> The Strange Six: Adventures of the six
>  by Aether Spark
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> After the meeting
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Mane Six, who were starting to think of themselves as the Stranger Six, tried their best to look normal as they strolled out of Twilight's castle.  They had all resumed their disguises as well as they could and talked among themselves as they walked, hopped, or hovered along.  They tried to keep out of hearing range from the normal town residents, which was not difficult since most of them made sharp turns away when spotting any of the young mares... or whatever they were now.

“Okay girls, this has been a very… informative day for all of us. Let’s all take the time to digest the info and not talk about it when somepony is nearby got it?” Twilight said.

“Got it.” The others nodded.

“Applejack, when you're ready to talk about it, let me know and I’ll have Spike send letters explaining it,” Twilight said.

“Ok,” Applejack said.

“Good luck girls,” Twilight closed the door and the girls headed back through the town together, speaking quietly enough that nopony could hear them.

“So? Does the sun bother you right now?” Pinkie asked RD.

“Not really. I practically bathe in sun lotion so I have a pretty thick coat of it on,” RD said.

“And Fluttershy, can you swim in lava?” Pinkie asked.

“Yes, though it burns off the fur part of my hide and my mane so I’d rather not,” Fluttershy whispered.


"Hey!" Pinkie popped up and pressed her nose against Rarity's.  "Do changelings poop? Because if they only eat love there wouldn't be anything to poop, but I suppose you can still fart because everybody farts, even in the tub."

“Pinkie! Why would you ask me such an uncouth question?” Rarity complained.

“I’ve always wondered,” Pinkie said before popping up to Applejack, but wound up getting a hat stuck over her face before she could speak. 

“Can yall keep it down?” Applejack put her hat back on. “If somepony hears ya, we’ll be in trouble.” Applejack glanced around.

“Relax. I have lived for a loooooooooong time. I’m practically a pro at conversation dodging.”

“Still, ah’d rather not people suspect ah’m not a real pony,” Applejack said firmly.

“I agree with Applejack,” said Rarity before turning in the direction of her boutique and squaring her shoulders. “The longer I can put off ponies finding out… You know what, the better. Now if you all will excuse me, I simply must get back to work,” Rarity said, trotting back towards her boutique.

Rainbow watched her friend prance away before heading up to the sky. “Gotta go back to weather watch. Got a storm to put together. Later!" RD said before flying off.

"I should get home,” said Fluttershy. “Angel will want to hear the good news that I wasn't rejected. He'll be so happy. We should have a celebratory salad tonight," Fluttershy said with a little pep in her trot.

"Big Mac’s probably wonderin’ where ah'm at so I'm going to get it moving," Applejack said, but as she turned to leave, Pinkie grabbed her.

"Hold on, AJ! I gotta chat real quick,"

"What? Pinkie, ah gotta get back to work," AJ said.

"Just reeeeeeaaaal quick," Pinkie asked.

Applejack sighed. "Fine, but not here. Let's go back to the farm together." 

"No need! We're already here," Pinkie said.

"What do you mean we haven't even moved-" Applejack paused and looked at the barn around them.

"The hay!? When did we-"

"Primordial powers, AJ," Pinkie said with a casual shrug.

"Ah still don't get them…” Applejack sighed before turning back to Pinkie. "Alright, ya got me here. Care to share what's on yer mind?" 

"I'm just curious as to the reason why you didn't share what you are. Is it embarrassing or scary?" Pinkie asked.

Applejack looked annoyed at hearing this. "Seriously, that's why ya wanted to talk to me? Ah told you why ah just can't tell ya right now." 

"I know I know, but I want to know the real reason, I'm so curious and I can sense that you are sad or upset. I don't like it when my friends are upset I feel like you'll get feel better if you get this off your chest," Pinkie said.

"Ah said no, Pinkie!" Applejack said rather hotly.

Pinkie seemed sad upon hearing that. "If that's what you want, AJ, alright. I just want you to know you have a shoulder to cry on," Pinkie said.

Applejack took some calming breaths and spoke again. "Ah'll let you know when, but fer now please drop it." 

"Ok…" Pinkie said sheepishly before leaving.

As the barn door closed, Applejack took a breath and glanced around nervously.

"No pony but mah family can know, ever. It's too dangerous if they know what ah am, what ah become. They'll forget about it eventually… ah hope," Applejack said morosely before heading off to her duties.





Rarity trotted into her boutique and pulled all the curtains shut.  Only then did she give a deep sigh and drop onto her fainting sofa so she could drop her disguise.

“Oh dearie me… how will my relationship with my friends develop from here?...” Rarity just stared at the ceiling for a time, but no answer was evident. A few hours of deep thought later, she heard a door close and Sweetie Belle came running into the room.

“Hey Rarit-” 

Sweetie gasped upon seeing her sister as a Changeling and she quickly whipped around, shut the door, and peeked through the window to see if anybody saw before looking back at Rarity.

“Rarity, wasn’t it you who told me never change when the door is unlocked?” she asked.

“It’s fine, Sweetie… I just needed time to think about today…”

“Sis? You alright?” Sweetie shifted back into changeling form and shifted closer to Rarity for emotional support.

“I am,” said Rarity. “I’ve learned some interesting things today.”

“What kind of things?” Sweetie asked.

“I’m not sure I am allowed to share. Let’s just say we aren’t the only ones holding secrets in Ponyville,” Rarity said.

“We aren’t? Who is?” she asked with and obvious hopeful hint to her voice that implied a certain amount of cutie mark questing in the future.

“My friends, but don’t tell them I said so. I cannot say what it is, so just trust me,” Rarity said while getting up.

“Okay,” Sweetie gave Rarity a big hug. “I’ll always be here for you.”

---

Fluttershy entered her home and saw Angel and her other animal friends playing cards together. When they saw her, Angel hopped up to her with a hopeful look on his face.

“Celebratory salads tonight everyone. They accepted me!” 

Fluttershy scooped Angel up into a hug. Every animal cheered and followed her into the kitchen for salads.

---

RD swooped in through her front door and went straight to the terrarium. "Hey Tank!" RD said.

Tank gave a questioning look to RD who noticed. "Yeah, lots happened this morning. I discovered some stuff about my friends and told them about myself.” 

Tank tilted his head.

“Including the Vampony stuff,” she clarified.

Tank nodded encouragingly.

“Thanks, Tank. I gotta say I feel a bit better knowing my friends are in the same boat, cept egghead.” 

Tank tilted his head.

“Sorry T, but I promised them,” RD shrugged.

Tank nodded understandingly.

---

Pinkie bounced into the bakery. After her unfortunate encounter with AJ, she needed some time with her Ponyville family.

“Hiya guys!” Pinkie cheered.

“Hello Pinkie,” Mr Cake said, setting up some pastries.

“Did the meeting go well?” Mrs Cake asked.

“It did! Now they know the truth of ole Pinkamena Pyrocelsa steed number three Diane Pie” Pinkie cheered.

“Pinkie… you're saying you told them?!” Mrs. Cake said.

“Yup,” Pinkie said.

“Even the Element of Honesty?” Mrs. Cake asked.

“Yup! But don’t worry they're all in a similar boat, but don’t ask how. I Pinkie promised,” Pinkie said.

The two glanced at each other before looking at Pinkie.

“As long as they're okay with it I suppose,” Mr. Cake said. “I remember the day you showed us, and we reacted… not so well.”

“At least you didn’t faint,” Mrs. Cake chuckled.

“Yup! I wonder who I could reveal it to next?...” Pinkie wondered.

“Ah, maybe wait before you start revealing your secret to more ponies,” Mrs. Cake said.

Pinkie shrugged. “If you say so.” 

---

Twilight threw herself onto her bed and let out a breath she’s been holding in for awhile.

“Today… has been a long day and it isn’t even lunchtime.” 

“Yeah…” Spike said.

“I mean who would've thought that one of my closest friends was a former Horse of the Apocalypse!” Twilight waved her hooves to showcase her surprise.

“Uhuh…” Spike said sitting at the edge of the bed.

“And a Vampony and a Dragon Pony and a Changeling and… whatever Applejack is… Who would have thought our group was so diverse!?” Twilight exclaimed. “I have so many questions to ask each of them.” 

“Sure…” Spike said.

“Spike? You're rather quiet. Is everything alright,”

“Twilight, do you think Rarity has been using me this entire time?” Spike asked.

“What? What kind of question is tha-”

“You know what I mean, Twilight,” Spike said firmly.

“Oh… about that main source thing…” Twilight sighed. “I don’t want to think she would. It’s not in Rarity’s nature to use someone who cares about her.” Twilight patted him on the back.

“She told me I was her main source. Is that all I am to her? Not even a friend, just an energy source?” Spike said.

“Well, if Rarity meant it she needed love energy to keep her and her sister going, and you love her, so she took some to keep her and Sweetie healthy. Besides I can tell she sees you as a close friend,” Twilight explained.

“You really think so?” Spike asked.

“Just talk to her and I am sure she can alleviate your concerns,” Twilight said.

“I will. Thanks for hearing me out, Twilight.” Spike hugged his sister.

“No problem, Spike. Now how about we get to those question lists?” Twilight asked.

“On it.” Spike hopped down and ran off to look for a quill and paper.
> Getting on with the day
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

After having Spike make a long list, the little dragon was exhausted, so she let had to lay down for a nap while she left the castle. She would give her friends time to cool down from all they have learned and then get right to her interviews with them.

Her curiosity was perfectly warranted. After all, she had discovered several big secrets about her friends and was looking forward to more research. Omitting their names from any publication of course.

That made it right… right?

Twilight decided to swing by Sugarcube Corner and grab some donuts.  When she entered, she saw other ponies trotting about the establishment and eating desserts.

She spotted Pinkie and trotted over to her.

“Hey Pinkie!” Twilight said.

“Hi Twi!” Pinkie said trotting over to her.

“Two Donuts and a cinnamon roll please, and glaze the roll with Diamond dust,” Twilight said.

“Oooh, Diamond dust! Goin fancy today eh?” Pinkie said.

“Spike earned it. He’s been through alot since, you know,” Twilight said.

“Ah yeah. How’s he feeling? About Rarity?” Pinkie asked, making sure nopony was overhearing.

“He’s a little hurt. But I convinced him to have a talk with her.” Twilight said.

“Good, and how bout you, Twi?” Pinkie asked skeptically.

“What about me?” Twilight asked confusedly.

“When are you going to spill your secret?” Pinkie asked.

Twilight sighed hearing this because she had been dreading the inevitable question. “Pinkie, I already told you I don’t have a secret. As far as I’m concerned, I’ve always been a pony.” 

“The others don’t see it but I can tell there's something off…” Pinkie said.

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked in genuine confusion.

“I bet you’re secretly…. A JACKALOPE!” Pinkie declared at the top of her lungs.

“Pinkie, shh!” Twilight said before bringing her in close. “A jackalope? Seriously? A rabbit with antlers?” 

“Sure!” Pinkie said.

“Pinkie, no!” 

“Oh! Maybe a sea serpent!” Pinkie guessed.

“Really?... I don’t even look like a serpent…” Twilight said with a bemused look.

“Pumpernickel?” Pinkie said.

“That’s a type of bread! Look, I have to get quills later so can you please get me my order?” Twilight said not wanting the weird guessing game to go on.

“Gotcha gotcha!” Pinkie said, zipping away and returning with the order almost immediately.

Twilight thanked Pinkie and then she headed out to do the rest of her delayed morning chores with a near-silent mutter of “I have no idea how she used to be a harbinger of doom…” 

With only a few stops left, Twilight picked up her weekly order at quills and sofas and headed to the market. Shopping for produce always made her feel better, visiting several stands and filling her shopping basket little by little. 

“Maybe a vegetable stew tonight. I certainly need some comfort food…” Twilight muttered as she approached the apple stand.

“Hey Applejack, could I have some-” Twilight paused when she saw it was Big Mac behind the cart.

“Oh, hey. Big Mac, what are you doing here? Isn’t it Applejack's turn to run the apple stand?” Twilight asked

“Hey Twi, AJ’s not feelin’ up to it today so she asked me to trade chores with her t’day,” Big Mac stated.

“Why? Is she sick?” Twilight said concerned for her friend.

“Eenope, she’s just bellyaching about that meeting you all had,” Mac casually said.

“She… didn’t talk about what the meeting was about… right?” Twilight asked.

“Eenope,” Mac said.

“Ok, good. That stuff is private,” Twilight said.

“Understood,” Mac said.

“I’ll have a dozen Granny Smiths,” Twilight said.

“Ok,” Big Mac gathered the green apples into a basket and collected the bits in return. “Thanks.”

“Your welcome,” Twilight said before trotting away.

She thought about recent events… So far she had a Dragon Pony, a Changeling, a former horse of the apocalypse, and a vampony as her friends. Celestia only knows what Applejack is, which brought up the obvious question. Should Celestia know about this? Undoubtedly, but not now. She needed her friend's permission first of all and had to consider Celestia’s point of view first. 

Wouldn’t want an unrightful smiting, would we?

Twilight had to find out more about them. She needed notes, not just because of her nature as a scholar but as a means to find out more and contribute to research… but would that be an invasion of their privacy? Would it be ethical to ask them questions like that? She didn’t know, but sooner or later things would come to a head on this, and she hopes that Celestia-

*THUD*

Twilight’s thoughts were interrupted when she bumped into a solid figure, lost her balance, and fell down.

At first she thought it was Bulk Biceps, because who else could be mistaken for a wall, but when she looked up she saw a hooded figure. He was a stallion of average height if not slightly taller, with a white coat and blonde tail.

He offered a hoof to help her stand, and Twilight reached for it out of reflex.

“Oh uh, sorry about that, I was lost in thought and-” Suddenly he grabbed her hoof and pulled her in.

Twilight prided herself on developing her earth pony strength. After much practice, she was strong enough to get third place in hoof wrestling amidst her friend group.

This mysterious stallion's grip was solid as his movement. She couldn’t break his grip and gasped a little when he put his mouth right next to her ear.

“The time is near… leave Equestria before they find you,” he said before helping the nervous mare the rest of the way to her hooves.

“Who are you? Let me go!” Twilight tried to break his grip but she couldn’t even budge him.

“Listen. One of your friends is hiding something else. Learn it or leave before it’s too late.” He released her and she fell backwards onto the ground. When she looked up, he was trotting away.

“Hey! Come back!” Twilight tried to go after him but as another pony passed between them.

He vanished…

Twilight paused and looked around but she didn’t see anything but ponies going about their day.

“What the hay?...” Twilight was getting nervous so she picked up her stuff and galloped on home.
 
Once she got back home she entered the castle and closed it before locking the door.

Naturally Twilight would assume she was about to get mugged or he was just some weirdo, Ponyville has those.

But something made her think otherwise.

When he touched her hoof… something about it… 

Was familiar to her…? 

“That’s…enough shopping today…” Twilight stuttered and trotted into the kitchen, ready to force this strange encounter out of her head.





Celestia entered the balcony with her sister by he side and they began their daily ritual, Celestia lowering the sun and Luna raising the moon for the coming night.

“Another day goes by, sister,” Luna said with a smile.

“Indeed, it will be time to scour the dream realm soon,” Celestia replied.

As the two stood there admiring the sights of Canterlot, Luna got a troubled look on her face.

“What is it, Luna?” Celestia asked

“It is nothing sister,” Luna said trotting away but her sister stopped her.

“I know that expression, Luna. There is something on your mind.” Celestia beckoned Luna back to the balcony.

“Well…. It is just… we have concerns regarding Twilight's recent ascension,” Luna said.

“What about it?” Celestia asked.

“Are you sure she is ready?” Luna asked.

“Of course. Twilight has proven ready for a long time,” Celestia said.

“But surely she must eventually know the truth about alicorns and her future position in this world, when will she be ready?” Luna asked

“...I don’t know,” Celestia said honestly.

“That is concerning,” Luna said.

“She will be ready to hear the truth from us when she is ready. That is beyond our control,” Celestia said.

“Beyond?” Luna looked like there was more on her mind, but she shrugged it off and strode away.

Celestia called after her, “Do have a goodnight, sister. The future is still far away. We’ll worry about it when the time comes.”  

Luna nodded and left the room, leaving only Celestia on the balcony, looking up at the night sky.

“Mother. Father. You left too early, but don’t worry. We will join you soon enough.”
> Questions and secrets...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

“One of your friends is hiding something else… learn it or leave before it’s too late,”

“What do you mean? My friends wouldn’t lie to me!” Twilight insisted.

“Oh… would they?” 

Twilight turned around and saw a demonic yet piercing fiery eye, the sight of the burning eye filled Twilight with dread and terror.





Twilight gasped as she woke from her sleep, tumbling out of her bed tangled in sheets. The morning sun shone through the windows and Twilight looked around before spotting it and freezing, as if noticing a slit pupil staring at her from within the suns glare, the hallucination quickly passed.

“What was that dream? I know that stallion from the market last night weirded me out but…” 

Twilight got out of bed and trotted downstairs.  She found Spike already making breakfast.

"Morning, Spike."  Twilight looked at the stack of pancakes in the middle of the table and added, "What are you making?"

"Pancakes," said Spike cheerfully.  "I figured we needed the energy for today."

“You seem oddly eager,” Twilight said.

“Well, I guess I woke up on the right side of the bed today,” Spike shrugged.

“Does this have anything to do with hanging out with Rarity?” Twilight snarked.

“.....No,” Spike said, looking conflicted all of a sudden.

“Oh… Sorry.” Too late, Twilight remembered Spike’s feeling of heartbreak from Rarity saying he was her ‘main source.’

“You don’t have to apologize. I’m just hoping things go well today,” Spike said, bringing breakfast to Twilight.

“Then let’s get eating, and hope for the best,” Twilight said.

“Right,” 





Twilight trotted out into Ponyville with Spike at her side, holding their checklist.

“Okay, Spike. We’ll divide and conquer today. I’ll interview Rainbow Dash, Applejack and Fluttershy and you can interview Pinkie and Rarity.” 

“Actually, could I interview Fluttershy instead of Pinkie?” Spike asked.

“Hmm? Why?” Twilight asked.

“I have some questions for her regarding dragons. Surely she’ll know,” Spike said.

“Alright, just remember that the dragon lands are a bit of a sore subject for her,” Twilight said.

“Ok,” Spike said.

“I suppose I’ll get Rainbow’s interview over with since she works early today,” Twilight said before flying off.

“Hmm… I’ll go to Fluttershy first I guess,” Spike said, running off towards Fluttershy’s cottage.





Twilight flew until she saw a familiar fancy rainbow covered cloud home, she flew up to the door and knocked on it.

“Just a sec!” RD said from within.

Twilight waited about five minutes before knocking again.

“I said hang on!” RD shouted back before Twilight decided to wait.

About ten more minutes passed before RD made it to the door and opened it.

“Look, Thunderstrike. If it’s about the rent I-... Oh… Hey Twilight, what’s going on?” RD asked.

“Hey…. What was that about rent?” Twilight asked.

“Uuuh… nothing. Anyways what brings you here?” Rainbow Dash said while letting her friend in.

“I was in the neighborhood and thought about asking some questions to learn more about your kind,” Twilight said and RD seemed to pause and give a sigh.

“Had a feeling this was coming,” RD sighed.

“It’s a valid curiosity right? So little is known about Vamponies, this could contribute a lot to the field of study,” Twilight said.

“And what if I don’t want to?” RD asked.

“...Well, I suppose I can’t force you to, but this could mean alot to me, please?” Twilight begged.

“Fine, fine, I guess I can share SOME things, but not everything, I uh… would rather not snitch on other vamponies,” RD said. 

“Understood,” Twilight said “By the way, why were you taking so long to get to the door?” Twilight asked curiously.

“You caught me during a sunscreen soak, and I didn't want to leave a dripping trail to the door. The good stuff takes forever to get rubbed off your coat.

“Got it,” Twilight said.





Spike made it to Fluttershy’s cottage and saw his friend hovering beside a tree branch, adding seeds to a birdfeeder.

“Hey Shy!” Spike called.

“Oh! Hello Spike,” Fluttershy said with a warm smile.

“Hey! Uh, how do I put this… Twilight wanted me to ask you a few questions to get a better grasp on Kirins,” Spike said.

Fluttershy glanced around and motioned him closer.

“Please don’t say it aloud. I don’t want anypony that could be nearby hearing,” Fluttershy respectfully said.

“Gotcha,” Spike said before following her inside.

After sitting down, Fluttershy made some tea and sat with Spike.

“You said Twilight had some questions about me?” Fluttershy asked.

“Yes, and to be honest, so do I. You don’t have to answer if the questions hit too close to home,” Spike said.

“Very well,” Fluttershy said.



 

“So Rainbow, how have you been sustaining yourself?” Twilight asked.

“Huh?” RD said with a sideways tilt to her head.

“Well, Vamponies drink blood, everypony knows that, but I know we haven’t seen any cases of Vampony attacks in town so I was wondering what you have been using instead to satisfy the blood cravings you may have. Forest critters are an acceptable answer,” she added quickly.

“What? Eww!” RD said to Twilight’s surprise.

“What?” 

“I don’t suck the blood of forest critters. If Fluttershy found out, our friendship would be over! No I use a simple substitute to stave off the cravings,” RD said.

“And that is?” Twilight asked.

“Cider, usually Cider gives a decent buzz like when you drink blood, tomato juice will do in a pinch,” RD said.

“Huh? Tomato juice, apple cider? Is that effective?” Twilight said.

“Not really cider is just for the buzz and tomato juice is red, tastes similar and has the right ingredients to simulate it, it gets me by,” RD said.

“I see, so Vamponies just need to switch to tomato juice to-”

“No, I said it's a substitute, it’s not a superb replacement for the real thing,” RD said.

“Then how are you not starving right now?” Twilight asked.

“...Let’s just say years of practice are preventing me from looking at you like a blood bank right now,” RD said.

Twilight gulped “On to the next question!” 





“Fluttershy, how is a… what you called it different from a normal Kirin?” Spike asked.

“Solstice Kirin, and It was because I was born on a solstice, even then one of those is rare, I can do some things that no other Kirin can,” Fluttershy said.

“Like?” Spike said while writing.

“I can speak to animals, I am more in commune with nature and those that inhabit it.” Fluttershy said, “I am also capable of limited unicorn magic, I can’t perform like Twilight because I never studied that hard and since my glamor was a pegasus I couldn’t risk my true nature being found out.” Fluttershy said.

“Makes sense,” Spike said writing that down “Next question”





“Are your speed and skills natural to you or are they a product of being a vampony?” Twilight asked

“All me!” RD said almost bragging.

“Ah, what else can you do since your a vampony?” Twilight asked. 

“...Well… can I pass on that one?” RD asked.

“Hmm, but it is such an important one, could we-”

“Please,” RD asked.

“Oh, ok, I suppose I said you could,” Twilight said crossing out that question.





“Are you immune to-”

“Lava?” Fluttershy guessed.

“Uh yeah,” Spike said surprised she knew.

“Pinkie already asked me, I told her I am but I don’t like submerging myself in lava due to my coat and mane,” Fluttershy said.

“Ok,” Spike said noting that down before going into thought and hesitantly asking.

“How long do dragons live?” Spike asked.

“Hmm…” Fluttershy hummed thoughtfully “I’m not sure but I heard the eldest ones can live well into their thousands,” Fluttershy said.

“Oldest?” Spike said.

“One million, but that was only one, his name was dragon lord Ignatius, he had eaten many crystals that prolonged life, so that was how,” Fluttershy said.

“I see… so theirs no definite for when a dragon dies of old age?” Spike asked.

“Why do you want to know?” Fluttershy said seeming concerned.

“N-no reason!” Spike lied “Anyways, next question,” Spike said checking his list.

Fluttershy seemed worried but listened.





“Do you live forever? I’ve heard legends about it so…” Twilight said.

“That’s actually a myth,” RD said.

“It is?” Twilight said in surprise.

“We age like normal ponies, we live longer than normal ponies but apart from that we die when we hit an elderly age,” RD said.

“Huh… theory disproven then!” Twilight said checking the box that said ‘Vamponies having eternal life is a myth’.

“Also do you turn into a bat or a frog or a wolf or anything?” 

“Also a myth.” RD said.

“Got it!” Twilight noted it down.





“Twilight wants to know if you turning into a vampony means you have any form of lingering vamponyism,” Spike said.

“No, that was a product of magic, as far as I’m concerned it meant nothing,” Fluttershy said.

“I see,” Spike said.



 

“When Fluttershy was turned into a vampony does that mean anything significant?” Twilight asked.

“Not at all, it was a magical accident, plus she was bonded with the DNA of a fruitbat, real vamponies are closer to thestrals than anything,” RD said before wondering if that was too much info.

“Fascinating,” Twilight said writing down everything she heard.





“What… is the likelihood you eat… um… any of your… animal friends?” Spike meekly asked.

“Spike! I would never! Kirins can eat meat but I’m a strict vegetarian.” Fluttershy said looking almost offended.

“Sorry, dumb question…” Spike said.





“This gonna take much longer?” RD asked.

“Just a few more, do you possess any knowledge of occult magics?” Twilight asked.

“...Pass…” RD said.

“RD,” Twilight implored.

“I don’t want to answer that,” RD said a little hotly.

“Ok ok,” Twilight said “Can you turn other ponies into vamponies?” 

“Also pass,” 

Twilight sighed and X’d out another box.





“Was your mother a unicorn or a pegasus, given how you have access to magic and flight as well as pegasus magic.” Spike asked.

“She was actually an earth pony, I suppose she had pegasus in her family line,” 

“Ah, like the cake twins,” Spike said.

“Exactly,” Fluttershy said.





“Pass…” RD said again.

“Come on Rainbow, that’s the fifth time,” Twilight asked.

“I reserve the right to refuse to answer if the question is too invasive,” RD said.

“Fine, then do you-”.

“Twi, I’d love to play twenty questions with you but I have work in two hours,” RD said.

“Really? Has it been three hours already?” Twilight said glancing at the clock next to Tank.

“Fraid so, can we put off any further questioning?” RD asked.

“Oh… alright, I got some decent info,”

“And your not going to name me, right?” RD asked.

