> Around A World: Equus
>  by Dragon Shimmer
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Into Equus
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gargles are coming from the ring and many students are playing in front of the museum without hearing it. The teacher uses a speaker and shouts. "Now students, you all have to line up here, or else you won't have lunch." The students are lining up and shivering. The teacher sighs. "All right, everyone. Welcome to the history museum."

The students are excited and rush into the gate but a shield prevents them from doing that. The teacher giggles and opens the gate. Inside the museum, there are many tools, weapons, and other books, but they are all rusty. The teacher starts introducing the tools and the stages of the world. Also, she shows them many tools in old age.

At a nearby stage, which is very close to the present. Students are excited when they see the heroes statues. Four statues are shaped like them, except the last one. The teacher rolls her eyes and smiles while the guard struggles to keep them away from the statue. The teacher claps her hand. "Attention, everyone. I will show you many things that belong to our heroes."

The teacher shows them a sword, a white staff, a gun, and a wooden staff. Students laugh at the wooden staff. There is a comment in decry from one of them. "Who is using this staff? I believe one of the heroes is fake."

Another one adds. "Yeah. Whoever grabs this weapon. He or she is maybe the weakest hero."

The teacher giggles. "This staff contains a very dangerous spell. Do you want to know its name?" 

A student guesses. "I bet it is a support spell. I mean, we can't use this wooden staff much."

The teacher pats his head and answers. "It is 'Absolute Zero'."

"No way." The student disagrees. "Who can imprint this spell on this staff?"

"This belongs to a hero named Black Mage." The teacher asks the guard to take out the wooden staff, then turns to her student. "If you don't believe me, We will demonstrate what this wooden staff can do."

The students are excited about the show as the teacher sighs in relief. After 30 minutes of preparation, the show begins as the students sit down behind the window. 

As soon as the guards begin plugging the wooden staff into the ground, they hide behind the shield. After a while, the ground around the staff started freezing, then it exploded. The students are amazed when they see the show and clap their hands.

When one of them runs to the heroes' statue, he sees that the 'Black Mage' statue is only a cape with a staff. The teacher picks him up and giggles. "The Black Mage's face is still a mystery to us. No one knows what her face looks like."

The student asks. "But if you don't know her face, how do you know that Black Mage is 'she'?"

"You can hear her voice." The teacher puts the student down and claps her hand. "All right everyone. Time for lunch. We have a lot of things to do."

The students are running to the cafeteria at high speed. The teacher sighs as she can't follow their energy but tries to follow them.





On the mountain near the Maple Jungle. There is a house with two floors. Suddenly, the door crashes and a man with golden hair is flying out of the house. The girl with orange hair is glaring at him. "How many times do I have to tell you, Matt? Do not STEAL stuff around."

Matt tries to retort. "But... this is our book, so..." The door is being adjusted and closed. Matt sighs. "Another day on the streets. That's great."

A black cat with moon eyes flies to him from the roof and sees the situation, then she shakes her head. "Stealing stuff again? Not even me can handle your vice, Mr. Stealing."

"Not fun, Diana." Matt stands up. "Now I will go to the Fantasy Guild and sleep there again."

"The guild has already banned you for being annoyed." Diana pulls out the banned paper with Matt's face on it. "Luckily, Lance and Anna are visiting their parents, so you don't have to see this again."

"Then what about your kid? Do you have anything to do instead of coming here and teasing me?"

Diana takes the book. "Noleg and Amelia are heading out on honeymoon. They are bringing our kids so I'm fine."

"Whatever."

Matt grumbles and stands up. He heads into the jungle with a broadsword on his back. Diana taps her feet. "Since when will you and Natalie be married?" Diana asks, stopping Matt. "You two have been acting like a married couple for 5 years already, after the Arkon incident."

"Gah, who cares about her?" Matt waves his arms in the sky. "She just literally kicked me out of the house too many times."

"Then stop hoarding." Diana throws a book. "Not even Sunset can accept your stealing."

"Don't talk about that lizard right now. I'm tired of this." 

Matt starts running into the jungle and yells into the sky. Diana shakes her head and flies to the living room to watch TV. The TV is showing a movie about heroes. Diana sighs and takes the popcorn. "I hope they won't be shocked when the swordsman hero likes to steal stuff."





Night has covered the house and Diana is sitting on the roof and stargazing. Suddenly, a rope is wrapped around her and Diana is being pulled, but the cat manages to pull the rope up and sees Matt holding the rope. Matt smiles nervously. "Eh... Just some practice."

Diana picks up the phone. "Hello, I am reporting..." but Matt prevents her from contacting the police. The black cat pushes the swordsman away. "I thought you were going to stay in jungle for 3 days."

"I..." Matt is sitting next to the black cat. "I just miss my adventure."

"How so..."

"I don't know. Just..." Matt holds his chest. "I just don't know what this feeling is?"

Diana gives him a smirk. "What is it like when you're kicked out of your house and have to go back because you missed someone?" Diana throws a rusty antenna at Matt, who stares at her in disbelief. "I know you too well."

"That's not what I meant." The swordsman throws his arm in the air. "Since I stopped you and your sister from destroying the world, there are not many foes that I can push all of my strength." Matt sighs. "I just miss that feeling."

"Oh sure, but you will have an adventure right before your eyes?"

"Oh... you mean you will take me to Sunset's world?"

"No. Your brand-new adventure is Natalie. You two will be staying in a house in the future."

"Natalie. Psst." Matt shook his hand. "Natalie is not my adventure. She is more of a burden to me when I can't do anything I want."

"Uh huh. And she is the one who comes to the police station and gets you home." Diana sips coca. "Nice going, Matthew."

"Stop talking like that, okay? You are annoying me."

"Sure." Diana points behind the swordsman. "You have a very capable opponent behind you."

Matt looks behind and sees the orange hair girl trembling. Matt quickly leaps away from her as the orange hair girl summons her staff. Many ice spikes are shot at the swordsman. Matt is running away from him. Natalie rides her staff and chases him. Diana just watches as the swordsman suffers at the hands of the mage.





Diana wakes up and stretches her body. The black cat wants to know what happened to the swordsman last night. She decides to fly to his room to check. Suddenly, a cage locks her in. Diana feels amused about it.

Matt smiles. "Finally, I can escape Natalie."

Diana folds her paws. Matt starts shivering. "You know I can teleport her here, right?" he asks. 

The black cat demands. "What do you want?"

Matt answers. "I want to travel to Sunset's world." 

Diana facepaws and sighs. "Is that it?"

"Don't worry. Natalie agrees with this." Matt smiles. "I just miss adventure so the outside world is a suitable choice. I can get the old feeling when I'm there."

"Oh right, if you insist, I will open the portal to take you there but I have one condition."

"What is it?"

"After you finish your journey, marry Natalie for me." Diana points outside. "She is waiting for you."

Matt is stunned by the condition. Diana opens the cage and steps out of the room. Within 30 minutes, the swordsman had prepared the boardsword for the journey. The black feline stares at him in armor. Matt raises his hand. "I agree."

"Never break this promise, or else you will be a werewolf forever."

"Actually, that's cool to be a werewolf." Matt raises the broadsword. "Anyway, open the portal. I want to wander around that world."

Diana spins her paws and a portal appears. Matt quickly jumps into the portal. Diana follows him as a swordsman to Equus. 

Matt feels dizzy when the portal keeps spinning him around. Diana falls on his head as the swordsman hits the ground with his face.

 

Matt quickly gets up and looks around. Trees, bushes, fruits, and many things that he could see. The swordsman knows that he is in some kind of jungle. Diana lies on his head and relaxes. The swordsman makes a mark and decides to go west. 

After 2 hours, he sees nothing except trees and bushes. Matt decides to take a rest and asks the black cat. "Where am I?"

"Everfree forest." 

"So which way to go to a town or village?"

"You are asking a blind cat."

He glares at her. "Stop playing around. I hate that."

"Now feel the hopelessness." Diana grins. "I am not your map."

"Fine."

The swordsman continues his journey. After 3 hours, he sees the mark that he just made. Matt sighs in frustration but he does not give up and wants to go to the East. Suddenly, a wolf leaps out of the bush. The swordsman analyzes it and finds that it is completely made of wood.

Matt takes out the broadsword and wants to kill it but 5 more wolves are jumping out of the bush. The swordsman slowly takes the sword back and turns around, then he runs away from them. The wolves start chasing him at high speed. "I hate this place."

"I like this scream." Diana just relaxes on Matt's head, despite being chased by the timberwolves. The journey has just begun
> The ruined castle
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Matt sits on a tree branch watching the timberwolves looking for him. Suddenly, the wolves are running away and a manticore is chasing them. Matt jumps down and watches the manticore, then he decides to walk forward to look for a safe place but falls into the hole after that.

Matt rubs his head and sees a very large crystal tree with many neck aches and a crow hanging there. 

The swordsman takes the broadsword as Diana pats his face to stop him. "This is not the thing you can raid."

"What? Look at it. I will get a lot of money if I manage to get these accessories."

Diana shakes her head. "No. Not these accessories. They are of importance to this country."

"Fine. If you insist." 

The swordsman manages to climb out of the hole. He makes marks on the tree and keeps wandering in a random direction. After 2 hours, he found a ruined castle in the forest. The swordsman draws his broadsword and carefully makes his way into the castle. There is nothing except the old banners with an old throne. Matt sits on the throne and takes a rest. "Looks like this place used to have a ruler."

"It is." Diana yawns. "After the fighting with her sister, she moved to Canterlot, the capital of this country."

"Hmm... meh." Matt takes out his lunch box and eats it. "Something like she doesn't want to look back. Hope she can meet her sister."

"She's ruling Equestria with her sister." Diana takes the fish from the boxed lunch and eats it. "After 1000 years."

"1000 years?" Matt's eyes widened. "Is she a long-living creature like you?"

"Quite." 

"I see." Matt eats some food. "I haven't asked for some information about this world yet. Can you share with me a bit?"

Diana starts talking about what she knows and what she thinks about this world. The country, Equestria, has passed through two wars in over 1000 years. One from the thunder dragons and the other from a tyrant ruler named Sombra. Matt is quite interested in this ruler since she can manage to keep a country name for over one millennium. 

After lunch, Matt starts wandering around the castle in a random direction. The swordsman sees the hall of armor. Analyzing the armor, this thing is just for short people to wear. The armor at the end of the hall is bigger compared to those he can see as he walks through the hall. 

"Hmm... weird. Who wears this armor?" 

Diana looks at the armor and guesses. "I guess that is for the Minotaur." Diana starts flying. "I forgot to tell you that this world has many creatures living with each other." Matt starts wearing the armor and it fits him. Dians scolds. "What are you doing? Being a tomb raider?"

"Maybe. This is not counted as stealing, right?"

Diana rolls her eyes and sits on his shoulders. This pleased the swordsman, who continued to explore the castle.





Applejack and Rainbow Dash are walking toward the ruined castle. "Here we are, this is the place we will show who is the braver pony?"

"Eh Applejack, what's so daring about this place? This is the place where we get the Element of Harmony." 

Applejack turns around and starts a story. "When I was a filly, Granny Smith told me a story about a legend. When Nightmare Moon was banished, not even the last bit of her magic was banished with her. Granny used to say that magic takes the form of ... the PONY of SHADOWS."

"You mean ... like a ghost?"

"No pony knows"

"Ugh... just an old legend." Rainbow turns away. "I mean, no way the pony of shadow will exist here." Rainbow sees Applejack looking at something with a scared face. "Applejack?"

"You might want to ... think again."

When the banner moves, along with the thunder sound, it indicates they're scared and are running away. Suddenly, they see armor moving toward them. "RUN!"

They begin to run away from the armor. The armor looks at them and opens its helmet, revealing Matt's face with Diana still sitting on his head. Matt is looking at them. "Weird, why are they running? I am just stopping to say 'hi' to them."

"I don't know." Diana notices the banner is moving and guesses. "Maybe this is the reason, combined with the thunder sound and your appearance."

"That's just wind." Matt puts his helmet back on. "Let's explore this castle more. I want to see if there is treasure or something."

"Sure. Loot this castle as much as possible." Diana closes her eyes. "I am preparing to sleep."

"Sleep well. Annoying cat."

Diana slaps him and starts to sleep. The swordsman takes a random direction to explore the castle. 

Twilight and Spike walk through the hall with the candles. Spike grumbles. "Do we need this? We can create fireballs to make light."

"Silly Spike, this is safer than a fireball."

"Like you accidentally burned the school with candles?"

Twilight glares at her. "Not funny. Anyway, I will read Princess Celestia's diary. Don't disturb me."

"Fine." Spike rolls his eyes and follows the purple alicorn. The armor is moving. The purple dragon decides to ignore it.





Matt is in a room that has a lot of books. From what he sees, this is a library. Matt takes a book and starts reading it. After a while, he closes the book and returns it back

"Not interesting." 

The swordsman is looking for something that is valuable. Suddenly, he accidentally clicks a button on the floor, causing the floor to open beneath him, causing Matt to fall down. 

Matt gets up and sees a hall of pony hooves wielding spears. Matt rubs his head and moves forward but sees a white hoof moving. Matt is curious but he decides to ignore it and closes the helmet. Suddenly, someone is saying. "I am not scared at all."

Another voice follows. "Me neither." 

Matt hears footsteps coming down here. The man decides to stand still in front of the room and watch them.

Rainbow Dash and Applejack run down the hall. They see the big armor in front of it. Rainbow looks at it suspiciously. "Wait, why is this armor so familiar?"

"It's just armor, Rainbow Dash." 

Applejack looks at the hall and gulps. Rainbow Dash asks. "What's the matter? It's just a dark hall with pony hooves, right?"

"Yeah."

The two move forward into the dark halls. Rainbow Dash uses her wings to cover her eyes. Matt follows them and watches their movements. Hearing a strange sound, the duo stops and turns around, seeing the armor that is there. 

Rainbow Dash is confused and scared. "Am I wrong or is this armor roving?"

"I... don't know." Applejack bucks the armor's legs and it still stands there. "Maybe we just imagined it."

"Let's go ahead."

Matt moves toward them a little bit. The pony duo immediately walked away, then turned back. Matt boos at them and the pony duo screams out loud, then they run away from the swordsman. Matt opens his helmet and laughs out loud. "Oh man, I never thought these creatures were so cowardly. Anyway..." the swordsman moves outside and looks at the stairs, and he hears the sound of some musical instrument. "Weird, someone plays opera in here. Well, lucky that I got this stair to climb up." 

The swordsman starts to go upstairs. Fluttershy manages to click a switch, then the wall spins and they roll out. Rarity stands up. "All right, flawless banner or not, I have had enough of the mysterious presence in the unexpected castle."

Rarity is about to leave the castle, but Fluttershy stops her. "But we can't leave now. Angel is still here. What if..." Fluttershy starts worrying so much as Rarity rolls her eyes and walks away.





After 30 minutes of wandering, the swordsman feels bored and wants to leave the castle. The opera is playing again. Matt sighs in frustration as he heads toward the voice.

When he finds the source and enters a room, he sees a yellow Abyssian with black ears playing the organ. Matt closes his helmet and walks toward the Abyssian. Suddenly, a force pushes him away from the Abyssian. 

"Nyan~" the yellow Abyssian stands up and turns around. She sees a very large piece of armor standing up. "Looks like I got an armored golem here. Looks much smaller than I thought""

"Who are you?" Matt asks. "And why are you in this ruined place? Sounds suspicious."

"You are suspicious like me too, golem." The Abyssian walks closer to him. "But this is the first time I have seen a golem that can talk."

"And I have a name." Matt responds, "What's your name?"

"My name is Sound." Replies the yellow Abysssian "I just came here to enjoy the moment in peace while playing a big organ like this."

"My name is Matt." Introduces the swordsman. "I came here to wander this ruined castle."

Sound giggles. "Sounds like a strong name." The Abyssian takes a lyre from the organ and starts playing it. "Sit here and I will sing you a song. I just feel like I am talking to a creature."

"Sounds good to me."

Matt watches the Abyssian sing her song with the lyre while sitting on the chair. Then after 5 minutes, he feels something strange inside of him. The Abyssian walks closer to him and puts her finger on his chin. "So, you enjoyed it?"

"I... I guess." Matt blushes. "Feeling something weird honestly."

"What's that?" Sound puts her paws around the swordsman and whispers. "Do you want me so much?" She puts her tail near his nose.

Diana yawns inside the helmet and hears Sound talking. The black cat looks at the swordsman and finds that Matt can't take his eyes away from the Abyssian. Diana slaps him and Matt shakes his head. The swordsman stands up. "No thanks, someone will kill me when I try to do that."

"Aww, what a shame!" Sound giggles. "You can make her more jealous, and she will love you more as a result."

"You can say that." Matt stands up. "It's nice to talk to you. See you again." He leaves the room. "Oh, by the way, good song. I almost lost my soul there."

The Abyssian sits down and grins. She feels this creature is so much more interesting when he doesn't fall in love, not like every male creature she used to use. Sound pulls out the medicine and breaks it, then she is teleported away.
> An explosion
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Matt is going to leave the room but he sees four ponies stepping backward or flying backward. He knows the orange earth pony and the blue pegasus. The moment four ponies come into contact with each other, they start to scream and run like mad men.

Diana laughs at the scene while Matt just stands there speechless. He doesn't know what to do with them. The purple alicorn and a purple dragon are moving outside due to the noise. They see their friends running. 

The purple alicorn takes a deep breath. "Alright, everypony stops." 

The purple alicorn casts a spell to freeze them all. Rainbow Dash looks at the purple duo. "Twilight?" Then she turns to Fluttershy. "Fluttershy, what are you doing here?"

Rarity answers under the banner. "She's with me." 

Twilight helps Rarity out of the banner, then asks. "Have you spent the whole night running around and scaring each other?"

Applejack taps her chin. "Well, it depends."

"On what?"

Rainbow points at Twilight. "Are you the pony of shadow or not?" 

"You believe in that old pony tail?" Spike taps his feet. "Not even a filly will believe that." Rainbow points at Applejack. Spike sighs. "Fine."

"Anyway," Rainbow Dash points at Matt. "Is this armor your work? It followed me and Applejack from downstairs to here."

"No? Why should I?" Twilight looks closer to Matt. "I admit this armor is too substantial for ponies."

Matt decides to say nothing and stands still. Applejack bucks at his leg. He wants to yell but Diana casts a spell to make him forget the hurt feeling. Spike claps his claw. "Look, it's just armor. Nothing else."

Suddenly, the organ started playing loudly. Other than Twilight and Spike, everyone is hiding behind them. Twilight rolls her eyes. "I know Spike is a big dragon now, but I'm sure that he is not big enough to cover all of you."

To find out who is playing, they start following the organ sound. Matt decides to follow them. When Matt walks with them for a while, Spike suddenly kicks him and makes him fall to the ground, causing everyone else to be surprised. Matt tries to get up but the purple rope encircles him, making him immobile.

Twilight glares at him. "Let's see who has followed us from the beginning."

The purple alicorn pulls out his helmet and reveals his face and the black cat on his head. All of them are shocked. Spike looks at his face. "Hey, I know you. You are one of the humans who helped us stop the changeling invasion. Matthew, right?"



"Uh... you're right." Matt smiles nervously. "I just came here to visit my old teammates."

"And why did you scare us?" Rainbow glares at him. "You made us run like a little filly."

"Because someone tries to be brave while her hooves are shaking and her wings are covering her face." Teases Matt as Rainbow blushes. "Honestly, if I had a phone, I would record that scream."

"Ah... you want that scream?" Diana grabs the phone. "I recorded it. You want to hear?" Twilight wants to see the phone closer. Rainbow and Applejack are trying to get the phone but Diana levitates them and puts them down. Diana plays with her whiskers. "This will be my collection."

Matt giggles. "Cruel." 

Twilight releases the swordsman. "Sorry for tying you. Anyway, I want that phone."

"Ask Diana." Matt points at Diana. "I heard that you all had been stabbed by this cruel cat. Is that real?"

Twilight and Spike turn away as Rainbow Dash just moves forward and says nothing. Diana lies on Matt's shoulder and grins. The organ is still playing loudly. Matt and others follow the sound to see who is playing.

When they get there, they see a pony wearing a cape playing the organ. Twilight gets closer to the pony and slowly and quickly yanks the cape out, revealing a pink pony with a mane shaped like cotton candy. The others are surprised. 

Twilight asks. "Pinkie? What are you doing here?"

"Hey, check out my new play." Pinkie plays some of the organs. "See.."

Matt secretly leaves the room but Spike pulls back. Staring at the purple dragon that is as tall as him, the swordsman doesn't know what to say. Spike asks. "Where are you heading?"

"Just... walking outside."

"Doubt it. I think..."

Suddenly, a big explosion is enough to trigger an earthquake. Matt looks outside and the wind blows them away. Matt stands up. "What was that?"

"Something is not right..." The black cat flies high and sees many flashes in the forest. Diana flies to Spike. "Can you take this swordsman back to Ponyville? I have to check on something."

"Sure." 

"Make sure that he won't steal anything." 

Diana flies to the flash to check. Something is not right.



 

10 minutes later, Diana sees a white dragon with dark cosmic wings suffering from a severe wound. She also sees the orange dragon with red antlers lying on the ground and seems to have fainted. The white dragon is taking out a crystal from the orange dragon's head.

"You are a strong dragon, Sunset." The white dragon is about to take her away. He coughs up some blood and breathes heavily. "It has been a long time since I had to pull everything I had to fight. Anyway, you will be my minion."

The white dragon opens the portal and prepares to step inside. Suddenly, an earth wall stops him and the dragon jumps back. Turning around, he sees the black cat stepping closer to him. ThA white dragon summons his sword and fires at the black cat with it, but the black cat just slaps it away.

In his shadow, many dark ropes rise around him, pinning him down. The white dragon struggles to stand. Diana takes the crystal from the white dragon and wants to analyze it, but a beam pierces through the crystal and breaks it on Diana's paws. The crystal is shattered into many shards and flies away. 

Diana glares at the dragon as she clings to the rope in an attempt to kill it. Suddenly, a fireball flies in front of them, then it flashes to blind Diana. After the flash, the white dragon is missing, and the orange dragon is still lying on the ground. 

Matt, Twilight, and Spike run to the black cat. Spike looks at the orange dragon and asks. "What's happened? Why is Sunset being hurt like that?"

"Looks like she has fought that white dragon." Diana folds her paws. "He wants Sunset to become his minion."

"Sounds... horrible." Spike takes Sunset. "I will take Sunset to the hospital." 

The purple dragon flies away. Diana asks. "Where are the others?"

"I have told them to go home." Answers Twilight. "Anyway, we should go to my library. The sun is already setting."

Matt looks at the sun. He finds it moving too quickly, at least in comparison to his world. The swordsman decides not to ask for this and follows Twilight.





Matt is relaxing on the sofa. He found the walk from the forest to here incredibly annoying when the ponies around him kept watching him. Diana taps her feet. "You know, I don't know what kind of dragon that is."

Twilight asks. "Which dragon?"

"The dragon has weird wings." Diana sits down. "I don't know if he came from space or not."

"Space? I don't think any creatures come from space." Twilight taps her chin. "We only know Princess Luna has been sealed in the moon for 1000 years."

Diana gives her a smirk."Nice torturing for a creature. I will add that to the punishment."

Twilight smacks the black cat. "Look, Princess Celestia didn't mean to do that." 

The door is opened and Spike walks inside. He says nothing and sits down next to Matt. The purple dragon sighs in frustration. Twilight asks. "What's wrong, Spike? You don't feel so well."

Spike replies. "Sunset has woken up."

"That's great. We can visit her right now." Matt stands up and pulls out some bags. "Come on, I just want to see her face right now."

Spike adds. "The problem is... she doesn't remember anything."

"What do you mean?"

"I mean, she doesn't know anything, like a doll."

The room suddenly is silenced. No one in the room has a sentence. Diana just climbs upstairs and takes something from it. Matt takes out a shard of crystal and spins it. Diana stops and flies to the swordsman and asks. "Where did you get it?"

Matt answers. "Well... when I hang out with ... Ummm... Applejack and others, this crystal flies to me. It's unique so I'll take it."

"Great. That's great." Diana takes it. "This is the one that the white dragon takes from Sunset's head."

Twilight is stunned and shivers. "Don't tell me this could be a ... memory shard."

"If this is her memory shard..." Diana sighs. "We have to collect all of them because that white dragon broke it. I was careless that time."

"That's okay." Matt pats her back. "It is better than being his underling. I don't want to face her again. She gave me a near-death moment last time."

Matt and others head to the hospital to visit the orange dragon and hope that this crystal works.





Inside the castle in the dark sky, a yellow Abyssian is taking care of a white dragon with cosmic wings. The white dragon still coughs some blood and looks at the magic circle that marks him. When the yellow Abyssian wraps the bandage around his wound, he asks. "What happened to you, Angra? Did you meet someone strong?"

"She makes this magic circle like a gift." The white dragon laughs. "In trade, her memory is lost. Don't worry too much, Sound."

Sound grits her teeth as the white dragon feels cold inside. Sound glares at him. "Thanks to you, my dear master. We are too late for the plan to take over this world."

Angra gulps. "If I don't go there and check Equestria, we don't know who I should avoid." 

Sound shows her paw and puts it near his neck. "No excuse. Next time if you try to do this again, I will kill you, get it?"

"Fine." Angra huffs. "Anyway, I sense the heroes in Equestria."

"Heroes?" Sound laughs. "Please, if they are heroes, they are heroes for Equestria, not this world."

"No. I mean… anyway, we should prepare." Angra takes the map of Equus and points at random points. "We will avoid Equestria for a while. Tell Orcust to capture this village for me."

"... oh right, this will be easy." Sound stands up and leaves the room. "You should prepare too."

Sound closes the door. The white dragon takes out the crystal ball and shows Sunset's face. The white dragon smiles. "It has been a long time since I could fight like this. We will see you soon, Sunset. I am waiting."
> First day in Ponyville
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight, Spike, Matt, and Diana head to the hospital to test the crystal. The doctor sees Twilight and allows her to step inside, despite it being out of visiting time. 

Entering the room, they see an orange dragon with red antlers trying to read the book. Matt touches Sunset's cheek to test her reaction. Sunset just stares at the inanimate stare and says nothing. 

Diana flies near the orange dragon. Sunset just picks the cat up and stares for a while, then she asks. "Oh... who are you, little fella?" The orange dragon starts rubbing Diana's neck, making the black cat annoyed. Sunset smiles. "You are so fluffy."

Diana takes the shard of crystal and slowly puts it near her head. The crystal slowly enters the orange dragon's head. Sunset suddenly drops the black cat and holds her head. Others are concerned about her state and try to calm her down. 

When she starts to calm down. Spike starts to ask. "You know what your name is?"

"My... My name is Sunset Shimmer."

Spoke points at others. "Then do you know any of us?"

Sunset just shakes her head. Matt rubs her head and sighs in frustration because this is not a situation he can deal with. Diana takes another shard of crystal and gives it to Spike. "Spike, give this and tell everything about this to 'Marshmallow'. I think she will send some of her soldiers to find."

Twilight glares at the black cat and tries to say something but Diana puts her paws on her mouth. Spike takes the crystal shard and leaves the hospital to write a letter to send to Princess Celestia.





Celestia is dealing with her court case. It is a good day for her when she has no complicated problems today. When the court is done, a letter appears in front of her. Taking the letter with a shard of crystal, the white alicorn reads the letter and drops it immediately. Then she heads to her guards to set up the search. 

Luna feels weird when she sees her sister huddled up after reading the letter. When she reads the letter, the blue alicorn flies to Ponyville to visit the orange dragon as fast as she can. 

When Luna arrives at the hospital, she is told that Sunset was brought back to the library. Luna heads to the library and sees the orange dragon reading some books while Matt and Diana are watching her. They see Luna moving inside. 

Looking at the blue alicorn, Matt blushes and turns away. Diana smacks his back, then asks the blue alicorn. "Hello princess. What are you doing here? Don't you have your royal duty to handle it?"

"I'm here to visit Sunset." Luna moves around and looks at Sunset. The orange dragon just looks at her curiously. Luna asks. "Who made this?"

"A white dragon with cosmic wings." Diana shakes her head. "From what I saw, he's probably stronger than Arkon."

Matt is shocked when he hears that while Twilight is confused. The purple alicorn asks. "Who is Arkon?"

"Just a demon that Matt and his team have slayed before." Diana heads upstairs. "I forgot to take the sword. Wait here, Matt."

Luna asks Sunset about Celestia, about Equestria, and the many events that the orange dragon has been through but she receives an 'I don't know' answer. Luna decides not to push further. 

The blue alicorn sighs in frustration. "Why did she have to fight that guy?"

"No information." Matt shakes his head. "We will need to search for her lost memory."

"You're right." Diana comes back with the white sword. "I believe that the crystal shard is not just in Equestria, but around this world."

Diana taps her hooves. "That's ... too much. Can you do anything?"

"Memory is not something that you can't make a joke about." Diana glares at Luna and points at Sunset. "We are holding a slow bomb here."

Luna gulps and steps back. Matt suggests. "We should take Sunset around this town to make sure that she won't be bewildered when seeing around."

Diana glares at him but Spike agrees. "That's a good idea." Spike helps Sunset stand up and asks. "Can we walk outside?"

"Uh... sure." Sunset nods. "I think so."

Twilight and Spike lead Sunset around Ponyville. Luna has to come back to Canterlot to do her royal duty and promises to make a searching team. When Luna exits the room, Diana levitates the swordsman up. Matt struggles with her levitation.

Diana demands. "Why did you make her into bait? You already know a stranger is looking at her."

Matt tries to retort. "But if we don't do that, I suppose we will get some information from him or her."

"She is a CLONE, you idiot." Diana drops the human and sighs in frustration. Matt stands up and rubs his back. The black cat grits her teeth. "I thought you had learned about mana sensation from Natalie. What is this result?"

Matt waves his hand. "You are not my mom." The swordsman sees a big dark claw with a killing stare from Diana. Matt runs out of the library. "Okay okay, I will fix this." 

Matt closes the door hard. The black cat rubs her head and feels a headache from this swordsman. She can't believe that after stopping herself from destroying her world, the swordsman is still the same. This time it will be rough.





Spike and Twilight lead Sunset to Sugarcube Corner. The orange dragon tilts her head in confusion, then follows them to go inside. When they come inside, Pinkie Pie rushes into them and bounces around them, causing Sunset to be surprised. Pinkie Pie stops and asks. "Hey, I have created some brand-new recipes for my brand-new cupcake. Do you want to taste them?"

Spike rubs his chin. 'Sure. Let us... about 6 cupcakes."

"Be right back." 

Pinkie Pie runs inside at high speed. Sunset just sits down and is silent for a moment. The orange dragon asks. "Who is this pony? Why is she so... Familiar?" 

"Pinkie Pie is just doing her job," explains Twilight. "You just... don't take a brain to think about it."

"Oh... okay."

Pinkie Pie brings out the purple cupcake with some gems. Sunset just looks at it. The purple duo just told her to eat. When Sunset eats the cupcakes, she wants more and quickly gets another cupcake. The purple looks at her in surprise. Sunset blushes. "Sorry, the cupcake is so yummy."

Twilight and Spike laugh, then they order more cupcakes to eat. When they are done, Twilight pats Spike to ask him to do something. The purple dragon leaves the room looking for something. He checks the bush and finds nothing. The purple dragon rubs his head in confusion, then he ventures inside again.

On the roof of Sugarcube Corner, there is a yellow Abyssinian that looks exactly the same. She sighs in relief. "Too close, that dragon is more sensitive than I thought."

"And you are more suspicious than I thought, Sound." 

The yellow Abyssian is surprised, then she turns around and sees a golden-haired human pointing the broadsword at her. The yellow Abyssian steps back and tries to escape. Matt slams the sword down on the group. The roof is a rising earth wall, blocking the way to escape. Matt throws a boardword at Sound immediately. It stabs into her head. The yellow Abyssian is slowly shattered into pieces. 

Matt feels disturbed as a voice from behind the earthward yells at him from behind the speaker. Who is doing this? Please come out and surrender. We have surrounded this place."

Matt jumps on the earth wall and sees a coral mare wearing armor holding the speaker. The swordsman looks around and sees nothing, except some random ponies looking at the earth wall. The coral mare demands. "Alright weird monkey, get down there or I will drag you down by myself. You cause an earthquake and cause panic to everypony."

Matt knows this mare. She is the one who helps him in the invasion of the changelings. Matt doesn't want to be involved with this mare because he could get into trouble, and the mare is carrying a halberd. The swordsman pulls out a paper with a magic circle and places it on the ground. A magic circle encircles him and teleports him away. The coral mare notices the light and wants to jump on it, but it disappears for a second. She knows it is too late for that. The coral mare throws her front hooves on the air. "Oh, wow, more work for my guard."





Matt sighs in relief because he can finally avoid that mare. He suddenly hears a knock on the door. Diana opens the door and sees the coral mare. 

The coral mare looks at the black cat and feels a tiny bit weird about it. She starts teasing. "Oh little cat, do you know where the golden-haired monkey is?" Then she starts patting the cat. "Aww, what am I doing? Why am I asking a cat to look for someone?"

Diana shakes her head and answers. "Because this cat knows where the 'monkey' you are looking for is." The coral mare is surprised. Diana slowly pushes the coral mare out of the library. "Since you asked me this, I will invite you out of this library. Thank you and good day."

"Wait wait..." the coral mare is struggling from the pushing. "I'm sorry. I never thought I would see a cat that can talk."

"Fair." Diana stops pushing. "Anyway, what do you want to do with this 'monkey'?

"You know. Since he ... or she causes panic in Ponyville and makes a mess on Sugarcube Corner. I just want him to clean up the mess."

Diana tilts her head. "Not in prison?" The coral mare shakes her head. Diana grins. "Wait here. I'll take him."

The black cat flies upstairs. The coral mare hears the loud sound coming from it. After a while, Diana drags Matt downstairs. The coral mare looks at him closely and recognizes him. "Hey, I know you. You are one of the humans who made me drive that big metal cart to the castle."

"Uh... yeah. I realize you do too. You are... Coral Blade, right?" 

The coral mare nods. "You're right. Anyway..." the coral mare takes out the shovel and gives it to Matt. "Here, clean the mess that you have just created. Don't worry, I will talk to Mayor Mare about your residence."

Matt sighs in defeat and follows the coral mare outside. He just asks. "How did you know I was here?"

"Because this library is 'normal' for me. Many things happen related to this library, so I always come here first and ask."

"Sounds fair."

Matt looks at Sugarcube CornerThe guards around the stone are preventing the normal pony from getting closer, for fear that the stone may fall. The pony has already been evacuated from Sugarcube Corner. Matt blushes and starts cleaning up the mess. It's a great first day for him in Ponyville.
> First day in Ponyville (2)
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sound wakes up after her clone is dispelled by the swordsman. For her, this is the first time she has encountered such a creature as Matt. For her, he is quite strong. The sound stands up and walks to the castle cafeteria. 

The Abyssian sees a gray unicorn eating some bread with butter when she gets there. Sound orders her followers their meal and sits beside the unicorn.

"I am eating. Please don't disturb me." The unicorn grins. "I have to finish the meal before Angra calls me to do something."

"Actually, you don't have to leave now, Chalice." Sound takes out the map. "I need you to kidnap Celestia to get that orange dragon."

"Sounds easy." The gray unicorn swallows the bread. "You should give me a worthy target, not a weak target like that."

"But this is Angra's command." Sound slams the table. "You should know that this dragon is a bomb for us."

"Alright." Chalice finishes eating. "Anyway, how are you gathering information?"

"Failed. I got bitten by a strange monkey that I had never seen. He's like he doesn't even come from this world."

"Don't overhype it. I got to go." Chalice stands up. "Wait here and hear the good news."

"Sure."

The yellow Abyssian sighs in frustration. Chalice looks at Sunset's picture and grins. The gray unicorn leaves the castle to complete his mission.





Twilight and Spike lead Sunset to the Carousel Boutique. Suddenly, a big steel bar falls on Sunset. The orange dragon quickly pushes the purple duo out and jumps back. The bar is dropped and no one is hurt. Twilight and Spike look around and find that they are walking through a construction site. 

The pony inside the construction site runs out to see if someone is hurt. When they see the trio, the boss of them says sorry about the accident, then turns back to scold his inferior. 

Twilight and Spike continue to lead the orange dragon to a boutique. An arrow flies towards the orange dragon. Sunset quickly ducks to dodge. Twilight quickly levitates the pony who is shooting the arrow and throws him into the garbage.

Spike sighs. "Too cruel. Diana version 2?"

