the hay happened here?”
“I think it has a lot to do with the owner,” Gad Zookes said. “One moment, he let the dog loose to terrorize Princess Wanda and her friends.  The next moment she’s being punished for something I can’t even imagine.”
“It doesn’t make any sense,” Dumbbell said.  “If the owner of this dog is sadistic, why resort to something like that?”
“It’s because the Man’s Cub chose to show sympathy to the dog.”  Gad Zookes turned to his right to see Chancellor Cinch walk up to him and the three colts.
“Chancellor,” Gad Zookes said.  “What’s this about sympathy?”
“I found out why the owner of the alicorn bulldog did this,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Turns out, he didn’t like the idea of Karen being buddy-buddy with the younglings who befriended her.  Furthermore, it turns out he was starving her on purpose.  So as punishment, he chained her like that until she reverts to her ravenous self.”
“That’s despicable,” Hoops said.  “I don’t want to see the side of that dog, ever again.”
“No one does,” Dumbbell said.  “After what she did to us while that angry, I think we prefer the new mutt.”
Chancellor Cinch turned her attention towards Gad Zookes and said “Mr Zookes.  The wedding will start this afternoon.  I suggest you head towards the palace and prepare for that big day.”
“I’m on it,” Gad Zookes said before running off in the opposite direction.
“Bah,” Hoops said.  “Who needs to attend some stupid wedding?  It’s just some silly celebration involving marriage.”
Cinch just laughed and said “Oh you three don’t need to attend.  But I do have something for you.”
“Aww man,” Score said. “Why’d you go and open your big mouth, Hoops?”
Cinch turned to the trio and said “The moment you see a changeling in the distance, release that dog into the streets.”
Immediately, Hoops’ tone went from sour to sinister.
“Wait,” Hoops said. “You said release the dog the moment we see a changeling, correct?”
“I did,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Rumor has it the changelings are going to try to crash this wedding.  And I know that will upset the owner.  But considering what he’s been putting her through is more than a good enough excuse.  Remember.  One sign of the change, release that dog.  Got it?”
In response, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score saluted Chancellor Cinch.
“Very good,” Cinch said.  “It’s time I was off.”
And with that, Chancellor Cinch turned tail and walked off in the opposite direction, leaving Hoops, Dumbbell and Score behind.
“Wow,” Dumbbell said.  “So the owner of that dog neglects her.  I really want to get the heads up and release her.”
“Not yet,” Hoops said.  “You heard her.  Word has it that the changelings are coming here to crash that wedding just out of revenge against Twilight Sparkle. Once we see one changeling, we’ll cut her loose and let ‘em have it.  Agreed?”
“Agreed,” Dumbbell and Score said.

Meanwhile, in the hall room of the castle, near the royal bedrooms, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were walking down, talking with each other.
“So Twilight’s been too entranced with the upcoming wedding,” Princess Luna said.
“It’s a bit worrisome,” Princess Celestia said.  “But I assure you that she will play her part in this wedding.”
“Well,” Luna said.  “You did assign her to the flower girl.  I think she’s too caught up in the fact that she’ll be leading Lemony Gem down the aisle to Buck Withers.”
“Reminds me of the first time I attended a wedding,” Princess Celestia laughed.  “Remember that?”
“That was more than a thousand years ago when we were fillies,” Princess Luna said.  “But then again, I miss those days of being young.”
“And we both miss the very pony that was the sunshine and the moonlight of our lives,” Princess Celestia said.  “Queen Eternia.”
But as Princess Celestia reached the doorway to her bedroom, she looked inside and saw Eleanor Young fly in through the balcony window before her wings disappeared.
“Princess Celestia,” Eleanor said.  “I have some news you need to hear.”
“Will you excuse me, dear sister?” Princess Celestia said.  “I need to talk with Eleanor about a recent development.”
“Take your time, sis,” Princess Luna said.  “The wedding is not till later today.”
Princess Celestia stepped through the doorway and closed the door behind her, leaving Princess Luna by herself.
“No doubt the changelings will do what it takes to crash this wedding for their own gains,” Princess Luna said to herself.  “But regardless, this plan will go without any problems, whatsoever.”

Below the royal bedroom,  at the banquet room of Canterlot Castle, Golden Lace, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Trixie and Ditzy Doo gathered around Juniper Montage, who showed them the video on her phone.
“Wow,” Applejack said.  “You recorded all of that during our time in the Golden Land.”
“Not just at the Golden Land,” Juniper Montage said. “I also recorded footage of the refugee crisis from La Maresa.  But I also figured out how to tie it into a story that goes from the calm and carefree attitude to the despair and worry that we’ve all been through.”
“You sure are a great recorder, ”  Ditzy Doo said.  “It’s too bad we won’t see you submit that to the film festival.”
“Now Ditzy,” Rarity said. “If that even does occur, we should all attend it to support Juniper’s video.”
“By the way,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Where are the others?  We all know this is going to be the beginning of the end for us here in Canterlot.”
“You’re right,” Fluttershy said.  “After the wedding is over, we’re heading back home to La Maresa.  Truth be told, I miss being there.”
“We all miss being there,” Rainbow Dash said.  “And I chose to stay with you guys because it would be lonesome without you.”
“You’re all lucky,” Juniper Montage said.  “Right now, I don’t know if my folks or even my uncle will find me here.  Looks like I’m going to be stuck in Canterlot until further notice.”
“Well now I wouldn’t say that,” Pinkie Pie said, confusing Juniper.
“Now why exactly would you say that?” Juniper Montage asked.
“Well take a look at the doorway over there,” Pinkie Pie said, pointing to the entrance of the room.
Juniper Montage looked towards the doorway, and her face beamed with excitement.  Standing there was an ecstatic earth pony with a pale, light grayish gamboge coat, a grayish malachite green and light malachite greenish gray mane tied up in a ponytail, black glasses and a movie camera cutie mark.  Despite his smile, there were tears flowing from his eyes.
“Uncle Canter Zoom,” Juniper said. “How…how did you know I was here?”
Wiping a tear from his eyes, Canter Zoom said “When I heard about what happened at Daisy Joy Tech, I feared for the worse.  But now I’m glad you’re alright.”
Smiling as warm as the sun, Juniper Montage ran up to Canter Zoom and gave him a big hug.  The two held each other, tears flowing from their eyes with pure joy.
“I saw your video, my niece,” Canter Zoom said.  “You’re starting to showcase how you are as a director, and I couldn’t be more proud.”
“Thanks uncle,” Juniper said.  “I hope mom and dad enjoyed my video.”
“Oh they did,” Canter said as Juniper hugged him tight.
As Canter Zoom and Juniper Montage held each other tight, Pinkie Pie scooted up to Rarity with a smug look on her face, catching the fashionista’s attention.
“Pinkie,” Rarity said.  “Don’t tell me that you were the one who knew who Juniper Montage’s uncle was.”
“Not directly,” Pinkie Pie said.  “But you can thank a certain former teacher for telling me about him.”
The moment Pinkie Pie finished speaking, Argyle Starshine walked up to the group, to which Pinkie pointed to him.
“Juniper told me about her memories with her uncle,” Argyle said.  “So the moment I was able to, I contacted Mr Zoom and told him to come down to reunite with his niece.  Her parents also know about what happened.  But they are too occupied with their job to meet up with her.  So Canter Zoom agreed to come by.”
“Well that’s a darn shame,” Trixie said.  “The fact that her own parents are too busy to attend to her own needs while her uncle makes sure she’s okay.”
“You know,” Rarity said.  “I wonder if Canter Zoom is here not only to reunite with Juniper Montage, but also because of the wedding.”
As Rarity finished speaking, Canter Zoom walked up to the group with Juniper by her side.
“That I can answer,” Canter Zoom said. “I’m actually a close friend of Buck Withers.  So when Mr Starshine told me that she’s going to be attending his wedding, I knew that would be the right time to see her again.”
“So I assume she’ll be leaving with you after the wedding is over,” Rarity said.
“She will,” Canter Zoom said.  “And we have a studio in the Ponyville Providence area.  So you all can visit, anytime you wish.”
“Well that does sound good,” Pinkie Pie said.  “But I think Golden Lace and Cozy Glow will be sad that Juniper will be leaving Canterlot.”
“Yeah,” Juniper said.  “I know it will be hard to leave her behind.  But I hope her friends here will keep her happy while I’m gone.  Maybe I’ll invite her down to the studio to show what my uncle is capable of.”
“That might be a grand idea,” Canter Zoom said.  “If her father and Princess Celestia approve of it.”

But at the Grand Foyer of the palace, Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer, Princess Cadance and Golden Lace were greeting the guests that walked in while Abigail and Spike stood on the sidelines.  The four looked exhausted, but optimistic.  Though Golden Lace looked excited.”
“How are you doing, sis?” Wanda asked.
“Exhausted,” Sunset said.  “But I’m doing fine.”
“Same here,” Princess Cadance said.  “I can understand why Princess Celestia doesn’t like to spend her time greeting the guests.”
“On a side note,” Wanda said.  “Do you see what’s going on with Lace?”
Sunset and Cadance looked on to see Golden Lace in a trance of some sorts.
“Hey Lace,” Sunset said.  “You’re acting a bit like Twilight.  Something up?”
Immediately, Lace snapped out of her trance and turned towards Sunset Shimmer.
“Oh, sorry,” Golden Lace said.  “I was thinking too much of Juniper’s uncle: Canter Zoom.  I mean, she told me alot about him and his legacy in film directing, and she even showed me one of his works: Dawn of the Bread.  But I never thought I would get to see him in person.”
“Come to think of it,” Sunset Shimmer replied.  “I have never seen any of Canter Zoom’s films in my life.”
“Then when I have the chance,” Golden Lace said. “I should show you and Wanda one film that Juniper gave me.”
“That sounds like a great idea,” Wanda said.
“Only if mother finds it appropriate,” Princess Cadance said as she shook the hoof of another pony.
But Golden Lace’s eyes shifted towards the front, where she saw her father Silver Banks.
“Daddy,” Golden Lace said, waving her hoof in the air. 
“Hey, something’s wrong,” Wanda said, noticing Silver Banks’ depressed look.
Golden Lace, upon seeing her father’s frown, ran up to him and tapped him on the arm, catching his attention.
“Daddy,” Golden Lace said. “Is something wrong?”
“Lace my precious,” Silver Banks said.  “I just got word that your mother is on her way here.”
“Oh no,” Golden Lace said. “Why her of all ponies?”
“I assume she found out about what I did to break you and your friend out of Daisy Joy Tech,” Silver Banks said.  “Furthermore, I believe she will interrupt the wedding just to confront me on my decision.”
Golden Lace held her father’s arm and said “But I don’t want to see her again.  She’s become a monster.”
“So do I,” Silver Banks said.  “And even if Princess Celestia placed a restraining order on her and had the royal guard defend this event, she will do whatever it takes to push them aside and treat the order like it was nothing.”
Golden Lace let out a sigh and said “Now I’m afraid for the wedding itself.”
“Don’t worry,” Silver Banks said.  “As long as I’m by your side, I won’t let her harm you.”
Nearby, Sunset, Wanda and Cadance had been observing Silver Banks and Golden Lace’s speech while shaking the hooves of other ponies.  Spike and Abigail walked up to the three sisters with the little kitty cat rubbing her paw on Wanda’s leg.
“What do you suppose is going on?” Wanda said as she picked up Abigail.
“Sounds like Gold Banks will be coming here,” Princess Cadance said.  “And she’s not happy.”
“Not Gold Banks,” Sunset Shimmer facepalmed.  “The last time I saw her, she tried to put my sister and some of her friends in cuffs.”
“As long as mother is with us,” Princess Cadance said, “She won’t let that fiend do anything bad to you both.”
“I hope so,” Sunset said as she allowed Spike to walk up to her.
As Spike cuddled up to Sunset Shimmer, Wanda looked at Golden Lace from afar, petting Abigail on the forehead.
“As long as we can find a way to comfort Golden Lace,” Wanda thought to herself, “She will be able to smile for us.  I swear to that.”
But just as Wanda continued to pet Abigail on the head, she felt a tap on her shoulder.  Wanda turned around to see Buck Withers hovering over her.
“Bucky,” Wanda said.  “You’re already here.”
“I am,” Buck Withers said, holding out the box with the rings inside.  “And I have a favor to ask you and your sister.”
“Are you asking us to be the ring bearers?” Wanda asked.
“Yes,” Buck Withers said.  “Will you and Sunset do it?”
Wanda looked at Buck in the eyes and said “I’ll do it.”
“That’s the spirit,” Buck Withers said as he handed the rings to Wanda.  “Take good care of it.  I already let your mother know about this.”
“Thanks,” Wanda said. 
Buck Withers nodded to Wanda before he turned tail and walked down the hallway, leaving Wanda to hold the rings with Abigail yawning in her other arm..  Sunset turned around and saw Wanda holding the rings.
“Where’d you get those?” Sunset asked.
“It was Bucky,” Wanda said.  “He asked us to be the ring bearers.”
“Really?” Sunset said, looking down at the rings.  “That’s great.  I’m game if you’re game.”
“That makes two of us,” Wanda replied.
But as Wanda and Sunset cheered, Princess Cadance looked down at her sisters with a smile on her face.
“And here I thought Twilight being the flower girl got in over her head,” Princess Cadance said.  “But then again, mother told me that she was considering having them both be the ring bearers.  Guess they get to experience their first wedding up close.”
But as Buck Withers walked down the hall, he slid up behind the wall and looked down at Wanda, Spike and Sunset cheering with Abigail leaping out of her arms and joining in.  
“It’s only a matter of time,” Buck Withers said.

Meanwhile, Lemony Gem paced back and forth in her wedding dress, looking a bit anxious.  Princess Luna walked on in, noticing the bride’s worry.
“You okay, Lemony?” Luna asked.
“Not really,” Lemony Gem said.  “I’m worried about how bad this wedding will go down.  What if something terrible happens, like the cake falls on our heads, or our wedding rings fall into a place that we can’t reach.  Or what if he leaves me at the altar?”
Luna just laughed before she said “Oh please.  I’ve seen that before when I last attended a wedding.”
“Wait,” Lemony Gem said.  “You had that kind of experience before?”
“Of course,” Luna said.  “The last bridge who went to get married had that same kind of worry as well.”
“You’re just lying, aren’t ya?” Lemony Gem replied.
“No I’m not,” Luna said.  “I’ve seen my fair share of weddings where the bride was like that.  And my sister, Princess Celestia had grooms who also felt like that.  But in the end, they each turned out well when it came to matrimony.”
“Are,” Lemony stuttered.  “Are you sure of that?”
“Oh I am,” Luna said. “I didn’t live for more than a thousand years to not record every wedding that I’ve been to.”
“You know,” Lemony said in a calm voice, “I think that may have helped out a bit.  Not a lot, but just a bit.”
“That’s good to hear,” Princess Luna said.  “We’ve got plenty of time before the wedding starts.  And at this moment, I assume Buck Withers is arriving at the altar to prepare for this big day.”
“At this point,” Lemony Gem laughed.  “I think he already has.”
Suddenly, the door opened and in came Queen Novo and Princess Skystar, catching Lemony Gem’s attention.
“Wait,” Lemony Gem said.  “You went out of your way to bring in the queen and princess of the Hippogriffs for my wedding?”
“Well they were going to bring in King Myrrh and Prince Hoofar from Saddle Arabia,” Queen Novo said.  “But they had some last-minute business to take care of.  So apologies for them being unable to attend.”
“That’s okay,” Lemony Gem.  “I don’t want my wedding to be that big.”
“But it’s your big day,” Princess Skystar said.  “You deserve to have a storybook wedding with a happy ending.”
“She’s right,” Princess Luna said.  “Besides, they’ve agreed to be bridesmaids for the wedding.”
“Aww,” Lemony Gem said.  “Thank you, everyone.  This will make my day so perfect.”

It was later in the morning in the banquet hall, all set up to look like a wedding.  Buck Withers was at the altar, waiting nervously while Gad Zookes, Chancellor Cinch and Shining Armor stood by him.  Princess Celestia stood at the center, holding a book out.  Every pony was gathered in the audience, waiting for the bride to make her appearance.  But five ponies waited nervously: Danged Spell, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer and Cozy Glow.  Sitting below the ponies were Spike and Abigail, who were fast asleep.
“I never thought I would be attending a wedding in my lifetime,” Starlight Glimmer said.  “This is so exciting.”
“You’re telling me,” Sunburst said.  “In fact, that makes the two of us.”
“I don’t understand what this whole wedding this is like,” Cozy Glow said.  “Nor this use of marriage.”
“It means two ponies unite together in matrimony,” Sunburst said.
“Matrimony?: Cozy Glow replied.  “I don’t think I can understand that.”
“Hey Spell,” Moondancer asked.  “What were weddings like in Lio Lani?”
“You know,” Danged Spell said.  “I never even saw a wedding at all, much less one in Lio Lani.”
“Actually, I can answer that.”  Moondancer looked up to see Fortwright and Shanoa sitting next to them with Shanoa holding Baby Dreamseeker.
“Mr Fortwright,” Moondancer said.  “You know about weddings in Lio Lani?”
“Of course,” Fortwright explained.  “We usually have our weddings outside in the open air, and we recited songs and chants to unite the couple together.  Our blessings would go something like ‘Ei-Ah Eha-No.  Ka Malohia Oh-Na-Lani.  Mea A-ku A-Pau.’  It means ‘May peace from above rest upon you and remains with you now and forever.’   How does that sound?”
“So there are different ways that ponies get married?” Starlight Glimmer asked.
“Spell,” Moondancer said.  “I didn’t know your kind had weddings like that.”
“I didn’t know, either,” Danged Spell said.  “But then again, I am banished from Lio Lani.  Remember?”
As Fortwright laid back in his chair, Shanoa reached over and cupped her hoof around her mouth.
“That’s what he thinks,” Shanoa whispered.
Around the audience, many ponies were eagerly awaiting the arrival of the bride.  Adagio Dazzle and Aria Blaze sat in their seats patiently while Sonata Dusk looked eager.  Juniper Montage sat next to her uncle Canter Zoom with Golden Lace and Silver Banks sitting next to them.  Spitfire was dressed up in her Wonderbolt uniform with Airazor and the other Wonderbolts on standby.  Even Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Trixie and Ditzy Doo sat, eagerly awaiting the ceremonies with Bright Mac, Buttercup, Granny Smith, Filthy and Spoiled Rich, Argyle Starshine, Bright-Eyes and Sunlight Starscout sat there patiently.  Nearby, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo and Diamond Tiara slept in their cribs.
“Doesn’t this remind us of the time we got married?” Buttercup said.
“Yeah,” Bright Mac said.  “Except we had ours near the apple fields when we planted those seeds into the ground.”
“I kind of wish father wasn’t so harsh when we got married,” Buttercup said.  
“What’s past is past,” Granny Smith said.  “You’re already a part of this family, and I couldn’t be more proud of ya.”
“Yeah,” Buttercup said with a fake laugh.  “I am proud.”
“Buttercup,” Bright Mac said.  “It’s okay.  As long as we’re together…”
“It’s not that,” Buttercup said.  “It’s Applejack and the other young’uns.  After this event is over, they have to return back to La Maresa.”
“I know,” Bright Mac said. “They really like being around Wanda and her friends.”
“Not just that,” Filthy Rich said.  “There’s a lot of rich history surrounding Canterlot, and the royal family.  They were all honored to have known the Princesses of Equestria.”
“That may be true,” Granny Smith said.  “But I bet some of them are a bit homesick.  Plus, La Maresa and San Di’Neighgo have their own branch of rich history embedded within them, like the famous zoo and Balbronco Park  Plus, they still have their responsibilities when they return home.”
“Oh, right,” Filthy Rich said.  “Plus I still have to help with the trade with other cities in Equestria.”
Bright Mac turned to Argyle Starshine and asked “So Mr. Starshine.  What’s your plan now that you don’t have a job with Daisy Joy Tech?”
“Well,” Argyle Starshine said. “I was recently hired by Princess Celestia to become a new teacher at the School for Gifted Unicorns.  Furthermore, once I accepted the job, she set me and my family up with a new place to live in Canterlot.”
“Congrats,” Bright Mac said, clapping his hooves. 
“To be honest,” Argyle said, “I loved the proposal that she gave me.  In fact, I’ll go as far as to say it was far better than what Headmistress Honey Twist offered me when I had to work for her.”
“I’ve heard about the perils of Daisy Joy Tech,” Spoiled Rich said.  “No doubt the work of my selfish sister Gold Banks.  In fact, I heard that a certain warden from Coltsom now works there as the second-in-command.”
“You mean Warden Steel Bolt?” Bright Mac said.  “I thought he transferred over to a supermax juvenile facility.”
“In this day and age,” Granny Smith said, “anything can be considered a juvenile prison.”
Suddenly, the lights began to dim, catching the audiences’ attention.  Bright-Eyes and Sunlight turned towards the back end of the banquet hall, where two lights shined on the doorways.
“This is it,” Bright-Eyes said.  “The bride is about to walk down that path and present herself to the groom.”
“Just like how I walked down to your father, Bright-Eyes,” Sunlight Starscout said.
The doors opened as Twilight Sparkle emerged, wearing a bright pink dress and holding a basket full of flower petals.  She waltzed down the aisle, sprinkling the petals around until they fell to the floor.  Behind them, a number of bridesmaids, which included Queen Novo and Princess Skystar, led by Princess Cadance followed Twilight Sparkle down the aisle.
“Wow,” the crowd said.  “Look at that.”
“I think they notice me, mother,” Princess Skystar said.
“Silly daughter,” Novo laughed.  “They’re taking notice of the bride that will follow.”
Immediately, the organist played ‘Here comes the bride’ on the pipe organs as Wanda and Sunset followed from behind the bridesmaids, carrying the respective rings on the pillows.  And behind them walked Lemony Gem, wearing her gorgeous wedding dress, with Princess Luna walking alongside them.
“I wish my parents were here to see this,” Lemony Gem thought to herself.  “After all, this is a day I’ve been waiting for in a long time.”
As Princess Cadance led the bridesmaids, Wanda, Sunset, Luna and Lemony Gem down the aisle, Buck Withers stood there proud, and yet nervous.
“You got cold hooves?” Shining Armor said.
“No,” Buck Withers said.  “But I never thought that Lemony Gem would be this gorgeous.”
“Now now, Romeo,” Chancellor Cinch smirked.  “The big moment is about to arrive for you.”
As Twilight Sparkle walked up the aisle and sprinkled more flower petals onto the altar, she immediately stood by Princess Celestia as Princess Cadance and the other bridesmaids walked up and formed an arch around Buck Withers.  Wanda and Sunset walked up to the altar before moving opposite of each other, positioning themselves next to Queen Novo and Princess Skystar respectively.
“You’re a lucky stallion, Bucky,” Gad Zookes said.  “This is where your life reaches its new heights.”
As Princess Luna stepped aside, Lemony Gem walked up to the altar where she bowed to her groom Buck Withers.  The duo turned towards Princess Celestia, who proceeded to open her book and look down at the pages.
“Dearly behooved,” Princess Celestia said.  “We are gathered here today to join this stallion and this mare in harmonious matrimony.  Since the time they came together, they have journeyed through adventures across all of Equestria, aided us in our fight against the Windigos Guild and the Changeling hive, and have proven to be friends to those who need it.  And now, they are ready to take up the status of husband and wife.”
As Celestia recited the wedding speech, one member of the guest looked at Buck Withers with a sinister look in her eyes.
“It’s only a matter of time,” the guest said.
“On this day,” Princess Celestia said, “When the vows are read, two lives will become intertwined into one family.  And as a family, we are one together.  That being said, if there is anyone who objects to the marriage of these two, speak now, or forever hold your peace.”
With that, the sinister guest raised her hoof and yelled “I OBJECT!”
The crowd bursted into outrage, turning their attention to the smug guest, who sat there with a smile on her face.”
“You there,” Princess Celestia said.  “Tell us the objection to their union.”
“That’s easy,” the rogue guest said.  “Because I’ve waited a long time for my revenge and I WILL GET IT!”
Clouds formed above the rogue guest, causing the audience members to scream in agony.  It even woke up Spike the Dragon, Abigail Albright and the foals, who all cried or screamed in agony.  Wanda and Sunset dropped their pillows and rings as they held each other in fear.  Shining Armor quickly ran up to Twilight, who’s cheerful face turned to fear.
“Hide, Twili,” Shining Armor said.  “I’ll keep you safe.”
As Twilight nodded to Shining Armor and hid in a nearby corner, the rogue guest began to transform, horrifying the crowd even further.  When the transformation was complete, she had become Queen Chrysalis.
“YOU!” Princess Luna snarled.
“That’s right,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “I’m back for my revenge against all of Canterlot for that humiliation I got during the Grand Gallopin Gala.  And I aim to collect.”
“You won’t,” Princess Celestia said, standing in front of Wanda and Sunset.  “You just made a fatal mistake in showing your presence here, Queen Chrysalis.  As long as I stand strong, you will not lay a hoof on my daughters.”
“Well now I wouldn’t say that,” Queen Chrysalis smirked.  “Isn’t that right, slave?”
Immediately, Buck Withers’ eyes turned green as he turned his attention to Wanda and Sunset.  Before anyone could react, Buck pulled his whip out and ensnared both girls with it before pulling them away from Princess Celestia.
“MOMMY!” Wanda yelled.
Princess Celestia turned towards Buck Withers, who held Wanda and Sunset with his left arm.
“Bucky,” Lemony Gem cried.  “What’s going on with you?”
“The wedding is off,” Buck Withers said.  “And so is the rest of your life.”
“How could you?” Queen Novo said.  “You betray your own wife and the younglings that look up to you?”
“They  mean nothing to me,” Buck Withers said.  “Now my life is dedicated to Queen Chrysalis.”
But before Buck Withers could move, Shining Armor pointed his horn at him.
“Let them go, Bucky,” Shining Armor said.
Queen Chrysalis walked up to Shining Armor and said “Oh you wouldn’t want to harm the groom, unless you want something horrible to happen to the ring bearers.  Would you?”
Shining Armor’s eyes popped out in horror.  He lowered his head down in shame as Buck Withers leaped away from him, still carrying Wanda and Sunset in his arms.
“I’m sorry,” Shining Armor said as a tear fell from his eye.
“You did your best, Shining,” Princess Cadance said as he hugged Shining Armor close.
Princess Celestia turned towards Queen Chrysalis, who gloated loudly with Buck Withers next to her, all he held Wanda and Sunset close to him.
“Mommy,” Wanda cried.  “Help us.”
“You won’t get away with this you witch,” Sunset snarled at Chrysalis.
“Oh I already have,” Chrysalis said with a grin.  “And flattery will get you nowhere.”
“You let them go this instant,” Princess Celestia yelled.  
“I beg to differ,” Queen Chrysalis said, turning her attention to Princess Celestia.  “Surrender Twilight Sparkle and control of your kingdom to me, or NEVER SEE YOUR DAUGHTERS AGAIN!”
With a frightful laugh, Queen Chrysalis formed smoke clouds that surrounded her, Buck Withers, Wanda and Sunset.  Celestia and Luna ran up to them in a hurry.  But when the clouds faded away, they were gone, causing Celestia and Luna to come to a stop.
“No,” Luna said, frustrated. “They got away!”
Immediately, Celestia slammed her hooves on the floor before shouting in the air “CHRYSAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALISSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!”
At the altar area, Twilight Sparkle was pulled out from the corner by Princess Skystar, who held her tight, while everyone turned their attention to a distressed Princess Celestia.
“What happened?” Twilight said.  “Where’s Buck Withers?”
“He’s betrayed us,” Princess Skystar said.  “And he took Wanda and Sunset with him to where Queen Chrysalis wants to take them to.”
All Twilight could do was cry into Princess Skystar’s chest.

But outside in the hall of the palace, Magistrate Creme Dream and Majesty were eavesdropping on the events that had transpired in the banquet room.
“So that miserable queen of the changelings has pulled another stunt in Equestria,” Creme Dream said.   “Interesting.”
“So what are we going to do about it, mother?” Majesty asked.
“I’ve got a lock on where that queen is,” Creme Dream replied.  “How would you like to come along so we can confront her?”
“Would I?” Majesty said with excitement.
“After all,” Creme Dream replied.  “It’s time Queen Chrysalis knew the truth about this wedding, and the danger she put herself into.”


	To Be Continued in…


	Clash of the Tyrants

> Arc 17-3: Clash of the Tyrants
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


	Clash of the Tyrants



Chaos had filled the air of the banquet hall of Canterlot Castle.  Ponies were confused or distressed.  Princess Celestia spoke with Captain Guard Thompson and Wonderbolt Captain Airazor.  Queen Novo held Lemony Gem close to her while Princess Skystar cuddled Twilight Sparkle.  Princess Cadance comforted Shining Armor from behind.  Buttercup, Spoiled Rich, Sunlight Starscout and Bright-Eyes Starshine rocked Apple Bloom, Diamond Tiara, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, who were all crying in unison.  Spike and Abigail held each other in fear and for the worry of Wanda and Sunset.   Silver Banks, Filthy Rich, Canter Zoom, Chancellor Cinch and Argyle Starshine comforted the rest of the guests, while the younglings all gathered together.
“What the hay just happened?” Applejack asked.
“Just when it looked like Buck Withers and Lemony Gem were about to tie the knot,” Pinkie Pie said, “Queen Chrysalis appeared out of nowhere, caused Buck Withers to take her side and take Wanda and Sunset, and now they’re being ransomed off for Twilight Sparkle and the kingdom’s surrender.”
“That is a lot to think about,” Adagio Dazzle said.
“I’m more worried about the fate of Wanda and Sunset right now,” Fluttershy said.
“We all are,” Sunburst said.  “They were in danger before.  But not on this level.”
“When I get my hooves on that smug jerk,” Rainbow Dash yelled, “I’m gonna smash her teeth out.”
“Easy, Rainbow,” Applejack said.  “The last thing you need to do is to fly into that witch’s trap.”
“Are you out of your mind?” Rainbow Dash said.  “When I get my hooves on that butter-faced bug, I’ll make em go SPLAT!”
But before Rainbow Dash could fly off, Applejack grabbed her by the tail and pulled the rainbow-colored pegasi down to her level.
“I said, easy Rainbow,” Applejack said, glaring at Rainbow Dash.  “We already lost Wanda and Sunset.  We don’t need to lose you as well.”
“Applejack’s right,” Cozy Glow said.  “Two girls that I’ve known close to me are in the hooves of Queen Chrysalis, and you want to go out and get yourself captured by her?”
Rainbow Dash just glared at both Applejack and Cozy Glow before she said “You’re despicable.”
As Rainbow Dash trotted off in a huff, a confused Danged Spell walked up to the two girls. 
“What the hay has gotten in with Rainbow Dash?” Danged Spell asked.
“Gal wants to go hoof-to-hoof with Queen Chrysalis,” Applejack said.  “And we know how that will turn out.”
“Well as much I want to tackle that heifer of a queen, suicide missions ain’t on my radar,” Danged Spell said.  “Besides, the moment I confront her, she’ll disable my magic and wolf’s breath curse like her minion before her.  That would make me a sitting duck.”
“Well at least you have some form of common sense,” Cozy Glow said.  “Kinda wish some other pony thought the same way.”
“Ahhh she’s just venting like I usually do,” Danged Spell said. “All I know is that if I see any changeling that tries to attack us, I’ll sink my teeth into ‘em, and make em pay for what they did to Buck Withers.”
Cozy Glow just looked at Spell and said with a disappointed tone “At least you were trying.”
But nearby, Twilight Sparkle continued to cry into Princess Skystar’s chest as Princess Celestia, Queen Novo, Lemony Gem, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor walked up to her.
“Twilight,” Princess Celestia said.  “Are you okay, my faithful student?”
“No,” Twilight said as she turned to her mentor.  “Wanda and Sunset are gone, and Buck Withers has gone rogue.”
Celestia placed her hoof on Twilight’s shoulder and said “Do not worry.  They will return.  I promise you that.”
“Please do,” Twilight said before she cried back into Skystar’s chest.  “I can’t bear to see what happens to them.”
“I don’t know what they did to Buck Withers,” Shining Armor said.  “But this time, Queen Chrysalis has gone too far.”
“First she attacked us during the Grand Gallopin Gala,” Princess Cadance said.  “Then she sends the Predacons to do her dirty work, and now she had the gall to ruin Lemony Gem’s wedding and take my sisters.”
“If this were a wedding between me and you, Caddy,” Shining Armor said, “I fear I would have fallen for the same trap.  In fact, I fear it would have been worse than what she did.”
“I was thinking the same thing,” Princess Cadance said.  “If we ever have a wedding, we would have to put up maximum security around the city.”
“And even then,” Shining Armor said as Princess Cadance placed her hoof around his shoulders.  “It wouldn’t be enough.”
As Princess Skystar comforted Twilight Sparkle, Queen Novo walked up to her daughter with a solemn look on her face, while Lemony Gem stood by the hippogriff queen.
“Mother,” Skystar said.  “Why must we suffer at the hooves of such horrible faces?”
“It is because they desire power over everything else,” Queen Novo explained.  “Like the Storm King who attacked our kingdom.”
“I heard about the wrath of this Storm King,” Lemony Gem said.  “I take it he’s as horrible as Queen Chrysalis.”
“Far more,” Queen Novo said.  “But right now, our concern is with the well-being of your groom and the two daughters of Princess Celestia.”
“There is a part of me that is to blame for allowing that Queen to take my Bucky and Celestia’s daughters,” Lemony Gem explained.
“And the other part?” Queen Novo asked.
“That part wants to see Chrysalis get her just desserts for taking my groom, taking Celestia’s children and ruining my wedding in one day,” Lemony Gem fumed, stomping her hoof on the ground.
“That’s the spirit,” Queen Novo said.  “And in due time, she will get what’s coming to her.”

Meanwhile, in the depths of a secret changeling hideout underneath Canterlot, Queen Chrysalis gloated alongside her daughter Princess Chrysalis II.  Buck Withers stood tall next to the mother and daughter duo, while Wanda and Sunset were trapped helplessly inside a transparent green cocoon, staring out at the changelings and Buck.
“My master plan worked like a charm,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “We caught two of Princess Celestia’s snot-nosed brats and Lemony Gem’s husband-to-be.”
“You mean husband-not-to-be,” Princess Chrysalis II said.
“Well that too,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “But it feels so great to finally pay back that meddlesome Princess Celestia.  Soon, she will turn Twilight Sparkle and her kingdom over to me, and it won’t be long until my new captives will become the newest members of the hive.”
“You’re ridiculous if you think we’ll join your cause, you despicable witch,” Sunset Shimmer yelled, pounding the cocoon’s transparent wall with her hoof.”
“If you’re trying to anger me, you’re doing a horrible job,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “And don’t bother trying to break out.  The membrane of that cocoon can absorb blunt and sharp damage, and can also nullify magic of all types.  Face it.  You’re my new prisoners.”
As Sunset Shimmer continued to pound the wall of the cocoon in frustration, Queen Chrysalis’ ears picked up the sound of wings buzzing.  She turned around and saw Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator fly in.
“Ahh, the Predacon Brothers,” Queen Chrysalis said. “I take it you got my message and had some fun with that meddlesome Gold Banks.”
“We have, Royalty,” Inferno said as he, Quickstrike and Waspinator land near Queen Chrysalis.  “And you’ve captured the two daughters of Princess Celestia.”
Queen Chrysalis scooted to the side and said “See for yourself.”
Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator walked up to the cocoon where Wanda and Sunset were trapped inside, completely helpless.
“Well well well,” Inferno said.  “Looks like our queen has managed to capture the Man’s Cub and her feisty sister.”
“When my mother comes to rescue us,” Sunset Shimmer snarled, “You’re going to wish you never stepped hoof in Canterlot, you no good, hunk of worm food.”
“Was that supposed to anger me?” Inferno laughed.
“I’d say this brat here needs a lesson in manners,” Quickstrike said.  “Don’t ya, you spoiled child?”
“Calling me a spoiled child is one thing,” Sunset replied.  “But you leave my sister alone.”
“Is that a fact?” Quickstrike said, turning his gaze over to Wanda.  “Well all bets are off, Sunny.”
“So,” Inferno said, poking at the cocoon.  “How does it feel to know that you will become a part of the hive?”
“I don’t want to be a changeling,” Wanda cried.  “I just want to be with my mommy again.”
“Well tough,” Quickstrike said.  “You’re going to be a part of the hive, and you’re going to like it.  In fact, you would be perfect as the fourth member of the Predacons.”
“Yeah,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator down with a Predacon sister.  Better than being in the hooves of that loser Celestia.”
As the Predacons burst into laughter, Wanda’s eyes began to fill with tears.  She tried to hold it in, only to break out crying.
“I DON’T WANT TO BE A PREDACON!” Wanda cried.  “I WANT TO SEE MY MOMMY AND MY FRIENDS AGAIN!”
As Wanda broke down crying, Sunset Shimmer turned to her and gave her a hug out of sympathy.  Queen Chrysalis and Princess Chrysalis II walked up to the laughing Predacons, their smile still bare for them to see.
“Aww, now you went and made her cry,” Queen Chrysalis joked.  “You must be punished for this.”
“Then grant us our punishment,” Inferno said.  “What consequences do we have to pay?”
“Head up to the surface and scare those ponies as instructed,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Make sure they suffer so great, they never want to crawl out of bed again.”
“At once, my queen,” Inferno bowed.
With that, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator flew off towards one of tunnels, leaving Queen Chrysalis, Princess Chrysalis II and Buck Withers alone with Wanda and Sunset.
“What are you up to?” Sunset snarled.
“Oh I’m not going to stop with Twilight Sparkle’s capture,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “I wanna leave my mark on Equestria.  I want every pony to remember the name of Queen Chrysalis.  And I want to make sure that this day will be perfect.”
“You won’t get away with this,” Sunset yelled. 
“I beg to differ,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “I already have.”
“Whine all you want,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “It won’t save you from the likes of us.”
Suddenly, Locust comes flying in like he’d seen a ghost.  The frantic noise coming from his wings was enough to catch everyone’s attention.
“Locust,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Judging by the looks on your face, it appears we have an intruder.”
“Not just any intruder, your majesty,” Locust said. “An alicorn.  And she’s got a youngling by her side.”
“An alicorn?” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Seems Princess Celestia decided to heed my warning and bring me Twilight Sparkle.”
“It is not, my queen,” Locust said.  “This one goes under the name of Magistrate Creme Dream.”
“The Magistrate of Equestria?” Chrysalis said, confused.  “Why would the Magistrate of Equestria desire an audience with me?”
“I don’t know, my queen,” Locust said as he pointed to his burnt rear end.  “But that brat who accompanied her did this to me.”
Princess Chrysalis II took a close look at Locust’s behind, glaring at the burnt marks, all while Queen Chrysalis looked down the very cave that Locust came out of.
“It appears we’ve attracted the attention of the Magistrate of Equestria,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “And if my judgment is correct, the brat that accompanied her is her daughter Majesty.”
Princess Chrysalis II turned to her mother and said “Would you like for me to help you quash these interlopers?”
“Why not?” Queen Chrysalis giggled.  “After all, I could use the practice before we finish off Princess Celestia.  Come, my daughter.  We shall teach this Magistrate and her daughter a lesson on who rules this world.”
Flapping their wings as fast as possible, Queen Chrysalis and Princess Chrysalis II flew up into the air before turning around and faced Locust.
“Locust,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Ensure that no one tries to break in and take my hostages and my newest play thing.  Understood?”
“At once, your majesty,” Locust saluted.
With that, Queen Chrysalis and Princess Chrysalis II flew off down the tunnel that Locust came out of, leaving the majordomo of the changelings behind with the mind-controlled Buck Withers, and the cocoon with Wanda and Sunset still stuck inside.  But as Locust stood tall for his Queen and Princess, Buck Withers scooted over to the cocoon and slightly shifted his head to the girls.
“Psst,” Buck Withers whispered.  “You heard what he said, right?”
“I did,” Sunset whispered.  “Magistrate Creme Dream is here.  I can’t tell if that’s a good thing or a bad thing.”
“Personally,” Wanda cried.  “I’m more scared of Creme Dream than I am of Chrysalis.”

Meanwhile, Queen Chrysalis and Princess Chrysalis II flew down into another portion of the underground changeling lair, looking around the premises.  Queen Chrysalis looked rather tense compared to her daughter.
“Are you sure she’s around here?” Princess Chrysalis II asked.
“I’m sure of it, my daughter,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “I can actually smell a powerful stench nearby.  One that’s far more potent than the likes of Princess Celestia.”
“Well now.  That’s no way to treat the real ruler of Equestria.”  Queen Chrysalis and Princess Chrysalis II turned towards a nearby doorway, to which Magistrate Creme Dream and Majesty walked on in.  Chrysalis observed Creme Dream’s form and looked rather startled.
“You must be Magistrate Creme Dream,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “I never expected the Magistrate of Equestria to be like Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.”
“Indeed I am,” Magistrate Creme Dream said.  “I’ve heard about your plan to conquer Equestria and capture this…Twilight Sparkle.”
“Oh I’ve been desiring revenge on Twilight Sparkle ever since she blasted me to the stratosphere,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “And once I have her, I will turn her into a changeling and have her aid my kind into conquering Equestria, and enslaving every pony into feeding us love.”
“An ambitious plan,” Magistrate Creme Dream said with a yawn.  “Except it’s highly flawed.”
“What do you mean by that?” Queen Chrysalis said, glaring at Creme Dream.
“Didn’t you get the memo?” Creme Dream replied.  “This whole wedding was a trap set for you.”
“A trap?” Chrysalis snarled, her tone becoming hostile.
“Don’t you realize why the wedding was made in the first place?” Creme Dream asked.  “Why Princess Celestia allowed you to sneak in and kidnap her daughters?  Or why Buck Withers allowed you to place him under your control?”
“Don’t you DARE mock my plan, hag,” Chrysalis yelled.
“Oh I’m not mocking your plan, Queen Chrysalis,” Creme Dream said.  “I’m merely criticizing the fact that you allowed your ego to get the best of you.  In fact, your obsession with wanting revenge on this Twilight Sparkle, and your desire to turn her and two of Princess Celestia’s daughters into changelings, is your weakness.  A weakness that will see to you and your kind’s persecution.”
In a blind rage, Queen Chrysalis fired a blast of magic, hitting Creme Dream dead on.  The Magistrate fell to the ground while Majesty just stared at her mother with a sinister look on her face.  Queen Chrysalis looked down at Creme Dream and laughed as the Magistrate slowly got up.
“You fool,” Queen Chrysalis laughed.  “You left yourself wide open.  Now I have disabled every inch of your magic, rendering you helpless against my wrath.  You are nothing without.”
But Creme Dream just picked herself up and dusted herself off before looking up at Queen Chrysalis.
“A hex that blocks the user from casting magic,” Creme Dream said.  “It’s powerful enough to even cripple an alicorn.  Impressive….but not so much.”
Suddenly, Creme Dream’s horn lit up and she fired a blast of magic right at Queen Chrysalis, who barely had any time to react before she was hit by it, knocking her down.
“MOTHER!” Princess Chrysalis II whined.
Queen Chrysalis slowly got herself up and said “How?  How did you resist my hex?”
“You forget one thing,” Magistrate Creme Dream said.  “I’m far older than Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.   In fact,  I may be older than their mother Queen Eternia.  I’ll go as far as to say that your petty little trick won’t work on me.”
“That’s it,” Queen Chrysalis roared, steam pouring out of her nose.  “The gloves are off.  I’ll have to beat you the old fashion way: BRUTALLY!”
Queen Chrysalis stared down Magistrate Creme Dream as her daughter Princess Chrysalis II stood by the changeling matriarch, who bent down a bit as if she were ready to launch an attack.
“Would you like for me to take out that snot-nosed brat?” Princess Chrysalis II asked.
“Do it,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “The Magistrate is mine.”
On the opposite side, Magistrate Creme Dream stared down the tense Queen Chrysalis, her smile not leaving her face, while Majesty stood by her mother.
“Go have some fun with her pathetic excuse for a daughter,” Magistrate Creme Dream said.
“It will be my pleasure,” Majesty said.
Both Queen Chrysalis and Magistrate Creme Dream stared each other down, neither side moving an inch.  They both snorted in anticipation, not letting their eyes drift away from each other.   While Chrysalis looked serious, Creme Dream’s smile never left her face.
And with a kick of dust into the air, Queen Chrysalis and Magistrate Creme Dream charged each other while Princess Chrysalis II and Majesty followed suit.  The two adult mares fired blasts of magic at each other while dodging the shots from their respective foe.  Once they got up front, they both charged up their horns before firing magic at point-blank range.  The blast was so powerful, it sent both Chrysalis and Creme Dream down to the floor while their daughter tackled each other.
“LET ME GO YOU SPOILED DIVA!” Chrysalis II yelled while Majesty pulled on her mane.
“You’re one to speak, you self-centered Princess,” Majesty said before Chrysalis II flung her to the ground.
Majesty got back up and blasted Chrysalis II point blank, knocking her to the floor.  Princess Chrysalis II got back up before she fired back at Majesty, who only dodged out of the way.
“Try that again,” Majesty smirked.
“With pleasure,” Chrysalis II said before she fired a few shots at Majesty.
As Creme Dream and Chrysalis got back up, they charged each other again before clashing their horns at one another in a deadlock.
“How does it feel to know that you will be the first to feel my wrath?” Queen Chrysalis said, holding back against Creme Dream.  “Once I’m done with you, your precious princess will be the next to fall.”
“Your wrath?” Creme Dream said.  “All that pent-up rage deep within your veins, and you can’t even phase me with your worst.”
WIth a flash of magic from her horn, Creme Dream knocked Chrysalis away from her, sending her sliding back before coming to a stop.  Queen Chrysalis rose back up and faced Creme Dream.
“You take that back you insolent fool,” Queen Chrysalis yelled.
As Creme Dream charged Chrysalis again, the changeling queen fired off multiple blasts of magic.  While Creme Dream dodged most of the shots, one of them hit her square in the face, knocking her to the ground once more.
“Never underestimate my wrath,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “For it is a true representation of my power.”
Magistrate Creme Dream got back up and looked at the side of her face, spotting a black mark on it.
“Impressive,” Creme Dream said.  “You knocked me down again.  You really are that determined to take me down.   But it will do you no good.”
“What do you mean by that?” Chrysalis asked.
“Simple,” Creme Dream said.  “I can do more with THIS!”
Immediately, Magistrate Creme Dream disappeared in front of Queen Chrysalis’s eyes, startling the changeling.  But in a flash, Creme Dream appeared behind Queen Chrysalis and fired a blast of magic at her, sending her flying right into a wall before she fell down.
“Like I said,” Creme Dream said.  “I’m far older than Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.  My magic has far more potential compared to the likes of you.”
But as Queen Chrysalis slowly got up, Creme Dream teleported right behind the bug pony and blasted her again, sending Chrysalis flying upwards before crashing down onto the floor.
“Is that your best?” Creme Dream laughed.  “You are nothing compared to me.  Not only am I more powerful, I am also more focused.  You let yourself be blinded by your own rage. That…is what makes you…weak.”
“Nobody calls me weak,” Queen Chrysalis said as she got up.
“We’ll see about that,” Creme Dream said.
Once again, Creme Dream teleported and reappeared right behind Chrysalis.  But before the Magistrate prepared to blast Chrysalis, the changeling queen countered with a blast of her own magic, knocking the Magistrate down.
“You’re not fooling me again with your trick,” Queen Chrysalis said.
As the Magistrate got up, she let out a horrifying laugh that caused unease within the changeling queen.
“What’s so funny?” Queen Chrysalis said.
“You know what I find hilarious about you?” Magistrate Creme Dream replied.  “You’re so easy to agitate.  So easy to anger.  And I’ve been turning your own anger against you.”
“Don’t you dare mock my wrath,” Queen Chrysalis stomped.
“Oh I beg to differ,” Creme Dream replied as her horn charged up.  “That is just a small sample of my mockery to you.”
Noticing Creme Dream’s horn charging up, Queen Chrysalis charged her own horn up before she fired a powerful blast of magic at the Magistrate, who countered by firing off her blast of magic.  The two blasts collided with each other, pushing back and forth while Queen Chrysalis and Magistrate Creme Dream held firm.
“Do you give up?” Queen Chrysalis said.
“Me?  Give up?” Creme Dream chortled.  “You should ask yourself that question.”
“THAT’S IT!” Chrysalis yelled.
Queen Chrysalis pushed her magical beam forward, putting a lot of pressure on Creme Dream and her magic.  But the Magistrate refused to be deterred.
“So this is the power of her anger,” Creme Dream said.  “Raw and untapped.  And yet, powered by an unstable mind.”
With her horn glowing bright, Magistrate Creme Dream pushed back at Chrysalis’s magic, causing the changeling queen to sweat.  She struggled to push the magic back as the ends inched closer to her.
“Must…not….let…her..WIN!” Chrysalis struggled.
With one last push, Queen Chrysalis thrusted her magic towards Magistrate Creme Dream until they were evened out.  The two adversaries held out, struggling to push the ends of their magic back at each other until…
With a loud boom, the center of the magical streams explode, sending both Chrysalis and Creme Dream flying back in the opposite directions until they each hit their corresponding walls.  The blast was enough to catch the attention of Majesty and Chrysalis II, who were horrified by their respective mothers’ fall.
“Mother,” both Majesty and Chrysalis II yelled.
But both Creme Dream and Chrysalis got back up on their four hooves in an instant.  They stared each other down as if they were ready to tear each other apart.
“No one has lasted this long against me,” Creme Dream said.  
“And you’ve managed to top Twilight Sparkle when it comes to irritating ponies,” Chrysalis snarled.
“Believe me,” Creme Dream replied.  “I’ve only scratched the surface.”
The two adult mares stared down each other before they charged once more, firing blasts of magic at each other while once again dodging the opposing shots.  They flew into the air, firing and dodging once more while neither alicorn nor changeling seemed to tire.
“Give it up,” Creme Dream said.  “You are simply no match for me.”
“NEVER!” Chrysalis yelled.  “I WILL NEVER GIVE UP TO THE LIKES OF YOU!”
Auras surrounded Queen Chrysalis and Magistrate Creme Dream as they collided with each other, creating a powerful explosion that filled the entire room.  Once Majesty and Chrysalis II saw the explosion, they wasted no time fleeing the vicinity towards another room in hopes of not being consumed by this magical blast.


Meanwhile, back above ground in the city of Canterlot, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score were still keeping a close eye out for a single changeling.  Joining them were Rolling Thunder, Short Fuse, Flim and Flam, whose eyes were on Karen the Alicorn Bulldog.
“Are you sure we can’t release her now?” Rolling Thunder asked.
“Not yet,” Hoops replied.  “Not until we see a single changeling in the air.”
“Guess you really want the glory of taking them out,” Rolling Thunder replied.
“Of course,” Hoops said.  “I hate to say this, but that monkey changed my outlook on life.”
“As long as we get a shot at those bad bugs,” Short Fuse said, “I’m fine with that.”
“You’ll get your shot,” Rolling Thunder said.  
Dumbbell’s eyes were quick to see the Predacon brothers emerge from the nearby ground and fly up into the air.  He turned towards Hoops and pointed him upwards.
“There,” Dumbbell said.  “They’re here.”
“Let’s get that mutt loose,” Hoops said.
“We’ll take care of that,” Flim responded.”
Flam pulled out a pair of bolt cutters as he and Flim ran up to Karen the dog, who just whimpered in silence.  
“Don’t you worry,” Flam said.  “We’ve got just the thing.”
Immediately, Flam nudged the bolt cutters into the hook that kept Karen leashed up to the dog house.  With a powerful squeeze, the bolt cutters broke the hook.  The dog got up on her four legs and barked excitedly.
“We’re not done yet,” Flim said.  “There’s still that muzzle to take care of.”
Flam hooked the bolt cutter right into the strap of the muzzle and squeezed hard, severing it and loosening the muzzle from Karen’s snout.  The bulldog barked loudly before she turned to Flam and started licking his face.
“Hey, cut that out,” Flam said.  “We have a job to do.”
Karen ran up to Hoops, Dumbbell and Score, who looked eager to jump right into the battle.  Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse stood by them while Flim and Flam ran up to the rest of the group.
“So this is it,” Score said.  “We get to fight the changelings.”
“Let’s do this,” Hoops said. “Scrappies forever.”
With that, Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder, Short Fuse and Karen ran off towards the center of the city, all while the changelings poured in over Canterlot’s wall.


	To Be Continued in…


	The Truth is Out

> Arc 17-4: The Truth is Out
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Truth is Out



In the skies above Canterlot, a number of changelings flew up to the Predacon Brothers, who looked ready to strike.  Below them, citizens from across the city looked up in sheer terror at the swarm of changelings.
“Inferno,” one of the changelings said. “I take it the queen has her hostages in her position.”
“Correct,” Inferno replied.  “It is only a matter of time before Princess Celestia surrenders her kingdom and the fiend known as Twilight Sparkle.”
“What is your command for the time being?” Another changeling asked.
Inferno looked down at the cowering ponies, and his face drew out a sinister smile.
“Go have fun with those soft skins,” Inferno commanded.
“At once,” the changeling saluted.
Immediately, the changelings flew down into the streets of the city.  The scared citizens screamed loudly as they fled into the homes and barricaded the doors.  Some of the changelings broke through the windows before the ponies could react, sending them into complete horror.  
“That looks fun,” Waspinator said, observing his brethren terrorize the ponies.  “Waspainator wants in on the action.”
“Go knock yourself out, brother,” Quickstrike said.  “And make it really funny.”
“With pleasure,” Waspinator said.
Waspinator flew down to the street and transformed into an earth pony in a pizza delivery uniform.  He picked up a nearby pizza box and walked up to one of the doors before knocking on it.
“Pizza guy,” the disguised Waspinator said in a generic voice.
“Pizza?” One pony said, opening the door.  “I don’t recall ordering a pizza.”
“No,” Waspinator said, transforming back into his changeling form.  “You didn't, you idiot.”
Waspinator cackled loudly as the pony screamed in horror.  She slammed the door on Waspinator, only for the Predacon changeling to throw the empty box down and jump right through the window.  The screams of the ponies inside went loud as Waspinator’s cackle became disturbing.  In a flash, the door ripped open as the pony and three others ran out, leaving Waspinator in there to revel in his moment.
Back in the sky, Quickstrike was laughing out loud, looking down at the mayhem in Canterlot.
“I can’t believe that brother of ours went all out on those soft skins,” Quickstrike laughed.
“Ahh, but that is just a small taste of our capabilities,” Inferno said.  “Let us make haste for the castle.”
“You’re right,” Quickstrike said as he flew up to the other changelings.  “You heard my brother.  Let’s see if we can take the castle and Twilight Sparkle before they surrender.
The other changelings cheered in unison before they followed Inferno and Quickstrike towards the castle.

Meanwhile, in the Grand Foyer of Canterlot Castle, everyone looked out the window to see the changelings ascend to their location, and nearly every one of them gasped in fear.  
“I thought the last time they invaded us was bad,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “But never on this level.”
“They don’t have the Windigo’s Guild to back them up,” Princess Luna explained.  “But they’re still a menacing force to deal with.”
Twilight Sparkle backed up from the window, looking as if she were ready to cower.
“I suggest we all take the portal to the Golden Land and hide out,” Twilight said.  “I’m not ready to be taken to Queen Chrysalis.”
“Not me,” Rainbow Dash said, pounding her hooves into the ground.  “I’m ready to take those bug-brains on.”
“I’m with you on that, ArrDee,” Danged Spell said, standing next to Rainbow Dash.
“Rainbow, Spell,” Twilight said.  “Are you crazy?  You’ll get yourselves killed.”
“Rainbow Dash and Danged Spell are right,” Princess Celestia said as she and Queen Novo stood tall.  “We make our stand here, but we wait until they crash through.”
“Princess,” Twilight yelled in frustration.  “Are you out of your mind?  They’re going to overwhelm us.”
“Twilight,” Princess Celestia said.  “I think it’s time you knew the truth that we intended to tell you.”
“Leave that to me, your majesty,” Lemony Gem said, approaching Twilight.
“What?” Twilight said, confused.  “What is going on?”
“Twilight,” Lemony Gem said.  “Buck Withers and I allowed Princess Celestia to make this wedding a trap set for Queen Chrysalis.”
Twilight’s eyes shrunk down in disbelief as her jaw dropped to the floor.
“SAY WHAT?” Twilight yelled.
Princess Celestia approached the dismayed Twilight Sparkle and said “Believe it or not, we noticed that Queen Chrysalis was starting to become agitated in her desire to capture you and bring down our kingdom.  Buck Withers and Lemony Gem approached us with the idea of hosting their wedding here to bait the changeling queen out.”
“But what about the fact that Buck Withers was under Queen Chrysalis’ spell?” Twilight asked.
“A special enchantment sent by a spy of ours,” Princess Celestia said.  “She cast it on Buck Withers so that when Queen Chrysalis tried to control him, she would be under a false assumption that Buck was under her control.”
“So Buck was only faking it?” Twilight said.
“Yes,” Princess Cadance said, walking up to Twilight with Shining Armor by her side.  “There was also the matter of the rings.  They weren’t just given to Wanda and Sunset by Buck Withers to have them be the ring bearers.  It was to remind them to get ready to play their role.”
“Buck Withers knew what he was doing,” Lemony Gem said.  “So did Wanda and Sunset.”
“What are you talking about?” Twilight asked.
“Wanda and Sunset volunteered to be taken captive by Queen Chrysalis,” Shining Armor said.  “They let Buck Withers capture them to lure the queen into a false sense of victory.”
“Are they crazy?” Twilight said.  “Why wasn’t I told of this?”
“Because you were so caught up in your status as the flower girl,” Celestia laughed, “That you didn’t pay attention to what Wanda was going to tell you.”
Twilight’s face slumped down from shocked to disappointed as her ears flopped down.
“Oh,” Twilight said.  “Guess I screwed up.”
“It’s okay, Twilight,” Celestia laughed.  “You wanted to play your part in this event, and there’s still a chance you can.”
“Really?” Twilight said as her tone turned to excitement.  “What can I do?”
Princess Celestia reached down and whispered into Twilight Sparkle’s ear.  The filly let out a smug smile before turning towards her mentor.
“Count me in,” Twilight said.
Suddenly, Golden Lace tapped Princess Celestia on the shoulder, catching the alicorn’s attention.
“They’re about to crash through in about any second,” Golden Lace said.  “What shall we do?”
“Get yourselves ready, everyone,” Princess Celestia said, standing her ground.  “We’re about to give them the ride of their lives.”
Queen Novo turned towards her Hippogriff guards, who stood proud and ready.
“You all know the drill,” Queen Novo commanded.
“Yes, your majesty,” The guards saluted.
“Excellent,” Queen Novo said.  “Then it’s time to spring the trap.”
Everyone stood up in the front portion of the Grand Foyer, awaiting the moment when the changelings were to break through.  Twilight Sparkle ran up to the other younglings, especially Rainbow Dash and Danged Spell who were itching to fight back.
“You got your head in the game, Twilight?” Moondancer asked.
“I do,” Twilight said.  “If those changelings think they’re going to take me away, they can try.”
“That’s the spirit,” Moondancer replied.  “Let’s show them that we mean business.”
Danged Spell looked at Rainbow Dash and said “Bet I can take down more changelings than you can.”
“Bring it on, wingless,” Rainbow Dash replied while Danged Spell smirked back at her.
Everyone braced for the worst as the changelings slammed through the windows and dove at the resistance group.  The hippogriffs and the Wonderbolts leaped into the air, hoping to tackle down some of the invaders.

Meanwhile, back in the underground changeling lair, Locust had his eyes kept on Wanda and Sunset, still trapped within the cocoon.  Sunset was fuming mad, but Wanda was in tears.  Nearby, Buck Withers stood tall, though his attention was directed at Locust and his hoof in one of his coat pockets.
“Aww,” Locust said.  “Do you miss your mommy?”
“Not only do I miss our mother,” Sunset said.  “I also miss my freedom.”
“Well tough,” Locust taunted.  “You’re not going anywhere.”
“But I don’t like being stuck here,” Wanda cried.  “I don’t want to be a changeling and I want my mommy.”
“Do I look like I want to sympathize with you?” Locust said.  “Face it.  You’re now going to be a part of the hive whenever you like it or not.  Our queen will soon have Twilight Sparkle and your kingdom in our grasp and your mother will be no more.  And as a matter of fact, we…”
But before Locust could finish his speech, Buck Withers pulled out a small club from his pocket and smacked the changeling on the head, knocking him in a daze before he collapsed.  Buck turned towards Wanda and Sunset, to which the former stopped crying and the latter calmed down.
“Thanks for shutting him up,” Sunset Shimmer said.
“To be honest,” Buck Withers said, pulling out a knife from another pocket.  “I was getting tired of his talking.”
Buck Withers punctured the cocoon with the knife and slid it downwards, tearing the walls of the cocoon open.  Wanda and Sunset poured out from the cocoon, covered in a slimy subsistence.
“I am going to need a bath when this is over,” Sunset Shimmer said.
“How did my crying turn out, Mr Withers?” Wanda asked.
“You hooked that fool with your acting, little Wanda,” Buck Withers said.
“Guess all those horrible memories of mine paid off,” Wanda giggled.
Sunset looked down at the unconscious Locust and said “What should we do with this guy?”
“He’s coming with us,” Buck Withers said, pulling out a rope from a third pocket.  “As insurance in case we get lost and in case she finds out.”
Buck Withers tied the rope around Locust, binding his arms to his side and his legs together.  Wanda activated her wings and slowly picked up Locust, struggling to keep him in the air.
“Place him on my back,” Buck Withers said.  “I’ll know what to do.”
Sunset Shimmer used her magic to hold Locust up, allowing Wanda to position the unconscious changeling on Buck Wither’s back.  With the rest of the rope, Sunset Shimmer tied up Locust to Buck Withers.  Then she secured it with a knot to keep that changeling still.
“It’s done,” Sunset said.
“Now let’s go out the opposite way before she finds out,” Buck Wither said.
Wanda and Sunset nodded before they followed Buck Withers out the doorway with Locust tied to the top of his back, all while leaving a club and a knife behind.

Meanwhile, back at the lone portion of the lair, Queen Chrysalis continued her fight against Magistrate Creme Dream, dodging the alicorn’s blast of magic while firing back at her.  Though the magistrate looked calm, Queen Chrysalis began to tire.  Sweat poured from her forehead.  The two mares came to a stop as they stared each other down.
“Do you…give up?” Queen Chrysalis panted.  “I can…go all day.”
“Oh I still have some fighting spirit left with me,” Magistrate Creme Dream said.  “Though I cannot say the same for you.”
Chrysalis snarled at Creme Dream.  She attempted to charge up her horn, only to lower her head in exhaustion.
“I’m…not finished…yet,” Queen Chrysalis said.
“Of course you aren’t,” Creme Dream said in a sarcastic tone.  “But that being said, you’re far more foolish than you make yourself out to be.”
“What are you talking about?” Queen Chrysalis said.
“While you were fighting me,” Magistrate Creme Dream said, “Your so-called servant Buck Withers escaped and took Princess Wanda Young and Princess Sunset Shimmer.  They made you look like a total fool.”
“YOU LIE!” Chrysalis yelled.
“Don’t believe me?” Creme Dream replied.  “Go see for yourself.  You will be surprised.”
As Magistrate Creme Dream finished speaking, Princess Chrysalis II and Majesty tumbled on in, fighting each other up close.  Queen Chrysalis walked up to the fighting fillies and pulled Chrysalis II out from the pile.
“Hey,” Chrysalis II whined.  “I was winning.”
“Not now,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “If that magistrate is correct, then we’ve been double crossed.  Come.  We must make forth to where our captives are.”
Uggh, fine,” Chrysalis II said in a reluctant tone.
Queen Chrysalis released Princess Chrysalis II from her grip before flying off in the opposite direction.  Princess Chrysalis II glared down at Majesty, who got herself up and stared back at the changeling princess.
“Next time, you soft-skinned aristocrat,” Princess Chrysalis II said.
Flapping her wings, Princess Chrysalis II followed Queen Chrysalis out of the room, leaving Magistrate Creme Dream and Majesty all by themselves.
“So,” Majesty said.  “Do you think they will be upset?”
“Oh far from upset, my daughter,” Magistrate Creme Dream said, laughing in anticipation.  “I can only imagine what will happen once she finds out about the truth.”
With that, Magistrate Creme Dream and Majesty laughed out loud before they walked out of the room.

In a further part of the underground lair, Buck Withers ran as fast as possible with the unconscious Locust tied to his back.  Wanda flew alongside Buck Withers while Sunset ran alongside the duo.
“Do you have any idea where we are?” Sunset asked.
“No,” Buck Withers said.  “The route that we came from obviously has Queen Chrysalis.  So we need to find the second exit and fast.”
“I guess we’re lost,” Wanda said, disappointed.
“What about that changeling we captured?” Sunset asked.
But as Sunset finished speaking, Locust came to, his vision was all blurry and he felt achy.
“Uggh,” Locust said.  “What happened?”
Buck Withers came to a stop, causing Locust to rock back a bit before snapping back into place.  He shook his head and looked down, before becoming horrified at his torso.
“Why?” Locust said.   “Why am I tied up like this?”
Wanda flew down towards Locust, who looked up at her, his face becoming even more horrified.
“How did you break free?” Locust yelled.
“You can thank Buck Withers for tricking your queen into kidnapping us,” Wanda said.
“We’re trying to find our way out of this place,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Tell us.”
“Never,” Locust yelled in defiance.  “I will never speak.”
“You better speak this instant,” Buck Withers commanded.  “Otherwise, I will ask Wanda to deploy her secret weapon.”
“Do your worst,” Locust said in disgust.
“Wanda,” Buck Withers said.  “Pull out the goggles and our secret weapon.”
Wanda reached down to the skirt area of her dress and pulled open a secret compartment that lay hidden.  She pulled out three goggles and gave two of them to Sunset Shimmer before putting on one.  Sunset gave one of the goggles to Buck Withers, who put one on his eyes before Sunset put her goggles on.  
“Everyone ready?” Wanda asked.
“Ready,” Buck Withers said.
Wanda reached into the pocket of her dress’ secret compartment and pulled out two onions and two peelers.  She gave one onion and peeler to Sunset Shimmer before placing her peeler on top of the onion.
“Wait,” Locust said.  “What are you doing?”
“You said: Do your worst,” Wanda said.   “That’s what we’re doing.”
“No,” Locust screamed as he struggled to break free.  “Not that.  ANYTHING BUT THAT!”
Wanda and Sunset immediately started to peel their onions right in front of Locust’s face.  The aroma from the onions started to float out before it moved towards Locust’s eyes, watering them up.  Locust tried to hold it in, only to break out crying.
“YOU MONSTERS!  YOU SOCIOPATHS!” Locust cried.  “YOU ARE THE MOST EVIL CRETINS I HAVE EVER KNOWN!”
“Then tell us,” Buck Withers said.  “Where is the other exit out of this dump?”
‘YOU WIN!” Locust cried.  “KEEP GOING DOWN THE PATH!  YOU WILL FIND THE EXIT IF YOU KEEP GOING DOWN!”
“Wanda, Sunset,” Buck Withers said.  “Keep those onions next to that changeling.  This is just in case he lies.”
“Right,” Sunset said.
Buck Withers walked down the tunnel with Locust still strapped to his back and still crying.  Wanda and Sunset followed from behind, keeping their peelers close to their respective onions.
“OH GIVE ME A BREAK!” Locust cried.  “I ALREADY TOLD YOU!”
“This is just in case you try any funny business,” Wanda said.  “And besides, you deserve it for what your queen almost did to my mommy.”

Meanwhile, Queen Chrysalis and Princess Chrysalis II flew through the halls of the lair in a hurry.  Queen Chrysalis looked anxious as hell as she sped down the halls.
“Do you think that Buck Withers character and those snot-nosed brats really tricked us?” Princess Chrysalis II asked.
“If that magistrate is correct,” Queen Chrysalis said,  “Then I assume that Buck Withers has double-crossed us and taken the two princesses.”
“But what if this magistrate is lying just to get under our shell?” Princess Chrysalis II asked. 
“Honestly,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “I don’t trust her.  But I got the feeling that she was playing us for a fool.”
But as Queen Chrysalis and Princess Chrysalis II approached the center of the underground lair, their jaws dropped in total appallment.  For not a single soul was in the vicinity, and the only thing that was left was a torn out cocoon with slime dripping out.
“They’re,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “They’re gone.”
“So that magistrate was correct,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “Buck Withers and those sheltered children were playing us for fools.”
Queen Chrysalis flew down towards the torn cocoon and ripped it from the ceiling.  She threw it to the ground and stomped on it in frustration before yelling into the air.
“CURSE THAT BUCK WITHERS!” Queen Chrysalis yelled.  “NO ONE MAKES A MONKEY OUT OF QUEEN CHRYSALIS AND GETS AWAY WITH IT!”
Princess Chrysalis II flew down to the area where Queen Chrysalis continued to smash what’s left of the cocoon.  The filly changeling looked down and saw a club and knife next to it.
“Hey mother,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “Seems those buffoons left their toys behind.”
Queen Chrysalis took a look at the knife and the club before pulling the latter towards her.  She examined the club with her eyes and noticed a slight curve on the round end before taking a sniff at it.
“So not only did Buck Withers play us for a fool,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “He had the gall to knock out Locust.  And judging by a lack of souls anywhere, I assume they took him.”
“So our hostages have made a hostage out of Locust,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “That’s just low.”
“Oh you better believe it,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “And considering that they’re trying to find a way out, they took Locust so that they can force him to lead them out.”
“Shall we go after them?” Princess Chrysalis II said in anticipation.
“Yes,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Let us do so, and teach those sociopaths a lesson.  We’ll take a shortcut.”
With a powerful flap of their wings, Queen Chrysalis and Princess Chrysalis II flew off down another pathway, hoping to catch up with Buck Withers, Wanda Young and Sunset Shimmer.

But down the hallway, Buck Withers walked through the path with Locust still strapped to his back, crying his eyes out.  Behind him, Wanda and Sunset walked behind, still holding their peelers and onions.
“Please let me go,” Locust said.  “I hate onions.”
“Not until we’ve reached the exit,” Buck Withers stated.
“You have got to be kidding me,” Locust cried.
“We aren’t,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Your queen brought us down here, and we’re returning the favor.”
“You are nothing but a trio of sociopaths,” Locust cried.  “You tricked my queen into kidnapping you, broke out and took me in response.”
“Well this is for your own good,” Sunset said as Wanda held her onion tight.
“Oh for crying out loud,” Locust cried.  “Is this the things I get for being a changeling?  This must be it.  Otherwise, you wouldn’t take someone like me.  If I were a pony, I…”
“We’ve reached the exit,” Buck Withers said.  
Everyone came to a stop as they saw an archway with light shining out of it.  Wanda and Sunset looked out, smiling at the warm lucent glow of the exit.
“It’s so pretty,” Wanda said.  
“We’ve only been down here for a few moments,” Sunset said.  “And yet, it feels so warm and inviting.”
“Okay, you’ve reached the exit,” Locust said.  “Now cut me loose.”
“Very well,” Buck Withers sighed.  “Cut him loose.”
Wanda and Sunset scraped the rope around Locust with their peelers.  The fibers of the rope loosened with each rub until the rope came off of Locust, freeing him from his bindings.
“You’re free to go,” Buck Withers said.
“Finally,” Locust said, flying up into the air.  “And not a moment too soon.”
Buck Withers’ ears began to pick up the sound of wings buzzing.  He turned towards Wanda and Sunset before he said “Get behind me.  She knows we’re here.”
Wanda and Sunset hid behind Buck Withers as Queen Chrysalis and Princess Chrysalis II emerged from another pathway before landing in front of the entrance.
“Queen Chrysalis,” Buck Withers said.
“Trickster,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Double-crosser.”
Immediately, Locust flew up to Queen Chrysalis before landing on the ground and bowing before her.
“My queen,” Locust bowed.  “I am so sorry for allowing these soft skins to take me captive.  I will accept any punishment you give me, even death.”
“No,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “It was not your fault that Buck Withers tricked you.  My wrath is now directed to him for what he did.”
Buck Withers reached into his coat pocket and pulled out his whip, cracking it in the air.
“Take your best shot, witch,” Buck Withers said.  
“I must say,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “I never expected a simpleton like you to deceive me with your fake hypnotism.  But your shenanigans are at an end.  I will best you, and I will make sure those two suffer for their insolence.”
Queen Chrysalis and Princess Chrysalis II stared down Buck Withers as Locust hid behind his queen.  But behind Buck Withers, Wanda peeked out, looking up at the queen.
“She’s furious right now,” Wanda said.  “If only mommy were here.  She would show her who’s boss.”
Suddenly, Wanda heard the sound of Sunset aching in pain.  Wanda looked down and saw Sunset begin to transform.
“Oh no,” Wanda said.  “Not now.”
“Wanda…Bucky,” Sunset said, catching Buck Withers’ attention.  “Get…going.  I’ll…handle the queen.”
“What in the world is going on?” Buck Withers asked.
“It’s Sunset,” Wanda said.  “For some reason, she transforms into a demon when we least expect it.”
“Go…now,” Sunset said.  “I’ll…use my…demon form….to best her.”
“Sunset, no,” Wanda said.  “I don’t want you to die.”
“I’ll….be okay,” Sunset said with a smile.  “Worry…about her…well-being.”
Upon noticing that Buck Withers turned her back, Queen Chrysalis flew down towards the groom.
“Don’t you dare turn your back on me, adventurer,” Queen Chrysalis said.  
But Wanda and Buck Withers only stepped to the side as Sunset Shimmer slowly began to transform.
“What is this sorcery?” Queen Chrysalis asked.
“A living curse within my sister,” Wanda said.  “And your worst nightmare.”
Immediately, Wanda jumped onto Buck Withers as he ran as fast as possible through the light, leaving Queen Chrysalis behind with a transforming Sunset Shimmer, and a confused Princess Chrysalis II and Locust.
“Mother,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “What’s going on?”
But Queen Chrysalis was too focused on Sunset Shimmer, whose body morphed from her pony form into a giant she-demon.  The moment its eyes opened up, Demon Sunset looked down at Queen Chrysalis, whose face dropped down in horror.
“Is that one of Celestia’s tricks?” Locust said.
“No,” Chrysalis said, shaking in fear.  “She has a demon in her, and now she’s going to tear us apart.”


	To Be Continued in…


	Conflict of Love

> Arc 17-5: Conflict of Love
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


	Conflict of Love



Queen Chrysalis, Princess Chrysalis II and Locust ran as fast as they could down the hallways of the underground changeling lair.  Right behind them, Demon Sunset pursued the changeling trio, advancing on them with every step.  Neither changeling is able to turn their head out of pure fear.
“What the hay is that?” Princess Chrysalis II yelled.
“An actual demon,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “And it’s not the first time I came face-to-face with these monstrosities.”
“Not the first time?” Locust yelled.
“Long ago before your time, I accidentally stumbled upon a colony of these demon ponies,” Queen Chrysalis explained.  “They were sentient beings like all of us.  But they were also territorial and defensive around their kind.  A few of them nearly killed me back then.”
“I think I recall reading about these demon ponies,” Locust said.  “From what I understand, they’re supposed to be extinct.”
“Exactly,” Queen Chrysalis responded as she ran as fast as possible.  “Long after I came face-to-face with those abominations, someone figured out how to wipe them off the face of this planet.  And as a matter of fact, not even a fragment of bone remains of the demon ponies.  Whoever is responsible did too good a job at ensuring their extinction.”
“If they’re supposed to be extinct,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “Then why do we have one pursuing us?”
“I have no idea,” Queen Chrysalis replied.  “All I can think of is to keep running.  As long as we stay far away from it, we’ll be alright.”
“I have a better idea, my queen,” Locust yelled out, pointing to a nearby doorway.  “It can’t follow us there.”
“Smart idea, Locust,” Chrysalis said.  “Let’s make it to that doorway.”
Queen Chrysalis, Princess Chrysalis II and Locust ran even faster than before towards the nearby doorway, just as Demon Sunset advanced further towards the trio.
“We’re almost there,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “I can finally get that demon out of my face.”
Suddenly, Demon Sunset leaped in the air and landed right in front of the doorway, knocking all three changelings to the ground.  As they got up, the trio saw Demon Sunset roar in their faces.  Locust and Princess Chrysalis II held onto each other, shivering in fear, but Queen Chrysalis slowly got up and faced the giant, demonized filly.
“Locust,” Queen Chrysalis ordered.  “Take my daughter and get through the doorway.  I’ll distract this beast.”
“My queen,” Locust yelled.  “No.”
“I’ll be alright,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Right now, you need to keep her safe.  That’s an order.”
Locust looked up and saw Demon Sunset direct her gaze at Queen Chrysalis, who ran to the side and fired some magic blasts into the air.  Locust turned to Chrysalis and nodded.
“Good luck, my queen,” Locust said, getting himself and Princess Chrysalis II up.  “Glory to the changeling horde.”
As Queen Chrysalis lured Demon Sunset away, Locust held onto Princess Chrysalis II and ran towards the doorway.  But the younger princess reached out in despair.
“MOTHER!” Princess Chrysalis II yelled.  “DON’T LEAVE US!”
“Our queen is doing what she can to ensure your future,” Locust said.  “Don’t let it be in vain.”
“NOT WITHOUT MOTHER!” Princess Chrysalis II yelled.
As Locust took the distressed Chrysalis II through the doorway, Queen Chrysalis ran as fast as she could, firing blasts at Demon Sunset, who chased her through the underground lair.
“You may have gotten me, you abomination,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “But you will never take my hive, nor my daughter.”
Queen Chrysalis leaped onto a nearby cliff and turned towards Demon Sunset.  Before the demonic pony could leap at her, Queen Chrysalis fired a blast of magic right in the demon’s face, temporarily blinding it.  Demon Sunset fell to the bottom of the cliff, landing face-first on the surface.
“As much as I want to gloat about this,” Queen Chrysalis said, “I know one thing about demon ponies.  They have a lot of stamina for a species.”
Queen Chrysalis immediately leaped off the cliff and ran off as Demon Sunset opened her eyes and saw the changeling queen make her escape, to which she slowly got up and chased after the queen once more, roaring loud enough to shake the foundation.
“She doesn’t know when to give up,” Queen Chrysalis said.  
Demon Sunset continued its pursuit of Queen Chrysalis, who jumped through a nearby doorway.  As Demon Sunset came to a stop and looked down at the doorway, Chrysalis peeked her head out, looking up at the demonic pony.
“At least she can’t follow me through this gap,” Queen Chrysalis said.
Demon Sunset opened her mouth wide, and Chrysalis’ eyes began to shrink down.  Energy began to form from the back of Demon Sunset’s mouth as if it were charging up an attack.
“I know where this is going,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “And I’m not in the mood to stick around.”
Immediately, Queen Chrysalis ran far away from the doorway and hid behind a nearby boulder.   She stuck her head out and observed as light began to form in the corridor.
“Demon ponies have the ability to fire magic out of their mouths instead of their horns,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “And to think, I didn’t believe the Predacon brothers when they mentioned this.”
With a powerful explosion, the walls that shaped around the passageway exploded into a powerful light.  Queen Chrysalis ducked back beneath the boulder as the rocks sped past her, holding her hooves atop her head to shield herself from the debris.
“This girl is like a living weapon of destruction,” Queen Chrysalis said as the smaller bits of rock fell on her.  “And there’s no telling what she’ll do next.”
But as Chrysalis finished talking, another blast of energy hit the boulder she was hiding under.  The impact caused the boulder to explode, knocking the changeling queen into the air.  Demon Sunset immediately leaped towards Queen Chrysalis and smacked her hard enough to send her falling downwards.  With a loud thud, Queen Chrysalis hit the floor.
“Uggh,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “How long can I take this?”
Queen Chrysalis quickly turned towards Demon Sunset, who roared loudly into the air.  The demon leaped into the air and dove right towards the changeling queen.
“OH BUG OFF!” Queen Chrysalis yelled as her horn glowed brightly.
With a powerful blast of magic, Queen Chrysalis hit Demon Sunset dead-on, knocking the former filly out of the air and sending it crashing nearby.  Queen Chrysalis immediately got up and looked down at the dazed demon pony.
“That will only buy me some time,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “I must hide before it awakens.”
As Queen Chrysalis turned around and ran off, Demon Sunset slowly opened her eyes and struggled to get back onto its four paws.  But her eyes saw Queen Chrysalis run off, and she roared loudly.  She rolled back onto its belly and slowly got itself up.  Demon Sunset then ran off after Queen Chrysalis, roaring loudly.
Queen Chrysalis ran as fast as she could.  Though the roars of the monster were enough to shake the lair once more, the changeling queen was not deterred.
“If that monstrosity thinks she can beat me,” Queen Chrysalis panted.  “Then she’s got another thing coming.”
Suddenly, Demon Sunset leaped right into the air, flying over Queen Chrysalis.  The queen came to a stop as Demon Sunset landed in front of her before turning around and roaring once more.
“That’s it,” Queen Chrysalis roared as her horn glowed brightly.  “I’ve about had it with the likes of YOU!”
Demon Sunset charged up more magic in her mouth as Queen Chrysalis’s horn glowed even brighter with power.  The two fired off beams of magic at each other, hitting at the separate ends of the streams.  The impact was enough to envelope the room in a bright light.

Meanwhile, above the surface, fighting broke loose between the ponies of Canterlot and the changeling horde.  While some ponies were fleeing the changelings, others were fighting back.  Some used their unicorn horns to fire back with powerful blasts of magic.  Some used their hooves either to hit the changelings directly, or to summon plants to strike the changelings when they least expected it.  Others used their wings to create powerful gusts of wind to send the bug ponies flying.
Emerging from a nearby hole, Buck Withers rode through the city towards the castle with Wanda Young riding on top of him, dodging attacks from the changelings or stray projectiles from their allies.
“Looks like Queen Chrysalis ordered this attack on all of us,” Wanda yelled.
“She did,” Buck Withers said.  “Right now, our only hope is to return to Canterlot Castle and warn everyone of Queen Chrysalis, and of the perils of your sister Sunset Shimmer.”
“I just only hoped that they didn’t get to our friends, my mommy, aunt and sister, and your bride,” Wanda said.
“Even though this was a trap set for Queen Chrysalis,” Buck Withers explained, “I still care for Lemony Gem.  At first, I was disappointed that your sister Princess Cadance couldn’t love me as much as I used to love her.  But after spending some time with Lemony Gem, I realized that love doesn’t have to be bound to royalty.  She cared a whole lot about me, maybe far more than I do with her.  That is when I realized just how love shouldn’t be forced upon others.  It has to take its natural course for two lovers to bond together.”
“That actually makes a lot of sense,” Wanda said.  “But then again, I don’t know if I can find anyone to love, considering that I’m a human in a world full of ponies.”
“You will, one day,” Buck Withers said.  
But Buck Withers came to a stop and looked around.  Changelings began to advance towards his position.
“They’re onto us,” Wanda said as she pulled out her slingshot from her dress’ hidden compartment.
“Brace yourselves, lass,” Buck Withers said.  “We’re in for a long fight.”
Wanda jumped off Buck Withers and aimed her slingshot at a couple of the advancing changelings while Buck Withers pulled out his whip from his coat pocket, eager to fight.  But before one changeling could sneak up behind Wanda, Karen the Alicorn Bulldog appears out of nowhere and bites the changeling in the leg.  The poor fool jumped into the air, screaming his lungs out, and causing the others to turn towards the dog.
“They brought an alicorn bulldog into the fight,” one of the changelings yelled.
“RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!” Another shouted.
Immediately, the changelings that surrounded Wanda and Buck Withers ran off as fast as they could.  The changeling, still with the dog’s teeth sunk into its leg, transforms the part into an octopus’ tentacle.  The slippery surface of the tentacle caused Karen to lose her grip and fall to the ground.  Once the tentacle was free, it transformed back into a leg before the changeling flew off.
“Karen,” Wanda said, approaching the bulldog.  “How did you get here?”
“You can thank us, your majesty,” Wanda, Karen and Buck Withers turned towards a nearby street, where Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse walked up to the trio.
“So this is the infamous Alicorn Bulldog that gave you all a hard time,” Buck Withers said.
“It was,” Score said.  “Until the monkey figured out how to tame her. Then her owner decided to muzzle it as punishment for not being vicious.”
“Chancellor Cinch told me how horrible her owner is,” Buck Withers said.  “But judging by your story, that may be scratching the surface.”
“I take it you both want to get to the castle,” Rolling Thunder asked.
“Of course,” Wanda said.  
“Then follow us,” Rolling Thunder said.  “We, the Scrappies, will lead you through.”
“Not yet,” Flam said.  “We have more trouble coming this way.”
Wanda and Buck Withers looked up to see a number of changelings dive towards their location.  
“You’re right,” Buck Withers said.  “Do you have any means to counter this?”
“As a matter of fact,” Flam said.  “We do.”
Flim and Flam pulled out a pair of blunderbusses attached to what appeared to be tanks attached to their back.  They aimed their weapons at the incoming changelings and fired, emitting a powerful stream of soapy water right in their faces.  Drenched from the suds on their wings, the changelings fell to the ground as they belched out bubbles.
“I know it shouldn’t be right to quote Danged Spell,” Wanda said.  “But they’re all washed up.”
“Real cute with the puns,” Short Fuse said.
“Come on,” Hoops said.  “Let’s make it towards the castle.”
Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim, Flam, Short Fuse and Rolling Thunder lead Wanda, Buck Withers and Karen down the path towards the castle, all while Flim and Flam soaked each changeling that tried to attack the group.  But atop the roof, Princess Luna looked down at the group, and began to worry.
“I see Wanda is alright,” Princess Luna said.  “But Sunset Shimmer is not with them.  I hope she’s alright.”
With that, Princess Luna leaped from the roof and ran off in the opposite direction of the group.

But in another part of the city, Gad Zookes ran as fast as he could, with his own whip wrapped up on his right shoulder.  Behind him were a triage of changelings chasing him down.
“This is the second time that these pests are getting on my nerves,” Gad Zookes said.  “I don’t know what it will take to finally get them off my back.”
Gad Zookes pulled the handle of his whip, unwrapping it from his shoulders.  He whipped a nearby lamp post and swung around as the changelings flew past.  As he swung behind the group, he released his grip from the whip and extended his right leg out, hitting the changeling right behind him and knocking him to the ground.  Gad Zookes flipped forward as he landed on his hooves and ran up to his whip.
“Even the hydra was not this annoying,” Gad Zookes said as he removed his whip from the lamp post.
Suddenly, Gad Zookes noticed a changeling fly out a broken window and land in a nearby trash can. His ears picked up the sound of someone yelling “DON’T YOU DARE INTRUDE ON MY CAFE, AGAIN!”  Gad turned to the building, where Helga Hearthsoup emerged, clutching a frying pan with her right hoof.
“Bug trouble, ma’am?” Gad Zookes asked.
“That’s an understatement,” Helga Hearthsoup said. “I’ve been serving food to the ponies of Equestria and these changelings had the gall to crash their lunch.”
Seeing the changelings surrounding the duo, Gad Zookes and Helga Hearthsoup stood back-to-back as they stared down the insect ponies.
“I heard rumors that you cook up a mean meal,” Gad Zookes said, brandishing his whip.
“Mean is an understatement,” Helga Hearthsoup said as she twirled her frying pan and smacked a changeling that tried to attack her. “It’s been in my family’s legacy to dedicate myself to the ways of cooking.”
“That explains,” Gad Zookes said, grabbing of the changelings with his whip and slamming it to the ground.  “I’ve heard tales about your great-grandfather Hasenpfeffer Hearthsoup, and the legend of his cooking.”
“Aye,” Helga Hearthsoup said, smacking another changeling with her frying pan.  “It was his cooking that got the blessing from Princess Celestia, which made him famous across Equestria.  Since then, the traditions of the Hearthsoup family have been passed down to his children, and to his grandchildren and now to us.  He may be gone, but we Hearthsoups will take up his tradition to keep his legacy alive.”
“I’d say it’s a legacy worth keeping alive,” Gad Zookes said.
But as a changeling attempted to attack the duo, Gad Zookes grabbed it with his whip before swinging it around and releasing it from the whip’s grip.  The changeling went flying until it landed right on a rail, crotch-first.  The changeling screamed in agony before it fell over, holding its crotch in pain.
“Well you know what my father always said when it comes to cooking,” Helga Hearthsoup said, smacking a few more changelings out of the way.  “You can’t make an omelet without breaking some eggs.”
“Worthy advice,” Gad Zookes said, grabbing another changeling with his whip, jumping into the air and slamming it into a nearby fountain.
As more changelings advanced on the duo, they were suddenly surrounded by an aura of magic.  The magical aura lifted the changelings into the air before throwing them into a nearby dumpster.  Helga Hearthsoup just watched with confusion as the dumpster lid shut tight.
“This isn’t what I mean by taking out the trash,” Helga said.
“You’re right.  It isn’t.”  Gad Zookes and Helga Hearthsoup turned to see Princess Luna approach the duo.
“I didn’t expect you to assist us, Princess Luna,” Gad Zookes said.  
“Like I wasn’t going to miss out on the fun,” Princess Luna smirked.  “On a side note, I just found out that Buck Withers and Wanda Young have escaped from Queen Chrysalis.  But I am worried about Sunset Shimmer.”
“That is worrisome,” Gad Zookes said.  “If Sunset is still down there, I fear Queen Chrysalis still has her held captive.”
“If those pests think they can take the sister of one of my favorite diners,” Helga Hearthsoup said, spinning her frying pan like it was nothing, “Then they have another thing coming.”
Suddenly, three changelings ran down the road as if they were screaming for their lives, leaving Gad Zookes and Helga Hearthsoup confused.
“What…just happened?” Helga asked.
“Since you’re new to this phenomenon,” Princess Luna said.  “It’s something called the Wolf’s Breath curse, and a certain colt happens to have it.”
Immediately, Danged Spell ran down the street in pursuit of the changelings, barking wildly with his teeth bare and his eyes glowing yellow.
“Told ya,” Luna said.
Just then, another set of changelings ran down the same street, screaming in agony.  Behind them was Golden Lace, chasing after them in the same condition Danged Spell was in, leaving Helga Hearthsoup surprised.
“That was Gold Banks’ daughter,” Helga Hearthsoup said.  “Why was she acting like that?”
“Well, believe it or not,” Princess Luna explained in an embarrassed tone, “Golden Lace also has the Wolf’s Breath curse like Danged Spell does.”
“Shouldn’t we go after them, just in case?” Gad Zookes asked.
“Good idea,” Princess Luna said.  “Come on.”
With that, Princess Luna, Gad Zookes and Helga Hearthsoup went in pursuit of Danged Spell and Golden Lace.

In another part of town, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Trixie, Ditzy Doo and Juniper Montage were fighting off the changelings.  Despite being smaller than the invaders, they were able to hold them at bay.
“How do you suppose Twilight and the others are handling this?” Fluttershy asked.
“It’s hard to tell after the chaos spilled out from the castle,” Applejack said, holding a pot handle as a makeshift shield.  “But Twilight did say she’ll be fine.”
“Of course she’ll be fine,” Rainbow Dash said, kicking a few changelings away.  “She’s got a brother who’s Royal Guard material.  You think they’ll let those morons get their hooves on her?”
“I don’t know,” Rarity said, blocking the changeling’s magic blast with her magical shields.  “There’s a good chance that Queen Chrysalis could send one of her own stooges to swipe her while he’s busy.”
“That’s a pretty good point, Rarity,” Applejack said, knocking one of the changelings back.  “Rainbow, your take on this?”
“Hogwash,” Rainbow Dash said.  “I don’t believe for a moment that Queen Chrysalis could sneak in one of their own to kidnap Twilight.  You heard what she said about her ransom demands.”
“I don’t know,” Ditzy Doo said.  “I think it would be possible for Chrysalis’s meanies to take Twilight.”
“Hey speaking of meanies,” Pinkie Pie said, “Guess what’s coming down this way.”
Immediately, six changelings ran down the street as fast as possible, screaming for their lives.  Behind them, Danged Spell and Golden Lace chased after them, barking wildly with their teeth bare and their eyes glowing white.
“Golden Lace told me about her Wolf’s Breath Curse,” Juniper said.  “But I never expect it to be like that.”
“It’s something that only applies to certain unicorns,” Trixie said as she held an attacking changeling in the air and threw ‘em into a stack of trash bags.  “Those two are prime examples, and Princess Celestia is also the third.”
“Wait,” Juniper Montage said.  “Princess Celestia has the curse?”
Just then, the fleeing changelings took to the air towards the sky, leaving Danged Spell and Golden Lace barking at them.
“They are, darling,” Rarity said as she slowly approached Danged Spell and Golden Lace.  “I don’t possess the curse, though I wonder if it’s either a good thing or a bad thing.  After all, when their curse is in play, they are far more ferocious.”
Princess Luna ran up from the street towards Danged Spell and Golden Lace, approaching the two Wolf’s Breath younglings.  Behind her were Gad Zookes and Helga Hearthsoup, who saw the rest of the younglings defend themselves against the remaining changelings.
“Seems the youngsters in this city have the audacity to fight back against these cretins,” Helga Hearthsoup said in an amused tone.  “Though I have to say they might as well be declared far more dangerous than they make themselves out to be.”
As Princess Luna approached Danged Spell and Golden Lace, she touched the foreheads of both younglings with her horn.  The eyes of both Danged Spell and Golden Lace returned to normal as they ceased their wild barking.
“Wow,” Golden Lace said as Danged Spell shook his head.  “So that’s what you’ve been going through lately with this curse.”
Danged Spell looked up and saw Princess Luna look down at him with a smile on her face.
“Guess I owe you, Princess Luna,” Danged Spell said.
“You don’t need to,” Luna said.  “Besides, I was the backup plan in case Princess Celestia was not around.”
As the other younglings approach Danged Spell and Golden Lace, Rainbow Dash tackles Spell and gives him a hoof noogie on the head.
“Aren’t you the vicious little wolf?” Rainbow Dash said.
“Baaaaah lay off, Arr Dee,” Danged Spell said, brushing Rainbow Dash off of him.
As the younglings embraced Danged Spell, Golden Lace approached Princess Luna, Gad Zookes and Helga Hearthsoup.
“By any chance,” Golden Lace asked.  “Did you see Buck Withers, or Wanda and Sunset?”
“I actually did see, Buck Withers,” Princess Luna said, causing the other younglings to gather around Princess Luna.  “He was able to escape Queen Chrysalis with Wanda on his back, and he’s heading to the castle with Hoops, Dumbbell and Score and their buddies leading the pack.”
“Never thought those three would end up being heroes,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Guess they did shape up to be better.”
“Yeah,” Applejack said.  “But what about Princess Sunset Shimmer?”
“I didn’t see her, unfortunately,” Princess Luna said.  “I think Queen Chrysalis still has her held captive.”
“Or maybe Sunset Shimmer’s demon form kicked in and she’s pursuing Queen Chrysalis underneath our hooves,” Pinkie Pie said with a grin.
Everyone turned towards Pinkie Pie with a confused look on their face.
“What?” Pinkie Pie said.  “I am the reincarnation of Discord.”
“Well,” Gad Zookes said.  “Reincarnation or not, we have to head back to the palace and hope that Wanda and Bucky are alright.”
“Understood,” Princess Luna said.  “The others should be back there by now.”
WIth a kick of dust in the wind, Princess Luna rode off towards the palace with Gad Zookes, Helga Hearthsoup, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Trixie, Ditzy Doo, Danged Spell and Golden Lace following from behind.
“Do you think Sunset has become her demon form again?” Trixie asked.
“I think so,” Ditzy Doo said.  “But then again, I think her demon form scares me worse than Spell’s Wolf’s Breath Curse.”
“Scary or not,” Danged Spell said, “I just hope that Sunset does make it out.”

Meanwhile, back at the grand foyer of the castle, Princess Celestia held her ground, firing off magical blasts at the invading changelings led by Inferno and Quickstrike, all while a hole was torn into the corner of the ceiling and the wall, exposing the foyer to the outside.  Lemony Gem, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor joined in on striking back with Twilight Sparkle hiding in a nearby corner, holding Abigail and Spike close to her.  Next to Twilight were Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Cozy Glow, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk.
“Any sign of the others?” Princess Celestia asked.                                                                                                                                                                                      
“No,” Princess Cadance yelled.  “Ever since Chancellor Cinch, Queen Novo and Princess Skystar went to go look for any signs of my sisters and Buck Withers, these changelings have become ruthless.”
“I’m tempted to go out and find them,” Shining Armor said.
“No,” Princess Celestia said.  “It’s too dangerous to look for them.”
“But what if Chrysalis did something to them?” Shining Armor said, blasting down a changeling that nearly grabbed him.
“Stick with the plan, Shining,” Princess Celestia said.  “If my instincts are correct, they should be out of there by now.”
“I just hope you’re right,” Lemony Gem said.  “I’d hate to imagine my Bucky becoming a slave to Queen Chrysalis’ magic.”
But back up in the sky, Inferno and Quickstrike continued to fire upon the ponies below, holding nothing back.
“Look at them,” Inferno said.  “They’re a sitting duck”
“Too bad Waspinator’s missing out on all the fun,” Quickstrike said.  “This is easier than taking candy from a baby.”
“Indeed, Quickstrike,” Inferno said. “Soon, it won’t be long until they surrender Twilight Sparkle and their kingdom.”
Suddenly, Quickstrike was hit on the back of the head by a stray pumpkin seed.  His face turned hot as he raged into the air.
“OKAY!”  Quickstrike yelled, looking around.  “Who’s the varmint who pelted me?”
In almost a flash, a stray changeling soldier went flying right into Quickstrike, knocking him out of the air and sending him falling into the royal garden nearby.  Inferno looked behind him and his jaw dropped in disbelief.
“I don’t believe it,” Inferno said.  “Those two escaped the royalty.”
At the front of the gate, Wanda Young rode in on Buck Withers, holding out her slingshot, while Buck had his whip in his right hoof.  Running alongside the adventurer were Karen the Bulldog, Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse. 
“Nice shot, Mr Withers,” Wanda said.
“My pleasure,” Buck Withers said.
Hoops, Dumbbell and Score flew up to Inferno, who looked as if he were ready to belch out fire.
“You three,” Inferno said as flames emitted from his mouth.  “I remember when you joined those miserable brats in that humiliation at your pool party.  But this time, I will make you three pay for what you did.”
“Come and catch us, ya loser,” Hoops said while Dumbbell let out a raspberry while Score wiggled his behind at Inferno.
“NOW YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS!” Inferno yelled
Inferno belched out a stream of fire from his mouth, extending to around thirty feet.  Hoops, Dumbbell and Score quickly flew out of the way before turning towards the Predacon and sticking their tongues out.
“YOU GET BACK HERE INSTANT!” Inferno yelled.  “I WILL MAKE YOU BURN!”
Hoops, Dumbbell and Score flew off towards the skies above the capital, causing Inferno to chase after them in pursuit.  But below, as Princess Celestia, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor and Lemony Gem fought back, Buck Withers ran through the front garden of the palace grounds until he reached what’s left of the front door.  Once he stepped inside, Wanda jumped off Buck Withers and landed in front of them.  
“MOMMY!” Wanda yelled, catching Celestia’s attention.
“Wanda,” Celestia said before she blasted another changeling.
Wanda and Celestia ran up to each other before Celestia picked up her adopted daughter and held her tight.
“I’m glad you made it in one piece, my darling Wanda,” Celestia said.
“I’m glad as well,” Wanda said.
But as Wanda embraced Celestia, Quickstrike pulled himself up and saw the Man’s Cub with the alicorn.  His face grew sinister as he transformed into his Beast Predacon form.
“So it looks like that man’s cub escaped the queen and is now reunited with her mother,” Quickstrike said, pointing his snake arm at Celestia’s torso.  “But not for long.”
Suddenly, Quickstrike was hit by a powerful blast of magic, sending him flying back before he transformed back into his changeling form.  He slid before slamming his head on the concrete pillar, knocking him out.
Inside, Twilight Sparkle stood next to Princess Celestia and Wanda Young with the tip of her horn smoking hot, all while the two looked at her.
“Not on my watch,” Twilight said.
“I think I’ve become too careless as a parent,” Celestia said.
“That’s a lot to think about,” Wanda replied.
Buck Withers ran up to Lemony Gem before picking her up and swinging her in the air.  Lemony giggled loudly as Buck brought her up close.
“So how did it feel to trick that queen into thinking you were under her control?” Lemony Gem asked.
“It felt treacherous and deceitful,” Buck Withers said.  “But it all paid off in the end, and you wouldn’t guess what’s going on.”
“I’m just glad you made it out,” Shining Armor said as Twilight ran up and gave her brother a hug.  “I’m also glad Twili here made sure that Predacon didn’t strike down Princess Celestia.”
“Aww, I just had to make sure nothing happened to them,” Twilight Sparkle said.
“Well as long as we’re all together,” Princess Cadance said,” We’ll be fine.”
But as the other younglings came out, cheering for Wanda, Cozy Glow noticed something odd.
“Hey Wanda,” Cozy Glow said.  “Not to be a critical downer, but where’s Sunset Shimmer?”
Suddenly, everyone felt a powerful quake go off, followed by the sound of Queen Chrysalis screaming in agony and a roar of a demon.  
“Oh that,” Buck Withers said.  “Sunset Shimmer’s demon form, or whatever that was, forced itself out and fought against Queen Chrysalis.”
“She might need our help,” Princess Celestia said.  “Come.”
Everyone ran outside to see changelings take to the side as Queen Chrysalis laid in the grass nearby.  On the opposite side, Demon Sunset emerged from a newly-formed hole in the ground, roaring as if it were victorious.
“She left herself behind so she could deal with the queen?” Princess Cadance said in shock.
“She had no other choice,” Wanda said.  “Her demon form kicked in when the queen tried to trap us.  She chose to use it against Queen Chrysalis.”
“Judging by the damage she’s gone through,” Lemony Gem said, pointing to Queen Chrysalis, “I’d say that’s saying a lot.”
As Demon Sunset roared in victory, Queen Chrysalis slowly got up and pointed her horn at the demonic pony.
“I should have done this right from the start,” Queen Chrysalis said as her horn glowed.
In one shot, Queen Chrysalis fired a bolt of magic right at Demon Sunset, hitting her directly.  Everyone’s face turned pale at the shot as Queen Chyrsalis began to approach to once demon pony..
“SUNSET!” Princess Celestia yelled.
Demon Sunset’s body shrank down and shapeshifted.  Princess Celestia, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor ran up to Sunset Shimmer as she transformed back into her filly form.  The little one collapsed as Princess Cadance grabbed her just in time.
“Sunset,” Princess Cadance said.  “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine,” Sunset said.  “Just lost my powers.”
Despite her exhaustion, Sunset Shimmer slowly reached out and gave Princess Cadance a hug.
“Don’t scare me like that again,” Cadance cried.  “I was so worried about you.”
“Now I’m glad we’re back together,” Shining Armor said before turning his attention to Queen Chrysalis.  “And just in the nick of time, too.”
As Queen Chrysalis stood tall, despite her exhaustion, Princess Celestia walked up in front of Sunset Shimmer, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor, staring down the changeling queen.
“You…,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “You set me up from the very start.”
“I did,” Princess Celestia said.  “I knew you would try to target this wedding as payback for the humiliation you went through at the Grand Gallopin Gala.  You never seem to quit.”
“I will never quit, Princess Celestia,” Queen Chrysalis snarled.
Nearby, Rolling Thunder, Short Fuse, Karen the Bulldog, Flim and Flam walked up to Wanda Young, Twilight Sparkle and Cozy Glow while they stared down Queen Chrysalis.  Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, Abigail and Spike all walked up to the others, getting a look at Queen Chrysalis.
“Can’t believe your own sister did that to Queen Chrysalis,” Starlight said.  
“You can’t believe it,” Short Fuse said.  “None of us can.”
“I guess the plan is working far more than expected,” Cozy Glow said.  “But what happened?
“I’m not so sure,” Wanda said.  “Someone broke in while we were held captive, Buck Withers broke us out, we used their Majordomo as a captive to get us out, Chrysalis tried to block us off, and then Sunset transformed into a demon and fought against her.  What a day we had.”
“Let’s just hope Celestia can finish what we started,” Buck Withers said, walking up to the younglings with Lemony Gem by his side. 
“The wedding,” Twilight asked.  “Or the queen’s capture?”
“Both,” Buck Withers and Lemony Gem said.
But Karen looked outside and barked madly at Queen Chrysalis, all while the tired changeling queen stood there, glaring down at Princess Celestia.
“You have a lot of nerve to send those three clowns into tricking me,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “No longer do I just want revenge on Twilight Sparkle, but also your daughters and Buck Withers.”
“Your desire for revenge is slowly consuming you,” Princess Celestia said.  “Furthermore, you are in no shape to demand revenge against Wanda, Sunset or Buck Withers.  I suggest you rethink your words, Queen Chrysalis.”
“Do not tell me your false lies,” Queen Chrysalis snapped.  “Now you will surrender your daughters and Twilight Sparkle, if you want to see the light of a new day again.”


	To Be Continued in…


	Rematch: Princess Celestia vs Queen Chrysalis

> Arc 17-6: Rematch: Princess Celestia vs Queen Chrysalis
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Rematch: Princess Celestia vs Queen Chrysalis



“You’re kidding me, right?  I said that you should rethink your words.  But it seems your ego is overriding any and all common sense.”
Princess Celestia stood in front of Princess Cadance, Shining Armor and an exhausted Sunset Shimmer.  In front of her, a worn out Queen Chrysalis stared down the princess in a fit of rage.  Nearby at the ruins of the castle wall that surrounded the front door, Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Spike the Dragon, Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Cozy Glow, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder, Short Fuse, Buck Withers and Lemony Gem stood there, observing the weaken queen, while Karen barked and growled.
“What do you think mommy is trying to do?” Wanda asked.
“I don’t know,” Twilight said.  “But right now, she’s the only one who can bring down Queen Chrysalis.”
As steam poured out from Chrysalis’s nostrils, Princess Celestia stood tall, and yet showed some concern for the changeling queen.
“Chrysalis, now is the time to stand down,” Princess Celestia said.  “Not just for your kind’s sake, but also for yours.”
“Do not talk back to me,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “I nearly came close to killing you.  I can do it again.”
“Not in your condition,” Princess Celestia said.
“Don’t you dare pity me, Princess,” Queen Chrysalis said.
“I am showing pity to you for a reason,” Princess Celestia said.  “As I said, you are letting your desire for revenge consume you.  If you push this even further, you could end up wiping out your people.”
“And yet you had the audacity to strike back at them, you hypocrite,” Queen Chrysalis yelled, stomping her hoof on the ground.
“Because we have a right to defend ourselves from intruders,” Princess Celestia explained.  “Be it changeling, dragon, cult member, or even other ponies.”
“Excuses for a tyrant like you, Princess Celestia,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “And your children.”
“Chrysalis,” Celestia said.  “Your forces have been beaten.  You are in no shape to fight.  And we didn’t need any reinforcements like the ponies of Saddle Arabia to bring you down this time.”
“LIAR!” Chrysalis snapped.  “You sent that magistrate to distract and humiliate me.”
Suddenly, Celestia’s eyes popped out in astonishment with Chrysalis’ statement.
“If you’re talking about Magistrate Creme Dream, I didn’t send her,” Celestia said.  “I assumed that she came to you under her own free will.”
“You and those other ponies are just making excuses for your treachery,” Queen Chrysalis said.
“Regardless of your accusations,” Princess Celestia said, “You are in no shape to fight me.  I would easily overpower you with either the magic in my unicorn horn, the winds of my pegasi wings, or the growth of plants from my earth pony hooves.”
“EXACTLY YOU COWARD!” Chrysalis yelled.
Chrysalis fired off a blast of magic at Princess Celestia, knocking her to the ground.  Everyone gasped in horror at Chrysalis’ actions, especially Wanda and Sunset.
“MOTHER, NO!” Sunset yelled as she struggled to reach out while Princess Cadance held her.
“MOMMY!” Wanda yelled.
As Wanda jumped out to go after Chrysalis, Lemony Gem reached out and grabbed the child with her hooves before holding her close.
“LET ME GO!” Wanda cried as she struggled to break free.
“Wanda,” Lemony Gem said.  “Celestia knew what she was doing when she dared Chrysalis into striking her.”
“What?” Wanda said as she started to calm down.
“Trust me,” Lemony Gem said.  “It will be alright.”
“She’s got a point there,” Rolling Thunder said, pointing to Princess Celestia.  “As a matter of fact, I think your mother will be alright.”
Wanda looked down and saw Princess Celestia get up from the blast.  The man’s cub breathed a sigh of relief before wiping her forehead.
“Thank goodness,” Wanda said.
But back outside, as Celestia got up, Queen Chrysalis laughed with glee.
“For one who is still tired,” Princess Celestia said, “You sure are persistent.”
“I am,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Every bit of your magic has been locked away.  You can’t use your unicorn horn.  Your pegasi wings will no longer lift you into the air.  Your hooves cannot summon plants of any kind, and your curse is locked away.  You are more helpless than you can imagine.  What do you say of that, Princess?”
But Chrysalis’ gloating came to an end when she heard Princess Celestia laugh.  And ever bit of her chuckle got under the shell of the changeling queen.
“What’s so funny?” Chrysalis said in frustration.  “Every bit of your magic is locked, and yet you still have a positive tone.  What has gotten wrong with you?”
“Oh nothing is wrong with me,” Celestia laughed.  “Except I do have two words for you.”
“I’m all ears,” Chrysalis said in an annoyed voice.  “So why don’t you spill it?”
Celestia’s laughter disappeared as she stared at Chrysalis with a smug look on her face.
“Challenge….accepted,” Celestia said.
As Queen Chrysalis was confused by Celestia’s choice of words, the alicorn princess rushed up to Queen Chrysalis and grabbed her by the tail with her teeth.  With a powerful thrust of her body, Princess Celestia spun Queen Chrysalis for a bit before tossing her into the air.  Chrysalis screamed loudly as she went flying out of control.
“Wow,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “I did not see that coming.”
Princess Celestia turned to Sunset, Cadence and Shining Armor before she said “And that’s just the beginning, my daughter Sunset.”
“You better catch up to her,” Shining Armor said. “You don’t want her to get away.”
“Good point,” Celestia said with a smile.
Princess Celestia immediately turned to Wanda and the other younglings.  Lemony Gem sets Wanda down as the man’s cub looked downward at her adopted mother with a smile.
“I know this might be a bit of a burden on you,” Celestia asked.  “But could you and the others round up everyone?  See if you can also find your cousin Prince Blueblood.  He should have arrived by now.”
“It will be an honor, mommy,” Wanda saluted.
“That being said,” Celestia said,  “See if you can catch up.  I would be surprised if I catch up to the group before you do.”
Celestia immediately ran off through the front gate, pursuing after Queen Chrysalis, all while Wanda turned towards Twilight.
“Twilight,” Wanda said.  “Take Karen and Spike with you and follow my lead.”
“I’m on it,” Twilight said.
Wanda turned to Abigail and said “Abby.  You’re with me.”
“Yaay,” Abigail cheered.
Wanda Young jumped above the wreckage of a wall and ran through the garden all the way to the outer wall leading to the city with Abigail running right behind her.  Twilight Sparkle followed from behind with Spike, Karen, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Cozy Glow, Juniper Montage, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse following from behind.
But as Twilight and her friends ran through, Quickstrike slowly got up on his back and saw Twilight Sparkle run towards him.
“Oh no,” Quickstrike said.  “Not now.”
Quickstrike laid back on the grass and shielded his face with his hooves, shaking in fear.  
“Please don’t let that filly step on my face,” Quickstrike shook.
Twilight Sparkle leaped into the air over a loose piece of the castle.  But as she fell, she landed right on Quickstrike’s crotch before leaping off.  Quickstrike yelled in pain from the impact of Twilight’s leap.
“YOU MISERABLE MONSTER!” Quickstrike yelled as he held his crotch in agony.  “NOW I KNOW WHY QUEEN CHRYSALIS WANTS REVENGE ON YOU!”
Suddenly, Spike landed right on Quickstrike’s face before leaping off of it.  Quickstrike immediately placed his hooves atop his head, screaming in agony, all while Karen ran past the Predacon.
“I DON’T KNOW WHAT’S WORSE!” Quickstrike yelled.  “TWILIGHT SPARKLE? OR THAT PEST OF A BABY DRAGON?”
As the younglings darted past a humiliated Quickstrike one-by-one, following Twilight Sparkle, Spike and Karen, Buck Withers and Lemony Gem ran up to Princess Cadance and Shining Armor.  Princess Cadance sat Sunset Shimmer down, who was able to get back up on her four legs.
“Guess Princess Celestia has this in the bag,” Buck Withers said.
“True,” Shining Armor said.  “But I would want to check the sideshow just to see how it ends.”
“Good point,” Buck Withers said.
Immediately, Buck Withers and Shining Armor ran off through the gate with Princess Cadance, Lemony Gem and Sunset Shimmer running from behind.
“Pretty typical of those boys to want to see a changeling queen get humiliated,” Lemony Gem said.
“Yeah, but the same can be said of us,” Princess Cadance said.  “Especially after what she did during the Grand Gallopin Gala.”
“You said it,” Lemony Gem replied.
“That makes me wonder,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “How bad did I soften her up?”
“Well sis,” Princess Cadance said.  “We’re about to find out.”

Meanwhile, up in the skies above Canterlot, Inferno pursued after Hoops, Dumbbell and Score, his mouth burning with ambition, all while the trio stuck their tongues out at the Predacon.
“Get back here you troublesome brats,” Inferno yelled.  
“Make us,” Dumbbell taunted.  “You’re as slow as your tub-o-lard queen.”
“Nobody insults the royalty and lives,” Inferno roared, belching out fire at the trio.
As the three colt pegasi dodged the fire, Score yelled out “Is that an original attack?  Or did you copy it off a dragon?”
“You fools,” Inferno yelled.  “We changelings are superior to the dragons of the dragon land.  The Royalty would make mince meat out of those weak and inferior lizards.”
“Speaking of which,” Hoops taunted.  “Is that your fat cow of a royalty flying towards you?”
“Royalty? Where?” Inferno said, looking left and right.
In a loud scream, Queen Chrysalis flew out of control and smacked Inferno from behind, sending the two falling downward towards the Canterlot streets.  Hoops, Dumbbell and Score looked down with glee on their faces.
“Wow,” Dumbbell said.  “Didn’t see that coming.”
“Guess that changeling was far dumber than he looked,” Score laughed.
As the colt trio laughed out loud, Queen Chrysalis landed on the pavement of the city, flattening Inferno.  The changeling queen slowly got up and looked down at the unconscious Predacon, groaning in annoyance.
“Oh no,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Thanks to that pompous princess, I flattened my own Predacon soldier.”
“Maybe you need to lay off all that love, Queen Chrysalis.”  Queen Chrysalis turned around to see a smug Princess Celestia run up to her.
“You,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “You did this on purpose.   You let me lock your magic away.”
“Well you did lock it away when I least expect it,” Princess Celestia said.  “So I had to resort to these desperate measures.”
With her horn glowing, Queen Chrysalis pointed it at Celestia and said “Bold words.  But when I finish with what I started at the Gala, your own people will be desperate.”
But before Queen Chrysalis could fire a blast of magic at Celestia, the alicorn princess noticed a stray metal shield lying on the ground.  Once the queen fired her magic, Celestia immediately grabbed the shield with her mouth and held it at an angle.  The shot of magic hit the shield and reflected harmlessly into the sky.
“You cheater,” Chrysalis yelled.  “You’re not supposed to resort to that trickery.”
Princess Celestia tossed the shield aside and said “After what you did with disabling my magic, all bets are off.”
“That’s it,” Chrysalis snarled.  “Playtime’s over.  Time to step it up.”
Queen Chrysalis ran towards Princess Celestia, charging her horn up.  Celestia just yawned while Chrysalis inched closer to the alicorn queen.
“That’s supposed to impress me?” Celestia yawned.  “Give me a break.”
But just as Chrysalis was about to fire off a magic shot, Celestia ducked down and thrusted her body forward.  The moment Chrysalis’ legs hit Celestia, the changeling queen screamed loudly as she tripped and tumbled before crashing her back into a metal pole, upside down.   Queen Chrysalis looked up at Princess Celestia, who walked towards the dazed changeling.
“You did that on purpose,” Chrysalis snarled.  “You wouldn’t let me finish you off.”
“You forget one thing,” Celestia laughed. “This isn’t the first time I’ve had my magic and curse locked away.”
Furious, Queen Chrysalis rolled off the bent pole and got on her four legs.  She ran towards Princess Celestia in a huff.
“I’m going to make your daughters orphans again,” Queen Chrysalis said.
But Celestia just stood there with a smile on her face.  Before Queen Chrysalis could reach her, Princess Celestia swung around and kicked Chrysalis right in the face, knocking her down.
“That was careless, Chrysalis,” Princess Celestia said.
“Do not call me careless,” Queen Chrysalis said as she got up.
“What should I call you?” Princess Celestia asked. “Incompetent?”
Queen Chrysalis fumed as she got back on her four hooves.  She pointed her horn at Celestia and charged it up again.
“NOW YOU’RE MESSING WITH MY HEAD YOU LITTLE…” Queen Chrysalis yelled.
But before Chrysalis finished her sentence, Princess Celestia charged right towards the changeling queen and slammed right into her.  The impact sent Chrysalis flying again as her magic dissipated.
“YOU NO GOOD, CHEATING PRINCESS!” Chrysalis yelled.
“So you would rather I be down and dead?  I don’t think so,” Celestia laughed as she chased after the flying out-of-control Chrysalis, leaving behind a badly-battered Inferno, who struggled to get up.
“For the glory….of the…royalty,” Inferno said before he collapsed from exhaustion.

Meanwhile, in another part of the city, a group of changelings stared down Helga Hearthsoup, Gad Zookes, Princess Luna, Rarity, Applejack, Pinkie Pie, Trixie, Danged Spell and Golden Lace on the opposing end.  Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Ditzy Doo were hovering above the group, looking ready to dive bomb the insect ponies.
“These goons don’t know when to give up,” Helga Hearthsoup said, holding her frying pan out in anticipation. “I’ll teach them a lesson for messing up my cafe.”
“You think that’s bad?” Rainbow Dash said, glaring at her foes in a standstill.  “We still have a bone to pick with them since the Gala.”
Pinkie Pie pulled out her cannon and pointed it right at the changelings, though none of them seemed deterred from running away from the receiving end.
“I have never seen them be this brave,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Then again, I never expected them to be this foolish.”
Priming the magic in her horn, Princess Luna said “It’s too bad my sister isn’t here.  She would have enjoyed this moment.”
Luna’s ears began to pick up the sound of hooves galloping.  She looked up and saw Princess Celestia run down the street, right behind the changelings.
“Well I’ll be darn,” Luna said.  “I take it she’s still looking for Sunset Shimmer.”
The changelings turned around and saw Princess Celestia come down their way.  But instead of moving out of the way, every one of them screamed in terror as Celestia ran right through the group.  The impact sent them flying upwards before free falling down.
“INCOMING!” Rarity yelled.
Nearly every youngling in the vicinity took shelter from the falling changelings as they landed smack on the ground.  Rarity took shelter near a house entrance and watched two of them fall next to her.
“For a princess,” Rarity said, “Celestia knows how to deliver a strike.”
The two changelings looked up and saw Rarity standing in front.  The filly backed up as the duo got onto their four hooves and approached her.  
“You’re not going anywhere,” one of the changelings snarled.
Rarity noticed a stray umbrella with a violet shade on it.  She grabbed it and began to smack one of the changelings on the head.
“NO!  BAD CHANGELING!  SHAME ON YOU!” Rarity yelled, thwacking the changeling on the head.
As the one changeling ran away from Rarity, the other began to back up next to the door.  Rarity pointed her umbrella at the remaining bug pony with a smirk on her face.
“Don’t even think about it,” Rarity said.
“Swipe me all you want,” The changeling said. “I’ll get behind you and take your love of fashion.  Then, no pony will save you.”
Suddenly, the door swung open and smashed the changeling on the wall, knocking the poor fool out much to Rarity’s amusement.  Stepping outside was none other than Prince Blueblood.
“Sorry I’m late,” Prince Blueblood said.  “Got held up in Manehattan, had to hide out once the changelings made their appearance.”
Rarity pulled the umbrella away and said “I think you did that just to mess with these insect delinquents.”
“Guilty as charged,” Prince Blueblood said as he stepped out onto the city streets, where the others looked puzzled at the downed changelings.
Princess Celestia immediately came to a stop and looked around while Princess Luna walked up to her.
“Sister,” Princess Luna asked.  “Did you manage to find Sunset Shimmer?”
“I did,” Princess Celestia said.  “Or rather, she came to us and softened up Queen Chrysalis in her demon form.”
“That is unexpected,” Princess Luna said.  “But where is the queen?”
A loud thud went off without warning, alerting everyone within the vicinity.
“I think that answered your question, your majesty,” Gad Zoookes said.
Celestia turned to Luna and said “Sister. Wanda and the others are supposed to be on their way.  I had them look for you all, but I beat her to it.”
“I take it that I should wait for her,” Luna asked.
“Correct,” Celestia said.  “I’ll be able to handle Queen Chrysalis without breaking a sweat.  I told Wanda to round everyone up.  But it looks like almost everyone is here.”
“All we’re missing are Queen Novo, Princess Skystar and Chancellor Cinch to name a few,” Princess Luna said.  “That being said, if you can handle Queen Chrysalis by yourself, you should be alright.  We’ll catch up.”
Princess Celestia nodded to Princess Luna before turning tail and running down the street.  Princess Luna turned towards the youngling group, Gad Zookes and Helga Hearthsoup.
“I take it this is where we see how this fight turns out,” Gad Zookes asked.
“Correct,” Princess Luna said.  “Everyone, follow me.  We’re going to see this to the very end.”
Princess Luna ran off after Princess Celestia, with Gad Zookes, Helga Hearthsoup and the younglings following from behind.  But, something seemed to concern Applejack.
“Hey Jackster,” Danged Spell said.  “Something up?”
“Call me crazy,” Applejack said.  “But I noticed something a bit off from Princess Celestia.”
“How so?” Danged Spell asked.
“I can’t put my hoof on it,” Applejack replied.  “But it felt as if a part of her had been locked away.”
“That’s a good observation,” Prince Blueblood said.  “I only hope she doesn’t make the same mistake she did during the Gala.”

Meanwhile, Wanda was running as fast as she could through the city with Abigail by her side.  She looked up and down the street, but all she noticed were changelings that were lying on the ground in pain.
“Wow,” Wanda said.  “Did mommy do this?  I swore her magic was locked away.”
Abigail looked up at Wanda and said “Dunno.”
Wanda came to a stop and looked around even further.  
“I don’t see the others out here,” Wanda said.  “Do you think mommy was able to reach them?”
But all Abigail could do is look at Wanda with a confused look on her face.
“Maybe you’re right,” Wanda said.  “But I still wonder if nephew Blueblood arrived, or if I could find Aunt Novo and Cousin Skystar, or even Miss Cinch.”
But as Wanda and Abigail looked around, they were unaware of Gold Banks, who walked down the streets of Canterlot, looking extremely frizzled.  The aristocrat has yet to notice Princess Wanda.
“Blast those bugs,” Gold Banks said to herself.  “How dare they make a mockery of me.  When I get the chance, I’m setting their hive on fire and..”
But when Gold Banks turned to her right, she saw Wanda and Abigail look around.  Banks’ face turned sinister upon seeing the man’s cub.
“Well, I may not be able to get my revenge on the hard-shelled hacks right now,” Gold Banks said.  “But a certain daughter of Princess Celestia will suffice.”
With her smile now completely deranged, Gold Banks marched right up to Wanda Young in a hurry.  The vibrations caused by her hoofsteps caught the attention of Wanda Young, who shrieked in fear over the selfish aristocrat.
“You,” Wanda said. 
Wanda quickly turned and made a run for it, only for Gold Banks to cast a spell on her legs, causing Wanda to trip and fall.  Wanda turned around and saw Gold Banks hovering over her, just as Abigail ran up and hissed at the rich pony.
“You have a lot of nerve to be separated from your dear mommy, child,” Gold Banks snarled.
“Get away from me,” Wanda cried.  “I don’t want to be anywhere near you.”
“Tough luck,” Gold Banks said as she grabbed Wanda by the wrist.  “You’re coming with me, whether your mother approves of it or not.  And get used to it. You’ll never see her again as long as I have a say.”
As Wanda was about to open her mouth, Gold Banks placed her other hoof around Wanda’s mouth, closing it tight.  The tycoon turned towards Abigail before lifting her into the air with her magic.
“Knowing you, you’re going to try to get some help,” Gold Banks said.  “So you’re joining your pet with me.”
Gold Banks began to drag Wanda and Abigail off, the former with her arms and the latter with her magic.  But as she began to walk away from the street, Waspinator emerged from a nearby house, satisfied.
“Waspinator loved scaring pony bugs,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator should do this again often.”
But when Waspinator turned to his right, he saw Gold Banks hold down Wanda and Abigail, dragging them down the street in a hurry.  Immediately, his smile went away as he glared at Gold Banks.
“Waspinator know who Gold Banks is,” Waspinator said.  “Since Gold Banks want to take Princess Wanda and cat bug, Waspinator will give her the surprise of her life.”
Waspinator flew right towards Gold Banks, who paid no attention to the Predacon.  
“Come on you stupid brat,” Gold Banks said.   “It’s time you were taught a lesson.”
Suddenly, Gold Banks felt a hoof tap her shoulder.  She growed before beginning to turn her face towards the individual.
“Okay,” Gold Banks said.  “Who’s responsible for this?”
But when Gold Banks faced the opposite side, she saw Waspinator, who waved at the aristocrat with a sinister look on her face.
“Oh no,” Gold Banks said.
“Waspinator know you take Princess Wanda for your own gain,” Waspinator said.  “So Waspinator give you TOTAL NIGHTMARE!”
With that, Waspinator transforms into what appears to be a giant, bipedal, purple teddy bear.   Gold Banks looked up at the bear and released her hold on Wanda and Abigail.
“What in the world?” Wanda said, confused.
Gold Banks just stared at the giant bear in horror as it looked down at the scared capitalist.
“Would you like to be my super dee duper friend?” Waspinator’s purple teddy form asked.
Gold Banks screamed in horror as she turned around and ran off in a hurry.  Wanda and Abigail just stood there with a surprised, yet amused, look on their faces while Waspinator transformed back into his changeling form.
“Gold Banks vanquished, thanks to Waspinator,” Waspinator said.
But before Waspinator began to fly off, Wanda ran up and tapped him on the shoulder.
“I’m curious,” Wanda said as Abigail stood by her.  “Why did you save me from Gold Banks?”
“It’s simple,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator know Princess Wanda is enemy.  But Waspinator believe Gold Banks far more despicable.  If given choice, Waspinator make Gold Banks’ living chaos.”
As Waspinator flew off into the air, Queen Novo, Princess Skystar and Chancellor Cinch ran up from a nearby street, surprised by both the presence of her and the Predacon.
“Smallfry,” Queen Novo said.  “Are you hurt?”
“Not by that changeling,” Wanda said.  “But by Gold Banks.”
“Gold Banks?” Chancellor Cinch said.  “I heard she was coming over her daughter and husband.”
“Did that naughty Gold Banks try to grab you?” Princess Skystar asked.
“She did,” Wanda said.  “And I feared that I would be her captive.  But for some reason, that changeling who called himself Waspinator scared her off before leaving me behind.”
“That is rather odd,” Queen Novo said.  “I’m surprised he didn’t take you captive.”
Suddenly, Wanda heard someone yell out her name.  She turned around to see Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Spike, Karen, Moondancer, Cozy Glow, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, Juniper Montage, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder, Short Fuse, Sunset Shimmer, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Buck Withers and Lemony Gem run up to her.
“I’m alright,” Wanda said. 
As the group ran up to Wanda, Twilight and Sunset leaped onto her and gave the man’s cub a big hug.
“We saw Waspinator fly off into the distance,” Twilight said.  “And we assumed the worst.”
“Well you wouldn’t believe this,” Queen Novo said.  “But little Wanda here claimed that Waspinator saved her from Gold Banks.”
“That’s pretty typical of that monster,” Cozy Glow yelled, stomping her hooves on the pavement.  “I hope she doesn’t succeed in taking Wanda away.”
“Glad she’s gone for now,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Anyone who takes my sister away, answers to me.”
“That makes the two of us, Sunset,” Twilight said.
But as Chancellor Cinch smiled at the presence of the youngsters, Princess Cadance walked up to her and tapped the chancellor on the shoulder.
“Any sign of the others?” Princess Cadance asked.  
“I did see Princess Celestia run through the streets of Canterlot,” Chancellor Cinch explained.  “But no sign of anyone else.  That being said, I also saw Queen Chrysalis fly through the air like she was hit by something.”
“That was mother,” Princess Cadance said.  “She lost her magic, but she was able to send that changeling flying.”
“Then we must find that queen and make sure she doesn’t finish Celestia off,” Chancellor Cinch said before running off in one direction.
“Wait,” Princess Cadance said as Cinch ran off.  “I think Celestia has this in the bag.”
“I don’t know,” Shining Armor said.  “I think we should make sure she does.”
“Maybe you’re right,” Princess Cadance said.
Queen Novo turned to Wanda and said “I’ll let you ride atop my back for the time being.”
Wanda nodded as Queen Novo lowered her back down.  Wanda leaped atop of Novo’s back before the hippogriff queen raised herself up.  Abigail leaped up and landed in front of Wanda, who held onto the kitty cat with ease.   Twilight levitated Spike onto her back while Sunset Shimmer stood by her lavender unicorn friend.
“Come on,” Queen Novo said.  “Let’s see how this story ends.”
With Wanda and Abigail on her back, Queen Novo rode off after Chancellor Cinch.  Following from behind, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor and Princess Skystar ran after Queen Novo.  Buck Withers and Lemony Gem nodded to each other.
“Just a typical day?” Buck Withers asked.
“Just a typical day,” Lemony Gem laughed.
And with that, Buck Withers and Lemony Gem rode off after Princess Cadance, Shining Armor and Princess Skystar with Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle with Spike on her back, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Cozy Glow, Karen the Alicorn Bulldog, Juniper Montage, the Dazzlings, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse following from behind.

But near the entrance to Canterlot, Queen Chrysalis struggled to get herself up.  Her vision had become blurry and she stumbled a bit.  
“Uggh,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “What did that blasted princess do to me?”
Queen Chrysalis shook her head as her vision returned.  She looked in front of her to which Princess Celestia ran up to the queen.  But nearby, Princess Chrysalis II and Locust emerged from a nearby hole, and noticed Queen Chrysalis struggling to keep herself up.
“My queen,” Locust said, startled by her queen’s condition.
“NOOO!” Princess Chrysalis II yelled.
Princess Chrysalis II ran up to Queen Chrysalis, only for Locust to hold her back.
“It’s too dangerous,” Locust said.  “If Queen Chrysalis dies here, you’re our new leader.”
“But that’s my mother,” Princess Chrysalis II cried.
“Your safety is now our concern, princess,” Locust said.
Queen Chrysalis stumbled towards Princess Celestia, who stood tall against the Queen, but also worried for her.
“Queen Chrysalis,” Princess Celestia said.  “You are in no shape to fight at this point.  Stand down for your sake.”
“Never,” Queen Chrysalis snapped.  “I WILL NEVER STAND DOWN!”
Queen Chrysalis charged up her magic and fired it off at Princess Celestia, who only took a few steps out of the way as the shot flew past her and exploded harmlessly.
“I want your daughters,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “I want your kingdom.  I WANT TWILIGHT SPARKLE!”
“I know you do,” Princess Celestia said.  “But I’ve become concerned for both your physical and mental wellness.”
“Do not take pity on me,” Queen Chrysalis yelled.  “I am Queen Chrysalis, and I will rule over your people with an iron grip.  THIS IS WHO I AM!”
Queen Chrysalis charged up her horn and pointed it at Princess Celestia, who stood perfectly still.
“I failed to kill you long ago,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “I will not fail, and your daughters will mourn your death.”
Queen Chrysalis fired off a blast of magic right at Princess Celestia’s face.  But it only extended up to a few inches to Celestia’s snout before disappearing without a trace.  Queen Chrysalis looked up and was horrified.
“This can’t be,” Queen Chrysalis shrieked.  “My magic.  It can’t run out.”
Queen Chrysalis fired off another blast of magic, only for it to extend to around four feet before disappearing. She tried firing off another shot, but nothing came out of her horn.
“Why has my magic disappeared?” Queen Chrysalis cried. “WHERE IS IT?”
“You’ve exhausted yourself, Queen Chrysalis,” Princess Celestia pleaded.  “For your well-being, please stand down.  I don’t want you to die.”
“You may not want me to die,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “And I may not have my magic.  But I will kill you by ANY MEANS NECESSARY!”
Queen Chrysalis ran up to Princess Celestia in frustration, pointing her horn at the alicorn.   But Celestia stood there, now with a tear falling from her cheek.
“This is for your own good,” Princess Celestia said.
In a flash, Princess Celestia dodged to the side, leaving her front left hoof out.  Chrysalis tried to slow down, only to trip over Celestia’s hoof.  Queen Chrysalis lost control of herself, tumbling down the street before she crashed into a wall.  
“MOTHER!” Princess Chrysalis cried.
Queen Chrysalis fell to the ground and lost consciousness as Princess Celestia walked up to her.


	To Be Continued in…


	A Queen’s Lament

> Arc 17-7: A Queen's Lament
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


	A Queen’s Lament




“STAY AWAY FROM MY MOTHER YOU MONSTER!  YOU WILL NOT TAKE HER AWAY FROM ME!”
Queen Chrysalis woke up, completely groggy.  Standing over her was Princess Celestia, who looked worried.  Right next to the queen was Princess Chrysalis II and Locust, both glared at Princess Celestia.
“What happened?” Queen Chrysalis said.
“Thank goodness you’re alright,” Princess Celestia said.  “I feared I may have ended your life.”
Queen Chrysalis struggled to get herself up, only to fall down on her side.  Locust glared at Princess Celestia as Princess Chrysalis II held onto her mother.
“I TOLD YOU TO STAY AWAY FROM MY MOTHER!” Princess Chrysalis II yelled.  
Princess Celestia stood back from Queen Chrysalis, Princess Chrysalis II and Locust.  But as she did, she heard a familiar voice.
“Sister.  You did it.  You defeated Queen Chrysalis.”
Princess Luna ran up from one street before standing by Princess Celestia.  Running behind her were Gad Zookes, Helga Hearthsoup, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Trixie, Ditzy Doo, Danged Spell, Golden Lace and Prince Blueblood.  In addition, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score flew down from the sky and landed next to the group.
“I did beat her,” Princess Celestia said.  “Though I think I may have overdone it.”
“I think you did,” Princess Luna said.  “You should lay back on that kind of magic.”
“I didn’t use any magic at all, sis,” Princess Celestia said.  “In fact, Queen Chrysalis locked my magic away, and yet she was still a cinch to beat.”
“She did what?” Princess Luna said.  “Sister, I know you have a lot of experience of fighting without magic and your curse.  But that was careless of you.”
“I know,” Princess Celestia said.  “But at least I was prepared for this scenario.”
“So that explains why you pulled your punches and still won,” Applejack said.
Before Celestia could say anything else, she heard someone yell out “Your majesty.”  Celestia turned to her left to see Chancellor Cinch run up to her.  Behind the chancellor, Queen Novo rode on in with Wanda and Abigail on her back.  
“Chancellor,” Princess Celestia said.  “I was hoping you would catch up.”
Chancellor Cinch looked down at Queen Chrysalis, who just laid there, weakened and humiliated.
“You did a number of her, alright,” Chancellor Cinch said.  
“Mommy,” Wanda said, getting off Queen Novo.  “What happened?”
“Queen Chrysalis let her own rage cloud her judgment,” Princess Celestia explained.  “She made so many mistakes during our fight, that I started to feel sorry for her.”
Wanda walked up to Queen Chrysalis, looking concerned.  But as she approached, Princess Chrysalis II stood in front of her.
“Get back, man’s cub,” Princess Chrysalis II snarled. 
“But I want to see how badly hurt she is,” Wanda said.
“Now you care about my mother’s well-being, when your mother beat the snot out of her?” Princess Chrysalis II said.
“Stand down, daughter,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “It’s over.  She won.”
“I won’t let them take you away from me,” Princess Chrysalis II cried.
“That’s an order, Princess Antagonia Chrysalis the Second,” Queen Chrysalis yelled.
With tears flowing from her eyes, Princess Chrysalis II stepped aside as Wanda walked up to Queen Chrysalis and looked down at the sore on her side.
“That mark was courtesy of your sister when she became that she-demon,” Queen Chrysalis explained.
“It was not her fault,” Wanda said.  “She had no control over her powers.”
Wanda placed her hand on Chrysalis’s side as a glow of magical energy flowed out.  The wound on Chrysalis’ side mended away before it disappeared completely.  Chrysalis looked down at her side, amazed, and yet confused.
“Why’d you do it?”  Chrysalis asked.  “Why’d you heal me?”
“Because,” Wanda said, breathing heavily, “I don’t…want you…to die.”
Wanda pulled out a canteen from her dress’ secret compartment and opened it up.  She drank the water inside before closing it back up.
“A weakness to your magic, I take it,” Chrysalis asked.
“Yes,” Wanda gasped.  “Everytime I use…my magic, it wears…me out.”
As Wanda slowly recovered, Buck Withers, Lemony Gem, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor ran in with Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle with Spike on her back, Karen the Bulldog, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Mooondancer, Cozy Glow, Juniper Montage, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse right behind them.  Sunset saw Queen Chrysalis and immediately ran up to the changeling queen.
“Queen Chrysalis,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “I know we are enemies, and you want to capture me, my sister Wanda and Twilight Sparkle.  But I came here to apologize.”
“For what?” Queen Chrysalis asked.
“For my demon side,” Sunset said.  “I couldn’t control when it came out.  That was why it lashed out at you and tried to kill you.  And I’ll also have to say…thanks for putting it under control for me.”
“I don’t get it,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “After all I’ve done, you’re showing me…sympathy?”
Chrysalis tried to get up, only to fall down on her side again.  Locust and Princess Chrysalis II ran up to the queen in tears as Wanda and Sunset backed off.
“My queen,” Locust said. “Will you be alright?”
“I am,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “But I’m too tired to do anything.”
Queen Chrysalis looked up as ponies began to pour out from the nearby houses.  This included the other wedding guests like Canter Zoom, Argyle Starshine, Bright-Eyes Starshine, Sunlight Starscount, Fortwright and Shanoa, Bright Mac and Buttercup, Granny Smith with babies Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo, Filthy and Spoiled with baby Diamond Tiara, and even Snips and Snails emerged.
On the opposite end, behind Queen Chrysalis, many of the injured changelings marched towards the ponies of Canterlot.  Among the group were the injured Inferno and Quickstrike, who were both being carried by Waspinator.  
“I have never felt this much pain in my life,” Inferno said.
“You’re telling me?” Quickstrike said.  “I don’t think I’ll be a hit with changeling mares.”
Inferno looked up and saw Queen Chrysalis laying there helplessly, staring at the ponies who now surrounded them.  Locust and Princess Chrysalis II stood by their side while Wanda stood on the opposite site, worried for the queen’s well being.
“My queen,” Inferno cried.
Inferno stumbled a bit before fire began to pour out of his mouth.
“Do not worry, my queen,” Inferno yelled.  “I will avenge you.”
Queen Chrysalis turned towards Inferno and yelled “STAND DOWN!  THAT’S AN ORDER!”
Inferno paused for a moment from Queen Chrysalis’ words.
“But my queen…”Inferno said.
“It’s over…we lost,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “They won.”
The flames in Inferno’s mouth disappeared as the Predacon brother slumped down in defeat.  Waspinator and Quickstrike sat Inferno down before placing their hoof on his back.
“It’s okay, brother,” Waspinator said.  “We’ll make it, somehow.”
Queen Chrysalis turned back towards the ponies before directing her gaze towards Princess Celestia.
“So in the end,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “It was a trap.”
“It was,” Celestia nodded.  “The entire wedding was a trap set for you.”
“And we volunteered to have our wedding serve that purpose,” Lemony Gem said.
“There is a part of me that wants revenge on the entire population of Equestria for this,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “But the kindness your daughter offered me just weakened that desire.”
“You should also know that I did not see Magistrate Creme Dream nor Sunset’s demon form coming at all,” Princess Celestia said.  “Those were factors that only sped up your defeat.”
“Why tell me all of this when I assume you to be a liar?” Queen Chrysalis said.
“Because while my deception was dishonest,” Princess Celestia said,  “I admit I was not one hundred percent in control of the operation.”
“Sharp words coming from the one I nearly killed,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “I take it the plan was your idea in the first place.”
“No,”  Princess Celestia said.  “ In fact, you should know the one changeling that wished for your well-being.  One that you call a traitor.”
Princess Celestia stepped aside as Baby Ocellus emerged from the crowd with Baby Silverstream right beside her.
“You,” Queen Chrysalis said in a cold tone.  “This was all your doing.”
“Not all of it,” Baby Ocellus said.  “But while I was freed from your influence, I learned that you wanted revenge against Twilight Sparkle for what happened at the Grand Gallopin Gala.  I also knew you would be willing to put your own kind in danger just for one filly.”
“My desire for revenge was to turn Twilight Sparkle into one of us,” Queen Chrysalis said. “To turn her against Princess Celestia by any means necessary.”
“That’s why I was willing to let Princess Celestia help out,” Baby Ocellus said.  “It wasn’t just because of Twilight.  It was also because of you.  You’re going down a path that could wipe our kind to extinction.”
“I’ve been fighting to prevent our extinction,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “To ensure the survival of this species.”
“But not like this,” Baby Ocellus said.  “If you tried to go down your path of revenge once more, you would condemn us all to our fates.  The changelings would forever be referred to as a parasite that should be wiped off all of Equestria.”
“She’s right,” Princess Celestia said.  “I don’t want to be the one responsible for the extinction of your species.  This was why we set this trap, every one of us.  It was for your well-being.”
With that, Princess Celestia reached her hoof out to Queen Chrysalis as Wanda Young and Baby Ocellus backed off.
“Please,” Princess Celestia said.  “End this madness.  Join us.  I will offer your kind amnesty and ensure they will be rehabilitated.  Do this.  For the sake of both ponies and changelings.  And for your mother: Queen Papilionoidea.”
With her eyes flowing in sorrow, Queen Chrysalis slowly reached out to Princess Celestia’s hoof, inch by inch.  It looked as if she were touched by Celestia’s choices of words.  But at the last moment, Queen Chrysalis slowly pushed Celestia’s hoof away in shame.
“I can’t,” Chrysalis said in a sad voice.  “I cannot accept any form of redemption when I know my crimes would disqualify me from any atonement.  I’m beyond your help.  Besides, if I were to accept, the news media would render you a pariah for taking me in.”
“Chrysalis…I,” Celestia said hesitantly.
“The least you can do is to either lock me away in Tartarus, turn me to stone, or put me out of my misery,” Chrysalis said.  “But I can’t accept any offer for redemption.  I’m sorry.”
“Then you know I can’t take your life,” Princess Celestia said.  “Long ago before even Chancellor Cinch was born, I once wanted revenge on you for what you did to my people.  I was consumed, every day with wanting to bring you and your kind down..  But my actions nearly took the life of a pony.  And I nearly lived to regret it.  That is why I cannot, in good will, take your life.”
“Then we are forever stuck in this vicious cycle,” Chrysalis said.
As Queen Chrysalis finished her sentence, a cold front moved into the land, causing everyone to panic as the skies darkened.  Celestia stood her ground, observing the darkened clouds.
“Who goes there?”  Princess Celestia yelled.  “Show yourself.”
“Foolish princess.  You should have taken Queen Chrysalis’ request when you had the chance.”
“Coldnelius Snap,” Princess Luna yelled.  “What do you want?”
In a powerful, yet cold, flash, Coldnelius Snap appeared right in front of Queen Chrysalis, startling everyone.  Wanda was knocked down to the ground and looked up helplessly as Princess Celestia scooped her up.
“You should have done what she said, Princess,” Coldnelius Snap said.
“I will not, Snap,” Celestia snarled.
“Then she who hesitates is lost,” Coldnelius Snap laughed.  “We will meet again.”
Coldnelius Snap raised his right hoof into the air.  A cold, thick fog surrounded him, Queen Chrysalis, Princess Chrysalis II, Locust, and every changeling around in Canterlot, horrifying everyone.  When the fog lifted away, Coldnelius Snap and every changeling was gone in an instant.  Karen the Bulldog growled at where Queen Chrysalis used to be as Wanda held onto Princess Celestia.
“Where did those cowards go?” Hoops said
“So this is the power of the Windigos Guild,” Argyle Starshine said.  “I thought bringing down a snowstorm across Equestria was scary, but this is a whole new level.”
Wanda just looked at where the changelings used to be before she cried into Princess Celestia’s chest.
“Mommy,” Wanda cried.  “Why does fate have to be cruel to us?”
Celestia snuggled Wanda up close before she said “Do not worry, my darling Wanda.  One day, we will end this fight against the changelings, and we will help them find their harmony.”

Sometime later, at the changeling’s lair outside of Canterlot, Queen Chrysalis sat there on her throne room, staring out at the clouded sky with her emotions drained.  Outside of the throne room, Inferno, Quickstrike, Waspinator, Locust, Princess Chrysalis II and Coldnelius Snap looked inside, worried for the queen.
“I have never seen the queen this broken before,” Inferno said.  
“Tell me about it,” Quickstrike said.  “One moment she’s peeved to the next dimension, the next moment, she’s depressed.”
“Mother doesn’t deserve to be like this,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “Not after what those ponies did to her.”
“It’s going to take a lot to repair her fractured ego,” Coldnelius Snap said  “Go speak with her.  Right now, she needs her people like I need my cult.”
Inferno slowly opened the door to the throne room before he, Quickstrike, Waspinator, Locust and Princess Chrysalis II walked inside.  Though the sounds of their hoofsteps were loud, Queen Chrysalis continued to stare outside, paying no attention at all.
“My queen,” Locust said.  “Are you alright?”
Queen Chrysalis barely tilted her head to them and said “Yeah, sure.”
Princess Chrysalis II lowered her head to Locust’s ear and whispered “I expected her to yell after that.”
“I know,” Locust whispered back.
Quickstrike walked up to Queen Chrysalis and asked “Boss queen.  We’ve been worried sick about you.  We want to know how we will get our revenge on those blasted ponies for tricking you into attacking.  In fact, I’m about ready to keelhaul those tin horned toads..”
“Feel free to do so,” Chrysalis sighed.  “But don’t expect our underground lair to be available, now that it’s in the hooves of Princess Celestia.”
Quickstrike just stood there, dumbfounded.  He shook his head in disbelief before turning to his Predacon brothers.
“You two got any better ideas?” Quickstrike asked.
“Waspinator has an idea,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator will convince Chrysalis into blasting Waspinator.”
“Are you crazy?” Quickstrike asked, outraged.  “Provoke the queen into blasting you to smithereens?”
“No,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator not shot once.  So Waspinator will make that up by being blasted by Queen Chrysalis.  And Waspinator knows what to do.”
Waspinator walked up to Queen Chrysalis, who slowly turned to face the wasp-colored Predacon.  Waspinator cleared his throat before turning his attention to the changeling queen.
“Waspinator have confession to make,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator saw Gold Banks try to take Princess Wanda.  Waspinator not want to see Gold Banks take Princess Wanda.  So Waspinator scared the living daylights out of dimwit Gold Banks.  But by doing so, Waspinator aided enemy, unintentionally.  So Waspinator ready to accept punishment for aiding enemy, and even going as far as to fail to capture Princess Wanda.”
Waspinator stood perfectly still, eagerly awaiting to be blasted by Queen Chrysalis.  Though the queen stared down Waspinator and did lower her horn, no magic came out, and all Chrysalis could do was sigh.
“I don’t even have the gall to punish you for aiding Princess Wanda,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “And it’s not because you did aid the enemy.  It was what she did after you saved her.”
“Wha?” Waspinator said, confused.
 Queen Chrysalis breathed in and pointed to her healed side before she said “It was the first time in a long time that I was shown kindness by our own enemy.  The very human that you saved.  I also received a report that confirmed you stopped Gold Banks from taking Princess Wanda away.  That’s not worthy of any punishment when what she did at least was a bit of kindness.  And as a result, you unintentionally showed me what that kindness was.”
As Waspinator stood there, surprised, Queen Chrysalis opened a nearby treasure chest with her magic and pulled out a small medal.   She pulled it up and placed the medal on Waspinator’s chest.
“What’s this for?” Waspinator asked.
“Princess Wanda may be our enemy,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “But knowing what kind of monster Gold Banks is, you at least did the man’s cub a favor.  And the end result was that bit of kindness she showed me.  You;ve earned it.”
Waspinator looked down at his medal in confusion as Princess Chrysalis II walked up to her mother.
“That was unexpected of you, mother,” Princess Chrysalis II said.
“It was,” Queen Chrysalis said. “But it seems my nastiness has disappeared…for now.”
Princess Chrysalis approached her mother and sat right next to her as Inferno saluted the Queen.
“Would you like for us to part for the time being, my queen?” Inferno asked.
“Please do,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “In fact, let all changelings know they are not required to partake in any invasions until further notice.  You are dismissed.”
“At once, my queen,” Inferno bowed before he, Quickstrike, Waspinator and Locust made their way to the exit, leaving Princess Chrysalis II with Queen Chrysalis.
“So,” Princes Chrysalis II said.  “I’m sorry the plan didn’t go well.”
“It was worse than a failure,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “It was a setup from the beginning, all in the name of saving us.  But why?  We’re irredeemable.  We’re the most despicable beings of Equestria.  And yet, while I am sad from this revelation, I’m still thinking about what Princess Wanda did for me.”
“The wound from your side?” Princess Chrysalis II asked.
“Yes,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “She is our enemy, and I want her to become a part of the changeling hive for the benefit of us all.  But I still don’t understand why she showed mercy to us when we came close to killing her mother.”
“I don’t understand either,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “Perhaps naivety?”
“Perhaps,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “But the more I look at her eyes, the more it may have warmed my heart a bit.  I mean, sure I don’t want to cast aside my evil ways.  But she did remind me of my own mother.”
“You mean the late Queen Papilionoidea?” Princess Chrysalis II asked.
“She may not be her reincarnation,” Queen Chrysalis replied.  “But she does remind me of the warmth that she gave me before her death more than a thousand years ago.  I was only a mere filly when I saw her die.”
“That’s why you want to bring down Equestria,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “It’s because of what they did to her.”
“And as long as I still breathe,” Queen Chrysalis said, “I will not rest.  No matter what.”
“That’s the mother I know,” Princess Chrysalis II said with a chuckle.
“Is that laughter I hear?” Queen Chrysalis laughed. 
Immediately, Princess Chrysalis II covered her mouth in horror.
“Please don’t be angry at me, mother,” Princess Chrysalis II said.
“Oh I’m not angry,” Queen Chrysalis said with a smirk on her face.  “But you still have to be punished.”
Queen Chrysalis turned her daughter on her back before placing her hoof on her tummy and tickled it.  Princess Chrysalis II broke out in laughter.
“I’M SORRY, MOTHER!” Chrysalis II laughed.  “I PROMISE I WON’T CHUCKLE LIKE THAT AGAIN! “
“Oh no, my daughter,” Queen Chrysalis said. “You don’t have to apologize.  In fact, you’ve lifted my spirits with your laughter.  And I have you to thank for it.”
As Queen Chrysalis tickled Princess Chrysalis II with both mother and daughter breaking out in laughter, Locust observed from the outside of the throne room with a sigh of relief.
“The queen is back in good spirits,” Locust said.  “That’s what I needed to see.”
Locust stepped away from the entrance and walked down with Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator by his side, all while Waspinator looked down at his medal.
“Still getting used to that medal of yours, brother?” Inferno asked.
“Yeah,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator not expect to win a medal.  But Waspinator will take anything to boost spirit.”
“Well, with the queen back in good spirits,” Quickstrike replied, “I think this will help boost our morale back to normal.”
“Agreed,” Inferno replied.
“So,” Locust asked.  “What will you do for the time being?”
“It is simple,” Inferno said.  “We will go and drown our sorrows in fire water and reminisce about the good old days of when we used to scare the stuffing out of those ponies.”
And so, Inferno, Quickstrike, Waspinator and Locust walked down the halls of the changeling hive, laughing together like a bunch of friends.  But nearby, Coldnelius Snap watched the four changelings walk down with a smile on their face.
“So it seems the Queen is back in good spirits,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “Good thing, too.  She needs all the help she can get.  But for now, I must prepare for my own plan.  Word has it Princess Celestia has figured out ground bridge magic, and I plan on taking it from her.  For the glory of the Windigos.”

Meanwhile, back in Canterlot at the park, Wanda Young laid on the grass and looked up at the sky with Sunset Shimmer by her side.  There was barely anyone else in the vicinity with the exception of Abigail the cat and Karen the Bulldog.
“Still worried for the changelings?” Sunset asked.
“I am,” Wanda said.  “Why do they have to be so cruel when they could have benefited from the kindness I offered?”
“I’m not so sure,” Sunset replied.  “It does feel hard to want to help those who claim they don’t need it, even if they have to be changelings.”
“Lost,” Abigail said as Karen laid there with a whimper.
Wanda just let out a sigh and let her eyes drift towards the sky.  But as her mind began to drift, she felt a tap on her shoulder.  Wanda looked up to see Snips and Snails hovering above her.
“Are you Princess Wanda?” Snips asked.
Wanda slowly got up on her two legs and said “I am.  Is something up?”
“Well, your mommy was worried about you and your sister,” Snails said.  “And she wanted to check up on you both.”
“Guess it’s because of what happened to Queen Chrysalis,” Sunset said.  “I take it she’s with you, correct?”
Both colts nodded as Princess Celestia stepped out of the shadows and approached the two younglings.
“You’re both still worried about Queen Chrysalis and the changelings, I take it,” Princess Celestia asked.
“Even after all we did today,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Yes.”
“Mommy,” Wanda asked.   “Why do the changelings hate us?  Why do they don’t want to redeem themselves?”
“Wanda, Sunset,” Princess Celestia said.  “I think it’s time I told you about why Queen Chrysalis’ heart is filled with hatred for our kind.”
“You mean she used to be kind-hearted?” Sunset replie.d
“Yes,” Princess Celestia said.  “Before the civil war that resulted in the loss of both Queen Eternia and Queen Icelina, the changelings were ruled over by a benevolent monarch by the name of Queen Papilionoidea.  She was close friends to my mother and aunt when Luna and I were fillies.”
“What was Queen Papil…whoever she was, like?” Wanda asked.
“Queen Papilionoidea,” Celestia laughed.  “But anyway, Luna and I once looked up to Queen Papilionoidea like she was a second aunt.”
“Like how we look up to Aunt Novo,” Wanda said.
“And Pailionoidea was as warm as you would expect,” Princess Celestia explained.  “She knew my mother and aunt well enough that we had a trade pact with the changelings during those times.  And back then, Chrysalis was far more of an innocent, and yet shy, filly.  Luna and I got along with her, hoping to at least give her some joy in the world.”
“So Chrysalis was a far sweeter person back then,” Wanda said.
“She was,” Princess Celestia said.  “But one day, a rogue alicorn of some sort attacked the changeling hive.  Many who fought to protect the hive were wiped out.  And although Queen Papilionoidea fought her with all her might, this rogue alicorn, whoever she was, killed her.  The species was almost wiped out by this rogue’s actions.”
“Oh no,” Sunset said.  “All because of a rogue.”
“Chrysalis was traumatized by the rogue’s actions and from her mother’s murder,” Princess Celestia said.  “I believe it was that event that made her hostile towards all ponies.”
“Why did your mommy save what was left of the changelings?” Wanda asked.
“She was going to do so,” Celestia said.  “But not long after, tragedy struck our people and the civil war took place.  The months-long event that scared Luna and I, and resulted in the loss of the original kingdom: Everfree City.”
“When did you last see Queen Chrysalis?” Wanda asked.
“Sometime after Canterlot was built,” Princess Celestia said.  “Queen Chrysalis launched her attack on our people in a desire to avenge her mother’s death.  She was no longer the shy and innocent filly we knew.  Instead, she had become a monster that was filled with anger and malice towards other races.  Luna and I had no choice, but to defend our newly-formed kingdom from Queen Chrysalis and her changeling forces.  And it was on that day, we no longer saw the changelings as allies, but now adversaries.  They desired to assimilate our kind to their cause as a means to avenge Queen Papilionoidea.  And thus began their conquest to turn ponies into changelings.”
“That is just horrible,” Sunset said.  “To think, our kind used to be friends with them.”
“You know,” Snails said.  “This is something we were never taught before.”
“Yeah,” Snips said.  “None of the history books talked about the changelings and this Queen Papilionoidea person.  I bet she was a sweetheart.”
“That is a fault on my behalf,” Princess Celestia said.  “But that being said, I did desire revenge against the changelings after that first invasion.  But I realized later on, that my desire for revenge was destructive, that it would result in not just their extinction, but the extinction of all ponies.  I didn’t know what to do afterwards, though I still had to dedicate myself to protecting Equestria from her wrath.”
“So where did this trap come into play?” Wanda asked.
“It was on the day of the Grand Gallopin Gala,” Princess Celestia replied.  “Once Twilight Sparkle defeated Queen Chrysalis, and she got swooped into the changelings’ desire for revenge, I realized this may have been the last straw.  So that was why Buck Withers and Lemony Gem agreed to have their wedding be a trap set for Queen Chrysalis.  I never expected for Magistrate Creme Dream and Sunset’s demon form to do more than enough damage to Chrysalis’ psyche.  But in the end, despite all we did, they refused to accept any second chances.”
“Wow,” Sunset said.  “To think we’re now forever trapped in a fight against those who were once our allies.”
“I should have told you both this from the very beginning,” Princess Celestia said.  “But I didn’t want to worry you both with the changelings’ desire for vengeance.  I’m terribly sorry.”
“It’s okay, mommy,” Wanda said, rubbing her adopted mother’s cheek with her hand.
“Now then,” Princess Celestia said.  “What say we finish up Buck Withers and Lemony Gem’s wedding?  After all, they still want to get hitch.”
“I was wondering if they were gonna finally tie the know,” Sunset said as she and Wanda got up.
Princess Celestia led Wanda, Sunset, Abigail and Karen away from the grass of the Canterlot Park.  Snips and Snails got up and followed the group, walking right alongside Karen.
“It’s all so much to take in,” Snips said.  “The changelings used to be good along with Queen Chrysalis, and the fate of her mother Queen Papilionoidea.”
“It’s almost as if I do feel sorry for them,” Snails said.  “Even if they claim to be irredeemable.”
“What do you think, doggy?” Snips asked.
But all Karen could do was whimper in silence.
“Yeah,” Snails said.  “That’s what we think as well.”
As the group walked out of the park, Magistrate Creme Dream stood in the distance with a smile on her face.
Queen Papilionoidea,” Creme Dream said. “That’s a name I haven’t heard in a long time.”


	To Be Continued in…


	Happily Married

> Arc 17-8: Happily Married
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Happily Married



It was outside the walls of Canterlot Castle in the evening as repairs were being made around the front entrance of the palace.  Ponies sat down in an open reception with a makeshift altar at the far end with Princess Celestia serving as the minister.  Buck Withers stood nervous, and yet sad, with Prince Blueblood, Shining Armor, Chancellor Cinch, and Gad Zookes stood by him, once more.
“Something up?” Shining Armor asked.
“It’s about Queen Chrysalis,” Buck Withers said.  “She chose to reject our offer in hopes of ending this thousand year feud between our kind and the changelings.”
“Judging by what she said, I’m afraid she’s right,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Even though she was traumatized by what happened as a youngling, what Queen Chrysalis did through those years can’t be forgiven by any court.  And even if they could, there’s still the news channels that would demonize anyone who did pardon her and the changelings.”
“Sometimes, I wonder if we are doomed to forever fight the changelings,” Shining Armor said.
“Not quite,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “If I recall, Ocellus, along with her parents, represents what may be the one glimmer of hope for the species.  And I believe there may be more who want no part in Chrysalis’ desire for revenge.  It may not only be a way to save the species, but also to save Queen Chrysalis from herself.”
“Well,” Buck Withers said.  “Here’s to the future of their species.  Let’s hope it is not too late.”
“It might not be,” Prince Blueblood said.  “And as a matter of fact, I think the bride should be coming down soon.
Suddenly, the organist played ‘Here Comes the Bride,’ loudly for the ponies of Canterlot, catching everyone’s attention.  The audience looked up the aisle to see Twilight Sparkle walk down, once again throwing flower petals into the air and onto the ground.   She looked at her mother Twilight Velvet and her father Night Light before she smiled right at them.
“That’s our daughter,” Twilight Velvet said.  “I hope one day, she can have a wonderful wedding of her own.”
Right behind Twilight Sparkle came the bridesmaids, which included Queen Novo, Princess Skystar, and Princess Cadance.  But now joining them was Helga Hearthsoup, right beside Novo and Skystar, while Baby Ocellus and Baby Silverstream rode atop Novo’s back.
“It’s too bad about what happened to the castle, mother,” Princess Skystar said.
“Don’t worry about that, my daughter,” Queen Novo said.  “From what I heard, they should have it repaired before you know it.”
Right behind the bridesmaids, Wanda Young and Sunset Shimmer walked together down the aisle, once again carrying a pillow each with a ring atop of it.  Behind them, Princess Luna walked Lemony Gem down the aisle.  Everyone turned to the bride, oohing and awwing at the design of her dress.
“Still can’t believe you got that dress patched up,” Pinkie Pie said.
“Oh darling,” Rarity said.  “I had to make a new dress for her and got it to match the only one, one hundred percent.”
“Rarity,” Trixie said.  “I’m sorry I have to say this, but you’re a diamond in the rough.”
“A diamond in the rough, huh?” Rarity said.  “Now that’s a praise I could get used to.”
“Don’t let it get to your head, Rarity,” Applejack said.  “Even diamonds can have their rough edges.”
“Oh hah hah,” Rarity laughed in a sarcastic tone.  “Real funny.”
Princess Cadance, Helga Hearthsoup, Queen Novo and Princess Skystar approached the altar and stood by as Wanda and Sunset brought the rings up, all while Ocellus and Silverstream waved to the sisterly duo.  Once they took separate sides, Princess Luna stepped aside and allowed Lemony Gem to walk up to the altar, where she and Buck Withers bowed to each other before turning their attention to Princess Celestia.
“Dearly behooved,” Princess Celestia said.  “We are gathered here today, to join this stallion and mare in harmonious matrimony.  But early ago, we all used this wedding in an attempt to capture Queen Chrysalis, and help assimilate the changelings into society, once more.  Unfortunately, the plan was doomed to the very end when Chrysalis turned down our offer, stating that we are bound by fate to hate each other.  Even if her words were true, there is still a glimmer of hope that resides not just in those who took our side, but also those whose hearts ring true, with these two.”
Everyone clapped at Princess Celestia’s words, though some felt saddened by her speech.
“I’ll say,” Bright Mac said.  “What will it take to end this madness?”
“I don’t know,” Granny Smith said.  “Even our own news stations would rather we continue our hatred of the changelings and the guild.”
Princess Celestia looked down at the book and took a deep breath.
“Even despite all we have gone through,” Princess Celestia said, “The ceremonies will still commence.  When the vows are read, two lives will become intertwined into one family.  And as a family, we are one together.  That being said, if there is anyone who objects to the marriage of these two, speak now, or forever hold your peace.”
Immediately, someone yelled out “I OBJECT!”  Everyone turned towards the back end of the makeshift wedding aisle to see a furious Gold Banks stare down everyone. 
“Gold Banks,” Prince Blueblood said.  “What’s she doing here?”
Wanda got a good look at Gold Banks and immediately hid behind Queen Novo.
“Save me,” Wanda cried.  “I don’t want her to take me away.”
Gold Banks marched down the aisle to the horror of everyone within the vicinity, which included both Buck Withers and Lemony Gem.  But Princess Celestia glared down at the wealthy diva.
“Gold Banks,” Princess Celestia yelled.  “What is your objection to this marriage?”
“I’ll tell you,” Gold Banks said.  “I came down here to teach my husband a lesson for allowing my daughter to be expelled, and not to mention taking her away to be punished for her arrogance.  But thanks to those parasites called changelings, I have been humiliated ten folds.  So just for that, I’m calling the wedding off regardless if you agree or not.”
“Gold Banks,” Celestia snapped.  “You have no authorization to call off anyone’s wedding.”
“That’s what you think,” Gold Banks yelled.  “By my power that exceeds yours, I hereby declare this wedding null and void.  Which means not only will the marriage of these two be invalidated, but they will not see each other again, and they cannot marry anyone else either.”
The crowd was horrified.  They muttered towards each other over Gold Banks’ words.
“Gold Banks,” Celestia snapped.  “Are you crazy?  Forbidding two love birds from even getting married?  You’re overstepping your boundaries.”
“I have no boundaries,” Gold Banks said.  “And to prove it, I demand you also give me that snot-nosed brat of a man’s cub, this instant.”
Princess Celestia stood next to Wanda Young and Queen Novo before she said “Get off the altar this instant.  You will not invalidate the marriage of these two souls and you will not take my daughter.”
“I’d back off if I were you,” Queen Novo said.  “Nearly every pony in this vicinity would take sides with Princess Celestia over you.”
“Do not talk back to me,” Gold Banks demanded.  
Suddenly, Silver Banks got up out of his seat and marched towards Gold Banks, leaving Golden Lace to hide underneath her chair where Cozy Glow, Spike and Abigail were also hiding.
“Gold Banks,” Silver said.  “Back off this instant.  We do not need any more of these shenanigans.”
Gold Banks turned to her husband and said “Don’t you dare talk back to me.  I’m the one who calls the shots in this household, not you.  In fact, you better kiss our daughter good-bye, because you won’t be seeing her again.”
As the crowd muttered even more, a familiar figure marched down the aisle and tapped Gold Banks on the shoulder.  Gold Banks turned around and it was none other than Magistrate Creme Dream.
“I’ll deal with Gold Banks,” Creme Dream said.
Everyone stood still as Magistrate Creme Dream led Gold Banks to the back end of the makeshift aisle before pulling her near a fountain.  Even Princess Celestia was confused.  This also caused Golden Lace, Cozy Glow, Spike and Abigail to peek their heads out in curiousity.
“What just happened?” Celestia asked.
“I don’t know,” Buck Withers said.  “And personally, I don’t even want to know.”
Back near the fountain, Creme Dream glared down at Gold Banks, whose anger turned to fear.
“Now you listen to me,” Creme Dream said in a cold tone.  “I was the one who authorized your daughter’s expulsion from Daisy Joy Tech because I was getting tired of your antics, especially towards your husband.”
“YOU WERE THE ONE WHO…” Gold Banks yelled before Creme Dream placed her hoof on Gold Banks’ mouth.
“Do not talk back at me,” Creme Dream said.  “Now because of the foolishness you displayed, you’ve left me no other choice, but to authorize your husband to allow a restraining order against you until further notice.  Do not test my patience again, and leave them alone for the time being.  Do I make myself clear?”
Gold Banks said nothing, but nodded in fear.
“Good,” Creme Dream said before she released her hold from Gold Banks’ mouth.
Princess Luna walked up to Creme Dream and said “Is there something wrong?”
“It’s all been settled now,” Creme Dream said with a smile.  “Carry on with your wedding.”
Luna turned towards Princess Celestia and nodded, causing the latter to clear her throat, catching the attention of everyone at the wedding.  
“Now, I ask of you to hold hooves together, and affirm your willingness to enter this joining of these two,” Princess Celestia said.
Without hesitation, Buck Withers and Lemony Gem held each other’s hooves in excitement.
Celestia turned towards Buck Withers and said “Buck Withers, do you, take this mare to be your wife?  Do you promise to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?”
“I do,” Buck Withers said with a warm smile on his face.
Immediately, Celestia turned to Lemony Gem, who looked extremely eager.
“And do you, Lemony Gem,” Celestia said, “take this stallion to be your husband?  To love and comfort him, honor and keep him, in sickness and in health, as long as you both shall live?”
Immediately, Lemony Gem jumped into the air and yelled out “YES!!!” 
The crowd burst out into laughter.  Everyone could barely keep themselves together.  Even Wanda, who was hiding behind Queen Novo, placed her pillow down before rolling on the floor and giggling loudly.
“Oops,” Lemony Gem said in embarrassment.  “I mean I do.  My apologies.”
“No need to apologize, Lemony Gem,” Celestia laughed.  “But it does show your honesty when it comes to the dedication to your new husband.”
Celestia turned towards Sunset Shimmer and Wanda Young before she gave them both a nod.  Sunset, still with one of the rings on the pillow, walked up to Buck Withers.  Wanda slowly got herself back up from the laughter and picked up the pillow with the ring on it before walking up to Lemony Gem.  
“And now,” Princess Celestia said.  “With those rings, these serve as a reminder of your vows to each other, a bond that cannot be broken for as long as love is strong.  You may place the rings on each others’ hooves.
With that, Buck Withers picked up his ring from Sunset Shimmer while Lemony Gem picked up her ring from Wanda Young.  They each held out each other's hooves before placing the respective rings on their partner’s arm.  Their bands glowed brightly in the afternoon sun as the crowd cheered.
“It is done,” Princess Celestia said.  “By virtue of the authority within me, Princess Celestia Del Sol, ruler of Equestria and protector of the ponies, I hereby pronounce you husband and wife.  You may kiss the bride.
Lemony Gem looked at her husband with a beautiful smile on her cheek, and diamonds glowing in her eyes.  Buck Withers reached out and kissed Lemony on the lips.  Everyone within the vicinity cheered for Buck Withers and Lemony Gem as they embraced each other.
“I can’t believe it,” Sunlight Starscout said.  “They’re finally a couple, after all this time.  Isn’t marriage wonderful?”
“It is,” Argyle Starshine said.  “But it’s sad that some ponies do not see love within one another.”
“I know,” Sunlight Starscout said.  “After what we saw with Gold Banks, I’m afraid some ponies will have their marriage end in divorce, a sign that they do not truly love each other.  Love is a thing that cannot be explained.  But it represents what’s in the heart.  And that’s what matters the most, my son.”