“I will not even mention how I got my info, my sources trust me enough,” Twilight said.

“Ok,” RD said getting up and stretching out “Welp, gotta take my next dip in sunscreen, see ya!” RD said before trotting away.

“Alright have a good day Rainbow!” Twilight waved her off before leaving.

“Rainbow sure was dodgy for some of those questions…” Twilight said remembering when she asked about the pony who infected her.

She passed immediately…

Twilight remembered what the stallion said to her…

“One of your friends is hiding something else… learn it or leave before it’s too late…”

“No, I’m overthinking it, Rainbow may not be the element of honesty but she’d never lie to a friend. She said she got it from a potential predator she got it from a potential predator” Twilight said before leaving.





Spike was blushing hard when the next thought came to his mind.

“Are you alright Spike?” Fluttershy asked.

“Fluttershy?...Can I ask you a question that is pure curiosity and not at all perverted?” Spike asked.

Fluttershy nodded already understanding where he’s gonna go with this.

“Can all ponies and dragons… reproduce together? Or were you just a one in a million chance?” Spike meekly asked.

“If dragons and ponies couldn’t breed I wouldn’t be here, as far as I know they can, a solstice kirin is a rare occurrence however.” Fluttershy explained.

Spike seemed relieved to hear this.

“Alright thanks,” Spike said before jumping down.

“Well a solid three hours of questions should do it, thanks for the tea and cake Fluttershy,” Spike said.

“No problem, come back whenever Spike,” Fluttershy said leading him to the door and letting him out.

“Thanks for the cooperation, Twilight will be ecstatic when she finds this info!” Spike said as he walked away.

“No problem Spike!” Fluttershy said waving him off.

---

The two then went to their new interviewees, Spike walked up to the Carousel Boutique and took a deep breath.

“Ok, she surely didn’t mean I was only a source of energy for her and Sweetie… surely!” Spike said to give himself some confidence and he walked in.

“Rarity?” Spike called.

“Cooooommmiiiiiiiing!” Rarity said trotting into view, when she saw Spike she smiled.

“Hello darling, what brings you here?” Rarity asked.

“I uh… Twilight wanted me to ask you some questions on Chang-” Suddenly Spikes mouth was magically held shut and he gasped in surprise.

Rarity hurriedly gestured to the pony in the corner checking coats and she was staring at the two.

Spike realized he almost blew her secret and he subtly waved his hand and Rarity eased her grip on his mouth.

“Chang….ing fashions for the seasons!” Spike said with a nervous laugh.

“Ah yes, I… forgot about that,” Rarity nervously laughed.

The mare in the corner shrugged and returned to her business.

Rarity leaned in and whispered to Spike.

“Meet me in ten minutes, when there are no ears listening,” She said.

“Ok,” Spike said before going to a chair to sit down.





Twilight entered the sweets shop known as sugarcube corner.

“Hey Pinkie, I-” Suddenly a pink blur snatched her and darted upstairs with her before placing her in a chair and setting up food and drink.

“-Need to have a word… with…you?” Twilight said confused about the change in scenery.

“Hey Twi! I bet your surprised! I heard you were coming to ask me a bunch of questions and so I prepared a room for you!” Pinkie said.

“Pinkie… you make my head hurt sometimes…” Twilight said.

“Thanks!” Pinkie said.

“How did you even-”

“I read what the author typed before, Spike nearly made a serious oopsie btw,” Pinkie said.

“Ok… you and I need to have a serious conversation later…” Twilight said “But for today, basic questions,” Twilight said.

“Hit me!” Pinkie said

“Well first-”

“Right after Spike’s segment!” Pinkie said.

“What? What are you-”





Spike sat in a chair waiting for Rarity to finish ushering out the customers after they made their purchases, before turning the sign to closed.

Rarity sighed and dropped her disguise before turning to Spike.

“Why’d you turn back?” Spike asked.

“Now that you know, I suppose it doesn’t hurt to drop the disguise, it will preserve my magic for now,” 

“You mean your expending magic as you go? You must have Twilight-level magic to do that and do the things you do at the same time!” Spike exclaimed.

“Nonsense, It takes practice and magical measurement of usage,” Rarity said with a chuckle.

As they talked a filly came down the stairs and saw Spike and her sister.

“Huh? Rari-” Sweetie gasped upon seeing Spike and grasping at straws she hurriedly went with the plan B she and Rarity devised if somepony saw their true forms.

“OH NO! A changeling and not my sister has infiltrated the Boutique! Run Spike, I will hold her off!” Sweetie said pretending to light her horn in defense.

Rarity sighed “Calm yourself, Sweetie, Spike already knew beforehand,” Rarity said.

“Wait, you told him? So he knows about-” Sweetie said.

“Yes,” Rarity responded.

“And me?” Sweetie continued.

“Indeed,” Rarity said.

“Oh… Ok!” Sweetie dropped her disguise as well and trotted over to Rarity.

“So Spike darling, you said Twilight had enlisted you to ask me… questions?” Rarity said tentatively.

“Well yes, would you be willing to submit to a survey about your race?” Spike asked.

“Well… very well, but I will not divulge the location of any hives unless it is of the upmost importance, though banished I am I will not sell out my hive.” Rarity said.

Spike crossed out several questions about her hives location.

“Got it,” Spike said.





“Ok, now resume,” Pinkie said.

“What do you mean by resume? You said something about a segment four minutes ago and then you were staring off into space the whole time!” Twilight said annoyed.

“Not my fault the viewers were viewing a different conversation at the time, but now we can continue, as you were,” Pinkie said.

Twilight facehoofed and got out her list.

“Pinkie you said your rider was the horseman known as Pestilence right?” Twilight asked.

“That’s correct,” Pinkie nodded.

“And you used to spread woe and disease to others?” Twilight asked.

“Well, yeah, that was my job a long time ago, but I never enjoyed it, all the sick and dying ponies, at least Jeepers got to see ponies immediately die, I lacked the luxury,” Pinkie said, sounding a little upset.

“Jeepers?” Twilight asked.

“He’s my brother, Death’s horse,” Pinkie said.

“And his name is Jeepers?” Twilight asked.

“Yep! There’s also Glutto and Savage hellscreamer,” Pinkie said.

“I’m guessing the first one is Famine’s and the second is War’s?” Twilight guessed.

“That’s right, she hates that name so if you ever see her just call her Savage, and as for Glutto, never invite him to lunch, he never get’s full…” Pinkie said.

“I…see…” Twilight said noting this down.



   

“Rarity, is it true Changelings don’t defecate due to consuming only love and not solid foods?” Spike read off.

Rarity sighed “Honestly Twilight, you and Pinkie both, yes we do… defecate even though our food isn’t solid, end of story there,” Rarity said.

“Alright,” Spike noted that down.

“Also are Changelings omnivorous?” Spike asked.

“Yes, but I have gotten quite used to pony habits, so I’m not,” Rarity said.

Sweetie returned with burnt toast, buzzing with her small wings and landing near the two.

“Who wants toast?” Sweetie asked.

“Uhm… I am good…” Rarity said.





“Do you eat souls? Perform dark magics? Have any ties to the underworld? This is vital,” Twilight asked.

“No, some and yes, but I havn’t been there in a long time,” Pinkie answered each question.

“Alright,” Twilight jotted that down. “Do you know the exact date of the apocalypse?” Twilight asked.

“Nope, I caused the original apocalypse to be delayed, they don’t tell me anything now…” Pinkie said looking a little upset.

“Who’s they?” Twilight asked.

“My sibs, my birth ones,” Pinkie said.

“Can you explain what you know about them?” Twilight said.

“Sorry, Jeepers requested I not share that, and he is my bro after all,” Pinkie shrugged.





“Can you shapeshift into anything or are there limits?” Spike asked.

“Well… it’s honestly embarrassing to say… but no,” Rarity said.

“You can’t or your race can’t?” Spike queried.

“I can’t… I will be honest, I took this form a long time ago as mixed traits of ponies I perceived as beautiful to make the ideal identity, and I haven’t used any other appearance since.” Rarity admitted. 

“I… See, so your like… a fashion frankenstein?” Spike joked, Rarity wasn’t amused and Spike realized he inadvertently insulted her.

“Ah ah… I mean…” Spike said.

“Next question please…” Rarity asked.

“Ok…” Spike said.





“List your powers,” Twilight asked Pinkie.

“I would but the writer would get carpal tunnel, so let’s just say pound per pound I got magic that matches Discord,” Pinkie shrugged.

“Ok,” Twilight sighed.

“In my hayday I could beat like twenty Discords however!” Pinkie cheered.

“Really?” Twilight said interested.

“An apocalypse steed has power comparable to their rider, and they are very powerful, but since Pestilence fired me, my power has kinda diminished…” Pinkie explained.

“I see so your power is linked to your bond with your rider!” Twilight said noting this all down.





“...How long do… Changelings live exactly?” Spike asked.

“This seems more like a personal curiosity,” Rarity pointed out.

“It… yeah,” Spike said.

“A good one hundred years for a healthy drone, royals and queens can live much longer” Rarity said.

“So you’ll be around for a long time?” Spike hoped.

“I suppose I will, given that I have enough love to sustain me and Sweetie Belle,” Rarity said.

“Yeah…” Spike said remembering Rarity referring to him as her ‘main source’ “Can I be frank with you Rarity?” Spike asked.

“Yes?” Rarity said.

“What am I to you?” Spike asked.

“What do you mean? You are my friend,” Rarity said.

“Am I? Or am I just a source to sustain you and Sweetie Belle?” Spike said with a slight sniffle.

“Where is this coming from Spike, of course I don’t see you as only a source of energy,” Rarity said.

“Then why did you say I’m your main source, have you been leading me on this whole time so my love for you would grow as I tried harder to get you to notice me or something?” Spike demanded.

“No darling, I would never use you like that, it’s just that your love was a convenient source,” Rarity said.

“Convienent source?” Spike parroted.

Rarity looked like she was struggling to find the right words.

“You see, without an ample love supply me and Sweetie won’t be able to keep these disguises twenty-four-seven, I would reciprocate your feelings but I am afraid I am just not ready for a serious romantic relationship, especially considering your age, not to mention what if your love dwindled over time? Also, I couldn’t tell you why because, well you know,” Rarity gestured to herself.

“Then why didn’t you just tell me you weren’t ready yet? Why string me along?” Spike said pocketing the questions in favor of this conversation.

“...You must understand Spike, I couldn’t risk Sweetie Belle or I being found out by the pony population, so I looked for the right time,” Rarity said.

“You gotta believe us, Spike, it’s very hard for Changelings to live in pony society, especially after what happened at the wedding, think of what would happen to us if ponies knew?” Sweetie added.

“So I was just a battery for you guys…” Spike said looking sad.

“No Spike, we would never see you as that” Rarity insisted.

“Save it…” Spike said hopping down and leaving.

Rarity put her disguise back up and ran to him as he opened the door.

“Spike! Don’t hate us for this, all this was circumstantial, I would have told you one day!” Rarity pleaded.

“When?” Spike asked.

“...Perhaps when you were older or when Changelings could integrate without persecution,” Rarity said.

“I understand your position Rarity… I just need time” Spike said before leaving.

Rarity could see the feast that was his love dwindling and she knew she messed up.

“He’ll come around, right Rarity?” Sweetie asked.

“I-I don’t know…” Rarity admitted.





Pinkie’s tail twitched in three directions. 

“Somepony is sad right now!” Pinkie said.

“What?” Twilight said as she was in the middle of looking for a question to ask.

“No… somedragon! You gotta go to Spike Twilight, everyones favorite ship is on the line!” Pinkie said waving her hooves.

“Uh huh… Why is Spike-” Pinkie performed a sonic spin and nabbed Twilight before depositing her outside where Spike was.

“-Sad…. darn it Pinkie…” Twilight said before noticing Spike sitting on a fountain edge.

“Spike? What’s wrong?” Twilight approached him.

“Rarity basically confirmed I’m just a power source for her and Sweetie…” Spike said.

“She didn’t,” Twilight gasped a little.

“She did, I mean I understand where she’s coming from with needing energy for… uh” Spike glanced around for anypony listening before whispering in Twilight’s ear. “Her disguise as a pony, but I just… it still hurts…” Spike said.

“Spike, you have to look at it like this, either she uses your love to keep her and Sweetie healthy or they lose that source and they wind up exposed, then who knows what could happen to them,” Twilight said.

“I understand it, it’s just, I need time to process all this, your right, they couldn’t help it, but I need time,” Spike said before leaving for home.

“Spike…” Twilight said before sighing and turning to head to her last destination.

Sweet apple acres.

“Darn it Rarity… let’s hope Spike can forgive you,” Twilight said.





Twilight entered the acres and began looking around for Applejack.

“Applejack?! Applejack!” Twilight called out.

Twilight looked around for her and decided to take to the air to find her easier.

She flew around for a good twenty minutes, afterwards Twilight landed on a cloud and glanced around.

“Well, maybe she’s in the orchard?” Twilight was going to go search there when she heard a door slam elsewhere.

“Hmm?” Twilight said before flying down to where she heard the noise and she saw a barely opened cellar door.

“Ah, maybe she went in there!” Twilight said before flying down to the door and entering.

“Applejack! I need to speak with you!” Twilight called out as she trotted down the stairs.

And she found herself in a strange place.

“Huh?” Twilight said.

She saw a bookcase, from where she was standing she could see the books were on rituals and curses. 

“Rituals? Curses?” Twilight said backing up and bumping into something metal, she spun to see a jail cell, with chains, the cell was covered in scratch marks too.

“What the?” Twilight said as she examined the scratch marks.

She then took a step back and stepped on something and she heard a chime.

“Huh?!” Twilight turned to see a music box playing.

“Applejack?” Twilight said nervously, as she began backing up she kicked something that made a clatter.

She froze… there was something wet on her leg…

“Please Celestia… let it be water…” Twilight turned and saw… water on her leg and the floor.

“Whew…” Twilight said… before her eyes settled on something sitting a few feet away, what made that clatter…

“Dear Celestia…” Twilight wanted to scream.

Bones… there were no skeletons but there were small bones littered through the floor.

“Oh no…no no no…” Twilight had trouble processing what she was seeing.

“Twilight?” Twilight stiffened and turned to see Applejack standing there with wide eyes.

“A-Applejack?...” Twilight breathed out.

“No…you shouldn’t be here…” Applejack shook her head as if struggling with what to do.

“Applejack I-”

“Get out…” Applejack said softly.

“Huh?” Twilight said.

“AH SAID GET OUT! AND TELL NOPONY!” Applejack yelled with fury.

Twilight wasted no time and lit her horn before teleporting the heck out of there.

Applejack panted heavily before she fell to the ground sobbing.

“She shouldn’t have seen this… What am ah gonna do?” Applejack asked.
> Aftermath
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight reappeared in the library of the castle startling Spike was reading a book and she immediately hid underneath the table.

“Whoa! Twilight? Are you okay?” Spike asked.

“Sp-Spike!” Twilight crawled out and hugged him.

“Calm down Twilight, what’s wrong?” Spike hushed, rubbing her back, like she did when he had nightmares when he was younger. 

“I think I saw something I shouldn’t have…” Twilight said.

“And what is that?” Spike asked backing off when Twilight had calmed.

“Applejack-” Twilight paused when Applejack told her to tell nopony… but how can she keep quiet about the possibility Applejack is suspected of witchcraft?

Witchcraft in Equestria sounds silly considering everypony uses a form of magic. But witchcraft is different, voodoo, curses, necromancy, and dark magic, their all forms of witchcraft.

And that’s considered highly illegal in Equestria!

But would she risk the word getting out? Would she throw her friend under the bus? No, that’s the act of a coward and a traitor, a disgrace to friendship.

But how does she go on about this, what if Applejack is working up a curse right now to silence her for daring to-

She felt a tap on her shoulder and screamed loudly before realizing it was Spike.

“Uh, Twi? Your kind of scaring me, what did you see that made you this scared?” Spike asked.

“I…can’t tell you…not yet anyways…” Twilight said.

“Why?” Spike asked.

“I just… I need time to sort this out before I make any rash judgments,” Twilight said.

“Ok, well I got your list of intel on Fluttershy and Rarity,” Spike handed it to her.

“Good, I will write to my sources about this new info, maybe that will get my mind off of this,” Twilight said, worrying about her future discussion with Applejack.

“Yeah, we both need some time,” Spike said.





Fluttershy trotted into town, after her conversation with Spike she felt she needed somepony to talk to.

If her assumption was right, everypony in their group was interviewed, so perhaps if she approached Pinkie on this, she will somehow know what was asked of her other friends.

She’s strange like that, and now she knows why.

As she passed Twilight’s castle and approached sugarcube corner she saw a sight she rarely saw.

Granny Smith trotting through ponyville.

She doesn’t think of her as a shut-in but she is rarely seen outside of the farmhouse.

Curiously she approached the old mare.

“Mrs Smith!” Fluttershy called loudly enough since she knows she can’t hear her soft tone.

“Huh? Oh, Fluttershy! How goes things young’n?” Granny said.

“Things are going alright, what brings you out here, not that that’s a problem,” Fluttershy said.

“Oh it’s that darn Twilight Sparkle, she went an’ caused mah grandaughter Applejack distress, so ah’m gonna give her a stern talkin too,” Granny said.

“Oh dear, what did she do?” Fluttershy asked.

“Well ah mean no offense but that ain’t your business, Applejack had a scare and Twilight is the cause of it, long an short of it.” Granny said before hobbling towards the castle.

“Oh, I hope nothing bad happens,” Fluttershy said before hurrying off to sugarcube corner.

When she entered she found Pinkie sitting at a booth eating an obscenly large sundae, when she saw her Pinkie waved Fluttershy over.

“Hello Pinkie,” Fluttershy said as she trotted over to her.

“Hi Shy! What brings you in today?” Pinkie said.

“I just needed somepony to share some thoughts with, I assume you have been questioned too?” Fluttershy asked.

“By Twi yeah,” Pinkie nodded.

“Yeah, how much did you tell them about yourself?” Fluttershy asked.

“Only the stuff I am allowed to tell,” Pinkie said “But that’s not your main concern is it?” Pinkie said knowingly.

“Indeed… Twilight seems to have done something to anger Granny Smith, she’s heading over there now to scold her,” Fluttershy said.

“I see, I hope things go well too, so, you want a crystal brownie? I can whip one up quickly,” Pinkie asked.

“A normal brownie will do,” Fluttershy said.





A loud repetitive knocking alerted Twilight as she was writing info down on scrolls.

“Spike, could you get that please?” Twilight said.

“Ok,” Spike said running to the door even as the knocks continued.

“I’m coming!” Spike groaned in exasperation.

He opened the door and had to dodge a walking stick, looking at the offender he saw Granny Smith.

“Hmm?” Granny focused and due to her blurry eyesight she saw Spike's purple as Twilight’s purple.

“You rotten little whippersnapper! How dare ya make mah daughter cry like that!” Granny said hitting Spike a few times with her walking stick.

“OW! IT’S ME, OW! SPIKE!” Spike shouted.

“What? Why didn’t ya say so?” Granny said. Trotting past Spike.

“Apology accepted…” Spike said bitterly.

“Where is she? Where’s that snooping princess?!” Granny said trotting into a hall.

“Twilight’s this way, I show you just don’t get violent please?” Spike said rubbing his head.

“Alright, let’s get goin, c’mon git,” Granny said hobbling after Spike who lead her to the library portion of the castle.

Eventually, the two made it and Spike showed Granny Smith in.

“Twilight! Ah need a word with ya!” Granny called.

“Huh? Oh…” Twilight said dreading the conversation already.

“Sorry Twilight, she wouldn’t have left if I didn’t bring her in here,” Spike said.

“Understood…” Twilight sighed and she walked over to Granny Smith.

“Look Granny Smith, I’m very sorry for intruding on…” Twilight glanced at Spike “That room, I thought Applejack was down there, and I-”

THWACK

“OW!” Twilight rubbed her head where a cane whacked her.

“Ah don’t care if yer a princess or not, if ya hurt mah kin ah give it to ya straight, AJ came runnin panicked about what ya saw!” Granny said.

“I said sorry,” Twilight said upset, even with her alicorn status the wrath of Granny Smith is leaving her feeling like a scolded puppy.

“She was scared that ya may have thought the worst of her, that yer assuming things, ah’m here ta say you better not judge AJ fer anythin if yer half the princess of friendship ya claim to be,” Granny said ignoring Twilight’s defense.

“I understand but… witchcraft is a high offense in-”

THWACK

“OW!” Twilight rubbed the sore spot on her head, “Stop doing that please!” Twilight asked.

“Ah’ll do it as many times as it takes ta get the message across, it ain’t witchcraft nor is it yer business, and before ya ask, ah ain’t tellin ya what it was ya saw, even the Apple family has secrets they’d rather not be exposed, so next time ya see AJ, treat her as ya always do and ask nothin about what ya saw, got it!?” Granny said firmly.

“Ok!” Twilight said, nervously. 

“Ah ask again, do ya remember what ya saw?” Granny said

“Yeah?” Twilight said

“No ya don’t,” Granny said before trotting out. “Now where was that door?...” Granny mumbled.

“Uh, I’ll help,” Spike said hurrying to help her out the door, when the two left Twilight just sighed discontentedly and returned to her desk.

She knew this was coming but Granny seemed pretty determined to get the message across.

A part of her wished it had been Big Mac, at least he’d only use words to get his point across.

With another sigh, she resumed her work.





RD flew down to Sweet Apple Acres and saw Applejack bucking a tree rather aggressively.

“Hey AJ! Just thought I’d come by and get my daily taste of that fresh cider,” RD said.

“In the barn,” Applejack said before bucking the tree again,

“Ok… uh AJ, I’m pretty sure that tree is empty by now,” RD said

“Ah know!” AJ said with a snort.

“AJ stop!” Rainbow darted over and pulled Applejack away from the tree.

“What do ya need?!” Applejack said.

“What’s with you right now? You trying to break a hoof?” RD said.

Applejack sat down and sighed loudly “No, just upset right now…”

“I could tell, want to talk about it?” RD asked.

“Ah suppose, Twilight stumbled across somethin she shouldn’t have and ah am worried she’ll tell somepony,” Applejack said.

“Don’t you think that’ if it meant that much to you she’d take it with her to the grave,” RD said

“Ah hope, look can ah be straight with ya?” Applejack said.

“Shoot,” RD said.

“Ah don’t think ah can tell ya what ah am, ah’m too ashamed,” Applejack said.

“What’s there to be ashamed about, I’m a blood-sucking bane of the night, and i’ve pretty much learned to own it,” RD said.

“Mine is different…” Applejacks said.

“I won’t ask how but if it's something our group can help with, I'd almost suggest you just trust us with it so we could help you through it," Rainbow said.

"It's hard fer me, ah hope you understand but I don't think I can tell any of you yet," Applejack said "and if Twilight blabs and the whole town finds out, ah could be in real trouble…" Applejack said

"Well then tell us when you're ready," RD said hugging Applejack.

"Thanks for hearin me out RD," Applejack said.

"No prob, now how about that cider? I need my daily buzz." RD said.

"Right this way," Applejack said leading RD to the loot.





Fluttershy and Pinkie trotted outside together.

“Thanks for hearing me out Pinkie, I hope things work out for you,” Fluttershy said.

“No prob Shy! Have a good day!” Pinkie said waving Fluttershy off before trotting back into Sugarcube Corner and reappearing in her room.

Gummy stared at Pinkie as she entered.

“Woo hoo! Ever since I revealed my secrets things have been good! No more withholding info, no more acting aloof, no more holding things back!” Pinkie cheered hopping onto her bed.

Gummy blinked.

“And everypony should know I can understand you and I’m not totally crazy!” Pinkie said.

Gummy tilted his head.

“Well obviously I didn’t reveal that I was telepathic back then because even for me that would be crazy, right?” Pinkie said.

Gummy licked his eyeball.

“Indeed, now… I wonder what else will happen now that the group secrets are out?...” Pinkie said

Gummy rolled onto his back.

“Correct, I won’t take this mystery lying down! I’ll go talk to Twilight and ask if she got any intel out of Applejack!” Pinkie said jumping out the window.

As she neared the ground she stopped midair and trotted to ground level.

“To Twilight’s house!” Pinkie said galloping off.
> Approaching Applejack.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight sent the last message via dragon fire and sat down.

“And that should do it!” Spike turned to Twilight and saw her despondent expression.  “Cheer up Twilight! We contributed a lot to research today!” 

“At what cost, though?...” Twilight said.

“What do you mean?” Spike asked.

“Applejack must hate me right now… I saw…something I shouldn’t have,” Twilight admitted.

“Oh, that witchcraft thing you were talking about with Granny Smith?” Spike said.

“I don’t want to lessen her trust in me any further, so let’s just say Applejack might be in trouble if anypony else found out,” Twilight said.

“Is it really bad?” Spike asked.

“No, yes… I can’t say for sure. Witchcraft is an affront to Equestrian magic, punishable by jail time for an extended period,” Twilight said.

“Wow, I guess Celestia shouldn’t know about this then,” Spike said.

“Agreed,” Twilight said, before hearing knocking noises downstairs.

“Hmm? Oh please tell me that’s not Granny Smith again.” Twilight sighed as she trotted down the halls, Spike following close behind her.

Twilight opened the door and saw nothing.

“Huh? Could have sworn I heard knocking out-” Twilight shut the door and was blindsided by Pinkie.

“AH!” Twilight and Spike cried as Pinkie hugged her.

“Gotcha!” Pinkie said.

“Pinkie!?” Twilight managed to wiggle out of her grip.

“Hiya Twilight!” Pinkie cheered.

“Pinkie? What are you doing here?” Spike asked.

“You two have questioned all of us, so I was hoping to know if you got any idea what’s going on with Applejack,” Pinkie asked.

Twilight seemed to falter at this and wondered if telling her was a good idea? But then a thought struck Twilight… Pinkie is many centuries old… then shouldn’t she know a thing or two? At least have any proof that the Apple Family was communing with dark forces or practicing dark magic?...

What should she do?...

“Twi?” Pinkie asked.

“Huh?” Twilight asked.