Twilight bucks at his leg. "Not funny."

Spike rubs his leg and looks at the orange dragon. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine." Sunset is shuddering. "What have I done to let everyone kill me?"

"You did nothing." Spike tries to calm her down. "It's just some guy who wants to ... eh... hurt someone for fun."

Sunset tilts her head. "And why should they hurt me?"

"Uh... that's ... complicated." Spike tries to ignore the question. "Anyway, we should head to the Carousel Boutique. Our friend Rarity is waiting for us."

Sunset nods and follows the purple duo to the fashionista. After they arrive, Twilight looks at the orange dragon and sees that she is playing with butterflies.

Twilight whispers to Spike. "I wonder how a lost memory creature like her can dodge the incoming danger."

"Her sense." Spike rubs his chin. "Diana told me about this. It is true that every creature has a sense, but it can be sharpened in the way they choose. Even if you lose your memory, your senses will not disappear."

"Hmm... sounds complicated." Twilight rubs her head. "Can you make it easier to understand?"

"Nothing else." Spike smiles. "I'm glad that Sunset can really protect herself."

"You're right. Anyway, how about her teammates? She said that he likes to steal."

"Hope that he doesn't steal anything." Spike sighs. "We don't want to go to prison to get him out."





Matt is digging stone on the roof. The pony is surprised about his strength when he can pull a big cart of rock and earth without any problem. When he is done, he just sits down and breathes heavily. Diana looks at the Sugarcube Corner. "You are doing well."

"For some cupcakes." Matt picks up a cupcake and eats it. "I assume that this cupcake is better than your cake."

Diana giggles. "At least I won the cake contest."

"No, I don't deny that your cake is very tasteful, but the look is so terrifying for someone who first looks at it."

Diana shakes her head and lies on the table. Pinkie Pie bounces to him and gives him another cupcake. "Thank you for your help."

"No need to thank you. That's my doing." 

Matt takes the cupcake and eats it. "Uhmm... it's cool. I like it." 

"Anyway, if you want a new appearance to your cake, you can ask this demon cat."

"Really? Thank you so much, and I will consider it." Pinkie giggles. "You are such a gracious creature to buy so many of my cupcakes. Anyway, I will cook you some more, and be right back."

Matt feels cold after hearing that. "Wait."

Pinkie Pie runs into the bakery without hearing. Matt slowly turns to the black cat and sees that the table that Diana is lying on is cracked. Diana stands up, takes out the sword and moves toward the swordsman as Matt steps back. The swordsman tries to make excuses. "Wait, I brought it from home."

Diana rubs her ear. "Then tell me the currency of this land." Matt is silenced and steps back. Diana cracks her neck and her shadow forms a hammer. "Any last word before I put you in prison?"

"That... that's just cupcakes. Not a big deal, right?"

Diana's eyes are turning red. "So where did you get the money to buy it? Don't make an excuse." Matt turns around and runs. The swordsman runs as fast as he can to get away from the cat's wrath. 





Spike and Twilight hear someone screaming outside. Opening the window, they see Matt running away from the black cat that is holding a big hammer. The ponies around look at them in confusion and are quite terrified of the black cat.

Rarity watches them. "I don't know. Can she be just as kind as my Opalescence? No one wants that cruel cat." She shudders. "I still remember when she stabbed Rainbow Dash without hesitation."

"Actually, Diana has her husband at home." Spike rubs his head. "She has already talked about this with us."

"Really?" Rarity is surprised. "I wonder who that poor cat is?"

"I don't know. Anyway... " Twilight turns to the orange dragon who is still posing for Rarity. "You should finish it. She has been standing there for 1 hour already."

"Oh, I forgot about that." 

Rarity quickly captures a picture of Sunset wearing a dress. Rarity feels proud of her design and takes a lot of pictures, then asks Sunset to take off the dress. 

Rarity smiles. "Marvelous, thank you so much Sunset."

"Eh, you're welcome."

Sunset takes the Fashionista magazine and sits on the sofa to reads. Spike shakes his head and whispers to Twilight. "It looks like she used Sunset when she lost her memory."

"Agree." Twilight whispers back. "Sunset will never join this."

Twilight and Spike leave the boutique to check on the swordsman. The swordsman fell to the ground. Diana slams her hammer into Matt's body, causing an earthquake. Twilight and Spike move closer and see Matt already lying in a hole. The ponies around are panicking 

Diana drags the swordsman. "Nothing to see here. He just paid for his crime."

Matt tries to retort but a shadow hand slaps him. Matt can only be silent and let the black cat drag him back to the library. The purple duo looks at each other, then brings Sunset back to the library. 





Celestia tries to recruit soldiers to search for the crystal shard but no one will do that. Celestia is curious why they didn't want to do it despite the reward. She quickly writes a letter and sends it to Spike.

When the white alicorn enters her room, she feels someone inside. Celestia quickly takes her halberd and finds the intruder. Checking the wardrobe, nothing. Checking the roof, seeing nothing. "Maybe I was just too cautious."

The white alicorn returns to the table to complete her work. The unicorn changes back into his natural gray coat after tricking the white alicorn. The unicorn slowly moves forward to the alicorn and takes out the blowpipe with a dart, then blows at her. The dart penetrates the alicorn's body and sticks to the wall.  

The gray unicorn is surprised. A quick glance at Celestia, who is sitting in the chair, reveals just a slideshow. As he feels something dangerous behind him, he quickly rolls onto the ground and the halberd slams into the ground. Chalice stands up and sees Celestia pointing the halberd at him.

"Who are you?" 

Chalice stands up and smiles. "Looks like a tough target." The gray unicorn forms a lance. "You will come with me."

Suddenly, many firewalls surround him. Upon teleporting out of the wall, the unicorn sees the halberd approaching. Chalice quickly ducks and rolls away. The halberd slams into the wall and leaves a substantial hole in it.

Chalice is surprised by the power. He takes out his knife and prepares to deal with Celestia but the guards are coming to the room. Chalice throws a smoke bomb and escapes the castle. Celestia looks at him as Chalice uses a cloud to fly away. Pegasus guards start chasing the intruder.

One of the guards asks. "Are you okay, Your Majesty?"

"I'm fine." Celestia leaves the room. "Send some ponies to prepare the room. I will sleep in another room."

"Yes, your Majesty."

"By the way, Increase the number of guards inside the castle. I don't want to have another attack."

"Yes, your Majesty."

The guard bows and leaves Celestua alone. After writing the letter on the paper, the white alicorn sends it to Spike.





Matt is lying on the sofa with many bruises while Sunset is reading a book. The orange dragon tilts her head and stares at him. Matt feels uncomfortable about this as he gets up. The swordsman sighs. "Fine, I will make money and I won't steal anything."

Sunset asks. "So what are you, Mr. Matt? I didn't see you in the book."

Matt facepalms as he forgets that this orange dragon is losing her memory. Diana stoops downstairs and throws the white sword at Matt. The swordsman catches it and realizes this sword. Diana sighs. "Grab your things already. We will leave here."

"After I am recovered." Matt folds his arms. "Thank you for that slam, you demon cat."

"You're welcome." Diana turns to the orange dragon. "We should move fast."

Spike and Twilight move inside the library. The purple duo sighs in relief when they manage to explain about the earthquake. The purple alicorn glares at the black cat. "You shouldn't do that. We have to explain about you and Matt. That attack can kill anyone."

"Heh... anyway, any crystal shards?" 

"N..." Spike blurbs out the letter. He takes and opens the letter. "I hope Celestia says something significant."

After reading the letter, Spike explains to everyone the attack inside the castle. Twilight is shocked when she hears that and wants to go to Canterlot but Spike stops her. Diana shakes her head. "Did you think this attack was targeted at someone else?" 

"I highly doubt it," Spike responds. 

"Attacking Celestia means this guy want something from her."

Matt stands up and heads to the bathroom. Diana sighs. "Looks like I and Matt have to leave with Sunset tomorrow."

Spike is surprised. "Why do you two have to do that?"

"Because this thing is not simple. It was just yesterday when Sunset was being attacked. Now is Celestia."

"You're right." Twilight rubs her chin. "These attacks can't have consequences. But where did you take her?"

"Around this world." 

Twilight and Spike are silenced, then they yell at Diana. "Are you crazy?"

"No." Diana rubs her ear. "I and Matt will go around this world with Sunset to gather her memory. You already know her memory is not just around this country."

Twilight and Spike look at each other. Staring at Diana's eyes, Twilight knows they can't stop them from leaving this place. Diana heads upstairs to prepare herself. Spike throws a fireball at Diana. The black cat stops and turns around. Spike asks. "Can we go with you?"

Diana stares at their eyes for a while before continuing to walk. "If you want. But if we are carrying an anvil, we will drop it into the middle of the ocean."

Hearing these words, the purple duo gulps as they recognize this cruel cat. Twilight and Spike go to the dining room to discuss this problem. This will be a challenge.
> Starting the quest
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The moon has risen and everyone in Ponyville is sleeping. Inside the Golden Oak library, there is a human who is looking for something as he searches all over the library. A black cat hears the noise and levitates to a halt.

The Swordsman struggles to break free of levitation. The black cat just puts him on the sofa and asks. "What are you trying to steal again, Matt? Can you please lie on the bed and close your eyes?"

"I am trying to get some money." Answers Matt. "We should leave now. I feel something will happen if we don't leave fast."

"But what about Sunset, Twilight, and Spike?"

"I have a plan." Matt whispers. "I have stolen a cart and parked it outside the library."

Diana's eyes widen and she leaves the library. She sees a large wagon. The wagon is large enough to accommodate around 10 creatures. Looking around, the black cat sees the nail and the nail is still relatively fresh. Diana slowly turns to the swordsman but he doesn't care. Diana holds her fist up and wants to punch the swordsman. 

Matt gives her a smirk. Diana sighs in frustration. "I am not about to ask where you got this wagon. What are you intending to do now with this?"

"Can you summon some ponies to pull the wagon?" Matt throws many things from the wagon. "We have endured so long."

"And why are you stealing this?"

"Well... we will have a long journey so... I saw this wagon from an azure unicorn wearing some kind of magician costume and ... you know." 



Diana rubs her forehead. "Fine. We will need some long transport." Diana spins her paws and summons some skeleton ponies. "This sounds hopeless." 

"I will prepare some stuff. I'll get back to you as soon as possible."

Matt prepares for a long journey. Map, money, books, or anything useful for the journey. The noise wakes Twilight up and she runs to him. When she sees Matt searching for something on Sunset's table, Twilight yells. "Hey, what are you doing?"

"Eh... cleaning?" 

Twilight frowns. "I don't see any brooms on your hand."

"Eh... I... I am looking for a broom to clean this place up."

Twilight's horn is lighting up and wants to levitate the swordsman but he quickly punches into her belly, enough force to knock the purple alicorn out. Matt sighs and takes the rope to tie her up, then takes her to the wagon. 

Diana sees the purple alicorn tied up. The black cat doesn't know what to say now. Matt puts his stuff on the wagon, then climbs upstairs to get a lot of stuff. Diana shakes her head. "This will be difficult."





Rainbow Dash takes a deep breath to take in the morning air. Today is her day off so she is free. When flying through the park, she sees a familiar azure mare lying on a bench. 'Why is she here?'

The blue pegasus glares at the azure mare and decides to hide in a bush. The azure unicorn wakes up and looks around. She sees something different and rubs her eyes. The mare slaps her face and realizes that this is real. 

"No..no... where is Trixie's wagon?" The mare runs around looking for her stuff. "Noooo... my wagon. Trixie can't live without it."

The azure mare runs around town. Rainbow Dash feels a bit of pity for her when she loses her wagon. Rainbow Dash flies to the guard station to report the loss. After 30 seconds, she gets there and meets a coral earth pony. 

The coral earth pony notices her and asks. "Oh hey Rainbow Dash, long time to see you."

"Yeah... anyway, I'm here to report a theft case."

"Stealing?" The coral mare takes a sip of her coffee. "Your house is being stolen?"

"Haha, nice joke, Coral Blade." Rainbow Dash coughs. "A unicorn named Trixie is losing her wagon."

"Oh, Trixie." Coral takes a note. "I forgot to take her into prison for making the town her slave. Lucky for her that time I was meeting Princess Celestia."

"I am happy if she gets sent to jail, but I won't be happy if she just runs around town looking for her wagon."

Coral Blade takes the paper. "Oh right. Tell me what that wagon looks like?" Rainbow Dash is silent as the coral mare leaves the guard station. "All right, I will meet her in more detail. Thank you for giving me a job."

Rainbow gives her a smirk. "You're welcome. Now see you, I have to taste the cider from Applejack." 

Rainbow flies away and starts looking for the azure mare. This will be hard.





Twilight wakes up and looks around. She finds that this is not the same room she slept in yesterday. Despite her best efforts, the purple alicorn falls to the ground and stumbles. Look at her back hooves. The ropes are tied up hard. 

Taking a look around, she sees Spike and Sunset still sleeping on the bed. The purple alicorn tries to wake Spike up. Spike groans and yawns, then he turns to look at Twilight. Spike closes his eyes, hugs Twilight, and mumbles. "Warm pillow."

Twilight glares at him before jumping on Spike's body, making him wake up immediately. Spike grasps and wakes up immediately. He sees the purple alicorn is tied up, which makes him feel weird. The purple dragon asks. "Did you just mess with Diana again?"

"No. Can you release me? We are not in the library."

Spike looks around and finds that this is not in the library. Spike cuts the rope to release Twilight. "Where are we?"

Twilight explains. "Matt takes us to his stolen wagon. I don't know what he is up to?"

"This is seri.."

Suddenly, the door is opened and Matt steps inside with a tray of food. Twilight charges at him immediately, but the swordsman jumps on her to avoid her. Spike glares at the swordsman and asks. "Why did you do this?"

"Because we have to move fast." Matt laughs. "Sorry about these things."

"No excuse." Twilight gets up. "I remembered that we hadn't decided to go with you."

"You all will accept anyway." Matt puts the food on the table. "You should eat. Your efforts won't save anyone in a starving state."

"Wait, where are we?" Asks Twilight. "It seems this place is moving."

Matt grins. "You are in a wagon, 'made' by me." 

Twilight sits down and looks at the roof. Spike pats her back to calm the purple alicorn down. Matt closes the door and heads to the main room. 

Matt arrives in the main room and sees the black cat watching the map with a crystal ball. Matt teases. "Does that crystal ball work?"

"Don't know." Diana taps the crystal ball and it reveals a map around the wagon. It looks like a hologram map. Diana points at the red dot on it. "You will check this dot. If you find Sunset's memory, I assume it would work perfectly."

"Alright. Thanks for helping me all night."

Diana slams the hammer into Matt's head, knocking him unconscious and forcing him to lie on the ground. "Thanks to you, idiot. Now we can be a criminal for kidnapping a princess of this country."

Matt gets up and sees the purple alicorn and the purple dragon heading here. They are all surprised by the map. Diana flies inside to calm her down. The purple duo looks at the swordsman, who is lying on the ground. 

After a while, Diana comes out with a wooden staff, a black mage hat, and a black cape. Standing on the table, she makes an announcement. "Now, I am the leader of this mission." Matt tries to retort but a hammer slams on his body. Diana sighs. "Sorry for this rude invitation."

"I am still angry with him." Twilight sits on the sofa. "Anyway, where did you get this wagon?"

"Matt stole it from an azure mare and I upgraded it to an auto-moving wagon," Diana replied, folding her paws as the purple duo's eyes widen. The black cat taps her leg. "Don't push any further."

Twilight stares at the hologram maps. She feels excited and wants to analyze it. Sunset arrives and stares at the map. Matt takes her back and tells the orange dragon to get back to the room.

Diana smiles. "Anyway, do you want to join us on this mission?"

Twilight is tempted to deny it but Spike holds her mouth and asks Diana. "So what if we don't agree with this?"

"I will teleport you back to the library. For the further question, I won't teleport Sunset back to you because she will be safer when staying here."

Twilight retorts. "What? She will be in danger if she stays with you."

"Are you sure?" Diana asks as Twilight stands back from the black cat. "I should take Sunset's sword and cut your limbs again, should I?"

Twilight turns away from the black cat and answers. "We will come with you."

"Alright. We will wait for Matt and I will say the location later." Diana smiles and spins the staff to bring out two rings. "These rings can spot the memory shard."

Twilight and Spike wear the ring. Diana lies on the table and relaxes. The thing will be hard.





Staying in bed for two days is not fun for a white dragon. He feels guilty when all of his work is pushed to Sound. As the yellow Abyssian enters the room, he takes a seat on the chair to relax. 

Angra asks. "Hard work, right?"

"Yeah, good news, the village is captured. Bad news, Chalice has failed his mission and comes back with a very deep wound."

"I am surprised here." Angra rubs her chin. "I thought Celestia wouldn't stand a chance against Chalice."

"I think so, but the table is turned." 

"How about the village?"

"They are resistant at first, but when we explain a little bit, most of them follow us."

"Well done." Angra takes the map and points at the location. "The Storm Army won't care about that small village. Now, we need to capture this place." Sound looks at the location and finds that it is another village near the ocean. Angra explains. "If we manage to capture this place, the Storm army will be cautious with us when we can release the Hippogriffs under the sea."

Sound silences for a while, then she bows to Angra. "As your command." 

Angara simply yawns and rests on the bed, whispering. "Come to me. I am waiting for you."
> The crystal shard problem.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Oh right." Diana claps her paws. "Twilight, you work with Matt to gather back the crystal shards. Spike, work with me to complete this wagon."

Spike rubs his head. "Eh.. don't tell me we are in Everfree forest." Diana nods. Spike sighs. "This will be long. Where is the tool?"

Diana points at the chest. Spike takes a hammer and an axe to chop some wood down. Matt tries to take Twilight out of the wagon, but the purple alicorn teleports away from his grasp. Matt gives her a smirk and jumps out of the wagon. Twilight follows him.

Walking together for a while, they find themselves in front of the cave with two floating earth balls next to them. The earth balls glance at them as they try to analyze them. Matt looks at the ball and guesses. "Hmm... these earth balls look familiar. They're like Amelia's."

Twilight takes out the crystal orb to check the location. The dot is spotted inside the cave. Twilight warns. "Look, no stealing here. That's where the zebra lives."

"Zebra?" Matt smiles. "You mean.... eh... ponies with stripes?"

"You can say that. Now, no stealing in this place, okay?"

"Fine."

Matt enters with Twilight inside. There are many zebras around the lake. Many of them are building something while others are resting. Matt notices some of Ponyville's guards are there too. The swordsman is trying to get away from the guard but Twilight pulls him back.

When the guards notice Twilight, they bow to her immediately. Twilight feels embarrassed about this. She asks the guards not to tolerate this again.

"Sorry... Twilight. As for Trixie's wagon...", the guard takes out the picture of the wagon. "Have you seen this wagon? We are trying to find it."

"Eh... no." Twilight shakes her head. "I didn't see anything like this."

"Sorry for disturbing you, Your Majesty. Thank you." 

The guards bow to her and leave the cave. Matt feels peaceful, but he can hear something stomping on his feet. Looking down, Twilight's hoof is pressing against his feet. Matt takes it off and wanders around the lake.

A zebra with a feather hat is walking toward them. Look at the human, she asks. "Princess Twilight, who is this creature?"

Twilight whispers. "This creature is a human, Artamiel, and he is also a thief too so I think you should be careful." 

"Is that real?"

"Yes. Anyway, have you seen anything that flies into your village?"

"Oh yes." Artamiel waves her hoof. "Follow me, I don't know what to do with it."

Artamiel leads Twilight to the house. There are many lightning sparks inside. Twilight ducks to dodge the lightning when the purple alicorn opens the door. The crystal shard in a ball starts shooting lightning around the room when she takes a step into it. 

Twilight rubs her chin. "I bet you quarantined this crystal, right?"

"Yes, it keeps striking lightning into my villagers so we have to put it into a house and keep everyone away from it."

Twilight teleports to the crystal shard to grab it. A lightning bolt is shot at her to stop her from grabbing. Twilight jumps back and sees a filly standing in front of her. The filly slams on the ground and the water is rising. Twilight quickly takes Artamiel and flies off.

 

"Too close." Twilight looks at the crystal. The filly is moving around it. Twilight glares at her. "Why is this filly so familiar to me?"

"Eh, can you put me down, Princess Twilight?" Artamiel is confused. "It's just water."

"No, that water is electrified." 

Matt opens the door and sees the room is flooded. Touching the water, he is electrocuted. The swordsman decides to walk through the water, ignoring the electricity running through his body. Twilight is surprised by his decision. The filly teleports behind the swordsman and tries to stab him but Matt kicks her and throws his sword after that. His swords are thus stuck in the wall, causing the filly to become stuck. Matt quickly takes the crystal shard and yanks it off. 

The water is disappearing and the filly has disappeared. Matt sighs in relief and waves his hand at Twilight. "All right, it's all safe Twilight."

Twilight lands next to him and asks. "Are you okay? I never thought you would run into the water like that."

"Nah, I'm fine. I'll just..."

Matt suddenly falls to the ground. Twilight is surprised and takes him somewhere safe.





Spike nails the wood with a hammer. The hammer is broken and its head hits his face. Spike rubs his head. "The world's toughest wood is not just fame."

"Really?" Diana drops the wood down and starts making the wheel. "Why would this dragon do it?"

Spike looks at Sunset. He looks at the orange dragon who is nailing the wood. The purple dragon is curious and asks. "Eh.. are you okay, Sunset?"

"I'm fine." Sunset smiles. "I... I just remember this kind of wood. Instead, I am bored with this wagon... I want to help you. Hope I don't get into trouble."

"Uh... no. You should take a rest."

Sunset sighs. "I am useless, am I?"

"No no no, we just want you to be safe before you get recovered."

"Fine." 

Sunset enters the wagon and leaves Spike alone. Diana crafts the wheel and puts it on the wagon. "Is this really wood? This could be steel compared to my world."

"I don't know though. They are just the highest quality wood in this world but it is very difficult to chop down so no one wants it."

"Wow, they are wasting a very valuable resource." Diana face paws. "Anyway..." 

Diana sees a ray of lightning shot into the sky. Spike is surprised when he sees this scene. Diana takes out the binoculars and finds that it is quite near them. Taking out the crystal ball, a red dot appears for them.

After 30 minutes, Twilight and Matt come back in a very damaged state. They are holding the crystal shard. Twilight's fur is black while Matt's face is covered in coal. The duo moves for a moment before falling to the ground.

Diana takes the crystal shard and asks. "What happened?"

Twilight groans. "This crystal keeps electrocuting us when we get back here."

Spike takes out the medkit and takes care of their wounds. "I thought those memory shards didn't have any power. Can you explain it, Diana?"

"Looks like this shard is absorbing the mana around." Diana forms a crystal ball around the crystal shard. It keeps firing lightning bolts around it. "I thought it would be easy but seeing the shard-like this... hmm..."

"So, what will happen now? I mean they won't be able to handle this shard, right?"

"Wrong. They can make artifacts with this." Diana spins the shard. "And you know an artifact can be a deadly weapon."

Spike shudders when hearing that. The black cat gives the crystal shard to him. Spike heads to Sunset's room and finds that she is reading a book. When the orange dragon meets him, she smiles. "What are you doing here?"

"Well... I just want to give you this." Spike takes out the crystal shard and wants to put it on Sunset's head but the orange dragon holds his arm and shakes her head. Spike tilts her head. "What's wrong?"

Sunset shudders. "No… I don't want that thing. It hurt me last time." 

"Oh... but you have to remember everything you have lost." Spike smiles. "You were nearly brainwashed by someone you don't know."

"I still don't want that." 

"Oh right. If you insist." Spike leaves the room and whispers. "I will put it on when you sleep anyway."





Many ponies want to read the book but cannot because the library is suddenly closed. Rarity looks at the paper that is written. 'Closed. Open when the mission is completed.' 

Rainbow Dash glares at the paper. "Twilight leaves the library and doesn't tell us anything? What's wrong with her?"

"Ah' don't know. This does not sound like Twilight." Applejack points at the school. "The school needs more textbooks and I need to buy some for my little sister."

"But the paper said they were on a mission? What kind of mission is that?"

"Ah' don't know. Maybe it is an influential one."

"But why didn't they tell us?" Rainbow Dash scoffs. "I want a memorable adventure."

When Rainbow Dash and Applejack are still talking, a guard comes to the library and makes an "open" sign. Rainbow Dash looks at the mare closely and finds that it is Coral Blade. 

Coral Blade tells Rainbow Dash. "My guard said that Princess Twilight was inside the zebra's territory to solve a problem." 

Rainbow Dash and Applejack are surprised. 

"What!?" 

"They also say that she is traveling with the human who just appeared yesterday."

Applejack rubs her chin. "We don't know much about him, but Diana said that he likes stealing."

"So that means... he 'steals' our friend?" Rainbow Dash turns to Coral Blade. "You have to capture him."

"Now now Rainbow Dash. I don't have any proof to claim that he kidnapped Princess Twilight." Coral Blade takes a book and pokes at Rainbow Dash's head. "Plus I can take you to prison right now for slandering a creature."

Rainbow Dash slaps the book away. "Fine. I will find Twilight."

"Don't get scared too easily," Coral Blade teases. "Glass cannon"

Rainbow Dash's head is red right now. She wants to fly to the Everfree forest to find her friend but Applejack stops her. The orange pony shakes her head as Rainbow sighs, then they head to their friend to tell them about their plan. 
> Another shard in forest
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Diana pushes the crystal ball that has Sunset's memory shard into the middle of the round table. It is lightened the wagon. Diana sighs in relief when she finally can use this shard somewhere.

In the night, Twilight and Spike gaze around the wagon. Twilight wants to check the light to see how it works. Matt checks the hologram map on the table and sees many blue dots around. Diana explains. "That's just something that is not crystal shard around us."

Spike pokes at the hologram map. "Where will we go, Diana? This wagon can go on the water, right?"

"Yes, it is. It also can fly if you want to go in the air." Diana sits on the chair. "At least we will have energy for survival."

Twilight rubs her chin. "So, how can we get money?" The others suddenly turn to Twilight, making her quite nervous. Twilight explains. "We didn't go anywhere without money, right? I see that the money that I, Twilight, and Sunset have will not be enough for this trip."

"Wow, you know how to rub salt into a critical wound." Diana huffs. "Any ideas?"

Spike raises his claw. "Singing? Or just making a show like Trixie always does?" Diana shakes her head. "Why not?"

"Because someone is going to like it when we do that." Diana glares at Matt. "Right?"

"Stop accusing me, okay? I promise that I will never steal anything again unless it's necessary." Matt slams the table. "You are very talented at baking. Why don't you just open a cake shop and sell it?"

Diana huffs. "I admit that we have a kitchen but how can we get material to make the cake?" Matt pulls out the flour, fruits, and chocolate from his dimension pocket, then a hammer slams into his body again. Diana rubs her head. "That's why I keep accusing you." 

Twilight yells at him. "Matt, where did you get these things?" 

"From the zebra." Matt stands up. "I found their food storage so I got some food from them, you know, to pay for what we did."

Twilight counters. "That's not how it works." 

"So what? Do you want us to die of starvation?"

"But there are plenty of ways not to steal things like this." 

Matt and Twilight keep arguing with each other. No one seems to fall back. Twilight and Diana take the hammers and leave them alone to fight each other. When the duo steps outside, many eyes are staring at them. From far away, those eyes are like a flashlight. 

Spike takes some wood, chairs and some marshmallows to make a small campfire. Diana lies on the table and is stargazing. She takes a deep breath and enjoys the fresh air. The chirping, the stars, the quiet. The black cat relaxes greatly as a result of all of them. Spike gives her some roasted marshmallows. "Thank you." Diana takes it and eats it. "Love the fresh air in this jungle."

"Unless it is unnatural." Spike takes the stick and plugs some fish. "The clouds are not moving on our own."

Diana laughs. "That's because you can't control this area."

"I guess you're right." Spike sighs. "So what is your world going to be like?"

"Not so much. In big cities, people are in a hurry to work, and some of them even don't have time to relax. There will be dust around the car that makes you cough sometimes." Diana rolls around. "The small country is opposite the big city too."

"Wow, that sounds wonderful. I would like to visit there. Because Twilight wants to see what a car is?"

Diana giggles. "If that 'unicorn evolves to alicorn' can handle the new. And I bet that you can't too.

"We can. Don't be like that." Spike laughs. "So, what will we do now?"

Diana glances at the bushes. "Prepare yourself."

Spike turns to the bushes. Many timberwolves are jumping out of the bush. They are all glowing at the duo. As usual, Spike breathes fire at them to make them retreat, but the wolves don't back away. Spike feels weird about this. A timberwolf throws another wolf to jump to Spike. The purple dragon slams the wolf immediately, then creates fire from his claws to burn the wolf. 

The door is opened as Twilight and Matt go outside after a long fight. They see the timberwolves standing aside. Spike pats Twilight's back. "Those timberwolves are too weird. They don't scare off the fire as usual."

The Timberwolves are starting to attack them. Matt quickly punches at the wolf's jaws, then throws the sword at another wolf. Diana slams her paw on the ground and many shadow hands appear and immobilize them. The timberwolves are struggling to get out of the bind.

Twilight takes a closer look at one of them and finds that their eyes are red and green. "Weird, the eye is not normal too. That's mean..." Twilight's horn is glowing and a purple wave runs through them. They see a figure waving a wand inside the wave. Twilight points at the figure. "Someone is controlling the wolves."

Spike raises his wings and starts chasing the figure. Diana demands Twilight. "Twilight, you should go back to Ponyville right now."

"Why?"

Diana gives her a scroll. "I bet something is not right about this. Here is the teleportation scroll. You can teleport back here. After 10 minutes of being there, if the village is fine, you will teleport back here, got it?

Twilight takes the scroll. "Fine." Twilight flies to Ponyville as fast as possible.

Suddenly, a roar comes from behind the wolf and a bear is charging at them. Matt takes out his sword and blocks the bear's attack. Both of them jump back and start circling. Looking at the bear, its fur is like a universe inside it. 

Matt grins. "You are such an attractive bear but..." Matt raises the sword. "You should get out of here or someone will bleed." 

The bear roars at the swordsman. Matt grips his sword tight, then they charge at each other.





Rainbow Dash is flying back to Ponyville. The cyan pegasus is still angry when Applejack leaves her like that. After searching around Everfree forest for hours, she had to flee from the hydra after flying through it by accident. The cyan pegasus is heading back to Ponyville. She sees many Timberwolves attacking the pony, while the guards are fighting back. Rainbow Dash is surprised when she sees this. 

A flash is slashed across her wings as she falls to the ground. A pegasus guard is holding the shield while the other guards are carrying her back.

Rainbow Dash sees Coral Blade commanding her soldiers. "Unicorns, we keep firing spells that are related to fire. Earth pony, hold the position."

Rainbow Dash looks at them. "What is happening?"

One of the guards replies. "We don't know. The wolves suddenly attacked our school. We have to take you somewhere safe, Madam."

"But I want..."

Suddenly, a firewall is raised between the guards and the wolves, forcing them to stand back, then the figure flies to the ground on a high. An explosion appears between the wolves, shattered into pieces. 

Twilight stands in the smoke and blasts some of the wolves after the firewall is brought down. She forms a earth ball from the ground and kicks at the tree. Suddenly, the wolves around stop moving. 

Twilight whispers. "That pony is missing."

Rainbow Dash flies and hugs her tight. "That was awesome. Where have you been, Twilight?" 

The cyan pegasus sees the purple unicorn's horn shining, and it shoots a purple orb into the sky.  The purple ball starts creating waves of light. Twilight sighs. "Sorry Rainbow Dash, I'm just focusing on casting the spell."

"Where have you been?"

"Well... I am working on the quest to reclaim Sunset's memory." 

Rainbow glares at her. "Why don't you tell us? I just worry about you."

"I'm fine. Anyway..." Twilight takes out the scroll. "I have to go back to the others."

"Wait... Can I come with you?" 

Twilight shakes her head and activates the teleportation scroll. Rainbow Dash tries to get her back but it's too late. The purple alicorn is disappeared before she can reach her. 





Spike is looking around the jungle looking for the creature that was on the tree before. He lost his track. Suddenly, an arrow is shot from the bush. Spike ducks to dodge it, but another arrow comes to the other side and slashes him a little. 

'Two?' Spike runs to the bushes but another arrow shoots from the bush to stop him. The purple dragon takes a deep breath and is determined to burn the holding area.

Suddenly, a purple light sweeps through the area. Spike sees two ponies on the tree through the bushes. The purple dragon quickly throws a fireball inside it, causing the ponies to fall to the ground. Not wanting them to resist, the purple dragon quickly flies to them and takes one of them.

The red pegasus is struggling to get out of his grips but seeing smoke from his mouth, the pegasus stops struggling. The cyan earth pony points to the staff that has Sunset's memory on it and yells. "Release her immediately, monster."

Spike grins. "You know I won't, right?" The cyan earth pony is shuddering. "Now, give me that staff, or else you will see this pegasus' blood."

The pegasus is going to say something but Spike covers her mouth immediately. The earth pony is hesitating to give the staff. Seeing the blood dripping from the pegasus's neck. The earth pony gives up. "Fine. But you have to release her."

"I promise that."

Spike slowly takes the memory shard from the pegasus's mane and walks toward the earth pony. When the duo comes close, Spike takes the staff and releases the mare. As the mare approaches him, a fire stops her from attacking him. Spike pats the mare's head, then leaves them alone. The red pegasus is feeling humiliated by this patting, then she punches the earth pony to make sure that she doesn't explode inside.





Twilight is teleported back to the wagon and sees Matt wrestling with the cosmic bear. Twilight is surprised by the human's strength. Timberwolves are no longer visible to her. 

A yawn escapes Diana's lips as she sits on the table. "You're late, Twilight. I like that purple orb honestly."

"Practicing with Sunset makes me like this. Anyway..." Twilight points at Matt. "Is he okay?"

"He doesn't want to hurt the bear because... He wants to make it his pet."

"Is he crazy? No one was able to tame a Usar Major before."

Matt holds the bear's paw and uses all of his strength to throw it away. He then jumps on the bear and punches its face repeatedly until the bear is knocked out. Matt lies on the ground. "Wow, that bear has more strength than our world."

Diana drags Matt back to the wagon, then teleports the bear away. Sunset opens the door due to outside noise. She asks. "What's happening outside?"

Diana lies. "Just some warm-up."

Sunset tilts her head and yawns. "Weird. Who will warm up during midnight?" 

Twilight replies. "Uhmm... Just have to fix the wagon for a while."

Sunset rubs her head. "Alright, I will go back to sleep."

Sunset closes the door as the duo sighs in relief. Spike comes back with two memory shards. Diana looks at the shard. "Hmm... Looks like that shard has the power of nature. That's why those jungle animals attack us."

"And attack Ponyville." Adds Twilight. "Lucky that I came back at the right time so the town is safe."

The others are slightly shocked by the news. Diana sighs and gives advice. "All right, we will go to the Crystal Empire tomorrow."

Spike raises his claw and asks. "I don't think we should go there. There will be a blizzard there."

"Don't worry. We will be fine." 

The group walks into the wagon. The wagon is pulled by two skeleton ponies. After a while, the wagon flies to the moon.
> Cloudale.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Diana yawns and starts cooking breakfast. She also checks the map to see where they are. Suddenly, a knock interrupts her as the black cat stretches her body and opens the door. She sees a brown old stallion with golden armor on his body.

The old stallion starts looking around the wagon, then pats Diana. "I hope I can meet the owner of this wagon. Cute cat with a cute costume."

Diana stares at him with a bored expression on her face. "I am the owner of this wagon. Can I help you?"

The old stallion stares at her in amazement. He coughs and asks. "Owning a big wagon like this? I hope you have a license, right?" Diana slowly closes the door but the stallion stops her. "You are in trouble, Miss."

"Can I ask where I am?"

"You are in Cloudale ..." 

Before the old stallion finishes his sentence. Diana teleports him away. Diana takes the map and sees Cloudale is in the east, not the north. The black cat stops the wagon, then turns on the crystal ball to spot the memory shards. 

"What are you doing?" Twilight asks from behind Diana. The purple alicorn looks at the hologram map and finds that she is facing the wrong way. Twilight stares at the black cat. "Don't tell me we are in Cloudale."

Diana rubs her head. "Yeah... we are in Cloudale."

Twilight sighs. "Anyway, I forgot to mention the license."

"You don't have to say it because... a guard is already talking about it."

A knock interrupts them. Twilight opens the door and sees that the old stallion is covered in trash. The old stallion asks. "Oh, Princess Twilight, are you in this illegal wagon?"

"Well... you can say that."