Later that evening, everyone in Canterlot was partying the night away.  The crowd was wild.  Some danced to celebrate the moment.  Others enjoyed the food like punch, sandwiches, vegetable platters, tacos, burritos, pickled vegetables, salads, cookies, ice cream, and even wedding cake.
On the dance floor, Twilight Sparkle started moving around like a crazed pony, moving her legs up and down while shaking her hooves.  While some ponies looked at Twilight oddly, others were curious about her dance moves like the Dazzling sisters.
“Hey,” Aria Blaze said.  “Dig what Twilight’s doing.”
“Ooooh,” Sonata Dusk said.  “I want in.”
Sonata Dusk immediately ran up to Twilight and started dancing alongside her.  Adagio Dazzle and Aria Blaze just shook their heads in amusement.
“That’s pretty typical of Sonata Dusk,” Adagio Dazzle laughed.  “But then again, I think she can pull off dance moves better than Twilight can.”
“Is that a fact?” Aria Blaze replied.  “Well two can play at that game.”
Aria Blaze ran up onto the dance floor and proceeded to dance alongside Sonata Dusk and Twilight Sparkle, much to the surprise of the crowd.  All Adagio Dazzle could do was place her hoof on her face in embarrassment.
“With sisters like that,” Adagio Dazzle said, “Who needs clowns?”
Nearby, at the food tables, Danged Spell, Moondancer and Sunburst were all enjoying some of the grub.  Spell was eating a tomato and cucumber sandwich, Sunburst was having some of the vegetables with ranch dip while Moondancer drank some punch.
“When it comes to the food selection,” Sunburst stated, “The princess spared no expense.”
“Yeah,” Danged Spell said.  “What a smorgasbord of options.”
“Danged Spell,” Moondancer laughed.  “You nearly got punch to shoot out from my snout.”
“Well that’s what I am,” Danged Spell said.  “A real party animal.”
Suddenly, confetti flew out from a nearby corner, covering Spell in some of the sparkly decorations.  Spell looked to her right and saw Pinkie Pie with her party cannon, having pressed the button.
“Hold my cannon,” Pinkie Pie smirked.
Danged Spell glared at Pinkie Pie and said “You pink parasite.  Why I oughta….”
But Spell was interrupted when a powerful stream of fruit punch shot right at his face.  Danged Spell turned to Moondancer, who was laughing out loud.
“Way to go, Spell,” Sunburst said.  “You just made Moondancer shoot fruit punch out of her nose.”
“Are you kidding me?” Danged Spell roared.  “Now I know what it’s like to be punched.”
As Spell was soaked in fruit punch, he heard the sound of laughter.  Danged Spell turned back to Pinkie Pie, who was on her back, laughing out loud.
“Punched,” Pinkie Pie laughed.  “Now that’s a good one.”
Danged Spell just looked at Pinkie Pie and said “Why me?”
Nearby, Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, were on the side, speaking with Hoops, Dumbbell and Score.  Karen the Bulldog sat right next to the group.
“You sure you don’t want to come back to La Maresa with us?” Applejack asked.  “The mayor heard about your deeds, and she’s willing to give you a second chance.”
“No way,” Hoops said.  “Sure you may forgive us, but we still see ourselves as irredeemable rogues.”
“Yeah,” Score said.  “Once this party is over, we’re heading outta here and taking the rest of the boys with us.”
“You’re really making a big mistake on this,” Rarity said.  “Even Bright Mac and Buttercup are willing to help you out if you need it.”
“Yeah,” Fluttershy said.  “Even after you’ve learned your lesson, you three still want to distance yourselves from all of us?
“Yeah,” Dumbbell said.  “I hate to say this, but even if we did accept Bright Mac’s proposal, we would still be labeled as juvenile delinquents to the Equestrian community.  So it’s better to just return to the shadows and barely show our faces again as outcasts.”
Just then, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse walk up to the group before Rolling Thunder tapped Hoops on the shoulder.
“Not to interrupt your friendly conversation,” Rolling Thunder said.  “But the rest of us have decided we’re going to head back to Coltsom.”
“Already?” Hoops said.
“Yeah,” Short Fuse said.  “As much as we want to party all night long, we just want to get back to that hole in the wall.”
“Guess you’re right,” Dumbbell said.  “Might as well return this mutt back to where she was before we go.  Luckily, the owner was out of town for the time being.”
But all Karen could do was whimper to Dumbbell.
“I know you wanna go with us,” Dumbbell said, petting Karen on the forehead.  “But sadly, you have an owner of your own and we heard some bad things about that guy.”
“Well it’s been fun,” Applejack said.  “Stay outta trouble.”
Hoops just laughed before he said “Like that’s a possibility.”
As Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder, Short Fuse and Karen walked away from the group, Bright Mac, Buttercup, Big Mac and Granny Smith walked up to Applejack, Rarity and Fluttershy, with Buttercup pushing a stroller with Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo in it.
“Pa,” Applejack said. “I don’t get it.  We want to see them better themselves, and they don’t want to take it.”
“I also don’t understand their reasoning,” Bright Mac said. “But sadly, it is their choice.  It’s a shame that they chose to stay down this path.”
“It is,” Granny Smith said.  “Not long ago, they were a nuisance to the ponies of La Maresa, and even banishing them only made things worse.  Princess Wanda was able to point out the error of their ways, and yet parts of society would still cast them as outcasts.  Sometimes we can be a cruel species.”
“Cheer up, Applejack,” Buttercup said as she pulled Apple Bloom out.  “We’ll find a way to get them integrated back into society, propaganda be damned.  And besides, you have a family that cares alot about you and shows you the right and wrong about life.  No matter what, we’ll back you up, one hundred percent.”
Big Mac stood tall and said “Eeyup.”
“Thanks y’all,” Applejack said. “But that being said, I’m not so sure about Flim and Flam.  Something about them feels rather off.”
Bright Mac just gave Applejack a hoof noogie and said “Oh Applejack.  Don’t judge a book by its cover.”
But as Bright Mac and Applejack laughed together, Rainbow Dash, who looked really ecstatic,  was walking alongside Spitfire and Captain Airazor nearby.
“You really mean it?” Rainbow Dash asked.  “The Junior Wonderbolt camp?”
“You really demonstrated your skills as a Wonderbolt during these last few days,” Captain Airazor said.  “Especially when we had to evacuate some of the ponies to the Golden Land.”
“Oh my gosh,” Rainbow Dash said.  “I can’t wait to tell my folks about this.”
“Oh I’ve spoken with them and they really want you to jump in,” Captain Airazor said. 
“Yeah,” Spitfire said.  “I wanna see you advance as a Junior Wonderbolt.  In fact, I hope we end up becoming equals as Junior Wonderbolts.”
“And with the Wonderbolts coming back together,” Captain Airazor said, “I’d say our future looks brighter than ever.”
“Aww yeah,” Rainbow Dash said.  “I’m so ready to show them that I can be a Junior Wonderbolt.”
“Oh and that being said,” Captain Airazor said.  “Your parents weren’t just excited for your future, they were really cheering you on.”
Suddenly, Rainbow Dash’s ears picked up the sound of someone cheering for her.  She turned and saw Bow Hot Hoof and Windy Whistles hold up signs with her face on it.
“Oh no,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Did they have to do…this?”
“Consider it a complement,” Spitfire said.
Rainbow Dash covered her face in embarrassment as her parents cheered her on.
“Let’s hope they don’t sign up for Wonderbolt cheerleading,” Rainbow Dash said in a cold tone.
But nearby, Golden Lace was giving Juniper Montage a hug while tears slid down her cheek.  Next to them were Canter Zoom, Cozy Glow, Filthy and Spoiled Rich with Diamond Tiara in a crib, and Silver Banks.
“I can’t believe you’re leaving back with your uncle,” Golden Lace said.
“I know,” Juniper Montage said.  “I’m gonna miss you.”
“Cheer up,” Canter Zoom said.  “Maybe in the future, you could invite your friend to my new movie studio in La Maresa.”
“Would I?” Juniper Montage said with excitement.
“That’s a great idea,” Golden Lace said, wiping the tears from her eyes.  “If daddy will let me…”
“Oh I’m down with that,” Silver Banks said.  “A shame my wife would object to that.”
“It’s more of a shame that my sister would resort to that kind of low,” Spoiled Rich said.  “Interrupting Buck Withers and Lemony Gem’s wedding for her own selfish reasoning.”
“I’m actually considering divorcing Gold Banks,” Silver said.  “Her antics are starting to get under all of our skins.”
“No doubt I will be banning her from my studio, Mr Banks,” Canter Zoom said.  “As much as I do appreciate your daughter, your wife would be a real pain to deal with.”
“Daddy,” Golden Lace said.  “I hope we can make the trip down to La Maresa, one day.”
“We will, my daughter,” Silver Banks said.  “Maybe even bring the others with you.”
“Did you hear that?” Juniper Montage said.  “I bet they will be so excited.”
“If you’re on your best behavior,” Canter Zoom said, “Maybe I’ll let you shoot a movie of your own in my studio.”
“That sounds great,” Juniper Montage said, squealing with excitement.
“I dunno if I can join you guys,” Cozy Glow said, “Considering that I have to put up with my own mother and daughter.”
“Don’t you worry,” Golden Lace said.  “If Princess Celestia can figure out a way, I can get you there.”
“Aww, thanks Lace,” Cozy Glow said, giving Golden Lace a hug.
Filthy Rich looked at the three youngsters and said “Sometimes, I really miss the days of being young.”
“So do I, honey,” Spoiled said as Baby Diamond Tiara giggled with glee.
Nearby, Buck Withers and Lemony Gem were dancing together on the stage as a spotlight shined down on the married couple.  The duo enjoyed every moment on that dance stage.
“So,” Buck Withers said.  “Excited about what our honeymoon will be like?”
“If you’re talking about that vacation at the Bridlewood inn and spa,” Lemony Gem said, “That’s a bit on the boring side compared to the beasts that lurk nearby.”
“You’re right,” Buck Withers said.  “That was the reason why we went with that place.  After all, adventure doesn’t rest for anyone, but us.”
“It sure doesn’t,” Lemony Gem said.  “By the way, take alook at Wanda and her friends.”
Buck Withers looked to his left to see Wanda playfully dancing with Starlight, Sunset dancing with Trixie, and Ditzy Doo twirling around like a silly pony.  The only thing Buck Withers could do was laugh.
“This is why I think younglings are the most innocent and pure of us all,” Buck Withers said.  “In fact, I’ll go as far as to say that it’s these moments that keep me going forward.”
“Bucky,” Lemony Gem said.  “If we had kids of our own, do you think they would be up for adventuring?”
“IT’s a long and hard process for a son or daughter,” Buck Withers said.  “But I promise I’ll make him or her a full bonafide adventurer.”
But as Buck Withers and Lemony Gem danced together, Wanda and Sunset swapped partners.  Now Wanda was dancing with Trixie while Sunset danced with Starlight.
“You know,” Wanda said.  “It’s too bad you and the others are going back to La Maresa.”
“Well you and your friends are welcome to come by,” Trixie said.  “The Great and Powerful Trixie will put on a show for the Grand and Glorious Princess.”
“Oh please,” Sunset said.  “You know Wanda doesn’t like those kinds of titles.”
“I know,” Trixie said.  “But it wouldn’t hurt to at least have some major recognition.”
“Hey by the way,” Starlight said.  “I hope we get to meet your father when we come back down to La Maresa.”
“Oh you’ll be in for a treat,” Trixie said.  “The Great and Powerful Trixie will show you the Greater and more Powerful father: Jack Pot.”
“Well I can’t wait to meet him,” Starlight squeed.
“Oh you’re in for a treat,” Ditzy Doo said.
“But I just said that,” Trixie yelled.
“Oops,” Ditzy grinned.  “My bad.”

Later that evening, the crowd gathered around as Buck Withers and Lemony Gem entered a luxurious carriage, waving back to the crowd.
“Don’t worry about me,” Gad Zookes said, waving from the crowd.  “I’ll catch up when I get the chance.”
“Oh I expect you to arrive when you can,” Buck Withers said.  
“Oh I almost forgot,” Lemony Gem said, holding the bouquet.
Lemony Gem swung her arm back before throwing the bouquet into the air.  In front, many of the bridesmaids, like Novo, Skystar and even Cadance looked up, hoping to catch the bouquet.
“I’ve got it, I’ve got it,” Princess Cadance yelled.
Suddenly, Helga Hearthsoup jumped into the air and grabbed the bouquet with her arms before landing on the ground.  Princess Cadance looked at her, completely stunned.
“I knew I should have used my wings,” Cadance said as she hung her head low.
“Now now,” Queen Novo said.  “I believe you already experience true love of your own.”
Princess Cadance looked to her left to see Shining Armor approach her.
“She’s right,” Shining Armor said. “Maybe one day, we’ll have a wedding of our own.”
“You might be right,” Princess Cadance said.  
As Princess Cadance and Shining Armor embraced each other, Gad Zookes walked up to Helga Hearthsoup.
“Congrats on grabbing the bouquet, Miss Hearthsoup,” Gad Zookes said.
“And congrats on grabbing the garter, Mr Zookes, “Helga laughed.
Next to Queen Novo, Baby Ocellus and Baby Silverstream observed the two love birds as Queen Novo picked them up.
“Well I hope you’re about to get ready,” Queen Novo said.  “We’re heading back to Mt. Aris.”
“Miss Novo,” Baby Ocellus said.  “I can never truly understand love.  What is it?”
“Well,” Queen Novo said.  “It’s something that can’t truly be explained, but it is a magical experience.”
“Yeah,” Princess Skystar said.  “Too bad I don’t think I can find someone who can love me.”
“Oh you will, my daughter,” Queen Novo said.  “You will.”
“So,” Gad Zookes said, rubbing the back of his legs together.  “Do you think…we?”
“Will be a couple together?” Helga responded.  “You are pretty cute, and you do respect the legacy of the Hearthsoups.  So it’s a possibility.”
“Aww,” Gad Zookes said.  “Thanks.”
Back at the carriage, Buck Withers and Lemony Gem waved good-bye to the guests as the coach took off.  Wanda, Sunset, Abigail, Spike, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Trixie, Ditzy Doo, Prince Blueblood and Argyle Starshine gathered together to wave good-bye to Buck Withers and Lemony Gem.
“Well there they go,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Two lives have been united as one.”
“Guys,” Wanda said, turning to the La Maresian ponies.  “Thanks for all the time you had with me.  I won’t ever forget this moment.”
“Aww thanks, Wanda,” Applejack said.  “It’s a shame that we are going back home tomorrow.”
“But I think what we won’t forget are the memories we made together like last time,” Sunset Shimmer said.
“Memories,” Abigail meowed.
“Wanda,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Whatever you do, don’t give up this kind of happiness.  It’s the one thing that keeps us all united together.”
“She’s right,” Prince Blueblood said.  “I think we can go a long way compared to the more cynical sides to us.”
“On a side note,” Argyle Starshine said.  “I have some good news.  Princess Celestia has accepted my application into the School for Gifted Unicorns.  So starting tomorrow, I will be teaching at your class.”
“That’s great,” Wanda said. 
“Yayyy,” Spike cheered.
“She also picked out a house for me, my mother, and sister to live in,” Argyle Starshine said.  “After all that I’ve been through from Daisy Joy Tech, I’m glad to be given a second chance here.”
“Maybe one day,” Sunset said, “We could find you a girlfriend you can call your significant other.  And maybe you could have younglings of your own.”
“Aww,” Argyle Starshine blushed.  “Thanks.”
“Oh and Rainbow Dash,” Wanda said.  “Congratulations on getting into the Junior Wonderbolt Camp.”
“Thanks, Wanda,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Maybe one day, you should sign up for the camp as the first winged human.”
“Thanks, but no thanks,” Wanda said.  “I like it more down here.”
“Yeah,” Sunset said. “Not to channel Danged Spell.  But Wanda’s far more relaxed when she’s grounded.”
And thus, every youngling in the vicinity, along with Spike, Abigail and Argyle, broke out into laughter.  But directly outside of the vicinity and out of sight of everyone else, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Chancellor Cinch and Eleanor Young observed the younglings’ moment.
“Thanks for pitching in with our attempt to capture Queen Chrysalis,” Princess Celestia said.
“I’m sorry that it didn’t turn out that well,” Eleanor Young said.  “But I’m proud of my daughter for showing kindness to her.”
“Queen Chrysalis claimed that she’s irredeemable, considering that she still suffers from what happened to her mother: Queen Papilionoidea,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “And I thought she was irredeemable.  But I think this will take time to finally convince her and the changelings that they can be good, in the end.”
“I’m hoping so,” Princess Luna said.  “I don’t want to force our people into a war that would lead to so much death and destruction.”
“By the way,” Eleanor Young said.  “I did some reading into the Crystals that power the Ground Bridge portals.  By any chance, was Starswirl the Bearded an Alchemist?”
“He was,” Princess Celestia said.  “Perhaps one of the greatest ever in Equestrian history.”
“Believe it or not,” Eleanor Young said, “I happen to know alot about Alchemy.  And I’ve figured out what goes into a ground bridge portal crystal.  All I need are crystals from the Golden Land and a few bits of magic to test this out.”
“Is that so?” Princess Luna said.  “I can’t wait to see how it turns out.”
“Don’t you worry,” Eleanor Young said.  “Once I get the ground bridge portal working, you will want to show all of Equestria the results.”
“Eleanor,” Princess Celestia said.  “Thanks for being by our side.”
“And thank you for looking after my daughter,” Eleanor Young said.  “Maybe one day, I’ll have the courage to tell Wanda that I am her mother.”
And thus, everyone laughed together as the sun set in the west.


	To Be Continued In


	Arc 18: Shadow of the Past


	The Ground Bridge Portal

> Arc 18(Shadow of the Past)-1: The Ground Bridge Portal
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


	Arc 18: Shadow of the Past


	The Ground Bridge Portal



Wanda ran through the middle of a dark forest as fast as she could.  Fog began to build up.  She kept running as fast as she could, until she tripped over and fell to the ground.
“Mommy,” Wanda cried as she struggled to get up.  “Aunt Woona.  Sisters?  Abby?”
“They cannot save you,” the voice cried.  “Your destiny is to be forever alone.”
“No,” Wanda cried. “I don’t want to be alone.”
As Wanda got up, the shadow under her moved away before forming into the Pony of Shadows once more.
“You,” Wanda cried.  “Leave me alone.”
The Pony of Shadows laughed loudly as it said “It is your destiny to be forever alone, child.  You cannot escape it.”
“What did I ever do to you?” Wanda yelled.  “Why must you be so mean to me?”
“I’ll tell you why,” The Pony of Shadows said. “It was you who stopped me from capturing your mommy.”
“No,” Wanda cried.  “It’s not true.”
“Do not lie to me,” The Pony of Shadows shouted with a thundering voice.  “I saw you on that night when I took control of the very pony you would call ‘Mommy.’  So as payback for what you did, I will ensure that you will have no more friends and no family to call your own.  Just you, all by yourself, FOREVER!”
The Pony of Shadows laughed maniacally as Wanda screamed in fear.

Wanda woke up in her bed with a loud gasp.  She panted once more before looking to her left, where Sunset Shimmer slept.  She turned to the right where Abigail slept on top of the nightstand.
“That nightmare’s getting worse and worse with each passing night,” Wanda whispered to herself.  “But why?”
Wanda just slumped forward and put her face into her hands in frustration before she broke down in tears.
But in the vault part of the castle, Eleanor Young was stirring up a magical cauldron with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna nearby.  Eleanor Young placed a few crystal shards into the bubbling solution before holding her hands out.  She recited an incantation, causing the cauldron to glow brightly.
“This is almost like how Starswirl used the power of alchemy,” Princess Luna said.
“I never did figure out how alchemy worked, despite my magic,” Princess Celestia said.
“If only he wasn’t taken away from us,” Princess Luna said, “He would have taught us a thing or two about alchemy.”
The bubbling solution of the cauldron pushed out what appeared to be two crystals, similar to the one attached to the portal arch nearby.  Eleanor Young reached out and grabbed the crystal with her hand.
“Tell you what,” Eleanor Young said.  “After this project is a success, I could teach you both a few pointers on what alchemy is all about.”
“That’s great,” Princess Celestia said.  “But that being said, it will take a week to complete the test run of this new ground bridge portal.”
“Maybe we could set up La Maresa as the destination,” Princess Luna said.  “Wanda  and Sunset always wanted to go back there and visit their friends.  Besides, they did leave early this morning”
“Great idea,” Princess Celestia said.  “If we can get this done within a week, we should be ready.”
“Then what are we waiting for?” Princess Luna said.  “Let’s get to work.”

One week had passed.  At a classroom inside the School for Gifted Unicorns, Argyle Starshine stood in as teacher while Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell and Golden Lace observed the lessons he was giving.  Below Sunset and Twilight, Abigail and Spike napped together.  But Wanda was at a desk at the back of the class, staring down at her assignment and barely touching her pencil.
“Still can’t believe Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are taking the day off,” Twilight whispered.
“They’re going to show off the new ground bridge portal to La Maresa,” Sunset Shimmer whispered.  “I don’t know how they did it, but they did it.”
“Amazing,” Twilight said.  “I can’t wait to see it.”
Starlight Glimmer immediately tapped on Sunset’s shoulder and said “Hey guys.  Something’s really wrong with Wanda.”
“Yeah,” Twilight said.  “She’s been ignoring us for the past few days like we don’t exist.  Was it because everyone had to go back home?”
“No,” Sunset said.  “I think I kept overhearing her talk about this Pony of Shadows and being all alone.”
But their words caught the attention of Argyle Starshine, who walked over to the students.
“Is there something wrong?” Argyle asked.
“I’m afraid there is,” Sunset said.  “It’s my sister, Wanda.  She hasn’t been herself lately.”
Argyle Starshine looked up at Wanda Young, who just continued to stare down into her assignment.
“I was told that Wanda has been having nightmares about this Pony of Shadows from Princess Celestia,” Argyle Starshine explained.  “About how it keeps taunting her into believe that she will be alone.”
“Alone?” Moondancer asked.
“There are four words to describe this fear,” Argyle Starshine explained.  “They can be referred to as autophobia, monophobia, eremophobia, or even isolophobia.  Deep on the inside, each of us have a phobia buried within.”
“That’s right,” Starlight Glimmer said. “Like my recent fear of pigs.”
“Or even my fear of roaches,” Danged Spell explained.
“Or Princess Celestia’s fear of chickens,” Sunset said.
“Those are examples of phobias,” Argyle Starshine said.  “A fear of pigs would be referred to as swinophobia.  A fear of roaches would be referred to as katsaridaphobia.  A fear of chickens would be alektorophobia.”
“I have a fear of my own,” Golden Lace said, raising her hoof in the air.  “After what happened in the last few months, I have my own phobia: My own mother.”
“That would be referred to as matrophobia,” Argyle Starshine said.  “A fear of one’s mother.  Its opposite would be referred to as patrophobia: A fear of one’s father.”
“There is one fear that I do have,” Sunset said.  “Because I transform into a she-demon without any control what-so-ever, I always fear that I could end up hurting others, including my sister. What would that be referred to as?”
“Oh dear,” Argyle Starshine said with a worry.  “That’s far worse than a phobia.  That’s what I call Harm OCD.  An obsessive-compulsive disorder.  Unfortunately, considering your case with Harm OCD and your transformation into this…she-demon, I’m afraid I don’t know of any means of treatment, other than what your mother can offer.”
“Wow,” Sunburst said.  “I’ve been reading through about phobias and the variations that exist.  But I never expected Sunset’s problems to be far worse than a phobia.”
“Some of us have silly phobias and some of us have serious phobias,” Danged Spell said.  “But Sunset’s own problem may be the scariest of us all.”
“It’s no joke, Danged Spell,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “While I am grateful for my mother’s treatments, sometimes I feel as if my own demon form was starting to become more and more resilient.  As if it were trying to fight harder, break through and take complete control of my mind.”
“Well let me say this,” Golden Lace said.  “We’re your friends, and we’re going to stand by your side to the very end.  And no demon form is going to get in our way.”
“Thanks you guys,” Sunset said. “But I don’t know if that will help.  Besides, I think my sister needs more care in the world right now.”
“She’s right,” Argyle Starshine said.  “Right now, we don’t know how to cure Sunset Shimmer of her Harm OCD and her demon form.  But we can help her sister out.”
“I’ll do it,” Starlight said, slamming her hoof on the desk.  “I’ll help out Wanda.  I’ll even protect her from the Gold Bankers that have been making waves in Canterlot.”
“Gold Bankers?” Sunburst asked.  “I’m afraid to ask, but what are Gold Bankers?”
“Gold Banks’ own personal fanclub,” Moondacner said.  “Since the end of the wedding of Buck Withers and Lemony Gem, they’ve been showing up in Canterlot, protesting Princess Celestia’s name, everyday.  It’s getting to be a real headache.”
“Yeah,” Danged Spell said.  “We had to escort Wanda to school today because of them.”
“Even I don’t know why they’re giving us a hard time,” Argyle Starshine said.  “Nor can I understand Gold Banks’ own ego.  But one thing is for certain: Keeping our friends protected while standing strong against the Gold Bankers is our best option.”
“Yeah,” Danged Spell said.  “We know.”

Later that day, Sunset Shimmer, Abigail Albright, Starlight Glimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Spike the Dragon, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell and Golden Lace walked down the streets of Canterlot with Wanda Young hiding her face in the middle of the pack.  Around them, a number of angry ponies wearing shirts that represent Gold Banks were yelling at the younglings, holding up signs like “Down with Celestia,” “Stupid Monkey, go Home,” “All Youngling disgrace Equestria,” and “Gold Banks for Empress.”  Some even tossed tomatoes, eggs and even soda cups at the younglings.
“These Gold Bankers are really starting to get under our fur,” Twilight yelled.
“Tell me about it,” Golden Lace said.  “This is obviously the work of my mother.”
“These guys scare me alot,” Starlight cried as one of the tomatoes hit her on the cheek.
“I know I’m not supposed to use my Wolf’s Breath curse on these clowns,” Danged Spell said.  “But I'm tempted to do so.”
“No, Spell,” Moondancer said.  “The last thing you need is to provoke them into attacking you.”
“Well what can I do besides this?” Danged Spell said.  “Because this is starting to get infuriating.”
“Just keep pushing,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “We’ll be near the castle before you know it.”
But as the group pushed on, they bumped into a figure and fell down to the ground in a large groan.  The entire group struggled to get themselves up as the crowd continued to heckle them.
“You alright?” Twilight looked up in front of her to see a worried Shining Armor look down at her.
“Big brother,” Twilight said. “Can’t you help us with this?”
Shining Armor looked up at the crowd, who continued to throw garbage at the younglings, before his eyes glared down at them.
“Come with me,” Shining Armor said in a harsh tone.  “I’m not going to let these hot heads get the best of you.”
Wanda, Abigail, Sunset, Twilight, Spike, Starlight, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell and Golden Lace all got up and followed Shining Armor through the angry crowd.  As they threw more garbage at the younglings, Shining Armor formed a shield around the group, deflecting the trash and moving alongside the group.
“I forgot that your brother could do that,” Sunburst said.
“Well his desire is to protect the innocent from the more extreme elements,” Twilight Sparkle said.  
“It’s good that he’s here,” Moondancer said.  “But I still worry for Wanda.  She’s still not out of her funk.”
Twilight looked at Wanda Young, who just stared down on the ground, depressed, while walking.  
“She’s still in that kind of funk,” Twilight said.
“You told her about the demonstration today,” Shining Armor said.  “After all, Princess Celestia is going to open the ground bridge portal to La Maresa.”
“We did,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “But for some reason, she treated it like it was no big deal.”
“Lonely?” Abigail meowed.
“I don’t think Wanda should ever be lonely, Abby,” Sunset said.  “But at the same time, I still wonder why Wanda’s been more blue than she’s been before.”
“That is something to ponder about,” Sunburst said.  “If there was only a way to reach out to her.”
The younglings all stood around Wanda Young as they followed Shining Armor down the street, who kept his magical shield up to protect them from the trash flung by the mad crowd.

Sometime later, the group arrived near the castle where a new portal arch had been forged.  A number of royal guards and Wonderbolts got in between the group and the crowd of hecklers.  There were seats for guests to sit down at, plus a podium near the archway where Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance and Chancellor Cinch stood ready.
“Thanks, big bro,” Twilight said.
“Anything for my little sister and her friends,” Shining Armor replied.
Shining Armor disabled the shield surrounding the group, allowing the younglings to rush up to the empty seats and sit down.  All except for Wanda Young, who slowly walked up to the gang with Abigail and Spike by her side.
“Wanda,” Shining Armor said.  “Is there something wrong with you?”
Wanda just let out a sigh before she said “No.  Nothing’s wrong.”
“I’m not so sure,” Shining Armor said.  “You’ve been like that for the past seven days.”
But all Wanda could do was just ignore Shining Armor and walk to her seat, leaving him worried.
“Poor Wanda,” Shining Armor said.  “What’s it going to take to get her out of that funk?”
As Wanda took her seat, Shining Armor walked up to the podium and approached the Princesses and the Chancellor.
“Your daughters and her friends are here, Princess Celestia,” Shining Armor said.
“Thanks for pitching in,” Princess Celestia said.  “On a side note, did Wanda still look…depressed?”
“I’m afraid so,” Shining Armor said.  “I still can’t understand why Wanda’s been like this.”
“The nightmares that she’s been having are becoming far worse than I expected,” Princess Luna said.  “All it pointed to was the Pony of Shadows taunting her, claiming she’ll be all alone and she’ll have no one left.  Even more so, it claims it’s doing so out of revenge for what happened a thousand years ago.”
“A thousand years ago?” Shining Armor said.  “What was significant about that era?”
“It was when the Pony of Shadows, or rather the Shade of Hate, took possession of me,” Princess Celestia said.  “On that day, I became a monster known as Daybreaker and nearly brought the newly formed Canterlot City to its knees, had it not been for W…I mean, a unique individual from the past.”
 “Princess?” Shining Armor said, confused.  “Are you hiding something from me?”
“Actually,” Princess Celestia said.  “Come close, but promise to keep it a secret.”
“I will,” Shining Armor said.
Princess Celestia reached over and whispered something into Shining Armor’s ear.  His eyes popped out  a bit from the secret.
“You’re not kidding,” Shining Armor said.  “Are you?”
Celestia nodded her head in disagreement, all while Cadance and Cinch nodded their heads to Shining Armor.
“To think,” Shining Armor said.  “This individual happens to be you-know-who.”
“Even I was surprised to learn this,” Cinch said.  “To think I was harsh towards her.”
“But how can we be sure if she is ready for that moment?” Shining Armor asked.
“I don’t know,” Princess Celestia said.  “In fact, I think only fate can decide that.”
But as Shining Armor talked with the princesses and the chancellor, the younglings stood excited in their seats, waiting for an announcement of some sort.
“Man, I can’t wait to see what this new ground bridge portal is going to be about,” Moondancer said.
“Some say they hired an alchemist to help create the part needed to connect the two gates,” Sunburst explained.  
“Alchemist?”  Sunset asked.  “They’re barely around in this day and age.”
“That’s what you think,” Sunburst explained.  “Many alchemists in Equestria don’t brag about their achievements. They continue to make things using the power of alchemy to synthesize new items, components or just about anything.  They also say that Starswirl the Bearded was a renown alchemist.  But neither Princess Celestia nor Princess Luna have studied the ways of alchemy.”
“Wow,” Danged Spell said.  “Starswirl was an alchemist, but Celestia and Luna aren’t.  This makes me wonder who accepted the job.”
“You know,” Moondancer said.  “This is the part where you usually let out a pun.”
“Why?” Danged Spell joked.  “You like the pun-ishment?”
“Danged Spell,” Most of the younglings said before bursting out into laughter.
“Guess ponies really want a joke,” Danged Spell smirked.
As Starlight Glimmer was laughing, she felt a poke at her shoulder.  She turned around and saw Firelight Glimmer and Starseeker standing right behind her, with Sunspot and Stellar Flare right next to them.
“Mom?  Dad?” Starlight said.  “What are you and Sunburst’s parents doing here?”
“Didn’t you and Sunburst get the message?” Firelight asked, which caught the attention of Sunburst.
“No we didn’t,” Sunburst said.  “And I’m surprised that you’re all here.”
“Well, believe it or not,” Starseeker said.  “The Windigo’s Guild decided to attack Sire’s Hollow last night.  The Wonderbolts and the Royal Guard were dispatched to drive them out, but they overpowered both groups.  So we had to evacuate the town.”
“Oh no,” Starlight said.  “Now what’s going to happen to us now?  Or even for Uncle Meteor Flare’s grave?”
“If this portal does work,” Firelight said, “Then we may have to consider taking up shelter at La Maresa.  Right now, Sire’s Hollow has been abandoned.  But it looks like we won’t be able to return until the damage has been repaired.”
Stellar Flare walked up to Sunburst and said “I’m sorry, honey.  We did all we could to save the town.  But at least we were able to get your favorite things out.”
“Oh mom,” Sunburst said, giving Stellar Flare a hug. “At least you and dad are safe, and that’s what matters.”

A little later in the afternoon, everyone had taken their seats, awaiting a big announcement.  On the stage, Princess Celestia checked her cue cards while Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor and Chancellor Cinch stood to the side.  Captain Airazor flew in with Magnum and Firefly by her side, landing next to the chancellor.
“Thanks for coming at such short notice,” Chancellor Cinch whispered.
“I heard the portal arc at La Maresa is set up and ready to go,” Airazor said.  “Guess Princess Celestia and Princess Luna finally figured out how to replicate the ground bridge portal.”
“They had some help from an alchemist,” Chancellor Cinch said.
“An alchemist, eh?” Captain Airazor replied.  “It’s rare to even find an alchemist in Equestria, let alone recruit one to help out with the portal.”
“Well that being said,” Chancellor Cinch explained, “Keep your eyes peeled.  The Windigo’s Guild has been on a rampage, lately, starting with the attack on Sire’s Hollow.”
“Oh I’m aware of it,” Airazor replied.  “They’re doing this to avenge the defeat of the changelings during Buck Withers and Lemony Gem’s wedding.”
But as Airazor and Cinch talked with each other, the younglings sat in their seats, awaiting Princess Celestia’s speech.  Wanda, however, just looked down at the floor as her mind drifted.
“I can’t wait to see the portal open,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “Now we don’t have to go far just to meet up with our La Maresian friends.”
“And I have yet to check out La Maresa,” Golden Lace said.  “What’s it like there?”
“It’s more of a countryside compared to Canterlot,” Danged Spell explained.  “But the pony folk there are very friendly.”
“What about the food there?” Golden Lace asked.
“If you’re a really big fan of apples,” Sunburst said, “Then they got 'em all.  Apple bread, apple pancakes, apple pie, apple coffee cake, apple cider, the whole wazoo.  They even have some gluten-free options for those who can't eat that stuff.”
But the only thing Golden Lace was doing was licking her lips in anticipation.
“Wow,” Moondancer said.  “Guess Lace must be craving some apples.”
Starlight turned to Wanda and said “Guess what?  When they open the portal to La Maresa, you’ll be able to go there anytime you want, and even reunite with our friends there.  How cool is that?”
But Wanda continued to drift towards the ground before letting out a big sigh.
“Wanda?” Starlight said.  “Aren’t you excited to see our La Maresa friends again?”
“Nightmare,” Abigail meowed.
“Nightmare?” Starlight asked.  “Abby, what’s this about a nightmare?”
“Pony…of….Shadows,” Abigail replied.
Starlight looked at Wanda just sitting there, continuing to stare down at the ground.  Next to her, Sunset Shimmer just looked down at her human sister, worried.
“I don’t get it,” Sunset said.  “Some time after they left, Wanda was actually looking forward to being able to go through the portal and reunite with our La Maresian friends.  What happened to her involving this…Pony of Shadows?”
But before Starlight could answer, she heard the sound of a microphone being checked.  Everyone, including a depressed Wanda, looked up to see Princess Celestia test out the microphone before placing her lips near it.
“Good afternoon, citizens of Canterlot,” Princess Celestia announced.  “As you all know, the dangers caused by the Windigo’s Guild and the Changelings have made travel within Equestria much harder than it has to be.  For many centuries, we had struggled to figure out the ground bridge portal crystals that Starswirl the Bearded left for us, and thus a shorter means of transportation between two cities.  But today, everything has changed, because thanks to a recently hired alchemist, we have figured out the secret of the ground bridge portal.”
The audience cheered as Princess Luna held up her video tablet before firing magic right into it, projecting the image of Bright Mac and Granny Smith into a giant hologram.
“Bright Mac,” Princess Celestia said.  “I take it you’re all set on your end.”
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” Bright Mac said on the projection.
“For those of you who are in Canterlot,” Granny Smith explained, “I will be the volunteer to go through the portal from La Maresa to Canterlot, once it is activated.  Are you ready, Princess?”
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” Princess Celestia said, pointing her horn at the crystal.
With a blast of magic, Princess Celestia fired at the crystal connected to the ground bridge portal arch.  The center of the arch formed a vortex that grew larger and larger until it filled the entire archway.  The crowd oooh and awwed at the sight of the portal.
“Is the portal online on your end, Granny Smith?” Princess Celestia asked.
“It’s on, alright,” Granny Smith replied.  “Stand by, because I'm gonna jump in.”
“Granny,” Bright Mac said.  “Not so reckless.  You don’t want to overdo it.”
“Ahhh phooey,” Granny Smith poo pooed.  “I’ve been through portals before.  This is nothing.”
Granny Smith ran out from the video projecting. Leaving her son Bright Mac behind.
“My ma,” Bright Mac said with a sweatdrop.  “Not willing to waste any moment.”
As the crowd laughed out loud, the portal glowed brightly as Granny Smith emerged from the vortex, unscathed.  The crowd’s laughter turned to cheer as Granny Smith bowed to the audience.
“What’d I tell ya?” Granny Smith said.  “Works like a charm.  In fact, we just tested it last night to make sure this darn contraption works.”
In the crowd, the younglings all stared at the portal in amazement.  But Wanda, despite looking at the portal, still looked depressed. 
“Wow,” Sunset Shimmer said. “Now you can go over to La Maresa, anytime you want.  Isn’t that great, Wanda?”
“Whatever,” Wanda said before she slumped her head down.
“Wanda,” Sunset said. “I know you were excited to see this happen.  What has gotten into ya?”
“Nothing that can be fixed,” Wanda said, turning her head away.
“I think we are due for a trip to La Maresa after this, sis,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Besides, what’s the one thing that can really catch your attention?”
Suddenly, blasts of ice rain down near the audience, causing everyone to scream in fear.  Wanda’s heart began to race as she jumped out of the way.
“THAT!” Wanda screamed.
Sunset Shimmer turned to the roof of a nearby building, where Coldnelius Snap and his fellow cultists of the Windigo’s Guild stared down at the ponies of Equestria.
“Note to self,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Never jinx any moment, regardless if its good or bad.”
Princess Celestia marched towards Coldnelius Snap as Shining Armor and Princess Cadance got in front of Granny Smith.
“What do you want, Snap?” Celestia roared.
“I know what you’ve been doing all this time,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “You finally figured out Starswirl’s secret to the ground bridge portal.  And now, I want it for myself.”
“You will never get it,” Princess Cadance yelled.
Princess Celestia turned to the other stagehands before she said “Luna.  Cadance.  Keep everyone well-protected, especially Wanda, Sunset and her friends.”
“Roger that,” Luna said as she disabled the video projection with Bright Mac on it.
“I’ll escort Granny Smith to a safe place,” Airazor said.
Granny Smith nodded as Airazor grabbed her and flew her towards the castle.  At the same time, Princess Luna and Princess Cadance ran up to the crowd where the younglings, Spike and Abigail emerged.  The alicorns stood in front as the Windigo cultists advanced towards them.
“Can’t we go a day without these ice-cold fiends?” Sunset yelled.
“I wish I could say yes,” Luna said.  “But they sure know how to crash a party.”
“I just want this to go away,” Wanda yelled.  “They scare me.”
“We’re doing what we can,” Princess Cadance said, firing off a few shots of magic.
As one of the cult members marched towards the youngling group, Danged Spell’s eyes shifted, growling once more as he stared down the cult members.
“He’s at it, again,” Sunburst said, noticing Spell’s Wolf’s Breath curse.  
As one of the cult members charged up her horn at the group, Danged Spell jumped out and bit her on the arm.  She screamed so loud that she shot her ice magic into the air, where it exploded into harmless snow.  
“Come on,” Moondancer said.  “We gotta drive them back.”
As Sunset, Twilight, Starlight, Sunburst and Moondancer fired back at the zealots with their magic, Wanda looked up at Princess Luna.
“Come with me,” Princess Luna said.  “I’ll make sure you won’t be alone.”
Upon hearing Luna’s words, Wanda’s mood began to lighten.  She looked up at her adopted aunt and nodded in agreement.
“Thanks, Aunt Woona,” Wanda said.
Wanda picked up Abigail and ran alongside Princess Luna as Spike ran up to Princess Cadance.  Luna ran towards the back of the event area with Wanda staying close behind.
But on stage, Princess Celestia and Coldenlius Snap stared down at each other as if they were ready to blast one another.
“You’ve disturbed the peace of Equestria for the last time,” Princess Celestia said.
“What did you expect?” Coldnelius Snap replied.  “After all, I’m just paying you back for what you did to Queen Chrysalis.”
“I was trying to save her from herself, Snap,” Princess Celestia said.  “Besides, I know you’re one to resort to vengeance.”
“You’re right,” Coldnelius Snap said, charging up his horn.  “After all, I still intend to avenge the death of Queen Icelina, after what your mother did to her.”
Upon seeing Snap’s horn light up, Princess Celestia held a magical shield out with her horn, just as Snap fired right at it.  But the shot of ice reflected off of Celestia’s shield, and hit the crystal to the portal.  By the time Celestia saw the magical blast of ice hit the portal, it was too late.
“Oh no,” Celestia said.  “What have I done?”
The ground bridge portal began to go haywire, spinning the vortex faster and faster as thunderbolts fired off from it.  Horrified, Princess Celestia and Coldnelius Snap turned to their respective groups.
“Everyone, get away from there,” Celestia yelled.  “It’s too dangerous.”
“All cultists, fall back,” Coldnelius Snap commanded.  “That’s an order.”
Immediately, everyone within the vicinity ran away from the malfunction portal as Celestia and Snap ran off stage.  Chancellor Cinch ran up to Princess Celestia, horrified as the Princess.
“What just happened?” Chancellor Cinch asked in a fearful tone.
“I think I did something horrible to the portal when I deflected Snap’s magic,” Princess Celestia said.
As citizens, cultists, alicorns, the Chancellor and even the younglings ran to the the back part of the assembly area, an image of a demonic alicorn with white fur, a fire red mane, and dark, orangish eyes appeared at the center of the portal, cackling loudly.
“Who in the world is that?” Chancellor Cinch asked.
“That’s…me,” Princess Celestia said.  “Back when I was…Daybreaker.”
As the image of Daybreaker disappeared, magical tethers shot out from the portal, darting right towards the group of younglings at a fast speed.  
“LUNA!”  Princess Celestia yelled.  “DON’T LET IT GRAB THE KIDS!”
Princess Luna jumped right out in front of every youngling and stood tall as the magical tethers flew towards her.
“I don’t know what kind of sick magic this is,” Princess Luna said. “But I will not let it take a single youngling.”
Princess Luna held her horn out and created a shield that surrounded her and the younglings, just as the tethers were about to grab her.
“Do your worst,” Luna shouted.
Suddenly, the tethers pierced right through the shield, detonating the magical ward and knocking Princess Luna down.  
“LUNA!” Princess Celestia yelled.
Princess Celestia ran up towards Princess Luna in a hurry, who slowly got herself up.  But before she reached her sister, she heard the sound of Wanda screaming in terror.
“Oh no,” Celestia said as she turned to the left.
The magical tethers had wrapped itself around Wanda and Abigail, pulling them towards the portal.
“WANDA!” Celestia yelled.
Princess Celestia ran towards Wanda and Abigail as the tethers pulled them towards the portal.  
“MOMMY!” Wanda cried.  “SAVE US!”
But before Celestia could grab onto either Wanda or Abigail, another tether flew right at Celestia and hit her hard enough to send her to the ground.  She looked up to see Wanda and Abigail being pulled closer to the portal.
“WANDA!”  Celestia cried.
But as Princess Celestia reached out, the tether pulled both Wanda and Abigail through the portal.  In a flash of light, the portal disappeared without a trace, leaving everyone horrified, even Coldnelius Snap.
“What the cold heck just happened?” One of the cultists asked.
“I had no idea I could do something like that,” Coldnelius Snap said, struggling to catch his breath.  “Whatever that was.”
Princess Celestia slowly got up, staring out at the deactivated ground bridge portal, looking like she was on the verge of crying.  Princess Luna, having got back up, walked towards her sister, holding the video tablet with Bright Mac on it.  Behind them, Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Spike the Dragon, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell and Golden Lace stood there in disbelief, not moving a single inch.
“Tell me,” Princess Luna said in grief.  “Did they make it through?  Are Wanda and Abigail safe in La Maresa?”
Bright Mac took his hat off and placed it against his chest before lowering his head.
“I’m sorry, Princess Luna,” Bright Mac said in a somber tone.  “They didn’t make it.”
Princess Celestia, upon hearing those words, broke down into tears.
“WANDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!” Princess Celestia cried as she thrust her head towards the sky.



	To Be Continued in…


	Lost in the Past

> Arc 18-2: Lost in the Past
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Lost in the Past




Wanda Young flew out of control through a wormhole, holding onto Abigail as tight as possible.  The poor kid looked like she was having a panic attack.
“What’s going on, Abby?” Wanda cried.  “Where are we going?”
“Scary,” Abigail cried.
“I know it’s scary,” Wanda cried.  “I just wanna know if we’re going to be alright in La Maresa.”
But as Wanda flew through the wormhole, images of Canterlot before her time began to fly past her, as if the city was shrinking down.  But Wanda and Abigail’s eyes were shut tight, paying no attention to their surroundings.
“Is this what the Pony of Shadows meant when he said we were going to be all alone?” Wanda Cried.
“Alone,” Abigail cried.
“Maybe….” Wanda cried.  “Maybe this is my fate.”
Wanda and Abigail held each other as they dove deeper into the wormhole, all while the images of Canterlot shrunk down more and more until it was only a single, small castle.

On the other side, a portal of some sort opened up in the middle of a forest, where Wanda and Abigail emerged before landing right on the grass.  The duo kept their eyes shut for a bit before opening them, noticing their surroundings.
“Abby,” Wanda said.  “We…we’ve made it.”
Wanda released her grip on Abigail as she got up.  Abigail walked up to Wanda, who observed her surroundings.
“Where?”  Wanda asked.  “Where…are we?”
“Alone,” Abigail said.
“You’re right,” Wanda said as a tear began to form from her right eye.  “Where is everyone?”
Wanda immediately turned to her right and cupped her hands to her mouth.
“MOMMY?”  Wanda shouted.  “AUNT WOONA?  BIG SIS? SUNSET? TWILIGHT? STARLIGHT? SUNBURST? MOONDANCER? DANGED SPELL? GOLDEN LACE? Miss…Cinch?”
Wanda fell down onto her knees as tears poured from her eyes.  She struggled to try to get up, only to fall back down.
“So…this is it,” Wanda cried.  “We’re…..all alone.”
Wanda slowly got up and slumped towards a nearby tree stump.  She sat down, still forming tears from her eyes, as Abigail walked up to the man’s cub.
“Our worst…nightmare…has become….reality,” Wanda said, struggling to not choke up.  “And now…we’re…ALL ALONE!”
And with that, Wanda broke down into tears, crying loudly into the night.  
“THIS ISN’T FAIR, ABBY!” Wanda cried.   “NOW WE ARE ALL ALONE!  WHAT DID WE DO TO DESERVE THIS?”
Abigail looked up at Wanda, who bawled her eyes out.  Tears fell from the eyes of the kitty cat as she struggled to hold them in.
“WAAAAAAAAAAAAH!” Abigail cried.
“ABBY, I WANNA BE HOME AGAIN!” Wanda cried.  “I WANNA SEE OUR FRIENDS AGAIN!  I WANNA SEE MOMMY AND AUNT WOONA AGAIN!  I EVEN WANNA SEE MISS CINCH AGAIN!”
 Wanda’s crying filled the skies above her as the moon, bright as ever, shone a light down on the poor man’s cub and her cat companion.  But as Wanda and Abigail were crying, their ears picked up the sound of someone else crying as well. 
“Wha..” Wanda cried.  “What’s going on?”
Wanda slowly got up and started to calm down a bit.  Her ears picked up the crying sound nearby.  Wanda reached down and picked up Abigail.
“Abby,” Wanda said, still with tears flowing down.  “It appears we’re not alone.  Let’s go see who that is.”
Wanda held onto Abigail Albright as she walked through the forest, their eyes still watery.  The sound of crying began to pick up more and more as Wanda walked through.
“There,” Wanda said as she wiped tears from her left cheek.  “Looks like I’m not the only one who’s alone.”
Wanda walked through the forest with Abigail in her right arm, inching closer and closer to the crying.  When they looked over some bushes, they saw a unicorn filly crying on a stone dug into the dirt.  The filly had a blue coat, light purple fur around her hooves, a navy blue and teal curly mane, and no cutie mark.
“Who is that?” Wanda said as her crying calmed down.  “I never seen a pony like that before.”
“Poor filly,” Abigail said.
“Let’s go find out,” Wanda said, releasing Abigail from her right arm.
Wanda and Abigail ran up to the filly, who cried right into the stone.
“Excuse me,” Wanda said.  “Are you all alone like I am?”
“Yes,” the filly said.  “I’m all alone, like you…whoever you are.”
“My…,” Wanda said, hesitantly.  “My name is Wanda.  And this is my companion, Abigail.”
Hearing Wanda’s voice, the filly turned towards the man’s cub.  One look at her and the filly looked curious despite her tears.
“I have never seen anyone like you before,” the filly said as tears continued to pour from her eyes.
“What’s…what’s your name?” Wanda asked.  “My name is….Wanda Young.”
The filly slowly pointed to her chest and said “Misty…..Misty Brightdawn.”
“Misty Brightdawn?” Wanda asked.  “Are you…by any chance…a descendant of Sombra Brightdawn?”
“Sombra?” Misty said.  “Sombra’s my brother…. AND HE AND MOMMY ARE GONE!”
With that, Misty broke down into tears once more, crying back onto the rock.  Wanda looked down at Abigail, struggling to hold back their tears.
“Abby…,” Wanda said.  “I think I know…where we are…”
“You…do?” Abigail asked.
“We’re….in the past,” Wanda said.  “And…WE DON’T HAVE MOMMY OR ANYONE ELSE WITH US!”
With that, Wanda placed her face onto a surface of the large stone next to Misty Brightdawn before crying right into the stone.
“I don’t want to be stuck in the past,” Wanda cried.  “I want to be back home with everyone else.”
Abigail just looked at the two girls crying on the rock.  Though she tried to resist, tears flowed from Abigail’s eyes as if she were to break down crying.
“Wanda….Misty…sad,” Abigail cried.
Suddenly, Abigail’s ears picked up the sound of hooves walking through the grass.  She ran up to Wanda and rubbed her shoulder with her paw, catching her attention.
“Abby,” Wanda cried.  “What’s going on?”
“Other ponies,” Abigail said, pointing to a spot behind Wanda.
Wanda turned around and noticed two alicorns walking on by, talking with each other.  The one tall pony had a white coat with a pinkish mane, while the other, shorter pony had a blue-purplish coat with a light blue mane.
“Who are they?” Wanda said, observing the two alicorns.
But Wanda’s eye caught something on the two alicorns.  The tall pony had a familiar sun cutie mark on her hip, while the shorter pony had a familiar moon cutie mark on her hip. 
“I know who they are,” Wanda said, excited.  “They’re mommy and Aunt Woona.  Only it’s them in the past.”
Wanda immediately tapped Misty on the shoulder, catching the filly’s attention.
“Misty,” Wanda said.  “Do you know Princess Celestia and Princess Luna?
“Yes,” Misty said as a few more tears fell from her cheek.  “They’re friends with mommy and brother Sombra.  I often call them Aunt Celestia and Aunt Luna.”
“Then come on,” Wanda said.  “Maybe if we can get their attention, they could help us.  It’s worth a shot.”
“Wait,” Misty said.  “Aunt Celestia and Aunt Luna are here already?”
“Yeah,” Wanda said.  “Follow me.”
Wanda took off towards the Past Celestia and Luna, leaving Abigail and Misty behind.
“Follow Wanda,” Abigail said.
“Alright,” Misty said, reluctantly.  “I’ll do this.
Immediately, Misty ran off towards Wanda with Abigail right behind her, following Celestia and Luna towards a small castle.  But right behind them, a shadowy figure took notice of Wanda and Abigail.
“Strange,” the shadowy figure said.  “I have never seen those two before.  Where did they come from and why are they here?  Maybe I’ll get my answer when I possess either one of those younglings, or I finally get my hooves on Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.  After all, I, the Pony of Shadows, banished Starswirl the Bearded and his friends to another dimension.  Two alicorns, a filly, a cat, and whoever that is will be a breeze to beat.”
With a sinister laugh, the Pony of Shadows hid into the grass before following Wanda, Misty and Abigail through the night.

Meanwhile, outside the castle, Past Celestia and Past Luna were squabbling at each other, as if they were deeply disturbed.  Behind a bush, Wanda, Abigail and Misty watch on, though Wanda looked worried.
“What’s going on?” Wanda asked.
“Honestly, I’m not so sure,” Misty said.  “Something that has to do with Starswirl the Bearded and the pillars of Equestria going missing.”
“But they look like they’re yelling at each other,” Wanda said.
“Maybe they’re stressed out over them going missing?” Misty asked.
“Sounds like it,” Wanda replied.
But Wanda, Abigail and Misty observed Past Celestia and Past Luna, the two alicorns were arguing with each other in an almost heated confrontation.
“Look,” Past Celestia yelled.  “I’m still upset over what Aunt Icelina did to our mother and left Everfree City in ruins, back when we were fillies.”
“Then why aren’t you addressing the disappearance of Starswirl the Bearded and the Pillars of Equestria?,” Past Luna yelled.
“I have,” Past Celestia said.  “I still miss all of them.  Rockhoof, Mistmane, Somnambula, Flash Magnus, and Mage Meadowbrook.  I even miss their companion Stygian.”
“This castle is all we have left,” Past Luna said.  “Maybe you should start showing the ponies of our new kingdom some appreciation.”
Past Celestia let out a sigh and said “How can I?  How can I show them that I am fit to be a leader?  It’s not just due to the fact that we lost Starswirl the Bearded recently, or we lost our mother Queen Eternia.  I still remember what happened to Queen Pailionoidea of the Changeling Kingdom, King Neptune and Queen Athena of the Hippogriff Kingdom, and even King Glacieous of Winteris.  I’ve also become worried for Princess Amore Brightdawn.”
“I know,” Past Luna said, still stressed out.  “Princess Chrysalis shut herself and her kingdom out from the outside world after her mother was killed.  Princess Crystal Snow did the same thing once Everfree City was left to ruins.  At least Princess Novo was with us when she lost her parents, and Starswirl was able to take her in until she was ready to lead.”
“And now he’s gone,” Past Celestia said.  “How long until the Hippogriffs wind up the same as the changelings and the ice ponies?”
“At this point,” Past Luna said, “There is a part of me that wants to do what Chrysalis and Crystal Snow did.  Close off all access between all of the kingdoms because of what happened.”
“Well I don’t want that,” Past Celestia said.  “I’ve still been in contact with Princess Novo, and yet I don’t even know how to ask for her help, now that Starswirl is gone.”
“You don’t need to remind me about this,” Past Luna yelled, stomping her hoof on the ground.
But as Past Celestia and Past Luna argued with each other, Wanda, Abigail and Misty looked worried for the two alicorns.
“I don’t like where this is going,” Wanda said.
“What would they say if I told them that my mommy and big brother are gone?” Misty asked.
Wanda pulled herself out of the bush and said “Well I’m not going to let past mommy and past Woona tear each other apart.”
“Wanda, wait,” Misty yelled.
But Wanda paid no attention to her new friend.  As Past Celestia and Past Luna continued to argue, Wanda and Abigail ran up to the two alicorns and got in between them.
“That’s enough you two,” Wanda yelled.  “Stop fighting, please.”
Past Celestia and Past Luna came to a stop as they turned towards Wanda and Abigail, confused by their presence.
“Wha…what in the world?” Past Luna said.  “Is this…a human?”
“Mother told us about these creatures,” Past Celestia said as she began to calm down.  “They say humans become ponies when they leave their world.  But I never expected one to remain human.”
“I…I don’t truly know why I’m a human and not a pony,” Wanda said.  “But…I saw you both arguing, and I didn’t want you to tear each other apart.  So please, stop fighting, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.”
Wanda got down on her knees and broke down crying, leaving both Past Celestia and Past Luna confused.
“How is it you know who we are?” Past Celestia asked.  “We don’t even know you.”
“Because…..I’m from…the future,” Wanda cried.  “And during…that time….you….Princess Celestia… adopted me….and became….my mommy..”
As Wanda cried on the ground, Past Celestia looked down at the Man’s Cub.  She reached over and placed her hoof on Wanda’s cheek and lifted her face to her.
“How can I be your mommy,” Past Celestia said.  “When I don’t even know how to run a kingdom?”
“Wait a minute,” Past Luna said.  “She claimed to be from the future.  And she also claimed she adopted you.  The big question is how did she get into the past?”
“I don’t know,” Past Celestia said.  “But she looks really sad now.  Maybe it was our squabbling.”
“You’re right,” Past Luna said.  “Once she’s calmed down, she can explain everything to us.”
As Past Celestia wrapped her arm around Wanda in comfort, Misty ran up to the two alicorns, catching their attention.
“Aunt Celestia, Aunt Luna,” Misty yelled.
“Misty?” Past Luna said.  “What are you doing here?  Where are Princess Amore and your brother Sombra Brightdawn?”
Misty came to a stop before turning her head away.
“They’re….they’re gone,” Misty said.
“Oh no,” Past Celestia said.  “Now even the Crystal Empire has fallen.  First Queen Papilionoidea, then King Neptune and Queen Athena, then King Glacieous, and now Princess Amore.  What is happening to all of us?”
“I don’t know,” Past Luna said as tears began to form from her eyes.  “In fact….now I’m not so sure on what to do when we are all drifting apart.”
“Oh Luna,” Past Celestia said.  “I wish Starswirl was here to help us.”
“Your precious Starswirl will never see you again.  In fact, I now intend on making sure you don’t see each other again.”
Past Celestia and Past Luna turned forward to see a shadowy, pony-like figure standing in front of them.  Abigail hissed right at the figure as Misty hid behind Past Celestia.  Wanda looked up at the shadow and freaked out.
“P…..pppp…..Pony of…Shadows,” Wanda said, frozen in fear.
“Well well well,” The Pony of Shadows chuckled.  “For one not a part of this world, you know who I am, like you know who Princess Celestia and Princess Luna are.  Tell me, where do you come from?”
But before Wanda could answer, Past Celestia glared down at the Pony of Shadows, holding her close.
“You stay away from her, this instant,” Past Celestia said.  “I don’t know who she is, but I’m not letting you get a hold of her.”
“Oh you misunderstand me,” The Pony of Shadows laughed.  “Why do I want to take just one when I can have you all?”
The laugh of the Pony of Shadows was enough to disturb Past Celestia, Past Luna, Wanda Young, Abigail Albright and Misty Brightdawn.  Celestia immediately got on her four hooves and lifted Wanda into the air before placing her on her back with Abigail jumping up right behind the Man’s Cub.
“Luna, grab Misty and get her to safety,” Past Celestia said.   “I’ll keep an eye on this little one.”
“Gotcha,” Luna said before she picked up Misty with her magic and placed the little filly on her back.
As soon as the Pony of Shadows ran towards the group, Past Celestia and Past Luna ran away from the monster and from the castle, with Wanda and Abigail on Past Celestia’s back, and Misty Brightdawn on Past Luna’s back.  But while the alicorns rode as fast as she could, Wanda buried her face in Celestia’s mane with her eyes closed.
“Please get the Pony of Shadows away,” Wanda cried.  “I don’t want him to leave me by myself.”
“Little one?” Past Celestia asked.  “What is your name?”
“Wanda,” Wanda cried.  “Wanda Young.”
“That is a nice name, Wanda,” Past Celestia said as she ran through the forest.  
“But how did you get here?” Past Luna asked.
“I…I’m not so sure,” Wanda cried.  “One moment…I was with you both…and my friends….involving the ground bridge portal….Next thing I knew…I was pulled in….and sent here.”
“Ground bridge portal?” Past Luna said, confused.  “What does she mean by that?”
“I think she means the one that Starswirl left us that leads to the Golden Land,” Past Celestia said, her hooves continuing to gallop through the grass.  “But we don’t know how to recreate the ground bridge portal.”
“What’s a ground bridge portal?” Misty asked.
“A means of creating a permanent portal between two parts of the world,” Past Luna said.  “Starswirl promised to teach us the secrets of the portal.  But he disappeared when we needed him the most.”
But as the two alicorns continued to run as fast as possible, the Pony of Shadows slithered by through the ground before popping up in front of them, causing the alicorns to come to a stop while Wanda, Abigail and Misty just looked at him in pure fear.
“Did you mention…Starswirl?” The Pony of Shadows gloated.  “Because it was I who banished Starswirl the Bearded.   All so I could get a hold of you both.”
Past Celestia charged up the horn in her magic and fired a shot at the Pony of Shadows, who allowed the magical shot to hit him and disappear, entirely.
“Hahahahaha,” The Pony of Shadows laughed.  “You see now?  Your magic has no effect on me, nor would physical attacks.  Whereas I can harm all five of you in just one single thought.”
Past Celestia and Past Luna turned tail and ran off in the opposite direction with Wanda, Abigail and Misty holding onto their respective alicorns.  But the Pony of Shadows only laughed before he blended into the ground and slithered forward.
“Why isn’t our magic working?” Past Celestia asked.
“That’s the least of our worries,” Past Luna said.  “We need to stay ahead of that creep.”
“Right,” Past Celestia said.  “As long as we keep moving, we’ll stay ahead of the Pony of Shadows.”
But the Pony of Shadows moved through the ground faster than the Alicorns could run.  Once again, it popped out in front of the group, causing the Alicorns to come to a stop while Wanda and Misty stared at the creature in fear.
“Not only did I banish Starswirl the Bearded,” The Pony of Shadows bragged, “I also vanquished his companions as well, especially Stygian.  Now he’s dead.”
Without a second thought, Past Celestia and Past Luna turned to the left and ran away with Wanda and Abigail holding onto Celestia while Misty held onto Luna.  The Pony of Shadows only laughed at their retreat.
“Run all you like,” the Pony of Shadows said.  “For soon, you will be mine.”
With that, the Pony of Shadows blended into the ground and pursued after the alicorns once more.
“Wanda, was it?” Past Celestia yelled.  “Are you okay?”
“NO!” Wanda cried.  “I don’t want it to get near me.”
“I won’t let that happen,” Past Celestia said.  
“I don’t think running is a good idea, anymore,” Past Luna said, extending her wings out.  “I suggest we take to the skies.”
“Good idea, sister,” Past Celestia said, extending her wings out.  “If it will get us away from the Pony of Shadows, then I’m all for it.”
Wanda and Abigail held onto Past Celestia as the alicorn flapped her wings and took to the sky.  As Misty Brightdawn held on, Past Luna flew off after Past Celestia, leaving the Pony of Shadows to emerge from the ground, still smirking.
“You can run and hide all you want,” The Pony of Shadows said.  “But you can never escape my grasp.”
The Pony of Shadows opened its mouth wide, generating a black energy ball.  He fired it off at mach speed, right at the ascending alicorns.  Wanda looked down and saw the energy ball come at them.
“LOOK OUT!”  Wanda yelled.  “HE’S GONNA HIT US!”
Past Celestia and Past Luna saw the energy ball dash towards them, forcing the duo to pivot away from the sphere of dark magic.  But the Pony of Shadows looked up and gloated even more.
“Oh no you don’t,” The Pony of Shadows blinked.
In an instant, the energy ball detonated, creating an explosion powerful enough to hit both alicorns, knocking them from the sky.  Wanda and Abigail held onto Past Celestia while Misty held onto Past Luna, all as the two alicorns fell uncontrollable towards the forest.
“Hold on,” Past Celestia yelled.  “WE’RE GONNA CRASH!”
The Alicorns landed through the leaves of the trees, crashing through a number of branches.  Wanda and Abigail hid their faces in Celestia’s mane while Misty hid her face in Luna’s mane.  Debris from the trees spread everywhere, covering the group in small branches and leaves as they fell dowards screaming.  With a loud thud, the group landed in the bushes, while the Pony of Shadows laughed from afar.
“See how futile it is to get away from the likes of me?” The Pony of Shadows laughed.  “No one can escape the Shade of Hate.”
The Pony of Shadows ran up to the group as Wanda, Abigail and Misty pulled themselves out of the bushes.  They had some minor bruises on their arms and legs, along with leaves and small branches in their hair and mane.  Past Celestia and Past Luna pulled themselves out, also looking as badly hurt as the younglings.
“Is everyone okay?” Past Celestia asked.
“I’m fine,” Wanda said, pulling the debris from her hair.  “But I don’t know if it will last.”
Past Celestia looked in front of her, where the Pony of Shadows walked towards the entire group, laughing out loud.
“Nowhere to run and no place to hide,” The Pony of Shadows gloated.  “Face it.  You’ve only sealed your doom the moment I laid my eyes on you.”
Wanda held onto Past Celestia while Abigail hissed at the Pony of Shadows.
“Don’t come near me,” Wanda cried.  “I don’t want to be left alone for the rest of my life.”
“Alone?” The Pony of Shadows said as he came to a stop.  “What a novel idea.  Perhaps the biggest fear of a pony, or someone like you, is how they are isolated from all of society.  Well, what’s left of society.”
“You stay away, this instant,” Past Celestia yelled as she held Wanda tight.
“Oh I would love to make sure that little child is left all alone,” The Pony of Shadows laughed.  “But we all know it will be inevitable.  Instead, I have a deeper interest in Princess Luna.”
“What do you mean by that?” Past Celestia yelled.
“I have been to other universes,” The Pony of Shadows explained.  “I have seen fights between you and your sister.  One of which, you used the Elements of Harmony to banish her to the moon when she became….Nightmare Moon.  This was long after my pathetic excuse for a counterpart was sealed away by his Starswirl the Bearded and his Pillars of Equestria.”
“No,” Past Luna cried as Misty held onto her.  “I don’t want to be this….Nightmare Moon.”
“Oh but you will,” The Pony of Shadows gloated.  “Once I take possession of you, I will force your own sister into banishing you to the moon with the Elements of Harmony.  It will cost me my freedom.  But Princess Celestia will pay a deeper price when she is all alone….FOREVER!”
“You stay away from my sister,” Past Celesita commanded.
“Who are you to order me, your superior?” The Pony of Shadows bragged.  “Your maker?  Your…DOOMSDAY?”
The Pony of Shadows kept his focus on Princess Luna and Misty Brightdawn before he darted towards the duo at blinding speed.
“And now,” The Pony of Shadows said, “It is time for Nightmare Moon…TO RISE!”
Past Luna and Misty covered their eyes helplessly as the Pony of Shadows flew towards them with glee.  But Past Celestia got up on her four hooves as Wanda released her hold on her.
“I’m sorry,” Past Celestia said.  “But I must not let him take my sister.”
“MOMMY, NOOOOO!” Wanda cried.
In a flash, Past Celestia leaped in front of the Pony of Shadows.  The shade hit Celestia and entered her body, knocking her down.
“SISTER!” Past Luna yelled.
“Luna….Wanda…Misty,” Past Celestia said as she struggled.  “Get…away.”
An aura surrounded Past Celestia as she lifted into the air.  She screamed loudly before the aura consumed her in a dark shroud.  Past Luna, Wanda, Abigail and Misty stood there in horror, watching as Past Celestia shape shifted into a bigger, more demonic alicorn.
“What have you become?” Luna cried.
When Past Celestia emerged from the shadow, her fur remained a bright white.  But her mane was now fiery hot, and she had orange-reddish regalia and dark, orange eyes.  She turned towards Past Luna, Wanda, Abigail and Misty, who stood there helplessly.
“How surprising that the eldest of the duo would take the fall for her sister,” The possessed Celestia said.  “And in spite of her arrogance, I have become stronger, and far more invincible.  Instead of Nightmare Moon…I’m…Daybreaker.”
“D…Daybreaker?” Wanda said as her eyes filled with tears.
“Oh, so you have a soft spot for your precious princess?” Daybreaker said. “So tell me again.  Where do you come from?”
Wanda just turned away from Daybreaker, struggling to hold back her tears.
“A resilient one,” Daybreaker said.  “I like you.  Yesssssss.  But it won’t do you any good.”
Daybreaker fired a beam of magic at Wanda, hitting her in the head.  Wanda screamed really loud as Daybreaker lifted Wanda off the grass and tapped into her mind.
“What are you doing?” Past Luna yelled.
But before Past Luna could move, Daybreaker thrust her hoof forward, knocking Past Luna, Misty and Abigail down.
“You fiend,” Misty cried.  “I already lost my own mommy and brother.  Don’t take her sister away or my new friend.”
Daybreaker released her energy beam from Wanda Young, sending her falling to the ground.   As Wanda slowly got up, Daybreaker walked up to the Man’s Cub.
“Intriguing,” Daybreaker said.  “In the future, Princess Celestia was the one who adopted you, and raised you as if you were a part of the pony herd.  And you would earn friends of your own.  But thanks to an incident in the future involving the ground bridge portal, you came to our past by accident, and now you are all alone.  The funny thing is, my future self was taunting you with claims that you will be left all alone.  I find this fascinating, considering your situation, little Wanda Young.”
Wanda slowly backed away from Daybreaker as she laughed at the Man’s Cub.  Past Luna immediately got on her four legs and ran in front of Wanda, staring down her possessed sister.
“You release your hold from my sister and leave us alone,” Past Luna yelled.
“Oh, since when are you to command me?” Daybreaker laughed.  “That is, unless you can find the Elements of Harmony and defeat me with it.   But only if you are willing to banish your own sister…to the moon.”
Past Luna began to weaken in her own resolve as Wanda hid behind her, Misty and Abigail held onto each other, and Daybreaker laughed in the night sky.


	To Be Continued in…


	Daybreaker and the Elements of Harmony

> Arc 18-3: Daybreaker and the Elements of Harmony
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Daybreaker and the Elements of Harmony



“The choice is yours, dear sister.  Stand down and surrender to me, or use the Elements of Harmony and be alone….FOREVER!”
Those were the words of Daybreaker, the former form of Past Celestia, now possessed by the Pony of Shadows.  Princess Luna looked like she was about to break down, standing in front of Wanda Young, while Abigail Albright held onto Misty Brightdawn.
“I don’t want to do it,” Past Luna thought to herself.  “I don’t want to seal my sister on the moon.  But I can’t let the Pony of Shadows rule over this world with an iron hoof.  If only I could…separate them from each other.”
Past Luna stood up to Daybreaker before turning towards Wanda Young.
“Wanda is it?” Past Luna said.  “Go to the castle and retrieve the Elements of Harmony, deep within the cellar.  I know it will cost me my sister.  But I will do what it takes to ensure our survival.”
“But….” Wanda Young said, only to be interrupted by Luna.
“I know what I’m doing,” Past Luna said.  “Besides, I’ll hold off Daybreaker until you bring them here.”
Wanda nodded towards Past Luna before she ran off towards the only building within the forest, while Past Luna stared down Daybreaker.
“Give me your worst shot,” Past Luna said.
“Gladly,” Daybreaker said.
Daybreaker flew up into the air before staring down at Past Luna and fired off blasts of magic.  Luna dodged the shots as they hit the trees nearby, knocking them down.
But as Wanda took off, Misty and Abigail noticed the Man’s Cub making a break towards the castle.
“Come on,” Misty said.  “We have to help her out.”
Abigail nodded before she released her hold on Misty.  The duo chased after Wanda, just as Daybreaker continued to fire more blasts of magic at Past Luna.
“So,” Daybreaker gloated.  “Do you think you can survive against my powerful magic?”
“Bring it on, “ Past Luna yelled.  “Even if the night lasts forever, I can keep this up.”
“Careful with what you wish for,” Daybreaker smirked.

Meanwhile, Wanda ran as fast as she could through the forest.  Despite the tears falling from her eyes, she looked determined to make it to the end.  
“Gotta get to the castle,” Wanda said to herself.  “Gotta find those Elements of Harmony.”
“Wanda!  Wait up!”  Wanda looked behind her to see Misty Brightdawn and Abigail Albright run up to her side.
“Misty,” Wanda said.
“You’re heading to the castle to get the elements?” Misty asked.
“Yeah,” Wanda yelled.  “So I can save Princess Celestia from the Pony of Shadows.”
“By the way, is this true?” Misty asked.  “Are you really the adopted daughter of Princess Celestia in the future?”
“I am,” Wanda replied.  “And everything that the Pony of Shadows said is true.  I got sucked through a portal and somehow wound up back here.”
“So what’s the future like?” Misty asked.
“It’s a wonderful place,” Wanda replied.  “But with its fair share of nasty ponies.  That being said, I dunno if I will be returning back home.”
“How come?” Misty asked.
“Because I don’t know of a way back to my home,” Wanda said.  “And I may end up being stuck here, forever.”
“I’m sorry that you had to suffer like that,” Misty said.  “It’s like we have a lot in common.”
“I feel like we do,” Wanda said.  “But I think if we can stick together, we can defeat the Pony of Shadows.  So let’s go.”
But as Wanda ran towards the castle, Misty Brightdawn just looked at her while running alongside Abigail.
“I don’t know why,” Misty said.  “But something about her reminds me of mommy.  Like she’s giving off the same aura that mommy gave off.”
“Your mommy?” Abigail asked.
Misty looked down at Abigail and said “I didn’t know you could talk.”
“Yes,” Abigail nodded.  “But…not much.”
Misty nodded back to Abigail as they followed Wanda towards the castle.

Deeper in the forest, Past Luna dodged the blasts of magic coming from Daybreaker, who laughed at the alicorn’s misery.
“How does it feel to know that your end is near?” Daybreaker said.  “After all, I may just end you like I did with Stygian.”
“You have a lot of nerve to bring his name up,” Past Luna yelled as she dodged another shot.  “You’re the worst being I have ever known next to Queen Icelina.”
“Must be a high honor,” Daybreaker gloated.  “But it wouldn’t be enough to be worthy of this title.”
Daybreaker paused from firing her magic at Past Luna before looking over the horizon.  She noticed a small stack of houses nearby and her face grinned evilly.
“In fact,” Daybreaker grinned.  “How about I go beyond what I did and end the lives of your own citizens?”
Past Luna’s eyes shrunk down as Daybreaker flew off towards the village.  She quickly kicked dust into the air and ran after Daybreaker, firing magic at her.
“Don’t you dare ruin my sister’s reputation with that,” Past Luna yelled.
“Deal with it,” Daybreaker said as strafed out of the way of the shots.
Daybreaker flew upwards in the night sky as Past Luna tried desperately to blast her down.  Seeing her foe in the air, Past Luna extended her wings and took off towards Daybreaker.
“I’ve got no other choice now,” Past Luna said to herself.  “If I don’t blast my sister down, many ponies will die by her.  I’ll have to hit her at point-blank.”
Past Luna sped up towards Daybreaker, charging her horn up.  But the moment she approached, Daybreaker turned around and hit Past Luna with a blast of her own.  Luna screamed loudly as she fell down towards the forest.
“What are you screaming about?” Daybreaker laughed.  “The hit wasn’t fatal.”
As Daybreaker took off towards the village, Luna’s eyes lit up before her wings extended further.  She stopped herself in the middle of her fall before she flew back up towards Daybreaker.
“YOU SPOONY BARD!” Past Luna yelled.  “YOU’LL PAY FOR THAT!”
Past Luna charged up magic in her horn before firing off a powerful beam of magic, hitting Daybreaker directly and sending her flying out of control in the air.  But when Luna looked ahead, her eyes freaked out a bit.
“Oh no,” Past Luna said.  “I sent that fiend flying towards the town.  I have to hurry.”
Past Luna immediately flew ahead towards the small pony village, where everyone there was fast asleep.  The moon princess gazed up at Daybreaker, who fell out of control towards the village.
“Not on my watch,” Past Luna said.
Before Daybreaker could hit the ground, Past Luna charged up her horn and hit her at point-blank range, knocking Daybreaker into the trees.  The possessed Celestia groaned as the trees behind her fell onto the earth, waking the ponies of the village.
“You release your hold on my sister, this instant,” Past Luna commanded.
“Never,” Daybreaker said as she got up on her hooves.
Behind Luna, many ponies exited their houses and saw Princess Luna stare down at Daybreaker.  One look at her demonic gaze caused some to be horrified.
“Princess Luna,” one of the villagers said.  “What’s going on?”
“The Pony of Shadows has taken hold of my sister,” Past Luna said.  “You all need to leave the village for your sake.”
In a loud scream, the villagers ran away from Past Luna and Daybreaker, making their way out of the village.  Daybreaker, noticing the commotion, smirked gleefully and flew up into the air. 
“Thank you for giving me a clear shot at those weak, pathetic fools,” Daybreaker laughed as she charged up her horn.  “Now I can take them out, one by one.”
As Past Luna was about to fly up towards Daybreaker, the demonic alicorn pointed her horn at a baby filly crying in the middle of the village.  Her sickening grin widened as her horn glowed brightly.
“Today must be a good day for offing the off-spring,” Daybreaker grinned.
As Daybreaker fired a shot of magic at the baby filly, Past Luna flew up and took the shot, screaming loudly on impact.  She fell down and landed near the filly, badly hurt.
“Well,” Daybreaker said.  “You’re willing to defend a worthless life by using yourself as a shield.”
Daybreaker gloated as she flew down towards the injured Past Luna, who slowly got up before she picked up the filly and held her close.  Past Luna glared at Daybreaker, who looked more and more amused.
“You’re going to pay for this,” Past Luna snarled.  “Taking control of my sister, attacking the ponies of Equestria, and even going as far as to take the life of an innocent soul?   You’re a monster.”
“Now you’re resorting to compliments,” Daybreaker laughed.  “How amusing.  Oh and by the way, your sister is seeing everything that I am doing with her body, and she is so ashamed at what I’m doing for her.  It’s so hysterical..”
“Don’t you DARE bring her up,” Luna yelled as Daybreaker laughed.
“But do you know what else would really shame her?” Daybreaker said, raising her front hooves in the air.  “THIS!”
Daybreaker slammed her hooves on the ground, creating a wall that blocked the ponies from escaping their village.  Luna looked on and could only reach outer in horror.
“What did you do?” Past Luna said in a meek voice.
“Why, I’ve decided to round them all up for their own demise,” Daybreaker said before she blew on her hoof and rubbed it on her chest.  “Might as well ensure that you stay alone.”
“You’ve gone too far,” Past Luna snarled, glaring at Daybreaker.  “I don’t want to do this, but you’re leaving me with no choice, but to take my sister’s life.”
“Go ahead and try,” Daybreaker taunted.  “You can’t beat me without the Elements of Harmony, and you know it.”

Meanwhile, Wanda Young, Abigail Albright and Misty Brightdawn arrived at the royal castle.  But one look at it caused something to pop up in Wanda’s mind.
“So this is the place where they live?” Wanda asked.
“Yeah,” Misty replied.  “Mommy use to take me and Big Brother Sombra up to this place, where we usually talked with Aunt Celestia, Aunt Luna and Grand Pappy Starswirl.”
“I don’t know why,” Wanda said.  “But something about this place looks familiar, like I’ve been here before.”
“What do you mean?” Misty asked.
“I think my answer will be in front of me when we go inside,” Wanda replied.
“Right,” Misty nodded.
Wanda walked up the steps of the castle and went through the archway, with Misty and Abigail following from behind.  But when Wanda stepped inside, she came to a stop and stared at the interior design.
“Wanda,” Misty said. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“No, I haven’t,” Wanda said.  “Even though the inside of this castle looks different, there is a sense of familiarity within here.  As if this were some sort of school.”
“What do you mean by that?” Misty asked.
Wanda’s face beamed out with an eureka moment.
“I just realized something,” Wanda explained.  “This whole castle?  I’ve been down here before when it was called ‘The School for Gifted Unicorns.’  That explains why it felt familiar.”
“The School for Gifted Unicorns?” Misty asked.
“It’s a place I go to, everyday,” Wanda said.  “Except it consists of unicorn-ponies, and I’m the first non-unicorn, let alone the first non-pony, to attend the school.”
“So by attending this school, you actually know the layout of this place?” Misty asked.
“That’s right,” Wanda said. “By the way, is this place called Zacharle Palace?”
“It is,” Misty said.  “Named after the first ruler of Equestria.  Did that answer your question?”
“Yeah,” Wanda said.  “And if my instincts are correct, there are two staircases that lead to the cellar or, what I call, a basement.”
“That’s the spirit,” Misty cheered.  “Let’s go find the Elements of Harmony.”
Wanda walked down the Grand Foyer of the castle before turning to her right, with Misty and Abigail following right behind her.  She looked around the castle interior before spotting a set of stairs that leads downwards.
“That’s the spot,” Wanda said, pointing to the stairs.
“You’re right on that,” Misty said.  “I’ve been inside the castle, but I didn’t know you would use it as a school in the future.”
“Come, “ Abigail said, scratching Wanda’s socks.  “Elements.”
“Oh, right,” Wanda said as she walked down the stairs with Abigail and Misty right behind her.
When they reached the bottom, they looked around the cellar.  The ceilings had arches formed at the top, while the floor was littered with various treasures, decorations, barrels and flasks full of mysterious liquids.  Wanda, Misty and Abigail looked around the cellar in their search for the Elements of Harmony.
“Wanda,” Misty said, looking around.  “Have you ever been down here before?”
“No,” Wanda said.  “We were forbidden from going downstairs at all, even as members of the royal family.”
“Who’s we?” Misty asked.  
“Myself, my sister Sunset Shimmer and Big Sis Princess Cadance,” Wanda replied, scanning the room with her eyes.
“You really had a fine family,” Misty replied.
“I know,” Wanda replied.  “I just wish I could see them again.”
“On that note,” Misty asked.  “How about we go further in case we see the Elements?”
“Good idea, “Wanda replied.
Wanda, Misty and Abigail walked down the cellar area, ignoring the various treasures that filled the room.  When they reached the center of the room, they looked around once more, catching anything that would be out of the ordinary.
“If I were the Elements of Harmony,” Wanda said, “Where would I be?”
“From what mommy told me,” Misty explained, “It’s not the shape of the elements that matter, it’s how it brightens when you approach it.”
“Gotcha,” Wanda said.  “I’ll keep that in mind.”
Abigail turned to her left and saw something shiny in front of her.  She rubbed her paw on Wanda’s leg, meowing loudly.
“What is it, Abby?” Wanda asked.
“Elements,” Abigail said, pointing to the light in a lonesome part of the room.
“That must be Elements of Harmony,” Misty said.  “Come on.  Let’s go grab them.”
Wanda, Misty and Abigail ran up to the light, dodging the other treasures that lay on the floor.  When they approached the warm glow that lit up the cellar, they saw six gemstones on an odd, planetary altar.  Five of them were shaped in an octagonal-cut, each of which were colored purple, orange, red, pink and blue.  The sixth gemstone was cut to look like a six-pointed star. 
“These,” Wanda said.  “These are the Elements of Harmony?”
“They must be because of the light that surrounds them,” Misty said.    “Now would be a good time to retrieve them.”
Wanda nodded before she reached out towards the gemstones.  But when her hand touched the six-pointed star-shaped gem, her eyes flashed brightly.
In Wanda’s vision, she saw a gemstone in the shape of a lightning bolt fly by with Rainbow Dash giving her a wink.  A balloon-shaped gemstone floating to the air with Pinkie Pie holding onto it, cheering.  A diamond-shaped gemstone twirling on by with Rarity trotting behind it.  An apple-shaped gemstone fell down with Applejack catching it with her legs.  A butterfly-shamed gemstone flew into the atmosphere with Fluttershy flying along it.  Finally, the six-star-shaped gemstone looked far more refined, where Twilight Sparkle teleported in front of Wanda and approached her.
“Wanda,” the Illusionary Twilight said.  “If you can hear this, we miss you so much.  I hope that you can find your way home, back to where we all will reunite with you.  Because no matter what, you are our friend, and we stick by each other, to the very end.  Never forget that.”
When Twilight Sparkle disappeared, Wanda’s eyes returned to normal as she found herself back in the cellar of the castle, holding the six-star gemstone in her hand.  
“Wanda,” Misty asked.  “What happened?”
“I saw them when I touched the Elements,” Wanda said.  “My friends from the future.  But I’m not so sure why, or even why Twilight sent me a message?”
“Who’s Twilight?” Misty asked.
“A friend of mine,” Wanda said when she shook her head.  “And an important one to me.”
“What do you think they have to do with the Elements of Harmony?” Misty asked.
Wanda pulled the six-star gemstone to her and said “I don’t know.  But right now, we need to deliver these to Princess Luna, and save Princess Celestia from the Pony of Shadows.”
But as Wanda held the gemstone close to her, the other stones levitated into the air and circled around Wanda, Misty and Abigail.
“What is this?” Misty asked.
“I think this might be the true power of the Elements of Harmony,” Wanda explained.
In a flash of light, Wanda, Abigail, Misty and the Elements of Harmony disappeared from the cellar of the castle without a trance.

Some time later, Wanda Young, Abigail Albright and Misty Brightdawn appeared out of nowhere with the Elements of Harmony surrounding them.  They quickly regained themselves as they observed the forest around them.
“Where are we?” Wanda asked.
“I think we’re back in the forest,” Misty said.  “The elements must have teleported us here.”
“You’re right,” Wanda said as she barely saw the castle in the distance.  “But I wonder where Princess Luna and Daybreaker are?”
Suddenly, they heard the sound of Princess Luna screaming in the distance.  Wanda, Abigail and Misty look southward to see smoke emitting from a nearby village.
“I think that was Luna,” Wanda said.  “And it sounds like she’s in danger.”
“We have to get to her,” Misty replied.  “Hurry, before it’s too late.”
Wanda nodded as she, Misty and Abigail ran towards the smoke plume that rose from the village, sprinting as fast as possible through the forest.
“What do you think is happening up there?” Wanda asked.
“I have a bad feeling about this,” Misty replied.  “It’s as if Daybreaker wants to destroy as many ponies as possible.”
Wanda looked up at the smoke plume and said to herself “Mommy.  Please break free from that monster.”

Up ahead, Daybreaker breathed fire on Past Luna, who held it back with a magic shield of her own.  Around her, ponies held themselves in the back of the stone wall as their village was set ablaze, while the baby filly stood by Luna, bawling her eyes out.  Though Daybreaker stood undeterred, Luna looked exhausted.
“Don’t you see?” Daybreaker said as she quelled the flames from her mouth.  “I’ve ruined the reputation of Princess Celestia in just one night.  Every pony will fear her, and call her tyrant.  No one will be able to respect her again.”
“You’re…wrong,” Luna said as she was exhausted.  “I…still believe…in my sister.  And as long…as I believe…in her, others…will believe…in Princess…Celestia.”
“Oh, still reciting sappy statements,” Daybreaker gagged humorously.  “I could kill you right now.  But I find it more pleasing to just hurt your emotions.”
Daybreaker looked at the pony villagers in the back, each consisting of earth ponies, pegasi and unicorns.  Her smile deepened as she walked around the weakened Luna.
“Look at those poor unfortunate souls,” Daybreaker gloated.  “Weak, helpless, scared. And vulnerable.”
“No,” Luna said as she struggled to take a step forward.  “Don’t you dare.”
“Oh I will,” Daybreaker said as small embers left her mouth.  “All just to make you brood for as long as you live.”
Flames began to lick around the inside of Daybreaker’s mouth as the ponies backed up to the stone wall stared at her in pure fear, unable to move from that spot.
“Sister….Starswirl,” Luna cried.  “I’m…sorry.”
“DAYBREAKER!  YOUR DAYS OF TORMENTING PRINCESS CELESTIA ARE OVER!”  The flame in Daybreaker’s mouth went out as she turned around to see Wanda Young, Misty Brightdawn and Abigail Albright run up and stand next to Past Luna and the baby filly.  The Elements of Harmony circled around the man’s cub as she stared down the very alicorn possessed by the Pony of Shadows.
“I never thought you would do it,” Daybreaker laughed.  “But you did.  You brought over the Elements of Harmony.  Now Princess Luna can fulfill her destiny and banish her sister to the moon.  But you better act fast.  The night is almost over, and the day will break over this land once more.”
Wanda and Misty turned towards Past Luna as Abigail stood by the baby filly and hissed at Daybreaker.
“You…” Past Luna said.  “You brought the Elements of Harmony.”
“Here,” Wanda said as she held out the palm of her hands where the Elements of Harmony landed upon.  “Save her.  Save the one that I will call mommy in the future.”
“I will,” Past Luna said.
Past Luna closed her eyes as the Elements of Harmony encircled her.  Wanda and Misty backed away as a glow of warm light surrounded Past Luna, reenergizing her.
“It’s so pretty,” Misty Brightdawn said.  
Daybreaker, seeing Past Luna rise into the air with Elements of Harmony, stepped forward, gloating at the princess.
“So the time has come,” Daybreaker said. “Go ahead.  Banish me and Princess Celestia to the moon.  Not only will you suffer mentally for the next thousand years, but I will figure out a way to break myself free from my prison with the aid of the stars.  You cannot escape your destiny.”
But Past Luna looked down at Daybreaker and said “You will not take my sister.  Sure I quarrel with her from time to time like any sibling would.  But I care for her, and if I lose her, I will forever be alone.  You will be going to the moon, but not…WITHOUT…MY….SISTER!”
With that, Past Luna focused her magic into the Elements of Harmony.  They shot out a powerful rainbow beam of pure light at Daybreaker, who only breathed fire at the incoming bean.
“You can’t win,” Daybreaker said.  “Either you banish me and your sister to the moon, or you will lose EVERYONE!”
“YOU WON’T LET ME DECIDE MY FATE!” Past Luna yelled.  “I’LL DECIDE MY OWN FATE, AND YOU WILL NEVER…HARM ME, MY SISTER, OR MY PEOPLE EVER AGAIN!!!”
The power of the beam was more than enough to quell Daybreaker’s fire.  The corrupted alicorn could only stare in disbelief as the beam hit her, engulfing the pony in a warm light.
“It’s working,” Misty Brightdawn yelled.
When the light disappeared, Daybreaker was gone and in its place were Past Celestia and the Pony of Shadows, separated into two aura bubbles.  Past Celestia’s aura bubble floated to the ground before it popped, leaving her lying unconscious, while the bubble that surrounded the Pony of Shadows was pulled to Past Luna.
“You’ve done the unthinkable,” The Pony of Shadows yelled.  “You’ve separated me from Princess Celestia with the Elements of Harmony.”
“Nothing is unthinkable,” Past Luna said.  “We decide our own fate, no one else.  The fact that you wanted to force me into an eternity of solitude proves just how much of a sick, twisted individual you truly are.”
“You haven’t seen the last of me,” The Pony of Shadows roared.  “When I break free from my thousand year banishment, I will make sure that the society you and your sister build will be reduced to rubble, and every creature will suffer for eternity.  After all, I’ve made Starswirl suffer, and I’ve made my creator Hydia suffer.”
“If you do, I’ll be ready,” Past Luna yelled.  “In the meantime, I WANT YOU OUT OF MY KINGDOM! NOW!”
Past Luna pointed the Pony of Shadows towards the full moon before focusing her magic into the Elements of Harmony.  With a powerful blast, the Pony of Shadows was sent flying towards the moon before it hit the surface and exploded in a powerful rainbow light.  When the light faded, an image of him formed on the moon looking down at the world.
“Good riddance to bad rubbish,” Past Luna said as the Elements of Harmony circled around her.
As the horrified villagers look down at the unconscious Past Celestia, Past Luna picked up the very baby filly next to her and walked up to her sister while Wanda, Abigail and Misty ran up to the alicorn and rubbed her on the shoulder.  It was enough to get her to slowly open her eyes and raise her head.
“What…have I done?” Past Celestia cried.  “I’ve nearly killed the very ponies I promised…to look after.”
“It wasn’t your fault,” Wanda said.  “It was the Pony of Shadows who did it.”
“She’s right,” Misty said.  “What the Pony of Shadows did was against your own will.  Please, don’t give up on us.”
Past Celestia looked up and saw the villagers hold themselves back in fear.  When she got up, they all cowered in a corner as if they were afraid of their life.
“No,” Past Celestia said. “What I did, I cannot forgive myself for.  Even if the Pony of Shadows did take control of me, I’m afraid I’ve become too dangerous for their own good.”
“Sister,” Past Luna said, walking up to Past Celestia with the Elements of Harmony surrounding her and the baby filly in her right arm.  “Don’t say that.  I only saved you because I didn’t want to be alone.  And besides, you’re the only one I have left in this family.”
“I’m sorry,” Past Celestia said. “But I wish you banished me to the moon with the Pony of Shadows.  Now I can’t confront them after what I did.  I wish I could just…hide away in the castle.  Or even…in Tartarus.  I can’t let them see this.”
“Sister,” Past Luna said before she grabbed Past Celestia and gave her a hug.
“I don’t know why you’re willing to forgive me,” Past Celestia said.  “I nearly killed you, dear Luna.”
“Don’t you dare, Mommy,” Wanda cried.
“Mommy?  Me?” Past Celestia said.
“That’s right,” Wanda said. “In the future, you will adopt many wonderful younglings as a means to keep your spirits high, to give them a new chance in life, and to allow Equestria to grow.  I would end up as one of those younglings you will adopt.”
“That sounds like a great idea,” Past Luna said as she released her hold on her sister.  “Perhaps as a way to help the colts and fillies who lost their family.”
“But…” Past Celestia said.  “How would I, if I would hurt them in the end?”
“Because I remember what you told me in the future,” Wanda said.  “And even if I do get knocked down, I still remember how it goes.  ‘Don’t give up on your life.  The very ponies who look up to you are only here to help you.  They know what you went through.  They are your family.  And as a family, you are one together.”
Before Past Celestia could say anything, Wanda reached out and gave her past foster mother a hug while tears flowed down her cheek.  Misty also reached out and hugged Past Celestia, crying a bit.
“She’s a point,” Misty cried.  “I’ve lost so many loved ones at the Crystal Empire.  If I lost you or Aunt Luna, I don’t know what would be of me.  Please, for her sake, open up.”
Past Celestia looked down at Misty and Wanda before giving them a warm hug.  The villagers looked at Past Celestia as their fear began to melt away.  They slowly walked up to the Princess, still afraid, but now with hope in their hearts.  One colt from the pack emerged to approach Past Celestia.
“Princess Celestia,” One of the colts said. “We forgive you for what you were.”
“She’s right,” An elder stallion said.  “What the child says is true.  Don’t let whatever that monster did affect your mind.  Know that your people will always back you up to the end of time.”
Past Celestia looked at the villagers and said “Thank you.  All of you.  And if I have taken a single life, I will honor their memory to pay for what I did.”
“Well I have good news,” one mare said.  “We all survived that incident.  And that’s something you should be thankful for.”
The audience cheered loudly into the night sky as Wanda and Misty embraced Past Celestia while Abigail Meowed into the night.  But a few inches nearby, Past Luna  looked at her sister with a warm smile on her face while she held the baby filly in her right arm and the Elements of Harmony encircled her.
“I’m proud of my sister,” Luna cried with pride.  “I’m glad she was able to stay here in Equestria and not have to be banished to the moon.  I know we will have our quarreling every once in a while. but it’s better than being all alone.”
Past Luna looked down at the baby filly, who cheered and giggled at the sight of Past Celestia.
“You know, you’re absolutely right,” Past Luna said.  “The day is about to come soon, and I figured I should give her something to celebrate.  And I think I have an idea on what thay day will be: The Summer Sun Celebration.  That way, it will remind my sister that she’s not alone.”
And thus, everyone cheered in the ruins of their village as the moon with the Pony of Shadows’ visage began to settle into the distance and the sun began to rise in the eastern sky.



	To Be Continued in…


	A Warm Return

> Arc 18-4: A Warm Reunion
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


A Warm Return



A new day has dawned in the land of Equestria.  A whole village, raised to the ground by fire, was rebuilt as if nothing had happened at all.  But deep within the village, everyone celebrated.  Many villagers had toys to pass down to the younglings who enjoyed the moment.  Some flew kites into the air.  Some span tops on the ground or tossed balls at each other.  Some hit shuttlecocks attached to their paddles.  
Nearby, food was prepared for the other villagers.  The smell of cooked vegetables with a savory sauce filled the nostrils of hungry celebrants.  Many sunk their teeth into their food, enjoying every taste and texture of their meals.  Some even made simple desserts like cookies made from wheat flour, and sweet dumplings made from milled rice flour.
The music in the air consisted of the sweet sound of the wooden flutes, the calming, yet energetic twang of the lutes, and even the mighty drums that the ponies pounded on with thick sticks.
Wanda Young walked around in the village, enjoying the food in her hands.  Abigail walked alongside her, meowing to the music that echoed in the air.  On her right, Misty Brightdawn was wearing a bright blue robe, levitating a kite into the air.  Behind them were Past Celestia and Past Luna, enjoying the moment.
“How are you all doing?” Past Luna asked.
“Great,” Wanda said, taking a bite of corn.  “I never thought you could create something this festive.”
“Well it’s the first time I chose to set up this kind of celebration,” Past Luna said.  “I call it the Summer Sun Celebration.  A reminder to my sister that there are those who care for her well-being.”
“Thank you, Luna,” Past Celestia smiled.  “I still worry for myself after what happened.  But seeing as how everyone wants me to at least be happy, I’ll be willing to do it for them.”
“That’s the spirit,” Past Luna said as she rubbed her cheek on Celestia’s cheek.  “Even if we do keep fighting, I would rather have you around than to be alone for the rest of my life.”
“Well I’m glad you are with me sister,” Past Celestia said.  “I dunno what I would do if it the Pony of Shadows turned you into this…Nightmare Moon.”
“Maybe I could use it to forge a new celebration during the fall,” Past Luna said.  “Something like…Nightmare Night.”
“Good idea,” Past Celestia laughed.
But as Past Celestia and Past Luna laughed, Wanda tapped on Past Celestia’s shoulder, catching her attention.
“Yes, Wanda?” Past Celestia asked.
“You know what’s odd?” Wanda asked.  “You never used your Wolf’s Breath curse at all, last night.”
“So you know that I have this Wolf’s Breath Curse?” Past Celestia smiled.  “Did my future self tell you about it?”
“She did more than that,” Wanda said. “She used it many times to fight off bad guys.  Furthermore, two of my friends have this curse.”
“What is this Wolf’s Breath Curse?” Misty asked.
“Well,” Wanda said.  “It’s supposed to be a curse that affects unicorns and alicorns.  It causes their magic to lock up, but they somehow end up acting like a wolf.”
“Like a wolf?” Misty replied.
“It’s more like gaining the instincts, mentality and strength of a wolf,” Past Celestia explained.  “Because of our mother and Starswirl the Bearded, I was able to learn how to control this curse and put it to good use.  But the reason why I didn’t use my curse last night was because of how overwhelming the Pony of Shadows was.  When even our magic couldn’t phase him at all, we had no choice, but to retreat.”
“That makes a lot of sense,” Misty said.  “When one realizes how dangerous their foe is, they would not use their curse.”
“That is true,” Past Celestia said.  “But not all ponies can control their own curse.  Our own emotions can force our curse to take control, sending us in a frenzied state.”
“It does make me wonder if I also have this Wolf’s Breath Curse,” Misty replied.  “If I suddenly snap and act like a wolf like you do.”
“Well one thing’s for sure,” Past Celestia said, “We don’t need a reason to use our curse at the moment.  Because I feel like enjoying this celebration.”
“That makes two of us,” Past Luna said.  “After what happened last night, I just want to eat, drink, and be merry.”
Wanda, Abigail, Misty, Past Celestia and Past Luna laughed together as everyone enjoyed the moment of the Summer Sun Celebration, with the smell of food filling ponies’ noses and music playing in the air.

As the sun began to set in the west, Wanda, Abigail, Misty, Past Celestia and Past Luna were observing the sunset next to the Zacharle Castle.  Though their faces were of hope and calm, Wanda did look worried.
“What a day,” Misty said.  “Every pony was so lively after last night.  It’s almost as if our hopes and dreams were renewed.”
“That’s right,” Past Celestia said.  “Because of every pony, I at least felt much lighter.  And yet, I do fear that the Pony of Shadows will return one day.”
“If it does return, we’ll be ready,” Past Luna said.  “I won’t let him take you again.”
“Thanks sister,” Past Celestia said.  “You’re all I have left as a family, and we are one together, no matter what.”
“Well speaking of family, you’re not going to believe this,” Past Luna said.   “One of our scouts just confirmed the damage done at the Crystal Empire.  No sign of Princess Amore or Prince Sombra.  Whoever did that got away with it.”
“Then aside from the newly formed Mount Aris Kingdom by Princess Novo, it appears we are now the only kingdom left in Equestria,” Past Celestia said.  “We’ll have to work hard to give the ponies a pedestal to stand on.”
  “Speaking of which,” Past Luna said, pointing to Misty.  “There is someone who needs to be lifted up.”
Past Celestia looked down at Misty and said “Misty.  How would you like to be apart of this family?”
“Would I?” Misty said.
“Yes,” Past Celestia said.  “What happened to your mother and brother was horrible, and I want to make sure you can spend the rest of your fillyhood with us.  I promise I’ll raise you to be the pony who will rebuild the Crystal Empire.”
Misty’s eyes turned watery as she reached out and gave Past Celestia a hug.
“I’ll do it,” Misty cried.  “I’m willing to live with you until I’ve grown up.”
“Now our family has extended by one,” Past Luna.
But as Past Celestia and Misty embraced each other, they noticed Wanda drifting towards the sun with Abigail by her side.  While Wanda was calm, Abby cried out “Homeless.”
“Wanda,” Past Celestia said.  “You look sad.  Is it because you’re no longer of the future?”
“Yes,” Wanda said as tears flowed down her cheek.  “I miss them all.  Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Golden Lace.  All of them.  Even the ponies from La Maresa who I called friends.”
“Were they the friends who you saw in that vision?” Misty asked.
“Only Twilight,” Wanda said.  “She was the one who sent that message to me.  The others were Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy.  Now, it looks like they’ll have to carry on their own story without me.”
“I’m terribly sorry,” Past Celestia said as she gently pulled Wanda to her with her wing.  “To be stuck in this era and to know those who were close to you to never see you again.”
“I think we should look after her,” Past Luna said.  “If Wanda is forever stuck in our timeline, then the least we can do is to make her a part of our family.”
“What do you say, Wanda?” Past Celestia said.
Wanda let out a sigh and said “I know it will be hard on me, because my friends and my sisters won’t see me again.  But at least, I’ll always have Aunt Woona, and you….mommy.”
Wanda reached over and gave Past Celestia a hug, crying right into her mane.
“Don’t you worry, my darling Wanda,” Past Celestia said.  “I’m here for you.”
But as Wanda cried into Past Celestia’s mane, she heard a voice call out “Wanda.  Are you there?  I’ve finally managed to open a portal to this era.  Past Celestia, Wanda and Abigail looked up to see Princess Celestia emerge from an open portal.
“That must be me,” Past Celestia said.  “From the future.”
Past Celestia gently released Wanda from her feathery hold.  Wanda looked up at Princess Celestia and smiled greatly.
“MOMMY!” Wanda cried as she ran up and gave Princess Celestia a big hug.  Abigail ran up to the future princess, meowing with excitement.
“I didn’t know you would turn out that grand,” Past Luna said.  
“Neither did I,” Past Celestia said.
As Wanda embraced Princess Celestia, the future princess said “I was so worried about you, Wanda.  I thought I’d lose you, forever.”
“You didn’t,” Wanda cried.  “Because of you, I was given some comfort.”
“Well when we get home, you have a huge tale to tell everyone,” Celestia said.
But Princess Celestia looked up at Past Celestia, Past Luna and even Misty, and noticed that the little filly’s eyes looked watery.
“Wanda,” Princess Celestia said.  “I think you better say good-bye to Misty.”
Wanda released her hold on Princess Celestia as she and Abigail ran up to Misty.  The two looked at each other before hugging each other one last time.
“I’m going to miss you, Misty,” Wanda cried.  “Thanks for giving me some comfort when I was stuck here.”
“You’re the best friend I ever had,” Misty said.  “I won’t forget you while I live with my Celestia and Luna.”
“Neither would I,” Wanda said.
“Goodbye….Misty,” Abigail meowed.
Slowly, Wanda and Misty released themselves from their hug as Wanda and Abigail walked away from Misty.  Princess Celestia lowered herself down as Wanda and Abigail hopped onto her back.  But before she entered the portal, Princess Celestia turned to her past self.
“I know it’s odd to be complimenting myself,” Princess Celestia said.  “But thank you for looking after our daughter while she was stuck here.  And I can assure you, you will have a wonderful life thanks to the younglings that you adopt.”
“It’s been an honor, future me,” Past Celestia said.
With that, Past Celestia, Past Luna and Misty waved good-bye as Wanda and Abigail held onto Princess Celestia, who jumped through the portal.  Once they were through, the portal disappeared for good.
“I am going to truly miss you,” Misty cried.
“Something tells me it won’t be for good,” Past Celestia said.

Meanwhile, through the wormhole, Wanda and Abigail held on as Princess Celestia flew towards the future, watching as the images of Canterlot were slowly being rebuilt back to its present self.
“So Mommy,” Wanda said.  “It’s true, isn’t it?  I was the one who saved you in the past.”
“You were,  my darling Wanda,” Celestia said.  “If it weren’t for you and even your new friend Misty Brightdawn, I would have remained controlled by the Pony of Shadows, or far worse.”
“Why didn’t you tell me about this?” Wanda asked. 
“It was because you weren’t ready to know that it was your story to begin with,” Princess Celestia said.  “I just wish it weren’t about nearly losing you to the past by that incident.”
“So I take it we weren’t allowed down in the basement of the School because that’s where you keep the Elements of Harmony?” Wanda asked.
“Correct,” Princess Celestia explained.  “The Elements didn’t disappear for good, we returned them back where we left them, in case something like this ever popped up again.  And while we could have used them to correl Queen Chrysalis or Coldnelius Snap, we didn’t choose to do so out of fear that it could take their lives.”
“The one thing I really didn’t like about this unexpected trip,” Wanda said, “Is the fact that we won’t see Misty again.  But I bet she lived a great life after I departed.”
“That’s what you think,” Celestia said with a smirk.  “As a matter of fact, I think you will be seeing Misty again, and you will remember her just like you did all those ages ago.”
“Really?” Wanda asked.
Celestia nodded before she said “One last thing.  I set the portal to take me exactly after the first Summer Sun Celebration ended, so you could see what it was like before we do it again in a few months.  So how was it?”
“It was great,” Wanda said.   “The food was delicious, the toys were incredible, and the music was exciting.”
“Well wait till we get home,” Celestia said.  “I still have that toy you played with when we were in the past.”
Wanda and Abigail cheered as Celestia flew down the time tunnel.

In the present, Princess Celestia emerged from the portal before it shut off.   Wanda and Abigail jumped off the moment the princess landed her hooves on the ground.  But just as Wanda saw the sights of her time zone, she noticed seven familiar faces run up to her.
“Oh my gosh,” Wanda said.  “They’re all here.”
Immediately, Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Spike the Dragon, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danegd Spell and Golden Lace ran up and gave Wanda a big hug, laughing loudly.
“We were all so worried about you, sister,” Sunset Shimmer cried.  “We thought you were gone for good.”
“Well thanks to Mommy I wasn’t,” Wanda said.  “In fact, I wound up helping Aunt Woona save Mommy in the past.  Then we all got to celebrate the Summer Sun Celebration in the past.”
“The Summer Sun Celebration?” Twilight said.  “That’s not for a few months.”
“Well you know what they say,” Danged Spell smirked.  “Time flies when you’re having fun.”
“Danged Spell,” the younglings yelled before they broke into laughter.
Danged Spell stood there and said “I had to say it.”
Wanda’s ears picked up the sound of someone shouting her name.  She looked to her left and saw Cozy Glow, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk run up to her.
“Cozy, Dazzlings,” Wanda cheered.
“We were all worried for you,” Cozy Glow said.  “The moment Princess Celestia told us what happened, we got worried.”
“Yeah,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “You’re Sunset Shimmer’s sister.  And even though there was nothing we could do to help out, we just hoped you would come back to us.”
“Well I’m back,” Wanda said.  “And so is Abby.”
“We’re just glad that you’re back,” Starlight said.  “And we hope we don’t have to be separated again.”
As every youngling embraced Wanda, she turned to Princess Celestia, who smiled down at her adopted daughter.  Nearby, Princess Luna, Chancellor Cinch, Granny Smith, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor and Captain Airazor observed the younglings as proud as they could be.  Even Chancellor Cinch’s eyes looked watery.
“I guess everyone really missed me,” Wanda said.  
“We all did,” Princess Luna said, walking up to Wanda.  “Though I still owe you for helping me save my sister from the Pony of Shadows.”
“Never thought that the little tyke would end up making history in Equestria,” Granny Smith said, wiping a tear from her eye.  “You make us all proud.”
“On a side note,” Wanda said.  “How did you figure out where I was, and how did you get me back?”
Princess Celestia looked down at Wanda with her smile fading away a bit.
“I know you’re going to be upset,” Princess Celestia said.  “But the one pony who unintentionally brought you to the past was the one who helped bring you back.”
As Celestia finished speaking, Wanda turned towards the front, where Coldnelius Snap stood in front.  The other younglings glared at him and stood in front of Wanda, looking ready to pounce.  Even Abigail and Spike growled at Coldnelius Snap.
“Stand down,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “We’re not in the mood to fight.”
“You helped mommy bring me back?” Wanda asked with some fear in her voice.  “Why?”
Coldnelius Snap let out a small sigh and said “As much as I am your foe, Princess Wanda, and I wish to turn you into one of us, even I couldn’t help but feel responsible for putting you through that horrible torture that is the Pony of Shadows, AKA the Shade of Hate.”
“What do you mean by that?” Sunset Shimmer growled.
“The Pony of Shadows was an artificial construct created by a terrible Alicorn by the name of Hydia,” Coldnelius Snap explained.  “She used magic stolen from various kingdoms to create this abomination.  This included the Changeling Kingdom, the once majestic Hippogriff Kingdom, the extinct Demon Ponies, and even the Ice Pony kingdom of Winteris.  All just to create that abomination.”
“Wait,” Cozy Glow said.  “So you’re telling me that this Alicorn named Hydia was responsible for creating the Pony of Shadows?”
“Yes,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “She used all that magic to create him and gave him a name: the Shade of Hate.  But by combining with another pony, it became the Pony of Shadows.”
‘Why are you telling us this?” Moondancer asked.  “And how do you know about the origins of the Pony of Shadows?”
“Originally, I refused to share this knowledge to anyone outside of my cult,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “Even to my partner Queen Chrysalis, and especially to my enemy.  But after seeing what happened with Princess Wanda, and seeing some relief that she has returned home, it was time I told you all the truth about the Pony of Shadows.  And as for how I know this, that is a tale you will find out one day.”
“Do you honor your end of the bargain?” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Will you uphold your truce?”
“I will,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “Effective immediately, all members of the Windigo’s Guild will withdraw from Canterlot, and we will give you a month’s peace.  But do not let yourselves become complacent, for we will meet again.”
Coldnelius Snap looked up at his cult members who sat on the roof and signaled to them.  Immediately, the cultists ran off the roof and jumped over the walls of Canterlot before disappearing into the nearby forests.  Coldnelius Snap then turned to Princess Celestia.
“Good-bye Princess Celestia, “Coldnelius Snap said.  “Though our fight against you will continue, should you tell us about the fate of Hydia, then maybe our hate will subside.”
And with that, Coldnelius Snap’s wings extended out from his cloak before he leaped into the air and took off from the city of Canterlot, leaving everyone behind.
“To think, we still have to put up with a guy who gives us the cold shoulder,” Danged Spell grumbled.
“Right now,” Princess Luna said.  “What matters is that Wanda and Abigail are back home in the present.  And it’s starting to get late.  So we better head back to the castle.”
“Why not?” Sunset said.  “In fact, let’s have a slumber party to celebrate Wanda’s return home.”
The younglings cheered in unison as they picked Wanda up off the ground and hoisted her in the air, chanting her name.  Cozy Glow picked up Abigail and held her up high while Spike walked alongside Twilight.
“You guys,” Wanda laughed.  “You really, really miss me, do ya?”
“We do,” Golden Lace said.  “And we can’t wait to hear your story.”
“Come on,” Sunburst yelled.  “Let’s go celebrate at the castle.”
With that, Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Golden Lace, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk kept Wanda held up high as they marched towards the castle with Spike walking on the left side of the group and Cozy Glow, holding Abigail, flew to the right side of the group.  Princess Celestia and Princess Luna just looked from afar with a smile on their faces.
“I’m glad that’s over with,” Princess Luna said.  “It was one thing for Wanda to help me send the Pony of Shadows to the moon.  But it was another to leave her behind in the past.”
“Well she isn’t the only one who’s still around,” Princess Celestia said.  “Remember Misty Brightdawn?  The first orphan I adopted?”
“Oh yeah,” Princess Luna said.  “The little sister of King Sombra of the Crystal Empire.”
“I’m surprised that you never told her about the Crystal Empire,” Princess Cadance said.
“I think she deserves to know that not only is Misty still around,” Princess Celestia said, “But her brother was able to reclaim the Crystal Empire and has become King.  In fact, a century later, we allowed Misty to reunite with her brother, and they have been happy since then.  But Misty still admits, she misses Wanda and would like to see her again.”
“I never did meet King Sombra or his sister Misty Brightdawn,” Shining Armor said.  “Maybe we should get together with them so we could get to know them.
“That’s a great idea,” Princess Cadance cheered.  “What do you say, mother?”
“I’ll try to get in contact with King Sombra when I get the chance,” Princess Celestia said.  “But in the meantime, it’s time we head to the castle and celebrate Wanda’s return.”
With that, Celestia, Luna, Cadance and Shining Armor all walked towards the castle as the sun began to set, leaving Chancellor Cinch with Captain Airazor and Granny Smith.
“Chancellor,” Captain Airazor said.  “Would you like for me to escort you back to your manor?”
“That won’t be necessary,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “I can walk home fine.”
“Then I wish you a good evening,” Airazor said, bowing to the Chancellor.
But before Airazor could take off, Granny Smith tapped the Wonderbolt leader with her hoof.
“As much as I wanna head home,” Granny Smith said, “I’m gonna stick around and make sure Wanda is alright.  Once the portal is repaired, I’ll be saying good-bye for the moment.”
“Very well,” Airazor said.  “If the portal can’t come back online, I think I can fly you back home.  You have my world.”
Granny Smith nodded to the Wonderbolt Captain before she ran off towards the castle.  Immediately, Airazor took off to the skies, departing from the City of Canterlot, leaving the Chancellor by herself.  But once she was alone, Eleanor Young emerged from a bush, worried.
“You don’t look like yourself, Eleanor,” Chancellor Cinch said, turning towards the Evevanyian adult.
“It’s all my fault,” Eleanor Young said with a tear falling down her cheek.  “I didn’t want my daughter to be sucked into the past like that.  I thought she was lost forever.”
“What’s past is past,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “And it wasn’t your fault.  The fact that the ones responsible for her disappearance decided to undo the damage says a whole lot.  In fact, I was surprised that the Windigo’s Guild were willing to help out, despite our objections to it.”
“I know you mean well,” Eleanor said.  “But I feel like I’ve done too much harm to her.  Tell Princess Celestia that I do not deserve to even look at her again.”
With that, Eleanor Young ran down the street with her head turned away, leaving the Chancellor alone, and worried.
“This is more serious than I imagined,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Somehow, I have to make things right for her.”
Chancellor Cinch ran down the street after Eleanor Young in a hurry, leaving the quiet ground bridge portal all by itself.  But in a moment, Firelight and Starseeker Glimmer walked up the portal with a worry on their face.
“I don’t know if our daughter should be around in this city again,” Firelight Glimmer said.
“After seeing her best friend get sucked into the portal and sent back through time,” Starseeker said, “I agree with you.”
“I do remember,” Firelight replied.  “And I know it will hurt Starlight to hear this.  But I’m afraid we’re going to have to pull her out from the School for Gifted Unicorns.”
“But we can’t take her back to Sire’s Hollow,” Starseeker said.  “Remember what the Windigo’s Guild did?”
“You’re right,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “If we can’t let her stay in Canterlot, but we can’t bring her home to Sire’s Hollow, then what can we do?  Is it fate that we have to suffer for all eternity?”
“Maybe tomorrow morning,” Starseeker Glimmer said.  “We’ll find out where to go.”



	To Be Continued in…


	Arc 19: Friendship Shattered


	Parental Choice

> Arc 19(Friendship Shattered)-1: Parental Choice
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


	Arc 19: Friendship Shattered


	Parental Choice



“So it was Princess Wanda who helped defeat the Pony of Shadows.  Interesting.”
Those words came from Queen Chrysalis, who sat down in her throne, intrigued.  Next to her was Princess Chrysalis II while Coldnelius Snap stood in front of the duo, bowing to the changeling monarchy.
“It was,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “I triggered the portal by accident into sending the Man’s Cub to a thousand years ago, back when the Pony of Shadows turned Princess Celestia into Daybreaker.”
“The Pony of Shadows, eh?” Queen Chrysalis said.  “But it looks like you took it seriously enough that you helped Princess Celestia bring her back.”
“Indeed,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “Not even she deserved to be stuck there with that abomination.”
“Then tell me,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “What is your score against the Pony of Shadows?”
“I never told you or any one of your minions,” Coldnelius Snap explained.  “But the Pony of Shadows was an artificial construct created by the very monster who took your mother’s life: Hydia the Alicorn.”
“So she has a name,” Chrysalis yelled, slamming her hoof on the arm rest.  
“One of the survivors of Winteris told me about the alicorn who attacked the kingdom,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “And I found out that she not only had that name, but she attacked other kingdoms during the fall of Everfree City, taking its magic for herself.”
“And how did you find out that she created the Pony of Shadows?” Chrysalis asked.
“Once I was able to regain myself,” Coldnelius Snap explained, “I was able to follow Hydia to her hideout and learned a horrible truth.  She had gathered magic from not just Winteris, but also from the Hippogriff’s old kingdom and even your former throne when your mother, Queen Papilionoidea, once ruled with a kind heart.”
“Queen Papilionoidea,” Queen Chrysalis lamented.  “I still remember seeing an alicorn kill my mother with that swift of a strike.  Because of that, I never forgot the horror of losing her that day.”
“Because of the crimes of Hydia the Alicorn and the fact that she got away with what she did,” Coldnelius Snap stated, “We vowed revenge against any who got in our way, and so I formed the Windigo’s Guild to freeze this planet ten fold.”
“Seems we have a lot more in common than we realize,” Queen Chrysalis said.
“Yes,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “We do.”
But as Coldnelius Snap turned his back and began to walk out, Princess Chrysalis II raised her voice, catching the Windigo’s Guild Leader’s attention.
“Speak,” Coldnelius Snap said.
“This is something that has bothered me,” Princess Chrysalis II asked.  “But by any chance, are you a Winterian Ice Pony?”
Coldnelius Snap just laughed over Princess Chrysalis II’s question, much to the confusion of the changeling filly and her mother.
“I am not just an ordinary Winterian Ice Pony,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “My real name…is King Glaceious, husband of Queen Icelina, and former ruler of Winteris.  The guild members that have stood with me were either those who cast aside their Equestrian roots, or are descendants of the Winterians who survived Hydia’s cruelty.”
As Coldnelius Snap walked away from the throne room, Queen Chrysalis and Princess Chrysalis II stood there, surprised by the revelation.
“The old king of Winteris, back from the dead,” Queen Chrysalis said.
“Mother,” Princess Chrysalis II.  “Is it true that he died, long ago?”
“It was,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “He was killed long ago by a ravenous beast near his kingdom, rumored to have been sent by Queen Eternia.  When his wife Queen Icelina found out, she lost her composure and took her anger out on Everfree City, resulting in the Civil War that ended in their existence being wiped out.”
“And yet,” Princess Chrysalis II said, “He now stands here as our ally.”
“Strange,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “I never thought that one of the ancient rulers of old Equestria would be the one who would help us in our crusade against Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.”

Meanwhile at night in the city of Canterlot, Eleanor Young looked up at the moon with the Pony of Shadows’ face glaring down at the city.  She let out a sigh before placing her face on her hands and cried into it.  Chancellor Cinch walked down the street and sat next to Eleanor, looking a bit gloomy.
“Are you alright?” Chancellor Cinch asked.
“No,” Eleanor Young said.  “I’m still upset over the fact that I nearly lost my own daughter..for good.”
“Like I said, it wasn’t your fault,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “There were elements beyond your control, like the Windigo’s Guild’s decision to attack us that afternoon, or Coldnelius Snap’s mishap that sent your daughter back.  And I hate to admit it, but at least he chose to bring your daughter back.”
“But what if my alchemy would put her in danger again?” Eleanor said.  “What if I end up sending her to a place where I can’t find her ever again?  At this point, I might as well just hide myself away and never see my daughter again.”
“Don’t say that,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Princess Celestia has been proud to look after your daughter since that night when you brought her here.  I was harsh on her because I feared what she would become.  But her trials and tribulations through the recent months have made me realize that I was wrong about her.  Now it’s time for you to have faith in your daughter.”
But before Eleanor could speak, she heard the sound of ponies talking up a storm nearby, and they sounded agitated.
“Wait,” Eleanor said, pointing to a nearby house.  “For some reason, I can hear the parents of Wanda’s friends arguing, and I’m afraid it doesn’t sound good.”
“I’m afraid you’re right,“ Chancellor Cinch said.  “And it’s happening at Twilight Sparkle’s house.  I know it doesn’t sound right, but we need to see what’s going on.”
Eleanor nodded to Chancellor Cinch before the two walked up to the house, where they looked through the window.
“Can you hear everything they’re saying?” Chancellor Cinch asked.
“Yes,” Eleanor Young replied. “And it sounds like the one known as Firelight Glimmer is the most upset with today’s events.”
Inside the house, Firelight Glimmer stood up in a speech, angry and concerned.  His wife, Starseeker Glimmer sat next to Stellar Flare and Sunspot.  On the opposite side were Twilight Velvet, Night Light, Crescent Eclipse, Artemis Light, Fortwright and Shanoa.
“You all saw what happened this afternoon,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “The Windigos’ Guild launched their attack on this city while in the middle of the ground bridge portal demonstration.  I don’t know if any of our children will be safe here in Canterlot.”
“But didn’t the Guild launch an attack on Sire’s Hollow?” Fortwright asked.
“They did,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “The fact that they can strike from a small town to this very city says a whole lot.”
“I’m afraid he’s right,” Stellar Flare said.  “If they can scare all four of us from Sire’s Hollow, then who knows what else they can do.”
“I still remember what happened that night at the Grand Gallopin Gala when they teamed up with the changelings to ruin our night,” Twilight Velvet said.  “In fact, I was going to cheer up Twilight Sparkle that night when they scared her and Spike off.”
“There was also that interference during the wedding just when Princess Celestia was reaching out to Queen Chrysalis,” Artemis Light said.  “They’re making this terror feel like an eternity.”
“And not to mention what their leader did to freeze us over,” Crescent Eclipse said.  “And it nearly froze all of Equestria.”
“I don’t know if our younglings can have a moment of peace with those monsters out there,” Starseeker said.  “Maybe we should take them out of Canterlot if they’re going to keep attacking this city.”
“Now hold on,” Shanoa said.  “Our youngsters, especially my little Danged Spell, are capable of fighting back against the Guild.  Remember both the Ponyville Providence Fair and the Grand Gallopin Gala?  They are capable of holding their own against the Guild and the Changelings.”
Everyone started talking amongst each other after hearing Shanoa’s plea.
“Are you really sure about that statement?” Fortwright asked.
“I am,” Shanoa said.  “After all, you were proud of our son when he defeated one of the changelings without his curse and magic.”
“I know,” Fortwright said.  “And yet, I wonder if we push our son a bit too far.  Sure he can handle the Windigo’s Guild.  But how long until he’s pushed to his limit?  That being said, I’m not even sure about moving out of Canterlot.”
“I know what you mean by that, Fortwright,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “But I still believe that they will focus their efforts on Canterlot in the future.  I don’t think we will be safe here anymore.  Therefore, I suggest that we take our younglings out.”
“But where would you take her?” Fortwright asked.  “First off, they could attack any town if they desire.  Second off, there is a chance that they could ambush you should you depart Canterlot.”
“And what’s to stop them from attacking Canterlot again?” Firelight asked.  “You may not like it.  But the Windigo’s Guild have their sights set more on Canterlot than any part of Equestria.  What’s to stop them from trying this again?”
But as the parents inside Twilight’s house argued, Chancellor Cinch and Eleanor Young watched from the outside with worry on their faces.
“So it has come to this,” Eleanor said.  “Wanda’s friends are going to move away?”
“Not if I have anything to say about this,” Chancellor Cinch said.
Chancellor Cinch marched up to the front door and slammed it open, catching the attention of everyone in the room.
“Chancellor,” Night Light said.  “What are you doing here in the middle of the night?”
“I overheard you speaking about moving away from Canterlot,” Chancellor Cinch said. 
“We are considering it,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “After what the Windigo’s Guild did today, I don’t think we can afford to keep our youngsters here in Canterlot.”
“Must I remind you that we had a massive snowstorm across all of Equestria thanks to the Windigo’s Guild?” Chancellor Cinch replied.  “Or rather, thanks to one Coldnelius Snap?  He extracted the hate out of Gold Banks with Venom Frost to quickly plunge all of us into a cold spell.”
“Listen Chancellor,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “Even if you are right, what rights do you have to deny us our rights to leave this city?”
“I’m not saying you have no rights,” Chancellor Cinch replied.  “What I’m also saying is that you’re also not thinking about your own youngling’s say-so in this matter.”
“This is for their own good,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “They’ll understand.”
“By splitting them apart?” Chancellor Cinch said.  
“Not if they all live in the same town,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “Listen Chancellor. Nothing you say will change my mind.  The matter is final.”
“I hate to say this,” Shanoa said.  “But I’m afraid Firelight Glimmer has won out.  I thought he was out of his mind.  But I realize, maybe Danged Spell and Dream Seeker may not be safe here in Canterlot, anymore.”
Chancellor Cinch couldn’t get a single word out of her mouth.  She slumped down, defeated and tired.
“Fine,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Name the town you wish to go to.”
“La Maresa,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “And I know this sounds dangerous.  But can you get your alchemist to fix up the portal?”
“I’ll see what I can do,” Chancellor Cinch sighed.  
As Chancellor Cinch started to walk out the door, Night Light and Twilight Velvet walked up to the chancellor, only they looked disappointed.
“Your side won,” Chancellor Cinch said, noticing Twilight Velvet and Night Light. “I’ll have to inform Princess Wanda about the bad news.”
“Actually, it’s about that,” Night Light said. “Though we agree with Firelight Glimmer that Canterlot is no longer safe, we disagree with the idea of moving Twilight Sparkle to La Maresa.”
“Therefore,” Twilight Velvet said, “We’ve decided to move back to Vanhoover.”
“Vanhoover?” Starseeker said in shock.  “You’re moving back to Vanhoover?”
“There are two reasons why,” Twilight Velvet said.  “First, it’s a far safer place to be instead of La Maresa or Canterlot.  Second, it’s also where Shining Armor and Twilight Sparkle were born.  It would be an ideal place for the two of them to grow up in.”
“I see,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “Guess I won’t stop you from moving back to Vanhoover if that is the case.”
“I think we should discuss this more tomorrow and prepare for our trips there,” Twilight Velvet said.  “For now, I think it would be best if you all departed for the night.”
Chancellor Cinch slowly walked out the door and made her way through as Firelight Glimmer, Starseeker, Stellar Flare, Sunspot, Crescent Eclipse, Artemis Light, Fortwright and Shanoa followed from behind.

Outside, Eleanor Young hid in a nearby bush, observing as the other parents walked out of Twilight Sparkle’s house and down the street.  But her eyes shifted to a defeated Chancellor Cinch, who walked up to the bush where she hid.
“It’s over,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “They’re all going to move away.”
“I overheard,” Eleanor said, pulling herself up from the bushes.”
“Firelight Glimmer has decided to move his daughter to La Maresa, while most of the other parents agreed,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “As for Night Light and Twilight Velvet, they have decided to move their daughter and son back to Vanhoover.”
“Oh no,” Eleanor Young said.  “Now Wanda is going to have to say good-bye to her friends.”
“But there may be a way to make sure their friendship is not shattered,” Chancellor Cinch explained.  “If we can repair the link between the ground bridge portal to La Maresa and create a second one for Vanhoover, then it is possible for your daughter to visit them, anytime she likes.”
“Are you sure?” Eleanor Young asked.
“I’m sure of it,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Either that or I grant her permission to move there.”
Eleanor looked at Chancellor Cinch and said “I’ll do it.  But I don’t think Wanda will take the news very well.”
“I know,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “I don’t think any of the younglings will take it well.”
But just down the street, Firelight Glimmer looked up at the castle with a worried look on his face.
“You’re not going to go there and tell her,” Starseeker asked.
“I’m afraid I am,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “I need to tell Starlight the bad news.”
“Shouldn’t we wait until tomorrow?” Starseeker asked.
“No,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “She has to know this now and realize that we can’t stand in Canterlot anymore, nor can we return home to Sire’s Hollow.  It’s for her own good.”

Meanwhile, at the Canterlot Castle, inside Sunset and Wanda’s bedroom, the younglings gathered around, enjoying a small party on the floor with various treats and toys, while Wanda stood on her bed speaking towards her friends.  Abigail slept next to her while Spike slept next to Twilight Sparkle.
“So when I was sent back in time,” Wanda explained, “I thought I was trapped there for the rest of my life, and I broke down crying.  Then I met this pony who called herself Misty Brightdawn.”
“Misty Brightdawn?” Twilight Sparkle asked.  “You mean the first orphan adopted by Princess Celestia, and the little sister of King Sombra of the Crystal Empire?”
“Yeah,” Wanda said.  “That’s the girl.  But…Sombra is King?”
“That’s a story I need to tell you about how Sombra Brightdawn reclaimed his throne,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “Some say following the death of Princess Amore Brightdawn, Sombra was raised by a group of rogues who taught him how to survive the harshness of the crystal desert.”
“I’ve heard about the story of King Sombra Brightdawn,” Danged Spell said.  “And he sounds like a real diamond in the rough.”
“Danged Spell,” The other younglings yelled before they broke out into laughter.
“What?” Danged Spell joked.  “I was telling the truth.”
“Well anyway,” Wanda said, “Sometime after I met Misty, I also saw mommy and Aunt Luna, only they were younger.  But they were arguing over something that I didn’t understand, and I didn’t want to see them arguing.  But when I tried to break up the fight, the Pony of Shadows appeared out of nowhere.”
“Pony of Shadows?” Sunset said.  “Is that the same beast that was giving you nightmares?”
“It was,” Wanda explained.  “And it chased us throughout the forest.  Once it caught up, it tried to possess Aunt Woona.  But Mommy took the blow and she turned into a scary version of herself called Daybreaker.”
"Oh no," Twilight Sparkle said.  "Poor Princess Celestia."
"Who'd knew that this Pony of Shadows could turn Princess Celestia into this horrible being?" Sonata Dusk lamented.
"But how did you defeat the Pony of Shadows?" Cozy Glow asked.
"I didn't," Wanda explained.  "But Aunt Woona told us to find the Elements of Harmony within the very place that became our school.  And it was in the basement where we're not supposed to be."
"So that explains what we weren't allowed there," Moondancer said.  "Maybe the Elements of Harmony are down there right now."
"I don't think it would be a good idea to go there," Sunburst said.  "We don't want to disappoint Princess Celesia."
"Awww," Moondancer said.  "But I want to see the Elements of Harmony."
"Anyway," Wanda said.  "When I touched the Elements of Harmony, it showed be an image of five of our La Maresa friends: Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack and Fluttershy.  After that, Twilight appeared in front of me with a message of some sort."
"Wait," Twilight Sparkle said.  "Why was I in that vision along with the La Maresa friends that you described?"
"I don't know why," Wanda said.  "But I think I heard you say that you missed me, and that you hope I find my way home, and that no matter what, we're all friends, and we will stick by each other to the very end."
Twilight's eyes popped out a bit as her mouth dropped down.
"Oh my gosh," Twilight said.  "I don't know what to say.  But for some reason, the Elements must have read my thoughts and it went through time to reach out to you.  This is a unique phenomenon that I never realized was possible."
"Not only that," Golden Lace said.  "But I'm surprised that you and the five fillies of La Maresa are tied to the Elements of Harmony.   There must be some reason why.”
“Even I don’t know why the Elements of Harmony are like that,” Sunburst said.  “I’ve read up on this at the library, but even I can’t wrap my head about this.”

But as the younglings were talking and having fun, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Granny Smith were walking with Firelight and Starseeker Glimmer down the hallway.  Though Celestia and Luna, Granny Smith, Firelight and Starseeker were worried.
“Are you sure you don’t want to wait until tomorrow to talk with Starlight?” Princess Celestia asked.
“No, she needs to know about this, right away,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “She’ll come to understand why.”
“I don’t like where this is going at all,” Granny Smith said.  “Judging by the look on your faces, something terrible has happened.”
“Of course,” Starseeker said.  “Once we talk with Starlight, you’ll learn why we had to do this right now.”
Back inside, as Wanda continued to talk about her story, every youngling in the room sat back and enjoyed every moment of it.  Starlight Glimmer sat next to Sunburst, eating popcorn out of a bowl in front of her.
“I wonder what the past was like,” Starlight Glimmer said.  “Or what Misty Brightdawn was like.”
“Too bad she’s probably gone from this world,” Sunburst said.  “Especially if she came from a thousand years ago.”
“But she’s the little sister of King Sombra Brightdawn of the Crystal Empire,” Starlight said.  “So what if she’s still alive?  And what would she look like?”
“I don’t know,” Sunburst said in a questioning tone.  “I have never seen King Sombra, or paid a visit to the Crystal Empire.”
But before Starlight could say anything else, she heard a voice call out her name.  Starlight looked out the door and saw her father Firelight Glimmer out.
“Daddy?” Starlight whispered.
But Firelight Glimmer shushed her before signaling her to come outside.
“Will you excuse me, Sunburst?” Starlight said.  “I think daddy is calling for me.”
Starlight slowly got up and walked towards the room entrance before stepping outside.  She looked up at Firelight Glimmer and Starseeker while Celestia, Luna and Granny Smith stood nearby.
“Daddy,” Starlight said.  “Is something wrong?”
“I’m afraid so,” Firelight Glimmer said. “After much thought, we have decided that you should move away from Canterlot?”
“Move…away?” Starlight said as tears began to form in her eyes.  “But…I like it here in Canterlot.”
“Starlight,”  Starseeker said.  “It’s no longer safe to be here after what the Windigo’s Guild did in Canterlot, and in Sire’s Hollow.  So as a result, I think the best place for you to go would be La Maresa.”
“But,” Starlight said.  “I don’t want to go by myself.  I don’t want to leave my friends behind.”
“You won’t,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “That’s why Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell will be moving to La Maresa with you as well.”
“But what about Wanda?” Starlight cried.  “And Sunset?  And what about Twilight Sparkle?”
“I’m afraid Twilight will be moving back home to Vanhoover,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “Twilight Velvet and Night Light let me know about this.”
“But….but…” Starlight said, struggling to control her emotions.  “But that isn’t fair.  THAT ISN’T FAAAAAAIR!”
With that, Starlight Glimmer ran down the hallway crying, leaving Celestia, Luna, Granny Smith, Firelight and Starseeker behind.
“Go comfort her,” Firelight said.  “She’ll understand why.”
Starseeker nodded before she ran off after Starlight Glimmer, leaving Firelight Glimmer behind.
“You do realize that the Windigo’s Guild will target La Maresa if they desire,” Celestia said.
“I know,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “But they’re more focused on wanting to bring down Canterlot like the changelings did.”
Suddenly, they heard the sound of a little girl sniffling.  Celestia, Luna, Granny Smith and Firelight looked down at the doorway, where Wanda stood up at Firelight Glimmer with tears forming in her eyes as well.  Abigail stood by Wanda with tears in her eyes.
“Wanda,” Celestia said.  “You overheard what Firelight said?”
“Yes,” Wanda cried.  “AND NOW MY FRIENDS ARE GOING TO GO AWAY!”
With that, Wanda ran down another hallway, crying her eyes out, while Abigail ran after her.  Celestia and Luna stood there, horrified.
“Go comfort Wanda,” Princess Luna said.  “I’m afraid this might be the last time she’ll see her friends again.”
Celestia nodded before she went down the hallway, chasing after Wanda and Abigail.  Luna looked up at Firelight with a sad look on her face.
“You do realize what you have done with your decision,” Princess Luna said.  “Every youngling near you overheard what you said and they’re not going to be happy with your decision.”
Firelight looked back down at the doorway, where Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Golden Lace, Cozy Glow, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk looked up at him with scowls on their faces.
“So that’s just it?” Moondancer said.  “We’re all going to have to leave Canterlot now?”
“And I have to leave for Vanhoover tomorrow?” Twilight said in a cold tone.
“Thanks a lot, bimbo,” Danged Spell said.
As the group looked up at Firelight Glimmer with a disappointed look on their face, Firelight just turned his head and walked down the hallway.
“You’ll all understand why we’re doing this,” Firelight said.  “It’s for your own good.  Even if you can fight back against the Guild and the Changelings, you’re only putting yourselves in deeper harm.”
But before Sunset Shimmer could take a step forward, Granny Smith placed her arm out.
“Better not,” Granny Smith said.  “The last thing we need is for a horrible thing to turn even worse than ever.”
“But what about the fact that most of our friends will be gone?” Sunset Shimmer asked.
“I don’t know,” Granny Smith said.  “And honestly, I have never seen anything like this in my life.”

In a nearby guest room, Starlight Glimmer cried on the cushion of a chair, soaking it in her tears.  Immediately, Firelight Glimmer slowly peeked his head in before walking up to Starlight.
“Pumpky-Wumpkin,” Firelight said.  “I know you’re not taking this well.  But it’s for your own good.”
“For my old good?” Starlight yelled.  “I’m losing a very close friend to me because you want to take me away from my close friend Wanda.”
“But Starlight,” Firelight said.  “After what the Windigo’s Guild did to you, don’t you want at least some form of safety?”
“No,” Starlight cried.  “Even if I was in danger, I still want to be around Wanda.  She’s like a close sister to me.  If you take me away, I won’t see her anymore.”
“But we will see her again,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “We could always bring her down to La Maresa so you and her can see each other again.”
“That’s just an excuse,” Starlight cried as she glared up at her father.  “You never give me what I want and I just want to be close to my friends.”
With that, Starlight ran into a nearby closet and slammed the door before crying her eyes out, leaving Firelight Glimmer all by himself.
“She’ll come through,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “I’ll give her all night to cry her eyes out.”

Outside in the front court of the castle grounds, Wanda cried on a nearby stone bench with Abigail standing atop and looking down at her companion. 
“It’s not fair,” Wanda cried.  “I nearly lost my friends…when I was trapped in the past.  And now…they’re all…going away.”
But as Wanda cried, Princess Celestia stepped outside and walked up to the man’s cub, looking emotionally defeated.
“Wanda,” Princess Celestia said.  “I didn’t think this would happen.”
“So why?” Wanda cried as she turned to Celestia.  “Why does this have to happen to me?  Why must I be separated from my friends?”
“I don’t know,” Princess Celestia said as a tear fell from her eye.  “As much as I want to stop him from doing this, Gold Banks would put me through the wringer if I did that.”
“So this is it?” Wanda cried.  “I’m going to lose my friends, and I’m going to end up alone?”
Wanda turned her face towards the bench before she slammed her eyes into her arms and cried once more, leaving Princess Celestia emotionally exhausted.
“What am I going to do?” Princess Celestia said.  “What will everyone, even Argyle Starshine, say when there will only be three students left at the School for Gifted Unicorns?”
Immediately, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor stuck their heads out before walking up to Princess Celestia.  Cadance was quick to notice Wanda crying on the bench before walking up to her and placing her hoof on her younger human sister’s back.
“Mother,” Princess Cadance said.  “What happened?”
“I’ve got some bad news,” Princess Celestia explained.  “After much thought, the families of Wanda’s close friends have decided they’re going to move away from Canterlot to La Maresa.”
“What?” Shining Armor said.  “Even mom and dad are going to take us to La Maresa?”
“It gets worse,” Princess Celestia said.  “According to Firelight Glimmer, your mother and father have decided they want to move you and Twilight Sparkle back to Vanhoover.”
“That’s not fair,” Shining Armor said, slamming his hoof on the ground.  “My dream was to join the Royal Guard, and now it’s going to be smashed into the ground.”
Shining Armor immediately ran towards the gate, prompting Princess Cadance to turn towards him.
“Shining,” Princess Cadance said. “Where are you going?”
“I’m going to talk to my old man about this,” Shining Armor said.  “Something has to be done.”
As Shining Armor ran out the gate and into the night, Princess Cadance stood there, comforting her crying human sister.
“Help us all, Eternia,” Princess Cadance said.  “We’re all hurting on the inside.”
But nearby, outside of the gates of Canterlot, Gold Banks looked between the bars and took a rather intriguing interest.
“I heard a rumor about that brat losing her friends, and she’s not taking it well,” Gold Banks said with glee. “But at the moment, I believe an opportunity is about to arise.”


	To Be Continued in…


	Big Brother’s Burden

> Arc 19-2: Big Brother's Burden
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


	Big Brother’s Burden




“Are you out of your mind, father?  Move back to Vanhoover?”
Those words came out of Shining Armor, who stared down at both Night Light and Twilight Velvet, deep within the middle of the night.
“Shining, I know you want to be Royal Guard material,” Night Light said.  “But the dangers presented by the Windigo’s Guild are far too great for you.”
“And besides,” Twilight Velvet said.  “They haven’t reopened the Royal Guard academy since the Gala, and they may reopen it at all.”
“But it’s not fair,” Shining Armor said.  “Not just for me, but also for Twili.  We had futures planned for our lives in Canterlot.”
“And that future was wiped out by the Windigo’s Guild,” Night Light said.  “We’re trying to ensure that you at least have a future, even if it means having to return home to Vanhoover.”
“Well if that’s the case,” Shining Armor yelled, “I don’t have a future here, not with you.”
With that, Shining Armor swung the door open and slammed it, leaving Night Light and Twilight Velvet behind.
“SHINING!” Night Light yelled.  “SHINING GET BACK HERE!”
Night Light ran up to the door before he opened it and ran out the door, leaving Twilight Velvet all by herself.
“What has our family become?” Twilight Velvet cried.  “Why do we have to suffer this much?”
Outside, Shining Armor ran as fast as he could through the streets with Night Light following from behind.  But in a nearby house, Firelight Glimmer and Starseeker peeked their heads out.
“What is going on with those two?” Starseeker Glimmer asked.
“I don’t know,” Firelight said.  “But I better check up on them to see if they’ll be alright.”
Firelight Glimmer ran up to the door and swung it open before running out through the doorway.   Starseeker looked through the door and watched as her husband ran after Night Light and Shining Armor.
“YOU BE CAREFUL, DEAR!” Starseeker yelled.

The next morning, Wanda walked alongside Princess Cadance, Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Spike and Abigail. Their moods looked pretty low as they walked through the city streets.
“I still can’t believe you both have to leave Canterlot,” Wanda said.
“It’s even worse to the fact that I have to head up to Vanhoover while Starlight and the others will be traveling to La Maresa,” Twilight said.  “It’s not fair.”
“I have to agree,” Princess Cadance said.  “Mother was upset over Firelight Glimmer and the other parents’ decision to move out.  They’re putting themselves in danger with the Windigo’s Guild.”
“Well I only hope that big brother was able to talk some sense into daddy,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “Knowing Shining Armor, he’s willing to fight to the very end.”
But the moment the group arrived at Twilight Sparkle’s house, Twilight Velvet came running out the door in a hurry.
“Mom?” Twilight Sparkle said, confused.
“Twilight,” Twilight Velvet said.  “Have you seen your dad or your brother?”
“No,” Twilight Sparkle replied.  “I haven’t seen them since yesterday.”
“Then I fear the worst,” Twilight Velvet said.  “Your brother got into an argument with your father last night about moving to Vanhoover.  And in a fit of rage, Shining Armor ran off with your father in pursuit.  And now both of them haven’t been seen since.”
“WHAT?” Twilight Sparkle yelled.
“That’s horrible,” Princess Cadance said.  “All this over the move to Vanhoover.”
“I know,” Twilight Velvet said.  “If something happens to both of them, then I don’t know what to do.”
“That’s your father and brother,” Wanda said.  “We have to find them before it’s too late.”
But Twilight Sparkle was at a loss for words.  She looked at her now empty house while Spike snuggled up to her.
“Twilight?” Wanda said.  “Twilight are you alright?”
“I’m afraid my Twilight won’t be able to do anything with her brother and father gone missing,” Twilight Velvet said.  
“Then I have an idea,” Princess Cadance said.  “I’ll look after your daughter and Spike while you take Wanda and Starlight to look for Shining Armor.  I’ll also let Princess Celestia know of the recent developments.”
“Thank you,” Twilight Velvet said.  “I’ll do what I can to keep Wanda and Starlight safe.”
“Are you sure, Miss Velvet?” Starlight asked.
“I am,” Twilight Velvet said with a nod.  “Now come.  Take Wanda and Abigail and come with me.  We’ll find them and bring them back.”
Wanda and Starlight nodded before they followed Twilight Velvet down the street with Abigail following from behind.  Princess Cadance watched the group disappear while she held Twilight Sparkle and Spike close to her.
“Just when things couldn’t get worse, they happen to get worse,” Princess Cadance said.
“Princess Cadance.  What happened?”  Princess Cadance turned around to see Princess Celestia and Princess Luna walk up to her with Starseeker Glimmer next to her.
“Mother,” Princess Cadance said.  “You’ll never realize what happened.  But Night Light and Shining Armor have gone missing.”
“That explains why my husband had to go out that night,” Starseeker said.
“What are you talking about?” Princess Cadance asked.
“Last night,” Starseeker said.  “I overheard the sound of hooves running down the street.  When I looked outside, Shining Armor was running down in a hurry with Night Light following from behind.  My husband also took notice of this and went down to check on them to see if they were alright.”
“So now not only is Twilight’s father out somewhere,” Princess Cadance said.  “But Starlight’s father is going after them.”
“Where’s Wanda and Starlight?” Princess Luna asked.
“Twilight Velvet has decided to look after them when she went to go look for Shining Armor and Night Light,” Princess Cadance said.
“That’s pretty reckless of Twilight Velvet to do that,” Princess Celestia said.  “But at the same time, our main concern is to find Shining Armor, Night Light and Firelight Glimmer to make sure they’re alright.”
“Princess Cadance,” Princess Luna said.  “Could you watch over Twilight for just a bit longer?  We’ll go find out what happened to the three.”
“I will,” Princess Cadance said.
With that, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Starseeker Glimmer ran off, leaving Princess Cadance, Twilight Sparkle and Spike behind.
“You be careful, mother,” Princess Cadance said.
“Broken,” Spike cried.
But nearby, Gold Banks observed everything from afar with a sinister grin on her face.  A couple of Debt Collector guards stood by her, ready for orders.
“Well,” Gold Banks said.  “Seems there’s a lot of drama going on over the move from Canterlot.  Interesting.   But it won’t do them any good if their younglings are taken away.”
“My lady,” one of the grunts said.  “What should we do about Princess Cadance and Twilight Sparkle?”
“Let’s put them to good use as bargaining chips,” Gold Banks said, grinning evily.

Meanwhile, on the outskirts of Canterlot, Twilight Velvet ran as fast as she could with Wanda, Abigail and Starlight running alongside her.  The worry on their faces held strongly as they looked around.
“Where do you suppose they ran off to?” Wanda asked.
“The guard told me that they may have gone down to Harvestia,” Twilight Velvet said.  
“Poor Shining Armor,” Starlight said.  “I can’t imagine what has gone down between him and his daddy.”
“I know,” Twilight Velvet said.  “I can hope for the best.  But I can also imagine the worst that could happen.”
“What could happen, Miss Velvet?” Wanda asked.
But before Twilight Velvet could speak, her ears picked up the sound of Firelight Glimmer screaming for help.  Twilight Velvet looked in front to see Firelight Glimmer run up to the group, which also caught the attention of Wanda, Abigail and Starlight.  The group came to a stop as Firelight Glimmer approached them.
“Daddy?” Starlight yelled.
“Pumpky-Wumpkin?” Firelight Glimmer said as he came to a stop.  “What are you doing here?”
“We came here looking for my husband and my son,” Twilight Velvet said.  “Have you seen them?”
“Unfortunately, yes,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “Shining Armor’s okay, but he’s really worried now because a building in Harvestia collapsed and Night Light’s leg is trapped under it.”
“WHAT?” Twilight Velvet said as she froze in place, horrified by Firelight’s words.
“You mean Mr Light’s hurt?” Starlight asked.
“That’s horrible,” Wanda said.  “How did that happen?”
“I don’t know,” Firelight said.  “What’s even worse was the fact that the building itself was stable.  And yet, someone figured out how to collapse it.  Other than Night Light, who’s hurt badly, no one else was in the building.”
“Take us there,” Twilight Velvet said.  “I want to make sure my husband is okay.”
“First things first,” Firelight said before turning to Wanda.  “Find your mother Princess Celestia.  Tell her about Night Light’s injury.”
“Right,” Wanda nodded before her wings sprouted out.
“The rest of you,” Firelight Glimmer said, turning to the group.  “Come with me.”
Wanda Young flew back towards the city as Firelight Glimmer lead Twilight Velvet, Starlight Glimmer and Abigail Albright back down the path.

Sometime later, Wanda flew above the city, looking down at any signs of Princess Celestia.  Her mind was under stress as she continued to look around.
“She’s got to be around here somewhere,” Wanda said.  “Mr Light depends on it.”
Wanda continued to scan the city frantically when she picked up Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Starseeker running through the street in a hurry.
“That’s mommy,” Wanda said.  “And she has Aunt Woona and Starlight’s mommy with her.”
As Princess Celestia ran through the street with Princess Luna and Starseeker by her side, Wanda flew down towards the group, catching Princess Celestia’s attention.
“Mommy,” Wanda yelled.
“Wanda, I’m glad you’re here,” Princess Celestia said.  “But where’s Twilight Velvet and Starlight Glimmer?”
“At Harvestia,” Wanda explained.  “Firelight Glimmer told me that Night Light’s legs are buried underneath the ruins of a building when it collapsed, and Shining Armor’s worried for him.”
“The ruins of what?” Princess Luna said.  “But how can a building in Harvestia collapse like that?
“If what Wanda says is true, and I’ve known her to tell the truth,” Princess Celestia said, “Then we need to head to Harvestia and make sure he’s alright.”
Wanda landed on Princess Celestia’s back and held on as she ran through the city with Princess Luna and Starseeker behind them.
“If you want to know why I came back alone,” Wanda said, “Mr Glimmer sent me here to tell you.”
“My husband was right to follow Night Light and Shining Armor last night,” Starseeker said.  “I just hope it’s not too late.”
“You did the right thing, Wanda,” Princess Celestia said. “But right now, after hearing your story, my concern is for Night Light.”
But as Celestia, Luna, Wanda and Starseeker made their way to the gate of Canterlot, Gold Banks stood in the shadows, observing the Princess make her escape.
“All this over a fool’s stupidity,” Gold Banks smirked.  “Guess there are far more morons in Equestria than they make themselves out to be.  Too bad this…building didn’t take them both.”
As she laughed, Gold Banks pulled out her video phone and held it up, where the grunt representing the Debt Collectors stood ready.
“My lady,” The grunt said. “What is your command?”
“Why don’t we pay Harvestia a visit,” Gold Banks explained. “We’ll give them an offer they can’t refuse.”

Meanwhile, Starlight Glimmer, Abigail Albright, Twilight Velvet and Firelight Glimmer ran into the village of Harvestia as fast as they could.  Of the entire group, Twilight Velvet was the most worried.
“Where is he?” Twilight Velvet asked.  “I must see my husband.”
“He’s close,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “And I must warn you.  You’re not going to like this scene.”
“I don’t care,” Twilight Velvet said.  “I just want to see my husband and my son.”
But when Twilight Velvet turned her head to the front, she came to a stop and her eyes shrunk down.  In front, an entire crowd gathered around as Shining Armor struggled to get some of the heavy wood debris off of Night Light’s legs.  The only thing that Night Light could do was to groan in pain as he struggled to pull himself out.
“NIGHT LIGHT!  HONEY!” Twilight Velvet screamed in horror.
Twilight Velvet ran up to Shining Armor, who paused and looked up at her mother’s face.
“Shining, what happened?” Twilight Velvet asked, horrified.
“Dad and I had our fight again over our move to Vanhoover,” Shining Armor cried.  “But during our fight, we heard the foundation of this place collapse.  The next thing I knew, dad pushed me out of the way and tried to leap for safety, only for the pieces of this house to pin him down.”
“He’s right,” Night Light cried.  “As much as we have our disagreements, he’s still my son, and I wouldn’t want anything bad to happen to him.  That’s why I pushed him out of the way.  It’s my fault that he nearly died.”
Twilight Velvet walked up to Night Light and held him closely.
“It’s not,” Twilight Velvet said.  “I don’t know what happened, but it’s not your fault, nor is it Shining Armor’s fault.”
As Twilight Velvet held Night Light close, Shining Armor attempted to push the wood off to no avail.  But Firelight Glimmer, seeing Shining Armor’s struggle, placed his hoof down.
“I need everyone around me to help me get that debris off that stallion’s legs,” Firelight Glimmer announced.  “His life depends on it.”
Immediately, Firelight Glimmer ran up to Shining Armor and helped him pull the debris off of Night Light’s legs.
“Mr Glimmer?” Shining Armor said.  “You’re helping me out?”
“I am,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “I’m not letting anyone suffer, not after what happened to my brother-in-law.  Besides, this was something I should have done in the first place.”
As Firelight Glimmer helped Shining Armor pull the debris off of Night Light’s legs with Twilight Velvet comforting her husband, the townsfolk all ran up to help the two stallions pull the pieces of wood and stone off.  During that time, Night Light groaned in pain, but Twilight Velvet held him close.
“It’s going to be okay, dear,” Twilight Velvet said.  “I’m not going to leave your side.”
“Thanks,” Night Light said.  “As long as you’re here, I won’t mind the pain.”
But as everyone began pulling the debris off of Night Light’s legs, Starlight Glimmer and Abigail Albright stood by helplessly and nervous.
“Poor Mr Night Light,” Starlight said.  “I know I should let the grown-ups do the job.  But I can’t stand by and watch them suffer.”
Eyeing a piece of stone that held Night Light’s legs down, Starlight had an idea pop up in her head.
“I know what to do,” Starlight said.
With a spark that glowed in her horn, Starlight Glimmer lifted the stone off of Night Light’s leg, moving it to the side.  Firelight Glimmer paused to see his daughter move the stone off.
“Pumpky-Wumpkin?” Firelight Said, surprised by Starlight’s help.
“Daddy,” Starlight said as she placed the stone next to her.  “I know you want me to be safe and I know we’re moving to La Maresa after this.  But I want to help out because Mr Light is suffering badly, and it makes me sad to see him suffer.”
Firelight was at a loss for words.  But Shining Armor looked him straight in the eye.
“Let her pitch in,” Shining Armor said.  “At that distance, she can keep herself safe while moving the debris off of Night Light.”
Firelight nodded before he turned to Starlight and said “If you can use your magic to help us out, we can get Night Light out of there.”
Starlight nodded before directing her attention to some of the wood that held Night Light’s legs down.  Abigail looked up at Starlight and clapped for her.
“Yaaaay,” Abigail cheered.

Meanwhile, Wanda Young held onto Princess Celestia as tight as possible as the alicorn princess ran down the hill with Princess Luna and Starseeker by her side.  Wanda’s gaze was directed towards the town of Harvestia, where one of the buildings had already collapsed.  Her eyes were quick to catch a number of ponies removing the stone and wood off of Night Light’s legs as they slowly pulled him out, which included Starlight Glimmer moving some of the stone off of Night Light’s legs.
“There,” Wanda pointed.  “I think I see them.”
Princess Celestia turned towards the village and ran down as fast as she could, with Luna and Starseeker following from behind.
“This is worse than I imagined,” Princess Celestia said.  “How can a building collapse like that?”
“I’ll investigate the incident once we arrive at the village,” Princess Luna explained.
“And once I get the chance,” Princess Celestia said, “I’ll make sure we get the Wonderbolts to airlift Night Light to the Canterlot Hospital.”
As Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Starseeker galloped down the path and towards the village with Wanda riding atop her adopted mother, they saw some of the ponies pull Night Light out of the debris and onto the grass.  Starlight used her magic to hold up a wooden splint to one of Night Light’s legs while Firelight Glimmer wrapped it with some vines. 
“They got him out,” Wanda said.  “He’ll be alright.”
“Thank my husband and my daughter,” Starseeker said as she sighed with relief.  
As Celestia, Luna and Starseeker came to a stop, Shining Armor walked up to his father, who laid there with his legs secured by the splint, medical wrap, and a couple of blankets to keep it protected.  Starseeker saw her husband Firelight and ran up to her before giving him a hug while Wanda jumped off Princess Celestia to run up to Starlight Glimmer and Abigail Albright.
“I was so worried about you, honey,” Starseeker said.
“I’m fine,” Firelight said.  “But I was more concerned with Night Light’s well-being.  While I should have helped from the start, I had to make sure everyone knew about this.”
“What matters is that everyone is safe,” Starseeker said.
“And you can thank little Starlight for helping out,” Firelight said.
Starseeker turned to Starlight Glimmer, who waved towards her mother.
“My dear Starlight,” Starseeker said with a tear in her eye. “I’m proud of you.”
As Starlight got up, Wanda ran up to her and gave the twin-tailed filly a hug.  Abigail cheered with a loud meow before Wanda and Starlight looked at each other.
“I’m glad everyone is alright,” Wanda said.
“I am,” Starlight replied.
But Starlight turned her head away from Wanda with a sad look on her face.
“Wanda,” Starlight said before facing Wanda. “I am going to miss you.  But at least I will be alright in La Maresa.  Maybe you could come to visit.”
“Maybe,” Wanda said.  “But I am going to miss having you around.”
As Starlight and Wanda hugged each other again, Firelight Glimmer looked down at Starlight with a worried look on her face.
“My poor dear Pumpky-Wumpkin,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “I know the move will be hard.  But I will do what I can to help you adapt.”
Nearby, as Night Light laid on the grass and looked up with Twilight Velvet snuggling her muzzle around his, a remorseful Shining Armor walked up to him.
“Dad,” Shining Armor said.  “This is all my fault. I wish I never ran out last night.”
“It’s not,” Night Light said.  “I’m the one who’s to blame.  All I wanted was to keep you safe.  But who am I to do that when I can’t even keep myself safe?”
“Dad,” Shining Armor said, placing his hoof on Night Light’s mouth.  “What matters now is to make sure we get you to the hospital.”
“And we will,” Princess Celestia said, approaching both Shining Armor and Night Light.  “But what we want to know is how a building like that fell near you both?”
“That’s what I want to know,” Night Light said.  “One moment, I was arguing with Shining Armor.  The next moment, I heard a small boom go off inside the house.  So I had to push my son out of the way and get to safety.  But I tripped and fell, and my legs paid a horrible price.”
“Did you say…small boom?” Princess Celestia asked.
“I did,” Night Light said.  “Like a firecracker going off.”
Princess Cadance walked up to what’s left of the building and looked around, observing the debris.
“Strange,” Princess Luna said.  “The building is only a year old and the materials used are durable.  But it went down like that as if it were a brittle structure.”
“Whoever owned that home will be compensated for a new structure, one hundred percent,” Princess Celestia said.
“Wait,” Princess Luna said, spotting some metal shards and gunpowder in the middle of the debris.  “Take a look at this.”
Princess Celestia ran up to Princess Luna, who pointed down to the shards and powder near some of the debris.
“This explains why there was a small boom in the house,” Princess Celestia said.  “Someone planted a bomb of some sorts inside.”
“But who could pull a stunt like that?” Princess Luna asked.  
“I doubt it would be the Windigo’s Guild nor the changelings,” Princess Celestia said.  “Coldnelius Snap would take over the village in an instant if he pulled it off, and it would be surrounded in pillars of ice.  The same for the changelings if they were to pull that stunt off, except it would turn into a mini-hive of some sort.”
Immediately, Princess Celestia pulled out her video tablet from her mane  and tapped the screen a few times.
“Contacting Chancellor Cinch, I take it?” Princess Luna asked.
“I am,” Princess Celestia said.  “She’ll know what to do.”
The screen turned on with Chancellor Cinch facing Princess Celestia.
“Princess,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Eleanor is fixing up the ground bridge portal to Equestria.  It’s almost complete.”
“That’s not why I called for you,” Princess Celestia said.  “Night Light has suffered injuries to his legs because of an explosion that brought a house down.  I need you to send a medical team to Havestia to deliver him to the Canterlot Hospital, right away.”
Chancellor Cinch gasped loudly before she said “Right away.  The Wonderbolts are on standby, and I will inform them of his condition.  Chancellor Cinch out.”
As Chancellor Cinch disappeared from Celestia’s video tablet, Celestia tapped her video tablet a few more times.
“I better let Princess Cadance know of Night Light’s situation,” Princess Celestia said.
“And let Twilight Sparkle know as well,” Princess Luna said.  “She needs to know that her father is alright, though with a pair of broken legs.”
But as Celestia tapped another part of her screen, an image that said “Princess Cadance not available” popped up.
“That’s strange,” Princess Celestia said.  “Princess Cadance is not one to keep her phone off.”
Princess Celestia tapped her screen again, this time tapping on the button that said Royal Override.  Once again, the screen popped up that said “Princess Cadance not available.”
“What is going on here?” Princess Celestia said, frustrated.
“Mommy,” Wanda said, causing Princess Celestia to turn to the Man’s Cub, Starlight and Abigail.  “What’s going on?”
“I’m trying to reach out to Princess Cadance about Night Light’s status,” Princess Celestia explained.  “But for some reason, she’s not picking up her calls.”
“That is really strange,” Princess Luna said.  “Do you think she dropped her phone?”
“Oh no.  I’m afraid she’s been permanently disconnected.”  The laughter of a familiar voice caused Princess Celestia and Princess Luna to turn towards the entrance of the village, where Gold Banks walked in causally with a smile on her face.  Everyone around the village booed at Gold Banks.
“Oh where are your manners?” Gold Banks said.  “My own followers are far more civilized compared to you backyard trash rats.”
“What are you doing here?” Shining Armor snarled.
“Oh I overheard the commotion about a certain pony suffering from a little accident,” Gold Banks said.  “Someone didn’t build their structures properly.”
“What happened to the father of two youngsters was no accident,” Firelight Glimmer said, marching a couple of steps towards Gold Banks.  “And right now, we’re making sure nothing bad happens to him like what happened with my brother-in-law.”
“Oh is that fake news that I hear?” Gold Banks said in a mocking tone.  “Surely you all need to return to reality.”
“I don’t know why you’re here, Banks,” Princess Celestia said.  “But right now, we have no time for your shenanigans.”
“I’m afraid you do, Princess,” Gold Banks said.  “In fact, I wish to make you an offer you can’t refuse.”
“What exactly do you mean by that?” Princess Luna said as Gold Banks walked up to the two alicorns.
“Oh, just some insurance to make sure the dimwitted father of Twilight Sparkle makes it to the hospital,” Gold Banks said before she glared down at Wanda with a menacing smile on her face.
Immediately, Wanda and Starlight hid behind Princess Celestia, covering their faces in her tail.
“Get away from us,” Wanda cried.  “You’re scary.”
“What do you mean by Twilight Sparkle?” Celestia asked in a harsh tone.  
“Oh I overheard last night that a number of concerned parents wanted to pull their own offspring out of Canterlot and move them to La Maresa,” Gold Banks said.  “Well as of now, I am officially canceling their trip and will instead relocate them to Daisy Joy Tech, without their consent.”
“Now you see here,” Firelight Glimmer roared, marching towards Gold Banks.  “What I do involving the well-being of my daughter is none of your business, Gold Banks.”
“I beg to differ if you know what’s good for you,” Gold Banks said before she stomped her front right hoof twice.
The sound of ponies marching caught the attention of everyone in the vicinity, who turned towards the front entrance.  A number of Debt Collector soldiers marched in, pulling a cage with Twilight Sparkle, Spike the Dragon and Princess Cadance inside.  All three individuals were knocked unconscious while the horns of Twilight and Cadance had a clamp on them.  Night Light, Twilight Velvet and Shining Armor looked at the trio and their faces dropped in total horror.
“TWILIGHT, NOOO!” Night Light yelled as he laid there, helplessly.
“MY BABY!” Twilight Velvet screamed.
But as Twilight Velvet ran towards Twilight Sparkle, a number of soldiers marched out in front and blocked Twilight Velvet from advancing further.
“THAT’S MY LITTLE SISTER YOU HAVE!” Shining Armor yelled.  “YOU LET HER GO THIS INSTANT!”
“And who are you to command me, the real Empress of Equestria?” Gold Banks said. “You even think about stepping towards her, and I’ll teleport your sister to the depths of Tartarus, where you’ll never see her again.”
“Gold Banks,” Princess Celestia roared.  “You’ve gone too far this time.  When the Senate hears of what you did…”
“You forget one thing,” Gold Banks said.  “I can easily blackmail the Senate and they will turn the other cheek.  Your pitiful command is useless.”
“Get on with it,” Princess Luna said.  “What do you want?”
“Here’s the deal,” Gold Banks commanded.  “I want that stupid fool of a father named Firelight to tell the other parents to call off their move to La Maresa, and to immediately surrender their children so I may take them to Daisy Joy Tech.  Do that, and I’ll ensure that these three don’t go to Tartarus.   Fail, and I will consider it.  The choice is yours.”