“You're thinking a bit too long, that means you're thinking hard about something you don't want to talk about due to a promise made to a friend, right?” Pinkie asked.

“Uuh… how’d you know?” Twilight asked.

“Call it experience,” Pinkie said.

“Well, follow me. I’ll explain in the library. Spike, you can have the rest of the day off because this may get serious.” Twilight said.

“Thanks, Twilight!” Spike said before running off to his room. 

“Follow me.” Twilight led Pinkie up to the library section of the castle and opened the door, only to find Pinkie was already there, waiting for her.

Not even surprised, Twilight sat down next to her.

“So? What happened?” Pinkie asked.

“I…I can’t say. Applejack wouldn’t appreciate me doing so,” Twilight said “What I do know is that if I’m right, Applejack could be in a lot of trouble.” 

“Oh, is it really that bad?” Pinkie asked.

“...it is. I don’t know what to do,” Twilight said.

“Tell me, Twilight. Do you trust Applejack?” Pinkie asked.

“Of course!... well, I don’t know anymore, I’m scared,” Twilight said.

“Then meet with her and clear the air,” Pinkie said.

“Pinkie, how can I even face her right now? She’s suspected of witchcraft! What if she’s working on a curse right now? I could wake up tomorrow without my sight! Or I could lose my magic! Or- or-” Twilight was hyperventilating at the idea, but Pinkie smacked her and looked her in the eye.

“Twilight! You need to calm down! Applejack would never do that, and the fact you’d suspect that of her is unfair to her,” Pinkie said.

“Pinkie-” Twilight tried to ask but Pinkie smacked her again.

“And that was for thinking that she’s a witch,” Pinkie said then smacked her again.

“And that was because of a third reason I haven’t thought of yet!” Pinkie sat down. “Do we need a fourth?”

“Ok! Ok! Applejack deserves the benefit of the doubt, but can you at least come with me?” Twilight asked.

“You still doubt her?” Pinkie asked.

“Nonono. I just, feel this coming conversation could use a third party,” Twilight said.

Pinkie liked the idea of parties but she had to be steadfast here.

“Sorry, Twilight. You need to face your fears. Now, I shall vanish in a very ninja-like way,” Pinkie said, and before Twilight could stop her she threw a smoke bomb and vanished.

Twilight coughed and waved the smoke out of her face.

“Well great…” Twilight sighed.





Twilight trotted to Sweet Apple Acres, worried that Applejack was still mad at her for trespassing on what could only be her coven area.

“Maybe she’s not a witch, maybe she’s… something else…” Twilight said, remembering the scratch marks in the jail cell.

“But… what then? Nevermind, I need to approach AJ and see if she’s still mad…” Twilight sighed entering Sweet Apple Acres.

Twilight trotted around and this time steered clear of any suspicious doors.

She looked around until she saw Big Mac and she flew over to him.

“Hey Big Mac, can I ask you a question?” Twilight asked.

“Eeyup?” Mac replied politely.

“I’m looking for Applejack. Do you know where she is?” Twilight asked, she noticed Big Mac narrowing his eyes.

“Any particular reason?” Big Mac asked.

“I…wanted to apologize… I assume you know why?” Twilight asked.

“Ah do. She’s in the barn with RD but don’t make AJ feel bad about nothin. Got it?” Big Mac said.

“O-ok,” Twilight trotted away nervously, traveling along the dirt path to the barn where she heard conversation inside.

Taking a deep breath, she opened the door with her magic.

“Applejack? Rainbow Dash? Are you-” Twilight paused when she saw Applejack snoring on the ground and Rainbow was sitting next to her drinking some hard cider.

“Ah, that’s the stuff. Oh, hey egghead!” Rainbow Dash said getting up.

“Hey Rainbow Dash… Uh, why is Applejack passed out?” Twilight asked.

“She was still a bit upset so I hypnotized her to fall asleep so she could nap off the stress,” Rainbow said “And a little bit because then I could raid the hard cider stash,” she admitted sheepishly. 

“Ah, I do remember you saying you could do that…” Twilight paused before getting an idea.

“That’s your Egghead Has An Idea expression. What’re you planning?” Rainbow asked.

“Can I ask you a favor?” Twilight said.





“Mrrgh… what all tha racket out there about…?” Applejack grumbled as she woke up.

“Hello, Applejack,” Twilight said.

“TWI?!” Applejack sprang up. “What the hay are you doin here?” 

“Can’t I visit a friend?” Twilight said.

“There… ain’t anything wrong it’s just that you…” Applejack coughed into her hoof “You trotted in where you weren’t supposed to go. That isn’t something ah can just drop so easily. What am ah supposed to tell-”

“I don’t remember any of it,” Twilight stated.

“Huh? Twilight ah appreciate your earnestness but-”

“No, Applejack. I literally can’t remember what I saw down there,” Twilight said with a smile.

“Huh? Yer not playing with me right now are ya?” Applejack said rather cautiously.

“No she isn’t!” Rainbow flipped down from the ceiling in her vampony form.

“Huh?” 

“Because she had me hypnotize her to forget what she saw,” Rainbow said.

“That’s right,” Twilight said.

“Wait… so you're saying, Twilight really doesn’t remember what she found in the basement?” Applejack said.

“Nope.”  Twilight shook her head.  “Thanks to RD reminding me of her hypnosis ability I figured a way to keep everything tight lipped. I chose to forget what I saw so you can stop worrying.”

“Twi… ah don’t know what to say. Thank you,” Applejack said.

“Whatever it was it was probably bad but I never considered telling Celestia about it,” Twilight said.   
 
“Ya didn’t? Ah appreciate it Twi.” Applejack gave Twilight a hug.

“You really don’t want anypony to know, do you?” Twilight asked once they had all settled down with some regular ciders.

“No… What ah am, is something that’s best left a secret,” Applejack said.

“C’mon, what’s so terrible about it?” Rainbow asked.

“Ah’ll say this much. Ah’ve hurt ponies, even killed some. That’s why you must never, and ah can’t stress it enough never enter the basement at night, or ah may accidentally add more burden to mah conscience   

Both mares were silent.

“Don’t treat me like a freak. Ah really need mah friends to be on mah side fer this,” Applejack asked tearfully.

Rainbow Dash and Twilight hugged her and Applejack hugged them back.

“Don’t worry, AJ. We aren’t going anywhere,” Rainbow said.

“Yeah, we’ll help you through this,” Twilight said.

“Thank you both,” Applejack said.





Pinkie watched from a tree branch with a pair of binoculars.

“Good work, Twilight! I knew you could do it,” Pinkie said before hopping down.

“Welp viewers I hope you enjoyed this short but well-thought-out chapter, be sure to leave your ideas in the comment section and comment alot! This story needs ideas good ideas and you people are the ideal makers! So have a great day! Byyyyyyyeeee!” Pinkie said before jumping into a bush.
> Growing concerns
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Inside a mountain, there laid a dragon, a big one.

The dragon snored loudly as he slept, this dragons name is Magma, and for almost a thousand years he’s guarded his horde from other dragons.

His experience is shown through the multiple scars and scratches from encounters with other dragons.

He woke up with a big yawn and he glanced about, he was hungry so he began to search for food.

And then he spotted something he never expected, a pony.

He was wearing a cloak that obscured his appearance, but he was big and stocky, strong looking too, with black fur.

“What is your business at my nest pony?” The dragon growled.

A dragons growl would be the intimidating factor for any pony, knowing their one breath away from being a charred corpse, but this pony was unafraid.

“I come for a piece of your horde, that is all,” The pony said in a deep voice.

The dragon raised a brow and then laughed “You come to steal from a dragon and say so to their face? Are you brave or just looking for death?” Magma asked.

“I seek a glowing gem known as the stone of arkah, hand it over and I will not hurt you,” The pony demanded.

The dragon laughed louder before getting up. 

“Truly I’ve never met a pony this gutsy, you hurt me? What will you do?” Magma asked mockingly.

“I’ll break your arm and then damage your throat so you cannot breathe fire again,” The pony said.

Magma frowned “You draw my ire pony, to threaten me? I am five times your size,” 

“So?” 

“Well, I was looking for food anyways, I suppose cooked pony wouldn’t hurt,” Magma shrugged before approaching.

“Your making a mistake,” The pony said.

“Die,” The dragon breathed a gout of fire on the pony. The flame continued to burst forth for several minutes before ending… and the pony was unharmed.

“What?!” The dragon said in disbelief.

“Last chance, move,” The pony threatened.

“Never! I don’t know how you survived my fire but I’ll never let you have my horde!” Magma roared and lunged forward at the pony.

“You were warned,” The pony sighed.





Twilight walked through Ponyville, after having cleared the air with Applejack Twilight felt it was a good idea to continue her daily tasks now that there were no interruptions.

Well, there wasn’t until she bumped into Rarity.

“Oh sorry Rarity, I-” Twilight gasped when she saw Rarity’s horn flicker from white to black.

“Sorry dearie but do you know Spike's location? It is urgent!” Rarity pleaded.

“Last I checked he was at the Castle, but what is happening with your…” Twilight glanced around “Disguise?” She asked quietly.

“It is terrible! Without Spike being around me as of late my power is fading!” Rarity panicked.

“But it hasn’t even been a day,” Twilight said.

“It doesn’t matter, his love was so potent I could draw on it from a distance, and now that it’s gone dull I may be running a tad low, I gave most of my love magic to Sweetie Belle since she has school today, my precious schedule revolves around that bottomless love and now that it is fading our identities will inevitably be revealed,” Rarity panicked.

“Calm down Rarity, he’s just hurt right now, and frankly he has a right to be since you basically told him you were just stringing him along and using his love for sustenance,” Twilight Told Rarity while trotting towards the castle.

“I understand but what am I to do about it? I already apologized to the dear, perhaps offering him a huge horde of gems will get him to forgive me?” Rarity wondered.

“Rarity! Are you planning on bribing Spike into loving you again just to get love for yourself?” Twilight whispered harshly.

“No no… You don’t understand Twilight, without his potent love, me and Sweetie Belle will be revealed, then who knows what will happen?” Rarity said.

“You're going to apologize and mean it Rarity, if Spike wants to forgive you it’s because you’ve earned it,” Twilight firmly said before the two arrived at the castle.

Rarity's disguise flickered a few more times along the way and she stuck to Twilight's side to avoid being noticed.

“Ok ok! Just get me inside before somepony notices!” Rarity pleaded.

“Alright,” Twilight ushered Rarity inside and Rarity dropped her disguise and fell on her haunches panting.

“Hah…hah….hah, it is quite difficult to maintain a disguise on low love,” Rarity admitted.

“You need to find more ways to sustain yourself than just Spike, perhaps get a colt friend?” Twilight offered.

“No, too risky, once they find out there they go… it’s happened before,” Rarity said.

“Then find a way Rarity, Spike shouldn’t have to feel used,” Twilight said.

“I know…” Rarity said.

“Then talk to him, but from now on, don’t solely rely on Spike’s love for you,” Twilight said.

“Ok,” Rarity buzzed her wings and flew up the stairs and traveled up to Spike’s room.

“Alright, where is he?.... Ah!” Rarity spotted a room with a few stickers and decor befitting a young boy.

She approached the door and prepared to jump in and…. Suddenly Twilight's advice to be more sincere with Spike flashed in her mind and she coughed into her hoof and knocked on the door.

“Coming,” Spike's tired voice said and he opened the door and saw a changeling in front of him.

“Hello there-”

“Changeling!” Spike tried to slam the door but she stopped it.

“Spike! It’s me remember!?” Rarity cried.

“Oh, sorry Rarity, I keep forgetting,” Spike said opening the door again. 
 
“How on Equus?” She raised a brow.

“No offense but most of you changelings look similar,” Spike honestly said.

Rarity huffed “Well! I-” She was about to scold him for that but then she remembered why she was there.
“I’ll let that slide, Spike I am here to talk,” Rarity said.

“Need more love from me?” Spike said looking sad.

“Nono….yes, but I am also hoping to clear the air between us,” Rarity said trotting into his room.

“What’s there to clear, you’ll keep stringing me along and you get all the love you want,” Spike said with a small sense of bitterness.

Rarity winced “That…It is understandable that you are still hurting over that, but you must know that-”

“You did it for you and Sweetie Belle, I know,” Spike said.

“Darling…” Rarity felt sad that nothing she was saying was comforting him.

“I understand, I still care for you Rarity it’s just, I need time before I can do so like before,” Spike said.

“But Spike, without your potent love-” Rarity caught herself “Look, ask what you wish of me, just please give me another chance,” Rarity asked.

“...A date,” Spike suddenly said.

“Come again?” Rarity said having not heard him.

“I want to go on a date to see if you really mean it when you are trying to say that you truly care about me instead of what I can offer,” Spike said.

“Spike, I would love to…but… your so young,” Rarity said.

“It’s either a date or nothing,” Spike said with his arms crossed.

“Ok, darling, I won’t make it as though I don’t want to spend time with you, I’ll simply need to find an open date on my work schedule and we’ll be off.” Rarity said assuredly.

“Ok,” Spike said.

Rarity nodded and got up.

“May I…take a little, just as energy for the rest of the day?” Rarity asked.

“Alright,” Spike said.

Rarity drew some love energy from Spike, not enough to hurt him but enough to satisfy her.

“Thank you darling, I suppose I’d best leave you to your day,” Rarity said taking her leave.

“Bye Rares,” Spike said 

Rarity exited the room and nearly ran into Twilight.

“Oh, hello,” Rarity sheepishly said.

“You and Spike are going on a date, right?”

“That was the request, yes,” Rarity said

“Don’t break his heart Rarity, that’s all I ask,” Twilight said.

“I understand darling, I should be going now,” Rarity put up her disguise and trotted away.

As Rarity left, she couldn’t help but remember what she sensed back there.

Spike’s love was still dwindling…





Pinkie bounced through the bakery, she hoofed the plate of muffins to Derpy and used her tail to knock a plate of cupcakes onto another table without any of them falling over.

The ponies cheered as Pinkie delivered their desserts.

She had a sundae in hoof and bounced repeatedly without spilling it, somehow.

As she approached the table and was about to set it… suddenly she stiffened.

“Huh?...” Pinkie turned away inadvertently keeping the sundae away from the colt who tried to snatch it.

“Hey!” The colt said.

“I only felt this… a long time ago…” Pinkie’s tail twitched rapidly before deflating.

“He’s coming,” Pinkie whispered.

“Pardon me Mrs, Pinkie, but you still have my sons-” Pinkie darted away leaving the sundae to spill over the table.

“MY SUNDAE!” The colt whined.

“Pinkie! Get back here!” Mr. Cake called after Pinkie.

“Emergency! Gotta go!” Pinkie said before darting out the door.

“Ugh…” Mr. Cake sighed before turning to see an irate mare and her crying son.

“Uhh, I’ll make you a new one, be right back!” Mr. Cake galloped to the backroom.




 
The forest around the cave was burnt up and trees were smashed, a boulder was split and there were craters in the ground.

And laying in one of the craters with blood pouring down his face and his arm twisted at an odd angle was Magma, twitching in pain.

“Ugh….gah….” Magma wheezed.

The pony looks like he had a minor injury and his hood is damaged but is otherwise unhurt, dusted himself off.

“This could have been avoided,” He said.

“What are you?... there’s no way you're a pony!” Magma said struggling to get up without using his broken arm, but he fell back down. 

“I am a pony, however, I owe this power I possess to my master and my parents, if you’d had stood aside I wouldn’t have had to injure you so much,” The pony said trotting into the cave and exiting with a glowing yellow gem.

“Give that back! It’s mine!” Magma bellowed.

“It never belonged to you, you came across it by chance,” The pony trotted towards the edge of the forest.

The dragon managed to stand again and he began charging.

“I won’t let you leave with my favorite gem!” The dragon lunged.

“Oh, that reminds me,” The pony sidestepped his lunge and darted forward faster than he could react.

“...I did promise to damage your throat didn’t I?” he punched the dragon right in his throat with enough force to launch him against a tree.

The dragon coughed blood and writhed on the ground giving choking noises and holding his neck.

“The blow isn’t lethal, but I just ruptured the organ in your throat that produces protective mucus so you don’t burn your throat, you’ll never breathe fire again, not without damaging your throat, use this as a lesson to not take any prey lightly, good day,” The pony trotted away.

After leaving the injured dragon behind he pulled out a pendant and uttered a few quiet words.

The pendant gained an eye.

“Have you succeeded?” A female voice asked.

“Encountered a hostile, minor injury, but I have it,” The pony said.

“Good work, now get back here, Lord Vel misses you already,” 

“You know he’s just eager to hoof me my next assignment,” He sighed.

“I know, but I like to think he misses you, goodbye for now,” The female voice said.

“Goodbye Mother,” The stallion said before the eye on the pendant closed.

“Master Arma will be pleased to hear we have the first sigil, perhaps he’ll even let me see my sister this time,” The stallion hoped.
> Plagued
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight had trotted back into her library and grabbed a history book to read, wanting some peace and quiet after the recent chaos that had been her life.

While reading Twilight had a thought, Pinkie is centuries old, maybe she can tell what’s historically accurate and what isn’t!

“That could make for decent research, it could also clear up a lot of hearsay! Alright, tomorrow I’ll ask Pinkie for a new series of tests, and-” Twilight was cut off when Spike ran into the room.

“Twilight!” Spike called.

‘Can’t I just have at least an hour of peace?’ Twilight thought. “Yes, Spike? What’s wrong?” Twilight asked.

“I got an emergency call from Celestia,” Spike handed her a note.

It had a special seal, only used when there was a problem that needs her attention.

“Thanks, Spike,” Twilight said, before opening the letter.

Dear Twilight,

Forgive the informal greeting but this is urgent, we need your attention. An unknown malady has appeared in a town just east of Ponyville call Horseshoe Hills, I am requesting you meet with General Colton outside the quarantine zone to learn more. 

I shall meet you there, bring your friends.

More bad news you should know…

Luna has fallen ill with this mysterious sickness as well, and I fear the worst, come as soon as possible.

Love Celestia-

“What’s it say Twilight?” Spike asked.

“An unknown disease is spreading, Spike, I need you to gather the girls,” Twilight asked urgently.

“Can…I tag along?” Spike asked.

“I’m sorry Spike, but this sounds really dangerous, It would be best if you stayed behind,” Twilight said.

“Oh…. Ok,” Spike said, Twilight saw his sadness and hugged him.

“It’s for your protection, if it were anything other than a virus, I would consider it,” Twilight said.

Spike smiled a little “Just be careful,” Spike said before running off… only to be sent flying by the door when Pinkie and the others came bursting through.

“Whoa!” Spike was caught mid-air by Twilight and set down.

“Are you alright?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah,”

“HE’S HERE!” Pinkie yelled going into her skeletal form.

“Pinkie, what are all of you doing here? How did you know I was sending Spike to look for you?” Twilight asked.

“Pinkie just ran into each of our houses and dragged us out,” Rainbow Dash said “She’s lucky I just finished my sunscreen soak,”

“Ah hope Big Mac’s ok taking care of things till I get back, that seems to be getting more common lately,” Applejack said with a bemused expression.

“I hadn’t finished giving myself a hooficure thank you Pinkie,” Rarity said sounding annoyed.

“Girls, I’m serious right now,” Pinkie said sounding grim.

This caught the group's attention, they don’t usually hear Pinkie sound like this.

“I assume you already know what’s going on,” Twilight asked.

“Yes,” Pinkie said “Celestia knows by now too, and I’m gathering you all here right now to tell you, leave it to me,” Pinkie said.

“Huh?” The group said.

“Pinkie what do you mean?” Twilight asked.

“I know what’s causing this, and if any of you are too close to it, you could fall ill too,” Pinkie said.

“Now hold on, you can’t tell me to stand by and let a friend take care of a big problem by themselves,” Rainbow Dash said.

“Yeah, you forget Pinkie, we’re not regular ponies,” Rarity said revealing her changeling form.

“Girls I’m serious, this is too big for even you girls,” Pinkie said seriously.

“What?” Rainbow said indignantly.

“Just trust me and stay behind,” Pinkie said, and before anypony could stop her she de-materialized before their eyes, vanishing completely.

“Whoa!” Applejack exclaimed, seeing this.

“Whatever this is had Pinkie quite worried, you don’t think it has something to do with her past do you? Rarity asked.

“We can’t just leave her to handle this alone,” Applejack said recovering from her shock.

“Pinkie seemed pretty adamant,” Twilight said.

“I’m not sitting on the sidelines while Pinkie goes and faces…. What are we up against again?” RD said realizing she doesn’t even know what the situation is.

“A town called Horseshoe Hills is experiencing a plague,” Twilight clarified.

“Then Pinkie needs our help no matter what she says,” RD said.

“Then we have to get moving,” Fluttershy said.

The group got packed up with Spike's help and they galloped for the train.

“Bye Twilight! Be careful!” Spike called from the front door.

“Thanks Spike!” Twilight called back.





The group got on the train and they anxiously stayed silent through most of the trip, thankfully Horseshoe Hills isn’t too far away from Ponyville.

But that also creates worry for Twilight because if the disease escapes, Ponyville could be its next target.

“Can ah see the letter Twilight, I want to know what we’re up against this time,” Applejack asked.

“Ok,” Twilight hoofed it to Applejack and the others leaned over her shoulder to read it too.

“The letter also said Luna was a victim of this plague, let’s hope she’s okay,” Twilight said.

“Oh dear,” Rarity said.

“Then we gotta hurry!” Rainbow said.





The group arrived at Horseshoe Junction and galloped out, it wasn’t long before they a barrier surrounding a town, roughly as big as Ponyville.

Ponies in hazmat suits were trotting around performing various tasks.

“What happened here?” Twilight said before spotting Pinkie over by the barrier.

“Pinkie!” Twilight called and the group ran over to her.

“Huh? Girls?” Pinkie said turning away from the ponies she was arguing with.

“We’re here, where is Celestia?” Twilight asked.

“A better question is why are you all here, I told you to stay in Ponyville!” Pinkie yelled.

Twilight was taken aback, she’d never heard Pinkie yell in frustration.

“Pinkie, we can’t do that, This requires all of our attention!” Twilight said back.

“I’ll be fine, go home!” Pinkie said turning around again.

“No!” RD said jumping in front of her.

“Rainbow Dash out of the way,” Pinkie said.

“Your our friend Pinkie, what you face we face,” Rainbow said.

Pinkie seemed concerned now “Girls, I don’t want you to get hurt, I can handle this, seriously,” Pinkie tried to reason.

“Pinkie, Celestia asked fer us all, she’d take no as well as we would,” Applejack said.

“Girls…” Pinkie said looking conflicted.

“Trust us Pinkie, we’ll be okay,” Twilight said.

“...Ok, but you listen to what I say, I know this situation,” Pinkie said trotting towards a tent.

“Alright,” Twilight and the others said.

“Put on hazmat suits,” Pinkie said.

“But dearie they're not even-” Rarity was about to complain but Pinkie gave her a firm look that put an end to any complaints.

The group put on their individual hazmat suits and followed Pinkie into the tent.

Upon entering they saw something that made them unsettled.

Luna was lying amidst a series of doctors, she was green with red eyes and breathing in deep raspy wheezes, she looked skinny too, very weak.

“Goodness,” Rarity said taking a step back.

“Ah’m gonna be sick,” Applejack said silently.

“What’s happened to her?” Twilight asked.

“We are trying to find that out,” Celestia said approaching from the left with a hazmat of her own on.

“Celestia, how did Luna end up like this?” Twilight asked.

Celestia was hesitant to answer “A pony tried to escape before the barrier was put up and Luna had to force him back in herself, that is undoubtedly how she got infected.” Celestia said.

“Any…casualties?” Twilight said hoping there wasn’t.

“None that I know, this disease seems to be more intent on causing suffering than death,” Celestia said “I think it would be best if we- Pinkie? Pinkie! What are you doing?!” Celestia exclaimed and the group turned to see Pinkie had removed her helmet and appeared to be sniffing Luna.

“I knew it…” Pinkie said.

“Guards! Quarantine her!” Celestia commanded.

“Wait! I know what’s causing this, I won’t be affected,” Pinkie said.

“I am sorry Pinkie but we cannot allow you to leave now that you’ve deliberately exposed yourself, what were you thinking?!” Celestia said  

“I won't be affected, you have to believe me this was the only way to confirm the origin,” Pinkie said dodging a guard.

“Wait!” Twilight said getting in front of Pinkie and blocking the guards.

“Twilight get out of the way,” Celestia said.

“I…” Twilight knew why Pinkie wouldn’t be affected but she knew she couldn’t tell Celestia.

“I need to go in!” Pinkie hopped over Twilight and dashed past the group.

“Pinkie! Wait!” Celestia cried and tried to chase her down, the group followed closely behind.

They saw Pinkie run past the guards and she paused in front of the barrier before taking a breath and giving a sonic scream which blew a hole in the barrier.

“Pinkie?!” Celestia exclaimed surprised by her scream attack.

“Crap! We gotta do something!” Twilight said as Pinkie ran into the hole as it was closing.

“Rainbow Dash! Get me in there!” Twilight commanded.

“On it!” Rainbow grabbed Twilight and sped off into the hole as well.

“TWILIGHT, RAINBOW DASH, NO!” Celestia cried having not been able to grab them with her magic in time. 

The other mares tried to follow suit but Celestia trapped them in a barrier.

“I am not letting any more ponies risk their lives! I intended for you all to go in and discover the nature of the illness together after preparation, now everything is in chaos, let us just hope they can fix this without succumbing to sickness as well,” Celestia grimly before releasing them. 





Twilight and Rainbow crashed on the ground and got up quickly to survey their surroundings.

“Pinkie! Where are you?” Twilight called.

“Whoa…” Rainbow said looking around at the town.

Houses were boarded up and the few ponies that were still around were lying on the ground in a similar state to Luna, moaning and groaning.

“W-we’re alright, right?” Rainbow asked.

“With the suits on, yes, come on,” Twilight and Rainbow ran around looking.

As they looked they knocked on some houses but there were no responses.

Twilight checked down an alleyway but only saw nothing.

“She has to be somewhere,” Twilight said.

Rainbow Dash galloped around and saw more suffering ponies.