"Apologies princess, I have a cat to take in here." The old stallion points at a trash can. "That black cat threw me into the trash."

Twilight glares at Diana as the black cat looks away. Twilight nods. "You can have her."

"Thank you, princess."

The old stallion takes Diana away from the wagon. Diana huffs and accepts the taking. Twilight looks at the hologram map and sees there is a red spot under the ground. Twilight enters the inside to call others to the meeting.





Diana is sitting in a chair beside the old stallion. Inside the room, there is only the bed and the table. The old stallion shakes his head and sighs. "No information about you. You are an outsider, right?"

"Maybe, can I go home please, old horse?"

"Not now, kitten." The old stallion pats her head. "In normal circumstances, I can take you to the prison for now but since Princess Twilight is inside, I might have another deal."

Diana tilts her head. "What is it?" 

"Be my pet, and you will feel satisfied with your new life"

"Where is the prison? Can you show me the way there?"

"Fast answer. I love it." The old stallion rubs Diana's chin. "You are too cute to be taken to prison, despite being rude."

Diana taps her feet and glares at the old stallion. "All right, no more playing around. What do you want?"

The old stallion sighs and whispers. "I want you to investigate my captain. I feel something wrong these days about him."

Diana folds her paws. "And why did you ask me? You can ask everyone or just do it yourself."

"Because... the captain's room always has guards in front of his room. Plus, no one expects a cat like you."

"I get it." Diana smiles. "Let me guess... are some criminals organized?"

The old stallion shakes his head. "It's just that this town has some mysterious ponies missing around this town. Wait, why am I spilling this thing?"

"Hmm... I think I am willing to do this." Diana taps her paw on his cheek. "I just want some exchange on this case."

"You have no right here, criminal."

"I have the right to deny your request." Diana grins. "I don't mind being in prison though because I can escape from there like nothing."

"Fine." The old stallion takes a pen. "We will talk about the price after you succeed."

"All right, I will help you. But the price is not cheap." Diana stands up. " What's your name?"

"Pepper." 

"Diana." The black cat takes the paper. "Show me your captain's room and I will do it."





Matt and Spike are sitting on the sofa and watching the hologram map. It spots a memory shard around Cloudale. Spike looks at the map and sees it is under the cloud city, under the ground too. The purple dragon feels weird about this since the memory shard was fallen from the sky, not raised from the ground.

Sunset rubs her head and sees the group in there. The orange dragon asks. "What are you doing here?"

"We just... want to ask you if you sleep well."

"Well... last night I dreamed that I was a unicorn. And I was walking with a white alicorn." Sunset holds her head. "I don't know. She just likes... something significant to me."

Spike whispers to Twilight. "See. I told you that you just wait for her to sleep and put the crystal on her."

Twilight whispers back. "We will do that again if we find another memory fragment." She turns to the orange dragon. "Maybe you shouldn't think about that too much. We will help you as long as we can."

Sunset sighs. "Thank you. I think I can cook too."

Matt smiles." Cool. Can you cook for us?"

"Umm... I will try." Sunset rubs her head. "Where is the kitchen?"

Spike leads the orange dragon to the kitchen. Twilight and Matt prepare for the trip. Twilight warns. "Do not steal anything ever again. I don't even know how Sunset can get along with you."

"Just a hunch." Matt pats Twilight's back. 

"From this mission, I promise that I will steal something necessary."

"What does 'necessary' mean? Have you healed yet?"

Matt gives her a smirk. "A little bit." Twilight pats Matt's back, cause he falls. He yells at her. "Hey, that hurts."

Twilight opens the door and flies outside. Matt is going to fly with the purple unicorn, but he realizes that he can't fly. The alicorn points at the cloud. "Use the cloud." 

"Hello, how can I walk on the cloud like you? I left my cloud-walking boots at home.

"Magic. I am not strong enough to take you. Unless you can step into the cloud."

Matt looks at the cloud and feels nervous about it. The human starts focusing his mana on his feet and tries to step on the cloud. Sadly, he falls off the high ground. Twilight tries to fly to rescue him.





Pepper shows Diana his captain's room. Pepper told her today the captain was having a meeting with someone in his room. Diana climbs into the vent and slowly walks into the room. After a while, the black cat found the room. 

Jumping inside, she looks around and quickly takes a file off the shelf. It's about a filly missing. Checking the date, she finds this filly was missing from yesterday. Taking another file, she sees a mare is missing from yesterday too. Diana admits the old stallion is right. 

She hears the step from the door. The black cat quickly returns to the vent. Looking down, she sees a green pegasus with a red mane wearing armor. Diana creates a light ball and looks back. Suddenly, the mare glances at the vent, then she takes the ladder and checks it. 

When the mare got to the vent, she only saw a black cat eating pizza. "It's just a cat. I'm too cautious." Diana is taken out of the vent by the mare. "Here you go, little girl. Just sit there and wait. I will get some milk soon." Diana hisses. The mare pats her head. "Oh right, can you..." Diana lies on the table and pretends to sleep 

The mare is attempting to pat her but Diana slaps her hoof away. The door is opened and two stallions are coming inside. All of them have scars on their faces. One of them teases. "Is that your new pet?"

"No, I just found it in the vent. Anyway..." the mare slams the table. "Did you do what I said?"

"Yes. All of them are ready to move, but we have a problem."

"What is it?"

"We saw Princess Twilight near our base. Looks like she found something." 

"What?" The mare is surprised. "How many guards does she take with her?"

"Only a weird creature came with her."

"Avoid fighting her as much as you can. If she is so hard-headed, just kidnap her."

The two stallions grin. "I like that idea. We can have a lot of money if we are successful. What about the weird creature?"

"Is it strong?"

"It is carrying a big broadsword."

"We should leave." The mare runs out of the room. "Don't let them know about our secret weapon."

In order to return to their base, the stallion follows the mare. Diana follows them to see where their base is. It's happening quite fast at the moment.
> Suspicious mine.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rainbow is more curious about what Twilight is doing. She wants to know what quest she is doing that is so significant that she has to close the library until it's completed. This is because Twilight is not here anymore. Too many questions are making Rainbow Dash's curiosity want to explode.

A knock on the door interrupts her. The blue pegasus is about to open the door, but a flash slams it and something hugs her tightly. She sees Pinkie hugging her tight. 

Pinkie jumps around and yells. "Dash, you have to help me."

"What is this?"

"Where are Twilight and Spike? I haven't seen them for 5 days now."

"Relax." Rainbow pushes her out. "I just met her yesterday?"

"Really? Where? They are missing a lot of fun things here."

"Yesterday, I was talking to Twilight. She is doing something in Everfree forest."

"Weird." Pinkie rubs her chin. "Twilight will never leave like that."

"Don't you see the paper in the library?"

"Silly. Coral Blade is working in the library so I didn't see it." Pinkie Pie bounces around the blue pegasus. "I think they are in Cloudale."

"How did you know that?"

"My tail is twitching and it points at Cloudale on the map." Pinkie Pie wraps her hoof around Rainbow Dash. "You should come with me to check it."

"Eh... Oh right. But... can I do this tomorrow? I have work today."

Pinkie puts her face near Rainbow's face. "No. You have to come with me. Right now."

Rainbow smiles nervously. "All right. Let me meet my boss to take a rest from this."

Rainbow flies outside as fast as she can. After telling her boss that she needs a break, his boss accepts it immediately, but she will have double work once she returns.





Matt opens his eyes and looks around, then he touches his body to see if he's alive or not. Simply, no extra bruises or something. The swordsman sees the purple alicorn looking at the crystal ball. Matt stands up and yells. "Hey, that is a terrible idea. You nearly killed me. Lucky that your levitation has some work."

Twilight smiles nervously. "Sorry. I thought you could stand on the cloud, like Sunset, since you used to be one of her teammates"

Matt counters. "And that dragon was an abnormal mage when we were with her. You should know how abnormal she is." 

Twilight nods. "I understand. Anyway... we should follow this way. The memory shard is very near."

Matt follows Twilight to the spot. They meet many ponies hiding in the trees and bushes as they travel through the jungle to find the shards. Although they feel that something is wrong, they decide to proceed nonetheless.



After a while, they meet a cave with many ponies transporting wagons. In front of the cave, there are two guards holding weapons. There are too many wagons around but all of the wagons have something like a leaf on top of them. As Twilight walks to them, she tells Matt to stay there.

When the ponies see Twilight coming to them, they are quite nervous. The wagon does not have any windows, so Twilight watches it to see what's inside. One of the ponies asks her. "Oh... Princess Twilight. I'm surprised when you are here. Uhh... why are you here?"

"I just feel weird because I haven't reported that there is a cave in Cloudale."

One of the guards starts explaining. "Well... this is a mine. And our captain is checking."

"May I come inside?"

"Eh... you can't. Because the mine is quite dangerous, so... this is not the time, Princess."

Twilight feels something suspicious here. "But I want to get inside."

The guards are going to retort but a voice comes from inside and asks her. "Well, what do we have here?"

Twilight steps back as a green pegasus with a red mane appears. Also, Twilight sees Diana approaching, but the mare does not recognize her. Diana waves her paws at Twilight. Twilight nods and turns to the mare to ask. "You must be Captain Hour?"

"That's me, Princess." The mare smiles. "You don't have to come here to check."

Twilight frowns. "Can you show me what is inside those wagons?"

"Sure."

Twilight and the captain come to the wagon together. Open the wagon, they only find mining tools and some anvils. Hour and Twilight enter the wagon to check, then they check another wagons as well. All of them are just mining tools and stuff. Twilight sighs. "Maybe I was just too cautious. Sorry for disturbing you."

"No problem, princess. You are just doing your job."

Twilight leaves the mine. Matt is about to ask Twilight for the crystal shard but she stops him and asks him to leave the mine. Having traveled so far from the mine, the purple alicorn and swordsman stop midway. The swordsman throws a broadsword into a bush. 

Twilight quickly teleports into the bush and sees a pony breathing heavily. He wants to run away but is caught by her levitation. The pony is scared. "Please don't hurt me, Princess."

"Tell me, what's inside that mine?"

"Uhmm..." the pony looks away to find some help. "No, I won't tell you."

Matt takes the sword and looks at the pony. With a smirk on his face, he climbs the tree with the pony. Twilight tries to stop him but she can't. The pony try to escape his grasps. When they are on top of the tree, Matt hangs the pony from a high ground. The pony looks down and gulps.

Matt grins. "Now tell me everything you know about that mine."

"No..." Matt drops the pony, then catches him immediately. The pony breathes heavily. "No, don't do that."

"Remember, you are not a unicorn or a pegasus. As long as you cooperate with me. We will be fine."

The pony's tears are dropping. He finally spills the beans. "Fine. That mine is a pony trafficking center." 

Twilight is shocked. "What? Really?"

"Yeah. We usually trick somepony into having a job with a high salary, then we take them abroad." The pony gulps. "Please let me go. That's all I know."

"Sure." 

Matt smashes his head to make him faint, then he jumps from the tree. Twilight is still shocked when hearing something like this. The purple alicorn summons the scroll and writes about this mine and its location, then she sends it away.

Matt looks at the mine through binoculars. "So, what will we do now? It will be risky if we do a burst attack."

"Well, how about waiting until night?"

"But we don't know if some wagons will be transported somewhere. Do you want the victim to be 'exported' to somewhere else?"

Twilight takes out the crystal ball. "Okay. We will check the area around."

The purple alicorn turns on the crystal ball. There are many tunnels around this mine. Several of them lead to places outside the city. Matt throws his arm in the air. "I take my word back. Your plan is more clever."

"Okay, we will choose somewhere to make a campfire."

"Don't." Matt turns around. "You don't want smoke spotting us."

"Maybe you're right."

"Let's take a nap. I need energy to do the job."

Matt closes his eyes and starts sleeping, ignoring the gumble of the purple alicorn. Twilight takes the paper and starts drawing the mine map.





Sunset and Spike are enjoying cooking. They have a good time in the kitchen. Spike is trying to ask some questions about magic and stuff but she doesn't know anything. Suddenly, a knock on the door interrupts them. Spike opens the door and sees two guards standing in front of the wagon.

The first guard coughs. "Sorry sir, you are not allowed to park the wagon here?"

"Why? There are no signs around here."

"Because the updated rule is here." That explains the guard. "Every wagon must have some bits to keep parking in this cloud."

Spike wonders. "Hmm... I remember that Princess Celestia didn't say anything about the updated rules of Cloudale or something related." The guards look at each other as Spike continues. "I just asked Princess Celestia about any different laws in Cloudale but... not including this."

"Uhmm... yeah. Wait here, we will... hmm... come back later. Don't go anywhere." 

The guards are leaving the wagon. Spike closes the door and feels some relief. Suddenly, a scream came from the kitchen. Spike quickly runs into it and sees Sunset struggling to take the fireball on her claw off with a bucket of water, but it doesn't work. Spike opens the window. "Just throw it away."

Sunset throws the fireball away, then she sits down and breathes heavily. Sunset looks at her claw. "How... how can I create a fireball in my claw?"

"Well... magic."

"But..." Sunset sighs. "I forgot about magic stuff."

"Don't worry. I will teach you how to control your magic." Spike pats her back. "It's just like... hm... yeah... not like that?"

Spike's face becomes blue when he remembers the training. Sunset looks at him. "You okay?"

"Yeah... sure. Anyway, I will teach you some to make sure that you don't have an accident like this."

"Eh..." Sunset rubs her head. "Sure, why not?"

"Give me a moment, okay?"

Spike leaves the wagon looking for a space to practice. He sees the two guards who are just talking to him murmuring something. Spike decides to come close and uses the cloud to hide.

"Damn," says the first guard. "That dragon knows the rules. What will you do?"

"We will leave him. That is not the right way to fight a dragon."

"You're right. How about some drinks? My treat."

"Sure, let's go."

The guards start heading to the bar. Spike frowns at the guards but decides to leave them. When he finds a suitable spot, he returns to the wagon and takes Sunset there to practice.
> Prepare for a plan
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spike takes Sunset to the empty spot. To make sure no one is going to see them, he takes the cloud to cover themself. Satisfying, Spike turns back to the orange dragon and asks. "Oh right, Sunset. Ready for the first lesson?"

"Eh, maybe..." Sunset is taking the paper on the cloud table. "Nice table you made here."

"Thanks... " Spike sits beside Sunset. "Now, close your eyes," Sunset closes the eyes. "Now, take a deep breath," the orange dragon takes a deep breath. Spike continues. "Now, did you feel anything?"

Sunset shakes her head and puts her claws on the cloud table. Spike holds her claws, then he feels her mana focusing on her claw very quickly, then he releases Sunset's claw immediately. A fireball is created from Sunset claw. It's getting bigger and bigger time by time. Sunset opens her eyes and sees the big fireballs, then she panics and throws them away. The fireball touches the ground and creates a big explosion. Many pegasi on the cloud watch the explosion. 

Spike watches the guards flying to the explosion's spot and sighs. "I will change the first lesson. Stay calm when seeing something like this."

Sunset blushes and turns away. "Heheh... maybe."

"Now close your eyes again. This time I will check on you." Sunset nods and closes her eyes. The purple dragon walks around the orange dragon while touching the tail on her body. The purple dragon feels her mana focusing on her chest. He asks. "Did you feel something?"

"I feel... something inside my chest." 

"Now, feel the mana and transfer it into here," Spike pokes her chest, then pokes her claws. "To here,"

The purple dragon waits for the orange dragon to do something. He feels her mana going from her chest to her claw, then a fireball appears in her claw. This one is much smaller and smoother than the last one. 

Sunset opens her eyes and sees Spike's tail wrapping her claw. Sunset pokes at his tail. "What are you doing with my claw?"

"Nothing," Spike unwraps the tail. "Just some stuff."

"Okay..." Sunset looks at the fireball, "what will we do with this."

"You should make this fireball bigger, then make it smaller, then repeat," Spike creates the fireball. "Like this."  The purple dragon makes his fireball bigger, then smaller, then bigger. "Understand?" 

Sunset nods and starts doing the same. When the orange dragon tries to make her fireball big but it is bigger than she thought. Sunset is trying to make it smaller but it is not smaller. The orange dragon doesn't know what to do. A water ball hits her fireballs, making some white smoke. Sunset sighs in relief. "Lucky that I don't make a second... panic?"

"Nearly. Do it again."

Sunset nods and starts doing again. This time is better but I still cannot control the fireball. Spike sighs. 'This will be a long time 




Pinkie and Rainbow Dash are heading to Cloudale by train. When they are getting there, a big explosion shakes the train, making everyone on the train panic and hide under their seat. After a while, they see the train is fine and return to their seat. Rainbow Dash and Pinkie Pie are curious about who can create such a big explosion.

After 45 minutes, the train has to park at Cloudale station to check if the train has something broken. The guard orders us to wait here for the next train while checking the ticket for others who want to arrive here. Pinkie Pie and Rainbow Dash are stepping down to the city.

Looking around, they see an elevator to go up to cloud city. The duo with many ponies take turns to the elevator. When the elevator arrives in the city, the unicorns around start casting spells on their body. Pinkie Pie is bouncing on the cloud. "Oh, hey Dash, I can walk on the cloud."

"Ughh Pinkie, did you remember why we were here?"

"Of course. We're here to find Twilight and Spike."

Rainbow Dash rolls her eyes. She points in a random direction. "Oh right, you will find it over there. I will fly around here."

"Okie Dokie."

The pink pony bounces away from Rainbow Dash while humming. Rainbow Dash starts flying in the opposite direction. After 45 minutes, she feels hot, which makes her feel weird because the weather in Cloudale is not supposed to be hot. Looking around, she sees a big fireball. Feeling suspicious, the blue pegasus decides to search for the source and sees Spike and Sunset trying to practice with the fireballs.

Spike turns around and goes to the wagon. Rainbow Dash follows him. Something is poking her from her back as the blue pegasus turns around. Spike is shaking his head and staring at her. 

Rainbow Dash rubs her head and asks. "Eh... hi. Where have you been all the time?"

"Doing the quest." Spike turns around. "That's all. We won't come back until the quest is done."

"But what kind of quest is it?"

"A quest to go around this planet," replies the voice behind the blue pegasus. Rainbow Dash jumps a little bit and turns around, again, and sees a black cat with the mage hat and cape looking at her. The black cat asks. "What are you doing here, Trash? You're supposed to stay in Ponyville."

Rainbow Dash glares at the black cat. "Stop calling trash, you stupid cat. Last time you were just lucky."

The black cat looks at the blue pegasus. "You sure? Lucky that I have Sunset's sword in the wagon. Can you get it for me, Spike?"

"Sure Diana."

Diana sits down and waits for the sword. Rainbow Dash shuddered when that sword is stabbed into her chest. Rainbow Dash asks. "Can I go with you and Twilight?"

"What can you help us with, Trash bin?"

Rainbow takes a deep breath for a while, then answers. "I can help you search and gather some supplies because I am the fastest..."

Diana raises her paw to cut her off. "Please go home. You do not belong here."

Rainbow Dash glares at her. "Hey, don't cut my word like that."

"You fast. Yep, I admit it when we first met at the library but... " Diana sighs. "Not enough."

"Not enough? What does it mean?"

Suddenly, the black cat is not at her spot anymore. Rainbow Dash looks around to find the cat. A dark blade is near her neck, which makes Rainbow Dash surprised. She turns around and sees Diana holding a staff with a black blade. Rainbow Dash gulps. The black cat pushes her away and walks to Sunset. "Go home. You are not supposed to be here."

"Can I at least... meeting Twilight?"

Diana sits down. "Twilight is doing her mission. She will come back tomorrow."

"I see. Can you tell me where she is?" 

"I can't. But don't think that you will find her because I will root for you here." 

Rainbow throws her front hooves in the air. "Okay, now you want to imprison me here." 

"To not disturb her in the mission."

"Fine. But can I at least tell Pinkie that you are here?"

Diana turns to Spike, who is carrying the sword. Spike gives the black cat the sword and goes with Rainbow to get Pinkie. 




Twilight is watching the mine through binoculars. She sees the guards are still guarding in front of the mine without shifting. Matt yawns and jumps from the trees. He sees the black cat standing in front of him. Matt waves his hand. "Why are you here, Diana?"

Diana takes out the bread, cakes that are shaped like a pony head, etc... Twilight looks at the cake and asks fearly. "What is it?"

"Cake. What? You don't like it?" Diana takes a stick and plugs the 'head' into the stick. "Here, take a shoot."

Twilight takes the 'head'. Looking at it, she wants to vomit. Turning to Matt, he is eating the 'head' without a problem. Twilight closes her eyes and bites the 'head'. There is a 'battle' inside her mouth. Twilight bites it again. "Wow, this thing is so good."

"Thank you," Diana takes out the 'eyeball'. "Here, have some flan."

"You know Diana, you should stop making the food with these 'haunting' shapes," Matt is eating the 'eyeball'. "That's why you always lose in cake competitions, except on Halloween."

Twilight nods. "I agree. Wait, what is 'Halloween'?"

"A day where people in there wear costumes and cosplay," Diana folds her paws. "I believe your place has a festival like this. My little sister told me."

"You're right. It is called 'Nightmare Night'."

"Sounds like a villain's name," teases Matt. "I will call myself the Darkness Sword if I am one."

Diana gives him a smirk. "Sure, go ahead and be burned by the flame of a certain dragon." 

Twilight giggles. They start enjoying the dinner. Diana taps a crystal ball to open the hologram maps and waves her paws through it. The map reveals the purple dots of all escaping tunnels. Twilight watches the dot and feels something not good about these dots. "What is it?"

"Bomb." Diana makes a magic circle. "By magic."

"Okay..." Matt stands up. "What do you know about this mine?"

"The mine is the place to transport the kidnapped ponies and creatures somewhere." Diana folds her paw. "From what I know, this place exists for one month."

"One month?" 

Diana turns around. "Twilight, where is Celestia's guard? I assume that they will be here for now."

"I... don't know." Twilight looks at her bag and finds nothing about the related information. "Don't know."

"Looks like we have to take this risk." Matt looks at Diana. "You won't go?"

"No." Diana looks at the sky. "Your mission: make violence there and save as many kidnapped ponies as possible." 

"No..." Twilight jumps on Diana. "Ponies will die if we do that."

"Then what are you going to do? Teleport the kidnapped ponies one by one?" Diana slaps her hoof away. "Your mana pool is not large enough to do that."

Matt points at her. "Then why don't you go with us? Your mana pool is far larger than everyone in this world."

"Sorry but I can't." Diana huffs. "Anyway, do you want to do it or not?"

Twilight is silenced for a while. Matt searches his dimension pocket to bring out his black cape and wears it, then heads to the mine. Twilight looks at Diana, who is lying on the tree and stargazing. She grits her teeth and follows the human to the mine.
> The mine
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight and Matt are sneaking into the mine in the night. When they get near, the purple alicorn and the swordsman quickly knock them out, then Twilight wears golden armor and a mask while Matt quickly wears a black cape and a mask to cover himself. The purple alicorn also casts a spell to hide her wings. The duo starts going inside the mine. 

Going inside, there are many ways to go. The duo sees a guard sleeping on the table. Twilight wakes him up. The guard opens his eyes and sees a guard with a black robe creatures. The guard looks at Matt and asks. "Who is this guy?"

Twilight explains. "This guy wants to buy some ..." she coughs. "Goods in this mine."

"Oh... okay then. Follow me," The guard then points at Twilight. "And you, you should guard the wagon right now. Those ponies we caught will get away from it."

Twilight lies. "Sorry, I got lost when I was buying some food. I am on break."

"I will show you."

The guard leads the duo to a tunnel. Stepping into the tunnel, there are plenty of wagons inside, all of them having guards in front of them. Twilight and Matt peak a little and see there are all ponies inside these wagons. Matt slightly kicks at Twilight. The purple alicorn nods and ready. The guard points at the wagon, which does not have any guards around. Twilight stands in front of the wagon while the pony guard leads Matt to the auction room.

When the pony guard is gone, Twilight's horn glows and starts forming the magic circle on the roof of the room.


Matt follows the guards to a room. Inside the room, many creatures are sitting in there while a pony is slamming a small hammer and yelling. "500 bits, sold." The others clap as one of them is taking the paper. 

When he is trying to sit down, one of the guards gives him a paper and says. "Here, fill your places so we can transport the goods to you."

Matt nods and starts filling out the paper. The guard looks at the paper, then looks at him for a bit. Matt throws them a small bag of money. "Any trouble?"

"No sir." The guard takes the bag. "Enjoy the auction."

Matt is watching the pony who slams the hammer and starts announcing another wagon. This time is number thirty. Matt takes a sip of water and takes a deep breath. 

Matt taps his neck and whispers. "You hear me Twilight?"

"I can hear you," replies Twilight. "How is your place?"

"I'm good. They are making an auction about the wagon, do they have any numbers?" 

"They have. It has one hundred numbers with one hundred wagons. And all of them have ponies inside with some items."

"How many ponies are inside?"

"At least four. Some of them have seven."

"I see. It will be a long time until this auction is over. They are calling number thirty."

"I think you should join the auction and calls a wagon." Twilight is walking through the wagon room. "This place is too huge."

"That's why they have a total of ten tunnels. Anyway, good luck. I'm out."

Matt cuts the signal and stares at the pony who is calling a 'two hundred bits' to a pony. Matt raises it into three hundred bits, makes the pony angry, and raises it into three hundred and fifty bits. The pony on the stage looks at Matt as he sits down and sighs. One, two, and three, he slams the small hammer and decides the number thirty wagon is sold for three hundred and fifty bits. 





Diana is staring at the mine from the cloud. It is dark there since the mine was in the jungle. Diana taps her magic circle but doesn't have any replies from the two. Suddenly, two pink hooves wrap around the black cat. Diana quickly pushes Pinkie Pie away. Diana looks at her and sighs. "Don't do that again."

"Okie." Pinkie puts her face near Diana's face. "What are you doing?"

"Just some watching." Diana face paws. "I regret bringing you here."

"Aww... you don't have to do that." Pinkie bounces around the black cat. "I'm sure that you will enjoy my party."

"No thanks. I'm fine with it. You can hold the party after we're done."

"Okie." Pinkie smiles and bounces back to the wagon. "You should buy an airship to travel around."

Diana grumbles and closes her eyes. She is waiting for Celestia's guards to come soon. The purple dragon comes to the black cat and announces. "Princess Celestia's guards start 
coming to here."

"Too long." Diana looks at the sky. "Why didn't she send her guards sooner?"

"Because the captain here is working so..."

Diana huffs. "Wow, lazy alicorn. Anyway, how is Sunset?"

"Just fine. Rainbow Dash is trying to make her remember but she got tired so... she sleeps."

"That's fine." 

"Also..." Spike takes out a pistol. "What is this thing? I found this thing left on the table. Rainbow Dash is going to pull the trigger but I stopped her."

Diana takes the pistol. "It's just a failure weapon because its creator can't use it by the way."

"What is it?"

"Just imagine this is a small crossbow with can shoot like many times in 3 seconds." Diana aims the pistol at the mine, but she spins it. "And these 'crossbows' require a good speed."

"Wow, why is this a failure ?"

Diana smiles. "Did you find that this 'crossbow' is heavier than its looks?"

"Yeah..." Spike rubs his head. "It's like a ton inside."

Diana shakes her head and puts the pistol into her dimension pocket. "I won't show you how it does. It is too dangerous."

"So... how is the situation down there?"

"Nothing is reported. I will stay here to watch them." Diana points at the wagon. "You should come back to the wagon and do the housework."

"Fine," Spike grumbles and takes a broom to clean the wagon.




Matt is nearly asleep at the auction. Two hours inside an auction is just boring for him. This wagon is number seventy and the auction continues without any break. Matt looks around and sees two guards glancing at him. Matt taps his neck. "Twilight, is everything ready? I think I am watching."

"Ready. You should get out of that room before they will call some guards."

"I know what you mean. Wish me luck."

Matt cuts the signal and leaves the room to go outside. When he is walking, some guards are following him. The swordsman walks into a room. Inside the room, there is nothing around. The swordsman takes out his broadsword from his dimension pocket, much to the guards' surprise.

Matt glances at them. "Shall we start?"

The guards start charging at Matt. The swordsman quickly slams the sword's fuller at the first guard's head, then he punches the second one. The third one is going to thrust him but Matt ducks and pays back with a punch into his stomach. The third guard coughs and tries to get up but Matt slams his sword's pommel into his head to knock him down. 

Matt gets up. "Hitting with the fuller part is harder than I think."

When Matt is going to leave the cave, the bell is suddenly ringing. The swordsman looks around to find somewhere to hide but it's too late, many guards are already surrounding him. 


Twilight hears the bell and sees all of the guards in the room are equipping themself with one of the wagons. Twilight's horn glows and the magic circles are shining, then many purple clouds of smoke are coming from the magic circle. When they meet the guards, all of them are sleepy, then fall to the ground. 

Twilight checks one of them and he sleeps. "Wow, some protection spells in front of the wagon doors and windows are not bad." 

The purple alicorn opens all of the wagons as fast as she can. The ponies inside the wagon come out, then they look around and see all of the guards are sleeping. When they see Twilight in gold armor with a mask, some of the fillies and colts hide away from her while the ponies are still cautious with her.

Twilight is taking a weapon and looks around. One of the ponies asks. "Who are you?"

"My name is Twilight..." Twilight stops and thinks a little while, then answers. "I mean... Lavender Flower. I will get you out of here."

"Really? How can I trust you?"

"Not quite. But I promise." Twilight takes the halberd and asks. "How long have you been here?"

"Uhmmm... about two weeks," one of the ponies is shaking. "I… I am being tricked when they said about an easy job but has a high salary."

Twilight facehoofs at the response, then she opens the weapon storage and quickly knocks the guards in there. Twilight sighs 
and looks at the weapon for a while, then she turns to the ponies. "Here, take the weapon."

"Wha... what? We... we don't know how to use the weapon."

"It's now or never." Twilight takes a peek outside. "Look, I am alone so I can't take anyone here to get out of here. But... eh... if you stand up and fight for your freedom, you can get your freedom, or stay here and be exported."

The crowd is silenced for a while when they hear that. After a while, they are murmuring with each other. Twilight is watching them and peaking outside at the same time. Suddenly, one of them grabs the weapon and wears the armor, then steps forward to Twilight.

"Are you crazy?" Asks one of the ponies

The pony retorts. "Look. Mrs. Lavender here is right. We can't wait for someone to rescue us. If I were you, I wouldn't stick here and wait to be transported."

The crowd is looking at each other. Twilight is waiting for their response. After a while, many stallions are wearing the armor, taking weapons and shields. One of the ponies asks. "Where is the exit? We need to get out of here."

Twilight commands. "First, check the wagon to grab some food to eat. If there are none, we have to get out of here as soon as we can."

The pony starts searching the wagon and ties the guards. Twilight commands two of the pony guards outside with her.





Diana is playing rubik with her magic on the cloud and still watching the mine. Suddenly, the rubik can't be pinned. Diana stands up and sees the guards coming to the mine. Diana creates a fireball. "The climax is here." Then she snaps her paws to make the fireball disappear.



 

Captain Hour is collecting the bits to leave the mine. For her, these bits can make her life without worrying about money. When she is collecting the bits in the chest, a guard rushes inside her room and panting. He reports. "Captain, we have troubles."

"What's wrong?"

"A creature is causing the disturbance. Our tunnels to transport the wagon to the cities are blocked by an explosion, and the hostiles are trying to escape from our mine?"

"What?" Captain Hours slams the table. "How can they escape?'

The guard continues. "They are led by guards. We are trying to stop them but all of the hostile have our weapons and armor, and I can't see her face so..."

"Command all of the soldiers to block the exit, then we will get out of here." Captain Hours closes the chest. "I will share your half if we can go away. Meet me in Manehattan."

"Yes madam." 

The pony guard clicks the button on the wall, then she starts 



Matt is figuring out how to get out of this situation. The room has only one door which makes the swordsman quite annoyed. The guards are raising their shields and spears, then slowly walk toward him. Matt smiles and runs into them. The guards are thrusting their spears quite high. Matt slides under, steps on their shield, and jumps high, then slams his broadsword into the ground, causing a very strong gust that is enough to make the guards break their formation and fall. 

Matt runs away from the guards. He taps his neck. "Twilight, are you ready?"

"I am already near the cave mouth. We are fighting but the guards are too many. I'm afraid I can't take them out." 

"Hold on. Give me about 2 minutes. I will get there."

Matt runs to the cave mouth as fast as he can. When he gets there, the archer guards shoot arrows at Twilight's shield while many ponies are raising their shields to protect her and themself. The ponies try to throw the spear but it is blocked by their shield. Twilight tries to blast the archers but they dodge immediately. 

Matt raises his broadsword, then slams it into the ground. An earthquake is making everyone confused, then an earth shaped like a sword rises into the middle of the guard's formation. Taking a chance, Twilight quickly teleports into the middle of them, then creates a gust around her, knocking many archers down.

Matt raises his broadsword. "Everyone, their formation is broken. It's time to charge. Freedom is waiting for you. " Then he runs into the archer and slashes many of them. The hostile ponies follow him and charge. The guards are trying to fight but it's no use. Twilight, Matt and the hostitles are successful running out of the cave.

When they are out of the cave, the hostiles start hugging each other and crying. Suddenly, some of the guards are landing in front of them. This time they have many cannons and weapons. Twilight and Matt are ready to fight against them. The hostiles are raising their spears immediately.

One of the guards asks them. "What are these ponies?"

"Should we have to answer?" Explains Twilight as she lightens her horn. "These ponies are suffering inside this mine."

"Oh... I see." The guard drops his weapon. "We mean no harm here. So, can we lower our weapons and talk?"

"Maybe." Matt lowers his broadsword. "What do you want?"

"I came here to investigate the suspicious mine from Princess Twilight Sparkle." The guards look at the ponies. "I bet these ponies are enough proof to catch those dirty guards." Then he turns to his guard. "All right, soldiers. Make sure those ponies are safe. We have a lot of things to do." 

The soldiers start surrounding the hostile pony, then raise their shield outside. The hostile pony is surprised. "You... you mean no harm?"

"As long as you don't harm us, we will be fine. Plus, if you cooperate with me and my soldiers, we will make sure that you will go home safe and sound."

The hostile ponies are happy when they hear that, they drop the weapon and shield while the soldiers start checking their wounds and start getting information from them. Matt and Twilight leave the group alone but the soldiers stop them. Matt frowns. "What do you want?"

"Your face." The soldier coughs. "You two are suspicious enough when wearing those masks in this suspicious place."

"You don't need to know." 

Twilight creates a purple smoke around. When the smoke faded, the duo disappeared. The soldiers are shocked for a little while but their captain tells them to work like normal.




Captain Hours is running away from the mine with a big chest by the secret tunnel. She has collected enough money to get away from Equestria. Suddenly, a black flame wall is rising in front of her, making her surprised and falling.

"Going somewhere?" The captain hears the voice from nowhere. She looks around and sees a familiar black cat is stepping closer to her, this time having the black cape and black mage hat. Diana shakes her head. "You know how to make the party go off."

"You are just a little cat. How can you stop me?" The captain is trying to move but she can't. She feels something is holding her hooves. Looking down, the captain sees there are many shadow hands holding her hooves. "What... why can't I move?"

"Sorry. But I am not talking to a dirty mare." Diana taps the staff on the ground. "You should go back where you belong."

The shadow is larger and larger. Soon it surrounds the mare. Captain Hours are trying to get away but the shadow hands are too strong for her. When the shadow disappears, she finds that she is next to the ponies. One of the ponies points at her and yells. "Hey, this is the ponies who captured us."

Many guards quickly surround the mare and capture her.
> The festival
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spike stretches his body and yawns. Yesterday was a good sleep for him. When he just goes to the main room, he sees Twilight sleeping on the sofa. Spike sighs and takes the blanket to cover her. Diana flies to the table and opens the map. The red dot is still inside the mine location. 

Spike is going to sneak away but Diana pulls his tail and asks. "Going somewhere?"

"Uh, wake Sunset and others up?"

"You know what to do right? I will claim the reward later."

"Fine," Spike grumbles and prepares some scrolls. "See ya. Good luck with your horror-looking cake."

"But it's not that bad, right?"

"It's good, but the look is so terrifying so I wonder how Matt can eat your cake. Well, at least you can enjoy it beside Pinkie Pie's cake." Spike pats her head. "You two should participate in the cake festival to see who is better?"

"I'm good. I am not going to be a champion of the cake or something."

"How shameful!" Spike opens the door. "Anyway, good luck," and he leaves the wagon. 

Diana turns around to watch the map and sees the familiar blue pegasus watching the map in amazement while the pink pony is trying to touch the object on the map. 