	To Be Continued in…


	The Fathers’ Decision

> Arc 19-3: The Fathers' Decision
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


	The Fathers’ Decision



“You’re out of your mind if you think I would enroll my little Starlight into your terrifying excuse for a boarding school.”
Those words came from an angry Firelight Glimmer, staring down at a smug Gold Banks.  Shining Armor stood next to Night Light and Firelight Glimmer, horrified at seeing his sister Twilight, his surrogate brother Spike and his girlfriend Princess Cadance stuck in the cage, still unconscious.  Princess Celestia and Princess Luna could do nothing while the Debt Collectors surrounded the cage, all while Wanda, Starlight and Abigail hid behind Celestia’s tail.  Next to them, Twilight Velvet cried into Starseeker’s chest.
“My dear, you have no insight on what your daughter can do, and neither does your precious princess,” Gold Banks said.  “It’s all common sense.  Have your daughter go to Daisy Joy Tech, tell your friends to cancel their permanent trips to La Maresa, and all will be okay.”
The crowd all booed at Gold Banks before they threw rotten vegetables at Gold Banks.  But the rich pony yawned as she shielded herself with a magic barrier generated by her horn.
“So it sounds like you don’t really care for my captives,” Gold Banks said.  “Unless you want them to have a permanent home in Tartarus, you would cease throwing your worthless produce at me.”
Immediately, every villager in Harvestia halted their throw, freezing in place before Gold BAnks undid her magic shield.
“Much better,” Gold Banks said.  “Seems even mere peasants can be muzzled properly.”
Princess Celestia kept her eye glared at Gold Banks. But her ears picked up the sound of wings flapping.  Princess Celestia looked up for a bit before she walked up to Firelight Glimmer while Gold Banks looked around at the angry, and yet helpless, villagers.
“Try to distract her as much as possible,” Princess Celestia whispered. 
“Are you kidding?” Firelight Glimmer whispered back.
“No,” Princess Celestia said.  “As a matter of fact, help is on the way and if you keep her distracted, they can launch a counter-attack.”
Firelight Glimmer’s face loosened up from hearing Princess Celestia’s idea.  He nodded to her before turning his attention towards Gold Banks.
“So tell me, Mrs Banks,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “How does it feel to know that your own daughter Golden Lace has gone rogue against you?”
Gold Banks paused for a moment before turning her attention towards Firelight Glimmer.  Her once despicable smile has turned into a horrifying frown.
“What did you just…mention?” Gold Banks said
“You heard me,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “And as a matter of fact, how can you have any respect for your own daughter when you treat your husband Silver Banks like a doormat?”
“Don’t you bring her up,” Gold Banks snarled, stomping her hoof on the ground.  “She’s my daughter, and mine alone, and not even that pathetic excuse for a husband can keep her away from me.”
“Your husband is a far better pony than you’ll ever be,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “You’re nothing more than a selfish brat who throws temper tantrums when things don’t go your way.”
“Get this through your head,” Gold Banks yelled, marching towards Firelight Glimmer and getting into his face.  “Things will always go my way because I am the ruler of this world.  And as your ruler, I will take your daughter and have her attend Daisy Joy Tech, whenever you like it or not.”
“So why did your daughter get expelled from that horrible school?” Firelight Glimmer said with a smug look on his face.  “Did she TP the statue of Daisy Joy the Elephant?”
Gold Banks immediately grabbed Firelight Glimmer by the collar and pulled him up close.  The look on that aristocrat’s face would scare the living daylights out of an Alicorn.  But not Firelight, whose smug smile remained bright.
“Any last words before I have you join Twilight Sparkle and her babysitter?” Gold Banks snarled as she breathed steam in Firelight’s face.
“Yeah,” Firelight Glimmer siad.  “Dive bombing Wonderbolts at seven o’clock.”
Gold Banks’ face flipped from furious to confused.  But before she could make a move, a swarm of Wonderbolts led by Captain Airazor flew down from the sky and dove bomb the Debt Collector Grunts. The impact was enough to knock the soldiers away from the cage.
“WHAT IN THE WORLD?” Gold Banks yelled in total panic.
But before she could do anything, Airazor swiped the keys from one of the downed guards before placing one of them in the keyhole and turning it.  She swung the gate open and went inside, picking Twilight Sparkle up, while the rest of the Wonderbolts surrounded the cell or stood tall over the Debt Collectors.
“We have them secure,” Airazor said.
“What is this?” Gold Banks yelled.  “What gives you any right to take my prisoners?”
“They are not your prisoners, Gold Banks,” Airazor said as more Wonderbolts came into the cage while others guarded it.  “These are honest Equestrians whose lives you wanted to seize control of.  And if I were you, I would leave this village behind, empty-hooved.”
“Urgggh, fine.  You win.   But know that this town will now have to face my wrath from here on out,” Gold Banks snarled.  She turned her attention to Firelight Glimmer and said “As for you.  Move your daughter to whatever part of this planet you wish.  It won’t matter. We'll find her and we’ll take her away to Daisy Joy Tech.  That I promise.”
With that, Gold Banks ran off from the village with members of her private army following from behind, leaving the prisoners and the villagers behind.  The villagers cheered as they saw the biggest aristocrat in Equestria run off with her tail tucked between her legs.
“Good riddance to bad rubbish,” Shining Armor said.  “No one treats my sister like that and gets away with it.”
As Airazor brought the unconscious Twilight out of the cage, she opened her eyes and took notice of her surroundings.
“What…happpened?” Twilight said as she slowly woke up.
“You were knocked out for some reason,” Airazor said.  “You were lucky we came here to help your father, and Chancellor Cinch warned us about your disappearance.”
“Wha…my dad?” Twilight said as she raised herself up.
When Twilight looked up, she saw her father lying on the grass with his legs wrapped in blankets.  The only thing Night Light could do was reach out to his daughter, calling her name.
“DADDY!” Twilight yelled.
Twilight jumped out of Airazor’s arms before she ran up towards her father and grabbed onto her.  Night Light barely got up, minding his broken legs, before he hugged Twilight closely.  Shining Armor went up behind Twilight and gave her a playful noogie.
“You’re alright,” Shining Armor said.  “I’m glad you made it.”
“Big bro,” Twilight said.  “Please go check up on Princess Cadance and Spikey.  I hope they will be alright.”
“Will do,” Shining Armor saluted.
Shining Armor ran off towards the cage, leaving Twilight Sparkle alone with Night Light.
“Daddy,” Twilight cried.  “What happened to you?” 
“In the middle of my argument with your brother,” Night Light explained, “A building right behind us exploded, and I had to push Shining out of the way.  The next thing I knew, my legs were pinned under the rubble, and I couldn’t break free.”
“And when I saw what happened,” Firelight explained, “I had to find someone to help you out.  But truth of the matter, I should have helped get your father out in the first place.  I’m terribly sorry.”
As Firelight walked away from Night Light, Twilight let go of her father and walked up to the patriarch of the Glimmer family.
"Mr Glimmer," Twilight said, poking Firelight by the leg, stopping him that instant.  "Thanks for helping my daddy.  I really appreciate it."
Firelight Glimmer looked down at Twilight and placed his hand on Twilight's head, his frown turned into a smile.  Though he tried to speak, nothing came out of his mouth the moment Twilight gave him a hug.
"Maybe moving my Pumpy-Wumpkin out of Canterlot may not be a good idea," Firelight thought to himself.
But just then, Firelight turned towards Princess Celestia, where Starlight slowly moves out from behind her tail.  She walked up to her father with a sad look in her eyes.
"Daddy," Starlight said.
But Firelight pulled her daughter up close with his magic and place his arm around his daughter.
"I don't know about having you move to La Maresa," Firelight explained.  "After what Gold Banks threatened to do with you, I think you fit in better in Canterlot."
“Really?” Starlight asked.
“Yes,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “I’ll speak with Princess Celestia and ask her if she can look after you for the time being.”
But nearby, Wanda and Abigail came out from behind Celestia’s tail.  While Wanda slowly walked towards Firelight Glimmer with Abigail behind her, she turned and looked up at Princess Celestia.
“Mommy,” Wanda asked.  “What’s going on?”
“I’m not so sure,” Princess Celestia said.  “But I overheard something about you having another roommate in the coming future?”
“Another roommate?”  Wanda asked.  “Who would that be?”
“Oh silly Wanda,” Celestia laughed.  “You’ll find out, soon enough.”
But as Celestia laughed, Shining Armor ran up to the cage where some of the Wonderbolts pulled Princess Cadance and Spike the Dragon out.  Shining was able to help lift Princess Cadance on her four legs as she opened her eyes.
“What…happened?” a groggy Princess Cadance asked.  “Felt like I was hit in the head.”
“Caddy,” Shining Armor said.  “I’m glad that you, Twili and Spike are alright.  But how did Gold Banks lock you in that cage?”
“The only thing…I could remember,” Princess Cadance explained, “Was that I promised to look after Twilight and Spike after mother, Aunt Luna and Starseeker ran off to find you and Night Light.  Never thought you would save us.”
“Don’t thank me,” Shining Armor said.  “Thank the Wonderbolts for doing the dirty work.  They deserve a medal for their heroism.”
But as Princess Cadance held onto Shining Armor, her eyes were also focused on Captain Airazor, who approached the teenage princess.
“Princess Cadance,” Airazor said.  “Just so you know, Shining Armor’s father was involved in an incident that crippled his legs.  Chancellor Cinch sent for us to take him to the Canterlot Hospital, but she also told us that you had gone missing.  Luckily we went for a pre-emptive strike once we realized what happened.”
“Thank goodness,” Princess Cadance said as Shining Armor turned his attention to Airazor.  “I take it you have a medical carriage waiting for Night Light.”
“As a matter of fact we do,” Captain Airazor said.  “But because of what Gold Banks did, you, Twilight and Spike are going to have to come with us so the doctors can get you three checked out.”
Princess Cadance nodded as a medical carriage landed with two Wonderbolts attached to each front.  The door to the right opened up and two paramedics ran out carrying a stretcher.
“Honey,” Night Light said.  “I’m glad this nightmare will be over soon.”
“That makes two of us,” Twilight Velvet said.  
The two paramedics lifted Night Light and placed him on the stretcher before buckling him in from the waist and legs.  They lifted the stretcher and carried Night Light to the medical carriage before putting him in.  Firelight Glimmer walked Twilight Sparkle up to the carriage and placed her in.
“Promise you’ll look after your own father,” Firelight asked.
“I will,” Twilight Sparkle replied, sticking her head out.
Firelight nodded as he stepped aside and allowed Twilight Velvet to step into the medical carriage.  Shining Armor walked Princess Cadance to the Medical Carriage with Airazor carrying Baby Spike in her arms.  Once Princess Cadance was inside the carriage, Airazor handed Spike to Shining Armor before he walked on inside, following with Airazor shutting the door behind him.
“We’ll meet you at the hospital,” Princess Cadance said.
“In the meantime,” Princess Luna said, walking up to the medical carriage, “I’m going to file a complaint against Gold Banks for kidnapping and ransoming.”
Princess Cadance nodded as the Wonderbolts attached to the carriage took a running start, pulling the medical carriage with them before taking off into the air, leaving Captain Airazor, Firelight Glimmer, Starseeker, Starlight Glimmer, Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna behind.
“Wanda, Starlight,” Princess Celestia said as she lowered her back.  “We’ll need to inform Sunset Shimmer and the rest of your friends about what happened.”
“On it, mommy,” Wanda said as she jumped on Celestia’s back with Starlight leaping on from behind and Abigail leaping in front of Wanda.
As Wanda held Princess Celestia down with Abigail and Starlight holding onto the Man’s Cub, Princess Celestia extended her wings out and flew off from Harvestia.  Firelight Glimmer and Starseeker held each other with Princess Luna and Captain Airazor standing next to them.
“Honey,” Firelight said.  “I hope Night Light recovers from his injuries.”
“I hope so as well,” Starseeker said.

Meanwhile, at the Canterlot Hospital, Night Light laid in bed with his legs now in a pair of orthopedic casts.  The sunlight shone down in his room as he looked outside with a depressed look on his face.  The door to his room opened with Twilight Velvet, Twilight Sparkle, Spike the Dragon, Shining Armor and even Princess Cadance walking on in.
“Hey guys,” Night Light said.  “Sorry it had to turn out this way.”
“There’s nothing to be sorry about,” Twilight Velvet said.  “As a matter of fact, Princess Luna’s investigation concluded that someone was able to sneak a combustion spell into the house.”
“Oh dear,” Night Light said.  “Now why would someone go and do that?”
“No one knows why,” Twilight Velvet said.  “But I have a hunch that Gold Banks may have hired one of her goons to do that for her own personal amusement.  After all, neither the changelings nor the Windigo’s Guild would resort to something like that.”
“What matters is that you’re alright, daddy,” Twilight Sparkle said as she jumped onto the bed and gave her father a hug.
“That’s my girl,” Night Light said.  “Even though I have let you down many times, I’m glad to see you smile once more.”
“Hey dad,” Shining Armor said as Spike climbed onto the bed.  “I’m still terribly sorry for what happened.  If I haven’t snapped back at you, I…”
“Shining,” Night Light interrupted.  “It was I who shouldn’t have forced you to come back to Vanhoover.  I wanted what was best for you for your safety.   But after what I went through, I don’t think I’m in any position to force you to return home to Vanhoover.”
“But dad,” Shining Armor said in a depressed tone.  “I don’t want anything bad to happen to you and…”
“It’s okay,” Night Light said.  “You’re more than capable of protecting Equestria than you realize.  Far more than I was in protecting you.”
Shining Armor was silent.  But his face cracked a subtle smile as a tear rolled down his face.  Twilight Sparkle moved out of the way as her big brother gave his father a hug, minding the injuries to Night Light’s legs.
“So dad,” Shining Armor said.  “When will your legs be better?”
“I’m not so sure,” Night Light said.  “It may be a week or so before I can walk on my legs again.  Dunno if I do want to move from Canterlot now that I have to suffer like this.”
“Actually,” Twilight Velvet said.  “Prior to coming up here, Princess Celestia had a talk with me.  Apparently, they are in talks with creating a second ground bridge portal to Vanhoover.  That way, we can move back home and allow Twilight to come back when she pleases.”
“That sounds like a great idea,” Night Light said.  “A compromise so that little Twili can attend the School for Gifted Unicorns.”
“Oh daddy,” Twilight Sparkle said as she jumped into the air cheering while Spike jumped off the bed to dance on the floor.
“But I wonder what the other parents will say about this, or Firelight changing his mind?” Twilight Velvet asked.

That evening, at Moondancer’s house, Firelight Velvet looked out the window with a worry on his face.  Starseeker stood by his side while the other parents looked on from the dining room.  There was a variety of food on the table for them to enjoy.
“I heard about what happened in Harvestia with Night Light and Shining Armor,” Crescent Eclipse said.  “I also never thought that Gold Banks would threaten Firelight Glimmer’s own daughter.”
“As scary as the Windigo’s Guild is,” Fortwright said, “Gold Banks would make them look like peacekeepers.  Even more so, the Senate always seems to keep her protected from her own consequences.”
“I better go talk to him,” Sunspot said.
Sunspot got up and walked over to Firelight Glimmer and Starseeker.  Firelight barely turned his head towards Sunspot as he held Starseeker closer.
“You alright?” Sunspot asked.
“No,” Firelight said.  “I’m still thinking about what happened to Night Light that day, and the words that Gold Banks gave me.  Because of that, I’ve decided not to move Starlight to La Maresa for her own safety.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Sunspot said.  “But how will you make sure she will be alright?”
“I’ve already let Princess Celestia know that I plan on letting her stay at the palace for her own sake,” Firelight said.  
“With Princess Celestia,” Sunspot said.  “I think she’ll be alright, don’t you think?”
“I don’t know,” Firelight said.  “But that’s the best shot of her being safe at all with Gold Banks breathing down everyone’s necks.  Wish I could say the same about your decision with Sunburst.”
“As scary as Gold Banks is,” Sunspot said, “I’m still sticking with the plan to move him to La Maresa.  The others have agreed to do the same with Danged Spell and Moondancer.”
“I’m sorry I had to drag you all into this mess,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “I wanted what’s best for our children, and yet I realized that maybe I was in the wrong.  Maybe Starlight needs something, or someone, to keep her happy and content instead of having to force it in her life.”
“Actually, there is something you should know,” Sunspot said.  “Fortwright and Shanoa had planned on moving their son and baby daughter to La Maresa before you told us about it.  After what happened yesterday, I don’t blame them for wanting to do that.  Canterlot is too busy for a little colt with the Wolf’s Breath Curse.”
“I see,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “Well, if it makes you feel better, Starseeker and I plan on joining you in La Maresa tomorrow.  We’ll try to get through this while Starlight remains with Princess Celestia.”
“Don’t you worry,” Sunspot said.  “Until we reclaim Sire’s Hollow from the damage done by the Windigo’s Guild, I think you’ll find it wonderful in La Maresa.  Besides, I heard they have some nice apple pie there.”
As Firelight Glimmer, Starseeker and Sunspot laughed, the rest of the parents turned to each other smiling, and yet with some sadness in them.
“So it’s true?” Stellar Flare asked.  “You really wanted to move your son and baby daughter to La Maresa?”
“After hearing tales of how the place was from my son,” Shanoa explained, “I considered that idea, despite what the Windigo’s Guild did.  I think the revelation that we will always be attacked by the Guild was the reason why we weren’t afraid to move down there.  Of course, we could return to Lio Lani, but we promised Chieftess Pele to help him out with his Wolf’s Breath Curse.”
“Then maybe with those open spaces for him to run around,” Artemis Light explained, “Your son should be able to cope with his curse and have an open environment to run around in.”
“That’s what we’re looking forward to,” Fortwright said.  “We’ll let him know before they go to the palace for one last slumber party together.”

That night, at the palace, another slumber party was held in Wanda and Sunset’s room.  While Wanda, Sunset and Abigail were on their bed, Starlight, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Golden Lace, Cozy Glow and the Dazzlings were on the ground enjoying their food.  Despite the calmness in the air, all of them looked a bit depressed on the inside.
“So Gold Banks actually held your big sister, Spike and Twilight Sparkle hostage,” Sunburst asked.
“She did,” Wanda said.  “And she wanted to force me and Starlight to attend Daisy Joy Tech just to ensure their safety.”
“The nerve of my own mother,” Golden Lace said, placing her hoof on her face in embarrassment.  “She thinks she owns all of Equestria and can do whatever she wants.”
“Hey Starlight,” Sunset Shimmer said. “Do you think you’ll be okay in La Maresa when you leave tomorrow?”
“Well about that,” Starlight Glimmer said.  “My daddy just told me that I’ll be staying here in Canterlot.  Even more so, Princess Celestia has agreed to look after me for the time being.”
“That’s great,” Cozy Glow said as she hugged Starlight.  “That means we can all be sisters together.”
“Never thought I would be sharing a huge castle with Starlight Glimmer,” Sunset said.  “But the more the merrier.”
“What about the rest of you guys?” Adagio Dazzle asked.
“Unfortunately,” Danged Spell said, lowering his head down, “I’m afraid we’re going to be leaving for La Maresa, first thing tomorrow.”
“Awww,” Sonata Dusk said.  “Why didn’t Firelight Glimmer change their minds?”
“Daddy told me that even despite what Gold Banks said,” Danged Spell explained, “They’re still going to go ahead with the move to La Maresa.  That means, Sunburst, Moondancer and myself will be leaving Canterlot.”
“I’m sorry this had to happen, Spell,” Wanda said.  “If anything, I will miss your corny jokes and your Wolf’s Breath Curse.”
“Thanks Wanda,” Danged Spell said.  “Besides, it’s not everyday that we go down the bye-way, now don’t you think so?”
“Danged Spell,” every youngling said before breaking out in a subtle laughter.
“I hope you never give up on those puns, Spell,” Sunset said.  “And be sure to write to us about La Maresa.”
“Oh that reminds me,” Sunburst said.  “When we get down there, Juniper Montage said she was going to invite us to Canter Zoom’s new movie studio.  I heard they’re making a movie about a princess from a far away land who has to rescue a legendary plumber from a dragon emperor.”
“Now who in their right mind would make a movie like that?” Aria Blaze laughed.  “That is the silliest thing I’ve ever seen.”
“It’s too bad we’ll miss out on that,” Starlight Glimmer said.  “But at least I’ll be thinking about you three.”
“We’ll be thinking about you, Starlight,” Sunburst said.  “That being said, I heard Twilight’s not going to be leaving, anytime soon.”
“Not yet,” Wanda explained as she rubbed Abigail on the ear.  “After what happened to her daddy, she won’t be going anywhere soon until his legs are fixed up.”
“Poor Night Light,” Moondancer said.  “I wish what happened to him didn’t happen.”
“We all do,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Thankfully, I heard she’ll be sending us off tomorrow when we go down to La Maresa.  At least we will say our good-bye to Twilight.”
“Well,” Wanda said.  “Here’s to our last night together.  Here’s hope we remember each other when the morning comes.”
Everyone nodded to each other as they bit into their food.  Abigail meowed into the air, causing some of the other ponies to laugh.

But outside, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna looked up at Wanda and Sunset’s bedroom, worried for their sake.
“So what’s going to happen to the School for Gifted Unicorns?” Princess Luna asked.
“We’re going to be down to four students now,” Princess Celestia said.  “Wanda, Sunset, Golden Lace and Starlight.  Twilight has pulled out for the time being, pending her move to Vanhoover.”
“Do you think we should ask Eleanor to make a second ground bridge portal crystal to link Canterlot to Vanhoover?” Princess Luna asked.
“She might be a bit exhausted after fixing up the portal to La Maresa,” Princess Celestia said.  “So it may take some time before she can conjure up another portal crystal.”
“And Shining Armor,” Princess Luna said.  “I heard he’s going to take over his father’s house in Canterlot.”
“His family is going to go under hardship once Twilight and her parents move out,” Celestia explained.
“Wait,” Princess Luna said.  “What about Spike the Dragon?”
“Twilight told me that she is considering letting her big brother look after her little brother,” Celestia said. 
“But that means she’ll be alone with her parents,” Princess Luna said.  “Will she be alright?”
“I believe she will,” Princess Celestia said.  “After all, she could end up making some new friends when she returns to her fillyhood home.”
Princess Luna placed her arm around Princess Celestia and looked up at the moon with the Pony of Shadows embedded on it.
“We’ve gone through some hardships for the past thousand years,” Princess Luna said. 
“Far longer than that, dear sister,” Princess Celestia said.  “Far longer than that.”



	To Be Continued in…


	It’s So Hard to Say Good-bye

> Arc 19-4: It's So Hard to Say Good-Bye
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


It’s So Hard to Say Good-Bye



Morning dawned in the city of Canterlot.  Though ponies walked through the day without a care in the world, a small crowd gathered around the ground bridge portal to La Maresa.  Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, Argyle Starshine and Chancellor Cinch stood next to the portal arch.  Danged Spell, Sunburst and Moondancer stood tall, yet a little depressed and nervous on the inside.  Next to them were Granny Smith, Firelight Glimmer, Starseeker, Sunspot, Stellar Flare, Crescent Eclipse, Artemis Light, Fortwright and Shanoa.  Shanoa had Dream Seeker in her right arm, who had fallen asleep.
Right next to Princess Celestia were Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Spike the Dragon, Shining Armor, Starlight Glimmer, Golden Lace, Cozy Glow, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk.  They all looked gloomy as they saw their three friends, one last time.
“I was hoping it wouldn’t come to this,” Princess Celestia said.  “But as of today, Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell will be moving to La Maresa to start a new life.  I’m sorry that we couldn’t accommodate you three in Canterlot anymore.  But I wish you three the best of luck when you leave this city.”
Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell nodded to Princess Celestia before turning towards their friends.
“Well,” Danged Spell said.  “I guess this is good-bye.”
“It is good-bye,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Never thought you would be leaving for La Maresa.”
“Right now, it beats returning to Lio Lani,” Danged Spell said.  “After all, I’m supposed to be exiled from that place.”
“And I’ll try to make sure he doesn’t get banished from La Maresa,” Moondancer joked.
“Really funny, Moonie,” Danged Spell laughed in a subtle tone.
“So what is going to happen now that I’ll be the only one with the Wolf’s Breath Curse in Canterlot?” Golden Lace asked as she slowed her laughter down.
“Not the only one,” Moondancer stated.  “After all, Princess Celestia has the Wolf’s Breath Curse as well.”
Golden Lace walked up to Moondancer and said “Oh and by the way, I hope I do get invited down to La Maresa.  I always wanted to check the place out.”
“I think one day we’ll let you come down,” Moondancer said.  “Besides, we should tell Juniper Montage about your desire to do so.”
“That reminds me,” Granny Smith said.  “Canter Zoom heard about you three coming down to La Maresa, and he wants to show you his new movie studio.  But only if you are on your best behavior.”
“Oh we will,” Danged Spell said.  “After all, that stallion is a famous movie director.  Trashing his set is the last thing I would ever do.”
“Now aren’t you glad I have you as my son?” Shanoa said as Dream Seeker woke up with a yawn.
“Well,” Golden Lace said to Moondancer.  “I hope you three can have a better life in La Maresa.”
As Golden Lace hugged Moondancer before stepping away, Twilight Sparkle walked up to her close friend.
“I always thought it would be me to go down to La Maresa,” Twilight said.  “Perhaps on an assignment for Princess Celestia.  But now, you have to go down there.”
“That’s true,” Moondancer said.  “And you’ll most likely miss out on any parties in my name.”
“Even more so now that I will be moving back to Vanhoover once my dad is healed up,” Twilight said.  “Though now without my big brother to be by my side.”
“Wait,” Sunburst said.  “Your brother is going to remain behind?”
“Dad’s letting him look after our Canterlot house while we’re gone,” Twilight said.  “Besides, I heard he might consider trying out for the Royal Guard again.”
Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell turned to Shining Armor, who nodded at the trio.
“Well Twilight,” Moondancer said.  “You stay safe in Canterlot.”
Twilight reached over and gave Moondancer a hug as tears rolled down each others’ cheeks.  Nearby, Starlight walked up to her mother and father.
“So, I guess this is good-bye,” Starlight said.
“It is,” Starseeker Glimmer said.  “I wish it were to go back to Sire’s Hollow.  But until then, we’ll be fine in La Maresa.”
“You do us a favor,” Firelight said.  “You listen to what Princess Celestia and Princess Luna said, and stay out of trouble.  Promise?”
“Promise,” Starlight Glimmer said before she gave her parents a big hug.
“One thing’s for certain,” Sunburst said, “I will miss you, Starlight.  In fact, we’ve known each other since we were foals.”
“We have,” Starlight Glimmer said as her parents released her.  “But please don’t forget about me.  I promise I won’t forget about you.”
“Oh I won’t,” Sunburst said.  “You can count on that.”
With that, Sunburst and Starlight gave each other a hug as Sunset Shimmer and Wanda Young walked up to Danged Spell and Moondancer.
"Well, I'm glad to have had you both as a friend," Sunset Shimmer said.
"I'll have to confess," Danged Spell said.  "I kinda wished I had your demon form instead of my Wolf's Breath Curse."
"Spell, you don't really need my demon form,” Sunset said.  “You’re fine as you are with your Wolf’s Breath Curse.  Besides, you would lose total control if you have that kind of power.”
Danged Spell froze for a bit before he said “Good point there.  I’ll stick with my curse.”
As Danged Spell laughed, Wanda allowed Moondancer to place her hooves on the palms of her hands as Twilight Sparkle moved out of the way.
“To be honest, I was hoping we wouldn’t have to say good-bye,” Moondancer said.
“I know,” Wanda replied.
“Maybe one day, we’ll see each other again,” Moondancer said.  “Till then, promise you’ll keep looking up at the stars.”
“I will, Moonie,” Wanda said.  “I will.”
With that, Wanda, Twilight, Sunset and Starlight walked away from Moondancer, Sunburst, Danged Spell, Firelight Glimmer and Starseeker Glimmer as Granny Smith stood out in front.
“It’s time,” Granny Smith said.  “Take us to La Maresa.”
Princess Celestia nodded as she pointed her horn at the crystal of the ground bridge portal.  With one blast of magic, the crystal lit up and the ground bridge portal activated, creating the vortex that leads to La Maresa.
“Well,” Granny Smith said.  “This is it.  Let’s go.”
Granny Smith led Danged Spell, Moondancer, Sunburst, Fortwright, Shanoa with Dream Seeker, Sunspot, Stellar Flare, Crescent Eclipse, Artemis Light, Firelight Glimmer and Starseeker Glimmer towards the portal.  One by one, they all entered through, disappearing until Danged Spell paused and looked at the rest of the group.
“You stay safe,” Danged Spell nodded.  “And I hope you do visit.”
Wanda, Sunset, Starlight, Twilight, Spike, Abigail, Golden Lace, Cozy Glow and the Dazzlings all nodded before Danged Spell jumped through the portal.  Once he was through, the vortex disappeared completely, leaving everyone behind.
“Can’t believe that three friends are no longer here in Canterlot,” Shining Armor said.  “And soon, I’m going to be here by myself.”
“Not really by yourself, Shining,” Twilight said.  “Spike’s going to be with you when I return home to Vanhoover once daddy’s legs are better.  And you still have Princess Cadance to back you up.”
“I do, Twili,” Shining Armor said.  “I do.”
Argyle Starshine walked up to Princess Celestia, who stared at the now idle portal arch.
“It’s going to be lonesome with only a few students remaining,” Argyle Starshine asked.
“I’m not ready to shut down the school just yet,” Princess Celestia said.  “We still have Sunset Shimmer, Starlight Glimmer, Golden Lace and Wanda Young.”
“And what about Twilight?” Argyle Starshine asked.
“She’ll be gone in a week or two,” Princess Celestia said.  “For now, she’s allowed to come to class when she feels up to it.  Right now, it’s time we all departed.”
“That we shall,” Argyle nodded.”
And with that, Princess Cadance escorted Wanda, Sunset, Starlight,  Abigail, Cozy Glow, Golden Lace and the Dazzlings to the castle with Princess Celestia and Princess Luna following from behind.  Shining Armor escorted Twilight Sparkle and Spike the Dragon towards the hospital with Argyle Starshine by their side.  But Chancellor Cinch stood behind as the only soul left.  She looked up at the arch, which stood idle since Wanda’s friends and their respective family had left the city.
“So much sadness on this day,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “If only they didn’t have to go through what the Windigo’s Guild placed us all under, or what Gold Banks pulled on Twilight Sparkle’s family.”
“And I heard Twilight Sparkle’s family will depart once his legs are healed.”  Chancellor Cinch turned towards a nearby tree, where Eleanor Young had emerged from the use of an invisible cloak.
“They will,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Soon, all that Man’s Cub will have left will be her close sister Sunset Shimmer and her new roommate Starlight Glimmer.”
“Perhaps I could help out like I did with La Maresa,” Eleanor Young said.
“A second ground bridge portal,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “But one that leads to Vanhoover.”
“I can get started on it right away,” Eleanor Young said.  “All I need are the ingredients and…”
“Actually, I have a request for you,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “I’ll need you to check up on those three in La Maresa, to see how they’ll cope while they are separated from the rest of their friends.  During that time, use that opportunity to synthesize two more ground bridge portal crystals.”
“Are you sure about that?” Eleanor Young asked.
“I am,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “And if the Windigo’s Guild or any other danger were to strike, do what you can to keep them safe.  Understood?”
“I will,” Eleanor replied.
“Good,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “You will depart at night while everyone is asleep.”

Later that evening, Wanda sat down in her room, staring out at the sunset through the window with Abigail sleeping next to her.  She let out a quiet sigh and barely moved from her position.  Outside of the room, Sunset Shimmer and Cozy Glow walked Starlight Glimmer to the entrance.
“Are you sure about that?” Starlight asked.  
“It’s okay,” Sunset said.  “Go stay with Wanda for the night.  She needs some cheering up after today.”
“What about you and Cozy Glow?” Starlight asked.
“We’ll be fine,” Cozy Glow said.  “Just go keep that not-so-golly Wanda comfy.”
Starlight nodded before she walked up to Wanda, who continued to observe the sun setting in the distance.  Sunset and Cozy Glow pulled away from the room as Starlight got up on the bed.
“How are you doing, Wanda?” Starlight asked.
“Not so well,“ Wanda sighed.
“It’s about Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell, correct?” Starlight asked.
“Yeah,” Wanda replied.
“Truth be told, I do miss Sunburst,” Starlight explained.  “I’ve known him far before I came here to Canterlot, back when I was a foal.  Mommy and Daddy took me to Sunburst’s house so that we could play together.  And since then, we had a strong bond that has lasted….. until now.”
Wanda turned towards Starlight, who just looked up at the setting sun with a tear in her eye.
“And I still remember when we tried to set you and Sunburst up with dinner together,” Wanda asked.
“Oh I remember that very well,” Starlight giggled.  “And we would have enjoyed it had it not been for those Predacons.”
“At least Helga Hearthsoup was able to make more for all of us to enjoy,” Wanda said.  “Manehattan spaghetti and seasoned oatballs.  Who knew it tasted so good?”
“Well,” Starlight laughed.  “That’s Helga Hearthsoup for you.  And I’m glad Sunburst got to enjoy it.”
But as Starlight looked out the window, Wanda placed her hand on Starlight’s hoof.
“Starlight,” Wanda said.  “I know I’m not like Sunburst, and I’m not like the Great and Powerful Trixie. But know this.  I’ll always be by your side, no matter what.”
“You…you mean it?” Starlight asked.
“Yeah,” Wanda said, placing her arm behind Starlight’s back.  “We’ll get through this together.”
Starlight Glimmer leaned onto Wanda and rubbed her muzzle around the Man’s Cub’s arm while Wanda snuggled Starlight closely.
Outside of the room, Sunset Shimmer and Cozy Glow observed the two friends and smiled closely.
“So,” Cozy Glow said.  “What are you going to do with three of your friends gone?”
“We’ll have to stick closer together from here on out,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Especially with Twilight Sparkle leaving once her daddy’s legs are better.”
“But you also heard that Shining Armor is going to stay with us,” Cozy Glow explained.
“Yeah, I heard,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “But that being said, I don’t know how long he’s going to be here.  He may end up attending the Royal Academy and would end up having to sleep there, leaving the house abandoned.”
“And Spike the Dragon without anyone,” Cozy Glow said.  “Remember when you heard about Twilight letting Spike be with Shining Armor?”
“I did,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “And right now, I don’t know how we’re going to handle these next few days.”
“I think we’ll get through this,” Cozy Glow said.  “After all, I’ve had to put up with my own mother and sister before I finally decided to run off.  And even then, I’m still reminded of what they did.”
“I hope we do,” Sunset Shimmer said. “In fact, I hope we do see them again.  It’s only been half a day and I’ve already missed them.”

Downstairs, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Princess Cadance were relaxing in the great chamber of the castle.  Princess Celestia was drinking tea, Princess Luna observed the fireplace while Princess Cadance was playing a game on her tablet.  Despite the calmness, the trio looked a bit troubled.
“Still thinking about Wanda’s friends?” Luna asked.
“I have, Aunt Luna,” Princess Cadance said.  “Wanda saw those three not just as friends, but more as members of her inner family, like all three of us.”
“Like how I almost lost my sister to the Pony of Shadows a thousand years ago,” Princess Luna said.
“You know, I’ve been wondering,” Princess Celestia said.  “What if Canterlot really isn’t the place for Wanda to live in, all this time?”
“What do you mean, mother?” Princess Cadance asked.
Princess Celestia set her teacup and plate aside on the stool and got up.
“Maybe the parents of her friends were right,” Princess Celestia said.  “Maybe Canterlot may not be a good place for Wanda to live in.  Perhaps we should give La Maresa a chance for little Wanda.”
“But didn’t the Windigo’s Guild prevent you from moving Wanda there?” Princess Luna stated.
“Yes,” Princess Celestia explained.  “But they also attacked us during the gala and once again when we demonstrated the ground bridge portal to La Maresa.  I think they are going to be more bold in their attacks on Canterlot from here on out.”
“So you might move Wanda to La Maresa after all?” Princess Luna asked.
“I might,” Princess Celestia said.  “But this is going to be her decision, and hers alone.  No one else has to make that decision.  Not me, not you, not even the Windigo’s Guild.  We’ll talk to her about this tomorrow.  But she has all the time in the world to decide if she wants to stay here in Canterlot, or move to La Maresa.”
“I only hope that no one will decide Wanda’s fate for us or her,” Princess Cadance said. “After all, she’s my sister, and I would have to see someone pull that horrible stunt.”
“They won’t,” Princess Celestia said.  “If I have anything to say about that.”

But outside in the streets of Canterlot, Gold Banks looked through the bars of the gate that sealed the castle out from the rest of the world.  She stomped her hoof down on the ground, steaming mad.
“Curse you, Princess Celestia, and curse your Wonderbolts,” Gold Banks fumed.  “One day, I’ll make you pay for that round of humiliation.”
“Is that a fact, my apprentice?” Gold Banks turned around to see Magistrate Creme Dream walk up to her.
“What do you want, you miserable diva?” Gold Banks snarled.
“Oh, I came here to propose a means of redeeming yourself,” Magistrate Creme Dream explained as she walked up to Gold Banks. “Since Princess Celestia’s little pet has lost three of her friends, it won’t be long until she’s all alone.”
“Get on with it,” Gold Banks demanded.  “What’s the plan?”
“Tomorrow morning, I will propose a bill on the Senate floor to demand that Princess Celestia enroll her children into Daisy Joy Tech,” Magistrate Creme Dream explained.  “If I can convince a majority of the Senate to favor this bill to the point where the Princesses’ veto means nothing, she will have no choice, but to send them there.”
Gold Banks laughed a bit as she stepped away from the gate.
“Send them away to Daisy Joy Tech without her say so,” Gold Banks said.  “I like that.  But what if she mentions what I did yesterday?”
“Oh I have that covered,” Magistrate Creme Dream explained.  “Not even that stunt you pulled yesterday will be enough to sway Senators to her side.  You have my word.”
As Magistrate Creme Dream walked away, Gold Banks turned back to the castle with a terrifying smile on her face.
“Make your peace with your mommy, you sick little monkey,” Gold Banks grinned.  “For soon, the next years of your life will be the worst years you ever experienced.”
With that, Gold Banks laughed loudly before she walked away from the castle gates.


	To Be Continued In…


	Arc 20: La Maresa Blues


	A New Home, a New Start

> Arc 20(La Maresa Blues)-1: A New Home, A New Start
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Arc 20: La Maresa Blues


A New Home, A New Start



Danged Spell woke up from his bed before he climbed out.  No longer was he in Canterlot, but now in a home in La Maresa.  He walked out of his new room before trotting down the staircase.  In the kitchen area, Fortwright, Shanoa and Dream Seeker were enjoying pancakes with cooked hay bacon strips.
“Morning, Spell,” Shanoa said.  “How was your first night in La Maresa?”
“It’s rather strange,” Danged Spell said as he took his seat.  “But for some reason, I feel a bit more relaxed compared to being in Canterlot.”
“So I take it you’re getting used to La Maresa,” Fortwright asked.
“Not one hundred percent,” Danged Spell said.  “There is a part of me that still misses Canterlot, and not just because of the sights and stores.  I do miss being around Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer and especially Princess Wanda Young.”
“I know how you feel,” Shanoa said. “Truth be told, I actually did like Canterlot as a city to explore.  But not as a city to live in.  I knew that place was necessary since you possessed the Wolf’s Breath Curse, and Princess Celestia was going to help you deal with it.  But these are troubled times.”
“So how am I going to deal with my curse now?” Danged Spell asked before he took a bite of pancake.
“We’re going to try to find a good school that can help you cope with your own curse,” Fortwright said.  “Sure it’s not the School for Gifted Unicorns, but I guarantee that we will make sure you get a hold of that curse of yours.”
As Danged Spell swallowed his bit of pancake, he asked “Well at least I’m not back in Lio Lani, especially after what I did to Chieftess Pele.”
“Spell,” Fortwright said.  “What happened there was not your fault.  You weren’t in full control of your curse back then.  You’ve learned how to control your curse a bit better now.  I bet Pele’s become proud of what you’ve done.”
“Not really,” Danged Spell sighed.  “I broke a Kapu on the islands by biting her by accident.  Therefore, I’m banished, remember?  Maybe for life.”
“Not for life,” Fortwright said.  “Even if you were banished, Pele would change her mind because she’s your great-grandmother.  And she loves you like you were her own son.”
“I know you’re trying to cheer me up and I know she’s my great-grandmother,” Danged Spell said.  “But right now, I’d like to focus on my food.”
“Sorry about that, son,” Fortwright laughed.  “We’ll talk about this another time when you’re ready.”
“Honey,” Shanoa said, getting up from the table.  “Could you help me with these dishes?”
“Oh sure,” Fortwright said as he got up as well.  “Spell, enjoy your breakfast.  We won’t be long.”
As Fortwright and Shanoa gathered their dishes and left the dining room, Danged Spell continued to eat his pancake while Dream Seeker just giggled in front of him.
“I know, these aren’t liliquoi pancakes,” Danged spell laughed.  “But they still hit the spot.  Mom knows how to cook a mean set, that’s for sure.”
But in the kitchen, Fortwright and Shanoa stacked the dishes next to the sink before Shanoa began to wash them.
“Honey,” Shanoa said as she filled the bucket with soapy water.  “I’m worried about our son and the grief he has within him.”
“I know,” Fortwright said.  “But he still doesn’t seem to understand that he wasn’t banished by my grandmother Pele.”
“Remember when we showed him the letter from her stating how much she missed him?” Shanoa said.  “Spell just tossed it aside like he thinks it’s some kind of trick.”
“There is a part of me that wants to bring grandma over so she can set the record straight for her great-grandson,” Fortwright explained.
“That’s a great idea,” Shanoa said, cleaning the dishes.  “But you’ll have to let her know that we moved to La Maresa.”
“Oh I’ll get started on that, “Fortwright said as he walked up to the back portion of the kitchen and pulled out a pen and paper.
“Oh one last thing,” Shanoa said as she placed a few dishes in the dishrack.
“What’s that, honey?” Fortwright asked.
“Should we tell Spell more about school?” Shanoa asked.
“In due time,” Fortwright replied before he placed his pen on the paper.  “Give it a few days and we’ll tell him everything.”
“I’ll try, hon,” Shanoa said.  “I’ll try.”
“He may have some issues going on,” Fortwright said.  “But Spell is still our son, our little La Walakeli.”

Later that day, Danged Spell emerged from his new house and breathed in the clean air.  He stepped out into the village of La Maresa before he heard his mother call his name.
“Spell,” Shanoa yelled from inside the house.  “Make sure you’re home before the sun disappears from the sky.  I’m making your favorite dish tonight.”
“I will, mom,” Spell yelled before he closed the door tight.
Danged Spell stepped away from his new house before he looked down the street.  Scraping his hoof on the ground in anticipation, Danged Spell ran down through the road of his new village, darting past ponies who walked casually through.
“Last time I was here, it was for the Ponyville Providence Fair,” Danged Spell thought to himself.  “Never thought I would be living here.  But better than being back in Lio Lani.  At least things can’t get any worse.”
“Hey Spell.  I didn’t think you would show up here again.”  Spell looked up and saw Ditzy Doo waving to him.
“Hey Ditzy,” Spell waved.  “Don’t mind me.  I’m now part of this town.”
But as Spell ran through, he saw Pinkie Pie pull some kind of party wagon in front of him.  He screamed really loud, catching the party pony’s attention.
“LOOK OUT!” Spell yelled.
But Pinkie Pie could do nothing but scream in terror as Danged Spell collided with her, knocking them both to the ground.  When the dust cleared, Danged Spell opened his eyes, and found that he was on top of Pinkie PIe.
“Whoops,” Danged Spell blushed.  “Didn’t expect to crash a party this soon.”
But Pinkie Pie just smiled before she reached out and kissed Spell on the nose.  Spell pulled himself off before spitting to the side.
“Oh come on,” Danged Spell said as Pinkie Pie got herself back on her four hooves.  “I wasn’t in the mood for pie today.”
“Oh Spellsy,” Pinkie Pie giggled.  “You know I wanted to do a really big Welcome party for you and your Canterlot friends.  And as a matter of fact, I think they’re showing up any moment now.”
Pinkie Pie pointed to her left side, where Sunburst and Moondancer approached the duo.
“Spell,” Sunburst said.  “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine,” Danged Spell said.  “Except now I smell nothing but pie for the time being.”
“Danged Spell, “Moondancer giggled.  “You’re still a clown even in La Maresa.”
Pinkie Pie bounced over to her wagon and pressed a button.  Horns and trumpets popped out of the wagon, playing an upbeat note as Pinkie Pie danced around.
“Welcome welcome welcome,” Pinkie Pie sang.  “I’m sorry this was late.  But welcome to La Maresa, and this party will be great.  We’re glad that you came over to our town. That's definitely fun, and now let’s celebrate this party under the sun.
And in a flash, a cannon emerged from the middle of the wagon and pointed it right into the air.  Moondancer and Sunburst all saw the cannon and their eyes shrunk down in fear as it looked like it was going to fire.
“I don’t like where this is going,” Moondancer said.
“Let’s move out of the way,” Sunburst said.
Immediately, Sunburst and Moondancer ran away from the cannon as Danged Spell stood there, turning towards his fleeing friends.
“Oh come on,” Danged Spell yelled.  “It’s not like it’s going to fire a giant cake in my face.”
With a loud boom, the cannon fired a giant five-layer cake into the air.  Danged Spell looked up in awe as the cake flew over him.
“Okay,” Danged Spell said.  “I was half-right.”
As the cake flew over Danged Spell, Sunburst and Moondancer ran as fast as possible down the road.  But Sunburst tripped and fell to the ground, smacking his nose on the dirt.  Moondancer turned around and ran up to Sunburst before pulling him up.
“Come on,” Moondancer said.  “It’s gonna land on us.”
But as Moondancer picked Sunburst up, the cake landed right on the two younglings, collapsing slowly into a gooey mess.  Danged Spell and Pinkie Pie ran up to the cake, to which Sunburst and Moondancer popped their heads out before glaring at Pinkie.
“PINKIE!” Sunburst and Moondancer yelled.
“Whoops,” Pinkie Pie said.  “It was supposed to land next to the wagon, not home on the both of ya.”
.Sunburst and Moondancer pulled themselves out of the cake before shaking a bit of it off their fur.  But as they began to walk away, they heard the sound of rumbling going on.
“What’s going on?” Sunburst said.
Before they could turn around, the cake collapsed right onto Sunburst and Moondancer.  Danged Spell and Pinkie Pie quickly ran up to the gooey mess that was once a cake, to which Sunburst and Moondancer pulled themselves out again.
“Next time, just make it economy-sized,” Moondancer said.  “Or perhaps none at all.”
“Duly noted,” Pinkie Pie said.
As Moondancer and Sunburst shook the cake bits from their fur again, Rainbow Dash flew down from above, laughing at the duo.
“I knew Pinkie was known for her welcome parties,” Rainbow Dash laughed.  “But this one really takes the cake.”
“RAINBOW DASH!” Sunburst and Moondancer yelled.
Rainbow Dash awkwardly turned towards Danged Spell and said “I thought you didn’t get this kind of reaction.”
“I wish I did,” Danged Spell replied.
Sunburst and Moondancer walked down the street in a disgruntled tone while Danged Spell followed from behind, leaving Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie behind.
“So,” Danged Spell asked. “Still trying to get used to La Maresa?”
“An understatement,” Sunburst said. “I still miss a lot of things from both Canterlot and Sire’s Hollow.  I miss the School for Gifted Unicorns, I miss the time we spent together since we attended the school, and I especially miss Starlight.”
“Sunburst’s right,” Moondancer said.  “I know you hold up well due to the amount of space around La Maresa.  But I dunno if we can adjust to living in La Maresa.”
“Look on the bright side,” Danged Spell said.  “At least it can’t be as horrible as Cape Coltnaveral.”
“Oh don’t remind me about that,” Moondancer said.  “Even though we’re farther from that horrible place, I still have nightmares about living in that abomination that makes Tartarus look welcoming.”
“Or Lio Lani,” Danged Spell said.  “Remember, I was banished from that place for biting the Chieftess Pele, even if it was an accident.  And I haven’t seen her since.”
“Maybe she actually misses you, despite what happened,” Moondancer said.  
“I doubt it,” Danged Spell said.  “In Lio Lani, Kapus are serious business, and breaking even one small Kapu will invoke the wrath of the chieftess.  That’s why I’d rather not even be around her.”
“I dunno,” Sunburst said.  “Some ponies can actually have their minds changed.  Like with Firelight Glimmer.”
“How’s he doing?” Moondancer asked.
“Not so well,” Sunburst said.  “Though he wanted to move Starlight to La Maresa, he wound up changing his mind after that stunt Gold Banks pulled, and left her with Princess Celestia.  As a result, he’s been depressed, and my dad asked me to check up on him.”
“Maybe we should check on Mr Glimmer,” Danged Spell said. “See if we can lighten his mood up.”
“Good idea,” Moondancer said.  “Let’s go do that.”
“What’s this about Mr Glimmer?” Danged Spell, Sunburst and Moondancer turned around to see Rainbow Dash fly up to the group with Pinkie Pie bouncing from behind.
“We’re going to check up on Firelight Glimmer,” Sunburst said. “You can come if you want.”
“Is it because he misses his little Glimglam and he had to let her stay with Princess Celestia because of what Gold Banks did a couple of days ago?” Pinkie Pie asked.
Rainbow Dash, Moondancer, Danged Spell and Sunburst just stared at Pinkie Pie following her response.
“The reincarnation of Discord, fillies and gentlecolts,” Rainbow Dash said.
“Well what are we waiting for?” Danged Spell said.  “We can’t just stand around acting all sorry for ourselves.  Come on.  Let’s go.”
“Right,” Sunburst said.  “And I know where he is.  Follow me.”
Sunburst takes off in one direction with Danged Spell, Moondancer, Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie following from behind.  But nearby in an alleyway, Eleanor Young observed the five younglings run off towards a nearby house where Firelight and Starseeker lived.
“I wonder if allowing them to come here was a good idea to begin with,” Eleanor said to herself.  “Maybe the father of one of Wanda’s friends holds the key.”

Meanwhile, inside another house, Starseeker Glimmer sat alone in a chair, sipping on some tea.  When the doorbell rang, her eyes lit up.
“Oh dear,” Starseeker said as she placed her teacup on the coffee table.  “Someone’s at the door.”
Starseeker Glimmer walked up to the door and opened it.  Outside, Sunburst, Danged Spell, Moondancer, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash stood there with Pinkie Pie waving towards the adult mare.
“Sunburst,” Starseeker said.  “And you brought your friends with you.”
“Hey Mrs Glimmer,” Sunburst said.  “My dad asked me to check up on Mr Glimmer.”
“He hasn’t been downstairs since we settled into our new house,” Starseeker said.  “And I’m worried for him.”
“Poor Mr Gilmmer,” Moondancer said.  “He’s suffered a whole lot since having to move down here.”
“Maybe we can help out,” Danged Spell said.  “See if we can open up to him.”
“I don’t know what you younglings can do to help,” Starseeker said.  “But if it can help him out, then maybe I’ll let you give it a shot.”
Starseeker moved to the side as Sunburst led Danged Spell, Moondancer, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash into the house.  Rainbow turned towards Starseeker and gave a salute with her wing.
“Don’t you worry,” Rainbow Dash said.  “We’re on the case.”
As Rainbow Dash followed the rest of the group through that house, Starseeker closed the door before turning towards the youngling group.
“Please do this for my husband’s sake,” Starseeker said.  “He needs someone who also feels a little empty as he does.”

In the bedroom, Firelight Glimmer sat on the far end of the bed, looking out the window.  He let out a sigh before turning his head downward.  While his ears picked up the sound of a door knocking, he barely shifted his head towards the door.
“Come in,” Firelight said in a depressed tone.
The door opened as Sunburst stepped into the room and walked towards Firelight Glimmer.  Outside, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash peeked their heads.
“Mr Glimmer,” Sunburst said.
“Sunburst?” Firelight said as he turned towards the little colt.  “I heard Sunspot and Stellar Flare were concerned for me.  But to send you to check up?”
“Only because I was concerned for you as well,” Sunburst said.  “You were the most eager to move us out.  But something within you broke when you arrived and we were all worried for you.”
“Of course I did,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “After what the Windigo’s Guild did in Sire’s Hollow and in Canterlot, I thought that was the last straw and I wanted to get you all out for your own safety.  But I wanted my little Pumpky-Wumpkin to at least be somewhere where she could be safe and sound.  Then Gold Banks threatened to take her away to Daisy Joy Tech.”
“I heard what happened down there,” Sunburst said. “I’m just upset that you got caught in her little web.”
“I thought the Windigo’s Guild was the greatest threat in Equestria, along with the Changelings,” Firelight said. “But turns out, our greatest threat is not an enemy without.  It was an enemy within.  What I saw in Gold Banks was a sociopath who tried to gaslight me into giving up my little Starlight to her.”
“I’ve had my run in with Gold Banks many times,” Sunburst said.  “Like the one time she tried to have us hauled away after we got three of Sunset Shimmer’s old friends out of an abandoned orphanage.  Or when she tried to take Wanda away while she was sick with the Hay Fever virus.”
“Makes me wonder why the senate is allowing her to get away with her cruel acts,” Firelight said.  “If it weren’t for Gold Banks, I wouldn’t have had to let Starlight live with Princess Celestia.”
“Mr Glimmer,” Sunburst said.  “I also miss Starlight.  I miss the fact that I used to play with her, even back when we all lived in Sire’s Hollow.  I’m still saddened by the fact that I can’t see her again.  But I don’t let that get me down.  I keep going even in spite of living here in La Maresa.  I have friends to keep me going, and so do you.  My father and mother are one of those friends who are worried for you.”
“And I let them down,” Firelight said.
“No you didn’t,” Sunburst said.  “They agreed to move us to La Maresa after the incident in Canterlot.  In fact, I heard that Danged Spell’s own parents wanted to move him here to try to help him with his Wolf’s Breath Curse.  This is something new that we all have to adapt to.  But we can make it, no matter what.”
As Sunburst got off the bed and walked towards the door where Pinkie Pie, Rainbow Dash, Danged Spell and Moondancer were, Firelight up and turned towards Sunburst.
“Sunburst,” Firelight said.  “Could you stay with me for a bit longer?  And could one of your friends call my wife up here?”
“Mr Glimmer,” Sunburst said.  “I’ll try.  But it’s important to know that we care about your well-being, and to let you know that you’re not alone.”
“Thanks,” Firelight said.  “Maybe I could use someone to cheer me up and remind me who I am.”
Sunburst turned towards Danged Spell and said “Get Starlight’s mom up here.  She needs to be with her husband.”
Danged Spell nodded before pulling his head away from the door and walking down the hallway.
“What do you think is going on?” Pinkie Pie asked.
“He’s going through a lot since having to move down here without Starlight,” Sunburst said. “I’m going through the same, but he needs to know that he has friends who are willing to help him out in this time of need.”
“Then maybe I should give him a party to cheer him up,” Pinkie Pie said.
“Not if it means he gets covered in cake like what happened to Sunburst and I,” Moondancer protested.
“Oh no no no,” Pinkie Pie said.  “When it comes to cheering up a friend, it has to be subtle.  No going overboard with a celebration, and no giant cake.  A small cake will suffice.”
But before Moondancer could say anything, Danged Spell ran upstairs with Starseeker following him.  The sound of their hooves touching the floor were enough to get Moondancer’s attention.
“Well that was fast,” Moondancer said.
“Your friend told me about what’s going on with my husband,” Starseeker Glimmer said.  “And he told me that Firelight wants me by his side to help him out.”
Moondancer gently pushed the door opened, allowing Starseeker to walk inside.  Firelight placed his hoof on the bed, directing Starseeker to walk up to him.
“Honey,” Starseeker said.  “Are you going to be okay?”
“I’ll try,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “As much as I miss Starlight, I know I have to be strong for her.”
“We have to be strong for Starlight,” Starseeker said as she sat next to her husband.  “This is something new that we’re doing for her sake, and to make sure Gold Banks doesn’t take her away.”
“You still remember what that monster said?” Firelight asked.
“I do,” Starseeker said, placing her hoof on her husband’s hoof.  “No matter what, we’ll be there for Starlight’s sake.
With that, Starseeker reached up and kissed Firelight on the lips.   After she got done kissing him, Firelight cracked a smile in front of his wife.
“Thanks for at least being by my side,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “At least I know I won’t be alone.”
As Starseeker reached over and gave Firelight another kiss, Sunburst turned to Rainbow Dash, Moondancer and Danged Spell.
“Guys,” Sunburst said.  “Pinkie Pie and I will try to keep Firelight cheered up.  Find the others and let them know of this.”
“You’re talking about Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Trixie, Ditzy and Juniper, correct?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“That’s exactly correct,” Sunburst replied.
“Oh, and don’t forget my sister, Maud Pie,” Pinkie Pie said.
“Maud Pie?” Moondancer asked.  “What kind of name is that?”
“A name associated with my closest sister who’s in La Maresa on behalf of our parents,” Pinkie Pie explained.  She turned to Danged Spell and said “And I know what you’re gonna say, ‘That’s a really dirty name.’  Did I get that right?”
Danged Spell just looked at Pinkie Pie with an upset look on his face.
“I was gonna say that you pink parasite,” Danged Spell growled.
“Well all jokes aside,” Sunburst said.  “Spell, you heard what she said right?  Find our friends and this Maud Pie character.  We’ll need all the help we can get.”
“Roger that,” Danged Spell said as his angry tone melted away.  “We’re on our way.”
Danged Spell ran down the hallway with Rainbow Dash and Moondancer right behind him, all the way downstairs and towards the living room before making their way out the front door.  Once they got outside, Rainbow Dash shut the door tight.
“Come on,” Rainbow Dash said.  “We better find the others and get them here this instant.”
“Find what others?” Everyone turned to the right to see Trixie standing there.
“Oh hey, Majix,” Danged Spell said.
“That’s Trixie,” Trixie yelled.  “The Great and Powerful Trixie.  Not Majix.”
“We’re trying to find a way to cheer up Mr Glimmer,” Moondancer explained.  “And although Sunburst and Pinkie Pie are pitching in, we may need all the help we can get.  See if you can help us locate the rest of our friends, which includes a Maud Pie.”
“Oh that will be as easy as abracadabra,” Trixie said.
Suddenly, a poof of smoke surrounded Trixie.  When it cleared up, Trixie was covered in black soot, and Danged Spell tried to stop himself from laughing.
“That’s just great,” Trixie coughed.  “Everytime I say that, something terrible happens.”
“Well no time for that,” Rainbow Dash said.  “We better go around town and get our buds over to Firelight’s house, on the double.
With that, Danged, Spell, Moondancer, Rainbow Dash and Trixie ran down the streets of La Maresa.  But nearby, Eleanor Young looked up at a window on the second floor of Firelight’s house.
“Firelight Glimmer is going through a hard time since he had to let his daughter go,” Eleanor said.  “I hope he’ll be alright.”


	To Be Continued in…


	Gathering the Crew Together

> Arc 20-2: Gathering the Crew Together
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


	Gathering the Crew Together



At Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack was busy shaking down bushels of apples from the trees alongside her mother Buttercup, her father Bright Mac, and her big brother Big Macintosh.  Granny Smith sat nearby looking after baby Applebloom.  Nearby, the buckets were full of delicious apples of all kinds.
“It’s not even the harvest season yet, and we’re getting ourselves a nice bumper crop,” Bright Mac said.
“Eeyup,” Big Mac nodded.
“Silly son of mine,” Granny Smith said.  “It’s because of the magic of the earth ponies, which happens to be us.”
“Oh yeah,” Bright Mac said before he slammed his hoof on the ground, causing apples to sprout from the trees.  “I forgot.  Silly me indeed.”
Applejack swung her legs back and kicked one of the trees hard.  In a large rustle, tons of apples fell onto the ground, burying the apple filly in a huge pile of the delicious fruit.  Applejack stuck her head, gasping for air from the mountains of apples.
“Guess I don’t really know my own strength,” Applejack said.
As Applejack pulled herself out from the mountain of apples, she noticed four figures run through the front gate and towards the group.  
“I wonder what Rainbow Dash and the others want?” Applejack said.
“Beats me,” Bright Mac said.  “Though I am surprised that they are running to us in a hurry.”
As Bright Mac, Buttercup, Big Mac and Applejack gathered together, Rainbow Dash ran up to the group with Danged Spell, Moondancer and Trixie right next to her.
“You three look like you’ve got some business with us,” Buttercup said.
“As a matter of fact, we do,” Rainbow Dash said.  “It’s about Starlight’s father.”
“You mean Firelight Glimmer?” Granny Smith said, walking up to the younglings with Apple Bloom in her arms.  “He has never stepped out of the house since he moved here.  I assume it’s because he misses his little ol Starlight.”
“You got that right,” Moondancer said.  “And as a matter of fact, we could use Applejack’s help to cheer her up.”
“First things first,” Granny Smith said, pointing to the mountain of apples on the ground. “She’s got chores to take care of.”
“Those look like a hoof full for her,” Danged Spell said.  “Stand back.  We got this.”
Danged Spell, Moondancer and Trixie levitated a number of buckets in front of the mountain of apples.  They picked up the apples with their magic and dropped them into the bucket, leaving Granny Smith and even Applejack startled.
“You showoffs,” Applejack said.  
“Why thank you,” Danged Spell said, bowing to Applejack.
“I forgot that unicorns could do that,” Granny Smith said.  “Very well.  You can go.  But under one condition.”
“Name it,” Applejack said.
“I have to go with you,” Granny Smith said.  “Besides, I think I’m due for checking up on Mr Glimmer.”
“But who will look after Apple Bloom while I’m gone?” Applejack asked.
“I will,” Big Mac said, stepping forward.  “I’ll look after Apple Bloom.”
Granny Smith reached over and gave Apple Bloom to Big Mac, who reached up and played with the back of Big Mac’s mane.  Granny immediately turned towards the other younglings who looked ready.
“We’re going to need to find the others like Fluttershy, Rarity, Maud, Juniper and Ditzy,” Moondancer explained.
“Actually, leave that to me,” Rainbow Dash said, flapping her wings.  “I know what to do involving Fluttershy.”
Rainbow Dash flew up into the air and took off in another direction, leaving Granny Smith with Applejack, Danged Spell, Moondancer, and Trixie.
“Let’s just hope it doesn’t involve her pranking Fluttershy,” Applejack said.  “But knowing Rainbow, she would be willing to do that.”
“I think you better head off,” Bright Mac said.  “We can take it from here.”
Granny Smith nodded before she took off from Sweet Apple Acres with Applejack, Danged Spell, Trixie, and Moondancer running from right behind them.

Meanwhile, Fluttershy was busy feeding some rabbits around her house with Mr Bovine napping nearby.  Fluttershy’s mane and tail appeared to have been cut shorter and had a bit of a slightly shaggy look.
“Now how is that, Mr Fluffybuns?” Fluttershy said.  “Doesn’t it taste delicious?”
But as the rabbits ate their carrots, Fluttershy noticed a rustling in the bushes nearby.
“Oh dear,” Fluttershy said.  “I guess everyone wants to eat their carrots and grow stronger.”
But as Fluttershy walked up to the bushes, a flying monster emerged from it, frightening the pegasi filly.  The monster looked down at Fluttershy and roared, causing her to leap into the air and scream loudly.
“GET IT AWAY!” Fluttershy screamed as she covered her face.  “YOU’RE WORSE THAN THE WINDIGO’S GUILD!”
But all Fluttershy could hear was the sound of Rainbow Dash laughing.  She looked up and saw Rainbow Dash take off her monster costume, laughing out loud.
“GOTCHA!” Rainbow Dash laughed.
Fluttershy just looked up at Rainbow Dash with a cold stare, and a slight smirk to her face.
“So you think that’s funny, eh?” Fluttershy said.  “Well laugh this off.”
Fluttershy tapped her hooves together, causing Rainbow Dash to pause for a bit.  Suddenly, tomatoes flew out from behind, pelting the pranksters of a filly in the back.  Rainbow Dash was soiled in tomato bits as she flew to the ground, all while Fluttershy giggled at Rainbow’s expense.
“Oh hah hah,” Rainbow Dash said in a sarcastic tone.  “Real funny, Fluttershy.”
“I knew you would pull a stunt like that,” Fluttershy said.  “So I had to give you a taste of your own medicine.”
“Well that being said,” Rainbow Dash said, shaking the tomato juice and bits of her fur.  “Firelight Glimmer is sulking at his new place while Mrs Glimmer, Sunburst and Pinkie Pie are trying to cheer him up.”
“I’ve heard he’s been depressed since coming here,” Fluttershy said.  “But I didn’t think he would be that depressed.”
“All that pranking aside,” Rainbow Dash said, “I was hoping you would come with us to help him out.  Cheer him up.  Make sure he’s on his good side.”
“Very well,” Fluttershy said with her smirk still shining tall.  “But only because I paid you back for that prank you pulled.”
“Deal,” Rainbow Dash said.  
Fluttershy made some animal noises as a random bunny jumped out and landed on Fluttershy’s back.  Fluttershy extended her wings out and flew off with the bunny holding on and Rainbow Dash flying right behind her.
“I don’t know why you wanted to bring Angel of all rabbits,” Rainbow Dash said.
“Oh don’t mind little Angel,” Fluttershy said.  “At least he’s a sweet bunny.”
“Yeah,” Rainbow Dash said, sarcastically.  “Sweet bunny.”
But as Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash took off, Mr Bovine woke up and saw the two fillies fly off.
“If I didn’t know better,” Mr Bovine said.  “I swear they were going to help out a pony who needs some comfort.”

Meanwhile, Applejack tapped her hoof on the door of a house that resembled a fancy carousel.  Next to Trixie were Danged Spell, Moondancer, Trixie and Granny Smith.
“Rarity,” Applejack called.  “Rarity are you there?”
The door opened up and Rarity popped her head out.
“Applejack,” Rarity said.  “You came just in time. I was about to try out a new design for a dress inspired by the wedding.”
“Wait a minute,” Applejack said before Rarity pulled her into the house.
The others closed their eyes as the sounds of Applejack screaming, combined with objects being thrown around, echoed from the house.  When the sounds disappeared, Danged Spell took a peek inside.
“Hey guys,” Danged Spell laughed.  “Get a load of Applejack.
Trixie, Moondancer and Granny Smith peeked inside, where Rarity stood off a stage, holding her hoof up high.
“I present to you, my newest masterpiece,” Rarity said.  “The moonlight bride.”
Everyone looked up to see Applejack with her tummy on a stool, wearing a fancy wedding dress with long sleeves and a light hint of blue-violet.  Moondancer, Trixie and even Granny Smith struggled to hold in their laughter.
“Rarity,” Applejack said. “This isn’t a time for your shenanigans.”
“Why not?” Danged Spell laughed.  “I can see a colt being over the moon for you.”
“Danged Spell,” Moondancer and Trixie laughed.
Applejack furiously pulled herself out of the dress and marched over to Rarity.
‘“Rarity,”  Applejack snapped.  “Now is not the time for your silliness.  There’s a father of Starlight Glimmer who’s been down in the dumps and we came here to call you so you can help him out.”
“Oh dear,” Rarity said.  “Well why didn’t you say so in the first place?”
Applejack immediately slammed her hoof to her face in disgust while Granny Smith walked up to the duo.
“Don’t worry about Applejack,” Granny Smith said.  “Sometimes, she just needs to lighten up a bit.  But anyway, are you up for helping out?”
“Well other than to make him a handsome coat,” Rarity said, “I’m up for it.”
“Well thank goodness,” Applejack said.  “I was wondering if you would be on board with this.”
Applejack, Granny Smith and Rarity began to walk out, only for Rarity to pause for a moment.
“Will you excuse me?” Rarity said.  “It will be for a moment.”
Rarity quickly ran up stairs, leaving Applejack and Granny Smith behind.  A few moments later, she ran downstairs and up to the two ponies.
“Just had to let my folks know about Firelight Glimmer,” Rarity said.  “Well.  We’re off.”
With that, Rarity, Applejack and Granny Smith ran out the door with Danged Spell, Moondancer and Trixie following from behind.
“So who do we have left besides Fluttershy?” Trixie asked.
“Maud Pie, Ditzy Doo and Juniper Montage,” Moondancer said.  “So I’m guessing Canter Zoom’s movie studio should be our next stop.”
“Luckily, we know where it is,” Rarity said, pointing to her left.
Moondancer looked to her left to see a medium-sized building right out in the open.  She came to a stop and just stared right at it.
“Okay,” Moondancer said.  “Guess that makes finding Juniper a lot easier.  Though I expected him to build his studio on the outskirts of La Maresa.”
“Well what are we waiting for?” Trixie said.  “Let’s go fetch Juniper Montage, then we can find the others.”
But as the group ran off towards the movie studio, a persian bluish-gray filly earth pony with a grayish blue violet mane and a rock cutie mark walked up from behind, taking notice of the group.
“Pinkie told me about the three ponies who came from Canterlot,” the filly said.  “But I wonder why two of them are in a rush with her friends?  Guess I better find out.”

Inside the movie studio, a mare in a pink royal gown stares down at what appears to be a bulky dragon
“Release the legendary plumber of Neightendia,” the princess commanded.  “He is needed to unclog the drain of hope.”
“Never,” the dragon yelled.  “You will never take the legendary plumber from me.”
“Then you will face the power of the Princess of Neightendia,” the princess yelled.
But as the Princess and the Dragon jumped at each other, someone yelled out “AND CUT!”  The two actors came to a stop as Canter Zoom got up from his chair with Juniper Montage sitting next to him.
“How was that?” The Princess actor asked.
“Needs more anger into that voice,” Canter Zoom said.  “Like what the dragon did was that he kicked your cat for his own amusement.”
“Woah woah woah,” The dragon actor said.  “Kicking a cat?  Now that’s cruel.”
Suddenly, a crewmember tapped on Canter Zoom’s shoulder and said “Mr Zoom, someone would like to speak with your niece.”
“Right now?” Canter Zoom said.
“They say it’s about Firelight Glimmer’s depression,” the crewmember said.  “And how many of this youngling’s group of friends want to help pitch in.”
“Alright,” Canter Zoom said.  “We’ll take ten for a moment.”
As the cast and crew of the movie began to walk off stage, Juniper Montage looked up at Canter Zoom.
“Uncle,” Juniper Montage said.  “What’s this about Firelight Glimmer?”
“Yesterday,” Canter Zoom said.  “I was able to meet with Mr Glimmer when he arrived in La Maresa.  But he looked rather gloomy as if something horrible had happened to him.  Juniper, could you do me a favor and go to his place?  Your friends are waiting outside for you.”
“I’ll try,” Juniper nodded.
Immediately, Juniper Montage walked with the crewmember to the entrance while Canter Zoom sat back down in his chair, sipping his coffee.
“It’s not easy to be a director,” Canter Zoom said.  “But it’s even harder to see others suffer.  Maybe I should ask my writing crew about a story of a pony who's been suffering and the other ponies do what they can to help him out.”

Outside, a door opened up to see Juniper Montage walk out with the crewmember right behind her.  Danged Spell and Moondancer were the first to approach Juniper with Applejack, Rarity, Trixie and Granny Smith right behind them.
“Spell, Dancer,” Juniper said.  “What’s going on with Firelight Glimmer?”
“He’s been held up in his house since he moved here,” Moondancer explained.  “And now we need all hooves on deck to lift his spirit up.”
“So I was wondering if you could….,” Danged Spell said before Juniper placed her hoof on his mouth.
“You don’t need to say another word,” Juniper said.  “My uncle asked me to help you out on this occasion.”
“Well that’s great,” Moondancer said as Juniper walked up to Granny Smith.
“So now that we have you on our team,” Granny Smith said, “All we need are Ditzy Doo and Maud Pie.”
“It’s too bad Glimmy’s not with us,” Trixie said.  “I would have wanted to get her to meet Maud Pie.”
“Why’s that?” Danged Spell said, walking past the group.  “Does she want a muddy friendship?”
But as Danged Spell turned his head forward, he bumped into the nose of the very same grayish filly who followed them.
“Muddy friendship,” the filly said in a monotone voice.  “Now that’s funny.”
Danged Spell stepped back for a moment, looking down at the grayish filly with a surprised look on his face.
“I take it, that's Maud Pie,” Danged Spell said.  
“In the fur,” Maud Pie said.
“Maud,” Moondancer said.  “Sunburst and Pinkie PIe asked us to find you and the others.”
“I know why,” Maud Pie said.  “Firelight Glimmer’s been troubled since he had to leave his daughter behind with Princess Celestia, and you need all of us to help him out.”
Moondancer just stared at Maud Pie before her jaw dropped to the ground.
“Lemme guess,” Danged Spell said.  “You have the same power as Discord.”
“No,” Maud Pie said.  “But my sister Pinkie Pie is the reincarnation of Discord.”
As Danged Spell nodded his head in confusion, Granny Smith just laughed out loud.
“Well it looks like you’re up to date with our crew,” Granny Smith said.  “But there is still the matter of Ditzy Doo.  I wonder where she could be?”
Suddenly, a loud crash occurred within the town, surprising everyone.  Rarity jumped into the air screaming and landed in Applejack’s arms.
“SOMEONE HELP!” Rarity screamed.  “WE’RE BEING INVADED BY ALIENS FROM OUTER SPACE!”
“Rarity,” Applejack said in a cold tone.  “Drop it.”
“Whoops,” Rarity said as she tumbled out of Applejack’s arms.
“It’s okay,” Danged Spell said.  “No aliens.  But it sounded like it came near Firelight’s house.  We should go check to see if he’s okay.”
“I’m with you on that,” Granny Smith said before turning to the others.  “Come on.  To Firelight’s place to see if no one got hurt.”
With that, Granny Smith ran down the street with Juniper Montage, Danged Spell, Moondancer, Trixie, Applejack, Rarity and Maud following from behind.

But back at Firelight Glimmer’s place, Ditzy Doo laid dizzy on the ground with her wings extended out.  The mark of dirt near her hinted that she somehow crashed landed.  Near her were Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Angel Bunny.
“Ditzy,” Rainbow Dash said.  “What happened?”
Ditzy Doo shook her head and turned towards Rainbow Dash.
“I was minding my own business when I saw you and Fluttershy come over to Firelight Glimmers’ place,” Ditzy said.  “So I came here to find out why, and I really screwed up.”
“Ditzy you silly,” Fluttershy laughed as she got Ditzy Doo up.  “That’s not a screw up.  Even I had problems learning how to land without crashing.”
“Actually Ditzy,” Rainbow Dash said.  “We came here because we found out about Firelight Glimmer and we wanted to cheer him up in any way.”
Suddenly, the door opened up and Firelight emerged from the house.  He took a good look at Ditzy’s arm and immediately walked up to her.
“Are you alright, young lady?” Firelight asked.
“I think so,” Ditzy said.  “But I don’t think there’s anything wrong.”
“Actually, I think I know what’s wrong,” Firelight said, pointing to the injury on Ditzy’s arm.  “Somehow you scraped your arm.”
“Oh no,” Ditzy said.  “Am I going to….”
“No you’re not,” Firelight said.
“Honey.  What happened?” Firelight turned towards the door to see Starseeker, Sunburst and Pinkie Pie stick their heads out.
“Darling,” Firelight Glimmer said. “Can you get a cleaning cloth, some rubbing alcohol and a bandage?  This poor filly scraped herself.”
“I’m on it,” Starseeker said, running back inside towards the staircase while Pinkie Pie and Sunburst stepped outside.
“What happened?” Pinkie asked.
“Ditzy fell down and scraped her arm on the dirt,” Rainbow Dash said.  
“That’s horrible,” Sunburst said.  “At least something’s being done to treat it.”
Angel Bunny just hopped up to Ditzy Doo before looking up at her arm.  He turned away and gagged in disgust.
“Now Angel,” Fluttershy said.  “We shouldn’t be rude to Ditzy because she hurt her arm.”
Immediately, Starseeker ran out the front door, leaving a cleaning cloth, rubbing alcohol and a roll of bandages with her magic.  She approached Firelight and handed the alcohol and cleaning cloth to Firelight.
“I’ll help bandage her arm up,” Starseeker said.
“Thanks,” Firelight said.
“Is this going to sting?” Ditzy asked as she held her arm up. 
“It will,” Firelight said.  “But it will also help heal the pain.”
Firelight held the cloth underneath Ditzy’s arm and poured some of the alcohol on the scraped injury.  Ditzy Doo held her breath, wincing in pain, as the alcohol ran down her arm and onto the cloth.   Once Firelight pulled the alcohol and cloth away, Starseeker wrapped the scraped arm in a bandage before pressing it slightly to seal it tight.  Ditzy looked at her arm and smiled.
“Thank you, Mr and Mrs Glimmer,” Ditzy said.
But as Firelight Glimmer nodded, Granny Smith ran in with Danged Spell, Trixie, Moondancer, Rarity, Applejack, Juniper Montage and Maud Pie right behind her.
“What happened?” Granny Smith asked.  “Is Ditzy’s alright?”
“She’s fine,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “She just scraped her arm and I just had to fix it, with thanks to my wife Starseeker.”
“Aww you poor thing,” Rarity said, walking up to Ditzy and placing her arm around the cross-eyes pegasi.  “I’m sorry that your arm got hurt.”
“It’s okay,” Ditzy said.  “But thanks to Mr and Mrs Glimmer, I should be fine.”
“I’ll say,” Rainbow Dash said.  “But I think you should stick with the ground for the time being.”
“I dunno, Rainbow,” Ditzy said.  “I actually like flying.”
“It may be for your own good until your arm heals up,” Rarity said, pulling her arm away from Ditzy.  “But don’t worry.  You’ll be alright.”
As Ditzy walked off a bit disappointed, she bumped her head against a wagon that was holding up some potted plants, knocking her down.  Rainbow Dash flew over to Ditzy and pulled her up.
“Actually, I think I should stay by your side for a bit, Ditzy,” Rainbow Dash said, holding Ditzy up.  
Granny Smith walked up to Firelight Glimmer with a smile on her face.
“Mrs Granny Smith,” Firelight said.  “As you could tell…”
“You had to help out Ditzy Doo and make sure she’s alright?” Granny Smith interrupted.  “That’s the spirit.”
“Really?” Firelight responded.
“Of course,” Granny Smith said.  “We came here to help cheer you up.  But it looks like you’re really capable of doing that.”
“I was just doing what anyone would do,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “Besides, I wasn’t gonna let her suffer without proper care.”
“And that’s proof of what’s in your heart that counts,” Granny Smith said.  “You never realized just how capable you are of helping out others.  But when you heard Ditzy injuring herself, you wasted no time coming out and helping the poor youngster out.  For that, I am grateful for you.”
“Granny’s right,” Applejack said.  “We came here to help you out in any way possible, and we’re doing so by congratulating you for helping out Ditzy Doo.”
“Well, I,” Firelight said, rubbing the back of his head.
“Think about what they said,” Starseeker said.  “They came to help you out, and when you chose to help another out, they’re showing how appreciative they are of you.”
Firelight Glimmer thought long and hard for a bit before turning towards the group.
“Maybe you’re right,” Firelight said.  “I know I’m still saddened by having to leave Starlight behind in Canterlot.   But maybe, maybe I can get this all worked out in the end.”
“Glad to have you on board, Firelight,” Granny Smith said as the younglings cheered for Firelight Glimmer.  “Maybe a few days from now, we can take you up to Canterlot so you can reunite with Starlight Glimmer.”
“That I can look forward to,” Firelight said.
As the younglings all cheered, Danged Spell, Maud Pie, Moondancer and Trixie all gathered together in celebration.
“Guess our presence did help out in a way,” Trixie said.  “After all, there’s no one better than the friends of the Great and Powerful Trixie.”
“Yeah,” Danged Spell said.  “Tell me about it, Majix.”
Trixie paused for a moment before she glared up at Danged Spell.
“Please do not call me Majix,” Trixie snarled.  “My name is Trixie.”
“Okay okay,” Danged Spell said.  “Sheesh.  What a grouch.”
Immediately, Pinkie Pie walked up to the four ponies while Maud Pie placed her arm around her sister’s back.
“So you’ve met my big sister Maud,” Pinkie Pie said.
“We sure did,” Moondancer said.  “Though she’s a lot different than what we imagined.”
“I may be different from my sister,” Maud Pie said.  “But I can assure you I care for her like the rest of the family.”
“Well,” Danged Spell said, awkwardly.  “That is…nice to hear.”
“By the way,” Maud said, blinking at Danged Spell.  “Are you up for a walk together?”
Danged Spell slowly walked backwards and said “I just remembered, my mom is calling for me.”
Immediately, Danged Spell turned around and ran off in the opposite direction, leaving Trixie, Maud, Moondancer and Pinkie Pie behind.
“Wow,” Trixie said.  “What was that all about?”
“I think he’s just a little shy when it comes to mares,” Maud Pie said.  “But don’t worry, I think I can break that stone cold heart of his.”
“Stone cold heart,” Pinkie giggled.  “That’s a good one, Maud.”
Moondancer shook her head and said “I think we might be able to get used to this place after all.”
But as Maud Pie, Pinkie Pie, Trixie Lulamoon and Moondancer hung around, Eleanor Young observed everyone from behind the fence of Firelight’s house.
“I guess they’re alright after all,” Eleanor said.  “Maybe tomorrow, if things get better, I can return to Canterlot and let them know that they’re doing fine.”



	To Be Continued in…


	Firelight Glimmer’s Determination

> Arc 20-3: Firelight Glimmer’s Determination
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


	Firelight Glimmer’s Determination



“So how did Firelight Glimmer cope with his sadness?”
Those words came from Shanoa, who was eating dinner with her husband Fortwright, her son Danged Spell and her baby daughter Dream Seeker.  The sun was setting in the west as its light shone through the window.
“Well,” Danged Spell said.  “We were going to all gather together just to remind Mr Glimmer that there are those who are willing to help him.  But as it turns out, just him helping out a filly in need was more than enough.”
“That’s great, son,” Fortwright said as Baby Dream Seeker cheered.
“But I do feel sorry for Ditzy Doo after what she went through,” Danged Spell said.  “Scraping her arm after a crash landing like that.  That’s gotta be painful.”
“Well what matters is that someone was looking out for her well being,” Shanoa explained.  “It’s a part of what makes us who we are.”
“Yeah,” Danged Spell said.  “Guess you are right.”
“So what are your plans for tomorrow before you check into your new school?” Fortwright asked.
“Well all I wanna do tomorrow is run around in the fields surrounding La Maresa,” Danged Spell said.  “Maybe get some of my friends to join me.”
“Well that’s a wonderful idea,” Shanoa said.  “Just as long as it’s not the Everfree Forest.”
“Err,” Danged Spell said, confused.  “What’s wrong with the Everfree Forest?”
“Some say that place is haunted,” Fortwright explained.  “There’s a kind of magic in there that no pony can fully understand. Therefore, I forbid you to go into the Everfree Forest.”
“Even though I was the pony who helped fight back against the Windigo’s Guild and the Changelings?” Danged Spell asked.
“Those two groups pale in comparison to what the Everfree Forest has,” Fortwright said. 
“Even though Princess Celestia took her daughters  down there?” Danged Spell replied. 
Both Fortwright and Shanoa stood there, surprised by Danged Spells’ comment.
“Will you excuse us for a bit?” Shanoa said.
Immediately, Shanoa and Fortwright got up and slowly walked away from the table, leaving Danged Spell and Dream Seeker by themselves.
“What’s eating them?” Danged Spell said as even Dream Seeker stared at her parents heading for the kitchen.

Inside the kitchen, Fortwright and Shanoa looked at each other as if they were about to freak out.
“I think he’s got us there,” Shanoa said.  
“But that was Princess Celestia,” Fortwright said.  “She’s an alicorn and she can wander anywhere she wants.”
“Even so, she took her own younglings to explore the place,” Shanoa said.  “I hate to say this, but curiosity will have little Spell head down to check the place out without any supervision.”
“You’re right,” Fortwright said.  “And as a matter of fact, I recall Princess Celestia allowing little Wanda to head out into the cold during the big freeze by Coldnelius Snap.  But only if she were supervised.”
“So should we tell him yes, only if we go with him?” Shanoa asked.
“We should let him know about that,” Fortwright said.  “At least as long as he’s by our side, we can make sure the magic of the forest won’t take him away.”
“That will be a good idea,” Shanoa said.  “Then again, there might be a place in that forest where Spell can master his Wolf’s Breath curse there.”
“Highly doubtful,” Fortwright said.  “But it’s worth a try.  Let’s go tell him that…”
“You’re going to take me down to the Forest tomorrow?” Fortwright and Shanoa turned around to see Danged Spell standing in front of the entrance, holding baby Dream Seeker in his arms.
“Son, you heard us?” Fortwright said, surprised.
“There was no way I couldn’t,” Danged Spell said, excited.  “Besides, I could hear you talking from the table.”
“Well Spell,” Shanoa said.  “We’ll let you go down to the Forest tomorrow, under one condition.”
“That you were going to go with me supervised,” Danged Spell said.
“He’s got us there,” Fortwright said.
Danged Spell jumped into the air many times and shouted “ALRIGHT,” all while baby Dream Seeker cheered every time he leaped.
“But promise us that you’ll be safe tomorrow,” Shanoa said, causing Danged Spell to pause in the air.
“I will,” Danged Spell said.  “But promise me you’ll also be safe tomorrow.  I don’t want to end up as an orphan.”
“Promise,” Shanoa said.
Danged Spell landed on the ground before walking up to his parents and giving them a hug.  Dream Seeker giggled as she snuggled her older brother.
“I’m going to be excited for tomorrow,” Danged Spell said.  “It’s going to be an exciting day.”

But the next morning, at the Glimmers’ house in La Maresa, Firelight Glimmer and Starseeker were glued to the morning tv while eating their breakfast, though Firelight looked extremely nervous.  On the TV screen, Gold Banks was interviewed by a number of reporters.
“And so you really want to force Princess Celestia to enroll Princess Wanda Young into Daisy Joy Tech?” The reporter asked.
“Of course I do,” Gold Banks explained.  “As you all know, the School for Gifted Unicorns is down to around four students, and they had to gall to keep that miserable excuse for an education facility open.  So I propose to the Senate that we force Princess Celestia to enroll Princess Wanda Young into Daisy Joy Tech in Manehattan. They’ve agreed to take up deliberations and will cast a vote when they are ready.”
Immediately, Starseeker turned off the tv and threw the remote onto the ground in disgust.
“The nerve of that Gold Banks,” Starseeker said.  “Forcing Princess Celestia’s daughter to attend a school that she doesn’t want to go to.”
“Will you excuse me, hon?” Firelight said, placing his cereal bowl on the lamp stand.  “I need to step away for a bit.”
Immediately, Firelight ran up the staircase and towards the master bedroom, leaving his wife behind.
“Oh no,” Starseeker said.  “Firelight’s having a total relapse.”
Upstairs, Firelight Glimmer entered the bedroom before sitting down on the bed.  He looked out the window and just sighed.
“I don’t believe it,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “That monster Gold Banks is going to force Wanda Young into attending Daisy Joy Tech.  It’s my fault that this happened.”
“I beg to differ.”  Firelight Glimmer turned to his left and saw Eleanor Young emerge from the shadows.  He got up on his four legs and glared at the Evevanyian.
“Who are you?” Firelight said in a hostile tone. “And what are you doing in my house?”
“My name is Eleanor,” Eleanor Young explained.  “And I happen to be a guardian angel sent to protect Princess Celestia’s daughter and her friends.  I overheard what Gold Banks wanted to do to little Wanda.”
“It’s true,” Firelight said as he began to calm down.  “I’m to blame for separating Princess Wanda from her friends.  But I made sure my Starlight stayed with her so that she could still have a friend.  But it’s my fault that she’s in this situation.”
“No it’s not,” Eleanor said.  “You’re not to blame for Wanda’s situation.  Do you remember days ago when Gold Banks threatened to take your own daughter away?”
“I do,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “I remember what she said, and how she used Wanda’s sister and friend as hostages to force Princess Celestia into surrendering Wanda and my Starlight.  That I can’t forgive her for what she did.”
“Then I suggest returning to Canterlot,” Eleanor explained.  “Your daughter needs your help more than ever.  You need to confront Gold Banks and remind everyone how horrible she is as a parent compared to you and your wife.”
“You’re right,” Firelight said.  “You’re absolutely right.  Thanks for reminding me of what I need to do.”
“It was my honor,” Eleanor said before she bowed to Firelight Glimmer.
“Honey?  Who’s that?” As Firelight Glimmer turned towards the entrance to the bedroom where he heard Starseeker’s voice, Eleanor created a small fog around her, covering her up completely.  When the fog lifted, she was gone.
“No one, hon,” Firelight yelled.  “I was just talking to myself and I realized one thing.  I need to go back to Canterlot to save Princess Wanda from her fate.”
Immediately, Starseeker ran up the stairs and into the master bedroom, looking like she was on the verge of freaking out.
“Against Gold Banks?” Starseeker said.  “Are you crazy?  She’ll chew you up and spit you out.”
“I’m not crazy,” Firelight said.  “I left Starlight with Princess Celestia so that Wanda could have a friend to stay by her side.  But with Gold Banks threatening to take Wanda away from her mother, someone’s gotta step up to the plate and make sure Gold Banks doesn’t get what she wants.  Besides, she tried to threaten to take Pumpy-Wumpkin away to Daisy Joy Tech, and I won’t have it.”
Firelight Glimmer got up from the bed and marched towards the doorway, much to Starseeker’s own concern.
“Honey,” Starseeker said.  “I better go with you, just in case.”
“Thanks,” Firelight said.  “I need all the help we can get.”

But outside, Danged Spell emerged from his house with Fortwright and Shanoa following him while Dream Seeker rode around in a saddlebag.  Directly outside, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy with Angel, Trixie, Ditzy Doo, Maud Pie, Sunburst, Moondancer and Juniper Montage stood there waiting patiently.
“What are you guys doing out here?” Danged Spell asked.
“Well we heard you’re going to the Everfree Forest,” Rainbow Dash said.  “And we’d figure we should go with you.”
“I dunno,” Danged Spell said.  “I just want to explore the place with my folks and all.”
“Oh pretty pleaaaaase,” Fluttershy said.  “I heard the animals there can take care of themselves.”
“And there’s a kind of magic in there that even ponies cannot comprehend,” Trixie said.
“And there’s a collection of rocks that would be perfect to study,” Maud Pie said.
Danged Spell turned his head towards his parents and said “You didn’t tell them about my trip to the forest, did ya?”
“No, we didn’t,” Shanoa nodded.  “I don’t know how they found out about our trip.”
But as Fortwright, Shanoa, and Danged Spell began to ponder with the other younglings shouting out loud, they noticed Granny Smith along with four adult mares and stallions following Firelight Glimmer and Starseeker Glimmer down the road.
“Hey mom,” Danged Spell said.  “Why are Moondancer and Sunburst’s parents following Mr and Mrs Glimmer?”
“And why is Granny Smith following them?” Applejack asked.
“I don’t know,” Fortwright said.  “But we should go check it out.”
Danged Spell looked at his friends begging at him and said “You know what?  I’m with ya.”
Immediately, Danged Spell, Fortwright and Shanoa followed the group of stallions and mares down the street with Dream Seeker riding in Shanoa’s saddlebag.  The other younglings just paused, watching as Danged Spell and his family rode down the street before turning their attention to Firelight Glimmer.
“Hey, do you suppose something’s happened with Mr Glimmer?” Rarity asked.
“Good point there,” Moondancer said.  “In fact, I wanna know why our folks are following them down the street.”
“I’m with you on that,” Sunburst said.
Immediately, Sunburst and Moondancer followed Danged Spell and his folks from behind, leaving the rest of the younglings in the dust.
“Well we can’t be the only ones who think something’s up with Mr Glimmer,” Applejack said.  “We better follow from behind and find out what in blazes is going on.”
Applejack got a charging start before she took off, charging after Moondancer and Sunburst.  Right behind the apple pony, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy with Angel, Trixie, Ditzy Doo, Maud Pie and Juniper Montage ran forward after them.

At the ground bridge portal arch of La Maresa, Firelight Glimmer and Starseeker came to a stop, approaching the giant archway.
“So we’re heading back,” Firelight said.  “Back to Canterlot and to stop Gold Banks.”
“We are,” Starseeker said.  “Not just for Starlight’s sake, but also for Wanda’s sake.”
“It’s time we made up for what we did,” Firelight Glimmer said.
But before they could take a step forward, they heard the sound of ponies calling their names out.  The two turned around to see Sunspot, Stellar Flare, Crescent Eclipse, Artemis Light and Granny Smith approach the two.
“Why are you heading back to Canterlot, right now?” Crescent Eclipse asked.  “Didn’t you just get here two days ago?”
“I did,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “But I’m afraid this is personal.”
“What do you mean by that, Mr Glimmer?” Firelight and Starseeker looked up to see Danged Spell, Fortwright and Shanoa approach the group with Dream Seeker riding in Shanoa’s saddlebag.
“Danged Spell,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “And you brought your folks with you.”
“Mr Glimmer,” Danged Spell said.  “Why are you heading back to Canterlot?  What’s this all about?”
“Did you see the news today?” Firelight Glimmer said.  “Gold Banks wants to force Princess Wanda Young into attending the School for Gifted Unicorns.”
“No we didn’t,” Fortwright said.  
“Well see for yourself,” Starseeker said.  
Shanoa pulled her video tablet out from her other saddlebag and tapped the screen a few times.  Gold Banks appeared on the screen, giving out an interview.
“If Princess Celestia was wise beyond her years,” Gold Banks explained, “She would force Princess Wanda into attending Daisy Joy Tech, and leave behind her miserable life.  After all, who needs this stupid magic of friendship when you can become the smartest mind in all of Equestria.”
Shanoa pounded the screen in frustration, causing the image of Gold Banks to disappear, before looking up at Firelight Glimmer.
“You’re right,” Shanoa said.  “And that’s just despicable.”
“Which is why Starseeker and I are going back,” Firelight said.  “But it’s not just to see our Glimglam again.  It’s because of what Gold Banks is going to do to Wanda if I don’t take action.”
“Then I’m going with you,” Danged Spell said, stepping forward.  “I’m going to go up to Canterlot with Mr and Mrs Glimmer to see Wanda again.”
“Spell, are you crazy?” Danged Spell turned around to see Moondancer, Sunburst and the other younglings run up to him.
“I’m not crazy, Moondancer” Danged Spell said. “In fact, this might be our last time we see Wanda ever again.  If I were you and Sunburst, I’d tag along.”
“But Spell,” Sunburst said.  “You are losing that chance to check out the Everfree Forest with your folks.”
“What’s this about going to the Everfree Forest?” Sunspot asked in a harsh tone, causing Sunburst to take a few steps back with his ears folded downward.
“Last night,” Fortwright said, “We made the decision to allow Spell to go to the Everfree Forest, as long as we’re with him.”
“You’re crazy, are you?” Sunspot protested.  “Do you know how dangerous that place is?”
“We do,” Shanoa said.  “That’s why we chose to go with him for his own sake.  Though I wonder why the other younglings wanted to tag along.”
Immediately, Sunspot, Stellar Flare, Crescent Eclipse and Artemis Light turned towards the other younglings with a disappointed look on their faces.  Nearly all of them began to cower together while Danged Spell just looked on next to his own folks.
“You all should know better than to want to go into the Everfree Forest like that,” Artemis Light scolded.  “Isn’t that right, Granny Smith?”
“Uhh yeah,” Granny Smith said in an awkward tone.  “We don’t want you young’uns to get eaten by what’s in the forest.”
“Well regardless,” Fortwright said, “Spell’s right.  Moondancer and Sunburst should go with him and the Glimmers back to Canterlot so they can help Wanda out.  Besides, I think she’s worried sick about them.”
“Why not?” Firelight Glimmer said.  “I would like to have a few extras to help me out on this.”
Sunspot, Stellar Flare, Crescent Eclipse and Artemis Light nodded as a shamed Sunburst and Moondancer walked up to Danged Spell, who looked both excited and nervous.
“Go with Danged Spell to Canterlot and see if you can help them out,” Sunspot said.  “We’ll discuss your punishment when you get back.”
“Yes dad,” Sunburst said in a gloomy tone.
As Danged Spell, Sunburst and Moondancer walked up to the portal arch with Firelight and Starseeker Glimmer, Trixie and Pinkie Pie immediately walked up and stood by the rest of the group that was headed to Canterlot.
“Pinkie, Trixie?” Danged Spell said.  “What’s going on?”
“Well the Great and Powerful Trixie would want to see her Glimglam once more,” Trixie said, stomping her hoof in anticipation.  “And cheer up her Great and Powerful Princess Wanda.”
“Trixie’s right,” Pinkie PIe said.  “I’m not going to let Wanda suffer like that.  She needs a friend close to her and I’m the pony to do it.”
“Pinkie,” Maud Pie said.  “Should I tell Mr and Mrs Cake about this?”
“Do more than that, Maud,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Go tell mom and dad about this.  They’ll understand.”
“Will do,” Maud nodded.
“So,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “Now that we’re all set, how do we activate the portal to Canterlot?”
Everyone just went up and murmured to each other as if they had no idea.
“Honestly,” Starseeker said, “I’ve only seen Princess Celestia do it.  But I don’t know how it works.”
“Allow me.” Everyone turned to the crystal attached to the arch where Eleanor Young stood there, waving to the group.
“May I ask who that is?” Starseeker asked.
“Ooooh, I believe her name is Eleanor and she’s supposed to be some kind of guardian angel,” Pinkie Pie said.  “I would state more, but I don’t want to give anything else away.”
“Yeah,” Danged Spell said.  “I’m with you on that.  Besides, I think I’ve seen her before.”
“So Eleanor,” Firelight said.  “You said you know about this?”
“I do,” Eleanor said.  “And it’s as simple as this.”
Eleanor Young placed her hand out and fired a blast of magic at the crystal connected to the arch.  Immediately, the portal materialized in the middle of the arch until it covered up the interior of the arch.  
“Well,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “This is it. And thanks for your help.”
The only thing Eleanor could do was nod at the group with a smile on her face.
“What are we waiting for?” Danged Spell said.  “Let’s head back to Canterlot and save Wanda from being enrolled at Daisy Joy Tech.”
With that, Firelight and Starseeker Glimmer, Danged Spell, Sunburst, Moondancer, Trixie and Pinkie Pie all leaped into the portal and disappeared.  Moments later, the vortex shrunk down and vanished without a trace, leaving the other ponies and Eleanor by themselves.  Dream Seeker reached out towards the arch and a tear rolled down her cheek.
“Well,” Fortwright said.  “They’re gone.  And it looks like our trip to the Everfree Forest has been canceled for now.”
“Yeah,” Sunspot said.  “I’m going to have to have a word with you about that.  I know you wanted to keep your son protected, but not like that.”
“I don’t know how they found out about our plans for today,” Shanoa said.  “After all, we only told Granny Smith about our plans yesterday and…”
Shanoa paused for a bit before she turned to Granny Smith, who looked even more nervous.
“Granny Smith,” Shanoa said.  “Did you tell them about our plans?”
“I DID!” Granny Smith said.  “I TOLD ALL OF THEM BECAUSE BRIGHT MAC AND BUTTERCUP HAD PLANS TO GO TO THE FOREST TODAY!  AND THEY BOTH ENCOURAGED ME TO TELL THEIR FOLKS ABOUT THIS!”
“Wait,” Sunspot said.  “You mean to tell me that their parents all knew they were going down to the Everfree Forest?”
“Well I’ll be darned,” Stellar Flare said with a laugh.  “Here I wonder why I didn’t get any news about it from Granny Smith, or her family.”
“Because by the time we reached your houses, you were all fast asleep,” Granny Smith cried.  “I’m sorry we couldn’t wake you up like that.”
Sunspot just hung his head down before walking down the street.
“Honey,” Stellar Flare said.  “Where are you going?”
“I was thinking about a punishment for Sunburst,” Sunspot said.  “But after what I heard, I dunno what else to say.”
As Sunspot and Stellar Flare walked away, Crescent Eclipse and Artemis Light just stared at them with the others gathered around the couple.
“I know this sounds hypocritical,” Crescent Eclipse said.  “But now I wanna go down and explore this Everfree Forest.  See if it’s as mysterious as the stars in the sky.”
“What would Moondancer say if she found out we went into the forest without her?” Artemis Light asked.
“We’ll let her off the hook,” Crescent Eclipse said.  “For now.”
But nearby, Applejack placed her hoof on Granny Smith as Rarity walked up to her.
“Do you think your folks will be alright after today?” Rarity asked.
“They will,” Applejack said.  “Though I hope that Firelight and the others will save Wanda from her fate at who knows where.”
But as the ponies gazed away from the arch, Eleanor looked up at it with worry in her eyes.
“Perhaps I may have to return to Canterlot and reveal who I really am to Wanda,” Eleanor said to herself.


	To Be Continued in….


	Arc 21: A Friend in Need


	The Healing Powers of a Friend

> Arc 21(A Friend in Need)-1: The Healing Powers of a Friend
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Arc 21: A Friend in Need


	The Healing Powers of a Friend



Wanda wandered in the middle of the night, this time surrounded by a barren wasteland.  There was no other soul around her.  Wanda aimlessly looked around helplessly.
“Sunset?  Starlight?  Big sis?  Mommy?  Aunt Woona?” Wanda called.  “Where are you?”
“They can’t help you at all,” someone shouted.
“You,” Wanda cried.  “I thought banishing you to the moon a thousand years ago would keep you out of my head.”
“It didn’t,” The voice said.  “In fact, it’s the reason why I’ve been in your head you stupid human.”
“Come on out and reveal yourself, Pony of Shadows,” Wanda cried.
Immediately, everything around Wanda turned black, leaving the Man’s Cub wandering confused.   She looked like she was on the verge of breaking down crying.
“What’s going on?” Wanda cried. “Where am I?”
“Oh you are nowhere, and everywhere,” the voice cackled.
“This isn’t funny,” Wanda said.  “I want to see everyone again.  I wanna see mommy.   I wanna see Sunset and Starlight.”
“Oh you won’t anymore,” The voice laughed as the Pony of Shadows appeared in front of Wanda.  “And I heard rumors that you’re going to a new school.”
“No I’m not,” Wanda said.  “I still attend the School for Gifted Unicorns with my sister, Golden Lace and my Glimmy.”
“That’s what you think,” The Pony of Shadows laughed.  “Not even your mommy will have a say in your fate.  You will be taken away from your friends and family, and become an outcast at Daisy Joy Tech.  Everyone there will hate you because of who you are: a hideous monkey amongst the ponies.”
“No,” Wanda cried.  “That’s not true.  That’s impossible.”
“Search your feelings,” The Pony of Shadows laughed.  “YOU KNOW IT BE TRUE!”
Wanda got down on her knees and yelled out “NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!”

Immediately, Wanda woke up from bed, panting loudly.  The sun was barely showing itself on the east side of the land.  Sunset and Starlight slept in the bed next to Wanda while Abigail slept in her little bed next to Wanda.   But as Wanda slumped back in bed, she looked up at the ceiling and reached out.
“Mommy,” Wanda cried.  “I don’t want to leave you.”

Hours later when the morning sun shone across Canterlot, Firelight and Starseeker Glimmer, Danged Spell, Sunburst, Moondancer, Trixie and Pinkie Pie emerged from the ground bridge portal from La Maresa.  They looked around as the portal behind them disappeared.  The citizens looked distressed as they had their eyes glued to their video tablets.
“I take it they’re paying attention to Gold Banks’ demand to make Wanda attend Daisy Joy Tech,'' Moondancer asked.
“That’s what I assume,” Sunburst said. 
“Maybe we should talk with one of them,” Starseeker said.
Firelight Glimmer nodded as he walked up to one of the citizens, who had her eyes glued to the video tablet.
“Excuse me,” Firelight asked.  “But could you tell me what’s going on?”
“It’s Gold Banks,” the citizen said.  “She wants to force Princess Wanda into attending the School for Gifted Unicorns.  In fact, she’s already tearing Princess Celestia up on the debate stage.”
“Gold Banks is doing what?” Moondancer yelled.
Firelight Glimmer pulled out his video tablet and tapped the screen a number of times.  A video of Gold Banks debating a weakened Princess Celestia appeared on the screen, causing Firelight’s jaw to drop in horror.
“What in the world?” Firelight Glimmer said.  “What is Gold Banks doing?”
On the video screen, Gold Banks stood her ground in front of the entire Equestrian Senate.  Celestia attempted to speak, only for Gold Banks to shut her down.
“So you want that snot-nosed brat to be relegated to only a few friends?” Gold Banks debated.  “You want her education to suffer and as a result, you want her to be nothing more than a juvenile delinquent?”
“That’s not true,” Celestia said, attempting to fire back.  “She doesn’t just have two sisters by her side, but a good number of friends who will continue to have her back.”
“Hogwash,” Gold Banks laughed.  “What you refer to as her friends are no substitute for interacting in a real society compared to Daisy Joy Tech.”
“They are as much,” Celestia said, stomping her hoof on the ground.  
“Is that a fact,” Gold Banks said.  “In fact, I heard the father of one of her friends decided to let her stay with you because he’s too much of a coward to raise that little chickadee.”
“Mrs Banks,” Chancellor Cinch yelled.  “Stop resorting to badgering.  You are in a debate, not a reality show.”
“Why should I?” Gold Banks said with a smirk on her face.  “Is it so you can continue to make excuses for this disgrace of a princess?  And I’m not talking about Princess Celestia.”
As the Senate murmured on the video screen, Firelight Glimmer pulled the tablet back and looked as if he were about to yell out in rage.
“What does this Gold Banks think she is?” Starseeker said, pulling the video tablet away before Firelight could swing it upwards.  “We left her there because of the threat she made back in Harvestia.”
“You’re absolutely right,” Firelight roared as he slammed his hoof on the ground.  “She doesn’t get to threaten to take my daughter away and get away with it.  Why isn’t anyone protesting this?”
“Actually,” another citizen said, pointing in another direction.  “That’s why.”
Firelight looked in the direction where the citizen was pointing.  In front of a giant building, a huge crowd of protesters marched around the block, chanting “Make her go.  Make her go.  Make her go.”
“The Gold Bankers,” Pinkie Pie said.  
“You’ve heard of them?” Danged Spell asked.
“Heard of them?” Trixie said.  “They were causing a whole lot of trouble prior to your arrival, trying to force their despicable views down our throats.  They only disappeared three days prior to your arrival.”
“Are you kidding me?” Sunburst said.  “Those fools actually pulled a stunt like that?  It’s as if we can’t live anywhere in Equestria without any form of danger lurking about.”
“Sadly, you’re right,” Danged Spell said.  “But in my view, we don’t run and hide.  We fight to the very end.”
Suddenly, someone shouted “What are you guys doing here?”  Trixie, Pinkie Pie, Danged Spell, Sunburst and Moondancer turned around to see Twilight Sparkle and Golden Lace ride up to them with Spike atop Twilight’s back.
“Twilight,” Moondancer said.  “How’s your father’s leg?”
“Starting to heal a bit, but he’s still not done,” Twilight said.  “But that being said, you guys left for La Maresa a couple of days ago.  Why are you back here?”
“We came here because we heard the news about Wanda being forced to attend Daisy Joy Tech,” Trixie said.  “But you can thank Glimglam’s daddy for wanting to come here.”
Golden Lace looked up at Firelight Glimmer, who was still seething with anger by looking at the Gold Bankers.
“Mr Glimmer,” Golden Lace said, catching the attention of the patriarch of the Glimmer family.  
“You’re one of Wanda’s friends, correct?” Firelight asked.
“I am,” Golden Lace said.  “Unfortunately, I am also the daughter of Gold Banks.  And I know what you’re thinking after what she tried to do to Starlight Glimmer.”
“I don’t blame you for what your mother did,” Firelight Glimmer said, getting down on one knee and placing his hoof on Golden Lace’s shoulder.  “I also know what she did to you by shipping you to Daisy Joy Tech long ago, which in my mind is not okay.  You’ve proved to at least be a far better pony than your mother turned out to be.”
“Thank you,” Golden Lace said.
“Well that being said,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “I take it you’re here to confront Gold Banks.”
“I am,” Firelight Glimmer, getting back on his four hooves.  “I need to talk with Princess Celestia, and let her know that I want to debate Gold Banks.  This is personal.”
“Come with us,” Twilight said.  “We were on the way to the castle to check up on Wanda.”
“That’s a great idea,” Danged Spell said. 
“Well what are we waiting for?” Golden Lace said as she and Twilight turned towards the palace.  “Let’s head there.”
Firelight Glimmer followed Golden Lace and  Twilight Sparkle with Spike on her back to the castle with Starseeker, Danged Spell, Moondancer, Sunburst, Trixie and Pinkie Pie following from behind.  But as soon as the group went through the royal gates, the portal materialized within the arch and Eleanor Young emerged from it before it disappeared right behind her
"I just hope I am not too late," Eleanor said turning her attention towards the palace.

Inside the castle at the Grand Foyer, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor wandered back and forth, totally worried, looking up at the TV screen and watching the events unfold at the Senate building.
“Gold Banks is making Princess Celestia and Chancellor Cinch look horrible,” Princess Luna said.  “That should have been me on the debate stage.”
“Easy, Aunt Luna,” Princess Cadance said.  “This is Wanda we’re talking about.”
“I know,” Princess Luna said.  “But I just wanna verbally tear Gold Banks apart for what she’s blabbering about in terms of Princess Wanda and my sister.”
“The only thing we can do is wait,” Shining Armor said.  
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door, but the three ponies were too anxious to go near the door.  Majordomo Kibitz emerged from the back door and walked up to the front door.
“I’ll get it,” Kibitz yelled.
Majordomo Kibitz opened the door, where Firelight Glimmer, Starseeker, Danged Spell, Sunburst, Moondancer, Golden Lace, Twilight Sparkle with Spike, Trixie and Pinkie Pie stood.
“Mr Glimmer,” Majordomo Kibitz.  “I’m surprised that you’re here.”
Kibitz’s words were enough to catch the attention of Princess Luna, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor, who all walked up to the front door.
“Firelight Glimmer, what are you doing here?” Princess Luna asked.
“I know why I’m here, Princess Luna,” Firelight Glimmer said as he and his group entered.  “We found out about Gold Banks’ plan to force Wanda to attend Daisy Joy Tech, and I have a grudge against her.”
“Mr Glimmer, are you out of your mind?” Princess Luna said, startled.  “You try to get up on that debate stage and she will tear you apart.”
“This is personal,” Firelight Glimmer snapped.  “After what she tried to do to my Starlight, I’ve got every reason to tear her apart for even thinking about taking someone else’s child away.  Right now, I want to see Starlight and let her know I’m gonna fight for her friend.”
“Starlight Glimmer’s upstairs with Wanda Young and the rest of the younglings who live with us,” Princess Cadance said, pointing upstairs to the doorway.  
But before Firelight Glimmer could step forward, Princess Luna stepped in front of him, stopping the stallion in his place.
“I’ll take you to Starlight,” Princess Luna said.
Firelight Glimmer nodded as he followed Princess Luna upstairs with Starseeker and the other younglings following from behind, with the exception of Golden Lace and Twilight Sparkle, the latter who stood there before turning towards her big brother after he tapped her on the shoulder.
“Twili,” Shining Armor said.  “I thought Danged Spell, Sunburst and Moondancer were in La Maresa.”
“They were,” Twilight Sparkle explained.  “But they came back here after finding out about what Gold Banks’ desire to force Wanda to enroll at Daisy Joy Tech.”
“And what about Trixie or Pinkie Pie?” Shining Armor asked.
“Trixie I believe is because of Starlight’s bond with her,” Twilight explained.  “I don’t know about Pinkie.  But I have the feeling she wants to cheer up Wanda.”
“I hope you’re right,” Shining Armor said.  “Because I fear this might be the last time that Wanda gets to see her friends.”
“Right now,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “Princess Celestia will need a major miracle.”
“I’ll say,” Golden Lace said.  “After what my mother is doing to humiliate Princess Celestia in the Senate, she really needs a miracle in spades.”
Spike looked at the other younglings walking up the stairs and said “Help us.”

Meanwhile, Wanda Young stared out the window while sitting on her bed, sighing quietly.  Behind her, Sunset Shimmer, Starlight Glimmer, Abigail Albright, Cozy Glow and the Dazzlings stood there, helplessly.
“First she had that nightmare about the Pony of Shadows again and now Gold Banks wants to ship her off to Daisy Joy Tech,” Sunset Shimmer said.
“What are we going to do?” Sonata Dusk asked.
“Even I don’t know what to do,” Starlight said as she struggled to hold her tears in.  “She’s locked her mind out and is just staring out like her life’s being torn apart.  It makes me wanna just….just…”
With that, Starlight broke down crying and her tears formed twin waterfall gushers, soaking Sunset Shimmer, Cozy Glow and Abigail Albright.
“Starlight,” Cozy Glow said, annoyed.  “Not around me you silly.”
“It’s alright,” Sunset said.  “We’ll think of something.”
“Think of something?” Adagio Dazzle said.  “We’re about to lose Princess Wanda and you don’t know what to do?  It’s going to take a miracle to lift her spirits.”
“Then call me a miracle.”  The familiar voice that said those words caused Starlight Glimmer to stop crying and her tears to shrink down to mere droplets.  She turned around with the rest of the group to see Firelight Glimmer and Starseeker standing in front of the door with Princess Luna by their side.
“Daddy?  Mommy?” Starlight said, surprised.
“We’ve missed you, sweetie,” Starseeker said, holding her arms out.
Starlight Glimmer sniffled a bit before she ran up to her folks and jumped right into their arms, hugging them warmly.
“I’ve missed you both as well,” Starlight cried.
“Mr Glimmer,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “I’m surprised that you and your wife are here.”
“They aren’t the only ones who arrived,” Princess Luna said with a smirk.
Princess Luna stepped aside as Danged Spell, Sunburst and Moondancer stepped through the doorway.  Sunset Shimmer’s face beamed at the sight of her old friends.
“You…You’ve come back,” Sunset Shimmer said.
“We did,” Danged Spell said.  “After all, we weren’t really gone with the wind now, were we?”
But the only thing Sunset Shimmer could do is run up to her three friends and give them all a hug.
“You three,” Sunset Shimmer cried.  “I’m glad you came back.”
“This may be the last time we get to see Wanda,” Moondancer said.  “That’s the main reason why we all came back.”
As Firelight placed Starlight down, Trixie ran up from behind Princess Luna and gave Starlight a big hug.
“Trixie,” Starlight laughed.  “I didn’t know you would be here as well.”
“Well the Great and Powerful Trixie missed you, Starlight,” Trixie said.  “And she wanted to make sure you’re doing fine.”
“I am,” Starlight said.  “But Wanda’s not doing so well.”
Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell and Trixie all looked at the bed where Wanda sat there, paying them no attention.  Pinkie Pie pulled herself out from behind Princess Luna and saw the Man’s Cub sit there, depressed.
“Woah,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Guess that meanie Gold Banks really brought her mood down.”
Firelight Glimmer walked up to Wanda Young, who continued to stare out the window, paying no attention to anyone around him.
“Wanda,” Firelight Glimmer said. “Are you alright?”
But Wanda said nothing as she stared out the window.  Pinkie Pie immediately ran up to the bed and jumped on while Firelight sat down with her.
“Wanda,” Firelight said.  “It’s me, the father of Starlight Glimmer. I came here to check up on you.”
But as Wanda continued to stare off, Pinkie Pie got off the bed and looked up at Wanda.
“Wanda, are you going to let that meanie Gold Banks put you down?” Pinkie Pie asked.
“Yes,” Wanda said in a bored tone.
“Woah woah woah,” Pinkie Pie said, backing up.  “Don’t you realize that there are tons of ponies who care about you?”
But Wanda ignored Pinkie Pie’s words and continued to stare out of the window.
“Wanda,” Pinkie Pie said.  “You don’t seem to care about what I said.  Well what if I told you that they’re with me?”
“I don’t mind,” Wanda said.  “Maybe they’ve come to say good-bye.”
“They’re not,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “They’re here because they’re worried about you.”
Firelight Glimmer whistled to Danged Spell, Sunburst and Moondancer, who ran through the room and jumped onto the bed, sitting next to Wanda.
“Wanda, it’s us,” Sunburst said.  “We’ve been worried sick about you after what we’ve heard this morning.”
“Hi,” Wanda said, keeping her eyes out on the windows.
“Wanda, we know you’re not alright,” Moondancer said.  “And we know why.  Gold Banks wants to make sure you never see us again.”
But Wanda paid no attention.  She just continued to stare at the window, nearly motionless.
“This is more serious than I thought,” Danged Spell said.
“I know,” Sunburst said.  “Whatever Gold Banks said must have really brought her mood down.”
“Actually, I can explain,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Last night, I overheard the shouting of a Pony of Shadows from Wanda while I was asleep.  I assume she had a nightmare about that beast again.”
“Oh wait a minute,” Pinkie Pie said.  “That Pony of Shadows that Wanda went back in time and helped Princess Luna banish it to the moon with the Elements of Harmony and she befriended a filly unicorn named Misty Brightdawn?”
“Wait,” Cozy Glow said.  “How did you know that she helped defeat the Pony of Shadows and all that stuff?”
Sunset Shimmer turned to Cozy Glow and said “She’s the reincarnation of Discord, remember?”
Cozy Glow slammed her head on her hoof and said “Doh.  I forgot.”
Pinkie Pie immediately turned towards Wanda, determined as ever.
“Listen,” Pinkie Pie said.  “You were able to help Princess Luna beat back the Pony of Shadows a thousand years ago.  We can help you beat it back again and make sure that Gold Banks never take you away.  In fact, Mr Firelight Glimmer here has volunteered to debate Gold Banks at the Senate today and teach her a lesson she won’t forget.  And no matter what happens, we’re gonna stay together as the best of friends.”
Wanda’s face suddenly popped up before she turned towards Firelight Glimmer.
“Wait,” Wanda said.  “You’re going to confront that mean Gold Banks?”
“I am,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “For your sake and for Starlight’s sake.  After what she did by demanding I enroll my daughter into Daisy Joy Tech, I’m not going to sit by and let her bully you around.  You have my word.”
“And I’m glad that daddy came back,” Starlight said as she jumped on the bed and gave Wanda a hug.  “We’re all here for you, and we’re gonna stand with you until the end of time.”
Wanda looked at all her friends, who looked up at the Man’s Cub with pure sympathy.
“I….I’m sorry I pushed you aside,” Wanda cried as Danged Spell, Sunburst and Moondancer all gave Wanda a hug.
“It’s okay,” Sunburst said.  “We’re here for you.”
“Yeah,” Danged Spell said.  “It’s okay for you to cry.  But Mr Glimmer will make sure Gold Banks has some cheese with her usual whine.”
“Danged Spell,” Moondancer said as she, Starlight and Sunburst broke out into laughter.
“I’ve really missed you guys,” Wanda cried.  “I’m just glad you all came back once more.”
“We’ll make sure it’s not once more,” Pinkie Pie said, jumping on the bed and joining in on hugging Wanda.  “Pinkie Promise.”
As Firelight Glimmer smiled, he reached over and playfully rubbed Wanda on the head.  She looked up at the stallion.
“Thanks for bringing them back,” Wanda said.  “And I hope you tell off that meanie Banks.”
“I will,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “For you and for your new sister Starlight Glimmer.”
“Wait,” Starlight said.  “Wanda’s my new sister?”
“Though I will come by to check up on you,” Firelight explained, “I will allow you to remain here with Wanda.  And you’re welcome to come down to La Maresa when you get the chance.”
“Oh daddy,” Starlight said before she gave Firelight a hug.
But as everyone on the bed embraced each other, they heard a pony clear up her throat.  Princess Luna walked on in and approached Firelight Glimmer, whispering something in his ear.
“Princess Celestia is here?” Firelight said.  “Well where is she?”
“She’s down the hallway with Princess Cadance,” Princess Luna said.  “Explain everything to her and tell her you want to debate Gold Banks.”
Starlight Glimmer released her hold on Firelight Glimmer as Princess Celestia appeared from behind the doorway with Princess Cadance and Golden Lace.  Celestia looked at everyone and her face lit up.
“What are all you doing here?” Princess Celestia asked. 
“I brought them back for two reasons,” Firelight Glimmer said, approaching Princess Celestia.  “One, I heard about what’s going on with your daughter Wanda, and I wanted to make sure she sees her friends again.  Two, I’ve got a grudge against Gold Banks and I wish to debate her.”
“I appreciate you doing this,” Celestia said.  “But debate Gold Banks?  That’s crazy.”
“I’m aware of that as well, your majesty,” Starseeker said. “But it’s far more personal with my husband.  Remember during that time in Harvestia when Night Light broke his leg, and Gold Banks demanded that our Starlight attend Daisy Joy Tech?”
“I do remember,” Celestia said.  “But still, are you sure about wanting to debate Gold Banks?  She really made a mess out of me on the Senate floor.”
“I am,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “After what she did back in Harvestia, I’m not going to back down and let her get away with these shenanigans.  And besides, I’m also doing this for your daughter.  I owe her for nearly splitting her from her friends.”
Celestia looked up at Firelight and said “Alright.  I was given an hour break to refocus myself.  But thanks to you, I think we can handle this.  Come with me.”
But before Firelight and Celestia walked out the door, Golden Lace walked up to Firelight Glimmer and tapped on his arm.
“Mr Glimmer,” Golden Lace asked.  “Can I go with you?”
“Young lady,” Firelight said, turning to Golden Lace.  “You’re putting yourself in harm’s way if Gold Banks saw your face.”
“I know,” Golden Lace said.  “But I want to see how badly my mother gets humiliated on stage once you show her how much of a coward she truly is.”
“Very well,” Firelight said.  “Come.  It’s time we taught your mother a lesson she won’t forget.”
But before Firelight walked out, he turned towards Wanda and Starlight with a smug look on his face.
“Hey Pumpy-Wumpkin,” Firelight said.  “Promise me you’ll make sure Wanda says happy?”
“Promise daddy,” Starlight said. “Now go kick Gold Banks’ butt.”
“Oh I will,” Firelight said with a hearty laugh.
Firelight Glimmer, Golden Lace and Princess Celestia stepped outside with Starseeker following from behind.  As they walked down the hall, Princess Cadance walked alongside them.  Meanwhile, Wanda turned to face the doorway with a slight smile on her face.
“Do you think your daddy will be able to teach Gold Banks a lesson she won’t forget?” Wanda asked.
“I’ve seen how vicious my daddy is if he saw someone intentionally make me cry,” Starlight said.  “And believe me, it’s not pretty.”
“Oooh I can’t wait,” Pinkie Pie said, pulling out a carton full of popcorn from her mane. “I heard Firelight Glimmer is a tough-as-nails debater.”
“Hey Pinkie,” Danged Spell said.  “I think we’re going to need more popcorn.”
“Whoops.” Pinkie Pie said.  “Forgot that you guys are in on the fun.”

Meanwhile in the hallway, Princess Celestia walked alongside Firelight Glimmer and Starseeker on her left, and Princess Cadance and Golden Lace on her right.  While Celestia started to look a little more optimistic, Cadance looked worried.
“Mother, are you sure about this?” Princess Cadance asked.  “Putting our fate in Firelight Glimmer?”
“I believe so,” Princess Celestia said.  “He said he wants to make things right after unintentionally breaking Wanda’s friends up, and he also has a grudge against Gold Banks.  Plus, there is a kind of fire I’m seeing within his eyes.”
“Should I let the Chancellor know that you’re going to end the recess soon?” Princess Cadance asked.
“That won’t be necessary,” Princess Celestia said.  “I’ll go to her and let her know that I’ll be ending recess and that we have a new ally on our side.”



	To Be Continued in…


	Firelight vs the Gaslighter

> Arc 21-2: Firelight vs the Gaslighter
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


	Firelight vs the Gaslighter




It was a bright day in Canterlot City.  But the citizens’ focus was either on their video tablets, or on the Senate Building where a number of Gold Bankers surrounded the front gates, protesting and demanding that Princess Wanda Young be taken to Daisy Joy Tech.
But in the air, a chariot carrying Princess Celestia, Firelight Glimmer, Starseeker Glimmer and Golden Lace flew through the air with a pair of royal guard pegasi pulling it.  The chariot flew above a landing pad before touching down.   Immediately, Celestia, Firelight, Starseeker and Lace stepped off the chariot before making their way to the upper entrance of the building.
“I’ll have to confess,” Golden Lace said.  “I have never been here before at all.”
“You’ve never been to the Senate building at all?” Firelike asked.
“Even when I was a mean-little brat, my parents normally didn't take me to these places,” Golden Lace explained.  “They usually left me in a school and let me play tyrant to the other kids.  And when I got in trouble, my parents always bullied the principal of these schools to make them back down.  It was no different when I started to attend the School for Gifted Unicorns.”
“So you were a lot like your mother back then,” Starseeker said.  “How did you end up more of a friend than a foe?”
“You can thank the Queen of the Hippogriffs for making me realize that I was in the wrong,” Golden Lace said.  “Then again, long after she showed me what a better pony I could be, I was shunned by my parents at first for changing for the better.  Then it got worse when Gold Banks tried to take Wanda away while she was healing from the Hay Fever Virus.”
“That’s just horrible,” Firelight said.  “To think that Gold Banks wants to make Wanda attend Daisy Joy Tech.”
“It gets even worse,” Princess Celestia explained.  “Gold Banks has been mistreating her husband in recent times, sometimes leaving him out of the house or even in the cold.  Since then, Silver Banks has remained in his mansion in Canterlot while Gold Banks has held up in her penthouse in Manehattan.”
“Sounds like the perfect couple to be on their way to a divorce,” Starseeker said.
“It is,” Princess Celestia said.
As the sun shone down on the Senate Building in Canterlot, Celestia, Firelight, Starseeker and Golden Lace made their way into the entrance of the building, anticipating the fight up ahead

Later inside the Chancellor’s chambers, Chancellor Cinch waited with patience as Princess Celestia entered with Firelight, Starseeker and Golden Lace right behind the alicorn princess.
“I got Princess Luna’s message as soon as it was sent,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “I’m surprised that you have chosen to end your recess this soon.  But I do question the idea of letting a citizen of Equestria on the debate floor, much less the father of Starlight Glimmer.”
“This wasn’t my idea to begin with, Chancellor,” Princess Celestia explained.  “The moment I returned to the palace in an exhausted state, Firelight Glimmer wanted to come in and debate Gold Banks over the proposal to make Princess Wanda attend Daisy Joy Tech.
“Is this true?” Chancellor Cinch asked.
“It’s true,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “I still remember what Gold Banks said to me back in Harvestia, about how she wanted to force my daughter to attend Daisy Joy Tech.  I would never let someone else dictate on what to do with my daughter, especially one who neglects and forces her to attend that horrible boarding school.”
“As someone who was enrolled there,” Golden Lace said.  “I still remember what kind of torment I’ve gone through, which includes automatic Fs regardless of how well I did on the test and being forced to clean dishes at night when I was supposed to be asleep.  Even some of the other students picked on me for who I was.”
“Seems Gold Banks bit off more than she could chew,” Chancellor Cinch pondered.
“So you’ll let me do it?” Firelight Glimmer said.  “Will you let me debate Gold Banks on the Senate Floor?”
“What’s this about an ordinary citizen wishing to debate my star pupil over her proposal to enroll Princess Wanda into Daisy Joy Tech?” Everyone turned to face the entrance of the Chancellor’s chambers, where Magistrate Creme stepped in with her daughter Majesty by her side.
“You must be Magistrate Creme Dream,” Firelight said.
“And you must be the Patriarch of the Glimmer family and one of the two heads of Sire’s Hollow,” Magistrate Creme Dream said, holding her hoof out.  “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
Firelight Glimmer just looked down at Creme Dream’s hoof with a dead look on his face.
“No thanks,” Firelight said.  “I’m not in the mood to shake hooves.”
“Oh?” Magistrate Creme Dream said, surprised by Firelight’s decision.  “Not in the mood for a formal courtesy?”
“Perhaps after the vote is cast on Princess Wanda’s fate,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “Right now, my focus is more on my debate with Gold Banks.”
“Very well,” Magistrate Creme Dream said.  “I’ll respect your decision, Mr Glimmer.  But I did come to say that Gold Banks has been made aware of your presence and she looks forward to humiliating you on the debate stage.”
“Did she?” Firelight Glimmer said.
“Oh she looks forward to treating an ordinary citizen of Equestria far worse than Princess Celestia,” Magistrate Creme Dream said.  “And I assure you that you will be the shame of all of Sire’s Hollow, whatever is left of it.”
But before Firelight could say anything, Chancellor Cinch tapped him on the shoulder.
“You don’t need to cause a commotion,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “I’ve informed the Senate of your desire to debate Gold Banks and they’ve approved of it.  You will go on in thirty minutes.”
“Thanks, Chancellor,” Firelight Glimmer said before he directed his eyes towards Creme Dream.
“So it looks like everything is in order,” Creme Dream said.  “Very well.  I look forward to this entertainment on the Senate Floor.”
But next to Creme Dream, Majesty approached a very stern Golden Lace, who stood her ground against the alicorn filly.
“The disgraced daughter of Gold Banks,” Majesty said.  “What brings you here?”
“Just came here to see how my mother is going to get humiliated,” Golden Lace said, staring down at Majesty.  “And I don’t need your encouragement for that.”
“Setting your expectations extremely low, I take it,” Majesty said.  “You’ll never hit the big time ever again with that kind of attitude.  In fact, I think you’re going to sink far lower if you keep going against your own mother.”
“That’s fine with me,” Golden Lace said.  “In fact, I think the big time was overrated.  Too much desire to be number one, and not thinking about others.”
“Oh you don’t get it, do you?” Majesty said.  “We have to look down on the commoners like the peasants they truly are. We have to show them that we run this nation, and they have no say in it.  Democracy, freedom, friendship, harmony, all that stuff.  That’s all junk to be tossed away.  Maybe you should have gotten the point and stayed at Daisy Joy Tech.”
Golden Lace glared at Majesty as she struggled to hold herself back.
“That’s enough, Majesty,” Magistrate Creme Dream said.  “It’s time we prepared for the entertainment of today.”
“Yes, mother,” Majesty said as she and Creme Dream began to walk out the door.
As Creme Dream was making her way out, she turned towards Princess Celestia, Chancellor Cinch, Firelight and Starseeker Glimmer.
“Guess this is the event of a lifetime,” Magistrate Creme Dream said.  “All of Equestria is watching.”
Once Cream Dream and Majesty left the room, Firelight Glimmer stood there with his wife, Princess Celestia, Golden Lace and Chancellor Cinch.  The anger on his face has not left him.  
“Oh believe me,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “I expect to give them a show.”
Chancellor Cinch stepped towards the door before she turned to Firelight Glimmer and said “I will prepare the Senate for the event.  I would advised that you prepare yourself.”
“I will, your excellency,” Firelight Glimmer said.
As Chancellor Abacus Cinch stepped out of her chambers, Princess Celestia turned towards Golden Lace and said “I take it you once had a friendship with Majesty.”
“Not really,” Golden Lace said.  “Even back when I was a meanie, I saw her more as a rival.  LIke she wanted to prove that she was the meaner pony than I was.  I never really cared for Majesty at all.”
“Even compared to your worst days, Majesty was far more of a burden,” Princess Celestia said.  “Let’s say she knew how to get under everyone’s fur, including my own.  And as much as I wanted to suspend her for her behavior, I knew the Magistrate would come down on me if I did so.”
Golden Lace let out a sigh and said “I wish this nightmare will end, Princess.”
“It will, Golden Lace,” Princess Celestia said.  “It will.”

It was the top of the hour.  The senators from various provinces of Equestria has taken their seats, awaiting the debate.
At the Everfree Forest, the younglings from Ponyville all gathered around Sunspot and Stellar Flare as they had their video tablet setup.  Joining them were Crescent Eclipse, Artemis Light, Fortwright, Shanoa, Bright Mac, Buttercup, Big Mac and Granny Smith, who all had their baskets full of fruit.
“Out here in the Everfree Forest?” Rainbow Dash said.  “I’m surprised by the fact that we’re getting great reception here.”
“Well that’s the magic of the Canterweb,” Fortwright explained.  “I don’t know how it’s done, but I know they’ve done it.”
“Do you think Mr Glimmer will be able to teach that mean Gold Banks a lesson?” Fluttershy asked.
“Are you kidding me?” Applejack said.  “If anything, I hope he gives Gold Banks a lesson she won’t forget.”
“On a side note,” Crescent Eclipse said.  “What will we say to Moondancer and Sunburst when they find out we were at the Everfree Forest while they were visiting Wanda?”
“That’s a good question,” Sunspot said.  “If we try to ignore or deny it, these younglings who are with us would spill the beans to them, and they would lose faith in us.  We’ll have to admit the truth to them when we see them.”
“That’s a shame,” Artemis Light said.  “To chew out our own children for wanting to go to the Everfree Forest, only for all of us to do so.”
“Right now, my focus is on Firelight Glimmer,” Stellar Flare said.  “After what she did to Night Light, I hope Firelight airs her out to dry.”
“I heard Gold Banks is going to hit rock bottom,” Maud Pie said.
“Maud,” The younglings yelled before they burst into laughter.
“What?” Maud Pie said.  “I had to take cues from that cute colt Danted Spell.”

At the Living Quarters of the Royal Palace, Wanda Young sat down, staring at the big screen with Starlight Glimmer, Sunset Shimmer, Cozy Glow and Abigail by her side.  Sitting on the floor, observing the Senate on the tv, were Twilight Sparkle, Spike the Dragon, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk.  Behind the couch were Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, and Majordomo Kibitz.  Princess Luna was in the doorway near the staircase, talking with Eleanor Young out of the sight of the younglings.
 “I must thank you for helping bring Firelight Glimmer to Canterlot,” Princess Luna said.
“It was the least I could do, Princess Luna,” Eleanor said.  “I wanted to help out after unintentionally separating Wanda’s friends from her.
“Her fate now rests on Firelight Glimmer’s shoulders,” Princess Luna said.  “And for some reason, I can’t help but realize that there is something within him that could light up the Senate.”
“That may be true,” Eleanor Young said.  “Where I come from, we have a similar political system to yours.”
“Guess there is more to us than meets the eye,” Princess Luna said.
   While most of the group observing the TV looked anticipated, Wanda felt a bit anxious.
“How are you doing, Wanda?” Princess Cadance asked.
“I’m only hoping that Mr Glimmer can best Gold Banks on tv,” Wanda said.
“You’ve never seen my daddy debate before,” Starlight said.  “Let’s just say he’s extremely fierce when it comes to deciding the fate of Sire’s Hollow, especially around Sunburst’s mommy.”
“Is that a fact?” Sunset asked.
“It sure is,” Sunburst said.  “In fact, both my mom and Starlight’s daddy often joke about who’s going to be the Senator representing Sire’s Hollow.”
“I’m surprised that neither of them are acting senators at all,” Cozy Glow said.  “After all, Equestrian Politics are as vicious as they come.”
“They’ve made a lot of excuses for not wanting to run for Senate,” Starlight Glimmer explained.  “Which unfortunately meant looking out for me and Sunburst.  But give them time and they may consider it.”
“Only time will tell,” Cozy Glow said.
“Hold on,” Wanda said.  “I see Ms Cinch approach the center.  I think it’s about to start.”

On the Senate Floor, Chancellor Abacus Cinch stepped onto the central podium and looked up towards every senator within the halls of the building.
“Senators of Equestria,” Chancellor Cinch explained.  “The recess has ended earlier than usual so that we may continue to debate on Senate Bill 060660.  Presenting the debater for this session will be none other than the royal ruler of Equestria: Princess Celestia Del Sol.”
The Senate clapped as Princess Celestia walked in front of the podium and approached the microphone.  Once the Senate finished their cheers, Celestia cleared her throat.
“Senators,” Princess Celestia explained.  “I wish to apologize for my weak start in today’s debate on my daughter’s fate.  But that being said, I will not be partaking in the rest of this debate as someone else chose to take up that cause.  Joining me to debate Gold Banks on this bill is the sole citizen of Sire’s Hollow: Firelight Glimmer.”
Firelight Glimmer emerged from a nearby doorway and walked towards Princess Celestia while the Senate murmured amongst each other.  Princess Celestia stepped aside as Firelight Glimmer approached the mic.
“Equestrian Senate, ponies from across our fair land,” Firelight Glimmer announced.  “I came here on concerns about the bill to make Princess Wanda Young attend Daisy Joy Tech without the consent of her acting parents.  As a parent of a cute daughter, I came here to voice my concerns about this bill.”
“You? Speak out for that furless monkey? Don’t make me laugh.”  Those words came from Gold Banks, who marched down the other side and approached Firelight Glimmer, causing the Senate to murmured even louder.
“Gold Banks: The Auric Scarlet,” Firelight Glimmer said in a cold tone.  “I never thought I would lay eyes on you again.”
“The feeling’s mutual,” Gold Banks said.  “That being said, I am rather surprised that you of all ponies would show up to defend that pathetic excuse for a princess, especially one who might as well be the biggest juvenile delinquent in Equestrian history.”
Firelight Glimmer adjusted his tie before he said “I don’t know what you’re talking about.  But the one thing I know is that Wanda is no delinquent.  My daughter Starlight Glimmer told me all about her and….”
“Still making excuses for that Man’s Cub?” Gold Banks interrupted with a smile on her face.
Firelight glared at Gold Banks for a bit as the Senate murmured once more.
“Mrs Banks,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “I am trying to make a case in favor of Princess Wanda freedom, and the last thing I need is for someone to interrupt me.”
“Are you still making excuses for that chimp?” Gold Banks said, her smug smile becoming far more visible.
“More like I’m trying to point out why forcing a parent to enroll a child into a school that wouldn’t treat her well is a bad idea,” Firelight fired back.
“You don’t get it, do you?” Gold Banks laughed.  “There is a sharp increase in the number of juvenile delinquency across all of Equestria, and it’s gotten to the point where even the parents are unable to discipline their younglings even after being harsh on them.”
“Where are your sources for this?” Firelight said before Gold Banks placed her hoof on Firelight’s mouth.
“Ahh ahh ahh,” Gold Banks said.  “I’m not done yet.”
Gold Banks removed her hoof from Firelight’s mouth before turning towards the Senate and pulling some papers out from her coat with her right hoof.
“I have credible proof that juvenile delinquency has gone through the roof, members of the Senate,” Gold Banks announced.  
But as Firelight Glimmer began to sweat nervously, Princess Celestia stood behind the stallion, also looking a bit more anxious.
“Firelight, please,” Princess Celestia said to herself.  “Do this for Wanda and for your own daughter.”
As Gold Banks held the papers in the air, she said “The only solution to this increase in juvenile delinquency is to pass Senate Bill 060660.  That way, Princess Wanda Young will serve as an example to make all of Equestria send their younglings to Daisy Joy Tech.  It is the only way to combat the juvenile delinquency crisis that makes the Windigo’s Guild and the Changelings look small in comparison”
“You’re out of your mind if you think I would even think about sending my daughter to Daisy Joy Tech,” Firelight said.  “Even if you required it, I wouldn’t allow you to take her away from me.”
“Now you’re making excuses for this Starlight Glimmer?” Gold Banks laughed.  “And to think you let her live with that Man’s Cub at the palace.  No wonder she has no respect for you.”
Firelight Glimmer’s face turned beet red before he slammed his hoof on the floor.
“What…did you just say?” Firelight Glimmer snarled.
“Oh my,” Gold Banks smirked.  “Did I make you mad?”
“Oh you did, alright,” Firelight snapped.  “And it’s true that I let her stay at the palace.  But only because you threatened to have my daughter taken to your stupid school.”
“There is nothing stupid about having your daughter attend Daisy Joy Tech,” Gold Banks said.  “So why don’t you just accept the fact that your daughter has a delinquency issue?”
“My daughter does not have a delinquency issue,” Firelight said.  “I allowed her to attend the School for Gifted Unicorns to help her with her gift.  I loved and cared for her like any good parent would.”
“If you truly did love and cared for her, then why not take her out of that failure of a school and make her attend Daisy Joy Tech?” Gold Banks asked.
“Because at least I know to treat my own daughter with respect compared to how you treat yours,” Firelight said. 
Immediately, Gold Banks’ smile disappeared as she glared at Firelight Glimmer.  The entire Senate murmured even louder.
“What exactly do you mean by that?” Gold Banks snarled.
“Lemme tell you something,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “I’ve heard tales from Starlight Glimmer about how you treated your own daughter.  When Queen Novo made Golden Lace change her ways and shape up to be a better pony, you chose to lock her out of the house as punishment.”
“What she did was the prime example of delinquency,” Gold Banks fired back.
“No,” Firelight said.  “That was the example of a pony who saw the errors of her own ways.  And let’s not forget the time you tried to take Wanda Young away when she was sick with the Hay Fever Virus.”
“She was faking her own illness,” Gold Banks snapped.  “Doing it for her own publicity.”
“Mrs Banks,” Chancellor Cinch yelled, pounding her gavel onto the block.  “There are records that prove Princess Wanda Young was taken to the hospital with a serious case of the Hay Fever Virus.  I suggest you take back your statement about faking her illness.”
“Do not tell me what to do,” Gold Banks said.  “I am the Empress of Equestria, and my word is law.”
“Is it?” Firelight Glimmer said.  “Tell me, why did you forge a document to seize a property of Princess Celestia, put the occupants and their friends in danger just to bring it down, and threaten to have them taken away to a factory program?”
“Don’t you dare talk about that,” Gold Banks yelled.
“I am talking about it because my Starlight told me how you placed restraint cuffs on her, Shining Armor, Twilight Sparkle and Wanda Young,” Firelight Glimmer said.  
“Records also show about the complaint filed towards the Equestrian License Board about your incident with the ruined orphanage while there were still younglings inside,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “You also threatened to have the board dissolved if they objected to you revoking the demolition team if they didn’t comply with your demand.”
“Shut up, you,” Gold Banks yelled.  “I’m the Empress of this land, and you will stand down.”
“We’re not finished with you, Gold Banks,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “Unlike the last three incidents that I pointed out, I was involved in your fourth incident, where you tried to ransom off Princess Cadance, Twilight Sparkle and her companion Spike the Dragon in exchange for Princess Wanda and my Starlight Glimmer to attend Daisy Joy Tech.”
“You say nothing but lies,” Gold Banks yelled.
“Do I?”  Firelight Glimmer said.  “The ponies of Harvestia know what happened down there, and they were upset by what you wanted to do.”
“Don’t you dare speak about those insufferable fools,” Gold Banks yelled.
“Oh I’m gonna speak more than that, Gold Banks,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “I’m not just chewing you out for what you did in the past.  I’m chewing you out for what you plan on doing.  Forcing a little girl to attend a horrible boarding school that neither her mother nor her aunt had any say so in the matter.  That crosses the line.  What you don’t account for is parental choice in the matter.”
“Today’s parents don’t have control of their younglings in this day and age,” Gold Banks snarled.  “They need Daisy Joy Tech more than ever.”
“No they don’t,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “Real parents care a lot for their offspring, like I do with Starlight Glimmer, and like Princess Celestia does with Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer and Cadenza Mi Amore.  We help push the decisions to make sure they are taken down the righteous path.  You, on the other hoof, see your own daughter as nothing more than a means of projecting your own narcissistic ego down a filly who doesn’t deserve it.  Real parents deserve to have a say in their youngling’s education, not some unelected bureaucrat.”
“Are you suggesting to me that parents should join their younglings in the delinquency?” Gold Banks yelled.  “ARE YOU?”
The Senate murmured as loud as possible as Gold Banks breathed heavily, all while Firelight Glimmer stood there now with a stern look on his face while Princess Celestia and Chancellor Cinch let out a slight smile.
“If by delinquency you mean true parental love, then yes,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “What would happen if parents had no say in their youngling’s education?  What would happen if an unelected bureaucrat told us where we can take our sons and daughters without our say so?  What kind of nation would force colts and fillies to be separated from their mothers and fathers?  Senate Bill 060660 is just one step that would push us towards being unable to raise our youngling the way we were meant to.  And unless this bill is voted down, it won’t be long until parents are no longer allowed by law to be parents.”
The Senate went haywire.  Gold Banks stood there totally beet red.  Firelight Glimmer walked up to Gold Banks with a smile on his face.
“I’m afraid this debate is over, Gold Banks,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “You lost.”
As Gold Banks marched off from the center of the Senate in a fury, Princess Celestia looked up at Firelight Glimmer with a smile on his face.
“That’s the spirit, Firelight,” Celestia said to herself.  “You showed her who’s the boss.”

Later that day, Princess Celestia and Golden Lace sat in the Chancellor’s Chambers while Starseeker gave Firelight a hug.
“You did well, honey,” Starseeker said.  “You bested Gold Banks on the Senate Floor.”
“She won’t forget that, that’s for sure,” Firelight said as he and Starseeker released themselves and held hooves.  “After all, that’s payback for threatening to put our daughter into Daisy Joy Tech.”
“I appreciate you for teaching my mother a lesson she won’t forget,” Golden Lace said, getting up from her chair.  “But there’s still the matter of the vote, and they could end up voting to put Wanda in Daisy Joy Tech.”
“Well I wouldn’t bet on that,” Princess Celestia said as she pulled up her video tablet and tapped the screen a bit.  “Firelight Glimmer caused a major commotion in the Senate and they’re about to go to a vote.”
On the video tablet screen, in the Senate hall, the senators sat down and placed their votes on their touch screens while Chancellor Cinch waited patiently.  One by one, each senate desk lit up to a white color, confirming that their vote had been cast.  Once they were all lit up, Chancellor Cinch stood up and faced the Senate.
“Every vote has been accounted for in the matter of Senate Bill 060660,” Chancellor Cinch announced.  “All in favor of enrolling Princess Wanda Young at Daisy Joy Tech without the consent of her mother Princess Celestia, say aye.”
But only five senators yelled out “Aye” as their lights turned from white to green.
“All opposed?” Chancellor Cinch announced.
“NEIGH!” Nearly the entire senate shouted as their lights turned red.
“The resolution to enroll Princess Wanda Young into Daisy Joy Tech without the consent of Princess Celestia has been defeated 95-5,” Chancellor Cinch announced with a smile on her face.  “The Senate has been adjourned for the day.”
And with that, Chancellor Cinch slammed her gavel on the block with the Senate clapping loudly.  But behind the doorway leading into the Senate’s center stage, Magistrate Creme Dream looked from afar with Majesty by her side.
“Guess Firelight Glimmer lived up to his name in more ways than one,” Magistrate Creme Dream said with a smile.
“What do you think we’ll do, mother?” Majesty asked.
“Nothing,” Creme Dream replied.  “No further need to stir the hornet’s nest thanks to Gold Banks’ failure.  We’ll let them celebrate their win until the next major session of the Senate.”



	To Be Continued in…


	Going Back Home

> Arc 21-3: Going Back Home
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Going Back Home



At the Everfree Forest, Sunspot, Stellar Flare, Crescent Eclipse, Artemis Light, Granny Smith, Bright Mac, Buttercup, Big Mac and the younglings all danced and cheered at the announcement from the Equestrian Senate on the video screen.
“They did it,” Rainbow Dash cheered.  “Wanda doesn’t have to go to Daisy Joy Tech.”
“I’m glad of it,” Juniper Montage said.  “After what happened to me at that horrible school, Gold Banks deserved it.”
“I’m just glad that Princess Wanda doesn’t have to attend that school,” Ditzy Doo said.  “In fact, I don’t even want to step hoof there.”
“No one does, Ditzy” Rarity said.  “Thanks to what both Juniper and Golden Lace experience, I’d say that disgusting facility needs to be shut down, and fast.”
Applejack turned towards her parents and asked “Ma, Pa, do you think we should invite Wanda down here again in the future?”
“That may be a good idea,” Bright Mac said.  “But only if Wanda is up for it.”
“After what she's gone through,” Buttercup explained, “I think Wanda may be a little hesitant on leaving Canterlot until she’s feeling better.”
“I sure hope she does,” Applejack said.  “I heard she almost got stuck in the past, and who knows what would have happened if she never came back.”
“Sometimes, fate can be cruel,” Buttercup explained.  “But also, fate can show a small form of kindness.  Never forget that, my daughter.”
“Eeyup,” Big Mac nodded.
“In the meantime, Sunspot said as he got up, “I think we owe our younglings an explanation for coming to the Everfree Forest just to look at the debate over Senate Bill 060660.”
“Well you sure do,” Granny Smith laughed.  “But I don’t think they’ll be out until this evening.”
“Duly noted,” Crescent Eclipse laughed.  “Duly noted.”

At Canterlot Castle’s Living Quarters, all of the younglings in the room danced and cheered together upon hearing the news.  Spike and Abigail swung each other around in harmony.  Wanda was especially ecstatic as she danced happily with Starlight Glimmer, holding hands and hooves together.  Even Princess Cadance and Shining Armor danced together in celebration
“I GET TO STAY!  I GET TO STAY! I GET TO STAY!” Wanda sang.
“That’s the best news we’ve heard all day,” Sunset Shimmer cheered.
“And best of all, we can continue to hang out with the Awesome and Cool Wanda,” Trixie yelled.  “So says I, the Great and Powerful Trixie.”
“That is so you, Trixie,” Starlight cheered.
“Of course,” Trixie said with a playful raspberry
“Well one thing’s for certain,” Danged Spell said with a smug look on his face.  “Firelight Glimmer sure made Gold Banks into Fool’s Gold.  Get it?”
“Danged Spell,” The younglings all laughed.
“Well someone had to go and make a beautiful moment funny,” Shining Armor said with a laugh.
“Well what do you expect from Spell,” Princess Cadance laughed.  
Twilight Sparkle immediately ran up to Princess Cadance and Shining Armor before she tapped on her brother’s leg with her hoof
“Big brother,” Twilight said.  “I hope that, when I do move back to Vanhoover, I get to see Wanda again now that she can stay.”
“Twili,” Shining Armor said.  “You might be in for a bit of a surprise when we walk the others back to La Maresa.”
“What do you mean, Big bro?” Twilight asked.
“You’ll see,” Shining Armor said with a smirk.
As Shining Armor gave Twilight Sparkle a hoof noogie, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk continued to dance in a ring together, cheering and celebrating.
“Boo to the Fool’s Gold,” Adagio Dazzle cheered.
“Boo to her stupid proposal,” Aria Blazed laughed.
“Boo to her pushing her face in front of all of us,” Sonata Dusk yelled.
“Boo to that despicable meanie,” All three Dazzling sisters yelled.

But at the landing pad entrance to the Senate Building, Princess Celestia emerged from the entrance with Firelight Glimmer, Starseeker Glimmer, and Golden Lace by her side.  A number of reporters flocked to the group, asking questions.
“Princess Celestia, how does it feel to see Senate Bill 060660 struck down by a supermajority of the Senate?” One reporter asked.
“Now that your daughter doesn’t have to attend Daisy Joy Tech, what next?” another reporter asked.
“And how does it feel to have an upstanding citizen defend your daughter on the debate stage?” A third reporter asked.
“I’m not the one who’s gonna answer questions on that,” Princess Celestia said as Firelight Glimmer stepped in front of her.
“I’ll take it from here,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “I don’t like the idea of having unelected bureaucrats decide on what education should be applied to our younglings, and I say this as a parent of one.  What kind of line would go too far if ponies like Gold Banks were allowed to get away with telling what we can and can’t do with raising our sons and daughters.  We teach our daughters right from wrong, and we also listen to their problems.  If we are unable to do that because of certain ponies in power, then we don’t deserve to have a nation like Equestria.”
As the group walked away from the reporters, Firelight Glimmer came to a stop as he and the others saw Magistrate Creme Dream and Majesty stand in front of them.  Creme Dream held her hoof out much to Firelight’s surprise.
“I must give you a well-deserved congratulations,” Creme Dream said.  “I never thought that an outsider like you would be able to pierce through these Senate Halls and bring down my own pupil in the most fiery debate in Equestrian history.  For that, you’ve earned my respect.”
Firelight Glimmer stood for a moment before he reached out and gripped Creme Dream’s hoof, shaking it in response.
“Don’t think that I’ll be done, Magistrate,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “This might be the beginning of my political career.”
As pictures were being taken of Firelight Glimmer and Magistrate Creme Dream, Celestia just stood back with a smile on her face.
“As much as I don’t trust Magistrate Creme Dream,” Princess Celestia said to herself, “I’m gonna kick back and enjoy this moment.  He deserves it.”

Later that day, as Princess Celestia, Firelight and Starseeker Glimmer and Golden Lace left the Senate on Celestia’s private chariot and all of the members of the press have disbanded, Magistrate Creme Dream and Majesty were left all to themselves, savoring every moment.
“I must admit one thing,” Creme Dream said.  “The next generation of politicians are going to be more and more ambitious.  In fact, I haven’t had this much excitement in a thousand years.”
“So what will we do about that Man’s Cub Princess Wanda?” Majesty asked.
“Nothing for now,” Creme Dream said.  “Let her celebrate this moment, little Majesty.  We’ll think of something to put more pressure on her.”
But as Creme Dream and Majesty were making their way back towards the Senate Building entrance, Gold Banks marched out from there towards her mentor in a furious rage,  turning Creme Dream’s smirk face into a scowl.
“That wasn’t fair,” Gold Banks yelled. “He cheated.  He should have been disqualified from the start for taking advantage of me.”
“You had your chance, Gold Banks,” Creme Dream shouted.  “You were supposed to prove to the Senate that Princess Wanda needed to be enrolled into Daisy Joy Tech and you failed.  Not only did you fail to convince the Senators to approve of Senate Bill 060660, you were humiliated on the stage by an amateur who might as well be a Senator.”
“You’re not going to take that moron’s side,” Gold Banks said in a cold tone. “I want that Man’s Cub at Daisy Joy Tech this instant.”
“You had your chance and you blew it,” Creme Dream said.  “Consider that a lesson for your failure.  I’ll discuss your next assignment, tomorrow.”
As Magistrate Creme Dream and Majesty walked off with the little alicorn filly turning towards Gold Banks and sticking out her tongue, the self-centered aristocrat just stood there, fuming.
“There won’t be a tomorrow when it comes to action,” Gold Banks said to herself.  “I’ll show you that I’m not one to be double-crossed by that foolish simpleton.”
Gold Banks walked towards the farther end of the landing pad, approaching her private helicopter before stepping in.  She glared at her mentor once more before going inside.

Meanwhile, at Canterlot Castle, the royal chariot landed at the front yard before Princess Celestia, Firelight and Starseeker Glimmer and Golden Lace stepped out.  But as soon as they did, Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer, Starlight Glimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Cozy Glow, the Dazzlings, Trixie and Pinkie Pie emerged from the entrance and ran up to Celestia, Starlight’s parents and Lace.  
“MOMMY!” Wanda said as she jumped into the air and gave Princess Celestia a hug.
“We did it,” Princess Celestia cheered.  “That means you don’t have to go to Daisy Joy Tech.”
“Thank you, mommy,” Wanda cried with joy.  “Thank you for believing in me.”
“You don’t have to thank me,” Princess Celestia explained.  “It’s Starlight’s father who you truly have to thank.”
Wanda turned towards Firelight Glimmer as Starlight jumped up and gave her father and mother a hug.  She reached out and placed her hand on Firelight’s face, catching his attention.
“Princess Wanda,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “I came to your defense today because I didn’t want you to be forced to attend a school that wouldn’t be appropriate for you.  But also because it was my fault that I unintentionally separated you from your friends.”
Wanda released her arms from Princess Celestia before she walked up and hugged Firelight Glimmer, all while Starlight wrapped her arm around Wanda’s back.
“Daddy,” Starlight said.  “I hope you run for office in the future.”
“I might consider it, punky-wumpkin,” Firelight said with a smile on his face.  “After giving Gold Banks a lesson she won’t forget, I think a run for public office may be in the cards.”
“Stellar Flare is going to be jealous of you when she hears of this,” Starseeker said.  “In fact, I think all of Equestria will see you as a rising star in the political world.”
Next to them, Golden Lace walked up to Sunset, Twilight, Sunburst and Moondancer, smiling as bright as the sun.
“So you saw it all play out on the world stage,” Sunset Shimmer said. “Congrats.”
“Not just that,” Golden Lace said.  “I got to see Starlight’s daddy make my mommy look like a total buffoon.  And about time too.  Until today, she was invincible in politics.”
“I bet your father would be pleased to hear that,” Twilight said.  
“And as a matter of fact, I am.”  Everyone turned towards the front gate where Silver Banks walked towards the group.  Golden Lace immediately saw her father and her eyes lit up.
“DADDY!” Golden Lace yelled as she ran up to Silver Banks and gave him a hug.
“So you saw everything unfold on the big screen, Mr Banks,” Princess Celestia asked.
“I sure did,” Silver Banks said.  “And personally, I think my wife deserved it after so long.”
“I don’t understand why your wife would go as far as to turn the Equestrian Senate into her own political theater,” Firelight Glimmer asked, walking up to Silver Banks.  “There needs to be some change in Equestria that welcomes a new generation of bold activists, and I don’t mean scaling the government back to the point where it’s useless.”
“That I agree on,” Silver Banks said.  “And as a matter of fact, I can confirm that I have plans to divorce my wife after so long.  I’ll be filing the paperwork at the courts later today.”
“That’s great to hear, Mr Banks,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “I think it’s time someone finally told her that she’s no longer wanted in politics.”
“That, I agree on,” Silver Banks said.
But as everyone talked together, Princess Luna and Eleanor Young peeked their heads from behind the doorway with smiles on their faces.
“Thank you for everything that you have done, Eleanor,” Princess Luna said.  “You at least brought a new hope for your daughter.”
“After all that has been done,” Eleanor Young said, “It was the least that I could do.”
“On a side note,” Luna said.  “There’s a slight chance that we will be getting one more pony to stay with us.  Do you think you can help out with looking after the younglings in this castle?”
“I will,” Eleanor nodded.  “Maybe one day, I’ll ask Princess Celestia to reveal that I am Wanda’s biological mother.”
“That we’ll keep in mind,” Luna said.