“What happened here?” Rainbow said before pausing when she heard groaning and turned to see a stallion lying facedown on a table outside a restaurant.

When he spotted Rainbow he reached out.

“...H-Help…” He fell to the ground.

“Yeesh, this place gives me the creeps,” Rainbow said before moving on, only to feel a hoof grab hers.

“AH!” Rainbow jumped away and saw it was the stallion from before, and unfortunately, when she stumbled back she cut her hazmat on a rock.

“Oh no…” Rainbow said.





Twilight ran down the road and saw a figure ahead.

“Pinkie?” Twilight said, when she got closer she saw it was Pinkie and she was fine despite not wearing any suit.

“Huh? Twilight? What the hay are you doing in the infection zone?!” Pinkie said approaching Twilight.

“Me and Rainbow followed you in, don’t worry as long as we’re wearing our hazmats we’ll be alright,” Twilight said.

“You girls really need to listen, I know who’s doing this and if he feels like it he’ll strike you down with a terminal illness! You have to leave!” Pinkie said.

“I don’t think I even can!” Twilight said back “Celestia is determined to prevent the infection from escaping,”

“Twilight I-” Pinkie paused when her tail twitched.

“What is it?” Twilight asked.

“Hide, quickly! I need to summon him to convince him to leave!” Pinkie said.

“Who?” Twilight said, Pinkie sighed in frustration and grabbed Twilight before teleporting the both of them behind a building corner.

“Huh?” Twilight exclaimed.

“Stay put…” Pinkie said before disappearing and reappearing back in the road. Before Twilight could react she gave another sonic screech into the distance.

A few seconds passed by and before Twilight could voice her confusion she froze when she saw a hooded humanoid figure standing in front of Pinkie, literally a millisecond after Twilight glanced away briefly.

“Huh?” Twilight leaned in to listen.

Pinkie looked up at the being with a calm but grim expression, then the being spoke with a sickly raspy voice.

“Hhhheeehh… hello Pinkamena Pyrocelsa Pie,” the being said.

“Hello… Pestilence,” Pinkie said with a tone of bitterness.

“Aw…still bitter about” He paused to have a violent coughing fit before resuming “Being fired eh?” Pestilence chuckled with his raspy voice.

Black Ichor dripped from his grinning mouth, filled with rotten teeth, he stared at Pinkie with black eyes.

Twilight shivered as she stared at the being, she’d never seen a creature like him before, she could only assume he was one of the horsemen of the apocalypse Pinkie told her about.

Trotting up beside the being was a sickly white horse.

“Hello Haze…” Pinkie said.

Haze simply nodded, acknowledging the greeting.

“She’s not a speaker as you remember, I like her much better than you, you’d talk my ear off as we brought glorious plague to worlds, I-” Pestilence had another violent coughing fit and spat some black ichor which dissolved the grass it landed on.

“Still as terminally ill as ever, I see,” Pinkie said.

“And crushing it,” Pestilence gave a wheezing laugh “So, are you going to introduce me to your hiding friend?” Pestilence asked glancing at Twilight who yelped and hid again.

“Leave her out of this!” Pinkie said turning into her skeletal form.

“Hhhehhh… even though your power surpasses most mortals in this world, do you really think you could stop me if I went after her?” Pestilence brought out a bow and arrow.

Twilight nervously exited her hiding spot and hid behind a big rock.

“...No… but I’ll fight to the death for her, and for everypony here, Why are you here anyways Pestilence? Why start a plague when the apocalypse is still a long ways off?” Pinkie demanded.

“No thanks to you,” Pestilence growled a little.

“I overslept, answer my question!” Pinkie demanded.

“Truth be told I came around to simply see how my ex-steed is doing. and perhaps to deliver a message,” Pestilence said.

“Then deliver and leave, these ponies will die if you don’t,” Pinkie said seriously.

“Oh they won't die, Nobody is going to die from this. That's his bailiwick, after all. They'll get sick, cough a lot. Maybe pay attention to their doctor when he tells them to lose weight and exercise. And in the end, they'll be immune to it. I'm doing them a favor if anything." As he spoke a pony was struggling to trot by and he hacked and wheezed. “Even though they don’t realize it yet,” Pestilence added.

“And they should suffer until then?” Pinkie demanded.

“Whatever, suffering makes one stronger and when the real apocalypse hits and not that fake one that killjoy is bringing, then I’m gonna hit the world with diseases that’ll knock their horseshoes off!” Pestilence laughed before going into another hacking fit.

“What? Who?” Pinkie asked, curious about this mysterious killjoy. 

“There are dark forces at work Pinkie, and one of your friends is a target,” Pestilence said.

“Who?” Pinkie asked seriously.





Twilight was trying to listen in but they were speaking too silently.

As she thought of going over and introducing herself, she heard wheezing near her.

“Who is it now?” Twilight turned expecting a random pony but then she saw Rainbow Dash hobbling towards her looking a little green around the gills.

“Rainbow!?” Twilight ran up to her.

“Twi… the suit's been breached, I’m infected…” RD said.

“We need the cure now!” Twilight grabbed Rainbow and dragged her to Pinkie.





“And that’s why they shouldn’t know yet, tell them once everything calms a little, the sigils will reveal themselves in due time,” Pestilence said.

“I-...I understand,” Pinkie said.

“Now that that is taken care of, time for me to-” Suddenly he was interrupted when Twilight and RD approached.

“WAIT!” Twilight called.

“Twilight?” Pinkie said before seeing Rainbow's condition.

“Ah, so the princess ceases her cowering behind a rock,” Pestilence gave a wheezing laugh.

“You have to help her, and Luna, they're both sick!” Twilight said.

“You don’t order me,” Pestilence said before getting in her face “My orders come from someone higher than you’ll ever be, that’s it,” Pestilence said 

“Then take it as a request!” Twilight said.

“Why should I? I cause sicknesses, I don’t heal them,” Pestilence said.

“Please,” Twilight said

“Pestilence, at least tell the method of curing this new disease you’ve introduced to this realm, ponies will need it.” Pinkie asked

“Hmmph..… fine, lots of sunlight and vitamin C will make you feel better and treat the symptoms like an infectious cold, don’t forget your medicine, get some magical roots from the forest, symptoms will go by the end of the day.” Pestilence sighed “I swear you mortals never appreciate my work…”

“Thank you,” Twilight said.

“Whatever,” Pestilence said, “I told you what’s needed, now I’ll leave, but this isn’t the last time we’ll meet, princess, trust me,” Pestilence said before climbing aboard Haze and the white horse nodded in acknowledgment of the two before she trotted away.

Almost immediately after he left the greenish fog that hung over the town seemed to fade.

“Ugh… I feel like crap,” RD said.

“Don’t worry Rainbow, we’ll get you help,” Twilight said.





Twilight and Pinkie made their way back, when Celestia saw them she opened the barrier and let them back out, almost immediately they were apprehended and placed in a medical tent.

“This sucks…” Rainbow coughed a few times as she grumbled.

“Don’t worry, if what Pestilence said is true you’ll be better by tomorrow,” Twilight said.

“You two could have been killed,” Pinkie said with a small, concerned frown.

“I’m sorry Pinkie, but we needed to be there just in case,” Twilight said.

“Just be more careful next time,” Pinkie said.

Suddenly Celestia entered the tent, still in her hazmat.

“Twilight, you have been cleared of having any signs of the illness but there will be words later,” Celestia said.

“Yes, Celestia…” Twilight said sadly.

“You may leave,” Celestia said.

“But-” 

‘Now,” Celestia cut her off.

“Ok,” Twilight left the tent.

“Celestia, the problem is fixed now, shouldn’t we all be allowed to leave?” Pinkie asked.

“While it is true you have brought forth the answer to this malady, the method of how you did so and the fact you show no symptoms I admit is suspicious,” Celestia said.

“What do you mean?” Pinkie asked.

“You are hiding something Pinkie, how were you not affected? How did you discover the supposed cure?” Celestia asked.

“Uh…” Pinkie was shocked the conversation took this route, in hindsight maybe she could have been more secretive…

“I am waiting,” Celestia asked.

Pinkie was conflicted, remembering what Pestilence told her, including why nopony should know just yet.

So she decided on a lie.

“I… I’m just that strange apparently,” Pinkie shrugged.

Celestia didn’t look convinced but decided to drop it, for now at least.

“Very well, I will let this go for now, mainly because you saved my sister,” Celestia said before exiting.

“I need to keep an eye on that mare,” Celestia muttered.

“Thanks again Pinkie,” Rainbow said.

“No prob, but next time a horseman comes, please leave it to me, I know them better than you girls,” Pinkie said.

“Ok,” Rainbow said.





Night fell as Twilight and her friends, minus Rainbow who was still sick, were returning to the train and paused at the decontamination area.

“Rainbow Dash will be okay right?” Fluttershy asked.

“According to Celestia, she’s already showing signs of overcoming the sickness, It could be her Vampony genes helping her with that,” Twilight said.

“Ah hope she doesn’t bring the sickness back with her to Ponyville, that’s the last thing ah want is fer AB or anpony else to get sick,” Applejack said.

“Agreed but Celestia won't release her until she’s sure Rainbow is okay,” Twilight said.

“I…overheard Celestia scolding you Twilight, are you okay?” Fluttershy said with concern and nervousness.

“Yeah… she was just worried about me, she told me to never do something like that again,” Twilight said somberly.

Eventually, they exited the decontamination zone and made their way into the train before setting off for home.
> Possible relationship advice
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight trotted downstairs, first thing in the morning.

“Spike, you here?” Twilight asked.

“In the kitchen,” Spike said, Twilight then trotted into the kitchen and saw Spike making breakfast.

“Hey Spike, how are things?” Twilight said sitting down with a book.

“Fine… hey Twilight?” Spike asked.

“Yes Spike?” Twilight responded.

“Do you think me forcing Rarity to go on a date with me was… selfish?” Spike asked.

“Not at all Spike, Rarity owes you for all you’ve done for her, the least she could do is show you some appreciation,” Twilight said.

“Are you sure? I’m starting to wonder if I did the right thing,” Spike said.

“Look Spike, you're unsure about whether Rarity was leading you on or not, and while I hope she isn’t, you should still try to remain friends with her, otherwise who knows what will happen with her,” Twilight said.

“It kinda sounds like you got that off of a book,” Spike chuckled.

“Or maybe I give good advice once and a while,” Twilight chuckled as Spike brought her her cereal and fruit.

“Thanks,” Twilight said before eating some of her breakfast. “Has Rarity confirmed a date she’s open yet?” Twilight asked.

“No,” Spike said.

“Then why don’t you take today to go hang out with Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo? Maybe those three can help you out,” Twilight suggested.

Spike thought about it and decided that those three are good at helping ponies out of trouble as well as getting them into it “You know, maybe I should, thanks Twilight!” Spike said, before running off. 

“And meanwhile I can set up that meeting with Pinkie,” Twilight said eagerly.





When Spike left the castle, he ran past a party being set up by the hyperactive apocalyptic pony Pinkie. She spotted him and smiled before hopping over to him. “Heya Spike, whereya going?” Pinkie asked.

Spike paused hearing the voice of Pinkie and he turned to her, “Oh hey Pinkie,” Spike greeted “I’m just going out to see what Sweetie Belle, Apple Bloom and Scootaloo are doing, maybe see if they could help me with my problem,” Spike said.

“Oooh, a new adventure!” Pinkie cheered.

“What’s going on here? Who’s birthday is it?” Spike asked.

“Oh nopony’s, this is Rainbow’s glad you got better party!” Pinkie said.

“You got a party for everything don’t you Pinkie?” Spike asked

“Yeppers! Now hurry along, everypony needs to get ready,” Pinkie said.

“How do you know she’s coming today?” Spike asked.

“Really?” Pinkie raised a brow.

“Oh yeah…” Spike said feeling like he missed the obvious.

“Hey maybe I can give you a lift!” Pinkie said bringing out her cannon.

“No thank you Pink-” Spike was scooped up and shoved into the cannon and shot out.

“GL SPIKE!” Pinkie cheered.

“PINKIIIIIIIEEEEE!” Spike yelled as he flew across Ponyville.





“Alright, Crusaders! Today’s order of business is kite flying!” Apple Bloom said.

“Haven’t we already done that this week?” Scootaloo asked.

“But not with somepony as tha kite!” Bloom said enthusiastically.

“But neither of us can fly!” Sweetie technically lied.

“Ah know mah way around a kite design, so let’s grab some tools and get buildi-” Apple Bloom was cut off when Spike crashed through the roof of the clubhouse.

“AAAHHH!” The three fillies squealed as Spike laid there.

“Ugh, darn it Pinkie…” Spike said





Twilight flew through Ponyville and spotted the party Pinkie was setting up.

Twilight knew, where there was a party, Pinkie was there too.

Twilight teleported down there, only to jump when Pinkie was already facing her.

“Hey Twilight!” Pinkie cheered “Are you here to test out my new insta travel cannon like Spike did?” Pinkie asked.

“You shot Spike out of a cannon?! Pinkie what were you thinking?” Twilight asked.

“He needed to go somewhere so I helped him along,” Pinkie shrugged.

“Pinkie, that could have killed him,” Twilight said firmly.

“Ah he can handle it, he’s a dragon, besides, my Pinkie sense tells me he had a soft landing,” Pinkie said.

“Ugh… actually that’s what I came here for, Pinkie I was hoping to get some lessons about your past-” 

“NOPE!” Pinkie said.

“What?” Twilight said sounding surprised.

“Sorry, that’s confidential, don’t speak of history lest it be repeated,” Pinkie said.

“That’s not how the saying goes,” Twilight sighed “Pinkie, your knowledge of the past could clear so much hearsay, I need-” Twilight said.

“I can’t…” Pinkie said.

“Huh?” Twilight said, confused.

“You see, things happened, bad things, being immortal isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, especially when you like me,” Pinkie said somberly.

“Pinkie…” Twilight said.

“Anywho, I got a party to set up, so sorry but no,” Pinkie said.

“Okay,” Twilight said sounding upset, but accepting that Pinkie didn’t want to talk about it.





“Well Spike? Can we help ya?” Apple Bloom asked as she patched up the hole in the ceiling with 2x4’s.

“Sorry again, Pinkie shot me out of a cannon and I couldn’t stop her, anyways, I was hoping you three could… help me with a small problem I have,” Spike asked.

“What kind of problem?” Scootaloo asked.

“I have… a date coming up,” Spike said even though it was the wrong thing to say…

Wood hit the floor and attention snapped to Spike.

“Uh-” Spike was cut off when the three fillies began asking questions.

“Oh! Who’s it with? Lyra? Rarity? Octavia?” Sweetie Belle asked.

“Wow, knew you had it in you,” Scootaloo said.

“Do ya need help with makeovers? Outfits? Advice?” Apple Bloom said.

“Girls calm yourselves!” Spike said getting them to stop “Let’s just say…uh… she’s someone I have admired for a long time and-”

“Rarity,” The three girls said to eachother instantly.

“NO! I-I uh, her name is… Specialty!” Spike said blushing.

“Specialty?...” Scootaloo said unconvinced.

“Y-yeah! And um… Specialty is a-... has a secret and i think she may have been… using me in some way, and we’re going on a date soon to clear that up, problem is, I don’t know if how I went about it was selfish or not,” Spike said.

Deciding to play along the girls sat near Spike.

“What’s the secret?” Scootaloo said.

“W-we shouldn’t pry,” Sweetie said knowing what it is.

“Yeah, it’s top secret, can’t tell a soul,” Spike said.

“Understood,” Apple Bloom said.

“Really?” Spike asked

“Yeah, we take secrets seriously, so you passed the test,” Apple Bloom said.

“Ah, I see,” Spike said.

“So this ‘Specialty’ you claim she might be using you,” Scootaloo said.

“Which I personally think is jumping to conclusions,” Sweetie interrupted.

“-So how is she using you?” Scootaloo asked

“Well…” Spike hesitated, knowing he had to be very careful with his words, Sweetie giving him an expectant look said that much.

“She seemed to gain something out of being the object of my affection, and she hasn’t acknowledged my feelings until recently, a part of me feels like she was just stringing me along for benefit, and not because I actually mean anything to her,” Spike said.

“Maybe you need to understand her circumstances and why she needs your affection,” Sweetie blurted out, before realizing what she said and seeing the other two glancing at her.

“Uh… just a suggestion,” Sweetie said.

“Well. personally ah’d talk to her during this date and ask specific questions on various subjects, read her expressions and examine her facial features. Don’t let one twitch of the eye escape ya!” Apple Bloom said.

“And be sure to watch her body language, mares are creatures of emotion and want to be understood by their dates, otherwise they feel ignored,” Scootaloo said.

“Wow… you three are more knowledgeable than I expected,” Spike said.

“We… may have read a few of Rarities books on dating etiquette, for future purposes,” Sweetie said.

“But what if she confirms my fears?” Spike asked.

“Then it wasn’t meant ta be, politely cut things off,” Apple Bloom said.

“B-but consider the circumstances first and foremost, you never know, maybe she-”

“Sweetie, yer speaking as if you know something about what’s happening here,” Apple Bloom said.

“Uh… hey we read the same books remember?” Sweetie shrugged.

“...” The two other fillies glanced at eachother before turning back to Spike.

“But what if I make her mad and she sucks me dry of my love?” Spike asked before stiffening and realizing what he said.

Sweetie’s eyes widened and her waving her hooves frantically gave a hint that he said the wrong thing.

“Uuuhhh… what do you mean by that?” Scootaloo asked.

“Is she a Changling? Are ya in trouble Spike?” Apple Bloom said getting serious.

“Uuuuhhh….” Spike’s mind raced a mile a second before he got an idea. “Oh Nononono I meant my love for her, what if I make her made her mad and she and I get into a fight, she’d suck the love off of me doing that,” Spike said hoping they buy it.

Both fillies seemed barely convinced but they sat back down.

“Don’t scare us like that, Spike,” Apple Bloom said.

“If you get into a fight on a first date, then it’s definitely time to cut contact,” Scootaloo said.

“Hear her side and avoid the argument altogether if possible, find a middle ground and she’ll do the same, if at least until a better solution can be found,” Sweetie said.

“Th-thanks girls,” Spike said

“Well Spike, this was an interestin start to the day, but we got plans already, so why don’t ya mosey on and think about our advice,” Apple Bloom said.

“Yeah, thanks girls,” Spike said before getting up and leaving. As Spike made it to the bottom of the stairs and walked away, he heard hooves approaching his position and he turned to see Sweetie Belle.

“Sweetie?” Spike said.

“You really almost blew our cover back there Spike, be more careful,” Sweetie said seriously.

“Sorry, It just came out,” Spike said.

“Look Spike,” Sweetie said “I understand you may be hurting because of what she… could have said but you need to patch things up, she could have a lifestyle and business that could be in jeopardy if things went badly, think of us, we could be forced out of Ponyville if ponies found out,” Sweetie said seriously.

“I know… it wouldn’t be right of me to sit idly by while you and your sister suffer… but… I want to hear the reasons that I'm not just a battery from Rarity herself before I can forgive,” Spike said.

“Spike, that’s being a little selfish, if she doesn’t will you just abandon us?” Sweetie asked seriously.

“No… but, I will help you both find alternate sources, I don’t want to be used,” Spike said before leaving.

“Spike…” Sweetie said, tempted to just smack him upside the head.

Sweetie turned to head back but she sensed something and glanced out into the forest, she flicked her tongue… no love or emotion… she should get to the others and bring them away from here.

There’s only one creature that gives off that kind of scent…

Changelings…





The train arrived and RD got off, she was wearing a surgical mask and looked like she’d rather not wear it.

“Whew, finally out of that tent,” RD said “I was getting sick of all the orange juice, but I gotta admit, it did wonders,” RD stretched out before moving on.

She didn’t get five steps from the train before a Pink blur tried to snatch her, while others wouldn’t be able to react in time. RD isn't just anypony.

She sprang into the air avoiding being swiped.

“HEY!” RD yelled and she saw Pinkie standing there.

“HIIII!” Pinkie said cheerfully.

“Pinkie, still trying to catch me off-guard and drag me to a party?” RD joked.

“I’ll get ya one day!” Pinkie said, “What’s with the mask?” Pinkie asked.

“Celestia said I have to wear it for a few days, it’s enchanted to prevent coughing, she’s being extra cautious about the spread of the plague I suppose,” RD said lowering herself to the ground.

“Aw… that means you can eat any of the food I prepared for your Glad your better party…” Pinkie sighed.

“Don’t worry Pinkie, we can do the party afterwards,” RD said.

“Good!” Pinkie said cheering up.

“Meanwhile I gotta get to my house, doctors orders, bedrest and all,” RD said.

“Okay, have fun then!” Pinkie said before bouncing away.

Rainbow Dash then flew off to her home and arrived at her cloud house.

What she saw on the front door made her snort in frustration, another notice that her artificial cloud payments are overdue.

“Great… Thunderstrikes at it again…. I’ll deal with it tomorrow, no need to burden others with this…” Rainbow said trotting inside and up her stairs before climbing into bed and drifting off to sleep, but not before tossing the paper in a waste receptacle with the other notices.
> Unwanted houseguest
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight trotted outside, after having been denied her history lesson from Pinkie, she found her daily routine resuming, after stopping by her home for a quick expresso she trotted out to the market to find ingredients for tonight's dinner.

“Nightmare Night is coming soon, perhaps I should start prepping the castle,” Twilight wondered.

As Twilight was hoping nothing bizarre would happen today, she saw a familiar cloaked figure.

“It’s him?” Twilight said, remembering her encounter with the strange hooded being who warned her to leave Equestria.

She was scared, was he saying that to just psyche her out? Was it a prank? Or was he a stalker? Did he mean her harm?... she lost track of him before, but she wasn’t going to this time! It was time to get some answers!

“HEY!” Twilight called out to the hooded figure who jumped slightly and turned their head a little to see who yelled.

“I need to talk to you, I know what’s going on here, your following me aren’t you?” Twilight said approaching the figure who backed away.

“Who are you? What was the meaning of the words you told me back then?” Twilight demanded.

The figure turned and ran.

“Hey! Come back!” Twilight ran after the hooded figure.

She saw him round the corner and she took to the air, not caring who was watching.

She swooped around and saw the figure run into the market.

“Stop!” Twilight said before she saw the figure run into an open space in Ponyville…

Perfect.

Twilight swooped up and pounced on the figure.

“Eek!” the figure yelped in a surprisingly feminine tone.

“I got you, now talk-” Twilight’s determined look was replaced with surprise when she saw the figure was actually Trixie Lulamoon.

“Ok! Fine! You caught me! I was just trying to beg for food without anypony recognizing me! Sue me for that!” Trixie shouted angrily.

“T-Trixie?! Ohmygosh! I’m sorry!” Twilight got off of Trixie and helped her up.

“Sheesh, an ex-magician cannot even go into town without being chased out, if your looking to rob me of my bits too you’ll be out of luck, Trixie is broke…” Trixie sadly said near the end.

“You are? But I thought-”

“What? That I am well off? I was until tweedle dumb and tweedle dumber decided to expose me by bringing an Ursa Minor into town and showing to the townsponies-... Why is Trixie telling you this? You were there!” Trixie sighed.

“Look, Trixie, could we just put the past behind us? I thought you were someone else, that’s why I tackled you,” Twilight said.

“Does it matter?... Trixie is ruined either way!” Trixie barked at Twilight “If you had just minded your own business Trixie wouldn’t have to beg for food!” Trixie scolded.

“Don’t put that on me Trixie, it all started with your boasting, Snips and Snails wouldn’t have tried to get proof if you hadn’t put the idea in their heads,” Twilight defended.

“Whatever, now that everypony knows Trixie’s identity I suppose it’s back to sleeping in an alleyway in another city,” Trixie sullenly said before trotting away. 

“Wait… what happened your carriage?” Twilight asked.

“I sold it, nopony came to Trixies shows and she needed bits…” Trixie sadly admitted.

“Trixie…” Twilight admittedly felt bad for the mare, even if she committed the actions that led to this.

“Trixie even tried to acquire a means to get stronger, but somepony had already made off with it, it’s not important what it was… It was supposed to help Trixie fix her life, but now the accursed thing has been stolen… before Trixie could…” Trixie was rambling on at this point and Twilight thought to herself… she was indeed pitiable in this state.

Twilight had a choice, move on and leave the arrogant unicorn to her own devices, or… *sigh* being the princess of friendship is so hard sometimes.

“Trixie?” Twilight called after.

“What do you want?” Trixie said bitterly.

“Do you want to come stay at my house? At least until you get back on your hooves,” Twilight asked.

Trixie snorted almost offendedly “Now you make fun of the Great and powerful Trixie? You expect her to believe that you would make room at your library for her?” Trixie snorted.

“I being serious Trixie, I can’t leave you like this,” Twilight said.

“Hmmph! Desolate she may be but Trixie still has her dignity! She doesn’t accept!” Trixie said.

“Well if you change your mind, come to the castle of friendship,” Twilight said before trotting away.

“Trixie said-... Castle?” Trixie said noticing what Twilight just said.

“Yes, my library got destroyed and now I have a castle,” Twilight said.

“...That’s not fair….” Trixie said sullenly.

Twilight paused “Seriously Trixie consider it,” Twilight said.

Trixie turned away and trotted off, Twilight sighed and trotted back home.





Twilight heard the thunder outside as a scheduled storm raged on.

Twilight sat before a fireplace and was reading one of her favorite books, while Spike slept upstairs.

‘The life and times of Starswirl the Bearded,’

As she read she heard a thumping sound elsewhere.

Twilight sighed “Darn it, those branches are becoming a real problem again,” Twilight said remembering those sleepless nights listening to branches knocking against a window. “I should trim them tomorrow,” Twilight said.

The thumping noises got louder.

“Huh?” Twilight noticed those thumping noises were getting louder.

“That’s odd, they never sound like that…” Twilight said returning to her book.

The thumping was sounding really loud now and they had a tune to them now, as if somepony was trying to-

“Wait… that’s not branches! That’s the door!” Twilight exclaimed, before trotting quickly down the stairs to the front door.

“Who could it be in this storm?” Twilight wondered before opening the door and finding a hooded figure standing there.