Pinkie Pie bounces to the black cat and asks. "Hey, Diana. Are you going to join the cake competition in Cloudale?"

Diana is surprised. "Wait... what? Today"

"Of course." Pinkie Pie hugs the black cat and points at the blue pegasus. "Rainbow Dash confirms it."

Rainbow nods and decides to be silenced. Diana answers. "But I am not going to participate in this festival."

"Oh, but your cake is so delicious." Pinkie Pie takes the pony's head-shaped cake and eats it. "Despite it is like coming out from a horror story."

"But..."

Pinkie Pie takes her paw and drags the black cat out of the wagon. Rainbow Dash doesn't know what to do today. Suddenly, a sound is coming from somewhere, making Rainbow Dash fall to the ground. The blue pegasus sees a phone ringing and playing music. 

The noise makes Twilight grumble and wake up. She picks up the phone and throws it away. "No please, I wanna sleep more."

Matt comes out of his room and slowly takes the phone, which makes him feel weird. Looking at the screen, he sees the alarm clock ringing. Matt shuts it down and sits on the chair while Rainbow Dash just stares at him. The swordsman sighs. "Don't ask about this thing?"

Rainbow Dash blushes. "Uhmm… I just want to ask where you and Twilight were last night." 

"Just investigate a suspicious mine, and free some ponies inside." Matt rubs his eyes while Rainbow just floats in the air amazed. Matt pokes her head. "Nothing big at all."

"You and Twilight have an awesome adventure." Rainbow puts her face near Matt's face. "I just want to do that. I want to join your group."

Matt points outside. "Ask Diana. She is the leader in here." Rainbow Dash gulps when hearing that name. The swordsman makes a cup of coffee. "Besides, we have everything we need. Food, weapons, maps, etc..."

"But..."

"No but. This journey can cost your life. It is not like some famous novels that you read before." Matt takes a pan and an egg. "And I doubt that you even read a book."

Rainbow glares at him and then leaves the wagon. Twilight yawns and stretches her body. The purple alicorn sees the swordsman, then quickly leaves the wagon to follow Rainbow.



 

Pinkie Pie drags Diana into the festival. Inside the festival, there are plenty of shops that have cakes in many shapes. Most of them are very beautiful but Diana just simply doesn't care about that. Pinkie Pie shows her two tents with many kitchen tools inside, which makes her surprised.

Diana asks. "Where did you get these things?"

"In my mane." Pinkie pulls out a bag of bits from her mane and bounces into the tent. "Come on Diana, time to show you something."

Diana sighs and follows the energetic pony inside the tent. Flour, eggs, etc... anything for cooking is prepared inside them. The black cat is surprised. "How can you find these things?"

"It is in my head. Now..." Pinkie Pie pulls out an apron. "I will sell this tent. Of course, you can decorate anything you want in this tent. You have to fast because the festival will begin in 2 hours. "

"Uh... okay..."

Diana looks back at the pink pony but she is not there anymore. She is inside her tent and brings out some decorations. Diana looks at her tent, then she thinks about what she can do with her tent. The black cat flies back to the wagon to grab some tools.




Spike is heading to the mine. In front of the mine, many guards are guarding the mine with some fences. Looking at the 'keep out sign, the purple dragon sighs in frustration. A guard walks to him and says. "Hey, this place is secured. Don't you read the sign?"

"Oh sorry. I am just curious about this place."

"Curious, huh?" The guard glares at him. "You are so suspicious."

"Hey, don't accuse me like that."

"Then why are you here?" The guard taps her halberd. "In the place, we just secured."

"Uhmm… I just walk through. So... I will go away."

The guards turn to the others. "Hey guy, we have a suspicious dragon here? Get him"

The pegasi guards jump from the bush and surrounded him. All of them point the spear at him. Spike's claws are on fire, then slam them into the ground, creating a fireball surrounding the purple dragon. The unicorn guards quickly cast shield spells for the pegasi while the pegasi raise the shield and slowly walks to the fireball. 

The fireball exploded and created smoke. When the smoke has faded, they don't see the purple dragon anymore. "Find him. Don't make him get away. 

The pegasus guards start flying high to search for the dragon while the others just search on the ground. Spike sighs in relief as they don't know he is already in the mine. The purple dragon walks inside the mine to find the way to the memory shard. He creates a fireball and flies around him. 'Some spells can be fit in this situation.' He remembers when he learned magic with Sunset

Getting inside the main room, he sees many guards securing two wagons. The purple dragon sneaks through the guards while using the wagons. When he successfully goes sneaks through the guards, he takes the crystal ball and taps on it. The map is revealed. The red dot is under him. The purple dragon decides to follow the map to the red dot.

After a while, he finds a room with two guards guarding the room. Spike throws a rock aside to distract them but they don't seem to make any movement. The purple dragon feels annoyed and throws a rock again but the guards are still there. 'Oh.. someone trained them like this? Let's see about this one.'

The purple dragon creates a fireball in his hand and throws it through the guards. The guards are surprised and one of them is in the corridor where Spike is standing. Spike denotes the fireball, making the cave rumble. The guards quickly head to the explosion to check if someone will be hurt. Spike takes a chance to enter the room.

Inside the room, there is a long stair. Spike sighs and flies down the stairs. Opening the door, he sees a familiar coral pony sleeping with her halberds. Spike tries to sneak through her but halberd is flying toward him. Spike ducks and looks at the coral mare. 

The coral mare takes another halberd. "Sometimes an intruder is a familiar dragon, right?"

Spike steps back. "Eh Coral Blade, I am not coming here to fight."

"Oh... you aim for this room." Coral Blade taps the halberd on the door. "I'm gonna warn you. There are many weird light balls inside."

"You are not gonna stop me?"

"Why should I? If I am trying to stop you, we are not talking much like this." Coral takes back her halberd. "Besides, not even a guard can defeat a dragon."

Spike rolls his eyes. "Sure, 'normal' guard. Where is she in this room?"

Coral Blade counters. "The one who is talking with a 'normal' dragon."

"Fine."

"Here you go."

Coral Blade throws him a shield. He catches it and slowly opens the door. 





"And done." Diana steps back and watches her tent. It is a black tent with some red stripes. Diana also decorates her tent with a big skull with some red paint. "I like this. Now let's scare some poor ponies"

The black cat is going inside the tent and starts making the cake. Many ponies outside are looking at the tent and feel uncomfortable when staring at it. After 1 hour, the black cat comes out with some small cakes. The cakes are shaped like a pony being hanged, making everyone around feel scared. Diana set the board with the 'horror bakery' tent 

The festival starts and everyone is enjoying the festival, but when they see Diana's tent, they stay away as far as possible. Diana just sits on the chair and reads the newspaper while Pinkie Pie is having a lot of customers to serve as there is a long line waiting for her. 

Suddenly, a brown old stallion is coming to her. Diana sighs. "What do you want, Pepper? If you want some licenses, can you give me some?"

"Not helping, kitty." Pepper takes a neckache shaped like a red magic circle in the middle. "What is this?"

"Cake. Chocolate around with strawberry string. 3 bits."

"I wonder how you can make this complex shape." Pepper puts on 3 bits and teases. "I will give it a try. Are you trying to summon a small demon by this?"

"And that small demon can have some eyes around." Diana plugs the wooden stick into the eyeballs. "At least it is edible. Here is your eyeball candy, want some?" 

"No thank you." Pepper smiles nervously, "If it is good, I can make you some license."

"Say about small soldiers."

"At least my face is not like those cakes." He points at the pony head that sticks in the graveyard. "It is too real, honestly, just like you see it every day."

The old stallion eats the cake. Suddenly, he is falling to the ground. The ponies around are shocked. The old stallion stands up, takes a small bag of bits, and puts it on the table, then he takes all of the magic circle's neck ache and walks away. 

Diana takes the bag and starts counting. It has 51 bits in it. Diana rubs her head in confusion, but then she creates a clone and commands it to go inside to make some cakes. 

After 30 minutes, there are just some customers buying some of her cake, not because the cake is good, it's just that she is too cute for some ponies who like cats. Diana stretches her body and lies on the table, she sees Pinkie Pie bouncing in front of her. The black cat sighs. "See, no one is gonna buy it. How about you?"

"Well... I sold it all and tried to find some material to buy next." Pinkie Pie takes an eyeball and puts some bits on the table, then she eats it. "Hmm... love the taste of mango inside this cake. Even it has some red cream inside this cake." 

"Thank you." Diana sighs. "But why do you drag me here?"

"Duh... There is a cake competition with a big reward." Pinkie pulls out the poster from her mane. "The prize is an airship."

"Wow... but no one's gonna eat my cake." Diana huffs and leans on the wooden pole. "They just come here to pat me or something."

"Don't be so negative." Pinkie Pie taps the cat, then she takes another eyeball and puts some bits on the table. "Someone will recognize your delicious cake."

"Thank... I guess."

Pinkie Pie bounces to her tent to prepare some of the material. Suddenly, a lot of ponies are running. All of them have a bag of bits. Diana just rolls around as she knows they come to find Pinkie Pie.

"Hey, do you have some cake?" A voice is yelling behind the black cat. Diana stands up and sees the ponies holding the bag of bits in front of her. One of them yells at her. "I need some eyeball cakes."

"Oh... how many?"

"A lot. Those cakes are so delicious." 

All of the ponies agree with this sentence. Diana stands up and sighs. "Make a line please, this will be long."

The ponies are making a line to wait for their serves. Diana smiles and she starts selling her cake.
> Cake festival
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spike enters the room with the shield. He only sees the darkness around him with some light balls floating above him. Some of the light balls suddenly drop on the ground and create a garden inside the cave. All of them are white. The purple dragon tries to touch it but it disappears when his claws get near.

The purple dragon feels uncomfortable with it. He looks around and finds the memory shards in the middle of the room. The purple dragon smiles and he walks to it through the 'garden'. When he is walking, he feels that something is pulling him back as he looks at his feet. It is wrapped in vines. Spike tries to get away from this but a light ball hits directly his body. Spike coughs and looks around. Many ice balls are floating in front of him.

Spike breathes fire at the vine but it is not burned or disappears. A light ball struck his stomach, making him grunt. Many light balls are flying toward him from above. Spike raises his shield to block them. Suddenly, a horn is rushing toward him. Spike manages to dodge the horn but it stabs at his leg. He falls and many light balls continue to hit him from above. 

The purple dragon tries to get up. He sees the light ball is formed like Princess Celestia but without her mane color. It sits in front of the memory shard. Spike tries to get up but the vine wraps his body. The light balls continue to fly toward the purple dragon at high speed. Spike takes a deep breath and forms a magic circle in front of him, then denotes it. Create smoke over the room.

 'Celestia' stands up and prepares for anything that happens. Suddenly, a claw grabs the memory shard and tries to yank it out. 'Celestia' calls their light balls to fly toward him while the white alicorn rushes to him, but they all go through him. 'Celestia' looks back and sees the dragon is becoming fire. 

 Spike yanks the memory shard out, holds it tight, and creates a fireball around it. The light ball slowly faded and the garden slowly disappeared. Spike watches his wound. It is quite deep in his leg because of the stab. He wraps his wounds with the bandage and tries to return to the wagon with the wounded legs. 




Rainbow Dash is sitting on the cloud. She feels so worried about Twilight and Spike when they are sent on an adventure but she also worries about them too. Twilight lands behind the blue pegasus and smiles. "You don't need to worry about us like that. We will be fine."

"Fine? You two are going to die if you don't be careful." Rainbow holds Twilight's face. "And then, how can you get along with her?"

Twilight pushes the blue pegasus. "We will be fine. Don't worry."

"I don't believe that."

Twilight taps her back. "So... shall we go to a cake festival? I heard Pinkie Pie and Diana are selling some cake."

"That rude cat." Rainbow huffs. "She stabs me in my chest without any hesitation."

"But she is helping us with this quest." Twilight chuckles. "You should enjoy the festival. It's fun out there."

Rainbow Dash rolls her eye and flies to the festival zone. Twilight follows her to enjoy the festival. When the duo is coming there, many tents are participating with many cakes. The cakes have many shapes. Rainbow Dash rushes to the playing zone to play some games.

After 45 minutes, they see a long line of ponies when heading to the cake zone. The duo starts flying up and sees Diana and Pinkie Pie struggling to sell their cake in their tent. 

Pinkie Pie announces to her customer. "Sorry, I am out of the material to make the cake."

Diana raises her paw. "Me too. Sorry about that. These cakes will be the last cakes we sell."

The ponies murmur and start breaking the line. Pinkie Pie sighs in relief while Diana just looks at the big bag of money. Pinkie Pie giggles. "That was fun. Told ya, the taste is more important than the looks."

"Yeah yeah." Diana waves her paw to Pinkie. "Just don't drag me into this."

Twilight and Rainbow Dash stare at them in disbelief. Pinkie Pie hugs Rainbow Dash, then she starts cleaning her tent.

Rainbow Dash glances at Diana. "I don't believe that you are good at baking."

"Want some?" Diana takes out the eyeball. "3 bits for this cake."

Rainbow Dash steps away from the eyeball. "No thanks."

"What a shame." Diana eats the eyeball. "These are not real eyeballs."

"So... " Twilight coughs. "Can Rainbow Dash join us?"

Diana facepaws. "Rainbow Crash, can you stop using 'relationship', please?"

"Hey," yells Rainbow Dash, "what do you mean by that? And I am not Rainbow Crash."

"My answer is still the same." Diana turns around and grabs her bits. "You are just holding us back

Rainbow Dash frowns at the black cat. Pinkie Pie hugs the cat and asks. "Can you join the best cake competition with me?"

Diana sighs. "Sure," then she whispers to Twilight. "I have no choice."

Twilight giggles. Pinkie Pie bounces around the black cat. "Oh right, see you in the competition," then the pink pony bounces away. 

Diana glances at Twilight. "Twilight, you should bring 'Skittle' home. I am not going to deal with the blue pinata that has candy hair."

Rainbow yells. "Hey, can you say my name at least one time?" Diana ignores her and flies to the wagon. Rainbow Dash is very angry about this cat. "That's why I never feel safe when you two come with her. She's so rude and brutal."

Twilight rolls her eyes. "If you get along enough, that's normal for her. She once called me a grape towel." 

Twilight glances at Rainbow and sees that the blue pegasus is inhaling and exhaling hard. The purple alicorn leads her to an empty room and goes out immediately, then she puts the 'keep out' sign in front of the door. After a while, many wrecking sounds are inside that room. Twilight shakes her head and sighs. This is worse than she supposed.



 

Sunset is wrapping bandages around his wound with some medicine. Matt stares at the memory shard, then he tries to put it into Sunset's head but her tail slaps his hand away. The orange dragon shakes her head. "Please, I don't want to have a headache here."

"Okay... maybe we will do something." Matt keeps the memory shard. "Like farming."

"Thank you." 

Sunset keeps wrapping the bandage around Spike. The purple dragon smiles and feels so good. Suddenly, Matt trips on the floor and the memory shard flies directly to Sunset's head. Sunset holds her head as the pain is coming to her while Spike is trying to comfort her. 

After a while, Sunset stands up and glares at the swordsman. "Be careful what you are walking next time, okay."

"Okay. I promise," then Matt requests. "Can you cook something nice, please? My stomach is demanding food."

"You are just having breakfast."

"Eh yeah..." Matt rubs his head. "But not enough."

"Fine. I will make you one."

Sunset goes inside the kitchen to prepare some food. The swordsman sighs in relief but he is slammed by a giant hammer. Diana flies inside and huffs. "At least you get some money from the mine. Anyway... " Diana turns to the purple dragon. "You two feel that, right?"

Spike nods. "Yes. Her mana is so large and unstable. I will buy some tools to prevent that."

"It's no use." Diana folds her paws. "Because that mana can break any tools easily, and you look so dope, Spike."

Spike drinks some water. "Not gonna lie, but I am struggling to get that crystal. It is shaped like Princess Celestia."

Matt gets up. "Okay, I don't understand what these crystals are?"

Spike slams the table. "It just mimics her memory to fight against everything. First is the filly, now Princess Celestia, except the second one."

Diana rubs her head. "If that's true, then..." she turns to Matt. "I am going to see myself and my sister in here, except someone can control it."

"And Nolegs." Matt sits next to Spike. "Damn it, we need a better place to train. Spike is quite injured right now."

"Ah... you're afraid of being beaten by my husband," teases Diana. "I will laugh if that's true."

"Wonder why you and your sister married him in the first place.'" Matt takes the phone and starts playing a game. "He can't talk after all."

Diana smiles. "He can talk in human language." Matt drops his phone and turns to the black cat. Diana explains. "He can talk and understand human language before you meet him."

"Great. Too great." Matt throws his arm. "Now I need a break."

 Diana giggles. "Sure." 

Diana goes inside the kitchen to get some materials for baking the cake. She wonders where the heck is that dragon right now.





Angra is looking at himself in the mirror. It reveals a round wound in his chest. A yellow Abyssian comes inside his room with a lot of papers. She looks at him and reports. "Angra, the village is secured. The Storm Army has to retreat."

"Good." The white dragon wears his cape. "Geez, I think I'll never get that orange dragon out of my head."

"Is she just losing?"

"I might lose at that time," Angra smiles. "The moment that one of us can be knocked out by one strike, I want to do that again."

"Tell me you like her, and I will laugh all night."

"Sure." Angra leaves the room. "You can laugh right now."

Sound huffs and puts the papers down on the table. "Fine, anyway, what will we do now?"

"Make sure the villagers will be relaxed, and protect them." Angra takes the map. "The Storm Army won't try to retake it anyway."

"The Storm Army." Sound balls her paw. "I want to destroy them so much."

"What about Sunset's group? Where are they?"

"They were in Cloudale last time." Sound takes a report paper. "They are being caught by the black cat. You sound like you care about her too much."

"Why not? They will be the key to destroying the Storm Army." Angra turns around. "Time for the unicorn who doesn't have many inside to work."

"I see. Where are you going?"

"Training room." Angra sighs. "I need to be stronger to face her again. You should prepare to deal with the villagers, make sure they are happy and will cooperate with us."

Sound bows. "Yes, master."

Angra stops and opens the room. The yellow Abyssian sighs and starts walking to the meeting room. 
> Cake competition
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Somewhere in Equus, there is a black castle with many thunderclouds around. The thunder clouds always shoot thunder, making every creature scared when seeing it. 

Inside the castle, there is a white starir-like creature sitting on the throne. He is wearing black armor and holding a staff. A magenta mare with a broken horn is walking toward him. She is wearing black armor. The mare looks at the king and reports. "Dear Storm King, our defense failed."

Storm King asks calmly. "How?"

The mare continues. "Our strategy was counterproductive. The village fought with them. Plus, they did a surprise attack in the heavy rain."

"I see." Storm King looks at a map. "Just let them have that village. It is just a small village with a small harbor."

"May I ask something?"

"Go ahead, Tempest."

"Why did they want to take that village? I suppose it is not simple." The mare turns to a soldier. "For me, they have something more in their mind."

"You are just too worried, Tempest. I have made an investigation about that village and see that the village is not of much value." Storm King raises his arm. "Now, command our city to produce the weapons and foods faster. We have an invasion to prepare. After a year, we will  capture Canterlot"

Tempest bows. "As your command."

The magenta is going to leave the throne room but Storm King asks. "Why did you hate the princesses so much? I just want their magic, not their life."

Tempest stops and then keeps walking. "It's just a childish memory."

The magenta mare leaves the room. Storm King commands his soldiers to make tougher defenses on other weak cities. 



Rainbow Dash is still angry with Diana when the black cat keeps saying rude things. Twilight rolls her eyes and goes to the cake competition to cheer Pinkie Pie and Diana. When the duo has just arrived at the competition, a  dark blue pegasus with a yellow mane is running towards them. 

The stallion stops and begs. "Princess Twilight, please help me." Twilight Sparkle steps back as the stallion coughs. "Sorry for my manner, your Majesty. I just want your help."

"And how can I help?"

"One of our judges was just sick. She had to go to the hospital so ... "the stallion spins his hooves. "Eh... can you be a judge, please?"

Twilight is going to deny it but Rainbow Dash stops her and whispers. "You can help our friend by being the judge."

Twilight glances at the stallion. "Give us a moment," the stallion nods. Twilight takes Rainbow Dash somewhere and sighs. "Are you serious? There is no way I can help my friends if their cake is terrible."

Rainbow Dash retorts, "I didn't mean that. I mean you can advertise Pinkie Pie's bakery to make her place better."

Twilight rubs her chin. "Maybe you're right but how about Diana?" Rainbow Dash turns away when hearing that name. Twilight rolls her eyes and comes back to the stallion. "I will help you."

The stallion bows to Twilight. "Thank you, Princess. Please follow me so we can prepare. Oh, my name is Blue Heart."

"Please lead the way, Blue Heart."

Twilight and Rainbow Dash follow the stallion to a big tent. When Rainbow Dash tries to step inside, the guards prevent her from going inside. Twilight smiles nervously and continues to follow the stallion to go inside.

Inside the tent, there is a blue griffin, a green dragon, and a pink crystal pony. Twilight is surprised when seeing different creatures in this festival. Twilight smiles and introduces herself. "My name is Twilight Sparkle. Nice to meet you."

"Twilight Sparkle? The newest princess." The pink crystal takes the paper and rushes to her. "Please give me your signature. I am a big fan of yours." Twilight is confused at first, but then she starts signing the paper. The pink pony grasps. "Oh sorry Princess, I was too excited. My name is Cherry Rose."

"That's okay." Twilight gives the paper. "I've just come here for 2 days," then she turns to the green dragon. "You seem not like a normal dragon."

The green dragon turns around. "How so?"
I doubt that you even met one of them, princess."

"I met many of them, even Lord Torch." Twilight chuckles and raises her front hoof. "Anyway, nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too princess." The green dragon shakes her hoof but he feels something go through his body. The green dragon releases her, then bows at her. "Green Magnet is ready to service, Princess Twilight."

Twilight smiles. "No need to be formal like that." 

The blue griffin starts to talk. "So Princess Twilight, ready for the competition?"

"I'm ready... eh... who are you?"

The blue griffin bows. "Gengu. My name is Gengu." 

Twilight nods. "Nice to meet you, Gengu."

Cherry Rose prepares some coats with the judge's signs on them. "Please wear this, Princess Twilight. You will need it."

Twilight nods and they leave the tent to prepare for the competition. 

When they are just going outside, all of the competitors are wearing the chief costume. The competitors are standing with a group of two or three creatures, except Diana and Pinkie Pie. They start staring at them without any emotion. The purple alicorn gulps and takes a deep breath to make her stay calm.

Blue Heart grins and steps forward. "Everypony, today we have a special judge, Princess Twilight." Everyone is clapping for her. Blue Heart raises his front hoof as the ponies stop. The blue stallion grins. "For that special, we decided to change the challenge this year a little bit."

The competitors murmur a little bit. The doors are opened and many ponies are waiting for them. The competitors are shocked when they see that. Cherry Rose steps in front of them. "You got two hours to sell cakes for our customers who are waiting out there. Plus, you have to make a big cake for the judges. Anyone who has magic is only allowed to use levitation. That's all."

Green Magnet adds. "One more thing, anyone who tries to cheat will not join this competition next year." 

The competitors gulp. Gengu steps forward. "To be a good baker, you have to make your customers satisfied, including us. Now, you have 30 minutes to prepare the cake for selling. Begin."





Everyone starts making a cake while Diana just looks around and flies up. The black cat sees many ponies waiting outside. Diana lands on the table and makes the kitchen tools float, making the competitors around surprised. The tools start doing their job by themself. 

Pinkie taps her chin for a while, then she starts baking at a high speed. The other competitors watch them as they start to work.

The green dragon looks at them and asks Twilight. "They make everyone watching them, don't they?"

Twilight smiles. "Don't worry. Even if that is my friend, I will judge the same as anyone else."

"I see." Green Magnet smiles. "I'm quite impressed with your friends."

"Just don't do any harm and we will be good." Twilight glances at him. "You are not a fire dragon, aren't you?"

Green Magnet steps away from the purple alicorn. "How... how did you know?"

"Some experience." Twilight turns to her friend. "I may ask you later."

When 30 minutes is over, the ponies start running into the competitors and trying to buy the cake. When they see Diana's cakes, they avoid them immediately because their shapes of them look so terrifying to them. Diana just takes a sip of coffee on the table while the levitation spell is following her order. "What a nice day. I love this." She looks at Pinkie Pie and the pink pony is serving her customers while making the big cake. Diana smiles. "You okay there, Pinkie?"

"I'm fine." Pinkie laughs and keeps serving her customers at high speed. "I have never had so much fun like this before. You okay there?"

"Just another day for chilling."

"Okie." Pinkie throws her cupcake at Diana. "Good luck."

Diana tastes her cupcake and it is better than before. The black cat opens the book of magic and the levitation spell is finishing the big cake for the judges. To make sure the customers won't touch the big cake, Diana just cover the cake with the big glasses and the black cloth.

After one hour, the judges start investigating the competitors. Twilight looks around and sees Pinkie Pie is doing so well despite working alone. Diana is making the big cake because no one will come to her spot. The other judges are just amazed at the cat's magic. 

The black cat is giving a family of griffons her cake for free. Green Magnet comes to Diana's spot."How is it working? Looks like you are dead."

Diana chuckled. "Then I will rise from the grave and become a necromancer to haunt this competition."

The green dragon laughs. "I love this attitude. I am afraid that necromancers will not exist. Because you may fail in this part." 

"That's why I am focusing on the second part." Diana stabs the stick through the 'eyeball'. "Wanna have some eyeball cake? I need to judge and improve."

"Sure. The first improvement is improving your look." Green Magnet takes the 'eyeball' and puts some bits on his table. "Thank you for your cake. Some tasting is not bad

Diana nods and continues to make her cake. The green dragon spins the cake and eats it. It is better than he thought. Cherry Rose asks. "How is it?"

The dragon replies. "It's so good. I am waiting for her big cake."

Gengu shudders when seeing Diana's cake. "You mean... those body parts of creatures are good? You're sick." 

Cherry Rose comes out with the tomb cake and eats it. The crystal mare bounces many times before talking. "Yep. I am waiting for the big cake."

Twilight turns around. "I will check others' competition. See you in one hour."

"See you, princess."

Twilight walks around the competitions. Many competitors are struggling to serve the customer while making the big cake. Twilight keeps walking around for a while to check others competitors. She also buys some cake from the competitors, all of them, to make the fairest judgment. Twilight sits inside the tent, puts the cakes on the table, and is careful to put numbers on them, then she starts eating.

When she is eating, she finds some of them have magic inside. The purple alicorn carefully notes the cake that has magic because this is the flavor-changing spell. Removing the spell and tasting it again, the purple alicorn is nearly vomiting because of the taste of those cakes. "Oh right, I'd rather eat Diana's cake than this fake beautiful-looking cake."

When it's done, she leaves the tent. The purple alicorn sees the customers forming a big line in front of Diana and Pinkie Pie. They want their cake so much. 

The bell is jiggled. Blue Heart comes to the micro and announces. "Alright, everyone stop please, we have an announcement." The blue pony pulls the paper. "We have to close this zone. I'm glad that you enjoy this festival. See you next year."

Some of the customers feel sad but they have to go outside. Green Magnet steps forward and claps his claw. "All right, let's see what your best cake is." 

The first group starts pulling a shortcake. Twilight glares at it and pushes the shortcake out. "I assume this cake has the magic to change the flavor."

The group is shocked. "What... What do you mean princess?" 

Twilight turns to the blue griffin. "Gengu, please take out a magic measuring tool to check this cake, please."

The blue griffin bows and goes inside. After a while, a ruler that has mercury inside is taken out. Gengu puts it near the shortcake and the mercury inside is starting to rise. All of the judges glare at them

"See you in the next two years." Green Magnet smashes the dishes. "Please go home."

The first group leaves the zone. Twilight sighs in relief. "Next."


After tasting all of them, the judges have scores for competitors. Some have scored ten, some have thirty. The highest one is thirty-six. Cherry Rose calls. "Next." Pinkie Pie bounces to the judges while pulling a cart to carry something big that is covered by a big white cloth. The crystal pony tilts her head. "What is this thing?"

"A surprise." Pinkie Pie pulls the cloth out. "Tadaa."

The pink pony reveals a large cake of hers. It is shaped like many creatures playing in the park. The judges are amazed about the cake. They start to cut pieces of cake and taste them. The cake makes them want to eat again.

"Wow. It's so good." Cherry Rose eats another one. "I can eat this one all day."

"Me either." The dragon is eating the cake. "I want to book these cakes so much."

"Hope that you ever have an address." Twilight gives him a smug. "Right?"

Green Magnet slightly kicks the purple alicorn. Cherry Rose nods. "I don't think we need to talk more."

The judges raise the 'ten' boards. Pinkie Pie bounces furiously and starts bouncing away. "Next."

Diana comes to the board with a big cake. Like Pinkie's cake, Diana's cakes are covered by a big cloth too. Green Magnet teases. "Hello necromancer, how is your day?"

Diana counters. "Hello uncle, I'm good and ready for a raise."

The other judges are holding their laughter. The green dragon feels embarrassed and changes the subject. "All right, what did you bring to us?"

Diana pulls out the cloth and reveals a big cake. That cake shaped like a mare is crying and falling while the firefighters are trying to fight against the burning house. The judges are silenced about this cake. Cherry Rose asks. "Why did you do this kind of shape?"

"Crush the emotion." Diana turns to the competitors and sees some of them even crying when seeing the cake. "Just nothing. This is my improvisation. I like those tears from those competitions."

"Evil." Comments Twilight. "You are just evil."

"Call me a demon if you like, Twilight." Diana smiles, takes the firefighter, and gives it to Twilight. "Even if you remove these ponies, the 'picture' will still be the same."

The judges start cutting the piece of cake. It is so good. Twilight hates to admit this but this cake is as good as Pinkie Pie's one. She turns away and eats the cake. Cherry Cake asks. "You shouldn't make these cakes like this."

"Why not?" Diana spins the folk. "This is my style, and I am not a clone."

"Good things." Cherry Cake raises the 'nine' board. "Honestly, if this is a brighter shape, I can't choose between you and Pinkie Pie."

"What about now? The taste."

Cherry shakes her head. "Still Pinkie Pie. The emotion makes my taste worse than before."

Blue Heart raises a 'ten' board. "Tasty cake. I love that. About the shape, if someone has gone through like this mare in the cake, he or she can't even eat this."

"I agree with Blue Heart." Green Magnet raises a 'nine' board. "Your style is just like a witch who is making some evil potion."

"Heh. I like that praise." Dian folds her paws. "What about you, Twilight?"

Twilight raises a 'ten' board. "I hate you sometimes, Diana."

Diana tilts her head. "Oh, why are you not dividing that board by ten?"

"If I could." Twilight sticks the board on the table. "I think I have nothing to say."

"Thank you." Diana wears the chief custom off and turns away. "This costume makes me look like a liar."

Diana comes back to the competition zone. The winner has been announced. Pinkie Pie wins the competition with a big airship waiting for her. Diana has a paper to use every cake material from Canterlot in one year. The competition is over.
> The airship
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

"Shame that you can't win first place." Matt is looking at the paper. "At least you can come to Canterlot to have some cake."

"We need more things like that." Diana lies on the table and turns on the map. "And we have nothing to do here. So..  where will we go?"

Twilight, Spike, and Matt take the map of Equestria and look at it. Suddenly, Spike breathes out the letter. Matt pats his back as Spike enrolls the letter. The purple dragon rolls back and announces. "Celestis told me that there are plenty of dungeons around Crystal Empire."

Twilight stands up. "Dungeon? But there are none around it."

"Now they have. Plus, some dragons have already captured one of them." Spike rubs his chin. "Is this ice dragon of the north?"

"Ice dragon?" Matt stands up. "Okay.. how many dragons are in this world?"

"A lot?" Spike tilts his head. "They have a kingdom for dragons out there."

Matt is going to ask more but a knock on the door interrupts them. Diana comes to open the door and sees Pinkie Pie bouncing in front of her. The pink pony hugs the cat and asks. "Hi, Diana."

Diana pushes the pink pony. "Eh... what are you doing here?"

"I want to exchange the prize with you." Pinkie Pie takes the paper. "I want the ingredients to make a cake for the airship."

"Then why didn't you sell it instead of trading with me?"

"Nah. The material is more valuable to me. With that, I can make new recipes without any trouble." Pinkie Pie wraps her front hoof around the black cat and whispers. "And I know you need this. So it's a win-win."

"Wow, you are so dirty." 

"Duh, I'm clean. I take a bath every day. Did you do that too?"

Diana turns away. "Can you show me your airship?"

"Of course. Follow me."

The pink pony bounces away. Diana takes the paper and follows the pink pony to see the airship. Matt watches the duo leaving, then he takes the binoculars and looks around. This time he has to steal something big.





Pinkie Pie is bouncing onto the airship. "Here you go." Diana looks at it and sees it is a big airship, which makes the black cat surprised. It has two sails set in its back. Diana flies high and sees it has a big bow and a big front that is enough to contain like 100 ponies. 
 


The pink pony wraps her hoof around the black cat. "Interesting? Come on, I will show you."

Diana and Pinkie Pie walk inside the airship. There are two floors inside the airship. Each one has 6 rooms. Diana looks at the blueprint of the airship and sees this airship is keeping the airship floating in the air. An anchor and ropes to park this huge airship. Two engine rooms to make this airship and working. Diana turns away. "This airship... is too much for four of us."

Pinkie pie smiles. "Aww come on... at least you have transport. Look at it, it's so huge that if you want to have members join your group, they will have somewhere to stay."

"... Here you go." Diana takes the confirmation paper. "You can have it." 

"Yay." Pinkie Pie puts the paper on Diana's paws. "Now please go to the document certification office there to confirm our paper, and you can have the airship."

"Weird... but cool. See you in the office."

Diana asks some ponies for the office but some of them want her signature. The black cat sighs as she manages to fly to the office. Going inside, many ponies are waiting for their papers. Diana has no choice but sits down and waits. 

When she is reading the paper, some of the ponies are standing behind her. The first one commands others to take her away but Diana closes the paper and asks. "What are you going to do with me?"

The ponies are surprised, then they sit behind her and stay there without a word. Diana smugs and returns to read the newspaper. An old stallion comes to her and asks. "What are you doing here?"

"Just want to have an airship, Pepper." Diana flips the page. "Where is my license?"

"Here you go." The old stallion gives her a small piece of paper. It has her picture plus her information. "Now, you can bake and sell your cake without a problem."

"A magical cat, also very rude when meeting someone." Diana puts the license down. "Are you writing yourself here?"

"No. Because of your talking."

"Fair enough." Diana rolls her eyes and takes another paper to Pepper. "Can you help me with this?" 

The old stallion reads the paper. "Hmm... airship, right? You want to own an airship."

"Why not? This one I got from my friend after trading the prize."

"Wow. Come with me." Pepper waves his front hoof to Diana and goes inside. "You will have to work with me for a while, Coal Cat."

"Not even close, Slime Pony."

Diana follows the old stallion to go inside. This will be long for a while




Matt is playing cards with Twilight, Spike, and Sunset. It took a long time to introduce how to play the card game with the orange dragon. Matt sighs. "So boring."

Sunset tilts her head. "What do you mean?" The orange dragon points at the bag behind him. "And what's inside that bag? I have never seen that bag before."

Matt rejects. "It's just my stuff."

Twilight frowns at him. "Show me."

"Ehm... maybe later." Matt stretches his body. "I have a date to someone."

Twilight is going to yell at him but a knock on the door interrupts them. Spike comes to open the door and sees Rainbow Dash floating in front of him. The blue pegasus looks at him and Twilight. 

Rainbow Dash asks. "Can you have some time to talk to me?"

"Eh sure." Spike turns to Matt. "Hey, can you give us some time?"

Matt nods and leaves the wagon. Spike, Twilight, and Rainbow Dash sit down while Sunset goes inside her room and tries to practice her magic. The blue pegasus huffs. "Why are you joining this group?"

"Because we feel fine?" Spike tilts his head and pats Rainbow Dash. "Are you still not okay with us being here?"

"Yes." Rainbow Dash slams the table. "You two are staying with the most dangerous cat in the world. How can I do that?"

Twilight and Spike look at each other, then they laugh, which makes Rainbow Dash confused. Twilight taps the table. "We are fine because we know something about Diana, and you refuse to get to know about her. Like if I am not talking to you, how am I being your friend?"

Rainbow Dash is silenced by the question. Spike spins the pen. "And we agree that you will not come along with us. Not because of this 'we are not your friend' reason, it's because you are ... doesn't fit in this team."