But that evening, Danged Spell, Moondancer, Sunburst, Firelight Glimmer, Starseeker Glimmer and Trixie were at the ground bridge portal to La Maresa.   Nearby, Princess Celestia walked up to the group and nodded to them with Wanda, Abigail, Sunset, Twilight, Spike, Starlight, Pinkie Pie, Golden Lace, Cozy Glow and the Dazzlings behind her.
“So this is it,” Celestia said.  “You’re heading back to La Maresa once more.”
“It is,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “But it won’t be good-bye forever.  I plan on coming back in the future to check up on Starlight, and perhaps file paperwork to run for a future Senate seat, be it in La Maresa or Sire’s Hollow.”
“Daddy,” Starlight said.  “Thanks for coming back to help Wanda out.  I really appreciate seeing you and mommy once more.”
“It was our pleasure,” Starseeker said.  “And you’re welcome to come back home if you need to do so.”
“Don’t worry,” Starlight said.  “If it comes to that, I will.”
“You know it’s too bad we won’t be coming back for a bit,” Sunburst said.  “It was great to be with Wanda while Mr Glimmer humiliated Gold Banks on the world stage.”
“At least whatever school we’re going to, it will be something we’ll have to adjust to,” Moondancer said.”
“Actually, I think you should all know this,” Princess Celestia said.  “Your parents did not really pull you out of the School for Gifted Unicorns.  In fact, you three can still come by while La Maresa can still be the place for you to live.  It was part of a compromise to ensure that the three of you can still see Wanda again.”
“Wait,” Danged Spell said.  “Is this true?”
But all Celestia could do was to nod her head in agreement.
Danged Spell, Sunburst and Moondancer turned towards Wanda before jumping onto her and giving her a hug.
“You guys,” Wanda giggled.  “That means we can be friends once more.”
“I’m looking forward to our next day at school, Wanda,” Sunburst said.  “Just you wait.”
“If I knew we were going to be attending school here while living in La Maresa, I wouldn’t have been extremely emotional,” Moondancer cried.
As the three younglings embraced Wanda, the ground bridge portal suddenly opened up for no reason, much to the confusion of everyone.
“Princess,” Firelight said.  “Did you just?”
“No I didn’t, and neither did my alchemist,” Princess Celestia explained.
Immediately, Sunspot, Stellar Flare, Crescent Eclipse, Artemis Light emerged from the portal with two earth ponies following from behind.  The male had a moderate amber coat with a medium and light gray mane and tail, a dark gray hat atop his head and a pick-ax for a cutie mark.  The female had a light cobalt bluish gray coat, a grayish opal mane and tail with her mane tied into a bun, a pair of glasses, A black collar with white stripes, and three rocks for a cutie mark.  One look at these two caused Pinkie Pie to walk up to these ponies.
“Does she know those ponies?” Wanda asked as Danged Spell, Sunburst and Moondancer let go of the Man’s Cub.
“They’re names are Igneous Rock and Cloudy Quartz,” Princess Celestia explained.  “They’re the parents of Pinkie Pie.”
As Pinkie Pie slowly approached her parents, Sunburst and Moondancer ran past her and got up to their parents with a hint of shame in their eyes.
“We heard about what happened at Canterlot,” Sunspot said.  “And we’re glad you decided to help Wanda out instead of going to the Everfree Forest.”
“It was,” Sunburst said.  “But I’m sad that I have to go back once more, considering the punishment Moondancer and I are going to go through.”
“It is sad, though, about your punishment,” Stellar Flare said in an awkward tone.  “I think we have a confession to make.”
“Mom,” Sunbursts said.  “What are you talking about?
“We went to the Everfree Forest while you were up in Canterlot,”  Artemis Light explained.
Immediately, both Sunburst and Moondancer exploded.
“YOU WERE AT THE EVERFREE FOREST WHILE WE WERE HELPING OUT WANDA?” Moondancer and Sunburst screamed, causing everyone to cover their ears.
“That was even worse than when we learned about them wanting to go to the Everfree Forest,” Crescent Eclipse said, holding his ears.
The four parents looked down at Sunburst and Moondancer, who glared up at them disappointingly.
“Alright, alright,” Sunspot said.  “We only didn’t want you to go to the Everfree Forest out of fear of what could be in there.  But…we also let the others go with us because they were going with the apple family.”
“Dad,” Sunspot said, placing his hoof on his face.  “You disappoint me.”
“Very well,” Sunspot said.  “We’ll let you both off the hook.”
“But promise us to not go to the Everfree Forest without our supervision,” Crescent Eclipse said.  “Got it?”
“Got it,” Moondancer and Sunburst said.
As Sunspot and Crescent Eclipse wiped the sweat off their brow, Pinkie Pie finally approached her parents.
“Mom, dad,” Pinkie Pie said.  “What are you doing here?”
“Maud Pie told us about how you want to help this Wanda Young out,” Igneous Rock said.  
“Normally, we would be against that idea, considering the fact that you were up in Canterlot for a long time,” Cloudy Quartz said.  “But Maud also showed us why you wanted to help out Wanda.  And after seeing what this Gold Banks was, we were disgusted.”
“Therefore, we’re going to allow you to stay with Wanda for as long as you want,” Igneous Rock said.
“Really?” Pinkie Pie said as her eyes beamed with excitement.
“Wait,” Wanda said.  “You’re going to stay with us from here on out?” 
Pinkie Pie jumped right into the air and screamed with joy.  Everyone just looked up and were on the break of laughing.  During that time, Fortwright and Shanoa emerged from the portal with Dream Seeker riding along in her saddlebag.  This caused Danged Spell to walk up to his parents.
“So how was it, champ?” Fortwright asked.
“I’m glad I decided to see Wanda again,” Danged Spell said.  “But why didn’t you tell me I was still enrolled at the School for Gifted Unicorns?”
“We didn’t know if you were ready to find out about your school situation,” Shanoa said.  “And besides, we didn’t know if you were still able to attend the School while living in La Maresa.”
“Next time, please be more clear about that,” Danged Spell said, annoyed.
“Promise, son,” Fortwright said.  “Promise.”
“Now, we should start preparing to get you all home to La Maresa,” Shanoa said.  “It’s starting to get late.”
“It is,” Sunburst said.   “And it’s about time we hit the road.”
Immediately, Pinkie Pie landed next to the group, cheering in the air.
“Hey wait,” Pinkie Pie said, pausing.  “If I’m going to be away, then who’s gonna take over my spot at the Sugar Cube Corner?”
“Maybe we can have Danged Spell fill in for you,” Moondancer joked.
“Oh no,” Danged Spell said, freaking out.  “I’m not going to take over for Pinkie PIe.  You want me to have a massive sugar rush?”
Immediately, every youngling burst out into laughter, much to the annoyance of Danged Spell.
“Silly Spell,” Moondancer said.  “I’ll see if I can pitch in for the Cakes while down in La Maresa.”
Spell just stood there with sweat on his head and said “Please don’t do that again.”
Immediately, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell and Trixie turned towards Wanda, Sunset, Starlight and Twilight, just as the portal glowed brightly.
“Well,” Moondancer said. “Guess it’s good-bye once more.  Only we’ll see each other as early as tomorrow.”
“It will,” Twilight said.  “Once I get settled back in Vanhoover, I’ll send you a postcard.”
“Or you will most likely join us should Princess Celestia open up a new ground bridge portal up there,” Moondancer said.  “Say hi to your father for me.”
“I will,” Twilight said.
“Maybe sometime this week, we could all hang out in La Maresa,” Sunset Shimmer said.
“That would be a great idea,” Danged Spell said.  “Maybe we should ask Princess Celestia to lead us down to the Everfree Forest.”
“Fun fact, she did once before we arrived at the Ponyville Providence Fair,” Sunset Shimmer said. “Maybe that might be something to do.”
“Or I could show you and the others around the place,” Danged Spell smirked.  “I heard they have a tree there that doubles as a library.”
“Did someone say library?” Twilight said, shoving her face between Danged Spell and Sunset.
“Twilight,” Sunset said.   “Calm yourself.
As Sunset and Danged Spell try to calm Twilight down, Wanda and Starlight stared at Sunburst and Trixie.
“Well, guess this is good-bye again,” Sunburst said.
“It was great that you came back once more,” Starlight said.  “You and Trixie.”
“That’s what friends are for, Glimmy,” Trixie said. 
“I hope you can pull off another magic act in Canterlot once more,” Starlight said.
“Under one condition,” Trixie said before she turned to Wanda.  “Wanda, you make sure Starlight keeps you happy and content.”
“Uhh,” Wanda said, pausing for a bit.
“Trixie,” Sunburst laughed.  “I don’t think you need to pressure Wanda with that.”
“Oh please,” Trixie said.  “A friend’s job is to give another friend a reason to be happy.”
“That’s not how it goes, Trixie,” Starlight laughed.  “But I’ll do what I can.”
With that, Trixie reached over and gave Starlight a hug.
“I will miss you, Glimmy,” Trixie said.  “But know that I will come to visit and put on that awesome show for every pony to see.”
“I can’t wait to see it,” Starlight said.  “And I’ll bring Wanda with me as promised.”
“Well I think we’ve said our good-byes,” Sunburst said.  “And believe me, it won’t be forever.  But we will be back.”
Wanda, Sunset, Twilight, Starlight and Pinkie Pie nodded with Golden Lace walking up to the group and bowing towards Danged Spell, Sunburst, Moondancer and Trixie with respect.
“Dad,” Danged Spell said, turning towards Fortwright and Shanoa.  “It’s time.  I’m ready to head home.”
“Then let’s get this show on the road,” Fortwright said.
Immediately, Danged Spell, Sunburst, Moondancer and Trixie turned towards the portal before walking through it, disappearing completely.  Fortwright and Shanoa with Dream Seeker riding atop ran through the portal as well before Firelight Glimmer, Starseeker Glimmer, Sunspot, Stellar Flare, Crescent Eclipse and Artemis Light followed from behind.  But as Igneous Rock and Cloudy Quartz began to make their way to the portal, they turned towards Pinkie Pie.
“We had a talk with Mr and Mrs Cake,” Igneous Rock said.  “They suggest that you open up a new branch of the Sugar Cube Corner if you’re going to be up here in Canterlot.  We can provide the funding through the money made by the rocks we harvested.”
“Are you sure you can pull off being a business pony at that age, Pinkie Pie?” Cloudy Quartz asked.
“Mom, dad,” Pinkie Pie said.  “I will.  Besides, I think these guys can teach me the basics on that.”
“Then we have nothing left to say,” Igneous Rock said.  “Except may Providence favor thee well.”
Immediately, Igneous Rock and Cloudy Quartz stepped through the portal and disappeared.  The portal then shrunk down and vanished without a trace, leaving everyone else behind.
“I can’t believe it,” Pinkie Pie said, teary-eyed, but joyful.  “I get to open up a shop for Mr and Mrs Cake.”
“I hope it turns out excellent,” Starlight Glimmer said.  “I can’t wait to taste a cake or pie from the Canterlot Sugar Cube Corner.”
“Well it’s going to be great to have you around, Pinkie Pie,” Wanda said, placing her arm around Pinkie’s back. “Maybe we can have a party to spice things up.”
“One small problem,” Cozy Glow asked.  “Where is the new shop going to be set up?”
“That’s a good question,” Princess Celestia said.  “Tomorrow, I’ll see if there are any open spots and I’ll help out with acquiring the building.”
“That’s great,” Pinkie Pie said.  “But I’ll handle putting everything together. After all, I am the…”
“Reincarnation of Discord, we know Pinkie,” The other younglings laughed.
As everyone walked towards the castle, the Dazzlings looked at the portal with curiosity.
“Say,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “Ever thought about going to La Maresa, one day?”
“It hasn't crossed my mind, yet,” Aria Blaze said.  “What about you, Sonata?”
“Not me,” Sonata replied.
Adagio turned to Golden Lace and asked “Ever been to La Maresa?”
“Never,” Golden Lace said.  “Just mainly here, Manehattan and Mount Aris.”
“What’s Manehattan like?” Sonata Dusk asked.
“Other than Daisy Joy Tech, it’s pretty neat,” Golden Lace explained.  “There are plenty of museums to go to and buildings to explore.  They don’t call it the city that never sleeps for nothing. Maybe I should take you guys down to check it out.”
“Cool,” Aria Blaze said.  “If your dad is up for it.”
“Guess I’ll ask him about that,” Golden Lace said.
But as everyone walked away from the ground bridge portal with the sun setting in the west, Gold Banks peeked her head out from behind the alleyway and looked at the younglings of the group.  Next to her was a small group of Debt Collector grunts, standing ready.
“So that upstager thinks he can get away with it,” Gold Banks snarled.  “We’ll see when I take away her daughter, and the rest of her friends tonight when they’re fast asleep.”
Suddenly, Gold Banks’ phone went off.  She pulled it out and tapped the screen before placing the phone near her ear.
“Master Trench Gruff,” Gold Banks said on the phone as she heard the voice of a stallion.  “You’re near the studio of one Canter Zoom.   Excellent.  When it’s midnight, sneak inside and take away his niece.  That will send a message not to mess with Gold Banks and get away with it.  You have your orders.  Gold Banks out.”
As Gold Banks tapped her phone before putting it away, she turned towards the castle with a smirk on her face.
“Let this be a lesson to anyone who dares to make Gold Banks look like a fool on the debate stage,” Gold Banks laughed.



	To Be Continued in….


	Arc 22: Prisoners of Daisy Joy Tech


	Stay Awhile, Stay Forever

> Arc 22(Prisoners of Daisy Joy Tech)-1: Stay Awhile, Stay Forever
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


	Arc 22: Prisoners of Daisy Joy Tech


	Stay Awhile, Stay Forever



“Uggh.  Where am I?”
Wanda Young woke up in the middle of a room, tied up to a chair, wearing some kind of candy-coated dress with bubble-like sleeves, a pink bowtie on her head and a light blue bowtie around her upper torso.  Her view looked blurry as a familiar pompous pony walked towards her with a smile on her face.
“Well hello there,” The pony said with a sinister tone.  “I didn’t expect you to be joining us.”
As Wanda’s vision cleared up, she saw the face of Miss Honey Twist in front of her.  The Man’s Cub screamed really loud before falling back down on her back.
“Where, where am I?” Wanda said, frantically.
“Why, you’re in Daisy Joy Tech…as our new student,” Miss Honey Twist said, standing Wanda’s chair up.
“Daisy Joy Tech,” Wanda said.  “But I thought the Senate said I didn’t need to come here.”
“Oh that’s true,” Miss Honey Twist explained.  “But for some reason, Gold Banks is one pony who wouldn’t take no for an answer.  So she took you away to this institute of mine.  Let me be the first to say ‘Welcome to Daisy Joy Tech.’  You’re going to be with us, regardless if you like it or not.”
Wanda struggled to pull herself out of the bindings as she looked up at Miss Honey Twist.
“But I don’t want to be here,” Wanda cried, struggling to break out.  “I want to be home with mommy.  I wanna see my friends again.”
“Oh you won’t get to see your mommy again,” Ms Honey Twist said with delight.  “As for your friends, we were able to pick some of them up.  That includes two juvenile delinquents who were originally expelled long ago, but were selected for reinstatement.  Don’t worry.  You’ll get to see them soon.”
“You won’t get away with this,” Wanda screamed.  “I want my mommy.  I want my Abby.”
“Is that the name of your kitty cat?” Honey Twist smirked.  “Oh I had her and a baby dragon locked away in the little prison, and she’ll be joined by a pest who helped one of the two delinquents that you called friend.  What was her name?  Oh…Cozy Glow.”
Wanda raged loudly, kicking and screaming as she struggled to break herself free from her bindings.  But all Miss Honey Twist could do was to grab hold of Wanda’s chair with her magic, preventing Wanda from shaking it at all.  Wanda could do nothing, but stare at Miss Honey Twist in fear.
“There now,” Miss Honey Twist said. “You’ll be free of your bindings soon when you enter your new dorm room.   After all, you’re no longer just another visitor.  You’re apart of this school now.  Stay awhile.  Stay forever.”
Immediately, Miss Honey Twist tapped her hoof on the floor. The door behind her opened as Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo marched towards the dean of the school, wearing what appeared to be warden uniforms.
“We await your command, Miss Honey Twist,” Marcie Pan said as she and Fawn Doo saluted her.
“Take our new student down to her dorm,” Miss Honey Twist said.  “And introduce her to a friend who hasn’t seen her in a long time.  Afterwards, come and fetch Magistrate’s Creme Dream’s rebellious daughter.  It’s time we taught her a lesson she won’t forget.”
“At once,” Fawn Doo said.  
Immediately, Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo grabbed the legs of the chair Wanda was tied to and marched off with her towards the door.  Wanda turned towards Miss Honey Twist, who smirked back at the Man’s Cub.
“And don’t bother trying to break out with your magic,” Miss Honey Twist explained.  “I made sure I disabled that to ensure you won’t break free.  Furthermore, I did the same to your friends, especially the one called Sunset Shimmer.”
“NOOOOOOOOO!” Wanda screamed as she was led out the door by the two warden fillies, leaving Miss Honey Twist behind.
“Once they get settled into the new home, I should report to Magistrate Creme Dream about this,” Miss Honey Twist siad.

As Wanda was led down the halls of the school, she looked around and saw colts and fillies slowly march down, each species with a cuff assigned to restrict their magic.  Earth ponies had special cuffs on their hooves.  Pegasi had their wings cuffed.  Unicorns had their horns cuffed.  Some of them looked depressed, saddened or even hopeless.  Wanda could do nothing but stare at the despair in their eyes.
“Like how we handle the school?” Marcie Pan asked.
“NO!” Wanda yelled.  “This isn’t a school.  This is a prison.”
“You’re right,” Fawn Doo said.  “Not long ago, this used to be a mere boarding school.  But after Miss Honey Twist got a new partner from the long-closed Coltsom Detention Center, she thought turning it into a prison was a far better idea.”
“And she named us Junior Wardens to celebrate this moment,” Marcie Pan said.  “That means we’re superior to every other wuss in this school.”
“You’re a pair of meanies,” Wanda shouted.
“Flattery will get you nowhere,” Fawn Doo said.
“Now come on,” Marcie Pan said as she and Fawn Doo carried Wanda down the halls.  “You’re going to enjoy your new quarters here in Daisy Joy Tech.”

Not much later, Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo arrived at a door.  Fawn Doo pulled out the keys before sticking one into the keyhole and turning the knob.  Once the door swung open, Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo threw the chair with Wanda tied to it into the room, leaving her on the floor.
“This is your new living quarters,” Marcie Pan said.
“Enjoy, because this will be the last place you’ll ever live in,” Fawn Doo said.
“But she said I would be untied,” Wanda screamed.
“You will,” Marcie Pan said.  “By your new roommate.”
Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo laughed maniacally as they shut the door before locking it, leaving Wanda on the floor tied up.
“LET ME OUT OF HERE!” Wanda yelled.  “SOMEONE HELP ME!”
“Wanda?  Is that you?”
Wanda paused the moment she heard a voice.
“Hello?” Wanda said.  “Who’s there?”
As the light turned on without any warning, Wanda looked up, and she was totally surprised.
“Misty?” Wanda said.  “Is that you?”
In front of Wanda Young was Misty Brightdawn, who walked up to Wanda Young and picked her chair up, standing the Man’s Cub upright.
“Wanda,” Misty said.  “I never thought I would see you again.”
“You haven’t changed at all since I last saw you,” Wanda said.  “I thought you lived in the years after we sent the Pony of Shadows packing.”
“I did,” Misty said as she began to untie Wanda.  “And for some reason, I have lived for more than a thousand years.”
“Well how is that possible?” Wanda asked.
“I think it’s because of my ties to my brother, King Sombra,” Misty said.  “After all, he’s not only still around today, he’s also the ruler of the Crystal Empire.”
As the ropes around Wanda loosen, the Man’s Cub pulled herself loose and jumped out of her chair.  She turned to Misty who smiled right at her.
“I don’t care if you’re a thousand years old or if you were born a few years back,” Wanda cried.  “I’m just glad to have you back.”
Immediately, Wanda reached out and gave Misty a hug, who resorted to hugging her back.
“I’m glad to see you again, after a thousand years,” Misty said.
“Wanda?  Wanda are you alright?”  Wanda and Misty turned towards the wall where the voice was coming from.
“Sunset?” Wanda shouted.  “Is that you?”
On the other side of the wall in another dorm room, Sunset Shimmer and Pinkie Pie sat there with Sunset Shimmer’s ear to the wall.  Sunset Shimmer had a bolt attached to her horn while Pinkie had bolts covering her hooves.
“It’s me alright,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “And Pinkie Pie’s with me.”
“Pinkie,” Wanda shouted from the other side.  “Can you hear me?”
“I can,” Pinkie said.  “But I don’t think it will do me any good.”
“Pinkie,” Wanda shouted.  “You’re the reincarnation of Discord.  How come you can’t break out?”
“Because they locked my magic away,” Pinkie PIe said.
“Not only that, even my demon form can’t break out,” Sunset Shimmer explained.  “Early ago, I felt like wanting to transform, but whatever’s on my horn is preventing me from doing.”
“So you can’t become a demon at all?” Wanda shouted.  “Even if you wanted to?”
“Yes,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “I don’t know how they did it.  But they succeeded in doing so.  So you won’t be able to count on my demon form, even if it tries to break free.”
“Sorry Wanda,” Pinkie Pie shouted.  “We’re out of luck on this one.”
“Well that being said,” Wanda shouted.  “Is there anyone else there?”
“We heard that the Dazzlings are next door to us,” Pinkie Pie shouted.  “All three of them are worried about being locked inside this prison.”
Suddenly, the voice of Sonata Dusk shouted “Hey Pinkie.   Is that Wanda Young?  Is she alright?”
Pinkie ran up to the other wall and shouted “She is.  And she’s got a friend with her.”
“Really?” Sonata Dusk shouted.  “Who is it?”
“I think her name is Misty Brightdawn,” Pinkie Pie said.  “She’s supposed to be a thousand year old filly.”
“Wait,” Wanda shouted from the other room.  “I thought your powers as Discord were locked away.  How were you able to find out?”
“It’s simple,” Sunset shouted.  “She told me who she was before you arrived.”
On the other side of the room, Wanda just slumped back a bit on the wall while Misty walked up and held Wanda closely.
“Did you discover anyone else?” Wanda asked.
“Yes,” Misty said.  “Someone calling themselves Twilight Sparkle and Starlight Glimmer are locked in the other dorm next to us.  They’re also linked to two former expelled students named Golden Lace and Juniper Montage.”
Wanda immediately ran up to the other wall and knocked a few times.  Immediately, she heard the sound of two ponies yawning.
“Misty,” the voice of what sounded like Starlight said.  “Is that you?”
“Starlight,” Wanda shouted.  “It’s me, Wanda.”
“Wanda,” Twilight shouted. “Is that you?”
“It is,” Wanda said.  “Are you alright?”
“No,” Twilight said.  “They took Spike away from me.”
“They took Abby from me as well,” Wanda explained.  “And they mentioned something about locking Cozy Glow in the same room as them.”
“That’s horrible,” Starlight said.  “Poor Cozy, Abby and Spike.”
“By the way,” Wanda asked.  “Are Golden Lace and Juniper Montage there?  I heard they were recaptured.”
“They were,” Twilight said. “Golden Lace broke down crying before you arrived and Juniper’s trying to cheer her up.  Lace told me that she didn’t expect the school to be turned into some kind of prison.”
“Didn’t Hoops, Dumbbell and Score escape from one?” Wanda asked.
“Yes,” Starlight explained.  “But I heard that Coltsome’s system pales in comparison to Daisy Joy Tech.  I don’t know how we’re going to get out of this mess.”
Wanda just placed her back on the wall and slid down.  Once again, Misty ran up to Wanda and gave her a big hug.
“Wanda,” Misty said.  “I think it’s time I explained to you how I got here.”
“Thanks Misty,” Wanda said.  “I may be upset, but go ahead.”
“Days ago,” Misty said,” My brother King Sombra told me about the incident involving this Ground Bridge Portal demonstration gone wrong and how it pulled you into the past.  Then I realized that you came from this era and went into the past, back when I originally lost him and my mother: Princess Amore Brightdawn.”
“That’s right,” Wanda said.  “I was pulled back in time because of an incident by Coldnelius Snap and I wound up in the era where I met you.”
“Yes,” Misty explained.  “After Princess Celestia got in contact with my brother, she told him that she would want to bring me up to meet you again after one thousand years.  So my big brother allowed me to go up to Canterlot on one of his private yachts with some guards by my side.  But we didn’t make it that far.”
“What happened?” Wanda asked.
Misty looked down at the floor and said “A group of soldiers ambushed us and took down the yacht.  We crashed into a forest, but at least we all survived.  That being said, when they tried to escort me to safety, these soldiers calling themselves the Debt Collectors took us captive.   Their leader’s name was Master Trench Gruff, and he’s one of the most despicable ponies ever.”
“And I take it this Trench Gruff took you up here,” Wanda asked.
“Yes,” Misty said.  “Though Miss Honey Twist found out that I was a thousand year old filly and the younger sister of King Sombra, she decided to enroll me into her boarding school and locked my powers away.  Thanks to her, I’ve been tormented for days at this miserable place.  Even their new head warden called Steel Bolt treats me like garbage.”
“That’s horrible,” Wanda said.  “I heard bad things about Daisy Joy Tech.  But I never expected it to get this worse.”
Misty shifted her head upwards and said “I wonder why all of you ended up like this?”
“I don’t know,” Wanda said.  “Right now, I’m worried about Abigail, Spike and Cozy Glow, if what Miss Honey Twist said is true.”

Meanwhile, Cozy Glow was held up by Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo with her wings tied up, her horn cuffed down and even her hooves in anti-magic cuffs.  She kicked and screamed as hard as possible as she was led down a staircase.
“You let me go this instant,” Cozy Glow yelled.  
“That won’t be necessary,” Fawn Doo said.  
“Yeah,” Marcie Pan stated.  “You’re going to be a permanent guest in our school as punishment for sneaking around this place.”
As Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo reached the bottom of the stairs with Cozy Glow, they opened the front door and walked on in, where there were some empty cages lying around save for a big one that had Abigail and Spike in it, who were crying out loud.
“What are you going to do with me?” Cozy Glow demanded.
“It’s simple, “ Marcie Pan said, placing her key to the cage’s keyhole.  “You’re going inside with these two strays.”
Marcie Pan opened the cage as Fawn Doo shoved Cozy Glow inside.  The two ponies shut the cage tight before locking it.  Then they looked down at Cozy Glow, Abigail and Spike.
“How do you like your new guests?” Marcie Pan asked.
“Disturbing,” Cozy Glow said, holding the bars of her new prison and glaring down at the two fillies.  “Putting me in here is one thing.  But placing Spike and Abigail in here as well?  You’re both a pair of sick monsters.”
“Flattery will get you nowhere,” Fawn Doo said.  “Anyway, enjoy your stay.  You’ll be here for the rest of your lives.”
Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo laughed out loud as they turned tail and left the room before shutting the door tight.  Cozy Glow gripped the bars tightly as Abigail and Spike held each other close.
“Curse those smug snarkers,” Cozy Glow snarled.  “If they wanted to lock me tight, they should have locked me in Tartarus with a centaur or something as a cellmate.”
“Cozy.”  Cozy Glow turned towards Abigail and Spike, who stared up at the little filly.
“You guys as well?” Cozy said.  
“Yes,” Spike said.  “I want….Twilight.”
“I know you do,” Cozy Glow said. “I  just want out of this miserable place and back where I belong.  But why did this happen?”
Cozy Glow sat down for a bit and pondered while Spike and Abigail held onto each other.
“It doesn’t make any sense,” Cozy Glow pondered.  “Yesterday, Firelight Glimmer debated and humiliated Gold Banks on the world stage, thus striking down the proposal to ship Wanda to Daisy Joy Tech, and now not only is Wanda forced into Daisy Joy Tech, but the same can be said for the rest of us.  Why is that?”
Suddenly, Cozy Glow’s mind popped up instantly.  She tapped her hoof on the bars of her cell before turning towards Abigail and Spike.
“I’ve figured it out,” Cozy Glow said.  “Gold Banks did this all by herself.  She must have kidnapped us while we were all sleeping and had her Debt Collectors take us away, against the will of my mother.  Lately, I’ve heard that Gold Banks isn’t on good terms with Magistrate Creme Dream, and she’s willing to do anything to get her way. That’s the perfect explanation for this crisis.”
“Gold Banks?” Both Spike and Abigail said.
“Yes,” Cozy Glow said.  “Gold Banks wanted revenge for being humiliated on that political stage, and she did so by taking us all captive, even in defiance of my own mother.  I may despise that witch who brought me into this world, but even she knows this is a stupid idea and would get a ton of backlash from the citizens of Equestria.”
“Mother….smart?” Spike asked.
“Yes,” Cozy Glow said.  “My mother has been around for a thousand years.  Even she knows about political backlash when she sees it.  The only question is, how long until the public realizes the truth?”
“Let them know about the truth all they want you little brat.”  Cozy Glow, Abigail and Spike turned to the doorway where a familiar light-gray, well-built stallion with a brown mane and tail stepped in with another familiar officer by his side.
“I know you two,” Cozy Glow said.  “You’re Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat from the Coltsom Detention Facility.”
“Until three juvenile delinquents took it down,” Steel Bolt said.  “I supervised another prison afterwards.  But when I heard about two fillies and a teacher who broke out of Daisy Joy Tech, I decided to transfer here just for the hay of it.  I take it you’re the little troublemaker who was friends with one of those two clowns.”
“I am,” Cozy Glow said.  “What about it?”
Steel Bolt turned towards Blue Heat and said “Tell em, partner.”
“Your crime was assisting the fugitive Golden Lace and figuring out the layout of this boarding school,” Blue Heat explained.  “So as your punishment, you’re locked away like wild animals in this cage until further notice.”
“And what if the ponies of Equestria find out about our disappearance?” Cozy Glow asked.
“Let them, “ Steel Bolt said.  “Even after they find out, let them.  We’ll use you all as a, let’s say….negotiating bid to make them an offer they won’t refuse.  That way, they won’t even think about coming to rescue you at all.”
“What?” Cozy Glow shouted.
“Deal with it,” Blue Heat said.  “You’re going to be here for a long time, and even Princess Celestia will be helpless to save you.”
“You said it, Blue Heat,” Steel Bolt laughed  “Come on.  Let’s go report to the Headmare that everyone is secure, including that monkey who thinks she’s a princess.”
As Steel Bolt and Blue Heat laughed, they walked out the door and shut it tight, leaving Cozy Glow alone with Spike and Abigail.
“Wanda,” Abigail cried.
“Twilight,” Spike sighed.
Cozy Glow held onto the bars of her cell before slumping down.
“Now how are we going to get out of this if they can use us as ransom to keep Princess Celestia away?”  Cozy Glow asked.

Later that night, Warden Steel Bolt knocked on the giant twin doors leading to the Headmare’s office.  Miss Honey Twist opened one of the two doors, to which Steel Bolt and Blue Heat bowed to her.
“Cut the pleasantries,” Miss Honey Twist said.  “Report.”
“Those new brats have been safely secured in their new dorms,” Warden Steel Bolt explained.  “And the one known as Cozy Glow is sharing a cell with a pair of disgusting animals.
“Excellent,” Miss Honey Twist said.  “I shall prepare the lesson plan for them tomorrow, and I will pair them up with three of the most despicable delinquents ever.”
“You’re not talking about Wallflower Blush, Vignette Valencia and Gloriosa Daisy, are ya?” Blue Heat asked.
“But of course,” Miss Honey Twist explained.  “I want to make sure these new students are comfy, but not too comfy.  After all, they will be experiencing F after F after F just to break their willpower.”
“Is there anything you want us to do?” Warden Steel Bolt asked.
“Nothing for now,” Miss Honey Twist said.  “Except to prepare for tomorrow.  I intend on submitting my report in a minute.”
“At once, Miss Honey Twist,” Steel Bolt said.
As both Steel Bolt and Blue Heat stepped away from the office, Miss Honey Twist closed the door shut before walking over to her desk and pressing a few buttons.
“Magistrate Creme Dream needs to know of this,” Miss Honey Twist said.
Immediately, a high definition monitor dropped down as the lights dimmed.  The monitor turned on, revealing Magistrate Creme Dream.
“I’m eager to hear your report of today’s lesson plan,” Creme Dream asked.
“Student failure is at an all time high and their morale is at an all time low,” Miss Honey Twist explained.  “They are a shell of their former selves.  Even their mean-spirited side has collapsed.”
“Excellent,” Creme Dream said.  “But I take it that’s not the reason why you came to report.”
“That is true,” Miss Honey Twist said. “Recently, the members of the Debt Collectors led by Master Trench Gruff brought to me a new batch of students, which included the Man’s Cub Princess Wanda.”
“That’s strange,” Creme Dream said.   “I did not authorize Wanda’s enrollment into Daisy Joy Tech.”
“That you’re right on,” Miss Honey Twist said.  “After all, Senate Bill 060660 failed 90-10 by a near unanimous vote by the Senate.  And you can thank Firelight Glimmer for making Gold Banks look like a total fool on the political stage.”
“Gold Banks,” Creme Dream said.  “She would have resorted to this low just for revenge.  I figured she would pull a stunt like that.”
“What do you wish for me to do?” Miss Honey Twist asked.
“I would like for you to keep them for a bit for now just to crush their spirit,” Magistrate Creme Dream said.  “I’ll have my daughter Majesty reveal to Princess Celestia their location.  And when the time comes, I will deal with Gold Banks for her insolence.”
“And I could use this moment to double cross my new junior wardens,” Miss Honey Twist said with glee.  “But tell me.  Do you think Gold Banks has become too much of a loose cannon?”
“Believe me,” Creme Dream said.  “Her recent actions say a whole lot.”

Meanwhile, in the dead of night, Gold Banks stepped out of her helicopter in the middle of Sire Hollow’s ruins with a couple of Debt Collector guards by her side.  Towers of ice dotted the village with some houses in ruins.  However, she turned her direction towards the graveyard, which remained untouched.
“I’m surprised,” Gold Banks laughed.  “I thought those Windigo’s Guild buffoons would trash the nearby graveyard.  But it seems I was mistaken.   Too bad, because I don’t live up to their standards.”
One of the guards gave a sledge hammer to Gold Banks, who held it up with her magic.  She made her way towards the graveyard with the sledgehammer before smashing her way through the gate with the weapon.
"Now, Gold Banks said.  "Where would his grave site be?"
Gold Banks looked around the graveyard where the deceased were laid to rest.  Her eyes caught a headstone that stuck out like a sore thumb, much to her delight."
"There it is," Gold Banks said.  "The grave of that fool's brother-in-law who died defending his town from the Windigo's Guild."
Gold Banks marched over to the grave with her sledgehammer and glared at it, which read "RIP Meteor Flare."  Gold Banks held her hammer with her magic and smirked with delight.
"It's a shame that I have to deface this grave," Gold Banks said as she swung back.  "But then again, it's not the first time I've done this."
With a powerful swing, Gold Banks smashed the gravestone with the sledgehammer, breaking the headpiece bit by bit until it was reduced to gravel.   When the dastardly deed was done, Gold Banks held the hammer in the air and grinned devilishly.
"Humiliate me on the world stage and I'll teach you a lesson you won't forget," Gold Banks laughed before she stepped away, leaving what's left of Meteor Flare's grave behind. 



	To Be Contiued in…


	What a Miserable Life This Is

> Arc 22-2: What a Miserable Life This Is
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


	What A Miserable Life This Is



A loud scream echoed through Canterlot Castle in the early morning, shaking the foundation.  Inside, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, Eleanor Young and Majordomo Kibitz ran through the halls, looking around frantically.
"They're gone," Princess Celestia yelled.  "All of them.”
“Where are they?” Princess Luna shouted, looking around.  
“Wanda, Sunset, Pinkie, Starlight,” Princess Cadance shouted.
“I’m afraid I see no sign of any of them,“ Eleanor Young explained.
“This doesn’t make any sense,” Princess Celestia said.  “Last night, we tucked them all into bed to prepare for a new day, and now they’re gone.”
“I have to agree, “Majordomo Kibitz said. “It’s not like for the little ones to step away in the middle of the night.”
“Maybe they’ve gone to the Golden Land,” Princess Luna said.
“I’m afraid not,” Princess Celestia explained.  “The ground bridge portal to the Golden Land is only activated by you, me, Princess Cadance or Chancellor Cinch.  There is no way they can go into the Golden Land.”
“Well where do you supposed they are?” Princess Luna asked.
“I’m not sure,” Princess Celestia said.  “It’s not like Wanda or the other kids to just disappear without a trace.  Besides, Pinkie Pie wanted to open a second Sugar Cube Corner shop here in Canterlot.”
Suddenly, they heard the sound of a doorbell go off at the Grand Foyer.  Princess Celestia immediately darted towards the door while Luna, Cadance, Eleanor and Kibitz followed from behind.
“Sister,” Princess Luna shouted.  “Where are you going?”
“I’m going to check to see if that’s Wanda or the others at the door,” Princess Celestia said.  “Wait here.”
As Luna, Cadance, Kibitz and Eleanor came to a stop, Princess Celestia bolted down the hall to the Grand Foyer, where she walked up to the entrance and opened the door.
“Wanda, is that you?” Princess Celestia asked.
But Wanda was not outside.   Instead, Shining Armor, Silver Banks, Firelight Glimmer and Canter Zoom stood out there in complete distress.
“I’m not Wanda,” Shining Armor said.  “But we have a situation on our hooves.”
“What happened?” Princess Celestia asked.
“It’s Twili,” Shining Armor replied.  “Last night, I decided to stay with mom, dad, Twilight and Spike at the hospital.  But when I woke up, Twilight was gone, and I felt a little woozy when I opened my eyes.  The same happened to mom and dad.”
“Twilight’s missing?” Princess Celestia said.  “I don’t believe this.”
“I can also report that my own daughter Golden Lace has disappeared,” Silver Banks said.  “She came home from your palace last night in a good mood, and when I woke up somehow in a drowsy mood, I realized she was gone.”
“I brought Canter Zoom here because he’s having a problem down in La Maresa,” Firelight Glimmer said as Canter Zoom stepped forward.
“Sometime after I got done with my recent studio work, I took my niece home and tucked her into bed,” Canter Zoom said.  “When I somehow woke up still feeling tired, my niece was gone.  Even worse, the interior of my studio was trashed completely.  Now I don’t know where Juniper Montage is and the entire shoot is ruined.”
As Canter Zoom broke down crying, Firelight Glimmer held him tight and looked up at Princess Celestia.
“Oh no,” Princess Celestia said.  “Now this problem has gotten even worse than I expected.”
“What do you mean by that, Princess?” Firelight Glimmer said.
“I’m afraid to say this to you,” Princess Celestia explained.  “But every youngling that was in this castle had disappeared, including your daughter Starlight Glimmer.”
Firelight’s jaw dropped down.  He released his hold from Canter Zoom before screaming into the air.
“STARLIGHT IS GONE?” Firelight yelled.
“I don’t know why she’s gone missing,” Princess Celestia explained.  “Nor do we know why Wanda and the others are gone.  Even Abigail and Spike have gone missing.”
“Princess,” Firelight said in a panic.  “I trusted you to look after Starlight Glimmer, and now she’s gone.  What do you have to say about that?”
“Easy Mr Glimmer,” Shining Armor said.  “I already lost Twili and Spike and they were close to us when they were taken away.  Same with Mr Banks and Mr Zoom with their respective kids.”
“He’s right,” Princess Celestia said.  “We need to find out what happened to the missing youngsters and get them back.”
But before Firelight Glimmer could say anything, his phone began to ring.  Firelight pulled his video phone out of his pocket, tapped the screen and placed it near his ear.
“Firelight Glimmer speaking,” Firelight said.  “Do you have any news about my missing daughter?”
“We do not,” The voice on the phone said.  “But I’m afraid I have some bad news.  Someone broke into the graveyard of Sire’s Hollow and destroyed your brother-in-law’s gravestone.”
Firelight Glimmer allowed the phone to drop from his hoof before falling down onto his knees.  His eyes looked watery as he struggled to hold it in.
“Mr Glimmer,” Princess Celestia said.  “Are you…..alright?”
Shining Armor held Firelight close before turning towards Princess Celestia.
“Princess,” Shining Armor said.  “We need to form a search party to find out where they’ve gone, and get them back before it’s too late.”
“On it,” Princess Celestia said.
Immediately, Princess Celestia pulled out her video phone and tapped the screen for a bit.  Immediately, Prince Blueblood showed up on the video screen.
“Aunt Celestia,” Prince Blueblood said.  “You looked distressed.”
“I’m afraid I have some bad news,” Princess Celestia explained.  “The younglings that I have been looking after including your cousins Wanda Young and Sunset Shimmer, along with Twilight Sparkle, Golden Lace, and Juniper Montage, have gone missing since last night.  I need you to form a search party to locate where they’ve gone.  Can you do that?”
“I can do so,” Prince Blueblood said.  “But we also need the help of the Wonderbolts to make sure we get them back.”
“Will do,” Princess Celestia said.  “I’ll contact Chancellor Cinch to inform the public about their disappearance and Captain Airazor to help you look for them.”
“Don’t you worry, Princess,” Prince Blueblood said. “We’ll get them back.  Blueblood out.”
As Prince Blueblood disappeared from the screen, Princess Luna ran up to Princess Celestia.
“Sister,” Princess Luna asked.  “What happened?”
“Dear sister,” Princess Celestia explained.  “I’m afraid our missing youngling situation has just gotten worse with the confirmed disappearance of three more younglings: Juniper Montage, Golden Lace and my faithful student Twilight Sparkle.”
“What are we going to do now?” Princess Luna asked.
“Contact Argyle Starshine and give him the lesson plan for the four remaining students at school today,” Princess Celestia said.  “I’ll let Chancellor Cinch and Captain Airazor to inform them of their disappearance.”
“Will do,” Princess Luna said.   “It’s going to take all of us to get them back.”
“It will,” Celestia said.

But back at Daisy Joy Tech, tens of hundreds of  students marched slowly through the hallways, depressed and joyless.  Many of them walked into separate classrooms as if their mood was broken completely.
In one of them, Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer, Starlight Glimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Golden Lace, Juniper Montage, Misty Brightdawn, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk sat in separate chairs, nervous about their day.  Behind them were three earth ponies, each with cuffs attached to their hooves.  One had a light greenish gray coat, a shaggy moderate aquamarine mane and tail, and a potted plant for a cutie mark.  One had a very light yellow coat, a mane and tail consisted of a grayish crime to light magneta gray and light gray streaks, and a cutie mark consisted of three leaves and five berries.  The third had a pale amaranth coat, a mane and tail consisting of two shades of moderate raspberry, and a daisy for a cutie mark.
“Wow,” Wanda said.  “We’re the only ones here.”
“And truth be told, I thought the school wasn’t as dark and dreadful as it used to be,” Golden Lace said.
“What do you mean, Lace?” Twilight asked.
“Before my dad took me and Juniper away from here, the school only pretended to have a pleasant feeling that gave that illusion,” Golden Lace said.  “Now it just resembles something worse than a prison.”
“You mean like the infamous Al-Colt-traz?” Starlight asked.
“Far worse,” Misty said.  “I once went on a tour with big brother Sombra into Al-Colt-traz.  It was a very depressing place to be in.  And yet, this place makes Al-Colt-traz look like a paradise.”
“To think, they tried to sugarcoat this place when we were last here,” Juniper Montage said.  “Guess they’ve stopped trying altogether.”
“Hey Lace, Juniper,” Starlight asked.  “Who are the three ponies behind us?”
“Actually, I also know who these three are,” Misty replied, pointing to the three earth ponies who were only minding themselves.
“The first one in green, that’s Wallflower Blush,” Juniper Montage said.
“The second one with a yellow coat is Vignette Valencia,” Golden Lace said.
“And the magenta-color pony is Gloriosa Daisy,” Misty Brightdawn said.
Starlight Glimmer attempted to get up from her desk, only to be pulled back down for some reason.  She attempted again, but to no avail.
“Those desks are magically enhanced to keep the person seated,” Misty explained, much to Starlight’s disappointment.  “You won’t be able to get up until the teacher disables them.”
“Well that’s a bummer,” Sonata Dusk said.  “How the hay are we supposed to use the bathroom if we can’t move from our seats?”
“That’s not possible without the teacher’s say-so,” Misty explained.  “And the teachers normally don’t do that.”
“Oh for crying out loud,” Pinkie Pie shouted.  “Even the La Maresa school wasn’t that cruel.”
Sunset Shimmer looked at Wallflower Blush, who just stared down at her own desk.
“Excuse me, Wallflower,” Sunset said.
But Wallflower Blush ignored Sunset Shimmer’s voice and continued her focus on the desk.
“If you’re trying to get Wallflower’s attention, don’t bother,” Vignette Valencia said.  “She’s not one who speaks much.”
Twilight Sparkle turned to Golden Lace and asked “Lace, weren’t you friends with those three?”
“We were,” Golden Lace said.  “But I think after Juniper and I left thanks to Princess Luna and my father, we wound up unintentionally abandoning them.”
“She’s got that right,” Gloriosa Daisy said, causing Twilight to turn towards her.  “We felt abandoned by Golden lace and Juniper Montage when they left Daisy Joy Tech.  Since then, the headmare turned this place into an absolute prison with the intent of making everyone miserable.  In fact, she even hired a warden and an officer from the place formerly known as the Coltsom Detention Facility to help turn this school into a real prison.”
“That is despicable,” Wanda said.  “How come no one knows about what happened to this place?”
“You can thank the bureaucrats for that,” Vignette Valencia explained.  “The Senators, the press, and the ponies of Manehattan were either bribed or blackmailed into keeping their silence about this place.  Even the most Canterweb savvy of ponies were silenced when they found out about this place.”
“What about the parents who find out about the truth?” Aria Blaze asked.
“My parents were committed to an insane asylum after they learned about its transformation and tried to get me pulled out,” Vignette Valencia said. 
“Mines have gone into hiding after they found out about this place,” Gloriosa Daisy said.  “I just want to see if big brother is alright.”
“I don’t like this place, one bit,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “A school that treats its students like literal prisoners, and no one is allowed to talk about this place.  What kind of insane place is this?”
“My dear, it’s a lot worse than you can imagine.” Everyone turned their attention to the teacher’s desk, where Officer Blue Heat marched on over and sat down with a smug grin on his face.
“That’s the teacher?” Wanda asked.
“Officer Blue Heat is one of the many Coltsom guards who now occupy this school,” Misty said.  “And he enjoys failing students.  We often call him Blue Grin.”
As everyone looked at Officer Blue Heat, he got up from his seat and pulled some papers out.
“Okay class,” Blue Heat said.  “You have a test today and I expect it to be done in ten minutes.  It should be a simple one.  Once your test is on your table, you are to start on it right away.  No cheating, though it wouldn’t matter if you cheated or not.”
With his grin still in plain view, Blue Heat got up and placed the test on each desk, plus a number 2 pencil.   Each youngling immediately picked up their pencil and looked down at it in confusion.  But when Golden Lace looked down, her eyes looked puzzled.
“What in the world?” Golden Lace said.  
“They didn’t even provide us with the material to study for this test,” Misty explained as Blue Heat placed her test paper down.  “It’s like this for everyone.”
As Blue Heat placed Wanda’s test down on her desk, Wanda picked up her pencil and looked down, only to crack a small smile.
“Strange,” Wanda thought to herself.  “For some reason, I know all of these answers.”
Wanda immediately placed her pencil down on the paper and began to mark in her answers as Blue Heat placed more tests on the desks of the other students.  Blue Heat turned to Wanda and looked intrigued.
“Hmm, I underestimate this one,” Blue Heat said.  “For a Man’s Cub, she has a good sign of intelligence.  But does it matter if she’s smart or stupid?  I see no difference between the two.”
After Blue Heat placed the last test on the desk, the other ponies looked down and picked up their pencils, struggling to mark their tests down with the exception of Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer and Sunset Shimmer.
“This isn’t hard,” Twilight said.  “I know a good portion of these answers.  How hard could this be?”
As the other ponies carefully marked in their answers, Wanda marked her last part of the test before flipping the paper over and placing the pencil down.  Blue Heat, noticing Wanda’s speed and efficiency, walked up to Wanda’s desk and picked up the test.
“Done already?” Blue Heat said.  “You’re pretty fast for a Man’s Cub.”
But Wanda said nothing as she looked down at her desk, ignoring Blue Heat’s response.  Blue Heat kept his smile bare as he walked back up to the desk.

Later, after everyone had finished their tests, Blue Heat looked over the tests while the entire class sat there, nervously.  He looked up at the students with his grin even more sinister.
“I’m sorry to have to say this,” Blue Heat said.  “But I’m afraid you all…FAILED!”
“What?” Sunset Shimmer yelled.
Immediately, Blue Heat pulled out a giant stamp and stamped all of the tests with the word “FAILED” on it.  He picked those tests back up and walked them back to the students before tossing them on the desk.
“Told ya,” Misty said.  “It doesn’t matter if you know the material or not, he’ll still fail you like how the teachers here fail every student in this school.”
“She’s right,” Blue Heat said as he placed Wanda’s test back on the desk.  “It wouldn’t even matter if you were the smartest pony in the universe, or the smartest ape, I would have still failed you even if you knew all of the answers.  Though I’ll have to give credit to the chimp for getting the fastest time on today’s test.  It was a rather amusing form of entertainment.”
“ENTERTAINMENT?” Adagio Dazzle yelled, catching everyone’s attention.
“Sister, not in front of the class,” Aria Blaze said.
“My dear, are you being disruptive?” Blue Heat said, amused.  
“Oh that’s an understatement,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “We were taken from our homes with no warning, put in this miserable place without Princess Celestia’s consent and are forced to take tests on the assumption that we will fail regardless?  This isn’t a school.  In fact, even a prison is more pleasant than this mess.”
Blue Heat just laughed before he said “Oh I’m sorry.  But I’m afraid that’s grounds for….DETENTION!”
As Blue Heat walked back to his desk, Adagio yelled “DON’T YOU DETENTION ME YOU SORRY SACK OF TRASH!  YOU ARE AMONGST THE WORST PONIES I’VE EVER MET AND…”
“Oh cool it,” Blue Heat smirked with his hoof over a button.  “Anyway, enjoy your time in detention.”
With one press of the button, Adagio Dazzle’s desk moved from its position, carrying the earth pony with it.  Adagio screamed as the front door opened and the desk carried her out of the room and down the hallway.  Everyone sans Misty, Wallflower, Vignette and Gloriosa just stood there as Adagio Dazzle left the room.
“Sister, no,” Sonata Dusk yelled as she reached out.
“Are there any more objections?” Blue Heat asked.
Everyone just stood there, completely quiet.
“Very good,” Blue Heat said.  “Now let us prepare for our lesson plan for today.”
As Blue Heat reached below the desk to pull some papers out, Wanda turned towards Aria Blaze, who’s trying to calm a crying Sonata Dusk.
“That was our leader,” Sonata Dusk cried.  “She told us what to do and now she’s gone.”
“So this is what happens to ponies who act out of line?” Wanda asked.
“It is,” Gloriosa Daisy said.  “Sometimes, the teacher will pull you into detention for his own amusement.”
Starlight sighed and said “Now how are we going to get out of this mess?”
“I wonder what mom and dad are thinking about me being gone?”  Pinkie Pie said.
“The same can be said of the parents who care for us, Pinkie,” Golden Lace said.  “And I know the one parent I can truly blame for getting us in this mess.”
“Gold Banks,” Juniper Montage said.  “What she did wasn’t nice.”
“You’re right on that, Juniper,” Golden Lace said.

Later that day in the Headmare’s Office, Officer Blue Heat knocked on her door, causing Ms Honey Twist to open it.
“This better be good,” Ms Honey Twist said.
“I think you’ll be surprised, headmare,” Officer Blue Heat said.  “Check the info for Wanda Young’s test after I failed her and the rest of those delinquents.”
Ms Honey Twist swung the door open as Officer Blue Heat walked into the office.  She sat down in her chair and typed a few buttons on her personal computer.  The screen turned on, pointing to Princess Wanda Young’s own test with the word “FAIL” on it.  But when Ms Honey Twist looked closely at her answers, she looked surprised.
“Well, it looks like we have an actual valedictorian on our hooves,” Ms Honey Twist said.
“Three of the other new students have almost similar test scores,” Blue Heat said.  “But I’m more curious about the intelligence of that monkey.”
“So am I, regardless of the fact that you failed her,” Ms Honey Twist said.
“As per your orders, Headmare,” Blue Heat explained.
“As per my orders,” Honey Twist said, curious.  “And I am also aware that a pony yelled out an objection to this policy and she was sent to detention.”
“Confirmed,” Blue Heat said.
“Perhaps it may be time for this orangutan to join her friend in detention through an incident that is no fault of her own,” Ms Honey Twist said.
With a few more presses of the button from Ms Honey Twist, Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo showed up on the main screen, turning their attention to the Headmare of the school.
“You called, Headmare?” Marcie Pan asked.
“Lunchtime will be soon, my precious,” Ms Honey Twist said.  “I want you both to start an intentional food fight there and make sure you blame the human known as Wanda Young in the process.  I’ll be waiting.”
“It will be done, Headmare,” Fawn Doo said before they disappeared from the monitor.
Ms Honey Twist turned towards Blue Heat with a smile on her face.
“I want you to inform your partner Warden Steel Bolt to prepare to arrest Princess Wanda for starting a food fight,” Ms Honey Twist said.  
“It will be done,” Blue Heat said.
“And one last thing,” Ms Honey Twist said.  “Once the deed is done, bring Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo up here as well.  I have a surprise for them that will catch them off guard.”
Officer Blue Heat smiled even more and said “Headmare, I know what you’re talking about, and I can’t wait to do that.”
As Officer Blue Heat walked out of the room before closing the door, Ms Honey Twist sat there, anticipating the moment.
“Enjoy your last moments as Junior Wardens, Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo, for your usefulness is at an end,” Ms Honey Twist said.

Meanwhile, far away from Daisy Joy Tech, in the ruins of the Coltsom Detention Facility, Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim and Flam just sat there, relaxing and observing the silence.
“This is life,” Hoops said.  “No rules.  No responsibilities.   No worries.  We’ve got this place all to ourselves.”
“And we still have plenty of food rations left in this prison,” Flim said.  
“Maybe we should go out and swipe some food when we run out,” Score said.
“That might be something,” Hoops said.  “Or maybe we should go to Zephyr Heights and spray paint on the walls there.”
“Yeah, but wouldn’t that upset Princess Wanda?” Dumbbell asked.
“That would,” Hoops said.  “But then again, we’re the irredeemable Scrappies and she’s just one ruler.  She needs to realize that we’re not meant to be living the same life she was.”
Suddenly, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse burst into the mess hall, holding up a video tablet with a news report on it.
“Hey Hoops,” Rolling Thunder said.  “Get a load of this news.”
Rolling Thunder flew up to Hoops and gave him the video tablet.  Hoops looked down and his face was caught off guard.
“Princesses gone missing,” Hoops read.  “Wanda, Sunset, and various other fillies vanished without a trace.”
“Do you suppose it’s related to the bill that Gold Banks wanted to pass?” Short Fuse asked.
“You mean the one that forced Wanda to attend Daisy Joy Tech if they passed it?” Flam asked.
“Exactly,” Hoops replied.  “The very place where two of the students broke out and they were declared expelled.”
“Do you think they were taken there out of spite?” Score asked.
Hoops jumped up onto his four hooves and said “I have a feeling they might.  The stupid adults can’t tell the forests from the trees.”
“Maybe we should go there and trash the place up like we did here at Coltsom?” Rolling Thunder said.  “Besides, I heard Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat are working there.”
“Great idea,” Hoops said.  “Let’s go down there and cause a scene they won’t forget.”
Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse got themselves ready before they ran down to the end of the mess hall ruins and out the door.  They ran as far as they could until they left the abandoned building and out of the gates of the Coltsom Facility ruins.
“To Daisy Joy Tech,” Hoops announced.  “Let’s have the best fun we’ve ever had.”
“YOU SAID IT!”  The other Scrappies cheered.


	To Be Continued in…


	The Price of Detention

> Arc 22-3: The Price of Detention
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Price of Detention



Crowds gathered around the castle as Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance and Chancellor Cinch stood in front of the crowd.  Celestia walked to the podium before she cleared her throat and placed her mouth near the mike.
“As you are all aware, we have a major crisis on our hooves,” Princess Celestia explained.  “My daughters Princess Wanda Young and Princess Sunset Shimmer have gone missing as of this morning.  Other ponies that have also gone missing include Starlight Glimmer, Pinkie Pie, Cozy Glow, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, Golden Lace, Twilight Sparkle and Juniper Montage.  Gone without a trace.”
The crowd murmured in fear upon hearing Princess Celestia’s words.  Immediately, Chancellor Cinch stepped forward as Princess Celestia stepped away from the mic.
“We have sent forth the Wonderbolts along with Prince Blueblood to locate Princess Wanda, Princess Sunset and all of their friends,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Rest assured, we will locate them and bring them home.”
“Chancellor Cinch,” a reporter asked.  “Do you believe that Gold Banks may have something to do with this?”
“We may consider looking into Gold Banks and her involvement in their disappearance,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “But right now, she is nowhere to be found, either.  Word got out that she’s not even at her Penthouse Suite in Manehattan.”
But before Cinch could step away, another reporter asked “Chancellor.  Do you think Gold Banks skipped out of town after the younglings disappeared?”
“I do believe it may be possible,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “What I want to know is if she did take them, then where?”
As Chancellor Cinch walked away from the reporters, Princess Cadance stepped forward towards the mic with Princess Luna by her side.
“To the ponies of Equestria,” Princess Cadance announced.  “If you know where my sisters Wanda and Sunset are, along with their friends, inform us immediately.  There’s nothing I want more than to see them come home from the danger I fear they are in.”
But as Luna and Cadance addressed the crowd, Danged Spell, Sunburst and Moondancer stood from far behind the crowd with Argyle Starshine standing by them.  All three youngsters looked worried.
“Wow,” Danged Spell said.  “So someone, maybe Gold Banks, kidnapped them?”
“That’s a likely possibility,” Moondancer said.  “But it happened so sudden just as Wanda was granted her freedom.”
“My guess is that Gold Banks didn’t like the results of that ruling and she wanted revenge,” Sunburst said.
“That might be right,” Danged Spell said.  “But where do you suppose she took them to?”
“I’m not so sure,” Sunburst said.
“And I agree,” Argyle Starshine said.  “If it’s true that Gold Banks kidnapped them, then we don’t know where she would take them to.”
Danged Spell walked away from the group before he said “I thought moving to La Maresa was a terrible idea.  But after what happened to Wanda and Sunset, to their friends living in the castle, to Twilight and Lace, and even to Juniper Montage and Pinkie Pie, I just want to ask mom and dad to move me to the ends of this planet.  It’s like I have a target on my back.”
Moondancer sighed before she said “What are we going to do without Wanda and the others?”
“We’ll have to fight on and hope we can get a clue on where Gold Banks may have taken them to,” Argyle Starshine said.
“I hope you’re right,” Moondancer said.

Meanwhile, back in Daisy Joy Tech at the mess hall, ponies were slowly eating whatever kind of slop is on their plates, chewing not with delight, but with emotional pain.  On a nearby table, Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Golden Lace, Juniper Montage, Pinkie Pie, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, Misty Brightdawn, Wallflower Blush, Vignette Valencia and Gloriosa Daisy all gathered together, struggling to eat the mush on their plate.
“What kind of monster would approve of this?” Pinkie Pie asked.  “I’d rather eat the spinach of La Maresa and that’s some good stuff.”
“I don’t think it’s vegan or gluten-free,” Aria Blaze said.
“Since when do ponies eat meat?” Starlight Glimmer asked.
“I’ve actually eaten meat long ago,” Misty Brightdawn said, causing everyone to stare at her.
“Wait,” Sunset said.  “You’ve actually eaten meat?”
“I actually did,” Misty Brightdawn said. “Mainly fish.  I stopped doing so long ago after I grew tired of eating nothing but fish.”
Wanda turned her attention to the food on her plate and picked up a bit of it with her fork.  She placed it in her mouth and chewed on it before swallowing.
“Uggh,” Wanda gagged.  “This is the worst thing I have ever tasted.”
“It’s the only thing we get to eat at all,” Vignette Valencia said.  “It’s this same slop, day in and day out.  No other foods are available.”
“That doesn’t make any sense, whatsoever,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Shouldn’t there be a better meal plan than this?”
“Not exactly,” Gloriosa Daisy said.  “The cruelty is the point when it comes to these kinds of foods.  It’s all we get, and if we don’t like it, we can’t eat.  But then again, after eating this stuff, maybe not eating is the better idea.”
As Wanda struggled to eat the food on her plate, Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo hid behind the kitchen counter with smug grins on their faces.  Marcie pulled out a video tablet, where Miss Honey Twist looked up at the two.
“Well, are you in place?” Miss Honey Twist asked.
“We are,” Marcie Pan said.  “Ready to commence Operation Prison Joy.”
“Excellent,” Ms Honey Twist said.  “You may fire when ready.  Once they are flinging food at each other, I will send in Warden Steel Bolt to apprehend the Princess and bring her down to my office to prepare her for her detention.  When you are done, come by my office for your reward.”
“Will do,” Fawn Doo said before Ms. Honey Twist’s image disappeared from the video tablet.
“Are you ready to do this?” Marcie Pan asked as she stuck her hoof into the pot full of slop.
“How about we hit that brat in the face to kick it off?” Fawn Doo said.  
“Good idea,” Marcie Pan said.
Marcie Pan slowly lifted her head and saw Wanda Young struggle to eat her food.  She grinned as she held the ball of slop in her hoof before pointing it at the Man’s Cub.
“Bon appetit,” Marcie Pan said with a smile on her face.
Immediately, Marcie Pan rose up and threw the ball of slop across the mess hall, hitting Wanda in the face.  She fell to the ground as Sunset, Starlight, Golden Lace and Pinkie Pie got up.
“Sunset,” Wanda cried.  “What happened?”
But before Sunset Shimmer could say anything, another ball of slop flew across the room and hit her on the side, followed by someone yelling out “FOOD FIGHT!”
“EVERYONE GET DOWN!” Sunset Shimmer yelled as food flung across the mess hall by the students.  
Sunset Shimmer hid under the table, holding Wanda by her side.  Immediately, Starlight, Pinkie Pie, Misty Brightdawn, Golden Lace and Juniper Montage joined the two sisters, followed by Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, Wallflower Blush, Vignette Valencia and Gloriosa Daisy.  
“What the hay is going on here?” Golden Lace asked.
“I don’t know,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Some pony threw food at Wanda and me, and now there’s a food fight breaking out.”
“That’s a total waste of food, even if it is slop,” Pinkie Pie said.
“Just stay down,” Misty yelled.  “As long as we’re hiding, we won’t get in trouble.”
Suddenly, someone shouted “STOPPPPPPPPP!”  Every student in the mess hall came to a complete stop as what’s left of the food was either covering the tables, the walls or the floors.  At the front entrance stood Warden Steel Bolt with a few guards by his side.
“You’re all in big trouble for this food fight,” Warden Steel Bolt announced.  “But there is one individual who’s going to get punished the most.”
Warden Steel Bolt marched over to the one table with no one surrounding it.  He lifted it up and tossed it aside, where he saw Wanda Young hunker down with Sunset Shimmer and the other fillies.
“You,” Steel Bolt said, pointing to Wanda.
“Me?” Wanda asked.
“She didn’t do it,” Sunset said. “In fact, she was the first to be hit by…”
“Likely story,” Steel Bolt said before a guard reached out and yanked Wanda away from the group.
“WANDA, NO!” Starlight cried.
As the guard cuffed Wanda’s arms tight behind her back, he shoved Wanda up to Warden Steel Bolt, who looked down at her.
“You’re coming with me to the Headmare’s office,” Steel Bolt said.  “She has some big plans for you after that stunt you pulled.”
“But I didn’t…” Wanda cried before Steel Bolt shoved her mouth shut with his hoof.
“Not another word unless I say so,” Steel Bolt said.
As the guards escorted Wanda out of the mess hall, Warden Steel Bolt turned towards the students inside the mess hall.
“As for the rest of you delinquents,” Steel Bolt said, “You will remain in this mess hall until you clean up the mess you all made…with your tongues.  Consider this your Failure grade for today and tomorrow.”
As the guards pull Wanda out of the mess hall, Steel Bolt followed from behind before he closed down the mess hall, leaving Sunset Shimmer to reach out, helplessly.
“Sister,” Sunset cried.  “Come back.”
As Sunset slumped down crying, Starlight Glimmer and Golden Lace held her close while the rest of the group watched on, helplessly.
“Don’t you worry, Sunset,” Starlight said.  “We’ll get her back.”
“I hope we do,” Sunset cried.  “I don’t know if I can handle another day or two in this place.”
“I thought it was horrible here in Daisy Joy Tech,” Golden Lace said. “But now, it’s far worse than that.”
But as Starlight and Lace comforted Sunset, Pinkie Pie watched on, looking like she’s about to cry.
“Is this it…” Pinkie said, on the verge of tears.  “Is this what we’re doomed….to be?”
With that, Pinkie Pie cried out loud as a pair of waterfall tears burst from her eyes.  Vignette Valencia, Wallflower Blush and Gloriosa Daisy could do nothing, but watch helplessly.
“Poor kid,” Vignette said.  “What’s going to happen to her since her close friend was taken?”
“I don’t know,” Misty said.  “But I only hope she can make it out alive.”

Meanwhile, at the Headmare’s office, Wanda was taken in through the front doors by the two guards with her arms still cuffed.  Behind her marched Warden Steel Bolt, looking all proud and mighty.
“Well done,” Miss Honey Twist said.  “You caught the scoundrel.”
“It was a piece of cake,” Warden Steel Bolt said.  “Like spearing fish in a barrel.”
Miss Honey Twist turned towards Wanda and said “Well now, Princess.   What do you have to say for yourself?”
“I didn’t do it,” Wanda cried.  
“I know you didn’t,” Miss Honey Twist said with a smile on her face.  “That’s why we set you up in the first place.”
“Say what?” Wanda shouted.
“Now now now,” Miss Honey Twist said in a humorous tone.  “No need for you to be upset, my dear.  In fact, I think it’s time to reveal to you the ones who I asked to frame you.”
Immediately, Steel Bolt pulled the door open to which Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo entered.  Wanda turned towards the two Junior Wardens before her face turned into a scowl.
“You,” Wanda snarled.  “You did this to me?”
“We sure did,” Marcie Pan said.  “How does it feel to be set up by the two of us?”
“Yeah,” Fawn Doo said.  “Imagine the look on your face when you got a piece of the food I sent ya, and then you were led out because they wanted to.”
Wanda turned back towards Miss Honey Twists with tears in her eyes.
“You have a lot of nerve to want to frame me for something I didn’t do for your own amusement,” Wanda said as her voice became tense.
“You’re absolutely right, Princess,” Miss Honey Twist said.  “I do.  And for a good reason.  I don’t see these brats as the future of Equestria.  They’re nothing more than a bunch of juvenile delinquents who only act like this because of their entitled parents.  And for that, they have to be taught a lesson they won’t ever forget.”
Immediately, Miss Honey Twist turned towards Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo, who looked extremely eager.
“And now for you two,” Miss Honey Twist said.  “It’s time for your reward.”
“Really?” Marcie Pan asked.
“Yes,” Ms. Honey Twist said.  “Your Eternal Reward.”
Immediately, Warden Steel Bolt picked up both Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo by the back of their uniforms and turned them upside down, shaking them till they fell out of their outfits.  Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo fell down on the floor before looking up at Ms Honey Twist, completely horrified.
“What are you doing?” Wanda said.
“Exactly as I promised,” Ms Honey Twist said as the guards grabbed Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo by the arms and cuffed them.
“I thought you said we had potential,” Marcie Pan said.
“Yeah,” Fawn Doo said.  “You said we were to be the rising stars of this academy.”
“And you were,” Ms. Honey Twist said.  “But now, I believe your usefulness is at an end.”
“You double-crosser,” Marcie Pan yelled.  “We stuck our necks out for you and you chose to do this to us?”
“Of course,” Ms. Honey Twist said before she turned to Warden Steel Bolt.  “Take them and the Princess to the special detention area.”
“Yes, Ms Honey Twist,” Warden Steel Bolt saluted.
And with that, the third guard picked up a frightened Wanda and carried her off with another guard following from behind, carrying both Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo by the cuffs.
“YOU WON’T GET AWAY WITH THIS, HONEY TWIST!” Fawn Doo yelled as she was pulled out the door.  “YOU’LL BE SORRY YOU EVER DOUBLE-CROSSED US!”
“I beg to differ,” Ms. Honey Twist said in an amused tone.  “And besides, I’m already beginning to look for your replacements.”

Later, in another room, a door opened up as Warden Steel Bolt pulled Wanda, Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo inside before tossing them to the floor.  He reached out and uncuffed all three younglings before a couple of guards stood in front of the door.
“You three are going to be in here for a long time,” Warden Steel Bolt laughed. “So make yourselves useful and clean out the pots and pans with your new cellmates.”
With that, Warden Steel Bolt laughed as he and the guards made their way out the door before shutting it behind them and locking it tight.  Wanda immediately turned towards Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo, glaring at the duo angrily.
“This is your fault you know,” Wanda said with her ears steaming hot.
“How would we know she was going to betray us?” Marcie Pan yelled.
“NO EXCUSES!” Wanda snapped.
Immediately, Wanda stopped when she heard someone say “Wanda.  Is that you?”  She turned to face the interior of the room, where Adagio Dazzle pulled herself out from inside a giant kettle.
“Adagio?”  Wanda said, calming down.  “Is that you?”
Wanda walked up to Adagio, who slowly got herself up from out of the kettle.
“It is,” Wanda said before glaring back at  Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo.  “Thanks to these two clowns, I was sent here to detention.”
“What did they do?” Adagio asked.
“Frame me for starting a food fight,” Wanda said.  “Turns out they were doing it under that mean lady’s orders before she decided to lock them up with me.”
“That’s Miss Honey Twist in a nutshell.  A real child hater.”  Wanda, Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo turned towards the corner, where a pegasi filly with a light turquoise coat, a prilliant amber mane with billaint gold stripes, A lighting bolt cutie mark and her wings cuffed, emerged.
“Who’s that?” Wanda asked.
“That’s Lightning Dust,” Adagio Dazzle explained.  “She’s a two-time trouble maker here in Daisy Joy Tech.”
“So I heard you’re the adopted daughter of Princess Celestia,” Lightning Dust said.  
“I am,” Wanda said, on the verge of tears.
“And I found out that you were kidnapped along with her friends and taken here,” Lightning Dust said.  “It’s actually typical.   There’s been reports about some students being taken from their parents and being forced to attend this school against their will.”
“Believe it or not,” Adagio Dazzle said, “Lightning Dust is one of them.  She used to live with her folks in the northern area, sometime after we got caught up in the winter storm before the Debt Collectors took her away.”
“That’s horrible,” Wanda said. “Why would they want to do this?”
“Because Gold Banks is the real owner of this school,” Lighting Dust said.  “Ms. Honey Twist, despite being the headmare in charge, is only managing the place.  She chose to reshape this school to accommodate her strict policy towards the students here.  After two students escaped, they say Gold Banks demanded the place be revamped to make everyone here suffer.”
“Anyway,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “We’re stuck in here for who knows how long, cleaning out these cookwares until further notice.
As Adagio Dazzle went back to clean out the giant kettle with Lightning Dust joining in, Wanda looked at a pile of dishes nearby before turning towards Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo.
“You two.  Clean.  Now,” Wanda commanded, pointing to the dishes.
“Make us,” Fawn Doo said.
“NOW!” Wanda shouted with a thundering voice, causing both Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo to cower.
“Okay,” Marcie Pan said.  “We’ll do it.”
Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo walked over to the dish pile with Wanda marching from behind.  
“Now you two pick up each dish and clean it properly,” Wanda commanded.
Without saying another word, Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo picked up a scrubbing cloth and started to clean the dishes.  Wanda glared over at the two as they cleaned away.  But that caused Lightning Dust and Adagio Dazzle to turn their attention to the Man’s Cub.
“Was Princess Wanda always like this?” Lightning Dust asked.
“No, she was far sweeter than this,” Adagio Dazzle explained.  “But I believe what Miss Honey Twist did may have caused her to snap.”
Lightning Dust walked over to Wanda, who’s eyes were still focused on Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo.
“Wanda,” Lightning Dust said.  “You alright?”
“No,” Wanda said.  “These two were responsible for getting me in this mess.  I’m making them suffer the consequences for their actions.”
“Don’t you think you’re a little too harsh?” Adagio Dazzle asked.
“Not at all,” Wanda replied.  
“You sound a bit like the Chancellor on her off days, and I’ve seen how angry she can get,” Adagio Dazzle said.
“Good,” Wanda said.  “Maybe I should thank her for this.”
As Wanda turned back towards Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo, Adagio turned towards Lightning Dust.
“I swear, this will end up worse before it gets better,” Adagio said.
“I hope not because this is the lowest that it can go,” Lightning Dust said.

Meanwhile, Miss Honey Twist, Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat observed the detention room from a closed circuit monitor.  While Blue Heat and Steel Bolt took glee in their suffering, something within Honey Twist had piped her interest.
“Curious,” Ms. Honey Twist said.  “I never expected the Man’s Cub to be this harsh.”
“What do you propose, Headmare?” Warden Steel Bolt asked.
“I’d like to let her have a few hours with those two,” Ms. Honey Twist explained.  “Something tells me that she may have the potential to be your new Junior Warden.”
“New Junior Warden, eh?” Officer Blue Heat said.  “Interesting.  Turn her against her friends and watch their hopes dash away.”
“Of course,” Ms Honey Twist said, “There are a couple of students who could….help out in her conversion to Junior Warden.  Officer Blue Heat.  Do you think you can pull two of her closest friends to Warden Steel Bolt’s quarters?”
“It will do,” Blue Heat said before he stepped out of the office.
“And now,” Ms Honey Twist said.  “Let the training begin.”

Meanwhile, in another part of the school, Cozy Glow sat alone in the cage with Spike and Abigail by her side.   They just stood there, watching and observing everything around them.
“This is horrible,” Cozy Glow said.  “Locked in a cage through no fault of our own.  Now what will we do?”
Immediately, two guards entered the room with a plate of slop.  One of them closed the door behind him before the other opened the door to her cage.
“Here ya go,” The guard said, shoving the plate of food inside before shutting the cage tight.  “There’s your dinner.”
Cozy Glow took a bit of the food and bit into a small portion of it before swallowing.  She stuck her tongue out in disgust.
“Yuck,” Cozy Glow said.  “This is the worst gunk I have ever eaten.”
“Get used to it,” the other guard said as they laughed.
As Cozy Glow glared up at the two guards, Spike and Abigail walked up to the plate and both took a bite of the food before gagging a bit.
“I’m with you on that,” Cozy Glow said.  “Sadly, it’s the only thing we’ll be getting from here on out.”
“Oh by the way,” one of the guards said.  “Did you hear?  We had to relieve the Junior Wardens of their duties and assign them to detention.”
“Detention?” Cozy Glow asked.  “What do you mean?”
“Why it’s simple,” The other guard said.  “We’re going to turn your human friend into Warden Steel Bolt’s newest Junior Warden.”
“And you want me to convince her to do that?” Cozy Glow snapped.
“Oh no, you’re not that important,” one guard said.  “We know of two of Wanda’s friends who would be the perfect means to convince her, and we’ll make sure she’ll take a deal she won’t refuse.”
As the two guards walked away from Cozy Glow laughing before they opened the door, walked out and shut it tight, Cozy Glow just sat there while Spike and Abigail cuddled next to them.
“Just when things seem to have reached rock bottom, they get worse,” Cozy Glow sighed.  “What are we going to do?”



	To Be Continued in…


	The making of a Junior Warden

> Arc 22-4: The Making of a Junior Warden
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Making of a Junior Warden



It was evening time in Equestria.  Somewhere hiding on a train that was traveling eastward, Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse hid away behind a crate and out of sight for the Conductor who was patrolling the cars of the train.
“Too bad this so-called ground bridge portal was not made between La Maresa and Manehattan,” Flam said.  “Nor am I willing to go near La Maresa just to go through a portal that leads to Canterlot.”
“You said it,” Flim said.  “This is a far more reliable way to travel.”
“Cool your jets, guys,” Hoops said.  “We’re here to break into Daisy Joy Tech and cause all sorts of mischief, once we reach Manehattan.”
As the Conductor left the car and shut the door tight, The Scrappies pulled themselves out from behind and watched as his shadow disappeared from the door.
“He’s gone for now,” Rolling Thunder said.
“Good,” Hoops said.  “Now we can focus on our anticipation into getting into Daisy Joy Tech.”
“So I take it we’re just gonna trash the place like we did with Coltsom?” Dumbbell asked.
“That’s exactly right,” Hoops said. “Maybe recruit some others who wish to join our cause.”
“Maybe we can get a filly to join this team,” Score said.
“I dunno,” Hoop said.  “I mean, sure Wanda is harsh and all.  But a filly?  Who would be greater than her?”
“I’m surprised that you called her harsh considering that she welcomed us with open arms,” Rolling Thunder said.
“Still,” Hoops said before he flew atop a crate and looked down at his fellow Scrappies.  “We’re doing this just to see if we can break Daisy Joy Tech like we did at Coltsom.  You guys with me?”
“YEAH!” The rest of the Scrappies chanted.
“Great,” Hoops said.  “Now quickly hide again.  We may have attracted some unwanted attention.”
Immediately, every member of the Scrappies hid behind crates as the door slowly opened.  The Conductor looked inside, searching around the interior of the train car.
“That’s strange,” The Conductor said.  “I thought I heard some ponies scream.  Oh well.  Must have been my imagination.”
As the Conductor closed the door once more, the train continued its way down the tracks towards Manehattan.

Inside the mess hall, every student  was licking away at the scraps of food that were on the floors, tables and walls, in total disgust.  Especially Sunset Shimmer and her friends, who struggled to lick the food.
“This is an annoyance,” Pinkie Pie said.  “All this because someone decided to start a food fight with us.”
“And as a result, everyone gets punished,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “What a horrible place this is.”
“It’s not the first time that the headmare did this on purpose,” Misty explained.
“Wait,” Pinkie Pie said.  “She did this before?”
“She did,” Gloriosa Daisy said.  “Many times just to give us a hard time.  Furthermore, her Junior Wardens Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo always snuck in here to start that fight, then choose a student at random to assign blame to and make the rest of us clean this place up without even our hooves.”
“That’s just nasty,” Golden Lace said.  “I knew that Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo were despicable.  But to resort to that stunt?  That is just low.”
“It’s far worse than you can imagine since you’ve left,” Vignette Valencia said as she held Wallflower Blush tight. “Ever since Warden Steel Bolt came to this school, he turned it into a prison.  One far worse than any of the prisons I’ve read about.”
“And he has the audacity to treat us like this?” Twilight said.
“He does,” Vignette Valencia said.  “In fact, he doesn’t just rule with an iron hoof.  He also rules with a sadistic tone, taking joy in the emotional harm of colts and fillies in this wretched place.”
“And here’s the worst part,” Misty said.  “Some of the students here didn’t come here because of their parents.  They were taken from their parents like a student named Lightning Dust, who came from the far north.”
“That’s horrible,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “Why would they do something like that?”
“It’s how they operate,” Misty said.  “I also got wind that Gold Banks wants to implement ‘Operation Daisy Joy.’  A program meant to enroll every youngling to Daisy Joy Tech.”
“That explains why Gold Banks wanted to force Wanda to attend Daisy Joy Tech,” Twilight said.  “And now, she wants to make every colt and filly in Equestria to attend this horrible school?”
Suddenly, the doors opened wide as Officer Blue Heat walked in with a few guards next to him.  When the doors closed behind him, Blue Heat marched with the guards towards Sunset Shimmer and the other younglings.
“We’re here to take two of you to Ms. Honey Twist to begin training Princess Wanda into the new Junior Warden,” Officer Blue Heat said.
“Junior Warden?” Sunset Shimmer shouted.  “What do you mean by that?”
“Oh you’ll see,” Officer Blue Heat replied.  “And I know two ponies who would be perfect to make sure she gets the job.”
Officer Blue Heat signaled to his companions as they reached over and pulled Starlight Glimmer and Misty Brightdawn from the group.  
“HEEEEELP!” Starlight yelled.
Sunset Shimmer tried to reach out , only for a guard to push her back.
“Get back, slime,” the guard shouted.  “And know your place.”
Starlight and Misty yelled in fear as the guards carried them down towards the door.  Another pair of guards opened it up before the first set carried a screaming Starlight and Misty out with Blue Heat following from behind.
“I hope you’ll get to meet the new Princess Wanda Young,” Blue Heat laughed.  “Because you won’t even recognize her when she becomes one of us.”
As Blue Heat laughed out loud, he walked outside of the mess hall before the two guards shut it tight, leaving everyone inside.
“Starlight…Misty…Wanda,” Sunset said, helplessly.
“Guys,” Pinkie Pie said.  “We’re gonna need a major miracle to get out of this mess.”

Later that evening, Wanda Young continued to hover over Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo as they continued to scrub every dish in the corner.  While Adagio Dazzle and Lightning Dust continued to scrub the pots and pans, their eyes were focused on the agitated Wanda.
“Wanda, are you sure about doing this?” Adagio asked. “I know they were scum for taking up this job.  But I think you’re going too far with this.”
“I am,” Wanda said.  “They had the audacity to get me in trouble for something I didn’t do, and they want a form of sympathy?  I’m not in the mood to be sympathetic, just yet.”
“Sadly, she’s right,” Lightning Dust said.  “Wanda was betrayed by these two and her bitterness shows.  Right now, we should just let her be for the moment.”
Suddenly, the door opened up as Warden Steel Bolt came down with a couple of guards by his side, catching everyone’s attention, except Wanda.
“Warden,” Marcie Pan said. 
“Stay,” Wanda shouted before Marcie Pan could get up.
Wanda slowly shifted her eyes towards the Warden, who walked up to her.
“You, come with me,” Warden Steel Bolt said, pointing to Wanda.
“But I’m not done punishing these two,” Wanda said.
“You’ll get your chance, once I make you the new Junior Warden,” Warden Steel Bolt laughed.
With that, the guards grabbed Wanda and pulled her away from Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo.  Wanda yelled and screamed loudly as Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo held each other close.
“What’s this new Junior Warden thing all about?” Adagio Dazzle asked as the guards took Wanda out.
“We’ve been observing her behavior since locking her in here with those two failures,” Warden Steel Bolt said.  “In fact, I think she would make for a pretty convincing Junior Warden.”
“You’re sick,” Adagio Dazzle said.
“Well what can I say,” Warden Steel Bolt said.  “Anyway, enjoy the night in here before we escort you four to your cells.”
Warden Steel Bolt laughed as he walked out of the room, leaving Marcie Pan, Fawn Doo, Adagio Dazzle and Lightning Dust behind.
“NOOOOOO!” Fawn Doo said.  “Don’t leave us without her.”
Fawn Doo ran up to the door and pounded on it many times in frustration, much to the shock of Adagio Dazzle and Lightning Dust.
“What do you mean by that?” Lightning Dust asked.
“We’ve gotten used to her commanding us, that it feels empty without her,” Marcie Pan explained.
“For a pair of ponies who were making our lives miserable,” Lightning Dust said, “I do find it partially satisfying to see you both brought down and humbled.”
“So what does the other part of you say?” Marcie Pan asked.
“That seeing you both brought down is far more disturbing than it is satisfying,” Lighting Dust said.

Meanwhile, in the main hall of the Daisy Joy Tech guard quarters, Ms. Honey Twist stood there waiting patiently.  Despite the long hours, her smile has not left her.
“I can almost taste the anticipation,” Ms. Honey Twist said.  “To turn Princess Celestia’s little chimpanzee into a prime example of harshness and cruelty.  Oh this will be so much fun.”
Immediately, the door opened as Warden Steel Bolt walked in with two guards bringiing in Wanda.  The door shut behind them as the guards placed Wanda down before Ms. Honey Twist walked up to her.
“Princess Wanda,” Ms. Honey Twist said.  “So good of you to join us, tonight.”
“What do you want,” Wanda said, getting up on her two legs.
“I’ve been observing you since you were taken to detention,”  Ms Honey Twist said, getting into Wanda’s face.  “And I’ve noticed you were extremely harsh on my former Junior Wardens.”
“After what they did to me, they deserve it,” Wanda scowled.  “I don’t like being doubled-crossed like that, even if you decided to toss them away for your own amusement.  Now take me back.  I’m not done punishing them, yet.”
“Very impressive,” Ms. Honey Twist said.  “And you’ll get your chance soon.  But I had Warden Steel Bolt bring you here because we wish to make you a deal you can’t refuse.”
“What do you mean by that?” Wanda said.
Ms. Honey Twist took a few steps back before turning to Wanda.
“Why, I want you to be my new Junior Warden,” Ms. Honey Twist said.
Wanda paused for a moment with her jaw hanging out.
“Why would I want to be like that?” Wanda yelled.
“Because I know of your true potential, unlike what that stupid chancellor saw in you,” Ms. Honey Twist said.  “You hold yourself back, and yet you prove to me that you’re capable of cruelty, of power, and of order.  Become our new Junior Warden, and make those colts and fillies learn a lesson they will never forget.”
“NEVER!”  Wanda shouted.  “I WILL NEVER BE A JUNIOR WARDEN!”
Ms. Honey Twist laughed loudly as she circled around Princess Wanda Young, much to Wanda’s anger.
“I knew you would say something like that,” Ms. Honey Twist said.  “Therefore, I am proposing an offer you can’t refuse.”
With a stomp from Ms. Honey Twist’s hoof, a guard walked up to a nearby wall and pressed the button.  The walls pulled itself upwards, revealing a seeing glass with two separate cells.  Starlight Glimmer was in the leftmost cell while Misty Brightdawn was in the rightmost cell.
“STARLIGHT!  MISTY!” Wanda yelled in fear.
“Wanda, I’m scared,” Starlight screamed as she tried to scratch at the glass with her hoof.
“What have they done to you?” Misty said.
“Do you see now, my precious?” Ms. Honey Twist said.  “You have no other choice.  Either take up my offer of becoming my new Junior Warden, and become the monster you were meant to be.”
“And what if I don’t want to?” Wanda yelled, furiously, at Ms. Honey Twist.
“Then allow me to show you a demonstration if you don’t,” Ms. Honey Twist said, signaling to the guard.
The guard pressed two separate buttons below the main panel, much to the horror of Wanda, Misty and Starlight.  Two orbs hovered over each pony, much to their own fear.
“What’s going on?” Starlight asked.
“It’s worse than you realize,” Misty explained.  “She’s gonna torture our emotions.”
Suddenly, powerful waves emitted from the orbs, piercing through both fillies’ heads.  They collapsed onto the ground, screaming in agony.
“MOTHER! BROTHER!” Misty screamed.  “DON’T LEAVE ME!”
“LEAVE ME ALONE YOU NASTY PIGS!” Starlight whined.  “DON’T CRUSH ME!”
As both Starlight Glimmer and Misty Brightdawn suffered thanks to the orbs, Wanda stood there, emotionless while both Ms. Honey Twist and Warden Steel Bolt smiled with glee.
“As you can see, your friends are helpless,” Ms. Honey Twist said.  “But I will only turn it off if you agree to be Warden Steel Bolt’s new Junior Warden.”
“So what will it be?” Warden Steel Bolt said. “Join with me and become cruel and vicious?  Or allow your friends to be tortured?  The choice is yours.”
Wanda stood helplessly as she saw Starlight and Misty wince in pain.  She tried holding back her tears as much as she could, struggling to keep the pressure in her head.  But all of it was going through her head, and it was only a matter of time before it all came out.
“ALRIGHT!”  Wanda cried.  I’LL DO IT!  I’LL BE YOUR JUNIOR WARDEN!”
“Good girl,” Ms. Honey Twist said.  “I knew you would see things our way.”
“Turn off the device” Warden Steel Bolt commanded.
The guard pressed the two buttons again, causing the orbs to disable before retracting back into the ceiling.  Misty and Starlight slowly got up as they saw Wanda look up at them with shame in her eyes.
“I’m….sorry,” Wanda cried.  “I tried to refuse, but I didn’t want you two to suffer.”
“There’s nothing to be sorry about,” Ms. Honey Twist said.  “After all, they’ll be fine, and so will you.”
“Take them back to their cells,” Warden Steel Bolt said.  “They’ve earned their respite.”
Ms. Honey Twist led Wanda Young down the halls while Warden Steel Bolt opened the glass panels up so that his guards could pull the weakened Starlight Glimmer and Misty Brightdawn out.  
“Are they going to be alright?” Wanda cried.
“They will,” Ms. Honey Twist said.  “As long as you’re cruel and merciless, I will ensure that they will be fine.”

Later that night, Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo were scrubbing down the dishes while Lightning Dust and Adagio Dazzle wiped the sweat off their foreheads next to a clean kettle.
“Whew,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “Call me crazy, but I would rather be here than to humiliate myself with another test.”
“Agreed,” Lightning Dust said.  “In fact, I don’t mind it at all.”
“Why’s that?” Adagio Dazzle asked. 
“Makes it a lot easier to cool off,” Lightning Dust said.  “The tests and the slop we have to eat is the last thing on my mind.”
“Well at least it can’t get any worse than that.”
Suddenly, the door opened, causing all four ponies to turn their attention in that direction.  But when a shadow emerged from the doorway, everyone was horrified.
“Wanda,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “Is that you?”
Wanda Young stepped forward towards the group.  But instead of the dress she was wearing, Wanda now wore a gray button-down shirt, dark gray pants, black boots, a black necktie and a peaked cap.  Her eyes were glowing red and her expression was no longer of innocence.  She marched over to Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo with a sinister smile on her face.
“Wanda,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “What are you doing?”
Wanda pulled out a handheld blaster and pointed it at Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo, causing the duo to hold each other in fear.
“We know what that is,” Marcie Pan said, shivering in fear.  “That’s a supersonic blaster.”
“A what?” Adagio Dazzle asked.
“You heard what this fool said,” Wanda said in a sinister tone.  “It’s a supersonic blaster, and it’s used for one thing: THIS!”
Wanda pulled the trigger on the blaster, causing supersonic waves to emit from the barrel.  Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo held their ears down as they fell to the ground and screamed in pain.
“MAKE IT STOP!” Fawn Doo said. “I’M SORRY! I SHOULDN’T HAVE BEEN SO CRUEL!”
But as Wanda tortured the two ponies with the blaster, Warden Steel Bolt emerged from the entrance, looking satisfied.  Lighting Dust turned towards the warden, furious.
“WHAT DID YOU DO TO HER?” Lightning Dust yelled.
“Why, we made her see the error of her way,” Warden Steel Bolt said.  “And we asked her to pay back two former Junior Wardens for treating her like dirt.  That happens to be a miniature version of our special device that creates supersonic waves meant to magnify either bad memories or their worst nightmares.”
“That’s despicable,” Adagio Dazzle yelled.
“Flatter will get you nowhere,” Warden Steel Bolt said.
Warden Steel Bolt signaled to Wanda, who smiled back at her new supervisor and shut off her handheld supersonic blaster.  She walked up to the Warden before turning back to Adagio Dazzle and Lightning Dust.
“Guess the score’s been settled,” Wanda smirked.  “I’ll see you clowns tomorrow.”
As Wanda laughed alongside Steel Bolt, the two walked out of the room and slammed the door before locking it tight.  Lightning Dust and Adagio Dazzle ran up to Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo, who looked weak and on the verge of tears.
“What did they do to you?” Lightning Dust asked.
“They put some images into my mind,” Marcie Pan cried.  “It was as if my parents were dying in front of me.”
“We wanted it to stop,” Fawn Doo said.  “But she tortured us horribly.”
Lightning Dust turned to Adagio Dazzle and said “I don’t know what Ms. Honey Twist did to your friend, but I’m afraid she’s gone for good.”
“This….this can’t be,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “She couldn’t have fallen that easily.”

But in the mess hall, everyone looked exhausted and worn out with some of them sticking their tongues out.  The walls, the floors and the tables were cleaned off, but the morale of everyone was at an all time low.
“Uggh, I don’t want to lick a surface ever again,” Pinkie Pie complained.
“I’m with you on that,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “This was the worst thing I have ever done.”
“I thought they were cruel when we stayed here before,” Juniper Montage said.  “But this is far worse than we imagined.”
Immediately, the doors slammed open as a number of guards surrounded the students, forcing them to get up, despite their tiredness.
“What’s going on?” Twilight asked.  “Why are we being picked up?”
But when Sunset Shimmer turned to the front, her jaw dropped down in horror.
“Wanda,” Sunset said.  “What did they do to you?”
In front of the door, Wanda Young marched through the mess hall towards her friends, twirling her supersonic blaster in her hand.  She stood over Sunset Shimmer, still in total shock.
“Do you like the new me?” Wanda asked.
“No,” Sunset said.  “No I don’t.  What did they do to you for Celestia’s sake?”
“They took away the one weakness that held me back,” Wanda said with a sinister glee. “And they made me a complete monster.”
“No,” Golden Lace said.  “That’s not true.”
“I thought you originally wanted cruelty, Lace,” Wanda said.  “You really disappoint your own mother.”
“Wanda, you snap out of it this instant,” Golden Lace said.
“I’m sorry,” Wanda said.  “But the old Wanda is dead, and the new Wanda has taken her place.”
Wanda turned to the guards and said “Take them to their cells.  They’ll spend the entire day tomorrow locked in there as a lesson for starting a food fight.”
“Yes, Junior Warden Wanda,” The guards saluted.
One by one, each of the guards grabbed the students and took them out of the mess hall.  Wanda looked down at Sunset Shimmer as the guards grabbed Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, Golden Lace, Juniper Montage, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, Wallflower Blush, Vignette Valencia, and Gloriosa Daisy before taking them away.
“Mother is going to be disappointed in you,” Sunset Shimmer said.
“Let her,” Wanda said, forcing Sunset Shimmer up.  “Actually, tell her that the daughter she knew is dead, and I will no longer call her mommy.”
With that, Wanda led Sunset Shimmer out of the mess hall before the doors shut behind her, completely.

But at the train station in Manehattan in the early morning, the Scrappies snuck out of the train car and onto the pavement.  They ran off from the train and towards the streets of Manehattan, looking around.
“So,” Dumbbell asked.  “Do you know where Daisy Joy Tech would be?”
“No clue,” Hoops said.  “But I recall it looked like a giant building.”
“Allow me to pinpoint its location,” Flim said, pulling out a video phone.
Flim touched the screen with his hoof many times while inputting “Daisy Joy Tech” onto the prompt.  A map of Manehattan popped up, pointing to a location that is ten miles away.
“Bingo,” Flim said.  “That’s where we’re heading to.”
“Great,” Hoops said.  “Come on, boys.  Let’s go crash the party.”
With that, Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse walked down the street towards Daisy Joy Tech.  But meanwhile, Prince Blueblood was watching the whole thing unfold.
“Daisy Joy Tech, huh?” Prince Blueblood said.  “I’d like to see why those delinquents are heading there.”
Prince Blueblood follow the Scrappies from behind as the sun began to rise in the east.



	To Be Continued in…


	Break-In at Daisy Joy Tech

> Arc 22-5: Break-In at Daisy Joy Tech
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Break-in at Daisy Joy Tech



Danged Spell, Sunburst and Moondancer walked out of class at the School for Gifted Unicorns with Argyle Starshine following from behind.   The trio looked both puzzled and depressed.
“It’s been one day since they all disappeared,” Danged Spell said.  “And still no sign on where they’ve gone.”
“Yeah,” Sunburst said.  “We haven’t seen any news where they might be.”
“Even worse,” Moondancer said.  “Firelight Glimmer’s gone to check up on Meteor Flare’s gravesite after learning of his daughter’s disappearance, Silver Banks’s fallen into a deep depression, the Cakes and the Pies are worried for Pinkie Pie, and Canter Zoom’s in a mess because of Juniper Montage’s disappearance and the destruction of his movie set.”
“Have faith, little ones,” Argyle Starshine said.  “They will turn up, and Princess Celestia will get them back.  I promise.”
“You should really listen to your teacher.”  Danged Spell, Moondancer and Sunburst turned to the hall where Majesty walked up the trio.
“What do you want, Majesty?” Danged Spell asked in a cold tone.
“Oh I was just hanging out after class was over,” Majesty said.  “And I heard you guys were in a pickle.”
“You’re just here to give us all a hard time, Majesty,” Moondancer said, glaring at the alicorn filly.
“Oh not at all,” Majesty said.  “I mean, it’s not like Wanda and the others were taken to Daisy Joy Tech.   Oops.”
Those words caused all three unicorns and Argyle Starshine’s jaws to drop down.
“Wait,” Danged Spell said. “What did you say?”
“I’m sure you didn’t hear this,” Majesty said.  “But word has it that Gold Banks did break into the castle, her husband’s mansion, the hospital and even the movie studio down in La Maresa.  She ordered her troops to take your friends away to Daisy Joy Tech as revenge for what happened two days ago on the Senate stage.”
“Why are you telling us this?”  Sunburst asked.
“I dunno,” Majesty said.  “Must have been something that came out of my mouth.”
Argyle Starshine turned towards the unicorns and said “Where’s Princess Celestia?  We need to tell her this, right now.”
Danged Spell looked down at the opposite side of the hall and saw Princess Celestia slump through the hallway.
“THERE!” Danged Spell yelled, pointing to the princess.
Immediately, Danged Spell, Moondancer, Sunburst and Argyle Starshine ran up to Princess Celestia, shouting her name.  This caused the alicorn princess to raise her head to the group.
“What’s going on?”  Princess Celestia asked. 
“Princess,” Danged Spell said.  “Majesty told me that Princess Wanda, Princess Sunset, and the rest of our friends are being held at Daisy Joy Tech.”
“Daisy Joy Tech?” Celestia said as her face lit up.
“If I know my former employer,” Argyle Starshine said, “I know she’ll try to break the spirits of your daughters and her friends, especially Golden Lace and Juniper Montage.”
Immediately, Princess Celestia pulled out her video phone and tapped a few buttons.  In an instant, Prince Blueblood appeared on the screen.
“Prince Blueblood, do you copy?” Princess Celestia asked.
“Aunt Celestia,” Prince Blueblood said.  “I just saw Hoops and his gang sneak into Daisy Joy Tech.  Should I pursue them?”
“Do that, on the double,” Princess Celestia said.  “I received word that your cousins and their friends may be held up in that school.  See if you can break them out if possible.  I am on my way with Princess Luna, Princess Cadance and the others.”
“Will do,” Prince Blueblood said.  “And hurry.”
Once Prince Blueblood disappeared from the screen, Princess Celestia placed her phone away and was about to run off, only to turn around to see the three unicorns stare up at her.
“Princess Celestia,” Moondancer said.  “Please bring them back.  We miss them.”
“I will,” Princess Celestia said.  “I promise you that.”
With that, Princess Celestia ran down the halls of her school before running out the door, leaving Danged Spell, Moondancer and Sunburst with Argyle Starshine.
“Bless your soul, Princess Celestia,” Argyle Starshine said.  “Bless your soul.”
But behind them down the hall, Majesty looked down at her video phone with Magistrate Creme Dream on the screen.
“They know where they are,” Majesty said.  “And they’re on their way.”
“Excellent,” Creme Dream said.  “I will inform Ms. Honey Twist to prepare to stand down so they can escape.”
“And what about Gold Banks?” Majesty asked.
“She’s going to trick that fool into arriving there,” Creme Dream explained.  “And sometime later, I will teach her a lesson for disobeying my orders.”
Majesty just laughed before she said “I hope you enjoy that moment, mother.”

Meanwhile, in the dorms of Daisy Joy Tech, Sunset Shimmer sat in bed with Pinkie Pie by her side.  But on the other side of the wall, Twilight Sparkle now sat with Starlight Glimmer and Misty Brightdawn.
“So Ms. Honey Twist forced her to become evil?” Sunset Shimmer asked.
“Yeah,” Starlight Glimmer said.  “She tortured us with this horrible set of soundwaves unless Wanda defected to their side.  And unfortunately, she had no choice but to do so.”
“Well this is a major bummer,” Pinkie Pie said.  “First she gets in trouble for a food fight she didn’t start, and now she’s defected to the bad guys.”
“This is getting far worse than we thought,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “I don’t even have the opportunity to write my own will.”
“There’s got to be some faith, Sunset,” Twilight said.  “I know of it.  Princess Celestia could have figured out where we are and joined in on a rescue party coming this way.”
“I don’t know,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “At this point, I’m starting to lose faith.”
“Oh Sunset,” Starlight said.  “We’ll get out of here.  We just need a miracle.”

But meanwhile, deep within the halls of Daisy Joy Tech, Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse break in through one of the vents before tumbling out on the floor.  They looked around and saw no sign of the guards.
“Coast is clear,” Hoops said.  “Come on.”
The Scrappies picked themselves up and began to sneak around the hallway carefully, looking around the halls of Daisy Joy Tech.  But behind them, Prince Blueblood pulled himself out from the vent and picked himself up before turning towards the Scrappies.
“What are they up to?” Prince Blueblood said to himself.
The Scrappies snuck themselves down the hallway, keeping a close eye around the corners.
“No guards around here,” Flam whispered.
“None here either,” Rolling Thunder whispered.
“Keep your eyes peeled,” Hoops said.   “Who knows where they may pop in unexpectedly?”
Suddenly, the lights turned on as a number of guards surrounded the Scrappies, causing the group to freeze in fear.  
“What in the?” Short Fuse shouted.
“What kind of trick is this?” Dumbbell said.
Some of the guards moved to the side as Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat stepped forward to the group.
“Well what do we have here?” Steel Bolt said.  “A group of delinquents from our old stomping grounds at Coltsom.”
“Warden Steel Bolt,” Hoops said as the guards all laughed at the Scrappies.  “A delight that we would see each other again.”
“Of course it is,” Blue Heat said.  “We still remember how your gang of misfits brought down our precious prison.”
“Regardless, we had a feeling you would show up,” Steel Bolt said.  “And we’ve planned a trap for you before you even thought about making it towards this place.  How does it feel to be outfoxed, once and for all?”
“Your plan is as lame as the last place you conquered,” Hoops said.
“Regardless, we will break you with the power of Daisy Joy Tech,” Warden Steel Bolt said before he signaled to the other guards.
As the guards began to push the Scrappies down the path, everyone glared at the cold-hearted troops.
“Hey, keep your hoof off me,” Short Fuse said.  “I’ll go peacefully.”
“Well,” Flam said.  “Never thought they would finally turn the tables on us.”
“Guess those creeps finally had it in for us,” Dumbbell said.
“We’ll think of something,” Hoops said.  “If only something popped up when we least realized it.
Suddenly, Prince Blueblood jumped from out of nowhere and threw a few beads into the air, catching everyone off guard.  The beads released a white smog into the air, covering the hallway in a white cloud and blinding the guards.
“WHAT’S GOING ON?” Warden Steel Bolt yelled.  “I CAN’T SEE!”
Immediately, Prince Blueblood grabbed Hoops by the hoof and pulled him along with the rest of his crew away from the guards.  When the smoke cleared up, they were gone.
“Boss,” Blue Heat said.  “Whoever pulled that stunt off took our captives.”
“Someone must have followed them from behind,” Warden Steel Bolt said.  “But two can play that game.  Dispatch the Junior Warden.  She’ll know what to do.”
“Roger that,” Blue Heat said before he pulled up his video tablet.

Down the hall, Prince Blueblood led the Scrappies away from the guards as he ran as fast as possible.
“What are you delinquents doing here?” Prince Blueblood asked.
“We just came here to have a little fun,” Hoops said.  “Like we did at Coltsom.”
“You call being taken captive fun?” Prince Blueblood said in a harsh tone.
“Ahh what do you know you pompous royal?” Dumbbell smirked.
“A lot more than you do,” Prince Blueblood said.
“Such as?” Hoops asked.
Prince Blueblood smiled as he pulled out a keyring from his collar, much to the surprise of the Scrappies.
“You picked the pocket of that Warden,” Short Fuse said.  
“You’re not the only ones who are clever,” Prince Blueblood said.
“Great,” Rolling Thunder said.  “Now we can really cause a ruckus within these halls.”
“First things first,” Prince Blueblood said as he pulled out his video phone.  “I was able to hack into their servers and I managed to download the blueprint to this place.  Turns out, they have a secret dungeon for stray pets and the most juvenile of delinquents, along with multiple detention areas for rude students.  I assume that’s where the others may be locked down.”
“Sounds like a great idea,” Hoops said.  “Let’s go take those places down.”
“Then follow me,” Blueblood said, eyeing a set of stairs that lead downward.

Back down the hall, the smoke was finally cleared up as Warden Steel Bolt, Officer Blue Heat and the grunts looked around, noticing that their prisoners were taken captive.
“What the hay happened?” Officer Blue Heat asked.  “One moment we had those brats, and the next moment, someone smoked us out.”
Warden Steel Bolt picked up the empty smoke bead off the ground and closely examined it.  He then proceeded to smash the bead on the ground, breaking it into smaller pieces.
“I know who did this,” Warden Steel Bolt snarled.  “The TRAITOR Prince Blueblood.”
“Blueblood of all ponies?” Officer Blue Heat said.
“Yeah,” Warden Steel Bolt said.  “Whatever happened at the Grand Gallopin Gala changed him into a Celestia stooge.  So Gold Banks and Creme Dream released him from the Horse News Network and allowed Neigh Nanners to take over, renaming it to the Stallion News Network.”
“So what do you suppose we’ll do to that turncoat?” Officer Blue Heat asked.
“I know where that double-crosser is going to,” Warden Steel Bolt said.  “And I have a surprise for him that he won’t forget.”
Steel Bolt pulled out his video phone and tapped his screen.  In almost an instant, Junior Warden Wanda Young showed up on his screen.
“What is it, Warden?” Wanda asked.
“Your cousin has snuck into the school with the intent on going down to free as many ponies in our detention areas.  And he has a squad of juvenile delinquents by his side.  Take some of our troops, head down there and cut them off.  Make sure you also tell Ms. Honey Twist about this.”
“Will do,” Wanda said before her image disappeared completely.
As Warden Steel Bolt placed his video phone back into his pocket, he signaled to the other guards.
“Come,” Warden Steel Bolt said.  “We’ll prepare a surprise of our own in case that slippery traitor gets by our Junior Warden.”

Back in the Headmare’s office, Ms. Honey Twist was busy enjoying a cup a tea when the alarm went off.   Immediately, she put down her cup of tea and pressed a few buttons to which the monitor appeared in front of her.  
“Now I wonder what that could be?” Ms. Honey Twist asked.
Immediately, Junior Warden Wanda Young, who was running down the hall with some guards by her side, appeared on the screen.
“Report,” Ms. Honey Twist said.
“Headmare,” Wanda said.  “Warden Steel Bolt told me that Prince Blueblood broke into Daisy Joy Tech with the intent on freeing the prisoners there.  I’m in pursuit as I speak.”
“Thank you for informing me on this matter,” Ms. Honey Twist said.  “I will inform Gold Banks about this.”
“It’s been an honor,” Wanda said before her image disappeared.  But Ms. Honey Twist cracked a smile as she pressed a few more buttons.
“I think it’s time to inform Magistrate Creme Dream about these development,” Ms. Honey Twist said to herself before she pressed a few more buttons.  “She’ll know what to do.”
The screen turned on again as Magistrate Creme Dream appeared on the image.
“Any news to report?” Creme Dream asked.
“The traitor Prince Blueblood has broken into Daisy Joy Tech with the intent on freeing the new youngsters,” Ms. Honey Twist said. “I assume Princess Celestia knows that they’re here.”
“And your assumption is correct,” Creme Dream explained.  “I just received word that Princess Celestia has sent a rescue party to Daisy Joy Tech, as per my orders to my daughter.  While you deal with the chaos there, I will begin preparing the propaganda to white wash this incident and place the blame on Gold Banks, entirely.”
“And what of Gold Banks?” Ms. Honey Twist asked.
“Leave that to me,” Creme Dream replied.  “I will ensure that her downfall will be the biggest in Equestrian history.”

Prince Blueblood and the Scrappies ran as fast as they could down the staircase.  At the bottom, a huge dungeon-like basement was laid out in front of them with multiple doors that lined the walls.  
“What the hay is all this?” Short Fuse asked.  “They never had stuff like that in Coltsom.”
“This is worse than Coltsom,” Prince Blueblood said.  “Far worse.”
“So what do we do?” Flam asked.
“Unlock each and every one of them,” Prince Blueblood said, holding up the key.
Immediately, Prince Blueblood and the Scrappies ran towards the doors and began to unlock each and every one of them.  Inside was a colt or filly that began to brighten up at the sight of light emitting down into their cell.  Though disappointed, the group left the door open so that he or she could escape.
“This is a lot harder than it looks,” Score said.
“It also creates a distraction to keep them occupied,” Prince Blueblood explained as he ran up to another door and unlocked it.  “The more we have out, the more we can hold them back.”
But when Prince Blueblood opened the door, his jaw dropped in horror.  Inside was the cage where Cozy Glow, Abigail and Spike were locked in.
“Prince Blueblood?” Cozy Glow said.
“Cozy Glow?” Prince Blueblood said, walking up to the cage.  “What in my aunt’s name did they do to you?”
“It was revenge after I snuck around in this school to keep Golden Lace company,” Cozy Glow said as Prince Blueblood unlocked the cage.  “They had two Junior Wardens who did this to me: Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo.”
“Noted,” Prince Blueblood said as he pulled Cozy Glow out to which Spike and Abigail followed from behind.
“Hey Prince,” Hoops yelled from outside the cell.  “The guards are here.  We may need more cell doors opened up this instant.”
“On my way,” Prince Blueblood yelled.
Prince Blueblood exited the cell with Cozy Glow, Spike and Abigail following from behind.  Outside, many of the escaped inmates began to push back against the guards, who struggled to push them back into their cells.
“Come,” Prince Blueblood said.  “We better break more of them out.”
As more inmates held back the guards, Prince Blueblood continued to unlock more cell doors before Hoops, Dumbbell or Score swung them open.  One by one, the students poured out of their detention cells before running up to the crowd, pushing back the other guards.
“It won’t be long now until we get them all out,” Flim said.
“Let’s keep going,“ Prince Blueblood said.  “The sooner we find them, the better.”
With that, Prince Blueblood ran down the hall and away from the guards, with Cozy Glow, Spike, Abigail and the Scrappies following from behind.  But at the opposite end of the hall, Wanda emerged from the entrance and glared down at Prince Blueblood making a turn around the corner.  She cracked a sinister smile as she pulled out her supersonic blaster.
“That’s right, cousin,” Wanda smirked as her eyes glowed a dark red.  “Go rescue those pathetic fools.  I’ll be waiting to enroll you in Daisy Joy Tech.”

Meanwhile, Marcie Pan, Fawn Doo, Adagio Dazzle and Lightning Dust just sat there.  While Marcie, Fawn and Adagio looked bored, Lightning Dust looked chill and calm.
“How long until they let us go?” Marcie Pan whined.
“I have no idea,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “I would be surprised if they threw us out on the streets.”
“After what she put us through,” Fawn Doo said, “I would welcome it.”
“Relax,” Lightning Dust said.  “It’s far better than being forced to take test after test.”
“Well what can be better than being cooped up in here?” Adagio Dazzle asked.
Suddenly, all four students heard the sound of a key being turned.  They looked at the door to which Prince Blueblood opened it and entered with Spike, Abigail, Cozy Glow and the Scrappies entering.
“Prince Blueblood?” Adagio Dazzle said as Prince Blueblood approached her.  “What are you doing here?”
“Getting you all out of here,” Prince Blueblood said.  “And figuring out where the rest of you are.”
But Cozy Glow immediately marched towards Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo, who backed up in total fear.
“You two,” Cozy Glow snarled.  “You had the audacity to lock me away in that cage for your own amusement.”
“Now hold on a second,” Marcie Pan said.  “We were let go from our jobs.”
“Yeah,” Fawn Doo said.  “We were trying to gain approval from Miss Honey Twist, only to be double-crossed by her.”
“Likely story,” Cozy Glow said, marching towards the duo before they backed up into a corner.
“They’re telling the truth,” Lightning Dust said, getting in front of Cozy Glow.  
“Out of my way,” Cozy Glow demanded.  “I’ve got a grudge against these clowns.”
“Well you were beaten to it by the one who they tormented until Ms. Honey Twist hired her to take their place,” Lightning Dust said.
“Take their place?” Prince Blueblood said as he and the Scrappies walked up to Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo.  “Explain yourselves.”
Suddenly, Flim and Flam noticed Spike and Abigail hissing.  They looked up and gasped in horror.
“Your majesty,” Flim said.  “We have a problem.”
“And it has to do with the human princess,” Flam said.
Prince Blueblood and the other Scrappies turned towards the front and a sudden amount of shock bellowed through their faces.  In front of them was Junior Warden Wanda Young, who blocked the only doorway leading out of the cell.
“Cousin,” Prince Blueblood said.  “What did they do to you?”
“Prince Blueblood, you sadden excuse for a fool,” Wanda laughed.  “They took away the very thing that held me back and made me the bigger woman than you can ever imagine.”
“Holy moley,” Hoops said as he, Dumbbell and Score began to slowly walk back.  “I never thought that monkey would become nasty.”
“Yeah,” Dumbbell said.  “But I think nasty might be an understatement.”
As Wanda took a few steps towards the group, holding her supersonic blaster, Prince Blueblood stood there, undeterred.  But Wanda took a good look at Cozy Glow, who looked horrified.
“If you want to know, I was the one who made those two suffer for their treachery,” Wanda said.  “And it was one of the best things I’ve ever done.  Now it’s time I show you what this bad boy can really do.”
Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder, Short Fuse, Abigail, Spike, Cozy Glow, Marcie Pan, Fawn Doo, Adagio Dazzle and Lightning Dust stood in horror as Prince Blueblood kept his eyes on a gloating Wanda Young.

Meanwhile, at the graveyard in the ruins of Sire’s Hollow, Firelight Glimmer and Starseeker Glimmer stood over what was once the gravestone of Meteor Flare, now reduced to rubble.  Starseeker broke out into tears while Firelight sighed.
“I know the Windigo’s Guild didn’t do this,” Firelight said.  “They may have succeeded in tearing this town apart.  But they would never go as far as to destroy gravestones, much less one particular one.”
“Honey,” Starseeker cried.  “Who would go as far as to pull this stunt off?”
But before Firelight could speak, he heard the sound of a gate opening.  Firelight Glimmer turned to the gate to see Gold Banks walk up to them with a smug look on her face.
“Mr Glimmer,” Gold Banks said.  “What a pleasant surprise to see you here.  Aren’t you going to put yourself in danger of future Windigo’s Guild attacks?”
“You did this, didn’t you?” Firelight scowled.  “You destroyed my brother-in-law’s gravestone.”
“And what if I did,” Gold Banks smirked.  “How will you prove that in a court of law?”
Firelight swung back and was about to hit Gold Banks in the face when she held up her hoof, stopping him.
“Ahh ahh ahh,” Gold Banks commanded.  “Hit me and I’ll ensure you never step hoof outside of Tartarus, again.”
Firelight lowered his hoof down as he slowly backed off. Gold Banks walked around the defeated patriarch of the Glimmer family.
“Face it,” Gold Banks said.  “The moment you chose to lock eyes with me back in Harvestia, you’ve sealed your own fate.  In fact, I would have taken your own daughter regardless if she were with you at home, in Canterlot, or Tartarus.  I control Equestria, I control the world.  And there is nothing you can do to stop it.”
Suddenly, Gold Banks’ video phone went off.  She picked it up and answered it.
“Gold Banks speaking,” Gold Banks said.
But after hearing the voice that came out of it, her face went into total shock.
“WHAT?” Gold Banks yelled.  “PRINCE BLUEBLOOD BROKE INTO DAISY JOY TECH?  Fine.  I’m on my way.”
Gold Banks put away her video phone before marching her way out the gate, leaving Firelight and Starseeker to turn their attention to her.
“What in the world is going on?” Starseeker said.
“I think we may have an angel coming to get our Starlight out,” Firelight said.
But as Gold Banks left the vicinity, a carriage with four pegasi Wonderbolts landed behind Firelight and Starseeker, outside of the perimeter of graves.  The door to the carriage opened up as Princess Celestia emerged from it.
“Mr Glimmer, come with us,” Princess Celestia yelled.  “We’re going to rescue your daughter.”
“Well it’s about time,” Firelight smiled as he and Starseeker walked up to the carriage.
As Firelight and Starseeker entered the carriage, they sat next to Princess Cadance and Shining Armor.  Across from them sat Princess Luna and Eleanor Young.
“You’re that guardian angel,” Firelight said.  “I must thank you for giving me the strength to stand up against Gold Banks.”
“You don’t need to thank me,” Eleanor said.  “But I was made aware of what Gold Banks did to your daughter, and to the rest of Princess Celestia’s children.  We will get them back.”
Princess Celestia got back inside the giant carriage and sat next to her sister.  The door closed behind her before Celestia signaled to the pegasi.
“Brace yourself, Mr and Mrs Glimmer,” Princess Luna said.  “We’re going to get your daughter back, along with everyone else.”
With that, the carriage took off from the graveyard, heading east towards Manehattan.


	To Be Continued in…


	The Big Break-Out

> Arc 22-6: The Big Break-Out
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Big Break-Out



In the skies above eastern Equestria, a royal carriage flew through with the pegasi pulling it with grace.  Inside, Firelight Glimmer and Starseeker talked with Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor and Eleanor Young.  
“I still can’t believe you found out where they were,” Firelight Glimmer said.   “What a relief.”
“And as promised, we’re going to get them out,” Princess Celestia explained.  “My nephew Prince Blueblood is already infiltrating the school as I speak.”
“This nightmare is going to be over once we get them out,” Princess Cadance said.  “I miss my sisters Wanda and Sunset, plus little Abby.”
“And I can’t wait to snuggle Twili again,” Shining Armor said.  “Spike will also be glad to be out of there.”
“What’s the plan?” Firelight asked.
“Blueblood is going to try to break everyone out of their dorms and get them all to the courtyard of the school,” Princess Luna explained.  “Once we see them, we will pull them out ASAP.”
“And what if they do not show up at all?” Starseeker asked.
“Then I will put my own reputation on the line and break in myself,” Princess Celestia said.  “Eleanor agreed to back me up.”
Eleanor nodded in agreement.  But Firelight looked worried.
“These are dangerous times, your majesty,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “If something goes wrong, we could all end up as fugitives on the run, even if it is for noble purposes.”
“We are aware of that,” Princess Cadance said.  “But regardless, we have to get your daughter and every friend of hers out of there.  Afterwards, we’ll deal with Gold Banks.”
“Very well,” Firelight said, holding his hoof out. “I’m in.”
“So am I,” Starseeker said.
“Then let us make haste,” Princess Celestia said.  “We have younglings to save.”
“At least we will beat Gold Banks with the speed of our flyers,” Princess Luna assured.
With that, the carriage made its way above the skies of Manehattan as it inched closer to Daisy Joy Tech.

But back at Daisy Joy Tech, Junior Warden Wanda along with the guards stood in front of the doorway leading out of the detention cells, trapping Prince Blueblood, the Scrappies, Cozy Glow, Abigail and Spike, Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo, Adagio Dazzle and Lightning Dust.
“What happened to the inmates?” Rolling Thunder yelled.  “Where are they?”
Wanda held up her supersonic blaster and said “It was as easy as taking candy from a baby.  They’re back in the cells and I’ve changed the locks to make sure your key has no effect on it.”
“Wanda, you are not the monster you appear to be,” Prince Blueblood said.  “Your mother misses you.  Your sisters and your friends are worried for you.”
“Friends?” Wanda laughed.  “What are friends?  A miserable little pile of secrets!”
With that, Wanda pointed her blaster at Prince Blueblood and the other younglings before firing it off at them.  Every one of them dropped to the ground, screaming in agony.
“This…pain,” Blueblood winced.  “What is it?”
“That’s…..used to….torture us all….with pure fear,” Marcie Pan said.
“A portable version….of Ms. Honey Twists…torture chambers,” Fawn Doo said.
As the younglings were pinned to the ground, Wanda approached Prince Blueblood with a smirk on her face.
“How does it feel, ex-cousin?” Wanda laughed.  “HOW DOES IT FEEL TO KNOW THAT THE FORMER DAUGHTER OF PRINCESS CELESTIA HAS FINALLY UNLEASHED HER CRUEL SIDE?”
“I feel….NOTHING!” Blueblood yelled as his horn glowed bright.
But before Wanda could react, Prince Blueblood shoved her aside with a powerful burst of magic, knocking her and the guards to the ground.  He immediately cast another burst around himself and his companions, re-energizing them all back on their legs.
“I don’t know what Ms. Honey Twist did to her,” Prince Blueblood said.  “But we have to find everyone else, and fast.  We’ll break her spell later.”
The rest of the group agreed as the Scrappies, Adagio Dazzle, Lightning Dust, Cozy Glow, Abigail, Spike, Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo followed Prince Blueblood out the door, leaving Wanda and the guards to slowly get up.
“Don’t just stand here,” Wanda commanded.  “After them.”

Outside of the cell, Prince Blueblood noticed that all of the doors were shut tight and there were only guards on the other side.
“What are we going to do?” Short Fuse asked.
“Something I should have done the first time around,” Prince Blueblood said as his horn glowed brightly.
With another pulse of magic from his horn, the detention cell doors swung open and the delinquents poured out of their cells once more.   The guards held themselves hard as the inmates pushed forward.
“Well that did it,” Lightning Dust said.  “Now what?”
Suddenly, Cozy Glow pulled one of the supersonic blasters from an unconscious guard and said “Why not put these to good use?”
“Excellent idea,” Prince Blueblood said.   “Grab as many as you can and clear a path through the guards.”
Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder, Short Fuse, Marcie Pan, Fawn Doo, Adagio Dazzle and Lightning Dust each pulled a supersonic blaster from the respective guard before following Prince Blueblood, Cozy Glow, Spike and Abigail down the hallway.  The moment the students saw Prince Blueblood and his group march onward, they stepped aside and allowed them to pass on through.
“They’re up ahead,” Rolling Thunder said.
“Leave that to me,” Lightning Dust said.
Lightning Dust aimed the blaster at the guards and fired.  The supersonic waves caused the guards to collapse onto the ground, wincing in pain as the group bypassed them.
“Where to now?” Prince Blueblood asked.
“There’s a dorm room where everyone else is being held,” Marcie Pan explained.  “To make up for everything we’ve done to the students, we’ll lead you to your friends.”
“Good idea,” Prince Blueblood said.  “Let’s do this.”
As Prince Blueblood led his group through, the students of the detention area cheered in unison as they pushed back against the guards.  But emerging from the cell, Wanda glared up at her cousin, still clutching her supersonic blaster.
“That’s right, Blueblood,” Wanda said.  “You’re going to be the bait I need to finally assert control over this pathetic school.”

Meanwhile, Sunset Shimmer and Pinkie Pie sat in their dorm rooms, completely bored out of their mind.
“Twilight, Starlight, Misty,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Are you still there?”
“We’re here,” Twilight said on the other side of the wall.  “But we’re bored out of our minds.”
“We don’t even know what those monsters will do today,” Sunset said.  “Nor what Wanda will do to us.”
“I only hope she can snap out of her trance,” Misty said from the other side of the wall.”
“What about Adagio?” Sonata Dusk yelled from behind the other wall.  “Aria and I miss her.”
“I don’t know,” Sunset said.  “And frankly, I’m starting to lose faith in escaping at all.”
“I’m with you on that,” Pinkie Pie said.  “If only a miracle could open the way.”
Suddenly, the dorm room entrance swung wide open, catching Sunset and Pinkie by surprise.  Entering the door was Prince Blueblood.
“Prince Blueblood,” Sunset and Pinkie said.
“Come with us if you want to live,” Prince Blueblood said as he held his hoof out.
Pinkie Pie and Sunset Shimmer walked towards Prince Blueblood, who took them out into the dorm halls of the school.  Nearby, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score pried opened the other dorm rooms where Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Misty Brightdawn, Golden Lace, Juniper Montage, Wallflower Blush, Vignette Valencia, and Gloriosa Daisy all came out.  The moment they saw Adagio Dazzle in front of them, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk screamed in harmony.
“Sister,” Aria and Sonata screamed as they gave Adagio a big hug.
“I’ve missed you both as well,” Adagio Dazzle laughed.  “Detention was the pits and I don’t ever want to be there again.”
“That makes the three of us,” Aria Blaze said.
Twilight Sparkle ran up to Spike and picked him up before cuddling the little dragon, who cried at the sight of her friend.
“I’ve missed you so much, Spike,” Twilight said.  “You don’t know how hard it was without you.” 
But nearby, Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo hid behind Prince Blueblood as Twilight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer, Pinkie Pie, Golden Lace and Juniper Montage turned their attention to the two sisters.
“They’re with me,” Prince Blueblood said.  “They promised to help break you out after they were betrayed by Ms. Honey Twist.”
“I’m not so sure we can trust them,” Golden Lace said.  “I still remember the painful memories of being tormented by those two.”
“We can argue about that when we escape,” Prince Blueblood said.  “Right now, the guards are on their way.”
“Actually, we’ve arrived.”  Every youngling turned towards the far end of the hallway, where Ms. Honey Twist, Warden Steel Bolt, Officer Blue Heat, Junior Warden Wanda Young and a number of guards stood in front of the group.
“You,” Prince Blueblood snarled.   “You treated my cousins like trash, turned one of them against her sister and friends, threw your own former Junior Wardens into the hoosegow, and now you have the audacity to block us off?”
“You’re right on all counts, traitor,” Ms. Honey Twist said.  “But I’m afraid you’ve overplayed your hand.  As I speak, I am pushing propaganda on the Canterweb, accusing you and your new companions of breaking into our dear school and destroying all order here.  Your reputation is gone.w”
“I care little for my reputation,” Blueblood said.  “Push it anyway.  I’ll be back to make sure this school ceases to exist.”
“Then you have crossed the line that you cannot atone for,”  Ms. Honey Twist said.  She reached her hoof out and shouted “SEIZE THEM!”
The guards marched towards the youngling group, armed with shields and batons.  But as the younglings pointed their supersonic blasters at the incoming guards, Sunset stepped forward.
“Break the cuff off my horn,” Sunset said.  “I’ll let my demon form deal with this.”
“Sunset, don’t,” Blueblood protested.  “I’ve lost one cousin.  I don’t want to lose another.”
“If you don’t cut me loose,” Sunset said.  “You could lose your freedom.”
Blueblood paused for a moment before he said “FINE!  Make it worth it.”
Immediately, Prince Blueblood charged up his horn before stomping the ground, creating an aura that shattered the cuffs around the earth pony’s arms, the pegasi’s wings and the unicorn’s horns, especially Sunset.  
“Something I should have done from the start,” Blueblood said.  “Now buy us sometime.”
As Prince Blueblood led the other younglings away, Sunset Shimmer approached the guards as her eyes began to glow.
“What is going on?” Warden Steel Bolt said.
“That’s my sister’s own personal curse,” Wanda explained.  “She’s slowly shifting into a demon.”
Sunset Shimmer began to shapeshift and grow in size, much to the surprise of the guards.  They retreated back to Ms. Honey Twist as Sunset Shimmer fully transformed into her demon form.  She roared into the air before turning her attention towards Ms. Honey Twist and her group.
“Nobody told me about this before,” Ms. Honey Twist said.
As Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat stood their ground with the other guards, Wanda stepped forward and approached Demon Sunset.
“Stand back,” Wanda said, brandishing her blaster.  “I’ll deal with my former sister, myself.”
Wanda and Demon Sunset stared down at each other as the guards, Ms. Honey Twist, Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat backed off.
“What is she doing?” Ms. Honey Twist said.
“I think she’s going to try to break her down,” Officer Blue Heat said.
“If she does,” Ms. Honey Twist said, “I may consider giving her a commendation award for her duties.”
“If she can win,” Officer Blue Heat said.
As Wanda stared down Sunset, the demon charged up fire within her mouth and breathed it towards her sister.  But Wanda only smiled as she pointed the blaster at the fire and blasted it away, quenching it completely.
“You just messed with the wrong former sister,” Wanda smirked.

Meanwhile, down the hallway, Prince Blueblood, Twilight Sparkle and Golden Lace led the youngling group as fast as possible towards the exit while a number of guards followed from behind.  
“What’s the plan, Prince?” Starlight Glimmer asked.
“We’re going to blast our way through the front door and into the light of Manehattan,” Prince Blueblood said.  “IF we’re lucky, Princess Celestia could swoop in and rescue us all.”
“Princess Celestia is coming to get us?” Twilight said as Spike cheered atop her back.
“Yes,” Prince Blueblood said.  “You’re all going home.”
“Home,” Misty said.  “To see my big brother King Sombra again.”
“What about Wanda and Sunset?” Golden Lace asked.
“Our first concern is for all of you to escape,” Prince Blueblood said.  “Once I inform Princess Celestia about Wanda and Sunset, we’ll run back in and rescue them.”
“Do you think she can go find out where my parents truly are?” Vignette Valencia asked.  “Because I still believe they may have been locked away in an insane asylum when I was separated from them.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Prince Blueblood said.  “Right now, we’re almost home free.”
Immediately, Prince Blueblood and the younglings made their way out of the dorm room and into the open garden of Daisy Joy Tech, where the giant, metallic statue of Daisy Joy the Elephant towered over the school.  In front, the steel doors kept the school locked tight.
“Your majesty,” Golden Lace said, holding her supersonic blaster.  “Allow me to clear a path.”
“Do it,” Prince Blueblood commanded.
Golden Lace ran up to the statue of Daisy Joy the Elephant and fired off her blaster.  The soundwaves pierced through the structure of the status before it tumbled backwards into the gate.  Golden Lace then charged up her horn and used it to shove the statue directly into the gate.  With a loud crash, the statue crashed right through and smashed the entrance open.
“Open sesame,” Flim said.
“I’ll have to admit,” Hoops said, approaching Golden Lace.  “You have a lot of spunk.”
“Thanks,” Golden Lace said before she holstered her blaster.  “Ironically, I do get that from my mom.”
“Come on,” Prince Blueblood commanded.  “We’re getting you out.”
But as Prince Blueblood led the younglings towards the now-opened entrance, a number of guards jumped out from the walls and landed in front, holding up their own blasters.
“Stand down, this instant,” one of the guards shouted.  “You are completely surrounded.”
Prince Blueblood and the other students pulled out their supersonic blaster as they pointed them at the guards.
“I can’t believe it’s come down to this,” Gloriosa Daisy said.
“As long as we stand together,” Cozy Glow said. “We’ll get through.”
“Unite,” Abigail meowed.
“Everyone, brace yourselves,” Prince Blueblood said.  “We’re in for a long fight.”
Suddenly, a number of guards are knocked out of the way as the royal carriage pulled up.  The other guards took notice and retreated behind the trees and other foliage.  Twilight Sparkle looked at the carriage and squeed in harmony.
“They’re here,” Twilight cheered.  
“Princess Celestia,” Spike shouted.
As the carriage came to a stop, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Eleanor Young, Firelight Glimmer and Starseeker emerged from the door.  One look at Shining Armor caused Twilight to run up to him.
“BIG BROTHER!” Twilight cheered.  “We’ve missed you so much.”
Spike leaped off Twilight Sparkle as they both jumped onto Shining Armor’s arms and gave him a big hug.
“Twili, Spike,” Shining Armor cried.  “I’ve missed you so much.”
“We’ve missed you as well, Big Brother,” Twilight cried.
Immediately, Starlight ran up to Firelight and Starseeker before giving them a hug.
“MOMMY! DADDY!” Starlight cried.  “I’m glad to see you again.”
“We were worried sick about you,” Firelight cried. 
“Even worse, your uncle’s grave was destroyed,” Starseeker said.
“I know,” Starlight said.  “I felt it on the day before yesterday.  But what matters is that we’re all out.”
As Starlight embraced her parents, Princess Luna hugged Misty Brightdawn, who looked a bit relieved.
“King Sombra told me you were coming here,” Princess Luna said.  “I’m surprised that they held you here.”
“They did,” Misty said.  “But thanks to Prince Blueblood, we’re finally free.”
“That you are,” Princess Luna said.
Nearby, Princess Celestia walked up to Golden Lace, who had Juniper Montage, Wallflower Blush, Vignette Valencia and Gloriosa Daisy by her side.
“Princess,” Golden Lace said.  “I’m just glad to see you, once more.”
“I am as well,” Princess Celestia said, noticing Wallflower, Vignette and Gloriosa.  “And I take it these are your new friends.”
“Old friends who I haven’t been in touch with for a long time,” Golden Lace said.  “Wallflower Blush, Vignette Valencia and Gloriosa Daisy.”
The three fillies bowed to Princess Celestia in friendship, much to her delight.
“Well it’s an honor to meet you three,” Princess Celestia said.
Immediately, Celestia turned towards Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse, who stood by Prince Blueblood.
“So you all risked your freedom to save them,” Princess Celestia asked.
“We did just to cause a little chaos in that school,” Hoops explained.  “But it was worth it.”
“More than that,” Princess Celestia said.  “You all deserve a medal for saving all of these ponies, including Wanda and Sunset.”
“Speaking of which,” Princess Cadance said, nervous.   “Where are Wanda and Sunset?”
“I’m afraid I have bad news,” Prince Blueblood said.  “Ms. Honey Twist altered Wanda’s mind and turned her against her friends as their new Junior Warden, replacing Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo.”
“And she tortured me and Starlight Glimmer to make her turn,” Misty explained.
“This is horrible,” Princess Celestia said. 
“Even worse,” Prince Blueblood said.  “Sunset Shimmer used her demon form to buy us some time to escape.  I fear they may have captured her.”
“We’ll have to go back inside and get them both out,” Eleanor said.
“Right,” Celestia said before turning to Prince Blueblood.  “Nephew.  You lead the way.”
Suddenly, the front door to the school exploded and Demon Sunset went flying out of control before landing near the group.  Demon Sunset struggled to get up as she growled at what was in front of her.
“Sunset,” Celestia yelled.  “What happened?”
But when Eleanor looked in front of her, she saw Junior Warden Wanda Young emerge from the smoke with Ms. Honey Twist, Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat by her side.
“Well done, Junior Warden,” Ms. Honey Twist complemented.  “Now show it who’s boss.”
“With pleasure,” Wanda smirked.
With one blast from Wanda’s blaster, shockwaves fired off against Demon Sunset, causing her to roar in agony before reverting back into Sunset Shimmer.  Princess Celestia ran up to her adopted daughter and picked her up.
“SUNSET!” Celestia cried.
“Mommy,” Sunset said.  “You’ve made it.”
“Save your strength,” Celestia said.  “I’ll bring Wanda home.”
As Celestia set Sunset down,  she looked up at her adopted daughter with Eleanor and Luna by her side.
“Princess Wanda Young,” Celestia commanded.  “You come here this instance.”
“I beg to differ, for you are no longer my mother,” Wanda smiled.  “In fact, you are Princess of Equestria, no longer.”
Wanda, Honey Twist, Steel Bolt and Cold Heat pointed their supersonic blasters at the entire group and fired.  Some tried to flee and some tried to stand their ground.  But the waves that emitted hit the entire group and brought them down to their knees.
“WHAT IS THIS?” Celestia cried.  “WHAT IS GOING ON?”
“It’s my newest invention, your majesty,” Ms. Honey Twist said.  “It tortures their minds and makes them relive their worst memories, possible.  But it also doubles as an effective weapon.”
Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Firelight Glimmer, Starseeker, the pegasi guards, Eleanor Young, Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Abigail Albright, Spike the Dragon, Golden Lace, Juniper Montage,Misty Brightdawn, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, Lightning Dust, Marcie Pan, Fawn Doo, Cozy Glow, Prince Blueblood, Wallflower Blush, Vignette Valencia, Gloriosa Daisy, Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse all laid there on the ground, aching in agony as they struggled to get up.
“How…could you?” Firelight Glimmer snarled.  “Taking my daughter away…and tormenting her for your own amusement.”
“It’s all apart of what makes us Daisy Joy Tech,” Ms. Honey Twist said as she, Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Cold Heat walked up to Princess Celestia.  “And Gold Banks will be happy when she finds out we caught you all right where we want you.”
“Why are you doing this to us?” Misty yelled.  “What did we ever do to you?”
“You were born,” Warden Steel Bolt smirked.
“And you existed to have fun,” Officer Blue Heat said.
“I will order my troops to gather you all up and lock you back in your cells,” Ms. Honey Twist said.  “But I have a little surprise for your rescuers.  I will make them the first adults to attend my school.  Actually, the first Alicorns to do so.  Once Gold Banks finds out, she will be happy I did the stunt for her.”
“You’re out of your mind,” Prince Blueblood yelled.
“Tell it when we plan your first lesson and fail you,” Ms. Honey Twist said.
Ms. Honey Twist, Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat all walked up to Princess Celestia, standing over the weakened Alicorn.
“How does it feel to know that you will join your daughters in our school, Princess?” Ms. Honey Twist asked.
“You’re out of your mind,” Princess Celestia said.
“Oh and we’re going to close down your School for Gifted Unicorns and transfer your remaining students here,” Ms. Honey Twist said.  “We’ll even rehire a certain Stallion who walked out on us.  There’s nothing you can do to stop us, because we are invincible.”
Suddenly, shockwaves hit Ms. Honey Twist, Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat.  The trio screamed loudly before collapsing on the ground, much to Celestia and Blueblood’s horror.
“What…just happened?” Ms. Honey Twist said.
Miss Honey Twist turned her attention to Wanda, who walked up to her, holding her blaster at her face.
“You,” Ms. Honey Twist snarled.  “You traitor.  You did this.”
“Guilty as charged,” Wanda smiled.  “And you said you wanted to turn my former mother into your new student.  You’re as pathetic as the very colts and fillies you force into your own school.”
“Wanda,” Celestia cried.  “What have you done?”
“You can thank these fools for making me see the error of my ways,” Wanda said.  “As a result, I’m taking over this school and making it my new throne of power.”
“You forget one thing,” Ms. Honey Twist shouted.  “Gold Banks is on her way and when she finds out what you did…”
“Let her come,” Wanda interrupted.  “Let her come indeed.  I’ll be laying a trap for that bureaucrat and when she makes her first move, I will take her down.  She will be the first step in my total conquest over all of Equestria.   And soon, you will all bow to me: Wanda Young, Empress of all that you see.”
As Wanda Young cackled loudly, the entire group just laid there, helpless and without hope.  But Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo immediately turned towards the weakened Ms. Honey Twist.
“Look what you did you idiot,” Marcie Pan yelled.
‘“Thanks to you, Equestria’s doomed to that trigger-happy monster,” Fawn Doo yelled.
“Oh shut up,” Ms. Honey Twist yelled.
“They’re right,” Golden Lace said.  “If it weren’t your desire for perfection, you wouldn’t be in this mess at all.  You’ve made your bed, now lie in it.”
While Ms. Honey Twist growled helplessly at Golden Lace, Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo, Eleanor reached out to Wanda, who walked away with a devilish grin on her face.
“Wanda,” Eleanor said, reaching out.  “Please come back to us.  We’ve all missed you.”


	To Be Continued in…


	The One True Heart

> Arc 22-7: The One True Heart
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The One True Heart



Gold Banks’ helicopter flew over Manehattan as the aristocrat waited with anticipation.  She looked out the window, anxious to step outside.  Sitting next to her were three Debt Collector grunts, eager for action.
“Will you hurry it up?” Gold Banks commanded.  “I am eager to see if she caught them or not.”
“We’re almost there, your excellency,” the pilot said.  “I can see the school from my flight deck.”
Gold Banks sat back there as the copter flew towards Daisy Joy Tech.  Her tone was rather sour as she waited.  
“I want to know what is going on down there and if Ms. Honey Twist was able to get those brats under control,” Gold Banks said to herself.  “I didn’t capture them just so they could make a mess of my school.”
“I’ll say,” one of the grunts said.  “Sneaking into that castle and bagging those little goblins was the most fun we’ve ever had.”
“Hold your tongue,” Gold Banks commanded.  “You will speak when I say so.”
Suddenly, the pilot yelled out “Your excellency.  Something happened down at Daisy Joy Tech.”
“What do you mean by that?” Gold Banks yelled.
“See for yourself,” The pilot said as his co-pilot tapped a button on the ceiling.
The center of the helicopter’s passenger room rose up as a two-sided screen emerged.  On the screen was Daisy Joy Tech, and a bunch of younglings lying on the ground, looking dazed and weakened.
“I don’t get it,” Gold Banks said.  “She must have captured them that easily.”
“Take a closer look above,” The pilot said.  “You’re in for a real shock.”
When Gold Banks looked above the younglings, she saw Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, Eleanor Young and Ms. Honey Twist lying on the ground, struggling to get themselves back up.  Banks’ face dropped down in horror.
“What is going on down there?”  Gold Banks said.  “Not only are the Princesses down for the count, but so is Ms. Honey Twist.”
“I don’t know why,” The Pilot said.  “It’s like someone came up and did all of this to them.”
“Whoever it is will pay dearly for their intrusion,” Gold Banks snarled.  “Take us down.  I’ll deal with this interloper myself.”
“You got it, Excellency,” The Pilot complied as he flew the helicopter close to Daisy Joy Tech.

As the Helicopter landed on the ground, Gold Banks and her grunts stepped out and walked up towards Daisy Joy Tech in a hurry.  They went through the broken entrance with the statue of Daisy Joy the Elephant lying next to them.  Once they got in, they saw everyone in the vicinity struggle to get up.
“What is the meaning of this?” Gold Banks commanded.  “What kind of school did I set up, only for every one of you to be lying down on the job?”
Gold Banks noticed Golden Lace lying on the ground, struggling to get up.  She marched over to her daughter with her grunts by her side before pulling Lace up with her magic.  
“Lace,” Gold Banks snarled. 
“What do you want, Mother?” Golden Lace said, coldly.
“You have a lot to explain for this….this mess,” Gold Banks screeched.
“You want the entire truth?” Golden Lace said.  “Go talk to Ms. Honey Twist.  She’ll let you know.”
Gold Banks growled at Golden Lace before tossing her aside.  Celestia quickly stopped Lace from landing on the ground with her magic before pulling her in.
“What’s your mother doing here?” Celestia asked.
“I think she found out about what happened here and she’s furious,” Golden Lace said.
As Celestia held Golden Lace tight, Gold Banks marched up to Ms. Honey Twist before picking her up with her magic and pulling the headmare to her face.
“Ms. Honey Twist,” Gold Banks yelled.  “Explain.  What happened?”
“Gold Banks,” Ms. Honey Twist explained.  “We relieved Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo of their duties as Junior Wardens and forced Princess Wanda to become our new Junior Warden.  And just when we were about to claim victory over the escapees and the rescue squad led by Princess Celestia and Prince Blueblood, Wanda betrayed us all.”
“You idiot,” Gold Banks yelled before she threw Ms. Honey Twist to the ground.  “You bumbling idiot.  I should fire you for botching everything up.”
“LOOK BEHIND YOU!” Warden Steel Bolt yelled.
“Don’t you pull that stunt on me,” Gold Banks yelled as she marched up to Warden Steel Bolt.  “You blew it.  You allowed these juvenile delinquents to break free and…”
But before she could finish, Gold Banks and her grunts were hit by supersonic waves, causing them to scream in agony before dropping to the ground.
“I told you,” Warden Steel Bolt said.
Gold Banks slowly turned her body to the front where Former Junior Warden Wanda Young approached the aristocrat, brandishing her supersonic blaster and grinning evily with her eyes glowing dark red.
“You,” Gold Banks snarled.  “You did this.”
“I sure did,” Wanda taunted.  “I betrayed everyone in this vicinity, including you.  And I must thank you for making me see the error of my ways.”
“Error of your ways?” Gold Banks screeched.  “You trashed my school and you caught me in a trap.  What do you mean by that?”
“Allow me to demonstrate,” Wanda said.
Wanda turned towards the guards who emerged from Daisy Joy Tech, who slowly approached Wanda, hesitant to even point their blaster at her.
“Today is a day that will be our finest hour,“ Wanda announced.  “We will march onto the steps of Canterlot and force the Senate and the Chancellor to draft the resolutions of surrender.  Once it has been signed, I will dissolve the senate, and assume command as the new Empress of Equestria.  And I will bring you a new glorious era to the planet as we conquer the Changelings, the Windigo’s Guild and the Hippogriffs.  Glory to the New World Order.”
As the guards cheered in unison, Sunset Shimmer slowly got herself up before she was finally on her four hooves.  She looked down and saw a spare supersonic blaster on the ground.
“This is my only chance,” Sunset said.
But as Wanda ordered the guards to cheer, she looked down at Gold Banks before picking her up.
“As for you,” Wanda said.  “I’m going to use you, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna as a bargaining chip for the surrender of the Equestrian Government.  Once they cave into my demands, I will transfer you all to Tartarus and take over, with Daisy Joy Tech as my new seat of power.”
“You’re insane,” Gold banks said.
“So they say,” Wanda laughed.
“Wanda, that’s enough.”  Wanda turned around to see Sunset Shimmer point the supersonic blaster at her.
“What do you intend on doing with that, weakling?” Wanda scowled.
“Something that I should have done,” Sunset said.
And with that, Sunset Shimmer fired off the supersonic waves from her blaster, hitting Wanda and Gold Banks.  They both screamed in agony before dropping to the ground.
“WANDA,” Celestia and Eleanor yelled.
“It’s okay,” Sunset said.  “She’ll be fine.”
As Sunset Shimmer held the blaster, she walked up to Wanda, who only glared at her sister with red in her eyes.
“You fool,” Wanda scowled.  “You’ve only delayed the inevitable.  I will rise and become your Empress and you will bow before me, unless you do what you think is right.”
“If you’re talking about putting you in Tartarus, no,” Sunset said.  “I just want to see my sister again.”
Sunset Shimmer picked up Wanda and hugged her tight, shedding a tear from her eyes.
“Please Wanda, “Sunset cried.  “I missed you so much.”
As Sunset’s tears fell from her eyes and onto Wanda, the Man’s Cub’s eyes began to light up as images of her past with Sunset Shimmer, Princess Celestia and all her friends flashed.  Once they disappeared, the red in her eyes vanished.
“Su…Sunset,” Wanda said.  “What have I done?”
Sunset looked at Wanda, who now looked ashamed before cracking a smile.
“What you didn’t know you were doing because of Ms. Honey Twist,” Sunset said before she hugged Wanda again.
Immediately, Twilight Sparkle, Spike the Dragon, Abigail Albright, Starlight Glimmer, Firelight and Starseeker Glimmer, Misty Brightdawn, Pinkie Pie, Golden Lace, Juniper Montage, Cozy Glow, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, Vignette Valencia, Wallflower Blush, Gloriosa Daisy, Lightning Dust, Marcie Pan, Fawn Doo, Prince Blueblood, Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder, Short Fuse, Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, Eleanor Young, Princess Luna and Princess Celestia got up on their legs and began to cheer.  Wanda turned around and saw them all cheer for her.
“They’ve missed you, Wanda,” Sunset cried.  “They’ve missed you so much.”
As Wanda cried in the presence of everyone who cheered for her, Celestia turned towards the left where she saw the guards approach with their supersonic blasters held out.
“No time to celebrate,” Princess Celestia commanded.  “Come on.  We’re leaving.”
Immediately, Wanda and Sunset ran up to the group as they all made their way to the royal carriage, where the two pegasi got back on their two legs.
“There’s not enough who can fit in there,” Prince Blueblood said.  
“Gold Banks must have left behind her helicopter,” Princess Cadance said.  “We’ll commandeer it and get everyone out.”
“Great idea,” Shining Armor said.  “You got this?”
“I sure do,” Princess Cadance said.  “Besides, I got my license to pilot one of these babies.”
Nearby, Eleanor Young picked up a pair of supersonic blasters and said to the group “I’ll hold them off.  Get to the choppa.”
Princess Celestia nodded as she, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, Firelight Glimmer, Starseeker Glimmer and Shining Armor escorted all of the younglings away from Daisy Joy Tech and either the royal carriage or Gold Banks’ personal helicopter.  Eleanor turned her attention towards Ms. Honey Twist, who got herself up along with Warden Steel Bolt, Officer Blue Heat and Gold Banks.
“You there,” Gold Banks yelled as the guards stood behind her.  “What do you think you’re doing?”
“Teaching you a lesson for what you did to Wanda and her friends,” Eleanor said.
With a push of both triggers, Eleanor fired off the supersonic blasters, emitting supersonic waves at Gold Banks, Ms. Honey Twist, Warden Steel Bolt, Officer Blue Heat and the guards of Daisy Joy Tech.  They all screamed in pain before they collapsed onto the ground.
“Never mess with a guardian angel,” Eleanor said before she turned around and walked towards the royal carriage.
Immediately, Princess Celestia opened the carriage as Wanda, Sunset, Abigail, Twilight, Spike, Starlight, Pinkie PIe, Misty Brightdawn, Golden Lace, Juniper Montage, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, Firelight Glimmer, and Starseeker Glimmer got inside.  She turned to Eleanor, who walked away from the fallen foes.
“Luna and I will fly by the carriage  from here on out,” Princess Celestia said.
“Same here,” Eleanor said.
Holding her arms into the air, giant insect wings formed from Eleanor Young’s back.  Most of the younglings, along with Firelight and Starseeker,  looked out from the carriage and were amazed by Eleanor’s wings.
“Wow,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Just like Wanda.”
“I never knew she could fly,” Firelight Glimmer said.
But as nearly everyone looked out the window, Wanda sat in her seat, ashamed and depressed.
“What did I do?” Wanda said to herself.
“It wasn’t your fault,” Misty said as she turned back towards Wanda.  “Ms. Honey Twist did that to you because of she did to me and Starlight Glimmer.”
But Wanda just sighed and stared out the window.

Nearby, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor escorted Prince Blueblood, Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder, Short Fuse, Marcie Pan, Fawn Doo, Lightning Dust, Cozy Glow, Wallflower Blush, Vignette Valencia and Gloriosa Daisy to the helicopter, where the pilot and co-pilot emerged.
“Hey, what are you all doing here?” The Pilot said as he approached Princess Cadance.
“This is Gold Banks’ personal aircraft,” The Co-Pilot said.  “No entry without authorization.”
Princess Cadance glared down at the two pilots with her eyes glowing bright.
“Step aside if you know what’s good for you,” Princess Cadance yelled in a demonic tone.
“Okay okay,” The pilot said.  “You can have it.”
The Pilot and Co-Pilot ran off from the helicopter as Princess Cadance smirked with amusement.
“This is why I’m glad to be with you,” Shining Armor joked.
“Ain’t it the truth, Romeo,” Princess Cadance said.  “Now let’s get them on board.”
Princess Cadacne opened the door to the helicopter as Prince Blueblood, Cozy Glow and the remaining colts and fillies jumped on board and took a seat.  Once Princess Cadance closed the door, she ran to the pilot’s seat and jumped in while Shining Armor sat down in the Co-Pilot’s seat, shutting the door behind him.
“Are you all seated?” Princess Cadance asked.
“We are,” Prince Blueblood said as the other younglings had their seat belts fastened.
“Then put your tray tables up and prepare for take-off,” Shining Armor said.
Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Eleanor Young flew up into the air as the royal carriage followed from behind with the pegasi pulling it.  Right behind them, Gold Banks’ personal helicopter took off from Daisy Joy Tech, following the Royal Carriage from behind.
As Gold Banks got up, she watched in horror as Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Eleanor Young led both the Royal Carriage and her personal Helicopter away from Daisy Joy Tech and from Manehattan.
“CURSE YOU, PRINCESS CELESTIA!”  Gold Banks yelled.  “YOU WILL PAY FOR THIS, I SWEAR OF IT!”
Ms. Honey Twist slowly got up with Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat following suit.  The guards were knocked unconscious as the trio brushed the dust off their clothing.
“Good riddance to bad rubbish,” Ms. Honey Twist said.
“I do agree,” Warden Steel Bolt said.  “Those brats made fools out of all of us.”
“At least we were able to hold back the rest of those juvenile delinquents,” Officer Blue Heat said.
“Come,” Ms. Honey Twist said.  “We should return and prepare for the delinquents’ lesson plan, plus list those horrible monsters as permanently expelled.”
But before the three could walk away, Gold Banks grabbed Ms. Honey Twist and spun her around.
“You lost them,” Gold Banks snarled.  “You lost those brats because of Wanda Young.”
“She was intended on being our Junior Warden, and she chose to betray us,” Ms. Honey Twist stated.  
“No excuses, you morons,” Gold Banks said.  “I should have you all fired for your incompetence, and hire someone new to run this school.”
Suddenly, a portal materialized from behind Gold Banks.  The aristocrat, still unhinged, stood by as Magistrate Creme Dream emerged from the portal.
“Magistrate,” Gold Banks fumed as she marched towards Creme Dream.  “Look what these fools did.  They allowed a number of delinquents to escape my facility and…”
But Creme Dream slapped Gold Banks across the face, shutting her up.
“Imbecil,” Creme Dream snapped.  “Fool.  Idiot.  Do you realize what you have done with that little stunt of yours?”
“Do I look like I care?” Gold Banks snarled.  “The Senate has no right to refuse my demands and…”
Immediately, Creme Dream slapped Gold Banks across the face again.
“You were supposed to abide by the results of Senate Bill 060660 and you chose to defy their wishes,” Creme Dream said.  “Now I have to clean up the mess you made.”
“The mess I made?” Gold Banks said.  “It was your fault for not blackmailing the Senate into siding with my proposal.  So I had to do things myself, and nothing you can do will change my mind.”
“Very well,” Creme Dream said, her voice shaking with anger.  “Effective immediately, you are no longer my apprentice, relieved of all duties that you were assigned to.  Furthermore, you are given a lifetime ban from Canterlot.  Violate that ban and I will make sure you suffer in Tartarus for the rest of your life.  We are done here.”
With that, Creme Dream marched away from Gold Banks before going through the portal and disappearing completely, leaving Gold Banks alone in the ruins of Daisy Joy Tech while Ms. Honey Twist, Warden Steel Hoof and Officer Steel Bolt all approached her.
“Curse you, Creme Dream,” Gold Banks snarled.  “You will regret the day you kicked me out.”
“Mrs Banks,” Ms. Honey Twist said.  “Perhaps it’s time to implement Operation Daisy Joy, as a form of revenge against your former mentor.”
“Revenge?” Gold Banks said.  “Tell me more.”
“First,” Warden Steel Bolt said, “You should send a message to her by rallying your base.”
Gold Banks just stood there with a devilish grin on her face.

Later that evening, the helicopter and carriage landed on the landing pad in Canterlot as Celestia, Luna and Eleanor landed in front.  Colts and Fillies poured out from both vehicles.  Firelight Glimmer and Starseeker emerged from the carriage while Princess Cadance and Shining Armor stepped out from the flight deck of the Helicopter.
“We did it,” Shining Armor said.  “We got them all safe.  We’re heroes.”
“What’d I tell ya, Shining,” Princess Cadance laughed.  “We got them all back and we got our happily ever after.”
As Princess Cadance and Shining Armor danced, Twilight Sparkle, Sunset Shimmer, Spike and Abigail ran up to the two lovebirds and joined in on the dancing.
“We did it, we did it, the younglings have finally come home,” Princess Cadance and Shining Armor sang.
But as Celestia counted all the younglings who gathered around her, she said “Wait.  Where’s Wanda?”
Immediately, Wanda slowly came out of the carriage and slumped forward, still wearing that warden uniform.  She looked up at everyone and was on the verge of tears.
“Wanda?” Princess Luna said.  “Are you alright?”
“NO!”  Wanda cried.  “I BECAME A MONSTER!”
Wanda ran off from the entire group into the castle, crying her eyes out.  Prince Blueblood tried to reach out as Cadance, Shining, Twilight, Sunset, Spike and Abigail stopped dancing.
“Wanda, come back,” Misty yelled.
“Cousin,” Blueblood said in a somber voice.
“She’s gone through a whole lot since Ms. Honey Twist tormented her mind,” Eleanor Young said.  “Perhaps we should all go and let her know how much we’re glad she’s back.”
“I’m afraid I can’t join you,” Prince Blueblood said as he tapped on his video phone.”
“Prince Blueblood,” Cozy Glow said.  “What do you mean by that?”
Prince Blueblood handed his phone over to Princess Celestia, who gasped in horror at the article on the screen.
“You’ve become a fugitive?” Princess Celestia said.
“Yes,” Prince Blueblood said.  “Because I broke into Daisy Joy Tech, I am now a wanted criminal across all of Equestria.  And if I stayed with you, you would be harboring a criminal and your names would be tarnished.  So effective immediately, I must banish myself from Canterlot.”
“I understand,” Princess Celestia said.  “And I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay,” Prince Blueblood said.  “Besides, I did it for my cousins and her friends.  In fact, I may have to go back to Manehattan and rescue the rest of the younglings who are trapped in that horrible school, and liberate them.”
“Take the copter with you,” Princess Luna said.   “It will prove efficient in your mission.”
“Thank you,” Prince Blueblood said.  
But as Prince Blueblood stepped towards the copter, Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder, Short Fuse, Marcie Pan, Fawn Doo and Lightning Dust stood in front of him.
“We’re going with you,” Hoops said.
“Are you all really sure about this?” Prince Blueblood asked.
“We are,” Lightning Dust said.   “All of us.  Breaking out of that school was one thing.  Getting the others out is our next goal.  We’ll give them the freedom they need.”
“Sounds like you’re our kind of gal,” Rolling Thunder said.  “Lightning Dust, was it?”
“Yep,” Lightning Dust said.  “And you two must be Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse.”
“In the flesh,” Short Fuse said.
“I think this is the beginning of an awesome friendship,” Lightning Dust said.
Prince Blueblood turned towards Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo before he said “I take it you’re in to atone for your status as Junior Wardens at Daisy Joy Tech.”
Both Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo nodded in agreement.
“We were terrible ponies back then,” Marcie Pan explained.  “We wanted to torment other colts and fillies just to please Ms. Honey Twist.”
“To make up for what we did, we’re joining your resistance,” Fawn Doo said.  “And pay back Ms. Honey Twist for double crossing us.”’
“You know it’s dangerous out there,” Golden Lace said. “Who knows what other lines Ms. Honey Twist has crossed since we were back at that miserable school.”
“We are,” Marcie Pan said.  “Even if it doesn’t redeem ourselves in the eyes of those we hurt, we’re still doing it for the sake of it.”
“Then you’ve redeemed yourself in my eyes,” Golden Lace said as she gave Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo a hug.
“As for us,” Hoops said as Dumbbell, Score, Flim and Flam stood by him, “We came down there just to cause trouble and mayhem.  But after seeing what Ms. Honey Twist has done, we’re on board with your mission.”
“Very well,” Prince Blueblood said.  “We take off this instant.”
“Aww,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Aren’t you going to stick around for the party?”
“Nah,” Prince Blueblood said.  “But thanks for the invitation.  Right now, we have to take off.”
“By the way,” Sunset said.  “Are you sure you can fly a helicopter?”
“Fly?” Blueblood said with a smirk on his face.  “I’ve flown more complicated machines than this before the last Gala.”
Golden Lace released her hold from Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo before they gave her a bump on the hoof.
“You two be careful,” Golden Lace said.  “Got it?”
“Got it,” Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo said.
With that, Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim, Flam, Marcie Pan, Fawn Doo, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse hopped into the helicopter before Lightning Dust closed the door. She hopped into the Co-Pilot side before Prince Blueblood hopped into the pilot’s chair of the copter.  The blades of the helicopter turned on, spinning as fast as possible.  Princess Celestia walked over to the pilot’s door where Prince Blueblood turned to him.
“Promise me you’ll let me know your status?” Princess Celestia asked.
“I will,” Prince Blueblood said with a tear rolling down his cheek. “In the meantime, keep them safe, Aunt Celestia.”
Princess Celestia backed up as the helicopter took off from the landing pad and flew eastward back to Manehattan.  Celestia and Luna stood there, watching as the copter disappeared into the sky.
“Best of luck to you, nephew,” Princess Luna said.
“That reminds us,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “I believe we should all throw a welcome home party for the missing girls, and cheer Wanda up.”
“Great idea,” Starseeker said.  “We should also contact their relatives and let them know that we brought them back.”
“Oooh,” Pinkie Pie said.  “I’ll whip up a party in no time at all.”
“I can’t wait,” Starlight said. “It’s going to be great.”
As Firelight Glimmer, Starseeker Glimmer, Starlight Glimmer and Pinkie Pie went into the castle, Celestia and Luna looked up at the higher parts of the structure before turning towards each other.
“Wanda’s been through a whole lot more than we realized,” Princess Celestia said.  “We should give her some time before we go cheer her up.”
“I’m with you on that, sis,” Princess Luna said.
“I hope she’ll be alright,” Misty Brightdawn said.  “It’s been a thousand years since I’ve last seen her and I’m sad that she was tormented like that.”
“It will take some time for her to cheer up after that stunt,” Princess Celestia said.  “But when we get inside, I’ll let your brother know that you’re here, safe and sound.”
“Thanks Princess,” Misty said.  “And thanks for helping me out those many years ago.”
“It was our honor, Misty,” Princess Celestia said.
And so, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna walked into the castle with Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Spike, Abigail, Golden Lace, Cozy Glow, Misty Brightdawn, Juniper Montage, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, Vignette Valencia, Wallflower Bush and Gloriosa Daisy following from behind.  Eleanor looked up at the top of the castle and smiled while a tear rolled down her cheek.
“It’s a shame what happened with my daughter,” Eleanor said.  “But at least I’m glad she’s finally home, safe and sound.”


	To Be Continued in…


	A True Homecoming

> Arc 22-8: A True Homecoming
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


A True Homecoming.



It was nighttime across the city of Canterlot.  Ponies went home to loved ones to celebrate the end of the day with a good meal and good times together.
But up in the castle, down the hallway, Princess Celestia walked with Princess Luna, Chancellor Cinch and Abigail Albright towards the bedroom.
“I heard what Ms. Honey Twist did to the Man’s Cub,” Chancellor Cinch said with a worried tone.
“Misty and Starlight told us what happened that made Wanda submit to her,” Princess Celestia stated.  
“I was harsh back then because I feared what she may become,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “But I never thought someone would turn her into a despicable monster like that.”
“Worst off, Magistrate Creme Dream was able to white wash the event as the fault of Gold Banks,” Princess Luna said.  “As a result, she wound up getting the blame while Ms. Honey Twist got off, scott-free.”
“Creme Dream is rather smart when it comes to propaganda,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “She’ll weasel her way out of any wrongdoing and the rest of us will just pass it on as if it didn’t happen at all.  We’re none the wiser.”
“Speaking of which,” Princess Celestia said.  “I think a certain daughter of mine is going to need some cheering up.”
Princess Celestia opened the door to the bedroom, where Wanda stood out the window, staring at the moon with the Pony of Shadows on it.  She was no longer wearing the Junior Warden’s outfit, but her old dress again.   Abigail ran up onto the bed before meowing towards Wanda.
“Wanda,” Princess Celestia said.  “How are you doing?”
But Wanda continued to stare out the window, ignoring Princess Celestia’s plea.  Celestia walked up to Wanda and sat right next to her and Abigail.
“Wanda,” Celestia said.  “What happened back at Daisy Joy Tech wasn’t your fault.  Ms. Honey Twist did something to you to bring out that dark side of yours.”
But Wanda only turned her head away, much to Celestia’s sorrow.
“I’ll handle this,” Chancellor Cinch said as she stepped inside.
Wanda noticed Chancellor Cinch walking in and she hid her face away in shame.
“Young Lady,” Cinch said.  “I don’t blame you for what happened.  In fact, my anger is directed towards Ms. Honey Twist after your mommy told me about what happened down there.  And your friends Misty and Starlight are aware of it.
“But I hurt so many ponies, including Mommy,” Wanda cried.  “You’ll send me to Tartarus for this.”
“No I won’t,” Cinch said.  “In fact, if there were any charges against you over what happened, I would have dismissed them with extreme prejudice.  Besides, it’s not just Ms. Honey Twist that you should blame, but also Gold Banks.”
“Gold Banks?” Wanda said, turning to the Chancellor.
“She’s right,” Celestia said.  “If it weren’t for Gold Banks, you would never have been forced to be evil.  It was because of Gold Banks that I was worried for you, your sister, and your friends.”
“Really?” Wanda asked.
“Yes,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “We’re only glad that you’re back home, and that’s what matters the most.  Your Mommy misses you and your sister.  Be thankful that you don’t have to live through that nightmare again.”
“I’ll…,” Wanda said, hesitantly.  “I’ll try.”
“As long as you’re back home,” Celestia reassured, “That’s what matters the most.  But there is one last thing I need to point out.”
“What’s that?” Wanda asked.
“A particular…punishment,” Celestia joked.
“Fine,” Wanda sighed.  “What is it?”
“For being tormented by that horrible Ms. Honey Twist,” Celestia said.  “I sentence you….to tickling.”
Immediately, Celestia placed her hoof gently on Wanda’s tummy and rubbed, causing the Man’s Cub to fall onto the bed and giggle loudly.
“MOMMY!” Wanda giggled.  “STOP!  THAT TICKLES!”
“But you must endure the tickles for your sake, my darling Wanda,” Celestia laughed.
“OKAY OKAY!” Wanda laughed.   “I GIVE UP!  I SURRENDER!”
Celestia moved her hoof off of Wanda’s tummy as the Man’s Cub struggled to get her laughter under control.  She got herself back up as her laughter finally subsided.
“Now, doesn’t that feel better?” Celestia asked.
“It does,” Wanda said.  “Thanks, mommy.”
“You’re welcome,” Celestia said.  “Now how about we go greet your friends?  They’re all worried about you.”
Wanda, Celestia and Abigail got up from the bed before they walked towards the door. Chancellor Cinch followed from behind.
“Tickle torture,” Cinch said with a smirk on her face.  “I’ll have to remember that.”
As Celestia, Wanda and Abigail walked outside the room, they were approached by Princess Luna, who gave Wanda a hoof noogie on the head.
“Come on, Wanda,” Luna said.  “Let’s go celebrate.”
With that, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Wanda, Abigail Albright and Chancellor Cinch walked down the hallway.

At the banquet hall, Wanda stepped through the doorway with Celestia, Luna, Cinch and Abigail behind her.  But the moment she stepped in, everyone in the room shouted “SURPRISE!”
“Surprise?” Wanda said.  “Is this what I think it is?”
In front of her was a giant, eight layer cake laid out for her with a bowl of punch next to it.  Nearby, Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Pinkie Pie, Spike the Dragon, Golden Lace, Juniper Montage, Cozy Glow, Misty Brightdawn, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, Wallflower Blush, Vignette Valencia, Gloriosa Daisy, Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, Firelight Glimmer and Starseeker Glimmer all cheered for Wanda.  Above them was a banner that read “Welcome home, everyone.”
“Wanda,” Sunset said. “We were wondering if you would come down to celebrate our coming home party.”
“Coming home, party?” Wanda said.
“Yeah,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Even though it was my idea, I wanted to throw it for all of us.  Just so you know you’re once again part of a family.  And as a family, we are one together.”
“That’s true,” Twilight said.  “And besides, you’re not just a family, you’re also a friend, and Friendship truly is Magic.”
Wanda just looked at her friends and said “Aww.  Thanks, you guys.  I’ll never forget this moment.”
“Speaking of which,” Celestia said.  “We did invite a few others that learned of your return.”
Celestia, Luna and Cinch moved aside as Danged Spell, Sunburst, Moondancer, Trixie Lulamoon, Argyle Starshine, Silver Banks, Canter Zoom, Maud Pie, Igneous Rock and Cloudy Quartz walked into the room.  Starlight Glimmer, Golden Lace, Juniper Montage and even Pinkie Pie all lit up in a surprise of their own.
“Spell, Dancer, Sunburst,” Wanda said.  “You’re all here.”
“We all missed ya,” Danged Spell said. “After what Ms. Honey Twist did to ya, we’re glad that you came back.”
“It wouldn’t be the same if we couldn’t be together as friends,” Moondancer said.
“And we’ve brought your best friend along, Starlight,” Sunburst said.  “She heard what happened and she wanted to let you know that we’re glad to have you back.”  
Immediately, Starlight Glimmer, Golden Lace, Juniper Montage and Pinkie Pie all ran up to their respective fellows and gave them a big, warm hug.  Starlight embraced Sunburst and Trixie, Juniper Montage embraced Canter Zoom, Golden Lace embraced Silver Banks and Pinkie Pie embraced her parents and Maud.
“I’m glad to see you again, mom and dad,” Pinkie cried.  “Being inside Daisy Joy Tech was the worst thing to happen to me.”
“We’re glad you were able to break free from that wretched place, Pinkie,” Cloudy Quartz said.
“No matter what happens, you will always be our little Pinkie Pie,” Igneous Rock said.  “Never forget that.”
“Pinkie,” Maud said.  “You just keep being you.  That’s the most important part of who you are.”
“Thanks Maud,” Pinkie cried.
“I was so worried about you, my niece,” Canter Zoom said.  
“I heard about what happened to the set,” Juniper said.  “What will be of your studio?”
“Princess Celestia has compensated me for the set’s destruction,” Canter Zoom said, “And it will be rebuilt better than ever.  But right now, I’m just glad you’re back.”
“I’m glad you came back, Glimglam,” Trixie said.  
“I’m glad as well,” Starlight said.  “I don’t want to step hoof in that horrible school again.”
“Just promise me you’ll be safe with either me, or Wanda,”  Trixie asked.
“I will,” Starlight said.
“I heard about what my wife did to you,” Silver Banks said.  
“I don’t ever want to see her face again, daddy,” Golden Lace said.
“Don’t you worry,” Silver Banks said.  “I will finalize my divorce with her, even though she’s now banned from stepping hoof in Canterlot.”
“Good,” Golden Lace cried.  “I’m glad of that as well.”
But as Pinkie, Starlight, Lace and Juniper embraced their loved ones, Misty walked up to Princess Celestia and tapped her hoof, getting her attention.
“Princess,” Misty said.  “What about my big brother King Sombra?”
“I just contacted him and let him know that you’re alright,” Princess Celestia explained.  “He’ll come by to check up on you.  But for now, you’re welcome to stay here in my castle.”
“Really?” Misty said.
“After all,” Luna said.  “You were our first youngster that we adopted.  So welcome home, Misty Brightdawn.”
Misty squealed with delight as she jumped into Celestia and Luna’s arms and gave them a big hug.  
“Thank you, mommy and aunt Luna,” Misty said.  “I’ve missed you all.”
“Anytime, Misty,” Princess Celestia said.
Wanda walked up to Argyle Starshine, who just smiled at everyone in the vicinity.
“Mr Starshine,” Wanda said.  “Can you tell me about your horrible experience there?”
“My dear Wanda,” Argyle said, adjusting his glasses.  “Let me tell you how I got hired there in the first place.”