“AH!” Twilight jumped, before recognising the pony below the hood. “Trixie?” Twilight said incredulously.

“...Yes… Trixie considered it and… decided to grant you the pleasure of her presence.” Trixie said with some remaining poise.

“Yeah… I’m glad you came around Trixie, I-”

“Oh don’t patronize me or I may reconsider your act of generosity-” Trixie's stomach rumbled and she blushed.

“You can stop with the proud act Trixie, just please come in already,” Twilight sighed.

“O-ok…” Trixie sighed and she entered and she was immediately aware of how big and spacious it was inside.

“Wow… this place is…” Trixie began but Twilight glanced at her.  “Ah… rubbish! Trixie’s caravan was more comfortable!” Trixie trotted around.

“Yeah yeah,” Twilight rolled her eyes, it would certainly take a lot of effort to convince Trixie to give up this proud act.

“Very well, Trixie shall relocate to a bathroom….where’s the bathroom?” Trixie asked.

“Upstairs,” Twilight said.

“Very well, we expect a delicious meal on our way to the kitchen,” Trixie said trotting up the stairs and vanishing around the corner.

Twilight took a few deep breaths “Just until she get’s back on her hooves,” Twilight said to ease her nerves.





Trixie sighed happily feeling the hot water of a shower washing the mud and debris off of her. She used to dislike showers, seeing them as an annoying necessity to a mare’s beauty.

Feeling one for the first time in a long time, she’ll never take them for granted again. 

“It sure was nice to get a chance to stay in a castle, a definite upgrade from our old set-up…” Trixie mumbled… she thought back to how Twilight offered her a place to stay and food… few ponies have shown her such kindness… No…

“Trixie cannot allow herself to be swayed so easily, an image is her’s to protect, she can’t be seen cowering and being pitiable… Trixie isn’t weak… Trixie…” Trixie looked sad and she began to sniffle a little.





Trixie trotted through the hallways admiring the size and beauty of the castle while wishing it was hers.

As Trixie trotted back down the stairs she gave an appreciative sniff of the smell of cooked food.

For the last… however long her bad luck has persisted she had to rely on ponies who were generous enough to spare her some food… or whatever the dumpsters behind restaurants offered… not her proudest moments…

But a home-cooked meal? Sounds like heaven right now, pride be darned.

Trixie hurriedly trotted in the direction of the smell, she eventually found a kitchen and saw Twilight magically heating something up.

“Twilight?” Trixie asked.

“Oh hey Trixie, I’m heating up dinner from earlier, I hope you like spinach quiches,” Twilight said.

Admittedly she wasn’t a huge fan of spinach but with how hungry she was she would eat the grass off the ground.

“Um, yeah! I’ll have some of… that,” Trixie said sitting down at the table.

“Here you go, their hot right now,” Twilight said hoofing a plate of quiches over to Trixie before leaving the room.

Trixie stared down at the Quiches wondering how long it’s been since she’s had a homecooked meal.

She ate one but spat it out when she burned her tongue, she ate it again when it was cooler. The fact she was eating a freshly heated dinner after all those nights sifting around dumpsters, Trixie found herself gorging on the food when it cooled down.

After eating her admittedly delicious quiche meal, Trixie exited the kitchen, and saw Twilight setting up a couch.

“What are you doing?” Trixie asked.

“Setting up your bed,”

“You mean this huge castle doesn’t have any extra rooms?” Trixie huffed.

“It does but it’ll take time to set up,” Twilight said.

“Well…um… don’t expect any thanks for any of this!” Trixie said trying to remain indignant.

“That’s fine,” Twilight sighed before leaving.

“I’ll see you in the morning,” Twilight said trotting up the stairs.

“Hmmph, just don’t wake me,” Trixie said before going over to the couch and laying down.

“Trixie does admit this is rather… comfortable…” Trixie admitted. 

It wasn’t long before she drifted off.





Twilight trotted downstairs the next morning, and she saw Trixie still sprawled out on a couch, snoring up a storm.

Twilight smiled, contrary to Trixie’s attitude she knows she’s grateful for this, now if she could just convince her to come out of her shell.

Twilight flew through the room silently and landed outside the room before trotting out into the lobby and exited the castle.

“Welp, time for another day,” Twilight said going on to pull out a checklist and trot off to begin her daily trials.





Spike woke up with a loud yawn and hopped out of bed.

“Whew, slept in a little, better go downstairs to see how Twilight’s doing,” Spike said.

After brushing his teeth he walked downstairs to get some breakfast, as he got into the lobby he heard loud snoring.

“Huh? Did Twilight sleep in too? And downstairs too? Eh it’s happened before.” Spike shrugged before heading into the library.

“Twilight, wake up! You fell asleep downstairs again!” Spike said.

“Ugh… can ya keep it down…” A drowsy voice said.

“Huh?... Twilight?” Spike questioned approaching the couch and going around it.

“Twili-” Spike froze when he saw Trixie laying there.

“Huh?” She looked up to see Spike.

“YOU!?” Spike exclaimed.
> An unexpected encounter
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Rainbow Dash woke up dangling from the ceiling by her tail.

“Ugh, not again, stupid Vampony instincts,” RD sighed before hopping down and trotting into her bathroom, she removed her mask, 

“At least I don’t have to keep that on anymore,” Rainbow said, brushing her teeth and then approaching her tub and the closet next to it, opening it, RD revealed her collection of sunscreen, the very thing keeping her from bursting into flames in the sunlight.

“Here we go again…” Rainbow said before dumping several bottles worth into the tub and climbing in and rubbing herself with the sunscreen.

“I barely afforded it this week, if it weren’t for Wonderbolt donations I’d be screwed,” Rainbow said, sighing at her lack of bits to spend on herself.

After spending twenty-five minutes of scrubbing herself and spritzing her mane with mane spray, Rainbow went downstairs and began her breakfast.

“Hey Tank,” Rainbow said as she poured herself some cereal.

Tank nodded, acknowledging the greeting.

“I’m not proud to admit this but, I may need to start getting you wild greens… I can clean them but, I’m not super well off right now with my bits.” Rainbow said.

Tank tilted his head questioningly.

“Don’t give me that look, I know that I could be making my own cloud home but with certain expenses considered this home is more suitable. It just so happens that I owe some loan sharks,” Rainbow admitted.

Tank shook his head.

“No judging,” Rainbow sighed before making for the door.

Tank gave a little sigh and looked out the window…. And noticed something bad, Tank as quick as a turtle could try to stop Rainbow.

“Calm down Tank, I’m just stepping outside to- WHOA!” Rainbow walked outside only to fall through the air as soon as she does.

Despite being a little discombobulated she managed to right herself and she looked to see her house was upside down.

“What the hay?” Rainbow flew up to her house and looked through the door and saw that everything was rightsideup but outside everything was upsidedown.

“How is-... wait…” Rainbow looked around and saw the clouds were changing colors.

“Discord…” Rainbow said with some nervousness, realizing this 

“She needs to find her other friends and find a way to stop Discords dastardly plans before he-" 

"... huh?” Rainbow turned where she heard the voice and saw Pinkie standing on a cloud.

“What the?” Rainbow said.

“Just playing with the author again, anyways hi Dashie!” the annoying pink menace said.

“Pinkie? How are you up here? Your an earth pony,” Rainbow asked.

“Actually I’m an ancient primordial being with a history of weirdness surrounding her,” Pinkie said.

“...Oh…” Rainbow said.

“Why do you keep forgetting this Dashie?” Pinkie teased.

“Whatever, do you think Discord is behind this?" Rainbow Dash asked.

"Most definitely, the magic permeating everywhere smells of it," Pinkie said.

"You can smell magic?" Rainbow asked.

"Yep! It sort of has different smells Twilight smells like lavender, you smell like Skittles and I smell like death and carnage with just a hint of chocolate," Pinkie said.

"Oooook, let's go," Rainbow Dash said flying over and scooping up Pinkie Pie who spread her arms and went.

"Wheeeeeeeee!"





When the two got to ground level they saw that things were pretty similar to when Discord last escaped, messed up beyond recognition and chaotic.

“We gotta find the other girls!” Rainbow said.

“On it chief!” Pinkie said before grabbing a cotton candy cloud and then dematerializing.

“I’ll never get used to that,” Rainbow said before flying around Ponyville and seeing Twilight running around.

“Egghead!” Rainbow called and Twilight noticed her.

“Rainbow!” Twilight called flying up to her.

“Did Discord get out again?” Rainbow asked.

“It seems like it, we need to gather the other-” Suddenly Pinkie rematerialized with Fluttershy, Applejack and Rarity.

“Got ‘em!” Pinkie said.

“Pinkie how did you-” Pinkie just raised a brow. “...Got it,” Rainbow said.

“Girls, we need to find the elements,” Twilight said flying down to them.

“What in tarnation is going on here?" Applejack demanded.

"I have the suspicion that Discord escaped," Twilight said.

"I suppose that makes sense considering my dresses were trying on other dresses," Rarity said shuddering from the memory of clashing fashion choices.

"Where are the elements of harmony?" Fluttershy asked.

"Last I checked they were in Canterlot," Twilight said "I had Spike send a message, we should be getting a message back from Celestia," Twilight said as the group hurried back to the castle.

Twilight ran towards her castle before she ran into some kind of invisible barrier.

“Ooof!” Twilight grunted as she fell to the ground.

“Twilight!” Fluttershy exclaimed. 

“What the?” Twilight said as she got up and touched the barrier and saw that there was a sort of clear barrier there.

“What is this?” Twilight asked.

“It’s a giant barrier,” A familiar voice said and they all turned to see Discord standing there.

“DISCORD!” Rainbow said getting defensive.

"Now now Rainbow Dash, no need to get so, aggressive,” Discord waved her off.

“What are you doing here?” Twilight demanded.

“Oh I'm not here, this is just a recorded illusion,” Discord said.

“Recorded?... but your-” Twilight said before Discord cut her off.

“-Responding to everything you're saying perfectly, yes, I like to pride myself on my skills of prediction,” Discord said.

“Yeah right, get over here!” Rainbow said leaping at him but she flew right through him.

“I assume Rainbow just tried to test if I was just kidding, I suppose that was proof enough,” Discord said.

“What do you want Discord?” Rarity demanded.

“Why that should be obvious, retribution for ruining my fun,” Discord said.

“You were going to destroy Equestria!” Twilight defended.

“I was simply having fun at the expense of mortals, nothing wrong with that, in other words, I have captured Celestia and Luna,” Discord said getting to the point.

“You what?!” Twilight said getting mad.

“That’s right, you have to find out where they are, and so begins the scavenger hunt for princesses,” Discord said with a laugh.

“Let them go!” Rainbow tried to punch him but she went through the illusion again.

“Oh and one more thing, if I catch any of you wearing your elements, I’ll turn them into mice and trap them in a room with a wild cat.” Discord said “One more thing, a riddle to make things interesting. Your princesses are where they live, only one hour I can give, search carefully, the location isn’t safely,” And with a chuckle, he vanished.

"That last part didn't even make sense," Rarity sighed.

"If what Discord said is true, we only have one hour, we have to think,” Twilight said as the group gathered.

“I bet the princesses are at Canterlot Castle right now! Think of it, they are where they live? They live in a castle,” Rainbow reasoned.

“That’s actually a good point Rainbow, but I feel like that’s too obvious, Discord is not that easy to figure out,” Twilight said going into thought.

“Maybe they're in some alternate dimension where furless apes that wear clothes-” Pinkie said before Twilight interrupted.

“Not the time Pinkie, we need to hurry, if what Rainbow said is right then there are three castles that we need to search and less than one hour to do it,” Twilight said.

“Then we should make haste,” Rarity said before Twilight nodded.

“Let’s go in groups of two so he can’t hypnotize us again, got it?” Twilight said, the group nodded.

“Rarity, you and I should search the castle of two sisters, Applejack you and Fluttershy investigate My castle but stay out of my third desk drawer and Rainbow you and Pinkie go to Canterlot,” Twilight strategized.

“Wait what was that about your drawer?” Pinkie questioned.

“Let’s go!” Twilight said before the group scattered except Pinkie.

“Aww…” Pinkie sighed before running after Rainbow.





Applejack and Fluttershy opened the door to the castle quickly and rushed in.

“Huh? Applejack? Fluttershy?” Spike exclaimed.

“The long and short of it, we got one hour to find the princesses, and we think they might be in here, we need your help,” Fluttershy said.

“On it!” Spike said before running off.

“Shy, can ya use yer dragon sniffer to smell out the princesses?” Applejack asked.

“I can try!” Fluttershy said before turning into her Solstice Kirin form and she began sniffing around.

“And ah’ll… look upstairs,” Applejack said galloping upstairs.





Pinkie and Rainbow rematerialized right back in Canterlot.

“Ok! You search the perimeter and I’ll search the interior,” Pinkie strategized.

“Got it I’ll inform the guard too,” Rainbow said before taking off.

Pinkie vanished and began reappearing in various parts of the castle.

“Princess! Call out if you can hear me!” Pinkie called before vanishing and reappearing in another hallway startling a couple of maids.

“Ah!” they cried falling over.

“Princess!” Pinkie called before vanishing.

“....I need to lay off the late-night camomile tea…” one of the mares muttered.

“Me too…” The other agreed.

Meanwhile Rainbow flew circles around the castle looking for any signs of the princesses.

“Celestia! Luna! Where are you!?” Rainbow called.





Twilight and Rarity reappeared in the castle of two sisters.

“Rarity, is there a way for you to detect them?” Twilight asked.

“I can sense emotions, perhaps I can smell them out,” Rarity said before turning back into a Changling and flicking her tongue a few times while searching around.

“I’ll do a magical cursory scan, maybe I can detect their signatures,” Twilight said before lighting her horn.





While the girls were skimming castles looking for the princesses, a figure trotted his way into town.

He was wearing a hood, as he wandered through town. He saw ponies going about their business, albeit a little warily considering the state Ponyville in.

He looked around before bringing out his pendant and uttering a few words before the pendant opened its eye and looked at him.

“Yes?” A male voice came from the pendant.

“Lord Vel, I found traces of the energy here, this is undoubtedly where we need to be, should I begin tracking of the target?” The hooded pony asked.

“No, wait for the confrontation, use the special crystals I gave you and then do your job, and then get out of there, and don’t make me repeat myself again, do not engage the other targets, it’s not time yet,” The voice of Vel said.

“I will do my best,” The pony said.

“You will do your best, or else,” Vel said and then the call ended.

“Hey sir, your talking to yourself, are you okay?” Roseluck said from her stand and the figure turned to her.

“Yes, excuse me,” The pony exited the market area.





Applejack ran up some stairs and when she glanced around making sure nopony was watching she put her nose to the floor and sniffed.

“No scent…” Applejack said before running off sniffing the air, she looked around for any signs of the Princesses scent when suddenly a strange scent struck her… she heard the sound of a shower running nearby and an unfamiliar scent… it could be trouble, so Applejack followed it to a room and readied herself.

“Alright Discord, if yer in there, prepare for the worst!” Applejack said, before bucking the door open.

“ALRIGHT DISCORD, IT’S TIME TA…. Trixie?!” Applejack exclaimed when she saw Trixie in the shower.

“H-hey! Ever heard of knocking!?” Trixie pulled the curtain over herself.

“The hay are… Never mind ah’ll deal with you afterward,” Applejack said before leaving. 



 

Rainbow swooped around the castle, and several guards assisted her, having been informed of the situation.

Rainbow had to pause outside Canterlot Castle for a breath.

“Whew!...” Rainbow got ready to take off again when she heard a chime and turned to see a foodcart being pushed, titled, ‘Pizza Palace,’

“Hey there! Want a-” 

“Not now! Princess in danger!” Rainbow said.

“Ok…” The pony pushed his cart on.





Twilight and Rarity had searched but their widespread search methods are turning up nothing.

“We may be in the wrong castle,” Rarity said turning back into a pony.

“Perhaps,” Twilight thought about it, what other castle are they in?

“We must hurry, it’s been thirty minutes already,” Rarity said.

“I know I know,” Twilight said, let’s go help check my castle with Applejack and Fluttershy.





Applejack met Fluttershy at the top floor along with Spike.

“Did you see anything?” Applejack asked.

“No, I looked in all the windows,” Fluttershy said.

“Cept for an unwanted houseguest ah found nothing,” Applejack said.

“What?” Fluttershy and Spike asked.

“Not important, we need to find the princesses,” Applejack said.

“Applejack! Fluttershy!” The two turned to see Twilight flying up to them, Rarity waiting on the ground.

“Twilight!” Spike said running up to the railing.

“Hey Spike did you guys find anything?” Twilight asked.

“No, we were hoping you did,” Spike said.

“No, we need to assume they're in Canterlot,” Twilight said before a voice in the background startled them.

“Nope!” They turned to see Pinkie had teleported herself and Rainbow.

“Ugh, all this teleporting is giving me motion sickness,” RD complained.

“Did you two find anything?” Twilight asked approaching.

“Whole lotta nothing, I looked,” Rainbow said.

“I teleported all over the place, and found nothing either,” Pinkie said.

“Then where are they?!” Twilight's mane began to stick out, showing she was stressed.

“I don’t know, eugh it’s hard to think on an empty stomach, wish I got some of that pizza,” Rainbow said.

“This is no time to be thinking of food Rainbow!” Twilight scolded.

“Sorry, sorry,” Rainbow sighed.

“Wait a second… Rainbow, what was the name of this pizza cart?” Rarity asked.

“Rarity? Not you too, this is an emergency!” Twilight scolded.

“No listen! What was the name?” Rarity asked.

“Uh… Pizza something… Palace! Pizza Palace,” Rainbow said.

“Wait… your not saying that he didn’t hide them in an actual castle did you?” Twilight asked.

“I frequent Restaurant Row when I visit Canterlot and I certainly remember a place called Pizza Palace, they have vendor carts as well,” Rarity replied.

“Still, it seems a little farfetched,” Twilight said.

“It’s our only clue, Pinkie, can you mass teleport?” Rarity asked.

“It’s tricky with this many ponies… but I can try,” Pinkie said before the group huddled around her and she concentrated hard before the group suddenly found themselves in the outskirts of Canterlot.

“That’s… as close… as I can get us…” Pinkie panted.

“It’s close enough, thank you Pinkie,” Twilight said before the group ran into Canterlot through the front gate and searched around for the cart.

Rainbow, Fluttershy and Twilight with Spike on her back took to the air and began searching for The Pizza Palace cart.

"Alright girls! Spread out, look for the cart!” Twilight said.

“How much more time do we got?” Rainbow asked.

“Five minutes,” Twilight said.

“We gotta search Canterlot in five minutes?!” Applejack exclaimed.

“Just spread out and hurry!” Twilight said as the group scattered.

Fluttershy flew over houses, Applejack looked in alleyways, and Rarity subtly flicked her tongue to taste for any panicked emotions.

Pinkie popped her head in and out of various spots she’s certain there would be a food cart.

Rainbow darted back and forth from each street.

“How was I supposed to know I was so close to the princesses?” Rainbow cursed as she took back to the air.

Rainbow met up with Twilight.

“Any luck?” Twilight asked.

“No,” Rainbow said.

“We’re almost out of time! Who knows what Discord will do if we don’t find them!” Twilight said. “Where did you encounter the vendor?” Twilight demanded.

“Outside the castle grounds,” Rainbow said.

“Let’s check there,” Twilight said and the two darted over towards the castle.

They landed at the edge of the property and Spike hopped off.

“Alright, how long do we got?” Rainbow asked.

“One minute,” Twilight said.

“Then forget the consequences, I gotta go fast!” Rainbow took off and flew above the area, looking carefully for the familiar cart….

Rainbow saw a vendor group near Restaurant Row.

“THERE!” Rainbow darted over there while Twilight teleported with Spike.

They arrived startling the group of vendors.

“We need to find Pizza Palace, it’s an emergency!” Twilight said.

The vendors seemed too startled to respond properly, but Rainbow looked through the names anyways.

“Taco Tuesday… A taste of Neighpon… Mc Donkeys…” Rainbow paused when she saw a vendor leaving… it was Pizza Palace!

“THERE!” Rainbow exclaimed.

“Toss me! There’s no time!” Spike said.

“O-ok!” Rainbow grabbed Spike and threw him at the cart.

“Huh?! What in the-” The vendor jumped out of the way as Spike crashed into the cart and knocked it over.

“Ooof!” Spike grunted as the cart busted open and Celestia and Luna rolled out of the carts cooler.

“Princesses!” Twilight yelled and she ran to the princesses and turned Celestia around…

She was a doll, a fake?!

“Huh?!” Twilight exclaimed and suddenly the sky darkened and Discord's laughter could be heard.

“Time’s up!” Discord’s eager voice rang out.

Everyone turned to see Discord suddenly appear, reclining on a floating upsidedown lawn chair.

“Discord?! What happened, we looked in the right places!” Twilight said.

“You were quite clever, enough so that I needed to multilayer my plans, with backups. You were all fooled!” Discord laughed.

“You meant a castle right? Unless you lied!” Twilight accused.

“Oh no, I never lie in a game,” Discord said.

“Then where-”

“Did you bother to check the Crystal Empire castle?” Discord asked.

Twilight took a step back in shock… in her haste, she completely forgot about the crystal empire!

“For being so smart you can be so scatterbrained,” Discord laughed floating to ground level.

“No… I failed,” Twilight said.

“That you did,” Discord said. “Ready to hear what’ll happen now?” Discord said with ugly glee.

“Please don’t hurt them Discord,” Twilight said.

“Why don’t we gather an audience,” Discord snapped his fingers and summoned the rest of the mane six to him.

“Huh?” Rarity and Applejack exclaimed and Pinkie was already facing Discord with a glare.

Discord chuckled seeing her determined look.

“Seems the element of laughter isn’t laughing anymore,” Discord said.

“Where’s the princesses?” Pinkie asked.

“You already know, with your powers, you heard everything,” Discord said.

Pinkie’s eyes widened as her friends gathered around her.

“You… know about… me?” Pinkie asked.

“Of course, I know about you, all of you as a matter of fact, just because the body is petrified doesn’t mean my spirit is, I watched your little meeting, it was quite entertaining,” Discord said glancing around at the ponies gathering. “Oh dear, I feel a slip of the tongue coming on,” Discord chuckled.

“No!” Pinkie said as her mane began to flow like fire.

“No Pinkie! You can’t do that here!” Twilight cautioned.

“Twilight, he’ll tell everypony about all of us!” Pinkie said.

Twilight thought about it… and got an idea.





A crystal was placed in the center of a magic circle.





“Then let’s go somewhere less populated!” Twilight lit her horn brightly.

“Huh?” Discord said covering his eyes before a mass teleport occurred. 





“Refero ad me” 





They reappeared in the middle of a forest near Ponyville.

“Hmm… I see what you intended,” Discord said.

“Huh?” Twilight panted looking around where they were.

“Good Idea Twi, this way nopony will see us in our true forms!” Rainbow said.

“Girls wait, this isn’t where I wanted to go,” Twilight said confusedly. 

“It isn’t?” Spike asked.

“I was going to take us to the castle in the everfree, not in the middle of the woods,” Twilight replied. 

“You probably just misfired or something, whatever let’s fight him!” Rainbow said going into her Vampony form.

Rarity showed her Changling form.

Pinkie turned into her skeleton pony form.

Fluttershy hesitated but acknowledged she needed to help her friends fight Discord and turned into her Solstice Kirin form.

Twilight lit her horn.

Spike readied himself to assist in any way.

Applejack hesitated.

“C’mon Applejack, if there’s a chance to show it it’s now, we’ll need all hooves on deck for this,” Rainbow said.

“Ah… ah won’t be able to control it!” Applejack said nervously.

“Ah yes the element of honesty with a secret to hide, quite ironic ain't it? Should I explain what your secret is?” Discord chuckled as he floated into the air.

“NO!” Applejack said getting ready to fight,”

“Let’s stop these shenanigans, how about instead of fighting I go with my original plan of teleporting you all underneath the Crystal empire to join your princesses in eternal imprisonMENT!” Discord suddenly shrieked in pain.

“Huh?” The mane six and Spike exclaimed.

Discord twisted his head on backwards to see a crystal was stabbed into his back with a colorful crystal.

“What in the-” Discord said before suddenly the crystal glowed brightly and he screeched as he became discolored and he fell to the ground in a heap.

“What the?!” Twilight exclaimed.

“Ok… can someone tell me what the hay is going on here!?” Rainbow demanded.

“Oooohh….” Discord groaned as the crystal was alit with chaos magic that was sucked out of him.

Before the girls could question what happened a hooded pony trotted out and unceremoniously pulled the crystal out of Discord, earning a grunt of pain from the lord of chaos.

“Huh?” Twilight said, seeing the hooded pony, he wasn’t like the other hooded pony who warned her to get out of Equestria, he had a grey coat and his red eyes stared through the darkness of the hood.

“Who are you?” Pinkie asked.

“...” The pony didn’t say.

“Sir, w-we thank you for helping to bring down Discord but who are-” Twilight asked before the pony turned and began trotting away.

“Hey! You can’t just walk away-” Rainbow said before he broke his silence.

“Shut up, my work here is done, I’ll take my leave,” He said.

“Hey! Yer not going anywhere until ya explain what the hay-” Applejack trotted after him but he unexpectedly spun and put his hoof against Applejacks chest.

“Huh?” Applejack said, before his hoof moved rapidly jabbed her sending her flying into a tree.

“Applejack!” Twilight called running to her.

“Consider that your warning,” The pony said.

“You- how dare you!” Rainbow lunged and flashed her fangs intending to take him down for hurting her friend.

The pony moved faster than her and struck Rainbow sending her flying into a bush. 
 
“AGH!” Rainbow grunted.

“Rainbow!” Twilight shouted before she and Rarity turned and fired a magic blast at the pony who stood there and tanked it.

“Huh?” Twilight was surprised that he didn’t even stumble.

“Weak,” he said, before darting forward and knocking Rarity aside and grabbing Twilight and tossing her into Pinkie who caught her.

“I got you!” Pinkie said.

“Leave them alone!” Spike breathed fire on him but he walked through the fire and swatted Spike aside.