Rainbow Dash grits her teeth. "And why?"

"Because of your attitude." Diana kicks the door and goes inside the wagon, making all of them surprised. Diana huffs. "If you want to help us, please stay away from this place."

"I hate you so much." Rainbow Dash rushes at Diana but the black cat simply steps aside to dodge. "Did you use a brainwashing spell on all of them?"

Diana turns to Twilight and Spike. "Head up guy, we will work all day to move these kinds of stuff to new transportation."

Twilight tilts her head. "What's wrong?"

Diana smiles. "Pinkie Pie gave me her airship, in exchange for my price." 

"Wow, but that makes sense." Spike stands up. "Let me call Matt to help us. You can deal with the problem, right?"

"I hope so." Diana glances at Rainbow Dash, who is glaring at her. "You annoy me."

Rainbow Dash points at Diana. "I don't trust you."

"So do I." Diana turns around. "Please teleport to home, it's past your bedtime."

Rainbow Dash is going to attack the black cat but she sees Pinkie Pie bouncing toward her. Rainbow Dash stops and turns away. "If any of them is injured, I will stop you."

"No promise." Diana folds her paw. "But I promise that they will live."

The blue pegasus nods and flies to the pink pony, then they head back to Ponyville. Diana goes inside the wagon and helps others to move the stuff. 



 
After 8 hours of moving stuff from the wagon, Spike cooks the meal for all of them. Matt bites some meat. "Uhmmm... it's good. I thought we should hire a chef to cook for us."

"If we can get food every day, that will be cool." Spike sighs. "I will cook."

"Shame on you, Matt." Diana giggles. "How about you direct us to go somewhere we need? You have experience from a 'lost in the ocean' trip."

"Maybe." Matt pats Diana. "The sky and the sea are almost the same so I can show you the way, and I will drive this airship."

"Honestly, this is a very big airship." Twilight eats some salad. "I should help you to drive the airship." 

Matt teases. "You know how to drive? This airship is like a ship on the ocean so I can drive it. But you, nah, I don't trust you."

"Fine."

Diana claps her paws. "Alright, we have plenty of room so we can choose one room for one of us. I will enchant this airship with Sunset." 

"You sure? I... I nearly burnt the wagon." Sunset is shivering. "I don't think... I can help you."

"You will be fine, Sunset." Diana looks around. "We will use one room to store the food. Use the ice spell to make it like a fridge. One room for training and one room to do the meeting."

Matt points at the wagon. "How about the wagon? Many Everfree planks of wood can protect our ship." 

"You, Spike, will dismantle the wagon. Twilight, learn this airship like your home. We will have to work all day. We will start tomorrow. Got it?"

Matt chuckles. "Yes, captain."

"I should buy some customs through." Diana stretches her body. "I'm done here. I will do my job."

After the meal, they start doing their job as fast as they can. The faster they do it, the better they can find the memory shard.
> Encounter the ice dragons
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The airship is flying through the blizzard to go to the Crystal. Despite being in a blizzard, the airship seems fine and has no sign of being shaken or broken. 

Matt is humming through the blizzard while watching the now try to attack the ship. Twilight, Spike, and Diana are sitting at the table on the ship's deck. They had decided to put the table map on the ship's deck to watch the crystal shards because it will be faster when deployed there.

The map shows three dots on the map. Diana shakes her head and asks Matt to keep going to the Crystal Empire. Suddenly, an ice arrow flies near the purple dragon. All of them look above and see some blue dragons holding bows. A blue dragon with a yellow deer horn raises her claws to stop.

Spike looks at that blue dragon. "I think I see you before. Icey, right?"

"Yes, Spike." The blue dragon forms a spear. "I want to kill you a lot. You make me can't forget your face since in fire dragon land."

Diana and Twilight turn to him and step away from the purple dragon. Spike is trying to explain." Hey, that's her attack on me first. I just defend myself for not being killed by those ice chains."

Twilight huffs. "I think I can believe you." Then she turns to Icey. "Look, we mean no harm here so... can you let us go?" 

"No. You are being caught by entering our territory illegally." Icy points the spear at them. "And I come to catch you."

Diana's face paws. "Look, we didn't know where your territory was. Can you show us and let us go? We have a thing to do here."

Icey slams the spear on the floor. "Show you, we can. But let you go, no."

Diana sighs. "Wow, then we will have to explain to your king and queen later if you are valuable enough." 

"What do you mean by that?"

An arm suddenly grasps Icey's body and a sword is placed near Icey's neck. The blue dragon is surprised and tries to get out of Matt's grasp while her guards are charging at them. Diana points the staff at the ice dragon and shoots out the dark ball at them. The dark ball covers the dragon guards and disappears after a while, along with the dragons.

Icey is shocked when witnesses her guards disappear. Matt releases the blue dragon. Icey steps away from them. "What... what have you done?"

"Easy." Diana grins. "You will be a ticket for us. I heard that your dragons have captured a dungeon, right? Your guards..." the black cat crosses her fingers. "Death. And vanish along the darkness

Icey is trying to fly away but her wings are covered in ice. The blue dragon is shocked. Spike shakes his head and turns to Diana. "You know, Diana. You are a bad liar."

"Meh... I hate you, Spike." Diana turns away. "You are not better than me when secretly freezing her wings. Thank you. Now we are criminals."

"Why am I feeling that being dragged by this?" Twilight goes inside. "Spike. I will activate the 'camouflage' mode. You will take care of her."

The purple dragon steps forward to Icey. Matt goes inside to not interrupt them. The blue dragon steps back. "No, stay away."

"Look. We mean no harm here." 

"Liar."

Spike throws his claw. "Alright, but what will you do right now? Your wings are gone." Icey looks at her wings which are still covered in ice, then looks at him. The purple dragon gives her his claw. "I promise that you won't be hurt."

Icey looks at his face, then turns away and holds his claw to stand up. The blue dragon sits on the table to calm herself. "This is too much for me."

"You are not the only one. We are on a quest." Spike taps the table. "To gather the memory shards of our friend." 

Icey tilts her head. "Then let me talk to my father."

"Not gonna work." Diana flies outside. "I just threaten you and your kingdom. How can they believe what you say?"

"Then that's your fault." Icey huffs. "And memory shard? There is only one dragon in the world that can convert someone's memory into shards."

Diana tilts her head. "And who is?"

"Angra." Icey takes a book from her bag. "He was a threat to the world so every creature in the world accepted to seal him.

Spike taps his finger. "How long was it?"

Icey opens the book. "It was fifty hundred years ago. When a dragon rose and wanted to dominate this world, all of the creatures had to work together to seal him."

Spike and Diana are silenced by this information. Sunset yawns and goes out of the cabin to watch the blizzard. When she glances at Icey, she asks. "Oh... I didn't see her before. Who are you?"

Icey looks at her and feels the strong pressure from the orange dragon. The blue dragon tries to answer. "My name is... Icey."

"Nice to meet you. I'm Sunset." The orange dragon rubs her head. "Honestly, that is the only thing I know."

"How is your training, Sunset?" Spike spins the pencil. "I hope you learn something new."

"Yeah, I can even do this but... I might burn this airship." Sunset holds her head. "I just don't want to hold you back."

Matt yells. "Show us. This airship has been enchanted to resist fire."

Sunset takes a deep breath and forms a snowflake. The snowflake flies around the ship and starts dropping snow on it. Everyone is amazed it's beautiful. Diana glares at the snowflake and takes a look closer, then she finds something in the snow. "Take cover. Those snows are abnormal."

Spike turns to the black cat. "What do you mean?" 

When the snow just touches the floor, it exploded immediately, making the airship shake like an earthquake. There are many explosions on the floor. Icey hides under the table. Spike breathes fire at the snowflake to melt the snowflake. 

Diana looks at the mess. "Well, it is good to enchant some defense spells on this. You did a great job, Sunset."

"Thank... but I can't control it." Sunset looks at her claws. "I... don't know. Should I continue to practice?"

"You should." Diana glances at Icey. "You make someone scared in hell."

"Hey, I'm not scared." Icey climbs out of the table with the ice spear. "I just want to take a chance to attack her."

"Should I hire you right now?" Diana turns away. "Oh wait, I can't hire a royal, right?"

"You can, but give me something big." Icey huffs. "I am kinda bored in my kingdom."

Spike takes a book. "Why throat?"

"Because my parent always forces me to do this, do that, do this, without letting me do anything." Icey sighs. "I wonder if they care about me or not."

"I think I got an idea." Spike comes inside. "Give me a moment."

Diana lies on the table and just watches the blue dragon. Icey looks at the black cat and feels curious about this card. The airship suddenly stopped. Diana opens the hologram map on the table, making Icey surprised. The map shows a castle that looks like a crystal castle. Diana stands up. "All right, Twilight and Spike will visit the Crystal Empire while I, Matt, and you will stay here."

"Guess I have no choice." Icey stretches her body and spins her spear. "I want to fight someone, not you, demon cat."

"You can spare with Matt." Diana points at the human. "Don't worry. He's good." 

Spike comes out with some of the red paint. The purple dragon suggests. "Now, I will paint your face with this paint."

Icey steps away from him. "For what?"

"Here is what I think about. You will pretend to be brainwashed by me." Spike points at himself. "Perfect way to test your parents."

Icey retorts. "Bad idea. What if my parents send troops to hunt you down?"

"That's a good idea." Diana rubs her chin. "If we combine it with a letter, that's perfect."

Icey glares at the black cat. "What's your game here?"

Diana throws her paws. "Nothing. I am helping you here. If we succeed or fail, you can be back to your family's safety without any trouble. So it's a win-win situation for you."

Icey is silenced for a while, then she nods. "Alright, I accept."

Matt throws the anchor to the cloud. The anchor sticks to it and the airship is not floating away. Diana flies outside to collect and make some clouds while Icey paints some red stripes on her face and body. When she is done, Spike takes the paper to write a letter on it. The thing will be fun.



In the south from the Crystal Empire. There is an ice cave underground with two dragons guarding outside. Inside the cave, there are many pools around with many dragons enjoying or working on them. 

"Explain it, now." A shout comes from deep inside the cave and makes others shake. "Why are you suddenly teleporting to me?"

The shout comes from inside a room, where many dragons are standing side by side while a dragon is bowing with a dark blue dragon, who is wearing a crown and sitting on the big throne. He has many scars on his chest and his face. Next to him is a light green dragon, sitting on the smaller throne. The dark blue dragon shouts at him. "Explain this, or you will be executed for trying to assassinate the king."

The dragon answers calmly. "Your majesty. We have been teleported by the intruder. They take princess Icey with them."

The dark blue dragon stands up. "Is that true?" 

"It's true. It is our fault for not being good enough to protect the princess."

The blue dragon sighs. "You must train harder than this. Now, I will punish you to go harder training for three weeks. Now leave. We need some time alone."

The dragon bows. "Yes, your majesty."

The dragon soldier leaves the throne room while other dragons turn to leave one by one. The blue dragon sits down and huffs. "Why did our daughter get captured so easily? Do you have any idea how to track the kidnapper, Leafy?"

The light green dragon shakes her head. "Looks like she failed her mission... or the intruder is too strong for her. I wonder if her lover will come to find her?"

The blue dragon quickly turns to Leafy. "What do you mean? Since when has she had a mate?"

"Honestly, I don't know if that is her lover or her hate." Leafy takes the paper. "Yesterday, I checked her room and saw that she stuck a lot of spears to a certain purple dragon."

"Love through fighting? I doubt that she would like us when we were young."

"Oh, little Frost Ice. I didn't do that to you. Still, that name is funny."

Frost Ice huffs and turns away. "Do you have any idea?"

Leafy hugs him from behind and whispers. "I have no idea but if she manages to get back, you have to say sorry to her."

"I promise." Frost Ice taps his throne. "Plus, this is a good way to have more experiments outside. She has been inside this cave too long."

"By who?"

"All right, all right. My fault, okay. I just worry about her when she gets hurt. Let me try to find her." Frost Ice wears his armor. "Let's see who this purple dragon is?"

The dark blue dragon is going to leave the throne room but Leafy asks. "Then... where will you find her?" Frost Ice stops and kneels. Leafy glares at him. "You and our daughter are the same."

"I am not going to skip work, okay?" 

Leafy is going to growl at him but a dark ball is floating around in the room. Leafy is quickly hidden behind the pole. The dark ball disappears and a letter is dropped from it. Frost Ice enrolls the letter and reads.

Dear King of the ice dragon

My name is Diana. I can call myself a mind controller. Your daughter is inside my paws and I am brainwashing your daughter. Honestly, she will be a good guardian of mine so I decide to kidnap her. You got one hour to find your daughter, or else your daughter is going to be my guardian for a long time until I complete my quest.

P/S: Since I am a generous cat, I will give you a note: I am currently on an airship on the Crystal Empire. Wish you the best.


 Your faithful cat

Diana 




Frost Ice throws the paper on the ground and punches the wall. His wife, Leafy, picks up the letter ip and reads it. She is shocked when their daughter is going to be brainwashed. "What are they going to do with our daughter?"

"I think this one is taunting us." Frost Ice grits his teeth. "Whoever this one. He or she will get in a lot of trouble."

"Weird. Why didn't they pick our son to be their guardian?" Leafy puts the paper down. "I think this cat is planning something big."

Frost Ice leaves the room and announces to his soldier. "Bring the prince here. We have an emergency."

The soldiers run to the training room to prepare for anything that happens. 




Icey is trying to stab the swordsman but his leg steps on the ice spear. The blue dragon jumps back and creates ice spikes around her claw, then she rushes at the swordsman. Matt is trying to slash her with his broadsword but the blue dragon jumps on it and jumps on his head, then spins around and throws the ice spikes at him. The swordsman quickly plugs his sword into the ground to block them.

When the duo looks at each other, many small swords are dropped on the ice dragon. Icey looks up and sees many small swords dropping on her. One of them has already stabbed her tail, preventing her from moving. The blue dragon is raising her claw but Matt's sword is already near her neck. 

Matt huffs. "If you think you are going to cut your tail and go escape, think again."

"I lost. Just a good sparring." Icey pulls the sword out. "My tail can recover quickly so I don't mind."

"Look like someone losing." Diana lies on the table. "I am waiting for your dad's response. Maybe we will lose a day."

Icey sits on the table. "But what are you planning?" 

"Secret. All you have to do is your acting." Diana grins. "I am the evil cat who is trying to brainwash you here."

"Wow, good liar." Icey rolls her eyes and points at the orange dragon. "Anyway, who is this dragon? I have never seen such a dragon with so much magical power."

Diana shakes her head. "Still a secret. This dragon is losing her memory and we are on a quest to gather them." 

"Okay... but she has a lot of mana leaking out there."

"I hate that dragon." Diana huffs. "Oh right, prepare for a plan. Now."

Icey faceclaws as she finds herself to be a weird group. She hopes that this group is good enough for her to put her trust in.
> Go to the dungeon
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Spike and Twilight are walking through the market in Crystal Empire. To make sure no one will surround them, they cover themself with black coats. There are many things in the market that are being sold in many shops. Some of them are even rare items in Equestria. Twilight takes a look at a ring that the shop owner confirms is the magical ring. She sees all of them don't have much magic inside. 

Spike slightly kicks at her. "Focus Twilight, we come here to ask about the dungeon."

"Come on Spike, these are magical rings or neckaches. I want to wear them."

Spike coughs. "Haven't you worn enough rings and neckaches since we are in our library?"

"Eh... yeah. But those are like..." Twilight gulps. "Horrible. More terrified than Amelia's training."

"Oh right, no more work." Spike pulls Twilight's front hoof. "We are going to be late here."

"Fine."

The purple duo is going to leave the market to meet Princess Candance. Suddenly, many ponies are stepping aside. The purple duo is standing with the ponies. After a while, Princess Cadane and Shining Armor come across the market while sitting on the cart with many guards. The crystal ponies bow at them. Shining Armor notices the purple duo in the black cape. He whispers to Cadance. "Cadance, we have some suspicious one here."

Cadance looks at the purple duo, then whispers to the guard. "Send two soldiers to watch them. If they do something suspicious, catch them immediately."

Two soldiers go under the cart and take off their uniform, then join the crow to watch the purple duo. Twilight and Spike notice the guard. They decide to go out of the crown and head to the crystal castle.

When the purple duo is standing in front of the crystal castle. Many guards are looking at them. One of them walks to them and asks. "Sorry, you can not allow me to go inside this place. What can I do for you?"

Spike answers. "We need to meet Princess Cadance."

The guard shakes his head. "Then you have to wait long outside. Princess Cadance is currently going outside." Twilight takes off the cape to show her face. Many guards are surprised.  The guard coughs. "Sorry princess Twilight Sparkle, I..  didn't know you will come here."

"That's okay. It's my fault to come here without telling you anything." Twilight smiles. "So... where can I wait for Princess Cadance?"

"Eh..." the guard gulps. "I will lead you to a resting place. Please be patient." 

Twilight nods and they lead Twilight inside the castle but they don't allow the purple dragon to go inside with her. When Spike reveals his face, the crystal pony guard steps aside. Spike goes inside with Twilight. 





The blizzard has gone and Diana is playing the flute while waiting for some movement from the ice dragon. The blue dragon is going to catch her but the shadow ropes raised from her shadow pin her down. Diana turns to the blue dragon. "Not even enough."

Icey grunts. "How can you notice me? You just have a weak mana."

"Heh." Diana levitates the blue dragon. Icey is trying to get out of the bound. The cat asks. "Then what can you see from us?"

Icey lies. "Nothing." Diana's shadow ropes squeeze her tighter. Icey is struggling to breathe. "Oh right, I see you do not have much mana while that... humans have more mana than you." 

Diana releases her. "Thank you." Then she points at her back. "Rub here please."

Icey huffs and starts rubbing the cat's back. Suddenly, a lot of ice dragons are above the airship. They are splitting to find their princess. Icey looks at the light blue dragon with ice halberd. "Hey, that's my brother."

Diana grins. "You see how many dragons are up there?"

Icey starts counting the dragons and realizes that the dragons are too much. "That... a lot."

"Good." Diana puts her paws on the airship. "Lucky that the airship has camouflage mode, or else we are in trouble."

"What are you doing?" Asks Matt. "Don't tell me.."

The ice dragons are looking around the Crystal Empire. To make sure the ponies inside the kingdom don't notice them, they fly high up to see easier. Suddenly, a big dark ball appeared in the middle of the air, making many crystal pegasi notice that. The dark ball disappears, leaving the ice dragons surprised. The pegasi are rushing at them. 

"Fall back." The ice dragons quickly run away from the pegasi until the pegasi leave them alone. 


Diana flies to the table and opens the hologram map. The red dot appears under the ground. Matt is struggling to stand up. "Don't do that again."

Icey is nearly vomit. "I... agree. My breakfast is nearly gone."

"All right." Diana turns to them. "Matt, Icey. Please take the memory shard for me."

"Why did I have to do that?" Icey looks down and sees some ice dragons guarding a dungeon. "What... don't tell me..."

"That's right." Diana grins. "This is my price. Nothing is free, right?"

Icey grunts. "I am feeling that you are going to do something with me." 

"I don't know." Diana looks at Matt. "Ready, Matt?"

"Ready." Matt thumbs up. "This parachute will make me lane safety." Diana points at the blue dragon. Matt waves his hand to reject. "Leave her alone."

"I am going to upgrade this airship a little bit. Icey, please take Matt to your dungeon. He is light, don't worry." Diana cracks her neck and goes inside. "Hey Sunset, we have a job."

Icey grunts and starts to carry the human to the ground. The human is surprised very lightly, just like a bubble. Icey lands on the tree and watches the guards walk around. Matt counts like three guards guarding the dungeon. The blue dragon decides to jump down on the ground, despite Matt trying to stop her.

One of the guards looks at Icey and asks. "Hey, that's our princess." The guard is running to her. "Princess, your father is looking for you. Wait, what is that..."

Icey delivers a punch into the guard's belly to knock him down. Two guards are surprised, but they rush at her with their spears. The blue dragon quickly jumps on the guard's head and punches his back. The other guard tries to grab her but she ducks and quickly delivers the punch to his chin. Not wanting the guard to recover, Icey punches at his body repeatedly, then delivers the final punch, making the guard slam into the tree and knocked oig

The guard that is lying on the ground is trying to get up. "Prin…cess." Then a force on his head knocked him out. 

Matt rubs his hand. "Brutal. Not even with your people."

Icey grasps and looks around. "How... How can I do that? I didn't know I am that strong

Matt puts his finger on the red stripe on Icey's face. "Look like Diana empowers this painting. How cute! But your attitude before... I don't know."

"Well... I always spare with the guard."

"That explains a lot. But why do you ..."

 Icey raises her claw to stop him. "Shall we go in? I have been inside this dungeon before."

Icey and Matt start going inside. In the bush, a guard is watching them. He quickly left the position to report to the king.




Frost Ice is walking around the room. He wants to know if his soldiers manage to find the princess. Leafy is writing some papers. Suddenly, a soldier rushes into his room. Frost Ice turns around. "Why are you rushing this room?"

The soldier stands up. "King Frost Ice, I found our princess. She is going inside with a weird creature." 

"Really? Let's go to our dungeon. I need to get her back as soon as possible." The light blue dragon takes his axe. "See you, honey. I will get her back."

"Hold up. Wait a minute." Leafy taps the feather pen. "Soldier, did anything different in our princess?"

The soldier nods. "Yes. She had some red stripes on her face and body. When we saw her, she attacked us and knocked others down. Luckily, I hid in the bush all the time so that I could come here."

Leafy nods. "I see. Frost Ice, come there quickly as fast as possible. I know what this Diana tends to do."

Frost Ice leaves the room and quickly calls the remaining soldier. He also sends one of them to call back his son.





Twilight and Spike are looking at the map in the room. There are also some marks on it. The purple dragon picks the symbol up. Princess Cadance and Shining Armor enter the room. Cadance and Twilight quickly do the 'ladybug' song and laugh. 

Cadance asks. "Why are you coming here without telling me anything? I am so worried when you and Spike decide to leave the library."

"Eh... It's a long story." Twilight taps the hoof on the table. "Anyway, we want to ask you about the dungeon that you have found."

Shining Armor sits next to his sister. "Why are you so interested in dungeons? It is not a place you can research."

Twilight answers. "I and Spike will come there because it has something that... umm.... important for us."

Cadance feels curious. "And what is it? Can you tell us?" 

"Ummm... I rather keep the secret." Twilight smiles nervously. "Because.... you know... I don't want anyone in danger."

Shining Armor huffs. "Fine. I will lead you to one of the dungeons."

"I heard you found three." Spike turns around. "Right?"

"Yeah but... '' Candance points at the dragon figure. "One of them is captured by the dragon."

Twilight and Spike are going to leave the room, but Shining Armor stops them. "Where are you going? Don't tell me you are going to step inside the dungeon."

Spike nods. "Yes, we are going to do that."

"No..." Shining Armor shakes his head and waves his front hooves. "I won't let you do that. It's dangerous inside."

Twilight counters. "It will be more dangerous when we won't go into that." 

Shining Armor is surprised at Twilight's answer. The purple duo leaves the room but Shining Armor stands forward for them. "All right, let me come with you, and some guards."

Twilight smiles. "Maybe a little safer."

The purple duo and Shining Armor leave the castle and go to the dungeon. They don't know what the dungeon will be.
> The Dungeon
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Matt and Icey are running away from the big boulder that tries to crush them. When Matt sees a space that is enough for him and Icey, he quickly turns to it and drags the blue dragon to him. The boulder rolls away. Matt takes a peak to see if some traps can be activated anytime. He jumps out and walks to the door, but the door is blocked by that boulder. 

Matt takes out his broadsword. "I wonder how many soldiers are dead with this trap?"

"Many through." Icey sighs. "This is the first time I see this trap that was put behind the dungeon door."

"I thought you are not surprised by that." Matt slashes the boulder into two, making Icey surprised. The swordsman cracks his neck. "We really need a shield for this."

"But maybe my dad is standing in front of this dungeon right now... I guess."

Matt and Icey come inside the next room. There is lava under the ground with many stone poles on the lava. Matt looks around the dungeon. Icey flies to the other side but the swordsman pulls her tail back.

"Hey, I don't like someone pulling my tail." Icey rubs her tail. "That's rude."

Matt throws a big stone in the air. The wall starts appearing with many crossbows and shooting at the rock. Icey looks at the lava and gulps. The swordsman is warming up. "At least you are not going to be a hedgehog. I have experienced it before."

"And why are you here?" Icey taps his arm. "Are you a ghost?"

"No, I'm a human." Matt taps her cheek. "I thought dragons were supposed to be swimming in the lava."

"That's a fire dragon job." Icey slaps his hand away. "Anyway, how can we get there?"

Matt starts jumping on the first pole and lands on it safely. Icey follows the swordsman but the ice dragon is tripped and falls out the pole but Matt manages to catch her claws. The swordsman pulls the dragon up.

Matt sighs. "Becareful. Your claws are quite sharp here." 

"Sorry. I never learned to jump perfectly like you."

"Maybe you're right." Matt points at the other side. "We have to get there before your father comes to finish me."

"This will be long." 

Matt and Icey start jumping on the pole. The swordsman jumps first and the dragon jumps after that.





Diana is enjoying the tea on the table after upgrading the airship a little bit. She is watching many dragons setting camp in front of the dungeon. Sunset sits next to her and asks. "Hey Diana, I have a question."

Diana sips some tea. "Do ask."

Sunset taps herself. "What am I to all of you?" Diana spills her tea and laughs out loud. The orange dragon glares at the black cat. "No, I am serious, not joking."

"Is it obvious?" Diana facepaws. "Oh wait. I forgot that you have some 'disease'. Sorry about that." Diana pours another cup of tea. Okay... what do you think about them?"

"Well... all of you don't want me to have to work hard while I can do this." Sunset rubs her chin. "While Spike always wants me to recover as soon as possible, Twilight and Matt worry about me."

Diana huffs. "Honestly, you are quite annoyed. I bet that you want to join with others, right?"

"To not be a burden." 

Diana sighs and lies on the table. She already knows this time will come, but she doesn't know that it come too soon. Diana stands up. "I will bring an old weapon of yours."

 The black cat takes out a wooden staff. The orange dragon grabs the staff, then stares at it for a while. "I feel something familiar to this. It's just like... I used this weapon a lot."

Diana gives her a smug and eats some shortcake. Suddenly, many armored dragons are landing in front of them. All of them have spears. A dark blue dragon with two green horns points at them. "You are not allowed to park this airship here."

Sunset is going to explain but Diana raises her paw to stop her. The black cat starts to lie. "Sorry, our airship has a little problem, so we have to park here."

"Hard to believe." The dark blue dragon commands his soldiers to check the airship. They see the ship's steering wheel is broken. The dark blue dragon nods. "All right, we trust you this time. Can I know your name?"

"Diana." 

All of them quickly point the weapon at her. The black cat rubs her whisker while Sunset doesn't know what to do. The dark blue dragon yells at her. "Where is my sister? What have you done with her?"

"Oh, bet that this is her brother." Diana cracks her neck and takes out the sword. "If you want to know, defeat me first.".

The dragons start charging at them, but they all stop by a firewall. Diana turns to Sunset and sees that the orange dragon is breathing heavily. Sunset's eyes are just telling her that she is ready to fight.



Twilight, Spike, and Shining Armor are going inside the dungeon. They are walking in a long hall. The group is entering a room. Inside the room, there are many giant gold coins around. It also has a big chest in the middle of it. Shining Armor and his guards are confused about this chest while Twilight and Spike are doing something. A moment later, Spike and Twilight shoot a fireball at the chest.

The chest reveals some sharp teeth and jumps around. Shining Armor commands his soldiers to form a position. The chest starts spilling the giant gold coin at the guards but it is bounced back to it because of the shield. Shining Armor's horn is shining and blasts at the chest. The chest quickly spills another gold coin to block it, jumps high, and going to slam at the shield but a big ice spike is on its way. The chest spills another gold coin and uses it as a shield again, then bounces away from it.

It turns to Twilight and Spike and growling. Twilight's horn and front hooves are shining purple. "Look like this mimic is not usual."

"Let's do it, then we will talk to Shining Armor and his guards."

Spike holds a fireball and rushes to the mimic. The giant mimic starts spilling the coins at him. Spike dodges them and breathes fire at the mimic. The mimic screams and starts to spill many gold coins into the sky. The room is raining with giant gold coins. Twilight quickly teleports behind it and blasts it, causing the mimic to fly to Spike. The purple dragon throws the fireballs at its mouth, then jumps on it and starts sticking it with a magic circle.

 The mimic exploded and lay on the ground. When it tries to get up, the giant gold coin falls on it and crushes it alive. After a while, all of the giant gold coins slowly disappear.

Twilight and Spike turn to the guards. They are fine under the shield spell. Spike taps Twilight's back. "That was a big mimic. I've never seen a mimic like that."

Shining Armor goes out the shield and asks. "How can you two fight like that?"

"Because... Ummm..." Spike rubs his chin, "you know, training."

Shining counters. "But... you didn't fear anything."

Twilight rolls her eyes. "If you are stabbed by a sword many times, you won't be afraid of anything anymore."

"What? Who stabbed you?" Shining goes around Twilight and sees no scares. "I haven't seen any scar on your body."

"I wish we had some." Spike huffs. "Sometimes I wish that sword didn't exist."

Shining has no word about this. Twilight looks at the guard. "Shining Armor, can you... umm... go out with your guard?"

Shining Armor shakes his head. "No way, I will protect you. What if you are injured inside here?"

"But you and your guard can't do anything here." Spike points at them. "Only the shield is not enough for this dungeon."

Shining doesn't know what to say. Twilight takes a peek inside the next room and sees there are many selekon pony soldiers and archers inside. Twilight is trying to look around but many arrows are flying at her. Twilight quickly closes the door and sighs. 

Spike asks. "What happens?"

Twilight taps the round. "There are many skeletons inside the room. Those are ponies one."

"All right. "Spike takes the shield from the guard. "We should come in." 

Shining Armor is going to stop the purple dragon. Twilight holds his tail and shakes her head. The purple alicorn opens the door but not fully, then she puts on her horn and casts a spell. Twilight closes the door quickly. The purple alicorn whispers. "Now, we have to wait."

Spike sits down. "I get it."

Shining Armor is confused about what is just happening. Her little sister is not even afraid of anything like this, far different from her about 3 years ago when she came to Ponyville. The white unicorn sighs and has to accept his little sister. 

Twilight comes to her brother. "So... are you coming with me." 

"I think... I can get my soldier outside the dungeon." Shining Armor starts leaving the room. "Good luck."

Twilight turns to the door and opens it. The room is full of purple mist and the skeleton is trying to move. Twilight creates a purple light ball and blows it. The ball starts flying through the mist. Twilight and Spike start following it and come to the next door.





Matt and Icey are heading to a door. There are too many stone walls inside. Icey feels weird because she doesn't see anything like this. Matt knocks on the wall to see if something happens. 

The swordsman rubs his head. "Weird. Not even me see this."

Icey pokes the ice spear at the wall. "Those walls do not even make a maze inside this..." she sees Matt pointing behind her. "What are you pointing at?"

Icey turns around and sees the wall looking at her. The wall starts falling on her to crush the blue dragon but Matt quickly holds her claw and throws her out. Icey gets up and forms an ice bow to shoot at it, but the arrows bounce out the wall. The wall laughs at her.

Matt shakes his head. "Not even a wall monster respects you."

"No joking." Icey is forming an ice spear. "This time will work." 

she throws it at the wall. The wall is slowly freezing. It roars and is going to crush the ice dragon. Icey quickly rolls away and the wall is completely frozen. Icey steps on the wall and sees something glowing yellow inside. The blue dragon stabs it and the wall is shattered into pieces. 

"No wonder why Diana wants to have you." Matt points at many stone walls. "But this is not a joke. They are blocking our way to go deeper."

"Then just kill them all." Icey spins the spear. There is a core inside each of them."

"Got it."

Icey and Matt start taunting the wall monster and crushing them. They really want to know what caused this dungeon.
> A little meeting
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The dark blue dragon is trying to slash at Sunset, but the orange dragon manages to dodge all of them, despite being panicked. The dark blue dragon breathes ice at the floor, causing Sunset slips. He quickly jumps to stab her. Sunset breathes fire at the dark blue dragon. The dark blue dragon jumps back and breathes slightly.

"Stop playing around." The dark blue dragon points the sword at Sunset. "I don't want to fight like this."

Sunset closes her eyes and concentrates. "I'm sorry. But... that's all I can do. Plus, I didn't know your name."

The dark blue dragon bows to her. "My name is Frostbite. Wait, what are you..."

Sunset's wooden staff is on fire, then she waves it in the air. A dragon wing is flying toward him. Frostbite runs to it and slides under the wing but the wing explodes in mid-air. Frostbite coughs and looks around, but a fist punching into his chest makes him fall. The orange dragon starts sparking some electricity and electrocuting him. Sunset looks at her claws that are still in electricity, then she stares at the staff and sees it on fire. Sunset quickly throws it away. 

Diana catches the flaming staff, then turns to the dark blue dragon. Frostbite is trying to stand up, but he quickly has to kneel and breathes. "What... What is that spell? I have never seen that spell... before."

"It looks like Blueberry is down." Diana flies to Frostbite. "I'm done with your guard."

"What?" Frostbite turns around and doesn't see his soldiers anymore. The ice dragon turns to the cat. "Where are they?"

"Knock them out and teleport to home. It's easy." Diana turns to the orange dragon. "Hey, can you tie this dragon up?"

Frostbite is trying to get up but he can't. The orange dragon pokes at his snout. "What for? I didn't want to kill him."

"Just a trade." Diana folds her paws. "Honestly, if that camp isn't there, I will teleport him with the guard."

"You...you..." Frostbite forms an ice spear and charges the cat, but his body doesn't allow him as he falls and coughs. "What do you want for my little sister?"

Diana grins. "I heard from her that you are not allowing her to have a friend." Frostbite catches me off guard. Diana continues. "Your father didn't allow her to train with the guard and your mother didn't allow her to do whatever she wanted."

Frostbite is trying to counter. "That... that's not true. I just want to protect her."

"End the conversation." Diana snaps her paws. "Do it Sunset."

Sunset nods and takes the rope, then ties him up with the claws forced to his back. Frostbite tries to struggle but his strength does not allow him to struggle anymore. When trying to tie him up, the orange dragon accidentally touches his horns, which makes him silent and stay still. After a while, Sunset sits next to Diana and watches the camp.




Matt and Icey are walking through the long hall. After dealing with wall monsters, they feel so exhausted. Inside the hall, many things look expensive to Matt, which makes him through he is going outside or something. After a while, they see a white alicorn with a crystal shard on the forehead. Icey looks around and sees many guards and archers guarding the alicorn, who is sitting on the throne.

"Weird." Icey rubs her chin. "This alicorn is just like Celestia."

"Have you met Celestia before?" 

Icey nods. "Yes, but ... not so good." Icey's ear folds down. "It was just sparring between ponies and dragons."

"I see." Matt points at the crystal shard. "Now, that is our target. This can be called the heart of the dungeon."

"Got it." Icey forms the ice spear and looks at the ponies. "What will we do now?"

Matt sits down. "Take a rest." Then he pulls some meat and vegetables from his dimension pocket. "Can you make a fire camp?" Icey shakes her head. Matt picks some branches and gets some fire grass. "You know what is most important when raiding a dungeon?"

Icey gives him a smug. "Skill and teammates. I have raided some dungeons before... well... until my parents banned me from it… eh… but I wasn't allowed to fight."

"You are missing one thing." Matt takes out the pot. "Morale."

"What do you mean? Everyone will have good morale before doing the raid."

Matt sighs and starts cooking the food. "Have you ever stayed inside a very long dungeon? Like, have to stick two or three days inside it." Icey shakes her head. Matt takes corn. "When being too long in the dungeon, everyone will start feeling tired, then they will start arguing with each other."

"That's... not bad, right?"

Matt takes some meat and vegetables. "The worst is... they will start killing each other." 

Icey gulps. She remembers her soldiers feeling tired and starting arguing when they finish a quest in two or three days outside. Icey takes a peek inside the throne and sees the alicorn is just sitting there doing nothing. The blue dragon feels that it will be triggered when someone is inside.

Icey lies on the ground. "How long do we have to wait?"

"A moment." Matt turns to the blue dragon. "Actually, I just want to ask more about your kingdom and stuff." Matt pours some water. "How is your kingdom?"

"Good I guess." Icey sighs. "My kingdom is ruled by my father and he is a good one."

"How can you be considered a good ruler?"