Later that night, everyone was partying the night away, enjoying every moment.  Some were eating cake or drinking punch.  Some danced.  Others just talked with each other.
Nearby, Danged Spell spoke with Sunburst, Moondancer, Sonata Dusk, and Twilight Sparkle.
“Wow,” Danged Spell said. “To turn Wanda into some kind of monster just to torment you at that horrible school.”
“Not just that,” Twilight said.  “But the Headmare made us lick all that horrible slop off the floor as punishment for a food fight.  I never want to step hoof in there again.”
“Glad you don’t have to,” Sunburst said.  “None of us would want to step hoof there, period.”
“I’m surprised why some ponies don’t speak out against this madness,” Moondancer asked.
“I heard rumors that some ponies are shipped away to an insane asylum when they learn about what’s happening with their sons and daughters,” Sunburst explained.  “That explained what happened to Vignette Valencia.”
“That stuff really makes me so mad,” Danged Spell said, “I just wanna SMASH something.”
With that, Danged Spell swung his hoof in the air and slammed it right on Sunburst’s punch cup on the table.
“DANGED SPELL, I NEEDED THAT!” Sunburst yelled.
“Oops,” Danged Spell said as he saw his hoof covered in punch.  “My bad.”
As Moondancer, Twilight and Sonata laughed, Twilight turned to Sonata Dusk.
“Right now, I could use a bite of your famous black bean tacos,” Twilight said.
“I’ll get right on it the moment I can,” Sonata said.  “And I’ll make it savory enough to get that slop we ate out of our mouths.”
“Looking forward to that,” Twilight said.
As Twilight and Sonata laughed, Danged Spell felt a tap on his shoulder.  He turned around and saw Wallflower Blush look up at him.
“Excuse me,” Wallflower Blush said.  “But would you be willing to dance with me?”
Danged Spell just looked at her as her face turned beet red with embarrassment.  He stepped back for a bit before tripping and falling on his behind, much to the other’s surprise.
“Spell?” Moondancer said.  “What in Equestria are you doing?”
“Not pulling off my best dance moves,” Danged Spell said.
“DANGED SPELL,” Moondancer, Twilight, Sunburst and Sonata said before bursting out with laughter, causing Wallflower Blush to giggle.
“Wow,” Danged Spell said. “Have a mare go gaga over you and you end up the fool in front of everyone else.”
Nearby, Starlight Glimmer, Trixie, and Maud Pie hung out with Firelight Glimmer and Starseeker.  But Starlight looked a bit worried.
“Daddy,” Starlight said. “After what happened, does that mean I have to go back home with you?”
“Quite the opposite, Starlight,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “In fact, Princess Celestia has allowed us to remain at the castle until the heat has died down from that incident.  Besides, I don’t trust the idea of Gold Banks remaining banned from Canterlot for long.”
“Good thing we’ve heard about her lifetime ban from Canterlot,” Starseeker said.  “After what she pulled, she deserved it.”
“That means I can stay with Wanda?” Starlight said.
“Even better,” Firelight said.
“That means you’ll be safe and sound from that mean ol Gold Banks,” Trixie said.  “And without a doubt.”
“Oh without a doubt,” Starlight said.  “But I hope you can come back to visit, Trixie.”
“I will,” Trixie said.  “And with my new friend Maud Pie.”
Starlight Glimmer turned towards Maud Pie, who waved to the twin-tailed unicorn filly.
“Nice to meet you,” Maud said.  “Pinkie Pie told me about you, and your friends.”
“Uhh, nice to meet you as well,” Starlight said before she held out her hoof.
Maud Pie looked down at Starlight Glimmer’s hoof before she reached out and held onto it.  The two fillies shook each other’s hooves in respect.
“I have the feeling this might be the beginning of a beautiful friendship,” Starlight said.
“The feeling’s mutual,” Maud Pie said.
But as Starlight and Maud shook hooves, Golden Lace and Juniper Montage had a chat with Silver Banks, Vignette Valencia, Gloriosa Daisy and Canter Zoom.
“So it was your own mother who locked my parents away?” Vignette Valencia asked.
“Yeah,” Golden Lace said.  “I used to look up to her as an idol.  But since my time at Mount Aris, I began to see my mother in a different light.”
“I also used to have a crush on Gold Banks,” Silver Banks said.  “And I used to agree with her views.  But in recent days, she’s become too unhinged for even me.  That was the reason I chose to file for divorce.  She will be a Banks no longer.”
“And what about getting us back with our parents?” Gloriosa Daisy asked.  “Especially  my brother Timber Spruce?”
“Get me any information on where they may be and I will do just that,” Silver Banks said.  “It’s time my wife was held accountable for her actions.”
“It’s good that some ponies can get the justice they deserve,” Canter Zoom said.  “But the same cannot be said about Gold, who has gone into hiding.”
“Uncle,” Juniper Montage said.  “What’s going to happen to us?” 
“Until the set has been rebuilt, we’re allowed to remain here,” Canter Zoom said.  “Princess Celestia has already compensated me for what Gold Banks did.”
“Uncle,” Juniper Montage said.  “I hope this nightmare ends.”
“I sure hope so as well,” Canter Zoom said.

But nearby, Wanda Young was dancing a silly dance on the floor with Pinkie Pie, Sunset Shimmer, Cozy Glow and Misty Brightdawn.  Nearby, Adagio Dazzle and Aria Blaze were enjoying some cake.
“What do you think, Wanda?” Pinkie Pie said.  “Best return from a nightmare ever?”
“You bet,” Wanda cheered.  “I’ve never felt happier in my life.”
“Let’s hope we can keep it that way now that we have Misty joining us,” Sunset Shimmer said.  
Wanda turned to Misty and said “Misty.  You’re joining us?”
“You got it,” Misty Brightdawn said.  “It’s been a thousand years since I last saw you.”
“It sure is,” Wanda said.  “But it felt only like days ago when I first met you in the past.”
“I still can’t believe that you two know each other,” Cozy Glow said.
“Hey Cozy,” Sunset said.  “How horrible was it for you, Abigail and Spike to be locked away in that cage?”
“Horrible is an understatement,” Cozy Glow said.  “After what I had to experience with Abby and Spike, I don’t ever want to step inside a cage again.”
“I didn’t actually see Cozy Glow inside that cage,” Adagio Dazzle said to the group.  “But I can only imagine the horror she had to go through.”
“Believe me,” Cozy Glow said.  “I would never want to step inside a cage, or that horrible school, ever again.”
But as the younglings enjoyed themselves, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Chancellor Cinch and Argyle Starshine sat nearby, content and yet worried.  Abigail and Spike sat next to Argyle Starshine, who placed two plates with cake in front of the two.
“I’m glad they’re all recovering from their time at Daisy Joy Tech,” Princess Celestia said.
“What Gold Banks did was a bridge too far,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “I’ve authorized an arrest warrant for kidnapping and torture.”
“That’s great to hear,” Princess Luna said.  “And about time too.  Guess Gold Banks’ political career is officially over.”
“You got that right,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “And good riddance.”
“Still,” Princess Cadance said.   “If someone like Gold Banks was capable of kidnapping Wanda and the others, imagine what someone else would do.”
“Don’t think that way, Caddy,” Shining Armor said.  “We always find a way to keep our loved ones protected.”
“Shining’s right,” Princess Celestia said.  “No matter if it's the changelings, the Windigo’s Guild or Gold Banks, we’ll make sure we keep them protected.”
“Speaking of which,” Argyle Starshine said.  “How is Prince Blueblood doing now that he’s a wanted criminal?”
Suddenly, Celestia’s video phone goes off.  She pulls it out and taps the screen before putting it to her ear.
“Prince Blueblood,” Celestia said.  “I was wondering when you would call me up.   Uh-huh.  I see.  You wish to speak to Wanda.  And you want me to switch to video.  Right away.”
Celestia tapped the screen a bit before she got up and walked over to Wanda, who still continued her silly dance.
“Wanda,” Celestia said.  “Prince Blueblood wants to speak to you.”
Wanda paused for a moment before turning towards the screen.  She picked it up and saw Prince Blueblood and the Scrappies wave to her.
“Cousin,” Wanda said.
“How’s it going?” Prince Blueblood waved as the Scrappies cheered.
“I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to say good-bye,” Wanda said.
“Same here,” Prince Blueblood said.  “So before we begin our fight to liberate the other colts and fillies from Daisy Joy Tech, I’d like to give you a special good-bye message.  In fact, two former bullies would like to say something to you.”
Prince Blueblood moved the screen towards Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo, who waved towards Wanda.
“Wanda,” Marcie Pan said.  “We would like to apologize for the way we treated you at Daisy Joy Tech.  It was wrong for us to be that horrible.”
“Actually, I should apologize to you for being even worse than you both were,” Wanda said.  “I wasn’t myself.”
“Well now we’re glad that you are,” Fawn Doo said.  “Listen.  To make up for what we did as former Junior Wardens, we’re going to free everyone from Daisy Joy Tech and bring them back to their families.  That we can promise you.”
“That’s great,” Wanda said.  “I hope you do succeed.”
“Anyway,” Marcie Pan said.  “You stay safe in Canterlot.  We’ll give that Ms. Honey Twist a piece of our minds and get that school shut down for good.”
As Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo cheered, Prince Blueblood turned the video phone back to himself as Hoops, Dumbbell and Score cheered in the background.
“Cousin,” Prince Blueblood said.  “Tell your sister this.  We’re going through the hardest part of our lives as fugitives.  But no matter what, you will always have my respect from here on out.  And may my aunt keep you safe from the dangers of this horrible world.”
“I will,” Wanda said.
“Anyway,” Prince Blueblood said.  “You stay safe out there.  We’ve got a job to do.”
As Hoops, Dumbbell, Score, Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder, Short Fuse, and Lightning Dust cheered for Wanda, she looked down at the video phone of the Scrappies and wiped a tear from cheek.
“I’m glad to have friends like this,” Wanda thought to herself.  “Maybe Friendship is truly magic.”
Outside, Eleanor looked into the banquet hall where the Grand Gallopin Gala was hosted.  And like her biological daughter, Eleanor wiped a tear from her eye in pride.
“One day,” Eleanor said.  “I will finally tell you the truth about who I am, my daughter.  Until then, Princess Celestia is your mommy.”
And thus, everyone partied through the night as the moon with the Pony of Shadow’s visage shined down on the city.


	To Be Continued In…


	Arc 23: Wrath of the Gold Bankers


	Another New Day

> Arc 23(Wrath of the Gold Bankers)-1: Another New Day
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Arc 23: Wrath of the Gold Bankers


Another New Day



At the Canterlot Hospital in the early morning, Night Light was able to get out of his bed and onto a standing wheelchair with help from Twilight Velvet, who placed his legs near the wheels before fastening them in.  While his legs were still plastered up, he had a more optimistic look on his face as he walked around his hospital room.  Nearby, Twilight Sparkle, Spike the Dragon and Shining Armor cheered for their father.
“My legs are almost healed, and yet I feel like a million bits,” Night Light said.
“That’s great, honey,” Twilight Velvet said.  “Soon, we will be ready to move to Vanhoover.”
“I don’t know if I want to,” Night Light said.  “After what Gold Banks did to kidnap Twilight and Spike, I don’t feel safe.”
“Daddy,” Twilight Sparkle said, walking up to her father with Spike by her side.
“I know you’re either eager or anxious to move back home,” Night Light said.  “But I nearly lost you and little Spike.  No doubt that Gold Banks is now more dangerous than ever, and it looks like staying in Canterlot might be our best option.”
“I don’t know,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “Spike and I were kidnapped while I was with all of you. What’s the chance that she’ll do it again, regardless of where I’m at?”
“Twili’s right,” Shining Armor said.  “This hospital is supposed to be a protected place.  And yet, Gold Banks was able to break in with her Debt Collectors and take her and Spike away.  I honestly don’t know what we can do.”
“Perhaps it will take some time for me to decide if we should move or not,” Night Light said.  “I know it would be dangerous to put her in a place where she could easily be taken away.  But I also remember that she was taken away under our protection.  Right now, I think it’s time you head for school for the day.”
“I’ll try not to lose focus, dad,” Twilight said as she gave her father a hug.
“I know you won’t,” Night Light said.  “You’re the daughter of me and Twilight, and the best sister two brothers could ever have.”
“Anyway,” Shining Armor said, “I better get you and Spike down to the school.  You don’t want to be late.”
Twilight Sparkle leaped up into the air and landed down in excitement before Spike jumped onto her back.  The little filly ran up to Shining Armor, eager for the day.
“What are we waiting for?” Twilight Sparkle said.  “Let’s go.”
As Shining Armor led Twilight Sparkle and Spike the Dragon out of the hospital room, Twilight Velvet walked up to Night Light, who held each other tight.
“I only wish our daughter can be like this for a long time,” Twilight Velvet said.
“As long as we have each other,” Night Light said, “We can make it through anything.”

Later that morning, Twilight Sparkle ran through the gates of the School for Gifted Unicorns with Spike on her back and Shining Armor right next to her.  As they make it up to the door, Danged Spell, Sunburst and Moondancer walk up to the siblings, eager to see them again.
“Twilight,” Moondancer said.  “How’s it feel to be back in this school and not that horrible Daisy Joy Tech?”
“Great,” Twilight cheered as Spike jumped off her back.  “I’m glad to see you all again.”
“Wanda, Sunset, Starlight and Golden Lace have already gone to class,” Sunburst said.  “But they also brought this unicorn filly with them.  Who was it?  Oh yeah.  Misty Brightdawn.”
“I still can’t believe she’s a thousand years old,” Shining Armor said.  
“Well her brother is King Sombra of the Crystal Empire,” Danged Spell said.
“Yeah,” Moondancer said.  “I heard that despite his age, he looks really handsome.”
“I also heard that he’s part-pony, part-umbrum,” Sunburst said.  “And that’s despite the fact that he’s the son of the late Princess Amore Brightdawn.”
“Yeah, that is a fun fact,” Danged Spell said.
“Spell,” Twilight said. “Are you alright?  That’s rather odd for you to not crack a pun at all.”
Danged Spell turned his head away before he said “I just found out the chieftess of Lio Lani and my Great Grandmother Pele is coming to visit La Maresa.”
“Well that’s a great thing,” Shining Armor said.  
“No it’s not,” Danged Spell said.  “I still have gotten over biting her by accident, and being exiled from the islands.  A kapu is extremely serious.”
“Maybe so,” Twilight said.  “But I bet she’s extremely worried about you.”
“I dunno,” Danged Spell said.  “I still haven’t forgiven myself for biting her, even if it was an accident.”
Danged Spell walked up the stairs and through the door leading into the School for Gifted Unicorns, leaving Twilight, Sunburst, Moondancer and Spike behind.  Spike took a few steps towards the door, reaching out to the depressed Danged Spell.
“He’s taking this more seriously than he has to be,” Sunburst said.
“Give him time,” Moondancer said.  “It would be best not to push him to his limits.”
“I hope so,” Shining Armor said.  “I’ve seen ponies depressed before, such as myself.  And in due time, he should realize how much his Great Grandmother misses him.”
“Wise words from my big brother,” Twilight said.  “Glad I have you on my side.”
“Now come on,” Shining Armor said.  “I don’t want you younglings to be late for your class.  We have a battle routine set, and it’s time to execute.”
With that, Shining Armor escorted Twilight Sparkle, Spike the Dragon, Sunburst and Moondancer into the school building.

A bit later that day, Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Golden Lace and Misty Brightdawn all sat together in the same classroom with Spike and Abigail sitting next to Twilight and Wanda respectively.  In front, Argyle Starshine wiped his glasses and prepared his notes for today’s lesson plan.
“So this is what Princess Celestia and Princess Luna did to their old castle,” Misty said.  
“Believe it or not,” Moondancer said.  “Princess Celestia and Princess Luna turned it into a school after the new palace was built nearby.  
“I do miss being inside the Zacherle Castle,” Misty said.  “But at least I know it’s been put to good use.  Besides, at least this is far better than Daisy Joy Tech.”
“That’s saying a lot,” Golden Lace said.  “I’ve been inside that school twice and I don’t want to go there again a third time.  My mother was crazy to even kidnap us in the first place.”
“Thank mother that she’s now banned from all of Canterlot,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “After the stunt she pulled on us, I don’t ever want to see her face again.”
“I don’t blame you,” Golden Lace said.  “I don’t even want to see my mother again.”
In an instant, the sound of Argyle Starshine clearing his throat caught everyone’s attention.  Argyle Starshine got up from his seat and walked to the side of his desk.
“Okay class,” Argyle said.  “As you can tell, a few of our students were kidnapped and taken against their will.  But thanks to the help of Princess Celestia, they have come back and are now a part of our class, once more.”
With that, Moondancer, Sunburst and a reluctant Danged Spell clapped as Wanda, Sunset, Twilight, Starlight and Golden Lace got up and took a bow.  Even Spike and Abigail got up and cheered.
“Now that being said,” Argyle Starshine explained.  “We have a new student who will be attending our class from here on out.  Believe it or not, she’s more than a thousand years old and has known Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.  Please give a round of applause to our newest student: Misty Brightdawn.”
Misty Brightdawn got out of her seat and took a bow as the rest of the class cheered her on.
“Now Misty,” Argyle said.  “Would you like to explain more about yourself to the class?”
“I shall,” Misty said before she cleared her throat.  “My name is Misty Brightdawn.  I hail from the Crystal Empire: A nation located in the crystal desert due far south from Equestria and the likes of Saddle Arabia.  My brother is the current ruler: King Sombra Brightdawn, while my mother was the late Princess Amore Brightdawn.”
Starlight raised her hoof in the air and asked “So how did you meet Wanda in the past?”
“That’s a long story,” Misty said.  “And while it is hard to remember much of my past, I still remember meeting her that millenia ago after I was originally separated from my late mother and my brother.”
Wanda raised her hand in the air before she said “And I still remember meeting you as if it were yesterday.  Being dragged back to the past and nearly losing hope of returning home.  That’s where I met you, Misty.”
“And it’s still amazing that I met you all those centuries ago,” Misty said.  “When you left, I thought I’d never see you again because you belong more to this era than to the era of back then.”
“Guess there is more to friendship than meets the eye,” Argyle Starshine said.  “Friends can pop up in unexpected places, or unexpected times.”
“Mr Starshine,” Misty said.  “I wish to talk about my own belated mother: Princess Amore Brightdawn.”
“Very well,” Argyle said.  “Go right ahead.”
Misty composed herself for a big with a deep breath before facing everyone.
“More than a thousand years ago,” Misty explained, “The Crystal Empire was founded by my mother: Amore Brightdawn.  She was a powerful alicorn whose magic was said to have rivaled the late queens of Equestria.  She could tap into the magic of the Crystal Desert to create these beautiful, translucent structures that shone in the bright sun, or glow in the beautiful night.”
“She made all that by herself?” Twilight said.  “I never recall alicorns doing something like that.”
“She did,” Misty said.  “And it was because of her rule that the Crystal Empire became a wondrous kingdom for ponies to thrive in.  It was also where my brother Sombra and I were born.”
“That makes you the princess of the Crystal Empire,” Sunset Shimmer said.
“It does,” Misty said.  “But at the same time, my brother was born with an odd power that not even my own mother could understand.  It was said that Sombra Brightdawn was the reincarnation of an Umbrum: A shadowy pony from an unknown region.  Despite his ties to the Umbrum, Sombra was blessed by the light of the Crystal Empire.”
“Sort of like the Pony of Shadows?” Twilight asked.
“Something like that,” Misty explained.  “But one day, a mysterious alicorn made our way into the kingdom with a dark proposal.  I didn’t understand what she was saying, nor did I know her name.   But I knew my own mother wasn’t going to say yes to the proposal.”
“A mysterious alicorn,” Moondancer said.  “Did you get to see what she looked like?”
“I’ll never forget that look,” Misty said.  “Despite her beauty, she had the face of a sinister monster and a laugh that filled my ears on that day.  My mother Amore Brightdawn confronted her while Sombra tried to lead me away from the throne room.  Though I saw a glimpse of our mother fighting off the alicorn, I never saw her again.”
“The big question now is who that alicorn who took your mother’s life was,” Argyle Starshine said.  “While researchers and scholars have confirmed that an alicorn took the life of Amore Brightdawn, no one knew who she was nor what her motives were.”
“That’s what I call some mystery,” Sunburst said.  “But I wonder how we’ll solve this answer without resorting to time-travel?”
But as soon as Sunburst stopped speaking, he noticed a bit of silence in the room.  Sunburst looked at Danged Spell, who just stared out the window.
“Spell?” Sunburst said.  “This isn’t like you to not throw in a pun.”
But Spell let out a sigh before he said in a depressed tone “Well that’s one way to face the past.”
Everyone just looked at Danged Spell like they were completely worried.
“Spell,” Sunset said.  “The delivery of that pun just felt…uninspiring.”
“I know,” Spell sighed.  
“He’s still worried about his great-grandmother Pele,” Moondancer explained.  “And he believes that he was banished from Lio Lani because he bit her by accident.”
“Oh dear,” Argyle Starshine said.  “Is there any way I can cheer him up?”
“I’m afraid not,” Moondancer said.  “He takes breaking his Kapu very seriously, no matter what.  In fact, he dreads having to come face-to-face with Pele.   I wish there was something we could do to cheer him up.”
But as the other ponies talked amongst each other, Wanda began to drift a bit, reflecting on Misty’s past.
“It’s strange,” Wanda thought to herself.  “When Misty described her past about losing her mommy to the unknown alicorn, it’s as if I can remember that event clearly.  I wonder if I am a reincarnation of this Amore Brightdawn.”

Later that day, Wanda, Sunset, Twilight, Starlight, Spike, Abigail, Shining Armor, Misty, Sunburst, Golden Lace, Moondancer and a depressed Danged Spell walked away from school and down the streets in Canterlot.  While most of the group was happy and content, Wanda’s mind continued to drift off as she walked alongside her adopted sister.
“It’s still amazing that you’re more than a thousand years old,” Shining Armor said to Misty.  “And yet, you’re still a filly.”
“I can’t seem to explain why,” Misty said.  “But I think my late mother had a special kind of power that even dwarfs Princess Celestia and Princess Luna.  A power that I possess from her.”
“A secret power, huh?” Sunset Shimmer said.  “That explains a lot since off-spring can inherit the magic of their parents.”
“This makes me wonder what kind of magic Amore had,” Shining Armor said before turning to Wanda.  “What do you think, Wanda?”
“Me?” Wanda said as she turned her focus to Shining Armor.  “Wouldn’t Twilight know more about this?”
“I wish,” Twilight said.  “Misty is new to us and I’ve barely seen her use her magic.”
“Tell you what,” Misty said.  “When I get the chance, I’ll show you all what I’m capable of.”
“Sounds like a great idea,” Starlight said.  “I can’t wait.”
“Just be sure you don’t catch the attention of one Gold Banks.” The sound of a familiar voice caused everyone to stop.  They turned to the right, where Majesty walked up to the group.
“What do you want?” Danged Spell sighed.
“Oh I was just observing you all,” Majesty said with a smirk.  “Nothing more, nothing less.”
Moondancer walked up to Majesty and said “Hey…Majesty.  I wanna thank you for telling us where they were all this time.”
Majesty’s face went into a bit of a shock over Moondancer’s words.
“Uhhh,” Majesty said in an awkward tone.  “Yeah.  You’re…uhh…welcome.”
“And here I thought Danged Spell was a bit off,” Sunset thought to herself.
But Majesty recomposed herself and said “On a side note, you’ve heard about what happened to that loose cannon Gold Banks?”
“If you’re talking about my mom, yes we have,” Golden Lace said.  “Besides, I think loose cannon is too nice a term to describe her.”
“You’re right,” Majesty said in a mocking tone.  “After all, my mother fired her after she found out about the stunt she pulled.  And as much as I enjoy proving to be better than you, even what she did to you was a bridge too far.”
“Y..yeah,” Wanda said as she backed up a bit.  “A bridge…too far.”
“Anyway,” Majesty said.  “I have a meeting with my mother to attend.  Catch you all later.”
And with that, Majesty waltzed off in another direction, leaving everyone behind, though Misty was left confused.
“That’s strange,” Misty said. “I’m surprised that this…Majesty character ignored me.”
“Don’t think about it,” Wanda said.  “Majesty is this one pony who we don’t normally get along with.  Though I’ll have to admit, she does have her noble sides.”
“That being said,” Shining Armor said, “We better get Danged Spell, Sunburst and Moondancer all the way to the ground bridge portal to La Maresa.  Then I can drop most of you off at the castle and take Golden Lace back home.”
“Thanks for being with us, Big Brother,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “I appreciate it.”
“Feelings’ mutual, Twili,” Shining Armor said with a laugh.
Suddenly, someone shouted “Guys.  Hold it.”   Everyone turned towards the nearby corner where Princess Celestia and Princess Luna flew down to the group.  Luna had her video phone levitating in front of her, speaking as if she were worried.
“Mommy?  Aunt Woona?” Wanda said.  “What’s going on?”
“I’m afraid there’s been some bad news in La Maresa,” Princess Celestia said.  “We just got a report of a horde of Gold Bankers attacking the ponies of La Maresa.”
“Wait.  What?”  Danged Spell said, shocked by Celestia’s words.  “Gold Bankers in La Maresa?”
“Spell,” Luna said, holding her video phone out.  “I have your father on the line.  He wants to speak with you.”
Danged Spell took the phone from Luna and turned it to his face, where his father Fortwright was on the screen.
“Dad,” Danged Spell said.  “What’s going on?”
“Spell,” Fortwright said.  “You heard what Princess Celestia told you, right?”
“She said something about the Gold Bankers attacking La Maresa,” Danged Spell said.
“See for yourself,” Fortwright said.
Fortwright turned the video away from his face and towards downtown La Maresa.  Royal Guards are struggling to push back an angry mob, dressed up in golden attire.  Some of which carry signs that said “Down with Celestia,” “Down with Luna,” “Down with the government,” “Gold Banks for Empress,” and “Tear down this false state.”
“What in the world?” Danged Spell said.
As Fortwright turned the screen back to his face, he said “Spell.  I know you weren’t looking forward to seeing Pele in person.  But this is now your greatest concern.  You need to stay in Canterlot for the time being.”
“But what about the others?” Danged Spell asked frantically.
“They’ve relocated to the ruins of Castle Everfree,” Fortwright said.  “My wife is also there with Dream Seeker.  They’ll be safe.  Right now, you need to stay back in Canterlot along with your friends.”
“Dad, wait,” Danged Spell said.
“Spell,” Fortwright said.  “It will be alright.  Trust me.   You and the others are safer in Canterlot than you are in La Maresa.   We’ve already removed the crystal for the ground bridge portal so they won’t get there.  But trust me.  You will be alright.”
Danged Spell shed a few tears as he said “Alright.  I’ll do it.  But promise me you’ll be alright, dad.”
“I will,” Fortwright said.  “If your great grandmother arrives, I’ll ask her to drive them back from this town.  Just be safe in Canterlot, my son.”
As Fortwright’s image disappeared from the screen, Danged Spell collapsed on the ground and broke down in tears.  All Princess Celestia could do is pick up Danged Spell and allow him to cry into his chest.
“This ain’t fair,” Danged Spell cried.  “How come we have to suffer Gold Banks’ own sadistic actions?”
As Celestia rubbed Spell on the back of the head, she turned to the others and said “Now you know how serious this is.”
“We are,” Sunburst said.  “I only hope mom and dad will be alright.”
“Same here,” Moondancer said.  “I don’t know what Gold Banks is up to.  But to threaten the life of my folks is going too far.”
“I can’t help but feel so helpless,” Sunburst said.  “Just when we thought we had Gold Banks on the ropes, she pulls this stunt on all of us.”
“Gold Banks is already wanted for kidnapping,” Luna said.  “We may have to add starting a riot to the list of crimes she committed.”
Danged Spell slowly released himself from Princess Celestia as he walked up to Shining Armor.
“I’m…I’m ready to go to the castle,” Danged Spell said.
Shining Armor looked up at Princess Celestia and said “Is Princess Cadance already there?”
“She is,” Princess Celestia said.  “Keep your eyes on them.  We’re going to head over to La Maresa and stop this madness.”
“I dunno why,” Shining Armor said.  “But something tells me this is a diversion, and Canterlot may be the target.  You may want to put up some extra guards at the gates of the city and the castle.”
“Way ahead of you,” Princess Luna said as Danged Spell handed her phone back to her.  “We’ve already taken the liberty of calling upon every guard and the Wonderbolts to help us out with that.”
“Great,” Shining Armor said.  “I’ll take them to the castle and keep them safe with the help of Princess Cadance and Starlight’s parents.”
As Wanda jumped onto Shining Armor’s back, she saw Celestia and Luna were about to take off.
“Wait,” Wanda said as Celestia opened her wings out.
“Yes, my darling Wanda?” Celestia said.
“Could you make sure the ponies in La Maresa are alright?” Wanda asked.
“We’ll do just that,” Celestia said.  “Promise.”
“Thanks mommy,” Wanda said.
And with that, Celestia and Luna took off into the air, leaving Shining Armor with the other younglings.
“Come on,” Shining Armor said.  “To the castle.”
With a kick of dust in the wind, Shining Armor took off for the palace with Wanda riding on top.  Behind him, Abigail, Spike, Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Golden Lace and Misty Brightdawn followed from behind.  But nearby in a corner, Majesty peeked her head from behind a corner before turning towards her video phone with Magistrate Creme Dream on it.
“Did you hear that, mother?” Majesty said.  “Gold Banks unleashed her own crazed base onto the town.”
“I heard it loud and clear,” Magistrate Cream Dream said.  “No doubt she’s bitter over being relieved of her political duties.”
“What do you think she’s up to?” Majesty asked.
“Whatever it is, it will affect all of Canterlot,” Creme Dream said.  “Head over to my villa, this instant.  If I know how Gold Banks operates, she’s going to launch the bulk of her base onto the city in retaliation.”
“And I take it the guards are going to be overwhelmed,” Majesty asked.
“They will,” Creme Dream said.  “They may be armed to take on a standing army.  But against these mad supporters, they stand no chance.  Now hurry, my daughter.  Time is money.”
As Creme Dream’s image disappeared from Majesty’s phone, Majesty placed the phone away in her mane before she ran down the street towards Magistrate Creme Dream’s own manor.


	To Be Continued in…


	Sanctuary at the Everfree Forest

> Arc 23-2: Sanctuary at the Everfree Forest
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Sanctuary at the Everfree Forest



It was a beautiful afternoon at the town of La Maresa.  But the quiet peace was disrupted when a number of earth ponies, unicorns and pegasi wearing gold shirts that said “Golden Revolution” marched their way towards the town.  But as they made their approach, a number of guards emerged from behind the houses of the fair town, placing their shields down with the intent to block the intruders from entering.
“You’re not going to try to pull that stunt again you cowards,” The Captain of the Guards shouted.
“They have the nerve to prevent us from entering the town and taking their younglings from them,” One of the members of the mob shouted.  “Come on.  Let’s show them who’s really in charge.  GOLDEN REVOLUTION!!!”
With a loud cheer, the mob ran towards the guards, who held their shields up while others placed down barricades to fill in the holes of the place.  Soon, the mob collided with the guards’ shields, who struggled to push them back from La Maresa.
“Don’t let them get through,” The guard captain shouted.  “Push back and show them who’s the boss.”
Immediately, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna touched down within La Maresa, where the guards struggled to hold back a horde of Gold Bankers as they ranted and raved towards the soldiers.  The two ponies nodded towards each other before running up to the barricade.
“Looks like it’s far worse than we can imagine,” Princess Luna said.  “We need to be rid of them.”
“Agreed, sister,” Princess Celestia said.
With a flash of their horns, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna created a barrier around the barricade.  The magical ward expanded further, pushing the Gold Bankers back.
“Princesses,” One of the guards shouted.  “You’ve made it.”
“Where are the other villagers?” Princess Luna asked.
“They’re held up in the town hall for their own safety,” another guard said.
“We’ll go check it out,” Princess Celestia said.  
“Actually sister, you go check it out,” Princess Luna said, directing her gaze towards the crazed lunatics.  “I’ll hold them back.”
“Be careful, sister,” Princess Celestia said.  
As Princess Celestia ran towards the town hall of La Maresa in a hurry, Princess Luna ran up to the barricade to hold back the Gold Bankers.  
“Captain,” Princess Luna said.   “What’s the status?”
“They’re persistent as ever,” The guard captain explained as he saw the mob pound away at the magical shield.  “But I don’t get it.  What would they want with the ponies of La Maresa?  I don’t seem to understand”
“Neither do I,” Princess Luna said.  “This couldn’t have been done at random.”
“I overheard one of them stating that they want to take the younglings away from La Maresa and deliver them to Daisy Joy Tech,” a guard explained.
“That’s pretty typical of them,” Princess Luna said.  “Forcing younglings to attend a school that should be shut down for their well-being.”
But when Princess Luna turned towards the outskirts of the town, she saw the mob begin to back off and make their way around.
“What’s going on?” Princess Luna said.
“I don’t know,” The Captain said.  “One minute they were attacking us, and now this.  I wonder if they chose to give up.”
Princess Luna took a few steps back from the barrier and flew upwards into the air.  She took a look down at the mob, who were making their way around the town.
“This isn’t good,” Princess Luna said.  “They must be trying to find a way to the back.”
But as she saw the mob march on, she noticed something odd.  Instead of going through another route, the mob was making their way towards the forest area.
“Oh no,” Princess Luna said.  “I know where they’re heading to.”
Immediately, Princess Luna flew down to the barricade, where the royal guard gathered around as the moon princess landed.
“Princess Luna,” the Guard Captain said.  “What happened?”
“I know where they’re going,” Princess Luna said.  “They’re heading into the Everfree Forest”
“That’s where the younglings are hiding,” One of the guards said.  “We’ve got to head in there and push them out.”
“Wait here and prepare yourselves,” Princess Luna said.  “I must go tell my sister about this.”
With that, Princess Luna turned tails and ran off in the opposite direction, leaving the guards standing by.
“I don’t like what they’re up to,” The Captain said.  “One moment we were under siege and the next moment, they’re heading towards the Everfree Forest.”
“But how did they find out about their location?” One of the guards asked.
“That I’ll find out once we send them packing,” The Captain said.

Inside the town hall, many of the adults hunkered down as the doors were locked up.  Adults like Sunspot, Stellar Flare, Fortwright, Crescent Eclipse, Artemis Light, Carrot and Cup Cake, Igneous Rock and Cloudy Quartz, Bow Hot Hoof and Windy Whistles, Granny Smith and even Mayor Mare watched nervously at the front door.
“Why did they have to go and resort to this kind of madness?” Igneous Rock said as he stood firm.
“I wish we didn’t have to separate from our own kids,” Windy Whistles said.  “Especially Rainbow Dash.”
“Stay calm,” Granny Smith said.   “I’ve sent my own son and daughter-in-law to look after them while we’re here.”
“Easy for you to say,” Fortwright said.  “Not only do I miss my own son, but also my wife and daughter.”
“We thought moving to La Maresa was a good idea,” Sunspot said.  “I’m beginning to have second thoughts on where to move now.”
“Right now, we have to hope for help to arrive,” Crescent Eclipse said.  “There’s a battalion of guards standing outside the front entrance of this town.  But I don’t know how long that’s gonna last.”
“I put out that message to Princess Celestia about our situation,” Fortwright said.  “I just hope she can make it on time.”
“What about your Grandmother?” Cup Cake asked.  “This Chieftess Pele?”
“No dice,” Fortwright explained.  “I got a message from her stating that she’s running late due to having to calm down the central island volcano.”
“That’s not what we wanted to hear,” Carrot Cake said.  “The last thing we need is for some pony to knock this door down while we’re trying to stay away from those crazed lunatics.”
“You said it, dear,” Cup Cake said.  “I hope Pinkie Pie and the others are alright back in Canterlot.”
“Knowing my daughter, she’ll be fine from those maniacs,” Cloudy Quartz said.  “If she could survive being locked up at Daisy Joy Tech, then she can handle almost anything.”
“By the way, Mrs. Pie,” Cup Cake asked.  “Is it true that Pinkie Pie is supposed to be the reincarnation of Discord?”
But before Cloudy Quartz could speak, a loud pound at the front door caught everyone’s attention and caused them to hunker down in fear.  
“What was that?” Crescent Eclipsed asked.
“I don’t know,” Artemis Light said.
Mayor Mare slowly moved her head up from behind a table as the door was pounded on louder.
“WHO IS IT?” Mayor Mare shouted.  “WE’RE NOT AFRAID TO FIGHT BACK!”
“It is I, Princess Celestia.”  Those words caused every pony to breathe a sigh of relief as Mayor Mare walked up to the door.
“Princess,” Mayor Mare said.  “Is that really you?”
“Yes,” Princess Celestia said.  “Is everyone in there alright?”
Mayor Mare looked outside through the keyhole of the door to see Princess Celestia waiting outside.   Immediately, Mayor Mare opened the door and allowed the princess to come inside.
“Princess,” Mayor Mare said.  “I’m glad you arrived on such short notice.”
“I have,” Princess Celestia said.  “And I take it the others are at the ruins of Castle Everfree.”
“They are,” Mayor Mare said.  “Shanoa, the Apple family and the Rich family took them over there before you arrived.”
“Good,” Princess Celestia said. “I think we need to get you all out and head there right this minute.”
“Are you really sure about that, Princess?” Carrot Cake asked as he got up.  “Right in the middle of that mob?”
“Right now, my sister is holding back the mob from entering La Maresa,” Princess Celestia explained.  “I can use that opportunity to get you all to safety and head back towards the castle ruins.”
Suddenly, Princess Luna ran into the town hall with a frantic look on her face.
“Sister,” Princess Luna said.  “I have some bad news.”
“What happened?” Princess Celestia said, turning to Princess Luna.  “Did they break through?”
“Worse,” Princess Luna said.  “They’re now heading into the Everfree Forest.”
“What?” Princess Celestia yelled.
“Just as the guards and I were able to push them back,” Princess Luna explained, “They decided to take another path away from the town, and they’re heading for the Everfree Forest.  Knowing them, they’re going to take the younglings hunkering down there away to Daisy Joy Tech.  This is more horrible than we imagined.”
“That’s where our children are hunkered down,” Windy Whistles yelled as she stepped out from behind the table.  “Princess, you have to go there and put a stop to them.”
“Don’t you worry,” Princess Celestia said.  “We’ll make sure they don’t get taken away.”
With that, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna ran out the front door, leaving the adults behind at the town hall.  Granny Smith walked up to the entrance before turning her head away.
“Please don’t let those monsters take Applejack and her friends away,” Granny Smith cried.


Meanwhile, deep within the Everfree Forest, Rainbow Dash, Ditzy Doo and Fluttershy flew between the woods, carrying bags full of food.
“Rainbow,” Ditzy cried.  “I don’t think I can go any further.”
“You have to,” Rainbow Dash said.   “Those good-for-nothing creeps want nothing more than to take us all away.”
“But Rainbow Dash,” Ditzy cried.  “This bag is too heavy.”
“I’m afraid Rainbow Dash is right,” Fluttershy said.  “Right now, I’m more afraid of what those meanies will do to us if we let them catch up.”
But as Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy were flying, they noticed Ditzy Doo was falling behind as her wings began to slow down.
“I think I better go easy on her,” Rainbow Dash said.
Rainbow Dash flew up to Ditzy Doo and pulled her sack off, pulling all that excess weight off.  Ditzy Doo’s wings began to pick up speed as she flew around for a bit.
“Finally,” Ditzy Doo said.  “I can fly once more.”
But as Ditzy Doo flew around with a smile on her face, Fluttershy turned to Rainbow Dash.
“Rainbow,” Fluttershy said.  “Are you sure you can carry two bags of food with you?”
“Who says I can’t?” Rainbow Dash said with a smug look on her face.
“Well Rainbow,” Fluttershy said as Rainbow Dash took off with both satchels full of food.  “You know you’re going to put too much pressure on you.   In fact, you might even sprain a wing, an arm, or your tail.”
Suddenly, Rainbow Dash appeared out of nowhere, now completely bare-hooved.  This caught the attention of both Fluttershy and Ditzy Doo.
“Rainbow,” Ditzy said.  “What happened to the pouches full of food?”
“Delivered to the Everfree Castle ruins as expected,” Rainbow Dash said, brushing her hooves off with satisfaction.
“That means we only have one satchel to deliver,” Fluttershy said.  
“Not to worry,” Rainbow Dash said as she took the sachet from Fluttershy’s shoulder.  “I’ve got this.”
As Rainbow Dash took off towards the Everfree Castle ruins, Fluttershy and Ditzy Doo flew off after her.
“I wish I was as strong as Rainbow Dash,” Ditzy Doo said.
“You and me both, Ditzy,” Fluttershy said.  “Especially with the madness going on at La Maresa.”

Later,, at the ruins of the Everfree Castle, Rainbow Dash landed atop the ramparts and placed the last satchel full of food next to the other two satchels.  Behind her, Fluttershy and Ditzy Doo flew up from the forest and landed next to Rainbow Dash.  
“There we go,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Now we’ll be able to stand our ground in this place.”
“Wow,” Ditzy said.  “All this food just to survive over all while we wait for those meanies to go away?”
“No doubt about it.  Those varmints think they can take us away.”  Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy and Ditzy Doo looked near the satchels, where Applejack, Rarity, Maud Pie, Trixie, Snips and Snails walked up to them.
“Any signs of those yellow-bellied cowards?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“None thankfully,” Applejack said.  “But I don’t like the idea of having to hunker down in the Everfree Forest.”
“I’m with you on that, Applejack,” Rarity said.  “They think they’re so great at keeping us cooped up.”
“Well like it or not, we’re stuck here,” Rainbow Dash explained.  “Those Gold Banker goons had the nerve to drive us away from La Maresa.”
“But it’s not fair,” Trixie said.  “We were just minding our own business at La Maresa when they had the nerve to announce to us all that we should be at this…Daisy Joy Tech.”
“That’s why we have to hunker down,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Who knows what those maniacs will do to us?”
“Well, regardless if I like it or not,” Applejack said.  “I’m not one who’s going to abandon this place and get herself caught.”
Rainbow Dash leaped up in the air and flapped her wings as fast as possible, as if she were ready to take off.
“Rainbow Dash,” Applejack said.  “Where are you going?”
“Something tells me those good-for-nothings are up to no good,” Rainbow Dash said.  “I’m gonna scout ahead to see if they are.”
Rainbow Dash took off towards the forest, leaving her friends atop the ramparts.
“There goes one brave pony,” Maud Pie said.  “Sure hope she can make it back here in one piece.”
“Oh she will,” Applejack said.  “As much as we often squabble over differences, I have a lot of respect for her because of her willpower and loyalty.”
“And as often as she pushes herself to the very limit,” Rarity said,  “Rainbow Dash is one filly who cares for our well-being.  And that’s saying a lot.”
Ditzy Doo looked towards the forest and stood there with a smile on her face.
“That Rainbow Dash,” Ditzy said.  “Many pegasi aim to be like her, such as myself.”
“Well what makes you who you are, Ditzy,” Rarity explained, “Is that you have a heart of gold like Rainbow Dash.  That’s your strength.  It’s something you should never forget.”
“Maybe so,” Ditzy said.  “But I just wish I were as brave as Rainbow Dash.”
“A lot of us wished we were as brave as Rainbow Dash,” Fluttershy said.  “But then again, most of us still remember what happened at the Grand Gallopin Gala.”
Suddenly, someone shouted “Applejack, honey.  Did Rainbow Dash bring the food here?  If so, could you bring it down?”
Applejack ran up to the back part of the rampart and yelled out “I’m on it, ma.”  
Immediately, Applejack grabbed the straps of all three satchels full of food and wrapped it around her chest.  She walked down the steps of the rampart, leaving everyone behind.
“Applejack sure pushes herself like Rainbow Dash does,” Snails said.
“She does,” Rarity said.  “But to her, it’s a testament of her honesty and character.”
“I sure hope none of us have to go to Daisy Joy Tech,” Snips said.
“After what Pinkie Pie’s been through, I wouldn’t even want that to happen,” Maud Pie said.  “In fact, I’ve got something ready to really make sure they hit rock bottom.”
“Maud,” the other younglings yelled before they broke into laughter.
“I could get used to reciting puns,” Maud said with a smile.

As Applejack reached the bottom of the staircase, she ran across the courtyard to the main entrance of the castle ruins.  There, Mr Bovine, Bright Mac, Buttercup, Big Mac, Shanoa, Filthy and Spoiled Rich sat there, waiting nervously.  Buttercup rocked Apple Bloom in her hooves, Shanoa carried Dream Seeker in her pouch, while Spoiled Rich watched over Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle and Diamond Tiara.
“Ma,” Applejack yelled.  “Here’s the food for the next few days.”
Applejack grabbed the satchels by the straps and tossed them into the air before they landed near Bright Mac, whose jaw dropped at the sight of the edibles.  
“No offense, Applejack,” Bright Mac said.  “But that’s a lot of food for just a night’s stay.”
“Truth be told, it was my idea,” Applejack explained.  “I don’t want all of us to be starving while we stay cooped up at these castle ruins.”
“Even though Rainbow Dash had to go get the food for us all,” Bright Mac laughed.
“Yes,” Applejack said.  “Even though Rainbow Dash had to get the food for us all with Ditzy and Fluttershy’s help.”
“Speaking of which, how is she doing?” Mr Bovine asked.
“Even despite those varmints trying to stampede on our land,” Applejack explained, “She’s still in a good mood.  And I’m rather surprised.”
“But I still don’t understand why,” Mr Bovine said as he scratched his lower chin. 
“Understand what?” Applejack asked.
“Why Gold Banks of all ponies want send her goon squad to attack La Maresa when her target would have been Canterlot,” Mr Bovine said.
“That’s a good question,” Filthy Rich said.  “But I think the motive was not only losing that debate against Firelight Glimmer, but also her punishment after the stunt she pulled kidnapping them and taking them to Daisy Joy Tech.”
“Oh that’s one thing I’ll never understand,” Applejack said.  “Why someone like Gold Banks could be as bitter as poison ivy mixed in with grapefruit.”
“It was one thing for my sister to play the sore loser and take Wanda and her friends away,” Spoiled Rich said, anxious.  “It’s another for her to send her own base to terrorize us.”
“That’s just typically cowardly of her,” Bright Mac said.  “She’s like a spoiled brat who’s willing to tear Equestria apart for her own personal benefit.”
“But still,” Buttercup said as she rocked Apple Bloom in her arms.  “If she can amass a base that large, who knows what other tricks she has.”
“Eeyup,” Big Mac agreed.
“That I agree with you on,” Spoiled Rich said.  “At this point, I wouldn’t be surprised if she figured out a way to take over all of Equestria.”
Applejack slowly walked away from the group, kicking the ground a bit in frustration.  Concerned for her daughter, Buttercup got up and walked towards Applejack, all while carrying Apple Bloom in her right arm.
“Applejack,” Buttercup said.  “What’s wrong?”
“It’s not fair,” Applejack pouted.  “Why do we have to suffer because of one self-centered polecat?”
“Honestly, I don’t know why,” Buttercup said.  “But that being said, you shouldn’t worry about what she’s gonna do.”
“It’s not just that, ma,” Applejack said.  “I heard tales about how Wanda and her friends, and even Pinkie Pie, were taken to that horrible place known as Daisy Joy Tech, and I fear they’ll take me away.”
“They’re not going to do so,” Buttercup said in a stern tone.  “I’ve known you since you came to this planet and I would never let them take you away.  Not after what she tried to do to you and your father.”
“Oh I still remember that day when Gold Banks intruded on us because we all worried about Wanda when she was in the hospital,” Applejack said.  “In fact, I still recalled that tear gas that those bullies let loose on pa and I.”
“Now don’t you worry,” Buttercup said as Apple Bloom woke up and looked at Applejack.  “As long as we’re here, nothing’s gonna happen to you.”
Apple Bloom reached out and touched Applejack on the nose.  The little apple filly looked at her baby sister and just giggled a bit.
“You might be right, ma,” Applejack laughed.  “Besides, Apple Bloom would miss me if that did happen.”
Applejack reached out and rubbed Apple Bloom on the tummy, causing the little baby pony to giggle out loud.
“I don’t know what Apple Bloom would be without me,” Applejack said.
Suddenly, Rainbow Dash flew in from the forest and landed next to the group in a frantic hurry.  She breathed heavily as Applejack, Buttercup, Bright Mac and the others ran up to her.
“Rainbow,” Applejack said.  “What happened?”
Rainbow Dash turned towards Applejack and said “They’re on their way.  The Gold Bankers.”
Without saying another word, Applejack ran towards the staircase and sprinted upwards, where the other younglings stood there, looking down at the Everfree Forest.
“Guys,” Applejack said.  “Rainbow told me that the Gold Bankers are on their way.”
“An understatement,” Snails yelled.  “They’re almost here.”
Snails pointed to the far end of the forest where the Gold Bankers marched their way towards the Everfree Castle ruins.  Applejack looked down and her face turned green.
“Oh dear,” Applejack said.  “They are on their way here.”
“What are we going to do?” Fluttershy asked.
Applejack turned towards the inner courtyard of the castle ruins, where Bright Mac and the others looked up at her.
“Pa,” Applejack yelled.   “Will the front door hold them in place?”
“It should,” Bright Mac said.  “I just got the repairs done to the wall and the door completed before we went up to Wanda’s birthday party months ago.”
“That’s good,” Rarity yelled.  “And there’s not a single hole in that wall?”
“Neigh,” Bright Mac yelled.  
“If those hooligans ever think about stepping hoof in our sanctuary,” Mr Bovine yelled, “I’ll treat them like a bull in a porcelain shop.”
Rarity and Applejack turned their attention towards the Everfree Forest while Rainbow Dash flew up and landed right next to them.
“Guys,” Ditzy cried.  “What’s going to happen to us?”
“That’s the only thing that will keep those nimrods from crashing our sanctuary,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Afterwards, we better be prepared to fight them to the very end.”


	To Be Continued in…


	Sanctuary Invasion

> Arc 23-3: Sanctuary Invasion
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Sanctuary Invasion



A crowd of angry ponies made their way through the forest and towards the ruins of Everfree Castle.  Some wielded axes, while some also had either nets or bags. 
“You know what to do when we get inside,” One of the Gold Bankers yelled.
“Yeah,” Another said.  “Grab those fillies and take them eastward to Daisy Joy Tech.  That will teach their parents to reject our dear leader Gold Banks.”
“Come on,”  a third one said.  “Let’s teach them the true meaning of respect.”
Immediately, the Gold Bankers came to a stop in front of the door leading into the castle ruins. They all looked up at the top of the wall, where the La Maresians stared down at them, while a few of them approached the door before tapping on it.
“This door’s been reinforced with stronger wood,” One of them said.
“How will we take it down,” Another asked.
“It’s gonna take all of us to send that door down,” A third said, holding his axe.  “And I mean it.”

Above on the ramparts, Rainbow Dash stood down at the approaching Gold Bankers, while the other stood near her.  Shanoa, Filthy and Spoiled Rich placed Diamond Tiara, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo nearby while Maud Pie looked after them.
“What do you think they’re up to?” Ditzy asked.
“Whatever it is,” Rainbow Dash said, “I don’t want any part of it.”
One of the Gold Bankers emerged from the group and pulled out a megaphone before adjusting it.  He put the megaphone’s mic to his mouth and pointed it at Rainbow Dash.
“Now hear this, you juvenile delinquents,” The Gold Banker shouted.  “You are ordered under Empress Gold Banks to surrender yourselves so we can take you down to Daisy Joy Tech.  Do so, and we will leave your town in peace.”
As Rainbow Dash looked down at the crowd, unable to get a word out of her mouth, Bright Mac walked up behind the fillies and colts before glaring down at the mob.
“Well you listen to me,” Bright Mac yelled.  “What gave you the idea to take our sons and daughters away from us?  How we raise our youngsters is none of your concern.”
The Gold Banker glared up at Bright Mac before pointing his megaphone towards the patriarch of the apple family.
“That kind of attitude is the reason why ponies across Equestria are failing at a rapid pace,” The Gold Banker shouted.  “It’s because you indoctrinate your kids with the lies that Princess Celestia feeds you.  Either you atone for your actions by giving up all of your younglings or we will march in there and take them from you.”
“In a pig’s eye,” Bright Mac shouted.
The mob that formed outside of the castle booed loudly before they marched towards the front gate.  Applejack walked up to her pa, glaring down at the crowd of crazed ponies.
“Pa,” Applejack said.  “I don’t think you should have done that.”
“That’s the plan, my daughter,” Bright Mac said.  “The moment they bust that door open, they’re in for a rude awakening.”
“Wait,” Trixie said.  “You didn’t think about asking Mr. Bovine to attack once the gate is down.”
“I didn’t,” Bright Mac said.  “He volunteered to do the deed.”
“Oh dear,” Fluttershy said.  “I hope he doesn’t hurt himself.”

On the outskirts of the castle ruins, the Gold Bankers start pounding away at the front door, hitting and smashing the wooden surface as much as possible.
“Get that door down,” One of the Gold Bankers yelled.  “We don’t leave until we get those brats.”
One by one, each member of the crazed mob pounded away at the door.  Some even threw giant stones at it to weaken the structure.  Others pulled out axes to cut into the wooden frame of the door.  But it still stood strong despite the damage caused to it.
“Those good-for-nothings must have reinforced the front door,” Another Gold Banker yelled.  “Find another way in.”
Back up on the ramparts, every youngling and adult watched as the Gold Bankers struggled to tear down the doorway.
“All those angry ponies trying to break through just to take our younglings away,” Spoiled Rich said.  “What did we ever do to them?”
“I’m only hoping that my son doesn’t have to endure this kind of madness,” Shanoa said.  “After all, he’s safe back up in Canterlot.”
“One thing about this is that they’re all earth ponies,” Bright Mac said.  “Not a single unicorn nor pegasi among the group.”
“It feels wrong to be fighting back against other earth ponies, pa,” Applejack said.
“It does,” Bright Mac said.  “But we have to hold our ground until help arrives.”
But when Ditzy Doo looked down at the wall beneath the group, she let out a terrifying shriek.
“Guys,” Ditzy cried.  “They’re coming up.”
Bright Mac and Applejack looked down to see some of the Gold Bankers scale the wall, climbing upwards to the top of the ramparts.  
“Quick,” Bright Mac said.  “We need to slow them down.  And fast.”
Rainbow Dash got up on her four hooves before she shouted “I’m on it.”
“Rainbow, wait,” Applejack yelled before Rainbow Dash flew into the air and dove towards the wall scalers.
“She’s buying us some time, darling,” Rarity said.  “We better find a way to send those ruthless ruffians packing.”
Rainbow Dash flew down towards the Gold Bankers who were scaling the wall.  She hovered near one of them and tapped his shoulder, catching his attention.
“Hey mush for brains,” Rainbow Dash taunted.  “Why don’t you pick on some pony your own size.”
“Like YOU?”  The Gold Banker yelled before swiping at Rainbow Dash.
Rainbow Dash moved out of the way as the Gold Banker tried to grab her.  He began to lose his grip on the wall as he wobbled back and forth.
“Oh no,” The Gold Banker yelled.  “BAD IDEA!”
The Gold Banker lost his grip and fell down before crashing into his fellow Bank supporters.  Rainbow Dash looked down at the group with a smug look on her face before turning her attention to Fluttershy and Ditzy Doo.
“Hey guys,” Rainbow Dash yelled.  “Do what you can to send them packing.”
Fluttershy and Ditzy Doo looked at each other before turning their attention to the scaling extremists.
“Well what do we have to lose by doing this?” Fluttershy asked.
“Let’s do this,” Ditzy Doo said, extending her wings out.
Ditzy Doo and Fluttershy jumped into the air and flew down towards the members of the Gold Banks mob that scaled the walls.  Fluttershy hovered near one of them with her wings flapping while Ditzy Doo flew around the building.
“Umm, Mr Bad Pony,” Fluttershy said.  “I’m sorry to have to do this.”
But before the Gold Banker could turn his attention towards Fluttershy, the little filly tickled him on the back with the feathers on her wings, causing him to laugh out loud.
“HEY! KNOCK IT OFF!”  The Gold Banker laughed.  “THAT TICKLES!”
Unable to control his laughter, the Gold Banker lost his grip and fell down screaming.  Fluttershy covered her eyes as the mob member crashed right into his fellow rabble rousers.
“Oooh,” Fluttershy said.  “That’s gotta leave a mark.”
Suddenly, Rainbow Dash flew by Fluttershy, leaving the timid pegasi’s mane to flow in the wind.
“You’re doing great,” Rainbow Dash yelled.  “Keep it up.”
Fluttershy clenched her hooves together and said “That’s right.  I have to keep it up.”
As Fluttershy flew up to more Gold Bankers to tickle them into falling, Ditzy Doo flew in from another part of the forest towards the wall, catching Rainbow Dash’s attention.
“Ditzy,” Rainbow Dash yelled.   “What are you doing?”
“Going all out,” Ditzy Doo yelled.
In a loud crash, Ditzy Doo collided against the wall, causing Rainbow Dash to facehoof in embarrassment.
“Ditzy,” Rainbow Dash said.  “What were you thinking?”
Fluttershy flew up to Rainbow Dash and tapped her on the shoulder before pointing at the wall.
“Look,” Fluttershy said.  “I think Ditzy must have found another approach.”
Rainbow Dash looked down and saw the side of the wall shake.  The Gold Bankers who were scaling it struggled to hold on before they lost their grip and fell down, screaming until they crashed into other members of their crazed crowd.
“Well whaddya know,'' Rainbow Dash said.  “Ditzy knew what to do in this situation.”
As a dazed Ditzy Doo flew up to Rainbow Dash, the rainbow colored filling grabbed Ditzy and gave her a big hug.
“I’m proud of ya,” Rainbow Dash said.
“Thanks, Rainbow,” Ditzy said.  “I studied that from watching superhero movies.”
“Maybe that makes you a superhero in your own right,” Fluttershy giggled.

Meanwhile, the other ponies looked down as more rabble rousers began to climb the wall while the others struggled to break down the doorway.  
“This is becoming completely insane,” Trixie said.  “I don’t want to be taken away.”
Suddenly, something tapped Trixie on the shoulder, causing the unicorn filly to leap into the air screaming before landing on her tummy in a loud thud.
“WHO?”  Trixie yelled as she got back on her four hooves.  “WHO DID THAT?”
“Down here.”  Trixie looked down and saw Snips and Snails holding up the bag full of food. 
“What’s the idea scaring me?”  Trixie shouted.  “I could have fallen down and gotten eaten by those maniacs.”
“But we have a better idea,” Snips said, holding up the food.  “Why not give them a taste of their own medicine.”
“Throw them the food?” Rarity said.  “Are you sure about that?  We’ll end up starving when this is over.”
“I think these two may have a point here,” Shanoa said.  “None of us bothered to pack any means of defending ourselves in case they arrived.  So I think we should pelt them with food.”
“Well,” Spoiled Rich said, pulling a piece of food out of the bag.  “We’ve got nothing left to lose.  Let’s give them their just desserts.”
The other ponies nodded to Spoiled Rich as they pulled out the food before looking down once more at the Gold Bankers who were scaling the wall once more.
“Bon appetit,” Trixie yelled out as she held her piece of fruit in the air.
With a powerful swing, Trixie threw the produce at one of the climbers, hitting him directly in the face.  The climber screamed loudly before he lost his grip and fell down into the crowd below.  Other ponies began pelting the other climbers with fruit, vegetables, and even mushrooms, sending them falling out of control into the crowd below.
“Bullseyes,” Applejack yelled.  “That will show them.”
Suddenly, one of the Gold Bankers came up onto the wall and grabbed Applejack by the arm.  She struggled to break free as the lone rogue tried to pull her back.
“LET ME GO YOU TIN-HORNED IGGIT!” Applejack yelled.
But as Applejack struggled to break free, Maud Pie ran up to the apple filly before throwing a grapefruit right into the Gold Banker’s face, causing him to lose his grip on Applejack before falling downwards towards the crowd.
“Never touch her again,” Maud Pie said in a stoic tone.
“Thanks Maud,” Applejack said.  “I owe ya one.”
“Don’t thank me just yet,” Maud Pie said.  “We still have more coming this way.”
Applejack looked down to see more Gold Bankers scale the wall at a brisk pace, acting as if they were desperate.  
“You’re right,” Applejack said as she pulled out a few more pieces of fruit from the bag.  “We’ve gotta knock them down before…”
But when Applejack’s eyes shifted to the left, she saw a number of Gold Bankers hold up a giant log in their arms. 
“Pa,” Applejack said as she hit another wall climber with the fruit in her hooves, knocking them off.  “They’re bringing out a battering ram.”
Bright Mac looked down at the outskirts of the castle as the Gold Bankers held the giant piece of wood in front of the door.  With a powerful swing, they hit the door with the blunt end of the giant log, causing a small quake that knocked some of their own off the wall while causing the fillies on the rampart to lose their footing.
“Those creeps are up to no good,” Rainbow Dash said as she landed on the ramparts.  “When I get ahold of them, I’ll make them go SPLAT!”
“Let them,” Bright Mac said.  “They’re in for a big surprise when they bust down the door.”
“Are you crazy?” Rainbow Dash yelled.  “They got a battering ram”
“And we got a bull,” Bright Mac said with a smirk on his face.
Big Mac walked up to Rainbow Dash and said “Eeyup.”
“Well if that’s the case,” Rainbow Dash said as she looked downward at the Gold Bankers, “Then bring it.”

Down below, the Gold Bankers continued to hit the door as hard as possible with the giant log, weakening the structure of the wooden gate.
“It’s almost down,” One of the Gold Bankers yelled.  “Keep smashing it.”
The Golden Bankers swung back and forth, smashing the front door with the giant log, until a small chunk of the gate smashed open, leaving behind a small hole.
“We’ve almost got it,” Another Gold Banker yelled.  “Let’s ram it open.”
The group of Gold Bankers marched back with that giant log until they were fifty feet back.  The other Gold Bankers watched in anticipation as the group with the log ran towards the broken door at full speed.
“Here it comes,” One Gold Banker cheered as he ran with the log in his arms.  “We’re going to give them a piece of our mind.”
But before they could collide with the door, Mr Bovine smashed through the front gate and ran towards the makeshift battering ram at full speed.
“A BULL!” Another Gold Banker yelled.
But before they could move, Mr Bovine hit the giant log with all his strength, splitting the log in half and leaving the group dumbfounded.  He stood on his four hooves and stared down at the Gold Bankers.
“LEAVE!  NOW!”  Mr. Bovine said with a strong snort.
“RUN FOR IT!”  One of the Gold Bankers yelled as Mr Bovine chased after them.
  Back up on the Ramparts, the ponies all cheered as Mr Bovine chased after the Gold Bankers.
“That’ll show those meanies not to mess with us,” Trixie cheered.
“Mr Bovine,” Fluttershy called as she landed on the ramparts.  “Be careful not to overdo it.”
But as everyone cheered, a few Gold Bankers got up on the ramparts and quickly eyed Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara and Dream Seeker, all of which were watched after by Shanoa and Spoiled Rich.
“Well well well, what do we have here?” One of the Gold Bankers said.  
“They’re busy celebrating while they have their own youngsters almost totally unguarded,” Another Gold Banker said.
“Come on,” A third said before more Gold Bankers climbed up behind them.  “Let’s grab them.”

But up above, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna flew through the skies above La Maresa as fast as they could towards the Everfree Forest.  Their hearts raced frantically as they made their way through the clouds, looking down at the forest.
“So what’s the plan, sister?” Princess Luna asked.
“Knowing the Gold Bankers, they may have reached the castle ruins by now,” Princess Celestia said.   “But if we hurry, we can stop them from taking the younglings away.”
“Let’s just hope we’re not too late,” Princess Luna said.
Princess Celestia continued to scan the forest from above.  Her eyes picked up the Castle Ruins where the La Maresa younglings were perched atop the ramparts while the Gold Bankers on the ground were being chased by Mr Bovine.  But nearby, she saw some more of the crazed crowd sneaking up right behind them, ready to pounce.
“Found them,” Princess Celestia said.  “But it looks like they’re going to need our help.”
Princess Luna extended her wings outward and said “Say the word and I’ll show them a thing or two about respecting other pony’s privacy.”
“Make it so,” Princess Celestia said, extending her own wings out.
Princess Celestia and Princess Luna flew downward to the castle ruins below.

Down below, as Mr Bovine chased after the frightened mob, everyone continued to celebrate on top of the ramparts, paying no attention to the Gold Bankers that were sneaking up on them.
“Get lost you monsters,” Trixie yelled.   “We don’t want to see your ugly mugs again.”
“Yeah, you said,” Rainbow Dash said as she and Trixie gave each other a high hoof in the air.
Bright Mac and Buttercup looked down to see Mr. Bovine chased off the crazed, screaming mob from the vicinity of the castle, and back towards the Everfree Forest.  They turned towards each other with a smile on their face.
“Well that takes care of that,” Bright Mac said.  
“Thank goodness they’re gone,” Buttercup said.  “We don’t need any more surprises like that.”
Suddenly, they heard the sound of Spoiled Rich and Shanoa screaming loudly.  Everyone turned to see the remaining Gold Bankers hold up the two mares.  Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara and Dream Seeker burst out crying as the other Gold Banks pulled them from their cribs before holding their mouths shut.
“APPLE BLOOM!” Buttecup yelled as she struggled to reach out, only for Bright Mac to hold her back.
“NO!  DON’T!” Bright Mac shouted.  “We don’t want them to do anything rash to the young’uns.”
“That’s right,” The lead Gold Banker yelled.  “Stay put, or the foals get it.”
“You despicable fiend,” Filthy Rich yelled.  “Let go of my wife and daughter, this instant.”
“Oh we’ll release the wife if you do as we say,” The lead Gold Banker taunted.  “But we’re keeping the brats with us.”
“I mean it,” Filthy Rich yelled.
“If you don’t give us the other kids you have,” The lead Gold Banker said, pointing to the fillies and colts standing next to Bright Mac, “You won’t see these mares again.”
“Wait, hold on,” Rainbow Dash said.  “What do you plan on doing with us?”
“That’s easy,” The leader said.  “You and your friends are going on a one-way trip to Daisy Joy Tech.”
“No way,” Trixie yelled.  “You took my Glimglam and Wanwan to that horrible place.  No way are you taking us there.”
“You have no say in the matter,” The leader said as he walked up to Trixie.  “And neither do your friends nor your parents.”
“Say that to our face again,” Bright Mac said, glaring at the leader.
“Go ahead and try it,” The leader said with a smirk on his face before walking up to his captives.  “We’ll make sure you never see them again.”
Bright Mac froze to a standstill as the leader of the Gold Bankers walked up to his hostages.  Diamond Tiara broke out in tears as she struggled to break free from the Gold Banker’s grasp.
“Oh and by the way,” The Leader said.  “My name is Pure Auric.  Got it memorized?”
“Pure Auric,” Filthy Rich said, glaring at the leader of the group.  “What are you, a distant cousin of my wife?”
“Oh no,” Pure Auric said.  “I’m just a true believer in Gold Banks.  One who thinks that your princesses are not suited to being rulers of Equestria.”  He pointed at Bright Mac and Buttercup before he added “Now give up those brats to us this instant.   And don’t even think about leaving, unless you want to never see two mares and five foals ever again.”
The whole group looked motionless.  Bright Mac, Buttercup, and Filthy Rich all looked down at the younglings that stood next to them.
“Pa,” Applejack said.  “I don’t want to leave you.”
“I know,” Bright Mac said.  “But we don’t have any other choice.”
“That’s right,” Pure Auric said.  “Give them up right away.  There’s no one here to save you.”
Suddenly, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna landed right behind Pure Auric and the other Gold Bankers.  Pure Auric turned around to see the two alicorns and began to freak out.
“You,” Pure Auric said.  “What are you two doing here?”
“Release your captives THIS INSTANT!” Princess Luna shouted with a powerful reverb in her voice.
Immediately, the motionless Gold Bankers slowly let go of Shanoa and Spoiled Rich first before gently setting Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, Scootaloo, Diamond Tiara and Dream Seeker on the ground.  They immediately turned tail and ran towards the edge of the ramparts before jumping off.
“HEY WAIT A MINUTE!” Pure Auric yelled, watching as his companions ran off.  “GET BACK HERE!”
But when Pure Auric turned towards Princess Celestia, he looked as if he were ready to panic as Princess Celestia glared down at the Gold Bank supporter.
“Now you listen here and listen well,” Princess Celestia said in a stern tone.  “I don’t want you anywhere near La Maresa or the Everfree Forest, ever again.  Do you UNDERSTAND ME?”
“Yes…yes” Pure Auric said.  “But there is one last thing you should know.”
“I’m all ears,” Princess Celestia said.
“You see,” Pure Auric said.  “While you were busy trying to stop us from taking the younglings from La Maresa, Gold Banks is rallying the rest of us into invading Canterlot.”
“I’m aware of what she may do,” Princess Celestia said. “That’s why I increased security at Canterlot to ensure everyone remains safe.”
“Oh but you don’t seem to be aware,” Pure Auric said in a cowardly tone.  “She’s got a crowd big enough to trample the entire capital city.  Take a look if you want.”
As Princess Luna pulled out her video phone, Pure Auric immediately turned tail and jumped off the ramparts.  Bright Mac and Buttercup watched as Pure Auric landed on his four hooves and ran off from the castle ruins.
“Let them go, pa,” Big Mac said.  “He’s learned his lesson for now.”
“One thing’s for certain is that the younglings are safe,” Bright Mac said as Buttercup ran up to a crying Apple Bloom and picked her up, rocking her in her arms.
“There there, now, little Apple Bloom,” Buttercup said.  “Don’t you worry, your mommy is here.”
As Buttercup cradled Apple Bloom, Spoiled Rich picked up Diamond Tiara and held her gently, calming her baby daughter down.  Shanoa held up Dream Seeker, who giggled at the sight of her mother, while Rarity and Rainbow Dash ran up to Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo respectively.  Rarity picked up Sweetie Belle, who giggled at the sight of her sister, while Rainbow Dash allowed Scootaloo to leap onto her back.
“I’m just glad you’re alright,” Rarity said.  “No way are you going to be taken to some nasty boarding school, sister.”
“Feelings’ mutual,” Rainbow Dash said as Scootaloo squee in delight.  “I lose this little champ, I lose my inspiration to want to become a Wonderbolt.”
“We all had a close call today,” Fluttershy said.  “After what those Gold Bankers were going to do, I’m glad everyone’s alright.”
“Not exactly,” Princess Luna said, flipping her video phone to the other ponies.  “We have a serious problem on our hooves, and it’s Gold Banks.”
On the video screen, Gold Banks stood on a stage only a mile away from the walls of Canterlot.  In front of her was a large crowd of Gold Banks supporters, cheering her.
“That’s Gold Banks,” Trixie snarled.  “What’s she doing there?”
“Watch and observe,” Princess Luna said.
On the video screen, as the crowd’s cheers quieted down, Gold Banks placed the microphone near her lips.
“What Princess Celestia and Princess Luna did on that day was a total injustice,” Gold Banks said.  “First they blackmailed the entire Senate into halting my bill to ship Princess Wanda to Daisy Joy Tech.  So I took matters into my own hooves and shipped that brat and her friends there myself.  But when they had to the nerve to take them away and convince their pet Creme Dream to kick me out of Canterlot, they crossed a line that can never be forgiven.”
And with that, the crowd booed loudly as Gold Banks smiled in front of the camera.
“But make no mistake,” Gold Banks announced.  “The time has come to pay them back for taking your nation away from you the moment they kicked me out as a scape goat.  You are going to march into Canterlot, and take your land back.  FOR THE GOLDEN REVOLUTION!”
With that, the crowd chanted “FOR THE GOLDEN REVOLUTION” on the video screen, leaving everyone completely horrified.
“I don’t like where this is going, your Majesty,” Bright Mac said.  
“My son is up there,” Shanoa said.  “You have to get him out before it’s too late.”
Princess Celestia took a few steps away from the group before extending her wings out.
“Sister,” Princess Celestia said.  “Make sure all of La Maresa is secured from Gold Banks’ own followers.  I’m going back to Canterlot to deal with this madness.”
As Princess Celestia took off, Princess Luna shouted “BE CAREFUL, SISTER!”
Ditzy Doo, Snips and Snails all walked up to Princess Luna, tapping her on the leg.
“Princess,” Ditzy said.  “Will Wanda and the others be okay?”
“They have to,” Princess Luna said.  “After what Gold Banks is doing, we’ll make sure they make it out.”
“But what do you suppose Gold Banks is up to?” Snips asked.
“Whatever it is,” Princess Luna said, “It’s far worse than we can imagine.  Now come.  We better get you all back to La Maresa and make sure the Gold Bankers are driven out.”


	To Be Continued in…


	March of the Gold Bankers

> Arc 23-4: March of the Gold Bankers
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


March of the Gold Bankers



In the Living Quarters of the palace, everyone nervously sat down in front of the tv screen as they saw a number of Gold Bankers surround the entrance to Canterlot.  Starlight held onto her parents Firelight and Starseeker Glimmer.  Wanda, Abigail, Sunset and Misty sat on the sofa, glued to the screen in horror.  Pinkie Pie, Cozy Glow and the Dazzlings sat on the floor next to Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell.   Twilight Sparkle sat next to Spike, Twilight Velvet and Night Light, the latter of which had his legs attached to his personal wheelchair. To the left of the couch were Canter Zoom, Silver Banks, Juniper Montage and Golden Lace, while Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, Chancellor Cinch, Vignette Valencia, Wallflower Blush and Gloriosa Daisy stood at the opposite end of the couch.
“What do you think they’re going to do?” Starlight Glimmer asked.
“I don’t know,” Firelight said.  “Even compared to the Grand Gallopin Gala, I’ve never seen the Capital this under siege.”
“One moment I was worried about my parents and sister,” Danged Spell said.  “Now I’m in fear of my own life.”
“Shhh,” Shining Armor shushed.  “We’re about to hear what’s going on down there.”
As everyone stood seated in front of the television, the crowd of Gold Bankers stood in front of the gate with a huge gathering of guards standing in front.   High Commander Thompson stepped forward, holding his shield up high before pulling out a bullhorn.
“This is your last warning,” High Commander Thompson shouted into the mic.  “Step away from the entrance to Canterlot.”
“Your command means nothing to us,” A Gold Banker shouted.  “The fact that you stand with those tyrants Princess Celestia and Princess Luna makes you guilty in our eyes.  And for that, you must be punished.”
The guards only had enough time to create a makeshift barricade with their shields as the Gold Bankers charged them.  The guards pushed back as hard as they could as the Gold Bankers continued to shove back.  
Suddenly, some of the Gold Bankers leaped into the air and landed on the other side, catching the guards by surprise.  Before they could turn around, the stray Gold Bankers immediately raised their hooves into the air and slammed them down on the ground.  
In an instant, rocks emerged from below the guards, knocking them out of the way.  High Commander Thompson was knocked out of the way before he landed onto the grass near the city entrance.
Back in the Palace’s Living Quarters, everyone in the room was horrified at the guards getting knocked out by the Gold Bankers’ use of magic.  Danged Spell backed himself into a corner, scared half-to-death.
“Oh my goodness,” Twilight Sparkle said.  
“I forgot they could do that,” Shining Armor said.
“This is more dangerous than we realize,” Twilight Velvet said. “If they break through the gates to the castle, we’re all done for.”  
“We’ve gotta do something, and fast,” Princess Cadance said.
“There’s another perimeter of guards stationed outside of the castle,” Shining Armor said as he walked towards the doorway.  “They’re the last defense against the crazed mob.  Get everyone to the Golden Land, and hurry.”
“You’re out of your mind if you’re going to go out there and try to hold them off,” Chancellor Cinch said.
“Better than staying in here and acting like a sitting duck,” Shining Armor said.
Immediately, Shining Armor ran out the doorway and down the halls of the palace, leaving everyone else behind.  Chancellor Cinch turned towards Princess Cadance as Shining Armor disappeared from sight.
“Go with him,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “I’ll guide the others to the Golden Land.”
“Will they be alright?” Princess Cadance asked.
“They will,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “I’m not going to let those ruffians take them away.”
Princess Cadance nodded before she ran down the hallway after Shining Armor.  Chancellor Cinch immediately turned towards everyone in the Living Quarters of the castle.
“Everyone,” Chancellor Cinch announced, catching everyone’s attention.  “We need to get you to the ground bridge portal leading to the Golden Land, this instant.  Follow me.”
As Cinch turned tail and ran out the door, Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Spike the Dragon, Night Light, Twilight Velvet, Misty Brightdawn, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Pinkie Pie, Golden Lace, Cozy Glow, Juniper Montage, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, Vignette Valencia, Gloriosa Daisy, Wallflower Blush, Canter Zoom, Silver Banks, Firelight and Starseeker Glimmer ran out the doorway, following Chancellor Cinch down the hall.
“I don’t like what those meanies are up to,” Pinkie Pie said.
“You and me both,” Cozy Glow agreed.  
“Just keep running,” Sunset Shimmer explained.  “The sooner we get to the Golden Land, the better.”

Meanwhile, the Gold Bankers have made their way into the city of Canterlot as the citizens closed their doors and boarded up their windows.  
“Cowards,” One of the maniacs yelled.  “The lot of them.  What they need is a harsh lesson on ”
“Don’t worry about them,” Another one shouted.  “Direct your attention to the Magistrate’s manor and the Castle.  We’ll teach them not to disrespect us.”
As the majority of the mob made their way towards Canterlot Castle, a small group broke off and made their way towards Magistrate Creme Dream’s manor, located near the Senate Building.
Inside, Magistrate Creme Dream looked out the window, remaining calm as the Gold Bankers made their way to her mansion.
“Mother,” Majesty said, hiding behind Creme Dream.  “What’s going on?”
“Oh, just seeing what kind of temper tantrum Gold Banks is up to.,” Creme Dream said as she took a sip of tea. She turned to her daughter and said “Do me a favor and head to the basement.  We don’t want anything bad to happen to you.”
“What are you going to do, mother?” Majesty asked.
Creme Dream cracked a wide, devilish smile before she said “I’m going to teach those hooligans not to mess with the real villain of Equestria.”
Majesty nodded before she took off towards the doorway, leaving Magistrate Creme Dream to stare down her would-be attackers, charging up the magic within her horn.
“That’s right you fools,” Creme Dream laughed.  “Come closer and I’ll show you who’s really in charge.”
Magistrate Creme Dream took a few steps back before the Gold Bankers crashed through the window, aiming to grab the alicorn.  But with a swing of her head, Creme Dream fired off a gigantic salvo of magic at the incoming foes.  On impact, the magic exploded, sending them flying out the window and onto the pavement.  Creme Dream looked out the window and smiled with glee before she made her way towards the front door.
“Typical delinquent behavior,” Creme Dream laughed as she opened the front door and walked out towards the Gold Banks supporters, all while they struggled to get back up.
“You wanna talk about that kind of trash again?” One of the mob members said as he stood up against Creme Dream.  “Come on.  I’ll make you pay for treating Gold Banks like trash.”
“Oh please,” Creme Dream said.   “A proper pony would go through the front door.  But then again, to call you improper would be a complement.”
“What did you say?” The Gold Banker snarled, looking like he’s about to crush a rock with his hoof.
“Face it,” Creme Dream said.  “You’re nothing more than a nobody clinging onto an outdated ideology, thinking that throwing a temper tantrum will get you everything in life.  I’d say the only thing you’re good for is garbage.  But even garbage has higher standards compared to you.”
In a furious anger, the Gold Bank supporter yelled out “SHUT UP!” before he smashed his hooves into the ground.  Creme Dream looked down and jumped out of the way before a rock formation emerged from the ground and extended upwards into the air.  Creme Dream just looked up at the newly-formed mountain before yawning.
“That’s your best shot?” Creme Dream said.  “How pathetic.”
As soon as the other crazed maniacs got up on their four hooves, they joined the central Gold Banker in charging towards Creme Dream, all while the devious alicorn charged up her horn.
“Mob mentality,” Creme Dream said.  “So easy to swat aside.”

Meanwhile, at the gates leading to the castle, Shining Armor ran up to the guards, who stood firm in holding back the mob of rabble rousers.  Though despite their will, they started to tire.
“It looks like they’re having some problems with the mob,” Shining Armor said to himself.  “Maybe they could use my help.”
But as Shining Armor approached the guards, one member of the crowd jumped towards the soldiers and slammed his hooves into the ground.  A tower of rock emerged from the ground, knocking the guards to the side.  Shining Armor quickly came to a stop as two of the guards landed near him.
“What happened?” Shining Armor asked.
“The Gold Bankers are getting more prevalent by shaking the earth under our hooves,” The guard said as he slowly got up.  “At this rate, they’re going to take down the front gate to the castle.”
Shining Armor turned towards the gate, where the Gold Bankers were pushing as hard as possible in an attempt to knock the gate open.
“Wait here,” Shining Armor said.  “I’ll hold them back.”
“Hold on,” the guard shouted as Shining Armor took off for the gateway.  “They’re too much.”
But Shining Armor paid no attention to the guard as he ran up to the crazed rabble rousers, who were hitting on the steel gate as hard as possible.
“You stay away from my friends and family,” Shining Armor yelled while charging up his horn.
With a powerful flash, Shining Armor’s horn blinded the Gold Bankers, causing them to stumble away from the gate as they covered their eyes in pain.
“That should do it,” Shining Armor said.  “Now to wrap this up.”
But just then, someone yelled out “Shining.  I’ve come to help.”  Shining Armor turned around to see Princess Cadance fly down to him.
“Caddy,” Shining Armor said.  “What are you doing here?”
“Pitching in since an alicorn can hold them back,” Princess Cadance explained.
“Then any chance you can hold them down?” Shining Armor asked.   “I was able to blind them with a flash spell.”
Princess Cadance walked over to the gate and said  “If these earth ponies are capable of causing the whole earth to move with their magic, then so can I.”
Princess Cadance raised her front hooves into the air before she slammed them down onto the ground.  Vines popped up from below the pavement and grabbed onto the horde of Gold Bankers, pinning them down.  
“Perfect.” Princess Cadance said.  “That should hold them down.”
As the guards got up, they held their spears and shields out towards the trapped mob, who struggled to break loose.
“Hold it right there,” One of the guards said, pointing his spear at the Gold Bankers.  “You’re all under arrest for intrusion and disturbing the peace.”
One Gold Banker looked up at the guards and struggled to lift his hoof into the air before he said “Arrest this.”
As the vines held back his arm, the rabble rouser pushed his hoof downward to the ground, until he was able to tap it barely.  Immediately, the ground shook beneath the crowd and the guards, the latter of which began to back off.
“I don’t like where this is going,” Shining Armor said, nervously.
WIth a large quake, the rocks formed beneath the mad crowd, cutting the vines off from their arms and legs.  The Gold Bankers got up and turned their attention towards the gate.
“This isn’t good,” Princess Cadance said.  “They’re going to tear down the gate.”
Ten of the Gold Bankers walked up to the gate leading into the castle grounds before raising their hooves in the air before slamming them on the ground.  The ground beneath the gate shook violently before Princess Cadance, Shining Armor and the Royal Guards ran back towards the palace.
“RUN FOR IT!”  Princess Cadance yelled.
And with that, a giant slab of rock popped from beneath the ground, knocking the gate into the air before it landed in the bushes.  The Gold Bankers all cheered before they gave chase to Princess Cadance and Shining Armor.
“They’ve made it through,” Shining Armor yelled.  “Get inside the castle.  Our best bet is to get to the Golden Land.”

Meanwhile, inside the castle, Chancellor Cinch led Princess Wanda, Sunset Shimmer, Abigail Albright, their friends and relatives down towards the vault of the castle in a hurry.  Night Light hovered in the air with his magic, keeping his wheelchair off the stairs, all while Twilight Sparkle and Twilight Velvet ran alongside him.
“How are you doing, daddy?” Twilight Sparkle asked.
“I’ll be fine,” Night Light said.  “You don’t need to worry about me.”
“If you wear yourself out, I can take over for you,” Twilight Velvet said.
“Keep running, everyone,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “There’s a certain someone who will greet us at the Golden Land.”
“Are you really sure we’ll be safe in the Golden Land?” Wallflower Blush asked.
“We will,” Juniper Montage said.  “I’ve seen it before and it’s as wondrous as the eye can see.”
“I’ve also been in the Golden Land before,” Misty Brightdawn said.  “And it’s exactly as Juniper stated.”
“Keep your eyes focused until we reach the portal to the land,” Adagio Dazzle yelled.  “The sooner we get there, the better.”
“Easy for you to say when we have the wrath of Gold Banks’ own followers chasing after us,” Aria Blaze shouted.
“As long as they can hold them back for as long as possible,” Sunset Shimmer explained, “Then we can make it to the Golden Land and seal off the path until it’s all clear.”
But as everyone made it to the vault, they surprisingly came to a stop.  In front of the group were a number of Gold Bankers who stood in front of them, along with holes on the side of the walls indicating a break-in.
“How?” Wanda said, surprised.  “How did they do it?”
As the Gold Bankers marched towards the group, the one in front said “Oh we just discovered the destructive nature of our own magic.  Not only can we create rocks sprouting out from the ground, but we can also cause parts of the earth to open up and give us a way.  And if you want to know how we found out where you would be going, you can thank Gold Banks for showing us the way.”
“How dare you bring that name up!” Silver Banks shouted.  “She does not deserve to be called a Banks after the stunts she pulled in the last week!   I hope my divorce sends a message not to cross that line.”
“She’s far more of a Banks than you’ll ever be, you old coot,” The Gold Banker said.  “You aren’t worthy of having that name.”
Angered, Silver Banks reached out at the Gold Banker, only to be held back by Firelight and Starseeker Glimmer.  Silver struggled to push himself through the two adults.
“Let me at him,” Silver Banks yelled. 
“It’s not worth it,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “Don’t let him get under your fur.”
“That’s right you idiot,” Another Gold Banker said.  “Come and try to attack us.  We’ll make sure Gold Banks is the only one with the Banks surname left.”
As Silver Banks came to a stop, haunted by the Gold Banker’s words, Chancellor Cinch turned to the others and shouted “Our path forward has been blocked.  Back the other way.”
Immediately, everyone turned tail and ran back up the staircase, all while the Gold Bankers chased after them in pursuit.  As they ran up the stairs, some of them looked behind to see the crazed mob gain ground, especially Silver Banks..
“I should have slugged him for taunting my last name,” Silver Banks said.  “But you’re right.  It wasn’t worth it.”
“What matters is that we all make it out alive,” Firelight Glimmer said.  “But don’t you worry.  We’ll make sure your former wife is punished for her crimes.”
“Keep your eyes turned towards the front,” Pinkie Pie yelled.  “We don’t want to imagine them catching up to us.”
“Well how are we going to get out of this mess?” Starlight screamed.
“If the front gates and the path to the Golden Land are blocked off,” Chancellor Cinch explained as she ran up the staircase, “Then we may have to head to the top of the tower and hope the Wonderbolts are nearby.”
Chancellor Cinch pulled out her video phone and tapped frantically as the entire group ran as fast as possible up the staircase.
“Captain Airazor,” Cinch said.  “This is the Chancellor.  We need you to take a number of Wonderbolts and head to the top of Canterlot Castle on the balcony leading into Princess Celestia’s bedroom, this instant.  Code Red.”
As Cinch spoke on the video phone, everyone emerged from the staircase and ran down the hallway in a run for their life.  Night Light released his hold on himself as his wheelchair landed on the surface of the floor, speeding down the hallway next to his wife and his daughter with Spike atop her back.
“We were so close to the Golden Land,” Juniper Montage said.  “And now we’re trying to get away from those mad ponies.”
“Just keep running,” Sunset said.  “The sooner we make our escape, the better.”
But as the group ran towards the staircase, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance ran up from a nearby hallway, joining them.  
“Shining, Cadance,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “What happened?”
“They broke through the front gate,” Shining Armor said.  “I don’t know what they have, but they’re stronger than an ordinary Earth Pony.”
“They also cut off our route to the Golden Land,” Twilight Sparkle explained.  “We’re making our escape to Princess Celestia’s bedroom and the balcony.”
“How did they know about the location?” Princess Cadance asked.  
“I don’t know,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “But they seem to be smarter than we make them out to be.”
“Who cares if they’re intelligent or not,” Danged Spell yelled.   “Just keep running.  We’re sure to get out safely.”
As the group reached the top of the stairs, they ran down the hallway as fast as possible.  Some of them looked to the side and saw Gold Bankers emerge from the windows and enter through the bedrooms.
“Okay,” Sunset said.   “Now they’re just showing off.”
“What I want to know is how they were able to get that powerful,” Cozy Glow said.  “I don’t recall Earth Ponies having that much potential to reshape the land how they like.”
“Neither do I,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Even I don’t know how to reshape the land like that, and neither does my mom and dad.”
“I wish we knew what kind of power they have,” Wanda said.  

Meanwhile, at the balcony of the castle leading into Princess Celestia’s room, a flock of Wonderbolts landed nearby with four of them pulling an emergency carriage.  Captain Airazor landed next to the carriage before opening the door leading into Celestia’s bedroom with Magnum landing near the edge.
“This is where we’re supposed to meet with Chancellor Cinch and the other evacuees,” Captain Airazor said.  “All we can do now is wait for them.”
“We’re also here in case that crazy crowd of ponies try anything,” Magnum said as he observed the madness down below.
“Good,” Captain Airazor replied.  “Never hurts to have an eye out for trouble.”
But in a flash, the door to Celestia’s bedroom opened up as Chancellor Cinch led the rest of the group towards the doorway leading to the balcony.  Captain Airazor opened up the balcony door as Wanda along with the other colts and fillies emerged.
“You’ve made it on time,” Chancellor Cinch said.
“Like you said, there’s no time to waste,” Captain Airazor said. 
“Then get everyone on board the carriage,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “The sooner we’re all inside, the better.”
Captain Airazor nodded before she signaled to the other Wonderbolts, who opened the carriage door.  Wanda, Abigail, Sunset, Starlight, Twilight, Spike, Sunburst, Moondancer and Danged Spell were the first to jump inside the giant coach.
“Thank goodness we’re almost out of that nightmare,” Sunburst said as he began to fasten his seatbelt.
“I’ll agree,” Moondancer said, breathing a sigh of relief.  “After today, I dunno how safe I’ll ever be again.”
“Let’s wait for the others to climb in before we’re out of the woods,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Who knows what else would happen.”
Suddenly, they heard Magnum yell out “GET OUT OF THE CARRIAGE, NOW!  THEY’RE SENDING A BIG ONE AT US!”  Without hesitation, Wanda, Sunset, Twilight, Starlight, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Spike and Abigail unfastened their seat belts and ran out of the carriage in a hurry.
“What’s going on?” Danged Spell yelled.  “A big one?”
As they all ran out, the younglings saw the pegasi unfasten themselves from the harness before they ran into Celestia’s bedroom.  Inside, Pinkie Pie, Cozy Glow, Golden Lace, Juniper Montage, Misty Brightdawn, Vignette Valencia, Wallflower Blush, Gloriosa Daisy, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, Firelight Glimmer, Starseeker Glimmer, Canter Zoom, Silver Banks, Shining Armor, Princess Cadance and Chancellor Cinch backed themselves into a corner while everyone else ran inside.
“What’s this about having to get out of the carriage?” Wanda asked.
Magnum pointed to the carriage and said “See for yourselves.”
The platform beneath the carriage shook violently before a giant jagged mountainous rock pierced through the balcony, impaling the carriage violently.  Everyone stood there, shocked at the sight of the rock formation.
“What in Celestia’s name?” Captain Airazor said.  “How did they do that?”
“Honestly, I can’t seem to figure it out,” Chancellor Cinch said.
The carriage wreckage teetered to the other side before it fell off the newly formed jagged rock foundation, free falling downward until it crashed right on the ground, shattering into a number of pieces.  Captain Airazor, Magnum and some of the Wonderbolts ran up to the balcony to see what’s left of the carriage.
“This has become far worse than we could imagine,” Airazor said.  “We’ll have to get them out one at a time.”
Suddenly, vines sprouted up from below the balcony, covering the platform up as Gold Bankers landed on the surface.  The moment the vines covered the balcony, no light could pierce through.  Captain Airazor, Magnum, and the Wonderbolts backed up as the Gold Bankers advanced towards them.
“Get back,” Airazor said.  “You will do them no harm.”
Airazor and the other Wonderbolts jumped up before flapping their wings at the Gold Bankers, creating powerful gusts of wind in an attempt to blow them back.  But some of the vines reached out and hit the Wonderbolt crew, knocking them into the windows and door leading inside and shattering them to pieces.  
“CAPTAIN!” Princess Cadance yelled.
Captain Airazor barely got up as the other maniacs made their approach to them.  The other Wonderbolts backed up towards the group as Airazor stood her ground.  But just then, Princess Cadance ran up to Airazor.
“Captain,” Cadance yelled.  “I’ll take it from here.”
“Princess no,” Airazor begged.  “It’s too dangerous.”
Princess Cadance charged up her horn and fired off a blast of magic at the crazed crowd.  But the same vines shot out and shielded the Gold Bankers before the magic blast made impact, dissipating completely on the plant, and leaving Cadance horrified.
“I don’t get it,” Princess Cadance said.  “What happened?”
As Princess Cadance, Captain Airazor, Magnum and the other Wonderbolts backed up towards Celestia’s bed, the other Gold Bankers smashed their way through the front door before approaching the group, who was now surrounded in a corner.  Firelight and Starseeker held onto Starlight Glimmer.  Juniper held onto Canter Zoom.  Wanda held Abigail in her arms.  The Dazzlings looked horrified.  Even Cozy Glow and Golden Lace held onto each other.
“Well well well,” One of the Gold Bankers taunted.  “Nowhere to run and no place to hide.”
“You have no right to take us away,” Misty Brightdawn yelled.  “Nor do you have the right to separate us from our loved ones.”
“We beg to differ,” Another Gold Banker said.  “The parents are what lead the colts and fillies to act like juvenile delinquents.  Gold Banks will make sure that every youngling in Equestria is taken away and disciplined into good little peons they’re supposed to be.  FOR THE GOLDEN REVOLTION!”
As the Gold Bankers made their way to the group, Chancellor Cinch held onto Wanda tightly.
“Miss Cinch,” Wanda said.  “How are we going to get out of this mess?”
Chancellor Cinch looked at the approaching mob and said “Honestly, Man’s Cub.  I have no idea on what to do now.”
“Curse you, Gold,” Silver Banks said quietly as a tear fell from his eye.  “Curse you for putting us through this mess.  I hope it was worth it to you.”


	To Be Continued in…


	Unexpected Heroes

> Arc 23-5: Unexpected Heroes
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Unexpected Heroes



The crowd of Gold Bankers made their way towards the entire group, who were completely horrified.
“You’re going to surrender yourselves to our leader Gold Banks, and you’re going to do it now,” One of the Gold Bankers demanded.
“You’re out of your mind if you think we’ll do that,” Firelight Glimmer yelled as he held Starlight Glimmer close to him.  “Besides, she had to nerve to take my Pumpky-Wumpkin away before.”
“You’ve got no other choice,” Another Gold Banker said.  “There’s no way out of here.   Either you give up your younglings or you never see your way out of here again.”
Pinkie Pie immediately pulled her party cannon out of nowhere and pointed it at the Gold Bankers, who backed off in fear.
“YOU WANNA GET NUTS?”  Pinkie Pie yelled.  “Come on.  Let’s get nuts.”
But before Pinkie Pie could press the button on her cannon, one of the vines popped out of nowhere, grabbed Pinkie Pie’s cannon and pulled it away from her, leaving her defenseless and confused.  The Gold Bankers glare at Pinkie Pie, who backed up next to Canter Zoom and Silver Banks.
“Okay…” Pinkie Pie said awkwardly.  “I didn’t expect that to happen.”
“You’ve met with a terrible fate, have ya?”  One of the Gold Bankers said.
“Maybe it’s time we taught you brats a lesson,” Another one said.
More vines reached out from the balcony before diving into the group.  The entire group screamed in horror as the vines pulled out Twilight Sparkle, Wallflower Blush, Sonata Dusk and Misty Brightdawn.  All four fillies screamed, struggling to pull themselves away by clinging onto Celestia’s bed.
“HEEEEELP!” Twilight screamed.  “They’re taking us away.”
Sunset Shimmer ran up to the vines and fired off blasts of magic right at it.  But the shots only bounced off and hit the ceiling harmlessly.  Cozy Glow jumped out and fired right at the vines, only for her shots to bounce off and disappear.
“Careful,” Sunburst yelled.  “Whatever those plants are, they’re not normal.”
A number of other vines leaped out at Sunset Shimmer in an attempt to grab her.  Sunset jumped out of the way of the first one before dodging two more that came her way.   Cozy Glow flew over and under the vines as they came right at her.  But nearby, one of the Gold Bankers lifted his hoof into the air.
“Good-bye you little brat,” The Gold Banker said with a smirk.
With one stomp of his hoof, the floor beneath Cozy Glow began to quake.  Sunset Shimmer turned around and quickly ran up to the little filly alicorn.  
“HANG ON!” Sunset yelled.
Once Sunset Shimmer reached Cozy Glow, she shoved the alicorn filly out of the way as a formation of rocks formed beneath the sun unicorn, hitting her.  She went flying into the air before falling down and slamming right into the floor.  Cozy Glow landed nearby and watched in horror as Sunset collapsed on the ground.
“SUNSET!”  Cozy Glow yelled as she reached out to her fallen friend.
Immediately, Princess Cadance flew out and grabbed the unconscious Sunset Shimmer with her arms.  She flew her sister back to the group as Wanda looked up at them both.
“What…” Wanda cried.  “What happened to Sunset?”
“She’s been hit badly,” Princess Cadance said.  “I don’t know if she’s alright or not.”
But as Wanda, Cadance and Abigail looked after the unconscious Sunset Shimmer in tears, Twilight Sparkle, Misty Brightdawn, Wallflower Blush and Sonata Dusk yelled really loud, struggling to pull themselves away from the vines.
“HEEEEEELP!” Sonata yelled.  “WE DON’T WANT TO BE TAKEN BACK TO DAISY JOY TECH!”
In a pair of growls that sounded like wolves, Danged Spell and Golden Lace’s eyes glowed and their teeth were bare.  They leaped at the vines and sunk their teeth right into two of them, freeing Twilight Sparkle and Misty Brightdawn.  Twilight Sparkle ran up to Twilight Velbet, who held her tight, while Chancellor Cinch held onto Misty Brightdawn.
“SPELL! LACE!” Shining Armor yelled.  “GET BACK HERE!”
But neither Danged Spell nor Golden Lace paid attention to Shining Armor’s command.  Instead, they jumped onto two more vines before biting right into them, freeing Wallflower Blush and Sonata Dusk.  Canter Zoom quickly scooped up Wallflower to his side while Sonata embraced Adagio and Aria.
“Daughter, you must come back,” Silver yelled.  “THEY’LL GRAB YOU!”
Danged Spell and Golden Lace turned their attention to the mob and they leaped towards them, dodging more vines that came their way.  The two approached the Gold Bankers, teeth bare and growling loud.
“You’ve been a pair of bad, bad dogs,” One of the Gold Bankers said, clutching a pod in his hoof.  “It’s time someone muzzled you.”
The Gold Banker threw the pod right at Danged Spell and Golden Lace.  On impact, the pod exploded, letting loose some kind of blue gas.  Danged Spell and Golden Lace coughed loudly as the glow in their eyes disappeared.
“What the hay is this?” Danged Spell coughed.
“I can’t breathe,” Golden Lace coughed.  “And I’ve lost my curse.”
Immediately, Shining Armor jumped out of the group and pulled Danged Spell and Golden Lace aside from the blue gas and towards him.  Shining Armor held onto both Spell and Lace, who looked weakened from the effects of the gas.
“Shining,” Danged Spell coughed.  “I don’t feel so good.”
“What did you do to them?” Shining Armor yelled.
“It’s called Wolf’s Bane Miasma,” The Gold Banker said.  “It cancels out any Wolf’s Breath curse and severely weakens the bearer of the curse.  A shame that we can’t use it on Princess Celestia since she also bears the curse.”
“You’re insane to do this,” Silver Banks said.  “These are little kids and you have the audacity to attack them.”
“And you have the audacity to keep that last name you old goat,” Another Gold Banker said.  
“You leave now this instant,” Chancellor Cinch demanded as she stepped in front and powered up her unicorn horn.
“Who are you to command us?” The Gold Banker said in a mocking tone.  “You’re just another bureaucrat who doesn’t deserve to be called Chancellor.  In fact, I think it’s time we took away your pet.”
Another set of vines reached towards the group.  Eyeing a sobbing Princess Wanda Young, Chancellor Cinch jumped out in front, horn glowing at maximum power.
“Do your worst, you despicable maniac,” Chancellor Cinch snarled.
“With please,” A third Gold Banker said.
Suddenly, the vines leaped over Chancellor Cinch and dove right at Wanda.  Before she could react, the vines grabbed Wanda and pulled her away in a flash.  
“HEEEEELP!” Wanda cried.
“YOU GET HER GO THIS INSTANT!” Chancellor Cinch yelled.
Cinch reached out and tried to grab Wanda.  But another set of vines shot out from the balcony and struck Cinch on the side, knocking her down.
“Chancellor,” Wanda cried.
Everyone was paralyzed as they saw the vines pull Wanda towards the Gold Bankers.  The Man’s Cub looked like she was on the verge of crying as the Gold Bankers looked at her before turning their attention to the group.
“Now you listen to us, and you listen well,” One of the Gold Bankers demanded.  “Unless you want something bad to happen to this shrimp, you better surrender those little brats to us, this instant.”
Chancellor Cinch, Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, Firelight Glimmer, Starseeker Glimmer, Canter Zoom, Silver Banks, Airazor and the rest of the Wonderbolts looked down at the younglings, most of which looked up at the grown ups.  Danged Spell and Golden Lace struggled to look up at Shining Armor while Night Light and Twilight Velvet held onto Twilight Sparkle and Spike the Dragon, Juniper Montage held onto Canter Zoom while Princess Cadance held the unconscious Sunset Shimmer next to her.  
“Sister, please don’t,” Wanda cried.  “I’ll take the fall.  Get them out of here.”
“Don’t listen to this ignorant fool,” Another Gold Banker laughed.  “There’s nowhere to run and no place to hide.  If you care for this juvenile delinquent and you want to leave, you will give them up…NOW!”
Princess Cadance looked at Wanda, who struggled to break free and broke down crying.  She turned her attention to Abigail, whose focus was on her best friend.  
“Wanda,” Abigail cried.
Princess Cadance turned towards the Gold Bankers and said with tears in her eyes “Alright.  You win.  You can have them back.”
“Princess, no,” Twilight Sparkle cried.
“I’m sorry,” Princess Cadance said.   “But there’s no other way out.  They have us cornered, and the only way to ensure our safety is that I have to let you all go.  I wish there was another way.”
“But there is another way, Princess Cadance.  You never realized that you had another guardian angel by your side.”  Those words caught the attention of nearly everyone in the room, especially Misty Brightdawn, who’s eyes lit up and her face shined brightly.
“Big Brother,” Misty said as Chancellor Cinch held onto her.  “It’s you.”
“Big Brother?” One of the Gold Bankers said.  “What’s going on?”
“Look behind you.”  The Gold Bankers turned around and saw one of their own approach the other younglings with a smile on his face.
“Who are you?” Another Gold Banker yelled.  “And why are you taking their side?”
The lone Gold Banker turned towards the crowd and said in a deep, but reassuring tone “Oh I’ve always been on their side.  The problem with you is that you didn’t notice it, until it was too late.”
With a hearty laugh, the Gold Banker was surrounded by a shadowy aura, much to the surprise of the Gold Bankers.  When the aura disappeared, he became a dark gray unicorn with a curved horn, a black mane and grayish sap green eyes.  He wore a light purple buttoned shirt and a simple dark red cloak.
“I…I don’t believe it,” Princess Cadance said.  “That’s…King Sombra.”
“King Sombra?” Cozy Glow asked.
“The ruler of the Crystal Empire,” Shining Armor said.  “And Misty Brightdawn’s big brother.”
King Sombra turned towards the group and said “It’s an honor to meet you all in person.  But it’s time I skipped the pleasantries and got down to business.”
“Oh you won’t get down to business,” The Gold Banker said, holding Wanda close.  “You better surrender the other brats if you know what’s good for you.”
“My dear friend,” Sombra said.  “You don’t know what’s good for you.”
With that, King Sombra turned himself into a shadow and dove into the floor, much to the surprise of the Gold Bankers.  The shadow moved itself under the mob, causing the crowd to freak out and panic.
“WHAT KIND OF MONSTER IS HE?”  One of the Gold Bankers yelled.
“Oh I’m no monster,” King Sombra said from his shadow.  “Compared to you clowns.”
In a burst of light, King Sombra emerged from his shadow and emits a pulse of magic from his horn, knocking the Gold Bankers away from Wanda.  He leaped into the air and sliced the vine off, releasing its hold on Wanda and freeing her.
“You okay, Princess?” King Sombra asked.
“I am,” Wanda said.  “Thank you, your majesty.”
“Oh no need for formalities,” King Sombra said.  “Besides, I think these guys deserve a harsh lesson for treating you all worse than trash.”
As the Gold Bankers began to back off towards the entrance, King Sombra approached the mob, his smile turned into a frown.  Wanda stood by King Sombra as she glared down at her would-be attackers.
“You all had the nerve to treat these younglings like they had no part in this world,” King Sombra said in a thundering tone, causing the Gold Bankers to cower in fear.  “Especially my little sister Misty and her best friend Wanda.  If I were you, I’d flee for your lives.”
“You heard what he said,” Wanda shouted.
“Now wait a minute Mr Sombra,” One of the Gold Bankers said, cowering for his life.  “Let’s talk this out.  We didn’t mean to give these brats a hard time.”
“I beg to differ,” King Sombra said before he signaled to Shining Armor.
Shining Armor looked down at the weakened Danged Spell and Golden Lace before nodding to the two ponies.  Twilight Velvet walked up to Spell and Lace and held onto them before Shining Armor leaped out of the group and stood by King Sombra.
“You have a lot of nerve to pick on my Twili and her friends,” Shining Armor yelled.   “Now you better get out of here before you incur our wrath.”
“Okay okay,” Another Gold Banker said.  “We’ll go.”
And with that, the Gold Bankers ran out the doorway and down the hall in a hurry, leaving King Sombra, Shining Armor, Wanda Young and everyone else behind.
“Good riddance to bad rubbish,” Shining Armor said as the group pulled themselves out from the corner.
King Sombra turned his attention towards the group and noticed the weakened Danged Spell and Golden Lace.
“Wolf’s Bane Misama,” King Sombra said.  “I don’t know how they were able to synthesize this stuff.  But if left untreated, it could be fatal.”
King Sombra’s horn lit up as he tapped both Danged Spell and Golden Lace on the head.  Within an instant, the energy in their bodies were restored as the poison from the miasma dissipated into nothing.
“Wow,” Danged Spell said.  “That was great.  Thanks, oh great king.”
“Oh please,” King Sombra laughed.  “You don’t need to dispense with the pleasantries.  After all, you both still have lives to live out.”
But when King Sombra turned towards Princess Cadance, he saw the unconscious Sunset Shimmer and his frown was bare once more.  He walked towards the comatose filly and placed his hoof on her forehead.
“Poor kid,” Sombra said.  “And she didn’t deserve this.  At least I can still save her.”
With a warm light surrounding his horn, King Sombra fired off a small stream of magic at Sunset Shimmer, surrounding her with a warm light.  When the light vanished, Sunset Shimmer’s eyes opened.
“Wha?” Sunset said.  “What happened?”
“You’re okay,” Princess Cadance said with tears in her eyes.  “You’re okay sis.”
“I don’t know what happened,” Sunset asked as she struggled to move her body.  “But…”
“It’s okay,” Princess Cadance said.  “You don’t need to move for a bit.  But you’ll be alright.”
As King Sombra stepped away from the group, Misty Brightdawn jumped into the air and hugged her brother.
“I’m glad you made it, big brother,” Misty cried with joy.  “I was worried I wouldn’t see you again.”
“It’s not the first time that we’ve been separated, Misty,” King Sombra said.  “But I’m glad to see you again.”
But as everyone relaxed with a sigh of relief, Chancellor Cinch turned her attention to Shining Armor, who noticed a bracelet lying on the floor.
“Shining Armor,” Chancellor Cinch said, walking towards the young stallion.  “Where did you find that?”
“It dropped off the mob when they made a run for it,” Shining Armor said, picking up the bracelet with his magic.  “Something about the crystal in this bracelet feels odd to me.”
“That must be what was powering their earth pony magic,” Chancellor Cinch said as Shining Armor handed the bracelet to her.  “But who could have made that for Gold Banks?”
King Sombra approached the group with Misty in his arms before he said “This is a serious question that we’ll get to the bottom of.  But for now, I think Princess Celestia is on her way, along with a face from Lio Lani.”
“Are you talking about High Chieftess Pele?” Danged Spell asked.
“I sure am,” King Sombra said with a smile.
“After what happened,” Danged Spell said, “I’ll be glad to see her face once more.”

The Gold Bankers made their way down the staircase as they ran towards the door in a frantic hurry.  Some of them made their way into the kitchen area, pulling whatever food they could out of the pantries or refrigeration units.  Nearby, Majordomo Kibitz was smacking some of the Gold Banks Supporters with a frying pan, forcing them to back off.
“Get back I say,” Kibitz yelled as he smacked the Gold Bankers with the frying pan.  “You have no right to be in this castle, much less this kitchen.”
As the crazed mob made their way out the doorway, Kibitz was left behind in the kitchen, now left a mess.  He placed the frying pan on the counter and grabbed a mop from a nearby corner.
“These buffoons don’t know how to clean up after themselves, much less this place,” Kibitz groaned.  “Guess I’ll have to tidy this place up, once more.”
As the Gold Bankers poured out of the castle, they ran down the streets of the city in a panic, making their way through as the ponies inside the houses and buildings watched from behind the windows.  Inside one of the houses, Sunlight Starscout held Bright-Eyes Starshine close while Argyle stood tall in front of his mother and sister.
“What’s going on, son?” Sunlight Starscount asked.
“Stay down,” Argyle Starshine replied.  “These hooligans are still dangerous.”
“I wish those meanies would stay away,” Bright-Eyes said as Sunlight held her tight.
Suddenly, a number of the Gold Bankers crashed through the front entrance of Argyle Starshine’s house.  As they got up, Argyle Starshine pulled a broom to him with his magic and took a defensive stance.
“That’s about far enough,” Argyle Starshine said.  “Get out of my house and get out of Canterlot.”
“Oh, if we can’t bring Gold Banks the younglings,” One of the crazed mob members said as he and his companions got up, “Then we’ll settle with you three.”
Argyle Starshine pointed his brook at the Gold Banker and shouted “I’m warning you.”
“Warn this,” The Gold Banker said.
The Gold Bankers raised their hooves into the air and slammed it down on the ground.  But to their surprise, nothing came out from beneath the ground.   They stomped the ground again and again, to no avail.
“What’s going on?” The Gold Banker said.  “Why can’t we move the earth beneath us anymore?”
“It’s that blasted King Sombra,” Another Gold Banker said in a panic.  “He must have nullified our bracelets.”
“I don’t know what you were trying to prove,” Argyle shouted.  “But you just made a big mistake.”
As Argyle Starshine approached the Gold Bankers, the group began to walk back, looking completely scared.
“Now now, hold your horses,” One Gold Banker said.  “You don’t need to be that harsh.”
But Argyle Starshine came to a stop and threw down his broom, causing the Gold Bankers to breathe a sigh of relief.
“You’re right,” Argyle Starshine said.  “I don’t need to be that harsh.  But she does.”
As the Gold Bankers were confused by Argyle Starshine’s words, they were pulled out of the doorway by a dark red magical aura screaming in agony.  Argyle Starshine walked up to the door and just closed it without breaking a sweat.
“Son,” Sunlight said.  “What was that?”
“Someone we didn’t expect to come to our rescue,” Argyle said with a smirk on his face.
“Like a guardian angel pony?” Bright-Eyes asked.
“More like the High Chieftess of Lio Lani: Pele,” Argyle said.

Outside, the Gold Bankers that were pulled out of the house were thrown on top of the roof, where an alicorn with a light brown coat, a mane that resembles the flow of lava, eyes that were a bright orange, and a cutie mark that represents a volcano, landed right on top of them.
“I know you,” One of the Gold Bankers said, quaking in fear.  “You’re Pele of Lio Lani.”
“I am,” Pele said.  “Often referred to as the Ka lio wahine ‘ai honua.”
“Now look here,” Another one said with his voice shivering in terror.  “We didn’t mean to harass those little kiddies.”
“SILENCE!”  Pele roared, causing the group to just look up at Pele, scared stiff.  “Now you listen to me.  I don’t ever want to see you anywhere near my great-grandson, or any of his friends, EVER AGAIN!  DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?”
“Ye…yes ma’am,” One Gold Banker said.
“Good,” Pele said as she took a few steps back.  “Now why don’t you cool off.”
With that, Pele picked up the Gold Bankers with her magic and dropped them into a nearby river bank that flowed through Canterlot City.  The group screamed loudly before splashing into the water below.  Not long after, they pulled themselves out from the river and made a run for it.
“Never mess with the offspring of a kapi’olani,” Pele said as her frown turned into a smirk.
As the Gold Bankers ran as fast as they could towards the city gates, Princess Celestia flew above the city and observed them retreating in a panic.
“Guess I am too late in a sense,” Princess Celestia said.  “Though judging by the crowd below, I don’t see a sign of Wanda, Sunset, or their friends.  So this might be a good thing.”
As Princess Celestia flew above Canterlot City, looking down at the retreating Gold Bankers, she looked up and saw Pele standing on the rooftop.   Celestia flew up and landed near the high chieftess.
“Princess Celestia,” Pele said.  “Apologies for not showing up in La Maresa sooner.”
“It’s been awhile, cousin Pele,” Princess Celestia said.  “Blessings to your mother and my aunt Haumea.”
“No need to be humble, cousin,” Pele said.  “I only came here because of my grandson’s request.”
“You’re talking about Fortwright, correct?” Celestia asked.
“I did,” Pele said.  “Shortly after you left La Maresa, I ran into my grandson.  He told me that Lah Walakeli, also known as Danged Spell, was back up at Canterlot hunkering down.  I had to come by here to make sure he survived.  But judging by the crazed crowd of Gold Bankers retreating, I assume he’s alright.”
“I believe he must be,” Celestia said.  “Though I wonder who drove them off.”
“Let us go investigate,” Pele said.
With that, Pele and Celestia flew up to the castle, where they eyed the damage done to the balcony.

But below at Creme Dream’s manor, the Gold Bankers that fought against the Magistrate ran off with a number of injuries on their fur.  Creme Dream brushed herself off while she saw the cowards take off from her pad.
“What a shame,” Creme Dream said.  “I thought they would put up more of a fight.”
But when Creme Dream directed her gaze towards the ground, she saw a bracelet with a jewel embedded into it.   Creme Dream walked up to the bracelet and picked it up before observing it.
“Well this is strange,” Creme Dream said.  “For some reason, I can sense a slight hint of the Pony of Shadows in this jewel.”
Creme Dream held the bracelet in front of her before walking inside her mansion and shutting the front door.  She took a few steps towards a nearby hallway before enhancing her throat with magic.
“Majesty,” Creme Dream shouted with reverb in her voice.  “You can come out now.  They are gone.”
Majesty emerged from the staircase leading to the basement.  She walked up to her mother, who was observing the bracelet with her magic.
“Mother,” Majesty said.  “What is that you have?”
“One of those goons dropped this when they retreated,” Creme Dream explained.  “This must have been what powered their earth pony magic, moving the earth with a powerful force that is only seen within alicorns, such as myself and you.”
“What I want to know is how Gold Banks got her hooves on that kind of magic?” Majesty asked.
“That is a question worth answering,” Creme Dream said.  “And I think I might know the alchemist responsible for creating this abomination.”
“Alchemist?” Majesty said.  “Are you talking about Grand Philosopher?”
“Princess Celestia is not the only pony with an alchemist by her side, whoever she is,” Creme Dream explained.  “Grand Philosopher is my own personal alchemist who’s helped me forge powerful artifacts.  But for some reason, he’s taken sides with Gold Banks and forged these crude bracelets that imitate the powers of the Pony of Shadows.”
“What do you think she’s up to?” Majesty asked.
“We’ll find out, sooner or later,” Creme Dream said.  “Now come.  We have some important work to do.”
With that, Magistrate Creme Dream walked upstairs to the balcony part of her foyer, with Majesty following from behind.  Creme Dream held up the bracelet, still puzzled.
“Knowing Gold Banks, she’s going to find an even bigger source of power than what I see,” Creme Dream said to herself.  “She may be more dangerous now that I’ve relieved her of her duties.”


	To Be Continued in…


	The End of Another New Day

> Arc 23-6: The End of Another New Day
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The End of Another New Day



The vines around Princess Celestia’s balcony cleared up as the alicorn princess and her cousin Pele burned through the foliage.  The younglings all emerged with Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Silver Banks, Firelight and Starseeker Glimmer, Canter Zoom and Chancellor Cinch following from behind.  The Wonderbolts also emerged with Magnum and Captain Airazor leading the group.  Princess Cadance carried a weak, yet alive, Sunset Shimmer, who was glad to see the sight of her foster mother.  Wanda was the first to run up to Celestia and give her a big hug.
“Mommy,” Wanda cried.  “I’m glad you came back.  I was worried I wouldn’t see you again.
“The same can be said of you, my daughter,” Celestia said, hugging Wanda closely.  
As Wanda released her hold from Princess Celestia, Princess Cadance walked up to the giant alicorn with Sunset in her arms.
“Sunset,” Celestia said.  “What happened to you?”
“I got hurt pretty bad by those creeps,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “But you can thank King Sombra for helping me out.”
Princess Celestia turned towards the door leading into her bedroom, where King Sombra emerged before bowing to the alicorn.
“It’s been awhile, Princess,” King Sombra said.  “When I haven’t heard from Misty Brightdawn since she left for Canterlot, I felt worried and had to come by hoof.  But when I discovered a number of ponies attempting to break into Canterlot just to take Wanda and her friends away.  So I disguised myself as one of them just in case they tried to take them away.  Kinda wish I jumped in sooner when two of the younglings were hit with Wolf’s Bane Miasma.”
“Wolf’s Bane Miasma?” Princess Celestia said.  “That’s a subsistence I banned from this land because of the effects it has on ponies.  It’s shocking what lows Gold Banks would steep to.”
“But there was also another reason why I came here,” King Sombra explained.  “I discovered members of the Debt Collectors stealing two elements of magic from the Crystal Empire: Radiance and Umbrum.”
“I’ve read about those,” Twilight Sparkle said, walking up to King Sombra with Spike on her back.  “Radiance and Umbrum are what make up the magic of the Crystal Empire: A balance of light and dark.”
“Correct you are,” King Sombra said. “And I was born with more Umbrum magic than radiance magic.  That makes me part-umbrum.”
“I would love to visit the Crystal Empire someday,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “Maybe even see the Radiance and Umbrum magic up close and personal.”
“As much as I want to invite you, young lady,” King Sombra said.  “You would have to get your parents’ permission first.  I’m not one who dares to upset the guardians of their off-spring.”
Twilight Sparkle turned towards Twilight Velvet and Night Light before she said “Mom, Dad.  One day, should we visit the Crystal Empire?”
“Only when the danger from Gold Banks is gone,” Twilight Velvet said. “Then we can go visit the Crystal Empire.”
“Right now, we should prepare our move to Vanhoover,” Night Light said.
“But I thought you had second thoughts about that,” Twilight Sparkle asked.
“Now that I realized that there’s going to be danger, regardless where we are,” Night Light explained, “I’ve decided we are going back up to Vanhoover, once Princess Celestia completes the ground bridge portal between your home village and Canterlot.”
King Sombra turned to Princess Celestia and said “Ground Bridge Portal?  You figured out Starswirl’s creation?”
“I had a friend help us out on this,” Princess Celestia said.
“Clever mare,” King Sombra laughed.
But as Celestia and Sombra laughed out loud, Danged Spell walked up to Pele with Golden Lace by her side.
“Kupuna wahine nui,” Danged Spell said in an awkward tone.  “It’s…been a long time.”
“Not as long as I remembered the last time we saw each other, moopuna nui La Walakeli,” Pele said.
“I can’t believe you’re Danged Spell’s Great Grandmother,” Golden Lace said in awe of Pele’s presence.
“And I have lived for as long as, if not more than, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna,” Pele explained.  “He may not be an alicorn.  But he does have the makings to be one.”
Golden Lace looked at Danged Spell, who slightly shifted his head away from Pele in shame.
“I have a question to ask,” Golden Lace said, shifting her head towards Pele.  “Is it true that Danged Spell…bit you?”
“He did,” Pele said.  “But I wasn’t upset with him when he did that.”
“But he told me he broke a kapu when he bit you,” Golden Lace asked.
“In his mind, defiling the chieftains or chieftesses is a violation of our kapu,” Pele said.  “But he focused so much on that, that he forgot the reason why I had him bite me.”
“Wait,” Danged Spell said, turning towards Pele.  “What do you mean by that?”
“Walakeli my great grandson,” Pele explained.  “I took you up on the mountains because I knew of your curse from the day you were born.  Your mother, father and your sister went with me.  Our goal was to help you adapt to your curse.  And to do that, you had to breathe in a special vapor on the summit that could help you fight control of it.”
“Wait,” Danged Spell said. “You’re not talking about the mahu huhu, are you?”
“Yes, the rage vapor,” Pele said.  “The only existence of the mahu huhu is atop the northern mountain of Kilokilo island.  We took you there so you could breathe in the vapor and learn to control your Wolf’s Breath curse, or what we call Huhu o ka ilio.”
“Dog’s rage,” Danged Spell said.  “And I wasn’t the first to try to cure my Wolf’s Breath curse.”
“But when you breathed in the mahu huhu,” Pele explained, “You lost control of yourself and went into a blind rage unlike anything we’ve ever seen.  It was as if we had amplified your curse and made it worse on you.  I was horrified at what I’ve done.  But I was even more horrified when you directed your attention towards your baby sister Moeuhane.”
“Dream Seeker,” Danged Spell said.  “You mean…”
“Yes,” Pele said, scooting Danged Spell over to her. “You almost bit into your sister with that unbridled rage.  When I realized that, I had no choice but to block you from biting your own sister, and perhaps taking her life.”
“I almost bit into my own sister,” Danged Spell said.  
“For that, I unintentionally made you break that Kapu because I was trying to save you from your sister,” Pele said.  “You were never banished to begin with, La Walakeli.  While most of the other chieftains were horrified at what you did to me, I explained to them that it had to be done to save your sister from yourself.”
“Kupuna wahine nui,” Danged Spell said as tears began to fill his eyes. “They were upset…because I bit you….even though…you were protecting…my sister…from me.”
“Yes,” Pele said.  “But I made sure you were never banished to begin with.  In fact, I even threatened to step down from my position as High Chieftess if they carried it out.  They folded faster than an amateur on a surfboard.  But I didn’t know how to help you out with your own curse.  It was there that Princess Celestia made a proposition to me.”
“It was Princess Celestia who brought me here to Equestria?” Danged Spell asked.
“Yes,” Pele said.  “Because Celestia is the only alicorn with the Huhu o ka ilio, she would be able to help you out with your condition as well.  So one of the other chieftains, who happens to be your father and my grandson, offered to take you, his wife, and your sister to Canterlot to begin your training to control your curse.  It was there that you assumed to have been banished.”
“But I never was…banished” Danged Spell asked.
“You never were to begin with,” Pele said.  “Even if a Kapu was broken, it was out of necessity and I would rather take the blame for something that wasn’t your fault.  You’re always welcome on Lio Lani, La Walakeli.  In fact, even the chieftains missed you so much.”
Danged Spell looked up at his own Great Grandmother before giving her a hug.
“I’m sorry I tried to kill my own baby sister,”  Danged Spell cried.  “I didn’t mean to.”
“It’s okay,” Pele said.  “And I’ve missed you, my moopuna nui.”
Golden Lace tapped on Pele’s side, catching the attention of the alicorn High Chieftess.
“Pele, was it,” Golden Lace said. “Believe it or not, I also possess the same curse as Danged Spell.”
“You as well?” Pele said.   “I didn’t know that one of my great grandson’s friends also possessed the same curse.  But do not worry.  You are in good hooves with him.”
Pele pulled Golden Lace over as Danged Spell wiped the tears from his eyes.
“Lace,” Danged Spell said.  “Thanks for being by my side.”
“Anytime, Spell,” Golden Lace said, tapping Danged Spell on the nose.
“You know,” Pele said.  “I think you two would be a cute couple.”
“Hey,” Danged Spell shouted.  “I’m not ready to have a filly friend of my own.”
“Well now I wouldn’t say that,” Silver Banks said, walking up to Danged Spell with a smug look on his face.  “In fact, I should prepare you two for your future wedding.”
Danged Spell’s jaw dropped in horror from Silver Banks’ speech while Golden Lace placed her hoof on her face in embarrassment.
“Daddy, not now,” Golden Lace said.  “We’ve just been in a life-changing situation.”
“Well so have I,” Silver Banks said with a hearty laugh.  “Now how about we start planning dates between the two.”
“NO!  HOOF NOO!”  Danged Spell yelled.  “ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR MIND?”
As Danged Spell and Golden Lace yell at a smug Silver Banks, Pinkie Pie pulled out her party cannon and aimed it at the air.
“I love it when we have moments like this,” Pinkie Pie said.  “It really does make us One as a Family.”
With a press of the button from Pinkie Pie, streamers fly out of the cannon, showering everyone in the confetti.  They all looked up and smiled at the sparkle and glitter that scattered in the sky.
“Well I’m glad we’ve all got through this moment,” Juniper Montage said.
“Yes it is,” Canter Zoom said.  “But I think the time has come to return to La Maresa.  I think I’ve had enough time in Canterlot.”
“I’m with you on that, Uncle,” Juniper Montage said.  “After all that madness at Daisy Joy Tech and here, I’ll find it a relief to be back home.”
“It's a shame that the background has to be redone,” Canter Zoom said.  “But we’ll find a way to make it better than ever.  I guarantee it.”

Later that evening, everyone was gathered around the portal to La Maresa as Princess Celestia placed the crystal back in its slot.  Everyone waited patiently for the crystal to light
“Well, this is it,” Princess Celestia said.  “Princess Luna told us that she’ll be coming through to greet us once the ground bridge portal is finally connected.”
“And I have to let my grandson know that La Walakeli is alright,” Pele said.
Danged Spell tapped Pele on the leg and said “Kupuna wahine nui.  I know everyone misses me on Lio Lani, especially on Kilokilo Island.  But I don’t think I’m ready to go home, yet.”
“I’m surprised,” Pele said.  “Even after you know that you were never banished to begin with.”
“It’s not just that,” Danged Spell said.  “Even with all the danger presented across all of Equestria, Lio Lani included, I like being in Canterlot and La Maresa.  I’ve got a number of wonderful friends who look out for me, and vice versa.  I enjoy the sights and sounds of both the Equestrian Capital and the town near the Everfree Forest.  It’s a great place to be.”
“I understand, my moopuna nui,” Pele said.  “You have a reason to enjoy your new life here.  And I’ve heard you saved your new friend and the Chancellor from the Windigo’s Guild.  You have the makings of a proud koa, Walakeli.”
“What’s a koa?” Wanda asked.
“That my little hibiscus, is the Lio Lanian word for warrior,” Pele explained.  “But he’s one who’s not afraid to defend his people from those who seek harm.  To help with that, I will send some of my guards to help protect La Maresa.  After all, a dark wind is blowing from a place that even the common of evils dare not approach.”
“A warrior,” Sunset Shimmer said. “That may have explained Spell’s cutie mark.”
“There’s also another interesting fact,” Pele said before turning to King Sombra.  “Would you explain to them about the late Amore Brightdawn?”
“I will,” King Sombra said.  “Believe it or not, Amore hailed from Lio Lani like her sister Pele.  Her original name was Aloha Wana’ao.”
“Wait,” Misty said.  “That means Pele is my aunt?”
“That’s right,” Sombra said.  “I happen to be part-Umbrum, part-crystal pony and part-Lio Lanian.  But even more so sister.  Because we are related to Pele, that means in a way, we’re related to Danged Spell and his family.”
“Wait,” Danged Spell said.  “That means Misty and I are related?”
“That’s right,” King Sombra said with a smile.  “You’re both distant grand cousins.”
Misty ran over to Danged Spell and leaped onto him, giving him a big hug.
“Hey leggo,” Danged Spell laughed.  “Your hug’s too hazy.”
“Danged Spell,” The other younglings shouted before they burst into laughter.”
Suddenly, The crystal glowed brightly as the portal opened up once more.  Princess Luna immediately stepped out to greet her sister.  Behind her were Fortwright, Shanoa with Dream Seeker in her saddle bag, Rainbow Dash, Maud Pie, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Trixie, Ditzy Doo, Snips and Snails.
“They’re all accounted for,” Princess Luna said.  “Not a single life was lost.”
“That’s great,” Princess Celestia said.  “And that’s what matters the most.”
Danged Spell walked up to Fortwright and Shanoa with Misty still hugging onto him.  But his eyes were directed towards Dream Seeker, who reached out to her big brother.
“So it’s true,” Danged Spell said.  “I was never banished to begin with.”
“I would have told you, except you wouldn’t believe me,” Fortwright said.  “It was the Great Chieftess’s words that would have convinced you.”
“We’re proud of you, Spell,” Shanoa said.  “Not just as the descendant of Chieftess Pele, but also as our son.  In fact, Dream Seeker’s glad to see you.”
Danged Spell walked up to Dream Seeker, who reached out and touched her big brother on the nose.  Spell reached out and gently tapped Dream Seeker on the nose.
“Moeuhane,” Danged Spell said.  “I didn’t know that I came this close to biting you when I lost control of myself.  I’m terribly sorry.   After all, you’re like the light to me, and if something happened to you, I dunno what I would do.”
But Dream Seeker just looked up at her brother and giggled loudly, giving Danged Spell a small smile on his face.
“That’s just like you, Seeker,” Danged Spell said. “But then again, I’m glad I have you by my side.”
But just then, Rainbow Dash and Ditzy Doo approached Danged Spell, with the rainbow-maned filly giving the smug unicorn a hoof noogie.
“So,” Rainbow Dash said after rubbing Spell on the head.  “What’s this about you not being banished at all?”
“I originally assumed I was banished because I bit into the high chieftess,” Danged Spell said as he brushed his mane back to normal.  “But then as it turned out, she allowed it to happen because she was trying to protect my sister from my rampage.”
“Wow,” Ditzy Doo said as she looked down at Dream Seeker.  “To nearly attack your own sister for something that you didn’t have control of.  That’s a scary thought.”
“It is,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Even though I’m not biologically related to Scootaloo, I still see her as a baby sister of my own.  If something did happen to her, I would have lost it.”
But before Ditzy Doo could say anything, Danged Spell gave her a hug and said “I know you have no sisters or brothers of your own.  But if anything happened to you, I would have lost it as well.”
“Aww, thanks Spell,” Ditzy said.
Immediately, Juniper Montage walked up to Danged Spell with Canter Zoom by her side.

“So,” Juniper Montage said.  “After much thought, we’re going back to La Maresa.”
“Are you sure about that?” Danged Spell asked.
“Well as horrified as I was with the destruction of my film set,” Canter Zoom explained, “The experience I had today with the rowdy crowd made me realize that there will always be danger, no matter where I am.  So from here on out, I wish to live out my life the way it was meant to be.  No regrets, whatsoever.”
“That’s very good advice,” Princess Luna said.  “We often take the safe route because it brings us comfort.  But sometimes, there is no easy path at all.  After what happened today, I’d say that statement means a whole lot.”
“It’s a shame with what you all have gone through,” Rarity said.  “First Daisy Joy Tech, and now this.”
“We may have gone through our worst days ever,” Pinkie Pie said before she walked up to Rarity and placed her arm around her.  “But we push through just the same as a family together.”
“Pinkie’s right,” Maud said.  “As long as we have each other, we can get through the worst days of our lives.”
Fortwright placed his hoof on Danged Spell and said “I think it’s time I brought you back home to La Maresa.”
“Truth be told, I’m looking forward to it,” Danged Spell said. 
“And we’d like to go back as well,” Firelight Glimmer said, walking up to Fortwright and Shanoa.  “After what we’ve been through, we could use a little rest and relaxation.”
“Daddy?” Starlight said, running up to her father.  “You’re leaving already?”
“We are,” Firelight Glimmer said as he picked up his daughter.  “But promise me you’ll be strong for Princess Celestia and for your sisters.”
“I…I will,” Starlight said.
“And be strong for your friends in La Maresa,” Trixie said.  “We wanna make sure you smile once more.”
“Oh I will, Trixie,” Starlight said.
“That’s the Great and Powerful Trixie,” Trixie boasted with a smile on her face.
As Firelight Glimmer placed Starlight down, Sunburst and Moondancer ran up to the little filly and gave her a hug.
“Don’t you worry,” Sunburst said.   “We’ll be back when school’s back in session.”
“And it won’t be long,” Moondancer said.   
“By the way,” Starlight said.  “Twilight told me that she’ll be moving up to Vanhoover soon, once the gateway there has been completed.”
Moondancer turned to Twilight Sparkle and asked “Is that so?”
“It is,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “But don’t you worry.  I’ll be coming back to school thanks to the ground bridge portal.”
“Maybe one day, you could come back and visit La Maresa,” Applejack said.  “In fact, we should take you down to San Di’Neighgo one day to check out the sights and sounds.”
“That’s right,” Fluttershy said.  “And maybe visit the famous zoo and introduce you to my Uncle Wegefrolick.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Twilight Sparkle said with a wink.
With that, Danged Spell, Sunburst, Moondancer, Juniper Montage, Canter Zoom, Firelight Glimmer, Starseeker Glimmer and Pele joined with the other ponies from La Maresa as Princess Luna stepped off the portal platform and approached the other younglings.
“It’s time we head back to La Maresa and get ourselves ready for a good dinner,” Fortwright said.  “Are you all ready to go home?”
“You bet we are, dad,” Danged Spell said.  “In fact, I’d say our welcome is truly on the house.  Get it?”
“DANGED SPELL!” Every youngling yelled before they burst into laughter.”
“So that’s what my great grandson has been doing,” Pele laughed.  “It’s not bad, but I’ve heard worse pun-ishment than that.”
“GREAT GRANDMA!” Danged Spell yelled in laughter.
“What?” Pele laughed.  “It does run in the family, La Walakeli.”
With that, Fortwright and Shanoa jumped into the portal with Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy, Maud Pie, Trixie, Ditzy Doo, Danged Spell, Sunburst, Moondancer, Juniper Montage, Canter Zoom, Firelight Glimmer and Starseeker Glimmer following from behind.  But Snips and Snails paused for a moment before turning towards Wanda Young.
“Wanda,” Snips said.  “Promise us that you’ll come back to La Maresa?”
“I will,” Wanda said.  “When all of this madness is over.”
“Thanks,” Snails said.  “There’s more to our fine town than meets the eye, or whatever that means.”
With that, Snips and Snails jumped into the portal before shrunk down and disappeared.  Wanda just waved at what was left of the portal before letting out a big sigh.
“Well,” Wanda said.  “There they go, for now.”
“It was great to see them again, even through our hardest time,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Even more so, it was great to meet Danged Spell’s Great-Grandmother.”
“And realized that she was related to King Sombra,” Wanda said.  “And yet, when I saw her, it felt like I recognized her before.”
“Do you think you might be the reincarnation of Amore Brightdawn?” Starlight asked.
“I wish,” Wanda said.  
“And you’re right on that,” King Sombra said.  “There are ways to determine where your former memories come from.  But until then, your past is still a big mystery.”
“I think right now, we should head back to the castle,” Princess Cadance said.  “Dinner is going to be soon and we could use some rest and relaxation after what happened.”
“Head over to the castle without me,” Princess Celestia said.  “I’ll catch up after I discuss something with my sister, King Sombra and the Chancellor.”
“You got it,” Princess Cadance said.
Spike jumped onto Twilight Sparkle’s back as she walked alongside Night Light, Twilight Velvet and Shining Armor.  They followed Princess Cadance, Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer and Abigail Albright to the castle.  Right behind them, Sunset Shimmer, Starlight Glimmer, Golden Lace, Silver Banks, Pinkie Pie, Misty Brightdawn, Cozy Glow, the Dazzlings, Vignette Valencia, Wallflower Blush and Gloriosa Daisy following from behind.
“So,” Shining Armor asked.  “Are you nervous about going back up to Vanhoover?”
“I am,” Twilight Sparkle said.   “I know I’ll be back for the School for Gifted Unicorns.  But I am going to miss living here.”
“Don’t you worry, Twili,” Shining Armor said.  “I’ll always be here in case you need to stay for a few nights.  And so will Spike.”
“Thanks, Big brother,” Twilight Sparkle said.
Gloriosa Daisy walked up to Twilight Sparkle and asked “You said you’re heading up to Vanhoover, correct?”
“We are,” Twilight Sparkle said.
“To be honest, that’s where Wallflower Blush, Vignette Valencia and I came from,” Gloriosa Daisy explained.  “In fact, the only pony that I know of that lives up there is my brother, Timber Spruce.  He’s been waiting for the day that we see each other again since I was forced into Daisy Joy Tech.”
“I know,” Golden Lace said.   “You told me about it when I first was at that horrible school.”
“Tell you what,” Night Light said.  “On the day we go up to Vanhoover, you and your friends can come with us.  How does that sound?”
“That sounds great,” Gloriosa Daisy said.  “Let me know when you’re ready and we’ll go with you.”
“I can’t believe we’re taking you back to your home,” Twilight Sparkle said.  
“You bet,” Gloriosa said.  “And I hope you enjoy it up there.”
“I’ve had some experience with that place,” Twilight Sparkle explained with a laugh.  “So it should be familiar to me.”
As the group walked off towards the castle, Princess Celestia turned her attention to Princess Luna, Chancellor Cinch and King Sombra.
“So,” King Sombra said.  “What is it you wish to speak to me about?”
“Actually,” Princess Celestia said.  “There is someone I’d like for you to meet, and I asked her to stay put at the Golden Land for the time being.”
Princess Celestia turned towards the nearby alley and signals with her hoof.  Eleanor Young emerged, approaching King Sombra.
“This is Eleanor,” Princess Celestia explained.  “She’s a guardian from the planet Evevanya.”
“An honor to meet you,” King Sombra said as he bowed to Eleanor Young.
“Likewise, your majesty,” Eleanor replied.  She turned to Celestia and said “I’m sorry I couldn’t help you out in protecting the palace from the Gold Bankers.”
“There’s no worry about that,” Princess Celestia explained.  “After all, I asked you to acquire some sacred treasures deep within the Golden Land.”
“As a matter of fact, I have,” Eleanor said as she pulled out a small treasure chest.
Eleanor opened the chest in front of the group.  Inside were two types of ore.  One glowed a bright white, while the other had a dark aura to it.
“I’ve seen this kind of ore before,” King Sombra said.  “The bright one is called Evevanyian Mithril.  The dark one is called Evevanyian Obsidian.”
“We’ve kept it hidden within the Golden Land as an emergency,” Chancellor Cinch explained.  “And that’s just a small sample of what we have.”
“If I recall, these two metals create a special ingot that represents the balance between light and darkness,” King Sombra explained.  “They call this metal Equinox.”
“I recall that the Crystal Empire is one of the few places in Equestria that can forge mithril and obsidian into equinox ingots,” Princess Luna said.  “Are you up to the challenge?”
King Sombra pulled the two metals out of the chest and said “Consider it done.   Our crack team of alchemists will be able to complete the fusion of these two metals into equinox ingots.”
“Perfect,” Princess Celestia said.  “We will send the rest of the metals to the Crystal Empire so you can forge the equinox ingots.”
“That being said,” King Sombra said.  “Since your friend is an alchemist, she wishes to forge some ingots for Princess Wanda, correct?”
“That is correct,” Princess Celestia said.
As King Sombra placed the mithril and obsidian into his coat pocket, he turned towards Eleanor Young.
“Judging by the look on you,” King Sombra explained, “I believe you are Wanda’s biological mother.”
“Yes,” Eleanor said.  “But I have yet to explain myself to her.”
“One day, you will have to do that,” King Sombra said.  “Your daughter will need to know the truth about your identity as her mother.  She won’t like what you’ll say.  But she’ll come to understand the whole truth.  That’s something you should keep in mind.”
“I plan on doing so, King Sombra,” Eleanor acknowledged.
“And in case something were to happen to me, I will leave Wanda with a message about you,” Princess Celestia said.
“One last thing,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Since the attack today, I am considering bumping up the price on Gold Banks even further.  Her crimes are far from unforgivable after what she pulled.
“The question is,” Princess Luna said.  “What was her real motive?  Why did she pull the stunt that we saw today?”
“The answer may lie in the crystal bracelet that we found,” Chancellor Cinch said.
“I can go over it and find the source of its magic,” Eleanor said.
“And as for us,” Princess Celestia said.  “We will find Gold Banks one day and bring her to justice for what she did.  Not just for the incident at Daisy Joy Tech, but also for that attempt at inciting mobs at La Maresa and Canterlot.”

Meanwhile, at an unknown location, Gold Banks observed a similar-looking bracelet as she walked up the cold mountainside, wearing heavy clothing.  She had an older, slender stallion by her side.
“Amazing what this little puppy was capable of doing, Grand Philosopher,” Gold Banks said.  “Even if its powers were still incomplete.”
“Most of that power came from the radiance and umbra magic that we stole from the Crystal Empire,” Grand Philosopher explained.  “But it’s not as comparable to that of the Pony of Shadows.”
“True,” Gold Banks said.  “And while they’ll figure out how to create a counter spell to nullify this batch, the next batch will be far stronger when we acquire the magic of the Winter Ponies, the Changelings and the Hippogriffs.”
Suddenly, Gold Banks’ video phone rang. Gold banks pulled it out of her pocket, tapped the screen before putting the phone to her ear.
“Report, Master Trench Gruff,” Gold Banks said on the phone.  “Uh huh.  Yes.   I see.  Very well.  Carry on.”
As Gold Banks placed her phone back in, Grand Philosopher asked “I take it Master Trench Gruff is in position to drive any members of the Windigo’s Guild away from Winteris?”
“Yes, and it’s a shame that I won’t be there to see the fireworks,” Gold Banks said.  “But then again, it’s just one step into creating a powerful artifact that I will use to overthrow Princess Celestia and Magistrate Creme Dream.   Then, nothing can stop me from becoming the new Empress of Equestria.”
As Gold Banks laughed devilishly, the ruins of an ice castle loomed over the horizon, all while the sun set in the west.



	To Be Continued in…


	Arc 24: Hive Under Siege


	Coldnelius Snap’s Hardship

> Arc 24(Hive Under Siege)-1: Coldnelius Snap's Hardship
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


	Arc 24: Hive Under Siege


	Coldnelius Snap’s Hardship



A lone Windigo flew above the cold mountains of Winteris, looking around frantically.  His eyes saw what appeared to be a battle that took place recently.  When he saw his fellow cult members lying on the snow, he flew down to the surface towards one of them and transformed into Coldnelius Snap.  Immediately, he picked up one of his cultists, who immediately opened his eyes and turned towards his leader.
“What happened?” Coldnelius Snap said in a horrified tone.
“We were ambushed,” The cultist explained in a weak voice.  “By an…army.  They used….Fire Nag Miasma.  Wiped most of us…out.”
“Hang in there,” Coldnelius Snap shouted.  “Don’t you dare die on me.”
“It’s…too late for…most of us,” The weak cultist said.  “But…I have…good news.  Crystal snow….escaped.”
“Escaped?”  Coldnelius Snap asked frantically.  “Escaped where?”
“To…sacred place,” The cultist said with weaker breath.  “Where no one…dares…attacks.”
With that, the cultist’s eyes closed completely, his fur lost its saturation, and his cosmic core popped out from his body.  It pulsed slightly for a moment before it flew off into the stratosphere.  Coldnelius Snap looked down at the dead cultist before crying into his cloak.
“This…pain,” Coldnelius Snap cried. “It brings back harsh memories of….my kingdom’s fall…and Queen Icelina…my beloved.”
Coldnelius Snap placed the dead cultist on the snow and placed his hoof on the fallen follower’s head.  The cultist’s remains froze in place for a moment.  Then, snow flowed from the frozen remains before it disappeared like wind in the snow.  Nearby, the corpses of the other fallen Windigos followed suit, freezing in place and disappearing like snow in the wind.
“I swear to Icelina,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “If my Crystal Snow has fallen, then Equestria will pay in spades.”
Coldnelius Snap transformed into a Windigo and flew towards the ruins of the Winteris Castle.

Inside, Coldnelius Snap transformed back into his alicorn form before looking around the castle.  There were mostly dead cultists lying around, much to Snap’s horror.  He ran down the halls of his castle, looking around for any survivors.
“Snow?” Coldnelius Snap yelled.  “Crystal snow?  Anyone?  Are you out there?”
Coldnelius Snap ran down the hallway in a hurry, looking around for any signs of survivors. With each step, his emotions became more and more frantic and his breathing far more rapid.
“IS THERE ANYONE OUT THERE?” Coldnelius Snap called out.  “ANY SURVIVORS?”
Coldnelius Snap slid to a stop as he entered the ruins of the throne room.  In front of him were two thrones.  The one on the left was labeled “King Glaceious.” The one one the right was labeld “Queen Icelina.”  Around the throne were the lifeless bodies of a number of Windigo’s Guild members, appearing as if life was sucked out of them.
“No,” Coldnelius Snap said in a subtle and broken tone.  “This can’t…be.”
Coldnelius Snap struggled to contain himself as his right hoof shook with grief.  He collapsed onto the floor, tears flowing from his eyes.  He attempted to compose himself as he struggled to get up.  But the weight of his burden kept him down.
“CRYSTTTTTAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAL!” Coldnelius Snap yelled, right into the ceiling of the throne room.
Coldnelius Snap broke down crying on the ground as his tears fell from his eyes and touched the surface of the floor, freezing on impact.  He struggled to get himself up as much as he could, only to slip and fall on his face.
“I’m sorry,” Coldnelius cried.  “I failed to arrive in time.   This is the fault of Princess Celestia.  I shouldn’t have issued that truce.”
“She’s alright.”  Coldnelius Snap rose up to see Locust the changeling approach the leader of the Windigo’s Guild.
“Crystal,” Coldnelius Snap said in a frantic tone as he wiped the tears from his eyes.  “Is she alright?”
“Yes,” Locust explained.  “The intruders were able to wipe out most of your kind here in Winteris.  But some of them escaped to what you call the sacred place.”
“That’s right,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “I instructed her to go there should any trouble arise.  But how were you able to access that place?”
“Since you formed an alliance with us,” Locust explained, “Your ice cold magic of Winteris has somehow passed onto us changelings.   Observe.”
Locust held up a piece of fruit and proceeded to breathe onto it with a small cold breath.  The fruit froze into place, solid cold.  Coldnelius Snap walked up to the changeling and touched the frozen fruit, to which it shattered into pieces.
“I did not know that our magic could integrate into other species,” Coldnelius Snap said.
“Not only that,” Locust said.  “But somehow, the location of the sacred place was somehow embedded into our minds.  Allow me to show you.”
Locust turned his attention towards the thrones before casting an aura around the two chairs.  The platform which the thrones rested on slowly moved out of the way before revealing a secret staircase leading downstairs.  Coldnelius Snap’s jaw dropped surprisingly.
“I…I don’t believe it,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “You’ve opened the way forward.”
“Come,” Locust said.  “Some of my queen’s soldiers are with this Crystal Snow and the survivors of your Guild.”
Locust and Coldnelius Snap walked down the stairs leading into the Sacred Place.  As they disappeared from sight, the throne platform slid above the secret entrance and shut itself tight.  But nearby, Gold Banks emerged from the shadows with members of Debt Collectors and Grand Philosopher.
“The sacred place,” Gold Banks said.  “So that’s where they’re keeping the magic of the Windigos.”
“What should we do, my lady?” Grand Philosopher asked.
“Let them mourn,” Gold Banks said.  “Once they are out of sight, we’ll take the magic of the Windigos and Winteris away.  All while at the same time, Master Trench Gruff is setting up an attack on the Changelings hive.”

As Coldnelius Snap and Locust made their way down the path, they emerged into a beautiful wintery land that expanded as far as the eye could see.  The trees were covered in a pile of snow, and yet the light reflected off the small crystals of ice, twinkling as beautifully as diamonds.  In the air, lights reflected off the eternally night sky, showcasing a dazzling of colors as far as the eye could see.  Despite the beauty of this land, Coldnelius Snap and Locust made their way across the snow field.
“Are you sure she’s safe?” Coldnelius Snap asked.
“I am,” Locust replied.  “Some of my queen’s soldiers are stationed there, guarding Crystal Snow and the other cult members with their lives.”
“Very well,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “I will trust your word on this.  But I vow that for your own well-being, it better be true.”
“It is,” Locust said.  “I’ve staked my whole life on this.”
As the two travelers reached a part of the land of winter, they saw a number of changelings and Windigo’s Guild members standing in front of a castle made of ice.  Near a statue of Queen Icelina, one cultist stood there, staring up at Coldnelius Snap, who’s limbs shook at her mere sight.
“She’s….” Coldnelius Snap said.  “She’s alive.”
Coldnelius Snap ran down the snow and up towards the statue, where he laid eyes on his fellow cult member.
“Is it you, Lord Snap?” the cult member said as she took off her hood, revealing her beautiful face with a color palette that’s in reverse of Coldnelius Snap.
“Crystal Snow,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “You’ve made it.  What happened?”
“I can’t seem to understand why,” Crystal Snow explained.  “But we were ambushed by soldiers representing the kingdom of Equestria.  They were dressed up like elite troops and they had these pods that unleashed a miasma that was as hot as the Fire Nags.”
“So it was Princess Celestia who did this,” Coldnelius Snap said, struggling to maintain his composure.  “She will pay dearly for taking advantage of our truce.”
Locust approached Coldnelius Snap and said “My queen wishes to speak with you about this matter.”
Coldnelius Snap turned towards Locust, who pulled out an orb and levitated it into the air.  Immediately, Queen Chrysalis’ image showed up on the orb itself.
“I was made aware of what Princess Celestia has done to members of your guild, Coldnelius Snap,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “No doubt she took advantage of our truce.”
“It was one thing for the princess to trick you into crashing a wedding,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “But to resort to this?  She’s no better than Hydia.”
“For some reason, I’ve been struggling to contact Princess Celestia and demanding she explain herself about the attack,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “And I believe she may target our hive next.”
“And I take it you will need our help in case she tries to ambush us,” Coldnelius Snap asked.
“Correct,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Not only to defend our home from her treachery, but also to avenge your fallen comrades.  Return to the hive.  We must prepare for war.”
“Very well,” Coldnelius Snap sighed.  “We will be there shortly.”
“And Glaceious,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “We’ll make sure that we get Crystal Snow to safety.  After all, she is your daughter.”
As Queen Chrysalis’ image disappeared from the orb, Locust placed the orb away before turning towards Coldnelius Snap.
“So it’s true?” Locust asked.  “Crystal Snow is your daughter?”
“She is,” Coldnelius Snap explained.  “One of the many survivors from my kingdom’s destruction at the hooves of that terrible alicorn Hydia.  To think that Princess Celestia would step into her hooves and commit the same crime is a cold and cruel act.  Now come.  Your queen awaits us.”
With that, Coldnelius Snap turned his attention towards an empty part of the valley and created a portal in front of him.  Changlings and Cultists walking into the portal, disappearing completely.
“Come, my daughter,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “We must make our way to Queen Chrysalis’s hive.”
Crystal Snow nodded towards Coldnelius Snap before they both jumped through the portal, with Locust following from behind.  Once they were gone, the portal shrunk down and disappeared without a trace.
But nearby, Gold Banks walked up towards the ice castle with a number of Debt Collectors by her side.
“Let us make haste for the magic of the Winterians,” Gold Banks said. “Afterwards, we make haste for the Changelings’ hive and tear their place down.”
“Yes, my lady,” One of the soldiers saluted.
As the soldiers made their way downwards, Gold Banks looked at the magic that poured out from the castle.
“The magic of the Winterians,” Gold Banks said.  “Soon, it will be mine, and it will be one step in my plan to conquer ALL of Equestria.  Then, everyone will call me…master.”
Gold Banks laughed as they made their way towards the castle.

Inside, Gold Banks walked down the halls of the castle chamber with her guards by her side.  The sinister smile on her face shows a pony anticipating great power up ahead.  Once she entered the main throne room, she saw the magic that poured from a pit in front of her.
“This must be it,” Gold Banks said.  “This must be the source of the Windigo’s power: The magic of Winteris.  And it’s now mine.”
Gold Banks pulled out an black amulet shaped into an alicorn with a jewel in it. She held the amulet close to the magic in anticipation.
“Go, my precious,” Gold Banks said.  “Take the magic for yourself.”
Once the amulet touched the magical pillar, it siphoned the cold energy right into the crystal.  Gold Banks’ laughter became maniacal as more magical energy poured into the gemstone.
“I must thank Grand Philosopher for this,” Gold Banks laughed.  “The rush of power is incredible.”
After a moment, Gold Banks pulled the amulet away from the pillar of Winterian magic before turning towards her troops.
“Siphon as much Winterian Magic as possible.” Gold Banks commanded.  “This begins our conquest of Equestria.”
“At once, Gold Banks,” The soldiers acknowledged.
The soldiers pulled a pair of briefcases out from their saddlebags before placing them on the floor.  They opened them to reveal more jewels similar to Gold Banks’ amulet.  As they pulled them out and siphoned off the magic of Winteris, Gold Banks looked down at her amulet.
“Probably too early to give this baby a test drive,” Gold Banks said.  “But don’t you worry.  This will be the key to which I will control all of Equestria: My new Alicorn Amulet.”

Meanwhile, back at the Changeling’s hive, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator sat down at the bar, drinking the night away with fire water.
“Did you hear about what’s happening?” Quickstrike asked.
“The attack on Winteris?” Inferno replied.  “Every changeling is talking about it.”
“Waspinator wants to know why ponies are attacking Windigo’s cultists,” Waspiinator said.  
“Word has it that Princess Celestia is violating the truce that Coldnelius Snap set,” Inferno explained.  “And by attacking the Winteris ruins, she’s violating that truce and it will lead to a declaration of war.”
“War,” Quickstrike laughed.  “Now you’re talking.  I’m in the mood to kick their butts after our humiliation at the wedding.”
“Patience, Quickstrike.  Patience,” Inferno said.  “You’ll get your chance at revenge, once our queen gives us the order.”
“The one thing Waspinator wishes to do is to surrender his medal back to Queen Chrysalis,” Waspinator shouted.  “Waspinator now ashamed of what Waspinator did back at Canterlot.   Waspinator…”
But Waspinator’s mouth was shut tight by Inferno’s magic, who glared at his brother.
“Now is not the time,” Inferno said in a cold tone.  “Understood?”
“Yes,” Waspinator said in a slightly muffled voice.
But as Inferno released his hold on Waspinator, an organic, insect-like, loudspeaker made some noise, attracting everyone within the room.
“May I have your attention?  This is your Queen speaking,” The voice on the loudspeaker announced.  “I demand all changelings report to the throne room, this instant.”
Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator got out of their stools and chugged down their fire water before slamming the cups on the bar counter.
“Come on,” Inferno said.  “Our Royalty demands our attention.”
Quickstrike and Waspinator nodded to Inferno before they leaped into the air and flew off down a tunnel leading out of the bar.  Other changelings followed from behind, leaving the bar completely empty.

Meanwhile, in the throne room, changelings and Windigo’s Guild cult members gathered by the hundreds as Queen Chrysalis, Princess Chrysalis II, Locust, Coldnelius Snap and Crystal Snow stood in front of the throne.  Both Coldnelius Snap and Queen Chrysalis stood there, fuming angry.
“As you are all aware, there was an attack on Winteris by Princess Celestia’s own military,” Queen Chrysalis explained.  “A number of cultists were wiped out by this treacherous and cowardly attack, all while we were in the middle of a truce.”
Queen Chrysalis’ words were enough to cause everyone around her to boo loudly.
“That’s right,” Queen Chrysalis shouted.  “All in the middle of a truce that we agreed to, after Coldnelius Snap had to bring back her adopted daughter Wanda Young from the past.  Well the time for chivalry is over.  We are going to march over to Canterlot and declare war on those miserable ponies for what they did.”
As the changelings and cultists cheered as Queen Chrysalis’ words, Coldnelius Snap stepped forward with a somber look on his face, eyes on the crowd.
“What happened at Winteris is a travesty that should not be repeated again,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “Though I hold no grudge against the Man’s Cub Wanda Young, my hate will be directed towards Princess Celestia, and we will ensure that the ponies suffer the same that our kind has been through.  Take heed, justice will be delivered swiftly towards the alicorns and their follows, for we are the Windigo’s Guild and the Changeling horde.  THE MOST POWERFUL ARMY IN HISTORY!”
The crowd cheered louder from Coldnelius Snap’s speech as the Windigo’s Guild leader took a few steps back.  Then Queen Chrysalis stepped forward and held her hooves in the air, quieting the crowd.  
“Is there anyone who wishes to speak about our upcoming war with the monsters?” Queen Chrysalis asked.
Immediately, Waspinator stepped forward and threw his medal down on the ground.
“Waspinator not proud to have medal after what Princess Celestia did,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator requests to return medal to Queen Chrysalis because Waspinator stopped Gold Banks from taking Princess Wanda from the wedding.”
Queen Chrysalis walked over to the medal and picked it up from the floor.  She observed it for a moment, only for an image of Princess Wanda healing her to pop up in her head.
“Uhh, yeah,” Queen Chrysalis said, hesitantly.  “I’ll uhh…look into it.”
“Mother?” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “Is something wrong?”
“Err, nothing’s wrong,” Queen Chrysalis said as she held onto the medal.  “Our focus should be on Princess Celestia and the kingdom.  Justice will be brought to us.”
“What an uninspiring speech.”  Everyone turned to the entrance to the throne room, where Gold Banks walked towards everyone on her hind legs, clapping her hooves at Queen Chrysalis.  Behind her were five members of her Debt Collectors.  Crystal Snow looked at them and screamed in horror.
“That’s them,” Crystal Snow pointed.  “Those are the monsters who attacked us.”
“Waspinator recognizes Gold Banks,” Waspinator fumed.  “Waspinator remembers how Gold Banks tried to kidnap Wanda Young.”
As a number of Cultists and changelings blocked off Gold Banks’s path, the renegade aristocrat dropped down to her four hooves with a smile on her face.
“You have a lot of nerve to break into our hive while making our announcement, assassin,” Queen Chrysalis said.  
“Oh you’re only half right on that,” Gold Banks said.  “After all, Princess Celestia had nothing to do with what happened in Winteris.”
“And what makes you think I can trust your words?” Coldnelius Snap snarled.  “You’re obviously a spy sent to wipe us out.”
“Correction,” Gold Bank said.  “I am the one who was one hundred percent responsible for the attack on Winteris.”
Every changeling and cultist gasped in horror at Gold Banks’ confession.  Coldnelius Snap dug deeply into the surface of the floor of the throne room before pointing his horn at Gold Banks, charging it up with ice magic.
“You have the nerve to confess your crime to us in front of our faces,” Coldnelius Snap snarled.   “Give me one good reason why I shouldn’t end you.”
Gold Banks just yawned before she said “Because if I die, it would give the entire Debt Collectors authorization to launch Fire Nag Miasma into the hive, and wipe out both the Windigo’s Guild and the Changelings.  Are you willing to face extinction?”
The magic on Coldnelius Snap’s horn disappeared without a trace as the Windigo’s Guild leader took a few steps back.  Every cultist and changeling just stood there, horrified by Gold Banks’ threat.
“You lie to us,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “Why would someone like you threaten our lives?”
“See for yourself,” Gold Banks said.  “You have a means of observing the outside world, do ya?”
Queen Chrysalis immediately turned to her observation orb and zapped it with magic.  The orb showed the area around the hive, where it was surrounded by members of the Debt Collector’s Squad.  Queen Chrysalis’s jaw dropped in both surprise and horror before she turned to Gold Banks.
“You,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “How did you amass an army that size by yourself?  And how did you even sneak into our hive undetected?”
“Why, I’ve studied under my former mentor Magistrate Creme Dream,” Gold Banks explained.  “And she taught me a variety of tricks to undermine anyone, be it in politics or on the battlefield.  You possess magic in this hive that would block out even the likes of an alicorn’s magic.  But thanks to the power of alchemy, and Creme Dream’s former alchemist, I can bypass that and claim your land as my territory.”
“You have a lot of nerve to say that when you’ve barely proven yourself worthy,” Queen Chrysalis snarled.
“Not impressed?” Gold Banks laughed.  She signaled to her Debt Collector Guards and said “Then perhaps, a little demonstration is in order.”
Suddenly, the horn of one of the Debt Collector Grunts surrounded a changeling within the crowd before pulling it out and slamming it on the floor.
“YOU LET HIM GO!” Queen Chrysalis yelled.
The crowd of changelings and cultists charged at Gold Banks, only for a barrier to materialize and block out the incoming mob.  Gold Banks just stood there, smiling at the angry mob as she turned towards her soldiers.
“How can you do that?” Queen Chrysalis yelled as both changelings and cultists watched helplessly at the lone, helpless bug pony.
“The power of Fire Nag Miasma,” Gold Banks said as she pulled out a talisman from her coat, complete with a red jewel on it.  “It has the ability to bypass any nullifications that this hive gives off.  And not only that, it can also prove fatal towards a Winterian or a Changeling.  Observe.”
Another Debt Collector pulled out an organic sac full of a lava-colored liquid.  He threw it directly at the helpless changeling before it exploded, setting off a gas that surrounded the hapless victim.
“My queen…” The changeling begged.  “Help me.”
“RELEASE HIM THIS INSTANT!” Queen Chrysalis yelled as she fired a blast of magic at the barrier.
“Fool,” Gold Banks laughed.
Suddenly, the magic that touched the barrier exploded, knocking all of the cultists and the changelings down onto the ground.  Coldnelius Snap struggled to get up before Crystal Snow pulled him up.  The Predacon slowly got up from the impact of the explosion.  Queen Chrysalis, Princess Chrysalis II and Locust got up and watched in horror as the lone changeling was suffocating from the gas, struggling to scream.
“What are you doing, you monster?” Queen Chrysalis yelled as she helplessly ran up to the barrier and pounded on it.  “Let him go.”
“Oh but I am,” Gold Banks smiled.  “I’m letting him go from his own life.”
Queen Chrysalis could do nothing, but stare as the changeling that was surrounded by the hot gas struggled to reach out.
“My queen,” The Changeling said as he struggled to move.  “I’m….not afraid….to die.”
With that, the changeling collapsed on the ground as the gas cleared up around him.  His cosmic core emerged from his body as the color around it desaturated.  Queen Chrysalis watched in horror as tears fell from her eyes and the cosmic core of the belated changeling flew off into the stratosphere.
“You….You killed him,” Queen Chrysalis cried.  “You sick, twisted, monster.”
“Flattery will get you nowhere,” Gold Banks said.  “Now here are my demands.  Both the Changelings and the Cultists have one hour to surrender themselves and turn your hive over to me.  Failure to do so, and you will face extinction.  I also ensured that you can’t contact anyone outside of the hive, which includes Princess Celestia.  And don’t bother trying to escape.  After all, the choice is yours.”
A portal formed behind Gold Banks as she and the troops turned around and walked towards the vortex.  They jumped inside before the portal disappeared.  The barrier around the dead changeling vanished as Princess Chrysalis II ran up to the poor creature and picked him up.
“You didn’t deserve this,” Princess Chrysalis II cried.  “You didn’t deserve to die.”
Queen Chrysalis and Coldnelius Snap walked over to the orb, where the Debt Collectors were stationed, ready to launch an attack.  Both leaders had the look of dread on their faces.”
“What are we going to do?” Coldnelius Snap said.  “First Winteris, and now the hive.”
Queen Chrysalis turned to Coldnelius Snap and said “There is a secret tunnel underneath the hive.  We will make our escape through that route.  If we hope to survive, then we must escape.”
“But what about the monster Gold Banks, my queen?” Inferno asked.
“I don’t expect her to give us even a few minutes to decide,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “She will launch an attack on us and wipe us out, even if we choose to surrender.  We must escape right now, before we are all dead.”


	To Be Continued in…


	Queen Chrysalis’ Burden

> Arc 24-2: Queen Chrysalis' Burden
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Queen Chrysalis’ Burden



On the outskirts of the Changeling Hive, a number of Debt Collector soldiers surrounded the giant structure.  They were armed with batons and tridents.  Powerful cannons were pointed at the hive containing giant pods filled with Fire Nag Miasma.  Standing by was Grand Philosopher the alchemist.  Immediately, Gold Banks emerged from a nearby portal with several Debt Collector guards by her side.  Grand Philosopher turned to Gold Banks and bowed to her presence.
“Pitiful fools,” Gold Banks said.   “I gave them an hour to decide to surrender.  And yet, I have no intention of letting them live.”
“And I take it you gave them a demonstration of the miasma just to scare them straight,” Grand Philosopher asked.
“Oh I did,” Gold Banks explained.  “But I had more fun torturing a changeling to death than I did seeing the reactions on their faces.  A shame that they’re all going to be dead by the end of today.”
“Then shall we launch our attack on the hive of the changelings?” Grand Philosopher asked.
Gold Banks turned towards the hive tower and said “Make it so.”
Grand Philosopher turned towards the other soldiers and said “FIRE WHEN READY!”
With its first loud boom, a cannon fired a shot of a pod containing Fire Nag Miasma towards the giant structure of the Changeling Hive.