“AAAH!” Spike yelped.

“Spike!” Twilight called before turning to the pony angrily.

“Don’t hurt my brother!” Twilight fired an unrestrained blast which hit the pony and he had to put his guard.

When the blast ended Twilight panted, hoping that got him.

He was standing there his arms had some burns on them but apart from that he wasn’t dead.

“How?” Twilight.

“Better, you actually scorched me a little, but your still weak,” He said.

“STOP!” Fluttershy cried and he turned to see Fluttershy descending on him and grappling him.

“Hm?” He said.

“There’s no need to hurt eachother! We-” Fluttershy was cut off when he swiftly broke her grip and grabbed her by her neck.

“Ack!” Fluttershy choked.

“Half dragon half pony, fought both many times,” He said.

“Leave her alone!” Rainbow shot out of the bush sporting a black eye and she punched at him but he dodged it and caught her by the neck as well.

“You at least I won’t kill,” He said.

“Huh?” Rainbow said confused.

“Mother sends her regards,” He said and Rainbow’s eyes widened.

“No…” Rainbow said realizing what he was talking about.

“LET THEM GO!” A massive pink flame erupted nearby and he turned to see Pinkie coated in pink flames.

“Release them or meet your maker!” Pinkie said.

“Your kind I am not familiar with, I’m curious,” He tossed the Vampony and Kirin aside and trotted towards Pinkie.

Pinkie unleashed her sonic screech upon him and he stumbled a little but pressed on as she continued, even as blood dripped from his hood.

Eventually, he got close enough and he threw a punch, Pinkie threw a punch as well and it caused an explosion.

“Pinkie!” Twilight cried trying to get up, Rarity and Fluttershy stood by her and they saw the smoke part.

And Pinkie laid up against a tree as he stood over her.

“Your definitely the strongest one here, I actually had to try back there,” He raised his hoof to finish her.

“NO!” Twilight cried.

“Enough!” a voice roared and they all paused and turned to see a portal open and an old black stallion exited.

“Now what?” Twilight prepared herself.

“Cloud, you have overstepped yet again! If word get’s out we’re jeopardized!” The stallion snarled as he approached the newly named Cloud.

“Forgive me Lord Vel… I was about to finish this pony, and then take my-” He actually gave a gag of pain as the old stallion jabbed him in the gut.

“Your punishment waits for you back at the base, now go back, I’ll clean up your mess,” Vel said.

“Understood,” Cloud said getting up and limping towards the portal.

“And you…” Vel spun to Rainbow who looked up from where she was laying and her eyes widened.

“No…” Rainbow crawled backwards as he approached.

“Stop!” Fluttershy shouted as she and her friends ran forward to stop whatever he was going to do.

The stallion glanced at the charging ponies and simply stamped his hoof and a dark magic shockwave blasted them sending them flying.

“AAAAHHH!” The all cried as they hit the ground.

“Girls!” Rainbow exclaimed.

“You need to keep your mouth shut for now,” He then opened his mouth and a stream of dark magic flowed into Rainbow’s mouth when she wasn’t looking and made a symbol on her tongue.

“Huh?” Rainbow said.

“That’ll keep what happened here from getting out, if that’s not enough, remember what I’m capable of, if you want to still have friends left,” He got in close, “Stay out of our business, until it’s yours,” He growled.

“....” Rainbow didn’t say anything as he turned and trotted back towards the portal and vanished.

Rainbow then got up and trotted over to her unconscious friends.





Twilight woke up in the hospital.

“Huh?! Wha?!” Twilight exclaimed.

“Easy,” A stallion with a brown coat comforted her.

“What… where are my friends?” Twilight asked.

“You were all injured in your fight with Discord, Mrs. Rainbow Dash brought you all back,” He gestured to the other ponies lying in hospital beds, a few bruises and scratches and black eyes, nothing dangerous at least…

“Thank goodness,” Twilight sighed before going into thought "Where's Discord?" Twilight asked.

"You did quite a number on him, He's in a holding area, completely magicless." The doctor said.

"I need to question him," Twilight tried to get up but a pain in her side made her lay back down.

"You need to rest, some guards will be coming by soon to ask some questions soon," The doctor said.

"What about the Princesses?" Twilight asked.

"Discord confessed he stowed them in the underground of the Crystal Empire, Princess Cadance is working to free them now, they should be returning to Canterlot within the day," The doctor said.

Twilight should have calmed hearing that but something kept nagging at her.

“My name is Doctor Brown Wheel, but you can just call me Brown, if you need me just call,” He introduced himself before leaving.

Twilight laid her head back, and thought back to that encounter… who were those ponies? And… why does it feel like in some convoluted non-understandable way…. Are they familiar?
> Preparations
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Interviews with the guards were protracted at best, with what little info they had on the beings that intervened with their confrontation with Discord, they didn’t know what else to say but two mysterious ponies disabled Discord and injured them.

“And you are saying you didn’t see the face of this ‘hooded’ pony did you?” Commander Colton asked.

“No…” Twilight said, disappointed.

“We’ll inform the Princesses and begin our investigation on this mysterious group,” Colton said as he trotted out.

“Thanks,” Twilight said.

“That was crazy,” Twilight turned to Rainbow who along with the others had gotten out of bed, still a bit bruised from yesterday, but feeling okay now.

“Really crazy,” Spike said.

“Yeah, who were they? Why did they seem like they were actively targeting Discord?” Twilight asked.

“Beats me,” Rainbow said nervously.

“That’s the thing Rainbow, I think he may know you somehow,” Twilight said.

“W-what makes you say that?” Rainbow asked.

“He didn’t actively try to hurt you,  Is he somehow related to how you got infected with vamponism?” Twilight asked.

“....No, he’s nobody,” Rainbow said.

“Rainbow-” Twilight began but Rainbow suddenly turned away.

“I said he’s nobody! Drop it!” Rainbow left the room hurriedly.

“Rainbow!” Twilight called.

“Ah’ll get her,” Applejack tried to follow her but Fluttershy stuck her wing.

“I’ll go calm her down,” Fluttershy said, before leaving as well.
  
“Alright,” Twilight said.





Rainbow sat in the bathroom, honestly panicked.

“They found me… maybe if I just play it cool nopony will pry, or maybe I should-” Rainbow paused when the door opened in the bathroom entrance and she heard hooves on tiles.

“What do you need?” Rainbow asked knowing it was one of her friends.

“It's just me Rainbow, you don’t have to worry,” Fluttershy sat outside the stall.

“Go away… I need to be alone,” Rainbow said.

“Not until I know, why are you so distressed?” Fluttershy said.

“I can’t say, just like Applejack has things she’d rather not have known, I’d rather not say what really happened to me in the past,” Rainbow said.

“Rainbow, if there’s a danger in the works, prior knowledge could save ponies,” Fluttershy said.

“I don’t want everypony to distrust me, those ponies… their monsters, you shouldn’t get mixed up with them…” Rainbow said with a shaking voice.

“I understand…” Fluttershy said.

“No you don’t Shy, these ponies, they-”

“Why do you think I came to Equestria in the first place?” Fluttershy asked.

“Huh?” Rainbow questioned.

“Because my family was killed off by a bunch of racist dragons, I fled for my life too, I can’t say I understand your situation fully, not until you tell me…” Fluttershy said.

“...I guess our situations are similar…” Rainbow said finally exiting the bathroom stall and Fluttershy hugged her.

“You can tell us when you're ready, but if there is an immediate threat we need to know what we’re up against,” Fluttershy said.

“I can’t….” Rainbow said.

“I understand,” Fluttershy said.

“No Shy, I literally can’t… he put a curse on me,” Rainbow said.

“He what?” Fluttershy said looking at her friend in surprise, Rainbow stuck out her tongue and revealed the symbol on it.

“What is that?” Fluttershy asked getting worried.

“A silencer curse, if I say any of their names or anything too incriminating or if I even try to remove it by force… it’ll sever my tongue,” Rainbow said.

“What?! We need to inform the princesses! Maybe they can-” Fluttershy began but Rainbow stopped her.

“No, I can’t risk it, we need to find out their names a different way,” Rainbow said.

“But Rainbow,” Fluttershy said, Rainbow hugged her.

“We’ll find a way,” Rainbow said.





Twilight trotted through the hospital with Spike on her back, he was still a bit sleepy so he was resting, she was lost in her thoughts.

“Familiarity… but I don’t even know who that pony was, so why did looking at him feel so… nervewracking,” Twilight shook her head. “I don’t know why… but I feel as though I need to keep my distance from him, like as far as possible… could this be what the other hooded pony was warning me about?” Twilight wondered before hearing a familiar voice.

“Twilight!” Twilight looked up and saw her teacher running up to her.

“Celestia!” Twilight exclaimed and she galloped to her too and they hugged.

“I thought you were trapped in the bowels of the Crystal Empire by Discord,” Twilight asked.

“I was,” Celestia said backing off after the hug. “I was chained to a wall with a magic suppressant ring on my horn alongside my sister, twas fortunate that the problem was solved and Cadence was informed of our whereabouts, those cuffs were really chafing me,” Celestia said with a chuckle.

“Agreed,” Twilight chuckled.

“I was told that Discord was drained of magic and in poor condition, what exactly did you do to him?” Celestia asked as she and Twilight walked together.

“It wasn’t us,” Twilight said.

“What do you mean?” Celestia asked.

“It was a pony who stabbed Discord with a crystal and this mysterious crystal drained him of his power, before you ask I have no idea who this pony is, but I think his name is Cloud, that’s what I heard,” Twilight said.

“I see…” Celestia went into thought about it.

“When we tried to stop him for answers, he attacked us,” Twilight said.

“He did?” Celestia said.

“Yes, and it was weird, none of our attacks phased him, and he had super strength, it was like he was enhanced via magic or something… but it wasn’t any kind of magic I’ve seen,” Twilight said.

“Curious, I should investigate this, after we question Discord,” Celestia said.

“Question Discord,” Twilight asked.

“Yes, unfortunately, it seems the ordeal has taken its toll on him, he is in a coma,” Celestia said.

“He is?” Twilight said.

“Indeed, having one's magic drained so quickly can have great negative impacts, Discord who thrives on his magic is lucky he didn’t perish,” Celestia said.

“Goodness,” Twilight said.

“Agreed, he’s in a high-security room and he’s being watched constantly for any signs of awakening,” Celestia said.

“How long will it possibly take?” Twilight asked.

“Who knows,” Celestia said as the two exited the hospital.

“For now, Nightmare Night is coming up, so let that be your only focus,” Celestia said.

“Ok,” Twilight said hugging Celestia.

“In the meanwhile, I should get back to Canterlot and fix any hysteria that Discord caused, farewell Twilight,” Celestia said before trotting back to her carriage.

“Bye Celestia!” Twilight called before turning to leave. Alls well that ends well, now Twilight needs to head back and get Spike back in bed.





Celestia trotted to her carriage and acknowledged the Guards at the reigns.

"Remind me to gather the historians of Equestria... we may have an older threat to attend to," Celestia said.

"Very well princess," The guards said with a bow.

"If I am right... then we may need to summon all assets," Celestia said to herself as she entered the carriage and it took off.





Several blows were landed and a pony impacted the wall.

“Ugh!” Cloud groaned as he slid to the ground.

“How many times are you going to be insubordinate? Do I actually have to break you to get it into your skull!?” Vel growled as he trotted up to Cloud and stomped on his head.

“Forgive me,” Cloud muttered.

“How many times have I heard that? How long do you think it’ll fly? What’s stopping me from killing you?” Vel demanded.

“I am,” Vel turned to see a chromatic mare enter.

“You… when are you going to discipline your son you crone?!” Vel growled.

“Hold your tongue Vel, Are you forgetting he’s an instrumental part of the plan? If you kill off a key player, we lose! And Arma will slaughter us all for it, even you,” The mare said.

“Hnngh…” Vel growled before trotting away. “Next time he messes up and I’ll paint the walls with his blood,” Vel said before disappearing.  

“Mother…” Cloud said getting up and hobbling to her.

“Oh my sweet child, you have to stop testing Vel, you know he’s so much stronger than you,” She kissed Cloud on the forehead.

“I know… But I saw her today,” Cloud said.

“Ah… her… it is not time to bring her back dearie, Spectra is too defiant, but we’ll have her back soon,” The mare said.

“Do you mean it?” Cloud asked.

“Yes, now sleep dearheart, you have more missions tomorrow,” The mare said.

“Yes Mother,” Cloud said before turning and leaving.

When he was gone the mare trotted to a fireplace and grabbed a picture, detailing her, Vel, and two foals.

And one of them had a rainbow mane like her…

“Don’t worry my dear Spectra, Mother knows best,” The mare chuckled before leaving.





Applejack reentered her home, Apple Bloom was waiting for her and galloped over to her.

“Haha, hey there AB, how’s it goin?” Applejack said.

“Good sis, ah heard everything,” Apple Bloom said.

“Everything?” AJ said, worried about how to explain it.

“Ya fought Discord an put him in the hospital! That’s mah sis,” AB said.

“Oh…” AJ said and tried to seem unconvincing with her expression, but Apple Bloom noticed.

“That is what happened right?” Apple Bloom asked.

“AB, it’s best if ya don’t pry, what happened is only for the princesses and us ta know,” Applejack decided.

“But what really happened? Ah wanna know,” AB asked.

“Ah, can’t say AB jest drop it fer now, sides, ain’t ya got a Nightmare Night party ta prep for? Ah bet ya still fit in that ghost costume,” Applejack teased.

“Oh ok… are ya going to be able to come this time?” AB asked.

“That depends… on the weather, ah need ta ask Rainbow what the weather’ll be like,” Applejack said.

“Got it!” AB ran off.

Applejack laughed until AB left the room and then she quieted.

“Yeah… hope there won’t be any bad weather… gonna need an excuse otherwise,” Applejack said as she left to get her chores done.





A figure entered a large chamber, with torches and an altar, the middle of the room had a larger torch producing black fire.
 
“Hail Arma,” Vel knelt before the torch.

The torch ignited brighter and became a massive blaze with a demonic face upon it.

“What is the meaning of this meeting Vel?” Arma demanded.

“I am curious as to your reason as to why you continue to hone your relationship with the host, forgive my assumption but, what if she finds out and rats to her princesses?” Vel politely said.

“You dare to question my competence? My decisions are always the right choice, and my choice is law, understood?” Arma firmly said.

“O-of course, forgive me for questioning you, I only wish to imply on the nature of your contact with her?” Vel said.

“What I do with my host is none of your concern, but if you must know, I’m not warning her of what is to come, but rather alluring her with it,” Arma said.

“Allure?” Vel questioned.

“In due time, she will come to us… if she wishes to hold onto her foolish friendships that is, when the time comes, we take what is ours, and then finally, the plans I have set in motion, for thousands of years, will meet fruition, and this planet shall know my offer,” Arma said.

“Your wisdom is to be praised milord,” Vel said with a bow.

“I must rest now, leave me!” Arma said.

“As you command,” Vel said before leaving “The next crystal has revealed itself, and the Equestrians are none the wiser still, if all things go right, we can snatch them up one at a time before any notice is given,” Vel grinned.

Vel entered a library-like area where several ponies and dragons were organizing books. “You two!” The two ponies he was referring to spun to see him and then bowed.

“Yes, Lord Vel?” They said.

“The holiday known as Nightmare Night is approaching in Ponyville, and I know just the one to help us create the perfect diversion,” Vel said with a smile.
> Nightmare Night Nightmare [Part 1]
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Nightmare Night has arrived and everypony had set up their spooky decorations.

Twilight helped Trixie set up some fake bats over the doorway.

“We’ll do a great job this year!” Twilight said.

“Trixie fails to see why you need help with this,” Trixie said.

“Well I noticed your magic is very rusty so I figured helping set up the decorations would hel-” Twilight was cut off by a bat dropping on her head.

“I am not rusty!” Trixie said breaking fourth pony for a moment.

“Calm down, while you are here I figured I can help you master your skills,” Twilight said as she set up some of the ghosts in her front lawn, in order from tallest to shortest.

“And who says Trixie wants you to help her?” Trixie said haughtily.

“Say what you want Trixie, but I can tell you're a mare at the end of her rope, I refuse to let you fall into despair over your past actions,” Twilight said.

“...V-very well, then Trixie will let you teach her some of the tricks of the trade, but on her conditions!” Trixie said.

“Whatever you say,” Twilight rolled her eyes as she set up a goblin, before she could say something else she suddenly vanished,

“What?... Twilight?” Trixie said looking around for Twilight.





“-I’m just saying that you could stand to learn more than magician magics… uh, wait where am I?” Twilight looked around.

“HIIIII!” Twilight spun to see Pinkie.

“Pinkie? Where are we?” Twilight asked.

“We’re in Applejack's barn! Brb!” Pinkie vanished and reappeared seconds later with the rest of her friends.

“Ah!” Fluttershy was clearly in the middle of flying and she tumbled out of the air and onto Applejack.

“Oof!” Applejack grunted.

“Huh?!” Rainbow jumped as she was in the middle of putting on a dragon costume.

“Pinkie?!” Rarity was clearly in the middle of a make-up session as her mascara was smeared.

“Yay! We’re all here! Now let’s get dressed up!” Pinkie said turning into her skeletal form.

“Pinkie! Turn back, what if somepony comes inside?” Twilight whispered harshly.

“No need to worry Twi, because we’re all going as ourselves this Nightmare Night!” Pinkie said.

“What?” Rainbow asked.

“Pinkie what do you mean? I was planning to go as Cleopatrot,” Rarity said imagining herself as the beautiful desert princess.

“Yeah, and I was going as a dragon,” Rainbow said.

“Nope! This year, we let go of all restraints and go as what we really are,” Pinkie said.

“Wait… you don’t mean-” Twilight said in shock.

“No disguises, let’s take this chance to be scary on our terms!” Pinkie said.

“No, that’s not happening!” surprisingly those words came from Fluttershy.

“But Shy, this is one of the few days you can be a Kirin and not worry about other ponies' opinions,” Pinkie tried to explain.

“I-I won’t, I won’t go through that again,” Fluttershy said.

“I agree with Fluttershy, the last time I tried to reveal my Changling form to a pony I trusted they… panicked and I had to erase their memories with a spell,” Rarity said.

Twilight seemed interested in the magical spell Rarity mentioned but quickly refocused on the situation.

“Pinkie, you have to understand there’s a reason they’ve kept their true forms hidden for so long, even if it’s Nightmare Night, it’d be a bad idea to run the risk of exposure,” Twilight explained.

“This is the night to be scary girls! We need to get our freak on!” Pinkie said.

“Ah won’t do it Pinkie, ah said to ya ah intend to keep it a secret, by the way, that reminds me,” Applejack turned to Twilight “Ah won’t be attending this year after all,” Applejack said.

“What? Why?” Twilight asked.

“Conditions aren’t right, ah could last year, but this year something has changed,” Applejack said.

“What?” Twilight asked.

“Ah can’t say, but jest trust me, it’s better ah stay out of it,” Applejack said.

“B-but I was planning a party tonight!” Pinkie whined.

“Ah ain’t comin! Deal with it!” Applejack said before leaving.

“Whoa, cool your jets there AJ,” Rainbow said.

“Ah’m sorry, but ah don’t want ta hurt anypony,” Applejack said before exiting.

“Hurt anypony?” Twilight muttered, a memory tugged at her mind but she didn’t pursue it because Rainbow had blocked it for a reason.

“Eh, don’t worry Pinks, how about I go full Vampony tonight, it’ll look realistic but I’m sure eveypony will like it,” Rainbow said.

“Thanks RD!” Pinkie said as Rainbow changed into a vampony.

“Ok girls I guess try to be subtle about your alternate forms for now, you especially Pinkie, ponies might wonder about the flames,” Twilight said.

“K!” Pinkie said as she skipped out the door with Rainbow in tow.

“I’m sorry Twilight, but I can’t show my true self to the townsponies, if they were to find out then…” Fluttershy said remembering the time she showed her old friends.

Twilight hugged Fluttershy.

“It’s fine Shy, you go at your own pace,” Twilight said.

“Thank you so much,” Fluttershy said.

“I must opt out as well, I am too easily recognizable as a true Changeling,” Rarity said.

“I understand,” Twilight said.

“Well, I should get back to Trixie, Nightmare Night begins soon,” Twilight said before teleporting away.

“Let us get moving Fluttershy,” Rarity said before trotting away.  

“Ok,” Fluttershy said following her.





Applejack went down into the cellar, she trotted up to the research table and looked at the curses and spell books, and sighed in frustration.

“There has ta be a cure… there has ta be,” Applejack said before a sharp pain went through her head.

“Agh!... It’s almost time,” Applejack said before trotting over to the door and closing and locking it before turning on the music box and closing the jail cell and locking it and then going over to the corner and chain herself to the wall.

“Now… we wait…” Applejack said.





Twilight arrived at her castle and saw Trixie still setting things up, thankfully.

“Hmm? And where did you go? Leaving me to fix this place up alone, some nerve,” Trixie said bitterly.

“Pinkie snatched me away when you weren’t looking, something about special costumes,” Technically not a lie…

“I have heard the rumors about that crazy mare, best we get finished and then go inside to read…” Trixie said.

“Your not participating?” Twilight asked.

“No, Trixie has too many bad memories of bad Nightmare Nights of the past…” Trixie said.

“Want to-”

“No, can I go?” Trixie asked.

“Ok,” Twilight nodded, deciding not to pursue it.

“Thanks,” Trixie went inside the castle.

“I wonder what it was,” Twilight said before seeing some costumed foals approaching.

“Better get the candy ready,” Twilight said going inside and stepping around Spike who was walking out dressed in his two-headed dragon costume again.

“Spike that costume again?” Twilight teased.

“Oh come on, never give up on a look that works, the second head routine always scores me extra candy,” Spike said before running off.

“Come back as soon as possible!” Twilight called after him.

“Ok!” Spike said.

“Trick or treat!” a colt dressed as a ghost said holding out a basket.

“Here you go,” Twilight levitated some candy into the basket.





RD and Pinkie trotted around.

“Wow! Nice costume Rainbow!” A passing pony said.

“Thanks!” Rainbow said.

“Wow! Those flames look so real!” A filly exclaimed when she saw Pinkies pink flaming skull head.

“Thanks!” Pinkie said.

“Gotta say Pinkie, feels nice to get out with my vampy self without worry of a mob,” Rainbow said.

“Agreed!” Pinkie said.

“Hey, I think I see the Crusaders up ahead… shhh!” RD said as she got low and she snuck up to them.

Sweetie was dressed as a princess, Apple Bloom was dressed as a gangster and Scootaloo looked like she had palette swapped with RD.

“Seriously Scoots? Rainbow Dash again?” Sweetie asked.

“What? I did a good job this year,” Scoots said.

“How many times have ya used that one?” Apple Bloom asked.

“I dunno, get off my back,” Scootaloo said before Rainbow dove out of the shadows and hissed.

“AAAAHHH!” The CMC yelped as the scary vampony scared them.

“Hahaha! That was a good one eh?” Rainbow laughed.

“N-not… cool…” Sweetie gasped.

“Are you kidding Sweetie? That was awesome! Good costume Rainbow!” Scootaloo said hugging her.

“Haha, thanks Scoots,” Rainbow said.

“That is pretty realistic, where did you get it?” Sweetie asked.

“Yeah, and can we shop there too?” Apple Bloom added

“Uhhh….. This is homemade,” Rainbow lied.

“Cool!” Scootaloo said.

“What can I say, I’m a pro at anything!” Rainbow boasted.

“Hey girls!” Pinkie appeared.

“AAAHHHH!” The three screamed again.

“Oopsie!” Pinkie chuckled.

“Now that is a costume! How’d ya do it?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Uh… internet?” Pinkie said.

“Internet? What’s that?” Apple Bloom asked.

“Oh yeah, wrong century, NVM,” Pinkie waved it off.

The CMC shrugged it off as another one of Pinkies shenanigans.

“Alright! Now let’s get moving you three!” RD ushered them along.

“Got it!” The three ran off.

As the group left the area two hooded figures moved through the crowd and they staked out at an alleyway with the castle in sight.

“Now… we wait…” The pony said.

“I don’t know man… if we get found out we could be in big trouble,” The second stallion shivered out.

“Then we won’t,” He said cautiously.

“How can you be sure?!” The coward asked.

“Shh!” The calmer one said before seeing a pony watching them.

“Uhh… just hanging out!” The calmer pony said.

“Yeah, no illegal activities over her- oof!” The pony grunted as the other elbowed him.

The pony shrugged and left.

“You blow this and Vel will have our skins!” He whispered harshly.

“Sorry…” The coward said.





Foals made their way to the Apple Family Farmhouse.

Snips and Snails were there dressed as robots.

“Alright, Snips! Ready for some candy eh?” Snails asked.

“Yeaaah!” Snips said excitedly.

As they trotted up to the farmhouse and received their caramel apples and they turned to leave they heard noises.

“Huh?” Snips said.

“What’s up, eh?” Snails asked.

“I heard something,” Snips beckoned Snails to follow him.

Big Mac hoofed off another bushel when he saw Snips and Snails wandering… towards the direction of the cellar!?

“Hold this!” Mac hoofed the apples to Granny Smith and galloped to them.

“It’s coming from over there, it sounds like growling,” Snips said.

“Huuuh,” Snails said.

“WAIT!” Mac said getting in front of them.

“Huh?!” Snips and Snails exclaimed.

“There’s uh… nothing over there,” Mac said obviously lying.

“Really?” Snails questioned.

“What’s with the noises?” Snips asked quickly.

“Uh… tractor! Ah must have left it runnin, better go turn it off, now go on git,” Mac ushered them away.

“Ok ok,” The two trotted away and Mac gave a heavy sigh before turning to go over there and ‘turn off the tractor’

As he went over there he saw a figure moving towards the cellar.

“Huh? Uh sir! Ya don’t want to go in there!” Mac tried to tell him.

“...” The figure ignored him.

“Sir!  This is private property, and ah have ta ask ya to lea-” The stallion suddenly reached forward and tapped Mac on the forehead and he fell to the ground unconscious.

“Silence mortal,” Vel said as he approached the cellar and he lit his horn and the lock broke.