"Well, he always helps our kind for more development and wants to stop killing around. All he wants is to unite all kinds of the dragon." Icey huffs. "But he is afraid to lose me so much so when others want to challenge me, he wants to deny it."

"Eh..." Matt shakes his head. "Can I ask you why?"

"One of our cultures is when a dragon beats an ice dragon, he or she can touch our horn and claim us. Our horn will change color after that." Icey raises her claw to stop Matt from asking further. "To make it clear, all of the ice dragons want to remove this culture but the magic inside us doesn't allow us, it is just like a curse."

"Hmmm... I can ask Diana to remove this thing. Even though she is not good at... curing someone." Matt takes bowls. "What happens if you go against this 'culture', like you are not gonna die, don't you?"

"Well, our hearts will be frozen and we can't move for a long time, not even an inch."

"Sounds worse than dead." Matt huffs. "How is your father doing?"

"Not good for a fire dragon because they just have a new ruler, but she won't show up for a while."

"One last question." Matt gives her the bowl of soup. "Why did you tell me about this stupid culture?"

Icey sips the soup. It tastes good for her. She silences for a while before answering. "Honestly, I trust you. Plus, you are a human, right? So... yeah."

"I can talk to Spike and he will claim you, idiot." Matt bonks his sword at Icey's head. The blue dragon glares at him. "First rule, don't spoil your weakness in front of someone you just met."

"Yeah yeah, I was careless." Icey sips another soup. "At least you cook well."

"Eat up. We have a crystal to take." 

Icey and Matt enjoy the soup as they keep talking with each other. 





Twilight and Spike are walking through many bookshelves. Tons of books are displayed on the bookshelves. The purple alicorn tries to get one of them but it disappears when she touches it. The books and papers keep flying by themselves like butterflies.

Spike looks around in amazement. "Is this a nice memory of her? Sounds like someone I know."

"Stop your teasing." Twilight jumps on the bookshelves. "If this is a library, there must be librarians."

"That's ridiculous, you know this is not a normal library, right?"

Twilight facehoof. She completely forgets that this is a dungeon, meaning everything can happen inside it. The purple duo is walking through the large books zone. They see a little filly in there with the crystal shard. 

Twilight frowns. "Too easy. Something is not right here."

Suddenly, many giant books are dropped on the purple duo. Twilight and Spike jump aside but another book is opening for them. Spike kicks Twilight out, then jumps on the book before it closes. Twilight tries to blast at the fillyisbeing blocked by another book.

The book starts opening and spills paper on the purple duo. Spike waves his claw and breathes fire to follow it, creating a firewall in front of them. Many arrows are flying in front of them. Twilight quickly form a shield to block them all. Spike takes a look and sees they are all paper. 

A giant paper axe is floating in the air and starts to slam at Twilight's shield. It make her shield crack as the purple alicorn try to keep it remained. Spike gets out the shield, forms a fireball behind him, and denotes it. The purple dragon flies fast through the firewall and tries to get the crystal shard but a paper wall is rising from the ground to block the purple dragon. The wall wraps the purple dragon and becomes a rope to tie him up.

"Spike." Twilight glares at the filly and then rushes to her. Many paper snakes are rising from the ground to bite her but she manages to dodge them, then she slams into the ground. A magic circle appears on the ground and creates purple smoke.

The filly looks around through the purple smoke, then she forms a giant paper fan to blow the smoke away. No sign of the purple alicorn. The filly looks down and sees Twilight is trying to get the crystal shard. The filly manages to catch her hooves, but her horn is shining and yanks the crystal shard off.

Twilight sighs in relief and she looks at the crystal shard. The bookshelves and filly are slowly becoming white dust. Twilight sits down and breathes. "I thought... I will never make it."

"Can you help me please?" Twilight turns to the voice and sees Spike is still in the rope. "I can believe that this paper rope will not disappear." Twilight levitates the purple dragon and leaves the room, causing Spike to struggle. "Hey, what are you doing?"

"Revenge for my sandwich." Twilight puts her face near Spike. "That's your punishment."

Spike rolls his eye and the duo starts leaving the dungeon with the crystal shard.




Matt steps forward to the throne. To make sure they won't hurt a lot, Matt asked the blue dragon to create an ice shield. The guards start pointing their spear and aiming the arrow at him. 'Celestia' watches the human for a while, then she waves her hooves. The guards start charging at him and shooting arrows.

Matt quickly slams the shield on the ground and hides behind it. The swordsman takes his broadsword and plugs it into the ground. The pony guards slowly step forward the shield. 'Not even rush to try to break this shield.'  Matt takes out the small sword and daggger. 'What is this dungeon?'


'Celestia' stares at the shield for a while. The white alicorn swings her sword to the left and hits the ice spear. Icey is surprised when the alicorn manages to spot her. The blue dragon is trying to get up but the levitation stops her. 'Celestia' looks at the ice dragon for a while, then she slams Icey on the ground, walls, and roof repeatedly. A dagger flies to 'Celestia' and slashes her cheek. 'Celestia' turns to the shield and steps forward while slamming Icey.

The guards are looking for the swordsman as he is not behind the shield. 'Celestia' starts using the spell to spot the swordsman and finds that he is beneath her. The white alicorn tries to jump away but the hand manages to catch her hoof, then a full body of human rise from the ground and headbutts her face. His arm quickly yanks the crystal off.

The guards start disappearing, along with 'Celestia'. Matt catches Icey, then puts her down. The blue dragon has many bruises on her body. Matt rubs his head. "You ... okay there?"

"Not so much." Icey gets up. "Being a throwing ball is not a pleasure."

"All right. So... Can we go out."

Icey nods. The duo goes out of the dungeon. When they are just stepping out of that place, many dragons point the spear at Matt. Icey realizes that they are her soldiers. A dark blue dragon with a crown is walking forward and commands. "Get my daughter back immediately."

Matt takes his sword out and prepares to charge. Suddenly, a voice from behind them says. "You may put down all the weapons."

All of the dragons turn to the voice and see a black cat floating in the air with a dark blue dragon with gray horns being wrapped by the shadow rope. Frost Ice is surprising. "My son... what's happened."

Frostbite is trying to answer but the shadow rope wraps around his snout to prevent any word from him. Diana grins. "Hello there. I am the one who sent you the letter."

"What do you want? Release my son immediately." Frost Ice points at her. "Or else."

"You are not the one who can talk here, my king." Diana forms a dark blade and puts it near Frostbite's neck. "How about a trade?"

Frost Ice balls into the fist and grits his teeth. "What... Do you want to?"

"My swordsman in there and your abandoned daughter." Diana plays with her whisker. "Poor thing. Thank you for making her suffer so I can brainwash her."

Icey is going to say something but Matt raises his arm to stop. Frost Ice lowers his sword. "What... Do you mean?"

"You should know more than everyone else, Your Majesty." Diana takes an hourglass. "You got one hour."

Frost Ice and his soldiers are starting to discuss with each other. All of them advise the king to accept the trade because Frostbite is playing an important role in the kingdom. The king looks at his daughter, who is still covered in red stripes, and sighs. He doesn't have a chance to say sorry to her. 

Frost Ice walks toward the guard to step aside for Matt and Icey. Icey is surprised by this action. 'Does... he still ...' Her face is looking down at the ground and sighs. 'I need to get out of here.'


When the duo walks past Frost Ice, he looks at his daughter with an emotionless stare. Matt shakes his head as Diana facepaws. Diana starts levitating Frostbite and whispers. "If you want to meet us again, be stronger, or else it will be hopeless."

When the trading is done, Diana quickly teleports them to go back to the airship before the guard can do anything.
> Take a break
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Frostbite is coming back with his father to his cave kingdom. It is hard to believe when he has been defeated by a fire dragon and that dragon accidentally claims him, which makes other ice dragons suspect his ability. The dark blue dragon grits his teeth and runs into the training zone but his father stops him and asks him to go inside his room to calm him down.

Frost Ice is coming to the throne room, where a green dragon is breathing hard with two mountains of paper. 

Frost Ice puts his weapon down. "I failed. Our son was lost with a fire dragon, and our daughter is in Diana's paws."

"I know. I have seen her face." Leafy tries to stand up. "Her name is Sunset Shimmer."

"Sunset Shimmer... why does this name sound familiar?" Frost Ice rubs his chin. "I have to battle her to release my son? And you use the  'vision sharing' spell again. 

Leafy raises her claw. "If I didn't do that, we wouldn't know who could defeat him. From what I witnessed, she seems confused about her ability, yet her spell is powerful."

"Excuse me?"

"I mean she looks like the one who has never fought before." Leafy takes the paper. "Do you know what they want with our daughter?"

"No clue." Frost Ice sits down next to Leafy. "How can we get our daughter back?"

Leafy stands up and takes the map. The green dragon rubs her chin. "What is their goal? No one wants to kidnap someone and make them go inside the dungeon. And Icey doesn't know anything about that dungeon."

"Maybe a meatshield." Frost Ice folds his claws. "I notice that the weird creature with Icey has some bruises. Maybe they are fighting with each other."

"I doubt it." Leafy goes around the room. "If they want her as a meat shield, they will leave and Icey isn't there anymore. The weird creature you said before will go out without any bruises."

Frost Ice rubs his chin. "Three dungeons... two have been raided... hmmm...." 

"What do you have in mind?"

"Maybe I should go to the third one." Frost Ice stands up. "If they aim for the dungeon, the third one is their next target."

"But Crystal Empire ponies have captured that one. We have the deal, remember?" Leafy taps the table. "We can't go near the dungeon for five miles. 

Frost Ice grins. "But we can stop them before they can get that five miles, right?" Leafy slowly steps away from the blue dragon. Frost Ice slams the table. "Hey, it is not what you think."

"Oh right oh right, just teasing you." Leafy giggles. "You should go now. You only have about twenty-four hours."

Frost Ice prepares his soldiers to sit in there as he hopes that this could work to get back his daughter.

Lea




Twilight and Spike are resting in the bathroom. The purple duo is feeling so relaxed when finishing that dungeon. Twilight is going to sleep but a splash of water on her face makes her wake up immediately. Spike is diving in the bath, then he goes up and laughs at the purple alicorn.

"You're death this time." Twilight jumps on Spike and they start fighting each other. Cadance goes inside the bathroom and sees Twilight trying to attack Spike with some water balls. The pink alicorn coughs and the purple duo stops. Twilight smiles nervously. "Eh... what are you doing here?"

"Twilight, Spike, you two are not young anymore. Why do you two keep messing in the bathroom?"

"Come on Cadance, we are having fun here." Spike wraps his claw around Twilight. "Right, Twilight?"

Twilight nods. Cadance sighs, then smiles. "I can't stop you two. Anyway, I want to meet this Diana."

"Eh.. are you sure?" Twilight shudders. "I don't think you should meet her."

Candace pats her back. "What could go wrong with a friendly meeting?"

"Eh... Diana is... hmm... very rude." Spike rubs the backs of his head. "Why? Because she is more action than just talking."

"Don't be like that, Spike." Cadance giggles. "Don't talk like that when someone is not here."

"And that 'someone' hears every single word." 

Spike turns around and sees Diana walking to them from the hall. Cadance is feeling great pressure when just looking at the black cat. Spike is going to go inside to hide the black cat but Twilight steps in his tail to stop him.

Cadance takes a deep breath and smiles. "You must be Diana, right?"

"I am. Princess Cadance, right?" Diana turns away from the pink alicorn. "Sorry, I am not in the mood to talk here. Maybe next time."

"Then their rumor is right." Cadance points at the purple duo. "You are ruder than I expected."

Diana stops. "Because we don't have time here." Diana folds her paws. "What do you want to talk about?"

"I will show you another dungeon, but you have to follow me first." Cadance glares at the cat. "I don't know how Twilight and Spike get along with you."

Diana huffs. "And I don't know who your husband is."

Cadance leads the black cat to somewhere to talk with each other. 





Sunset is coming out to have dinner and watch the sky. Just opening the door, she sees a blue dragon lying on the ground while the human is sitting and watching the crystal castle. 

Sunset looks at the ice dragon on the ground. "Why are you lying here?"

"Don't .... ask." Icey turns away as she can't move even an inch. She whines. "Please help me. I am rooting on the floor here." Sunset helps the blue dragon to the chair. The blue dragon sighs in relief. "Ah, that's better."

"What happened?" Sunset puts the food down.  "Messing with Diana."

Matt waves his arm. "No. She was being split into two parts from below." Icey glares at him. Matt pats the blue dragon. "I am telling the truth."

"Too much." Icey feels her claw can move again. The blue dragon stretches her body. "Now where are we?"

"Above Crystal Empire." Matt sips some wine. "Don't worry about your father. The pony here has increased security."

Icey sighs. "I wish I can be stronger. I am feeling humiliated when being beaten by a cat."

"If that is a normal cat, you should, but not Diana's case." 

Matt stares at the orange dragon. Sunset is feeling something wrong about him. The human takes out the crystal shard. Sunset quickly teleports to the steering wheel and hides behind it. Icey taps her claw. "She scares at the... crystal shard, doesn't she?"

"It's obvious." Matt stands up and spins his wraise. "Help me to catch her, please. This orange dragon is a master of teleportation."

"Do it yourself." 

Icey turns away from the human. Matt jumps to the orange dragon but Sunset teleports to the under table immediately. Matt throws the crystal shard at her head. Sunset ducks and teleports inside the airship. 





Diana follows the pink alicorn to a room. Cadance asks the guards to make sure that no one listens to the conversation. Walking inside the room, she sees the white unicorn staring at her. 

Diana takes a seat and asks. "Why are you calling me here?"

Shining Armor slams the table. "What do you want my little sister? I see she isn't scared of any danger anymore. 

Diana turns to Cadance. "I hope you don't marry a blind unicorn, Cadance." Cadance and Shining Armor grasp as Diana turns back to the white unicorn. "Your eyes are made for decorating or something? Twilight and her friends literally stopped the changeling invasion. Of course, she doesn't scare the danger."

Shining retorts. "But that time, she had your human friends help her."

Diana tilts her head. "And?"

Shining Armor taps his hoof on the table. "Ughh... anyway, I want to make her come back to herself."

"Go ahead and persuade her." Diana gives him a smirk. "She joins me in free will anyway."

Shining Armor glares at the black cat, then stomps away from the room. Diana spins the pencil and asks. "Can we have some food and money, Cadance? We are out of those things."

"I can provide you." Cadance smiles. "I will be happy when I can support some of the resources for Twilight."

"You didn't stop her from going into danger?"

"I can't." Cadance pats Diana's head. "Someone brainwash her so much, right?" Diana turns away from the pink alicorn. The pink alicorn rubs her cheek. "Then I have one condition, you have to sleep with me tonight."

"Ughh fine." Diana taps her paws on the table. "But is it okay when leaving your husband like this? He is worrying about Twilight too much."

"Hmm..." Cadance takes the map. "Can you go with Shining Armor in the last dungeon?"

"Sure, why not?" 

"Thank you. Now good night, I will wait inside my room."

Diana rolls her eyes and flies back to the airship to organize it. Tomorrow will be a painful day for her.
> Ambush
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Icey stretches herself and takes a deep breath. The sun is shining and the blue dragon starts spinning her spear to exercise. 

Sunset goes outside and sighs in relief. The orange dragon is feeling frustrated when Matt literally bound her up and forced the crystal into her head. Sunset sighs and lies on the table. 

Icey asks. "You didn't sleep last night?"

"How can I sleep with the endless headache?" Sunset sighs. "Now I still have a headache."

"I wonder... How good are you at fighting?" Icey rubs her chin. "I heard that you beat my brother, not even trying."

"I was trying my best that time." Sunset looks at her claw. "I don't know. That was a familiar feeling... it's just... "

"I... see." The blue dragon sighs. "I'm not mad at you when you accidentally claim my brother."

"Really? You hate your brother so much."

"He was a jerk." Icey spins her spear. "Every time I want to train to fight, he stops me."

"I think he just wants to protect you. You really know that he wanted to bring you back." Sunset yawns. "At least he is not a jerk like Matt."

"I heard you." Matt goes outside. Sunset turns away from him immediately. Matt explains. "Come on, how long will you feel like that to me? I just want you to remember everything."

 Sunset remains silent and flies away from the swordsman. Icey giggles. "Bet that you messed with her too much."

"Literally. If she knows how to use her spell, I have no chance." Matt takes out the pie. "At least I have pie for breakfast."

Icey spins the spear. "How about sparring with me? Diana was too cruel to me when she chopped me like chopped wood."

Matt takes the sword. "Sound great, but after my breakfast"

The sky is so nice with the clouds floating in the air. Inside a cloud, there is a binocular watching them.




Aangra punches the big boulder. The rock exploded and the white dragon was breathing hard. He turns to the tree and forms a fire blade.

"You shouldn't do that too much." Aangra stops and sees an old lime pony rubbing his beard. The old pony stands up. "You are upset, aren't you?"

"Maybe... a little." Aangra holds the fist. "It's been a long time since I have a worthy opponent. Please don't stop me from training."

"This is abnormal for you." The old stallion coughs. "Let me guess, your opponent nearly gave you a death, right? The hole on your chest proves anything."

"A crazy dragon. Even though I have beaten her, I can't follow her way of fighting." Aangra sighs. "Not a single dragon can push me that far."

"I believe that." The old stallion pokes at Angra's back. A magic circle appears on the dragon's back. Aangra is surprised about that magic circle as the old stallion takes it away. "A crazy mage. I believe that."

"Since... when?" Aangra steps back. "I... I'm at a loss for words."

"Crazy, huh? It's insane." The old stallion smiles. "Why am I feeling that you will lose when meeting her again?"

"Maybe... My curse will follow me for my entire life. I can't lose anyone."

The old stallion nods and goes inside the castle. Aangra returns to practice and keeps slashing furiously into the wall until he feels tired and falls. A brown minotaur comes inside and interrupts the training. "Your Majesty, your rumor is true. Our scouts have found the Hippogriff in the ocean."

"That was what I expected." Aangra tries to get up. "Prepare for the journey, Yearn. We have to make sure that we got their support."

The brown minotaur bows. "Yes. Before I go, can I ask something?" Aangra nods. Yearn stands up. "I just saw Emerald complain about your ... lover."

"Oh sure, that 'lover' nearly killed me last time." Aangra turns around and puts the clothes on. "I am gonna kick that old stallion's flank."

"But why are you so obsessed with that dragon? This is the first time I see you training this hard."

"Yearn, how do you feel when you thought you were invincible, but it turns out there is someone who can beat you anytime?"

Yearn smiles. "I will keep training, but without anyone's picture on my head," then the brown minotaur grins. "Is this love?"

"Stop that." Aangra puts the hat on. "I am not gonna fall into that emotion. That thing is just for the weak." 

"Then why do you keep remembering her?"

"I...I... I just think about my rival."

"I think I will get out of here," Yearn leaves the room. "Before someone will be broken."

Aangra is silenced for a while. He holds his chest and feels uncomfortable about this thing. The white dragon shakes his head and heads to the ocean.



Matt and Icey are sparring with each other. The sound of the weapon smashing with each other, the sweetness of the duo falling. Icey slides under the swordsman and points the spear at Matt's neck, but his body is turning into water. Icey looks around to find the swordsman but a sword is already near her neck.

Icey smashes the sword out. "Not fair, you use a clone."

"Nothing is fair when the opponent keeps pulling the unfair." Math cracks his neck. "Remember, real combat is not sparring like this. I thought you had experience with it."

"That time I didn't even know why a sword was stabbed into my stomach, and then being spinned like a pizza." Icey gives him a smirk. "Now I know how the animal feels when being butchered."

Matt and Icey laugh. Diana flies to the ship with Twilight and Spike. The black cat claps her paws. "Alright everyone, Shining Armor will come here soon."

"Shining Armor..." Matt sighs. "The guy who cast the shield spell over the capital city?"

"You're right. He will be an anvil for Twilight to carry." Diana folds her paws. "Prepare for sailing."

Matt stands up and prepares for the sail while Diana is just sitting on the head of the ball. After a while, Shining Armor, Twilight, and Spike are climbing up to the airship. The black cat waves her paw and the ship starts sailing in the air. 

Diana watches the clouds splashing into her face but she doesn't care. Looking down at the ground, she sees a big harpoon aiming at her ship. The black cat stands up and raises her paw, the ship is braked immediately, causing anyone on the ship to fall.

Diana flies to the table. "Twilight, Shining. Come here."

Twilight stands up and runs to her. "What's wrong? Why did you brake this ship?" A harpoon is plugged into the sail. Twilight and Shining Armor look down and see many dragons flying toward them with many weapons. Twilight turns to the black cat. "What!? Did you mess with the dragon this time?"

Diana bonks Twilight's head. "I hate that when you guess the truth."

 Diana plugs the wooden staff on the ground and two massive dark balls surround Twilight and Shining Armor. The white unicorn is going to jump out of the dark ball but a wooden staff smashes him back into the ball. After a while, the dark ball disappears, also Twilight and Shining Armor.

Many dragons are flying surrounding the airship from above. They are floating in the air while the groups are sticking together and preparing for anything to happen. A dark blue dragon is holding a big hammer landing on the shroud. 

He points at the groups and shouts. "You there. Release my daughter immediately or I will slaughter all of you."

"Slaughter?" Matt gives him a smirk and puts the sword near Icey's neck. "Then come here and get us. Your daughter is brainwashed here and we can kill her anytime we want.'

Icey glares at the swordsman. The dragon soldiers are going to strike at them but the dark blue dragon raises his claw to stop them. The ice dragon slams his hammer down and roars at them. The group is preparing for anything that happens.

The blue dragon points at the orange dragon. "You there. You are Sunset Shimmer, right?"

"Eh... yeah. What do you want?"

"I, Frost Ice, challenge you to a duel."

Sunset is going to answer back but Diana puts her paw on Sunset's snout. "Hold up. Why are you challenging a dragon that lost her memory?"

"Because I want my son doesn't rely on everyone." Frost Ice takes the hammer. "Get out of my way."

Diana shakes her head and grins. "Where is the honor of the warrior?" Frost Ice is stopped as the black cat continues. "I thought the king of ice dragons is no better than any cowardly soldiers."

Frost Ice grits his teeth. "But I will do anything for my son." All of Diana's crewmates are shocked when they hear that. Icey can't believe this is the truth. Diana glares at him. The black cat has nothing to say about this stubborn dragon. The blue dragon slams his hammer. "You all will regret my challenge."

"Icey, you up." Diana pats her back. "Don't be injured."

The light blue dragon nods and she steps ahead to face Frost Ice. The dark blue dragon steps back and puts down the hammer. When he is going to hug her, Icey swings her spear, then points at him with bullet eyes. Frost Ice is shivering. "What... What have you done to my daughter?"

"You have no right to ask that question." Diana turns around. "Pass her and you can challenge this orange dragon."

Frost Ice steps back and picks the hammer up. An ice spear is flying at him. Frost Ice blocks it and looks at Icey as she points another spear at him. 
> Dragon Rage
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The crystal pony guards are setting the camp and treating the injured ponies in front of the dungeon. Many of them see the ice dragons surrounding an airship. 

One of the pony guards asks. "Hey, what are those dragons doing with that airship?"

"I don't know. Maybe just raiding some stuff." Another pony guard takes the big box. "We have no right here unless they are near this dungeon."

Suddenly, a white unicorn with blue hair is screaming in the sky. All of the guards look up and see their captain, Shining Armor, falling from the sky shield and the purple alicorn is trying to catch him. The unicorn guards quickly form a formation and catch their captain with a levitation spell.

Shining Armor lands on the ground safely and sighs in relief. "Good job soldier."

The guards nod. "What are you doing here captain? I thought that you will be busy in the castle."

"I am coming with my sister." Shining Armor steps beside them to see his sister. The guards quickly bow to Twilight. Shining Armor demands. "What are you waiting for? We have to prepare to go inside this dungeon."

"Ye...yes sir."

The guards run to the tent to prepare everything immediately. Twilight looks at the dungeon gate. It has many spikes around it with some animal skulls on the stick. The purple alicorn feels something not right about this dungeon. She asks the guard to head to the medical tent. She wants to collect more information about this dungeon. 

After a while, she sits at the table and starts thinking about this dungeon. According to the injured soldier, this is a very short one. The first floor is just some simple trap but the second one is an army of colts and fillies that can be exploded when someone touches it. The guards stop on the second floor for their safety but they feel some dark energy inside the third floor.

Twilight takes a spear and looks around to make sure no one's gonna see her, but the white unicorn stops her and asks. "Where do you think you are going?"

Twilight lies. "I just got some armor and weapons to prepare for the dungeon, but I lost where the weapon is."

"Oh... " Shining smiles. "Let me show you."

Shining leads Twilight to the armory tent. There are plenty of weapons in there but she doesn't find anything useful, except a very long spear. Twilight takes the spear. "This thing will be good." 

"What are you doing with that spear? It is too long for the normal one."

"You will see about that." Twilight wears the helmet and armor. "Let's go. No time to lose."




The ice dragons and the crewmates are watching as Icey is trying to hit her father, but Frost Ice can dodge them all and quickly kick her stomach. Icey coughs and gets up. She points the spear at the dark blue dragon and glares at him. 

Frost Ice picks up his hammer and slams it on the floor to create an earthquake, making Icey imbalance and flies up. Frost Ice quickly takes her tail and throws her into the floor. After a while, the light blue dragon still did not get up. Frost Ice smiles and steps forward to the crewmates, but many ice spears are plugging in front of him. Looking up, he sees Icey riding a big spear. Frost Ice quickly uses his hammer to slap the spear away. Icey lands in front of the crewmates and points the spear at him. 

Frost Ice asks. "Icey... what happened to you?"

Icey says nothing. Matt is going to yell at him but Diana puts her paw on his mouth. The black cat flies on Icey's head and whispers near her ear. "Control yourself, there is a big power inside you."

Icey doesn't listen and rushes at Frost Ice at a faster speed. Frost Ice swings her hammer to try to hit her but the light blue dragon slides under the ground and slashes at his legs. Frost Ice grunts and slams the hammer down the ground to create another shaking.

Frost Ice looks up and sees Icey is looking at him from the sky. The dark blue dragon flies up and sees. Icey's red stripes are already shining, her spear is covered by a big mana. She is glaring at them. Frost Ice is shocked when seeing her in that state

Matt feels something is not right about her. Looking around, other ice dragons are murmuring about the light blue dragon. Matt turns to the black cat. "What's happening?"

"Prepare something." Diana shakes her head and goes inside the ship. "Someone will need some treats."

Icey raises her spear, charges at her father with a higher speed, and spins herself with the spear. The dark blue dragon forms three shields to block them but Icey pieces them like nothing. Frost Ice swings his hammer and hits the blue dragon to the floor. 

Icey lies there as Frost Ice lands in front of the crewmate. His chest is bleeding a little. Frost Ice points his hammer at them. "Who's next?"  
Matt is stepping forward but Diana comes out with a medical box and pulls him back. The black cat flies close to the dark blue dragon. Frost Ice gives her a smirk. "Oh, you want to fight me? Bring it on."

Diana shakes her head. "Rule number one: never leave your eyes away from your opponent."

"What do..."

A spear is flying near his face and his blood is shed. Frost Ice turns around but Icey grabs his body and slams him hard into the floor. The dark blue dragon coughs and tries to stand up. Icey quickly runs around  Frost Ice with the spear is dragged on the floor.

When the dark blue dragon gets up and takes his hammer, he sees an ice cage around him. Frost Ice tries to smash it but it is not cracking. The dark blue dragon smashes his hammer multiple time but it is no use. Suddenly, many claps of thunder strike him directly. Frost Ice tries to get his consciousness but the thunder strikes him again. Looks at his daughter, her claws are covered by thunder again.

Icey keeps striking her father without hesitation. Matt feels not right and puts his hand on her shoulder. "Hey, that's enough." she slaps him away and then attacks him with the lightning again. Matt rolls on the ground to dodge, then throw the bucket at her.

 Icey slaps it away. She raises her claws and many black clouds are coming at her. Spike quickly breathes fire at her. Icey rolls down on the ground and kicks at his stomach, then throws the ice spear at him. The dragon around the airship starts to fly their king to cover. Icey calls the thunder from the black clouds and many thunders strike at the airship, creating a cage to prevent someone from disturbing.

Matt gets up. "What... what's happened to her?"

"Wow, she will have a lot of training for this." Diana folds her paws. "You can have this."

Icey throws the ice spear at Diana. The black cat is going to slap away but a firewall prevents it. Sunset teleports in front of Diana with a wooden staff on fire. The clouds start striking thunder at Sunset. The orange dragon teleports near the ice dragon and grabs her body to hold the ice dragon. Icey js struggles to get away. Matt gets up, then jumps and throws a punch into Icey's face, make the blue dragon unconcious.

The electric cage is gone, following the ice cage and Icey's red stripes. Matt cracks his hand. "Why should I have to solve the problem by a punch?"

Frost Ice looks at the orange dragon, who is stepping closest to him. The dark blue dragon tries to say something but smashes into his head making him unconscious. 

Sunset breathes heavily and holds her chest. Diana walks close to her and looks at the dark blue dragon. "How is your feeling?"

"I just... want to protect my friend." Sunset takes a deep breath. "Why is this feeling so familiar?"

"Sure you do." Diana turns away. "Get those ice dragons inside. We got them."

The dragon doesn't know what to do since their king is defeated. When the cage falls, they see the orange dragon smashing him into his head. Matt looks at them. "What will we do with them?"

Diana takes a speaker. "You all should go home or I will murder all of you, one by one." The dragon glares at her but Diana adds. "Oh, also your king too."

The ice dragons are looking at each other, then discussing with each other. After fifteen minutes, all of them are coming back to their kingdom, but some of them decide to stay to watch their king. Diana sighs in relief. 

Spike gets up with his claws on fire, but he realizes that the fighting is over. Spike looks at Icey. "What's happened to Icey? It was not like her before."

Diana grabs the hammer. "You heard about mana overload, right?" Spike nods. The black cat starts picking some logs. "That is an example of what happens when you are in that state."

"But where did she get that mana from?" Spike rubs his chin. "Oh wait, those red stripes."

Matt turns to him. "You know about that?" 

Spike picks Icey up. "I heard Lord Torch talk about something called Dragon Rage, but I am not sure if that is right or wrong."

Diana drops the logs. "Tell me more about it."

"Let me see." Spike takes a note. "Hmm... I see Twilight writing here." Spike flips some pages. "There it is. Dragon Rage is a state in which a dragon is angry or even furious. The dragon in this state will receive a lot of energy inside them and start losing control themself."

"Oh, sounds like 'breaking the chain' huh?" Diana sits down. "I should give her more training later."

"This state is very ... rare, only five hundred to one. The dragon in this state has a lot of power inside, but they will be very weak compared to normal dragons due to the energy inside is not in control. Most dragon rulers can control this state."

"Wow. Sounds like someone I know." Matt looks at Sunset. "Not gonna talk about that."

Sunset huffs. "I am not a jerk who tries to put the 'memory' into my head."

Matt counters. "Come on. How long will you forget that?" 

Sunset tries to pick Frost Ice up. "Can you help me please?"

"Sure," Matt opens the door. "Here. You're quite strong here."

Sunset is heading to the empty room to put the ice dragon down. When she just steps into the door, Matt trips her feet and Sunset falls to the ground. Sunset gets up,  jumps at him, and starts fighting with him.

Diana shakes her head and picks Frost Ice up by levitation. She sees his horn is in a different color. Diana announces. "Hey Matt, you make Sunset touches his horn here."

The duo stops fighting when hearing that. Matt steps away from Sunset and hides somewhere. The orange dragon's body is on fire and forms many magic circles to shoot magic missiles at him. Matt is running away from the raging dragon.

Spike shakes his head. "That is an example of Dragon Rage."





Twilight and Shining Armor are walking inside the dungeon. Shining Armor steps in front of Twilight to make sure his sister will be fine. Suddenly, his sister pulls him backward. The white unicorn stands up and sees many arrows shooting from two sides. 

Twilight looks at the ground and murmurs something. Shining Armor asks. "How can you know there is a trap."

Twilight points at the brick. "Abnormal brick set up." Then she points at the hole in the wall. "Hole on the wall." Then she points at the coyote statue on the royal door. "And an abnormal statue that doesn't fit the style."

"I see." 

"Let's go. We have to hurry before this dungeon changed into something."

Shining nods and he walks with Twilight this time. He is still worried about his sister and stuff.
> Meanwhile inside the dungeon
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight and Shining Armor are standing in front of a gate. As the purple alicorn prepares to go inside, she levitates two shields and a very long spear while Shining Armor prepares a shield.

Look at the purple alicorn. She is quite strong for him to be able to carry such heavy things, perhaps due to her alicorn power, he believes. Twilight is about to go inside, but Shining Armor stops her and asks. "You sure we just keep walking inside without knowing anything?"

Twilight waves her front hoof. "If we fail, we can retreat and try again. We have a teleportation spell, remember?"

Shining Armor nods and enters with the purple alicorn. Inside, there are many colts and fillies playing with each other. All of them don't seem to notice them. The white alicorn thinks that he is walking outside the dungeon and being teleported to kindergarten or something.

"Don't flinch." Shining stops as Twilight glances at him. "We are not outside." 

Shining nods slowly and follows Twilight. Every single filly and colt looks at them as they approach the center of the room, then they laugh.

One of them starts assessing. "Oh look at this white unicorn. He is still weak like his mother."

"And this purple pony too." Adds another. "I think she is no better than her book."

Shining is stomping his hooves but Twilight just rolls her eyes and keeps stepping forward. The other colt shakes his head. "This pony is just a bookworm. No wonder she doesn't have any friends."

Twilight smiles. "Then can you all hear me?"

"Of course we can hear you, bookworm." Answers the colt. "We are not like you."

Shining grits his teeth but Twilight spreads her left wing to stop him. Twilight coughs. "I may be a bookworm, but I am real, not a ghost."

The colt is stamped. "Gho... Ghost... we are real pony, you are just a bookworm."

Twilight keeps stepping forward. "Have you ever looked in the mirror?"

All of the fillies and colts are silenced, then their eyes turn red and they begin charging at her. A blue shield appears to cover her. Twilight touches the blue shield, and purple spikes rise from it. Many of them were struck by the spikes and exploded. Twilight's horn is glowing and creates a purple shield around Shining. 

The fillies and colts keep punching at the shields. Shining isn't sure what to do while Twilight tries to poke them with the spears, but they do not explode when touched lightly. The purple alicorn throws her spear away and turns toward Shining Armor, then rushes at him.

"What... what are you doing?" Shining tries to stop his sister but it's too late. Two magic shields collided, triggering a big explosion around them. The forces of the explosion caused all the fillies and colts to explode. The dungeon is filled with a chain of explosions, causing many rocks and bricks to fall.



 

The crystal pony guards are waiting for Twilight and Shining Armor while some of the crystal guards are ready to go inside to support them. Suddenly, the ground shakes hard for a while. One of the guards reports. "There was an explosion inside the dungeon, on the second floor."

"What!?" The other guard commands. "Quick, get the tool for drilling and take some of the miners. We have to rescue them as soon as possible."

"Yes sir."

The Pegasi guards fly back to the Crystal Empire as quickly as possible. 





Frost Ice opens his eyes, gets up and breathes heavily, then he takes a deep breath to calm himself down. Looking around, he finds that he is on an airship.

"Where am I?" The dark blue dragon rubs his head and stands up. "Why am I feeling that I am on the ship?"

"Because you are on the ship." A door is opened and Matt steps inside with a tray of food. "You should eat up. Your daughter is fine, except she doesn't want to talk to you."

"Ugh...I'm lost." Frost Ice sits down. "And what are you planning to do with me? Brainwash me?" 

"We've got you."." Matt points at the big mirror. "There. Take a look at yourself."

Frost Ice walks to the mirror to look at himself. Many bandages wrap around his body and his horns are black. Frost Ice is surprised when his horns turn black. "What... what have you done?"

"Just make sure that orange dragon touches your horn." Matt spins the sword and . "Enjoy being under her command."

Matt leaves Frost Ice's room and heads to Sunset's room. As he stands in front of her room, he notices the signs that read "no Matt allowed". Matt knocks on the door but an electric shock runs through his body. 

The swordman stands up and sees a magic circle on the door. "Ah... you want to ban me from coming to your room?"

A voice comes from inside. "Yes, you jerk. Don't ever talk to me again."

"Come on, that ... ummm ... Necessary?" Matt smiles nervously. "I mean you have a dragon, right?"

Several fireballs are flying from the room and chasing the swordsman. Matt runs away and hides in the wardrobe. A while later, he jumps out and walks outside to refresh himself.