Inside, Queen Chrysalis dashed down the staircase towards the basement of the hive.  Next to her were Princess Chrysalis II, Coldnelius Snap, Crystal Snow, Locust, and the Predacon Brothers.  Behind her, every changeling and cultist followed frantically for their lives.  Princess Chrysalis II held the corpse of a changeling next to her with her magic.
“Keep running,” Queen Chrysalis commanded.  “The sooner we get down to the secret exit, the better.”
“Blast that Gold Banks,” Quickstrike yelled.  “I’ll lasso that snake and send her down the river.”
“Patience, Quickstrike,” Chrysalis said.  “You’ll get your chance at revenge when we get out of this mess.”
“Waspinator knows that all of us will desire revenge against Gold Banks,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator especially wants revenge against Gold Banks…IN SPADES!”
“You think?” Princess Chrysalis II yelled.  “We’ve already lost one of our own to that nasty witch.  I’m not in the mood to lose any more.”
Suddenly, the tower shook violently, causing everyone to lose their footing and collapse on the staircase.
“What in tarnation?” Quickstrike yelled.
“They’ve launched an attack on us,” Queen Chrysalis stated.  “Just as I expected from that coward.”
As everyone got themselves up, they continued to make a mad sprint down the staircase, running as fast as they could.  But they came to a stop when they noticed the side of the wall cracking rapidly.
“What in the world is going on, my queen?” Inferno asked.
“The walls of this place were designed to withstand a ton of kinetic force,” Queen Chrysalis explained.  “It’s impossible for them to smash it in one shot.”
“There’s only one thing that could smash through it,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “Fire Nag Miasma.”
With a loud boom, the cracked walls shattered completely, exposing the staircase to the outside light and unleashing a cloud of Fire Nag Miasma.  Everyone backed off as the red-orange fog inched closer to them.
“Now those sickos have gone too far,” Quickstrike said.  
“They’re very persistent with desiring our eradication,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “They should know never to mess with a Windigo.”
Coldnelius Snap took in a deep breath and blew a cold mist of ice right into the fog of Fire Nag Miasma.  Despite the power of the miasma, the cold ice was able to absorb the heated fog and nullify it completely.
“Well I’ll be,” Quickstrike said.  “You’ve got some power within you, Coldnelius.”
“But I’m not the only one to have that kind of power,” Coldnelius Snap explained.  “My daughter possesses the same amount of power as I do.  She’ll lead you down.  I’ll hold off Gold Banks’ attack.”
“FATHER, NO!” Crystal Snow yelled.
“I’ll be alright,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “Get them down to safety.”
With that, Coldnelius Snap jumped out of the hive tower through the hole in the wall and transformed into a Windigo.  Immediately, he flew upwards into the air and called out to the skies above.
“Father,” Crystal Snow said, reaching out.
Queen Chrysalis placed her hoof on Crystal Snow’s arm and said “Don’t let your father’s action be wasted in vain.  Come with us if you want to live.”
“But I…,” Crystal Snow said before Queen Chrysalis hushed her.
“Your father nearly lost you back in Winteris,” Queen Chrysalis explained.  “If you were to die, his rage would reach across the entire world and doom all life.  For his sake, join us.”
“Very well,” Crystal Snow said, reluctantly.
Crystal Snow ran down the staircase with the rest of the changelings and cultists following right behind her.  Though her mind was focused on Coldnelius Snap, she kept her eyes on the stairs with both Queen Chrysalis and Princess Chrysalis II right beside her, while the latter still held the corpse of the changeling that was killed by Gold Banks.
“I’ll say that it’s an honor to meet you, daughter of King Glaceious,” Princess Chrysalis II said.
“Right now, the greetings can wait,” Crystal Snow said.  “Our focus is on the secret exit, and should anyone get in our way, I’ll freeze them cold.”

Back outside, Windigos from the far north flew over to Windigo Coldnelius.  They directed their attention at the soldiers, who had their sights on the tower.  
“Take no prisoners,” Coldnelius Snap yelled.  “Show them that the Windigos are not to be trifled with.”
Immediately, the Windigos fired off beams of ice at the Debt Collectors.  The impact froze some of them, along with their cannons, solid.  Some soldiers were able to pull back from the Windigo’s wrath.
But nearby, Gold Banks looked up at Coldnelius Snap and the Windigos with a pair of binoculars.
“TAKE YOUR AIM AT THE WINDIGOS!” Gold Banks yelled.  “Pepper them down with Fire Nag Miasma.”
Immediately, the Debt Collectors pointed their cannon up at the Windigos and fired sacs full of Fire Nag Miasma at them.  The Windigos relented by freezing the pods with beams of ice, sending them falling helplessly towards the ground.
“Very resilient,” Gold Banks said.  “But even they have their limits.”
“My lady,” Grand Philosopher said.  “What shall we do about the changelings?”
“Do not worry,” Gold Banks said.  “I know what to do.”
Gold Banks turned to a squad of Debt Collectors, who held their tridents at the ready.
“I want you to sneak into the tower and eliminate them with extreme prejudice,” Gold Banks commanded.  “Show them no mercy.”
“AT ONCE, MY LADY!” The head of the squad saluted.
Immediately, the Debt Collector squad marched towards the Hive, eager to make their way inside and eliminate everyone.
“By the way, Grand Philosopher,” Gold Banks asked.  “What did you say those tridents were enchanted with?”
“The very same Fire Nag Miasma,” Grand Philosopher explained.  “On command, the wielder of the trident can fire a blast of pure fire magic to neutralize a changeling or a cultist.”
“Excellent,” Gold Banks laughed.  “Soon, it will be as if they never existed at all.”
Gold Banks laughed into the air as the Windigos defended themselves against the Fire Nag Miasma, all while squads of soldiers made their way towards the tower, preparing for a fight.

Inside, the changelings and the cultists made their way to the bottom of the stairs, where they immediately paused at the number of tunnels that surrounded them.  Crystal Snow turned her attention towards Queen Chrysalis.
“Your Majesty,” Crystal Snow asked.  “Where is the location of the secret exit?”
“Follow me,” Queen Chrysalis commanded.
Queen Chrysalis ran down a hallway with Crystal Snow and Princess Chrysalis II by her side, and the rest of the changelings and cultists following from behind.
“It won’t be long now,” Locust said.  “Once we’re out of here, we should be home free.”
“Don’t get incompetent, Locust,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Those fools will ambush us the moment we let our guard down.”
“The Royalty is right,” Inferno said.  “They want nothing more than to wipe us out from the face of the planet.”
As the changelings and cultists made their way through the hallway, the ground shook once more and they collapsed on the ground.  Queen Chrysalis got herself back up as Princess Chrysalis II picked up the corpse of the dead changeling.
“They’re not slowing down on the attacks that’s for sure,” Quickstrike yelled.
“You’re right on that,” Queen Chrysalis said as the rest of the changelings and cultists got themselves up.  “Brace yourselves.  We’re about to be hit hard.”
As everyone stood in place, bracing for an attack, the wall on the left began to spark brightly.   Chrysalis covered her eyes with her left hoof as the spark formed a circle shape on the wall.
“There,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “They’re about to launch an attack.  Get ready.”
Princess Chrysalis II set the fallen changeling corpse next to her as she pointed her horn at the sparking wall and charged up her horn.  Queen Chrysalis, Crystal Snow, and the rest of the changelings and cultists followed suit, keeping their focus on the spark on the wall.
“The moment that wall bursts open,” Queen Chrysalis ordered, “Hold nothing back.”
Immediately, the wall exploded, leaving a dust cloud in its wake.  Not long after, Debt Collectors poured into the hive, firing at the changelings and cultists with the tridents.  Queen Chrysalis used her magic to swat aside the blasts, knocking them to the walls.
“Don’t give them any quarter,” The captain of the Debt Collectors shouted.  “Show no mercy.”
As the Debt Collectors fired right at the escaping group, each changeling and cultist fired back with their own magic, canceling out the Fire Nag energy coming from the tridents.  One of Locust’s magic spells hits a Debt Collector, knocking his trident out of his hooves and sending him falling to the ground.
“Quickly,” Queen Chrysalis shouted.  “Grab any tridents that fell and turn the tables on them.”
Crystal Snow quickly surrounded the fallen trident with her magic and pulled it up to her.  She pointed the tips of the trident at one of the incoming soldiers and fired.  The magic hit directly at the soldier, causing his body’s color to disappear and his cosmic core to eject from his body before he collapsed onto the ground.
“One soldier goes down and more come this way,” Crystal Snow said, firing off more Fire Nag magic at the Debt Collectors.
“Does that bad boy have anything that could clear a path through?” Princess Chrysalis II asked.
But before Crystal Snow could say anything, her eyes caught the attention of a Fire Nag sac being sent towards the changeling and cultist group.  With a powerful swing, Crystal Snow sent the Fire Nag sac forward before it detonated, releasing a cloud of Fire Nag Miasma.  
“Let’s see what happens when my magic combines with THAT,” Crystal Snow yelled as her horn glowed brightly.
Crystal Snow fired a blast of cold magic at the Fire Nag Miasma.  Instead of absorbing the fog, the ice mixed in with the fire, creating a powerful explosion, knocking everyone down.  
“Are you crazy?” Queen Chrysalis yelled.  “You could have gotten us killed.”
“We weren’t the only ones to be knocked out,” Crystal Snow shouted, pointing to the Debt Collectors.  “Look.”
Queen Chrysalis looked forward, where she saw the Debt Collectors struggling to get back up.  She immediately got up and walked towards one of their members.
“Nice weapons you got there,” Queen Chrysalis said before she pulled a couple of the tridents away.  “Too bad you won’t be needing these.”
“You give that back this instant, witch,” One of the soldiers shouted.
Queen Chrysalis smacked the soldier with the blunt portion of the trident, knocking him out cold.  She turned to the others and shouted “Come with me.  We will make our escape soon.”
Queen Chrysalis ran down the hallway with every changeling and cultist following from behind.  But as Inferno was about to make his way done, something was pulling on his hind leg.  He turned around to see a Debt Collector grunt hold his leg down while pointing his trident at the Predacon.
“You’re not going to live through this you weak insect,” The Debt Collector said in a smug tone.
Immediately, Inferno pulled the trident from the grunt and pointed it at him.
“So you wish to play with fire, do ya?” Inferno said.
The grunt immediately pulls another trident out and uses it to push Inferno’s Trident out of the way before pointing it at the Predacon.
“Oh I know how to play with fire,” The grunt said.  “And I intend to put it to good use.”
“I beg to differ,” Inferno said as his mouth glowed brightly.  “You play with fire, you get burned.
With that, Inferno breathed fire right at the grunt, setting him ablaze.  The grunt screamed loudly in agony as he lost his grip on Inferno’s leg.  The Predacon ran off after the Queen, leaving the Debt Collector on fire.  
But as the soldier collapsed from the flames, water splashed right on top of him.  His fur and mane lost all of its color before his cosmic core flew out of his body and into the stratosphere.
“You’re very clever to turn the tables on us,” The Captain said.  “But it won’t matter once we wipe your kind to extinction.”
The Captain of the Debt Collectors turned towards his other soldiers, who followed the changelings and the cultists down the hallway.

Further down, the changelings and the cultists came across a huge chasm in front of them.  Ahead was another tunnel that led downwards.
“When we reach the other side, that tunnel will lead to a secret exit,” Queen Chrysalis explained.  “That is our way out.”
“We changelings are capable of flight,” Locust explained.  “And I take it you cultists have a means of flight as well.”
“We do,” Crystal Snow explained.  “Because of the Winterians’ connection to the Windigos, we can take on their form at will.  Observe.”
Crystal Snow held her hooves out as she transformed into a Windigo.  She flew across the chasm and landed on the other side before she transformed back into her former self.
“Now, soldiers of my father,” Crystal Snow commanded.  “Come to me.”
Immediately, the members of the Windigo’s Guild transformed into Windigos before they flew over the gap and towards Crystal Snow.  Before they touched the ground, they transformed back into their former pony selves.
“Fascinating,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “I underestimate the power of the Windigo’s Guild.”
Quickstrike turned around and looked down the tunnel behind them.  He immediately turned to Queen Chrysalis and shouted “Boss bug.  We’ve got company.”
“Then hurry,” Queen Chrysalis shouted.  “Fly above the chasm and get to safety.”
The changelings nodded at Queen Chrysalis before they jumped into the air and flapped their wings as fast as possible.  Queen Chrysalis fired a blast of magic at the top of the tunnel, collapsing the way forward.
“Good riddance to bad rubbish,” Queen Chrysalis snorted.
Queen Chrysalis jumped into the air and flew above the chasm, joining Princess Chrysalis II in the process, who still carried the corpse of the fallen changeling.
“I take it you plan on giving the fallen one his proper funeral rites,” Queen Chrysalis asked.
“I am,” Princess Chrysalis II replied.  “He was one of us until that monster Gold Banks suffocated him with that miasma.”
As Queen Chrysalis and Princess Chrysalis II landed on the other side, she looked down at the dead changeling before placing her hoof on his head.
“Poor fallen bug,” Chrysalis lamented.  “To have suffered for his loyalty to me by Gold Banks.  No doubt Banks will pay in spades.”
Suddenly, the blocked tunnel from which the changelings and cultists came from exploded.  Seeing the Debt Collectors emerge from the tunnel, Queen Chrysalis turned her attention to her minions and the cultsits.
“GET TO SAFETY!” Chrysalis commanded.  “I’ll hold them off.”
Crystal Snow led Locust, Inferno, Quickstrike, along with a number of changelings and cultists through the entrance and up the tunnel.  But before Chrysalis II and Waspinator could step towards the entrance, a blast of Fire Nag Magic hit the archway of the door, sealing it in a cave-in.
“We’re blocked off,” Princess Chrysalis II yelled.
As the Debt Collectors fired at the changelings and cultists still in the vicinity, Queen Chrysalis blocked their shots off with her magic, deflecting them towards the walls in the vicinity.  Once they connected, they exploded, leaving behind gaping holes in the wall.
“You’re very good,” The captain of the Debt Collector Squad said.  “But it won’t save your expendable army.”
A couple of Debt Collectors fired a few shots from their Fire Nag trident at the group.  Chrysalis attempted to deflect the shots with her magic, only for them to fly over and hit two changelings dead-on.
“NOOOO!” Queen Chrysalis shouted.
The two changelings fell down onto the ground as the color in their bodies disappeared and their cosmic cores emerged from their bodies before departing upwards.
“You sick little puppy,” Chrysalis snarled.  “I’ll kill you for this.”
Queen Chrysalis fired off a few shots from her horn towards the Debt Collectors.  The captain just yawned as he conjured up a fire shield to block off the shots from the Changeling Queen.
“How pathetic,” The Captain said.  “But why just bother to fire shots at these miserable bugs when we can take it up a notch.”
The Captain of the squad twirled his trident before pointing it at Princess Chrysalis II.  Before the changeling filly had time to react, the trident fired off a stream of Fire Nag energy, grabbing the princess and pulling her to the Debt Collectors.
“MOTHER HEEEEEELP!” Princess Chrysalis II yelled.
Queen Chrysalis fired her own magic at Princess Chrysalis II.   She struggled to pull her daughter back while the Captain slowly tugged at her.
“A valiant effort,” The Captain said with a laugh.  “But futile.”
As the Captain pulled Princess Chrysalis II, his soldiers fired right at the changelings and cultists.  A few of them got hit, sapping the color away from them before they fell into the chasm.  Moments later, their cosmic cores emerged and flew off.  
“NOO!” A helpless Queen Chrysalis yelled.
“Face it,” The Captain shouted.  “You cannot escape from us.  Extinction is your own way out of here.  Face your death in the name of Gold Banks, the future Empress of all of Equestria.”
As the Captain’s laughed out loud, Waspinator looked at the Captain square in the eye and his blood began to boil.
“You hurt Waspinator’s friends and Queen Chrysalis’s daughter,” Waspinator yelled.   “Now you pay DEARLY!”
Waspinator flew up to the side and fired a number of blasts directly at the Captain.  Before the leader of the group could react, the shots hit him directly, one at a time.  Stunned by the impact of the shots, the Captain dropped the trident, causing the magic around Princess Chrysalis II to disappear before Queen Chrysalis pulled in her.  Every Debt Collector paused in horror as the Captain struggled to keep himself up.
“To die…in battle…was my greatest dream,” The Captain said, holding his chest.  “And now…I die.”
With that, the Captain fell down the abyss and disappeared into the dark void.  Sometime later, a loud thud echoed through the chamber, followed by a cosmic core that flew from the abyss and towards the stratosphere.
Waspinator flew downward next to Queen Chrysalis, who held her daughter close.  He eyed the trident that the late Captain held and pulled it over to him with his magic.
“You’ve done well, Waspinator,” Queen Chrysalis said.  
“Anyone would have done what Waspinator has done,” Waspinator said as the trident flew into his arm.  “Consider brothers and sisters avenged.”
Waspinator pointed the trident at the blocked off tunnel entrance and fired a shot of Fire Nag magic right at it.  The impact caused the blockage to shatter to pieces, opening the way forward.
“Come,” Queen Chrysalis commanded.  “We must leave.”
Queen Chrysalis held Princess Chrysalis II close as she walked her through the tunnel.  Changelings and Cultists followed their queen from behind, with Waspinator blocking the shots of the Debt Collector’s blasts with a shield of fire from the trident he took.
“Waspinator despises Debt Collectors,” Waspinator said in a harsh tone.  “Now Debt Collectors face Waspinator’s WRATH!”
Waspinator quickly charged up the trident in his hooves and fired off a beam of magic on the cliff below the Debt Collector troops.  The cliff exploded on impact, sending a number of Debt Collectors falling into the abyss, screaming in fear.  Moments later, cosmic cores flew upwards into the stratosphere as the surviving members turned tail and ran in the opposite direction.
“Good-bye, home sweet home,” Waspinator said before he turned tail and ran down the tunnel.


	To Be Continued in…


	Gold Banks’ Victory

> Arc 24-3: Gold Banks' Victory
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Gold Banks’ Victory



Coldnelius Snap, who was still in his Windigo form, fired among the Debt Collectors with his Windigo allies following suit.  The impact of the ice shattered the cannons and knocked the Debt Collector Grunts aside.  Some of them were knocked out of commission.  Others lost their fur and mane color before their cosmic cores shot out of their bodies and into the air.
“NO MERCY TO THOSE WHO DARE DEFILE OUR WAY OF LIFE!” Coldnelius Snap shouted.
But as the Windigos held nothing back, Gold Banks looked down at her Amulet, twirling it with her magic and staring at the jewel embedded in it.
“Guess it’s about time I put this to good use,” Gold Banks said.  “But just to bring more heat to the Windigo’s Guild and the Changelings.”
Gold Banks turned towards a nearby cannon, observing her troops loading another Fire Nag pod into the barrel.  She walked up to the cannon and placed her hoof on it, turning it red hot.
“Perfect,” Gold Banks said.  “Now it’s time to show the Windigos who’s really in charge of Equestria.”
As Gold Banks took a few steps back from the giant cannon, she signaled to the troops, who aimed the cannon right at the two Windigo allies of Coldnelius Snap.
“Now!” Gold Banks shouted.  “Roast them.”
With one press of the button from a grunt, the cannon fired off a powerful shot right at the Windigos.  Before they could react, the supercharged Fire Nag pod hit them directly, detonating and covering them in a more potent Fire Nag Miasma.  Coldnelius Snap turned to the Windigos and gasped in horror.
“NO!” Coldnelius Snap shouted.
Coldnelius Snap charged up magic within his mouth and was about to fire at the miasma when he was hit from behind by another shot from the Fire Nag pod.  The impact covered him in the Miasma for a moment before he fell towards the ground.
As Snap hit the ground hard, he transformed back into his alicorn form.  Then he looked up helplessly at the Windigos, who screamed in agony over the Fire Nag Miasma.   They lost their consciousness and fell downward into the ground before collapsing.   Coldnelius Snap slowly got up and ran towards the Windigos, who hit the ground with a loud thud.
“THE WINDIGOS ARE FINISHED!” Gold Banks yelled.  “TEAR THAT HIVE APART!”
More cannons fired right into the Changeling Hive as Coldnelius Snap ran up to the fallen Windigos.  He was helpless to watch as these ghostly-like ponies lost all of their color and their cosmic cores ejected from their astral form.
“NOOOOO!” Coldnelius Snap yelled.
As Snap ran up to the fallen Windigos, pieces of the Changeling Hive fell towards the ground.  One landed in front of him, forcing Coldnelius Snap to come to a stop.  He looked up and saw more pieces of the hive fall towards him before jumping out of the way.  Once he landed, he watched as the hive was slowly being torn apart by the Fire Nag pods.
“First Winteris and now the Changeling hive,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “We have lost our homes.”
Coldnelius Snap transformed back into a Windigo and flew away from the collapsing Changeling Hive.  Every cannon came to a stop as the hive fell down onto the remains of the Windigos before it hit the ground, creating a giant dust cloud that covered the vicinity.  
Nearby, Coldnelius Snap flew as far as possible from the ruins of the Changeling Hive and landed nearby in the forest, away from the Debt Collectors.  He looked out at what was left of the Changeling Hive before hanging his head in shame.
“I failed to save Winteris, and I failed to save the Changeling’s Kingdom,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “Are we doomed to extinction?”
Coldnelius Snap turned his head and ran off in another direction.
Nearby, as the dust cloud cleared up, the Changeling Hive laid down on its side, shattered to pieces.  Gold Banks looked down at the remnants of the hive before turning towards her troops.
“The kingdom of the Changelings is ours,” Gold Banks shouted.  “Come.  Let us reap the rewards of battle.”

Meanwhile, the remaining cultists and changelings emerged from a secret exit outside of the vicinity of the Changeling Hive.  Their eyes were directed to where the hive stood.  Queen Chrysalis reached out helplessly at what was left of her home.
“It’s all gone,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “First I lose my mother Queen Pailionoidea and the original kingdom.  And now this.”
“Mother,” Princess Chrysalis II said, setting the corpse of the fallen changeling aside.  “What’s going to happen to us now?”
“I don’t know,” Queen Chrysalis said as a tear fell from her eye.  “For the first time since this Hydia took our livelihood, I don’t really know.”
Inferno walked up onto a nearby rock and stood on it, looking down at the remnants of the Hive.
“Our colony is gone,” Inferno said in a weak voice.  “Everything we’ve worked so hard to show our superiority was taken away by that monster Gold Banks.  We are broken as a species.”
Immediately, Waspinator and Quickstrike walked up to Inferno before standing on the same rock as he was.
“Don’t you worry, brother,” Quickstrike said.  “We’ll pay back those varmints for what they did, we’ll get our land back, and we’ll rebuild our colony bigger than ever.  And once we do, we’ll drink all the fire water until our bellies burst.”
“Waspinator agree with Quickstrike,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator won’t forgive Gold Banks and her butt-kissers for what she did.  Waspinator out for revenge.”
But Inferno ignored the words of his brothers.  His eyes focused on the ruins of the Changeling Hive, Inferno walked away from his brothers and continued to look down at what’s left of their home.
“Poor big brother,” Quickstrike said.  “It’s going to take some time for him to recover from the loss.”
“What can Waspinator do to cheer him up?” Waspinator asked.  “Waspinator feel sorry for Inferno.”
“It will take some time to motivate big brother into becoming his former self again,” Quickstrike said.  “For now, we should let him mope for a bit.”
“Waspinator hope Inferno can come around and become stronger than ever,” Waspinator said.  “After all, Waspinator still have motivation left.”
“And that is something that should be rewarded.”  Waspinator turned around to see Queen Chrysalis walk up to him with the very medal he gave her.
“Queen Chrysalis?” Waspinator said.  “What are you doing with medal?  Waspinator not deserve something like that.”
“Far more than you ever imagined,” Queen Chrysalis said as she placed the medal on Waspinator’s chest.  “Long ago, you earned this medal for protecting the Man’s Cub from Gold Banks.  Today, you’ve earned it even more for saving my daughter’s life.  For that, I am grateful for your actions.”
As Queen Chrysalis stepped back with a small smile on her face, Waspinator looked down at his reclaimed medal, and cried a few tears.
“Waspinator vow not to fail Queen Chrysalis,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator accepts this medal with great honor.”
Suddenly, Coldnelius Snap flew in as a Windigo and landed nearby as he transformed back into his alicorn form.  Crystal Snow ran up to her father and gave her a big hug.
“You’re alright,” Crystal Snow said.  “I feared that you were killed by Gold Banks.”
“I’m not,” Coldnelius Snap said. “I don’t die that easily.”
As Snap held onto Crystal Snow, Queen Chrysalis walked up to the leader of the Windigo’s Guild with Princess Chrysalis II by her side.
“Before we leave the hollowed grounds of what was once our hive, I believe there are some unfinished business that needs to be tended to,” Queen Chrysalis explained.
“Such as paying our respects to the dead?” Coldnelius Snap asked.
“Indeed,” Queen Chrysalis replied.

Later that night, the corpse of the fallen changeling was placed atop a wooden pyre that stood on some stones.  Princess Chrysalis II stood over the fallen changeling while holding a bottle of fire water.  Queen Chrysalis stood on a makeshift altar, addressing the Changelings and Cultists.  Coldnelius Snap sat next to his daughter Crystal Snow, holding hooves together in mourning.  Locust, Quickstrike and Waspinator looked up at their fallen comrade, while Inferno hung his head down in shame.
“Today, so many lives of the Changelings and the Winterians have been lost to Gold Banks,” Chrysalis spoke.  “One life that was taken was that of one changeling who was tortured to death in front of our eyes, done in by Fire Nag Miasma.  A reflection of what happened to our ancestors when Hydia the Alicorn took the life of our previous queen and my mother: Pailionoidea.”
The changelings and the cultists bow their heads down in respect as Queen Chrysalis wiped a tear from her eye.
“But make no mistake,” Queen Chrysalis spoke.  “What happened tonight should not be the end of our kind, be it Changeling or Winterian.  We will rise up against the monster who took the lives of our kind.  We will come back stronger than ever, and we will show the entire world that nothing will keep us down.  But never forget those who were slain by this monster’s actions. Especially the one victim who didn’t deserve it.”
Queen Chrysalis turned her attention to Princess Chrysalis II and nodded to her.  The princess of the changelings downed a bottle of fire water before breathing the flames at the fallen changeling’s corpse that laid on the pyre.  The remains of the poor soul was lit ablaze along with the very pyre.  Everyone turned their attention towards the funeral pyre.
“Poor fellow member of the hive,” Inferno said.  “He didn’t deserve it.”
“What was his name?” Quickstrike asked.
“Dragonfly,” Queen Chrysalis replied.  “His name….was Dragonfly.”
Every changeling thrusted their hoof in their, chanting “DRAGONFLY!  DRAGONFLY!  DRAGONFLY!  DRAGONFLY!  DRAGONFLY!”  As the changelings chanted, the remains of the changeling slowly disintegrated into the fire as his ashes rose into the air and became flower petals, flying off in the distance.
“Father,” Crystal Snow cried.  “What will we do now?”
“Come dawn, we will make our way to the north west and conquer Mount Aris,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “Only then will we have a new home, and a new meaning to our cause.”
The changelings continued to chant “DRAGONFLY” as the night went on.  As the pyre burned into the night, Dragonfly’s name embedded itself on the stone.

The next morning, not a single sign of changeling nor cultist was in the presence around the remnants of the hive.  The Debt Collectors walked up to what’s left of the building with Gold Banks and Grand Philosopher leading the entire army.
“The magic is yours to collect, Lady Banks,” Grand Philosopher said.  “But what should we do about what’s left of the Changeling’s hove?”
“We will rebuild it into a palace of our own,” Gold Banks explained.  “And we will make it in a way that mocks their legacy.”
“A very interesting approach,” Grand Philosopher said.  “How about I take care of it right away?”
Gold Banks came to a stop and said “And deprive the peons of their job?”
“Time is money, my dear,” Grand Philosopher said.  “After all, you are also due for your invasion of the Hippogriffs on Mount Aris and Seaquestria.”
“So we’re going to top the Storm King when it comes to conquering those bird brains,” Gold Banks said.  “Very well.  Do what must be done.”
Grand Philosopher held his hooves out as the remnants of the Changeling Hive levitated into the air and swirled around into a vortex.  In a flash of light, a palace formed in front of everyone, shining like jade in the sun.  Statues of Gold Banks lined the outer walls of the new castle.
“It’s magnificent,” Gold Banks laughed.  “To turn their own kingdom into a monument to me.  How ironically delicious.”
“Come with me, Lady Banks,” Grand Philosopher said.  “It’s time I led you to the sacred land that contains the magic of the changelings.”
Grand Philosopher walked towards the entrance of the newly-formed palace with Gold Banks following from behind.  The Debt Collectors took up point and surrounded the new castle, keeping their eyes out on any intruders.

Inside, Gold Banks and Grand Philosopher walked down the halls of the newly formed palace.  There were paintings of Gold Banks that lined the walls, each showcasing her in all her pride.
“This place is amazing,” Gold Banks said.  “And it will do for a new location now that I can’t return to Canterlot nor Manehattan.”
“Once you’ve powered up through your new Alicorn Amulet, every part of this world will belong to you,” Grand Philosopher stated.  “It will be as if it were your new sandbox, and you were declared its empress.”
“I do say, empress has a better ring to it than queen,” Gold Banks said before she pulled out your amulet.  “And you’re right.  The power of this amulet will grow one day, once we acquire more power to amplify it.”
“And you’re in luck,” Grand Philosopher said.  “When I built this palace with the power of alchemy, I was able to build a path that leads straight to the sacred land.  One that houses the magic of the changelings.  Observe.”
Grand Philosopher came to a stop as he tapped the floor of the palace’s grand foyer.   The ground lifted up, revealing an elevator-like platform.
“After you, my lady,” Grand Philosopher said, presenting Gold Banks with the elevator.
“A new palace with service,” Gold Banks said.  “Now this is style.”
Gold Banks stepped onto the platform with Grand Philosopher stepping on afterwards.  Grand Philosopher tapped the platform with his hoof, causing it to descend downwards.  As the platform made its way down through the ground, Gold Banks turned to Grand Philosopher.
“You went through all that trouble just to get us down to our final goal, Grand Philosopher,” Gold Banks asked.
“It was all for you, future ruler of all of Equestria,” Grand Philosopher said.  “But to do so, you must possess every magic across this world and become the most powerful being ever.  Maybe to ascend to a goddess, or a titan.”
“A goddess or even a titan,” Gold Banks said.  “I like that.”
It didn’t take long for the platform to arrive in a new land, which looked as barren as the former kingdom of the Changelings.  A castle stood near them, where magic poured out in a stream.
“What a disgusting place,” Gold Banks said.  “But I would say the same thing if it were covered in flowers and trees.”
As the platform came to a stop at the bottom, Grand Philosopher and Gold Banks stepped off and walked towards the castle.
“Come this way,” Grand Philosopher said.  “The magic of the changelings awaits.”
The two ponies made their way across the badlands towards the castle, where the magic poured out.  Grand Philosopher used his magic to open the front doors before he and Gold Banks stepped inside.  
Inside, the castle resembled the former changeling hive.  But in the middle of the Grand Foyer of the hidden castle, the stream of magic poured out into the air.  
“Go, my lady,” Grand Philosopher said.  “The magic of the Changelings awaits you.”
Gold Banks walked up to the stream of magic and held out her amulet.  With a flash of light, the amulet siphoned the magic of the changelings into the jewel encrusted on it.  After a short moment, Gold Banks pulled the amulet back and looked down as the jewel glowed green.
“And so my journey to capture the changeling’s magic has been completed,” Gold Banks said.  “And not only that, but I have a new palace to call my own.”
“But your work is not done yet,” Grand Philosopher said, walking up to Gold Banks.  “There is another source of magic that is ripe for the taking: The magic of the Hippogriff kingdom.”
“Mount Aris,” Gold Banks said.  “To think, they once had a powerful kingdom atop, long before this Hydia attacked them and slayed King Neptune and Queen Athena.  Now their daughter Queen Novo is what’s left of the original royal family.  Oh I still remember her talking about how our deal was done during the Grand Gallopin Gala.”
“And I take it you wish to send Queen Novo to an early grave,” Grand Philosopher asked.
“More than that,” Gold Banks said.  “I wish to wipe out the hippogriffs and the sea ponies from existence before I take their magic.  After all, they are nothing more than mere gnats compared to the future Empress.”
“Then we make for Mount Aris,” Grand Philosopher stated.  “The sooner we acquire their magic, the sooner you will be able to begin your conquest.”
“Very well,” Gold Banks said with a laugh.  “It won’t be long until we have enough to overthrow Princess Celestia and take my rightful place as Empress of the world.”


	To Be Continued in…


	Arc 25: The Demon’s Grasp


	A New Tale in Vanhoover

> Arc 25(The Demon's Grasp)-1: A New Tale in Vanhoover
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


	Arc 25: The Demon’s Grasp


	A New Tale in Vanhoover



In the town of Vanhoover, due far north of Canterlot, a giant ground bridge portal stood on the outskirts of the village.  The crystal of the portal lit up and the vortex formed around the inside of the arc.  Immediately, Princess Celestia emerged from the portal with Twilight Sparkle and Spike by her side.  Following from behind were Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer, Abigail Albright, Golden Lace, Starlight Glimmer, Misty Brightdawn, Vignette Valencia, Wallflower Blush and Gloriosa Daisy.
“Mom and dad told us they would meet us back at my old hometown of Vanhoover,” Twilight Sparkle said.
“Not only that, but your brother and Princess Cadance are up here as well,” Princess Celestia explained.
“I am going to miss living in Canterlot,” Twilight Sparkle explained.  “But at least I can come down through this new ground bridge portal here in Vanhoover.”
“I know it will be hard to readjust to your return here,” Princess Celestia said.  “But I will support your decision to come to this wonderful place.”
“Well that being said, I’m surprised that our new friends actually live up here in Vanhoover,” Twilight Sparkle said.
“Believe it or not, the three youngsters came up here sometime after your folks took you and your big brother to the capital city of Canterlot,” Princess Celestia said.  “That’s why you never met them before.”
“That does explain a lot,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “But I wonder what will happen to them now that we don’t know where their folks are.”
“We’re still trying to find out the whereabouts of their families,” Princess Celestia explained.  “Especially their parents.  But we were able to locate a brother of one of the ponies.”
“Wait,” Gloriosa Daisy said as she ran up to Princess Celestia.  “Are you saying that my brother Timber Spruce is here?”
“When Night Light and Twilight Velvet arrived yesterday,” Princess Celestia explained, “They got in contact with Timber Spruce, who told them about you and how he missed you so much.  He also talked about how his parents were taking away from him in retaliation for trying to get you back.”
“I thought they went into hiding,” Gloriosa Daisy asked.
“I’m afraid not,” Princess Celestia said.  “I found out from your brother that they were taken to an insane asylum while you were at Daisy Joy Tech.”
“Just like what happened to mine,” Vignette Valencia said.  “Princess, why is it that we don’t know where our parents are, even after Gold Banks is now on the run?”
“Chancellor Cinch has been petitioning the prisons bureau for their location and immediate release,” Princess Celestia explained.  “But I’m afraid they turned down her commands.  Even my pleas fell on deaf ears.”
“Even when she’s not in power, that mean old Gold Banks is still calling the shots,” Wanda said.
“Well I wouldn’t say that,” Princess Celestia said. “After all, she’s not the only one that I worry about.”

As the group stepped hoof into the town of Vanhoover, they were amazed by the size of the buildings that surrounded the village, along with the ponies who wandered around.
“You call this place a village?” Golden Lace said.  “Looks more like a city than a village.”
“That’s true,” Princess Celestia said.  “Though many insisted that Vanhoover be called a city, some prefer to call it a town than a city.”
“This place makes La Maresa look small in comparison,” Wanda said.
“It does, doesn’t it?” Princess Celestia said before she gave Wanda a hoof noogie, causing the human child to giggle.
“Mommy, cut it out,” Wanda giggled.  “That tickles.”
As Celestia tickled Wanda, Starlight looked around Vanhoover, amazed by the sights.
“New to Vanhoover?” Twilight asked.
“Oh I am,” Starlight said.  “But I also heard that this place is great to explore, like the famous Stallion Park, or the Canteriliano Suspension Bridge, or maybe even the Welch Beach.”
“Well,” Twilight giggled.  “Maybe on a future visit, I could show you more of this amazing place.”
“Oh would you?” Starlight cheered.  “I would be happy to see it.”
“Oh there is a lot to see in Vanhoover,” Twilight said.  “Even the old town here is a sight to see.”
Suddenly, someone shouted “GLORIOSA!”  Gloriosa Daisy turned to her right to see a slightly older earth pony with a light tangelo coat, a mane with two shades of dark aquamarine, and a cutie mark that represents two leaves and a four pointed star on it.
“TIMBER SPRUCE!” Gloriosa said as she allowed the earth pony to pick her up and hug her closely.
“I was hoping I would see you again,” Timber said.  “After what happened with our folks, I feared I would have been alone.”
“Thanks to Wanda’s family, we’ve gotten out of Daisy Joy Tech,” Gloriosa Daisy said.
Timber Spruce turned towards Wanda, Sunset and Abigail, to which Wanda waved at him with a grin on her face.
“These must be the daughters of Princess Celestia that Princess Cadance told me about,” Timber Spruce said as Gloriosa Daisy jumped out of his arms.
Timber Spruce walked up to Sunset and Wanda, the latter of which hid behind Sunset.
“Wanda, you alright?” Sunset asked.  “You look a bit shy.”
“I do not,” Wanda said.  “I think he looks cute.”
Sunset just laughed before she said “I don’t think he’s your type.”
As Timber Spruce held his hoof out, Wanda reached out and held onto it with her hand.  Timber slowly pulled her up on her feet, to which Wanda just blushed.
“Oh, I dunno if I should…well…you know,” Wanda said, struggling to get the words out of her mouth.
“You don’t need to say anything,” Timber said.  “After all, you are the adopted daughter of Princess Celestia.  And anyone with ties to the princess is welcomed in my book.”
As Timber Spruce released his hoof from Wanda’s hand, the man’s cub pulled the collar of her dress and gulped embarrassingly.
“Me thinks you have a weakness for cute boys,” Sunset teased.
“I do not,” Wanda yelled.
“Still, if he were a human or you were a pony, it would be a match made in Equestria,” Sunset Shimmer said.
“He’s not my boyfriend,” Wanda yelled.
But as Twilight stood back with Spike by her side, giggling at Wanda and Sunset, she heard someone shout “Twilight.  Glad you made it back to Vanhoover.”  She turned to her right to see a pegasi colt with a brilliant gamboge coat, to tones of moderate sapphire blue mane, and a cutie mark with a lightning bolt embedded on a shield.
“FLASH SENTRY!” Twilight cheered as the pegasi ran up to her.
“It’s been a long time, Twilight,” Flash Sentry said as Twilight gave him a hug.  “I was wondering how life was going up in Canterlot.”
“Well except for the fact that I was taken to Daisy Joy Tech against my will, I’d say fine,” Twilight responded with a smile.   
Immediately, Twilight reached down and picked up Spike the dragon, presenting him to Flash Sentry.
“Flash,” Twilight said.  “I would like to introduce to you my new baby brother: Spike.”
Flash Sentry looked directly at Spike and slowly reached his hoof out to him.  But as he did, Spike gagged a bit, like he had something that was about to come up.
“Uhh Twilight,” Flash said.  “I think your brother might be sick.”
“Oh no,” Twilight said, freaking out a bit. “I know where this is going, and I don’t think you wanna be around it.”
“Oh don’t worry,” Flash said.  “I’ve dealt with kids throwing up on me.  What’s the worst thing that could happen?”
And with that, Spike belched out a flame right in Flash Sentry’s face, burning it.  Flash Sentry looked at the kid before turning his attention to the small fire on the top of his mane, immediately putting it out with his hoof.
“I see what you mean,” Flash Sentry said before he shook the soot off of his fur and mane.
Immediately, Golden Lace walked up to Twilight and said “So this is your coltfriend, Twilight?”
“Not really,” Twilight said.  “Just a foalhood friend of mine that I knew before I came to Canterlot.  His name is Flash Sentry, but I gave him a cute nickname.”
“And what would that be?” Golden Lace asked.
“Mordecai,” Twilight responded.
Golden Lace just stood there, almost completely dumbfounded.
“Mordecai?” Golden Lace said.  “What kind of nickname is Mordecai?”
“Just a fun nickname,” Twilight teased.
Immediately, Twilight heard someone shout her name.  She looked behind Flash Sentry and saw Shining Armor and Princess Cadance run up to the group.
“TWILI!” Shining Armor shouted.
“Big Brother,” Twilight cheered as she ran up to Shining Armor and gave her a big hug.
“We were hoping you would show up,” Princess Cadance said.  “Your parents are waiting for you at your new house.”
“You mean my old house,” Twilight Sparkle said.
“Yeah,” Shining Armor said. “And your friends are welcome to come on over.  Especially Sunset and Wanda.”
“Do you really mean it?” Twilight asked.
“That was the plan in the first place,” Princess Celestia giggled.  “Oh Twilight you silly pony.  
Twilight lets go of Shining Armor before she turns to the other younglings.
“Did you guys hear that?” Twilight said.  “We’re heading over to my house.”
As the younglings cheered loudly, they followed Twilight Sparkle, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance through the streets of Vanhoover, with Princess Celestia walking alongside the two.
“So what do you think?” Princess Cadance asked.   “Maybe I should set up a castle here if I decide to live in Vanhoover.”
“We’ll see about that,” Princess Celestia laughed.
But as everyone walked down the street, Sunset Shimmer paused for a bit with a throbbing headache.  She clutched her head for the moment before it cleared up.
“What just happened?” Sunset asked.
Sunset’s ears caught the sound of a meow.  She looked down and saw Abigail look up at her.
“It’s nothing to worry about, Abby,” Sunset said.  “Now let’s go catch up to them.”
With that, Sunset Shimmer and Abigail Albright ran up to the rest of the group as they made their way downtown.

Later that day, in a house in the shape of a tree, Shining Armor was in his old bedroom with Sunset Shimmer, Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Misty Brightdawn and Starlight Glimmer.  There were a number of items that decorated the room such as comic books, video games and even movies.
“You had all of this the entire time?” Sunset Shimmer asked.
“I did,” Shining Armor replied.  “When we first moved to Canterlot, we left a lot of our stuff behind because we vowed to come up here every summer.  Dad often came here to check up on the place with Mom while I looked over little Twili.  Ironic how Twili’s gonna live here once more while I look after the Canterlot house.”
Wanda looked up at Shining Armor’s video game collection.  There were a lot of games to choose from that towered over her that numbered over five hundred.
“Shining,” Wanda asked.  “How come you have all those video games when you can download them onto your tablet or system?”
“Well that’s a good question,” Shining Armor said as he pulled one of his games out.  “Not all of us are keen on just downloading the game.  I’m more of an old school kind of pony as I like to collect games.”
“Collect?” Wanda asked.
“Why would anyone collect video games?” Starlight asked.
“Because before the Canterweb was set up,” Shining Armor explained as he opened the cover of his game, “We used to buy our games on either cartridges or discs.”
Shining Armor showed the younglings the inside of the game case, which contained a game cartridge embedded in a small gap and a booklet that went with it.
“Wow,” Starlight said.  “It’s that small?”
“Yeah,” Shining Armor explained as he pulled the tiny cartridge out and held it up.  “This is the kind of carts used for my Neightendo Swap system.  Before then, cartridges were bigger in many ways.  The first Neightendo used far bigger carts for their systems.”
Shining Armor pulled out a video game tablet from a nearby drawer and plugged it into a cable.  He slid the cart into the slot and turned it on.
“This is just a simple game that I used to play,” Shining Armor said as the screen lit up.  “It’s all about a heroic princess whose goal is to rescue the legendary plumber from an evil dragon.”
Misty Brightdawn looked down at the screen and just shrugged a bit.
“I dunno,” Misty said.  “Back during my time, we never had any of these video games.  In fact, we never had any of this magitech stuff.”
“Well you’re in luck,” Shining Armor said.  “I’ll show you what these kinds of games are like.”
“From that small screen?” Misty asked.
“Nope,” Shining Armor said, pointing to a dock connected to a television.  “I’ve got another way to play them”
Shining Armor disconnects his gaming tablet from the plug before inserting it into the dock.  Immediately, the game popped up on the tv screen, much to the amusement of Wanda, Sunset and Starlight.  Though Misty still looked rather confused at it.
“Here,” Shining Armor said as he handed a controller to Misty.  “Try it out.”
Misty Brightdawn took the controller out of Shining’s hooves and started playing the buttons.  On the screen, the princess moved in a three dimensional arena as Misty moved the joystick.
“This is pretty interesting,” Misty said.
“The B button on the controller allows you to jump,” Shining Armor explained.  “Hold it down after jumping to hover yourself in the air.”
As Misty Brightdawn continued to play the game on the tv screen, Wanda, Sunset, Starlight and Abigail sat next to her and observed the gameplay.
“So Wanda,” Misty asked.  “Do you ever play like this?”
“We do,” Wanda said.  “But our games are downloaded onto the system compared to what Shining Armor showed you.”
“I dunno why you would want to,” Misty said.  “Especially when collecting these games are rather interesting.”
“I’m not so sure if King Sombra would approve of you playing or even collecting these,” Sunset Shimmer laughed.
“Actually,” Misty said.  “Big brother Sombra collects rare antiques from across the world based on the various societies he’s seen with his eyes, along with some of the goodies he’s smuggled from various gang lords.”
“Wait wha?” Wanda and Sunset shouted.
“Gang lords?  Smuggling?” Shining Armor said, surprised by Misty’s statement.
“Oh, that’s something I should tell you when we see him again,” Misty replied.

In the living room area of the house, Princess Celestia sat down on a couch, sipping at some tea.  Spike the Dragon sat next to the alicorn princess.  Across on another couch was Night Light and Twilight Velvet.  Night Light’s wheelchair sat next to the couch while Night Light had his legs on a hoof stool.
“So I take it you’re going to look after Vignette, Wallflower and Gloriosa,” Princess Celestia asked.
“We are,” Night Light said.  “There’s been no sign of their parents or any other relatives of theirs besides Timber Spruce.  And the governor of Vanhoover gave us the green light to do so.”
“It’s a difficult task to look after five younglings,” Princess Celestia explained.  “Even though I’ve had much experience with this, raising them won’t be easy.”
“We know about that,” Twilight Velvet said.  “And we’re prepared to do so in case something horrible happens to their parents.”
“There’s also Twilight Sparkle,” Princess Celestia said.  “Thanks to the completed ground bridge, she’s welcome to return to Canterlot, any time she wishes.”
“Well that’s saying a lot since she still goes to your school, Princess,” Twilight Velvet said.  “After all, if Danged Spell, Sunburst and Moondancer can live in La Maresa and go down to the School for Gifted Unicorns, then it makes a lot of sense.”
“Indeed it does,” Celestia said before taking another sip of tea.
“There is one matter that does concern us,” Night Light asked.  “It’s about Wanda.”
“Oh,” Celestia said, moving the tea cup from her lips.
“Actually, it’s more with the concern about her biological mother,” Twilight Velvet explained.
“Wow,” Celestia said.  “I guess you would have found out, one way or another.”
“It’s more on the big question,” Twilight Velvet asked.  “How come you never explained to Wanda who her real mother was?”
Princess Celestia placed her tea cup on the plate nearby.  Then she cleared her throat before directing her gaze towards Twilight Velvet.
“It was Eleanor’s idea,” Princess Celestia explained.  
“Eleanor?” Twilight Velvet replied.  “Why would she not want her identity as Wanda’s mother be revealed?”
“Eleanor felt like that if I told Wanda about who her mother truly is, she believed that it was a sign for Wanda to return back to her own home,” Princess Celestia said.  “So as a result, I swore an oath to Eleanor not to tell Wanda about who her real mother is.”
“Doesn’t that put a lot of pressure on you?” Night Light asked.
“It does,” Celestia said.  “Only because it feels like I’m denying my adopted daughter the truth about Eleanor.”
“Eleanor believes she wants Wanda to be happy with her friends,” Twilight Velvet said..  “And in her shoes, I would have done the same thing.  But at the same time, Eleanor needs to tell Wanda the truth about herself.  And she needs to do so, one day.  It’s going to be hard for Wanda.  But she’ll understand.”
“I hope you’re right on that,” Celestia said as she looked out the window.  “The last thing I need is for Wanda to know the truth after something horrible happened to me.”
“That’s the last thing you need to worry about,” Twilight Velvet said.  “Besides, weren’t you going to let Princess Cadance supervise the other youngsters to their trip to the Carmaneah Walbridle Park?”
“That’s right,” Celestia said.  “Too bad Danged Spell, Sunburst and Moondancer are too busy for this moment.  Maybe on a future visit, we’ll bring them up.”
Spike the Dragon looked out the window and just said “Twilight.”

Outside, Twilight Sparkle played ball with Flash Sentry and Vignette Valencia, while Golden Lace, Gloriosa Daisy and Timber Spruce wandered around the block.  Wallflower Blush stood next to a tree, staring upwards at the sky, with Princess Cadance looking after the younglings.
“So it’s going to be hard to say good-bye,” Golden Lace said.
“It is,” Gloriosa Daisy said.  “But at least I don’t have to be at Daisy Joy Tech again.”
“You said it,” Golden Lace laughed.
“It’s too bad Juniper never thought about moving up to Vanhoover,” Timber Spruce said.  “Her and Canter Zoom.  They would have enjoyed it up here.”
“That’s true,” Golden Lace said.  “But they would have to relocate the movie set here.  After all, Canter Zoom is a director.”
“Well still,” Timber Spruce said.  “Like La Maresa, we have our own forests to explore.”
“You’re talking about the Stallion Park, correct?” Golden Lace asked.
“Well not just that,” Gloriosa Daisy replied.  “There are a lot of forests surrounding Vanhoover, like the Carmaneah Walbridle Park.”
“I’ve actually heard of that place,” Golden Lace said.  “In fact, I heard the trees there are bigger than the buildings in Manehattan.”
“Oh they are,” Timber Spruce said.  “Maybe before you head back to Canterlot, you and your friends should come up and check the place out.”
“Is that a fact?” Princess Cadance said, walking over to Timber Spruce.  “I forgot to tell you this.  But later today, we’re going to check out the Carmaneah Walbridle Park due south of here.”
“Really?” Twilight yelled as she accidentally threw the ball too hard, causing Flash Sentry to duck.
“Woah, careful Twilight,” Flash said.  “I almost got hit by a bean ball.”
“Oops,” Twilight said, blushing.  “Sorry about that, Mordecai.”
“It’s okay,” Flash Sentry said.  “You’re just excited to check that place out, like you once did before your move.”
“I know,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “The Carmaneah Walbridle Park is one of the coolests places when it comes to forests.  The Trees are huge and everything is just beautiful.”
“That would be a great place for me to just kick back and relax,” Wallflower Blush said.
“Oh it would,” Twilight said, walking over to Wallflower.  “You’re going to enjoy it there.”
“It’s funny you should say that,” Timber shouted.  “Because before she disappeared, Wallflower Blush enjoyed going to that park just to enjoy herself.”
Twilight turned to Wallflower, who just hid her face behind her arm.
“Oh come on,” Twilight said.  “Aren’t you going to tell us more about that park?”
“Well,” Wallflower said as she lowered her arm.  “It’s a great place for camping.  But you must be careful.  Bears can pop up when you least expect it.”
“Then that settles it,” Twilight Sparkle cheered.  “When do we get ready?”
“Oh silly Twilight,” Princess Cadance said.  “We’ll have to wait for the others before we head out into the forest.”
Twilight Sparkle looked at the others, especially Golden Lace, who were giggling nearby.
“Whoops,” Twilight smirked.  “Guess good things do come to those who wait.”


	To Be Continued In…


	The Demon of the Forest

> Arc 25-2: Demon of the Forest
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Demon of the Forest



Deep within the forests of the Carmaneah Walbridle Park, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance led Sunset Shimmer, Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Spike the Dragon, Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Misty Brightdawn, Golden Lace, Flash Sentry, Timber Spruce, Gloriosa Daisy, Wallflower Blush and Vignette Valencia through the lush beauty of the trees that surrounded them.  Princess Cadance faced her video phone with Princess Celestia on it.
“Remember my daughter,” Princess Celestia explained.  “If something goes wrong, don’t hesitate to contact me.  I’ll be there in almost a flash.”
“You got it, mother,” Princess Cadance said.
Princess Celestia nodded to Princess Cadance before she disappeared from the tablet.  Cadance placed her tablet into her saddlebag before turning her attention to the forest.
“I take it mommy’s making sure we’re alright,” Wanda asked.
“You’re right on that, Wanda,” Princess Cadance said.  “We’re going to be exploring this place for a bit before we head back to Twilight’s house.”
“You know it’s too bad we can’t spend the night here,” Shining Armor said.  “They would enjoy the scenery from this place.”
“Yeah, but we did promise mother that I would bring them back before dusk,” Princess Cadance said.  “And a promise is a promise.”
“That’s true,” Shining Armor said.  “Besides, mom and dad were going to meet us at the camping grounds to have a picnic there.”
“Yeah it’s too bad,” Sunset Shimmer said, observing the trees around her.  “Because this place is beautiful.  Much like the Everfree Forest.”
“I’ve been down to the Everfree Forest, back when it was just the ruins of Everfree City,” Misty said. 
“What was it like back then?” Sunset asked.
“It was far sadder than it appears to be,” Misty replied.  “The ruins of what was once the original capital of Equestria just felt too depressing to look at.  It was as if Equestria lost its soul.”
“That is sad, and I didn’t get the chance to see the ruins up close in the past,” Wanda said.  “Maybe if I get sucked back into the past, I may check it out.”
“That’s something I think past me would be happy to show you,” Misty replied.
But as Wanda, Sunset and Misty continued to chat together, Twilight Sparkle walked alongside Flash Sentry with Golden Lace walking behind them.
“I mean, seriously?” Golden Lace said.  “Mordecai as a nickname?”
“What’s wrong with that?” Flash Sentry asked.
“I dunno,” Golden Lace said.  “I expected something more down to Equestria, like Vincent, or Kai, or Euden or Knux.”
Flash Sentry just laughed before he said “Those are some interesting nicknames you had in your head.”
“You know, Lace,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “Sometimes late at night before we head to bed, Mordecai and I just look up at the sky and just count all the stars that shine downward.  And sometimes, we pretend that airplanes in the night sky are like shooting stars.”
“Why, because you could really use a wish right now?” Golden Lace said with a smirk on her face.
“Okay, now you’re just messing with us,” Flash Sentry laughed.
“Don’t mind Lace,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “Though I am surprised that she’s been channeling a bit of Danged Spell’s aura.”
“Danged Spell, eh?” Flash Sentry asked.  “Is he her coltfriend?”
Immediately, Golden Lace just blushed before she yelled “HE’S NOT MY COLTFRIEND!”
With that, both Twilight Sparkle and Flash Sentry laughed.
“Don’t worry, Lace,” Twilight giggled.  “We were just messing with ya.”
Golden Lace turned her head, blushing embarrassingly.
“Yeah,” Lace said.  “Just…messing with me.”
But as the group continued their way through, Sunset Shimmer collapsed for a bit as if she had a throbbing headache.  Wanda and Cadance were quick to turn towards Sunset Shimmer as everyone came to a stop.
“Sister,” Wanda said.  “You alright?”
Sunset held her position for a bit before she opened her eyes and looked up at Wanda.
“I’m fine,” Sunset said.   “I dunno what happened to me.”
“Are you really sure you wanna continue with us?”  Princess Cadance asked.  “I could ask mother to come pick you up if you’re not feeling well.”
“I’ll be fine,” Sunset replied.  “Honest.”
“Are you sure?” Princess Cadance asked.
“Yeah,” Sunset replied.  “It’s nothing to worry about.”
Princess Cadance continued to look at Sunset as she continued down the path with everyone else.
“I’m a bit worried for Sunset,” Princess Cadance said.
“If it gets worse, I’ll contact Princess Celestia,” Shining Armor said.
“Good thinking,” Princess Cadance replied.

Later that day, Night Light and Twilight Velvet had set some food up on a picnic table.   Despite being in his wheelchair, Night Light was outperforming Twilight Velvet in setting up the picnic.   It didn’t take long for Princess Cadance and Shining Armor to arrive with the other younglings right behind them.  
“Mom, dad,” Shining Armor waved.  
“It’s about time you made it,” Night Light said.
“You’re ever the fast pony,” Shining Armor said as he, Twilight Sparkle and Spike ran up to Night Light and Twilight Velvet.
“Well it pays to the fact that we went up ahead,” Twilight Velvet said.  “Now how about you all come up?  I’ve prepared some delicious arugula, avocado and carrot sandwiches with some zesty dressing on it, and I’m not wishing for them to go to waste.”
Immediately, the younglings all ran up to the picnic table and took a set before everyone took a bite into their sandwiches.  Everyone enjoyed every bite from the delicacy of the food.
“Wow,” Wanda said after swallowing her first bite.  “This is delicious.”
“Well that’s my mom,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “She knows how to make a delicious sandwich.”
“I’ll say,” Misty said after she swallowed a bite.  “I’ve tasted something similar to this before.  But never in a sandwich form.”
“Hey Lace,” Gloriosa said.  “Do you usually eat this kind of stuff?”
“Not really,” Golden Lace said.  “Back when I was more on terms with my mother, we usually ate these hor'dourves.  And most of the time, they were bland and boring compared to what I’ve been eating, especially Hippogriff food.  Now that’s a meal onto itself.”
As everyone else enjoyed their food, Starlight Glimmer looked down at her uneaten sandwich, licking her lips.
“Hey Starlight,” Vignette Valencia said.  “Are you not hungry?”
“No,” Starlight said.  “I just feel like doing this.”
With her mouth wide open, Starlight Glimmer stuffed her sandwich right into her own mouth.  She closed her mouth tight before she chewed her sandwich.  Everyone just looked at her, completely surprised.
“Starlight,” Twilight Sparkle laughed.  “That’s not how you enjoy a sandwich.”
But Starlight ignored Twilight Sparkle’s laughter before swallowing the sandwich in one gulp.  She stuck her tongue out, licking the sauce off her lips.
“Starlight,” Wanda laughed.  “What am I going to do with you?”
“And here we thought Danged Spell was a big eater,” Twilight Sparkle laughed.
“Danged Spell?” Flash Sentry asked.
“A friend who’s more of a smart aleck,” Twilight Sparkle explained.  “Often like to resort to puns just to rile us up.  He’s also the great grandson of High Chieftess Pele and he once assumed that he was banished from Lio Lani.”
“High Chieftess?  Now that’s a big deal,” Flash Sentry said.  
Everyone went back to enjoying their sandwiches with Night Light, Twilight Velvet, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance joining in on lunch.  But as Sunset Shimmer finished her sandwich, her headache came back.
“Sunset, are you alright?” Princess Cadance asked.
Sunset got out of her seat and began to walk away from the group.
“I…just need some time away for a bit,” Sunset said as she kept her head away from the group.
As Sunset Shimmer walked away, Twilight Velvet turned to Princess Cadance.
“Give her some time to relax for a bit,” Twilight Velvet said.  
“Are you sure about that?” Princess Cadance asked.
“I know she has that problem deep within her,” Twilight Velvet replied.  “But I think once we inform Princess Celestia, she’ll know what to do.”
“Good idea,” Shining Armor said as he pulled out his video phone.  “In fact, I’ll contact her right away.”

Later that day, Sunset Shimmer went for a walk by herself through the first.  Though she continued to get throbbing pain in her head, she kept her focus on the trail ahead.
“SUNSET!  SUNSET, WHERE ARE YOU GOING?” Sunset Shimmer turned around to see Twilight Velvet and Princess Cadance run up to her.
“What are you guys doing here?” Sunset asked.
“We want to know why you decided to go off on your own,” Twilight Velvet asked.
“It’s…something I’d rather not discuss,” Sunset said as she 
“Sunset,” Twilight Velvet said.  “I know what’s going on with you.  It’s your demon form, isn’t it?”
“How do you know about that?” Sunset asked.
“Your mother told me about the condition you have,” Twilight Velvet replied.  “How she’s been trying to help you in keeping it under control.”
“Sunset,” Princess Cadance said.  “We’re trying to help you.  We know what’s going on.”
“I don’t know if you can,” Sunset said.  “With every time my curse takes over, I grow weaker and weaker.  I don’t think mother can save me.”
“She can,” Princess Cadance said.  “And she’s done so, many times before.  You just have to trust us.”
Suddenly, Sunset Shimmer’s headache grew worse as the little filly held her head in pain.
“RUN!” Sunset yelled.  “JUST RUN!”
“Sunset,” Twilight Velvet yelled.  “Fight it.  You can do it.”
But as Sunset struggled to hold her head, she began to shapeshift into a demon.
“Not this time,” Princess Cadance said, charging up her horn.
Princess Cadance fired her magic right at Sunset Shimmer’s head, piercing through to her mind.  Cadance stood there, allowing the magic to go into Sunset Shimmer’s head as she tried to change her back.
“Please be alright,” Twilight Velvet said.  “Please.”
But in a flash, Princess Cadance’s magic disappeared and she was knocked to the ground.  Princess Cadance got up and looked at Sunset Shimmer, who was shapeshifting even further.
“What happened?” Twilight Velvet asked.
“I don’t know,” Princess Cadance said.  “One moment I was getting through.  The next moment, I was thrown aside.”
“I hate to say this,” Twilight Velvet said.  “But I’m afraid we can only hope that Princess Celestia arrives before it’s too late.”

Meanwhile, Wanda Young relaxed on a hillside that sloped down into a lake.  Twilight Sparkle, Misty Brightdawn, Abigail Albright, Spike the Dragon and Flash Sentry laid next to her.
“So Wanda,” Flash asked.  “What’s it like to be the only human in a world full of ponies?”
“It’s really hard to describe,” Wanda said.  “Sometimes I do feel like I’m the odd one out, even though my friends are all ponies.”
“The odd one out?” Flash Sentry replied, confused.
“It means because she’s different from us, she sometimes believes that she doesn’t belong,” Twilight Sparkle replied.
“But most of the time, I don’t mind being the only human in Equestria,” Wanda said.
Flash Sentry got up on his four hooves and said “But don’t you think you’ll end up lonely down the line?”
“That’s something I do fear,” Wanda replied.  “The idea that I could end up all alone, one day.”
“I didn’t know about this,” Twilight Sparkle replied.
“When I first met Wanda, we cried our eyes out because we assumed to forever be alone from our friends and family,” Misty Brightdawn replied.  
“That’s gotta be the most horrible thought ever,” Flash Sentry replied.  “To lose everything you’ve held dear because of fate.”
“I’ve known what it’s like to lose everything close to me before,” Wanda said.  “I hope it doesn’t happen again.  But then again, sometimes the worst case scenarios always seem to play out.”
“Don’t say that,” Flash Sentry said.  “You have two wonderful sisters who will be by your side, and your mother is the Princess of Equestria.  And you have a lot of friends who will stay by your side to the very end.”
“You think so?” Wanda asked.
“Flash is right,” Twilight said.  “In fact, I’ll say that we’ll always be by your side, even if the worst case scenario plays out.”
Wanda looked at both Twilight and Flash, but could barely get a word out of her mouth.
“It’s okay, Wanda,” Misty said.  “I’ll be here as well to help you out.  And the same can be said of Sunset Shimmer.”
Suddenly, Shining Armor appeared out of the woods and ran towards the group in a frantic hurry.  Twilight Sparkle was quick to notice her brother approaching them, along with the look in his eyes.
“Shining,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “What happened?”
“It’s Sunset,” Shining Armor said.  “She’s transforming again.”
“Oh no,” Twilight Sparkle replied.  “Not now.”
“I’ve already made contact with Princess Celestia just in case,” Shining Armor said. “But I don’t know if she can make it on time.”
Misty got up on her four hooves and yelled out “WE HAVE TO GET TO HER AND FAST!”
“Not a good idea,” Shining Armor said.  “We have to get you to safety before she…”
But it was too late.  The roar of a demon echoed through the forest as Twilight Velvet and Princess Cadance ran up to the group.  
“Mother, what’s going on?” Twilight Sparkle asked.
“I’m sorry,” Twilight Velvet said.  “Princess Cadance tried to get her under control, and she resisted it.”
Another roar echoed through the forest as everyone looked up the hill to see Demon Sunset Shimmer approach them. 
“What in the world is that?” Misty Brightdawn yelled.
“That’s Sunset Shimmer,” Wanda said as she held Misty close to her.  “And her demon form has taken hold of her again.”
Demon Sunset marched over to the entire group as Shining Armor stared right at it.  Abigail and Spike stood by Wanda, Misty and Twilight, with Abigail hissing at the demon and Spike breathing fire at it.  Flash Sentry could do nothing but stare at the giant creature.
“Oh my goodness” Flash said.  “I heard it was bad.  But not on this level.”
“Even Princess Celestia can’t figure out why she’s got it,” Shining Armor said, staring down Sunset Shimmer with his horn glowing.  “Now stay back.  I’ll try to hold her down.”
As Demon Sunset Shimmer approached the group, she looked down at Wanda and Abigail, growling loudly.
“Sunset,” Wanda said.  “It’s me, your sister.  Don’t you recognize me?”
“Wanda, I don’t think she can,” Twilight Sparkle said.  
Shining Armor got in between Demon Sunset and Wanda, glaring up at what was once Wanda’s sister.
“Stay back,” Shining Armor said.  “Don’t you dare.”
But before Demon Sunset could inch closer to the group, she was hit by some flying rocks.  Twilight Sparkle held Spike close to her as Shining looked to her left to see Night Light holding some rocks with his magic.  Next to him were Golden Lace, Starlight Glimmer, Gloriosa Daisy, Timber Spruce, Vignette Valencia and Wallflower Blush.  Golden Lace and Starlight Glimmer were worried about Demon Sunset, while Gloriosa Daisy, Timber Spruce, Vignette Valencia and Wallflower Blush were horrified.
“GET OUT OF THERE!” Night Light yelled.  “I’LL HOLD THEM OFF!”
“FATHER NO!”  Shining Armor shouted.
But Demon Sunset turned her attention towards Night Light.  She growled loudly as she made her way towards the group.  Night Light signaled towards his group of younglings, who quickly hid behind him, except for Golden Lace.
“Lace,” Night Light said.  “What are you doing?”
“Sunset Shimmer is not the only one with a curse,” Golden Lace said.  “I have something called the Wolf’s Breath Curse, and I can use it to hold her back.”
“Don’t be foolish,” Night Light said as he grabbed Golden Lace.  “She’ll eat you.”
“And yet you chose to lure her here,” Golden Lace said.  “Trust me.  I’ll be able to hold her off.”
Night Light released his grip on Golden Lace, who looked up at Demon Sunset.  She took a deep breath and directed her attention up at Demon Sunset.
“Forgive me, Sunset,” Golden Lace said.  “For what I must do.”
With that, Demon Sunset’s eyes glowed brightly and her teeth were bare.  She growled as loud as the wolf as she circled around Demon Sunset.
“The daughter of the princess has a demon within her while the daughter of Gold Banks has the Wolf’s Breath curse?” Timber Spruce said, horrified.
“I’ve met another friend who has the same curse as Lace,” Starlight explained.  “And even he has problems controlling it.”
Golden Lace and Demon Sunset stared down at each other, growling loudly as if they were about to make the first move.  Despite the massive size of Sunset Shimmer’s demon form, Golden Lace wasn’t about to back down at all.
But when Demon Sunset raised her paw in the air as if she were going to attack, Golden Lace ran under her corrupted friend before grabbing the demon by the tail.  She jumped up into the air, pulling Demon Sunset upwards, before flipping downwards.  With a powerful turn of her neck and the release of her grip, Golden Lace slammed Demon Sunset on the ground.
As Golden Lace landed on the ground, growling loudly, Demon Sunset slowly got herself up, dazed.  She shook her head and looked down at Golden Lace, who continued to growl at the demonized pony.
“Lace. I’ve got this.”  Everyone sans the Demon and Golden Lace turned to the right, where Princess Cadance and Twilight Velvet led Princess Celestia through the forest.
“Mommy,” Wanda yelled.
But Wanda’s voice caught the attention of Demon Sunset.  She glared down at the human princess before picking her up with her magic.   Wanda screamed in horror as she was lifted off the ground.
“WANDA, NO!” Shining Armor yelled.
Shining Armor grabbed onto Wanda in an attempt to pull her down.  But Demon Sunset pulled him off with her magic and tossed him into the water.  Wanda looked at Shining Armor, who pulled himself up, just as Demon Sunset pulled her close.
“Sunset, it’s me, Wanda,” Wanda said in fear.  “Please don’t eat me.”
Demon Sunset glared at Wanda before roaring right in her face.  She opened her mouth up and slowly moved Wanda towards it.  Wanda closed her eyes and grit her teeth in fear.
“Sunset, please,” Wanda cried.  “Don’t do this.”
Suddenly, Demon Sunset paused before it screamed in pain, causing her to drop Wanda to the ground.  Shining Armor got out of the water and used his magic to pull Wanda towards him before grabbing onto the Man’s Cub.
“You alright, squirt?” Shining Armor asked.
“I am,” Wanda said before holding onto Shining Armor.  “But I don’t know about my sister.”
Right on Demon Sunset leg, Golden Lace bit right at it, keeping her teeth held onto Demon Sunset’s leg as Celestia ran up to them.
“I’ll take it from here,” Celestia said as Princess Cadance pulled Golden Lace off of Demon Sunset’s leg.
Princess Celestia charged up her horn and fired it right at Demon Sunset’s head, piercing through her skull towards her mind.  She kept her focus, holding down as hard as possible.
“Come on,” Princess Celestia said.  “Return…to normal.”
Suddenly, a flash of light went off, knocking Princess Celestia down to the ground as her magic disappeared.  Princess Cadance ran up to Princess Celestia, who looked a bit dazed.
“Mother, what happened?” Princess Cadance asked.
“I don’t get it,” Princess Celestia said. “It was supposed to have returned her to normal.”
But Demon Sunset hovered over Princess Celestia, Princess Cadance, Golden Lace and Twilight Velvet.  As the demon growled at the group, Princess Celestia got back on her hooves, Twilight Velvet stood in fear while Golden Lace barked loudly.
“I wish Princess Luna was here to help us,” Princess Cadance said.
“Sadly, she’s busy at the castle,” Princess Celestia said.  “Even so, she wouldn’t know where to find us.  So it’s up to the two of us to bring her down.”
Keeping their eyes on Demon Sunset, Princess Celestia and Princess Cadance charged up their horns before firing it at Demon Sunset’s head.  The demon roared loudly as magic poured into her head.
“Keep it up,” Princess Celestia yelled.  “We have to get her under control.”
“I’ll try, mother,” Princess Cadance yelled.
Demon Sunset struggled to fight back as Celestia and Cadance kept their magic flowing into her head.  The demon looked as if it were focusing her energies on the two princesses.
“I’m starting…to tire,” Princess Cadance said.
“Don’t,” Princess Celestia said.  “I’ve got your back.”
But just then, Golden Lace barked loudly as she ran up to the Demon, much to Twilight Velvet’s shock.
“Lace,” Twilight Velvet shouted.  “Come back.”
But before Twilight Velvet made a move, Golden Lace ran up to Demon Sunset’s other leg and bit right into it.  The demon roared loudly in pain and lost her focus on the Alicorns, directing her gaze at Golden Lace
“NOW!” Princess Celestia yelled.  “GOLDEN LACE BOUGHT US SOME TIME!   LET’S PUT IT TO GOOD USE!”
With a powerful burst of magic, Princess Celestia and Princess Cadance focused their magic stream right into Demon Sunset’s mind.  The demon roared loudly before she began to transform back, causing Golden Lace to release her grip off of Sunset’s leg.
“It’s working,” Princess Cadance yelled.  “IT’S WORKING!”
The magic flowed right into Demon Sunset’s mind, shape shifting her and shrinking her down, until she was Sunset Shimmer once more.  Princess Celestia and Princess Cadance immediately dissipated the magical stream the moment Sunset Shimmer was back to normal.
“We did it,” Celestia panted, exhausted.  “We got her down.  And…it took a lot of my energy.”
“Mines as well,” Cadance said, breathing heavily.
Wanda got out of Shining Armor arms as she and Twilight Sparkle ran up to Sunset Shimmer.  The filly looked up at her sister and friend, only to looked horrified.
“Sister,” Wanda cheered.  “You’re alright.”
But Sunset Shimmer got up on her four hooves and froze Wanda and Twilight Sparkle in place.
“Get back from me,” Sunset cried.  “I almost ate my sister in that form.  I don’t think I can forgive myself for it.  I’m done with this family.”
Once Sunset released her magical hold on Twilight Sparkle and Wanda Young, she turned tail and ran off in another direction, crying loudly.
“SUNSET!” Wanda cried.  “SUNSET, COME BACK!”
Princess Celestia struggled to get herself up as Sunset Shimmer ran through the forest, crying loudly.  Golden Lace walked up to Princess Celestia as she turned her attention to the fleeing Sunset Shimmer, whimpering loudly.
“Sunset,” Princess Celestia said.  “I haven’t seen her in this much despair, ever.”
“Princess,” Twilight Velvet said.  “You’re still weak from turning her back.  Let me handle this.”
With that, Twilight Velvet went in pursuit after Sunset Shimmer, leaving Princess Celestia and Princess Cadance next to a Wolf’s Breath Golden Lace, who only whimpered loudly.  
“Poor Lace,” Princess Celestia said, turning towards Golden Lace.  “I’ll get you out of that.”
With a tap of her horn, Princess Celestia cast a magical spell on Golden Lace.  In a flash, her eyes stopped glowing and she shook her head.
“Thanks Princess,” Golden Lace said.  “But what’s going to happen to Sunset?  I’ve never seen her be so resistant towards your magic.”
“Neither have I,” Princess Celestia said.  “Sunset’s demon form is becoming more and more powerful with each passing day.  I fear that the magic of the alicorns won’t be enough to contain her.  But I may have a solution.  One that, unfortunately, will mean she won’t be able to use her magic for the time being.”
“What does that mean?” Golden Lace asked.
“You’ll find out,” Princess Celestia said.  “Once Twilight Velvet convinces Sunset to stay with us.”
As everyone watched as Twilight Velvet disappeared into the forest, Twilight Sparkle turned to Flash Sentry, who, along with Misty Brightdawn, approached her and Wanda.
“Go make sure Sunset’s alright,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “She needs all the care in the world.”
“Roger that,” Flash Sentry said.
With that, Flash Sentry flapped his wings and flew off in pursuit of Twilight Velvet and Sunset Shimmer.  Wanda could only stare out as Twilight Sparkle reached out and gave the Man’s Cub a hug.
“Will Sunset be alright?” Wanda asked.
“I don’t know,” Twilight Sparkle responded.  “I don’t know.”
“Poor Sunset,” Misty said.  “To be forced into that form against her own will.”
“I only hope that Sunset can beat back her demon form and be with us again,” Wanda said.


	To Be Continued in…


	No One Should Be Left Behind

> Arc 25-3: No One Should Be Left Behind
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


No One Should Be Left Behind



The sun was setting in the west, deep within the Carmaneah Walbridle Park.  Sunset Shimmer hid behind a nearby tree deep within the forest, crying her eyes out.  
“I almost ate my sister,” Sunset cried.   “I almost did.  I don’t deserve to be anyone’s sister, or even daughter, right now.  I just want to run away and never see a single soul again.  I don’t deserve anyone.”
“Sunset?  Sunset are you okay?” Sunset Shimmer turned her head to the left to see Twilight Velvet run up to her.  But the only thing Sunset could do is run behind the tree in fear.
“Go away,” Sunset cried.  “I’ll only hurt you.”
“Sunset,” Twilight Velvet said.  “Your friends and family are worried for you.  Especially your mother Princess Celestia.”
“I don’t care,” Sunset cried.  “I almost hurt you all and I almost ate my sister.  I just want to be alone for the rest of my life.”
Twilight Velvet walked around the tree towards Sunset Shimmer, who only backed away the moment she laid eyes on her.
“Sunset, don’t be so frightened,” Twilight Velvet said.  “We know you’ve been suffering from your own curse.  Princess Celestia told us so.  In fact, everyone’s worried about your well-being.”
“Well they should be more worried about my demon form,” Sunset yelled.  “And they should be more worried that I’m a threat to them as long as I live.  Why don’t you see the truth and leave me alone?”
Immediately, Sunset Shimmer got on her four hooves and ran off from Twilight Velvet, only to be held back by the mare’s magic.
“Young lady,” Twilight Velvet said.  “It’s going to be alright.  I’m not going to leave you.”
“LET ME GO!” Sunset yelled.  “JUST LET ME RUN AWAY!”
But Twilight Velvet had none of it.  She pulled Sunset Shimmer over to her and held onto the little filly.  Sunset struggled to break free, even going as far as to light up her own horn.  But Twilight Velvet held onto her.
“PLEASE LET ME GO!” Sunset screamed.  “I WANNA RUN AWAY!  I DON’T WANT TO HURT ANYONE ELSE!”
“And you won’t,” Twilight Velvet said.  “In fact, a lot of ponies would miss you if you ran away.  Your sisters, your aunt, and especially your mother included.”
“BUT I’LL HURT THEM,” Sunset cried.  “I’LL EVEN END UP KILLING THEM!”
“No you won’t,” Twilight Velvet said.  “You still have Princess Celestia to help you out.  She’ll figure out a way to help you and your demon form.”
“And she’s right.”  Flash Sentry flew down from the sky and landed next to Twilight Velvet.
“Flash, what are you doing here?” Sunset said, horrified by Flash Sentry’s presence.
“It was Twilight Sparkle’s idea,” Flash said.  “She wanted to make sure that you’re okay.  Everyone does.”
“Everyone?” Sunset asked.  “Even after what just happened?”
“Yeah,” Flash Sentry said.  “Even though I’ve already met you and after the fact that you became a giant she-demon, I was more concerned for your well-being.  After all, Twilight Sparkle told me about you and the fact that you sometimes transform into a demon.”
“But what if I lose control again?” Sunset asked.  “What if I become a she-demon once more and result in the deaths of so many that I care for?”
“And that’s where we’ll keep fighting to keep that in place.”  Sunset turned towards the forests, where Princess Celestia, Princess Cadance, Night Light and the rest of the younglings.  The ones that walked closer to Sunset were Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Twilight Sparkle, Spike the Dragon, Starlight Glimmer and Misty Brightdawn.
“Guys?” Sunset said.  “Are you really sure about this?”
“We are,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “Even if it does put us in danger, we don’t want you to be alone.”
Wanda walked up to Sunset Shimmer and said “I know you tried to eat me.   But I would be far sadder if you left us.  You’re more important a sister to me than you realize.”
“But Wanda,” Sunset said.  “I almost ate you.  Aren’t you afraid of me, right now?”
“I was,” Wanda said.  “Until mommy was able to transform you back.  Now I’m just worried for you.”
“Wanda’s right,” Celestia said, walking up to her adopted daughter.  “You would be greatly missed if you decided to run away.”
“But what can I do about it?” Sunset said.  “What if you can’t hold my demon form back?  What if I am cursed to forever be a demon?”
Princess Celestia pulled out a jewel box from her mane and opened it up.  Inside was a brightly glowing ring that was large enough for a unicorn horn.
“What is that?” Sunset asked.
“A special ring made of a metal called Equinox,” Princess Celestia explained.  “A fusion of two ores from Evevanya called Mithril and Obsidian.  I had this specially made in order to contain your demon form due to the magic that powers it.”
“If that’s the case, then why didn’t you give it to me earlier?” Sunset asked.
“Because if this ring is attached to your horn, then you will be unable to use magic,” Princess Celestia explained.  “I didn’t want to take away your precious gift, Sunset Shimmer.  It’s your choice whether you want to use this ring, or not.”
Sunset Shimmer looked down at the ring for a moment before looking up at Celestia.
“I’ll take it,” Sunset said.  “If it stops me from becoming a monster even at the price of my magic, I’ll take it.”
“Are you sure about that?” Celestia asked.
“One hundred percent positive,” Sunset agreed.
“Very well,” Celestia said.
With that, Princess Celestia picked up the Equinox Ring before sliding it tightly onto Sunset Shimmer’s horn.  Sunset looked at the ring atop her horn and smiled a bit.
“Now,” Princess Celestia said. “Try to use your magic.”
Sunset Shimmer nodded before she attempted to create a spark on her horn.  But nothing came out of it.
“It’s contained,” Sunset said as she breathed a sigh of relief.  “And I’m going to keep it that way until I can get this demon form extracted from my body.”
“It may not be easy, Sunset Shimmer,” Princess Celestia said.  “But we’re going to support you, one hundred percent.”
As Sunset smiled up at her mother, Starlight immediately grabbed onto her.  Twilight Velvet released her hold from Sunset as Starlight gave her a big hug.
“I’m sorry you had to lose your magic,” Starlight said with a frown on her face.
“It’s okay,” Sunset said.  “As long as I have this on my horn, I’ll be okay.”
“Sunset,” Misty said.  “As long as you have friends by your side, we’ll always be there for you.”
“Thanks, Misty,” Sunset said.  “I’ll remember that.”
“One thing that matters is that you’re still with us,” Golden Lace said, walking up to Sunset Shimmer.  “And even though I have a curse that’s different from you, it’s as if we were truly sisters on the inside.”
“A sister,” Sunset laughed.  “I like the sound of that, Lace.”
With that, Golden Lace and Sunset Shimmer gave each other a hoof bump in respect.

Later on, everyone was at the Ground Bridge portal arch located outside of Vanhoover.  Princess Celestia, Princess Cadance, Sunset Shimmer, Shining Armor, Abigail Albright, Spike the Dragon, Wanda Young, Golden Lace, Starlight Glimmer and Misty Brightdawn stood next to the activated arch while Twilight Sparkle, Twilight Velvet, Night Light, Flash Sentry, Timber Spruce, Gloriosa Daisy, Vignette Valencia and Wallflower Blush were on the opposite side.  The portal was already active, ready for Celestia’s group to step through.
“Well,” Sunset said.  “Guess this is good-bye, Twilight Sparkle.
“It is,” Twilight Sparkle replied.  “But it won’t be forever.  I’ll at least see you tomorrow when we come down for school.”
“That’s true,” Sunset said as she and Twilight Sparkle tapped hooves in friendship.
“But don’t expect this to be the last time we’ll be here,” Wanda said.  “We might consider coming back to Vanhoover in the future.”
“Yaaay,” Abigail cheered.
But as Sunset nodded to Twilight Sparkle, Wallflower Blush walked over to Sunset Shimmer and gave her a big hug.
“Wallflower?” Sunset Shimmer said, confused.
“Sunset,” Wallflower said.  “I know we won’t see each other again, and I know you’re still concerned for your well being.  But I want to say…thanks.  Thanks for being my friend.”
“Anytime, Wallflower,” Sunset Shimmer said.
“We’re going to miss you, Sunset Shimmer,” Vignette Valencia said. “But you’re always welcome to come down to Vanhoover anytime you want.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Sunset said.
“The same also applies to you, Golden Lace,” Gloriosa Daisy said.  “Even though we had a fallout in the past, we still consider you a friend, and we will miss you.”
“I’ll miss you as well,” Golden Lace said as she gave Gloriosa Daisy a hug.
“But you can always come down if you want,” Starlight Gimmer said.  “In fact, Pinkie Pie’s gonna open the Sugar Cube Corner soon.”
“We might consider it,” Timber Spruce said.  “I heard that the Sugar Cube Corner in La Maresa is famous for its cakes and cookies.”
“From what Pinkie Pie told me, it also has its own dedicated Gluten-Free kitchen for those with Celiac Disease,” Starlight said.
“That’s great,” Timber Spruce said.  “I know a pony who happens to have that.  I’ll let him know.”
But as the group around Twilight Sparkle took a few steps back, Spike ran up to Twilight Sparkle and gave her a big hug, crying right into her chest.
“Oh Spike,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “I’m going to miss you and Shining Armor.  But I know you’ll be able to hold down the fort at Canterlot.  And I’ll come to visit.”
“Twilight,” Spike cried.  “I’ll….miss you.”
With that, Twilight Sparkle held onto Spike for the moment as Shining Armor walked up to her.
“I’ll come to visit, every once in a while, Twili,” Shining Armor said.  “Promise.”
“The feeling’s mutual, big brother,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “The feeling’s mutual.”
As Twilight Sparkle released her hold on Spike the dragon, the bambino jumped on Shining Armor’s Back, who walked back to Princess Celestia’s group.
“Are you ready?” Princess Celestia asked.
“Ready as I’ll ever be,” Shining Armor said.
With that, Princess Celestia, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor with Spike the Dragon, Starlight Glimmer, Misty Brightdawn and Golden Lace stepped through the portal and disappeared.  Wanda was about to step through with Abigail by her side when she noticed Sunset turning towards Flash Sentry.
“By the way, Mordecai,” Sunset said.  “Make sure you keep Twilight safe.”
“It’s a promise,” Flash Sentry said.
With that, Wanda cracked a smile on her face as she and Abigail stepped through the portal, with Sunset Shimmer following from behind.  Once the two disappeared, the portal shrunk down and expired.
“I’m going to miss having Shining Armor by our side,” Night Light said.  “Along with Spike the Dragon.”
“I sure hope they come back to visit,” Twilight Velvet said.  “Especially Sunset Shimmer.  It doesn’t matter if she has that demon form or not.  She’s always welcomed to our neck of the woods.”
As everyone began to walk away from the portal arch, they noticed shadows forming underneath, as if it were in the shape of pegasi.  They looked up and saw the Wonderbolts fly down to the group, led by Captain Airazor.  Right next to her were Spitfire and Rainbow Dash, all decked out in their junior outfits.
“Rainbow Dash?” Twilight Sparkle said.  “What are you doing here?”
“It wasn’t really my idea,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Captain Airazor has something to say.”
“As a matter of fact, I do,” Airazor explained.  “Princess Celestia knew that the ponies of Vanhoover would use some security with Gold Banks still at large.  So she called upon us to fly up to Vanhoover just to provide protection.”
“Well that and Airazor wanted to relocate up to Vanhoover for the Wonderbolt squad,” Spitfire said.
“Great,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “But that also means you’re going to miss the ponies in La Maresa.”
“That’s true,” Rainbow Dash said.  “But I promised them I would pay a visit, every once in a while.  It’s gonna be hard.  But I can manage it.”
“Well with me by your side, I think you will,” Twilight Sparkle said.
As Rainbow Dash gave Twilight Sparkle a hug, Spitfire walked up to Flash Sentry.
“You look like a daring pegasus,” Spitfire said.  “Wanna try out for the Junior Wonderbolt program?”
“I appreciate the offer,” Flash Sentry said.  “But I wanna stick with being Royal Guard material.”
“That’s cool,” Spitfire said.  “That’s cool.”
“So now we have Wonderbolts who are going to look after us,” Timber Spruce said.  “Guess this town isn’t so small after all.”
“That’s true, big brother,” Gloriosa Daisy said.  “But at least we have those who will be by our side in case something goes wrong.  And one day, we’ll see our parents once more.”
“I hope so,” Timber Spruce said.  “I still miss them, even to this day.”

Later that night at the castle, Wanda Young and Sunset Shimmer laid down in their bed once more while Abigail slept on her little bed nearby.
“Hey sister,” Sunset asked.  “Are you still worried about my demon side?”
“I’m more worried about you, Sunset,” Wanda replied.  “After all, you are my sister.”
Sunset looked up at the ring on her horn and said “I sure hope the ring that mother placed on my horn will keep my demon form from breaking loose.”
“I hope so too,” Wanda replied.  “But then again, I trust mommy’s words with all my heart.”
“I wish I had your kind of optimism, sister,” Sunset laughed.
“But you do,” Wanda said.  “Even after all you’ve been through, you still have our optimism.”
As Sunset laid back in her bed, she looked up at the ceiling for a moment, only to lick her lips.
“By the way,” Sunset said.  “Pinkie Pie’s gonna open the Sugar Cube Corner’s sister store in Canterlot tomorrow.  Are you looking forward to that?”
“Am I ever?” Wanda replied.  “I can’t wait to try out one of the treats there.”
“The way she builds that place is a miracle unto itself,” Sunset said.  “Even after our time in Daisy Joy Tech, she still knows where to finish what she started.”
“Well she did say she’s the reincarnation of Discord,” Wanda stated.  “So there’s a lot of truth in that.”
With that, Wanda and Sunset burst out into laughter, waking up Abigail.
“Wanda,” Abby cried.  “Noisy.”
“Oops,” Wanda said, petting Abigail on the head.  “Sorry about that.  I didn’t mean to wake you up.”
“Anyway,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “We better get some sleep.  Then maybe after our time at the Sugar Cube Corner, we should go for a swim at our pool.”
“That’s a great idea,” Wanda said, reaching her arm up as Abigail fell asleep.  “As a matter of fact, I have my swimsuit laying on the chair.  After all, tomorrow’s going to be a bit of a hot day and we don’t have school tomorrow.”
“You sure have a thing for water, Wanda,” Sunset said.  “I think it’s because of the influence the Hippogriffs and Aunt Novo have around you.”
“Maybe so,” Wanda said.  “But then again, I’m more of a water girl, even with my ability to fly.”
As Wanda and Sunset laid back in their bed, the scene shifted to outside, where Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Eleanor Young watched on from the clouds.
“I heard about what happened at Vanhoover,” Eleanor said.
“Sunset’s demon curse is getting worse lately,” Princess Celestia said.  “I had to show her the ring that you made.  But it was her choice if she were to use it or not.”
“I feel bad for Sunset Shimmer,” Eleanor said.  “She’s burdened by a very demon that’s lived in her since she was born.”
“And yet, none of us know how to tame that beast,” Luna said.
“I think one day, she will have to make peace with the very demon within her,” Eleanor Young said.
“Make peace?” Luna asked.
“I sense a troubled soul within Sunset’s demon counterpart,” Eleanor Young explained.  “As if it’s crying out in grief with a desire for revenge.”
“So you’re saying that Sunset Shimmer’s demon form is her previous incarnation that somehow lost everything?” Princess Celestia asked.
“That’s what I believe,” Eleanor said.  “The only way for Sunset Shimmer to finally take control of her demon form is to find peace with it.  And to do that, I know of a technique that will allow her to explore the galaxy within her cosmic core.”
“Is there any risk to this?” Princess Celestia asked.
“There isn’t,” Eleanor Young replied.  “In Evevanya, this is more of a rite of passage for our people when they reach adulthood.  To find the inner peace within.  One day, I may consider having Wanda do the same thing so that she can find her inner peace.”
“And that I will support you on,” Princess Celestia said.  
Princess Luna yawned as the moonlight shone down on her mane.  She turned her attention towards the tower window that led to her bedroom.
“It’s getting late,” Princess Luna said.   “So I’m heading to bed.”
“Goodnight, sister,” Princess Celestia said.  “Sweet dreams.”
Princess Luna flapped her wings before she flew over to her bedroom window, leaving Princess Celestia and Eleanor Young all by themselves.
“I think when the time is ripe,” Princess Celestia said.  “I’ll allow Sunset Shimmer to undergo this rite of passage, so that she may find peace with her demon form.  Who knows?  It may even unlock something wonderful within her.”
“You don’t need to rush this,” Eleanor Young said.  “After all, it’s going to be her choice when she wants to take on that rite of passage.”
Princess Celestia nodded as she and Eleanor Young flew towards the castle as the moon shone down at the land.
But an hour later, deep within the garden of the castle, Princess Skystar popped her head out of a bush and looked up at the bedroom of Princess Wanda Young and Sunset Shimmer.
“I’m sorry Wanda,” Skystar said. “I know I shouldn’t kidnap you as my mother promised me.  But Queen Chrysalis and Coldnelius Snap are invading Mount Aris, and we need your help, more than ever.”
With that, Princess Skystar flew up towards the castle window, and quietly went inside.


	To Be Continued in…


	Arc 26: Showdown at Mount Aris


	Shoehorned into a New Conflict

> Arc 26(Showdown at Mount Aris)-1: Shoehorned into a New Conflict
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Arc 26: Showdown at Mount Aris


Shoehorned into a New Conflict



Wanda Young woke up one morning as she stretched her arms and legs out.  She slowly opened her eyes as she stared out at the morning sun.
“What a dream,” Wanda said as she stared out at the sun.  “I was dreaming that I was flying with mommy and we were enjoying the cool breeze in the air.
“Aww.  I wish my mommy would fly with me like that.”  But when Wanda heard a familiar voice, she looked down and saw a pair of talons carry her.  She looked to her left and saw Princess Skystar holding her while flying far away from Canterlot.
“WHA?” Wanda said, freaking out as she struggled to break free.
“Sorry Wanda,” Skystar said.  “But we need you at Mount Aris, right now.”
As Wanda struggled to break free, she looked down at herself.  Instead of her pajamas, Wanda was somehow wearing her swimsuit.  She looked up at Princess Skystar with a scowl on her face.
“Skystar,” Wanda snarled.  “What is the meaning of this?”
“It was the only outfit you had laying out,” Princess Skystar said.  “Besides, you weren’t going to wear your pajamas while at Mount Aris.”
Wanda broke out of Princess Skystar’s grip before her wings materialized on her back.  She flew up to Princess Skystar, staring at the hippogriff.
“Look,” Wanda scolded.  “I already had a problem with being taken away to Daisy Joy Tech a week back.  The last thing I need is for someone else to take me away from my family.”
“But we really need your help,” Princess Skystar said.  “Queen Chrysalis and Coldnelius Snap are invading Mount Aris.”
“Then why not ask for the Royal Guard or the Wonderbolts,” Wanda said, annoyed.
“How am I supposed to carry all those troops in my paws when they’re so many?” Princess Skystar replied.  “Besides, you were the only one who was small enough for me to carry.”
“Skystar, this isn’t funny,” Wanda said.  “Besides, what would your mommy say if she found out that you kidnapped me again?”
“Oh I already know what she’s gonna say,” Skystar shrugged.  “But that’s the least of my worries.”
“Oh no,” Wanda said, crossing her arms.  “I’m not taking that excuse.  Take me back right this instant, and I’ll forget that it ever happened.”
“Well,” Skystar said, tapping her fingers together.  “I’m afraid that’s easier said than done.”
Wanda let out an annoyed sigh and said “I’m all ears to your excuse on why you can’t.”
Suddenly, an explosion detonated beside Wanda and Skystar, sending them both flying downward into the ocean between Mount Aris and San Di’Neighgo.  Wanda screamed really loud as she fell out of control, diving down towards the ocean faster than Princess Skystar.
“WANDA!” Skystar yelled as she and Wanda fell downwards.
Princess Skystar regained control of herself as she focused on the falling Wanda.  Skystar extended her wings out before diving downwards and grabbing Wanda.  The Man’s Cub opened her eyes and looked up at Princess Skystar.
“You just hold on,” Princess Skystar said.   “I’ll keep you safe from the changelings and cultists.”
“Get us to a safe space right this instant, or I am going to scream really loud,” Wanda snarled.
“Okay okay,” Princess Skystar said.  “I’ll get us underwater right this instant.”
Wanda held onto Princess Skystar as the hippogriff dove downward towards the ocean.  More explosions from the nearby battle detonated above the duo.  But neither the man’s cub nor the hippogriff were deterred by the kinetic impact of the eruptions.
“HANG ON!”  Skystar shouted.  “THE MOMENT WE HIT THE WATER, I’LL PUT AN AIR BUBBLE AROUND YOU!”
With a loud splash, Skystar hit the water at high speed with Wanda holding on, disappearing without a trace.  
Nearby, as changelings and cult members pushed towards the Hippogriffs that defended Mount Aris, Queen Chrysalis had her eye on the far distance where Wanda and Skystar were once present, and her grin shone like diamonds.  Locust and Coldnelius Snap also had their eyes out on the ocean, though Snap had a second eye on Mount Aris, where Hippogriffs clashed with changelings and cultists.
“She’s here,” Queen Chrysalis said.
“The Man’s Cub?” Locust asked.  “Isn’t she supposed to be back in Canterlot?”
“That was the case,” Queen Chrysalis replied.  “But for some reason, that hippogriff brought her here.”
“More like she was shoehorned into our conflict,” Locust replied.
Queen Chrysalis walked over to the shoreline and said “An amusing theory.  But still, that moron’s decision to bring her here will prove to be a big mistake.  If we can take her, then we can turn the tide of battle and claim Mount Aris as our new home.”
“Are you really sure about going at it alone?” Coldnelius Snap asked.  “I could recall Crystal Snow from the battlefield and have her aid you.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “After all, I’m still one who can solo these fights, altogether.”
With that, Queen Chrysalis jumped into the air before diving down into the water, leaving Locust and Coldnelius Snap behind.
“There goes one brave queen,” Locust said.
“Let’s hope she doesn’t get herself captured, or worse,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “Right now, we must press on and push the Hippogriffs back to Seaquestria.”

But on the battlefield, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator led a squad of changelings and cultists through the plains of Mount Aris.  On the opposite side were a squadron of hippogriffs, led by a general with a light violet coat and a mane that represented the colors of the sea.   The two sides came to a stop as they stared down one another, right near the houses of the hippogriffs.
“You must be General Seaspray,” Inferno said.
“And you three are the Predacon Brothers,” General Seaspray said.
“Right you are,” Quickstrike said.  “And we’re gonna take dis here land in the name of our Queen and her Windigo ally.”
“Waspinator ready to rumble,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator not holding back.”
But all General Seaspray could do is chuckle at the trio.
“Is this who Queen Chrysalis assigned to lead her battalion of changelings and cultists?” General Seaspray laughed.  “I’ve seen pigs who could lead their younglings better than you three.”
“Repeat that again you tin-horned toad,” Quickstrike snarled.
“Actually I take that back,” General Seaspray said.  “Because you three look more suited to be fed to pigs.”
“WHY YOU DIRTY LITTLE RAT?” Quickstrike shouted as he pointed his horn at General Seaspray.  “YOU TAKE THAT BACK THIS INSTANT!”
“But I already took one back,” General Seaspray said.  “And besides, you three couldn’t lead your way out of a pigsty.”
“OKAY, THAT’S IT!” Quickstrike yelled, directing his attention to the cultists and changelings behind him.  “SHOW THESE VARMINTS WHOS THE BOSS!”
The changelings and cultists cheered in the air as the Predacon Brothers led them towards the Hippogriffs.  General Seaspray kept his eyes on the invading armies as they charged up their magic.
“NOW!” General Seaspray shouted.  “RAISE THE SHIELDS!”
Immediately, the Hippogriffs pulled out their shields and held them in front as the magic shots flew down.  The shields took the blunt of the magic, freezing in place.  But each hippogriff smashed the ice off their shield with their claws before holding it out again.
“You would be unwise to deal with our new weapons,” General Seaspray yelled as he held his shield up.  “They can withstand extreme cold and changeling magic.”
“Well two can play that game when you deal with fire water,” Inferno yelled.
Immediately, Inferno leaped into the air before he breathed fire right at General Seaspray.  The hippogriff held his shield out, blocking the flames from reaching him.  Inferno closed his mouth before he landed on the ground in front of Seaspray.
“Interesting,” Inferno said.  “So these shields can also resist fire as well.”
“Not all flames,” General Seaspray said.  “But it can resist the effects of your fire water.”
“You truly are full of surprises, General Seaspray,” Inferno said.  “But it won’t save you or your people from the wrath of the Royal.”
With that, the cultists and the changelings clashed with the hippogriffs, who held their ground and began to push back against the invaders.  General Seaspray held his shield out as he pulled out his spear.
“We’ll see about that,” General Seaspray said.

Meanwhile, under the sea, Wanda Young swam with Princess Skystar through the aquatic cave.  Wanda had an air bubble around her head, allowing her to breathe while underwater.
“You know what Queen Novo is going to say once she realizes that you brought me here,” Wanda said.
“I know,” Princess Skystar said.  “But that’s going to pale in comparison to what those meanies are doing.”
“You really need to rethink this, Skystar,” Wanda said.  “Not only is your mommy gonna be upset, but also my mommy as well.”
“That’s something I’m gonna worry about later,” Princess Skystar said.  “Right now, I’m ready to brace for my mother's wrath in three, two, one.”
And with that, the sound of Queen Novo’s voice echoed through the cavern as she said “PRINCESS SKYSTAR!  YOU GET OVER HERE THIS INSTANT, YOUNG LADY!”  Wanda just looked at Skystar with a cold glare on her face.
“You saw this coming a mile away,” Wanda said, coldly.
“I sure did,” Princess Skystar said.  “Now come on.”
Wanda and Skystar swam into the kingdom of Seaquestria, where many of the sea ponies were surprised by Wanda’s presence.  
“Hey, that’s Princess Wanda,” One of the Sea Ponies said.
“What’s she doing here?” Another one said.  “She’s putting herself in danger.”
“Yeah,” A third one said.  “The changelings and the Windigo’s Guild are here to take our home and Princess Skystar had the nerve to bring here in harm’s way.”
Immediately, Queen Novo swam out from the throne room, glaring down at Princess Skystar, who only looked at her mother with an embarrassed grin.”
“Young lady,” Queen Novo said.  “You better have an excuse for why you chose to put yourself in danger just to bring Wanda over.”
“Well,” Princess Skystar said.  “I wanted to bring her over because she’s the most powerful human on this planet.”
“I’ve already had a discussion with Princess Celestia through the video tablet, and she’s furious about you kidnapping Wanda,” Queen Novo said.  “And thanks to you, we can’t even take her back without putting her in danger.”
“But honest,” Princess Skystar said.  “She’s our only hope in keeping the Changelings and the Cultists back.”
“Nevermind that,” Queen Novo said.  “You’re confined to your room until further notice.  I’ll discuss your punishment when this conflict against the invaders is over.”
Princess Skystar let out a sigh as she said “Fine.”  She swam with a number of guards away from the center of Seaquestria towards the palace.  Queen Novo turned towards Wanda and her anger turned to remorse.
“I am terribly sorry for what my daughter did, Wanda,” Queen Novo said.  “It was one thing for her to take you away during your visit to our home.  It was another for her to take you from Canterlot.”
“It’s okay, Aunt Novo,” Wanda said.  “Besides, I’ve had an experience of being taken while asleep.”
“Which reminds me,” Aunt Novo said as she pulled out a necklace with a fragment on it.  “I wanted to give you and your sister a little present when I was going to make my way to Canterlot.  But circumstances placed us in this position.  And so, this will help you during your time here.”
Queen Novo swam up to Wanda and placed the necklace around Wanda’s neck.  Wanda looked down at the fragment, fascinated by its surface.
“Isn’t this a piece of the orb of transformation?” Wanda asked.
“It is,” Queen Novo said.  “We originally fractured one of the orbs so that I could present these to you, your sisters and your friends.  But when Queen Chrysalis and Coldnelius Snap ordered their troops to invade Mount Aris, I had every orb shattered and made into a necklace.  This way, anyone who wears these will be able to transform into anything they desire.  Such as your mermaid form.”
Wanda closed her eyes as her new necklace glowed brightly.  In an instant, Wanda transformed her legs into a fish tail, becoming a mermaid once more.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been a mermaid,” Wanda said.  “And I’ve forgotten what it was like.”
“I’ll have my guards escort you to a safe place until the war is over,” Queen Novo said.  “During that time, an old friend is here to see you.”
“You’re talking about Ocellus,” Wanda asked.
“I am,” Queen Novo said.
Eyeing the two guards, Wanda swam up with them and followed the two towards another part of Sequestria.  Queen Novo watched as the guards took Wanda towards a nearby house.
“I wish you didn’t have to be put in this crossfire, smallfry,” Queen Novo said.  “But I promise I will get you back to your mommy, no matter what.”
But outside of the cave leading into Seaquestria, Queen Chrysalis observed Queen Novo from afar.  The changeling queen’s hind legs were replaced with eight octopus-like tentacles, while her wings had disappeared completely.
“So Queen Novo has the Man’s Cub in her protection,” Queen Chrysalis smirked.  “Fascinating.  But it won’t save her from the likes of me in my Cecaelia form.”
Queen Chrysalis pulled out a compact case and opened it.  Immediately, an image of Princess Chrysalis II formed on the mirror of the compact.
“Mother, you called?” Princess Chrysalis II asked.
“I did,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “You and Coldnelius Snap are in charge of the frontal assault.  I will go through the rear end to try to capture Princess Wanda.  Maybe even ransom Queen Novo’s daughter for her safe return.  If I were to be taken hostage, disregard any ransom and press on.”
Princess Chrysalis II paused for a moment before she said “Understood, mother.  Be careful.”
As Princess Chrysalis II disappeared from the compact mirror, Queen Chrysalis closed it and placed the compact in her mane.  She blended in with the environment of the cavern before sneaking around the walls.
“This is easier than I imagined,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Those poor unfortunate souls.”
But as Queen Chrysalis made her way around the entire vicinity of Seaquestria, two unusually shaped and colored fish observed the environment from near the entrance of the cave.
“So the queen of the changelings and that fool of a hippogriff just lead us to the secret kingdom of Seaquestria,” one of the Fish said.  “And they sealed their fate.”
“Let us report to Gold Banks about it,” another fish said.
Immediately, the two fish swam away from the secret entrance towards the surface in a hurry.

Meanwhile, Princess Wanda swam into what appears to be a luxurious underwater house.  The room expanded as far as the eye could see and it lined with numerous sea-themed furniture like the sofa, the bookshelves with books, and even a grandfather clock.  The hippogriff guards stood next to the entrance of the house, proud and yet humble.
“Wow,” Wanda said.  “What a place.”
“Princess Wanda Young,” One of the guards said.  “We contacted the tenants of this house and they agreed to look after you until Princess Celestia’s arrival.  If there’s anything else you need, don’t hesitate to ask.”
“The only thing I hope for is for mommy to show up,” Wanda said.
“Don’t worry,” The other guard said.  “We’ll make sure we get you to Princess Celestia, as soon as possible.”
Wanda bowed to the guards in respect as they swam out the door and shut it behind her.  She then turned around and swam down the hallway inside the house, amazed by its sheer size.
“This place is almost as big as the castle,” Wanda said.  “I wonder what else I could find here.”
“Wanda, is that you?” Wanda quickly looked to her right the moment she reached the end of the hallway, where Baby Ocellus, who had taken the form of a sea pony, swam up to her and gave her a hug.
“Ocellus,” Wanda said.  “I haven’t seen you since the wedding.”
“Is your mommy or daddy here?” Wanda asked.
But before Ocellus could respond, her parents swam up to Wanda as the baby changeling released her hold on Wanda.  Like with Ocellus, her parents had each taken on the form of sea ponies.  Baby Silverstream was also with them, who squeaked in celebration upon seeing Wanda.
“It’s been a while, Wanda,” Ocellus’ Dad said.  “How are Princess Celestia and Princess Luna?”
“Well they’re fine,” Wanda said.  “Except that I believe mommy is upset because Skystar decided to kidnap me.”
“Oh we’re terribly sorry, Wanda,” Ocellus’ Mom said.  
“You don’t have to be,” Wanda replied as she swam up to the windows of the house and just stared out at the halls of Seaquestria beyond.  “I’m just disappointed in her, considering what I’ve gone through before.”
“What you’ve gone through?” Ocellus’ Mom asked.
“Yeah,” Wanda said as Baby Silverstream swam up to Wanda and cuddled next to her, allowing Wanda to hold the baby sea pony in her arms.  “What Princess Skystar did to me was not okay, considering that I’ve been through two tough events since the wedding.  First I was sucked into the past thanks to a problem with the Ground Bridge portal.  And then me and a good amount of my friends were taken to Daisy Joy Tech by Gold Banks.”
“Wow,” Baby Ocellus said.  “I’m sorry that you had to suffer that way, and that you’re on bad terms with Princess Skystar.”
Wanda let out a sigh as she said “I don’t know what she was thinking by kidnapping me in the middle of the night.  I was looking forward to the opening of the Sugar Cube Corner in Canterlot, hosted by Pinkie Pie.  And then she just swooped me out of my bed while I was fast asleep.  Even her own mommy is upset with what she did.  In fact, it’s going to take a whole lot to make up for what she did.”
“You’re right on that,” Ocellus’ Mother said.  “Princess Skystar needs to learn to keep her distance from others when they mean it.  Sometimes, she can be a bit insensitive.  Tell you what, I’ll fix you some grub so you can get some energy before Princess Celestia can pick you up.”
“Thanks, Mr and Mrs Ocellus,” Wanda said.
“Just call us Mr and Mrs Ladybug,” Ocellus’ dad laughed.
“Okay, Mr and Mrs Ladybug,” Wanda said.
As Mrs Ladybug swam towards the kitchen, Wanda held Silverstream as she swam to the couch to relax.  Ocellus Ladybug swam towards Wanda and sat next to her and Silverstream.
“Wanda,” Ocellus said.  “Did you hear about why my own kind is invading Mount Aris?”
“No,” Wanda said.  “That’s news to me.”
“Word has it that Gold Banks invaded the changelings’ hive after she conquered Winteris, the home of the Windigo’s Guild,” Ocellus explained.  “Though the other changelings and the cult members fought valiantly, Gold Banks and her Debt Collectors were able to overpower them and drive them away from the hive before she tore it down and turned it into her own castle.”
“That’s horrible,” Wanda said.  “Even the changelings don’t deserve that.”
“That you’re right on,” Mr Ladybug said.  “We may be upset at Queen Chrysalis.  But even she and the other changelings don’t deserve to be tread on by Gold Banks.”
“That reminds me,” Wanda said.  “Gold Banks tried to send her own fan clubs to both La Maresa and Canterlot to try to take us back to Daisy Joy Tech.  But we were rescued in time not just by mommy and Aunt Woona, but also by King Sombra and Chieftess Pele of Lio Lani.”
“We’ve heard of both of them, though it’s said that Queen Novo is close friends with Chieftess Pele,” Mr Ladybug said.  “The hippogriffs often pay a visit to Lio Lani to check up on the islanders.  Though she did tell us that she missed her great grandson La Walakeli, also known as Danged Spell.”
“That’s funny,” Wanda said.  “Because when I met her, she was able to reconnect with Danged Spell that day.”
“We heard about that as well,” Ocellus said.  “To think, he assumed to have been banished for biting his Great Grandmother when it was to prevent him from biting his sister.  Even then, the Lio Lanians still miss him.”
Wanda laid back on the couch as Baby Silverstream laid on the lap of her fish tale.  The little sea pony let out some sad squeals from her mouth as if she were crying.
“It’s alright, Silverstream,” Wanda said.  “I’ll hang out until mommy arrives.”
“I think she’s sad because she knows you’re going through a tough time,” Mr Ladybug said.  “And she wants to see you happy.”
Wanda picked up Silverstream and said “Awww.   Thanks Silverstream.  At least you care for me like how Aunt Novo does.”
Immediately, Mrs. Ladybug swam up to Wanda with a bowl full of roasted seaweed topped with some spices.
“Here you go, Wanda,” Mrs. Ladybug said.  “Princess Celestia told Queen Novo that you’re a bit of a picky eater  But this is something you should try out.”
Wanda accepted the bowl from Mrs Ladybug and looked down at the seaweed.  She picked one up with her hands and sniffed it.
“Well, it can’t be any worse,” Wanda said.
Wanda opened her mouth and took a bite of the seaweed, chewing on it before swallowing.  
“Mmm,” Wanda said.  “This is actually good.  Far better than the slop at Daisy Joy Tech, and that’s saying a lot.”
“How bad was this…slop at Daisy Joy Tech?” Ocellus asked.
“Compared to the food your mommy makes, the slop at Daisy Joy Tech shouldn’t even count as edible,” Wanda laughed before she ate more of the seaweed.

Meanwhile, outside of Seaquestria, on the beach opposite Mount Aris, the two fish emerged as they transform into Debt Collector soldiers.  They walked up to Gold Banks and her entire squad.
“Well, did you find it?” Gold Banks asked.
“We did, my lady,” One of the scouts said.  “It’s exactly as you said.”
“Excellent,” Gold Banks smiled.  “Princess Skystar and Queen Chrysalis were foolish enough to lead us to their secret location that leads to Seaquestria.  Once we capture the queens, we can use them as hostages to cause them all to surrender, take their magic, and drive all three races to extinction.”
“There’s another thing you must know, my lady,” The second scout said.
“Well spill it,” Gold Banks said.  “What is this other thing that you discovered?”
“The human daughter of Princess Celestia is in Seaquestria,” The Second Scout said.  
Gold Banks was surprised by the Scout’s report.   But her smile became even deeper and more horrifying.
“Well this is a report I didn’t expect,” Gold Banks said.  “To think, I dragged her and her friends off to Daisy Joy Tech once, and I later sicced my own followers on her and her friends in Canterlot.  She could be an ideal hostage for Princess Celestia to surrender her kingdom.”
“My lady,” The first Scout asked.  “What should we do?”
“You two and a small squad will go with me to secure the Man’s Cub and Seaquestria,” Gold Banks ordered.  “The rest of you, when I give the signal, launch the assault.  Understood?”
The Debt Collectors saluted Gold Banks and shouted “YES MA’AM.”
“Very good,” Gold Banks said, looking down at her amulet.  “Now come.  It’s time for me to put my new changeling and Windigo magic to good use.”
Gold Banks stepped into the water.  Her amulet glowed brightly as she transformed into a sea pony.   She jumped into the air and dove right into the water.  A few other soldiers followed the scout into the water as they transform into sea ponies and dove after Gold Banks.

Meanwhile, Princess Skystar laid back on her bed, pondering on the events.
“Locked up in my bedroom because I kidnapped Wanda, and my punishment still not set in stone because of this conflict above ground,” Princess Skystar said.  “But then again, it’s not the first time I’ve been grounded.”
Skystar looked up at the shelves that dotted her room, observing all of the nifty trinkets from the continental Equestria.
“I always have this thing about not listening to mommy,” Princess Skystar said to herself.  “And often, I get punished, either by grounding, or by excessive chores.  And yet, I still go out and do this stuff.”
Skystar swam up to a trinket that looked like a carousel and spun it around, playing a wonderful and enchanting tune.
“But maybe it’s the risk of my punishment that makes disobeying my mommy worth it,” Skystar said.  “Maybe that’s why I continue to do so.  I mean, I would consider being Grounded for Life to be my ultimate challenge, even if the guards were on a strict call to guard my room.”
Skystar swam up to another trinket that looked like a fork.  She picked it up and combed her mane with it.
“But I was always a hippogriff that desires challenge,” Skystar said.  “I mean, I once snuck out of Seaquestria while I was grounded for a week just for a challenge, and there were still plenty of guards surrounding my room.  Once she found out, she grounded me for a month.  Then I pulled the same stunt again during that time.  I think the guards aren’t worth much of a challenge if I keep breaking loose every time.”  
As Skystar placed the fork down on the shelf, she swam up to another shelf and picked up a lute before tapping on the strings.
“But what about banishment from Seaquestria?” Princess Skystar said to herself.  “Getting that punishment is more of a challenge than I realize, since some laws that result in banishment are just not me.  I mean, taking the life of another Hippogriff?  No way would I do that.  That’s just not me to want to take a life.”
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.   Princess Skystar placed the lute back on the shelf and turned to the door.
“Who’s there?”  Skystar asked.
“It’s the royal guard,” The voice said.  
“Come in,” Skystar said.
Immediately, the door opened as the hippogriff guard entered.
“My lady, you need to come with me,” The guard said.  “The Changelings and the Windigo’s Guild are making their way closer to the upper entrance.  Your mother requests that I escort you out of Seaquestria and to a safe location.”
“They’re already on their way?” Skystar said.
“Yes, now come,” The Guard said.  “The other guards that watched over your room have been sent to hold off the invaders.  I’ll keep you safe.”
“Right,” Princess Skystar said
Immediately, Princess Skystar swam out of the door and out of her room.  But the Guard looked at her with a smile on her face.
“Foolish child,” The guard said with the voice of Queen Chrysalis.  “You fell for my trap, as did the guards who watched over your room.   Now you will be my key into capturing Seaquestria and all of Mount Aris.  Maybe even convince Princess Wanda to surrender herself.  This day is going to be perfect.”
With that, the guard shut the door and swam after Princess Skystar.


	To Be Continued in…


	Poor Unfortunate Souls

> Arc 26-2: Poor Unfortunate Souls
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Poor Unfortunate Souls



A number of hippogriff guards stood firm against the invading changelings and Windigo’s Guild cultists.  Though the invading forces continued to fire blasts of magic at the bird-like creatures, they held their ground, blocking the attacks with their shields.  In front of his troops, General Seaspray held the line against the attacking forces while the Predacon Brothers pushed forward with their squad.
“You have the nerve to attack the very kingdom of the hippogriffs and our monarch, Queen Novo?” General Seaspray yelled.   “I’ve seen better rats fight us than the likes of you.”
Inferno flew down to the face of General Seaspray and glared at him.
“You will not survive against the wrath of the royalty,” Inferno said before he breathed more fire at General Seaspray.
Immediately, the general held his shield up, blocking the fire that came out of his mouth.
“Your queen’s wrath?” General Seaspray laughed.  “How pathetic.  Who in their right minds could even be so stupid to confront us?”
Immediately, Coldenlius Snap flew down from the sky and landed in front of the hippogriffs, staring down at General Seaspray as Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator stood aside.
“We do,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “Now stand aside, General.”
General Seaspray held up his shield before he said “Try it.”
Coldnelius Snap pointed his horn at General Seaspray’s shield before firing a shot of cold ice right at it.  The shield froze for a moment before the ice shattered off of the surface.
“Cold resistant shields,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “How clever.”
“We have been prepared for you since the Grand Gallopin Gala,” General Seaspray said.  “Now back off from Mount Aris this instant.”
Coldnelius Snap turned around and said with an amused laugh “Oh I will.  But it won’t be for long.   If I can’t take this land by myself, then we will overpower you with our forces.”
With that, Coldnelius Snap flew off from the top of Mount Aris.   General Seaspray directing his attention towards Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator, who charged at the defending hippogriff forces with an army of changelings and cultists.
“We’ll need to press on and push them back,” General Seaspray shouted.  “Come.  Let us show them who’s in charge of this kingdom.”
With a mighty cry in the air, General Seaspray flew into the air and led his forces down the path of Mount Aris, aiming right at the invading forces.
“Do not let them get an inch, grand army,” Inferno shouted.  “FOR THE GLORY OF THE ROYALTY!” 

At the bottom of Mount Aris, Coldnelius Snap landed next to the base camp, where Locust, Princess Chrysalis II and Crystal Snow stood ready while the changelings and cultists made their advancement.
“I take it that general’s a hard flame to cool off,” Crystal Snow asked.
“An understatement,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “Their shields are what’s preventing us from blasting through and making our way up Mount aris.”
“So what are we going to do?” Crystal Snow asked.
“Hold them off until my mom is able to convince Queen Novo to surrender her kingdom,” Princess Chrysalis II stated.
“I take it she made it into the hidden entrance,” Coldnelius Snap asked.
“She did,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “Right now, we need to keep those bozos distracted long enough for her to take Queen Novo’s daughter hostage.  Only then will their self-centered Queen be forced to surrender her kingdom for the safety of that mindless brat.”
“As long as she’s focused on the front line, she won’t know what hit her,” Locust explained.
“Then we press on,” Coldnelius Snap said. “Keep them occupied until Queen Chrysalis has her hostage.”
But as Coldnelius Snap, Locust, Princess Chrysalis II and Crystal Snow directed their attention to Mount Aris, a group of Debt Collectors prepared themselves on the mainland, boarding boats that were big enough to transport an entire legion.  Grand Philosopher stood atop the central boat that lay hidden behind some foliage.
“The changelings, the winterians, and even the hippogriffs don’t know that we’re ready to ambush them,” Grand Philosopher said.
“What’s the plan, Grand Philosopher?” A lieutenant asked.
“We wait for the signal from Gold Banks,” Grand Philosopher explained.  “And then…we attack.”


Princess Skystar swam with the royal guard towards the underwater cavern entrance, not knowing that it was Queen Chrysalis in disguise.
“Are you sure it’s alright to go out this way?” Princess Skystar said.  “What if the changelings were to launch an ambush?”
“I can assure you that the other guards will make sure you get to safety, Princess,” The guard said.  “Right now, they are holding back the changelings and the cultists.”
“Thank goodness,” Princess Skystar said. “I was worried that something had befallen us.”
“HOLD IT RIGHT THERE!”  The words that echoed through the cavern caused the guard and Princess Skystar to come to a stop as Queen Novo approached them with a few more guards.  While Princess Skystar shook in fear, the guard stood calm with a sinister smile.
“Mom,” Princess Skystar said.  “I was told that the invaders were making their way down here by this guard.  That’s why I went with him.”
Immediately, Queen Novo turned her attention to the guard, who had his back turned from Queen Novo.
“Explain yourself,” Queen Novo demanded.  “Why did you take my daughter out of her room and lied to her?”
“That’s easy,” The guard said as his voice changed to Queen Chrysalis’s voice. “To lure you into a TRAP!”
A dark cloud surrounded the guard, much to the horror of Queen Novo and Princess Skystar.  When it disappeared, Queen Chrysalis emerged in her pony-octopus cecaelia form.  Immediately, Queen Chrysalis grabbed Princess Skystar with her tentacle and pulled her close.
“You,” Queen Novo said in a cold tone.  “Release my daughter this instant.”
“Back off, Novo,” Queen Chrysalis shouted.  “She’s mine.”
“You have the gall to trick my daughter into going with you and now you claim her to be yours?” Queen Novo said.  “You’re as cowardly as they come.”
“Mom,” Princess Skystar cried.  “Nevermind me.  RUN!”
But Queen Novo and the guards stood firm.  They stared down Queen Chrysalis, who smiled back at the Sea Pony monarch.
“Foolish worm,” Queen Chrysalis smiled as her horn glowed.  “Let me give you a demonstration on why I shouldn’t be trifled with.”

Meanwhile, Wanda sat down on the sofa with a full belly and a satisfied look on her face.  Her bowl, once filled with roasted and seasoned seaweed, was completely empty.  Baby Silverstream and Baby Ocellus snuggled up to Wanda as Mr and Mrs Ladybug were enjoying seaweed of their own from the bowls.
“Thanks Mr and Mrs Ladybug,” Wanda said.  “I owe you for this hospitality.”
“It was our honor, princess,” Mrs Ladybug said.
“Wanda,” Ocellus said.  “We haven’t heard from Queen Novo yet.”
“She’s right,” Mr Ladybug said.  “I wonder what happened to her?”
“I’m only hoping that she wasn’t called to defend Mount Aris from your kind and from the Windigo’s Guild,” Wanda explained.
“I hope you’re right,” Mrs Ladybug said.  “The last thing we need is to worry about seeing Queen Chrysalis again.”
Suddenly, an explosion rocked the foundation of the house, causing Baby Ocellus and Baby Silverstream to scream in horror.
“WHAT HAPPENED?” Wanda yelled.
“I don’t know,” Ocellus screamed.  “But it’s as if someone set us up the bomb.”
Wanda swam out of the sofa before making her way out of the hallway with Mr and Mrs Ladybug, Ocellus and Silverstream swimming from behind.
“Wanda,” Mrs Ladybug shouted.  “Where are you going?”
“To check out what’s going on outside,” Wanda said.
But as Wanda turned her attention to the front, she saw a hole where the front door used to be.  The two guards stood firm, pointing their spears towards the newly formed hole.
“What’s going on?” Wanda asked.
“It’s Queen Chrysalis,” One of the guards said.  “She’s captured Princess Skystar, and Queen Nov is at a standstill.”
“You need to stay put,” The other guard said.  “You’re not safe out there.”
But as Wanda looked outside, she saw Queen Chrysalis charge up her horn again and fired it right at her.  
“IT’S COMING RIGHT FOR US!” Wanda shouted.
Immediately, one of the guards quickly grabbed Wanda and held her to the side while the other quickly swam out of the way.  Mr and Mrs Ladybug, Ocellus and Silverstream swam behind the sofa as the blast of magic hit the front of the house, shattering the walls.  When everyone emerged, they looked at Queen Chrysalis from afar, with all but Wanda completely horrified at her presence.
“What is she doing?” Mr Ladybug asked.
“I don’t know,” Mrs Ladybug said.  “But I fear she’s coming for revenge against us for turning our back on the hive.”
Wanda peeked her head out from behind the guard and looked at what was left of the front of the undersea house.
“I don’t like where this is going,” Wanda said. 

Outside within the vicinity of Seaquestria, Queen Chrysalis laughed as the magic in her horn disappeared.  She held Princess Skystar close, holding Queen Novo at bay.
“Do you see now?” Queen Chrysalis said.  “”It’s futile for you to hold back.  All you have to do is to surrender the kingdom to me and I’ll release your daughter on her merry way.”
“You’re a sick, twisted demon, Chrysalis,” Queen Novo said.
“All just to make sure no one takes sympathy on me,” Queen Chrysalis said.
But when Queen Chrysalis turned back towards the ruined undersea house, her eyes quickly caught Mr and Mrs Ladybug, Baby Ocellus with Baby SIlverstream, and Princess Wanda Young with the hippogriff guard keeping her safe.
“Well, what do we have here?” Queen Chrysalis said.  “I sense a trio of traitors living amongst your kind.  They’re lucky that I’m not in the mood to punish them at all.  Now the man’s cub on the other hand.”
Queen Chrysalis extended her octopus limb out towards the house at a blinding speed.  The guard tried to move Wanda out of the way, only for the limb to hit him right in the face, knocking him backwards and causing him to lose his grip on Wanda.
“NOO!” Wanda screamed.
Immediately, the tentacle grabbed Wanda and pulled her away from the house.  Mr and Mrs Ladybug, Ocellus, Silverstream and the guards were helpless to watch as Queen Chrysalis pulled Wanda up to her.
“Hello there, Man’s Cub,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “It’s been awhile.”
“Chrysalis,” Wanda snarled.  “What are you doing here?”
“Oh nothing more than to turn this boring kingdom into the Changeling’s newest hive,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “And to do that, I need a hostage in the form of Princess Skystar.  But you’ll be a bonus for Princess Celestia.”
“Is that it?” Wanda glared in a cold tone.  “All this just because you lost your old kingdom to Gold Banks?”
Queen Chrysalis paused for a moment before yanking Wanda towards her face.
“Yes,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “As far as I’m concerned, anyone who’s not a changeling nor a winterian is considered an enemy to me.  That’s why I’m resorting to selfish reasons to taking Mount Aris and the aquatic kingdom of Seaquestria.  You got a problem with that, girl?.”
“As a matter of fact, I do,” Wanda said.
Queen Chrysalis’ smile began to fade away as she tossed Wanda out of the way.  Wanda swam up to Queen Novo and stared down Queen Chrysalis.
“I wish you didn’t have to get involved,” Queen Novo said.
“That I agree on, Aunt Novo,” Wanda said.  “But Queen Chrysalis says otherwise.”
Queen Chrysalis pointed her tentacles at Wanda and said “Now you listen here.  You will tell Queen Novo to surrender her kingdom to our kind or never see your daughter again.”
“Is that it?” Wanda said.  “Is that the command of a coward?”
“Coward?” Queen Chrysalis snarled.  “Who are you calling a coward?”
“One who's been through a lot, even before today,” Wanda said.  “You have the gall to take Princess Skystar just to force the hippogriffs to surrender their own land?”
But Queen Novo looked a bit nervous. She immediately lowered her head towards Wanda’s ear and whispered into it.
“Smallfry, what are you doing?” Queen Novo whispered.
“I’ll distract her,” Wanda whispered back.  “You get Princess Skystar out of there.”
Wanda Young swam closer towards Queen Chrysalis, who held Princess Skystar close to her.
“Don’t you even think about coming to my hostage, Man’s Cub,” Queen Chrysalis shouted.
“Are those the words of a queen, or a coward?” Wanda asked, crossing her arms.
Queen Chrysalis’ eyes began to twitch.  Veins popped up in her forehead.  She shook her front arms in anger, glaring down at Wanda.
“What…did you…call me?” Queen Chrysalis yelled.
Queen Chrysalis swung one of her tentacles back before she fired it off at Wanda, who only dodged out of the way before swimming downwards.
“You have a lot of nerve to say that hogwash in my face, girl,” Queen Chrysalis yelled.  “Especially after we lost our own hive to Gold Banks.”
“That doesn’t mean you should attack another species just to claim its home for your own,” Wanda shouted.  “You could have asked for our help and we would have given it to you.”
“Don’t you DARE pity me on that,” Queen Chrysalis said, extending another tentacle out towards Wanda.
“You don’t get it, do you?” Wanda said after she dodged the tentacle.
“Do I look like I care?” Queen Chrysalis snarled as she positioned another tentacle above Wanda.
“You should,” Wanda said.  “Also, I would check your hostage if I were you.”
Queen Chrysalis turned to the left and noticed that Princess Skystar was missing from her tentacle.  She looked down and saw Queen Novo hold Princess Skystar close to her.
“You tricked me,” Queen Chrysalis said in a cold tone.  “YOU TRICKED ME INTO RELEASING HER!”
“No I didn’t,” Wanda said as Queen Novo swam with Princess Skystar close to her.  “You did that yourself.”
“SHUT YOUR MOUTH!”  Queen Chrysalis shouted as she extended another tentacle out.
But before anyone could react, the tentacle grabbed Wanda and pulled her close to Queen Chrysalis.  Queen Novo and Princess Skystar reached out in fear.
“SMALLFRY!” Queen Novo shouted.
“It’s okay,” Wanda said.  “I can handle it.”
“You better,” Queen Chrysalis said, turning Wanda towards her.  “You already cost me one hostage.  And now you will have to suffice.”
“Go ahead and use me as a hostage,” Wanda said  “I’m not afraid of you.”
Queen Chrysalis backed up for a bit before letting out a little laugh.
“You’re not afraid of me anymore?” Queen Chrysalis said.  “You should be, considering that your life is in danger.”
“That’s the least of my worries,” Wanda said, staring at Chrysalis.  “You think you’re so great.  But you’re nothing more than a selfish individual who doesn’t care for the well-being of others.”
But as Wanda spoke, Princess Skystar paid attention to Wanda’s words, and became worried.
“I do care for the well being of my own species,” Queen Chrysalis shouted.  
“So why let them suffer?” Wanda asked.
“Don’t you dare speak ill of my kind,” Queen Chrysalis yelled, yanking Wanda and slamming her on a nearby wall with her tentacle.
“I’m not speaking ill of your kind, Chrysalis,” Wanda said.  “I’m speaking ill of you.  You don’t think about how others would react by your own actions.”
As Wanda spoke to Queen Chrysalis, Princess Skystar became far more worried from hearing Wanda’s speech, as if guilt began to build up.
“Princess Skystar,” Queen Novo said.   “What’s the matter?”
But Princess Skystar turned her head in shame.
“Listen to this,” Queen Chrysalis shouted.  “I lost a good amount of changelings during the attack on my hive.  And you have the nerve to criticize me?”
“And you want to lose more just to steal the home of the hippogriffs?” Wanda said.  “Like I said, you don’t think of anyone, but yourself.  You’re selfish and self-centered, and you wouldn’t know what it’s like to lose everyone who cared for you, until it’s too late.  You have a lot to think about, Queen Chrysalis.”
Suddenly, Princess Skystar shouted “STOPPPPPPP!” Queen Chrysalis and Wanda Young turned to Princess Skystar, who looked like she was on the verge of tears.
“Skystar?” Wanda said.
“You’re right,” Princess Skystar cried.  “I am selfish and self-centered.  I only took you because I assumed you could help out my mom with dealing with the changelings.  But now I realized, I did put you in danger.”
With that, Princess Skystar ran off in the opposite direction, crying her eyes out.  Wanda, Chrysalis and Novo just stared at the fleeing Skystar before Novo turned her attention to Wanda.
“I’m….I’m sorry,” Wanda said.  “I didn’t mean to…”
“It’s okay, smallfry,” Queen Novo said.  “She needed to hear that.  But it’s also a sign that I’ve failed as a parent.  All this punishment towards her and she never learned a lesson from it.  I may have encouraged her to treat her punishments as achievements.”
Wanda turned back towards Queen Chrysalis with shame in her eyes.
“Do what you want with me,” Wanda said.  “I think I may have gone overboard.”
But Queen Chrysalis calmed down and instead released her hold on Princess Wanda.
“I can’t believe I would say this,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “But I agree with you.  I think I have gone too far.”
Queen Chrysalis pulled out her compact and began to open it, focusing her attention on the mirror.
“What are you doing?” Queen Novo asked.
“I’m going to call off the attack and order my troops to retreat,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “They won’t like what I’m going to say.  But we’ll find another way.”
Suddenly, Wanda was hit by an ice cold blast, binding her arms to her torso with a ring of ice.  She screamed loudly as she was pulled away from Chrysalis and Novo.
“SMALL FRY!” Queen Novo yelled.
Queen Chrysalis looked around where Wanda was being dragged.  With one glance, her anger skyrocketed.
“YOU!” Queen Chrysalis snarled.
As Wanda was pulled away, Gold Banks, having taken the form of a sea pony, appeared out of nowhere and grabbed Wanda by the ice bindings.  Five grunts swam up beside her before they pointed their tridents at Queen Novo and Queen Chrysalis.
“Queen Novo I presume,” Gold Banks said.
“What do you want, Banks?” Queen Novo said.
“Oh I’ve come to ensure the immediate surrender of the hippogriffs, the changelings, the winterians and all of Equestria,” Gold Banks said.  “And this filthy monkey is our key to do so.”
“LET ME GO!” Wanda cried.  “YOU SCARE ME!”
“Of course I do,” Gold Banks said.  “I own everything in this world.”
“You miserable little monster,” Queen Chrysalis yelled as she extended her tentacle out.
Immediately, two of the grunts raised their tridents up before stabbing the tentacle with it.  Green electricity pulsed from the tridents, shocking Queen Chrysalis.
“AHHHHHH!” Queen Chrysalis yelled.
“Let go of Wanda Young this instant,” Queen Novo shouted.
“I wouldn’t do that again if I were you,” Gold Banks said as the grunts withdrew their tridents from Queen Chrysalis’ tentacle, forcing Chrysalis to bring it back.  “Otherwise, you wouldn’t know what would happen to this poor, innocent child.”
Gold Banks looked down at Wanda’s neck and saw her necklace attached around it.  
“Oh and by the way, I guess you’re not needing this little gift that the flounder gave you,” Gold Banks said as she ripped the necklace off of Wanda’s neck.
“GIVE THAT BACK!” Wanda cried.  “That’s the only thing that will change me back into a human.”
“Well that’s just too bad,” Gold Banks said.  “Guess you’re going to be stuck as a sardine for the rest of your life.”
Immediately, Gold Banks held onto a frightened Wanda as she and her grunts swam up towards another cave.
“Where are you going with her?” Queen Chrysalis snarled as she held her tentacle close to her.
“I’m going to use this girl as a bargaining chip to ensure not only your surrender, but also Princess Celestia’s surrender,” Gold Banks explained.  “And I have you and that brat of a hippogriff princess to thank.  Oh, and I do appreciate that speech she gave to her.  Too bad I consider myself a selfish pony who thinks only of herself, and is proud of it.”
As Gold Banks laughed, she carried Wanda through the cave with the grunts following from behind.  Queen Chrysalis clutched her tentacle close to her before turning her attention to her compact.
“Tell your troops to save Princess Wanda from that monster,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “I plan on doing the same.”
Immediately, Princess Chrysalis II’s image appeared on the compact mirror.
“Mother,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “We’re dead-even against the Hippogriffs.  What’s your status?”
“End the fight against the hippogriffs, this instant,” Queen Chrysalis ordered.
“Are you kidding me?” Princess Chrysalis II said.
“No, I am not kidding,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Gold Banks followed us here and took Princess Wanda Young.  You are now ordered to rescue her, and aid the hippogriffs in holding back the Debt Collector monsters.  Understood?”
Princess Chrysalis II looked behind her for a moment before turning her attention back towards Queen Chrysalis.
“Understood,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “I’ll let Coldnelius Snap know of this.”
As Princess Chrysalis II disappeared from the compact mirror, Queen Chrysalis closed it before she turned towards Queen Novo, who was speaking to General Seaspray on an oyster pearl.
“Aid the changelings and the cultists?” General Seaspray asked.  “Are you kidding?”
“Sadly no, I am not kidding,” Queen Novo said.  “Gold Banks has made off with Princess Wanda.  I am ordering you to aid them and rescue her from that monster.  Queen Chrysalis has already given the orders to the changelings and cultists.”
General Seaspray looked around for a bit before he said “Okay.  I’ll do it, your majesty.”
As General Seaspray disappeared from the pearl, Queen Chrysalis swam up to Queen Novo, who gave the pearl to her guards.
“I will tend to the people and get them out,” Queen Novo said.  “Chase after Gold Banks and get Wanda back.”
“You don’t need to tell me,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “I’m already on it.”
As Queen Chrysalis swam after Gold Banks, Queen Novo nodded to the guards before she swam back to the palace.
“Before I leave, I must make amends with my daughter,” Queen Novo said.  “It’s tragic that she had to know the real truth.  But she must also know what a horrible mother I’ve been to her.”


	To Be Continued in…


	The Invasion of Mount Aris

> Arc 26-3: The Invasion of Mount Aris
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Invasion of Mount Aris



Princess Skystar was in her room within the palace, crying her eyes out on her bed.  Queen Novo swam in, looking at her daughter not with anger, but with remorse.
“Skystar,” Queen Novo said.  “Are you okay?”
“No,” Princess Skystar cried.  “Wanda was right.  I was selfish who only thought for herself.  I only brought her here because I thought she could help you in saving Mount Aris from Queen Chrysalis.  And now I put her in danger.”
“It was because you weren’t thinking right, my dear,” Queen Novo said before she swam up and placed her arm on Skystar’s back.  “And as a matter of fact, I wasn’t thinking clearly as your mother.”
“Wha,” Skystar said, wiping the tears from her eyes.  “What do you mean?”
“What I mean is that while I was harsh on you due to how many times you’ve disobeyed me,” Queen Novo explained, “I realized just how I missed the mark in telling you what you did wrong, and why it was wrong.  Time after time, I failed to tell you why what you did was wrong.  I was so caught up in my zeal to punish you, that you’ve gotten too numb to it.”
“But mom,” Skystar said.  “What can I do to make it up?”
“The one thing you can do is to help us get Wanda back,” Queen Novo said as Princess Skystar rose out of bed.
“What do you mean?” Princess Skystar asked.  “Did Queen Chrysalis take Wanda?”
“Worse,” Queen Novo said. “Gold Banks has kidnapped Wanda and has taken her to the top of Mount Aris.  Queen Chrysalis is in pursuit to get her back.  But if you can pitch in, I would appreciate it.
Princess Skystar looked at Queen Novo and said “I’ll do it.  I’ll make you proud, mom.”
With that, Princess Skystar swam out of her room and out of the palace, leaving a proud Queen Novo behind.
“That’s it, my daughter,” Queen Novo said.  “Go rescue Wanda and make that Gold Banks pay for what she did.”
Immediately, Mr and Mrs Ladybug, along with Baby Ocellus and Baby Silverstream swam in from the front door.
“Queen Novo,” Mrs Ladybug said.  “What happened?  Where did everyone go?”
Queen Novo got up from Princess Skystar’s bed and said “I’m sorry to say this.  But we’re evacuating from Seaquestria and Mount Aris.  Follow me.”
With that, Queen Novo swam out of Princess Skystar’s room with Mr and Mrs Ladybug, Baby Ocellus and Baby Silverstream following from behind.  But not much later, Baby Silverstream swam back in and grabbed the fork from off of Princess Skystar’s shelf before swimming back out of the room.
But outside within the halls of the Seaquestria palace, a portal formed as Grand Philosopher emerged all by himself.  A bubble formed around the alchemist pony as he saw Queen Novo, Princess Skystar, Mr and Mrs Ladybug, Baby Ocellus, Baby Silverstream and a number of sea pony guards make their way out of the palace.
“It seems my timing was perfect,” Grand Philosopher said.  “Now to take the form of an aquatic animal and locate the entrance to the secret world of this land.  And soon, it won’t be long until Gold Banks has the magic of the hippogriffs.”

Meanwhile, Gold Banks swam upwards through the pathway as fast as possible, keeping Wanda Young next to her.  The rest of her Debt Collector group followed from behind.
“Where are you taking me?” Wanda yelled.
“I’m gonna take you up to where you will be a hostage for Princess Celestia and the rest of Equestria’s surrender,” Gold Banks explained.  “Once the entire kingdom is conquered, I’ll be returning you to Daisy Joy Tech, only now as apart of the new aquarium exhibit.”
“NO!” Wanda cried as she struggled to break free.  “I’m not going to be a part of your suck zoo.”
“Deal with it, sea monkey,” Gold Banks laughed.  “Because that’s going to be your new fate.”
“YOU’LL NEVER GET AWAY WITH THIS!” Wanda yelled.  “WHEN MOMMY FINDS OUT WHAT YOU DID…”
“Let her try,” Gold Banks said.  “Because no one is going to save you.  Not even the Windigos.”
Gold Banks kept Wanda held to her side as she swam through the tunnel with her Debt Collector grunts by her side, until she reached the top of the water and the upper cave of Mount Aris.  She picked Wanda out of the water with her magic before slamming her into the ground.  Despite the impact, Wanda’s ice cuff remained intact.  But as Gold Banks approached Wanda, the debt collector squad emerged from the secret entrance and transformed back into ponies in an instant before they pulled out their tridents.
“So tell me,” Gold Banks said as she pulled herself out of the water and slid towards Wanda.  “Why do you not fear me, but not Queen Chrysalis?”
“Because at least I know she’s not as big of a monster as you are,” Wanda cried.  
“You know, you’re right on that,” Gold Banks said as she got up on her sea pony tail and picked up Wanda with her magic.  “Queen Chrysalis was nothing more than a tragic monster who became that way because of an alicorn named Hydia.  I have no tragedy in my own past.  I live to make others suffer for my own personal gain, which includes your own dear mommy.”
Wanda could barely hold her tears in as Gold Banks levitated herself in the air with her amulet.  She turned Wanda around and pushed her forward.
“Now come,” Gold Banks said.  “It’s time to surprise your mother and issue my demands for her immediate surrender.”
“Surrender this, monster.” Gold Banks and Wanda Young looked outside of the cave, where a number of hippogriffs, changelings and cutlists surrounded the cave.  Leading them were General Seaspray, Coldnelius Snap, Princess Chrysalis II, Locust, Crystal Snow, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator.
“Well well well,” Gold Banks laughed.  “What do we have here?  Three inferior races out to get me.”
“Release your hold on Princess Wanda this instant, Gold Banks,” General Seaspray ordered.  “You are completely surrounded.”
“Waspinator remembers what Gold Banks did to Princess Wanda,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator won’t forgive Gold Banks for how Princess Wanda, or fellow changelings, were treated.”
“Am I surrounded or are you surrounded?” Gold Banks said before she pulled Wanda back and held her close.
“I don’t know what you mean by that statement, monster,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “But you have a lot of nerve to bring us to extinction.  Your words mean nothing at this point, coward.”
“Now release that Man’s Cub,” Princess Chrysalis II shouted.
But Gold Banks levitated herself back, holding Wanda Young close to her.
“I don’t think so,” Gold Banks said, pointing .  “Stay back, if you know what’s good for this brat.”
Wanda struggled to break out of the ice cuff as Gold Banks kept her close.  Her eyes were focused on the cultists, changelings and hippogriffs that stood outside of the cave.
“Don’t bother breaking free, Mary Sue,” Gold Banks said.  “You’re my hostage.”
“You know you’re going to be in big trouble,” Wanda shouted.
“Silence,” Gold Banks yelled before slapping Wanda across the face.
As Wanda looked like she was on the verge of crying, Gold Banks turned her attention towards the hippogriffs, changelings and cultists that had her boxed in.
“That’s a bridge too far, Banks,” Coldenlius Snap said.  “I’ve been cruel before, but you are a sick monster for a pony.”
“You’re one to lecture me about abuse when you have a habit of abusing your victims?” Gold Banks laughed.  “You make me laugh, because I think you and your kind are pathetic.”
Suddenly, a tentacle smacked Gold Banks from behind, causing her to drop Wanda onto the ground.  Another tentacle shot out and grabbed Wanda, still held down by an ice cuff, while two more tentacles hit her grunts, knocking them down.
“WHO DID THAT?” Gold Banks yelled.  “Who dares to ambush the future empress of all of Equestria?”
Gold Banks turned around and saw cecaelia Queen Chrysalis emerge from the secret entrance to Seaquestria, holding Wanda close to her with her tentacle.
“I dare to,” Queen Chrysalis said.
Immediately, Queen Chrysalis gripped the ice cuff with two of her tentacles.  With a loud snap, the ice cuff shatters into pieces, freeing Wanda from her binding.
“I never thought I would say this,” Wanda said.  “But thanks.”
“Thank me later when this madness is over,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Now get on my back.”
As the grunts got up and rallied around Gold Banks, Queen Chrysalis placed Wanda on her back before releasing her hold on her.  Wanda held on as the Queen directed her gaze towards Gold Banks and her grunts.
“How dare you take my hostage,” Gold Banks fumed.  “I stole her fair and square.”
Immediately, the debt collectors pointed their tridents at Queen Chrysalis, who held her tentacles up as a shield.
“Don’t even think about blocking this,” Gold Banks said.  “They have more than enough firepower to end your life.”
“You also forget one thing,” General Seaspray said.  “We have you surrounded.  You so much end Queen Chrysalis’ life, and you will join her in the afterlife.”
“I beg to differ,” Gold Banks said.  “Look behind you.  My forces are gaining on your position.”
Immediately, Locust broke from the group and looked down at the bottom of Mount Aris.  A number of Debt Collector soldiers are making their way from the beach right up the mountain, armed with tridents.
“I’m afraid the witch is right,” Locust yelled.  “They’re coming this way and they’re armed to the teeth.”
Gold Banks turned towards Coldnelius Snap and hovered towards the leader of the Windigo’s Guild, holding a charge of magic in her horn while her amulet shone in the sun.
“So what’s it going to be?” Gold Banks said.  “Take me on and get wiped out by my forces?  Or let me go and fight back against them?  And don’t even think about using me as a hostage.  You try to grab me, and I’ll burn you with the power of Fire Nag Miasma.  It’s your call.”
Coldnelius Snap kept his eye on Gold Banks for a moment before he turned towards the rest of his cultists and their allies.
“Disregard Gold Banks,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “Turn your attention towards the Debt Collectors, and make them pay dearly.”
With a loud cry in the air, the changelings, cultists and hippogriffs turned towards the advancing debt collectors before charging right at them.  Leading the combined forces was General Seaspray, who marched down the hill with his wing carrying his shield.  Coldnelius Snap ran alongside the hippogriff commander with Crystal Snow right beside her.  Princess Chrysalis II and Locust were on the left side of the combined forces, while Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator were on the right side.
“Now then,” Gold Banks said.  “Where were we?”
Suddenly, Queen Chrysalis emerged from the cavern and leaped over Gold Banks with a push from two of her tentacles.  Wanda rode atop as Chrysalis curled her limbs to her lower body.  Gold Banks just looked up and just smiled.
“Impressive,” Gold Banks said, waving her sea pony tail in the air.  “But I don’t expect you or your new allies to last much longer.”
Once she hit the ground, Queen Chrysalis made her way down the hill with Wanda Young riding atop.  She stood atop the combined armies of the cultists, changelings and hippogriffs, all while they made their way down Mount Aris.
Immediately, Gold Banks pulled out her video phone and tapped the screen a few times.  Grand Philosopher’s face appeared on the screen.
“The debt collectors have been sent out, my lady,” Grand Philosopher said.  
“Just as planned,” Gold Banks said.  “It won’t be long until we box them all in.  Maybe they all will make for a convincing group of hostages.  Especially Princess Wanda.”

Meanwhile, the advancing army of the debt collectors made their way up Mount Aris.  They used their tridents to blast any and all hippogriff buildings and monuments, smashing them to pieces.
“I see them coming this way,” One Debt Collector shouted, taking shelter at a nearby fence.
“Get ready,” Another one shouted.  “And aim for the changeling queen.”
The debt collectors kept their eye on the advancing combined army making their way down the hill.  They pointed their tridents right at the front of the pack, especially on the tentacles of Queen Chrysalis.   But as the combined forces made their way down, Quickstrike took notice of some of the grunts.
“So those yellow-bellied cowards want to give us our last rodeo, eh?” Quickstrike said.  “Well EAT THIS!”
Quickstrike immediately fired off a blast of magic from his horn towards the positioned debt collectors.  The shot hit the ground on impact before detonating, sending some of the enemy soldiers flying into the air.
“You polecats think you can pull a fast one,” Quickstrike yelled as he charged his horn up again.  “THINK AGAIN!”
With another blast of magic, Quickstrike was able to hit two of the Debt Collector soldiers.  The impact sent them flying away into a nearby canyon before they hit the ground with a loud thud.  Moments later, their fur desaturated as their cosmic cores flew out of their bodies and into the air.
“Nice shot, brother,” Inferno cheered.  “But now is not the time to rest on your laurels.”
“Oh tell me about it,” Quickstrike shouted.
Above the entire group, Queen Chrysalis ran across the path leading down towards the beach of Mount Aris with Wanda holding onto the changeling-cecaelia hybrid.
“Are you doing okay, Princess?” Chrysalis asked.
“I am,” Wanda shouted.  “Far better than being with that mean Gold Banks.”
“There’s one thing that bothers me,” Chrysalis said.  “Why do you not fear me, but you fear Gold Banks more?”
“She hates my guts far more than you’ll ever have,” Wanda replied.  “She even locked me away at Daisy Joy Tech with my friends, and that was the worst thing that ever happened to me.”
Immediately, Locust flew up to Queen Chrysalis and Wanda and said “I was able to research this Daisy Joy Tech before we lost the hive.  This Miss Honey Twist takes great pride in kidnapping and tormenting their own students for their own amusement.  She even flunks them on purpose for entertainment.”
“That’s exactly correct,” Wanda responded.
“That is just completely sick, even by my standards,” Queen Chrysalis said as she continued to move down the hill.  “If I ever see this school, I’ll tear it apart with my bare hooves.”
Suddenly, a shot of fire nag magic passed by Chrysalis, Wanda and Locust.  The trio looked down to see three debt collectors fire shots of magic from their tridents.
“HALT!” One of them yelled.  “You will go no further.”
“Shut up!” Queen Chrysalis yelled as she swung her tentacle at the grunts, knocking them to the ground. 
Immediately, one of them got back up and pointed the trident at Queen Chrysalis, charging up the magic within.
“This time, you join the very changelings that we took from you,” The grunt shouted.
Immediately, another tentacle shot out from Queen Chrysalis and grabbed the unlucky soldier.  Queen Chrysalis immediately flung the poor fool high into the air as he screamed loudly.  
“THIS ONE IS FOR DRAGONFLY!” Queen Chrysalis shouted as she charged up a blast of magic.
Queen Chrysalis fired off her magic from her horn and it traveled towards the flying grunt at breakneck speed.  Before the grunt had time to react, the shot hit him dead on, sending him falling down into the canyon.  Moments later, a flash of light went off within the canyon before a loud boom echoed.  When the light disappeared, a cosmic core floated up from the canyon towards the stratosphere.
“Do not hold back,” Queen Chrysalis commanded.  “Make your way towards the beach and make the debt collectors pay for what they did.”
The changelings, cultists and even the hippogriffs all cheered in the air as they pushed their way down to the beach.

But at the bottom of Mount Aris, Queen Novo and Princess Skystar emerged from the ocean with Mr and Mrs Ladybug, Baby Ocellus, Baby Silverstream and a number of civilians right behind them.  The moment they reached land, they all transformed back into hippogriffs, with Mr and Mrs Ladybug and Ocellus transforming back into changelings.
“Keep your eyes peeled for any signs of the three armies,” Queen Novo commanded.  “They’re either our chance to keep Gold Banks’ own army out, or our chance of escape.”
Princess Skystar looked up the mountain and her face beamed with excitement.  She poked at her mother’s shoulder and pointed up the mountain.
“I see them,” Princess Skystar shouted.  “And it looks like Wanda is riding on top of Queen Chrysalis.
Queen Novo directed her gaze towards the mountain.  She was quick to notice the combined armies of hippogriffs, changelings and cultists making their way down the mountain, knocking aside any debt collectors who tried to attack them.  General Seaspray led the combined forces from the front.  On the sides were Princess Chrysalis II, Coldnelius Snap, Crystal Snow, Locust, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator.  Above the alliance was cecaelia Queen Chrysalis, knocking aside any debt collector who tried to attack them from afar, while Wanda rode on top of her back.
“That’s them alright, “Queen Novo said.  “But it looks like the Debt Collectors will stop at nothing to bring them down.”
Immediately, Mr Ladybug turned to his right and saw another ship land on the beach of Mount Aris.  The ship laid its gate down, allowing for more Debt Collector grunts to make their way towards the advancing armies.
“Begging your pardon, your majesty,” Mr Ladybug said, pointing to the incoming soldiers.  “But we got company.”
Queen Novo directed her gaze towards the fresh batch of soldiers that emerged from the ship and said “I don’t think so.  Guards.  Take them out.”
Immediately, a number of hippogriff guards marched in front of the civilians before donning their shields.  They took to the air, wielding powerful spears before they dive bombed the Debt Collector soldiers.
“I hope they can hold them back,” Princess Skystar said.
“Right now, we need to rendezvous with the three armies and escort the rest of the civilians off Mount Aris,” Queen Novo explained.  “Come with me.”
With a small platoon of guards remaining, Queen Novo and Princess Skystar led Mr and Mrs Ladybug, Baby Ocellus, Baby Silverstream and the hippogriff civilians towards the pathway.  Up ahead, the combined armies made their way down with cecaelia Queen Chrysalis and mermaid Wanda Young on top, nearing the bottom of the mountain.  Queen Chrysalis continued to knock debt collectors to the side with Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator blasting any that dare to fire on them.
“How are you doing, Man’s Cub?” Queen Chrysalis asked.
“I’m hanging on as much as I can,” Wanda said.  
“Keep still,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “This ride ain’t over yet.”
Princess Chrysalis II looked to her right and saw Queen Novo, Princess Skystar, Ocellus’ family, the guards and the civilians make their way towards the foot of the mountain.
“Everyone,” Princess Chrysalis II yelled.  “I think I see more hippogriffs coming towards us.”
“That must be Queen Novo and Princess Skystar,” General Seaspray said.  “And they got everyone out of Seaquestria.”
“Well what are we waiting for?” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “Let’s get to them this instant.”
But as the alliance made their way down the mountain, one Debt Collector soldier got up before picking up his trident and aiming right at the back of the army.
“This is to put you all in your place,” The Debt Collection grunt said, charging up his trident.
The Debt Collector fired a blast of magic from the trident and hit just behind the entire group, causing a powerful explosion.  Every hippogriff, changeling and cultist was knocked into the air with Queen Chrysalis falling down towards the ground.
“HANG ON!” Queen Chrysalis shouted as she wrapped herself and Wanda with her tentacles.
Queen Chrysalis rolled down the mountain while Wanda held on as tight as possible, screaming loudly.  Coldnelius Snap grabbed onto Crystal Snow before he hit the ground hard.  Inferno, Quickstrike, Waspinator, Locust and Princess Chrysalis II took to the air before they hit the ground, while most of the changelings, cultists and hippogriffs followed suit.  General Seaspray landed nearby, directing his attention to the Debt Collector soldiers above them.
“We’re not out of the woods, just yet,” General Seaspray shouted.  “Cover the front.  I’ll hold the back flank.”
A few hippogriffs sided with General Seaspray as the rest of the armies got themselves up and rallied around Princess Chrysalis II, who landed nearby and braced herself.

At the bottom of Mount Aris, Coldnelius Snap released his hold on Crystal Snow before he began to get up.  But when he moved his left leg, he screamed in pain.
“FATHER!” Crystal Snow said.  “WHAT HAPPENED?”
“My leg,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “I can’t move my leg.”
As Crystal Snow got up, she directed her horn at Coldnelius Snap’s left leg and directed a stream of cold magic right into it.  Nearby, Queen Chrysalis released herself and Wanda from her tentacles before she got up.
“Uggh,” Queen Chrysalis groaned.  “Those Debt Collectors are becoming a real pain in the rear.”
Wanda tumbled off of Queen Chrysalis before she slid her way towards Crystal Snow, who continued to feed magic into Coldnelius Snap’s leg.
“What happened to him?” Wanda asked.
“He’s badly hurt,” Crystal Snow said.  “I’m doing what I can to heal his the injuries to his leg.”
Once Crystal Snow’s magic disappeared, Coldnelius Snap moved his leg for a bit and breathed a sigh of relief.
“Thanks,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “I owe you one.”
As Crystal Snow wiped the sweat off her brow, she directed her attention to mermaid Wanda Young.
“I don’t believe we have met,” Crystal Snow said.  “My name is Crystal Snow, the second in command of the Windigo’s Guild and the Princess of Winteris.  You must be Wanda Young.”
“I am,” Wanda said.  “But a princess like me?”
“Yes,” Crystal Snow said.  “In fact, I don’t just see Coldnelius Snap as our leader.  I see him as my father: King Glacieous.”
“Wait,” Wanda said.  “Coldnelius Snap, the leader of the Windigo’s Guild, is really King Glacieous?”
“What she states is correct,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “My revenge against your kingdom was not only because of one alicorn named Hydia, but also what happened to my wife and Eternia’s sister Queen Icelina, and how Equestria abandoned all of us.   But right now is not the time for conflicts, Man’s Cub.  We have bigger threats on the horizon.”
Wanda turned towards the beach, where a number of Debt Collectors marched their way towards her and the three armies, armed with tridents.  
“Oh no,” Wanda said.  “You’re right.  We have bad ponies coming our way.”
“But Queen Chrysalis said that there are others coming to help us out,” Crystal Snow said.
Immediately, Wanda turned to her right to see Queen Novo, Princess Skystar, Mr and Mrs Ladybug, Baby Ocellus, Baby Silverstream, a number of hippogriff guards and the civilians make their way to her.
“That’s them,” Wanda cheered.  “That’s Aunt Novo with everyone else from Seaquestria.”
“What I’d tell ya?” Princess Chrysalis II said as she approached Wanda, Snap, Snow and her mother with the combined forces right behind her.
Queen Novo ran as fast as she could towards Princess Wanda and the advancing armies with Princess Skystar by her side.  The civilians of Seaquestria and the remaining hippogriff guards ran behind her with a few guards standing in front of the royal family, shielding them from any Debt Collector fire.
“AUNT NOVO!” Wanda cheered.
Suddenly, a shot from the mountains hits Queen Novo directly, knocking her to the ground.  Everyone came to a stop in horror as they directed their gaze at a Debt Collector grunt, who emerged from the bushes armed with a trident.
“MOOOOOOOOOM!” Princess Skystar screamed.
The grunt pointed his trident right at Queen Novo and charged up another shot.  The hippogriff queen could barely get up as she saw the Debt Collector grunt fire a shot at her.
But in an instant, Princess Skystar jumped in the way and took the blast of magic from the trident.  She screamed loudly in agony as she was knocked a foot away from her mother, before she collapsed on the ground and lost conscious.
“SKYSTARRRRRRR!” Queen Novo cried.
A few of the guards ran up in front of the grunt and held their shields out, only for the grunt to charge up his trident and slam it on the ground.  The resulting quake knocked the guards in the air before they landed near Princess Skystar.  He pointed his trident directly at Princess Skystar with every civilian standing in fear, before he walked up to Queen Novo.
“Aunt Novo,” Wanda cried.  “Skystar.”
The Grunt slashed at Queen Novo’s leg with his trident, causing the hippogriff queen to scream in pain.  She held her leg close to her as the grunt directed his trident at the unconscious Princess Skystar.
“A shame that your daughter is going to die,” The grunt said.  “But that’s the price you pay for existing.”
As the Debt Collector grunt charged up his trident, Wanda watched helplessly, slowly getting her tail up and pointing the palm of her hands at the grunt’s trident.
“NOOOOOO!” Wanda screamed before she fired a burst of magic from her palms.
Wanda magic flew right at the trident, hitting it directly.  The grunt looked down in horror at the trident as Queen Novo covered her face with her wing.
“No, NOOOO!” The grunt screamed in agony.
And in an instant, the trident exploded in the grunt’s face, sending a massive amount of energy through the soldier’s body and causing him to scream in intense pain.  When the energy disappeared, the guard collapsed onto the ground as his fur desaturated and his cosmic core flew off from his body.
Wanda looked at the dead corpse of the grunt before looking down at her hands.
“What….” Wanda cried.  “What have I done?”
Queen Chrysalis approached Wanda and said “What you thought was necessary.  Now come.”
Queen Chrysalis immediately picked up Wanda Young with her tentacle, who looked like she was on the verge of crying.  Crystal Snow, Coldnelius Snap and Princess Chrysalis II followed from behind with the three armies making their way towards the injured Novo and the unconscious Skystar.  
But right behind them, a couple of Hippogriff guards landed on the ground as their coats and manes desaturated and their cosmic cores flew from their corpses.  General Seaspray led what’s left of his forces towards the three armies.
“They’re overwhelming us,” General Seaspray yelled.  “There’s no way we can hold them off.”
As General Seaspray’s squad joined up with the rest of the armies, Locust, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator flew down and grouped around Queen Chrysalis, who sat Wanda down next to the unconscious Princess Skystar.  Wanda picked up Skystar and held her close.
“Skystar,” Wanda cried.  “I…I didn’t mean for this to happen.  I didn’t…mean to…kill someone.  Even if he…struck you down.”
“Smallfry,” Aunt Novo said.  “I’m afraid Queen Chrysalis…is correct.  You did…what had to…be done.  I’m…proud of you.”
“Aunt Novo,” Wanda cried as she directed her gaze towards the dead grunt.  “Even…if it was necessary…I didn’t mean…to.”
And with that, Wanda cried on the unconscious Skystar, her tears filling to the brim.  Queen Novo just looked at Wanda as a few tears came out of her eyes.
“Maybe I should have sent Princess Skystar away for her safety,” Queen Novo said.  “It’s my fault that I wasn’t a good mother to her.”
Immediately, Princess Chrysalis, Coldnelius Snap, Crystal Snow, Locust, General Seaspray, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator gathered around Mermaid Wanda Young, the unconscious Skystar, the injured Queen Novo, Cecaelia Queen Chrysalis, Mr and Mrs Ladybug, Baby Silverstream, Baby Ocellus, the three armies of the changelings, cultists and hippogriffs, and the civilians of Seaquestria.  Debt Collectors from the mountains and the beach surrounded each and every one of them with their tridents pointed at them.
“I hate to say this, my queen,” Inferno said.  “But they got us.”
“It’s okay,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “At least we all fought together.”
“Waspinator not like how this ending turned out,” Waspinator said.  “Dragonfly’s spirit will cry once we all suffer.”
Immediately Sea Pony Gold Banks flew down from the mountain and landed next to a number of her troops.  She looked at the surrounded captives and smiled.
“Just like blasting fish in a barrel,” Gold Banks said.  “I caught far more than my fair share of hostages.”
“You’ve gone too far, Banks,” Crystal Snow yelled.  “First our home of Winteris, then the changeling’s hive and now Mount Aris.”
“That’s correct, ancient Princess of Winteris,” Gold Banks said as she pointed to her amulet.  “I came to all three locations just to get my hooves on your magic.  And I have far more than my fair share of magic.  Impressive, isn’t it?”
“You’re a sick monster, Gold Banks,” General Seaspray said.  “Even far sicker than the Storm King was.”
“You compare me to that simple brute?” Gold Banks smirked.  “He doesn’t even know what real power stands for.”
“You won’t get away with this, Gold Banks,” Queen Chrysalis snarled.  “I swear of it.”
“And even your new form is no match for my Alicorn Amulet,” Gold Banks laughed.  “As of now, you are my prisoners, and your ransom will be more than enough for Princess Celestia to surrender her kingdom.”
As Gold Banks laughed out loud, Wanda cried on the unconscious Skystar with every Debt Collector Grunt surrounding every changeling, every cultist and every hippogriff.


	To Be Continued in…


	A Heroic Confrontation

> Arc 26-4: A Heroic Confrontation
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


	A Heroic Confrontation



Princess Celestia flew above the skies of San Di’Neigno towards Mount Aris.  Right beside her were a huge number of pegasi soldiers that were armed to the teeth.
“Any sign of the changelings or the Windigo’s Guild?” Princess Celestia asked.
“None at all,” One of the soldiers said.  “Not even a sign of your daughter, Princess Wanda Young.”
“Keep searching,” Princess Celestia said.  “Queen Novo told us about their invasion and about how her daughter took Wanda.  I am going to have a word with her when this is over.”
Suddenly, one of the soldiers looked down at Mount Aris and saw a number of cultists, changelings and hippogriffs crowded together with Cecaelia Queen Chrysalis on top.  But when he looked around the group, he saw the Debt Collectors surround them with Sea Pony Gold Banks glaring down at the captured ground.
“We found them, your majesty,” one of the Pegasi soldiers said.  “But I’m afraid Gold Banks got to all of them, and she’s taken on the form of a sea pony.”
Princess Celestia looked down from above and saw Wanda crying on top of the unconscious Princess Skystar within the group of changelings, cultists and hippogriffs.
“You’re right,” Princess Celestia said.  “I also see my daughter with Princess Skystar.  And it looks like…Skystar has been badly hurt.”
“What are your orders, your majesty?” Another Pegasi soldier asked.
“They haven’t noticed us yet,” PRincess Celestia said.  “Launch a preemptive strike towards Gold Banks.  She’ll pay for what she did.”
With that, Princess Celestia flew down towards Gold Banks with her pegasi guards flying in formation.