He entered the cellar and saw the room.

“Hmm… she dabbles in the arcane, but not for the gain of knowledge, rather, to gain something from it,” Vel turned towards a jail cell and approached it.

He heard growling and shuffling around.

“An unsavory beast, naturally I should dispose of you, but I have… other uses for you,” Vel said.

The figure lunged at the bars and collided with them, its green eyes locked onto its potential prey and claws swiping inches from Vel's face.

Vel didn’t even flinch.

“I see, you haven’t learned to retain intelligence in this form, Well then, I suppose I must get moving,” He then lit his horn and a circle formed in front of him and then suddenly he vanished.

Thirty seconds later the circle broke into streams of light that went into the locks and unlocked them, and then into the cage where it unlocked the shackles….

The creature was loose…





Hungry…

Prey… need prey… shackles gone? Cage open? Take chance, find prey!” 

The beast moved out of the cage and looked around, as if it hasn’t been out of a cage in a long time the creature saw the open door and wandered out.

It wandered into the moonlight, revealing a monstrous form.

It looked like Applejack but she was covered in several areas of her body in wooden armor-like plates on her back, legs and face. Her teeth were replaced by fangs, dripping with a greenish venom. And her claws, though wooden looked as if they could shred through metal. Her mouth was extended and more wolf-like and so was her tail, branch-like horns stuck out of her head as she raised it to sniff the air.

And her eyes… they glowed an ominous green glow…

She then gave a howl… the howl of one of the most dangerous creatures, a Timberpony.

It growled as it looked around, eager to sate it’s hunger.

And saw Big Mac…





Granny hoofed off another apple, wondering where that grandson of hers had trotted off too.

Then she heard the howl… and she paled before looking out in the direction of the Cellar and saw a creature approaching a downed Big Mac.

“Ah hay…” Granny threw the apples aside and galloped inside.

“Hey!” A colt whined when he saw the apples on the ground.

Granny came back outside with a silver ax in her mouth.

“Whoa!” Cheerilee said “I appreciate authenticity as much as the next pony but, that’s quite dangerous-” Cheerilee said but Granny held the ax in her hooves and barked out an order.

“GET THESE YOUNG’NS AS FAR AWAY FROM HERE AS POSSIBLE!” Granny yelled.

“What? What are you talking about Granny Smith? Is everything alright?” Cheerilee asked.

Granny sighed and swished the ax at Cheerilee who jumped back with a yelp.

“GET THE HAY OUT! NOW!” Granny yelled before galloping off.

“K-kids… let’s get moving!” Cheerilee shakily said before ushering the kids away.





Timberjack came up to Big Mac and sniffed him.

“Maaaaaacc…” The creature growled out and shook its head as if it was fighting the urge to dig in.

But fighting instinct like this was too hard…

Timberjack snarled and leaned in, mouth opening widely to bite down on the neck of her prey, ready to tear, to eat, to crunch his bones between her teeth! TO-

“Get away from mah grandchildren!” Granny yelled coming down with the ax and chopping off an antler.

Timberjack yelped and snapped at the old mare with her teeth.

“Applejack, how’d ya get out? We were extra careful!” Granny said holding the ax in a way she previously couldn’t.

The beast snarled and lunged to bite the mare but Granny dodged and swung her ax cutting a little bit into her shoulder.

As Granny backed off she saw the antler and wound regenerate.

“Don’t make me hurt ya,” Granny said.

The beast roared and pounced, Granny made to dodge but her hip cracked and she grunted in pain and was pounced down.

“AGH!” Granny Smith grunted and she held the ax up as Timberjack bit down on the handle.

“Accursed old age!” Granny grunted before tilting the weapon and touching the silver to AJ’s skin, causing a burn.

Timberjack yelped and backed off.

“AJ, don’t run into town!” Granny got up and held the ax out defensively.

“Gr-Graaaaannnyyy…” TJ snarled.

“Yes, ah’m yer granny, please Applejack, jest go back into the cellar,” Granny said.

“Ah…ah….” Timberjack shook her head a little.

That’s right, now come this way an-” Granny gave a grunt and fell to the ground as Vel appeared behind her and struck her in the back of the neck.

“Sentimentality, worthless,” Vel said approaching Timberjack who snarled at him.

“You have a job to do, now do it,” Vel said.

“ROOOAAAR!” Timberjack lunged for Vel but he flared his horn and teleported her.

“Alright Princess, your move,” Vel said.





“Hah! Look at this haul!” Scootaloo cheered as she gestured to her bag of candy.

“Mines bigger,” Apple Bloom said.

“Mines filled with more candybars,” Sweetie bragged.

“Psh,” Scootaloo said.

“It’s not a contest girls, besides, nights not over yet,” Rainbow said.

“We gotta thank you both, your scary costumes really helped out,” Scootaloo said.

“And the part where a rat poked out of your costume was pretty surprising,” Scootaloo said.
 
“Hah, yeah, costumes, uh hey! Wanna go by Twilights? Before Nightmare Moon shows up?” Rainbow suggested.

“Good idea!” Apple Bloom said and they ran off towards Twilight's castle since it was in sight.

“Let’s get moving RD, there might still be time for pranks later,” Pinkie said.

“Got it,” Rainbow said as the two ran after them.

“Princesses should have princess-level snacks!” Sweetie said

“AH’m gettin' cavities tomorrow!” Apple Bloom cheered… before crashing into something and falling down.

“Huh?” Apple Bloom looked up and saw a creature standing there… a familiar one…

“Applejack?” Apple Bloom said as Sweetie and Scoots paused there, they saw the creature that vaguely looked like an Applejack and timberwolf hybrid, looking around as if confused about where it was, before looking down at the three.

“Oh no…” Apple Bloom paled when it clicked… the stories Granny told, and why Applejack had to sleep in the cellar at least every few moons…

“Wow, nice costume, you actually look vicious AJ, I hardly recognized you,” Scootaloo said honestly.

“Yeah,” Sweetie said.

The creature just growled… 

Three morsels must eat…

“Huh? Applejack?” Rainbow arrived on the scene with Pinkie “Wow, that’s quite the costume,” Rainbow chuckled.

Timberjack growled deepened and she began to stalk towards the three, and they backed up, the crowd began to notice her and some ponies were chatting among themselves.

“Uh, AJ, we get it, y-you can drop the feral act,” Scootaloo said nervously.

“Yeah, got us good,” Sweetie said.

“Girls?....” Apple Bloom said.

“What?” They said glancing at AB.

“Back away slowly…” AB said.

“Why?” Sweetie asked.

“That ain’t AJ…” Apple Bloom shivered knowing the wrong move could result in death.

“AJ, I think you're scaring them, you may want to stop,” Rainbow said.

“Wait…” Pinkie said and she made her eyes glow… and saw darkness surrounding AJ’s body.

“What?” RD asked.

“Rainbow… this is bad,” Pinkie said nervously.

“Why?” RD asked.

“Help them!” Pinkie said before vanishing.

The monstrous Timberpony roared right in their faces earning a scream from the CMC.

They all braced themselves as Timberjack lunged for them, only to be tackled by Pinkie and she threw her at a wall.

“Whoa!” Rainbow exclaimed.

“RAINBOW, HOLD HER OFF, I HAVE TO GET EVERYPONY OUT OF HERE!” Pinkie said as she vanished and reappeared behind the CMC.

“H-Huh?” they glanced back at Pinkie and before they could ask any questions Pinkie teleported them.

“What’s going on?!” Rainbow said before seeing Timberjack leap out of the hole in the wall with a roar.

“AJ STOP!” RD called and she jumped in front of the ponies she was lunging for and bucked her away.

“Get moving!” RD told the ponies and then turned her attention back to AJ as she got up.

“I don’t know what happened to you Applejack but you need to snap out of it!” RD said with determination.

“ROOOAAAAR!” The Timber Pony roared and began stalking forward.

“I got no choice…” RD said before flashing her fangs and stalking forward as well.

Then they rush towards eachother and clash.





Twilight hoofed her last bit of candy into the hooves of a filly in a witch costume.

“Bye!” Twilight said waving her off, before wiping her brow. “Glad that’s over,” Twilight said before turning to go back inside, before hearing her name and turning to see Spike approaching.

“Hey Twilight, see my bag?” Spike said gesturing to his bag of goodies.

“Heh, I guess what you said is true,” Twilight chuckled.

“Yup! Works every time,” Spike said proudly before hearing screams and the two turned to see ponies fleeing from something.

“Huh? What’s happening?” Spike asked.

“I don’t know, Spike go inside, I’ll check it out,”  Twilight said.

“I want to go with you,” Spike said.

“No Spike it’s too dangerous, go enjoy some candy while I see to the commotion,” Twilight said before galloping away.

“...Like hay I’m missing what’s going on here,” Spike said going after her.

Little did they know, that’s what the pair of ponies in the alleyway nearby were waiting for and they snuck towards the castle.

“Time to initiate, phase two,” The shorter one said.

“O-ok!” The other pony said.
> Nightmare Night Nightmare [part 2]
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight ran through a crowd of fleeing ponies and decided to stop a stallion to ask him.

“Excuse me, what’s all the ruckus?” Twilight demanded.

“A monster got into town and began attacking! Rainbow Dash is holding it off!” The stallion said before a loud noise scared him off.

“A monster?” Twilight said before hurrying to the area ponies are running from.

And she saw Rainbow Dash and A creature she’s never seen before tussling.

Rainbow rammed AJ through a wall and was thrown out of the hole moments later.

The monster in question exited the hole and howled before lunging at Rainbow who backflipped away from it and clutched onto the wall, the creature jumped onto the wall using its claws and continued its skirmish with Rainbow.

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight flew into the air and fired a magic blast that struck the orange beast and sent it flying into an alleyway.

“Are you okay?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah, but be careful with your shots, we don’t want to hurt her too bad,” Rainbow said getting down from the wall.

“Why?” Twilight asked.

“That thing is Applejack!” Rainbow said as the Timberpony leaped out of the alleyway and they were forced to dodge.

“Seriously?! So that’s what Applejacks monster form looks like?” Twilight exclaimed. 

Twilight teleported into the air as Timberjack leaped at her.

“We really should have known earlier!” Twilight said.

“Less talk more do!” Rainbow said as she tackled Timberjack down.





The two ponies stumbled into the castle, looking for the object that is rumored to be in there by their boss.

“Ok, keep your eyes peeled, that commotion outside should buy us at least a half an hour.” The shorter pony said.

“Ok,” The other agreed before suddenly the lights turned on.

“Hey! What’s with the racket out-... Who are you two?” Trixie asked.

“Uh…. we’re hiding?” The bigger pony said.

“What’s with the robes?... Nevermind, what are you doing here? Hiding from what?” Trixie asked coming down the stairs cautiously.

“Didn’t you hear? There’s a Timberpony loose in town!” The bigger one exclaimed.

“A what?” Trixie asked.

“He means a monster, it tried to kill us but the princess went to go confront it, you don’t mind if we… crash here until the danger passes, right?” The shorter pony said.

“Doesn’t bother me, just leave the kitchen alone I was preparing a sandwich,” Trixie said.

“Oh! Can I have one?” The bigger pony asked before getting elbowed.

“He means we’ll just relax down here,” The shorter pony said.

“Just keep it down while your here,” Trixie said leaving the room.

“Whew… Bolt you idiot! Stop thinking about food all the time!” 

“Sorry Cashew…” Bolt said.

“Now I have an idea, you keep her distracted I look for the book that hints to the next crystals location,” Cashew said.

“Ok!” Bolt said.

The two ponies split up to do their work.





Twilight flew higher to avoid the shredding claws of the Timberpony.

“RAAAH!” Timberjack roared leaping onto the wall and then at Twilight who teleported to ground level.

Rainbow grabbed her midair and drove her through the town square fountain.

Timberjack bit down on Rainbow’s shoulder and they spun out of control.

“AAAGH!” Rainbow grunted as they plummeted to the ground and tumbled.

“Not good!” Rainbow tried to get up but Timberjack came at her quickly.

Rainbow hissed at Timberjack and the two tumbled on the ground.

Timberjack pinned her head and readied to bite down, but Twilight interrupted with a blast of magic sending the Timberpony flying.

“You okay Rainbow?” Twilight asked.

“Yeah, but… I got Timber venom in me…” Rainbow grunted in pain as she shifted back to normal.

“Timber Venom?” Twilight questioned.

“It weakens a… pony, making them…. Sleepy” Rainbow said before passing out.

“Oh no,” Twilight said before seeing Timberjack stalking around her.

“Applejack, please stop, your hurting ponies, you have to-” Twilight didn’t get to finish because Timberjack pounced, forcing her to raise a barrier.

The Timberpony roared and scratched at the barrier.

“Not good!” Twilight strained.

Just when it looked like the creature was going to break through, a yellow figure rammed her.

“Huh?” Twilight said as she saw Fluttershy in Kirin mode struggling with Timberjack.

“Applejack! Calm yourself NOW!” Fluttershy demanded and the two skirmished.

“Fluttershy!” Twilight called lowering the barrier.

“We heard from Pinkie and came as soon as we could,” Rarity said appearing next to Twilight.

“Glad you're here, c’mon!” Twilight ran forward just as Timberjack threw Fluttershy off of her.

Twilight and Rarity struck her with several magical blasts making the creature stagger, and before it could lunge at them Fluttershy pounced on her and held her down.

“Applejack snap out of it!” Fluttershy said.

Twilight helped hold down the rampaging creature with her magic.

The Timberpony thrashed wildly and Twilight was surprised at how much stamina the creature had.

To her surprise, she saw the creature's eyes light up and she stumbled back when her magic failed her.

It threw Fluttershy off of her and rushed at Twilight.

“Twilight! Look out!” Rarity cried.

“Aah!” Twilight was going to teleport but she wouldn’t make it in time.

“NO!” Spike managed to get in front of Twilight and breathed a gout of flames at the Timberpony.

The Timberpony yelped and screeched as the flames lit her wooden parts on fire and it backed off.

“Huh?! Spike?” Twilight said noticing him.

“Run Spike! She’s not safe right now!” Fluttershy cried.

“No! I can help!” Spike said as they saw the creature put out the fire and it was regenerating.

“Wait…” Twilight remembered how Timberwolves were always kept at a distance by…

“Spike, blast her with fire again!” Twilight said.

“B-but I only did it the first time to protect you, I don’t want to kill her!” Spike said.

“I have an idea,” Twilight assured him.

“O-ok,” Spike ran up to the creature and breathed fire again.

Timberjack growled and jumped back from it.

“Keep it busy Spike, I need just a minute!” Twilight said.

“I-I’m trying!” Spike said continuing to breathe fire as the creature tried to get around him.

“Twilight! What are you doing?” Rarity demanded as Twilight seemed to draw in the dirt.

“Something I only tested on Owlicious, I hope it works!” Twilight was like a mare possessed, she magically drew on the ground fast enough that she formed a circle.

“Now Spike!” Twilight called.

“Ack! Ok!” Spike coughed before dodging to the side as the creature lunged, missing him.

Ignoring the dragon it bolted for Twilight.

But Twilight was ready…

“Please work…” Twilight jumped back and lit her horn and the circle lit up.

Timberjack entered the circle.

And a barrier formed trapping her, she crashed into the side of the barrier and clawed at it.

The barrier then shrunk to a sphere of magic big enough to contain it.

“It worked!” Twilight heaved a sigh of relief.

“Twilight, what kind of barrier is this?” Rarity said.

“It’s a level three monster containment field, it was taught to me a while ago, by Celestia,” Twilight said.

“Will it hold her?” Fluttershy said putting up her disguise again.

“Undoubtedly, it could hold a small hydra, which is much stronger physically than Applejack, it’ll last for ten hours before expiring,” Twilight said.
  
“Thank goodness,” Fluttershy said.

“What do we do?” Spike asked.

“First we need to get Applejack out of here before the ponies that ran off come back, we can’t let them find out it was Applejack,” Twilight said.

“Agreed,” Pinkie said showing up.

“Pinkie? Where were you?” Twilight asked.

“Rounding up the ponies and taking them outside the town so they don’t get hurt,” Pinkie replied.

“Good work then, we should focus on taking care of Applejack,” Twilight said.

“No worries, while you were talking I teleported us into Applejack's barn,” Pinkie said.

Twilight glanced around and was a little surprised to see them inside the barn instead of the middle of town.

“Good work, now what?” Rarity asked.

“Ya leave Applejack ta me,” A familiar voice said and they turned to see Granny Smith entering.

“Granny?” Everypony said.

“Yessum…” Granny approached the barrier and ran a hand down the edge, even as Timberjack snapped at her hooves.

“Careful Granny,” Twilight said.

“No worries, this ain't the first time she got out, you all go an enjoy yer night, ah’ll watch her until morning,” Granny said.

“But Granny we have so many quest-” Pinkie was about to ask but Twilight stuck her hoof in front of her and shook her head.

Afterward, the group packed it in and left.

Granny sat down beside the barrier where the snarling creature continued to scratch at the side and snarl.

“Ya got a ton of explainin' ta do tomorrow AJ,” Granny said somberly.





Spike had fallen asleep on Twilight’s back, tired from the ordeal and Twilight was heading back into the town with her friends.

Fluttershy was carrying Rainbow who was still unconscious from the timber venom.

As expected, a group of panicking ponies were there.

“Let me handle this, you all head home,” Twilight said.

“You sure?” Fluttershy asked.

“Yes,” Twilight said before moving ahead.

The others decided to head home as per Twilight’s request.

Mayor Mare saw Twilight and approached her.

“Twilight, thank Celestia your here, what on Eqqus was that all about? What was that thing?” Mayor Mare demanded.

“I’m not sure, but the situation is dealt with,” Twilight assured her.

“It’s gone?” Mayor Mare asked.

“Yes, we did our best to take care of the problem, no need to worry, if it comes back we’ll deal with it, for now, I need to get Spike home now, so why doesn’t everypony head home for their safety,” Twilight said.

“O-ok, I’m trusting your word that everything will be alright, alot of ponies are spooked right now, but I’m trying to keep the peace,” Mayor Mare said before returning to the crowd and relaying Twilight’s message, the group dispersing afterward.

“Whew, finally this night can be over…” Twilight sighed before heading home.

As she got home and entered the front door two ponies exited a window, falling atop eachother and scrambling to flee the scene, carrying a red book in their hooves.

“I smell a promotion in our future,” Chestnut chuckled.

“Yeah!” Bolt said.





Twilight set Spike in his bead and went back downstairs to close up the building, she had noticed a large pile of books but figured it was Trixie’s fault.

Bedtime was now and Twilight trotted past Spike's room again and to her bedroom.

Spike was still asleep and she figured after the long day they both had, he’d be out till tomorrow.

Twilight settled into bed and turned off the light. As she slept she had a strange dream…

Twilight woke up the following day and gave a jaw-cracking yawn before trotting downstairs.

“Whew, what a good night's rest…” Twilight said as she got down into the kitchen, looking for coffee.

Twilight trotted into the kitchen.

“Hey Spike, if I promise to do the dishes, could you make me some pancakes and coffee?” Twilight said as she approached Spike, who was just standing at the kitchen window, staring…

“Spike?” Twilight asked

“...”

“Spike,” Twilight said more firmly.

“...”

“Spike your starting to scare me, talk to me,” Twilight said trotting over to him.

Still no response…

“Spike! I’m serious, stop this silent treatment and talk to-” Twilight grabbed his shoulder to turn him around… and he dropped to the ground limply.

“SPIKE!” Twilight cried out in surprise as she saw his eyes were a glowing orange instead of green. She shook him frantically when she got no response she picked up his limp body and ran for the door.

“Don’t worry Spike! I’ll get you help! The hospital? Zecora? Maybe-” Twilight paused when she got outside and stared in shock and fear.

Ponies everywhere were just standing there… staring up at the sky, transfixed.

No panic, no movement, they were just staring with their orange eyes, and their eyes were slit like Spike’s too. 

“W-what is going on?” Twilight said, on one hoof she was tempted to look where they were looking but on the other, what if she ends up in a similar state?...

“Go ahead, look, this is your doing after all…”

“Huh?” Twilight said looking around as she heard a dark voice speaking to her, during her search she saw something out of the corner of her eye.

She looked up and saw something terrifying…

An eye… the size of the moon was hovering in front of the celestial body.

This eye looked like the eyes of her fellow ponies right now.

“W-what the? W-what is this?!” Twilight said backing away in horror.
 
“Destiny,” The eye echoed before looking down.

Twilight followed its gaze and saw something that only furthered her horror.

Her friends… all dead…

“GIRLS!” Twilight yelled running to them.

When she got there she set Spike down and looked among them.

Pinkies flames and eye lights were gone and she just looked like a normal skeleton now, Rainbow Dash had at least twelve blades stabbed into her chest and stomach, and Fluttershy just laid there, blood leaking out of her mouth, Applejack lay before her as a charred corpse, and Rarity was holding Sweetie Belle and they were both impaled on a pointed rock.

“No…nononono….” Twilight sobbed

“Why cry? They got in the way of progress, and brought their own ends upon themselves,”

“You monster… what have you done?” Twilight asked

The voice laughed and the eye hovered behind her, “Forget their friendship, I am your only friend now, Twilight….Twilight….Twilight…”

“Stop… stop!” Twilight shook her head before feeling a claw grip her shoulder, and she spun around to see Spike's eyes and mouth erupting in black flames.


“TWILIGHT!”

---

“AAAAHHH!” Twilight shot up in bed, sweating and panting heavily. “What….W-what just…” Twilight gasped before a claw gripped her hoof.

Remembering the Spike from her dream, she screamed in fright, grabbed Spike in her magic, and flung him across the room.

“AAAHH!” Spike cried as he hit a wall, he slid to the ground and got up slowly.

“OW! What gives?!” Spike said sounding upset.

“Spike?...SPIKE!” Twilight cried, getting out of bed and galloping over to him, hugging him.

Spike was surprised, but he hugged her back, seeing her in distress.

“It’s alright, Twilight,” Spike said comfortingly as she wept into his shoulder.
> Fear of a dream and revelations of an apple farmer.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight’s hooves were shaking as she gripped her coffee mug.

“It was just a dream…” Twilight told herself while Spike walked around the table and sat down on the opposite side.

“Alright Twi, if you can say, what was the dream? What could have scared you this bad?” Spike asked.

“I-I can’t… I can’t tell you, it's… I can’t,” Twilight muttered.

“Geeze, was the library section burning again?” Spike said, trying to lighten the mood.

Twilight was unamused.

“Ahaha…heh…” Spike sheepishly laughed.

“Good morning,” Trixie said trotting into the kitchen.

“Morning,” Twilight and Spike said.

“I was talking to myself, but morning to you as well I suppose,” Trixie haughtily chuckled.

“Ugh, how long does she have to be here again?” Spike whispered to Twilight.

“Just until she get’s back on her hooves,” Twilight said rubbing her temples.





“Ok Trixie, now try to cast this spell and this one simultaneously,” Twilight said pointing to two different basic levitation spells.

“Two spells at once? What does Trixie look like? A miracle worker?” Trixie said.

“It's not hard with proper focus, watch,” Twilight set the two cups of tea and concentrated.

Both teacups began to float.

“See? Nothing to-” The fiery orange eye flickered in her mind and she gasped and dropped the cups making them shatter.

“You were saying?” Trixie said with a raised brow.

“I-I just had a lapse of concentration, it happens,” Twilight said before looking down in the orange tea on the ground and she could swear a slit eye appeared in it.

“AH!” Twilight stumbled back into a nightstand.

“Are you okay Twilight?” Trixie said more curious than concerned.

“Y-yes, let’s skip lessons for now, I… didn’t sleep well last night, I’ll go take a walk to clear my head,” Twilight said taking her leave.

“Um… ok?” Trixie said.



 

“Alright, the walk seems to be helping,” Twilight said trying to take her mind off the surreal images she saw last night, she continued on until she saw a familiar figure pop up in front of her.

“Hi, Twilight!” Pinkie cheered, In Twilight’s eyes however she saw a brief flicker of Pinkie’s deceased body.

“AAAAHHH!” Twilight backpedaled.

“Whoa… Uh, didn’t mean to scare you so badly, sorry,” Pinkie said sounding surprised.

“I-it’s fine! I uh- need to-” Twilight began but Pinkie trotted up to Twilight's side.

“No time, we gotta get to AJ’s house,” Pinkie said.

“What? Why?” Twilight asked.

“Applejack sent a note to me to gather everypony and bring them to her house,” Pinkie said.

“Isn’t it too early? She could still be recovering,” Twilight asked.

“Not to worry, she sent them so she must be ready to tell us everything,” Pinkie said dragging Twilight with her.

“Pinkie, I’m really not in the mood for this,” Twilight begged.

“If your feeling sad then having friends around will help,” Pinkie said dragging Twilight into a bush and teleporting to AJ’s house when nopony was looking.

“AH!” Twilight yelped when she hit the ground.

“Hey girls,” Rainbow said and they looked to see Rainbow and Fluttershy there.

“Hello girls,” Fluttershy said.

“Hi! Twilight’s having a rough morning so be gentle,” Pinkie said.

“Is that true? What’s up?” Rainbow asked.

“It… it’s nothing I want to say right now,” Twilight said dismissively.

“Alright,” Rainbow shrugged.

“I’m here!” They turned to see Rarity approaching.

“Good! Then let’s get the meeting a goin,” Pinkie said before knocking on the door.

They waited awhile before the door opened and they saw Big Mac.

“Hey Mac! How’s it-’ Pinkie was cut off by Mac covering her mouth and glancing around.

“Be honest with me, there anypony else but you five here?” Big Mac said.

“No,” Rainbow said.

“Come with me but be quiet,” Mac said leading them into the house.

“I’m a tad worried now,” Rarity said.

“Shh!” Mac said, quieting her.

The group made their way into the house and into the Apple family's living room.

There they saw a despondent Applejack and her sister Apple Bloom and Granny Smith.

“Granny-” Twilight began but Granny gave her a sharp look that quieted her.

“Ah can tell yer afraid of Applejack right now, yer standing on the opposite side of the room from her, get closer,” Granny said.