Spike sits outside reading the letter on a table while Diana is trying to fix the airship with some of her magic. 

Spike waves his claw. "Hello Matt, I bet Sunset really hates you."

Matt is lying on the table. "I pranked her too hard last time," he says. "Now I can't talk to her like before."

Spike shakes his head. "That's why you have to be careful with your pranks."

"Fine." Matt waves his hand. "I just remember when I pranked her since we were on adventures together."

"I will just go inside to comfort Sunset. See you."

Spike is going to walks inside. A shadow hand drags him back to Diana. Spike notices Diana waving her tail and she tries to get away from the black cat but he can't. The black cat glances at the purple dragon. "You two, prepare yourselves and support Twilight Shining Armor. The dungeon is collapsed."

"What!? Really. What happens there?" 

"I saw the guards are taking some miners and tools for digging through the binoculars." Diana rubs her forehead. "It means there is something causing this collapse." 

Matt is about to jump out of the airship but Diana catches his clothes with her paws. The swordsman rubs his head. "Uh... the earlier, the better."

"Then just stand still, I will teleport you two to the dungeon." Diana throws him back to the airship. "5 minutes."

Spike and Matt run inside to prepare themselves. They prepare many tools to dig. Matt also takes a drill to the fast work.





Twilight is getting up as she has some bruises. Those stones have closed the outside of the dungeon. Twilight sees her brother lying on the ground with many wounded. Twilight sits down and breathes heavily for a while, then she drags Shining Armor to the next floor. 

On the third floor, she sees a room. Twilight placed Shining Armor right in front of the room and lit the campfire. Eventually, Shining opens his eyes and tries to get up, but he cannot because of the bruise. 

As Shining rolls, he sees Twilight grabbing the bandage from a magic circle and wrapping it around her wounds, then she wraps it around his wounds. 

Twilight starts talking. "Sorry, Shining. I'm just too careless."

"What... what's happening?" 

"I... I just made a big explosion." Twilight turns her face away. "That explosion is too big to make this dungeon collapse and... take your life."

Trying to remember what happened before, Shining grasps and stands, but has to lay down after that. "You... are so careless. Why did you make an explosion in the dungeon?"

"I ... forgot." Twilight takes another bandage. "I... made you hurt."

Shining smiles and puts his front hoof on her cheek. He tries to cheer her up. "Don't cry. I still here and alive."

"Thank you." Twilight hugs him hard. "You are the best."

In pain, Shining bets Twilight to release him. Twilight feels dark energy from this door. The alicorn wants to peek inside, but the door is too heavy to open it slightly. Shining Armor is looking at her. "I see you want to step forward."

"No... I will stay here until you are fully healed." Twilight sits down. "That's my fault for bringing you here."

"You can head out. I'll be fine."

"No. I have to make sure that you are totally fine. This dungeon is not moving, but life is."."

Shining Armor rolls around and sighs, then he glances at her sister. "Seem like you have good friends."

"Good friends? Nah." Twilight waves her front hoof. "What kind of friend cuts me in half like that?"

Shining Armor gulps. "Wow. That's a shock."

Twilight rolls her eyes and starts lying on the ground. Shining decides to keep quiet as she doesn't wish to talk about it. The next step will be their challenge
> Fake Nightmare Moon
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The guards are making sure the miners are safe by destroying all of the traps. When they reach the second floor, many big boulders and rocks block their way. 

A miner examines the rock. "This... is not so well. How large is the explosion?"

The pony guard answers. "I don't know. When we are guarding outside, we hear some explosion."

"How big is that explosion?" The miner taps his pickaxe. "Do you want to help me? We brought enough supplies for both of us."

"Absolutely." 

The miners and the guards start working together while some of them start digging around. Matt and Spike are just coming to the dungeon with some shovels. When one of the miners sees Spike, he rushes to him with a paper. "Please give me your signature. I am a big fan of yours."

Another miner drags him away and looks at those two. He asks. "Sorry. But I assume that you are not coming at the right time, the Great and Brave Spike."

"That's okay." Spike runs into the dungeon. "Come on, we came here to help Twilight and Shining Armor."

The miner is going to ask about Matt. As the swordsman runs with the purple dragon, the miner decides not to ask due to an emergency situation.





Twilight and Shining Armor have been trapped inside the dungeon for over an hour now. They are waiting for rescue. Once she realizes Shining Armor's wound is healing, Twilight gets up and heads to the door, but Shining stops her.

Shining asks. "You want to go inside?"

"These energies make me so anxious." Twilight shakes her head. "It is like some nightmare behind this door."

Shining knocks on the door. Blue smoke rises from it. Shining Armor sits down. "I can't come with you."

"You should rest here and wait." Twilight puts her front hooves against the door. "I have to finish this dungeon."

Shining looks into his sister's eyes as he sees a determined spirit inside her. The purple alicorn opens the door and heads inside without hesitation.

Inside the room, there are several large candles that are placed on either side, but no fire is lit. It is the candles that create the path leading to something significant. Twilight decides to follow this road to see what is at the end of it.



Five minutes later, she sees many colts and filles circling around a red magic circle. They are chanting something. Twilight decides to hide behind a large stone watch. After a while, a small earthquake rumbled around t

Several colts and fillies are transformed into light orbs. They fly into the magic circle. 

The magic circle has exploded and is sparking electricity around it. It is surrounded by smoke. When the smoke is fading, Twilight feels some horror inside when she sees Nightmare Moon standing in the magic circle.

The dark blue alicorn laughs out loud. "Finally, I managed to go back to Equestria. Soon, Equestria will be mine."

"How... this can't be." Twilight holds her chest and whispers. "Okay, okay... this must be something related to Sunset's memory."

Nightmare Moon steps down the stairs and many ponies wearing armor suddenly appear on the ground. They bow to their queen. Twilight's horn is glowing and it is analyzing Nightmare Moon. She sees something sparking on her helmet. Twilight closes her eyes and creates a crossbow with an ice spell.

Nightmare Moon stops and commands. "My loyal subject, get that pony for me."

Twilight runs away as many arrows are coming towards her. An alicorn flies quickly to Nightmare Moon and prepares a sword to slash it, but it is blocked by a scythe. Nightmare Moon giggles and raises her scythe. The 'loyal subject' starts shooting arrows at her. Twilight raises an ice wall to block it.

Her soldiers stop when Nightmare Moon raises her hoof. The dark blue alicorn walks toward Twilight, then she cuts the ice wall in half. Twilight shoots her crossbow at the alicorn's helmet but one of her soldiers takes the arrow. He disappears after taking a shot

Twilight steps back and throws the crossbow at the dark blue alicorn. Another soldier blocks Nightmare Moon, then disappears. Twilight smiles as her horn shines brightly, but Nightmare Moon blasts it. Twilight's horn has now been covered in black crystals. She feels that mana can't get through to it.

Nightmare Moon drags the scythe and commands her soldiers to attack her. Suddenly, Twilight's front hooves lighten, creating a gust around her. Nightmare Moon, as well as the soldiers, step back. The dark blue alicorn and her soldiers fire at the purple alicorn, creating smoke around her.

The soldiers of Nightmare Moon surround the dark blue alicorn. After that, the purple alicorn is already on Nightmare Moon's back, taking off her helmet and revealing a crystal shard on her forehead. Nightmare Moon tries to shake off the purple alicorn, but she teleports back. This time she is in front of Nightmare Moon's head. Twilight quickly takes the crystal shard before Nightmare Moon can shake her off. Dark blue alicorns and their soldiers are fading away.

Twilight looks at the crystal shard and holds it. "Amelia will know more about this than that evil cat."

Twilight turns around and leaves the room. When she opens the door, a book falls on her head. Twilight picks it up. The book is titled "Nightmare Moon and Her Terror". Twilight sighs and throws it away.



 

Icey is training with her spear, but her wounds make her stop in the middle of the workout and sit down. The blue dragon huffs and turns to the black cat, who is watching the sky. She walks slowly toward the black cat, but a shadowy rope appears from her shadow and encircles her.

Icey is trying to get out of bounds but she starts falling. Luckily, Sunset catches her and puts her back on the chair. Sunset tries to release her but it's too strong. Sunset sighs. "Looks like Diana is quite... annoyed."

"Yep." Diana jumps on Icey's head. "And this adorable dragon is planning to pet me."

Icey tries to get away from the binding. "Can you get off me?"

Diana shakes her head. Sunset rubs her head. "Okay... so what will I do now? I have no work to do."

"Learn some spells." Diana tosses Sunset a book. The book slaps her face. Sunset gets up and glares at Diana. The black cat spins her paws. "How are you feeling right now?"

"Not so... I don't know." Sunset sighs. "I feel as if I am stealing a unicorn's memory."

"A unicorn? Are you seriously?" Icey huffs. "You literally claim my father in there."

Sunset denies. "Because first, you two are too tired. And second, you lost control."

"I'm not feeling well. Feeling a dragon rage inside me... makes me feel bad." Icey looks up at the cat. "Can you release me?"

Diana touches the rope and it disappears. "So, you wanna talk to your father?"

"I think not." Icey sighs. "First, you make him think that I am being mind controlled, and second, I hate him more than before."

"But... if you don't talk, then how can you and your father know each other?" Sunset rubs her head. "I mean, even if you hate him, he's still your father."

Icey sighs in frustration. "Fine. Just remove these red stripes." Then she stands up. "I think a talk will not hurt anyone."

Icey enters the airship. Diana shakes her head as she follows Icey to the airship. 





Twilight comes out of the room and sees Shining Armor lying on the ground. Laughing, the purple alicorn sits beside the campfire. Shining Armor notices the black crystal on Twilight's horn. He runs to her and asks. "What's happening to your horn?"

Twilight says, "I just met Nightmare Moon. She did that to me." She puts her hooves on her horn and the black crystal disappears. "This is not helpful at all."

"What? Nightmare Moon?"

"She was created by this crystal shard." Twilight reveals the crystal shard. "But it seems like she was half real... like I am meeting a real Nightmare Moon."

"I see." Shining sighs. "You are very different from when you were staying at Canterlot."

"Oh, did I change?" 



"A lot." Shining pokes the stick at the campfire. "When you were a filly, you would always stand on the chair in the library. Now..." Shining Armor turns to the purple alicorn. "You are now like a warrior. No fear or stay away from dangerous" 

"Oh...maybe I am being brainwashed too." Twilight starts lying on the ground. "So... did you like me before or now?"

"I don't know through." Shining pats his sister's head. "But it's no matter, you will always be my little sister." 

Twilight hugs her brother. "Thank you, you are my favorite brother."

Suddenly, the stones crack and a purple claw appears on the ground. After a while, Spike, Matt and the rest of the miners found them. Matt waves his arm. "Get out of here, this dungeon can only stay there for like five minutes."

Shining Armor and Twilight Sparkle grasp each other. Spike takes both and runs away. Matt and the miners are also throwing away tools.

After they have all left the dungeon. The dungeon starts collapsing. Shining Armor gulps while Twilight squeezes Spike tight. The miners start counting the ponies to see if anyone is missing. 

"Wow, that was good timing." Matt swings his left arm. "I wish there was only one left."

"Sure." Spike points at the miners. "Dueling with them first."

Matt turns around to see that many miners are glaring at him. Matt steps back and gulps. "Uh... can I have a break? It just is... I want it to be faster."

"Catch him. He is the one who has put us in danger."

The miners start chasing the swordsman. Shining won't ask, but it seems everything is fine. Now, the team will go back to the airship.
> A new crewmate
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Frost Ice stands up and is about to leave this airship. He has nothing to do but be boring. When he is preparing to leave, a knock on the door interrupts him. The dark blue dragon opens the door and sees his daughter. This time the red stripes are not present.

The dark blue dragon is reaching out to hug her but Icey steps aside. Frost Ice rubs his head. "You're back. How can you resist the brainwashing spell?"

Icey folds her claw. "That's because I have never been brainwashed from the beginning."

"Why did you do that?"

Icey glares at Frost Ice. "Because I feel that you always care about my brother more than me. Plus, you're gonna send me away with someone, right?"

Frost Ice is shocked. He sits down. "Look, I just want you to have a happy life." Icey summons her ice spear and points at him. Red stripes start appearing on her face. Frost Ice steps back. "Wait... you don't have to do that."

'Explain those words that spilled from your mouth when you arrived here.' The red stripes run through Icey's body. "Explain it."

The dark blue dragon is speechless. Icey steps a little more and puts the spear near his neck. They are interrupted by a knock on the room door. She opens the door and sees the light green dragon standing before her.

Icey is surprised and her red stripes are fading. The light green dragon hugs her. "Oh my daughter, I never thought I would see you again."

"Mom... I..." Icey drops her spear and hugs her mother. "I am..."

"Don't worry. I'm here." The light green dragon kisses her daughter's forehead. 

"Now go outside. I have a word for your father."

Icey nods and she leaves the room. The light green dragon sighs in relief. "I thought she would cry after that."

"Me... too." Frost Ice turns away from his wife. "What are you doing here, Leafy?"

"I heard that you trigger our daughter's rage." Leafy folds her claws. "And these 'wardens' are too generous to kidnap a ruler. Unless..."

Leafy glares at him. Frost Ice waves his claws and starts confessing. "All right all right, It start like this."

Frost Ice starts talking about how he triggers her rage, but still doesn't know why his horns are changed. Leafy shakes her head. "I didn't know you were a fool in three seconds like that."

"I know... now, I can't face my daughter." Frost Ice turns to his stuff. "I just want to leave this airship as soon as possible."

"You can't." Leafy taps her feet on the floor. "Not without an apology for her."

Frost Ice stands up and is going to leave the room, but the light green dragon stops him and starts dragging him away.





Diana is lying on the table and enjoying the sun. Spike, Matt and Twilight have not returned to the airship yet, which has her feeling annoyed. Sunset is trying to form a weapon with her magic, but all she has is big fire without any shape.

Sunset breathes heavily and lies on the floor. "I can't even do this."

Diana rolls around. "Then how can you perform your 'Wyvern Slash', Mrs. Lying herself? You do this over and over for an hour."

"Hey, I am not lying." Sunset gets up. "And honestly, I don't know."

Diana huffs and turns around to the door. The orange dragon constantly acts on her behalf, and it annoys her. Diana sees Icey stomping and coming out. The light blue dragon sits down and lies on the table. Her face is folded down.

Diana pats her head. "You okay there?"

The light blue dragon gives no answer. Diana hears some sobbing from her. The black cat pokes the sword in her head.

"Not now." The blue dragon faces up to the black cat and gumbles. Tears still cling to her eyes. She asks. Icey asks, "Can you teach me how to control my anger?" The black cat raises her sword and is about to slash her, but Icey stops her. "Why did you do that?"

"Chop you into pieces." Diana licks her lips.

"Don't worry, it won't hurt."

"Hey, you cut me to pieces many times with that sword." Icey takes the sword away from the black cat. "Why?"

Diana takes back her sword. "You didn't let your father say a word, did you?" Icey turns her face away. Diana gives her a smirk. "Next time don't ask any dump questions."

Icey whispers. "I hate you."

Diana pats her back. Icey is trying to hug the cat but Diana slaps her claws away. Next, Diana climbs on Icey's head and rests there. The blue dragon huffs and waits for her wound to heal. She notices that many of her guards are looking at her.

After a while, Frost Ice comes out with his wife. The dark blue dragon turns away from her daughter. The light green dragon lightly kicks him.

Frost Ice faces his daughter. "I am sorry." Icey turned her face away from him. Frost Ice kneels down. "I am sorry okay. Despite my love for you as your brother, I am scared to lose you. That's why I never let you go to training."

Icey turns around. "Then what about marriage?"

Frost Ice turns quickly towards his wife. The light green dragon turns away from her daughter. That's just me trying to ensure your safety." Diana is just talking over Icey's head. Leafy giggles. "At least you have a cute cat."

"It's just so cute outside, but inside, the room is filled with rugs and rags with nothing inside." Icey sighs. "Anyway, I will not go back there."

"And..." Leafy smiles. "How about your father?"

Icey turns her face away from her father. The dark blue dragon sighs in disappointment. The black cat snaps her paw and Frost Ice's horns are back to normal. Frost Ice doesn't notice that. He and his wife are flying back to the ice cave, with their guards.

Icey watches the duo make their way back to their home. Diana smiles. "You sure you want to come with us? I am not sure that you will survive here."

"I am being killed and butchered a lot by a certain evil cat. What could possibly be wrong?"

"So, you are still angry with your father."

"Nah." Icey smiles. "I'm glad that he knows his fault, but I don't want to go back there now."

Diana rolls her eyes and jumps onto the table. Now, a new crewmate has been found.





Twilight, Spike and Matt are relaxing in the living room. As a result of dealing with the miner, the trio is exhausted. Spike reads the letter and sighs.

Twilight asks. "What's happening?"

"Mahattan is in trouble, some of the crime organizations are on the rise inside." Spike flips another. "But that's all I got, Princess Celestia doesn't give us more details."

"Maybe that problem is too serious to describe in detail." Twilight takes the letter. "Hmm... I don't know through."

"Great. I hate big cities so much." says Matt. "Cars, computers and the noise will make me can't stay long."

"Actually, I don't know anything about cars or computers." Twilight tilts her head. "Is this some kind of technology?"

"You can say so," Matt waves his hand. "But I don't want to talk about this. I am not Lance."

Twilight nods and continues to read the letter. After a while, Twilight closes her eyes and her horn shines brightly. A purple orb appears. Spike and Matt are not tired anymore but Twilight is breathing heavily. Spike holds her horn to stop her from drifting overboard.

Matt stretches his body while Spike carries the purple alicorn. Then they leave the room, but Shining Armor and Cadance notice them.

Shining Armor asks. "You're leaving so soon?"

"Yeah." Spike rubs his head. "Twilight wants us to go back into the airship as soon as possible."

Cadance nods. "I see. But at least let us help you with this trip."

Spike is preparing to deny but Matt raises his arm to stop him. The swordsman smiles.

"Then give us some money and food. We need those for the trip."

"How about weapons?" Shining shows him a cannon. "The sky pirates won't give you a chance to explain."

"We can handle it." Matt is spinning his arms. "Don't worry."

Matt nods as they lead him to the storage. Spike flies back to the airship.





A group of soldiers and Angra dive into the depths of the ocean. The bubbles on their heads keep them from breathing under the water.

On their way to the gate of the kingdom, they see that the guards are like ponies, but they have fish tails on their lower bodies. One of the guards swims to them and asks. "Are you Angra?"

"Yes I am."

"Follow me. Our queen is waiting."

The guard leads Aangra and Sound inside as the white dragon commands his guards to wait outside.

After a while, the guards lead them to a room. The creature has pony-front hooves and a fish tail. It also has a pink and purple mane and tail, as well as blurred wings.

Aangra smiles. "Nice to meet you, Queen Novo."

"Sit down." Queen Novo smiles. "So... you are the one annoying me with letters for many days."

Aangra bows, then they sit down. "Sorry about that, my queen. This is a serious problem that could threaten your kingdom and your people."

"Tell me."

Aangra starts to talk. "Do you know the Storm King?" Queen Novo's smile is fading. The white dragon taps his finger on the table. "That guy is planning to take over this land again."

"Why should I believe that? It has been a long time since we run away from him."

"Because he is also searching this area these days." Aangra grinned. "I am the one who wants to kill him here."

Queen Novo sighs. "Looks like we have the same enemy here."

"How about we work together?" Aangra suggests. "I will defend your kingdom."

"And what is an exchange? You are not doing this for free."

"I just want food and weapons. That's all I need."

For a moment, Queen Novo is silent, then she asks. "What's your game, dragon?"

"Nothing." Aangra snaps his claw and Sound gives Queen Novo a contract. "This is my contract. Now, we will leave you here."

Queen Novo sends some guards to lead them outside. While they are outside and leaving the kingdom, Aangra smiles and commands. "Regroup all of them, we have a show to perform."

Sound nods and teleports back to the castle.
> Sky pirates
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Diana and her crewmates start sailing to Manehattan. Matt is driving the arship while others are training with each other. Icey swings her spear in an attempt to hit the black cat, but that's not enough. The cat pounces on it and kicks the blue dragon in the chest, causing her to fall. Icey's body is encircled by shadowy ropes, making it impossible for her to stand up.

Icey's body is being walked on by a black cat with a sword. The black cat stares at the blue dragon. "You have a bit to improve."

"Thanks for your torture, Devil Cat." Icey tries to get up. "If I can get this rope out, I will rip you."

"Not gonna happen." 

The black cat takes out the sword and slowly penetrates Icey's heart with it. She is struggling more furiously but the sword is already through her chest. Icey roars in pain for a while, then she stops. The rope releases Icey. The blue dragon glares at the black cat. "That hurts a lot, Diana."

"Sure." Diana points at Twilight and Spike, who are lying down on the ground. "At least your mouth is wider than theirs."

"Devil cat." Icey huffs. "With devil sword."

"Lucky that this sword can't slaughter any creature." Diana rubs the sword. "And it's not made by me," Diana says as she turns away. "Lie there for the next hour to rest, I will teach you a spell to do the next mission."

Diana flies to the head of the airship and watches the ground. After an hour, she has not seen any signal from the big city. Others get up and start resting. 

Diana flies to them and starts announcing. "Alright, we will learn the spell."

Twilight's eyes are brightened. "What's spell? Are you planning to teach something special?"

"Nah, just a simple spell." Diana pushes Twilight away and summons the board from the shadow. "This spell is called 'disturb'."

The others tilt their heads in confusion. Spike raises his claw. "You mean, you can disturb someone's work with this spell?"

Diana starts drawing a diamond and a pony, then she draws many arrows from the diamond to the pony. "It's not that way, Spike. I will give you an example." Diana starts pointing at the diamond. "Imagine this is an artifact that gives this pony power. What will you do?"

"Take the artifact." Icey huffs. "That's simple."

Diana asks back. "And what if that artifact is invisible, or can't be touched physically?" Icey and the others keep silent. As Diana spins the chalk, she draws an 'X' between them. "This spell allows you to stop the energy transferring from the artifact to the owner. Except Icey, you all know how to spot the source of mana, right?"

Everyone nods. Sunset is about to raise her claw but Diana stops her. The black cat doesn't want any work from the orange dragon. Matt asks. "So, does this one have ... you know... maximum levels?"

Diana glares at the golden haired man. "Stop playing video games already, Matt." She coughs after that. "Anyway, the 'maximum level' for this spell is you can actually stop the opponent using spells or techniques that are derived from other sources."

"That... just a disturbance." Sunset rubs her head. "I don't know if I have something in my body."



Diana glares at the orange dragon but Matt drags her away. Diana sighs. "All right. I will go inside to prepare some tools for practicing."

When the black cat is getting ready to go inside, a big black ball comes to Diana. She teleports up high and sees two airships with two different flags flying left and right at her. The left airship has a black flag with a white bomb inside, while the right airship has a white flag with a black bomb inside.

Twilight examines the ball and sees that it is a cannon ball. The airship is being hooked. Many minotaurs and griffons have already jumped onto the airship. The crewmate prepares a weapon and charges at them. 





Putting the contract in the corner, Queen Novo sighs. By looking at the white dragon's eyes, he means something serious is wrong with the dragon. The Hippogriff shakes her head and focuses on her work. 

One of her soldiers rushes into the room without knocking. He breathes heavily and reports. "My queen, our castle is under attack."

"By who?"

"By... by the Storm King."

"What? How can he find us?"

"We... don't know. They are attacking from the north."

As Queen Novo swims out of the castle, she sees the Storm King soldiers attacking the castle walls. When the Storm King discovers where the food is, Queen Novo is surprised. She quickly commands her soldiers to defend them.

After an hour, the Storm King soldiers fled the castle. Queen Novo wonders how they know where they are, but this is not acceptable for now. The Hippogrip begins to call for the soldiers to assemble.

Aangra is watching them from above with some of his soldiers. The white dragon grins and turns away. "Do it again. Make sure that they don't have any time to break." 

"Yes, Your Majesty." 

The soldiers start running away. Aangra sits down and closes his eyes. A gray unicorn with a silver mane and tail walks to him. "What are you calling me for?"

"I want you to make sure that you can capture Princess Luna of Equestria." Aangra smiles. "If you can't defeat her, you can retreat, Chalice."

"I understand." Chalice turns away. "I won't fail again."

Aangra watches Chalice leave him. The white dragon has already predicted that this unicorn will fail again, but he should see how strong the alicorn sisters are.





The crewmates are fighting against the sky pirates. They will rise again whenever one of them is knocked out. After a while, a wave of cannon starts shooting at their airship. Diana raises her paws and a dark ball surrounds her airship, bouncing away the cannon ball and encasing the remaining pirates.

A number of pirates are forced to stay away from Matt as he runs ahead of the left airship and swings his boardsword. He makes a big jump and lands on the airship. Many minotaurs are pointing swords at him. Suddenly, a wave of magic arrows fly toward him. Matt hides behind his broadsword to block the arrow. When the wave of arrows is over, Matt spins himself and then slashes at the minotaur. A tornado appears after the slash. As the minotaurs start to take cover, many of them are already inside the tornado and are being blown away from the airship.

Matt looks down and sees that they are flying through the sea. Suddenly, the tornado is being dispelled and a blue minotaur with light green horn is stepping forward. He points his mace at the swordman. Matt analyzes the mace and sees something shining inside. The swordsman smiles and starts rushing at the minotaur. The mace starts shining bright and it is on fire.

Matt swings the sword at the Minotaur. The Minotaur blocks his attack. As they grind against each other, the flame from the mace climbs into the sword. Matt gets his hand off the sword, then quickly punches at the Minotaur's face. After the attack, the Minotaur is stunted. Matthew quickly grabs his sword in midair, then swings it. An air slash flies toward the minotaur. It slashes through the barrels and the cannons on its way.

The blue minotaur rolls under the air slash, then throws his mace at the swordman. Matt steps aside to dodge it, then he charges at the blue minotaur. The minotaur raises his arm and tries to grab Matt, but Matt leaps up and the minotaur's mace is flying to him. The minotaur catches it and swings it at the swordsman. Matthew blocks the attack, then jumps back.

The Minotaur laughs. "Not bad. What's your name, creature?"

"Matthew." The swordman stands up. "And yours?"

"The name is Roger." The blue minotaur laughs and points at Matt. "See you in Manehattan. I will wait for you there."

Matt is charging at Roger, but Roger's minions start throwing smoke bombs at him. After the smoke fades, Matt finds himself with his teammates. 



 

On an airship, which has a white flag and black bombs, there is a gray griffin swinging its staff left to right. Her minions keep firing cannons at the big black balls but it is too difficult to break them. Suddenly, a purple dragon with green spiked hair flies into her and tries to grab her staff. The griffin ducks to dodge the dragon. 

The purple dragon lands on the pole, then jumps down onto the floor. The gray griffin looks at the purple dragon, then commands her minions to catch him. The purple dragon analyzes it and sees that they all resemble mannequins.s. The purple dragon punches one of them and it is shattered into pieces. No blood, no bones. He grins and breathes fire at all of them. 

The gray griffin is shocked. "No, you badass."

"Clothing stores sell them." The purple dragon forms a flaming sword. "Now give me that staff."

"No way, this staff is my life."

"Then I will take it by force."

The purple dragon is about to rush at the gray griffin. In an instant, the gray griffin slams her staff and many mannequins rise from the ground and charge at the purple dragon. 

The gray griffin is confident about the number. Around him, the purple dragon forms many fire knives. The knives start flying and piercing through the mannequin's head. Spike slowly steps forward towards the Griffin.

The gray griffin asks. "Who are you?"

"Spike the dragon." Spike swings a flaming sword and slashes two mannequins. His claws are starting to glow green. "That staff has something I need."

The griffin taps her staff. "It's not gonna work." A big magic circle is shining beneath Spike and the griffin. Spike is trying to run to the griffin as soon as possible. The griffin introduces herself. "The name is Gagel. See you at Manehanttan."

The airship and the griffin have disappeared, leaving the purple dragon alone. Spike sighs and flies back to his airship.
> The plan in Canterlot
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

It is then time for the crewmates to tie all of the pirates together. Since all griffins are just manniquins, the pirates are only minotaurs. Taking a look at one of the manniquins, Diana huffs. It has a mana trace on it. 

"Spike lands on the airship and talks to Diana about what's happening. The black cat nods. "I see. Sorry for throwing you."

I almost got the weapon from those sky pirates." Spike pats Diana's head. "Oh, is this my cat that I used to know?"

Diana throws the purple dragon away, then she climbs high to see the direction. Finally, the black cat sees the big city at sunset. Diana claps her paws. "Matt, stop the airship. We have to find a way to park this airship."

Twilight raises her front hoof. "I can do it."

Twilight flies quickly to Manehattan city. When she arrives at the sky harbor, everyone turns to her for a while, then many fillies and colts are rushing at her to get her signature. Twilight takes out her feather pen to sign for them and sighs deeply.

Twilight sits on the chair after fifteen minutes. An old teal pony approaches her and asks nervously. "Your Majesty, how can I help you?"

"I have an airship I need to park. Can you have a space?"

"Of course we have." The teal pony bows at her. "How long do you park there?"

"I don't know. Because I have to stay here for a long time." Twilight nods. "And can you call some police too? I have some sky pirates I need to put in jail."

"As your command."

As the old pony leaves Twilight, he begins managing his employees. Twilight forms a magic circle to inform her crewmates that they need to prepare to park the airship.

After thirty minutes, the big airship reaches the harbor and parks there. Several policemen are waiting for the pirates to arrive. Icey is leading the imprisoned pirates to police stations. 

Twilight is eating some bread. "Why are you taking so long?"

"Because Diana wants to sell some of her cake here." Icey points at the airship. "So she set up a simple moving shop."

Twilight nods and continues to enjoy the relaxing moment. This is a hard time for them.





Everyone in Canterlot is still working hard under the bright lights of the night. A gray unicorn is heading to the castle. While heading to the castle to capture Princess Luna, something is watching him. The gray unicorn turns back and sees no one there. He rubs his head. "Maybe I am too cautious."

Checking to make sure no one will be able to see him. The gray unicorn takes out the tools from his saddlebag and starts climbing the wall of the castle. When he manages to climb onto the roof. The gray unicorn starts taking binoculars and observing his target.  

A unicorn is finally discovered after ten minutes, and Princess Luna lies on a bed in her room. Princess Luna is talking to Princess Celestia about something. The gray unicorn starts setting up a camp on the roof of the castle and waits.

Two hours later, the streets are silent and the lights are turned off. The gray unicorn yawns and gets up. There is no one on the street except the guards. The gray unicorn grins and takes out binoculars. A blue alicorn is sleeping, and he notices it. 

The gray unicorn prepares the tools. "May I help you?" A voice behind him surprised him, turning back. In front of him is a coral mare with a yellow mane and tail. She is sitting with two halberds behind her. The mare picks up her halberd and asks. "Are you deaf?"

"I think I should take some extra credit." The gray unicorn takes out the blue-glowing knife. "Stay away from me or someone will get hurt."

"I am one of Canterlot's guards here." The coral mare spins the halberd. "And you look suspicious. Please work with me or someone will have a life in jail."

"Too annoying. I don't even know why you can find me here?" The gray unicorn grins. "What's your name?"

"Coral Blade. And you?" 

"Chalice." The gray unicorn spins his dagger with magic. "I never lose in a one-versus-one battle."

Coral Blade cracks her neck, "I don't believe that sentence is true, especially for a pony who dropped his drink from the roof." 

In a flash, Coral Blade throws him a halberd. Chalice teleports behind the mare and attempts to stab her, but a halberd slams into his body. The grey unicorns are launched onto roofs and bounced. 

Chalice stands up and teleports to her side but a halberd is about to strike him. With a dagger, Chalice tries to block it. Having broken the dagger, the gray unicorn had to jump back. There is red liquid under his front hooves.

Coral Blade shakes her head in disappointment. "I thought you were strong, but all I found was a heap of wrong."

Chalice throws many orbs at Coral Blade. After that, she appears to be covered in smoke. The gray unicorn quickly jumps down, then teleports away. Coral Blade sighs and she finds a ladder to climb down.





In order to escape the castle, Chalice must run away. The wounds on his front hooves slow him down a lot. Suddenly, paws from the corner pull him inside. He sees a yellow Abyssian leading him to a door. 

From there, they hide inside. The yellow Abyssian starts wrapping bandages around his front hooves. "Fail again?"

Chalice nods. "I thought their guards were nothing, Sound? Missed the strong one, haven't you?

"Weird. You never let the guards find you before." Sound taps the table. It isn't just that you let a guard defeat you."

Chalice is trying to make excuses. "Come on. You didn't know how scary that mare was."

"No excuse. This time I will punish you harshly." Sound slams the table. "Tell me about that mare."

"She has..."

They are interrupted by the steps on the door. The coral mare kicks the door to get inside, leaving them to hide on the stairwell. The mare looks around and finds nothing. "Weird. The blood trail is leading me here." 

The mare looks around for a while, then she leaves the room and closes the door. The duo sighs in relief and returns to the room. Sound smiles. "I see. She quite scary."

There is a sudden opening of the door, and the coral mare is stepping inside. The duo is surprised. Coral Blade points the halberd at them. "Found you, coal face. You got a butter kitten huh?"

"You are so annoyed." Chalice sits down. "What do you want?"

"I gave you a ticket to my prison." Coral Blade taps the halberd on the wall. "You and your butter kitten."

Chalice chuckles as Sound smashes him. Suddenly, a portal is created and the two are pulled inside the portal. Despite Coral Blade's efforts, the portal disappears, and the coral mare smashes into the wall. 

When the guards enter the room, they see their captain lying on the ground. Coral Blade stands up and leaves the room immediately. 





Through the Canterlot guards, Chalice and Sound are escaping Canterlot with their soldiers. A halberd is thrown in front of them when they approach the gate. On the castle wall, they see an old brown pegasus. 

"You... " Sound hisses. "Why are you here? I thought you were dead."

"Kitten should be at home." The old mare smiles at her. "Not running away from her master."

"I am not your kitten, Buttercube." Sound points at the old mare. "You planned all of this?"

"Ah no..." the old mare spins her halberd. "Your partner messed things up. He was careless."

Many daggers are flying at the mare. The mare jumps down the castle wall. Landing on the halberd, the mare spreads her wings and stands on two back hooves, then picks up the halberd. 

Chalice is going to charge at her but Souns's paw stops him. Chalice whispers. "Why?"

Sound shakes her head. "You can't take her."

Chalice snaps her paw away and charges at her. The gray unicorn forms many clones of himself with daggers, then they teleports above the old mare to stab her. 

Buttercube looks at the left, then swings the one of 'Chalices' and the blood is shed from his chest. All the clones are lost, and the gray unicorn is holding his chest. Buttercube looks at him, then kicks him into the yellow Abyssian. 

Sound catches him and her soldier is wrapping bandage around the wound. Buttercube taps the halberd and looks at the night sky. "Looks like... " A white dragon lands in front of Chalice and Sound. Buttercube huffs. "Someone is still messing things up."

"And look like..." the white dragon stands up and forms a magic circle. "I'm still a naive?"

"You already do, Aangra." Buttercube sighs in relief. "I'm glad you're still alive."

"Buttercube. Where have you been?"

"At the end of my life." Buttercube plugs the halberd and turns away. She starts walking away from the group. "I hope that we can meet again, as friends."

Nodding, Aangra casts the spell to teleport them away. The castle has been protected.
> Manehanttan
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Diana is taking the wagon that she just created. It is a small wagon with cooking tools inside. After nailing the board to the wagon, the black cat writes something on it. 

Matt yawns and looks at the wagon. "Wow, it's actually like its owner. Painful."

"Thank you." Diana takes some red paint. "I think some decorating will be fine."

"What will you sell actually?"

Diana gives the swordsman her menu. When Matt finishes watching at the menu, the swordsman throws it away. "Are you serious? You can't make these in a big city like this."

"I know. So I will go to the center of the city." Diana rubs her head. "If I knew where it is?"

"How about the airship and us?"

"I will leave that to you." Diana pats his shoulder. "You have led your team and saved your world twice already."

"Fine." Matt turns away. "When will you leave?"

Diana taps her cheek. "Right now, I will stay with Sunset."

Matt nods and takes a seat on the chair. When the swordsman opens the hologram maps, he sees two red dots near him. In a flash, the swordsman jumps out of the airship and takes one of the clocks.

A red dot leads him into a room. Seeing that the red dot is near him, he looks up to see Twilight watching. 

Matt asks. "What are you doing here, Twilight?"

The purple alicorn holds her breath and is surprised. Matt glares at her and takes out his sword. The alicorn is trembling and trying to explain. "Wait, we are teammate, remember?"