Down at the bottom of Mount Aris, the Debt Collectors pointed their tridents at the cultists, changelings and hippogriffs.  General Seaspray stood by his troops, holding his shield in front.  Queen Chrysalis stood atop the three armies and civilians keeping her eyes out on the soldiers.  Crystal Snow directed her magic towards the wound on Queen Novo’s leg.  Inferno, Quickstrike, Waspinator, Locust, Princess Chrysalis II and Coldnelius Snap kept their eyes on the advancing soldiers.  Mr and Mrs Ladybug held Ocellus and Silverstream close.  And Wanda cried on the unconscious Skystar, all while Gold Banks hovered over her new hostages.
“So sad, so desperate,” Gold Banks laughed.  “And you all have no hope left.”
“You have a lot of nerve to treat us this way,” Queen Chrysalis snarled.
“Oh but I do,” Gold Banks said, floating towards Queen Chrysalis.  “I remember the humiliation that you and Coldnelius Snap gave to me at the Grand Gallopin Gala.  Well how does it feel for you and your boyfriend to have the tables turned on you?”
“DON’T YOU EVER SAY THAT,”  Queen Chrysalis shouted as she charged up magic in her horn.
But all Gold Banks did was touch her hoof on one of Chrysalis’ tentacles.  In a flash, Fire Nag miasma flowed through Queen Chrysalis, nullifying her magic and causing her to scream in pain.  As soon as Gold Banks pulled her hoof off, Queen Chrysalis grabbed her tentacle and held it closely.
“That’s just a small sample of what the Alicorn Amulet can do,” Gold Banks said.  “And your desire for revenge against me will be worthless compared to how invincible I am.”
As Queen Chrysalis glared helplessly at Gold Banks, the sea pony directed her gaze towards Mermaid Wanda Young, who was crying atop the unconscious Princess Skystar.
“Well well well,” Gold Banks said.  “It seems the Man’s Cub is not paying me any respect at all.  Oh well.”
Gold Banks held her hoof out as her amulet glowed brightly, surrounding Wanda in an aura.  Wanda screamed loudly as she was pulled up to Gold Banks, where she stared at her helplessly.
Gold Banks held her hoof back and said “One good round of discipline deserves another.”
And with that, Gold Banks slapped Wanda across the face, much to the horror of every changeling, every cultist and every hippogriff.  The tears in Wanda’s eyes built up even more as she cried even louder.
“THAT GOES TOO FAR!” Princess Chrysalis II yelled.  “YOU ARE THE WORST BEING TO EVER EXIST ON THIS PLANET!”
“Flattery will get you nowhere,” Gold Banks said, holding the crying Wanda by her.  “She has no one left to save her, and her mother will surrender her kingdom for her and your safety.  And there is nothing you can do about it.”
Suddenly, the sound of Princess Celestia screaming “GOLD BANKS” echoed through the air.  When Gold Banks looked up, she was hit in the face by a blast of magic, knocking her down and releasing her hold on Wanda.  The mermaid man’s cub flew into the scream, screaming loudly and helplessly, until Princess Celestia flew out of the sky and grabbed Wanda with her magic.
“Princess Celestia,” Queen Novo said as her wound began to shrink down.  “You made it.”
Up in the air, Wanda looked up at Princess Celestia, who levitated her human daughter with her alicorn magic.  A number of Pegasi Guards flew past Princess Celestia in an instant while Wanda saw the eyes of her adopted mother.
“MOMMY!” Wanda cried as she gave Princess Celestia a hug, crying right into her chest.
“It’s okay, my darling Wanda,” Princess Celestia said.  “I’m here.”
As Wanda held onto Princess Celestia in the sky, Gold Banks glared up at the alicorn, her amulet glowing brightly.
“You dare to interrupt my moment, Princess?” Gold Banks snarled. “Very well.  If I can’t ransom your daughter for your kingdom, then you shall join the hostages.”
Suddenly, Queen Chrysalis fired a blast of magic right at Gold Banks, knocking her down.  The impact was enough to catch Celestia and Wanda’s attention as she flew down next to the hippogriffs, changelings and cultists, just as the Debt Collectors backed off a bit, pointing their tridents at the entire group.
“I never thought I’d say this,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “But I’m glad to see you, Princess Celestia.”
“The feeling’s mutual, Queen Chrysalis,” Princess Celestia said.  “Though I’m surprised that you took on that form.”
“What can I say?” Queen Chrysalis said.  “It’s all the rage.”
As Queen Novo slowly got up, she walked over to Princess Celestia and said “I’m sorry we had to meet on these horrible terms, old friend.”
“It’s okay,” Princess Celestia said.  “I didn’t expect Gold Banks to pull a stunt like this.”
“Mommy,” Wanda said. “Will you please get that mean ol Banks away?”
“I will,” Princess Celestia said.  “But you need to go with Queen Novo and get off this island.  Queen Chrysalis, Coldnelius Snap and I will hold Banks off.”
“But mommy,” Wanda cried.
“Don’t worry,” Celestia said with a smirk.  “I’ll make sure Gold Banks suffers for her crimes.”
Coldnelius Snap walked up next to Princess Celestia before turning towards his daughter Crystal Snow.
“Look after the Man’s Cub,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “Keep her protected.”
“Yes, father,” Crystal Snow said.
Crystal Snow picked up the unconscious Princess Skystar and placed her gently atop Queen Novo’s back before securing her in place with an ice cuff.  She ran up to Princess Celestia, who levitated Wanda off her and placed her on the Winterian’s back.
“Mommy,” Wanda said.  “Be careful.”
“OH be careful indeed,” Gold Banks yelled.  “Lest you forget that I have you all surrounded.  There is nowhere to go.”
“You’re absolutely right,” Princess Celestia said.  “But not for long.”
With that, Princess Celestia turned around before she fired a blast of magic at a group of Debt Collectors.  The resulting explosion knocked the grunts out of the way, and knocked them out.
“NOW GO!” Princess Celestia shouted.  “GET TO SAFETY!”
Wanda held on tight to Crystal Snow as she and Princess Chrysalis II turned tail and ran down the bridge between Mount Aris and the mainland with a number of Debt Collectors firing at them.  Locust, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator took to the air and fired right at the Debt Collectors, who turned their weapons right back at the four changelings.  Down below, General Seaspray led the combined forces of the Windigo’s Guild, changelings and hippogriffs right behind Crystal Snow and Princess Chrysalis II.
“DON’T LET THEM GAIN THE UPPER HAND!” Inferno yelled.  “FOR THE GLORY OF THE ROYALTY!”
“YEE HAW!” Quickstrike said, firing right at one of the guards and knocking him out.  “IT FEELS GREAT TO BLAST THESE VARMINTS TO SMITHEREENS!”
“Keep at it,” Locust yelled.  “Make these monsters pay, dearly.”
“No need to remind Waspinator,” Waspinator said, firing a few shots from his horn.  “Waspinator knows what to do.  Waspinator has plans.”
As one of Waspinator’s shots hits the trident of another Debt Collector, it goes completely critical and explodes, shocking its owner with Fire Nag miasma.  The grunt collapsed on the floor before his coat and mane desaturated and his cosmic core flew off.
“Nice shot, brother,” Quickstrike cheered.
“Waspinator may be retreating,” Waspinator cackled.  “But at least Waspinator rules.”
As the Predacons followed Mermaid Wanda Young, Crystal Snow and Princess Chrysalis II from behind with General Seaspray and the combined forces following in pursuit, Queen Novo led the hippogriff civilians through with the unconscious Skystar on her back.  Mr and Mrs Ladybug held Baby Ocellus and Baby Silverstream close to them as they made their way alongside the other hippogriffs.
“I am going to miss Mount Aris,” Queen Novo cried.
“I know,” Mrs Ladybug said, holding Baby Ocellus close to her.  “We all are.”
As nearly every changeling, every cultist and every hippogriff made their way off of Mount Aris and towards the mainland, Princess Celestia, Queen Chrysalis, Coldnelius Snap and a number of Equestria Pegasi guards stood firm against Gold Banks, while her Debt Collectors rallied around her.
“Banks,” Princess Celestia said.  “You are charged with kidnapping my daughter and her friends, inciting two mobs towards Canterlot and La Maresa, and intentional genocide towards the Winterians, the Changelings and the Hippogriffs.  What do you have to say for yourself?”
“I’d say I didn’t go far enough, princess,” Gold Banks said.  “But as long as I am all-powerful, I am judge, jury, and executioner.  And my judgment towards you and your new allies, is a permanent loss of your FREEDOMS!”
With that, Gold Banks fired off a blast of Fire Nag miasma at Princess Celestia, who immediately jumped out of the way before she flew up into the air.  Coldnelius Snap and Queen Chrysalis jumped out of the way before pointing their horns at sea pony Gold Banks.
“JUDGE THIS!” Queen Chrysalis shouted before she and Coldnelius Snap fired magic right at Gold Banks.
But Gold Banks raised up a shield consisting of Fire Nag Miasma, blocking both the changeling magic and the winterian magic.  She turned her attention towards Queen Chrysalis and Coldnelius Snap, who stood up to her.
“Your magic means nothing to me,” Gold Banks laughed.  “I possess the power of Fire Nag miasma.  I am invincible.”
Immediately, Princess Celestia fired a blast of magic at Gold Banks, knocking her down.  Celestia flew down above Gold Banks, pinning her arms to the ground.
“You’re not the only one who can master the power of Fire Nag magic, Banks,” Princess Celestia said as her horn glowed a bright red-orangish.  “In fact, mine is not as lethal as what you can do.”
“That is your biggest mistake,” Gold Banks snarled as her amulet glowed a bright blue.
Gold Banks pointed her horn at Princess Celestia and fired a blast of ice magic at her, knocking her down to the ground.  Gold Banks gloated as Celestia slowly got up.
“Do you see now?” Gold Banks laughed.  “This is the power of the Alicorn Amulet.  None of you are capable of…”
Suddenly, Queen Chrysalis grabbed Gold Banks with one of her tentacles and slammed her onto the ground before tossing her into the air.  Coldnelius Snap leaped upwards and fired a blast of ice magic right at Gold Banks, freezing her in place.
“SHUT UP!” Queen Chrysalis yelled as Gold Banks fell to the ground.
On impact, the ice that surrounded Gold Banks shattered to pieces.  Gold Banks slowly got herself up before she turned her attention towards the trio.
“You dare to interrupt my speech,” Gold Banks yelled as Fire Nag magic flowed from her amulet.  She turned towards her shock troops and shouted “MAKE THEM SUFFER FOR THIS!”
Immediately, the Debt Collector grunts charged towards Celestia, Chrysalis and Snap, pointing their tridents at the trio.
“Royal Guards, counter them,” Celestia ordered.
Immediately, the pegasi soldiers flew towards the Debt Collectors before clashing against them.  The shields of the pegasi held back against the tridents of the Debt Collectors.  
“Don’t give them an inch,” Celestia commanded.  “Hold them back.”
But immediately, Gold Banks flew towards Princess Celestia and grabbed her, sending her upwards into the air.
“You think you can best me, Princess?” Gold Banks laughed.  “Let me show you how helpless you truly are.”
With that, a powerful red orangish aura surrounded Gold Banks before it flowed right into Princess Celestia.  The alicorn princess screamed loudly as the aura burned within her as Gold Banks flew upwards.
“You sick…twisted…monster,” Celestia screamed.  
“Get used to it,” Gold Banks said.  “You’ll be enduring this pain long after I put you in a cell in Tartarus.”
“This pain is…means nothing….compared to what…you did….to my daughter,” Princess Celestia said as she felt the surge of fire nag energy flow through her.
“Such heroic nonsense,” Gold Banks yelled.
Suddenly, Coldnelius Snap flew upwards in the air, his robe discarded, his wings extended out.  He transformed into a windigo and flew towards Gold Banks before hitting her with a powerful blast of cold ice.  The impact caused Gold Banks to scream in pain before she lost her grip on Princess Celestia.
As Gold Banks fell downwards towards the ground, Coldnelius Snap immediately grabbed a nearly unconscious Princess Celestia.  With a cold aura that surrounded him, Coldnelius Snap touched Princess Celestia on the forehead, cooling her body and allowing her to regain full consciousness.
“What happened?” Celestia asked.  “Where’s Banks?”
“I knocked her out of the sky, Princess,” Coldnelius Snap explained.
Celestia immediately tumbled out of Coldnelius Snap’s arms before she flew downwards towards Gold Banks.  Snap flew down after Celestia, keeping his focus on the sea pony tyrant.  Gold Banks looked up at both ponies before charging up the magic in her amulet.
“You know nothing of the true power of the Alicorn Amulet,” Gold Banks yelled.  “It has the powers of the Winterians, the Changelings, the Fire Nags, and even…”
But as Gold Banks spoke, one of Queen Chrysalis’ tentacles reached out and grabbed Gold Banks, pulling her down at breakneck speed.  The rogue bureaucrat screamed in agony before she was slammed on the ground.
“I’ve about had it with your self-centered speeches, Banks,” Queen Chrysalis snapped as she stood over Gold Banks.  
“And I’ve about had it with your visage,” Gold Banks snarled.
Queen Chrysalis swung her tentacles into the air before she flung them down at Gold Banks.  But before she could hit the sea pony, Gold Banks charged up her amulet and fired a shot of Fire Nag magic right in her face, knocking the cecaelia changeling to the side before she hit the ground.  Immediately, Gold Banks got up on her fish tail before she levitated herself towards Queen Chrysalis.
“As much as I want to finish you off,” Gold Banks said, “I plan on making you suffer.”
The amulet around Gold Banks’ neck glowed brightly as Gold Banks touched the tentacles of Queen Chrysalis.  Ice formed around her eight limbs, binding them tight.  Gold Banks even froze Chrysalis’ horn with her magic.
Immediately, Gold Banks turned towards the heavens and saw Celestia and Snap dive towards her, charging up their horns.  Gold Banks laughed out loud before facing the two and charging up her amulet with green magic.
“I’ve tested out Fire Nag and Winterian magic,” Gold Banks laughed.  “Now it’s time to test out Changeling magic.”
Gold Banks pointed her horn at Princess Celestia and Coldnelius Snap before firing at the duo.  Celestia and Snap resorted to combining a shield spell in an attempt to block the blast of magic.  But when the changeling magic hit the shield, it detonated, sending the two falling down before they landed next to Queen Chrysalis.
“I win,” Gold Banks laughed.  “I may not have that man’s cub.   But the Princess of the Sun, the leader of the Windigo’s Guild and the Queen of the changelings will suffice.  And soon, Equestria will be mine.”
As Gold Banks gloated, Princess Celestia and Coldnelius Snap slowly got up.  Snap noticed the ice that formed around Queen Chrysalis’ tentacles.
“Can’t…transform..back,” Queen Chrysalis said in agony.
“Allow me to break the ice,” Coldnelius Snap said.
But when Coldnelius Snap placed his hoof on the ice that held down Chrysalis’ tentacles, it burned him on the hoof, causing him to yell in pain as he pulled his hoof back.
“What kind of sick, twisted abomination is this?” Coldnelius Snap asked.
“Why, it’s a mixture of fire nag miasma and windigo ice,” Gold Banks cackled.  “The advantage of the Alicorn Amulet.  I can mix spells together and create something new.  With my new amulet, every race across this planet will bow to my will.”
Princess Celestia slowly got up before she approached Coldnelius Snap.
“Snap,” Celestia said.  “If we combine our magic, we can break the ice that’s trapping Chrysalis’ limbs.”
“I’m with you on that,” Coldnelius Snap said.
But as Princess Celestia and Coldnelius Snap charged up their horns, a small haze of red-orangish miasma surrounded Celestia, Snap and Chrysalis, causing them to scream in pain.  Celestia and Cinch slowly collapsed as Gold Banks held her hooves out, emitting more of the miasma towards the three adversaries.
“There’s only a small amount of Fire Nag miasma to weaken you,” Gold Banks laughed.  “After I get done with you, I’ll go after every changeling, every winterian, every hippogriff and sea pony, and especially that mary sue of a child Wanda.”
“You will never take Wanda away from me, ever again,” Celestia shouted.
“You can take her to the far ends of this planet, or even to another dimension,” Gold Banks said. “But no matter what you do, I will find her, and I will take her back to Daisy Joy Tech.  I will make her as miserable as possible for my own amusement.”
Those words caused Princess Celestia to pause for a moment and reflect on what Gold Banks said.
“She’s right,” Princess Celestia said to herself as tears formed in her eyes.  “Gold Banks has become so powerful, that she could even take Wanda away from me for good.  I don’t know if Wanda can afford to stay in Equestria.”
Suddenly, a pegasi soldier flew up in the air and bit right into Gold Banks’ tail.  She screamed loud enough that the miasma flowing from her horn disappeared, allowing Celestia and Snap to get up.
“NOW!” Coldnelius Snap yelled.  “SHATTER THE ICE AROUND CHRYSALIS!”
Princess Celestia and Coldnelius Snap charged up their horns together before they fired their combined magic right at the ice binding Queen Chrysalis, shattering it to pieces.  Immediately, Queen Chrysalis got up on her eight octopus limbs and turned her attention towards Gold Banks.
“You will pay for your sick, twisted view, Banks,” Queen Chrysalis shouted.
But before Chrysalis could charge up the magic in her horn, Gold Banks pulled the pegasi soldier off her tail and zapped him with magic.  The lone soldier screamed loudly before Banks threw him on the ground.  As the soldier’s coat and mane desaturated and his cosmic core ejected from his corpse, sea pony Gold Banks turned her attention to Queen Chrysalis.
“This ends NOW!” Gold Banks shouted.
Gold Banks levitated into the air before her amulet charged up.  She flew downwards and slammed her hoof onto the ground, created a powerful shockwave that extended across the land, knocking down pegasi soldiers, Queen Chrysalis, Coldnelius Snap and Princess Celestia.
“Now you see that I am the most powerful being in Equestria,” Gold Banks said as she pulled herself back up in the air.  “And my beauty will serve as an example of what Equestria should be.  After all, I am here to Make Equestria Great Again.”
Princess Celestia got up and turned to her right.  Many of her guards pulled back from the Debt Collectors, but a couple were shot in the back by the private army’s tridents, causing them to collapse onto the ground before their coats and manes desaturated and their cosmic cores flew off.
“Our troops are dying because of this madness,” Princess Celestia said.  “We must retreat.”
Queen Chrysalis looked at Gold Banks, who stood gloating in the air.  The cecaelia changeling queen looked down at her own hooves as she struggled to catch her breath.
“I hate…to agree with you,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “But I understand…why.”
“Let us fall back, this instant,” Coldnelius Snap said.
With that, Queen Chrysalis grabbed three of the fallen Pegasi soldiers with her magic and took off towards the bridge to the mainland.  Princess Celestia and Coldnelius Snap extended their wings out and flew off from the foot of Mount Aris, with the remaining pegasi soldiers following from behind.  The Debt Collectors rallied around Gold Banks, as she lowered herself down near the surface.
“My lady,” one of the grunts said.  “What should we do about those three?”
“Let them go for now,” Gold Banks said.  “They’re only delaying the inevitable.”
Immediately, Grand Philosopher emerged from the water, having taken the form of a cecaelia.  He walked up to Gold Banks on his own tentacles.
“My lady,” Grand Philosopher said.  “While you were dealing with the three armies, I located the entrance to the secret world of the hippogriffs.  The magic is now yours to claim.”
“Excellent,” Gold Banks laughed.  “But it’s a shame that you missed out on the fun.  Princess Celestia tried to intervene, and she lost, even with the help of Queen Chrysalis and Coldnelius Snap.”
“Maybe next time I will get to see more of your Alilcorn Amulet in action,” Grand Philosopher said.  “Now come with me.  I wish to show you the hidden world under Seaquestria, where you can become stronger than ever.”
“Oooh I can’t wait,” Gold Banks said in anticipation.  “Lead on.”


	To Be Continued in…


	A Mermaid’s Remorse

> Arc 26-5: A Mermaid's Remorse
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


A Mermaid’s Remorse



Princess Celestia and Coldnelius Snap flew above the skies of the Equestrian mainland near Mount Aris with the surviving pegasi soldiers following from behind.  Below, Queen Chrysalis marched through on land with her tentacles, carrying the dead pegasi soldiers.  Immediately, the airborne ponies spotted the crowd of hippogriffs, changelings and cultists nearby before they landed.
“They’re alright,” Princess Celestia said.
“Come,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “Let us tend to our own before we depart.”
Princess Celestia and Coldnelius Snap landed on the ground as the hippogriffs, changelings and cultists approached them.  Queen Chrysalis arrived and laid down the dead soldiers nearby.  Queen Novo was quick to hug Princess Celestia.
“Thank Neptune and Athena that you survived,” Queen Novo said.
“I came this close to losing my life,” Princess Celestia said.  “Even with the help of Coldnelius Snap and Queen Chrysalis.  Gold Banks has become too powerful for any of us to handle.”
Suddenly, someone shouted “MOMMY!”  Princess Celestia looked down and saw Wanda standing on top of her mermaid tail.  Celestia picked up Wanda with her magic and gave her a hug.
“I’m sorry I worried you, my darling Wanda,” Celestia said.  
“I’m just glad you made it back,” Wanda cried.   “I don’t know what would have happened.”
“It’s okay,” Celestia said. “I won’t leave you.”
But when Celestia turned her head, she saw Crystal Snow channeling her magic into Princess Skystar, who was unconscious.
“Crystal Snow, was it,” Princess Celestia said, walking over to the Winterian with Wanda holding onto her adopted mother.  “Will she be alright?”
“She will,” Crystal Snow said.  “The ice cuff that I placed on her was able to get most of the miasma out of her body.  But she will need some time to recover.”
“Thank goodness,” Princess Celestia said.  “The last thing we need is for a mother to lose her daughter.”
“That I agree on,” Queen Novo said, walking up to Princess Celestia and pulling out another necklace.
“Aunt Novo,” Wanda said.  “Is that?”
“I’m sorry you lost your original necklace to Gold Banks,” Queen Novo said, holding the necklace out to Wanda..  “Luckily, I still had plenty left over.  This will restore your human legs and allow you to walk again.”
Wanda looked down at the necklace and reached out to it, only to just simply withdraw her hand away.
“I’m sorry, Aunt Novo,” Wanda said, ashamed.  “But I can’t take it just yet.  I nearly lost Princess Skystar and I unintentionally killed one of Gold Banks’ foot soldiers.”
“Wanda,” Princess Celestia said.  “I didn’t know you did that.”
“It’s true,” Wanda said as Celestia levitated the Man’s Cub onto her back.  “I fired off my magic in hopes of knocking the trident out of the soldier after he struck Aunt Novo and Princess Skystar.  Instead, it exploded and took his life.  Seeing that reminded me of how I nearly took the life of a little birdie.”
“And it’s not your fault,” Queen Chrysalis said as she laid down on her tentacles.  “You did what you had to do.  Sometimes, the more pacifist choices aren’t the best choices.”
“I never thought I would say this, but I agree with Queen Chrysalis,” Princess Celestia said.  “Sometimes, we fight to defend our home from those who would threaten it.  But I can understand why you’re upset about taking another individual’s life.  It’s because you see life as precious.  And sometimes, to save a life, may require taking a life.  But only as a last resort.”
Wanda looked down at the necklace on Queen Novo’s palm before turning to Princess Celestia
“Mommy," Wanda said.  "Could you hold onto my necklace until I feel like I’m ready to be human again?”
“By your wish, I will,” Princess Celestia said as she levitated the necklace into the air and placed it around her neck.
“And that wish I will respect, smallfry,” Queen Novo said.
With that, Coldnelius Snap turned to Queen Novo and said “Despite the fact that we were the ones who invaded, none of us came out the victors.  Gold Banks has won.”
“Though I am disappointed by yours and Chrysalis’ decision to invade our land, I unfortunately know why,” Queen Novo said before turning to Queen Chrysalis.  “Two of your former citizens informed me that Gold Banks took over the lands of the Changelings and the Winterians, driving your kind out.”
“As much as I am not proud of this and because of the backlash we might have gotten,” Princess Celestia said, “I would have been more than happy to assist your races in crisis.  While your invasion did put the truce in jeopardy, Gold Banks’ victory on Mount Aris, the Changeling Hive and Winteris has renewed it.  As of now, Gold Banks is the biggest threat to Equestria in this day and age.”
“That I agree with you on,” Coldnelius Snap said as Crystal Snow walked up to him and stood by his side.  “Effective immediately, we have agreed to extend our truce with you until Gold Banks is dealt with.”
“And we agree with Coldnelius Snap,” Queen Chrysalis said as Princess Chrysalis II, Locust and the Predacon Brothers took sides with the cecaelia Changeling Queen.  “Until Gold Banks is dealt with, our eternal rivalry will have to be put on hold.”
“Which reminds us,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “What will be of the Hippogriffs now that they have lost their home?”
“I’ve decided to let them live in the Golden Land until further notice,” Princess Celestia said. “What about you?  Will you join us?”
“I’m afraid not,” Coldenlius Snap said.  “Though our truce has been renewed, our differences will put us at risk with the ponies of Canterlot.  So we decline for the moment.”
“We’ll find another home until Gold Banks is dealt with,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “But I vow to you that my revenge against Gold Banks will override any other desires.”
“That I will keep in mind,” Princess Celestia said.
“Then we should be on our way,” Queen Chrysalis said before she transformed back into her changeling form.  “Come.  Let us find a new home within the badlands.”
With that, Coldnelius Snap and Crystal Snow ran off in another direction with the Windigo’s Guild following from behind, while Queen Chrysalis, Princess Chrysalis II, Locust, Inferno and Quickstrike led the changelings out.  Waspinator turned towards Wanda with a somber smile on his face.
“Promise Waspinator that you’ll make it?” Waspinator asked.
Wanda looked at Waspinator with a smile on her face and said “I promise.”
“Then there is nothing left for Waspinator to say, except take care, Wanda-bug,” Waspinator said before he leaped into the air and flew off after the rest of the changeling swarm, leaving Princess Celestia, Wanda Young, Queen Novo, General Seaspray, Mr and Mrs Ladybug, Baby Ocellus and Baby Silverstream behind with the surviving Hippogriffs and Pegasi soldiers, the deceased who laid nearby, and the unconscious Princess Skystar laying nearby.
“We’ve entered into tough times now, and I fear it’s going to get worse,” Princess Celestia said to herself.

Meanwhile, deep in the abandoned throne room of Seaquestria, sea pony Gold Banks and cecaelia Grand Philosopher stood in front of a large hole that was covered in a bright light.  Nearby, a grand table had been pushed out of the way and smashed in two as if it were crushed by tentacles.
“This must be where the location of the Hippogriff’s secret land is,” Gold Banks said.
“And the source of their power,” Grand Philosopher explained.  “Once you acquire the power of the hippogriffs, nothing in Equestria can stop you.”
“I feel that’s an understatement after I was able to best Princess Celestia, Queen Chrysalis and Coldnelius Snap all at once,” Gold Banks said.  “But regardless, let’s press on.”
Gold Banks swam downward into the light, descending through a tunnel that led downward.  Behind her, Grand Philosopher swam after her.  As they descended downward, they saw the entire underwater world around them as the color of the ocean went from dark blue to purple to black, with a number of fish and other aquatic marine life surrounding the tunnel.
At the bottom of the tunnel, they emerged in what appeared to be a beautiful land that looked like a mix between the underwater world and the mountain ranges scattered across.  In front of them was a palace that looked like it was built atop a mountain.  A pillar of magic flowed out from the top of the castle.
“That must be where the hippogriff magic is located,” Gold Banks said.
“What are you waiting for?” Grand Philosopher said.  “Go and get it.”
“With pleasure,” Gold Banks smirked.
With that, Gold Banks swam out from the light tunnel towards the castle at a brisk speed with Grand Philosopher following from behind.
Inside the castle, the layout was nearly similar to that of Seaquestria Palace, but it looked more ancient and mysterious.  Gold Banks swam through the halls of this mysterious castle before she arrived in the throne room, where the magic flowed out.
“The magic of the Hippogriffs,” Gold Banks said in awe.  “And it’s all mine.”
Gold Banks swam up to the pillar of magic before she held her amulet out.  Immediately, the magic flowed into her amulet as it glowed brightly.  When the magic stopped flowing into the amulet, Gold Banks held it close to her with a devilish grin on her face as it glowed a bright ocean blue.
“So much magic flowing within,” Gold Banks said, satisfied.  “And it’s all mine.”
“It’s a shame that the magic of the demon ponies is lost,” Grand Philosopher said.  “With that kind of power, you could even eclipse the Pony of Shadows, or even more.”
“That won’t be necessary,” Gold Banks said.  “I have more than enough magic to overthrow Princess Celestia and take my rightful place as Empress of Equestria.”
“And what of Magistrate Creme Dream?” Grand Philosopher asked.  “After all, you desire revenge on her for the humiliation she put you through.”
“You’re right,” Gold Banks said, releasing her hold on her amulet as it dropped below her beck.  “Besides, there might be one last source of power I plan on acquiring before I begin my conquest of Canterlot.”
“And what would that be?” Grand Philosopher asked.
“Rumor has it that a secret land exists under the ruins of Castle Everfree,” Gold Banks explained.  “Much like how we found the magic under Mount Aris, what’s left of the Changeling Hive, Winteris, and Manehattan.”
“The ancient land of Queen Eternia and Icelina?” Grand Philosopher said.  “I’ve forgotten about that area.”
“Well it wouldn’t hurt to go down there and acquire a bit more magic before we begin our conquest of Canterlot,” Gold Banks said.  “Shall we?”
With that, Gold Banks swam out of the throne room with Grand Philosopher by her side, laughing out loud within the secret land of the Hippogriffs.  But on her way out, Gold Banks pulled out a necklace that she took from Wanda.
“Fascinating that I also obtained a little trinket from my trip here,” Gold Banks said.  “I wonder how its magic will affect my Alicorn Amulet.  That is something I can’t wait to try out.”

But meanwhile, in the palace of the Golden Land, Princess Skystar slowly opened her eyes up as she moved slowly.
“Uggh,” Princess Skystar said.  “What happened?”
“You were badly hurt and you nearly died.”  Princess Skystar shifted her head to her right, where Princess Celestia walked up to her.  The only thing Skystar did upon seeing the alicorn was to shift her head away with a sigh.
“I messed up, big time,” Skystar said.  “Didn’t I?”
“What you did was wrong when it came to taking my daughter away,” Princess Celestia said.  “But that pales in comparison to what happened on the foot of Mount Aris.”
Skystar’s eyes lit up for a bit before she said “Wait.  Was it because I took a blow for my mom?”
“You did,” Princess Celestia said.  “And you scared her with that stunt.  Had it not been for Windigo’s Guild member Crystal Snow, you would have died.”
Princess Skystar shifted her head away from Princess Celestia as she struggled to move her body.
“Uggh,” Princess Skystar said.  “That explains why I feel so weak.”
“It’s going to take some time for you to recover from your injuries,” Princess Celestia explained.  “Until then, you’ll be confined to this palace.”
“I’ll take it,” Princess Skystar said.  “Better than being dead.”
Princess Celestia giggled before she said “But that’s not the only punishment you’ll have to endure.  In fact, there is someone who’s here to see you carry it out.”
Immediately, Princess Celestia walked out of the way as Wanda Young, still a mermaid, walked in on Sunset Shimmer’s back.  Next to her were Abigail Albright, Starlight Glimmer, Golden Lace and Pinkie Pie, the latter which was carrying a cake in a wagon she was pulling.
“Wanda,” Princess Skystar said.  “You’re still a mermaid.”
“Yeah,” Wanda said.  “After what happened on Mount Aris, I felt extremely shameful.”
As Sunset Shimmer approached the bed that Princess Skystar was lying in, Wanda hopped off and sat on the bed before pulling her mermaid tail on it.  Starlight Glimmer and Golden Lace pulled a table up close before they both placed the cake on top.
“What do you mean, Wanda?” Princess Skystar asked.
“When you were struck down by the magic of the Debt Collectors,” Wanda explained, “I was horrified.  I mean, it was one thing for you to take me away from Canterlot.  But it’s another for you to take a shot for your mommy.”
“She’s right,” Sunset said.  “Regardless of what you did, your death would have been far worse.”
Before Skystar could speak, she noticed the ring on Sunset Shimmer’s horn.
“Sunset,” Skystar said.  “What happened to you?”
“My own demon form tried to take control, and it nearly overwhelmed mother and sister Cadance,” Sunset said.  “So mother was able to use an equinox ring to keep it in check.  And so far, it’s doing well.  But at the cost of my magic.”
“So, you won’t be able to do magic anymore?” Princess Skystar asked.
“Until a solution is found,” Sunset said.  “Right now, I’m going to have to function without a single shred of magic.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” Princess Skystar said.  “I hope you do find it.”
“Thanks, Skystar,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “I appreciate it.”
But Skystar turned her attention back towards Wanda, who barely turned away from her.
“Wanda,” Skystar said.  “It looks like something else happened to you while I was out cold.”
“It was,” Wanda explained.  “When the mean soldier tried to blast you and your mommy, I overreacted and fired a blast of magic at him.  Somehow, it caused his weapon to explode and kill him.”
“You actually….killed someone?” Princess Skystar said, horrified by Wanda’s words.
“Yeah,” Wanda said before she turned her head away.
“When Wanda told us about what she did, we were horrified,” Starlight Glimmer said.  “To think that our best friend would be forced to take a life.”
“But unfortunately, she had a reason to do so,” Golden Lace explained. “It was to save yours and your mother’s life.  Had Wanda not taken that course of action, we could have lost you and your mother.  A shame that it wound up resorting to the death of a soldier, even if he was from my mom’s private military.”
Princess Skystar struggled to get herself up on the bed as she tried to reach out to Wanda.  The mermaid man’s cub turned to Princess Skystar and noticed her struggling.  So Wanda scooted over to the hippogriff, allowing Skystar to place her arms around her.
“Wanda,” Princess Skystar said.  “I’m sorry you had to take a life, even if he was a big meanie.”
“Thanks,” Wanda said, still depressed.  “I’ve asked my mommy to keep me as a mermaid for the rest of today.  Just to at least keep you comfy while you recover from your injuries.”
“But what about the necklace that Golden Lace took from you?” Skystar asked.
“Mommy was given another necklace from Aunt Novo,” Wanda said as Abigail jumped on the bed.  “But I asked her to keep it temporarily till I am ready to return to being human.”
“So that’s why you chose to remain a mermaid,” Princess Skystar said.
“That’s right,” Pinkie Pie said, cutting a slice of cake and placing it on a plate.  “Wanda felt real sorry for you, and I think her decision makes a lot of sense:  A reminder to be humble towards others.”
Pinkie Pie handed the plate of cake to Princess Skystar, who only turned her head away.
“I don’t know if I should accept this,” Skystar said.  “I don’t deserve it after what I did.”
“Oh just take it,” Pinkie Pie laughed.  “After all, it was Wanda’s idea.”
“That’s right,” Wanda said with a smile forming on her face as she held a fork out.  “So as princess of Equestria, I hereby sentence you to eat that cake.”
With that, Wanda cut into the cake slice with the fork before picking it up and held it out to Skystar, who took a bite into it.  After she swallowed, her beak cracked a smile.
“This is the best punishment I have ever gotten in my life,” Skystar cried.  
Immediately, Sunset, Starlight, Golden Lace and Pinkie Pie all burst out into laughter.
“Oh Skystar,” Starlight said.  “You’re so silly.”
Wanda laughed as well as she cut off another piece of cake and held it in front of Princess Skystar, who bit into it.   Princess Celestia smiled from afar before she walked out the room where Queen Novo waited for her.
“I’m glad she’s recovering well,” Queen Novo said.   “But I’m still surprised by Princess Wanda’s decision to remain a mermaid until further notice.”
“It’s a silly decision she chose to make,” Princess Celestia said.  “But I respect her choice.  The way I also see it is that it’s a means of showing sympathy towards your daughter, especially after what she went through.”
As Princess Celestia and Queen Novo walked away from the door, the hippogriff queen looked out a nearby window with the sun setting in the Golden Land.
“I’ll have to be honest,” Queen Novo said.  “I thought I would lose my daughter that day after she used herself as a shield.  It almost reminded me of how I lost my father and mother.”
“No doubt that Gold Banks has become far more dangerous than any villain I have confronted in my life,” Princess Celestia said.  “And unlike you and me, she has no regard for her own off-springs.  Tells you a whole lot about what their character truly is.”
“That reminds me,” Queen Novo said.  “Since we left Mount Aris, your mind has been a bit preoccupied with Wanda’s well-being.”
Princess Celestia came to a stop as she turned to Queen Novo and said “It has.  I still recall what Gold Banks said to me.  She told me that I could take Wanda to the far ends of Equestria, and she will still find her and bring her back to Daisy Joy Tech.  And considering the power that Gold Banks has, I fear it would only be a matter of time before I lose Wanda for good.”
“Don’t let Gold Banks trouble you on this,” Queen Novo said.  “We’ll bring that monster down, one way or another.”
“Even so, I fear I’m putting my darling Wanda in grave danger,” Princess Celestia replied.  “So I may actually have no choice, but to have Wanda return to Evevanya.”
“Back home to where she came from?” Queen Novo asked.  “Are you sure about that?  What would she say about it?  What would her friends say?”
“I know they won’t be happy about it,” Princess Celestia said.  “But it’s for her own good.”
As Princess Celestia walked away from Queen Novo, the hippogriff queen just stood there completely worried.
“Neptune and Athena,” Queen Novo said.  “Please give Princess Celestia the guidance needed so that she can get through these hard times.”


	To Be Continued in


	Arc 27: A Dog Gone Revelation


	The Return of Karen the Bulldog

> Arc 27(A Dog Gone Revelation)-1: The Return of Karen the Bulldog
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Arc 27: A Dog Gone Revelation


The Return of Karen the Bulldog



One night, at a house located within the middle of Canterlot, an unknown pegasus was on the phone talking with someone.  Outside, Karen the Alicorn Bulldog was chained up to her post, now with a muzzle covering her nose and mouth.  While Karen looked depressed, the pegasus stallion inside the house was furious.
“What do you mean you won’t pay up?” The pegasus yelled.  “You lost the match and your dog was not worth its weight in bits.  Don’t give me that excuse.  I demand payment as early as tomorrow.  Either you do that or I’m taking your dog away. Do I make myself clear?”
Immediately, the audio on the phone’s speaker clicked before it returned to a mere dial tone.  The pegasus stallion just looked at the phone before slamming it on the table, and the sound was so loud that it caused Karen to yelp in fear.
“What does that deadbeat think she is?” The pegasus yelled.  “All I ask is for the money she bet on and what do I get?  NADA!  ZILCH!  ZIP!”
The pegasus picked up a nearby table and tossed it at a nearby wall.  The sound of the impact caused Karen to yelp even louder as she began to pull on her chain.
“I’ll deal with that deadbeat mare first thing tomorrow morning,” The pegasus said.  “No good, rotten renegers.  All of these dogs have become horrible in these bets recently.  Even that stupid Karen is losing her luster in these dog fights.  I should just put her out of her misery when I get the chance, and find me a new dog to replace her.  But then again, it’s not the first time that I, Wild Bet, have replaced a stupid mutt.  They’re nothing more than a bit a bunch.”
As Karen pulled on her chain, the magic in her horn lit up and surrounded the chain in magic.  Karen kept pulling until the chain broke.  Once she was freed from her chain, Karen flapped her wings and took off into the air before disappearing into the night.

The next day, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna were walking down the street together in the middle of Canterlot.  Everyone seems to be minding their own business on this beautiful morning.  But while the citizens were content, Celestia looked worried.
“Sister,” Luna said.  “You’re not thinking about having to move Wanda back to Evevanya, are you?”
“It’s all I can think of, sister,” Celestia said.  “I still remember what Gold Banks said to me when I confronted her on Mount Aris, that no matter where I take Wanda, she will be there to take her back to Daisy Joy Tech.  The fact that I couldn’t beat her, even with Queen Chrysalis and Coldnelius Snap by my said says a whole lot.”
“We’ll figure out a way to nullify her so-called Alicorn Amulet,” Princess Luna said.  “But that being said, you’re so eager to move Wanda back to Evevanya, that you wouldn’t understand what that would do to her psyche.”
“I’m afraid she’s right, Princess.”  Chancellor Cinch walked up to Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, worried for the former’s well-being.
“Chancellor,” Princess Celestia said.  “For one who was critical of my daughter back then, you don’t seem to like the idea of her returning to Evevanya.”
“I don’t,” Chancellor Cinch said as she walked alongside Celestia and Luna.  “You’re making a big mistake by not only separating her from the mother who cared for her, but also from the friends who stood by her, even the ones who still remain in Canterlot.”
“But what can I do?” Princess Celestia asked.  “Her life is in danger as long as Gold Banks has that necklace of hers around her neck.  I can’t just let her stay here and risk having Gold Banks take her away for good.”
“This is something that isn’t as easy to decide on as you think,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Not only is your own daughter in danger, but so is every colt and filly in Equestria.  If you separate the Man’s Cub from her friends, they would lose more than just their friendship with her.  They could lose their freedom.  After all, Banks said she would put every Colt and Filly in Daisy Joy Tech if given a chance.”
Princess Celestia turned her head away from Chancellor Cinch, looking down at the surface of the ground as a tear fell from her eye.
“This will not be an easy decision,” Celestia said.  “In fact, I’ll also admit that my own life is in jeopardy as long as Banks is out there.”
“Take some time and think it over before you make your final decision, sister,” Princess Luna said.  “You don’t want to make a harsh mistake that you will live to regret.”
“Right now,” Chancellor Cinch said as she pulled out a parchment paper, “There is another matter to attend to.  I have a search warrant on the very owner of that Alicorn Bulldog.”
“The same one who splashed a bucket of water in your face when you told him to keep Karen on a leash?” Luna asked.
“Yes,” Chancellor Cinch shrugged.  “His name is Wild Bet, and I’ll never forget how rude he was.”
Celestia’s head lifted up as she said “I also received complaints about him when his yelling and screaming kept others up all night.”
“The real reason is because of reports about him neglecting his own dog,” Cinch replied.  “After reports came out about her mistreatment, I was able to get a court to sign off on a search warrant, and now we’re heading over to his place to investigate.”
“Word also has it that he’s already out and about,” Luna said.  “Now may be a time to go check the place out.”
“If there’s one thing I can’t stand, it’s an animal abuser,” Celestia said in a stern tone.   “I’m game.”
“Then come,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “We have work to do.”
Chancellor Cinch ran off in another direction, leaving Celestia and Luna to run off after her.

Meanwhile, at the Canterlot Sugar Cube Corner, Pinkie Pie was already mixing up some delicious goods in the kitchen while a baby alligator helped out by pulling freshly-baked cakes and pies out of the oven.  At the nearby tables, Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell and Golden Lace were busy enjoying their delicious desserts with Spike and Abigail sitting next to them, enjoying a pie together.  But Wanda was sitting next to Sunset, barely eating her cake.
“Yum,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “This is the best thing I’ve ever tasted.  Strawberry shortcake with a delicious creme frosting.”
“That’s nothing,” Danged Spell said.  “This tartarus food cake is worth every bite.”
“What do you know, Spell?” Moondancer laughed.  “The germane cake is worth every bite.”
“I’m more of a fan of the carrot cake,” Starlight said.
“I’m with you on that,” Sunburst said.
“Personally, I happen to enjoy a simple cheesecake,” Golden Lace said.
Twilight turned to Misty and said “Hey Misty.  What’s the cake like at the Crystal Empire?”
Misty just laughed before she said “Oh that’s something I’ll be embarrassed to talk about.”
“Aww come on, tell me,” Twilight said.  “What is the best cake to have at the Crystal Empire?”
“Alright alright,” Misty laughed.  “Believe it or not, the Crystal Empire is known for the weddings they host.  Mainly it’s because of its scrumptious wedding cakes.  Big brother has always been a fan of them and when he hosts a wedding, he encourages his top level chefs into baking the most delicious wedding cake for the guests to enjoy.”
“Wow,” Moondancer said.  “Guess the Crystal Empire really has a thing for its wedding and its cakes.”
“Yeah,” Danged Spell said in a smug tone.  “It’s love at first bite.”
“Danged Spell,” most of the younglings yelled before breaking into laughter.
“Come on,” Danged Spell smirked.  “You know it be true.”
But as the group laughed, Twilight turned her attention to Wanda, who took small bites at her cake and was drifting off.
“Wanda,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “Are you alright?”
Yeah,” Wanda said.
“Are you sure about that?” Twilight said.
“You remember what happened with Wanda a few days ago?” Sunset asked.
“Oh yeah,” Twilight said.  “You told me that Wanda was kidnapped by Princess Skystar, they were in the middle of a conflict between the hippogriffs and the alliance between the changelings and the Windigo’s Guild, Wanda had a short conflict with Queen Chrysalis before she was kidnapped by Gold Banks.  Then Princess Skystar shielded her mother from an attack, and for some reason….Wanda killed the soldier who attacked Skystar.”
“She did that?” Misty said, surprised.
“She did,” Starlight said.  “And she didn’t mean to do that.  In fact, she had a nightmare last night about the very Debt Collector soldier whose life she took.”
“Wow,” Misty said.  “To have taken a life by accident.  Poor Wanda.”
“Yeah,” Moondancer said.   “If anything, that mood is a dead giveaway.”
Danged Spell just glared at Moondancer and said “Too soon, Moondancer.  Too soon.”
Moondancer looked at Danged Spell, whose look was dead cold.  She turned towards Wanda, who looked a bit offended by Moondancer’s comment.
“Sorry,” Moondancer said, ashamed.  “Didn’t mean to say that.”
Suddenly, everyone in the room heard the sound of a door being scratched.  Wanda turned towards Pinkie Pie, who walked up towards the door.
“Now who could that be?” Pinkie Pie asked.
Pinkie Pie opened the door to her shop, and looked down.  In front of her, Karen the Alicorn Bulldog stood there, whimpering loudly.
“Hey guys,” Pinkie Pie yelled.  “Remember that bulldog that gave you a hard time?”
“Yeah,” Wanda said as she got out of her seat.  “What’s up?”
“Well for some reason, she’s outside my shop,” Pinkie Pie said.  
“Bring her in,” Wanda said.  “It’s been a long time since we last saw her.”
Pinkie Pie scratched the back of Karen’s ear with her hoof.  The bulldog slowly got up as Pinkie Pie led her in.  When Wanda saw Karen slowly make her way in, she looked down and noticed something odd.
“Karen,” Wanda said as Abigail jumped off the table.  “Are you alright?”
Abigail walked up to Karen the Bulldog, who just stood there before lying down on her belly, whimpering in pain.
“You hurt?” Abigail asked.
But all Karen could do was whimper in silence.
“This is serious business,” Moondancer said.  “The owner of that dog has a lot of nerve to neglect her.”
“I’ll say,” Danged Spell said.  “If I had anything to say about the owner, it would be that he must be a despicable monster to treat Karen like this.”
Sunset Shimmer got out of her seat as she walked up and placed her hoof on Karen’s side.  Her hoof vibrated for a moment before she pulled it away.
“She hasn’t had anything to eat in a while,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “We’re going to need some dog food for her.”
“Luckily I have an emergency stash of dog food,” Pinkie Pie said as she walked back to her kitchen.
“Pinkie,” Twilight laughed.  “I’m surprised that you have an emergency stash of dog food.”
“Well you can thank Fluttershy for suggesting it,” Pinkie Pie shouted from the kitchen pantry.  “Besides, I had a feeling that Karen the bulldog would show her face again.”
In an instant, Pinkie Pie pulled out a bag of dog food and a dog bowl from the kitchen pantry before she walked back out into the dining area.  She opened the bag and pulled out a cup with some kibble in it before pouring it into the bowl.  Once it was full, Pinkie Pie sat it in front of Karen, who raised her head and smelled it.
“Do you think she’ll eat it?” Sunset asked.
“She will,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Dogs are suckers for this kind of meal.”
Karen stuck her tongue into the dish before pulling out a single kibble and sticking it into her mouth.  After chewing for a bit and swallowing the kibble, Karen slowly got up and began to eat the rest of the kibble from the dish.  Abigail got up and rubbed her head against Karen’s leg, causing the dog to turn to the kitty cat.
“Feeling…alright?” Abigail asked.
Karen responded by licking Abigail on the cheek before panting a bit.  Abigail reached out and rubbed Karen once more before she purred.
“Awww,” Pinkie Pie said.  “They’re enjoying this moment so much.”
“To think,” Wanda said.  “Karen used to try to eat us long ago.”
“And she almost made us miss your birthday party, sis,” Sunset said.
Wanda walked over to Karen before she squatted down and held her hand out.  But the only thing Karen did was jump on Wanda before licking her face, causing the Man’s Cub to giggle.
“Aww cut it out,” Wanda laughed.  “That tickles.”
But as Karen continued to lick Wanda, Twilight walked up to Sunset, looking a bit worried.
“There’s something that’s been bothering me,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “What about her owner?”
“It’s because of the way he’s been treating her, correct?” Sunset asked.
“WIthout a doubt,” Twilight Sparkle responded.
“Why would anyone treat a dog like that?” Starlight said as Karen stopped licking Wanda and turned to Twilight.  “It’s just not right.”
Twilight placed her hoof on her chin and said “I believe there’s a word on Planet Earth that would describe individuals like that.  It would be called inhumane.”
“Inhumane?” Starlight responded.
“One who lacks compassion, or is inherently cruel,” Twilight responded.
“I’ve read about examples of ponies being what you call inhumane,” Sunburst said.  “Some ponies are inhumane because they enjoy tormenting them.  Others are inhumane because they see those that suffer as a threat.”
“And you remember those stories I shared with you about how some humans can be inhumane,” Twilight Sparkle said.
“I have,” Sunburst said.  “It’s scary how we ponies have much in common with humans when it comes to being vicious and cruel.  And we all know one pony who would fit that to a tee.”
“If you’re talking about my mother, you’re right,” Golden Lace agreed.  “I used to imitate her back when I was a bully, when I gave you all a hard time.  But sometimes, she scolded me for not being harsh enough.  Even more so, sometimes she took a lot of pleasure in verbally abusing me for being weak, even as the biggest bully in the class.”
“That’s horrible,” Misty said.  “How could anyone find amusement in abuse?”
“Even I can’t seem to understand just how sick and twisted my mom is,” Golden Lace said.  
“No one should have a mommy that would be that sick,” Wanda said.  “Just like how no dog or cat should ever have a companion who’s that mean.  A real companion cares for the dog, cat or another animal that we would look after.”
“You’re right on that, sis,” Sunset said.
“But that being said,” Pinkie PIe said, “What would happen if we did run into the owner?”
“That’s something I hope doesn’t happen,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “But if it does, then mother needs to know right away.  A pony like that is too sadistic for our society.”
Directly outside of the Sugar Cube Corner and across the street, the pegasus stallion known as Wild Bet observed the younglings and Karen through the window.  He smashed his hoof against the wall in anger.
“So those brats think they can take away my prized dog,” Wild Bet said.  “I’ll teach them a lesson they will never forget, even if two of them are the adopted daughters of Princess Celestia.”

Meanwhile, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Chancellor Cinch happen upon the home of Wild Bet.  The gate was swung open as if someone had ripped the top hinge off.  The door to the inside of the house looked like the knob was pulled off.
“Someone has a short temper,” Princess Celestia said.
“And there’s no sign of any dog outside,” Princess Luna said.  “What do you think happened?”
“Right now, that’s the least of my worries,” Chancellor Cinch said. “Come.  Let us go inside and uncover the truth.”
Celestia and Luna nodded before they followed Chancellor Cinch through the front gate before heading up to the door.  
“As long as we’re careful,” Cinch explained, “We should be able to get in and out with any evidence that points towards animal abuse.
But the moment Cinch placed her hoof on the door, it tipped over and fell inside the house.
“That’s not being careful, Cinch,” Celestia joked.
“Real funny, Princess,” Cinch responded sarcastically.
As the princesses and the chancellor stepped inside, they observed the entire living room of Wild Bet, though Chancellor Cinch had to turn her head away.
“Nothing out of the ordinary,” Princess Celestia said.  “Just a typical pigsty that wouldn’t fit in La Maresa.”
“These couches look so old and disgusting,” Princess Luna said.  “And the material seems to be a cheap form of jute.”
“And who uses a shaggy red-orangish carpet nowadays?” Princess Celestia replied.
“Not to mention an old CRT TV with a wooden frame,” Princess Luna said.  “So tacky.”
“And all this food on the ground,” Princess Celestia said.  “He sure doesn’t take care of his place very well.”
“Will you two knock it off?” Chancellor Cinch said.  “You’re making me nauseated.”
“Sorry,” Celestia laughed.  “Just giving you a hard time.”
“Nevermind that,” Cinch said.  “We need to gather as much evidence as possible.”
“Right,” Luna said.  “I’ll check out the kitchen.”
“And I’ll check his bedroom,” Celestia said.
As Celestia and Luna walked off, Cinch took a look at a nearby shelter with a broken mirror.  Shards of glass lay on top of the shelf with one of the drawers smashed open.
“This buffoon looks like he’s asking for twenty years of bad luck,” Chancellor Cinch said.

Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Princess Luna gasped at what she saw.  A phone nearby looked like it was smashed to pieces with a table shattered in two.  Dishes scattered on the floor in pieces.
“Whoever this guy is, he sure has an anger management problem,” Princess Luna said.  
Luna carefully stepped around the remains of the table and the plates on the floor, keeping her eye on the floor to avoid touching her hoof on the sharp wood of the table or the porcelain of the broken plates.   She used some of her magic to shove the broken plates to the side to make it easier for her to walk through.
“A pigsty is too generous of a definition,” Luna said as she stepped next to a fridge.  “But at least it can’t get any worse.”
Princess Luna turned to the fridge and opened it.  But when she looked inside, her face turned green and she began to gag.
“That…horrible stench,” Princess Luna said as she closed the fridge.  “I can’t…stand it.”
Princess Luna immediately pushed the broken pieces of the table aside with her magic before she ran out of the kitchen and towards a bathroom.  Inside, Luna slammed the door and hurled within an open toilet.
“I am not putting my nose in that fridge ever again,” Luna yelled.

Meanwhile, Princess Celestia walked towards  the bedroom before opening the door.  One look inside and she just twisted her face to the side.  The cover of the bed was coming loose, and the mattress looked extremely worn out.  Blankets were tossed to the side.  A pile of clothes was placed in a corner.  Furniture was tipped over as if Wild Bet had thrown a fit.
“Uggh,” Princess Celestia said.  “Why oh why did I have to choose this place?”
Princess Celestia walked into the bedroom, struggling to hold her nose back.  She struggled to look in the room, disgusted by just about everything.
“Hasn’t this guy ever heard about proper cleanliness?” Princess Celestia groaned.  “Even chickens have better standards.”
But as Celestia walked forward, she tripped over some clothes on the ground and stumbled before she fell right into the pile of clothes.  Immediately, she stuck her head out, gasping for air.
“THAT DOES IT!” Princess Celestia yelled.  “I’VE HAD IT WITH THIS FILTH!”
In a bout of anger, Celestia picked up the pile of clothes and tossed it all on the bed in a huff.  She looked at the clothes before coughing a bit.
“I am going to need a bath when this is over,” Princess Celestia snarled.
But as Celestia turned to where the clothes pile was, she noticed an odd square shape on the floor that was slightly bigger than her.
“Strange,” Celestia said.  “Was this the reason why there was a pile of clothes on the floor?”
As Princess Celestia placed her hoof on the square-shaped floor panel, it activated and moved downward, much to her surprise.
“GUYS!” Celestia yelled with a load of reverb in her voice.  “I THINK I HAVE DISCOVERED SOMETHING!  GET OVER HERE THIS INSTANT!”
Immediately, Chancellor Cinch ran into the room with Princess Luna, who looked a bit groggy, followed from behind.
“Princess,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “What did you find?”
“Whatever it is,” Princess Luna groaned, “It better not be as bad as what I found in the fridge.”
“Take a look down here,” Princess Celestia said.  “For some reason, I discovered a secret elevator that leads downward.”
“Now what do you suppose he’s hiding down there?” Cinch asked.
“I don’t know,” Princess Celestia said.  “But whatever it is, I don’t think I’ll like what we’ll discover.”
Immediately, Princess Celestia jumped down into the newly made hole with Princess Luna and Chancellor Cinch following from being.  But down below, everything was pitch black.
“I don’t think I can see my face in all this darkness,” Princess Luna said.
“Neither do I,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Someone turn on a light.”
Princess Luna immediately lit her horn up, creating a small light for Celestia, Cinch and herself to see.
“That’s a little better,” Princess Celestia said.  “But we need to find a light switch, this instant.”
“Roger that,” Princess Luna said.
Princess Luna turned her head and noticed a light switch on a nearby wall.  She walked up to it and placed her hoof on the switch’s toggle.
“Prepare for the worst,” Princess Luna said.  “Whatever it is, it won’t be pretty.”
Princess Luna flipped the light switch, lighting up the entire basement of the house.  But when Celestia, Luna and Cinch looked around, their jaws gasped in horror at what they saw.


	To Be Continued in….


	A Risky Wild Bet

> Arc 27-2: A Risky Wild Bet
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


A Risky Wild Bet



“My word,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “I don’t believe what has happened underneath our fair city.”
Princess Celestia, Princess Luna and Chancellor Cinch stood in horror as they saw what was in the basement of Wild Bet.  A giant gated fence was placed in the center, shaped like a ring.   There were seats that surrounded the fence ring.    A number of kennels laid on the floor nearby.  There was even a makeshift stand nearby, and a bulletin board placed on a wall that had random names on the list.
“An illegal dog fighting ring, right under the capital of Equestria,” Princess Celestia shouted.  “How did we not see this at all?”
“This is a serious matter, without a doubt,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “The public needs to know about this.”
Immediately, Chancellor Cinch pulled out her video phone and began taking pictures of the entire room, from the ring in the middle to the kennels.  Princess Luna immediately walked up to the bulletin board and observed every name on there.
“Sister, take a look at this,” Luna said as Celestia walked up to her.  “This is a list of every dog that partook in these fights, plus the owners themselves.”
“Not to mention either the prize money they made or how much they lost,” Celestia said.  “And take a look at the top of the list.”
“That’s Karen the Alicorn Bulldog,” Luna said.  “And her owner is Wild Bet.  All this time, Karen was nothing more than a dog bred for illegal fights.”
“Chancellor,” Celestia shouted.  “Come take a few snapshots of this.”
Chancellor Cinch walked up to the list as Celestia and Luna stepped aside.  Cinch held her phone up and took a few snapshots.
“Never thought that the very bulldog who gave the Man’s Cub and her sister a hard time would be used for these despicable forms of entertainment,” Cinch said.  “But it’s also not surprising that Gold Banks would be behind it.”
“Wait,” Celestia said.  “Did you say Gold Banks?”
Cinch pointed to the bottom of the page and said “Right at the bottom.  Gold Banks was listed as the main sponsor of the dogfight.”
Celestia looked down at the page and said “You’re right.  This may explain why we haven’t learned of this illegal dogfight, until now.  Gold Banks must have figured out how to cover this whole thing up.”
“Right now, Gold Banks is still on the run,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “But by your recent experience with her, she’s become far more dangerous than she currently is with that amulet of hers.”
“That means we can shut down this operation before she returns to Canterlot,” Princess Celestia said.  
“That’s correct,” Cinch replied.  “But there’s still the matter of Wild Bet to deal with.  I will remain behind to gather evidence.  Locate the despicable fiend and put him under arrest.”
“We’re on it, Chancellor,” Celestia said.
Immediately, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna ran up to the lift before they leaped upwards, exiting through the ceiling.  Chancellor Cinch turned towards the rest of the room, taking more photos of the entire vicinity.
“Best of luck to you both, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna,” Chancellor Cinch said.

Meanwhile, back at the Canterlot Sugar Cube Corner, Wanda sat next to Karen the Bulldog with Abigail lying on her lap, petting the dog with her left hand while eating her cake with her right.  Pinkie Pie was back in her kitchen, preparing a new batch of sweets, while Spike and the rest of the ponies were eating their cakes.
“So how horrible do you think the owner of Karen is?” Sunset Shimmer asked.
“That’s something I don’t want to know,” Twilight Sparkle replied.  “If the owner of that dog mistreats Karen like that, imagine what would happen if we ran into this monster.”
“Ewww,” Misty said.  “I can only imagine what this owner would be like.  About as despicable as Miss Honey Twist from Daisy Joy Tech.”
“Don’t bring that up,” Golden Lace said.  “I still get nightmares thinking about that stuff.”
“Same here,” Starlight said.  “In fact, I still remember when Wanda was forced to surrender to Miss Honey Twist because she tortured me and Misty with this horrible device.”
“I still remember how many times I was tortured that way,” Misty said.  “Powerful supersonic waves that go into my mind, resulting in flashbacks to our very nightmares.”
“You know,” Danged Spell said.  “If there are so many sick, twisted ponies that exist across Equestria, it makes me wonder if any of us are actually safe.”
“That’s a good point, Spell,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “I wouldn't be surprised if one of those misfits were to step through that door and give us a hard time.”
Suddenly, the sound of a door opening caught the attention of everyone in the room, especially Pinkie Pie and Wanda.  At the front, Wild Bet the stallion looked down at Karen, who hid behind Wanda and Abigail.
“You,” Wild Bet said.  “You’re the one who took my dog.”
As Wild Bet walked up to Wanda, Abigail jumped off her lap before she got up and glared at Wild Bet.
“This is your dog?” Wanda said in a stern tone.
“It is, and you took her away from me,” Wild Bet said.
Sunset Shimmer got out of her seat and marched up to Wild Bet.
“If this is your dog, then why do you neglect to feed her?” Sunset said.
“That’s none of your business,” Wild Bet said before he swung his wing back and smacked Sunset Shimmer aside, knocking her down.
As Pinkie Pie placed her finished cake on a kitchen table, she marched right up to Wild Bet in a huff and glared up at him.
“Now you listen here,” Pinkie Pie shouted.  “This is my shop and I set the rules.  Either you get out of here this instant or I’m gonna call the royal guard on you.”
But Wild Bet just picked up Pinkie Pie with his wing and held her up by the tail.
“No, you listen here you simple-minded brat,” Wild Bet said.  “Either you stand aside and let me teach this dognapper a lesson or two about respect, or you’re gonna get it.”
With that, Wild Bet tossed Pinkie Pie aside, sending her flying right into Golden Lace, knocking them to the ground.
“Oooh,” Pinkie Pie said, struggling to get up.  “That really hurts.”
“Something tells me I’m gonna need to call out my Wolf’s Breath curse,” Golden Lace said.
Wild Bet turned to Wanda, who held herself in front of Karen and Abigail.
“You’re not taking this dog back,” Wanda said.  “You’re a bad pony who would mistreat animals.”
Suddenly, Wild Bet picked up Wanda with his wing and slammed her on top of a table.  Though some tears formed in Wanda’s eyes, she remained focused on Wild Bet’s face.
“You’re not in any position to tell me what to do,” Wild Bet shouted.  “This is my dog, and it is also my property.  I get to do whatever I want, and no one, not you, and not your spoiled, entitled moocher of a mother, can tell me what to do.”
As Wanda was held down by Wild Bet, the other fillies and colts, along with Spike the Dragon, hid behind a table, looking a bit scared at the big, scruffy stallion pegasus.
“What do you think he’s going to do to Wanda?” Sunburst asked.
“Whatever it is, it’s not good,” Moondancer said.
“There’s got to be something we could do,” Twilight Sparkle said.
“I wish I could,” Sunset said, pointing to the equinox ring on her horn.  “But I can’t use any magic.”
Slowly, Wild Bet picked up Wanda and thrusted her into his face.  But Wanda, despite her tears, remained hardened.
“Now you’re going to let me take this dog back to my home, and you and those other wretches are not going to tell anyone about this incident,” Wild Bet said.  “In return, I won’t have to kidnap you.”
“That’s not fair,” Wanda said.  “You want to take her back just so you can treat her like dirt.  Why do you have to be so mean?”
“Because,” Wild Bet yelled.  “Being mean is the reality.”
With that, Wild Bet flung Wanda across the room until her back hit a wooden pillar.  She screamed loud before she dropped to the floor, looking as if she were on the verge of crying.
“WANDA!” Sunset yelled.
Immediately, Danged Spell and Golden Lace’s eyes turned bright as they began to crowl at Wild Bet. 
“Now he’s gone and done it,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Abusing an animal and one of our friends.  That’s just cruel.”
“Get your party cannon fired up, Pinkie,” Twilight sparkle said.  “You’re going to need it.”
“Roger that,” Pinkie Pie said before she ran towards the kitchen area.
Wild Bet marched up to Karen the Bulldog, who slowly backed herself up.  But the big stallion reached down and yanked Karen by the collar.
“Come on you filthy, pathetic mongrel,” Wild Bet yelled as he pulled Karen by the collar.  “You’re coming with me.”
Suddenly, Abigail ran up to Wild Bet, jumped into the air and scratched the stallion right in the face.  Wild Bet screamed in horror as he held his nose in pain, releasing Karen from his grip.   Karen immediately back up a bit as Abigail stood in front of the Alicorn Bulldog, growling loudly all while Wild Bet directed his gaze at the kitty cat.
“You no good, alleycat,” Wild Bet said as he swung his wing back.  “I’ll make dog food out of you.”
But before Wild Bet could swing at Abigail, he felt two pairs of teeth bite his leg.  Wild Bet screamed loudly as he jumped into the air and landed on his face.
“WHO DID THAT?” Wild Bet yelled as he got his face up.  “WHO BIT ME?”
Wild Bet looked down at his leg to see Danged Spell and Golden Lace bite right into it.  He swung his wing back and hit both colt and filly with it, causing the two Wolf’s Breath ponies to leap off.
“You have a lot of nerve to besmirch me with that,” Wild Bet said as he got up.  “Guess I’ll have to teach you brats a lesson.”
But Danged Spell and Golden Lace just stared at Wild Bet, growling loudly with their eyes glowing brightly, much to Wild Bet’s amusement.  Nearby, Karen looked at Danged Spell and Golden Lace, and her eyes began to pop.
“Wolf’s Breath,” Abigail explained.  “Brave ponies.”
Karen nodded at Abigail before turning her attention towards Wild Bet, who laughed at Danged Spell and Golden Lace.
“What do we have here, a colt and a filly pretending to be dogs,” Wild Bet said. “Maybe you two would make perfect replacements for my useless mutt.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Wanda said as she slowly got up.  “But you can’t have them.  After all, they have the Wolf’s Breath curse.”
“Wolf’s what?” Wild Bet said, confused.
But before Wild Bet could make another move, Danged Spell and Golden Lace leaped into the air and bit into each of Wild Bet’s wings.  The stallion yelled loudly as the two held on tight.
“LET ME GO YOU MONGREL WANNABES!” Wild Bet yelled.  “I’LL TEACH YOU TO MESS WITH WILD BET!”
Suddenly, Wild Bet felt his other leg take two more bites, causing him to scream even loud.  Wild Bet looked at his other leg, where Karen the Bulldog and Abigail Albright bit right into it.
“THAT’S IT!” Wild Bet yelled.  “I’VE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS CHARADE!”
Wild Bet leaped into the air and spun around like a twister.  In a flash, Danged Spell, Golden Lace, Karen the Bulldog and Abigail Albright lost their grip and fell to the floor.   Wild Bet landed on the ground as Lace, Spell, Karen and Abigail got themselves back up before glaring at Wild Bet.
“Now you’ve gone and teed me off,” Wild Bet snarled as he approached Danged Spell and Golden Lace.  “I’m gonna have to teach you some manners.”
But before Wild Bet could make a move, a cake flew out of nowhere and hit Wild Bet right in the face, catching him off guard.  Twilight Sparkle turned to the kitchen area, where Pinkie Pie had a few cakes and pies right next to her.
“Pinkie,” Twilight said.  “I thought you were going to get your cannon.”
“I did,” Pinkie Pie said.  “But these are for you to pay that party crasher back.  Besides, these are a failed batch that came out wrong.”
Wanda, Sunset, Twilight, Spike, Starlight, Sunburst, and Misty ran up to the pile of ruined cakes and pies before picking each one up.  Wild Bet directed his attention to the rest of the group and began to march towards them.
“Ready, Aim, FIRE!” Sunset yelled.
And in an instant, Wanda, Sunset, Twilight, Spike, Starlight, Sunburst and Misty flung the botched up pastries right at Wild Bet, covering him in the undercooked baked goods.  Wild Bet struggled to get up as the younglings continued to fling desserts in his face.
“I CAN’T SEE!” Wild Bet yelled.  “I CAN’T SEEEEE!”
Pinkie Pie hands Wanda two pairs of whipped cream canisters, who shocked them up and pointed them at Wild Bet.  The stallion wiped the mess off his face, only to see Wanda point the cans right at him.
“This is for the way you treated Karen and for wrecking our party,” Wanda said.
And with that, Wanda sprayed Wild Bet in the face with the whip cream, once again blocking out his vision.  Wild Bet screamed in agony as he ran helplessly around the room before he tripped and fell on his face.
“He’s dazed and confused,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “Let him have it, Pinkie.”
With that, Pinkie Pie pulled her party cannon right from behind the counter and pointed it right at Wild Bet, who looked up and saw the cannon barrel right in his face.
“Get out of my shop this instant,” Pinkie Pie said in a harsh tone.

Outside, Princess Celestia and Princess Luna ran down the street towards the Sugar Cube Corner in a hurry.
“Sister,” Princess Luna said.  “Why are we heading to the Sugar Cube Corner?”
“Something tells me that Karen the Alicorn Bulldog went to this area because of her fondness towards Wanda,” Celestia said.  “And that means Wild Bet may be taking his rage out on my daughter.”
“Then let’s hope he didn’t do anything bad to her, or her friends,” Princess Luna said.
Suddenly, a loud explosion shook the city as Wild Bet flew out of the Sugar Cube Corner and right into a nearby tree, much to the surprise of Celestia and Luna.  Wanda, Pinkie Pie and Karen stepped out of the door with Danged Spell and Golden Lace right behind them, growling at Wild Bet.
“You better leave this dog alone,” Wanda yelled.  “You don’t deserve her at all.”
Wild Bet backed up for a bit, staring at Wanda and her friends in fear, all while Spell and Lace looked like they were about to leap at him.  But when Wild Bet turned to his right, he saw Princess Celestia and Princess Luna nearby, who were both surprised by his presence.
“THAT’S IT!” Wild Bet yelled.  “I’VE HAD ENOUGH!”
Immediately, Wild Bet ran up to Celestia and Luna and got down on his knees.
“I GIVE UP! I SURRENDER!” Wild Bet begged, holding his arms in front.  “I STARTED A DOGFIGHT RING JUST TO RAISE MONEY FOR GOLD BANKS’ POLITICAL AMBITIONS!  JUST PLEASE, KEEP ME AWAY FROM THOSE HORRIBLE BRATS!”
Celestia and Luna just looked at each other in confusion before Luna pulled out some hoof cuffs and slapped them on Wild Bet’s arms.  Wanda looked up at Celestia before walking towards her with shame in her eyes.
“Mommy,” Wanda said.  “I’m sorry I…”
But Celestia just put her hoof on Wanda’s mouth, silencing her.
“What matters is that you’re safe, Wanda,” Celestia said.  “I would have been disappointed in you.  But judging by the condition of Wild Bet, and the fear of what would have happened to you, I’m just glad you were able to make it out.  So I’ll make an exception.”
Immediately, Sunset Shimmer ran out of the Sugar Cube Corner and up to Princess Celestia and Luna.
“Care to explain what happened?” Luna asked.
“Karen the Bulldog came up to our place for some reason and we noticed she looked abused,” Sunset said.
“That’s because Wild Bet treated Karen like a fight dog,” Celestia said.
“A what?” Wanda shouted.
“There was an illegal dogfight ring under the streets of Canterlot,” Luna explained.  “Wild Bet was the head of this organization, and Gold Banks was the original sponsor.”
“Banks of all ponies?” Wanda said.  “That’s despicable.”
“The good news is that thanks to Chancellor Cinch,” Celestia explained, “The whole ring has been shut down for good, and we’re going after his clients.”
“WHAT?” Wild Bet yelled.
“You had the audacity to turn innocent animals into your own form of entertainment, for a mere wager of bits,” Luna scowled.  “For that, we’re going to put you away for a very long time.”
The only thing Wild Bet could do was to lower his head in fear as Wanda glared at him.  
“Wanda,” Celestia said.  “Was there anything else that Wild Bet did at the Sugar Cube Corner?”
“Yeah,” Wanda said.  “He slammed me on the table.”
Immediately, Celestia’s eyes shrunk down.  She turned towards Wild Bet and picked him up with his magic before slamming him down on the ground.  Princess Luna just backed up in complete fear of her sister.
“YOU DID WHAT?” Celestia yelled.
“Honestly,” Wild Bet said.  “She was trying to keep my dog.  I had to do what I…”
“YOU HAD THE AUDACITY TO HURT MY DAUGHTER?” Celestia yelled.  “DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA HOW MUCH TROUBLE YOU ARE IN, WILD BET?”
As Wild Bet screamed really loud, someone shouted “Princess Celestia.  Don’t do it.  You’re setting a bad example for the Man’s Cub.”    Celestia calmed down as she turned to the right, where Chancellor Cinch ran up to her.
“But Chancellor,” Celestia said.  “What Wild Bet did to my daughter…”
“That’s no reason to sink down to his level,” Cinch said.  “You’re better than this, Princess.  Think of what kind of message you would send to her.”
“Yeah,” Wild Bet taunted.  “Maybe then, you mares will learn your place, just like how I threw that monkey aside for besmirching me.”
Those words caught Cinch off guard.  She turned towards Wild Bet and glared right at him.
“You had the audacity to hurt the man’s cub for your own amusement?” Cinch snarled as her eyes glowed a bright red.  “Be lucky I am trying to hold myself back, for if I cut loose, you would be in a full wing and hoof cast, drinking through a straw.  Do I make myself clear?”
Wild Bet just looked at Cinch before nodding in agreement.  Cinch’s scowl turned into a smile, much to Celestia’s surprise.
“That’s how it’s done,” Cinch said.  “And I take it your daughter was the one who brought him down.”
“She was, along with her friends,” Celestia said.
Cinch turned towards Wanda and said “Give him those words and I’ll take him away.”
Wanda nodded to Cinch before turning towards Wild Bet, who looked like he wanted to run away.
“Wild Bet,” Wanda said.  “As Princess of Equestria, and on behalf of every dog that you abused, you are under arrest.”
With that, Celestia handed Wild Bet to Chancellor Cinch before she dragged the stallion away.  But she paused for a moment before turning towards Wanda.
“Tell your friend Pinkie Pie to save me a piece of coffee creme cake,” Cinch said.  “I’ve been dying to try some out.”
“I will,” Wanda said.
“NOT ME!” Wild Bet said as Cinch dragged him off.  “I’M GOING ON A CAKE-FREE DIET FROM HERE ON OUT!”
“Don’t think you’ll be getting off that easy,” Cinch said.  “The judge may make you eat cake if you keep whining like that.”
As Cinch dragged Wild Bet off, Wanda wiped the sweat off our brow before turning to Celestia.
“Wanda, I have to apologize to you twice,” Celestia said.  “First, for my behavior that I displayed in front of you.  It was wrong for me to be that upset.  Second off, I never thought I’d say this, but today, I put you and your friends in danger.  I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, mommy,” Wanda said with a smile.  “I think I’ve gotten too used to danger, especially after that trip to Mount Aris.”
With that, Celestia pulled Wanda over and gave her a big hug.
“I’m glad that’s over with,” Luna said.  “Especially after that encounter with Wild Bet.”
Immediately, Danged Spell and Golden Lace approached Princess Celestia with Karen right behind them, whimpering in sorrow.  Wanda pulled herself away from Princess Celestia as she walked over to the two younglings.
“Oh dear,” Celestia said.  “Now you’re both stuck in your Wolf’s Breath curse.  I’ll take care of that.”
Princess Celestia tapped both Danged Spell and Golden Lace on the foreheads.  Immediately, their eyes returned to normal as they both shook their heads.
“Thanks,” Danged Spell said.  “I thought I would have to be stuck as a wolf for a long time.”
“Now I know how Danged Spell feels like being stuck in that curse,” Golden Lace said.
Immediately, Princess Celestia walked towards the Sugar Cube Corner, where Pinkie Pie waved towards her.  Next to her were Abigail Albright, Starlight Glimmer, Twilight Sparkle, Spike the Dragon, Sunburst, Moondancer and Misty Brightdawn.
“Princess,” Pinkie Pie screamed.  “I have a special cake with your name on it.  Come on down.”
“What do you say,” Princess Celestia said.  “I’m in the mood for a bit of cake with some coffee.”
“Sounds fine to me,” Princess Luna said.
As Celestia, Luna, Sunset, Danged Spell and Golden Lace walked towards the Sugar Cube Corner of Canterlot, Wanda looked down at Karen and scratched the dog behind the ear.
“Mommy,” Wanda said, turning to Celestia.  “What are we going to do with Karen now?”
Immediately, Celestia came to a stop before turning to Wanda.
“I know that Karen was used for one pony’s selfish desires,” Celestia said.  “And we have a policy that helps retrain dogs into being happy pets again.  So tell you what?  We can look after Karen for the time being.”
“Alright,” Wanda cheered.
As Wanda walked up to Princess Celestia with Karen right behind her, Abigail ran up to the Alicorn Bulldog and walked alongside her.
“Karen, friend?” Abigail asked.
Immediately, Karen licked Abigail on the face, causing the kitty to giggle.
“Friend,” Abigail giggled.


	To Be Continued in….


	A New Day, a New Hope

> Arc 27-3: A New Day, A New Hope
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


A New Day, A New Hope



It was a bright day at the School for Gifted Unicorns.  Wanda, Sunset, Twilight, Starlight, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell, Golden Lace, Misty Brightdawn, Abigail and Spike were seated as Argyle Starshine gave the lesson to them.
“Now, what is the difference between a dog and a cat?” Argyle asked.
Immediately, Golden Lace raised her hoof in the air, catching Argyle’s attention.
“Miss Lace,” Argyle called.
“Cats are a feline species that are solitary hunters while dogs are canines and like to hunt in packs,” Golden Lace said.
“That’s correct,” Argyle said.  “And believe it or not, both species make great pets.  But there is one thing you must pay close attention to.  And what would that be?”
Immediately, Wanda raised her hand in the air, to which Argyle pointed to her.
“Dogs and cats are our companions, and they should never be abused at all, no matter what,” Wanda said.
“Wow,” Argyle said.  “You know your content, Princess.”
“Well that’s saying a lot because there is a dog that used to chase us,” Sunset Shimmer said. “But after realizing that she was abused by an owner who used her for his own gain, we realized why she chased after us, everytime.” 
“Correct, and I was informed about this as well,” Argyle Starshine said.  “Not everyone is kind to dogs and cats.  Some ponies are mean and vicious towards our four-pawed friends.  Others take advantage of them for their own personal gain.  And as Wanda said, we should never abuse animals, no matter what.”
But before anyone could reply, Spike jumped out of his before running up to Abigail and climbed onto her desk.  He reached over and gave the little kitty a hug, all while Abigail hugged the dragon back.  Twilight Sparkle just looked at Spike and Abigail from afar and giggled a bit.
“I think Spike got the message,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “After all, Abigail’s a cat, and Wanda cares a lot for her.”
“I’ll say,” Danged Spell said.  “Without Wanda, Abigail would have been in a Cat-tastrophe.  Get it?”
“Danged Spell,” Everyone in the room yelled before they burst into laughter.
Danged Spell just leaned back and said “Feels good to crack a joke or two.”
But as everyone laughed it up, Argyle Starshine took off his glasses and wiped it with a cleaning cloth before putting it on.
“I can safely say that I am proud of you all,” Argyle said.  “Each of you have demonstrated the honesty within, your generosity towards others, your tough-as-nails loyalty, your gentle-as-a-feather kindness, and even the laughter you provide to others.  And what they create is a special magic that lights up within all of us.  Princess Celestia couldn’t have picked a better set of students, and there is more to you all, than meets the eye.  You all deserve a round of applause.”
With that, every student in the room got up and clapped loudly.
“That must be a great honor,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “To have harmony within all of us.”
“Just like the Elements of Harmony,” Wanda said.  “And the visions I saw in my head.”
“I still can’t believe I was in that vision,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “It makes me wonder how five of our La Maresian friends and myself are tied to the Elements of Harmony.”
“One day, we’ll find out for sure,” Wanda replied.

Later that day, everyone got out of school and went walking down the path through downtown Canterlot, enjoying the afternoon sun.
“So did you hear?” Moondancer asked.
“Is it about that monster, Wild Bet?” Sunset asked.
“Word has it that his trial is supposed to be in a week or two,” Moondancer said.  
“Don’t tell me that we have to testify against him,” Golden Lace groaned.
“We don’t,” Moondancer said.  “There’s more than enough evidence to put him away for a very long time.  But that may be the least of our worries.  I heard from Chancellor Cinch that they’re trying to work out a plea deal to get him less time.  And he might roll with that, considering that he’s now afraid of colts, fillies, and even little girls.”
“Well that’s great,” Danged Spell said with a reassured tone.  “I don’t ever want to see that sick, twisted meanie ever again.  He was a sociopath and an overall bad pony.”
“That’s something we won’t forget,” Sunburst said.  “We still remember the kind of mayhem he tried to pull on us and the way he treated Wanda.”
“And the fact that Golden Lace and I teamed up and gave him the bite of a lifetime,” Danged Spell said.  “That will teach him not to treat dogs that badly.”
“I’ll never forget that moment, “Golden Lace laughed.  “He bit off more than he could chew.”
“Hey speaking of which,” Starlight said.  “Guess who’s coming to us.”
Everyone looked in front as Karen the Bulldog ran up to the group.  Wanda took a few steps forward and held her arms out while Abigail and Spike cheered loudly.
“Hey Karen,” Wanda cheered.
Immediately, Karen leaped onto Wanda, pinning her to the ground before she licked her face, causing the human girl to giggle loudly.
“Aww cut it out,” Wanda giggled.  “That tickles.”
“You heard my sister.”  That voice came from a giggling Princess Cadance, who was walking alongside Shining Armor.  Immediately, Karen got off of Wanda as she ran back towards Princess Cadance.
“BIG BROTHER!” Twilight yelled as she ran up and gave Shining Armor a hug.
“How’s it going, Twili?” Shining Armor said.
“I’m just glad to see you since we moved back to Vanhoover,” Twilight Sparkle said.
“Well as long as you can come down here through the Ground Bridge Portal, we can still see each other,” Shining Armor said.
Wanda got up as she, Abigail and Sunset ran up to Princess Cadance before all three gave her a big hug.
“Aww come on you guys,” Princess Cadance laughed.  “Give me a break.”
“Sorry, big sis,” Wanda said as she, Sunset and Abigail released their hold on Princess Cadance.  “We’re just glad to see you.”
But the only thing Princess Cadance did was give Wanda a head noogie, causing the Man’s Cub to laugh out loud.
“Anyway,” Shining Armor said.  “We didn’t come here to say hello.  We’re here to go with you to the Sugar Cube Corner.”
“Wait,” Misty said.  “You haven't checked out Canterlot’s Sugar Cube Corner yet?”
“We haven’t had the time to do so,” Shining Armor said.  “Not since Twili and my folks moved back into our old house back in Vanhoover.”
“Well what are we waiting for?” Twilight said.  “Let’s head on down there.”
With that, Twilight Sparkle marched down the street, much to the amusement of Shining Armor and Princess Cadance.
“Don’t look at me,” Princess Cadance said. “She’s your sister.”
Shining Armor giggled a bit before he, Princess Cadance, Sunset Shimmer, Wanda Young and Abigail Albright followed from behind.  Immediately, Spike, Starlight Glimmer, Sunburst, Moondancer, Danged Spell and Golden Lace followed the group as they made their way down the street of Canterlot.

Later that day, at the Canterlot Sugar Cube Corner, everyone was seated as Pinkie Pie brought out some tasty treats in the form of cupcakes and muffins.  She placed each one on the table, piping hot, while Gummy the baby gator pulled up another wagon with even more treats.
“Here you go,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Fresh out of the oven.  Enjoy.”
“Oh I’m enjoying this,” Golden Lace said.  “Best idea to open up a shop in Canterlot, Pinkie Pie.”
“Anytime,” Pinkie Pie.  “I aim to make you smile.”
As the younglings enjoyed their pastries, Sunset turned to Pinkie Pie.
“Hey Pinkie,” Sunset said.  “I have a curious question.  If it’s this easy to get to the La Maresa Sugar Cube Corner, how come you chose to build a new one up here?”
“Wanna know why besides it was my dream?” Pinkie asked.
“I’m all ears,” Sunset said.
Pinkie Pie jumped on the counter and faced everyone in the dining hall.
“Well believe it or not, Mr and Mrs Cake were getting way too many customers since the completion of the Ground Bridge Portal,” Pinkie Pie explained.  “Many of which came from Canterlot.  I knew it was my dream to build a Sugar Cube Corner here in Canterlot.  But when I heard about how overwhelmed they were, I knew that was my opportunity to finalize the opening of the Sugar Cube Corner branch in Canterlot.”
“She’s got a point there,” Danged Spell said.  “I had a hard time trying to get myself a Tartarus food cake before this store opened.  Way too many customers.  They sold out of EVERYTHING before I could make it to the counter.”
“Ditzy had to go a few days without her daily muffin until this store opened,” Sunburst said.  “Poor kid.  At least I know she’s been enjoying muffins again.”
“All that over the Sugar Cube Corner being flooded with customers,” Golden Lace said.  “Even I would have cracked under pressure.”
“She deserves every bite of that muffin,” Moondancer said.  “Every pony does.”
“And as a result,” Pinkie Pie announced, “I had to open up this new branch of the Sugar Cube Corner right this instant.  And just like that, ponies are flocking to this place, all while Mr. and Mrs. Cake can finally ease up on all that customer pressure.”
“And that’s how Equestria was made,“ Danged Spell joked.
“DANGED SPELL!” The younglings, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance yelled before bursting out in laughter.
Danged Spell sat back in his seat and took a small bite out of his cupcake.
“I always wanted to say that,” Danged Spell said.
As Twilight stopped laughing, she turned to Princess Cadance and got out of her seat.
“You know, Caddy,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “We haven’t done this in a long, long time.”
“Wait,” Princess Cadance said. “I know what you’re talking about.”
Immediately, Princess Cadance got out of her seat and got up in front of Twilight, much to the horror of Sunset Shimmer and Wanda Young.
“Oh no,” Sunset said.  “She’s gonna do that dance again.”
“Cover your ears and look away,” Wanda said.
As Wanda and Sunset held their ears closed while turning away, Princess Cadance and Twilight Sparkle danced together.
“Sunshine, sunshine, ladybugs awake,” Twilight and Cadance chanted.  “Clap your hooves and do a little shake.”
As Twilight and Cadance broke down into laughter, Wanda and Sunset barely turned to the duo with a groan from their faces.
“I wish we didn’t have to hear that,” Sunset said, wincing in pain.
“How does she get under our skin like that, sister?” Wanda sighed.
“You both need to lighten up,” Starlight said.  “After all, they’re just engaging in some horse play.”
Wanda and Sunset looked at Starlight with a glare on her face.
“Wha what?” Starlight said.  “Did I just unexpectedly steal a pun from Danged Spell?”
“No,” Wanda smirked as she and Sunset got out of their seats.  “You told us to lighten up.”
“Well lighten this up, Glimglam,” Sunset said with a devilish grin.
Starlight barely got out of her seat as Wanda and Sunset tackled her.  As Starlight struggled to break loose, the two sisters began to tickle her with Sunset aiming for the hooves while Wanda tickled her on the sides.  Starlight burst out laughing out loud, much to the amusement of everyone else.
“OKAY, I’M SORRY!” Starlight giggled.  “I GIVE UP!  I SURRENDER!  PLEASE KNOCK IT OFF!”
“Oh no you don’t, Starlight,” Wanda said.  “You had to push us through this mess, you asked for it.”
Immediately, Starlight surrounded Wanda in a magical aura, flipping her down to the side.  Starlight Glimmer pulled herself out of Sunset Shimmer’s grip before pinning Wanda on the floor.
“Got you now,” Starlight said.  “Now here’s a taste of your own medicine.”
But before Wanda could move, Starlight pulled a few of the napkins from the table and proceeded to tickle Wanda on the sides with it, causing her to laugh.
“AHAHAHAHA!”  Wanda giggled.  “OKAY!  YOU WIN!  I GIVE UP!  GET OFF OF ME!”
As Starlight tickled Wanda, Sunset backed off for a bit with a smug look on her face.
“Okay, so I betrayed my own sister,” Sunset said.  “But it was worth it.”
As everyone watched Starlight tickle Wanda, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor pulled themselves up to each other before taking a bite of the cupcake.
“Do you think we should stop Starlight from tickling Wanda?” Shining Armor asked.
“Now where’s the fun in that?” Princess Cadance said.  “Besides, mother loved to tickle torture our youngest sister.”
Nearby, Pinkie PIe pulled out a few more cupcakes from the oven and placed them into the display case of her counter as Misty walked up to her.
“Hey Pinkie,” Misty asked.  “How hard is it to maintain a store like this?”
“Oh it’s hard,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Thankfully, Mr and Mrs Cake come by often to drop off supplies while I send them the money I made.  Though they insist that I keep some of it.”
“I hope this store lasts for a long time,” Misty said.  “The more ponies that come here, the better.”
“Oh it will,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Ponies love to eat a tasty treat.  That’s why they’ll keep coming down to the Sugar Cube Corner, and it’s my job to keep them satisfied.  Though I may consider selling potions for those who love its randomness.”
“You’ll have to find a really good alchemist for that,” Misty said.
“I already know one,” Pinkie said with a smirk on her face.
But as Pinkie Pie and Misty Brightdawn continued to speak, Karen the Bulldog sat next to Princess Cadance, eating some kibble in his bowl.  Spike and Abigail climbed down from their seats and sat next to the alicorn bulldog.
“Friend?” Spike asked.
Karen turned to Spike before licking his face and nuzzling up to him.
“Friend,” Abigail said.

Later that evening, Danged Spell, Sunburst and Moondancer stood outside of the ground bridge portal leading back to La Maresa while Twilight Sparkle stood next to the portal to Vanhoover.  Everyone else was on the opposite side, waving to the four younglings.
“It’s too bad we have to head back home,” Danged Spell said.  “It was a fun ride, after all.”
“That’s true,” Pinkie Pie said.  “But at least we all had a fun time together.”
“I’m going to say this,” Twilight said as she walked up to Spike and nuzzled him on the nose.  “I’m glad to have you all as friends.  It means so much to me.”
“Always a please,” Sunset Shimmer said.
“You know you guys really need to come down to La Maresa in the future,” Sunburst said.  “There’s a lot of stuff to do there.”
“I might consider it,” Starlight said.  “Besides, it’s been a long time since I last saw Trixie.”
“And we might do another trip to Vanhoover in the future,” Wanda said. “I can’t wait to try out the poutine there.”
“I think I might bring some back for you to try out,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “But for now, I think it’s time we all head back to our homes.”
As Twilight Sparkle pulled herself back, Spike reached out with a tear in his eyes.
“Twilight,” Spike cried.
“Oh don’t you worry, Spike,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “I’ll be back the next day.  I promise you that.”
Twilight Sparkle walked up to the portal leading to Vanhoover.  She turned to her friends and waved towards them.
“Until next time,” Twilight waved.
“Stay safe, Twilight,” Pinkie Pie yelled.  “And say hi to Rainbow Dash.”
 With that, Twilight  jumped inside, disappearing completely, before the portal disappeared from the ground bridge arc.
“And there goes one brave unicorn,” Sunset Shimmer said.  
“Speaking of which,” Moondancer said.  “It’s time we head back.  We’ll see you on the next day of school.”
Moondancer and Sunburst proceeded to jump into the ground bridge portal to La Maresa, disappearing completely.  Danged Spell nodded to the group before jumping through as well.  Once he was gone, the portal shrunk down and disappeared.
“Well,” Misty said.  “There goes four brave ponies.”
“Yeah,” Golden Lace said.  “It makes me wish I was more like them instead of my mother.”
“Don’t you worry,” Princess Cadance said.  “We’ll see them again.  But right now, we have to get you all to the castle.  Mother’s waiting for us.”
“Alright,” Wanda cheered.  “I can’t wait to see mommy again.”
With that, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Spike and Karen led Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer, Starlight Glimmer, Pinkie Pie, Golden Lace, Misty Brightdawn and Abigail Albright up to the castle as the sun sat towards the west.
But atop a balcony at the castle, Princess Celestia looked down at the younglings who approached the palace with Princess Luna by her side.  Though she had a slight smile on her face, her eyes looked worried
“You know if you send Wanda back by herself, she will be all alone,” Princess Luna said.
“I know,” Princess Celestia said.  “But she’s not going back there alone.”
“We all know,” Princess Luna said.  “Eleanor’s going back home with her.”
“Far from it,” Princess Celestia said.  “I’ve had a talk with every parent of Wanda’s friends, and they agreed to it.  Even King Sombra said he’s willing to let this happen.”
“What do you mean, sister?” Luna asked.
“We are letting all of Wanda’s friends go to Evevanya with her,” Celestia responded.
“Wait,” Luna said, surprised.  “They all said yes to allowing their offspring to go with Wanda to Evevanya?  Even King Sombra is willing to part with her sister?”
“Not only that,” Princess Celestia said.  “But I’m going with her as well.”
“Sister,” Luna said.  “You’re not serious about this, are you?”
“I am,” Princess Celestia said.  “Effective after Wanda’s departure from Equestria, I will be vacating the throne and going with her to watch over the rest of her childhood life with Eleanor.  I’m even allowing Sunset Shimmer, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor to go with us.  We might even be able to find a cure for Sunset’s own curse.”
“Sister, you don’t know what you’re doing,” Luna said.  “Every pony will miss you if you choose to step down.  I will as well.  Please reconsider.”
“I wish I could,” Princess Celestia said.  “But even though Gold Banks is on the run, I’m still no match for her, and it may not be long until she does conquer Equestria with that Alicorn Amulet.”
As Princess Celestia stepped away from the balcony, Princess Luna turned towards her sister, watching her sister exit her own bedroom.
“My sister,” Luna said to herself.  “She’s been through a whole lot since the Pony of Shadows transformed her into Daybreaker.  And now she’s in fear of her life and that of our loved ones.  I pray that one day, she will see the error of her ways and fight back against Gold Banks, for all of us.”
Princess Luna turned her attention towards the setting sun as a tear formed in her eye.  She closed her eyes shut, not taking her attention off the setting sun in the city of Canterlot.

But somewhere at the Gold Banks palace within what was once Changeling grounds, Gold Banks held up her Alicorn Amulet, which now had even more magic surging within.  Standing next to her was Grand Philosopher at the ready.
“So much power,” Gold Banks said.  “Who knew Queen Eternia and Queen Icelina had so much power flowing from below.  Now I am truly invincible.”
“My future queen,” Grand Philosopher said.  “Now that you have all the power in the world, I assume you plan on laying an attack on Princess Celestia.”
“Not yet,” Gold Banks said as she allowed it to drop below her chin.  “I heard rumors about Princess Celestia wanting to move her daughters to Evevanya.”
“And judging by your expression,” Grand Philosopher said.  “You don’t want them to leave at all.”
“Oh no no no,” Gold Banks said.  “They don’t deserve to return to that man’s cub’s homeworld.  So I plan on making sure they don’t even go to her real home at all.”
“May I ask how you plan on doing that?” Grand Philosopher asked.
“That’s easy,” Gold Banks explained.  “I know where the closest portal to Evevanya is.  In fact, I have discovered with this new power that I can detect the power of portals not just within Equestria, but also between worlds.   Mainly this Evevanya along with another world: Earth.”
“Oh,” Grand Philosopher said.  “Then I guess you plan on waiting until the last moment to catch them by surprise.”
“Oh I will,” Gold Banks said.  “One of my spies has been sent near that portal location to catch Princess Wanda off on her good-bye to Equestria.  When we get the confirmation, we’ll catch them off guard and take that brat away.  Maybe even sneak our way into this new land and take every Evevanyian child away to Daisy Joy Tech.”
“A bold move, my lady,” Grand Philosopher said.  “But what about your former mentor?”
“Oh I have big plans for her right at this moment,” Gold Banks said.  “And I plan on carrying them out right away.  Humiliate me in Manehattan and I will teach you never to mess with a Banks.  So says I: Gold Banks: The Scarlet Auric.”
With that, Gold Banks laughed into the air as her Alicorn Amulet glowed brightly.


	To Be Continued in…


	Arc 28: Princess No More


	One Last Night in Equestria

> Arc 28(Princess No More)-1: One Last Night in Equestria
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Arc 28: Princess No More


One Last Night in Equestria



It was early in the night in the city of Canterlot.  At her own manor in her private study room, Magistrate Creme Dream looked over some notes on her private desk when Majesty burst into her room.
“Mother,” Majesty yelled.  “You’ve got to hear this.”
“Majesty,” Creme Dream shouted.  “Don’t you ever bother me while I’m working.”
“But it’s about the Man’s Cub,” Majesty yelled.  “Princess Celestia is going to move her back to her home.”
As Creme Dream got up and approached her daughter, the Magistrate paused for a moment.
“Wait,” Creme Dream said.  “Did you say that Princess Celestia was moving Princess Wanda back to Evevanya?”
“Yeah,” Majesty said.  “And not only that, word has it that her friends will be going with her, along with that traitor Cozy Glow, and even Princess Celestia is going to vacate the throne just to go with her.”
“Over my dead body,” Creme Dream said.  “Princess Celestia was warned not to leave the throne, and I will not allow her to let her daughter go.”
Immediately, Creme Dream marched forward to the door and opened it up.
“Where are you going, mother?” Majesty asked.
“I’m going to talk some sense into that foolish mare and force her and her daughter to stay,” Magistrate Creme Dream said. “And if she refuses, then the Senate will make her know her place.  After all, Wanda Young is already a naturalized citizen, and there’s no way she’s leaving Equestria, anytime soon.”
But before Creme Dream could take a step out, her body froze in place, much to her and Majesty’s horror.
“Mother,” Majesty said.  “What’s happening?”
“I…I can’t move,” Creme Dream said.  “Something’s holding me back.”
“Not just something.  Me.”  Majesty and Creme Dream looked behind them to see Gold Banks step through the window and land on the floor.
“YOU!”  Creme Dream snarled.  “I told you that you weren’t welcome in Canterlot, and this is what you do?”
“It is what it is, my former mentor,” Gold Banks said.  “In fact, it’s time I gave you what you gave me.”
And with that, Gold Banks raised her hoof in the air and proceeded to slap Creme Dream across the face three times.  Majesty looked at Gold Banks delivering the slaps before she jumped right on top of Gold Banks.
“YOU LEAVE MY MOTHER ALONE THIS INSTANT!” Majesty yelled, holding Banks’ arm down.
“You just made a big mistake,” Gold Banks said as her amulet glowed brightly.
Gold Banks pulled Majesty off of her back before flinging her towards Creme Dream’s desk, shattering it to pieces.  Majesty got up and started to cry loudly.
“That’s right,” Gold Banks smirked.  “Cry as much as you can.  That won’t save you or your mother from what I’m going to do.”
“What do you think you’re going to do, Traitor?” Creme Dream yelled.
“Oh what I call tit for tat,” Gold Banks said as a portal formed from behind Creme Dream.
Immediately, a couple of Debt Collector grunts emerged from the portal and they proceeded to place a binding ring on top of Creme Dream’s horn before clamping her wings down with a pair of cuffs.  
“You won’t get away with this, Gold Banks,” Creme Dream said.  “When this is over, you will wish I sent you to Tartarus.”
“I beg to differ,” Gold Banks said.  “For you won’t do anything at all.”
But Gold Banks immediately turned towards Majesty, who was struggling to climb out of a window.
“DOWN, BRAT!” Gold Banks yelled.
With a powerful glow from her amulet, Gold Banks pulled Majesty away from the window and towards her.
“HEEEEEELP!” Majesty yelled.
Majesty struggled to move at all, only for the magic of Gold Banks’ amulet to hold her tight.  Immediately, the grunts placed a binding ring on Majesty’s horn and proceeded to clamp her wings down as well.  She even placed metal bindings around the hooves of both Creme Dream and Majesty with her magic.
“That’s right,” Gold Banks said.  “You two are unable to use any of your magic.  Unicorn, Pegasi, Earth Pony.  It’s all locked away before you face your fate.”
“And what kind of fate would that be?” Creme Dream snarled.  “Care to explain, trickster?”
“Very well,” Gold Banks said.  “Effective immediately, you are no longer Magistrate of Equestria, relieved of all duties that you were assigned to.  Furthermore, you are given a lifetime ban from Canterlot, and you and your daughter will suffer in Tartarus for the rest of your miserable lives.  We are done here.”
Gold Banks laughed as the Debt Collectors dragged Creme Dream and Majesty away towards the portal.
“This isn’t over yet, Banks,” Creme Dream shouted.  “ You’ll regret pulling this stunt on us.  YOU WILL REGRET THIS!”
But Gold Banks turned away from Creme Dream, smiling satisfied.  The Debt Collectors pulled Creme Dream and Majesty before throwing them into the portal and jumping in.  Once they were gone, the portal disappeared without a trace.
“Grand Philosopher,” Gold Banks said.  “I know you’re close by.  She’s gone, for now.”
Immediately, Grand Philosopher emerged from the doorway and walked towards Gold Banks.
“That was a risky move to kidnap your former mentor and her daughter,” Grand Philosopher said.  “But it also proved the superiority of your Alicorn Amulet.”
“It does,” Gold Banks said.  “Now Creme Dream’s manor will serve as my new temporary base.  We will keep our eyes out in case Princess Celestia is ready to transfer that brat to Evevanya.”
“And what will we do next?” Grand Philosopher asked.
“We strike,” Gold Banks said.  “It will be the biggest mistake that buffoon ever made.”

“I HAVE TO GO BACK TO EVEVANYA?”
Those words came from Princess Wanda Young, who was panting loudly in the grand hall of the Castle.  Next to her were a surprised Princess Cadance, Princess Sunset Shimmer, Abigail Albright, Shining Armor, Karen the Alicorn Bulldog, Spike the Dragon, Starlight Glimmer, Golden Lace, Pinkie Pie and Misty Brightdawn.  Across from her were Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, and nearby, Cozy Glow, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, and Majordomo Kibitz.  Even Queen Novo stood by, shocked by Princess Celestia’s words.
“I’m terribly sorry to say this,” Princess Celestia said. “But lately, your life has been in great jeopardy in Equestria, mainly from Gold Banks.  If we keep you here, it will be only a matter of time before she takes you away…for good.  Therefore, effective tomorrow, you will be returning to Evevanya.”
Wanda paused for a moment, shocked by Princess Celestia’s words.  She took a few steps back with tears building up in her eyes.
“But,” Wanda said.  “I’ll miss Equestria.  I’ll miss my friends.  I’ll miss…You.”
Immediately, Wanda ran up the stairs, crying her eyes out before making her way towards a room.  The other younglings glared up at Princess Celestia.
“Are you out of your mind, mother?” Sunset yelled.  “Separate Wanda from all of us?  Are you crazy?”
“Sunset, you don’t understand,” Celestia said.
“No I do understand,” Sunset yelled.  “You are pulling the most heartless task in front of us all because you’re afraid of Gold Banks.  Afraid of losing us to her school from Tartarus again.  How is this any different than what Gold Banks pulled?”
Princess Celestia paused for a moment on what Sunset said as her adopted daughter stared up at her.
“Just as I thought,” Sunset snarled as a tear fell from her eye.  “You’re no better than Gold Banks if you’re going to take Wanda away.”
As Sunset Shimmer marched away, Pinkie Pie cleared her voice loud enough to catch the attention of the unicorn.
“No, I think I know what she really means,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Wanda’s not the only one going to Evevanya.  We all are.”
“Wait,” Sunset said.  “We’re all going to Evevanya?”
“That’s what I really mean to say,” Celestia said.  “Wanda will not be going by herself.  Every friend that she made will be going with her, including myself.”
“Princess,” Sunset said, surprised by Celestia’s words.  “You’re not thinking of…”
“Yes,” Princess Celestia said. “This will be my last night in Equestria.  When the day comes, I will be vacating the throne, permanently.”
“Mother,” Princess Cadance said.  “You’re not serious about leaving the ponies behind just to look after all of us in Evevanya.”
“I am,” Princess Celestia said.  “In fact, I was able to talk with every one of their parents about taking them to Evevanya to be safe.  They were reluctant.  But with reports of Gold Banks building up this power with her new amulet, they’ve agreed to let them go.”
“But that means I have to close up the new Sugar Cube Corner shop,” Pinkie Pie said.  “What will Mr. and Mrs. Cake say about this?”
“I’ve already spoken with them in La Maresa,” Princess Celestia explained.  “They’ve agreed to take over the shop up in Canterlot and close their Ls Maresa Sugar Cube Corner shop.  I even spoke with your parents, and they’ve agreed to say good-bye to you.”
Pinkie Pie let out a sigh as she said “I guess this is good-bye Equestria.  No more smiles for every colt and filly.”
Immediately, Pinkie Pie’s mane deflated, going completely flat as she looked down.
“Cheer up, Pinkie,” Misty Brightdawn said.  “Maybe you’ll open up a Sugar Cube Corner shop in Evevanaya for all of Wanda’s own species.  They might appreciate it.”
“Yeah,” Pinkie said, depressed.  “Maybe so.”
Golden Lace walked up to Princess Celestia and said “What about my father?  What does he have to say about my fate?”
“I spoke with Silver Banks about this, and he agreed to let you go,” Princess Celestia explained.  “But he also said this: Though I am sending you away for your own good, know that you will always be my daughter, and I will love you as a father more than anything in this world.”
Golden Lace wiped a tear from her eyes and said “Guess tomorrow will be the last time I ever see daddy again.  I will miss him.”
Sunset walked up to Princess Celestia and said “Mother, we need to talk to Wanda.  She’ll understand, even if I’m uneasy about it.”
“Then let’s talk with Wanda about our move to Evevanya,” Princess Celestia said.  “And tell her the whole truth about her real mother.”
SUnset Shimmer nodded as she and Abigail followed Princess Celestia up the stairs.  But nearby, Princess Cadance walked up to Princess Luna, while Karen whimpered in silence.
“Aunt Luna,” Princess Cadance said.  “What’s going to happen to you once we’re gone from Equestria?”
“I’ll be staying behind as ruler of Equestria and hold the fort down,” Princess Luna explained.  
“But you do realize that you’re going to be alone for who knows how long,” Princess Cadance said.
“She’s right,” Shining Armor said.  “You will be all alone in Equestria once we’re gone.  “Are you sure you can handle a kingdom by yourself?”
“I don’t know if I will,” Princess Luna said.  “It’s true that I will be alone without my family with me.  But I will give it a try.”
As Luna looked up at the balcony above the great hall, Cozy Glow flew over to the staircase, while the Dazzlings and Kibitz followed from behind.
“Well, this is it,” Cozy Glow said.  “After tomorrow, I’m no longer going to be in Equestria.  And I’ll be glad not to see my mother or my sister again.  Good riddance.”
“It’s going to be hard to adapt to a new land,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “After all, we’ve gotten used to living in the abandoned orphanage for a long time before we came here.  And now, this.”
“So what’s going to happen to us once we move to this…Evevanya?” Sonata Dusk asked.
“We’ll find a way to make it through,” Aria Blaze said.  “After all, we’ve stuck together as sisters, and we can do so, starting tomorrow.”
“She’s right,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “Let’s make peace with the fact that this will be our last night in Equestria.”

Meanwhile, in the hallway leading to the bedrooms, Princess Celestia, Sunset Shimmer and Abigail Albright walked up to the younglings’ bedroom, which had been shut tight.  Outside, Eleanor Young just looked inside with a concerned look on her face.
“Eleanor,” Celestia said.  “Is Wanda in there?”
“She is,” Eleanor said.  “And she’s upset about the news on returning to Evevanya.”
“Allow me,” Celestia said.  “We’ll try to reach her.”
Immediately, Princess Celestia walked up to the door with Sunset and Abigail behind her before knocking on it.
“GO AWAY!” Wanda yelled.  “I DON’T WANT TO SEE YOU!”
“Wanda,” Celestia said.  “We need to talk about…”
“I SAID GO AWAY!” Wanda yelled.
“Sister,” Sunset said.   “You’re worried that you may not see us again.  Is that right?”
“I DON’T CARE!” Wanda yelled.  “I’m not leaving for Evevanya and that’s it.”
“Well you listen here, sister,” Sunset said, stomping her hoof on the ground.  “We’re going with you to Evevanya, and that’s final.”
“I SAID I…” Wanda yelled before she paused for a second.
A few seconds later, the door unlocked as Wanda barely opened it, seeing her sister outside.
“What’s this about you going with me?” Wanda asked.
“This is hard on all of us,” Sunset Shimmer explained.  “But we’re all going to go with you to Evevanya, mother included.  I know it’s going to be hard on you to leave the very home you’ve known for a long time.  But you’re not going to be alone.  That’s why our mother has chosen to go with us, along with all of your friends.  You won’t be alone.  I promise you.”
Wanda opened the door up and looked up at her adopted mother as tears flowed through her eyes.
“Mommy,” Wanda cried.  “I’M SORRY!”
Immediately, Wanda reached out and cried right on Princess Celestia’s legs.  All Celestia could do was reach out and rub Wanda on the head.
“It’s okay, my darling Wanda,” Celestia said.  “Even I’m sad to be leaving Equestria for Evevanya.  But it will be so you won’t be alone.”
Abigail walked up to Wanda and rubbed her fur along her leg.  Wanda reached down and picked Abigail up before petting her on the ear.
“So, you really are coming with me?” Wanda cried.
“All of us will,” Sunset said.  “The ones around us will be the first.  Following that, others will join us in Evevanya until all of your friends have left Equestria.  You won’t be alone.”
Wanda walked up to the bed and allowed Abigail to jump right on it.  She climbed up and sat on the bed, looking down at the floor as Celestia and Sunset walked up to her.
“I’ll admit this,” Wanda said as she tapped the orb fragment necklace dangling from her neck.  “I will miss Equestria, and I will miss being in this castle.”
“And I will also miss Princess Luna as well,” Princess Celestia said.  “She’s agreed to stay behind and look after Equestria in my absence.  But she’ll come to pay a visit to our new home, where two mommies will look after you.”
“Two mommies?”  Wanda said.  “What do you mean?”
“In addition to retaining my duties as your mother,” Princess Celestia explained, “I asked someone else to help look after you, your sisters and your friends.  The one you called a guardian angel.  Her name is Eleanor.”
Princess Celestia and Sunset Shimmer stepped aside as Eleanor approached Wanda Young, with Abigail looking up at the Evevanyian human.
“So,” Wanda said.  “You’re going to be my second mommy after I leave for Evevanya?”
“More than that, little Wanda,” Eleanor said, placing her hand gently on Wanda’s cheek.  “In fact, your mommy has an important message to give you.”
As Eleanor withdrew her hand from Wanda’s, the Man’s Cub turned to Princess Celestia.
“I may be your mommy,” Celestia explained.  “But Eleanor Young is your original mother.”
“What?” Wanda said.  “Eleanor Young has been my original mommy?”
“That’s right,” Celestia explained.  “It was Eleanor who left you here when you were a baby.  She left me a note about you after she originally left, and every detail about your life, including your birthday.  But she couldn’t figure out a way to return to Evevanya.  So she chose to remain until she found out how to return back.  But even then, she continued to watch over you while I cared for you.”
Wanda looked up at Eleanor Young, her biological mother, and her eyes began to water for a bit.
“Wanda,” Eleanor said.  “I know I haven’t done a good job as your mother.  In fact, Princess Celestia did a far better job at it.  But I promise you, I will do what I can to keep you content and happy in the home of your birth and heritage.”
“Will you, mommy?” Wanda asked.
“I will,” Eleanor said.  “After all, even when you’re no longer in Equestria, you’re still a princess.  A princess from a kingdom almost as grand as Equestria.  And I am one of the two queens of the land.  My counterpart, Queen Lillian, will be there to help guide you through your new era in life, along with your friends.  So says I, Queen Eleanor Young, of Evevanya’s Dawn.
With that, Wanda reached out and gave Queen Eleanor Young a big hug.
“I’ll take it, Evevanyian Mommy,” Wanda cried.  “I accept.”
As Wanda cried on her original mother, Celestia and Sunset held each other tight as Abigail jumped off the bed and snuggled next to Sunset.
“It’s going to be very hard to accept the fact that I won’t live in Equestria, anymore,” Sunset Shimmer said.
“I know, my daughter,” Princess Celestia said.  “But we’ll make sure it all works out, for you, for your sisters, and for your friends.”

Later that night, Pinkie Pie, Starlight Glimmer, Abigail Albright, Golden Lace, Cozy Glow, Misty Brightdawn and the Dazzlings were all fast asleep in makeship beds all around the bedroom.  But Wanda and Sunset were unable to get any sleep as they looked up at the ceiling.
“Can’t get any sleep, sis?” Sunset asked.
“Yeah,” Wanda said.  “I’m nervous about tomorrow.”
“I know how you feel,” Sunset said.  “The fact that we’re all going to be gone from Equestria come tomorrow will say a lot.  And I’ll say this: I will miss it all.”
“Yeah,” Wanda said.  “Not just Canterlot, but also La Maresa, Vanhoover, Sire’s Hollow and especially Mount Aris.  Can’t say anything about Manehattan.”
“That’s one place I’ll be glad to forget,” Sunset Shimmer replied.  “Daisy Joy Tech was a horrible place and I don’t ever want to step hoof there again.”
“But still,” Wanda said.  “I’m going to be sad that we will leave Equestria for Evevanya.  Not just with one mommy, but with two mommies now.”
“That’s right,” Sunset said.  “Even learning that Eleanor was your original mother caught me off guard.  But I was glad to have met her.”
“Sister,” Wanda said.  “Will I be okay back in Evevanya?”
“You will,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “No matter what, we will be by your side.  Even Starlight’s gonna be with you.  In fact, I think Starlight really likes you.”
“She does?” Wanda asked.
“She does,” Sunset replied.  “And she’s glad to have you as a close friend, like she does with Sunburst and Trixie.  Just like how I see you as a close friend.”
“Thanks, Sunset,” Wanda said.  “You’ve been the best sister I’ve ever had.”
Sunset reached over and hugged Wanda closely, dropping a tear from her eye as she held her sister close.

Outside of the castle, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Queen Eleanor, Chancellor Cinch and Queen Novo looked up at the bedroom from the front garden.
“Are you really sure about this?” Chancellor Cinch asked.
“I’ve made up my mind,” Princess Celestia said.  “Come tomorrow, I will be Princess of Equestria no more.  And I will be traveling to Evevanya to look after Wanda and her friends with Eleanor’s help.”
“I’m not proud to say it,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “But I’m going to miss you.”
“I’ll miss you as well,” Princess Celestia said.  “You, Princess Luna, Queen Novo, and all of Equestria.”
“I wish I could go with you,” Queen Novo said.  “But right now, my duty is towards my people, and towards my daughter.  I know she’ll miss Wanda and Sunset.”
“You know,” Princess Celestia said.  “You could always have Princess Skystar come with us to Evevanya.  We might consider kidnapping her.”
Immediately, Queen Novo broke out laughing at Princess Celestia’s comment.
“That would be karma for the times she took Wanda from you,” Queen Novo laughed.  “But at the same time, I would miss my daughter if she went with you.  Who knows?  If things take a turn for the worse in Equestria, I may consider taking our people to Evevanya just so they can thrive there.”
“I’ll keep that in mind,” Princess Celestia said.  “We’ll see if we can set up a new Seaquestria kingdom in Evevanya in case you change your mind.”
Princess Luna turned towards Queen Eleanor Young and said “Will you promise to look after not just our Wanda, but also my sister when you depart for Evevanya tomorrow?”
“I will,” Eleanor said.  “I know Equestria won’t be the same without your sister.  But at least, she’ll find happiness there.  And if you decide to resign from your title as prime princess, you are welcome to join us.”
Princess Luna laughed before she said “I’ll keep that in mind.”
With that, Princess Celestia stepped away from the group before walking towards the castle entrance.
“Well, I must get ready for tomorrow,” Princess Celestia said.  “With that, I bid you goodnight.”
As Princess Celestia walked into the castle, Chancellor Cinch stood there with Luna, Eleanor and Novo by her side, wiping a tear from her eye.”
“Goodnight, dear mother,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Parting is such sweet sorrow.”


	To Be Continued in…


	Good-Bye Wanda

> Arc 28-2: Good-Bye Wanda
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Good-Bye Wanda



It was the middle of the night at the Canterlot jail.  Wild Bet slept in his cell, with no guards around his location.
Immediately, a portal formed next to his wall, causing Wild Bet to wake up.  He looked up and saw Gold Banks emerge from the portal, much to his surprise.
“Mistress Gold Banks,” Wild Bet said.  “I thought Creme Dream drove you into hiding.”
“Not anymore,” Gold Banks said.  “As of now, Creme Dream was relieved of her duties and I have managed to become the new Magistrate of Equestria.  What do you think?”
“Oh I approve,” Wild Bet said.  “After all, I never cared for that old fossil to begin with, despite her looks.”
“Oh but of course,” Gold Banks said.
Suddenly, the alarm went off as a number of guards swarmed Wild Bet’s cell with their spears pointed at Gold Banks.  The leader of the guards opened the door with his keys before pointing his spear at the aristocrat in exile.
“GOLD BANKS!” The leader of the guards shouted.  “YOU ARE UNDER ARREST ON BEHALF OF MAGISTRATE CREME DREAM FOR BREAKING INTO CANTERLOT DURING YOUR LIFETIME BAN!”
“Oh didn’t you all get the news?” Gold Banks smirked.  “Creme Dream has been relieved of her duties and now I’m the new Magistrate.”
“Like we would buy into that,” The leader said.  “Now come on out with your hooves in the air.  You are completely surrounded.”
“Wait a minute,” Gold Banks laughed.  “Let me get this straight.  I put my hooves in the air, like this.”
Gold Banks held her hooves up in the air as her Alicorn Amulet glowed brightly.  The guard leader began to back off a bit, only for a powerful aura to surround him.  The others just gasped in horror as their leader levitated helplessly off the ground.
“What the hay is she?” One of the guards screamed.
“That’s no pony,” another guard yelled.  “That’s a monster.”
“A monster?”  Gold Banks laughed.  “Me?  You all lack imagination.”
Gold Banks thrusted her hoof out as the guard leader was flung out, knocking over the other guards that stood by.  As the leader landed right on his fellow troops, Gold Banks walked up to them with a smug look on her face.
“Oh so many guards and so much wasted potential,” Gold Banks said as Wild Bet looked out from behind his cell bars.  “It’s a shame that they have to go.  Or do they?”
WIth her eyes glowing brightly, Gold Banks fired off a blast of magic from her Alicorn Amulet, surrounding every guard in the vicinity in a hazy aura.  They all screamed really loud from the effects of the aura until it disappeared, to which they all slumped down.  When Gold Banks approached the downed guards, the leader raised his head up.
“How may I serve you, Gold Banks?”  The leader of the guard squad asked.
“Prepare yourselves for tomorrow,” Gold Banks commanded.  “You are going to help us capture Princess Wanda and her meddlesome friends.”
“Yes ma’am,” The leader saluted with the others following suit.
As the guards walked away from the jail cell, Gold Banks turned to Wild Bet, who now looked extremely eager.
“Wait a minute,” Wild Bet said.  “You’re talking about that brat and her friends who took away my alicorn bulldog.”
“Well,” Gold Banks said.  “Looks like you and I have a lot in common.  How would you like to get your revenge on them by joining forces with me?”
Wild Bet’s face exploded with delight.  He got down on his knees and placed his hooves down in tribute.
“I’ll do it, my lady,” Wild Bet said.  “I’ll make them pay for the humiliation they put on me.”
“Excellent,” Gold Banks said.  “Because sometime tomorrow, we’re going to get our revenge on Princess Celestia’s so-called children.”

The next morning, the bedroom of Wanda and Sunset looked clean and empty.  The closets were shut tight.  The bed was cleaned up and made as if no one slept there at all.  Every inch of the window had been cleaned up nicely.  The dressers were emptied out completely.
Outside in the doorway of the bedroom, Wanda stood by next to a rolling luggage, wearing a backpack on her back.  Abigail stood next to her, sighing in silence.  Wanda took one good look at what was once her room when Sunset Shimmer walked up to her.
“Getting your last view of our former room?” Sunset asked.
“Yeah,” Wanda said.  “This place is going to feel pretty empty once we’re gone.”
“I always thought we would spend our fillyhood here in Canterlot castle after we met each other,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “If not, then someone else like in La Maresa.  I never thought we would leave Equestria so soon.”
“Yeah,” Wanda said.  “Unlike me, Equestria is your home.  To have to depart so soon for Evevanya is a sad moment for you.”
“I know,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “And not to mention my magic is still locked away until they can find a cure for me.  But at least, I can still spend the rest of my fillyhood with you and everyone else.”
“I may not be a pony,” Wanda said.  “But I’m glad to have you as my sister, Sunset.”
“The feeling’s mutual, sister,” Sunset Shimmer said as she placed her arm around Wanda’s back and gave her a hug.”
“Wanda.  Sunset,” Celestia called from outside the room.  “We’re about ready to go.”
“Coming, Alicorn mommy,” Wanda called back.
Sunset Shimmer took her arm off of Wanda’s back as she, Wanda Young and Abigail Albright stepped back from their former room and walked down the hallway, not looking back at the very place they called home.

Soon, Wanda, Sunset and Abigail made their way to the Grand Foyer, one last time.  At the bottom of the stairs, Princess Celestia, Princess Luna, Princess Cadance and Queen Eleanor Young greeted the two sisters and kitty cat.  Wanda, Abigail and Sunset walked down the staircase before stepping towards the three adults and one teen.
“Are you both ready to go?” Princess Celestia asked.
“We are,” Wanda said before turning to Princess Luna.
“Wanda,” Princess Luna said.  “I’ve known you and Sunset since you both came into our worlds.  You brought us joy when it was needed and gave us a reason to smile.  But to see you, your sisters, your mother and all your friends depart this world for your own safety breaks my heart, because it’s so hard to say good-bye.  But know this.  You and everyone who cared for you will always have a place in Equestria.  And even if you weren’t the Princess of Evevanya, you will always be a princess in our heart.  Thank you.”
Wanda immediately jumped up to Princess Luna and gave her a big hug, with Sunset Shimmer following suit.
“We’re going to miss you, Aunt Woona,” Wanda said.
“And I’ll miss you both as well,” Princess Luna said.
Wanda and Sunset released their hold from Princess Luna before they grabbed their luggage.  They walked up to Princess Celestia, Princess Cadance and Queen Eleanor, who looked ready to go.
“You ready, sisters?” Princess Cadance asked.
“We are,” Sunset Shimmer nodded.
With that, Princess Celestia, Princess Cadance, Queen Eleanor, Wanda Young, and Sunset Shimmer grabbed their luggage and made their way out the door, with Abigail walking alongside Wanda.  Princess Luna followed from behind, looking back at the Grand Foyer of the castle.
“I truly am going to be alone,” Princess Luna said before she followed everyone else out the door.

Wanda, Sunset, Celestia, Cadence, Eleanor and Luna made their way down the streets of Canterlot once more.  There were barely any pony that wandered the streets, as they made their way to the front gate.  Nearby, the small castle that was once the School for Gifted Unicorns, now had a closed sign on the front door.
“I can’t believe the School for Gifted Unicorns is gone,” Wanda said.  
“And not to mention the Elements of Harmony are sealed away for good,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Too bad we can’t use them at all.”
“Yeah,” Wanda said.”
As they walked down the street, they saw a sign on the Sugar Cube Corner that said “Coming soon: Re-opening Under New Management.”
“This was Pinkie Pie’s dream, and now it’s gone,” Sunset Shimmer said.
“Sure Mr and Mrs Cake will be watching over the place,” Wanda said.  “But it won’t be the same without Pinkie Pie running the place.”
“Maybe she’ll open a new Sugar Cube Corner in Evevanya,” Sunset Shimmer said.
Everyone made their way down the street as they headed towards the gate out of Canterlot, where their friends waited for them.

Later that day, outside of Canterlot near the forest, crowds of ponies gathered around a makeshift stage, where Princess Celestia stood ready to speak.  Nearby, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Karen the Alicorn Bulldog, Sunset Shimmer, Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Starlight Glimmer, Misty Brightdawn, Golden Lace, Pinkie Pie, Cozy Glow, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk and Spike the Dragon stood ready, and yet anxious.  Princess Luna, Silver Banks, Argyle Starshine, Bright-Eyes Starshine, Sunlight Starscout, Majordomo Kibitz, Chancellor Cinch, Queen Novo and King Sombra stood to Celestia’s right.  Princess Skystar sat in a sitting wheelchair, looking like she’s about to burst into tears.
“Citizens of Equestria,” Princess Celestia announced.  “Many years ago, Wanda Young entered this world with thanks to her original mother, Eleanor Young.  It was there that we made her a part of our world, with two sisters, a mother and an aunt who cared deeply for her.  She made many friends along the way, and encountered dangers that would last a lifetime.”
The crowd clapped loudly as Wanda looked on with a tear in her eyes.
“But effective today, Wanda’s adventures in Equestria have come to an end,” Princess Celestia announced.  “Eleanor Young, Wanda’s original mother, will be opening the portal to her home world of Evevanya.  Wanda will depart this world with her friends and most of her family.”
The crowd gasped in horror as Princess Celestia removed her crowd, her necklace and her regalia and placed them on the floor.
“That includes me,” Princess Celestia said.  “Effective immediately, I will be stepping down from my position as ruler of Equestria.  My sister, Princess Luna, will assume her role of prime rule in my absence.”
The crowd murmured in horror.  They talked amongst each other, horrified at the idea of losing Princess Celestia from the world.
“I know why you’re all afraid of losing me,” Princess Celestia said.  “Unfortunately, I am doing this for Wanda, her sisters and her friends’ well-being.  For now, the first group of Wanda’s friends will depart Equestria for Evevanya.  Later, more and more of her friends will leave as well, until we have all left for good.  It wasn’t an easy decision to make.  But we’re doing this all for Wanda’s well-being.  I’m sorry to have to leave you.  But my time as ruler of Equestria has come to pass.  I love you all with all my heart.”
As Princess Celestia stepped away from the podium, everyone continued to talk amongst each other.  But nearby, Mr and Mrs Cake, along with Igneous Rock Pie and Cloudy Quartz with Maud Pie and two other fillies walked up to Pinkie Pie.  
“Mom, dad, Mr and Mrs Cake, sisters,” Pinkie Pie cried.  “I’m going to miss you all.”
“We’re going to miss you as well, my daughter,” Cloudy Quartz said.  
“Don’t you worry, Pinkie Pie,” Mrs Cake said.  “We’ll take good care of the Sugar Cube Corner here in Canterlot, even if  we had to close down the La Maresa shop.”
As Pinkie smiled for both Cloudy Quartz and Mrs Cake, she turned towards Maud Pie and her two sisters.
“Maud, Marble, Limestone,” Pinkie Pie said.  “I’m going to miss you all for now.”
“You will,” Maud said.  “But it won’t be for long.”
“Yeah,” Limestone Pie said.  “Even though you can be a pain in the rear, you are our sister, and you will be missed for good.”
“Cheer up,” Pinkie said.  “Maybe you could move over to Evevanya, create a bigger and better rock farm.”
“That we may consider, Pinkie,” Igneous Rock laughed.
Marble Pie looked up at Pinkie and said “Mmmhmm.”
Nearby, Misty Brightdawn walked up to her brother King Sombra, who looked like he was on the verge of crying.
“I lost you once a thousand years ago when the Crystal Empire fell to a powerful rogue alicorn,” King Sombra said.  “I nearly lost you again to Daisy Joy Tech not long ago.  Now I must let you go, and I fear I may not see you again.”
“I know, brother,” Misty said.  “But at least you’ll know that I’ll be in good hooves with Princess Celestia, and the people of Evevanya.”
“Life won’t be the same without you, little Misty,” King Sombra said as Misty Brightdawn gave him a hug.  “But do me a favor, and don’t forget about me.”
“I won’t, brother,” Misty said.  “I won’t.”
Nearby, Golden Lace approached her father Silver Banks, who looked teary-eyed.
“Daddy,” Golden Lace said.  “I’m going to miss you.”
“I will miss you as well,” Silver Banks said. “It was not that long ago that you and I were more like your mother.  But now, we have severed our ties with her, and have become better ponies since.”
“It’s too bad she turned out to be a sick monster,” Golden Lace said  “I wish she was more like Princess Celestia, or like Wanda.”
“So do I, my daughter,” Silver Banks said as Golden Lace gave him a hug.  “But no matter what, never forget that you are a far better pony than she ever was.”
“I won’t, daddy,” Golden Lace cried.   “I won’t.”
Across from Silver Banks and Golden Lace, Princess Celestia approached Argyle Starshine, who looked teary-eyed.  Bright-Eyes and Sunlight were also closeby, looking depressed through the observation of the crowd.
“So Mr Starshine,” Celestia asked.  “Have you and your family decided to come with us to Evenvaya?”
“I’m going to have to turn your proposal down,” Argyle Starshine said.  “As safe as Evevanya would be, my place is here in Equestria.”
“I understand,” Celestia said.  “Where will you head to now that the School for Gifted Unicorns is permanently closed?”
“We’re going to fly over to Maretime Bay,” Argyle explained.  “Settle down there and find a new means of living.  In fact, I’ll say that I’m pretty much done with being a teacher.”
“That’s too bad, brother,” Bright Eyes said.  “I was hoping you could teach the future generation about the right and wrong of Equestria.”
“I wish I could, sister,” Argyle said.  “But Equestria’s schools are slowly disappearing, and only Daisy Joy Tech is what’s left of the education system.  I fear it is far beyond repair.”
“It’s a shame about the education system,” Sunlight Starscout said.  “When one pony can go as far as to force our younglings into a system that is far worse than abysmal, that we have no say at all, then it says way too much about the failure of our society.”
“That is true, mother,” Argyle said before turning back towards Princess Celestia.  “Princess, it’s been an honor serving you.”
“It’s been an honor as well,” Princess Celestia said before she gave Argyle Starshine a hug.
Near Queen Eleanor, Wanda and Sunset walked up to Princess Skystar and Queen Novo, to which both hippogriffs looked depressed.   Especially Skystar, who sat in her wheelchair, looking up at her friends.
“It’s too bad we didn’t bring Silverstream or Ocellus,” Queen Novo said.  “They were devastated when they found out that you were both leaving Equestria for Evevanya.”
“It’s a shame as well, Aunt Novo,” Wanda said.  “Maybe one day, you should consider changing your mind and come with us to Evevanya with the rest of the Hippogriffs.”
“I wish we could,” Queen Novo said.  “But not everyone is on board with leaving all of Equestria behind.”
“Mom’s right,” Skystar said.  “As much as I love hanging out with you both, even leaving this planet is out of my own mind.”
“Maybe one day, you’ll all change your mind,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “After all, it may not be forever.”
“You’re right,” Queen Novo said.  “It won’t be forever.  Maybe we will see each other again.”
“You can count on that,” Wanda said as she jumped up and gave Queen Novo a hug.
But near Wanda and Sunset, Starlight Glimmer hugged Firelight and Starseeker Glimmer, who cried in the presence of their daughter.
“I can’t believe we’re going to let you go for good,” Firelight cried.  “I’ve already missed you, pumpky-wumpkin.”
“I know, daddy,” Starlight cried.  “I thought losing Uncle Meteor Flare was one thing.  But now I have to let you both go.”
“Nothing will ever replace you, Starlight,” Starseeker said.  “Just promise to do what Princess Celestia and Eleanor Young tell you.”
“I will, mommy,” Starlight cried.  “I will.”
Starlight Glimmer hugged her mom and dad one last time before releasing them from her arms.  She turned around and walked away from Firelight and Starseeker before tears dropped from her eyes.  Firelight and Starseeker held each other close, crying their eyes out.
As soon as Starlight Glimmer approached Queen Eleanor Young, Spike, Shining Armor, Princess Cadance, Karen the Bulldog, Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer, Golden Lace, Abigail Albright, Pinkie Pie, Cozy Glow, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk and Princess Celestia all followed from behind.  Celestia turned to Luna and Cinch, who only waved to her good-bye with tears in their eyes.
“Eleanor,” Celestia commanded.  “It’s time.  Open the portal to Evevanya.”
“It will be done,” Eleanor Young said.
Queen Eleanor Young held her arms out in the air.  Magic formed from her hands as they grew bigger and bigger.  The audience stared right at Eleanor as a small vortex began to open up.
“This is it,” Wanda said.  “Good-bye Equestria.  We will miss you.”
Suddenly, everyone heard the sound of one pony clapping.  Princess Celestia turned to the forest area, where Gold Banks approached them, clapping loudly.  Next to her was Wild Bet, the royal guards from the jail, and a few Debt Collectors.  Karen, Sunset, Starlight, Pinkie Pie and Misty Brightdawn were quick to eye Wild Bet, with Karen growling at her former master.
“What’s he doing here?” Sunset snarled.
“That’s Wild Bet?” Cozy Glow asked.
“Yeah,” Pinkie Pie said.  “That’s the monster who abused Karen the Alicorn Bulldog for his own sick, twisted, dogfight ring.”
“Oh that is just disturbing,” Cozy Glow gagged. 
“That, I agree with you on,” Misty Brightdawn said.
Gold Banks walked over to the group, her smile still bare and disturbing.  Celestia kept her eye on Gold Banks, her eye squinted with anger.
“Gold Banks,” Princess Celestia said.  “What do you want?”
“Oh I came here to say good-bye, Princess,” Gold Banks cheered.
“I didn’t ask for your good-bye,” Celestia said.  “All I know is that when this is over, we’ll never have to see you again.”
“Oh that’s what you think,” Gold Banks said, walking up to Eleanor Young.
Eleanor ignored Gold Bank’s presence as she kept her focus on the small vortex that began to grow.  But Banks looked undeterred.
“So,” Gold Banks said.  “You’re heading back to Evevanya, I take it.”
“We are,” Queen Eleanor Young said.  “I’m taking my daughter and her friends with me, and you will never see us again.”
“That’s where you’re wrong,” Gold Banks said.  “When I last saw Princess Celestia, I told her this: You can take her to the far ends of this planet, or even to another dimension.  But no matter what you do, I will find her, and I will take her back to Daisy Joy Tech.  I will make her as miserable as possible for my own amusement.”
“No you won’t,” Queen Eleanor Young said as the vortex grew bigger.  “Our people are not to be trifled with.  You so much follow us into Evevanya, and we will make you regret it.”
“Oh but it’s not just your daughter that we’re coming for,” Gold Banks smirked.  “You have children in your world, yes?  Go ahead and open the portal.  Even if we don’t come for your daughter, there are sons and daughters in Evevanya that we will be glad to take away, just like that.”
Gold Banks pointed her hoof at a nearby tree and fired a bolt of lightning right at it.  The thunder hit the tree and it exploded in a powerful blast.  When the dust cleared, a smoldering crater formed where the tree and a few others were.   Eleanor Young looked at the tree and her eyes shrunk down.
“No,” Eleanor said.  “You would be willing to do that?”
“I’m more powerful than your so-called Evevanyian people, your majesty,” Gold Banks said.  “Go ahead and open the portal to Evevanya.  Once you do, it won’t just be your own daughter that I will take back.  I’ll seize every child that exists there, regardless of what species he or she is.  You’ll only doom your people to obscurity.”
Eleanor Young dropped her hands completely as the vortex disappeared without a trace.  The entire crowd gasped in horror as Gold Banks stepped away from a beaten Eleanor Young.
“What have you done, Gold?” Silver Banks yelled.
“Why, I just told her the truth,” Gold Banks said.  “After all, every child in existence belongs to me, be it in Equestria, Evevanya, and even Earth.  Children are not the future.  They are nothing more than dogs that are bred to serve.”
“You have gone too far, Gold Banks,” Celestia snarled.  “We just wanted to be in peace from your tyranny, and you chose to block that chance from happening.”
“The only peace you’ll get is a peace through tyranny,” Gold Banks said before she turned to her soldiers.  “Seize them all.”
Immediately, every soldier by Gold Banks’ side marched towards the crowd, much to their own horror.   The younglings all gathered around Princess Celestia as she made her way back towards the gate into Canterlot City.
Gold Banks directed her gaze towards Golden Lace and pulled her with her Alicorn Amulet.  Lace screamed loudly as she flew towards her estranged mother.
“You’re coming with me whenever you like it or not,” Gold Banks yelled.
“HEEEELP!” Lace yelled.
Suddenly, Silver Banks ran up to Gold Banks and ran right into her, causing his former wife to collapse to the ground and to unexpectedly release her magical grip on Golden Lace, who landed on her four hooves.  Golden Lace looked up as Silver Banks held Gold Banks back.
“RUN, MY DAUGHTER!” Silver Banks cried.  “RUN AND SAVE YOURSELF!”
Golden Lace was forced to watch as Gold Banks grabbed Silver Banks with her magic and slammed him to the ground.  She ran up towards Princess Celestia in the midst of the chaos and held on tight.
“PRINCESS!”  Golden Lace cried. “WHAT’S GOING ON HERE?”
“Banks was right all this time,” Celestia said.  “There really was no place I could have taken Wanda to where she could take her back.  I’ve failed as a mother.”
Immediately, Queen Novo tapped Celestia on the shoulder, catching the Alicorn’s attention.
“We need to get back to the castle this instant,” Queen Novo said.  
“Right,” Princess Celestia said.
Immediately, Queen Novo grabbed Princess Skystar’s wheelchair and pushed her through the gate leading into Canterlot.  Princess Celestia held onto Golden Lace and ran towards the gate.  But she turned around to see Princess Luna carry her regalia.
“What’s the plan, sister?” Luna asked.
“Instead of Evevanya, we’re heading to the Golden Land,” Celestia said.
“Roger that,” Luna said as she ran after Queen Novo and Princess Skystar.
But as Princess Celestia turned towards the others, she noticed Starlight Glimmer, Pinkie Pie, Limestone Pie and Marble Pie, who all looked horrified.
“Mommy, daddy,” Starlight screamed.
“Not our parents and the Cakes,” Pinkie Pie yelled.
Celestia turned around to see Mr and Mrs Cake, Cloudy Quartz, Igneous Rock, Firelight Glimmer and Starseeker Glimmer nabbed by Gold Banks’ own soldiers, consisting of a mix between her own royal guard and the Debt Collectors.
“Starlight, Pinkie Pie,” Celestia yelled.  “This way.  We have to get to the Golden Land, this instant.”
But Starlight and Pinkie Pie, along with Maud, Limestone and Marble Pie, stood helpless against Gold Banks, whose soldiers grabbed their parents, along with Mr and Mrs Cake.  Eleanor Young ran up to Starlight and Pinkie Pie before running towards Princess Celestia.
“GRAB THE OTHERS!” Eleanor yelled.
Immediately, Princess Cadance, Chancellor Cinch and Shining Armor used their magic to pull Maud, Limestone and Marble Pie away before a single soldier could grab onto them.  Cadance allowed Marble to land on her back, Shining pulled Maud onto his back and Cinch placed Limestone on hers.
“Round up every pony you can,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “We’ll meet you at the castle.”
“Don’t you worry, Princess,” Majordomo Kibitz said.  “We’ll be alright.”
Celestia nodded as Majordomo Kibitz, Princess Cadance, Eleanor Young, Shining Armor and Chancellor Cinch ran through the gate with Maud, Limestone and Marble by their side.  Karen was quick to follow Princess Cadance and Shining Armor from behind, not bothering to turn back towards Gold Banks nor Wild Bet.  Princess Celestia turned towards the other younglings, only to see Sunset Shimmer stare down Gold BAnks.
“Mother,” Sunset said.  “Remove my ring this instant.  I’ll deal with Gold Banks.”
“Sunset, no,” Celestia yelled. “I don’t want to lose you.”
“If you don’t let me fight, it may not matter,” Sunset said.  “Now remove it.”
As a tear slid down Celestia’s cheek, she lit her horn up and surrounded the ring on Sunset’s horn with magic.
“Alright,” Celestia said.  “Be careful.”
Princess Celestia pulled the Equinox Ring off of Sunset Shimmer’s horn.  The little filly’s eyes turned dark as she faced Gold banks.
“Mother,” Sunset cried.  “It’s been an honor to be your daughter.”
As Wanda, Abigail, Spike, Golden Lace, Cozy Glow, Misty Brightdawn and the Dazzlings gathered next to Princess Celestia, Sunset Shimmer transformed into a giant demon and stared down Gold Banks and Wild Bet.
“What in the world?” Wild Bet yelled.  “She can do that?”
“Sunset’s Demon form,” Gold Banks laughed.  “I forgot that she had that.  This will be an amusing fight.”
As Gold Bank stared up at Demon Sunset, the citizens of Canterlot were able to break free from the scared guards and Debt Collectors, who fled behind Gold Banks.  Many of them, including Mr and Mrs Cake, Cloudy Quartz and Igneous Rock, and even Firelight and Starseeker Glimmer ran through the gates of Canterlot.  Argyle Starshine, Bright Eyes Starshine and Sunlight Starscout ran up to Princess Celestia, keeping their eyes away from Demon Sunset.
“What is that?” Sunlight asked.
“Our last hope,” Celestia said.  “Now head for the castle.  We’ll follow from behind.”
Immediately, Argyle Starshine, Sunlight Starscount and Bright Eyes Starshine ran through the gate and into the city of Canterlot.  Wanda just reached out helplessly towards Demon Sunset, who charged at Gold Banks.
“Sister,” Wanda cried.
Immediately, Princess Celestia grabbed Wanda Young with her magic and flung her onto her back.  She then lifted everyone’s luggage with her back before Abigail leaped onto Celestia with Cozy Glow picking up Spike.
“Every pony’s heading towards the Castle,” King Sombra said.  “I suggest we make haste.”
“I know,” Celestia said.
And with that, Princess Celestia ran through the gate, carrying everyone’s luggage while Wanda and Abigail held on.  Cozy Glow held Spike close to her as she followed from behind.  Joining them were King Sombra, Misty Brightdawn, Golden Lace, and the Dazzlings.  
Once they were through the front gate, Demon Sunset charged up a blast of magic in her mouth and fired it right at Gold Banks.  But Banks did nothing but shield herself from the magic, deflecting it into the sky.
“Okay bozo,” Gold Banks said.  “Let’s dance.”
With that, Demon Sunset leaped at Gold Banks as she charged up her magic.


	To Be Continued in…


	Retreat to the Golden Land 

> Arc 28-3: Retreat into the Golden Land
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Retreat into the Golden Land



Princess Celestia ran down the now-empty streets of Canterlot behind the citizens as fast as she could, holding everyone’s luggage with her magic.  Wanda and Abigail rode on top, not daring to look behind.  Flying next to her was Cozy Glow, who held Spike close.  Near the Princess was King Sombra, Misty Brightdawn, Golden Lace, and the Dazzlings.
"What the hay is going on?" Cozy Glow yelled.  "Why aren't we heading to Evevanya?"
"I'm afraid Gold Banks have figured out where portals to other worlds are located," Celestia said.  "I wanted to protect you all.  But I realized that you will all still be in danger."
"Worry about that later," King Sombra said.  "Your sister said we have to get to the castle."
"And for a reason," Celestia said.  "There is a portal leading to the Golden Land.  Once we get there, we will remove the crystal and sever the connection.  It will lock us all in.  But we will be safe there."
“Mommy,” Wanda said.  “Are you sure about that?”
“I am, my darling Wanda,” Celestia said. “For you, and for your original mommy Eleanor.”
Wanda nodded towards Celestia as she held her pearl fragment necklace close.  In an instant, she jumped off of Princess Celestia, and transformed into a unicorn filly with the same mane style, but with a light blue coat, and her cutie mark had shifted from her shoulder to her hip.  Her backpack transformed into a single saddlebag.  Once she landed on the ground, she ran alongside Princess Celestia, much to the surprise of King Sombra, Spike and her pony friends.  Abigail jumped off and ran alongside her companion.
“Wanda,” Misty said.  “How did you do that?”
“A present from Aunt Novo,” Unicorn Wanda said.  “From my previous time at Seaquestria.”
As unicorn filly Wanda ran alongside her friends, Princess Celestia eyed the two ground bridge portal arcs in front of her.  Nearby, Igneous Rock, Cloudy Quartz, Maud, Limestone and Marble stood near the arc that led to La Maresa.
“Mr Pie,” Princess Celestia shouted.  “Where are you going?”
“Back to La Maresa and then to the Rock Farm,” Igneous Rock Pie said.  
“It’s too dangerous,” King Sombra shouted.
“We have a son who agreed to look after the farm while we said good-bye to Pinkie Pie,” Igneous Rock shouted.  “I want to make sure he’s alright.”
Princess Celestia came to a stop in front of Igneous Rock and Cloudy Quartz.  Unicorn Wanda, Abigail, Cozy Glow, Spike, Golden Lace, the Dazzlings, Misty Brightdawn and King Sombra Brightdawn also followed suit, looking up at Celestia  Immediately, Celestia placed the luggage she was carrying down and approached the Pie family.
“Mommy,” Unicorn Wanda said.  “What’s going on?”
“Get to the castle this instant,” Celestia said.  “I’ve got some unfinished business in La Maresa.  And don’t worry.  Queen Eleanor will look after you if I fall.”
Without a second thought, Unicorn Wanda nodded to Golden Lace and they both picked up every piece of luggage on the ground with their magic.  Once they were all grouped up, unicorn Wanda, Abigail, and Golden Lace ran off from Princess Celestia towards the Castle.  Misty, Cozy Glow, Spike, and the Dazzlings followed her from behind, all while Celestia used her magic to open the portal to La Maresa.  But King Sombra stood by Princess Celestia as she began to walk through the portal.
“I won’t be long,” Celestia said.  “Look after the Pie family until I get back.”
“Right,” King Sombra said.
But before Princess Celestia could take one step into the portal, she immediately turned to her left and saw a blast of magic fly towards her.
“GET DOWN!” Celestia yelled.
Immediately, King Sombra transformed into a shadow and slid under Igneous Rock, Cloudy Quartz, Maud, Marble and Limestone before pulling them within.  Celestia jumped out of the way as the blast of magic hit the portal arc, causing it to explode.
The shadow immediately moved out of the way as two crystals landed in the grass, unharmed.  Igneous Rock, Cloudy Quartz, Marble, Limestone and Maud emerged from the shadow as King Sombra returned to normal.  He looked up, and his face turned to horror.
“By my mother’s will,” Sombra said.
In front of King Sombra, both portal arcs were smashed to pieces, thanks to the blast of magic that hit it.  Celestia got up and looked at what’s left of the arcs.
“It’s all gone,” Celestia said.  “The ground bridge portals.  The work that Starswirl the Bearded created, and it’s all gone.”
“Not all of it,” Igneous Rock Pie said as he picked up two crystals.  “This is what we were able to recover.”
Celestia immediately picked up the crystals with her magic and said “Good work.  We can salvage them with two new ground bridge portals at the Golden Land.  Now hurry.”
Igneous Rock ran towards the castle with Cloudy Quartz, Limestone, Marble and Maud Pie right behind him.  Immediately, Celestia ran after the Pie family with the crystals in her horn while King Sombra was in pursuit.
But in an instant, Demon Sunset landed out of control into the ruins of both portal arcs, having been hit from a blast.  She got up and faced Gold Banks, who walked up to the giant demon.
“Is this the power of the demon ponies, Sunset Shimmer?” Gold Banks said.  “Don’t make me laugh.”
Demon Sunset got back on her four paws and roared loudly before she fired a blast of magic at Gold Banks. The impact was enough to send the pony flying off.  Demon Sunset roared once more before leaping towards Gold Banks.
“So the little Sunset isn’t taking any chances,” Gold Banks said as magic formed from her amulet.  “A wise move.  Or is it?”
Before Demon Sunset could strike Gold Banks, the amulet-powered aristocrat fired off a blast of magic right at the giant demon, knocking her into the water canal.  Gold Banks swung around and dove right at Demon Sunset at top speed.  Before the giant demon could react, Gold Banks hit her right in the chest area, causing Demon Sunset to scream loudly.
“How does it feel to know that you’re completely outclassed, Sunset Shimmer?” Gold Banks yelled. “HOW DOES IT FEEL?”
But immediately, Demon Sunset grabbed Gold Banks and pulled her up close before slamming her into the water.  She held down Gold Banks under the water, who struggled to hold her breath.
But with one flash, Banks transformed into a Sea Pony and was able to break loose from Demon Sunset’s grip.  Gold Banks swam as fast as possible before she jumped out and faced Demon Sunset, who charged up magic from her mouth and pointed it at the evil sea pony.
“Powerful, but still no match,” Gold Banks said as her amulet glowed.

Meanwhile, unicorn filly Wanda Young and Abigail ran up the stairs with Cozy Glow, Spike, Golden Lace, Misty, and the Dazzlings right behind her.  Wanda carried most of the luggage while the rest was carried by Golden Lace.  When they reached the entrance, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor ran up to her as Wanda and Lace dropped the luggage.
“Wanda,” Princess Cadance said.  “Where’s Sunset, and why are you one of us right now?”
“Sunset’s fighting off against Gold Banks in her demon form, and I chose to transform so I could catch up with you,” Wanda said, gripping her necklace close.
Immediately, Wanda glowed with a bright light as she transformed from a unicorn filly back into her human child form, while her saddlebag transformed back into her backpack.
“Sunset is doing what?” Shining Armor said.
“And mommy let her do it,” Wanda replied.
“What was she thinking?” Princess Cadance said.  “Leaving Sunset out there to forever be a beast?  I’m gonna have a word with her.”
Immediately, Shining Armor placed his hoof on Princess Cadance and said “No time.  Princess Luna has opened the portal to the Golden Land.  We need to get there, now.”
“Not without both my sisters,” Princess Cadance yelled.
But before Princess Cadance could begin to run out, she saw Princess Celestia run through the garden and up the path with King Sombra, Igneous Rock, Cloudy Quartz, Marble, Maud and Limestone Pie right behind her.  King Sombra held the two portal crystals with his magic.
“Mother,” Cadance yelled.  “What’s this about Sunset Shimmer transforming into a demon again?”
“Sunset Shimmer chose to stay behind so she could hold off Gold Banks,” Princess Celestia said.  “It was her decision.”
“But that means we won’t be able to see Sunset again,” Princess Cadance said.  “She’ll never transform back into her old self.  What were you thinking?”
“What would have happened if I didn’t do what was necessary,” Princess Celestia said.
Suddenly, Demon Sunset crash-landed in the garden outside of the castle.  Celestia looked up to see Gold Banks hover in the air in her sea pony form.
“SUNSET!” Cadance yelled.
Demon Sunset got back up on her four hooves as she fired a blast of magic at Gold Banks.  The impact knocked her out of the air and onto the ground.  
“Did that do it?” Igneous Rock said.  “Did that stop her?”
But Demon Sunset immediately turned towards Princess Celestia and the others, growling loudly at them.
“I told you this was a bad idea,” Princess Cadance said.  “Now she’s coming after us.”
Demon Sunset charged at Princess Celestia, roaring loudly.  But before she could touch the stairs leading into the castle, she was stopped in mid-air, surrounded by magic.  Demon Sunset was immediately pulled away as Gold Banks levitated into the air with her amulet glowing brightly.
“You’re right that it was a bad idea,” Gold Banks said.  “But in a way that you never imagined.  I’ve had my fun, but playtime’s over.”
Gold Banks used her magic to lift Demon Sunset in the air.  The demonized pony struggled to break free as she roared loudly, all until she reached up to Gold Bank’s eyes.
“I know you possess great power within, and you have troubles controlling it,” Gold Banks said.  “So I’m going to take it away.”
Gold Banks’ amulet glowed brightly as it siphoned magic out of Demon Sunset, who roared in agony.  Everyone in the palace stood helplessly as Gold Banks took every ounce of magic.
“SUNSET!” Princess Celestia yelled.
“YOU LEAVE MY FRIEND ALONE!” Adagio Dazzle yelled
Adagio Dazzle ran out, only to be pulled back by Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk.
“Don’t do it, sister,” Sonata yelled.
“It’s not worth it,” Aria yelled.  
Adagio Dazzle slumped down for a moment, tears flowing from her eyes.  She turned around and cried right into her sisters.
“Why?” Adagio cried.  “Why does she have to suffer?”
As Adagio cried on Aria and Sonata, Gold Banks continued to drain the magic out of Demon Sunset.
“SAY GOOD-BYE TO YOUR PRECIOUS PRINCESS SUNSET SHIMMER!” Gold Banks laughed.  “FOR NOW SHE WILL BE RENDERED WORTHLESS!”
Slowly, but surely, Demon Sunset shrunk down and her body began to return to normal, until she reverted back to being her old filly self, her body exhausted.
“I was….so close,” Sunset said.
“So close and so far,” Gold Banks said.  “You sacrificed yourself and it was all for naught.”
Suddenly, Princess Celestia fired a blast of magic at Gold Banks, causing her to lose her grip on Sunset Shimmer.  As Sunset fell helplessly towards the ground, Celestia jumped up and grabbed her with her magic.  She landed on the ground and ran away from Gold Banks as she carried Sunset Shimmer towards the castle.
“Run all you like,” Gold Banks yelled.  “Send all your goons at me.  It won’t matter.  I will capture you, and I will win.”
As Celestia ran inside, carrying Sunset Shimmer, Wanda looked up at her sister in horror.
“What did she do to her?” Wanda screamed.
“Gold Banks took all of Sunset Shimmer’s magic,” Princess Celestia explained.  “She can no longer transform into her demon form again.”
“I assumed the worst for my sister,” Princess Cadance said.  “But nothing like this.”
“No time to mope,” King Sombra yelled.  “We’ve gotta get to the portal this instant.”
Immediately, King Sombra grabbed every piece of luggage off the ground and ran towards one of the doorways.   Princess Cadance and Shining Armor ran off after him as Wanda looked outside, horrified at Gold Banks’ presence.
“Wanda, come on,” Princess Celestia yelled.  “We need to get to the Golden Land, this instant.”
Wanda immediately snapped out of it and said “On my way, mommy.”
Instantly, Wanda ran down the hall with Abigail by her side.  The Pie Family, Cozy Glow, Golden Lace, Spike the Dragon, Misty Brightdawn and the Dazzlings followed from behind.  Princess Celestia immediately pursued after the younglings, carrying the unconscious Sunset Shimmer, with Princess Cadance and Shining Armor running from behind.  But outside, sea pony Gold Banks just watched on with a smile on her face.
“Maybe it’s time I showcased a more intimidating form,” Gold Banks said as her body was covered in a bright light.

In the vault of the palace, the ground bridge portal to the Golden Land was active.  Standing next to it were Pinkie Pie, Starlight Glimmer, Princess Luna, Chancellor Cinch and Queen Eleanor Young.  Starlight Glimmer looked ready to jump in.  But Pinkie Pie looked down the halls with hesitation.
“Hurry,” Princess Luna shouted.  “We don’t have any time.”
“Not without my family,” Pinkie cried.
“They’ll be here,” Starlight said.  “Bet on it.”
“But I’m not leaving until I see them all again,” Pinkie Pie said.
Suddenly, someone shouted “Gold Banks is on her way.”  Everyone turned to the end of the vault, where King Sombra ran down, carrying the luggage with his magic.
“King Sombra,” Pinkie cried.  “Is my family coming this way?”
“Yes!” King Sombra yelled as he approached Pinkie Pie.  “They will be here shortly, along with your friends.  Now hurry.”
Immediately, King Sombra threw the luggage through the portal before turning back towards the opposite hallway.  Immediately, Wanda Young, Abigail Albright, Cozy Glow, Golden Lace, Misty Brightdawn, the Dazzlings, and the Pie Family ran down the hallway and towards the group.  Pinkie Pie’s eyes lit up as she saw her mother and father.
“MOM! DAD!”  Pinkie yelled.  “YOU MADE IT!”
“Where’s everyone else?” Cloudy Quartz asked.
“They’ve gone through the portal to the Golden Land,” Chancellor Cinch explained.  “Hurry, before it’s too late.”
“Come on, Pinkie,” Cloudy Quartz said.  “We’re going through.”
“Thanks, mom,” Pinkie cried.
Pinkie Pie jumped into Cloudy Quartz’s arms as she and Igneous Rock jumped through the portal.  Maud, Marble and Limestone followed behind before the entire Pie family was gone. 
“Is everyone in the Golden Land?” Wanda asked.
“They are,” Starlight Glimmer said.  “From Queen Novo to Argyle Starshine.”
“Alicorn mommy should be on her way,” Wanda said.
And with that, Wanda’s ears picked up the sound of hooves running on the ground.  She turned around and saw Princess Celestia, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor run through the vault halls, with Celestia carrying the unconscious Sunset Shimmer.
“What happened to Sunset?” Starlight yelled.
“Gold Banks drained her magic with that amulet of hers,” Wanda explained.  “She can’t transform into a demon anymore, nor can she use magic at all.”
“What can we do about it?” Starlight asked.
“Starlight, take Sunset to the Golden Land,” Celestia commanded as she set Sunset Shimmer down.  “We’ll make sure everyone’s inside.”
Starlight Glimmer nodded as she picked up the unconscious Sunset Shimmer with her magic and walked her to the portal before jumping inside.  Both ponies disappeared without a trace.
“Do you think this is everyone?” Chancellor Cinch asked.
“Unfortunately, yes,” Celestia said.  “I tried to get to La Maresa to pick up Igneous Rock and Cloudy Quartz’s son.  But the portal arcs were destroyed.  Only the crystals survived its destruction.”
“Then it’s time we all entered the portal,” Luna said.  “Once we’re inside, I’ll pull the crystal out and shut the portal off.  That way, she won’t enter at all.”
But before anyone could move, Wanda was immediately surrounded by a hazy aura.  She struggled to break free as Eleanor tried to grab onto her.
“I got you, Wanda,” Eleanor shouted.  
“Help me, Evevanyian mommy,” Wanda cried.
But the aura around Wanda pulsed so powerfully that it caused Eleanor to lose her grip on her daughter and knock the Evevanyian Queen to the ground.  Wanda was then pulled away from Eleanor as she struggled to break free.
“MOMMIES!” Wanda cried.
Princess Celestia and Eleanor Young looked up to see what appeared to be Gold Banks on the opposite side reaching out and grabbing Wanda.  But her appearance had changed.  Instead of being an unicorn or even a sea pony, Gold Banks had taken on the form of a human.  She now stood on two legs instead of four.  Her hind hooves became feet with what looks like luxurious shoes.  Her front hooves became hands.  Her nose went from round to pointy.  And her dress looked stunning and yet horrified. 
“Banks,” Celestia yelled.
“What has she become?” Golden Lace said, horrified.
“Like my new look?” Gold Banks said as she held Wanda close to her.  “I’d figure if I want to intimidate the Man’s Cub, I might as well resemble her.”
“Let her go, this instant,” Princess Celestia yelled as Princess Luna, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Chancellor Cinch, King Sombra and Eleanor Young lined up.
“Oh please,” Gold Banks said.  “You can’t beat me.  I’ll quash your combined magic in one blow.”
King Sombra turned towards Misty and said “Don’t worry about us.  Get into the portal.  We’ll hold them off.”
Misty looked at her brother for a moment before a tear fell from her right eye.  She nodded reluctantly before turning towards the portal and making a run for it.
“Oh no you don’t,” Gold Banks said.
Gold Banks held her hand out and surrounded Misty Brightdawn in a hazy aura, causing her to stop in place.  She helplessly swung her limbs as Gold Banks pulled her close.
“OH NO YOU DON’T!” King Sombra yelled.
As Gold banks pulled Misty close, King Sombra Brightdawn fired a blast of shadow magic at Bank’s magical tether.  Upon impact, the tether broke, freeing Misty Brightdawn from the aura.
“You insolent fool,” Gold Banks yelled.  “You’ll pay for taking what is now mine.”
Immediately, King Sombra surrounded Misty in a shadowy bubble and pulled her close.  He swung Misty around his back and stood in front before the shadow bubble popped.
“I’ve got your back, sister,” King Sombra yelled.  “Now go.”
Misty turned away from her brother before she jumped into the portal and disappeared.  Gold Banks looked on and saw Golden Lace, Cozy Glow, Spike, Abigail and the Dazzlings hide behind the group.
“If I can’t have that pony, I’ll take the rest,” Gold Banks yelled as she held Wanda tight.
Gold Banks fired off a blast of magic at the remaining younglings, only for Eleanor to fire off a blast of magic of her own.  Before Banks’ magic could hit the younglings, Eleanor’s magic hit Gold Banks in the face, knocking her down and causing her to lose her grip on Wanda, and causing Banks’ magic to disappear.
“Wanda,” Eleanor yelled.  “I’ve got you.”
Eleanor snapped her fingers as Wanda disappeared in front of Gold Banks, only to reappear next to her biological mother.
“Now Wanda,” Eleanor said as she kneeled down.  “Jump into the portal.  Get to the Golden Land, this instant.”
Wanda nodded to Eleanor before turning around and jumping through the portal.  Cozy Glow, Spike, Abigail, Misty, and the Dazzlings followed Wanda through until they all disappeared.  But Golden Lace stood by, glaring at her humanized mother.
“Is this what you want, mother?” Golden Lace yelled.  “Forcing your own views down our throats?”
“Yes,” Gold Banks said as she got up.  “It is.  Equestria is too weak to survive.  Too overeducated.  Too complacent.  Under my rule, I will turn Equestria’s colts and fillies into a force that obeys its eternal ruler: Me.  I will bring every world under my hoof, and I will finally bring true peace.”
“If this is what you call true peace, then count me out,” Golden Lace said.  “You are truly my mother no longer.”
Immediately, Golden Lace turned around and jumped into the portal before she disappeared completely, leaving Celestia, Luna, Cinch, Cadance, Shining, Sombra and Eleanor remaining.
“You’re not coming through, Banks,” Celestia snarled.  “We will make sure you won’t get them.”
“That’s what you think, Princess,” Gold Banks said.
Immediately, Celestia, Luna, Cadance, Shining, Cinch, Sombra and Eleanor charged up their magic and fired off a powerful combined blast at Gold Banks, hitting her directly.  Banks screamed loudly as the stream of magic poured into her.
“Keep it up,” Luna yelled.  “We need only to keep pouring magic into her before we can sever her connection to the Alicorn Amulet.
But as the group kept the stream of magic flowing, Gold Banks’ Alicorn Amulet glowed brightly.  The stream came to a stop as it reversed course and flowed towards the group.
“Oh no,” Cinch said.
In a flash, the magic stream exploded, knocking Chancellor Cinch, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Eleanor Young and King Sombra into the portal, causing them to disappear.  Celestia and Luna were knocked to the ground from the resulting blast as Gold Banks laughed out loud.
“Now you see why I’m superior and you’re not,” Gold Banks said.  “Your combined magic was no match for the likes of me.  Even if you had the Windigo’s Guild and the Changelings by your side, I will overpower you, and I will win.  Now surrender each and every youngling to me.”
As Princess Celestia slowly got up, Luna was quick to get on her four hooves and stand in front of her sister.
“Luna,” Princess Celestia said.  “What are you doing?”
“Sister, get into the portal this instant,” Luna said.  “I’ll shut off the portal and deny her any access.”
“But,” Celestia cried.  “I’ll lose you.”
Luna turned towards Celestia as Gold Banks walked up to the two alicorns.
“I know,” Luna said.  “But Equestria still needs you, dear sister.  You are their last hope.”
Immediately, Princess Luna picked up Princess Celestia with her magic.  Celestia could do nothing but watch helplessly as Gold Banks made her way towards the two.
“I love you, sister,” Luna said.
“I know,” Celestia said as she turned away.
With that, Princess Luna threw Princess Celestia through the portal, causing her sister to disappear.  She turned towards Gold Banks, who marched forward towards her.
“You may have taken our land, Banks,” Princess Luna said.  “But I will ensure you don’t ever take our loved ones away, even if I have to die to your madness.”
Princess Luna focused her magic on the Ground Bridge portal crystal, surrounding it in a magical aura.  She ripped the crystal out of the arc, causing the portal to begin to shrink.
“This is for you, sister,” Luna cried.
Gold Banks ran up towards Princess Luna as the alicorn threw the portal crystal through the shrinking portal.  As it disappeared completely, the portal glowed a bright white, causing Gold Banks to come to a stop.
“What did you do?” Gold Banks yelled.
“Sacrificed myself so that the others will be safe,” Luna said with a smug smile.  “You’ve lost.”
“No,” Gold Banks snarled as she stomped her foot on the ground.  “This is only the beginning.”
With that, Princess Luna and Gold Banks charged at each other as the portal exploded in a bright light.

Directly outside of Canterlot, Queen Chrysalis and Coldnelius Snap stood on a cliff a couple of miles from the capital city, now surrounded by possessed royal guards and Debt Collector soldiers.  Their faces looked as if they were defeated.
“So she did it,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Gold Banks has conquered Equestria.”
“Then it’s over,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “It won’t be long until Gold Banks covers the entire planet in her eternal rule.”
“Not quite,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “I have sent a few spies to infiltrate the mob of citizens that retreated into the castle.  They will be responsible for contacting Princess Celestia and working out an alliance.”
“An alliance?” Coldnelius Snap said.  “Have you seen what Gold Banks is capable of?”
“I am,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “But at the same time, I believe that even the most powerful of ponies can be brought down.”