“Sorry…” The girls said approaching and sitting near the family.

“Ah want not a single judgmental word from any of ya, or ah’m bannin ya from this here farm,” Granny said.

“You don’t have to go that far Granny,” Applejack said “Their right to judge me… Ah’m a monster…” Applejack wept.

“You're not a monster AJ,” Rainbow said in defense of her friend.

“Yes ah ahm, if you girls hadn’t stopped me back there, ah would have… Ah would have killed mah own sister and her friends… just like mah parents…” AJ said with a sob.

“What?...” Twilight said in surprise, Granny gave Twilight a stern look warning her to watch what she says.

“Ah… ah killed them, because ah can’t control this monster in me,” Applejack cried.

Fluttershy got up and hugged Applejack.

“It’s okay…shhhh,” Fluttershy said soothingly.

After a few seconds Fluttershy backed off and Applejack seemed to have calmed down a little.

“We’re here to listen dear, tell us everything,” Rarity said.

“...Ok…” Applejack said before proceeding.

“Ah was once a normal pony, but only when ah was little, ah made the mistake of venturing into the Everfree…” Applejack seemed to shudder at an unpleasant memory but continued “Ah was always so shy back then, the local colts teased me for being a coward for relying on mah brother when they were teasing me, ah wanted to prove them wrong by taking a dare from them. If ah hadn’t been so stubborn, ah wouldn’t have lost somepony who meant the world to me,” Applejack said sadly.

“Do you need another hug?” Pinkie asked.

“No, just listen,” Applejack said before continuing “ah was told to go into the Everfree and get a cromba fruit,” Applejack said.

“A what?” Twilight said confusedly.

“Ah wish ah knew they were making it up at the time but ah was so determined to prove mahself brave, so ah went on mah journey fer nothing, and it wasn’t long before ah was lost and nighttime fell, ah heard the sounds of a search party looking for me and so ah tried ta follow the noises, that’s when… she appeared,” Applejack said the word she with a bitter tone.

“Who’s she?” Rainbow asked.

“A Timberpony she looked injured, and ah found the remains of a hydra near her, ah thought she was just a weird pony and needed help so ah made the mistake of trying to help her and not just leaving her.” Applejack said angrily.

The group glanced at eachother and then back at Applejack with some nervousness.

“She saw me and ah simply asked if she was alright, she then attacked me, sank her fangs into mah foreleg and tossed me around like ah was weightless before collapsing.” Applejack gestured to a barely noticeable scar on her foreleg.

“I never noticed that,” Rarity said.

“Is that how you got infected?” Twilight asked.

“No, contrary to popular knowledge, Timberponies can’t infect others with bites… but it did mark me to be the next Timberpony,” Applejack said.

“Mark?” Twilight questioned.

“Yes, when they bite ya, less they bite somepony else your marked as the next one, afterwards, all it takes to transfer the curse… is death,” Applejack said “She seemed to die of her injuries afterwards, and the curse transferred to me, and ah turned into one mahself,” Applejack said.

“So… that rumor is just a rumor, I see,” Twilight mumbled.

“That’s horrible,” Fluttershy said sadly.

“The worst part ain’t even here yet,” AJ said “when the curse hit me, ah turned into a monster, only since ah had no idea how to retain mah sanity ah was like a wild animal, but ah was at least somewhat aware before things went hazy,” Applejack said with tears in her eyes. “Ah… ran towards the noise of mah parents searching fer me… the rest ah don’t remember, but… ah woke up next to them both….Dead…” Applejack broke out into fresh tears.

Fluttershy held back tears of her own and Rarity looked horrified but also pitying of AJ’s situation.

“Ah killed them… Ah did… ya see why ah didn’t want to relive this?” AJ said sadly.

“Oh AJ,” Pinkie said with tears in her eyes.

“Now all you all know, now ya know why ah hate what ah am, and why ah’ve been trying to find a way to end the curse,” Applejack said. “The thing you don’t remember Twilight, is the fact that the cellar has been made into a holding pen fer me and research area, to study mah curse and find a way to fix it,” Applejack said.

“So that’s the memory that Rainbow suppressed… I suppose that makes sense,” Twilight said.

“If ya’ll don’t want ta be around me anymore, ah understand,” Applejack said.

“Applejack! Why would you think we’d abandon you?” Rarity asked.

“Yeah, we’re not exactly normal either if you remember,” Rainbow reminded her.

“What do ya mean by that?” Granny asked.

“I…uh,” Rainbow forgot that the rest of the Apple Family didn’t know.  

“If it's alright with ya girls can ah tell them later? Ah’m tired of keepin secrets,” Applejack asked.

The other elements looked at each other and nodded.

“So long as they don’t tell anypony else,” Fluttershy said.

“Pinkie promise?” Pinkie added.

“Pinkie Promise,” AJ said.

Everypony sat back stewing the conversation in their heads.

“And I thought my story was tragic….” Fluttershy said in her head.

“Now that ya know can we still be close friends?” Applejack asked.

“Of course Applejack, in fact, if it's a cure your looking for, how about I help, after all, I am quite the studious one,” Twilight said.

“Thanks Twilight, that's a good plan, ah hope ah don’t get in the way of progress,” Applejack said honestly grateful.

Twilight’s eyes widened “...What did you say?” Twilight asked.

“Uhm… Ah don’t want to get in the way of progress, ya know, of finding the cure, since ya’ll are so smart,” Applejack said.

“P-progress…” Twilight said her mind is flashing back to the dream.

“Why cry? They got in the way of progress, and brought their own ends upon themselves,”

“NO!” Twilight shouted startling everypony.

“Twilight?” Rainbow said confusedly.

“Is everything alright?” Apple Bloom asked.

“I-I am fine… I need a washroom,” Twilight said trotting off hurriedly.

“...Is she alright?” Big Mac asked.

“She’s been really spooked since I saw her,” Pinkie said.

“Must have had a bad dream…” Fluttershy guessed.





Twilight splashed water on her face and panted.

“It was just a dream! Why is it haunting me so much?... could it be…” Twilight remembered the corpses of her friends. “Where was Luna? Why didn’t she help me out in such a surreal dream?” Twilight muttered.

She sighed and looked up at the mirror.

And screamed.

Staring back at her from the mirror was a mare that looked like her but with slit fiery orange eyes, a white coat, and a mane like fire…

“It’s destiny Twilight, why fear the inevitable?” It spoke in a warped double-layered voice that mixed hers and a darker tone. 

“What are you?... Why are you haunting me?!” Twilight demanded.

“In due time, my little Twilight,” It chuckled before the image returned to normal.

“Twilight?” a voice rang in Twilight’s ears and she screamed again and retreated to the bathtub.

“Ah’m comin in!” The voice said and the door was bucked open. “Twilight!?” Applejack said seeing a pale Twilight sitting by the tub and she ran to her.

“What’s wrong? What happened? We heard ya screaming from the living room,” Applejack asked as the others entered the bathroom, voicing their concerns.

Twilight latched onto Applejack and sobbed.

“I want to go home…” She whispered.

“Ah get it, calm down,” Applejack said rubbing her back as the others came up to her and tried to calm her down.





Everypony went with Twilight back to her house, at her request.

As they walked back Rainbow addressed what everypony was thinking.

“Ok Twilight, what’s been going on? I know you're scared but you're not going to feel better until you get this off your chest,” Rainbow said.

“...” Twilight looked conflicted.

“Please Twilight, you can tell us anything, we won't judge you,” Fluttershy said.

“Later, I don’t want anypony else to hear, and I’m just too tired right now,” Twilight said.

“Alright, just take it easy for no-” Rainbow was interrupted by Trixie running into her.

“Ooof!” Rainbow grunted as she staggered back “Hey, watch where your- Trixie?” Rainbow said.

“Hmm? Did you already forget that Trixie is crashing at Twilight’s now?” Trixie asked with a raised brow.

“I guess I did, what do you want?” Rainbow asked.

“Twilight’s little dragon friend asked me to deliver this, apparently it's a summon request from Celestia… lucky’s…” Trixie said bitterly.

“I will take it, Twilight has had a rough morning,” Rarity said levitating the scroll to her hooves.

“Very well, now if you all don’t mind, Trixie is going to go not spend Twilight’s bits at the make-up parlor,” Trixie said trotting off.

“Yeesh,” Rainbow rolled her eyes.

“What does it say?” Pinkie excitedly asked.

“Let’s get Twilight home first, she still quite stressed,” Rarity said.

“Ok,” Pinkie said.

The group continued to the castle and went inside and Twilight moved to lie down on a couch while the other girls looked at the scroll.

“So? What does it say?” Twilight asked.

“It simply says that Celestia is coming here in a few hours to personally oversee preparations for a possible threat to Equestrian lives. What it is is unknown,” Rarity said.

“Then we need to get the castle ready, wash the dishes, organize the books, sweep the floor, rearrange the-” Twilight was getting up but Pinkie reappeared next to her and laid her back down.

“Leave it to us, you get some rest,” Pinkie said.

“But Pinkie, girls I can-” Twilight was cut off by Applejack.

“No need ta worry, we got this, we’ll get Spike’s help too,” Applejack said.

“O-ok,” Twilight said laying back and relaxing.

“Alright girls, let’s get cleaning!” Pinkie cheered pulling a vacuum out of her mane.

“Alright,” The others scattered and went about their chores.

As they worked Twilight stared at the ceiling and sighed.

“There’s something wrong with me… I need to know what, before something bad happens,” Twilight said before shutting her eyes and drifting off.
> Dawn of a new adventure.
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Twilight was trotting in darkness.

“Where am I now?” Twilight said, expecting there to be some kind of resurgence of the entity.

What she got instead was a light at the end of the tunnel, she entered and found herself in a chamber.

She looked around and saw she was in a library of sorts.

“Odd, is this just a normal dream? But how am I aware it is a dream?” Twilight wondered.

She trotted through the library and found herself phasing through the books as she reached for one.

“Odd, am I-” Before Twilight could finish she heard footsteps and turned to see a brown and blue dragon approaching her.

“Aah! Stay back!” Twilight said trying to light her horn as he reached for her, to no avail,

She readied herself to fight back until his hand reached through her and grabbed a book before he left.

“Huh?” Twilight said realizing he hadn’t seen her. “This is weird… even for a dream,” Twilight said before she heard noises down a hallway.

Curiosity piqued she ventured down the hall to see what the noise was.

And she found herself in some kind of chamber with a torch in the center and robed beings kneeling before it.

“What is this?” Twilight questioned before the torch’s flame suddenly grew bigger and a demonic face formed on it.

She gasped when she saw the same eyes that have been haunting her skimming the room.

“Hail Arma Geddo,” The cultists said.

“I sense an interference, why has the third sealing crystal not been found? We have the book detailing its location,” The monster named Arma demanded.

A griffon nervously approached.

“Forgive us master, a mysterious pony intervened,” he said.

“I sent thirty of you, and you mean to tell me one pony killed them all and made off with it?” Arma growled.

The griffon shuddered under the weighty presence of his master, it was so great even Twilight felt it.

“F-forgive us, w-we tried but his strength was supernatural, it was as though he was invincible,” The griffon said.

“I will not tolerate failure, twenty days in the pit,” Arma coldly said.

“No… NO!” The griffon tried to run but a dragon pounced on him and dragged the panicking griffon away.

“What is this?” Twilight asked.

“Lord Arma,” a pony walked through her and she saw a familiar elderly black stallion.

“What is it Vel?” Arma asked disinterestedly.  

“I offer my condolences for their incompetence in losing the crystal, I will send Cloud with them next time, he should be able to do better next time,”

“See to it, and while we’re at it, let’s address the intruder in the room,” Arma said before looking Twilight right in the eye making her gasp.

“H-he can see me?” Twilight said, hoping he couldn’t. However, the monster then leaned in with a grin, until all she could see was her reflection in his eyes.

“Hello Twilight Sparkle, to what do I owe the intrusion?” Arma asked.

“Eek!” Twilight whimpered.

“Forgive me master, I didn’t notice her sooner, that pony is proving a bigger problem if he’s bold enough to pull this,” Vel said sounding embarrassed.

“Who are you?” Twilight asked backing up.

“Search your heart Twilight, you know…” Arma said.

“No… I-I don’t know you!” Twilight said.

“Deny it all you want, I look forward to the day we meet in person, for now, wake-”

“-up!” Twilight’s eyes snapped open and she sprung up on the couch in her castle, ready to defend herself.

“Whoa!” Rainbow Dash backed off as Twilight had her lit horn pointed at her.

“Uh, hey Twilight, the Princess is in the map room… you going to lower the horn anytime soon?” RD asked.

“Huh? I’m awake?” Twilight glanced around and didn’t notice the cultists and the monster that menaced her, she saw her surprised friends and settled down.

“Uh, sorry,” Twilight said sheepishly.

“You look less pale today, that’s good, must have been having some nightmare to nearly blow my head off,” Rainbow said.

“I really am sorry, It was just a bad dream… I think,” Twilight mumbled the last part and followed the girls and Spike out the door and into the map room.

Trixie had beat them there and was chatting with the princess.

“But whyyyy?” Trixie whined.

“I already have a student, and besides, from what you’ve said Twilight’s been teaching you some things,” Celestia said.

“Well yes, but becoming the student of you will-” Trixie paused when she saw the group entering. “We’ll talk later,” Trixie said before backing off.

“Hello my dear student,” Celestia waved Twilight over.

“Hello Celestia,” Twilight greeted.

“Future former student maybe…” Trixie mumbled leaving the room.

“It’s good to see that you’ve taken on a student yourself, although she has some ego issues she should become an exemplary student under your tutelage,” Celestia said.

“Thank you, so what did you want to talk about?” Twilight asked.

“Right to it huh? Very well, come sit, All of you,” Celestia said while conjuring a chair for herself.

After seating everypony Celestia took a moment before speaking.

“I will get to the point, Equestria is once more in grave danger,” Celestia.

“Oh dear,” Fluttershy said.

“Had a feelin,” Applejack said.

“Yeah, it was inevitable, so what are we dealing with today?” Rainbow Dash asked.

“...I’m not sure,” Celestia said, which surprised the group.

“You don’t know? That’s concerning,” Rarity said.

“What do you mean?” Twilight asked.

“I know from what has been collected that there is a danger encroaching on Equestria, but what, I know not of its origin, what I do know is that this enemy seems to be after something, what it is what we need to find out,” Celestia said.

“Will everypony be okay?” Fluttershy said.

“I am afraid that casualties and crime in certain areas of Equestria are up due to these events, I just wish there was a way to know what we’re up against,” Celestia said.

Twilight remembered her dream, what the monster was talking about.

“Sealing gems…Arma…” Twilight whispered.

“Hmm? Did you say something Twilight?” Celestia asked.

“I… I know it's a long shot but I think I know,” Twilight said.

“You do? What is it?” Celestia asked.

“Have you ever heard the name Arma?” Twilight asked.

Pinkie’s eyes widened and Celestia seemed equally surprised.

“That name… I have only heard of it from history books of old… how did you come across that name?” Celestia asked.

“In a dream, at least, I think it was,” Twilight said.

“...This requires further questions, everypony else I will talk with Twilight in private,” Celestia said getting out of her chair.

“What will we do?” Spike asked.

“Chat amongst yourselves, I will be back,” Celestia beckoned Twilight to follow her and they left the room.

“What was so important about what I said that you had to take me somewhere private?” Twilight asked.

“I have heard dark things about that name, and you having this dream on the same day we talk about a new threat to Equestria? It cannot be a coincidence,” Celestia said as the two arrived in the living room area.

“So… what’s going to happen? Twilight asked.

“Twilight, I need you to commune with my sister,” Celestia said scribbling a message out swiftly and sending it.

“Why?” Twilight asked.

“Because if your seeing something in your dreams and you know of a being you have undoubtedly never met, then there must be something your dreams are trying to show you,” Celestia said seriously.

“I suppose that makes sense,” Twilight said.

“Luna has been notified, now to make you sleep,” Celestia said turning to Twilight.

“Wait, I just got up from a nap, how will I-” Twilight hit the ground unconscious when the sleep spell hit her.

“Do forgive my suddenness, but if what we’re up against is what we think, then we must make every precaution,” Celestia said before kneeling beside Twilight and waiting.





Twilight was standing in a void…

Where-... Where am I? Did Celestia really hit me with a sleep spell?” Twilight said, wondering what was making her teacher so hasty.

“Do not fear Twilight,” Twilight spun to see Luna approaching.

“Luna? Celestia told me to come find you, I didn’t think it’d escalate to this so quickly,” Twilight said walking over to Luna.

“Indeed we were caught off guard too, but we have been aware for some time that there is encroaching danger coming to Equestria, she mentioned the name Arma and that you knew it, how is this?” Luna asked.

“My dreams, I had a dream I was in some kind of cult place, and they were praising some kind of demon-like creature.” Twilight said “It was the only thing there that noticed me, it was… as if I was there, but not physically,” Twilight said.

“Soul projection,” Luna said.

“What?” Twilight replied.

“A form of magic taught long ago in Starswirls time, few ponies these days boast such a power, me included,” Luna said.

“Amazing,” Twilight said.

“Later, for now, we need to focus, show me the dream,” Luna said.

“How?” Twilight asked.

“By allowing me to access your memories,” Luna said.

“Ok,” Twilight agreed.

Luna floated up to Twilight and touched horns with her, she saw the chamber, the library, the cult room, the-... wait… 

“What is that?” Luna asked as she saw the fiery torch creature and how it saw Twilight.

But something began to happen…

It didn’t do anything or say anything, it just stared… and then it lunged.

“What?!” Luna jumped as something attacked her and forced her away “AAAHH!” Luna cried as she stumbled back.

“Luna?! What’s wrong? What-” Suddenly Twilight was cut off when a light lit up behind her.

“Huh?” Twilight turned and saw the fiery eye, big as a building behind her.

“Hello again, it seems you brought a companion,” Arma said coldly.

“W-What is this?!” Luna backed away.

“No! Not again!” Twilight backed up as well.

“Hello Luna, it seems you’ve found me inside her head,” Arma said.

“It… it cannot be, mother and father destroyed you!” Luna yelled.

“I will admit, they forced me and my previous host back… but they only destroyed my physical form, my spirit is eternal,” Arma said.

“Luna… you know this being?” Twilight turned to Luna.

“She knows me well enough, Twilight, I’m the reason she became Nightmare Moon, the reason her parents perished, I broke her family, and soon, I’ll end her line, once and for all, but first, I must return,” Arma said, as his eye locked onto Twilight. 

“No…” Twilight said.

“Yes Twilight, You may be Celestia’s puppet, but soon you will have new strings, and a new perspective on things, a new goddess for a new world!” Arma laughed.

“CELESTIA! WAKE TWILI-AGH!” Luna shouted before a fiery tendril shot from the flames of the eye and snagged her by her throat and slammed her down.

“Luna!” Twilight shouted before turning and firing a powerful blast of magic at the eye.

“Pitiful,” Arma said before snagging Twilight as well and holding her up.

“NO! I won’t be your host!” Twilight thrashed.

“That is not your choice, not with me or with Celestia,” Arma said.

“What do you mean?” Twiligh asked.

“...You mean to say she never told you?” the eye gave a loud laugh “She must not trust you won’t abandon her when she tells you, what a pity,” Arma said.

“What?... Tell me what?!” Twilight shouted.





Celestia had just put Twilight to rest, expecting her to awaken soon.

What she didn’t expect was for Twilight’s eyes to open, and a familiar pair of orange slit eyes to stare at her.

“No… It can’t be,” Celestia gasped backing away.

The body of Twilight floated into the air and fire began to build up around her.

“Twilight! You must fight it!” Celestia called.

“You should wait to see the look on her face Celestia, when I tell her what you neglected to say to her for her whole life,” Arma taunted.

“No… NO! Don’t tell her!” Celestia lit her horn and tried to encapsulate the creature possessing Twilight but it easily broke through and landed leaving burn marks on the ground as it walked.

“I wonder if she’ll be disgusted, hateful? Vengeful? Maybe she’ll even work for me willingly afterward,” Arma said.

“She’d never!” Celestia said.

“We’ll see,” Arma said before her body collapsed and an orange barrier surrounded her.

“TWILIGHT!” Celestia tried to magically attack the barrier but it wouldn’t break.





“Let me go!” Twilight thrashed.

“Please! Don’t hurt her!” Luna said as she was bound with multiple tentacles.

“Oh I won’t hurt her, but I will have to proceed with my plans now that you’ve discovered me, but first, Celestia’s secret,” Arma said looking at Twilight.

“I won’t believe you! No matter what you say!” Twilight shouted.

“You’ll know when you hear it,” Arma said.





Celestia continued trying to break open the barrier, but it there was no chance, she’d need a miracle.

…

….

…..

“Celestia,” A voice said behind her.

“Huh?!” Celestia whirled to see a hooded figure. “Who are you?!” Celestia said standing in front of Twilight protectively.

“There is no time, Secede ut adiuvet” the being ordered.

“That… that’s the language of-” Celestia didn’t get to finish as the being shoved past her and knelt to Twilight, he reached through the barrier effortlessly.

“There’s no doubt then… your a-” 

“Quiet, I must focus,” The figure said before touching his horn to Twilight’s.





“I won’t listen to your lies!” Twilight said.

“You will, because Celestia, is really your-...” Arma paused as he saw a figure standing behind Luna.

“Arma, you will leave this mare be,” The pony looked at the eye with glowing blue eyes.

“What are you doing here? Your kind isn’t allowed to interfere with mortal affairs!” Arma growled.

“This serves to be an exception,” The stallion said lighting his horn and spreading his white wings.

“No… it isn’t possible,” Luna said with wide eyes.

Arma realizing the danger the intruder poses, cast Twilight aside and lashed a dozen fiery tendrils at him.

“Exite,” The pony said as a light barrier formed around him and dissolved the tendrils.

“Die!” Arma yelled before firing a firey beam from his eye but the beam dissipated against the barrier as well.

“Exite,” The being commanded once again and fired a beam from his horn and it struck Arma, Arma growled in pain as he was blasted several more times.

“EXITE!” The being commanded loudly and blasted the eye once more and the eye began to crumble.

“You… don’t think you’ve won, she is mine, and you and even your betters will all bow to me, I will leave, but once all the sealing crystals are mine, armageddon shall be my celebration,” Arma said before vanishing.

Luna was freed and fell to the ground and looked up at the being in shock and reverence.

“Save your questions, it is not time,” The being said as he approached Twilight.

Twilight struggled to her hooves and looked up at the being.

“Who…Who are you?” Twilight asked.

“I am the protector of you, that is all you need to know, now surgit,” He commanded and Twilight woke up.

“Huh?!” Twilight was back with Celestia and her friends.

“Your awake, thank goodness,” Rarity said.

“Twilight speak to me, are you ok?” Celestia asked.

“I-I’m fine,” Twilight said before getting up slowly “What happened?” Twilight asked.

“We heard shouting and noises and ran into the room to see some stallion hovering over you, we were about to intervene but Celestia stopped us and assured us he was here to help,” Pinkie said, although she had an unreadable expression for some reason.

“The stallion… wait, where is he?” Twilight looked around for him.

“He left afterward, he just vanished into thin air, and he left this,” Fluttershy said showing a glowing blue crystal.

“It truly is a pretty crystal, I might take it-”

“No, it is going with me,” Celestia said.

“What? But it’s so-” 

“No Rarity, I know of this crystal, and it’s best it goes where it can be protected,” Celestia said.

“Oh…” Rarity looked upset at the missed opportunity.

“What was happening back there,” Rainbow asked.

“What I feared, girls, an ancient evil has reemerged…” Celestia said.

“What kind of ancient evil?” Rainbow asked.

“Arma Geddo, the demon of fire,” Celestia said before making to leave “I must begin preparations for the future, Equestria is in grave danger,” Celestia said before being stopped by Twilight.

“Wait! What about this Arma creature, what is he?” Twilight asked.

“I must move along Twilight, I must assign guards, reinforce vaults, gather ponies,” Celestia said.

“But… he was saying something about you, what was he-” 

“He was lying Twilight, please trust me, I haven’t lied to you about anything,” Celestia said.

“...” Twilight looked unsure, so Celestia embraced her.

“I must get Equestria prepared for the coming days, and you as well, I cannot allow whatever this is to get ahold of you, so please, ignore what he said and aid me,” Celestia said.

“I… I trust you,” Twilight said hugging her back.

“Then I must hurry, you will receive instructions soon, farewell for now Twilight,” Celestia said.

“Goodbye,” Twilight said as Celestia left.

“Sheesh, what happened here while we were off waiting in the map room?” Rainbow asked.

“It’s a long story,” Twilight sat down with her friends.





Celestia left the castle and went to her carriage in a hectic trot.

“If Arma really has returned then I must prepare Twilight for anything, I cannot allow her to fall to darkness,” Celestia said, before feeling a presence behind her and she turned to see the being.

“It’s you,” Celestia said.

“Yes, and I see I have room to be concerned for Equestria’s future, you have grown soft Celly,” The being said.

“I…Admit the complacent life has weakened me, but I will rectify that, but won’t the others be mad you broke the rules?” Celestia asked the hooded figure.

“No, we agreed that with the coming danger, we needed to hurry and assist,” he said.

“Than your kind will assist us in this endeavor?” Celestia said with hope.

“No, we will do our part, I will leave for now, but be wary, to end this problem, something must be given in return,” He said.

“What do you mean?” Celestia asked,

“Farewell for now Celestia,” he said before leaving.

“...As you wish,” Celestia bowed her head before leaving.





The torch lit up and Arma appeared looking in pain.

“Master?!” Vel said approaching and bowing “What ails you?” Vel asked.

“Silence, I have encountered another, it will be some time before I can communicate, my soul has been damaged,” Arma said.

“You mean?” Vel asked

“A progenitor of the alicorn race… an Angel, I will be dormant for a while, you will take charge until I return, understood?” Arma said.

“As you command,” Vel said.

“Find the rest of the stones, and capture the mare Twilight Sparkle, time is running out,” Vel said before the torch went back to normal.

“Very well,” Vel said taking his leave “If the Angels are getting involved, then time is of the essence! We must hurry,” Vel said.