"Tell me who I am?"

The alicorn is silenced, then she runs away. Matt starts chasing the purple alicorn. He loses track when he reaches the customer zone. Matt huffs and returns back to the airship.

All the others are already awake and are sitting on the table when Matt returns to the airship. Stepping inside, all of them look at the swordsman. 

Matt sighs. "Fine, I failed okay?" Diana taps her feet and coughs. The swordsman reports more. "That crystal like gained the 'shapeshifting' ability."

"Like the Changeling." Twilight comments. "Right?"

Diana stops the purple alicorn. "If they are actually a changeling using the crystal shard, then Matt must be wrong." Diana puts some orbs on the table. "You are in charge, Matt."

Matt sighs and sits down. Diana starts moving the wagon with her spell and Sunset follows her. The swordsman opens his hologarm map and notices many three-colored dots around here. Twilight taps her front hoof. "I think we should split up." 

Spike counters. "Dangerous. I think we should collect information about the criminal organizations."

"Good idea." Twilight looks at the manager of Sky Harbor. "I will do this."

"Right." Matt points at the dragons. "Spike, Icey, you two travel around this city." 

Icey turns her face away while Spike shakes his head. "I can't. This is a big city."

Matt takes the orbs. "These orbs will help us expand the map. Diana told me last night."

Icey huff and flies away. Spike takes all the orbs and follows her. Matt rubs his head as he doesn't know what is happening with the blue dragon. The swordsman enters inside the airship to activate security mode on the airship. 





Icey and Spike are flying around the city. To select the right position, the purple dragon looks at the map. Spike notices that Icey keeps looking at the map since they started flying together. 

The purple dragon coughs. "Are you okay Icey?"

"Uh... I'm fine." Icey stops in mid air. "So... uh... where will we go?"

"Lunar Harbor and Solar Harbor." Spike folds his claws. "Then we will go to Sungaze Bridge and Nightgale Bridge." Icey nods and she flies fast. Spike pulls her back and points to the opposite direction. "The Lunar Harbor is that way Icey." 

Icey snaps his claw. "Okay. I need some fresh air."

The blue dragon flies away as fast as she can, leaving Spike in confusion. When they get to Solar Harbor. The guards don't let them into the harbor because it's only for employees. On the table, the dragon pair watches the containers being packed out of the ship.

Icey is amazed by the harbor. "Wow, ponies in here are too busy, aren't they?"

"They always do." Spike leans on the chair, but the chair breaks, causing Spike fall on the ground. Icey is holding her laugh. Purple dragon sweeps all over him. "So, what will we do? Wait for the moon to rise?"

"Well, I see no way to get in there." Icey shakes her head. "It's generous when that demon cat gives us unlimited time to explore."

"How about we walk around another location?" 

"Then who will set these orbs?"

"Fine." Spike rolls his eyes. "I think we will wander around the harbor to find an ideal location to sneak inside."

"Good idea."

Spike and Icey start looking around the harbor. To ensure they won't be spotted, they pick an abandoned house nearby.





As Diana looks at the map, she decides to go to a nearby park. Sunset lies on the bed and waiting. The black cat puts down the map and moves her wagon to the park. Upon arriving at the park, many ponies are relaxing. Some of them have picnics with each other.

Diana is preparing to open her shop but a tap on her back interrupts her. Turning around, she sees two police officers looking at her. Diana sighs. "How can I help you, officers?"

One of the police asks. "Do you have any licenses to do business here?" Diana turns her face away. A police officer taps on the map. "Follow me. I will show you where to get a license."

"That's generous for you." Diana smiles. "Or maybe too generous."

"What do you mean?"

Diana folds her paws. "No one talks like that." The police flinch and step back. Diana sees two more polices are coming to this way. The black cat suggests. "How about taking to your cops?

"Eh... no. We're fine." 

The two policemen are preparing to walk away but something stops their hooves. Looking down, they find that many hands are holding their hooves. When the two police officers arrive, they arrest them immediately because of faking them.

Diana sighs in relief but the real police stop her. Diana turns to the police. "Okay, okay, I am planning to go away. Please don't arrest me."

"Actually you can sell your food here." The officer points to the licenses on display. "Those licences belong to Cloudale so it legal here."

"I thought it would not work here."

"Anyway..." the police say as he points at the orange dragon. "That's their target."

"Can you explain?"

The police start to explain. "Those two fake police you just encountered belong to a gang named Tatarus of Dragon. They only aim at dragons in this city."

"I see." Diana cracks her neck and turns her head to the roof of a nearby building. "How wide are they working now?"

The police smile. "We can't tell you, we're sorry. But don't worry. They will stay away from you this time."

Diana frowns and turns away. The police left her. The black cat huffs and starts opening her bakery.





After four hours, Diana's bakery is not crowded because Diana's cakes are too creepy for everyone. It is time for the black cat and the orange dragon to close the bakery.

Sunset complains. "Can you make some cakes that are less creepy? We can only sell three hundred bits because of that."

"Nah. Everything is fine." Diana takes off the sign. "What could be so wrong?"

Sunset is going to complain more but an arrow is shooting at her. Lucky that the arrow is being blocked by the pan that Sunset is intending to put somewhere. From the darkness, many arrows are flying toward the duo. Diana waves her paws and an ice wall rises to block the arrows. 

Diana grins. "You can come out now."

Five ponies, with crossbows on their hooves, are walking out the shadown. They switch to swords and charge. Diana puts her paws on the ground and another ice wall appears behind them. Eventually, the ice walls connect with each other and create the large ice rectangle that traps all the ponies.

The ponies are trying to break through the wall, but it is too thick for them. Sunset knocks on the rectangle. "Wow, you can do this?"

"Learn from you, Sunset."

The orange dragon rubs her head. "But I can't do that."

Diana chuckles and pats the orange dragon. When the black cat touches the ice wall, fire appears inside the rectangle. The ponies are circling around and shaking. This will be fun.
> Head to the North of the city
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight is walking into the mall with Matt. Matt wears a black robe and black hood to hide himself, but his outfit still catches attention. Matt prays that this attention will be over.

Twilight looks at him and shakes her head. The purple alicorn reads the paper. Currently, three criminal organizations are emerging, according to the police.

First one is Tartarus of Dragons. They are aiming to kill all of the dragons. Since they are working in the North of the city, police must ban all dragons from going there.

Twilight sighs. "Looks like someone hates dragons."

Matt gives her a smirk. "Dragons ... who doesn't hate them?" Twilight glares at the swordman. With his hands, Matt covers his face. "Okay okay, stop looking at me like that."

"Now we will go to the north of the city." Twilight points at the taxi wagon. "We will go by taxi."

"But why can't the police catch them?"

"Because they will disappear whenever the police come." Twilight flips another page. "Even in the police station, they still disappear."

"I see. Let's go."

Matt and Twilight are heading to the taxi but the horse pulling the wagon runs away. Matt and Twilight sit there and wait for another one. To gain information, they read the paper.

Even after fifteen minutes, the duo is still waiting for a taxi. Matt leans against the bench while Twilight is reading her book. 

"Twilight?" The duo turns to the voice and sees the white unicorn staring at her. The white unicorn hugs the purple alicorn. "Twilight, where have you been?"

"Uh... just some journey, Rarity." Twilight bucks at Matt's leg hard. "Someone 'invites' me and Spike to this quest in some unexpected means, so I have to follow them."

"I...see." Rarity smiles and looks at the human, who is trying to hold his pain. The white unicorn asks. "Why did you have to cover yourself like that?"

Matt answers. "Well, we have to go to the north of the city for... some work."

Rarity nods. "That's lucky, I'm going that way too." Rarity waves her hoof on the road. "Taxi."

A stallion with a wagon stops. The trio starts climbing up the wagon and heads to the north.





Spike wakes up in the abandoned building. Last night, things didn't go smoothly when the guards noticed them. Spike takes a peek outside and sees many ponies standing side by side. After five minutes, the purple dragon sees a luxurious wagon coming to the harbor.

Spike ignores them and tries to wake the blue dragon up. He is immediately hugged by the blue dragon. Spike huffs. "Wake up Icey."

Icey whispers. "Five minutes, Dad. I don't want to get up."

Spike rolls his eyes and casts a waterball over Icey's head. The blue dragon grasps and wakes up immidiately, then she glares at the purple dragon. Spike raises his claws and explains." You litterally hug me."

"Liar." 

Icey folds her claws and turns away. The purple dragon takes out a map. "Now, we will go to Lunar Harbor."

Icey points at location named 'Sungaze Bridge', then passes through Lunar Harbor to Nightgale Bridge. "We will proceed like this."

"I see." Spike takes a peek outside and sees the guards going inside the building. "We have to go right now."

"Get it."

Spike and Icey fly off the 'Sungaze Bridge' after rushing to the balcony.  They are chased by some pegasi. They even shoot arrows at them. Spike catches one of the arrows, then throws it back to them. One of the wings of the pegasus is stabbed by the arrow. He falls down, causing other finches to stop flying after him.

The purple dragon flies as fast as he can, leaving the blue dragon behind. Icey speeds up and tries to follow Spike. 



 

Twilight, Matt, and Rarity stop at the building. When Twilight and Matt look up at the building, they see pony mannequins wearing pony clothes. The swordsman huffs and follows the pony duo inside.

There are many clothes in the building, and there is a teal pony with orange hair standing in front of the counter. When she sees Rarity, the teal pony with a black blouse runs and embraces her. Twilight and Matt turn around to check the customs. The teal mare releases Rarity and asks. "Rarity, what are you doing here?"

"Oh darling, I'm just here to check out my new shop." Rarity waves her hoof. "Is anything here okay, Sassy Saddle?"

The teal mare turns away. "Not okay. Everything is a mess."

Rarity tilts her head. "What's happening?" 

"In this shop, there is a mannequin that suddenly moves around." Sassy lies on the counter and yawns. "It makes me can't sleep every night."

Rarity grasps. "Really?" Sassy nods. Rarity huffs. "Okay, I will stay here with you tonight."

"Thank you so much Rarity, but I'm afraid that you can't do anything." 

"I'm fine." Rarity waves her hoof. "Let me handle this, okay?"

Sassy nods and returns to the counter. She walks to Twilight and Matt, who are watching the clothes. Rarity asks the duo to helps her with these walking manequinns. 

Twilight and Matt agree. Twilight asks the teal pony some questions. After thirty minutes, Twilight asks Matt to enter inside the room so they can talk with each other. The purple alicorn takes out the paper. "Well, Sassy said that she met this issue about a week ago. Because of this, most employers have to quit their jobs."

Matt asks. "So why is that pony still here?"

"Because she doesn't want to lose a job." Twilight shakes her head. "And no one will accept her for this job."

"Wow, really." Matt takes the broadsword. "Anyway, we will set a trap. This can be related to the pirate we just met yesterday."

"I thought so." Twilight opens the door. "We should look around to set the trap."

They wander around the building to analyze it, then set up some traps and wait for the one who controls the mannequin.





Aangra is tapping on the table. He looks at the gray unicorn, who is sitting on the burning chair. The gray unicorn is trying to get away from the chair but the chains are too tight for him. After fifteen minutes, the chain releases him, and the gray unicorn falls down. 

Aangra sighs in frustration. "Not only do you fail this mission, but also mess with someone that you shouldn't mess with."

Chalice is trying to stand up but the cold water are falling from the sky. Screaming out loud, the gray unicorn faints. The guards take Chalice out of the room. Aangra sighs and turns to the yellow Abyssian. "I hate that annoying old mare."

"Stop lying." The yellow Abyssian smiles and gives him a paper. "Anyway, Queen Nova wants to meet you."

Aangra nods and stands up and leaves the castle, then he and the crew head to the ocean kingdom under the water. When they get there, a guard leads him to the meeting room. He sees the hippogriff sitting on the chair. Aangra nods and sits at the chair beside her. 

Queen Nova starts to ask. "How did you know the Storm King could find us?"

"Not goona lie, it's just my feeling

" Aangra grins. "I am just fighting against them to keep them away from here."

Queen Nova glares at him, then she sighs. "About the deal, I accept it."

"Nice to meet you, Queen Nova." Aangra raises his claw. "I hope we can work together."

Queen Nova smiles and shakes his claw, then she commands the guards to lead him outside.



 

Sunset is reading a book while Diana is lying on Sunset's head and resting. Today business is so bad like yesterday when the ponies kept running away from the wagon. Sunset sighs and looks at the sky. Diana pats her head to calm her down. 

"Excuse me." A voice from below catches their attention. Sunset looks at two ponies with black clothing and punk-style manes. They are all wearing masks. Sunset feels weird when their coat doesn't match the normal pony coat. The first pony asks. "Do you have any cakes for sale?"

Sunset is going to answer but Diana puts her paw on her snout. She answers while her eyes are still closed. "We will sell them for any pony."

The second pony orders. "Then, can you get me some eyes cake? I love that design."

"You won't get them." Diana opens her eyes. "Because you are not ponies."

In the course of countering, the ponies are slashed by the sword of the black cat. The ponies' heads fall off, and everyone is surprised. A police runs to her and tries to catch her but the black cat jumps on his head and lands on the victim.

The police points his horn at Diana. "You are under arrest for murder."

"Murder?" Diana turns away. "Your eyes are just decorated, aren't they?"

As the police officer looks at the victim, he is surprised. They do not have blood. After checking the victim, he discovers they are just manniquins. The police are trembling. "Those...aren't real?"

"A normal pony would ask nervously when she sees our wagon." Diana turns her attention to Sunset. "Let's go Sunset, we should close now."

Sunset tilts her head. "For what? This is not the time."

"To raid a mage." Diana grins. "This one will have a heart attack."

Sunset nods and closes the wagon. After locking their wagon, Sunset starts following Diana to the controller of mannequins.
> Familiar Faces
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The moon is rising. Spike and Icey are watching the police around the building. They kick the door to go inside the building. Spike analyzes the building and sees many magic circles drawn on the ground. The purple dragon turns to the brick and notices someone standing under the bridge. Spike and Icey fly to the bridge and see a gray griffin with her staff.

Spike throws a stone at the griffin. "Hey you. What are you doing here?"

The gray griffin turns to Spike and stands up. "Ah, handsome drake. I never thought we would meet so soon."

Icey forms an ice spear but many strings are wrapping around her body, then hangs on the concrete roof. The blue dragon struggles to break free. Spike takes her ice spear and swings it on her head, but nothing happens. Spike turns to the griffin and points the spear at her. "You will kill all dragon, aren't you?

The gray griffin giggles. "Ah... why keep those filthy creatures alive? They are bloodbath creatures."

The spear pierces through the griffin's neck, but there is no blood, no organs inside, just a hole in the griffin's neck. Using his breath of fire, Spike burns the griffin. 

Watching the fire burning the griffin, Icey sees the griffin's head falling out of the body. The purple dragon picks the head up, then throws it into the water. The rope slowly disappears and Icey spreads her wings to land safely. 

Spike folds his claws. "That griffin is just a mannequin."

"I see." Icey lands on the ground. "We should return to our airship."

Spike takes the map. "Nah, we will find somewhere to eat. I'm hungry now."

Icey's stomach growls for food. The blue dragon holds her stomach and turns away. "Goo... good idea. Let's go."

They spread their wings and fly into the night sky. The dragon duo doesn't know what to do next.





The gray griffin watches the dragon duo from the rooftop of an abandoned building and smiles at the beauty scene. Suddenly, a dark hand emerges from her shadows and grabs her. The griffin swings the scepter to cut off the hands, then flies high. She looks around to see if anyone is here. She sees an orange dragon with red horn and a black cat coming out from the door. 

The black cat throws the mannequinn's head away, then stares at the gray griffin. "Come down here so I can kick your butt."

The gray griffin points the scepter and blasts at them. Some smokes are appearing on their spot. The gray griffin turns away and flies, but a hand grabs her feet and pulls her back to the claw. The gray griffin cuts it by her scepter. Only bounced away. The gray griffin struggles to get out but is grabbed by a black paw. 

The black cat glares at her. "Give me your scepter or I will use brutal force."

The scepter glows but stopped by an orange claw. The gray griffin looks up and sees an orange dragon grabbing the scepter. The gray griffin struggles. "What... what are you?"

"A cat." The black cat points at the orange dragon. "And a dragon who is trying to get something from you."

The orange dragon opens the scepter head and sees the crystal shard inside. The gray giffin raises her claw to grab back the scepter. The orange dragon grabs the crystal but something eletrified her. The gray griffin pulls out some balls from her jacket. The balls is exploded, creating smoke around

The black cat casts a wind spell to blow the smoke away. All the black cat sees is the mannequin lying under her paws, but at least the orange dragon still has the scepter. The black cat stands up. "Hmm... wonder why she left her weapon like that?"

The orange dragon takes the crystal shard from the ground and says, "I don't know. I think that griffin have more than one of these."

The black cat takes the crystal and throws it into the head of the orange dragon. The orange dragon holds her head due to headache. The black cat folds her paws. "Not even close, Sunset."

"What a jerk!" Sunset glares at the black cat. "I wonder who was unlucky enough to marry you, Diana."

Diana jumps on the fence and looks around. "I believe that griffin got more than one shard, and more than one scepter."

Diana turns around and sees the orange dragon lying on the ground. Sunset is massaging her head and hopes this headache will be over. Diana lies next to the orange dragon and stares at the sky star.





In Canterlot, Celestia just finished a night party with a few nobles. The party is so stressful with the Griffonstone griffin. They always court her to have Equestria. A white alicorn lies on the bed and enjoys the peaceful atmosphere of the night. 

A knock on the door interrupts Celestia. The white alicorn huffs and opens the door. She sees a white unicorn with a yellow mane bringing a bow of soup. Celestia smiles and asks. "Hello Blueblood, what are you doing here?"

"I just want to bring you some things." Blueblood chuckles. "You did well, aunty."

Celestia giggles. "I see. How is your mare?"

"What mare?" Blueblood is confused. "I love no pony."

Celestia takes the soup. "Wait here." Then she walks inside. After a while, she brings the halberd out and points at Blueblood. Blueblood steps back as the white alicorn asks. "Who are you, Mr. Imposter?"

"It's me, your niece Prince Blueblood. Are you losing your mind?"

"Nice try." Celestia stares at the prince and puts her head close to him, "Nice try. Show me your true form or I will send you to the prison. I am not playing around."

Prince Blueblood gulps and his white skin slowly turns black. After a while, the prince transforms into Queen Chrysalis. Celestia flowns and puts the halberd near her neck. The changeling raises her hoof. "I did what you say here."

"Now I would appreciate it if you could go back to the jail." Celestia smiles. "Or I will execute you in public."

"I am not your pet." Chrysalis pushes Celestia's face away. "It's useless to ask you anyway."

"What do you mean?"

Chrysalis is changing into a maiden mare. "I will go back to the jail. See you again."

Celestia follows the mare. The mare glares at the white alicorn but walks to the jail. Celestia giggles. "So what do you want?"

Chrysalie sighs in frustration. "None of your business." Celestia steps on her tail to stop her moving. Chrysalis turns around. "I said clearly, don't you hear that?"

"No. My ears are deaf when I hear griffin nobles bashing about marriage." Celestia rubs her ears. "Tell me what you want?"

Chrysalis sighs. "Can you send me back to my kingdom?"

Celestia turns to the guards. "Guards. Catch this mare immediately. This is Chrysalis in disguise."

The guards chase the disguised changeling. Chrysalis pulls her tail off and changes into a bee to run away. Celestia creates an arrow and chases the queen. Chrysalis yells. "I hate you, Celestia."

Celestia laughs and returns to her room. The queen makes her night less stressful than before. 





Matt guards the roof of the building. It is a silent night, too silent that he wonders if everything Sassy Saddle told him was true or not. Suddenly, he hears something under the shop. The swordsman looks down and sees a minotaur are trying to cut the glass. Matt jumps down to the minotaur. 

The blue minotaur notices him but cuts the glass. "Nice to meet you, Matt."

"Nice to meet you too, Roger." Matt takes his broadword and points at the minotaur. "You know the rules."

"So I am." 

The minotaur swings the axe at the swordsman. The broadsword and the axe grind together. Roger uses more force but he can't. Matt quickly gives up the boardsword and jumps to the left, cause the minotaur falls on the ground. As soon as the swordsman picks up his sword, he places it near Roger's neck. 

Matt grins. "You should be more careful."

The minotaur laughed out loud, then suddenly his head falls off. Matt examines the body but it is just a minotaur mannequin. The swordsman kicks its head away.

"Having some battle?" Matt turns around and sees Twilight standing there. Twilight takes the mannequin. "I doubt this mannequin is not his."

"You say the most obvious thing." Matt sits down. "I doubt more about them. Anyway, why do you here?"

"I heard some weird noise so I check it out." Twilight rubs her ear. "This one is annoying."

Matt stretches his body and enters inside. He throws the hat to the purple alicorn. Twilight rolls her eyes and flies to the rooftop to guard the shop.
> Into the red zone
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Matt cuts the newspaper about the lost dragon and sticking them with the maps. The swordsman taps the pencil and read. Dragons are the mannequin mage's target, but it's odd that no body was found, just some shard of eggs. Starting from the smoke in the north of the city where every dragon inside will disappear. 

Twilight enters inside and sees the mess. "Matt, what are you doing?"

"Just tries to be a detective." Matt points at a picture of a high building. "I have to spend all of the money to buy all these newspaper." Twilight turns around and leaves the room. Matt pulls the purple alicorn back. "Okay, I am. Most of them were found in the trash in that building."

Twilight tilts her head. "Which trash are you talking about? No one will keep this for a newspaper, except some weird ponies."

"A pony who collects old newspaper articles about important events in the city." Matt points at the newspaper. "Those are for the trash."

"Weird." Twilight rubs her chin. "I think we should meet him. He probably knows something about this case. Do you have his address?"

Matt takes out the business card. The purple alicorn finds the address on the business card on the map and sees this is the red area of the city. The red area is an area where laws and justice can't reach, a heaven for criminals. 

Matt cracks his fist. "Looks like we have to leave now."

"And that's far away." Twilight feels regret inside. "Oh Celestia, we should stay in Rarity's boutique to get there faster."

It is best to wait until Spike and Icey return, they will guard this airship and take care of our crops." Matt slams the map. In addition, we might be able to get some information from them."

Twilight jumps out of the airship and talks with the police about the red area. The police try to persuade her not to come, but Twilight ignores those words. 





Twilight and Matt are walking through the street. There is no pony, no traffic on it, making the purple alicorn shiver a bit. When they are arriving to the address, many creatures jump out with the weapon. One of them points at the purple alicorn. "Give us that alicorn. We will have fun to her."

Matt and Twilight look at each other. Matt cracks his neck while Twilight's horn glows purple. The group steps back. Matt takes the sword. "We are so lucky today." Twilight rolls her eyes and the group charges at them. 

After thirty minutes, there is no longer a quiet street like it used to be. It is replaced by a loud scream. Behind the wall, there is a blue colt watching everything happen. The human and alicorn are actually beating the big gang. They are fleeing from them but the purple chain pull them back and wraps around them.

Now, all of the gangs are lying on the ground, some on the street light. As Matt stretches his body and holds the head of a random pony, he shows the business card. "Tell me. You know this guy?" The pony nods his head. Matt throws the pony. "Lead the way."

The pony leads the duo to the address. In amazement at the duo, the colt decides to follow them. After fifteen minutes, the colt feels flying. Looking down, he finds that he is floating in the air and heads to the duo. The colt is struggling to get out but a hand grabs his back to prevent him to move.

Matt looks at the colt. "You clearly know how to catch a rat, Twilight."

"Hey." The colt struggles to get out. "I am not a rat."

Twilight rolls her eyes and asks the colt. "Why are you following us?"

The colt turns his face away. "Because.... I heard that someone was fighting, so I was curious."

Matt drops the colt. "And why are you here? This place is not for children."

The colt rubs his flank and glares at the swordsman, then runs away and says nothing. Twilight and Matt is confused, then they see a piece of paper that read 'Wrong Way'. Matt looks at the pony and threatens him. "Are you guiding us somewhere?"

The pony stops then slowly turns around. Four eyes stare him in the face of a death stare. "Uh... no. This is the right way." He says emphatically. "Okay... I will lead you there."

Matt puts the sword on the pony's shoulder. "If a second lie is made, the swords will be your grave."

The pony slowly nods and leads them to the place they need.





Diana lies on Sunset's head and relaxing. There are no customers today so they are free. Sunset reads a magic book. The orange dragon feels so familiar for these ones. Diana stretches her body. "Another day without customer."

Sunset flips a page. "And I am wearing a lying cat." Diana turns her head away. "Three hundred bits? It's like thirty bits. Where did you get the other money?"

"Secret." Diana rolls around. "Or else we would not be able to exist today."

Sunset returns reading a book. Diana turns around when she sees something approaching her cart. The black cat sees a brown pony with yellow hair, wearing black glasses. 

The pony looks around and sits down. His hooves tap the table. "Who's in charge here?"

Diana flies towards the pony. "Me. How can I help you?"

The pony looks at the hanging candy and sticky eyes for a while, then puts a bag of money. "I want you to make me a cake in thirty minutes."

Diana giggles. "Then I should prepare you some drinks." The pony nods. Diana grins. "I hope you have the guts to taste it."

Diana gets inside and makes some drinks for the stallion, then makes the cake. A disk is placed on the wall after thirty minutes by the black cat. The dish have three pony heads is stuck by the stick with something dripping red from them. 

The stallion looks at them for a while, then grabs them. "How many ponies have you killed, cat?"

"More than you think." Diana spins the dagger. "If they mess with us."

The pony smiles. "You don't have to use that knife to kill somepony. These things can scare them to death." 

Diana rolls her eyes. "That's why a pony fainted after seeing my cake."

The pony bites the hold's head, causing him to be silent for a while. After a while, he eats them all. The pony gives the cat the bussiness card. He leaves the duo after saying, "I'll contract with you later."

Diana takes the money bag and finds a lot of gold coins inside. The black cat hisses. "This pony humiliates me." 

"At least we don't have to worrying about money today." Sunset stands up. "Time to learn some magic."

Diana flies to the orange dragon and starts teaching magic in order to recover her memory. 





Twilight and Matt are standing in front of  a big building. The building is collapsed, covered in rusty bricks and broken windows. Matt throws the pony away and tries to open the door, but he immediately throws his arm away when he touches the doorknob. He waves his hand from side to side. 

Twilight looks through the key hole and sees something aiming at it. Ducking behind the key hole, the purple alicorn dodges the object. Twilight glares at the door. "Okay, who made these traps? I'm nearly blind because of that."

Matt kicks the door hard. The door simply spins around and slaps them inside the building. The duo gets up and sees a blue colt sitting on the floor. Matt coughs. "Alright, enough pranks? You should lead me to the pony."

The colt yelled in a feminine voice. "No way I will let you hurt my father. You two just try to kill."

Twilight and Matt are silenced for a bit. The purple alicorn will explain to the filly but the floor is broken and the duo is falling down. 

When the duo lands on the ground, they see many tools around with a cart. Matt looks at the tool and tries to grab one, but he receives a kick into his leg. Matt grunts and rubs his leg. "You don't have to do that."

The purple alicorn opens the door and she sees many bucket are flying to her. Twilight stops them with magic, then tosses them away. The purple alicorn steps on the stairs, but feels something stabbing into her hoof. Twilight stands back and sees a nail plugging into the wood. The purple alicorn jumps back quickly. She sees her left hoof bleeding. "Okay, that filly is out of the hoof. I'm catching her."

Matt uses a water spell to wash Twilight's wound, then wraps a bandage around it. "This place is full of traps. No wonder that pony we caught before was scared of it."

"Okay, I will teleport us upstair." 

Twilight's horn shines and the duo disappears. When they appear upstairs, two buckets flew into their faces and filled them with paint. The filly laughs at them. Twilight and Matt grab the buckets and squeeze them. 

The filly is trying to run away but a purple aura surrounds her. She floats towards the purple alicorn. The filly is struggling to get out. 

Twilight sighs. "We're here not to fight or hurt your father."

The filly retorts. "Liar, you are just one of those bad ponies who want to take money." The filly followed the purple unicorn. "Hey, what are you doing?"

"Matt, please check the downstair." Twilight steps on the stairs. A concrete pole flies into her. Twilight ducks. "I will check upstairs."

"Good luck. Have fun with that trapper."

Matt hurries downstairs and checks the building while Twilight just brings the filly.
> The house of traps.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight walks through the hall with the levitating filly. The purple alicorn gets annoyed when the filly struggles while talking to her. Twilight opens a room and a bag is dropped in front of her. The purple alicorn looks at it and sees it is a thick bag of cement. 

Twilight glares at the filly. "Where is he now?" 

The filly looks away from the purple alicorn. Suddenly, she is shaken by the purple alicorn. After a while, the shaking stops and the filly feels something not good inside. The filly turns to the alicorn. "You... are evil." Then he vomits into the ground

Twilight starts tying her up. "Then stay here, be silent and let me find your father."

The filly struggles to get away from the bound. "You can't get him. If I can get out of here..."

Twilight wraps a cloth around the filly and rolls her eyes. Then she casts the bubble spell surround the filly. The alicorn sighs in relief and leaves the filly there, ignoring the little pony's yelling. 

Twilight goes upstairs and sees many balls rolling from the upstairs. The purple alicorn pushes them away. When she steps three more, a steel water pipe flies towards her. Twilight ducks to dodge the pipe. "Oh right, this filly will kill somepony if they walk into this house."

Twilight opens the door and a piano fly into her. The purple alicorn quickly teleport to dodge the piano. The purple alicorn rubs her head and sighs in frustration. "Okay, that's enough." Her horn and front hooves shine bright, then she slams on the floor.





Matt is struggling to get out of the flour because the flour bag slammed into his face when he opened the basement door. As he stands up, he sees a purple wave passing through the building. He sees a little pony and the alicorn on the top. The swordmans is pretty sure that's Twilight and the filly. 

Matt sighs in disappointment and goes home, but the purple wave suddenly disappears around the large square on the wall. The swordman is moving around and hoping to touch something. After a while, a small square wall is pushed and the big wall opens slowly. Matt touches the magic circle. "Hey Twi, I found the hidden door."

"Coming. Just stay there."

Taking the chair, Matt sits down. The chair is cracked, causing the swordman falls. When the swordman stands up, he sees Twilight is looking at him with the filly. Matt rubs his head. "Nothing, I just ... tired. But why you still hold that filly?"

"If he even had any activation trap inside." Twilight creates a purple orb. "Now we will see what is down there."

The filly is trying to stop them but the purple aura wrapping around her body. Twilight and Matt steps down to the serect basement and sees what inside.





Celestia stamps a ton of paper after the court. Celestia decides not to invest in Appleloosa because there are many problems. When she is working hard, Luna comes inside and rubs her sister's face

Celestia pushes the blue alicorn and smiles. "What is this, sister?"

"Where are Twilight and others these days? Last time I visited the library, they are not there anymore."

'They will embark on a long quest,' Celestia says and pulls her desk. "Didn't they talk to you?"

"Yeah... maybe." Luna takes the letter and reads it. "... so what will we do now?"

"Nothing." Celestia coughs a little. "Nothing we can do here." Luna stares at her sister for a bit, which make Celestia feel uncomfortable. Celestia gulps. "What are you doing?"

When Luna places her front hoof on Celestia's forehead, she pulls it off her face. "Sister, your forehead is too hot."

"Am I? But I'm feeling well?" Celestia coughs more. "Just a little... tired."

Luna pushes the white alicorn. "No, you cannot work today. Please, it's about your health."

Celestia retorts. "But who will do the meeting today?" Luna points at herself. Celestia rolls her eyes. "You are not ready for it."

"I am ready. Please rest."

"Fine." Celestia coughs. "I will be back in... 2 or 3 days." 

Luna helps Celestia go back to her room, then the blue alicorn returns to the office. Hundreds of documents are waiting to be stamped in front of her. The blue alicorn sighs and works hard. 

Suddenly, a white earth pony with black hair comes inside. Looking around, she searches for someone. "Eh... Your Majesty, where is your sister?"

"She is resting, Inkwell. Please inform everyone that my sister will not be in court for two or three days."

"I got it." Inkwell crosses the paper by the feather pen. "I will announce it to everyone."

Inkwell bows to Luna and leaves the room. It is strange for the white pony to be in such a hurry. 





Along with the filly, Twilight and Matt are walking down the long stairs. There are no traps in this room, which makes Twilight and Matt suspicious. When they are meeting the door, the swordman and the alicorn quickly jumps to two sides. Matt slowly opens the door abd many arrows are flying out of the room. 

"That's too many arrows." Matt turns to the filly. "What else can you give us, kid?" The filly turns away. 

When the arrows are stopped, Matt throws a stone inside and many snakes fall on the ground. Twilight huffs. "Classic."

Matt smirks. "Deathly classic." 

After entering the room, Matt finds only another door. He waves his arm outside and the purple alicorn follows him. The swordsman slowly opens the door and sees nothing but many pieces of papers cut and stuck on the boards.

Twilight checks the board for a while and sees that all of them are related to the dragon killer in Manehattan. A pink smoke fills the air, then the door closes and traps the duo inside. Twilight and Matt faint. 

The filly opens the door after five minutes. He laughs at them. "Hah, you can't beat me to it." Suddenly, a purple aura wraps around him. The filly struggles. "Not again. Why didn't you sleep already?"

"Classic traps don't make us fall, girl." Matt pats the filly's head. "You should spill the location or we will burn this place."

The filly is silenced. "You... you won't." Matt sets his sword on fire and looks around. The filly waves his front hooves. "Wait wait, I will lead you there."

Twilight puts the filly down. Matt rubs his head. "Well... lead the way. Just don't do anything and we'll be fine."

The duo follows the filly to her father. It would be great if something could get rid of these two abnormal creatures.





Diana eats her pie and lying on the table. No customers as usual. The black cat flips herself and sees Sunset poking her with cat toy. Diana slaps the toy away. "I am not your pet."

"I just try to feel like a normal cat." Sunset points at the cats that are standing on the cargo's roof. "Like them."

"Why are all those cats here?" Diana gets up. "I remember not hiring any cats."

"Well... I don't know." Sunset sighs. "Anyway, when will we be able to sell our cake? Or are your cakes made for feeding these cats?"

Diana waves her paws. "You see the pony around?" Sunset looks around and everyone steps away from the wagon. Diana rubs her whiskers. "And with a 'no kids allowed' sigh, no one will buy them."

Sunset is stunned. "You know how to chase customers away."

Diana flips herself and yawns. The orange dragon shakes her head and rubs Diana's back. When the black cat enjoys the rubbing, the brown pony with yellow hair steps toward them. Diana smiles. "Hello again. How can I help you?"

The stallion looks around and smiles. "I want to hire you, black cat."

"Hire for what?" Diana eats the apple candy. "If that is something illegal or something insignificant, I will deny it."

The stallion chuckles. "I want to hire you to make the cake for my birthday." Diana silences for a while, then closes the door. The stallion stops her immediately, "Hey, I'm not done yet."

Diana glares at the stallion. "Then hire someone else. I'm not good at birthday cakes."

"No, only you can make my birthday cake." The stallion starts begging. "Please help me, I will pay you one hundred bits." Diana turns away and takes a pan. The stallion steps back. "Two hundred. I will pay two hundred."

Diana aims at the stallion. "One more raise price and this pan will be on your face. This is not an auction wagon."

The stallion rubs his chin, then requests. "How about coming to my house? Maybe you will understand what I am trying to do."

Diana is going to reject but Sunset taps her claw on her back. The black cat sighs and replies. "Fine, I will be with you."

" Excellent. I will prepare a wagon for you two there." The stallion began to leave the bakery wagon. "My name is Gold Bar."

"Diana." The black cat folds her paw. "My name is Diana."

The stallion nods and leaves the duo. Diana just gets inside the wagon and closes her store.





Twilight and Matt follow the filly. On the way to the room, there are many traps setup for some intruders inside. Twilight and Matt are impressed with the traps



Matt rubs his chin. "Did you make all of these traps?"

"Who else could do that than me in this house?" The filly huff. "It's not fair when that fake purple princess detects all of the traps."

Twilight rolls her eyes. "I thought your father is collecting the newspaper." 

"Whatever." The filly stomps. "Next time you two won't survive when you walk into this house."

Twilight giggles. "Maybe I can help your family get out of this place, and go to Canterlot."

Slowly, the filly turns around.  "I don't trust you."

Twilight pats the filly's head. "Fair enough. I would like to know your name before we continue... Argument." 

"My name is Lilly Bell." The filly slaps her hoof away. "I'm tired now."

The filly leads the duo to her father. The thinf is so helpful for them.