	To Be Continued in…


	Arc 29: The Golden Burden


	Exiled to the Golden Land

> Arc 29(The Golden Burden)-1: Exiled into the Golden Land
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Arc 29: The Golden Burden


Exiled into the Golden Land



Sunset Shimmer wandered around what appeared to be the ruins of an island.  She looked left and right, hoping to find a single soul.
“Hello?” Sunset yelled.  “Is there anyone out there?”
But no voice responded to her.  Sunset sprinted faster, frantically looking left and right.
“No sign of anyone,” Sunset said.  “Am I all alone now?”
But Sunset Shimmer came to a stop and looked to her left.  Her demon form stood over the ruins of a village as if it were mourning.
“Excuse me,” Sunset yelled.  “What are you doing here?”
But when Demon Sunset noticed her filly form, it got up and ran away as if it were afraid.
“Wait,” Sunset yelled as she pursued Demon Sunset.  “Come back.”
As Sunset Shimmer ran after her demon counterpart, the giant beast disappeared into the fog and disappeared completely.  Sunset Shimmer came to a stop, confused by the demon’s retreat.
“What just happened?” Sunset said to herself.
“It’s because the demon within you has been wounded.”  Sunset Shimmer turned around where Princess Luna walked up to her.
“Aunt Luna,” Sunset said.  “What’s going on?  Where’s mother?”
“Your mother is alright,” Princess Luna said, approaching her niece and placing her hoof on the filly’s face.  “But at the cost of my freedom.”
“Your freedom?” Sunset asked.
“Yes,” Luna said.  “I saved my sister from being taken by Gold Banks, and I even went as far as to throw the portal crystal into the portal to the Golden Land.  As a result, I was taken from the castle by Gold Banks and locked up in Tartarus with Silver Banks, Magistrate Creme Dream and Majesty.”
“So it’s all over,” Sunset said.  “Gold Banks won.”
“It appears so,” Luna said.  “But there is one last hope.  For beneath the Golden Land lies a powerful golden magic of light.”
“Golden magic of light?” Sunset said.  “What do you mean?”
“Hidden in the throne room of the Golden Land lies a stream of magic that might be able to restore your demon form, and grant you a true gift,” Luna said.  “We sealed it long ago out of fear of what it could have done to us.  But with Gold Banks now in control of Equestria, that magic stands as our last hope.”
“What can I do?” Sunset asked.  “Who should I ask?”
“Locate your mother,” Luna said.  “She will be able to remove the barrier that holds the golden magic of light down.  But she has fallen on hard times because of my capture.  Remind her that she still has you, and she still has your sisters.”
“But how can I do that?” Sunset asked.  “How can I reach out if she is depressed?”
“It’s all within you, Sunset,” Luna said.  “You are her daughter, and my niece.  We are a family, and as a family, we are one together.  Never forget that.  Do you promise?”
As Luna began to fade away, Sunset ran up to her and shouted  “I promise.  I promise I will.”
“Though I will be away physically, I will always watch over you,” Luna said as she faded away.  “I love you, my niece.”

“She’s coming to.  Thank goodness.”
Sunset Shimmer woke up in one of the bedrooms of the Golden Palace.  Above her were Wanda Young, Abigail Albright and Starlight Glimmer.
“Wha…” Sunset groaned.  “What happened?  Where am I?”
“You’re safe, Sunset,” Wanda said.  “It’s been a week since we arrived at the Golden Land.”
Immediately, Sunset sat up and looked around her, noticing the familiar Golden furniture that surrounded the room.
“Why did I get here?” Sunset said.  “Am I dead?”
“No,” Starlight Glimmer said.  “Gold Banks took your magic and your demon form away.”
Sunset Shimmer pointed her horn to the ceiling and closed her eyes, pressing as hard as possible.  But nothing came out of the horn.  Not even a spark.  Sunset opened her eyes and looked up at her horn.
“You’re right,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “I no longer have magic.  And you said that I no longer have my demon form, anymore.”
“Yeah,” Starlight said.  
“In fact, I think I might have seen her in my dreams,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Before I saw Luna.”
“You saw Aunt Luna?” Wanda yelled.  “But she was taken away from us.”
“She was,” Sunset said.  “But she was able to contact me through the dreamworld.  She told me to find where mother is.”
Wanda stepped away for a bit with her face turned away.
“Alicorn mommy hasn’t left her room since arriving,” Wanda said.  “Everyone’s worried for her.  Big sis, Aunt Novo, Miss Cinch, Mr Starshine, and even King Sombra’s worried for her.”
“Then it’s worse than I thought,” Sunset Shimmer said as she jumped off her bed.  “I’ve got to go contact her”
Sunset Shimmer ran out of the room in a hurry, causing Wanda, Abigail and Starlight to run after her.

But outside the room, Sunset Shimmer ran as fast as possible with Wanda, Abigail and Starlight following from behind.  But it didn’t take long for Sunset and her friends to come to a stop.  In front of them were Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk.
“Sunset,” Sonata cried.  “You’re awake.”
Immediately, Sonata Dusk grabbed onto Sunset and gave her a big hug, much to Sunset’s surprise and confusion.
“I take it you were worried about me,” Sunset asked.
“We all were,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “You were knocked out for such a long time, we didn’t know if you were alive at all.”
But as Sonata lets go of Sunset, the sun filly asked “The reason why I woke up is about Princess Celestia.  She’s depressed, isn’t she?”
“Yeah,” Aria Blaze said.  “Ever since we all arrived at the Golden Land, Princess Celestia held herself up in her private room, and hasn’t been out for an entire week.”
“I think I know why,” Princess Sunset Shimmer said.  “She lost Princess Luna to that monster Gold Banks.”
“How do you know about that?” Adagio Dazzle asked.
“Easy,” Sunset explained.  “I met with Princess Luna in the dream world, and she told me everything, including the Golden Magic of Light.”
“Then what are we waiting for?” Adagio Dazzle said.  “Let’s get her attention.”
Sunset Shimmer nodded as she, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze, Sonata Dusk, Wanda Young, Abigail Albright and Starlight Glimmer ran further down the hall.
At the far end, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Queen Novo, Princess Skystar and Queen Eleanor Young stood outside Celestia’s room, completely worried.
“It’s been a week since we came here,” Shining Armor said.  “When is Princess Celestia going to show her face?”
“I’m not so sure,” Princess Cadance said.  “She didn’t take losing her sister very well and she hasn’t been out at all.”
“I’m also worried for Princess Sunset Shimmer,” Queen Novo said.  “She was out since we arrived at the Golden Land.”
“I’ve sent Wanda and Starlight to look after her recently,” Princess Cadance said.  “We’ll find out how she’s doing.”
Suddenly, Princess Cadance’s ears picked up the sound of someone calling her name.  She turned to the face end of the hall where Sunset Shimmer ran up to her.  Cadance’s heart lit up at the sign of her sister.
“Sunset,” Princess Cadance cheered as she picked Sunset Shimmer up and gave her a hug.  “You’ve awakened.”
“And I did for a good reason,” Sunset said as the Dazzlings, Wanda, Starlight and Abigail approached.  “I need to speak to our mother.”
“She hasn’t been out since we arrived,” Princess Cadance said.  “And she has locked the door since.”
“Is she crazy?” Sunset said.  “That’s no way for a leader to act.”
“Right now, Chancellor Cinch is in command,” Princess Cadance said. “But even she’s worried for Princess Celestia.”
“And don’t bother using any magic to get through,” Shining Armor said.  “She’s set up a barrier to prevent anyone from teleporting inside.”
“What about from the balcony?” Sunset asked.  “Why not teleport me to the part where I could reach the balcony?”
Princess Cadance pondered for a bit before she said “You know, I haven’t thought of it.  But at the same time, anyone with magic that tried to approach will be unable to do so.”
“I don’t have any magic at all,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “So I can do just that.”
Immediately, Princess Skystar raised her claw in the air and said “How about I just fly her to the balcony?”
“Skystar, are you sure about this?” Sunset asked.  
“I am,” Princess Skystar said as she flapped her wings.  “I’ve already recovered from my injuries from Mount Aris.  So I can deal with that.”
Sunset Shimmer turned to Queen Novo, who responded with “Go with my daughter.  She’ll be able to get you to the balcony leading to Princess Celestia’s room.”
“Understood,” Sunset said.  “I’ll be back before you know.”
Sunset Shimmer and Princess Skystar ran towards a nearby open window.  Skystar picked up Sunset Shimmer and jumped out, extending her wings outward and flying off.  Wanda ran towards the window and watched as Princess Skystar flew above the golden palace with Sunset Shimmer in her arms.
“I hope they’re able to get to our alicorn mommy,” Wanda said.  
“They will,” Eleanor said, walking up to her.  “But right now, there is a little something that Queen Novo and I have prepared for you.”
“What’s that, mommy?” Wanda asked.
"It will require the necklace I gave you, smallfry," Queen Novo said as she walked up Wanda and Eleanor.  "But your original mother proposed enchanting it into something more powerful.  One that could give you an edge in battle.”
“But there is one rule that you must follow, my darling Wanda,” Eleanor said.  “Never use this for personal gain.  It is to be used to help protect others when you use its full potential.  Are you ready to accept this responsibility?”
Wanda looked up at her biological mother and said “I am.  Show me.”
Immediately, Wanda took off her necklace and gave it to Eleanor, who took the necklace and placed it on her left hand.   Eleanor then nodded to Wanda and Queen Novo, who walked down the hallway.
“Climb on,” Queen Novo said.  “We’ll follow Eleanor to her alchemy cauldron.”
Immediately, Wanda climbed onto Queen Novo’s back, who then got up on all fours and followed Eleanor Young down the hallway with Abigail running from behind, leaving everyone else behind.
“What do you think is happening with Wanda and Sunset?” Shining Armor asked.
“I think my sisters are beginning to accept responsibilities not just in their lives,” Princess Cadance explained, “But as princesses, regardless if it’s Equestria or Evevanya.”
“And at such a young age,” Shining Armor said.  “I hope they don’t push themselves too far.”
“I hope Wanda can make it through as well,” Starlight said.  “Wanda is as important to my friendship as Sunburst and Trixie are.”
“Don’t you worry,” Princess Cadance said.  “I’m sure Wanda and Sunset will fulfill their royal duties.”

Meanwhile, at the balcony outside Princess Celestia’s room of the Golden Palace, Princess Skystar flew downwards from above, carrying Sunset Shimmer in her claws.  As she flapped near the surface of the platform, Sunset jumped off before turning to Skystar.
“Stay nearby until I call for you,” Sunset said.
“Roger that,” Skystar saluted.
Immediately, Sunset Shimmer turned to the back entrance of Celestia’s bedroom, where there was a barrier right in front of her.
“I was told by big sis that anyone with magic will be warded off,” Sunset said to herself.  “But what about a pony with no magic?  Time to put that theory to the test.”
Immediately, Sunset Shimmer walked up to the barrier and touched it with her right hoof.  And just like that, it passed through the barrier, much to Sunset’s surprise.
“Thank you Gold Banks for taking away my magic,” Sunset said to herself.
Sunset turned back towards the barrier before she leaped right in and passed through unharmed.  Inside, Sunset looked up to see Princess Celestia lying on her bed with her face turned away.
“Mother?” Sunset said.
But Princess Celestia said nothing.  Sunset Shimmer walked towards the bed and jumped up before she approached the alicorn.
“Mother,” Sunset said.  “It’s me, Sunset.  I’m back.”
But Celestia said nothing, much to Sunset Shimmer’s surprise.
“You’ve been like this since we came back to the Golden Land?” Sunset said.  “It’s about Luna….isn’t it?”
Once again, Celestia said nothing.  Sunset Shimmer touched the back of her mother, who barely moved at all.
“Mother, are you alright?” Sunset said as she walked around Celestia.
As Sunset looked at Celestia, the alicorn looked to be in a slight, depressing trance, paying no attention to the de-magiced unicorn filly.
“Mother, it’s me, Sunset,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Don’t you recognize me?”
But all Princess Celestia could do was turn her head away from Sunset Shimmer.
“Mother, this isn’t like you,” Sunset said.  “I’ve known you to be energetic and cheerful, and sometimes a bit on the stern side.  But never, truly like this.”
Celestia said nothing at all, keeping her head turned away from Sunset.
“What if I told you that I got in contact with Princess Luna?” Sunset said.  “What if I told you there is a way?”
And yet, even with Sunset’s words, Celestia paid no attention to her.   Sunset came to a stop, looked at how depressed her adopted mother was, and started to cry.
“You’ve lost all hope,” Sunset cried.  “You’ve become a shell of your former self.  I guess I did let you down with my former demon form.  I’m sorry I bothered you at all.”
Sunset Shimmer jumped off Celestia’s bed and began to walk towards the balcony exit, keeping her eyes directly on the alicorn.
“Maybe there is no hope at all,” Sunset cried.  “Maybe Aunt Luna was wrong.”
Suddenly, Sunset tripped over a crystal unexpectedly and fell to the ground.  As Sunset began to get up, the crystal activated as a light beamed up towards the ceiling.
“Uggh,” Sunset said.  “What did I trip over?”
Sunset turned towards the light that came out of the crystal.  Instantly, a bearded stallion with a bluish gray coat, a light gray with arctic bluish gray streaks on his beard, mane and tail, and a blue cloak that resembles the stars formed from the light of the crystal.
“That’s…that’s Starswirl the Bearded,” Sunset said.
“To Princess Celestia and Princess Luna,” the hologram of Starswirl the Bearded said.  “If you can see this, then I am no longer of this world.  We have lost to the Pony of Shadows, and I fear it may be coming for the both of you.  But fret not.  The solution lies within the Golden Magic of Light.”
The words of Starswirl the Bearded were enough to catch Princess Celestia’s attention, who immediately turned to the hologram.
“This golden magic stands as the last hope against the most powerful of evil,” Starswirl explained.  “But you must be careful with it.  While it is an asset that will bring hope to all of Equestria, it also has the power to poison anyone with evil in their heart.  I sealed this magic away until the time came to call upon its sacred power.  Use this only as a last resort should the Elements of Harmony fail.”
“Elements of Harmony,” Sunset said.  “Wanda and Misty told me that they used it to help Princess Luna drive the Pony of Shadows out of Celestia’s body.”
“My only wish is that you and your sister can drive the Pony of Shadows from Equestria,” Starswirl said.  “I thought that I could save him.  But it appears that he is beyond saving.  You are now Equestria’s last hope, and our last stand against evil.  I love you both….my daughters.”
Sunset Shimmer’s eyes were surprised by the last words of Starswirl the Bearded as his image disappeared back into the crystal.  Princess Celestia walked up to the crystal and held it before tears fell from her eyes.
“Mother,” Sunset said.  “I’m sorry that I broke into your room and…”
“You did the right thing, Sunset,” Celestia interrupted.  “You showed me that there is one last bit of hope left from the message of Starswirl the Bearded.  I’ve been too much of a fool for dwelling on failure.”
Princess Celestia placed the crystal back on the shelf before turning towards the door.  She held her horn into the air and the barrier withdrew completely.
“Now come,” Celestia said.  “I’ve held myself for far too long.  It’s time we get that Golden Magic of Light unsealed.”
But Sunset Shimmer walked up to Celestia and asked “One last thing.  Is it true?  Is Starswirl the Bearded yours and Luna’s father?”
“He is,” Celestia said.  “He was also the King of Equestria, and the husband to Queen Eternia.  But he preferred to be called Starswirl the Bearded.  He was mighty.  But he was also humble.”
“I’ve heard a lot about Starswirl,” Sunset said.  “But I never imagined him like that.”
“There’s a lot more that I can teach you, Sunset,” Celestia said.  “But now, it’s time we make our way to the throne room and unseal the Golden Power of Light.”
With that, Princess Celestia unlocked the door to her bedroom and opened it up.  She ran out the doorway as Sunset Shimmer followed from behind, much to the surprise of Princess Cadance.
“Mother, where are you going?” Princess Cadance asked.
“To unseal the Golden Power,” Celestia said.  “The time has come.”
As Princess Celestia and Sunset Shimmer ran off, Cadance, Shining Armor, the Dazzlings and Starlight stood there, surprised and yet happy by the alicorn’s presence.
“I think the Prime Princess has returned,” Shining Armor said.
Immediately, Princess Skystar emerged from the bedroom, screaming and cheering with delight.
“GO PRINCESS CELESTIA” Skystar cheered.  “YOU CAN DO THIS!”
“Skystar,” Starlight giggled.  “You don’t need to go that far.”
Skystar looked down at Starlight and giggled “Oh I don’t think I went far enough.”
This caused everyone around Princess Skystar to break out in laughter.
But as Princess Cadance calmed herself down, she turned to Starlight and said “Go tell everyone that Princess Celestia has awakened.  They’ll be excited by it.”
Having calmed down with her laughter thanks to Cadance’s words, Starlight yelled out “ALRIGHT!”
Immediately, Starlight ran down the hallway of the Golden Palace, leaving everyone else behind.
“I can’t believe we’ve recovered from our recent failure,” Shining Armor said.
“Somehow, I feel that’s an understatement,” Princess Cadance said.

Meanwhile, at the throne room of the Golden Palace, a giant cauldron was set up nearby with a rainbow-like brew swirling within.  Queen Eleanor Young held two ingots in one hand and an orb fragment in another.  Near her were Princess Wanda Young, Abigail Albright and Queen Novo.
“So mommy,” Wanda said.  “What are you going to do?”
“I am going to fuse your necklace with a special metal called Equinox,” Eleanor explained.  “It is a fusion of two Evevanyian metals: Mithril and Obsidian.  Now observe.”
Immediately, Eleanor dropped both the necklace and the equinox ingots into the cauldron before conjuring up a giant, metal spoon with her right hand.  She dipped the spoon into the cauldron and stirred up the concoction briskly.  Wanda, Abigail and Novo stood by as clouds of smoke emitted from the cauldron.
“What is she doing?” Wanda asked.
“It’s called Alchemy,” Queen Novo explained.  “The ability to use magic to synthesize various materials into a new product.  My mother, Queen Athena, created our transformation orbs through the magic of alchemy.”
“Would I be able to do something like that?” Wanda asked.
“I’m not so sure,” Queen Novo said.  “Even though my mother was an alchemist, I do not possess her traits.  So it may not be possible for you to become an alchemist.”
With the last puff of smoke from the cauldron, Eleanor lifted the spoon into the air as it disappeared without a trace.  Emerging from the cauldron was an amulet made of equinox metal, with the pearl fragment embedded into it.  Eleanor snatched the amulet from the air before turning around and holding it out to Wanda.
“This is for you, Wanda,” Eleanor said.
Wanda reached out and plucked the amulet from Eleanor’s hands before holding it up to her eyes.
“It looks pretty, but I don’t feel much magic coming out of it,” Wanda said.
“That’s because it’s still incomplete,” Eleanor explained.  “And the only thing that can power your new amulet up is the Golden Magic of Light.”
Eleanor pointed to a huge rock structure right in front of the two thrones, causing Wanda to approach the slab of stone.
“This is where the Golden Light is?” Wanda asked.
“Yes,” Eleanor explained.  “But the stone slab is sealed with powerful magic to prevent it from being opened.  The only ones who can unlock it are Princess Celestia or Princess Luna.”
“But Aunt Woona is not with us, and Alicorn Mommy is still depressed,” Wanda said.
“Right now, your sister is doing what she can to help your other mother out,” Queen Novo said.  “I only hope that she was able to break through to her and shock some sense into my old friend.”
“Well I say she did a far better job than anyone else.”  Queen Novo turned towards the entrance, where Princess Celestia and Sunset Shimmer emerged.
“Well I’ll be,” Queen Novo said.  “You’re finally back to your old self.”
“And not a moment too soon,” Princess Celestia explained.
“PRINCESS CELESTIA!” Abigail cheered.
Wanda immediately jumped towards Princess Celestia and said “Alicorn mommy.”  Celestia wasted no time hugging Princess Wanda close.
“Thanks for watching over your sister, Wanda,” Princess Celestia said.  “And I’m sorry I put you through these tough times.  I wasn’t myself.”
“What matters now is that you’re back,” Queen Novo said.  “And we need your help more than ever.”
“If you’re talking about the Golden Light,” Celestia said.  “I’m ready to finally get it loose.”
Immediately, Wanda took her arms off of Princess Celestia before walking up to Sunset Shimmer and putting on her amulet.  Princess Celestia walked towards the stone slab and just smirked.
“They say to break the seal, it requires me or my sister,” Celestia said.  “Since my sister is not available, I’ll be the one to do it.”
Princess Celestia pointed her horn at the stone and fired off a blast of magic, covering it in a powerful aura.  With one tug of her head, the stone slab slid to the side, uncovering a hole with a golden light.
“That must be it,” Wanda said. “The Golden Magic of Light.”
Once the slab slid off completely, the light poured from the hole, amazing everyone in the worm with its warm glow.


	To Be Continued in…


	The Golden Magic of Light

> Arc 29-2: The Golden Magic of Light
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Golden Magic of Light



“You did it, Princess Celestia.  The Golden Magic of Light has been unsealed.”
Those words came from Queen Novo, who stood in awe alongside Princess Celestia, Sunset, Shimmer, Wanda Young, Abigail Albright and Queen Eleanor Young.  Right behind them, Princess Cadance and Shining Armor ran through the doorway, only to come to a stop at the sight of the golden stream of magic.
“So this is the Golden Light,” Princess Cadance said.
“It’s beautiful,” Shining Armor said.
“And it will serve as the hope needed for all of us,” Princess Celestia explained.  
“Still,” Princess Cadance said.  “Didn’t Starswirl explain that it could be dangerous?”
“Only to those with an evil heart,” Princess Celestia said.  “And to test this theory, I will be the first to bathe myself in the light.”
“Mother, no,” Princess Cadance said, placing her hoof on Princess Celestia’s side.  “What would happen if we lost you?”
“It’s going to be okay,” Princess Celestia said.  “I’ll be okay.”
Princess Cadance removed her hoof from Princess Celestia, despite her own worry.  Celestia immediately walked towards the light, amazing by its beauty.
“Golden Magic of Light,” Princess Celestia said.  “I know I have some slight wickedness due to my time as Daybreaker.  But will you lend me your strength, so that I could defend our people against Gold Banks and her Alicorn Amulet?”
Immediately, Princess Celestia walked into the light and disappeared completely.  The light pulsed loudly as a shadowy silhouette of Princess Celestia emerged.  
“Mother,” Princess Cadance yelled.
“Your majesty,” Shining Armor yelled.
The light grew bigger, overlapping the hole that emerged from, as Celestia’s silhouette disappeared completely.  Everyone froze completely, unsure of Princess Celestia's fate.
“Will,” Wanda said.  “Will she be okay?”
“I have faith in your mother, my darling Wanda,” Eleanor said.
Suddenly, Princess Celestia emerged from the light.  Her mane and tail glowed brightly in a golden aura.  As Celestia stepped forward, Princess Cadance ran up to her and hugged her tight.
“Don’t you scare me like that again, mother,” Princess Cadance cried.  “We’ve already lost Luna.  We don’t want to lose you as well.”
“You won’t, my daughter,” Celestia said as Princess Cadance released her hold on her mother.  “For I have been given a gift to ward off evil.  Observe.”
Princess Celestia pointed her horn into the air and fired off a stream of magic that glowed brightly.  Everyone stood in awe at the magic pouring out of Princess Celestia’s horn.
“Amazing,” Shining Armor said.  “The magic accepted you.   You did it.”
“But I’m not the only one with this powerful magic,” Princess Celestia said as her horn disappeared and she turned to Wanda.
“Me?” Wanda said. 
“Go right ahead,” Eleanor said.  “It’s time.”
Eleanor nudged Wanda a bit before she stepped towards the golden light.  She held her amulet closely and took a deep breath.
“Please give me the light to help my friends,” Wanda said.
Without looking back, Wanda jumped right into the light stream, disappearing completely in front of everyone.

Inside, Wanda floated around in the golden light, looking around with curiosity.
“What a curious place,” Wanda said.  “But what does this light have to do with me?”
Suddenly, small streams of the light poured right into Wanda’s Amulet as a few more gently poured itself into Wanda’s head.  Wanda closed her eyes calmly as she allowed the magic to pour into her head and her amulet.
“This light feels warm, like my mommies,” Wanda said.  “Gentle and nourishing.”
Wanda was surrounded with a bright light as more light streams poured into her.  Immediately, the amulet shot out a light of its own, creating a hologram in the shape of a powerful armor.  Wanda opened her eyes and saw the armor right in front of her face.
“What is that?” Wanda said.  “I’ve never seen that before.”
As Wanda reached out, her vision glowed brightly, blocking out everything that she saw in front of her.
Moments later, Wanda emerged from the golden light, her body and her new amulet glowing brightly.
“What just happened, mommies?” Wanda asked.  “I felt the warm light, and I saw some kind of rock-like clothes appear in front of me.”
“That is called armor,” Eleanor explained.  “Your new armor.”
“My new armor, Evevanyian mommy?” Wanda asked.
“Yes,” Eleanor explained.  “But in order to activate it, you must say the following words: It’s morphin time.  Equinox armor, engage.”
Wanda nodded to her original mother before clutching her new amulet.
“IT’S MORPHIN TIME!” Wanda yelled.  “EQUINOX ARMOR, ENGAGE!”
The amulet glowed brightly as it surrounded Wanda with a bright light.  Her clothes instantly took on the shape of a knight’s armor.  When the light disappeared, Wanda now wore a bright battle armor that surrounded every inch of her body, except her head.  Wanda looked down and was completely amazed.
“This is armor?” Wanda said.  “It sure looks pretty.”
“This is your new Equinox Armor, Wanda,” Eleanor said.  “By tapping into the powers of your new amulet, you will be able to morph any clothing you wear into your new armor.  Furthermore, your Equinox Amulet is bound to only you.  Should you lose it, you will be able to call for it to return to you, and only you.  Never forget that.”
“I won’t,” Wanda said.  “Thank you, Evevaniyan mommy.”
“There is one last feature of your new armor,” Eleanor said.  “Hold your arms out.”
Wanda nodded before she extended her arms in the air.  Out of nowhere, a sword materialized in her right hand while a shield formed on her left arm.
“What is this?” Wanda asked.
“That is your new Equinox Sword and Shield,” Eleanor explained.
“But, I don’t like the idea of killing anyone,” Wanda said, looking at the sword.
“And you won’t need to,” Eleanor said.  “That sword is tied to your heart.  If you focus a beam of energy from your blade, you will be able to tranquilize your foes and bring them down, allowing others to swoop in and detain them.”
Eleanor snapped her fingers and in an instant, a boar materialized out of thin air, snarling at Wanda.
“Now, Wanda,” Eleanor said.  “Demonstrate your new power.  Tranquilize your foe with your new sword.  And do not worry.  It won’t hurt you.”
Wanda nodded towards Eleanor as she held her sword out.  As the blade glowed brightly, Wanda swung her sword, firing a beam of magic right at the boar.  When it connected, the boar was knocked to the ground, losing consciousness.”
“A sword that can stun a foe,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Interesting.”
As Wanda looked down at her sword, the boar slowly got up before bowing towards Wanda and disappearing without a trace.
“So this is the power of the Equinox Armor,” Wanda said as her sword and shield disappeared.
“It is, my darling Wanda,” Eleanor said.  “Your weapons are tied to your heart.  They can be used to sedate a foe in the right hands, or destroy them in the wrong hands.”
“But how will I know that I won’t kill them?” Wanda asked.
“It is your own heart that will show mercy, if you choose to do so,” Eleanor said.  “I gave you free will with your armor.  But that free will also comes with a responsibility to use that armor for good.  Furthermore, there may come a time where even the most deadliest of foes may have to be put down.”
“But mommy,” Wanda said.  “I don’t know if I want to kill anyone.”
“I know why you don’t want that,” Eleanor said.  “But do not worry.  As long as you don’t desire to kill, your sword will respond in kind and show mercy to your foes.  Never forget that.”
Wanda reached out and gave Eleanor a big hug, who responded by patting her daughter on the back.
“Also, I have a question,” Wanda asked.  “What inspired you to use the words It’s morphin time?”
Eleanor turned to Wanda and said “A sage from Eltar who exists on planet Earth.  One day, if you ever go to visit, I can take you to meet him.”
“Thanks,” Wanda said before she hugged Eleanor closely.
Immediately, Princess Celestia turned to Sunset Shimmer and said “It’s time.”
“You wish for me to enter the light?” Sunset asked.
“Yes,” Princess Celestia said.  “Even though you lost your original magic, you have a chance to gain a new magic to help you with your demon form.   In fact, I think something more within you is itching to break free.”
“Something more within me?” Sunset asked.
“One that bears the courage of the pegasi, the power of the earth ponies and the wisdom of the unicorns,” Princess Celestia explained.  “Now go.  Your real destiny awaits you, my daughter.”
Sunset Shimmer walked up towards the golden light, gulping loudly as she looked at the stream.
“Golden light,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Please help me make peace with the very demon within me.”
And with that, Sunset Shimmer jumped into the light before disappearing completely.

Inside the light, Sunset Shimmer appeared in what appears to be the ruins of a village located on an island.  Sunset looked around, horrified by the destruction.
“What is this place?” Sunset Shimmer said.  “I’ve never seen anything like it.”
“It’s what’s left of my village.”  Sunset Shimmer turned around to see Demon Sunset hovering over her.
“You’re me,” Sunset said.
“More like your previous incarnation,” Demon Sunset said.  “My name is Taiyou no Arashi Kijo.  But you may call me Sunstorm Demona.  I am a demon pony, or was a demon pony.”
“Sunstorm Demona,” Sunset said.  “What happened here?”
“More than a thousand years ago, our kind once existed on this very planet,” Sunstorm Demona explained. 
Sunstorm Demona raised her hooves into the air before slamming them on the ground.  Immediately, demon ponies appeared out of nowhere, going about their daily lives.  The ruined houses transformed into their former selves, as if nothing had happened before.
“I have never heard of the demon ponies,” Sunset Shimmer said.
“That’s because we’re extinct,” Sunstorm Demona said. “But long ago, we had our own lives on this very island called Megijima.  We were a peaceful people, mostly going among our very lives.  We never wandered outside of our island out of fear that would be seen as monsters.”
“Monsters?” Sunset said.
“Because we were slightly different from normal ponies,” Sunstorm said.  “Different manes and tails.  Different cutie marks.  Different placement of horns.  Different wings.  Different traditions.  And not to mention that, unlike our Equestrian brethren, we ate meat.”
“Meat?” Sunset said.
“Yes,” Sunstorm said.  “Our kind ate meat and vegetables.  We hunted animals on our Megijima.  But we also respected the land.  So while we did eat meat, we mostly ate vegetables in respect to our own land.”
“And what about your magic?” Sunset asked.
“Our magic was far more powerful than anything from your land,” Sunstorm said.  “We used our magic to drive off invaders from setting hoof, or to destroy anyone who would dare to destroy us, be it a pony, or even a changeling that you call Queen Chrysalis.”  
“So even Queen Chrysalis tried to invade your land of the demons,” Sunset said.
“She did try, but she failed,” Sunstorm explained.  “During that time, I was the Jotei, or empress, of the land, and I was proud of my own people, including my husband, and my own children.  Until one day, she came to this land.”
“Who is this she?” Sunset asked.
Sunstorm Demona walked to the side of Sunset Shimmer and pointed to a powerful alicorn in the air.  One that looked completely different from Princess Celestia and Princess Luna, but also sinister.
“The one known as Hydia,” Sunstorm explained.  “She claimed to be the ruler of Equestria who came to wipe us to extinction.  Heeding her words, I rushed out with my most loyal and powerful of warriors to defend our land to the very end.  Our magic was overwhelming.”
In front, an illusion of Sunstorm Demona and her warriors fired a blast of magic right at the hologram of Hydia, striking her with pure power.
“Did you defeat this…Hydia?” Sunset asked.
“We thought we did despite our best efforts,” Sunstorm said.  “But we underestimated her power.”
Immediately, the hologram of Hydia broke through the magic and turned her attention towards the illusion of Sunstorm.  Wings emerged from Sunstorm’s back before she flew up, blasting Hydia with more magic.
“I fought hard with every ounce of magic coursing within my body,” Sunstorm explained.  “But in the end, Hydia proved to be more than a match for me.”
Immediately, Hydia charged up her horn and pointed it right at the illusion of Sunstorm before she fired right at her, engulfing the demon in a bright light.
“After what she did, I was completely consumed by the magic of Hydia,” Sunstorm said as the light covered the island completely.  “It was as if I felt my body breaking up completely.”
“Oh my goodness,” Sunset said.
“When I came to,” Sunstorm explained, “Everything was gone.  My village, my people, my way of life.  Even my physical form was gone, reduced to a mere orb.  It was taken away from me by this Queen Hydia.  I was distraught.  And full of anger.”
“All this because Hydia wiped your kind to extinction,” Sunset said.
“There wasn’t even a fragment of bone that remained,” Sunstorm said.  “She wiped my people to extinction, and I vowed that I would be reincarnated so I could get revenge on her and the ponies of Equestria.  And for a thousand years, my spirit lingered through the land, until I was reborn…as you.”
As the image of the island disappeared, Sunset turned towards Sunstorm.
“That was the reason why I lost control,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “You did that to me.  You made me into a demon and attacked those that I loved.”
“Because your kingdom took away my people and I wanted to show them what it was like to lose so many loved ones,” Sunstorm Demona said.
“Nearly at the cost of my sister?” Sunset snapped.  “She’s not even of this world.  Do you know what you were doing?”
“What I did was retribution for the loss of my people,” Sunstorm said.  “I won’t rest until their spirits have been avenged.”
“That’s not the right way,” Sunset snarled.  “A cycle of revenge is not the right way to go down.  And it will only resort to innocents getting hurt or killed.”
“Nothing is innocent in this world,” Sunstorm said, turning away from Sunset.  “If you would understand that, you wouldn’t be in this position at all.”
“Is that coming from someone who I let take control of my body, only to lose horribly to Gold Banks?” Sunset said.
“Speak that name again,” Sunstorm said, turning towards Sunset Shimmer.
“I do say that name again,” Sunset shouted.  “Because you were willing to put my family’s lives in danger for your own desire for revenge.  And then I made a horrible decision to entrust you into attacking Gold Banks, only for you to not only lose to her, but to lose my magic as well.”
“Do not criticize me again,” Sunstorm said.  “Or I will eat you.”
But Sunset Shimmer stood there and said “Go ahead.  Take control of my body again.  I hope you’re up to losing to Gold Banks again.”
Sunstorm reached out and attempted to swipe at Sunset, only to pause for a moment.
“Well,” Sunset said.  “What happened?”
Sunstorm lowered her paw down and turned away from Sunset Shimmer.
“You’re right,” Sunstorm said.  “I did lose because of my temper.  My desire for vengeance and I couldn’t beat the likes of her.”
“That’s because she used magic from other races of Equestria,” Sunset said.  “The Changelings, the Winterians, the Hippogriffs, and even the Fire Nags to name a few.  Gold Banks has become the most powerful pony in all of Equestria.  If she’s not stopped, no one is safe.  She would make this Hydia character look weak in comparison.”
“What can I do about it?” Sunstorm said.  “After all, I am a creature of vengeance.”
“Throw away your desire for vengeance, Sunstorm,” Sunset said.  “Learn to trust me.  If you can work together with me, we can bring down Gold Banks and take her power away from her.”
“I don’t know if I can,” Sunstorm said.  “A thousand years and I have nothing but a desire for revenge against Hydia.”
“I’ve never met Hydia before, but I know that your kind was not the only victim of Hydia’s wrath,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “The hippogriffs, the Winterians, the changelings, the Crystal Empire, and I fear that the old Everfree Kingdom might have suffered under Hydia’s evil.  We may have more in common than you realize.”
“So other races suffered under Hydia’s crimes?” Sunstorm asked.
“I believe so,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Queen Novo told me about how this Hydia character took the lives of her mother and father: King Neptune and Queen Athena.  I learned that Queen Chrysalis lost her mother: Queen Papilionoidea.  And from what Princess Celestia told me, Coldnelius Snap may have been King Glacieous, until his legacy was taken away from this Hydia character.  It was also said that King Glacieous once had a wife named Queen Icelina, who was Queen Eternia’s sister.”
“Even though I barely stepped hoof of the island, I have heard of those names,” Sunstorm Demona said.  “I have met with King Glacieous before and Queen Eternia and her sister Icelina.  Though I was hostile, they had no ill will against my kind.  I did learn to trust them with my heart.  But despite that, I still defended my people as if the outside world was cold and barren, despite the knowledge of their presence.”
“Then help me out,” Sunset Shimmer said as she held her hoof out.  “Help me stop Gold Banks.  And if we figured out where this Hydia is, we could bring her to justice for the crimes she committed against all of us.  Will you do it?”
Sunstorm Demona looked at Sunset’s hoof before reaching out and touching it with her paw.
“I suppose vengeance is not really the better path,” Sunstorm said.
“It’s not,” Sunset said.  “My mother told me that vengeance is not the right path.  Justice is.”
“Is your mother Princess Celestia?” Sunstorm asked.
“Yes,” Sunset replied.
“Funny,” Sunstorm said.  “I’ve met your mother and aunt in person before.  And even though you don’t bear wings right now, there is something more powerful that is ready to sprout from you, Sunset Shimmer.  Like a phoenix rising from the ashes.”
“A phoenix?” Sunset asked.
“Yes,” Sunstorm Demona said.  “When you reawaken, you will find that your form has changed.  No.  You will find that your true form will reveal itself.  Thank you…for hearing my story, and for awakening my mind to the truth.”
Sunset smiled as she and Sunstorm Demona disappeared completely.
“Doitashimashite, Taiyou no Arashi Kijo,” Sunset said. 

At the golden palace, Sunset Shimmer emerged from the light, her body glowing brightly.  Everyone ran up to Sunset Shimmer, amazed by her return.
“Sister,” Wanda said. “Are you alright?  What happened?”
But when Sunset Shimmer opened her eyes, her wings sprouted from her side, surprising her little sister.
“Sister,” Wanda said.  “You have….wings.”
“I do?” Sunset said, surprised by her wings.  “Oh my gosh.  Sunstorm Demona was right.” 
“That means more than you realize, my daughter,” Princess Celestia explained.  “No longer are you a unicorn.  You are now an alicorn.”
“An alicorn,” Sunset cried.  “I’ve become an alicorn.”
Immediately, Sunset Shimmer jumped into the air and cheered loudly, flapping her wings as she flew across the room.  Sunset then landed on the ground, cheering even loudly.
“I’M AN ALICORN!” Sunset cheered.  “I never thought this would happen.”
But when Sunset came to a stop, she saw Wanda, Abigail, Celestia, Cadance, Shining Armor, Novo and Eleanor laugh.
“Oops,” Sunset said, blushing.  “Too much?”
“Not too much, sister,” Princess Cadance said. “This means that we all can fly together, and you’re no longer left out.  Welcome to the team, Alicorn Princess Sunset Shimmer.”
With that, Princess Cadance reached over and gave Sunset Shimmer a hug, all while Shining Armor looked like he was on the verge of crying.
“I wish my sister could see this,” Shining said. “Maybe one day, Twili will become an Alicorn like Sunset Shimmer has.”
Sunset turned towards Shining Armor and said “Are you crying?”
“No,” Shining said.  “It’s just liquid pride.”
Sunset just laughed as she let go of Princess Cadance.  She walked over to Wanda, who was still wearing her new armor.
“So we both got what we didn’t expect,” Sunset said.  “You with your new armor.  Me with my new alicorn form.”
“Yeah,” Wanda said.  “But you will always be my sister, no matter if you’re a unicorn or an alicorn.  Never forget that.”
“I won’t,” Sunset said as she gave Wanda a hug.
Suddenly, she heard the sound of Princess Skystar yell out “Oh my gosh.  You’ve both changed.”  Sunset and Wanda looked down the golden hall where Princess Skystar and the Dazzlings ran up to them, totally excited.
“You’ve become an alicorn, Sunset,” Adagio Dazzle cried with joy.  “I can’t believe it.”
“And you look so handsome with that armor, Wanda,” Sonata Dusk said.
“You can thank our mothers for giving us the courage to unleash our true selves,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “We couldn’t have done it without them.”
“Hey speaking of which,” Wanda said.  “Where’s Starlight?”
“That we can explain,” Princess Cadance said.  “We sent Starlight out to give the good news that Princess Celestia is back on her four hooves.  But after what we’ve experienced, I’d say that’s truly an understatement.”
“Well we should go tell her,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “In fact, we should go tell everyone about our second wind.”
“You should,” Princess Celestia said.  “They need hope in this dire time, after what Gold Banks has put us all through.  Make them proud, my daughters.”
Wanda Young and Sunset Shimmer nodded to Princess Celestia as they walked out of the throne room and down the hallway.  Abigail Albright, Princess Skystar, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk followed Wanda and Sunset out of the throne room, leaving Princess Celestia, Queen Novo and Queen Eleanor behind.
“There goes two brave souls,” Queen Novo said.  “And we need as many as we can to take back Equestria from Gold Banks.”
“We do,” Princess Celestia said.  “But right now, I feel as if they will bring hope to Equestria.”
“You should be proud of them,” Eleanor said.  “After all, you did raise them to be your daughters.”
“And you helped out as much as you could, Eleanor,” Celestia said.  “They’re your daughters like they are mine.”
“Wait,” Eleanor said.  “What do you mean by that?”
“Well let’s just say I’m going to give Sunset and Cadance the say so to call you mother from here on out,” Celestia smirked.
“Oh Celestia,” Novo laughed.  “You sure go overboard with the phrase ‘It takes a village to raise a child.’  And that’s despite the fact that you are a village rolled up into one pony.”
“Well there is more to us all, than meets the eye,” Celestia replied.


	To Be Continued in…


	Hope from the Knight and the Alicorn

> Arc 29-3: Hope from the Knight and the Alicorn
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Hope from the Knight and the Alicorn



“So Princess Celestia is back?”
Those words came from Pinkie Pie, who stood outside the castle alongside Golden Lace, Cozy Glow, Karen the Bulldog with Spike on her back, Misty Brightdawn, King Sombra and Chancellor Cinch.  Starlight Glimmer was right outside the doorway, speaking with the others in front of her.
“I don’t know what Sunset Shimmer did,” Starlight explained.  “But she must have given Princess Celestia a reason to rise back up.”
“If this is true, then we have some hope left in this world,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “That being said, I hope Princess Celestia knows what she’s doing.”
“She did mention something about the Golden Magic of Light,” Starlight said.
“The Golden Magic of Light?” Misty said.  “What is that?”
“A sacred magic that Starswirl the Bearded discovered,” King Sombra said.  “Some say it has the power to purify lost souls in need.”
“So what do you suppose Princess Celestia wants to do with the Golden Light,” Golden Lace asked.
“Maybe you should ask them, and boy did they get an upgrade,” Pinkie Pie said, pointing to the doorway nearby.
Starlight Glimmer, Golden Lace, Cozy Glow, Karen, Spike, Misty Brightdawn, King Sombra and Chancellor Cinch turned around to see Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer and Abigail Albright emerge from the entrance.  Wanda was decked out in her new Equinox Armor, while Sunset Shimmer flapped her new wings.  Right behind them followed Princess Skystar, Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk
“My word,” Chancellor Cinch said, surprised.  “What happened to you both?”
“Mommy gave us the blessing of the Golden Light,” Wanda said.
“Man’s Cub,” Cinch said, observing Wanda’s new armor.  “I have never seen you wear armor like that before.”  She turned to Sunset and said “And you.  You’ve become…an alicorn.”
Immediately, Pinkie Pie flew on a suspended rope with some cardboard cut out wings and yelled out “ALICORRRRRRRRRN!”
Everyone just looked at Pinkie Pie with an awkward look before King Sombra burst into laughter.
“That came out of nowhere,” King Sombra laughed. 
“Oops,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Sorry.  Couldn’t resist.”
With that, everyone burst out into laughter over Pinkie Pie’s words, from Shining Armor to Chancellor Cinch.  Even Karen the Alicorn Bulldog and Spike broke out into laughter
“Never change, Pinkie Pie,” Princess Cadance said.  “Never change.”
As Wanda and Sunset regained themselves from their laughter, they turned back towards their big sister.
“So now that we’ve gotten our new forms, what’s next?” Sunset asked.
“It’s time we addressed everyone in the Golden Land,” Princess Cadance said.  “Once everyone sees what you’ve all become, it will fill their hearts with hope in a world now filled with dread.”
“Your sister is right,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Come with us.  We are going to rally everyone in the Golden Land and give them a speech worth listening to.”
“But where are they?” Sunset asked.
Chancellor Cinch pointed up on the small hill where three portal arcs were located.  Directly next to them were a crowd of earth ponies, unicorns, pegasi and hippogriffs, waiting patiently.
“They’ve been waiting for Princess Celestia to emerge,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “But with you, that may be a sign that hope has truly arrived.”
“And how did those get there?” Sunset asked.
“We’ve had two more portal arcs built while you were asleep,” Wanda explained.  “It’s all part of her plan to save the ponies of La Maresa, Vanhoover and Manehattan.”
“I see,” Sunset said.  
“It is time,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Time to bring hope to Equestria.”
Wanda and Sunset nodded before they and Princess Cadance followed Chancellor Cinch towards the portal arcs, where the various citizens waited for them.  Nearby, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk looked up at both Sunset Shimmer and Wanda Young, with Cozy Glow flying next to them.
“There goes two brave souls,” Aria Blaze said.
“They’re more than just brave souls,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “They’re our friends.”
“They’re also our sisters,” Cozy Glow said.  “We’ve known them for a long time.”
“And to think,” Adagio Dazzle said.  “I pushed them away because of my own selfish actions.”
“Times change, sis,” Sonata Dusk said.  “Maybe when this is over, I should throw a taco party and get everyone in on the fun.”
“Ooooh,” Pinkie Pie said, getting into Sonata Dusk’s face. “Did someone say party?”
“I sure did,” Sonata Dusk said.
“If you said party, then let me join in,” Princess Skystar laughed.
“Okay you jokers,” Cozy Glow said.  “Let’s wait until Wanda and her sisters address the citizens of Equestria.”

Meanwhile, back inside the castle, Princess Celestia walked with Queen Novo and Queen Eleanor down the hallway and away from the throne room.  Their moods have been lifted and their minds felt at ease.
“So this is it,” Queen Novo said.  “First you finally got some sense snapped into you, and now two of your daughters have been powered up.”
“As I speak, they should be ready to address the citizens in exile,” Princess Celestia explained.  “This includes the hippogriffs who lost Mount Aris.”
“That we will get back from that monster Gold Banks,” Queen Novo said, clutching her left talon.  “She’ll pay dearly for persecuting us.”
“There’s still the matter of the fact that Gold Banks has that powerful Alicorn Amulet,” Eleanor Young said.  “It won’t be easy to pry it away from her collar.”
“That I’m counting on,” Princess Celestia said.  “Gold Banks must be stopped, no matter the cost.”
“That’s the spirit,” Queen Novo cheered.  “It won’t be long now until we prepare for our final confrontation with that witch.”
Immediately, a number of royal guards walked up from behind the wall and approached Princess Celestia, Queen Novo and Queen Eleanor.
“I take it you five have something to report,” Princess Celestia asked.
“We do, your majesty,” The guard in the front said. 
Immediately, the five guards transformed into Princess Chrysalis II, Crystal Snow, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator, catching Celestia, Novo and Eleanor off guard.
“How did you figure out where we were?” Princess Celestia demanded.
“We were always with you since you made your escape to the Golden Lands,” Princess Chrysalis II said, pulling out a communicator.  “But that being said, my mother has a message for you.”
Princess Chrysalis II placed the communicator onto the ground, where it transformed into a bigger hologram generator.  Immediately, the generator went online, where Queen Chrysalis’ face stood in front of Princess Celestia.
“Queen Chrysalis,” Princess Celestia said.
“So good to see you, former ruler of Equestria,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “I was hoping you would finally get some sense snapped into you.”
“What do you want?” Celestia asked.
“After our last meeting, I became suspicious that Gold Banks would target Canterlot,” Queen Chrysalis explained.  “So I sent my daughter and the Predacon brothers to keep an eye out, just in case.  Coldenlius Snap allowed his daughter to join in as well.  After she invaded and took over your kingdom, I ordered them to stand by until you’ve recovered from your own slump.”
“And I take it you wish to extend our truce, Queen Chrysalis,” Queen Novo asked.
“Far more than that,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Coldnelius Snap and I wish to form an alliance with you.  Because as of now, we are monarchs in exile from our thrones of power, thanks to an usurper who wants the whole world to herself.”
“You’re right on that,” Princess Celestia said.  “No doubt Gold Banks will do what it takes to go after every youngling and lock them away at Daisy Joy Tech.  Very well, I accept.”
“Normally I would be against this alliance,” Queen Novo said.  “But desperate times call for desperate measures, and it is not the first time I’ve experienced this.  So I will join Princess Celestia in forming my alliance with you.”
“And on behalf of my people of Evevanya, I will join in as well,” Queen Eleanor said.
“And I take it you’re Princess Wanda’s biological mother,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Intriguing.  But on that note, our daughters and the Predacon brothers are now at your command for the moment.  They will do what you say and will prove to be great allies to our cause.”
“I accept,” Princess Celestia said.  “But it won’t do us any good if we’re trapped in the Golden Land.”
“I have a proposal,” Queen Eleanor said.  “Two more Portal arcs were constructed during the week we were in the Golden Land.  And we have recovered the crystals leading to La Maresa and Vanhoover.  Plus we still have the crystals that were tied between this land and my castle, thanks to my sister.”
“Then I suggest you head on over to Vanhoover,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “We may discuss more about our alliance against Gold Banks.”
“I’m considering that,” Princess Celestia said.  “But at the same time, I wish to also send Princess Cadance and Shining Armor to meet with you up there.  After all, I have a score to settle with Gold Banks, and what better way to do so is to shut down Daisy Joy Tech over its reports of abuse towards its students.”
“A risky approach, considering the presence of your nephew and his ragtag band of misfits,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “But very well.  I look forward to bringing down Gold Banks.  Queen Chrysalis out.”
Within an instant, Queen Chrysalis’ image disappeared from the hologram as the generator regenerated back into a communicator.  Princess Chrysalis II picked up her communicator and placed it away before turning her attention towards Princess Celestia.
“As of now, we are at your beckon call,” Princess Chrysalis II said.  
With that, Princess Chrysalis II, Crystal Snow, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator got down on one knee and bowed before Princess Celestia, Queen Novo and Queen Eleanor.
“Know that we both share the same enemy, Princess Celestia,” Inferno said.  “One that has driven us from our colonies.”
“And let me tell you this,” Quickstrike said.  “We all got a score to settle with that snake Gold Banks.”
“Waspinator vows to bring Gold Banks down,” Waspinator said.  “Therefore, Waspinator happy to serve Princess Celestia.”
“Very well,” Princess Celestia said.  “As of now, we are allies in this fight.”
Queen Eleanor walked up to Crystal Snow and placed her hand on the Winterian’s shoulder.
“I have never seen you before,” Eleanor said.  “What is your name?”
“Crystal Snow,” the Winterian replied.  “Daughter of King Glacieous, second-in-command of the Windigo’s Guild.  Normally I don’t join my father’s crusade because he wants to keep me safe.”
“I understand,” Eleanor said.  “And you don’t need to make your way onto the battlefield.  There are some things you can do without being involved in fighting.  One of which involves protecting those who need it.”
“Protecting?” Crystal Snow asked.
“It’s about keeping loved ones safe,” Princess Celestia said.  “I’ve known you since we were fillies, Snow.  And although I’d hope we wouldn’t have to fight each other, I’m glad you’re pitching in.”
“Thank you, Princess,” Crystal Snow said.  “I’ll do my best.”
“The others may not like it,” Queen Novo said.  “But we’ll need all the help we can get to bring down Gold Banks.  Even then, I fear it may not be enough.”
“It will have to suffice,” Princess Celestia said.  “Come.  We must prepare for this final battle.”
Princess Celestia walked down the hallway, standing firm as ever.  Queen Novo followed from behind with Queen Eleanor, Crystal Snow, Princess Chrysalis II, Inferno, Quickstrike and Waspinator following from behind.  But Quickstrike immediately swung his head back to Waspinator.
“Truth be told, brother,” Quickstrike said.  “I’m a little scared.”
“Waspinator scared as well,” Waspinator said.  “Waspinator fear we all face our doom.”
“I think it’s okay to be afraid,” Quickstrike said.  “After all, we’re all desperate, and I don’t know if we will make it out.”

Outside of the castle near the portal arcs, Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer, Princess Cadance and Chancellor Cinch addressed everyone in the vicinity.  Nearby, Argyle Starshine, Sunlight Starscout and Bright-Eyes Starshine stood firm, keeping their eyes on the four.
“Citizens of Equestria,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “We stand at our darkest hour that’s not been seen since the fall of Queen Eternia.  Gold Banks, once a bureaucrat who had total power over Equestrian Politics, has taken complete control of our kingdom.  Now she stands to take our younglings away and force them to attend a horrible boarding school called Daisy Joy Tech.  But as I speak, Princess Celestia has unlocked the seal of the Golden Magic of Light, and it has brought two blessings to her daughters.”
The crowd cheered as Wanda and Sunset stepped forward and took a bow.  Princess Cadance approached the crowd, clearing her throat.
“I’m proud of what my sisters have become,” Princess Cadance said. “Sunset Shimmer has made peace with the demon within.  As a result, she has grown wings and became an alicorn, granting her a gift that will aid in our fight against Gold Banks.  Wanda Young was given a gift from both of her mothers Princess Celestia and Queen Eleanor, along with Queen Novo of the Hippogriffs.  The Equinox Armor will protect her from the dangers that face her.”
As the crowd clapped once more, Wanda Young and Sunset Shimmer approached the crowd, eager and yet anxious.
“To my fellow citizens,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “Not long ago, I had the spirit of a demon take control of my body randomly, causing me to attack my fellow ponies.  Her name is Taiyou no Arashi Kijo, also known as Sunstorm Demona.  She is from an extinct species of demon ponies who once lived peacefully on the island of Megijima, until a rogue alicorn named Hydia wiped her species to extinction.  After making her see the error of her ways, Sunstorm Demona made peace with me, and as a result, I have unlocked my true form.  I promise you this, that I will bring Gold Banks to justice, and set an example of what is good and what is bad.”
The crowd cheered as Sunset Shimmer bowed with respect before backing off.  Wanda Young took a step forward and took a deep breath.  But before she could speak, someone shouted “CHANGELINGS!”  The crowds panicked as they began to retreat from Wanda in fear.
“What is going on?” Princess Cadance said.
Wanda looked up at the palace entrance, where she saw Inferno, Quickstrike, Waspinator, Chrysalis II, and Crystal Snow next to Celestia, Novo and Eleanor.  
“Do not be alarmed,” Celestia said.  “Their queen has formed a truce with us.”
“That’s a lot of hogwash.” One citizen yelled.  “You did that because you truly lost fate in us all.”
Immediately, most of the ponies within the crowd booed at Princess Celestia, Queen Eleanor and Queen Novo, throwing their trash at the trio along with their new allies.  The hippogriffs, along with other ponies, stood helpless as their beakless allies continued to hiss at the changelings.  Wanda looked on from afar and started to get nervous.
“Man’s Cub,” Cinch said.  “Now is the time to retreat.”
“No, Miss Cinch,” Wanda said.  “Something has to be done about this.”
As the crowd booed more, someone shouted “Who would even defend the likes of you?”
“I WOULD!” Wanda shouted.   Everyone came to a stop before turning their attention to Princess Wanda.
“Wait a minute, Princess,” one of the citizens said.  “Why would you defend them when they have the potential to destroy us all?”
“Because I’ve seen what happened back on Mount Aris and what Gold Banks did to them,” Princess Wanda said in a stern voice.  “Sure the Changelings and the Windigo’s Guild did some bad things.  But Gold Banks was far worse than them, combined.  She wanted to wipe their species to extinction, and she even went as far as to attack the Hippogriffs for the same reason.  Like it or not, we have no choice, but to accept them as allies, and the same can be said of them accepting us as allies.”
“We don’t believe you,” another pony shouted.
“So you would rather lose your loved ones to Gold Banks?” Wanda replied.
Immediately, that pony hunkered down in shame and held his mouth shut.
“Is this what you want?” Wanda shouted.  “To give up your freedom to a monster that was once one of us?  To allow a monster like Gold Banks to dictate everything to you without your say so?  That is not the Equestria I came to.  The Equestria I knew taught me what friendship is all about.  Honesty, loyalty, kindness, generosity, laughter.  Those are the elements needed to get a spark of magic that keeps us united.  Gold Banks lacks those elements.  She’s unfair, treacherous, mean, selfish, and sadistic.  That is not harmony.  That is a form of sorcery that creates hatred.  So if you think we’re better off under Gold Banks, I don’t ever want to see your face again.”
With that, Wanda turned around and stepped away from the audience, turning her head towards Chancellor Cinch while a tear flowed down her cheek.  As much of the crowd watched on, Firelight Glimmer and Starseeker Glimmer looked at the rest of the crowd in shame.
“She’s right,” Firelight said.  “I had my own problem with the Windigo’s Guild since they took the life of my brother-in-law.  But my scorn goes to Gold Banks for taking my daughter away to Daisy Joy Tech, siccing her base on my life, and she even had the audacity to destroy Meteor Flare’s gravestone.”
“If anything, save your scorn for Gold Banks,” Starseeker Glimmer yelled.  “She deserves far worse than that.”
As the crowd chanted in unison, Chancellor Cinch saw them all rile up before she turned towards Wanda Young.
“That was the most heartfelt speech I’ve heard, Man’s Cub,” Cinch said.
“Thanks Miss Cinch,” Wanda cried.  “Truth be told, if we can’t unite together, what’s the point?”
“I beg to differ,” Cinch said.  “Look at the crowd.”
Wanda immediately turned towards the crowd, who stood silent.  Once her face was shown, everyone cheered for her, shouting “Princess Wanda” in the air.  The crowd was wild.
“I…I did this?” Wanda said.
“You did,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “You’ve convinced them that Gold Banks is far worse than the changelings and the cultists.  I hate to admit this.  But your experience at Mount Aris, along with your understanding of the Elements of Harmony, are enough to convince them otherwise.”
“And you should be proud,” Argyle Starshine said.  “Gold Banks may have turned Equestria into her own empire.  But you can convince a crowd just how horrible she is to the eyes of many across this fine world.  You’re making history in ways that will inspire a new generation.  Never forget that.”
As the crowds continued to chant Wanda’s name in harmony, Sunset got up and gave her little sister a hug.
“This is why I’m glad you’re my sister,” Sunset said.  “And I hope it stays that way forever.”
“I hope so as well,” Wanda said.

But back at the entrance to the castle, Princess Celestia stood proudly as the crowd cheered for Wanda and Sunset.  She wiped some of the trash off her coat before wiping a tear from her face.  
“You should be really proud of your daughters, Princess,” King Sombra said, walking out from inside the castle.  “They would make natural born leaders.”
“That’s true, King Sombra,” Princess Celestia said.  “But it’s their choice if they want to take over as rulers of Equestria in the future.  After all, it’s their life.”
“But now that we’re all united,” King Sombra said as Misty gave her big brother a hug, “What now?”
“Some of us will go out into La Maresa and Vanhoover to recover others who need the help,” Princess Celestia explained.  “I’m especially worried about Twilight Sparkle and her parents.”
“I’m worried about mom, dad and Twili,” Shining Armor said as Karen and Spike walked up to him.  “Who knows if Gold Banks sent his rent-a-henchmen out to take them captive.”
“That is why you and Princess Cadance will make for Vanhoover to locate your folks, and rendezvous with Queen Chrysalis and Coldnelius Snap.”
“Fair enough,” Shining Armor said.  “But what about the ponies of La Maresa?”
“I will send my other daughters there along with Gold Banks and the Pie Family to round up everyone there,” Princess Celestia explained.  
“What about me?” Princess Chrysalis II asked.
“You will go with them,” Princess Celestia replied.  “But I will need the help of the Predacon Brothers for my part, along with Cozy Glow.”
“Then what is your command, Princess?” Inferno bowed.
“First off, at ease, solder,” Celestia said, causing Inferno to raise his head.  “Second off, we will aid Prince Blueblood, the scrappies and the underground resistance against Daisy Joy Tech and their leader Miss Honey Twist.”
“As much as I hate having to go back to that horrible place, I’m in,” Cozy Glow nodded.  “It’s time someone shut that abomination down.”
“Ooooh, Waspinator up for trashing Daisy Joy Tech,” Waspinator said.  
“Same here,” Quickstrike yelled before pausing for a moment.  “Err, what’s Daisy Joy Tech?”
“A boarding school with horrible teaching practices,” Misty Brightdawn explained.  “I was there with Wanda, Cozy Glow and some of the others.  Gold Banks seeks to make all younglings attend that prison against their free will.”
“Aww that is just plain sick,” Quickstrike snarled.  “Alright.  I’m game.”
“I’ll be happy to hold down the fort in your absence, Princess,” King Sombra said.  “If any one of Gold Banks’ shocktroops makes their way here, I’ll give them a surprise they won’t forget.”
“Crystal Snow and I will look after the refugees,” Queen Eleanor said.  “I’ve even hired this duo named Mr and Mrs Cake to prepare goodies for them.”
“Then prepare yourselves,” Princess Celestia said.  “It will take all of us to take down Gold Banks, and we have to be focused, one hundred percent..”
With that, Shining Armor, Cozy Glow, the Predacons, Princess Chrysalis II, King Sombra, and Misty Brightdawn all cheered together.  But next to Shining Armor, Spike jumped off Karen’s back as Abigail approached the baby dragon and the alicorn bulldog.
“Tough times?” Abigail asked.
“Yeah,” Spike replied.  
Abigail reached out and gave Spike the dragon a hug, while Karen reached over and licked Spike on the backside, causing the dragon to laugh.
“That tickles,” Spike giggled.
Karen nuzzled her head on Spike as Abigail held onto her close friend.


	To Be Continued in…


	Final Arc: Prelude to the Operation


	Gold Banks and the Master Trench Gruff

> Final Arc(Prelude to the Operation)-1: Gold Banks and the Master Trench Gruff
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Final Arc: Prelude to the Operation


	Gold Banks and the Master Trench Gruff



It was a dark night at Gold Banks’ castle at the Changeling’s hollowed ground.  Deep within the halls of the dark-green palace, Gold Banks wandered down the hallway, ignoring the various statues and art pieces of herself.  Behind her walked Grand Philosopher, who stood worried for Gold Banks.
“Mrs Banks,” Grand Philosopher said.  “You’ve been wandering your new palace for days since you captured Princess Luna and took control of Canterlot.”
But Gold Banks said nothing.  She came to a stop as her gaze was directed outside of a window and towards the cloudy skies above the land.
“You do realize that you have plenty of space within Daisy Joy Tech,” Grand Philospher explained.  “There’s still plenty of younglings to enroll into the very school Miss Honey Twist is running, and you still have plenty of other magic to find within the world.”
“And it’s still not enough,” Gold Banks grumbled.  “I was this close to capturing Princess Celestia a week ago, along with her snot-nosed brats.  How is it that her own sister decided to take the fall so that she could escape?  I was this close to capturing her and finally declaring victory.”
“Do not worry, Gold Banks,” Grand Philosopher said.  “There will be a way to get into the Golden Land.”
“You don’t get it, do you?” Gold Banks snarled as she turned towards Grand Philosopher.  “Princess Luna was able to lock me out of the Golden Land by chucking that crystal into the portal before it disappeared.  I have no way of knowing how to reverse Starswirl the Bearded’s technique on how to create ground bridge portal crystals.”
“I beg to differ, my lady,” Grand Philosopher said.  “Starswirl was not the only one who knew how to create ground bridge portal crystal.”
“What exactly are you talking about?” Gold Banks said, walking away from the window and towards the staircare.
“You forget that I was once the rival of Starswirl the Bearded when it came to alchemy,” Grand Philosopher explained.  “While Starswirl the Bearded, the former king of Everfree City, had the knowledge of how to create these crystals so that permanent portals could be set up between ponymade arcs, I was able to steal his notes and figured out how to make ground bridge portal crystals for Hydia.”
Those words caused Gold Banks to come to a stop.  She turned around and faced Grand Philosopher.
“Wait a minute,” Gold Banks said.  “You know how to make ground bridge portal crystals?”
“I do,” Grand Philosopher said.  “But I barely use them out of fear that someone could reverse-engineer them for their own personal gain.  But I figured out how to create one crystal that could generate a portal to any part in Equestria, all without the need for magic”
“One crystal without the need for magic,” Gold Banks said.  “Tell me more.”
“Then come with me,” Grand Philosopher said.  “I have set up a new workshop underneath your new palace.  And I intend on showing you my new portable ground bridge portal.”
“Very well,” Gold Banks said.  “After all, I have yet to master the power of portals with my new amulet.  So I’ll go on your little tour.”
But before Grand Philosopher could take a step, Gold Banks’ phone went off.  Gold Banks pulled it out and tapped the screen before holding the screen up.  Immediately, a buff earth pony with a long, shaggy mane and a red bandana on his forehead showed up on her screen.
“Master Trench Gruff, report,” Gold Banks commanded.
“My lady, Operation Daisy Joy is going to commence shortly,” Master Trench Gruff explained.  “What are your orders?”
“Hold off on that and report to my palace at the changelings grounds,” Gold Banks said.  “I need you here at this moment.”
“Very well, my lady,” Master Trench Gruff said.  “The master is outta here.”
Once Master Trench Gruff disappeared from the screen, Gold Banks put her phone away as Grand Philosopher shrugged loudly.
“Trench Gruff,” Grand Philosopher groaned.  “I cannot stand that self-centered egomaniac.”
“Oh don’t be such a baby, Philosopher,” Gold Banks said.  “After all, he’s the leader of my Debt Collectors and one of the most decorated soldiers in Equestria history.”
“That’s the least of my worries,” Grand Philosopher explained as he placed his hoof on his face.  “The guy has a massive ego the size of Manehattan and he enjoys making a mess out of everything around him.”
“That’s just his wild urges,” Gold Banks explained.  “Every now and then, he has to go out into the wild to fight like he means it.”
Grand Philosopher just walked up to a nearby chair and sat down in it, placing his hoof on his forehead.
“Well at least I won’t have to put up with him for quite a while,” Grand Philosopher said.  “At this rate, it will take him days to arrive.”
Gold Banks just laughed and said “Oh I wouldn’t say that.”
“You’re kidding, right?” Grand Philosopher said, turning to Gold Banks.  “I mean, what’s he going to do?  Jump up into the air from where he was thousands of miles away and land near this palace with a loud thud?”
Suddenly, the earth shook violently, rumbling the foundation of the palace in a short time.  Once the rumbling settled, someone shouted “YO ADRIAAAAAAAAAAAAAAN!”  Grand Philosopher placed his hoof back on his face as Gold Banks walked up to the front door, completely giddy.
“He’s here,” Gold Banks said.  “Master Trench Gruff has arrived.”
Gold Banks walked up to the door and opened it with her magic.  Standing outside was Master Trench Gruff, wearing a pair of green khaki pants and holding a military bag on his right shoulder.
“Master Trench Gruff, you’ve arrived,” Gold Banks said.  “And not a moment too soon.”
“I would have been here sooner,” Master Trench Gruff said.  “But I had some unfinished business to take care of involving the armies of King Myrrh.  I’ve trained better rookies than what Saddle Arabia had in terms of elite soldiers.”
“Well not a moment too soon,” Gold Banks said.  “Come on inside.  Grand Philosopher was going to take me on a tour to his secret laboratory.”
Master Trench Gruff took a few steps into the palace, observing the interior of the place with a smile on his face.
“Nice digs you got here,” Master Trench Gruff said.  “I heard it took you only a day to get it built.”
“An understatement,” Gold Banks laughed.  “In fact, you can thank Grand Philosopher for getting this new palace built in almost an instant.”
But as Gold Banks held her hoof out to Grand Philosopher, the elderly alchemist pony covered his face in shame as Master Trench Gruff walked up to him.
“Hey, Grand Philosopher, long time no see,” Master Trench Gruff said as he grabbed Grand Philosopher’s hoof and shook it.  “How’s life been treating you?”
“A lot better than it would treat you,” Grand Philosopher said as he pulled his hoof back in disgust.  
“Don’t be such a sourpuss,” Master Trench Gruff said.  “In fact, you really need to get out of that workshop of yours and get out into the open, just like me.”
But before Grand Philosopher could speak, Gold Banks immediately said “Okay you two.  Enough bonding.  It’s time you showed me that crystal that can create any portal desired.”
“Fine,” Grand Philosopher sighed.  “But I’m keeping an eye on Master Trench Gruff so he doesn’t cause any problems.”
Holding his staff close to him, Grand Philosopher walked down a leftmost hallway with Gold Banks and Master Trench Gruff following from behind.  At the far end of the hallway lay two doors on each side, and a small ornamental bookshelf in front.
“Your own workshop is in plain sight?” Gold Banks asked.  “Kinda surprising since I have yet to lay eyes on it.”
“You eyes can easily deceive you, my lady,” Grand Philosopher said, raising his staff into the air.
Grand Philosopher tapped his staff on the ground twice in rapid succession.  Immediately, the bookshelf and the wall behind it receded backwards before swinging towards the left side, revealing a secret cavern within the house.
“Well I’ll be,” Gold Banks said.  “You built all that into the palace.”
“My alchemy is second to none, my lady,” Grand Philosopher said. “Now come with me.”
Immediately, Grand Philosopher gripped his staff and walked down the hallway with Gold Banks and Master Trench Gruff following from behind.
“A secret passage,” Master Trench Gruff said.  “Only a master could figure out something like that.”
“Well that’s the power of Grand Philosopher,” Gold Banks said.  “After all, he’s the most powerful Alchemist in all of Equestria.”

Deep within the halls of the secret passage lay a room as big as the eye could see.  Shelves were decorated with numerous ingredients, flasks, potions and artifacts.  A few tables were laid out with open books, along with a crystal that laid near one of them.  A massive cauldron stood in the middle, bubbling wildly.  The windows shone a pale light down at the group
“So this is where you conduct your research,” Gold Banks said.
“Welcome to my underground lair,” Grand Philosopher said.
As Grand Philosopher stepped into the room, Gold Banks and Master Trench Gruff walked from behind, amazed by everything within.
“Now this is some place,” Master Trench Gruff laughed.  “Imagine trying out some of this stuff and seeing the results.”
“I wouldn’t touch anything in here if I were you,” Grand Philosopher said.  “There’s a reason why Alchemy is not for morons and idiots.”
“Oh please,” Master Trench Gruff said, eyeing a bottle of orange liquid.  “What harm can one little potion do?”
“In that case,” Grand Philosopher smirked.  “Don’t say I didn’t warn you.”
Master Trench Gruff grabbed the bottle of orange liquid and down it in one gulp.  He slammed the flask down and belched loudly.
“That is considered rude and uncouth,” Gold Banks said.
“Oh that’s the least of his worries when the potion takes effect in three, two, one,” Grand Philosopher said as he covered his eyes.
Immediately, smoke covered Master Trench Gruff in a flash.  When the smoke disappeared, Master Trench Gruff floated into the air, puffed up like a balloon.  Grand Philosopher looked up at Master Trench Gruff and laughed at him.
“Real cute, Grand Philosopher,” Gold Banks said.
“Well that pea-brained idiot was always full of hot air,” Grand Philosopher chuckled.
“Someone get me down from here,” Master Trench Gruff yelled.  “How am I going to fight in this state?”
Grand Philosopher pulled out a dart from his robe and said with a smile on his face “Oh quit whining you simpleton.  At least I remembered to create an antidote for my instant balloon potion.”
With a swift snap of his neck, Grand Philosopher threw the dart right at Master Trench Gruff’s forehead, hitting it directly.  Master Trench Gruff’s body deflated as air blew right out of his mouth until he was back to his former self.
“Well,” Master Trench Gruff said.  “That’s a relief.”
But the moment Master Trench Gruff looked down, he screamed loudly before he fell from above, crashing right on the floor.  Master Trench Gruff slowly got himself up as Grand Philosopher chuckled a bit.
“That’s enough, you two,” Gold Banks said.  “I came down here to see this portable portal generator.”
“My apologies, my lady,” Grand Philosopher said.  “As a matter of fact, look to your right.  That crystal on the table is what you’re looking for.”
Gold Banks looked at the crystal on her right before she lifted it off the surface with her magic.  She brought the crystal to her eyes and looked inside.
“So, what is the difference between this and an ordinary portal crystal?” Gold Banks asked.
“In the past, you needed two crystals to create a portal between two spots in Equestria,” Grand Philosopher explained.  “And the way the crystals were linked was because of a magic spell that was placed on them, allowing for the portal to go from one place to another.  That was the philosophy of my former rival: Starswirl the Bearded.”
“And I take it with this design, there is no need for linking the crystals together,” Gold Banks asked.
“Precisely,” Grand Philosopher said.  “In fact, the crystal has the ability to create a portal from one place to anywhere in Equestria, all without the need for unicorn magic.  Anyone can use it to go anywhere he or she wants to.  They can transport goods, prisoners, or just about anything possible.”
“So by simply imagining it, one can create a portal anywhere?” Master Trench Gruff said, slowly getting up.
“Even for one as pea-brained as you, Master Trench Gruff,” Grand Philosopher said.
Gold Banks held up the crystal with her magic and said “And just how does it work in the first place?”
As Gold Banks placed her hoof on the crystal, a hologram pops up, revealing an entire world in front of her with words that popped up on it, indicating the location of every place in Equestria.
“The portal crystal is capable of going anywhere in the world, thanks to the built-in apparatus within the crystal,” Grand Philosopher explained.  “You will be able to go to any part of Equestria that has already been listed, plus you can triangulate any unexplored areas of this planet.  Even within the Sacred Lands underneath.”
“Such as the ones we went to after we conquered Winteria, the Changeling Kingdom and Mount Aris,” Gold Banks laughed.  “You know, I think a demonstration may be in order.”
“So it shall, my lady,” Grand Philosopher said.  “Might I suggest opening a portal to Tartarus, and paying a visit to your former mentor, your former husband and the Princess of the Moon that you captured.”
Gold Banks placed her hoof around the hologram marked Tartarus and said “Good idea.”
The moment Gold Banks pressed the hologram marked Tartarus, the crystal’s interface disappeared and the prism fired a beam of light, creating a portal in front of her, Grand Philosopher and Master Trench Gruff.
“After you,” Grand Philosopher said in a pleased tone.
“My, what a gentlecolt,” Gold Banks said as she walked towards the portal.
Gold Banks held onto the crystal as she jumped into the portal and disappeared.  Grand Philosopher looked at Master Trench Gruff, who began to freak out.
“Oh no,” Master Trench Gruff said.  “You’re not putting me through one of your shenanigans.”
“Well tough, because you’re getting another demonstration,” Grand Philosopher said as his magic surrounded Master Trench Gruff.
With a swift flick of his neck, Grand Philosopher pushed Master Trench Gruff through the portal before he jumped through from behind.  Once both stallions disappeared, the portal vanished without a trace.

Meanwhile within a giant cavern that’s sealed off from the rest of the world, cages lined the walls with a variety of beasts that were trapped inside.  At the far end of the cavern were three separate cages that stood out in the open.  One held Princess Luna, one held Silver Banks and one had Magistrate Creme Dream and Majesty sharing the same cell together.  
Immediately, a portal materialized in front of the three cages, catching everyone’s attention.  Gold Banks leaped out of the portal and observed her surroundings as she held the portal crystal close to her.  Behind her, Grand Philosopher and Master Trench Gruff emerged from the portal before it disappeared behind them.
“I’m alive,” Master Trench Gruff said.  “I’M ALIIIIIIIIIIIVE!”
“And so you are,” Grand Philosopher said.  “After all, my portal tech was not meant to harm anyone who uses it.  Besides, I'm not a grossly incompetent moron who cuts corners just to save money.”
“It looks like the new portal crystal worked,” Gold Banks said.  “We’re in Tartarus and not a moment too soon.”
Princess Luna got up from the floor of her cage and gripped onto the bars.  A ring was placed around her horn, while her wings were cuffed to her body.  Her hooves were covered in a pair of iron gloves.
“Gold Banks,” Princess Luna snarled.  “What are you doing here this soon?”
Gold Banks walked up to Princess Luna’s cell and said “I came here to check up on you three and to ensure that no one was able to break you out.  That and I was testing out my new toy.”
“New toy?” Luna said as Gold Banks held up her new portal crystal.
“This baby will allow me to travel to any part of the world as I see fit,” Gold Banks said.  “And you can thank my alchemist for exceeding the skills that Starswirl the Bearded laid out.  Once I figure out where your sister is hiding every refugee, we will triangulate on her location and finish her off.”
“Don’t bet on it,” Luna said.  “As I speak, they have acquired the Golden Magic of Light.  The moment you cross paths with them, they will nullify your Alicorn Amulet and end your time as Empress of Equestria.”
“Let them try,” Gold Banks laughed as she held her Alicorn Amulet up.  “I do not fear this Golden Magic of Light.  Because with the power of my amulet, I will make them beg for forgiveness.
“Is this what you’ve become?  A power hungry tyrant?” Gold Banks turned to the cage where Silver Banks stood within.  She walked up to her former husband, who glared at her with a scowl on his face.
“Well well well,” Gold Banks said.  “So you’re not willing to give me an apology?”
“I would sooner be banished to the ends of Equestria than to be your husband again,” Silver Banks snarled.
“Well you will get your wish, my former beloved,” Gold Banks said.  “But with a catch.  I’ll be taking your surname with me.  The only thing you’ll be is merely Silver: A pony without a surname to call your own.”
“You can’t do this,” Silver Banks shouted.  “What gives you the right to take my surname away for your own personal gain?”
“I have all the rights in the world, Silver,” Gold Banks said.  “Far more than you can ever imagine, and far more than my former mentor.”
Immediately, Gold Banks turned towards Creme Dream and Majesty before marching towards their cell.  Creme Dream maintained her glare at Gold Banks while Majesty hid behind her mother.
“I’ve got nothing to say to you, traitor,” Creme Dream said, coldly.
“Aww, are you speechless?” Gold Banks smirked.
“More like she’s unamused by your ascension to ruler of Equestria,” Grand Philosopher said.
“That’s a great point,” Gold Banks said as Creme Dream kept her eyes on her former pupil.  “Tell you what.  Why don’t you and Master Trench Gruff keep an eye out on her while I begin my research into where the Golden Land truly is.”
“It will be my pleasure to do so,” Grand Philosopher replied.  “Assuming the imbecile can keep his attention sharp.”
“I’m down with that,” Master Trench Gruff said. “Maybe as a way to keep my mind from going mad during this downtime.”
“Then I must be off,” Gold Banks said.  “I’ll figure out a way to get into the Golden Land with your new portable portal crystal.  And once that’s done, I’ll torture Princess Celestia and her daughters, and finally win.”
Gold Banks held up her portal crystal as the holographic interface appeared.  She pressed the word Canterlot on the interface before the portal materialized in front of her.  Holding the crystal close to her, Gold Banks turned towards Grand Philosopher.
“Are you sure you don’t need me once you’re done?” Gold Banks asked.
“I will be fine,” Grand Philosopher said  “Besides, I can create my own portals with my magic.”
“Suit yourself,” Gold Banks replied.  “I’ll see you in a bit.”
Gold Banks immediately jumped into the portal, disappearing upon impact.  Once the portal shrunk down and expired, Grand Philosopher and Master Trench Gruff turned towards Creme Dream.
“First things first,” Creme Dream said.
“Right,” Grand Philosopher said.
Grand Philosopher raised his staff into the air as Princess Luna and Silver Banks looked on from their cages.  With one swift slam, a wave emits from Grand Philosopher’s staff and hits both Princess Luna and Silver Banks, knocking them out cold.
“There,” Grand Philosopher said.  “That should do it.”
“Does she suspect anything at all?” Creme Dream asked.
“Not a thing, Magistrate,” Grand Philosopher said.  “After all, this is but a test to see how cunning she truly is.”
“I still can’t believe how many of my own troops that I lost for her personal agenda,” Master Trench Gruff said.  “Especially one that the man’s cub was able to take down on Mount Aris.”
“Patience, Master Trench Gruff, patience,” Creme Dream said.  “It won’t be long until she reveals to us the Golden Land, and the Golden Magic of Light.”
“It is a rather risky plan to trick Gold Banks into betraying you,” Grand Philosopher said.  “All this for the magic of the Golden Land.”
“Miss Honey Twist, Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat already agreed to this plan prior to Gold Banks taking Princess Wanda and most of her friends to Daisy Joy Tech,” Creme Dream said.  “But I am rather surprised that she was able to get this far by kicking the changelings, the cultists and the hippogriffs out of their own home.”
“What’s also surprising was the number of sacred lands that lay underneath Equestria,” Master Trench Gruff said.  “Who knows what else this planet has been hiding.”
Creme Dream looked down at Majesty, who barely looked out from behind her mother’s arm, before turning back towards Grand Philosopher and Master Trench Gruff.
“Believe it or not, we are not native to Equestria,” Creme Dream explained.  “Our ancestors hailed from the same land that Princess Wanda came from.”
“I know what you mean: Evevanya,” Grand Philosopher explained.  “And the same can be said of the other species like the Changelings, the Hippogriffs, the Yaks, the Dragons, the Griffins, the Kirin, and the Abyssians.”
“Correct you are,” Creme Dream said.  “But more so, there was an ancient race that existed in Equestria long before we came.  They were the ones who created the Golden Magic of Light.  A magic that not even Gold Banks can harness.”
“But you can,” Grand Philosopher said.
“Count me out of this Golden Magic of Light,” Master Trench Gruff said.  “I’ll be happy to lead you all to it.  But not to even touch it.”
“And this is why your loyalty is your greatest strength, Master Trench Gruff,” Creme Dream said.  “That and you have a penchant for wanton violence and total recklessness.”
“Well that is me in a nutshell,” Master Trench Gruff said.”
“But that being said,” Grand Philosopher said.  “What should we do, my lady?”
“Keep a close eye on Gold Banks,” Creme Dream said.  “Ensure that she succeeds in getting into the Golden Land, and ensure that Princess Celestia defeats her.  Only then will the Golden Magic of Light be acquired.  And if needed, convince her to…pull me and my daughter to the land just to witness her so-called victory.”
“It will be done, Creme Dream,” Grand Philosopher said.  
“Oh please,” Creme Dream laughed.  “You know what my real name is.  After all, Creme Dream is nothing more than a name I came up with.”


	To Be Continued in…


	No Hope in La Maresa

> Final Arc-2: No Hope in La Maresa
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


No Hope in La Maresa



In the outskirts of La Maresa, at a rock farm, a lone colt was rolling up a rock on the ground all by himself, pushing it as hard as he could.  Nearby, High Chieftess Pele landed on the ground as Danged Spell and Moondancer hopped off her back.  Danged Spell wore a saddlebag on his back, where a video tablet laid in there.
“This must be where Pinkie Pie’s father told us to go,” Danged Spell said, pulling out his video tablet from his saddlebag.
“A rock farm?” Moondancer said.  “She grew up on a rock farm?”
“To think she was a party pony when we met her,” Danged Spell said.  “You’ll never know what kind of hidden depths our friends have.”
“Right now, our focus is getting that little one off the farm,” Pele said.  “You contact Igneous Rock Pie that we’re already there.  I’ll speak with the one known as Octavio Pie.”
Danged Spell tapped his video tablet a few times while Moondancer and Pele walked up to the lone colt occupying the rock farm, who still continued to push the rock across the dirt.
“Excuse me,” Pele said.  “You’re Octavio Pie, correct?”
“That would be me,” Octavio said as he continued to push the rock through the ground.  “What do you want?”
“Your folks are very worried about your well-being, and they want you to head for a safe place,” Moondancer said.
“I’ve told them time and time again, I’m not leaving the rock farm,” Octavio said.  “Someone’s gonna hold down the fort until they return.”
As Octavio Pie pushed the rock down the dirt path, Pele stepped in front of the colt’s path, stopping him in his place.
“This is serious,” Pele said. “I was fortunate enough to have a talk with your father, and he wants to see you safe and sound.”
“What’s going to be the fate of these rocks should I step off this farm?” Octavio Pie asked.  “Not on my watch.”
“Young stallion,” Pele scowled.  “You will march off this farm right this instant.”
“Why should I?” Octavio said as he came to a stop.  “You’re not my mom.  Besides, her temper is far different from yours.”
As Pele glared down at a stubborn Octavio, Danged Spell ran up to the two, holding his tablet.
“That’s enough,” Danged Spell said.  “The last thing we need is for both of you to start a fight in front of Octavio’s father.”
“Wait,” Octavio said.  “He’s here?”
“He is,” Danged Spell said, holding up the tablet.  “Just on this screen.”
Octavio looked down at Danged Spell’s tablet and saw Igneous Rock and Cloudy Quartz on the screen.  His jaw dropped down in surprise.
“Mom? Dad?” Octavio said.
“Son, is that you?” Igneous Rock said.
“It is,” Octavio replied.  “Where have you been?  I haven’t seen you both in a week.  How are my sisters?”
“We’re stuck in the Golden Land thanks to Gold Banks,” Cloudy Quartz said.  “Marble, Limestone, Maud and Pinkie are all doing fine.”
“Thank providence,” Octavio Pie said.  “At least I can confirm to you that the rock farm is safe in my hooves.”
“One thing that matters is that you’re safe, my son,” Igneous Rock said.  “But that being said, you must go with the ponies to La Maresa.  You will be safe there.”
That is when Octavio Pie slowly turned his head away from the screen.
“I can’t father,” Octavio Pie said.  “It’s just that…I don’t want to lose your farm.  Your way of life.”
“It will be okay,” Igneous Rock said. “We’re more concerned for your well-being.”
“Father, I volunteered to remain behind on the farm, even though it meant not saying good-bye to Pinkie Pie,” Octavio Pie said.  “And I know you care for my well-being.  But after losing you and the rest of the family a week ago, I don’t think I can step away from this farm.”
“Son, I..” Igneous Rock said.
“I’m not going to change my mind on this,” Octavio Pie said, keeping his head turned away.  “I know you want me to be safe.  But I still need a means of keeping this farm going.  So until I see you in person once more, I don’t think I can abide by that order.  I’m sorry.”
Igneous Rock took off his hand and held it close to his chest while Cloudy Quartz hung her head down.
“It’s okay, my son,” Cloudy Quartz said.  “You care a lot for our farm, and that says a whole lot.”
“We’ll do what we can to come down tomorrow,” Igneous Rock said.  “Until then, you keep yourself safe.  You promise?”
“I promise, father,” Octavio Pie said.  “I promise.”
“And by the way,” Cloudy Quartz said.  “Your sister Pinkie Pie said she misses you and wished you were at her original going away party.”
“If she doesn’t change her mind about leaving Equestria for Evevanya, I’ll consider it,” Octavio Pie said.  “Right now, I’ve got to hold down the farm until you get back.”
As Igneous Rock nodded to his son from behind the screen before Danged Spell pulled the tablet back, Pele placed her hoof on Octavio’s shoulder with a small hint of remorse in her eyes.
“My apologies for losing my temper,” Pele said.  “I was only concerned for your well-being and…”
“It’s okay,” Octavio said.  “Had you told me that you were in contact with my father, I wouldn’t have been that rude to you.  My apologies.”
“Tell you what,” Pele said.  “How about instead of having you head to La Maresa to hide out, I can send some of my noble warriors to help guard your farm while you look after it.”
“Deal,” Octavio said.
“Very well,” Pele said.  “But when your folks do arrive, I will bring them here.  I promise.”
But as Pele walked away from Octavio, Danged Spell and Moondancer looked down at Igneous Rock and Cloudy Quartz on the video screen.
“I’m sorry we couldn’t convince your son to leave the farm, Mr Pie,” Danged Spell said.
“It’s okay,” Igneous Rock said.  “I’m more to blame since I’ve put too much pressure onto him over the farm.  But it’s the way we thrive in this world.”
“Mr and Mrs Pie,” Moondancer said.  “With all due respect, I think Octavio needs more than just guards to look after him.  I think what he needs is a friend.”
“A friend?” Cloudy Quartz said.  “Are you really sure you’re up for looking after our Octavio?”
“I am,” Moondancer said.  “It may mean I’ll be away from my other friends.  But at least he won’t be alone.”
“Then do what must be done,” Igneous Rock Pie said.  “And may providence bless you.”
Moondancer nodded as Igneous Rock and Cloudy Quartz disappeared from the screen.  As Danged Spell placed his tablet away, he turned his face towards Moondancer.
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Spell asked.  “Stay behind to help out Pinkie Pie’s brother?”
“He’s going to be alone for quite some time, and he shouldn’t be,” Moondancer said.  “No one should.  Tell mom and dad I won’t be home for quite some time.  They’ll be upset.  But they’ll understand.”
Danged Spell closed his eyes as a tear fell down.  He reached out and gave Moondancer a hug.
“Be careful, okay?” Danged Spell said.  “We’re already separated from Wanda, Sunset, Twilight, Starlight, Lace and Misty.  We don’t need to lose any more.”
“I will,” Moondancer said.
As Danged Spell released his hold on Moondancer, Pele walked up to the two younglings and said “Okay.  It’s time to go.”
“I’m not going,” Moondancer said.  “I’m going to stay with Octavio Pie to make sure he’s alright.”
Those words caught Pele off-guard.  She looked down at Moondancer and said “Are you out of your mind?”
“No, I’m not,” Moondancer said.  “As I said to Danged Spell, Octavio’s going to be alone for quite some time, even with your own guards looking after him.  What he really needs is a friend to keep him from feeling lonely.  At least until his folks get back.”
Pele paused for a moment before looking down at Moondancer and said “I understand.  I know your parents won’t be happy about this.  But I’ll defend your actions if needed.”
“Thanks, Chieftess Pele,” Moondancer said before she gave Pele a hug.
As Pele held Moondancer close, Danged Spell looked out from beyond the rock farm, his mane and tail blowing in the cold wind, his eyes watery and his ears flopping downward.
“I wish you all weren’t stuck in the Golden Land,” Danged Spell said to himself.  “We could really use your presence to bring hope back to La Maresa: Wanda, Sunset, Starlight, Lace and Misty.”

Later that day, Pele landed in the town of La Maresa, where a small crowd of stallions, mares, and younglings gathered.  Danged Spell jumped off Pele’s back before approaching what’s left of his friends: Sunburst, Rarity, Applejack, Fluttershy with Angel, Trixie, Ditzy Doo, Snips and Snails.
“Spell, where’s Moondancer?” Sunburst asked.
Danged Spell turned his head away before he said “She stayed behind to look after Octavio for the time being.”
“She did what?” Those words came from Artemis Light, who looked completely shocked and was on the verge of fainting.  Crescent Eclipse held his wife close before turning towards Danged Spell.  But before anyone could speak, Pele stepped in front of her Great Grandson and approached Crescent Eclipse and Artemis Light.
“It was your daughter’s decision,” Pele said.  “She didn’t want Octavio Pie to be alone because he refused to leave the farm.  I’ve already sent my best warriors to keep them protected.”
As Crescent Eclipse held his wife close, he looked at Pele and said “And you allowed this to happen?”
“I can take you there if needed,” Pele said.  “I can even fly there and look after her until the Pie Family returns.”
“Are you out of your mind,” Artemis Light said as she got herself up.  “How could you let our daughter do something like that?”
“It’s because she needed to take responsibility for the well-being of others.”  Emerging from the crowd was Fortwright, who, along with Shanoa who had baby Dream Seeker in her saddlebag, approached Artemis Light and Crescent Eclipse.  “After all, you both taught her that.”
“What do you mean by that, Fortwright?” Crescent Eclipse asked.
“During our parent meetings in Canterlot, you told us that you worry about Moondancer not taking enough responsibilities for others,” Shanoa explained.  “You fear that she could end up becoming a selfish mare when she grows up, and you wish she could help others out.  This is your own wish being fulfilled.”
Artemis Light moved her head towards Crescent Eclipse and said “I hate to say this.  But they’re right.  Besides, I also realize that if we take Moondancer back, we may end up leaving a little colt by himself.”
Crescent Eclipse turned to Pele and said “Take us to the rock farm.  We can help Moondancer look after Octavio until his folks come back.”
“I shall,” Pele nodded.”
But as Crescent Eclipse and Artemis Light gathered around Pele, Danged Spell emerged from the group and approached his Great Grandmother.
“I’m going to scout for a bit,” Danged Spell said.  “Who knows if Gold Banks will send her fanatic followers to La Maresa.”
“Be careful, Lah Walakeli,” Pele said.  “We’ve entered dangerous times since Gold Banks has taken over Equestria.”
Danged Spell nodded to Pele before turning back to his friends.
“You sure you’re going to be alright?” Trixie asked.  “One of us should go with you.”
“I’ll be fine,” Danged Spell said.  “Besides, I’ve got the power of the Wolf’s Breath curse with me.  That’s something to howl about.”
“Oh real cute, Spell,” Applejack laughed.  “Even in these dark times, you sure know how to fill in for Pinkie Pie.”
As Danged Spell turned towards the outskirts of La Maresa, he turned his head towards his companions and said “Just know that no matter what happens, you and the rest of the ponies from Canterlot were the best friends I could ever have.”
And with that, Danged Spell ran out of La Maresa, leaving his friends, and the adults behind.
“There goes a brave colt,” Sunburst said with a tear in his right eye.  “Now I know how it feels to see friends disappear for good.”
“He’ll be back, Sunburst,” Rarity said.  “Knowing that pony, Danged Spell is one tough wolf.”
“It’s not just that,” Sunburst said.  “I already miss my other friends, like Wanda, Sunset, Golden Lace, Misty, and even Starlight Glimmer.”
Those words caught Trixie’s attention.  She walked up to Sunburst and said “I miss Glimglam as well.  When the Great and Powerful Trixie heard about what happened in Canterlot, I broke down in tears”
“We all miss them, Sunburst,” Fluttershy said.  “I was hoping to take them all down to the San Di’Neighgo Zoo and introduce them to my Uncle Wegefrolick.  But I’m afraid I wasn’t able to.”
“Not just that,” Sunburst said.  “They were supposed to go down to the land of Evevanya a week ago, and look what Gold Banks did.  At least they’re safe in the Golden Land.  But even then, I wish I could see them again.”
Ditzy Doo walked out from the group and looked at the location where Danged Spell ran off to.
“Now I’m beginning to miss Danged Spell and Moondancer,” Ditzy Doo said.  “Are we all breaking up?”
“No, we’re not,” Sunburst said.  “We’re experiencing harder times than we realize.  But we’re going to get through this, no matter what.”
But Ditzy Doo looked discouraged.  She slowly walked to her left towards the Sugar Cube Corner, to which the doors and windows were completely boarded up.
“But I miss those days where I could get a muffin from the Sugar Cube Corner,” Ditzy Doo said.  “I miss seeing Mr and Mrs Cake, plus their apprentice Pinkie Pie.  And I especially miss the lemon muffin surprise that they always make.  No amount of anger will ever bring them back.”
“But we will,” Snips said as he and Snails approached Ditzy.  “We’ll find a way to bring back the Sugar Cube Corner, and your Lemon Muffin Surprise.”
“Yeah,” Snails said.  “Maybe we could pitch in and try to make those muffins for you.”
“Thanks you guys,” Ditzy said.  “But I dunno if you, or anyone else, would be able to replicate that recipe of Mr and Mrs Cake.”
Sunburst walked up to Ditzy Doo and said “We’ll give it a shot.  We’ll do what we can to replicate that recipe and we will get it right.”
As Sunburst walked Ditzy Doo away from the Sugar Cube Corner, Snips and Snails walked up to, and alongside the sun unicorn.  Ditzy looked like she was on the verge of crying.  But Sunburst remained strong.
“Sunburst,” Snails said.  “It’s hard for us to say this, but…”
“Go right ahead,” Sunburst said.
“We think you would make a swell leader,” Snips said.
Immediately, Sunburst paused and said “I don’t know about being a leader.  That would be a massive responsibility among us colts and fillies.”
“It may be,” Applejack said, walking up to Sunburst.  “But you have the makings of a leader within you.  Maybe far more than I have.”
“Applejack’s right, darling,” Rarity said.  “Like it or not, you’ve been keeping our morale high enough to thrive in these dark times.  And it’s something we need since Princess Celestia and the others’ disappeared.”
“So would you do this for all of us?” Flulttershy asked.  “All of the critters would appreciate it if you took the leadership stance.”
Sunburst thought long and hard for a moment.  Then he raised his head up and said “I’ll do it.  I’ll take on that leadership role.”
“That’s the spirit,” Applejack said, patting Sunburst on the back.  “We’ll need all the help we can get.”
Sunburst looked down at Ditzy Doo, who still looked depressed.  He reached over and gave the cross-eyed pegasi filly a hug.
“We’ll make sure the cakes return to La Maresa, and we’ll make sure you get that lemon muffin surprise,” Sunburst said.
As Sunburst held Ditzy Doo close to him, Pele walked up to the unicorn filly and said “I think it would be time for you to take your friends over to the ruins of Castle Everfree.  We’ll gather whoever we can to follow suit.”
Sunburst nodded.  He kept Ditzy Doo close to him as he walked towards the back part of the village.  Applejack walked up to Pele, whose attention was towards Artemis Light and Crescent Eclipse.
“You okay there, Chieftess?” Applejack asked.
“I’m doing what I can to keep my spirit high,” Pele said.  “But right now, I don’t have as much mental energy to deal with these dark times.  Even more so, I do miss my people in Lio Lani.”
Applejack turned back towards her friends, who were walking down through La Maresa, before turning back to Pele.
“If there’s anything you need help with, we’re here,” Applejack said.  “Including my folks who once again had to relocate to the castle.”
“Thanks for the offer,” Pele said.  “But I’ll be okay for now.”
Pele walked up to Crescent Eclipse and Artemis Light, both of which looked primed and ready.  They walked towards the town’s exit before running off into the distance, leaving Applejack behind.  Fluttershy and Rarity walked up to the apple filly while Sunburst began to escort Ditzy Doo away.
“I just hope we don’t have to migrate away from the Ponyville Providence,” Applejack said.  “This has been our home since our birth, and there’s no way I want to leave.”
“Now come on, Applejack,” Rarity said.  “There’s no way we’re going to leave La Maresa again for good after we were stranded in Canterlot for so many months.”
“Oh I remember,” Applejack said.  “We went over to Canterlot to celebrate Wanda’s birthday.  Then a giant boulder got in the safe path between Canterlot and La Maresa.  The changelings even made it harder to get back home, and just when the path was finally clear, Granny Smith and the rest of the family had to take shelter in Canterlot and then the Golden Land because of Coldnelius Snap’s decision to unleash a horrible winter storm.  At least the apple trees survived the worst.”
“You’re right on that,” Rarity sighed.  “On the one hoof, I did appreciate my time up in Canterlot.  But on the other hoof, I did feel homesick for La Maresa.  And for that time, Sweetie Belle.  There are some things Canterlot has that cannot be replicated in La Maresa.”
“Pa and Grandma always told me there are some traditions that represent the heart of our town,” Applejack explained.  “Much like how Seaquestria has its traditions that represent its heart.  A shame that the hippogriffs lost their kingdom.”
“Didn’t the changelings and the Windigo’s Guild take over that place?” Rarity asked.
“I’m afraid not,” Fluttershy said, walking up to Rarity and Applejack.  “Last I heard, they tried to do so, only for them and the hippogriffs to be driven out.  Even more so, I heard Wanda was caught in the middle of the action.”
“Wait,” Applejack said, shocked.  “Wanda was caught in the middle of that action?”
“I thought someone already told you about that,” Fluttershy said.
“Well, none of Wanda’s friends told us about that, darling,” Rarity said. “This is news to all of us.”
“Well according to Danged Spell,” Fluttershy explained, “Wanda was kidnapped in the middle of the night by Princess Skystar to Seaquestria just because she believed Wanda could help Queen Novo stave off the Changelings and Windigo’s Guild.  But to make matters worse, Gold Banks and her Debt Collectors were able to not only overpower the Hippogriffs, Changelings and Cultists, but also Princess Celestia.  They say she has an Alicorn Amulet that makes her stronger than her, Queen Chrysalis and Coldnelius Snap.”
“That explains why we lost contact with Wanda and the others a week ago,” Rarity said.  “If she has this alicorn amulet, who knows what kind of horror will await us.”
“I think that’s why we’re all on edge,” Applejack said.  “But still…”
As Applejack pondered to herself, Sunburst yelled out “Come on, guys.  We’re heading out to the Everfree Castle.”
Immediately, Applejack, Rarity and Fluttershy walked towards Sunburst and the other younglings as they made their way towards the back of town.
“Hey Sunburst,” Applejack said.  “I overheard that Wanda was caught in the middle of the conflict between the hippogriffs and the alliance of the changelings and cultists.”
“It’s true,” Sunburst said, holding Ditzy Doo close to him. 
“Well why didn’t you tell us about it?” Applejack asked.
“We were trying to,” Sunburst said.  “But you and Rarity were too busy to hear anything about it.  Ditzy here didn’t understand what we meant by it.”
“She’s right,” Ditzy said.  “I just assumed that the hippogriffs survived the attack and were back at their home.  But after overhearing what you guys said, maybe I misheard everything.”
“There’s also something else you should know,” Sunburst said.  “Wanda accidentally killed one of Banks’ soldiers.”
Immediately, Applejack and Rarity came to a stop over Sunburst’s statement.
“She did that?” Applejack said, coldly.
“Yeah,” Sunburst said.
Trixie came out of the crowd and said “I didn’t know that happened.  Poor kid.  If the Great and Powerful Trixie saw her, then the Great and Powerful Trixie would forgive her.”
“Aww, that’s sweet, Trixie,” Rarity said.
“Right now, we can talk more about it once we get to Castle Everfree and to the Rich family,” Sunburst explained.  “Besides, they and the Apple Family are looking after the foals.”
“Well what are we waiting for?” Trixie said.  “Let’s go.”
With that, Sunburst held Ditzy close as Applejack, Fluttershy, Rarity, Trixie, Snips and Snails followed from behind.
“Do you think we’ll get through these hard times?” Snails asked.
“I hope so,” Snips said.  “I’m feeling stressed out just thinking about this, and I normally don’t stress out like this.”

Meanwhile, on the outskirts of La Maresa, Danged Spell ran near the trees of the open field, keeping his eyes out for anything within the vicinity.
“Still can’t believe there’s no one nearby,” Danged Spell said to himself.  “We haven’t seen a single soul in days.”
Immediately, Danged Spell came to a stop as he noticed three shadows in the woods nearby.  His ears twitched a bit as he glared his eyes.
“Bank’s own clowns?” Danged Spell said to himself.  “I was hoping it wouldn’t lead to this.  But I’m ready.”
Danged Spell ran up to one of the nearby trees and hid behind it.  He peeked his head to get a closer look at the four shadows, but could barely make out their appearance, nor their voice.
“Who are they?” Danged Spell said to himself.  “Are they really fanatics sent by Gold Banks?  Or…someone familiar?”
Danged Spell ducked down and snuck his way between the trees.  As he inched closer to the four shadows, he could make out the voices from them, and his face began to soften a bit.
“I think I know those three,” Danged Spell said.
One voice shouted “It’s still a shame that Canterlot fell a week ago.”
Another one said “Yeah.  And that was the place that we got married at, honey.  To think, Gold Banks had the audacity to interrupt our wedding.”
“I’m worried more about the colts and fillies of Canterlot,” a third voice said.  “They were great guests who enjoyed my food.”
“They were, indeed,” a fourth voice said as Danged Spell inched closer.  “It’s too bad you didn’t get to serve them more before you left with us, Helga.”
Danged Spell peeked his head behind a tree closest to the shadows, where they appeared to be Buck Withers, Lemony Gem, Gad Zookes and Helga Heartsoup.
“I don’t believe it,” Danged Spell said.  “Buck Withers and the others.  And even Helga Hearthsoup.  They’re all alive.”
Suddenly, Spell accidentally pressed his hoof on a dead branch, causing it to crack.  The sound of the branch snapping caught everyone’s attention.
“Who goes there?” Buck Withers shouted as he got up.  “Show yourself.”
Realizing the branch that he stepped on, Danged Spell swallowed hardly and began to walk towards Buck Withers.
“It’s me,” Danged Spell said.  “Danged Spell.
The moment Danged Spell walked into the light, Buck Withers, Lemony Gem, Gad Zookes and Helga Hearthsoup saw his face.  Buck Withers looked as if he were ready to cry.
“Danged Spell,” Buck Withers said.  “It is you.  You’re alive.”
Danged Spell immediately ran up to Buck Withers and gave him a big hug.
“I’ve missed you so much, Bucky,” Danged Spell cried.
“We’ve missed you as well,” Buck Withers said.  “But what happened?”
“Most of La Maresa is on lockdown,” Danged Spell explained.  “Nearly everyone had relocated to Castle Everfree.  My great grandmother Pele is looking after everyone here.”
“Pele is your great grandmother?” Gad Zookes asked.  “I did not know that.”
“That’s impressive,” Buck Withers said as Danged Spell looked up at him.  “To think that you’re the descendant of a great alicorn from Lio Lani.”
Danged Spell jumped down from Buck Withers and said “Right now, we could use your help in keeping La Maresa secure.  Are you up for it?”
Buck Withers gathered his supplies and said “What are you waiting for?  Lead on.”
With a hearty laugh, Danged Spell said “You got it, Bucky.”
Immediately, Lemony Gem, Gad Zookes and Helga Hearthsoup gathered their supplies and put out their campfire.  Once Buck Withers got his supplies ready, everyone followed Danged Spell out of the forest and towards La Maresa.
“For the sake of us all,” Lemony Gem said to herself.  “For the sake of us all.”



	To Be Continued in…


	The Changeling Guardian of Twilight Sparkle

> Final Arc-3: The Changeling Guardian of Twilight Sparkle
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Changeling Guardian of Twilight Sparkle



Deep within the Carmaneah Walbridle Park, Twilight Velvet and Night Light were having a picnic with Flash Sentry, Timber Spruce, Vignette Valencia, Wallflower Blush, and Gloriosa Daisy.  Nearby, Captain Airazor, Spitfire and Rainbow Dash observed the surroundings of the forest, keeping an eye out for intruders.  Despite the peace, Twilight Velvet appeared to be worried.
“I haven’t seen Twilight since we arrived here,” Twilight Velvet said.  “I hope she’s okay.”
“She’ll be okay,” Night Light said.  “Twilight just needs some space for herself.  That says a lot since we lost Shining Armor and Spike the Dragon.”
“I don’t know, Mr Light,” Flash Sentry said.  “She’s been gone a long time and I'm even worried about her well-being.”
Night Light let out a sigh and said “Our daughter hasn’t been well since a week ago when contact with Canterlot was cut off.  But what would Gold Banks want with taking the place over?”
“Whatever it is, it’s not good,” Twilight Velvet said.  
“That I agree on,” Flash Sentry said.  “They said Princess Celestia was going to let her daughter Wanda move back to Evevanya, and allow her sisters and friends to go with her. Then Gold Banks showed up and ruined everything, and now they’re gone, completely.”
“I read up on that as well,” Vignette Valencia said.  “Every pony on my friends list kept talking about the incident in Canterlot.  I even had to do a stream a couple of nights ago just to talk about it.”
“Not to mention what happened to the ponies in Canterlot,” Timber Spruce said.  “Some of which were your friends from Daisy Joy Tech.”
“That’s something I hope I never experience again,” Gloriosa Daisy said.  “But that being said, I wonder what happened to Golden Lace and every one of her friends.”
Wallflower Blush looked up at the group before turning her head away.
“Blush, you okay?” Timber Spruce asked.
“She’s been like this since the incident a week ago,” Vignette Valencia said.  “Just when she was speaking clearly.”
Twilight Velvet turned to Night Light and said “Honey.  I’m really worried about Twilight Sparkle.  Do you think we should go check up on her?”
“Maybe you’re right,” Night Light said.  “Maybe I should go out and check up on her.”
Night Light got up from his seat and began to walk away, only to see Captain Airazor, Spitfire and Rainbow Dash stand in front of him.
“Captain Airazor,” Night Light said.  “What seems to be the problem?”
“We overheard what you were saying about Twilight Sparkle,” Captain Airazor said.  “Perhaps you should let one of my Junior Wonderbolts check up on her.”
Night Light backed up for a bit and said “I dunno.  I think I can handle it.”
“Don’t you worry, pops,” Rainbow Dash said.  “I personally know Twilight since I flew up to Canterlot to help Ditzy Doo out.  And not to mention her close friend Danged Spell who knew how to give me a run for my hay.  So allow me to go look for Twilight and make sure she’s safe.”
Night Light just let out a sigh before he said “Okay.  But be careful.  I can only hope that Twilight Sparkle is safe.”
With that, Captain Airazor turned to Rainbow Dash and said “Now go.  Find Twilight Sparkle and keep her safe.”
Rainbow Dash saluted Captain Airazor before she said “Yes ma’am.”
With that, Rainbow Dash flapped her wings hard before she took off into the air, leaving everyone behind.
“I sure hope we don’t lose Rainbow Dash,” Spitfire said.  “She’s the toughest of us both.”
“Not the only tough one, Spitfire,” Captain Airazor said.  “After all, you’ve become famous recently for bringing in a supply of food for the ponies of Vanhoover while outflying two rocs.”
Spitfire rubbed the back of her head and said “You’re right.  I am a tough pony.”

Meanwhile in the middle of the forest, Twilight Sparkle sighed as she laid her back against the tree.  An open saddlebag sat next to her, containing a few books and a video tablet.  Another book laid right next to her, but it was completely closed.
“This isn’t right,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “I’ve tried everything, and still I feel empty on the inside.  It’s got to be the fact that I haven’t seen Shining Armor nor Spike since last week.  What the hay have I been doing?”
“Relax, Egghead.  We’re all going through these hard times.”  Those words were enough to cause Twilight Sparkle to jump in the air and scream really loud. 
“WHO GOES THERE?” Twilight Sparkle said as she landed on the ground and looked around wildly.  “SHOW YOURSELF!”
Immediately, Rainbow Dash emerged from behind a tree and approached Twilight Sparkle, who immediately settled down and wiped the sweat off her forehead.
“Don’t scare me like that, Rainbow Dash,” Twilight said.
“Sorry I had to,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Your folks and friends were pretty worried about you.”
Twilight Sparkle shifted her head away and said “I know.  But at the same time, I haven’t come to grips with losing both Shining Armor and Spike.”
“I know how that feels,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Actually, Captain Airazor knows how that feels since Princess Celestia disappeared.”
“Along with Princess Cadance, Sunset Shimmer and Wanda Young,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “Wow.  After all that’s said and done, I think it’s not just Shining Armor and Spike that I’m worried about.”
Twilight Sparkle sat down in front of the tree, looking up at the sunlight that poured into the forest.  Rainbow Dash walked up Twilight and sat next to her, placing her wing on the filly unicorn’s back.
“Thanks for keeping me company, Rainbow,” Twilight Sparkle said.
“No problem,” Rainbow Dash said.  “That being said, I hope you get wings like I do.”
“Now why would I want that?” Twilight Sparkle asked.
“So you can fly like the rest of us,” Rainbow Dash replied.  “In fact, I think you would make a swell Wonderbolt.”
“Me?  A Wonderbolt?”  Twilight laughed.  “In your dreams, Rainbow.”
Immediately, Rainbow Dash joined Twilight Sparkle, laughing out loud.  As Twilight wiped the tear from her eye, she turned to the Junior Wonderbolt.
“Actually, the real reason I’ve been distant from my family and friends is this,” Twilight explained.  “I fear that I could lose them after I lost Spike, Shining, Cadance and the others.”
“That’s actually a good point,” Rainbow Dash said.  “I mean, you’ll never know if fate will leave you all by yourself.  That being said, I don’t think it’s a good idea to push out the friends and family you have left.”
“I know,” Twilight said.  “But I still worry that I could lose everyone else.  I mean, one moment they’re here.  The next moment, they’re gone completely.”
“Maybe you should take more advice from that rainbow idiot.”  Those words were enough to cause Twilight Sparkle to scream loudly before holding onto the tree.  Rainbow Dash immediately jumped into the air and landed on the ground, looking around the vicinity with a loud snort.
“Okay, Queen Chrysalis,” Rainbow Dash shouted.  “Show yourself, you coward.”
“A coward?” The voice of Chrysalis said.  “That’s saying a lot considering that my people are now without a home.”
Immediately, the tree that Twilight Sparkle was holding onto shapeshifted into Queen Chrysalis, catching Twilight and Rainbow by surprise.  Twilight Sparkle released her hold on Queen Chrysalis and hid behind Rainbow Dash, who stared down at the changeling queen.
“You’re here for Twilight, are ya?” Rainbow Dash snarled.
“Ease up, you stupid idiot,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “My desire for revenge is now against Gold Banks.  Not your marefriend.”
“I would if you cooled it on those insults,” Rainbow Dash snarled.
“Uggh, fine,” Queen Chrysalis sighed.  “But only because I have some news for the one filly I once had a grudge against.”
Twilight Sparkle walked out from behind Rainbow Dash and said “What are you talking about?”
Queen Chrysalis laughed and said “Why don’t you try contacting your brother?  After all, you do miss him and your little Spikey-Wikey.”
Twilight Sparkle paused for a moment after hearing what Queen Chrysalis said.  Rainbow Dash immediately inched her head towards Twilight’s ear.
“I think you should do what she says,” Rainbow Dash whispered.  
“I dunno if I can trust her,” Twilight whispered back.
“What if Shining Armor is alive?” Rainbow replied.  “This might be your chance.”
Twilight sighed as she slumped her head down.  She pulled out the video tablet from her pack and touched the screen a few times with her hoof.
“Alright,” Twilight Sparkle said, turning to Queen Chrysalis.  “But you better be telling the truth.”
“Oh I know you won’t believe me,” Queen Chrysalis laughed.  “But you will be in for a surprise.”
As Twilight continued to tap the screen a bit, she looked down at the tablet, worried and yet confused.
“You better not be tricking her,” Rainbow Dash said, eyeing Queen Chrysalis.  “The last thing she needs is to have her hopes trampled on.”
“Do I look like I’m in the mood to be that monster right now?” Queen Chrysalis said.  “After all, my subjects were in touch with Princess Celestia and they have confirmed that they are safe in the Golden Land.”
“It better be, for your sake,” Rainbow Dash said.
Suddenly, a voice let out “Twili? Is that you?”  Twilight Sparkle’s face beamed with joy and excitement as she looked down at her video tablet.
“Shining Armor,” Twilight Sparkle cried.  “It’s you, isn’t it?  And so is Princess Cadance…and little Spike.”
On the video tablet, Shining Armor and Princess Cadance looked up at Twilight Sparkle from the Golden Land.  Next to them was Spike the Dragon, who giggled in delight.
“I was hoping you would contact us,” Shining laughed.  “After all, it’s been lonely without you.”
As a tear fell from Twilight’s cheek, the little filly said “You don’t know how long it’s been since I’ve last seen you.  I’ve missed you three so much.”
“We’ve missed you as well, Twilight,” Princess Cadance said.  “Spike here missed you so much.”
Spike reached out and cooed right at Twilight Sparkle from behind the screen, who proceeded to wipe a tear from her eye.
“But how did you know that you thought I was going to contact you?” Twilight asked.
“Ironically, you can thank Queen Chrysalis’ daughter and the Predacons for this,” Shining Armor explained.  “In fact, once Princess Celestia revealed them and Coldnelius Snap’s daughter to the Golden Land, there was a lot of backlash from the refugees, because they didn’t forget what the changelings and cultists did.  It took some brave words from Wanda and Sunset to make them change their mind and reluctantly accept them as allies.”
“How are Wanda and Sunset doing?” Twilight asked.
“They’re better than ever,” Princess Cadance said.  “Thanks to the power of the Golden Magic of Light, Wanda was able to obtain a powerful Equinox Armor to protect her.  As for Sunset, not only was she able to control her demon form, she became an Alicorn.”
“Wow,” Twilight said.  “I wish I could see them up front.”
“Well we’ve got some good news,” Princess Cadance said.  “We’re going to open a portal between the Golden Land and Vanhoover.  That way, we can bring you, your family and your friends over.”
“That’s great,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “I can’t wait for it.”
“Hey Twili,” Shining Armor said.  “Do me a favor.  Keep smiling for the whole world.   Smile so that when we see each other again, our reunion will be one to remember. Promise?”
“Okay,” Twilight cried.  “I promise I will.”
“Until then,” Shining Armor said.  “Remember that I will always watch over you, Twili.  You’re as much a bright star in the sky, just like Princess Cadance.”
Princess Cadance let out a playful laugh as Spike waved to Twilight from behind the screen.  Once all three individuals disappeared, Twilight Sparkle placed her video tablet face down on the ground and wiped the tears from her eyes.
“They’re alive,” Twilight cried.  “They’re all alive, and I’m glad they are.”
Rainbow Dash looked up at Queen Chrysalis and said “I’m surprised that you told them they were alive.  Guess you’re full of surprises.”
“That’s not the only thing,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Until your best friend is safe in the Golden Land, I will serve as her guardian angel.  In fact, I’ve been doing so since that incident a week ago.  Gold Banks is a monster that needs to pay for what she did to my hive.”
As Queen Chrysalis turned away from Rainbow Dash, the little pegasi filly asked “So why do you want Twilight Sparkle to begin with?”
Queen Chrysalis came to a stop and said “Ever since Twilight Sparkle bested me during the Grand Gallopin Gala, I had a desire for revenge.  But at the same time, I had a lot of respect for her.  She has power unlike anything I have ever seen for a filly who doesn’t even have a demon curse of her own.  She could become an alicorn with that kind of power.  Or perhaps a changeling like me and my daughter.”
“Is that why you really want her?” Rainbow Dash said.  “You just want to make her a part of your hive?”
“Who doesn’t?” Queen Chrysalis smirked.  “But that being said, I will not tolerate anyone who harms Twilight Sparkle.  If they intend to harm the filly, they answer to me.  Especially Gold Banks and this Miss Honey Twist.”
With that, Queen Chrysalis flapped her wings and flew off from Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle, leaving the pegasi filly to just stare off at the changeling queen.
“I still have my doubts about you,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Especially after the fact that you desired revenge against Twilight.”
As Rainbow Dash turned around, Twilight had packed all of her books and her video tablet into her saddlebag before setting it on her back.  The unicorn filly walked up to Rainbow Dash, looking content, and yet still sad.
“Come on, Rainbow,” Twilight said.  “Let’s go see our friends and family.”
“You got it, egghead,” Rainbow Dash said.
With that, Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle ran off from the middle of the forest, down the trail leading to the picnic area.

At the picnic area, Captain Airazor and Spitfire continued to observe the surroundings while everyone else was enjoying their lunch.  Twilight Velvet turned to the Wonderbolt Captain, holding a daffodil sandwich.
“Are you hungry?” Twilight Velvet asked.
“Thanks, but I already had a big meal,” Captain Airazor said.
“Same here,” Spitfire replied.
“Well that’s a shame,” Twilight Velvet said.  “We packed all this food in our basket and it’s going to go to waste.”
“If you want, I can have it,” Timber Spruce said.  “After all, I work up an appetite.” 
“Oh Timber,” Gloriosa Daisy laughed.  “You think about food after every hike.”
“Come on sis,” Timber Spruce said.  “You know all that walking in this forest always makes me hungry.”
“She’s got a point,” Vignette Valencia laughed.  “Maybe you need to lay off the sandwiches and start working out more.”
“Oh come on,” Timber Spruce laughed.  “Don’t start siding with him.”
As Gloriosa Daisy, Timber Spruce and Vignette Valencia laughed, Twilight Velvet and Night Light watched from their end of the table before turning to them.
“I hope Twilight Sparkle will be happy again,” Twilight Velvet said.
“With what she’s going through, it may be a long time before that happens,” Night Light said.
“Or maybe it just did.”  Twilight Velvet, Night Light and all of the other younglings turned to one end of the forest, where Rainbow Dash and Twilight Sparkle stood tall.  Twilight Sparkle wiped a bit of tear from her eye before looking down at her mother.
“Twilight,” Twilight Velvet said.  “You’re better already?”
Immediately, Twilight Sparkle ran down to Twilight Velvet, Night Light and Flash Sentry before giving all three ponies a big hug.
“I am, mom,” Twilight Sparkle said.
“Well what just happened that lifted your spirits?” Night Light asked.
“You won’t believe this,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “But I was able to make contact with Shining Armor.”
“Wait,” Twilight Velvet said.  “Your brother is alive?”
“He is,” Twilight Sparkle said. “And so is Spike, Princess Cadance, and everyone else.  Even more so, I heard Sunset Shimmer became an Alicorn, and Wanda has this new armor.”
“That’s great,” Night Light said.  “Maybe we should contact them when we get the chance.”
“I hope we do,” Twilight Sparkle said as she pulled herself away from her folks and turned towards Flash Sentry.
“You’re not one to give up completely, Twilight,” Flash Sentry said.  “That’s the spirit.”
“Of course it was, Mordecai,” Twilight Sparkle laughed.
Flash Sentry placed his hoof on Twilight Sparkle’s shoulder and said “We’ll see them again, soon.  I promise you that.”
“Oh believe me,” Twilight Sparkle said.  “I’m excited for it.”
Immediately, Wallflower Blush walked up from behind Twilight Sparkle and gave her a big hug.
“Hey,” Twilight Sparkle giggled.  “What’s that for?”
“I’m just glad you’re alright,” Wallflower Blush replied.  
“Thanks,” Twilight Sparkle said.
As the group laughed together, Captain Airazor and Spitfire approached Rainbow Dash, who looked both proud, and yet worried.
“Thanks for keeping Twilight Sparkle safe,” Captain Airazor said.
“Thanks, ma’am,” Rainbow Dash said. “But we did have a run in with Queen Chrysalis?”
“You did?” Spitfire asked.  “I’m surprised that you both got away so easily.”
“That’s because she didn’t fight back,” Rainbow Dash said.  “She told us that Shining Armor and the others were safe in the Golden Land.  And to be honest, when Twilight was able to contact them, I was surprised on the inside, even though I had to contain it on the outside.”
“That is rather worrisome,” Captain Airazor said.  “What would Queen Chrysalis want with Twilight Sparkle besides revenge?”
“One thing that she told me was that she wanted to be Twilight’s guardian angel,” Rainbow Dash said.  “Something that also made me feel uneasy.”
“You have every right to be that uneasy,” Spitfire said.  “After all, we still remembered what she and Coldnelius Snap did to us long ago.”
“I do remember,” Rainbow Dash said.  “The Grand Gallopin Gala.  Plus she sicked her Predacons on all of us.  That being said, she also told me that the changelings were without a home, and that she wants revenge on Gold Banks.”
“Ironically, those both ring true,” Captain Airazor said.  “Princess Celestia told us that the Changelings and the Windigo’s Guild have lost both Winteris and the Changeling Hive to Gold Banks.  Even more so, they attempted to capture Mount Aris and Seaquestria, only for Gold Banks to drive them and the hippogriffs out to claim the land as her own.”
“Twilight did tell me about that,” Rainbow Dash said.  “I didn’t believe that because I thought the changelings were playing some sort of trick.  Guess those rang true.”
Suddenly, Spitfire’s stomach began to rumble.  She looked up at the two and grinned embarrassingly.
“Guess I burnt out all of my breakfast,” Spitfire grinned.
“Same here,” Captain Airazor replied.  “Very well.  We’ll ask Night Light if there are any more sandwiches available.  And if not, the mess hall might have something for all of us.”
Rainbow Dash leaped into the air and shouted “ALRIGHT” before she followed Spitfire and Captain Airazor to the others, eager to sink their teeth into some food.

But nearby, Queen Chrysalis looked down at Twilight Sparkle from atop a tree, with worry in her eyes.  Next to her was Coldnelius Snap.
“Long ago, I once held a grudge against Twilight Sparkle,” Queen Chrysalis said.
“And now you desire to protect her like I desire to protect my daughter,” Coldnelius Snap replied.  “Amazing how a greater enemy can turn bitter foes into reluctant allies.”
“It’s not just that,” Queen Chrysalis explained.  “I have a deep respect for Twilight Sparkle.  She was the first filly to beat me in combat, period.  In fact, I do believe that she has the potential to be an alicorn, or one of us.”
“Still desire to turn her into a changeling?” Coldnelius Snap asked.
“Yeah,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Especially if the plan to defeat Gold Banks backfires and my daughter needs a sister to call her own.”
“I’m also surprised that you told Twilight Sparkle that her brother was alive,” Coldnelius Snap said.
“Right now, I’m disgusted with the idea of being cruel and mean,” Queen Chrysalis said.  “Even if she was the one I desired revenge on, I was not willing to egg on her misfortune in these dark times.”
“There is still a part of me that desires revenge against Equestria for what happened to my people and my wife Queen Icelina,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “But for now, the enemy of my enemy is my friend.”
Queen Chrysalis turned to Coldnelius Snap and said “What does that even mean?”
“It means two parties should work together against a common enemy,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “Right now, I am willing to put aside my hatred of Princess Celestia just to take down Gold Banks.  But even then, our alliance may not be enough as long as she has that amulet.”
“Do you believe that this Golden Magic of Light is powerful enough to take down Gold Banks?” Queen Chrysalis asked.  “After all, it’s the first time I’ve heard of it.”
“The Golden Magic of Light is a powerful magic that dwells within their sacred land under Canterlot,” Coldnelius Snap explained.  “Its purifying spell can drive back the most potent of all darkness.  And yet, Celestia originally refrained from using it out of fear that it could affect friend and foe alike.”
“Even if she can control this Golden Magic of Light,” Queen Chrysalis said, “It’s going to take a miracle to best Gold Banks.  As of now, she is the most powerful being in Equestria.”
“Even I do call its power in question if the wielder cannot put it to good use,” Coldnelius Snap said.  “But in time, she may find a way to do so.”
With that, Coldnelius Snap and Queen Chrysalis looked down at Twilight Sparkle, keeping a close eye on the little filly and the family and friends that surrounded her.

But outside the forest, Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat stood behind some bushes.  Officer Blue Heat held his binoculars close while Warden Steel Bolt tapped his screen.
“So this is where Twilight Sparkle and some of the other escapees are hiding,” Officer Blue Heat said.
“Miss Honey Twist told us where some of the escapees were hiding,” Warden Steel Bolt explained.  “Unfortunately, this is where Coldnelius Snap and Queen Chrysalis are hiding as well.  Guess we’ll be biting off more than we can chew.”
“I take it you’re going to report to Miss Honey Twist about our progress,” Officer Blue Heat asked.
“I am,” Warden Steel Bolt said.  “She deserves to know everything and what to do until then.”


	To Be Continued in…


	La Resistance of Manehattan

> Final Arc-4: La Resistance of Manehattan
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


La Resistance of Manehattan



Deep within the halls of Daisy Joy Tech, the guards marched around, observing everything that goes on.  Cameras were set up within the corners of the room, looking down at everything within the vicinity.
Within the Headmare’s office, Miss Honey Twist sat down in her chair, sipping her tea.  On the table was a plate meant for her teacup, while another plate had a stack of honey cookies.  In the instant, an alarm went off, alerting Miss Honey Twist as she sat her cup on top of the empty plate.
“That didn’t take long,” Miss Honey Twist said.
Immediately, Miss Honey Twist turned her chair towards the monitor before pressing a few buttons on the keyboard.  Immediately, Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat appeared on the big screen.
“Warden Steel Bolt,” Miss Honey Twist said.  “Report,” 
“You were right,” Warden Steel Bolt said.  “Not only is Twilight Sparkle within that forest, but so are the other escapees.”
“What did I tell you?” Miss Honey Twist said.  “Juvenile delinquents are so easy to locate.  They could hide away in Tartarus or at the end of the world.  But they can never escape a real disciplinary action.”
“Well that being said, we ran into a problem,” Warden Steel Bolt said.
“A…problem?” Miss Honey Twist said, slightly annoyed.
Warden Steel Bolt nodded to Officer Blue Heat, who turned his attention to Miss Honey Twist.
“Queen Chrysalis and Coldnelius Snap are also in the vicinity as well,” Officer Blue Heat explained.   “Our assumption is that they have made a temporary home up there.”
Miss Honey Twist leaned forward and tapped her hooves together.
“Well this is a surprise,” Miss Honey Twist laughed.  “The Queen of the Changelings and the Leader of the Windigo’s Guild.  I wonder what brought them up there?”
“Do you want us to take them out?” Warden Steel Bolt asked.
“Negative,” Miss Honey Twist said.  “With your skills, they would wipe you out without breaking a sweat.  I will send you some new, experimental supersonic blasters, along with a number of Master Trench Gruff’s troops to back you up.”
“More stallion power is what we can have,” Officer Blue Heat said.  “Though I dunno about Master Trench Gruff.  That guy is crazy.”
“Crazy, yes,” Miss Honey Twist said.  “But he will be assigned to another task in La Maresa, tomorrow.  So you won’t have the privilege to have him on your side.”
“Well that’s a shame,” Warden Steel Bolt said.  “Then again, our mission is about bringing those brats back to Daisy Joy Tech.”
“Speaking of which,” Miss Honey Twist said, “I was informed by Gold Banks that a new shipment of colts and fillies from Cape Coltnaveral are arriving here as early as tomorrow.  So as soon as you bring those delinquents back here, you will have the pride in showing them who’s in charge.”
“That is our greatest reward,” Warden Steel Bolt said.  “We look forward to that big moment.  Steel Bolt and Blue Heat, out.”
As soon as Steel Bolt and Blue Heat disappeared from the monitor, Miss Honey Twist tapped the keyboard a few times.
“I think it’s time I informed Gold Banks about the presence of Queen Chrysalis and Coldnelius Snap,” Miss Honey Twist said.
After a few presses, the monitor lights up again as Gold Banks appeared on the screen.
“What is it?” Gold Banks said.  “I just got back from Tartarus after my meeting with our captives.”
“I was just informed that Queen Chrysalis and Coldnelius Snap were located in Vanhoover,” Miss Honey Twist explained.  “Kind of an unusual place for them to be.”
“I think I know why this is,” Gold Banks explained.  “Queen Chrysalis had a grudge against Twilight Sparkle, and she came here to seek her out.  But I suspect that her grudge against me will override her grudge against that former student of Twilight Sparkle.”
“I’m going to send some of my troops to Vanhoover to aid Warden Steel Bolt and Officer Blue Heat,” Miss Honey Twist said.  “They will test drive our new experimental supersonic blasters to drive them mad.”
“An interesting proposal,” Gold Banks said.  “But I would like to see it in person when I get the chance.  Inform me when they have arrived, and I will see to the operation.”
“It shall be done,” Miss Honey Twist said.
“Very good,” Gold Banks laughed.  “I will see to it that the changelings and cultists are driven to extinction, and every colt and filly up in Vanhoover are forced back to your boarding school.  Gold banks out.”
As Gold Banks disappeared from the monitor, Miss Honey Twist turned her chair back to her food and picked up her teacup before taking another sip.
“It won’t be long until Magistrate Creme Dream’s plan comes to fruition,” Miss Honey Twist said. “A shame that it will cost me my school.  But that’s the price of victory, I suppose.”

But deeper within the halls of Daisy Joy Tech, a number of colts and fillies were being led down the hall by some of the guards stationed there.  The students were chained together to prevent them from breaking from their line, while scores of the troops wielded handheld supersonic blasters for any who would dare to escape.  The expressions of the younglings paint a bleak and hopeless future for all of them.
Suddenly, one of the fillies tripped and fell to the ground.  She slowly tried to get up, only for a guard to grab her by the back and yank her up.
“Quit diddle daddling,” The guard scolded.  “Now keep marching back to your cell this instant you filthy brat.”
The filly struggled to keep her tears in as she made her way down the hallway, leaving the guard standing there with a smirk on his face.
“I love this job,” The guard said.
Outside of the building, lights shined down on the ground, detecting any who would try to escape, or break in.  Guards patrolled the area briskly, keeping an eye out for any who would wander in their path.  Standing tall was the metallic statue of Daisy Joy the Elephant.  The limbs looked as if they could move on its down, while the eyes glowed bright as rubies in the light.
Outside of the school within the trees, Prince Blueblood observed the outside perimeter on top of a thick tree branch.  More shock troops patrolled the exterior in search of anyone who would escape the halls or who would try to break in.
“Never thought they would triple down on security,” Prince Blueblood said.  “But that’s the price we pay for our recent success there.”
With that, Prince Blueblood turned around before leaping off the branch and running through the park within Manehattan.
Nearby, Prince Blueblood eyed the entrance to the subway before making his way down the staircase, keeping an eye out for anyone who would follow him.  At the bottom of the stairs was the subway platform.  But there was not a single soul within the station.  Instead, only a single tram sat on the tracks without power.
“So many have left Manehattan since Gold Banks took over Canterlot,” Prince Blueblood said.  “What a desolate place.”
Prince Blueblood walked up to the end of the platform before jumping down to the tracks of the subway.  He looked down to his left before running down the path, keeping an eye out for anything behind and in front.  Unbeknownst to him, the tram behind him began to light up.
As Prince Blueblood ran down the subway tunnel, his face became a bit agitated as sweat poured from the side of his head.
“This is why they’re gaining the upper hoof,” Prince Blueblood said to himself.  “Miss Honey Twist sees that school as too important to let go.  I’m not willing to risk a single member of the resistance group to pull off any suicide missions.”
But Prince Blueblood suddenly came to a stop the moment he noticed the tunnel began to brighten up.  He looked behind him and saw a light come for him.
“Oh for crying out loud,” Prince Blueblood said.  “Not this again.”
Immediately, Prince Blueblood jumped to the side as the tram sped past him.  Prince Blueblood looked within the windows, where not a single soul was within the cars.
“That’s the seventh time that this happened,” Prince Blueblood said.  “Next time, I’ll take the trolley down to this place.”
Prince Blueblood picked himself back up and dusted himself off before walking down the subway tracks.  But immediately, he came to a stop as he looked behind him.
“Something tells me that I’m being watched,” Prince Blueblood said as he pulled out a smoke pellet from behind his bowtie.  
Prince Blueblood held the smoke pellet in the air before throwing it on the ground.  On impact, the pellet filled the room with smoke, covering Blueblood completely.  Once the smoke cleared up, Prince Blueblood was gone.
But as soon as the smoke cleared up, a number of Debt Collectors emerged from the remnants of the heavy mist, confused by Blueblood’s disappearance.
“Blast that Blueblood,” one of the grunts said.  “He’s always one step ahead of us.”
“We better report back to Miss Honey Twist,” another one said.  “No doubt she’ll be angry over this revelation.”

Meanwhile, on an abandoned subway platform, a number of colts and fillies were spread out across the place.  Some were treating injuries.  Some were serving food to the others.  Some were typing on their computers, looking up research or scouting the perimeter.  Prince Hoofar stood on a makeshift headquarters above, looking down at the rest of the place.  Nearby, Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo were already at their station, looking at the cameras.
“Prince Hoofar,” Marcie Pan said.  “Prince Blueblood is almost here.”
“Bring him in,” Prince Hoofar said. 
A giant gate that blocked off the subway tunnel swung wide open as Prince Blueblood made his way in.  He jumped into the air and landed on the platform before the door behind him shut tight.  Every colt and filly gathered around Prince Blueblood as he walked towards the makeshift headquarters.  Prince Hoofar took notice and ran down the stairs before approaching Prince Blueblood.
“Any news about Daisy Joy Tech?” Prince Hoofar asked.
“It’s worse than we thought,” Prince Blueblood explained.  “Miss Honey Twist went out of her way to tighten up security.  Even going near that place is hazardous.”
Prince Hoofar slammed his hoof on the ground as Prince Blueblood made his way up the stairs to the headquarters.  Hoofar followed his Manehattan counterpart from behind, still agitated.
“Blast that Honey Twist,” Prince Hoofar said.  “She’s becoming far more cautious in keeping Daisy Joy Tech alive.”
“More like Gold Banks wants to keep it alive,” Prince Blueblood said.  “She sees that school as her pride and joy, and she will stop at nothing to ensure that her legacy survives.”
“No doubt that’s the reason why my father wanted me to come from Saddle Arabia to Manehattan,” Prince Hoofar said.  “But still, this has never been this difficult, even with the aid of my own soldiers.”
Suddenly, Fawn Doo announced “Scout Group A and B are coming in.  No hostiles near the gate.”
“Open it,” Prince Blueblood commanded.
Fawn Doo pressed a few buttons on the console.  Immediately, the gate swung wide open as Lightning Dust, Rolling Thunder and Short Fuse flew right in.  Right behind them were Hoops, Dumbbell, SCore, Flim and Flam.  Once everyone was inside, the gate closed behind them.  Hoops and Lightning Dust ran from their group all the way up to the command platform, where Prince Blueblood and Prince Hoofar awaited.
“Report,” Prince Blueblood commanded.
“There’s been an increase in patrols throughout Manehattan,” Hoops said.  “I don’t know where Miss Honey Twist is getting the money for this madness, but that explains why there are so many of these troops around the entire city.”
“I’ll have to agree,” Lightning Dust said.  “I saw a number of families attempt to escape Manehattan, only for them to be accosted by these despicable fiends.  I couldn’t save a single colt or filly from them without compromising my crew.”
Prince Blueblood walked away from the two as he buried his face on the table.
“What have we been fighting for?” Prince Blueblood said.  “First my aunts disappeared, and now Miss Honey Twist has increased the number of shock troops on the streets.  It’s getting harder and harder to maintain this rebellion.”
“Prince,” Prince Hoofar said.  “Now is not the time to give up hope.  I could contact my father to send the entire army to Manehattan.”
“Don’t bother,” Prince Blueblood said.  “Your entire army would be no match for this private military group.  Their weapons would incapacitate them at a faster rate.”
“But is that the excuse for you to end the operation?” Prince Hoofar said.  “Even if you did so, they would continue to hunt us down before they take us all captive and lock us up in Daisy Joy Tech.  And I mean every colt and filly across this world.”
“I made a promise to my aunt Celestia to bring down Daisy Joy Tech,” Prince Blueblood said as he pounded the meeting table.  “In return, she authorized all of this tech to fortify our base.  But now that Gold Banks was able to drive her and Princess Luna into hiding, I don’t know what I can do.  Day by day, our operations began to take a hit since Gold Banks took over Canterlot.  It’s starting to feel hopeless.”
Suddenly, a light blinked on Marcie Pan’s console.  She typed in a few keys before turning her attention to Prince Blueblood.
“Your majesty,” Marcie Pan said.  “I’m getting a communication signal from an unknown location.”
“Miss Honey Twist must have figured out where we are,” Prince Blueblood said.  “Put it on screen.”
As Marcie Pan punched in a few buttons on her console, the screen behind her lit up, and on it was none other than Princess Celestia.
“Manehattan Base,” Princess Celestia said.  “Come in, Manehattan Base.”
Those words were enough to cause Prince Blueblood to raise his head to the monitor.  His face beamed with a ray of hope as he saw the visage of his royal aunt once more.
“Princess Celestia,” Prince Blueblood said.  “You’re….you’re alive.”
“Prince Blueblood,” Princess Celestia said.  “My apologies for not contacting your team for an entire week.  I don’t know what I was thinking of locking myself away from the world.”
“Where are you right now?” Prince Blueblood asked.
“I’m in the Golden Land right now,” Princess Celestia said.  “Right now, we were able to seal ourselves away from Gold Banks after she chased us here.  But we won’t be stuck for long, as we have secured the portal crystals leading to La Maresa and Vanhoover.”
“It’s good to see you again,” Prince Blueblood said as tears flowed from his eyes.
“Feelings’ mutual, nephew,” Princess Celestia said.  “But I’m afraid they caught Princess Luna.”
Prince Blueblood’s face fell into a depressed look.  He shifted his eyes up and said “I’m sorry to hear that.”
“You don’t need to be,” Princess Celestia said.  “Princess Luna gave her freedom up so that we could escape.  And I’m not one who’s going to let her sacrifice go in vain after I nearly did so.  I owe her a lot.  So I think it’s time I discussed my plan with you.”
Prince Blueblood looked up at Princess Celestia with determination in his eyes and said “So what’s the plan, Aunt Celestia?”
“Normally, I would send someone to assist with your operation,” Princess Celestia said.  “But this is personal to me.  So I will join you in the operation to bring down Daisy Joy Tech, and free every colt and filly from that horrible place.”
Prince Blueblood’s face beamed even bright.  He looked up at Celestia and said “That is the best news I have ever heard in a week.  You don’t know how much this means to us all.”
Prince Hoofar walked next to Prince Blueblood and said “It would be an honor for you to join us, Princess Celestia.”
“I can say the same for you, Prince Hoofar,” Princess Celestia said.  “Let everyone know that I will join you all in bringing down Daisy Joy Tech.”
Prince Blueblood turned to Hoops and Lightning Dust before he said “You heard her.  Let everyone know that Princess Celestia will join us in bringing down Daisy Joy Tech.”
Hoops and Lightning Dust saluted both princes before they ran down the stairs to where the other members of the resistance held out.  
“Hey guys, guess what,” Hoops yelled.  “The Big Mama is going to join us in our resistance against Miss Honey Twist and her stupid school.”
“We’re going to bring them down like a wrecking ball with Princess Celestia on our side,” Lightning Dust announced.
Immediately, the crowd bursted into cheers over the words of Hoops and Lightning Dust.  Dumbbell and Score ran up to Hoops and high fived their big brother.
“That’s the best thing we’ve heard all day,” Score said.  
“With Princess Celestia on our side,” Dumbbell said, “We’ll bring that school down and free every pony in there.”
“Then this is to the end of Daisy Joy Tech,” Hoops yelled.  “May that school be a shell of its former self.”
With that, Hoops, Dumbbell and Score cheered loudly as Flim, Flam, Rolling Thunder, Short Fuse and Lighting Dust joined them and everyone in the cheers, as they chanted “Down with Daisy Joy.  Down with Daisy Joy.  Down with Daisy Joy.”

Later that evening, Prince Blueblood was in his office with Prince Hoofar, looking over his notes.
“So tomorrow’s the big operation,” Prince Hoofar said. 
“It is,” Prince Blueblood said.  “I’m nervous about tomorrow.  But if it means we bring down Daisy Joy Tech, then so be it.”
“There’s also the matter that a number of rogues will join Princess Celestia with tomorrow’s operation,” Prince Hoofar said.
“I am aware of that,” Prince Blueblood said.  “Word has it that Princess Celestia had to form a truce with Coldnelius Snap and Queen Chrysalis.  I don’t like it.  But we have no other choice in this matter.”
“That I agree on,” Prince Hoofar said.  “Besides, I learned that Gold Banks was the one who drove the changelings and the cultists out of their homeland.”
“And my cousin Wanda was caught in the middle of a crisis on Mount Aris before Gold Banks drove the hippogriffs off,” Prince Blueblood said.  “Who knew that this problem was far worse than we imagined?”
Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.  Prince Blueblood immediately shifted his head towards the doorway.
“Enter,” Prince Blueblood said.
Immediately, Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo entered Blueblood’s office, and walked up towards the two princes.
“Prince Blueblood, Prince Hoofar,” Marcie Pan said.  “We’d like to talk to you both about tomorrow’s operation.”
“Very well,” Prince Blueblood said.  “Have you changed your mind on joining us?”
“We have,” Fawn Doo said.  “Originally, we were excited about helping rescue ponies from Daisy Joy Tech to make amends for how cruel we were.  But over time, we felt overwhelmed by Miss Honey Twist’s forces.”
“That was the reason why you both requested to helm the operator’s desk,” Prince Hoofar said.
“It was,” Marcie Pan said. “But after Princess Celestia said she would join us in liberating the colts and fillies from Miss Honey Twist, we would like to help you out on the field.”
Prince Blueblood let out a hearty laugh as he said “I was hoping you guys would change your mind.  Very well.  We’ll find someone else to handle your former duties.”
“I’ll do that,” Prince Hoofar said, raising his hoof.
“Prince Hoofar, are you really sure about that?” Prince Blueblood asked.
“Even with Princess Celestia on your side, you’re going to need someone to guide you through the school,” Prince Hoofar explained.  “So as commander, I chose to volunteer to be the new navigator of the team.”
Prince Blueblood looked up at Prince Hoofar with a smile on his face and said “Thanks.  It’s going to take all of us to deal with Miss Honey Twist, and shut down Daisy Joy Tech for good.”
As Prince Blueblood got up from his desk and made his way around, Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo approached him and said “There’s another thing: the rest of the resistance awaits your rally.”
“Oh right,” Prince Blueblood laughed.  “I was so caught up in the preparations for tomorrow, that I forgot all about that.”
With that, Prince Blueblood walked towards the doorway with Marcie Pan, Fawn Doo and Prince Hoofar following him from behind.

Outside, within the abandoned subway platform, Prince Blueblood approached the resistance members that waited patiently.  Once he placed his hands on the guard rails, the crowd cheered for the rebel prince for a mere moment before they settled down.  Prince Blueblood looked down at the ponies that surrounded him and cleared his throat.
“Members of the Manehattan Resistance,” Prince Blueblood announced.  “Tomorrow is a big day.  Princess Celestia and a number of rogues that will join her will be aiding our attack on Daisy Joy Tech.  We intend on breaking into that place and shutting the operation down, once and for all.  But it won’t be an easy feat.  Even with our precious Princess back on our side, Miss Honey Twist will put up a staggering resistance against our forces.  But deep inside, each and every one of you wants to see that school shut down for good, and for our lives to return to the way it was.”
The crowd cheered in the air as Prince Blueblood bowed to the ponies of the resistance.  Their screams echoed loudly to fill the room.
“When it comes to Prince Blueblood, he knows how to make a speech,” Prince Hoofar said.
But when the crowd’s cheering died down, Prince Blueblood looked down at the ponies.
“Tomorrow will be our finest hour,” Prince Blueblood said.  “No matter what obstacles will be in our way, we will knock them out of the way, and we will free every colt and filly from that horrible place.  After what happened to my cousins and to their friends, I highly justify our final battle with the monsters in charge of Daisy Joy Tech.  Make no mistake.  When the morning comes, so will the taste of freedom FOR OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS!”
And with that, the crowd’s cheering echoed even louder than before.  But as the crowd cheered, Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo watched from behind Prince Blueblood.  Though they looked hopeful, both ponies also looked worried.
“So this is it,” Marcie Pan said.  “Our final fight against Miss Honey Twist and Daisy Joy Tech.”
“We know that Princess Celestia is the most powerful alicorn in all of Equestria,” Fawn Doo said.  “But even so, I am worried about tomorrow.  What if they have a surprise waiting for us?”
“Even if they do,” Marcie Pan explained, “We’ll fight back.  After all, we still have to atone for how cruel we were during our time there, long before Miss Honey Twist betrayed us.”
“You’re right,” Fawn Doo said.  “Something I should have taken into account since it was her who double-crossed us when we were only loyal to her.”
As the crowd cheered loudly, Marcie Pan and Fawn Doo held each other closely with a warm hug.


	To Be Continued in…


	Final Part


	One Final Golden Moment

> Final Part: One Final Golden Moment
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------


Final Part


One Final Golden Moment



Deep within the Golden Land, within the golden palace, Chancellor Cinch, Queen Novo and King Sombra sat together in the dining hall.  Princess Cadance and Shining Armor walked in with Spike riding atop Shining’s back, cheering loudly.
“I take it your meeting with Twilight Sparkle went well,” King Sombra asked.
“It did,” Princess Cadance replied.  “And I’m glad to see her again after a week.  She was also glad to see us.”
“It felt so satisfying to at least see Twili again,” Shining Armor said as Spike jumped off his back.  “But that being said, I want to at least hold her close again.  After all, she is my sister.”
“And you deserve to see her in person again,” Queen Novo said as Princess Cadance and Shining Armor sat next to her.  “No one should ever experience the loss of losing a loved one.”
“We’re just glad you didn’t lose Princess Skystar,” Princess Cadance said.
“Regardless of her antics, she is still the pearl of my ocean,” Queen Novo said.  “If I had lost her, I don’t know what would have happened to me.”
“I knew what that felt like when I was disconnected from Twili,” Shining Armor said.  “I’d thought I lost her and my folks for good.”
“When Princess Celestia was separated from her sister, she almost lost her will to live and barricaded herself in her private chambers,” Chancellor Cinch said.  “Though she was able to snap out of it, I do worry for her well-being.”
“Well speaking of which,” Shining Armor said as he glanced his eyes towards the dining hall entrance.  “Look who decided to show up.”
Everyone turned their attention towards the front of the dining hall, where Princess Celestia walked in.  Next to her were Igneous Rock and Cloudy Quartz Pie.
“Princess Celestia,” King Sombra said as he got up and took a bow.  “We were expecting you.”
Princess Celestia just laughed as she said “Oh no need for pleasantries, King Sombra.  After all, this meeting is about all of us.”
“You’re right,” King Sombra laughed before he sat back down.  “Where are my manners?”
As Princess Celestia approached the far end of the table, Igneous Rock and Cloudy Quartz sat across from Princess Cadance and Shining Armor before turning their attention to the prime alicorn.  
“I take it you two have a situation of your own in La Maresa,” Shining Armor asked.
“We do,” Igneous Rock explained.  “The rock farm is being occupied by our son Octavio Pie, who chose to look after the land until we return from our intended good-bye to Pinkie Pie.”
“And now that Gold Banks drove you to this place, he’s basically on his own,” Princess Cadance said.
“Truth be told, he takes things way too seriously,” Cloudy Quartz explained.  “Much more than our daughters.”
Igneous Rock turned to Princess Celestia and said “That’s why we’re going to go with Princess Wanda and Princess Sunset to La Maresa, first thing tomorrow.”
“Are you really sure about that?” Princess Celestia asked.  “You will be putting yourselves in harm’s way when you leave the safety of the Golden Land.”
“I believe they have a point,” Queen Novo said.  “They are separated from their only son, and they just want to see him up close and in person again.   No parent should ever be forced to be separated from his or her child.”
Princess Celestia paused for a moment before she said “Like I almost lost Wanda many times.”
Suddenly, the sound of wheels moving filled the room.  Everyone turned to the front to see Mr and Mrs Cake, along with Pinkie Pie, roll in three carts with donuts piled on top.  Pinkie pushed a cart that had some donut-shaped rocks next to the others.
“That must be the food,” Igneous Rock Pie said.  “And it seems Pinkie Pie has outdone herself with her new rock donuts.”
“I’ll have to be honest, I’m getting a bit tired of pastries,” King Sombra said.
“I know,” Shining Armor said.  “But we don’t have much else when it comes to those who can cook.  Besides, our food supply is starting to dwindle a bit in terms of vegetables.”
Immediately, Mr and Mrs Cake placed each donut on the plates of the guests, while Pinkie Pie placed the rock donuts on Igneous Rock and Cloudy Quartz’s plates.
“There you go, mom and dad,” Pinkie said.  “Just how you wanted.”
“That’s my daughter,” Igneous Rock said as he picked up the rock donut.  “You sure know how to recognize good tastes.”
Igneous Rock Pie bit into the rock donut and chewed for a moment before swallowing.  Some of the other guests just looked at him both confused and worried.
“What?” Igneous Rock said.  “Have you never seen a pony eat a rock donut?”
“Unfortunately, yes,” Princess Cadance said.  
But all Princess Celestia could do was laugh out loud.
“Oh Cadance,” Princess Celestia chuckled.  “You really need to lighten up.  After all, I’ve tasted rock before.”
“Well lucky you, because I have one prepared, nice and crispy,” Pinkie PIe said as she placed a rock donut on Celestia’s plate.
Princess Celestia immediately picked up the rock donut and took a bite, chewing every bit.  She swallowed the bite in one gulp before she wiped her mouth with a napkin.
“Uggh, mother,” Princess Cadance groaned.  “Why didn’t you tell me you ate rocks?”
As Princess Cadance buried her head under her arms, Mr and Mrs Cake placed a couple of donuts on her plate before walking over to Shining Armor.
“On second thought,” Shining Armor said as he picked up one of his donuts, “I think this does hit the spot.”
As Shining Armor was about to take a bite, he looked down and saw Spike stare up at him.
“Okay you little squirt,” Shining Armor laughed as he held the donut to Spike.  “You can have it.”
Spike grabbed the donut from Shining Armor and bit right into the pastry.  He chewed with delight before swallowing, cheering loudly before he licked his lips.
“I wish Twili was here to experience this moment,” Shining Armor said.
As Shining Armor enjoyed his donuts, Mr and Mrs Cake walked up next to King Sombra and Chancellor Cinch before placing donuts on their plates.
“So, I assume the teams are set for tomorrow’s operation,” Chancellor Cinch asked.
“They are,” Princess Celestia said.  “Wanda and Sunset will lead team one into La Maresa.  This will consist of Golden Lace, Abigail Albright, Starlight Glimmer and both Igneous Rock and Cloudy Quartz.”
“We’ll be ready for that big day, your majesty,” Igneous Rock said.
“Team two will consist of Princess Cadance, Shining Armor, Spike the Dragon, Misty Brightdawn, and Princess Chrysalis II,” Princess Celestia explained.  “They will head towards Vanhoover.  Team three will consist of myself, Eleanor Young, Cozy Glow and the Predacons.  We will fly from Vanhoover to Manehattan and establish a new ground bridge arc there.”
“This is a difficult task for my sister,” King Sombra said.  “I’ll go with her to be sure that we make it through.”
“Good idea,” Princess Celestia said.  
“And I’ll assist Chancellor Cinch in watching over the Golden Land refugees,” Queen Novo explained to Princess Celestia.  “After what you’ve done to help my people, it’s the least I could do.”
“Thank you very much, Queen Novo,” Princess Celestia said.
“As much as I appreciate the help we have, I wonder if we truly can trust the changelings and the cultists,” Chancellor Cinch asked.
“It’s something to think about,” King Sombra said.  “In fact, I think something’s not quite right with having to team up with two of the biggest foes in Equestria.”
“I would have said the same thing long ago,” Queen Novo said as Mrs Cake placed a couple of donuts on her plate.  “But the difference between then and now was that my people had to team up with them against a common enemy.  And we still lost.”
“That, I can agree on,” Princess Celestia said as Mrs Cake poured tea into her teacup.
Princess Celestia picked up her teacup and took a sip from the contents.  Immediately, Mr Cake ran up to Princess Celestia, holding another pot of tea.
“Don’t you worry, Princess,” Mrs Cake said.  “Me and my husband will keep your tea well-stocked.”
Nearby, Cloudy Quartz looked like she was about to burst into laughter.
“Now now,” Igneous Rock said.  “It’s not nice to laugh at someone’s misfortune.”
Mr Cake poured some tea into Princess Celestia’s teacup before the princess took another sip.  Once the princess set her cup down, Mrs Cake poured some more tea into the cup.
“There’s a lesson that says you shouldn’t over appease certain people,” Igneous Rock said.  “Pinkie’s own teachers are about to learn why you shouldn’t.”
As Mr Cake poured more tea into Princess Celestia’s cup, the alicorn princess looked a little agitated from their over pouring of tea.  She reached down and pretended to sip the tea before Mrs Cake poured more tea into the cup, causing it to overflow and spill over.
“Oh you sillies,” Celestia laughed.  “You don’t need to take things too seriously.”
With that, Mr and Mrs Cake both bursted into laughter as Pinkie PIe approached her parents.
“You both gonna be alright?” Pinkie asked.  “I could always go with you on this mission.”
“I’m not so sure about that, hon,” Cloudy Quartz said.  “I want you to keep your sisters safe here, but I also want you to see your brother again.  In fact, I think you should accompany Mr and Mrs Cake to the kitchen just so they can bake something good for your friends.  I’ll think of something.”
Pinkie Pie nodded to her mother as she pushed her cart out of the dining room.  Mrs Cake cleaned up the puddle of tea on the table before she and Mr Cake pushed their carts out, following Pinkie Pie from behind.

Outside of the dining hall, Pinkie Pie pushed her cart outside with Mr and Mrs Cake following from behind.
“Pinkie, darling,” Mrs Cake said.  “You should go play with your friends right now.”
“Are you really sure, Mrs Cake?” Pinkie asked.
“Don’t you worry,” Mr Cake said as he placed his hoof on Pinkie Pie’s cart.  “We’ve got this taken care of.”
Pinkie Pie nodded to Mr and Mrs Cake before she ran down the halls of the Golden Palace, leaving Mr Cake to push two carts while Mrs Cake pushed one of them.
“It doesn’t seem right for Pinkie Pie to miss out on reuniting with her friends in La Maresa while Princess Wanda and Princess Sunset embark on that mission,” Mrs Cake said.
“You know, we may consider speaking with her folks about this,” Mr Cake replied, pushing the carts.  “She deserves to see her brother again after so long.”
“And there are so many ponies who deserve to taste our pastries once more,” Mrs Cake said.  “Especially my famous lemon muffin surprise.”
“Ditzy enjoys that,” Mr Cake said.  “Maybe we should whip up a batch tomorrow in case they do arrive.  They deserve every taste of La Maresa in the Golden Land.”
“They do, my dear,” Mrs Cake said.  “They do.”

Later that day, as the sun sat towards the west, Pinkie Pie ran out of the castle and through the grass of the Golden Land.  Nearby, Eleanor Young was looking over the newly crafted portal arcs with Crystal Snow polishing up the portal crystals.  At the bottom of the hill, Wanda Young, Sunset Shimmer, Abigail Albright, Starlight Glimmer, Golden Lace, Misty Brightdawn and Cozy Glow laid in the grass, looking up at the evening sky.  
“Hey guys,” Pinkie Pie waved.  “Wait for me.”
“Well we were wondering when you would show up,” Sunset Shimmer said as she waved towards Pinkie with one of her wings.
“It was Mr and Mrs Cake’s idea,” Pinkie Pie cheered.  
Pinkie Pie jumped into the air and flew above her friends.  Misty and Cozy Glow looked up and screamed loudly before they rolled out of the way.  Pinkie Pie landed next to them with a loud thud before turning her attention towards the sky.
“So Wanda,” Pinkie Pie said.  “Are you worried about your mission tomorrow?”
“I am,” Wanda sighed, looking down at her amulet.  “There is a part of me that doesn’t know if I can succeed in my duty, let alone make it back.  I fear I may not see my mommies again, and end up like Aunt Woona.”
“I know how you feel, sis,” Sunset Shimmer said.  “I’m still thinking about how my cursed form was bested by Gold Banks.  In fact, I don’t know if my Alicorn form will be enough.”
“Well that’s no reason to worry about that,” Pinkie Pie giggled.  “After all, you’ve both faced the harshest of odds, from the attack on the Ponyville Fair, to the invasion during the Grand Gallopin Gala, the time Karen the Bulldog nearly made you miss your own birthday, your own trip back in time, and our experience at Daisy Joy Tech.”
“And it hasn't been a year since we’ve attended the School for Gifted Unicorns,” Starlight Glimmer said. 
"You're right, Pinkie," Wanda said.  "We have gone through a whole lot since I was enrolled in alicorn mommy's school.  But I do hope we can make it out of this mess."
Pinkie turned directly to Wanda's face and said "The one thing I can say to you is don't overstress it.  We're in this together.  No pony can take us away from each other.  That, I can guarantee."
But before Wanda could speak, Karen the Alicorn bulldog ran up to the group before leaping onto Wanda.  The canine proceeded to lick Wanda on the face, causing her to laugh uncontrollably. 
“Hey cut that out,” Wanda giggled.  “That tickles.”
Sunset just laughed before she said “It’s funny.  Not long ago, Karen used to chase us and try to eat us.”
“Until we were able to tame it,” Wanda giggled as she struggled to keep the bulldog from licking her face.  
“But then you guys discovered that her owner, Wild Bet, used her for illegal dog fights,” Cozy Glow said.  “That explained why you guys were chased by that dog.”
But as Wanda was able to push Karen off her, she turned to Cozy Glow and asked “Hey Cozy.  You seem eager for tomorrow’s run.”
“Oh I do,” Cozy Glow said.  “I’ve got a score to settle with Miss Honey Twist for locking me away in a cage within Daisy Joy Tech.  I want nothing more than to tear that place apart.”
“Well,” Wanda said.  “What do you think of having my alicorn mommy and the Predacons aid you?”
“Right now, I don’t care that the Predacons are minions of Queen Chrysalis,” Cozy Glow said.  “All I care about is how satisfying this victory will be when it’s all over.”
“That’s saying a whole lot,” Starlight said.  “But that being said, I don’t know if I am up for tomorrow.”
“What makes you say that?” Misty asked.
“I’m worried about tomorrow,” Starlight said as she turned her back away from her friends.  “I know my parents will worry for my safety.  But I also want to see Sunburst and Trixie again.  I miss them both.”
“Almost reminds me of when I originally had to say good-bye to Wanda for a thousand years,” Misty said as she rolled over and hugged Starlight close.  “Believe me.  I’ve really known what it’s like to be separated from friends and family.”
“If you’re not up for it tomorrow, you don’t need to go with us,” Wanda said.  
“I know,” Starlight replied.  “But I want to see those two again.  And I want to make sure my mom and dad can have their old lives in Sire’s Hollow again.  That’s why I want to go.  For them, and for my uncle Meteor Flare.”
“You have such great ponies looking after you,” Misty said.
“Thanks, Misty,” Starlight said.  “Just like how you have a great brother that looks after you.”
Wanda turned to Golden Lace and said “I’m sorry we have to go up against your mother, Lace.”
“It’s okay,” Golden Lace said.  “It’s not the first time you had to do so.  But I fear we may not win.”
“What do you mean?” Sunset asked.
Golden Lace rubbed her right hoof on the blade of the grass and said “It’s because of that stupid Alicorn Amulet that she wears.   Furthermore, I dunno if the gifts you were given are enough.  Can this Golden Magic of Light be the key to bring down my mother and end her reign of evil?  I guess only time will tell.”
Pinkie Pie laid back on the grass, looking up at the evening sky.
“This is the calm before the storm,” Pinkie Pie said. “A moment to relax before we make our way to save everyone from Gold Banks.  I don’t think anything can ruin this moment.”
Suddenly, the sound of Waspinator screaming loudly echoed through the Golden Land.  Everyone looked up to see Waspinator fly through the air as if he were hit by a flying volleyball.  He landed nearby with a loud crash, shaking the environment.
“Waspinator,” Cozy Glow said.  “What the hay happened?”
Waspinator slowly got up and said “Dazzling bugs play rough with volleyball.  Waspinator treated like second ball.”
With that, Waspinator collapsed on the ground before everyone else turned to their right.  Nearby, Adagio Dazzle, Aria Blaze and Sonata Dusk were on a makeshift volleyball field along with Inferno and Quickstrike on the other side.  Princess Chrysalis II sat next to the volleyball field, horrified at Waspinator’s predicament.
“Young lady,” Quickstrike said.  “What in the name of Queen Papilionoidea did you do?”
Sonata Dusk just stood there blushing before she got up on her two legs and held her arms behind her.
“I, uhhh, spiked the ball,” Sonata Dusk grinned embarrassingly.
“You call that a spike?” Aria Blaze laughed.  “That was more of a ground driver.”
Inferno walked up to Sonata Dusk and said “That was an impressive strike, young lady.  To best my brother with that kind of power.  How would you like to be an honorary predacon?”
But before Sonata Dusk could say anything, Adagio Dazzle placed her hoof on Sonata’s mouth and said “Thanks, but she’ll pass.  She’s not the kind of pony who wants to get into any kind of danger.”
“Fair enough,” Inferno replied.
Nearby, Princess Chrysalis II hung her head in confusion.
“This is the kind of thing I have to put up with until tomorrow’s operation?” Princess Chrysalis II said.  “Mother, please help me.”
Nearby, Wanda Young, Pinkie Pie, Sunset Shimmer, Abigail Albright, Karen the Bulldog, Pinkie Pie, Starlight Glimmer, Golden Lace, Cozy Glow and Misty Brightdawn all broke out in laughter as Eleanor Young and Crystal Snow pull Waspinator up and shake him off.
“Man, with enemies like those, we might as well make them friends,” Pinkie Pie laughed.
“They do remind us of some of our friends,” Sunset Shimmer replied.  
“It’s too bad that despite the fact they were our enemy, they lost their homes to my mom,” Golden Lace said.  “Even they didn’t deserve her cruelty.”
“Hey Wanda,” Sunset asked.  “I heard something happened while I was unconscious for a week.  Care to fill me in?”
“Oooh, that’s gonna be a hard one,” Wanda replied.  “But, I’ll do what I can to fill you in.”
As Wanda began to talk to Sunset, Abigail ran up to Eleanor and Crystal as they dusted off Waspinator.
“How are you doing, Waspinator?” Crystal Snow asked.
“Waspinator in pain, but still functional,” Waspinator said.
“I don’t know what that means, but I’ll say that you’re okay,” Eleanor Young said.
As Waspinator began to take a step forward, another volleyball smacked him right upside the head, knocking him down to the ground.  Eleanor and Crystal looked down at the Predacon changeling, who was now unconscious.
“I think he needs a major fixing up,” Crystal Snow said.
“Stand back,” Eleanor Young said.  “I’ve got this.”
But the only thing Abigail could do was place her paw on her face and meow embarrassingly.

Meanwhile, in a mansion due east of Canterlot and south of Manehattan with a sign that said “House of Raw and Sour Milk,” an elderly unicorn couple were enjoying the sun shining down on their face as one enjoyed a spot of tea while the other was knitting a dress.
“So did you hear about what our daughter is doing?” Raw Milk asked his wife.
“That disgrace of a pony?” Sour Milk replied.  “We haven’t forgiven her for taking over Canterlot and not fulfilling our promise.”
“You mean to dismantle every government across this world,” Raw Milk replied.  “I thought Spoiled Rich was a disappointment.  But Gold Banks managed to top her in that department.”
Raw Milk set his teacup down on a nearby stool before he got up and walked away.
“Do you think that monster Creme Dream twisted her mind into a tyrant?” Sour Milk asked.
“Who cares who’s in charge of Equestria,” Raw Milk explained.  “Creme Dream, Chancellor Cinch, Princess Celestia and Luna.  They’re all the same in my book.  A shame that our disgrace of a daughter chose to go down this same path."
"There are two kinds of fools that exist in Equestria," Sour Milk said.  "One desires power for his or her own gain.  Others would want to worship those who gain power."
"That is why every creature in Equestria has been complacent," Raw Milk said.  "The Changelings, the Crystal Empire, The so-called Winterians, and even Queen Novo and her dumb birds."
Immediately, Sour Milk pulled out two pieces of paper and a feather quill with an ink pot.  She dipped the tip of the quill in the pot before writing on the parchment paper.
"Writing a letter to our daughters, I take it?" Raw Milk asked.
"But of course," Sour Milk replied.  “It’s time they both saw the error of their ways for being assimilated into Equestria society, and to return to being who they are: ponies who were meant to dismantle the government, not to empower it.”
“Take your time, my dear,” Raw Milk said.  “We need both of our daughters to read our letters and to come at the same time.  Only then will we teach them what utter failures they’ve been.”
Sour Milk nodded to her husband as she continued to write the letter, deep within the mansion due south of Manehattan, as the evening sun sat in the west.


	End of Trials of Friendship



	Coming Soon: Operation Daisy Joy